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Sunday 2 March 2014 1 Jumadal I 1435 - Volume 18 Number 5991 Price: QR2

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Syrian army helicopter shot down SEC to mark Restaurant Education Excellence Day DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh blast report Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will patronise the Supreme Education Council’s celebration to mark Education Excellence Day (EED) tomorrow. The Excellence Day Award in a week recognises outstanding achieve- ment in different categories Inspection campaign at eateries soon including outstanding high school graduates, university graduates, DOHA: An initial investigation PhD holders, schools, scientific report on the gas tank explosion Wife’s call research and teachers in Qatar. in Istanbul Restaurant near The awards cover six catego- the Landmark Mall in Gharafa ries — Distinguished Secondary on Thursday is expected to be saves cook Student, Distinguished University issued by the end of this week. DOHA: The worst affected in Graduate, Distinguished A few hours after the blast that the Istanbul Restaurant blast PhD Holder, Distinguished killed 11 people and injured 35, the was the neighbouring Tasty Teacher, Distinguished School, Ministry of Interior announced the Restaurant, which lost seven and Distinguished Secondary formation of a special committee to of its staff — three Indians and Research Paper. probe the incident. The committee four Nepalese. But its cook, an It illustrates the commitment of comprises experts from the minis- Indian hailing from the south- Qatar’s leadership to honour and try, Lekhwiya and Woqod, to which ern Indian state of Kerala, had encourage distinguished Qataris the exploded gas tank belonged. a narrow escape. and expresses the belief that the “The investigation is going in Two repeated missed calls A rebel fighter looks at the wreckage of a Syrian army helicopter that crashed after it was allegedly shot most precious treasures of Qatar full swing and the initial report is from his wife in Kerala took him down by anti-regime fighters near Meng Military Airport, in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, yesterday. are its human resource. QNA expected to be issued by the end outside the restaurant, and as it of this week,” reports Al Sharq. happened, from the death trap. With serious concerns being First he ignored the call but when raised about the safety of gas it was repeated, he decided to go tanks and cylinders used in eater- out to call back, exactly when the ies, especially those based in petrol gas tank exploded. station complexes, the authorities Ten of the Tasty Restaurant’s Divorce rate high among Qataris: Report are gearing up to launch a mas- staff were inside at the time of sive inspection campaign at eater- the incident and seven of them DOHA: The birth rate among 341 marriages were registered in resulting in death, and accidents The top destination of Qatar’s ies across the country to ensure were killed. Another three non-Qataris in the country far January. that caused major and minor exports, worth over QR12bn, was that they comply with the safety including the cook were outside, exceeds that of the country’s citi- The first issue of Qatar injuries numbered 36 and 341, Japan. South Korea was second standards and requirements. an official of the company that zens. Newborn Qataris accounted Monthly Statistics bulletin cov- respectively. with QR8.7bn of exports and India The campaign will be launched runs the eatery told this daily for 575 live births in Qatar in ers subjects such as population, Real estate transactions in was third with exports worth in the coming few days, with par- yesterday. “We are trying our January 2014, while foreigners marriages and divorces, road January totalled 546, with a value QR5.7bn. ticipation of the Civil Defence best to send all the bodies back accounted for 1,321, according accidents, movement of vessels of QR3.7bn. The total amount of The United States accounts for Department, Ministry of home as soon as possible, after to the first monthly figures from in ports, postal volumes, vehicle electricity generated was nearly the biggest quantum of Qatar’s Municipality and Urban Planning completing the official formali- the Ministry of Development and registration, traffic accidents, two million kilowatts, and water imports, worth QR739m. The UAE and other departments concerned. ties. Our staff will be accompa- Planning Statistics. real estate transactions, elec- production exceeded 31 million was second with QR534m worth The inspections will specially nying the bodies,” he said. However, when it comes to tricity and water production, and cubic metres in January. of imports and Saudi Arabia third focus on gas cylinders and there are THE PENINSULA divorce, the numbers are higher imports and exports. More than 8,000 vehicles were with imports worth QR415m. clear instructions not to compro- for Qataris. Of the 106 husbands Highlights from the bulletin registered in January, with more The number of passengers mise on any safety lapse, whether who got divorced in January 2014, show that the country’s popula- than 5,000 being private vehicles. at Doha International Airport it be major or minor, said the daily. highly unlikely for such gas tanks 66 were Qataris. The number of tion was a little over two million A total of 9,498 driving licences reached 2,944,514 passengers, Meanwhile, mystery still shrouds to explode, given the high safety Qatari wives who got divorced at the end of January, with males were issued during the month, with 1,115,784 arrivals, 1,087,193 over the cause of the accident, precautions. THE PENINSULA that month was 56, as against numbering about 1.5 million. 539 to Qataris and 8,959 to departures, and 741,537 in transit. with experts suggesting that it is Continued on page 7 50 non-Qatari wives. A total of There were 14 traffic accidents non-Qataris. THE PENINSULA

Turkey protest Ukraine seeks UN QCB warns banks on Council protection against Russia customers’ complaints UNITED NATIONS: Ukraine DOHA: The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has issued a strict direc- yesterday asked the United tive to all local banks and foreign banks operating in Qatar to States and other key members of make sure that their customer care centres/hotlines are promptly the UN Security Council to help responding to calls from customers. safeguard its territorial integrity QCB can impose fines up to QR10m on banks or financial institu- after Russia announced plans to tions operating in Qatar in the event of violating the concerned law send armed forces into the coun- and regulations set by the central bank. try’s autonomous Crimea region. The Central Bank’s directive comes in the wake of growing com- “We can stop the expansion plaints from customers that some of the banks are not responding to of this aggression,” Ukraine’s their calls made to customer care centres/hotline numbers. UN Ambassador Yuriy Sergeyev The QCB asked the banks to respond quickly to all the calls they told reporters after address- receive and make sure the customers’ complaints are addressed ing a closed-door UN Security promptly, Al Sharq reported. Council meeting on the crisis in The QCB noted that of late they have been receiving a large number his country. of complaints from multiple sources accusing the banks of either not He said that Russia’s mili- responding to their calls or failing to address their complaints properly, tary aggression had violated a especially those related to credit/debit cards. 1994 agreement on safeguard- THE PENINSULA ing Ukraine’s territorial integ- rity and called on the other four 28 die in ‘terror’ attack in China permanent UN Security Council A fleeing protester falls after he was hit by a police water cannon during a rally against Turkey’s Prime Minister members to use their diplomatic Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara yesterday. BEIJING: At least 28 people were killed by knife-wielding attack- powers to help his country. ers in a “violent terrorist attack” at a train station in the south- “Now what we are doing is we western Chinese city of Kunming yesterday, and police shot dead are addressing for other guaran- five of the assailants. Another 113 people were wounded, the Xinhua tors (of Ukraine’s sovereignty) news agency said, revising down an earlier higher figure. — the United States, the United “It was an organised, premeditated violent terrorist attack,” Xinhua Kingdom, France, and China — Mursi’s son arrested in drugs case said. Police shot dead five of the unidentified attackers and were searching to perform their guarantees,” for around five others, it said. Kunming resident Yang Haifei told Xinhua Sergeyev said. “Still there is a that he was buying a ticket when he saw a group of people, mostly wearing possibility for world leaders to CAIRO: The authorities in Qalyubia province north of Cairo. “This is a clear attempt to black, rush into the station and start attacking bystanders. speak with (Russian) President Egypt arrested a 19-year-old The two were arrested for ques- defame the family of president “I saw a person come straight at me with a long knife and I ran (Vladimir) Putin and prevent ... son of ousted Islamist presi- tioning, they added. Mohamed Mursi. This incident away with everyone,” he said, adding that the attackers caught those the further deterioration of the dent Mohamed Mursi yester- Mursi’s other son, Osama, dis- is part of a series of violations who were slower. “They just fell on the ground.” Graphic pictures situation,” he said. day, accusing him of possessing missed the allegation. He said committed by the state against on the Twitter-like microblogging service Sina Weibo showed bod- Ukraine put its armed forces hashish cigarettes, a charge Abdullah was stopped at a police us.” Mursi and his Muslim ies covered in blood lying on the ground. There was no immediate on full combat alert and warned denied by his brother. checkpoint while on his way home. Brotherhood have been target of a word on who was responsible. Russia that any military inter- Security officials said police “He has been arrested. They are relentless government crackdown The attack comes at a particularly sensitive time as China gears vention in the country would found two joints on Abdullah fabricating the case. My brother since the Islamist was ousted last up for the annual meeting of parliament, which opens in Beijing on lead to war. AGENCIES Mursi and a friend who were in doesn’t even smoke,” Osama, a July after just a year in office. Wednesday and is normally accompanied by a tightening of security See also page 10 a car parked by the roadside in lawyer, said. AFP across the country. AGENCIES SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME 16 workers benefit from Rota Arabic literacy drive Qatar University, Fanar and QP partner with Rota

DOHA: Sixteen low-skilled The RAAL initiative was a Relations and Communications migrant workers have benefited result of a survey carried out by of QP. from the first ever Arabic lit- ROTA, which suggested that 55 “The Rota Adult Arabic eracy programme by Reach Out percent of low-skilled workers Literacy Program was a fruit- To Asia (Rota). did not have any Arabic literacy ful way of supporting workers to Rota’s Adult Arabic Literacy skills, while 45 percent of workers enhance their ability to achieve (RAAL) Programme, which is appeared to have a fair degree of their personal goals and improve sponsored by Qatar Petroleum spoken Arabic with no reading or their opportunities in life. We (QP), gave 16 migrant work- writing skills. hope that by taking part in the ers from Nepal, India and the “Qatar Petroleum congratu- RAAL programme, the partici- Philippines the opportunity to lates all the workers who have pants were able to develop higher The trainees with officials during the conclusion of Rota’s Adult Arabic Literacy programme. develop their ability to effectively completed Rota’s Adult Arabic aspirations and an increased communicate at a basic level in Literacy Program and we encour- sense of well-being and empow- Arabic, and develop the students’ feature of the programme was one-day training programme Arabic in their daily activities. age them to continue learning erment,” said Essa Al Mannai, desire and commitment for con- that it offered opportunities for organised by Rota, and provided The pilot Arab literacy skills the language as it will undoubt- Executive Director of ROTA. tinuing learning Arabic. seven young people in Doha, from by Mohammed Al Haj Mahmoud course was conducted over a edly make a big difference in The RAAL Programme was The initiative’s objective is also US, Austria, Lebanon and Qatar, Taleb from Sheikh Abdulla bin period of six weeks, and for their day-to-day lives. We would created primarily to develop the to build strong bridges of cultural to take part in an experiential Zeid Al Mahmoud Islamic Centre. this Rota partnered with Qatar also like to express our gratitude Arabic literacy and language communication, and to promote service learning opportunity, The training covered practical University and Sheikh Abdullah to the volunteer tutors and eve- abilities of low-skilled migrant tolerance among peoples and developing their skills and knowl- information relating to teaching Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic ryone else who have contributed workers in Qatar coming from civilizations through a motivat- edge as RAAL Literacy Trainers Arabic, communication across Cultural Centre (Al Fanar) to to the success of the program,” diverse languages and cultural ing environment that makes vol- and Champions. language barriers, and global develop a model for teaching basic said Abdulrahman Abdulla Al backgrounds to attain the funda- unteers and students the centre Prior to becoming train- migration. adult Arabic literacy. Obaidly, Manager for Public mental skills of modern standard of the educational process. A key ers, the volunteers attended a THE PENINSULA

Course on Ooredoo, Nokia Solutions Network Human Rights sign MoU for ITU world conference in Arab Region concludes DOHA: Ooredoo and Nokia agreement, NSN will be a partici- will see them bring the latest and Solutions Networks (NSN) yester- pant in the conference, which is best mobile broadband technology DOHA: A five-day course day signed a memorandum of under- set to take place from December 7. to the conference and exhibition.” on human rights in the standing that will see the NSN’s The event, which brings together “Important events such as the Arab region organised participation at the upcoming 2014 influential global leaders in ICT ITU Telecom World Conference by the National Human International Telecommunications from the public and private sec- are a key opportunity, as they Rights Committee Union Telecom World Conference tors, is set to be one of the larg- allow us all to not only showcase (NHRC) in cooperation in Doha. est events held in the region this the world’s most efficient mobile with the Human Rights The agreement was signed by decade, with an estimated 90,000 networks, but also to take part Information and Training Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al Thani, visitors expected to attend. in a dialogue about the future Centre (HRITC) con- CEO, Ooredoo Qatar, and Ashish Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al of communications. We’re posi- cluded here yesterday. Chowdhary, EVP and President of Thani said: “We welcome NSN as tive that Ooredoo will organise Thirty human rights Asia and Middle East markets of participant for the 2014 ITU con- an open discussion in Qatar, and activists from a number of NSN, at a ceremony held at the vention in Doha. We have worked believe it will be an essential event Arab countries attended GSMA Mobile World Congress in with them as a vendor for many for our industry,” said Chowdhary. the training course which Barcelona. Under the terms of the years, and this new agreement THE PENINSULA focused on principles and issues of human rights, Paris Principles for estab- lishing national human rights institutions, the International Bill of Human Rights, and civil and political and economic, social and cultural rights. Director of Programmes and Education Department at NHRC Sheikha Jawhara Mohammed Al Thani said that the participants were trained on regional protec- tion mechanisms, regional human rights instruments and the convention against torture, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al Thani, CEO, Ooredoo Qatar, and Ashish Chowdhary, International Criminal EVP and President of Asia and Middle East markets of NSN, at a ceremony during Court mechanisms, its role the GSMA Mobile World Congress. in strengthening the sys- tem of human rights, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).” Two sessions on the challenges facing the par- ticipants who are field human right activists and priorities for the next phase were also held, she added. Qatar takes part in FAO conference

DOHA: Qatar partici- pated in the 32nd ses- sion of the Regional Conference for the Near East of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome. Qatar’s delegation to the meeting was led by Minister of Environment H E Ahmed bin Amer Al Humaidi. On the sidelines of the confer- ence, the Minister met the FAO Director-General Jose Graziano da Silva. FAO Regional Conference is an official forum where ministers of agriculture and top officials of member states from the same geo- graphic region meet to elab- orate, beyond the borders of the individual countries, on challenges and priority matters related to food and agriculture. QNA

SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Qatar Airways launches more flights to UAE Daily flights to Sharjah, DWC

DOHA: Qatar Airways yes- two flights per day to DWC. terday launched daily flights Qatar Airways Chief Executive from Doha to two new desti- Officer, Akbar Al Baker said, “As nations in the UAE-Sharjah one of our closest neighbours in and Dubai World Central the Gulf, it is of key importance Al Maktoum International to offer excellent and frequent air Airport (DWC). travel connections to the UAE, The new routes add to the and the location of both airports existing Qatar Airways network relative to our network will afford of flights to Dubai (DXB) and Abu travelers an even wider variety Dhabi, doubling the total number of options when they are looking of destinations within the United to reach their final destinations”, Arab Emirates (UAE) from two he added. to four. Sheikh Khalid bin Essam Qatar Airways flight receiving a water salute on arrival at Sharjah International Airport. The new UAE routes will both Al Qassimi, Chairman of be operated by Airbus A320 Department of Civil Aviation- in Europe, Asia and America. establishment of the world’s first From Sharjah to Doha: DWC at 08:10, QR1034 depar- aircraft and customers from Sharjah, said: “We would like In addition, it will enhance the aerotropolis. QR1023 departure Sharjah ture Doha at 20:30 Arrival DWC around the world will benefit to thank Qatar Airways for trade and transportation services Schedule, From Doha to at 05.15 arrival Doha at 05.15, at 22:40. from the increased accessibil- their choice to use Sharjah between Sharjah and Doha.” Sharjah: QR1022 departure Doha QR1037 departure Sharjah From DWC to Doha ity to the region as well as con- International Airport as a new Dubai World Central (DWC), at 02.00 srrival Sharjah at 03.59, at 11:15 arrival Doha at 11:15, QR1029 departure DWC at venient connection times across destination within its interna- located in the Jebel Ali area QR1036 departure Doha at 08:15 QR1039 departure Sharjah at 09:10 arrival Doha at 09:15, the airline’s expanding global tional network. This will add of Dubai southwest of the city, arrival Sharjah at 10:15, QR1038 23:35 arrival Doha at 23:35. QR1035 departure DWC at 23:40 network. There will be three value to the travelers using the is a strategic initiative of the departure Doha at 20:35 arrival From Doha to DWC: QR1028 arrival Doha at 23:45. flights daily to Sharjah, with airport to reach their destinations Government of Dubai for the Sharjah at 22:35. departure Doha at 06:00 arrival THE PENINSULA

QA Cargo to begin services to Hyderabad, London Stansted DOHA: Qatar Airways Cargo Airways Cargo will begin five Ogiermann. “And on top of this, will soon begin dedicated weekly Boeing 777 freighter flights we will take delivery of three new freighter services to two new to London Stansted. Renowned for freighter aircraft in the course of destinations, Hyderabad (India) its operational capacity and infra- 2014: two B777F and one A330-F.” and London Stansted (UK), and structure quality, Stansted is one Qatar Airways Cargo recently resume services to Zaragoza of the largest freight hubs in the strengthened its product portfolio (Spain). UK and home to an international with the launch of two new pre- Twice weekly services to cargo operation that transports mium services that optimise the Hyderabad will begin on April 1, more than 200,000 tonnes of goods transportation of time and tem- using the A330 freighter. Main annually to destinations worldwide. perature-sensitive goods, includ- exports from Hyderabad will Qatar Airways Cargo is also ing high-value pharmaceutical include IT products and pharma- resuming services to Zaragoza. products and perishables. The ceuticals. Qatar Airways already The scheduled twice-weekly new services, QR Pharma and QR operates a daily passenger flight Airbus A330 freighter service will Fresh, add to the company’s sub- between Doha and Hyderabad. commence on March 1. Textiles, stantial range of cargo services And effective May 2, Qatar agricultural products, footwear, and further enhance its capacity automobile and and flexibility to effectively move pharmaceuticals sensitive commodities in line with are the major the highest world-class standards. commodities On 1 December 2013, the first expected to ship Qatar Airways Cargo shipment from Zaragoza. was received at the new cargo “The addi- facility at Hamad International tion of these new Airport. The enormous, state-of- freighter routes the-art facility, spanning more Children participate in a sports programme at Aspetar. clearly represent than 77,000 square metres, con- yet another mile- tains a perishables storage area, stone in Qatar amongst other key facilities, such Aspetar’s ‘Haraka wa Seha’ to make Airways’ growth as a live animal centre and dan- strategy,” said gerous goods area. The new self- Qatar Airways contained terminal will handle 1.4 Chief Officer million tonnes of cargo per annum. children below 12 years healthy Cargo Ulrich THE PENINSULA DOHA: Aspetar has launched a health and fitness programme called ‘Haraka wa Seha’ targeting chil- dren in Qatar aged 12 years and under. This new initiative is part of Aspetar’s Healthy Lifestyle Department, which, through a range of activities, regu- larly encourages residents to be active and adopt healthy lifestyles. ‘Haraka wa Seha’ is an interactive programme consisting of several stages, each phase lasting four weeks. Activities will be held weekly, every Monday and Wednesday, and each session will see children playing a variety of sports, including football, handball, volleyball and basketball. Additionally, the partici- pants will receive information about the importance of health and fitness and topics related to physical education. Dr Khalifa Al Kuwari, Director General of Aspetar, said: “We try to make every goal achievable at Aspetar. ‘Haraka wa Seha’ demonstrates our commitment to utilizing all of our scientific and practical knowledge to build a healthy society, physically and psychologi- cally, and to promote sports and physical activity among children according to Qatar National Vision 2030.” The first stage kicked off on Monday, February 24, and will continue until Wednesday, March 19. The initial phase will see 15 children train on pitches adjacent to Khalifa International Stadium, as well as Aspire Dome. The children, all aged between 10 and 12 years old, were specifically chosen from several schools across Qatar, after obtaining the permission of their parents and the schools. “As part of the programme, we will be send- ing out information about the importance of fit- ness and how to avoid common health problems in Qatar,” said Dr Mohammad Ghaith Al Kuwari, Director of the Healthy Lifestyle Programme at Aspetar. ‘Haraka we Seha’ is based on the latest scientific dis- coveries and best practices, and has been modified to suit the targeted age category and the local culture. It is also linked to sports skills. A qualified scientific and medical crew will supervise the programme, in addition to the physical education teachers in different schools who will be provided with all the necessary support and information by the Healthy Lifestyle Programme. THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

Capital Security holds family fun day 23 entrepreneurs ictQatar ties wrap up TIEP first module

DOHA: Twenty-three entre- preneurs in Qatar will soon hit the halfway milestone in Qatar up with MoI Science and Technology Park’s (QSTP) Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme (TIEP). The programme helps technol- ogy entrepreneurs understand for Qitcom commercial strategies and break into the region’s rapidly emerging start-up scene. Ministry of Interior honorary sponsor TIEP participants have wrapped up the first module DOHA: The Ministry of in addition to an exhibition and of the programme, focusing on Interior (MoI) has become the regional awards program show- Technology Analysis, and are honorary sponsor of the Qatar casing the growth and aspirations pushing ahead with the second ICT Conference and Exhibition of Qatar’s ICT sector and how of four. The Technology Analysis (Qitcom 2014), organised by the these technological developments module saw two fast-paced, high Ministry of Information and can play a key role in Qatar. energy workshops from both local Communications Technology Qitcom features activities such and international leaders in the (ictQatar) at the Qatar National as the Innovation Theatre, Tech field. The current module, Market Convention Centre from May 26 Zone and Case Competitions. Analysis, started in January and to 28 May, in cooperation with MoI’s Information Systems teaches the fundamentals of fischerAppelt qatar. Department will represent the The Community Policing Section of Capital Security Department organised a family fun day at Dahl Al Hamma mapping market structure and “The Ministry of Interior’s Ministry and will display the latest park on Friday to enhance bond between police and the public. A security exhibition was held as part of the dynamics and understanding pre- sponsorship comes within the electronic systems and devices which fun day. cisely how an idea or innovative framework of cooperation and the department uses to facilitate technology project can be posi- coordination with ictQatar to high- easy and convenient public inter- tioned in the market. Participants light the role of the MoI in enhanc- action with the Ministry through have been in the field speak- ing the services it offers to the both a wide range of e-services recently ing with potential customers to Qatari nationals and residents launched, including Metrash 2. Halal Hal Qatar fest from March 22 determine how well their ideas and turning these services from MoI participated in the pre- and models satisfy unmet mar- paper-based to electronic, which vious editions of Qitcom with ket needs. has achieved great success,” said a pavilion that displayed the DOHA: Katara is organising reminding them of the impor- The monthly film screenings Projects anchor TIEP course- Rinal Chaaban, Qitcom project Ministry’s latest equipment for the third consecutive year tance of history. will be held on March 12 featur- work, giving students the oppor- lead, fischerAppelt qatar, com- and some of the systems it the Halal Hal Qatar Festival as For the first time in Qatar, ing films by directors from the tunity to hone their skills on menting on MoI’s sponsorship of launched such as Metrash 2, one of the highlights of the rich Japanese dance troupe Enra will Gulf and the Arab world as well advanced stage, real world tech- this year’s edition of the exhibition. the Geographical Directory, the line-up of events this month. wow Doha audiences with their as internationally. In addition a nologies being evaluated for their She added: “Qitcom 2014 seeks Electronic Certification System To take place from March 22 to performances which combine storytelling program and crea- commercial viability. This year’s to attract the best institutions, at the General Directorate of Civil 31, the festival is aimed at reviv- dance, performance art, music, tive activities for children aged projects include: a spray vac- companies, and exhibitors locally, Defense, Self-Service Machines, ing the animal trade as an inte- technology and light. They will four to seven years will be held cine for a disease afflicting the regionally and internationally by as well as other advanced services gral part of Qatari culture and stage shows from March 13 to 15 on March 16. global poultry industry, mini- offering them the chance to exhibit for Qatari nationals and residents heritage. It will include auctions in Katara. Singers Hussain Al Jasmi and mally-invasive robotic surgery their products and sponsor this such as the smart ID card. of goats and sheep, competitions, There will also be a number of Fahad Al Kubaisi will feature in programs, nanoparticle-based exceptional event which focuses on Last year, the Information handicraft, traditional cuisine, art exhibitions including photog- a concert on March 21. diagnostic tests for serious infec- promoting the visitor experience Systems Department introduced popular games, old songs and raphy exhibition “Behind the Veil” “Katara is continuously updat- tions, and voltage balancing con- as well as discussing and introduc- Metrash 2, a simple and time- children’s games. from March 9 to 12. The expo is ing and increasing its programs to verters for solar energy systems. ing cutting-edge ICT innovations efficient service allowing members The 10-day festival will bring to a visual study of the women of attract the more visitors. Some of Each project has been awarded from around the world.” of the public to execute services life a rare insight into the sheep Arabia, a seminal photographic these programs are being held for a National Priorities Research Qitcom is Qatar’s largest ICT through their mobile phones, such and goat industry allowing the oeuvre by the “grande dame” of the first time. Programme Cycle 4 Grant by event and is a platform for all as issuing Exit Permits for personal public to interact with shepherds photography, Eve Arnold, who “It is part of Katara’s strat- the Qatar National Research aspects of ICT development and sponsorships, issuing Exit Permits and journey into this essential was the first woman to join the egy to introduce our history and Fund, linking TIEP to Qatar’s innovation in Qatar, the region for company-sponsored personnel, aspect of Qatari tradition. This Magnum Photos agency. identity through these cultural wider entrepreneurial ecosystem and internationally. It will fea- viewing traffic violations and paying event also gives the opportu- “In Search of History in the festivals,” said Katara General and ensuring coursework is val- ture a conference with keynote fines, viewing data of official docu- nity to promote cultural herit- Present” by Aisha Al Suwaidi and Manager Dr Khaild bin Ibrahim uable and applicable beyond the speeches and panel discussions ments registered for individuals etc. age whilst sharing legacy with another expo by Mohamed Abou Al Sulaiti. classroom. from international ICT experts, QNA the younger Qatari generation, El Naga will open on March 11. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST

