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WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 • 28 DHUL QA’DA 1437 • Volume 21 • Number 6905 2 Riyals thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Emir ratifies Concern over kids Cabinet decision on pensions spending hours on DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani ratified yes- terday Cabinet decision No. 26 of 2016 to extend the applications electronic games of the provisions of law No. 24 for 2002 of pensions of Qatari workers to include the following companies children were found to be suf- and authorities: 1. Al Rayyan Project fering from obesity, overweight, Management, 2. Al Qamra Hold- Of the surveyed, 75% of muscle weakness and vision prob- ing, 3. Social Development Center, the children spend an lems, indicating a possible negative 4. Qatar Red Crescent, 5. Arab Engi- average three hours on impact of electronic games on neering Bureau, 6. Qatari Players children’s health. The study has Association. electronic games once identified the positive impact of they started playing. electronic games growth of knowl- edge, language and communication Emir appoints 4 skills, social interaction, and build- ing of trust and confidence. Of the Ambassadors By Mohammed Osman parents surveyed, 44% said they The Peninsula play electronic games with their DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim Children enjoying a slide on the penultimate day of the Qatar Summer Festival at Doha Exhibition and children, while 56% said they rarely bin Hamad Al Thani issued Emiri do that. It was also found that 15% of Convention Center, yesterday. The month-long festival concludes today. Pic: Baher Amin/The Peninsula Decisions appointing Sheikh the children buy the games them- Jassim bin Abdulrahman bin DOHA: A study conducted by the selves, with no parental supervision. Mohamed Al Abdulrahman Al Childhood Cultural Center (CCC), Of the surveyed, 69% of the chil- Thani as Ambassador to Thailand, a member of Qatar Foundation, on dren engage in sports and other Summer festival: Over 140,000 Mohamed Ismail Mohamed Hus- the use of electronic games by chil- activities, while 39% involve in var- sein Al Emadi to Vietnam, Rashid dren in Qatar shows that 85% of the ious skills development activities. Ali Hassan Al Khater to Bulgaria children surveyed play such games Based on the study the Center has and Mohamed Khater Ibrahim Al daily, and 96% of them own devices proposed that competent authori- visit Entertainment City Khater to India. that help them access such games. ties monitor the entry of electronic The study conducted during games to the local market. July-August this year surveyed 500 This requires a review of the rel- Emir condoles with random samples, including children evant laws and regulations to specify The Peninsula shopping promotions, hotel offers partners, in both the public and and parents. Of the surveyed, 75% of the appropriate age of children to and colourful entertainment. private sectors, for delivering a suc- Kyrgyz President the children spend an average three whom electronic games can be sold. Organised by QTA, the annual cessful festival and driving footfall to hours on electronic games once they Shops must be stopped from selling celebration has brought together malls, hotels and venues across the DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim started playing. Parents who took part them to every child, irrespective of DOHA: Over 140,000 people have visitors from around the region to country through a broad variety of bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable in the survey have expressed concern their age. Law should ban games that visited Entertainment City during the benefit from Qatar’s offerings as a packages and entertainment offers.” to President Almazbek Atam- over children’s excessive interest in don’t conform with Qatari culture and month-long Qatar Summer Festival family-friendly destination. A powerful draw to visitors was bayev of the Kyrgyz Republic to violent games. Fifty-five percent of Islamic identity to avoid their negative (QSF) which concludes today, Qatar “We have received encouraging Entertainment City, which attracted express his condolences on the vic- the children surveyed were found to impact on the children. Media and Tourism Authority (QTA) has said. feedback on the third edition of this over 140,000 visitors. Extending tims of the fire, which occurred in be accessing online games. social media networks should play Residents and visitors will say Festival, and are looking forward to over 29,000 square metres, the City a warehouse in one of the printing As for the possible impact of a role in raising awareness among a temporary farewell to the festive building on this success to explore boasted a wide range of gaming and presses in Moscow and claimed the electronic games on children’s parents to guide their children on season at a firework display by the exciting new opportunities that can entertainment options for children lives of a number of Kyrgyz citizens behaviour, the study identified the use of the best games that can Doha Corniche tonight at 9pm. support Qatar’s growing events cal- and adults alike, and hosted several working there. Emir also expressed anger and violent behaviour as neg- develop their creativity and mental With preparations already under endar,” said Rashed Al Qurese QTA’s popular stage performances includ- condolences on the victims of the ative influences. Such trends were skills. Families should encourage way for the next festival – Eid Cele- Chief Marketing and Promotion ing The Smurfs and My Little Pony. car crash, which occurred on the found among 33% of the children. children to take part in other activi- brations in Qatar – QSF will wrap up Officer. highway that connects the Kyrgyz Twenty-eight percent of the ties like sports and cultural contests. after a month of live performances, “We are grateful to our many → Continued on page 2 capital Bishkek and Osh city .

Two consultative Solidarity IS spokesman killed in Syria committees for Reuters militias, and by Syrian rebels backed Independent by Turkey, have made inroads into Islamic State holdings in Aleppo schools province, cutting them off from BEIRUT: Islamic State (IS) spokes- the Turkish border and supply lines man Abu Muhammad Al Adnani, along it. The Peninsula one of the group’s longest-serving Iraq said in January that and most prominent leaders, has Adnani had been wounded in an been killed in Aleppo in Syria, its air strike in the western province Amaq News Agency reported yes- of Anbar and then moved to the DOHA: The Minister of Educa- terday in a statement distributed by northern city of Mosul, Islamic tion and Higher Education H E the group’s supporters. State’s capital in Iraq. Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Al Amaq reported that Adnani Adnani is a Syrian from Idlib, Hammadi has issued a decision was killed “while surveying the southwest of Aleppo, who pledged establishing consultative committee operations to repel the military allegiance to Islamic State’s prede- for Independent schools direc- campaigns against Aleppo”. IS cessor al Qaeda more than a decade tors. The Minster issued another holds territory in the province of ago and was once imprisoned by decision establishing consul- Aleppo, but not in the city where US forces in Iraq, according to the tancy committee for Independent rebels are fighting Syrian govern- Brookings Institution. schools teachers. ment forces. He has been the chief propagan- The committee aims to Amaq did not say how Adnani dist for the ultra-hardline jihadist enhance the culture of dialogue Palestinian children hold posters of Mohammad El Halabi, World Vision International’s manager of was killed. IS published a eulogy group since he declared in a June and consultation among school dated August 29 but giving no fur- 2014 statement that it was estab- operations in Gaza, who was accused by Israel of giving financial support to Hamas’ armed wing directors to share their views, ther details. lishing a modern-day caliphate Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigades, during a protest in solidarity with El Halabi, in Rafah, Gaza, yesterday. suggestions, and experiences in Recent advances by the US- spanning large swaths of territory order to face any obstacles which → Report on page 6 backed Syrian Democratic Forces, it had seized in Iraq and neighbour- they may encounter in the field of an alliance of Kurdish and Arab ing Syria. education. The committee mem- bers will select from among them a president and a deputy president in the first meeting. The members’ tenure is three years and no mem- Bangkok best value city for travellers from Qatar ber can serve for more than two successive terms.

By Mohammad Shoeb every riyal spent in the capital city of Southeast based money exchange firm, which is offering city-break destinations, revealed where tourists The Peninsula Asian country, compared to New York, London, commission-free buy/sell rates for Qatari Riy- can get the most value for their riyals. The cit- Today’s edition Includes Rome and Sydney, data released by a currency als to Baht. Bangkok has been revealed as by ies for the study were selected by assessing the an 12-page exchange service provider show. far the best value city destination for Qatar- most-purchased currencies at Travelex Qatar Qatari citizens and residents thinking of jet- based tourists this year, out of those reviewed, within the last 12 months. Bangkok claimed the supplement on DOHA: Thailand capital Bangkok has emerged ting off to a cooler city over the summer can with Sydney ranking as the costliest place to top spot with by far the lowest price for drinks, as the best value city among the top five tour- choose Bangkok where they can maximise their explore once you arrive. food and nightlife, at half the price of the next BACK TO SCHOOL ist destinations worldwide for travellers from spending power against the other popular city- The figures, which highlight the cost of items cheapest destination - New York. Qatar in 2016 as they get the highest value for break destinations, according Travelex, a UAE tourists consume in five of the most popular → Continued on page 2 02 WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 HOME

London transport Committee names ranked the costliest more than 6,680 Continued from page 1 The most expensive city was Sydney, which was still eight percent more expensive than the second priciest — London. Errol Fonseca, Head of Retailer MEIAT, streets this year Travelex, said: “Thailand is clearly a great choice for those seeking an affordable city break. Even though it’s not the cheapest city to spend time entity has the right to chose their in, those exchanging riyals for British pounds representative. will also be getting great value with the riyal 19 Standards include The committee is responsible percent stronger against the pound compared heritage and for revising the current names of to this time last year.” streets and areas and suggesting In Thailand’s bustling capital, the aver- popularity. alternative names, as well as pro- age cost of a can of cola is QR1.59, compared posing names for new areas and to QR8.79 for the same drink in Sydney. At only streets not yet named. It also gives QR3.33, the cost of a one-way ticket on Bang- The Peninsula its opinion about names suggested kok’s local transport system is only 20 per cent by official authorities. of the price you would pay in London, which The committee has set up ranks as the costliest city to get around in. standards and regulations for The average cost of a bottle of water in DOHA: The Streets and Areas Nam- naming streets, intersections and Bangkok is just QR1.08, compared to QR3.73 ing Committee at the Ministry of roundabouts, among them giving for the same water bottle in Rome; similarly Municipality and Environment has priority to existing geographical the average price of steak in a Bangkok res- named more than 6,683 streets in names to as reminders to gener- taurant is QR26.76, which may cost QR107.38, different areas in the country since ations to come. It also takes into nearly 300 percent more expensive. the beginning of this year. account the old names known Currencies can be pre-ordered online at It has also named 53 streets among people and names of fig- travelex.qa for competitive rates, without com- and public spaces in Msherib area ures which have an important role mission, for collection at the airport just before in Doha and 37 streets in The Pearl in Qatar, in addition to the Proph- you fly. area. et’s (PBUH) companions. About protection against any possible The Committee was established Among other standards being depreciation of Baht on advance booking, according to Cabinet decision No 17 followed is that the way of writing Errol said: “There is an option when a customer for the year 2003. the names must be based on the can collect currency in store to buy ‘buy-back The committee comprises way they are pronounced in Qatar, protection’. This allows him/her to return any three members representing to preserve local pronunciation. unused currency at the same rate one bought the Ministry, in addition to oth- The committee does not approve it at.” ers representing the Ministry of any name unless it has origins in Commenting on commission or service Boys enjoying a ‘cup and saucer’ ride yesterday at the Qatar Summer Festival at Doha Exhibition Education and Higher Education, Qatar and is included in the Minis- charges, Errol said that if the currency is bought Ministry of Culture and Sports, The try database. and Convention Center. Pic: Baher Amin/ The Peninsula or sold online, it is free. However, potential cus- Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal, The committee also chooses tomers can also avail services from Travelex’ Central Municipal Council (CMC), the names based on the elderly’s stores located in Souq Al Badi, Industrial Area, and private sector which is rep- information about the history of Al Wakra and the arrivals and departures ter- resented by two members. Every the names. Fireworks to announce end of festival minals at Hamad International Airport at a nominal service charge. Continued from page 1 Festival and Street Madness, a partnerships with members of Traffic diversion on Legtaifiya road works complete sports entertainment event fea- the hospitality sector to provide The final weekend saw per- turing a mini-football league special packages to visitors this West Industrial Street formances by the popular child where teams are led by social year doubled in number from The Peninsula Block 2500. The QR60m project singer Rama Rabat, who also media influencers and celeb- last year’s festival, reaching 56 included building new 4.5km per- joined young visitors as they rities from around the region. hotel establishments. DOHA: The Public Works Authority (Ash- manent roads with one lane in each enjoyed rides and colouring Sixty lucky winners walked The concluding fireworks ghal) yesterday announced a traffic diversion DOHA: Ashghal has announced direction to replace the unpaved activities. away from the weekly raf- will take place tonight at 9pm on West Industrial Street between Street No completion of roads and infra- temporary roads in the residential Regional comedy talent fle draws with four Jaguar on the Corniche, and can be best 15 and Street No 33. The diversion will be in structure development projects area between Legtaifiya Street and drew laughs from nearly 4,000 cars and cash prizes worth viewed from the area surround- place from Friday evening and will last for six in Legtaifiya residential area – University Street. attendees at the Doha Comedy QR800,000 in total. Meanwhile, ing the Sheraton Doha Hotel. months. HOME WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 03

Emir issues Emir appoints head Art marvels to light up Mall of Qatar of Standardization ratification and Metrology

DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim documents Mall to feature the bin Hamad Al Thani issued yes- world’s first resident terday Emiri decision no. 43 for 2016 appointing Mohamed Saoud QNA troupe offering full Mohamed Al Mosalem head entertainment. of Qatar General Authority for Standardization and Metrology. DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim The law is effective from its bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday date of publication in the official issued a ratification document, The Peninsula gazette, reports QNA. approving the ratification of a memorandum of understand- Qatar Haj Mission ing on cooperation in organising exhibitions between Qatar Tour- DOHA: The Mall of Qatar will be medical unit ism Authority and Abu Dhabi home to seven stunning contempo- Tourism and Culture Author- rary art pieces, which would double ity in the United Arab Emirates as lighting fixtures installed within declares readiness (UAE), which was signed in Doha the domed rotundas through the on May 2. mall. QNA The Emir issued a ratifica- A total of 350 people from Ger- tion document, approving the many, Turkey, Italy, Indonesia, the ratification of a memorandum of United Kingdom, Lithuania, Croatia, MAKKAH: Head of the Medical understanding on tourism coop- Thailand, Ireland, and Albania, have Unit of the Qatari Haj Mission, Dr eration between Qatar Tourism been involved in the art pieces’ Khalid Abdul Hadi has announced Authority and Abu Dhabi Tour- design, production, and installation. the readiness of medical services ism and Culture Authority in the The Pins, Bow Ties, and the Shoe are for the Haj Mission, which will United Arab Emirates, which was currently installed in various loca- provide the necessary health care signed in Doha on May 2. tions in the mall, while The Acrobats, services for pilgrims from Qatar in The Emir also issued a ratifi- the Golden Rings, Wall of Egrets, and Two of the seven contemporary art pieces that would be installed Makkah and the holy sites. cation document, approving the the Footballs are in the installation within the domed rotundas of the Mall of Qatar. Speaking at a press conference ratification of a memorandum of phase. held yesterday at the headquar- understanding on cooperation in “We are more than just a mall; at the main entrance of the building unicyclist, a person balancing on a ters of the Qatari Haj Mission, Dr sport between Qatar’s Ministry of we are an entertainment destination comprising seven inner hoops with ball, and an aerial silk performer. The Abdul Hadi said the Medical unit Culture and Sports and the Gen- venue that will charm visitors in a gold brush coating placed offset from Footballs, a colorful, playful sculp- is ready to provide medical serv- eral Authority of Youth and Sports multitude of ways,” said Rony Mou- the centre and will be hung from the ture that pays homage to the Qatar ices to the pilgrims of Qatar and Welfare in the United Arab Emir- rani, Mall of Qatar General Manager. atrium glass roof. 2022 FIFA World Cup, also adorns meet all the health needs includ- ates, which was signed in Doha “Installing these incredible artworks Inside the mall is the Bow Ties, one of the Mall’s domes. ing treatment, ambulance services on May 2. as part of our infrastructure is tes- inspired by the type of necktie worn The 500,000 square metre Mall and integrated care. In addition, the Emir issued a tament to our staunch commitment by men for formal events installed in of Qatar will feature top notch rec- Qatar has provided all the ratification document, approving to providing an astonishing visual the first of three centric domes of the reation and leisure options. It will facilities and equipment to pro- a memorandum of understand- experience from every angle, down Mall. The second dome is home to premiere the world’s first resident vide high-level health services ing on industrial cooperation to the smallest details.” the Pins, a sculpture reminiscent of troupe offering mall-wide entertain- for the pilgrims of the country to between the governments of Qatar Consisting of 12 different mate- a pincushion used by tailors in meas- ment with 52 weeks of spectacular enable them to perform Haj in the and Kuwait, which was signed in rials, each artwork is considered a uring and sewing bespoke suits and headline shows on a 360-degree cus- best conditions, he added. Doha on January 11. standalone masterpiece. At the main dresses. One of the most beloved tom made revolving stage, as well as Dr Hadi said that the medi- entrance on the west wall is the Wall pieces of women’s fashion, the Shoe a multilevel Family Entertainment cal staff of the unit consists of 27 of Egrets composed of nine Egrets will be displayed in the third dome. Complex. The Mall also features doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and Deputy Emir which portray the internally illumi- In the family entertainment a 19-screen Cineplex inclusive of paramedics who will work to pro- condoles with nated birds as they take off from the area, visitors will see The Acrobats IMAX’s revolutionary laser projec- vide an excellent level of health ground and fly up a cascading wall of – human figures in the form of a tion and 12 channel immersive sound care for pilgrims from Qatar in Kyrgyz President water. Visitors will also find the Rings tightrope walker, a trapeze artist, a system on the region’s largest screen. Makkah and the holy sites.

QNA Pool brunch at Mercure DOHA: Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday a cable to Pres- ident Almazbek Atambayev of the Kyrgyz Republic to express his condolences for the vic- tims of the fire, which occurred in a warehouse in one of the presses in Moscow and claimed the lives of a number of Kyrgyz citizens working in the printing house . The Deputy Emir also Mercure Hotel will organise a Pool Brunch during Eid Al Adha expressed condolences for the holidays on September 12 and 13. The spread buffet will be laid victims of the car crash which near the pool with barbeque, live music and games priced at occurred on the highway con- QR120 for adults and QR60 for children. Guests can also avail of necting Kyrgyz capital Bishkek the stay package with the brunch. and Osh city .

Honda cars recalled over faulty airbags

The Peninsula

DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Doha Marketing Services Company (DOMASCO), dealer of Honda vehicles in Qatar, has announced the recall of Honda City, Jazz, Civic and CRV mod- els of 2009, 2010 and 2011 over faulty passenger air- bag. The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car deal- ers follow up on vehicle defects and repairs. The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will commu- nicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out. The ministry urges all customers to report any violations to its Con- sumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department. 04 WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 HOME

For the needy Ooredoo Mobile More than 3,000 Money Payroll Service adds register as blood new features donors at HMC The Peninsula DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday announced its Mobile Money Pay- shopping malls and other prominent loca- roll Service has introduced a new tions around the country. We also took feature for requesting an Ooredoo Ramadan campaign sees our campaign to national organisations as Mobile Money card PIN. 2,264 donating blood. well as social and cultural centres with a With over 5,000 new employ- large number of visitors taking part,” said ees enrolling for Ooredoo Mobile Sediqeh Al Mahmoudi, Medical Manager Money Payroll every month, the of HMC’s Blood Donor Center. service is fast becoming one of the The Peninsula “We would like to thank those mem- most popular digital methods for bers of the public who registered as blood employers and businesses to pay donors as well as community groups and their employees’ salaries. companies who supported our efforts. We Currently, employees have DOHA: More than 3,000 people have reg- would also like to thank H E Sheikh Faisal to sign-up to Ooredoo Mobile istered as new voluntary donors during bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of the Money to begin receiving their this year’s Ramadan campaign organised Board of Trustees of the Al Faisal With- A philanthrope has placed a refrigerator stocked with food for the needy outside his villa wages, and the registration proc- by Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) out Borders Foundation (ALF) who has ess includes receiving a prepaid in the Old Airport area of Doha. The message on the door urges the needy to think about Blood Donor Center. supported our campaign for four years.” payroll card and PIN number others while helping oneself. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula The campaign took place through- Blood donation helps save many separately. out the Holy Month of Ramadan and Eid lives here in Qatar every year and there To ensure a more convenient Al Fitr holidays. is always demand for blood and blood customer experience, employees The total number of people who products. will now request their payroll card donated blood throughout the campaign HMC provides almost 100,000 blood PIN via SMS, saving time and giv- was 2,264 while the number of who came transfusions every year and it includes ing card holders piece of mind. to register as donors reached 3,054. platelets, plasma and red cells, said a sen- Ooredoo plans gifts for Haj pilgrims Once they receive their card, The busiest location was HMC’s Blood ior official. Traffic accident and other employees can simply SMS ‘P’ Donor Center which saw more than 1,500 trauma patients, those suffering from from their registered mobile people register and 1,038 donate. obstetric disorders, various forms of The Peninsula with towels, a personal care tool set and a free number to 92107, to instantly At the City Centre mall, 753 people cancer patients including those suffer- Ooredoo Passport Card worth QR100. receive an SMS with a temporary registered as donors and 466 donated ing from leukaemia and lymphomas are With the Ooredoo Passport Card, pilgrims PIN. The Card PIN can then be blood. A further 773 donors registered among the biggest users. DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday announced it will once wishing to call home during their trip will get 100 changed at any QNB ATM. PIN by at malls across the city and other public A total of 42,515 people were regis- again distribute gifts to people performing Haj to roaming minutes and 2GB of roaming data. The SMS requests can also be selected gatherings while 473 were able to donate. tered as voluntary donors with the Blood the Holy City of Makkah in the Kingdom of Saudi Ooredoo Passport is valid for seven days on all net- from “Card Services” within Oore- The campaign was part of the Blood Donor Centre of the HMC in 2015. Arabia this Eid Al Adha. works in Saudi Arabia, including STC, Mobily and doo’s USSD menu or the Ooredoo Donor Centre’s efforts at fostering a Those wishing to register as blood This is the seventh year in a row that the com- Zain. Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, Director of Com- Money smartphone app. culture of voluntary blood donation donors or donate blood should visit the pany has donated the free packs, and the gifts munity and Public Relations, Ooredoo, said: “Hajj The smart salary payment throughout the community. HMC Blood Donor Center located on the will be given to a number of Haj trip organisers is one of the key milestones in a Muslim’s life, and method, which is compatible “During the campaign, we organ- grounds of Hamad General Hospital near across Qatar. Packs include ihrams, a special item we are proud to once again support people’s spir- with Qatar’s Wage Protection ised a series of blood donation events in the multistorey car park. of white clothing worn for performing Haj, along itual journey with our small tokens.” System, enables employers to pay their staff directly into their mobile phones mWallet via Ooredoo Mobile Money, saving Black collection by Splash businesses on banking process- ing fees, reducing accounting and administration costs and improv- ing business efficiencies. harps on grunge look For employees, the system offers simple and understanda- ble access to financial services The Peninsula experiment with. You will find such as local and international leather, satin, silk georgette and transfers for users unable to spandex in key pieces like jack- access a local bank account, as DOHA: It’s the return of the ets, skirts, dresses and shirts. well as a secure and convenient grunge — sharper, edgier with The line also has a monochrome alternative to carrying cash and a dash of oomph. The BLACK by element which will be updated access to a mobile account and Splash capsule collection takes depending on the seasonality. prepaid payroll card that can be you on a journey of textures and The rebel attitude is high- used at Point-of-Sales (POS) and embellishments that’s going to lighted further with the use of ATMs across Qatar. The Ooredoo have you sorted from day to night. intricate details and embellish- Mobile Money Payroll service was The premium collection is ments like zippers, chains, studs launched in partnership with QNB focused on straightforward sil- and mirrors. Catering to women (Qatar National Bank), and is the houettes, layered shapes and a lot within 16 and 40 the focal point region’s first payroll service via of detailing that’s going to help for the range will be evening mobile. you channel the grunge vibe. wear and accessories. New customers can register With around 30 pieces on The niche product is priced for free for Mobile Money by vis- display which includes apparel between QR200 and QR 800 and iting any Ooredoo Shop, dialling and accessories, the collection will be available in Al Asmakh *140# or downloading the free promises an array of fabrics to Mall and City Center Splash stores. Ooredoo Money smartphone App. BrailleEasy app by HBKU launched on iOS store

The Peninsula

DOHA: BrailleEasy, a custom one-handed Braille key- board developed in Qatar, has now been launched on the iOS App Store. The application was developed by researchers at the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), one of Hamad bin Khalifa University’s three national research institutes. The Braille keyboard was developed by Barbara Šepič, Abdurrahman Ghanem and Stephan Vogel, in close collaboration with the Qatar Social and Cultural Center for the Blind (QSCCB), Al Noor Institute for the Blind and MADA (Qatar Assistive Technology Center). It combines the comfort of one-handed typing with the speed of two-handed Braille-like typing, and can be used by both Arabic and English-speaking users. Ikrami Ahmad, QSCCB’s Activities Coordinator and Assistive Technology Specialist, described BrailleEasy as “a great achievement”. “It comes with an extensive tutorial that walks the user step by step, the set of gestures is easy to learn and execute, and being self-voicing makes it possible for those who do not depend on screen readers to use it fully,” Ahmad said. “It also paves the way for those with limited hand movement to type in Braille on their touch screen. I have personally heard from several peo- ple on forums and mailing lists that it enables them to use their working hand to type in Braille faster than the traditional way of typing.” Stephan Vogel, the Research Director of QCRI’s Ara- bic Research Technologies, said the app was released for free and its code has been released as open source. HOME WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 05

Over 600,000 visit RAF ready for distribution of sacrificial meat educational portal DOHA: More than 600,000 peo- Prices (in QR) of sacrificial animals in Asian, Arab and African countries ple from 150 countries worldwide visited the educational portal of No Country Sheep Goat Cow A share No Country Sheep Goat Cow A share No Country Sheep Goat Cow A share Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Foun- of cow of cow of cow dation for Humanitarian Services 1 Macedonia 475 3100 443 1 Senegal 535 233 2378 340 (RAF) during the first six months 2 Bosnia & Herzegovina 450 4100 586 1 Iraq 1053 6532 933 2 Niger 437 397 1864 266 since its launch. 3 Kazakhstan 409 3102 443 2 Jordan 705 0 The portal provides online 4 Sri Lanka 506 718 1436 205 3 Ethiopia 273 299 1526 218 consultation to Arab and Muslim 5 Kyrgyzstan 364 2913 416 4 Uganda - 342 2014 288 3 Sudan 942 794 3142 449 students to help them get schol- 6 Ukraine 529 4012 573 5 Benin 422 382 1762 252 arships and admission in top 7 Thailand 750 735 3140 449 4 Mauritania 398 374 1918 274 international universities. 6 Burundi 335 310 2148 307 The portal includes 4,876 8 Cambodia 567 2080 297 5 Syria 613 6164 881 9 Indonesia 1053 420 5840 834 7 Chad 495 331 1074 153 materials related to scholarships, training courses and fellowships for 10 Albania 580 4680 669 8 Tanzania 324 324 1409 201 6 Gaza 1725 9580 1369 research scholars, among others. 11 Kosovo 580 4680 669 9 Togo 422 - 2101 300 7 Al-Quds (Jerusalem) 2300 12633 1805 Academic experts, including 12 Philippines 350 1435 205 10 Ivory Coast 728 612 1726 247 senior professors in international 13 Pakistan 550 2000 286 8 West Bay 1880 9600 1371 11 Sierra Leone - 350 2531 362 universities, have been assigned 14 Bangladesh 550 2000 286 to reply to student queries online. 15 Burma 765 1500 214 12 Gambia 575 382 1533 219 9 Somalia 425 425 1350 193 So far, more than 26,250 consul- 16 Burma / Arakan 1750 250 13 Ghana 575 459 2531 362 10 Lebanon 1000 6115 874 tations have been made with the visitors to the website. 17 India 745 850 600 86 14 Kenya 288 306 1151 164 18 Kashmir 475 1640 234 11 Comoros 850 5710 816 ‘RAF Platform’ is accessible on 15 Mali 488 313 1741 249 19 Arnavutluk 4018 574 http://www.raf-minha.com and the 20 Hungary 5907 844 16 Malawi - 211 1544 221 12 Yemen 600 650 4860 694 portal is in Arabic but RAF plans to add English language so that more 21 Montengro 4420 631 17 Nigeria 470 368 2939 420 13 Djibouti 450 500 0 students, especially from some Afri- 22 Nepal 1366 195 18 Cameron 470 470 2360 337 can countries, can benefit. 14 Tunisia 1100 0 23 Bangladesh 2533 362 Queries, for example, included (Arakan refugees) 19 Rwanda 313 313 1813 259 how to apply for admission in 20 Mozambique 237 237 2101 300 15 Morocco 950 7000 1000 24 Myanmar (Burma) 3295 471 universities in Germany, about the availability of scholarships The Peninsula to study in European countries, worldwide. Priority is being given to beneficiaries in 25 African, 31 Asian contribution to be made will be how to apply for the scholarship Priority is being given the most deserving countries suf- and six European countries. given by collectors at the centres. of Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Uni- fering from conflicts and natural Philanthropists can make A detailed report about the prices of versity Education in Malaysia and to the most deserving DOHA: Sheikh Thani bin Abdul- disasters. The move aims to bring contributions through donation sacrificial animals in each country how to get a scholarship to pur- countries suffering lah Foundation for Humanitarian a smile on the faces of the people collection centres set up by RAF was published in the local media. sue studies in foreign universities. from conflicts and Services (RAF) has completed prep- of these countries on the occasion throughout the country, especially Prices of sacrificial animals vary The portal was launched in arations to provide the meat of of Islamic festival of Eid Al Adha. in major shopping complexes, dur- in each country. And people have February this year to help students natural disasters. sacrificial animals during Eid Al Meat of goat, sheep and camels ing Eid Al Adha. the option to select the country they find a suitable university world- Adha to poor people in 62 countries and beef will be distributed to the The exact amount of want. wide to pursue higher studies. RAF: The first charity to rush humanitarian aid to Irbil

The Peninsula

DOHA: Sheikh Thani bin Abdul- lah Foundation for Humanitarian Services (RAF) was the first char- ity to respond from outside Iraq to rescue thousands of internally dis- placed people (IDP) in Irbil, the capital of Kurdistan, and provide urgent humanitarian aid. The ill-fated people left their homes in Mosul city and neighbor- ing area due to unrest and settled in area 45 km away from Irbil. The RAF provided basic food items and urgent humanitarian aid to more than 10,000 displaced people within two days of Dr Ayed bin Dabssan Al Qahtani, Chairman, Board of Trustees, and the start of the crisis in Iraq. General Director, RAF, distributing food baskets to internally displaced A delegation from RAF led by Dr Iraqis at a distribution center in Irbil. Ayed bin Dabssan Al Qahtani, Chair- man, Board of Trustees and General distributions during their stay in Irbil. discussions with local partners of RAF Director, RAF, visited Irbil recently The beneficiaries received baskets of and made arrangements to continue to get first hand information about foodstuff including rice, edible oil, sugar the supply of basic foods to displaced the situation of displaced people. and lentils among other items - enough people. The delegation was accompanied by for a family for a month. The delegation noted that the correspondents of Qatari local media More than 1,200 families received number of displaced people increased including Qatar News Agency, Qatar food baskets at the Dibka camp sta- on a daily basis, with dozens of new TV and Al Jazeera English. dium located at a distance of 45 families turning up at the camp to The delegation also supervised food km from Irbil. The delegation held collect aid.

