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Wednesday 28 January 2015 • 8 Rabial II 1436 • Volume 19 Number 6324 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Lawyers want Emir attends Air College graduation courts to use modern IT tools Call for amending Procedural Law

DOHA: The forum of Qatari from 2008 until 2014, court cases lawyers says the courts should had gone up massively in number. use modern telecommunica- From 67,552 in 2008, they totalled tions services in their day-to- 81,169 in 2014. day dealings in keeping with the “That explains why there is a huge changing times. backlog of cases with the courts,” The courts must also accept he said. An idea of the workload The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended the passing out ceremony of the second batch of students at Leader Mohamed bin emails, videos and audios, short- of courts can also be had from the Abdullah Al Attiyah Air College at Al Udeid Air Base yesterday. The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa messaging services of mobile fact that in 1986, for instance, there Al Thani, a number of Ministers and armed forces and Interior Ministry officers attended the ceremony. phones and other modern means were just 98 appeal cases. See also page 2 of communication as evidence in In 2013, the six courts of appeals cases. heard some 1,484 cases. “Amazing, The Qatari Lawyers’ isn’t it?” Al Zaman said. The cases Association has also underlined would further increase this year. the need for the courts to shorten “We urge Qatari law-makers to Real estate the time they take to settle amend the procedural law so as litigations. to ensure fair trial for individuals Dubai overtakes Heathrow brokerage law For this, the Association has and protect their rights.” said, the Procedural Law that Al Zaman was highly criti- was enforced way back in 1990, cal of the setting up of rent dis- to stabilise must be amended to keep pace pute resolution committees by as top international airport with the changes that have taken the Ministry of Municipality place ever since. and Urban Planning vide Law DUBAI: Dubai airport has Griffiths said Dubai International world with around 135 million rents: Expert For example, the country’s Number 4 regulating property soared ahead of London’s would boost its annual capacity passengers a year. DOHA: House and commercial population has multiplied 15 times rentals enforced in 2008. Heathrow, riding a boom in to 90 million passengers this year Heathrow handled 68.1 million property rents are expected to since 1990 and is now 2.3 million, He said the move breached the long-haul flights between Asia with the opening of Concourse international passengers in 2014, be “reasonable” once the new according to a prominent member authority of the judiciary and and the West to become the D — a new hall for arrivals and according to airport figures. real estate brokerage business of the Association. The workload eroded what was the authority world’s top international travel departures. The British hub still outclassed law comes into force, says a on the courts has multiplied 10 of the courts. The law authorised hub, it said yesterday. Oil-poor Dubai has spent years Dubai International in overall market expert. times in the past 30 years, said the Supreme Judicial Council to Traffic at the airport increased trying to diversify its economy numbers, handling 73.4 million The draft law is, though, at its prominent lawyer and member of appoint a judge to the committee 6.1 percent last year to 70.47 mil- with core sectors now including passengers if travellers on domes- initial stage and being discussed the Association, Yusuf Al Zaman. but the municipal minister had the lion passengers, Dubai Airports trade, transport and tourism. tic flights are included. by those concerned, it is expected The Association held a meeting right to nominate two other mem- said, adding that it expected a Aided by a rapid expansion in Dubai’s increase in passenger to see the light of day within this on Monday and discussed these bers on the panel. This breached further surge in traveller numbers capacity, aviation is expected to numbers comes despite a slight fall year. issues. The meet was chaired by the authority of the judiciary. in 2015. “This historic milestone account for more than a third of in the number of flights taking off “I don’t think rents would Dr Hassan Al Sayed. Present Only the courts, and not admin- is the culmination of over five the emirate’s GDP by 2020. in 2014, due to 80-day runway refur- decrease once the new law comes was the Association’s Chairman, istrative panels dominated by the decades of double-digit average London Heathrow by contrast bishment project. Emirates Airline into force since they are linked Rashid Al Nuaimi. civic ministry, could decide rent- growth,” Dubai Airports Chairman has struggled to grow, with a in particular has bought more to supply and demand, but they Procedural law is a set of rules related disputes, he said. The move Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al commission still studying pro- wide-bodied aircraft, including the would become reasonable because that govern court proceedings in was made on the pretext of quick- Maktoum said in a statement. posals to increase capacity there world’s largest fleet of Airbus A380 the deals would be better organ- criminal, civil, administrative and ening up the pace of rent dispute “The shared goal is to make and at Gatwick airport, south of superjumbos, helping the average ised and regulated,” Ahmed Al other lawsuits, and they decide resolution. That was no justifica- Dubai a global centre of aviation and London. The two are among five number of passengers per flight at Oruqui told this newspaper. how long a case would linger. tion for the move, said Al Zaman. we are nearing that goal,” he said. airports serving the UK capital Dubai to grow to more than 200. He told a local Arabic daily in Al Zaman said in just six years, THE PENINSULA Dubai Airports CEO Paul that form the busiest hub in the AFP remarks published yesterday that the law would prevent speculation in real estate transactions and bring price stability to the market. Obama visits Saudi King Other market operators told the daily that there were an esti- Bullet hits flydubai jet in mated 1,000 real estate brokerage firms in the country and they were eagerly looking forward to the new Iraq, flights disrupted law since it would eliminate illegal middlemen from their business. Brokerage commissions in real BAGHDAD: A bullet hit the disembarked safely, a flydubai estate and rent-related transac- fuselage of a flydubai airliner spokesperson said. tions would be reduced and deals on its descent into Baghdad The no-frills carrier said it would be streamlined, they said. yesterday, lightly wounding a was working with Iraqi authori- THE PENINSULA young girl and prompting many ties to investigate the incident, carriers to suspend their flights, adding that it would continue to Four foreigners officials said. fly to other destinations in Iraq. “There was no consequence “Emirates has suspended its among 8 killed in other than a slight injury to a services to Baghdad until further young girl. The pilot landed and notice due to operational reasons,” he was not aware of what had the Dubai-based carrier said. Tripoli hotel raid happened,” Transport Minister Other UAE carriers, including Baqr Jabr Al Zubaidi told report- Emirates, Etihad and Air Arabia, TRIPOLI: Two heavily armed ers at the airport. suspended their flights to Baghdad, gunmen stormed a luxury hotel Flight FZ215 was hit by as did Turkish Airlines and in Tripoli favoured by Libyan US President Barack Obama with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia “small arms fire” before landing Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines. officials and visiting delegations at Erga Palace in Riyadh yesterday. Obama came to pay his respects after the death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. on Monday but all passengers AFP yesterday, killing at least eight See also page 7 people including four foreigners before blowing themselves up, authorities said. Shooting erupted inside the five-star Corinthia Hotel and security forces evacuated guests, Government urged to support family businesses including Tripoli’s prime minis- ter and an American delegation, DOHA: A key research asks the according to the research. that accounts for some three- to downturns in one sector, and shows that better ‘employee engage- after gunmen blasted through the Qatari government to back family These factors, classed as fourths of the region’s private can rapidly move into growth ment’ can result in a 40 percent building’s security and reception. businesses that dominate the local ‘employee engagement’, can result sector economy, are ubiquitous markets. increase in customer satisfaction. A militant group associated private sector economy as strate- in a 36 percent increase in overall across the GCC. Qatari family business leaders Qatari family firms, on their with Islamic State insurgents in gic assets. The research claims performance, says the research from Unique strengths of these fam- should view ‘employee engage- part, must ensure that their future Iraq and Syria claimed responsi- that Qatari family businesses Oxford Strategic Consulting (OSC). ily businesses represent proven ment’ as a key priority. generations of leaders are developed bility for the attack as revenge for demonstrate behaviours that can Amid a 50 percent reduction advantages for the region. For Investing in more loyal and to the highest level—which doesn’t the death of a suspected Libyan boost profits by 30 percent. in oil prices, the region’s human instance, nearly 50 percent of enthusiastic staff can achieve huge necessarily mean adopting US or Al Qaeda operative in the United Family firms tend to encourage resources appear to be the most these family firms operate in returns for relatively low costs, UK styles of leadership. Family States, according to the SITE more loyalty, productivity and more viable investment option to create more than five sectors. which can help to create more firms outperform non-family firms monitoring service. enthusiasm from their employees a stable economic future. This means that they can stable economic future for Qatar. by an average of 15 percent. REUTERS than their non-family counterparts, Like oil and gas, family firms spread risk, and are more resilient This, because recent researches THE PENINSULA See also page 6 WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Emir attends Air College graduation

The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and the Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Major General Hamad bin Ali Al Attiyah at the graduation ceremony.

DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh all grades and first in aviation, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Abdullah Mohsen Andilah Al yesterday attended the pass- Marri; and the third top achiever ing out ceremony of the second in all grades and first in military batch of students of Mohammed competence and discipline, Talah bin Abdullah Al Attiyah Air Khalid Surour Al Abdullah. College at Al Udeid Air Base. The second batch handed over The Prime Minister and the flag to the third batch. An Interior Minister H E Sheikh order for promotions was read out Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa and the graduates took the oath. Al Thani, ministers and Armed In a speech, the Commander The Emir reviewing a parade by the graduates. Forces and Ministry of Interior of the college, Brigadier (Pilot) officers were also present. Salim Hamad Al Nabit, said, and efforts of the personnel, are government agencies for support The Emir reviewed a parade by “Today we celebrate the gradu- witnessing progress in all fields which, he said, helped the college the graduates. ation of the second batch of the in terms of qualifications and reach its present level. He presented the Sword of college who were awarded bach- training. The Emir also attended an Honour to the topper in all elor’s degrees in air sciences and This development included the air show by the Emiri Air Force grades, Mubarak Abdurrahman the military diploma.” introduction of the most advanced and the college’s aircraft and Mohamed Al Hemaidi, and He said the Armed Forces, aircraft and training. inspected the cockpits of pc21 The Emir honours one of the graduates. honoured the second topper in thanks to the Emir’s directives He thanked the Emir and aircraft. QNA Ooredoo sees surge Tenders invited to operate hospitals, in international calls health centres for single male workers DOHA: Ooredoo has witnessed Each denomination enables differ- a surge in international calls in ent amounts of bonus minutes, with DOHA: The Supreme Council a high presence of expatriate designed to provide 170 beds ini- and meeting the operational January, driven by the popularity top-ups of QR200 earning two hours’ of Health (SCH) has invited labourers — Doha Industrial tially, that can be expanded to requirements for a minimum of of its latest Hala Top-Up promo- call time. The promotion is valid until tenders from local, regional Area, Ras Laffan and Mesaieed. 200 in future, said the statement. 10 years. tion and a high number of visitors March 15. and international companies In Doha Industrial Area, a One or more “private sector Local, regional or interna- to Qatar. Qatar has seen a high number and organisations for “mobili- stand-alone health centre for operator(s)” will be appointed to tional providers of primary and In December, the company of international visitors in January, sation and operation” of three single male workers will be commission the facilities, mobi- secondary healthcare, ancillary launched a new promotion for Hala drawn by major sporting events hospitals and four health cen- completed in May and a hospi- lise clinical and support services services and facilities manage- that enables customers to use the such as the 24th Men’s World tres being built for single male tal with an Integrated Health and provide care for the targeted ment “which are capable of free bonus Ooredoo local minutes Handball Championships and Qatar workers. Centre (lHC) is scheduled to population under a long-term configuring and managing high they get when they also top up for ExxonMobil Open 2015. All these facilities are sched- be completed in July, the SCH concession arrangement. quality care tailored for the international calls. Ooredoo sponsored both events, uled to be completed this year said in an announcement on its Experienced and quali- needs of single male labourers” Customers enjoy up to 120 local and had a presence at each to enable and their services will be funded website. fied organisations can bid for can take part in the bid. Ooredoo minutes when they top up visitors to purchase Hala services and by the National Health Insurance Two more hospitals with IHC appointment as operator of these They can join as a strategic their Hala account with QR30 and Mobile Broadband for the Internet. Scheme (Seha), said the SCH. facilities will be completed in Ras facilities. partner for the facilities’ opera- above. With this promotion, Hala Hala services are designed to be The SCH recently announced Laffan and Mesaieed in October Contracts are expected to be tion in all three areas, a prime customers can now use local Ooredoo easy to sign up for, with new cus- plans to involve the private and December. awarded for up to 20 years cov- contractor for facilities in one or minutes for up to two hours’ worth tomers enjoying 250 local Ooredoo sector in operation of several The stand-alone health ering mobilisation (including two areas; and/or as a specialist of international calls also. call minutes and 250MB data valid government-funded healthcare centre has a built-up area of the fit-out of the facilities and provider of primary or second- The call minutes, which are added for seven days and three months free facilities. 8,500sqm. Each hospital/IHC recruitment of staff), managing ary care, ancillary or facilities based on the amount customers top subscription to Hala International The hospitals and health will have a built-up area of at the transition of patients from management services. up for, are valid for 10 days. Saver Key. THE PENINSULA centres are in three areas with least 48,000sqm and has been government-funded providers THE PENINSULA

33 falconers to compete in Hudud Al Tahaddi

DOHA: Thirty-three falcon- Rashed Aba Al Zamat, are held today,” said Al Nuaimi. ers are competing in the 16th Rumaizan Al Dosari from Saudi Al Zamat expressed joy over round of Hudud Al Tahaddi Arabia and Mohammed Saleh his victory and dedicated it to challenge today, the last Al Qumra Al Marri. the festival’s patron H E Sheikh before the finals. Dau showcases falconers’ Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa It is a competition in which skill in training their birds for Al Thani and the organising falcons seek to obstruct the speed, during which a falcon is committee for their contribu- flight of homing pigeons trained required to cover 400 metres tions to making the festival a to fly to another point kilome- towards its owner, who is sig- success. tres away. nalling it to approach at the “I’ve been competing in fal- Meanwhile, the Dau final finish line in the shortest time. conry events for some time, and rounds yesterday saw six win- “I’m happy to have won in I’ve participated in local and ners, including Ali Rashed this event. The current edi- international championships, Abdullah Al Nuaimi from the tion of the Qatar Falcons and but this edition of the festival UAE, Team Marmi, which Hunting Festival has been has a special place for me as it included Qatari competitors, enjoyable across all its events. I was very competitive, featuring Mohammed Ibrahim Abdullah wanted to compete this year to some of the finest falconers in One of the participants in the Dau Al Oyouni Al Bouanain from gain experience in falconry, get the Gulf,” he added. final rounds yesterday. Saudi Arabia, Qatari Khaled a feel of how such competitions THE PENINSULA

QA offers discount voucher on Doha-Dubai route DOHA: Qatar Airways (QA) Passengers will be able to February and travellers can to respond to regular travel pat- has announced a promotional avail themselves of the discount benefit from the discount and terns and provide solutions and scheme from today until for travel until February 28. visit events such as Qatar Total offers Saturday to allow travel- The offer is in response to the Open 2015 tennis Championship “QVoucher enables those lers on the Doha-Dubai route popularity of the route among in Doha, or Dubai Food Festival wishing to travel on the route to save 20 percent on the leisure, business or weekend 2015. to have additional savings on Economy Class fare, with the travellers. Privilege Club members can Economy Class fares. This fur- use of QVoucher. QA flies to Dubai 18 times also utilise the voucher pur- ther demonstrates how we put QVoucher, which can be pur- daily — 14 to Dubai International chased for redemption on any into action a five-star travel chased on the QA website, via Airport and four to Dubai Al tickets for family members experience for our passengers, a travel agent, or at any of QA Maktoum International Airport. listed under their Privilege Club from services we offer on board sales offices, allows passengers QVoucher can be redeemed on membership scheme. and at Hamad International to purchase a booklet of two both routes. QA Senior Vice-President Airport through to the value vouchers for QR200, which can Doha and Dubai are offer- Commercial, Qatar, Ehab Amin, we offer in our fares.” be redeemed for the discount. ing attractions throughout said: “We always look for ways THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

PM reviews UK economic ties Qatar Career Fair launches winter camp

DOHA: The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin 30 preparatory school students gaining skills and tools to choose suitable academic path Khalifa Al Thani yesterday met the Head of City of London’s DOHA: Qatar Career Fair and interactive way. They are financial district, Mayor Lord (QCF), a member of Qatar also visiting companies to gain Alderman Alan Yarrow, and Foundation for Education, first hand insight into their oper- his delegation. Talks dealt Science and Community ations and work culture and help with economic and investment Development (QF), is running them think about specific careers relations. its first Winter Career Camp after academic life. at Qatar National Convention Maryah Al Dafa, QF Acting Work under way Centre (QNCC). Director of Communications Thirty male and female pre- delivered the opening speech at on new naval, paratory school students are the camp and said today’s gener- participating in the one-week ation had plenty of opportunities technical colleges programme that ends tomorrow. and tools to excel that previous Designed to engage Qatari generations did not have, helping DOHA: The Minister of State students, the camp is providing them utilise available resources for Defence Affairs H E Major them with practical skills and to achieve success for themselves General Hamad bin Ali Al tools to help them choose the and their country. Attiyah has stressed the keen- academic path that suits their “Success comes before work ness of Qatar and the Emir interests and capabilities. in the dictionary, but the reality H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Through the camp, QCF sup- is different. Success can only be Al Thani to establish advanced ports QF’s mission to provid- achieved by hard work and perse- military colleges and said work ing world-class education, work verance through all challenges,” is under way on two naval and experience and career opportuni- she said. military technical colleges. ties to help Qatar’s drive towards Abdulla Al Mansoori, Director, The Minister was speaking on a knowledge-based economy. QCF, said: “Our programmes the sidelines of the graduation The camp also features stimu- and initiatives aim to provide ceremony of the second batch lating career-oriented workshops Qatari youth with career devel- of Mohamed bin Abdullah Al to inspire a strong career culture opment skills and instil in them Attiyah Air College. and help students discover their a strong career ethic. This will He said both colleges will have skills and talents early on. This, help them face challenges of the Youngsters taking part in one of the activities at the camp. latest training facilities. in turn, will help the youngsters competitive Qatar labour market. The Armed Forces always choose a future career path. What the students learn during develop personal skills. career path.” and programmes.” Every student depend on the best and most effi- The camp also provides stu- the camp will be reflected posi- “The students will be exposed Saad Al Kharji, Head of that successfully completes the cient training schools to provide dents with experience through tively on their academic lives to different work environments Operations, QCF, said, “We programme will receive a partici- latest training services for per- which they are able to acquire and future careers. The aim of through site visits and will gain encourage the students at the pation certificate. sonnel, he added. QNA multiple skills in and entertaining the event is to hone talents and a clearer vision of their future camp to benefit from workshops THE PENINSULA

Traffic congress website unveiled

DOHA: Brig. Mohammed Abdullah Al Maliki, ‘Traffic Medicine and Road Safety in Fast Secretary, National Traffic Safety Committee, Developing Countries’ is the theme of the event that and President of the organising committee for the will provide a multidisciplinary network and forum 24th World ITM A (Internationa l Tra ffic Med icine for scientists and practitioners involved in traffic Association) Congress, launched the congress safety to exchange information on latest issues in website (http://www.itma-congress-2015.com) in the field. Arabic and English. Brig. Al Maliki said the forum will discuss issues Under the patronage of the Prime Minister and related to traffic medicine, including healthcare, res- Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser cue services, security and legal measures and educa- bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar is hosting the congress tional programmes integrated into traffic medicine on November 16-18. system. THE PENINSULA

Officials at the launch of the website. QRC, WHO sign deal to support Al Makassed Hospital in Jerusalem DOHA: As part of its sup- year’s war, who were all treated some cases, the poorest are served port to the Palestinian people, for free. It has also accommodated for free. particularly in health services those injured in West Bank and With 250 beds, 70 of which in and vital infrastructure devel- Jerusalem clashes as a result of the ICU, the hospital is run by 800 opment, Qatar Red Crescent the war on Gaza. medical, technical and adminis- (QRC) has signed an agreement This additional burden caused trative staff. It is the largest and with World Health Organisation an overconsumption and deple- oldest medical facility to serve (WHO), Jerusalem Office, to tion of many crucial medications Jerusalem Arab inhabitants and provide Al Makassed Islamic and consumables. cases from the West bank and Charitable Society Hospital in QRC’s initiative is a humani- Gaza. Jerusalem with basic medicines tarian attempt to deal with the It is a main destination for and consumables at a cost of difficulty faced by the hospital and medical referrals; 60-70 percent $500,000. its patients. of its annual patients are referred QRC seeks to overcome the In partnership with Islamic by the Palestinian Ministry of lack of essential supplies at the Development Bank, QRC is con- Health. hospital’s pharmacy due to a ducting a major project to develop The hospital is also a lead- protracted financial squeeze the hospital to enable it to con- ing Palestinian medical educa- amid the Israeli crackdown on tinue its medical and educational tion institution, recognised by the Palestinian people and insti- services for the Palestinians. the Palestine Medical Council tutions and help them meet Established in 1968, the as a training centre for resident their needs for health and social 8,000sqm hospital overlooking physicians in nine specialities: services. Al Aqsa Mosque offers cheaper Obstetrics & gynaecology, paedi- Despite a shortage of medical medical care for Palestinians, atrics, internal medicine, general supplies, the hospital has contin- especially poor and low-income surgery, orthopaedics, cardiac ued to help patients. Recently, it patients, who are in a majority surgery, neurosurgery, anaesthe- has received over 300 critical cases in the Palestinian society amid sia and diagnostic radiology. referred from Gaza following last the Israeli economic blockade. In QNA

Traffic diversion on Al Shamal Road DOHA: The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced traffic diversion on the southbound Al Shamal Road at Interchange N12 in Umm Salal Mohammed. It will be effective from Friday until six 6 months. The diversion is required to build a bridge over the proposed N12 Interchange as part of ongo- ing work to improve the road. The 1.4km diversion has three lanes south-bound that will have four lanes at the end of the diver- sion — the same number of lanes on Al Shamal Road. Ashghal will install signs to advise motorists about the diversion. It has urged road users to abide by speed limits and follow signs to ensure their safety. QNA WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture launched

DOHA: Qatar Museums (QM) “I’m excited and proud to cel- Turkish Ambassador to Qatar officially launched Qatar Turkey ebrate the strong artistic herit- Ahmet Demirok were also present. 2015 Year of Culture at a VIP age and links between Qatar and “Based on the success of pre- reception at Museum of Islamic Turkey this year. Doing so will vious years, we look forward to Art (MIA) yesterday. promote mutual understanding the year that will feature events Qatar Turkey 2015 celebrates and strengthen our ties. It will involving Qatari and Turkish bilateral relations through cultural also support and inspire the next people. This platform of commu- partnerships between Qatari and generation of cultural audiences nication opens many doors in the Turkish organisations, institutions and ideas. I look forward to what fields of culture, sports and busi- and individuals. promises to be an incredible year.” ness, which will open up long-term Events will be grouped under An ensemble of traditional relationships between institutions four main categories — Art & Turkish instruments set the mood and individuals in both countries,” Culture; Community & Education’ for the year and entertained over Dr Al Kuwari said. Sports; and Business and Trade. 100 VIP guests from Turkey and Professor Dursun said: “It is a In a statement, H E Sheikha Al Qatar as they celebrated the start pleasure for me to be here at this Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa of the year. unique museum in Doha for the Al Thani, Chairperson, QM, said, The Minister of Culture, Arts opening ceremony of the year. The Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari (third left) with Salem bin Mubarak “Culture and art support the reali- and Heritage H E Dr Hamad Doha is the glittering pearl of the Al Shafi ( second left), Qatari Ambassador to Turkey, Ahmet Haluk Dursun, Undersecretary, the Turkish Ministry of sation of our national vision. The bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, the Gulf, with which we have been Culture and Tourism, and other officials at the launch at MIA yesterday. BAHER AMIN success of Qatar Brazil Year dem- Undersecretary at the Turkish enjoying friendly relations for 500 onstrated how important art and Ministry of Culture and Tourism, years.” understanding and respect, based year will highlight that the stra- has a continuous legacy that will culture are in bridging between Professor Ahmet Haluk Dursun, Al Shafi said, “relations between on the great legacy of shared his- tegic nature of cultural activities feed into the framework of strate- nations, connecting people and Qatari Ambassador to Turkey both countries are historically tory and civilisation between the between both countries is not lim- gic cooperation.” encouraging cultural exchange. Salem bin Mubarak Al Shafi and founded on brotherhood, mutual two peoples. We hope that the ited to a specific time-frame, but THE PENINSULA Aspire Zone lines up Vodafone to pursue ads removal issue

DOHA: Vodafone Qatar yes- “We intend to pursue the “Vodafone is surprised at the media with immediate effect. events for Sports Day terday said it will pursue the matter further with CRA approach taken on the matter If Vodafone wishes to con- issue of removing its adver- through appropriate channels,” as it is not in accordance with tinue the campaign, it must, DOHA: Aspire Zone Foundation celebrated on February 10. tisements related to ‘3 Months the company said in statement the normal approach taken by with immediate effect, rectify has lined up events to celebrate In 2011, an Emiri Decree was issued Free’ marketing campaign yesterday. CRA. To date, feedback received the advertisements to clearly National Sports Day. to designate the second Tuesday of with the Communications As per the regulator, the on the promotion has been over- state that all new postpaid cus- Nasir Abdalla Al Hajiri, Member every February as National Sports Regulatory Authority (CRA). advertisements include inaccu- whelmingly positive,” it added. tomers will get a discount equal of Sports Day Organising Committee, Day. Qatar Foundation will organise On Monday, CRA had rate and misleading messages CRA had said the ‘3 Months to three month’s subscription said activities are planned keeping all 10 events while 24 events will be held asked the company to remove for customers leading them to Free’ promotion in its current free over 10 months on their age groups in mind so that everyone by other organisations. all advertisements related believe that those subscribing form created the perception postpaid plan’s monthly rental can enjoy the day with family. There Ten events will be only for employ- to the campaign as it was to the offer will receive three that the offer was free of any (‘discount’), added the regulator. will be activities for children, people ees and their family members and found breaching the Code on months’ subscription for free. charges when in reality it offers It also asked Vodafone to with special needs and adults. other activities will be for everyone. Advertising, Marketing and “Vodafone Qatar understands customers a 30 percent discount ensure that customers who National Sports Day will be THE PENINSULA Branding. that CRA has investigated the on subscription fees over 10 have paid for the ‘3 months Free “Vodafone Qatar takes the matter on the basis of a com- months. postpaid’ from January 14, 2015 issue of customer protection plaint from its competitor. In an order issued on Monday, onwards receive three months’ seriously and does not con- Vodafone has had no input into CRA asked Vodafone to remove free subscriptions and are not sider this promotion or associ- the complaint review process all advertisements related to the penalised for exiting the promo- ated media to be confusing or to date despite its request for campaign from shopping malls, tion prior to 10 months. misleading. involvement,” the company said. billboards, online, and other THE PENINSULA

QA wins ‘Business Airline of the Year’ award again DOHA: Qatar Airways (QA) has service from London Heathrow to bagged the ‘Business Airline of the Doha. The daily Airbus A319 serv- Year’ award for the second con- ice is configured with a single aisle, secutive year at the UK Business 2-2 seating configuration offering 40 Travel Awards 2015 in London. seats. The A319 Business Class seat The 20th annual awards, hosted by has one of the highest specifications Buying Business Travel, celebrated for business class travel of any airline achievements of travel industry lead- with wide seats that recline into fully ers. Over 70 companies, teams and flat beds. individuals were shortlisted across Also in May, QA moved to its new 21 categories. home and hub, Hamad International Last May, QA became the first Airport, the aviation industry’s lat- carrier to fly an all-Business Class est greenfield airport showcasing

Officials at the awards ceremony.

features, including the to have been recognised in 10,000sqm Al Mourjan this category again.” Business Class lounge. The airline celebrated Akbar Al Baker, Chief an increase to its fleet last Executive, Qatar Airways year, taking delivery of Group, said: “It has been three new aircraft types: an incredible year for QA the A319 all-Business with not only new routes Class; the Airbus A380, but the expansion of our and was the global launch fleet to include the A350 customer of the A350. and A380, both of which From this May, QA will represent the latest in operate 63 direct services a aviation engineering and week from the UK to Doha, technology. with 42 from Heathrow, “The award reiterates seven from Edinburgh and the quality of our five-star 14 from Manchester. service and it is an honour THE PENINSULA