Court delays Egypt gets new decision on new judges cabinet with in Mursi case

CAIRO: An Egyptian 31 ministers appeals court has postponed until tomorrow a request by lawyers to appoint new judges in trials involving Sisi remains defence minister ousted Islamist president Mohammed Mursi, judicial CAIRO: Egypt’s army chief, this week Sisi is expected to stay sources said. who has made no secret of his on as defence minister until an The court met yesterday intention to stand for president electoral law has been passed. and decided to examine the despite not yet announcing his The new government led by request two days later so that candidacy, remains defence Mahlab, a former member of Mursi and his co-defendants minister in a new cabinet sworn Mubarak’s National Democratic could be present, they said. in yesterday. Party, faces a host of challenges As it was, Mursi was attend- Field Marshal Abdel Fattah including huge security problems ing a hearing in another trial, Al Sisi retains the defence port- and economic woes. in which he and others are folio in the new line-up led by The forthcoming presidential accused of inciting the killings Ibrahim Mahlab, a former mem- election is seen as a major step in of opposition protesters when ber of ousted strongman Hosni a roadmap outlined by the interim he was in office. Mubarak’s ruling party. military-installed authorities Mursi and others are also The cabinet, which is tasked after Mursi’s ouster. on trial for breaking out of with organising the presidential Mursi, Egypt’s first democrati- Egypt’s Interim President Adly Mansour (centre) presiding over a meeting of the newly-appointed cabinet at the jail during the 2011 upris- election, is expected to work in cally elected and civilian presi- presidential palace in Cairo yesterday. ing against former president Sisi’s favour, after the previous dent, was removed after mass Hosni Mubarak and for con- government faced mounting criti- protests against his year-long rule become increasingly unpopular militants have killed several foreign more than 1,400 people, mostly spiring with foreign powers cism for failing to tackle a floun- which was marred by allegations despite announcing two economic tourists and many security person- Mursi supporters, have been killed and movements to destabilise dering economy and worsening of power grabbing and making stimulus packages aimed at kick- nel in attacks that have severely in street clashes since last July. Egypt. Defence lawyers had industrial unrest. an already dilapidated economy starting the economy with funds dented the economically vital tour- Mursi himself and several senior requested that the presiding A majority of the 31-member even worse. provided by friendly Gulf Arab ism sector. Muslim Brotherhood leaders have judges in those two cases with- cabinet also served in the previ- Analysts say the formation of a states. Scores of policemen, including been put on trial in the crackdown. draw, after private conversa- ous administration led by Hazem new government by Mahlab, who Many Egyptians, weary of the some senior officers, have been Yesterday, Mursi and other co- tions between the defendants Al Beblawi. was also a member of the Upper three years of turmoil since the killed inside and outside the res- defendants were in court accused and their lawyers were alleg- Sisi, who has emerged as Egypt’s House of parliament in 2010 2011 toppling of Mubarak, view Sisi tive Sinai Peninsula where troops of inciting the killings of opposition edly taped and a newspaper most popular political figure since during Mubarak’s presidency, is as a strong hand who can restore are battling growing militancy. protesters while he was in office. leaked one between Mursi and leading the ouster of Islamist likely to work in Sisi’s favour as stability. Interior Minister Mohamed The judges postponed the trial until lawyer Selim Al Awa. president Mohammed Mursi last he would like to stand for presi- Mahlab, a former construction Ibrahim, who heads the police, today. Defence lawyers also com- July, has not officially announced dent with a government that has boss who headed the state-owned also retained his post in the new Mursi and others are also on plained about a sound-proof his presidential candidacy. a good record. Arab Contractors Company, one of government. trial for breaking out of jail dur- glass cage in which the accused But his aides say he has already Since July, Egypt has been bat- the Middle East’s leading construc- Egypt has been further polar- ing the 2011 uprising against are held during court hearings, decided to stand in the election tling deadly street violence and tion conglomerates, and was also ised following a brutal government Mubarak, and for conspiring with designed to prevent Mursi and scheduled for the spring. In order militant attacks that have scared housing minister in Beblawi’s gov- crackdown targetting Mursi and foreign powers and movements to other defendants from repeat- to do so, Sisi must first step down off foreign investors and tour- ernment, has vowed to fight “ter- his Islamist Muslim Brotherhood destabilise Egypt. Morsi also faces ing outbursts that interrupt as defence minister and army ists alike. Beblawi’s government, rorism” and revive tourism. movement. a fourth trial for allegedly insulting the proceedings. chief. One of his aides told AFP installed after Mursi’s ouster, had Since Mursi’s overthrow, Islamist Amnesty International says the judiciary. AFP AFP Saudi hits Rowhani says nuclear arms against Iran’s principles out at Russia TEHRAN: Iran’s president said scare off the other side is not good biological weapons. In doing so prevent it from making a bomb. generating electricity and produc- criticism over yesterday the Islamic Republic deterrence, although a necessity in he was reiterating a policy set by Iran is a signatory to the NPT and ing radioisotopes to treat cancer has decided not to develop its proper place,” the official IRNA Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah says it will remain committed to patients. nuclear weapons out of princi- news agency quoted him as saying. Ali Khamenei, who issued a reli- its obligations not to build nuclear Rowhani said his government’s arms supply ple, not only because it is pre- “A misfire could burst into flames gious decree banning the produc- weapons under the treaty but policy of moderation and easing vented from doing so by treaties. and wreak havoc to everything.” tion and use of nuclear weapons. will not compromise on its right tensions with the outside world RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has President Hassan Rowhani also While Iranian nuclear nego- He has said holding such arms is to enrich uranium and produce is “not a tactic” but a genuine hit back at Russian criticism urged Iran’s military leaders to tiators were haggling with world a sin as well as “useless, harmful nuclear fuel. change in the Islamic Republic’s of its reported plans to sup- let diplomacy prevail in dealing powers in Vienna last month, and dangerous”. “We signed these treaties to foreign policy. ply shoulder-launched mis- with potential foreign threats, in many generals were beating war “We are not after weapons of show the world we are not after “The foreign policy of the siles to Syrian rebels, saying a clear reference to efforts to end drums at home and flexing their mass destruction. That’s our red such weapons,” Rowhani told mili- Islamic Republic of Iran is based it was Moscow’s support for the nuclear dispute and decades military muscles. “Our forefathers line,” Rowhani said. “If Iran was tary commanders. “Even if there on easing tensions and building Damascus that was prolonging of hostile relations with the west. primed us for the final epic bat- after weapons of mass destruction, were no NPT or other treaties, confidence with the world. This the conflict. “It is very important to formu- tle,” said the chief commander it would build chemical weapons. our belief, our faith, our religion is not a tactic or slogan. Iran is A spokesman told the official late one’s sentences and speeches of the Revolutionary Guards, Those are easier to make. It would and principles tell us not to seek not seeking tensions with others SPA news agency late on Friday in a way that is not construed as Mohammad-Ali Jafari. build biological arms, which are weapons of mass destruction.” … but we don’t compromise on our that the foreign ministry had been threat, intention to strike a blow,” Such belligerence was absent even easier than making chemical The US and its allies fear that dignity, independence, national “astonished by Russian criticism Rowhani said in a meeting with from Rowhani’s speech yester- weapons.” Iran seeks to develop the ability to interests and values,” he said. of Saudi Arabia for its support of Iran’s top military echelon. day. The president said that if He said Iran’s “beliefs” and com- make a nuclear weapon, should it Rowhani says his countrymen the Syrian people”. “We must be very careful in our Iran wanted weapons of mass mitment to “ethical principles”, want one. Iran denies the charge, elected him president in June to He said it was persistent calculations. Launching missiles destruction, it would be eas- not merely the United Nations’ saying its nuclear programme change Iran’s foreign policy. Russian backing for Syrian and staging military exercises to ier for it to make chemical or nuclear non-proliferation treaty, is peaceful and geared towards THE GUARDIAN President Bashar Al Assad, and its repeated use of its veto at the UN Security Council, that was blocking a peaceful solution. “This support is the principal reason for the barbarity of the Number of deaths down in Syrian regime and for the con- flict dragging on for three years without hope of a settlement or of an end anytime soon to one of the Iraq; violence remains high most serious humanitarian crises of our time.” BAGHDAD: The death toll violence in the mostly-Sunni prov- camp just outside Ramadi. On Tuesday, Russia warned from violence in Iraq fell in ince of Anbar where government Anti-government fighters sub- Saudi Arabia against supplying February from the previous forces have clashed with militants sequently seized Fallujah and Syrian rebels with shoulder- month, but was still one of the who still hold one city. parts of Ramadi. launched missile launchers, say- worst in years, figures released “The political, social and reli- It is the first time anti-govern- ing such a move would endanger yesterday showed. gious leaders of Iraq have an ment forces have exercised such security across the Middle East Iraq is suffering a year-long urgent responsibility to come open control in major cities since and beyond. surge in violence to levels not seen together in the face of the ter- the peak of the deadly violence The Russian foreign ministry since 2008, when it was emerg- rorist threat,” UN envoy Nickolay that followed the US-led invasion said it was “deeply concerned” by ing from a brutal period of sec- Mladenov said in a statement of 2003. news reports that Saudi Arabia tarian killings in which tens of yesterday. More than 370,000 people may was planning to buy Pakistani- thousands died. Much of the violence was have been displaced by violence in made surface-to-air and anti- The spike has been driven by concentrated in six central and Anbar, according to the UN, which tank systems for Syrian rebels widespread discontent among northern provinces that have quoted the provincial health com- based in Jordan. Iraq’s minority Sunni Arab com- either religiously mixed or Sunni- mittee as saying 298 civilians were “If this sensitive weapon falls munity, which complains of being majority populations — Baghdad, killed in February. into the hands of extremists marginalised and unfairly tar- Anbar, Salaheddin, Diyala, Kirkuk Iraq made various efforts and terrorists who have flooded geted with heavy-handed security and Nineveh. last month to move towards a Syria, there is a great prob- measures, and by the civil war in Efforts by authorities to curb resolution. ability that in the end it will be neighbouring Syria. the rampant bloodshed, which Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki used far from the borders of this February attacks and clashes have largely been comprised of visited Ramadi and promised Middle Eastern country,” the killed at least 744 people, accord- military operations and conces- training for tribesmen who fight ministry said. ing to AFP figures based on sions that fall short of Sunni on Baghdad’s side and funding Long-existing tensions between security and medical sources demands, have failed to bring the for the province. The govern- Russia and Saudi Arabia have — an average of more than 26 violence under control. ment later announced a 72-hour intensified further as a result per day. The government faces a two- ceasefire in Fallujah, raising the of the Syria conflict, with The toll was down from 991 month crisis in Anbar, west of possibility of an effort to negotiate Moscow standing by Assad but in January, but more than three Baghdad, where it has lost all an end to the crisis. Riyadh offering open support for times that of February 2013. of the city of Fallujah as well as But if that was the aim, it has the rebels. Meanwhile, government figures shifting parts of provincial capi- yet to succeed. Russia and Iran are Assad’s last put the toll at 790 civilians and tal Ramadi to anti-government And Iraqis are still suffer- major allies in a conflict that has security personnel killed, while fighters. ing through daily bombings and left an estimated 140,000 people the United Nations said 703 peo- The crisis erupted in late shootings that have killed more dead since it began as a peaceful ple died in violence. Both figures December when security forces than 1,700 people so far this year, uprising in March 2011. Mourners grieve for their relatives killed in a bomb attack, during a funeral declined from the previous month. dismantled Iraq’s main Sunni according to AFP figures. AFP in Najaf, 160km south of Baghdad. However, the UN excluded Arab anti-government protest AFP SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07

Mentally ill Gaza Turkey to shut woman killed by Israeli fire

GAZA CITY: A mentally ill schools run by Gazan woman was shot dead by Israeli troops near the border early yesterday, the Palestinian territory’s Hamas-run Health Ministry said. Erdogan rival The Israeli military confirmed soldiers had opened fire after sev- eral people approached the bor- Plan to clip US-based cleric’s wings der security fence, hitting one of them. “The body of Amena ISTANBUL: Turkey’s parlia- his son Bilal discussing moving Atiyyeh Qdeih, 57, was found near ment has voted to close private large sums of money and accept- the border in the Khazaa area” preparatory schools, many of ing bribes were leaked on the close to the southern city of Khan which are a source of income and Internet. Yunis, a Health Ministry spokes- influence for an Islamic cleric Erdogan has said the audio man said. “She had been hit by accused by Prime Minister was manipulated, and yesterday several bullets,” the spokesman Recep Tayyip Erdogan of cov- suggested Gulen was behind the said, adding that her body could ertly seeking to topple him. “conspiracy”. not immediately be retrieved Lawmakers late on Friday set “Listening to my phone is for- because of continuing Israeli fire. a deadline of September 1, 2015, bidden. They listened to me, the AFP to shut the schools, news chan- president, my family,” Erdogan nels reported. Millions of stu- said at the rally. dents prepare at the centres for “Now they’ve been caught. We Worse tragedy entrance examinations to win are going into their lairs. It will limited spots at state high schools take time but we will begin a Emergency personnel clear debris while searching for survivors in the Bustan Al Qasr district of the northern averted: Envoy and universities. new era with the votes we win Syrian city of Aleppo yesterday. Radical jihadists began withdrawing from parts of northern Syria after a threat Erdogan has accused cleric on March 30.” from rivals, in a bid to protect their stronghold in the east of the war-ravaged country. Continued from page 1 Fethullah Gulen, whose follow- Education is central to the The Turkish Ambassador to ers wield influence in the police mission of US-based Gulen’s Qatar, Ahmet Demirok, told this and judiciary, of concocting a Hizmet, or Service, movement. daily yesterday that the trag- graft scandal to compromise his Its respected prep schools help US pointman on Syria quits edy would have been much more government. The scandal broke spread influence across a nation- severe if the Istanbul Restaurant with police raids on December wide network, and shutting them WASHINGTON: Robert Ford, Psaki said. “From the outbreak of In late September 2011, Ford had been open at the time of the 17, but ties between the ex- will deprive Hizmet of a chief the US ambassador to Syria the crisis, Ambassador Ford has was blocked inside a building for explosion. “We are concerned allies have been tense in recent source of financing. who has been Washington’s worked tirelessly in support of the a few hours during a meeting with about the safety of all people years. Followers of Gulen, who main pointman in efforts to end Syrian people in their pursuit of opposition member Hassan Abdel in Qatar, not only our citizens. “Pull your kids out, if they go preaches respect for science, the war working with opposi- freedom and dignity.” Azim when nearly 100 angry pro- Accidents could happen. We hope to these schools. State schools are democracy and dialogue with tion leaders battling President A fluent Arabic speaker, Ford regime protesters tried to storm the Qatari authorities would take enough,” Erdogan told a campaign other faiths, have forged a pow- Bashar Al Assad, stepped down became Washington’s first ambas- the offices. stricter measures to prevent a rally before a March 30 election erful socio-religious community on Friday. sador to Damascus in five years Washington decided to close repetition of such incidents.” in the western town of Denizli network. “Robert Ford is retiring from when he was named in late 2010. the embassy in 2012 as the upris- He said he had learnt from the yesterday. Gulen, who lives in self-imposed the foreign service today after But just a few months into his ing descended swiftly into a owners of the restaurant that “They have sucked like leeches. exile in Pennsylvania, says he has nearly 30 years of distinguished post, Ford was abruptly pulled out bloody civil war. the explosion occurred about 30 Leeches are more virtuous: no plans to form a political party service,” State Department of the country in October 2011 Since then, Ford has shuttled minutes after the gas tank was leeches suck dirty blood, while and denies any involvement in the spokeswoman Jen Psaki told amid fears for his safety when he between the United States and refilled. they suck clean blood and hold graft investigation. reporters. became a vocal critic of the Assad Turkey, spending hours huddled “I was told that Woqod had sessions cursing me, my wife, my Erdogan, a devout Muslim She admitted that the depar- regime and its crackdown on the with opposition leaders based taken all measures to ensure the children, my administration.” whose AK Party traces its roots to ture of Ford, who over the past pro-democracy uprising that out of Istanbul as he sought to safety of the gas tank. Whenever The government moved to political Islam, remains Turkey’s three years has built up extensive erupted in March that year. He help them form a more cohesive the gas goes below the required shut down the cram centres in most popular politician. contacts with the opposition lead- never returned full-time to Syria. and inclusive body. Ford has also level, Woqod will get an auto- November, worsening the public In parliament, he faces a weak ers and was instrumental in help- Ford was increasingly criticised spoken passionately and angrily matic message and their author- row with Gulen’s followers. opposition and, supporters argue, ing to bring them to the Geneva by the regime, which accused him about the mounting atrocities ised staff will come and refill the The local election next month at the polling stations his success peace talks, would be a loss. of helping incite violence and was in the war, which will enter its tank,” said the ambassador. is seen as a critical test of sup- in driving the economy could “His extraordinary leadership angered when he visited protest fourth year next month and in He added that he was also wait- port for Erdogan after 11 years in eclipse any damage from corrup- has guided our response to one hubs outside the capital in a show which more than 136,000 peo- ing for the probe committee’s power. Last week, audio record- tion accusations. of the most formidable foreign of solidarity with pro-democracy ple have been killed and millions report. ings purportedly of Erdogan and REUTERS policy challenges in the region,” demonstrators. displaced. AFP THE PENINSULA UN seeks more aid for refugees at Palestine development meet

JAKARTA: Representatives describing appalling conditions in Other aid organisations have of 22 nations pledged their sup- the Syrian camp Yarmouk. struggled to reach Yarmouk on port for Palestinian develop- “I have observed many conflicts the outskirts of Damascus, which ment yesterday, but the UN in my career, but I have seldom has been bombarded for almost urged more action for refugees encountered as much destruction, a year. “in need of aid” in an “increas- hunger, fear and despair as I saw The CEAPAD participants ingly dire” situation. in Yarmouk this week,” UNRWA reiterated in a joint statement The Conference on Cooperation commissioner-general Filippo their commitment to the ongo- among East Asian Countries Grandi said, adding Yarmouk had ing Middle East peace process, for Palestinian Development become “a symbol of the trage- with co-chairs Indonesia and (CEAPAD) in Jakarta ended dies accumulating for Palestinian Japan expressing hope for a with Japan — one of the world’s refugees”. two-state solution in the near biggest donors to the Palestinian UNRWA estimates the fund- future. Territories — pledging $200m, ing needs for Palestinian refu- The conference came after most in financial assistance to gees to reach $1.5bn in 2014. Last US Secretary of State John the Palestinian Authority and for year’s combined contributions Kerry said Wednesday that a full infrastructure development. to UNRWA by countries repre- Middle East peace deal, which But the United Nations sented at CEAPAD, excluding he is attempting to broker, will Relief and Works Agency for Japan, amounted to $2m. likely slip past the April 29 dead- Palestine Refugees in the Near Grandi urged Asian nations line. Kerry coaxed the two sides East (UNRWA) said in a state- to increase their support for the back to the negotiating table in ment that more attention should UNRWA, which said it had deliv- late July after a three-year hiatus. be paid to Palestinian refugees, ered aid to five million refugees. AFP SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Venezuela in flux Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

s Caracas becomes another international capital facing the wrath of resentful protesters, state might and its limits have come under scrutiny. Be it Tehran Ain the aftermath of the disputed 2009 presidential election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad or the 2011 political Thirst for democracy catches tsunami in the Arab world that created an upheaval in the entire region, it is slowly dawning on authoritarian leaders that only elections cannot guarantee stability of tenure. In Venezuela, the legacy of the late leader Hugo Chavez world powers off guard hasn’t been able to squash middle class indignation against the rule of his protégé Nicolas Maduro. The former bus driver ime was, overturning a freely- respond to,” Kerry said. elected government would have French intellectual Jacques Attali, An anti-corruption panel is now was hoisted on the president’s chair in elections that saw earned a sharp US rebuke. But once an advisor to former president pressing negligence charges against him win a slim majority against Henrique Capriles, who had Tas people power revolts sweep François Mitterrand, asked “what are Yingluck that could lead to her extensively campaigned against Maduro and drew attention to some countries, Washington is increas- the people supposed to do when democ- removal from office and a five-year ban misgovernance in the nation. After the cult-like personality of ingly giving its blessing to ousting lead- racy has been betrayed by those they from politics. Chavez, the magic of Maduro has failed to work. The middle- ers accused of betraying democracy. brought to power?” But Paul Chambers, director of From Egypt, where the nation’s “The people have to act, demonstrate, research at the Institute of South East class, especially students, has raised the red flag against his first democratically-elected president remind the leaders of their promises. Asian Affairs at Chiang Mai University, rule that has seen him struggling to prop up his authority with Islamist leader Mohammed Mursi was And if they don’t succeed in convincing harked back to the radical philosophers one measure or the other. toppled in July by the army, to Ukraine them, they have to bring them down,” of the early 20th century to draw paral- The politician, much like other wobbly authoritarian where Viktor Yanukovich, brought to wrote Attali in his blog for the French lels with a new “class conflict.” leaders, doesn’t spare a moment to blame the West for all the power in 2010 polls, fled his post after magazine L’Express. “Dominant parties which continue to ills. With the fifth highest murder rate in the world and an months of street protests, the US has Despite accusations from Venezuelan benefit from such (elite) systems are had to fine-tune its response. President Nicolas Maduro that the US seen by mostly middle and upper classes inflation of 56.2 percent in December 2013, Venezuela is a fit Indeed US Secretary of State John is fomenting unrest in his country, ana- as impediments to freedom and facilita- case for poor governance. Kerry said bluntly this week: “A democ- lysts see little direct involvement by tors of corruption,” argued Chambers, The surging protests haven’t reached a scale where they racy is not defined solely by an election.” Washington in triggering revolts even while lower classes have a more basic can be compared with Ukraine. “You can have a democratically- if later on, such as in Ukraine, there is desire for empowerment found just by Rocked by However, the state of the east elected government, but you don’t an open eagerness to help the struggle casting a vote. European country, which is in the have democrat- towards democracy. “These clashing concepts of democ- protests, ically-instituted Top US diplomat for Europe, Victoria racy and democratic legitimacy threat- Maduro’s throes of an international crisis, reforms that Nuland, even visited the protestors ens to rapidly destabilise the political should send enough warnings to actually give on Independence Square in Kiev in essence of mostly young democracies, government the recalcitrant Maduro. President you a democ- December to hand out bread in a high- reducing nations to potential civil war, should learn Viktor Yanukovich, an elected leader Despite accusations racy, a full, profile show of support for their desire a rebirth of tyranny and economic with strong backing of the Kremlin practising, func- to move closer to Europe and away from malaise,” argued Chambers. from Ukraine from Venezuelan tioning democ- the clutches of the communist authori- Kerry called late on Friday for an and a reasonably fair domestic President Nicolas racy,” Kerry told ties in Moscow, which since the end investigation into “politically-moti- and other support system, could not survive the Maduro that the reporters. of the Cold War has had difficult ties vated” attacks which have left 23 peo- countries where onslaught of a resurgent population “And what you with the US. ple dead in Thailand, including four misgovernance fed up with misrule and corruption. US is fomenting have in many “It is accurate to say that where children, but renewed assurances Maduro was elected only with a thin unrest in his country, places is a gen- regimes violate human rights, move in that Washington is not taking sides in has been eral election, a that direction or are involved in corrup- the upheaval. majority and has no one like Russian analysts see little punished. popular election, tion, that those patterns of behaviour He had the same message for strongman Vladimir Putin to stand direct involvement absent reform, are viewed negatively by the US, the Venezuela urging dialogue and reveal- behind him. by Washington in present with UK and other countries,” said Mark ing that the United States is working Moreover, neighbours like Colombia are pro-US and are great corruption, Schneider, senior vice president of the with its allies in South America to on the side of Washington, which doesn’t want Maduro triggering revolts great cronyism International Crisis Group. find an acceptable third party to help to continue. The Venezuelan leader has accused the US of even if later on. and a huge distor- “But I think that it is rare that they mediate an end to three weeks of often instigating protesters against him and trying to overthrow tion of democratic move from that judgment to support in violent protests against Maduro’s lefist process.” any way violent activities. I think they government. his government. He tried to assert himself by expelling three While at are almost always somewhat surprised “Unlike in Ukraine, right now in US diplomats that was followed by Washington carrying out first glance protests in Thailand and by the depth, power, determination to Venezuela there is no an alternative a similar move. Maduro should act quickly to stem the tide Venezuela may have nothing in common accept sacrifice by people in certain power strong enough to initiate regime turning against him before it overwhelms him. He has to with the demonstrations against the circumstances.” change,” said political professor Carlos learn from the lessons other countries provide. elected leaders in Ukraine and Egypt, The situation in Thailand, a consti- Romero from the Universidad Central analysts and diplomats argue there is tutional monarchy since 1932 where de Venezuela. There have been allegations of excessive use of force and often a common core. the king is highly revered, is somewhat He bemoaned that so far there had torture by the security forces on protesters. Maduro has It is “an incredible yearning for unique. Protesters have been pressing been no international effort to end the opened talks with some politicians but the main opposition modernity, for change, for choice, for for Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra violence, unlike the diplomatic flurry leader has boycotted it. He should hold inclusive talks and empowerment of individuals that is to step aside in favour of an unelected around Ukraine and Egypt, an absence tone down rhetoric that would inflame public passions. moving across the world, and in many “people’s council” to introduce vaguely he attributed to his country’s lack of Instead of spending resources on fighting protesters, his cases moving a lot faster than political defined reforms such as tackling alleged geopolitical significance. leadership is either aware of or able to corruption. AFP government should fight the cause behind the protests• The other side Quote of Yuan’s devaluation message the day he unexpected fall of the yuan slowed. Yet, the fact that the yuan has Some people have pointed to the country’s ballooning foreign exchange against the US dollar since so far weakened by only about 1 per- rising number of speculators betting reserves, which had soared to $3.82 mid February has gained far cent against the US dollar during this heavily on the continued rise of yuan trillion at the end of 2013. Tmore attention than is justified round of depreciation should not be as a reason why Chinese policymakers The rapid accumulation of more than by its size. The Chinese currency slid taken as compelling evidence that the need to step into the foreign exchange necessary foreign exchange reserves There can be no for a seventh day on Wednesday to a steady rise of yuan has come to an end. market. The negative impact of such will only make it increasingly difficult to six-month low against the greenback, Although the world’s second-larg- short-term capital inflows, especially address China’s domestic and interna- excuse for outside sparking widespread speculation that est economy has bid farewell to its when accelerated, would make a good tional imbalance while protecting the military intervention its long-term strengthening has now double-digit growth, there is no sign of reason for the Chinese authorities to value of its forex reserves, the world’s reversed. any fundamental change to its global make a timely intervention. But that largest. in Ukraine — a point Given that many other emerging- competitiveness that would significantly can hardly be a key reason given the The recent storm in the currency tea- I made to President market currencies are under great affect the value of its currency. Hence country’s effective control over capital cup might be sending the message that pressure from the reversal of capital the abrupt change in the exchange rate account. there will be more actions are in order to (Vladimir) Putin flows triggered by the US withdrawal of yuan against the US dollar just after More likely, the real reason that better regulate the country’s balance of when we spoke from its super loose monetary policy, it the country registered much-better- Chinese policymakers would like to let payments to support domestic reform would be understandable if the Chinese than-expected trade growth in January the currency drop for the moment lies and growth. yesterday. David Cameron currency follows suit as its economy must be telling us something else. with their growing concern over the China Daily British Prime Minister SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Ukrainians hope to cut ties with Moscow

