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Tuesday 29 January 2013 17 Rabial I 1434 - Volume 17 Number 5594 Price: QR2

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Business | 17 Sport | 28

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Medical tests Govt pushing for lower car prices at home only PM inaugurates Qatar Motor Show for citizens of

DOHA: The government is monopolies,” said the Premier. 11 countries continuing with its efforts to Asked if the steps taken by the convince local car dealers to Ministry of Business and Trade, DOHA: The rule that foreign lower the prices of low- and which boasts a consumer rights workers must undergo a medical medium-priced vehicles and watchdog, to convince car deal- check-up in their home country bring them on par with the ers about price reduction were before they arrive here to take rates prevalent in some neigh- enough, the PM said: “I believe up jobs applies only to nationals bouring GCC states. the ministry has done enough in of 11 Asian and African states. The Prime Minister and that regard”. The Asian countries are Foreign Minister, H E Sheikh He, however, hinted that the Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al government had not given up on Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thani, yesterday said talks were its determination to tame the and Sri Lanka, while the African still on between the government dealers on the pricing issue and states are Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia and car dealers over the pricing said that efforts in this regard and Sudan. issue. would continue. All workers coming from these Car prices must be competi- In 2010, the PM had raised the countries, including unskilled tive here, as they are in the issue of low and medium-priced and semi-skilled workers and neighbouring GCC countries, cars being expensive here as com- professionals, must take medical reiterated the Premier, who had pared to other GCC states at his tests before travelling to Qatar. first called on the local dealers annual interaction with Qatari Nationals of other countries com- to lower car prices more than businessmen. ing here to work are exempt from two years ago. The Consumer Protection this rule. “The stand of the government Department (CPD) of the trade The rule is in place since is that it wants to end business ministry followed up on it and February 2011, but has not been fully implemented due to some technical difficulties, Dr Ibrahim Qatar-Oman JV to make buses Al Shaar, director of the Medical Commission, told The Peninsula DOHA: Qatar is a stakeholder in a key project that would be The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani inaugurating the 2013 yesterday. launched in Oman to manufacture passenger buses, the Prime The Commission conducts Qatar Motor Show at Doha Exhibition Centre yesterday. Minister and Foreign Minister, H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem health checks on newly arrived bin Jabor Al Thani, said yesterday. foreign workers to make sure that “There is an intention to open a plant for passenger buses, and held several meetings with car Some 120,000 people had vis- vintage and high-end luxury cars. they test negative for HIV, tuber- it has been agreed that this project will be transferred to Oman, dealers on the issue. ited last year’s car show, and the The PM lauded the show and culosis, hepatitis B and C to be with Qatar’s participation in it,” the Premier was quoted as saying The Premier was yesterday organisers expect a larger turnout described it as important and said entitled to a work visa. by Qatar News Agency yesterday. speaking to reporters after open- this year. it provided an opportunity to peo- “We have already started the Answering a question about Qatar’s plans to set up a car manufac- ing the 2013 Qatar Motor Show. This is the third year the ple to view and know about new tests in several countries, but cur- turing facility, the PM said there was no such plan at the moment. The event will be open to the pub- event is being held here. This cars and the latest automotive rently it is kind of optional. We THE PENINSULA lic from today until February 2 at year’s edition has six new technologies. are working with the Ministry the Doha Exhibition Centre. exhibitors, and on display are THE PENINSULA of Interior to strictly and fully implement the system, and this can be expected in less than a year,” said Al Shaar. Egypt erupts again Under the system, all new Iran launches recruits from the said countries must undergo medical tests in monkey into space Four Asians held their country that are similar to the check-up done by the Medical DUBAI: Iran said yesterday it Commission here. Only those who had launched a live monkey into clear the tests will be issued a visa space, seeking to show off mis- over hooch sale to work in Qatar. sile systems that have alarmed After their arrival in Qatar, the the West because the technol- workers must undergo a check-up ogy could potentially be used to DOHA: Four Asian runaway The police recovered several at the Medical Commission. deliver a nuclear warhead. workers who ran a money-spin- barrels containing the illicit liq- Continued on page 5 The Defence Ministry said ning illicit liquor brewing and uor and found a huge amount of THE PENINSULA the space launch of the monkey marketing racket in Al Khor cash at the place along with lap- coincided “with the days of” the have been arrested and turned tops and mobile phones. birthday of Prophet Mohammad over to the prosecution for During interrogation, the (PBUH), which was last week, but questioning and legal action. accused confessed to the crime. Today gave no date in a statement car- Law-enforcement officials It was also discovered that they ried by official news agency IRNA. busted the gang following a tip-off were runaway workers and com- The Peninsula The launch was “another giant from a Qatari citizen who com- plaints that they had run away includes an 8-page step” in space technology and plained that the stench of liquor had been lodged by their sponsors. supplement on biological research “which is the always hung in the air around The assistant director of the monopoly of a few countries”, the what turned out to be the hideout Northern Security Department, statement said. of the arrested foursome. Colonel Mohammed Abdullah Al The small grey monkey was A police party raided the place Shahwani, lauded the coopera- pictured strapped into a pad- after taking the necessary legal tion of citizens with the security ded seat and being loaded into Protesters stand on a police vehicle before they set it on fire in Cairo’s measures and discovered that departments and said it positively the Kavoshgar rocket dubbed Tahrir Square as thousands of Egyptians took to the streets in cit- the place was indeed being used reflected on the security and sta- “Pishgam” (Pioneer) which state ies along the Suez canal, defying a state of emergency imposed by to make illicit home-made liquor, bility of the country. media said reached a height of the Ministry of Interior said on THE PENINSULA President Mohammed Mursi to end days of violence that has killed at more than 120 kilometres. its website. Picture on page 5 least 51 people. See also page 9 REUTERS

Qatar to issue riyal Half of Qatar’s population unaware of e-govt services bonds this year BY AZMAT HAROON are more likely to apply for and renew The report shows that on average, a to a drop in overall satisfaction rates DUBAI: Qatar plans to issue visas, health cards and residence permits household in Qatar owns three mobile for Internet use between 2010 and 2012. local currency sovereign bonds DOHA: Nearly half of the population in using the e-government services. phones, two computers and one smart- Notably, higher speed broadband connec- with three- and five-year matu- Qatar is not aware of the various elec- The biggest obstacle to universal ICT phone, and people are using technology to tions are found more among Qatari house- rities this year as part of efforts tronic government services while a mere penetration and usage in Qatar is wide- access the Internet in greater numbers. holds than expatriate ones. to build a yield curve for its 17 percent has actually used these serv- spread lack of the necessary skills among Other trends that emerged from the data “Qatar continues to make great headway debt market, an International ices in the last 12 months — a drop from parts of the population, particularly female show that broadband access is on the rise, toward a truly digital future for all of its Monetary Fund official said 20 percent in 2010, a study sponsored and older Qatari citizens, as well as semi- with 85 percent of households in Qatar people,” said Dr Hessa Al Jabar, ictQatar’s yesterday. by Qatar’s telecoms sector regulator skilled and unskilled expatriate workers. using a broadband connection, up from Secretary General. “They are going to issue three- suggests. The high cost of buying or renting com- 80 percent in 2010, and mobile broadband “While we are proud of our achieve- and five-year domestic govern- Less than a quarter of the population has puters and lack of access to technology are subscriptions, in particular, are on the rise. ments to date, we must redouble our efforts ment bonds in 2013. They did not used even one of the e-government serv- the other commonly reported obstacles, However, the speed of broadband is still to eliminate the barriers that stand in the mention the timing of the issu- ices in the past year, according to ‘Qatar’s especially among the typically less educated a major issue, with half of all households way of ensuring that all people in Qatar ance but there will be more than ICT Landscape 2013: Households and and less affluent labourers. surveyed using low-end speeds between 256 reap the personal and economic benefits one issuance and the objective is Individuals’, a study sponsored by ictQatar. International Data Corporation (IDC) Kbps and 1 Mbps, which greatly impacts of technology,” she added. to build a domestic sovereign yield The e-government services Qatari citi- conducted a large-scale study on the cur- how quickly websites load, the speed at The report is based on 1,880 face-to-face curve,” A Prasad, the IMF’s mis- zens are most aware of and are most likely rent state of ICT penetration and usage which files and other data can be down- interviews, conducted in February and sion chief for Qatar, said. to use are those for paying traffic fines and among households and individuals in Qatar loaded, and the quality of live streaming March 2012 with a representative sample REUTERS applying for a Smart ID Card. in 2012, following similar research projects video and audio. of people living in Qatar. Full story on page 17 Educated expatriates, on the other hand, in 2008 and 2010. Such frustrations may have contributed THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Salwa underpass eL Seed gives tunnel a patriotic touch ready for partial BY RAYNALD C RIVERA DOHA: World renowned graffiti artist eL Seed has taken inspiration from opening: Official Qatar’s National Anthem for the first set of murals he cre- ated in the first tunnel on Salwa Road. The road will be operational by Q3 Verses from the anthem, including the ones that trans- DOHA: The Salwa underpass late in English as Travel the high under the Salwa Road project road; Travel by the guiding light of is set for partial opening this the Prophets and Doves they can weekend while the road will be be at times of peace, Warriors fully operational by third quar- they are at times of sacrifice were ter this year. inscribed on the murals in the Engineer Nasser Ali Al “Liquid Alphabet” calligraffiti Mawlawi, President of Public style. Works Authority (Ashghal), con- eL Seed uses this style to firmed this to The Peninsula yes- construct calligraphy writ- terday during a visit to one of the ings on top of each other giv- tunnels where renowned graffiti ing the impression of travelling artist eL Seed showed the murals calligraphies. he had finished as part of the ‘cal- With a team of volunteers ligraffiti’ murals project under from Qatar, eL Seed has already Ashghal and Qatar Museums finished six out of the 52 panels Authority. in four tunnels along the seven The project, which includes an -kilometre stretch in two weeks. extensive upgrade of the existing “This is one of the biggest art Eng Nasser Ali Al Mawlawi Salwa Road, will deliver approxi- projects I have done and prob- mately seven kilometres of dual ably one of the biggest graffiti carriageway road along the align- more than 30 major highway projects in the world,” eL Seed ment of the existing road. projects across Qatar, includ- told the media during a visit to The mainline features eight ing new and upgraded freeways, the tunnel yesterday. lanes, four lanes in each direc- expressways and arterial roads, He said he was happy to have tion separated by a median with as well as substantial upgrades to been commissioned to do the QMA Chairperson H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani with graffiti artist eL Seed (extreme right), and his continuous service roads. existing roads. project. volunteers for the ‘calligraffiti’ murals project in the Salwa tunnel, yesterday. There will be four two-level With regard to the murals The French-Tunisian art- interchanges along this section project, Al Mawlawi said calligraf- ist arrived in Doha earlier this On commissioning eL Seed for the project, Moving to North America, eL Seed’s inter- with the mainline of Salwa Road fiti paintings at one of the coun- month and started the four-month “calligraf- Khalid Ali of QMA Public Art Department, ests in Arabic calligraphy and contemporary placed as an underpass beneath try’s major infrastructure projects fiti” murals project as part of the big Salwa said: “We are trying to bring a new form of street art collided and fused together. the crossroads to ensure smooth reiterate Ashghal’s endeavour to Road project, which is a significant upgrade art that relates Arab and Qatari culture to His “calligraffiti” murals express and mainline traffic. promote Qatari heritage, tradi- to the existing road. the people.” reflect a search for identity that resonates The project is set to provide tions and culture. Each of the large-scale murals will feature Jean Paul Engelen, Director of Public Art with many young people growing up with a a strategic corridor between the “We greatly appreciate the sup- unique themes inspired by anecdotes from at QMA believes the creative project will spectrum of cultural influences. centre of Doha and the Saudi port of H E Sheikha Al Mayassa Qatari culture and markers of Qatari life. change people’s perception of street art. Taking inspiration from the past to Arabian border. bint Hamad Al Thani and Qatar It was Qatar Museums Authority’s Public “We believe that through Arabic calligra- encourage hope for the future, his work has The project is an integral part Museums Authority for partner- Art Department and the Public Works phy and authentic, culture-specific themes been displayed on streets, galleries and muse- of Ashghal’s Expressway pro- ing with Ashghal to showcase Authority (Ashghal) which commissioned in creating the murals, eL Seed will help the ums around the world and featured in many gramme, which is a nationwide Arabic calligraphy art through eL Seed for the ‘calligraffiti’ murals project. Qatari community accept and admire uncon- international publications. road infrastructure programme our project and we look forward Present at the tour yesterday were H E ventional graffiti artwork,” said Engelen. Those interested to join or follow the that will improve the way people to integrating more such artistic Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Born to Tunisian parents, eL Seed grew project can find details on the website www. and places are connected across initiatives to reinforce the cul- QMA Chairperson, and Engineer Nasser Al up in France and started spray painting in elseedindoha.com. Qatar. tural fabric of Qatar,” he added. Mawlawi, President of Ashghal. the late 90s. THE PENINSULA The programme will deliver THE PENINSULA Healthy eating tips for students

DOHA: Students of all pri- involved in the campaign to dis- food, healthy specifications for mary independent schools will cuss details. fast food, water — the source of be getting tips on healthy eat- Sheikha Al Anoud bint life, choose your favourite sport, ing and physical exercise as Mohammed Al Thani, Director sleeping and health, your food and part of an awareness campaign of Health Promotion and the health of your teeth, life with- being launched by the Supreme Non-Communicable Diseases out tobacco, and steps towards Council of Health (SCH). Department at SCH, told the change. The SCH has launched the meeting that students will be SCH will hold activities to third phase of its “We Are encouraged to choose healthy food mark the National Sports Day, Healthy’ campaign that will inside and outside the campus and in collaboration with Hamad cover all the primary independent engage in physical exercise. Medical Corporation, Primary schools in the country. Earlier it The programme will run over Healthcare Corporation, Weill was limited to only 34 independ- eight weeks. Activities in each Cornell Medical College in Qatar, ent schools. week will focus on a specific Al Emadi Hospital, Al Ahli SCH recently held a meet- issue. Topics selected for the Hospital and Qatari Physicians ing with officials of the schools eight weeks are: Your health and Association. THE PENINSULA DFI extends screening of film

DOHA: Doha Film Institute (DFI) has extended the screening of Beasts of the Southern Wild, part of the Katara DFI Cinema programme, to include one additional showing on Thursday at 7pm. This screening will replace last Thursday’s opening which was can- celled due to technical fault. The film transports the viewer to an isolated bayou community where a six-year-old girl exists on the brink of orphanhood. Buoyed by the extraordi- nary imagination of child- hood, she believes the universe is in balance, but when a fierce storm comes, she must learn to survive the catastrophe. The film won over 15 international awards and was nominated for four Academy Awards, includ- ing, Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Writing-Adapted Screenplay. For screening timings and ticket sales, visit www.dohafilminsti- tute.com or DFI Box Office in Katara, Building 26. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 SEC issues Qatar, Macedonia ink MoU on tourism licences to DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa 100 teachers Al Thani and President of the Republic of Macedonia DOHA: The Supreme Education Dr Gjorge Ivanov held official Council (SEC) has issued pro- talks yesterday at the Emiri fessional licences to the first Diwan. batch of 100 teachers and The Emir and the administrators at Independent Macedonian President schools. The licence has been also witnessed the sign- made mandatory for all teach- ing of a Memorandum of ers and senior administrators Understanding (MoU) between of the private and independent Qatar Tourism Authority and schools. A provisional licence the Ministry of Economy in will be issued to the eligible Macedonia. applicants to be replaced by a A number of their excellen- permanent licence. cies members of the Cabinet and All the 100 applicants have now members of the Macedonian received their permanent licence. delegation accompanying the Another 146 applications are cur- president, also attended talks. rently under review and 36 appli- Discussions focused on rela- cations are withheld for further tions between both countries scrutiny. means to advance them. THE PENINSULA Both sides also reviewed regional issues of joint interest. The Emir hosted a luncheon Assistant foreign banquet in honour of President Dr Gjorge Ivanov. minister meets The president arrived in the Hungarian minister Emiri Diwan earlier, where he was accorded an official DOHA: The Assistant Foreign welcome. Minister for Services Affairs H Meanwhile, the Emir also E Rahsid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa met at Emiri Diwan former met yesterday Hungarian president of the Islamic Federal Minister of State at the Council Republic of the Comoros of Ministers for Foreign Policy Abdallah Mohamed Sambi. The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr Gjorge Ivanov attend the signing of a Memorandum of and Economy Peter Szijjarto. QNA Understanding between Qatar Tourism Authority and the Macedonian Ministry of Economy, yesterday. QNA QSTP to host technical tours for power expo delegates

DOHA: As the official technology Energy Efficiency, ConocoPhilips Water their technology in Qatar and by help- Director of QSTP, said: “POWER-GEN 4 to 6 at Qatar National Convention partner of POWER-GEN Middle Sustainability Centre, ExxonMobil ing entrepreneurs launch technology Middle East is an important event Centre, is one of the world’s biggest power East 2013 Exhibition, Qatar Science & Research Qatar and Qatar Shell Research businesses. that attracts key global players in the industry events. Technology Park (QSTP) will be host- Center and offer delegates exclusive In just a short time, it has evolved into power industry to exchange and experi- Apart from being a platform to ing a series of technical tours at its insights into extensive research meth- a unique business model of science and ence latest trends and developments. exchange latest technological develop- premises for delegates from around the odologies and state-of-the-art techniques technology parks, becoming a centre for QSTP is proud to host the delegation ments in the industry, it serves an impor- world on February 4. The tours will being carried out among today’s leading research and development in four areas of experts as it gives us the opportu- tant gateway to reiterate the role of the give delegates the opportunity to visit players in the power industry. — Energy, Environment, Health Sciences, nity to showcase to them how QSTP Middle East as one of the most dynamic QSTP’s cutting-edge facilities, said a QSTP was established to grow Qatar’s and Information and Communication is spearheading some of the most power sectors in the world. More infor- statement yesterday. “knowledge-based economy” by encourag- Technologies. advanced research in the area.” mation on registration for the tour on The tours will include visits to facilities ing companies and institutes from around Commenting on the delegation’s visit, POWER-GEN Middle East 2013 con- http://www.power-gen-middleeast.com such as Chevron Center for Sustainable the world to develop and commercialise Khaled Al Remithi, Communications ference and exhibition, from February THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Prime Minister with Omani counterpart Deputy PM meets Kosovan minister

The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani with Omani Minister The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud with in Charge of Foreign Affairs Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah. They discussed relations and means of bolstering Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo Edita Tahiri. They discussed bilateral relations and means them in all fields. of enhancing them in various fields. Over 20 organisations Al Attiyah in Turkmenistan sign up for Sports Day More companies finalising their programmes

DOHA: More than 20 public sport games in Al Refaa and a and private organisations have second set of activities on the already registered for upcoming Doha Corniche, a venue that will National Sports Day celebra- also see also Supreme Council of tions across the country. Information and Communication With the event getting closer, A central part of in action. more and more companies are the National Sports A central part of the National finalising their programmes Day is to inspire the Sports Day is to inspire the aimed at making their staff, their younger generation to take up a younger generation families and the public healthier, healthy lifestyle, and the Higher more active and happier through to take up a healthy Supreme Education Council will the practice of sport. lifestyle, and the aim for it with a programme Qatar Airways will be organis- Higher Supreme targeting schools, at the Aspire ing a range of events, including Zone. tennis, running, volleyball and Education Council The invitation for more organi- football for staff, their fami- will aim for this sations to join the National Sports lies and kids at the Al Jazeera with a programme Day activities is still open. Academy. Interested public entities and targeting several The Ahmed Hassan Bilal private companies are still on Group will take to the crease with schools to be staged time to register their activities a cricket programme at the West at the Aspire Zone. for the day on February 12 by vis- Bay Cricket Ground, pitching its iting the NSD website on www. departments against each other sportday.qa. in search of the winner. Registrations are also open for A programme will be held Al Refaa Street spaces, where on Al Refaa Street, which will “Ashghal”, organise events to companies can be allocated a see the ministries of Justice, attract huge crowds. booth to stage their activities, Municipalities, Energy & The street will also host activ- and for any other venue where The Chairman of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah Industry, Interior and Foreign ities of the Supreme Council companies may want to organise attending the first meeting of the joint commission between Qatar and Turkmenistan in Ashgabat, yesterday. Affairs and other ministries of Health, while the Family their programmes. Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov hosted a dinner banquet in his honour. and the Public Works Authority Consulting Center will host THE PENINSULA

Refugees in the Mberra camp in Mauritania. Al Jazeera gains access to Mali refugee camp

DOHA: Al Jazeera’s refugee camps in neighbouring that could unfold: “The rapidly ethnicity. Sidi Ahmed Ag: “We Mohammed Adow has gained Mauritania. increasing number of refugees know the Malian Army, we have exclusive access to the Mberra Northern Malian Tuaregs is a challenge for the few aid a lot of experience with them refugee camp, the largest and Arabs are escaping the Mali agencies here. They say they from previous years, we know camp in Mauritania, which crisis erupted in the chaotic urgently need help to provide the Malian Army doesn’t do has become a home to 55,000 aftermath of a military coup, accommodation and food for all anything but kill unarmed peo- refugees from Mali. the numbers are increasing as the refugees”, the channel said ple and they target people based As French led troops con- according to the UN Refugees in a statement quoting him on their skin colour and ethnic tinue to make gains in Mali, Agency, an average of 800 people yesterday. group- they don’t target them tens of thousands of people have are arriving on a daily basis. Malian refugees told Al based on whether or not they’re fled the country’s north where Adow who reported from the Jazeera that they fear they carrying a weapon, or because the fighting is concentrated, Mberra camp highlighted the were targeted by Malian forces they’re in any armed group.” with a large number bound for possible humanitarian disaster because of their race and THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Motor shows bring new ideas, says PM BY ISABEL OVALLE

DOHA: The Qatar Motor Show (QMS) kicked off yesterday with the unveiling of the Arab world’s first high performance luxury sports car, the Lykan Hypersport 2013, by W Motors. The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani inaugurated the third edition of the QMS at the Doha Exhibition Centre, which opens its doors to the public today. After taking a walk around the exhibition, the Prime Minister told the press that events like the Qatar Motor Show are “important because they bring new ideas”. He also talked about the impact for the motor showrooms in Qatar, which get a chance “to see the latest car models. We are always very keen to see more exhibitions in Qatar,” he added. The manufacturer of the The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani tours the Qatar Motor Show 2013 after inaugurating it at the Doha Exhibition Centre, yesterday. first Arab supercar, priced on QR12.4m, will make only seven of these models and has already is the First Arabian Hypercar with gold-stitched interiors and For high-range brands like these, said that the number of cars sold 2012, with an increase in sales received requests from clients in and the most exceptional one the features a holographic display and 2012 was a good year that ended in Doha’s Porsche center was over that made this German manufac- the region, as well as Russia and world will ever see.” a Flat 6 twin-turbo engine. with an increase in sales in the 1,000 last year -141,000 new vehi- turer the number one premium China. For W Motors chairman The Lycan has 750 horsepower, Other luxury brands revealed region. cles worldwide- resulting in a 95 brand in Europe, with record and CEO Ralph Debbas, “this is allowing it to reach speed of 395 new models such as the Porsche George Willis, Managing percent raise on sales in compari- sales in Middle East as well. story in the making, because this kilometers per hour. It comes Cayenne Turbo S or the Audi R8. Director at Porsche Middle East, son to 2011. Audi also had a good THE PENINSULA Qatari conquers South America’s Mt Aconcagua Sheikh Mohammed’s adventure lasted three weeks

DOHA: Sheikh Mohammed by his friends Raed Zidan, Ziad “This climb requires serious bin Abdullah Al Thani has Al Sharabi, Anis Tabka and commitment, extensive moun- reached the summit of Mount the videographer Elia Saikaly. taineering experience and excel- Aconcagua in South America, Together the group forms ‘Arabs lent physical fitness — especially becoming the first Qatari to with Altitude’, a team of adren- when called upon to climb eight conquer the highest peak in the aline-rush seeking explorers who hours a day. Western Hemisphere. trek the globe in search of higher “The summit day was supposed This adventure lasted three heights to reach. to take eight hours but it took us weeks in his quest to scale The Aconcagua is the highest 13 hours due to bad weather con- Seven Summits, the highest peaks mountain in the Americas, at ditions. This adventure is a true on each of the seven continents 6,962m. It is located in the Andes test of endurance. of the world with a mission to mountain range, in the province “We were exposed on sum- raise awareness that education is of Mendoza, Argentina, and is one mit day to strong winds with a a right for everyone on behalf of of the Seven Summits. The moun- speed of 60km per hour and snow Reach Out to Asia (Rota). tain has a number of glaciers and storms with low temperatures ‘Rahhalah for adventure explo- the most well-known is the Polish reaching to -20 degrees Celsius rations’ recently became one of Glacier. and poor visibility,” said Sheikh his priority issues to encourage Although climbing this moun- Mohammed. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani at the summit of Mount Aconcagua in South America. ecological travel destinations to tain is not considered technically “The most difficult part was the care for environmental protec- difficult, it entails being subjected descent from the summit, given by pushing our limits to over- Mont Blanc, Mount Vinson, inspiration from my actions, tion and travel and to discover to severe weather conditions with the heavy backpacks we were come the effects of the altitude Mount Elbrus and Mount pushing themselves to the limits cultures of new destinations with fog, strong winds, snow storms, carrying weighing up to 20kg draining our energy as we were Kosciuszko. and finding that they, too, can respect for different cultures. low temperatures and visibility, and the strong winds with freez- descending. “As I continue to challenge come out victorious if they work Sheikh Mohammed, co-founder including the high altitude symp- ing temperatures while seeking “This new adventure is one myself to see how much I can hard enough.” of Musafir.com, was accompanied toms which make it more difficult. to overcome psychological stress among six — Mount Kilimanjaro, attain, I hope others will take THE PENINSULA

Raid on liquor den QIB unveils new-look mobile banking application

DOHA: Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) — the leading Islamic bank in Qatar — has unveiled its new-look mobile banking applica- tion which enables cus- tomers to access a wide range of services via their smartphones. QIB mobile bank- ing is available on the iPhone, BlackBerry and smartphones using the ‘Android’ operating sys- tem. QIB Customers now have access to an exten- sive array of services that can be accessed anytime, Police raided a home in Al Khor and arrested four Asians involved in the production of homemade liquor. A large anywhere. sum of money, mobile phones and laptops were also seized, officials said. Above, three of the culprits with part The application is secure of the booty. and easy to install and once installed will enable cus- tomers to conduct most of their banking transac- $50 fixed as fee for all countries tions using their smart- phones anytime, anywhere. Continued from Page 1 been fixed at $50 in all the coun- He added that a delay in devel- Customers can check The mandatory screening is a tries. To effectively implement the oping the electronic network had their account balances, precaution against the spread of system, all these medical centres delayed implementation of the View credit card transac- infectious diseases such as HIV/ are being electronically linked to system. tions; Pay their monthly AIDS, tuberculosis, Hepatitis the Medical Commission. Screening in the home coun- bills including credit card, B and Hepatitis C. There is no “The authorised medical cen- try had been a must for foreigners Kahramaa and QTel bills; decision until now on bringing tres in the source countries will seeking jobs in Qatar until it was Purchase Hala top-up job seekers from other countries transfer the test results to the stopped more than a decade ago. and Vodafone vouchers; under the system, said Al Shaar. Medical Commission electroni- It has now been reintroduced in Transfer funds to accounts More than 200 medical centres cally, and we will transfer them view of the huge influx of foreign within and outside Qatar in the said countries have been to the Ministry of Interior. The workers from several Asian and and enjoy many more authorised by Qatar to conduct visas will be issued based on the African countries. functionalities. the tests. The fee for the tests has test results,” said Al Shaar. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 06 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Bridging the gap Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

amas leader Khaled Meshaal’s statement that Palestinians have made remarkable progress in reconciliation is heartening. One of the The British dream: Why Europe’s Hconsequential fallouts of the Arab Spring has been a realignment of power structures in the Middle East. Among them, the change of government in Egypt has had the most serious impact on the Palestinian issue. The overthrow African citizens come to Britain of Hosni Mubarak, who aligned himself with the US and Israel, and the crowning of the Brotherhood in Egypt have BY MUKUL DEVICHAND helped create a situation which is conducive for reconciliation from Germany, or Somalis from admiration of Britain from non-white between the warring Palestinian groups of Hamas and Fatah. Denmark, that we asked Oxford people across Europe? Some may find Speaking in Amman, Meshaal also said that the world clear majority of British University’s Migration Observatory it uncomfortable that Jibril and other must respect unity efforts and supporting reconciliation people think current immi- to crunch the numbers on how many Somalis I met were partly attracted Agration levels are too high, EU migrants are not originally from by the larger number of mosques in efforts was the basis for Palestinian unity which will help according to many polls. A major Europe. Britain. Palestinians restore their rights. The Hamas leader’s remark, fear is that too many newcomers They found that 141,000 people, 7 On the other hand, for them, it’s if read properly, points to extraneous influences in Palestinian will stretch Britain’s already shrink- percent of those who came to the UK often about racism. Quman remem- affairs, and more specifically, pressures and interferences ing welfare state. According to some under EU rules were born outside the bers how well-meaning Dutch people to keep the two groups apart. This is because Hamas is an reports, Downing Street is consid- continent. Somalis are one of the big- constantly asked her when she was ering negative advertising, to per- gest such groups, with an estimated “going home” after 9/11. untouchable for the West and has been blacklisted over its suade Bulgarians and Romanians to 20,000 coming to the UK from the “No one has asked me that in refusal to recognise the state of Israel, while Fatah remains stay away. It doesn’t help quell these Netherlands alone. Studies show that London,” she says. She enthuses their favourite. Israel too has been working feverishly to keep fears when new migrants from poorer between one third and a half of the about Britain’s education system and the two sides fighting to thwart peace efforts and weaken the parts of the world, such as Somalia, entire Dutch Somali community has the number of minority MPs. resistance movement. Hamas and Fatah have expended their show high rates of unemployment. moved to the UK. Others are even more direct in energy and time to weaken their But what if we were told that thou- But why abandon the good life in their praise. “London has become a sands of people from Africa we’ve Sweden, or the Netherlands, to start place where black people can live,” rival and now realise that they seen arriving here are not, in fact, again from scratch in Britain? says Kevin Obudako, who was born face the threat of being relegated fleeing poverty “It’s great to have a decent house,” in Nigeria but came to Britain from to irrelevance if the status quo at all? Or that, I was told by Quman Akli, who was Germany. The challenges continues. The price has especially legally speaking, three and a half when her family fled Having been racially taunted when ahead for been higher for Fatah. Listening they’re not even Somalia for Bergen, in North Holland, he first got to Germany, he says an Talking to Africans, but in 1989. “But also you want more in awareness of British post-colonial and singing to the US and Israeli Hamas-Fatah rather nationals life than a decent house. You want to migration drew him here. “You tunes have brought him nothing in African of such gener- be able to progress.” had Nigerians, Jamaicans,” he says. unity are hefty. return, except the estrangement ous welfare uto- Quman’s family had been housed “Everyone was accommodated.” of his own ranks. Israel used the migrants, I have pias as Sweden, by the Dutch government. She grew Of course, it’s no surprise when stalemate in the peace process and found many Denmark and up there and spoke Dutch fluently. immigrants flatter Britain with Abbas’ helplessness to expand more Holland? After finishing school, she would their comments. People from brutal For BBC have been entitled to a subsidised dictatorships admire our freedoms. settlements and change the ground reality, to make the final admire Britain Radio 4, I’ve university education; even her bus The global poor want our prosperity. goal of a contiguous Palestinian state an impossibility. been searching passes would have been paid for by Nothing unusual there. Though both sides are keen on reconciliation, the challenges so much they for some idea of the state. But this sub-category of EU are hefty. Ideologically, both are poles are apart and will have give up better what the mod- Instead, in 2003, she told her father migrants is different. With all of to make huge concessions to make the planned unity work. ern “British Jibril that she wanted to move to western Europe at their feet, they The Palestinian national movements’ rivalry exploded Dream” could Britain, where she would have to pay are drawn to Britain – even if they public services be, through a for university. He wasn’t upset – in are, at least as first, poorer as a con- into violence in June 2007 when Hamas forces seized series of frank fact he decided to quit his job in a sequence. Stories like theirs are a control of Gaza a year after they won a landslide victory in elsewhere in interviews with printing firm and bring the whole powerful corrective against the ten- parliamentary elections. Since then both sides have behaved the EU. some of the family to London. dency to over-simplify when it comes like warring neighbours rather than people fighting for almost 3 mil- “I think the UK is more open to describing the “influx” of newcom- freedom. lion new arriv- than other European countries,” ers to Britain. Meshaal made the statement in Amman after meeting King als to England says Jibril, who is now a London bus Migrants are neither all out to and Wales since driver. He and many other Somalis exploit us, nor all straightforward Abdullah II. His presence in Amman is another indication of 2001 (the first of three programmes told me they admired the success of victims. But their admiration of our the changing equations in the Middle East. Relations between is broadcast at 8pm starting tonight). non-white people in Britain – which society does seem to indicate some Hamas and Amman have been strained since 1999 when the Time and again, our team uncovered was conspicuously absent, they felt, kind of “British dream” that has authorities expelled Meshaal and three other Hamas members Africans who were not any longer on the continent. Jibril mentions the drawn in many millions. Even as we after the group was accused of threatening the kingdom’s from Africa. They were EU citizens Asian community who came to the worry about immigration levels, we and actually giving up welfare rights UK from Uganda. “They are land- should at least take the compliment security and stability. in places like Scandinavia to come to lords, they are businessmen, lawyers,” these new Europeans are paying us, The relations are improving now and Meshaal visited the UK. he enthuses. “It’s amazing.” by voting with their feet. Jordan twice last year. Indeed, we met so many Nigerians How should we feel about this THE GUARDIAN The Other side Quote of Rohingya refugees deserve far better the day EFUGEES are a nuisance. finds itself hosting people driven into To escape the massacres, which the future. If they prove to be economic That is a reality. Settled, exile, must do its best to take care of Burmese police and military seem to be migrants, merely seeking a better life stable communities around them. Along with their government, doing little to stop, let alone investigate, than in their home country, then there Rthe world that find themselves they must be prepared to extend shel- thousands of Rohingya have taken to are circumstances in which they can be I am optimistic hosting frightened and traumatized ter, concern and friendship to refugees. flimsy, overcrowded boats in an attempt repatriated. However, if they are political people, with little more than the clothes And by and large, this is what has to reach the friendlier and more wel- refugees, whose lives will be in danger about the they stand up in, often with limited been seen. Turks, Jordanians and coming shores of Malaysia if they go home, then they have to be understanding of the language and Lebanese have been prepared to do The Thai government appears to granted asylum, or at the very least, be Palestinian culture of the land to which they have what they can to assist those who have have instituted a policy of intercepting looked after until they can find another fled, can pose a threat to public order. fled from Assad’s monstrous repres- these vessels, if they stray into its ter- country that will be prepared to accept reconciliation. They will inevitably disrupt the lives of sion in Syria. However there have been ritorial waters, detaining the passengers them. Tragically, thanks to an investiga- The international the people in whose world they have some deplorable exceptions to this and then deporting them overland back tion carried out by the BBC, it turns out arrived. generous behavior. One of the most into Burma. This is both heartless and that Thai officials are doing something community must Yet the challenge posed by refugees unforgivable has been taking place in a contravention of international law, even worse. They are taking Rohingya cannot be ignored. They are vulner- Thailand, with the treatment of Muslim which demands that the status of all that they have detained and selling respect Palestinian able, pauperized and afraid. Common Rohingya who have fled bloody perse- refugees be first established clearly, them to people traffickers. need to end division. Khaled Meshaal humanity dictates that a society which cution by Myanmar’s Buddhist majority. before any action is taken on their ARAB NEWS Hamas Chief TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Cameron’s great leap into the dark on Europe