New services centre opens in Al Shahaniya DOHA: The Minister Thani has issued directives of Administrative to open such centres across Development H E Dr Issa Qatar. Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi The ministry is working yesterday inaugurated a with government institu- government services cen- tions to develop services. tre in Al Shahaniya. Four centres have It brings together serv- already been opened in Al ices of various ministries Wakra, Mesaimeer, Umm and government depart- Salal and Al Zubara. ments under one roof to Similar centres will be provide faster services. opened in Al Daain next The Prime Minister month and in Al Hilal and Interior Minister in March, Qatar News H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Agency reported yesterday. Nasser bin Khalifa Al THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 People have lost trust Councillors seek solutions to in CMC: Ex-chairman DOHA: A veteran former pub- lic representative has said that water and sewage leakages the low voter registration for the Central Municipal Council (CMC) election this May is because people have lost trust Problem ‘persists despite CMC recommendations to government’ in the representative body since it lacks executive authority. DOHA: Central Municipal Director, Technical Affairs, the studies as part of strategies to Jassim Al Mansouri, Director, People generally feel that CMC Council (CMC) members yes- Ministry of Municipality and solve the problem of water and Water Control Section, recommendations are not taken terday asked officials of govern- Urban Planning, said they were sewage leakages. Kahramaa, said the department seriously by the government and ment departments as to why strict over issuing permits for He said the department had was taking complaints from resi- that explains the low voter regis- drinking water and sewage construction projects, including started implementing solutions dents regarding water and sewage tration for the fifth term of the leakages across Qatar persisted roads or buildings. for the leakages due to water table leakages seriously and whenever CMC, said Hamad Abdullah Al despite their recommendations He said drilling companies that problems and these included big- they got any notice for a leakage Marri (pictured). to solve the problem. failed in their work were given ger pipes in some areas where the in any area they would study the Al Marri was chairman of the “Several areas are suffering due black points and not given fur- water table was high and estab- causes and ensure a permanent first term of the CMC elected in to the sewage leakage problems. ther permits until they rectified lishing sewage networks. solution to prevent leakages in March 1999. the CMC election should be The Industrial Areas tops the list. their errors. Jassim Salman Al Sayegh, future. He said the department A little more than 19,000 voters amended and it should be made Despite projects being undertaken Nasser Yousef Fakhrou, Adviser to the director of infra- was replacing old sewage network have registered for the election mandatory that only graduates there, the problem continues,” Director, Sewage Networks structure at Ashghal, said it was pipes with new ones and build- while over 32,000 had registered can contest the CMC election. said Saud Al Henzab, Chairman, Department, Ashghal, said the wrong to allocate areas with a low ing sewage plants and networks for the 2011 election. The law, amended in 2011, says CMC. department had embarked on a water table for residential pur- across Qatar, especially the areas Al Marri told the local Arabic any citizen keen to contest the In January 2012, the council study on the levels of water table poses. He asked the CMC to study where water table levels were daily Al Watan in comments pub- CMC election should be 30 and had made recommendations to in different areas and appropriate and confirm that the areas being found to be high and residents lished yesterday that the CMC be able to read and write. solve the problem. It re-tabled designs will be made. allocated for residential purposes faced the problem of leakages. should be given with more pow- The education level in Qatari them and discussed in the pres- He said they were following did not have low water tables. THE PENINSULA ers to make its role more effective. society has improved substantially ence of officials from concerned The CMC is a public repre- since the law was enacted in 1998 departments. The officials hosted sentative body. It reflects views (and amended in 2011) so this by the council were from the and aspirations of the people, so rule should be changed. Educated Ministry of Municipality and SEC urged to appoint Qataris as bus it should be given more authority, members of the CMC can serve Urban Planning, Public Works he said. society better, said Al Marri. Authority (Ashghal), Qatar Al Marri said the law regulating THE PENINSULA General Electricity and Water supervisors for Independent schools Corporation (Kahramaa) and the Ministry of Environment. DOHA: CMC members have asked the Supreme the council approved the recommendation after a Councillors said some of the Education Council (SEC) to appoint Qataris and majority vote with show of hands. causes of the problem of drinking other Arabs as bus supervisors for Independent Mohammed Abdullah Ali, Director, Transport, water and sewage leakages were schools. the SEC, said their priority has always been to hire Online visa system launched a result technical defaults offi- The recommendation was made following a Qataris first and then other Arab nationals but cials from different government debate initiated by Jassim bin Abdullah Al Malki, because of Qataris and Arab women not willing to DOHA: Qatar has successfully and will soon be launched to departments could easily address. Deputy Chairman, CMC. work as school bus supervisors, they had sometimes launched an online visa issu- issue other visas as well since They asked the ministry of Al Malki asked authorities to increase vigil and recruited Asians. ance system for conferences the immigration department has municipality to ensure that all select bus supervisors, especially for young children. Councillors also asked schools to be stricter on and sporting events which is plans to go paperless over time, new buildings have a strong foun- “There are always reports of our children hav- the conduct and behaviour of supervisors, ensure the first such initiative in the said Al Haidoos. dation that will not be under- ing language and cultural problems with non-Arab that they have skills to handle young children and world. Participants arriving in Qatar mined by the high water table, school bus supervisors,” he said. “Independent training in first aid to respond to emergencies like The system was launched for to attend conferences, other causing sewage leakages from schools should consider Qataris and then other accidents and fires in school buses. the ongoing World Cup Handball events, including sporting fix- septic tanks. Arabs for these posts to solve the communication They said school buses should have cameras to 2015 and in one hour some 5,000 tures, need not visit the embassy They also asked the munici- problem.” monitor supervisors’ interaction with children. visas were issued to participants of Qatar in their respective pality to stop issuing building Some members, however, at first disagreed, They said school bus drivers should be trained by a single official of the immigra- countries to obtain visit visas for permits to any contractor or con- argued that it was difficult to find Qataris willing and should know that they are dealing with young, tion department. Qatar. They can merely go online, struction company which did not to work as bus supervisors. sensitive children and should not drive until chil- This was disclosed by Mohamed apply and get the visa, the official have a septic tank that complies “It will be very difficult to hire Qataris as super- dren have safely left the bus and the doors are Hassan Al Haidoos, head of the said. He said earlier, visa issuance with all standards. visors, a post they consider not good. No citizens closed. visa issuance team for the World procedures for conferences and Ashghal and Kahramaa were will turn up for these posts even when announced,” According to Ali, there are 1,850 Independent Cup Handball, in remarks to local sporting events used to begin at urged to build stronger sewage said Councillor Mohammed bin Salem Al Qamra. schools buses equipped with safety and trained driv- Arabic daily Al Watan published least three months in advance. networks and ensure that septic But Al Malki said the appointment of Qataris on ers and supervisors. yesterday. That has changed. tanks meet all standards. these posts should be a priority, not mandatory, and THE PENINSULA This is a smart online system THE PENINSULA Abdul Aziz Al Obaidani, Qatar condemns hotel attack in Libya QU college organises DOHA: Qatar has condemned Foreign Ministry condemned renouncing violence and criminal the criminal explosion outside ongoing acts of violence aimed to acts contrary to moral principles the Corinthia hotel in Tripoli, destabilise security and intimidate and human values, stressing the leadership workshop Libya, that killed several peo- civilians in Libya and undermine importance of dialogue in reach- ple after gunmen shot randomly international efforts towards a ing a national consensus neces- DOHA: Qatar Dr Mustafawi said: “The effort aims to and stormed the hotel which peaceful solution to the Libyan sary for a political solution that University’s (QU) College enhance and promote leadership educa- houses diplomatic missions. crisis. preserves Libya’s sovereignty and of Arts & Sciences part- tion and training and build interdiscipli- In a statement yesterday, the The ministry called for territorial integrity. QNA nered with American nary collaboration within QU and with Council of Education institutions at home and abroad. It is in (ACE) to hold a workshop line with our five-year development plan Kebab and Biryani Festival opens at Safari Mall to establish a professional in which we will continue to spearhead development system and leadership development on a university- Student found greater operational effi- wide basis and contribute to advancing ciency for faculty admin- leadership best practice, faculty motiva- istrators within QU. tion and student success.” dead at home The two-day leadership Participants were oriented on lead- DOHA: A class 10 student of the workshop for department ership responsibilities, principles and MES Indian School was found heads and emerging lead- administrative functions such as how to dead in his house in Doha on ers drew over 37 partici- motivate excellence in teaching, research, Monday. Roshan Chacko (pic- pants, including current and service, and manage student and fac- tured), 15, was the younger son and future leaders at the ulty complaints. Sessions also focused on of Chacko Kuttiyil Samuel and QU colleges. the role of department heads in working Rajani Chacko, both residents Opening remarks beyond their academic units in service to of Qatar. Samuel works with were made by QU Vice- institutional goals, mission and vision, as Lulu Group International as President and Chief well as best practice in developing and Commercial Manager for Qatar. Academic Officer, Dr implementing a strategic plan and vision Roshan’s elder brother Rony Mazen Hasna, the col- at the college level. Focus was also given is also living in Qatar. The fam- lege’s Dean, Dr Eiman to how heads can motivate and encour- ily hails from Thiruvalla in the Mustafawi, and President age their faculty’s support for institu- southern Indian state of Kerala. Emeritus and Regent tional development and progress, and The body will be flown to Kerala Professor, University of how a motivated faculty body plays a soon for final rites, said a state- Wisconsin System and critical role in student success. ment issued by Lulu yesterday. ACE Presidential Adviser THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Safari Hypermarket has begun a Kebab and Biryani Festival at Safari Mall in Abu Hamour. Aboobacker Madappat, for Leadership. Dr Kevin Managing Director, and Zainul Abideen, General Manager, Safari Group of Companies and other officials cutting P Reilly. a cake on the occasion. Challenge 22 Roadshow from today DOHA: A two-day Challenge Mohammad Saeed Harib, in that address challenges faced about this wonderful opportu- 22 Roadshow will be held at addition to Qatari inventor by Qatar and the world, when nity. We are proud to be sup- Hamad bin Khalifa University Mohammad Al Hossan — the hosting major sports events. porting innovation and we know (HBKU) today and tomorrow. winner of 2014 edition of Stars The three themes for the there are many innovators in Challenge 22 is an innovation of Science, will be sharing their inaugural launch of the award Qatar and the region waiting award developed to inspire and story at the roadshow. are Sustainability, Event to be discovered. The enthu- challenge the region’s brightest Initiated by the Supreme Experience, and Sports and siasm and interest we have minds and all innovators, entre- Committee for Delivery & Health. received so far has been over- preneurs and individuals with Legacy (SC), Silatech and Successful applicants have whelming. We’d like to encour- big ideas are invited to come Qatar National Research Fund the opportunity to win a cash age more people to attend and to the roadshow to learn more (QNRF), Challenge 22 is an prize of $20,000 during Phase 1 find out how they can be part of about this new competition. innovation award to celebrate of the competition and a grant Challenge 22.” The information sessions the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar to further develop their idea The roadshow commenced will be held at HBKU today as a regional event. into a proof of concept during on Sunday in Kuwait and will and tomorrow from 12 noon to Challenge 22 is seeking Phase 2 of the competition. conclude on February 17 in 1pm. Challenge 22 Ambassadors applicants within the Gulf Fatma Al Nuaimi, Social and the UAE. The next stop of the including Kuwaiti entrepreneur Cooperation Council (GCC), Human Legacy Manager at the Challenge 22 Roadshow will be Areej Al Khrafi and well-known with solution based proposals SC said, “We’re delighted to be Saudi Arabia from February 1 Emirati animation director related to three key themes here in Qatar to inform people to 5. THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST IS militants threaten to kill two hostages Japan asks Jordan’s help after new hostage video

BEIRUT: The Islamic State Yukawa,” she told Japanese media. when Shammari detonated his group threatened yesterday to Earlier Tokyo said it was work- explosives belt at the Radisson kill a Japanese journalist and a ing with Jordan to free both Goto SAS hotel as a wedding was in Jordanian pilot within 24 hours and Kassasbeh. full swing. unless Amman frees a jailed “Both countries are closely Two other hotels were hit in female militant. cooperating towards the return the coordinated attacks and most A video released on a websites of each of them to their coun- of the dead were Jordanians. shows a picture of Japanese hos- tries,” deputy foreign minister IS apparently beheaded tage Kenji Goto holding a photo- Yasuhide Nakayama told report- Yukawa, a Japanese contractor, graph of Jordanian pilot Maaz Al ers in Amman. last week after a 72-hour dead- Kassasbeh. Jordan’s King Abdullah pledged line for a $200m ransom passed A voiceover, purportedly by full cooperation with Japan dur- without payment. Goto, warns that Jordan is block- ing a meeting with Nakayama to The ransom demand came as ing the Japanese journalist’s ensure Goto’s release, Tokyo said. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo People gather to celebrate in the Kurdish-dominated city of Diyarbakir in southeastern Turkey, after Kurdish forces release by failing to free Sajida The new video says Goto and Abe pledged, during a trip to the said they took full control of the Syrian town of Kobane from Islamic State fighters. Al Rishawi, a would-be suicide Kassasbeh will be killed within 24 Middle East, a $200 million aid bomber on death row since 2006. hours if Rishawi is not freed, and package to countries affected by It follows a video released urges the Japanese government to the militant group’s bloody expan- last week in which the group put pressure on Jordan. sion in Iraq and Syria. Battles continue outside Kobane claimed to have beheaded another There was no immediate com- In response, Abe vowed to Japanese hostage, Haruna ment from Jordan, a moderate never “give in to terrorism”. BEIRUT: Kurdish forces bat- a village outside the town. The steel and chunks of cement Yukawa, and said Goto would be Muslim nation that is one of In a video released on Saturday, tled Islamic State fighters YPG said on Monday Kobane had sprawled along muddy streets. killed next if Rishawi was not Japan’s closest diplomatic allies in IS said its demand had now outside Kobane yesterday, a been “completely liberated” from Roads were littered with unex- freed. the Middle East. Kassasbeh was changed and it wanted Rishawi monitoring group said, a day Islamic State, which it referred to ploded ordnance and mortar Japan said following the new captured by IS on December 24 released from death row in Jordan after Kurds said they had taken using the pejorative Arabic acro- casings. threat that it was seeking help after his F-16 jet crashed while in exchange for the life of Goto. full control of the northern nym “Daesh”. The militant group launched from Jordan. on a mission against the jihadists Tokyo is likely to face resist- Syrian town following a four- “The defeat of Daesh in Kobane an assault on Kobane last year “The government in this over northern Syria. ance from Washington over any month battle. will be the beginning of the end using heavy weapons seized in extremely difficult situation kind of swap. Known as Ayn Al Arab in for the group,” a statement on its Iraq and forcing tens of thousands has been asking for assistance DEADLY HOTEL BOMBINGS Asked about recent develop- Arabic, the mainly Kurdish town website said. of locals over the border into from the Jordanian government Rishawi was sentenced to ments, US State Department close to the Turkish border has Islamic State still has fighters Turkey. US-led air strikes and towards securing Goto’s early death by a Jordanian court in spokeswoman Jen Psaki said become a focal point in the inter- in hundreds of nearby villages. Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga fighters release,” Chief Cabinet Secretary September 2006 in connection a prisoner exchange was “in national fight against Islamic The Observatory reported air- have backed up the YPG, which Yoshihide Suga told reporters. with triple hotel bomb attacks in the same category” as paying a State, an Al Qaeda offshoot that strikes around Kobane yester- called for international help dur- Moments after the new video Amman the previous year that ransom. IS has seized swathes has spread across Syria and Iraq. day, and on Monday the Pentagon ing the siege. Turkey is hosting appeared, Goto’s mother Junko killed 60 people. of Syria and Iraq where it has There were clashes to the said the fight for the town was around 1.5 million refugees from Ishido said: “I think the govern- The 44-year-old was arrested declared a “caliphate”. southeast and southwest of not yet over. Islamic State sup- across Syria. ment should do whatever it can four days after the attacks in It has committed atrocities Kobane, the Britain-based porters denied the group had been Turkish President Recep do”. “Kenji does not hold any ani- which her husband Ali Hussein Al including the beheadings of two Syrian Observatory for Human pushed out. Tayyip Erdogan called for more mosity towards the Islamic State. Shammari and two other Iraqis US reporters, an American aid Rights said, although it added the Television footage aired from international attention to the He went to the Islamic State blew themselves up. worker and two British aid work- Kurdish People’s Protection Units Kobane showed entire blocks lev- besieged city of Aleppo. out of his extreme concern for The heaviest casualties came ers. AFP (YPG) had managed to recapture elled by bombardment, tangled REUTERS

UN pledges to free Iran says Israel 3,000 South Sudan Eight dead as gunmen storm Tripoli hotel crossed ‘red child soldiers TRIPOLI: At least eight peo- ple, including five foreign- NAIROBI: The United Nations ers, were killed when gunmen lines’, vows has secured a pledge for the stormed a luxury hotel in the release of about 3,000 child sol- Libyan capital Tripoli yester- to respond diers in South Sudan, in what day, a local security official said. it called “one of the largest ever It was not immediately clear DUBAI: Iran has told the demobilisations of children”. who staged the attack, but the United States that an Israeli air The children, aged between SITE monitoring service said a strike which killed an Iranian 11 and 17, were recruited by the militant group claiming affilia- general in Syria last week had South Sudan Democratic Army tion with Islamic State (IS) had crossed “red lines” and the (SSDA) Cobra Faction, led by claimed responsibility. IS has Islamic Republic will respond, David Yau Yau, and some had seized swathes of Syrian and Iraqi a senior official was quoted as been fighting for almost four territory. saying by Irna news agency years. Gunfire could be heard inside yesterday. Two hundred and eighty chil- the Corinthia Hotel, Tripoli’s “We told the Americans that dren were released on Tuesday most prominent hotel where the leaders of the Zionist regime at a village in Jonglei State, the government officials and foreign should await the consequences of U.N. children’s agency UNICEF delegations often stay. There their act,” deputy foreign minister said, and further releases will were conflicting reports about the Hossein Amir Abdollahian said. take place over the next month. exact number and the identity of Iranian Revolutionary Guard “These children have been those killed as the gunmen battled General Mohammed Allahdadi forced to do and see things no security forces. was killed with a Hezbollah child should ever experience,” “Eight people were killed dur- commander and the son of the said Jonathan Veitch, UNICEF’s ing the storming of the hotel... group’s late military leader, South Sudan representative. Five foreigners, two of them Imad Moughniyeh, in a January “The release of thousands are women. (Also) one security 18 attack on a Hezbollah convoy of children requires a massive man and two of the attackers,” Security forces surround Corinthia hotel in Tripoli after a car bomb attack yesterday killed eight. near the Israeli-occupied Golan response to provide the support Mahmoud Hamza of the Tripoli Heights. and protection these children security force told local Al Naba by Hamza or were additional Most foreign governments Libya is mired in conflict A senior Israeli security source need to begin rebuilding their television. Earlier officials said casualties. closed their embassies and pulled between two rival governments— said Israeli forces believed they lives.” three security guards had been Hamza did not give the nation- their staff out of Tripoli after an internationally recognised one were attacking only low-ranking UNICEF said some 12,000 killed in a car bomb blast just ality of the foreigners killed. fighting between two rival fac- based in eastern Libya and a rival guerrillas. Officially, Israel has children have been recruited by before the gunmen stormed the Other officials gave conflicting tions erupted last summer. But administration set up in Tripoli not commented on the attack. South Sudanese armed groups in hotel. It was not immediately accounts of whether any foreign some diplomats, business and after an armed faction called “In this message to the the past year. clear whether the three were nationals had been killed in the trade delegations still visit the Libya Dawn took over the capital. Americans we said that the REUTERS among the eight deaths reported attack. capital. REUTERS Zionist regime had crossed our red lines,” Abdollahian said. Abdollahian said Iran deliv- ered the message to US officials via diplomatic channels. The two countries have not had direct dip- lomatic relations since Iran’s 1979 UN halts Gaza house repairs as donors failed to pay up revolution, but the United States has taken part in international talks with Tehran on its nuclear GAZA CITY: The UN agency They made up the vast majority “UNRWA in Gaza has so far enclave with six hours of power on Tuesday said the ceasefire that programme and its interests are for Palestinian refugees said of the more than 100,000 homes provided over $77m to 66,000 per day. halted the fighting with Israel represented by Switzerland’s yesterday that it cannot afford hit during the 50-day conflict Palestine refugee families to A Hamas official warned would be in jeopardy if rebuild- Tehran mission. to repair Gaza homes damaged between Israel and Gaza’s de facto repair their home or find a tem- recently that the coastal territory ing work were to stall. Abdollahian’s warning echoed in last year’s war with Israel rulers Hamas. porary alternative,” it said. could become a breeding ground “Halting reconstruction will those of Iran’s Basij force com- because donors have failed to The Islamist militant move- “This is a tremendous achieve- for extremism unless promised have dangerous consequences,” manders at a ceremony yesterday pay. ment Hamas denounced the ment; it is also wholly insuf- reconstruction is accelerated. Adnan Abu Hasna said. honouring Allahdadi. “The agency has exhausted all UNRWA decision, saying it would ficient... We are talking about “Our message to the world, “By delaying payment of money “The Zionists should know funding to support repairs and “aggravate the plight of thousands thousands of families who con- which is scared of terrorism and for reconstruction the donors are that they are approaching their rental subsidies,” said the United of families” and urging it to put tinue to suffer through this cold extremism, is that the delay in putting the ceasefire in danger.” destruction. They should be fully Nations Relief and Works Agency pressure on donors to honour winter with inadequate shelter. rebuilding Gaza and the con- Reconstruction has barely prepared because they will not (UNRWA). their pledges. “People are literally sleeping tinuing blockade against it will begun, with experts saying it will have peace any more,” Brigadier “$5.4bn was pledged at the UNRWA said: “Some funds amongst the rubble. Children make it a ripe environment for take years even if Israel signifi- General Mohammad Reza Naghdi Cairo (aid) conference last remain available to begin have died of hypothermia.” the spread of extremism and cantly eases its eight-year block- said according to Isna news October and virtually none of it the reconstruction of totally Two babies died in Gaza this terrorism,” Khalil Al Haya told a ade on Gaza. agency. Israel has struck inside has reached Gaza. This is dis- destroyed homes.” month as dozens of homes were Gaza City meeting of MPs of the Israel, which controls two of Syria several times since the start tressing and unacceptable. The agency said cutting sub- flooded in brutal storms that movement. the three crossings into Hamas- of the Syrian civil war, mostly “It is unclear why this funding sidies to displaced residents now brought freezing rain and gale- Israel and Hamas, which the controlled Gaza, maintains tight destroying weaponry such as has not been forthcoming.” renting alternative accommoda- force winds. Jewish state brands a terror- curbs on entry of building mate- missiles that Israeli officials said UNRWA said the homes of tion could force large numbers Gaza’s sole power station, which ist organisation, fought a July- rial, fearing they could be used were destined for Iranian-backed more than 96,000 Palestine refu- back to UN schools and centres was damaged during the war, is August war in that killed almost by militants to make weapons or Hezbollah, Israel’s longtime foe in gees were destroyed or damaged which are already sheltering struggling with a severe lack of 2,200 Palestinians. attack tunnels. neighbouring Lebanon. during the conflict. 12,000 people. fuel and is only able to supply the A UNRWA spokesman in Gaza AFP REUTERS WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Obama meets new Saudi king to shore up ties US President tackles IS fight, Iran with King Salman

RIYADH: US President Barack the first Gulf War against Iraqi Western dishes including shish Obama led a heavyweight del- dictator Saddam Hussein. tawook and baked lobster before egation to Saudi Arabia yes- “This is an extraordinarily leaving the kingdom. Authorities terday to meet the Custodian critical and sensitive time in the deployed armoured vehicles, of the Two Holy Mosques and Middle East when everything police cars and radar throughout the new King Salman of Saudi seems to be falling apart. And the the city to secure Obama’s visit, Arabia and shore up ties that kingdom in some way is becoming a reporter observed. have suffered in recent years. an island of stability,” said Baker. Obama last visited Saudi The longstanding allies remain Obama and his 29-member Arabia in March, when he held bound by shared interests in delegation arrived for a four- talks with King Abdullah. regional stability and oil. The hour stop from India where he Deputy National Security leaders tackled the issue of Iran’s cut short a state visit following Adviser Ben Rhodes said the nuclear programme and human the death of Salman’s predecessor, new trip was an “opportunity to rights in the kingdom, a senior King Abdullah, on Friday. both pay respects to the legacy of US official said. Saudi television showed King Abdullah, who was a close Since last year Saudi Arabia Salman, 79, welcoming Obama partner with the United States has been part of the US-led coa- and his wife Michelle at the and also to touch base on some of lition carrying out air strikes bottom of a red-carpeted ramp the issues where we’re working against the Islamic State group. before a military band played the together with the Saudis,” which But analysts say Riyadh has US and Saudi national anthems. include the Islamic State group, also grown dissatisfied with what In contrast to Saudi women, Yemen, and the Iranian nuclear it sees as a lack of US engagement required to dress head-to-toe in negotiations. in crises elsewhere in the region, black, Michelle Obama wore dark Baker, who served under presi- including in Yemen and Libya, as slacks and a blue top with her dent George Bush, said there are Washington looks to Asia. hair uncovered. “some problems” in the US-Saudi There has also been unease in Salman’s heir Crown Prince relationship. “But we will be in a the kingdom about Obama’s pur- Muqren and Mohammed bin hell of a lot better shape to handle suit of a nuclear deal with Shia- Nayef, the powerful interior min- those problems if the relationship US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are greeted by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques dominated Iran, the regional rival ister who is second in line to the is as strong again as it was when I King Salman of Saudi Arabia at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh yesterday. of Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia. throne, were among those greet- was in office,” he said, adding that Members of the US delega- ing the Americans. he has always thought of Salman tion, which crossed party lines The US president then boarded as “very pro-US” and a “no non- to negotiations. He said Riyadh the US contingent which included especially for his Saudi trip. and included former Bush-era a black limousine taking him for sense guy.” would also like what it sees as current Central Intelligence McCain, a Republican who officials, said they wanted to talks and dinner with Salman at According to Anwar Eshki, discrimination against Sunnis in Agency director John Brennan and chairs the Senate Armed Services show support for the US-Saudi central Riyadh’s Erga Palace, the chairman of the Jeddah-based Iraq to be addressed, to eliminate General Lloyd Austin, head of US Committee, said the kingdom relationship. “I believe it is impor- king’s private residence where the Centre for Strategic and Legal the underlying reasons for the Central Command. was emerging “as the major bul- tant that we demonstrate to the smell of incense hung heavily in Studies, the Saudis would like emergence of IS. Former national They had all accompanied wark” against efforts by Iran to Saudis the importance that they the air. “Good to see you,” Obama Washington to exercise more security adviser Brent Scowcroft Obama to India but Secretary expand its influence in Syria, Iraq, represent to us,” said James repeatedly said to his Saudi hosts pressure to get the protago- and Condoleezza Rice, secretary of of State John Kerry and Senator Lebanon, Yemen and Bahrain. Baker, secretary of state during before they dined on Arabic and nists in Yemen and Libya back state under George W Bush, joined John McCain joined the president AFP

Cairo rejects activists’ appeal Houthi leader wants peaceful transfer of power over protest SANA’A: The leader of Yemen’s under United Nations auspices transfer of power on the basis on the group’s Al Maseerah tel- arguing and wrestling.” Houthis who control the capital to resolve the country’s standoff. of partnership,” Abdel-Malek evision. “Let everyone go towards He added that resolutions made CAIRO: Egypt’s cassation Sana’a said yesterday his group “We are seeking a peaceful Houthi said in a speech broadcast cooperation instead of clashing, during nearly a year of national court rejected yesterday an was seeking a peaceful transfer dialogue organised by Hadi in appeal by three secular activ- of power after the resignation of 2013 and an agreement signed ists who had spearheaded 2011 President Abd-Rabbu Mansour after the Houthis captured Sana’a protests against ex-strongman Hadi, and urged all factions to Militia free top presidential aide last September would also be the Hosni Mubarak, upholding a work together to solve the crisis. basis for any agreement. three-year prison sentence over Abdel-Malek Al Houthi’s con- SANA’A: Yemeni Shia mili- The Shia militia, known as The presidential chief of staff Describing Hadi’s resignation an illegal protest. ciliatory remarks in a televised tiamen yesterday freed a top Houthis, have controlled most was abducted on January 17, as a “manoeuvre”, Houthi said April 6 youth movement speech came less than an hour presidential aide whose kid- of the Yemeni capital since apparently in a bid by the mili- political parties, with UN sup- founder Ahmed Maher, group after his supporters released napping deepened the coun- September 21. Their seizure tia to extract changes to a draft port, have been holding consulta- spokesman Mohamed Adel and Hadi’s chief of staff, whom they try’s crippling political crisis, of the presidential palace last constitution. tions to bring about a “peaceful renowned blogger Ahmed Douma seized last week in an attempt to said a person who helped medi- week prompted Hadi to tender The Huthis had been due to transfer of power”. The Houthis were arrested for a protest that gain leverage in a dispute with ate his release. his resignation along with Prime release him immediately under emerged as the dominant fac- ended in scuffles outside a Cairo Hadi over the constitution. President Abedrabbo Mansour Minister Khalid Bahah, who fled a deal struck six days ago, but tion in Yemen by seizing Sana’a in court in November 2013. Political parties in Yemen, Hadi’s chief of staff Ahmed Awad after militiamen encircled his they continued to keep him in September and dictating terms to They were sentenced the fol- including the Houthis, are cur- bin Mubarak was handed over residence. captivity until yesterday. a humiliated Hadi, whom they held lowing month to three years and rently trying to agree what to do to a committee of mediators, Mubarak’s release comes Under the deal, they had also as a virtual prisoner at his home fined 50,000 Egyptian pounds after Hadi’s resignation, which 10 days after he was abducted, one day after UN envoy Jamel pledged to vacate the presiden- last week after clashing with his (about $6,700/ ¤5,900). An has left a power vacuum in a Hussam Al Shargabi said. Benomar met with Houthi lead- tial palace, withdraw from areas security guards. Hadi, a former appeals court upheld the verdict country which borders the world’s Mubarak was later taken to ers, as he sought to broker an surrounding the residences of general, has blamed the Houthis’ last April. Yesterday’s ruling was top oil exporter Saudi Arabia. the Sana’a residence of a tribal agreement following Hadi’s Hadi and Bahah, and abandon control of Sana’a for impeding his their final opportunity to appeal In his speech, Houthi warned chief from Sabwa, the same offer to resign, UN spokes- checkpoints across Sanaa, in attempt to steer Yemen toward in court. Their only remaining against allowing Yemen to be southern province from which man Stephane Dujarric said on return for concessions over the stability after years of turmoil option would be a presidential pushed to collapse and said that he himself hails. Monday. draft constitution. AFP and tribal unrest. pardon. AFP consultations were proceeding REUTERS

Ankara hosts Holocaust ceremony for first time ANKARA: Turkey will host a ceremony to commemo- rate Holocaust victims in its capital for the first time in a sign of solidarity with the Jewish community, an offi- cial said. “The ceremony will take place in Ankara for the first time, with the presence of parliament speaker,” the official said. Holocaust International Remembrance Day was first marked in Turkey in 2011 and since then ceremonies had been held in Istanbul. But this year, the government has shifted the venue to Ankara and has made its presence visible at international platforms. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu travelled to Auschwitz to participate in an international ceremony, and the speaker of parliament Cemil Cicek attended a Holocaust forum in the Czech capital Prague. “It is a duty of humanity to remember the Holocaust, one of the biggest crimes in history, and to teach future generations about it so as to ensure this kind of offence will never be experienced again,” the prime minister’s office said in a statement. The ceremony will be at the private Bilkent University and will also be attended by members of the Jewish com- munity. A keen sympathiser of the Palestinian cause, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has often blasted Israel during attacks on Gaza, declaring in July that the Jewish state had “surpassed Hitler in barbarism”. Three more beheaded in Saudi