long history as part of the Russian empire. It is not That’s why the vague trade agreement with the EU resonated so well as a revolutionary communism, in fact, slogan. It meant finally leaving the Russian political and cultural orbit. Twenty-three years after the Soviet Union’s official dis- that Ukrainians have solution, Ukrainians are finally burying that last incarnation of the empire. This revolted against is why they are taking down its idols, the most prominent ones, the ones that are still standing in so many cities. When now, but their long they came across a monument to czarist- era Field Marshal Mikhail Kutuzov, who history of Russian defeated Napoleon in 1812, they took it down as well. Russia understands what’s going on. rule. Putin pressured Yanukovych into his last-minute reversal and was hoping that BY SERHY YEKELCHYK Ukraine would join the Eurasian Union, the Kremlin’s lame answer to the EU he revolution in the Ukrainian Putin’s attempt to rebuild at least some capital began with about 100 of the Soviet empire under the guise of a students setting up tents in modern economic community is doomed Kiev’s central square and without Ukraine’s participation. declaring a hunger strike. They This is in part because of the country’s Tinsisted that the prime minister resign and strategic location between Russia and that the government stop negotiating a new Europe, but also because of its impor- treaty with Moscow. If this sounds familiar, tance to the Russian national identity. something must be wrong, because these Although Russians are fond of referring events happened in October 1990, well to Ukrainians by the Soviet moniker of before revolts were live-streamed. a “fraternal people,” most of them do not At the time, Kiev’s central plaza was acknowledge the country as a separate still known as October Revolution Square, nation; they see it as a breakaway region named after the Bolshevik revolution of that is really Russian. 1917. At its eastern end stood a huge mon- The Ukrainian revolution of 2014 Activists of the pro-Russian so called “Eastern Front” movement take part in a rally in front of the Lenin monument in the centre of the ument to Vladimir Lenin that dominated threatens the ideology of Putin’s regime. the square’s ornate, Stalinesque archi- industrial Ukrainian city of Donetsk on Wednesday. It questions Russia’s identity. It chal- tecture. Ukraine was part of the Soviet lenges Russia’s plan to restore its influ- Union then, but its people were demand- dismantled over the next three months. people embraced them as the opposite of right next door and threatened to creep ence in the region. It also shows that a ing change. Popular pressure seemed to The country is changing, but what exactly what they despised: political manipula- into Ukraine. Putinite regime can be destroyed by a be working, too. is it putting behind? tion, a compromised judiciary and ram- It is telling that attempts to destroy popular revolution. No wonder Russia The premier resigned, the Lenin mon- It is not communism, in fact, that pant corruption. Although communism Lenin monuments were met with resist- has recalled its ambassador from Ukraine ument was dismantled, and the Soviet Ukrainians have revolted against now, has been dead for nearly 25 years, all ance in Ukraine’s eastern and southern and refuses to recognise the country’s Union disintegrated the following year. but their long history of Russian rule. these things sound imminently familiar regions, where the population still iden- new government. It took Ukraine more And yet, twice more in the next 25 years, This time it started with President — in a word, Soviet. Hence the falling tifies with Russian culture. In defend- than 20 years to lay the colonial past crowds of protesters would clash with Viktor Yanukovych’s U-turn from sign- Lenins. ing their Lenins, Russian-speaking to rest. Can we say that, with the top- police on the same streets and occupy the ing a trade agreement with the European These problems also seem familiar Ukrainians are standing up for Putin’s pling of Lenin statues and the toppling of same plaza, now known as Independence Union to entering an economic union to Ukrainians because they are asso- Russia. However, the Putin regime itself Yanukovych, it has broken free of Russian Square, or Maidan Nezalezhnosti, in with Russia. ciated with the political regime and identifies much more with the last czar, influence? Not quite. honour of the new Ukrainian state that Last time, in the winter of 2004, the the economic system of its powerful Nicholas II, and his strongman prime The day will come when no one will emerged in 1991. It has been rebuilt, Orange Revolution began in the same neighbour and former imperial master, minister, Pyotr Stolypin. Putin has been care to destroy or defend the remain- too, with a dark-glass hemisphere in square, where the people protested a Russia. Yanukovych will be remembered photographed laying flowers on the grave ing monuments of the Soviet past; when the spot where Lenin once stood. It is rigged presidential election that had as Vladimir Putin’s failed pupil. For all of Gen Anton Denikin, Lenin’s opponent they will become just historical artefacts, the entrance to an upscale underground stolen an obvious victory from Viktor the similarities between the two regimes, in the Russian civil war. perhaps gathered in special theme parks, shopping centre called Globe. Yushchenko. However, both Europe and Ukraine’s president never managed to Putin’s ideal is Great Russia rather rather than potent symbols. For the Indeed, global capitalism arrived in Yushchenko served as symbols of some- rein in the oligarchs or suppress opposi- than Soviet Russia, which explains why moment, though, the new Ukrainian gov- Ukraine long ago, filling parking spots thing much wider — true democracy, the tion parties. When the crucial moment Russian history textbooks valorise both ernment is preoccupied with the crises of in the city centre with Mercedes-Benzes, rule of law, reining in corruption. came, he was also powerless to crush the Stolypin and Joseph Stalin. At the same the day, such as the threat of a default Rolls-Royces and Maybachs. Why, then, Ukrainians quickly grew disappointed rebellion, notwithstanding the encourag- time, there is little respect for Lenin in or separatist sentiments in Russian- did destroying Lenin monuments become with the inefficient Yushchenko, and ing whispers from the Kremlin. Putin’s Russia. speaking regions. the protesters’ most-televised symbolic they may well find themselves disillu- Toppling Lenin statues was a liberating It’s not that the Ukrainian protesters The revolutionaries can, and probably act? Kiev’s other Lenin statue, half a mile sioned with the European Union in the act because they also stood as symbols and their opponents are confused about will, win these battles. But only con- south, was the first to fall, on December long run. But at the height of revolu- of authoritarianism, the old Soviet one what they are fighting for. The “war structing a functioning democracy and 8, 2013. Dozens of Lenin statues in other tionary upheaval, both were powerful and the new Russian one. They repre- of Lenin monuments” is not about the defeating corruption will help them to cities were toppled or professionally rallying cries of popular protest. The sented the hated past that still existed Bolshevik leader at all; it’s about Ukraine’s win the war. WP-BLOOMBERG Setbacks for press freedom in Hong Kong Protests spur talk “Today they silence us, of divided Thailand BY JAKE SCOBEY-THAL tomorrow they kill us.” ith the political confrontation between BY RACHEL LU Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and anti-government protesters hey cannot kill us all,” read the large ban- Wintensifying, pro-government supporters are ner laid on the ground before a group of considering an alternative resolution to the four-month cri- more than 100 staff members and students sis: Splitting the country in two. “Some pro-government Tof Chinese University of Hong Kong who leaders have called for the country to be divided, along north- had gathered to voice concerns about press freedom south political lines,” Reuters reported this week. The chatter in Hong Kong. The demonstration occurred in the from Yingluck-backers comes as the prime minister faces wake of a savage attack on the former editor in renewed pressure to step down. “I never thought that this chief of a major local newspaper, who was beset by idea would be taken seriously,” said Pavin Chachavalpongpun knife-wielding assailants on a city street in broad of Kyoto University’s Center for Southeast Asian Studies. daylight this week. This latest -- and most grue- “But it seems that a number of people have supported the some -- incident comes in what has been a rocky idea of splitting the country into two.” year for Hong Kong media, one that has shaken While extremely unlikely, the idea at least has a basis in Hong Kongers already worried about the erosion of geography. The anti-government People’s Democratic Reform media freedom in this former British colony, now a Committee (PDRC), led by former opposition Democrat special administrative region of China. Party politician Suthep Thaugsuban, comprises primarily Kevin Lau Chun-to, the former editor-in-chief southerners and urban elites, while Yingluck’s base, known of Ming Pao, one of Hong Kong’s top Chinese- as “Red Shirts,” are mostly poor, rural voters from the coun- language newspapers, was making a quick stop for try’s northern regions. breakfast while on his way to work when he was Many Red Shirts believe the anti-government protest- ambushed by two men on a stolen motor scooter. ers are “using street protests, thuggery, armed militants, The assailants hacked Lau with a knife at least obstruction of election, judicial intervention and a threat six times before speeding away. Journalists and editors from Ming Pao hold up front pages of their newspaper during a protest against of military coup to cripple and eventually oust their elected One cut to his back was so deep that Lau’s violence in Hong Kong Thursday, after Wednesday’s attack on their former chief editor Kevin Lau. government,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human lungs could be seen. Another two cuts severed Rights Watch. As a result, the Red Shirts “are thinking major nerves in his legs. Later evaluations of about splitting the country,” he said. Lau’s wounds indicated that the assailants were of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) to expose the to the Ming Pao journalist, the attack on Lau is The murmuring of secession come amid escalating street aiming to cause permanent injuries. As of Friday, hidden wealth of China’s elite in a report released “in a totally different ballpark” compared with fighting. Attacks on protest sites in Bangkok and eastern Lau had survived multiple surgeries and was in January 21. But no single incident has emerged as these previous incidents. “Honestly, it has cast a Thailand last weekend killed five people, including four chil- serious but stable condition. the most likely culprit among them. A February deep shadow in my heart about my work and my dren. The violence, carried out by unidentified armed assail- Lau’s removal from Ming Pao’s helm in January 26 Reuters report speculated that the collabo- profession,” the journalist said. ants, came just a few days after clashes between police and 2014 stirred controversy at the paper. While man- ration with ICIJ could have been a factor, but Reporter Jun Mai of Ming Pao’s China desk told protesters in the capital left four dead and at least 60 injured. agement insisted that Lau’s sacking had nothing no direct evidence links it to the attack. Also, FP that Lau is a “very easygoing” editor who also After four months of relatively peaceful protests, both the to do with freedom of the press, many Hong Kong because Lau had already left his position as Ming served as a cautious gatekeeper for the paper’s movement’s leaders and pro-government groups have sig- journalists and citizens suspected that it was an Pao’s editor in chief more than a month ago, the reports. Mai said he is “unnerved” by the fact that nalled a new willingness to use force to achieve their goals. attempt to rein in reporting that was unfriendly motive behind the attack is “perplexing,” said an almost all the cases of violence against journal- At the same time, the protesters’ efforts have been bol- to China. For his part, Lau never openly disagreed investigative journalist at Ming Pao who asked ists in Hong Kong have gone cold, even in a city stered by a series of decisions by the country’s judiciary. with management’s decision and stood side to side not to be named. usually known for safe streets and strong rule of On February 19, the Civil Court affirmed a previous ruling with it in calling for his upset colleagues to “give Before the attack on Lau, Hong Kong had law. “I’m not optimistic that the police will solve by the Constitutional Court that, despite evidence to the some space” for the personnel change. He took experienced several cases involving vandalism this one either,” said Mai. contrary, the protesters were unarmed and peaceful, limit- a job as the new media director at Ming Pao’s or minor violence against local media executives Journalists and concerned citizens in Hong ing the government’s ability to contain the demonstrations. parent company. who came across as less than pro-Beijing in the Kong are planning a march today to show soli- Graft charges against Yingluck could force her resignation. According to Ming Pao journalists who spoke to past year. In June 2013, two men clubbed Chen darity with Lau and put pressure on Hong Kong To be sure, the likelihood of any real move to secede is Foreign Policy, the staff suspects that the attack Ping, the publisher of iSun Affairs, a respected police to solve the crime. “We are all Kevin infinitesimal. The rhetoric seems to be more tactics than is related to one of the investigative reports of online news magazine. Only days later, an ax and Lau,” read another banner on the campus of the strategy, emboldening pro-government supporters to mobi- the rich and powerful in mainland China or a machete were left on the doorstep of Jimmy Chinese University of Hong Kong. It continued, lise in support of the elected leadership. But whether the in Hong Kong, which included Ming Pao’s col- Lai, the owner of Apple Daily, a large local paper “Today they silence us, tomorrow they kill us.” country actually splits in two or not, the divide is very real. laboration with the International Consortium critical of the Chinese government. But according WP-BLOOMBERG WP-BLOOMBERG SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL ETA pledges Putin claims authority to invade Kiev to give up Russian forces seize Crimea; demonstrators hoist Russian flag in south, east Ukraine all its arms KIEV/BALACLAVA, the Black Sea Fleet in Crimea. UKRAINE: Russian President The authorisation to use force in BILBAO, SPAIN: Armed Vladimir Putin secured his par- Ukraine would last “until the nor- Basque separatist group ETA liament’s authority yesterday malisation of the socio-political yesterday pledged to give up to invade Ukraine after troops situation in that country”. all its weapons but warned the seized control of the Crimea The upper house swiftly deliv- government that any attack or peninsula and pro-Moscow ered a unanimous yes vote, shown obstacle could impact negatively demonstrators hoisted flags on live television. on the disarmament process. above government buildings in So far there has been no sign The announcement comes only two eastern cities. of Russian military action in days after the work of an inter- Putin’s open assertion of the Ukraine outside Crimea, the only national commission which is right to deploy troops in a country part of Ukraine with a Russian monitoring the disarmament and of 46 million people on the ram- ethnic majority, which has often ceasefire was thrown into doubt parts of central Europe creates voiced separatist aims. after it acknowledged ETA had the biggest direct confrontation The Kremlin has not yet openly kept some weapons and explosives between Russia and the West confirmed that the troops that that were said to have been sealed since the Cold War. have seized Crimea are Russian. and put beyond operational use. It followed days of warnings A Kremlin spokesman said Putin ETA announced a unilateral from US President Barack Obama had not yet taken the decision to ceasefire in 2011, suspending four and other Western leaders that use force under the authorisa- decades of attacks in which more Russia must not intervene, and tion granted by the upper house, than 800 people died. assurances from Moscow that it and still hoped to avoid further The group wants talks on mov- would not do so. escalation. ing hundreds of prisoners who are Putin swiftly secured unani- However, tension also rose in jail across Spain to the Basque mous approval from Russia’s dramatically elsewhere, with big region in return for dismantling senate for the use of armed force and occasionally violent demon- its military structure and turning on the territory of his neighbour, strations in eastern and south- in its weapons, but the govern- citing the need to protect Russian ern cities, where most people, ment has rejected the offer. “The citizens, the same reason he gave though ethnically Ukrainian, process of sealing the arsenals has for invading tiny Georgia in 2008. speak Russian, and many sup- started and the commitment of Britain summoned the Russian port deposed President Viktor ETA is to carry it out until it is ambassador. EU ministers were Yanukovich and Moscow. complete, until the last arsenal,” due to hold emergency talks. By nightfall, demonstrators had People hold placards reading “I pray for Crimea-Ukraine” during a rally at Independence Square in central Kiev. the group said in a statement dated Czech President Milos Zeman torn down Ukrainian flags and February 24 and published yester- recalled the Soviet invasion of replaced them with Russian flags a giant Russian flag and chant- president, Oleksander Turchynov, families posed for pictures with day by Basque newspaper Naiz. Czechoslovakia in 1968. on government buildings in the ing “Russia, Russia” marched to called a meeting of his security the soldiers. A wedding party ETA said it had also agreed on a Troops widely believed to cities of Kharkiv, Donetsk, Odessa the government headquarters and chiefs. Vitaly Klitschko, another honked its car horns. “I want to new method for disarmament which belong to Moscow have already and Dnipropetrovsk. replaced the Ukrainian flag with anti-Yanukovich leader, called for live with Russia. I want to join includes handing over to the moni- seized Crimea, an isolated penin- In Kharkiv, scores of people Russia’s. general mobilisation. Russia,” said Alla Batura, a petite tors the arms and explosives that sula in the Black Sea where were wounded in clashes when Coal miner Gennady Pavlov On Kiev’s central Independence 71-year-old pensioner who has are being put beyond use. It however Moscow has a large military thousands of pro-Russian activists said Putin’s declaration of the Square, where protesters lived in Sevastopol for 50 years. warned that it was a difficult proc- presence in the headquarters of stormed the regional government right to intervene was “right”. “It camped out for months against “They are good lads...They are ess that not only depended on the its Black Sea Fleet. The campaign headquarters, and fought pitched is time to put an end to this law- Yanukovich, a World War Two protecting us, so we feel safe.” group’s and the monitors’ goodwill there has been bloodless so far, battles with a smaller number lessness. Russians are out broth- film about Crimea was being But not everyone was reas- but also on the Spanish authori- with Kiev’s new authorities pow- of supporters of Ukraine’s new ers. I support the forces.” shown on a giant screen, when sured. Inna, 21, a clerk in a nearby ties. “The attacks and obstacles can erless to intervene. authorities. The rapid pace of events has Yuri Lutsenko, a former inte- shop who came out to stare at the seriously affect the viability of the Scores were also hurt yesterday Pro-Russian demonstrators rattled the new leaders of the rior minister, interrupted it to APCs, said: “I am in shock. I don’t disarmament process,” it said. in clashes between pro-Russian wielded axe handles and chains country, who took power of a announce: “War has arrived”. understand what the hell this is... Senior members of the gov- demonstrators and supporters of against those defending the build- nation on the verge of bank- Hundreds of people descended on People say they came here to pro- ernment and the ruling People’s Kiev’s new authorities in eastern ing with plastic shields. ruptcy when Yanukovich fled Kiev the square chanting “Glory to the tect us. Who knows? ... All of our Party said that the monitors were cities — areas near the Russian In Donetsk, Yanukovich’s home last week after his police killed heroes. Death to the occupiers”. (Ukrainian) military are probably serving ETA’s interests and their frontier, where Moscow is staging region, lawmakers declared they scores of anti-Russian protesters In Crimea itself, the arrival out at sea by now.” work was “a lie”. The centre-right war games on high alert. were seeking a referendum on the in Kiev. Ukraine’s crisis began in of troops was cheered by the For many in Ukraine, the pros- government of Mariano Rajoy has Putin asked parliament to region’s status. “We do not recog- November when Yanukovich, at Russian majority. In the coastal pect of a military conflict chilled repeatedly demanded ETA, which approve force “in connection with nise the authorities in Kiev, they Moscow’s behest, abandoned a town of Balaclava, where Russian- the blood. “When a Slav fights has been significantly weakened in the extraordinary situation in are not legitimate,” protest leader free trade pact with the EU for speaking troops in armoured another Slav, the result is devas- recent years by hundreds of arrests Ukraine, the threat to the lives of Pavel Guberev thundered from a closer ties with Russia. vehicles with blacked-out number tating,” said Natalia Kuharchuk, and flagging support in the region, citizens of the Russian Federation, podium in Donetsk. After Russia’s announcement of plates had encircled a small gar- a Kiev accountant. “God save us.” dissolve without pre-conditions. our compatriots” and to protect Thousands of followers, holding its intervention, Ukraine’s acting rison of Ukrainian border guards, REUTERS REUTERS

Labour Party conference 41 detained France striving to stop in Venezuela CAR split, says Hollande BANGUI: French President — militia. Its force now numbers protests Francois Hollande told the some 2,000 soldiers. Central African Republic on France’s parliament voted on CARACAS: Venezuelan activ- Friday that his troops would Tuesday to extend the mission, ists called for fresh protests work to stop the country split- despite tepid support at home for yesterday after at least 41 peo- ting in two and endeavour to a military operation in the former ple were arrested as street bat- disarm rival fighters engaged in French colony where thousands of tles raged between security months of inter-religious killing. people have been killed and around forces and protesters angry at Arriving in the capital Bangui a million forced from their homes. the policies of the country’s left- from Nigeria, where he attended Thousands of Muslims have ist government. unification celebrations, Hollande fled northeast from the capital Three weeks of violent pro- met the interim president, reli- towards the border with Chad, tests against President Nicolas gious leaders and addressed creating a de facto division of the Maduro’s government have left French troops. country which the UN human 18 dead in the oil-rich nation, “We need to stop score-settling, rights chief has said now faces according to government figures, establish the authority of govern- “ethnic-religious cleansing”. and the crisis showed little sign ment, allow it to engage in dia- In addition to French troops, of abating. logue and avoid any temptation to 6,000 African Union peacekeepers National Guard security forces partition the east of the Central are also deployed and up to 1,000 blasted the student-led demon- African Republic,” Hollande told EU soldiers are still to arrive. strators in the city’s wealthy French soldiers in a helicopter However, speaking in Geneva Chacao district late on Friday hangar at the airport in Bangui. after two months in charge of with high-pressure water, and France sent troops four months civilian protection for the United fired tear gas canisters in an ago to the majority Christian Nations in Bangui, Philippe Labour Party leader Ed Miliband delivers a speech at his party’s special conference, in London, yesterday. attempt to break up the crowd. country where predominantly Leclerc said there were still not Hooded protesters set up barri- Muslim Seleka rebels seized enough troops on the ground and cades and responded with a steady power last March and have since the lack of security was forcing barrage of Molotov cocktails. been pushed back by Christian the evacuation of civilians, con- With no sign of a breakthrough “anti-balaka” — “anti-machete” tributing to the ethnic cleansing. in the crisis gripping the oil- in the local Sango language REUTERS Obama preaches unity to Democrats rich country, Washington urged Maduro to talk to the protesters. WASHINGTON: A fiery All 435 members of the House making. The rollout of his health- “They need to reach out and US President Barack Obama and a third of the 100-mem- care law last October has proven have a dialogue, and bring people on Friday attempted to rally ber Senate are up for grabs in difficult and is still controversial. together and resolve their prob- Democratic activists to over- November elections. Obama ridiculed Republicans for lems,” Secretary of State John Early vote in Macedonia seen come stiff headwinds and work Obama faces a difficult chal- continuing to try to repeal the law Kerry said in Washington, urg- hard for the party’s congres- lenge. The party that controls the and vowed to fight to make sure ing against “arrests and violence SKOPJE: Macedonia is set to to dissolve parliament which is sional candidates this year in an White House in these so-called more Americans sign up for cov- in the streets”. call early parliamentary elec- expected to be debated by MPs election-year speech that was “midterm” elections typically loses erage under the law. “We will not Kerry said the United States tions in a bid to end a political next week. Conservative Prime sharply critical of Republicans. seats in Congress. Obama urged apologise for it, it’s the right thing was working with Colombia and deadlock sparked by the two Minister Nikola Gruevski’s The President addressed the Democrats to resist any notion to do,” he said. Obama made the other countries to bolster media- main ruling coalition members’ VMRO-DPMNE party accepted winter meeting of the Democratic that they might lose, noting their case that there are still items on tion efforts. Maduro has labelled failure to agree on a candidate the challenge and it was ready for National Committee in superior numbers in general. his agenda that he would like to the protests that began on for the upcoming presidential an early vote. Washington with the aim of main- “When Democrats have every- see approved in an election year. February 4 a Washington-backed vote, officials said yesterday. “We accept the glove thrown taining a spirit of unity among body in the field we cannot lose. Immigration reform stands attempted “coup.” The ethnic Albanian Democratic down by DUI and we are going party activists. Democrats are That’s just a fact. That’s just the out as one top item the president He claims that radical oppo- Union for Integration (DUI), a jun- on early parliamentary elections,” trying to face down emboldened raw numbers. When Democrats would like despite tough odds. But sition leaders have joined stu- ior coalition member, was angered Gruevski told his supporters at Republicans who see a chance of vote, we win,” he said. Republican he also used his drive early this dents angered by high inflation by its larger partner VMRO- the VMRO-DPMNE presidential capturing the Senate and building voter models, he said, “are con- year to promote policies to cre- and goods shortage in plotting to DPMNE’s decision to nominate convention on Saturday. on their majority in the House of structed based on the idea that ate jobs for the middle class as an topple his nearly year-old govern- current president Gjorge Ivanov as VMRO-DPMNE is the single Representatives. Americans will sit out this elec- election-year appeal for voters to ment. At least 41 protesters were its candidate. DUI argued Ivanov, strongest party in parliament Invoking Democratic heroes tion because they look at the past, support Democrats. arrested during the latest rally who would run for a second term, and enjoys high popularity among such as John Kennedy and Bill and in the past a lot of Democrats He argued that Democrats in Caracas, eight of whom were was not “consensual” candidate Macedonians. Together with DUI Clinton, Obama told party faithful don’t vote in the midterms.” stand for middle-class values foreigners “and are being held for acceptable to both Albanians and they have enough votes to pass that Democrats can win “if we stay Part of Democrats’ struggles versus Republicans who stand for international terrorism,” state Macedonians, who are ethnic Slavs. the motion for an early vote. focused on what we believe in”. this year are of Obama’s own wealthier people. REUTERS VTV television said. AFP It filed a motion yesterday REUTERS SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 ASIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Thai protesters retreat but crisis not over Surprise withdrawal by opposition demonstrators raises hopes of a temporary decline in street violence

BANGKOK: Tensions eased could never oust Yingluck from they continue on their ways and in Thailand’s strife-hit capi- office. Only the courts or a mili- objectives of overthrowing and tal yesterday after protest- tary coup could do that,” said Paul taking over government,” said ers abandoned their attempted Chambers, director of research at Thitinan Pongsudhirak, direc- “shutdown” of Bangkok, but the the Institute of South East Asian tor of the Institute of Security move was seen as only a tempo- Affairs at Chiang Mai University. and International Studies rary reprieve for the kingdom’s Protest leader Suthep at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn embattled premier. Thaugsuban announced on stage University. The surprise retreat by the late Friday that the anti-govern- “At the same time, they would opposition demonstrators, who ment movement would abandon be hard pressed to generate again will dismantle many of their bar- its blockade of key road inter- the kind of numbers that they had ricades, raised hopes of a decline sections in Bangkok after nearly previously,” he added. in street violence that has left seven weeks of traffic chaos. The retreat follows a recent 23 people dead and hundreds The movement denied the warning from army commander- wounded in recent weeks. retreat marked a defeat, saying in-chief General Prayut Chan-O- There have been increasingly it would keep up its struggle to Cha that the country could sink frequent gunfire and grenade overthrow a government that it into civil war unless the two sides attacks targeting the protest sees as corrupt. pull back. sites, mostly at night. “Our Bangkok shutdown cam- “The government is weakened The anti-government move- paign has succeeded. The gov- but the protesters did not achieve ment vowed to keep up its ernment is now in disarray and their core goals,” said Thailand- wider campaign, while experts we have got support from the based author and scholar David said Prime Minister Yingluck masses,” rally spokesman Akanat Streckfuss. Shinawatra’s position remained Promphan said. “From the beginning they had precarious. From Monday the protesters two strategies -- either a general An anti-corruption panel will consolidate into a single base uprising or a coup d’etat that is pressing negligence charges in the city’s Lumpini Park. would somehow give them a say against Yingluck that could lead The move “does not neces- in the military government that to her removal from office and a sarily spell the end of the pro- followed. But the military didn’t five-year ban from politics. tests or represent a setback for take the bait.” As tensions eased, a Buddhist monk reads newspapers inside Lumpini Park in Bangkok yesterday. “The protesters themselves the (demonstrators) as long as AFP