Mass wedding held in Yemen The Peninsula

DOHA: Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Serv- ices (RAF) organized a mass wedding for 100 people with disability at a cost of QR1.8m in Yemen. Income generation projects were also launched for the beneficiaries so that they could lead happy lives with their spouses. The project, “Farhat w Nama” (happiness and development), was implemented in four cities of Yemen Bridegrooms at the mass wedding organised in Yemen by the RAF. in collaboration with Jusur Founda- tion for Development Solution, RAF’s was held in Adan in March. The The initiative aims to inte- partner. The project was financed by programme was attended by offi- grate people with disabilities with the endowment fund of Sheikh Thani cials from the local authority, the community and give them bin Abdullah Al Thani. representatives from RAF and Jusur opportunities to contribute to the A mass wedding programme Foundation. development of the country. 06 WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 MIDDLE EAST

Turkish judge Turkey signals no seeks asylum in Greece let up in Syria Agencies

ATHENS:A Turkish judge offensive requested political asylum in Greece yesterday after fleeing to the Greek Chios Island, according Kurdish insurgency at home, has to Greek coast guard. openly said the operation dubbed The coast guard said a mid- The operation “Euphrates Shield” has a dual goal dle-aged Turkish judge arrived on ‘Euphrates Shield’ of driving away Islamic State and the shores of the island aboard a preventing Kurdish forces extend- boat carrying six Syrians at dawn. has a dual goal of ing their areas of control along the He was brought to the Chios driving away Islamic Turkish border. Prosecutor’s Office on charges Washington said the offensive by of illegal entry into the country. State and preventing its Nato ally risked undermining the The judge then declared his will Kurdish forces fight against Islamic State because to seek asylum in Greece, alleging it was focusing on Kurdish-aligned he had been persecuted in Turkey. extending their areas militias. Ankara says it will not take According to Greek media, the of control along orders from anyone on how to pro- judge will be transferred to Ath- the Turkish border, tect the nation. ens to proceed with the asylum “By pursuing the Euphrates request. The judge is the latest Units loyal to Free Syrian Army attack Assad regime positions at Halfaya town in Hama, Syria, yesterday. Ankara says. Shield operation, which is cru- Turkish citizen in Greece to offi- cial for our national security and cially ask for asylum since the July for our neighbours’ security, the many generals, officers and rank- Turkey’s democracy. US Vice Pres- crossed the Euphrates, in line with 15 defeated coup, which Turkey’s Turkish Armed Forces are show- and-file soldiers. ident Joe Biden visited Ankara last a demand from the United States government said was organized Reuters ing they have lost none of their Echoing US concerns about the week to try to patch up ties and voice to withdraw to the eastern side of by followers of Fetullah Terrorist strength,” Chief of General Staff Turkish offensive in Syria, French support for the government. But this the river that flows through Syria Organization (FETO) network, led Hulusi Akar said in a statement to President Francois Hollande said week, US officials described the cur- or lose US support. by Fettulah Gulen. mark a national holiday. he understood Turkey’s need to rent direction of the offensive as Turkey wants to stop Kurdish ISTANBUL: Turkey’s army chief sig- On the eve of the Victory Day hol- defend itself from Islamic State but “unacceptable”. forces taking control of territory that nalled no let up in a Syria offensive iday, President Tayyip Erdogan said that targeting Kurdish forces which In its northern Syria offen- lies between cantons to the east and Palestinian state Washington has criticised for tar- the operation would continue until were battling jihadists could fur- sive, Turkish forces and their rebel west that they already hold, and so geting US-backed Kurdish fighters all threats, including that of Kurdish ther inflame the five-year-old Syrian allies have taken a string of villages creating an unbroken Kurdish-con- crucial to peace: as well as jihadists, and said its suc- militia fighters, were removed from conflict. in areas controlled by the Kurdish- trolled corridor on Turkey’s southern cesses showed last month’s failed the border area. “Those multiple, contradictory aligned Syrian Democratic Forces border. Ex-Mossad chief coup had not dented the military’s Turkey is still reeling from an interventions carry risks of a gen- (SDF) and advanced towards Man- Meanwhile, Kurdish-backed power. attempted coup in July in which eral flare-up,” he told a meeting of bij, a city the SDF seized from Islamic fighters yesterday announced they JERUSALEM: The former head Turkish-backed forces began rogue military commanders used French ambassadors. State this month in a US-backed have agreed to a US-brokered cease- of Israel’s Mossad spy agency says the offensive last week by cap- warplanes and tanks to try to oust Criticism by any Western pow- campaign. fire with Turkey in northern Syria for the establishment of an independ- turing the Syrian frontier town of Erdogan and the government, expos- ers will add to tensions with Ankara, Turkey says its forces have struck an unspecified period of time. ent Palestinian state is crucial to Jarablus from Islamic State; they ing splits in the ranks of Nato’s which has accused the United States multiple positions held by the Kurd- “We agreed on a ceasefire with Mideast peace, joining the ranks then advanced on areas control- second biggest military. and Europe of proving poor allies by ish YPG militia, part of the SDF the Turkish state via the United states of retired security men to urge the led by Kurdish-aligned militias In a subsequent purge of sus- calling for restraint as the govern- coalition. and the international coalition” that government to seek a two-state solu- which have US support in battling pected coup sympathisers, 80,000 ment rounded up coup sympathisers, The YPG says its forces with- is fighting the Islamic State group, tion. Speaking to reporters, Tamir jihadists. people have been removed from both and failing to appreciate the depth drew from the region before the said Ali Hajo, spokesman of the Jara- Pardo says he does not believe Israel Turkey, which is fighting a civilian and military duties, including of the threat the coup presented to Turkish assault and have already blus Military Council. can reach any agreements with the Arab world without solving the Pal- estinian issue. He notes that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has endorsed the idea of Palestinian independence and called on the 10,000 killed in Yemen war: UN Israeli leader to “follow that path.”

SANA’A: At least 10,000 people have It might rise as some areas had no conflict,” McGoldrick said. Some 14 Iraq on track to been killed in Yemen’s 18-month- medical facilities, and people were million of Yemen’s 26 million popu- old civil war, the United Nations said often buried without official records. lation needed food aid and 7 million retake Mosul this yesterday, approaching double the The United Nations human rights were suffering from food insecurity. estimates of more than 6,000 cited office said last week that 3,799 civil- McGoldrick said the human year: US general by officials and aid workers for much ians have been killed in the conflict, situation in Yemen was “tragic” of 2016. with air strikes by the Saudi-led “Humanitarian work alone cannot WASHINGTON: Iraq is on track to The war pits the Iran-allied coalition responsible for some 60 solve these problems,” he said. meet its objective to retake the city Houthi group and supporters of percent of deaths. UN-sponsored peace talks ended of Mosul from Islamic State (IS) later former president Ali Abdullah Saleh McGoldrick gave no breakdown earlier this month without agree- this year, should Prime Minister against President Abdrabuh Mansur on civilian casualties, adding the ment, and without an agreement for Haider Al Abadi choose to go for- Hadi, who is supported by an alliance conflict has displaced three million a new round. The collapse of nego- ward as planned, the head of the US of Arab states led by Saudi Arabia. Yemenis and forced 200,000 to seek tiations was followed by stepped-up military’s Central Command said. The new toll is based on official refuge abroad. The United Nations fighting across Yemen. US Secretary “It’s the prime minister’s objective information from medical facilities had information that 900,000 of the of State John Kerry said after talks in to have that done by the end of the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen Jamie McGoldrick in Yemen, UN Humanitarian Coordi- displaced intended to try to return to Saudi Arabia that the US, Gulf Arab year,” General Joseph Votel, who during a press conference in the Yemeni capital Sana’a, yesterday. nator Jamie McGoldrick told a news their homes. “This is a big challenge, states and the UN had agreed on a oversees US forces in the Middle conference in the capital Sana’a. especially in areas still experiencing new push for peace. East, told a news conference. Try ‘Hamas aid’ case in public: World Vision

JERUSALEM: World Vision’s global president has questioned Israeli accusations that the NGO’s Gaza head diverted millions of dollars in aid to Hamas and said his trial should be open to the public. A pre-trial hearing for World Vision’s Moham- med Al Halabi was held in secret yesterday morning in the southern Israeli city of Beersheba. “A trial is legitimate if it is transparent,” World Vision International’s president Kevin Jenkins said in one of his first interviews since Halabi was charged on August 4. “Obviously with such serious allegations against a staff member, we are calling for him to have a fair hearing.” He said the allegations against Halabi were so serious that the NGO was hoping for an open trial to learn as many lessons as possible if they were proved correct. “As much as our donors want the truth to come out, we want the truth to come out,” he said. “Our whole reputation is based on integrity.” All media and even World Vision staff were pre- vented from attending Tuesday’s hearing, Halabi’s lawyer said. The accusations against him were read out while Halabi, wearing a brown prisoner’s uni- form, stood motionless, lawyer Lea Tsemel said. Halabi has not yet spoken in the court but intends to plead not guilty, she said. The case will reconvene in early October. Israel foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said such closed doors trials were “standard practice” due to the sensitive nature of the informa- tion presented. It is “standard practice in terrorism cases all over the Western world,” he said. On August 4, Israel alleged that Halabi had diverted more than $7.2 million each year since 2010 to Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip. This allegedly equated to 60 percent of the NGO’s budget for Gaza, with much of the money being syphoned off to Hamas’s military wing to fight Israel, according to the charges. ASIA / AFRICA WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 07 Tight security as Gabon braces for election result

Both sides have accused each capital Port Gentil was torched. other of electoral fraud and EU Bongo, at the helm since the 2009 Officers and two riot observers said Saturday’s vote in election held after the death of his police water cannon the oil-rich Central African country father Omar, also claimed victory was “managed in a way that lacked on Sunday while his spokesman has trucks were deployed transparency”. said the incumbent “was ahead with near the site where Results were originally due at a lead that could not be overturned”. the commission was 5:00pm but are now expected to be Polling day itself passed off with- delayed -- the Cenap electoral com- out major incident, but mindful of due to meet: Media mission said yesterday they would what happened after the 2009 elec- meet “from 7:00pm”. tion, many Gabonese stocked up on Officers and two riot police water food and stayed indoors. AFP cannon trucks were deployed near Campaigning was marked by the site where the commission was months of bitter exchanges, including due to meet, a journalist said. accusations -- and strenuous denials Opposition candidate Ping, 73, -- that Bongo was born in Nigeria and LIBREVILLE: Gabon braced for on Monday accused Cenap of tam- therefore ineligible to run. possible violence yesterday as the pering with the outcome of the poll While victory for the opposition country awaited official results of a and said the Gabonese people “want would end nearly 50 years of one- Residents queue at a bakery in the centre of Libreville, yesterday, while rushing to stock up on bread bitterly disputed presidential elec- me to run the country and will never family rule in Gabon, it would not be fearing unrest ahead of the official results of the Presidential Election. tion, with both frontrunners claiming accept having the victory, their vic- a total break with the Bongo era -- victory in a vote condemned by EU tory, stolen from them”. Ping worked for many years in the observers as lacking transparency. He said they would “defend administration of Omar Bongo. unrest in recent months, with numer- capita incomes at $8,300 thanks to petroleum as window dressing. The interior minister is due to by all means” his victory, raising He later went on to serve as ous public sector strikes and pumping 200,000 barrels of oil a day. The European Union delega- announce later yesterday whether the spectre of a repeat of 2009, head of the African Union Commis- thousands of layoffs in the oil sector. The collapse in the price of tion in Libreville congratulated the incumbent Ali Bongo has won a new when several people were killed in sion and president of the UN General One third of Gabon’s population oil has hit the Gabonese economy Gabonese voters for expressing their term or been ousted by challenger clashes, buildings were looted and Assembly. lives in poverty, despite the country hard, and Ping described Bongo’s will for democracy, though it said the Jean Ping. the French consulate in economic Gabon has seen growing popular boasting one of Africa’s highest per attempts to diversify away from vote has “lacked transparency”.

Harare to dehorn 700 rhinos to ANC backs Gordhan but urges him to obey summons shut out poachers Reuters done nothing wrong and had no legal the public spectacle ... is hurting the “The minister must cooperate seems to isolate themselves from the obligation to obey a police summons economy and could be dealt with bet- with processes. If he has no case rest of government and positions over the probe into whether he used ter,” African National Congress (ANC) to answer he can only prove that them as victims to be protected by Reuters a surveillance unit set up when he Secretary General Gwede Mantashe through processes,” Mantashe told society,” he said. JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s rul- was head of the tax service to spy on said. a news conference. The investigation first came to ing party backed Finance Minister politicians. “The ANC reaffirms its unre- He also said the Treasury, one of light in February. Political analysts Pravin Gordhan yesterday but said There has been speculation in served confidence in the Minister.” South Africa’s most respected gov- say it is part of a plot to undermine HARARE: Zimbabwe plans to ministers should obey police sum- local media that Gordhan could be The rand gained briefly after ernment departments, should not Gordhan by a faction allied to Presi- dehorn its 700-strong rhino pop- mons issued during investigations, charged over the investigation, but Mantashe expressed confidence in seek to present itself as being above dent Jacob Zuma, who is said to have ulation to discourage poaching days after Gordhan declined to meet state prosecutors have denied the Gordhan but then went into reverse, the law and deserving of special been among the politicians spied on after 50 animals were illegally detectives looking into his time at the claims, which have hit South Afri- falling 0.6 percent to a session low, treatment. by the tax surveillance unit. killed last year, a wildlife con- tax office. can assets. after he told a news conference that “We do however caution them Zuma has denied warring with servation group said yesterday. Gordhan said last week he had “The continued speculation and ministers must obey police summons. against taking a public posture that Gordhan. Rhino horn is prized in Asia for use in traditional medicine and surging demand has led to more poaching. Active volcano A record 1,305 rhinos were killed illegally in Africa last year, most of them in South Africa, according to conservation groups. Lisa Marabini, director of operations with Aware Trust Zimbabwe, said the organisation was one of two groups helping the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority remove horns. “We want to send a message to poachers that they will not get much if they come to Zimbabwe. The park’s policy is to dehorn all the rhinos,” Marabini said. It costs $1,200 to dehorn a rhino, Marabini said, adding that 100 animals lived in state-run game parks, while the remainder were in private-owned wildlife sanctuaries. Buying and selling rhino horn internationally was banned in 1977. In Zimbabwe, killing a rhino carries a mandatory nine-year sentence. The World Wildlife Fund said in January 50 rhinos had been Students play as mount Sinabung volcano spews thick volcanic killed in Zimbabwe in 2015, dou- ble the figure for the previous ash in Karo, North Sumatra province, yesterday. year. Typhoon Lionrock slams into NE Japan

AFP reports of casualties, local media up some public buildings for use as reported some minor injuries, such shelters. as a fall by a 40-year-old woman in Schools were closed across the strong winds. affected area, broadcasters reported. TOKYO: A strong typhoon slammed Authorities warned of landslides At the crippled Fukushima Dai- into northeastern Japan yesterday, and high water due to expected ichi nuclear plant, efforts were made dumping heavy rain and generat- heavy rain of up to eight centime- to secure construction cranes and ing high waves that caused flooding tres per hour. Landfall, which came equipment from violent winds, oper- along the Pacific coast. at high tide, brought flooding along ator Tokyo Electric Power Co said. Typhoon Lionrock made land- the coast. Some sensitive decommissioning fall near the city of Ofunato shortly Television footage showed local work was suspended, they added. before 6pm, the JapanMeteorological residents struggling to walk amid The typhoon was affecting man- Agency said, after moving up Japan’s water above their knees in the city ufacturing and travel, with Toyota Pacific Ocean coastline. of Miyako, where some cars were suspending production at two of Packing wind gusts up to 162km half-submerged and some 600 peo- its plants in the region, the com- per hour, the storm was moving ple were advised to evacuate. pany said, though added they were northwest at 50km per hour, it said. Miyako was one of the north- expected to restart today. It is the first typhoon to directly eastern coastline cities hit in March Some 120 domestic flights have land in the region from the Pacific 2011 by a deadly tsunami generated also been cancelled, public broad- Ocean since the country’s present by a massive magnitude 9.0 offshore caster NHK said. In the northern part weather observation system was earthquake, which also triggered of Japan, some Shinkansen super fast introduced in 1951, the agency said. meltdown at the Fukushima Dai- bullet trains were suspended. Typhoons usually approach ichi nuclear plant. Lionrock was expected to cut Japan from the south and southwest Local authorities were using across Japan’s main island of Hon- before moving northward across the heavy machinery to pile huge sand- shu and head out to sea towards archipelago. bags along the coast in a bid to hold Russia and China, according to the While there were no official back raging waves, as they opened weather agency. 08 WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 VIEWS

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL Peace process in peril US-EU trade deal gets he latest UN statement that Israel has accelerated its settlement expansion in Palestinian territories in the two months since the diplomatic quartet called for a halt to such construction is a matter of grave concern. The Quartet – the United States, Russia, the hung up on politics TEuropean Union and the United Nations – had appealed to Tel Aviv to stop building Jewish outposts on Palestinian land and are still in a starting phase. The the remaining trade barriers called on Palestinians to cease incitement to violence. But in sides are still exchanging widely Both the US and with the US, has had to rely a damning indictment of the Jewish state, Nickolay Mladenov, diverging proposals on the most the EU have missed on partial leaks, and distrust the UN coordinator for the Middle East peace process, says the contentious issues. has flourished. Anti-free trade Quartet request has fallen on deaf ears and not only did Israel The three most sensitive areas the moment when a activists have used this to their concern trade in agricultural advantage. fail to slow down its aggressive expansion, but even accelerated goods, the mutual opening of mutually beneficial Besides, as the negotiations the process in the face of international protests. “Its (Quartet’s) government procurement and the deal could be done progressed, trust in the EU has recommendations continue to be ignored, including by a surge resolution of disputes between quickly with some somewhat eroded, and, as a in Israeli settlement-related announcements and continuing governments and investors. recent study from the Austrian demolitions,” Mladenov told the UN Security Council. On agriculture, European mutual concessions. Institute of Economic Research Palestinians and most of the By Leonid Bershidsky nations — especially France, Italy showed, it is directly correlated Bloomberg international community oppose and Greece — insist on the recog- with support for the TTIP. The silence nition of their sole rights to sell In addition, the US has been Israeli settlement construction on the certain products under their com- less flexible than Canada, even and inaction of ground that it will kill off the prospects mon names. Greece, for example, All these issues have been though it probably stands to ben- the West and of a future peace deal because Israel ermany’s vice demands exclusive ownership of successfully resolved in the EU’s efit at least as much as does the the rest of the is confiscating land meant for a future chancellor, Sig- feta cheese. trade deal with Canada, CETA, EU, which enjoys a big surplus Palestinian state. But killing the peace mar Gabriel, says There also are politically which now needs approval by from the existing relationship. international process – which is already comatose - talks about a important issues such as Euro- individual EU members and According to a recent paper from major trade deal pean environmentalists’s the European Parliament to the Leibniz Institute for Eco- community are is exactly what Israeli Prime Minister Gbetween the European Union objections to the US’s “chlorine- take effect. nomic Research at the University to blame for Benjamin Netanyahu is aiming at. The and the US have failed, though washed chicken” and genetically For example, sub-federal gov- of Munich, TTIP could increase Netanyahu’s peace process is fighting for breath as “nobody is really admitting it.” modified corn. ernment procurement has been Europe’s per capita GDP by o.4 the Arab world and the international That statement should be On government procurement, opened with certain limitations, percent, while the US should get confiscation community choose to look away, taken with a grain of salt, but Europeans have pointed out that the European product origin a 0.5 percent boost. of Palestinian being preoccupied with more urgent the Trans-Atlantic Trade and they have a unified bidding sys- demands have been met, and Now the negotiations have and dangerous conflicts and crises. Investment Partnership appears tem that would let US companies Canada agreed to use Europe’s dragged on for so long, and so land. to be doomed, at least until after compete for orders at lower gov- new dispute resolution mech- many doubts about it have been Netanyahu has exploited this vacuum to elections in the US and major ernment levels but that the US anism — the Investment Court raised in Europe, that neither further his extremist agenda and deny European countries. cannot provide equal access to System. the German government nor the Palestinians a future state and rights. Gabriel’s Economy Ministry state- and city-level procurement. Even so, the negotiations and French will want to make any According to reports, since July 1, Israeli has been working on is not involved in the TTIP nego- Investor conflict resolution the legal editing of the text have serious compromises before next plans for over 1,000 housing units in occupied east Jerusalem tiations. He also is the leader of is another politically fraught taken much longer than planned, year’s elections. and 735 units in the West Bank. Tel Aviv is also seeking tenders Germany’s Social Democratic issue. To anti-globalisation and individual European coun- Nor will the US want to back Party, the coalition partner of activists both on the left and on tries can still scuttle the deal. down during the next round of for 323 units to expand east Jerusalem settlements and for 42 Angela Merkel’s Christian Dem- the right, the deal attempts to In the case of TTIP, US nego- talks, expected at some point in units in Kiryat Arba near Hebron, for which it has allocated $13m ocratic Union but also its biggest make multinational corpora- tiators did the deal a disservice the fall. in new funding. Demolitions of Palestinian homes and buildings political rival. tions unaccountable to national from the start by insisting on The Republican presidential and settlement construction are being undertaken on a war Germany has a general elec- governments. The EU is pushing stricter secrecy than necessary. candidate Donald Trump opposes footing in several other areas. tion next year, and polls show a for a greater role for governments The public, acutely inter- the deal, and his rival Hillary The silence and inaction of the West and the rest of the 10-11 point lead for the CDU over in regulating foreign investors’ ested in a major agreement Clinton is careful not to be seen international community are responsible for Netanyahu’s Gabriel’s SPD, so it’s in the vice activities. that would remove most of backing any agreement that could chancellor’s interest to kick off hurt US jobs. aggression. The Israeli prime minister knows that his land the political season early and try President Barack Obama’s confiscation carries no cost, and the international protests are to score points by taking popular administration will be careful too feeble to be noticed. positions. not to hurt Clinton in any way. In the current world order of changed priorities and shifting He is, for example, also call- Whether she will be more dis- foreign policies, where terrorism, deadly conflicts and hostilities ing for a cap on the number of posed toward concessions if she on home soil and abroad are taking all the time of countries, the refugees Germany will accept — wins is unclear. an unusual position for a leftist, Both the US and the EU have Palestinian issue needs a completely new approach. Palestinians but one that the German public missed the moment when a have traditionally relied on foreign support for their cause, but in the considers reasonable and Mer- mutually beneficial deal could be shifting landscape, they will need to fight the battle on their own. kel rejects. done quickly with some mutual Denouncing the TTIP looks concessions. like a similar ploy: The trade As a result, the Obama deal’s negative rating in Ger- administration’s vision of a new many reached 59 percent late last global trade architecture appears year. “As Europeans, we mustn’t, to have failed, even if the US Quote of the day of course, submit to American Congress ends up ratifying the demands,” the vice chancellor Trans-Pacific Partnership — that We risk falling behind, said in an interview with the Ger- vision’s other pillar. and risk that our man TV channel ZDF. At least, if TTIP never does Originally, EU and US officials come together, the rest of the children won’t have planned to conclude the deal by world will benefit: According the same welfare and the end of 2014 — “on one tank of to the Leibniz Institute paper, it possibilities as their gas,” as US Trade Representative stands to lose 0.2 percent of per Michael Froman said. capita GDP from the deal. peers in Germany or The 14 weeklong rounds of Sweden. talks held so far have not pro- The writer is a Bloomberg view duced a deal on any of the 27 contributor and is a Berlin-based subject areas, as Gabriel has writer. He was the founding edi- correctly pointed out. The EU’s A worker adjusts European Union and US flags at the start of the tor of the Russian business daily Lars Lokke Rasmussen public report on the latest stage 2nd round of EU-US trade negotiations for Transatlantic Trade and Vedomosti and founded the opin- Danish Prime Minister of the talks reads as though they Investment Partnership at the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels. ion website Slon.ru.

