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Ooredoo and Arabsat Qatar face tough sign deal on satellite task in third communications round

WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 • 6 Rajab 1437 • Volume 21 • Number 6765 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

OPINION PM meets German envoy Emir leads Qatar delegation to Islamic Summit Conference

DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will head today to Istanbul leading Qatar’s delegation to the 13th session of Islamic Summit Conference, which will be held in Turkey’s capital Ankara under the theme “Unity and Solidarity for Justice and Peace”, reports QNA.

Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi Syria truce strained on eve Editor-in-Chief of peace talks in Geneva

Panama leaks BEIRUT: Syria’s landmark ceasefire was threatening to fall apart yesterday amid a surge of fresh fighting, espe- cially in northern Aleppo province, just as peace talks to where? were set to resume in Geneva. The UN’s Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura, who has said the negotiations due to uring the last few start today would be “crucially important,” was in Iran days the scandal of for talks with a key backer of Syria’s President Bashar Dthe Panama Papers Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani met yesterday with Germany’s Al Assad. This week’s round of talks in Geneva will be has brought several off- Ambassador to Qatar Hans-Udo Muzel. They discussed cooperation between Qatar and Germany and means of the second since Assad’s regime and rebel forces agreed shore accounts to light, enhancing it. to a partial truce. with global repercussions → See also page 6 including strong reac- tions about the enormous amounts of money kept in the accounts owned by leaders, officials and prom- inent figures of several Ministry raises heat on erring auto dealers countries across the world. The documents claim that these leaders manip- ulated money by creating on automobile dealers violating war- The dealer refused to fix it claim- The department came to the conclu- workshops of their choice, within the fake companies on Panama ranty terms. The ministry has forced ing that the warranty does not cover sion that the car dealer had violated warranty period. This has forced car Island to evade tax, hide Customers asked to a leading car dealer to repair a car the gear box because the car owner the warranty terms and breached dealers to slash maintenance charges the source of their money report violations to under warranty period free after the violated the warranty terms. The Article (9) of law No (8) of 2008 on to win customers. and avoid questioning over Consumer Protection dealer refused to fix it in line with dealer claimed that the car owner consumer protection. In case of having maintenance its legality. warranty terms. had replaced the gear box oil with The law stipulates that dealers and repair works at third-party work- More than 11 million Department. The ministry said yesterday that another kind of oil that failed to and suppliers must comply with the shops, vehicle owners have been documents were released it will take legal action against the meet the technical requirements of warranty terms offered to costum- advised to retain invoices of main- to the media by a company erring dealer. The ministry acted the manufacturer. ers. The action came as part of the tenance and repair works as well as that worked hard to extract after receiving a complaint from the Inspectors from the Consumer ministry’s ongoing efforts to protect the spare parts and materials used, to the codes and access the The Peninsula vehicle’s owner through one of its Protection and Combating Com- consumers and ensure that car deal- show that repair works were carried papers. communication channels concern- mercial Fraud Department at the ers follow up on vehicle defects and out in accordance with the manufac- ing the car dealer’s refusal to repair Ministry investigated the complaint repairs. In a recent initiative the min- turer’s requirements. → Continued on page 2 DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and the vehicle. The dispute arose over a and found that the car owner didn’t istry had allowed vehicle owners to Commerce has tightened the noose complaint about the car’s gearbox. violate the technical requirements. get their cars serviced or repaired at → Continued on page 4 02 WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 HOME

Panama leaks to where? Posters on nutrition at supermarkets soon Continued from page 1 displayed at Al Meera branches in the This is the biggest leak in country. history in terms of the strong Ministry signs MoU The nutrition information will be and solid contents it included with Weill Cornell prepared by WCM-Q’s Sahtak Awa- and the money involved. lan programme and the ministry in Now, the pertinent ques- Medicine-Qatar and accordance with the Qatar Dietary tion that arises is: What is the Al Meera Consumer Guidelines issued in 2015. aim of these leaks and their Dr Saleh bin Ali Al Marri, Assist- publication at this point of Goods Company to ant Secretary-General for Medical time? promote healthy Affairs at the ministry; Dr Javaid Much has been said Sheikh, Dean, WCM-Q, represented about global intelligence eating habits among by Nesreen Al Rifai, Chief Commu- agencies which have people. nications Officer, WCM-Q; and Dr allegedly targeted some Mohammed Nasser Al Qahtani, Dep- international figures and uty CEO, Al Meera, signed the MoU leaders for blackmailing at the ministry premises yesterday. purposes. Others have talked By Fazeena Saleem “This MoU is part of our con- about deals and concessions The Peninsula certed efforts to promote public that took place. health awareness, especially as far No doubt, a blind eye as healthy diet is concerned, and the was turned to some of the ministry attaches special impor- global financial manipu- DOHA: In a new campaign to pro- tance to raising health awareness in lations, but when there is a mote healthy eating habits among the community in cooperation with conflict of interests, secret people, posters with information on all concerned partners,” said Dr Al files come out into the open. nutrition contained in food items will Marri. FIFA is one example of this. be displayed at several supermarkets Qatar STEPS Non-communi- Discussions on the sub- across the country. cable Disease Risk Factors Survey ject of the Panama Papers Posters will be designed to help 2012 showed that the majority of are continuing in Europe, consumers decide what food items to adult Qataris (91 percent) consumed and investigations have buy to make a healthy and balanced less than five servings of fruits and/ begun to ascertain whether diet, said officials yesterday. or vegetables on average a day, 45.9 Dr Saleh bin Ali Al Marri, Assistant Secretary-General for Medical Affairs at the ministry; Dr Javaid Sheikh, any of the officials named The Ministry of Public Health percent of them had low physi- Dean, WCM-Q, represented by Nesreen Al Rifai, Chief Communications Officer, WCM-Q; and Dr Mohammed in the documents have been signed a memorandum of under- cal activity, and 41.4 percent of the Nasser Al Qahtani, Deputy CEO, Al Meera, signing the MoU at the ministry premises yesterday. exploited. Public reaction standing (MoU) with Weill Cornell respondents were obese and 70 per- Pic: Baher / The Peninsula has been mixed. Some peo- Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) and Al cent overweight. ple demanded that political Meera Consumer Goods Company “These worrying numbers add leaders resign while others (Al Meera) to launch the public health to the importance of this crucial Health Strategy,” Dr Al Marri added. plans to expand the programme later health programme at workplaces, asked for further investiga- awareness campaign. campaign which aligns with other The awareness posters will ini- at more branches. conduct a survey to assess the needs tion. Unfortunately, the leaks The MoU will facilitate to educate important efforts, particularly the tially be displayed at five Al Meera A task force will be set up by the of Al Meera employees (pre-survey) included some Arab leaders the public with a wide range of infor- National Nutrition and Physical branches — Legtaifiya, Gulf Mall, Al ministry to help with preparing and and conduct health check-ups for whose people live in pov- mation on nutrition through posters Activity Plan, part of the National Wakrah, Thakira and Geant, with revising the posters, implement the them. erty and desperately need support. Finally, I will say that this wave of new leaks is not the first and will not be French centre Capago MENA gets over 32,000 applications for Schengen visas the last, because observers strongly believe that money plays a major role in politics The Peninsula and international relations.

DOHA: Capago MENA, the French Visa Application Centre, received more than 32,000 GACA member applications for Schengen visas at its facilities in Doha, the French embassy said yesterday. of ICAO Council Capago MENA, and the embassy have succeeded in facilitating the French Schengen visa application process by offering Qataris the QNA best quality services, allowing the issuance of a visa in 48 hours or less, the mission said yesterday. Capago MENA also offers a “doorstep DOHA: The General Authority of application” for all, whereby one agent offers a Civil Aviation (GACA) has gained personalised service at home or office for the membership of the Experts Coun- application procedure. cil of Air Facilities and Transport “We always welcome our Qatari friends and of the International Civil Aviation Qatar residents who wish to visit our beautiful Organisation (ICAO). The author- country, year after year, in always greater ity has presented Qatar’s vision for numbers,” French Ambassador Eric Chevallier air facilities and transport and the said. French Ambassador Eric Chevallier speaking at a press conference at Capago MENA. role played by travel facilities in “We are committed to guaranteeing them the the development of air transport best possible conditions in the preparation and sector all over the world and their the course of their stay in France.” prospective travellers to take an appointment to promoting France as the destination. in the best conditions, by further developing impact on the national economic As spring has arrived and summer approaches, as early as possible before the holiday seasons France which attracted about 85 million infrastructures (better taxi services at development. the embassy and Capago MENA Qatar has advised to avoid any delays. tourists in 2015, hopes to attract 100 million the airports, for example) and reinforcing Capago MENA also announced the launch visitors by 2020. “Our government has been security measures in all touristic areas and of its new magazine My French Link, dedicated enhancing its efforts to welcome its guests monuments,” said the ambassador.

Phase one of warehouses for food Qatar chairs meeting for items and fodder stocks completed Sino-Arab Forum

By Sanaullah Ataullah The Peninsula QNA

DOHA: The Ministry of Economy DOHA: Qatari Ambassador and Commerce has completed to Egypt and Permanent Del- phase one of its project to provide egate to the Arab League, Saif strategic stocks for food items and bin Muqaddam Al Bueinain, fodders. chaired a consultative meet- The ministry has built stra- ing of permanent delegates in tegic warehouses for several Egyptian capital Cairo yes- foodstuff and fodder to meet the terday. requirements of the country. The meeting aimed to With the completion of the coordinate positions among phase one plan, the facilities the Arab side with regard to are able to store rice that will be the seventh ministerial ses- enough for consumption for 10 sion of the Sino-Arab Forum months. Supplies stocked at one of the warehouses. at the foreign ministers’ level They can also store sugar to be hosted by Qatar on May required for nine months, milk 11 and 12. and edible oils for four- and- foodstuffs and fodders spread- the ministry and they can collect Participants exchanged a-half months. ing over a total area of 107,446sqm it from stores set up in outer areas. views about the documents Storage facilities for fodder with the capacity of 125,000 By the beginning of May, the for the ministerial session and have a capacity to store “shair” tonnes. (monthly) quota for fodders will coordination of Arab positions enough for six months and “sha- More facilities will be built to be disbursed in two phases on a on topics and items on the war” enough for three months. increase the capacity. Distributors trial basis. agenda. Phase One plan was made will be also encouraged to open Once the experimental period The forum was established based on the demand for the said new facilities in second phase. is over, the quota will be distrib- in 2004. Under its framework, items and expiry date of the prod- So far, there are 94 distri- uted all together. Now the ministry 11 cooperation mechanisms ucts so that the consumer will get bution centers throughout the is working to make a mechanism were set up in areas, including quality products meeting interna- country including 82 for food- to monitor the supply of fod- economy, trade, education and tional standards, said a statement. stuffs and seven for fodders. The ders in collaboration with the culture. The volume of trade The ministry has built ten remaining centers distribute both. authority concerned to ensure exchange between both sides storage facilities in differ- Citizens can take permission that it reaches to the targeted reached about $250bn last ent places in the country for for disbursal of their quota from beneficiaries. year. HOME WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 03 Qatar ‘moving to Cancer awareness booklets in Braille decentralised urban Ministry and Qatar Cancer Society release three booklets to increase awareness development’ about cancer among visually impaired people. By Raynald C Rivera development will be implemented The Peninsula , which means creating urban cen- tres inside and outside Doha, he The Peninsula said, adding the new system will put emphasis in all municipalities DOHA: Qatar is moving towards a and not only in urban areas. decentralised urban development “The Sustainable Future of DOHA: Minister of Education and Higher Education to change people’s perception of Qatari Cities: From Sculpturing an H E Dr Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Ali Al Ham- the country as a city state, says an Image to Constructing an Urban madi has released three cancer awareness booklets official. identity” was the final session at the in Braille language for visually impaired people. “If you ask anyone who vis- conference in which Prof Ali Alraouf, The booklets were prepared by Qatar Cancer its the country, they think Qatar is head of CB, Research and Develop- Society (QCS) in collaboration with Qatar Social Doha and there’s nothing outside ment – Urban Planning Department and Cultural Centre for the Blind. of Doha. at the Ministry of Municipal- The initiative aims to raise awareness about “It is a centralized development ity and Environment stressed on cancer among the visually impaired people, espe- at the moment so we need to move Qatar’s knowledge-based urban cially students. to a decentralised one,” said Dr Hos- development. Dr Al Hammadi and Dr Sheikh Khalid bin Jabor Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi sam Ibrahim, deputy group leader, Prof Alraouf talked about the Al Thani, Chairman, QCS, signed the booklets in and Dr Sheikh Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman, QCS, signing the booklets. Municipality Master Planning Group role of architecture in provoking the presence of senior officials of the ministry and at Ministry of Municipality and questions and stimulating creativ- the society. Environment. ity as well as the evolving function “It is a right of students with visual impairment, of the booklets, also praised QCS’ efforts to create QCS’s efforts will be integrated with the role of Dr Ibrahim was addressing the of museums as a catalyst for devel- especially the blind, to get health-related knowl- awareness about cancer in the education sector the ministry which gives top priority to the peo- fifth Arab Future Cities Summit opment and a social space where edge and cancer-related medical information, in with details like causes and consequences of can- ple with special needs and is providing them all at The Ritz-Carlton Doha on the people interact. particular, to help them in the treatment and pre- cer and how to treat and prevent it. services in accordance with the best international topic “Towards Sustainable Urban Held under the patronage of the vention of the disease,” said the Minister. QCS is using all means of modern scientific standards. Living in Qatar: From Planning to Ministry of Transport & Communi- He praised efforts of the government under methods to provide necessary information to the Dr Sheikh Khalid highlighted the importance Implementation.” cations and Ministry of Municipality the wise leadership of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim community, starting with early diagnosis of the attached by QCS to raising awareness among all Delving on the Qatar National and Environment, the two-day con- bin Hamad Al Thani to provide people with spe- disease and raising awareness to help reduce its segments of society about cancer in general and Master Plan, he said it was estab- ference attracted over 450 delegates cial needs with quality education and international incidence in the Qatari society. cancer risk factors and prevention methods in lished “ to create a model for from different industries and was standard social and health services. The Minister also praised the booklets for con- particular, as well as nutrition and its role in the sustainable urban living keeping held under the theme “Smart Solu- The Minister, who was speaking at the launch taining valuable scientific information. prevention of the disease. in mind that world class cities are tions for Sustainable Cities. dependent on mixed-use centres The event also featured a Future to provide easy access to work and Cities lounge which displayed gov- more facilities for more comforta- ernment projects including those by ble living.” Qatar Railways Company (Qatari Qatari team tops qualifying rounds of Schools Arabic Debating Championship In order to do that a special Rail), Qatar Ports Management Co. strategy had been developed for (Mwani), Public Works Authority the whole country “based on moving (Ashghal) and Geographic Infor- The Peninsula Centre ends today at Qatar National Arab world. The teams praised the Organization for the Renaissance from the centralized development mation Systems GIS Qatar. Convention Centre. It started on Sun- world-class organisation of the event of Arabic language for non-Ara- within Doha into another new par- The lounge also featured the lat- day. Fifty-four teams from Arab and and said it’s the world’s largest and bic-speaking countries as part of adigm of development which aims est range of smart city technological non-Arab countries are taking part. most competitive championship. a memorandum of understanding to change the perception of Qatar solutions from industry giants such DOHA: The third international The Qatari team topped qualify- Training workshops were organ- between both sides. Disqualified as a city state.” as Ooredoo, Huawei, Aqualia and Schools Arabic Debating Champi- ing rounds after multiple wins against ised in collaboration between teams said they were honoured to A multi-nuclei model of Meeza. onship, being held by QatarDebate several teams from Europe and the QatarDebate Centre and World be part of the championship. Qatar to host GCC Municipal Work forum

The Peninsula Prime Minister and Interior Minis- sustainable standards related ter H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser to municipal work; partnership bin Khalifa Al Thani. between private and public sec- The conference is considered a tors in municipal projects; the role DOHA: Qatar is gearing up to host forum for ministers and other senior of municipalities in sustainable the 9th GCC Municipal Work Confer- officials to discuss ideas to improve development; challenges in technol- ence from April 26 to 28 at Sheraton municipal services in the GCC states. ogy and how to use it for sustainable Hotel. On the sidelines, an exhibition development; and encouraging vol- The theme of the event is ‘The will be held to highlight the latest untary work as part of municipal role of municipalities in achieving the equipment related to municipality work in the GCC states. goals of sustainable development in projects, in addition to symposiums Municipalities directors, profes- light of economic changes’. and lectures on sustainable develop- sors , research centers, government It is being organised by the ment and infrastructure. bodies and private sector, and local Ministry of Municipality and Envi- The conference will also dis- and international organization will ronment under the patronage of cuss five main topics: Applying participate in the conference. Betrib dining tables recalled

The Peninsula

DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Home Centre, has announced the recall of Betrib dining tables in view of a potential collapse of the glass top due to a manufacturing defect. Customers are advised to stop using the table, not to keep any items on it and return it to Home Centre. The ministry said the recall is part of its efforts to protect consumers and ensure suppliers follow up on product defects and recall defective items. The ministry said it will coordinate with the supplier to ensure the recall of defective prod- ucts and communicate with customers to ensure neces- sary procedures have been taken. It urged customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protec- tion and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through call centre: 16001; email: [email protected]; Twitter: @MEC_Qatar; Instagram: MEC_Qatar; and the minis- try’s mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar 04 WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 HOME Sheikha Mayassa: Art is very powerful QU seminar explores because it has no boundaries cell therapy for diabetes The Peninsula

QNA it should be provocative. We are very clear with the artists that you are free to decide on your exhibition, but you DOHA: Qatar University Biomed- are not free to be insulting to our cul- ical Research Centre organised a DOHA: In a landmark international ture or traditions.” seminar on the use of stem cells to TV interview, H E Sheikha Al Mayassa The interview also explored treat diabetes. The event on ‘Pluripo- bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Cai’s exhibition. Following the huge tent stem cells as tools for disease Chairperson, Qatar Museums (QM), success of his solo exhibition Cai Guo- modelling and cell therapy in dia- spoke exclusively to CNN International Qiang: Saraab at Mathaf in 2011, Cai betes’ was delivered by Dr Essam M on Qatar Museums’ (QM) ambitions has returned to Qatar as a curator Abdelalim, scientist, Qatar Biomedi- and focus on developing arts, heritage to present the exhibition featuring cal Research Institute, and Assistant and creativity in the country. contemporary Chinese artists and Professor at Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- The interview was a highlight of collectives born in Mainland China. versity (HBKU). Dr Essam M Abdelalim, scientist, the launch episode of CNN Style, a On QM’s longstanding relationship He said with diabetes as the most Qatar Biomedical Research new monthly TV programme on top- with Cai, she said: “Cai is a very gen- prevailing disease with progressive Institute, and Assistant Professor, ics, including art, architecture and H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson, erous artist. When he came here for incidence worldwide and no perma- HBKU, speaking at the event. design, which was launched on Sat- Qatar Museums (QM), speaking to CNN International on Qatar Museums’ his Saraab exhibition in 2011, he was nent treatment available yet, cell urday on CNN International. ambitions and focus on developing arts, heritage and creativity in the here for about two and a half months, therapy might prove to be the best She discussed themes, including country. working with students. approach to treat type 1 and severe the importance of investing in culture, “He became so famous walking cases of type 2 diabetes. from diabetic patients, providing QM’s focus on nurturing emerging tal- around the city that everyone would According to him, transplanta- cells genetically identical to the ent, bringing contemporary artists to in Residence’ initiative to nurture the between artists, and to perpetuate the call him by his first name bringing tion of pancreatic islets is used to patient to be used for in-vitro disease Qatar and QM’s latest exhibition as talent of young Qatari artists and res- budding landscape through local pro- art from China is quite important restore the functional cells in dia- modelling and eventually cell-based part of the Qatar China 2016 Year of idents in Qatar. duction and creativity. for us given that the art scene there betic patients, but the shortage of therapies. Several iPSC lines have Culture: What About the Art? Contem- Sheikha Mayassa is credited with Sheikha Mayassa said: “We’re try- is growing very rapidly so it’s really human donors and the occurrence been produced from patients with porary Art from China. transforming Qatar’s old Civil Defence ing to bring the best of the best from an exchange of knowledge. We’re of immune rejection lead to search different forms of diabetes and most The exhibition, curated by Chi- building into studio spaces for art- around the world or the most influen- really excited to have something of for other sources of pancreatic cells. of these are able to differentiate into nese artist Cai Guo-Qiang features ists, known as the Fire Station ‘Artist tial people to think in creative ways, this calibre.” He said recent studies indi- insulin-producing cells,” he said. the works of 15 of China’s most sig- in Residence’ initiative, which is part because creative people come up with Art as a bridge between cultures cate that stem cells are likely to be He said iPSCs could provide per- nificant contemporary artists and is of QM’s strategy to nurture emerging the best solutions to times of change. that connects entities in Qatar and the accepted as a therapeutic tool for sonalised treatment to the particular currently on show at the QM Gallery, talent and inspire an indigenous cul- We have invested a lot in education, world. diabetes. “Pluripotent stem cells characteristics of each patient, but Al Riwaq until July 16. ture of creativity and innovation. The and culture was the second thing we The interview ended with Sheikha (PSCs), including embryonic stem before PSCs could be considered a On turning Qatar into a “world initiative, which began in September invested highly in.” Mayassa discussing the power of art cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent tool for regenerative medicine to class destination for culture”, she said: 2015, spans a period of nine months On bringing some of the world’s and the effect it has on shaping cul- cells (iPSCs) are considered prom- treat diabetes, additional in vitro “I think for as long as I can remem- and offers studio space and mentoring leading contemporary artists to Qatar, ture and acting as a valuable bridge ising approaches to study diabetes. and in vivo studies are needed, as ber, art has been part of our culture. and tutoring for 20 artists from a range including Takashi Murakami, Damien between cultures: “Art is very powerful ESCs/iPSCs have a high capability to the patient safety is the most impor- It has always been part of our iden- of different disciplines, including art, Hirst, and Cai to inspire future gener- because it has no boundaries and you differentiate into insulin-producing tant issue to be considered. He also tity, whether it’s preserving heritage, photography, design and architecture. ations of artistic talent and engage the don’t need to belong to any country, or cells, which are closer in nature to discussed advances, challenges and archaeology, excavation and collect- QM created the Fire Station as an art- local community, she said: “Most con- religion or social class. It brings people in-vivo cells than those differenti- future perspectives of using iPSCs as ing all sorts of art.” ist hub to support the local creative temporary art is provocative. And a lot from all walks of life together to talk ated from other types of stem cells. a promising tool for disease mod- Launching the Fire Station ‘Artist community to encourage an exchange of people say for good art to be good, about an idea. There is no limit to it.” “iPSCs can be generated directly elling and cell therapy in diabetes. Hamad Patient Contact Centre a vital link Scattered rains and for appointments and communication unstable weather likely

The Peninsula The Peninsula ule or cancel their appointments with and build capacity and capability,” ease,” said Al Naimi, who was instru- he said. mental in leading the development of “It is founded on values and prin- HPCC. ciples, including patient-centred, DOHA: The Meteorology Department has forecast scat- DOHA: The Hamad Patient Contact “Patients also receive reminder evidence-based outcomes; innova- tered rains today, with an unstable weather prevailing Centre (HPCC) receives an average calls from HPCC five days prior tion; collaboration; empowerment; over the country since yesterday. 1,700 calls a day from patients and to their appointment and an SMS respect and adaptability,” he added. Strong winds and thundery rains are expected to others inquiring about appointments reminder one day prior to their This commitment to quality continue until Friday noon, said the department. and seeking general information, appointment date,” he added. improvement was recognised ear- The third day yesterday began with the announce- according to a senior official. HPCC makes more than 3,650 lier this month when HMC became ment of the qualifying teams for the quarterfinals and The centre provides a dedicated calls a day and has become a vital line the first healthcare system across semifinals. single point of contact for patients of communication between HMC and the globe to have all of its hospitals Activities included a press conference with debat- to manage their appointments and its patients. accredited by Joint Commission Inter- ers of the US team who expressed joy to visit Qatar communicate directly with Hamad “The centre was established in national (JCI) under the Academic and praised Qatari heritage and landmarks such as Medical Corporation (HMC), said 2011, operating through 4439 5777 Medical Centre programme. Souq Waqif. Nasser Saeed Al Naimi, Deputy Chief and is open all days with 225 staff HMC has also become the first Quality Officer and Co-Director, ready to help patients,” Al Naimi said. hospital system outside the US to Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute The institute was established with achieve accreditation for all its hos- (HHQI). the single-minded purpose of improv- pitals simultaneously. Ministry to intensify “The centre operates by handling ing the quality of healthcare within Al Naimi said the recognition of general queries and providing patients HMC, Qatar and the greater region. staff and teamwork is essential to with the “The institute focuses on health- creating a caring and compassion- drive to combat fraud oppor- care improvement and provides a ate environment where all patients tunity to framework to design, develop and and their families are confident that Continued from page 1 confirm, deliver programmes of work which they will receive the best possible resched- enhance efficiency, improve quality healthcare. The ministry had warned that it will crack down on all violations of the Consumer Protection law and will intensify its inspection campaigns to combat fraud. It added that it will refer violators of laws and minis- terial decrees to the competent authorities who will in turn take appropriate action to protect the rights of consumers. The ministry has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commer- cial Fraud Department through the following channels: Call Centre: 16001; email: [email protected]; Twitter: @ MEC_Qatar; Instagram: MEC_Qatar; and the ministry’s mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

Czech dance

A dance troupe from the Czech Republic enthraled visitors at Katara on Monday. The performance was part of the five-month Cultural Diversity Festival organised by the Unesco Doha Office and Cultural Village Foundation-Katara. Pic: Baher / The Peninsula HOME WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 05 Qatar Airways Cargo begins QR Express service

The Peninsula unloading at final destination and while its dedicated team is committed speedy retrieval at final destination to ensuring all QR Express shipments (about 90 minutes). are safely and timely transported on “We are delighted to launch our board, and delivered to destinations. DOHA: Qatar Airways Cargo (QAC) QR Express service,” said Ulrich QAC offers distinctive products — yesterday announced the launch of Ogiermann, Chief Officer Cargo, QA. QR Pharma, QR Fresh and QR Equine QR Express, a solution to deliver air- “We are committed to meeting our to ensure efficiency and compliance port-to-airport air freight service for customers’ demand for the services in the handling of temperature sensi- time critical shipments. they need by investing in sophisti- tive pharmaceutical and perishable QR Express is the latest addi- cated technology and a team of highly cargo and professional care and serv- tion to the cargo airline’s expanding qualified staff. The new product ice to shipment of horses and other portfolio of specialised services and enables our customers to ship time- animals. It also offers QR Charter, products. sensitive cargo with the knowledge utilising its most modern freighter It provides customers with the that transit time will be minimised. fleets comprising Boeing B777, Airbus opportunity to book time-sensitive It will be an ideal solution for supply A330 freighters and Boeing B747- shipments via a quick and simple sys- chain process and fast moving con- 400BCF heavy cargo aircraft. The tem that offers high boarding priority sumable goods.” 112.5-tonne capacity B747-400BCF and rapid handling, ensuring speedy QAC’s terminal at Hamad aircraft enables the cargo airline delivery of their cargo. International Airport offers state- to satisfy growing demand for out- Akbar Al Baker (centre), Chief Executive, Qatar Airways Group, with other officials at the press conference Other key features include short of-the-art technology and service to sized freight transportation from and flexible close-outs, quick and its customers around the globe. Its customers investing in infrastruc- at Boston Logan International Airport. dedicated ramp transfer (for express exceptional Quick Ramp Transfer has ture projects in the Middle East and transit), priority loading at origin and the fastest airline transfer at Doha, the rest of the world. QA chief highlights new Sri Lankan New Year Festival opens service to Boston from Doha

The Peninsula from next month. There are eight Air- years old, and our experience is sec- bus A350s in the fleet, with 72 more ond to none.” to be delivered. Ed Freni, Director of Aviation, Al Baker said: “We have intro- Massport, said: “We are pleased QA, BOSTON: Qatar Airways (QA) Group duced the world’s newest aircraft to recognised by Skytrax as 2015’s Air- Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker Boston and look forward to provid- line of the Year, is coming to Boston. hosted a press conference yesterday ing all of our passengers on this route This is yet another affirmation of the at the Ritz-Carlton hotel to report with a memorable journey that pro- importance of the regional economy on the recently-inaugurated service vides a superior inflight experience. to the global economy. People from from Boston Logan International Air- “Boston is a key city for business around the world come here for edu- port to the airline’s hub in Doha. The and leisure travellers and total com- cation, for health care, for business airline began operations on March 16. fort and hospitality is point of focus, and for fun and we are proud that QA’s award-winning service to in particular as the US market means Logan Airport is New England’s gate- Boston is operated non-stop daily that our passengers are travelling way to the world.” with the state-of-the-art Airbus long- and ultra-long haul. QA, the world’s third largest cargo A350. The airline was the global “Our entire customer experience operator, has also commenced daily launch customer of the aircraft, and is focused on the details, on all air- cargo service between Logan Inter- W M Karunadasa, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Qatar, and other officials during the inauguration of Sri operates the A350 to Munich, Phil- craft types. national Airport in Boston and its Lankan New Year Festival at Safari Mall on Monday. Pic: Baher / The Peninsula adelphia, Singapore, and will start QA has the youngest international global cargo network of more than operating to Adelaide in Australia fleet in the world, averaging just five 150 destinations. 06 WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 MIDDLE EAST

Italy FM Syria truce strained on eve of peace talks in Libya

violations of the ceasefire,” Iranian state to boost television quoted Abdollahian as saying. Today’s Geneva talks Washington had raised similar will be the second concerns about the ceasefire ahead unity govt of the talks due to start today, which round since Assad’s De Mistura has called “crucially regime and rebel important”. In Tehran after meeting AFP Abdollahian, De Mistura expressed forces agreed to the hope the truce would hold. partial truce brokered “We agreed that what is very by Moscow and important is that cessation of hostil- TRIPOLI: Italy’s foreign minister ities continues, that humanitarian aid hailed Libya’s new unity gov- Washington, which reaches every Syrian, in particular of ernment yesterday as a “game has largely held since course those besieged areas, but every changer” as he held talks in Tripoli Syrian,” he said. “A political process during the first visit by a top West- February 27. leading to a political transition is now ern official since 2014. crucially urgent,” he added. In another boost to the unity Today’s Geneva talks will be the leaders, lawmakers with Libya’s second round since Assad’s regime internationally recognised par- AFP and rebel forces agreed to the par- liament said they would vote next tial truce brokered by Moscow and week on whether to endorse the Washington, which has largely held UN-backed cabinet. Italy’s top dip- since February 27. lomat Paolo Gentiloni met Fayez BEIRUT: Syria’s landmark cease- The ceasefire has raised hopes for Al Sarraj, named prime minis- fire was threatening to fall apart a resolution to the five-year conflict ter-designate under a UN-backed yesterday amid a surge of fight- which has devastated the country and power-sharing deal in December, ing, especially in northern Aleppo killed more than 270,000 people. amid tight security in Tripoli. The chief negotiator of High Negotiations Committee (HNC), Muhammed Allus, arrives in Geneva, Switzerland, province, as peace talks were set to But concern has been growing It came as representatives of resume in Geneva. that a recent rise in violence focused yesterday for peace talks. dozens of countries and interna- Fresh concerns about the cease- mainly in Aleppo province is putting tional organisations including the fire were voiced by Iran, where the intense strain on the truce. excluded from the ceasefire. Regime Programme’s deputy regional head parliamentary elections in govern- World Bank held talks in neighbour- UN’s Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura Pro-government forces were on warplanes have carried out “unprec- Matthew Hollingworth said. ment-controlled areas. The UN does ing Tunisia on ways to help the unity was holding talks with the key backer Tuesday pressing an advance against edented” air strikes on the rebel-held Assad’s fate remains a major not recognise the vote which has been government shape its priorities. of President Bashar Al Assad. the town of Al Eis, held by Al Qae- eastern parts of Aleppo city, accord- stumbling block as Syria’s government dismissed by Assad’s Syrian and for- World powers see the estab- Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minis- da’s local affiliate, Al Nusra Front, and ing to the Observatory. and opposition resume the indirect eign opponents as illegitimate. lishment of the unity cabinet as ter Hossein Amir Abdollahian told allied rebels, the Syrian Observatory The truce has allowed increased peace negotiations in Geneva. The Moscow began an air campaign in vital to tackling a raging jihadist De Mistura that the recent increase for Human Rights said. humanitarian aid deliveries and a sig- UN’s De Mistura, who will host the support of the regime last September, insurgency and rampant people in fighting was “disturbing and may Al Nusra and the rebels fought nificant drop in civilian deaths. talks, said the negotiations will focus though last month Russia ordered the smuggling in the North African interfere with the political process”. back, killing at least 23 regime loy- “The ceasefire has been so impor- on aspects of a peace roadmap calling bulk of its forces to withdraw. Russia’s state. “This decision was a game “We explained to de Mistura our alists including Iranian and Afghan tant over the last weeks because it has for a transitional government, a new defence ministry said two Russian changer,” Gentiloni said in Tripoli concerns after an increase in recent militia fighters, the Observatory said. given people a lot more than simply constitution and eventual elections. pilots were killed in a helicopter crash of the establishment of the UN- days of military action from irrespon- Jihadists like those from Al Nusra access to markets, access to assistance. Despite the talks, Syria’s regime near Syria’s central city of Homs but backed government. sible armed groups and the increase in and the Islamic State group are It has given them hope,” the World Food will be going ahead today with that it “was not fired at”. Foreign embassies would be reopened in the capital in “the near future”, he added. Italy is support- ing the unity government “because it will pave the way to the stabilisa- Abbas says ‘urgent’ need for UN Young Arabs say IS biggest tion of Libya — then we can manage human trafficking and smugglers and terrorism,” Gentiloni said. regional challenge: Poll He said that European coun- resolution on Israeli settlements tries were ready to work with Libya to tackle the Islamic State AFP and February 22 for the survey. “A group (IS), but that the country’s quarter of young people believe that government and people must lead AFP Turkey, France, Russia, Germany reaction from the Americans regard- a lack of jobs and opportunities are the fight. “We can cooperate but and New York, where the Palestinians ing the Security Council,” said Abbas. DUBAI: Young Arab people see the the main recruitment drivers” for IS, cannot decide for the Libyans,” he are discussing a UN draft resolution He criticised US efforts so far. “We rise of the Islamic State group as the survey said. said before flying to Tunisia to join condemning Israeli settlements in the were expecting from the US admin- “the single biggest challenge” in the Five years since the Arab Spring the international conference. RAMALLAH: Palestinian President occupied West Bank. istration over the past eight years that region, a survey published yesterday uprisings erupted, 53 percent of Gentiloni’s brief visit comes Mahmoud Abbas has said there is an “The Security Council is a very it would take positive steps forward said, with respondents prioritising participants said that “promoting nearly two weeks after Sarraj “urgent” need for a UN resolution on important subject because it has now to achieve what America believes stability over democracy. stability in the region is more impor- arrived in Tripoli by sea with a naval Israeli settlements as he embarks become urgent due to settlement in, which is the two-state vision,” Fifty percent regard IS “as the tant than promoting democracy”. escort and established his head- on a multi-country tour that may activities and because Israel has not he said. biggest obstacle in the region, up But two thirds of respondents also quarters at a naval base. He has be among his last chances to renew stopped these activities,” Abbas said “Until now, it hasn’t happened from from 37 percent last year”, the study demanded that their leaders do more since won the support of key insti- peace efforts. at his office in Ramallah. the US administration.” Asked whether published in Dubai said. “Three in “to improve their personal freedoms tutions that control Libya’s wealth Speaking in an interview with Settlement construction in the he was disappointed, he said: “We do four Arab youth are concerned about and human rights”, the study said. and also appears to have the back- AFP, Abbas criticised what he said West Bank “is something that has not want to use this expression, but we the rise of Daesh,” it said. “In 2016, just 36 percent of young ing of at least some militias. was insufficent action from US Presi- seriously jeopardised the two- are saying that we were expecting a But “just one in six believes the Arabs think that the Arab world is bet- But Sarraj has not yet dent Barack Obama’s administration state project.” The United States lot from the US administration and it terrorist group ultimately will suc- ter off following the uprisings, down received the endorsement of the while also firmly backing a French has repeatedly vetoed resolutions never happened.” ceed” in establishing a state, it added. from 72 percent in 2012 at the height country’s internationally recog- initiative to hold an international opposed by Israel at the UN Secu- Abbas’ two-week tour starts US-based polling firm Penn Schoen of unrest,” it added. Meanwhile, 47 nised parliament, and the head peace conference this summer. rity Council, but the Palestinians are with a summit of the Organisation Berland interviewed 3,500 men and percent of respondents said relations of a rival Tripoli-based adminis- Abbas spoke ahead of a tour hoping for a change of heart. of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul women aged 18 to 24 from across between Sunni and Shia sects have tration has refused to recognise beginning that will take him to “So far, we have not got any and ends in New York. the Arab world between January 11 worsened over the past five years. his authority. Lebanon charges Australian mother in abduction case