Seoul warns Tokyo on war Controversial Malaysian slavery review Chinese dissident near death BEIJING: Prominent Chinese Su who was treating Cao. Human Rights in China had leader made governor SEOUL: South Korean human rights activist Cao “He stressed one point: that quoted her lawyer last month as President Park Geun-Hye Shunli, detained in September Cao Shunli’s situation is extremely saying she suffered from tubercu- KUALA LUMPUR: environmentally disastrous policies. warned Japan would face for staging sit-ins at the Foreign bad and was caused by her long losis, liver disease and other con- Controversial Sarawak leader However, Taib still heads the “isolation” if it pushes ahead Ministry, has organ failure and time in detention. He’s extremely ditions. Medical parole had been Taib Mahmud was sworn in as Sarawak-based party that is part with the apology-review over only a few days to live after dissatisfied with the situation denied until she was seriously ill. governor of the Malaysian state of the Barisan Nasional coalition wartime sex slavery. being denied medical treatment and told the police: this is a per- Wang Yu, Cao’s lawyer, said that he has been repeatedly accused that has ruled Malaysia since Her warning, in a speech in detention, said a close friend son’s life, you can’t treat this as Cao’s younger brother planned of pillaging during his 33 years independence in 1957. marking the anniversary of a yesterday. a game.” to sue the Chaoyang District as its chief minister. While the role of governor 1919 anti-Japanese uprising, Cao’s death would generate Cao’s kidneys were failing and Detention Centre in Beijing, Despite moves to block his is traditionally as the ceremo- coincided with the opening of an outcry from China’s fledg- the doctor told Liu she had two where Cao was being held, for its ascent, Malaysian media reported nial head of state, critics say it a rare exhibition on “comfort ling rights community and criti- or three days to live. “criminal acts” in refusing to give the 77-year-old received his would allow him to retain con- women” in Seoul, a euphemism cism from the West, which has Cao staged a two-month sit-in Cao medical treatment, resulting appointment by Malaysia’s King on trol of Sarawak and possibly avoid for women who were forced expressed concern about her case. with other activists outside the in her malnutrition and deterio- Friday and took his oath of office potential prosecution. into Japanese military brothels News of Cao’s deteriorating Foreign Ministry beginning in ration in health. in Sarawak’s legislative assembly, Taib implemented ambitious during World War II. health comes two days before the June to press for the public to be Hundreds of activists along with which he has controlled since 1981. plans to develop the region, which Japanese Prime Minister start of a session in Geneva of allowed to contribute to a national Cao had urged officials to reply to An opposition lawmaker’s legal lags the rest of the country, but Shinzo Abe’s administration the UN Human Rights Council, human rights report. their requests to participate in challenge was thrown out by the has been the target of allegations is moving to reconsider a 1995 a body to which China was elected She went missing in mid-Sep- drafting China’s national human court earlier this week, while an of massive corruption, rainforest apology for comfort women. with controversy last November. tember after authorities pre- rights report ahead of the country’s online petition by rights groups destruction, and ill-treatment of “Historical truth is in testi- “Yesterday at 10 am, the hospi- vented her from flying to Geneva Universal Periodic Review by the urging the King to reject Taib Sarawak’s native tribes. mony from the survivors. Japan tal informed the family members for a human rights training United Nations in October. failed to gain traction after secur- The most recent came on the would only bring isolation on to rush to the hospital and said programme. She was formally Cao had been at the forefront ing fewer than 3,000 signatures. eve of his appointment as gov- itself if it turns a deaf ear to the condition is terminal,” Liu arrested in October on suspicion of efforts to take part in the proc- Taib resigned as chief minister ernor, as international whistle- their testimony and sweeps it Xiaofang, a close friend of Cao, said. of “picking quarrels and provok- ess to join the Universal Periodic of the state on Borneo island in blower group Global Witness under the rug for political ben- Liu also went to the hospital ing troubles,” the watchdog group Review since 2008. early February following mount- levelled yet another claim of graft. efits,” she said. and spoke with a doctor surnamed Human Rights in China said. REUTERS ing claims of corruption and AFP Park called on Japan to fol- low Germany in repenting its past wrongs so that the two Tourist influx countries can put bitter mem- ories behind them and “move forward for a new era of coop- Hundreds rally against eration, peace and prosperity.” Japan pledges dropping charges in aid to Palestine JAKARTA: Japan has Fukushima nuke crisis pledged to cooperate with other Asian nations in TOKYO: Hundreds rallied of consumers’ worries over radi- bringing about peace in the in Tokyo yesterday to protest oactive contamination,” Kazuo Middle East. It also commit- Japanese prosecutors’ deci- Nakamura, 45, a farmer from ted roughly $200m in aid to sion to drop charges over the Koriyama city in Fukushima pre- Palestine. Fukushima nuclear crisis, with fecture, told the rally. Japanese Foreign Minister no one yet punished nearly “I want (Fukushima operator) Fumio Kishida made the three years after the “man- TEPCO officials and bureaucrats announcement in his opening made” disaster. of the central government to eat speech at an international con- No one is officially recorded the Fukushima-made rice,” he ference in Indonesia’s capital, as having died as a direct result shouted to applause. Jakarta, yesterday. of radiation released when A parliamentary report has Delegates from Asian a 9.0-magnitude earthquake said Fukushima was a man-made nations gathered to discuss crashed into the Fukushima disaster caused by Japan’s culture economic support for Palestine. nuclear plant in March 2011, of “reflexive obedience” and not It was the second meeting of swamping cooling systems and just by the tsunami that crippled its kind. sparking reactor meltdowns. the plant. Tourists visit the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh on Tuesday. Cambodia received 4.2 million foreign visitors in 2013. Kishida, a co-chair of the However, some Fukushima res- Some 15,000 people whose conference, said he wants to idents committed suicide owing to homes or farms were hit by bring together Asia’s powers fears over radiation, while others radiation from the stricken to achieve peace in the Middle died during evacuation. Official plant filed a criminal complaint East, Japan’s (NHK World) data released last week showed in 2012 against the Japanese gov- Mass grave found in Sri Lanka newswire reported. that 1,656 people have died in the ernment and officials of plant The minister said Asia’s prefecture from stress and other operator Tokyo Electric Power COLOMBO: Another starting Monday in Geneva where conscripted combatants killed by growth comes from person- illnesses related to the disaster (TEPCO). unmarked mass grave has been Sri Lanka faces the third US-led the Tigers themselves. nel training and private-sec- three years ago. However, prosecutors in found in Sri Lanka’s former war resolution in as many years criti- “Some interested parties are tor development. He said the “There are many victims of the September decided not to charge zone, police said yesterday, as cising Colombo for its alleged fail- attempting to portray this as experiences will definitely accident, but there is no (charged) any of them with negligence over Colombo braced for a US-led ure to probe war crimes. evidence of an incident for which contribute to Palestine’s assailant,” chief rally organiser the nuclear disaster. censure resolution at the UN Last month, the Public Interest the government and security nation-building. Ruiko Muto, 61, told the protest- Campaigners immediately rights forum next week. Advocacy Centre in Australia forces should be held responsible,” Kishida unveiled Japan’s con- ers, displaying a photograph of appealed against the decision by A family on Friday stumbled accused Sri Lankan authori- military spokesman Brigadier tinued financial support to help Kawauchi village which was hit the Committee for the Inquest upon nine bodies buried in the ties of exhuming mass graves Ruwan Wanigasooriya said in a Palestine improve its refugee by the nuclear accident. of Prosecution, which has the garden of their home in the dis- and destroying evidence of civil- statement. situation and infrastructure. “We are determined to keep power to order the defendants to trict of Mullaitivu, where the final ian killings, a charge denied by He said there was no “factual He went on to disclose telling our experiences as vic- be tried. battles of the island’s protracted Colombo. basis” to point a finger at govern- Japan’s plan to send experts to tims to pursue the truth of the The committee members com- ethnic war were fought in May Sri Lanka’s President Mahinda ment forces. help Palestine open a produce accident, and we want to avoid prise 11 citizens who are chosen 2009, police spokesman Ajith Rajapakse has said he is commit- “The LTTE (Tamil Tigers) processing factory. a repeat of the accident in the at random by lot. Rohana said. ted to ensuring investigations into unhesitatingly killed any indi- He added Japan will work future,” she said. But the appeal was made in “Remains of nine people had any allegations of wrongdoing by vidual or group of people that with Indonesia, Malaysia, Tens of thousands of people Tokyo instead of Fukushima, a been found so far and the skeletal his security forces and challenged attempted to defy their orders,” Singapore, and Thailand to are still unable to return to their move campaigners say is “aimed remains were taken for analysis his accusers to provide evidence. Wanigasooriya said. “The skel- back Palestine’s personnel homes around the plant, with sci- at preventing us from filing a by the judicial medical officer in The military yesterday denied etal remains found recently near training in such fields as finance entists warning some areas may complaint against their decision the area,” Rohana told reporters. it had anything to do with the a former LTTE-held area could and disaster preparedness. have to be abandoned. in Fukushima, where many resi- The latest discovery came latest mass grave found in the very well be such dead buried AGENCIES “I used to grow organic rice... dents share our anger and grief.” ahead of a UN Human Rights former conflict area and said secretly.” But I can’t do it anymore because AFP Council (UNHRC) session the victims could be civilians or AFP SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PHILIPPINES Philippines seeks help against China Other countries urged to join legal case in sea row

MANILA: The Philippines “We are here to prove that The disputes have periodically yesterday called on Malaysia, from the point of view of the rule erupted into dangerous confron- Vietnam and other claimants to of law, all of the actions and all of tations, sparking tensions and join its legal challenge to China’s the claims of China are ... invalid.” straining ties. massive territorial claim in the China, Brunei, Malaysia, the Law professor Raul South China Sea. Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam Pangalangan told the forum that In a bold step, Filipino officials have overlapping claims across the Philippines wanted China to took their territorial disputes the busy South China Sea. explain the limits and basis of its with China to international arbi- Foreign Affairs Secretary vast claims. tration in January last year after Albert del Rosario said yesterday China, Jardeleza said, could still Chinese government ships took the Philippines “is working with change its mind and join the arbi- control of Panatag (Scarborough) full resolve” to submit the memo- tration, which would take at least Shoal off Zambales. rial or written argument on its two years to conclude. They asked the international case to the International Tribunal China has asked the other tribunal to declare China’s claim for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) claimants to settle the disputes to about 80 percent of the stra- on or before March 30. through one-on-one negotia- President Benigno Aquino (third right) prepares to inspect an honour guard with Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib tegic waters and Beijing’s seizure “Our fishermen have all the tions, something that would give Razak (centre) and King Abdul Halim during a welcoming ceremony outside the Parliament in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. of eight South China Sea and rights to fish in that area in Bajo it advantage because of its sheer West Philippine Sea shoals and de Masinloc. Bajo de Masinloc is size and clout. It has also warned reefs illegal. China has ignored an integral part of the Philippine Washington not to get involved. the legal challenge but the tribu- territory and we are entitled to The Philippines may include nal has proceeded and asked the the resources there and Bajo de recent aggressive Chinese acts in Aquino back from Malaysia visit Philippines to submit its “memo- Masinloc is also where we exer- its complaint, including what it rial” or legal arguments and evi- cise sovereignty, sovereign rights said was the firing of water can- MANILA: President Benigno S Aquino personally invited Najib to cooperation on trade, defence and dence by March 30. and jurisdiction over that area,” non by a Chinese coast guard ship Aquino III returned to Manila witness later this month the sign- security between the two neigh- Solicitor General Francis DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez to drive away Filipino fishermen early this morning from his ing of a comprehensive agreement bouring countries. Jardeleza said Malaysia, Vietnam said. Bajo de Masinloc is the local from Panatag Shoal on January two-day state visit to Malaysia. on the Bangsamoro between the In his meeting with the and two other governments could name of Panatag Shoal. 27, Jardeleza said. Aquino described his first Philippine government and the Malaysian businessmen, Aquino either take part in the Philippine “When we decided to bring the China has controlled the shoal visit to Kuala Lumpur since he Moro Islamic Liberation Front said he personally invited them case or file their own complaints nine-dash line to arbitral tribu- since Philippine vessels backed assumed office in 2010 as “quick” (Milf), the largest Muslim rebel to invest in southern Philippines. against China. Smaller countries, nal it was based on our assess- off from a tense standoff there but “fruitful,” citing his meet- group in the country. With his trip to Malaysia, he said, can only have a chance to ment of our national interest. in 2012. Chinese coast guard and ings with the Filipino commu- Malaysia has been brokering according to Aquino, he now vis- peacefully defend their territories Other countries will also have to surveillance ships have guarded nity there and with Malaysian the government and Milf peace ited all the nine other members against the Asian superpower in a make a decision on this based on the territory and chased away leaders led by Prime Minister process since 2001. of the Association of Southeast legal arena. “Where can the weak the assessment of their national Filipino fishermen if they ven- Najib Razak as well as with Aquino said he and his Asian Nations (ASEAN), which go?” Jardeleza asked in a forum on interest and we will respect their tured close to the shoal. businessmen. Malaysian counterpart also the Philippines is also a member. the territorial disputes. decision on this,” Hernandez said. THE PHILIPPINE STAR During his trip, President agreed to further strengthen the THE PHILIPPINE STAR

Political ally of Foreign airlines urged to transfer to terminal 3 at NAIA Pacquiao dies in ambush MANILA: The Department completed ahead of the schedule NAIA 3 include baggage handling, structural retrofitting, improve- rehabilitation of both terminals of Transportation and in August. flight information displays, com- ment of mechanical, electrical, is to bring NAIA 1 back to its GENERAL SANTOS: A Communications (DOTC) is “We might be ready to receive puter terminals, gate coordina- plumbing and fire protection design capacity of around four to mayor and political ally of urging foreign airlines to trans- them some time April or May but tion and fire protection systems, facilities as well as architectural 4.5 million from the current seven boxing superstar-turned-leg- fer to Terminal 3 of the Ninoy they are asking for one year to among others, to allow a faster works of the decades-old terminal to eight million. islator Manny Pacquiao has Aquino International Airport fix their lounges. We are offering and more pleasant experience building. “By then, we could already died after being ambushed (NAIA3) scheduled to be com- the use of government lounges so for passengers flying in and out “The rehabilitation works for transfer some international air- by unknown gunmen in a pleted in July. they could transfer,” Abaya said of Manila. Terminal 1 started last month and lines from Terminal 1 to Terminal violence-wracked town in the Transportation and in his speech during the induc- On the other hand, Abaya should be completed by January 3, which will make way for a less southern Philippines, police Communications Secretary tion of officers of the Economic said the P1.3bn rehabilitation of in 2015 in time for the APEC crowded Terminal 1,” he said. said yesterday. Joseph Emilio Abaya said the gov- Journalists Association of the NAIA 1 being undertaken by con- Summit. We are also currently Latest data from the Manila George Perrett suffered a ernment is urging foreign airlines Philippines (EJAP) late Thursday. struction giant DM Consunji Inc testing and installing new equip- International Airport Authority fatal cardiac arrest early yes- to relocate to NAIA 3 from the Abaya said the government (DMCI) that started last month ment at Terminal 3 in order to (MIAA) showed the number of terday as he received treat- congested NAIA 1. is talking to major foreign air- is scheduled to be completed make it fully operational by the domestic and international pas- ment in hospital for a gunshot Abaya pointed out that the lines including Cathay Pacific, in January next year in time latter half of this year, since only sengers increased 3.1 percent wound to the thigh, said P1.9bn rehabilitation of NAIA 3 Singapore Airlines, Delta Airlines for the Asia Pacific Economic about half of the building is opera- to 32.865 million last year from Superintendent Jomar Yap, being undertaken by Takenaka and Emirates, among others. Cooperation (APEC) Summit. tional now,” he said. 31.877 million in 2012. the deputy chief of police of Corp of Japan is expected to be The rehabilitation works at The project involves the Abaya said the objective of the THE PHILIPPINE STAR Sarangani province. Perrett, the mayor of the coastal town of Maitum on the southern tip of the Philippine islands, was shot by unknown gunmen as he drove home with his wife and an aide late Friday, Kidnapped student escapes US rights report to Yap added. His companions were ZAMBOANGA CITY: A 1.30pm Friday in Little Baguio vil- locals to contact his family. unhurt. Filipino- Chinese college stu- lage, Imelda town in Zamboanga Tan’s relatives coordinated with Police said no suspects had dent, who was kidnapped Sibugay, a neighbour province of the local authorities who imme- help Philippines been arrested and the authori- in Zamboanga del Sur last Zamboanga del Sur. diately conducted a rescue opera- ties did not know if the attack Thursday, managed to escape Initial police investigation dis- tion resulting to the safe recovery was politically motivated. from his captors the following closed that the victim managed to of the victim, the police said. day, local police said yesterday. escape from his abductors after The police, with the help of improve standards 3 Muslim rebels According to Ariel Huesca, the latter took off his blindfold local military personnel, are now the spokesman for regional while he was being transported. continuously conducting inten- MANILA: A US govern- between police and investigators, killed in clash police office, the kidnapped vic- Then, Tan jumped from a cliff. sive manhunt operations against ment report criticising the few prosecutions, and lengthy tim, identified as Stephen Tan, His abductors chased him, but he the suspects who kidnapped Tan, Philippines for failing to stamp procedural delays”, along with MANILA: Three members escaped from his abductors dur- was able to hide at a grassy por- Huesca said. out extra-judicial killings will “widespread official corruption of the breakaway Muslim ing transportation at around tion and later sought help from THE PHILIPPINE STAR help Manila improve human and abuse of power”. group of Bangsamoro Islamic rights safeguards, a presidential Mark Cebreros, spokesman Freedom Fighters (BIFF) spokeswoman said yesterday. for the Philippine government’s were killed and three gov- Philippines still impoverished The US State Department’s Commission on Human Rights, ernment troops were injured global annual human rights report said much of the information in the in a clash erupted when the Thursday said: US report actually came from the group attacked a military “The government continued Philippine agency. “We acknowl- installation in Maguindanao to investigate and prosecute only edge there are few convictions Friday night, military said a limited number of reported for extra-judicial killings in this yesterday. human rights abuses, and con- administration,” Cebreros said. He Colonel Dickson Hermoso, cerns about impunity persisted”. said there had been improvements the spokesman for the The “most significant human under Aquino, including a drop in Philippine Army’ s 6th Infantry rights problems continued to be extra-judicial killings. Division, said a group of BIFF extrajudicial killings and enforced However, torture cases were men fired mortar rounds at disappearances undertaken by still at the same level, he added. the base of the Army’s 2nd security forces”, it added. The commission, which docu- Mechanized Battalion in President Benigno Aquino’s ments and investigates allegations Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, spokeswoman Abigail Valte said of abuses, also cited other prob- Maguindanao Province, around the government was taking note lems like lengthy trials and over- 11.45pm Friday. of the criticism from a key ally crowded prisons. “We are talking Hermoso said the ensuing and aid donor. “We’ll have the about the entire criminal justice sporadic fighting lasted up national government agencies go process,” Cebreros said. to about 1am yesterday when through it and address particular Human rights organisations the undetermined number of areas of concern, focusing on what allege that the Philippines suf- attackers withdrew. can be done to further our efforts” fers from a “culture of impu- Three BIFF members were to improve, she added. nity” where powerful men feel killed in the clash, while three The criticism of the Philippines, they can commit abuses without government troops got hurt, a former US colony that relies fear of punishment. In the worst he said. heavily on US defence aid, is part such incident, in 2009 a Muslim However, BIFF spokesman of a series of State Department political clan murdered 58 people Abu Misry Mama claimed that reports on the human rights situ- including members of a rival clan, the government soldiers sus- ation in various countries. lawyers and journalists to prevent tained fatalities, and the rebel A vendor drives his mobile shop past a shantytown in Manila, Philippines, on Wednesday. The Philippine govern- It criticised “a dysfunctional a rival from running for a local group suffered no casualties. (Philippine) criminal justice sys- post against one of its members. AGENCIES ment has conceded that it will miss its 2015 Millennium Development Goal (MDG) on poverty reduction. tem notable for poor cooperation AFP SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13

Rebels declare Blasts targeting polio team kill 12 ceasefire to revive talks

11 hurt as IED explodes near border ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani Taliban spokes- PESHAWAR: At least twelve were damaged in the explosions. man announced a one-month people were killed and 11 injured Polio persists in Pakistan with ceasefire yesterday aimed at when three roadside bombs tar- militant groups seeing vaccina- reviving failed peace talks geting a polio vaccination team tion campaigns as a cover for with the government. in Pakistan’s restive northwest espionage. There are also long- “The senior leadership of the exploded yesterday, officials running rumours about polio Taliban advises all subgroups said. drops causing infertility. to respect the Taliban’s call The blasts near the Afghan According to the World Health for a ceasefire and abide by it border were the latest attack on Organisation (WHO), Pakistan and completely refrain from efforts to stamp out the crippling recorded 91 cases of polio last all jihadi activities in this time disease in Pakistan, which is one year, up from 58 in 2012. period,” the statement said. of only three countries where WHO has warned that The unilateral cease- polio remains endemic. Peshawar is the world’s “largest fire comes after attempts to Eleven paramilitary troops reservoir” of polio. hold peace talks between the and one child died when the Pakistan’s struggle to defeat militants and government bombs detonated in the Lashora polio stands in stark contrast collapsed. area of Jamroud Tehsil in to its neighbour and great rival In recent weeks the Pakistan Khyber Agency, 30km south- India, which recently celebrated air force has bombed militant west of Peshawar, senior official three years since its last polio targets in the northwest, and Jahangir Khan said. case. there is speculation that the The troops were protecting a Afghanistan and Nigeria are army will launch an offensive convoy of anti-polio campaigners, the other countries where the Pakistani security officials inspect the wreckage of a tribal police vehicle after a twin bomb explosion in Jamroud, in North Waziristan, a tribal Khan said, adding that two vehi- disease remains. in Khyber tribal area near Afghan border, in Pakistan yesterday. region bordering Afghanistan. cles belonging to the medical team AFP Pakistan’s nuke sites are safe ISLAMABAD: As the Officials rescue foreign international community ‘Terrorists use chemical weapons’ keeps on raising questions about the security and safety hostages in SW Pakistan ISLAMABAD: The National of targeting the national security is marginally less than Iraq. From of Islamabad’s nukes instal- Internal Security Policy docu- apparatus and key installations 2001 to 2005, there were 523 ter- lations, Pakistan has placed a ments reveal a mind boggling by the terrorists and nonstate rorist incidents in Pakistan but five to seven ring safety net, QUETTA: Pakistani officials not thought to be the guards but threat of possible use of chemi- armed groups have compounded since 2007 to November 2013, supervised by the Strategic yesterday said they had rescued believed to be connected to drug cal and biological substances as the challenge. the total number of incidents has Pla n n i ng D iv ision (SPD), hav- 11 kidnapped foreigners - eight cartels operating in the province weapons by terrorists and non- It added that the widespread risen to 13,198. ing the capability to defend Iranians, two Tunisians and one and to have been held hostage by state armed groups. spectrum of internal threats is a During the year 2013, there the nuclear assets from all Yemeni national - in the south- them, officials said. However, it claims that the critical impediment to economic have been 1,361 incidents of ter- kind of possible attacks. west town of Turbat near the Baluchistan is known as a gate- Ministry of Defence is equipped to development and social cohe- rorism. A trajectory of terror- “The security of nuclear Iranian border. way to Asia for drug smugglers deal with these extreme threats. sion. Traditionally, it adds, the ist incidents in Pakistan shows installations is managed by a The security officials said that and sees a frequent influx of for- “Keeping in view global terror- entire security apparatus acts in that after the Marriott bombing special division working under those freed did not include a eigners from Iran and elsewhere. ism and facing the complexity of a reactive rather than proactive in Islamabad and Lal Mosque SPD, having safety rings of five group of Iranian border guards Diplomatic ties between Iran the situation in Pakistan, use of manner. incidents, the number of suicide to seven layers and is capable believed to have been kidnapped and Pakistan touched a fresh chemical and biological substances “In the absence of an integrated attacks in Pakistan increased of defending the country’s by jihadists and taken to Pakistan low last week over fate of the by terrorists cannot be ignored internal security response, the alarmingly. nuclear assets from all kind in early February, sparking diplo- kidnapped border guards, when and the MoD is equipped to deal terrorists are expanding their From 2001 to 2007, the docu- of unwarranted attacks,?” matic tensions. the Iranian Interior Minister with these extreme threats.” network to the detriment of ment adds, there were only 15 officials said in background “11 foreigners were rescued Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli report- Taking about the threat per- national integration and eco- incidents in Pakistan but since discussions. in a raid in a neighbourhood of edly threatened Pakistan that ception, the policy document says, nomic betterment of the people 2007 to November 2013, the total At a time when people of Turbat town, some 1,050km west Tehran may send forces into “Terrorist networks lurk in shad- of Pakistan.” number of incidents has risen Pakistan are being reminded of Quetta,” a security official said. Pakistan to free them. ows and thrive on a strategy of The document said that to 358, which is higher than any by outsiders about their The raid had been conducted in Home to a large Sunni minor- invisibility and ambiguity. They Pakistan is the most-affected other place in the world. nuclear assets the safety of an attempt to rescue five Iranian ity and ethnic Baluch people in operate in an ideological moti- country by terrorism in the world, Another lethal trend is the use nukes instalment is important border guards who were kid- a predominantly Shiite country, vated network of networks to after Iraq. If the severity of the of improvised explosive devices for the whole nation. napped on February 6 from Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province has embroil the state on physical, psy- incidents is considered, then against the law enforcing agencies On other hand, the west- Sistan-Baluchistan province, offi- been the scene of unrest in recent chological and ideological levels.” Pakistan even surpasses Iraq. and it has emerged as a “weapon ern world always expresses its cials said. years. The policy document said that From 2001 to 2013, there were of choice” of the terrorists. apprehensions about terror- But the freed hostages were AFP subversive activities and a pattern 13,897 incidents in Pakistan which INTERNEWS ists getting control of nuclear assets. Walk for justice Tax amnesty Islamabad gearing up for order extended ISLAMABAD: The amnesty package announced China forum membership by the government of Pakistan on Jan 1 to bring more citizens to the tax net ISLAMABAD: Pakistan yes- of Pakistan becoming a full mem- has been extended until terday presented itself as a ber especially when Mezentsev April 30. strong candidate for a full said Pakistan had been playing a The package had expired on membership of the Shanghai “unique role” because of its excel- February 28, and was meant for Cooperation Organisation lent relations with China, Russia those who neither had a valid (SCO) since it had exception- and other SCO member states. national tax number (NTN), ally strong credentials, and Giving details of the meetings, nor had filed their returns by its inclusion would bring SCO the office of the spokesperson said November 28, 2013. closer to its vision. in a statement that Pakistan was There has been a lukewarm The case for Pakistan was made seen as an important regional response from the people by Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant country by Mezentsev, who said towards availing the scheme. to the Prime Minister on Foreign that increasing membership An FBR spokesman said Affairs and Foreign Secretary would not only enlarge the base that the board had started Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, when of the organisation but would publicity campaign for making Secretary General, Shanghai also increase its effectiveness the scheme a success. Cooperation Organisation (SCO), in the region and its posture An FBR spokesman said Dimitry Mezentsev, called on internationally. that the board had started them at the Foreign Office. The SCO’s main objectives, publicity campaign for making Presently, Pakistan is an said its secretary general, “were the scheme a success. observer at SCO, but Mezentsev to enhance socio economic coop- As per the scheme, people praised Islamabad when he said eration among the member states who have NTNs, but did not he saw for himself efforts made with emphasis on dealing with file returns during the last five by Pakistan “in combating ter- military and soft security issues, years can now submit returns rorism and reviving economy to combating terrorism, extrem- until April 30. bring peace and stability to the ism, separatism, arms and drug The new filers will be country and the region.” trafficking.” exempted from any penalty, Baloch nationalists and relatives of victims of alleged forced disappearances arrive in Islamabad as they conclude There was room for optimism INTERNEWS additional tax and audit. long march from Karachi, yesterday. Pakistani human rights activists claim that hundreds of people have been AGENCIES picked up by state agencies, primarily under the pretext of fighting terrorism. Karachi court convicts five Immoral activities charges against MPs not new in reporter’s murder case ISLAMABAD: The allega- in using hashish, wine, women According to details, one carrying the liquor for two Baloch tions of Pakistani parliamen- and fun and frolics at the lodges. Muhammad Ishaq, a peon of the senators. ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani One of the men convicted, tarian Jamshed Dasti regarding Dasti says he has seen videos Senate, was caught carrying 24 She said: “The circumstances court convicted five men yester- Mohammad Shahrukh Khan, said immoral and illegal activities of wine, women and music at the bottles of imported liquor in the of Balochistan were so critical day of murdering a young tele- in a videotaped confession posted at the privileged Parliament lodges and demanded screening official car of Senator Gulshan that no one was ready to talk vision reporter, his brother said, on YouTube that he had been asked Lodges are not new, as in the tests of all the parliamentarians. Saeed and an FIR was lodged against the Baloch senators marking the first time anyone to follow Babar home from work past FIRs were lodged after However, what Dasti demands against that peon. and the then Deputy Chairman has been convicted for killing a by an activist from the Muttahida recovery of liquor from cars at now has remained in the head- Senator Gulshan Saeed on June Senate Jan Muhammad Jamali Pakistani journalist. Qaumi Movement (MQM), the the gates of the lodges but poor lines before as well. 29, 2009 said her driver on his way had also requested me to forgive Wail Babar, a 28-year-old jour- party that rules Karachi. drivers and peons were made Local media reported on June back to Parliament Lodges gave the Baloch senators.” nalist for Geo news, covered the The MQM denies any link to the scapegoat and never any big 30, 2009 that a peon of the Senate lift to Muhammad Ishaq, a peon One of the Baloch senators seamy side of Karachi, a swelter- Khan or the other killers. fish was netted. of Pakistan who was caught red- of senator who was carrying a whose name was being taken, ing port megacity of 18 million Khan said he followed Babar But this time, the allegations handed in a vehicle of a female bag. had said that Muhammad Ishaq people. He reported on drugs, and called in the route to the are far grave and have been raised senator by the police for carrying On a picket when the police remained his peon in 1997 when crime, militancy and deadly turf MQM activist. Moments later, on the floor of the house and the imported liquor for “someone” at stopped that car and checked, he was MNA. He said the peon struggles between the city’s main a man he had met at the activ- Speaker National Assembly has the Parliament Lodges was sus- the liquor was recovered. She said tried to get away with the police political parties. ist’s house shot Babar to death, been requested to initiate neces- pended while those named by Muhammad Ishaq had apologised while taking his name while he He was shot dead on January he said. sary action to stop the alleged the female senator and that peon to her in front of deputy com- was in Lahore at that time. 13, 2011 as he left work. REUTERS involvement of parliamentarians were spared. missioner Islamabad that he was INTERNEWS SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA