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia yesterday beheaded two more of its citizens and a Pakistani. Omar bin Yahya bin Ibrahim Al Barkati was tried and convicted of incest, the interior ministry said. “He was executed as pun- ishment for his crime and as a lesson to others,” the ministry said, adding that authorities carried out the sentence in southwestern Asir region. In a separate case, Yassir bin Hussein Al Hamza was executed in northwestern Jawf region after his trial and confession for smuggling amphetamine pills, the ministry said. A third convict, Latif Khan Nurzada, a Pakistani, was executed for trafficking heroin into the kingdom. AFP WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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S AMERICANS in the northeast of the United States hunkered down in the face of a debilitating snowstorm, New Yorkers were virtually celebrating Awhat they thought was an occasion to relish the slowed-down pace of life. The Big Apple saw people sledge Trial changes ‘reckless’ about, take selfies and prance in the snow. The historic blizzard forecast by the National Weather Service had missed New York City and the sprightly citizens were expressing their relief by enjoying what would otherwise have been a busy day. However, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and view of CIA mission New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio deflected a barrage of BY WALTER PINCUS provide facts to journalists to support saying the Russian later gave the questions about warnings they issued on Sunday about a government claims that some of the CIA a copy. historic blizzard approaching the United States. New York HE CONVICTION Monday of book’s information was incorrect. The CIA trial witnesses and agency and New Jersey were almost shut down by the authorities. former CIA case officer Jeffrey The same problem occurred when, on memos tell a different story. Thousands of flights were cancelled, transport went off the Sterling for leaking classified January 6, 2011, the Justice Department The agency plan always was that the roads, railroad services were suspended and people started Tinformation to a reporter announced Sterling’s indictment, charg- schematics and drawings would have requires a review of the CIA’s once- ing him with, among other things, leak- some obvious flaws — and the Russian stocking up in fear of an impending catastrophe. covert operation to slow down Iran’s ing classified information about Merlin engineer was told about them. It also Yesterday, while justifying the warnings,Cuomo believed he nuclear programme. to Risen. Neither Justice nor the CIA was part of the plan from the start that was right in keeping his citizens warned of an approaching The CIA effort, which began in 1997, would describe what that “false and the design materials were to be accom- disaster. Amid a fusillade of criticism, Cuomo said: “You plan tried to use a former Russian nuclear misleading information” was, and as panied by a letter from the Russian not- the best you can and you lean toward safety. He admitted engineer to misguide Tehran’s scientists a result hardly any stories about the ing some errors. A January 10, 2000, there would have been some economic loss because of the pursuing a nuclear bomb. The engineer indictment referred to the government’s CIA memo carries a draft of what it was to pass on flawed Russian plans for claims about bad information. describes as “the letter to be included alarmist nature of the forecast and the harsh nature of a nuclear triggering device. Several times in the past two years, in the package of material.” the warning. “It may actually have brought us back to full The complicated spy operation ended when I wrote about the Sterling case It has elements almost word for word operating capacity sooner but I do not criticise weather in January 2006 after it was disclosed and Risen’s refusal to testify about his found in the letter as printed in the forecasters. I learn,”a sagacious- in James Risen’s book “State of War.” sources, my efforts to get that false Risen book, but it was written coopera- sounding Cuomo said. Called “Operation Merlin” by Risen — information were unsuccessful. tively with CIA input and made part of Officials of New Though New York City was spared after the engineer’s But Sterling’s trial over the past two the document package for the Iranians code name — the weeks provided a fuller, now-declassi- more than a month before the Russian England states by the blizzard, warnings about New programme was fied background of the Merlin opera- arrived in Vienna. England states were not way off the described as not tion, showing what a complex effort it A second CIA memo that day said may have mark. The weather service kept up only a failure but was. Government witnesses and agency that the letter draft would “acknowl- erred on the the blizzard warning along the coast The CIA effort as “one of the most memos challenged facts in the Risen edge that what he is providing initially is from Long Island into Connecticut reckless operations book and showed the Merlin operation incomplete” and in it “there should be a tried to use a in the modern his- was still going until January 2006. very clear message that he expects to be side of caution and Massachusetts. former Russian tory of the CIA.” Publication of Risen’s book “shut it paid for the rest of the details they will in issuing The warnings issued ahead of Risen said it was down completely and made all of our need if they want to build the device.” the adverse weather should not lead nuclear engineer one that may have efforts for naught” was the court tes- The Russian dropped the package a historic one to believe that US government helped put nuclear timony on January 14 of Bob S, who off on March 3, 2000, according to a blizzard officials were acting alarmist. It is to misguide weapons in the was the CIA’s operations director in its May 5, 2000, CIA memo, which reported always better for administration and hands of a charter nuclear counterproliferation unit and that the deception materials were taken Tehran’s member of what overseer of the Merlin programme. “seriously” by the Iranians who “cou- warning. civic officials to be extra cautious scientists President George Risen’s attorney, Joel Kurtzberg, said riered them back to Iran rather then when dealing with event related to W Bush called the in an email that neither he nor Risen rejecting them at the outset.” natural events like hurricanes and pursuing a “axis of evil.” would have any comment. The next step was to see whether blizzards. Weather phenomena are complicated and forecasts In the interven- Risen’s book says, “The Russian was the Iranians would try to contact the may change for the better or worse. nuclear bomb. ing eight years, supposed to believe that he was handing Russian. Bob S testified that no contact The New England states and others on the east coast of the stories about this over genuine nuclear designs.” had been made before the Risen book onetime highly In Vienna in late February 2000 to was published but that the agency had United States are susceptible to adverse weather arising out of secret CIA operation have continued deliver the materials to an Iranian expected it could take years before the the interaction of wind draughts and ocean currents over the to describe it as a botched effort and mission to the International Atomic Iranians got to a point where they were Atlantic. Adverse weather in 1950 and 1978 had virtually shut one that might have actually helped Energy Agency, the Russian, accord- attempting to build the triggering device. down a part of the country and affected millions of Americans. Iran. Those descriptions, of course, were ing to Risen’s book, “unsealed the enve- In fact, the CIA reported in a 2007 It was just a little over two years ago that Super-Storm based on the assumption that all the lope with the nuclear blueprints and National Intelligence Estimate that Iran facts in the book were true. included a personal letter of his own to may have halted nuclear warhead activ- Sandy walloped the country and affected millions. And how can But what has long been ignored were the Iranians. No matter what the CIA ity in 2003, at least temporarily. one forget the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina that CIA warnings, starting in January 2006, told him, he was going to hedge his bets. The Sterling case should be a lesson approached form the Atlantic and blighted the administration that the book contained “serious inac- There was obviously something wrong that not all secret information passed to of then Republican president George W Bush for its lack of curacies” and that often anonymous with these blueprints — so he decided journalists is totally true and that gov- rescue efforts and mismanagement of relief operations. sources were “unreliable.” to mention that fact to the Iranians in ernment claims that such information New York and New Jersey governments only erred on the Back then, because operation details his letter.” may be inaccurate are not totally false. were still classified, the CIA could not Risen’s book reprints the letter, WP-BLOOMBERG side of caution in issuing dire warnings of the blizzard• The other side Quote of Undoing misconceptions the day RAN’S Supreme Leader Ayatollah Islam” and to form their own opinions themselves and dwell in impartial judg- Boko Haram, Taleban, Daesh or the like Syed Ali Khamenei’s open letter to of the religion. ment. There couldn’t be any more easy preach and practice is an anti-thesis of the youth in West humbly urging The open-letter close on the heels and rational approach in furthering inter- Islam. There, however, hasn’t been any Ithem to analyse and interpret of Paris attacks, which Tehran officially faith harmony than what was prescribed dearth of leaders and reformers who teachings of the great religion on their denounced and also condemned the by Khamenei. This modus operandi is believed in dialogue and worked for fur- We bow our heads own is a departure from the trend of subsequent publication of a caricature applicable to not only the non-Muslim thering inter-communal and inter-faith imposing preconceived notions on against the Holy Prophet (peace be upon youth — in order to understand Islam in tolerance. The deceased Saudi mon- before the feat of the believers of other faiths. Khamenei’s him), is intended to target a wider audi- a more open-minded manner — but also arch Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, former soldiers and officers simple words are likely to have a ence in the Western countries that is to wayward youngsters in the Muslim Malaysian prime minister Mahathir touching impact on the people in the pro-academic and rests its judgment on community who are turning berserk and Mohammad, South African leader of the Red Army West who are literally confused as to intellectualism rather than hearsay. That joining extremist organisations. Nelson Mandela and Pope Francis are who defeated Nazism whom to believe and what to ask for is why the Iranian leader, who also loves The issue in the West is all about some of the icons who campaigned for while dealing with the rising menace to tweet and is a known face on social the flood of misinformation about harmony and understanding to achieve and stopped the of extremism under the banners of media despite his reclusive nature and Islam, and the way some vested global tranquility. The need of the hour horrific machine of so-called militant groups. He asked orthodox clerical preoccupations, was groups and individuals had portrayed is to usher in a dialogue to achieve con- the Western youth to gain a “proper, categorical when he encouraged the it in an attempt to achieve their nefari- geniality in heterogeneous societies. extermination. Vladimir Putin correct and unbiased understanding of Western youth to read the Holy Quran for ous objectives. So what the Al Qaeda, KHALEEJ TIMES Russian President WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 ARAB VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Ties with Turkey can benefit the Gulf internal stability and strategic bal- ance externally. After the emergence of two international poles following the Second World War, the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the inde- pendent expansion of the US, and after Russia, China and India formed another group, these four countries (Turkey, Iran, Egypt, and Israel) have become a centre of conflict and are entitled to be MOHAMMAD SALEM AL considered the core countries of RASHED the region. This part of the Middle East is ollowing the visit of witnessing conflicts among these the Emir of Qatar states, which have seen Iran H H Sheikh Tamim extend its influence in Iraq, Syria, Fbin Hamad Al Thani, Lebanon and Yemen. In addition Turkey named one of Ankara’s the Arab revolutions have failed main streets “Qatar”, honouring to build political systems that can the growing strategic relationship fight back against any counter- between the two countries. revolution supported by some of Renaming of the street was not the region’s countries, which in the only outcome of the visit. The turn has increased tension and the real upshot was the signing of an instability in the region. Following agreement on strategic coopera- the decline of the Egyptian role, tion between the two countries, tensions among Turkey, Iran and which will strength their bilateral Israel have intensified. ties. Given that the Gulf countries The agreement is expected to are in the midst of conflicts and The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressing a joint press conference in Ankara last month. lead to more cooperation in the a clash of interests between the areas of politics, diplomacy, econ- international and regional powers, omy, finance and trade. they face strategic threats related population, agricultural produc- Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, - Region of the fertile crescent Another question is: Will The visit included the signing of to energy, water, air, industry and tion, human development, size, Palestine, Kuwait, Qatar, Lebanon, (Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine Qatar be able to invest in this a defence cooperation agreement maritime and land transport. local income, rate of economic Bahrain and Egypt). and Jordan). Gulf-Turkish initiative that will between Qatar and Turkey. This This in turn threatens the Gulf growth, military expenditure, Interestingly, this “vision” - Caucasus region (Azerbaijan, enforce security agreements is considered a step forward for countries’ internal stability. military power and applied sci- project includes long-term plans Armenia and Georgia). between Gulf countries and the security of the region, which Because of this the Gulf coun- entific research, the Middle East’s for Iran’s economy, society, science, - Central Asia region (East Turkey, open the road to trade is witnessing tensions due to the tries have to take steps regarding states can be ordered as follow- and technology. It assumes that of the Caspian Sea up to the and economic cooperation, set up Iranian-American/Gulf conflict. their strategic ties with Turkey, ing (according to Abdel Hay’s the international trend is towards Chinese border and northern a programme for a mutual indus- Qatari policy is indeed brave as their goals do not match those study): First Power: Turkey gradual reconciliation between the Afghanistan). trial and technological base, lay as it initiates a plan of strategic of Iran and Israel, mainly due to (2.33 points); Second Power: Iran international powers and Iran, and - South region (Southern energy (oil and gas) pipelines to development with regional powers. economic, political and ideological (2.88 points); Third Power: Israel also toward building trust with Pakistan and Southeast Arabian Turkey, which will make the Gulf The visit also brought to the reasons. and Saudi Arabia (both with 3.11 Southern Asian countries. Peninsula). countries the first exporter to table some solutions to the energy The question is: How does points); Fourth Power: Egypt Iran has advanced in the scien- The region of the fertile cres- Turkey, and supply Gulf countries crisis that will benefit Qatar and Turkey offer a new opportunity (3.55 points). tific field and progressed at a rate cent is considered the “soft” area, with water and power, which is Turkey. It came at a time when to the Gulf? However, these countries are all 11 times higher than the global which explains why Iranian influ- badly needed from Turkey. Turkey needed a Gulf ally to sup- According to a study published inclined towards instability. average. It is ranked 19th in math- ence has reached Iraq, Syria, For the sake of achieving this, port its stance on developments in by Walid Abdel Hay on December Let’s go back to the strategic ematics, 17th in computer science, Lebanon, Yemen and the Gulf both countries have discussed Syria, Iraq and Egypt. 16, 2013, Clifford German’s study dangers arising from the con- 15th in nuclear technology, 28th in countries. sensitive issues such as the situ- There is no doubt that the new (1960) used a tool to measure a flict in the region, whereby Iran physics; 16th in space technology; Iran’s outreach to the other ations in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, strategic relationship between state’s power with the follow- has become a threat to the Gulf 17th in medicine: 13th in chemis- regions mentioned above is related Palestine and Yemen, in order Qatar and Turkey — especially ing equation: State power = countries. try; and 15th in nanotechnology. to economy and trade, which poses to reach mutual understanding after Qatar had led the latest International capacities (size + Iran is the closest to the Gulf Iran is seeking to join a threat to the Gulf countries. about where they are heading. session of the Gulf Cooperation population + industrial base + countries in terms of its geograph- the Shanghai Cooperation This should prod the Gulf They are also discussing ways of Council (GCC), on December 9, military power). ical boundaries and strategic ties Organisation because of its good countries to formulate a stra- alleviating tensions with Egypt so 2014 — will benefit Gulf policy. Paul Kennedy linked the rise with Iraq, Syria and Yemen. ties with Russia and China. It has tegic plan, keeping in mind the that they do not hinder the scope The signing of the defence agree- and fall of the superpowers to In addition, Iran is working on also moved cautiously towards a Iranian nuclear programme and for strategic cooperation. ment will place Turkey among the two variables, namely economic a polarising agenda as mentioned special relationship with the US its technological and industrial The people in the Gulf coun- countries that will have an impact growth and military power. in a project titled “The 2025 and Europe. This in turn will development. tries have hope in Qatar, given on the security of the region in Based on quantitative indica- Vision” of Iran. This project aims help Iran pursue its nuclear pro- And this is where Turkey can that it was the head of the last the event of any possible security tors related to state power, it is at making Iran the main power in gramme and reach its nuclear support the Gulf countries, given GCC session. They hope that agreement between Iran and the clear that the Middle East has the Middle East. The project was threshold. its rank as the first power accord- Qatar can move forward with a US. five contenders forming what can prepared by the regime council to Iran will not hesitate to per- ing to the grading in Abdel Hay’s joint security initiative agreed The GCC states have to review be called a “central country” or transform Iran into a key regional suade the Gulf countries to work study. upon by the Gulf countries and their strategic policies toward “regional pole”. These countries power in Southern Asia, which with it on any regional arrange- Investing in strategic ties Turkey. This will achieve stabil- major regional countries like are Iran, Egypt, Turkey, Israel and includes 25 countries (the Central ments for its own benefit. between Qatar and Turkey will ity for the Gulf and alleviate the Turkey, Iran, Egypt and Israel Saudi Arabia. Asian republics, Turkey, Pakistan, Historically, Iran has divided the lead to a balance of power in the strategic pressure from Iran and in a way that helps them achieve Based on indicators such as Afghanistan, Yemen, Iraq, Oman, countries around it into four groups: region. Israel on the region. Perfect successor to the best predecessor Western Muslims: Khamenei’s

the international community. The smooth transfer of hopes of seeing the kingdom next targeted demographic While we recall the achieve- power in the monarchy showed make giant leaps, whether in DR DANIA ZAFAR ments of the late King Abdullah, that the governance system in the implementation of develop- we would like to affirm that Saudi Arabia is firm and built ment projects or at the regional his past week we had the death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia we have full confidence in his on strong foundations, sending and international levels, where (the rival country of Iran), the Houthi takeover of Yemen (arguably successor, the Custodian of a reassuring message to the many hot issues await quick Ta strategic gain for Iran), and a letter from Supreme Leader Ali the Two Holy Mosques King region and the world. intervention. The Arab-Islamic Khamenei to Western Muslims (a calculated strategy?). Iran has experi- Salman, who is well-known for In addition, it positioned the region is suffering due to con- enced an eventful week, strategically speaking. The question arises why his wise management of Saudi second generation of the royal flicts in many countries which would Iran’s leadership produce such a note targeted at Western Muslim internal affairs and tactful han- family to take leadership roles, need to be addressed. Therefore youth? dling of events abroad. addressing concerns raised by we look to the new king with I was initially perplexed by Khamenei’s letter to Muslims in the West The ascension of the perfect some parties. the hope that he plays an influ- and, as I thought about it, I realised it was part of an old strategic move JABER AL HARAMI successor to the best predeces- While we in the GCC family ential role in settling these for influence. A constituency of well over 24 million representatives of sor enhances the influential role are sad at the passing away of issues, wishing him success diverse backgrounds, Western Muslims are a perfect target demographic. of the kingdom at the interna- King Abdullah, we look forward and peace and stability to the It is not something new that leaders attempt to align themselves with ith the passing away tional and regional levels. to the era of King Salman with kingdom. certain interest groups transnationally to gain influence. Iran has proved of King Abdullah an expert at this strategy. Wbin Abdulaziz, Arab As an aspirant for hegemony, Iran has been aligning itself with tran- and Muslim nations have snational groups that either have a potential commonality or a potential lost a great leader who stood grievance. In evaluating the Palestinian situation, Iran has campaigned throughout his life for unity for the Palestinian cause emphasizing on the commonality of Islam. Why and openness, calling for dia- is this demographic strategic? The Palestinian diaspora consists of more logue with an open mind guided than six million spread throughout the Arab and Western world. They by the Quranic verse: “Invite have a strong grievance and are considered a manpower multiplier as they to the way of your Lord with receive the sympathy of Arabs and Muslims worldwide. Similarly, Saddam wisdom and good instruction, Hussein claimed he would liberate the Palestinians and used them as a and argue with them in a way target demographic during the Gulf War. Although Saddam failed in his that is best”. attempt to occupy Kuwait, he was initially projected to be the winning Since he took power in 2005, party and during this period he had the loyalty of the Palestinians. If you he was known for his wisdom look at Iran’s influence on Yemen (as argued by many), this is another and experience, reflected in prime example. Iran informally aligned itself with the Houthis, another his outstanding achievements interest group that displayed both grievances and a common sectarian in the fields where he intro- thread. With their recent advancements, they have revealed themselves duced remarkable changes in as a worthwhile ally. Lebanon is another prime example of a transnational the kingdom during his rule. alliance; Hezbollah displays a strong commonality under the umbrella of Until his last days, he was Shiism and now has a heavy hand in Syria with this influence bleeding keen to keep Arabs and Muslims into Iraq. Both the Houthis and Hezbollah project themselves as moderate united and reconciled and his alternatives to Al Qaeda and Islamic State, as indicated in Khamenei’s let- efforts were crowned with the ter. It seems that Iran perceives recent events related to IS, coupled with Riyadh reconciliation, achieved the unfortunate events in the West, as an opportunity to win the hearts last November in collabora- and minds of Muslims in the West. tion with Emir of Kuwait, who Since September 11, 2001, Western Muslims have paid the price of the worked tirelessly for the same unfortunate atrocities in two ways — by mourning the tragic losses of their purpose and managed to end one fellow countrymen, and simultaneously being on the defensive against of the gravest misunderstandings constant negative misrepresentation of their faith. For Muslims in the among GCC states. West, it is sadly a sensitive balancing act. Khamenei sees this and is seek- The late king kept call- ing another strategic opportunity to cause imbalance, gain influence and ing for dialogue, openness posture Iranian leadership. A Saudi well-wisher kisses the hand of King Salman bin Abdulaziz in a symbolic pledge of allegiance during a and coordination of efforts The writer is an academic researcher in political science and ritual ceremony at a royal palace in Riyadh. against terrorist threats to economics. WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 INTERNATIONAL 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

Russian bank Kosovo police, official kills 3, self in shooting spree MOSCOW: An official of the Russian Central Bank in the protesters fight country’s Far East went on a rampage at work yesterday killing three colleagues and then shoot- ing himself, investigators said. running battles A deputy head of the central bank’s regional branch in the city of Blagoveshchensk mowed down two women and one man at the bank’s Opponents trying to seize power: PM offices before committing suicide, a spokesman for the region’s investi- PRISTINA: Riot police fought bullets to disperse crowds. gative committee Alexei Lubinsky running battles with protesters Kosovo Prime Minister Isa told Interfax news agency. hurling rocks and petrol bombs Mustafa, barely six weeks in Russia’s Central Bank head in Kosovo’s capital Pristina yes- office, accused his opponents of office in Moscow confirmed to terday in the worst unrest since trying to seize power by force. AFP in an emailed comment that the former Serbian province “All these political parties have a “terrible tragedy” had occurred seceded in 2008. accepted the election results,” he and offered condolences to the Triggered by remarks by an said. “They must respect the vote families of the slain employees. ethnic Serb cabinet minister and of the citizens and not attempt “We consider what happened a row over a disputed mine, the to take power through violence.” in Blagoveshchensk to have been violence was a potent reminder of Tear gas and smoke hung in the a terrible tragedy,” first deputy the depth of popular dissatisfac- air after six hours of violence that chairman Georgy Luntovsky said tion in majority-Albanian Kosovo, only subsided as dusk fell. in the statement. still mired in poverty and corrup- It was the second bout of “Right now security officials are tion seven years since declaring unrest since Saturday, set off by working at the scene to determine independence from Serbia. popular anger over a government all of the circumstances,” he said. A reporter saw masked police climbdown over the fate of a huge Russia’s LifeNews website officers firing tear gas and water mining complex claimed by Serbia reported that the shooter, a man cannon, trying to disperse about and remarks deemed offensive by A police vehicle burns during a protest in central Pristina yesterday. named Vladimir Levkin, was 2,000 protesters who had joined an ethnic Serb minister. motivated by revenge after his rallies organised by opposition Mustafa’s government had possible repercussions for a frag- for the dismissal of an ethnic Serb encourage the rule of law. colleagues voted to fire him as political parties. Protesters also pledged to take control of the ile European Union-led dialogue minister in the mainly Kosovo Kosovo broke away from Serbia part of the bank’s policy to lay set rubbish containers alight. Trepca mine, which has been between the two sides. Albanian government after he in 1999 with the help of NATO off some of its staff. The report Ambulances attended to injured held in trust by a United Nations- Trepca’s lead, zinc and silver branded as “savages” a group of air strikes to halt the killing and said Levkin used a hunting rifle people as police pursued protest- created privatisation body since mines once accounted for 75 Albanians who lost relatives in expulsion of ethnic Albanians by to commit the murders. ers into side streets around cen- Kosovo’s 1998-99 war and threat- percent of the mineral wealth the war and had protested against Serbian forces waging a counter- tral Pristina. Police said 56 police ened by myriad creditor claims. of socialist Yugoslavia, employ- ethnic Serb pilgrims marking insurgency war. Boko Haram ‘bomb officers were injured, two of them But he backed down days later ing 20,000 people. Trepca now Orthodox Christmas in January. The territory of 1.8 million seriously. in the face of a furious response operates at a minimum level to There was no sign of inter- people, 90 percent of them ethnic maker’ held in It was not immediately known from Serbia, which claims 75 per- keep the mines alive, with several vention on Tuesday by Nato’s Albanians, declared independence how many protesters were hurt. cent ownership of the the com- thousand miners from both sides 5,000-strong peacekeeping in 2008 and has been recognised Nigeria: Police More than 120 were arrested. plex, and pressure from Western of Kosovo’s Serb-Albanian divide. force or hundreds of EU police by more than 100 countries. Police said they used rubber embassies concerned at the The protesters also clamoured officers stationed in Kosovo to REUTERS KANO, NIGERIA: A man suspected of being behind the manufacture of explosives used in a series of Boko Haram sui- cide attacks has been arrested in northeast Nigeria, a senior police officer said yesterday. Govt forces pushed back near Donetsk: Ukraine rebels The man, identified only as Ba’na, was held in the Arikime area KIEV/MOSCOW: Ukrainian Eduard Basurin, deputy com- Mariupol under way at present. past day, he said. the United States and Europe for of Potiskum after several weeks of separatists said yesterday they mander of rebels in their main Asked if rebels were advanc- He said Debaltseve, Vuhlehirsk tighter sanctions against Moscow, surveillance, said the officer, who had pushed government troops stronghold Donetsk, said fighters ing on Debaltseve and Vuhlehirsk, and Mariupol were bearing the which Kiev and NATO say has was involved in the Sunday arrest. out of two districts on the out- had pushed government troops two other government garrisons brunt of the offensive. sent thousands of troops to fight Potiskum, the commercial cap- skirts of their main stronghold out of the suburb of Maryinka and where Kiev has reported fight- Shelling has continued all on behalf of the rebels. President ital of Yobe State, has been hit Donetsk and their aim was the centre of the town of Pesky ing, he said: “Why should we have along the frontline, which weaves Barack Obama has said Washington by a wave of bombings in recent to expand their control to the near Donetsk’s airport, a constant to advance? It is our land. They through Donetsk and neighbour- would consider all steps short of months, including a suicide attack entire region. battlefield. should withdraw.” ing Luhansk provinces. military action to isolate Russia. on a secondary school in November A rebel advance launched last “They had fully controlled Debaltseve, a small town “They’ve been shooting heav- European Union leaders asked 10 in which 58 people were killed. week has dashed a five-month Maryinka before. Now it is neu- between the two main rebel ily for ten days. You sit there and their foreign ministers to consider On January 18, at least four truce, reignited a war that has tral. They are only on the out- strongholds of Donetsk and have no idea who is in control of possible new sanctions on Russia in people died in an attack on a bus killed 5,000 people and brought skirts,” he said by telephone. Luhansk which straddles key road the town, who is shooting and response to the rebel offensive. A station, while the previous week- threats of new sanctions on The goal would eventually be and rail routes linking them. when it will end,” said 60-year- final decision to impose them is likely end two women wearing suicide Moscow, which Nato accuses to capture the entire Donetsk “The enemy is trying to carry old pensioner Vladimir Saakyan, to be left to a summit next month. vests killed six people at a mar- of backing the separatists with region, Basurin said. That would out an offensive on Ukrainian who fled his home in the town of The separatists, fighting for the ket and two died in a car bombing money, arms and troops. include major population centres units and occupy strategically Avdiivka, north of Donetsk, for independence of an area dubbed outside a police station. The police The separatists say their ini- in government hands, like the advantageous positions for fur- Kiev-held territory. “New Russia” by the Kremlin, now officer, who asked not to be identi- tial aim is to drive back govern- Black Sea port of Mariupol, a ther military operations,” govern- The head of the Kiev-run control the capitals and around fied because he is not authorised ment forces to push artillery city of 500,000 where Kiev says ment military spokesman Andriy regional police said three civilians half of the territory of Donetsk to speak to the media, said Ba’na out of range of their cities and rebel shelling killed 30 people Lysenko said in a televised brief- had been killed in Avdiivka and and Luhansk provinces, together was in his mid-thirties and had improve their grip on their main on Saturday. Basurin said there ing. Nine Ukrainian servicemen nearby overnight. The new rebel known as the Donbass region. admitted making the bombs. strongholds. was nevertheless no offensive on were killed and 30 wounded in the advance has brought calls from REUTERS AGENCIES

Auschwitz anniversary Boost for Renzi Moscow blasts US over as Senate approves poll alleged spy arrest MOSCOW: Moscow yesterday to Moscow John Tefft to discuss reforms blasted the United States over “bilateral” issues, the ministry the arrest of an alleged Russian said. ROME: Italy’s Senate approved spy, condemning the move as a Buryakov — an employee at a Matteo Renzi’s electoral “provocation” that would fur- Manhattan branch of a Russian reforms yesterday, giving the ther damage already tattered state-run bank — was arrested prime minister a boost as he ties. by federal agents in New York on faces criticism from the left “The US has decided to launch Monday and appeared in court of his party over his pact with the latest stage of its anti-Russian over allegations he was trying to Silvio Berlusconi. campaign,” the foreign minis- recruit sources and collect eco- The bill passed by 184 votes to try said in a statement, accus- nomic intelligence. 66 with many opponents of the ing Washington of “stoking spy US prosecutors said he was reform in the 315 seat Senate mania”. assisted in espionage by Russian opting not to take part in the “We demand an end to this spies Igor Sporyshev, 40, and vote. The bill will now go to the series of provocations by the US Victor Podobnyy, 27, who had been Chamber of Deputies for final security services against repre- attached to the Russian trade and approval which is expected in the sentatives of Russia,” said the UN missions in New York. next couple of months. statement from ministry spokes- Sporyshev and Podobnyy were Changing voting rules to ensure man Alexander Lukashevich. protected by diplomatic immunity a clear winner at elections and French President Francois Hollande (centre), President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite (right), attend the main Lukashevich lashed out at US and have since left the United more stable government have ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the death camp yesterday at a tent built in front of authorities for providing “no evi- States, so have not been arrested. been a priority for Renzi since he the entrance of the former Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau in Oswiecim, Poland. Seventy years dence” to back up their claims They are charged in absentia, offi- became leader of the Democratic after the liberation of Auschwitz, survivors and dignitaries gathered at the site to honour victims. that the arrested man, banker cials said. Party (PD) at the end of 2013. Evgeny Buryakov, 39, is a spy and Buryakov’s detention has What enrages the left of the demanded his immediate release. rocked already deeply strained PD is his determination to do The top human rights official at relations between Moscow and it with Berlusconi, the former the foreign ministry, Konstantin Washington, which are at their prime minister who they say Probe after 11 die in Nato jet crash Dolgov, said that Russian consular lowest ebb in years over the crisis should have been excluded from representatives were trying to get in Ukraine and war in Syria. politics after he was expelled access to the detainee and would US Attorney General Eric from the Senate and barred from LOS LLANOS MILITARY aircraft at the Los Llanos base in Guerreira told reporters. “defend all his rights.” Holder said America was com- office due to a conviction for tax BASE, Spain: Investigators southeastern Spain on Monday. Two Greek pilots on board “The hunt for Russian citizens mitted “to combating attempts by fraud in 2013. were probing yesterday how a Firefighters rushed to the and eight French officers on the by the American authorities is covert agents to illegally gather The so-called “Nazarene fighter jet crashed during elite scene and battled the flames as ground were confirmed killed continuing,” Dolgov told TV chan- intelligence and recruit spies Pact”, named after the PD’s Nato training exercises at an black smoke billowed from the on Monday and Spanish defence nel Rossiya 24. within the United States.” headquarters in Rome’s Via del air force base in Spain, killing wreckage. ministry said a ninth French vic- “We are going to demand at a Manhattan federal prosecutor Nazareno where Renzi first met 11 military personnel and leav- Several bodies were still lying tim died in a hospital burns unit high level that the Americans halt Preet Bharara said it showed that Berlusconi to plan an electoral ing others with serious burns. on the tarmac a day later and in Madrid yesterday. actions that breach the rights of “more than two decades” after the reform in January last year, has Nine French and two Greek could not be safely moved until The dead included one our citizens,” Dolgov said. Cold War, “Russian spies continue become the central theme of personnel died and about 20 peo- emergency teams clean up toxic Frenchwoman, a captain, the Russia’s deputy foreign minister to seek to operate in our midst Italy’s politics. ple were injured after the two- fuel spilt in the crash, Spanish French defence ministry said. Sergei Ryabkov on Tuesday held under cover of secrecy.” REUTERS seater F-16 crashed into parked air force spokesman Jose AFP a meeting with US ambassador AFP WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 NY spared snow storm, other states hit New York authorities defend decision to shut down city; snow piles up in northeastern states

NEW YORK: New York lost, and any economic impact “serious issues,” Cuomo said. authorities yesterday vigorously would have been far more nega- County police confirmed that a defended a decision to shut tive had there been more destruc- teenage boy died late Monday in down America’s biggest city for tion, he said. a sledding accident. a winter storm that skirted the “We are going to be very force- Cuomo lifted the travel ban, Big Apple, dumping the worst ful in our messages to people when which was imposed at 11pm snow on Long Island and New we sense danger. This is what Monday, at 8am (1300 GMT). England. you saw in the last 48 hours,” De Limited service on city rail and Travel bans were lifted, public Blasio said. subway lines resumed an hour transport resumed and parks reo- On the streets of Manhattan, later. pened in the city of eight million there were mixed feelings about Service was expected to be back people, easing many of the meas- whether the authorities had to normal by today. ures put in place as Winter Storm over-reacted. New Jersey Governor Chris Juno moved in on Monday. “This is a mere dusting and I’ve Christie also lifted the travel New York Mayor Bill de Blasio been here for my whole life, with ban in his state, but officials in said the city got only a fraction of a little bit in London, and this both states nevertheless warned the 60 centimetres of snow that is ridiculous, when they call it a against all but essential travel. had been widely predicted in the storm,” said financial consultant Driving bans were still in 48 hours leading up to the storm. Curtis Brill. effect in Connecticut and But the National Weather Jennifer Daly, who comes from Massachusetts. Service warned that life-threat- New Orleans but works on New Flight disruptions are still ening conditions persisted along York’s Fifth Avenue, took it in extensive. More than 5,160 flights the coast from Long Island into stride, saying she was used to sim- within, to and from the United Connecticut and Massachusetts, ilar hype about hurricanes that States were cancelled for yes- where more than two feet of snow do not always turn out as severe terday and today, according to blanketed some areas. as warned. flightaware.com. “You plan the best you can and “People do have to be cautious Officials said virtually all you lean toward safety,” New York and ice and driving do not mix, flights at New York’s LaGuardia state Governor Andrew Cuomo so it’s better to take precautions airport were to be cancelled yes- told a news conference under a and not have accidents,” she said. terday and that John F Kennedy barrage of questioning. In the end, snowfall varied International Airport would also He conceded there were likely A woman cross-country skis on snow covered roads during a winter blizzard in Boston, Massachusetts, yesterday. throughout the New York area, see significant cancellations. to be “some” loss of business, but with some parts of the city receiv- In Boston, flights in and out of said he had no estimates. ing as little as four inches — far Logan international airport were “It may actually have brought will reopen, and city and state repeatedly warned before the had to take precautions to keep short of the city’s record 26.9 still halted. us back to full operating capac- employees will return to work. storm struck that it was likely people safe. God forbid this storm inches in February 2006. Thousands were without power ity sooner but I do not criticise Broadway theatres announced to be one of the worst in the had not moved east, we would Long Island was however still along the coast of Massachusetts, weather forecasters. I learn,” that most shows were to go city’s history, fended off accusa- then have been hit,” he said. being hard hit with up to 20 including on Nantucket Island, Cuomo said. ahead yesterday as planned, tions that he had been needlessly Had travel not been banned, inches of snow, and easternmost where some were evacuated from The clean-up is expected to after the Great White Way went alarmist. city residents would have been in Suffolk County continues to see their homes, local media reported. continue until today, when schools dark Monday. De Blasio, who “To me, it was a no-brainer. We danger and lives may have been blizzard-like conditions and face AFP Argentina to disband intelligence service Litvinenko may have BUENOS AIRES: President Cristina Kirchner has said that she will disband been poisoned twice Argentina’s intelligence service after a prosecutor was found dead just hours before he was to make explosive allegations LONDON: An inquiry into the “One of the most significant against her. radiation poisoning of a former things that the evidence sug- Alberto Nisman, 51, was found in his Buenos Russian spy opened yesterday gests is that Litvinenko was poi- Aires home with a gunshot to the head on with claims that there may have soned with polonium not once but January 18, the day before he was to go before been an earlier assassination twice,” he told the inquiry at the a congressional hearing to accuse Kirchner bid in the most sensational espi- Royal Courts of Justice, which of obstructing his investigation into a 1994 onage case since the Cold War. was attended by Litvinenko’s bombing at a Jewish charities federation office. Alexander Litvinenko was widow Marina. She denies the claims and says Nisman’s allegedly poisoned by a cup of Tam also showed the inquiry death — which initially was suspected suicide tea laced with polonium-210 in a diagrams of the Erinys boardroom — was a plot to discredit her. London hotel in 2006 and publicly showing heavy contamination on Kirchner, who is scrambling to protect her accused President Vladimir Putin a section of the table and a chair, record and legacy, said: “The plan is to dis- of ordering his killing before he as well as on the spout of the tea- solve the Intelligence Secretariat, and create died three weeks later. pot from which Litvinenko drank a Federal Intelligence Agency.” Russia has rejected the accusa- at the Mayfair hotel. The leadership of the agency will be cho- tions and refused to grant extra- He said the heaviest contami- sen by the president but subject to Senate dition for the two chief suspects nation in the boardroom and the approval. named by British police — Andrei teapot was “off the scale” at in Kirchner had removed the leadership of Lugovoi and Dmitri Kovtun — excess of 10,000 counts per second the current intelligence service as recently over the poisoning of Litvinenko (cps). Normal background radia- as December. on November 1 that year. tion is around 0.5 cps. She said she would send her intelligence Inquiry lawyer Robin Tam said While much of the attention system reform bill to Congress before she Argentine President Cristina Kirchner speaking during a national broadcast to announce the dissolution traces of radiation showed there has been on Lugovoi, a former leaves for China next week, and swiftly sched- of the intelligence service in Buenos Aires yesterday. may have been a previous poison- KGB bodyguard who has since uled special congressional sessions for it to be ing when the three met in the become a member of parliament in taken up. of the Government,” Kirchner said suggesting Iranian officials implicated in the bombing offices of a London private secu- Russia, Tam’s comments focused Kirchner also took aim at Diego his brother’s work on behalf of Clarin newspa- of the Argentine-Jewish Mutual Association. rity company, Erinys, two weeks more on the role of Kovtun. Lagomarsino, a Nisman colleague who lent per, in her view, raised red flags. She has had After his death, Kirchner suggested Nisman earlier on October 16. AFP Nisman the pistol with which the prosecu- a long-running feud with the paper. had been manipulated by former intelligence tor was killed. Lagomarsino on Monday was The 1994 attack, which killed 85 people, has agents who then killed him to smear her. charged with giving a gun to someone who is never been solved. Kirchner has offered no evidence to support not its registered owner, officials said. Nisman had accused Kirchner and her for- her theory, and did not say who she thought “Lagomarsino is not just a staunch opponent eign minister Hector Timerman of shielding was behind Nisman’s death. AFP