BEIRUT: A Lebanese court has charged an Austral- ian woman and a four-person Australian television crew for abducting her two children in Beirut, a judi- cial source and Lebanon’s National News Agency said yesterday. Sally Faulkner was detained last week after she allegedly kidnapped her two young children, who were staying in Beirut with their Lebanese father. Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces said at the time that four Australian journalists, two Britons, and two Lebanese citizens were also arrested for their involve- ment in the case. Yesterday, a Lebanese court charged nine people, including Faulkner, “for kidnapping the two children and for taking part in the crime,” the NNA agency reported. A judicial source said that the four-person crew from Channel Nine’s “60 Minutes” programme were among those charged. The source said the nine indi- viduals would now be formally interrogated. Faulkner has said that the children’s Lebanese father, from whom she is divorced, took them for a holiday to Beirut and then allegedly refused to return them to Australia. She had reportedly been working with a child recovery agency to bring back the children, and the “60 Minutes” crew was record- ing the operation. A grainy video of the incident released by Leb- anon’s Al Jadeed television showed the children walking with an elderly person, reportedly their grandmother. Several figures jump out of a nearby car and carry the children into the vehicle, which then speeds off. The television crew was arrested on Thursday morning, and Faulkner was later found with the two children in a home in Beirut. Both children, who Australian media said are a six-year-old girl and a four-year-old boy, are now with their father in a southern Beirut suburb. MIDDLE EAST WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 07 Erdogan hosts Sting like a bee: Alternative therapy in Gaza Saudi King to Reuters GAZA: Rateb Samour sees 250 patients a day whose complaints range from hair loss to cerebral palsy and cancer. But he is not a doctor and has never tighten alliance worked in a hospital. Samour inherited the skill of bee-sting ther- apy from his father, who used to raise bees. Then in Salman at the vast new presiden- 2003, the agricultural engineer started to dedicate tial palace with an honour guard of all his time to studying and developing the alterna- Erdogan gave King Turkish soldiers as well as 16 cos- tive medicine treatment of apitherapy, which uses Salman Turkey’s tumed warriors representing the all bee-related products, including honey, propo- various Turkic empires in history. lis — or bee glue used to build hives — and venom. highest honour for Erdogan on Monday person- “I am treating serious and chronic diseases a foreign leader and ally welcomed King Salman off which have no cure in regular medicine, I have his plane at Ankara airport, in an achieved excellent results,” said Samour, an Egyp- praised his role in unprecedented departure from tian-educated specialist in entomology and bees developing relations normal protocol. in the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian enclave. between the two The awarding of the Order of “We speak about chondritis in the neck and State, the highest honour presented spine, migraine, loss of hair, alopecia areata, skin powers. by Turkey to foreign heads of state, diseases, cerebral palsy, autism and cancer,” he said was only the second time Erdogan inside an apartment packed with patients on the had given out the decoration during edge of a beach refugee camp in Gaza City. his presidency. The 58-year-old Palestinian said he makes bees A girl receiving a bee sting treatment. AFP Saudi Arabia and Turkey both sting patients at certain points in their bodies that believe the ousting of President he has carefully studied. A bee dies after being Bashar Al Assad is the key to solv- made to sting. “I have been subjected to doubts, or beyond for specialist medical treatment. Inside the beginning my daughter felt pain but as time ing the Syrian conflict and back rebel but bee-sting therapy has proven itself as an excel- Samour’s home, men and women wait their turn passed Alya felt she became better,” said Ghafari. ANKARA: Turkish President groups fighting his regime. lent alternative medicine,” he said. “Some doctors, in separate rooms. Alya Al Ghafari, 10, has been “Her face has become better and now she is the one Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday In February, Turkey began host- who value the apitherapy for certain illnesses, are suffering from facial palsy for over two years. who reminds us of the therapy sessions.” hosted the Custodian of the Two ing Saudi jets and military personnel among my patients.” Mainstream medicine was both expensive and less Muneera Al Baba said her son Anas, who suffers Holy Mosques King Salman bin at its Incirlik air base to join the air The Islamist-ruled Gaza is under blockade by efficient than apitherapy, according to her father. from cerebral palsy, has made much more progress Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Ara- campaign against Islamic State neighbouring Egypt and Israel, which restricts “Treatment by bee stings has been more effec- in a year and a half than he ever did using main- bia at his Presidential Palace in jihadists. the movement of goods and people in and out of tive than treatment by regular medicine but you stream medicine, which also cost twice as much. Ankara, extending a lavish wel- The lavish arrangements for King the territory. So Gaza lacks sophisticated medical need to be patient,” said Saeed Al Ghafari, a gov- Communication between me and him was discon- come that underlined the growing Salman’s visit have raised eyebrows equipment and has patchy access to medicines. ernment employee. His daughter has been receiving nected,” the 44-year-old mother said. “He lived in importance of Ankara-Riyadh ties. in the Turkish press, with the King Seriously ill patients must travel to Israel, Egypt treatment from Samour for nearly nine months. “At a world of his own, now he responds to me.” Erdogan gave King Salman reportedly staying in a 450 square- Turkey’s highest honour for a for- metre hotel suite with bullet proof eign leader and praised his role in windows reinforced by bomb-resist- developing relations between the ant cement. two powers. “The fact that Turkey Saudi Arabia rented 500 luxury Loyalists and rebels clash on several fronts in Yemen and Saudi Arabia are deepening vehicles for his vast delegation and their cooperation in every field, with Turkish media images showed doz- your support, is an opportunity for ens of Mercedes travelling in a vast AFP Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi fought with had described violations on Mon- 39 violations of the truce, includ- regional and global peace,” Erdogan convoy down the closed highway. the Shia Huthi rebels in the province day as “minor”. Seven soldiers have ing attacks in Taez and the central told King Salman. “Since the day you The King’s personal belongings of Marib, east and north of the rebel- been killed and 15 others wounded province of Baida. They also said came to the throne, you made great had all been shipped to Turkey in held capital Sana’a, officials said. in Sarwah in rebel attacks since the warplanes belonging to the Saudi- contributions to relations between cargo planes and a hundreds-strong MARIB: Loyalists and rebels have The rebels and their allies ceasefire entered into force at mid- led coalition flew sorties over several our two countries.” delegation had laid the groundwork clashed on several fronts in Yemen, advanced overnight in the area of night between Sunday and Monday. areas of Yemen despite the ceasefire. Saudi Arabia under King Salman in Turkey before the King’s arrival. officials said yesterday, the second Sarwah, in Marib, wresting control There were also clashes in Nihm, Meanwhile, a soldier was killed has emerged as one of Erdogan’s key King Salman now heads to Istanbul day of a UN-brokered ceasefire the of two hills, a military official said. northeast of Sana’a, while rebels said and nine others wounded in a rebel allies with the two countries in par- for the summit of the Organisation insurgents are warning is in jeopardy, The Saudi-led coalition, which they confronted an attack by Hadi’s attack on an army base near the ticular sharing a common vision on of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) tomor- less than a week before peace talks. launched a military campaign against forces in the area. The rebels said that southern city of Baihan which bor- the Syria conflict. Erdogan greeted row and on Friday. Forces loyal to President the Iran-backed rebels last year, pro-government forces were behind ders Marib province. 08 WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 ASIA / PHILIPPINES China warned Manila probes hacking of poll agency not to turn Agencies MANILA: Philippine authorities are investigating a computer security breach at the state election agency, shoal into isle officials said yesterday, less than a month before the nation goes to the polls. The March 27 incident led to China has said it has completed certain Commission on Election files construction work to turn seven being copied by unknown hackers US Navy official reefs into islands in the disputed from its website. But the commission reported spotting a Spratlys archipelago in the South said the privacy of the country’s 55 China Sea, raising alarm in the million registered voters was not suspected Chinese region and sparking calls by Asian compromised. survey ship in the and Western governments for China In the meantime, a tough crime- Scarborough Shoal a to stop taking provocative actions fighting mayor in the Philippine came that can lead to confrontations. Bei- out on top in an opinion poll for the few weeks ago and jing says it owns the Spratlys, which second time in two days yesterday, expressed concern it calls the Nansha Islands, and has less than a month before an elec- a right to undertake construction tion to find a successor to President about its presence in there. Benigno Aquino. Rodrigo Duterte, 71, the disputed offshore The US Navy sighting of the mayor of Davao City in the southern survey ship in Scarborough, a rich Philippines, has vowed to end cor- area. fishing area about 230 kilometers ruption and crime six months into his (145 miles) west of the Philippines, presidency if elected on May 9. has reinforced suspicions that Bei- The election is being closely AP jing is eyeing the vast atoll as its next watched by investors, who fear the target in its island-making spree, political succession in one of Asia’s Cuisia said. fastest growing economies could MANILA: A Philippine diplomat “That I think will be very pro- derail gains made during Aquino’s warned yesterday that any Chinese vocative if they will build on six-year single term. Its spokesman move to turn a disputed shoal, where Scarborough Shoal,” Cuisia said, James Jimenez said investigators the US Navy recently spotted a sus- adding such an action “will fur- were still checking the potential pected Chinese survey ship, into ther escalate the tensions and the impact on the May 9 election, which an island will escalate the disputes conflict.” he said will go ahead as scheduled. Filipino presidential aspirant, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, meets villagers during a political rally in in the South China Sea and asked The Philippines is incapable of At a news conference, he rejected Marikina City, east of Manila, Philippines, yesterday. Washington to convince Beijing not stopping China from constructing a computer security firm’s report that to take that “very provocative” step. an island in the shoal, where Fili- sensitive voter data including fin- Philippine Ambassador to Wash- pino fishermen have been barred gerprints were leaked. “The copied ington Jose Cuisia Jr. told a news by Chinese coast guard ships, Cuisia data did not include actual biomet- group after another group defaced the hacking was being investigated PH”, Jimenez said. A Facebook conference in Manila that a senior said. “We hope that the US and other ric records,” Jimenez said. its website. “While initial reports by government cybercrime experts, account by an entity calling itself US Navy official reported spotting countries ... would convince China The May polls will elect the suc- have downplayed the impact of the while the commission strengthened Lulzsec Philippines later boasted a suspected Chinese survey ship in not to proceed with that,” he said. cessor to President Benigno Aquino. leak, our investigations showed its defences against hackers. It has that a copy of the whole database the Scarborough Shoal a few weeks Washington does not take sides Thousands of other posts are also at a huge number of sensitive per- also reprogrammed software used had been made available, he added. ago and expressed concern about in the disputes involving China, stake including vice president, legis- sonally identifiable information by voters to find the location of their Ronald Agulto, head of the National its presence in the disputed off- the Philippines and four other gov- lators and local executive posts. -- including passport information precincts, he said. Bureau of Investigation’s cybercrime shore area. The Philippine military ernments but has declared that The security firm TrendMi- and fingerprint data -- were included In the Easter Sunday attack, the unit, said the commission has sought checked but found nothing, possi- ensuring freedom of navigation and cro alleged on its website that the in the data dump,” it added. Jimenez home page of the commission’s web- help in finding, as well as filing crim- bly because the Chinese ship later overflight in the busy waters is in its election commission’s entire data- rejected TrendMicro’s report, call- site was replaced with information inal charges against, the hacker or left the shoal, he said. national interest base was posted online by a hacker ing it “irresponsible at best”. He said about a group named “Anonymous hackers. China upset over G7 statement on disputed sea

Reuters taking sides on issues involving ter- unilateral actions that could alter the with Japan over a group of uninhab- sovereignty, it said. It repeated that Philippine ritorial disputes,” China’s foreign status quo and increase tensions” in ited islets in the East China Sea. China will neither accept nor par- ministry said in a statement. the East and South China Seas. China has every right to build on ticipate in any arbitration “illegally soldiers kill 25 The G7 should focus on global China claims almost the entire the Spratly Islands and there are no forced upon it”, a reference to a case BEIJING: China’s expressed anger economic governance and cooper- South China Sea, believed to have problems with freedom of navigation lodged by the Philippines against militants yesterday after foreign ministers from ation against the backdrop of weak huge deposits of oil and gas, and is and overflight for the East and South China. MANILA: The Philip- the Group of Seven (G7) advanced economic growth rather than hyping building islands on reefs to bolster its China Seas, the foreign ministry said. “We urge the G7 member states pine military has killed economies said they strongly opposed up disputes and provoking problems, claims. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philip- China is committed to resolving to fully respect the efforts made by 25 Islamist guerillas as it provocation in the East and South it added. pines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have disputes through talks with countries countries in the region, stop making presses on with an offen- China Seas, where China is locked in On Monday, G7 foreign ministers claims to parts of the waters, through directly involved via international irresponsible remarks and all irre- sive despite the loss of 18 territorial disputes. said after meeting in the Japanese city which about $5 trillion in trade is law and on the basis of respecting sponsible actions, and truly play a soldiers, authorities said “We urge the G7 member states of Hiroshima that they opposed “any shipped every year. historical facts, to maintain peace constructive role for regional peace yesterday. to honour their commitment of not intimidating coercive or provocative China also has a separate dispute and stability while safeguarding its and stability,” the ministry added. Defence Secretary Vol- taire Gazmin gave the toll of Abu Sayyaf fighters as fighting in the south- ern island of Basilan continued. Ex-Abu Sayyaf inmate offers The operation against the Abu Sayyaf suffered a major setback with the death of the 18 sol- help to release Indonesians diers in an initial clash on Saturday. However the govern- Anatolia -- also known as Hisham bin Ali Zein -- to 20 years ment has said the drive in jail for his involvement in the 2002 Bali bomb- will continue, adding it ings that left 202 people dead. has already achieved In addition to serving as a member of the Jemaah a major objective with TUBAN: Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla has Islamiyah, an affiliate of al-Qaeda in Southeast Asia the killing of a Moroccan been offered the help of an imprisoned former Abu blamed for the 2002 attacks, he joined the Abu bomb-making instruc- Sayyaf militant, as he puts together a team to help Sayyaf in 2003. tor, Mohammad Khattab. facilitate the rescue of 10 sailors kidnapped by the He was captured in Pakistan in 2011 and Indo- He was said to be trying Daesh-linked militant group in the southern Phil- nesian authorities have since considered him to have to link the Abu Sayyaf up ippines. been de-radicalized in prison. with international groups. In April 2009, Indonesian national Umar Patek Last week, he offered to help the government assisted in persuading Abu Sayyaf leaders to free in negotiations for the release of the 10 sailors a member of the International Committee of the -- abducted late last month -- in exchange for a Cambodian Red Cross, Mary Jean Lacaba, it had been holding. reduced prison term. He claims to know Abu Sayyaf National Agency for Combating Terrorism leaders Alhabsy Misaya and Jim Dragon -- aka Jun- opposition MP chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said yesterday that tasks ior Lahab -- whose followers are reportedly holding would be divided and his agency would “help the the captives and have demanded a ransom of 50 faces jail term team understand the network of the Abu Sayyaf”, million pesos ($1 million). metrotvnews.com reported. “I know both of them. On the basis of humanity, PHNOM PENH: An out- He added that the team of police, military, for- I volunteered to help the Indonesian Government spoken Cambodian eign ministry and intelligence personnel would because its appeal through the help of the Philip- opposition lawmaker obtain information from terror suspects who had pine government will not be effective. Abu Sayyaf faces up to five years lived and received military training from the Abu considers the Philippines as an enemy,” kompas. in prison after he was Sayyaf -- including an inmate in East Java who com quoted him saying. charged yesterday with offered last week to act as a negotiator. He underlined that Indonesia had an advantage inciting revolt by criticis- “It is just one option, there are still other options. in negotiations as it is a Muslim country. ing government border We cannot mention them [strategies] because it The Abu Sayyaf has pledged allegiance to Daesh, maps, as premier Hun Sen involves a secret operation,” he said. yet Patek insisted that both Alhabsy and Jim Dragon threatened to “handcuff” The national police chief also acknowledged have “soft personalities” and are not affiliated with anyone who raises the that an offer by Patek to facilitate negotiations is the Middle Eastern group. issue. being considered, but expressed doubt as to whether “God willing, the success of these negotiations Um Sam An, a dual Jakarta would still accept it as the negotiation proc- is 80 percent. Most likely they [abductors] did not Cambodian-US national, ess for the sailors is in the hands of the Philippines. know that the 10 hostages came from Indonesia, so was arrested late Sun- “All options will be considered, but in conditions that I can give sense to them,” he added. In 2003, day in Siem Reap province like this coordination should be one door,” kompas. the Abu Sayyaf released an Indonesian identified after returning from com quoted Gen. Badrodin Haiti as saying. as Zulkifli after realizing that he was a national of overseas. In 2012, an Indonesian court sentenced Patek the world’s most populous Muslim country. ASIA / AFRICA WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 09

UN: 10-fold rise North Korea firing exercise N Korea attacks in Boko Haram Obama in Lincoln’s voice child bombers SEOUL: Pyongyang’s state media has published an open letter purportedly from Abraham Lincoln to President Barack Obama, chastising him for stifling The number has the “government of the risen sharply over people, by the people, for the past year, from the people” -- ie, North Korea. four in 2014 to 44 In the piece uploaded in 2015. This has on the North’s propa- ganda website “DPRK had disastrous Today”, the 16th US consequences for president who was assas- sinated in 1865 “advised” children, especially the 44th president that girls, who had North Korea would never Rebecca Issac, a Chibok Korean People’s Army (KPA) artillery troops conduct a live firing exercise, yesterday. Secretive North crumble under sanctions survived captivity schoolgirl who had escaped from Korea is revealing details of its weapons development programme for the first time showcasing its and economic blockades. and violence by Boko the Boko Haram, reacts during push to develop long-range nuclear missiles despite international sanctions. “Lincoln” said he had Haram: UN an event in Abuja, Nigeria . decided to give Obama this advice when he saw Manuel Fontaine, UNICEF regional Obama “standing in front director for west and central Africa. of my portrait deeply AFP “Deceiving children and forc- engaged in contemplation ing them to carry out deadly acts during your Easter prayer has been one of the most horrific China: 25 tech firms pledge to meeting”. It also derided aspects of the violence in Nigeria and Obama’s speech he made LIBREVILLE: The number of chil- in neighbouring countries,” he said. in Prague seven years ago dren used by Nigeria’s Boko Haram The report was released two expressing commitment to stage suicide bombings has risen years after Boko Haram kidnapped counter online terror activities to creating a nuclear-free more than 10-fold in one of the most 276 teenagers in the dead of night world. It is a “mockery to “horrific” aspects of the Islamist from the small town of Chibok in the entire world” that US insurgency, the United Nations said, northern Nigeria. A total of 219 stu- which boasts the world’s yesterday. dents are still missing. Reuters Tencent, Alibaba, JD.com and China has rebuffed the criticism largest nuclear arsenal Experts said the group, which The report, entitled “Beyond Sina did not immediately respond of the law, saying it is simply doing “pays only a lip service like has been weakened by a multina- Chibok”, said alarming trends have to request for comment. A Baidu what other Western nations already a parrot” and does noth- tional military offensive, is now surfaced after Boko Haram started spokesman declined to comment. do in asking technology firms to help ing to removing its own trying to spread terror by using chil- attacking countries neighbouring BEIJING: Twenty-five Chinese The regulator said that more than fight terror. nuclear weapons, the arti- dren for attacks in crowded markets, Nigeria. “Between January 2014 and technology companies have signed 25,000 posts, 4,000 videos and 200 The law has caused particu- cle said. mosques and even camps for people February 2016, Cameroon recorded a pledge to counter images and accounts had been removed from the lar unease in Western capitals as it fleeing Boko Haram violence. the highest number of suicide attacks information online that promote Internet so far this year that involve codifies sweeping powers for the gov- This has had disastrous conse- involving children (21), followed by terrorism, the Internet regulator illegal, terror-related content. ernment to combat perceived threats. Fire damages quences for children, especially girls, Nigeria (17) and Chad (two),” it said. said yesterday, months after China China passed the anti-terror- China says it faces a serious who had survived captivity and vio- During the same period, nearly passed a controversial new anti-ter- ism law in December. Among other threat from groups such as the East four buildings lence by Boko Haram, said a report one in five suicide bombers was a rorism law. things, it requires technology firms to Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), by UN children’s agency UNICEF. child and three quarters of them The Cyberspace Administration help decrypt information and coop- which operates in China’s restive far in Tokyo “The number of children were girls. of China said the companies had erate with the government in fighting western region of Xinjiang, home to involved in ‘suicide’ attacks in Last year, children were used in promised to “handle in a timely way terrorism. the Muslim Uighur people, where Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger one out of every two attacks in Cam- terror-related harmful, illegal infor- Critics say China uses its coun- hundreds have died in violence in TOKYO: Dozens of fire has risen sharply over the past year, eroon, one out of eight in Chad, and mation, create a clear Internet space ter-terror and national security recent years. trucks yesterday rushed to from four in 2014 to 44 in 2015,” one out of seven in Nigeria. and maintain social stability”. regulations to quell free speech. Rights groups and many foreign extinguish a blaze which UNICEF said. More than 75 percent UNICEF said the number of The companies which have Under President Xi Jinping, the experts though say China has never gutted four buildings in a of the children involved in such Boko Haram suicide bombings had signed up include Baidu Inc , Tencent government has implemented an presented any convincing evidence famed Tokyo bar district. attacks are girls, it added. increased from 32 in 2014 to 151 last Holdings Ltd, Alibaba Group Holding unprecedented tightening of Inter- to prove ETIM exists as a cohesive, Firefighters struggled “Let us be clear: these children year. Ltd, JD.com and Sina Corp, the reg- net controls and sought to codify the well-organised group capable of the for several hours to contain are victims, not perpetrators,” said ulator said. policy within the law. kinds of attacks China blames it for. the flames and smoke rising from windows and corru- gated metal roofs in the densely packed Golden-gai district, TV footage showed. The fire began around Kenya defends deportations to China as Taiwan fumes 1:20pm and was put out four hours later with the help of 40 fire trucks and Reuters you are taken back to your last port a helicopter. Two people of departure,” Kenyan Interior Min- were slightly hurt. istry spokesman Mwenda Njoka said. He could not say which city in NAIROBI: Kenya yesterday defended China they were being returned to Australian PM its deportation of two groups of Tai- but Kenya Airways and China South- wanese to China after they were ern both fly to Guangzhou. to visit China acquitted in a cyber crime case, a Kenyan Foreign Minister Amina move that has drawn an angry reac- Mohamed said Taipei had not con- tomorrow tion from Taipei. tacted Nairobi about the matter. The The Kenyan government said the protests came via a media briefing BEIJING: Australian Prime people were in Kenya illegally and in Taiwan. Minister Malcolm Turnbull were being sent back to where they “We don’t have official relations will visit China tomor- had come from. with Taiwan. We believe in the “One row, a Chinese foreign Kenya does not have official China” policy. We have diplomatic ministry spokesman said relations with Taiwan and consid- relations with China. We haven’t yesterday. At the invita- ers the island part of China, in line seen the official protest, we are tion of Chinese Premier with Beijing’s position. actually hearing it from the media,” Li Keqiang, Turnbull will The Taiwanese government was Mohamed told Reuters. make the official visit to also incensed that Kenyan authori- A group of eight left on Friday China from Thursday to ties used force, including tear gas, to and a second group of 37 Taiwan Friday, during which the get deportees out of a police station nationals were in the process of two heads of govern- and into a plane on Tuesday. It has leaving on Tuesday, Taiwan’s For- ment will hold an annual accused China of kidnapping eight eign Ministry said. meeting, state-run Xin- of its nationals. Chinese Foreign Ministry hua news agency quoted “They came from China and we spokesman Lu Kang said Beijing spokesman Lu Kang as Johnny Chiang, a legislator from the Kuomintang (KMT) party, displays a video clip showing Taiwanese detained took them to China. Usually when approved of Kenya’s upholding the saying. at a police station in Kenya, during a press conference at parliament in Taipei, yesterday. you go to another country illegally, “one China” principle. Mass burial of 350 held after army-Shia clash in Nigeria

AFP violence in December last year. The government headquarters in Kaduna transported for burial in a convoy of Rights Commission, that soldiers the streets. The IMN has said some clashes came after the army said sup- city. He told the hearing he was then trucks with military escort. Earlier, “acted in accordance to the rule of 730 members were unaccounted porters of the cleric Ibrahim Zakzaky, ordered to travel to Zaria with the the secretary to the Kaduna state gov- engagement” and their orders. for, “either killed by the army or... in who heads the Islamic Movement of Kaduna state commissioner of police ernment, Lawal Balarabe Abbas, said No official death toll has been detention”. NIGERIA: Nearly 350 dead bodies Nigeria (IMN) group, tried to kill the “to find out the number of corpses and the mass burial was authorised by “a released but Human Rights Watch In February, prosecutors said were buried in a mass grave in north- chief of army staff. how they would be buried”. warrant obtained from a chief mag- has said “at least 300” were killed and 191 IMN supporters in custody were ern Nigeria after clashes between the Zakzaky has not been seen since At the Ahmadu Bello Univer- istrates’ court in Kaduna”. Amnesty International put the figures charged with firearms and public army and supporters of a shia cleric, his home and the IMN mosque in sity Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) “we Nigeria’s military, which has at “hundreds”. The Nigerian army said order offences. a public official has told an inquiry Zaria, Kaduna state, were destroyed, counted 156 corpses”, while 191 others been accused of human rights abuses that the high death toll numbers were Zakzaky and the IMN have previ- into the unrest. prompting calls for his release and were collected from the army base in against civilians in the insurgency by “unsubstantiated.” ously clashed with Nigeria’s secular The testimony of Muhammad criticism that the government is flout- Zaria, he said. Sunni Muslim jihadists Boko Haram, One medic at ABUTH said in Jan- authorities over their quest to estab- Namadi Musa, the director-gen- ing due process. “Most corpses were covered with has said its troops acted appropriately. uary he counted at least 400 bodies lish an Islamic state through an eral of the Kaduna State Interfaith Musa said yesterday that he black materials and they included Chief of Army Staff General Tukur in the morgue on the evening of Iranian-style revolution. The cleric Bureau, lends weight to claims that received a telephone call on Decem- women and children,” he told the Yusuf Buratai in January told a sepa- December 12 while locals said as has periodically been incarcerated at least 300 people were killed in the ber 13 requesting him to go to the state inquiry, saying the bodies were rate inquiry by the National Human many bodies were also littered on for alleged incitement and subversion. 10 WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 VIEWS

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL An eye-opening survey A man walks past the International Monetary Fund headquarters yesterday in Washington, DC. Thousands of government officials, journalists, civil society organisations and participants from academia and private sectors have gathered in Washington for the he 2016 Arab Youth Survey is telling the world again Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group. what people in our region already know and have been telling the world – that employment problems and weak economies are a bigger pull factor for Islamic State than extreme religious views. The survey Talso says unequivocally that Arab youth are increasingly rejecting the IS. The findings are important considering the scope and extent of the survey. It was carried out by the international polling firm Penn Schoen Berland for Asda’a Burson-Marsteller Is Arab TV trivialising and respondents were drawn from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the UAE and Yemen. Among the several significant findings of the survey, the Arab consciousness? most important is the growing concern among Arabs about a chronic lack of jobs and opportunities which is seen as the principal factor feeding terrorist recruitment. The message ‘Super Star’ (broadcast on the Leb- viewed as a trend to tabloidise Nujoom Al-Uloom (Stars of Science) this sends is that any fight against terrorism should involve anese Future TV), for instance, Arab media content, a phenomenon brings together innovators from not only military action and educational campaigns, but also received 80 million calls in its sec- heavily criticized with reference various Arab countries whose main serious efforts at the economic improvement of people who are ond season. Part of the popularity to the Western media during the task is to invent a technological forced into terrorism in the absence of other options in life. But of such programmes is that they last two decades. Song contests gadget that is eventually market- even amidst this pervasive gloom, Arab youth are distancing are not costly to produce compared like Arab Idol and Arab got Tal- able. The total prize awarded to to current affairs and documen- ent tend to receive ample negative the winning team is $600,000 in themselves from the IS. Only 13 percent said they could imagine tary programmes. On average a comments from religious leaders, cash which is shared between the themselves supporting the terrorist outfit, even if it did not use reality TV programme in the US commentators, academics, com- team members. The show, which much violence, down from 19 percent last year. And 50 percent of costs about 750 thousand dollars, munity groups and policy makers. is sponsored and backed by Qatar the people surveyed are seeing IS as the whereas a soap opera TV series One key criticism directed at Arab Foundation and takes place in Doha, biggest problem facing the Middle East, will be over 2.8 million dollars in Idol was its potential power to dis- opens the appetite for Arab gen- By Dr Noureddine Miladi The 2016 up from 37 percent last year. production costs. The same goes tract the Arab street from serious iuses to showcase their talent and for Arab reality TV programmes issues and trivialize public opin- pitch for a project that can poten- There is a huge disappointment Arab Youth which have become the digest of ion concerns. tially attract investors from within Survey about the failure of Arab Spring and many private TV channels. For instance while season 2 and outside the region. So far the highlights growing pessimism about future. This he rapid developments in Some would think that reality of Arab Idol attracts millions on show has brought to light numerous year, only 36 percent of young people satellite technology and TV programmes deliver mere con- Arab TV, neighbouring Syria has talents from various Arab coun- the growing said they felt the Arab world was in a electronic media have led tent that serves segments of the been engulfed more and more by tries, most of whom had been concern better shape following the revolutions, to the mushrooming of tel- public. A closer look reveals that civil war. Hundreds of thousands unknown until their appearance Tevision channels across the Arab such programmes have resulted of refugees have fled to Lebanon, on the programme. down from 72 percent in 2012. The among Arab World. The growth of the ‘Real- in complex reactions and debates Turkey, Jordon and other neigh- Arab TV can potentially serve as youth about instability, chaos, civil wars and ity TV’ genre is one development about politics, religion, culture and bouring countries. The regime of rampant corruption in several Arab resulting from this. Across the Arab identity in the Arab region. Bashar Al-Assad has become more a chronic lack countries have made the youth prefer region, reality programmes like “Big Brother’s” cultural shock ruthless in dealing with the Syr- of jobs and stability to democracy. This is because ‘Arab Idol’, ‘Who wants to be a Mil- In 2003 a TV series in Bah- ian opposition. While TV screens Arab TV can growth of democracy can take root and prosper lionaire’, ‘Star Academy’, ‘Super rain introduced the first version across the Arab world were busy only in a state of peace and stability. Star’, ‘Star Academy Maghreb’, of ‘Big Brother’. Al-Ra’ees, (the title reporting live bloody scenes of the potentially serve terrorism. ‘Najm Alkhaleej’, ‘Al-Wady’, ‘Arabs of the programme which stands for war including the destruction of The majority (53 percent) agreed as a constructive Got Talent’ to name a few, have ‘The Boss’) chose a remote island total towns and villages, MBC kept that maintaining stability was more been popular amongst audiences where it placed six males and six its viewers glued to the Arab Idol force for the important than promoting democracy females in an Arab type of ‘Big songs contest in Spring 2013. The betterment of Arab (28 percent). In 2011, 92 percent of Arab youth had said that Brother House’. Since the house- programme then was seen as an consciousness. Apart “living in a democracy” was their most cherished wish. mates included a Christian the attempt to take audiences away experience for some of them was from this harsh reality; probably from a handful of The eighth annual Arab Youth Survey provides a window Some would think exceptions, so far into the aspirations of 200 million people and was based on very revealing, given the cultural an attempt to help them escape, that reality TV differences and the religious dis- even for few hours per week, the 3,500 interviews across a range of issues with respondents aged the Arab TV market programmes deliver crepancies and practices between often depressing news of the Syr- 18 to 24. Arab rulers and governments need to take its findings Muslims and Christians. Although ian crisis. is far from playing seriously and take corrective measures to rescue Arab region mere content that a prayer place was included, and One more controversy relates to that role. It should from more turmoil. The West, which has been blaming Muslim serves segments of the call to prayer took place reg- the star-making potential of such steer away from ularly, the show was condemned programmes and the promising terrorism on the Islamic faith and radicalization of youth, must the public. A closer the copy-paste of understand that terrorism is least prevalent in prosperous Arab from the outset and was deemed financial gains which the winners outraging to the cultural norms of may achieve eventually. In light Western Reality countries. Millions of youth are staring at a bleak future and have look reveals that the Gulf region. of the vacuum that Arab youth lost faith in their leadership. such programmes TV formats, which It was for instance criticized as have been witnessing because of trivialise Arab have resulted in part of ‘an American strategy to take unemployment and marginali- over the Middle East by infiltrat- sation in a war-torn region, these concerns. complex reactions ing the hearts and minds of Arab reality TV programmes constitute and debates about youth’ (wnd.com). No wonder then a refuge for many of them and a politics, religion, that after only three episodes “Al- substitute for the lack of means Quote of the day Ra’ees” was axed and, as a result, to achieve their dreams for fame culture and identity this version of reality TV has never and fortune-making. Many par- a constructive force for the better- in the Arab region. succeeded in the Arab region. It is ticipants in the music contests for ment of Arab consciousness. Apart The planned June referendum worth mentioning here that the instance see this opportunity as from a handful of exceptions, so far ... has already created planning process for the genre did a fast track towards stardom and the Arab TV market is far from play- not carefully consider the cultural amassing wealth without years of ing that role. It should steer away uncertainty for investors. sensitivities of the region. hard work in education and pro- from the copy-paste of Western A Brexit could do severe from different age groups mostly The production company and fessional work. Reality TV formats, which trivi- regional and global damage the youth. Although it came late the channel which broadcast it did An exception among many of alise Arab concerns, and instead to the Arab world, reality TV has not perceive that the programme these TV shows is “Stars of Science” invest in making more innovative by disrupting established finally managed to become a hit, might provoke the religious senti- which is a distinctive programme TV content which meets the chal- trading relationships. with the rise of Rotana (an Arab ments of its audiences due to the on Arab TV geared towards build- lenges of the Arab region. music video channel), The Mid- controversial setting. The project ing capacities. Broadcast on the dle East Broadcasting Channel backfired resulting in the total fail- Saudi TV channel MBC4, this pro- The writer is Associate Professor of Maurice Obstfeld (MBC) and various Lebanese pri- ure of the programme. gramme is considered innovative Media and Communication He can IMF Chief Economist vate channels. Overall this type of genre which and different from the usual enter- be reached via e-mail: nmiladi@ An often quoted figure is that now dominate Arab TV can be taining reality shows on Arab TV. hotmail.com

EDITORIAL TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR E-MAIL: [email protected] ADVERTISING TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 E-MAIL: [email protected] OPINION WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 11 Why Iraqis living under the Islamic State fear their liberators

and its allies. The top concern of Sunnis - mentioned - which are largely funded, supplied and How has sectarianism divided Iraq? by 42 percent of them - was that Shia mili- advised by Iranian operatives -are an Public opinion data from Iraq shows tias might take revenge on local civilians. important way for Iran to exert influence that Iraqi Sunnis view their community as This was followed by the concern - men- on what happens in Iraq. being treated unfairly by the Shia-domi- tioned by 31 percent of Sunnis - that Shia Iran has pressured the Iraqi government nated government. In fact, in the February militias would allow Iranian influence in to allow the militias to play a large role in survey, 44 percent of Sunnis said they the area. The primary Sunni concerns with the military campaign against the Islamic believe that the citizens of Sunni-major- the Kurdish Peshmerga were that the Kurds State. ity Ramadi will not be treated fairly now will not return the land they took from the Recently, Shia militias demanded, and that the city has been recaptured from Islamic State to the Iraqi government (46 were allowed, to be part of the planned Islamic State fighters. Compare that to 76 percent) -and that the Peshmerga would liberation of Mosul - despite initial Iraqi By Munqith Al Dagher and Karl liberated by the Iraqi army on its own. percent of Shias who believe that the citi- abuse Arabs (41 percent). government plans to exclude them because Kaltenthaler But this distrust for the Iraqi army is zens of Ramadi will be treated fairly. The How have the Shia militias changed of the fear and distrust they have generated The Washington Post surpassed by distrust for the Shia militias sectarian divide on expectations after lib- the dynamic? among Mosul’s residents and Sunnis and the Kurdish Peshmerga. Of the 120 eration is clear. The Shia-dominated government and throughout Iraq. Sunni respondents in Mosul, 100 percent According to an April 2016 IIACSS army of Iraq are viewed with deep suspi- Shia militia participation in the do not want to be liberated by Shia militias national survey of Iraqis, there is major cion by many Sunni Iraqis because of the liberation of Mosul has also been supported hile the Iraqi military and its or the Kurds. There is a very deep distrust gulf between Sunni and Shia perceptions brutal government crackdowns on Sunni by the US government, which has reached allies may be slowly retaking of forces that are meant to free Sunni Ira- of the fairness of the Iraqi government in protests against Sunni political marginal- out to the militias as part of the solution to cities from the Islamic State qis from the clutches of the Islamic State. applying equal rights to all Iraqis. A vast isation and abuse in 2013. defeating the Islamic State in Iraq. in the Sunni-dominated areas Does that mean Sunnis support the majority, 91 percent, of Sunnis do not believe Sunni trust of Shias has not recov- The primary takeaway from this survey Wof Iraq, most Iraqi Sunnis fear and distrust Islamic State? that Iraqis are treated equally in terms of ered and has fallen even lower due to the data is that Iraq’s Sunnis and Shia perceive the forces that are “liberating” them from No, it is not because most Sunnis support their rights. On the other hand, nearly 60 prominent role played by Shia militias (or a very different process of defeating the those militants. But what do the majority the Islamic State. In fact, an overwhelm- percent of Shia believe that the Iraqi gov- Popular Mobilization Forces) in the bat- Islamic State taking place. While both of Iraqis want for their country’s future? ing majority of Iraqi Sunnis oppose the ernment applies equal protection of rights tle to reclaim Sunni-majority land from Sunnis and Shias overwhelming oppose A recent study sheds light on this, paint- Islamic State. An IIACSS poll conducted to all Iraqis. the Islamic State. the Islamic State’s presence in Iraq, Shias ing a picture of an Iraq deeply divided by in January 2016 showed that 99 percent Shia militias, a major part of the effort Shia militias have developed a are largely not concerned about who is sectarianism. of Shia and 95 percent of Sunnis across to defeat the Islamic State, are viewed with reputation for abusiveness after their fighting - while Sunnis are concerned. Iraqi polling firm IIACSS conducted a Iraq oppose the Islamic State. even deeper suspicion than the Iraq gov- behaviour in recaptured Sunni territory. Sunnis largely expect to be treated unfairly series of national and sub-national polls If so many Sunnis oppose the Islamic ernment by Sunni Iraqi Arabs. But because the Iraqi army is too weak to - and even abused - when the Islamic of Iraqis using scientific sampling tech- State, why are they so concerned about When asked in February if they were retake Islamic State-controlled territory State is gone. niques in all areas of Iraq, including areas the Iraqi Army, Shia militias and Kurdish concerned about the Shia militias in Sunni on its own, it is beholden to the militarily Time will tell if this sense of threat to controlled by the Islamic State, since June Peshmerga working to liberating them? The areas, 93 percent of the Sunni respondents stronger Shia militias to help expel the the Sunni Iraqis’ collective identity will 2014. The results of these polls and more answer lies in the collective identity that said they were concerned, while seven Islamic State from Iraq. dissipate. If this sense of Sunni distrust recent IIACSS national polls, carried out Sunni Iraqis hold - and the sense that their percent of Shia respondents said they There is also an important political toward the Iraqi government and its allies in the last few months, show that Sunni community is and will not be treated fairly were concerned about the Shia militias dimension to the Iraqi government’s does not wane, it will be very difficult to and Shia Iraqis view the security situation by the Shia-dominated Iraqi government in Sunni areas. dependence on Shia militias. The militias rebuild a unified, functioning Iraq. in their country through very different lenses. These lenses are coloured by sec- tarian identity. How do Iraqis feel about security A supporter flies the in Iraq? flag of the Islamic Our data from February 2016 shows Sunni Arabs fear the forces meant to liber- State in Mosul, Iraq. ate them from the Islamic State. In Mosul - where a campaign to liberate Iraq’s sec- ond-biggest city from Islamic State control just started - 74 percent of Sunni survey respondents say they do not want to be

Iraqi polling firm IIACSS conducted a series of national and sub-national polls of Iraqis using scientific sampling techniques in all areas of Iraq, including areas controlled by the Islamic State, since June 2014. The results of these polls and more recent IIACSS national polls, carried out in the last few months, show that Sunni and Shia Iraqis view the security situation in their country through very different lenses. These lenses are coloured by sectarian identity. Peru’s next president will face some big challenges

growth puts a severe strain on the cur- companies are becoming louder and came to own their own land. in their expectations for Peru’s next rent administration. more frequent. President Ollanta 3. Land issues continue to shape administration. These same tensions will test Peru’s Humala declared a state of emergency expectations about economic pros- Anticipating this pressure, Keiko incoming administration. Here’s why. in several highlands provinces in Octo- perity throughout Peru. The breakup Fujimori, the presidential front-run- 1. Foreign investment has fueled ber after large-scale protests over a of rural cooperatives in the 1980s ner, recently promised to implement Peru’s breakneck economic growth Chinese mining venture left several and 1990s delivered land directly to progressive policies to boost social in recent years. Foreign companies dead and scores wounded. Protesters families. spending and expand the reach of social involved in resource extraction are a wanted more local jobs - and a better President Alberto Fujimori - father programs to those in need. She also major source of investment dollars. plan to protect the environment at the of current presidential candidate Keiko criticized Humala for putting business Production, exports and jobs rely on copper mine project. Fujimori - initiated massive land-titling interests before the needs of people in steady foreign demand for gold, cop- Humala’s response to the protests efforts, boosting land tenure security rural sectors at a high-profile mining By Michael Albertus per and other commodities. - flooding the region with military and and giving landowners more ability to and investment summit in Lima sev- The Washington Post When global manufacturing slows police personnel while declaring the leverage land as collateral for bank eral months ago. down, Peru’s economic growth is at violence the work of outside rabble- loans for local investment. But Peru’s party system is noto- risk. In 2015, exports amounted to $33 rousers - is unlikely to stem popular Rural sectors therefore looked to riously weak and undisciplined, and eru’s presidential candidates billion, almost a third lower than 2011 resistance to the influx of foreign min- current President Humala to deliver leaders have flipped sides on issues Peru’s next president squared off in the first round of exports. Peru is the world’s third-larg- ing projects. on campaign promises to stem the re- with some frequency. Either presiden- will have to juggle Pvoting on April 10. Keiko Fuji- est copper exporter; ores and precious There’s deep discontent among agglomeration of land by agribusiness tial candidate could veer drastically mori, the first-place winner, and Pedro metals account for half of the coun- indigenous people in the Peruvian high- and foreign investors following the in a similar fashion as Humala. Both tough challenges. With Pablo Kuczynski, in second place, now try’s exports. lands, particularly among groups and land titling programs. But the need candidates back free-market econom- global commodity face a runoff vote in June. Many foreign companies in Peru villages that feel they have been losing for - and benefit of - foreign capital- ics, and are seen as pro-business. The Regardless of who wins, Peru’s next have worked with local communities out on development for years. The last driven economic growth effectively rural sector is all too aware that their demand down and president will have to juggle tough chal- to build schools and health clinics, and time there were sustained protests of peeled Humala away from the constit- interests could be at risk regardless of tight competition for lenges. With global commodity demand fund road-building and other pub- this magnitude - in the early 1960s - the uents he had promised to represent. who wins, which is part of the reason down and tight competition for for- lic works. But other foreign firms military ultimately seized power and Local vs. foreign land-use conflicts it has mobilized so forcefully to make foreign investment, it eign investment, it won’t be easy to have drawn criticism for hiring few delivered on protesters’ main demand: in Peru have become more prevalent the government listen - and act - on won’t be easy to keep keep the country’s economy afloat. local workers, contaminating local land reform. My recent book, “Autoc- as a result. critical issues of land use, environ- Balancing environmental trade-offs resources and taking advantage of racy and Redistribution,” documents Whoever succeeds Humala in June mental protection and jobs. the country’s economy and other concerns of the rural pop- weakly enforced environmental laws. how for the first time since before Span- will inherit this tension. Peru’s rural Fujimori and Kuczynski beware: afloat. ulation without sacrificing economic 2. Local protests against foreign ish colonization, many communities sectors are unlikely to be complacent The winner could be in for a rough ride.