parliament is also hung, and the The Tory party’s cheering now, Lib Dems again hold the keys to Number 10, Cameron has said but the British prime minister’s acceptance of his plan will be a deal-breaker. Yet the Lib Dems have already repudiated it as a speech will prove disastrous betrayal of the national interest and could not put him back into for him and them. Number 10 if there were any risk he would lead a campaign to exit BY ANDREW RAWNSLEY days as to be worth remarking the EU. While proclaiming the upon. Ukip’s Nigel Farage has not virtues of flexibility in Europe, t the Labour confer- been his usual bouncy self. I am he has glued himself into a posi- ence of 1962, Hugh not sure his fox has been as shot tion that reduces his chances of Gaitskell made a and stuffed as Tory strategists are remaining as prime minister. supposedly definitive hoping, but it was certainly limp- Then imagine a scenario in speech declaring that ing badly in the immediate after- which Cameron is in a position Aif Britain joined Europe it would math of the speech. Labour and to pursue a renegotiation in the mean the “end of a thousand the Lib Dems have squirmed a bit next parliament. Another thing years of history”. Basking in the explaining why they are against he cannot say is what he would applause, he delightedly remarked having a vote on EU member- regard as a success. Would getting to his wife: “Look how many peo- ship. “I won’t consult the people” 80 percent of what he asked for be ple are clapping.” To which she is never a terribly good look for a sufficient for him to recommend deflatingly replied: “Yes, dear. politician, even when the position a Yes vote? 60 percent? Would he But it’s the wrong people who are comes with sensible arguments. settle for 50 percent? He can’t clapping.” Cameron’s poll numbers may know yet. But this we can be sure There has been much applause enjoy a bouncette. about. He could come back with for David Cameron from his party But on any time horizon fur- everything that he had demanded and its newspapers in the wake ther away than a few weeks, the and a significant element of his of his speech on Europe. In some speech will prove to be a terrible party would still not be satisfied. quarters, the reception has been mistake, quite possibly the fatal They are not interested in secur- so adulatory that you could have error of his premiership. David ing a “better deal”. British Prime Minister David Cameron been fooled into thinking that he Cameron has taken a great leap For them, the point of a refer- had won himself a place along- into the dark, which would not be endum is to get out. For going on side Abraham Lincoln in the so serious if he were not making one example was given in his between what the rest of Europe For the most hardcore 20 years, the Conservative party pantheon of great orators and his country jump with him. speech and that was the working might be prepared to swallow Europhobes, the renegotiation- has been regularly convulsed by the Gettysburg Address now had Here are a few of the impor- time directive. If all he demands is to prevent Britain from sliding then-referendum pledge does not its destructive passions about a rival in the Bloomberg Speech. tant things that he doesn’t know the right for Britain’s junior doc- out of the EU and the price for resolve the debate. It is just the Europe, but it has just about In the Commons, his MPs gave and neither does anyone else. He tors to be allowed to treat patients staying in demanded by a large beginning of an argument they stayed together. A referendum him a hero’s welcome. can’t yet be sure whether he can when they are half asleep at the section of the Tory party. The want to conclude with Britain out campaign would turn those divi- But I wonder if the prime min- persuade other member states to end of a 100-hour week, the rest gap is as wide as it ever was and of the EU. This guarantees that sions into a bitter and formal split ister noted that the most jubilant get around the table to discuss of Europe may not be too resist- David Cameron is still wobbling Cameron’s party will go into the between Yes and No Tories. One people on the benches behind him his plan to reform the European ant to granting us that dubious on a tightrope strung across the next election even more divided of the prime minister’s motives were his enemies. Those most Union and repatriate some as yet privilege. Presumably the prime chasm, but now without the ben- on Europe. Some Tory candi- was to try to forestall his party delighted by his promise of an unspecified powers. minister has more ambitious goals efit of any safety net. dates will proudly issue personal from eviscerating itself as it did in-out referendum are the vis- He can’t even know with than that. To his circle, he has expressed a manifestos pledging themselves to over the Corn Laws in the 19th ceral Euro-haters for whom he whom he might be negotiating The party that was cheer- hope that the Conservative party vote no in a referendum. Others century and free trade in the has just fired the starting gun since there are a lot of elections ing him will skin him alive if he will now shut up about Europe will come under enormous pres- early part of the 20th century. Yet on a five-year campaign to leave between now and 2017, including hasn’t. But he dare not say what and talk about other things that sure to follow suit to avoid a Ukip what he has done makes such a Europe whatever he comes back a crucial one in Germany this they are, so he is currently hiding are far more important to most challenge. I expect Nigel Farage split more possible. with from any renegotiation. If autumn. Other European lead- behind the Foreign Office’s pro- voters, such as jobs and living will soon get his wind back. To In a way, it is a breathtaking Cameron is serious when he says ers agree that deeper integration tracted consultation about what standards. If he is fortunate, the Eurosceptic voters, he can say achievement. With one speech his “heart and soul” wants Britain within the eurozone will require the EU does and how this has an referendum pledge may cool down that referendum pledges have that he never wanted to make, to remain a member of the EU, a new settlement at some point, impact on Britain, a review that his party for a time, but I doubt been betrayed before and the Cameron has unleashed sev- then, from his point of view, the including rules to govern the rela- is designed to be published in slow it will be for a terribly long time. only way to be sure it is delivered eral years of uncertainty about wrong people were clapping. tionship between those who are in instalments. Men such as Douglas Carswell, is to keep Cameron’s feet to the whether Britain will remain This was a speech made at the the single currency and those who At some point, Cameron will Bill Cash and Mark Reckless have fire by voting Ukip at all possible a member of the world’s most wrong time for the wrong reasons, aren’t. But yet another thing that have to specify his demands. If devoted entire careers to talk- opportunities. powerful political and trading proclaiming a policy he never Cameron can’t know is whether they are on the maximalist end ing about Europe. They are not The referendum pledge may bloc, made it less likely that he originally intended, with a pledge his timetable — renegotiation in of the spectrum, other European going to fall silent on the subject anyway turn out to be a phantom will remain as prime minister he had previously resisted on an the first half of the next parlia- leaders will respond that he is ask- for the next two and a half years since it is entirely contingent on after the next election, and more issue that excites his party but ment, followed by a referendum ing for the impossible. If he pro- and suddenly develop an interest Cameron still being in Downing likely that his party will ulti- not that many of the public. At some time around 2017 — will be duces a shopping list that might in botany or some other harmless Street after 2015. As I’ve pointed mately come apart altogether the superficial level of short-term a fit with events and the interests be more realistic as a basis for hobby. As one of Cameron’s most out before, no Conservative over Europe. That’s a high price party management, it has been a of other players. negotiation, he will be denounced loyal ministers puts it: “The great prime minister has improved his to pay for one day of cheers on success. The Conservative party One thing he might be expected from within his party for seek- danger is that David has aroused party’s share of the vote since a wintry Wednesday. With the has looked united and pleased to know is what he would like the ing too little. His fundamental an appetite that he will never be Anthony Eden in rather special wrong people clapping. with its leader, sights so rare these negotiation to be about. Yet only problem is the unbridgeable gap able to satisfy.” circumstances in 1955. If the next THE GUARDIAN

World seeks US engagement to tackle security challenges

Some Syrian exiles present in Davos Asia-Pacific region, as one reason why ten- The absence complained that Jordan has closed its sions were on the rise in the Middle East border to Syrian opposition fighters. and North Africa. of top Obama Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet The president’s first foreign trip after Davutoglu, whose country has absorbed his re-election in November to southeast some 150,000 refugees and serves as a Asia was overshadowed by a flare-up administration rear base for rebel fighters, said the between Israel and the Palestinians in international community would one day Gaza, a reminder of an issue on the back- officials from have to apologise to the Syrian people, burner that can explode at any time. as it had done in Rwanda, for failing to It came during a potentially danger- intervene to prevent massacres. ous phase in relations around east Asia the annual At least 60,000 people have been killed between China and Japan, North Korea in two years of civil war in Syria, accord- and its neighbours, and above all China brainstorming and ing to the United Nations. and the US. Saudi Arabia’s Prince Turki Al Faisal, Former Australian prime minister a former head of intelligence and ambas- Kevin Rudd, a China expert, urged Obama networking event in sador to London and Washington, said the to use his second term to take a major rebels were not receiving game-chang- initiative to build a cooperative security the Swiss mountains ing anti-aircraft and anti-tank weap- relationship with China, partly to avert ons because of US and manufacturers’ conflicts in the South China Sea. symbolised to restrictions on transfers to third par- Rose doubted that the Obama admin- ties. US strategic experts explained that istration would undertake anything so Washington’s sole interest in Syria was to ambitious. some a perceived US President Barack Obama greets troops during a visit to Camp Victory outside Baghdad prevent any threat to Israel and ensure Wu Xinbo, Dean of the School of in this file photo. chemical weapons did not fall into “ter- International Studies at Fudan University pullback from global rorist” hands. in China, said Washington should start by The same reluctance to be sucked into ending aggressive air and sea patrolling Leaders of Russia, Germany, Britain, factions, some of which would export conflict meant Washington would provide off China’s shores, which he said smacked leadership. Italy, South Africa, Jordan and many militant violence to the neighbours and little more than verbal and intelligence of the “containment” of the former Soviet other nations made the journey. to Europe. support for France as it battles in Mali Union. BY PAUL TAYLOR US bankers, business leaders and aca- Iran may accelerate its nuclear pro- against Al Qaeda linked militants who He voiced concern that Japan, driven demics were out in force, but the most gramme to try to break out of isolation, have taken root in the vast ungoverned by a more nationalist new government s President Barack Obama senior US government officials were a Vali Nasr of Johns Hopkins University spaces of the Sahara and Sahel. and public opinion, could pursue an starts his second term, the Treasury undersecretary, an assistant said, because Washington is squeezing it Few if any expect Obama, who “offensive” approach to a dispute over world’s business and politi- secretary of state and the outgoing US with economic sanctions but shunning burned his fingers in an early attempt a group of small islands in the South Acal elite pines for greater Trade Representative. either direct diplomatic engagement or to revive Israeli-Palestinian negotiations China Sea known as Senkaku in Japan American engagement to tackle a thicket Delegates debated whether and when military action. when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin and Diaoyu in China. of security challenges. China would overtake America as the Netanyahu refused to stop Jewish set- Joseph Nye, a former US official and From Syria to Mali, from Iran to the number one economy and global power — “NEW TALIBAN IN SYRIA” tlement building, to launch a fresh peace Harvard academic who visited Japan South China Sea, the US’ reluctance to estimates ranging from the early 2020s to In a public address, King Abdullah initiative now. Any risk of the US being and China recently as part of a semi- be drawn into conflicts far from its shores never — and what troubles were brewing of Jordan said his country, which had drawn into military intervention in the official US delegation, said both countries was a leitmotiv of geopolitical debate at while Washington remains in hands-off sent troops to fight Islamist militants in Islamic world after extricating itself from were worried by the perceived growth of this year’s World Economic Forum in mode. The ground rules of many Davos Afghanistan, now faces a “new Taliban in Iraq and winding down its presence in nationalism and militarism in the other Davos. panels preclude identifying the speakers. Syria”, where an Al Qaeda affiliate has Afghanistan is anathema to the Obama although “this is not 1930s nationalism”. The absence of top Obama adminis- One minister, shielded by that anonymity, gained ground among forces fighting to administration, said Gideon Rose, editor But Nye said both countries’ new lead- tration officials from the annual brain- lamented the dangers of “a world without oust President Bashar Al Assad. It could of the policy journal Foreign Affairs. erships would give top priority to eco- storming and networking event in the American leadership”. take years after the fall of Assad to “clean nomic development and provided the Swiss mountains symbolised to some a Without US involvement, one session them out”, the king said. ASIA PIVOT US sent careful messages to both, there perceived pullback from global leader- was told, Syria would become a “Somalia His fragile desert kingdom has taken in Some delegates cited Obama’s strategic was the prospect of a strong triangular ship, even though it was Inauguration on the Mediterranean”, with Middle East some 300,000 Syrian refugees, straining “pivot” towards Asia, shifting Washington’s relationship. Week in Washington. states waging a proxy war via sectarian its thin resources and political stability. focus to the fast-growing economies of the REUTERS TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Israel violating crowd control rules: Report 56 Palestinians killed since 2005

JERUSALEM: An Israeli rubber bullets since 2005, and two human rights group yester- were killed by tear gas canisters, day accused the military of it said. “extensively and systemati- In addition, the group said that cally” violating its own rules Israeli forces often use live fire of engagement in suppressing unnecessarily. Palestinian demonstrators in “Over the past seven years, at the West Bank, contributing to least 46 Palestinians have been dozens of deaths in recent years. killed when live ammunition was According to a report by the fired at unarmed stone-throwers,” B’Tselem group, 56 Palestinians B’Tselem said. have been killed in clashes with While the group said further the Israeli military since 2005. investigation was needed to deter- The vast majority — 46 of them mine how many of these deaths — were killed when live ammuni- involved improper use of live fire, tion was fired at stone throwers. it said it “has documented inci- B’Tselem cited two “main prob- dents in which live ammunition lems” with Israeli crowd-control was fired under circumstances tactics. First, it said the word- that cannot be described as life- ing of open-fire regulations was threatening to the soldiers.” “problematic and deficient.” “In responding to demonstra- “Second, the regulations are tions and ‘disturbances of the extensively and systematically peace’ in the West Bank, the violated, and the military does not Israeli security forces employ var- take the necessary action to end ious crowd control weapons that these violations,” it said. are supposed to be non-lethal, if The Israeli military dismissed used properly,” it said. Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al Bashir (centre) returns to Khartoum from the African Union Summit, yesterday. the report as “biased,” and said “In practice, members of the it focused on incidents that are security forces make almost old or still under investigation. routine use of these weapons in It called specific incidents in the unlawful, dangerous ways, and the report exceptions to military pol- relevant Israeli authorities do too Two thousand flee South Sudan town icy, not the rule. little to prevent the recurrence of Palestinians routinely demon- this conduct,” it concluded. JUBA: Two thousand people fighting the government of the the town, mainly made up of In Jonglei, there has been a strate against Israel’s occupation The group urged the military to were forced to flee to a UN base new African republic, but he thatched houses, to seek pro- cycle of revenge killings between of the West Bank. enforce its rules of engagement, after a battle between South defected to the army in December. tection at a UN peacekeeping the Murle and Lou Nuer tribes, The clashes frequently spiral prosecute forces who violate Sudanese soldiers and the Witnesses said Kuberin went base, UN spokesman Kouider often provoked by cattle raids. into violence, with protesters these rules, restrict the use of live guards of a former rebel com- to Pibor’s market to get a hair- Zerrouk said. More than 1,500 people have been hurling stones and firebombs at ammunition and rubber-coated mander laid waste to a small cut and was told by an army Army spokesman Philip Aguer killed in the clashes since South Israeli forces. bullets to instances of mortal town, the United Nations and patrol not to walk around with said one soldier had been killed Sudan’s independence, according Israel has developed a number danger, and prohibit the firing witnesses said yesterday. armed guards. in the battle, and that Kuberin to the United Nations. of what it calls “nonlethal” means of tear-gas canisters directly at South Sudan won independence Witness Peter Gazulu said one had fled with his guards after- Human rights groups accuse of crowd control over the past two individuals. from Sudan in 2011 but the gov- of the soldiers had a hand gre- wards. He declined to say whether the army of serious abuses decades, including the use of tear In its response, the military ernment has been struggling to nade. “Somebody tried to take the army had fired on unarmed against civilians, including gas, rubber bullets, paintballs and said it has “clearly defined” rules assert control over an impover- it and they wrestled with it and civilians. simulated drownings and rape, water cannons. of engagement determined by ished country the size of France it exploded. The guy died. Then Medical organisation Medecins during a disarmament process There is also the “scream” — a operational considerations and that is full of weapons after dec- the other men opened fire on the Sans Frontieres, one of few chari- aimed at ending the inter-ethnic device that disperses crowds by legal consultation. It said soldiers ades of civil war with the north. bodyguards and they escaped,” he ties operating in Jonglei, said it violence. generating extremely loud sounds are regularly trained to follow The latest fighting took place told Reuters by telephone. had treated four people for gun- A radio station with links to — and a foul-smelling spray these rules. on Sunday in the small town “The army fired all over the shot wounds. Yau Yau’s group said the rebels known as “the skunk.” It said it “does everything in of Pibor in the eastern state of place and burned half of Pibor South Sudan’s civil war with were fighting the government Israeli security officials say its power to ensure that the use Jonglei, between soldiers and town, particularly in the south. Sudan ended with a 2005 peace because of the alleged abuses dur- live fire is to be used only in life- of riot dispersal means is done bodyguards of former rebel They were firing at civilians,” he deal which paved the way for ing the disarmament programme. threatening situations. in accordance with the rules of commander James Kuberin, said. “In a house the father of my secession. Rebel and inter-ethnic South Sudan accuses Sudan of But the B’Tselem report engagement, minimising collat- witnesses said. friend was burned alive. The body violence is hindering government supplying Yau Yau’s rebels with said Israel often uses its non- eral damage and maintaining sta- Kuberin used to be a com- is still there.” Several people had plans to explore a vast oil conces- weapons, an allegation denied by lethal weapons improperly. Six bility and security in the region.” mander of a group led by David been injured, he said. sion block with the help of French Khartoum. Palestinians have been killed by AP Yau Yau, one of several militias About 2,000 people fled firm Total. REUTERS

Two security guards killed in Jordan election panel attack on gas okays final results pipeline in Algeria AMMAN: The final results yes- and exercised their right.” King terday for Jordan’s general elec- Abdullah has vowed to pursue ALGIERS: Two security tion held last week saw tribal democratic reforms after the vote guards protecting a gas pipe- leaders, pro-regime loyalists and to reach out to groups like line have been killed and seven and independent businessmen the Brotherhood. others wounded in an attack sweep to power after a boycott “I think the easiest part... is by Islamists southeast of the by the Muslim Brotherhood. behind us. Today the challenge in Algerian capital, local residents “The Independent Election creating this parliament is try- said yesterday. Commission board has approved ing to create parties with politi- The guards, who were attacked the parliamentary election’s pre- cal party platforms,” he said on late on Sunday at their quarters liminary results, officially endors- Friday at the World Economic in Djebahia, 125km southeast of ing them as the final results,” the Forum in Davos. Algiers, were part of an armed IEC said. Scoffing at the official turnout civilian unit protecting a gas pipe- “Twenty sub-committees have figure and alleging vote buying, line in the Bouira region. examined and double-checked the Islamists have said the king’s An “armed Islamist group” car- results, completing their work on plans for a parliamentary gov- ried out the attack around 9pm Sunday night.” ernment fall far short of true (2000 GMT), and after an hour- In the face of opposition democratic change and insist he long firefight two guards were charges of vote-buying, IEC head should have no say in naming a found dead, the residents said, Abdul Ilah Khatib acknowledged premier. citing survivors of the assault. the election held last Wednesday “The election was held in A medical source told AFP the was “not completely free of some the absence of national accord bodies of the two guards killed violations and problems.” and in line with an undemo- were transferred to Mohamed “Elections cannot be perfect cratic and unconstitutional law. Boudiaf de Bouira hospital, where and we hope to learn from this Plans for parliamentary govern- five of their colleagues were taken experience and improve on it,” ment are pure fantasy,” said the for treatment of gunshot wounds. Khatib told a news conference. Brotherhood’s political arm, the The army has launched a Jordan’s King Abdullah II (left) greeting Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal in Amman. “But generally Jordanians have Islamic Action Front. search operation for the assail- accepted the voting measures AFP ants who fled, the residents said. The attack comes nearly a fortnight after a deadly Islamist attack on a gas plant in Algeria’s southern Sahara desert, in a hos- tage-taking siege that ended with Iran arrests 11 journalists for links with foreign media the deaths of almost 40 captives, mostly foreigners. Al Qaeda in the Islamic TEHRAN: Iran has arrested that reflects Iran’s zero tolerance British intelligence agencies, and unrest in a bid to oust the coun- despite a ban on satellite dishes Maghreb, the global network’s 11 journalists accused of coop- for those who work with dissi- has warned of severe repercus- try’s clerical rulers, and has fre- and government attempts to jam North Africa franchise, has eration with foreign-based, dent media or outlets deemed as sions for Iranian journalists and quently accused opposition figures the airwaves. its roots in Algeria, where it is Persian-language media organi- unfriendly or hostile. activists caught having contacts and supporters of being in league The chief editors of the arrested active in the Bouira region and sations, several chief editors of In recent years, Iran has with these outlets. with the nation’s enemies. journalists told The Associated in neighbouring Boumerdes and Iranian outlets said yesterday. denounced Voice of America and Also, Tehran has repeatedly Many Iranians regularly tune Press that the 11 were taken into Tizi Ouzou. The development is a major the BBC’s Persian service, describ- accused the United States and in to the BBC and VOA’s Persian- custody late on Sunday because of AFP escalation in a press crackdown ing them as arms of US and Britain of seeking to provoke language radio and TV channels, their “foreign contacts.” AP I TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013

Arabian Hypercar makes world debut in Doha

Lebanese W Motors unveils Lykan Hypercar

Motors unveiled the Lykan Hypercar 2013 at the Qatar Motor Show yester- day. This is the first high performance luxury sports car to be manufactured in the Arab world. WThe price of the car is QR12.4m, which makes it the most expensive car in the world. The Lykan has diamond encrusted LED lights and gold-stitched interior leather seats and features a reverse door opening system and a state-of-the-art 3D Virtual Holographic Display with Tactile Interaction. This young Lebanese manufacturer worked with Magna Steyr Italia (engineering and manufacturing consultants), RUF Automobile (technical consultants and suppliers), Studiotorino (modelling consultants), Viotti (prototype and model manufacturing) and ID4MOTION (technology integration developers) to develop the Lykan. W Motors was launched in July 2012, and only six months later has unveiled the Lykan Hypercar, named after a species of wolves. The first deliveries of LykanHypersport 2013 by W Motors are scheduled for September. A 750 horsepower engine delivering 1000NM of torque takes the vehicle from 0 to 100km in 2.8 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 390km per hour. For W Motors CEO Ralph Debbas, the Lykan is “a modern machine with a touch of humanity.” This is history in the making, the first Arabian Hypercar, the most exceptional Hypercar the world will ever see,” he added. Named after the most advanced species of wolves in mythical legends but written with a ‘K’ the Lykan pos- sesses a luxurious blend of power, advanced design and technology and exclusively with only seven units of the car being manufactured. Absolutely distinctive in every way the innovative Lykan boasts of 750 horsepower (395 kilometres per hour) and features a holographic display, an ID4 motion dash- board and uniquely designed seats for ultimate comfort and safety. The engine, Flat 6 twin-turbo, has been engi- neered with the perfect balance between power, torque and speed, creating an exceptional driving machine for an inimitable driving experience. Adding a touch of modern luxury with the integration of the most refined and luxurious materials both inside and outside, the Lykan comes with Diamond encrusted LED lights that lend the hypercar a magnificent finish. Additionally, the car comes with gold-stitched interiors, a 24/7 concierge service and a patented design Cyrus Klepcys watch, that has been dedicated to Lykan own- ers only. Touted a ‘modern machine with a touch of humanity’, the limited edition Lykan is sure to win a lot of hearts at the motor show. THE PENINSULA

Ralph Debbas with Lykan Hypercar. II TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 Porsche premieres latest model range

t this year’s edition and our customer base continues of the Qatar Motor to grow. Last year the popularity Show, Porsche is of the Cayenne continued to rise showcasing not one, in our region with a 19 per cent but four exclusive year on year sales increase. Due Ahighlights from its model range. to the high popularity of our SUV The exclusive line-up includes the range, we are excited to present regional premieres of the highly our exhibition highlight, the new anticipated Cayenne Turbo S, Cayenne Turbo S, to motor show new generation Cayman and visitors. I am absolutely convinced 911 Carrera 4, the icon’s four- that the latest addition to our wheel drive version. In addition, SUV range will be enthusiastically the German manufacturer received particularly here in the is presenting one of the first Middle East.” Panamera Platinum Edition By introducing the Cayenne models that arrived in the market. Turbo S, Porsche is setting new The elegant special edition benchmarks in the SUV segment Panamera, also available as in terms of exclusiveness and Panamera 4 and Panamera Diesel, driving performance. With its 550 stands out thanks to its subtle, horsepower, the model assumes independent design features in top position in our SUV range platinum silver metallic combined and is one of the fastest SUV’s in with expanded standard features production series today. and exclusive details. The model, The third generation Cayman which can be ordered in five has been completely re-developed. exterior colours, is now available It is lower, longer, and lighter, across the region. making it more efficient yet more George Wills, Managing powerful than ever. The two-seat, Director of Porsche Middle East mid-engine sports car is available and Africa FZE, said: “We are in two classic Porsche versions: thrilled to be showcasing our the Cayman and the Cayman S. latest line-up of sports cars at The base model is powered by a this year’s Qatar Motor Show. 2.7-liter flat six-cylinder engine This is a great start to 2013 with with 275 horsepower. almost all vehicles on display for The new 911 Carrera 4 features the first time in the region. Our the typical Porsche all-wheel highly competitive model portfolio drive with rear-focused layout, demonstrates that 2013 can be guaranteeing maximum vehicle another good year for Porsche in dynamics on a wide variety of the Middle East.” road surfaces and in all weather Porsche Middle East and Africa conditions. The model is set to FZE had an astounding 2012 with continue the success and heritage a 15 per cent sales increase on 2011 of the 911 series, which was the across all models. At the close of region’s biggest success story the year a record 9,171 vehicles for Porsche in 2012, With 1,274 were delivered to customers iconic sports cars delivered, the across the region compared to year on year sales increase is an 7,945 in 2011. unsurpassed 95 per cent (2011: Wills adds: “The Porsche brand 654). The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani at Porsche stand after inaugurating is going from strength to strength THE PENINSULA the third edition of the Qatar Motor Show yesterday. The show opens its doors to the public from today.