Pranab gives Time for Cong nod to bill on Telangana to decide on NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee has given his assent to the bill to carve Telangana state out of Andhra Pradesh, which also came under central alliance: Lalu rule yesterday with the signing of a separate proclamation. The signing of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill 2014 paved No decision yet on tie-up the way for creating Telangana as India’s 29th state. The cen- PATNA: The responsibility talks with the Congress could not tral government will now issue of defeating communal forces be finalised because two constitu- a gazette notification with an is not of the Rashtriya Janata encies were the main bone of con- appointed date or the date on Dal alone, and it’s time for the tention between the two parties. which Telangana state will for- Congress to decide on an alli- Although the Congress agreed to mally come into being. ance, RJD chief Lalu Prasad contest from 15 seats in Bihar and The bill was passed by parlia- said yesterday. the RJD on 25 seats, the former is ment on February 20, despite “Time for alliance has ended. said to be eyeing the Madhubani strong opposition by lawmakers Now it’s time to go to ground for and East Champaran constituen- from Seemandhra (Rayalaseema political battle,” Lalu Prasad said cies and Lalu is in a dilemma over and coastal Andhra). after arriving here on Friday it, the RJD leader said. Telangana will comprise 10 dis- night from Delhi, where he was RJD legislature party leader tricts including Hyderabad, which trying to finalise his party’s alli- Abdul Bari Siddiqui wants to will serve as common capital of ance with the Congress but no contest from Madhubani as he Telangana and successor state of decision was taken. had narrowly lost there to the Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi (right) attends an interactive session with rickshaw pullers, ahead of the Andhra Pradesh for 10 years. The former Bihar chief min- Bharatiya Janata Party in 2009. 2014 general elections, in Varanasi yesterday. The successor state of Andhra ister told the media that he was Congress general secretary Pradesh will have 13 districts. still keen on an alliance with the Shakeel Ahmad is equally keen Mukherjee also gave his nod Congress. He said he offered it 11 to be fielded in Madhubani as he to imposing President’s rule in of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar had won in 2004. Former army chief joins BJP Andhra Pradesh as decided by the and one seat to the Nationalist Lalu Prasad recently suffered a union cabinet on Friday. IANS Congress Party, while his party jolt when 13 of his party’s 22 legis- NEW DELHI: Former Indian national interest,” added Singh rickshaw pullers and enquired will contest 28 seats. lators turned rebel. However, nine Army chief General V K Singh who retired in May 2012. about health and insurance facili- Ex-BJP chief Bangaru He said now it was time “for of the 13 returned to the party yesterday joined the BJP while Using the occasion to attack ties during the 90-minute interac- them to decide”. “I am supporter of after a promise that they will be Congress vice-president Rahul Congress led United Progressive tion. Gandhi directed Fernandes Laxman is dead the Congress and India. My party given party tickets for the Lok Gandhi wooed rickshaw pullers Alliance, BJP President Rajnath to ask the Uttar Pradesh govern- is still working with a mission to Sabha polls. and auto drivers in Varanasi as Singh said: “The government had ment to provide insurance and HYDERABAD: Former BJP stop communal forces from coming “Any wrong step by Lalu may the two big political rivals con- not paid enough attention to the medical benefits to all families president Bangaru Laxman died to power,” Lalu Prasad said. trigger another crisis within his tinued to mobilise support for armed forces. India’s defence and living below the poverty line. here yesterday after a prolonged He made it clear that the RJD party,” an RJD leader said. the Lok Sabha polls. security system has been neglected Meanwhile, the two-year-old illness, family sources said. He will start preparations for the Lalu Prasad’s aides say he has After appearing to join Anna by the current dispensation for Aam Aadmi Party announced was 74. He is survived by a son general elections. “Now, there is learnt a bitter lesson since the Hazare’s anti-corruption band- many years. Many holes are vis- its third list of candidates that and three daughters. no time to visit Delhi any more. I last elections when he offered wagon, the controversial former ible in the system.” included some well-known faces. Laxman was union minister of will focus and concentrate to get only three seats to the Congress. army general joined the BJP, call- Savita Bhatti, wife of television state for railways from 1999 to 2000 ready for poll campaigns,” he said. In December, after being released ing it the only “nationalist party” RAHUL REACHES OUT actor late Jaspal Bhatti, will con- and president of the BJP in 2000- He said it was not possible to on bail in the fodder scam, Lalu and expressed his desire to “work Meanwhile, Congress Vice- test from Chandigarh, which is 2001. He quit as party chief when hold talks on alliances while sit- Prasad, who broke his alliance for the nation”. President Rahul Gandhi inter- currently represented by former he was caught on camera while ting in Delhi. “We will be in touch with the Congress in 2009, said “We dedicated our lives serv- acted with rickshaw pullers and union minister Pawan Kumar taking bribe in a sting operation over telephone,” he said. Lalu he would not repeat the mistake. ing on the borders, and now we auto drivers in Varanasi, in a bid Bansal while Anand Kumar, a by news website Tehelka in 2001. A Prasad said he was still hopeful of In the 2004 Lok Sabha polls, want to work in interest of the to reach out to the aam aadmi, professor in Delhi’s Jawaharlal special CBI court on April 27, 2012 an alliance with the Congress, but the Congress-RJD-Lok Janshakti nation, with nationalist forces,” and later prayed at the famous Nehru University will contest sentenced Laxman to four years in said the responsibility for an alli- Party combine won 29 seats. the 63-year-old retired gen- Kashi Vishwanath temple. from north-east Delhi, repre- prison. He was arrested and sent to ance to defeat communal forces But fighting separately in 2009, eral said. “So, we have decided Accompanied by party gen- sented by the Congress leader Jai jail. In October the same year, the was not of his party alone. the RJD got only four seats, the to move with the BJP to bring eral secretary Madhusudan Prakash Agarwal. The party had Delhi High Court granted bail to According to an RJD leader Congress two and the LJP none. a government which is stable, Mistry and union Minister Oscar earlier announced two lists of 20 Laxman on medical grounds. close to Lalu Prasad, seat-sharing IANS strong and takes decisions in Fernandes, Gandhi spoke to the and 30 candidates. IANS IANS SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

Heavy snowfall Women ‘sadhus’ Death sentence: Centre form new group

LUCKNOW: Female “sadhus”, or holy Hindu women, have bro- for recall of SC verdict ken away from tradition and formed a new all-female group in India that they hope will end male domination of spiritual Petition says scope of judicial review extremely limited practices. In Allahabad, a group of women NEW DELHI: The central The centre in its review peti- and all that it could have done sadhus formally established government yesterday moved tion said that if the court was was ask the president to decide their group or akhada, holding the Supreme Court seeking of the view that the mercy peti- the mercy petition expeditiously. ceremonies on the banks of the recall of its verdict holding that tions were not properly consid- “In fact, the court ought not River Ganges which is considered inordinate, unexplained and ered, then the same could have and could not have ordered even sacred by Hindus. unreasonable delay in deciding been returned to the president for in pending mercy petitions that Mahant Trikal Bhavanta, a a mercy petition by the presi- reconsideration. the petition should be allowed or leading woman sadhu, said on dent was a ground for com- The petition to recall the convert the death sentence to life Friday that the all-women akhada muting a death sentence to life January 21 verdict said the pres- imprisonment,” the review peti- was believed to be the first in the imprisonment. ident or the governor were not tion said. history of Hinduism in India. The court had held that required to spell out any rea- Besides delay, the court had An akhada is a group of sadhus in deciding the mercy peti- son for deciding mercy petitions also held that insanity, mental — reclusive ascetics or wandering tion, there could no distinction either way. illness and schizophrenia could monks who renounce normal life whether the death row convict The centre said the scope of be the grounds for seeking com- and are often widely respected was sentenced under normal judicial review was extremely muting death sentence to life for their holiness. India has more penal offences or under the pro- limited and ought not to be exer- imprisonment. than a dozen such groups, all vision of anti-terror laws. cised except on the grounds of The Apex Court by its January male-dominated. The review petition said that malafide, political expediency, 21 judgement commuted the According to some Hindu lore, the court ought to have taken extraneous factors, undue haste death sentence of 15 convicts to it is believed the first akhada into account the decision of the and non-applicability of mind to life imprisonment on the grounds was formed by Hindu philoso- Constitution bench upholding the material available before the of delay in deciding their mercy A family uses an umbrella to shelter themselves from heavy snowfall pher Adi Shankaracharya in separate machinery for the trial president. petitions by the president. in Shimla yesterday. the eighth century with the aim of offences under anti-terror laws. Contesting the jurisdiction of In the case of 13 death row con- of safeguarding the religion’s The centre has said the presi- the three-judge bench to decide victs, it was on account of years of interests. dent’s decision to reject mercy the issue, the centre’s plea said delay in deciding the mercy peti- Bhavanta said the all-women petitions could not have been the grounds set out in the Jan 21 tions and for two convicts, it was group was facing criticism from interfered by the court as the judgment involved the interpreta- mental illness. male sadhus, who claim the move same was not subject to judicial tion of the constitution and the This judgement was relied upon AAP tickets for novelist, goes against age-old customs. review. same could have been done by for commuting the death sentence “Nowhere in the Hindu scriptures It said the court could not have the five-judge bench as spelt out of three key conspirators in the is it mentioned that women can- substituted life imprisonment for under article 145. Rajiv Gandhi assassination case ex-policeman in Kerala not have an akhada of their own,” the death sentence while exercis- The government said if a mercy to life imprisonment and was also she said. ing its power of judicial review petition is pending decision with cited by a 1993 Delhi bomb blast THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Joseph, 67, is an award-winning “We are facing criticism from over the president’s decision to the president, the court could not convict seeking commutation of The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) novelist and a retired professor of men because the move ensures reject mercy petitions. have passed the order of remission his death sentence. IANS in Kerala has roped in novel- Malayalam. She has been taking that from now on, sanyasins ist Sara Joseph and former IPS up women’s issues. (women sadhus) will also stand officer Ajith Joy to contest the She won the Kendra Sahitya to rise in the seers’ hierarchy upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Akademi Award of 2003 for her and the subjugation of women in Joseph will contest the Thrissur novel “Aalahayude Penmakkal” the akhada system run by men seat while Joy has been named for (Daughters of God the Father) will end,” Bhavanta added. Kalyan Singh resigns from LS, returns to BJP the capital city constituency that and also received the prestigious Those who become women is currently held by junior HRD Vayalar Ramavarma Award of sadhus and renounce posses- LUCKNOW: Former Uttar Pradesh chief min- Janata Party in December 1999 only to return in Minister Shashi Tharoor. 2004 for the same novel. sions in a quest for enlight- ister Kalyan Singh yesterday resigned from the January 2004 before the Lok Sabha elections. He AAP’s state convenor Manoj Joy, 44, who hails from the state enment are often widows. Lok Sabha and said he was returning to the BJP. again left the party on the eve of the Lok Sabha polls. Padmanabhan, an IT professional capital is a 1992 batch IPS officer Every 12 years, the Kumbh Addressing the media at his Mall Avenue resi- Claiming that BJP’s prime ministerial candidate based in Kochi said the state unit who quit the service last year Mela religious festival is held dence, Kalyan Singh said the time has come when Narendra Modi was a “symbol” of good governance had submitted a list of candidates and is a practising lawyer in the in Allahabad, drawing legions of India takes a decision to vote for good governance and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi stood no to the national leadership and Supreme Court. Padmanabhan wandering holy men and women. and vote out the corrupt and non-performing chance in front of the Gujarat chief minister. Kalyan these two names were cleared. added the response to the AAP Bhavanta said her akhada would politicians. Singh said people were now looking towards the BJP “At the moment, I cannot say party is good and he expects the participate with its own flag in The 82-year-old leader, who represents Etah in for a stable government at the centre. if we will contest all the 20 seats total membership will soon reach the Maha Kumbh to be held in the Lok Sabha as an Independent, left the Bharatiya IANS in the state,” said Padmanabhan. six lakh in Kerala. IANS Nasik next year. AFP SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Brazil kick-starts carnival season

Fajr (Dawn) 4:45 Shorook (Sunrise) 5:57 Zuhr (Noon) 11:46 Asr (Afternoon) 3:07 Maghrib (Sunset) 5:37 Isha (Night) 7:07

WEATHER Weather Today Monday Tuesday Conditions: Partly cloudy Partly cloudy Cloudy Slight dust to blowing dust at High: 27° High: 29° High: 27° times at places Low: 19° Low: 18° Low: 20° with some clouds.

DOHA - SUN & SEA SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 05:58 17:33 05:30&17:45 12:15&23:45 10-18/25 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER

MUSCAT 28/18 Partly cloudy 27/18 Partly cloudy MAKKAH 32/24 Partly cloudy 35/25 Partly cloudy Revellers of Tom Maior samba school perform during the first night of carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Sao Paulo, Brazil, yesterday. KUWAIT 26/16 Partly cloudy 25/18 Clear BAHRAIN 26/14 Partly cloudy 27/18 Mostly cloudy SANAA 27/11 Partly cloudy 27/11 Partly cloudy RIYADH 25/18 Clear 28/19 Mostly cloudy DUBAI 27/16 Partly cloudy 27/16 Partly cloudy Downpour douses Oscars red carpet BAGHDAD 24/15 Clear 28/14 Partly cloudy LOS ANGELES: The most before hundreds of attendees will going to rain, there is going to be They have put this up a few days THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW glamorous of all runways, the parade designer gowns, extrava- water, we have got to protect as ago so I think we will be alright.” 500-foot-long Oscars red car- gant jewels and tailored tuxedos. best we can.” While the rain is a welcome pet, might be a fashion disaster Workers cleared pools of water The rain began in Los Angeles sight for many in California, HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER today. that had collected atop the tent on Thursday evening and accord- which is mired in its third year of ATHENS 16/12 Rain 14/09 Partly cloudy A rare heavy rain storm on built to shield stars from the rain ing to the National Weather a debilitating drought, high winds WASHINGTON 14/0 Rain 02/-12 Snow Friday in Southern California has while others hustled to plug any Service is not expected to let up and debris caused road closures, soaked parts of the red carpet laid leaks and a team wielding squee- until this morning, hours before power outages and about 1,000 SYDNEY 25/19 Mostly cloudy 27/17 Chance of rain down on Hollywood Boulevard, gees pushed standing water out Hollywood’s movie stars begin homes in the Los Angeles area LONDON 12/05 Rain 10/04 Chance of rain where movie stars and Tinseltown of the protective plastic over the their walk across the red carpet were ordered to be evacuated due PARIS 12/06 Mostly cloudy 12/04 Chance of rain powerbrokers will make their red carpet. at 3pm PST (2300 GMT). to possible mudslides. ISTANBUL 13/09 Chance of rain 16/10 Partly cloudy grand entrance to the Academy “It has been a challenge, a lot of “I think the carpet is prob- Organisers as a precaution had MANILA 33/21 Partly cloudy 32/21 Clear Awards, film’s highest honours. water in a short amount of time,” ably wet underneath us, which is already wrapped the large gilded DHAKA 30/18 Haze 31/19 Partly cloudy Dozens of workers spent the said Joe Lewis, the associate pro- going to be a problem in a couple Oscar statues that flank the red DELHI 21/12 Mist 24/12 Mostly cloudy morning securing the red carpet ducer of arrivals for Hollywood’s days,” said Doug Neal, the stage carpet like columns to shield ISLAMABAD 23/10 Clear 14/06 Chance of rain from the pelting rain and over- biggest night. “There is no per- manager of the Oscars red carpet them from possible water damage. flowing street gutters 48 hours fect science to (a) rain plan. It is show. “But we are well protected. REUTERS Sunday 2 March 2014 1 Jumadal I 1435 Volume 18 Number 5991 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Upbeat Buffett FIIs buy QR2.5bn in equities in 2013 eyes big buys QNBFS projects strong growth in Qatar market; forecasts 12pc increase in earnings for 2014 after record