Fidel Castro breaks silence on US-Cuba thaw

HAVANA: Cuban leader Fidel in keeping with his powers as manner, Castro covered a range Castro has broken his silence president. of topics in the letter, touching on a historic rapprochement “Any peaceful and negotiated on Ancient Greece and Cuba’s between Washington and solution to problems between the military campaigns in Africa in Havana, implicitly endorsing it United States and the peoples the 1970s and 1980s before coming even as he expressed an abiding or any people of Latin America, around to his comments on the The widow of Alexander Litvinenko, Marina Litvinenko, (right) and distrust of his old foe. which does not imply force or the rapprochement with the United her solicitor Elena Tsirlina arrive outside the Royal Courts of Justice in The 88-year-old revolution- use of force, should be treated States. London yesterday. ary icon had said nothing since according to international norms “The text sends a double last month’s surprise agreement, and principles,” Castro said message: cautious support for raising questions not only about “We will always defend coop- normalizing relations between where he stood on mending rela- eration and friendship with all the the two countries and concern tions with Washington, but also peoples of the world, among them over the intentions of the pow- UK plans Holocaust memorial about his health and political our political adversaries. It’s what erful neighbour to the north,” LONDON: Britain is to build year as Holocaust Memorial Day. status. we are calling for on everyone’s said Jorge Duany, a Cuban aca- a new Holocaust memorial in There is already a Holocaust But late Monday, Castro part,” he said. demic at Florida International central London to which the memorial in London’s Hyde appeared to answer some of those In Washington, State University. government will contribute Park consisting of two boulders questions in a letter read out on Department spokeswoman Jen The agreement to begin nor- £50m ($75m), ministers said lying in a bed of gravel inscribed state television that reflected both Psaki said Castro’s comments malising ties after more than 50 yesterday. with a quotation from the Book skepticism of and tacit support were “a positive sign: and that years of enmity stunned the world The memorial will be built of Lamentations. for the decision by his brother Washington looks forward to when it was announced December along with an education cen- But it is thought the new Raul to normalize ties. Cuba adopting international 17 by US President Barack Obama tre in a bid to ensure that the memorial will be on a larger “I don’t trust in the policy of norms “for a democratic, pros- and Raul Castro, who succeeded lessons of World War II’s mass scale. Prime Minister David the United States, nor have I perous and stable Cuba.” Cuban President Raul Castro comes an ailing Fidel as Cuba’s president killing of Jews by the Nazis are Cameron attended a Holocaust exchanged one word with them,” The text of the letter, which out of the plane upon his arrival at in 2006. never forgotten. commemoration in London on he said, adding that his words was addressed to the Federation the Santa Maria airport in San Jose, Last week, the highest-ranking The announcement comes Tuesday and said it was particu- were not meant to be interpreted of University Students, was pub- Costa Rica, yesterday. US delegation in 35 years began on the 70th anniversary of the larly important to keep remem- as “a rejection of a peaceful solu- lished yesterday in the official negotiations with Cuban officials liberation of the Auschwitz- bering what happened as the tion to conflicts — far from it,” Communist Party newspaper not highlight his comments on the in Havana on reopening embas- Birkenau camp in Poland, last survivors reach the end of he said. Granma and other state publica- US-Cuba rapprochement. sies in their respective capitals. marked around the world each their lives. AFP He said Raul Castro had acted tions, under headlines that did In his typically loquacious AFP WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES China to hold Two killed by bomb in strife-torn Philippines MANILA: Two people were killed in a bomb blast in the Southern Philippines yesterday, the military said, the latest in military parade a series of violent incidents in the strife-torn region in barely a week. Two men riding a motorcy- cle, and believed to be carrying to ‘warn’ Japan the bomb, were killed when it exploded in Pikit on the island of Mindanao, according to Joan First large-scale parade since 2009 Petinglay, regional military spokeswoman. “Initial reports BEIJING: China will this year yesterday described the People’s were that the two persons were hold its first large-scale military Daily mention of the article carrying the bomb,” she said, parade since 2009, reports said as a confirmation. It comes as adding that the government was yesterday, with one key goal Beijing has taken an increas- investigating the men’s identities described as being to “frighten ingly hard line towards Tokyo and possible motive. Japan”. amid disputes over territory A female bystander was also Communist China generally and history. wounded in the blast, she said. shies away from the vast annual Ties between Asia’s two big- The explosion came after a demonstrations of military might gest economies have been soured car bomb killed two people and that were a hallmark of the Soviet by a tense dispute over control of wounded 50 others on Friday Union. uninhabited islands in the East in the southern port city of But it held once-a-decade China Sea, administered by Japan Zamboanga, and a bloody clash National Day parades in 1999 but also claimed by China, and with militants on Sunday left 44 Residents ride on an open vehicle as they evacuate their homes in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao province, and 2009 to mark the 50th and Beijing’s anger over a December policemen dead in Mamasapano yesterday. 60th anniversaries of the October 2013 visit by Prime Minister town. AFP 1 establishment of the People’s Shinzo Abe to Tokyo’s Yasukuni Republic of China. Shrine, which honours Japan’s On its instant messaging war dead including convicted war WeChat account the People’s Daily criminals from World War II. newspaper, the official mouth- The countries have taken ten- piece of the Communist Party, tative steps to reduce tensions, Lanka probes cited a Hong Kong report that a with an agreement in November Indonesian military calls off parade would be held this year to paving the way for the first for- political links mark the 70th anniversary of the mal bilateral meeting between end of World War II. Abe and Chinese President Xi to drug kingpin One reason for holding the Jinping on the sidelines of the AirAsia wreckage recovery parade was “to frighten Japan APEC Asia-Pacific leaders’ forum and declare to the world China’s in Beijing, but it took place in a COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s police determination to maintain the glacial atmosphere. PANGKALAN BUN, as the badly damaged fuselage was a while so when we lifted it it was said yesterday they were inves- post-war world order”, said the Beijing, which uses memories INDONESIA: The Indonesian too difficult to lift and no more torn apart,” he said. “We can no tigating whether a man who article, written by Chinese finan- of the war with Japan as a key military yesterday called off bodies had been located. longer find any more bodies.” confessed to smuggling over cial and global affairs commenta- tool to galvanise nationalist sen- efforts to recover the wreck- “All of our forces are being Despite the military’s with- 1,000 kilos of heroin to the island tor Hu Zhanhao. timent and deflect any dissatis- age of an AirAsia plane that pulled out,” said Rear Admiral drawal from the operation, over three years had political “Only by showing its military faction with Communist Party crashed into the Java Sea last Widodo, a navy official overseeing Shukor Yusof, founder of aviation protection. Samantha Kumara capabilities can (China) show rule, remains wary of moves by month, after failing to find any the search and rescue operation. research firm Endau Analytics, Vithanage was arrested in Japan its attitude and determina- Tokyo to raise its military profile more bodies inside the fuselage. “We apologise to the families of said it would be surprising if Pakistan earlier this month and tion and let it know that whoever and frequently says its neighbour Flight QZ8501 went down on the victims.” authorities did not continue to taken back to Sri Lanka, police dares to challenge the post-war must face its wartime history and December 28 in stormy weather So far just 70 bodies have salvage the aircraft. spokesman Ajith Rohana said. order related to China and touch not repeat it. with 162 people on board, during been recovered, and the national “I think it would be very sur- He told detectives he had China’s core interests is its enemy China is also closely watching a what was supposed to be a short search and rescue agency said it prising if the salvage was not imported about 1,000 kilos of and must be psychologically pre- statement on the anniversary of trip from the Indonesian city of would try to find more victims in continued, knowing in fact that heroin since 2012 worth a total pared for China’s strong counter- the war to be issued by Abe later Surabaya to Singapore. smaller-scale operations. it’s there,” he said. “I can’t think of $75m to Colombo, a key hub attack,” it said. this year to see if he alters the Search and rescue teams failed “We will continue to try fulfil of any previous aircraft inci- for the narcotic originating in Other reasons included show- content of previous apologies for repeatedly in recent days to lift the hopes of the victims’ rela- dents where they haven’t tried to Afghanistan and Pakistan. casing China’s military strength Japan’s conduct. the main body of the Airbus tives, but the operation will not retrieve everything.” Investigators have also found and increasing Chinese pride. Abe said early this month that A320-200, where officials had be a large-scale one,” the agency’s Since Saturday, salvage teams links between Vithanage and law- The report did not give a date he would release a fresh state- hoped to find the majority of the head Bambang Soelistyo said. had been using giant inflatable maker Duminda Silva, who was for the event but said it would ment on World War II this year, victims. The navy, which has pro- Military spokesman Fuad bags to try to raise the fuselage, attached to the defence ministry mark the first time it was not but would stand by previous apol- vided much of the personnel and Basya said that the plane’s body which is lying in the sea at a depth under former president Mahinda held on National Day. ogies for wartime misdeeds. equipment for the rescue effort, was “destroyed”. of around 30 metres (98 feet). Rajapakse. “We have information Several Chinese media outlets AFP said Tuesday it was withdrawing “It was soaked in sea water for AFP that MP Duminda Silva received large sums of money from Samantha Kumara Vithanage, alias Wele Sudha,” Rohana told reporters. “We secured a court order today to check all banks and financial institutions to track Thai junta chief defends controversial cyber law plans down his money.” Silva was a key financier of the BANGKOK: Thailand’s junta The draft wording of the legis- what they want,” he told report- is no need to ask a court for a the national security and data former governing coalition under chief yesterday defended pro- lation has alarmed Internet rights ers in Bangkok on Tuesday when warrant. It will just be up to the privacy as the government may Rajapakse. Rohana said millions posals for a cyber law that groups in a country which has asked about the bill. authorities to decide,” Thitima exercise its discretion without of dollars worth of houses, apart- critics say will grant the gov- already seen press freedom and “If there is a threat to national Urapeepathanapong from the having judicial review,” he said. ments and vehicles have been ernment unprecedented sur- free speech severely restricted security — a violation, or some- Thai Netizen Network said. Earlier this week govern- seized from Vithanage, who is veillance powers with little since the military imposed mar- one committing a crime — we “It will destroy our rights and ment officials admitted that they better known as Wele Sudha. judicial oversight. tial law and took over last May need to empower state officials to freedoms — when we know some- may have rushed the wording of A new car taken from the A new law granting authori- after months of street protests. investigate,” he added. Thailand’s one can watch our communications Section 35 in an indication that suspect was shown to reporters ties the right to access emails, But junta chief Prayut Chan-O- government has yet to publically and chats, we will not feel safe,” she the controversial elements might Tuesday, along with a long list of telephone records, computers Cha, appointed as premier three publish a draft of the bill. But added. Dhiraphol Suwanprateep, be rewritten. But Prayut said confiscated apartments, lands and and postal mail without court months after the coup, insisted Internet freedom groups have an Internet law specialist at the law investigators would not overstep vehicles. approval — if they suspect the National Cyber Security Bill obtained a copy and published it firm Baker and McKenzie, said the their authority without giving national security is at risk — is was a necessary tool to protect the online. current bill “is very broad, vague details on what, if any, checks and tabled for discussion by the coun- nation. “We need to have national “What I am concerned about and too permissive”. balances would be put in place. 15 Communist try’s rubber-stamp parliament. security otherwise everybody does is Section 35, which says there “There is no balance between AFP Party leaders in Tibet guilty of graft

BEIJING: Chinese anti-graft authorities found 15 senior Thousands mourn son of Communist Party officials in Tibet guilty of corruption last year and punished them, the state-owned China News Service Bangladesh oppn leader said yesterday. China strictly polices dissent in DHAKA: Tens of thousands of (BNP). Koko, who was not active Despite Koko’s death, opposi- Tibet but it is highly unusual for mourners yesterday turned out in politics, has been living in exile tion officials said the BNP leader anti-graft authorities to investi- for the funeral of Bangladesh in Thailand and Malaysia since was determined to maintain a gate such matters. opposition leader Khaleda Zia’s 2008 after the then army-backed nationwide transport blockade A team from the party investi- son in a massive show of sup- government launched corrup- she called to force Hasina from gated officials suspected of joining port for the embattled former tion cases against him. He was office. Attempts to enforce the groups supporting Tibetan inde- premier. sentenced to six years in jail and blockade have sparked clashes pendence, providing intelligence Arafat Rahman Koko, 44, died fined $2.5m in June 2011 for laun- that have left least 36 people dead. to the faction of Tibet’s spiritual of a heart attack on Saturday dering money through accounts in The latest crisis began when leader - the Dalai Lama, funding in Malaysia, a devastating blow Singapore between 2004 and 2006, police confined Zia to her office activities that endanger national to the opposition leader after when Zia was in power. after she threatened to lead a security and other violations, the she launched fresh protests this report said, citing Wang Gang, month to try to topple bitter rival secretary general of Tibet’s anti- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. graft authority. Police inspector Alamgir esti- Khaleda charged in arson case The report did not specify mated the number of mourners DHAKA: Bangladesh police said yesterday they have charged what offences those punished at 50,000 to 60,000, while another opposition leader Khaleda Zia with “abetting” an arson attack were guilty of, but said they had police officer put the total at during a period of deadly political unrest in the country. committed “serious discipline around 100,000. At least 36 people have died in anti-government protests unleashed violations”, a Communist Party Traffic ground to a halt in cen- by Zia’s January 4 call for a nationwide transport blockade to try to Former Bangladeshi prime minister and BNP chief Khaleda Zia mourns over euphemism for corruption. tral Dhaka as crowds spilled onto topple the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. the mortal remains of her son Arafat Rahman Koko in Dhaka yesterday. Activists say China tramples roads around a mosque for the Hundreds more have been injured and more than 750 vehicles on religious freedom and cul- funeral after Koko’s body arrived firebombed or vandalised to keep them off the road, prompting mass rally against Hasina. in an apparent snub, the premier ture in Tibet, which it has ruled home last morning. “I joined the international concern over the country’s stability. Zia wants Hasina to call fresh was left standing outside the since People’s Liberation Army funeral because I felt sorry for Zia was one of 32 people accused in the firebombing of a van on polls after last year’s controversial 69-year-old’s office before being troops took over the region in him. His mother is confined in her Sunday in the southeastern town of Chouddogram, local police chief general election, which opposition turned away. Zia and Hasina are 1950. China rejects such criticism, office and his eldest brother is in Uttam Chakraborty said. parties boycotted on the grounds known for their bitter rivalry, saying its rule ended serfdom in exile in London,” said Mohammad “She is the accused number 32 in the case. Initial charges have it would be rigged. which has poisoned Bangladeshi Tibet and brought development Nuruzzaman, a supporter of Zia’s been filed against her for abetting the crime,” he said. AFP Hasina on Saturday called on politics for nearly three decades. to a backward, poverty-stricken Bangladesh Nationalist Party Zia to offer her condolences, but, AFP region. REUTERS WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Protection: Teachers take gun training Pakistan Allowed to carry guns into classrooms military kills

PESHAWAR: Teachers in Authorities began training 76 militants northwest Pakistan are being teachers in how to use guns last given firearms training and will week and the latest batch of be allowed to take guns into the female trainees started learning in air strikes classroom in a bid to strengthen the ropes yesterday. security following a Taliban “It’s a two-day course. We are ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s mil- massacre at a school last month. training them on gun handling itary said it killed 76 militants Heavily armed militants killed and also on (the) procedure of in two separate air strikes yes- 150 people, 132 of them children, using it,” said Mohammad Latif, terday as part of a major offen- in a bloody December 16 attack on a trainer at police headquarters sive against the Taliban and an army-run school in Peshawar, in Peshawar. other insurgents in a tribal the main town in Pakistan’s Pakistan has already strength- region near the Afghan border. northwest. ened security for schools across The first air strike took place “Carrying firearms for every the country, including by building near Datta Khel area of North teacher is not obligatory, but all elevated boundary walls with steel Waziristan tribal district while those who want to carry firearms wire fencing and increasing the the second strike was focused to schools willingly will be pro- number of police. Private schools on Datta Khel. At least 35 mili- vided with permits,” Atif Khan, have been ordered to deploy extra tants were killed in air strikes on provincial education minister security guards. Sunday in the same area. for the northwestern province of Malik Khalid Khan, the presi- “In precise aerial strikes, 53 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said. dent of the Private Schools terrorists including some foreign- Provincial Information Teachers Association, opposed ers were killed,” the military said Minister Mushtaq Ghani con- the move to arm teachers. “How in a statement, adding later that firmed the decision, adding is it possible to teach students in another 23 were killed in further that the province was unable to a class... holding a gun in one hand strikes. Pakistani officials refer provide police guards for all of and a pen in another?” Khan said. to the Arab and Central Asian its government-run education “It’s not our job, our job is to Pakistani teachers handle various firearms during a weapons training session for school, college and university militants who fled to the tribal institutions. teach them books. A teacher teachers at a police training centre in Peshawar yesterday. lands after the US-led inva- “The number of police in the holding a gun in the class will sion of Afghanistan in 2001 as province is not enough to guard have very negative affect on “foreigners”. 35,000 schools, colleges and uni- his students,” Khan said, add- and military promised a tough before going room-to-room mow- terror cases after the attack, and “Six terrorist hideouts, an versities — that’s why we have ing that the government should response to the Peshawar mas- ing down helpless students and parliament voted to set up mili- ammunition dump and seven allowed teachers to carry fire- hire more police if they are short sacre, in which heavily armed staff. A six-year moratorium on tary courts to try terror offences. explosive-laden vehicles were also arms,” Ghani said. of numbers. The government militants scaled the school walls the death penalty was ended for AFP destroyed” in the air strikes, the statement added. The conflict zone is off-limits to journalists, so there is no way to independently verify the number and identity of those killed. Seven soldiers Charlie Hebdo protesters storm Pak school Pakistan began a long-awaited push to clear insurgent bases from North Waziristan last June killed in PESHAWAR: Hundreds of opened the gates,” school princi- The magazine then published after a bloody Taliban attack on Pakistani students protest- pal Fredrick Farhan Das said. a “survivors” issue with an image Karachi airport finally sank fal- Afghanistan ing against a French magazine He said the students who of the prophet weeping on the tering peace talks. for publishing cartoons of the wanted the school to be shut dam- cover, triggering a wave of angry Air strikes, artillery, mortars KABUL: Defence minis- Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) aged the property and smashed condemnation and protest in and ground troops have all been try of Afghanistan states stormed a Christian boys’ school windows. Muslim-majority countries across used to take back territory. that seven Afghan National demanding it close, officials and “This caused kind of a stam- the world including Pakistan. The army has intensified its Army soldiers were killed in police said yesterday. pede, which slightly injured four Under Pakistan’s strict blas- offensive since the Taliban’s Improvised Explosive Devise Four students were slightly students,” Das said. phemy laws, insulting the prophet massacre of 150 people, 134 of explosion. A statement issued hurt in the incident in the He said the school remained can carry the death penalty, and them children, in a school in the by the ministry does not spec- northwestern town of Bannu closed yesterday in protest the country’s prime minister and northwestern city of Peshawar in ify the location but states that on Monday, which happened as against the incident and will re- parliament have strongly con- December. the explosion occurred in past students from local colleges and open today. demned the publication of the The semi-autonomous tribal 24 hours. Spokesman for the schools demonstrated against the District police officer Abdul cartoons. areas on the Afghan border ministry, General Zahir Azimi cartoons printed in French satiri- Rashid Khan confirmed the inci- At least three people were have for years been a hideout for said that 15 insurgents were cal weekly Charlie Hebdo. dent but said it was not thought injured on January 16 when pro- Islamist militants of all stripes, also killed in past 24 hours “A group of some 200 to 300 to be an anti-Christian attack. testers and police clashed at an including Al Qaeda and the period in confrontation with protesting students entered Two gunmen stormed the Paris anti-Charlie Hebdo demonstration Pakistani Taliban as well as for- Afghan National Army. QNA Panel High School after jump- offices of Charlie Hebdo earlier outside the French consulate in Protesters during a rally in Lahore eign fighters such as Uzbeks and ing its outer walls and forcibly this month, killing 12 people. Karachi. AFP yesterday. Uighurs. AFP Pakistan opposes new India-US nuclear deal Pakistan all set to ISLAMABAD: Pakistan yes- and economic expediencies would policies of selectivity and discrim- Security Council resolutions on terday said it opposed a new have a detrimental impact on ination,” he added. matters of international peace nuclear deal signed between deterrence stability in South He said Pakistan would con- and security, such as the Jammu try terror suspects the US and India during the US Asia,” adviser to Prime Minister tinue to maintain its constructive and Kashmir dispute, by no means President Barak Obama’s trip on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz said engagement with NSG and other qualifies for a special status in the to New Delhi, saying it was det- in a statement. export control regimes to build its Security Council.” rimental to stability in South Aziz described the new deal case for membership. Pakistan and India have fought in military courts Asia. with India as “another country- Aziz also referred to Pakistan’s two wars over Muslim-majority The US and India in 2008 specific exemption from Nuclear policy on reforms in the UN secu- Kashmir, which both countries signed a landmark deal giving Suppliers’ Group (NSG) rules” rity Council, saying: “Pakistan administer in part but claim in ISLAMABAD: Military courts India access to civilian nuclear that would undermine the cred- favours a comprehensive reform full. in Pakistan will start func- technology, but it had been held ibility of the watchdog, weaken of the Security Council to make Recent exchanges of fire across tioning shortly as the Prime 54 cases go to up since by US concerns over the non-proliferation regime and this principal organ of the UN the de facto border, known as the Minister’s Office has given final India’s strict laws on liability in “further compound the already more representative, demo- Line of Control (LoC) have killed go-ahead to the interior ministry military court the event of a nuclear accident. fragile strategic stability environ- cratic, effective, transparent and more than two dozen civilians to start referring terror cases to “The operationalisation of ment in South Asia”. accountable”. and forced thousands to flee their these special courts for trial. ISLAMABAD: The gov- Indo-US nuclear deal for political “Pakistan remains opposed to “A country, in violation of UN homes on both sides. AFP A Prime Minister’s Office source ernment of Pakistan’s said that the PM in a recent meet- southwestern Balochistan ing, attended by civil and military province has selected 54 officials, finalised the mechanism terrorism cases for trial New military airport in Herat for selecting and referring the by military courts set up cases to military courts for trial. under the 21st Constitution Reduction in “Now it is for the interior min- Amendment. istry to set the ball rolling,” the The cases were finalised at a power charges source said, adding that in a few high-level meeting of security days, the media would be informed officials. INTERNEWS of the first set of cases to be tried proposed by the military courts. recorded by the previous court. It is said that nine military According to amendments, any ISLAMABAD: The Central courts have been constituted in person who is or claims or is known Power Purchase Agency (CPPA) all the four provinces. to belong to any terrorist group or requested the National Electric Although, under the 21st organisation using the name of Power Regulatory Authority Constitutional Amendment, the religion or a sect and raises arms (Nepra) to reduce electricity military courts have been given or wages war against Pakistan charges for a month by Rs3.2 the power to try suspected civilian or attacks the armed forces of per unit in view of decline in terrorists of a specified category, it Pakistan and the law enforcement international prices of fuel would be the discretion of the fed- agencies, or attacks any civil or and extensive load shedding in eral government to decide which military installations in Pakistan December. cases should be referred to these or kidnaps any person for ransom Nepra has admitted the request courts. At the federal government or causes death of any person or for formal hearing. The reduction, level, it is the interior ministry injury, or is in possession, stor- if approved, will be applicable to that has been assigned the job of age, fabrication or transport of all distribution companies except selecting and referring the cases explosives, firearms, instruments, K-Electric. The relief will be given to the military following a mecha- articles, suicide jackets or vehicles to consumers in the billing month nism recently finalised in a meet- designed to be used for terrorist of February. ing chaired by the Prime Minister. acts, or receives or provides funding The CPPA said Nepra had The permission has been made from any foreign or local sources approved reference fuel tariff of mandatory for prosecution of ter- for such illegal activities and acts about Rs9.53 per unit last year rorists under the Army Act. The or does any act to overawe the state when furnace OIL PRICE stood at government will also have the or any section of the public or a sect Rs75,000 per tonne. The price has power to transfer any terrorism- or a religious minority or to create since come down to a little over related case pending in any court terror or insecurity in Pakistan or Rs40, 000. As a result, the actual to the military courts. In case of attempts to commit any of the said fuel cost has declined to Rs6.32 A US soldier standing guard during the opening ceremony of the biggest military airport in the west of the transfer of a pending case, the acts, within or outside Pakistan, per unit, requiring a reduction of Afghanistan, in Herat province. According to media reports US funded $18m for military airport in Herat. military courts will not be required shall be punished under the Army Rs3.2 per unit. INTERNEWS to record the evidence already Act. INTERNEWS WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA US can be India’s best partner: Obama US president prods India on religious freedom, climate

NEW DELHI: Recalling the Obama talked about how the He also spoke of the civil nuclear historic address of Swami philosopher-sage introduced deal that both countries are push- Vivekananda, US President Hinduism and yoga to America ing ahead with, saying it would Barack Obama won over his in a city that was his hometown. help bring electricity to homes in audience by referring to them as He recalled Swami Vivekananda India and more clean energy. “sisters and brothers of India” and his famous speech in Chicago, He said the US wants to partner and said he firmly believes exactly 100 years ago, where he India in its infrastructure push, America can be India’s “best addressed the gathering as “sisters building ports, bullet trains, smart partner” and together the two and brothers of America” and said cities and “develop technology that nations can bring more prosper- he was going to address the audi- we do with closest allies” and also ity to their people. ence likewise. touched on cooperation in tackling In his final engagement in India, Obama struck a personal chord terrorism. before flying to Riyadh and then with the mainly youthful crowd, In the beginning, Neha Buch, home, the US president addressed saying he was very impressed with a young representative of Indian US President Obama and Michelle Obama gesture as they board Air Force One prior to departing from Air Force a town hall-style meeting in Siri the daredevilry of the motorcycle NGO Prabha, introduced Obama Station Palam in New Delhi yesterday. Fort auditorium, where he said: contingent riding Royal Enfield to the audience as a man who is “India and the US are not just bikes and wished he could ride a known for his empathy with com- natural partners, I believe that bike too. “But the Secret Service mon people. He connected with the He talked about how impressed Obama said for India it will be Singh and Mary Kom,” he said. America can be India’s best part- does not let me ride motor cycles,” audience by talking about his own he was with the “incredible more important to uphold the Obama recounted how in his ner, I believe that.” he said, and also remarked that he humble roots which he said were women in (India’s) armed forces” fundamental freedom of religion last visit in 2010 he had visited Addressing an invited gather- cannot dance as well as his wife in many ways similar to the roots that he witnessed at the Republic as, with its diversity, it was an Humayun’s Tomb and met the ing of young people, civil society Michelle. of the Indian prime minister. “If Day parade on Monday and also example for the rest of the world. families of some labourers work- and diplomats, the US president In a speech where he touched the grandson of a cook can become mentioned about the women “Nowhere is it more impor- ing there. reached out to the audience with on the need for India and the president, and the tea seller can officer — Wing Commander Pooja tant than in India... nowhere is The little son of one of them, many Hindi words like “Namastey”, US to work together on climate become the prime minister, so can Thakur of the Indian Air Force it going to be more necessary Vishal, is today a 16-year old, he “Dhanyavad” and even some ref- change, on how the US can part- young people from the humblest —who led the guard of honour at that the foundational value be said, and added he was happy to erences to Bollywood films, which ner India in its growth story, in of origins dare to dream big and Rashtrapati Bhavan at his official upheld. India will succeed so long note that Vishal today studies had the crowd ecstatic. defence cooperation and becom- realise their aspirations,” he said welcoming ceremony on January as it is not splintered along lines and dreams of joining the armed He said he was “absolutely con- ing partners in the security of the to loud cheers and applause. 25. He also stressed the right to of religious faith, splinter along forces “an example of the talent vinced” that when both the democ- Asia-Pacific region, the American He also talked about the impor- freedom of individuals to profess, any lines and it is unified as one that is here”. racies stand together they can president also stressed on the need tance of women in society and said practice and propagate religion nation; and all Indians whatever The teenager and his family produce more jobs, opportunities for the government to uphold the a “nation is successful when its and said it was important for their faith go to the movies and were in the auditorium at the and prosperity for their people. “I freedom of religion written in the women are successful”, a remark India with its multiplicity of faith applaud actors like Shah Rukh special invitation of the US presi- believe that,” he said. constitution of both the countries. which again drew strong applause. to uphold this fundamental right. Khan or athletes like Milkha dent. IANS Modi, Obama bond over humble beginnings on radio talk

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister humble background”. As the Narendra Modi and US son of a lower-caste tea vendor, President Barack Obama bonded Modi’s backstory is often com- Never imagined will be in over their humble beginnings on pared to Obama’s inspirational a radio show aired yesterday, rise to become America’s first White House, says Obama just after the American leader black president. In the 30-minute ended his New Delhi visit. pre-recorded edition of ‘Mann ki NEW DELHI: US President Barack Obama said he never imag- Obama co-hosted Modi’s Baat’ (‘From the Heart’), Modi ined he would enter the White House some day. Speaking dur- monthly radio show as part of his also praised the way Obama is ing the radio programme “Mann Ki Baat” with Prime Minister packed three-day trip and took raising his two daughters call- Narendra Modi, Obama said: “When I first went to White questions from Indian listeners ing it an “inspiration” for India House, I stood outside the same fence, I did not imagine I will be in a more informal setting after a where preferences to have sons visiting it.” series of official meetings and ban- has resulted in a wide gender gap. Obama’s comment came after Modi’s description of the first time quets. The leaders of the world’s A newfound bonhomie between he saw the White House and clicked a picture outside it. “Both of largest democracies spoke of their the two leaders was fully evident us are blessed with rare opportunities coming from humble back- humble backgrounds and the vast in Obama’s latest visit, which saw ground. What is great about India or the US is a tea seller or some- opportunities that helped them bear hugs, first-name references, one born to a single mother like me, can lead our nations. It is an rise to the top. a new “friendship” pact, and even example of extraordinary opportunities in our nations,” Obama said. “I think both of us have been compliments on Modi’s sense of He said it was the government’s responsibility therefore to ensure blessed with extraordinary oppor- fashion. Obama became the first that opportunities were available to all children. tunity, coming from relatively US president to be chief guest at humble beginnings,” Obama said A man listens to the ‘Mann Ki Bhaat’ broadcast via All India Radio in India’s Republic Day parade on in answer to a question. Bangalore, yesterday. Monday. The invitation to the ‘Barack means blessed one’ “When I think about what’s annual celebration is one of the best in America and what’s best end up leading our countries is Modi added that he had never biggest honours the country can NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to start in India, the notion that a tea an extraordinary example of the imagined holding the coun- bestow on a foreign leader and his radio address “Mann Ki Baat” by explaining the meaning of seller or somebody who is born opportunities that exist within our try’s top office “because, as underscores the importance that US President Barack Obama’s first name which is “one who is to a single mother, like me, could countries,” he said. Barack said, I came from a very Modi places on US ties. AFP blessed”. “Some people wonder what is the meaning of Barack... in Swahili, which is prevalent in African nations, Barack means he who is blessed,” Modi said in the radio programme which he recorded with President Obama. “I believe his family has blessed Will bring him with this name,” he said. Modi, who surprised many by referring to the US president by his first name at the joint press conference on Sunday, referred to him daughters to the same way several times during the address. “African countries follow Ubuntu philosophy, which is about unification of humanity. There is a gap of centuries, and of boundaries, but the sentiment India on next that prevails in India — ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (world is a fam- ily) — the same sentiment grows from the forests of Africa,” the prime minister added. visit: Obama Modi inspired by Franklin NEW DELHI: US President Barack Obama said he will NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was bring his daughters on his next inspired by the life of Benjamin Franklin, one of the found- India visit. He, however, said ing fathers of the US. “When I was young, I used to see (John that may not be during his ten- F) Kennedy’s pictures...,” said Modi, addressing his radio pro- ure as the president. gramme. “I read Benjamin Franklin’s life story. He was not a US “They (my daughters) very president, but he is an inspiration,” Modi said. much wanted to come. They are Modi said Franklin, in his biography, describes how people can fascinated by India, Unfortunately change their lives. “He has left an imprint of his life on the US. I will each time that I have taken a trip say if you want to transform your life, read his biography,” he said. here, they had school and they He also revealed that the hospitality he received at a house of couldn’t leave school,” he said a poor person who could not afford milk for his son inspired him during the “Mann Ki Baat” radio to devote his life to the service of the poor. On the need of chang- programme recorded with Prime ing attitude towards the girl child to improve India’s sex ratio, he Minister Narendra Modi. termed Obama an inspiration, referring to the way he brought up “They are fascinated by the his two daughters. He also sought to give youth a slogan of uniting culture, and the history of India, the world. in part because of my influ- ence I think, they are deeply moved by India’s movement to ‘There’re bad days at work’ Independence, and the role that (Mahatma) Gandhi played, in NEW DELHI: US President Barack Obama said though he had not only the non-violent strate- tough days at work, what inspired him was that almost every gies here in India, but how those day, somebody told him that he had made a difference to their ended up influencing the non-vio- US President Barack Obama meets children’s rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi as lives. “The problems that come to my desk are ones that nobody lent Civil Rights Movement in the they stand with Satyarthi’s wife Sumedha (second left) and children with whom Satyarthi works with (from left), else solves. If there were easy questions, then somebody else United States,” Obama said. “So 12-year-old Ayub Khan, 8-year-old Deepak and 12-year-old Payal Jangid, and US First Lady Michelle Obama in would solve them before me,” Obama said on a special episode of when I go back I am going to tell New Delhi yesterday. “Mann Ki Baat”. “There are days when it’s tough and frustrat- them that India is as magnificent ing,” the US president said. as they imagined,” he said. “But something which inspires me is that almost every day, I meet He said next time he comes to presidency, but afterwards they Obama also said that he will be go to the stores myself, so I have somebody who say you have made a difference to my life. Everybody India, he will definitely bring his will definitely want to come and taking gifts back for his daugh- to have my team do the shopping has bad days at work but you have to keep working through it,” daughters along. “I am quite sure visit.” ters, and as he cannot shop him- for me. And I’ll get some advice he added. “The good thing about service is that anybody can do it that they are going to insist that Modi in response said Obama is self, his staff will do this for him. from Michelle, because she prob- and this will inspire you to face challenges and difficulties,” he said. I bring them back the next time always welcome to India, during “I will definitely do some shop- ably has a better sense of what IANS I visit. It may not be during my or after his presidential tenure. ping for them. Although I can’t they would like,” he said. IANS WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

Beating the Retreat rehearsal Cartoonist Colonel killed RK Laxman in Kashmir to get a memorial