Lamborghini showcases Aventador Roadster

he Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster made its motor show debut and one of its first pub- lic appearances at the 2013 Qatar Motor Show yes- Tterday. The Middle East unveiling of the Roadster version of the V12 Aventador LP 700-4 comes on the same day that Lamborghini starts its international dynamic launch of the car, with media and dealers worldwide join- ing Lamborghini in Miami, Florida. “The Aventador Roadster sets a new benchmark for open top driving, and we’re delighted it makes one of its first public appearances in the Middle East today on Lamborghini Doha’s stand,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “The Middle East is a very important market for us. Lamborghini deliveries to customers grew substantially in 2012, with worldwide deliveries up 30 percent on 2011 and up more than 80 percent in the Middle East. This growth was largely driven by the success of Aventador, which is still forward sold by more than a year with the Roadster already emulating the coupe’s success.” First announced in November 2012, the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster is the open top version of the Aventador LP 700-4 coupe, built on a carbon fiber mono- coque and combining lightweight engineering with exceptional torsional rigidity and safety. A V12 6.5 liter engine outputs 700 hp at 8,250 rpm and 690 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. With acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 3 seconds; a push rod suspension system derived from F1 technology; and an e-gear transmission providing gear shifts in as little as 50 milliseconds, the Lamborghini Aventador provides extraor- dinary handling and performance, while the Roadster adds the ultimate open top driving experience. THE PENINSULA

Antique corner at Qatar Motor Show

IV TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 Where Quality meets Time

CORRECT Car care & Maintenance Precision wheel weight placement is fas and easy using the TDC laser as a guide.

stablished in the 1960’s Qatar wheel balancing done by using equipment Trading company W.L.L (QTC), with a load roller (simulates road condition), a part of Marzooq Shamlan & a hammer head option and a smart weight sons group has been a leader in program is the real winner. A single equip- the country, when it comes to ment with all these features has a remarkably Eaddressing the requirements of the auto after short payback period backed up with multi- sales segment. QTC, as it is popularly known, tasking features of correcting wheel balance, can proudly say that “we ‘were’, ‘are’ and ‘will “tire road force and rim eccentricity measure- INCORRECT be’ the leaders in all situations. They have a ment” and tire pull lateral force measurement. strong presence in the industry for over half This “Three- in-one” diagnostic repair capa- HammerHead reduces weight placement errors a century and has grown from strength to bility solves vibration and tire pull problems by eliminating misjudgment of the TDC position, strength over the years. which dramatically improves the ride quality which often occurs using other methods. Such “With right strategies and planning, QTC for the customer. The hammer head is a laser has not only weathered all reactions in the option which helps in accurate positioning visual errors lead to an inferior and time-consumin market, due to global economic slow down of the wheel weights with the smart weight balance with numerous checkspins. or local factors,but also sustained its strong program, enabling approx 30 percent wheel position and managed to grow. This has been weight savings. LOAD ROLLER possible only with some smart vision and quick This “all in one machine” is a patented decisions by the management think tank, who design which is simple to operate and under- always believed that an organization should be stand. The road conditions are simulated customer centric and at the same time mar- on the wheel by a simple mechanical load ket driven,” says P S Sridhar, Sales Manager, roller mechanism and this detects non bal- Qatar Trading Company. ance, radial force related vibrations. All the “Traditional practices of respecting people diagnosis and correction is done by a single and human values within the organization and technician who can do this immediately with outside and being steadfast on ethical business P S Sridhar, Sales Manager, QTC. some simple demonstration and training at practices, have sustained the employees as well the service centre itself. The wheel weight as many customers as long term partners,” savings are also seen on the screen which he added. • After sales support and training,” said is recorded on a cumulative basis and saved With four showrooms at vantage locations Sridhar. automatically over the period, to calculate the and the fifth to open shortly, QTC is ready to income on the savings. This is what one calls meet the demands of the fast paced growth TECHNOLOGY, PRODUCTIVITY as “proof of the pudding”. expected in the next few years. AND PROFITS So “ask” for wheel balancer with “load roller” to do wheel balancing. This is value VISION AND MISSION At QTC, markets are constantly monitored forQTC money for the end customer also. in the respective segments and new products The wheel alignment technology has also “The management vision have always been for enhancing productivity and profits are undergone a revolution with the 3D technol- Wheel weight savings that we satisfy our stakeholders and be ranked made available through display and demon- ogy wherePR it is almost replacing the camera on top with them for strations. A short example of what needs to be sensors. But the most recent revolution is the • Quality products considered by a entrepreuner before setting up concept of “Power Bay” In this concept the • Packaging solutions a tyre or a lube service workshop is discussed scissors lift and the wheel alignment machine • Good geographical spread here by Sridhar, who had spend many a years is fully integrated for enhanced “Productivity”, • Availability advising the clients in the industry. “Speed” and “Accuracy”. The comparison • After sales support Workshop management is paramount for between a conventional system and the power • Good business practices. any automobile service sector entrepreneur. bay in the picture shows a drastic reduction in This starts from the stage of right capital the number of operations and the cycle time. LOCAL EFFORTS WITH GLOBAL investment to optimizing equipment and The pneumatic and automatic tire inflation REACH resources for the best ROI. It does not always of all the 4 wheels to preset values and the imply that high value and intense equipment locking of the turn plates and slip plates at QTC has been an importer of world deployment will fetch definite and quicker the press of a button minimise human error. class products from Europe, USA, UK and returns. The power bay is also a kind of Plug & Play Taiwan. The products come from world On the contrary it is wise to plan your work- concept which is fast phasing out the PIT and acclaimed manufacturers in their respective shop or service centers in modules depending CCD camera system. fields and find applications in automotive, upon sophistication of customers in that geo- In situations where the customers have construction,cleaning, oil and gas, hospitality graphical location and estimated population to shift location due to unavoidable circum- segments. of the vehicles a unit can handle. For example, stances, there is no alternative like the “Power Tire service, washing stations, quick service bay”. With electricity and air connection Simple Lube management system STRENGTHS AND PRESENCE IN lube centers are more lucrative in the busy ready, the set up time is just a few hours and THE AUTOMOTIVE SEGMENT urban areas, where people can find it con- a new wheel alignment centre is already func- venient to get their cars serviced enroute to tional. These units are already functional here lubricants, makes it prudent to invest in a good “Oil Management In Qatar, QTC has an excellent blend of office or back. With ever growing innovation and seeing one operational would convince System” package to have total control in monitoring the operations products for the automotive segment and in technology in the automobile segment, the anybody of its true benefits. from any single or remote locations. has always remained as “Solution Provider”. customers also look for safe haven for “com- As for the lube stations and quick service All kinds of data outputs suitable to improve the operational effi- Starting from car care products to simple and petent” and quick service of their vehicles. workshops for oil change etc the fluid man- cacy of the business unit like “Just in Time” procurement, accurate sophisticated garage equipment, tools and To help the entrepreneur for consistent as agement is a challenge. Lube oil and trans- dispensing, per bay or per shift consumption for profit evaluation diagnostics, it is almost A to Z for the car well as quick returns, it is necessary to have mission oil change at periodic intervals is are available options in the systems available in the market today. A care and auto after service segment. equipment high in productivity, less labor mandatory for the ever growing automobile few of them are also operational here with all benefits derived. This “As mentioned already, we believe in grow- intensive and simple to understand and oper- segment. Though it is a high volume thriv- system helps in strategically realigning the low and high revenue ing with customers as their long term part- ate. The returns are not only through payment ing business, the headaches of wastages, bays in the workshop for better returns. For the information of the ners by supporting them with: from customers but some machines also pay spillage(approx 15 percent),waste oil disposal existing users of the conventional fluid dispensing and disposal sys- • Assessment of their requirements back in terms of savings from consumables and house keeping cannot be overlooked tems, the “oil monitoring system” is only a simple combination of • Optimising recommendations and selec- used, better cycle time higher productivity due which can negate the advantages and profits. the existing equipment with some electronics and software and not tion of the right package. to lower human fatigue. Some proven exam- These challenges grow more as the opera- any kind of rocket science. These systems find more advantages not • Offering equipment with higher reliability ples to corroborate the above view explicitly is tions get bigger. Proper control in dispens- only at the end application but more at the levels of the Managers and minimum cyle time. being briefly deliberated here in the tire and ing and disposal of the fluids challenges the who are constantly monitoring the bottom line of the company and • Updating customer with the technological lube segments. older system and equipment. The increased its operations. advancements In tire shops and other OE workshops the cost of the lubricants especially synthetic ForFor more more details details contact contact [email protected] [email protected] or [email protected]

Yesterday’s technology

VI TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 Toyota brings all-new Avalon to Doha

bdullah Abdulghani & friction surface. Charging jacks Bros. Co. sole agents are located below the tray that for Toyota vehicles in can be opened and closed with AQatar launched the All cables passing neatly through the New Toyota Avalon during Qatar cable slot cut into the bottom of Motor Show. For more informa- the tray. The tray is also illumi- tion, customers can call on toll nated by LED light for improved free no. 8001800. night visibility managing cables. For 2013, Toyota has dramati- Beneath this tray is an electron- cally altered the chemistry of ics storage box where devices can Avalon’s formula, creating a new also be stored completely out of potent and persuasive sedan that sight while charging. Two DC helps shift the product’s gen- 12V power outlets, an AUX and erational appeal while symbolis- a USB jack are accessible in the ing Toyota’s exciting new design storage box. and product direction for future For the Avalon Limited, the two sedans. chrome-decorated cup holders “The 2013 Avalon showcases located in the center console are Toyota car-building prowess and lit by LED ambient lighting. The infuses the Avalon nameplate lighting volume for the cup hold- with new levels of excitement, ers can be adjusted in three levels. dynamic capability, and refine- ment,” said Nobuyuki Negishi, V6 ENGINE Chief Representative, Middle East The Avalon utilizes a 3.5- and North Africa Representative liter, six-cylinder engine that Office, Toyota Motor Corporation. features Dual VVT-i (Variable “The new Avalon is a vastly Valve Timing with intelligence) enhanced product that utilises to help offer superior power Toyota’s best in-market car- and efficiency by optimizing the building resources to produce this intake and exhaust valve events new world-class sedan, and makes to increase engine performance a statement. across the entire rev range. This It will lead the charge for great robust V6 produces 274 horse- styling, great handling perform- power at 6,200 rpm and 248 lbs.- ance, and the highest and best ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm, and level of technologies.” provides the new Avalon with The 2013 Avalon showcases competitive acceleration. The Toyota’s car-building prowess fact that this brisk acceleration and infuses the Avalon nameplate occupants in their vehicles, been adopted for the low beams and electro-chromatic glass. color multi-information display occurs with a more fuel-econ- with new levels of excitement, AAB is also displaying a Safety and offer outstanding lighting Also, the new Avalon is equipped (gear position, fuel consumption, omy friendly is testament to the dynamic capability, and refine- Simulator where the customers performance. A stronger, more with a new, lighter weight, more Navigation direction, and ECO Avalon’s weight reduction and ment. Toyota Motor Corporation can experience and get a feel of expressive front-fascia design aerodynamic wiper design that driving indicator. improved drivetrain tuning. has utilised the best in-market Driving Support System func- with larger grille opening creates stays in contact with the window As for adjustment, Avalon’s The V6-powered Avalon fea- car-building resources to produce tions. The visitors can experience an aggressive appearance while longer. The new Avalon’s rear val- seats are available as eight-way tures a hydraulic automatic this new world-class sedan which & understand how and in what enhancing cooling air flow and ance houses stainless steel dual power adjustable for the driver’s transmission that has been opti- will lead the charge for great styl- situation three safety technolo- pedestrian impact protection. The exhaust outlets integrated into seat, and available 8-way and mized for improved fuel economy ing, great handling performance, gies such as Anti-Lock Braking new Avalon’s exterior turn-sig- the body. 4-way adjustment for the front and performance. The transmis- and the highest and best level of System (ABS), Vehicle Stability nal indicators have been located passenger seat. The driver’s seat sion response is further enhanced technologies. Control (VSC), and Traction at the lower section of the front INTERIOR incorporates a seat-cushion by utilization of a faster-locking Avalon utilizes a 3.5-litre, six- Control (TRC) contribute to bumper to contribute to the slim Looking outside the cabin, the length extender available on the torque converter that locks up cylinder engine that features Dual safety. and sleek appearance. The 2013 sculpted dash panel and its con- 8-way adjustable seat. A pneu- early even in second gear. The VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing Avalon’s sleek and sculpted rear cave surfaces in front of the pas- matic four-way lumbar support transmission is also kept at an with intelligence) to help offer EXTERIOR tail lights utilise LED lamps to senger help add to the sense of the is built into the driver’s seat and optimal temperature for consist- superior power and efficiency by The 2013 Avalon’s elegant and help ensure visibility and reduce cabin spaciousness. This panel is a two-way lumbar support for ent performance with an auto- optimising the intake and exhaust athletic design offers a longer the gap of unlit dark area between covered in supple, hand-stitched the passenger. An electric seat matic transmission fluid warmer. valve events to increase engine flowing roof line creating a more the trunk and rear quarter panel. premium soft-touch material heater and seat ventilation sys- The V6-powered gasoline performance across the entire rev appealing side silhouette that The new Avalon cut through with the seam adding some crea- tem have been adopted to help Avalon offers two drive modes: range. This robust V6 produces suggests a sense of motion with a the wind with a low 0.28 coef- tive flair as it goes across the dash enhance driver and passenger Eco and Normal. The Eco Mode 274 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and road holding stance. Its chiselled ficient of drag that helps fuel panel. seat comfort. prioritizes fuel efficiency by bal- 248 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm, shoulder line sculpted into side efficiency and on-road stability. The instrument panel has been Beyond styling, the Avalon ancing driving performance, air and provides the new Avalon with sheet metal starts over the front The Avalon side mirrors offer widened by 1.18 inches (30mm) in interior remains highly functional conditioning function and fuel competitive acceleration. The wheels and creates a strong, fluid improved aerodynamics to help the upper region and 2.56 inches with abundant and improved efficiency. It reduces driving force fact that this brisk acceleration body side design cue adding to its reduce wind noise. These new (65mm) in the lower region, help- storage space. Located beneath when accelerating at low speeds occurs with a more fuel-econ- athletic stance. aerodynamic side mirrors offer ing enhance the interior’s spa- the HVAC controls in the center to enhance fuel efficiency. It also omy friendly is testament to the The industry-first Quadrabeam features such as; a turn signal ciousness. The driver is engaged console is the eBin electronics adjusts throttle response to help Avalon’s weight reduction and headlight cluster utilises a sleek lamp, electrical adjustment, a by an Optitron-type combination storage tray. This new tray design increase the sensation of the improved drivetrain tuning. and compact double-eye PES mirror heater, memory posi- meter, which produces a sharp, allows storage for two devices engine’s torque response during To highlight Toyota’s com- headlight design with two square tioning, a puddle lamp, available high quality display and 3.5-inch (cellphones or iPod for instance) acceleration. mitment to the safety of the glass condenser lenses that have Blind Spot Monitor indicator, Thin-film Transistor (TFT) side-by-side on a premium, higher THE PENINSULA

oyota launched the fourth-generation all-new 2013 RAV4 SUV in the Middle East showcasing a bold reinvention of the world’s original crossover sport utility vehicle. The Tnew RAV4 offers balanced performance and capability, while being more engaging and fun to drive. It also offers great fuel efficiency, spacious rear space, striking design, and a compelling New RAV4 unveiled array of standard features. “The 2013 RAV4 draws on the innovative heritage of the origi- nal model which started an industry trend and sets a new stand- ard for the compact SUV market with more than 4.5 million units sold since 1994 in over 150 countries,” said Nobuyuki Negishi, Chief at motor show Representative, Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation. “The all new RAV4 offers customers a distinctive, Sophisticated “Dynamic & Strong” styling, refined, premium-quality interior design, a new Dynamic Torque Control 4WD in addition to a more engaging and fun drive with fuel efficient powertrain and comes with the assurance of three generations of satisfied customers.” According to Makoto Arimoto, RAV4 Chief Engineer, Toyota Motor Corporation, “With the 2013 RAV4, what we have achieved is a sportier driving experience characteristic of a 4WD vehicle while enhancing the the agile handling performance that is highly regarded in the current model. Over 700 staff members came together to pri- oritize the feelings of each customer and reflect them in the develop- ment of the new-generation RAV4. I am confident that customers will be impressed by the new-generation RAV4 and view it as a sign of Toyota’s ambitions and spirit to give them the best compact SUV in the market.” In a significant break with its heritage, the RAV4 will switch from its side-hinged rear door to a convenient roof-hinged liftgate with a spare tire stored under the cargo floor. The 2013 RAV4 arrives with a multitude of driver-focused features, including a Sport Mode for enhanced performance and road feel. As well as activating the Dynamic Torque Control 4WD, the new Sport Mode also modifies the RAV4’s power steering, throttle and transmissions; decreasing power steering assistance, sharpening throttle response and offering higher revs, and automatic gearbox management, for a more dynamic, sporting driving experience. In conjunction with a new, more comfortable and focused driving position, the new RAV4 builds on these key SUV attributes with transmission with sequential shift. First and second gear ratios will performance by generating optimal drive force distribution and retuned front and rear suspension systems, revised Electric Power be optimized for around-town performance. To keep engine revs balancing the load between front/rear wheels. Steering, and a new Dynamic Torque Control 4WD. lower at highway speeds and enhance fuel mileage, fifth and sixth The Dynamic Torque Control 4WD system achieves excellent trac- In combination, these developments award the new RAV4 greater gears will be overdrives. tion and fuel efficiency utilizing the information sent from various stability and agility on both wet and dry roads, offering customers a The Dynamic Torque Control 4WD consist of Pre-torque control sensors to distribute the torque to the rear wheels only when it is confidence-inspiring, more intuitive and engaging driving experience. and Yaw-rate feedback control in addition to Active Torque Control needed and only in the necessary amount. The all new 2013 RAV4 is equiped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder 4WD. The Pre-Torque control reduces the load on the front tires When driving in SPORT MODE, the Dynamic Torque Control engine with Dual VVT-i*5 technology which enhances power deliv- (with 90:10 front/ rear torque distribution) from the moment the 4WD enhances driving pleasure by contributing to driving and han- ery efficiency by controlling both intake and exhaust timings to pro- steering wheel is turned, helping to ensure an appropriate steering dling stability more suited to sporty driving compared to the con- duce 176 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 233 Nm of torque at 4,100 rpm. response that matches the driver’s intentions, in addition to vehi- ventional 4WD control system. Replacing the previous four-speed automatic will be a six-speed cle stability.The Yaw-rate feedback control helps assist cornering THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 VII Made-for-Qatar Fatboy wows all

arley-Davidson Qatar is present at the Qatar Motor Show with a unique motorcycle custom made for Qatar. The Custom Qatar Fatboy Hpriced at QR159,000, is designed and custom- ised completely at the Qatar showroom. The iconic brand represented by Nasser Bin Khaled Holding, the dealer of Harley-Davidson in Qatar, unveiled a Custom Qatar Softail, created via modifications to a standard deluxe bike. The bike boasts a custom paint job with the Qatari flag, and images of the City Centre on the tank. The Custom Qatar Softail is the centerpiece of the Harley stand at the Motor Show, which will also display three other models. “We are proud to represent Harley Davidson at the Qatar Motor Show. Harley Davidson is a brand of global repute, and fits right in with other premium automobiles at the event. Qatar has a very active Harley Davidson community, and we look forward to showcasing our renowned motorcycles to loyal riders and potential new members of the Harley community at the event,” said Chairman and CEO of Nasser Bin Khaled Holding Sheikh Nawaf Nasser bin Khaled Al Thani. NBK Holdings has recently relocated from Al Wakra to a new swanky showroom on Salwa Road. The new show- room features the latest collection of Harleys along with some of the brand’s most exclusive motorcycles. Harley riders can also revel in a complete range of merchandise from fashion items to maintenance kits and accessories. “Harley-Davidson’s presence at the Doha Motor Show is an excellent start to a year that also marks the 110th anniversary of the iconic brand. From Milwaukee through to the Middle East and all the way to Rome, Harley afi- cionados will be commemorating decades of classic motor- cycles and good times this year.” Sheikh Nawaf Nasser Bin Khaled Al Thani Qatar is one of the fastest growing markets for Harley- and Robert Andrew Kelly with other com- Davidson. In December, the Qatar dealership was awarded pany officials in front of the Fatboy. the Strategic Market Growth Award for 2012 at the Tak-Dear awards in Dubai, outpacing all other dealers in MENA, Africa, Europe and Russia. “It was an honour to represent the Qatar Dealership in Dubai, and pick up a coveted prize testifying how strong our growth in Qatar is. Qatar is one of the most active Harley Davidson communities in the world, and new members are joining in everyday, as evidenced by rapidly rising sales of these iconic bikes,” said Robert Andrew Kelly, Harley-Davidson Doha Dealer Principal. THE PENINSULA

Kawasaki Qatar unveils 2013 line awasaki Qatar is showcasing its 2013 line- up at the Qatar International Motor Show Kincluding the world- renowned ZX14R, ZX10R, Z1000, W800 and ZX636R. The motorcycle giant is also featuring the 2013 KX450R Moto Cross and the KX85 short and long wheel base versions. The new and existing motorbike models of Kawasaki will all be serviced at the company’s newly relocated showroom and workshop in Al Wakra. Company officials announced that new brands of accessories are now in stock such as Akrapovic, Rizoma, Dainese, AGV, Nolan, X-Lite, Icon and Thor. Kawasaki Qatar officials said they can ensure fast delivery of accessories from Slovenia by air freight at the most competitive of prices. Kawasaki Qatar’s X-lite range of helmets will be on showcase including the 802R Race replicas, the Lorenzo Black Mamba, the Carlos Checa, the Casey Stoner and the Melandri. Race visors will also be in stock. Kawasaki Qatar is currently supporting Mark Shultz competing at the QMMF International road racing championship and racing on a Kawasaki ZX10R 2010 model. Shultz will participate at the next race which is scheduled to take place on March 23 at the Losail International Circuit. They are also showcasing the smallest Kawasaki in the range, the KSR110. This little bike is one of the most popular mini motorcycles in Thailand and has a wide range of accessories. This show bike comes with an Akrapovic custom-made exhaust. The new 2013 models with electric start will be brought to Doha straight from Thailand at the retail price of QR13,999 inclusive of tax and registration. THE PENINSULA VIII TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013

Brabus 800 Widestar makes world debut at Qatar Motor Show

ith the Brabus 800 engine conver- sion — 588 kW / 800 hp and 1,420 Nm instead of the standard-spec 450 kW / 612 hp — Brabus offers owners of the new Mercedes G 65 AMG a Wfascinating performance upgrade. The only car of a kind in the world was unveiled yesterday at the Qatar Motor Show for the first time. This QR1.9m beauty got a sprint time of just 4.2 sec- onds to 100 km/h, an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h and the optional Brabus Widestar wide-body version complete with 23-inch Brabus forged wheels available in various versions set the tuned off-roader far apart from the rest. The electrically adjustable Brabus Ride Control suspension offers a perfect sym- biosis of excellent ride comfort and safe, agile handling. Sheikh Nawaf Nasser bin Khaled Al Thani, chair- man and CEO of Nasser Bin Khaled said: “The Brabus 800 Widestar is a true super star of the motor show this year. It is a fantastic vehicle featuring some of the world’s most advance automotive technologies. We’re extremely proud that NBK Automobiles has the privi- lege to showcase this superb machine for the very first time across the globe right here in Doha. This is a strong testament to our commitment to our brands and our mission to bring to market the best and the most unique models.” Sheikh Nawaf Nasser bin Khaled Al Thani “From its aesthetics, to the interior, to its super and Bodo Buschmann unveiling the new biturbo engine to its cutting-edge technology amongst Brabus 800 Widestar. a myriad of other stunning features, the WIDESTAR is an unbeatable sports car which will exceed the high- est expectations, even dreams, of its lucky owner,” said Bodo Buschmann, chairman of Brabus. Khaled Shaaban, General Manager of NBK Automobiles said: “There are not enough words to describe the outstanding craftsmanship behind the Brabus 800 Widestar. It is truly an awe-inspiring vehi- cle and undoubtedly the leader in the super sports cars segment anywhere in the world. We’re honoured to have the opportunity to host its world debut in Qatar.” The Brabus 800 engine conversion unleashes the power reserves inherent in the 6.0-litre V12 Biturbo engine. To this end the Brabus engine specialists devel- oped a high-tech Biturbo system. Four water-to-air intercoolers arranged under the Brabus carbon-fiber hood scoop ensure lower charge-air temperatures. This benefits power yield and durability even under extreme conditions such as in the desert. The V12 can purr discreetly in “coming home” mode or shout out its exhilarating power in the sport posi- tion. The sport exhaust adds some visual excitement with its two dual tailpipes – with regular or black chrome finish – exiting on both sides in front of the rear wheels. It goes without saying that Brabus goes beyond sim- ply tuning the engine of the G 65 AMG. The designers lend the classic G-Class body updated for 2013 an even more striking and dynamic profile with the Widestar wide-body version. The front of the off-roader is characterized, among other things, by the powerfully sculpted fender flares. The Brabus front spoiler fea- tures integrated LED daytime running lights on the left- and right-hand side. But that’s not all: The Brabus logos integrated into both sides of the aerodynamics component are activated by pulling on a door handle or by operating the keyless-entry remote. The new look for the front is further defined by the front grille with integrated Brabus logo and an additional panel below the radiator grille. The integrated air vents and the Brabus attachment components on the doors add further striking highlights when viewed from the side. State-of-the-art manufacturing technology ensures that the wheels of this super sport vehicle represent an ideal combination of lightweight design and maxi- mum strength. There are three Brabus “Platinum Edition” 11Jx23 wheels to choose from: In addition to the popular Monoblock E evo and Monoblock F “Platinum Edition” designs, there is now also the Brabus Monoblock R “Platinum Edition” forged wheel. It is fitted with high-performance tires in size 305/35 R 23 from Brabus technology partners Continental, Pirelli or Yokohama. Another Brabus high-tech feature is the Ride Control suspension developed in cooperation with technology partner Bilstein. An aluminum button sporting the Brabus logo on the center console lets the driver manually choose between two setups for the two-way electrically adjustable shock absorbers. In comfort mode the off-roader provides exemplary ride comfort that even surpasses the production car. At higher speeds and for a spirited driving style the firmer sports setting offers more dynamic handling and even further increased safety reserves. Furthermore, the Brabus Ride Control suspension features automatic damper adjustment. If the vehicle sensors detect that certain parameters such as speed, lateral acceleration and steering angle might lead to a critical handling situation, the system autonomously switches to the firmer sports setting in the blink of an eye.. In return the CAN control unit also recognizes when the driver reverts to a more moderate driving style. In that event the system automatically switches back to the comfort position. The interior of the G 65 AMG can be custom- tailored to the owner’s personal preferences in the Brabus upholstery shop. The choice of colours for the especially softy and breathable Brabus Mastik leather and the fine Alcantara is virtually limitless. Just as boundless is the selection of upholstery designs and the variety of exclusive wood or carbon-fiber inlays. The BRABUS product range also includes stainless- steel scuff plates with backlit Brabus logo and further attractive accessories such as high-quality velour floor mats and Brabus aluminium pedals and door-lock pins. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Egypt erupts over emergency Anti-Mursi supporters clash with police; soldiers given powers to arrest civilians; opposition rejects talks offer

CAIRO: A man was shot dead yester- allies and their opponents to hold a day in a fifth day of violence that has national dialogue was spurned by the killed 50 Egyptians and prompted the main opposition National Salvation Islamist president to declare a state Front coalition. Those who accepted of emergency in an attempt to end a were mostly Mursi’s supporters or wave of unrest sweeping the biggest sympathisers. Arab nation. The Front rejected the offer as “cos- Emergency rule announced by metic and not substantive” and set con- President Mohammed Mursi on Sunday ditions for any future meeting that have covers the cities of Port Said, Ismailia not been met in the past, such as forming and Suez. The army has already been a government of national unity. They also deployed in two of those cities and min- demanded that Mursi declare himself isters agreed a measure to let soldiers responsible for the bloodshed. arrest civilians. “We will send a message to the A cabinet source told Reuters any Egyptian people and the president of trials would be in civilian courts, but the republic about what we think are the step is likely to anger protest- the essentials for dialogue. If he agrees ers who accuse Mursi of using high- to them, we are ready for dialogue,” oppo- handed tactics of the kind they fought sition politician Mohamed ElBaradei told against to oust his military predecessor a news conference. Hosni Mubarak. The opposition Front has distanced Egypt’s politics have become deeply itself from the latest flare-ups but said polarised since those heady days two Mursi should have acted far sooner to years ago, when protesters were making impose security measures that would the running in the Arab Spring revolu- have ended the violence. tions that sent shockwaves through the “Of course we feel the president is region and Islamists and liberals lined missing the real problem on the ground, up together. which is his own policies,” Front spokes- Although Islamists have won parlia- man Khaled Dawoud said after Mursi mentary and presidential elections, the made his declaration. disparate opposition has since united Other activists said Mursi’s measures against Mursi. Late last year he moved to try to impose control on the turbulent to expand his powers and pushed a con- streets could backfire. stitution with a perceived Islamist bias “Martial law, state of emergency and through a referendum. The moves were army arrests of civilians are not a solu- punctuated by street violence. tion to the crisis,” said Ahmed Maher of Mursi’s national dialogue meeting yes- the April 6 movement that helped galva- terday to help end the crisis was spurned nise the 2011 uprising. “All this will do is by his main opponents. further provoke the youth. The solution They say Mursi hijacked the revolu- has to be a political one that addresses tion, listens only to his Islamist allies the roots of the problem.” A protester fires a home-made gun at riot police during clashes along Qasr Al Nil bridge, which leads to Tahrir Square, in Cairo, yesterday. and broke a promise to be a president Rights activists said Mursi’s decla- for all Egyptians. Islamists say their ration was a backward step for Egypt, rivals want to overthrow by undemo- election by the Muslim Brotherhood, the anti-Mubarak uprising. A car was As part of emergency measures, a daily which was under emergency law for cratic means Egypt’s first freely elected Mursi has lurched through a series of torched on a nearby bridge. curfew will be imposed on the three canal Mubarak’s entire 30-year rule. His police leader. political crises and violent demonstra- A 46-year-old bystander was killed by a cities from 9pm (1900 GMT) to 6am used the sweeping arrest provisions to Thousands of anti-Mursi protesters tions, complicating his task of shoring gunshot early yesterday, a security source (0400 GMT). Residents have said they muzzle dissent and round up opponents, were out on the streets again in Cairo and up the economy and of preparing for a said. It was not clear who fired. will defy it. including members of the Brotherhood elsewhere yesterday, the second anniver- parliamentary election to cement the new “We want to bring down the regime The president announced the meas- and even Mursi himself. sary of one of the bloodiest days in the democracy in a few months. and end the state that is run by the ures on television on Sunday: “The pro- Heba Morayef of Human Rights Watch revolution which erupted on January 25, Instability in Egypt has raised con- Muslim Brotherhood,” said Ibrahim tection of the nation is the responsibility in Cairo said the police, still hated by 2011 and ended Mubarak’s iron rule 18 cerns in Western capitals, where offi- Eissa, a 26-year-old cook, protecting his of everyone. We will confront any threat many Egyptians for their heavy-handed days later. cials worry about the direction of a key face from teargas wafting towards him. to its security with force and firmness tactics under Mubarak, would once again “The people want to bring down the regional player that has a peace deal The political unrest has been exacer- within the remit of the law,” Mursi said, have the right to arrest people “purely regime,” they chanted in Alexandria. with Israel. bated by street violence linked to death angering many of his opponents when he because they look suspicious”, undermin- “Leave means go, and don’t say no!” they In Cairo yesterday, police fired vol- penalties imposed on soccer supporters wagged his finger at the camera. ing efforts to create a more efficient and shouted. leys of teargas at stone-throwing pro- convicted of involvement in stadium riot- He offered condolences to families of respected police force. Propelled to the presidency in a June testers near Tahrir Square, cauldron of ing in Port Said a year ago. victims. But his invitation to Islamist REUTERS Suicide bomber kills eight Yemen troops Syria rebels seek hundreds SANA’A: A suicide bomber is an international priority. The official told Reuters earlier this killed at least eight Yemeni United States views Yemen as a month. soldiers yesterday after troops frontline in its struggle against A government official said backed by tanks attacked an Al Qaeda. the army began its offensive in of millions of dollars in aid Al Qaeda stronghold follow- A Finnish couple and an Al Qaeda’s Al-Manaseh strong- ing the collapse of talks to free Austrian man, who were studying hold in Al-Bayda early yester- three Western hostages, local Arabic in Yemen, were snatched day after the militants rejected PARIS: The Syrian opposi- officials and residents said. last month by tribesmen in the demands to release the hostages. tion appealed yesterday for Tackling lawlessness in the capital Sana’a. They were later Residents said they saw doz- hundreds of millions of dollars impoverished Arabian Peninsula sold to Al Qaeda-linked members, ens of tanks and armoured vehi- to step up the revolt against state, which flanks the world’s and transferred to the southern cles moving at dawn towards Bashar Al Assad, as the presi- biggest oil exporter Saudi Arabia, Al Bayda province, a Yemeni Al Manaseh. REUTERS dent asserted his forces had made “significant gains” in the conflict. At an international meeting in New identity Paris, the main opposition Syrian National Coalition (SNC) said it Three killed, needs $500m in funding to set up an alternative government. six wounded “With a state and a society col- lapsing, it is the Islamist groups in Iraq attacks that could gain ground if we do not do what we have to do,” France’s BAGHDAD: Attacks in Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius Iraq killed three people and warned the meeting. wounded six others yesterday, “This conference has to send as the country grapples with a clear signal, (that) it has one more than a month of anti-gov- concrete objective: give the Syrian ernment rallies and a political National Coalition (SNC) the crisis, officials said. means to act.” In separate incidents in But the credibility of the oppo- Syrian refugees search for their belongings at a burnt out tent at the Al Baghdad, gunmen killed a sol- sition alliance has been dam- Zaatari Syrian refugee camp in the Jordanian city of Mafraq, near the border dier and the bodyguard of a Shia aged by mounting evidence that with Syria, yesterday. The fire, caused by candles, did not result in any member of parliament, security extremist Islamists are playing casualty. and medical officials said. One a central role in the campaign soldier was also wounded in the against Assad. But some hardline groups have airport road, said Assad. violence. George Sabra, head of the SNC, declined to join the coalition, “If the Turkish border was North of the capital, a neigh- the main body in the opposition saying their goal is the creation closed to tackle the smuggling bourhood chief was killed in a coalition, said Assad’s opponents of an Islamic state to replace of arms and militants, this mat- bomb attack in the disputed city were desperately in need of cash Assad’s regime. ter would be resolved in only two of Kirkuk, while another blast and arms. Assad himself said his troops weeks.” wounded three people in Baladruz “We need a minimum of 500 have gained the upper hand Assad said that “armed groups in restive Diyala province, also million dollars to be able to estab- against rebels in the 22-month financed from abroad have been north of Baghdad. lish a government,” he said. “And conflict and could win in “two dealt severe blows of late.” A rocket attack in the predom- we need weapons, weapons and weeks” should Turkey stop its “The United States has inantly Sunni town of Fallujah, more weapons.” support for insurgents, a Lebanese included the Al-Nusra Front on west of the capital, left two sol- Arab and Western “Friends newspaper reported. its list of terrorist organisations, diers wounded. of Syria” agreed in December “The army has a very large lead and this move will be followed No group claimed responsibility to provide a total of $145m of on the ground and has achieved by the full liquidation of this for the attacks, but Sunni insur- support for the opposition, two- significant gains,” Al Akhbar Al-Qaeda branch.” gents often launch such assaults thirds of it from Saudi Arabia, quoted Assad as telling “visitors” On Saturday Al-Nusra Front in an attempt to destabilise the but the money has yet to be at his palace in Damascus. claimed responsibility for a government and push Iraq back delivered. The rebels’ “playground is lim- January 21 suicide bombing in into the sectarian bloodshed that The SNC was created in ited to some border areas with central Hama against headquar- blighted it between 2006-2008. November with its various Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon, ters of pro-regime militiamen Violence in Iraq is down from components saying they would and some pockets in the coun- that reportedly killed 42 people, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad (centre) unveils the first post- its peak, but attacks remain fight under a unified military tryside of the capital, which are including civilians. age stamp bearing the name of the State of Palestine, yesterday. common. AFP command. being dealt with,” particularly the AFP TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL Push for US immigration reform gains momentum The plan will provide a path to citizenship for 11 million illegal immigrants