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Views and Opinion pages should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief. 12 WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 PAKISTAN Afghan Taliban announce spring offensive

killed or wounded in 2015, accord- with Pakistan, making it difficult for ing to the UN. the militants to travel back and forth Insurgents say will The Taliban went through a and stage attacks. try to avoid killing period of infighting after Mullah But the Taliban remained on the Omar’s death became public last march in the warmer south of the civilians. summer. Mullah Omar’s deputy, country, where they threatened or Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, had run briefly seized strategic territory in the insurgency in his name and was three provinces. elected as his successor by a small The violence is expected to AP clique amid mistrust from the rank intensify once the poppy harvest in and file. the southern provinces is finished The dispute had little impact on in coming weeks. The Taliban will the battlefield, however, where the deploy extra forces to protect smug- KABUL: The Taliban announced the Taliban have advanced on a number gling routes used for arms, minerals start of their warm-weather fighting of fronts over the past year. And in and other contraband that fund the season yesterday, vowing “large- recent months, Mansoor has con- insurgency. scale attacks” in the 15th year of their solidated power, bringing several Jabbar Qahraman, presidential war against the US-backed Afghan onetime rivals back into the fold. envoy to Helmand, said most of the government. The Taliban said late Monday estimated 5,500 government troops In an email to media, the mili- that around 20 fighters with a local and police killed in action in 2015 tants said the spring offensive had Islamic State affiliate in the eastern lost their lives in the opium-produc- begun at 5am. They dubbed the cam- Nangarhar province had pledged ing southern province. He blamed paign “Operation Omari” in honour their support for Mansoor. It would not only the Taliban but an “opium of Taliban founder Mullah Moham- be the first time IS militants, many mafia” working with them. The drugs mad Omar, who died three years ago. of whom are disgruntled former gangs “are a big headache as they are The Taliban added that in areas Taliban members, have joined the so active, and they have the full sup- under their control, “mechanisms for Taliban in the province, which has port of Taliban fighters in Helmand, good governance will be established seen heavy fighting between the rival each helping the other to their own so that our people can live a life of jihadi groups. benefit,” he said. security and normalcy.” The insur- The Kabul government has Most of the world’s heroin is gents control several rural districts meanwhile been working with the produced from Helmand’s poppy and last year seized the northern city US, China and Pakistan — which has crop, worth up to $3bn a year, with of Kunduz and held it for three days. some influence over the Taliban — much of the profits going to fund the The Taliban said they would try to revive peace negotiations, but the insurgency. to avoid killing civilians or destroy- insurgents earlier this year refused Officials and diplomats in Kabul ing civilian infrastructure, and would to take part in any talks. have said that Mansoor is the king- carry out a “dialogue with our coun- The fighting subsides in much pin of this illicit trade. trymen in the enemy ranks” to try to of Afghanistan during the winter, Local officials say security forces Afghan policemen keep watch near a pile of illegal narcotics being destroyed in the Kot district of Nangarhar, convince them to join the insurgency. when snow and inclement weather have been overwhelmed by months More than 11,000 civilians were descends on the mountainous border of heavy fighting across Helmand. eastern Afghanistan, yesterday. Pakistan rights Minister proposes ethics panel to examine lawmakers’ assets groups say

Internews he said, the mystery involving poli- and draw a comparative analysis of whom reportedly owned 34 such who deliberately concealed their civilians among ticians running offshore companies their wealth now. It should also look firms. assets abroad,” he asked, adding that should also be addressed. into the houses they live in and who Going after Senate Opposition the ownership of the Surrey Mansion 34 dead ISLAMABAD: Asking all elected rep- Criticising the divergent views owns them on paper. Leader Aitzaz Ahsan over his speech had been denied for a long time, but resentatives to present themselves for being expressed about the forum He said those who fail to pass in the house, he said the prime min- ultimately accepted before a court in AFP accountability, Pakistan’s Interior that would investigate the ‘Panama through the “sieve of accountabil- ister had never concealed his flats in London. Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Papers’ controversy, he called out ity” should be exposed. Stressing London’s Mayfair neighbourhood, He insisted that the demand for proposed yesterday the formation of the opposition for its ‘confusion’ on that the “defining moment” a refer- adding that the late Benazir Bhutto an FIA investigation into the Pan- ethics committees in both houses of the matter. ence to Imran Khan’s plans to march had visited the residences more ama Papers leak had been made by ISLAMABAD: Pakistani rights parliament to examine lawmakers’ Talking about the mandate of the on Raiwind should not just target than once when she travelled to the Khan, stressing that he had not acti- groups yesterday said it was assets from the time they had begun proposed ethics committees, he said political opponents, he pointed out United Kingdom to sign the Charter vated the agency on his own since likely that many civilians were their political careers. they should examine the assets of that two senators had been accused of Democracy (CoD). that would have invited allegations of among 34 people killed by the Alongside the ethics committees, lawmakers at the start of their careers of running offshore companies, one of “What would you say about those nepotism. military last week in what was termed a battle against separatist militants. The clashes took place in the Kalat district of Balochistan prov- Imran delays party ince in the southwest, where the government has been battling a separatist insurgency since 2004. vote to take on Sharif “Security forces have killed 34 terrorists after three days of fighting in the Johan area of Internews instead of D Chowk,” he said. Kalat,” Balochistan Home Minis- Responding to the Interior Min- ter Sarfaraz Bugti told reporters ister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s in the provincial capital Quetta on concerns, the PTI chief said he was Saturday. ISLAMABAD: As differences among prepared to sit with the minister to But the widely respected the party’s ranks become more and come up with a mutually agreea- Human Rights Commission of more public, the Pakistan Tehreek- ble plan. Pakistan said it was “distressed” i-Insaf (PTI) has shelved party polls Chaudhry Nisar had earlier ruled at the denial of access to the bodies that were to be held next month, out the possibility of a PTI public of the dead, raising the possibility and has instead decided to launch meeting in F-9 Park, saying there a “high number of civilian casual- a campaign against Prime Minister was a ban on political gatherings in ties” occurred. Nawaz Sharif for establishing off- the capital, but said he was ready to The Voice for Baloch Missing shore companies in the names of his speak to the PTI chief on the subject. Persons, another rights group, said family members. Replying to a question about the it had spoken to some relatives of “We are postponing the intra- march to Raiwind, the PTI chairman the dead who disputed the official party polls because this is a defining said he would unveil his plan in the story of a gunbattle. moment for the whole nation; to public meeting. “We will hold the File picture of Kalash students attending a class at a school in the Brun village of Bumboret valley. Marriage, Instead, the group said, the march to Raiwind (where the Sharif public meeting in F-9 Park and if our deceased were farmers who were for the Kalash, is not forever: lovers need only to dance together and then run away to be “married”. family’s residence is located),” PTI demand is met, we will celebrate and travelling with their families and Chairman Imran Khan said in a return home,” he said. animals when they were arrested press conference following a party He also reiterated his demand by authorities, taken away and meeting yesterday. for the formation of a judicial com- killed. Pakistan’s Kalash fight for their He said the PTI would hold a mission under the supervision of the In addition to fighting an public meeting at F-9 Park, Islam- chief justice to investigate the ‘Pan- Islamist insurgency in northwest abad, on April 24, the party’s 20th ama Papers’ revelations regarding border regions, Pakistan’s military foundation day, despite resistance the offshore companies operated is battling to stamp out the separa- identity with Unesco bid being shown by the government. by members of the prime minister’s tist rebellion in Balochistan. “We do not want any confronta- family. Imran Khan said the PTI The resource-rich province is tion or a law and order situation in would contact all political parties also Pakistan’s most impoverished, AFP Their fight to get the Kalash on becoming more and more difficult Islamabad, therefore we decided to and stakeholders to join its cam- with residents long complaining to Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Her- to follow as the Kalash move away hold our public meeting in F-9 Park paign against the government. that the lion’s share of its wealth itage List began in 2008, but eight from their agrarian lifestyle and is siphoned off by the federal CHITRAL, PAKISTAN: Pakistan’s years on remains mired in sluggish towards trade, studying or working government. smallest religious minority, the bureaucracy. in the cities. Rights groups accuse the mil- Kalash speak their own language With their fair skin and light Some face anger from Muslim itary of gross abuses, including and celebrate their deities through eyes, academics have speculated the neighbours in the region, who believe a policy of “killing-and-dump- music and dance. Kalash might be descended from the Allah is enraged by the tribe’s un- ing” the bodies of independence Here, the sexes mingle easily, ancient Middle East or even from sol- Islamic practices and has unleashed activists including intellectuals marriage can be sealed with a dance, diers of Alexander the Great’s army, natural disasters — floods and earth- and students. and women are free to move on to which conquered the area in the quakes — on the area as punishment. In July 2014 the military said new loves — it is a far cry from life in fourth century BC. More and more end up convert- it had killed “34 terrorists” in air much of the rest of the country, where Centuries ago they ruled Chi- ing to Islam. strikes in the Shawal Valley of many adhere to a strict Islamic code tral but now they number just “The Kalash are a living civilisa- North Waziristan tribal district in forbidding such behaviour. 3,000, according to the Kalash Peo- tion and need to be protected legally the northwest. Yet the Kalash fear their unique ples Development Network (KPDN). through the government of Pakistan,” But multiple residents con- culture will not endure: Increasingly Today, the Kalash say their traditions says KPDN activist Luke Rehmat. tacted by AFP contradicted the their youth are converting to Islam, are under threat. He accuses government officials File picture of Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan account and said around 30 prompting activists to campaign to At school, children take a com- of not taking the Unesco bid seriously, women and children were among preserve the traditions of this ancient, pulsory class on Islam but not about adding: “So far there is no positive gesturing to supporters during an anti-government protest near the dead. diminishing tribe. their own traditions, which are work on this.” the prime minister’s residence in Islamabad. INDIA WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 13 India and US to strengthen maritime security

it sees as China’s rising assertiveness, A senior US defence official, particularly in the South China Sea. speaking on condition of anonym- Washington has “Both sides agreed to strengthen ity, said China was “operating more increasingly turned cooperation in the area of maritime frequently both throughout South- security,” said a joint statement issued east Asia and in the Indian Ocean”, its focus to Asia as after Carter held talks with Indian something both Washington and New it tries to counter Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. Delhi were “watching closely”. The two sides “reaffirmed the Carter will also hold talks with China’s growing importance of safeguarding mari- Prime Minister Narendra Modi during assertiveness in the time security and ensuring freedom the three-day visit, aimed at shor- of navigation and over flight through- ing up security and defence ties with South China Sea, and out the region, including in the South regional power India. is eager for India China Sea,” said the statement. Modi, who enjoys close ties with to play a greater Washington has increasingly US President Barack Obama, has in turned its focus to Asia as it tries to the past criticised what he called Chi- role in its network counter China’s growing assertive- na’s “expansionist mindset”. of regional defence ness in the South China Sea, and is Carter said after his meeting with eager for India to play a greater role Parrikar that the two countries had alliances. in its network of regional defence agreed “in principle” to share and alliances. Regional superpower exchange military logistics, a deal China is expanding its deep-water which has been in the pipeline for naval presence and staking a claim years and would allow the two coun- AFP to disputed areas of the South China tries to expand military cooperation. Sea and the East China Sea. But there was no final agreement Beijing claims almost all of the on a series of deals under negotiation. contested South China Sea, which India, the world’s biggest arms NEW DELHI: US Defence Secre- is important for international ship- importer, wants access to US tech- tary Ashton Carter and his Indian ping, and has in recent months built nology so it can develop sophisticated counterpart agreed yesterday to massive structures including radar weapons at home -- a key part of strengthen their cooperation on mar- systems and an airstrip over reefs and Modi’s “Make in India” campaign to itime security, as concerns grow in outcrops. It has also courted coun- boost domestic manufacturing. Washington over Beijing’s growing tries in the Indian Ocean, pouring New Delhi has historically relied military ambitions. money into the Maldives and Sri heavily on Russia for arms imports, Carter is in New Delhi to bolster Lanka to the annoyance of New but is now seeking US help to develop a strategic relationship Washington Delhi, which regards those coun- its own new-generation aircraft US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter (left) meets with Indian PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi, yesterday. considers crucial in the face of what tries as part of its sphere of influence. carriers. President Pranab Mukherjee gives away Padma Awards

IANS endearingly called ‘Thalaivar’ by pinkish dress for the occasion. She EC removes his well-wishers. He has worked both received her Padma Bhushan from in Hindi and Southern films over his the president. Sania is married to Kolkata police three decade long journey as an actor. Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik. NEW DELHI: The packed Darbar Priyanka Chopra, who has gar- Sania and her partner Swiss chief: Official Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan yester- nered international acclaim with legend Martina Hingis took the ten- day reverberated to applause when her stint in the American TV series nis world by storm for much of last KOLKATA: City Police superstar Rajinikanth walked up to “Quantico”, came attired in a lime year with a 41-match winning streak Commissioner Rajeev receive the Padma Vibhushan from green sari to receive her Padma Shri. which finally came to an end with Kumar was yesterday President Pranab Mukherjee who She acknowledged the appreciation a shock loss at the quarter-finals removed from the post also conferred Padma awards on from the crowd but kept her eyes of the Qatar Open earlier this year. following directions by actress Priyanka Chopra and tennis downwards while returning to her The Indo-Swiss pair won 10 titles the Election Commission, player Sania Mirza. seat.,Priyanka, who looked stunning, together, including nine consecu- a top state government The awards, conferred in three was being followed by admirers after tive ones. official said. categories -- Padma Vibhushan, the function was over. In fact security On Monday night, Sania was “The city police com- Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, persons had to escort her from the also honoured at the NRI of the Year missioner has been were given away to prominent per- main hall to the other room. Award 2016 where she was conferred replaced,” the official said. sonalities from different walks of life, The former Miss World has hit with the Global Indian Icon of the Additional chief elec- as the assembled gathering, including international headlines with her year award. toral officer Dibyendu relatives and friends of the awardees, role of an FBI agent Alex Parrish in The President presented five Sarkar told the media kept on clapping and cheering. “Quantico”. The actress, who is cur- Padma Vibhushan, 11 Padma here that the decision Looking dapper in a beige churi- rently riding high on the success of Bhushan and 36 Padma Shri awards was taken following the dar kurta teamed with a grey Nehru Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Bajirao Mas- at the function. Three of the listed directive of the Election jacket, Rajinikanth acknowledged the tani”, has even bagged a Hollywood Padma Shri awardees could not make Commission. According to big round of applause and cheering film, “Baywatch”, alongside Dwayne it to the function. sources, Additional Direc- from those gathered with a big smile. Johnson and Zac Efron. Padma Awards, the most prestig- tor General, CID, Soumen His wife Latha Rajinikanth was also Sania, who took to twitter to ious honours in the country, for the Mitra is slated to replace Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra (left), South Indian actor Rajnikanth among the invitees. comment: “Humbled. Honoured. And year of 2016 were announced in Jan- Kumar who will now (centre) and Tennis player Sania Mirza at the Padma Awards 2016 The southern super star enjoys truly thankful .. #PadmaBhushan,” uary this year and were conferred in take over as the addi- ceremony at Presidential Palace in New Delhi, yesterday. a massive fan following and is was also turned out smartly in a long two ceremonies. tional director general, Anti-Corruption Bureau. Opposition parties had persistedly sought Kumar’s removal alleg- Temple ban on women’s ing he was “working in Two killed in Kashmir firing favour” of West Bengal’s entry is unacceptable: SC ruling Trinamool Congress. IANS and the security forces, they said. there and attacked the army bunker Jews approach Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, in Handwara chowk”, assaulting IANS years old, saying that menstruating expressing her tremendous shock personnel there, ransacking and government for women are impure. at the incident, said she had spo- attempted to set it afire”. Discrimination against menstru- SRINAGAR: Two youth were killed ken to army’s Northern Command “In retaliation, the security minority status ating women is common in some and three others were injured yes- chief, Lt. Gen DS Hooda, who told forces deployed used force to dis- NEW DELHI: Indian temples that parts of South Asia, where they are terday as security forces opened fire her that an inquiry had been ordered perse the violent rampaging mob. In NEW DELHI: The Indian deny or restrict women’s entry forbidden from entering houses or after clashes with a stone-pelting and the guilty would not be spared. the process two individuals namely Jewish community has undermine the fight for gender temples and taking part in festivals mob in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kup- “An alleged incident of misbehav- Mohammad Iqbal, resident of Bom- reiterated its demand for equality and have no constitutional and community events. wara district, police said. iour with/molestation of a girl by an hama, Kupwara and Nayeem Qadir recognition as a minority right to do so, the Supreme Court “Banning on the basis of age High tension has gripped Hand- army man took place in Handwara Bhat, son of Gulam Qadir Bhat, resi- community in the coun- said, in the latest boost for women is not practised in the Hindu reli- wara town where clashes are still town” of Kupwara and “within min- dent of Banday Mohalla, Handwara, try. The community has demanding equal access to places gion,” Ravi Prakash Gupta, of the continuing between a violent mob utes public in large numbers gathered sustained fire-arm injuries. moved an application of worship. Indian Young Lawyers’ Association with the union minor- India’s highest court told the which launched the petition against ity affairs ministry to this board which manages the popular Sabarimala temple, told the Thom- effect, official sources Sabarimala Ayyappa Hindu tem- son Reuters Foundation. said. ple in the southern state of Kerala The lawyers’ association said “We have received a to explain why it bans women. it had received death threats over request from the Jewish “What right does the temple have the petition. The Supreme Court community to be notified to forbid women from entering any comments came days after the as a minority community. part of the temple? Can you deny Shani Shignapur temple in west- We have forwarded their a woman her right to climb Mount ern Maharashtra state opened its request to the concerned Everest? inner sanctum to women following department,” an official The reasons for banning any- a Mumbai court ruling that it was the said. Currently, there are thing must be common for all,” fundamental right of women to enter around 5,000 Jews who Justice Dipak Misra, head of a three- any place of worship that allows men are Indian nationals, liv- judge bench, said on Monday. access, and that the state should pro- ing in various parts of the “Gender discrimination in such tect this right. country. The majority -- a matter is unacceptable,” he said, The Mahalaxmi temple, also in around 4,000 -- live in adding that the temple’s arguments Maharashtra state, followed suit on and around Mumbai. must be based on the nation’s consti- Monday and allowed women entry. At present, there are tution. The struggle for equal access In a separate case, two Muslim six notified minority com- to places of worship in India has trig- women are demanding access to a munities in India, namely gered a wider debate on women’s landmark mosque in Mumbai. the Muslims, Christians, rights in the country, with the hash- Sabarimala temple authori- Buddhists, Sikhs, Par- tag #RightoPray trending on Twitter. ties have said the ban on women is sis and Jains. “Jews have The Sabarimala temple is one rooted in a centuries-old tradition been part of the Indian of a few in India which bars entry and is essential to the rites related society for 2,300 years. Policemen chase Kashmiri protesters during clashes in downtown area of Srinagar, yesterday. to females aged between 10 and 50 to the temple’s chief deity, Ayyappan. 14 WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 INDIA

Terror coming Kerala temple from Pakistan will be taken fire toll at 112; seriously: US HC issues ban IANS NEW DELHI: The US takes ter- ror emanating from Pakistan “very Thiruvananthapuram and 20 in Kol- seriously” and the F-16 fighter jets lam remained serious. have been given to it to fight ter- The Kerala High Thirteen bodies were yet to be rorism, US Defence Secretary Court ordered a ban identified, officials said, while 21 Ashton Carter said yesterday. people remained unaccounted for “We take terrorism emanat- on exploding high since Sunday morning. ing from Pakistan very seriously,” decibel firecrackers Surendran had been named an Carter said. accused by police. His son Umesh, India has expressed concern at night. Firework who suffered 50 percent burn inju- over the US decision to sell eight shows during the ries, is undergoing treatment at the F-16s to Pakistan, with Defence hospital. Temple officials arrested for Minister Manohar Parrikar con- day too should not the tragedy told police that Suren- veying the government’s concerns Britain’s Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (left) and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, with Indian Prime exceed the decibel dran was given Rs.7 lakh to conduct to Carter, who is presently visit- Minister Narendra Modi (centre) at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, yesterday. levels of 125-145. the fireworks display. ing India. Five temple officials who fled At a joint press conference with after the tragedy surrendered to Parrikar, on being asked if the US police on Monday night. A sixth was was trying to be a trusted ally of arrested on Tuesday, Deputy Super- India while supplying the F-16 IANS Modi hosts British royals for lunch intendent of Police Radhakrishnan fighters to Pakistan, Carter said: Pillai said. “We do try to be trusted partner Earlier, police had detained five of India.” He said the US has given workers of the now dead contrac- Reuters white kurta and cream waistcoat. Sunday night for a charity gala in some unique technologies to India. KOLLAM/THIRUVANAN- tor Surendran. In Kochi, the Kerala Indian sources said the four- Mumbai. William and Kate wielded “We don’t have an agreement like THAPURAM: Three people injured High Court ordered a ban on explod- course lunch featured Indian “veg” a sword at the British High Commis- that with other countries.” in the deadly fireworks show at a ing high decibel firecrackers at night. and “non-veg” cuisine but, citing pro- sioner’s residence on Monday night Asked about the same issue, temple in Kollam died yesterday, Firework shows during the day too NEW DELHI: Britain’s Duke and tocol, declined to specify the dishes to cut a cake to mark the forthcom- Parrikar said he did express his taking the toll to 112, even as the Ker- should not exceed the decibel levels Duchess of Cambridge sat down to a served. Renowned Indian classi- ing 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth. concerns to Carter and the US ala High Court pulled up police for of 125-145. A division bench of Jus- musical lunch yesterday with Indian cal musician Rahul Sharma played After paying tribute to his defence secretary assured him not preventing the horrific tragedy. tice Thottathil B. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the santoor - a kind of dulcimer - grandmother as “an energetic and the fighter jets would be used to Surendran, 67, who had the con- Justice Anu Sivaraman came down they continued a first tour of India rounding off his performance with dedicated guiding force for her fam- fight terrorism. tract for the fireworks display at heavily on Kerala Police for not pre- that has featured a cricket game the Beatles classic “Let It Be”. ily”, William read a message to the Drawing a parallel with India’s the Puttingal Devi temple in Para- venting the Kollam deaths. with slum kids and a glittering Bol- The couple have spent much Indian people from the Queen. relations with Russia, Carter said vur town, succumbed to his injuries The judges asked if the probe by lywood gala. Modi welcomed Prince of their three days in India meet- Striking a lighter note, he con- the US values its relations with at the Medical College Hospital in the Crime Branch into the incident William and wife Kate on the steps ing children and charities that work cluded: “Now I can report back to Pakistan. “India also has relation Thiruvananthapuram, two days was enough or whether the Central of Hyderabad House, once a princely with them. On Tuesday, they visited Granny that I have done my duty!” with other countries like Russia. after he was admitted with 90 per- Bureau of Investigation should be residence and - like many buildings a shelter of the Salaam Baalak Trust The week long tour will take the We respect that,” he said. cent burn injuries. roped in. The judges demanded to in New Delhi - designed by British that provides support and shelter for royal couple to see the famed one- “What we do in Pakistan is The first to die yesterday was know if “anti-national forces” were architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. street kids in Delhi and Mumbai. horned rhinos in Assam’s Kaziranga directed towards counter ter- Sathyan, 55, who too passed away involved with the Sunday explosions. Kate wore a knee-length light But there’s been glamour too, National Park, on to the isolated rorism. We too have suffered at the same Thiruvananthapuram Authorities in Kollam on Tues- blue dress, William a dark suit and with A-list Bollywood film stars led kingdom of Bhutan before return- from terrorism emanating from hospital. Late in the evening, a day took steps to conduct DNA tests tie, while their host - an observant by Shah Rukh Khan and former Miss ing to India on Saturday to visit the the territory, more specifically 14-year-old boy, Sabari, also suc- on unclaimed bodies. Officials said vegetarian - appeared in a traditional World Aishwarya Rai turning out on Taj Mahal. Afghanistan,” Carter said. cumbed to his 90 percent burn family members of those missing to injuries. The teenager had been on reach Kollam on Wednesday with ventilator support. identity proof of the missing ones. Dalai Lama yesterday donated The Kerala government has, Rs.10 lakh to be used for relef and meanwhile, called an all-party rehabilitation of those affected by meeting on Thursday to see if a Monsoon rains seen above average: Official the devastating fire at a temple in consensus can be reached on total Kollam, in which at least 112 people or partial ban on firecrackers, Home Reuters percent of the long-term average, rainfall. It is critical for the coun- interest rates after the central bank were killed. Minister Ramesh Chennithala said. Laxman Singh Rathore, chief of the try’s 263 million farmers and their this month eased its repo rate by 25 An apparently illegal fireworks There had been suggestions that India Meteorological Department, rice, cane, corn, cotton and soybean basis points to its lowest in more than display set off huge explosions and fireworks which give more promi- told a news conference. crops, as nearly half of its farmland five years. a massive fire at the temple just nence to visual treats must be taken NEW DELHI: India’s crucial mon- Rathore said the monsoon rains lacks irrigation. Bumper rains can “If indeed we end up having a before dawn before dawn on Sun- up and sound levels be brought to soon rains are expected to be above could be above average as El Nino - a spur farm and economic growth and better-than-normal monsoon, and day, raining death and destruction the minimum, like in the UAE and average in 2016, the weather office warming of the eastern Pacific Ocean boost rural demand for gold, cars, spatial distribution of monsoon and in the area. More than 350 peo- Singapore, he said. Police have been said yesterday, easing fears over that can lead to dry spells in South motorcycles, refrigerators and ferti- production indicators point to a nor- ple were badly injured, suffering asked to conduct raids across Kerala farm and economic growth after two Asia - is fading and giving way to La liser. Two-thirds of India’s population mal year, then the RBI’s comfort for burns and other injuries. Doctors to seize explosive materials pos- straight droughts hit rural incomes Nina in which the same waters cool. depends on farming for its livelihood. another rate cut will increase,” said said that while most were respond- sessed either illegally or in excess and agricultural output. The July-to-September monsoon Plentiful rains could also encour- Gaurav Kapur, senior economist at ing to treatment, four people in of permitted quantities, he said. Rains in 2016 would be 106 delivers 70 percent of India’s annual age the Reserve Bank of India to cut Royal Bank of Scotland in Mumbai.

Fire at a factory in Bhopal Bengal polls: 68 of 383 candidates have criminal cases and 56 crorepatis

IANS criminal charges, followed by the nominee from Siliguri Baichung Bhu- Communist Party of India-Marx- tia with assets in excess of Rs.17.41 ist with 11 and the Congress with 6 crore, heads the crorepati candidates candidates. list. The Trinamool with 23 has the KOLKATA: As many as 68 of the 383 “A lot has been discussed about most number of crorepati candidates candidates contesting in the second the pre-poll and during the poll vio- followed by the BJP with 10, the Con- phase of the West Bengal assembly lence, but when candidates have such gress with 8 while the CPI-M has just polls have declared criminal cases, criminal charges against them, no one. The report also reveals that the including serious offences like mur- wonder violence becomes part and average assets of each of the 45 sit- der and rape. parcel of elections,” said WBEW ting legislators re-contesting the polls According to a report released by coordinator Biplab Halim, while in the phase, has increased by 180.09 West Bengal Election Watch (WBEW) releasing the report. percent from 2011 to 2016. yesterday, at least 56 nominees -- The report also reveals that 136 Former Congress legislator Abu or 15 percent of the total candidates serious criminal cases are pending Nasar Khan Choudhury, who is -- are crorepatis. A total of 56 con- against 59 of the contesting candi- contesting the polls as a Trinamool stituencies spread across the five dates, with the pendency period of nominee this year, has seen his assets districts of Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, the cases ranging from two years to grow by a whopping 1,138.03 percent Darjeeling, Malda and Birbhum will 16 years. On the financial front, 56 in the last five years to reach Rs.3.39 go to the hustings on April 17 in the candidates have assets in excess of crore. In 2011, when Khan had con- Firefighters try to extinguish a fire in an incense stick manufacturing factory in Bhopal, yesterday. second phase. The Bharatiya Janata Rs.1 crore, with Rs.54.21 lakh being tested as a Congress nominee, he had According to police and media reports, 60 fire engines fought for six hours to extinguish the blaze. Party (BJP) and the ruling Trina- the average assets of the 383 can- declared assets in excess of Rs.29.77 No casualties have been reported in the incident. mool Congress with 13 each, have the didates in the fray. Former India lakh. Of the 383 candidates, only 33 most numbers of candidates facing football captain and Trinamool are women. Activists protest ex-UN climate chief’s suit against harassment case lawyer

Reuters senting two women who have accused Grover is a matter of concern for all with sexual harassment last month, saying she had been treated in the growing outrage over his alleged him of sexual harassment. those who, like the signatories to this a year after a 29-year-old woman “worst possible manner” after she behaviour. A third woman, who is not Rajendra K. Pachauri filed a civil letter, are struggling to deliver sub- filed a police report alleging he complained about Pachauri’s behav- an Indian national, has since said she suit last week against lawyer Vrinda stantive justice under the laws on had harassed her via email, What- iour. A second employee alleged was also sexually harassed by Pach- NEW DELHI: Activists in India have Grover, seeking an injunction and 10 sexual harassment in the workplace in sapp and text messaging when she harassment this year. Pachauri, 75, auri, Britain’s Guardian newspaper protested against a civil suit launched million rupees ($150,000) in damages India today,” said a letter released late worked at the Delhi-based Energy has denied the allegations. reported last month. Pachauri’s suit by the former head of the UN’s Inter- on the ground that she was trying to on Monday, signed by 188 activists, and Resources Institute (TERI), which He went on indefinite leave from against Grover “has implications that governmental Panel on Climate prejudice the case against him. academics, writers and journalists. Pachauri headed. TERI in February, days after he was will have a chilling effect on com- Change (IPCC) against a lawyer repre- “The very public attack on Ms. Pachauri was formally charged She later quit the organisation, made executive vice chairman, amid plaints of sexual harassment. EUROPE / UK WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 15 Merkel stresses value of free speech in Erdogan satire spat

AFP expression, academia and of course regularly headed for the European Germany, and therefore also of Arti- far broader diplomatic dimension and the arts”, adding “these values apply Union from Turkey’s shores. cle Five—the freedom of the press, exposed Merkel to criticism she was regardless of all the political prob- Merkel—who has labelled the opinion and academia, and com- kowtowing to Erdogan. lems that we discuss with each other. poem “deliberately insulting”—said pletely disconnected from this,” Any prosecution would be BERLIN: Chancellor Angela Merkel And that includes issue of refugees.” Turkey’s request was being “very Merkel stressed. launched under Germany’s rarely (pictured) yesterday spoke about Erdogan’s government has issued carefully” examined by the relevant The comedian was reacting to enforced section 103 of the criminal the importance of free speech as a formal protest against TV comedian government offices, including her Ankara’s decision to summon Ger- code which carries up to three years Berlin weighs a Turkish request to Jan Boehmermann and demanded chancellery, with a decision expected many’s ambassador in protest last in prison. prosecute a German TV satirist who that he be prosecuted for reciting a in coming days. month over a previous satirical song Boehmermann has meanwhile crudely insulted President Recep so-called “Defamatory Poem.” She also said that finding a solu- broadcast on German TV which been placed under police protection Tayyip Erdogan. The case comes at an extremely tion on the refugee issue was in the lampooned Erdogan in far tamer as a precautionary measure, police Merkel said her government con- awkward time as Europe, and Ger- interest of both Turkey and the EU, language. confirmed yesterday. He has also can- siders the case entirely separate from influx of migrants to Europe. many in particular, are relying on including Germany. Several German viewers com- celled this week’s edition of his show other political issues, including the She emphasised that Germany’s Ankara to implement a pact to curb “But all this is completely inde- plained, but Turkey’s request to on ZDF public television, the station EU-Turkey pact meant to end the mass constitution guarantees “freedom of the flow of migrants taking boats pendent of fundamental rights in punish the satirist gave the affair a has said.

Voice against food waste US TV star David 2 more charged Gest found dead in London over attacks LONDON: American music pro- ducer David Gest, the former husband of entertainer Liza Min- nelli, died in London yesterday. Gest, 62, was found in the Four in Brussels Seasons hotel in the Canary Wharf business district of the city. The producer, whose cred- its included a TV musical special to commit terrorist murders, as about pop star Michael Jackson, a perpetrator, co-perpetrator or married actress and singer Min- Investigators have accomplice,” prosecutors said. nelli in 2002. They separated the uncovered a tangled It said there were “indications” the following year. two men could be linked to the rental Gest appeared in the 2006 web of links between of an address in’ Etterbeek district, series of British reality TV show I’m the Paris and which was raided last week and is not a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here, far from federal police headquarters. and his popularity with viewers led Brussels attacks, with At the time, police said they to other television work, includ- many of the same found nothing of interest but reports ing his own show called This Is suggested that two other men—one David Gest. He returned to reality people involved and of them Khalid El Bakraoui, who television at the start of the year, Greenpeace activists move garbage cans filled with food to protest against food waste in front of linked to IS. blew himself up at Maalbeek metro entering the Celebrity Big Brother station—may have stayed there, or Austrian parliament building in Vienna, Austria, yesterday. Greenpeace claims that every nine seconds house in January but he left the used the address. The second man, about one tonne of food is dumped to the rubbish bin. house 13 days later on medical Swedish national Osama Krayem grounds. AFP was arrested last week and charged with terror offences. Belgian media identified yester- day’s suspects as brothers Smail and BRUSSELS: Belgium has charged Ibrahim Farisi who were said to have ‘Hug a Brit’ campaign to avoid Brexit goes viral two new suspects over last month’s “cleaned” the Etterbeek apartment deadly Brussels airport and metro the day after the attacks. bombings and made three fresh There is considerable specula- AFP Citizens of other European coun- Many of the messages accompa- Opinion polls indicate that the arrests in the probe into the Novem- tion in Belgium that despite recent tries posted pictures of themselves nying the selfies contained emotional “Leave” and “Remain” camps are ber Paris attacks, prosecutors said police successes, there could be hugging their British friends under pleas and praise for Britain. neck-and-neck, while up to 20 per- yesterday. more suspects still on the run. the hashtags #hugabrit and #please- “London is the best place in the cent of Britons have still not made up Investigators have uncovered a The federal prosecutor gave no LONDON: A German woman living in dontgouk in a social media campaign world because of the great mix of cul- their minds ahead of the crucial vote tangled web of links between the further details of the suspects, citing London has launched “Hug a Brit”— aimed at Britons who have not yet tures,” wrote Roberta Cucuzza. on June 23. Paris and Brussels attacks, with the need for secrecy in the investi- an unusual and attempt to persuade decided how to vote. The campaign was started in Feb- “Our message is not about statis- many of the same people involved gation. Belgian police yesterday Britons to stay in European Union at One Instagram message showed ruary by Katrin Lock, a German who tics, jobs or about the merits of EU and linked to the Islamic State (IS) arrested another three people during a membership referendum in June. German fan Christine Ullman hug- has lived in London for seven years. rules on shower caps or cucumbers. group in Syria which claimed both. a new raid linked to the investigation “We are EU citizens who want ging her “youth idol” Jarvis Cocker, It has gathered momentum in We just don’t want the UK to divorce The two suspects, Smail F and into the Paris attacks. Prosecutors the British people to stay in the Euro- frontman of the Britpop band Pulp. recent days, with selfies posted by us,” read a manifesto on the campaign Ibrahim F, were “charged with said the trio were “held for question- pean Union. This is our love bomb,” In another tweet a woman posted Britons hugging European migrants website pleasedontgouk.com. participation in activities of a ter- ing” after being detained in southern read the Twitter slogan posted by @ a picture of herself embracing a statue living in Britain and embraces else- “Our message comes from our rorist group, murders and attempts suburb of Uccle. pleasedontgouk. of British author Virginia Woolf. where in Europe. hearts,” it added.