EDITORIAL TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR E-MAIL: [email protected] ADVERTISING TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 E-MAIL: [email protected] OPINION WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 09 Ten good questions for Hillary Clinton

By Paul Waldman The Washington Post

ike many politicians, Hillary Clinton does not enjoy giv- ing press conferences, and of late she has decided not to bother; the last one she held Lwas in December. But this symptom of her strained relationship with the press is itself becoming a source of displeas- ure from reporters, and she and her campaign find themselves being asked about it again and again. The Clinton campaign protests that she has done hundreds of interviews, which is basically true. An NPR analy- sis found that while Clinton has indeed done 350 interviews in 2016, most of them were for television or radio (where they’re usually shorter), many were with local outlets, and some were with people who weren’t actually journalists. A file photo of US Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks at a campaign rally in Saint Petersburg, Florida. In any case, it’s obvious that report- ers aren’t going to let this go, and they’re enlightening. people who work for you should commu- branch has too much, too little, or the for them, and they ought to just keep it being encouraged by Republicans. That But it doesn’t have to be that way. nicate electronically, and what would you right amount of power right now? Are up. You have a lot of liberal policy ideas increases the chances that in order to put Here are some questions reporters could like to change about the way federal gov- there areas you’d like to pull back from that would require legislation. What will the issue to rest she’ll give in and have a ask, questions that aren’t about the cur- ernment systems operate now? the authority Obama has claimed? Areas you do if they refuse to enact any of them, press conference. rent state of the polls, or about saying Are you going to be giving special where you’d like to go further? and you have to fight just to keep the gov- Should that happen, it will probably “people don’t like you — how do you instructions about what people should The terrorism problem has contin- ernment open? be much less interesting and enlighten- explain that?” (which Clinton gets asked and shouldn’t use email for? ually morphed in response to events No one can deny that your relation- ing than we’d hope for, because press innumerable times) or about trying to get You often point to the successes that and our own actions; we had success in ship with the press has been less than conferences are actually not a uniquely her to say something nasty about Don- your husband’s administration had, par- degrading Al Qaeda, a relatively central- comfortable, and pretty much every revealing format for candidates. ald Trump. ticularly on the economy. ized organisation, only to watch the rise president thinks their coverage is less Skilled politicians can bob and weave Good questions might help illumi- But there’s a case to be made that he of ISIS, which is happy to encourage peo- than fair. What do you think reporters to avoid questions they’d prefer not to nate the job she’d be doing as president, was mostly lucky to be in office when the ple to launch attacks anywhere with little ought to do when it comes to covering answer. The fact that each reporter will or some facet of policy or her own think- first tech bubble inflated. How much con- supervision. If ISIS is eradicated, there the president that they haven’t done in get one crack at the candidate encourages ing. Here are 10 examples: trol do you think the president really has will probably be some successor. Is some the past? You’ve seen two presidents them to come up with a dramatic “gotcha” There’s no question that the “vast over the state of the economy? How do degree of terrorism inevitable? How do up close. What’s the most difficult thing that might get replayed on the news. right-wing conspiracy” you described the limits of that influence affect the pol- we minimise the impact of the next ter- about that job, and how are you prepar- So while press conferences some- almost 20 years ago will be mobilized icy choices you’ll make? rorist movement? ing to handle it? times produce memorable moments, in force to undermine your presidency. The Affordable Care Act has been You have proposed some changes That’s just a start, and all of these they seldom produce anything genuinely There will be lawsuits, a blizzard of FOIA a great success in many ways, but the to the Obama administration’s policy in questions might be better answered in requests, constant congressional investi- exchanges are experiencing problems Syria, but they’re not exactly dramatic long interviews, where one can ask fol- gations, and who knows what else. now, with some insurers departing (a no-fly zone is one). Is this an example low-up questions. From what you’ve seen, how does because they say they aren’t making of a situation where the US has no good But if Clinton does decide to do a The Clinton campaign protests that that opposition affect the work the enough money. options and it isn’t within our power to press conference, the purpose of the she has done hundreds of interviews, administration does? Are there lessons Can you name two or three of the determine the outcome of a local conflict questions shouldn’t be to “make news,” from how your husband’s administra- most important changes you’d like to without doing something like invading, since in practice that means “get the which is basically true. An NPR tion and Barack Obama’s administration make to the law to shore it up? Do you which causes more problems than it cre- candidate to say something stupid or analysis found that while Clinton has dealt with it — not to mention your own think it’s possible to get Republicans, ates? When we face situations like that, controversial.” experience with things like Benghazi and who have voted to repeal the ACA over should the president tell the public up Rather, a better goal is to elicit indeed done 350 interviews in 2016, the email controversy — that you plan 50 times, to ever pass a bill to improve it front that there are some problems we answers that help us understand Clin- most of them were for television or to apply? when they’re so determined to destroy- can’t solve? ton and what kind of president she’d You’ve said it was a mistake to use a ing it completely? The Obama years have taught us that be. That’s particularly important, radio (where they’re usually shorter), private email system while you were in We have constant arguments about “reaching out” to the opposition doesn’t given that we don’t know how many many were with local outlets, and the State Department, and you apologized the scope of presidential power; Dem- work if they have their own incentives not chances we’ll get. some were with people who weren’t for it. One of the issues that controversy ocrats thought George W Bush pushed to cooperate with the president. If they raised is the question of the security of the limits of that power, and Republicans hold on to one or both houses, Republi- The writer is a contributor to The Plum Line actually journalists. intra-government communication. If think President Barack Obama has done cans could conclude that the strategy of blog, and a senior writer at The American you become president, how do you think the same. Do you feel that the executive total opposition has worked pretty well Prospect. India, US deepen defence ties with landmark agreement

In a joint statement, Parrikar and between India and the United States the two armed forces. This includes Indian concerns about being drawn the US Secretary of Defence Ashton have transformed in the past dec- food, water, fuel, spare parts, repair, into US conflicts and tweaked the Carter said discussions ranged from ade with deepening commercial transportation, communication and agreement accordingly. “increased strategic and regional and strategic partnership after they medical services. The agreement, reached early cooperation, to deepened military- signed the landmark civilian nuclear Washington, which has signed Tuesday morning New Delhi time, to-military exchanges, to expanded cooperation deal in 2008. more than 100 such agreements with “does not create any obligations on collaboration on defense technology The process has speeded up partner nations, promoted the deal either party to carry out any joint After several and innovation.” under Prime Minister Narendra as a way of building interoperability activity. It does not provide for the decades of Cold In spite of the growing strategic Modi’s government, which over the between the two militaries. establishment of any bases or bas- proximity between the two nations, past two years has strived to trans- It has been a bumpy road to ing arrangements,” said the Indian War era suspicion New Delhi has had deep reserva- form the ties between India and the greater military cooperation. Every government statement. and chill, relations tions about this agreement for nearly United States from just a buyer-seller time, the United States reached out for The agreement applies exclu- By Rama Lakshmi a decade. defense relationship into a deeper a deeper strategic embrace, New Delhi sively to authorised port visits, joint between India and The Washington Post Many security officers and politi- strategic alliance in the Asia Pacific would take an awkward step back. exercises, joint training, and human- the United States cians in the previous government in and Indian Ocean Region. Earlier this year, a senior mili- itarian assistance and disaster relief India had warned that it could lock New Delhi has stressed the need tary officer Adm. Harry Harris said efforts. The agreement streamlines have transformed India into a formal and irreversible for joint research and joint produc- at an event in New Delhi that soon relations between the two militaries, in the past decade fter nearly a decade of pains- military alliance and push New Delhi tion of defense equipment. the naval vessels of the two nations for instance allowing refueling with- with deepening taking discussions, India and into supporting American conflicts, United States is the second largest steaming together “will become a out having to come up with a new Athe United States signed on a a move that may upset countries like defense equipment supplier to India common and welcome sight through- agreement each time, said analysts. commercial landmark defense agreement that Russia, China and friendly nations in with around $4.4 bn worth deals in out Indo-Asia-Pacific waters.” The “It’s like having a tab at the local and strategic will increase the military cooper- the Middle East. the past three years. It is also India’s statement was aimed at countering bar. It is an easier way of doing ation between two of the world’s “We resisted this agreement for most common partner in military Beijing’s expanding military footprint things. It will facilitate cooperation partnership after largest democracies. long because we didn’t want to give exercises. Six years ago, President in the region and echoes Washing- in high seas,” said Ben Schwartz, the they signed the The agreement was finalised the perception that we are ganging Barack Obama called the ties with ton’s expectation that India plays the director for defense and aerospace, at during an ongoing visit by Indian up with Americans against somebody India “the defining partnership for potential of net security provider in the US-India Business Council. landmark civilian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar else, in particular China,” said Pal- America in the 21st century.” Asia. Parrikar immediately ruled out nuclear cooperation to Washington, DC, and was touted lam Raju, former junior minister for The Logistics Exchange Mem- any plans for joint patrols by the two The writer has been with The Wash- deal in 2008. as an indication of a deeper defense defense in the previous government. orandum Of Agreement allows for navies. ington Post’s India bureau since April ties between the two nations in an After several decades of Cold reciprocal exchange of logistic sup- During the negotiations, the 1990. She is a staff writer and India increasingly tense part of the world. War era suspicion and chill, relations port, supplies, and services between United States sought to address social media editor for Post World.

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Views and Opinion pages should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief. 10 WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 ASIA / PHILIPPINES

Ban honoured Nepal bans Indian China must recognise couple for faking Everest climb sea ruling: Philippines AFP

China has ignored the ruling KATHMANDU: Nepal has that none of its claims in the dis- All will ‘lose’ in any imposed a 10-year mountaineer- When we start puted Spratly Islands entitled it to ing ban on an Indian couple who formal negotiations a 320km exclusive economic zone. South China Sea war faked photographs purporting to with China, we will Its construction work on reefs show them at the top of Mount there has alarmed other claimants, SINGAPORE: Vietnamese Pres- Everest, an official said yesterday. have to do it within as well the United States and Japan. ident Tran Dai Quang warned Dinesh and Tarakeshwari the context of the “We are trying to make China yesterday there would be no Rathod, both police constables, understand especially when the winners in any armed conflict said they reached the top of the decision: Official dust settles that unless they respect sparked by territorial disputes in world’s highest mountain on May and recognise the arbitral tribunal, the South China Sea. 23. But fellow climbers cast doubt they will be the losers at the end of Quang, who is on a state visit on their claim, saying their pho- Reuters that day on this matter,” Yasay said. to Singapore, told a forum that tos at the summit were doctored. Prior to starting bilateral talks, recent developments there were Nepal’s tourism department the Philippines plans to seal a deal threatening regional security. initially certified their claim but MANILA: China will be the ‘loser’ if for China to allow Philippine fish- The Vietnamese leader did not later conducted an investigation. it does not recognise an international ermen to access the resource-rich mention any country but there “Our investigation shows court ruling against its territo- waters, Yasay said. is growing unease over China’s that the couple faked their sum- rial claims in the South China Sea, China seized Scarborough Shoal actions. mit. We have imposed a 10-year Philippine Foreign Minister Perfecto in the year 2012, denying Philippine ban against them from climbing Yasay said yesterday. fishermen access, one of the fac- There are no buts or ifs in so far as any mountain in Nepal,” tour- An arbitration court in The tors that prompted Manila to seek our policy on this matter is con- ism department chief Sudarshan Hague infuriated China in July when arbitration. cerned,” Yasay said. Prasad Dhakal said. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon being conferred the honorary it ruled that China had no historical “When we start formal negotia- China claims almost the entire Dhakal said recently an anal- title over the South China Sea and it tions or bilateral engagements with South China Sea, through which degree by Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam (right) during ysis of the photos submitted by the had breached the Philippines’ sov- China, we will have to do it within more than $5 trillion of trade moves a ceremony at the Istana in Singapore, yesterday. couple showed they had super- ereign rights. the context of the arbitral decision. annually. imposed themselves and their banners onto photos taken by another Indian climber of his Everest summit. “Despite several attempts to get clarifications from them, they Philippines may open Marcos-era nuclear power plant did not cooperate with us during the investigation. The two Sher- pas that assisted them are also Reuters countries looking to add nuclear electricity demand expected to rise imported fuel oil and coal, which environmentalists and the Catholic absconding,” Dhakal said. power to their energy mix, includ- by an average 5% until 2030, he said. currently provide more than half of Church arguing restarting the plant “The ban should serve as a ing neighbours Indonesia, Vietnam, “We have to weigh all our options, the country’s energy mix. is unsafe and expensive. warning for mountaineers to fol- Malaysia and Thailand. with emphasis not just on meeting He said technical experts, includ- “We need to move away from fos- low ethics.” MANILA: The Philippines is look- Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi capacity requirements, but sustaina- ing those from the International sil fuels like coal but nuclear energy Tourism ministry spokesman ing into operating the country’s only said yesterday reviving the moth- bility and environmental obligations Atomic Energy Agency, have been is not safe and will also harm the Ghanshyam Upadhyaya said the nuclear power plant, built four dec- balled 620-megawatt nuclear as well,” Cusi said, speaking at the invited to help the country identify people and environment,” said Zaira government is considering revis- ades ago at more than $2bn but never plant in Bataan province, north- opening of a three-day interna- the next steps and come up with a Patricia Baniaga of the Philippine ing the procedure for certifying used, to ensure the long-term sup- west of Manila, will require a $1bn tional conference on nuclear power “well-informed” decision. Movement for Climate Justice. claims of an ascent. ply of clean and cheap electricity, its investment. in Manila. Cusi is not committing any time- A decade ago Manila looked into Only one climber reached the energy minister said. Nuclear generation is one of the Cusi will revive a government table for the study, but he expects reopening the plant but the 2011 top in 2014 after an avalanche The Southeast Asian country is options for the Philippines to meet its task force created in 2007 to study the move to reignite protests Fukushima nuclear incident renewed killed 16 Nepali guides that year. joining more than two dozen other growing power needs, with annual nuclear power as an alternative to against the project, especially by concerns about safety. Philippine military ramps North Korea publicly up Abu Sayyaf offensive ‘executes’ 2 officials

Reuters Korea’s Unification Ministry, which AFP An additional 2,500 troops handles North Korea-related mat- were yesterday deployed to Jolo and ters, did not have immediate nearby islands, according to presi- comment. dential spokesman Ernesto Abella. SEOUL: North Korea publicly exe- Some previous media reports of JOLO: The Philippine military “The president is focused on cuted two officials in early August executions and purges in the reclu- deployed thousands of extra troops making sure that the threat from the for disobeying leader Kim Jong Un, sive state later proved inaccurate. yesterday to destroy an Islamic Abu Sayyaf group should be termi- a South Korean newspaper reported The report of the executions extremist group notorious for kid- nated as soon as possible.” on Tuesday, in what would be the comes soon after the South said napping foreigners, after 15 soldiers Tan said the extra troops would latest in a series of high-level purges North Korea’s deputy ambassador were killed, authorities said. join two brigades already involved in under the young leader’s rule, if in London had defected and arrived President Rodrigo Duterte has the fighting. He declined to give spe- confirmed. in the South with his family, deal- ordered his security forces to wipe cific numbers, but there are at least Kim took power in 2011 after ing an embarrassing blow to Kim’s out the Abu Sayyaf, which has 1,000 soldiers in a brigade. the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, regime. declared allegiance to the Islamic Tan said the military would Philippine soldiers carry caskets containing bodies of colleagues, killed and his consolidation of power has North Korea rarely announces State group and recently beheaded be able to achieve the goal set by in an encounter with Muslim extremist Abu Sayyaf group, into a C-130 included purges and executions of purges or executions, although state two Canadian hostages. Duterte, but conceded the rough cargo plane at Jolo airport in Sulu, yesterday. top officials, South Korean officials media confirmed execution of Kim’s But an assault that began last terrain and possible assistance from have said. uncle and the man widely consid- week on the heavily forested island of local Muslim residents were working week, in reference to the Abu Sayyaf. kidnappings-for-ransom. This year Citing an unidentified source ered the second most powerful man Jolo, one of the Abu Sayyaf’s strong- to the Abu Sayyaf’s advantage. The Abu Sayyaf is a loose net- the militants beheaded two Canadi- familiar with the North, the Joon- in the country, holds about 900km south of Manila, Duterte, who has been in office work of a militants formed in the ans after their demands for millions gAng Ilbo daily said former Jang Song Thaek, in 2012 for fac- has met fierce resistance. for two months, initially called on the 1990s with seed money from Osama of dollars in ransoms were rejected. agriculture minister Hwang Min tionalism and crimes damaging to Fifteen troops were killed and Abu Sayyaf to lay down their arms bin Laden’s Al Qaeda network. Previous Philippine leaders made and Ri Yong Jin, a senior official at the economy. another 10 were injured in a single but quickly adopted a tougher stance It is based in remote Muslim similar vows as Duterte to wipe out the education ministry, had been A former defence minister, Hyun encounter with the Abu Sayyaf on when his overtures were rejected. populated southern islands of the the Abu Sayyaf and failed, even with executed. Yong Chol, is also believed to have Monday, regional military spokes- “Go out and destroy them. Kill mainly Catholic Philippines, and help from military ally the United The report could not be inde- been executed last year for treason, man Major Filemon Tan said. whoever they are,” Duterte said last has earned millions of dollars from States. pendently verified, and South according to the South’s spy agency.

Support for Australian Fresh violence overshadows Myanmar peace talks

AFP to down their weapons -- a precon- its observance on the ground, the PM hits all-time low dition demanded by the military negotiator said. for them to attend -- and troops Some 220,000 people are cur- Reuters new Parliament threatens to con- remain locked in combat with eth- rently displaced by ongoing fighting tinue Turnbull’s struggles. NAYPYIDAW: Fresh fighting nic fighters. in Kachin and Shan states and by Turnbull called early elections between ethnic minority rebels and UN chief Ban Ki-Moon described sectarian tensions in the western SYDNEY: Support for Australia’s in July to break a deadlock in the Myanmar’s military is overshadow- the conference as “an important first state of Rakhine, according to UN Prime Minister Malcolm Turn- Senate, the upper house, where ing an upcoming peace conference step” toward peace at a press confer- figures released this week. bull has fallen to an all-time low, a handful of independents has led by Aung San Suu Kyi’s (pictured) ence on the eve of the talks. Since taking power this year, according to a poll by The Austral- blocked the government’s agenda new civilian government, people “The steps you have taken Suu Kyi’s government has pushed ian newspaper yesterday. of corporate tax cuts and work- involved in the talks said yesterday. towards national reconciliation need to expand a shaky ceasefire signed The poll of 1,696 Australian place reforms for more than two The five-day gathering, which to be further strengthened, broad- between the previous military- voters found satisfaction with years. officially opens today, is Suu Kyi’s ened and consolidated,” he said backed administration and eight Turnbull has fallen to 34 percent, But the election backfired, first big drive to end multiple insur- recently. armed groups. the lowest level since he ousted leaving the ruling Liberal-National gencies that have raged in Myanmar’s Representatives from the insur- But under the junta-era consti- former Prime Minister Tony Abbott coalition with a one-vote majority borderlands since independence in gents said the military had launched rebels, who asked not to be named tution the military retains control of in September 2014. in the lower house and dependant 1948. new attacks on rebel positions in the as the talks are sensitive. key centres of power including the Turnbull enjoyed record-high on either the opposition Labour Organisers have been pushing for northern states of Shan and Kachin “Here (in the national capital border and defence ministries. approval ratings after securing the Party or eight to 10 independents a unilateral ceasefire before the UN- yesterday morning. Naypyidaw) they are talking about “The government faces pressure leadership but his numbers have or minor party senators to pass backed talks. They warned the move threat- peace, there they are fighting,” the dealing with the military in this case, waned significantly as the govern- legislation. But those hopes have been ened to scupper progress at the peace negotiator added. as well,” said one civilian govern- ment failed to chalk up legislative Malcolm Bligh Turnbull is the shattered by renewed outbreaks of talks. Rebels from some of the worst- ment negotiator. victories. 29th and current Prime Minister fighting, negotiators from both the “For the moment it is hard for any hit states want the military to declare Suu Kyi hopes the peace talks The make-up of Australia’s of Australia. rebels and the government said. group to believe or trust the army,” a unilateral ceasefire and appoint will pave the way towards a federal Several rebel groups have failed said one negotiator for the armed an international figure to oversee system for Myanmar. ASIA / PAKISTAN WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 11 Four Haqqani commanders die in US air strikes

Reuters located district at a crossroads on a strikes, hitting fighters gathered in official, who spoke on condition Akhundzada, a religious scholar, is major route into Pakistan. the town. of anonymity because he was not not believed to have much command But Taliban spokesman Zabi- Colonel Michael Lawhorn, direc- authorised to talk to the media, said experience. The Taliban hullah Mujahid denied the report as tor of public affairs for Afghanistan’s about 1,200 fighters, most from the His appointment has led many GARDEZ: US air strikes in Afghan- “baseless”, saying the air strikes had Nato-led mission, confirmed that US Haqqani network, were involved in analysts to suggest a growing role for spokesman denies istan have killed four commanders killed only eight people. He said 48 forces had carried out attacks in sup- last week’s attack on Jani Khil. deputy leader Sirajuddin Haqqani, the report as of the Haqqani network, a militant members of the security forces had port of Afghan forces on Monday. He The involvement of Haqqani commander of the network named group affiliated with the Taliban, as been killed in fighting in the district. declined to provide details while the fighters, whose traditional strong- after his father, a veteran Islam- “baseless” and says government forces try to retake a Insurgents overran the centre fighting was going on. hold has been in eastern Afghanistan, ist who battled Soviet forces during district captured by insurgents last of Jani Khil late on Friday, a signifi- “I can confirm that US forces con- underscores the group’s important the 1980s and later sided with the the air strikes had week, Afghan officials said yesterday. cant success after they had stepped ducted four air strikes,” he said in an role in Taliban military operations Taliban. Naqeeb Ahmad Atal, a spokes- up attacks across Afghanistan in emailed statement. following the death of Taliban leader The Haqqani network has been killed only eight man for the governor of Paktia recent weeks. Another Afghan official said sev- Mullah Akhtar Mansour in a US air known for kidnappings and high- province in eastern Afghanistan, said Afghan army spokesman eral military vehicles captured by the strike in May. profile attacks in cities but is rarely people. 120 militants were also killed in the Fazlkhuda Ibrahimkhil said US insurgents were also destroyed. Unlike Mansour, new Tali- known to take part in big attacks on strikes in Jani Khil, a strategically drones carried out Monday’s air One senior Afghan security ban leader Mullah Haibatullah Afghan government positions.

Key to power PTI leader seeks ban on MQM

Internews Praising Rangers for their efforts to Pakistan be allowed to contest elec- to restore “relative peace” to Kara- tions, rig the mandate and then govern chi, the PTI leader said that following the largest and most important city”. MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s August Without mentioning the name of KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-i- 22 anti-Pakistan speech, the party Waseem Akhtar, the PTI leader won- Insaf’s leader from Karachi, Ali should be banned and those still sup- dered how a man responsible for the Zaidi, has written an open letter porting it be held accountable. May 12, 2007, bloodbath got elected to Chief of the Army Staff General He then asked how can anyone Karachi mayor from behind bars. Raheel Sharif, seeking a clarifica- differentiate between the MQM-Lon- Referring to the Mustafa Kamal- tion about the current status of the don and the MQM-Pakistan when it led Pak Sarzameen Party, Zaidi Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) comes to the arrest of a target killer? asked how those, who were asso- after its leader’s August 22 anti-Paki- The question refers to an August ciated with the party, “suddenly stan diatribe. 23 press conference by Dr Farooq dry-cleaned just because they In his August 27 letter which Sattar, deputy convener of the MQM’s jumped a sinking ship?” he shared with the media through coordination committee, in which He ends his letter by drawing Twitter and WhatsApp yesterday, the he declared that the party’s policies parallels between the MQM and PTI’s former Karachi division pres- would now be decided in Pakistan, the Nazi Party in Germany and ident asked five questions, besides and not by its London secretariat. recalled that the latter won a man- reminding the army chief of Quaid-i- Later in the evening, after the date in March 1933 as well, “but can Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s March arrest of a few suspected MQM work- the subsequent genocide commit- 1948 speech in which he had warned ers, a Rangers press release referred ted by them be justified because of of the “fifth columnists” and said the to them as those belonging to the their mandate?” government must deal with them London secretariat - a clear divi- “I want my peaceful Karachi “ruthlessly”. sion which was never seen in their back,” said the letter signed off by Zaidi claimed that the MQM had earlier press statements. Zaidi as “a concerned citizen of been created by ex-president Gen Zaidi also questioned the right Pakistan”. Ziaul Haq and further aided/facil- of the MQM supremo to hold press Zaidi clarified that the purpose itated by former military ruler Gen conferences, despite FIRs having of writing to the COAS is “not to seek Pervez Musharraf. been registered against him. “Will military intervention” and said it was Therefore, by default, the we start giving the same privilege his “right as a citizen of Pakistan to Waseem Akhtar (centre), mayor of Karachi and member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), responsibility to clean up the mess to leaders of banned religious out- question my general [the army chief] waves as he receives a symbolic Karachi Key from Laeeq Ahmed (left), outgoing administrator Karachi created by “your (Gen Raheel’s) fits?” he wondered. who is responsible for my protection. Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), after the oath taking ceremony in Karachi, yesterday. predecessors sadly falls on your He asked how a political party I’m a Pakistani first and then a mem- shoulders”. “with questionable and/or no loyalty ber of a political party.” Singapore confirms Zika UN to draw up report on Pakistani cities spread; some countries Internews ies Report. The report, which will the lack of managerial governance. The report will help relevant be completed by June 2017, is being In a press conference yesterday, stakeholders in evidence-based issue travel warnings drawn up by UN-Habitat and the representatives of the three stake- decision making and monitoring in ISLAMABAD: In order to help the Ministry of Climate Change and is holders said the report will provide the cities. authorities in formulating planning funded by the Australian govern- information on major cities in Paki- Speakers said that though cities Reuters they have been to Zika-affected guidelines for the increasing urban ment. stan and that it will be important in contribute to 78 percent of the GDP areas,” the statement said. population in the cities across Paki- It will focus on the problems in establishing key urban indicators of Pakistan, weak local govern- The outbreak and advisories stan, the UN Human Settlements the cities of the country including and baselines, analyse development ments were suppressing the growth SINGAPORE: The number of come as the tourism industry in Programme (UN-Habitat) will be the lack of timely service delivery, trends and challenges and present of urban areas as economic and cul- confirmed cases of Zika virus in one of the world’s busiest travel hubs drafting a State of Pakistan Cit- inadequate resource allocation and potentials for investment and growth. tural hubs. Singapore rose to 82 yesterday, already faces weak global economic with some of the latest infections growth. Singapore’s Tourism Board detected beyond the area of the ini- said it was premature to consider tial outbreak. any impact on the sector, adding it Tribal elders Several countries advised preg- remained a “safe travel destination”. High hopes nant women or those trying to More than 55 million people conceive to avoid travelling to the pass through Singapore’s Changi seek merger of city-state. airport every year. In the first half of The mosquito-borne Zika virus this year, tourism arrivals topped 8 area with KP was detected in Brazil last year million, around 1 million more than and has since spread across the a year earlier. Americas. It poses a risk to preg- Singapore reported its first case nant women as it can cause severe of locally-transmitted Zika at the Internews birth defects. It has been linked in weekend, and the number of con- Brazil to more than 1,800 cases of firmed infections has risen steadily microcephaly,a rare birth defect since then. At least three dozen ISLAMABAD: President of the where babies are born with abnor- patients have made a full recovery. Siyasi Ittehad in Pakistan’s mally small heads and brains. Neighbouring Malaysia and northwest tribal region, Nisar At least five of 26 new cases Indonesia have stepped up protec- Momand said that tribal areas confirmed late yesterday were tive measures, introducing thermal should be merged with Khy- detected outside the initial cluster in scanners at airports and border ber Pakhtunkhwa province as the Aljunied area in the southeast of checkpoints with the island state. tribesmen want representation Singapore, the health ministry and Singapore residents responded in provisional assembly. National Environment Agency (NEA) to government calls to be vigilant He said that they wanted said in a joint statement. and to take precautions against extension of 1973 Constitution. “If Australia, Taiwan and South mosquito bites. bureaucracy and others institu- Korea issued travel warnings, Most of the early infections were tions are sincere in reforms, they and Singapore advised pregnant among foreign workers, hundreds should abolish the Fata Secretar- women to take a free Zika test if of thousands of whom, mainly from iat.” Momand welcomed the draft Pakistani human rights activists carry placards during a protest for missing persons to mark the they showed any symptoms or if the Asian sub-continent, work on Fata reforms, prepared by the fed- their partners tested positive. Singapore’s construction sites and International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances in Lahore, yesterday. eral government, but also showed “This is regardless of whether in the marine sector. some reservations over it. He said that access of tribal people jus- tice and protection of local culture were proposed in the draft. “It is also a good omen that Taliban appoint military chief as new leader settles in holding of local bodies’ election in Fata is also included in the draft.” He added that it was acknowl- AP They said that the appointment commander, who gained prominence with an uptick in Taliban attacks So far this month, Taliban fight- edged in the draft that tribal of Mullah Ibrahim Sadar, once a among Taliban foot soldiers following against Afghan security forces. ers have attacked Afghan security peoples neither wanted Fata close ally of Taliban founder Mul- the movement’s overthrow in 2001 in The US has sent additional troops forces in northern Kunduz province, council nor separate province ISLAMABAD: The Taliban have lah Mohammed Omar, heralds a the US-led invasion. to Afghanistan’s southern Helmand briefly taking control of a district but most of them wanted merger appointed a new military chief as the commitment to confrontation at a The two officials both spoke on province, where its capital, Lashkar headquarters. of Fata with KP. The FSI president insurgents try to gain more ground in time when multiple governments condition of anonymity because they Gah, is under pressure. The provin- The militants also overran a said that they wanted abolishment Afghanistan rather than talk peace are trying to coax the Taliban to the were not authorised to speak publicly cial council head Kareem Atal earlier district in the northern Baghlan of Fata Secretariat because all line under a new leadership, Taliban offi- negotiating table. for the Taliban. said roughly 80% of Helmand is province and in the eastern Paktia departments were under the con- cials said. Sadar is a battle-hardened Sadar’s appointment coincides already under Taliban control. province. trol of provincial government. 12 WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 INDIA Pakistan should stop harbouring terrorists: Kerry