WASHINGTON: A bipartisan by eight senators, including members of congress. Forum advocacy group. influential conservatives, includ- way to bring in unskilled labor group of US senators has agreed Republicans Marco Rubio of The path to citizenship would Democrats have considered ing former vice presidential while providing them with work- on an immigration reform plan Florida, John McCain and Jeff also be contingent on a new future citizenship for undocu- nominee Paul Ryan and TV com- ers rights. that would provide a path to cit- Flake of Arizona and Lindsey enforcement measure to track mented immigrants a “bottom mentator Bill O’Reilly. The immigration issue was izenship for the 11 million ille- Graham of South Carolina, and the status of immigrants who may line” for a bill, as Schumer said Last year, Rubio had a hard largely pushed aside during gal immigrants in the United Democrats Charles Schumer have overstayed visas, the docu- Sunday at a news conference. time getting conservatives on Obama’s first term as he tack- States but only after borders of New York, Dick Durbin of ment said. Republicans, in turn, have board for allowing “dreamers” led healthcare and the economy. are better secured. Illinois, Michael Bennet of The proposal resembles previ- tended to stress border security. to stay here — children of ille- But the president, who had over- The plan, unveiled a day before Colorado and Robert Menendez ous immigration bills — includ- While the framework released gals, many of whom have spent whelming support from Hispanic President Barack Obama is to of New Jersey. ing a 2007 measure that died in yesterday includes something for most of their lives in the United voters in his 2012 re-election, give a policy speech on immigra- The White House praised Congress in part because of disa- all these groups, translating the States, are in the country through cited it as part of his agenda when tion in Nevada, tackles the most the group’s efforts but warned greement over the timing and four-page outline into legislation no fault of their own and attend sworn in for a second term last explosive issue — how to deal with that Obama would not be satis- balance of border-enforcement with a chance of passing is likely US schools. Rubio is a Cuban- week. the millions of foreigners living in fied until there was meaningful measures versus granting citi- to prove challenging, notwith- American who is often mentioned Immigration has been among the United States illegally. reform. The president “will con- zenship to the millions of undocu- standing the bi-partisan makeup as a presidential contender. He is the toughest issues confronting Under the group’s proposal, tinue to urge Congress to act until mented immigrants. of the group and support that a favorite of the Tea Party con- Congress over the past two dec- undocumented immigrants would that is achieved,” a White House But advocates noted that this came early Yesterday from US servative movement. ades, in part because so many be allowed to register with the spokesman said. time, the climate was ripe for Senate Majority Leader Harry In addition to the path to citi- powerful interest groups have a government, pay a fine, and then Under the plan, no one would immigration reform. Reid. zenship, the Senators’ proposal stake in it, from business organi- be given probationary legal status be given more permanent legal “Conservatives, law enforcers outlines three other legislative zations in need of skilled labor to allowing them to work. status until new measures were and businesses are calling for CONSERVATIVES SUPPORT goals: retaining and attracting the trade union movement, which Ultimately, they would have implemented to stem the flow immigration reform. You did Rubio’s involvement has helped highly qualified workers; creat- worries that a flow of immigrant to “go to the end of the line” of immigrants across US bor- not see that in 2007,” said Ali give the plan credibility among ing a system to prevent identity labor unprotected by US work- and apply for permanent sta- ders, a critical concession to Noorani, the executive director some Republicans. His propos- theft and the hiring of unauthor- place laws could depress wages. tus, according to the document conservatives and border state with the National Immigration als have attracted support from ized workers: and establishing a REUTERS

Orange alert In letter from Putin replaces sickbed, Chavez calls for unity leader of volatile SANTIAGO: Hugo Chavez, Venezuela’s cancer-stricken president, made his presence felt at a regional summit yester- Caucasus region day with a flowery letter from his sickbed in Cuba that was laced MOSCOW: Russia yester- Magomedov was unable to stop. with literary references and calls day replaced the leader of He fared especially poorly com- for Latin American unity. Chavez Dagestan, a volatile region in pared with fellow Caucasus lead- has not been seen in public since the Northern Caucasus where ers Ramzan Kazyrov, who rules cancer surgery in Cuba in mid- federal forces are struggling next-door Chechnya with an iron December, missing his own inau- to contain a growing Islamist fist, and Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, a guration for a new six-year term insurgency fuelled by corrup- former paratrooper who security this month and fueling uncer- tion and poverty. analysts said managed to bring a tainty over the illness jeopardiz- President Vladimir Putin degree of stability to conflict-torn ing his 14-year rule. relieved Dagestani leader Ingushetia. Vice President Nicolas Maduro, Magomedsalam Magomedov of his Chechnya was the scene of two a former bus driver who Chavez post and appointed ruling party separatist wars over the past has named as his preferred suc- lawmaker Ramazan Abdulatipov two decades but violence in the Huge waves crashing against a barrier in Lekeitio, Basque Country, northern Spain, yesterday. Authorities have cessor, read the 15-minute long, acting head of the region on the region has moved to Dagestan declared the orange alert due to the coastal winds. typed letter to heads of state shores of the Caspian Sea, the in recent years. The overwhelm- gathered in Chile. “I’m sorry Kremlin said in a statement. ingly Muslim republic, which is I can’t attend this meeting in The Kremlin said Magomedov, famously home to dozens of eth- Santiago de Chile, but as you all 48, had left the post of “his own nic groups and languages, experi- know, since December I’ve been volition”, but experts say he was ences almost daily shootings and History, culture, humour battling once again for my health,” forced out of the job he had held bombings that officials blame on read the letter, which was sprin- since 2010. Islamists with links to Chechnya. kled with quotes from well-known Observers say Magomedov, the Driven by endemic poverty and Latin American writers including son of former Dagestani chief aided by rampant corruption, the on new UK citizenship test Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Magomedali Magomedov, had militants are seeking to establish been seen as a weak leader who an independent Islamic state LONDON: What does it explanation of aspects of cultural —King Henry VIII “was most was unable to bring about order across the Northern Caucasus. mean to be British Monarchs, life, including the national love famous for breaking away from Bulgaria sacks in the region. In 2011, a gunman shot Margaret Thatcher and Monty of gardening, the novels of Jane the Church of Rome and marry- Grigory Shvedov, editor of the dead leading local journalist Python are all important parts Austen and the musicals of Andrew ing six times.” education minister Kavkaz Uzel (Caucasian Knot) Khadzhimurad Kamalov, who of the nation’s heritage, accord- Lloyd Webber. Immigration —No monarch has set foot SOFIA: Bulgarian Prime online news site, said violence founded a newspaper known for ing to a new guide for immi- Minister Mark Harper said the in the House of Commons since Minister Boiko Borisov sacked and corruption went unchecked fearless criticism of the local grants introduced yesterday. book “focuses on values and prin- 1642, when Charles I tried unsuc- his education minister yester- during Magomedov’s reign. authorities. The government is revising ciples at the heart of being British.” cessfully to arrest five lawmakers. day after more than a thousand “The amount of bribes has dra- Last August, the region was the “Life in the UK” handbook But Don Flynn, director of the After a civil war, he was beheaded. scientists complained that the matically increased over the past shocked by the murder of one of and test taken by those seeking Migrants’ Rights Network, likened —Britain’s first coffee house was state research fund was fund- years,” Shvedov said. its most revered religious teach- to become British citizens or set- it to a private school entry exam, the Hindoostane Coffee House in ing worthless projects and hir- That sentiment was echoed by ers, Said Afandi. Some experts tle here permanently. While the “which requires complete identifi- London, opened by Bengal-born ing unqualified people. Gadzhimurad Omarov, head of the say Russia risks gradually losing previous version — created under cation with elite views of British Sake Dean Mahomet in 1810. The dismissal highlighted regional branch for leftist politi- control of Dagestan. the former Labour government — history and culture.” —The greatest Briton of all Bulgaria’s problems rooting out cal party A Just Russia, who said Yulia Latynina, an opposition included some practical questions The handbook asks migrants time, according to a 2002 public corruption and cronyism, still a resentment against Magomedov political observer who writes about daily life, the emphasis is to learn a potted history of Britain vote, was Churchill, the prime major concern five years after it ran deep in the region of nearly extensively on the Caucasus, said now firmly on British history and from the Stone Age to the present minister who led the country to was admitted to the European three million. that Salafism, an ultra-conserv- culture. There are questions on day. Among its facts: victory in World War II. Union and more than 20 years “Dagestan is mired in chaos and ative interpretation of Islam, is sports, music and historical fig- —Britain has been an island nation —Two well-known pop music after the fall of communism. anarchy,” Omarov said. “Rank- no longer a marginal movement ures from William Shakespeare for some 10,000 years, since the last groups” of the 1960s were The and-file, simple Dagestanis have under Magomedov. to Winston Churchill. ice age ended and left a watery Beatles and The Rolling Stones. been waiting for it,” he said, refer- “Even a few years ago some- The Conservative-led govern- English Channel between England —British inventions of the 150,000 displaced in ring to Magomedov’s departure. thing could have been done. Right ment says the new handbook and the European mainland. 20th century include television, Over the past few years the now, in my opinion, nothing can also features “an exploration of — Despite its name, the radar, the cash-dispensing bank Mozambique floods region has seen a spate of vio- be done about it.” Britons’ unique sense of humor Hundred Years War against machine and the World Wide MAPUTO: Intense flooding in lent crimes that critics say AFP and satire,” alongside an France lasted 116 years. Web. AP Mozambique has displaced at least 150,000 people, the United Nations said yesterday, with the figure expected to rise further as fresh rains spread flooding northward. Heavy rains and overflowing rivers have already Brazil buries inferno victims as club owner held killed at least 40 people in the southeastern African country, SANTA MARIA, BRAZIL: Brazilian police that its safety licence had expired in August. which is experiencing its worst arrested yesterday the owner of the nightclub But the club insisted in a statement that every- floods in more than a decade. where 231 party-goers perished in a blaze and two thing had been in order. In comments to the media, musicians who starred in an ill-fated pyrotechnic a band member also ruled out responsibility. show. Authorities announced the arrests as Brazil As friends and family members bid farewell to Nigeria to tackle worst began three days of mourning following Sunday’s their loved ones, officials revised the death toll from tragedy, which forced the cancellation of an event 233 to 231 and said at least 100 others remained ever lead poisoning to mark the run up to the country’s hosting of the hospitalized, 80 of them in serious condition. ABUJA: Nigeria will release football World Cup. As dawn broke, collective wakes for 24 of the dead funds this week to tackle the In addition to the arrests, a warrant was issued were held at the town’s sports center, followed by world’s worst lead poisoning for another owner of the Kiss club, police official the first funerals in Santa Maria — a college town outbreak which has killed at Michele Vimmermann said, as distraught relatives — and the surrounding district, home to many of least 400 children, a senator said laid wreaths outside the venue in the southern city the city’s students. yesterday, ending months of offi- of Santa Maria. Vimmermann said those in custody As a somber silence hung over the gym, the family cial inaction in which 1,500 more were nightclub co-owner Elissandro Sphor and two of Luis Dias Oliveira draped a flag over his coffin, children were put at risk. In May members of the Gurizada Fandangueira band. The their eyes swollen and red from crying. last year the government pledged fire broke out at around 2am (0400 GMT) when the In one of dozens of urns lined up next to each 850m naira ($5.4m) to help clean club was hosting a university party. other, were the ashes of Joao Carlos Barellos da Silva up the lead and treat the thou- Described as the country’s second deadliest, the who ran a website covering the parties in the club. sands poisoned by contamina- inferno allegedly erupted during the group’s per- His lifeless body was found in a bathroom. tion from an artisan gold mine formance, with some survivors saying its lead singer “He was a wonderful son. I have never felt such in the Bagega area of northern lit a firework that could have triggered the inferno. pain,” said his mother, Gelsa Ina Barcelos. Zamfara, but medical charity Relatives of the brothers Pedro and Marcelo Salla, victims of the ‘Kiss’ Allegations also surfaced that the club lacked the Like Da Silva, about 180 people perished in the Doctor’s Without Borders (MSF) nightclub fire, attend to their funeral in Santa Maria, 86km from Porto Alegre, necessary emergency exits, that at least one fire extin- bathrooms, suffocating amid the chaos, said military said the money never material- Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, yesterday. guisher did not work and, according to firefighters, police captain Edi Paulo Garcia. AFP ised. AGENCIES TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 ASIA / PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Rajapaksa adds Sri Lanka faces new US rights resolution five ministers COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s presi- dent expanded his cabinet to 67 Colombo failed to deliver on promises to probe troops for war crimes, say US diplomats members yesterday by adding five new ministers while key COLOMBO: The US will bring that resolution in 2012 believe that new resolution against the Indian The US delegation, which brother of President Mahinda figures involved in the recent a fresh resolution to the UN the government of Sri Lanka needs Ocean island. also included Deputy Assistant Rajapaksa, was also miffed that impeachment of the coun- Human Rights Council in a bid to fulfil its commitments made to He said the government’s Secretary of State for Human the US recently refused train- try’s chief justice were handed to force Sri Lanka to deliver on its own people,” Moore said. impeachment of the coun- Rights and Labour Jane ing for a Sri Lankan army gen- promotions. promises to probe its troops for He added that the fresh resolu- try’s chief justice Shirani Zimmerman, said the US recog- eral and said Colombo may rely A government statement did war crimes, top US diplomats tion to be moved in March was a Bandaranayake, despite two court nised that reconciliation was hard on China, India and Pakistan for not say why President Mahinda announced yesterday after reflection of “US commitment” to rulings that the process was ille- after decades of ethnic strife, but higher military training. Rajapaksa carried out the talks with Colombo. the people of Sri Lanka. The island gal and against the constitution, that more progress had to be made. There was no immediate reac- expansion, but two ministers “The US has decided to sponsor emerged from nearly 37 years of also contributed to the US deci- Sri Lanka has been accused of tion from the Sri Lankan govern- involved in impeaching Shirani a procedural resolution (against ethnic bloodshed in May 2009 after sion for a fresh resolution. killing up to 40,000 civilians in the ment to the US announcement Bandaranayake received high- Sri Lanka) at the March 2013 security forces crushed Tamil rebels. “It is safe to say that the final months of fighting separatist of a fresh resolution at the UN profile portfolios. sessions of the UNHRC,” Deputy The US has been highly criti- impeachment of the Chief Justice Tamil rebels, who were known for rights council. Technology Minister Pavithra Assistant Secretary of State cal of Sri Lanka’s human rights also contributed to the decision to their trade mark suicide bomb- Rajapaksa announced last week Wanniarachchi, the first to James Moore said. record and has refused to train ensure that the record (against ings. Colombo has denied any that he wanted to tell the US del- make allegations against The US recognised Sri Lanka several of its senior military offic- Sri Lanka) stays fresh in Geneva,” civilians were killed by its troops. egation, which arrived Saturday, Bandaranayake, was given had made “some progress” since ers, saying they were linked to Singh told reporters in Colombo. The three-member US delega- that the country was “wrong”. the electricity ministry while the previous US-led censure of credible allegations of war crimes The US has asked Sri Lanka tion met with Sri Lanka’s Defence “I want to tell them that they Environment Minister Anura Sri Lanka at the March 2012 and crimes against humanity. to reconsider the sacking of Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa are wrong... every time they (US Yapa who headed the impeach- UNHRC sessions in Geneva, but Another top US diplomat, Bandaranayake following an inter- who last week insisted that troops diplomats and officials) meet me, ment process was elevated to the Washington believed more needed Deputy Assistant Secretary of national outcry over the impeach- did not kill civilians and said they say they want to strengthen petroleum ministry. to be done, Moore said. Defence Vikram Singh, said the ment earlier this month, in what Washington was acting on “wrong the cooperation with our mili- The president inducted a new “The US and the other 23 mem- US wanted to keep Sri Lanka’s activists have said was an assault on information”. tary,” he told reporters last week. minister for investment promo- bers of the UNHRC who voted for case fresh at Geneva by moving a the independence of the judiciary. Rajapaksa, the youngest AFP tion, which was previously han- dled by the president’s brother Basil. Bo trial not until 50 injured as activists March: Report BEIJING: Disgraced Chinese politician Bo Xilai will not take to Dhaka streets stand trial until March at the earliest, state media said yes- DHAKA: At least 50 peo- A Bangladeshi war crimes tri- terday, as dozens of journalists ple including policemen were bunal began work in mid-2011 to descended on a court rumoured injured in Bangladesh yesterday investigate some of the violence dur- to be hearing his case this week. as Islamist activists protested ing the nine-month war when up to Speculation mounted last against the prosecution of their three million people were killed and Friday that details of the big- leaders on charges stemming from thousands of women were raped. gest scandal to hit the ruling a war of independence 40 years Last week, the tribunal reached Communist Party in decades ago, police and witnesses said. its first verdict, sentencing a would be heard yesterday at a Protesters set off crude explo- former member of the Jamaat-e- court in the southwestern city of sives and threw bricks at police who Islami party and a popular Islamic Guiyang, after a report in a Hong tried to disperse them with tear- preacher, Abul Kalam Azad, to Kong newspaper. gas, batons and some shots in the death in absentia. But the state-run Global Times air, witnesses said. “The Islamists Azad has been missing since newspaper, citing “a source close vandalised dozens of vehicles and April last year but the govern- to the country’s top judicial body”, set fire to two buses in Motijheel ment says it is trying to find him. said the trial would not take place commercial area and other places Azad was charged with collab- until after China’s annual legisla- in the city,” a police officer said. orating with Pakistani forces in tive meeting in March. Islamist party spokesman were the murder of Hindus, a minority “The information in terms not available for comment. in the majority-Muslim state. In India’s Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde (left) with Bangladesh’s Minister for Home Affairs Mohiuddin Khan of the date and location for the Police detained about 20 activ- one case, he was accused of killing Alamgir at the signing ceremony in Dhaka, yesterday. trial will certainly be made public ists, reporters on the scene said, at least 12 Hindus while shoot- in advance,” the source told the and the disturbances disrupted ing indiscriminately along with state-run newspaper, adding that traffic on city-centre roads. Pakistani soldiers. Bangladesh, India sign extradition, visa deals the trial “might be very compli- Similar protests broke out in the Jamaat has been accused of cated and last up to 10 days”. northern town of Rajshahi and in helping the Pakistani army in acts DHAKA: Bangladesh and India at Bangladesh’s Home Affairs inimical to both countries,” he said. The “complexity” meant the Chittagong in the southeast. of violence, which it denies. yesterday signed an extradition Ministry said. It could also help The travel agreement will allow trial would not be heard until Bangladesh became part of Another 11 people, nine of them treaty and struck a deal to relax India bring back fugitive separa- business visas to be valid for up to after the sessions of China’s Pakistan at the end of British Jamaat leaders, are facing trial. business visa restrictions between tists who have fled to Bangladesh five years instead of the current rubber-stamp parliament, the rule in 1947 but it broke away Over the last few months the neighbouring countries. including Ulfa leader Anup Chetia. one year. “Such an arrangement National People’s Congress, from Pakistan in 1971 after a war Jamaat activists and members of The extradition treaty could “We are particularly grateful as will help boost the trade and busi- and advisory body, the Chinese between Bangladeshi nationalists, its student wing have launched pave the way for Bangladesh to the treaty will deal with Indian insur- ness of Bangladesh with India,” People’s Political Consultative who were backed by India, and violent protests in Dhaka and put on trial several crime bosses gent groups,” Indian Home Minister said Mahbubur Rahman, presi- Conference, the source added. Pakistani forces. other cities, demanding an end who crossed the border into India Sushil Kumar Shinde said at a dent of the International Chamber The annual meetings are sched- Some factions in Bangladesh to the trials. but are still running their gangs joint press conference. “Both sides of Commerce of Bangladesh. uled to take place in early March. opposed the break with Pakistan. REUTERS by telephone, a senior official committed to act against elements REUTERS AGENCIES Filipino activist faces jail for Documentary indicts justice offending church MANILA: A social activ- system in the Philippines ist in the Catholic Philippines said yesterday he faced up to MANILA: A gripping documentary about a the Supreme Court, instead raised their life sen- 13 months in jail after being wealthy, young man sentenced to death for the tences to death by lethal injection. found guilty of “offending reli- rape and murder of two sisters has catalysed Throughout the ordeal, Larranaga maintained gious beliefs” for speaking out a movement to expose wrongful convictions in his innocence and the documentary — filmed over in favour of birth control. the Philippines. seven years — shows a young man maintaining a Carlos Celdran, who is also The award-winning Give Up Tomorrow follows sense of dignity while growing up in some of the one of the country’s most popu- Francisco Juan Larranaga as he is transformed nation’s most infamous prisons. lar tour guides, was arrested in from a carefree, culinary art student into one of The film is named after the phrase Larranaga 2010 after entering the historic the nation’s most vilified and hated people whose repeats to himself, “give up tomorrow”, when- Manila Cathedral during a mass adult life is lost behind bars. ever he comes close to despair. The Larranaga and shouting out his support for The documentary presents a compelling case family filed a complaint with the UN Human efforts to introduce a birth con- that corrupt authorities framed Larranaga, then Rights Commission, which in 2006 ruled that he trol law. aged 19, and six other young men for the 1997 had been denied due process and cited multiple He released a copy of a Manila rape and murder of the two sisters in the central incidents of major flaws in the case against him. court’s verdict, delivered last Philippine city of Cebu. It called for the government to commute his month but only made public yes- “This was a systematic failure of the justice death sentence and grant him early release on terday, in which he was sentenced system, and of society,” the producer of the parole. Fair Trials International and the Spanish to between two and 13 months for film, Marty Syjuco, who is related by marriage government also pressured the Philippine gov- offending religious beliefs. to Larranaga, said following a screening of the ernment on behalf of Larranaga. Celdran said he would appeal movie in the Philippines recently. After nine years in jail, Larranaga’s first against the court’s decision, “He didn’t stand a chance from day one. There apparent piece of luck occurred later in 2006 describing the authorities’ use was no presumption of innocence. From the time when the Philippines abolished the death penalty. of the little-known and rarely he was arrested and paraded for the media he Larranaga was then extradited to Spain in used law as a threat to freedom was already judged guilty by the public.” 2009. But, according to the documentary, author- of speech. The killings of Jacqueline and Marijoy Chiong, ities there would only reduce his sentence and “I am calm but I am going to aged 23 and 21, in the central Philippine city of release him on parole if he admitted his guilt. fight this till the end,” Celdran said Cebu triggered public outrage across the Catholic The documentary ends with Larranaga saying in a statement posted on social nation. With enormous political pressure for he would not admit to something he had never media alongside a copy of the authorities to quickly resolve the case, police done, even if it meant he had to spend the rest court’s decision. Celdran remains accused Larranaga of being the ring-leader of a of his life in jail. free on bail, pending his appeal. gang that abducted, raped and killed the Chiongs. While the documentary does not seek to solve International rights monitor However dozens of witnesses said Larranaga the case of who murdered the sisters, it shows Human Rights Watch said it was was in Manila, the nation’s capital, 550km away, that when they went missing their father was alarmed by the use of an “archaic” at the time of the abductions and murders. He about to testify in a case against an alleged drug law to prosecute Celdran. always maintained he had never before met his lord for whom he worked. “This is a setback for free co-accused. The father decided not to testify against the speech in the Philippines, which The documentary shows how the nation’s alleged drug lord, who the documentary showed prides itself on being a democ- media accepted the police account as fact and as having close relationships with local police. racy,” Human Rights Watch Asia incited hatred against Larranaga, a member of a The film has won more than a dozen awards researcher Carlos Conde said in rich Filipino-Spanish family who had earlier been at film festivals around the world, after debuting a statement. placed on a police watchlist for minor crimes. at New York’s famous Tribeca in 2011. The proposed law that Celdran After months of emotionally charged hearings Hitting Philippines screens last year, it has spoke out in favour of during his that the UN Human Rights Commission would become a must-see cautionary tale on the nation’s protest was eventually approved later describe as an “unfair” trial, the judge pre- justice system, with more than 100 law schools by parliament last year and came siding over the case found the seven guilty. around the country having signed up to screen into effect on January 17. Larranaga and the others appealed the con- it for their students. AFP viction. But the country’s highest judicial body, AFP TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN Kabul team Scandal hearing arrives in Islamabad Talks aim to bolster cooperation

ISLAMABAD: A high-level ties, Pakistan and Afghanistan delegation of Afghanistan, led appeared to have reached the by Defence Minister General conclusion that the only way for- Bismillah Khan Mohammadi, ward was to build partnership, arrived here yesterday on a five- he said. day visit. The official said that besides The team will hold meetings a recent meeting between the with the military and political directors general of military leadership. operations of the two countries, The delegation was welcomed senior military and other law- by Inspector General of Training enforcement agencies deployed and Development Lt Gen Raheel on both sides of the border were Sharif. in regular contact. The Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau, Fasih Bokhari, leaves the Supreme Court in Islamabad after a hearing on the death of an official Military sources believe the “In the near past, the head of visit will help the two countries Afghan border police was taken investigating a corruption scandal involving the prime minister, yesterday. build bridges for a trustworthy on a Pakistani helicopter to have and sustained relationship in the an aerial view of our side of the military and political areas. border which helped improve bet- Islamabad to receive “With the Americans set to ter coordination between the two Coal mine accident kills eight in Loralai leave Afghanistan by the end of countries,” he said. aircraft for maritime next year, and the Indians, despite The two countries have been QUETTA: A gas explosion The province is rich in gas, oil working more than 600 metres their best efforts, having failed to accusing each other of lacking killed eight Pakistani coal mine and mineral deposits. underground. surveillance from US create a space within the war- vigilance against Taliban move- workers in the country’s remote “The blast was caused by meth- Pakistani mines are notorious torn country for themselves, such ment across the border. southwest yesterday, an official ane gas. Eight workers died on for poor safety standards and ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is a high-level meeting bodes well The military official said there said. the spot while two were taken to ventilation. expected to receive maritime for the two neighbouring coun- was a lot of optimism about The accident happened in hospital after being rescued,” said At least 43 workers were killed surveillance P-3C Orion air- tries,” said a military official. the visit that would further Loralai district, nearly 600km Mohammad Iftikhar, provincial in March 2011 when explosions craft from the US this year in After a lot of back and strengthen bilateral ties in com- southwest of Islamabad in the chief inspector of mines. triggered a collapse in a coal mine an indication of strengthening forth movement to have good, ing days. insurgency-torn province of He said that the accident hap- in Balochistan. defence cooperation between friendly and mutually beneficial INTERNEWS Balochistan. pened when 200 miners were AFP the two countries. The Ambassador to the US, Sherry Rehman, who has been meeting top American officials as part of efforts to restore the full range of bilateral ties, said civil and defence cooperation Balochistan’s parties to join general elections between the two sides was gain- ing momentum. At a meeting with visiting Vice ISLAMABAD: Prominent should not boycott the 2013 polls Elaborating upon the fragile alliance with several political claimed that they might become Chief of the Naval Staff Vice political parties in Pakistan’s like as they did in 2008. security situation of the prov- parties in Balochistan,” Senator a prime target. Admiral Muhammad Shafique, southwestern restive province “Elections are the only solution ince, Senate Deputy Chairman Mushahidullah Khan said. The Baloch Students the ambassador discussed matters of Balochistan have decided to to restore peace in the province,” Sabit Baloch said that hostility in Independent voices described Organisation-Awami, Baloch related to cooperation between contest the upcoming general Bugti said. Balochistan, especially in the sen- the upcoming polls as a battle People’s Liberation Front and the Pakistani and American elections, unlike the 2008 boy- Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami sitive areas such as Dera Bugti, is between voters and insurgents. BSO-Azad which is divided into navies. cott, which they call ‘a political Party’s (PkMAP) Abdul Rahim a cause of concern for the ECP. “The 2013 elections would be an BSO Mohiuddin and BSO Baijar, Rehman expressed satisfaction mistake’. Mandokhail stressed the need for “It is a litmus test for the ECP epic battle between violent groups are running this campaign in the over senior-level exchanges, such “It’s our joint strategy to go for holding elections in Balochistan. to hold elections in the province,” and Baloch political parties,” province. as the visit of Shafique. the 2013 general elections at all “We’re waiting for a fresh Akhtar Mengal said. predicted independent Senator Balochistan Republican party She said that such interactions costs,” the chief of the Balochistan announcement on the elections. Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid Humayyun Mandokhail. (Brahamdagh) and Balochistan were important to push forward National Party-Mengal group, Governor’s rule is not acceptable leader Mir Jan Jamali said that “It has become inevitable for all Liberation Army (Harbyar) are Pakistan-US defence ties. Akhtar Mengal, said. to our party,” he said. his party still enjoyed maximum political forces to play a part and rumoured to be against the gen- She said that the Pakistan However, he stressed imple- National Party Senator Mir support in the province. He felt, show responsibility for bringing eral elections. When contacted, Navy’s key role in securing sea- mentation of his six-point char- Hasil Bizenjo said his party is con- however, that feudalism domi- peace through elections in the however, Harbyar Marri, just lanes in North Arabian Sea as ter for a long-term solution to the sidering forging an alliance with nated over real politics, where troubled province,” he added. said, “I will announce my agenda part of an anti-piracy interna- problems the province is facing. PkMAP and BNP-Mengal in the important personalities, not the The Baloch National Front, later.” tional coalition had been widely Local parties should resume province. electorate, take the final decision an alliance of eight nationalist Baloch People’s Liberation Front appreciated in the US. political activities in Balochistan Balochistan has had more than in the polls. organisations, has warned dem- formed by Sher Mohammad Marri As a result of some hectic diplo- without any interference by the its fair share of troubles. While Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz ocratic Baloch parties against is campaigning to boycott the macy, Washington and Islamabad intelligence agencies, he added. participation of parties this appears to be a major stakeholder participating. elections in the province, while have come out of a difficult phase Moreover, former senator and time around can be seen as good in the province as it is inching Several Baloch leaders said the Popular Front for Armed in ties since early 2011, following a leader of the Jamhoori Watan news, the road ahead is rocky towards a grand alliance with that certain ‘violent groups’ had Resistance has fought against the series of high-level meetings and Party (JWP), Shahid Bugti, said for one stakeholder: the Election major parties. threatened them. deployment of the army. trust-building measures. that Baloch political parties Commission of Pakistan (ECP). “We are heading towards an Leaders of the NP and PkMAP INTERNEWS INTERNEWS Corn sorting Journalists demand more protection from authorities

KARACHI: Terming Pakistan and 28 journalists had been killed He said Mexico, where 57 the most dangerous place in the there in 12 years. journalists had been killed in the world for journalists, speak- He said that 23 were killed in past 10 years, had taken a lead ers at a media workshop in the Sindh in the same period. and set up a special prosecutor’s southern port city of Karachi He lamented that only in the office to deal with cases relating said yesterday that 65 journal- case of American journalist Daniel to journalists. ists had been killed in the coun- Pearl proper investigations were But in Pakistan, he said, in try over the past five years. conducted and criminals arrested, many cases even FIRs were not Speaking on the first day of the prosecuted and convicted. registered. two-day consultative workshop on The only other example in Advocate Aftab Alam suggested ‘Combating impunity: Defending which some progress was made that laws specifically dealing with Pakistani media and journalist was the Syed Saleem Shahzad violence against journalists should against attacks’ organised by a murder case in which a commis- be enacted and hearings held non-governmental organisation, sion was formed and it submit- regularly. the Intermedia Pakistan, they ted its recommendations, Jamal He also suggested that a net- said that on an average one jour- added. work of the legal fraternity be Men sort corn at a market in Rawalpindi, yesterday. As many people buy corn in bulk, it is cooked overnight nalist was killed in every 28 days. He said that an environment of established so that journalists, if in heated salt and sand before being sold as a popular street food dish. They called for a legal frame- impunity had emboldened crimi- attacked, could get legal assistance. work and mechanism to effec- nals who were sure that they Representatives of the journal- tively counter the impunity could get away with the killing of ist community were of the view enjoyed by culprits and criminals journalists. that in most cases employing Haqqani skips court, cites security concern and deal with them sternly and He said that similar situations organisations, which had high quickly according to the law. in many countries had forced the stakes, as well as the state rarely ISLAMABAD: Expressing in a letter to the interior secre- that have supported and protected They said that the Reporters United Nations to adopt a resolu- supported them when they were lack of confidence in the coun- tary through Pakistan’s embassy in these terrorist elements over the without Borders, an international tion, calling upon member states attacked and they had been left try’s security apparatus despite Washington, in response to a letter years.” organisation, had ranked Pakistan to put in place mechanism so defenceless, making them more having the government of his that promised adequate security The court is hearing petitions as the most dangerous country in that journalists could work freely, vulnerable. own party, former Pakistani arrangements for him following filed by lawyers and politicians, the world for the past two years because each killed or neutralised They criticised the role of the ambassador to the US and main directive from the court. including PML-N chief Nawaz — 2011 and 2012. by terror was one less observer state and said that all witnesses accused in the famous memo Haqqani asked the secretary Sharif. They said the number of jour- of human conditions and every in the case of murdered journalist case, Husain Haqqani, has once to inform the bench headed by It pertains to a controversial nalists killed in the country over attack distorted the reality by Wali Babar had been killed and no again refused to appear before Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad memo sent to former US mili- the past 12 years totalled 94. enforcing self-censorship. action had been taken. the Supreme Court, citing secu- Chaudhry about his concerns tary chief Admiral Mike Mullen, Lawyer Asad Jamal said that He said the UN had also called Karachi Union of Journalists rity reasons. regarding threats to his life “from seeking US intervention to avert over 60 journalists had been shot for prevention mechanisms and President G M Jamali said that “I will not and cannot trust my several sources, including Jihadi a possible overthrow of the gov- at a close range. action to address some of the root laws were there and the real safety in the hands of state machin- groups whom I have criticised ernment by the military some two He said Balochistan had topped causes of violence against jour- issue was how to make the state ery that routinely fails to protect and opposed publicly and ele- years back. the list as the most dangerous nalists and impunity enjoyed by enforce them. Pakistani citizens,” Haqqani said ments within the state apparatus INTERNEWS place for journalists in Pakistan, culprits. INTERNEWS TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Teenager to be tried as minor in rape case Victim’s kin upset with ruling