DOHA: Buoyed by the MSCI bullish in a major way during the cira $700m in 2013 and almost bluechip index heavyweights like contributed 24 percent; non- Berkshire profit and S&P Dow Jones’ decision fourth quarter of 2013. They were $650m currently versus an out- QNB Group, Industries Qatar, Qatari institutions made up 22 to upgrade the Qatari market, the primary drivers of the Qatar flow of approximately $900m in Ooredoo and other leading play- percent of overall trading activity. NEW YORK: Warren Buffett’s foreign institutional investors Exchange (QE) index perform- 2012. Subsequent to the MSCI ers have dedicated investor rela- Qatari individual investors Berkshire Hathaway Inc yes- (FIIs) were bullish and turned ance in the quarter, pushing the announcement, S&P Dow Jones tions units that facilitate investor drove 38 percent of overall buy- terday signalled plans to make net buyers in 2013. index up by eight percent. also announced a similar upgrade, awareness and corporate access. ing followed by Qatari institutions more large acquisitions to The non-Qatari institutions Qatar, the third largest equity adding Qatar to its own Emerging Market capitalisation increased (25 percent) and foreign institu- expand a conglomerate that bought, on a net basis, approxi- market in the GCC, will be Markets Index,” it said. by 20.8 percent to reach tions (24 percent). Non-Qatari posted a record profit in 2013, mately QR2.5bn in equities last upgraded to the MSCI Emerging The QNBFS’ strategy report QR555.6bn against QR459.9bn at institutions made a major net helped by a recovering US year, QNB Financial Services’ Market Index from the MSCI expects the upgrade to the MSCI the end of 2012. Of the 42 listed buying push in fourth quarter economy. (QNBFS) ‘Qatar Equity Strategy Frontier Markets in May 2014. Emerging Markets Index will companies, 26 companies ended 2013 and bought, on a net basis, “Charlie and I have always con- Report 2014’ said yesterday.. This is likely to result in addi- have a long-term influence for the year higher. The QE bench- roughly QR2.5bn in equities in sidered a ‘bet’ on ever-rising US QNBFS forecasts a strong 12 tional inflows of estimated $500m the domestic market. It believes mark index went up by 24.17 2013. Qatari institutions were prosperity to be a very close to percent increase in aggregate as funds that track the index take that increased foreign inter- percent in 2013. Qatari investors also net buyers to the tune of a sure thing,” Buffett, 83, said in earnings by key Qatari equities in positions in the Qatari market. est will be motivating factor for dominated trading value in 2013. almost QR1bn. On the otehrhand, his annual letter, referring to his 2014. With solid earnings growth of “We note as of February 2014, firms to elevate and enhance their Local individual investors made individuals, both Qatari and non- 90-year-old vice chairman Charlie 12 percent, QNB believes that the many active funds have already investor relations function with up 40 percent of the total buy- Qatari, were net sellers of Qatari Munger. QE index can expand its multiples. taken the lead with net foreign the aim of becoming more open ing and selling activity in 2013, equities in 2013. “America’s best days lie ahead.” Foreign institutions turned portfolio investments reaching with all stakeholders. Currently, while local institutional investors THE PENINSULA Full-year profit rose 31 percent to $19.48bn, or $11,850 per Class A share, while operating profit rose 20 percent to $15.14bn, or $9,211 S&P 500 at new high per share. For the fourth quarter, net No need to panic over profit rose nearly 10 percent to $4.99bn and operating profit rose 34 percent to $3.78bn. Results improved in many of the Omaha, Ukraine economy: IMF Nebraska-based company’s more than 80 businesses, from retail to WASHINGTON: International than half that. railroads, insurance to ice cream. Monetary Fund chief Christine “We will be asking for at least “On the operating front, just Lagarde urged calm over $15bn. But things will become about everything turned out Ukraine’s economic situation more clear when the time comes,” well for us last year — in cer- as talks on cobbling together he said, according to the Interfax- tain cases very well,” the world’s international aid for the coun- Ukraine news agency. fourth-richest man wrote to try stepped up pace. Earlier on Friday, the new shareholders. With the new government in Ukrainian prime minister Arseniy Buffett said he remains on Kiev seeking “at least” $15bn for Yatsenyuk began preparing the the hunt for more big acquisi- this year, Lagarde said it was ground for an aid package. He tions, which he calls “elephants,” “highly premature” to toss around announced capital controls to slow after two recent big purchases: large figures before a proper the flight of money and the cur- a $5.6bn acquisition of Nevada assessment of the country’s needs. rency’s depreciation, and pledging utility NV Energy by Berkshire’s “We do not see anything that is to undertake tough reforms. MidAmerican Energy unit, and a critical, that is worthy of panic at “The Ukrainian government $12.25bn investment in ketchup the moment,” Lagarde said after will do everything to stabilise maker HJ Heinz Co. talks on Ukraine with German the situation... Now the main Buffett has long recommended Foreign Minister Frank-Walter thing is to keep calm,” he said diversified investments in basic Steinmeier in Washington. at the central bank, according to businesses capable of stead- “We need to rely on facts,” she Interfax-Ukraine. ily boosting revenue over the said, adding that an IMF team He said he was prepared to long haul. would arrive in Ukraine early attack subsidies and social pro- Traders on the floor of the stock exchange on Friday in New York City. US stocks Friday finished mostly higher REUTERS this week to begin an assessment. grammes and increase tariffs, with the S&P 500 hitting a new record peak . That team, she added, would be all remedies which the IMF discussing current policies “as has urged in recent years. “The well as expected policies” that government will take extremely would be crucial in a support unpopular measures,” he said. program for the country. She The capital controls announced Mannai’s profit Iraq oil exports hit record in Feb spoke as discussions to muster a by the central bank — a daily cap financial rescue for the country on foreign currency withdraw- up 16.3 percent in the wake of the overthrow of als from bank accounts — had BASRA: Oil exports from Iraq Production in February reached Russian-backed president Viktor immediate effect, strengthening DOHA: Mannai Corporation rose to a record 2.8 million 3.5 million bpd, and Shahristani Yanukovych gained speed. the currency, the hryvnia, to 9.18 Group’s net profit grew by 16.3 barrels per day (bpd) on aver- blamed the shortfall on the The revolt led to Moscow can- per dollar after it hit a record low percent to QR539m in 2013. age in February, Deputy Prime Kurds, who are at odds with the celling a much-needed $15bn loan of 11.31 per dollar on Thursday. International acquisitions con- Minister for energy Hussain Iraqi central government over oil to the country after only $3bn had Analysts said that Kiev needs tributed 61 percent of net profit. al-Shahristani told reporters rights and stopped exporting via been disbursed, leaving Kiev with some funds quickly because the The revenue is up 17.5 percent yesterday. the national network more than little cash in its coffers and dwin- government’s cash levels are near to QR5.6bn for the year compared The increase is likely to restore a year ago. Since then, they have dling foreign exchange reserves. bottom and its foreign exchange to QR4.7bn for the same period in some confidence in Iraq’s oil been exporting smaller quanti- But US Secretary of State reserves levels low. 2012. The financial results were revival, which slowed last year ties on their own terms by truck, John Kerry said that Russia had Yatsenyuk said reserves were announced after the board of direc- due to technical and security whilst building a separate pipeline assured him that it was willing down to $15bn, and the cash in tors’ meeting chaired by Mohamed problems, as well as an ongoing to Turkey, infuriating Baghdad, to rejoin the effort. Kerry said government acounts was a paltry Al Kubaisi. The group turnover resource row between Baghdad which claims sole authority to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei 4.3m hyrvnias, less than $500,000. increased by 17.5 percent to QR and the country’s autonomous manage all Iraqi oil. Lavrov indicated during a Friday “They need to get some money 5.6bn as compared to QR 4.7bn in Kurdish north. A sustainable rise Current Kurdish production phone call that Russia would be just to allow the budget to oper- 2012. The net profit increased by could weigh on global oil prices. capacity stands below 400,000bpd, “involved in helping to deal with ate,” said economist Lubomir 11.4 percent to QR 446m. The February figure was up A view of Basra refinery and around one third of that is the economic transition that Mitov of the global banking The company increased its from 2.228 million bpd the pre- refined locally. Of the 2.8 million needs to take place at this point.” association, the International stake in Damas International by vious month thanks to the com- bpd exported in February, 2.5 mil- Steinmeier said that any sup- Institute of Finance. “Soon is a an additional 15 percent through pletion of work on expanding the at the Basra refinery during a lion came from Basra, Shahristani port should have a wide base of matter of days.” acquiring the remaining share- capacity of the southern Basra ceremony for the opening of new said. The rest was exported from contributors. “The stabilisation of Mitov described a dire situation holding of the founder sharehold- port, from which the bulk of Iraq’s units. One of the new units will the northern Kirkuk oilfields via Ukraine can only be successful if in the Ukraine economy in which ers, thereby increasing Mannai’s crude is shipped. increase Basra refinery’s capacity a pipeline to Turkey that has we get as many partners as pos- banks, already extremely weak, shareholding to 81 percent. “These projects which we car- by 70,000bpd to 210,000bpd. repeatedly been sabotaged. sible on the table,” he said. have seen runs on deposits, the Alekh Grewal, Group CEO and ried out relating to development Iraq set an export target of 3.4 Iraq also used to export While earlier this week Ukraine government has missed pension Director said, “our international and production have enabled Iraq million bpd for 2014, including between 10,000-12,000bpd of officials put the country’s needs at and salary payments, and facto- diversification strategy has con- to produce 3.5 million barrels per 400,000bpd from the Kurdistan crude by truck across the bor- $35bn, on Thursday finance min- ries in some areas have halted tributed 51 percent of revenues day and to export 2.8 million bar- region, implying production of der to Jordan, but conflict in the ister Olexandr Shlapak said the production due to a lack of orders. from international operations.” rels per day, which is an historic 4 million bpd, including oil used western province of Anbar put a immediate request was for less REUTERS THE PENINSULA figure,” Shahristani told reporters domestically. halt to that this year. REUTERS SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Mt Gox files for Hiring expectation high in non-hydrocarbons bankruptcy, hit Finance, insurance upbeat on profits with lawsuit DOHA: Hiring expectations for hiring was 51 compared with TOKYO: Mt Gox, once the among non-hydrocarbon busi- 44 in the previous quarter and 47 world’s biggest bitcoin exchange, nesses in Qatar are the high- in Q1 2013. Taking the finance, filed for bankruptcy protection est they have been for three real estate and business services in Japan on Friday, saying it years according to the Dun & sector as a whole, the hiring out- may have lost nearly half a bil- Bradstreet Business Optimism look is higher than in the previous lion dollars worth of the virtual Index (BOI) for Qatar in the quarter and a year ago. coins due to hacking into its first quarter of 2014. The index In addition, a majority of faulty computer system. reveals that the construction respondents (68 percent) in the The collapse caps a tumultuous sector has the most optimistic non-hydrocarbon sector foresee few weeks in which the company outlook on employing workers. an increase in sales volumes in has remained virtually silent after Sponsored by the Qatar Q1 2014 on the back of expanding halting trades of the crypto-cur- Financial Centre Authority demand in all key sectors, partly rency, shaking the nascent but (QFC Authority), the survey also stimulated by the 2022 FIFA World burgeoning bitcoin community. reveals that, within the finance, Cup, and improving market condi- Wearing a suit instead of his real estate and business services tions. This optimism is reflected customary T-shirt, Mt Gox’s sector, finance and insurance in investment intentions as well. French CEO Mark Karpeles firms are the most upbeat about In the non-hydrocarbon sector, bowed in contrition and apolo- sales and profits. A substantial 47 percent of companies intend to gised in Japanese at a news con- majority of finance and insur- invest in business expansion in Q1 ference at the Tokyo District ance firms, 73 percent, expect an 2014 compared with 35 percent in Sheikh Mohammad bin Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani (centre) and Yousef M Al Jaida of Qatar Financial Centre (left) Court, blaming his firm’s collapse increase in sales and profits dur- the previous quarter. A compari- with Sara Abdullah of QBA at the release of the Qatar Business Optimism Index. SALIM MATRAMKOT on a “weakness in our system”, ing this quarter. son between large companies and but predicting that bitcoin would The index for the consolidated SMEs shows that large companies continue to grow. non-hydrocarbon sector was at 49 are more optimistic in Q1 2014 remains robust. The finance, real investing in our nation’s prosper- non-hydrocarbon sector con- “First of all, I’m very sorry,” points, lower than the score of 53 than SMEs about sales volumes, estate and business services sec- ity to help realise the goals of the tinue to reflect positive and sta- he said. “The bitcoin industry is recorded in Q1 2013 and at its sec- new orders and profitability. tor are especially buoyant.” Qatar National Vision 2030.” ble expectations among firms healthy and it is growing. It will ond highest level in three years. Yousef M Al Jaida, Chief On behalf of Qatari Commenting on the findings in Qatar. A growing population continue, and reducing the impact The survey found that 53 per- Strategic Development Officer, Businessmen Association, Sheikh of the latest survey Prashant coupled with rising infrastructure is the most important point.” cent of respondents in the non- QFC Authority, said: “Strong Mohammad bin Faisal bin Qassim Kumar, Associate Director, investment is key factors contrib- Angry investors have been hydrocarbon sector expect to demand for labour, as shown by Al Thani, said: “This latest sur- Dun and Bradstreet South Asia uting to demand expansion in seeking answers for what hap- increase their workforce, up from firms’ hiring intentions, is further vey demonstrates clearly that Middle East Ltd, said: “The high most key economic sectors.” pened to their holdings of cash 47 percent in Q4 2013. The index evidence that Qatar’s economy Qatar’s private sector is dynamic, BOI scores in Q1 2014 for the THE PENINSULA and bitcoins on the unregulated Tokyo-based exchange. Gregory Greene, who estimated his bitcoin stake at $25,000, filed a lawsuit in the US District Court in Chicago late on Thursday, say- Soros in Spanish property investment ing Mt Gox had failed “to provide Milaha 2013 net profit its users with the level of security MADRID: Hedge fund man- real estate investment trust, or six years ago. Outpacing Hispania, protection for which they paid.” agers George Soros and John REIT — listed vehicles that typi- Spanish family-owned real estate Baker & McKenzie, a Chicago- Paulson have both taken a ¤92m cally invest in income-producing company Grupo Lar said it would up 14pc at QR950m based law firm that represents ($127m) stake in a new Spanish assets, such as rental properties. list on the stock exchange in a Mt Gox, declined to comment. property investment vehicle Azora, George Soros and John ¤400m deal, priced at ¤10 per DOHA: Qatar Navigation market to drive a significant It is not yet clear if the firm is called Hispania, the Financial Paulson were not immediately share. George Soros has in recent (Milaha) recorded a net profit increase in net profits year on representing the exchange in this Times reported yesterday citing available to comment. weeks stepped up his invest- of QR950m for the full-year year. Milaha trading’s net profit lawsuit. sources close to the deal. REITs are taking off in ments in Spain and in European 2013 against QR835m for the decreased due to decline in vehi- Mt Gox said the exchange, used Hispania, created by Spanish- Spain, where they are known as real estate. He was last month same period in 2012, an increase cle service related revenues and overwhelmingly by foreigners, had based private investment firm SOCIMIs, as foreign investors an investor in the European of 14 percent year over year. marine sales. “We are naturally lost 750,000 of its users’ bitcoins Azora, last week announced plans hope to cash in on the country’s property unit of US real estate Operating revenues reached pleased with our record operating and 100,000 of its own. At the cur- to list on the stock exchange and economic recovery and search for investment fund Kennedy-Wilson QR2.24bn against QR2.29bn for results in 2013,” said Khalifa Ali rent bitcoin price of about $565, launch a share offering in order real estate bargains following a Holdings Inc, which plans to make the same period in 2012, a mod- Al Hetmi, President and CEO of that would total some $480 mil- to raise ¤500m from qualified 30 percent property price slump acquisitions in Britain, Ireland est decrease of two percent year Milaha. “While the tremendous lion — representing about seven investors. It will operate as a since a real estate bubble burst and Spain. REUTERS over year. The board of directors upturn in the Qatar stock market percent of the estimated global has decided to recommend to the accounted for a majority of the total of bitcoins. general assembly to distribute a increased profit, we had strong “This may be telling for the cash dividend of QR5 per share. positive growth from some of our level of traceability of the trans- Milaha’s maritime and logistics core businesses as well, such as actions. Bitcoin has been tell- segment’s performance declined offshore, container shipping and ing us that it is more traceable due to an asset impairment and logistics.” than cash. The question is, how increased operating costs. “We have come a long way in much more and is there the Net profit of the gas and pet- the past four years, since 2009, potential for real recourse in the rochem segment remained steady having doubled our revenue and case of theft,” said Moshe Cohen, relative to 2012, as the improved net profit in that period. I want to assistant professor at Columbia performance of the owned and thank our shareholders and board Business School in New York. operated fleet was offset by weak- for their support, and commend Mt. Gox said there was a ness in the VLGC sector. our staff for their hard work,” said discrepancy of 2.8 billion yen Milaha’s offshore segment Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, ($27.4m) in its bank accounts showed double digit growth in net Chairman and Managing Director when it checked on Monday. profit, as Halul offshore recovered of Milaha. “We look at this year’s Junko Suetomi, a lawyer with from operational issues it faced in performance as only a founda- Baker & MacKenzie, said she 2012 and full year effect of added tion, and will continue to push could not comment on the bal- vessels to the fleet. ourselves to achieve our ambitious ances of foreign bank accounts Milaha capital outperformed strategic goals over the coming held by the company. an already strong Qatari stock years,” he said. THE PENINSULA REUTERS

Senior officials celebrate the launch of Air Arabia’s flights. Air Arabia starts new Egypt flights DOHA: Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Adel Ali, Group Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier, has Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: “We are strengthened connectivity with Egypt with the very proud to have launched our inaugural flight to launch of non-stop services to Cairo, the capital Cairo, marking our fourth destination in Egypt and city. The inaugural flight took off on Thursday at a 90th worldwide. This first flight marks the start of special ceremony attended by senior officials from three weekly flights to the Egyptian capital, which is Air Arabia and the Egyptian Ambassador to the a significant destination for us in terms of strength- UAE, Ihab Emam Hamouda. ening our connectivity with the country and enhanc- The new service from the carrier’s primary hub ing bilateral ties between Egypt and the UAE.” in Sharjah marks Air Arabia’s fourth destination in Air Arabia also connects passengers from Sharjah Egypt and 90th worldwide. Air Arabia now offers to Alexandria, Assuit and Sohag in Egypt. There has three weekly flights to Cairo, making it a convenient been a significant level of demand for Air Arabia’s destination for passengers from and to the UAE, Egypt services over the past years, with its wide travelling for business or pleasure. range of value for money offerings making it an Flights depart Sharjah International Airport on airline of choice. THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

Digital attack Al Khaliji lead EU inflation participant at UAE conference

DOHA: Al Khalij Commercial Bank was a leading participant stabilises in at the recently held Syndicated Lending Middle East confer- ence on ‘Financing in a New Era’ held over two days in Dubai. ‘danger zone’ The prestigious UAE confer- ence was attended by interna- tional and regional senior banking professionals in syndicated and Eurozone prices up 0.8pc in Feb structured finance and debt cap- ital markets businesses. On the BRUSSELS: Eurozone infla- eurozone, it is worried about infla- borrower side the region’s lead- tion stabilised in the European tion staying below one percent for ing CFOs, treasurers, finance Central Bank’s “danger zone” a prolonged period, thereby desta- directors, institutional investors, in February but did not fall as bilising inflation expectations,” private equity houses and their expected, making it less likely IHS Global Insight economist professional advisers were also in the ECB will loosen monetary Howard Archer said. attendance. policy further at its monthly “Consequently, it still looks The conference covered a broad meeting next week. touch-and-go whether the ECB range of topics related to the European Union (EU) statis- will take any further stimula- syndicated loan and debt capi- tics office Eurostat estimated tive action at its March 6 policy tal markets focusing on the fast on Friday that consumer prices meeting. Much will likely depend A Sears store is seen in Coral Gables, Florida. According to reports the US Secret Service is investigat- changing dynamics of the markets in the 18 countries sharing the on whether the ECB staff’s new ing a possible digital attack at Sears Holdings Corp. on regional and global basis. euro rose an annual 0.8 percent forecasts show eurozone con- Al Khaliji featured as one of the in February. That was the same sumer price inflation still below leading mandated lead arrangers rate as in January and December, 2.0 percent in 2016.” (MLA) of syndicated loans in after readings of 0.9 percent in The February inflation rate 2013, successfully structuring and November and 0.7 percent in was stable because lower energy arranging loans for its preferred October. costs were offset by more expen- Ageing impacts growth: QNB customers in Qatar and the GCC. Economists had forecast infla- sive industrial goods and services, This demonstrates the strong tion would slow to 0.7 percent. the Eurostat data showed. DOHA: Ageing population has a depend on public transfers, their China experienced a significant intellectual capital within Al Fears the bloc may be at risk of “The outcome is rather odd as direct impact on economic per- children or their own assets to decline in the average fertility Khaliji and the continued suc- deflation as it struggles to recover it does not seem to be consistent formance, fiscal policy and asset sustain their old-age consump- rate between 1979 and 2009. As cessful evolution of the fran- from its debt crisis have raised with the falls in annual inflation allocation. It is also a critical tion, the report said. a result, its support ratio has chise. Clients continue to select expectations the ECB will use we have seen in Germany, Spain, indicator for long-term finan- Declining support ratios are started to decline recently and Al Khaliji as a mandated lead interest rates or other policy Italy and Belgium,” Kounis said. cial sector developments, said already an acute problem in will become more acute as the arranger to structure their large tools to give the economy further “The outcome may have been QNB weekly report yesterday. countries like Germany, Japan population born prior to 1979 and complex finance require- support. driven by a jump in inflation in When comparing the growth and Spain. These countries all starts to retire. ments highlighting the trust that “The higher than expected France, where the data are not rates of advanced economies, experienced a baby boom after The IMF estimates that the the banks’ preferred customers inflation numbers reduce the yet released, but this would be dif- many commentators often forget World War II. overall impact on the Chinese have in Al Khaliji. chances of an ECB rate cut at ficult to explain. We suspect that that Europe and Japan have a As that generation is now economy will be lower average This strong level of intellec- next week’s meeting, and we eurozone inflation will be revised larger percentage of their popu- retiring, the support ratio is fall- growth rate by 0.4 percentage tual capital and client confidence maintain the view that ... the cen- down in the final estimate.” lation above the age of 60. ing rapidly. According to a 2011 points a year between 2012 and will allow Al Khaliji to continue tral bank will keep rates on hold,” Figures showed annual infla- According to a recent UN International Monetary Fund 2050. to play a leading role in helping said Nick Kounis, head of macro tion in Germany, the eurozone’s study, between 2010 and 2050 (IMF) study, declining support The biggest policy challenge of to finance the key infrastructure research at ABN AMRO. economic powerhouse, easing to about 1.25 billion people will be ratios in these countries are declining support ratios is how projects in Qatar, its home mar- ECB President Mario Draghi its lowest level in 3-1/2 years in added to the global population expected to depress economic to pay for old-age consumption. ket. Al Khaliji has recently won has warned of the risk of infla- February at 1 percent. aged 60 plus, while the number growth by an average 0.7 percent- In countries with well-developed contracts to support and finance tion getting stuck in a danger But so-called core inflation in of people under 25 is projected age points a year over the next pension and social safety nets, the development of new roads, zone below one percent, but said the euro zone, which excludes the to hold steady at three billion. four decades. governments are increasingly see- museums as well as some of the again on Thursday that there was most volatile components like This implies that an increasingly Declining support ratios will ing a larger proportion of their new metro related projects in clearly no deflation. energy, food, alcohol and tobacco smaller share of the population also be a problem in China, expenditures devoted to pension Qatar, and will continue to sup- “While the ECB does not see prices, continued to inch higher, will be working, the so-called sup- albeit somewhat later in time. benefits for older people. port fully the National Vision deflation as a serious threat in the Friday’s data showed. REUTERS port ratio, while older people will As part of the one-child policy, THE PENINSULA 2030. THE PENINSULA Portugal sees brighter US consumer economic outlook sentiment up NEW YORK: Consumer sen- LISBON: Portugal passed the Lisbon should exit the ¤78bn timent rose marginally in penultimate review of its fis- bailout programme in May, but it Febr uar y even as concerns about cal and economic performance still has to meet a budget deficit the extreme weather persisted, under an EU/IMF bailout, and target of four percent of GDP this a survey released showed. the government raised its fore- year and 2.5 percent in 2015. It The Thomson Reuters/University cast for economic growth in an met 2013’s 5.5 percent target with of Michigan’s final reading on the encouraging sign for the coun- some room to spare, officials said. overall index on consumer senti- try’s post-bailout future. In a statement, the lenders ment for February came in at 81.6, The economy is now expected from the European Commission, slightly above the 81.2 in both the to grow 1.2 percent this year, up European Central Bank and the preliminary February number and from the previous projection of International Monetary Fund said, the final January reading. 0.8 percent growth. Portuguese “led by investment and exports, “The most significant impli- GDP began to recover from its economic growth is somewhat cation is not whether consum- worst recession since the 1970s ahead of projections, employment ers have correctly assessed the last year, but it has yet to register is increasing” and the jobless rate weather’s negative impact on the a full year of growth. is declining from very high levels. economy, but the resilience con- “Portugal ends the eleventh The government also revised its sumers have demonstrated in the evaluation in a positive fashion unemployment forecast for this face of the polar vortex as well as and this is important ... because year to 15.7 percent from 16.8 per- higher utility bills and minimal now there is only one review left cent, which means the jobless rate employment gains,” survey direc- to conclude our programme with peaked last year at 16.3 percent. tor Richard Curtin said. the ‘troika’” of lenders, Deputy The positive review means The survey’s barometer of cur- Prime Minister Paulo Portas Portugal should get a ¤2.5bn rent economic conditions edged told reporters. “The revision of tranche from the lenders who up to 95.4 from the 94.0 prelimi- the macroeconomic setting points nevertheless called on Lisbon to nary reading, which was also the to a year with more growth, jobs, deepen structural reforms. median forecast. It was 96.8 in exports and investment,” he said. REUTERS January. REUTERS

No for union

A general view of the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. An anti-union workers’ group moved to undercut a United Auto Workers challenge of an election in which the union failed to organise the factory, the second such action this week. SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS US Fed may let inflation Job fair run high to meet goals Debate over whether to allow price rise target to go up

NEW YORK: The US Federal the US central bank’s policy- “In other words,” he said, “by Reserve should be willing to let setting Federal Open Market allowing the unemployment inflation temporarily run above Committee is still falling short threshold to pass without taking its target level so as to more on both of its goals. “If anything, action, the public might conclude quickly bring the economy back the FOMC has been less aggres- that the committee could easily to health, a top Fed official said, sive than the policy loss function decide to let the inflation thresh- even as a second policymaker sig- might admit,” Evans told the old pass without taking action as nalled the very idea left him cold. University of Chicago’s Booth well.” The debate, between Chicago School of Business conference on To Plosser, that would be prob- Fed President Charles Evans monetary policy in New York. lematic. The Fed must have “some and Philadelphia Fed President The Fed has made it clear that degree of commitment to abide” Charles Plosser, underscored an unemployment rate of about by its promises, Plosser said: too a fundamental disagreement 5.5 percent and an inflation rate much flexibility could undermine over the central bank’s optimal of about two percent are indica- the Fed’s policies. approach to policy under new Fed tive of a healthy economy, he said. Meanwhile another top Fed Chair Janet Yellen. Bringing the economy back to official on Friday said concern To Evans, one of the Fed’s most health slowly poses risks because that loose monetary policy was dovish policymakers, allowing of the chance of intervening policy fuelling financial instability was A job seeker looks at employment information during a job fair at Shanghai Stadium in Shanghai yesterday. inflation to run above the Fed’s shocks, Evans said. not a pressing issue and that two-percent target would be a “The surest and quickest way there was enough slack in the small price to pay for bringing the to get to the objective is to be will- economy to give the US central US economy back to full employ- ing to overshoot in a manageable bank two to three years to mull ment quickly, and could even fashion,” Evans said. “With regard the problem. signal the Fed’s commitment to to our inflation objective, we need “We don’t need this theory Ireland looks for a big bank making good on its goals. to repeatedly state clearly that to be able to make decisions in To Plosser, an ardent policy our two percent objective is not March of 2014,” Minneapolis DUBLIN: Ireland would like significant player,” Noonan told on Ireland’s newly-concentrated hawk, letting inflation rise above a ceiling for inflation.” Federal Reserve Bank President a “significant” new bank with reporters at his Fine Gael party’s banking market and slowly recov- the target would call into question Speaking after Evans on the Narayana Kocherlakota said in a big balance sheet to enter annual conference after he said in ering economy. the Fed’s commitment to its goals, same panel, Philadelphia Fed a reference to growing concerns its lending market this year to a speech that he would like to see However Noonan said he was undermining its policy effective- chief Plosser warned that if the among his colleagues that loose drive competition in the dimin- a third viable bank in the country. looking for a much bigger lender ness. How the debate plays out Fed fails to treat its guidance as monetary policy could be fuelling ished sector, Finance Minister “I’m exploring it. I know there than Flip and ptsb to enter the could have a huge impact on the goals, its credibility will fall by financial instability. Michael Noonan said yesterday. are people interested. In the market and that he was sending course of Fed policy as Yellen the wayside and so will its policy The economy remains weak, he Ireland’s banking crisis, which course of this year, it would be a signal out that there is a space prepares to chair her first policy- effectiveness. said, so “I think we have two to helped push the country into an nice to get these things done to do so. setting meeting next month, par- The Fed has promised to keep three years to be thinking of this European Union-International before banking union,” he said, “They were talking about ¤100 ticularly as policymakers debate interest rates near zero until well problem.” Monetary Fund bailout that it referring to the European Union’s million, 100 million wouldn’t ways to retool a low-rate promise past the time that the unemploy- After more than five years of completed last year, led to the plan for a more integrated bank- capitalize a bank,” Noonan that both hawks and doves see as ment rate reaches 6.5 percent, as super-easy monetary policy in closure or merger of half of the ing system. said, referring to the Flip pro- in need of a serious overhaul. long as inflation does not threaten the wake of the 2007-2009 reces- country’s domestic banks and the Noonan added that he abso- posal. “The amount of money Under Yellen’s predecessor Ben to rise above 2.5 percent. sion, the Fed is taking the first exit of a slew of foreign lenders. lutely wanted mortgage lender they were talking about was far Bernanke, the Fed used massive With the US jobless rate now small steps toward a more nor- It has also left the country with permanent tsb (ptsb), currently too small.” bond-buying programmes and at 6.6 percent, the Fed’s unem- mal interest-rate environment. only three SME lenders of scale, the third domestic-owned bank “There’s a general agreement a promise to keep rates low to ployment threshold has become It trimmed its bond-buying pro- state-owned Allied Irish Banks, in the country behind Bank of to the principle that the two pillar boost the economy despite having irrelevant, Plosser said. That’s gramme by $10bn in each of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Ulster Ireland and AIB, to remain part banks, Bank or Ireland and AIB, already slashed the main policy an assessment with which Evans past two months, and it expects Bank and Bank of Ireland, which of the banking sector. are insufficient as players in the rate to near zero. has said he agrees. But, Plosser to raise interest rates sometime counts the Irish state as a 14 per- Noonan’s comments come after market to give the kind of com- But with unemployment still added, the public could also come next year as long as the economy cent shareholder. Flip, a proposed European bank, petition that a growing economy too high and inflation undesir- to doubt the Fed’s seriousness continues to improve. “We are talking about a bank kicked off formal fundraising to might need.” ably low, Evans said on Friday about its inflation safeguard. REUTERS with a big balance sheet... A third raise ¤100m to allow them cash in REUTERS