and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman India’s membership in the Nuclear and US Secretary of Commerce Suppliers Group (NSG) and a perma- Kerry says the US Penny Pritzker after the conclusion nent seat in the UN Security Council. continues to support of the Second India-US Strategic and “We also had a detailed exchange of Commercial Dialogue here. views on climate change and clean all efforts to bring “I am happy to note that there energy issues,” she said. the perpetrators was a meeting of minds on this issue,” “Both our countries attach high she said. Sushma Swaraj said that she importance to the full implementa- of the Mumbai and briefed Kerry on the continuing prob- tion of the Paris Agreement, in the Pathankot terror lem of cross-border terrorism that finalisation of which (US) President attacks to justice. India and the larger region faces from (Barack) Obama and Prime Minister Pakistan. Modi played key roles.” “We both agreed that nations Kerry said that the US would help must not maintain double standards, India upgrade its power grid and the such as the categorisation of good civilian nuclear agreement between IANS and bad terrorists, nor must they act the two sides would help provide as sanctuaries and safe havens for clean and renewable energy to tens terrorist organisations,” she stated. of millions of Indians. “We reaffirmed the urgent neces- Commerce Minister Sitharaman NEW DELHI: India and the US sity for Pakistan to dismantle safe said India and the US have agreed yesterday reasserted the urgent havens for terrorists and criminal to add partnership in the travel and necessity for Pakistan to dismantle networks including Lashkar-e-Toiba, US Secretary of State, John Kerry (second right) speaks during a joint press interaction with Indian Minister tourism sector to the existing work safe havens for terrorist groups and Jaish-e-Mohammad and D Company. of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj as Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Nirmala Sitharaman (left) streams under the bilateral Strategic criminal networks and said there can Secretary Kerry and I also agreed on and US Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker (right), look on, in New Delhi yesterday. and Commercial Dialogue. be no difference between good ter- the need for Pakistan to do more to She announced that next year’s rorists and bad terrorists. bring the perpetrators of the 2008 “Let me be clear... United States “terrorist screening information” to and Afghanistan would hold a tri- Global Entrepreneurship Summit “Secretary (John) Kerry and I Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot terror- continues to support all efforts to deepen cooperation in designating lateral meeting in the UN General would be held in India and it would discussed at length the issue of ter- ist attacks to justice quickly.” bring the perpetrators of Mumbai terrorist groups at the UN. Assembly session next month in be co-hosted by the US. India also rorism, which is the key challenge Sushma Swaraj said that she and the Pathankot attacks to justice To a question on resumption of which Indian investments in major raised the issue of hike in fees of US to the international community, and and Kerry also discussed the need and we cannot and will not make India-Pakistan talks, Sushma Swaraj Afghan infrastructure projects would H-1B and L-1 visas. the foremost threat to international to strengthen the international legal distinction between good and bad said that Prime Minister Narendra be discussed. Attacks by the Taliban Secretary for Commerce Pritzker peace and security,” External Affairs regime to counter terrorism. terrorism,” he stated Modi visited Pakistan in Decem- on Afghan territory from across the said that the matter was not limited Minister Sushma Swaraj said in a Kerry said the US continued to “Terror is terror no matter where ber 2015 “and we got Pathankot in border in Pakistan would also come to India alone but she “committed” joint press interaction with US Sec- support all efforts to bring the perpe- it comes from and who carries it out.” return”. “Talks and terrorism cannot up for discussion, he said. to Sitharaman to look into the issue retary of State John Kerry, trators of the Mumbai and Pathankot Kerry also said that the two go together,” she reiterated. Sushma Swaraj also thanked in the wake of concerns raised by Minister of State for Commerce terror attacks to justice. countries have agreed to exchange Kerry also said that the US, India the US for its continued support for Indian companies

Heavy downpour Two years’ bonus for Modi inaugurates first phase of central government ambitious water employees: Jaitley project in Gujarat

IANS IANS examined by a committee which will give its report at the earliest, Jaitley said. JAMNAGAR: Prime Minister Advisories will be issued to all Narendra Modi yesterday inau- NEW DELHI: Around 33 lakh the state governments to ensure that gurated the first phase of the employees of the central gov- registration of trade unions takes ambitious Rs12,000 crore SAUNI ernment had a reason to cheer place within 45 days. (Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran yesterday with the government “We have had meeting with Irrigation Yojna) project that aims announcing their annual bonus trade unions individually and col- to satiate the water and irrigation that has been pending for two years. lectively. We have had discussions needs of the perennially parched “The bonus entitlement for with trade unions. We have had regions of Saurashtra in Gujarat. 2014-15 and 2015-16 will be released meeting with all trade unions,” Jait- Modi, who landed at the Jam- on the revised norms for central ley told reporters. nagar airport in the morning, had government employees. This was Jaitley also allayed fears of to drive down to Sanosara to reach pending for two years. After this, the the public sector bank employees the Aji dam site to inaugurate the bonus will be covered under the 7th who are opposing the merger of first link of the project owing to Pay Commission,” Finance Minis- State Bank of India with associate inclement weather. The inaugu- ter Arun Jaitley told reporters here. banks, saying that the merger will ration got delayed a little. The Bonus Amendment Act will not affect the service conditions of The SAUNI project, which in Commuters make their way along a road during a heavy rainfall in Siliguri yesterday. be implemented strictly, Jaitley said bank workers. Gujarati means something for at the press conference on charter of A spokesperson for the BJP- everyone, aims at diverting the demands of Central Trade Unions. affliated trade union Bharatiya excess floodwater from Sardar The conference was also Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) said that Sarovar Dam to fill up 115 dams attended by Labour Minister they have called off the September of the water-scarce Saurash- Bandaru Dattatreya and Power Min- 2 strike as the government has con- tra region through a network of Crimes against children up: Report ister Piyush Goyal. ceded a number of their demands in canals and pipelines. The first As a measure to dissuade trade the charter. BMS, in a statement sep- phase would help irrigate 4.13 unions from going on strike on Sep- arately, also directed all its affiliate lakh hectares of land. IANS According to the report, over 28 cases of crimes against children. tember 2, the government has also unions, members and well wishers The Prime Minister pressed a lakh cases under Indian Penal Code Also, there is an increase of 25.8 decided to raise the daily minimum not to participate in any strike on button at the Aji-3 dam to open Gate (IPC) were investigated in 2015. Out percent in crimes related to human wage for unskilled non-agricultural September 2. two, Three and Four, to start release of over one crore IPC cases, more trafficking (6,877 cases in 2015 com- workers for ‘C’ category areas to “BMS strongly feels that the of the water that would fill up Aji-4 NEW DELHI: Union Home Min- than 13 lakh cases were tried by pared to 5,466 cases in 2014). Rs350 from the earlier Rs112. outcome of the talks was the most dam. Simultaneously, water would ister Rajnath Singh yesterday the courts in 2015, showing con- According to the report, a total of Further, Jaitley said the gov- fruitful and great achievement for also be pumped into Uund-4 reser- released the 63rd edition of ‘Crime viction rate as 46.9 percent under 73,26,099 offence cases (29,49,400 ernment will write to all states Indian workers in the recent past. The voir. Modi had launched the scheme in India’ report for the year 2015, IPC crimes. IPC cases and 43,76,699 Special and regarding compliance of contract BMS expresses its sincere thanks to when he was Gujarat Chief Minister which showed a marginal decline The report shows a 3.1 percent Local Laws cases) were reported in workers law. The registration of the the Government of India for taking in September 2012, and yesterday in crimes against women, while decline in crime against women 2015, an increase of 1.3 per cent over contract workers and their staffing right decisions,” the trade union said. opened the first phase. crimes against children showed (from 3,37,922 cases in 2014 to 2014. agencies is mandatory as per law Yesterday’s announcements by Officials call the SAUNI project an increase. 3,27,394 cases in 2015). The National Crime Records and states will be advised to strictly the government were the outcome an engineering marvel since it The data in the report has been But it shows 5.3 percent increase Bureau publishes the report every implement the same. of an emergency meeting here on involves lifting huge amounts of collected from 36 states and Union in crimes against children (from year, and the practice is on since The issue of giving social secu- Monday, chaired by Prime Minis- water through hundreds of kil- Territories and 53 mega cities (hav- 89,423 in 2014 to 94,172 cases in 1953. The report contains informa- rity benefit to the unorganised ter Narendra Modi, to decide on the ometres to fill the dams. “SAUNI ing population of more than 10 2015). Kidnapping and abduction tion on police recorded criminal sector (e.g., Anganwadi, Mid-day demands of the trade unions to pre- project is an engineering mar- lakhs), according to officials. constituted 44.5 percent of total cases during the year. meal, Asha, Volunteers etc.) will be empt the September 2 strike. vel that will quench thirst of 11 drought-prone district of Sau- rashtra and bring fresh life to the region,” Chief Minister Vijay Rupani tweeted earlier. Yesterday’s visit of the Prime ISRO arm bags orders to launch 68 foreign satellites Minister is being seen as an attempt of the BJP to usher in again its ‘development’ agenda on IANS Indian Space Research Organisation (instruments) for experiments, data “We plan to carry more satellites commercial launch of two-tonne the Gujarat political horizon, at a (ISRO) has launched 74 foreign satel- generation, image-capturing and in a single launch at a time for opti- and above satellites using its heav- time the Patidar and Dalit agita- lites, including many from advanced transmitting signals for communica- mal utilisation of the rocket space and ier rocket -- Geosynchrnous Satellite tions have been a reason of worry countries like Belgium, Britain, Can- tions, broadcasting, remote-sensing, other resources for achieving econ- Launch Vehicle (GSLV) to place them for the party. Anandiben Patel had BENGALURU: Riding on the success ada, France, Germany, Israel and the earth observation and weather omies of scale,” hinted Sasibhushan. in geo-stationary orbits, about to resign as Chief Minister in view of its rocket launches and domain US over the 15 years, using its most conditions. Asserting that polar rocket was 36,000 km from the earth. of the agitations. expertise in space technology, India reliable workhorse - the Polar Satel- “We also got an order to launch commercially competitive, he said its The operational GSLV Mk-II rocket “Thank you Prime Minister. secured new orders to launch 68 lite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). a heavier earth observation satel- record successwas attracting global with an indigenous cryogenic upper After 2 years & visiting 42 coun- satellites for overseas customers, “We estimate that about 2,500 lite from an overseas customer, said attention and many countries were stage is set for launch in Septem- tries, you have found some time for including a dozen from the US, said satellites will be built in the next dec- Sasibhushan without naming the interested in using it for launching ber with a weather satellite onboard. Gujarat. Elections must be round a top official yesterday. ade to meet the needs of countries customer, and asserted that Antrix their satellites in near-earth orbits. “We are looking for commercial opera- the corner,” tweeted senior Con- “We got fresh orders to launch and private customers for navigation, would try to be competitive to win OneWeb, a global consortium of tions of GSLV for which the indigenous gressman Ahmed Patel. 68 satellites from various coun- maritime, surveillance and other more contracts. British multinational Virgin Group, cryogenic engines are getting ready Earlier, AICC spokesper- tries, including 12 from PlanetiQ, a space-based applications,” Sasib- The smaller rocket (PSLV-C34) Indian telecom major Bharti Enter- to launch more satellites to the geo- son and Gujarat Congress leader US-based weather forecasting satel- hushan told reporters here ahead of set a record in July by launching 20 prises and US-based chip maker orbits,” noted Sasibhushan. Shaktisinh Gohil said it was dur- lite firm,” said Rakesh Sasibhushan, the fifth biennial Space Expo from satellites, with a combined weight Qualcomm, is planning to put a India is pitching in the multi- ing elections or approaching Chairman and Managing Director of Thursday. of 1,288 kg including ISRO’s 728 kg record 648 smaller satellites as a billion dollar launch market due elections that Modi makes such Antrix Corporation, the commercial The new orders include for Cartosat-2 from its rocketport at Sri- constellation to beam high-speed to shortage of rockets and launch- promises for the parched regions arm of the Indian space agency. launching smaller and nano-sat- harikota in Andhra Pradesh, about internet to local terminals. ers worldwide and owing its cost of Saurashta and Kutch, but noth- Through Antrix, the state-run ellites with different payloads 80 km north-east of Chennai. ISRO also is bracing up for advantage. ing happens on the ground. EUROPE WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 13

French economy minister Selfie with Merkel Macron quits cabinet

61, and 71-year-old ex-prime min- ister Alain Juppe — both right-wing With elections eight candidates. months away, the Juppe is France’s most popu- lar politician, but Sarkozy is closing former investment the gap fast. A poll this week showed banker said: “I am both would score 34 percent in November’s centre-right primary. determined to do Marine Le Pen, 48, of the far- everything so that right anti-immigration National our values, our ideas, Front, is standing for a second time in presidential elections and many our actions can polls show she is likely to reach the transform France as second round of voting. Macron, like most French poli- soon as next year.” ticians a graduate of the prestigious Ecole Nationale d’Administration, said he would “present the diagno- German Chancellor Angela Merkel poses for a selfie as she tours a market in Greifswald, Germany, opinion survey last month neverthe- sis of France drafted with the help of AFP less gave him a 41-percent approval tens of thousands of people” at the yesterday. rating. end of September. Yesterday Macron charged that “I will then propose far-reaching France’s political system is broken, action that can be taken,” he said. A PARIS: France’s Emmanuel Macron and that his movement called “En maverick in politics as well as in his (pictured)vowed after stepping Marche” (On the Move) would put private life, Macron is married to a down as economy minister yesterday forward a “diagnosis” of the coun- divorcee with three children who is Rajoy seeks support for second term to “transform” an ailing country but try’s woes next month. some 20 years his senior. stopped short of declaring a presi- Macron’s departure is a blow Applauded by liberals for chal- dential run. to Hollande, whose approval rat- lenging the key planks of French The 38-year-old said he had ings are the lowest of any post-war socialism such as the 35-hour work AFP Popular Party (PP) has ruled since party Podemos. The corruption- “seen at first hand the limits of our French president. He has pledged week, the former Rothschild banker 2011, warned Spain’s economic tainted PP won both elections but political system” and that quitting not to seek re-election if he fails to and self-made millionaire is criti- recovery could be jeopardised if it failed to reach an absolute majority. the government of President Fran- rein in stubbornly high unemploy- cised by die-hard leftists as being too once again fails to form a govern- To secure a new term, Rajoy cois Hollande would enable him “to ment, which is hovering at around cosy with big business. MADRID: Spain’s caretaker Prime ment after two inconclusive elections needs the support of an abso- be free” to push forward his own 10 percent. His name is on the first of two Minister Mariano Rajoy yesterday in December and June. lute majority of 176 lawmakers in agenda. Hollande has said he will not economic reform packages that were urged lawmakers to back him for a “Spain needs an effective govern- the 350-seat assembly in today’s With elections eight months decide on a re-election bid until forced through parliament without second term, arguing ahead of a con- ment, and it needs it urgently,” he told planned confidence vote. away, the former investment banker the end of the year. The embattled a vote under Hollande. fidence vote which he appears set lawmakers as he opened a two-day His Popular Party clinched a deal said: “I am determined to do every- president, who has already alien- Both sparked angry street pro- to lose that the country “urgently” parliamentary debate before a vote with Ciudadanos, an upstart mar- thing so that our values, our ideas, ated the left flank of the Socialist tests and created a deep divide needs a government. of confidence on his proposed sec- ket-friendly party, as well as with a our actions can transform France as Party through economic and labour within the Socialist Party. But If there is no breakthrough two ond term. “My proposal is the only lone nationalist lawmaker from the soon as next year.” reforms, faces further isolation with Macron’s straight-talking, anti- months after today’s parliamen- real possibility for Spain to have a Canary Islands, giving him 170 votes While Macron’s resignation the loss of the star of his govern- establishment flair has seen him tary ballot, vote-weary Spaniards moderate government, that is not an — six votes short. clears the way for a presidential ment’s centrist flank. win over many young, cosmopoli- will be asked to return to the polls adventure in radicalism, inefficiency Rajoy therefore needs the sup- bid, it is unclear how wide the appeal Macron would be a fresh face tan French people. The two-round on December 25 due to the timings and uncertainty,” he said, referring to port of the Socialists, his traditional really is of such a young man who in a presidential field that includes presidential election will be held on set out in Spanish election law. the option of the Socialists forming a rivals, who finished second in the has never held elected office. An former president Nicolas Sarkozy, April 23 and May 7, 2017. Rajoy, whose conservative government with new radical-left last election with 85 seats.

Notting Hill Plant decor Carnival Italy mourns quake turns 50 victims amid ruins

AFP AFP hundreds of homeless residents facing an indefinite stay in tented LONDON: Hundreds of thousands villages erected to house them. of revellers took to the streets to Also presented in Amatrice were celebrate London’s Notting Hill AMATRICE: Italy yesterday held Rome mayor Virginia Raggi, pay- Carnival, as police made more a poignantly symbolic funeral for ing her respects to the more than than 400 arrests during the fes- victims of last week’s earthquake 80 residents of the capital who tival’s 50th anniversary. amid the ruins of Amatrice, the died, and Romanian Prime Minister Feathered dancers, steel bands small town that bore the brunt of Dacian Ciolos. At least 11 Romanian and earth-shaking sound systems the disaster. nationals died in the quake, most of featured in the celebration of Brit- President Sergio Mattarella, them in Amatrice. ish Caribbean culture, with many Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and Most of those who died had people sporting glittery face paint a senior representative of Pope already been buried in private fam- and waving Jamaican flags. Francis were among hundreds of ily seminars or after a first state “It’s excellent! We are lov- mourners at the service on the edge funeral in Ascoli Piceno on Satur- ing the free spirit of everyone of the hilltop beauty spot where 231 day. The bishop of Rieti, Domenico and we have all been dancing,” of the quake’s 292 confirmed fatal- Pompili, presided over yesterday’s said Annuar Aziz, a 41-year-old ities occurred. ceremony, urging the leaders businessman from Malaysia who The coffins of nearly 40 of them present not to allow reconstruc- stumbled on the event by accident were laid out for a service held tion to get bogged down in “political with his wife and four children. just yards from piles of collapsed quarrels”. “If we abandon these vil- As every year, some out- masonry, a hastily-constructed lages, we will kill them for a second Employees prepare a street decoration made of 3,500 plants and displaying a portrait of the first breaks of violence and many drug temporary structure allowing the time,” the bishop said. arrests marred Europe’s biggest man in space Yuri Gagarin, in a park ahead of the celebrations marking the Day of Lenin district of solemn funeral mass to proceed With the public acts of mourn- street party. London’s Metropoli- the city of Krasnoyarsk, Russia, yesterday. under cover from the rain. ing completed, the focus will now tan Police said there had been four The venue was a last-minute shift to helping survivors deal with knife attacks and 401 arrests over decision after grieving locals the aftermath of the disaster and the two days of the carnival on Sun- reacted with fury to a proposal for answering numerous questions day and Monday. The majority of the funeral to be held in an aircraft about why it had such a deadly arrests this year were related to hangar in the main town in the dis- impact. For the Civil Protection drugs offences or weapons. A total Denmark and Sweden to toughen trict, Rieti, some 64km away. agency, the top priority is provid- of 74 people were taken to hospital. The drizzle provided a reminder ing adequate shelter for some 2,900 The carnival traces its roots of how soon summer will turn to people who are without permanent back to Caribbean music festivals chilly autumn in this remote, moun- accommodation barely two months in the 1950s after the first surge in up asylum rules further tainous area of central Italy, making from the onset of what is often a arrivals from former British colo- life even more uncomfortable for severe winter. nies after World War II. The carnival started in 1966 Reuters a tougher line on immigration than without their parents. when resident Rhaune Laslett its Nordic neighbours in recent “Last year Sweden took 40 organised a “jump up” for local years including a “jewellery bill” percent of all the unaccompanied children in Notting Hill, which at that allows police to confiscate ref- minors who came to the EU,” Inte- the time was considered a slum COPENHAGEN/STOCKHOLM: ugees’ valuables, and Sweden want gration Minister Ylva Johansson said. but is now one of the most expen- Denmark and Sweden will toughen to go further. Denmark said yes- “That is an unsustainable allocation.” sive areas in London. She told up asylum rules further as the two terday it would introduce a law to The new rules, which cut sub- Time Out magazine that her aim countries look to prevent a repeat enable police to reject asylum seek- sidies to 1,350 crowns per day will had been to “take to the streets of last year’s record numbers and ers at the borders in times of crisis. be introduced in the middle of next using song and dance to ventilate calm public fears about the finan- “We are getting the flow of ref- year and will save Sweden around all the pent-up frustrations born cial burden on traditionally generous ugees under control. But we cannot 7bn Swedish crowns ($820m) annu- out of the slum conditions”. welfare states. relax,” the Ministry for Immigra- ally from 2018, the government said. She called the first carnival, Around 250,000 people sought tion, Integration and Housing said Inspired by Norway, the Dan- featuring a steel band, “a cele- asylum in the Nordic region last year, in a report. “The pressure on Europe ish government said it needed to bration of poverty”. In the 1970s most of them in Sweden, straining and Denmark could intensify again.” prepare for a situation where the the carnival often had a political tolerance and pressuring govern- In Denmark, applications have fallen Dublin agreement ceased to work. tinge and reflected racial ten- ment budgets. Tougher rules, along to 5,305 in the first seven months of The government also wants faster sions. It quickly grew and this with efforts by the European Union this year from 21,300 in 2015. extradition of asylum seekers who year’s edition featured 60 bands to make its external borders less Sweden’s centre-left government have had their applications rejected, and 38 sound systems. The car- porous, have slashed asylum appli- said it would cut grants given to local tougher standards to qualify for White balloons are released during a funeral service for victims of nival is now said to be the world’s cations this year. authorities to house young asylum benefits and increased security at second biggest after the one in Rio. But Denmark, which has taken seekers who arrive in the country asylum centres. the earthquake that levelled the town in Amatrice, central Italy. 14 WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 AMERICAS