NEW DELHI: An Indian teen- may not be identified, as having ager accused of taking part in been born on June 4, 1995. It said the December 16 gang rape and a bone density test to determine murder of a 23-year-old student his age was not necessary. in New Delhi will be tried as Police, who suspect that a juvenile, facing a maximum he is older than 17, said they of three years in prison if con- could appeal the board’s ruling, victed, a special panel ruled although there was no immediate yesterday. plan to do so. The ruling shocked the victim’s “This is wrong. We need father, who watched the news the bone test to determine the flash across his television screen. accused’s real age, certificates can “A sudden current ran through be forged,” the victim’s younger my body in disbelief. I can’t brother told Reuters by telephone. believe this,” the father told The teenager attended yester- Reuters. “How can they declare day’s hearing but journalists wait- him a minor? Do they not see ing outside the building did not what they did?” catch a glimpse of him. He will The teenager has not yet been now stand trial before the juvenile formally charged because police board and if convicted will be sent were hoping he would be declared to a juvenile detention centre. an adult so they could include Across town, lawyers for his him in the main trial of his five five fellow accused presented co-accused. arguments for the first time yes- He does not have a lawyer and terday in a pre-trial hearing that his account of what happened on will determine what charges the December 16 is not known. five men will face when the case Lawyers for the five accused eventually goes to trial. men said they would plead not Outside the wood-panelled Activists of the Telangana Joint Action Committee (T-JAC) clash with police during a protest for a separate state of Telangana, in Hyderabad, yesterday. guilty and one has accused police courtroom, dozens of policemen of torturing him, his lawyer said. armed with bamboo canes or The panel’s decision on the “lathis” jostled with reporters youth is likely to infuriate many waiting to get a glimpse of the people, including protesters, some five accused. The men, wearing Telangana agitation hots up yet again police and political leaders, who grey woollen caps and scarves have called for the age at which to hide their faces, were hand- HYDERABAD: Resignations in Hyderabad, Warangal and arrested. For the second consecu- Sabha speaker and to party presi- people can be tried as adults to be held by policemen as they were and protests for a separate other parts of the region. Rallies tive day, the Osmania University dent Sonia Gandhi. lowered to 16 from 18. led inside. Telangana state returned to were taken out and meetings here remained tense with police “We will meet tomorrow A government committee In India, all rape cases are held haunt Andhra Pradesh yes- were held to condemn the state- not allowing students to take out (Tuesday) to send the resigna- examining changes to sexual in closed court to protect the terday, a day after the central ment of Union Home Minister a rally. tion letters and will chalk out crime laws, however, last week identity of the victim. This rule government, ignoring its own Sushilkumar Shinde and Congress Protests were also held on the our future course of action. This ruled out such a move. is being enforced in the New Delhi one-month deadline, indefi- leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is campuses of other universities will be our last meeting,” said Police allege that the 17-year- gang rape case even though the nitely postponed a decision on in charge of the state. and unidentified people damaged K Rajagopal Reddy, one of the old and five men gang-raped and victim’s family has already said the vexatious issue. Some activists staged a dem- the statue of Indira Gandhi in MPs. The state ministers from severely beat the student on a they are not opposed to her being Seven of the 12 Congress MPs onstration with dogs, seeking to Hanamkonda town in Warangal Telangana, however, refused to moving bus in the capital before identified. from the Telangana region met compare the central government’s district. succumb to the pressure to quit. dumping her and a male friend on The judge hearing the case, here and decided to quit both attitude towards Telangana with Telangana students’ Joint K Jana Reddy, a senior minis- the road. The woman was so badly Yogesh Khanna, has taken the parliament and the party while the dog’s barking. Action Committee called for a ter, told reporters that they were injured that she died of massive additional steps of cautioning state ministers also said they In Hyderabad, police arrested shutdown today, while proponents still hopeful of a positive decision organ failure in a Singapore hos- lawyers not to talk about the were ready for any sacrifice for revolutionary balladeer Gadar, of a united Andhra Pradesh inten- by the central government. pital two weeks later. proceedings outside of court and the cause of a separate state. who was leading a rally to sified their stir in the Andhra and Chandrasekhara Rao vowed to The case has sparked national warned the media not to repeat Protesters in Hyderabad Telangana Martyrs’ Memorial at Rayalaseema regions. continue and intensify the agita- debate about rampant crime any information they glean from and nine other districts of Gun Park near the state assem- The state may again be heading tion for a separate state. against women, and President sources. Telangana vented their ire at the bly. Dozens of students march- for a December 2009-like situa- Making the concluding speech Pranab Mukherjee made an unu- The prosecutor had complained Congress, accusing it of betray- ing towards Gun Park were also tion when MPs and state legis- at the two-day protest here, he sual call in a television state-of- that defence lawyers were vio- ing people even as Telangana detained. lators in Seemandhra resigned announced that ‘chalo assembly’ the nation address on Friday for lating an earlier court order by Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief Telangana Rashtriya Lok Dal enmasse after the central gov- (march to assembly) would be the country to “reset its moral briefing reporters. The scarcity K Chandrasekhara Rao vowed to activists were taken into custody ernment allegedly backtracked on organised during the budget ses- compass”. of information about a case that intensify the agitation with a call when they tried to lay seige to the formation of Telangana state. sion of the house. A juvenile board, comprising a shocked the world stands in stark to lay siege to the assembly during the assembly. Protesters trying Soon after their meeting, the Rao hit hard at the Congress magistrate and two child welfare contrast to the intense media cov- the budget session. to march towards Raj Bhavan Congress MPs declared that they for betraying the people of activists, said it accepted school erage that preceded the start of Scores of pro-Telangana pro- and also those attempting to lay would today send their resigna- Telangana repeatedly. records showing the juvenile, who the court proceedings. IANS testers were arrested by police siege to MLA Quarters were also tion letters, addressed to the Lok IANS

Launched under water Schools can’t be BSF trooper given free hand Discourse, revelry for admissions mark literary fest arrested NEW DELHI: The Delhi High for groping Court yesterday said the city JAIPUR: The spirit of democ- corruption in Dalit ranks and government cannot “dilute” the racy won hands down at the media misquote of Minister of KOLKATA: A Border Security right to education law by allow- Jaipur Literature Festival 2013 State for HRD Shashi Tharoor’s Force (BSF) trooper was ing unaided private schools to that logged nearly 200,000 foot- address followed by a public apol- arrested last night for allegedly formulate their own criteria for falls up from 120,000 in 2012. ogy gave the gala grist to live up molesting a woman journal- nursery admissions. More people cutting through its reputation as a platform of free ist near the busy Shyambazar A division bench of Chief social divides mingled in a spirit but often prickly expression that crossing here, police said. Justice D Murugesan and Justice of egalitarian camaraderie in the organisers strive to uphold. “We have received a complaint V K Jain said: “You are giv- their response to the intellectual It was almost a carryover of the that a woman was molested near ing preference to one child over rapid-fire as custodians of knowl- controversy stoked by the cancel- Shyambazar. One person has been another, which is against the edge from the elite hubs world- lation of writer Salman Rushdie’s arrested,” Deputy Commissioner Act, by allowing them (schools) wide reached out to connect to participation at the festival after of Police (North) Gaurav Sharma to formulate their own admission the “aam admi” in the Pink City. Muslim hardliners raised the ban- told IANS, adding the alleged criteria.” The sounds of revelry gave ner of revolt against his Satanic culprit was BSF trooper Manish The court was hearing a peti- away to silence at sundown on Verses. Rajinder. tion filed by NGO Social Jurist the bustling lawns of the Diggi The Muslim and Dalit groups The victim, attached to a news against the two notifications Palace in the heart of the city yes- invited Rushdie and Nandy for channel, said the incident hap- of the Union Human Resource terday when the curtains came debates on religion and corruption pened when she was entering a Development Ministry and Delhi down on the five-day Festival with respectively in open forums on the restaurant with a companion. government’s Directorate of an animated debate, ‘The House last day of the festival. “This festi- “I saw some uniformed men Education, empowering unaided Proposes that Capitalism Has val has showcased as much possi- leaving the restaurant. I later private schools to formulate own Lost Its Way’. The enthusiastic ble Dalit literature in the last six learnt they were BSF jawans. The nursery admission criteria. House rooted for a progressive years. We brought 35 Dalit poets first jawan made some obscene The bench also made it clear brand of inclusive capitalism — in one of the editions,” festival co- comments while passing me and that its decision on the plea would paving the way for yet another director William Dalrymple told also tried to grope me. Initially, also be applicable on nursery year of pure fun. the media. The Delhi gang-rape I was shocked. But after he left, admission for academic session The din raised over the last occupied forestage as the retinue I chased him and caught hold 2013-14. four days by 290 intellectuals on of more than 40 women writers, of him close to a nearby police “We will have to test the noti- a wide spread to explore the new culture protagonists and per- kiosk. fications, and how far such pow- waves in home grown and inter- formers raked up the slide in the “Hearing the commotion, the ers can be extended to schools (by national literature, Buddhism in country’s law and order, justice public also came and caught him. the governments under the Act). literature, core semantics, art, delivery system and gender injus- The police personnel from the If you give liberty to the schools social issues and feminism fanned tice. They were joined by a hand- kiosk then took him in their cus- then the whole purpose of the act its share of duels. ful of men of international repute tody,” she said. would be lost,” the bench added. A spat between Bollywood — who expressed solidarity with Later, the woman lodged a The PIL by the NGO through lyricist and MP Javed Akhtar the gender insecurity inherent on complaint at the Shyampukur advocate Ashok Agarwal alleged A K-15 B05 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) surfaces and noted Dalit writer Kancha the Indian socio-cultural canvas. police station. that these two notifications had from the Bay of Bengal moments after its launch from a submerged Ilaiah over religion, outrage “Women’s lives are dispensable,” Witnesses said the trooper was given a free hand to all unaided pontoon off the Visakhapatnam coast on Sunday. over leading social commenta- novelist Shobhaa De said. drunk. recognised private schools. IANS tor Ashis Nandy’s remarks about IANS IANS TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Yeddyurappa changes tack on Shettar govt Former Karnataka CM won’t bring down government

BANGALORE/NEW DELHI: 12 of their colleagues support- card that Yeddyurappa did several Former Karnataka BJP leader ing Yedyurappa for anti-party times when he was chief minister B S Yeddyurappa yesterday activities. in 2008-11 and faced rebellion — changed his tune on toppling Gopalakrishna told reporters marshal the support of religious the Jagadish Shettar ministry, that he and Nagaraju had submit- leaders. amid speculation that some BJP ted documentary evidence to the On Sunday, around 60 pon- lawmakers were now hesitant speaker “on the anti-party activi- tiffs belonging to various castes, to quit the assembly and party ties of the 12 MLAs in the last two including the powerful Lingayat after having announced last to three months and sought their community, met Shettar in week they would do so. disqualification”. Bangalore and “blessed” him to “Our intention is not to top- The 12 are among the 13 legis- present the budget and complete ple the (Shettar) government lators who last Wednesday went the full term which ends in May. nor oppose budget presentation to Bopaiah to submit their resig- Both Shettar and Yeddyurappa (by Shettar),” the former chief nation from the assembly. belong to the Lingayat caste minister told reporters here, five But since Bopaiah was not which accounts for 17 percent of days after 13 ruling party assem- present, they met Governor the state’s 65 million population. bly members supporting him said H R Bhardwaj and complained to Shettar is also playing the they would quit the assembly. him that the speaker was absent region-card against Yeddyurappa. Yeddyurappa said that if he in spite of being informed on Shettar is the first chief min- wanted to oppose budget presen- Tuesday about their intention ister from north Karnataka tation, “I would have got 20 MLAs to submit their resignations the region in the last 20 years. North (members of legislative assembly) next day. They also gave copies Karnataka is backward compared to resign. I don’t have such plans”. of the resignation letters to the to south Karnataka. Passengers board a bus belonging to the Jammu and Kashmir state government for Pakistan-administered This statement goes against his governor. “People of north Karnataka will Kashmir, at the Chakan-da-Bagh outpost near Poonch, some 250km from Jammu, the winter capital of Jammu stand all these days that he would Among the 13 are C M Udasi not forgive those who bring down and Kashmir, yesterday. not allow Shettar to present the and Shobha Karandlaje who on a government headed by a leader budget for the year 2013-14 on Wednesday quit the Shettar from the region and preventing February 8 on the ground that the ministry. Udasi was handling him from presenting the budget,” Travel resumes across Line of Control chief minister has lost majority. public works department and Shettar had warned last week in The BJP has 118 members Karandlaje held energy portfolio. his hometown Hubli, about 40km including the speaker in the Udasi told reporters yesterday from Bangalore. JAMMU: Travel across the as to when fresh passengers will Trade, which will resume today, 225-member assembly in which in Bangalore that Bopaiah had The 10-day budget session of the Line of Control (LoC) that start coming from either of the takes place every week from two seats are vacant. given an appointment for today the legislature is to begin here divides Jammu and Kashmir two sides of the LoC,” an official Tuesday to Friday. Goods worth The backtracking by and the 13 legislators would sub- on February 4. between India and Pakistan told IANS on phone from Poonch. Rs20m are traded every day with Yeddyurappa, who quit BJP and mit the resignation letters to him. For the Shettar ministry to be resumed yesterday after being “We are clearing the backlog about 25 trucks crossing over. the assembly on November 30 However, there is speculation reduced to minority, more than suspended due to tension fol- first,” the official said. Trade was halted on January to lead the Karnataka Janata that two or three of them were 20 BJP legislators would have to lowing the January 8 killing The cross-LoC travel takes 10 when Indian officials said Party (KJP), came as Shettar now hesitant to do so and are said quit the assembly. of two Indian soldiers. Trade place every Monday. There were Pakistan did not open gates for met newly-elected BJP president to have told the state BJP leader- The effective strength of the will resume today, an official 109 people from across the LoC in the trucks at Chakan-da-Bagh. Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. ship that they were “under pres- 225-member house is 223 as two said here. Poonch and Rajouri districts when India-Pakistan relations took After the meeting, both told sure” to quit. seats are vacant. BJP has 118 More than 150 people, stranded trouble broke out on January 8. a hit after New Delhi accused reporters that there “is no crisis” Apart from the reported members, including the speaker. on either side, were cleared. This travel to unite divided fami- Pakistani troops of brutally kill- for the ruling party in Karnataka. reluctance of some of the legis- It has the support of one of the While 85 people, who had come lies was one of the confidence ing two Indian soldiers along the Hours before Yeddyurappa sang lators backing him to go ahead seven Independent members here to meet relatives and over- building measures (CBMs) that LoC on January 8 and beheading the new tune, two BJP assembly with resignations, several other who is a cabinet minister. The stayed due to the tension along began in 2005 from Salamabad to one of them. members Belur Gopalakrishna factors seem to be influencing Congress has 71 members and the LoC, returned home, 68 Chakoti in Kashmir Valley and Pakistan accused Indian troops and M V Nagaraju petitioned Yeddyurappa to change his tune. the Janata Dal-Secular 26. One Indians crossed over to this side. Chakan-da-Bagh to Rawalakot in of killing two Pakistani soldiers on Speaker K G Bopaiah to disqualify Shettar is playing the same is a nominated member. IANS “As of now, there is no indication Poonch district of Jammu region. two separate days. IANS

Manual scavenging Party workers want Modi to be despicable: Speaker prime minister,

NEW DELHI: Terming man- proper employment after impart- says Sinha ual scavenging as “despica- ing them some vocational train- ble”, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira ing,” said Ramesh. NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Kumar yesterday called on soci- According to the bill, the dis- Janata Party (BJP) leader ety to cleanse its mindset to get trict magistrate has to ensure Yashwant Sinha yester- rid of such practices. that no person within his jurisdic- day endorsed Gujarat Chief “The caste system and untouch- tion is engaged as a manual scav- Minister Narendra Modi as the ability in the country has given enger or constructs an insanitary prime ministerial candidate rise to such practices. Unless the latrine and manual scavengers are from the party. society cleanses its mind of all the rehabilitated. “Wherever I go, common peo- ills, no amount of effort can rid us It makes it mandatory for ple and party workers say they of such practices,” she said. municipalities, cantonment want Narendra Modi to be the Inaugurating a two-day seminar boards and railway authorities prime ministerial candidate from organised by Sulabh International to construct adequate number the BJP and the party will ben- Social Service Organisation, the of sanitary community latrines efit from it,” Sinha told reporters speaker said: “Parliament should within three years of the act com- here. also rise to the occasion to meet ing into force. “After considering all aspects, I the expectations of the nation and If anyone employs a manual too feel that if BJP declares him the house should be allowed to scavenger or constructs an insani- as the prime minister candidate function to conduct its business.” tary latrine, he shall be penalised it will make a huge difference to Early passage of the bill prohib- with imprisonment up to one year the party,” he said, adding that iting employment of manual scav- or a fine of up to Rs50,000 or both. this was his personal view. engers and their rehabilitation is Sulabh founder Bindeshwar The BJP has so far maintained necessary, stressed union Rural Pathak pitched for including sani- silence on the issue. Development Minister Jairam tation in the study of sociology. Asked if ally Janata Dal-United Ramesh. “The inclusion of this subject (JD-U) would agree to the choice “I urge parliament to support as one of the disciplines will not of Modi as the candidate for the Prohibition of Employment only enlarge the scope of sociology the top post, Sinha said he was as Manual Scavengers and their but will also be helpful in solving reflecting the mood of the people Rehabilitation Bill. If we resolve, the problems of society in rela- and partners should accept it. we can pass this bill in two to tion to sanitation, social depriva- “I am reflecting the mood of three months. tion, water, public health, hygiene, the country, and the mood of the “Unless these liberated scaven- poverty, gender equality, welfare BJP. JD-U is a different party. gers are given alternative jobs, the of the children and empowering My personal view is that if BJP purpose of the exercise would be knowledge for sustainable devel- leadership were to project a prime defeated. They have to be given opment,” he said. IANS ministerial candidate, other part- ners should accept and should not make an issue about it,” Sinha Big cat tamed said. “I refuse to accept the theory that some people in BJP are secu- lar and some are communal... that is a flawed argument I refuse to accept.” IANS Young woman found murdered in Delhi NEW DELHI: A 21-year-old married woman was found murdered with her throat slit in her parent’s house here, police said yesterday. Sarita was found dead in east Delhi’s West Vinod Nagar yester- A captured leopard at the Sukna Wildlife Rescue Centre in Mahanada day when her mother and sister- Wildlife Sanctuary, on the outskirts of Siliguri, yesterday. Three people in-law returned to their house were mauled by the cat after it strayed into the city, before being caught around 5.30pm. by forest officials. IANS

TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Australian News in Numbers CONSTRUCTION SECTOR radio dumps Latest Developments Fajr (Dawn) 4:59 British royal Shorook (Sunrise) 6:18 Zuhr (Noon) 11:47 hoax show Asr (Afternoon) 2:54 SYDNEY: An Australian radio Maghrib (Sunset) 5:17 show at the centre of a hoax call Isha (Night) 6:47 controversy involving Britain’s Prince William and his preg- nant wife Catherine has been The construction sector activity in Qatar during the year 2012 witnessed taken off air permanently, the a delay of contracts awarded due to the delays in execution as well as WEATHER network said yesterday. Two DJs were sidelined by the delay in preparing and studying new project bids. This can be attributed to the shift in Government’s focus towards World Cup related projects Today Wednesday Thursday Weather Austereo network after making Conditions: the prank call to the London Mostly sunny Mostly sunny Mostly sunny hospital treating the duchess Yearly breakup of our base case scenario ($bn) Partly cloudy of Cambridge, which resulted to cloudy in details of her recovery from High: 26° High: 23° High: 23° and dusty at morning sickness being revealed Low: 17° Low: 16° Low: 16° times. on air. The Indian-born nurse who transferred the call to Kate Middleton’s ward, Jacintha Saldanha, was found dead three DOHA - SUN & SEA days later, triggering a massive backlash against Austereo and SUN TIDE SEA hosts Mel Greig and Michael SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND Christian. The pair received death threats 06:18 17:17 06:30/18: 15 13:30/23:45 5-15 0/22 KT over the call, in which they posed as Queen Elizabeth II and THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW William’s father Prince Charles. HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER They were taken off air and their show Hot 30 was suspended. MUSCAT 28/19 Partly sunny 28/20 Mostly sunny Austereo confirmed that it was MAKKAH 28/18 Rain 31/18 Mostly sunny launching a new programme KUWAIT 22/13 Rain 19/13 Partly sunny called The Bump later yesterday BAHRAIN 27/17 Partly sunny 24/14 Mostly sunny to take its place permanently. Announced projects in construction sector SANAA 27/08 Mostly sunny 25/09 Mostly sunny But an Austereo spokeswoman said: “Mel and MC are still RIYADH 22/13 Mostly sunny 29/13 Partly sunny employed and on leave.” DUBAI 30/20 Cloudy 28/17 Mostly sunny Austereo Chief Executive BAGHDAD 16/08 Rain 18/09 Partly sunny Rhys Holleran said the network remained in contact with the two THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW hosts. HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER “We look forward to Mel and MC returning to work when ATHENS 12/05 Chance of rain 15/07 Mostly sunny the time is right, in roles that make full use of their talents,” WASHINGTON 17/09 Mostly sunny 20/07 Thunderstorms he said. SYDNEY 24/19 Chance of rain 26/20 Mostly sunny “We will discuss future roles LONDON 14/12 Rain 14/06 Chance of rain with them when they are ready.” PARIS 15/13 Chance of rain 16/09 Chance of rain Austereo suspended prank ISTANBUL 06/02 Mostly sunny 06/03 Mostly sunny calls by its stations and pledged MANILA 29/23 Mostly sunny 27/24 Thunderstorms at least A$500,000 ($520,000) to DHAKA 26/15 Clear 27/14 Clear help Saldanha’s grieving family. DELHI 23/09 Mostly sunny 22/09 Partly sunny Greig and Christian also made a ISLAMABAD 23/09 Mostly sunny 21/09 Partly sunny tearful televised apology. Source : http://www.cbq.com.qa/ AFP Thanks to Psy, South Korea dreams of conquering music world Missing boy,

CANNES: Thanks to Psy’s most respected music data serv- handful of niche markets, indus- “Now music fans are actually succeeded where so many other 18, survives Gangnam Style smash hit, the ice, Billboard Korea, said. try experts noted. giving this music a chance whilst Korean artists failed was that he South Korean music industry’s “However, Korean labels are “The American market and before they thought it was just had a very open contract, so that long-held dream to make it big very realistic and Asia remains the European market repre- some ethnic music genre and as soon as his Gangnam Style sin- nine weeks in Europe and the US with its their bread and butter,” Jin sented just 0.5 percent of South didn’t pay much attention to it,” gle started taking off on YouTube, K-pop boy bands has taken a stressed, adding that Asia con- Korea’s total music exports,” Min Kim said. Psy was able to move to the US in the wild giant leap forward. tinues to be the region where the Kim, who heads up Kocca, a non- Psy’s success has also boosted and sign with (new manager) But Psy’s international success country’s labels are most success- profit organisation that promotes the confidence of other Korean Scooter Braun,” Jin said. SYDNEY: An Australian teen- looks unlikely to have a big knock- ful, with Japan alone accounting the country’s content industry artists and their management Other Korean artists are now ager who went missing from on effect in other Asian countries, for about 50 percent of Korea’s abroad, said. companies who didn’t think it clamouring to follow in Psy’s his home in Sydney more than experts said at the MIDEM music music exports. But all that changed when rap- could be financially viable to tour footsteps. two months ago was discov- industry gathering in Cannes. It’s only very recently that the per Psy unexpectedly shot to fame in Europe and the US, Jin added. South Korean girl band Girls ered emaciated, exhausted and To build on the momentum of South Korean music business and his quirky Gangnam Style Today, the industry believes Generation has signed with covered in leeches, but alive the “Psy” phenomenon and show- has started to eye up the US and video notched up a record one that with the right investments Interscope in the US, the label in bushland north of the city, case some of their other big stars, European markets, Jin said in an billion views on YouTube. and the right artists, they can behind Lady Gaga and the Black police said yesterday. South Korea’s music industry has interview. “Before Psy, Western people make a meaningful push into Eyed Peas, and is coming out with Matthew Allen’s family feared turned out in force to attend the The first K-pop concerts held associated Korea with IT, now these markets, he said. an English album in March. the worst after the 18-year-old annual four-day trade fair that outside of Asia were organised in with Gangnam Style they associ- Psy has also had an impact on But industry experts at the disappeared in late November opened its doors on Saturday. the States and Europe in 2011 and ate the country with music,” Kim how the music industry operates trade fair cautioned that the from Westleigh, near Cherrybrook “The Western markets have did much to increase the musical noted. in his own country. “Psy” phenomenon was unlikely in northwest Sydney and his always been a kind of romantic genre’s popularity. Psy’s success has convinced “Before, the artists’ manage- to be easily copied in other Asian mobile phone and bank accounts dream and an end goal for the In terms of sales, however, many Western music industry ment companies had a very tight music markets — or even at went untouched. South Korean record labels,” the slick boy and girl-band rou- insiders and fans take a closer control over their artists. home. Extensive searches of the area Clayton Jin, CEO of the country’s tines proved successful only in a look at K-pop, he added. “But the reason why Psy AFP by police failed to find a trace of Allen, who suffers from an undis- closed medical condition. But two hikers spotted the teen lying in bushland less than two kilometres from his home on Crisis fallout in focus Saturday, covered in leeches and insect bites and having lost almost half his body weight. He was partially blind, at Berlin film festival exhausted and suffering gangrene to his lower legs and feet after BERLIN: Next month’s 63rd out the panel. Festival Director an ordeal police said they were Berlin film festival will comb Dieter Kosslick told reporters as amazed he had survived. through the “collateral dam- he unveiled the full programme “He was completely exhausted, age” of the global economic that the Berlinale was continu- completely dehydrated, suffered crisis with Hollywood mov- ing its tradition, begun during the significant weight loss, some- ies and independent releases Cold War, of featuring politically where up to 50 percent. He was vying for prizes, organisers said charged cinema from big names suffering from partial blindness yesterday. and upstarts. and he had leeches all over him,” The February 7-17 Berlinale, “On the one hand we have said acting police inspector Glyn the first major European film fes- major Hollywood films, but we Baker. “He was not living under tival of the year, will showcase 24 have also brought in filmmakers any shelter and was exposed to pictures from 22 countries in the who are on their first or second the full conditions since reported main programme, with a total of picture,” he said. being missing,” he added. more than 400 movies screened “Thematically throughout the Allen was believed to have in its sprawling sidebar sections. programme you have a lot of Dieter Kosslik (fourth left) and all curators of the different sections of the Berlinale Film Festival at a press conference deliberately hidden himself from A jury led by Chinese director women at the heart of the sto- in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. view in the area which is heavily Wong Kar Wai will choose among ries... and the collateral damage frequented by hikers. 19 films in competition for the of the crisis on various societies.” winner Good Will Hunting in pharmaceuticals industry prey- hand-held digital camera on a He told rescuers he had sur- Golden and Silver Bear top prizes, Star-gazers can expect Matt Promised Land, about US fami- ing on stressed-out Americans. Roma village locked in grinding vived by drinking from a local to be awarded at a gala red-carpet Damon, Jude Law, Juliette lies facing the economic pinch Deneuve stars in the light- poverty. creek, which was almost dry when ceremony February 16. Binoche, Ethan Hawke, Julie who sell their land to companies hearted French road movie On My Kosslick said the sidebar he was found. Allen endured soar- Oscar-winning actor Tim Delpy, Nicolas Cage, Emma extracting natural gas through Wa y , about a down-on-her-luck sections would feature a num- ing temperatures in recent weeks Robbins, New York-based Iranian Stone, Geoffrey Rush, Catherine fracking. restaurant owner who sets out on ber of new productions from including a record-breaking 46 filmmaker Shirin Neshat, Greek Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, Steven Soderbergh, who has a transformative trip. European countries stricken by degree Celsius day in Sydney. producer Athina Rachel Tsangari, Christopher Lee and Zhang Ziyi, said he is heading into semi- Academy Award-winning the eurozone debt crisis, includ- Allen was airlifted to safety and Danish Academy Award-winner among others. retirement, reunites with Law Bosnian filmmaker Danis Tanovic ing Greece, Spain and Portugal, was undergoing treatment in hos- Susanne Bier, German director Damon teams up with US from Contagion and Catherine (No Man’s Land) returns with and would look at its corrosive pital for his injuries, which were Andreas Dresen and US cam- director Gus Van Sant for the Zeta-Jones from Traffic to An Episode in the Life of an Iron effects. described as not life-threatening. erawoman Ellen Kuras round first time since their 1997 Oscar present Side Effects, about the Picker, in which he turns a small AFP AFP Tuesday 29 January 2013 17 Rabial I 1434 Volume 17 Number 5594 Price: QR2

QC plans annual meet for SMEs

Business | 18

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Apicorp, Natixis Qatar to issue bonds: IMF official to syndicate Local currency bonds with three- and five-year maturities this year to build yield curve $200m loan for