Portugal files Cosmonautics Day Nato to hold first talks charges against cop in stadium with Russia on April 20 beating AFP the Ukraine crisis threatened what many thought could be a return to the AP deep freeze stand-off of the Cold War. The two sides last met amid BRUSSELS: Nato will hold its first mutual recriminations over who was formal talks with Russia in nearly to blame for the crisis in Ukraine, LISBON: Portugal’s public prose- two years on April 20 to discuss the where Moscow backs pro-Russian cutor has filed charges that could Ukraine crisis and other security rebels who have carved out large bring a prison sentence of more issues, the US-led military alliance enclaves in the east of the country. than 10 years against a policeman said yesterday. “The date has been The Nato spokeswoman said the who beat a middle-aged football mutually agreed,” a Nato spokes- meeting, to be held at alliance head- fan in front of his two young sons, woman told reporters, adding: “It is quarters in Brussels, will focus on with the video of the incident caus- good to talk but it cannot be a return the three main areas outlined by ing a national scandal. to business as usual.” Stoltenberg last week. Stoltenberg The prosecutor’s office said Alliance head Jens Stoltenberg said then that the discussions would evidence suggests the officer used said last week the two sides would focus on Ukraine and “the need to excessive force in May 2015 when shortly convene their first Nato- fully implement” the Minsk cease- he punched Jose Magalhaes, twice Russia Council meeting since June fire accords. in the face and hit him repeat- 2014, signalling a thaw in ties badly Recent weeks however have seen edly with a truncheon outside People release balloons to mark the 55th anniversary of the first manned space flight, in Moscow, strained by Russia’s intervention in an upsurge in clashes, raising doubts Guimaraes stadium in Portugal. Russia, yesterday. On April 12, 1961 Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin circled the Earth for 108 minutes Ukraine and especially its annexa- about the ceasefire which was sup- Magalhaes was accompanied by aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft. People from 22 Russian cities mark it as Cosmonautics Day by releasing tion of Crimea. posed to lead to an overall settlement his children, with the youngest son 108,000 balloons with a portrait of Yury Gagarin. Nato envoys and their Russian and return control of its eastern bor- screaming at officers to stop. counterpart had met regularly until der with Russia to Ukraine. The prosecutor’s office said that the policeman is also accused of lying in his official report of the incident to justify his conduct. Magalhaes said police had Panama scandal forces Britain to open up on taxes allowed him and his sons to leave the stadium because the children were being crushed as Benfica fans inside celebrated a result that AFP led the way by releasing a summary “Welcome to real democracy... to parliament every year but only to publish his own tax return. clinched the Portuguese league title. of his taxes for the past six years and Disclose or die,” warned Matthew if these could affect their political “All MPs within a year or two will Dramatic video footage, played he told parliament that British leaders Parris, a former MP from Cameron’s choices. They are not obliged to go be publishing their returns and I’m widely on Portuguese TV and LONDON: The revelations about Brit- or “potential prime ministers” should Conservative Party. “Times are into great detail on the amounts and not going to be the one holding out social media, showed the Magal- ish politicians’ finances this week do the same. changing. An era is upon us when only have to reveal shareholdings against that,” he said. haes family by a low wall outside prompted by the Panama Papers leak Finance minister George Osborne trust and deference are gone,” he said, above £70,000 (€87,000, $100,000). “To some extent it is politicians’ the stadium as the policeman said marks a shift from traditional defer- and London mayor Boris Johnson, foreseeing a time when all MPs will Conservative lawmaker Jacob fault because we lost the trust of pub- something inaudible to the father, ence to Scandinavian-style openness, quickly followed the suit, along with have to publish their tax details. Rees-Mogg moaned it was “a pity lic over expenses affair.” Revelations then hit him and pushed him to the commentators say. main opposition Labour Party leader British MPs currently have to we have lost privacy” and said he about expenses claimed by lawmak- ground. Prime Minister David Cameron Jeremy Corbyn. declare a range of financial interests expected that he too would soon have ers caused a major scandal in 2009. 16 WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 EUROPE

Austria to tighten Greece expects checks at Italian border from June 1 asylum ruling Reuters

VIENNA: Austria will introduce in two weeks tougher border controls at the Bren- ner Pass crossing with Italy from June 1 at the latest as part of its tough response to the EU migration crisis, Asylum applications have been Defence Minister Hans Peter Doskozil piling up since March, when the said yesterday. Asylum applications European Union and Turkey signed With border restrictions along the have been piling up an agreement intended to close off Balkan route, Vienna expects migrant the main route into Europe, has seen arrivals to Italy by sea to nearly dou- since March, when an influx of over a million refugees ble this year to 300,000, but both the European Union and migrants since last year. countries have said they would keep and Turkey signed an Under the EU-Turkey deal, those traffic across the border “fluid” at arrive to Greece from March 20 will busy times. The Brenner Pass, which agreement intended be screened, registered and detained links Austria and Italy, is the most to close off the main in holding centres until their asylum important Alpine crossing for heavy applications are processed. Rejected goods traffic. route into Europe. applicants, and those who do not Asked if Austria planned to build a apply, are returned to Turkey. fence at the border, he referred to a sys- “The first results of the asylum tem “similar to the one in Spielfeld” at applications will be ready in about Austria’s border with Slovenia, which Reuters 15 days and the next phase of the consists of fences, lanes and tents. implementation of the agreement The exact date for the introduction will begin,” government spokes- of stricter controls at the European Italian coastguards rescue migrants and refugees at the coast of Sicily, yesterday. The coastguard said it woman Olga Gerovasili said. North-South crossing depends on the ATHENS: Greece said authorities Amnesty International has called rescued 1,850 migrants in eight operations, as a wave of boats departing from the Libyan coast intensified. number of migrants and the progress would start ruling on asylum appli- the situation in Greece “very cha- of construction work of the new bor- cations from hundreds of migrants in otic,” without enough attention for implementing the deal, said the time makeshift camp near the town of Ido- constantly informing refugees at Ido- der control centre, Doskozil said. the next two weeks, in a major test of individual processing and has voiced frame was “feasible”. EASO officials meni on the Greek-Macedonian border, meni that the western Balkans corridor The European Commission was a new deal to try to control the flow concerns that the process will be a have been deployed on the island of where clashes broke out on Sunday is closed,” Gerovasili said. “We’re very concerned, according to a of people desperate to reach Europe. “rubberstamping exercise” to send Lesbos since last week carrying out after a group tried to storm the bor- examining the possibility of interven- spokeswoman. By the latest count, more than people back. “admissibility assessments” of arrivals. der fence. Government has blamed ing directly without creating problems “If these plans were to materi- 50,000 people, most from Syria, Iraq So far, around 325 people who Most of the 50,000 stranded in unidentified “activists” for instigat- for the humanitarian work of non-gov- alise, then we would have to look at and Afghanistan, have been stranded did not request asylum have been Greece arrived before March 20 and ing attempts to cross the border. ernmental organisations.” them very seriously. The Brenner Pass in Greece since Balkan countries returned from the Greek islands are not subject to being returned under Gerovasili said authorities were A police official in northern Greece is essential for the freedom of move- closed their borders in February to under the accord, which the UN the latest deal. Their fate remains monitoring the activities of and were said 16 people, mainly EU nationals, ment within the European Union,” migrants and refugees wanting to refugee agency (UNHCR) has con- unclear, however some are expected distributing leaflets to those camped were briefly detained yesterday and commission spokeswoman Natasha cross, mostly on the way to Germany. demned and rights advocates say to be moved to other European coun- at Idomeni asking them to not believe the force was carrying out precaution- Bertaud told a regular briefing. Many of them are refugees may violate international law. tries under relocation plan agreed “rumours and false information” given ary checks on those approaching the EU executive had not been from war, but others are economic A spokesman for the European many months ago. out irresponsibly by strangers. camp to avoid “dangerous situations informed and had learned about them migrants. Asylum Office (EASO), a partner in More than 11,000 live in tents in a The Greek government is or transportation of dangerous goods.” from media reports, she said. Poland blames Tusk govt for president’s jet crash Ukraine fails to agree

Reuters initially uniting the nation in grief. the sixth anniversary of the crash. accused Tusk of being indirectly Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the head of “The former government was responsible for the crash, which, in on new pro-EU cabinet Poland’s ruling Law and Justice party responsible for that. Not Ms Kopacz his view, was at least partially a result and a former prime minister himself, government of course, but Donald of the government’s negligence. WARSAW: Responsibility for the 2010 took aim at Tusk, who is now presi- Tusk’s government”. Earlier in the day, President AFP that erupted two months after plane crash that killed Polish Presi- dent of the European Council which Tusk was Poland’s prime minis- Andrzej Duda addressed thousands he assumed office in February dent Lech Kaczynski along with 95 is the summit of EU leaders, saying ter when the crash happened, and he of Poles gathered in front of the pres- 2014. He announced his resigna- other people lay with the then gov- guilt and punishment needed to be was succeeded by his protege, Ewa idency to commemorate the crash. tion on Sunday. Poroshenko’s party ernment of Donald Tusk, the late apportioned before forgiveness could Kopacz. Duda appealed to Poles to forgive KIEV: Ukraine’s parliament yesterday has nominated parliament speaker president’s twin brother and leader be offered. A government inquiry into the each other and reconcile over politi- postponed a vote to approve embattled Volodymyr Groysman to the pre- of the current ruling party said. “One wanted to kill our mem- crash had blamed pilot error. But the cal divisions, but speaking later in the Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s miership after deciding that the man The plane crash in Russia, which ory, as one was afraid of it. Because new government, led by Kaczynski’s evening at the same venue, Kaczyn- resignation as furious backroom bat- known as a coalition-builder could also killed the president’s wife, someone was responsible for the party, which came to power in Octo- ski gave a stern response. tles raged over the makeup of a new win broad support. The 38-year-old the central bank chief and several tragedy, at least in moral terms, irre- ber, has said an onboard explosion “Forgiveness is necessary but, but pro-EU government. Poroshenko protege had seemed military top brass, led to bitter spectively of what were its reasons,” could have caused the crash. forgiveness after admitting guilt and The latest twist in the ex-Soviet ready to take on the assignment on political divisions in Poland, after Kaczynski said in a speech marking Jaroslaw Kaczynski has long administering proper punishment. state’s volatile political drama came Monday afternoon. when the man tipped to succeed Yat- “I am good for it. I am able to senyuk—condemned by President work 24 hours a day,” Groysman Petro Poroshenko for losing the pub- told reporters. But lawmakers said lic’s trust—appeared unwilling to he had decided to turn down the job Spain’s King to New bridge at Garonne river assume his duties because of a con- when the president’s party met on flict over who should join his team. Monday evening to determine who hold coalition Oleksiy Goncharenko, a member should join his team. of Poroshenko’s party, told reporters They said Groysman refused talks in bid to after a gruelling day of negotiations to work with several of the fig- that “we hope that (the vote) can be ures named because they did not taken today or tomorrow”. represent his reformist agenda or avoid elections Yatsenyuk’s days had seemed commitment to austerity meas- numbered since he survived a no- ures prescribed by the IMF under confidence vote two months ago that its $17.5bn economic rescue loan. Reuters fractured the pro-Western coalition Release of new International formed after a February 2014 revolu- Monetary Fund funds is not expected tion forced ouster of Moscow-backed until Ukraine forms a stable new MADRID: King Felipe will hold president Viktor Yanukovych. government that follows through another round of talks with Spain’s He joined street protests in on the belt-tightening pledges made political parties in a last-ditch Kiev and made passionate pro-EU when Yatsenyuk helped craft the attempt to get them to form a coa- speeches during three months that deal in March 2014. lition and avoid a second national changed country’s course. Poroshenko convened his party election, his office said yesterday. But his party’s approval ratings yesterday morning in a bid to smooth The leaders of Spain’s four have slipped to around two percent over the differences and persuade main parties have until May 2 to due to a sense that he did little to Groysman to push ahead with his agree on a possible government overcome corruption or break the premiership candidacy. after none of them won a parlia- stranglehold on politics enjoyed by But the Ukrainska Pravda news mentary majority in an election a handful of tycoons during Yanuk- site reported that Groysman was in December. If they fail to form ovych’s four years in office. again threatening to turn down the a government, parliament will be Yatsenyuk has been hurt by an job. dissolved and new elections called, economic implosion that wiped out “Tempers are rising and the talks French ship ‘Belem’ sails during a parade for the inauguration of the new bridge, named Pont Jacques most likely in late June, raising the people’s savings and saw precious have hit a dead end,” presidential risk of hurting Spain’s uneven eco- Chaban Delmas, constructed over Garonne river in Bordeaux. state resources spent on fighting party member Sergiy Leshchenko nomic recovery. Polls show new a two-year pro-Russian uprising wrote on Facebook. elections would produce a simi- larly inconclusive result. After leading two unsuccessful rounds of talks since the December vote, King Felipe will again hold Greenpeace protests Polish logging of Europe’s last primeval forest one-to-one meetings with party leaders on April 25 and 26, the royal household said. AFP Forest should be a national park”, a ecologists and the EU—to combat a plans to harvest 40,000 cubic metres over the Polish border with Belarus, Opposition parties have side- move that would give the site protec- spruce bark beetle infestation. over the same period. where it is entirely protected as a lined Mariano Rajoy, acting prime tive status. “We’re acting to curb the degra- Greenpeace however took issue nature park. The forest, which was minister since his conservative “This is the very last moment to dation of important habitats, to curb with the government’s rationale, say- designated a UNESCO World Heritage People’s Party (PP) lost its majority WARSAW: Greenpeace activists yes- save Bialowieza Forest,” Greenpeace the disappearance and migration ing “there’s no need to protect the site in 1979, is home to 20,000 animal in December due to anger over his terday called on Poland’s environment Poland head Robert Cyglicki said in of important species from this site,” primeval forest from the beetle. The species, including 250 types of bird administration’s austerity meas- ministry to “save” the Bialowieza for- a statement yesterday, as only part Environment Minister Jan Szyszko beetle is a natural and very important and 62 species of mammals, among ures and corruption cases. est, Europe’s last primeval woodland, of the Polish woodland is currently a said at the time. part of the forest... It plays a key role in them Europe’s largest, the bison. But Socialist leader Pedro by safeguarding it against planned national park. According to reports, under the the forest’s ecosystem,” Greenpeace Europe’s tallest trees, firs towering Sanchez has failed to form his large-scale logging. Poland’s environment minis- new plan, loggers will harvest more Poland spokeswoman Marianna Hos- 50 metres high, and oaks and ashes preferred coalition with new- The environment group hung a try last month gave the go ahead than 180,000 cubic metres of wood zowska said. of 40 metres, also flourish here, in an comer parties, the anti-austerity massive banner across the ministry for large-scale logging in the for- from non-protected areas of the for- Sprawling across 150,000 hec- ecosystem unspoiled for more than Podemos and Ciudadanos. building that read “Entire Bialowieza est—despite protests from scientists, est over a decade, dwarfing previous tares, the Bialowieza forest extends 10 millennia. AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 17 Paul Ryan to rule out presidential candidacy

actually ran for president this year. Kasich - running a distant third “I made a really clear choice not behind Trump and Cruz and with no Paul Ryan, the 2012 to run for president. Therefore, I will chance of capturing the Republican vice-presidential not be nominated. I will not allow my nomination unless he can emerge name to be placed in nomination and from a contested convention - did not candidate, has it will not be me. ...I just want to be mention Trump and Cruz by name been the subject really crystal clear,” he said. but left no doubt as to who he was Ryan has repeatedly said he is not talking about. of persistent interested in entering the presidential He lashed out at Trump pro- speculation that he race, but advocates for such a sce- posals to deport 11 million illegal nario have pointed out that he was immigrants and impose protection- could emerge as the cool to becoming House speaker until ist trade policies. He ridiculed Cruz’s nominee. he was finally persuaded to take over idea for a business flat tax, calling it from John Boehner last year. a value-added tax. These are exam- Republicans who see a disaster ples of a path of darkness, he said. looming in the November 8 presiden- “Some who feed off of the fears Reuters tial election if Trump or US Senator and anger that is felt by some of us Cruz of Texas is the nominee have and exploit it feed their own insa- harbored hopes of drafting a pop- tiable desire for fame or attention. ular party figure like Ryan or 2012 That could drive America down into WASHINGTON: House of Represent- candidate Mitt Romney. a ditch, not make us great again,” Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz at a campaign rally in Irvine, California. atives Speaker Paul Ryan planned a For that to happen, no candidate Kasich said, referring to Trump’s sig- speech to try to put to rest any Repub- would have garnered the 1,237 dele- nature line. lican hopes that he could be drafted gates required to win the nomination As 14 other rivals have dropped as a presidential candidate and save on the first ballot at the convention, out of the race, Kasich has doggedly Ex-rivals could get cabinet invite: Trump the party from an expected disaster and delegates there would have to stayed in even though he has under- if Donald Trump or Ted Cruz is the approve a consensus alternative on performed, winning only his home nominee. a second or subsequent ballot. state of Ohio. But his goal is to emerge AFP the gap in the number of delegates. Kasich,” Trump said, referring to the Ryan, the top elected Republican Ryan’s announcement came on from a contested convention as a Despite the sometimes bitter tone Ohio governor—the third remaining in Washington and the 2012 vice- a day when long-shot Republican unifying nominee for the November of the campaign, the real estate mogul contender for the Republican presi- presidential candidate, has been presidential candidate John Kasich general election, one who polls well said he even could consider naming dential nod. the subject of persistent speculation portrayed himself as an antidote to against Democratic front-runner Hil- WASHINGTON: Republican pres- Marco Rubio—whom he belittled dur- “I like (Scott) Walker actually in a that he could emerge as the nominee what he called the divisive politics of lary Clinton. idential frontrunner Donald Trump ing the campaign as “Little Marco”—to lot of ways,” Trump added, referring if an impasse over the party’s pick Trump and Cruz and criticized them “A united America is unde- says some of his former White House a post in his administration. to the governor of Wisconsin, who develops at the July 18-21 Republican as wanting to take the United States featable,” Kasich said. “We are an rivals could make his short list for key “Yes. I like Marco Rubio,” Trump dropped out early in the race. National Convention in Cleveland. down a “path of darkness.” exceptional country.” Whether his government posts, despite a bitter told USA Today, when asked whether “I hit him very hard... But I’ve In an interview with Milwaukee’s Kasich’s speech in New York City speech will have an impact on the campaign that has included name- he could consider the Florida senator always liked him.” WISN radio yesterday, Ryan said: “I was an effort to distinguish himself race at this stage is far from certain. calling and personal attacks. for a position. “Yeah. I could.” Trump told USA Today that the am going to try again today to put this from his rivals and carve out a space Trump is favoured to win the Trump said he is mulling his “There are people I have in mind nasty battles he waged with Rubio bed. The answer is ‘No’ and my strong for himself as a positive, reasonable April 19 primary in his home state. options for his cabinet, even though he in terms of vice president. I just and the other Republicans seeking opinion is, if it goes to an open con- conservative a week before New York He holds a huge lead in opinion polls remains in a nip-and-tuck race for the haven’t told anybody names,” Trump America’s highest political office were vention ... my answer is the delegates state’s Republican and Democratic there, with Kasich running a distant nomination with Ted Cruz, the Texas continued. simply part of “the crazy business” of should pick among the people who primaries on April 19. second and Cruz in third place. senator who has been steadily closing “I do like Marco. I do like (John) politics. America’s top Hillary’s joke with New York mayor flayed as insulting blacks general reminds Reuters New York voters head to the polls form of a rehearsed skit, often with used to indicate chronic lateness. “I joke at a high $ event “inner circle” troops to stay next week for the primary election the help of Broadway cast members. don’t like jokes like that,” Odom said. & ppl think it’s ok... #wakeup” Jenny on April 19. While Clinton has strong This year Leslie Odom Jr., who is Clinton then added: “’Cautious Li @jennyjenli posted on Twitter on support from black voters, some black and plays Aaron Burr in the hit politician time.’ I’ve been there.” yesterday. out of politics NEW YORK: A comic gag turned supporters worry that Democratic Broadway show Hamilton, partici- The joke quickly led to an angry “@HillaryClinton did the equiva- into a gaffe for Democratic presi- challenger Bernie Sanders has begun pated in the planned joke. reaction on social media, with com- lent of kicking Blacks by participating dential hopeful Hillary Clinton and making inroads with them. In the skit, Clinton kidded de Bla- mentators criticizing Clinton and de in #CPtime “joke”. #NYprimary,” AFP New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, trig- Clinton and de Blasio took the sio about his delay in endorsing her Blasio for being insensitive to blacks. tweeted Anthony B. @PoliticalAnt. gering a social media storm that raged stage at the Inner Circle, an annual bid for the White House. De Blasio’s wife, Chirlane McCray, is De Blasio defended the joke in an through yesterday over what some media roast of politicians that tradi- “Sorry, Hillary, I was running on African-American. appearance on CNN. “It was clearly a WASHINGTON: The Pentagon’s said was their insensitivity to Afri- tionally ends with New York’s mayor CP Time,” de Blasio said, referring to “In what kind of twisted world staged event,” he said “ ... I think peo- top general is reminding US forces can-Americans. delivering a snarky rebuttal in the the phrase “coloured people time” does a candidate make a #CPTime ple are missing the point here.” not to express political views during a heated election season marked by Republican candidates calling for contentious military measures, an official said. Mock coffins Study links dolphin General Joe Dunford, who is chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and serves as the top mili- tary advisor to Defence Secretary deaths to BP oil spill Ash Carter, is drafting a letter due to be released in the coming days encouraging troops to remain apo- AFP The US government estimated litical in public. that 4.9 million gallons of oil spilled The document comes after from the seabed after the BP-leased several senior military officials Deepwater Horizon suffered an were questioned over whether MIAMI: An unusually high number explosion on April 20, 2010 that they agree with views espoused by of baby dolphins were found dead in killed 11 people. Republican presidential hopefuls, the Gulf of Mexico following the 2010 Some 122 dolphins died from including Ted Cruz’s calls to car- Deepwater Horizon disaster, and a April 30, 2010 until November of that pet-bomb parts of Iraq and Syria. study yesterday blamed chronic ill- year, during the initial response to “There’s a trend developing nesses in mothers exposed to the oil. the spill. What researchers call an where people are trying to drag The study probing dolphin “unusual mortality event” among our military into political conver- deaths from 2010-2014 in the coastal dolphins is still being tracked, with sations of the day. It’s not helpful to areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and a total of 1,591 cetaceans stranded our country and it’s not helpful to Alabama was published in the jour- — 94 percent of them dead—in the the military,” Dunford spokesman nal Diseases of Aquatic Origin. northern Gulf of Mexico as of April Navy Captain Greg Hicks said. He Researchers found “substantial 3, 2016. said America’s top brass usually differences between fetal and new- In addition to the baby dolphin remind troops to steer clear from born dolphins found stranded inside deaths, researchers found that the election season debate, as the Pen- and outside the areas affected by the spill-zone dolphins were “par- Journalists place on the ground mock coffins with the portraits of killed colleagues during a protest tagon has a long history of staying 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill,” ticularly susceptible to late-term out of politics. But the conversation in Tegucigalpa. At least 52 journalists and media workers were murdered in Honduaras during the the study said. pregnancy failures, signs of fetal has proven exceptionally conten- last six years. By comparing 69 young bot- distress and development of in utero tious this year. tlenose dolphins that washed up infections including brucellosis,” a dead in the spill zone to 26 others bacterial infection. found in areas unaffected by the “These findings support that oil, the team found that the young pregnant dolphins experienced dolphins, which died in the womb significant health abnormalities Chicago radio personality Doug Banks dies or shortly after birth, “were sig- that contributed to increased fetal nificantly smaller than those that deaths or deaths of dolphin neonates stranded during previous years and shortly after birth,” said lead author in other geographic locations.” Kathleen Colegrove, a veterinary AP of complications from diabetes. radio stations in Los Angeles, San Since 2008 Banks’ nationally syn- A total of 88 percent of baby dol- diagnostic laboratory professor at “His vibrant personality, mega- Francisco and Las Vegas. dicated radio show aired on Monday phins found in the spill zone had lung the University of Illinois. watt smile and wicked humour made In 1982 he arrived in Chicago, through Friday on WVAZ-FM during abnormalities, including partially or Colegrove and colleagues have him irresistible,” Janet Davies, host working at several stations, includ- the afternoon drive time. completely collapsed lungs. previously published research that CHICAGO: Nationally syndicated and producer of “190 North,” said in ing WVAZ-FM, an iHeartMedia urban Banks’ health problems side- Just 15 percent of young dolphins showed spill zone dolphins were radio host Doug Banks, a longtime an on-air tribute. “I knew about his adult-contemporary station. In 1995 lined him recently for two months. found dead in areas unaffected by more likely than other stranded fixture in Chicago radio and televi- health challenges, but his work ethic he was signed by ABC to host a syn- He returned to his show in Febru- the spill had this lung abnormality. dolphins to have severe lung and sion, died at 57. was relentless.” dicated show from Dallas. ary, thanking listeners for “all the Researchers said the findings adrenal gland damage “consistent Banks, in addition to working for The Philadelphia native was “We tried everything we could prayers, all the good thoughts, all the suggest the dolphins died in the with petroleum product exposure.” WVAZ-FM, appeared for more than 10 raised in Michigan and began his to keep Doug in Chicago, but he had well wishes.” womb or shortly after birth, and The new findings are yet more years on the news feature show 190 career at his Detroit high school his heart set on syndication.” said His business partner, DeDe their lungs never had a chance to evidence that exposure to the Deep- North on WLS-TV, an ABC affiliate in radio station, when he was noticed former WVAZ-FM general manager McGuire, said Banks’ wife informed fully develop and inflate. water Horizon oil spill hurt the Chicago. The station reported that he and given a late-night weekend show Marv Dyson. “He saw syndication as the station’s programme director Der- A dolphin’s pregnancy typically reproductive health of dolphins in died on Monday at his home in Florida by WDRQ-FM. He later worked at his future and he was right.” rick Brown of his death. lasts 380 days. the area, said co-author Teri Rowles. 18 WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 AMERICAS

Brazil police Rousseff accuses VP of treachery in ‘coup’ arrest former senator in speech was leaked. Rousseff said the recording shows corruption probe A Brazilian that Temer has the “arrogance and congressional contempt for the people.” “The mask of the conspirators has Reuters committee fallen,” she said. recommended Rousseff is facing impeachment impeachment of proceedings over allegations her BRASILIA: Brazilian police administration violated fiscal rules arrested former senator Gim Rousseff, setting the to mask budget problems by shifting Argello on yesterday, federal pros- stage for a crucial around government accounts ahead ecutors said, as part of a two-year of her 2014 re-election. corruption investigation that has vote in the lower Opposition parties claim sleight- given momentum to impeachment house to decide of-hand accounting moves allowed proceedings against President her to boost public spending to shore Dilma Rousseff. whether she should up votes. Rousseff has denied any The probe centered on face trial. wrongdoing and has not been charged state-run oil producer Petro- with any crime. leo Brasileiro SA has uncovered Earlier, a Brazilian congressional systemic corruption at multi- committee recommended impeach- ple companies and at the highest Agencies ment of Rousseff, setting the stage for levels of government since the a crucial vote in the lower house to Workers’ Party took power in decide whether she should face trial. 2003. Rousseff herself is not being The committee voted 38 to 27 in investigated. RIO DE JANEIRO: Embattled Bra- favour of Rousseff’s ouster. Both sides The 28th round of police zilian President Dilma Rousseff yelled slogans and waved placards as raids in the so-called “Opera- yesterday called her Vice-President the vote was completed after hours tion Car Wash” probe was based Michel Temer the “head of the con- of bad-tempered debate that often Real size figures of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff (second left) and former Brazilian president Luiz on evidence that Argello, from the spiracy” that seeks to remove her descended into shouting matches, centrist PTB party, took bribes to Inacio Lula Da Silva (second right) with the National Congress in the background seen during a protest from office in her most direct attack reflecting Brazil’s increasingly bit- ensure executives at major infra- against them in Brasilia. on him so far. ter divisions. structure companies would not Speaking to teachers and students The committee’s decision is non- be summoned by an investigative at the Presidential Palace in Brasilia, binding but symbolically important as Rousseff’s case to the Senate, which the 342 needed to carry the motion— If the case is taken up by the Sen- congressional committee in 2014, Rousseff said Temer and Lower House a preview of the decisive battle in the would then have the power to put her with 119 opposed and 96 undecided. ate after being confirmed by the lower prosecutors said. Speaker Eduardo Cunha are work- full lower chamber expected Sunday on trial and ultimately drive her from Pro-government deputy Silvio house, Rousseff would have to step “These are alarming facts ing together to gather votes for her or the following Monday. office. Anything less would torpedo Costa said he was confident. “The down for up to 180 days while a trial because they strongly suggest impeachment. “It was victory for Brazilian peo- the procedure. opposition is very arrogant” after the is held. that a congressional investigative Earlier, a lower house commis- ple,” said opposition deputy Jovair Rousseff is fighting desperately committee victory, he said. Her vice president, Michel Temer, committee, which has an impor- sion put Rousseff one step closer to Arantes, predicting the result would to secure enough anti-impeachment A barricade was erected along who has gone over to the opposition, tant role in our democracy, was impeachment after approving a report carry “strong” pro-impeachment votes or persuade deputies to abstain. the Esplanade of Ministries in the would take the reins. used by a senator for corruption in favour of her removal. Hours ear- momentum into full chamber’s vote. The latest survey of the 513 lower capital Brasilia to separate opposing Temer would also remain pres- instead of fighting it,” prosecutor lier, a 13-minute-long audio of Temer In the Chamber of Deputies, a house deputies by the Estadao daily protesters during the lower house ident if a two-thirds majority in the Athayde Ribeiro Costa said in the rehearsing a post-impeachment two-thirds majority would send showed 298 in favour—still short of vote. Senate votes to depose Rousseff. statement.

Police arrest 400 Strengthening democracy Garland fails to persuade at US Capitol in protest of money judiciary panel chief in politics Reuters by the February 13 death of Justice Antonin Scalia, has been making a series of “courtesy calls” with sena- Reuters tors in the hope of convincing them WASHINGTON: Merrick Garland, to move forward on his nomination. the US Supreme Court nominee, The Republicans who control WASHINGTON: - Police arrested yesterday failed to persuade Sen- the Senate are refusing to advance more than 400 protesters outside ate Judiciary Committee Chairman the nomination, declining to hold the US Capitol from Democracy Chuck Grassley during a private Judiciary Committee hearings or Spring, an organisation seeking meeting to hold confirmation hear- a Senate vote. Democrats have to remove big money from poli- ings on his nomination. accused the Republicans of historic tics and combat restrictive voter “The meeting was cordial and obstructionism and of ignoring their identification laws. pleasant. As he indicated last week, constitutional obligations. The calm and orderly dem- Grassley explained why the Senate The Republicans insist the next onstration resulted in arrests for won’t be moving forward during this president, to be elected on November what the US Capitol Police called hyper-partisan election year,” Grass- 8 and take office January 20, hop- “unlawful demonstration activity” ley’s office said. ing a Republican will win the White such as crowding and obstruction. President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet (second right), during the promulgation of the Law for Garland, a federal appeals court House race and choose a conserva- Organisers vowed to repeat the Strengthening and Transparency of Democracy which gives 8.7 million dollars annually to political judge nominated by the Demo- tive rather than the centrist Garland. demonstration every day for a week. parties in Santiago de Chile, Chile. cratic president last month to fill “Grassley thanked Judge Garland The protest was held “to the Supreme Court vacancy created for his service,” Grassley’s office said. demand Congress take immediate action to end the corruption of big money in our politics and ensure free and fair elections,” Democracy Spring said on its website. US approves drug for tough-to-treat type of leukaemia The group lists actor Mark Ruf- falo and academic Noam Chomsky and dozens of well-known activ- ist groups among its supporters. AP chromosome 17 that kills cancer protein, helping restore a cell’s ability partners AbbVie Inc. of North Chi- go into remission, at least partially. “We believe this is the peo- cells. That allows the blood cancer to self-destruct, whether it’s a cancer cago, Illinois, and Genentech, part Those patients are still being followed. ple’s house, and Congress should to worsen. cell or an old, normal cell. of the Roche Group. It’s manufac- So far, the benefit from Venclexta be responsive to the people. We Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Up to 10 percent of chronic lym- tured by AbbVie, which will market has ranged from three months to 19 need to protect voting rights,” said TRENTON, NEW JERSEY: The one of the most common types of phocytic leukemia patients not the drug overseas and sell it together months in the study participants. Peter Callahan, the group’s com- US Food and Drug Administration leukemia in adults, is incurable, so previously treated have the genetic with Genentech in the U.S. Serious side effects reported in munications coordinator. approved a new type of drug that tar- when patients relapse, they need to abnormality targeted by the drug, The drug has a list price of patients include pneumonia, fever, Protesters hoisted a scare- gets a subset of leukemia patients with switch to another drug. In the US, called a “17p deletion.” The abnormal- $109,500 for the first year of low levels of infection-fighting crow-like effigy of a corporate a genetic abnormality that makes the about 15,000 new cases occur annu- ity is much more common in patients treatment and slightly higher for white blood cells and abnormalities lobbyist holding money bags and cancer harder to treat. ally and an estimated 4,650 patients who have relapsed or not benefited subsequent years. Patients can get in metabolism. More common side a sign reading, “Warning: Venclexta was approved for die of the disease each year. from a prior treatment. Patients with financial assistance reducing copay- effects include low levels of blood- Police arrested those who sat patients with chronic lymphocytic Venclexta is the first approved the abnormality have a life expect- ments to as low as $25. clotting platelets, diarrhoea, nausea, on the stairs of the East Front of leukemia who have relapsed or drug in a new class that targets a pro- ancy of three years or less. Venclexta was tested in 106 respiratory infections and fatigue. the Capitol, the seat of the Senate weren’t helped by prior treatment tein that boosts growth of cancer cells. Venclexta, known chemically patients with the abnormality, about Venclexta is awaiting approval in and the House of Representatives. and who are missing the part of The daily pill works by blocking that as venetoclax, was developed by 80 percent of whom had their cancer Europe. Investigators visit Panama Papers law firm’s office

Agencies charging the security breach shortly investigations releated to it. New York Times newspaper lament- before media reports appeared last Some critics of the government ing that “Panama does not deserve to week using the documents to detail have called for a rapid investigation be singled out on an issue that plagues how politicians, celebrities and com- of the law firm, which is one of the many countries.” PANAMA CITY: Panamanian prose- panies around the globe were hiding most important in the world for cre- Highlighting recent financial cutors have visited the offices of the assets in offshore bank accounts and ating overseas front companies. transparency reforms by his admin- Mossack Fonseca law firm to look anonymous shell companies. Panamanian President Juan Car- istration, and the creation of a into its allegations that a compu- “Finally the real criminals are los Varela has defended the country’s commission to propose more meas- ter hacker was behind the leak of a being investigated,” firm co-founder financial sector, which is considered ures, he said Panama was working to trove of financial documents about Ramon Fonseca said. of strategic importance for the econ- fall in line with international stand- tax havens the firm set up to benefit Fonseca has maintained that the omy. But Varela has also promised the ards on sharing tax information. influential people around the globe. only crime which can be taken from international community that he is But for much of the world, Pan- Public ministry spokeswoman the leak was the computer hack itself. willing to make reforms to make the ama remains entwined with the Sandra Sotillo said the visit to the He has said he suspects the hack orig- sector more transparent. Panama Papers. offices of Mossack Fonseca was made inated outside Panama, possibly in The government of Panama While using such offshore entities by investigators from the intellectual Europe, but has not given any details. stepped up a PR blitz to dissociate the is not in itself illegal, the use they are property prosecutor’s office. Panama’s government has said country from the expanding scandal. put to may be, if used for tax dodging Elias Solano, a lawyer from the Mossack Fonseca law firm, speaks to the The firm filed a complaint it will cooperate with any judicial Varela wrote an op-ed for the or money laundering. media outside Mossack Fonseca office in Panama City. AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 1917

Uber reveals Obama for end US law enforcement to gender pay data queries gap at workplace AFP

WASHINGTON: Uber yesterday said it received more than 400 Saluting the role played by the requests from US law enforce- Equal pay for equal suffragists who worked from Sewall- ment agencies in the second half Belmont House, located not far from of 2015, and gave authorities some work should be Capitol Hill and the Supreme Court, information in the vast majority a fundamental Obama said he hoped the newly of cases. It released the figures established monument would in its first “transparency report” principle of our become a symbol of women’s rights. following a trend from technology economy,” Obama “I want young girls and boys to companies related to disclosure of come here, 10, 20, 100 years from customer data. said on what he has now, to know that women fought for “Uber receives law enforce- designated National equality,” Obama said. ment requests for information Equal Pay Day. “I want them to come here and related to criminal investigations, be astonished that there was ever a and may provide information time when women could not vote. about specific trips, riders or driv- Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro (left) talks with supporters during a mass at Miraflores Palace in I want them to be astonished that ers in response,” the company said. Caracas, in this handout picture provided by Miraflores Palace yesterday. there was ever a time when women “Our dedicated team of AFP earned less than men for doing the experts, who are trained to man- same work,” he added. age these requests, ensures that “I want them to be astonished any disclosure of information WASHINGTON: US President that there was ever a time when UN rights body official disappointed is consistent with our internal Barack Obama yesterday made an women were vastly outnumbered in policies and applicable law. For impassioned plea for equal pay for the boardroom or in Congress, that example, we may require a sub- men and women in the workplace— there was ever a time when a woman poena, court order or search a gender gap that is far from being had never sat in the Oval Office.” over scrapping of amnesty law warrant before providing differ- closed. “I don’t know how long it will ent types of information.” “Equal pay for equal work should take to get there, but I know we’re The report, which cov- be a fundamental principle of our getting closer to that day,” he said. Reuters in 2014 on accusations that he helped The court has repeatedly backed ered only the United States, said economy,” Obama said on what he Democratic presidential front- spur a wave of demonstrations that Maduro in his disputes with the leg- Uber received 408 rider account has designated National Equal Pay runner Hillary Clinton, who is vying killed more than 40 people. islature following the opposition’s requests related to 205 drivers. Day. “It’s a simple idea. It’s a sim- to become America’s first female GENEVA: The scrapping by Venezue- “It’s a very, very disappointing blowout victory in December polls Uber said it provided at least ple principle,” he said at a ceremony commander-in-chief, has made la’s top court of an amnesty law that development,” Ravina Shamdasani that gave it a two-thirds majority of some data requested in 84.8 dedicating a new national women’s equal pay for equal work one of could have secured release of jailed told a regular UN briefing in Geneva. seats. percent of those cases—“full” equality monument at a Washington the themes of her campaign. She opposition activists was very disap- “We would not like to believe that this Shamdasani said the UN had compliance in about a third of the home that once housed the National released a video on Twitter showing pointing as it could have been a step is the end of the road. We would like serious concerns about the inde- cases and partial compliance in Woman’s Party. “But it’s one where an exchange she had with a young towards reconciliation, a UN human to encourage all sides to explore fur- pendence of the judiciary, and last about half. The majority of requests, we still fall short.” girl at a rally on the issue. rights spokeswoman said yesterday. ther avenues for dialogue.” year the UN Human Rights Com- 368, came from state authorities and “Today, the typical woman who “Do you think when you’re pres- The Opec member is engulfed Shamdasani said the Venezuelan mittee had called for deep reform 47 from federal officials. works full-time earns 79 cents for ident you’ll be paid as much as if you in a bitter political standoff that has government had asked the UN for a to guarantee its independence The report also said Uber every dollar that a typical man were a man?” the girl asks Clinton, worsened since the opposition coa- legal analysis of the law, and this had from government and other polit- received 33 requests from regu- makes. And the gap is even wider sparking laughter in the crowd. lition won control of the National shown it largely conformed to inter- ical groups. latory agencies, providing data in for women of color.” “This is one of the jobs where Assembly in a December vote and national standards. “It was a great Venezuelan Foreign Minister less than half of those instances. The National Woman’s Party was they have to pay you the same,” vowed to seek President Nicolas move towards dialogue and recon- Delcy Rodriguez said in a statement US technology firms such as created by Alice Paul, a suffragist she replied. “But there are so many Maduro’s exit this year. ciliation,” she said. that the UN human rights commis- Google, Facebook and Apple have who fought much for “women’s polit- examples where that doesn’t happen. Maduro had vowed to veto the The Supreme Court ruled on sion’s support for the amnesty law begun releasing periodic transpar- ical, social, and economic equality I’m going to do everything I can to amnesty law, which his opponents Monday that the law violated the con- “reinforces the impunity of Ven- ency reports as part of an effort to not just in the United States but also make sure every woman in every job had said could benefit high-pro- stitution by promoting impunity and ezuela’s right wing to carry out show how customer data is pro- internationally,” Obama said in the gets paid the same as the men who file government adversaries such as giving amnesty for crimes that were insurrectionist actions against the tected in the wake of revelations proclamation. . are doing that job.” Leopoldo Lopez, who was arrested not eligible to receive it. rule of law.” of government surveillance.

Canada alarmed Cristina in Buenos Aires US officials warn Zika ‘scarier’ over aboriginal than initially thought teenage suicide Reuters the states to be ready for that,” Schu- epidemic chat added. Zika, linked to numerous cases WASHINGTON: Top health officials of the birth defect micocephaly in Reuters expressed heightened concern on Brazil, is spreading rapidly in Latin about the threat posed to the United America and the Caribbean. States by Zika virus, saying the mos- The White House said last week WINNIPEG: Canada’s parliament quito that spreads it is now present in the absence of the emergency will meet in emergency session in about 30 states and hundreds of funds it will redirect $589 million, over a rash of suicide attempts by thousands of infections could appear mostly from money already provided aboriginal teenagers in a remote, in Puerto Rico. by Congress to tackle the Ebola virus, poverty-stricken community At a White House briefing, to prepare for Zika before it begins whose people feel isolated from they stepped up pressure on the to emerge in the continental United the rest of the world. Republican-led Congress to pass States as the weather warms. Over the past weekend alone, approximately $1.9 billion in emer- Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the 11 people of the Attawapiskat First gency funding for Zika preparedness U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Nation in Ontario tried to kill that the Obama administration Infectious Diseases, said if Congress themselves, then a second group requested in February. does not provide emergency Zika was brought to hospital after sui- “Everything we look at with this funding, U.S. officials likely would cide attempts, prompting Chief virus seems to be a bit scarier than be forced to redirect money cur- Bruce Shisheesh to declare a state we initially thought,” said Dr. Anne rently dedicated for research into of emergency. Schuchat, a deputy director at the malaria, tuberculosis and a univer- An 11-year-old child was in Former Argentina president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner waves before boarding a flight for Buenos US Centres for Disease Control and sal flu vaccine. each of the groups treated over the Aires, where she is due to attend court to answer questions over a probe into the sale of US dollar Prevention. “I don’t have what I need right past few days and the attempts fol- futures contracts at below-market rates by the central bank during her administration, at El Calafate, “So while we absolutely hope we now,” Fauci said. Hopefully the fund- low a total of 28 attempted suicides Santa Cruz, yesterday. don’t see widespread local transmis- ing crimp will never reach a point in the month of March, some of sion in the continental US we need where the stopgap money runs out. them adults, health officials said. The reasons for people trying to end their lives are varied but Attawapiskat leaders point to an underlying despondency and pes- UN holds first-ever hearings to pick world’s top diplomat simism among their people as well as an increasing number of pre- scription drug overdoses. AFP chief has been firmly in the hands of “If there is a critical mass of coun- hold a first round of straw polls to Vesna Pusic and Natalia Gherman, the Living in isolated communi- the Security Council and its five per- tries supporting one single candidate, measure support for the candidates. former foreign minister of Moldova. ties with chronic unemployment manent members—Britain, France, I don’t think we will see the Security Final polling is expected to The head of the UN Develop- and crowded housing, some young UNITED NATIONS: The United China, Russia and the United States— Council coming up with quite a dif- take place in September, when the ment Programme and New Zealand’s aboriginals lack clean water but Nations yesterday opened the in a process largely kept behind ferent name.” 15-member council will submit one former prime minister Helen Clark have easy Internet access, giving first-ever hearings of candidates closed doors. Montenegro’s Foreign Minister nominee to the General Assembly, will speak tomorrow as will Macedo- them a glimpse of affluence in the seeking to become the next sec- But the General Assembly in Sep- Igor Luksic—at 39, the youngest of the which is expected to endorse the nia’s former foreign minister Srgjan rest of Canada. retary-general, lifting some of the tember voted to shake up the process, candidates - was up first, switching choice. Security Council members Kerim. “We feel isolated—we don’t secrecy surrounding the choice for asking candidates to send a for- from English to French in his address are facing calls to pick the first More candidates are expected to feel part of the rest of the world,” the world’s top diplomat. mal application letter, present their that touched on his Balkan roots and woman after eight men in the job, come forward, including two women said Grand Chief Sheila North Over the next three days, eight resumes and appear at hearings. appeals for stronger efforts to help the and to give preference to a candi- seen as potential frontrunners—EU Wilson of Manitoba Keewatinowi contenders are expected to take the The final decision to nomi- world’s youth. date from eastern Europe, the only Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva Okimakanak, who represents 30 podium before the General Assem- nate a candidate still rests with “I understand the modern-day region that has yet to be represented of Bulgaria and Argentina’s Foreign aboriginal communities. “The bly’s 193 nations to lay out their vision the Security Council, but the new challenges,” said Luksic. in the top post. Minister Susana Malcorra. basic needs are astronomical.” for the job and answer questions. openness is seen as pressuring big Two strong contenders—the head Russia has said that the next UN Asked about speculation that Canada’s 1.4 million aborig- The hearings are part of a broad powers to pick a nominee with of cultural agency UNESCO Irina Bok- chief should come from that region German Chancellor Angela Merkel inals, who make up about four push for transparency in the selection broader appeal. ova and former high commissioner and six eastern European countries could make a run for the top job, percent of the population, have a of Ban Ki-moon’s successor, who will “This is a potentially game- for refugees Antonio Guterres—then have put forward candidates. the General Assembly president lower life expectancy than other lead an organization of 40,000-plus changing exercise,” General have their opportunity to woo diplo- Today, the assembly will hear appeared dubious. Canadians and are more often vic- employees with a budget of $10 bn. Assembly president Mogens Lykke- mats during their two-hour sessions. Slovenia’s former president Danilo “I would be surprised if that hap- tims of violent crime. For decades, the choice of the UN toft told reporters. In July, the Security Council will Turk, Croatia’s former foreign minister pened,” Lykketoft said.