Colombia sets Prosecution presents case to oust Rousseff question for peace referendum the federal budget. “We are not deal- fighter who was tortured and them to keep her in the presidency. Rousseff reminded those in attend- ing with a little accounting problem, imprisoned during the country’s Their response was tepid. ance that she was re-elected in 2014, AFP Many top leaders we are dealing with fraud,” she said. dictatorship, calls that nonsense. Watching the proceedings was garnering the votes of more than 54 have acknowledged “It wasn’t just that a president lied,” She says she broke no laws and notes Rousseff’s mentor and predeces- million people she said should not said Paschoal. “The fraud was spoken that previous presidents used simi- sor as president, Luiz Inacio Lula da be silenced. Rousseff asserted that BOGOTA: Colombian President that Rousseff’s and the fraud was documented.” lar accounting measures. Silva, who is himself under inves- impeachment was the price she paid Juan Manuel Santos signed a chances of surviving Wrapping up her presentation On Monday, she mounted that tigation. He and many top leaders for refusing to quash a wide-ranging decree yesterday setting out the minutes later, Paschoal came to defense in the Senate, arguing that have acknowledged that Rousseff’s police investigation into the state oil question voters will answer in a the Senate’s final tears when she said she hoped Rous- she was forced to make tough choices chances of surviving the Senate’s company Petrobras, saying that cor- decisive referendum on the gov- vote are slim. seff would be forgiving for “having on the budget in the face of declining final vote are slim. rupt lawmakers conspired to oust her ernment’s historic peace deal with caused her to suffer.” revenues and a refusal by opponents Rousseff had sharp words Mon- to derail the investigation into billions the FARC rebels. The dramatic presentation came in Congress to work with her. day for her vice president, Michel in kickbacks at the oil giant. After half a century of war in the final phase of a political fight “I know I will be judged, but my Temer, who took over when she was The probe has led to the jailing and nearly four years of talks, AP that has consumed Latin America’s conscience is clear. I did not commit suspended and will finish her term if of top businessmen and politicians, the fate of Colombia’s peace largest nation since an impeachment a crime,” Rousseff told senators in a the Senate permanently removes her. including members of her Workers’ process will now come down to measure was introduced in the lower 30-minute address. Rousseff then took She called him a “usurper” who Party. Watchdog groups estimate 60 how voters answer the follow- Chamber of Deputies late last year. questions from senators for 14 hours. named a Cabinet of all white men in a percent of the 594 lawmakers in both ing question on October 2: “Do BRASILIA: The lead prosecutor in After the prosecution and defense For Rousseff to be removed, country that is more than 50 percent chambers are being investigated for you support the final accord to the trial to oust Brazil’s first female present their final arguments, the at least 54 of the 81 senators must non-white. The Cabinet that Temer wrongdoing, many for corruption end the conflict and build a sta- president said yesterday that Dilma Senate was to vote whether to perma- vote in favor. Local media report at chose in May has been roundly crit- related to the Petrobras probe. ble and lasting peace?” Rousseff had committed “fraud” in nently remove Rousseff from office. least 52 senators have said they will icized for its lack of diversity, with Rousseff said it was “an irony The peace deal concluded last her accounting practices, then came That decision could come soon. vote for ouster, while roughly 18 are three ministers were forced to step of history” she would be judged for Wednesday between government to tears saying she hopes the leader Opposition senators accuse Rous- opposed and 11 have not said. In down within a month of taking office crimes she did not commit, by peo- and rebel negotiators in Cuba will forgives her for causing her to suffer. seff using illegal means to hide holes May, the same body voted 55-22 to because of corruption allegations. ple accused of serious crimes. only be ratified if more Colom- Speaking on the fifth day of a in the federal budget, saying that impeach and suspend her. “I’m not sure when, but at some “I ask that you be just with an bians answer “yes” than “no,” trial to decide Rousseff’s fate, Janaina exacerbated a recession, high infla- “I need all of you, regardless of point he began to change,” said Rous- honest president,” she said during and if the “yes” camp passes the Paschoal said the leader had broken tion and layoffs. political parties,” Rousseff said in her seff, who has accused Temer of being her initial address, her voice crack- threshold of 4.4 million votes — 13 fiscal responsibility laws in managing Rousseff, a former guerrilla closing remarks to senators, urging the ringleader pushing for her ouster. ing with emotion. percent of the electorate. Santos, who has staked his legacy on making peace, called it a “clear, simple question that leaves no room for confusion.” Portugal’s Guterres still Pharma woes But the question was already raising some eyebrows because it does not mention the Revolu- tionary Armed Forces of Colombia leads race to be UN chief (FARC) by name. Santos had already announced the referendum date AFP encouragements and five “discour- on the day the two sides con- age” votes, plus three “no opinion.” cluded the final peace deal. Bokova became the leading Congress gave its blessing on woman in the race, just ahead of Monday, and yesterday’s decree UNITED NATIONS: Portugal’s Argentina’s Susanna Malcorra, who now makes it official. “The pleb- former prime minister Antonio picked up seven encouragements, iscite is now a reality,” Santos said Guterres is still the frontrunner to seven “discourage votes and one in a speech from the presidential become the next secretary-general “no opinion.” palace. “Today we are taking one of the United Nations following a Lower down the rankings, New more step toward peace.” third straw poll held late on Mon- Zealand’s ex-prime minister and The government and FARC day, diplomats said. current UN Development Program began a landmark ceasefire Mon- Guterres, who served as UN ref- chief Helen Clark took the number day, the first time both sides have ugee chief for 10 years, received 11 six spot, just below Macedonia’s ex- put down their weapons since votes of encouragement, three “dis- foreign minister Srgjan Kerim. the Marxist guerrilla group was courage” votes and one “no opinion” Clark picked up six encourage- launched in 1964. during the informal vote by the ments, eight “discourage” votes and The conflict, which has drawn 15-member Security Council. one “no opinion,” compared to six in various left- and right-wing It is the third time that the encouragements, seven “discour- armed groups and gangs, has left Activists rally during a protest against the price of EpiPens, outside the office of hedge fund manager 67-year-old has taken the number age” votes and two “no opinion” for 260,000 dead, 45,000 missing one spot in the contest to succeed Kerim. Slovenia’s former president John Paulson, in New York City yesterday. Paulson’s hedge fund is a major investor in Mylan, the and 6.9 million uprooted from Ban Ki-moon, who steps down on Danilo Turk, who had made a strong pharmaceutical company who has raised the price of EpiPens over 400 percent in the past 8 years. their homes. Efforts to launch December 31 after 10 years as the showing as the runnerup in the first Mylan announced that they will start offering a generic version of EpiPen, which will cost about half peace talks with a smaller rebel world’s top diplomat. round, dropped to number eight. the price of the $600 brand name version. group, the National Liberation During the first round, The last spots went to former Army (ELN), have yet to bear fruit. Guterres took the lead with 12 UN climate negotiator Christiana “encourage” votes and three “no Figueres and ex-foreign minister opinion,” but he picked up two Natalia Gherman of Moldova, who “discourage” votes in the second both picked up two encourage- straw poll, along with 11 encour- ments, 12 “discourage” votes and one Mosquitoes can spread Zika to their eggs: Study agements and two “no opinion.” no opinion. The results of the straw While Guterres’s ranking poll were not publicly announced, dropped slightly in the third straw but the council president commu- AFP The mosquitoes were fed and American Journal of Tropical Med- has declared Zika an international poll, diplomats said he still held a nicated them to the candidates to within a week, they laid eggs. icine and Hygiene. “Spraying will health emergency because it can strong lead in the race to take the give them an indication of the level Researchers incubated the eggs and reduce transmission, but it may not cause birth defects, including the helm of the world body. “He remains of support in the council. reared the hatched larvae. eliminate the virus.” brain and skull malformation known well ahead of the pack,” a Security As with the two first straw polls, MIAMI: Female mosquitoes can Tests on the mosquitoes showed This “vertical transmission” from as microcephaly. Council diplomat said. the results were quickly leaked to transmit the Zika virus to their that one in 290 had Zika virus. “The female mosquito to her eggs may Zika is primarily transmitted by Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav the media. Russia has said it will eggs and offspring, suggesting that ratio may sound low, but when help the virus survive even when the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, and Lajcak made a surprise showing give priority to eastern European efforts to kill adult mosquitoes will you consider the number of Aedes conditions are poor, such as during also by sexual contact. as the runner-up, climbing up the candidates, but has not ruled out fall short, researchers said. aegypti in a tropical urban commu- the dry season in the tropics. Pregnant women and their part- rankings with nine encourage- that contenders from other regions Researchers at the University of nity, it is likely high enough to allow Next, researchers need to find out ners are urged not to travel to some ments, five discourage votes and could be qualified for the post. Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, some virus to persist, even when if such transmission occurs in nature four dozen countries—most of them one “no opinion.” He took the sixth Of the 10 candidates now still Texas, wanted to see if female mos- infected adult mosquitoes are killed,” the way it did in the lab. in the Caribbean and Latin Amer- position in the last round. in the running, six are from eastern quitoes could pass the infection to said study co-author Robert Tesh. “Finding infected larvae in an ica — where Zika virus is now active. Unesco chief Irina Bok- Europe. Five are women. Only two their eggs, much the way they can if “Spraying affects adults, but it abandoned tire or water container Florida also has reported 43 ova of Bulgaria and Serbia’s have dropped out of the race thus far, infected with dengue or yellow fever. does not usually kill the immature would be evidence of vertical trans- cases of local transmission of Zika ex-foreign minister Vuk Jeremic but others are expected to withdraw So in the laboratory, they injected forms—the eggs and larvae,” said mission,” said Tesh. in parts of Miami and Palm Beach tied for the third spot, with seven after the third straw poll. mosquitoes with the Zika virus. Tesh, whose study appears in the The World Health Organization County. Florida voters cast ballots in primary

AP Legislature could be driving up anti-establishment mood powering turnout this time around. But few Donald Trump’s presidential cam- people were casting ballots in the paign could send him to Washington late morning at Mainlands, a Pinellas as well. But after spending $8m of his TALLAHASSEE: Florida voters Park retirement community where own money and going nowhere in the cast ballots in a primary yesterday weekly bingo is a highlight at centers polls in a head-to-head matchup with featuring two politicians hoping surrounded by white stucco homes Rubio, Beruff essentially shut down to hold onto their seats after this and a golf course. his campaign ahead of the primary. year’s bruising presidential contest, “I voted for Marco only because And Wasserman Schultz, the Sen Marco Rubio and Rep Debbie I’ve been a longstanding supporter,” former Democratic National Com- Wasserman Schultz. said Diane Martin-Johnson, 66. “It’s mittee chairwoman, was defending The primary also sets the field unfortunate he didn’t do his job fully her seat against Tim Canova, a Bernie for a race that could determine in Washington this term. I do think Sanders-backed law professor, in a whether Democrats regain control of he deserves another chance. He primary colored by leaked e-mails the US Senate. Secretary of State Ken thought he was doing the right thing revealing that DNC officials had Detzner said there were slight delays (by running for president). That’s my worked against Sanders to favor Hil- in opening some polling places, but only complaint against him. He’s a lary Clinton in the presidential race. described no other glitches. More good man.” Democrats also hope to gain than 1.75 million Floridians have Rubio is seeking to secure the seats in Florida’s heavily Republican already cast ballots by mail or at Republican nomination for a sec- House delegation after court-man- early-voting stations. “Things have ond term, despite declaring during dated redistricting chipped away the been running very, very smoothly,” his failed presidential campaign that advantages of some incumbents. said Detzner, an appointee of Repub- he would not run again for Senate. Republicans now outnumber lican Gov. Rick Scott. As an incumbent, he cleared what Democrats 17-10 in the state’s con- This year’s primary turn- had been a crowded GOP field with gressional delegation. If Democrats out could top ones held in 2012 his last-minute turnabout. sweep all four seats seen as compet- and 2014— a sign that competitive Millionaire homebuilder Carlos itive in November, that Republican A voter recieves a sticker showing she voted in the Florida primary in Miami yesterday. races for Congress and the Florida Beruff had rolled the dice to see if the advantage could be reduced to 14-13. BREAK TIME WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 1517

TV LISTINGS

08:00 News 13:00 Yeh Vadaa Raha 13:45 Gator Boys 13:05 Star Darlings 08:30 The Listening 13:30 Meri Saasu Maa 14:40 Treehouse 13:10 Austin & Ally Post 14:00 KumKum Bhagya Masters 14:00 Liv And Maddie 09:00 Al-Nakba 14:30 Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi 15:35 Tanked 14:50 Dog With A Blog 10:00 News Rani 16:30 Wildest Africa 15:15 Hank Zipzer 10:30 Inside Story 15:00 Jamai Raja 17:25 River Monsters: 15:40 Bunk’d 11:00 News 15:30 Tashn E Ishq Lair Of Giants 16:05 Star Darlings 11:30 The Stream 16:00 Vishkanya 18:20 Dr. Jeff: Rocky 16:10 Gravity Falls 12:00 News 16:30 Jamai Raja Mountain Vet 16:35 Miraculous Tales 12:30 Fault Lines 17:00 Yeh Vadaa Raha 19:15 Tanked Of Ladybug And 13:00 NEWSHOUR 17:30 Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi 20:10 Wildest Africa Cat Noir 14:00 News Rani 21:05 Treehouse 17:00 Backstage Yesterday’s answer 14:30 Inside Story 18:00 KumKum Bhagya Masters 17:50 Girl Meets World 15:00 Al Jazeera World 18:30 Vishkanya 22:00 Dr. Jeff: Rocky 18:15 Austin & Ally Conceptis Sudoku: Conceptis Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle 16:00 NEWSHOUR 19:00 Tashn E Ishq Mountain Vet 18:40 Mako Mermaids based on a 9×9 grid. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in 17:00 News 19:30 Kaala Teeka 22:55 Gator Boys 19:30 Jessie the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3×3 box 17:30 20:00 23:50 20:45 contains the same number only once. The Stream Meri Saasu Maa River Monsters: Good Luck 18:00 NEWSHOUR 20:30 Yeh Vadaa Raha Lair Of Giants Charlie 19:00 News 21:00 Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi 00:45 Great Animal 21:35 H2O: Just Add 19:30 Witness Rani Escapes Water 20:00 News 21:30 Jamai Raja 01:10 Great Animal 22:00 Binny And The 20:30 Inside Story 22:00 KumKum Bhagya Escapes Ghost 21:00 NEWSHOUR 22:30 Tashn E Ishq 01:40 Dr. Jeff: Rocky 22:50 Sabrina Secrets 22:00 News 23:00 Vishkanya Mountain Vet Of A Teenage 22:30 The Stream 23:30 Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi 02:35 Tanked Witch MEDIUM SUDOKU 23:00 Witness Rani 03:15 The Hive 23:10 Hank Zipzer BABY BLUES BABY

Yesterday’s answer

CROSSWORD HAGAR THE HORRIBLE

NOVO SHOWING AT Mechanic: Resurrection (2D/Action) 10:00, 11:00, 11:30am, VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER 12:00noon, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, TEL: 444933989 / 444517001 9:30, 10:00, 11:00, 11:30pm & 12:00midnight The Secret Life of Pets (Animation) 2D 10:00, 11:50am, 140, 3:00, 5:20 & 7:10pm Mr. Fuzzypants (2D/Comedy) 10:00am, 12:00, 6:00 & 10:00pm Genius (2D/Drama) 12:00noon, 4:00, 8:00pm & 12:00midnight Space Dogs: Adventure To The Moon (2D/Animation) 10:00, 11:30am, 1:00, 2:30, 4:00 & 5:30pm The Shallows (2D/Horror) 7:00, 9:00 & 11:00pm Jason Bourne (2D/Action) 10:30am, 3:00, 7:30pm & 12:00midnight Bad Moms (2D/Comedy) 1:00pm, 5:30 & 10:00pm War Dogs(2D/Comedy)10:15am, 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30& 11:45pm Skiptrace (2D/Action) 10:30am, 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45pm & 12:00midnight The Secret Life of Pets (3D IMAX/Animation)10:30, 3:10& 7:40pm Suicide Squads (3D IMAX/Action) 12:30, 5:00, 9:30pm & 12:10am

MALL Mechanics: Resurrection (2D/Action) 11:15am, 5:30, 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30pm Mr Fuzzypants (2D/Comedy) 11:30am & 5:30pm Genius (2D/Drama) 11:45am, 9:00 & 11:30pm A Flying Jatt (2D/Hindi) 1:30, 7:00 & 11:00pm The Secret Life of Pets (2D/Animation) 4:00pm Aatadu Kundam Raa (2D/Telugu) 3:00pm The BFG: Big Friendly Giant (2D/Adventure) 1:00pm Space Dogs: Adv. To The Moon (2D/Animation) 2:00, 3:30 & 5:00pm Skiptrace (2D/Comedy) 7:00pm Kismath (2D/Malayalam) 9:30pm

ALL IN THE MIND ROYAL PLAZA Mechanics: Resurrection (2D/Action) 11:30am, 7:15, 9:00 & 11:00pm Genius (2D/Drama) 11:00am, 7:30 & 11:30pm Skiptrace (2D/Comedy) 11:30am & 5:30pm Mr Fuzzypants (2D/Comedy) 1:30 & 7:30pm The Secret Life of Pets (2D/Animation) 3:00pm The BFG: Big Friendly Giant (2D/Adventure) 3:30pm A Flying Jatt (2D/Hindi) 1:00, 4:30 & 11:15pm Space Dogs: Adv. To The Moon (2D/Animation) 2:30 & 4:00pm Kismath (2D/Malayalam) 5:30 & 9:15pm Unindian (2D/Comedy) 9:30pm

ASIAN TOWN Kismath (Malayalam) 5:45, 8:45 & 10:45pm ID (Malayalam) 6:45pm & 12:00midnight A Flying Jatt (Hindi) 3:00, 6:00 & 8:00pm Dharma Dhurai (Tamil) 9:15pm ACCOMPLICE, ALIBI, ARREST, BAIL, CHARGE, CLUE, COPS, CRIME, CRIMINAL, CROOK, DETECTIVE, EVIDENCE, EXTORTION, FELON, AL KHOR FINE, FORGERY, FRAUD, FUGITIVE, GANGSTER, GUILTY, HOMICIDE, HOODLUM, ILLEGAL, Mechanic (3D/Action) 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30 & 11:45pm INNOCENT, JAIL, JUDGE, JURY, LARCENY, Secret Life of Pets (3D/Animation) 11:00am, 1:00, 3:00 & 5:00pm LAWYER, MOBSTER, OFFICER, OUTLAW, PATROL, PENALTY, PERPETRATOR, POLICE, Kismath (Malayalam) 12:00noon, 2:15, 4:30, 6:45, 9:00& 11:15pm PRISON, PRIVATE EYE, PROOF, ROBBER, Skiptrace (2D/Action) 7:00, 9:15 & 11:30pm SHERIFF, SLEUTH, SUSPECT, THIEF, WITNESS.

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 33o C Maximum: 42o C

FAJR 03.55 am ZUHR 11.34 am MAGHRIB 05.56 pm HIGH TIDE 03:45 - 16:45 Misty to foggy at places at first becomes hot day- SHOROOK 05.14 am ASR 03.04 pm ISHA 07.26 pm LOW TIDE 09:30 - 23:30 time with some clouds and humid by night.

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TWEET OF THE DAY

The framework of this building coming up at The-Pearl Qatar presents an interesting interplay of props and arches. Pic: Kammutty VP/The Peninsula

INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY Meeting discusses traffic safety issues

The Peninsula development projects taking place in said Brigadier Abdul Rahman Majid transport; second, about redesigning the country and future prospects of Al Sulaiti, Director of Strategic Plan- roads to prevent traffic jams, and the A view from traffic system. ning Department, during his opening finally, about developing legislation the top of DOHA: The Department of Strategic The meeting pointed out that the speech. and rules to control the increase of the under- Planning at the Ministry of Interior current increase in the number of He added: “This meeting aims to vehicles in the country. construction organised recently a discussion about vehicles in the country, along with discuss the findings of a research and Representatives of the Ministry of Metro rail the “traffic situation in the country”. the population rise and its conse- listen to the suggestions and recom- Transport and Communication, Min- track on The meeting, which took place at quences and impact on traffic flow, mendations of the stake holders in istry of Municipality and Environment, Wakra-Doha the main office of the General Direc- requires cooperation of all con- order to produce a final report. Engineering and Traffic Safety Depart- road. Pic: @ torate of Civil Defence, discussed the cerned authorities. Construction of Discussions focused on three ment of the MoI, Qatar Rail Company basitqu outcome of a study conducted by the new roads must be considered and aspects of the study, including how and Mowasalat Company were the Strategic Planning Dept about the cur- public transportation projects must to change road user behaviour and major participants in the discussion rent traffic situation in the light of the be promoted to address traffic woes, encourage them to shift to use of public panel. Tasmanian devils fighting Actor Gene Wilder dies at 83 cancer in their own way AP A Milwaukee native, Wilder was born Jer- ome Silberman on June 11, 1933. When he was 6, his mother suffered a heart attack that left AFP one another. In 1996, scientists first her a semi-invalid. He soon began improvising noticed strange tumours growing on the STAMFORD: Gene Wilder (pictured), the comedy skits to entertain her, the first indi- creatures’ faces. frizzy-haired actor who brought his deft cation of his future career. He started taking Soon it became apparent that, unlike comedic touch to such unforgettable roles as acting classes at age 12. In 1961, he became a PARIS: Their numbers decimated by a most cancers, the tumours were infectious the neurotic accountant in “The Producers” member of Lee Strasberg’s prestigious Actor’s vicious facial cancer, Tasmanian devils and spread by devils biting one another. and the mad scientist of “Young Frankenstein,” Studio in Manhattan. seem to be pulling back from the brink of Those infected with Devil facial has died. He was 83. That same year, he made both his off- extinction through lightning-fast genetic tumour disease (DFTD) often die of star- Wilder’s nephew said Monday that the Broadway and Broadway debuts using the evolution, astonished scientists said yes- vation as the disfiguring growths prevent actor and writer died late Sunday at his home stage name Gene Wilder. He won the Clarence terday. them eating. in Stamford, Connecticut, of complications Derwent Award, given to promising new- A detailed comparison of the genomes “The disease is nearly 100 percent from Alzheimer’s disease. No funeral arrange- comers, for the Broadway work in Graham of 294 devils, before and after the cancer fatal. It’s moved 95 percent of the way ments have been announced. Greene’s comedy “The Complaisant Lover.” emerged 20 years ago, revealed species- across Tasmania, infecting almost all Jordan Walker-Pearlman said in a state- A key break came in 1963 when he co- wide adaptations in seven genes in just known populations, it’s caused roughly ment that Wilder was diagnosed with the starred with Anne Bancroft in Bertolt Brecht’s four to six devil generations. an 80 percent overall decline in num- disease three years ago, but kept the condi- “Mother Courage,” and met Brooks, her future Five of the genes are associated bers of Tasmanian devils,” Storfer said tion private so as not to disappoint fans. husband. Brooks cast Wilder in “The Produc- with immunity and cancer resistance in in a phone briefing. Wilder started his acting career on the ers” as Leo Bloom, an accountant who discovers mammals. Once in excess of 250,000 individu- stage, but millions knew him from his work Factory.” Tweeted Jim Carrey: “Gene Wilder the liberating joys of greed and corruption as “The devils are evolving,” study co- als, only a few thousand are believed to in the movies, especially his collaborations was one of the funniest and sweetest energies he and Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) conceive author Andrew Storfer of Washington be left in the wild. with Mel Brooks on “The Producers,” ‘’Blaz- ever to take a human form. If there’s a heaven a Broadway flop titled “Springtime For Hit- State University told AFP. “Remarkably, Given the extinction predictions, Stor- ing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein.” The he has a Golden Ticket.” ler” and plan to flee with the money raised for this evolution was quite rapid.” fer and colleagues set out to understand last film — with Wilder playing a California- Cloris Leachman, Wilder’s “Young Frank- the show’s production. Wilder’s performance Evolution within a species through why there were still devils around. born descendant of the mad scientist, insisting enstein” co-star, tweeted, “Oh, Gene, it’s too received a supporting actor Oscar nod. the acquisition of lasting and beneficial They analysed genetic data from that his name is pronounced “Frahn-ken-SHT- soon!” Wilder was close friends with Rich- Before starring in “The Producers,” he had genetic traits in response to factors such thousands of tissue samples collected EEN” — was co-written by Brooks and Wilder ard Pryor and their contrasting personas a small role as the hostage of gangsters in the as environment or disease, is generally over more than two decades. and earned the pair an Oscar nomination for — Wilder uptight, Pryor loose — were ideal 1967 classic “Bonnie and Clyde.” He peaked thought to be a long, slow process. The data showed the devils were adapted screenplay. for comedy. They co-starred in four films: “Sil- in the mid-1970s with the twin Brooks hits Thus the team were “pleasantly “evolving especially fast,” said Paul “Gene Wilder, one of the truly great tal- ver Streak,” ‘’Stir Crazy,” ‘’See No Evil, Hear “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein.” surprised” to observe potential species- Hohenlohe of the University of Tasma- ents of our time, is gone,” Brooks wrote in a No Evil” and “Another You.” And they created Wilder went on to write several screen- saving changes happening essentially nia, another author of the study published statement Monday. “He blessed every film several memorable scenes, particularly when plays and direct five features, including “The before their eyes. in Nature Communications. we did together with his special magic and Pryor provided Wilder with directions on how Woman in Red” and “Haunted Honeymoon,” Fellow study author Hamish McCal- “The disease first appeared in 1996, he blessed my life with his friendship. He will to “act black” as they tried to avoid police in in which he co-starred with his third wife, lum of Griffith University in Queensland, so just over the course of 20 years is be so missed.” “Silver Streak.” Gilda Radner. The two met while making the Australia, is one of several experts to have extremely rapid especially for a mammal.” With his unkempt hair and big, buggy But Wilder would insist he was no come- 1982 film “Hanky-Panky” and married in 1984. predicted the devils would be extinct by Scientists have yet to confirm that the eyes, Wilder was a master at playing panicked dian. He told Robert Osborne in a 2013 After Radner died of ovarian cancer in now. observed gene changes do actually boost characters caught up in schemes that only a interview that it was the biggest misconcep- 1989, Wilder spent much of his time after pro- “I am very glad I was wrong,” he said disease resistance in the devils. madman such as Brooks could devise, whether tion about him. “What a comic, what a funny moting cancer research and opened a support in a statement yesterday. “It appears the The information may then be used by reviving a monster in “Young Frankenstein” or guy, all that stuff! And I’m not. I’m really not. facility for cancer patients. In 1991, he testified devils are saving themselves through captive devil breeders to produce animals bilking Broadway in “The Producers.” Brooks Except in a comedy in films,” Wilder said. “But before Congress about the need for increased evolution.” carrying the protective genetic variants. would call him “God’s perfect prey, the vic- I make my wife laugh once or twice in the testing for cancer. That same year, he appeared Tasmanian devils are small dog-sized “Overall, the evolutionary response tim in all of us.” house, but nothing special. But when people in his final film role: “Another You” with Pryor. nocturnal marsupials indigenous to the of Tasmanian devils observed here But he also knew how to keep it cool as see me in a movie and it’s funny then they stop Wilder worked mostly in television in Australian island state of Tasmania. suggests hope for the continued sur- the boozing gunslinger in “Blazing Saddles” and say things to me about ‘how funny you recent years, including appearances on “Will An endangered species, the animals vival of this species,” the study authors or the charming candy man in the children’s were.’ But I don’t think I’m that funny. I think & Grace” — one of which earned him an Emmy are carnivores and aggressive towards concluded. favorite “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate I can be in the movies.” Award for outstanding guest actor. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 18 QE 11,314.55 +53.04 PTS PAGE | 20 DOW 18,411.46 -91.53 PTS Qatar’s liquidity Draghi’s silence improves after FTSE100 6,820.79 -17.26 PTS puts numbers $9bn bond sale BRENT $46.36 -$0.62 in spotlight

WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 • 28 DHUL QA’DA 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Qatar Central Bank Qatar leads GCC’s banking sector growth invites bids for QR1bn T-bills a research note issued by Global Non-interest income of GCC Investment House (GIH) stated. banks rose 2.1 percent YoY during Total assets of GCC The report based on the banks the quarter led by a 9 percent growth DUBAI: The Qatar Central Bank banks expanded by covered by GIH, showed Qatar banks in fee income. Qatar (26.8 percent) has invited banks to bid in a outperformed the regional peers in and the UAE (6 percent) recorded QR1bn ($275m) Treasury bill auc- an aggregate 8.4% terms of net earnings. Net profit of a positive change in non-interest tion to be held today, according to year-on-year to banks in Qatar increased the most income, while Saudi (-8.5 percent) a document. $1.3 trillion in Q2. (3.5 percent) YoY, followed by Kuwait and Kuwait (-6.1 percent) reported a The bills would be sold in (2.1 percent) and Saudi Arabia (1.8 decline in non-interest income. The three-, six- and nine-month percent), while UAE banks registered fee income of GIH’s GCC coverage tranches, with results of the a fall of 3.3 percent. On QoQ basis, net rose 9 percent YoY, led by a signif- monthly sale to be revealed on By Satish Kanady profit of the GCC aggregate increased icant 53.2 percent YoY jump in the Thursday, the document showed. The Peninsula 4.5 percent, led by Qatar gaining 10.6 fee income of Qatar banks. Qatar- Between January and March, percent, followed by the UAE (5.2 per- based banks witnessed a significant the central bank cancelled cent) and Saudi (1.7 percent), while rise in the non-interest income for monthly sales of T-bills because Kuwait’s profits fell 1.8 percent. Q2, 16, with QNB (82.7 percent YoY) of tightening liquidity in the bank- DOHA: Led by QNB, Qatar-based Of Qatar-based banks, QNB leading the gains, followed by Mas- ing system due to low oil and gas banks outperformed GCC peers reported profit growth of 16.1 percent raf Al Rayan (30.3 percent). prices. But since then, liquidity has across various metrics in the second YoY due to increase in net interest and Provisions of the region’s banks improved somewhat, and the sales quarter of 2016 (Q2, 2016). Banks in non-net interest income for the bank, covered by GIH analysts surged 24.2 have resumed. In the last sale on Qatar witnessed the strongest growth which was partially offset by a mas- percent YoY during Q2, 16 due to August 2, it issued QR1.2bn of bills. in terms of total assets, net profits, net sive surge in provisions. Commercial higher built-up of provisions owing to interest and non-net interest income Bank of Qatar reported a massive the slowdown in the region as lower growth. 62.9 percent YoY fall in net income oil prices scenario weighed on the Driven by QNB’s acquisition of for the bank, as the company’s total economy. Even on QoQ basis, pro- Oil rebalancing Turkey’s Finansbank and loan book income declined and provisions bur- visions surged 14.7 percent. Among expansion of other banks, the total geoned up by 76.1 percent. individual countries, provisions unlikely until assets of GCC banks expanded an According to the GIH research by QNB’s acquisition of Finansbank. Qatar was followed by UAE (9.3 per- increased for Qatar (173.6 percent aggregate 8.4 percent year-on-year note, the regional banks’ net inter- All Qatar-based banks registered a cent) and Kuwait (2.4 percent), while YoY) and the UAE (16.2 percent), while end 2017: Shell to $1.3 trillion in Q2,16. Qatar-based est margins improved after eight growth in advances, led by QNB (39.4 NII of the banks in the UAE declined Kuwait (-4.7 percent) and KSA (-1.5 banks witnessed the strongest consecutive quarters of margin percent YoY) and Qatar Islamic Bank 1.8 percent. Among Qatar-based percent) witnessed a decline in provi- growth in total assets (24 percent compression, due to QNB’s acqui- (25.3 percent YoY). In terms of net banks, a major spurt was witnessed sions. Among Qatar banks, provisions YoY), followed by banks in the UAE sition of Finansbank. Qatar-based interest income (NII) growth, Qatar in QNB (74.5 percent YoY), followed surged for QNB (363.9 percent), Com- Reuters (7.6 percent) and Saudi (2.2 percent), banks topped the charts, recording grew the most by 45.7 percent in the by QIB (7.1 percent). Over, the GCC’s mercial Bank (76.1 percent, and Doha and while Kuwait-based banks’ a substantial rise in advances of 27.7 second quarter on YoY basis, because NII grew strongly at 11.9 percent YoY Bank (31 percent), where as they fell asset base remained unchanged, percent YoY during the quarter, led of QNB’s FinansBank acquisition. and 11.1 percent QoQ. for QIB (-5.8 percent) on Y-o-Y. STAVANGER: The huge global oil oversupply that has weighed on prices for the past two years may not clear until the second half of QIIB signs deal with 2017, Shell’s Chief Energy Adviser Wim Thomas said. The potential return to the market of some 1.5 million barrels NCR for ATM network per day of supply from Libya and Nigeria and uncertainty about Ira- nian and Iraqi production levels could push a rebalancing further The Peninsula The signing ceremony was also away than many in the oil indus- attended by Zakaria Glaoui, Gen- try are hoping. “All these things eral Manager of Personal Banking, when they come back on the mar- and Mohammad Said Mubarek, Head ket can again postpone the true DOHA: Qatar International Islamic the Alternative Channels from QIIB balancing,” Thomas said in Sta- Bank (QIIB) announced yesterday as well as Hady Maakaroun- Account vanger, Norway. that it has chosen NCR, a global Manager from NCR. He said the most optimis- leader in omni-channel technolo- Al Jamal said: “At QIIB, we are tic scenario was for rebalancing, gies to monitor and manage QIIB’s committed to provide the best bank- QIIB Deputy CEO Jamal Abdullah Al Jamal (centre) and other officials at the ceremony in Doha. meaning that huge volumes of ATM network for several years, help- ing solutions and technologies to our stored crude have to be absorbed, ing the bank to improve efficiency clients. We are happy today to sign to kick in this year and that Shell and reduce operational costs. this partnership agreement with a of the most important successful the memorandum of partnership that where they want without delay. was prepared for all outcomes. “It In this context, a strategic agree- global company such as NCR. We solutions to increase efficiency and we signed today,” he added. Delivering these services in a fast, can happen any time between the ment was concluded between QIIB have in fact a long history of effec- efficacy as well as meet requirements By virtue of this agreement, NCR efficient and secure way is a key second half of this year and the and NCR, which comprised QIIB’s tive cooperation with the company in line with the clients’ expecta- will provide QIIB with solutions to factor in retaining customers,” said second half of next year.” adoption of NCR’s innovative omni- and today, we are taking this cooper- tions. Furthermore, improving the monitor and handle any problems, Hicham Yamout. “Our association Oil prices fell more than 70 channel solutions over the next three ation to a whole new level which will level of security requires us to keep emergencies or necessary updates with QIIB for a long-term agree- percent from 2014 highs earlier years. In the signing ceremony, QIIB reflect on our clients and the qual- pace with the best technological to the Bank’s ATM network in a fast ment reiterates their confidence in this year and are still more than was represented by Jamal Abdullah ity of the services provided to them innovations and solutions, thus, we and efficient manner as well as solu- our solutions to deliver exceptional 50 percent below those levels as Al Jamal, Deputy CEO, whereas NCR through a QIIB country-wide ATM believe that NCR is capable of provid- tions to resolve problems remotely. customer experience with highest a fierce battle for market share was represented by Hicham Yamout, network”. ing distinguished ATM and network “Consumers today are demand- levels of services uptime, security between major producers has General Manager of Qatar branch. “Investing in technology is one monitoring solutions, as contained in ing financial services when and and reliability.” flooded the world with oil. EU asks Apple to pay record €13bn in tax clampdown

AFP world’s most valuable company avoided favourable tax conditions, known as The tax repayment order — by far the tax bills on virtually all its profits in the sweetheart deals, but EU Competition largest in EU history — follows a three-year bloc under its arrangements with Dublin. Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said inquiry into whether Dublin’s tax breaks BRUSSELS: The European Union yester- Apple and the Irish government imme- Apple’s broke EU laws on state aid. for Silicon Valley titan Apple were against day ordered Apple to pay a record €13bn diately said they would appeal against the “This decision sends a clear message. the law. (($14.5bn) in back taxes in Ireland, saying European Commission ruling, while the US Member states cannot give unfair tax Apple has had a base at the southern deals allowing the US tech giant to pay Treasury said it could undermine its eco- benefits to selected companies, no mat- city of Cork since 1980 and employs 5,000 almost no tax were illegal. nomic partnership with the EU. ter if European or foreign, large or small,” people in Ireland, through which it routes European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager at a In the latest in a series of rulings that Ireland has been seeking to attract Vestager said. “This is not a penalty, this is its international sales, avoiding billions in has angered Washington, Brussels said the multinationals by offering extremely unpaid taxes to be paid,” Vestager added. corporation taxes. news conference in Brussels yesterday. 18 WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 BUSINESS Qatar’s liquidity improves after $9bn bond sale

The Peninsula slows deposit growth and pushes governments to boost borrowing. The The second quarter situation in Qatar became a bigger was an improvement issue at the start of the year than it DOHA: The availability of funds in was in 2008, Seetharaman said in the Qatari banking system, which compared to the May, the same month that the gov- earlier this year became a more first quarter, and the ernment sold $9bn of Eurobonds in serious issue than during the 2008 the Middle East’s biggest-ever bond financial crisis, is improving after third quarter has also issue. the country’s $9bn bond sale in May, been following the Lenders in Qatar had experi- Doha Bank Chief Executive Officer right trend, says Doha enced “extraordinary stress” this Dr. R Seetharaman said. year amid the tightening liquidity “The second quarter was an Bank CEO. and were forced to adapt their busi- improvement compared to the first nesses to the low-oil environment, quarter, and the third quarter has Seetharaman said in May.” also been following the right trend,” Bank liquidity in the six-nation “Banks were also facing a nar- Doha Bank Group CEO Dr. R Seetharaman and Centrum Group Chairman Jaspal Bindra at the signing of a he said in a TV interview with Gulf Cooperation Council, which rowing in net interest margins and Bloomberg Markets Middle East on includes the United Arab Emirates higher interest expenses, he said. Memorandum of Understanding in the presence of Doha Bank Managing Director Sheikh Abdul Rehman bin Tuesday. “We’re likely to see similar and Saudi Arabia, has been tighten- With the $9bn bond sale, the cost Mohamed bin Jabor Al Thani and other officials. The Mou with the Indian financial services firm Centrum in the coming quarters.”, Bloomberg ing as a more than 50 percent slump of funding is also coming down for Group will enable them to leverage each other’s network and scale up operations in India and the GCC quoted him as saying. in crude oil prices since mid-2014 banks,” Seetharaman said. countries in the areas of banking, wealth management and foreign exchange. QIB announces ‘Boost GCC to become fastest growing e-commerce market

Your Salary’ winners The Peninsula market in the region is much smaller compared to 58 percent in the United back e-commerce growth in GCC. compared to mature markets with States. However, there are significant As a result of these factors, 60 per- similar economic fundamentals. opportunities to overcome these cent of online orders are still paid in With an estimated market size of challenges and facilitate growth in cash at the point of delivery. The Peninsula DOHA: The Gulf Co-operation Coun- $5.3bn (QR19.4bn) in 2015, e-com- the sector, with the study expecting, Cash on delivery is not only cil (GCC) region has the potential to merce contributed only about 0.4 per the market to quadruple its value to expensive for retailers as they bear become the world’s fastest growing cent to the region’s GDP – a minis- $20bn by 2020, if the right set of ena- transaction and cash transportation e-commerce playground, according cule amount which is four to eight blers are put in place. Laurent Viviez, risks, but also negatively impacts DOHA: Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) to an A T Kearney report. times lower than other comparable Partner, A T Kearney said: “We cash flow. has announced the third round of Entitled ‘Getting in on the GCC markets. expect the growth of e-commerce “This should be a focus area for winners at the last draw of its “Boost e-commerce Game,’ the report states According to the report, there in the GCC to transform the future retailers as they select best pay- Your Salary” summer finance cam- that despite strong economic funda- are several obstacles preventing of businesses, economics and lives ment options to ensure transaction paign. mentals, the GCC is one of the most e-commerce in the GCC region from across the region – but only with the security as well as enjoyable cus- The three-month “Boost Your underpenetrated e-commerce mar- reaching its potential, including con- right set of enablers in place. And it tomer experience. They need to Salary” campaign began on the kets in the world. sumer trust and awareness, gaps in doesn’t rule out traditional retailers, form payment ecosystems to ensure 1st of May and ended on the 31st However, with high levels of payment systems, distribution and who can be on the winning side of interoperability, and forge strategic of July. 15 lucky winners won the disposable income, world-lead- logistical infrastructure, govern- e-commerce by adopting an omni- partnerships with the best-of-breed cash prizes, each equal to a one- ing internet and smartphone ment policies, data security and channel approach. We see the future providers that are already active in month salary of up to QR 25,000. penetration, and changing con- fraud. Furthermore, e-commerce for the sector as not digital-only but this space and also enable mobile- The names of the winners of the last sumer preferences, there is robust offerings from the retailer side are ‘physical with digital’ – traditional based payments collaborating with draw for the month of July are now potential in the region, and some also lacking. retailers can really tap into this.” telecom players and taking advan- published on QIB’s website. companies are beginning to seize The A T Kearney study reveals The report states that online tage of the region’s high mobile They were selected through an the opportunities. 34 percent of major GCC retail- payments and wary shoppers are penetration,” Adel Belcaid, Princi- electronic draw, which took place financial needs. The campaign also Currently, the e-commerce ers have an e-commerce channel, among the biggest factors holding pal of A T Kearney said. in the presence of representatives enabled them to enter a draw where from QIB and the Ministry of Econ- 15 customers won a valuable prize” omy and Commerce. QIB offers Shari’a-compliant All QIB customers who applied finance products to support life’s big Arqaam to host for a minimum of QR50,000 in or small events, whether the cus- US home prices ease in June financing during the eligibility tomers need to finance the purchase period qualified for the draw. The of a new vehicle or home, cover the Mena investors promotion was available to both cost of a home renovation, finance existing and new QIB customers. a new business venture or require AFP May. Price gains remained strong- highest rate since November 2007.” meet next month “I would like to congratulate the funds in emergency. est in the northwest cities of Portland However, he added, “While third round of winners in this year’s QIB Personal Finance is offered and Seattle, and Denver, Colorado the real estate sector and con- ‘Boost Your Salary’ campaign”, said at a competitive rate, with no NEW YORK: The pace of gains in US was strong as well. sumer spending are contributing The Peninsula D Anand, General Manager for QIB administration charges, up to three- home prices slowed June but solid Gains have been weakest in the to economic growth, business cap- Personal Banking Group. “We hope month grace period and free for the demand and tight supplies should east coast hubs of Washington and ital spending continues to show that gaining an additional month’s first year the QIB-Qatar Airways co- keep a floor on the market, analysts New York. David Blitzer, managing weakness.” salary will help our winners fulfill branded credit card. QIB provides said yesterday. director at S&P Dow Jones Indices, Ian Shepherdson of Pantheon DOHA: Arqaam Capital, the their financial goals this summer, an easy and fast way of applying for Prices for the top 20 cities actu- said overall the US housing sector, a Macroeconomics said that the tight specialist emerging markets whatever they may be.” personal finance, with a straight- ally edged 0.1 percent lower in June, key part of the economy, is “in good supply of new and used houses on investment bank has announced “We are pleased that the Boost forward application process, quick according to the S&P CoreLogic shape.” the market and pent-up demand that it is hosting its third MENA Your Salary campaign achieved its approvals, and the ability for cus- Case-Shiller Indices. “Sales of new single family due to the economy’s slow recov- Investors Conference on Septem- goals and allowed as many cus- tomers to transfer their liabilities The year-on-year rise was 5.1 homes were at a 654,000 season- ery from the 2008-2009 recession ber 19-20 in Dubai. tomers as possible to fulfill their from other banks. percent, down from 5.3 percent in ally adjusted annual rate in July, the means prices are not likely to fall. Over the two days, Arqaam will bring together the senior man- agement teams of over 70 Middle Eastern and North African listed companies and over 100 investors Mondelez drops merger plans with Hershey for a series of high-value one-on- one and small group meetings. Participants represent a wide AFP and taking into account recent share- discussion.” array of sectors including financial holder developments at Hershey, we Hershey had in 2002 also rejected services, telecommunications, real determined that there is no actionable a $12.5bn takeover offer from Wrig- estate and hospitality, consumer WASHINGTON: US industrial snacks path forward toward an agreement,” ley, which is now a unit of Mars. staples, energy and industrials. giant Mondelez International said it Mondelez said in a statement, adding Founded in 1984 by Milton Her- Tarek Lotfy, President GCC, had dropped plans to merge with that executives were “disappointed.” shey, the Hershey Company is an Arqaam Capital commented: chocolatier The Hershey Company. The merged company would iconic American brand controlled “The last 12 months have again The announcement came nearly have overtaken Mars as the world’s by a family trust which overseas delivered the usual mix of chal- two months after Hershey, the maker largest candy purveyor. In June, the charitable funds. The Deerfield, lenges and opportunities. of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Hershey board of directors said it Illinois-based Mondelez, formerly Despite a recent stabilisation in Hershey’s Kisses, rejected a $23bn had “carefully reviewed” a bid of known as Kraft Foods, also produces the oil price, the challenge over takeover offer from Mondelez. $107 per share for the company and popular lines of sweets, including the next year will be to manage Hershey’s chocolate bars in Chicago, Illinois. “Following additional discussions, found it offered “no basis for further Oreo and Chips Ahoy! cookies. growth and margins in this cur- rent low oil price environment. The Mena equity markets have clearly been impacted but the last 3 months have given us a reas- suring bounce from the difficult Mitsubishi says overstated mileage for more models start to the year with the UAE and Egyptian markets having seen a strong rebound year-to-date and Reuters confirmed in April. The latest announce- stated in marketing catalogues. “Both com- with the remaining markets hav- ment deals another reputational blow to petition and compliance have tightened in ing recovered from their lows.” Japan’s sixth-largest automaker, which has the industry, but we had a lax approach to “A heavy reliance on oil rev- been struggling to recover from the mile- compliance and this was one of the factors enues has stressed the need TOKYO: Mitsubishi Motors Corp said yes- age scandal, which affected two minivehicle which led to this issue,” Mitsubishi Motors for both deregulation and fis- terday more of its vehicle models were models produced for Nissan Motor Co Ltd. President Masuko Osamu said at a briefing. cal reform and the region is in involved in a mileage cheating scandal than The company’s market value has tum- “We need to change this.” the process of adopting various initially stated, and that it would temporar- bled since the scandal broke, and the ordeal Mitsubishi said it would pay compen- alternative revenue generating ily stop domestic sales of affected vehicles prompted the company to seek financial sation of up to 100,000 yen ($977) each measures,” Tarek Lotfy added. and compensate owners. assistance from Nissan, which agreed to to roughly 76,000 owners in Japan. This Wafic Nsouli, Managing Direc- Earlier in the day, Japan’s transport buy a controlling one-third stake for $2.2bn. would amount to an extraordinary loss of tor, Cash Equities at Arqaam ministry said its investigation had shown Mitsubishi said it had submitted new 7bn yen, although the company said the Capital said: “Despite the cur- the automaker had overstated the fuel mileage readings to the ministry earlier amount would be covered in the expected rent environment, the primary The logo of Mitsubishi Motors is displayed in front economy for eight vehicles including the in the day, after the ministry’s probe had extraordinary loss of 205bn yen for this capital markets have seen some of the company’s headquarters in Tokyo yesterday. RVR, Pajero and Outlander SUV models, shown the fuel economy for some mod- year. The automaker expects to post a net extremely healthy and encourag- in addition to four minivehicles initially els was as much as 8.8 percent lower than loss of $1.4bn this year due to the scandal. ing activity.” BUSINESS WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 19

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 11,314.55 0.47 % QE Total Return Index 18,306.18 0.47 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,255.03 0.60 % QE All Share Index 3,103.5 0.46 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 3,113.82 0.74 % QE All Share Industrials 3,383.86 0.32 % QE All Share Transportation 2,635.2 0.93 % QE All Share Real Estate 2,719.51 0.16 % QE All Share Insurance 4,734.77 0.79 % QE All Share Telecoms 1,278.67 0.33 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 6,529.99 0.15 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 30-08-2016 Today 29-08-2016 Previous day Index 11,314.55 11,261.51 Change 53.04 64.03 % 0.47 0.57 YTD% 8.49 7.98 Volume 7,089,354 4,491,237 Value (QAR) 312,773,893.74 182,309,679.35 Trades 4,753 3,274 Up 31 | Down 09 | Unchanged 01

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 5573.532 12.027 0.22 5691.8 4762.1 Cac 40 Index/D 4457.46 33.21 0.75 4607.69 3892.46 Dj Indu Average 18502.99 107.59 0.58 18668.4 15450.6 Hang Seng Inde/D 23016.11 194.77 0.85 23193.9 18278.8 Iseq Overall/D 6223.77 9.41 0.15 6791.68 5286.65 Karachi 100 In/D 39991.79 -31.23 -0.08 40213.89 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 16725.36 -12.13 -0.07 18951.12 14864.01 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2193.81 1810.1

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 4.7462 QR 4.8136 INTERNATIONAL MARKETS - A LIST OF SHARES FROM THE WORLD Euro QR 4.0428 QR 4.0990 COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME CA$ QR 2.7690 QR 2.8234 NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED Swiss Fr QR 3.6912 QR 3.7460 Yen QR 0.0352 QR 0.0359 A C C-A/D 1689.45 54.05 23817 Escorts-A/D 325.15 4 312693 Kalyani Stel-T/D 358.55 -2.4 94806 Sterling Tool-/D 705 1.65 2360 Aus$ QR 2.7263 QR 2.7799 Aarti Drugs-B/D 491 4.55 1975 Eveready Indu-/D 287.85 2.7 14293 Kanoria Chem-B/D 70.75 2.15 34274 Tanfac Indust-/D 46.45 -0.15 3056 Ind Re QR 0.0538 QR 0.0549 Aban Offs-A/D 217.6 2.15 146929 F D C-B/D 189.75 -1.65 5777 Kg Denim-B/D 88.2 0.55 17373 Thirumalai-B/D 396.3 3.85 25662 Aegis Logis-B/D 130.65 2.6 5429253 Federal Bank-A/D 67.7 0.65 375697 Kilburnengg-Xd/D 52.9 0.3 13133 Til Ltd.-T/D 258 -2.2 1870 Pak Re QR 0.0344 QR 0.0351 Alembic-B/D 38.2 0.85 55501 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.19 0 22800 Kinetic Eng-B/D 80 2.85 4701 Timexgroup-T/D 44.65 0.65 530484 Peso QR 0.0778 QR 0.0794 Alkyl Amines-B/D 318 1.8 1453 Fgp Ltd-Xd/D 2.01 0.09 1250 Kopran-B/D 48.6 0.1 17912 Tinplate-B/D 91.55 2.5 464132 SL Re QR 0.0247 QR 0.0253 Alok Indus-A/D 3.01 -0.03 1104333 Finolex-A/D 476.9 4.4 16457 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 400 0.05 3280 Ucal Fuel-B/D 155.15 -0.3 46676 Taka QR 0.0460 QR 0.0470 Apollo Tyre-A/D 184.3 0.15 284117 Forbes-B/D 1400 47.95 1804 Lakshmi Mach-A/D 4159 64.6 16654 Ultramarine-B/D 138.2 -0.3 9458 Asahi I Glass-/D 191 2.75 14108 Gail-A/D 388 10.15 211331 Lgb Broth-B/D 468.5 2.9 1197 Unitech P -A/D 5.23 0.02 3850654 Nep Re QR 0.0337 QR 0.0343 Ashok Leyland-/D 88.4 0.55 640587 Gammon India-T/D 14.8 0.05 55338 Lloyd Metal-B/D 15.25 0.38 74701 Univcable-B/D 93.75 -1.5 12012 SA Rand QR 0.2503 QR 0.2556 Bajaj Hold-A/D 1798.3 -2.1 1172 Gangotri Tex-B/D 0.99 0.04 12829 Lok.Hous&Con-T/D 4.55 -0.07 27505 Uppergsugar-T/D 389 -0.95 120630 Ballarpur In-B/D 14.31 0.21 116419 Garden P -B/D 31.7 -0.45 6767 Lumax Ind-B/D 667.75 -7.75 3562 Bata India-A/D 537.5 3.4 33730 Godfrey Phil-B/D 1195.15 16.2 37335 Lupin-A/D 1509.5 29.7 81298 LONDON GOLD AND SILVER Beml Ltd-A/D 1065.05 6.1 20926 Goodricke-B/D 200.85 -0.25 36773 Lyka Labs-T/D 66.7 0.4 10799 GOLD QR155.0675 per gramme Bh Electronic-/D 1218.45 4.2 10292 Goodyear I -B/D 555.75 9.1 21953 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 341.05 7.95 3509 3i Group/D 623 10 620735 Bhansali Eng-T/D 20.4 0.15 17773 Hcl Infosys-B/D 39.8 0.2 294394 Mah.Seamless-B/D 226 9.25 6992 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3035 85 300159 SILVER QR2.2060 per gramme Bharat Bijle-B/D 774.65 5.1 11386 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 16.25 0.25 1156103 Maha Scooter-B/D1540.95 4.65 1254 Barclays/D 168.45 2.45 15134430 Bharatgears-B/D 92.7 -0.4 3744 Himat Seide-B/D 266.45 9.2 45034 Mangalam Cem-B/D 358 8.45 12413 Bp/D 433.5 -1.35 9171903 Bhartiya Int-B/D 529.5 6.35 2145 Hind Unilever-/D 924.5 19.65 153808 Maral Overs-B/D 27.95 0.15 1807 Brit Am Tobacc/D 4780 -30 837274 Bhel-A/D 140.65 -0.05 549561 Hind Motors-T/D 5.47 0.1 31389 Mastek-B/D 129.7 0.35 10889 Bt Group/D 392.65 -2.15 3795506 Bom.Burmah-B/D 489.15 6.9 21619 Hind Org Chem-/D 16.95 0.7 55365 Max Financial-/D 564.65 17.9 65225 Centrica/D 235.1 -0.7 4006714 Japan to fund Bombay Dyeing-/D 43.8 0.3 245293 Hind.Petrol-A/D 1188.65 5.2 125532 Mrpl-A/D 78.6 -0.6 157986 Gkn/D 309.9 0.6 1351315 Camph.& All-B/D 556 -3 3813 Hindalco-A/D 162.75 4.4 1173680 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 34.1 -0.25 3622 Hsbc Holdings/D 557.1 10.2 11944800 Canfin Homes-B/D 1497 1.25 2601 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1392.3 17.2 80660 Nahar Spg.-B/D 118.15 4 28134 Kingfisher/D 372.6 2.4 1767655 Abu Dhabi’s Hail Caprihans-Xc/D 91 0.4 2218 I F C I-A/D 27.95 0.2 898145 Nation Alum -A/D 48.65 1.95 184042 Land Secs Grou/D 1098.5 6 484274 Castrol India-/D 426.9 1.1 62079 Idbi-A/D 72.4 1.85 629790 Navneet Edu-B/D 103.85 0.65 11721 Legal & Genera/D 207.7 0.4 6276813 Oilfield project Century Enka-B/D 266 3.75 112407 Ifb Agro-B/D 392.2 13.45 1494 Nepc India-T/D 1.38 -0.07 8766 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 58.76 0.75 48989893 Century Text-A/D 720.75 24.85 251672 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 390 0.15 1522 Neuland Lab-B/D 975 -22.15 6369 Marks & Sp./D 343.5 -1.5 1714196 Chambal Fert-B/D 67.9 0.35 36082 India Cement-A/D 151.2 7.9 1207635 Nrb Bearings-B/D 118.95 1 7931 Next/D 5530 10 103298 QNA Chola Invest-A/D 1166.95 1.75 6744 India Glycol-B/D 111.6 10.15 400498 O N G C-A/D 241.7 4.45 435659 Pearson/D 858.5 -7 857333 Chowgule St-T/D 17.05 0.5 5525 Indian Card-B/D 230 -5.15 3664 Ocl India-B/D 822 3.4 6846 Prudential/D 1356.5 3 1740778 Cimmco-B/D 73.3 -0.45 15039 Indian Hotel-A/D 131 1.55 59336 Oil Country-B/D 33.75 0.55 93812 Rank Group/D 216.4 -2.4 106442 ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Oil Company (ADOC) has Cipla-A/D 576.6 9.4 151692 Indo-Tcount-T/D 813.2 -18.9 32180 Onward Tech-B/D 70.4 -1.7 7813 Rentokil Initi/D 216.4 0.6 418623 signed a loan agreement with the Bank of Japan worth City Union Bk-/D 134.6 3.8 24108 Indusind-A/D 1158 1.85 111923 Orchid Pharm-B/D 38.2 -0.25 65120 Rolls Royce Pl/D 775.5 -9 1021828 $378m to develop the UAE’s Hail Oilfield, UAE daily Colgate-A/D 953 16.15 25623 J.B.Chemical-B/D 330.7 -2.9 65786 Orient Hotel-T/D 24.35 -0.45 2515 Rsa Insrance G/D 504.1 4 619848 The National reported yesterday. The concession for Container Cor-/D 1372.15 1.55 5976 Jagson Phar-B/D 34.75 0.2 10572 Orient.Carb.-T/D 744 -3.8 1080 Sainsbury(J)/D 243 1.5 3668878 this oilfield was acquired by ADOC from the Supreme Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 527.5 44.7 47393 Jamnaauto-B/D 224.75 -0.1 80297 Oudh Sugar-B/D 101.3 -1.85 29789 Schroders/D 2763 8 60168 Petroleum Council (SPC) of Abu Dhabi in 2011. Dcm Financia-T/D 1.45 0.04 5493 Jbf Indu-B/D 200.6 -1.5 7409 Patspin India-/D 9.5 0.44 2949 Severn Trent/D 2413 -2 103243 ADOC owns 100 percent of the concession rights Dcm Shram Ind-/D 202.25 0.25 5388 Jct Ltd-B/D 5.75 0.06 625986 Punjab Chem.-B/D 189.5 2.2 1989 Smith&Nephew/D 1234 10 1300533 of Mubarraz, Umm Al-Anbar, and Neewat Al-Ghalan Dhampur Sugar-/D 107.5 0.1 74684 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 8.16 -0.08 9000 Radico Khait-B/D 103.15 6.85 263828 Smiths Group/D 1353 13 383352 oilfields located in the offing of Abu Dhabi. Since its Dr. Reddy-A/D 3091.05 42.65 29487 Jindal Drill-B/D 175.5 2.25 27312 Rallis India-A/D 225.9 -0.8 52034 Standrd Chart /D 632.2 9.3 2670560 establishment in 1968, ADOC has conducted the oil- E I H-B/D 112.45 -0.35 4824 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 132.95 2.95 783350 Reliance Indus/D 440.7 2.55 121912 Tate & Lyle/D 739.5 1 562387 field development and production as the operator and E.I.D Parry-A/D 253 3.7 51561 Jmc Projects-T/D 242 5.5 5741 Ruchi Soya-B/D 20.1 -0.05 48219 Tesco/D 163.95 0.45 4495317 shipped all of the produced crude oil to Japan. Eicher Motor-A/D 23043.55 732.95 5049 Kabra Extr-B/D 113.95 7 48332 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 679.6 6.6 4934 Unilever/D 3591.75 23 667915 ADOC also holds 100 percent of the concession of Electrosteel-B/D 23.45 -0.1 120060 Kajaria Cer-A/D 1268.35 -7.35 1267 Salora Inter-B/D 45.8 2.55 1050 United Util Gr/D 979.5 -2 360972 the Hail Oilfield located adjacent to the existing three Emco-B/D 30 1.25 26836 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 351.1 3.75 18245 Saur.Cem-B/D 81.35 0.4 64361 Vodafone Group/D232.7574 -0.25 10676636 oilfields and plans to carry out its development and Escorts Fin-B/D 7.09 0.59 248756 Kalpat Power-B/D 263.7 5.4 3425355 Savita Oil-B/D 668 36.45 1323 Whitbread/D 4201 4 131001 production. This loan thereby contributes to the sta- ble supply of crude oil to Japan and is in line with the Japanese government’s energy resource policy. The UAE now supplies Japan around 840,000 bar- rels per day, approximately 24 percent of the country’s total oil imports. A key strategic partnership is devel- oping between the two nations and last year, trade France urges halt to EU-US trade talks between the UAE and Japan amounted to $14bn.