DUBAI: Qatar plans to issue to drain excess money from the than dollar bonds. An IMF report June 2011, from a March peak of Economy and Finance should help Glencore, Samir local currency sovereign bonds banking system. this month found the riyal was 1.75 percent. Meanwhile, funds modernise policies and financing with three- and five-year matu- However, “the previous bonds “undervalued” in terms of its real parked at the QCB’s low-yielding strategies, the IMF said. DOHA: Arab Petroleum rities this year as part of efforts were one-off issuances, and there effective exchange rate against a deposit facility more than doubled Overall, Qatar’s current policy Investments Corporation to build a yield curve for its has been no secondary market range of other currencies; this in May-November 2012 from the mix looks appropriate with mon- (Apicorp), the multilateral debt market, an International trading. Now, they want to build is not likely to prompt Qatar to previous seven months. etary policy expected to remain development bank owned by the Monetary Fund (IMF) official the domestic bond yield curve, so change the peg — especially since The QCB has been draining a accommodative for some more 10 nations of the Organisation said yesterday. the new issuances will be tradable the IMF predicted the under- constant QR4bn in its monthly time, Prasad also said. of Arab Petroleum Exporting “They are going to issue three- instruments,” Prasad said. valuation would narrow over the T-bill auctions, but the IMF says The QCB cut its overnight Countries (Oapec), and Natixis, and five-year domestic govern- Central bank officials could not medium term — but the inherent the central bank must now start deposit rate by a total 75 basis the corporate, investment man- ment bonds in 2013. They did not be reached to comment. Prasad firmness of the riyal is positive for managing liquidity fluctuations points in April and August 2011 agement and financial services mention the timing of the issu- said the timing of this year’s investors. more finely through more flexible to the current 0.75 percent to arm of Paris-based Groupe ance but there will be more than bond issues was likely to revolve A big issue for Qatar’s wealthy open market operations. discourage banks from parking BPCE, have been appointed to one issuance and the objective is around maturities of previously domestic economy is how to pre- “We have recommended to the excess money at its accounts, sup- syndicate in GCC and the inter- to build a domestic sovereign yield issued debt, so that Qatar could vent big flows of money from QCB that... if there are liquidity port lending and bring the rate national bank market a two- curve,” A Prasad, the IMF’s mis- refinance the debt. destabilising the banking system. movements and fluctuations in closer to its US benchmark. The year $200m syndicated loan for sion chief for Qatar, said. Some 19 billion riyals worth of In addition to the bond issue in the short term, it would be useful riyal’s peg to the dollar means the Glencore Energy UK (Glencore). He said the government did not short-term government notes of 2011, the central bank launched to have a reverse repo instrument QCB needs to keep rates aligned Syndication was launched on disclose any specific amounts or up to one year are set to mature monthly auctions of 91-, 182- and to absorb liquidity; they see merit with US benchmarks to avoid January 21. other details of the bond sales to this year, according to Thomson 273-day Treasury bills in May in these suggestions,” Prasad said. excessive capital inflows. The loan will finance pre- the IMF, which concluded regular Reuters data. and August that year to soak up “They want to move into more Qatar’s infrastructure plans are payment for Glencore’s purchase consultations with Qatar earlier Qatari authorities did not men- excess funds. As a result, avail- open market operations, but it gigantic; the country of 1.8 mil- of oil products from Morocco- this month. tion any plans for issuing dollar- able liquidity dropped to a mere will take some time,” he said, lion people plans to spend $11bn based petroleum refinery The bond issues could be a big denominated sovereign debt QR5.8bn at the end of 2011 from adding that cooperation between on a new international airport, Societe Anonyme Marocaine de step in the efforts of the tiny, gas- in 2013, Prasad said. In recent QR73.2bn a year before, the QCB the central bank and the finance $5.5bn on a deepwater seaport, l’Industrie du Raffinage (Samir). rich state to attract investment to months, Qatar-related debt has said. ministry would be necessary. and $36bn on rail projects over The loan facility has been struc- its debt market, helping fund its denominated in dollars has drawn But liquidity began building The QCB told the IMF that its the next decade or so, partly in tured around a prepayment massive infrastructure building strong demand from international again last year with bank depos- ability to engage in open market preparation to host the 2022 agreement based upon a com- plans while increasing its attrac- investors; majority state-owned its soaring to a record QR448.9bn operations, which would help keep World Cup soccer tournament. mercial contract signed between tiveness as a regional financial Qatar Telecom saw heavy bids for in November, a 30.5 percent jump the interbank lending rate near The government plans to boost Glencore and Samir under which centre. a $1bn bond sale last week. from a year ago, latest QCB data the policy rate, was limited by a spending by around five percent Samir will export part of its Qatar has issued local currency This year’s sovereign riyal show. shallow interbank market and the to QR178.6bn in the fiscal year Naphtha and Jet Fuel production bonds before: in January 2011, bonds could attract similar Loose liquidity has pushed the lack of an active secondary T-bill that ends in March, including to Glencore. the central bank (QCB) issued a interest given the riyal’s peg to average three-month interbank market. spending on wages, services and Ahmad bin Hamad Al Nuaimi, QR50bn ($14bn), three-year bond the US dollar and the possibility lending rate down to 0.76 percent A newly established debt man- infrastructure. Apicorp’s CEO and GM said: directly to local banks as a step they would offer a higher return in November, the lowest since agement office at the Ministry of REUTERS “We are pleased to partner with Glencore and Samir to bring this exciting transaction to the GCC market. This is a landmark deal that required Glencore’s market- ing capabilities in addition to the Hungary looks to Qatar high quality of Samir’s refining operations. “It is also the result of our strong cooperation with Natixis, to meet energy needs widely recognised for its inter- national expertise in commodity DOHA: Hungary is eyeing and third biggest gas resource, we finance.” Qatar as its key partner to meet believe Qatar can be one of our Since its foundation in 1975, its strategic target to make it major partners to help meet our Apicorp has played a vital role energy secure. A top visiting target, Peter told yesterday. in fostering the development and official said yesterday the coun- “The proposed Croatian LNG growth of the Arab energy indus- try is looking for cooperation in terminal can play a key role in try through equity investments, various sectors of the emerging Hungary-Qatar partnership. We project loans, trade finance, advi- Qatar, including in agriculture understand negotiations were sory and research. and infrastructure. going on with Qatari partners Dominique Fraisse, Head of A high-level delegation, led by and Croatian partners,” he said. Global Energy and Commodities Peter Szijjarto, State Secretary of Szijjarto said electricity is of Natixis said: “Natixis is very the Hungarian Prime Minister’s another key area where Hungary pleased to put our 30 years’ worth Office, signed a memorandum of is keen to develop partnership with of experience in structured com- understanding (MoU) with Qatar Qatar. Hungarian companies have modity finance to work for the on energy cooperation in the event got world-class facilities in restor- common interest of Glencore of Croatia launches its interna- ing transmission lines. “We have and Samir, by coordinating this tional LNG terminal, where Qatar also agreed on signing an agree- tailor made and innovative trans- is likely to be one of the top play- ment on economic cooperation in action. We are also very satisfied ers delivering LNG there. Qatar’s business and trade sector with the close level of cooperation The Minister of Energy ahead of forming a joint committee we have achieved with Apicorp, and Industry and Chairman to boost the bilateral trade.” which has been a recipe for suc- and Managing Director On Hungary’s interests in part- cess for this landmark transac- of Qatar Petroleum nering with Qatar’s flagship rail H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada and Peter Szijjarto exchanging documents at the signing ceremony yesterday. tion in Morocco.” H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh project, he said: “Our rail and Natixis is one of the world’s Al Sada, and Szijjarto signed road construction companies in developing their career in the to Qatar. Peter said the value with H E Rashid bin Khalifa bin leading arrangers of commodity the MoU between the Ministry have major presence in the Mena rail and road sectors.” of Hungary-Qatar bilateral trade Mohamed Al Khalifa, Assistant finance with globally-recognised of Energy and Industry in Qatar region. The Europe’s first-ever Hungary can cooperate with value saw a quantum jump over Minister for Services Affairs; H arrangement and syndication and the Ministry of National underground railway has been Qatar in growing wheat and the last one year. The bilateral E Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz capacity. The bank’s energy and Development in Hungary. operating in Budapest. Budapest exporting high quality sheep and trade value stands $60m for the Al Thani, Minister of Business commodities business line pro- Making country energy secure technical university has world poultry. Qatar’s imports of sheep full year 2012 compared with and Trade, top officials of Qatar vides banking solutions to a wide is our prime target. We need to famous faculty capable of honing and poultry from Syria and Saudi $40m in 2011. The fresh partner- Holding, Hassad Food, Q-Rail and array of players involved at all stop depending on a single-coun- the skills of rail road engineers Arabia are often interrupted. ship is expected to further boost Supreme Committee for Qatar stages of the energy and com- try source developing multiple and experts. We are also ready to Hungary can ensure a smooth the trade volume, he said. 2022 among others. modities value chain. sources. Being top LNG exporter receive Qatari students interested supply of quality meat products The delegation also held talks THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

Myanmar secures nearly $6bn debt relief from international lenders

YANGON: Myanmar yesterday nations said it had agreed at a Norway is writing off $534m. It programmes. Japan had already restructured more than $900m “Myanmar has come a long hailed a deal with international meeting on Friday to write off said other bilateral donors were announced plans to cancel some of debts to the World Bank way in its economic transforma- lenders to cancel nearly $6bn of half of Myanmar’s debts to the expected to follow suit. of Myanmar’s debt, saying last and the ADB, enabling the two tion, undertaking unprecedented its debt, another milestone in group, with the remainder to be Myanmar Finance Minister April it would forgive 300bn yen development lenders to resume reforms to improve people’s lives, the rapid transformation of the rescheduled over 15 years. Win Shein said the agreement ($3.3bn) of the 500bn yen it was assistance to the country after a especially the poor and vulner- former junta-ruled nation. The club, an informal grouping heralded the beginning of “an owed. decades-long absence. able,” said the World Bank’s The former pariah state also of industrialised nations, praised era of new relationships in which The moves follow a string of The World Bank pledged Myanmar director Annette cleared its arrears to the World Myanmar’s “strong commitment” Myanmar is committed to fully dramatic political reforms in new funds for Myanmar of Dixon. Bank and the Asian Development to economic reforms in a state- cooperate with all the members Myanmar, which is seeking devel- $440m while the ADB offered “Much work remains to be Bank (ADB) with the help of ment posted on its website yes- of the Paris Club”. opment assistance and foreign $512m. The new credit lines will done. We are committed to help- bridge loans from Japan, remov- terday confirming the deal. He said Myanmar would use investment to bolster its ailing enable Myanmar to repay the ing the government acceler- ing another key hurdle for the According to Myanmar, Japan the resources made available economy as it emerges from dec- bridge loans provided by the ate poverty reduction and build resumption of international aid. has committed to cancel arrears by the debt relief for develop- ades of military rule. Japan Bank for International shared prosperity,” she added. The Paris Club of creditor worth more than $3bn while ment and poverty reduction In another landmark, Myanmar Cooperation. AFP TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Qatar Chamber plans CAT profit plunges annual meet for SMEs Representatives from foreign firms to participate

BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB multinational businesses includ- ing SMEs, to share experiences, DOHA: Qatar Chamber (QC), exchange insights, develop net- as part of its efforts to provide works and address the latest busi- impetus to small and medium- ness issues for the first time in sized businesses, is set to hold the Middle East. a conference annually to bring For the 2013 Congress, the the best SMEs from around the QC, together with International world to help local industries Chambers of Commerce (ICC), diversify, said QC’s Director has launched a global initiative General Remy Rowhani. of ICC Business World Trade QC, the representative body Agenda named “Beyond Doha” of the private sector, and the with an aim to end the 11-year- host of the upcoming ICC WCF old deadlock in the trade talks 8th World Chambers Congress (Doha Round, 2001) and the and Exhibition, is also commit- world together to shape a new ted to promoting “free trade” trade agreement for the 21st and utilising the “untapped century. C AT machines on a lot at Milton CAT in North Reading, Massachusetts. Caterpillar Inc, the world’s largest reservoir of energy and power “We cannot allow the name maker of construction equipment, reported a 55 percent drop in quarterly profit yesterday as customers sold latent in women” by empower- ‘Doha’ that is attached to this off existing inventories rather than buy new machines. ing their status and increas- round to be associated with fail- ing their role in the process of ure. So we have called it ‘World nation-building. Trade Agenda’ which should “I am a strong believer of a lead to ‘Doha Victory’,” added philosophy that there are two Remy Rowhani Rowhani. Risk management needs more focus: Survey pillars on which the chamber He continued: “As a cham- is based on. One is ‘free-trade’ the legacies of the mega-event ber and as a country, we may which is considered as an engine and post-congress activities of be small; we work locally but DOHA: The findings of a major receive about critical risks fac- are satisfied that management of economic growth to move an QC for SMEs, he added: “Very we think globally. That is our global Audit Committee Survey, ing the company – particularly is effectively managing risks to economy to prosperity, and the soon we are going to establish a approach. Our charter as a conducted by global audit, tax cyber security – continues to pose the company’s growth plans. The other is the ‘empowerment of country-focussed annual confer- chamber is His Highness’s and advisory firm, KPMG, concerns. Many audit commit- quality of risk-related informa- women’. We at QC are taking ence where we will be bringing National Vision 2030. Our vision found risk management and tees (49 percent) said they have tion continues to be a concern – these two pillars as a source varied experiences of small and is big — a benchmark chamber oversight, including crisis read- increased their focus on global with cyber risk, global systemic of encouragement,” he said in medium-sized businesses from for the rest of the world. Our iness, continue to pose signifi- compliance in light of stepped-up risk, and the pace of technology an exclusive interview to The various countries. One year we mission is to move the world. cant challenges for companies enforcement of anti-bribery laws. change ranked lowest. Peninsula yesterday. will be focusing on Germany to And our strategies are laid out across the globe. Jeyapriya Partiban, Partner, As per the survey findings audit Highlighting the role of women bring the experience of German and we are working on them.” In the Middle East, only 39 per- Risk Consulting, KPMG in Qatar, committee has responsibility for in transforming a country into a SMEs to Qatar. Another year we The congress with a theme cent are fully satisfied that inter- said: “Considering how dramati- oversight of major risks beyond well-developed society, he added: will be focusing on Italy, the US ‘opportunities for all’ is aim- nal audit delivers the value to the cally technology, globalisation, financial reporting, including “I believe that women are the and others which will not only ing to converge world leaders organisation that it should; and and government regulation are financial, operational, cyber secu- largest ever reservoir of human benefit Qatar but the entire GCC at a single platform where the nearly 49 percent said the inter- reshaping the business and risk rity and IT, and legal/regulatory capability that has not been taped. region.” investment opportunities are nal audit plan could more effec- environment, we’re not surprised compliance risks, as well as the A society that uses this energy Preparations for hosting the expected to work in a two-way tively focus on critical risks to the to see significant concerns about company’s enterprise risk man- and power latent in women can four-day mega-event (from traffic where business lead- enterprise. risk and compliance.” agement process. empower them. It will not only April 22 to 25) are in full swing. ers will have opportunities for The survey captures the views “The challenge today is to Nearly all respondents said give women their rights, privileges The event is expected to bring investment and at the same of 1,800 audit committee mem- ensure that management and the they are satisfied (84 percent) and opportunities, it will also help together the global community time they will have the chance bers in 21 countries on a range of board sees the big picture.” or somewhat satisfied (15 per- the economy to progress by leaps of over 12,000 chambers, a large to attract investments to their issues — from financial reporting “Are they focused on the criti- cent) with the quality of the and bounds.” number of business leaders, hun- countries. and disclosures, audit quality, and cal risks to the brand, is the external audit, although many Asked to comment about dreds of eminent speakers and THE PENINSULA oversight of internal and external board getting high-quality infor- said external auditors could offer auditors, to risk management and mation, does the board have the more “industry insights and crisis readiness, emerging tech- right composition and committee benchmarking.” nologies, and audit committee structure, and are risk oversight Only 49 percent are fully sat- effectiveness. responsibilities clear, are some of isfied that internal audit delivers According to the survey nearly the questions which needs to be the value to the organisation that half of survey respondents across addressed,” said Partiban. it should; and nearly 40 percent the globe said their company’s risk Only one in four said the com- said the internal audit plan could management programme requires pany’s risk management proc- more effectively focus on critical substantial work, and the quality ess “extends far enough into risks to the enterprise. of information audit committees the horizon” and only about half THE PENINSULA

QATARI MARKET Japan premier: Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 105.25 0.74 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 106.06 1.55 % Aa2 AA Stimulus Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 126.50 1.98 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 120.00 2.15 % Aa2 AA spending Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 115.38 2.57 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 179.50 3.57 % Aa2 AA not forever Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 138.50 4.04 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 128.63 4.06 % Aa2 AA TOKYO: Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe pledged yesterday Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 105.25 1.34 % Aa2 AA he would not keep stimulus Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 116.75 2.53 % Aa2 AA spending “forever” in a policy Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 105.50 1.89 % A1 A- speech ahead of a budget that Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.38 2.28 % A1 A- will raise more in taxes than it QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.63 2.08 % NR NR does from borrowing. QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.50 1.84 % Aa3 A+ Abe’s plan to overturn four QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.31 2.26 % Aa3 A+ years in which the majority of money the government spends is Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.19 2.43 % A2 A- raised from selling bonds came Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.50 1.83 % A2 A as an opinion poll showed he has Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 131.44 2.50 % A2 A enjoyed a boost in popularity since Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 112.00 3.06 % A2 A coming to power last month. Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 111.75 3.82 % A2 A “We can’t continue fiscal spend- Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 106.63 1.47 % Aa3 A ing forever,” he told parliament Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 109.13 3.18 % Aa3 A at the opening of a new session. Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 112.88 3.38 % Aa3 A “We will draw up and implement a growth strategy that will see SOVEREIGNS private investment and consump- Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P tion grow sustainably.” Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 106.00 0.43 % Aa2 AA “The greatest and most urgent Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 128.88 1.80 % Aa2 AA challenge for our country is revival of the economy. We can’t Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 111.00 2.44 % NR NR exit from deflation and from Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 107.88 2.92 % NR NR a high yen by keeping the past Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 127.38 3.63 % NR NR measures. Therefore I present a Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 119.50 3.92 % NR NR bold policy package,” he said. Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 105.38 1.24 % Aa2 AA The policy speech comes after Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 116.38 3.17 % NR BBB his government announced a Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 111.75 3.62 % NR BBB $226.5bn stimulus package ear- lier this month, raising concerns Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 101.75 5.45 % B2 /*- B- over the level of Japan’s already- Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 104.88 3.76 % NR BBB- towering public debt. *Periodic Distribution Amount IMPORTANT NOTE: In his first policy speech, Abe Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which repeated his “three arrows” of is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services economy policy: aggressive mon- Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary etary easing, flexible fiscal spend- data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising ing and a growth strategy that 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 would induce private investment. can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant Japan’s budget for fiscal 2013 start- liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not ing April will likely stand at 92.61 tril- a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and lion yen ($1.05 trillion), with revenue consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. estimated at 43.10 trillion yen and new bond issuance at 42.85 trillion yen — the first time in four years rev- enue surpasses new bond issuance, newspapers reported yesterday. AFP TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

Starbucks denies talks Tasdeer team to Qatar Exchange visit Arab Health Exhibition

DOHA: Representatives of index adds Tasdeer, Qatar’s export devel- opment agency, will visit Arab Health Exhibition to encour- age the Qatari companies to expand into the global market 24.58 points and to assist in capitalising on the best leads generated, a press release issued by the agency said yesterday. Tasdeer strongly Egypt falls; most GCC markets up believes that trade exhibitions are the best tool to make the DOHA: Qatar Exchange index triggered by a court ruling. “The right connections and advances yesterday added 24.58 points political situation in Egypt is very in the global market, the state- (0.28 percent) to advance to bad — the current unrest reflects the ment added. 8,665.19 points from 8,640.61 on fact that none of the political fronts Mansoor bin Ibrahim Al Sunday. are able to control the situation Mahmoud, Chief Executive The volume of the shares traded on the street,” said Mohabeldeen Officer of Qatar Development reached 5,086,298 from 2,513,669 Agena, a technical analyst with a Bank (QDB) said: “Tasdeer’s on Sunday and the value of shares brokerage in Cairo. export development services focus increased to QR260,936,342.20 “The market has been trying to on products and services offered from QR120,467,765.07 on the rise for the past week and buying to the exporters in the area of previous day. is not strong enough to break the capability and capacity build- Among the top gainers were current resistances.” ing, market and business-related Industries Qatar which was Commercial International A Starbucks coffee chain branch in central London, yesterday. Starbucks has rejected reports it has held intelligence and market advisery up 0.97 percnet to QR166.80, Bank, down 4.2 percent, and talks with government officials over fears it was being singled out for criticism of corporate tax avoidance. services. As part of its export Commercialbank which rose Orascom Construction Industries, promotion services, Tasdeer is 0.53 percent to QR76.20. Qatar down 1.7 percent, were among focusing on facilitating the partic- Telecom gained one percent to losers as 26 of the 30 stocks on ipation of exporters in identified QR11.10 and Rayan rose 0.59 per- Cairo’s main index fell. exhibitions in the target markets. cent to QR25.45. Non-Arab foreigners were net UK upholds fine for Swift Trade Hassan Khalifa Al Mansouri, The banking and financial sec- sellers on the market against Executive Director of Qatar tor index added 0.16 points while Egyptian buyers. Foreigners have Export Development Agency consumer goods and services recently been the buyers amid the LONDON: A British court has “The Tribunal described this as The case is part of the FSA’s (Tasdeer), a division of QDB, said: sector index lost 0.07 points. The turmoil but are now cutting their upheld the Financial Services being ‘as serious a case of market “credible deterrence” policy of “Arab Health is the largest health- industrial sector rose 0.42 points risk exposure. Authority’s £8m ($13m) fine for abuse of its kind as might be imag- cracking down harder on market care exhibition and congress in while insurance sector dropped Elsewhere, shares in top Dubai Canadian trading firm Swift ined’,” the FSA said yesterday. manipulation with a willingness the Middle East and second larg- 1.22 points. bank Emirates NBD surged 6.1 Trade, the British watchdog’s FSA Director of Enforcement, to take on costlier and complex est in the world, attracting over Meanwhile, Egypt’s bourse percent to a 15-month high ahead largest penalty for market Tracey McDermott added: “We cross-border probes. 80,000 professionals including slumped to a 2013 low yesterday of its earnings later this week. manipulation. urge other market participants to The FSA expects brokers and top importers from around the after the cabinet approved a draft “This is mainly speculation on The FSA said Swift Trade take note of this judgment which those who give traders direct globe. With a regional industry law giving the army the right to dividends,” said a Dubai-based engaged in “systematic and delib- makes it clear that layering is access to exchanges, to have worth $80bn the participation of arrest civilians as the political trader on condition of anonymity. erate” trading practices known as abusive.” appropriate controls to spot Qatari healthcare companies will crisis facing Islamist President Dubai’s measure rose 0.1 per- “layering” — posting tens of thou- Canadian law allows the FSA and report abuses, McDermott help make the right connections Mohammed Mursi deepened. cent higher to a fresh 33-month sands of orders on the London to pursue collecting the fine as if said. towards export promotion.” Cairo’s index dropped 1.4 per- high. The index closed above Stock Exchange from different the company had not been wound Swift Trade and its chief exec- Qatari German Company for cent to its lowest close since major chart resistance at 1,778 parts of the world to dupe the up. Swift Trade was voluntarily utive Peter Beck had also chal- Medical Devices, which is par- December 31, also making its larg- points — the 2012 high hit in UK market about true supply dissolved under Canadian law lenged the FSA’s right to publish ticipating in the exhibition, is a est one-day drop in two weeks. March last year — and the and demand for the shares. The in December 2010 and its assets its decision to fine the company leading medical devices manufac- The army will also assist the October 2010 peak of 1,793 points. resulting share price moves were transferred to BRMS Holdings. before the appeal had run its turers in the Middle East. police in providing security, a cab- Abu Dhabi’s bourse also gained, exploited and the original orders Although the UK watchdog course. The tribunal dismissed Qatar Pharma, another expo inet source said yesterday after rising 0.3 percent to its highest deleted. has known it may not get all or this challenge in 2011. participant, specialises in develop- the death toll in five days of anti- close since November 2010. Following a transatlantic probe even part of the fine from Swift The FSA said the tribunal’s ment and manufacture of very high government protests rose to 50. Kuwait’s measure gained 0.3 involving Canada and the United Trade, it will continue to pursue latest decision to uphold the fine standard officinal medicines and The government declared a state percent, up for a ninth straight States, the FSA fined the now- the affiliate for money. The regu- also dismissed Beck’s challenge pharmaceutical products, consumer of emergency in three cities along session to its highest close since dissolved firm in August 2011 lator was also keen for a court to to being named in the FSA’s 2011 goods for hospitals which meet glo- with Suez Canal, where deadly May 2012. but an appeal with the Upper formally acknowledge that layer- decision to fine Swift Trade. bal export standards. clashes took place over the weekend, AGENCIES Tribunal was lodged. ing is illegal. REUTERS THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS VIEWS

The why of global crisis, Financial rule-makers must an economist’s view BY DYLAN MATTHEWS learn to use calculators LAN Blinder is a professor of economics and public affairs at Princeton and served on president Bill Clinton’s ELIEVE it or not, US financial would make banks more resilient in times much a new rule would reduce the probabil- ACouncil of Economic Advisors (1993-94) and as vice regulators don’t have to calculate of crisis. In the proposed rule issued by the ity of a crisis, to produce a ballpark benefit chairman of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1994-96). the economic impact of the rules Federal Reserve and other agencies, the cost estimate that could be weighed against a He has written a history of the financial crisis called After the they write. It’s an omission they estimate amounts to a calculation of how rule’s costs. Music Stopped. We spoke by phone; a lightly edited transcript should correct before it becomes many hours bank employees will spend on In a 2011 analysis of bank capital levels, follows. Ba serious obstacle to fixing the financial compliance paperwork. No effort is made economists at the Bank of England and the Q: I was somewhat surprised that you decided to write a system. to quantify the benefits. As a result, oppo- Bank for International Settlements showed history of the crisis. That genre has mostly been dominated The term “cost-benefit analysis” is gain- nents of higher capital requirements have how the calculation can be done. Looking by journalists thus far. ing prominence as the battle over the 2010 been able to dominate the conversation with back at nearly 200 years of data, they esti- A: I wanted to write a book that was different from what Dodd-Frank financial-reform act moves specious warnings that the new rules will mated how much each added percentage- you get from journalists, and rather different from what you into the courts. Lawyers working for corpo- harm economic growth. point increase in capital ratios would lower get from historians. It’s an analytical history. It’s vastly more rate lobbies have challenged several rules on Financial regulators protest that fore- the likelihood of systemic crises. about the “why?” of the crisis than the “who?” of the crisis. The the grounds that the authors failed to fulfil casting the effect of an untested new rule They also assessed the effect of motivation is my belief that people don’t understand what in adequately a legal requirement: Regulators can be difficult, particularly when one increased capital on banks’ funding costs, the world happened and what motivated some of the govern- must evaluate or consider — not necessar- must weigh relatively certain costs against interest rates and economic growth. Using ment’s response. ily quantify — the costs and benefits of new hard-to-quantify reductions in the like- the Bank of England’s own estimate of the Q: What should they understand? rules. lihood of crises. Somehow, though, other cost of a crisis — 10 percent of economic A: They need to understand something about the crazy house of Courts have already struck down two agencies manage to do it. When, for exam- output, with a quarter of the effect being cards that was built before, but they especially need to understand Dodd-Frank rules, one designed to curb ple, the National Highway Traffic Safety permanent — they concluded that the the pros and cons of some of the things the government did in speculation in derivatives markets and Administration issued new emissions optimal ratio of capital to risk-weighted response, many of which have been vilified. another aimed at giving shareholders more and fuel-efficiency standards last year, it assets would be about 20 percent, or more A good example of that was TARP, which could have been done say in the selection of corporate directors. included more than 50 pages with tables than double the level required by the lat- better, but has to go down in history as a phenomenal success. The next targets could be higher-profile quantifying everything from the added cost est iteration of international banking If you poll people, they think TARP was a total failure. Among items, including the forthcoming Volcker to manufacture specific automobile brands rules. other things this makes me worried about what will happen the rule, which seeks to prohibit short-term to the benefit of reduced highway fatalities To be sure, regulators won’t always next time we have a financial crisis. speculative trading at federally insured due to lighter cars. have enough data to produce an empiri- The second example is the stimulus bill, which has been vilified banks. Agencies that specialise in finance should cal estimate of how much a given rule will by Republicans. It’s said it didn’t create any jobs, which if you It’s easy to portray the legal challenges as be able to do at least as good a job as those reduce the odds of a crisis. That said, even think about it for 30 seconds, it’d be impossible to spend that typical financial-industry tactics. Problem is, that deal with health and safety. In a recent a ballpark guess has value. It puts a limit much money without creating any jobs. they’re effective because they have a valid paper, two University of Chicago profes- on what regulators can claim and makes Q: How much of this do you think has to do with people’s argument. Regulators’ cost-benefit assess- sors — economist Glen Weyl and legal them think harder about how different difficulty with reasoning counterfactually? So you see the ments have largely failed to meet the low scholar Eric Posner — suggest a place to rules might overlap and interact.In short, economy, which isn’t that great, and conclude “Well TARP standards set by the law. And even if they start: Develop a standard statistical cost of regulators can let cost-benefit analysis sty- and the stimulus must not have worked.” succeeded, they would still fall short of what a financial crisis, much like the statistical mie their efforts to build a better financial A: I think that’s a very major part of it. In his book, Thinking, common sense demands. value of a human life that agencies such as system, or they can use it to their advan- Fast and Slow, my colleague Daniel Kahneman has this concept he Consider the level of analysis that has so the NHTSA use to estimate the benefits of tage. Need we recommend which course of called WYSIATI — “what you see is all there is.” If you believe the far accompanied a crucial element of finan- safety rules. Such a measure would allow action to take? only thing there is is what you see, what you see is that all these cial reform: New capital requirements that regulators, with an educated guess at how WP-BLOOMBERG things were done and the economy went pretty poorly anyway. What you don’t see is how poorly it would have done without any of these actions being taken. A principal objective of this narra- tive is to combat WYSIATI. Q: What could have been done better with TARP? A: If you remember what the acronym stands for, it’s the Troubled Assets Relief Programme. It was sold to Congress as a government program that was going to buy up these toxic assets and then sell them back at a profit. Instead Hank Paulson, who was then the secretary of the Treasury, decided to use it only for injecting capital into banks, largely by buying preferred stocks. I didn’t agree with the choice, we could have done both, and it kind of gave it a bait-and-switch aura. He never purchased any troubled assets with it. When Paulson proposed the terms to the banks, I think he made them vastly too favorable: No additional lending, not even a cessation of paying dividends; very minimal, extremely minimal, restrictions on executive compensation — very little upside for taxpayer if it all worked out. All those features added to the public anger at being fleeced. Q: People, including your colleague Paul Krugman, were calling for the Treasury to nationalise the big banks in 2009. Has that proposal held up? A: In my view, poorly. I was on the other side of the argu- ment at the time. There were downsides to nationalisation that I think got short shrift by some people. If you had in mind subsequently, or even in real time right then, getting people to invest in banks, having nationalised them was not the best way to do that. Once the bank is nationalised, the shareholders were skunked. Threatening to nationalise them is not a good idea. If there’s no way to get more capital into the banks and they have such big losses that they’re irretrievable, then you nationalise them. But I don’t think either one of those was the case for US banks. Let’s put it this way. None of the US banks failed violently. Wachovia was a very big bank that did more or less fail but that was handled by FDIC, not perfectly but pretty well. By 2009, peo- ple were talking about nationalizing Bank of America, Citibank, Wells Fargo . . . JPMorgan Chase, none of which really needed to be nationalised and weren’t. I give Geithner credit for that, since I think that if he had come down on the other side it would have happened. WP-BLOOMBERG Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Bangladesh factory safety elusive amid profit chase

BY RENEE DUDLEY and with new fashions in the future in Bangladesh, according to the Apparel & Footwear Association. posted gross margins higher than if it doesn’t, you’re stuck with it,” ARUN DEVNATH without putting garment work- International Labour Rights “They don’t want to wait. If they 50 percent for the past 10 years. he said. ers at risk. Forum, a Washington-based advo- wait, you lose sales, and they’re Gap and Urban Outfitters never At the same time, consumers HE second fatal fire at “If they don’t get the products cacy group. not going to come back.” exceeded the low 40s in that time. have come to expect their clothing a Bangladesh garment to the customers on time, at qual- Labour rights activists are urg- Gap declined to comment for That’s why much of the industry in a rainbow of hues and styles. factory in two months ity and in the specifications they ing the industry to help pay for this story, while Urban Outfitters boarded the fast-fashion express. In Nike Corp’s 2010 Corporate has intensified the want, customers will switch to a safety upgrades at about 4,500 and Hennes & Mauritz didn’t “Most companies have adopted Responsibility Report, the com- debate over the risk competitor,” said Richard Locke, Bangladesh factories. Doing so provide comments requested in some part of fast fashion and are pany said “asking factories to Tof providing consumers with the a professor at the Cambridge, would amount to 10 cents per phone messages and e-emails. trying to compress the product manufacture too many styles is latest fashions at the expense of Massachusetts-based MIT Sloan garment — or $3bn over five To keep costs under control, creation cycle,” said Timothy Lee, one of the highest contributors human lives. School of Management, whose sup- years — according to an analysis companies have been shifting a former apparel sourcing execu- to factory overtime in apparel.” Apparel sold by Inditex, a ply-chain research has taken him to provided by the Worker Rights their manufacturing from China tive for Adidas. When workers don’t take enough Spanish company that owns Zara factories around the globe. “At the Consortium, a Washington-based to Bangladesh. While the South The business case is evident: breaks, accidents can happen, and helped pioneer faster fash- same time, brands and large retail- monitoring group. Asian nation boasts a skilled continuously introducing blouses MIT professor Locke said. ion cycles, was found at a fac- ers need to be careful about repu- Retailers are wedded to the workforce and many managers and skirts drives more shopping Two months ago, Fazlul Hoque, tory that caught fire on January tational risks associated with poor sales-driving power of fast fash- speak English, factory safety trips because consumers expect who runs a Bangladesh garment 26, killing at least six people. As working and safety conditions.” ion as Americans wrestle with regulations are spottily enforced. to find new clothes, thus increas- maker called Plummy Fashions a precautionary measure, the Garments from Inditex’s joblessness and higher taxes. The move to Bangladesh coin- ing sales. Accelerated production Ltd, got a request from a European company stopped doing business Bershka and Lefties brands were Holiday sales grew three per- cided with fast-fashion’s spread also better matches supply and apparel maker that Hoque declines with two suppliers linked to the found among the wreckage at the cent in November and December through the industry. Previously, demand and allows stores to offer to name requesting a design change blaze, Inditex spokesman Jesus site of the January 26 blaze, the from a year earlier, far short of companies ordered clothes for more fashionable merchandise. to the belt loops of 30,000 women’s Echevarria said. Both companies Institute for Global Labour and the 4.1 percent forecast by the each season, and a garment took Shoppers are less likely to wait trousers. The switch came two denied handing off production to Human Rights said on its website. Washington-based National Retail as much as a year to travel from to buy, and stores can charge full months before the garments were unauthorised suppliers, he said. The factory was owned by Dhaka- Federation. Through Thursday, the concept to store. While apparel price. due to ship, forcing Hoque to run Fast fashion has trained con- based Smart Export Garments Ltd. Standard & Poor’s 500 Retailing makers could rush orders to mar- Fast fashion doesn’t work his factory overtime and absorb sumers to expect a steady flow Inditex has sent its own investiga- Index had gained 7.2 percent this ket to meet unexpected demand, without a flexible supply chain, the extra costs. of new garments in stores and tors to the scene, Echevarria said. year compared with a 4.8 percent doing so was costly. said Jim Brownell, who works “It’s like a chain reaction,” has allowed the likes of Gap and More than 100 people were rise for the broader S&P 500 Index. Then Inditex and H&M for enVista, a Carmel, Indiana- Hoque said. “Consumers always Urban Outfitters to generate sales killed on November 24 at a “The American consumer changed the game by proving that based consulting firm that works want new designs; they always and profits in a tough economy. plant producing garments for wants the widest variety possible, it was possible to cut lead times — with Urban Outfitters and other want to stay in season. Clothing The challenge for apparel compa- companies, including Wal-Mart and they want it now,” said Nate and keep costs low. H&M, among retailers. companies follow the new trend, nies is how to maintain a flexible Stores. More than 700 garment Herman, Vice-President of inter- the largest buyers of ready-made Clients “don’t want to over-buy and we pay the price.” supply chain that can feed stores workers have died since 2005 national trade for the American garments in Bangladesh, has product in hopes it sells because WP-BLOOMBERG TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