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FAJR 03.55 am ZUHR 11.35 am MAGHRIB 05.57 pm HIGH TIDE 08:30 - 22:15 Expected strong wind and high seas due to SHOROOK 05.14 am ASR 03.04 pm ISHA 07.27 pm LOW TIDE 04:45 - 14:30 thunder activity. Partly cloudy to cloudy with scattered rain, thundery at times.

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Alister Shipman from Britain and Hannah Simpson from Northern Ireland, winners of a competition on the Airbnb accommodation site, look at a shark tank from an underwater bedroom at the Aquarium de Paris, yesterday in Paris. The winners were offered a free one night stay in an underwater bedroom surrounded by a shark tank at the French capital city aquarium.

INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY Spielberg, Clooney and Foster likely to feature at Cannes

AFP While the movies in the run- financial pundit taken hostage by a Festival chiefs Thierry Fremaux The Czech ning for the main Palme d’Or prize man whose family has been left pen- and Pierre Lescure have already Republic Dance are still under tight wraps, it appears niless by his dud tips. announced that Woody Allen’s new during Cultural PARIS: Steven Spielberg, George that Spielberg will almost certainly Starring Clooney as the Wall Amazon-backed film “Cafe Society” diversity festival Clooney and Jodie Foster are tipped show his adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Street tipster and Julia Roberts as his will open the annual jamboree, also held at katara. to be among those who will walk children’s classic “The BFG” out of TV producer, the film will be released out of competition. The movies in Photo by: Baher the red carpet at Cannes next month competition. It will most likely be internationally during the festival, the main competition, however, are Amin when the line up for the world’s top joined by Jodie Foster’s new thriller which runs in the French Riviera harder to call, with the final list often film festival is revealed today. “Money Monster”, about a television resort from May 11 to 22. not decided until the very last minute. Caravaggio in the Homer, Virgil hauled to New York prison attic is ‘original’,

Reuters Ivy League cache will mitigate obstacles to employment that most ex-convicts face. some experts say “Knowing I was going to get a Colum- bia education was actually more exciting BEDFORD HILLS: The debate over Roman than hearing I was going home after doing AFP poet Ovid’s use of the word “fugitive” in 25 years,” Elliott said. Metamorphoses was getting heated, but Esoteric analyses of ancient texts may in the end the students — two murderers, seem a far step from the street smarts a kidnapper and six other convicted felons needed to survive in what Elliott calls “the PARIS: A painting discovered in the attic of a house in — agreed to disagree. free world.” But Taconic prison superin- France is an “authentic” painting by the Italian Renais- Homer, Euripides and Virgil are all tendent Wendy Featherstone, said most sance master Caravaggio, which could be worth up to doing weekly stints at a New York wom- convicts will eventually return to their ¤120m, experts said yesterday. en’s prison this spring. Their classic works old neighborhoods and developing crit- The owners of the house near the southwestern city are being read by inmates enrolled in a ical thinking skills may keep them from of Toulouse discovered the 400-year-old painting when Columbia University course organised making the same mistakes that got them they went to fix a leak in the ceiling. by the non-profit Hudson Link for Higher locked up in the first place. The large canvass of the beheading of the gen- Education in Prison, which aims to boost “Once you stop just acting and start eral Holofernes by Judith from the apocryphal Book of employment for convicts upon release and to think, maybe you can take a different Judith is in remarkably good condition, and was painted reduce recidivism. course of action and it can quite possibly between 1600 and 1610, specialists believe. About half of the 700,000 inmates who keep you out of jail,” Featherstone said. Speaking to reporters yesterday, expert Eric Turquin leave US federal and state prisons each Studying the classics also is the key to said it could be worth as much as ¤120m, describing year in the world’s biggest penal system eliminating barriers that may otherwise the painting as having “the light, the energy typical of will be re-incarcerated within three years, shut inmates out of the ongoing US debate Caravaggio, without mistakes, done with a sure hand according to the US Department of Justice. over racial, social and economic inequal- and a pictorial style that makes it authentic”. But those who have taken classes offered ity, Ciolkowski said. While other specialists have questioned its prov- by a consortium of colleges through Hud- “There is a really deep value for them enance, Turquin got the backing of a top Caravaggio son Link over 16 years — including in the to feeling, ‘Yeah, I can read this stuff and specialist, Nicola Spinoza, former director of the Naples infamous Sing Sing penitentiary — have talk about it. I’m part of a civil society museum. a recidivism rate of less than 2 percent. and can be part of a larger conversation.’ In an expert assessment seen by AFP, Spinoza wrote: Taconic Correctional Facility, a Because they are told they are not civi- “One has to recognise the canvass in question as a true medium security prison that houses 350 lised,” Ciolkowski said. original of the Lombard master, almost certainly identi- women in suburban Bedford Hills, 64km Prison education funding is still fiable, even if we do not have any tangible or irrefutable north of New York City, is no stranger to struggling from deep cuts triggered by proof.” The French culture minister slapped an export drama: it’s one of the locations where the Inmate and convicted murderer Aisha Elliott (left) speaks to her teacher Laura a sweeping 1994 federal crime bill, but ban on the work after experts from the Louvre museum Netflix hit series “Orange Is the New Black” Ciolkowski at the Taconic Correctional Facility following her class in Bedford there are signs the tide is turning. Presi- in Paris spent three weeks studying it. is filmed. Hills, New York. dent Barack Obama announced in July a In a statement, the ministry said the painting should On a Friday evening, the crackling of plan to restore federal Pell Grants — need- stay on French soil “as a very important Caravaggian a walkie-talkie on a corrections officer’s University, one of the eight elite Ivy League books on the syllabus. based college scholarships — for prisoners. marker, whose history and attribution are still to be uniform punctuated the debate over the schools. “He’s saying, ‘You should not have In January, New York Governor Andrew fully investigated”. mythological nymph Daphne’s flight from “I have to disagree,” said Aisha Elliott, run from me. I’m not some shepherd. I’m Cuomo circumvented legislators who Turquin said “some serious” art historians “had a love-struck Apollo. 44, who was a high school dropout when Apollo! The nerve of you to run’,” she said. mocked his prison education request as attributed the work to the (Louis) Finson”, a Flemish “Someone who is being described as she began serving 25 years to life for mur- Elliott, now a grandmother after being “Attica University” — borrowing the name painter and disciple of Caravaggio who died in 1617. a fugitive is someone who is supposed to der in 1992 and is now working towards a locked up at age 21, will be released from of the notorious New York prison — and But the French art newspaper Le Quotidien de l’Art be captured,” said Jami Caesar, 38, who is college master’s degree. prison in early June. She intends to step unveiled a plan to instead tap criminal for- quoted another expert on the artist, Mina Gregori, as serving five years for a drug conviction. “Being a fugitive doesn’t always end in for the first time ever onto a college cam- feiture funds from the Manhattan district saying that it was “not an original” although she recog- Her comment prompted an approving capture,” said Elliott, wearing the prison- pus and use the Columbia credits earned attorney’s office. nised the “undeniable quality of the work”. nod from professor Laura Ciolkowski, who issued green pants and shirts, as she behind bars toward securing her master’s Elliott said she is eager to flex her new, The painting, which measures 144 cm by 175 cm teaches the Literature Humanities course reviewed a photocopy of the Ovid poem. degree at the top-ranked school in Manhat- analytical muscles when she leaves Tacon- (57 inches by 69 inches) was found in April 2014 in the through the Center for Justice at Columbia Funds are too limited to buy many of the tan, preferably in business. She hopes the ic’s locked gates and barbed wire. rafters of the house. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 22 QE 10,246.29 +86.63 PTS PAGE | 24 DOW 17,721.56 +165.15 PTS Dr Mousa Al Awwad UK considers optionsns FTSE100 6,242.39 +42.27 PTS appointed COO of for co-investment Ezdan Holding Group BRENT $42.09 +$1.73 in Tata Steel

WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 • 6 Rajab 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Public debt projected to exceed 31% of GDP

The report says Qatar’s real estate prices are not rising as fast as before.

By Satish Kanady The Peninsula Ahmad Abdulaziz Al Neama (left), Chief Sales and Service Officer, Ooredoo Qatar, and Wael Al Buti, Director of Sales & Customer Service at Arabsat, signing the agreement.

DOHA: Qatar’s public debt is set to rise above 31 percent of GDP as the government issues bonds and taps Ooredoo and Arabsat sign deal bank credit to finance its spending. With revenues impacted by lower energy prices, the fiscal balance swung into deficit in 2015: -7.7 per- on satellite communications cent of GDP in 2Q15. Crude output dropped to an average of 660 kb/d Reserves may have stabilized pricing (lower yields) has led GCC sov- in 2015 due to conservative manage- in February at $36 bn (7 months of ereigns to step up their issuance efforts The Peninsula as demand rises for the innovative customers.” ment of Qatar’s maturing oil fields, imports) after falling for 7 consecutive to help plug a combined estimated def- technology in Qatar and across the Khalid Balkheyour, President NBK said in its updated Qatar Chart months. fall in foreign currency and icit of $140bn for 2016. As of Q1, 2016 region. VSAT services, which pro- and CEO, Arabsat, said: “We are very Book citing official figures. demand deposits in February led to GCC sovereigns have issued $16.5bn, vide Internet services via a small pleased to be working with Ooredoo Qatar’s gas output will rise in 2017 the first contraction in M2 (-2.5% y/y) leading the GCC’s primary debt mar- DOHA: Ooredoo and Arab Satel- satellite dish, are being increasingly to collaborate on the development once the Barzan facility is fully on line, since 2009. Asset growth picked up ket for the quarter. As a result, the GCC’s lite Communication Organisation deployed for a wide range of appli- of new and improved satellite serv- but LNG prices (Japan) are down -38 in 2015 as credit growth accelerated; outstanding bonds increased by 18 per- (Arabsat) have signed a major stra- cations, including point-of-sales ices. As companies look for reliable percent year-on-year at $8/mBTU. growth in domestic/foreign invest- cent, to settle at $314bn. tegic partnership agreement that transactions, data processing, and global connectivity and connection, The report said Qatar’s real estate ments has slowed though. Yields were pushed higher early will see the two leading companies high speed Internet access for sites we see significant opportunities for prices are not rising as fast as before; Robust credit growth of 17.5 per- in the quarter, at a pace not seen since work together to develop new satel- and offices in remote locations. Ooredoo and Arabsat to be their pro- in 2015 price gains slowed from cent year-on-year in February was the Fed taper tantrum, following the lite services for customers. Waleed Al Sayed, Chief Executive vider of choice.” a peak of 43 percent to a low of 14 largely due to increased lending to rapid decline of oil prices to 12-year Under the terms of the agree- Officer, Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Oore- Ooredoo offers one of the most percent. Annual population growth the public and real estate sectors. lows. Dubai 2021 and Qatar 2022 ment, Ooredoo and Arabsat will doo continues to grow our global advanced portfolio of satellite serv- of 9 percent to 2.5 million has been Deposit growth slowed to 6.2 per- paper saw increases of 57 basis points review the current satellite projects network of world-class partners in ices of any operator in the region, as driven by the labor needs of the coun- cent year-on-year in Feb; government and 47 basis points over that period, they have in progress, with a view every area, as we look to increase the it continues to build its position as a try’s development plan. The current deposits have been hard- hit by the respectively. Oil prices have since to collaborating on technology and range and diversity of ICT services leading integrated ICT provider. In account surplus narrowed to 7 per- fall in energy prices. As public sector recovered; with GCC yields respond- design, and will aim to work together that we offer. As one of the world’s particular, the company has seen cent of GDP in 3Q15 on lower oil and deposits have declined, the contri- ing immediately (lower), shedding all on future projects to deliver cutting- top satellite operators, Arabsat has strong demand for advanced services gas export revenues. Qatar conducts bution of interbank and non-resident added points, to settle by quarter’s edge satellite services. developed a reputation for deliver- in recent months such as Bandwidth the majority of its trade with Asia deposits to banks’ funds has risen. end little changed at 3.58 percent for In particular, they will look ing cutting-edge services, so we see Pooling, Maritime Solutions, and and the Far East; Japan is the largest In a separate report on GCC’s Dubai 2021 and down 20 basis points to collaborate on new VSAT (Very strong potential to work with them Auto-Acquire Antennas to support importer of Qatari LNG. debt market, NBK said the rise in debt to 2.60 percent for Qatar 2022. Small Aperture Terminal) services, to deliver robust solutions for our ad-hoc remote broadband.

Iraq PM may name ex-South Oil rises to $44, hits 5-month high Oil head minister on reports of output freeze deal

Reuters Reuters agree on steps to tackle a supply glut. Analysts and traders remained somewhat sceptical about the news, citing that while bullish players appear to be driving the market higher on BAGHDAD: Iraqi Prime Minis- NEW YORK: Global oil prices hit fresh five-month a global supply-demand rebalancing, the threat ter Haider Al Abadi may appoint highs yesterday, piercing $44 a barrel and extend- of record-high inventory levels and producers Jabar Ali Al Luaibi, a former head ing earlier gains after a report that top producers bringing new oil once prices rebound continued of state-run South Oil Company, as Russia and Saudi Arabia have agreed to freeze to loom over the market. oil minister in a planned cabinet output ahead of a much-anticipated producers “The market appears to be taking a lot of sup- overhaul that aims to fight graft, a meeting on Sunday. Russia’s Interfax news agency port from positive statements. But, this isn’t the political analyst and local media quoted a diplomatic source in Doha saying that first time the Russians have come out and made said on Tuesday. Russia and Saudi Arabia reached a consensus on remarks related to a production freeze being Luaibi is on a list that Abadi Tuesday about an output freeze and that the final imminent,” said Gene McGillian, a senior ana- may present later on Tuesday to the decision will not depend on Iran. lyst at Tradition Energy. parliament, Sajad Jiyad, managing Brent crude rose by as much as 71 cents, or 1.6 McGillian added that Iran’s participation in director of the Bayan Center, an percent, to touch $44 a barrel in the three minutes the output freeze would be crucial for a more Iraqi think tank, told Reuters via after the report was released around 1430GMT. By meaningful discussion regarding supply cuts. Twitter messaging. 1523GMT, prices extended those gains and were up On the charts, the midmorning rally pushed The Al Ahd television, an Iraq $1.28, or 2.9 percent, at $44.06 a barrel. US crude both Brent and U.S. crude through key resistance channel close to a powerful Ira- was up $1.09, or 2.68 percent, at $41.45 a barrel, just levels at their 200-day moving averages, which Workers of Iranian company Tedbir lay 1,700 metres long dry gas pipes in the Fav nian-backed Shia militia, reported shy of $41.58, its highest since March 22. stood at $43.53 for Brent, potentially putting the region of Basra, Iraq, yesterday. It is expected that the project will provide 50 cubic the same information. Oil markets were already boosted ahead of market on a firmer technical footing. The Prime Minister’s office metre gas to the electric power-plants. the much-anticipated meeting between mem- “If the 200-day moving average is broken, declined to comment. Basra-based bers of Opec plus outside producers in Qatar, we expect to see more speculative flows com- South Oil produces most of Iraq’s March 31 and asked the MPs to accept, reject to 10 days to respond amid discontent in the on Sunday to discuss freezing output, but the ing into crude oil,” said Olivier Jakob, analyst at crude. Abadi presented a first line- or modify it. dominant political blocs that they did not have comments fueled hopes that oil producers will Petromatrix. up of candidates to parliament on Lawmakers then said they would take up a say in choosing the candidates. 22 WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 BUSINESS

Dr Mousa Al Awwad Sparkle and Milan furniture fair Ooredoo Global appointed COO of Services sign Ezdan Holding Group strategic deal The Peninsula

The Peninsula

DOHA: Ooredoo Global Serv- ices (OGS), the wholesale arm of DOHA: Ezdan Holding Group yes- Ooredoo and Sparkle, the inter- terday announced appointment of national services arm of Telecom Dr Mousa Al Awwad (pictured), Italia Group and a leading global as COO of the Group. Dr Mousa Al operator, yesterday announced Awwad was hired in the framework signing of a Memorandum of of the Group’s ongoing managerial Understanding (MoU) for new tel- development process and opera- ecommunication services and tional capacity enhancement. By knowledge transfer. doing so, the Group aims at rein- The strategic agreement will forcing its internal operations see the two companies collaborate People visit the “Muuto” design stall during Milan’s annual furniture fair at the Fiera Milano in Rho, management, productivity capac- on a range of joint initiatives and near Milan, Italy, yesterday. The “Salone Internazionale del Mobile” — the biggest event in the design ity and operational revenues. services in the voice, data, cloud, calendar— runs from April 12 to 17. Being a seasoned professional in multimedia and digital spaces. Civil Engineering and operational “Ooredoo Global Services- development, Dr Al Awwad enjoys continues to expand its ecosystem an extensive experience in the field of global partners and enhance of management, development and the pertinence of its strategy. Such its international network to better real estate investment. He holds a success bears witness that the Group support voice, capacity and roam- Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineer- is a unique model of business devel- ing traffic. We’re very pleased to be Young entrepreneurs to ing from Rutgers University, US, and opment in Qatar, and an example of working with Sparkle, who bring is a member of the National Honor an entity that supports, cares for and world-class infrastructure and sig- Society for Civil Engineers. His rich spares no effort to meet the needs of nificant additional protection and and diversified work experience the community,” Dr Al Awwad. diversity to our global network,” said extends over 29 years in leadership Group COO confirmed, when Khalid Abdulla Al Mansouri, acting get ICT startup guidelines positions within prestigious com- asked about his plans regarding the CEO, Ooredoo Global Services. panies from in USA, UAE and Qatar. development and improvement of “We are very pleased we have Dr Al Awwad expressed his work mechanisms within Ezdan, signed this agreementwith OGS delight at joining Ezdan Holding he is in the process of studying and to be part of their strategy to Transport and Communications that helps entrepreneurs nurture Group’s family, stressing his admi- operational needs and determin- introduce new international tel- offers expertise and professional their ICT ideas and turn them into ration towards the Group’s size and ing available resources, to be able ecommunications servicesand to The entrepreneurs guidance in technology and busi- business opportunities; and the standing in the world of finance to lay efficient plans in order to create synergies across the entire are encouraged ness, access to workspace, business 2-year Startup track for early stage and business. He pointed out that enhance the work quality, eliminate Ooredoo Group. This MoU streng- to apply to the planning, education and train- startups and potential startups that he will be keen to put all his knowl- obstacles, overcome challenges, as htens our relationship with OGS and ing, mentors, and legal advice. The need help in accelerating the devel- edge and abilities into contributing well as deploy modern technology supports Sparkle’s leading position DIC at the Ministry deadline for submitting applications opment of their business. in the development and advance- means to improve Management’s in the Middle East,” , said Alessan- of Transport and is April 30. For its new intake of 2016, Reem Al Mansoori, Assistant ment of the Group’s projects, under effectiveness. dro Talotta, Chairman and CEO of the DIC is looking for both aspiring and Undersecretary of Digital Society the direct supervision of the Group Dr Al Awwad worked for numer- Sparkle. Communications current entrepreneurs who are capable Sector, said: “The objective of the CEO Ali Al Obaidli, and in collab- ous companies, including Bovis The agreement will enable before April 30. of harnessing emerging technologies to DIC has been to provide the neces- oration with the Group and its Lend Lease (BLL) both, as an Area OGS to leverage Sparkle’s state- create innovative products, solutions, sary support for new tech startups Subsidiaries’ team. Manager for the Middle East, and of-the-art IP-MPLS backbone and and services that will contribute to to emerge from Qatar. Developing “Joining Ezdan Holding Group an Executive Project Manager in the strategic positioning of Sicily as Qatar’s thriving digital sector. the technology sector in the country will be, without any doubt, a piv- the USA. Dr Al Awwad has been a hub for telecomunications serv- The Peninsula The Center is particularly inter- plays a key role in our transformation otal milestone in my career that the Managing Director at Asteco ices, particularly for Africa, Middle ested in entrepreneurs who are towards a smart society. We believe will certainly enrich my profes- Development Management as well. East and the Mediterranean basin. working with technologies such as the youth of Qatar has the capacity sional experience. The Group is a In 2008, he was appointed as Chief This will support OGS’ efforts to smart city solutions, cloud comput- to achieve great success if given the titan business entity with a strategy Operating Officer (COO) at Waha optimise its global network and DOHA: The Digital Incubation Center ing; Internet of Things (IoT), drones or right support mechanisms, such as and a vision that focus on invest- Land. Then in 2009, he was Partner promote Doha, capital of Qatar as (DIC) is inviting new group of young, robotics, big data and analytics, cyber these incubation programs.” ment diversification across various and CEO at Mile Stone Commercial a regional gateway for voice and tech-savvy entrepreneurs who have security, mobility and wearable solu- Entrepreneurs are encouraged business fields, in compliance with Investment, a Commercial/ Business data traffic. OGS offers a single innovative technology-related ideas, tions, e-commerce, digital content, to apply to the DIC at the Ministry of Islamic Sharia principles. This Consultancy Company. In 2011, he point of contact for global whole- fledgling ICT startups, or who are and telecommunications services. Transport and Communications, on reflects a resilient financial per- served as Chief Executive Officer sale carriers across the Ooredoo ready to start an ICT company. The Center offers two tracks: the + 974 4499 4654, or by email at incu- formance, stressing the Group’s (CEO) at Universal, until he joined footprint and offers one of the The Center at the Ministry of Idea Stage, a 6-month programme [email protected]. sustained overall momentum and Ezdan Holding Group. largest Internet peering networks.

Axa in talks to sell most of UK wealth Over 100 jeeps participate in annual expedition businesses The Peninsula were able to enter, and more than and up and down the sand dunes 20 participants were honoured of Sea Line, in addition to some PARIS: Axa SA, France’s largest during the event. The participating off-road presentations. The 2016 insurer, is in talks to sell most of teams provided the audience with Jeep Grand Cherokee, is one its UK life-insurance and wealth- DOHA: United Cars Almana and exciting presentations, filled with of the Biggest, Most Luxurious investments units, according to Qatar Jeep Owners Group have a spirit of adventure and enthusi- Four-wheel Drive cars available two people with knowledge of hosted its annual “I Am Jeeper” asm, which were able to capture in the Qatari Market. Available the matter. expedition at Sealine and the the audience’s attention, and gar- through six categories and comes Axa is likely to sell parts of the Southern Desert city of Mesaieed. ner their praise. equipped with two engine options. businesses, known collectively as The expedition took place with “It truly is a luxury for us to The 6 Cylinder and the 8 Cyl- Axa Wealth, to separate bidders the participation of more than be able to enjoy this experience inder engines. The four-wheeler is in deals that may raise £500m 100 Jeep Cars, among which was with Jeep. The cars have made equipped with advanced technol- ($715m) to £700m, said the peo- the renowned Saudi team “Adven- it easy for everyone involved to ogies that include Adaptive Cruise ple, who asked not to be identified turous Jeep Owners” which is led bring out the inner daredevil in Control and Blind Spot Monitor- because the information is private. by Abdullah Al Nafisi. The event them without fear for their own ing to insure the driver’s safety. An Axa may reach agreements on was sponsored by Mawater, Jeep safety” stated Salem Al Sham- all-black Nappa Leather-trimmed the sales by the end of this month and Mopar Middle East that has ssi, Team Leader — Qatar’s Jeep interior, Command View, dual- as it streamlines the UK units. offered free maintenance for any Owners. pane sunroof and Uconnect and The Paris-based company is also damages during the event. The All New, 2016 Jeep Grand an 8.4-inch touchscreen quench in talks with other bidders to sell The event organisers con- Cherokee was exhibited during the thirst for luxury. The car Participating jeep cars at the annual expedition organised by United Cars Almana SunLife, a UK business that pro- ducted a Raffle Draw that the the expedition. The Four-wheeler comes equipped with five com- vides life-insurance. owners of the Jeep Cars involved was test driven on the sea shore, fortable seats. and Qatar Jeep Owners Group at the Sealine and Mesaieed. QE holds anti-money laundering workshop Saudi British Bank Q1 net profit up 2.4%, ahead of estimates

The Peninsula Reuters

DOHA: Qatar Exchange (QE) yesterday con- cluded a three-day workshop on anti-money RIYADH: Saudi British Bank, the kingdom’s fifth-largest bank by assets, laundering/combating the financing of ter- posted a 2.4 percent rise in its first-quarter net profit yesterday, beating rorism. The workshop was organised by the analyst forecasts. Surveillance Department of QE, in collab- The bank, an affiliate of HSBC Holdings, said it made 1.14 billion riyals oration with Qatar Finance and Business ($304.02 million) in the three months ending Mar. 31, compared with 1.12 Academy. billion riyals in the same period a year earlier, according to a bourse filing. The workshop, which was attended by Three analysts surveyed by Reuters expected the bank to post an aver- all the QE staff, aimed to help all employees age net profit of 1.01 billion riyals for the quarter. understand money laundering, its methods The bank attributed the rise to higher net special commission income, and stages as well as its negative economic which jumped 8.3 percent year on year to 1.12 billion riyals. This offset a impacts in terms of weakening the state’s lower gain on the sale of non trading investments, while operating expenses ability to implement the economic policies rose 3.6 percent mainly due to an increase in provisioning. efficiently and flagging the foreign exchange Saudi companies issue brief earnings statements early in the reporting market. This workshop, which was conducted period before publishing more detailed results later. by AML/CFT experts, is part of QE role aimed Saudi banks have been contending with weaker credit growth as a result to serve and protect the national economy of lower oil prices and weaker government spending, which has fed through from any attempt to circumvent the adopted to lower net interest income. Fierce competition, especially in the retail mar- Participants at the three-day workshop organised by Qatar Exchange. financial regulations and laws. ket, has also contributed to the decline in income. BUSINESS WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 23

Veolia gets new contract Over 100 Polish and Qatari firms from Dolphin Energy explore business opportunities The Peninsula contract, Veolia will also provide a pretreatment package upstream of the evaporators using its MPP Tilted Plate Flotation technology. DOHA: Veolia announced yester- Thierry Froment, Chief Oper- A business delegation day it was awarded a new contract ating Officer for Veolia Water by Dolphin Energy for its natural gas Technologies in the Middle East, representing 60 production and processing facilities said: “Veolia has a rich history in Polish companies in Qatar. Veolia, through its subsidi- Qatar supported by the development ary Veolia Water Technologies, has of a number of important projects, attended the one-day been awarded including one of seminar. a contract by the main treat- Qatar Engi- ment plants in neering & Doha. We look Construction forward to The Peninsula Company to working again engineer, pro- with Qatar cure and deliver Engineering a wastewa- & Construc- DOHA: Senior business leaders rep- ter treatment tion Company resenting over 100 Polish and Qatari plant for Dol- to deliver this companies participated at an event phin Energy’s project for Dol- on ‘Qatari-Polish Business Seminar’ natural gas pro- phin Energy.” here yesterday to explore business duction and processing facilities in The Dolphin Energy project opportunities. Ras Laffan, Qatar. is one of the largest cross-border The one-day seminar was organ- The wastewater treatment facil- energy projects ever undertaken in ised by the elite Qatari Businessmen’s ity will provide quality water for the Middle East. The goal is to pro- Association (QBA) in cooperation with Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani (right), Chairman of Qatari Businessmen’s Association (QBA) during the reuse, reducing both the volume of vide natural gas from Qatar through the Polish Embassy in Doha. Qatari-Polish Business Seminar organised by QBA in cooperation with the Polish Embassy in Doha, yesterday. wastewater currently being injected pipeline to meet the United Arab Present were distinguished guests, into the existing re-injection wells Emirates’ energy needs. Qatar, Oman including the visiting Undersecretary of investments to both countries and noted that his government shows great Polish companies represented a wide at the Ras Laffan gas plant, and the and the UAE are involved in this State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described it as a positive step that interest to its relations with Qatar and range of sectors, including agricul- volume of desalinated water pur- project. Veolia is already involved of the Republic of Poland, Katarzy- will contribute to improve the eco- seek to increase the volume of trade tural, medical, IT, furniture and chased from external sources. in a number of operations in Qatar, naKacperczyk and his accompanying nomic relations and open up new exchange between the two countries, wood, transportation and construc- Kinetic Hydrate of which the business delegation from 60 Polish areas for investors from both sides adding that bilateral relations may tion industries. Inhibitor (KHI) design, build companies. Krzysztof Suprowicz, Polish to study these opportunities and pro- already have evolved dramatically over Qatar and Poland have signed an polymers will and operation Ambassador to Qatar, was also present mote trade cooperation. the past few years in the hope that this agreement where Qatar shall sup- also be elimi- of the Doha at the event. Sherida also added that, the cooperation will continue to flourish to ply Poland with liquefied natural nated from the South Waste- Both sides exchanged ideas on diversity of investment opportunities include various fields. gas (LNG) annually for 20 years, as residual waste- water Treatment bilateral cooperation and establish- that is offered by the Qatari economy During the seminar, Maciej well as the launch of Qatar Airways’ water. Start-up Plant and the ing potential partnership. The event and the large number of projects that Falkowski, Deputy Director, Depart- direct line from Doha to Warsaw with is scheduled for implementation shed light on business opportunities the State shall endeavor to implement, ment of Economic Cooperation, a daily flight, in addition to All that September 2017. of a “Zero Liq- in various promising sectors of Qatari is a great opportunity for the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Poland) prove both countries endeavor to Industry uid Discharge” and Polish economies. investors to establish new and con- spoke about the action plan adopted strengthen cooperation and enhance regulators in process at Shell’s From the Qatari side, Sheikh structive partnerships. by his government for the develop- bilateral trade. Qatar have con- Pearl Gas-to-Liq- Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman He added: “Such activities would ment of the Polish economy to create Also the success of the polish cluded that the presence of KHI uid complex in Ras Laffan. of QBA attended the event along with open prospects for cooperation new economic development model industry such as shipbuilding, polymers in the injected wastewater As an industry leader in Qatar, Sherida Al Kaabi, QBA Board mem- between our two countries in the that is based on five strong pillars automobiles, machinery, chemi- leads to long term reservoir damage, Veolia holds seminars about opti- ber, QBA Members Nasser Suliman Al areas of trade and investment, espe- namely: reindustrialisation, devel- cal refining, petroleum, glass and which is why it is essential to remove mised resource management, Haider and Maqbool Khalfan, as well cially that Qatar is witnessing extensive opment of innovative companies, textiles would create more oppor- them from re-injected wastewater with the next one, titled “How to as more than 50 companies from the development by hundreds of large- capital for development, foreign tunities for partnership especially streams. improve your water, waste and Qatari business community. scale projects which would definitely expansion in terms of penetrat- with Qatar’s tendency to invest Veolia was awarded a contract in energy performance through cost In his welcome speech Al Kaabi encourage Polish businessmen and ing new markets especially in Asia in the industrial sector within its 2015 for its proven HPD evaporators effective solutions”, scheduled highlighted the importance of these companies to work within the Qatari and Africa, and finally social and development plan in order to diver- which will be used for KHI removal for April 18 at the Sheraton Grand visits that aim at attracting more market.” The Polish envoy to Qatar regional development. Participating sify sources of income. and distillate recovery. With this new Hotel in Doha. 24 WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 BUSINESS Fitch cuts Saudi credit Britain considers options for rating over oil price fall co-investment in Tata Steel Reuters

In February another agency, Economic and Development Affairs. Standard and Poor’s, cut the king- Mohammed also chairs a body over- In February another dom’s credit rating by two notches seeing state oil company Saudi LONDON: Britain is considering a agency, Standard to A-, citing the impact of lower oil Aramco. number of different options to co- prices on Saudi finances. Last month, “Control over economic policy invest in the purchase of steelmaking and Poor’s, cut the Moody’s placed Saudi Arabia and making has been concentrated in assets put up for sale by Indian con- kingdom’s credit other Gulf oil producers on review the hands of Prince Mohammed,” glomerate Tata Steel, Business for downgrades. Fitch said. “This may have con- Secretary Sajid Javid said yesterday. rating by two notches Oil prices have collapsed from tributed to an acceleration of the The government is under pres- to A-, citing the above $100 in early 2014, and on economic policy making process, sure to keep Tata’s British steel plants Tuesday were trading at just over $40. but has also reduced the predicta- open after Tata said last month that impact of lower The fall led Riyadh to impose bility of decision-making.” it was selling up in Britain. oil prices on Saudi unprecedented cuts in its 2016 budget The agency also noted that Saudi “The key point is any investment — which projects a deficit of $87bn — Arabia faces high geopolitical risks would have to be on commercial finances. and to push economic diversification. relative to AA-rated peers. terms. Investment can take a vari- The government has said oil “Tensions have risen between ety of forms - for example it could be income made up 73 percent of rev- Saudi Arabia and its long-standing debt,” he said. “I don’t think it would enue in 2015, compared with an regional rival Iran, and are expected be prudent to go into detail on that, AFP average of 90 percent in the previ- to persist, although a direct confron- but the goal is to find a commercial ous decade. tation is highly unlikely.” buyer with the government helping To cope with the fiscal gap, it Fitch mentioned Saudi Arabia’s to secure that transaction.” raised retail fuel prices by up to 80 military intervention in Yemen and Earlier, a source said the most RIYADH: Fitch Ratings yesterday percent in December and cut subsi- its policy towards Syria, showing “a likely form of government support British Business Secretary Sajid Javid departs No. 10 Downing Street lowered Saudi Arabia’s long-term dies for electricity, water and other greater assertiveness”. was a state loan, made on commer- following a cabinet meeting in London, yesterday. Members of credit rating, saying the plunge in oil services. It has also delayed some For more than a year the kingdom cial terms alongside other investors. Parliament are to hold an emergency meeting in the commons over prices had “major negative implica- major projects under King Salman, has led an Arab military coalition The source said there was only a the future of Tata Steel. tions” for the world’s biggest crude who acceded to the throne last year. supporting Yemen’s government remote possibility that the govern- exporter. The agency also noted Referring to such efforts, Fitch against Iran-backed rebels. ment would take an equity stake in co-investing was interpreted by The was is selling its British steel opera- increased tensions with long-time said: “The pace of fiscal consolida- Fitch said other Saudi indicators the business. Prime Minister David Financial Times and The Guardian tions because of a global oversupply rival Iran and greater uncertainty tion has increased.” are also “weaker” compared with its Cameron, who has called an referen- newspapers as opening up the pos- of steel, cheap imports from China, over economic policy, now overseen It said further reforms are to be peers. These include GDP per capita dum on EU membership for June 23, sibility of the state taking an equity high manufacturing costs and weak by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed presented under a “National Trans- and World Bank measures of govern- is under pressure to keep Tata’s Brit- stake in Port Talbot. domestic demand. bin Salman. Fitch downgraded the formation Programme” to boost ance, which include “accountability” ish steel plants open after the Indian The government source, who spoke For free-market politicians such kingdom’s credit rating to AA- from non-oil revenues and streamline and “rule of law”. According to the conglomerate said last month that it on condition of anonymity due to the as Javid who has styled himself as an AA, which still denotes expectations spending. “Even if fully implemented, International Monetary Fund, Saudi was selling up in Britain. sensitivity of the situation, said that heir to former Conservative Prime of very low default risk. the measures will not prevent a Arabia’s economy grew by 3.4 percent Sajid Javid had said on Monday there was only a remote possibility Minister Margaret Thatcher, nation- The outlook remains negative, substantial erosion of fiscal and last year. Fitch sees growth slowing that the government would con- that the state would end up taking an alisation is ideologically unpalatable. indicating that a further cut is likely. external buffers during 2016 and to 1.5 percent this year and 1.7 per- sider “co-investing” with a buyer on equity share in the Port Talbot opera- Tata Steel is the second-larg- Fitch said it had revised down- 2017, although the buffers will still cent in 2017. Saudi Arabia is to meet commercial terms to help ensure the tion. The source said that a government est steel producer in Europe with a wards its oil price assumptions for be sufficiently high to constitute an on Sunday in Doha, Qatar with other future of Tata’s flagship Port Talbot loan as part of a deal with other inves- diversified presence across the con- this year and next, to $35 and $45 a important rating strength,” Fitch said. members of the Organization of the plant in south Wales. tors was the “likeliest scenario” for the tinent. It has a crude steel production barrel, which “has major negative Salman named his son Prince Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) Though Cameron has said purchase of the steelworks. capacity of over 18 million tonnes per implications for Saudi Arabia’s fis- Mohammed as defence minister and non-Opec producers including nationalisation is not the right As many as 15,000 jobs are in annum (mtpa) in Europe, but only 14 cal and external balances”. and head of the main Council of Russia. answer, Javid’s comment on danger in Britain after Tata said it mtpa is operational.