Reuters Minister Matthias Fekl, the European ambassadors that he could not back a the United States, is also that the talks are Commission says negotiations are mak- deal by that deadline. “The negotiations progressing. “Although trade talks take Twitter to share ad revenue on ing steady progress and there is an outline are bogged down, positions have not been time, the ball is rolling right now and the of a future agreement. respected, it’s clearly unbalanced,” he said. Commission is making steady progress in videos by US individual users PARIS: Trade talks between the Euro- Fekl said he would request a halt to Italy’s trade and industry minister the ongoing TTIP negotiations,” Commis- pean Union and the United States should TTIP talks at next month’s meeting of EU meanwhile said it was essential for Italian sion spokesman Margaritis Schinas told a be halted and a new set started, France’s trade ministers in Bratislava. exporters that the negotiations bore fruit. news conference in Brussels on Monday. trade minister said yesterday, adding his “There should be an absolute clear “TTIP will be sealed. It is inevitable,” US Trade Representative Michael Fro- Reuters voice to calls from within Germany for an end so that we can restart them on a good the minister, Carlo Calenda, said in an man told German magazine Der Spiegel end to the negotiations. basis,” Fekl said on RMC Radio, calling the interview with Corriere della Sera news- the negotiations “are in fact making steady Three years of talks on a Transatlantic process “opaque” and unbalanced. paper published yesterday. But he too said progress”. NEW YORK: Twitter Inc said it would share some of Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) Paris threatened to stall further nego- it would be difficult to reach a deal before Supporters of the talks say the TTIP the advertising revenue on videos created by its indi- have failed to resolve multiple differences, tiations as long ago as April. But with Obama left office at the end of the year. could deliver more than $100bn worth of vidual users in the United States as part of an expanded including over food and environmental national elections due in both France Germany’s Gabriel is the chairman of economic gains on both sides of the Atlan- video advertising programme. safety. Critics say the pact would hand too and Germany in 2017, experts were saying the Social Democrats who share power tic, but critics say the pact would hand too The microblogging service provider’s Amplify Pub- much power to big multinationals at the before the summer that this year — before with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conserv- much power to big multinationals at the lisher Program is currently restricted to organisations expense of consumers and workers. the end of President Barack Obama’s atives. But Merkel backs the talks and her expense of consumers and workers. such as the National Football League. But despite a weekend comment by mandate in January — may be the best spokesman insisted on Monday that they Britain’s June vote to leave the EU has Twitter will also allow advertisements that precede German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel opportunity to strike a deal. should continue. further clouded the picture, even though the streaming of videos uploaded by individual users, that the talks had “de facto failed”, which President Francois Hollande appeared The official line from both the Euro- the Commission has a mandate to finalise the company said in a blog post yesterday. found an echo yesterday by French Trade to endorse Fekl’s position, telling pean Commission, the bloc’s executive, and TTIP talks on behalf of all EU 28 members. BUSINESS VIEWS 20 WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016

China’s big banks Draghi’s silence puts set for hard slog as margins shrink numbers in spotlight

By Engen Tham the banks would report net inter- and Shu Zhang est income declining in the second Reuters quarter, but a number of them did,” said Min Zhou, a banking analyst at AB Bernstein. China’s central bank cut inter- our of China’s so-called est rates last October for the sixth ‘Big Five’ state-owned time in less than a year in a bid banks have warned that to jump-start growth in the stut- profits will continue to be tering economy. The squeeze on Fpressured in the second half of the margins has also put pressure on year, as slowing growth in the banks’ capital strength, analysts world’s second-biggest economy said, with all the big five banks hits borrowers and saps lenders’ seeing their core capital slip, again margins. raising the likelihood of a govern- Chinese banks, among the ment bail-out. world’s biggest by market value, While core capital — an indi- also face rising volumes of sour cator of a bank’s ability to take debt, forcing a quicker pace of financial stress and remain sol- write-offs — even as a series of vent — at the five banks hovers rate cuts has chipped away at their between around 10-13 percent, interest income. above a 10.5 percent minimum Industrial and Commercial lenders need to achieve by 2018, Bank of China (ICBC), Bank of it has dipped from the previous China (BoC), Agricultural Bank of quarter. Last week, AgBank’s China (AgBank) and Bank of Com- Chairman Zhou Mubing said munications (BoCom) all warned good companies are not borrow- of tough times ahead. ing from banks, but issuing bonds ECB President Mario Draghi (right) and other officials arrive to address a press conference in Frankfurt am Main. BoC’s chief risk officer Pan or equity instead, while the bank’s Yuehan said the bank faces “rel- vice-president said profit growth atively big pressure” in the near in the second half would come future, while ICBC’s chairman Yi under big pressure. By Catherine Bosley enough to make them think ‘we don’t need economist at Commerzbank in Frankfurt. Huiman said bad loans will con- BoCom President Peng Chun Bloomberg to do anything.”’ As far as inflation is concerned, “every tenth tinue to rise. ICBC, the biggest warned that soured debt had still Draghi didn’t attend this year’s gather- of a percentage point can be a source of bank by assets, and BoC reported not bottomed out and the down- ing of central bankers and economists at hope or despair,” he said. near flat half-year profits yester- ward cycle would likely persist. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, at the weekend, Industry and consumer confidence day, and shrinking net interest Non-performing loan (NPL) ario Draghi is letting the where Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen data out on Tuesday will show how well margins (NIM) — the difference ratios remained steady at the numbers do the talking. said the case to raise US interest rates is the economy is holding up two months after between interest earned on loans five big banks as they were quick After five weeks of silence, getting stronger. the UK referendum. Private-sector activity and that paid out to depositors. to dispose of these. ICBC wrote the European Central Bank Two years ago, he used the same event unexpectedly picked up in August, driven The lacklustre first-half — a off 44.8bn yuan of soured debt president is leaving it largely to flag a major policy shift that ultimately by an improvement in services, according far cry from the banks’ strong in the first half alone, compared Mto a raft of economic data to fine-tune pol- saw the introduction of quantitative easing. to surveys by IHS Markit. double-digit profit growth just to 60.2bn yuan in the whole of icy expectations ahead of the Governing Now, the ECB president is deferring judg- But the tide can turn quickly. In Ger- two years ago — raises the pros- last year. BoC disposed of 29.2bn Council’s next meeting on September 8. ment of the euro area’s economic prospects many, where second-quarter earnings at pect that the government will yuan in January-June, compared Reports covering inflation to business con- before fresh staff projections are published. blue-chip firms beat estimates by more have to inject more than $100bn to 45.2bn yuan in all of 2015. fidence and unemployment in the coming Draghi’s analysis of the risks attached to than 10 percent, business sentiment has to shore them up, some analysts AgBank’s first-half bad debt days may signal whether more stimulus is them may shed light on his plans for mon- plunged the most in four years, with execu- have said. write-offs of 38.3bn yuan were needed to sustain the recovery and revive etary policy in the months to come. tives warning that Brexit and other political ICBC’s Yi said the four biggest only around 3bn yuan less than price growth amid potential fallout from Executive Board member Benoit Coeure crises may damp orders. With an expansion banks — ICBC, BoC, AgBank and in all of last year, and the bank’s Britain’s vote to leave the European Union. did attend Jackson Hole, and warned that of 0.4 percent, the nation drove euro-area China Construction Bank (CCB) president Zhao Huan said it plans Momentum in the 19-nation euro area policy makers “may need to dive deeper economic growth in the April-June period. — and four leading asset man- to increase disposals in the sec- has so far shown few signs of losing pace, into our operational framework” if govern- In both France and Italy, growth ground agement companies would be ond-half. “The credit quality and economists at both JPMorgan Chase ments don’t act to boost growth potential in to a halt in the quarter. Manufacturing in included in a government debt- pressure is going to continue in & Co and Danske Bank euro-area economies. Even so, he has pre- the region’s second-largest economy has to-equity pilot scheme, which the second half and for next year, A/S pushed back projec- viously warned of the risks from the side shrunk for six months and tourism is suf- aims to let industrial firms con- as the economy slows further tions for further easing. effects of ever increasing stimulus. fering from a series of terrorist attacks. vert their debt into equity stakes. and the central government has But executives in Ger- The ECB’s Chief Economist, Peter Praet, Meanwhile, Italian banks are struggling to ICBC’s margins narrowed to the intention to push supply-side many, the region’s and Governing Council members Francois dispose of non-performing loans, and a vote 2.21 percent at end-June from 2.28 reforms,” said Zhou, the AB Bern- largest economy, are Villeroy de Galhau and Ewald Nowotny are on political reform expected in November percent a quarter earlier, while stein analyst, adding that a clamp beginning to wake all scheduled to speak this week. has the potential to topple Prime Minister those at BoC slipped to 1.9 percent down on industries with large up to the Brexit shock, The most awaited piece of data in the Matteo Renzi’s government. from 1.97 percent. “Successive over-capacity — such as the coal After five weeks of suggesting that more coming days is probably inflation. Even in Spain, where growth rates have interest rate cuts and repricing and steel sectors — would be “bad severe consequences Euro-area consumer prices are barely been among the strongest in the region of deposits and loans narrowed news” for banks. To digest some silence, the ECB chief may still be ahead. rising despite €1.2 trillion of bond pur- as investment and job creation tick up, the interest spread,” ICBC said in of the rising tide of bad debt, both is leaving it largely “I don’t think there chases and a negative deposit rate, and risks remain. Acting Prime Minister Mar- a statement on its earnings. ICBC’s ICBC and BoC plan to issue NPL to a raft of economic is anything in the data policy makers agreed at their July 20-21 iano Rajoy is facing a confidence vote on Yi said he expects the bank’s NIM asset-backed-securities. ICBC calendar that is so deci- meeting that no clear upward trend in infla- Wednesday to secure a second term that, to contract by 6-7 basis points in said these could be issued as early data to fine-tune sive that it will either tion was yet visible. if lost, could put the nation on track for a the second half, noting that each as next month, and a first batch policy expectations change the market or Economists surveyed by Bloomb- third election. basis point drop costs more than would not exceed 5bn yuan. the ECB or both,” said erg predict the rate rose to 0.3 percent “There are risks related to the geopo- 2bn yuan in lost profit. CCB’s chief risk officer Zeng ahead of the Peter Schaffrik, head of in August from 0.2 percent the previous litical situation in a number of countries,” Last week, AgBank, BoCom Jianhua, however, saw some light Governing Council’s European rates strategy month. That would be the highest since said Aline Schuiling, a senior economist at and CCB also reported lower down the tunnel. “I expect asset at Royal Bank of Can- January but still far from the ECB’s goal ABN Amro Bank NV in Amsterdam, adding margins. “One surprise is the NIM quality hit bottom last year. The next meeting on ada. “Inflation is going of just below 2 percent. “Draghi has said that the ECB will probably lower its growth pressure. We hadn’t anticipated worst was last year,” he said. September 8. to go up slightly but it’s he wants to make things dependent on forecast for next year. “The risks to inflation not going to go up fast the numbers,” said Michael Schubert, an also seem to be skewed to the downside.” Smart money going to war with VIX-obsessed bears

By Lu Wang and anticipated the rally in riskier assets like that amounts to a stock-market short. Out- and falling profits are sounding the rally’s Joseph Ciolli high-yield bonds and emerging-market standing shares have exploded 11-fold since death knell, while evidence of improving Bloomberg stocks this year. “If you’re retail without the January to an all-time high this month, and economic growth and central-bank rescues research and insights into the fundamen- the note took in $816m of fresh cash in July, have renewed faith among those who lived tals of the economy and geopolitical events, the most since 2012. With conviction run- though two corrections in six months. you’re at whims of headlines, the emotions ning high, open interest on SPDR S&P 500 Ironically, a byproduct of the polarisa- hey can’t both be right. Below the and sensations that come from them.” ETF options — both bullish and bearish — tion has been the extraordinary calm for surface of the calmest stock mar- The depth of the divide is illustrated in climbed above 27 million contracts earlier the major averages. The S&P 500 has been ket in five decades, a divergence in options markets, where institutions are bail- this month, the most since 2011. Outstand- locked in a 1.5 percent range over the past sentiment has opened in which insti- ing out of bets volatility will increase while ing calls and puts have averaged about 18 30 days, the smallest fluctuation since 1965. Ttutional investors are surrendering hedges smaller investors embrace them. million since the start of the bull market. Prices of options to hedge against equity and diving deeper into stocks, while individ- On futures exchanges, venues dominated That Wall Street should disagree with swings, almost entirely a function of volatil- For bears, elevated uals load up on protective options and sell by hedge funds, bulls are going all in on the Main Street is nothing new, though the dis- ity in the indexes, are plunging. At an average valuations and falling equity funds. Bets are piling up at the fast- end of market turbulence. Net short posi- cord has rarely been this pronounced. For of 12.29, the VIX is trading lower than any est rate ever as stocks meander, setting the tions in the CBOE Volatility Index reached a individuals, withdrawing money from August since 1994. “We’re not seeing a one- profits are sounding the stage for pain when the sleepy spell resolves. record this month, Commodity Futures Trad- stocks has meant missing out on a rally that sided trade,” Jim Paulsen, chief investment rally’s death knell, while The trading reflects a bigger picture in ing Commission data show. At the same time, restored $3.7 trillion to US share values since strategist at Wells Capital Management, which professional investors warm to an net long positions in contracts linked to the February — though a similar bout of pru- which manages about $350bn, said by phone. evidence of improving advance that lifted the S&P 500 Index almost S&P 500, Nasdaq 100 Index and Dow Jones dence paid off before the rout of last August. “The market action as a whole reflects, at economic growth and 20 percent since February, even as individ- Industrial Average totaled as much as $57bn, Professional investors bore the brunt of that best, middling sentiment. I can certainly see uals are unconvinced. Chris Bouffard, who the most in CFTC data compiled by Sundial selloff, in which the S&P 500 posted its first how people are that way, based on seasonals central-bank rescues have oversees $10bn as chief investment officer at Capital Research Inc. since 1986. 10 percent drop in four years, and have been and the uncertainty from the Fed.” renewed faith among Mutual Fund Store in Overland Park, Kansas, Equally enthused are retail investors beneficiaries of this one. The skepticism of individuals is also evi- those who lived though says this time the pros have it right. whose appetite is growing for exchange- A seven-year advance in which the S&P dent in money flows. Since December, almost “The reaction throughout this year is traded products tied to levels of equity 500 rallied about 220 percent qualifies as the $90bn has been withdrawn from mutual and two corrections in six realising the Fed is going to be lower for swings. Take the iPath S&P 500 VIX Short- second-longest bull market ever, and it may exchange-traded funds. That exceeds out- months. longer than even the most dovish peo- Term Futures ETN, the biggest security not be surprising that investors are increas- flows from all but one year at this point of ple thought,” said Bouffard, whose firm tracking the volatility gauge, a position ingly at odds. For bears, elevated valuations time in data going back to 1984. WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 21

MLB: Cubs and Sensational Steyn sets up big Red Sox notch up victories

Agencies win as SA seal series triumph NEW YORK: Miguel Montero’s 13th-inning pinch hit drove in Kris Bryant with a game-winning run as the Chicago Cubs claimed an Zealand were bowled out for 195 8-7 victory over the Pittsburgh despite a defiant innings of 76 by Pirates in a game that stretched Fast bowler grabs five Henry Nicholls. into yesterday. wickets to help the It looked as though it would be The score capped a two-run hosts bowl out NZ for easy for the hosts when Steyn and inning as the Cubs rallied from a Vernon Philander ripped through 7-6 deficit to their fifth walk-off just 195 and clinch New Zealand’s top four batsmen for victory of the season. 204-run victory in seven runs inside the first four overs Josh Harrison’s sacrifice fly of the innings. to left drove in David Freese with second and final Test But the left-handed Nicholls, a go-ahead run and a 7-6 Pirates playing in his sixth Test match, dis- lead in the 13th inning while Cubs played courage and concentration in first baseman Anthony Rizzo making his second Test half-century responded in the bottom of the AFP and highest score to delay South Afri- inning with a run-scoring single ca’s celebrations. to bring home Fowler and force a He found a similarly determined 7-7 deadlock. partner in BJ Watling, who made 32 Right-hander Jeff Locke, the CENTURION: Fast bowler Dale Steyn in a two-hour, 68-run fifth wicket seventh Pirates pitcher on the set up a series-clinching 204-run win partnership, while Mitchell Santner, night, worked four innings. He fell for South Africa on the fourth day of Doug Bracewell and Tim Southee to 9-8 after allowing two runs on the second and final Test against New all provided varying degrees of seven hits. Zealand at SuperSport Park yester- resistance. Red Sox 9, Rays 4 day. Nicholls was last man out after Rick Porcello, improving to Steyn took three wickets with batting for 255 minutes. He faced 140 13-0 in 14 home starts, pitched his first 11 balls of the innings and balls and hit 12 fours. seven solid innings for his major finished with five for 33 as New Steyn bowled Tom Latham with league-leading 18th victory and Mookie Betts hit his 30th homer, SCOREBOARD doubled in a run and scored twice to power Boston to a rout of last- place Tampa Bay. South Africa (I innings): 481-8 decl New Zealand (II innings): South Africa’s Dale Steyn (left) celebrates the dismissal of New Zealand’s Ross Taylor during the fourth day New Zealand (I innings): 214 T Latham b Steyn 0 The win kept the Red Sox of their second and final Test at Centurion Park in Centurion, yesterday. two games behind the first-place South Africa (II innings): M Guptill c Amla b Steyn 0 Toronto Blue Jays in the American S Cook lbw Boult 4 K Williamson c De Kock b Philander 5 League East. Q de Kock c Williamson b Bracewell 50 R Taylor lbw Steyn 0 the first ball of the final innings, then In between, Ross Taylor was total at the fall of the second wicket Mets 2, Marlins 1 H Amla c Guptill b Southee 1 H Nicholls c Rabada b Steyn 76 had Latham’s fellow opener, Martin trapped leg before wicket by an was 13, putting pressure on William- Yoenis Cespedes’ two-out J Duminy lbw Southee 0 B Watling lbw Piedt 32 Guptill, caught at first slip, also for unplayable ball from Steyn, which son and the remaining batsmen. homer in the bottom of the 10th a first ball duck, off the final ball of skidded through barely above ankle Watling was dropped by Stiaan inning lifted New York to a piv- F du Plessis c Taylor b Boult 6 M Santner b Steyn 16

the over. height off a pitch with increasingly van Zyl at third slip off Philander otal win over Miami at Citi Field.

T Bavuma (not out) 40 D Bracewell lbw Philander 30 The magnitude of New Zealand’s unpredictable bounce. when he had five and two runs later Cespedes crushed a 1-1 pitch S van Zyl c Watling b Wagner 5 T Southee b Rabada 14 task was shown in the second over Latham tried to leave the ball seemed lucky to get the benefit of the from Nick Wittgren deep into the V Philander b Southee 14 N Wagner lbw Rabada 3 when captain and first innings top- from Steyn that bowled him but it doubt from television umpire Richard bleachers in left field. D Piedt (not out) 0 T Boult (not out) 0 scorer Kane Williamson was struck lifted sharply and bounced off his Illingworth when the South Africans It was the third hit of the game a painful blow on the left hand by a raised bat onto the stumps. appeared convinced that he had for Cespedes, who admired the Extras (B-4, LB-1, NB-1, W-6) 12 Extras (B-10, LB-7, W-2) 19 ball from Vernon Philander which Guptill, a heavy scorer in limited gloved Philander to De Kock. blast as the Mets began pouring Total (for 7 wkts decl) 132 Total (all out) 195 reared up off a good length. overs international cricket, again South Africa added 27 runs in out of the dugout. Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-32, 3-32, 4-47, 5-82, Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-3, 3-5, 4-7, 5-75, 6-118, He required lengthy treatment raised doubts about his technique 13 overs, for the loss of Philander’s Cardinals 6, Brewers 5 6-98, 7-129. 7-164, 8-187, 9-195. before resuming his innings. The in Test cricket when he edged a ball wicket, before declaring their sec- Randal Grichuk hit a game- Bowling: Southee 16-6-46-3 (1w); Boult 14- Bowling: Steyn 16.2-4-33-5; Philander 14-4- team physiotherapist went onto the that seamed away from him. ond innings on 132 for seven. Temba tying home run while Stephen 3-44-2; Bracewell 7-2-19-1; Wagner 10-1-18-1 34-2 (1w); Rabada 13-2-54-2 (1w); Van Zyl field twice more to treat the player In three innings in the truncated Bavuma made 40 not out. Tim Piscotty had two hits and scored (1nb, 1w). 3-1-5-0; Piedt 12-3-52-1. before Williamson was caught series, Latham and Guptill scored a Southee bowled Philander and fin- the go-ahead run on a ninth- behind off Philander for five. combined 23 runs and the highest ished with three for 46. inning error as St. Louis rallied for a victory over Milwaukee at Miller Park. Milwaukee erased a 3-1 defi- cit with four runs in the seventh Bell signs up for Big Bash Hales stars as England break world record inning, including a solo home run from rookie shortstop Orlando Arcia but the Cardinals answered in the eighth when with one out, AFP Big Bash,” Bell said in a League is played in Decem- Grichuk tagged Corey Knebel for statement. ber and January and last year his 19th home run of the year, “I love the city having attracted stars such as Kevin tying the game at 5. played there earlier in my Pietersen and all-rounder SYDNEY: Former England career and to work with Jacques Kallis. middle-order batsman Ian (Scorchers coach) Justin The Scorchers have been BASEBALL RESULTS Bell has signed for the Perth Langer will be superb,” said the most successful team in Toronto 5 Baltimore 1 Scorchers team in Australia’s the seasoned batsman. the BBL, taking part in four of Washington 4 Philadelphia 0 Twenty20 Big Bash League Langer, a former Test the five finals since it started (BBL), joining compatriot opener who filled in for in 2011. Detroit 4 C White Sox 3 David Willey. Darren Lehmann during Bell has played a total of NY Mets 2 Miami 1 The 34-year-old, who Australia’s tour of the West 118 Tests and scored 7,727 Cleveland 1 Minnesota 0 captains Warwickshire, had Indies earlier this year, said runs, with his last appearance Boston 9 Tampa Bay 4 previously played in the West the right-hander would bring for England against Pakistan St Louis 6 Milwaukee 5 Australian city in several experience and leadership to in Sharjah, back in Novem- Chicago Cubs 8 Pittsburgh 7 Ashes tours, and also joins the team. ber 2015. retired international Aus- “With 22 Test centuries He has also played 161 Texas 6 Seattle 3 tralian fast bowler Mitchell and a One-Day International ODIs, scoring more than England’s Alex Hales celebrates after scoring 150 runs against Pakistan during their Houston 6 Oakland 0 Johnson. average close to 40, he’ll bol- 5,000 runs at an average of third ODI at Trent Bridge, yesterday. England recorded the highest-ever total in ODIs Kansas City 8 NY Yankees 5 “I’m delighted to be com- ster our batting options,” he 37.87 and eight T20 interna- when they made 444 for three against Pakistan to break the previous record of Colorado 8 LA Dodgers 1 ing back to play in Perth for added. tionals with a highest score 443 for nine by Sri Lanka against the Netherlands at Amstelveen in 2006. LA Angels 9 Cincinnati 2 the Scorchers in this year’s Australia’s Big Bash of 60. In-form Pieters gets Europe Ryder Cup nod