PUNE: Chief Minister Devendra militant fight Fadnavis has announced a memorial for legendary cartoon- ist RK Laxman who passed away here on Monday. Officer dead day after getting medal “Laxman was not just a car- toonist — what he said through SRINAGAR/NEW DELHI: so as to ensure the elimination of his cartoons will inspire future An Indian army colonel — who the terrorists but unfortunately governments.... Though he is no was awarded a gallantry medal made the supreme sacrifice while more, The Common Man he cre- on Republic Day — was among doing so,” the statement said. ated will live forever,” Fadnavis four people killed in a gunbat- “In the same operation, one said yesterday while paying hom- tle with militants in Kashmir head constable of Jammu and age to Laxman here. yesterday, police said, the high- Kashmir Police also died,” the In a rare honour, Maharashtra est ranking military officer to statement said, adding that a government accorded a state die in fighting in the Himalayan soldier was injured and was in a funeral to Laxman, 94, who died region in more than a year. critical state. in a private hospital after a brief The colonel was leading an A police officer said in Srinagar illness. With his body draped cer- operation against suspected sep- that the gunfight ensued when emoniously, the last rites were aratist militants in a village in personnel of the army’s 42 performed with full state honours south Kashmir’s Pulwama district Rashtriya Rifles, police and the Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers ride their camels as they rehearse for the “Beating the Retreat” ceremony at Vaikuntha Crematorium here, when he came under fire. Central Reserve Police Force in New Delhi yesterday. The ceremony symbolises retreat after a day on the battlefield, and marks the official in the afternoon. A policemen and two militants (CRPF) launched a joint opera- end of the Republic Day celebrations. It is held every year on January 29. Top political leaders, media were also killed in the encoun- tion in Handoora forest area near personalities, industrialists, film ter, police superintendent Tahir Tral town following information personalities and others have Saleem said. about the presence of militants. condoled his death, besides an Colonel Munindra Nath Rai of When the militants were sur- outpouring of grief, affection and 9 Gorkha Rifles, seconded to the rounded and challenged to lay Sacked Telangana deputy CM in hospital love for him on various social net- Rashtriya Rifles, was awarded a down their weapons, they fired working sites. Yudh Seva Medal on Monday, the at the security personnel that Besides Fadnavis, several of his army said in a statement in New resulted in injuries to Colonel Rai, HYDERABAD: T Rajaiah, which has so far claimed 25 lives Chandrasekhar Rao for “humili- cabinet colleagues, Shiv Sena chief Delhi. the commanding officer of the who was sacked as deputy chief in the state. ating” his deputy by unceremoni- Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra According to army officials, Col. Rashtriya Rifles battalion, and a minister of Telangana two days Chandrasekhar Rao inducted ously sacking him. Navnirman Sena chief Raj Rai was commanding his battal- head constable of police, he said. ago, was yesterday admitted to TRS MP Kadiam Srihari in the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Thackeray and commoners from ion in intense counter-insurgency The injured men were evacu- a hospital here after he com- cabinet and appointed him deputy leader M Narasimhulu, who different walks of life came to a operations in Kashmir. ated and taken to a hospital, plained of chest pain. chief minister. reached the hospital, alleged private college here to pay tributes On receipt of specific infor- where Colonel Rai succumbed to Rajaiah was taken to Apollo According to hospital officials, Rajaiah suffered cardiac arrest to Laxman. mation about the presence of his injuries, hospital officials said. Hospital in Hyderguda around he is undergoing treatment in due to the shocking treat- The brother of late English nov- two militants in Tral, he swiftly The security forces contin- 6pm after he complained of chest intensive care unit. A team of car- ment meted out to him by elist RK Narayan, Laxman is sur- planned and executed an opera- ued to retaliate the militants’ pain, family sources said. diologists is attending on Rajaiah. Chandrasekhar Rao. vived by his writer wife Kamala, tion to eliminate them. The two fire, that led to the death of two The chief minister had on Doctors said Rajaiah was Describing the sacking of retired journalist son Srinivas and included the ‘district commander’ militants — identified as Firdous Sunday sacked Rajaiah, who brought with high sugar and blood Rajaiah as an insult to Dalits, daughter-in-law Usha. He had of Hizbul Mujahideen, the army Ahmed and Shiraz Ahmad of was holding health portfolio, in pressure levels. They described especially to Madigas, the TDP been admitted to a private hospital said. Hizbul Mujahideen. the wake of corruption allega- his condition as stable. Activists leader demanded that the around 11 days ago for a urinary “Leading from the front, Both the slain militants were tions against his office and also of some Dalit organisations gath- Telangana Rashtra Samithi tract infection and lung problems, Colonel MN Rai displayed locals, the police officer said. the alleged failure of the health ered outside the hospital, raising (TRS) government be dismissed. and later to Dinanath Mangeshkar extreme courage and leadership AGENCIES department to check swine flu, slogans against Chief Minister K IANS Hospital. IANS Greenpeace PM busy doing his own PR, says Rahul Gandhi activist NEW DELHI: Prime Minister of the poor. We will come back Narendra Modi was busy doing because we will keep standing by moves HC on his own “PR” (public relations) the poor, hold their hands and Bedi sends legal notice to Kejriwal and has not done anything take them on the path of devel- concrete so far, Congress Vice- opment,” Gandhi added. NEW DELHI: BJP’s chief auto-rickshaws plying in the Meanwhile, the Election offloading President Rahul Gandhi said Rahul Gandhi also promised ministerial nominee Kiran national capital, asking the peo- Commission yesterday issued during a roadshow here ahead electricity and water at the low- Bedi sent a legal notice to AAP ple of Delhi to choose between a third notice to Kejriwal ask- NEW DELHI: Greenpeace of the Delhi assembly polls est possible rates for the people leader Arvind Kejriwal for Kejriwal and Bedi for the post ing him to “desist” from making activist Priya Pillai moved the yesterday. in Delhi. “We have three prom- using her photograph in the of chief minister. In the posters, comments on bribing of voters Delhi High Court challenging “People are asking when will ises. We will provide electricity party’s poster campaign with- the picture of Kejriwal has the by political parties and warned her offloading at the airport you (Modi) stop talking and start and water on the lowest rate, will out her permission. word “imandar” (honest) printed of strict action in the event of here, when she was on her way working? There is favouritism for make contract workers perma- The AAP has recently below it while that of Bedi has any violation. to London to brief British MPs some, and nothing is being done nent, and give right to shelter to put up posters on numerous “avsarvadi” (opportunist). IANS on the rights of forest-dwelling for the poor. Congress is the party the people of Delhi,” he said. IANS communities affected by coal mining. Justice Rajiv Shakdher will hear the plea today. Lokrang Fair Pillai said her offloading was “illegal and arbitrary” and she had a valid business visa for six I will be presenting my 13th months to visit London where she was scheduled to address British parliamentarians January 14. Pillai was offloaded on January 11. budget, reiterates KM Mani “The illegal offloading by over- zealous government agencies is THIRUVANANTHA- not just a violation of her basic PURAM: Kerala Finance right to personal liberty and Minister KM Mani, who is fac- VS praises Balakrishna Pillai freedom of speech but is also ing allegations of corruption, deliberate attempt to malign her said he will be presenting his THIRUVANANTHA- corruption. It does not matter if reputation,” the plea said. 13th budget and the number 13 PURAM: Veteran communist it is Pillai or (PC) George (the Pillai also challenged the was lucky for him. VS Achuthanandan yesterday government chief whip and vice alleged lookout circular issued in Mani was interacting with praised his arch political oppo- chairman of Kerala Congress- her name. “The circular has no the media for the first time yes- nent R Balakrishna Pillai for Mani),” Achuthanandan told legal basis as Pillai neither has terday after whistle-blower bar his stand against corruption, reporters here, yesterday. any conviction against her, nor owner Biju Ramesh alleged that especially against Finance Politics and relations between has she ever evaded arrest or trial the minister was given Rs1 crore Minister KM Mani, facing a the parties in the bi-polar in any case,” the plea said. in October last year as the first graft allegation. Kerala politics, mostly centered It further said her reputation instalment of the Rs5-crore bribe Ironically, Achuthanandan, as around the Congress-led UDF and work were being “targeted” he demanded to help reopen chief minister, sent Pillai to jail and the CPI-M led LDF pres- by the government and urged closed bars in the state. in a corruption case. ently appear to undergo some the court to issue an appropriate “I have a record (of presenting “We the Left will appreci- churning with Achuthanandan’s order to “expunge” the endorse- the budget)... 12 times and this ate anyone who speaks against statement. IANS ment “offload” on her passport is the only such record in the and also issue an order to set country. My life is an open book. aside the lookout circular against People know me very well for the onus is on the person who has lev- blackmail”. “The opposition is her at the earliest. past 50 years. I will be presenting elled the allegation to come out promoting this and they will have Pillai was invited by British my 13th budget. Some people told with the evidence,” Mani said. to pay a heavy price. They say MPs to talk about her cam- me about the unlucky number 13, Mani said though he has sent they will not allow me to present paigning with local communities but for me 13 is lucky,” said Mani, a legal notice to Ramesh, he was my budget,” he said. in Mahan in Madhya Pradesh, who will turn 82 on Friday. waiting to go ahead with further Mani’s comment came before where a proposed coal mining “The allegation is meant to legal action at the appropriate the United Democratic Front project is threatening to uproot malign me and the audio tape time. He said it has been nearly meets today to discuss the actions the lives and livelihood of the for- (of discussions between the bar three months since the “baseless” of alliance leader R Balakrishna est community. owner and some politicians) that allegation was made. Pillai, who was heard on the audio The high court recently ordered came out in the media is a fabri- “I am waiting for him to come tape telling Ramesh to approach the central government to unblock cated one,” he said. out with more allegations. I the CBI and not to leave Mani. Rs1.87 crore of Greenpeace India “I know this is a political con- can’t be fighting numerous cases Mani did not answer questions that was frozen. spiracy against me and I know against one person. At the appro- on whether he will ask for the The funds were blocked by the who the perpetrators are. The priate time, I will go forward removal of Pillai’s party Kerala Reserve Bank of India following a Congress-led UDF is giving me legally,” he said. Congress-B from the UDF and June 2014 home ministry directive all support. I am not a coward to Mani also hit out at the Left also chose to ignore statements Artists show their acrobatic skills during a performance as part of the that the NGO challenged in court. run away,” the minister added. opposition, saying what was hap- made by his party vice chairman 2015 Lokrang Fair in Bhopal. IANS “The law is very clear that the pening against him was “sheer PC George. IANS WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

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Today Thursday Friday Weather Conditions: Clear Partly cloudy Clear Misty to foggy at places at first becomes moderate High: 26° High: 25° High: 25° temperature Low: 15° Low: 18° Low: 18° daytime with some clouds and relatively cold by night.

DOHA - SUN & SEA SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 06:19 17:15 00:00 & 10:15 05:00 & 17:45 03-12/15 KT

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MUSCAT 25/20 Clear 25/21 Clear MAKKAH 36/23 Clear 37/23 Clear KUWAIT 28/12 Partly cloudy 31/15 Clear BAHRAIN 27/16 Clear 27/17 Clear Giant Panda mom Mei Xiang (left) and her cub Bao Bao play at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington yesterday after a blizzard dumped snow SANAA 25/07 Clear 25/06 Clear across the northeastern United States. RIYADH 31/16 Clear 31/17 Clear DUBAI 28/15 Clear 31/16 Clear BAGHDAD 20/12 Partly cloudy 23/09 Clear Messaging app THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW Oldest known star with HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER hides pictures ATHENS 14/08 Partly cloudy 14/08 Chance of showers in plain site on WASHINGTON 02/-5 Clear 05/00 Chance of snow SYDNEY 24/14 Partly cloudy 26/15 Clear Earth-like planets found LONDON 11/02 Chance of rain 06/02 Chance of showers MIAMI: International astron- Facebook PARIS 10/04 Chance of rain 07/03 Chance of rain omers yesterday said they had SAN FRANCISCO: Snoop- ISTANBUL 08/06 Chance of rain 11/07 Partly cloudy discovered the oldest known Big asteroid that skimmed thwarting messaging application MANILA 29/22 Partly cloudy 29/23 Partly cloudy star in a distant galaxy encir- Wickr yesterday began letting DHAKA 28/18 Clear 24/13 Partly cloudy cled by five Earth-sized planets, Apple mobile gadget users hide DELHI 16/07 Clear 16/08 Clear signalling that planets formed Earth has its own moon: Nasa pictures in plain site on their ISLAMABAD 15/02 Clear 16/04 Clear throughout the history of the MIAMI: An unusually large asteroid that just skimmed by Earth Facebook pages. universe. had its own moon, Nasa said yesterday as the US space agency Wickr Timed Feed (WTF) The system is 11.2 billion years released its first radar images of the flyby. hosts pictures in a way that keeps old and was born near the dawn The asteroid known as 2004 BL86 made its closest approach late them in the control of those doing of the galaxy, said the report in on Monday at a distance about three times further than Earth’s the posting, and the service gath- Twitter rolls out group the Astrophysical Journal. own Moon. ers no data about images, accord- The star has been named Radar images from Nasa’s Deep Space Network antenna in ing to co-founder Nico Sell. Kepler-444, since it was found Goldstone, California show that the asteroid itself was about 150 Posted pictures self- chat and video features with the help of Nasa’s planet- metres smaller than expected, and measured about 325 metres across. destruct after 24 hours. “This hunting Kepler spacecraft. The asteroid’s small moon was approximately 70 metres across. is truly a breakthrough,” Sell SAN FRANCISCO: Twitter sharing of videos 30-seconds or Its five planets are a bit smaller Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield called the discovery “strangely said. “Essentially, this is our yesterday began rolling out new less in length. than the Earth. They circle their delightful,” and wondered on Twitter: “Who gets to name it?” Instagram-killer.” group chat and video features as “In just a few taps you can add Sun-like star in less than 10 The asteroid was already unusual because it was about 10 times Wickr has been downloaded it worked to ramp up use of the a video to unfolding conversa- days, at a distance smaller than bigger than most near-Earth objects, which range from 15 to 30 more than five million times in one-to-many messaging service. tions, share your perspective of one-tenth the distance between metres in diameter. 196 countries since the start-up “Private conversations on a live event, and show your eve- the Earth and Sun — making Nasa said that about 16 percent of asteroids in 2004 BL86’s size cat- launched in 2012, according to Sell. Twitter are a great complement ryday moments instantly, with- them too hot to be habitable. egory — meaning those that are 200 metres or larger — are “binary,” The ultra-private messag- to the largely public experience out ever having to leave the app,” But the sheer age of the star meaning there is a primary asteroid with a smaller asteroid moon ing application lets people share on the platform,” product director Kamdar said. has stunned astronomers. orbiting it. messages or pictures that are Jinen Kamdar, whose handle is @ Twitter’s application for At a distance of 117 light-years Some even have two moons. encrypted in a way that doesn’t jinen, said in an online post. iPhones will also let people from Earth, Kepler-444 is two The odd couple of 2004 BL86 and its moon will not come this way even let Wickr see them. “The group function lets you upload video from camera rolls and a half times older than our again for another two centuries, astronomers say. People also set how long they start conversations with any of on devices, and that capability is solar system, which is 4.5 billion The next big space rock known to be heading this way is asteroid want messages to last before your followers and they don’t all to be available soon on Android- years old. 1999 AN10, which Nasa said should fly past Earth in 2027. AFP self-destructing. need to follow one another in powered smartphones. “We’ve never seen anything like Versions of the application have order to chat.” The new features will roll out this — it is such an old star and distant planet’s age using a tech- Kepler-444 is very bright and can been released for Android and Twitter allows users to send to all Twitter users in coming the large number of small plan- nique called asteroseismology, be easily seen with binoculars. Apple mobile devices as well as for direct messages to one another; weeks. ets make it very special,” said co- which measures the oscillations “We now know that Earth-size computers powered by Macintosh, the new feature expands that Twitter last week updated its author Daniel Huber from the of the host star caused by sound planets have formed throughout Windows or Linux software. capability to allow shared feeds to give users a recap of University of Sydney’s School of waves trapped within it. most of the universe’s 13.8-bil- WTF was added to the free exchanges involving as many as tweets missed while not connected Physics. These waves lead to small lion-year history,” said lead Wickr application made for Apple 20 people, according to Kamdar. to the messaging platform. The “It is extraordinary that such pulses in the star’s brightness, author Tiago Campante from the devices. The Twitter application for service last week also announced an ancient system of terrestrial- which can be analyzed to measure University of Birmingham. “We are taking a very complex smartphones has also been modi- a partnership with Microsoft sized planets formed when the its diameter, mass and age. “Which could provide scope for spy tool, adding a joke and making fied to allow people to easily cap- Bing to translate tweets in some universe was just starting out, at Co-author Steve Kawaler, an the existence of ancient life in the it something my kids are going to ture, edit and share videos. 40 “language pairs.” a fifth its current age,” he added. Iowa State University professor galaxy.” use a hundred times a day,” Sell The new feature allows for AFP Astronomers can measure a of physics and astronomy, said AFP said. Wickr lets people post pictures at leading social network Facebook but, in a twist, uses an old-time spy technique called “steganography.” Sell describes steganography as the art of hiding messages in plain PJ Harvey hopes glass room will reflect history sight. When Wickr pictures are posted to Facebook, what appears LONDON: A r t r o c k e r PJ H a r v e y During a month-long run, “It wasn’t just a coffee break.” at the social network are adorable hopes that recording inside a “Recording in Progress” will let In the programme interview — kitten photos instead of the per- glassed room at Somerset House some 2,000 people watch Harvey with Michael Morris, co-director sonal images being shared. in central London will help draw and a cast of musicians, producers of Artangel, which commissioned Friends with Wickr apps on the likes of Elizabeth I, who and engineers through one-way the show — Harvey says she likes installed can double-click on kit- lived on its grounds before she glass in 45-minute visits. Somerset House’s riverside loca- ten pictures to see what was actu- was queen, and Oliver Cromwell, There are no guarantees tion and history. ally shared online. Those not in who lay in state there. what spectators will see. Emilie Before hosting a range of gov- a person’s Wickr circle, however, A select group of visitors lucky Vansuypeene, a 35-year-old musi- ernment offices, the original will only see baby cats. enough to get tickets will watch cian from Lille, France, was “pre- Somerset House, built in the 16th Even Facebook servers cannot Harvey, one of England’s most pared to see people arguing for 50 century, was a residence of the see the real shared pictures, offer- original pop artists, chipping away minutes over one note”. British throne. ing no opportunity to save copies, at the coal face of music creation. Through windows on two sides “All that history will fuel me target ads, collect data or anything Polly Jean Harvey, who has bal- of a bright white room, a few dozen and help tap into a different level else, according to Sell. anced eclecticism and mainstream people watched Harvey, dressed of consciousness,” said Harvey, Wickr chose kittens because the popularity in a career spanning head-to-toe in black, seated who also paints, draws, sculpts and Internet is rife with cat photos, two decades, is recording her ninth amidst a forest of sharp-angled writes poetry. and it seemed in keeping with the album at the arts and cultural microphone stands and a sea of Artangel’s Morris said the exhi- spy lore to hide images behind a centre on the River Thames in a cables snaking across the floor. bition had exceeded all expecta- type of picture popular online. celebration of the process of mak- She played saxophone while tions in terms of spectators’ Worries about snooping by ing art rather than the product. others played guitar, drums, sax- reactions. criminals, spies or governments “I want it to operate as if we’re ophone and bass clarinet over a “I had a hunch that it would have fueled interest in Wickr, an exhibition in an art gallery,” track that seemed not to belong be a layered and complex experi- according to Sell. Harvey said in an interview for to any of the songs whose lyrics ence,” Morris said. “But I think “We are the only secure mes- a programme accompanying the were hung on the wall. it’s worked out even richer than saging app that has not had a suc- installation, tickets for which sold “It was an interesting passage,” imagined.” A file photo of British art rocker PJ Harvey. cessful attack,” she said. “We are out in less than half an hour. Vansuypeene said afterwards. REUTERS the last man standing.” AFP Wednesday 28 January 2015 8 Rabial II 1436 Volume 19 Number 6324 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 No change in spending despite oil fall: Minister Qatar keen to establish strong partnership with US firms

WASHINGTON: H E Sheikh common interest between Qatar or investment in infrastructure.” Mohamed bin Hamad bin and the United States. Nearly $200bn has been approved Khalifa Al Thani, who is lead- Sheikh Mohammed along for various development projects ing a Qatari delegation to US, with the Qatari delegation also until 2022, he added. yesterday visited the venue attended a dinner hosted by the He explained that these alloca- of the City Center project in American Chamber of Commerce tions would focus on transporta- Washington DC and was given and the US-Qatar Business tion projects and infrastructure, a detailed presentation by the Council with more than 250 including the railway network, officials of Qatari Diar in USA. guests in attendance, including the new port, health, education Sheikh Mohamed was accom- members of the US Congress, sen- and sports facilities, including panied during the visit by Qatar ior business officials and Qatar’s the establishment of 2022 FIFA Investment Authority CEO H E Ambassador to the United States World Cup stadiums. Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed of America H E Mohammed bin Qatar has important invest- bin Saud Al Thani. Jaham Al Kuwari. ments in the United States and Sheikh Mohamed also paid a In a welcome speech, Al Emadi has plans to increase these invest- visit to Georgetown University, stressed Qatar’s keenness on ments over the next five years where he met the president establishing strong partnerships to exceed $35bn, Al Emadi said, of the university. The meeting with US companies to enhance adding that these investments are was attended by the Minister of the implementation of a range of aimed at various economic fields Finance H E Ali Sherif Al Emadi, development projects in Qatar. such as energy, technology and Qatar Central Bank Governor H The Minister of Finance noted real estate. E Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al Qatar’s commitment to the The Minister of Finance also Thani, and the CEO of QIA. implementation of development met a number of students and The Qatari delegation also goals in infrastructure, educa- officials at Georgetown University met Tom Price, member of the tion and health sectors, and said: and the American University in US House of Representatives “Despite the decline in oil prices, Washington, where he provided and Chairman of the House Qatar will continue the path of an overview of the future vision of The Minister of Finance H E Ali Sherif Al Emadi (right) and QCB Governor H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al Thani Budget Committee, and discussed development and there will be no Qatar and answered their queries. at the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC, yesterday. with him a number of topics of change in fiscal policy on spending QNA QIC profits rise to over QR1bn in 2014 Economy strong: QIF DOHA: A sustained oil price sector weighting rose from 41.0 downturn is likely to result in percent in Q3 2014 to 52.0 percent DOHA: Qatar Insurance recommendation will be raised has met its strategic objectives in reflecting an increase of 37 considerable capital expenditure in Q4 2014. Qatar National Bank Company (QIC) has reported a at the General Assembly meet- 2014. I am confident that 2015 will percent on the previous year. downsizing of strategic projects remains QIF’s largest holding at significant growth in its annual ing which will take place at Four bring continued success.” Investment income and other in the GCC. Given the sizeable 17.7 percent of net asset value, profit to over QR1bn for the year Seasons Hotel on February 17, The audited financial state- revenues were QR1.03bn, pro- investment by the government, followed by Commercial Bank of ended December 31, 2014 which 2015 at 4pm. ment highlight that the group viding an increase of 43 percent Qatar’s capex pipeline may be Qatar at 9.4 percent. is up 33 percent compared to The company held its board has grown its asset base to on the previous year. relatively resilient, the Qatar- Industrials sector remain the 2013, according to a statement meeting yesterday which was QR16bn from QR11.6bn in 2013, The 2014 year was marked focused GCC equity investment second largest exposure at 16.8 yesterday. presided over by Sheikh Khalid while maintaining robust lev- by the successful expansion of Fund “Qatar Investment Fund percent of net asset value (NAV). With the strong performance, bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani, els of profitability, liquidity and the group’s international busi- (QIF)” noted yesterday. The allocation to industrials the company’s board has rec- Chairman of the Board and market capitalisation. Gross writ- ness which currently accounts The current slump in energy decreased from 22 percent in ommended distribution of cash Managing Director of QIC. He ten premiums for 2014 reached for approximately 60 percent of prices might not affect the nation Q32014 to 16.8 percent in Q42014. dividend of 25 percent from the said: “I wish to thank the members QR5.61bn, reflecting a year-on- its overall gross written premi- too adversely as Qatar’s long Industries Qatar remained the share par value -- QR2.5 for of the Board, the Group’s manage- year increase of 59 percent over ums. Through the acquisition of term strategic gas sale contracts largest holding in the industrial each share and bonus shares of ment team and its employees, all the same period in 2013. Antares Holdings Ltd, a specialist should mean less price volatility. sector at 6.6 percent of NAV. 15 percent of the share capital (3 of whom have played an impor- Net underwriting result insurance and reinsurance group Compared to other GCC nations, On Qatar’s economic outlook, shares for each 20 shares). The tant role in ensuring the Group for the year was QR664m, operating in the Lloyd’s insurance Qatar is in a better position to the QIF analysts said: “While a market, and the establishment withstand lower oil prices, as it large chunk of government spend- of a fully-owned Malta-based enjoys one of the lowest per barrel ing is allocated to urban, utilities subsidiary, QIC Europe Ltd, the budget costs, the QIF said. and transport projects, a signifi- group has further expanded its The Fund, however, decreased cant amount is committed to the global footprint. its real estate exposure in Q4 2014, FIFA 2022 World Cup and ancil- QIC Europe Ltd is poised to reducing exposure to two major lary projects. Widespread infra- become a strategic platform for real estate companies, and real- structure spending remains the the group for the underwriting located the cash into other sec- engine of Qatar’s growth potential, of risks situated throughout the tors, mainly in the banking sector. as these contracts help economic European Economic Area. “This move has yielded positive activity in related industries.” Group President and CEO results for the portfolio, as these The growing population, Khalifa Abdulla Turki Al Subaey two stocks corrected significantly helped by an influx of expa- said: “The group’s net profit by 18.7 percent and 30.1 percent triates, should help domestic after minority interest in 2014 respectively, during final quarter. demand, notably in sectors such was QR1,001m, representing an The company’s weighting in tel- as financial services, consumer, increase of 33 percent over the ecom, transportation and insur- transport and communications, previous year. This impressive ance was broadly unchanged”. and tourism. Hence the Fund result reflects the group’s contin- The Fund remains positive on favours selected banking and ued growth and stability, arising Qatari banks because the infra- consumer-driven companies. from the ongoing diversification of structure development plans “The recent correction in the its underwriting operations, and announced by the government Qatari market gives fresh entry the strong investment perform- are expected to support lending points for long term investors The QIC Board of Directors at a meeting in Doha yesterday. ance achieved in 2014.” activity, from which domestic seeking robust earnings growth THE PENINSULA banks will benefit. potential and attractive dividend The QIF’s banking and financial yields.” THE PENINSULA Transparency, best disclosure practices key for QE: Official

DOHA: The failure of some companies to from the Qatar Financial Markets Authority achieve their corporate objectives in the long provide information in English and Arabic; (QFMA), Qatar Central Securities Depository term and enhance confidence in the financial and the difficulty in reaching out to com- (QCSD) and the listed companies. market among the various categories of inves- munication officials of listed companies Opening the meeting, Qatar Exchange CEO tors,” Al Mansoori stated. are some of the key issues that stand in Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori stressed the impor- Nasser Abdul Ghani, QE’s Market and the way of transparency and disclosures of tance of disclosure and transparency in the Operations Control Director, also briefed the listed companies, a senior official of Qatar financial market. He said listed companies in participants on the best disclosure practices Exchange (QE) said yesterday. Qatar have made great strides in the imple- and stated that the aim of the meeting is to Attending a consultative meeting on QE’s dis- mentation of international standards in terms promote cooperation and coordination between closure practices, the official noted that there of disclosure and transparency. This has made communication officers of the listed companies is lack of commitment by some companies to great impact on the companies’ success in gain- and the representatives of QFMA, QCSD, and announce disclosure dates. Inaccuracy, ambi- ing investors’ confidence and ensure healthy, QE for the best interest of investors. guity and incomplete information related to transparent and fair trading environment. The best way to reach this objective is through financial statements, projects, acquisitions, and “What matters to investors primarily is exchanging views and listening to suggestions corporate activities that may impact the stock the access to information, and the best way from the participants in order to overcome the price in the market are among other issues to do that is to invest in modern technology difficulties encountered in the application of the Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori addressing the consultative meeting on QE’s stand in the way of transparency, he said. through developing the websites and social best disclosure practices in the market,” Abdul disclosure practices yesterday. The meeting was attended by representatives media outlets of listed companies in order to Ghani added. THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Minister meets London Mayor Qafac to launch Qatar bourse one of world’s largest CO2 capture facilities index gains DOHA: Qatar Fuel Additives Company Ltd (Qafac) will host an inaugural event to celebrate the official launch of one of the world’s largest commercial- scale carbon dioxide (CO2) cap- 84.41 points ture facilities. A major environmental achievement in Qatar’s energy sector, the state-of-the-art plant Dubai, Abu Dhabi slip; Egypt rallies promises to recover and reproc- ess an astounding 500 tonnes of DOHA: Qatar Exchange index 84.00 riyals. All other stocks in carbon dioxide per day. gained 84.41 points or 0.71 per- the beaten-down sector also rose. To celebrate the launch, Qafac cent as it closed yesterday Banks also did well after will host a special event on at 11,920.48 points from the Kuwait’s Global brokerage February 9, in the historic Katara previous closing of 11,836.07. issued a bullish report on the Village. Many key members of Among the top gainers were Saudi banking sector, saying The Minister of Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani met with Head of the City the energy sector will be present Commercial Bank whose share recent regulations restricting of London, Mayor Lord Alderman Alan Yarrow in Doha yesterday. The meeting dealt with relations between including, H E Dr Mohammed was up 1.52 percent to QR66.90, consumer-related fees would bin Saleh Al Sada, the Minister the two countries and ways to develop them. Doha Insurance was up 2.29 have only a short-term negative of Energy and Industry; and to QR26.75, Doha Bank rose impact on banks’ profitability. Hamad Rashid Al Mohannadi, 1.55 percent to QR59.10 and Samba Financial Group and Saudi CEO of RasGas Company Ltd and Vodafone Qatar added 2.73 per- Fransi rose 3.2 and 6.2 percent Chairman of Qafac. cent to QR15.41. respectively. Speaking about this signifi- Industries Qatar, the Gulf’s Other Gulf markets were cant milestone, Nasser Jeham Al second-largest petrochemicals weaker. Kuwait edged down Athens stock market plunges Kuwari, CEO of Qafac, said: “We firm, rose 1.7 percent and was the 0.7 percent after the country’s remain steadfast in achieving the main support for Doha’s index. finance ministry revealed a draft LONDON: Anxiety over by the beginning of a quantitative In New York, the Dow slumped sustainable development goals as Gulf International Services, budget for the next fiscal year Greece’s new anti-austerity lead- easing program by the European more than two percent in mid- outlined in the Qatar’s National whose business includes provid- starting in April, which projects a ership and unexpectedly poor US Central Bank,” said Jasper Lawler, morning trade following a raft Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) and ing drilling rigs and other services big deficit and a 17.8 percent drop performance data weighed down an analyst at CMC Markets UK. of mostly weak earnings reports Qatar’s National Development to oil and gas companies, jumped in spending from the original plan European stock markets yester- “Banking stocks led the declines from big companies and a surpris- Strategy. Through pursuit of excel- 3 percent. for the current 2014/15 year. day, analysts said. in a delayed reaction to the risk ing drop in durable goods orders. lence in technology and innovation, Shares in Masraf Al Rayan, Bourses in Dubai and Abu Frankfurt’s DAX 30 index sank posed by their Greek counterparts Near 1600 GMT, the Dow we are proud to launch our state- Qatar’s second-largest bank by Dhabi slipped 0.1 percent each. 1.57 percent to close at 10,628.58 on a possible Grexit,” he added, Jones Industrial Average stood of-the-art carbon dioxide recov- market value, rose 1 percent after Union Properties tumbled 5.8 points, while in Paris the CAC referring to the spectre of Greece at 17,320.29, down 2.03 percent. ery plant. This achievement will it reported a 21.2 percent rise in percent after its 2014 profit fell 40 shed 1.09 percent to 4,624.21 being forced to leave the eurozone. The broad-based S&P 500 sank advance the country’s development fourth-quarter net profit. 45.6 percent and revenues more points. London’s benchmark FTSE Shares in Germany’s Deutsche 1.60 percent to 2,024.24, while the in the energy sector while provid- Ooredoo fell 1.4 percent after than halved. Arabtec, on the other 100 index of top companies edged Bank plunged 3.39 percent, while tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index ing a sustainable environment for brokerage NBK Capital on hand, surged 5.2 percent after down 0.6 percent to end the day at in France Societe Generale lost plummeted 2.09 percent to 4,671.83. future generations to thrive.” Monday downgraded the stock to the bourse said its main share- 6,811.61 points, as investors digested 2.3 percent and Britain’s RBS was New orders for long-lasting The facility will capture CO2 “hold”, citing increasing competi- holder, Abu Dhabi fund Aabar data showing Britain’s economic off 1.77 percent. industrial goods fell 3.4 percent from combustion exhaust gas emit- tion faced by its foreign units and Investments, had received regu- growth slowed to 0.5 percent in New Greek Prime Minister in December, signalling some ted from the methanol reformer political instability in Iraq, where latory approval to buy a further the fourth quarter of 2014. Alexis Tsipras unveiled his anti- persistent weakness in the man- process, and inject it into its exist- the company also operates. 100 million shares. It is not clear The Athens stock market austerity coalition administration, ufacturing sector, according to ing methanol plant to enhance the Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s pet- from whom the shares would be plunged more than six percent bringing together his radical left- Commerce Department data. production capacity. As a result, rochemicals sector surged after bought. before recovering slightly at the wing party with a small party on In foreign exchange activ- the plant will reprocess the equiva- Opec’s secretary-general said oil Egypt rose 1.1 percent to a fresh close as investors fretted over the nationalist right, after a stun- ity, the European single cur- lent of CO2 emitted from 32,000 prices might have bottomed out 6-1/2-year closing high of 9,947 whether the new radical left gov- ning election win that sent shock- rency bounced to $1.1368, having cars a year, on a daily basis. and warned of a jump to $200 a points. Property firms Medinet ernment will renege on Greece’s waves through Europe. hit Monday an 11-year low of Established in 1991, Qafac con- barrel if investment in new sup- Nasr Housing and Development international bailout. The main The appointment of radi- $1.1098. Most Asian stock mar- tinues to uphold its mission to plies became too low. and Heliopolis Housing led gains, Athex index had tumbled 3.2 per- cal left-wing economist Yanis kets climbed on hopes Greece’s be an international producer of The main Saudi stock index surging 4.7 percent and 3.9 per- cent the previous day on news Varoufakis as his finance minister new government will be able to methanol, its high-value deriva- jumped 2.4 percent in the heavi- cent respectively as Egypt’s cen- that anti-austerity party Syriza was seen as a signal that the new negotiate a bailout deal with the tives and butane sub-products, est trade this month, as shares in tral bank continued its gradual had won the Greek election. government will take a hard line EU and IMF that will prevent it in a safe and environmentally petrochemicals giant Saudi Basic depreciation of the pound. “Gravity took hold... after sev- in haggling over Greece’s ¤240bn from leaving the eurozone. friendly manner. Industries surged 6.4 percent to QNA/REUTERS eral days of huge gains inspired ($269bn) EU-IMF package. AFP THE PENINSULA