Kuwait oil exports resume StanChart to sell $4.4bn of Asian assets

Reuters Bloomberg and customer relationships, ranking Chartered about buying some of already made provisions for, one of balance sheet management, one of their risk and returns, with the aim the Indian assets and may consider the people said. The lender may sell the people said. It recently decided of restructuring or jettisoning about returning to the process, one of the just part of the portfolio, depending not to proceed with a planned sale of $100 billion of assets. In February, the people said. The bank is also seek- on demand from buyers, according at least $1.5bn in non-stressed loans DUBAI: Oil exports resumed from LONDON: Standard Chartered Plc bank posted its first annual loss since ing to sell part of its portfolio in Africa to one person. extended to mid-market Indian com- all ports yesterday several hours is seeking to sell at least $4.4bn of 1989 as revenue fell and loan impair- and the Middle East, the people said. “Standard Chartered has been panies, after testing buyer interest in after they were suspended due to assets in Asia, people with knowl- ments nearly doubled to the highest “We said in November when we doing group-based lending to infra- the portfolio earlier this year, the bad weather, state news agency edge of the matter said, as the lender in its history. announced our strategic review that structure companies, which are in person said. Winters, 54, has asked Kuna reported quoting the Kuwait pares its balance sheet after booking “This is a positive move to show we would be aligning our risk profile the high-end risk category,” Mukul investors to bear with him as he takes National Petroleum Company record impairments. investors that the bank and Bill Win- to the new strategy, and confirmed Kochhar, head of institutional sales at “painful” steps to reverse his prede- (KNPC). The London-based bank is speak- ters are doing something to improve then that the group had identified a Investec Plc’s India unit, said by phone cessor Peter Sands’s revenue-focused KNPC spokesman Khaled Al ing with potential buyers for about their operations and capital posi- number of exposures for liquidation Monday. “The bank is now doing a expansion across emerging markets, Asousi said that halting oil exports $1.4bn of stressed loans made to tion,” Ronald Wan, chief executive that exceeded the new risk tolerance rethink of its strategy and, like oth- which left the bank saddled with bad during bad weather was a routine Indian firms including GMR Infra- at Partners Capital International in levels,” Standard Chartered said in an ers, is cleaning up its books.” loans when the commodity market practice and does not affect the structure Ltd according to the people, Hong Kong, said by phone Monday. e-mailed statement. “We are making The lender said in November it crashed and growth stalled from volume of exports, adding that who asked not to be named as the “Investors have been concerned about good progress on executing our strat- will restructure or reposition $30bn of China to India. exports from all ports resumed information is private. Standard StanChart’s asset quality in India, egy, and we will provide an update to risk-weighted assets in specific coun- The bank is also asking clients in at 13:15 local time (10:15 GMT). Chartered has also started a sale of and they are now showing efforts to our investors in due course.” tries to improve returns, while it will the Indian and Belgian diamond trade Kuwait was hit by a dust storm around $3bn of assets in the rest of resolve the problem loans there.” KKR and SSG Capital declined to liquidate another $20bn of assets that to get payment insurance or provide yesterday morning that caused Asia, one of the people said. Those Special-situations funds including comment by e-mail, while a spokes- are outside its risk tolerance. It will 100 percent collateral as the bank poor visibility. assets include loans as well as pro- Hong Kong’s SSG Capital Manage- man for GMR said the company is also seek to exit or improve returns seeks to tighten standards, people Kuwait is targeting produc- prietary bond and equity investments ment have expressed interest in the “unaware of any such developments.” on another $50bn of assets relating with knowledge of the new pol- tion of 3.165 million barrels a day in China, Indonesia and Malaysia, stressed Indian loans being sold by The stressed Indian portfolio to less-profitable corporate and com- icy said last month. From mid-2014, later this year or in 2017, up from another person said. Standard Chartered, which include Standard Chartered is selling includes mercial banking customers. the lender has reduced its exposure the current 3 million barrels a day, Chief Executive Officer Bill Win- borrowings in both rupees and US loans to more than 10 companies, pri- Standard Chartered already to commodities by about a third to Chief Executive Officer Jamal Jaa- ters has pledged to review all of dollars, the people said. KKR & Co. marily from the infrastructure and sold off about $1bn of low-yielding $40bn at the end of December, com- far said on Monday at a conference Standard Chartered’s business lines was previously in talks with Standard power industries, that the bank has assets in India last year as part of its pany filings show. in Kuwait City Showcasing innovations Italy’s Renzi signs huge business deals in Iran

Reuters by mutual trust and by the immediate relaunch of economic links.” Enel said it signed a memo- randum of understanding with the National Iranian Gas Export Company on possible future coopera- ROME: Italy and Iran signed deals potentially tion in natural gas, liquefied natural gas and related worth billions yesterday when Prime Min- infrastructure, that could lead to long-term gas sup- ister Matteo Renzi visited Tehran seeking a plies for its power stations. strong Italian foothold in a nation hungry for The Enel deal was one of seven signed by Renzi infrastructure investment as it emerges from and Rouhani, Iranian state television said. Renzi financial isolation. was due to return to Rome on Wednesday. Renzi was accompanied by a delegation of some Oil major Eni has an agreement that allows it to 60 business leaders in sectors including, energy, take oil from Iran in payment for previous invest- railways and defence, and by Italy’s export agency ments while oil service group Saipem, expected and state lender which pledged billions of euros in to clinch a new deal yesterday, had already signed credit lines and guarantees. preliminary deals in January that a source said Three months ago President Hassan Rowhani at the time could be worth $4-5bn. Italy’s state made Italy his first stop in Europe as he sought to railways company, Ferrovie dello Stato, said it drum up investment in the Iranian economy, which signed a “framework of cooperation” agreement rejoined the global trading system in January fol- to build two high-speed lines in Iran. The con- lowing a deal to lift crippling sanctions in exchange tract could be worth some ¤3bn, a source close for limiting its nuclear activities. “The end of sanc- to the matter said. German Table Tennis player Timo Boll and Werner Schlager from Austria play a match with the table standing in tions is a historic step not only for Iran but for the Italy’s state-run lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti the loading area of a T264 dump truck of Swiss-based manufacturer Liebherr at the construction fair ‘Bauma’ in whole region,” Renzi told reporters in Tehran with will offer credit lines of ¤4bn to companies build- Munich, Germany, yesterday. More than 3,400 exhibitors from around 60 countries present their innovations in Rowhani standing by his side. ing oil and gas infrastructure, while export agency the festival. “We are committed to making sure the efforts SACE will guarantee loans and offer trade financ- of the international community are accompanied ing of ¤4.8bn, a SACE statement said. BUSINESS WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 25

Emerging market IMF cuts world economies show ‘signs of distress’ growth forecast; BEIJING: Emerging market econ- omies, once the stars of world growth, now show “signs of dis- tress” due to a darkening global outlook and tumbling commod- warns on Brexit ity prices, the IMF said yesterday. The IMF cut its growth fore- cast for developing and emerging That reflects a glummer view market economies by 0.2 per- of growth in both developed and centage points to 4.1 percent this The IMF cut its emerging economies, with the fore- year. It also lowered its 2017 pre- forecast for world casts for Japan, Russia, and Nigeria diction by 0.1 percentage point to all pared back sharply. Most leading 4.6 percent. growth this year to a economies saw their growth pro- “While growth in emerging sluggish 3.2 percent, jections cut back by 0.2 percentage market and developing econ- points. The outlook for the US — hit omies still accounts for the 0.2 percentage by the impact of the strong dollar — lion’s share of projected world points down from its was trimmed to 2.4 percent this year, growth in 2016, prospects from 2.6 percent in January. across countries remain uneven January outlook. Only the pictures in China and and generally weaker than over developing eastern Europe were bet- the past two decades,” it said in ter. But at a slightly upgraded pace its April 2016 World Economic of 6.5 percent growth, China was Outlook. Maurice Obstfield (centre), Economic Counsellor and Director of the Research Department at the IMF, speaks at AFP still on track for a significant slow- The prospects vary widely down from last year. And the IMF a press briefing on the world economic outlook at IMF headquarters in Washington yesterday. among countries. While Bra- sees the slowdown continuing into zil and Russia languish in deep 2017, when China is expected to grow recessions and are projected to WASHINGTON: The International at a 5.2 percent pace. Growth outlook for Middle East shrink by 3.8 percent and 1.8 per- Monetary Fund said yesterday that The IMF singled out the violent cent respectively in 2016, India the global economy faces wide- swings in global financial markets is a “bright spot” and forecast ranging threats from weak growth as a particular threat to growth this to grow 7.5 percent, it said. Oil- and rising protectionism, warning year. Financial turmoil, it warned, and North Africa lowered exporting countries may need to of possible “severe” damage should impairs confidence and demand slash expenses if crude prices stay Britain quit the European Union. growth that becomes “a self-con- depressed, the IMF said, while the The Fund cut its global forecast firming negative feedback loop”. outlook for exporting other com- for the third straight quarter, saying “Since last summer, we have seen AFP weighing heavily on the macroeco- intensifying conflicts and security modities remains “weak”. economic activity has been “too slow two distinct rounds of global finan- nomic outlook in Saudi Arabia,” said risks,” the IMF said. The downgrade But the IMF raised its 2016 for too long,” and called for immedi- cial turbulence,” said IMF chief the IMF. affected both oil exporters and growth forecast for China by 0.2 ate action by the world’s economic economist Maurice Obstfeld. The IMF said additional spend- importers. percentage points to 6.5 percent, powers to shore up growth. The result, he said, is capital DUBAI: The International Monetary ing restraint and revenue measures, The IMF cut its combined growth citing announced stimulus plans. It said intensifying financial and flight from riskier assets and econ- Fund yesterday maintained its gloomy including energy price reforms, con- projection for the oil-exporting coun- It also increased its estimate for political risks around the world, from omies, higher borrowing costs for economic forecasts for Saudi Arabia taining the wage bill, prioritising capital tries, which include the Gulf states as next year by the same amount, to volatile financial markets to the developing countries, and contin- due to low oil prices and lowered its spending and expanding non-oil tax well as Iran, Algeria, Libya and Yemen, 6.2 percent. Syria conflict to global warming, had ued weakness in commodity prices. expectations for the Middle East and revenues, will be necessary for Saudi to 2.9 percent this year from a forecast The outlook for growth in left the economy “increasingly frag- The second factor with global North Africa overall. and other oil exporters. of 3.8 percent in October. Last year they many African countries has ile” and vulnerable to a turn toward consequences, the Fund said, is the The Saudi economy is set to grow by The only positive signal in the new grew by just 1.9 percent. dimmed due to declining com- recession. It said it was concerned violent instability in Syria and else- 1.2 percent in 2016, the lowest in seven IMF report was that growth projections The oil-importing economies, such modity prices and tightening over “fraying” unity in the Euro- where that has driven millions of years, and by 1.9 percent next year, the were not cut further for the oil-depend- as Egypt, Pakistan and Tunisia, are global conditions for financing, pean Union under pressure from refugees into surrounding states and IMF said in its latest World Economic ent Saudi economy, which grew by 3.4 together set to grow by 3.5 percent in the IMF said, with sub-Saharan the migration crisis and the “Brexit” into Europe. The burden from the Outlook. percent last year. 2016, down from 4.1 percent projected growth expected to be “weak” possibility. flood of migrants into Europe and The downbeat predictions came The economies of the Middle East, in October and worse than last year’s in 2016 at 3.0 percent, a drop of And it pointed to the contractions the persistence of weak growth and despite the austerity measures taken by North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan 3.8 percent expansion. roughly 0.5 percent on last year. in a number of large emerging mar- high joblessness in the region have the kingdom to cut spending and boost as a whole are set to grow by 3.1 per- Iran’s economy, which was flat Low oil prices will weigh on ket economies, most notably Brazil. fueled “a rising tide of inward-look- non-oil revenues after posting a record cent in 2016 and 3.5 percent in 2017, the last year, is projected to grow by exporters such as Nigeria, it said, Seeing a fall in global trade and ing nationalism.” budget deficit of $98bn last year. report said. That is worse than a Janu- 4.0 percent in 2016 and by 3.7 per- projecting 2.3 percent growth for investment, the IMF cut its fore- That, it added, is manifest in the Riyadh in December reduced huge ary projection of 3.6 percent for each cent next year following the lifting Africa’s biggest economy this year, cast for world growth this year to a looming Brexit referendum which, if subsidies on fuel products, electricity, year. of Western sanctions. down 0.4 percent from 2015. It sluggish 3.2 percent, 0.2 percentage British voters opt to leave the EU, the water and other services in a bid to The outlook for the region, which Oil prices crashed from around $115 added that “disruptions to private- points down from its January outlook IMF said “could do severe regional boost non-oil revenues and rational- grew by 2.5 percent last year, “has a barrel in June 2014 to under $30 a sector activity through exchange and down from the 3.8 percent pace and global damage by disrupting ise consumption. weakened considerably because barrel in February, before recovering rate restrictions” were adding to expected last July. established trading relationships”. “The steep decline in oil prices is of further declines in oil prices and to trade above $40 a barrel this week. the weakness.

Saudi lifts Supercomputer PC sales slump for sixth export bans consecutive quarter on cement AFP access, Gartner analysts said. How- ever, the analysts said they expect to and steel see some rebound in PC sales later this year as part of a “Windows 10 SAN FRANCISCO: Sales of per- refresh” movement. sonal computers slid for the sixth Factors affecting PC sales KHOBAR: Saudi Arabia has lifted consecutive quarter at the start of included the strong dollar, making a ban on exporting cement, a sen- 2016, falling to levels not seen since purchases more expensive in some ior industry official was quoted as 2007, a market tracker said. markets, and political instability in saying yesterday, while an industry A survey by research firm some regions. source indicated a similar ban on Gartner shows a 9.6 percent drop Chinese maker Lenovo remained steel has also been eased. in PC sales in the first quarter com- the top vendor with a market share The relaxing of the bans pared with a year earlier, to 64.7 of 19.3 percent, even though its comes as the kingdom’s construc- million units. Figures released later sales fell 7.2 percent in the quarter, tion industry is suffering from the in the day by International Data Cor- according to Gartner. US-based HP impact of lower oil prices, which has poration (IDC) indicated an even Inc held the second spot with 17.6 resulted in the government cutting steeper slide, with PC shipments in percent, followed by Dell at 14.1 per- back on spending on many projects. the first quarter of 2016 down 11.5 cent, Gartner reported. Ahmed bin Abduh Zugail, percent year-over-year to 60.6 mil- Gartner listed Taiwan’s Asus was who is Chief Executive of Yanbu lion units. the number four vendor with an 8.3 Chief Executive Officer of the IT services company Atos Thierry Breton and French Economy Minister Cement Co and the deputy head of New households are not adopt- percent market share, managing to the national committee of cement Emmanuel Macron stand in front of the Atos-designed supercomputer Bull Sequana during its ing PCs like they used to, especially boost sales by 1.5 percent, and Apple companies, told the Al Riyadh presentation yesterday. in emerging markets, where smart- was fifth at 7.1 percent after increas- newspaper that cement compa- phones are often preferred for online ing sales by one percent. nies welcomed the move but were awaiting details of the new rules from the Ministry of Commerce. The Saudi government imposed a ban on cement exports Volkswagen managers in hot seat over bonus payments in 2008 to push prices down and accommodate demand from large government-funded infrastruc- ture projects, although some AFP outrage across the country. shareholders for the first time since about their livelihoods. At the cen- reduction of around 30 percent. companies were allowed to “Volkswagen is a frightening the early 1980s. tre of the controversy is the question Mueller’s predecessor, Martin export at prices lower than those example of how far the executive Marcel Fratzscher, head of the whether VW executives are entitled Winterkorn, who quit as soon as the in the local market. class has distanced itself from the DIW economic think tank, said “it’s to the performance-related bonuses scandal broke last September, was the Steel rebar exports have been FRANKFURT: Public debate is raging rest of society and even their share- difficult to understand why share- for 2015. After all, CEO Mueller had highest-paid executive in Germany for similarly restricted. However, an in Germany this week over whether holders,” wrote the daily Frankfurter holders should accept heavy losses, been quick to prescribe belt-tighten- a number of years, earning around industry source said the ban on top executives at Volkswagen should Allgemeine Zeitung in an editorial. while managers can hold on to their ing to the carmaker’s 600,000-strong €15m. Of his total salary of €15.8m such construction rods had been be paid generous bonuses as the “How far away from reality can bonuses”. VW shares have lost around workforce in the wake of the glo- in 2014, €13.9m were bonuses. lifted around 10 days ago. He carmaker struggles to stem further a top executive be?” the newspaper a third of their value since Septem- bal scandal that erupted six months The other board members pock- declined to comment further. fallout from its massive engine-rig- asked, questioning whether VW’s ber. The issue is also causing ripples ago when it emerged that VW had eted bonuses of between €4m and The Makkah newspaper ging scandal. new chief executive Matthias Muel- in political circles. installed emissions-cheating soft- €7m in the same year. In theory, the reported that among the condi- According to the German news ler — brought in to solve the group’s Herbert Behrens, head of the ware into 11 million diesel engines executives should also be entitled to tions which both cement and steel agency DPA yesterday, managers deepest-ever crisis — really was “the regional branch of the far-left Die worldwide. a bonus for 2015, as well, as the pay- firms would have to meet to export could be willing to accept a reduc- right man for the job.” Linke party in Lower Saxony, where A number of supervisory board ment is calculated on the basis of the goods would be paying the differ- tion in their bonuses. But the fact that VW, which is scheduled to pub- VW is based, described the idea of members wanted the top execu- carmaker’s performance in the pre- ence in energy costs between the they appear unwilling to forego the lish its annual results on April and paying performance-related bonuses tives to forego their generous bonuses ceding years. VW itself has refused to local and international market. It payments altogether — which make could post a loss running into many to managers given the still incalcu- altogether as an example to the work- comment so far, simply pointing out wasn’t clear in the report to whom up the lion’s share of their annual sal- billions of euros, could also announce lable costs of scandal as “a slap in force. But press reports have suggested that board pay would be published in the payment would be made. ary — has sparked anger and moral a waiver in the dividend payout to the face” for VW workers concerned that Mueller is merely pushing for a VW’s annual report on April 28. 26 WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 10,246.29 0.85 % QE Total Return Index 16,577.81 1.26 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,056.88 1.35 % QE All Share Index 2,860.37 1.05 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,747.52 0.55 % QE All Share Industrials 3,174.84 1.37 % QE All Share Transportation 2,539.74 0.02 % QE All Share Real Estate 2,542.92 3.35 % QE All Share Insurance 4,566.58 0.48 % QE All Share Telecoms 1,157.3 0.07 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 6,725.19 0.24 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 12-04-2016 Today 11-04-2016 Previous day Index 10,246.29 10,159.66 Change 86.63 31.01 % 0.85 0.31 YTD% 1.76 2.59 Volume 18,734,527 13,203,659 Value (QAR) 496,605,285.14 374,711,756.05 Trades 7,382 5,912 Up 29 | Down 10 | Unchanged 03

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 5013.191 -4.805 -0.1 5379.6 4762.1 Cac 40 Index/D 4332.14 29.02 0.67 4586.11 3892.46 Dj Indu Average 17576.96 35 0.2 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 20440.81 70.41 0.35 21794.84 18278.8 Iseq Overall/D 6216.37 27.12 0.44 6791.68 5611.89 Karachi 100 In/D 33566.22 -401.32 -1.18 34058.06 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 15751.13 -70.39 -0.44 18951.12 14865.77 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2134.72 1810.1

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.1820 QR 5.2558 INTERNATIONAL MARKETS - A LIST OF SHARES FROM THE WORLD Euro QR 4.1282 QR 4.1867 COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME CA$ QR 2.8065 QR 2.8614 NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED Swiss Fr QR 3.7953 QR 3.8498 Yen QR 0.0333 QR 0.0340 A C C-A/D 1455 7.5 12781 Escorts-A/D 169.45 16.15 1063850 Kg Denim-B/D 93 -0.4 22206 Tanfac Indust-/D 28.4 0.8 2130 Aus$ QR 2.7656 QR 2.8211 Aban Offs-A/D 183.95 0.65 168274 Eveready Indu-/D 250 10.65 10092 Kilburnengg-Xd/D 60 -2.45 7216 Til Ltd.-T/D 404.2 12.3 3696 Ind Re QR 0.0543 QR 0.0554 Aegis Logis-B/D 110.95 5.85 282747 F D C-B/D 186.15 0.6 3587 Kinetic Eng-B/D 83.6 7.6 9515 Timexgroup-T/D 32 2.9 64925 Alembic-B/D 37.8 1.15 97973 Federal Bank-A/D 44.1 0.5 357485 Kopran-B/D 52.4 0.15 60300 Tinplate-B/D 71.75 0.35 160743 Pak Re QR 0.0345 QR 0.0351 Alok Indus-A/D 4.79 -0.15 1212656 Ferro Alloys-B/D 4.95 0 4073 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 367.1 12.2 3327 Ultramarine-B/D 119 2.2 14925 Peso QR 0.0784 QR 0.0799 Apollo Tyre-A/D 168.4 0.2 236653 Finolex-A/D 362.25 6.05 3514 Laxmi Prcisn-B/D 38.65 3.35 2550 Unitech P -A/D 5.02 -0.01 3739795 SL Re QR 0.0246 QR 0.0253 Asahi I Glass-/D 163.7 3.6 14558 Gail-A/D 365.2 13.6 188839 Lloyd Metal-B/D 32.85 0.4 283039 Univcable-B/D 78 5 103732 Taka QR 0.0460 QR 0.0470 Ashok Leyland-/D 111.55 1.85 958459 Gammon India-T/D 12.75 0.06 159184 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 4.99 0.12 41338 Uppergsugar-T/D 131 -6.5 31444 Nep Re QR 0.0341 QR 0.0347 Ballarpur In-B/D 16.82 0.38 577090 Garden P -B/D 23.7 0.7 4952 Lumax Ind-B/D 426.9 -1.4 6864 LONDON Bannari Aman-B/D 1719.25 139.75 3715 Godfrey Phil-B/D 1205.4 19.7 38762 Lupin-A/D 1535.7 18.2 54688 SA Rand QR 0.2462 QR 0.2510 Bata India-A/D 534.55 1.05 27635 Goodricke-B/D 184.1 -2.4 15959 Lyka Labs-T/D 88.15 3.2 151771 Beml Ltd-A/D 904.75 23.2 114330 Goodyear I -B/D 510 17.7 6101 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 274.2 -5.3 1212 3I Group/D 456.8 7.7 395356 GOLD AND SILVER Bh Electronic-/D 1185.4 35.1 34087 Hcl Infosys-B/D 46.45 -0.2 472564 Mah.Seamless-B/D 180 -1.4 16301 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3328 -23 166972 Bhansali Eng-T/D 19.25 0.45 53681 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 18.9 -0.25 1108891 Mangalam Cem-B/D 240.3 -0.5 7281 Barclays/D 155.4694 1.9 17271461 GOLD QR148.0339 per gramme Bharat Bijle-B/D 953 -17.5 7638 Himat Seide-B/D 190.25 3.1 35096 Maral Overs-B/D 27.5 0.3 2402 Bp/D 350.75 -1.1 8300759 SILVER QR1.8919 per gramme Bharatgears-B/D 71.5 2.25 1361 Hind Motors-T/D 5.14 0.01 128451 Mastek-B/D 151.8 0.8 58500 Brit Am Tobacc/D 4147 -46.5 921997 Bhartiya Int-B/D 469 5.6 9958 Hind Org Chem-/D 16.15 0.25 6275 Max Financial-/D 351.9 5.3 2806 Bt Group/D 438.85 -2.3 4597344 Bhel-A/D 127.15 -0.2 1019524 Hind Unilever-/D 870.7 7.4 46978 Mrpl-A/D 64.2 -3.95 496114 Centrica/D 233.1364 -0.6 1772322 Bom.Burmah-B/D 392.1 13.35 54326 Hind.Petrol-A/D 833.6 -1.1 54942 Nahar Spg.-B/D 101.5 2.8 25590 Gkn/D 282.9 -2.1 1493006 Bombay Dyeing-/D 47.8 0.25 201114 Hindalco-A/D 91.9 -0.45 1296064 Nation Alum -A/D 39.2 -0.5 100172 Hsbc Holdings/D 418.5 0.25 14468213 Camph.& All-B/D 563.5 -9.9 1396 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1089.6 9.95 84489 Navneet Edu-B/D 82.45 -1.1 5998 Kingfisher/D 372 -5.2 2097542 Europe’s main Canfin Homes-B/D 1216.6 41 7924 I F C I-A/D 24.2 0.05 385782 Nepc India-T/D 1.55 -0.02 2405 Land Secs Grou/D 1119 -3 340655 Caprihans-Xc/D 84 -0.95 2714 Idbi-A/D 69.5 1.45 749273 Neuland Lab-B/D 721 3.75 1558 Legal & Genera/D 236.1 1.9 6072840 Castrol India-/D 382.3 3.15 21563 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 368 0.9 7912 Nrb Bearings-B/D 130 2.4 2036 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D66.6528 1.12 38429872 markets rise Century Enka-B/D 186.9 0.6 10787 India Cement-A/D 93.15 1.25 299118 O N G C-A/D 210.3 2.85 889620 Marks & Sp./D 435.3 -8.1 1825794 Century Text-A/D 608.55 18.95 344757 India Glycol-B/D 89.3 -2.65 6629 Oil Country-B/D 24.65 -0.05 5385 Next/D 5398.4093 -70 233458 Chambal Fert-B/D 60.15 2.4 140726 Indian Hotel-A/D 103.4 1.9 73474 Onward Tech-B/D 74.6 -0.85 4417 Pearson/D 832.5 -2 734386 AFP Chola Invest-A/D 785 20.8 7093 Indo-Tcount-T/D 998.85 -7.3 3684 Orchid Pharm-B/D 41.95 -1.1 130643 Prudential/D 1342 29 1549770 Chowgule St-T/D 17.45 0.5 4763 Indusind-A/D 969 8.65 47016 Orient Hotel-T/D 22.25 0.45 3105 Rank Group/D 245.0773 0.3 26993 Cimmco-B/D 73.85 0.2 6598 J.B.Chemical-B/D 248.5 4.7 3868 Orient.Carb.-T/D 487 -12.5 5370 Rentokil Initi/D 177.3 -0.4 541101 LONDON: Europe’s main stock markets rose yester- Cipla-A/D 503 0.4 135847 Jagatjit Ind-X/D 83.9 0 56889 Orient.Carb.-T/D 487 -12.5 5370 Rolls Royce Pl/D 654.5 -9.5 1241146 day, taking in their stride warnings by the IMF that the City Union Bk-/D 96 2.35 28158 Jagson Phar-B/D 35.2 0.55 19413 Oudh Sugar-B/D 76.05 -4.4 162026 Rsa Insrance G/D 471 1.4 447437 global economy faces weak growth and possibly severe Colgate-A/D 821.2 6.15 26828 Jamnaauto-B/D 147.2 1.8 86933 Patspin India-/D 8.52 -0.09 3308 Sainsbury(J)/D 285.9 -5 2412401 damage should Britain quit the European Union as oil Container Cor-/D 1270.45 13.2 4136 Jbf Indu-B/D 206.4 -3.4 8420 Punjab Chem.-B/D 164 1.6 4327 Schroders/D 2522 15 129877 prices continued to rise. Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 409 -6.2 1678 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.33 -0.01 20851 Radico Khait-B/D 87.7 -3.05 48512 Severn Trent/D 2224 -11 103317 Despite the Brexit warning London’s FTSE 100 index Dcm Shram Ind-/D 125.9 -5.1 3567 Jct Ltd-B/D 4.71 0 630695 Rallis India-A/D 182.95 4.15 82578 Smith&Nephew/D 1153 -10 470206 rose by 0.7 percent, while both Frankfurt and Paris Dhampur Sugar-/D 87.2 -4.85 199066 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 8.29 0.13 13136 Rallis India-A/D 182.95 4.15 82578 Smiths Group/D 1099 -5 237674 climbed 0.8 percent. The International Monetary Fund Dr. Reddy-A/D 3082.8 54.2 24844 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 84.45 1.85 263993 Reliance Indus/D 443.4 1.4 185872 Standrd Chart /D 471.7 23.75 5643760 cut its global growth forecast for the third straight quar- E I H-B/D 110.5 4.4 28410 Jmc Projects-T/D 220 -0.7 6416 Ruchi Soya-B/D 29.75 -0.25 22422 Tate & Lyle/D 580.5 -3.5 222541 ter, lowering it by 0.2 percentage points from its January E.I.D Parry-A/D 227.55 10.1 199482 Kajaria Cer-A/D 965.75 11.3 3733 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 501 5 1665 Tesco/D 192.8 -0.7 6327306 outlook to a sluggish 3.2 percent expansion for this year. Eicher Motor-A/D 19568 207.1 3254 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 282.7 -7.8 221520 Salora Inter-B/D 44 2 1492 Unilever/D 3219.5 -16 964354 Markets have been cheered by a recovery in the price Electrosteel-B/D 18.4 -0.2 102990 Kalpat Power-B/D 210 4 10894 Saur.Cem-B/D 66 0 80199 United Util Gr/D 951.5 -7 328686 of oil above $40 per barrel ahead of this weekend’s sum- Emco-B/D 27.2 0.45 32878 Kalyani Stel-T/D 166.8 -0.6 24837 Sterling Tool-/D 478 10.6 3574 Vodafone Group/D225.033 -0.35 11004839 mit of key oil producers to discuss freezing output levels and easing the supply glut. While some analysts belive Escorts Fin-B/D 4.07 -0.01 21404 Kanoria Chem-B/D 69 0.65 17353 Tanfac Indust-/D 28.4 0.8 2130 Whitbread/D 3758 -74 356963 only a production cut, rather than a mere freeze, could permanently boost prices amid weak demand in the oversaturated market, prices have recovered strongly from the lows of below $30 per barrel struck in January. Trustnet Direct market analyst Tony Cross said the Qatar Exchange index rises; banks lift Saudi “US earnings season may have started on a rather muted note, but oil prices continue to gush higher.” With prices of other raw materials also rising, “...this is once again galvanising sentiment right across the commodities Reuters that the stock will continue to per- after the deputy head of the Saudi 0.4 percent higher. less severe than in the previous two sector,” he said, pointing to a 9.2 percent gain in min- form well in the near term. national committee of cement com- A positive spillover from the two sessions. Bourse data showed for- ing company Anglo American. Alinma Bank, a stock favoured panies told Al Riyadh newspaper Saudi banks’ profit news encour- eign traders bought on price dips Wall Street stocks pushed ahead as the market pre- by local day traders, reported a 13.7 that Saudi Arabia had lifted a ban aged investors to buy other banking with investment firm Qalaa Hold- pared for a trove of earnings from big US banks, with DUBAI: Banking shares helped percent rise in profit to SR391m on exporting cement. shares. Abu Dhabi Commercial ings and Global Telcom Holding the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 0.9 percent lift Saudi Arabia’s bourse yester- ($104.3m). Shares rose 1.9 per- Southern Province Cement Bank and First Gulf Bank rose 1.4 each adding more than 1 percent. approaching midday. Alcoa got the earnings season day as two lenders beat analysts’ cent. The two lenders, the first Company and Saudi Cement, and 1.3 percent respectively. off to a downcast open after the market close Mon- earnings forecasts, helping boost to report earnings in their sector, the two largest cement firms In Qatar, the exchange added HIGHLIGHTS day, reporting a steep drop in first-quarter earnings investor sentiment across the helped boost the banking sub- by market value, each climbed 0.4 percent with oil rig provider SAUDI ARABIA: The index up on tumbling aluminium prices and announcing plans region, while Egypt extended its index, which added 2.2 percent. more than 5.5 percent. Riyadh’s Gulf International Services jumping 1.5 percent to 6,404 points. to cut as many as 2,000 jobs. Prices of industrial com- correction. “These results have positively stock index closed up 1.5 percent 3.4 percent. Ezdan Holding Group, DUBAI: The index up 1.5 per- modities have been in retreat owing largely to slowing Banque Saudi Fransi jumped 6.7 surprised investors, who were not to 6,404 points. a real estate development with a cent to 3,474 points. demand from China. percent to SR27 after it reported a expecting banks to fare well given Elsewhere in the Gulf, senti- market value over $12bn, added 1.6 ABU DHABI: The index up 0.4 “Concerning the US earnings season, expectations 2.7 percent increase in first-quar- the tightening credit conditions, ment was also upbeat with Dubai’s percent. Yesterday, the company percent to 4,408 points. have come down substantially over the past weeks and ter net profit to SR1.08bn ($288m) increased drawdowns from gov- index up 1.5 percent to 3,474 points, said it had received shareholder EGYPT: The index down 0.2 months mainly due to slowing global growth with lit- after market close on Monday. ernment deposits, and in lieu of a five-month high. Much of the vol- approval to raise $2bn through the percent to 7,331 points. tle change expected in the months ahead,” said Markus Four analysts surveyed by Reu- falling hydrocarbon dollars,” said ume was concentrated on small issuance of sukuk. QATAR: The index up 0.9 per- Huber, a trader at City of London Markets. ters had on average forecast the a bank sector analyst. and mid-cap stocks. Amusement In Egypt, the main index slipped cent to 10,246 points. World markets have been unable to maintain their bank would make a quarterly profit The largest listed stock on the park developer Dubai Parks and 0.2 percent, extending the cor- KUWAIT: The index down 0.2 momentum after the bright run seen in March, with con- of SR964.3m. bourse, Saudi Basic Industries, Resorts rose 3.1 percent. rection which started at the end percent to 5,275 points. cern growing that central banks may be running out of In a note by Riyad Capital dropped 1.9 percent as it went ex- In Abu Dhabi, bank shares, of last week as investors booked OMAN: The index up 0.8 per- tools to kick-start growth and inflation. The euro slid published yesterday analysts main- dividend, creating a drag on the which have been relatively dor- profits after the devaluation of the cent to 5,729 points. against the dollar while a fall in the yen pushed Japan’s tained a “buy” rating on the stock petrochemical sector. mant over the past several weeks, currency on March 14 sparked a BAHRAIN: The index up 0.5 stock market higher, leading a Asia-wide advance. with a price target of SR34 adding The cement sector rallied fared well, helping lift the bourse market rally. But the sell-off was percent to 1,122 points. BUSINESS VIEWS WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 27

Protests show Turkey’s Cetinkaya is social scientist strength of German with roots in Islamic finance attachment to steel

By Georgina Prodhan and Without support from poli- Tom Käckenhoff tics and labour, Thyssenkrupp Reuters will find it almost impossible to push through any merger. Unlike in Britain, in Ger- many steel is still a critical part alf of Germany’s steel- of the economy. The industry workers poured onto the employs about 87,000 directly Hcountry’s streets on Mon- and 3.5 million indirectly, sup- day in protest against the dumping porting key industries such as of Chinese steel, EU climate regu- automaking and generating lations and industry consolidation about ¤40bn ($46bn) in turno- they fear will cost them their jobs. ver in 2014, roughly 1.4 percent More than 40,000 downed of gross domestic product. tools to take part in protests “Moving from one conglomer- against a backdrop of on-and-off ate with a very strong track record steel merger talks between Thys- and history in German steel senkrupp, the country’s biggest (Thyssenkrupp) to another with steelmaker, and Tata Steel, which a weak history in EU steel (Tata) is retreating from Europe. with absolutely no affiliation to Workers fear they could face a the Thyssen or Krupp name and similar fate to their peers in Brit- legacy we think could be a very ain, where Tata has put its entire tough sell,” Credit Suisse analysts steel business up for sale, endan- wrote in a note on Monday. gering thousands of jobs. The bank rates Thyssenkrupp The size of the demonstra- stock “outperform”. tions, organised by powerful trade One in three German steel- union IG Metall and supported by workers are employed at Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel, Thyssenkrupp, which has showed the depth of Germa- 200-year-old roots in the industry. ny’s attachment to steel and the Steel was so crucial to the Turkey’s Central Bank headquarters is seen in Ankara. strength of likely opposition to German First and Second World any merger. War efforts that a law was passed “Consolidation, if it is nec- in 1951 giving mining, iron and essary, can’t happen only in steel workers special rights in the By Asli Kandemir develop Islamic and financial stability simultaneously. Germany,” Gabriel told a rally of co-determination of their compa- Reuters banking in Turkey. Yet even Basci was seen an unable to 17,000 at Thyssenkrupp Steel’s nies’ strategy with management. Since June completely resist government pressure. headquarters in the city of Duis- Unlike for other German com- 2012, Cetinkaya “While it would be unfair and pre- burg in Germany’s Ruhr Valley panies, where the chairperson has been a dep- mature at this stage to treat Cetinkaya industrial heartland. - appointed by the capital side - fter winning the backing of Pres- uty governor at as Erdogan’s lackey, there are plenty “It can’t be that we worry nerv- has a casting vote in the case of ident Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s the central bank. of reasons to doubt whether he will ously about consolidation, we are an impasse between capital and new central bank governor must Analysts said his be able to face down the government” the ones who lose the jobs and labour on the supervisory board, now convince investors that an background made said Nicholas Spiro, a partner at Lon- others don’t even take part.” for companies in these sectors Islamic banker without formal him a likely pick don-based Lauressa Advisory. Despite Thyssenkrupp has sought a absolute parity rules. Atraining in economics can tame inflation for Erdogan, given his career, Cetinkaya has soldiered on way to exit steelmaking since A neutral arbitrator must be while resisting political pressure to cut rates. the president’s with his academic work, said his disser- Heinrich Hiesinger took over as agreed by both sides to decide any Turkey’s cabinet on Monday approved scepticism of the West and its education and tation adviser, Gul Sosay, an assistant chief executive in 2011, presid- issue where they cannot agree. Murat Cetinkaya (pictured) as the next cen- value systems. professor of political science at Bos- ing over a retreat from the United To bring workers on board tral bank head, giving some initial relief to “Let’s be realistic. We will never have a phorus University. States where the group had sunk with management strategy and investors who had feared a battle between governor who has been educated at an Ivy She described him as “quiet and deter- billions in an ill-fated expansion. avoid outright conflict - as well as Erdogan, who equates high interest rates with League university in the US or has worked mined”, adding that his dissertation topic At first quietly and then more to address past compliance issues treason, and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutog- as manager at a big non-state bank,” said of financial regulation was something of a explicitly, with activist inves- - Hiesinger made it his mission to lu’s more orthodox economic team. Atilla Yesilada, an analyst at Global Source departure from standard politics research. tor and 15 percent shareholder change Thyssenkrupp’s culture Despite the initial relief in markets, the Partners, a consultancy. “He is very kind, a quiet and deter- Cevian in the background, top when he became CEO. 40-year-old Cetinkaya remains something “Given these restrictions, it is a comfort mined person. He has not quit the management has signalled its With the aim of build- of an unknown quantity, lacking the expe- that he knows the monetary policy board. programme despite his very busy work keenness to shed steelmaking to ing mutual trust, respect and rience of his predecessor, And he will likely to go down the same route. schedule,” Sosay said. concentrate on steadier and more a performance culture after a Erdem Basci, an engineer It has yet to be seen how Cetinkaya will han- “Even though we wanted to pull him profitable businesses like eleva- difficult period in the compa- turned economics Ph.D. dle political pressure, which his predecessor more down to the realm of politics he tors and car parts. ny’s history, Hiesinger instigated whose term as governor had to manage frequently.” insisted to have an economic aspect in Now, events including the tak- company-wide surveys about expires next week. Erdogan, who favours consumption his research.” Since joining the central ing of full control of its Brazilian Thyssenkrupp’s direction and val- Described as “low- growth, has repeatedly railed against high bank he has kept a relatively low profile. steel plant and Tata’s planned sale ues and held managers to public key” and “determined” interest rates, saying that they cause higher “He seems to have been avoiding pub- of all of its loss-making UK steel account when their team mem- by those who know him, inflation, a stance at odds with orthodox eco- lic appearances therefore we have not activities gives the German indus- bers flagged problems. Cetinkaya studied inter- nomics. Basci’s reluctance to cut rates had seen him in many events contrary to trial group a unique chance to do The exercise - important for national relations and drawn repeated criticism from Erdogan. Last other members of the monetary policy just that. IG Metall-backed labour a company that is dominant in sociology at Istanbul’s month the central bank kept its main interest committee,” said one of his central bank representatives are already pre- the Ruhr Valley and has only 1-2 With inflation running prestigious Bosphorus rate on hold for the 13th consecutive month, colleagues, who spoke on condition of paring for a fight. percent annual staff turnover in around 7.5 percent University. He holds a but cut its overnight lending rate, the upper anonymity. In one his rare public speeches, “We know that our top-paid Germany - has had some success, according to the latest masters degree in social band of its “rate corridor”, a move some econ- Cetinkaya gave a keynote address at an managers are engaged in a kind of according to a straw poll of dem- sciences from the same omists saw as a sop to political pressure. Islamic Finance conference in Novem- secret diplomacy and are forging onstrators on Monday. data, the central school, where he is With inflation running around 7.5 percent ber 2015. In fluent English, he emphasised plans for consolidation,” Guenter “There are some positive bank has consistently several years into a doc- according to the latest data, the central bank the importance of fiscal discipline and Back, head of Thyssenkrupp Steel things,” said Joerg Kallweit, a torate in politics. has consistently missed its inflation target of reforms to reach low interest rates. Europe’s central works council, 59-year-old production coordi- missed its inflation As a banker, his 5 percent over the last five years. Cetinkaya will take over his new post told workers at the rally in Duis- nator at Thyssenkrupp Steel in target of 5 percent career has been spent in Basci, a respected academic who has from Basci on April 19. He will chair the burg. “We are not prepared to be Duisburg who has been with the Islamic finance, which published papers in international journals, first interest rate meeting on April 20 bystanders.” company for almost 30 years. over the last five prohibits the charging of was the architect of Turkey’s complex interest and will probably make his first public years. interest. Erdogan, a pious rate corridor, which uses a system of multiple appearance as the governor on April 26 Muslim, has worked to rates and is aimed at achieving price stability to announce quarterly inflation report. ECB policy causing extraordinary problems: Germany’s Schaeuble

By Gernot Heller and Paul Carrel “It is undisputable that the policy of low solve problems.” adjourned bailout review talks on Tuesday, Reuters interest rates is causing extraordinary prob- Such structural reforms include measures potentially delaying a crucial cash handout lems for the banks and the whole financial such as making labour markets more flexi- to the debt-stricken nation, and will resume sector in Germany,” said the 73-year-old. ble and reducing public-sector bureaucracy. them immediately after this week’s IMF “That also applies for retirement provisions.” Turning to Greece, Schaeuble said he saw spring meetings. he European Central Bank’s record low “That is why I always point out that this no need for debt restructuring. Schaeuble said a review of Athens’ com- interest rates are causing “extraordi- does not necessarily strengthen citizens’ “The agreements of last summer are clear: pliance with the bailout would be discussed Tnary problems” for German banks readiness to trust in European integration,” if the first programme review is completed on the sidelines of meetings of the IMF and and pensioners and risk undermining vot- he added in an interview. successfully and then the need still arises to Group of 20 leading economies in Washing- ers’ support for European integration, Finance A storm of protest erupted in thrifty Ger- do something about debt sustainability, then ton this week and that an agreement seemed A storm of protest Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble told Reuters. many after ECB President Mario Draghi last we will talk about it,” he said. “So far, I cannot possible by the end of April. But the veteran minister said it would be month described the idea of so-called hel- discern from the debt-sustainability analy- “I am quite sure that we will reach an erupted in thrifty wrong to blame the ECB entirely for this situa- icopter money - sending money directly to sis a need for debt restructuring.” amicable settlement. We will not again be Germany after ECB tion, stressing that central banks alone should citizens - as a “very interesting”, if unexam- “I currently see no need for that,” he confronted with a Greece crisis this year,” not be relied on to restore economic growth ined, concept. added. International Monetary Fund chief he said. President Mario Draghi and calling instead for Europe to press on Schaeuble, who said he stays in close con- Christine Lagarde denied this month that “Nobody is demanding that Greece has to last month described with structural reforms. tact with Draghi, said he would be amazed her organisation would push Greece closer implement everything to the exact letter,” he Politicians from Chancellor Angela Mer- if the central bank was seriously consider- to default as a negotiating tactic following said, but added: “The overall result must add the idea of so-called kel conservative camp, to which the finance ing such a policy. reports of a leaked transcript suggesting the up and the agreed requirements correspond helicopter money - minister belongs, have complained the ECB’s “I don’t have the impression that serious IMF may threaten to leave the bailout to force to those agreed last summer.” ultra-low rates are creating a “gaping hole” in discussions are taking place within the ECB European lenders to offer more debt relief. “It is important that Greece does not sending money directly savers’ finances and pensioners’ retirement on this,” he said. “The IMF’s participation in the pro- keeping questioning that which we have to citizens - as a plans as returns have dropped. He said it would be wrong to blame the gramme is agreed,” Schaeuble said. “We agreed together. That is not how one builds “very interesting”, if Schaeuble suggested they risked fuelling ECB entirely for growing euroscepticism in definitely won’t let ourselves be blackmailed. trust.” the rise of euroscepticism in Germany, where Germany, repeating his reform mantra: We stand by the agreements but others must Schaeuble said a decision would be made unexamined, concept. voters flocked to the right-wing Alternative “Policies in Europe must create condi- too.” in June on whether parts of the EU would go for Germany in state elections last month. tions through structural reforms to better Greece and its international lenders ahead with a financial transaction tax. 28 WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 BUSINESS