QE Indices Summary QE Index 8,665.19 0.28 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,522.66 0.08 % QE Total Return Index 11,727.14 0.28 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,080.26 0.16 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,012.47 0.16 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 4833.766 21.715 0.45 4833.766 4664.6 QE All Share Industrials 2,743.94 0.42 % QR197.0355 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 1,381.83 0.16 % Cac 40 Index/D 3726.51 0.34 0.01 3763.42 3680.61 UK ...... QR 5.7261 QR 5.8067 QE All Share Real Estate 1,597.62 0.41 % SILVER Euro ...... QR 4.8258 QR 4.8928 QE All Share Insurance 1,893.14 1.22 % Dj Indu Average 13779.33 67.12 0.49 13794.3 12035.1 QR 3.7404 QE All Share Telecoms 1,130.66 0.77 % CA$ ...... QR 3.6601 QR 3.7319 QE All Share Consumer Goods & Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 4,819.84 0.07 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.8941 QR 3.9501 Services Hang Seng Inde/D 23598.9 -36.2 -0.15 23710.87 22860.25 Yen ...... QR 0.0403 QR 0.0411 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7876 QR 3.8614 Iseq Overall/D 3513.77 34.77 1 3526.74 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0672 QR 0.0685 28-01-2013 27-01-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 17056.36 147.69 0.87 16949.32 16036.31 Index 8,665.19 8,640.61 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0369 QR 0.0377 Change 24.58 49.15 Nikkei 225 Index 10620.87 133.88 1.28 10952.31 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0888 QR 0.0906 % 0.28 0.57 $ 113.27 SL Re ...... QR 0.0284 QR 0.0290 YTD% 3.66 3.37 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1496.13 1266.74 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0455 QR 0.0464 Volume 5,086,298 2,513,669 Straits Times/D 3248.39 17.16 0.53 3237.78 3160.83 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0423 QR 0.0431 Value (QAR) 260,936,342.20 120,467,765.07 $ 111.18 Trades 3,239 2,017 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3990 QR 0.4070 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 19 | Down 20 | Unchanged 02

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 28-01-2013

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 1346.25 -6 24163 Chola Invest-B/D 282.25 0.3 5206 Hind Org Chem-/D 17.65 -0.5 20325 Kg Denim-T/D 13.93 0.01 12907 Orchid Chem-B/D 89.45 -5.15 191306 Imperial Tobac/D 2388 3 363496 Aarti Drugs-T/D 221.45 -8.3 2574 Chowgule St-B/D 16.85 0.15 5576 Hind Unilever-/D 468.75 8.55 396513 Kilburnengg-B/D 17.3 -2.15 10897 Orient Hotel-B/D 22.4 -0.35 3465 Kingfisher/D 273 0.3 2450561 Aban Offs-B/D 359.5 -12.45 69481 Cipla-A/D 391.25 -14.9 184663 Hind.Petrol-A/D 345.05 -11.8 240019 Kin.Motor-B/D 10.55 -0.45 6725 Orient.Carb.-B/D 125.95 -0.85 22333 Land Secs Grou/D 812.5 2.5 563299 Ador Welding-B/D 142 2.2 22610 City Union Bk-/D 62.3 1.25 135642 Hindalco-A/D 113.9 -4 1098771 Kinetic Eng-T/D 102.55 -1.85 2655 Orient.Carb.-B/D 125.95 -0.85 22333 Legal & Genera/D 150.012 -0.7 4013713 Aegis Logis-B/D 165.95 -6.5 10995 Colgate-A/D 1428.55 -3 25884 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 807.35 -13.4 105117 Klg Systel-T/D 17.45 -0.45 22096 Oudh Sugar-B/D 22.75 -1.3 3049 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 52.21 0.19 46467164 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 136.25 -2.75 2430 Dcm Financia-B/D 1.44 -0.13 5706 I F C I-A/D 34.05 -1.65 4256179 Kopran-B/D 19.15 -0.75 24471 Radico Khait-B/D 139.55 -2 51457 Marks & Sp./D 377.15 -2 1444408 Alembic-B/D 16.6 0.3 16360 Dcm Shram Ind-/D 40.35 -2.65 60861 Idbi-A/D 105 -3.2 283522 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 200 -0.8 1440 Rallis India-B/D 135.25 -5.25 214190 Next/D 4029 22 62453 Alok Indus-B/D 10.83 -0.34 1293112 Dhampur Sugar-/D 47.25 -0.95 11319 Ifb Agro-B/D 209.5 3 10301 Lakshmi Mach-B/D 2188.95 -62 1650 Rallis India-B/D 135.25 -5.25 214190 Pearson/D 1178 10 1095182 Andhra Paper-B/D 246.35 -16.55 20031 Dr. Reddy-A/D 1929.4 10 42631 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 99 -6.75 10809 Lloyd Metal-B/D 14.85 -0.3 2433 Reliance Indus/D 437.9 -19.4 96749 Prudential/D 928.5 6.5 794833 Apollo Tyre-A/D 82.3 -3 205785 E I H-B/D 70.1 -1.2 18337 India Cement-B/D 86.3 -0.75 170943 Lloyd Steel-B/D 14.96 -0.93 451789 Ruchi Soya-B/D 70 -1.25 11542 Rank Group/D 150.25 -1 19813 Asahi I Glass-/D 49.65 -0.4 8929 E.I.D Parry-B/D 179.6 -6.25 16662 India Glycol-B/D 157.5 -5.6 7079 Lloydsfin.-T/D 1.19 -0.06 1739 Saur.Cem-B/D 23.65 -2.05 15289 Rentokil Initi/D 89.58 0.85 631209 Ashok Leyland-/D 24.4 -0.6 1199979 Eicher Motor-A/D 2686.9 6.85 2120 Indian Card-B/D 118.55 0.3 5475 Lok.Hous&Con-T/D 24.15 -0.45 5636 Thirumalai-B/D 130 -3.65 18362 Rolls Royce Pl/D 923.388 -2 695894 Bajaj Hold-A/D 963.85 -6.85 2384 Eimco Elecon-T/D 186.45 -6.5 2024 Indian Hotel-A/D 62.4 -1.25 164124 Lumax Ind-B/D 374.5 -0.45 3052 Timexgroup-T/D 21.1 -0.7 67448 Rsa Insrance G/D 128.4 0.6 2579870 Ballarpur In-B/D 22.25 -0.25 52157 Electrosteel-B/D 23.85 -0.95 76146 Indo-Tcount-T/D 13.9 -0.42 2385 Lupin-A/D 589.15 3.6 46957 Tinplate-B/D 49.25 -1.6 14964 Sainsbury(J)/D 326.555 -2.4 1098148 Banaras Bead-T/D 54 2 3194 Emco-B/D 27.2 -1.7 66806 Indusind-A/D 430.6 6.4 234569 Lyka Labs-B/D 10.39 -0.28 12162 Ub Engineer-B/D 28.1 -3.1 112615 Schroders/D 1891 7 94577 Bannari Aman-B/D 900 0 1617 Escorts Fin-B/D 4.56 -0.29 1560 J.B.Chemical-B/D 84.4 -1.7 6272 Maha Scooter-B/D 523.25 8.1 5627 Ub Engineer-B/D 28.1 -3.1 112615 Severn Trent/D 1634.73 30 237039 Bata India-A/D 764.8 -24.65 46270 Escorts-B/D 64.95 -3.25 176122 Jagatjit Ind-B/D 66 0 3725 Mangalam Cem-B/D 152.75 -2.15 6168 Unitech P -A/D 34.15 -2.35 11940989 Smith&Nephew/D 722 2 589558 Bayer Crop-A/D 1188.25 -6.9 1422 Essar Oil-A/D 74.55 -3.35 617909 Jagson Phar-B/D 13.08 -0.17 1475 Maral Overs-B/D 14.96 -0.89 3475 Smiths Group/D 1228 -6 144938 Beml Ltd-B/D 267.45 -5.6 18881 Eveready Indu-/D 21.25 -0.95 122789 Jbf Indu-B/D 123.4 -0.45 10653 Max India L-A/D 246.05 0.2 5579 LONDON Standrd Chart /D 1667.5 -2 1164003 Bhansali Eng-B/D 15.97 1.02 2142 F D C-B/D 92.85 -0.8 38380 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.64 -0.06 43716 Mrpl-A/D 62.05 -1.3 127609 Tate & Lyle/D 827.5 2.5 411589 Bharat Bijle-B/D 560 -0.6 3201 Federal Bank-A/D 497.5 -4.4 19860 Jct Ltd-B/D 1.41 -0.02 22368 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 21.3 -0.8 1427 3I Group/D 248.5 0.9 1381025 Tesco/D 350.603 -2.2 3063516 Bharatgears-B/D 50.3 -4.3 7803 Ferro Alloys-B/D 6.82 0.17 29988 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 3.59 -0.11 10051 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 21.3 -0.8 1427 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 1671 2 287779 Unilever/D 2520 -6 736969 Bhartiya Int-T/D 183.25 0.25 6789 Finolex-B/D 74.75 0.85 621347 Jik Indust-B/D 2.06 -0.1 424610 Nahar Spg.-B/D 77.9 -2.7 5642 B Sky B/D 789.25 -10.5 1066839 United Util Gr/D 730 12.5 1921038 Bhel-A/D 228.65 -2.3 364048 Gail-A/D 348.85 -17.05 229153 Jindal Drill-B/D 233.55 -9.45 5526 Nath Seeds-B/D 6.15 -0.32 2448 Barclays/D 295.255 -0.7 13948968 Vodafone Group/D 167.4083 3.95 59633862 Bom.Burmah-B/D 125.9 -8.45 34932 Gammon India-B/D 36.05 -1.15 37448 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 113.1 -7.4 24923 Nation Alum -A/D 46.95 -1.1 26569 Bg Group/D 1153.2148 4 1493894 Whitbread/D 2538.28 0 120210 Bombay Dyeing-/D 117.1 -5.85 141029 Garden P -B/D 60.5 -1.6 5759 Jmc Projects-B/D 108.8 1 7221 Navneet Pub.-B/D 64.05 -0.85 203482 Bp/D 465.725 2.6 7242920 Camph.& All-B/D 168.65 19.55 75344 Goodricke-B/D 147 -5.45 10903 Kabra Extr-B/D 31.55 0.2 4030 Nepc India-B/D 2.36 -0.12 22870 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3214.5 14.5 656802 Canfin Homes-T/D 164.55 2.7 11498 Goodyear I -B/D 315.9 -3.1 2591 Kajaria Cer-B/D 211 -2.75 14931 Nrb Bearings-B/D 34.75 -1.1 6301 British Airway/D 276.4574 0 0 Castrol Ind-A/D 298.55 -4.05 17482 Hcl Infosys-B/D 37.65 -1 54919 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 81.65 -0.4 3597 O N G C-A/D 336.3 3.35 1142820 Bt Group/D 248.515 -2.1 4179462 Century Enka-B/D 118.6 -4.35 13326 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 9.62 -0.18 371803 Kalpat Power-B/D 97.7 -3 23551 Ocl India-B/D 149.5 0.65 39792 Centrica/D 344.5 -0.4 3394341 Century Text-A/D 395.7 -16.65 177152 Himat Seide-B/D 38.75 -0.4 43994 Kalyani Stel-B/D 53.3 -3 47826 Oil Country-B/D 50.7 -0.55 53860 Gkn/D 245 -1 1341358 Chambal Fert-B/D 65.15 -2.35 312352 Hind Motors-B/D 10.22 -0.1 115935 Kanoria Chem-B/D 38.05 -0.5 2299 Onward Tech-T/D 43.4 2.4 10508 Hsbc Holdings/D 695.4 0.3 5236349 TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

US PGA Tour San Diego Open Scores Scores from the US PGA Tour San Diego Woods closes in on victory Open at the par-72 course yesterday in La Jolla, California -17 Tiger Woods (US) 7 68 65 69 -11 Brandt Snedeker (US) 13 65 75 69 The American has 75th PGA Tour title in sight, leads by six shots Nick Watney (US) 8 69 68 71 -9 Brad Fritsch (Canada) 7 69 67 70 SAN DIEGO: Tiger Woods giving up leads, so I have to go -8 Luke Guthrie (US) 8 68 69 71 closed in on his 75th PGA Tour catch him.” Josh Teater (US) 8 66 70 73 victory by stretching his lead Four strokes in front when Erik Compton (US) 7 71 65 71 to a commanding six shots the weather-delayed third round Steve Marino (US) 7 68 68 73 with 11 holes remaining in the was completed earlier in the day, Casey Wittenberg (US) 7 69 67 72 final round of the fog-delayed Woods did well to scramble pars Farmers Insurance Open on the first two holes after miss- -7 Hunter Mahan (US) 14 69 72 69 yesterday. ing both fairways badly to the left. Pat Perez (US) 12 72 67 70 The former world number one, As the late afternoon shadows Graham DeLaet (Canada) 11 68 70 72 a six-times winner of the PGA lengthened in soft sunlight, the Bill Haas (US) 10 69 69 72 Tour event at Torrey Pines, bird- world number two hit a superb Ross Fisher (Britain) 9 66 71 73 ied three of his first seven holes tee shot to 10 feet at the par-three Jimmy Walker (US) 8 67 69 72 to move to 17 under overall when third and rolled in the birdie putt -6 Robert Garrigus (US) 14 72 69 72 play was suspended for the day in to regain a four-shot cushion. fading light. Woods then conjured an out- B De Jonge (Zimbabwe) 13 74 66 73 Fellow American Nick Watney, rageous birdie at the par-four Rickie Fowler (US) 13 77 65 70 winner here in 2009, was tied for fourth after his ball ended up Cameron Tringale (US) 12 68 72 69 second, after eight holes, with behind a tree to the right of the Charles Howell III (US) 9 66 72 71 defending champion Brandt fairway following another way- K.J. Choi (South Korea) 9 65 73 71 Snedeker, who had completed 13. ward tee shot. Charlie Wi (South Korea) 8 71 66 75 Burly Canadian Brad Fritsch, a Having considered his options, Tag Ridings (US) 8 67 70 71 PGA Tour rookie at the age of 35, he cut a low second shot around was a further two strokes back at the tree to just short of the green Billy Horschel (US) 7 66 69 76 nine under after seven holes. before chipping in from 40 feet for However, Woods was in full a miraculous three to forge five command at one of his favour- strokes clear. LPGA creates ite venues in his bid to win a Woods also birdied the par-five third different PGA Tour event sixth, rifling an exquisite 232-yard for a seventh time. He has second shot from the right rough new global already recorded seven victories to 28 feet and comfortably two- apiece at the WGC-Bridgestone putting to move six ahead. Invitational and the Arnold He then found the right fairway competition Palmer Invitational. off the tee at the seventh before “I played well today,” a smiling the siren sounded to halt play Golfer Tiger Woods of the US hits from a sand trap on the fifth hole during the fourth round at the Farmers Insurance DAYTONA BEACH, Woods told reporters. “Overall, for the day and, with the option Open in San Diego, California, yesterday. FLORIDA: The world’s top I’m very pleased that I was able to complete the hole, struck his women’s golfers will meet start- to build on my lead. As of right approach to 30 feet and safely ing next year in an eight-nation now, I’ve got a six-shot lead, so two-putted for par. biennial LPGA global match- that’s a positive. Woods began a marathon day at play event worth $1.6m. “I’ve got to continue with exe- Torrey Pines two strokes in front Tiger issues timely warning The International Crown cuting my game plan. That’s the of the chasing pack after thick fog will debut July 24-27 at Caves idea. I’ve got 11 holes to play, and had allowed only five minutes of SAN DIEGO: Tiger Woods sig- “It’s probably the whole pack- “I just drove it on a string all Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, I’ve got to go out there and play play on a frustrating Saturday at nalled he is likely to be a formi- age,” the 14-times major champion day, at least all morning,” he said Maryland, near Baltimore with them well.” the coastal venue. dable force at this year’s majors told reporters when asked which of his form off the tee during his the second edition to be staged His rivals are well aware of his Looking sharp in every com- as he rekindled memories of aspect of his game had contrib- three-under-par 69 in the third in 2016 at the site of the 2009 stellar overall track record on the ponent of his game, he revived his best form while building a uted most to his 17-under total round. “I hit the ball pretty good. Solheim Cup, Rich Harvest Farms US circuit where he has gone on memories of his former domi- commanding six-shot lead at after 61 holes at Torrey Pines. It seemed like I was always in near Chicago. to win 49 times out of 53 when nant self as he doubled that lead the Farmers Insurance Open “I’ve driven the ball well, I’ve pretty good position.” Four-player squads from holding at least a share of the by shooting a three-under-par 69 yesterday. hit my irons well, and I’ve chipped Woods has always enjoyed play- eight nations will compete with 54-hole lead, including 14 of 15 in in the third round. Woods has just 11 holes remain- and putted well. Well, I’ve hit good ing at Torrey Pines where he has the winning side taking home the majors. At one point a commanding six ing at the fog-delayed event in his putts. They all haven’t gone in. won six Farmers Insurance Open $100,000 per player. So far this week, he has domi- shots ahead, Woods bogeyed the bid to clinch a 75th PGA Tour vic- “Today certainly you’re just titles and also the 2008 US Open “It’s like preparing for the nated a medium-strength field par-five 18th after finding a poor tory and the dominance he has so trying to get your speed right, title. Olympics,” World No. 1 Yani at the PGA Tour event which lie in a fairway bunker off the tee far displayed at one of his favour- because it was wobbling all over Should he go on to triumph Tseng of Taiwan said. “In Asia, began with 17 players ranked in and a greenside bunker with his ite venues has certainly shaken the place,” Woods said of greens today, he would claim his 75th win we don’t have a team event like the world’s top 50. third shot to finish four ahead of much of the golfing world. that became increasingly bumpy on the PGA Tour with only Sam this. This is a good opportunity “I’ve got to make some more Fritsch (70). Though unquestionably not the during the afternoon. Snead, on 82, ahead of him. for us to play for our countries. birdies,” said FedExCup champion Double heart-transplant recipi- player he was in the late 1990s Woods is so far 11 under on “I’ve had a very successful It’s really going to be awesome.” Snedeker, who came from seven ent Erik Compton was a fur- and early 2000s when he reigned the par-five holes this week at career,” Woods said of what the The eight nations to compete strokes behind in the final round ther stroke back after eagling supreme in the game, Woods Torrey Pines, a noted strength of achievement would mean to him. in the inaugural event will be last year to win the title in a play- the last for a 71 while Watney appears to have completed the his game during his prime. While “This is my 18th season, so I think decided based upon the rankings off. “I’ve got a long way to go. (71) was among a group of five finishing touches to the fourth driving the ball considerable dis- I’ve had some really good years in of each nation’s four top players “I’ve got a guy at the top of players knotted at eight under. swing change of his professional tances here, he has also been sur- there. I’m very proud of what I’ve after the season-ending LPGA the leaderboard that doesn’t like REUTERS career. prisingly accurate. done.” REUTERS Titleholders event in November. Actual rosters for the nations involved will be based upon the rankings at a date yet to be No more doubts for Wood after Qatar win determined. “Our tour is so global and we DOHA: Britain’s Chris Wood was begin- Wood, who finished in the top five at the years ago on the 18th hole, an eight-iron to six need this type of event,” said top- ning to wonder if he would ever end his British Open in 2008 and 2009, delivered a feet,” Wood explained after picking up the first ranked US player Stacy Lewis. title drought before he finally made the majestic coup de grace on the last hole in Doha prize of 310,917 euros ($419,000). “People always want to know breakthrough in the Qatar Masters at the on Saturday. “His attitude was, ‘I’m going to win this why golfers from Asia are so good. weekend. The Englishman needed an eagle three to tournament whatever happens’. That is one Well, now we can see how all the It was a case of third time lucky for the pip Spain’s Sergio Garcia and George Coetzee of his massive strengths. countries stack up.” 6-foot-5 (1.96-metre) Wood after he had of South Africa for the title and he produced “I had that in the back of my mind, to just Were the current rankings to twice previously gone into the closing day of a sumptuous six-iron from 202 yards before let my swing go and no matter how it feels, be used, the Americans would be a European Tour event at the summit of the coaxing in his putt from 12 feet. trust it, commit to it and I hit a really good challenged for the title by South leaderboard only to slip down the field in the “I couldn’t really feel my hands at the time,” shot,” said Wood. Korea, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, final round. said the Qatar champion, who shares the dis- “I didn’t know the situation before that and Sweden, England and Spain. The 25-year-old had also amassed 19 top-10 tinction with Swede Robert Karlsson of being only looked at the leaderboard for the first “We celebrate great play- finishes without once entering the winner’s the tallest players on the tour. “It was one time before the putt at the last.” ers from all over the world on circle. chance and I knew that was all I was going Wood now moves on to this week’s Dubai a weekly basis, but this is the “I was starting to have little doubts that I to get. Classic, the final event of the tour’s three- first time we’ll pit country ver- would ever win,” Wood told reporters after “Four years of frustration of not winning tournament ‘Desert Swing’ that will feature sus country for global bragging climbing into the top 60 of the world rankings and it all came out a bit after the putt,” added the first competitive outing of the season from rights,” LPGA commissioner Chris Wood of England poses from number 142. Wood, referring to his emotional punch of the world number seven Lee Westwood. Michael Whan said. with his trophy after winning the “But I have a load of good people and good air as the ball disappeared into the cup. “This win has definitely opened the door to “The International Crown will Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at friends around me - they see me playing at He said former world number one Tiger a few more things for me and now I can set take women’s golf to the next level the Doha Golf Club in Doha, Qatar, home and know full well that I’m good enough Woods was the inspiration behind his six-iron a couple of different targets for the next few and allow fans to rally behind on Saturday. to win. Until you do it though, the doubt is in approach. months,” said Wood after his victory in Qatar their homelands,” he added yes- the back of your mind.” “I remember watching Tiger hit a shot a few on Saturday. REUTERS terday. AFP Kobe leads Lakers past Thunder Markov nets winner for Canadiens

LOS ANGELES: Kobe Oklahoma City (34-11) beat Los MONTREAL: The Montreal New Jersey rallied behind Bryant’s new pass-friendly NBA Results Angeles in their two prior meet- Canadiens handed the New NHL Results third-period goals from David approach helped the Los ings this season and eliminated Jersey Devils their first loss Clarkson and Dainius Zubrus Boston 100 Miami 98 Washington 3 Buffalo 2 Angeles Lakers overcome the them from last season’s playoffs of the season when a red-hot before but their hopes of forcing LA Lakers 105 Oklahoma City 96 NBA-leading Oklahoma City by winning four of five games in Andrei Markov scored late in Pittsburgh 2 Ottawa 1 a shootout were dashed in the Thunder 105-96 yesterday as Detroit 104 Orlando 102 the second round. over-time to secure a 4-3 win closing seconds. Montreal 4 New Jersey 3 they attempt to reverse a woe- New Orleans 91 Memphis 83 In a balanced effort, six Lakers yesterday. The winning goal came after ful start to the season. Ny Knicks 106 Atlanta 104 players reached double figures, Montreal squandered a 3-1 Tampa Bay 5 Philadelphia 1 New Jersey’s Andy Greene was Bryant again flashed his all- Dallas 110 Phoenix 95 including Steve Nash’s 17 points third period lead but Markov, called for holding to set-up a Chicago 2 Detroit 1 around game with 21 points, 14 LA Clippers 96 Portland 8 and Pau Gasol’s 16 points off the who has a team-leading four Canadiens powerplay. assists and nine rebounds, match- bench. goals, scored with 38 seconds left Winnipeg 5 NY Islanders 4 Rene Bourque misfired a shot ing his season-high in assists for the fourth but took control with Point guard Russell Westbrook in overtime as the host Canadiens but Markov reacted quickest and a second straight game, and the a 9-2 run as Bryant engineered had a tough day for the Thunder, (3-1-0) extended their winning San Jose 4 Vancouver 1 converted the winner. host Lakers earned a second con- the triumph with a dazzling making just 6 of 22 shots, but streak to three games. St Louis 5 Minnesota 4 The Devils, losers of last sea- secutive victory. array shots and passes down the he did add 13 assists and nine “I don’t know what to say,” son’s Stanley Cup finals, had not “You have to figure out a way to stretch. rebounds. Markov told reporters. “We knew Brodeur, the loss was the first won the first three games of a sea- win ball games, and that’s what I NBA-leading scorer Kevin Oklahoma City boasts the it was going to be a challenge blemish to their record after son since the 2002-03 campaign. drew from,” Bryant told reporters Durant had a game-high 35 league’s top offense, but after for us because we were playing opening the lockout-reduced sea- Patrik Elias scored in the sec- of his change in style. “It seems points for Oklahoma City but the grabbing a 53-52 half-time lead against a good team, so we played son with three consecutive wins. ond period for New Jersey and like we’re starting to come up Thunder, who entered the mati- they were limited in the second hard and I’m happy we won the Ryan White and Brendan added two assists to reach the with our identity and what we’re nee game with the league’s best half. game.” Gallagher had put Montreal 2-0 900-point mark for his career. going to become.” record, were forced to relinquish During the match Bryant For New Jersey (3-0-1), who up in the first before Brandon “It’s a pretty cool accomplish- Los Angeles trailed the their recent control over the scored or assisted on his team’s made an inspired late run and Prust made it 3-1 early in the ment, but hopefully I’ll keep add- Thunder 87-86 midway through Lakers. final seven goals. REUTERS got 28 saves from goalie Martin third. ing,” Elias said. REUTERS TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Ryder opts Djokovic eyes career Slam for T20 IPL over England I want to go all the way in the French Open, says the 25-year-old series

MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic was anxious to hurry Djokovic set his sights on com- home in good time for this week’s WELLINGTON: New Zealand pleting the elusive career Grand Davis Cup tie with Belgium. The batsman Jesse Ryder will miss Slam at this year’s French Open surface? Clay. the Black Caps’ home series after confirming his mastery of “It’s going to be a lot of fun next against England and instead men’s tennis at the Australian weekend to see how I can adjust make himself available for the Open. to a clay court in indoor condi- Indian Premier League, his With six Grand Slam titles at tions, playing away Davis Cup, manager said yesterday. the age of 25, the Serbian world which is always tricky,” he said. Ryder opted to take a self- number one could be forgiven “But, look, right now my imposed break from cricket last for taking it easy but immedi- thoughts are on this trophy, enjoy- March after a series of discipli- ately after clinching his fourth ing it as much as I can. Hopefully nary lapses and a drop in form Melbourne win, his mind was on I’m going to have time to recover that led to him consulting a Roland Garros in May. and get ready for that tie.” psychologist. Djokovic has gone from the Australian Open victories in The talented batsman has been Paris quarter-finals to the semi- 2011 and 2012 proved a spring- in good touch since returning to finals and the title match in board for Djokovic, who put first-class cricket with Wellington successive seasons, falling to together 145 wins against just 18 late last year but manager Aaron seven-time winner Rafael Nadal losses over the two seasons and Klee said it was too early for the last year, and now he wants to finished both years as the world 28-year-old to resume his inter- take the last step. number one. national career. “I want to go all the way in the With Nadal’s physical state “There’s nothing to be gained French Open. I went to the finals unknown, following his long break by rushing him back,” Klee told last year and had a great match with knee problems, victory in the Dominion Post newspaper. against Rafa, but he’s always the Paris does not look a long shot for “There’s just downside risks, favourite on that surface and he’s Djokovic, who would surely then but if we’re a bit more patient and the ultimate player to beat on target the hallowed calendar-year wait till everything is in place and clay,” Djokovic said. Grand Slam. Jesse’s ready, then there will be “But I think if I continue on Djokovic received the trophy more upside risks.” playing well, stay healthy, I can from Andre Agassi, another four- Instead of playing in the have a chance.” time Australian winner who man- England tour beginning next It all seemed routine for aged to lift all four Grand Slam Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses in the locker room with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after defeating month, Klee said Ryder would Djokovic as he beat Andy Murray titles during his career. Andy Murray of Britain in their men’s singles final match at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Sunday. put himself forward in the player in four sets, picked up the trophy Last week, Agassi said Djokovic auction for the IPL, which runs and US$2.5m winner’s cheque, had lifted the sport to new from April 3 to May 26. and then headed straight to heights. But asked whether he changing the game or not. I’m just “I mean, 25 years old and I’ve this moment and enjoy it as much “People are going to speculate the airport, eschewing parties was now taking tennis into a new trying to play this game with 100 won six Grand Slams and have a as I can and see where tomorrow about why he’s available for the and the usual day-after media era, the Serb parried. percent of devotion, love, passion, lot of trophies. It’s amazing. You brings me,” he added to reporters IPL and not New Zealand (but) commitments. “I leave you guys to judge about and fun also,” he said. know, I’m just trying to embrace yesterday. AFP it’s a domestic competition and it’s a short-term contract, so it gives us the ability to reassess it.” “If you go back to international cricket you can’t reassess tour Bartoli craving success after tour. It fits a bit better into his goals and plans.” Ryder’s prowess will be sorely missed by the Black Caps, who on home soil in Paris were badly exposed with the bat Czech’s in two Test drubbings on their Klara recent tour of South Africa. PARIS: French number one The world number 11, who after crashing out at the first hur- However, their batting stock Zakopalova Marion Bartoli is aiming to go suffered a disappointing third- dle in Melbourne. against England will be boosted by returns one step further at this week’s round exit against Russia’s The world’s seventh ranked the return of Ross Taylor, who sat Paris Open in her quest for a Ekaterina Makarova at this player, a finalist at the 2012 the ball out the South Africa tour after maiden title on home soil. month’s Australian Open, insisted French Open, faces a qualifier in to Spain’s being sacked as captain but has Bartoli was defeated by the Grand Slam tournaments her first match. Anabel made himself available for the Angelique Kerber in last year’s remained the focal points of her The 2011 champion Petra Medina three-Test series. AFP final -- a result that served as a season but admitted success in Kvitova is the tournament’s sec- Garrigues catalyst for the German’s break- the French capital also rated ond seed. during the through 2012 campaign. highly among her priorities. The 22-year-old Czech has 21st Paris Jayasuriya heads But even with Kerber not “I want to base my season achieved middling success since Open, at the defending her crown this year, around the Grand Slam tourna- her maiden Wimbledon crown Pierre de Sri Lanka’s new Bartoli, whose last of seven ments with the hope of getting two years ago, a second-round Coubertin WTA titles came in Osaka in closer to the top five in the world. defeat in Australia to Britain’s Stadium selection panel October 2011, was guarded in her But above all I would really like to Laura Robson a fortnight ago in Paris, expectations. win the title here because I want offering an insight into her incon- yesterday. “I don’t know if it’s a good year to play well in France.” sistency of late. COLOMBO: Former Sri or not, it’s a loaded draw. There Bartoli, who has a first-round Seven-time Grand Slam sin- Lanka cricketer turned poli- are still two other top 10 (women) bye, will face the winner between gles champion Venus Williams tician Sanath Jayasuriya was in the field and lots of dangerous American Christina McHale and -- a winner at the Paris Open 11 appointed chairman of selec- players,” she said. fellow Frenchwoman Pauline years ago -- was a late withdrawal tors in a new-look five-member “There is a long way to go Parmentier in her opening match. from the competition with 2010 committee named by sports before thinking about winning,” Meanwhile, the event’s top seed Roland Garros queen Francesca minister Mahindananda added Bartoli, the tournament’s Sara Errani of Italy will be seek- Schiavone handed a wild-card Aluthgamage yesterday. third seed. ing to ignite her 2013 campaign entry as a replacement. AFP Jayasuriya, 43, is joined by 1996 World Cup winning team mate Pramodya Wickramasinghe. Former Sri Lanka players Hemantha Wickramaratne, Peru player Bulgaria Eric Upashantha and Chaminda Platt denies Balotelli move Mendis were the other selectors appointed. fails doping MANCHESTER, United Britannia Stadium on Saturday. considers Wickramaratne is the only Kingdom: Manchester City That leaves Joleon Lescott, the surviving member of the previous assistant manager David Platt England international who has committee headed by Ashantha test in World insisted yesterday he knew struggled to force his way into the bid for Euro de Mel whose extended term ends nothing about reports tempera- side this season, as City’s only fit on January 31. Cup qualifier mental striker Mario Balotelli senior central defender as they 2020 match A destructive left-handed (pictured) was set to leave the resume the pursuit of league lead- opener, Jayasuriya represented BERNE: A Peru player has Premier League champions. ers Manchester United. Sri Lanka in 110 Tests and 445 been provisionally suspended And he also ruled out any But Platt insisted City, will not SOFIA: Bulgarian Football one-day internationals in a after failing a doping test emergency defensive signings for move to bring in another defender Union (BFU) president Borislav 22-year career before quitting in in the World Cup qualifier City in the final days of the trans- before the transfer window closes. Mihaylov says he will meet with 2011 and taking to politics. against Bolivia in October, fer window, despite their injury “We’ve said before the market Prime Minister Boiko Borisov He is a Member of Parliament FIFA said yesterday. problems at the back. in January is very difficult,” Platt to discuss a possible bid to host of the ruling party United People FIFA did not name the player According to Italian media, said. “Even if you’re planning to a Euro 2020 match. Freedom Alliance (UPFA) in his but the Peruvian Football Balotelli is poised to move to AC bring somebody in, it’s very dif- Last week, European soccer’s hometown Matara. Federation (FPF) said earlier Milan, perhaps in a deal involv- ficult to do so,” he added ahead of governing body UEFA said that Meanwhile, Bangladesh will this month that midfielder ing former Tottenham midfielder August 2010, but his time at the today’s match away to bottom of Euro 2020 will be held in 13 cities play two Tests, three one-day Joel Sanchez had tested posi- Kevin-Prince Boateng. club has been peppered with con- the table on QPR. across the continent rather than internationals and one Twenty20 tive for the banned substance However, Italian forward troversy both on and off the pitch. “Circumstances often dictate one or two countries in a radical match on their month-long tour methylhexaneamine. Balotelli whose rented luxury And Mancini, who found him- and have done in the past, like departure from the traditional of Sri Lanka in March, the FIFA said the player, who mansion has been advertised with self in a training ground shov- last year when Adam Johnson got format for major tournaments. Sri Lankan board announced has been initially banned for estate agents since the begin- ing match with the striker, was injured a couple of days before the “In general, all games must be yesterday. 30 days, has until Monday ning of the year, was at City on forced yet again last week to deny deadline,” the former England played at 50,000-capacity stadi- Sri Lanka, the 2012 T20 run- to request a hearing and he Monday amidst reports he had Balotelli was being sold. midfielder recalled. ums or at bigger ones,” Mihaylov, ners-up, have recently concluded and the Peruvian federation held a farewell party and handed Meanwhile City find themselves “You end up scratching your who is also a UEFA Executive their tour against Australia where have until Feb. 6 to submit a out mementoes of his time at the confronting problems at the back. head and looking through eve- Committee member, told local they played a Test, ODI and T20 statement and documentary club to friends. City captain Vincent Kompany, rything to see if you can get a media yesterday. series. evidence. “We’ve three days left before who limped out of FA Cup tie replacement. “UEFA will make only two The itinerary of Bangladesh’s “In line with...the FIFA anti- the (January transfer window) at Stoke City at the weekend, “Vinny limped out of the game exceptions and give two cit- tour to Sri Lanka is as follows: doping regulations, only after it deadline, and I haven’t heard could be out of action for up to but he’ll be back. With it being ies, which have stadiums with March 3-5: Three-day match, has been determined in a hear- anything,” Platt, deputy to City three weeks with a recurring calf such a difficult market, you can’t smaller capacity, the chance to Matara ing that an anti-doping viola- manager Roberto Mancini said injury that is causing concern at start stepping into it willy nilly host matches. This will be done March 8-12: First Test, Galle tion has occurred, may FIFA Monday. “It’s a shame Robbie’s Eastlands. and thinking: ‘right, we’ve got to to give smaller countries like March 16-20: Second Test, publicly report the anti-doping (Mancini) not here because he And senior centre-half Kolo get somebody’. Bulgaria an opportunity to host Colombo rule violated, the name of the might know a lot more than me. Toure is away on international “We’re at Manchester City. It’s a match in the group stage,” he March 23: First ODI, player who committed the vio- “As far as we’re concerned, he duty with Ivory Coast at the a top club that competes for top added to reporters yesterday. Hambantota lation, the prohibited substance (Balotelli) is still a Manchester Africa Cup of Nations in South trophies and as a result of that Bulgaria’s Vasil Levski national March 25: Second ODI, and the consequences imposed,” City player. I’m not aware of any Africa, while Matija Nastasic, you can’t just get anybody and stadium, located in the centre of Hambantota FIFA said in a statement. negotations.” who would be first choice in think they are going to fill the capital Sofia, has 43,230 seats but March 28: Third ODI, Pallekele REUTERS City paid Inter Milan £22m league games, has a knee problem gap that somebody leaves,” he said needs to be renovated to meet cri- March 31: T20 international, ($34.5m) for the Italy striker in that kept him out of action at the yesterday. AFP teria set by UEFA. REUTERS Pallekele. AFP TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