Gulf Air completes retrofit of A330 fleet US Fed begins policy meeting; Oil prices jump 3pc NEW YORK: Oil prices jumped by 3 percent yesterday as a weaker rate hike looms dollar propped up commodities priced in the currency, prompting short-covering in a market that has sold off with little pause over WASHINGTON: The Federal the past seven months. Reserve opened its first mon- The market rallied despite expectations of another large build in U.S. etary policy meeting of the year crude stocks last week, and surprised some traders. But others said yesterday to take the pulse of the they did not think oil was on the cusp of an extended recovery due to US economy and mull the first nagging worries about the global oversupply in crude. interest rate hike since 2006. An updated Reuters poll showed US crude inventories rose 4.1 mil- The Federal Open Market lion barrels, on average, in the week to January 23. That added to the Committee, the central bank’s previous week’s build of over 10 million barrels, the biggest in 14 years, policy arm, gathered as a pow- to the highest level on record for this time of year. erful snowstorm blanketed the Benchmark Brent crude settled up $1.44, or 3 percent, at $49.60 a Northeast, grinding activities to a barrel after rallying to just a penny short of $50. The last time Brent halt, in a reminder of the unusually was at $50 was on January 22. US crude futures finished up $1.08, or severe winter weather in the first 2.4 percent, at $46.23 a barrel, after a session peak at $46.55. quarter of 2014 that helped to push The dollar retreated from an 11-year high in the previous session, the economy into contraction. falling about 1 percent to the euro after weaker-than-expected orders The world’s largest economy Gulf Air yesterday hosted media members on an exclusive tour of its newly retrofitted Airbus A330 aircraft for US durable goods in December. has since been back on the growth – upgraded with fully-flat bed seats in the airline’s Falcon Gold Class, revamped seats in Economy Class Oil prices have slumped nearly 60 percent since peaking in June. path, putting in a robust five per- and a state-of-the-art in-flight-entertainment system throughout. The retrofit was launched on four Airbus Opec Secretary-General Abdullah Al Badri said on Monday that prices cent expansion in the third quar- may have bottomed after the seven-month selloff, and warned of a A330s in the first quarter of 2014, with three key partners: Avianor, Zodiac Aerospace and BEAerospace. The ter that is expected to slow to 3.2 possible spike to $200 a barrel. REUTERS retrofitted aircraft will mainly service Gulf Air’s London Heathrow T4 and Bangkok routes. percent in the fourth quarter, but still leaving the US a relative bright spot among developed economies. After months of mostly posi- tive data — in December, the US unemployment rate fell to 5.6 percent and consumer con- Gulf states may need to rethink policies: Official fidence rebounded — weak spots have emerged. Job growth slowed DUBAI: Gulf Arab oil states up with the United States — but tightening process, how fast and week to gauge its resolve to start we apparently keep missing the but remained solid; wages sagged, may need to rethink longstand- raising interest rates while Gulf how persistent they will be.” raising rates mid-way through cycle. And it looks like the sync barely keeping up with inflation; ing economic policies, including economies are slowing could hurt Alkhater stressed in the paper, the year, as consumer prices have with the US is going to weaken and retail sales plunged broadly in their fixed exchange rates, over growth further. presented at the Arab Centre dropped despite strong economic further and further.” a critical month for stores. the next five to 10 years as eco- GCC economies performed well for Research and Policy Studies momentum. Alkhater added: “The solution Data released yesterday kept nomic cycles in the region and during much of the global finan- in Doha, that it represented his “Qatar still has space over is to rethink how to reform the up the barrage of mixed signals. the United States diverge, a cial crisis as the US economy personal academic view as a mon- the short run to keep interest macro policy framework in the Consumer confidence, an indica- senior Qatar Central Bank offi- slumped. Now, the US economy etary policy specialist, and not the rates at the current level, even region over the medium term to tor of how willing consumers are cial said in a research paper. is expanding strongly as GCC official view of Qatar’s central after the Fed starts to raise the next decade. That is to adopt to opening their wallets, soared in The six nations in the Gulf economies risk slowing because bank in any way. rates, since it kept its rate much a more flexible monetary policy January to its highest level since Cooperation Council (GCC) have of the plunge of oil prices. The Brent oil price has tumbled higher than the Fed policy rate,” framework to allow for a more 2007, according to the Conference pegged their currencies to the US Markets believe the Federal nearly $70 since June to nearly Alkhater said. appropriate policy mix of fis- Board. In the housing sector, the dollar — or in the case of Kuwait, Reserve may start raising interest six-year lows below $50 per bar- Qatar’s central bank has kept cal, monetary and exchange rate Commerce Department said new- a peg to a basket of currencies rates this year, and this “is com- rel, clouding the outlook for the its key overnight deposit rate at policies.” home sales picked up sharply in that is believed to be dominated ing at the wrong time for the GCC GCC states, where government 0.75 percent since August 2011, He did not give details of policy December from November, and were by the dollar — to stabilise them. countries. There is considerable income from hydrocarbon sales above the Fed funds target rate reforms that he would like to see. up 8.8 percent from a year ago. But in recent years the GCC uncertainty here with the oil price powers economic growth. of 0-0.25 percent. In 2013, Alkhater cited The FOMC’s post-meeting economies have moved more out and the Fed,” Khalid Alkhater, the “Low enough oil prices — below Alkhater said, however, that Singapore’s currency regime as an statement today will be pored of sync with the United States, as Qatar Central Bank’s Director of the average break-even price for GCC central banks would ulti- example which Gulf states could over for clues to the central the pegs press GCC policymakers Research and Monetary Policy, GCC budgets — for a long enough mately follow the Fed under any consider adopting. The Qatar cen- bank’s thinking on the timing for to mirror the US central bank’s said in a research paper seen by period — spanning the medium scenario, as they had always done tral bank governor told Reuters at the first interest rate hike since decisions even if trends at home Reuters. term through 2017 or beyond — in the past. the time that the country might 2006. The Fed has kept its key call for the contrary. “If the low oil price persists in can aggravate the status of the “This more than four-dec- change its dollar peg in the long- federal funds rate pegged between As long as they have currency the medium term and the Fed cycles between the two sides ades-old uni-instrument, uni- term future, when the economy zero and 0.25 percent since late pegs to the dollar, the Gulf States starts to raise interest rates, i.e. widen the potential gap,” tool macropolicy framework, in had become less dependent on 2008 to support the economy’s could face destabilising capital that might contribute to eco- Alkhater said. my opinion, is no longer suitable hydrocarbons and local financial recovery from the deep 2008-2009 outflows or inflows if they allow nomic slowdown in the GCC. Markets will watch the Fed’s to manage the economic cycle in markets had deepened. recession. AFP large interest rate gaps to open But it depends on the pace of the interest rate-setting meeting this today’s GCC economies, because REUTERS WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Asian airlines slash fuel surcharges Fares may rise to maintain margins

SYDNEY/SINGAPORE: competition. At least two con- Asian airlines are slashing fuel sumer groups are crying foul. surcharges as oil prices hover Earlier this month, the Australian at six-year lows, but passengers Competition and Consumer hoping for cheaper tickets will Commission said it would inves- be disappointed as carriers are tigate airlines suspected of mis- likely to bump up fares to main- leading consumers through fuel tain margins. surcharges. Choice Australia also Australia’s Qantas Airways Ltd criticised airlines for what it called became the latest airline to elimi- “dodgy surcharges”. nate the surcharge yesterday, but “Most people would expect the at the same time said it was rais- cost of fuel to be included in the ing base fares as oil was not cheap base price of a ticket. Stripping enough to offset the impact of com- out part of the fuel cost and call- petition on international routes. ing it a surcharge was little more Aviation experts say other than a communications ploy dur- airlines are likely to follow suit, ing the discounting airfare war,” because any drop in ticket prices Choice Australia said. An Aer Lingus aeroplane taxiis before take-off at Dublin airport yesterday. would erode profit margins Qantas’ decision to axe fuel which, globally, are as low as $6 surcharges came a day after a passenger. “During the 2008 Malaysia’s AirAsia Bhd, Asia’s financial crisis, for example, low largest low-cost group, said Aer Lingus backs IAG’s €1.35bn takeover bid demand meant that airlines lost “removing fuel surcharges and money despite the fuel costs,” said reducing travel costs will be a huge LONDON: Irish carrier Aer the board of Aer Lingus and the “IAG believes that the proposal North Atlantic with American Brendan Sobie of aviation consul- boost to the tourism industry”. Lingus yesterday backed a receipt of irrevocable commit- would secure and strengthen Aer Airlines. tancy CAPA. Philippine Airlines Inc and ¤1.35bn ($1.51bn) takeover bid ments from Ryanair Limited Lingus’s brand and long term Aer Lingus had already snubbed “Last year in Southeast Asia, Cebu Air Inc also removed from International Airlines and the Minister for Finance of future within a successful and two previous takeover offers from airlines faced an unsustainable surcharges last month, while Group, parent of British Ireland to accept the offer,” Aer profitable European airline group, IAG, pitched at ¤2.30 and ¤2.40 situation with low fares and high Taiwan’s China Airlines Ltd and Airways and Iberia, in a deal Lingus said. offering significant benefits to a share. fuel prices. Fuel costs may have Eva Airways Corp have cut sur- aimed at slashing costs. “IAG has indicated that it would both Aer Lingus and its custom- Irish low-cost rival Ryanair come down but fares remain low. charges about 40 percent over the Aer Lingus announced in a only proceed with its third proposal ers,” the company said. is meanwhile the biggest single Ticket prices need to be higher for past six months. Qatar Airways is statement that its board was with an indication from the board The deal would also allow shareholder in Aer Lingus and has airlines to make money.” planning to cut surcharges, and “willing to recommend” IAG’s of Aer Lingus that it would be will- Aer Lingus to benefit from “the itself made three failed attempts Airlines started adding fuel Emirates Airline last week said improved proposal — its third ing to recommend the financial scale of being part of the larger to buy the airline since 2007. surcharges onto fares in 2004 it was considering likewise. since December — subject to cer- terms of the revised proposal. IAG group”. Ryanair owns about 30 percent in response to rising oil prices. Singapore Airlines Ltd (SIA), on tain conditions. “Having considered this It added: “IAG recognises the and the Irish state’s holding is Brent crude oil futures , how- the other hand, said it would con- The Dublin-based airline request, the board has indicated importance of direct air serv- one-quarter of Aer Lingus. ever, have fallen some 60 percent tinue to levy its surcharge, which is announced the news one day after to IAG that the financial terms ices and air route connectivity IAG chief executive Willie since mid-2014 and Singapore jet among the highest in Asia. revealing IAG had submitted a are at a level at which it would be for investment and tourism in Walsh meanwhile was boss of fuel prices, a key regional bench- Flag carrier PT Garuda sweetened proposal worth ¤2.55 willing to recommend, subject to Ireland and intends to engage Aer Lingus between 2001 and mark, have dropped by about Indonesia (Persero) Tbk is per share, comprising ¤2.50 in being satisfied with the manner with the Irish government in 2005, before he took the reins at half from a year earlier. equally determined to stick to cash and a dividend of ¤0.05 per in which IAG proposes to address order to secure its support for British Airways. Cheaper oil could result in air- the surcharge. Its chief financial share. The deal now hinges on its the interests of relevant parties.” the transaction.” BA and Iberia subsequently line profits increasing by $5bn officer said there was little incen- major shareholders Ryanair and In a separate statement, The company wants Aer merged in 2011 in a tie-up aimed to $25bn this year, but profit tive to cut fares when rivals like the Irish government. London-listed IAG declared it Lingus to join the oneworld air- at cutting costs amid a painful per passenger will rise by just Singapore Airlines and Korean “The revised proposal remains would operate Aer Lingus as a line alliance — which includes economic downturn that boosted $1 to $7, showed estimates from Air Lines Co Ltd continue to conditional on, amongst other separate business, with its own British Airways and Iberia — demand for low-cost competitors the International Air Transport charge the same, regardless of things, confirmatory due dili- brand, management and opera- and become part of a joint busi- and sparked steep losses for tra- Association, because of intense oil prices. REUTERS gence, the recommendation of tions, should the takeover go ahead. ness that IAG operates over the ditional carriers. AFP

Foreign tourists spend more in Spain Turkey sees British economy grew inflation at last year, say data

LONDON: Britain’s economy from the economic storm, with 45-year low grew in 2014 at the fastest the fastest growth of any major annual pace since before the economy in 2014,” said Finance ISTANBUL: Turkey’s central financial crisis, despite a fourth- Minister George Osborne. bank said yesterday that infla- quarter slowdown, official data “But the international climate tion could sink to its lowest in showed yesterday in a pre-elec- is getting worse, and with 100 days 45 years, pushed down by fall- tion boost to the government. to go until the election now is not ing oil prices and the country’s Gross domestic product — the the time to abandon that plan and tight monetary policy. value of all the goods and serv- return Britain to economic chaos.” Central bank governor Erdem ices produced in the economy The Q4 growth rate was the Basci said at a press conference — expanded by 2.6 percent, the lowest level since the same period that the inflation rate was fore- best annual figure since 2007, of 2013, when it stood at 0.4 per- cast to end this year at 5.5 per- the Office for National Statistics cent. Market expectations had cent, within a range of 4.1 percent (ONS) said in a statement. been for 0.6-percent growth. and 6.9 percent. That compares Economists said the data was Output was dented by con- with a previous forecast of 6.1 per- welcome news for the Conservative- struction, which contracted by 1.8 cent and is sharply down from the Liberal Democrat coalition govern- percent—the biggest drop since rate of 8.7 percent for 2014. ment, which faces an election in the second quarter of 2012. Basci also projected inflation 100 days’ time in May. “This is the second consecutive would fall further to five percent The economy’s 2014 perform- quarter in which the growth rate Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy delivers a speech at the Spain Global Tourism Forum in Madrid next year, saying the bank’s tight ance marked an acceleration from has fallen but it is too early to yesterday. Rajoy announced that foreign tourists spent over €63m in Spain in 2014, an increase of 6.5 monetary policy was beginning to 1.7-percent growth in 2013 and say if there is a general slowing- percent on 2013. take effect. was in line with expectations, but down of the economy,” said ONS “As long as we keep our cau- undershot the government’s offi- chief economist Joe Grice. “The tious stance during the rate cial forecast for expansion of 3.0 dominant services sector remains reduction period, it is possible percent. The announcement bol- buoyant while the contraction that we will see the lowest level stered expectations that Britain has taken place in industries like of inflation in the past 45 years by was likely to have been the world’s construction, mining and energy the end of 2015,” he said. fastest growing major economy in supply, which can be erratic.” The Dubai house prices to fall 10pc The central bank, which is last year. government was also boosted last nominally independent, has been British Prime Minister David week by official data showing that DUBAI: Dubai house prices North Africa, said. He forecast direct impact on the emirate’s under pressure from President Cameron’s Conservatives have British unemployment has hit will fall by up to 10 percent Dubai house prices on average property sector, at least for now. Recep Tayyip Erdogan to bring placed the economy at the heart another six-year low and wages in 2015 after rising almost 60 will decline by up to 10 percent But Dubai’s stock market interest rates down to sustain of their election campaign. GDP are climbing in real terms. percent in two years, with the in 2015. Rents will fall in parallel. slump — the index has fallen 30 growth. is now 3.4 percent higher than its The resurgent economy mean- emirate’s robust economy help- About 25,000 residential prop- percent from June’s 2014 high — A year ago, the bank aggres- pre-recession peak at the start of while faces the prospect of ing it avoid a repeat of a crash erties will be ready in 2015, equiv- would have dented investors’ con- sively raised key rates to avert a 2008, according to the ONS. record-low borrowing costs for in 2008-9 despite a slump in alent to about 7 percent of Dubai’s fidence, Plumb said. major economic crisis following On a gloomier note, it added the time being, after the Bank of oil prices, property consultants present housing stock. The oil price fall has coincided a steep drop in the value of the that output rose just 0.5 percent England revealed last week that JLL said yesterday. “It’s manageable — with the with the dollar strengthening the lira. in the October-December period policymakers voted unanimously The real estate sector in Dubai population and incomes growing against major currencies. The Last week, it lowered the one- compared with the previous three in January for the first time since has been among the most volatile you’d expect to absorb (that),” UAE dirham is pegged to the week repurchase rate to 7.75 per- months, aided by a strong services July to hold interest rates at a globally over the past decade as it said Plumb. “It’s not supply that’s greenback, so Dubai has become cent from 8.25 percent, for the industry. record-low 0.50 percent. turned from boom to bust to boom causing the correction, it’s more more expensive for many foreign first time in six months. That was the weakest quar- Weaker-than-expected fouth- again. Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL) that prices got a bit too high.” visitors and investors. But Erdogan is still pressing for terly rate in a year, as activity was quarter GDP could push back the estimates house prices rose 56 Dubai’s economy likely grew “That could have a small further cuts. weighed down by a construction timing of any interest rate rise, percent in the two years to June about 4.5 percent in 2014 and impact on the make-up of foreign Basci said the bank may con- sector which shrank at the fast- economists said. “Slightly softer 2014, but have since stabilised and growth will rise above that level property buyers in the UAE, but vene its monetary policy commit- est pace for more than two years. than expected GDP growth ... in now face a relatively minor cor- in the coming years, a senior gov- the bigger picture won’t change,” tee on February 4, rather than And the figure marked a slow- the fourth quarter will likely fuel rection this year. ernment official said in December. Plumb said. Buyers from India, previously announced February down from the 0.7 percent GDP expectations that the Bank of “This time we think it will The UAE is a major oil exporter, Britain and Pakistan were the 24, to review interest rates if growth seen in the third quarter. England will most likely to hold be more of a measured down- but Dubai itself is a negligible pro- biggest purchasers of Dubai prop- inflation eases by one percentage “Today’s figures confirm that off from raining interest rates turn,” Craig Plumb, JLL head of ducer, and JLL said the slump in erty last year, official data shows. point in January. the recovery is on track and until 2016,” said Howard Archer research for the Middle East and crude prices would have scant REUTERS AFP our plan is protecting Britain at IHS Global Insight. AFP WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS S&P cuts Russia credit rating to ‘junk’ Country’s financial system weakening, economy to contract by 2.6pc this year: Rating agency

MOSCOW,: Standard and Poor’s the situation,” he told Russian result of exchange rate depre- stripped Russia of its investment- news agencies. ciation and rising inflation will grade rating on Monday, cutting Standard and Poor’s is the likely hamper Russia’s growth it to “junk” status with a warn- first major international ratings prospects,” it added. ing of weak growth. agency to move Russia down into The rating agency also said “The downgrade reflects our the speculative or “junk” territory “we believe that Russia’s financial view that Russia’s monetary pol- after last downgrading Russia in system is weakening and there- icy flexibility has become more April. Moody’s earlier this month fore limiting the Central Bank of limited and its economic growth cut Moscow’s rating one notch to Russia’s ability to transmit mon- prospects have weakened,” the ‘Baa3’, one level above junk, as did etary policy.” ratings agency said in a statement Fitch, which moved it to ‘BBB-‘. Several Russian officials had announcing the one-notch cut to The Russian rouble slumped foreseen the downgrade. Economy a ‘BB+’ rating. after to the downgrade. Standard Minister Alexei Ulyukayev said The plunge in oil prices and and Poor’s now forecasts that last month that market fears of Western sanctions over Moscow’s Russia’s oil-dependent economy Russia’s credit rating falling to role in the Ukraine war have will contract by 2.6 percent in junk levels have contributed to pummelled the Russian economy 2015 due to the fall in crude instability of the ruble. in recent months, with the ruble prices and Western sanctions In addition, a downgrade to collapsing in value. over Ukraine. junk rating would require “$20bn Russia’s finance minister on It projected that the Russian to $30bn in early repayment of criticised Standard & Poor’s rat- economy will expand by about 0.5 foreign loans as stipulated in loan ing agency for its decision to cut percent annually in 2015-2018, agreements, he told Business FM the country’s rating from invest- below the 2.4 percent it notched radio station. ment-grade to “junk” status. up over the previous four years. President Vladimir Putin Russian Finance Minister The lower growth forecast chaired a late meeting on Anton Siluanov said the down- “reflects a lack of external financ- economic issues to discuss an grade showed “excessive pessi- ing due to the introduction of eco- anti-crisis plan prepared by the mism. It doesn’t take into account nomic sanctions and the sharp government. Putin however has A woman waits before inserting a 50-rouble banknote into an ATM bank machine at a branch of Sberbank in a whole series of factors showing decline in oil prices,” said the avoided the word “crisis” and Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, yesterday. Russia’s rouble strengthened by over one percent against both the dollar and the strong side of the Russian ratings agency. the precise strategy remains euro in early trade. economy”. “We also expect that declining unclear. “We see no reason to dramatise domestic purchasing power as a AFP

Cyprus to stay Bateel to sell stake in recession Oil fall hits Caterpillar earnings DUBAI: Bateel, which makes choc- central Saudi Arabia. The company NEW YORK: US heavy $1.23 from $1.54; EPS stripped share rose 2.3 percent to $5.88. olate-covered dates and other deli- has also launched a chain of cafés and this year: Survey equipment maker Caterpillar of extraordinary items, like The company said it expected cacies, is looking to sell a minority bakeries for gourmet food and bever- said yesterday that the plunge restructuring costs, were $1.35, revenues in 2015 to fall 10 per- stake and two international inves- ages. The proposed transaction is the NICOSIA: Cyprus’s battered in oil prices took a hit on the down from $1.68. Analysts had cent to $50bn, for profits of tors are said to be interested, peo- latest example of acquisition activ- economy will remain in reces- company’s earnings in the expected adjusted EPS to come $4.60 a share. ple familiar with the matter said. ity in the region’s consumer prod- sion in 2015, albeit shrinking fourth quarter of 2014. in at $1.55. “We expect world economic One of the potential bidders is L uct industry, as investors look to tap a slower pace than last year, It also said it did not expect Chairman and Chief growth to only improve mod- Capital, a luxury goods-focused pri- into the Middle East’s increasingly a survey by the University of much of an upturn this year, Executive Doug Oberhelman estly in 2015. The relatively vate equity firm backed by LVMH wealthy young population. Cyprus predicted yesterday. with mining commodities still said that despite the profit slow growth in the world econ- Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Also, family-owned businesses are GDP will contract by 0.4 per- in a slump as the global econ- miss in the fourth quarter, the omy and continued weakness in according to one of the sources. looking to offload stakes to raise cash cent compared with an expected omy grows slowly and with company had a better year commodity prices—particularly Bateel, a Riyadh-based date and, in some cases, bring in private 2.2 percent decline for 2014, the sweeping cutbacks in invest- than originally predicted, and oil, copper, coal and iron ore— farmer, has successfully marketed the equity or strategic shareholders to university’s economic research cen- ment by the oil industry. improved on 2013. are expected to be negative for fruit as a gourmet product by wrap- provide the expertise to expand. tre said. The forecast is gloomier The company reported a “Our emphasis on cost man- our sales,” the company state- ping it in chocolate or filling it with Jordan’s Nuqul Group is selling a than those of the government and slight decline in fourth quarter agement, operational execution ment said. orange or almond. It has mandated 25 percent stake in FINE Hygienic the island’s international lenders, revenues from a year earlier and cash flow helped us deliver “The recent dramatic decline Jeddah-based Jadwa Investment to Holdings, one of the Middle East’s which predict that the economy and a sharper drop in profits, better profit per share than in the price of oil is the most manage the sale, according to one largest tissue and paper products will exit recession — with growth falling short of its own fore- both 2013 and the 2014 outlook significant reason for the year- private equity source. manufacturers, in a deal that could of around 0.5 percent — after three casts. Total revenues were down we provided at the start of the over-year decline in our sales A stake of between 20 percent and be worth up to $200m, sources said years of relentless gloom. 1.1 percent from the fourth year,” he said in a statement. and revenues outlook,” said 40 percent could be sold, according to earlier this month. The survey said that a delay in quarter of 2013 to $14.2bn, and For the year, Caterpillar’s Oberhelman. “We’ve also low- three sources with knowledge of the Lebanon-based retailer Azadea structural reforms and the high net profits dropped by nearly a revenues came in at $55.2bn, ered our expectations for con- sale. The sources spoke on condition Group, a family group which holds percentage of non-performing quarter to $757m. down just 0.8 percent from struction equipment sales in of anonymity as the information is franchise rights in the region for loans would put a brake on recov- Earnings per share fell to 2013, and broad profits per China,” he added. AFP not public. Bateel and L Capital could brands including Gap, Zara and ery. It said the knock taken by the not be reached for comment Superdry, is hoping to raise up to economy of Russia — key tourism Bateel operates in 15 countries and $500m from a 25 percent stake sale. and investment market — would has its own date groves in Al Ghat, REUTERS also affect the island’s ability to shake off recession, as would uncertainty about what will hap- pen in Greece after the election of an anti-austerity government. The survey said other factors putting a block on growth are high unemployment, high inter- est rates and a credit crunch. On the up side, the survey cited the European Central Bank’s decision to begin quantative eas- ing and the strength of sterling, which is enticing more British holidaymakers to the island. Britain is the island’s biggest tourism market with Russia second. The troika of interna- tional lenders — the European Commission, the ECB and the IMF — bailed out Cyprus in March 2013 to prevent a banking collapse. In return for the bailout, Cyprus agreed to a severe aus- terity programme and a profound restructuring of its bloated finan- cial sector. A file picture of Caterpillar Challenger MT765C farm tractors in Baltimore, Maryland. AFP Microsoft profit dips; revenue rises SAN FRANCISCO: Microsoft late on front but the potential to make more profit pockets of growth in that country. Microsoft Monday reported that its quarterly profit over time through subscriptions and sales executives forecast that this year it would dipped but revenue increased in a sign of premium features. see revenue declines in China, Japan, and that it is adapting to lifestyles centered The US technology titan’s overall quar- Russia. In the recently ended quarter, rev- on mobile devices and cloud services. terly earnings were in line with expecta- enue from business cloud services including Bright spots during the three-month tions, but shares lost ground. Office 365 and Azure more than doubled to period ending December 31 included rising Chief Executive Satya Nadella touted the hit an annualized rate of $5.5bn. sales of Microsoft devices such as Surface quarterly results as evidence Microsoft is Meanwhile, subscriptions to home ver- tablets, Lumia smartphones, and Xbox One on course in adapting to “cloud first, mobile sions of Office 365 and Personal climbed video game consoles. first” lifestyles after building its empire on more than 30 percent to 9.2 million. “We Meanwhile, money made from licensing selling packaged software for computers. again saw enthusiasm and demand around Windows software to computer makers and “I am encouraged by the progress we are our cloud offerings,” said Microsoft chief businesses slipped as revenue from subscrip- making in our transformation,” Nadella said operating officer Kevin Turner. tions in the cloud jumped. during an earnings call. Profit fell 10 percent Microsoft’s Bing saw its share of the US “The overall goal of having more custom- from a year ago to $5.9bn while revenue hit online search advertising market grow to ers every quarter moving to the cloud is $26.5bn in the quarter ended on December 31. just shy of 20 percent, and sales of Xbox actually a structural guide post we have Microsoft noted that earnings in Japan video game consoles climbed to a total of on a multi-year journey,” Microsoft Chief and China fell particularly short of expec- 6.6 million units due to strong perform- Financial Officer Amy Hood said. tations. Challenges in Japan centered on ance during the year-end holiday season, People and businesses renting Microsoft economic conditions there. according to Microsoft. Revenue from sales programs as online services instead of buy- Microsoft said it was working through “a of Surface tablets and accessories rose 24 ing software outright means less money up set of geo-political issues” in China but had percent to $1.1bn in the quarter. AFP WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

QE Indices Summary QE Index 11,920.48 0.71 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 17,779.29 0.71 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,052.12 0.90 % RATE QE All Share Index 3,064.68 0.65 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 3,127.13 0.46 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5511.465 43.271 0.79 5468.2 5248.5 QE All Share Industrials 3,793.07 1.42 % QR150.0784 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 2,312.67 0.33 % Cac 40 Index/D 4623.51 -51.62 -1.1 4678.83 4076.16 QE All Share Real Estate 2,280.6 0.66 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.4600 QR 5.5362 QE All Share Insurance 3,749.67 0.18 % Dj Indu Average 17678.7 6.1 0.03 18103.4 15340.69 QR 2.1055 Euro ...... QR 4.0797 QR 4.1368 QE All Share Telecoms 1,385.5 0.47 % CA$ ...... QR 2.8924 QR 2.9490 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 7,123.46 0.42 % Hang Seng Inde/D 24807.28 -102.62 -0.41 24916.49 23312.5 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 4.0182 QR 4.0778 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 5597.89 6.37 0.11 5632.06 5072.7 Yen ...... QR 0.0306 QR 0.0311 Aus$ ...... QR 2.8678 QR 2.9252 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 34538.45 71.92 0.21 34589.28 32134.82 CRUDE OIL 27-01-2015 26-01-2015 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0588 QR 0.0599 Index 11,920.48 11,836.07 Nikkei 225 Index 17768.3 299.78 1.72 17540.92 16592.57 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0358 QR 0.0365 Change 84.41 11.41 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0819 QR 0.0835 S&P 500 Index/D 2057.09 5.27 0.26 2093.55 1737.92 % 0.71 0.10 $ 47.99 SL Re ...... QR 0.0273 QR 0.0279 YTD% 2.97 3.66 Straits Times/D 3412.2 13.68 0.4 3419.3 3267.89 Taka ...... QR 0.0464 QR 0.0474 Volume 8,020,163 8,718,969 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0368 QR 0.0378 Value (QAR) 378,629,833.79 417,979,503.03 Straits Times/D 3290.99 -1.82 -0.06 3387.84 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3119 QR 0.3181 Trades 5,314 6,191 $ 43.71 Up 26 | Down 12 | Unchanged 02 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 27-01-2015