BACK TO BUSINESS sight Pitch perfect: Mobile makers and Nomura beats partial retreat from Europe telcos drawn to hi-res audio and Americas

By Jeremy Wagstaff By Emi Emoto and mortgage-backed securities, Reuters Thomas Wilson suffered heavy losses after the Reuters 1998 Russian debt crisis. Nomu- ra’s London-based cash equities execution platform Instinet will OSTLY young, male be unaffected by the cuts, people audiophiles throng FTER losing some $3bn with knowledge of the matter a Singapore hotel overseas in nearly six said, as will its Europe-based ballroom, intently years, Japan’s Nomura Asian equities sales and trad- assessing head- Holdings Inc, is axing ing business. phones, earbuds Aa brokerage unit and hundreds With Nomura’s overseas Mand in-ear monitors — priced from of jobs in Europe and the Amer- business set to report a sixth $50 to as much as $10,000. icas, sounding a partial retreat straight annual pretax loss for Alongside are banks of dedicated from its latest drive to become the year ended March 2016, digital audio players (DAPs), with an a global player. investors welcomed news of entire wall of the expo showcasing Announcing changes in its the cuts. Nomura spokeswoman the king of DAPs: Iriver. wholesale operations, Japan’s Joey Wu declined to comment Less than five years ago, the South biggest brokerage said yester- on the job loss figures. Nomura Korean firm was staring at bank- day that it will “close certain shares gained as much as 8.7 ruptcy, its low-end MP3 players no businesses” in its Europe, Mid- percent in Tokyo trading before match for Apple’s iPod and the rise of dle East and Africa region and closing up 7.4 percent. The People test headphones during the CanJam headphone and personal audio expo in Singapore. the music-playing smartphone. “rationalise” unspecified oper- shares were languishing near But, after some missteps and a ations in the Americas. It didn’t three-year lows last week. name change, Astell & Kern has cre- Americans spend 24 hours a week headphones and speakers, while LG hi-res music since 2004. The coun- say exactly which units are “By restructuring some of its ated a small but lucrative market for listening to music, says market con- Electronics last month launched its LG try accounted for more than a fifth involved, nor how many jobs businesses, Nomura can stop the those wanting to hear music as it sultancy Nielsen. Also, there are phone with an optional Hi-Fi mod- of all spending on HRA, including affected, but said it would dis- bleeding and - in the long run - sounds in the studio or concert hall. fewer constraints on audio quality. ule, made in partnership with Bang home hi-fi, last year, according to close full details on April 27. move towards profitability in its This is the world of high resolu- A decade ago, a ‘lossy’ MP3 format & Olufsen. Others, too, hope clearer, GfK, a research company. China, too, People with direct knowl- international division,” said Masa- tion (hi-res) audio (HRA), a niche that — where file compression meant richer audio will help them differenti- is growing fast, and overtook Japan edge of the matter said Nomura’s yuki Otani, chief market analyst smartphone makers, music compa- reduced quality - made sense when ate, adding separate audio processors as iriver’s main market last October. European equities research at Securities Japan Inc. From nies and even telecoms carriers hope $30 would buy enough space for only to improve the playback of music on Tianjin-based Hifiman, a maker team will close. In total 500- April 2010 to December 2015 will, if not move to the mainstream, about 500 songs. Now, the same price their phones. of headphones costing up to $3,000, 600 jobs would go in Europe, alone, Nomura’s overseas busi- at least sprinkle some of its fat mar- would get you enough flash drive for They are helped by specialist is seeing its margins squeezed by pre- with other cuts in the Ameri- ness lost 325bn yen ($3.01bn). The gins on their bottom lines. 32,000 songs. The growth in listening chip makers like ESS Technology tenders. “Customers and distributors cas, separate people familiar move comes as investment banks “Now, people are interested in to music is having a knock-on impact Inc, whose digital audio converters tell me that users get a little bit con- with the matter said. globally review their trading $3,000 players,” says James Lee, on Bluetooth speakers, headphones are in phones made by Xiaomi, Len- fused,” said Riccardo Yeh, Hifiman’s The retreat signals the latest operations, with new regulations Astell & Kern’s vice president. “Before, and other audio accessories. Last ovo, Meizu, LeTV and Vivo. international sales director. blow for Nomura management’s making it harder to turn a profit. they would think $300 players were year, Americans spent more on head- Telecoms carriers are also taking The HRA market still has an international aspirations. The Nomura’s announcement crazy. Now, $1,000 is the average phones for the first time than they did note, hoping to lock in users or boost early-stage, almost amateur feel. The brokerage bought Lehman comes five months after the price.” And that’s a snip compared on physical music, such as CDs. revenues: Singapore Telecommunica- dozens of companies making head- Brothers equities and investment brokerage said it will invest fur- to the $55,000 price tag on a pair This has stirred hardware mak- tions launched a service in February phones, from Vietnam to Romania, banking business in Europe and ther in its Americas operations of Sennheiser Orpheus HE 1 elec- ers. Apple’s purchase of headphones offering four separate streaming apps, are usually home-spun, crowd- Asia in 2008, at the height of the over the next two to three years, trostatic headphones resting on a and music streaming company Beats including Spotify. When iriver’s own- funded or self-financed, and rarely global financial crisis, as part of seeking to strengthen mergers marble-mounted amplifier on show for $3bn in 2014 has overshadowed ers decided to sell the company in employ more than a few staff, says a concerted strategy to expand and acquisitions advisory serv- for selected guests in a room on the efforts by other manufacturers to 2014, it was South Korean carrier SK Jude Mansilla, who runs a website and from its domestic stronghold and ices and primary equity and hotel’s 34th floor. offer audio accessories and features. Telecom which offered the most com- organised the Singapore expo. become a major force in interna- debt businesses in the region. Consumer demand for HRA is A year earlier, Sony dusted off its pelling bid, said Lee, adding: “Telcos “The industry is very keen,” says tional finance. As of December 31, Nomura being fed in part by lifestyle shifts. Walkman brand as a high-end audio think this market will grow.” Peter Cooney, an analyst who fol- An earlier US push in the had 3,433 employees in Europe We commute longer, live in smaller range, and has since added portable Much of the surge in interest in lows the HRA space. “But for the 1990s, selling commercial and 2,501 in the Americas. apartments and use smarter phones speakers and headphones. Samsung HRA is in Asia. Onkyo, a Japanese mass market, the question is: Is the and streaming services, like Spotify. Electronics has its Level series of music download service, has offered demand there?”

We don’t yet know what the (oil) freeze Bhushan Bahree, Capital Senior Director, really means in terms of detail-how it is Global Oil, IHS Comment measurered, and the duration.

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Name in the Market IMF @IMFNews Wealth Adviser Lagarde to MPs: We DOHA RENTAL YIELDS: YIELDS IN DOHA WAS AMONG THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD IN 2014 need to think out- side the box to solve the fairness problems plaguing international Brokerages will need to tax system proceed carefully in their Bloomberg @business plans to shift many of their retirement savers to flat-fee Obama is “pleased” with Yellen, White investment accounts. House says ahead of a Friday meeting on the economy

IIF @IIF HEARD ON THE STREET

#EmergingMar- kets stocks are up some 20% from the troughs reached in late January. Amid an overall earnings slowdown, investors need Moody’s InvestorsSvc @ to be sure companies aren’t MoodysInvSvc stepping out of bounds to Russian consumers prop up results. likely to feel the brunt of new excise tax hike on fuel www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 30 PAGE | 33 Misfiring Barca Star Curry seek response determined to at Atletico record history

WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 • 6 Rajab 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

A screen displaying the official draw for the final round of the 2018 World Cup football Asian qualifiers, in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday.

2022 hosts seek Qatar face tough task in third round winning passage to Russia: Al Ansari

2018 FIFA 2022 hosts drawn World Cup Russia The Peninsula in Group A along Group A: Iran, Korea Republic, Uzbekistan, China PR, Qatar and Syria with Korea Republic DOHA: Qatar Football Associ- Group B: Australia, Japan, Saudi Ara- ation (QFA) Secretary General and Iran for the final bia, United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Thailand Mansoor Al Ansari (pictured) yes- round of qualifying terday said he was confident that for the FIFA World ‘Al Anabi’ will make a tremendous Syria and Thailand. Asian champions impact when it kicks off the third Cup in Russia Australia landed in the same group and final qualifying campaign that as heavyweights Japan. could lead to a berth at the 2018 Ange Postecoglou’s Socceroos FIFA World Cup finals in Russia. The Peninsula will also face Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the Yesterday, Qatar were drawn in United Arab Emirates and minnows Group A that also includes Iran, Korea Thailand in Group B when games Republic, Uzbekistan, China and Syria. start in September. “Nobody can say it is an easy KUALA LUMPUR: Qatar, the 2022 The top two in each group will group but a balanced one. Asia’s World Cup hosts, will face Iran and qualify for the World Cup in Russia, best teams have qualified for this South Korea in Group A as teams while two third-placed sides will stage,” Al Ansari said yeserday. were drawn for the final stage of face each other for the right to con- “We are going according to a regional qualifying for the 2018 FIFA test an intercontinental play-off. plan. We are confident of imple- World Cup Russia yesterday. Meanwhile, Iran’s highly- menting our plans whether we are Sleeping giants China, who regarded Portuguese coach Carlos playing against Iran in Iran or any scraped into the third round after a Queiroz predicted South Korea, other side on any venue,” he added. stop-start qualifying campaign so Japan and Australia would qualify “Our target is to reach the 2018 far, war-torn Syria and Uzbekistan for the World Cup in Russia. FIFA World Cup and we are doing Asian Football Confederation (AFC) General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John shows the ballot of Qatar during are the other teams in Group A. “South Korea, Japan and Aus- everything we can. We will be More than a year after the race tralia will go to the World Cup. The the draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Asian Qualifiers Final Round in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ready to play against any team in to World Cup Russia got underway in last one spot will be fought by Iran, yesterday. RIGHT: Qatar coach Jose Daniel Carreno is seated during the draw ceremony. our group,” Al Ansari said. the Asian zone, with over 160 games China and Uzbekistan,” he said. “The national squad will having already been played across Queiroz said travelling long jour- get every assistance to get good the first two stages, the draw for the neys on commercial flights would results. third round of qualifying took place take a toll on his players. “We are continuously devel- yesterday in Kuala Lumpur. “Besides needing good prepara- Coach Carreno says his side oping our football - whether it is This ended an anxious wait for tions you need resources like having about having teams at every level the 12 teams still in the running, who shorter air travel time for the play- of improving infrastructure or now know the identity of the oppo- ers,” he said. helping get quality referees. nents against whom they will vie for Queiroz said playing against is ready for the challenge “We are a work in progress at so one of the four automatic tickets to China in particular would be diffi- many different levels. We are work- the finals that are up for grabs. cult and the team was making huge ing together with AFC and FIFA to The draw was conducted by improvements. The Peninsula Saudi Arabia , the United Arab Emir- final stage of qualifying. Myself and constantly develop our football,” he AFC General Secretary Dato Wind- “South Korea is very strong and ates, Iraq and Thailand. the players in collaboration with the said in reference to a referees’ work- sor John in the presence of coaches we have Qatar too. We have a com- “We have to remain optimistic backroom staff are fully focused on shop that is currently on in Doha. of the teams that will contest the plete new team. They are young and about the coming matches. We will the job at hand,” he said. third round and officials of the 12 talented but no experience,” he said. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Qatar be ready for the opening clash against “We have been playing well as countries. The first matches in Round 3 coach Jose Daniel Carreno yesterday Iran,” Carreno said yesterday after a team and there is spirit within my Qatar’s head coach Jose Daniel will take place in September 2016, said his team won’t be daunted by the the draws were made. camp. The results we have achieved Carreno said he was pleased to be with the group stage concluding a prospect of facing some of the tough “Asia’s two of the top teams in in the last few months are a proof of playing in Group A. year later. teams in Asia in the third and final Iran and Korea are in our group. that,” he said. “Our goal is to be the best four The top two teams in each phase of 2018 FIFA World Cup qual- Thisgroup is open because we have Qatar won 7 of the 8 matches teams and qualify for the World group will progress automatically ifying campaign. shown great form in the last few they played in the last qualifying Cup,” he said. to Russia 2018, with the two third- Yesterday, Qatar were drawn months,” he said. campaign. Qatar’s task will be challenging placed sides advancing to Round in Group A that also includes Iran, “Having said that, we will try our “We have a well charted out as they are only the ninth highest 4 for a chance to reach the CON- Korea Republic, Uzbekistan, China best to qualify for the 2018 World schedule of training and matches in ranked team out of the remaining CACAF-Asian Zone play-off for a and Syria. Cup,” the Uruguayan said. the coming weeks. Our target is going 12, according to FIFA—ahead of Iraq, spot at the global finals. Group B includes Australia, Japan, “Our focus is on the third and to be playing to win,” he said.

Al Anabi ‘confident’ of doing well in stage three of qualifying: Mahmood

The Peninsula chances in the third and final stage and Syria. Group B includes Aus- have reached this stage of qualify- sessions and practice games have sure but we will be ready,” he said. of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World tralia, Japan, Saudi Arabia , the ing,” Mahmood said yesterday. “What been prepared with that in mind. “We will cover all bases to be Cup. United Arab Emirates, Iraq and we will be looking at this stage is that “We know that Qatari football fans at our best when the first game day DOHA: Qatar Team Director Fareed Yesterday, Qatar were drawn Thailand. we arrive prepared for each game,” want the team to reach the World arrives,” he said. “We are confident Mahmood yesterday remained con- in Group A that also includes Iran, “There’s not much difference in Mahmood said. Cup,” he said. that our players will be ready too,” fident about the national team’s Korea Republic, Uzbekistan, China the two groups. Asia’s finest teams “Our schedule of training “It will be very demanding for Mahmood said. 30 WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 SPORT

You’re off! Ref shows six red cards in Misfiring Barcelona seek fiery clash

AFP

SYDNEY: A referee had his hands response at Atletico today full as he brandished six red cards during a fiery Oceania Champions League match that ended 4-3 and saw nine minutes of stoppage time. although the results have not been The clash on Monday between There’s no time for what we want.” Samoa’s Kiwi FC and Nadi FA of Thomas Vermaelen is out and Fiji followed a match earlier in the apologies or excuses. Rafinha doubtful due to injury but day between Magenta of New Cal- We need results. It’s Barca top scorer Suarez returns after edonia and Tefana from Tahiti in the Uruguayan served a suspension. which three players were sent off. not the time to sink Luis Enrique is also likely to recall Anish Khem was the hero for low and think that Jordi Alba, Andres Iniesta and Ivan the Fijian team, scoring all four Rakitic after starting them on the goals. we’re on a horrible bench in the 1-0 defeat by Sociedad It was a routine game until the run, says Luis Enrique at the weekend. 44th minute when a player from The plan to rest those players each side was given his marching ahead of the trip to Madrid backfired orders by referee George Time when 18-year-old Mikel Oiarzabal from the Solomon Islands for their headed Sociedad in front in the fifth part in a fracas, with Kiwi FC lead- Reuters minute and Barca struggled to break ing 3-1. down the opposition for the remain- There was little further drama der of the game. until an 81st-minute melee MADRID: Barcelona can redress their Despite having seven shots, Lionel resulted in another double send- stuttering domestic form by seal- Messi could not find a way through and ing-off -- Nadi goalkeeper Vereti ing their passage to the Champions the Argentine talisman has now gone Dickson and Kiwi FC’s Lionel Tay- League semi-finals when they visit 362 minutes without scoring, his long- lor were both banished by referee Atletico Madrid today. est drought with Barca since 2011. Time. Last season’s treble winners Barca Barcelona’s Spanish coach Luis Atletico are dreaming of a repeat Nadi then pulled a goal back are in their worst run of form in La Enrique during his team’s training of their 2014 quarter-final second on 87 minutes before there was Liga since coach Luis Enrique took session at Joan Gamper sports leg against Barca when an early goal another sending-off seconds later charge in August 2014, losing their last city in Catalonia. by Koke delivered a 1-0 win and 2-1 when Kiwi substitute Lawrie Letu- two games to Real Madrid and Real aggregate victory. “The stadium will tusa saw red. Sociedad and drawing with Villarreal. Vicente Calderon, Luis Suarez’s double be buzzing. I’m sure it’s going to be a Because of all the interrup- Although those results have seen having cancelled out Fernando Torres’ great night,” said midfielder Koke. “The tions, nine minutes of time were their La Liga lead over second-placed opener after the former Chelsea striker other day we couldn’t win because of added which saw two more Nadi Atletico cut to three points, Barca are was sent off in the 35th minute. circumstances but at home we’re going goals and another dismissal. still on track to become the first Span- “There’s no time for apologies or to turn it around.” Khem completed his hat-trick ish team to win the treble two years in excuses, we need results. It’s not the Atletico defenders Jose Gimenez Barcelona players Lionel Messi (right) and Neymar during a team in the sixth minute of stoppage a row, with the King’s Cup final against time to sink low and think that we’re and Stefan Savic are doubtful while time to level the scores and made Sevilla coming up next month. on a horrible run,” Luis Enrique said Tiago Mendes is definitely out and training session at Joan Gamper sports city in Catalonia, northeastern it a four-goal haul with a 98th- The visitors take a 2-1 lead from yesterday. Torres suspended following his dis- Spain, yesterday. FC Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid in a Champions minute winner. the first leg into the return match at the “There are reasons to be optimistic missal at the Nou Camp. League match today. Man United, West Ham in ‘last chance’ FA Cup replay

AFP

LONDON: Having each seen their Champions League qualification hopes fade at the weekend, West Ham United and Manchester United approach today’s FA Cup quarter- final replay with special motivation to progress. For West Ham, the competi- tion represents a final opportunity to crown their farewell season at the Boleyn Ground, which stages its last ever FA Cup tie, with a piece of silverware. Visiting manager Louis van Gaal, meanwhile, may need to win the FA Cup if he is to stand any chance of holding onto his job, after Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur left France’s Amel Majri (left) celebrates with team-mates after scoring in the 2017 UEFA Women’s Euro his side four points off the Champions qualifying football match against Ukraine at the Hainaut Stadium in Valenciennes on Monday. France won League places with only six games of the match 4-0. the season remaining. “It is the last chance of a title so it is very important for the players, for the club, for the manager, for the fans,” said the Dutchman, who is yet AC Milan sack Mihajlovic, to win a trophy in close to two full seasons at Old Trafford. “And still we have one day less than West Ham United, because that’s also important. sign Brocchi for 2 months “But we have proved against Arsenal and Man City (in the Premier Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney in action against Middlesbrough’s League) that in spite of less days to recover we could beat them. Jonny Burn at Old Trafford on Monday. Rooney continued his recovery AFP removed, not Inzaghi but failed to resurrect the “So I hope that we shall recover from a knee injury with a run-out for the club’s under-21s. because of the flailing giants’ past glories. very good, also mentally, because pressure from Milan currently lie sixth following this (losing to Tottenham) is again as West Ham came from 2-0 down a fact that he’s out every now and MILAN: AC Milan have announced what’s been Saturday’s home defeat to the reign- a blow of course. Both teams have to rescue a 3-3 draw. then,” said the Croatian, who is bid- the sacking of coach Sinisa written,” he ing champions and leaders. to cope with that. Both teams know United’s defence was breached ding to lead West Ham into the last Mihajlovic, replacing the Serbian said. “I believe They sit a point above Sassuolo in that when you are not winning, you three times in six fraught minutes four for the first time since they last with youth team boss Cristian Broc- in myself but in the race for the final European qual- are out of the cup and you don’t have at Tottenham and Van Gaal could reached the final in 2006. chi (pictured) until the end of the trying to find ification position with six games to any title.” not disguise his discomfort at the “The medical team and the club season. the right solu- play but are 15 points behind Roma Given a choice of venues for such thought of the bruising Carroll going are doing everything they can with A statement from the struggling tions I feel we’ve in the final Champions League spot. a pivotal encounter in his United ten- up against Chris Smalling and the Andy and he is doing it, but he should Serie A giants yesterday read: “Sinisa tried everything. Since last winning the league ure, it is reasonable to assume that lightweight Daley Blind. be even better if he can stay away Mihajlovic has been relieved of his Like every other in 2011, they finished second a year the Boleyn Ground would have been “I’ve seen the Andy Carroll Show,” from those injuries for a few years. role as AC Milan coach. coach in the world, I’m judged on the later, third in 2013 but then eighth among the very last names on Van he said. “And (against Tottenham) I “Because it’s a waste for West “The club would like to thank work done and results obtained. and 10th in the two subsequent cam- Gaal’s list. The venerable east Lon- think our problem was also the Ham, it’s a waste for England, but Mihajlovic for the dedication and “If in the seven remaining paigns. According to Italian media, don stadium, West Ham’s home since miscommunication of our central it’s the biggest waste for him. hard work carried out this season. matches, also the Italian Cup, or even the decision to fire Mihajlovic came 1904, will be charged with emotion defenders. I hope that we improve “Will he start against Man “Cristian Brocchi will now be in before, if we mess up it’s right for the during a conversation between club and has already provided the scene our communication because it is very United? I hope he’s going to be fit for charge of the first team until the end coach to be the first to pay for it. owner Silvio Berlusconi and CEO for a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Liver- important this game for us.” Man United. I don’t think Sakho or of the season. AC Milan would like to “It’s always been that way. I’ve Adriano Galliani on Monday night. pool in a fourth-round replay, as well Carroll’s time at West Ham has (Alex) Song will be fit for that game.” welcome Mr Brocchi and wish him always said, there are two catego- Mihajlovic, who was hired for his as league wins over Tottenham, Liv- been hampered by injuries and United, who won the last of their all the best.” ries of coach, those that have been fighting spirit, has been linked with erpool and Chelsea. despite the likely unavailability of 11 FA Cups in 2004, remain without Speaking after Saturday’s 2-1 sacked and those that will be sacked.” a move to Lazio. Under his tutelage, Arsenal almost became the latest fellow striker Diafra Sakho, Bilic captain Wayne Rooney, who contin- loss to Juventus, Serbian Mihajlovic Mihajlovic, 47, lasted only eight Milan won just 13 of 32 matches, los- heavyweights to fall to Slaven Bilic’s refused to confirm if he would start ued his recovery from a knee injury acknowledged he could be fired. months in the job after replacing ing nine times and drawing the other side on Saturday, when Andy Carroll today. with a run-out for the club’s under- “This year at Milan I’ve felt former club and Italy striker Filippo 10. scored a typically emphatic hat-trick “I’m not blaming him, but it’s 21s on Monday. SPORT WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 31

BENFICA vs BAYERN MUNICH FACTFILE LISBON: Factfile on Benfica Benfica coach faces another and Bayern Munich ahead of the Champions League quarter-final second leg between the clubs at the Estadio da Luz today: First leg Tuesday, April 5 At Munich test of ability to improvise Bayern Munich (GER) 1 (Vidal 2) Benfica (POR) 0 Form: % Bayern are expected to see Bilic banks on emotion to off Benfica and reach a fifth We’re not going to consecutive Champions League sit here and cry over spur West Ham to semis semi-final, but the stubborn resistance of the Portuguese something we cannot Reuters champions after Arturo Vidal’s control, says Benfica early goal in Bavaria has kept coach Rui Vitoria them in the tie. Bayern are clos- LONDON: West Ham United are hoping to ride a wave of emotion all the way ing in on a fourth successive ahead of today’s tie to the FA Cup semi-finals when they host Manchester United today in the last Bundesliga title after their 3-1 Cup tie to be held at their historic Boleyn Ground. win at Stuttgart on Saturday was followed by Schalke holding sec- Manager Slaven Bilic felt the atmosphere, at the east London Stadium that ond-placed Borussia Dortmund has been home to some of the greats of English soccer, would give his players to a 2-2 draw. Pep Guardiola’s Reuters an extra boost for the quarter-final replay. defending champions are now The Hammers will be moving to the Olympic Stadium next season after seven points clear at the top and more than a century at the Boleyn and still harbour hopes of finishing in the cruising with just five games to top four and qualifying for the Champions League. go, and are still hoping to repli- LISBON: Benfica coach Rui Vito- “We are fully motivated and it is a massive game of course. It is massive cate the treble they won in 2013. ria faces another test of his powers for us and it is massive for them,” he told reporters yesterday. %Benfica have had an excel- of improvisation as he tries to patch “It’s the final FA Cup tie at the Boleyn Ground, it’s Manchester United and lent few weeks as seven straight up a team without top-scorer Jonas it’s the quarter-finals. It can’t be bigger.” wins in the league have taken against Bayern Munich today. West Ham are sixth in the Premier League, five points behind fourth-placed them two points clear of arch The Portuguese champions and Manchester City and one point behind United. rivals Sporting in the Portuguese league leaders were beaten 1-0 in the Bilic said, however, that the sole focus was on booking a trip to Wembley Primeira Liga. Their defence held first leg of their Champions League to face Everton on April 23 in the semi-final. firm to keep Bayern down to just quarter-final last week, a narrow With the first tie ending 1-1 at Old Trafford, the Croatian sympathised with a single goal last week, and they enough margin to give them a chance his Dutch counterpart Louis van Gaal, who has come under intense scrutiny showed signs of being dangerous of producing a major upset at the Sta- this season. on the counter-attack through dium of Light. “It’s the stature of the club that they’re not happy with losing games, with the strike partnership of Jonas But with Brazilian marksman being fifth in the table. They are Manchester United and they have not been and Kostas Mitroglou, who have Jonas suspended following three yel- as consistent this season,” Bilic said. scored 53 goals between them low cards, the likelihood of beating this season. Rui Vitoria’s men Bayern for the first time after seven LEFT: Bayern Munich’s Spanish head coach Pep Guardiola follows scraped past Academica Coim- failed attempts and ending a 26-year the last team training session one day before the Champions League bra 2-1 on Saturday as a late Raul wait since Benfica’s last semi-finals quarter-final, second-leg match in Munich, southern Germany. BELOW: Jimenez strike maintained their appearance looks more remote. Barcelona’s German goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen stops a ball slender lead in the Portuguese The 31-year-old has scored 30 during a training session at the FC Barcelona Joan Gamper Sports title race. goals in only 29 Portuguese league Center. Coaches: appearances this season, plus two in Benfica - Rui Vitoria (POR) -- his nine Champions League outings 45 yrs including a crucial stoppage-time Bayern Munich - Pep Guardi- winner at home to Zenit St Peters- ola (ESP) -- 45 yrs burg in the previous round. Leading scorers in all But Vitoria, in his first season at competitions: Benfica, has already proved he can produce a winning team from a squad Benfica - Jonas (32 goals) which lacks the strength-in-depth of Bayern Munich - Robert elite European teams such as Bayern Lewandowski (36 goals) Munich. Road to the quarter-finals: Mexican forward Raul Jimenez, terms, hand for hand, centimetre by 22-year-old goalkeeper Ederson his % Benfica - Second in Group who usually starts on the bench, centimetre.” Champions League debut away to C behind Atletico Madrid; beat might get a chance to finally part- Vitoria responded to an injury cri- Zenit St Petersburg after Julio Cesar Zenit (RUS) 3-1 on aggregate in ner Kostas Mitroglou today, although sis in the centre of Benfica’s defence was injured. the last 16 Vitoria could move midfielder Nico- by bringing in the previously untried Bayern, who have reached the %Bayern Munich - Winners of las Gaitan into attack and reshuffle Victor Lindelof. semi-finals for the last four seasons, Group F ahead of Arsenal; beat his midfield. The 21-year-old Swede has remain the clear favourites. Juventus (ITA) 6-4 on aggregate But Vitoria was not fretting. responded with superb play, helping Pep Guardiola’s side have been in the last 16 “We’re not going to sit here and Benfica win 20 of their last 22 games. typically dominant this season with European Cup/Champions cry over something we cannot con- Vitoria also gave midfielder Ren- a seven-point lead at the top of the League best performances: trol,” he said. ato Sanches his professional debut in Bundesliga and only three defeats all Benfica - Winners 1961, 1962 “This is just an opportunity for October with media reports saying season. The Bavarians’ record also someone else and whoever plays will that the 18-year-old now has a €35m bodes badly for Benfica. Bayern Munich - Winners 1974, 1975, 1976, 2001, 2013 certainly do a great job. price tag and is attracting interest They have faced Portuguese sides “We are going to put out a com- from some of Europe’s top clubs. nine times in European knockout ties Other honours: petitive team to face them on equal He also had no hesitation in giving and won them all. Benfica - 34 x Portuguese cham- pions, 25 x Portuguese Cup winners, 6 x League Cup win- ATLETICO MADRID vs BARCELONA FACTFILE ners, 5 x Supercup winners Bayern Munich - 25 x German First leg Ballardini back as Palermo champions, 17 x German Cup, Tuesday, April 5 4 x German Supercup, 1 x Euro- At Barcelona pean Cup Winners’ Cup, 1 x UEFA Cup/Europa League, 1 x European Barcelona (ESP) 2 (Suarez 63, 74) Atletico Madrid (ESP) 1 (Torres 25) Supercup, 2 x Intercontinental Form: make coaching change Cup, 1 x FIFA Club World Cup %Defending champions Barcelona come into the match holding the advantage Previous meetings before this after Luis Suarez’s first-leg double made Atletico Madrid pay for Fernando Torres’ season: needless red card. Torres’ early away goal keeps the Spanish capital city side in the Benfica 0 Bayern Munich tie, although they have now lost the last seven meetings between these teams. But AFP 0 - 1975/76 European Cup Barca have hit a rut in the road to a second consecutive treble, after back-to-back quarter-finals defeats in La Liga blew the Spanish title race wide open. The 1-0 loss at Real Socie- dad at the weekend leaves Luis Enrique’s men just three points clear of Atletico at Bayern Munich 5 Benfica MILAN: Trigger-happy Palermo the top of the table, with Real Madrid just a point further adrift in third. 1 - 1975/76 European Cup President Maurizio Zamparini has quarter-finals % Atletico are now in position to potentially totally derail Barcelona’s season, made his eighth coaching change Benfica 0 Bayern Munich 0 - as they could follow a Champions League victory by pipping the champions to the of the season after announcing the 1981/82 European Cup last 16 domestic title. Diego Simeone’s side have been in excellent form in recent weeks, sacking of Walter Novellino and the with six wins in their last seven La Liga outings. The impressive 3-1 victory at Espan- Bayern Munich 4 Benfica 1 - return of Davide Ballardini yesterday. 1981/82 European Cup last 16 yol on Saturday takes Atletico’s goal tally for their last six league games to 18. Palermo are hovering around Bayern Munich 4 Benfica 1 - Coaches: the Serie A relegation zone, a state 1995/96 UEFA Cup last 16 Atletico Madrid - Diego Simeone (ARG) - 45 yrs of affairs that caused irate fans to Benfica 1 Bayern Munich 3 - Barcelona - Luis Enrique (ESP) -- 45 yrs throw flares onto the pitch, caus- 1995/96 UEFA Cup last 16 Leading scorers in all competitions: ing two stoppages, in a 3-0 defeat to Lazio on Sunday. Atletico Madrid - Antoine Griezmann (27 goals) It is one of Palermo’s worst sea- Barcelona - Luis Suarez (43 goals) sons in recent years, and the critics Road to the quarter-finals: are pointing the finger at Zamparini % and his inability to keep faith when Atletico Madrid - Winners of Group C ahead of Benfica; beat PSV Eindhoven This file photo taken on November 22, 2015 shows Palermo’s coach (NED) on penalties after 0-0 aggregate draw in last 16 the chips are down. Zamparini has reportedly made Davide Ballardini during the Italian Serie A football match between % Barcelona - Winners of Group E ahead of Roma; beat Arsenal (ENG) 5-1 on SS Lazio and Palermo at the Olympic stadium in Rome. Trigger-happy aggregate in last 16 57 coaching changes in 29 years of being involved in the professional Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini has made his eighth coaching European Cup/Champions League best performances: game. Prior to Palermo, he was in change of the season after announcing the sacking of Walter Novellino Atletico Madrid - runners-up 1974, 2014 charge at Venezia. and the return of Ballardini yesterday. Barcelona - Winners in 1992, 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015 Palermo began the season with Other honours: Giuseppe Iachini, whose contract international Guillermo Barros Sch- for the job and pledging he would %Barcelona - 23 x Spanish champions, 27 x Spanish Cup, 11 x Spanish Super Cup, began in 2013, at the helm. elotto. But with no official coaching see out the season. But Iachini lasted 5 x European Super Cup, 4 x Cup Winners’ Cup, 3 x Fairs Cup, 3 x Club World Cup When Palermo began to struggle badges, he was forced to quit the club barely a month before quitting on in November, Iachini was sacked and after a matter of weeks. March 10, promising to never return. Ateltico Madrid - 10 x Spanish champions, 10 x Spanish Cup, 2 x Spanish Super Cup, 1 x Cup Winners’ Cup, 2 x Europa League, 2 x European Super Cup, 1 x Interconti- replaced by Ballardini. He lasted only Giovanni Tedesco and Giovanni Zamparini appointed journey- nental Cup two months before Zamparini lost Bosi took turns as interim coaches man Novellino, 62, the same day, patience and sacked him in January. before Iachini was invited to take up but after three defeats and a draw Previous European meetings before this season: Bayern Munich’s midfielder After Fabio Viviani took charge his post again on February 15. he was sacked on Monday following %Barcelona 1 Atletico Madrid 1 - 2013/14 Champions League quarter-final first leg as caretaker for one game, the Zamparini appeared on television Palermo’s meltdown at their Barbera Mario Goetze during a team Atletico Madrid 1 Barcelona 0 - 2013/14 Champions League quarter-final second leg club appointed former Argentina claiming Iachini was the right man Stadium. training session. 32 WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 SPORT

FACTBOX ON Ireland reveal JAMES TAYLOR ODI series against Taylor retires aged 26 due Full name James William Arthur Taylor Born: January 6, 1990, Nottingham Afghanistan Current age 26 years 97 days Major teams England, England Lions, England Under-19s, Leicestershire, AFP Nottinghamshire, Shropshire, Worces- tershire 2nd XI to serious heart condition Batting style Right-hand bat LONDON: Ireland will face Bowling style Legbreak Afghanistan in a five-match one- Height: 5 ft 6 inches day series at Belfast’s Stormont His diagnosis is similar to that of M Innings Runs highest Average ground in July, officials announced former Bolton Wanderers footballer Tests: 7 13 312 76 26.00 yesterday. My world is upside Fabrice Muamba, whose career was The teams are two of the down. But I’m here to cut short after he collapsed on the ODI: 27 26 887 101 42.23 world’s leading non-Test or Asso- stay and I’m battling pitch in 2012. T20: 91 82 1972 62* 34.59 ciate nations. England and Wales Cricket Board Afghanistan impressed again on! #lifestooshort, director Andrew Strauss, Taylor’s “It goes without saying that he on the international stage dur- the Englishman told first England Test captain, said: “It has the very best wishes of us all in ing the recent World Twenty20 in is both shocking and saddening to terms of recovering from his opera- India, where they caused losing his Twitter followers hear that James’ career has been cut tion, and that we are looking forward finalists England to suffer a top- short in such a sudden and unex- to seeing him back at Trent Bridge order collapse and beat eventual pected manner. when he is fit and able.” champions the West Indies in a “Throughout his career, he Former team-mates and oppo- group match. AFP has constantly impressed with his nents took to Twitter to voice their For Ireland, the July 10-19 determination to make the abso- sadness, with current England bats- series will be their first five-match lute most of his ability, and it is man Moeen Ali saying: “Such bad campaign and comes in a home immensely cruel that such a hard- news to hear about a top player @ season that also sees them play- LONDON: Nottinghamshire and working player will be unable to jamestaylor20 what a talent. Wish ing two Test nations in Sri Lanka England batsman James Taylor has fulfil his great potential in the inter- you all the best in your recovery! and Pakistan. been forced to retire at the age of just national arena. Topguy.” “We’re certainly getting close 26 because of a “very serious” heart “The ECB will work closely with Meanwhile Michael Clarke, to the amount and variety of fix- condition, his county announced yes- Nottinghamshire and together we the former Australia captain, said: tures we need to continue our terday. will do everything possible to help “Really feel for @jamestaylor20 international development,” Ire- Taylor, who won the last of his James through this difficult period, Absolutely devastated for you.” land coach John Bracewell said in seven caps in England’s most recent and aid him in his recovery.” Born in Nottingham, the dimin- a Cricket Ireland statement. Test against South Africa at Centu- Taylor’s absence from Not- utive Taylor -- the son of a jockey “The more games we play in rion three months ago, withdrew tinghamshire’s first-class match -- made his first-class debut for varying conditions the more we from Nottinghamshire’s opening and against a Cambridge student team Leicestershire in 2008, with the mid- learn and grow as a cricketing ongoing County Championship match last week was put down to a viral dle-order batsman making his Test nation.” at home to Surrey because of illness. condition. bow against South Africa at Headin- The former New Zealand off- The Midlands county announced Nottinghamshire director of gley four years later. spinner added: “I expect the five on its website yesterday that “spe- cricket Mick Newell said no one at But after those first two caps in game series against Afghani- cialist scans revealed yesterday Trent Bridge had any idea about the 2012, he had to wait more than three stan will be tough and fiercely (Monday) that the 26-year-old has the severity of Taylor’s condition. years for another Test appearance. competitive. very serious heart condition, ARVC “Myself and all of James’ team- Recent months had witnessed “They had an excellent series (Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular mates and colleagues are terribly sad some of Taylor’s best international win in both ODI’s (one-day inter- Arrhythmia).” to hear this news, which comes as a performances, including impressive nationals) and T20 against Taylor, whose condition requires big shock to us all,” Newell said. displays as a close-in fielder. Zimbabwe last year, and continued surgery, told his Twitter follow- He is a model professional, the Although his seven Tests, in that form in the World Twenty20, ers: “Safe to say this has been the most hard-working I’ve ever known which he averaged a modest 26, did beating the eventual champions England player James Taylor (front) and other team members leaving toughest week of my life! My world in cricket, making it all the more dif- not yield a hundred, with his top West Indies, which was a fantas- the grounds at the end of the first Test match against South Africa at is upside down. But I’m here to stay ficult to accept that his career has score of 76 coming against Pakistan tic achievement for them and the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban in this December 30, 2015 file picture. and I’m battling on! #lifestooshort.” been cut short in this way. in Sharjah in November last year. Associate cricket cause.” Royal Challengers Bangalore Selfie time ahead of Pakistan Cup crush Sunrisers Hyderabad

IANS Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman Virat Kohli hits a BENGALURU: Royal Challengers boundary during the Bangalore won their inaugural IPL T20 match against Indian Premier League match Sunrisers Hyderabad against Sunrisers Hyderabad by at the M Chinnaswamy 45 runs at the Chinnaswamy Sta- Stadium in Bangalore dium here yesterday. yesterday. Amassing an imposing total of 227/4, Royal Challengers restricted the Sunrisers to 182/6. Except for skipper David Warn- er’s spirited 58 off 25 balls with FROM LEFT: Misbah ul Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, Younus Khan and Azhar Ali, the captains of four fours and five sixes and Ash- the teams taking part in the Pakistan Cup, take a selfie on the eve of the premier domestic 50-over ish Reddy’s 32, all other Sunrisers tournament. The Pakistan Cup 2016 will take place from April 18 to May 1 in Faisalabad. ZIC Islamabad, faltered before the RCB attack, with Brighto Paints Balochistan, Boom Boom Bubble Gum Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Inverex Sindh and Cookania Shane Watson (2/30) and Yuzven- Cake Rusk Punjab are the teams taking part in the championship. dra Chahal (2/43) most successful bowlers for the hosts. The Sunrisers’ failure to main- tain the run rate led to a situation that they needed 64 runs in the last 12 balls and 55 runs in the last over. Earlier, Royal Challengers, who F1: Alonso taking nothing for lost the toss and were put into bat, proved to be unstoppable with the twin attack launched by skipper granted before China medical Virat Kohli (75) and AB De Villiers (82). Despite the loss of Chris Gayle (1) in the second over, De Villiers AFP The Spaniard was replaced and Kohli set up a crackling pace, in Bahrain by the team’s Belgian helping themselves to generous reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne, boundaries, to set the scene for a who ended up 10th to score big score. SCOREBOARD LONDON: Fernando Alonso (pic- McLaren’s first point of the season Coming in at number three, De tured) hopes to be racing for after team mate Jenson Button failed RoyalROYAL Challengers CHALLENGERS BANGALOREBangalore batsmanM C HenriquesVirat Kohli c P Rasool hits b Milne a boundary 19 Villiers filled the void left by Gayle. McLaren at this weekend’s Chinese to finish. C H Gayle b Kumar 1 N V Ojha c de Villiers b Chahal 0 As the crowd started chanting his during the 2016 Indian Premier League(IPL) Twenty20 match against Formula One Grand Prix but the The Belgian remains on standby name, the South African stalwart SunrisersV Kohli b Kumar Hyderabad at the M 75 ChinnaswamyD J Hooda c de Stadium Villiers b Chahal in Bangalore 6 Spaniard says he is taking nothing for China. responded hitting back to back yesterday.A B de Villiers c Morgan b M Rahman 82 E J G Morgan (not out) 22 for granted ahead of a fitness test at Alonso had stayed on at the boundaries. S R Watson c Ojha b M Rahman 19 A Ashish Reddy b Watson 32 the Shanghai Circuit. Sakhir circuit to assist Vandoorne He cracked seven fours and six S N Khan (not out) 35 K V Sharma (not out) 26 The double world champion on his debut, and watched the race sixes to reach 82 in just 42 balls fractured his ribs in a crash at the unfold from the pitwall. K M Jadhav (not out) 8 Extras (B-1, LB-1, W-9) 11 while Kohli hit seven fours and season-opening Australian Grand “It was positive to see that both