The Stages Stage 1, Tuesday 29th January: Museum of Islamic Wild eyes Qatar hat-trick Art – Mesaieed (97km) Stage 2, Wednesday 30th January: Camel Race Track – Al Khor Corniche (96km) Stage 3, Thursday 31st January: Al Thakhira – as riders get set for battle Madinat Al Shamal (112.5km) Stage 4, Friday 1st February: Sealine Beach Resort – Doha Corniche (86.5km) Ladies Tour of Qatar: Stage one to start from Museum of Islamic Art 15 teams of 6 riders 3 jerseys DOHA: Two-time champion strong women cyclists here and Gold - General individual Kirsten Wild (pictured) will one can expect a good contest. It classification be eyeing a hat-trick of titles is still an exciting sport.” at Ladies Tour of Qatar which When reminded that defending Silver - General points starts with a 67-km stage today. champion Judith Arndt won’t be classification Winner in 2009 and 2010, the present in Qatar this week, Wild Pearl White - Best young rider Dutch rider has switched teams said: “There is no doubt that classification in the off-season and will now Arndt has left a huge gap but race for Team Argos - Shimano that doesn’t mean things will be Team classification at the four-day event. easy for me. There are lot of good €21.600 of prize money includ- Wild will be joined by 2010 and cyclist out here and I would say it ing €2.350 for the overall 2011 world champion Giorgia won’t be easy.” winner Bronzini of Italy, last year’s Today’s stage one will com- runners-up Trixi Worrack of mence from Doha Bay with mag- 2 bonus sprints per stage and a Germany and the 2011 Qatar nificent setting of the Museum of bonus at every stage finish winner Ellen van Dijk of the Islamic Art as the backdrop. The Netherlands. stage will end in Mesaieed after The 15 teams “Sometimes it is difficult to the riders complete a distance of Australia keep your mind off the hat- 97kms. Orica - AIS trick,” Wild said The second yesterday. stage will start Belgium “But I know from the Camel Topsport Vlaanderen – Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Thani (third right), President of Qatar Cycling Federation (QCF), is seen with Bart Cahir Bioracer - Ridley that it (winning Race Track (third left), President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar Inc, retired Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx (second the title) is pos- and ends at Al right), Majid Al Naimi (second left), Secretary General, QCF, and Ihab El Feky (right), General Manager, Mitsubishi China sible if I keep Khor Corniche Motors, Qatar, during a press conference in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: SYED OMAR China Chongming – Giant my focus on all tomorrow. Procyling the four days,” The third France the 30-year-old stage begins French national team added. at Al Thakira “There are and concludes Germany some really good at Madinat Al Live coverage to boost German national team cyclists here so I Shamal area on Team Specialized Lululemon know it won’t be Thursday. Italy easy,” she said. The fourth Italian national team “I have trained and the final popularity of race: QCF well with the stage will start BePink other four girls from the Sealine MCipollini Giordana Galassia in the team. Beach Resort, DOHA: Live television cover- in the competition but we got Netherlands Everything went concluding at age of this year’s Ladies Tour of interest from around 30 teams. Dutch national team according to Doha Corniche Qatar will help take the series to This will tell you how popular the plan during the training in the on February 1. The four-day event a new level of popularity around women’s event is,” the 67-year-old Rabo Women Cycling Team off-season,” the Dutch sprinter will be contested over 392kms. the world, Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Belgian added. Team Argos-Shimano said when asked about her Fifteen teams representing Al Thani said yesterday. “Qatar will stage the World Norway preparations. 10 different nationalities will Sheikh Khalid, President of the Championships in 2016 so all this Hitec Products UCK “We have gelled well as a team. strive to bag the golden jersey Qatar Cycling Federation (QCF), adds up very nicely. So I would say all of us are look- worn by the leader of the general said: “The Ladies Tour of Qatar “Qatar is moving in the right United Kingdom ing forward to the race in Qatar,” classification, won last year by has become very popular in a very direction,” he said. DTPC Wiggle - Honda she said. Germany’s Arndt. short period of time. Initially we Sheikh Khalid said Al Jazeera’s USA Wild will be joined by Dutch Having retired at the end of were distributing 15-minute slides coverage of both the events would TIBCO to the Top girls Janneke Kanis-Busser, last year, Arndt will not be on the of our stages to international be well received in the Arab world. Amy Pieters, Willeke Knol and Qatar start line to defend her title audiences. Then the duration of “The live coverage of the wom- Kelly Markus for Team Argos in Qatar where there is virtually TV slides became longer and now en’s event will spur interest in the - Shimano. no climbing as the riders usually we are ready for live coverage.” Arab world. It would be interest- “I had to choose a new team battle heavy crosswinds. The QCF president added: ing for young (Arab) women to (for the 2013 season) after our Retired Belgian legend Eddy “Since this event became very see top cyclists in action in Qatar,” previous sponsors pulled out,” Merckx - who provides expert popular with the international Sheikh Khalid said. Wild said. “But now I’m looking to help to the Qatar Cycling audiences, we decided to expand “This live coverage will play a impress with the new team and I Federation (QCF) - said: “This the event by adding another positive role in the development of have four riders from Netherlands year we will have four stages stage. This year we will have four the sport in the region, especially in the team. Hopefully we can put instead of the three we had in stages.” for young girls. up a good show here,” she added. the past editions. As you can see, Belgian cycling legend Eddy “People are more interested When asked about the Lance the event is becoming bigger and Merckx endorsed Sheikh Kahlid’s to see the Ladies Tour of Qatar Armstrong’s doping scandal bigger each year.” sentiments. Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Thani, because the TV channels are is on the men’s tour, Wild said: “I Merckx, 67, added: “I would “Everything about the Ladies President of QCF according more time to our races. would like to say that the wom- like to praise the work put in Tour of Qatar has improved with We want to make this the most en’s cycling have not come under by QCF and the Qatar Olympic each year,” Merckx said. men’s Tour of Qatar. We can’t popular event on the women’s cal- any such controversy till now. It Committee (QOC) over the years. “The routes are better and the complain. endar,” the QCF president said. is clean and I would like tell the This is a very popular event on women’s event is on par with the “We are allowed only 15 teams THE PENINSULA people to come and watch.” the cycling calendar.” Wild added: “There are some THE PENINSULA Today’s stage starts at 12:30pm and ends in Mesaieed at 3pm

“A few years ago, our deter- mination to create a women’s Armstrong drugs scandal bad for cycling competition sent a clear call to women in the sporting world. It was answered by cycling, says retired star Merckx female cycling champions the world over. They came, first to discover the country and then, DOHA: Belgian legend Eddy Merckx (pictured) on Armstrong. Sorry. It is bad for cycling. And it to transform the race into a was ‘shocked’ to learn about the judgment in the is a sad thing. key competition that draws the Lance Armstrong doping scandal that stunned Question: Were you shocked that this cheating most qualified among them to the world of cycling at the end of 2012. episode was not detected for so long? Late last year, United States Anti-Doping Agency Answer: Yes, I cannot understand because he a new challenge, at the start (USADA) stripped Armstrong of his seven Tour underwent 500 tests and they were all negatives. of every season. Together with de France titles, saying the Maybe he took small quantities. Qatar they have made a bit of 41-year-old was guilty of dop- Question: How much hurt history. Now, after having laid ing offences that went unde- are you from within after this the foundations, it is time to tected for more than a decade. scandal? carry on building, and pave In a brief chat prior to the Answer: It is very bad for the way for the future. For start of the Ladies Tour of cycling. I didn’t expect this. I its fifth edition, the Ladies Bart Cahir, President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar Inc, is seen Qatar, 67-year-old Merckx said am sad. Tour of Qatar is expanding, with Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Thani, President of QCF, after a sponsorship the Armstrong scandal was Question: How can cycling signing ceremony in Doha yesterday. bad for the image of cycling keep away such cheats from adding a fourth stage to the but the game would rebuild your sport? race, and increasing its pres- its status as a top global sport. Answer: Testing (is the tige. The victories achieved on Excerpts from a chat with answer). Cycling does more the roads of Qatar will serve ExxonMobil Qatar extends the four-time Tour de France (drugs) testing than any other as a marker to all those who winner: sport. So more tests will help are aiming far and high. The Question: Were you us. race in February 2013 will be sponsorship deal with QCF shocked when the Lance Question: Whenever a decisive training ground for Armstrong decision was there’s a winner at a cycling DOHA: ExxonMobil Qatar yesterday signed a deal with the Qatar announced? event, we’d look at them with the World Championships of Cycling Federation (QCF) to become the ‘Gold Jersey Sponsor’ of Answer: Yes, sure. We did suspicion. Do you think that 2016, now a clear target on the 2013 Ladies Tour of Qatar and 2013 Tour of Qatar for the fourth not expect that. It is like that. would be the case? the horizon. The veterans of consecutive year. I have nothing (more) to say Answer: No. I don’t think the Ladies Tour of Qatar will The Ladies Tour of Qatar will take place from January 29 to February on this. I was very shocked. I so. What happened (in certainly benefit from their 1 while the Tour of Qatar will be held from February 3 to 8. didn’t expect this. Armstrong’s case) was a long time ago. pioneer status. “ExxonMobil is proud to once again support the Qatar Cycling Question: As a cyclist yourself, did all of this Question: Do you think young kids would take Federation (QCF) as sponsors of this flagship event,” Bart Cahir, come to you as a surprise that someone cheated to cycling once again? Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar Inc, said. on the cycling fans? Answer. Why not? First of all, you need tal- Thani Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Thani, President of QCF, said: “As always, Answer: It is very bad for cycling. ent and then you need to train a lot. And then you President of the Qatar ExxonMobil is demonstrating their role as an active member of our Question: Do you think he should be allowed become a champion. (Some) sponsors may have Cycling Federation community and we sincerely thank them for their continued support back into the sport? pulled out but what can I say (on their behalf). of our organisation and our signature events.” THE PENINSULA Answer: You know what? I don’t want to speak THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

LEFT: Action from PSG’s Magical Messi nets match against Brazilian club Fluminse on the first day of the four in Barca’s win Al Kass International Cup 2013 The striker registers his name in record books again in Doha yesterday. MADRID: Lionel Messi It did not take long though for BOTTOM: became the first player to score the breakthrough and on eleven Action in eleven consecutive La Liga minutes Messi opened the scoring from Aspire matches late on Sunday when and claimed another record. Qatar’s he hit four as leaders Barcelona A long through pass was match eased past a ten-man Osasuna cleared by Andres only as far as against with a 5-1 victory. Xavi Hernandez, who found the Liverpool Pedro Rodriguez got the other Argentine in the area. There was during the and Raoul Loe got a consola- still work to do but the four-time same event. tion for Osasuna, who played winner of the Ballon d’Or pro- Liverpool for more than an hour with ten duced a beautiful dummy to take won 2-0. A men after Alejandro Arribas was him past the keeper before tap- total of 12 harshly sent-off after two hand- ping home. teams are ball incidents. Osasuna levelled the game on participating Barcelona remain 15 points 24 minutes against the run of play in the ahead of Real Madrid in third when Marc Beltran crossed from under-18 position and move eleven ahead the right and Loe hit a shot from event. The of Atletico Madrid, who lost 3-0 outside the area. against Athletic Bilbao. However, the side from tournament Osasuna remain in the relega- Pamplona were left with ten men ends on tion zone on 18 points, two from only three minutes later when February 7. safety. centre-half Arribas received a PICTURES: Messi now has 33 goals for the second yellow card after a shot FADI AL season, 12 more than Cristiano struck his hand in the area. ASSAD Ronaldo, who earlier on Sunday Messi coolly slotted away the hit a hat-trick as Real Madrid penalty for his second and Pedro beat Getafe 4-0. made it three before half-time David Villa started his first after a generous pass from Dani league game for Barca in Alves left him with a tap in from more than two months and close range. former Liverpool player Javier The Argentine got his hat-trick Mascherano filled in for the sus- on 56 minutes when he started pended Gerard Pique in the cen- a move in midfield, exchanged tre of defence. passes with Villa, and took the Thiago Alcantara was the first ball around the keeper before to test the highly rated Andres slotting home. Fernandez in the Osasuna goal And a minute later and it was Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi scores during the Spanish on four minutes, but the keeper five and four for Messi as he fin- league football match against Osasuna at the Camp Nou Stadium in was quick to block a shot that ished off a swift Barca attack and Barcelona on Sunday. Barcelona won 5-1 the midfielder tried to lift over Adriano pass from close range. his head from close range. AFP PSG ride luck to top Ligue 1

PARIS: Paris Saint Germain Carlo Ancelotti’s men could clubs on 45 points from 22 games, rode their luck to wrest back have had more goals as Swedish three ahead of Marseille, held 2-2 top spot in the French league striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit on Saturday by Rennes. from Lyon on Sunday - an own the post with a sweetly-struck After Tulio de Melo had hit the goal from Cameroon defender effort while another effort from woodwork in another scare for the Aurelien Chedjou enough to the same player stretched Elana. home fans PSG held out, which land three points against Lille But Lille also had cause to feel was a boon for Italian keeper at Parc des Princes. hard done before the break as Salvatore Sirigu, who during the Chedjou was the villain of the Ronny Rodelin appeared to have game set a club-record of minutes piece for the visitors, who might opened the scoring from a cor- without conceding a Ligue 1 goal. easily have taken a point had he ner kick - only for colleague Nolan After the opening 12 minutes, not deflected home a loose ball Roux to be given offside. Sirigu passed the mark of 697 Lille’s Sylvio Ronny Rodelin (left) after Lille keeper Steeve Elana Television replays suggested minutes set by f Bernard Lama challenges PSG’s Mamadou Sakho parried a cross from Ezequiel the referee’s call was harsh as back in 1996 and his clean sheet during their Ligue 1 match in Paris Lavezzi midway through the sec- PSG survived to stand clear of stretched the record by another on Sunday. ond half. Lyon on goal difference with both 78 minutes. AFP Schalke’s QSL announces community football event Juve slapped Holtby moves with fines, bans DOHA: The Qatar Stars League (QSL) along with the Qatar to Tottenham Cancer Society (QCS) yesterday after ref rant launched a community football LONDON: Germany Under-21 tournament in partnership with TURIN: Champions Juventus captain Lewis Holtby yesterday the QSL and Qatar Airways. were handed a series of bans quit Bundesliga side Schalke 04 The community football tour- and fines by Serie A league offi- to join Premier League team nament organised by QSL and cials yesterday for displaying Tottenham Hotspur, the north QCS will not only promote the aggressive behaviour to a match London club confirmed. fundamental benefits a healthy referee who refused to award a “We are delighted to announce lifestyle can bring, but will also late penalty. that we have reached agreement highlight the impact football has Juve coach Antonio Conte was with Schalke for the immediate on lives as a universal language all handed a two-game touchline ban transfer of Lewis Holtby,” Spurs over the world. and handed a 10,000 euro fine said in a statement. Teams from all over Qatar while the club was fined 50,000 With his Schalke contract to were invited to participate in the euros for failing to control fans expire in June, the 22-year-old tournament, which will be played who spat on and lashed out at the had already committed to join- amongst local communities. match officials. ing Spurs for next season hav- Each team will consist of play- Juve president Giuseppe ing signed until 2018, but the ers of the same nationality, who Marotta was also banned from two clubs have agreed a deal to will represent their countries carrying out any of his functions take the midfielder to England such as Egypt, Sudan, Nigeria, until February 18. immediately. Syria, Qatar, Jordan, Morocco, Defenders Leonardo Bonucci Schalke’s general manager Lebanon, Palestine and many and Giorgio Chiellini, meanwhile, Horst Heldt met Spurs chairman more countries. were handed two and one-game Daniel Levy in London over the The tournament will consist of FROM LEFT: Dera Al Dosari, Chief of Competition, Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), Abdulrahman Al Dosari, Chief bans respectivel,y accompanied weekend to finalise the transfer an 18-team knock-out which will Commercial Officer, Qatar Stars League (QSL), Ehab Amin, Vice President Commercial of Qatar Airways (QA), and by fines of 10,000 and 5,000 euros. which is reported to be worth be played at Al Markhiya Sports Ibrahim Al Bloushi, Deputy Chief of Competition of QCS, look on during a press conference hosted by QSL to A statement by Serie A’s disci- 1.75m euros (£1.50m, US$2.35m). Club between February 4 to 9. announce the community football tournament in partnership with the QCS and QA at Al Bidda Tower yesterday. plinary body said: “Juventus are “We have found the best solu- The final will be held on PICTURE BY: KAMMUTTY VP fined 50,000 euros for failing to tion for all parties,” Heldt said February 19 at Al Sadd Stadium control fans who spat in the faces yesterday. alongside the QSL match between and on the clothes of officials as “Lewis had signalled to us that Al Sadd and Al Rayyan. Sponsor of this very special that from this year we will form on sport and living well, we want they left the pitch.” he wasn’t against going earlier Speaking at the press confeer- sporting event, bringing together an alliance with the world’s big- to try and educate people about Regarding Conte’s ban, it and Schalke 04 has received a ence, which was followed by the teams from different backgrounds gest football club FC Barcelona.” cancer in a much less scary way added: “Conte is banned for two decent transfer fee.” draw yesterday, Abdulrahman Al and nationalities across Doha in Dera Al Dosari, of the QCS said than they are perhaps used to.” matches for having confronted Holtby’s replacement, 29-year- Dosari of QSL, said: “This is a celebration of our diverse com- he is pleased that QSL are com- During yesterday’s press con- the referee in an intimidatory old Brazil midfielder Bastos, great collaboration between both munity and supporting a worthy mitted in raising awareness on ference, the draw was conducted manner on the field of play and will undergo a medical check in companies and institutions. We cause, the Qatar Cancer Society.” health issues. in which two the tournament will questioning his decision with a Gelsenkirchen on Monday and is are committed to our responsi- He added: “Sport is, and always He said: “We are proud the consist of two groups, A and B. series of derogatory remarks.” set to join on loan from French bilities. We are very glad to work has been one of the pillars of Qatar QSL want to focus on the general Group A fixtures: Lebanon vs Conte and the entire Juventus first division side Lyon with with the Cancer Society to try Airways’ strategy and football in health and well-being of people Palestine, QSL vs Sudan, Qatar team were in uproar at the end an option to buy, according to and help prevent the disease. It particular will continue to feature in Qatar.” 2 vs Nigeria, Egypt vs Syria then of Saturday’s match after referee German daily Bild. is important to promote the phi- largely in our marketing activities He added: “The number of Al Markhiya. Marco Giuda refused to award a Schalke face Turkey’s losophy of prevention.” this year and going forward. It’s people who suffer from cancer Group B fixtures: Algeria vs last-minute penalty despite the Galatasaray in the Champions Meanwhile, Qatar Airways been quite a football-themed past has risen here, partly because of Kenya, Jordan vs Morocco, Iraq ball coming off the arm of Genoa’s League’s last 16 on February 20 in Chief Executive Officer Akbar few months, with our recent tie- the huge influx of foreigners and vs Iran, Spain vs Qatar 1 then Swedish defender Andreas Istanbul and are currently sixth Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways up with Qatar’s national soccer partly because people are living Tunisia. Granqvist during the Serie A in the Bundesliga. AFP is delighted to be the Official team and the tremendous news longer. Since the QSL are focused THE PENINSULA match. AFP Tuesday 29 January 2013 17 Rabial I Safar 1434 Volume 17 Number 5594 Sport Price: QR2 %-%!%&.-"&/0"/,#"%-1&,23!"!,*!04-%35,# *.$")"*6 URDU Woods closes Kirsten Wild WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Middle East Edition in on victory in eyes Qatar

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NEW YORK: Winged Foot Golf Club in suburban Mamaroneck was named host of the 2020 US thriller, clinch T20 series Open yesterday by the US Golf Association, marking the sixth time the club has hosted the The visitors claim last-ball victory in ill-tempered and rain-hit match major championship. The most recent time the US Open was staged at Winged Foot MELBOURNE: Sri Lanka Skipper George Bailey was Australia’s Bailey said both was in 2006, when Australian won an ill-tempered and rain- caught for 45 off 36 balls with 16 teams cared about the win. Geoff Ogilvy edged Colin shortened final T20 interna- more needed from the final four. He said: “Passion mate. People Montgomerie, Jim Furyk and tional against Australia off the All-rounder Glenn Maxwell care about the game and care Phil Mickelson by a stroke after last ball at the MCG yesterday. came in, requiring 12 runs off the about the way they play,” Bailey an epic collapse by Mickelson on Angry words were exchanged last three, and smashed consecu- said. “I know we get along very the final hole. as the two sides walked off, with tive fours off Thisara Perera. well with this side. Even just the Seeking his third major title in Sri Lanka winning by two runs However the bowler recovered chats there coming off, I think it’s a row, Mickelson had only to par under the Duckworth-Lewis his composure to control the last all just heat-of-the-moment stuff. the 72nd hole to claim the crown, method. delivery after lengthy consulta- But I think what you’re seeing is but sent his tee shot way left off The tourists scored 161 for four tions with team-mates. individuals and teams that are a tent. wickets off their 20 overs but a The time taken to bowl that pretty keen to win.” He then struck a tree out of shower which interrupted the last ball sparked some ugly on- Jayawardene had earlier the rough and put his third into home side’s innings reduced the field exchanges and ex-skipper cracked an unbeaten 61 from 45 a bunker on the way to a double match by five overs. Mahela Jayawardene was in the balls in a well-built innings. bogey. That left Australia with a thick of it before Bailey restored He came in with the tourists in The average winning score at revised victory target of 122 off some calm. trouble on just 39 after Australia Winged Foot for the five prior 15 overs -- meaning they needed Angelo Matthews played down had snared three early wickets by US Opens is five-over par, with 62 more off 30 balls with eight the incident. the seventh over. Fuzzy Zoeller’s 1984 triumph at wickets in hand as play resumed He said: “It was just the heat of But Jayawardene opened up four-under par the only sub-par after the rain. the moment.” in the final overs, striking two winning score at a US Open there. The hosts finished on 119 for He added: “Things happen. You sixes and five fours. He was ably Other US Open winners at three after a tense final over exchange a few words. They play assisted by the big-hitting Perera, Winged Foot include Bobby Jones which began with them needing it hard. We play it hard. So that’s who plundered 35 off just 15 balls. in 1929, Billy Casper in 1959 and 18 for victory. it. After the game you’re friends.” The pair took 20 runs off the Hale Irwin in 1974. last over. “Winged Foot is a quintes- Scoreboard Australia, a young side build- sential US Open golf course, and ing for the future and facing the we’re thrilled to have the oppor- SRI LANKA AUSTRALIA world’s top T20 outfit, also lost tunity to bring our national T Dilshan b Faulkner ...... 6 D Warner c T Perera b Kulasekara ...... 7 early wickets. David Warner fell championship back to a site that K Perera c Bailey b Maxwell ...... 15 A Finch lbw b A Mendis ...... 7 for seven and Aaron Finch went boasts such a long tradition of D Chandimal c Bailey b Laughlin ...... 5 S Marsh (not out ) ...... 47 for the same score in the fifth world-class competition,” said M Jayawardene (not out) ...... 61 G Bailey c K Perera b T Perera ...... 45 over. USGA executive director Mike J Mendis c Faulkner b Doherty ...... 25 G Maxwell(not out) ...... 8 The tourists won the first Davis in a statement yesterday. T Perera (not out) ...... 35 Extras (B-1, LB-2, W-1, NB-1) ...... 5 match by five wickets at the This year’s US Open will Extras (B-1, LB-8, W-5) ...... 14 Total (for 3 wkts in 15 overs) ...... 119 Sydney Olympic Stadium on be staged at Merion near Total (for 4 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 161 Did not bat: M Wade, A Voges, J Faulkner, M Saturday night. Philadelphia with other future Did not bat: A Mathews, N Kulasekara, A Starc, X Doherty, B Laughlin. Sri Lanka and Australia drew sites including Pinehurst in 2014, Mendis, L. Malinga, A Dananjaya. Fall of wickets: 1-10 2-20 3-106. the one-day series 2-2 after Chambers Bay in 2015. Fall of wickets: 1-15 2-33 3-39 4-102. Bowling: Dilshan 2-0-10-0; Kulasekara 3-0- Australia swept the Tests 3-0 Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene (right) and team-mate Dinesh Chandimal Oakmont will host the compe- Bowling: Maxwell 4-0-23-1(w1); Starc 4-0- 18-1(w1); A Mendis 3-0-25-1; Malinga 3-0- earlier this month. (left) argue with Australia’s Glenn Maxwell (centre) after the final delivery tition in 2016, whilst Erin Hills 35-0(w4); Faulkner 4-0-24-1; Laughlin 4-0- 26-0; Dananjaya 1-0-12-0; T Perera 3-0-25- Australia will travel to India of their Twenty20 international cricket match at the Melbourne Cricket in 2017. for a four-Test series match that Shinnecock will host in 2018 40-1; Doherty 4-0-30-1. 1(nb-1). Ground, yesterday. begins in March. AFP and Pebble Beach in 2019. AFP

Galatasaray New Qatar coach conducts training Tygart wants US to make begin talks decisions on Lance’s fate over striker Drogba NEW YORK: American any chance of having his life ban Armstrong last year without fil- jurors and US anti-doping from competitions reduced. ing charges. US government offi- officials should decide Lance “He would have to come in just cials are expected to decide in the ISTANBUL: Turkish top flight Armstrong’s fate rather than like all 11 of his teammates did next few weeks whether or not to club Galatasaray confirmed yes- the International Cycling and testify truthfully about all join the Landis lawsuit. terday that they are negotiating Union, the main investigator of those who were involved with “I think they have to join the a deal that would bring Ivory who has chased Armstrong for him pulling off this grand heist,” suit,” Tygart said. “I mean, we Coast’s veteran striker Didier years has said. Tygart said. were surprised the criminal case Drogba to Istanbul. US Anti-Doping Agency Armstrong lawyers say the didn’t go forward based on the evi- “Galatasaray Sports Club has (USADA) chief executive Travis 41-year-old Texan, who was dence that we had seen and gen- begun official negotiations regard- Tygart spoke to the CBS tel- stripped of seven Tour de France erated through our investigation. ing the transfer of Ivorian pro- evision network in an interview titles based on USADA-gathered “So we’ll be once again shocked fessional football player Didier ABOVE: New Qatar broadcast yesterday, saying he evidence, would not be able to if they don’t join the suit. Drogba from FC Shanghai head coach Fahad thinks the US Justice Department meet the deadline and was likely “I think a jury should have an Shenhua,” the club said on its Thani (right) speaks should join a fraud case against to tell his story to the UCI, a opportunity to decide whether the website. to defender Bilal Armstrong. group tainted in Tygart’s mind tens of millions of taxpayer dol- TRT television had reported on Mohammed at And Tygart also wants where Armstrong is concerned. lars that were defrauded by this Sunday, quoting a source close to Aspire Academy Armstrong to testify before “The access they had to inside team and Lance Armstrong and the club, that agreement had been yesterday. BELOW: USADA rather than the world information -- to how the tests his associates, whether or not the reached on an 18-month contract. cycling governing body UCI, say- work, what tests went in place at government should be paid back The Hurriyet newspaper Two squad ing USADA-gathered evidence what time, special access to the for that.” reported that Drogba would be members are seen contradicts Armstrong’s claims laboratory -- he was on an entirely Armstrong denied taking any paid 7 million euros ($9.5m) for in training. Thani that UCI never assisted him in different playing field than all the banned substances after 2005 the contract with a bonus of will take charge covering up a positive test. other athletes,” Tygart said. but Tygart says plenty of evi- 30,000 euros ($40,000) for each of his first match “He exonerated, essentially, the Tygart wants to see Armstrong dence shows Armstrong’s Tour match played. as head coach UCI and our information, and tell his story in court, specifically de France efforts in 2009 and There would also be the option on Thursday the evidence, is different than in a $90m fraud case brought by 2010 were enhanced by banned of an extra year at the end of the when Qatar that,” Tygart said. “I think their former Armstrong teammate substances, which could help the 18 months. play Lebanon. involvement was a lot deeper in Floyd Landis. fraud case against the cyclist. Drogba left Chelsea for China The match is in him pulling off this heist than he The fraud lawsuit claims “The evidence is clear. His last year after helping the preparation for the was willing to admit to.” Armstrong lied about doping to blood tests in 2009, 2010, expert west London side to their first 2015 Asian Cup In announcing the “60 Minutes” get US Post Office sponsorship for reports based on the variation of Champions League title. qualifier against interview on Friday, CBS said the team that dominated the Tour his blood values from those tests, Recently, the 34-year-old was Malaysia to be held Tygart had imposed a February 6 de France for years. one to a million chance that it was linked with a move to Juventus, on February 6. deadline for Armstrong to testify The US Justice Department due to something other than dop- although the Italian champions under oath before USADA or lose ended an 18-month probe of ing,” Tygart said. AFP denied the claims. AFP