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED A B G Infra-T/D 160 2.3 6450 Chola Invest-B/D 520.75 5.7 34168 Goodyear I -B/D 621 2.7 6046 Kalpat Power-B/D 238.45 1.15 29720 Patspin India-/D 8.39 -0.05 1129 Bt Group/D 425 -1 2832806 A C C-A/D 1530.45 -10.9 10429 Chowgule St-T/D 27.95 -0.05 32828 Hcl Infosys-B/D 42.95 -1.4 414876 Kalyani Stel-T/D 153.5 -3.25 28273 Punjab Chem.-B/D 113 1.65 2903 Centrica/D 278.8 7.4 6966628 Aarti Drugs-B/D 1090.15 -5.35 1532 Cimmco-B/D 73.5 -0.45 4851 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 17.2 -0.2 949349 Kanoria Chem-B/D 35.95 0.1 52456 Radico Khait-B/D 87.85 -0.4 69662 Gkn/D 369.3 -8.6 1949550 Aban Offs-A/D 481 8.55 210530 Cipla-A/D 705.95 31.2 255443 Himat Seide-B/D 87.8 0 427072 Kg Denim-B/D 23.15 1.45 54515 Rallis India-A/D 234.4 1.95 62493 Hsbc Holdings/D 619.2 -7.9 45415341 Ador Welding-B/D 225.7 1.7 1643 City Union Bk-/D 95.4 2.4 226681 Hind Unilever-/D 941.6 -20.95 133491 Kilburnengg-T/D 46.8 0.15 7089 Reliance Indus/D 463.55 0.95 35737 Imperial Tobac/D 3083 -8 417444 Aegis Logis-B/D 441.85 -3.6 10371 Cmc Ltd-A/D 1905 11.05 13109 Hind Motors-T/D 7.78 -0.07 42240 Kinetic Eng-B/D 44.45 -0.25 3796 Ruchi Soya-B/D 34.4 -0.35 25562 Kingfisher/D 347.5 1 2727364 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 329.65 -7.4 63624 Colgate-A/D 1926.8 15.6 12218 Hind Org Chem-/D 20.5 -0.45 19977 Kopran-B/D 54 -0.2 54492 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 694.8 0.3 2350 Land Secs Grou/D 1281 -5 318402 Legal & Genera/D 264.7 -1.5 2879087 Alembic-B/D 44.45 0.55 349896 Container Cor-/D 1424.25 4.35 2713 Hind.Petrol-A/D 572.9 -3.55 101091 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 445.4 4.1 7808 Salora Inter-B/D 51.45 0.95 17080 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 75.2452 -0.75 28225428 Alok Indus-A/D 9.83 -0.17 1498096 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 200.1 -3.2 2304 Hindalco-A/D 142.45 -2.3 924082 Lgb Broth-B/D 630.5 1.65 2242 Samtel-T/D 6.5 0.28 2520 Marks & Sp./D 475.3168 -1 786538 Apollo Tyre-A/D 230.55 4.8 185448 Dcm Shram Ind-/D 108 -1.7 3007 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1315.65 25.2 313664 Lok.Hous&Con-T/D 12.8 -0.1 13355 Saur.Cem-B/D 41 -0.05 61563 Next/D 7140 -30 58086 Asahi I Glass-/D 139.55 6.75 102609 Dhampur Sugar-/D 44.8 1.7 43657 I F C I-A/D 37.1 -0.75 624285 Lumax Ind-B/D 420.1 7.2 2935 Savita Oil-B/D 727 -4.8 1500 Pearson/D 1337.5 -8 694181 Ashok Leyland-/D 66.1 1.85 2215751 Dr. Reddy-A/D 3210.65 -134.2 22407 Idbi-A/D 75.4 -0.35 262414 Lupin-A/D 1523.05 33.7 60222 Sterling Tool-/D 317.65 -2.9 221 Prudential/D 1619 -1.5 1303801 Bajaj Hold-A/D 1400 0.05 52825 E I H-B/D 112 -0.4 175296 Ifb Agro-B/D 324.9 -7 3958 Lyka Labs-T/D 36.45 -1.35 91093 Tanfac Indust-/D 16.68 1.04 13540 Rank Group/D 163.1 0 2711 Ballarpur In-B/D 15.75 -0.35 188278 E.I.D Parry-A/D 193.35 5.2 30612 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 499 6.4 7895 Mah.Seamless-B/D220.05 -1.4 3485 Tanfac Indust-/D 16.68 1.04 13540 Rentokil Initi/D 122.3 -0.8 182223 Banaras Bead-B/D 41.7 0.75 2314 Eicher Motor-A/D 16086.3 900.2 8933 India Cement-A/D 109.9 2.1 345730 Maha Scooter-B/D 994 31.5 2768 Til Ltd.-T/D 536 0.2 7278 Rolls Royce Pl/D 890.5 -12.5 2684500 Bata India-A/D 1438.6 -9.55 6940 Electrosteel-B/D 16.9 -0.2 50863 India Glycol-B/D 101.15 -1.1 19439 Mangalam Cem-B/D 324.8 -8.55 7167 Timexgroup-T/D 13.64 -0.13 19459 Rsa Insrance G/D 464 -0.5 454001 Bayer Crop-A/D 3405 -43.5 5666 Emco-B/D 41.9 -0.75 353172 Indian Card-B/D 124.35 0.35 226 Maral Overs-B/D 23.7 -0.15 14299 Tinplate-B/D 61.45 -1.1 31854 Sainsbury(J)/D 270.1 1.7 2161568 Beml Ltd-A/D 923.85 13.5 182641 Escorts Fin-B/D 6.19 -0.03 5286 Indian Hotel-A/D 117.55 -0.75 49322 Mastek-B/D 406.9 -1.3 63926 Ub Engineer-Z/D 7.7 0.15 20212 Schroders/D 2904 -15 89980 Bh Electronic-/D 3400.75 183.3 89919 Escorts-A/D 137.8 10.6 676710 Indo-Tcount-T/D 417.7 40.3 64416 Max India L-A/D 492.75 38.2 1460306 Ucal Fuel-B/D 142.75 -5.15 28614 Severn Trent/D 2140 1 161722 Bhansali Eng-T/D 15.8 1.5 5056 Essar Oil-T/D 112.5 1.4 59709 Indusind-A/D 863.8 5.8 65778 Mrpl-A/D 51.4 0.9 311071 Ucal Fuel-B/D 142.75 -5.15 28614 Smith&Nephew/D 1181 -5 737305 Bharat Bijle-B/D 658.25 -21.6 8008 Eveready Indu-/D 214.9 -0.75 611662 J.B.Chemical-B/D 193 -2.7 12786 Nahar Spg.-B/D 92.6 0.15 30459 Ultramarine-B/D 69.5 -1.4 7871 Smiths Group/D 1128 -5 384450 Standrd Chart /D 930.7 -15.6 1311118 Bharatgears-B/D 79.6 -1.8 64816 F D C-B/D 157.2 -0.1 21908 Jagatjit Ind-T/D 46 -0.05 5027 Nation Alum -A/D 47.75 -0.8 130735 Unitech P -A/D 16.8 -0.15 3756027 Tate & Lyle/D 673 -4.5 275674 Bhartiya Int-B/D 414.4 7.8 31914 Federal Bank-A/D 145.05 1.35 117470 Jagson Phar-B/D 35.4 -0.15 16078 Navneet Edu-B/D 109.85 1.1 15241 Univcable-T/D 49.4 -2.45 1619 Tesco/D 228 -2 7732198 Bhel-A/D 282.05 3.1 279523 Ferro Alloys-B/D 6.23 0.19 22304 Jamnaauto-B/D 161 4.55 11089 Nepc India-T/D 2.85 0.13 23498 Uppergsugar-T/D 43.45 5.25 2835 Unilever/D 2898 6 1154517 Bom.Burmah-B/D 452.15 -3.95 60709 Fgp Ltd-B/D 2.26 0.1 2660 Jbf Indu-B/D 249.55 2.35 68981 Neuland Lab-B/D 496 -6.65 1211 United Util Gr/D 1004.125 7 596906 Bombay Dyeing-/D 75.25 -2.55 509743 Finolex-A/D 297.45 -9.3 18133 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.68 0.03 152426 Nrb Bearings-B/D 132 -3.25 223467 LONDON Vodafone Group/D 236.9 -1.75 11983809 Camph.& All-B/D 313 -12.8 4375 Forbes-B/D 2309.7 109.95 17561 Jct Ltd-B/D 3.23 0.02 186639 O N G C-A/D 349.65 1.1 263476 Whitbread/D 5009 -50 117300 Canfin Homes-B/D 607.4 -17.7 20078 Gail-A/D 419.2 -3.9 122631 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 5.54 0.01 48431 Ocl India-B/D 541.65 33.8 37221 3i Group/D 465.7 4.1 337758 Caprihans-B/D 85.35 -1.15 2245 Galada Power-T/D 19.54 0.93 48010 Jindal Drill-B/D 161.2 -3.2 1332 Oil Country-B/D 34.7 -0.45 6164 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3108 -4 145902 Cast.Bo/D 489.85 -0.65 115230 Gammon India-T/D 22.8 -0.15 104126 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 122.35 -3.05 290187 Orchid Chem-B/D 64.5 0.6 168190 Barclays/D 237.85 -2.9 8737525 Century Enka-B/D 174.8 0.3 5737 Garden P -B/D 30.3 -0.3 3392 Jmc Projects-T/D 169.25 -1.15 6618 Orient Hotel-T/D 23.55 -0.55 1555 Bg Group/D 913 -4.6 3986422 Century Text-A/D 567 2.9 101612 Godfrey Phil-B/D 557.55 5 1219 Kabra Extr-B/D 92.5 -2.6 3993 Orient.Carb.-T/D 527.4 -37.2 20014 Bp/D 434.31 -4.75 11109900 Chambal Fert-B/D 63.7 -1.4 31900 Goodricke-B/D 148.5 -0.2 6822 Kajaria Cer-A/D 710 8.55 3625 Oudh Sugar-B/D 20.25 1.1 8003 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3788 8.5 546105 WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT NHL: Flyers’ NBA: City Thunder roll over Rinaldo banned for eight games struggling Timberwolves NEW YORK: Philadelphia Flyers forward Zac Rinaldo received an eight-game suspen- Westbrook shines in 92-84 win; Clippers surge past Nuggets sion from the NHL on Monday for an incident that occurred in a January 20 game. OKLAHOMA CITY: Russell Rinaldo left his feet late in the Westbrook drove the lane for first period to check Pittsburgh some huge field goals and Reggie Penguins defenceman Kris Jackson nailed key second half Letang, who left the game soon free throws as the Oklahoma afterward and did not return. The City Thunder easily beat the officials assessed Rinaldo with a Minnesota Timberwolves 92-84 five-minute major and a game on Monday. misconduct for boarding. The Thunder cruised to the The NHL’s Department of victory despite missing superstar Player Safety found Rinaldo forward Kevin Durant, who sat guilty of charging and board- out with a sprained toe. Durant ing and assessed the ban based injured his left big toe in the on Rinaldo’s status as a repeat fourth quarter of Sunday’s NBA offender. contest against Cleveland. Under provisions of the This was the 24th game Durant Collective Bargaining Agreement, has missed this season after not Rinaldo will lose $73,170.72 of sal- playing in just 16 contests over his ary during the suspension, with first seven seasons. the money going to the Players’ Westbrook tallied 18 points Emergency Assistance Fund. and five assists and Serge Ibaka To fill in for Rinaldo, the Flyers had 13 points and pulled down recalled center Ryan White from 19 rebounds as the Thunder won the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of for the fourth time in their last the American Hockey League. six contests. Westbrook shot The Columbus Blue Jackets just seven-of-22 from the field placed goaltender Sergei in front of the crowd of 18,200 at Bobrovsky on injured reserve with Chesapeake Energy Arena but a groin injury, and he is expected he battled through his shooting to be sidelined 4-6 weeks. difficulties. Bobrovsky, 26, suffered the Thaddeus Young finished with injury on Jan. 21 at Winnipeg. The 22 points and eight rebounds, injured reserve date is retroactive Andrew Wiggins provided 23 to the date of injury. points and Gorgui Dieng snatched Bobrovsky, who was selected 18 rebounds for Minnesota, which to play in his first NHL All-Star has dropped five consecutive Oklahoma City Thunder’s guard Dion Waiters (right) dribbles the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves’ guard Zach LaVine defends during the third quarter Game prior to the injury, has games. of their NBA game at Chesapeake Energy Arena, yesterday. posted a 16-15-2 record with a The Thunder led 21-19 late in 2.85 goals-against average, .913 the opening quarter before cre- save percentage and one shutout ating some breathing room fol- a thee-pointer before finding Clippers 102, Nuggets 98 time this season Davis has scored rebounds. Gasol finished with 16 in 33 games this season. lowing a 17-5 surge that stretched Jackson on an alley-oop dunk to Jamal Crawford led a fourth at least 30 points, and his 12-of- points and 10 rebounds as the Also on Monday, the Blue into the second. Anthony Morrow cap the run and give the Thunder quarter comeback as the Los 19 shooting sparked the Pelicans Grizzlies (32-12) earned their 8th Jackets recalled forward Josh and Jackson jump-started the run a 38-24 cushion halfway through Angeles Clippers beat the Denver (24-21) to a fourth consecutive consecutive win over Orlando. Anderson and added goaltender with baskets and Oklahoma City the second quarter. Perry Jones’ Nuggets 102-98. Crawford scored win and elevated them to three Celtics 99, Jazz 90 Anton Forsberg to the roster on led 25-19 after the first quarter. reverse layup at the first half 21 of his 23 points in the final games above 500 for the first time Forward Tayshaun Prince emergency recall from the AHL’s Dion Waiters banked in a fade- buzzer gave the Thunder a 48-40 period as the Clippers recovered since the 2010-11 season. scored 19 points and the Boston Springfield Falcons. away jumper and then drained lead at halftime. Consecutive from a 10-point deficit to post Grizzlies 103, Magic 94 Celtics won for the third time in New York Islanders forward Young baskets finished off a 10-2 their fifth consecutive victory. Forward Zach Randolph and four games with a 99-90 road vic- Kyle Okposo is expected to be out NBA Results flurry to help Minnesota pull Pelicans 99, 76ers 74 centre Marc Gasol combined for tory over the Utah Jazz. 6-8 weeks because of an upper- Memphis 103 Orlando 94 within 57-54 through the third Forward Anthony Davis scored 40 points, 20 rebounds and 10 The 34-year-old Prince, who body injury, coach Jack Capuano quarter. Oklahoma City answered a game-high 32 points and assists as the Memphis Grizzlies was picked up by the Celtics in said Monday. Okposo, who plays New Orleans 99 Philadelphia 74 by closing the third on an 8-2 run. grabbed 10 rebounds to power the beat the Orlando Magic 103-94. a trade with Memphis two weeks on the first line with center John Oklahoma City 92 Minnesota 84 Jackson sank three free throws to New Orleans Pelicans to an easy Randolph notched his ninth ago, had a big first half off the Tavares, is the team’s second- Boston 99 Utah 90 help extend the lead and give the 99-74 home victory over the lowly consecutive double-double with bench to help Boston build a leading scorer, with 14 goals and LA Clippers 102 Denver 98 Thunder a 65-56 margin. Philadelphia 76ers. It was the 12th a game-high 24 points and 10 24-point lead. AGENCIES 44 points. AGENCIES

South Korea’s Park shocked by Seattle Seahawks’ cornerback Richard Sherman failed dope test, says Team GMP speaks to reporters during a SEOUL: South Korean swim- hopes of swimming at the 2016 Super Bowl ming star Park Tae-hwan has Rio Olympics. An official from the XLIX media been left “shocked” by a failed Korea Swimming Federation, who availability doping test, which local media asked not to be named, told that at the team’s said was a result of a local the test had been conducted in hospital injecting him with early September, before the Asian compound testosterone. Games. in Phoenix, Yonhap News agency quoted The federation and Park had yesterday. Seoul prosecutors as saying yes- been informed of the result in terday the hospital had testified late October or early November, it gave Park the shot but did not the official said, adding that the realise it was against World Anti- swimmer would have to attend a Doping Agency regulations. hearing with swimming’ s world Sherman, Thomas vow The report said Park had governing body FINA on February already been questioned by pros- 27 to answer the doping charge. ecutors, and that the doctor who The official said other details gave him the injection could face would be revealed at a news con- injuries won’t slow them charges of negligence. ference after the prosecution had A two-time world champion, wrapped up its probe. PHOENIX: Seattle’s “Legion needed me. I’m going to do what- Park became the first South Park’s agency, Team GMP, of Boom” will be at full strength ever I need to do for them.” Korean to win an Olympic swim- said the swimmer had repeatedly come on Sunday when the Sherman, the tough-talking ming medal when he powered to asked the hospital if the injection Seahawks take on New England leader of Seattle’s aggressive gold in the 400 metres freestyle at contained illegal substances but in Super Bowl 49, with both defensive secondary, was equally the 2008 Beijing Games. had been assured it was safe. Richard Sherman and Earl sure the injured elbow he suffered His wholesome, clean-cut image Park had been offered free Thomas vowing injuries won’t in the NFC title tilt won’t hinder and poster-boy looks have made treatment at a local hospital two slow them. him against the Patriots. him one of the most celebrated months ahead of the Sept. 19-Oct. In a file photo taken on September 23, 2014 South Korea’s Park Tae- “When I come alive, nothing is “It’s getting better,” said the athletes in South Korea, where he 4 Asian Games in Incheon, the hwan prepares to compete in the final for the men’s 400m freestyle event limited,” said Thomas, who suf- cornerback, who could be seen is known affectionately as ‘Marine South Korean city west of Seoul during the 17th Asian Games at the Munhak Park Tae-hwan Aquatics fered a shoulder injury in the sec- cradling the arm even as he Boy’, and while his performances which named its aquatics venue Center in Incheon. ond quarter of Seattle’s dramatic stayed in the game against Green in the pool have dipped in recent after the swimmer. NFC championship victory over Bay. “I had a good week of prac- years his popularity has never “As a world-class swimmer for Green Bay and played the second tice so it should be good. I’ve been wavered. the last 10 years, Park Tae-hwan player Lee Yong-dae was almost at the 2012 London Olympics, half wearing a harness. able to move it a lot better than The smiling face of endorse- hasn’t taken so much as cold med- suspended for the Asian Games served a three-month suspension He returned to practice on I did earlier.” ments for milk, headache pills, icine, that’s how careful he’s been after administrative errors led to in 2014 after testing positive for Friday and upon arriving in With Byron Maxwell on the air conditioners, and commu- due to concerns about doping him missing doping tests. the banned stimulant trimetazi- Phoenix on Sunday said the injury opposite corner from Sherman nications equipment, Park was problems and illegal substances,” A one-year ban imposed by the dine during the national swim- won’t inhibit him on the field as a and imposing strong safety Kam also a goodwill ambassador for Team GMP said in a statement. Badminton World Federation was ming championships last May. member of the Seahawks’ hard- Chancellor rounding out the the ‘Dynamic Korea’ promotion “Park is more shocked by this wiped out after the country’s gov- The China Anti-Doping Agency hitting corps of defensive backs. unit, Sherman believes Seattle’s aimed at boosting Korea’s image result than anyone else.” erning body said it had failed to could have imposed a longer “I can still play fearless and defense will match up well against abroad. The statement said the keep the federation apprised of ban but said it decided on three throw my body around and what- the Patriots offense, led by quar- Under the strict rules applied 25-year-old had passed several the player’s whereabouts. months because Sun had been ever happens, happens,” said terback Tom Brady. “We just by doping authorities, Park could doping tests conducted during The news also comes just given medication, normally used Thomas, who acknowledged that faced Aaron (Rodgers),” Sherman still face punishment even if he the Asian Games. months after Park’s great rival, to combat angina, by a doctor to his first major injury was “a lot said of the quarterback whose was unaware that he had been South Korean athletes have China’s Sun Yang, was found to treat a heart issue and was una- to deal with.” Packers succumbed despite a 19-7 injected with a banned substance, been relatively free of drugs have failed a doping test. ware it had been added to WADA’s “But I got the big picture,” fourth-quarter lead in the NFC and a lengthy ban could derail his scandals, though top badminton Sun, winner of two gold medals banned list this year. REUTERS Thomas said. “My teammates final. AFP WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Watson in doubt Qatar’s Sheikh Hassan to compete in Kuwait for tri-series final Steve Smith wins Allan Border Medal

SYDNEY: All-rounder Shane Watson said yesterday he was Australian unsure if he would be fit for batsman Australia’s one-day interna- Steve Smith tional final against England or acknowledges India but has no intention of the crowd missing the upcoming World after scoring Cup. 192 against Watson, 33, was sidelined for Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al Thani, President of the Qatar Marine Sports Federation, will be competing in the India during Friday’s win over England and the first edition of the Kuwait Extreme Powerboat run. He will be competing in his 52ft boat which is capable of the second washed out game against India in speed of up to 200km/h. The race will take place on January 30. Sheikh Hassan will be the only registrant from day of the Sydney on Monday with a tight Qatar taking part in the race in which 14 registered boats from Kuwait will be seen in action. The race course third cricket hamstring but said his recovery will be 80-mile long. Sheikh Hassan’s boat will also be the biggest boat taking part. The official logistics partner was “travelling really well”. Test match at for the race is Gulf Agency Qatar. “(It’s) nothing too serious, but the Melbourne more so a precaution just to make Cricket sure it settles down over this Ground (MCG) week and be ready to go again by in Melbourne Sunday in Perth,” he said. in this “If not then, the practice Vodafone to sponsor Offshore December matches leading into the World 2014 file Cup.” picture. Australia and New Zealand are hosting the World Cup Powerboat Qatar Cup in Doha which begins February 14 and the former are scheduled to play (Clarke) is there, then one of the The 25-year-old smashed 1,756 warm-up games against India and batsmen makes way. runs in 22 matches last year at an DOHA: Vodafone Qatar will be the United Arab Emirates. “Whether that’s me or someone average of 67.54 including eight the Communications Partner for It is still not known whether else, that’s how it is.” 50s and seven hundreds. the highly anticipated Offshore Michael Clarke will return to Meanwhile, Steve Smith yes- He narrowly held off Warner as Powerboat Qatar Cup, it was the team for the World Cup with terday capped a remarkable sea- Test player of the year and Aaron announced here yesterday. his fitness under a cloud as he son by sweeping the main awards Finch for the one-day honour. The Qatar Marine Sports recovers from hamstring sur- at the annual Allan Border Medal Glenn Maxwell was rewarded Federation (QMSF) and the gery undergone last month after ceremony, including Australian for his efforts with bat and ball to recently-formed Offshore he injured himself in the first Test player of the year. win Twenty20 player of the year. Powerboat Grand Prix (OPGP) against India. The prolific batsman, who was The emotional high-point of will jointly promote and run the Clarke has been given until promoted to national captain in the night came when Sean Abbott brand new UIM Qatar Cup, a Australia’s second game of the the absence of the injured Michael was named the Bradman Young four-day powerboat racing fes- World Cup against Bangladesh on Clarke, also took out the one-day Cricketer of the Year. tival, in Doha Bay , Corniche to February 21 to prove his fitness, and Test player awards. The New South Wales all- Pearl from February 4 to 7. and has been named in the squad He was a runaway winner for rounder has shown courage and The Cup, set to be the biggest for the tournament. the Allan Border Medal -- judged maturity to bounce back from offshore powerboating champion- However, his inclusion could on performances in Tests and the tragic death of Phillip Hughes ship in the world, will comprise push Australia’s ODI captain one-dayers throughout the season during a Sheffield Shield match in of 50 boats spread over six rac- George Bailey out of the tourna- -- by polling 243 votes, ahead of November. ing categories, ranging from the ment after he leads the team in David Warner (175) and Mitchell Abbott bowled the ball that big 45 foot long Super Vee boats the first match, something the Johnson (126). killed Hughes and there were ini- all the way down to the pro class Tasmanian admitted in a week- He is only the third player to tially fears that the 22-year-old category, in addition to 30 jetskis. end interview. win the trifecta in the 10 years may be too traumatised to con- Boats are being shipped to “If I’m not scoring runs and it has been running, following in tinue his career. Doha from the USA, UAE, New they pick him, (Clarke) then the footsteps of Ricky Ponting in But he quickly returned to Zealand, Kuwait and Turkey. Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al Thani, President of the Qatar Marine Sports that’s fine,” Bailey said. 2007 and Shane Watson in 2011. play a key role for his state team Ali Ali Al Naema and Federation after signing an agreement. “That’s the nature of the game Other Allan Border Medal and also performed well for the Mohammed Nassr Al Nassr, -- you’re scoring runs or you’re winners include Glenn McGrath, Sixers’ in the domestic Big Bash twoof the biggest names in Qatari not scoring runs -- you get picked Steve Waugh, Adam Gilchrist, Twenty20 competition. Offshore powerboat racing will a community and individual level bin Jabor Al Thani - QMSF or you don’t. It’s obvious -- if Pup and Clarke. AGENCIES also be seen in action. and will continue to promote this President Entry for the public to “We are proud to be sponsors to help realize the Qatar 2030 the event is free. for this year’s Offshore Powerboat vision,” said Kyle Whitehill, CEO, VIP tickets can be purchased Narine pulls Broad apologises Qatar Cup. Vodafone Qatar has Vodafone Qatar. at QMSF’s stand located at the a history of supporting sport in “We are honoured to be work- Landmark mall. out of WIndies for minimum Qatar including our long time ing with such an esteemed organ- For more information on sponsorship of Al Sadd foot- ization such as Vodafone Qatar, the Qatar Cup visit: Facebook wage tweet ball Club and promoting sport and we look forward to pooling Account – Qmsf Doha, Facebook Cup squad and fitness within its employees our knowledge and experience Page – Qatar Marine Sports through the Company’s Wellness together in order to execute a Federation – Events – Qatar Cup ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND LONDON: England fast Programme. We firmly believe in world class event for the state of 2015 and Instagram - @qmsf. Barbuda: Highly-rated off- bowler Stuart Broad insisted the benefits sport brings on both Qatar,” said HE Sheikh Hassan THE PENINSULA spinner Sunil Narine (pictured) yesterday he had not meant yesterday pulled out of the West to insult low-paid workers fol- Indies World Cup squad, saying lowing an angry response to a he needed more time to work on tweet about Britain’s minimum his bowling action. wage. The 26-year-old has undergone “I’ve heard if you earn mini- “intense remedial work” after mum wage in England you’re being suspended from last year’s in the top 10 percent earners Champions League Twenty20 for in the world. #stay #humble,” an illegal action, the West Indies the 28-year-old posted in a now Cricket Board (WICB) said in a deleted tweet. statement. Given Broad, a senior England Narine was ruled to have he added. The Board said they player for several years, earns exceeded the 15-degree flexion backed Narine’s decision to with- considerably more than the allowance, the Board explained. draw from the World Cup where minimum wage, there were But Narine said he still needed the West Indies open on February many who took issue with his time before taking to the World 16 against Ireland before going on comments. Cup stage. to face Pool B rivals, defending However, Broad subsequently “Whilst I am very happy with champions India, South Africa, insisted the hashtag was meant the progress made to date with Pakistan, Zimbabwe and the as a reminder to himself rather my action.....I am withdrawing United Arab Emirates. than a general instruction to the from the World Cup,” he said. “Narine has taken a positive public. “Going into the World Cup is approach to his remedial work, “Clarifying my earlier tweet, I a little too much too soon and, remains in an optimistic frame merely wanted to emphasise my after consulting the WICB, for of mind and looks forward to amazement at just how big the both West Indies and my sake we returning to international cricket world is,” he said. have decided to delay my return at the earliest opportunity,” the “No offence meant and sorry Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al Thani, President of the Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF) and other officials to international cricket until I am WICB statement read. if any taken. The hashtag was of QMSF during a meeting with Vodafone officials in Doha yesterday. 100% confident in all that I do,” AFP aimed at myself.” AFP Woods brings full set of teeth to Phoenix in competition return SCOTTSDALE, United Sunday’s NFL Super Bowl specta- was struck in the mouth while Woods had been wearing a Woods said. “Couldn’t eat, couldn’t just what it is.” With Woods, the States: Tiger Woods, who had cle, 14-time major winner Woods’ watching cameramen photograph skeleton mask from a video game drink until he fixed them. Even story is typically about his quest a front tooth knocked out by first PGA Tour event since the his girlfriend, Lindsey Vonn, after over his lower face, trying to con- breathing hurt. The air rushed to match the career record of 18 a video cameraman last week, PGA Championship last August she won her record 63rd World ceal his presence at the ski event. over the nerve of the tooth that major titles won by Jack Nicklaus. displayed a full smile yesterday after a back injury was command- Cup ski race in Italy. “Trying to blend in,” Woods was cracked.” This will be the first tournament after a nine-hole practice round ing the golf world’s attention. “The photographer changed said. “There’s not a lot of brown Woods said he was surprised for Woods since turning 39 and no ahead of the Phoenix Open. “My speed is back up again positions and I got hit,” Woods dudes at ski races. That was the that his missing tooth received player has won more than three “Every sport you get teeth and that’s fun,” Woods said. “I’m said. “It was an accident... luckily whole idea of why I wore the so much attention“New world majors beyond his 39th birthday. knocked out,” Woods said. touching numbers I did 15 years he hit the one I had a root canal mask.” I guess. We’ve got to talk about Woods missed four months “Unfortunately I wasn’t actually ago and that’s cool.” on.” Woods said one of his teeth something,” Woods said. recuperating from a back injury competing and got teeth knocked But far greater than the state “There was blood everywhere,” was knocked out and another “The story is about Lindsey before making his comeback out.” of his game was the interest in Woods said, but he flew home and suffered severe cracks that kept breaking the record.” last month at the Hero World Just down the road from where the state of his teeth after one had dental repair work done the him from eating or drinking until Woods dismissed some people Challenge, his charity invitational the Seattle Seahawks and New was chipped and another was next morning. he returned home. not believing the story of how event, at Orlando, Florida. He England Patriots will meet in cracked on January 19 when he “All good now,” Woods said. “The flight home was a joke,” he lost his tooth, saying, “It’s shared last in a field of 18. AFP WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Van Praag could split vote as Africa backs Blatter

LONDON: Dutchman Michael A file picture dated soccer’s scandal-plagued govern- van Praag could split the anti- ing body. “It is high time that the November 30, 2012 Sepp Blatter vote in this year’s organisation is fully normalised shows Chairman of the FIFA presidential election with and puts its full focus back on Africa set to back the incum- Royal Dutch Football football,” he said on the Dutch bent Swiss all the way to a fifth Association, Michael FA’s website. term of office. van Praag during a “For a time, I hoped that there Two days before the deadline press conference in would be a credible opponent, for nominations closes tomor- Amsterdam. RIGHT: FIFA but that’s simply not happened. row, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein President Joseph Sepp Then you must not only use words of Jordan welcomed Van Praag’s Blatter attends a press but also act decisively and take candidacy even though it could conference following a responsibility. Therefore I present damage his own. FIFA Executive Committee myself now as a candidate,” he Five men have declared an meeting in Zurich, in this added interest in running, although only September 2014 file Although Van Praag’s remark Van Praag, the 67-year-old head photo. could be seen as less than gracious of the Dutch FA, and Prince Ali, towards Prince Ali, the Jordanian the Asian vice-president on the was more complimentary about FIFA Executive Committee, look place at the FIFA Congress in “Africa is solidly behind Blatter. assistance he has given Africa Now the Dutchman could com- the Dutchman. like getting the necessary back- Zurich on May 29, the 78-year- You will find he is very popular on during his 17-year tenure and plicate matters for the prince. “We welcome other credible ing of five national associations old Blatter remains the over- the continent,” he said. he also remains popular in Asia, Although many European colleagues from the football family to qualify as official candidates. whelming favourite to secure a “The continent is united behind eastern Europe, South America countries would have backed who want to join a genuine debate Jerome Champagne, the former fifth term in office. Despite years him,” added former South African and most of the CONCACAF him as a credible alternative to about the future of FIFA,” Prince FIFA Deputy Secretary General of controversy, Blatter retains FA president Molefi Oliphant, region of North and Central Blatter, they could well now be Ali said in a statement. who was the first to declare just a global power base and Kwesi who still serves on the CAF America and the Caribbean. more favourable to a candidate “This election campaign is not over a year ago, is struggling to Nyantakyi, the president of the executive. Until Van Praag declared his from their own continent who about personalities, it is about get support while the campaigns Ghana Football Association and a “We made a formal endorse- interest, Prince Ali appeared to be openly criticised Blatter at a what is in the best interests of of former France international Confederation of African Football ment of his candidacy last year Blatter’s strongest opponent with UEFA meeting last year. football and the world governing David Ginola and agent Mino (CAF) Executive Committee at our meeting in Rio de Janeiro support in Europe, parts of Asia Van Praag, who once regarded body of the game going forward. Raiola look like nothing more member, said the majority of already,” Nyantakyi added. and CONCACAF, the confedera- himself as a personal friend of “It is good for democracy that than publicity stunts. Africa’s 53 countries will be vot- Affection for Blatter stems tion covering North and Central Blatter, said he was now “very Michael Van Praag has made this With the election due to take ing for him. from the generous financial America and the Caribbean. worried” about the state of announcement.” REUTERS Dubious Higuain brace Stoke avoid casualty list sees Napoli up to third

MILAN: Gonzalo Higuain Higuain gave Napoli the perfect struck a controversial brace start when he nodded past Mattia including a late penalty in a 2-1 Perin from close range after the with rout over Rochdale win over Genoa to send Rafael ‘keeper pushed a long-range shot Benitez’s side up to third place from Jose Callejon into his path. in Italy’s Serie A on Monday. But replays suggested the FA Cup: Middlesbrough handed trip to holders Arsenal Higuain opened the scoring for Argentinian was at least a yard the hosts in the seventh minute offside when Callejon unleashed and fired Napoli back in front his shot. ROCHDALE: Stoke easily from the spot in the 75th minute Napoli then saw a perfectly avoided joining the growing list to cancel out Iago Falque’s 56th good appeal for a penalty waved of famous FA Cup casualties as minute strike. away despite Facundo Roncaglia fine goals from Bojan Krkic and Napoli’s 10th win of the cam- sliding in to block a pass with his Victor Moses inspired a 4-1 win paign left them 13 points behind arm. at Rochdale in the fourth round leaders and champions Juventus The hosts then spurned sev- on Monday. but Benitez’s men are now only eral chances to double their lead, Mark Hughes’ side travelled six behind title challengers Roma Dutch midfielder Jonathan De hoping to ensure there was no and two ahead of both Lazio and Guzman sending one effort just repeat of the stunning scenes Sampdoria. over the bar before seeing his low that saw third tier Bradford “It was an important game for drive from close range cleared off win at Premier League leaders us. We wanted to move back up to the goalline. Chelsea and Championship team third place and now we’ve closed Callejon then smacked the Middlesbrough shock reigning the gap on Roma,” Higuain told crossbar and Genoa were given English champions Manchester Sky Sport. hope of an upset when Falque City on Saturday. “Mathematically, we can fight controlled well in the area to bear With Manchester United held for second place and that’s what Rafael down low at the ‘keeper’s by Cambridge and Liverpool we plan to do.” near post. unable to beat Bolton, this year’s Higuain’s double strike has Genoa gave M’Baye Niang his fourth round had already thrown relaunched his bid for Serie A’s debut following his on-loan sign- up a series of remarkable results, ‘Capocannoniere’ top goalscorer’s ing from AC Milan in midweek, but Stoke, now the fifth highest- award. The Argentinian now has the French striker replacing ranked team left in the Cup, sub- 12 in 20 league games to sit one Ioannis Fatfetzidis just after the dued their League One opponents behind fellow countryman Carlos restart but failing to get power on to set up a fifth round tie at sec- Tevez of Juventus. his sole shot just after the hour ond tier Blackburn. But he added: “It’s nice, but the mark. Former Barcelona forward important thing was to win this Napoli restored their lead in the Bojan put Stoke ahead with an game.”However Genoa had reason 75th minute when Higuain made superb swerving volley in the to join the growing calls in Italy no mistake from the spot, but the fourth minute and even though for the introduction of technol- decision – following Juraj Kucka’s he was forced off with an injury ogy following a number of dubious slight push the Argentinian – was soon after, there was never any Stoke City’s Jonathan Walters (centre) celebrates after scoring a goal against Rochdale during their FA Cup decisions. controversial. AFP sign of City losing their grip on fourth round match at the Spotland Stadium in Rochdale, on Monday. the match. Napoli’s Bojan’s replacement Stephen Argentinian Ireland doubled Stoke’s lead in seal Stoke’s progress to the last 16. Middlesbrough outplayed City to should they overcome fourth tier forward the 52nd minute when he was Meanwhile, Middlesbrough were claim a 2-0 victory at the Etihad Cambridge United – the lowest Gonzalo left unmarked to steer in a cross rewarded for beating Manchester Stadium. ranked side still in the competi- from Moses. City with a trip to FA Cup hold- “I’d prefer (to play) Sunderland tion – after they forced a heroic Higuain Just nine minutes later, ers Arsenal while Chelsea’s to be fair,” Bradford co-chairman replay against the eleven-time (centre) Nigerian winger Moses effectively conquerors Bradford City host Mark Lawn told Sky Sports in an winners. celebrates ended the tie as he tricked his Sunderland or Fulham after the interview. West Bromwich Albion host with team- way past Rochdale’s Joe Rafferty fifth round draw on Monday. “We’re at home and I think West Ham United and Leicester mates after before curling a brilliant finish Third tier Bradford and we can win at home. When we City travel to Aston Villa in two scoring a into the far corner. Championship (second tier) get this stadium bouncing I don’t all Premier League ties. penalty on Rhys Bennett got one back for Middlesbrough overcame the odds think any team will want to come Seven-time winners Liverpool Monday Rochdale, sweeping home from to register two of the biggest FA here. Whether it’s Sunderland or or Bolton Wanderers will travel to during the inside the penalty area after Cup shocks in recent memory. Fulham, they won’t want to come Crystal Palace, Blackburn Rovers Italian Serie A Stoke failed twice to clear their Bradford trailed 2-0 against to Valley Parade.” host Stoke City, who cruised game against lines in the 78th minute. Premier League leaders Chelsea In other ties Manchester past third tier Rochdale 4-1 on Genoa in But Jon Walters tapped in from before mounting a stunning United face a trip to Preston Monday, and Derby County will Naples. close-range in stoppage-time to fightback to win 4-2 while North End or Sheffield United entertain Reading. AGENCIES Eto’o leaves Everton for Sampdoria Stoke’s Bojan out for