Extras (LB-2, W-4, NB-1) 7 Total (for 6 wkts in 20 overs) 182 three sixes to reach his 75 in 51 Prix on March 20 and the govern- cars ran quite strongly during the balls. Entering after the fall of Kohli Total (for 4 wkts in 20 overs) 227 Did not bat: A Nehra, B Kumar, Mustafizur ing FIA’s medical team then ruled weekend,” he said. in the 16th over, Watson hit three Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-163, 3-183, 4-183. Rahman. him out of the subsequent race in “It was also interesting for me to successive sixes off Karn Sharma Bowling: A Nehra 2.1-0-21-0 (1w); B Kumar Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-86, 3-88, 4-93, 5-101, Bahrain. see the race weekend unfold from a while Sarfaraz remained unbeaten 4-0-55-2 (1nb, 2w); Mustafizur Rahman 4-0- 6-147. He will undergo more tests at the different perspective, which helped at 35 after hitting five fours and 26-2; M C Henriques 4-0-41-0; K V Sharma Bowling: A F Milne 4-0-43-1 (1w); S R Chinese circuit on Thursday before “While I hope I’ll be back in the me to understand everything that two sixes in just 10 balls. 4-0-57-0 (1w); A Ashish Reddy 1.5-0-25-0. Watson 4-0-30-2 (1w); Parvez Rasool 4-0-31- the third round of the 21-race season. cockpit on Friday (for practice), until goes into getting the cars on track For Sunrisers, Mustafizur Rah- “It was disappointing to be told I I get the all-clear from the doctors and learn a lot about the different 1; H V Patel 4-0-33-0 (1w); Y S Chahal 4-0-43- man was the most economical SUNRISERS HYDERABAD couldn’t race in Bahrain, but I fully to race, whenever that may be, we processes.” 2 (2w). bowler with figures of 2/26. D A Warner c Milne b Watson 58 respected the decision of the FIA cannot assume anything. Alonso has won twice before in De Villiers was declared S Dhawan b Parvez Rasool 8 Player-of-the-Match: AB de Villiers (RCB). medical team,” he said yesterday in “But I’m continuing to prepare for China, once with Ferrari and once Man-of-the-Match. a team preview for the race. the race weekend as normal.” with Renault. SPORT WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 33 In-form LeBron propels Cavaliers to down Hawks

NBA ROUND-UP Cleveland superstar fires 34 points in 109-94 win as per game in his past 10 games while Kobe Bryant makes shooting at 63 percent. penultimate stop He is also averaging 52 percent from three-point range over the same stretch, a sharp improvement on a poor season average. “I think when he’s taking shots in AFP rhythm, catching and shooting it with confidence ... percentages go up,” Lue said. “The best thing for him is just the LOS ANGELES: LeBron James scored shot selection, taking the great shots, 34 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers the open shots, and then just live with assured themselves home-court the results. “I hope he can keep it up. advantage through the Eastern Con- If he plays like this, man, we’re going ference play-offs with a 109-94 defeat to be tough to beat.” of the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. James’ close friend and team- James produced a dominant per- mate James Jones said he could see formance in the first three quarters the Cleveland talisman clicking into before sitting out the final quarter as top gear as the play-offs loomed. Cleveland laid down a marker for the “There’s a clock that goes off in his postseason with an impressive win body,” said Jones. that guarantees them top spot. “It starts to wake up and round James scored 19 of his 34 points into form. He’s just feeling good.” in the third quarter to help Cleveland “I’m in that mode right now,” take a 90-75 lead before team-mate James said. Kyrie Irving led the Cavaliers home “As far as that personal kind of with 35 points. vendetta versus my opponents that Irving reeled off 11 of Cleveland’s I have during the postseason, it will first 12 points in the final period, leav- ratchet up a little bit more. But as far as ing James safely with his feet up and me personally, I’m where I want to be.” already contemplating the playoffs. Elsewhere on Monday, the penul- LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks during the first half Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant waves as he leaves the court after timate stop on Kobe Bryant’s farewell the NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chesapeake tour ended with the NBA icon’s Los of NBA game against the Atlanta Hawks at Quicken Loans Arena in NBA RESULTS Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on Monday. Angeles Lakers taking a pounding Cleveland, Ohio on Monday. from the Oklahoma City Thunder who Cleveland 109 Atlanta 94 ran out 112-79 winners. Orlando 107 Milwaukee 98 Kevin Love chipped in with 10 firmly entrenched in a tight battle for Bryant will say goodbye to basket- Westbrook’s triple-double was this week. Oklahoma City’s win saw Charlotte 114 Boston 100 points and 14 rebounds while Matthew the third, fourth and fifth seedings in ball in the Lakers final regular season constructed in only 18 minutes, the them improve their home record to Washington 120 Brooklyn 111 Dellavedova also scored 10 points off the East with the Boston Celtics and game at home on Wednesday. quickest triple he has ever scored and 32-9, the fourth best in the league the bench. Miami Heat. However, his final game on the the second-fastest in NBA history. behind Golden State, San Antonio Houston 129 Minnesota 105 Kent Bazemore topscored for The form of James left Cleveland road was one to forget as Kevin Durant Bryant meanwhile played only 19 and Cleveland. Chicago 121 New Orleans 116 the Hawks with 23 points but was coach Tyronn Lue purring as the Cavs scored 34 points and Russell West- minutes, scoring 13 points on four of The Los Angeles Lakers mean- Oklahoma City 112 LA Lakers 79 restricted to just two points in the prepare for the playoff challenges brook bagged his 18th triple-double 12 shooting, as he prepares for what while dropped to 16-65 for the season, second half as Cleveland took control. ahead. of the season in a blowout victory for is set to be an emotional final cur- deepening the gloom surrounding the Dallas 101 Utah 92 The defeat left Atlanta at 48-33, James has averaged 28.4 points the Thunder. tain call at the Staples Center later franchise. Impressive wins Star Curry determined to record for Cubs, Orioles history with Golden State Warriors Agencies on five hits over six innings while Matt Joyce, getting a chance to start because of the American League’s AFP designated hitter rule, keyed two NEW YORK: Addison Russell early rallies with a single plus a dou- clubbed a three-run homer to left ble to spark Pittsburgh. in the eighth inning to lead the Niese gave up a pair of solo LOS ANGELES: Golden State Warri- Chicago Cubs to a 5-3 come-from- home runs to JD Martinez and Nick ors star Stephen Curry says the team behind victory over the Cincinnati Castellanos. is determined to forge their place in Reds on Monday. Cardinals 10, Brewers 1 NBA history by clinching a record- Russell’s first homer of the year St Louis rapped out 19 hits, a club breaking 73rd regular season victory came on the first pitch from Reds record for a home opener, and had a against the Memphis Grizzlies today. reliever Jumbo Diaz with one out and 9-0 lead before the end of the third Curry and the Warriors stand on brought home second baseman Ben inning. the threshold of immortality after a Zobrist and left fielder Jorge Soler. Rookie Jeremy Hazelbaker led superb 92-86 victory over the San Right hander Adam Warren the onslaught, going 4-for-4 with a Antonio Spurs on Sunday which saw (1-0) worked a scoreless eighth for sacrifice fly, a double and a triple. them equal the 1995-1996 Chicago the win while Hector Rondon struck Yadier Molina collected three hits, Bulls’ longstanding mark of 72 wins. out the side in the ninth for his sec- two RBIs and a rare stolen base, Curry said the Warriors are now ond save as the Cubs (6-1) won their while Aledmys Diaz bagged three determined to finish the job in Oak- third straight. hits, including two doubles, and an land against Memphis by claiming First baseman Joey Votto went RBI. win number 73 – even if the prior- 2-for-4 as the Reds (5-2) suffered White Sox 4, Twins 1 ity remains a successful defense of their first road loss. Jose Quintana pitched six innings their NBA crown. Orioles 9, Red Sox 7 of one-run ball as Chicago spoiled “We are in the moment and Chris Davis blasted a three-run Minnesota’s Opening Day at Target enjoying the ride, but the goal is to home run with two outs in the top Field and keep the Twins winless. win a championship,” Curry said. of the ninth inning and drove in Nationals 6, Braves 4 “We’ve put ourselves in a great five runs as the Baltimore Orioles Wilson Ramos tied a career high position to do something no other spoiled the Fenway Park debuts of with four hits and also drove in two team has ever done. David Price and Craig Kimbrel with runs and Daniel Murphy added two “It’s hard to step out of the locker a 9-7 win over the Boston Red Sox hits, including a two-run homer in room and understand the hoopla that on Monday afternoon. the first, as the Washington Nation- comes with chasing the record. We Davis unloaded on an 0-1 als beat the Atlanta Braves 6-4 want to go out and take advantage of Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors smiles after a 100-99 victory over of the Memphis Grizzlies at knuckle-curve from Kimbrel and Monday on a night that both start- an opportunity that may never come deposited it into the centre-field ing pitchers were hit hard. again.” FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee last Saturday. bleachers after Caleb Joseph and Warriors coach Steve Kerr -- a Manny Machado walked to snap member of the iconic Michael Jor- (Green) and Andre (Iguodala), and the Warriors by claiming the 1995- @warriors on win no.72. “.@Stephen- the 6-6 tie. BASEBALL RESULTS dan-era Bulls team 20 years ago everybody else, as my first coaching 1996 Bulls would easily beat them Curry30 showed why he’s the MVP. Padres 4, Phillies 3 Pittsburgh 7 Detroit 4 -- admitted he was still struggling to job. A pretty good draw.” -- also piled on the praise. As cold-blooded shooter as I’ve ever Alexi Amarista drove in the Baltimore 9 Boston 7 come to terms with the achievement. Members of the revered Bulls “Congrats to @GSWarriors_ & seen and a basketball IQ that is off go-ahead run with a seventh- San Diego 4 Philadelphia 3 “It’s crazy. It just feels like a right- team meanwhile are willing on the Steve Kerr Steph curry and crew the charts.” inning squeeze bunt and Wil Myers Chi White Sox 4 Minnesota 1 place-right-time type thing to be part Warriors to set a new record. go for 72 win and get 73 on weds,” Warriors star Draymond Green homered as the San Diego beat Phil- of two teams that have performed like Former Bulls coach Phil Jackson Harper wrote on Twitter. meanwhile has revealed that NBA St Louis 10 Milwaukee 1 adelphia, the Padres’ third victory in this and won at this level for the entire led the plaudits. Bulls legend Scottie Pippen -- icon Jordan had also offered support four games. Washington 6 Atlanta 4 season,” Kerr told USA Today. “Way-to-Go!! Congrats to GSt who only two weeks ago predicted during the All-Star weekend earlier Jon Jay added an RBI double Miami 10 NY Mets 3 “I’m pretty lucky, really, just to Warriors,SKerr&LWalton et al. The the 1996 Bulls would sweep the War- this year. for San Diego, now 3-4 after going Chicago Cubs 5 Cincinnati 3 play next to Michael and Scottie and journey to 72 wins is a remarkable riors in a seven-game series -- also “Mike told me at All-Star, ‘Go win scoreless in its first three games of Houston 8 Kansas City 2 Dennis (Rodman) and play for Phil achievement-very impressive-now applauded Golden State. “Giving the record. Go get the record. If y’all the season. (Jackson) and come here and inherit get #73,” Jackson wrote on Twitter. credit where credit is due,” Pippen don’t win this record, I’m going to be LA Angels 4 Oakland 1 Pirates 7, Tigers 4 this whole group, Steph (Curry) and Former Bulls guard Ron Harper -- wrote on Twitter. hot and I’m blaming you’,” seasoned Jonathon Niese checked Detroit Texas 7 Seattle 3 Klay (Thompson) and Draymond who earlier this season trash-talked “Congrats to @SteveKerr and his Green said. 34 WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 SPORT Major tasks for new Springbok coach Coetzee

Coetzee is the second black from his father and brother and was Springboks coach, following in the a fearless scrum-half, fond of blind- Twice world footsteps of Peter de Villiers, who was side breaks. champions South in charge between 2008 and 2011. But he never achieved the ultimate Africa looking to “When a player is selected he goal of every South African rugby must understand where he fits into player -- to represent the Springboks rediscover their the team, regardless of colour,” the -- because blacks were barred under winning culture new coach told reporters after his a racially segregated sport system. appointment was confirmed at a As apartheid collapsed in the Johannesburg TV studio. early 1990s and rugby bodies united, “When we select a player we look Coetzee played for and coached his AFP with one pair of glasses. I need to back native Eastern Province and also had every player that we select, it is not roles at the Cats (now Golden Lions) about race. and Sharks. “We must be smarter in the way His big break came in 2008 when JOHANNESBURG: Allister Coetzee we use our physicality and put a lot named Western Province Currie Cup was named South Africa rugby coach of emphasis on decision makers, coach and two years later was also yesterday and tasked with changing especially nine (scrum-half) and 10 put in charge of sister team Western the racial mix of the team and redis- (fly-half).” Stormers as well. covering a winning culture. The enormity of the task facing Under Coetzee, Stormers became Twice world champions, the the 52-year-old former scrum-half the leading South African side in Springboks lost to New Zealand in was evident last weekend when only Super Rugby, but could not break the the World Cup semi-finals last year 20 of 75 South African starters in trophy-winning stranglehold of Aus- and five defeats in 11 Tests included Super Rugby were black. tralian and New Zealand outfits. stunning beatings from Argentina Further narrowing the options for While widely praised for devel- and Japan. Coetzee was the fact that 70 percent oping black talent, Coetzee faced South Africa often fielded start- of those players operate in just three constant criticism for overly defen- ing teams containing 12 white players, positions: eight were wingers, three sive tactics. much to the anger of the govern- were loosehead props and three were Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula (second right) gestures after the appointment of the new Springboks rugby “Coetzee is the right man for the ment and sections of the public who centres. coach Allister Coetzee (second left) as the president of South African Rugby Union Oregan Hoskins and Bok job. He has the thick skin, the want a team more reflective of the Robbed by apartheid of a chance the CEO of South African Rugby Union Jurie Roux look on in Randburg, outside Johannesburg, yesterday. technical knowledge and desire to population. to play for South Africa, Coetzee chose make a difference,” wrote John Goli- Nine percent of South Africans teams during six years in charge of the ath of the Independent Newspapers are white, yet they have dominated Cape Town-based Western Stormers Coetzee left Stormers last year to when South Africa won the Rugby Argentina, Australia and New Zea- group. national rugby teams since the post- that were close to 50 percent black. join Japanese club Kobelco Steelers. World Cup in France nine years ago, land home and away in the southern Colleague Mike Greena- apartheid readmittance to the Test His legacy lives on with the Being chosen for one of the tough- then lost out to De Villiers for the top hemisphere Rugby Championship. way was not convinced, though: arena. Stormers fielding six black starters est jobs in world rugby in succession job. An end-of-season tour starts “Stormers were unable to take the A national rugby union and gov- last weekend, Southern Kings five to Heyneke Meyer fulfils a life-long South Africa begin a Test season against the Barbarians in London fol- step up and mix it in the Super ernment agreement targets half the and Coastal Sharks, Golden Lions ambition for the man born in Eastern in June with three home internation- lowed by Tests against England, Wales Rugby play-offs. South African 2019 Rugby World Cup and Northern Bulls three each. Cen- Cape university town Grahamstown. als against Ireland. and to-be-named opponents. “So what will change when team in Japan being black. tral Cheetahs had a bye. He was an assistant to Jake White The Springboks then meet Coetzee developed a love of rugby Coetzee takes over the Boks?” Shattered Vaea quits Brumbies over heart risk

AFP now ended, it will be hard watching stroke if he continued to play with- the boys run out, I know that this is out medical assistance. the best decision for myself and my But after getting the all-clear to family.” make a return last year, Vaea shed SYDNEY: Shattered forward Ita The powerful No.8 had symptoms weight and rocketed into Walla- Vaea, on the verge of Wallabies selec- of the condition throughout pre-sea- bies selection contention with his tion, has quit the ACT Brumbies and son training but medical staff were impressive form and power for the retired after the recurrence of a life- happy with how he managed it until Brumbies. threatening heart issue. his leg started to swell up, forcing him He was part of Wallabies coach The 27-year-old told his team- to leave the field against the Waikato Michael Cheika’s Test camp last week, mates in Canberra that he was Chiefs two weeks ago, the Canberra indicating that he was pushing for an quitting rugby on the advice of doc- Times said. international call-up. tors after scans showed a blood clot Almost four years ago Vaea was “His determination to return condition. put on blood-thinning medication to rugby after the initial diagnosis “I am extremely disappointed to save his life, which forced him to shows his true character,” said Brum- to be retiring today, under these miss the 2013 and 2014 Super Rugby bies coach Stephen Larkham. Tongan flanker Ita Vaea of the Brumbies (right) being tackled by South African centre Juan de Jongh of the circumstances,” he said in a seasons before making a surprise “He has overcome the odds once Brumbies statement released late comeback last year. before and we know he has made the Stormers during the Super XV qualifier match between the Western Stormers and ACT Brumbies at Newlands Monday. He had been told by special- right decision for himself and for the in Cape Town, South Africa in this file picture of June 20, 2015. Vaea announced he was quitting the ACT “While my playing career has ists that he could have died or had a people closest to him.” Brumbies and retired on doctors orders after the recurrence of a life-threatening heart issue.

Stricker named Willett vows to take Masters title in his stride captain for 2017 Presidents Cup AFP “We’ll just keep doing the things Augusta. “So it was a very positive we’ve been doing, ticking the boxes week for the Europeans,” the former we said we’d do day by day and mak- British Open champion added. Reuters ing sure we’re trying to get better Willett’s victory was the first LONDON: Danny Willett returned every time we go out and work,” he major of his career but Clarke was to England yesterday promising to explained. not surprised by his success. take his shock Masters title win in his “That’s all you can do. If along the “He’s been playing really well LONDON: Zimbabwe’s Nick Price stride as he arrived at Manchester Air- way fortunately you play some good now for a couple of years, I am a will return as International team port to the glare of television cameras. golf and win some more tournaments good friend of his, I’ve spent a lot captain at the 2017 Presidents Cup Few outside of golf had heard of then fantastic but we’re just going to of time with him and his game has while Steve Stricker was named the 28-year-old Yorkshireman before keep doing all the things we have just been getting better and better,” the US team captain, the PGA Tour his victory at Augusta National last been doing and hope things continue.” said Clarke. said yesterday. week saw him claim the first major Meanwhile, European Ryder Cup “It’s certainly no surprise what- The biennial competi- title of his career. captain Darren Clarke saidyesterday soever. He’s performed really well, tion, which pits a 12-man team But all that changed when Willett he was delighted by the “wonderful” especially of late again, and from a from the United States against held his nerve on Sunday following showing of the continent’s top golfers personal point of view I was delighted a lineup of international play- leader Jordan Spieth’s final-round col- at the Masters. to see him win.” ers from outside Europe, will lapse to become the first Englishman Not only did Willett win the first Clarke was also pleased to see be played from September 28 to win the Masters in 20 years. major championship of the year, but close friend Lee Westwood come joint to October 1 at Liberty National “It’s a nice way to get back into the Danny Willett speaking to reporters at Manchester Airport, yesterday, he was one of seven Europeans in the second at Augusta. in New Jersey. airport,” a smiling Willett said ahead as he returns home after winning the Masters tournament. top 15 at Augusta National. “To see him playing in the manner Price, a three-times major of the short final leg of his journey That heartened Clarke, who will and fashion that I know he can is cer- champion who played on five home to Sheffield to see wife Nicole we’ve got a lot of good people on our in,” he said. “I’ve got a couple of hours skipper the European team when tainly very, very heartening,” he said. Presidents Cup teams, is seeking and new baby son Zachariah, who side. I think we’ll be all right.” left then hopefully we’ll be able to go they defend the Ryder Cup against During the Masters, Clarke met his first win as captain after los- was born shortly before the start of Willett thought he would have to home and lock the door. the United States on American soil with former Manchester United man- ing in the previous two editions, last week’s Masters. miss the Masters, because he wanted “I’m looking forward to spend- later this year. ager Alex Ferguson, who was also including in 2015 when his Inter- Willett, wearing the green jacket to be present for the birth of his son, ing time with Nic and little man and “It was a wonderful week from a sounded out by former European cap- national team lost by one point in given to Masters’ winners, added: which he thought would be on April just enjoying what we’ve just done. European perspective,” Clarke said tain Paul McGinley. South Korea. “It’s been pretty big in America but 10 -- the day of the final round at Watching it over, seeing the reruns, of the Masters while speaking at his “It’s a long way off before the team “The close shave we had last until you get home I don’t think you Augusta. and going back to being a dad. Got to home club at Royal Portrush, North- is finalised, a lot of big tournaments, year will motivate a lot,” Price, 59, can quite realise the scale of what’s But Zachariah was born on March change some nappies.” ern Ireland, on Tuesday to launch the a lot of Ryder Cup points to be played told reporters, predicting he would going on.” 29 instead and that meant Willett Willett said the important thing start of a Ryder Cup trophy tour. for,” he said. have “eight or nine” of the same “Hopefully we just take it in our could be present at his birth before now for his career was that he and “With the winner Danny Willett “There would be very few people players on his 2017 team. stride and enjoy what we’ve done,” flying to the United States. his management team did not rad- and indeed Lee Westwood play- who have had as successful a career Stricker, meanwhile, will take said the new world number nine. Fame was thrust upon Willett last ically alter an approach to golf that ing a lot better and Justin Rose and as he has had.” over the United States leadership “We’ve had a lot of encouraging mes- week and he admitted: “It’s still a bit has seen him rise from outside the top Matt Fitzpatrick, there were so many The 2016 Ryder Cup is being held for the first time, after working as sages from really nice people around crazy, everything’s still up in the air 100 at the end of 2013 to a place inside Europeans up there in the top 10,” at Hazeltine, Minnesota, from Sep- an assistant for previous captain the world offering advice if I need it so but I think it’ll start slowly sinking the top 10 and four professional titles. said Clarke, who missed the cut at tember 30-October 2. Jay Haas last year. SPORT WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 35

First Mercedes Golf Qatar Travel win bowling tourney event on Saturday The Peninsula

The Peninsula welcoming everyone each year to celebrate their love for the sport and DOHA: Turkish Airlines, Europe’s the brand,” he added. best awarded airline for fifth year in a The first Mercedes Trophy Golf row, hosted the 2016 Turkish Airlines DOHA: Nasser Bin Khaled Auto- Tournament is being held in part- Bowling Tournament, and provided mobiles, the exclusive dealers of nership with Blue Salon, Hilton the top three medallist winners a Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, is host- Hotel Doha and Total, and will give chance to qualify to this upcoming ing the first Mercedes Trophy Golf the winners trophies and valuable edition of the International Turkish Tournament on Saturday (April 16) prizes. Airlines Bowling Tournament, which at Doha Golf Club, with the partici- The tournament will witness the will include players from 35 differ- pation of Mercedes-Benz car owners competition of 88 players in three ent countries. in Qatar. main categories: Men’s category A, The Turkish Airlines Bowling Mercedes Trophy Golf Tourna- Men’s category B, and Women. Tournament was held at Qatar Bowl- ment is an extension of Nasser Bin Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles ing Club recently, Khaled Automobiles community has built its success by establishing Doha welcomed various development initiatives that aim to solid, long standing relationships travel agencies, consisting of 96 bring people together to celebrate with its customers, and through participants. the values and ethos of the brand. offering a wide range of quality The team of Qatar Travel com- Khaled Sha’aban, Nasser bin products and services. prising Mohammed Aıjaz, Mohammed Khaled Automobiles General Man- Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles Ifran and Syed won the tournament ager was confident of hosting a has built its reputation as brand and was crowned champion. successful event. committed to premium quality serv- The photo shows general action from the Turkish Airlines Bowling Tournament which was held at Qatar Darwish Travel comprising Adeel, “The first edition of the event ice and market leadership. Bowling Club in Doha recently. Awaıs and Hassan claimed second marks an important milestone in the The company promises to not spot followed by Mannai Travel’s trio company’s history, as we launch this only meet customer expectations, of Amaranath, Razeel and Sameera chance for us to connect with all our feedback from all our participants. Turkish Airlines has now been annual gathering that connects own- but to exceed them. who claimed third position. travel agencies and bring in a feeling We would like to congratulate the operating in Doha for nine years, con- ers, fans and motor enthusiasts for Established in 1957, Nasser Bin Mehmed Kursad Caymaz, Gen- of friendship while they are compet- winners and wish them the best of necting travelers from the city to 285 an enthralling day of golf.” Khaled Automobiles is Qatar’s exclu- eral Manager for Turkish Airlines ing with each other.” luck in the upcoming International destinations globally, across 113 coun- “We are confident this will sive distributor of three of the world’s Qatar said: “This annual bowling “We are delighted that this year’s Turkish Airlines bowling tourna- tries, the largest country network for become a key event in Qatar’s social most respected, iconic brands: May tournament is always the perfect tournament received an encouraging ment,” he added. an airline. calendar and we look forward to Bach, Mercedes-Benz and AMG.

Argentina Wright quits wants Everton’s Cate edges sister Bronte to after missing Funes Mori for Rio ticket Rio Olympics

clinch 100m freestyle title Reuters Reuters

SYDNEY: Double Olympic relay BUENOS AIRES: Argentina has champion Melanie Wright has asked English Premier League World champion retired from competitive swim- club Everton to make defender ming after failing to make the Ramiro Funes Mori available for Mitch Larkin claims Australian team for the Rio de the Rio Olympics, national team backstroke double as Janeiro Games later this year. coach Gerardo Martino said in a Wright, who competed under statement on Monday. Tranter wins 200m her maiden name of Schlanger The 2016/17 Premier League individual medley before marrying fellow Australian season is scheduled to start on Olympic swimmer Chris Wright August 13 and clubs are under no in 2014, won gold as a member of obligation to release players as the 4x200 freestyle team in Bei- the Olympics are not on the FIFA jing and the 4x100 freestyle squad AFP calendar. in London four years ago. The Olympic soccer tourna- The 29-year-old had been ment is contested by under-23 battling a rib injury before the Aus- teams with a maximum of three tralian championships in Adelaide over-age players. ADELAIDE: Former world champion and only had about three weeks of “We’re thinking of Ramiro Cate Campbell edged her sister and training to prepare for her final tilt Funes Mori for the Games,” Mar- reigning world champion Bronte to at the Olympics. tino told local radio station AM590 win an epic 100m freestyle final at She was 13th fastest in the 100 in an interview. the Australian Championships and freestyle semi-finals on Monday “We still have to see if Everton Olympic trials in Adelaide yesterday. and failed to advance to the final, agree to our request.” Cate Campbell, who won the which is later on Tuesday. The top Martino’s senior squad, in world crown in 2013, swam close to six qualify for the Olympic squad, which the 25-year-old Funes Mori her personal best time in 52.38 sec- with the top two taking the indi- is a first-choice central defender, onds to edge out her sister by just vidual places in the event. will play the Centennial Copa 0.20secs. “With that I wave goodbye to America in the United States in Both siblings will now head to the a competitive swimming career June. Rio Olympics to resume their friendly Australia’s Cate Campbell wins the Women’s 100m Freestyle semi-final at the Tollcross International that spanned more than 15 years,” “Let’s hope we can have him rivalry in the event. Swimming Centre in Glasgow, in this June 2014 file photo. Wright wrote on her Facebook for both competitions. We’ve Testament to the quality of the page yesterday. already spoken with (Everton race was that Cate Campbell’s time her shoulder. Daniel Tranter (1:58.72) won “Despite injury, I hang up my manager) Roberto Martinez and was 0.14secs under the time Bronte “I am just thrilled to be on that AUSSIE OLYMPIC TRIALS the 200m individual medley in the goggles without disappointment it’s a possibility,” the Argentinean took to win the gold medal at last plane. It seems like I’ve been on the absence of fastest qualifer Thomas or regret ... (and) I now look for- coach said. year’s Kazan world championships. road to Rio forever and I am now on Fraser-Holmes. Justin James was ward to my future out of the pool, Martino said he was also Both sisters showed the pun- the plane to Rio and I couldn’t be hap- second but both failed to qualify for which includes beginning Medical considering senior players Paulo ishing effects of the gruelling race pier,” Cate said. 53secs in 52.80, while the fourth Olympic team selection. School at Bond University in a few Dybala of Juventus, Atletico Madrid in the poolside interview as they Bronte said: “There’s never been swimmer Brittany Elmslie clocked Taylor McKeown won the short weeks.” pair Luciano Vietto and Matias winced and gasped in pain from their a tougher 100m freestyle final at this 53.54secs. women’s 200m breaststroke in a Apart from anchoring the Kranevitter, Inter Milan’s Mauro exertions. national championships and it took “It’s exciting. There are four qualifying time of 2:21.45 from Geor- relay squad to the only gold medal Icardi and Real Sociedad goal- Both are coming back from inju- me pretty well much my best time women who were swimming under gia Bohl (2:23.95). won by Australia in the pool in keeper Geronimo Rulliother for ries. Cate had shoulder surgery in late just to make the team ... that time 53secs and three of them are train- Cameron McEvoy qualified fastest 2012, Wright also won silver in Olympic duty. 2014 which left her underdone last won the world champs last year so ing in Australia,” Cate said. for the 50m freestyle final following the 4x200 freestyle relay and Olympic champions in 2004 year when she claimed bronze behind I’m pleased I put together a good race In yesterday’s other finals, world his slashing win in the 100m event 4x100 medley relay in London and 2008, Argentina did not Bronte in the event at Kazan. when it counted.” Australia is gearing champion Mitch Larkin claimed the on Monday. McEvoy topped the 50m and bronze in the 4x100 freestyle qualify for the London 2012 Bronte has been troubled by hip for a potential gold medal-winning backstroke double at the meet, win- semi-finals with 22.12secs, ahead of relay in Beijing. She also won world tournament, which was won by and shoulder problems this year and women’s relay team at Rio with third ning the 200m event in 1:53.90secs Matt Abood (22.24) and James Mag- championship gold medals in 2007 Mexico. needs a cortisone injection to settle placed Emma McKeon going under from Josh Beaver (1:56.19). nussen (22.34). and 2015. ‘Super Dan’ says badminton should expand global reach

AFP “Badminton is an attractive job of the Badminton World Federa- gold. It’s only by playing one’s best Association. sport that helps a lot of people, tion to promote the sport to a wider in every game that you will have the But Chen said there were other especially teenagers, both physi- international audience. best outcome,” he said. countries, such as Denmark and cally and mentally,” he said through Nicknamed ‘Super Dan’ in 2004, World number one Chen Long -- Germany, that had good players. SINGAPORE: Badminton can do a translator. by now-retired Danish star Peter who is also from China -- is another “You can’t say that just because more to become a global sport by “If you want more (people) to Gade, the Chinese shuttler remains hot favourite for Olympic gold this there are one or two competitors less allowing tournaments to be played accept and enjoy the sport, com- the only singles player to have summer. that it becomes easy,” he said at the outside the sport’s traditional petitions have to be played in scooped all nine major badminton But one contender who will not same news conference. Asian bastions, two-time Olympic different parts of the world rather titles on top of two Olympic golds. be at Rio is the Japanese player and Lin, ranked number three in the champion Lin Dan said (pictured) than always in India, Singapore, While the pressure may be on world number two Kento Momota, world, said he admired the Nippon yesterday. Malaysia or China,” he added. Lin to add a third gold at the Rio who was expelled from the national Badminton Association for taking Speaking at a news conference “Should competitions of a high Olympics in August, he said his Olympics team for gambling at an strong action. ahead of this week’s Singapore standard be organised in new ven- focus would simply be to perform illegal casino. “This is a matter for the Japanese Open, the Chinese superstar said ues, I am very willing to take part,” at his best. The 21-year-old has been association and their country, it is the sport should be more popular he added. “We won’t be thinking about banned from competition indef- not for us to comment on the mat- than it already is. The 32-year-old added it was the statistics or the chances of winning initely by the Nippon Badminton ter,” he said.“ 36 WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 Muaither lift Qatargas League trophy

amongst the clubs as they aimed to win the coveted title and be promoted Al Shahaniya finish to become first division clubs. the event in second In its third edition, the Qatargas place as Al Markhiya League this year has witnessed the participation of 18 clubs, 14 of which earn third position are reserve teams and 4 are second division teams. The league kicked off on September 20 2015. The Peninsula Commenting on the occasion, Ahmed Al Buainain, Member of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) Executive Committee said: “We con- gratulate Muaither on winning the DOHA: The Qatar Football Associ- title of Qatargas League this year ation (QFA) and Qatargas crowned along with Al Shahaniya and Al Muaither as Champions of the Qatar- Markhiya for securing second place gas League for sports season 2015/16. and third place respectively. Muaither collected a total of 44 This season has been significant points, and allowing the club to be for Muaither and Al Shahania as they promoted to the Qatar Stars League will be promoted to the Qatar Stars (QSL) next season. League (QSL) next season. Al Shahaniya claimed the second The Qatargas League illustrates place after collecting a total point of QFA’s objective to constantly have a 38. Al Markhiya secured third place direct impact on the development of after winning against Al Khorand first and second division clubs.” increasing their total points to 36 He added: “We are delighted to points. organise this league alongside Qatar- Al Shahaniya have also been pro- gas and look forward to working with moted to the QSL after accumulating them on future joint projects that pos- enough points in the Qatargas League. itively impact the development of A crowning ceremony was held in football.” Al Ahli Stadium following Muaither Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdullah and Al Sailiya’s match in which Sheikh Al Thani, Chief Operating Officer Khalid Bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chief Engineering & Venture said: We are Muaither’s players and officials pose with the Qatargas League trophy following the crowning ceremony held at Al Ahli Stadium on Monday. Operating Officer - Engineering & pleased that the Qatargas League Ventures at Qatargas and Ahmed has now grown remarkably and Picture: A Basit/The Peninsula Al Buainain, Member of the Qatar contributed towards promoting and Football Association (QFA) Executive enhancing the game over the past “I thank the Qatar Football QFA to support this exciting league to football is part of the company’ the name partner of the league. This Committee have crowned Muaither, Al two seasons, meeting our objectives Association for providing us the that brings together some of the most corporate social responsibility pro- agreement changed the name of the Shahaniya, and Al Markhiya as first, in taking Qatar’s football to new opportunity to be part of the State of aspiring young footballers in Qatar,” gramme in the field of sports. previously known “Q League” to second and third respectively. heights, especially as the country is Qatar’s efforts to be one of the world’s he added. Qatargas and QFA’s 3 year part- “Qatargas League”. The Qatargas The Qatargas League this sea- getting ready to host the World Cup leading sports destinations. Further- He noted that as the world’s pre- nership started in 2013 where a deal League witnesses the participation of son has witnessed strong battles in 2022.” more, we are delighted to partner with mier LNG Company, Qatargas’ support was signed for Qatargas to become 18 reserve and second division teams. Moutouali aware of Qatar SC threat Al Sailiya look to end campaign with a win The Peninsula QATAR STARS LEAGUE Al Wakrah’s The Peninsula midfielder DOHA: Al Wakrah’s midfielder Mouhcine Mouhcine Moutouali is expecting a Moutouali will be looking to readdress this in tough clash against relegation-threat- (left) is our game against Qatar SC,” he added. DOHA: Al Sailiya’s Head of Football ened Qatar SC in their last Qatar Stars expecting Moutouali said complacency Abdullah Darwish (pictured) has League (QSL) match of the season this a tough was not the reason behind the upset assured fans that his team was look- weekend. QSL game defeat. “We did not relax, but most of ing to end their Qatar Stars League In an interview with the QSL against our key players didn’t perform well as (QSL) campaign on a high. online, the tricky Moroccan player Qatar SC on they used to. This happens in football. Al Sailiya will take on rivals Al said his team will have to work hard Friday. The most important thing is to have Arabi in their last match of the sea- five games, the chief blamed lack to beat their opponents on Friday. learned our lesson and not to com- son on Saturday. of concentration but hoped for an “It will be very difficult game, mit the same mistakes again against “We are looking forward to gain- improved performance from his side Qatar SC will enter this match with Qatar. ing the three points. We are aware in the next season. no other alternative but to win to He said his team will have to give that it is a difficult game ahead, but “We have lacked concentration survive in the league , while we are the best against Qatar SC to avoid any we are capable of winning,” Darwish at key times in the last few games. seeking to compensate our recent loss late drama in the league. said in an interview. The team is working hard to get rid to Al Kharaitiyat,” said the seasoned “According to figures, Al Wakrah He was eager to note that he of these errors moving forward,” he Al Wakrah footballer. is still at risk. Qatar SC needs to score expects plenty at stake between the said. But, Moutouali felt that his team five goals against us, and for results two sides. Darwish concluded the inter- has good chances of overcoming their to go against us. For us, as a team we “Al Arabi and Al Sailiya games view with a few words on the current lower-ranked opponents. are only looking at a win.” are always lively games. Both sides squad. “Of course Al Wakrah should intend to cover from the previous expected that heavy loss, especially He said his team also has the Emir want to improve their position in “The management is happy win,” said the Moroccan when asked defeat. Also Qatar are nervous to after our well-deserved win over Cup in sights. the table ahead of the Emir Cup with the performance of the play- about to pick the favourite side for the win by many goals, this will play in Lekhwiya.” “First I wish to settle this relega- competition.” ers this season, the management match to be played at the Al Wakrah our favour.” “We lost a key midfielder in Rubin tion matter by defeating Qatar SC, Commenting on the recent is also pleased with the support Stadium. Speaking about the defeat to Al Amorim in the first half, and we also after which we will be focusing on QSL form in which Al Sailiya have offered from our chariman Abdul- “Although we lost last time. We Kharaitiyat, Moutouali said: “No one made bad mistakes at the back. We the Emir Cup competition.” only registered one win in the last lah Al Aidah.” QBA shuttlers dominate first Doha Secondary School Open

The Peninsula and Darsan of QBA lost to Ahmad Qas- from the well experienced duo 21-15. sim & Abdul Hakim Satham of Qatar Saadwi Shiral and Bhavya of Badminton Association with a 21-7, Qatar Badminton Academy reached 21-12 score-line. In the U-16 girls sin- the semi-final stages in the U-13 girls DOHA: Qatar Badminton Academy gles Aditi Anil of QBA defeated Sunidhi Singles category. students excelled in the first Doha Shenoy in a closely fought match. Saadwi showed a brilliant display Secondary School Badminton Open, Later in the U-16 girls doubles Aditi before losing to Sreeyuktha of UAE in clinching various titles in the event Anil paring with SunidhiShenoy beat a closely contested 3 games (19-21, which concluded recently. AmnahAbouelseoud& Neha Shetty 21-13, 21-19). Karthik Pramodkumar of Qatar of Qatar Badminton Association in Advaith Raghav of QBA reached Badminton Academy (QBA) won the Straight Games (21-10, 21-12) the semi-finals in the Under 13 Boys U-16 boys singles title after defeating In the match of the day, Aditi & singles category but could not play Anirudh Narayan also from QBA in Sunidhi defeated 3rd Seeded Abel because of his injury. straight games. Villaren & Leslie Anne in the wom- Earlier Shaffin Reyods of QBA, a Karthik took the first game later en’s double final. debutant, displayed a wonderful per- Participants pose with their trophies after the presentation ceremony of the first Doha Secondary School Anirudh injured his leg and conceded They took the first game (21-16), formance and impressed the crowd the match. but Abel and partner with their expe- before losing to Second Seeded Ahmed Badminton Open held in Doha recently. Earlier, Karthik Pramod beat Mohd rience came back in the Second set Qassim of Badminton Association, in Gayuh in the semi-final (21-13, 21-11) (15-21). a thrilling 3 setter. while Rohit Manoj of QBA lost to Ani- In the third and the deciding game Qatar Badminton Academy men- Sunil Thomas and Zachariya MP in a Saleh Abdullah the Owner and head Dr. Salah Salem Member of Minis- rudh in the semi-final. Aditi and Sunidhi with a scintillating tors Pramod Kumar & KO George won straight game.(21-14, 23-21) of the Doha independent Secondary try of Education in Qatar and other In the U-16 boys doubles, Chirag performance took the game and match the Veteran Doubles title by defeating Prizes were distributed by Dr. School for Boys, in the presence of dignitaries.