US oil prices increase as Gap Inc seeks new berth in China with Old Navy SHANGHAI: When Gap Inc Gap’s Shanghai office. A bastion of account on popular Sina Weibo, of high-value basics,” said Cherry is of course the clothes being began an online campaign ahead the clothing sector in the United China’s equivalent of Twitter, Dai, Shanghai-based project good-looking. The price should Bakken crude of the launch its Old Navy label States, where it has around four has just 86,000 followers, a fig- manager at consulting firm also not be too low,” said Wang in China, the iconic US clothes percent of the apparel market, ure dwarfed by Uniqlo’s 3.6 mil- SmithStreetSolutions. Manxue, 21, a female student in shipments fall retailer posed an important Gap entered China behind its lion Weibo fans. Old Navy, which Price is also an factor for Shanghai, who shops at France’s question to its potential Chinese rivals, setting up its first own- joined Weibo in January, has just China’s cost-conscious consumers. Etam Developpement SCA and NEW YORK: US oil had its consumers: have you heard of brand shop in 2010. It now has 3,700 followers so far. A pair of Gap women’s jeans costs boutique Chinese brands. eighth straight week of gains on Old Navy? Only a few had. around 80 stores, around half the “If you can get a social media up to 599 yuan ($97.48), higher A shift towards mass market Friday on market talk of fewer Brand awareness is one of the number of rivals H&M, Inditex- buzz in China it goes fast and than around 299 yuan ($48.79) in retail could work in Gap and Old oil rail shipments from the uphill battles Gap faces in China owned Zara and Uniqlo. wide, because Chinese people are Uniqlo and 399 yuan ($65.11) in Navy’s favour. Lower-priced fast- booming Bakken shale in North as the US firm looks to increase “I hadn’t heard of Old Navy very well connected. Without H&M. Kirwan said the key rivals fashion brands such as H&M and Dakota. its stake in the world’s second before. I was just passing by and one, it’s difficult for a consumer for Old Navy — where a similar Zara beat store expansion goals Brent oil settled moderately largest clothing market, where it saw something going on. It was brand in China. It’s almost a must item cost up to 299 yuan — would last year, while two-thirds of higher but ended the last week lags rivals H&M, Japan’s Uniqlo, my sister who told me it was part I would say,” said Nick Debnam, be Uniqlo and H&M. high-end retailers missed their lower, weighed down by an out- owned by Fast Retailing Co Ltd of Gap,” said Ji Yin, 30, queuing Asia Pacific chairman for con- Uniqlo has 260 mainland China target. look for dampening demand in and Inditex SA’s Zara. for the flagship store’s launch in sumer markets at KPMG. stores, and has Uniqlo plans to Other mid-range brands have China and another for stymied Gap, which launched its first Shanghai’s up-market Jing’an One hurdle facing Gap is that add up to 100 stores each year. also struggled in China. Esprit European growth due to upris- Old Navy store in Shanghai yes- district. some consumers say it lacks the Tiger Pan Ning, Uniqlo’s Greater Holdings Ltd shut 38 directly ings in Ukraine. terday, plans to open five stores of Gap’s China team plans to trendy image of Zara but prices China CEO, told a press confer- managed stores last year as it Crude oil loadings at a dozen the value-end chain this year as invest in promoting brand aware- itself above affordable rivals such ence in Hong Kong on Friday grappled with high rents, stall- major North Dakota rail termi- well as adding 30 Gap stores to its ness with local shoppers, espe- as Uniqlo, a specialist in basic that Uniqlo’s wide store footprint, ing sales and wholesalers with too nals fell by more than 200,000 current 81, Gap’s Greater China cially online, to play into the rapid clothing items. Gap says with its speed of openings, and its range much inventory. barrels on average in the past president Jeff Kirwan said. growth of China’s e-commerce Old Navy brand it will try to lev- of simple, everyday basics gave it “I think Old Navy has a better two days to 345,000 barrels, data “Outside North America this sector, a segment of the retail erage an energetic and enthusias- a “competitive edge”. shot (than Gap) of pushing deeper from industry intelligence pro- is the largest opportunity for us, market that is unusually large. tic “American voice”. In a market where low cost can into China,” said Kirwan, refer- vider Genscape showed. acknowledged by all the senior “We’re putting a lot of atten- “Gap’s position in China is not be equated with low quality, how- ring to its potential in lower tier The US Department of leadership in the company. This tion into e-commerce for both very clear. It’s outpaced by Zara ever, price is not the only factor cities, increasingly the engines for Transportation knocked down is the number one growth vehicle brands,” Kirwan said. on a fashion level and out-com- determining success. China growth. market chatter that new rules for the company,” Kirwan said at They might need it. Gap’s peted by Uniqlo on the concept “The most important criteria REUTERS requiring shippers to test all crude before it is carried by train led to a shutdown at the Bakken oilfield terminals, calling it a “rumour.” Fraud at Citi’s Mexican unit US oil ended the week less than one percent higher. Brent crude China manufacturing rose 11 cents to $109.07 a barrel and settled less than one percent lower on the week. US gasoline for March deliv- slows to 8-month low ery expired nearly 3 cents higher to $2.7898 per gallon. The April BEIJING: China’s manufac- lowest level since 1999. Analysts contract, which will become the turing growth fell to an eight- expect a further drop to 7.5 front-month today, rose 1.69 cents month low in February, official percent this year, and the gov- to $2.9774. The New York ultra- figures showed yesterday, in ernment, which typically sets low sulfur diesel March contract a further sign of the flagging conservative expectations, has set , commonly known as heating strength of the world’s second- the same target. oil, expired 0.28 cents higher to biggest economy. Economists’ lowered forecast $3.0893 per gallon. The April con- The purchasing managers’ comes as Beijing has pledged tract rose 0.63 cents to settle at index (PMI) tumbled to 50.2, to reform the country’s growth $3.0163 per gallon. the National Bureau of Statistics model so that consumers and Exxon Mobil Corp said it shut reported on its website, in the other private actors play a more a sulfur recovery unit for planned third straight drop from 50.5 in significant role, rather than maintenance lasting several January, 51.0 in December and massive and often wasteful state weeks at its 149,500bpd refinery 51.4 in November. investment. in Torrance, California. A figure over 50 indicates In another closely watched Lower estimates for US gross expansion while one below shows indicator of Chinese manufac- domestic product also capped contraction. This marked China’s turing, British banking giant gains in oil. The US Commerce 17th consecutive month of manu- HSBC said last week its prelimi- Department reported that GDP A man walks in front of a Banamex advertisement in Mexico City yesterday. Citigroup Inc said it discovered facturing growth but at a slow- nary PMI reading for February expanded at a 2.4 percent annual fraudulent loans in its Mexico subsidiary. Writing down the loans will reduce the bank’s 2013 net income by ing rate — the lowest since a dropped to a seven-month low, to rate in the fourth quarter, down $235m. The bad loans were made to Oceanografia SA de CV from Citigroup’s Mexican unit, Banco Nacional June reading of 50.1. China’s eco- 48.3, down from a final figure for sharply from the 3.2 percent pace nomic growth has weakened in January of 49.5. HSBC is set to de Mexico or Banamex. reported last month and shy of recent years, hitting 7.7 percent release its final PMI reading for analyst expectations. REUTERS in 2013 and the year before, the February today. AFP SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Qantas needs to grow A disastrous Mt Gox up, a bailout won’t solve its problems shows need for reform BY MARGARET CARLSON BY AARON LANE are attempting: Seek to encourage digital such a system, but customers would at least currencies, as long as they follow the rules. have a better idea of the risks involved et’s go ahead and concede that Mt Therein lies the rub. The rules are mani- and could have confidence in the lines of f we really care about the long-term viability of Qantas, the Gox, the Bitcoin exchange that fold and onerous for companies that want accountability following a failure. worst thing the government can do is offer any sort of debt went offline Tuesday and seems to transmit money. They have to follow Bitcoin exchanges and processors might guarantee. to have misplaced about 365 laws intended to prevent money launder- still find such rules annoying and expen- I There is no doubt that Qantas is facing serious financial million of its customers’ dollars, ing, terrorism and tax evasion. They have sive, and complying with them will probably difficulties. There is also no doubt that yesterday’s profit results Lmight be “the worst-run business in the to comply with international sanctions. be one factor among many that will doom will be especially felt by 5,000 Qantas employees that will be laid history of the world,” as one Bitcoin inves- They have to adhere to securities laws and Bitcoin itself. off as the company looks for $2bn in savings. Ultimately, however, tor recently said. remittances. But that’s OK! Bitcoin may not work in Qantas needs to grow up and not look to government to solve its One thing that is supposed to help pre- In the US, they have to appease state reality, but it is still an idea whose time had problems. vent the worst-run businesses in the world regulators and an alphabet soup of federal come. Paying for things using credit and It is easy to be swept up in sentimental feelings about having a from operating exchanges and losing hun- overseers. And they have to assure consum- debit cards is expensive, and moving money “national carrier”, and wanting to help an “Aussie icon”. Beyond dreds of millions of dollars is regulation. And ers — for instance, with clear procedures from one place to another, especially over- sentimentality, no one has offered a convincing argument as to as digital currencies proliferate — and some on fraud protection and error resolution — seas, is cumbersome. Bitcoin’s developers, why Qantas is a special case in need of government assistance. come along that don’t suffer from Bitcoin’s that they are reliable and secure enough to in creating a peer-to-peer payment system A debt guarantee is corporate welfare. It would potentially put innumerable and probably fatal flaws — get- handle their money. that records all transactions on a public billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money at risk, and provide the ting that regulation right will only become Yet several US regulators have been ledger, took an elegant approach to solving airline with millions of dollars’ worth of tangible benefits by way more important. quite receptive to rethinking how all this these and other problems. of cheaper credit. So far, countries have taken three main regulation should apply in the age of digital Unfortunately, Bitcoin’s clever payment Yesterday, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce complained that Qantas approaches to regulating Bitcoin and other currencies. system is yoked to a volatile and deflation- was under pressure in the domestic travel market from foreign digital currencies. Benjamin Lawsky, New York state’s super- ary pseudo-currency, prone to security flaws, “government-backed” competitor Virgin Australia. The first is to outlaw them or severely intendent of financial services, deserves attractive to criminals, and in most other If the taxpayers of Singapore, New Zealand, and the United restrict their use, as Russia and China are credit for suggesting a “BitLicense” for ways disastrous as a store of value, unit of Arab Emirates want to continue to subsidise the airfares doing. This isn’t irrational, but it could pre- digital currency companies. account or investment opportunity. of Australian consumers, frankly that is a matter for them. vent needed innovation. The second is to do This would offer a much clearer frame- Yet in showing the way for other pay- Australian consumers have been the beneficiaries of this nothing, as Japan has done; its finance min- work for disclosing risks, protecting con- ment innovators, and in getting regulators increased competition. istry, central bank and Financial Services sumers and preventing crimes. The goal to think creatively and ambitiously about Importantly, no one is claiming that Qantas is destined to fail Authority have all said they won’t take isn’t to create newly burdensome require- how the money-moving business might be without government intervention. The opposite is true. The great responsibility for regulating Bitcoin. Mt ments just for digital currencies — it’s to disrupted in the digital age, Bitcoin’s design- tragedy of any bailout package is that it discourages companies Gox, based in Tokyo, reveals the wisdom of think about how to address the same issues ers and backers are performing a valuable from being competitive by rewarding inefficiency and loss-making that strategy. the old laws addressed, but to do so in a service. It’s unfortunate that many of them behaviour. A third and better approach is what the more modern and flexible way. had to lose their shirts in doing so. In the long run, companies become dependent on corporate United States and several other countries Another Mt Gox might still arise under WP-BLOOMBERG welfare, and the vicious cycle continues until eventually a decision is made to turn off life support. The slow death of Australian car manufacturing is the obvious case study. Corporate welfare in that industry has finally ended after 60 years of being drip fed a mixture of quotas, tariffs, tax concessions and direct cash handouts. If the government bails out Qantas, it will be destined for the same fate. The government’s role in this situation is to foster the best eco- nomic and regulatory environment possible. Removing substantial barriers to foreign investment would be a good start towards allowing Qantas to remain globally competitive. The government should proceed with repealing sections of the Qantas Sale Act that cap foreign ownership. An ambitious government would also abolish the Foreign Investment Review Board to boost investment Australia wide. There is also scope to reforming Australia’s anti-competitive and outdated industrial relations system. Qantas has been par- ticularly affected by the increase in union power delivered by the Rudd and Gillard governments. For example, in 2011, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) hijacked the enterprise bar- gaining process as a mechanism to prevent Qantas from utilising employees of its subsidiaries, and from engaging contractors, in order to remain cost competitive. Although the Fair Work Commission eventually rejected the union’s restrictions, this was not before Qantas was forced to make the extraordinary decision of grounding its fleet in order to bring unions to the bargaining table. Qantas estimated that industrial action by three separate unions in 2011 cost the company $68m, disrupted 70,000 passen- gers and saw 600 flights cancelled. To put these costs in perspective, Qantas yesterday announced a $252m half-year loss. True to form, the TWU yesterday threat- ened strike action to prevent Qantas from restructuring to make its business viable. While it is pleasing that the government has recently announced sensible amendments to the Fair Work Act, these changes are relatively minor compared to the entire re-regulation of the labour market under Labour. A true industry assistance package would increase access to foreign investment, deregulate the labour market, cut the cost of business and allow businesses to make their own decisions. That would not just bail out Qantas, but hundreds of thousands of businesses right around the country. THE GUARDIAN Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

US staring contest with Japan stretches out Pacific trade pact

BY KRISTA HUGHES include the tariffs and quotas protect politically powerful farm- The problem for the US admin- said Michael Green, Japan chair agenda now for trade,” he said causing much of the US-Japan ers and which levies average agri- istration is that fast-track power at the Centre for Strategic at the release of a study showing standoff between the tension. culture tariffs of 16.6 percent. is bogged down by domestic politi- and International Studies in how many US jobs could be cre- United States and Japan There is talk in trade circles While Japan is the United cal sensitivities ahead of midterm Washington and an Asia policy ated by stopping foreign countries is holding up talks on a that Japan might leave the talks if States’ fourth-biggest trading elections in November. official under President George from manipulating currencies. Asweeping Pacific free it will not drop barriers to imports partner with goods and services President Barack Obama said W Bush. Levin’s home state of Michigan trade pact and a lack of author- of farm products such as beef and flows worth about $280bn a year, last week that he told his Mexican “They would never have done is home to big US automak- ity to push an eventual deal rice. But the Asian power’s entry it accounts for only 8 percent of and Canadian counterparts, also it for (President Bill) Clinton and ers fearful of competition from through the US Congress without to the TPP last year was a game US agricultural exports and 7 TPP partners, that fast-track Bush ... without the US president Japanese imports and resentful amendment may be undercutting changer for many participants percent of services exports. power would flow from a good first making the case loud and of what they see as Japan’s bar- Washington’s hand. given its high-income popula- Trade experts say Japan, TPP. “We’ll get this passed if it’s actively for authority to pass the riers to US cars, another issue in After weekend talks in tion and relatively low import although aligned with US inter- a good agreement,” he said at a agreement when they are done.” bilateral talks running parallel to Singapore, including two sepa- penetration. ests on new trade issues like intel- joint news conference in Mexico. But it will take a lot to convince the TPP. rate sessions between Japan “Many tried and failed in the lectual property and investment While some trading partners, critics. Although Republicans, Levin’s colleague Louise and the United States, Japanese past to negotiate a bilateral deal protections, will not put up its like Australia, have played down who generally support free trade, Slaughter has written a bill that Economics Minister Akira Amari with Japan, so in a sense they are best offers until the White House the lack of TPA, others with prob- have the numbers in the House, would allow the United States said “considerable gaps” remained riding the coattails of the United secures fast-track negotiating lems selling the TPP at home - Democrats control the upper to take tit-for-tat action against with the United States on bread- States to get into the Japanese power from Congress. like Japan and Malaysia - would chamber, and Senate Majority trading partners’ trade barriers. and-butter issues like farm tariffs. market,” said Peterson Institute So-called trade promotion like Obama to make a bigger push Leader Harry Reid has warned the She is one of 151 House Democrats Other officials at the Trans- for International Economics trade authority (TPA) would bar the to win over Congress, especially administration to go slow on TPA. who wrote to Obama in November Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks, analyst Jeffrey Schott. US Congress from amending trade trade skeptics within his own A TPA bill introduced in opposing TPA. which aim to create a free trade For his part, Japanese Prime deals; instead, it would have to sim- party worried about the impact Congress last month is on hold “The news we got from zone spanning 12 countries and Minister Shinzo Abe needs the ply give the thumbs-up or down. on US jobs. while the new head of the Senate Singapore was just the latest nearly 40 percent of the glo- trade pact to drive through “Without TPA, I think the Democrats cannot afford to Finance Committee, Ron Wyden, evidence, I think, that our oppo- bal economy, noted the impasse reforms to kick-start stagnant level of ambition will be put in spurn big business, the farm lobby consults with colleagues about its sition to fast-track authority is between the two biggest econo- growth, including deregulation question,” Luis de la Calle, who or unions - an important support future. complicating those negotiations, mies in the bloc. and increased competition. A helped negotiate the North base - before the elections. This The top Democrat on the and that’s great news for our “What happens between Peterson study showed the TPP American Free Trade Agreement complicates the time frame for House committee responsible for economy,” she said this week. Japan and the US is pretty key would boost Japan’s economy by (NAFTA) for Mexico, said at an passing TPA, particularly with trade, Sander Levin, has put plans According to independent mon- because they are the big play- 2.2 percent by 2025. event sponsored by the Brookings Obama planning a trip to Asia in for an alternative TPA bill with itor Global Trade Alert, Japan is ers,” Australian Trade Minister US Trade Representative Institution and the Economic April that might allow some top- tougher protection for workers on the TPP country that has intro- Andrew Robb told CNBC televi- Michael Froman stressed that Club of Minnesota. level trade lobbying. the back burner for now. duced the most measures harm- sion, estimating that countries Canada was also a sticking point “Why would Japan put some- “The other side is not going “Addressing the issues and con- ful to trade since the start of the were about 80 percent done on in Singapore, but the toughest thing on the table that might be to give the hardest, most sensi- cerns of the people of this country financial crisis. The United States market access issues, which issue is Japan, which is keen to reversed by the US Congress?” tive markets up for nothing,” on TPP is the No 1 item on the is second. REUTERS SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com GECM & TENDERS

GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS MAP (GECM) Every Sunday UK GDP growth confirmed at 0.7pc as business German unemployment falls for investment rises third month as growth picks up BERLIN: German unemployment fell for US economy grew 2.4pc in LONDON: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed that a third month in February, declining China manufacturing fourth quarter more than economists predicted, as index falls to lowest level the economy grew by 0.7pc in Japan consumer inflation up WASHINGTON: The US economy companies became more confident in seven months the quarter, unchanged from its in the recovery in Europe’s largest 1.3 percent grew more slowly late last year previous estimate. However, its BEIJING: A Chinese manufacturing than previously thought, but there economy. The number of people out TOKYO: Japanese consumer estimate for growth in 2013 as a of work decreased by a seasonally index fell to the lowest level in was enough vigor that the Federal inflation has posted a year-on- whole was cut to 1.8pc from the adjusted 14,000 to 2.914 million, after seven months, adding to signs year rise for the eighth straight Reserve will likely continue reducing initial reading of 1.9pc. The ONS falling by 28,000 the previous month, of a factory slowdown that will its stimulus program, analysts said. said business investment in the the Nuremberg-based Federal Labor limit growth in the world’s second- month in January, government The Commerce Department on fourth quarter rose 2.4pc from Agency said today. largest economy. data shows. Stripping out Friday cut its estimate of gross the previous three-month period. volatile fresh food prices, core domestic product growth in the Business investment was also up consumer prices climbed 1.3 final quarter to an annual rate of 2.4 8.5pc from a year earlier. per cent, the same rate as percent, from an initial reading of Moody’s says India’s GDP in December, which was the 3.2 percent. growth to be 4.8pc in sharpest rise in more five years. December quarter SA’s budget deficit targets cut NEW DELHI: The Indian economy CAPE TOWN: Finance Minister Pravin grew at 4.8pc in the third quarter Gordhan cut his budget-deficit targets of this fiscal year, rating agency Argentina trade surplus plunges for the next three years as a weaker Moody’s estimated ahead of official in January rand boosts tax revenue from exporters data that will be released on Friday. BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s economy and the government pledges to stick to The Indian economy grew at 4.6pc showed signs of weakness in January, spending limits. Tax collection in the in the first half (April-September) of posting its lowest trade surplus since year through March is set to exceed an the fiscal year and needs to grow at March 2001, the national statistics October target by R4 billion, helping to 5.2pc in the second half (October- Australian dollar weakens agency said Friday as it also reported reduce the fiscal gap to 4 percent of March) to meet the 4.9pc average against most majors solid 4.9 percent growth last year. gross domestic product from an earlier growth full-year forecast made SYDNEY: The Australian dollar The trade balance dropped 88 projection of 4.2 percent, Gordhan said by the government’s statistics slipped against most major percent to $35 million in January in his budget speech to lawmakers in department. currencies in European morning compared with the same month Cape Town on Wednesday. deals on Tuesday. The aussie a year earlier, according to INDEC reached as low as 0.9004 against agency figures. the greenback and 1.5277 against the euro. The aussie fell to 92.08 against the yen from an early multi-day high of 92.79. The aussie declined to 1.0820 against the kiwi, compared to Monday’s closing value of 1.0849.

TENDERS

TENDER TENDER CLOSING TENDER TENDER CLOSING No. COMPANY TENDER NO. SUBJECT No. COMPANY TENDER NO. SUBJECT BOND FEES DATE BOND FEES DATE

Sewer extension at Rawdat Al Khalil 30/03/2014 PWA/ 1 Area (JOB ref #436/2013) IA/D-HC/13- QR 80,000 QR 1,000 2/3/2014 Consultancy for electricity distribution not later STC/031/13-14 22 LTC 796/2014 QR 200,000 QR 1,000 14/C/080/1 networks planning than 11:00am Sewer repair, replacement and PWA/ 2 rehabilitation framework AA/DOM/13- QR 2,250,000 QR 3,000 25/03/2014 Maintenance supply and installation of GTC/085/13-14 PWA/ Street names and directional signage 14/M/1591-4.07/G 23 QR 350,000 QR 1,500 11/3/2014 GTC/086/13-14 throughout Qatar, Contract-1 AA-R/13-14/ OM/043C1/G Provision of vessel traffic service (VTS) 3 LT14102000 QR 43,000 N/A 16/03/2014 training Maintenance supply and install street PWA/ names and directional signage throughout 24 QR 350,000 QR 1,500 11/3/2014 Replacement & jointing of cables at GTC/087/13-14 Qatar, contract-2 AA-R/13-14/OM/044/ 4ST14100600substation-1, NGL-3, GAS operations, QR 15,000 QR 200 17/03/2014 C1/G Mesaieed Maintenance of running track at warm up 25 AF/M/AL3065/14 QR 18,000 QR 300 16/03/2014 Maint. support services for compressors area in Aspire Zone 5GT14101700in Dukhan Gas Ops and QP refinery QR 500,000 QR 500 9/3/2014 Aspire Zone EMC enterprise storage 26 AF/C/AF5433/13 QR 40,000 QR 300 2/3/2014 Mesaieed upgrade Sale and removal of control valves, 17/03/2014 Aspire Zone Foundation Network & 6ST14MT0010 QR 2,000 Free 27 AF/C/AF5434/13 QR 240,000 QR 1,000 2/3/2014 impeller, cam clutch and spider bearings (12:00hrs) security upgradation project

Sale and removal of electrical cables, Investigation and repairs of the roof 17/03/2014 AF/C/ 7ST14MT0011control panel, distribution board, skids & QR 2,000 Free 28 claddings at Aspire Sports Hall and Aspire QR 20,000 QR 300 2/3/2014 (12:00hrs) AFAA5319R1/14 trolley. Aspire Zone Sports Academy

Epic for refurbishment and revovation 8LT14102100 QR 125,000 QR 200 16/03/2014 Design, fabrication, supply, delivery and works at various clubs within Dukhan 29 AF/C/AL5446/14 installationof fence barriers around filed of QR 20,000 QR 300 2/3/2014 play Nos. 10,11 & 12 in Aspire Zone Turn around maintenance works at khuff 9GT14102700 QR 250,000 QR 500 23/03/2014 stations, point-N & Point-U in Dukhan FLD Maintenance, refilling and provision of AF/M/ 30 relevant services of the fire extingushers QR 7,000 QR 200 2/3/2014 AL3058R2/13 Sale and removal of ice maker machine, 17/03/2014 for Aspire logistics at Aspire Zone 10 ST14MT0012 QR 2,000 Free furintures, kitchen items etc (12:00hrs) 20/03/2014 Call-off for purchase, M&S for pvtsim Call-off contract for electricity distribution Not later 11 GT14101100 QR 323,750 QR 500 2/3/2014 31 GTC 619/2013 QR 3,200,000 QR 3,000 software network works than 11:00am Portable explosion proof air conditioners & 03/03/2014 10/04/2014 12 ST14MT0190 QR 12,000 QR 100 Consultancy services for Qatar’s long- spot coolers (12:00hrs) Not later 32 GTC 601/2013 term electricity transmission development QR 180,000 QR 1,000 than 11:00 plan Sale and removal of rubber marine hoses am w/flanges, Davit/winches for life boats, 17/03/2014 13 ST14MT0014 QR 2,000 Free Consultancy services for DMA motorized starter units complete & local control (12:00hrs) valves & Scada integration-Package (1) panel Preliminary and detailed design for 227 Supply of CS/SS Ball valves (various sizes/ 17/03/2014 optimized water management DMAs, full 06/03/2014 14 ST14MT0018 QR 40,000 QR 100 construction and commissioning of one Not Later class, QTY-96 pcs) (12:00hrs) 33 GTC/ 580/2013 QR 1,000,000 QR 4,000 pilot area (13 DMAs) preparation of tender than 11:00 Maintenance of lighting installations on documents for construction, construction am 15 GT14101600 QR 500,000 QR 500 2/3/2014 call-off basis in Dukhan Fields supervision of the construction contract and 6 months operation & training for KM Sale and removal of flow meters, valves, staff 17/03/2014 16 ST14MT0009 equipment, fax machines, card printers & QR 2,000 Free (12:00hrs) 23/03/2014 spares etc Supply of iMac, Mac Pro, Mac mini & Not later 34 LTC 792/2014 QR 45,000 QR 500 MacBook Pro than 11:00 20/03/2014 Invitation for prequalification of domestic am 17 GTC-616/2013 N/A 1000 Time: before and bulk smart water meters Maintenance and provision of safety 12 noon PWA/ 35 Barriers & Fence throughout Qatar, QR 350,000 QR 1,500 25/03/2014 GTC/094/13-14 16/03/2014 Contract 2 AA-R/13-14/OM/052/C1/G Not later 18 LTC 786/2014 Supply of plotters QR 15,000 QR 500 than Maintenance supply and installation of PWA/ street names and directional signage 11:00am 36 QR 350,000 QR 1,500 25/03/2014 GTC/093/13-14 throughout Qatar, contract-3 AA-R/13-14/ Two (2) years call-off contract for OM/041/C1/G By noon of 19 LTC 751/2013 providing customers assistants (cashiers) QR 150,000 QR 500 13/04/2014 Supply and installation of Dynamic at Kahramaa tankers filling stations PWA/ 37 message sign system in greater Doha AA- QR 700,000 QR 1,500 25/03/2014 GTC/095/13-14 16/03/2014 R/13-14/OM/021/C1/G Not later 20 LTC 778/2014 Supply of spa series protection relays QR 35,000 QR 500 than PWA/ Motor control centers-phase 2 (upgrading) 38 QR 50,000 QR 500 3/3/2014 11:00am STC/044/13-14 AA/DOM/13-14/M/1581-1.06/S

PWA/ Maintenance and improvement works in Supply of buffer solution, sensor, 09/03/2014 39 QR 2,100,000 QR 3,000 4/3/2014 dissolved oxygen probe, turbity meter Not later GTC/084/13-14 Expressways AA-R/13-14/OM/050/C1/G 21 LTC 785/2014 QR 15,000 QR 500 instrument, PH electrode sensor, elect- than Prov. Of operation and maint services for 40 GT141010200 QR 175,000 N/A 2/3/2014 rolyte solution bottle & Gateway convertor 11:00am two incinerators & Accessories at Halul SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