LONDON: Samuel Eto’o performances in Europe stand the season after injury has completed his move out especially.” UC from Everton to Italian club Sampdoria, who are fifth but Sampdoria’s LONDON: Stoke City’s forward League and clearly enjoying his Sampdoria, signing a two-and- are level on points with fourth- President Bojan Krkic will miss the rest of football,” Stoke manager Mark a-half-year deal, the English placed Lazio, are one of several Massimo the season with a knee injury, Hughes told the club’s website. Premier League side announced teams hoping to battle for a Ferrero (left) the English Premier League Bojan moved to Stoke from yesterday. third-place finish and possible poses for club said yesterday. Barcelona during pre-season and The 33-year-old Cameroon Champions League spot. photographers The 24-year-old suffered cru- had so far scored five goals in 18 striker joined Everton on a free Last week, Sampdoria presi- with forward ciate knee ligament damage games this term, all five coming in transfer from Chelsea in August dent Massimo Ferrero signed four Samuel Eto’o during the Potters’ 4-1 FA Cup his last 12 appearances, including and leaves after scoring four goals players, including Udinese marks- before the fourth round win at Rochdale on two in the last two. in 20 appearances. man Luis Muriel, and said: “Today Serie A match Monday, having scored the open- It was Bojan’s goal in the 1-0 Everton boss Roberto Martinez I have brought you four pearls and between UC ing goal. win over Leicester earlier this told the Merseyside club’s website: maybe tomorrow there will be Subsequent scans revealed the month which left Stoke a credit- Sampdoria “We thank Samuel for his efforts another.” Eto’o is now returning Spaniard had ruptured the cruci- able 10th in the Premier League.. and US and for bringing his know-how to to Italy, where he enjoyed huge ate ligament in his left knee and Meanwhile, Tottenham the team and to (Everton’s train- success with Inter Milan during Palermo in will now require an operation to Hotspur’s Michel Vorm is set to ing ground) Finch Farm, where his spell with the club in 2009- Genoa, Italy, repair the damage. retain his place in goal for their he passed on some of his terrific 2011, including winning the treble in this January “It’s bitterly disappointing for Capital One Cup semi-final sec- experience to all of the young of League, Cup and Champions 2015 file the club but even more so for ond leg with Sheffield United players in particular. League in 2010 under former photo. Bojan himself as he was making today despite his howler in their “The memory of his coach Jose Mourinho. AFP such a big impact on the Premier FA Cup exit. AGENCIES WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 We’ve won Australia shock UAE with nothing yet, Son warns South Korea early goals to enter final SYDNEY: South Korea forward Son Heung-Min has warned team-mates and an expectant Hosts score twice in first 14 minutes, face South Korea for title nation to keep their feet on the ground after reaching their first Asian Cup final in 27 years. NEWCASTLE: Australia The Korean pin-up’s sparkling stunned United Arab Emirates performances have put his coun- with two goals in the first 14 try within touching distance of a minutes to reach a second suc- first Asian Cup title since 1960 cessive Asian Cup final with a and after Monday’s 2-0 win over 2-0 victory at a rain-soaked Iraq, the pressure will be on them Newcastle Stadium yesterday. to finish the job. The Socceroos lost to Japan in With hosts Australia heavy the final four years ago and will favourites to beat the United Arab now take on another East Asian Emirates in the second semi-final, power in South Korea in Sydney however, Son knows it will be a on Saturday looking to seal a first tough ask, despite having beaten continental title at their third the Socceroos in the group stages. attempt. ustralia’s Jason “It’s far too early for us to be Defenders led the way for the Davidson (right) talking about the title,” the jet- goal-happy hosts with Trent celebrates with heeled Bayer Leverkusen star Sainsbury heading them in front team-mate Mark told reporters in fluent German. after three minutes and Jason Milligan after “Every game has such a different Davidson doubling the lead 11 scoring a goal complexion that you just can’t say. minutes later. against UAE during “We still have a massive game “We knew the start was going their Asian Cup to play in the final so we can’t to be really important,” coach semi-final match afford to be talking about lifting Ange Postecoglou told reporters. the trophy.” at the Newcastle “Our intention was, we wanted Son, who struck twice in extra- Stadium in to start really strong. Even if we time to sink Uzbekistan 2-0 in the didn’t score if we could put some Newcastle, quarter-finals, tormented Iraq in pressure on without conceding, yesterday. rainy Sydney as goals from Lee that was our best chance.” Jeong-Hyeop and Kim Young- The UAE stunned champions Gwon swept South Korea into Japan in a penalty shootout to their first Asian Cup final since reach the semi-finals for the first 1988, when they lost to Saudi time since 1996 but another upset Arabia. never looked on the cards after “I felt we dominated the game,” Australia’s early salvo. said Son, thanking the vocal “Red Attacking midfielder Omar Devils” fans for their support in Abdulrahman did nothing to the event. “We certainly gave it detract from his burgeoning everything we could in order to reputation with some delightful get the victory. Our supporters touches and striker Ahmed Khalil were amazing and gave us that hit the woodwork in the first half extra power to see the game but they were unable to create through.” enough clear-cut chances. the right in the opening couple ball was heading towards Tim and wide of the post in the 51st a goal kick. The UAE probably South Korea have yet to con- The wet pitch probably did of minutes but when the cor- Cahill in front of goal. minute and Abdulrahman contin- deserved a goal but Ali Ahmed cede in five games on their way not help but Australia, with ner came swinging into the box, Cahill was dragged back as ued to probe for weaknesses in Mabkhout had his shot smoth- to the final, but coach Uli Stielike Matthew Spiranovic restored Sainsbury rose unchallenged to he was attempting a shot and the Australian defence. ered by Sainsbury in the dying – nicknamed the “stopper” dur- to the back four after suspen- head the ball into the net off the Mathew Leckie then had an Massimo Luongo, Australia’s minutes to leave his tally for the ing his playing days for his dogged sion, also defended well enough turf. effort blocked but the ball fell to find of the tournament, had tournament at four. defensive qualities – acknowl- to contain Abdulrahman and his The UAE had their best Davidson, who calmly drilled it another impressive game in “It is not easy to come back edged his side’s stinginess could team-mates. chance in the 10th minute when low and hard into the goal. midfield and his curling effort after conceding two goals through come back to haunt them in the It was at the other end of the Abdelaziz Sanqour broke down The Australians were in no came close to the target after 72 mistakes in the first 15 min- final. pitch that the Socceroos made the the right flank and crossed for mood to sit back and protect their minutes. utes,” UAE coach Mahdi Ali told “This situation can be very most important early impression striker Khalil to hit the ball first lead but the UAE kept their shape The Socceroos continued to reporters. dangerous,” said the former West to the delight of the majority of time against the base of the post. and gradually worked their way press forward and Leckie forced “We did our best but I think German international, who spent the crowd of 21,079. Australia were straight back back into the contest. a save out of Majed Naser in the Australia deserved to win, they eight years at Real Madrid as a Winger Robbie Kruse had his on the attack, though, and after Khalil let fly with a long-range 75th minute, although the ref- were the best team in the game.” player after joining the Spanish cross blocked after a burst down another surge down the right the effort that flew past Mat Ryan eree failed to see it and awarded REUTERS giants in 1977. AFP Mahmoud targets ‘dream’ World Cup

SYDNEY: Iraq icon Younis won 20 players– they will benefit that he had several club offers on miracles since being loaned for Mahmoud dismissed speculation the national team for the next the table and also wanted to help the Asian Cup by Qatar Sports over his retirement and said he 10 years,” Mahmoud told Arabic groom Iraq’s new generation. Club, remains to be seen. was targeting a “dream” World press late on Monday. “I’m not retiring after this But the 45-year-old, brought Cup spot after their Asian Cup “I think if the same group stays Cup. We’re now building a new in as a stop-gap after the axing campaign came crashing to a together then our dream will generation and we need to have of Hakim Shakir in November, halt. come true and we’ll qualify for experienced players with them in did not rule out taking up a per- Mahmoud, famed for his win- the World Cup.” the national team,” said the iconic manent role after his club stint ning goal in the 2007 final, said he Iraq have only ever played one player. finishes. was hoping to lead Iraq’s young World Cup, in 1986, and qualifi- “The World Cup qualifiers start “After my contract ends with players to the 2018 World Cup in cation for Russia 2018 would go in four or five months. Hopefully the club, I can’t predict my future, Russia and end an absence of 32 down as a major success for the I’ll be with the team in the World so after that I can sit down and years. war-weary country. Cup qualifiers.” discuss my future,” said the Iraqi The 31-year-old striker Despite going clubless for a “I have several offers, seven in player. remained upbeat despite Iraq’s year, Mahmoud starred with fact, I’m studying them and one He added: “It’s a young group 2-0 semi-final defeat to South two goals at the Asian Cup and a of them is from Al Wakrah,” he and we have some talented play- Korea, who swamped the Lions cheeky ‘panenka’ penalty under added, referring to his former ers. The guys outside of Iraq and Iraq’s Younis Mahmoud reacts to a missed shot at goal during the Asian of Mesopotamia at a wet Stadium intense pressure in the quarter- club in Qatar. the guys playing in Iraq all have Cup semi-final match against South Korea Republic at Stadium Australia Australia in Sydney. final shoot-out with Iran. Whether Iraq retain the serv- bright futures and I’m excited to in Sydney, on Monday. “I know they won and went Mahmoud said he had no ices of temporary coach Radhi see what this young group can to the final but we won also, we thoughts of retirement, adding Shenaishil, who has worked do.” AFP Cameroon, Ivory Coast clash in tense Group D finish

MALABO, Equatorial hoping to be recalled after being Guinea: The old adage that eve- Ivory Coast’s midfielder dropped to the bench against rything will be decided on the Mali, called it “the final before Yaya Toure (left) vies with pitch may not prove to be true the real final”. “Cameroon is a Mali’s midfielder Seydou in the case of Group D at this great football nation and so is the year’s Africa Cup of Nations. Keita during the 2015 Ivory Coast. All we want is to get All four matches in the group African Cup of Nations through to the last eight, and now have ended in 1-1 draws, leav- Group D match between we have 90 minutes to show who ing the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Mali in wants it more.” Guinea and Mali absolutely Malabo, in this January Recent history suggests even ahead of the final games in 24, 2015 file photo. RIGHT: Cameroon are best placed to win Malabo and Mongomo today. Cameroon’s defender this encounter, though. After all, Two more identical draws will Nicolas Nkoulou (left) the Indomitable Lions won their mean the drawing of lots will be challenges Guinea’s qualifying group ahead of the required to decide who progresses forward Mohamed Yattara Ivorians, trouncing the Elephants to the quarter-finals and in which during their match in 4-1 in Yaounde in September order. Malabo on the same day. before drawing 0-0 in the return That would not be unprec- match in Abidjan in November. edented, with the drawing of However, Cameroon are set to lots required at the 1988 Cup of once again be without midfielder Nations to send Algeria through thereby avoid a similar fate as against Guinea, while midfielder against Mali. “Cameroon have be decided by little details. Eyong Enoh, who injured his left to the knockout stage at the they face Cameroon at the Estadio Cheick Tiote will serve a one- experienced players in every Concentration, an ability to take thigh in first match against Mali. expense of the Ivory Coast, who de Malabo. game ban after being booked in department. For us, except for our chances and defensive rigour At the same time, west African had drawn all three of their Coach Herve Renard will again both matches to date. Kolo Toure, we have no other will all be important. Whichever neighbours Mali and Guinea, matches. be without forward Gervinho, Meanwhile, Max-Alain Gradel experienced defender,” said team shows a little less of these the supposed outsiders before The 2015 version of the who completes a two-match sus- could start after coming off the Renard. things will go home.” the tournament began, clash in Elephants will hope to win and pension following his sending-off bench to grab the late equaliser “It is a match that will Salomon Kalou, who will also be Mongomo. AFP WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Maria Sharapova of Russia reacts against Eugenie Bouchard of Canada in their quarter-final match at the Australian Open Grand Slam in Melbourne, yesterday. RIGHT: Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic celebrates his win against Rafael Nadal of Spain in their quarter final match.

Sharapova slaps down Bouchard World No.2 to meet Makarova in all-Russian semi-final; Nadal crushed by Berdych

MELBOURNE: Rafael Nadal’s Australian Open dream lay in tatters yesterday with the third seed crushed by Tomas Berdych in the quarter-finals, but Maria Sharapova showed who’s boss by slapping down Eugenie Bouchard. The out-of-sorts Spaniard, a 14-time Grand Slam champion, Andy Murray of Britain was never in contention against celebrates his victory a player he had beaten the last 17 over Nick Kyrgios of times they met stretching back Australia in their men’s to 2006. singles quarter-final The Czech seventh seed match of the 2015 insisted ahead of the match that Australian Open in the imposing statistic meant lit- Melbourne, yesterday. tle and he came out of the blocks RIGHT: Tomas firing, winning 6-2, 6-0, 7-6 (7/5) Berdych (right) of the despite a mini Nadal revival in the Czech Republic reacts third set. after defeating Rafael “I was definitely ready for it and set up my plan pretty well Nadal of Spain in their and I stuck with that through men’s singles quarter- those three sets,” said Berdych, final match. who also made the semis last year, losing to eventual champion Stan Wawrinka. The upset pits him against Andy Murray for a place in the final, with the experienced British sixth seed a step too far for brash Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios, who lost 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3. Nadal had no excuses, admit- ting he played “a very bad” match. given myself a good opportunity showdown between two of the 30 unforced errors from the “I need to believe in myself. I’m “I am not very happy because I again, and hopefully I can use it game’s most marketable women, 20-year-old. trying not to really think that it’s Australian Open didn’t compete the way I wanted to my advantage.” an intense Sharapova was all She now faces Makarova, who semis, that I’m one step from the to compete in the first two sets In contrast to Nadal’s lacklus- business in the crushing 6-3, 6-2 raced through her match against final, but that it’s just a normal Results and that’s something that I don’t tre performance, the experienced win. third seed Simona Halep, thrash- match like always,” she said. MELBOURNE: Collated like,” he said. Sharapova dominated young “She’s been playing so well at ing the more-fancied Romanian “Just go out there and enjoy my results from day nine of the “The season is long, beginnings Canadian pretender Bouchard Slams, so confident and so aggres- 6-4, 6-0. game.” Australian Open at Melbourne are tough. I need to be ready to to set up an all-Russian semi- sive,” said the Russian, gunning In the other women’s quarter- Halep came into the match Park yesterday: accept all the situations that hap- final with dark horse Ekaterina for a sixth Grand Slam crown and finals, to be played Wednesday, top as favourite but her trademark Men’s Singles Quarter-finals: Tomas pen and try to be strong.” Makarova. her first in Australia since 2008. seed Serena Williams meets last fighting qualities deserted her, Berdych (CZE x7) bt Rafael Nadal (ESP x3) Murray, a three-time runner The world number two, who “I just really tried to take that year’s finalist Dominika Cibulkova with the talented 23-year-old 6-2, 6-0, 7-6 (7/5); Andy Murray (GBR x6) bt up at Melbourne Park, was too could claim the top ranking from away from her a little bit. I did a while her sister Venus takes on saying she felt stressed by the Nick Kyrgios (AUS) 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3. composed for Kyrgios but said he arch-rival Serena Williams if she great job of that today.” teenage American Madison Keys. occasion. was taking nothing for granted wins the title, showed her intent Sharapova, who also dumped Makarova, her right thigh “I practised very well in the Women’s Singles Quarter-finals: against Berdych. by breaking the seventh seed in Bouchard out of the French heavily strapped, said she was morning, but I was a little bit Ekaterina Makarova (RUS x10) bt Simona “Maybe I won’t play well in a the first game of the match and Open semi-finals last year, gave trying to stay grounded and not too stressed before I started the Halep (ROU x3) 6-4, 6-0; Maria Sharapova couple of days; maybe I play great. never looked back. no quarter on Rod Laver Arena, let the pressure get to her with match,” she said. “I don’t know (RUS x2) bt Eugenie Bouchard (CAN x7) 6-3, I don’t know,” he said. “But I’ve Billed as a Glam Slam hitting 18 winners and forcing Sharapova looming. why.” AFP 6-2. Williams sisters look to New breed take on old guard turn back clock in last 8

MELBOURNE: Serena and Davenport-coached 19-year-old. Venus Williams will be looking “Yeah, definitely some simi- in men’s Open showdowns to turn back the clock almost larities,” Venus said when asked six years when they play their about the influence Davenport MELBOURNE: It’s the new Djokovic-Wawrinka semi-final in quarter-finals at the Australian may be having on Keys. “Madison order up against the old guard Kei Nishikori the top half of the men’s draw. Open today. hits a clean ball, goes for it. in today’s men’s quarter-finals of Japan hits a “I know what to expect. We The American sisters face the “Lindsay used to hit a clean at the Australian Open with return against practice a lot. We live in the same possibility of meeting each other ball. She was so fun to watch Kei Nishikori facing defending David Ferrer of place (Monte Carlo). We’re good in a Grand Slam for the first time play. I loved watching her play. Of champion Stan Wawrinka and Spain in their friends,” Djokovic said of meeting since the 2009 Wimbledon final course, didn’t love watching her Milos Raonic trading shots with men’s singles Raonic. if they can first overcome tricky hit those clean balls against you. Novak Djokovic. match at “He’s very confident. He’s been opponents on Rod Laver Arena, “So it looks like it’s a good Much has been made about Australian Open playing some great tennis in the with Venus having the toughest match.” the generational advance of the on Monday. last 15 months. He deserves to be challenge. Serena, who had a shaky start younger breed in the Grand Nishikori will where he is now in the top 10 and The 34-year-old will have to to her fourth round match with Slams and the tennis world will take on Stan coming closer to top five in the deal with teenage compatriot Garbine Muguruza will need to get an insight into whether that is Wawrinka world.” Madison Keys, who is widely con- be at her best from the start indeed the case in these intriguing today in the Djokovic, however, is supremely sidered one of the cleanest strik- against last year’s beaten final- match-ups on Rod Laver Arena. confident. quarter-finals. ers of a tennis ball in both the ist Dominika Cibulkova, who beat Japanese superstar Nishikori “I haven’t dropped a set, I’m men’s and women’s game. two-times champion Victoria ousted Raonic, Wawrinka and in the quarter-finals. Yes, I Keys blasted the hard-hitting Azarenka. Djokovic on the way to losing to hasn’t beaten world number to beat and has yet to drop a set had tough matches in the last two-times Wimbledon champion Men’s top seed Novak Djokovic, Marin Cilic in last year’s US Open one and tournament favourite on the way to the last eight as he two rounds, but I had quality Petra Kvitova off the court in the will also be on court in the last final when he became the first Djokovic in four meetings, but he chases his fifth Australian title opponents. third round, with the Czech stat- match of the day on Rod Laver Asian man to contest a Grand has been serving up a storm in and eighth Grand Slam. “I’ve dropped serve only once ing she had been under immense Arena against Canada’s Milos Slam decider. Melbourne over the past week. Raonic, 24, and Nishikori, during the whole tournament. pressure from the Lindsay Raonic. REUTERS Big-serving Canadian Raonic Djokovic has looked the player 25, will be bidding to prevent a That is very encouraging.” AFP WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Czech Republic win President’s Cup Belarus go down fighting to finish 18 at the championship, lose 32-31 in shoot-out

DOHA: The Czech Republic won the President’s Cup and fin- ished 17th in the over-all rank- ing at the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship defeat- ing Belarus 32-31 in the final in Duhail. However, the match was only decided after shoot-out, as the original 60 minutes ended in a 28-28 draw. Belarus started with a 5-1 defence, pushing left wing Ivan Brouka forward to the right side of their defence, almost like a kind of man to man defence against the Czechs’ left back Pavel Horak. However, it was the Czech Republic who got the better start going ahead 3:1, 4:2 and 6:3. Belarus managed to catch up at 6-6 mainly due to four goals from Siarhei Rutenka. It was also Rutenka who ben- efited from a penalty shot bring- ing the Belarusians into the lead at 7-6 a few minutes later. Belarus even went two up at 8-6 and 9-7, but despite Siarhei Rutenka’s one-man-show and with eight goals in the first half alone the Czechs got back into the driver’s seat and went ahead by two again. The Czech players celebrate after winning the penalty shoot-out of the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship President’s Cup match against Belarus at the Duhail Handball Sports At half-time the Czech Republic Hall, Doha, yesterday. RIGHT: The Czech players with the President’s Cup. were leading by one 14-13. In the second half, Ivan Brouka moved more towards the centre the second match to be decided champions. Ayatollah Hamoud The fans in Duhail saw 70 Russias return home with their th of the court in the Belarusian 5-1 by penalty shoot-out yesterday netted eleven times for Algeria. goals in 60 minutes and a well- heads held high. 24 Men’s Handball defence, but that did not stop the after Chile beat Algeria from the Placement match 21 and 22: deserved Russian victory against Placement match 17 and 18 Czechs from going two and even line. In addition, Russia and Iran Iran vs Saudi Arabia 26-22 the Bosnian World Championship Belarus vs Czech Republic World Championship three goals ahead again soon after. won their respective placement After a tight start Iran forged debutants, who lacked depth in 31-32 Final ranking 9 to 24 Still, Belarus kept coming back matches. 15:10 ahead before the half-time terms of bench rotation options. When Peter Stochl saved the even though Rutenka’s scoring Placement match 23 and 24: whistle called an end to the first This was most visible after the fifth Belarusian penalty shot from 9. FYRO Macedonia frequency had decreased a bit - Chile vs Algeria 30-28 30 minutes. But the injury-ridden break when they could not keep Kiryl Kniazeu, the Czech players 10. Sweden missing even two penalty shots. For the first time in Doha a Saudis showed huge strength to up with the speed of the Russians ran towards their goalkeeper, as 11. Iceland During the last quarter of an match needed to be decided by a reduce the gap to only 16-18. anymore. if he had won the President’s Cup 12. Argentina hour there was never more than penalty shoot-out, and Chile were But that was their last sign of After an initial Bosnian lead for them. 13. Austria one goal separating the two teams. as cold as ice scoring 3-1 thanks to life. Thanks to five unanswered 13-10, the Russians took control The “Man of the Match” was 14. Egypt And when it came to the shoot- three saves from their goalkeeper goals the debutants Iran took turning the tide with an incred- the Czech match winner saving out, the Czechs scored four out Felipe Barrientos. Algeria were their second ever victory at World ible 10-3 run up before the half- an overall of two shots in the 15. Tunisia of five attempts from the seven permanently in lead until 59:59 as Championships to win this all- time buzzer. The match was close shoot-out. 16. Brazil meter spot, while Belarus only Rodrigo Salinas netted his elev- Asian duel. The best Saudi of the right up until the score read Belarusian top scorer was 17. Czech Republic managed to score on three. enth individual goal to equalize. night was goalkeeper Mohamad 22-20, then the Russians managed Siarhei Rutenka scoring 12 goals 18. Belarus Siarhei Rutenka became top Algeria were shocked after let- Alnassfahan, who saved 15 shots, to pick up the pace and push on. throughout this clash where the 19. Russia scorer for Belarus and in the ting a seven-goal lead from their while the best Iranian was Their frantic scoring toward lead constantly changed hands. 20. Bosnia-Herzegovina match with 12 goals, while Filip hands. Allahkaram Esteki who netting the end of the second half was However, Ondrej Zdrahala last 21. Iran Jicha, Jakub Hrstka and Ondrej Three minutes before the end six times. helped by 18 saves from goal- gasp equalizer 28-28 seemed to Zdrahala scored six each for the the score read 27-24, however, Placement match 19 and 20: keeper Igor Levshin. In the end, give the Czechs the boost they 22. Saudi Arabia Czech Republic. Chile pulled it back and managed Bosnia Herzegovina vs Russia the gap was 14 goals and after needed to win the shoot-out. 23. Chile The President’s Cup final was to finally defeated the African 28-42 some disappointing matches, the THE PENINSULA 24. Algeria Euphoric Poland out for revenge

DOHA: Six years after they lost to Hungary at World winning the bronze medal at Championships. “But now we feel the World Championship 2009 it is the right time to be back on in Croatia, the Poles strike back the stage,” added Syprzak, with in Doha by not only snatch- his 2,10 m third tallest player in ing a spot for the Olympic Qatar 2015. Qualification Tournament, but In the knock-out match against by planning to return to the Sweden, the Polish team per- podium as well. formed brilliantly in defence and One year before hosting the didn’t allow their opponents to Jason Derulo 2016 European Championship, score easily, not even to move the the “White and Red” once again ball well. “Defence is a matter of to perform at managed to show their big hand- desire and of the good goalkeeper” ball potential by defeating Sweden said the line player of SPR Wisła Qatar 2015 24:20 in a tight eighth-final Płock. match. For goalkeeping they have “A victory that produced an legendary 37-year old Slawomir DOHA: The Qatar 2015 amazing euphoria,” as left back Szmal between the posts, who was Organising Committee has Piotr Chrapkowski expressed his awarded “IHF Player of the Year” announced that American feelings. in 2009 and also the “Gold Cross singer-songwriter Jason Derulo “It is not a surprise. We are a of Merit” in 2007. Nicknamed (pictured) is the next big act team that is aiming high, we came “Kasa”, he has been a key fac- to hit the stage as part of the here to stand up against every tor for Poland when winning post-match entertainment lined Spanish player Gedeon Guardiola (left) speaks to Denmark’s Niklas Landin (centre) and Mads Mensah Larsen team,” said the Polish line player their two last medals at World up at the 24th Men’s Handball as both teams have back to back training sessions at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall outside Doha,yesterday. Kamil Syprzak, while enjoying the Championships. World Championship. victory over the Swedish side on In the 2009 semi-final in The performance is set to Monday at the Ali bin Hamad Al Zagreb, Szmal saw his side los- take place today at the Lusail Attiyah Arena. ing 23:29 to the hosts Croatia and Multipurpose Hall following the “We have accomplished our thus missing the final, and now final match of the evening – prime target, which was to seems hungry for late revenge. Denmark vs Spain at 9:00pm and Favourites France face secure a berth for the Olympic “Croatia is… Croatia,” laugh- is free for all match ticket holders. Qualification Tournament. Now ingly commented Michael Biegler, For those without tickets, venue we will see what comes next, the German coach of the Poles. passes for the performance can be for our team that incorporates “They are a major team, the coun- purchased, at the ticket box office, a beautiful combination of old try is a factory that keeps pro- from 8:00pm onwards, based on tough Slovenia test and experienced with young and ducing talented players and at the available seating for the night. enthusiastic players.” same acts as a school of the sport The Florida-born artist has DOHA: Defending Olympic and triple crown, are favourities, the game. Defence must once Poland are no newcomers on of handball. sold over 30 million singles as a European champions France not only after their powerful again be our starting point.” the world handball stage. For dec- “However we will analyse solo recording artist and has pro- will face a tough test when and impressive performance Right back Valentin Portes ades they have had their national their game in detail and try to duced records and written songs they take on Slovenia in the against Argentina in the added, “Reaching the quarter- team among the top teams of the hit against their possible weak- for several others as well. He has quarter-finals of the 24th Men’s pre-quarter-final. final is one step towards the gold world, their “Hall Of Fame” is ness. I would not have chosen to achieved six Top 5 singles which Handball World Championship But their world star Nikola medal.” decorated with several legends, play against them, but due to inju- include his popular debut single Two years ago, Slovenia Karabatic, who will face his best Current World Championship including Jerzy Klempel, Daniel ries and some weak moments, we ‘Whatcha Say’ qualified for their first World friend Vid Kavticnik, isn’t taking top scorer Dragan Gajic, who Waszkiewicz and Mariusz Jurasik. didn’t end up on the first place in Derulo’s performance is the Championship semi-final by Slovenia lightly. is contracted by French club In 1976, Poland won bronze at the our group. latest in an amazing line-up of beating Russia in the quarters. “Slovenia are a good team, with Montpellier, is relaxed on the eve Montreal Olympic Games, while “We will once again rely on our regional and international art- In contrast, France missed their experience and great players,” of the match. their medal collection from World tall and strong players and their ists that have delighted handball first World Championship semi- Karabatic said. “We have reached our goal here Championships includes one sil- great defensive abilities, but the fans with their performances at final since 2001 after their defeat “Some of them are playing in in Qatar, which was to be in the ver (2007) and two bronzes (1982, key point is to play smart and the 24th Men’s Handball World against Croatia in Spain. the French League and this is top eight best teams.” 2009). take advantage of any favourable Championship. But France, aiming for the another interesting element in THE PENINSULA Both in 2011 and 2013 they situation. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Wednesday 28 January 2015 8 Rabial II 1436 Volume 19 Number 6324 Sport Price: QR2

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Upbeat Qatar face Germany today Hosts target a place in semi-finals of 24th Men’s Handball World Championship

DOHA: Hosts Qatar will seek team captain Uwe Gensheimer. th to continue their dream run at 24 Men’s Handball The Germans won their pre- the 24th Men’s Handball World quarter-final match against Championship when they take Championship Egypt. on former champions Germany Quarter-finals Since winning the 2007 World in the quarter-finals at Lusail At Lusail Multipurpose Hall) Championship on home ground, Multipurpose Hall here today. his team never made it to another Qatar vs Germany 6.30pm Also today, in the three remain- World Championship semi. ing quarter-finals, defending Spain vs Denmark 9.00pm On the other hand, Qatar champions Spain meet Denmark, At Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena has already reached their main while 2013 semi-finalists Slovenia Croatia vs Poland, 6:30pm goal to finish among the best take on France and Croatia Slovenia vs France 9.00pm 16 teams, their best ranking at square to Poland. a World Championships. But The clash between the On Sunday, Qatar backed by a backed by their fans and their Iberians and Scandinavians will strong performance on court and great goalkeepers Saric and be a rematch of the 2013 World support of a vociferous crowd, Goran Stojanovic, the host hopes Championship final, which Spain defeated Austria to reach their to continue flying on the wings won 35-19. maiden quarter-finals of a world of success. A lot will be at stake when championship. “We are all proud of what we Qatar and Germany clash for Playing a host nation is always achieved so far. It is a tournament the first time at an international a tricky equation which Austria that will always be remembered. competition. discovered in the pre-quarter- No we want to go on fighting with The Asian Games gold med- final loss to Qatar. Germany too the same hunger,” said Qatar’s top allist and Asian champions, the is wary of the strong crowd sup- scorer Zarko Markovic. Markovic last non-European team left in port the hosts enjoy. has scored 49 goals in the champi- the competition, have tasted their “The Qatar fans will be even onship and is the second highest biggest international success and louder than the Egyptian fans in goal scorer of the championship. will be hungry for more success our quarter-final. I hope that we On Friday, the winner of the when they take on the 2007 World take the lead very fast so that the Qatar-Germany will meet either Qatar’s goalkeepers Goran Stojanovic (left) in action against Austria’s Robert Weber on Sunday during the Qatar Champions at the 15,000 capacity superiority of the other fans won’t Croatia or Poland. 2015 24th Men’s Handball World Championship and Danijel Saric reacts after making a save against Austria. stadium. be a decisive factor,” said German THE PENINSULA JAN 28

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