AFP with a stunning opening round of European team’s stunning come- with him. He played unbelievable, 62 alongside Clarke at last week’s GOLF: TWO TEAMS TO back to defeat the United States in shot 62 and, on top of that, won the Made in Denmark tournament. MEET NEXT MONTH 2012’s ‘Miracle of Medinah’. tournament.” “It came down to Thomas Pie- “Narrowing it down to those Pieters’s victory in Denmark WENTWORTH, UK: Europe’s ters and Russell Knox, and the three wildcards has been a very followed a fourth-place finish at Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke phonecall to Russell was one of the compatriot Danny Willett -- one of difficult process, but I said that I the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and announced England’s Lee West- hardest I have ever had to make,” Clarke’s automatic picks -- at this was going to look to experience a runner-up showing at the Czech wood, Germany’s Martin Kaymer Clarke told a press conference at year’s Masters. He also recorded and with Lee Westwood and Mar- Masters. and Thomas Pieters of Belgium as Wentworth. four other top-15 finishes. tin Kaymer I had two former world Appearing via video link, Pie- his three wildcards yesterday. “But given his form, I found it “When I look back over my number ones,” Clarke added. ters said: “It’s a little bit crazy, With rookies taking up five impossible to leave Thomas out.” career, the Ryder Cup has provided “The last one was very difficult. especially closing out the tourna- of the nine automatic qualifying Westwood, 43, will be mak- most of the very special moments. Graeme McDowell and Luke Donald ment like I did on Sunday. I can’t places, Clarke had been expected ing his 10th consecutive Ryder Kaymer, 31, has not lifted a tro- had an argument with their expe- wait to tee it up and give it 110 to turn to experienced Ryder Cup appearance. He finished 13th phy since claiming his second major rience to join that, but they would percent.” Cup campaigners Westwood and on the world points list, one place title at the 2014 US Open, but deliv- admit that they have not been on Europe will be seeking a fourth Kaymer. above Kaymer. ered six top-10 finishes in his last 12 top of their game. consecutive Ryder Cup victory over Pieters, 24, was picked ahead Westwood has not won a events. He has played in Europe’s “Last week I played with Tho- the United States when the teams of Scotland’s Russell Knox, hav- tournament since April 2015, but last three Ryder Cup wins and mas Pieters (in Denmark) and face off at Hazeltine in Minnesota Thomas Pieters ing bolstered his case for inclusion he came joint-second behind sank the putt that completed the Thomas knew why I was playing from September 30 to October 2. 22 WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 SPORT

Schweinsteiger won’t give up his United dream

AFP ex-Germany captain is not in his praise for still playing and if I get a “I’ve mellowed and know how to plans. fair chance, I believe in my abilities. deal with these situations. Schweinsteiger says he will keep “It would be a dream to once “The football business is not only waiting for his chance at Old Trafford more show the (Man Utd) fans what highs, but also lows, it is a hard busi- BERLIN: Ahead of his final Germany and insisted that he has ‘no problem’ I can do. ness and not just on the sports side.” appearance, Bastian Schweinsteiger with Mourinho. “In the last year, things went well Just over half of the 43,000 tick- (pictured) said yesterday he will not “My absolute dream would be to (at Man Utd) until I was banned (from ets, costing between 25-75 euros give up on his dream of playing again play for Manchester United and help the first-team). ($28-$83), have been sold for the for Manchester United – despite his them reach their goals,” said Sch- “We have to see how the situa- match in Moenchengladbach with exile by Jose Mourinho. weinsteiger at a German FA (DFB) tion goes, but of course the USA is Schweinsteiger set to bow out after Germany’s friendly against press conference in Duesseldorf. an option.” more than 12 years in the famous Lucas Perez Finland in Moenchengladbach on “I have had conversations (with Schweinsteiger says he is not let- white shirt. Wednesday doubles as Schwein- the club) and I have no problem with ting the situation at Old Trafford get “I am looking forward to the steiger’s farewell on his 121st - and Jose Mourinho, he has explained the him down and that he has experi- evening,” he said. final - international appearance situation to me from his perspective. enced worst moments in his career. “I know that the stadium perhaps when he will captain die Mannschaft “We have to wait to see what hap- “I believe that things are good won’t be full, but I will be pleased Arsenal seal for the last time. pens in September and October and the future. “The transfer window has with me, despite the current situa- to see every fan who comes to the The 32-year-old, who left Bay- how things will develop, but I will already closed (in the MLS), so there’s tion,” he said. game, the atmosphere and singing move for ern Munich for Manchester in 2015, definitely not stop playing football.” nothing there,” said Schweinsteiger. “When I think about the Cham- the national anthem. has a United contract running until While Schweinsteiger will bide “My dream remains to play for pions League final in Munich (when “I don’t know how many minutes 2018, but new coach Mourinho ban- his time in Manchester, he said a Manchester United. Bayern lost to Chelsea on penalties I’ll be able to play. “I haven’t played Spanish striker ished him to the Under-23 team early move to USA and the North American “Mourinho showered (the in 2012), that was more difficult to a game yet (this season), so I don’t this month, insisting the soon-to-be league (MLS) could be an option in 34-year-old Zlatan) Ibrahimovic with get over. know how the lungs will hold up.” Lucas Perez

AFP

Injured Messi in doubt LONDON: Arsenal have com- pleted a deal to sign Spanish striker Lucas Perez from Depor- tivo La Coruna, the Premier for qualifying games League club announced yesterday. Arsenal did not disclose either the length of Perez’s contract or Reuters decide his availability to play in the the transfer fee, but British media games scheduled.” Argentina sit reports said the 27-year-old had third in the 10-team South Amer- cost around 17m pounds ($22.3m, ican qualifying group on 11 points 20m euros). BARCELONA: Barcelona striker from six matches, two points behind Arsenal are also believed to be Lionel Messi has returned home to leading pair Uruguay and Ecuador. close to signing Germany defender Argentina but remains doubtful for Edgardo Bauza will take charge Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia World Cup qualifiers against Uru- of Argentina for the first time when for around 35m pounds. guay and Venezuela with his club they host Uruguay in Mendoza on Discussing Perez, Arsenal confirming the 29-year-old is strug- Thursday before the side travels to manager Arsene Wenger told the gling with a sore left hamstring. Venezuela for another qualifier in club website: “He’s not only a goal- Messi played in Sunday’s 1-0 Merida five days later. scorer, he’s a guy who combines league win at Athletic Bilbao but Manchester City striker Sergio well with partners, who can give underwent tests on Monday after Aguero and Paris St Germain mid- a final ball and makes good runs. admitting that the injury was caus- fielder Javier Pastore have already “He’s got a good eye for goal ing him pain. pulled out of the squad through and had an outstanding season “Tests conducted have con- injury, so the 2014 World Cup run- last year.” England’s Wayne Rooney during team’s training session in St George’s Park, yesterday. firmed that Lionel Messi has a sore ners-up will be hoping Messi can be Arsenal are reported to have left adductor muscle. Both the med- fit enough to play. seen off competition from Premier ical services of FC Barcelona and Earlier this month, Messi, who League rivals Everton to secure the AFA (Argentina Football Asso- has scored 55 goals in 133 appear- Perez’s signature. ciation) have agreed on this report,” ances for his country, reversed a Perez, who is uncapped, Barcelona said in a statement. decision to retire from the national scored 19 goals for Deportivo last “The player will travel to Argen- team after they lost the Copa England’s Rooney to season, including 17 in La Liga. tina to join the national team and America final to Chile in a penalty He also scored the winning the evolution of the discomfort will shootout at the end of June. goal in their 2-1 win over Eibar on the opening day of this season. He began his career with Atletico Madrid’s C team and has quit after 2018 Cup also played for Rayo Vallecano, Ukrainian side Karpaty Lviv and Greek club PAOK. Perez follows Swiss interna- on Sunday. The Manchester United Portugal, when, aged only 18, he tional midfielder Granit Xhaka, striker will make his 116th England scored four goals as Sven Goran Japanese forward Takuma Asano Captain says he appearance in Trnava, taking him Eriksson’s side reached the last eight. and young English centre-back will retire from past David Beckham as the coun- England failed to qualify for Euro Rob Holding in arriving at Arse- international football try’s most-capped outfield player. 2008 and he did not manage to find nal during the mid-year transfer Captain since August 2014, the net as they met with disappoint- window. after the quadrennial Rooney is also England’s record ment at the World Cups of 2006 and Runners-up to Leicester City tournament in Russia goal-scorer with 53 goals. But in six 2010. Rooney ended an eight-year last season, Arsenal are eighth in major tournament appearances with wait for a major tournament goal the table after three matches of England, he has never gone further at Euro 2012, but England fell in the the new campaign. than the quarter-finals. quarter-finals. Meanwhile, France inter- AFP England crashed out in the group Although Rooney was deployed national striker Loic Remy will phase at the last World Cup in Bra- in midfield by former manager Roy spend the 2016-17 season on loan zil two years ago and, with Rooney Hodgson during Euro 2016, Allardyce at Crystal Palace from Chelsea, BURTON-ON-TRENT, UK: Wayne as captain, were humiliated by min- has indicated he intends to use him the two Premier League clubs Rooney announced yesterday that nows Iceland in the last at Euro 2016. in a number 10 role. announced yesterday. the campaign for the 2018 World Cup “I have had a fantastic interna- Rooney has been playing in that Remy, 29, has been used spar- in Russia will be his last as an Eng- tional career so far, played a lot of position under new United man- ingly since joining Chelsea from land player. games and enjoyed every minute, but ager Jose Mourinho since the start Queens Park Rangers in August “Realistically I know myself that at some point it is going to come to of the season, but the former Ever- 2014, making 46 appearances and Russia will be my last opportunity to an end,” Rooney said. ton player said he was happy to play scoring 12 goals. do anything with England,” Rooney “I’m not old, I’m 30 years of age, anywhere. “It’s the manager’s deci- The move to Selhurst Park told a press conference at St George’s and come Russia I feel that will be sion,” Rooney said. reunites him with Palace manager Park in Burton, central England. the time for me to say goodbye to “We haven’t spoken about that. Alan Pardew, who was Remy’s “So I’m going to try and enjoy international football. In the next few days we’ll speak manager during the 2013-14 sea- these two years and hopefully I can “My mind is made up. It is up to about it more, whether it’s as a mid- son at Newcastle United. end my career with England on a Sam Allardyce again over the next fielder or attacker. “This is a very good chance for high.” two years, but if selected, I will have “It’s only a day we’ve been me and a big opportunity,” Remy New England manager Sam enjoyed it. Some highs, some lows, together, but you can see he’s a told the Palace website. Allardyce confirmed on Monday but I’ll be an immensely proud man.” relaxed guy, and since we’ve been “It was very important to Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi kneels on the ground that Rooney, 30, will be kept on as Rooney’s most impressive per- here the camp has been good. It’s just know Alan Pardew as he is a very during the Spanish league match against Athletic Club Bilbao at the captain for the World Cup qualifying formance for England at a major a matter of getting on the training good manager and I am happy to San Mames Stadium in Bilbao on Sunday. campaign, which begins in Slovakia tournament remains Euro 2004 in pitch.” be here.” PIBAQ and SBP organise basketball training sessions for colts

The Peninsula Filipino Workers aged below 17 to 17 up to 12 years old are eligible to were only taught. Led by PIBAQ enhance their hidden talents in the play in the PIBAQ 21st Season in the Youth Director coach Francis Mer- sport, which is highly popular to Under 14 and Under 17 Divisions cado who once was a star player their countrymen across the world when it opens on September 16. of San Beda Red Lions, the train- DOHA: Filipino children are and back home. “ I’m sure they can proudly put ers were coach Ferdinan “Poldong” expected to excel in basketball hard The children have to undergo to practice what they learned from Rodriguez who played in San Juan court after they completed eight at least eight sessions held every 5X5 tournament application at the Knights of the defunct Metropoli- sessions of the basketball clinic of Friday at Al Gharafa Training Gym basketball clinic where we saw tan Basketball Association, Bryan the summer youth camp, jointly where they were trained advance promising basketball stars some- Tolentino, a former National organised by Pinoy Basketball of skills in playing basketball by top- day soon,” said Pat Carido, University Bulldogs player. Jojo Qatar (PIBAQ) and Samahan ng notch Filipino trainers who once He added that the advance Longalong, former RP Youth team Basketbol sa Pilipinas (SBP) Qatar became hardcourt idols in their module that the children learned standout and Willy Layag, former Chapter. heydays back home. gave them the advantage in the back-to-back MVP of Toyota Otis The training sessions were par- Completing their training came quali-ty of training as compared and Head coach of Florida Institute, Children pose with their certificates after completing basketball clinic. ticipated by children of Overseas just in time when those aged below to the mini camp which the basics were also part of of team. SPORT WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 23

Raonic confident he has learned from Wimbledon final defeat

Reuters

NEW YORK: John McEnroe may not be on hand to offer advice this fortnight but Milos Raonic believes he is ready to go one better than Wimbledon and claim his first grand slam title. The Canadian, beaten by Andy Murray in what was his first grand slam final last month, confirmed on Monday that he would not be working with McEnroe for the duration of the US Open because of the Amer- ican’s television commitments. But Raonic, who eased into round two with a 7-5 6-3 6-4 win over Dustin Brown of Germany, said he felt he had learned from his defeat at Wimbledon. “It was great to put myself in that situation, to have a chance to be one match away from winning a grand Defending champion Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a return slam,” said Raonic, who now plays American Ryan against Jerzy Janowicz of Poland during their US Open Harrison. Men’s Singles match played at the USTA Billie Jean King “But at the same time, the negative side of it was I National Tennis Center in New York yesterday. wish I played with a little bit more intensity and stepped up a little bit better, which I would try (to do) if I could put myself back in the situation, which I believe I can.” Raonic, one of the more studious players on Tour, said he had not realised how he had played against Murray until he examined the footage later. “I thought I was doing it, that’s the different aspect of it,” he said. “I know that everything I had I did put into that match, into that final, because I knew the Djokovic survives injury importance of it. “But I think I could have expressed it more exter- nally to get a little bit of pressure off myself and get a little energy out and convert it and use it in a bet- ter way.” Raonic worked with McEnroe in the days leading up to the tournament and the fifth seed said he under- scare as Nadal advances stood the former world number one’s reasons. “I believe it was just too many things going on throughout this period of time,” he said. “He felt like that was the right decision. At the end Rafael Nadal of Spain of the day, it’s a decision we’re both OK with. We spoke US Open: Defending about it, were up front, and there’s no ill feelings over reacts during his Men’s it. There’s certain things I’m trying to bring awareness champion clears first hurdle Single Match against Denis to in my game,” he said. on a day of mixed fortunes Istomin of Uzbekistan at “I’m trying to improve what I feel I need to do better.” the USTA Billie Jean King for favourites in New York National Tennis Center yesterday.

Halep pounds AFP

Flipkens to reach NEW YORK: Defending champion Novak Djokovic overcame an arm injury scare and long-time rival Rafael Nadal shone in second round 33-degree heat as the US Open showcased its $650m upgrade on Monday. World number one Djokovic, also the 2011 Reuters winner in New York and chasing his third major of the year, defeated Jerzy Janowicz of Poland 6-3, 5-7, 6-2, 6-1. Nadal, the 2010 and 2013 champion and NEW YORK: Fifth seed Simona Halep blasted her way seeded to face Djokovic in the semi-finals, into the second round of the US Open yesterday by eased to a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win over Denis Istomin The German was leading Polona Hercog demolishing Kirsten Flipkens 6-0 6-2 underlining her of Uzbekistan. 6-0, 1-0 when the Slovenian called it quits credentials as a potential grand slam winner. In the women’s event, second seeded having won just nine points. Halep, a winner of three WTA Tour events this Angelique Kerber, the Australian Open cham- Kerber, a semi-finalist in 2011, next faces Isner holds off rising season, including a hardcourt event in Montreal, car- pion, needed just 33 minutes to progress but Mirjana Lucic-Baroni of Croatia. ried her superb form into Flushing Meadows as she Roland Garros winner Garbine Muguruza Muguruza carved out a gritty 2-6, 6-0, needed just one hour on a sun-splashed but almost required three sets and a visit from the doc- 6-3 win over Belgian qualifier Elise Mertens, vacant Arthur Ashe Stadium court to dismiss the 56th- tor before she survived. ranked at 137. star Tiafoe in ranked Belgian. Djokovic had admitted that he was “not But the French Open champion needed Flipkens, a former grand slam semi-finalist who 100 percent” after suffering a wrist injury on courtside treatment from a doctor after drop- advanced to the last 16 at the Rio Olympics, look headed the eve of the Olympics where he was a first- ping the first set. to a humiliating double bagel as Halep swept through round loser. The consultation certainly worked as she all-American duel the opening 11 games. But it was the upper right arm that both- reeled off the next seven games to lay the foun- But with Halep serving for the match Flipkens broke ered the Serb on Monday night as he played his dation for her win. her Romanian opponent before thrusting her arms into first Grand Slam match since his shock third Muguruza plays Anastasija Sevastova of the air in mock triumph. round exit at Wimbledon. Latvia for a place in the last 32. AFP He broke the big-serving Isner Flipkens would then hold serve for the first time but The 29-year-old needed treatment after French 13th seed Richard Gasquet, a semi- in the veteran’s first service game her late bit of resistance only prolonged the inevitable just five games of the first set but eventu- finalist three years ago, was the day’s biggest and broke him twice more en route as Halep closed out the rout to setting up a second- ally pulled through against Janowicz who casualty. to a two-set lead over his 31-year- round meeting with Czech Lucie Safarova. had played just two matches all year due to He went down to 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 to British NEW YORK: US teenager Frances old opponent. a knee injury. world number 84 Kyle Edmund. Tiafoe came tantalizingly close to Isner, who was playing the 22nd “It was hard to follow Phil Collins,” joked Also exiting was Olympic champion Mon- a stunning US Open upset Monday, five-setter of his career, had a long Djokovic in reference to the lengthy opening ica Puig with the Puerto Rican losing 6-4, 6-2 only to be denied by compatriot and hug at the net for his young rival, ceremony which featured the veteran English to China’s Zheng Saisai. five-set master John Isner. who was playing his first. rocker under the new $150m roof on Arthur Kayla Day, just 16 and ranked at a lowly Tiafoe, an 18-year-old who Tiafoe is among the young pros- Ashe Stadium. 374 in the world, was 6-2, 4-2 up on Madi- received a wild card into the draw pects tipped to end the decline in US On his arm injury, Djokovic added: “It’s son Brengle when her fellow American quit of the final Grand Slam of the year, men’s tennis. The last American man never easy to play at this level throughout the with an injury. won the first two sets and served to win a Grand Slam title was Andy year. There are periods where you aren’t 100 Day next faces American eighth seed for the match in the fifth before the Roddick at the 2003 US Open. percent.” Madison Keys who beat compatriot Alison 31-year-old Isner sealed a 3-6, 4-6, This year’s field included 13 Djokovic next faces Jiri Vesely, the Czech Riske 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 in a tie which ended 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 7-6 (7/3) victory. American men, led by 19th-seeded who knocked him out of Monte Carlo this year. at 1.48am, the latest finish to a women’s match The match enthralled the crowd Steve Johnson, 26, and 20th seed Nadal’s reward for a fifth win in five meet- in tournament history. at the brand new Grandstand court, Isner. Experienced Sam Querrey, ings with Istomin is a match-up with Italian Croatian seventh seed Marin Cilic, the part of the $600m remodel of the who shocked Novak Djokovic at veteran Andreas Seppi. 2014 champion and winner in Cincinnati last Billie Jean King National Tennis Wimbledon, is seeded 29th while A wrist injury forced the Spaniard into week, eased past Brazil’s Rogerio Dutra Silva Center in Flushing Meadows. Jack Sock, the 23-year-old seeded an early retirement at the French Open and 6-4, 7-5, 6-1. “Serving for it I thought I def- 26th, stopped 18-year-old fellow sidelined him from Wimbledon before a gold Flamboyant French 10th seed Gael Mon- initely had it,” said a disappointed American Taylor Fritz 7-6 (7/3) 7-5, medal run in the doubles at the Olympics fils took his summer hardcourt record to 15-2 Tiafoe, the son of immigrants from 3-6, 1-6, 6-4. helped ease his misery. with a 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 win over Gilles Muller of Sierra Leone. Although he and Fritz came up “The most important thing is that I am here Luxemburg. Monfils almost suffered a freak “I definitely thought the match empty, Tiafoe said he believed the in New York. Injuries are part of the career. I accident when a giant courtside clock fell was over, but he played a good return youngest US pros now challeng- had a hard time this year,” said the fourth seed. towards him as he collided with the back wall, game. Didn’t make that many first ing on the ATP Tour are capable of Canadian fifth seed Milos Raonic, the chasing down a Muller shot. serves that game. Probably should establishing themselves on the world runner-up to Andy Murray at Wimbledon, The Flushing Meadows complex has been have played a higher percentage, but stage. Ryan Harrison, the 24-year- Simona Halep of Romania hits a return against overcame German dangerman Dustin Brown radically and expensively remodelled for this it’s tough, toughest loss of my career old who came through qualifying Kirsent Flipkens of Belgium during their 2016 US 7-5, 6-4, 6-4. year. However, the old Grandstand court, due so far for sure.” along with his 22-year-old brother Open Women’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Kerber needed just over 30 minutes to get to be demolished after the tournament, was Tiafoe, ranked 125th in the world, Christian, reached the second round Jean King National Tennis Center in New York her pursuit of a first US Open title off to a win- pressed into action after the new Court 10 was was playing in just his third Grand with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 victory over yesterday. ning start. deemed unplayable. Slam main draw match. France’s Adrian Mannarino. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 England’sEng Rooney Djokovic survives to quit after injury scare as 2018 Cup Nadal advances

WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST 2016 • 28 DHUL QA’DA 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

GCC Artistic Qatar confident in confronting Gymnastics Championship begins today strong Iran in Tehran clash The Peninsula

DOHA: The 2016 GCC Artis- tic Gymnastics Championship Skipper Al Haidos will begin at the indoor hall of Khawla School in Doha today. says the players are Ali Al Hitmi, President of determined to qualify the Qatar Gymnastics Fed- eration stressed that the for the first ever FIFA Organising committee has World Cup completed its arrangements for the event. The event will feature the participation of three coun- The Peninsula tries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and hosts Qatar and will conclude on Saturday. The Qatari squad includes DOHA: Al Sadd’s impressive forward Tamim Mosaad Keraib, Rakan Hassan Al Haidos will lead the Qatari Mesfer Al Harith, Ahmad Nabil side which faces strong Iran in their Mousa, Abdullah Mesfer, Ras- opening Group A fixture of Asian lan Anis, Hossam Abdulaziz, Qualifiers for 2018 football World Mohmoud Al Saadi, Ahmad Cup in Tehran tomorrow. Al Dayani, Malik Al Yahri and Coach Jose Daniel Carreno Nasser Al Hamad. announced the 23-player squad for tomorrow’s all important clash on Monday and skipper Hassan Al Haidos says they are determined to qualify for Qatar through their first ever FIFA World Cup. “We are determined to qualify for a first ever FIFA World Cup, but to final face a difficult first step on the final stretch of the road to Russia, captain The Peninsula Al Haidos has said. In an interview with FIFA.com, Al Haidos acknowledged the difficulty of HAMMAMET: Qatar’s table their opening Group A fixture – Iran at tennis team qualified for the the imposing Azadi stadium in Tehran, final of the Arab Champi- Iran, but spoke confidently of Qatar’s onship after beating Saudi chances. Arabia 3-0 on Monday. “It’s always important to begin Qatar will meet Tunisia, well,” the Al Sadd man said the hosts, in the final. “I don’t think we could have had a Tunisia made it to the final more difficult home game. It’s always when they beat Algeria 3-1 in very tough against Iran and even more the semi-final. so away from home, in front of their Commenting on the result, Qatar football players in action during a training session on Monday, ahead of their Group A fixture of Asian Qualifiers for 2018 football World fans, but I think we’re ready to face President of Qatar’s Table the challenge this time.” Cup against Iran which will be played at the Azadi stadium in Tehran, Iran tomorrow. INSET: Qatar skipper Hassan Al Haidos. Tennis Association Khalil Al But Al Haidos’ optimism goes Mohannadi, who is also the beyond the Iran match. The 26-year- Vice President of Asian Table old believes Qatar have the quality to QATAR SQUAD training today before leaving for Cup finals for the first time ahead of Tennis Union, expressed his secure a long-awaited first ever FIFA Tehran. Iran and Qatar have been hosting the tournament in 2022. delight with the achievement World Cup berth, even before they Hassan Al Haidos (C), Amine Lecomte, Khalid Muftah, Ahmed Yasser, Mohammed Musa, Mohammed drawn in AFC Group A, alongside Qatar’s abilities should not be and the team’s performance qualify automatically as hosts in 2022. South Korea, Uzbekistan, China and undermined as they stormed through in the semi-final. Abdullah Tresor, Abdurahman Mohammed, Karim Boudiaf, Ahmed Abdelmaqsoud, Ismaeel Mohammad, “This time I’m very optimistic,” Syria. The top two teams will auto- the second round group stage, win- Al Moez Ali, Luiz Junior, Saad Al Sheeb, Mohammed Kasola, Abdelkarim Hassan, Ali Assad, Pedro Miguel, he said. matically qualify for the World Cup in ning seven of their eight games, Sebastian Soria, Rodrigo Tabata, Omar Bari, Khokhi Bualam, Meshal Abdullah and Akram Afif. “We’re more determined than 2018. The team which finishes third finishing ahead of China and were ever to realize the dream we’ve been will qualify for a play-off. joint top scorers across the AFC along- pursuing for a very long time.” Iran are the top seeds in the group side Australia, with 29 goals. Platini demands Al Haidos - who has scored four the four automatic Asian qualifying moment is feeding our ambition,” he - and currently the highest FIFA- They also recorded two convinc- goals in qualifying so far, all against places for Russia. added. ranked team (39th). Alongside South ing victories against Iraq (2-1) and CAS reasoning Bhutan, said the physical and techni- “Like I’ve said before, optimism “We’ve put in a lot of work and we Korea, they are favourites to qualify Thailand (3-0) in Doha, warming up cal work done in Qatar’s preparation doesn’t spring from hope alone. Eve- want to see it pay off on the pitch.” from the group. Qatar, ranked 80th, for the clash in Iran with two behind has them ripe for an assault on one rything we’re experiencing at the The team will conclude domestic though are desperate to reach a World closed doors friendlies. for ban

AFP QSL: Talal joins Al Ahli draw against Al Batain in friendly PARIS: Former UEFA president Michel Platini has demanded that Al Arabi training the Court for Arbitration of Sport The Peninsula (CAS) explain the reasoning behind their decision to ban him for four years from all activities relating to The Peninsula DOHA: Qatar Stars League side Al Ahli football. continued their preparations for the new Originally banned for eight QSL season with a 1-1 draw against over years, reduced to six on appeal, Saudi side Al Batain on Monday evening. Platini took further court action DOHA: Qatar Stars League side Al Arabi has The Brigadiers came from behind to in May and had the ban cut to four. welcomed new signing Talal Al Boulishi to train- register the draw, with Mohsen Al-Yazidi But Platini’s lawyers say they ing, following his move from fellow QSL side scoring the equalizer on the 69th minute, still have not been told why the Al Sadd. after Batain took the lead on the 49th decision was made. The Qatari international joined up with his minute. Despite the draw, the tie was a In a letter addressed to CAS, new team-mates on Monday evening, and took key test for Ahli head coach Luka Bonačić the former French footballer’s part in the training session under the watchful who used the majority of his squad for lawyers demanded an explana- eye of Uruguayan head coach Gerardo Pelusso. the game. tion “in as brief a time as possible” Al Arabi’s president Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahli will now continue to train in and branded CAS’s behaviour Hamad bin Jabr Al Thani, was also present at Doha ahead of the opening game of the “unacceptable”. the training session and spoke with the squad, 2016/2017 QSL season when they welcome Platini was sentenced over a Players of Al Ahli and Saudi side Al Batain in action during their friendly match which ended stressing the importance of preseason training Al Gharafa to the Hamad Bin Khalifa sta- €1.8m payment made to him by ahead of the start of the QSL season. dium on September 16. in a 1-1 draw on Monday. Sepp Blatter in 2011.