Collins jersey sale proceeds Oklahoma beat Memphis to go to charity NEW YORK: The NBA said on Kevin Durant scores 37 points; Chicago rally to overcome Dallas Friday it will donate all proceeds from the sale of Brooklyn Nets NEW YORK: Forward Kevin in 30 minutes. He did not play in first career triple-double with 21 jerseys that once belonged to Durant scored 30 of his game- the fourth quarter as the Warriors points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists Jason Collins to two gay rights high 37 points in the second led by as many as 20 points. in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 99-79 groups. half to lead the Oklahoma City Curry sank five of the Warriors victory over the Utah Jazz. Collins became the first openly Thunder to a 113-107 victory 13 three-pointers and leads the Forwards Luol Deng and Tristan gay, active male athlete in one of over the Memphis Grizzlies. league in three-pointers this sea- Thompson both had 16 points for the four major North American The win ended a three-game son with 193. the Cavs while Thompson pulled professional team sports Sunday, losing streak for the Thunder. Shooting guard Klay Thompson down 12 rebounds for his 29th when he signed as a free agent After a slow start, Durant scored 25 points for Golden State double-double of the season. with his original team, the Nets. scored 17 points in the third quar- while the Knicks were led by 23 Guard Gordon Hayward led the His jersey has quickly risen to ter to help the Thunder (44-15) points from forward Carmelo Jazz with 18 points, seven rebounds the number one spot on the top- take a 87-71 lead heading into the Anthony. and seven assists. selling jersey list at NBAStore. fourth quarter. Forward Tim Duncan scored 17 Jordan Farmar led a barrage com. The Grizzlies cut the lead to points and grabbed 16 rebounds of three-point shots and scored Collins chose to wear the four with 3:33 left but after guard to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a career-high 30 points as the number “98” in honor of Matthew Mike Miller missed a layup that a 92-82 win over the Charlotte Los Angeles Lakers overcame Shepard, a college student who would have trimmed the deficit to Bobcats. the Sacramento Kings 126-122 at was murdered in 1998 in an anti- two, Durant made them pay with Duncan, who had four points at the Staples Center in a battle of gay hate crime. a step-back jumper. halftime, was six of 12 from the two teams at the bottom of the Collins met with Shepard’s par- Memphis forward James field in 33 minutes. Western Conference standings. ents and brother in Denver after Johnson answered with a three- Guard Manu Ginobili scored Forward Rudy Gay led the the Nets played the Nuggets there pointer to make the score 105-102 15, while guards Patty Mills and Kings (20-38) with 30 points and on Thursday night. though centre Marc Gasol missed Marco Belinelli both had 14 for forward Derrick Williams added The NBA said it would give an easy shot while Durant was San Antonio. 26, but it was not enough to stop the proceeds of the Collins jersey guarding him and the Oklahoma Tied at 80-80 with 2:48 left, the Farmar and the Lakers (20-39) sales -- to exceed $100,000 -- to forward then responded by slot- Spurs went on a 12-2 run to seal from snapping a three-game los- the Gay, Lesbian and Straight ting a corner jumper to push the the game. Forward Al Jefferson ing streak. Education Network (GLSEN) and Thunder advantage to five. led Charlotte (27-31) with 20 Forward MarShon Brooks the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Thunder guard Russell points. scored 23 points and guard Jodie In addition, the league will Westbrook scored 21 points in 29 The Chicago Bulls shut down Meeks and centre Pau Gasol had auction off Collins’ autographed, minutes. the Dallas Mavericks’ high-pow- 22 each for the Lakers. game-worn jerseys to benefit the Point guard Stephen Curry ered offence after the first quarter Phoenix guard Goran Dragic same organizations. recorded his fourth career triple- and clawed back from a 16-point set a career-high for the fourth “I’m thrilled to work with the double to lead the Golden State deficit to win 100-91. time in his last 13 games with 40 league to support two fantas- Warriors to a 126-103 win over the The Bulls (32-26) won for the points and the Suns rallied from a tic organizations,” Collins said, New York Knicks. eighth time in nine games and 10-point deficit in the third quar- praising their work on behalf of Curry scored 27 points and snapped the Mavericks’ four-game ter and used a 17-1 run in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans- recorded 11 points and 11 assists win streak. fourth to outlast the New Orleans gender youth. Dallas (36-24) raced to a Pelicans 116-104. Collins, 35, was a free agent 15-point lead in the first quarter, Dragic hit 14-of-21 shots from when he announced at the end NBA Results scoring 32 points before Chicago the floor and added five assists as of last season that he is gay. He Cleveland 99 Utah 79 buckled down, allowing 22 points the Suns moved 1 1/2 games ahead remained unsigned until the Nets Oklahoma City 113 Memphis 107 in the second quarter, 22 in the of Memphis for the final play-off inked him to a 10-day contract Golden State 126 NY Knicks 103 third and just nine through the spot in the Western Conference. Sunday. Chicago 100 Dallas 91 first 10:56 of the fourth quarter. Forward Anthony Davis scored The team can sign him to a sec- The Bulls were led by forward 30 points and guard Eric Gordon ond, consecutive 10-day contract San Antonio 92 Charlotte 82 Taj Gibson’s 20 points and 15 added 21 for the Pelicans, who lost before deciding if they want to LA Lakers 126 Sacramento 122 Ryan Kelly of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots against Orlando Johnson of rebounds. their sixth straight game. the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center in Los Angeles. keep him for the rest of the season. Phoenix 116 New Orleans 104 All-Star Kyrie Irving posted his REUTERS AFP Cycling: Rowsell topples Hammer for pursuit gold Buffalo Sabres beat CALI: Great Britain’s Joanna Germany’s Joachim Eilers fin- Rowsell (pictured) won her first ished second in 59.984 and New individual world title Friday, Zealand’s Simon van Velthooven beating defending champion earned bronze in 1:00.518. San Jose Sharks 4-2 Sarah Hammer in the women’s Colombia’s Edwin Avila gave individual pursuit at the track the home crowd something to NEW YORK: The Buffalo Koivu then passed to Cogliano, cycling World Championships. cheer with a victory in the men’s Sabres defeated the San Jose who beat three Blues and con- A day after she won team pur- 40-kilometre points race ahead of Sharks 4-2 just hours after verted a backhander against suit gold at the Cali velodrome, New Zealand’s Thomas Scully and trading captain Steve Ott and goalie Brian Elliott. the 25-year-old Rowsell clocked Spain’s Eloy Teruel. franchise goaltender Ryan Justin Fontaine, in his first a personal best of 3min 30.318sec Reigning champion Rebecca Miller to the St Louis Blues. career shoot-out, was the hero for the win, in which she led from James of Britain and Australia’s Matt Moulson, Brian Flynn, for Minnesota as the right winger start to finish. 2012 Olympic champion Anna Cody Hodgson and Tyler Myers beat Vancouver Canucks goal- Hammer, who set the world Meares were both eliminated in scored for the Sabres, while tender Eddie Lack on the Wild’s record in the 3,000m event the quarter-finals of the women’s Jhonas Enroth replaced Miller sixth attempt to lead the team to of 3:22.269 at altitude in sprint. in goal and made 36 saves. a 2-1 shoot-out win. Aguascalientes, Mexico, in 2010, Jessica Varnish defeated James Patrick Marleau and James Canucks centre Ryan Kesler had posted the top qualifying time 2-0 in an all-British quarter-final, Sheppard scored for the Sharks. opened scoring in the first period — almost a second faster than won six individual pursuit world France’s Francois Pervis while Meares fell to China’s Zhong Centre Andrew Cogliano but Minnesota made it 1-1 on a Roswell’s. golds from 1982-1995 — and retained his one kilometre time Tianshi. scored 3:39 into the game to give power-play, when left winger However, she settled for silver Russian Tamara Garkuchina — trial world title on Friday, clocking Germany’s Kristina Vogel and the Anaheim Ducks a 1-0 victory Zach Parise scored at 14:12 of with a time of 3:31.535, unable who won six from 1967-1974. 59.385sec for his second gold. Pervis, China’s Lin Jinhong also reached over the St Louis Blues. the first. to earn a record-equalling sixth Australia’s Amy Cure earned who won the men’s keirin gold on the semi-finals, the first time two The Ducks gave coach Bruce Defenceman Nate Guenin’s career world title in the event. the bronze medal, beating Thursday, was to try to make it a Chinese women have reached the Boudreau his 300th career vic- first goal in nearly two years That would have tied her with Ukrainian Ganna Solovei in the world title treble when the indi- final four in the event at worlds. tory in his 496th game, the fast- broke a 1-1 tie early in the third, compatriot Rebecca Twigg — who third-place race. vidual sprint began yesterday. AFP est pace for any NHL coach with and the Colorado Avalanche beat at least 300 wins. the Phoenix Coyotes 4-2. Goaltender Jonas Hiller made REUTERS 18 saves for his 26th win and his fifth shutout. Anaheim defenceman Cam NHL Results Billiards: Qatar tops in West Asian Championship Fowler began the scoring Buffalo 4 San Jose 2 sequence by breaking up a rush Colorado 4 Phoenix 2 DOHA: Qatar came up an and passing the puck to centre Minnesota 2 Vancouver 1 impressive performance to Saku Koivu along the left-wing defeat Kuwait to win the boards. Anaheim 1 St Louis 0 team event at the West Asian Championship for Billiard Games here on Friday. In the final at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation (QBSF) Hall, the host team Hockey Festival set to begin comprising Bashar Hussain and Ali Al Obaidly held its nerve to DOHA: Close on the heels of Muhamed Zubair, Waqas Akbar defeat Kuwait’s Badr Al Al Owadi the successful First West Asia and other internationals. and Abdulatif Al Yousef (11-6). Hockey event, Qatar Hockey The Malaysian team also has a There was more glory for the Federation will be hosting the few internationals from the sen- host nation as the Qatar billiards star-studded Hockey Festival ior and junior teams of Malaysia, team B, consisting of Abdulatif between March 3 and 6 in Al like Jivan Mohan, Muhamed Al Fawal and Mohammed Saieed, Rayyan. Amin, Hafifi Hafiz, Mohamed Nor won the bronze medal in the bil- The highlight of this year’s Aqmal, and Mohamed Ashrafan. liard teams event, while Qatar event will be the presence of After a disastrous outing in team A, comprising Mohsen some Chak De movie stars, the West Asia tournament, the Bokshaisha and Mahanna Al who will team up with the Qatar team will be trying to Obaidely, got the bronze medal Qatar Chak De team to play make amends under the guidance in the snooker team event. the Doha Hockey Girls on of new coach Maggid Abu Talib. Mohammed Al Ramzani, pres- Thursday, March 6 at 5pm. The team will be travelling to ident of QBSF, and Mohammed The event will feature the star- Bangladesh for the Asian games Salem Al Nuaimi, QBSF secre- studded PIA team from Pakistan, qualifiers and will be using this tary general lauded the winners. the Malaysian Polytechnic, and event for warming up. The event saw participation the Qatar national team. Pakistani hockey legend by 60 players from 12 coun- The PIA team, coached by Shahbaz Senior will be the guest tries, including the United Arab Olympian Muhamed Irfan and of honour, while rising Indian Emirates, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, managed by Olympian Shahid star Yuvraj Walmiki will be a Lebanon, Oman, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar’ Bashar Hussain and Ali Al Obaidly, winners in the team event at the West Asian Championship for Billiard Ali Khan, has several big names special guest of QHF during the Palestine, Bahrain and Yemen. like Imran Butt, Ihsanullah, event. Games, pose with the trophy at Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall on Friday. QNA Muhamed Irfan, Shafqat Rasool, THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Dimitrov topples Murray McIlroy clings to PGA lead to reach final

Irishman stays one ahead after carding a 66; Woods makes the cut ACAPULCO, Mexico: Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov edged second-seeded Andy PALM BEACH GARDENS, rhythm and got into it I played Murray in three sets yesterday United States: A strong fin- really nicely and putted very SAIL-SBI Open to reach the final of the ATP ish helped Rory McIlroy grab well.” Leading scores after the fourth Mexico Open, where he’ll face a one-stroke lead over Brendon Zimbabwe’s De Jonge fired a 64 round: South African Kevin Anderson. de Jonge after yesterday’s sec- but a closing bogey kept him from 270 Rashid Khan (IND) 61-69-69-71, The fourth-seeded Dimitrov, ond round of the Honda Classic a share of the lead at the $6m Siddikur Rahman (BAN) 67-67-67-69 who had never beaten Murray while top-ranked Tiger Woods event. American Russell Henley (Khan wins play-off with birdie on the in three prior encounters, tri- barely made the cut. was third on 132 with England’s first extra hole) umphed 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3). McIlroy held his nerve after Lee Westwood and Scotsman 276 Rikard Karlberg (SWE) 71-70-67-68 Dimitrov needed two hours and two early bogeys to finish with a Russell Knox another shot back. 277 Carlos Pigem (ESP) 69-71-69-68, 54 minutes on the Acapulco hard flourish, firing a four-under par Woods, a 14-time major cham- S.S.P Chowrasia (IND) 68-69-72-68, court to seal the victory, giving a 66 that left the 24-year-old world pion, fired a 69 to stand on par Martin Rominger (SUI) 72-63-70-72 leap of triumph. number eight from Northern 140, making the cut on the 278 Steve Lewton (ENG) 68-70-68-72 After taking the second-set Ireland on 11-under 129 through number after snapping a streak tiebreaker on his third set point, 279 Abhijit Chadha (IND) 68-73-69-69, 36 holes at the $6m US PGA of five rounds at par or worse at Dimitrov gained the advantage in Jyoti Randhawa (IND) 71-69-70-69, event. PGA National. the third set by breaking Murray Anirban Lahiri (IND) 70-66-69-74 “I had to stay patient. I didn’t “It was a grind, no doubt about in the opening game. AFP get off to the best start,” McIlroy that,” Woods said. “I didn’t hit it Tshwane Open Third said. “Got it back to even par very good. It was just one of those at the turn and played really days but I fought through it. Round Leaders ATP Brazil Open well coming in. Once I found my “I would like to hit it better 198 Ross Fisher (ENG) 66-65-67 than I have been. I didn’t hit it 203 Michael Hoey (NIR) 69-65-69 Results good today. But I fought out a 204 Simon Dyson (ENG) 65-68-71, Carlos SAO PAULO: Collated results US PGA Tour number, which is always a good Del Moral (ESP) 68-65-71 from the fifth day of the ATP thing. 205 Merrick Bremner 69-69-67, Darren Honda Classic “Maybe I can go post a number Brazil Open on Friday (x Fichardt 66-68-71, Trevor Fisher jnr denotes seeding): tomorrow.” 65-69-71, Edoardo Molinari (ITA) 70- Quarter-finals: Tommy Haas (GER) bt Scores McIlroy teed off on the back 65-70, Hennie Otto 71-65-69, Kevin Horacio Zeballos (ARG) 6-3, 5-7, 6-2; Paolo PALM BEACH GARDENS, nine and found the right rough Phelan (IRL) 68-69-68, Danie van Lorenzi (ITA) bt Juan Monaco (ARG) 7-6 United States: Leading sec- off the 11th tee and went over the Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark watches her fiancee Rory McIlroy of Tonder 66-70-69 (8/6), 6-7 (4/7), 6-4; Thomaz Belluci (BRA) ond-round scores on Friday in 12th green on his way to bogeys. Northern Ireland (not pictured) play a shot during the second round 206 Oliver Bekker 70-67-69, Robert Rock bt Martin Klizan (SVK) 6-3, 6-3; Federico the US PGA Tour $6m Honda But McIlroy made a five-foot of the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach (ENG) 70-71-65, Jake Roos 69-65- Delbonis (ARG) bt Albert Montanes (ESP) Classic (USA unless noted, birdie putt at the 16th and a Gardens, Florida, yesterday. 72 6-4, 6-3. par-70): 12-foot birdie putt at the par-5 18th. 129 Rory McIlroy (NIR) 63-66 “It was a sign of maturity,” WTA Brazil Cup 130 Brendon de Jonge (ZIM) 66-64 McIlroy said. “I didn’t panic. I 132 Russell Henley 64-68 didn’t try to do anything differ- Results 133 Lee Westwood (ENG) 68-65, Russell ently. I tried to keep doing eve- Khan wins in play-off FLORIANOPOLIS, Brazil: Knox (SCO) 70-63 rything that I had been doing.” Results from the WTA Brazil 134 Jamie Donaldson (WAL) 65-69, Ryan On his second nine, McIlroy NEW DELHI: India’s Rashid contest into extra time with Khan Tennis Cup in Florianopolis Palmer 68-66, William McGirt 65-69 ran off three birdies in a row HSBC Women’s Khan claimed a play-off vic- trailing Siddikur by one with two yesterday (x denotes seeding): starting at the par-5 third, where tory over Bangladesh’s Siddikur remaining until he produced a 135 Daniel Summerhays 70-65, Chris Semi-finals: Klara Zakopalova (CZE x3) bt he left a 53-foot eagle putt inches Rahman at the SAIL-SBI Open birdie on 17 to draw level at the Stroud 69-66, Boo Weekley 68-67, Champions Scores Carla Suarez (ESP x1) 6-3, 3-6, 6-2; Garbine short for a tap-in birdie. in New Delhi yesterday with a season-opening $300,000 event. John Senden (AUS) 72-63, Thomas SINGAPORE: Round three Muguruza (ESP x2) bt Yaroslava Shvedova McIlroy made a 30-foot birdie birdie on the first extra hole. Both players then birdied the Bjorn (DEN) 69-66, Luke Donald scores from the $1.4m HSBC (KAZ) 6-2, 6-3. putt at the par-3 fifth and a The 23-year-old was mobbed 18th hole under immense pres- (ENG) 67-68, Derek Ernst 66-69, Will Women’s Champions in 27-footer for birdie at the par-3 after tapping in his birdie putt sure to take the tournament into MacKenzie 67-68, Brendan Steele Singapore on Saturday (par seventh, his third and fourth suc- on the par five 18th hole for his a play-off. Acapulco ATP and 69-66 72): cessful putts this week of longer maiden Asian Tour victory at the “I don’t like play-offs. I played 136 Jason Kokrak 70-66, Jhonattan than 25 feet. 205 Karrie Webb (AUS) 66-69-70 Delhi Golf Club, a year after los- seven play-offs in the last 14 Vegas (VEN) 70-66, Mark Wilson 67- WTA Results McIlroy, a two-time major 206 Angela Stanford (USA) 68-69-69 ing to compatriot Anirban Lahiri months and I won only three. It’s 69, Chris Kirk 69-67, Rory Sabbatini ACAPULCO, Mexico: champion, won the event in 2012 208 Azahara Munoz (ESP) 69-72-67, at the same event. a lottery,” said Khan. (RSA) 65-71 Results from the Acapulco to become a world number one for Teresa Lu (TPE) 68-70-70 “It feels awesome. It’s my home Siddikur’s hopes of a second 137 David Lingmerth (SWE) 69-68, Adam ATP and WTA tournament the first time in his career, but 209 Paula Creamer (USA) 67-73-69 course and winning here is spe- title at the Delhi course, where yesterday (x denotes seeding): Scott (AUS) 68-69, Stewart Cink 69- last year walked off the course cial. It’s amazing,” said Khan, who he won the Indian Open in 210 Morgan Pressel (USA) 71-69-70 Men’s Semi-finals: Kevin Anderson (RSA 68, Graeme McDowell (NIR) 70-67, complaining of toothache and carded a final round one-under- November, faded after he missed 211 Suzann Pettersen (NOR) 71-70-70 x5) bt Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) 6-1, 5-7, George McNeill 70-67, David Hearn mental fatigue. So far, he has par 71 and totalled 18-under-par his long birdie chance. 212 Choi Na-Yeon (KOR) 71-70-71, 6-4; Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x4) bt Andy Murray (CAN) 67-70, Billy Hurley 70-67, reclaimed prime form. 270 for the week. “Rashid deserves the win. He’s Caroline Hedwall (SWE) 67-73-72 (GBR x2) 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3). Jamie Lovemark 69-68, Ben Crane “One of the goals this year for “I lost this event here last year. a talented player. I saw his game 69-68, Zach Johnson 67-70, Keegan me was consistency,” McIlroy 213 Chella Choi (KOR) 73-71-69, Michelle It was important and the way I and he’s a really good player,” said Women’s Semi-finals: Dominika Cibulkova Bradley 69-68, Ted Potter 71-66, Noh said. “It’s quite emotionally drain- Wie (USA) 73-71-69, Jang Ha-Na started on the first day with a 61, Siddikur, who finished fourth on (SVK x1) bt Zhang Shuai (CHN x8) 4-2 – Seung-Yul (KOR) 69-68, Troy Merritt ing when you have all these highs (KOR) 73-69-71, Park In-Bee (KOR) it was an amazing week,” he said. the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit retired; Christina McHale (USA) bt Caroline 68-69, Brice Garnett 66-71 and lows.” AFP 70-72-71 Regulation play forced the last season. AFP Garcia (FRA) 3-6, 6-2, 7-5. Dutch aim to use ‘innovative ideas’ for beach worlds in 2015

DOHA: The 2015 Beach Volleyball World Championships in the Netherlands is guaran- teed to be a ‘unique experience’, say the organisers of the event Dutch Volleyball Federation (Nevobo). Set to be held in June 2015 in four cities it will be contested by 192 contenders in both the men’s and women’s sections. The President of Nevobo, Hans Nieukerke said Netherlands is famous for innovative ideas and the championship will be no different. “A Beach Volleyball World Championship in the Netherlands with 451 kilometres of coastline we think there’s enough room for such a worldwide event. Our country is actually famous for its original, innovative ideas, and that goes for Nevobo too. We have developed innovative volleyball concepts over the past years, but we also think ‘out of the box’ when Action from the Qatar it comes to events organisation.” Junior Open Squash “The 2015 Beach Volleyball Championship at Khalifa World Championships is guaran- International Tennis and teed to be a unique experience, Squash Complex yester- not least because the event will day. The tournament is take place in several locations in held on five categories: the Netherlands. Amsterdam’s Dam Square one of the venues where the 2015 Beach Volleyball World Championships for men Under-19, Under-17, “With The Hague at the epicen- and women will be held in June 2015. The other cities are Hague, Rotterdam and Apeldoorn. Under-15, Under-13 tre of the World Championships, and Under-11.Players the capital Amsterdam and from Malaysia, Iraq, Apeldoorn as two partnering four cities he said: “The decision full stadiums. It will make it pos- undoubtedly contribute to fill- Pakistan, India, Kuwait, host cities, and Rotterdam as to have several host cities is in sible for larger groups of fans to ing the stadiums for all of the Iran and Qatar are tak- the fourth match city, there is line with the desire to use the witness the world championships. matches,” the Nevobo official said. no doubt that everyone in the FIVB World Championships as a The event will not only get a great When selecting the locations, ing part in the five day Netherlands will know that the means of getting the whole of the deal of attention in the national due attention was also given to championship. tournament is being held in the Netherlands into beach volley- media, including television, but the ‘high volleyball density’ and PICTURES BY: AYUB country,” he added. ball. Playing in four major cities the regional media will provide spectator potential in the particu- ABDULLAH Explaining the reasons for in the Netherlands is the founda- exposure in their own regions, lar cities, Nieukerke said. hosting the championship in tion for a successful event with as well. The media attention will THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation President, Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah (first right) with H H Sheikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Special Adviser to the Emir yesterday at the Losail MX Track for the opening race of the 2014 FIM Motocross World Championship season. RIGHT: MXGP riders during Race 1 of Qatar MXGP at Losail International Circuit. PICTURES BY SHAIVAL DALAL Rutledge storms to Qatar wins in Paulin, Herlings grab Qatar season opener

DOHA: Australian rider Meghan Kat Rutlegde brought delight to Kawasaki camp by win- honours after round one ning both the races in round one of the WMX World Motocross Championship on the dirt track inside Losail International Defending world champion Cairoli finishes race one in second spot Circuit. Rutlegde, who won race one comfortable earlier yester- day, stormed to win race two also, DOHA: French MXGP rider 2014 World Motocross bagging the maximum available Gautier Paulin and Dutch MX2 Championship tally of 50 points. star Jeffrey Herlings yesterday The 19-year-old Australian pro- MX2: grabbed the honours in Qatar duced commanding performances Results of Race 1: by taking the points lead after in both races, winning the first in Dylan Ferrandis, France, Kawasaki, round one of the 2014 World 33:53.328 a time of 25 minutes 47.520 sec- Motocross Championship at onds and then improved her stats Jeffrey Herlings, the Netherlands, KTM, Losail International Circuit. 33:53.657 to 24:48.548 in the second outing. Kawasaki rider Paulin won Glenn Coldenhoff, the Netherlands, Suzuki, In race two, Rutlegde finished race two to add 25 points to his 33:55.537 the 20-lap race ahead of French earlier tally of 20 from the first Jose Butron, Spain, KTM, 34:06.897 rider Livia Lancelot (Kawasaki, race to lead the overall standings Romain Febvre, France, Huqsvarna, 24:57.642) and Ireland’s Natalie after a fierce battle with defend- 34:07.210 Kane (KTM, 25:14.159). ing world champion Antonio Results of Race 2 Earlier In race one, Rutledge Cairoli of Italy. Jeffrey Herlings, the Netherlands, KTM, coasted to her first win ahead of Motocross giant Cairoli, who 33:49.169 Kane (26:00.105) and Dutch rider ended race one in second spot, Arnaud Tonus, Switzerland, Kawasaki, Nancy van dd Ven (26:02.105) to finished in third place in the sec- 33:50.373 pocket 25 points. ond race. Thomas Covington, US, Kawasaki, “I was really hoping for a result Paulin won race two (35:04.471) 33:56.815 like this. I have enjoyed it so far,” ahead of French rider Steven Romain Febvre, France, Husqvarna, Rutledge said. Frossard (Kawasaki, 35:07.244 ) 33:58.852 When asked about her goals in and Cairoli (KTM, 35:14.412). Aleksandr Tonkov, Russia, Huqsvarna, the new season, the Australian Earlier in race one, Paulin fin- 33:59.606 said: “I finished second last year ished third behind Germany’s Points Standings After so obviously there is one thing I Round One of 18-race Series: Maximillian Nagl (Honda) and need to do and that is to win the Jeffery, Herlings, 47 points second-placed Cairoli. championship.” Dyland Ferrandis, 40 points In MX2, 19-year-old Herlings The Australian said racing in Roman Febvre, 34 points emerged as the points leader Qatar was a new experience. Arnaud Tonus, 33 points by winning race two after the “This is the first time I am rac- Aleksandr, Tonkov, 31 points. Dutchman lost ground with a ing under lights. Obviously it is a MXGP second-place finish in race one. new experience for me and I am Results of race one: Paulin, leader in MXGP stand- Jeffery Herlings is flanked by Dylan Ferrandis (left) and Romain Febvre during the podium ceremony. BOTTOM: enjoying it,” she added. The next ings, said there was room for Maximilian, Germany, Honda, 34:57.925 round will be held in April. Gautier Paulin (left) and Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team Owner Thierry Chizat Suzzoni. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, KTM, 34:59.867, improvement. THE PENINSULA “I was not enjoying my ride, I Gautier Paulin, France, Kawasaki, 35:05.752 didn’t have the speed I wanted,” “I have been struggling with Steven Frossard, France, Kawasaki, Race One Results: Paulin said. my start for a long time now,” 35:13.568 Meghan Kat Rutlegde, Australian, “I didn’t have the jumps I do Herlings said. Jeremy Horebeek, Bekgium, Yamaha, Kawasaki, 25:47.520 Natalie Kane, Ireland, normally. I am happy for my team “It doesn’t get better. I hope 35:24.537 KTM, 26:00.688 Nancy van de Ven, the though. My and my team-mates I can get better starts,” he Results of Race Two: Netherlands, Yamaha, 26:02.105 Stephanie were good today. It is good for the added. Gautier Paulin, France, Kawasaki, Laier, Germany, Suzuki, 26:02.864 Larissa, opening round,” he added “My riding was really bad. I 35:04.471 papenmeier, Germany, Suzuki, 26:05.257 In race one, German rider Nagl should have won by 20-30 seconds Steven Frossard, France, Kawasaki, Race Two Results: won with a time of 34:57.925 while but I barely won the race. It is not 35:07.244 Meghan Kat Rutlegde, Australian, Kawasaki, defending champion Cairoli was good. (I) hope to come out better Antonio Cairoli, Italy, KTM, 35:14.412 24:48.548 Livia Lancelot, France, placed second (34:59.867). Paulin the next time,” he added. Maximilian Nagl, Germany, Honda, Kawasaki, 24:57.642 Natalie Kane, Ireland, took third spot on his Kawasaki Swiss rider Tonus was only 35:17.595 KTM, 25:14.159 Chiaral Fontanesi, Italy, in a time of 35:05.752. 1.204 seconds slower than Jeremy Van Horebeek, Belgium, Yamaha, Yamaha, 25:22.079 Stephanie Laier, Earlier, Herlings won the sec- Herlings while Covington was 35:24.564 Germany, Suzuki, 25:26.040 ond MX2 race ahead of Kawasaki’s 7.646 seconds adrift of race two Points Standings After 2014 MXW Calendar Round One of 18-race Series: Swiss rider Arnaud Tonus and winner. 13 April 2014 Trentino, Arco di Trento American Thomas Covington in In race one, French rider Dylan Gautier Paulin, 45 points 04 May 2014 The Netherlands, Valkenswaard a time of 33:49.169. Ferrandis (Kawasaki) finished Maximilian Nagl, 43 points 01 June 2014 France, Saint Jean d’Angely Despite winning race two, the ahead of Herlings and third- Antonio Cairoli, 42 points points leader was far from happy placed Glenn Coldenhoff (Suzuki). Steven Frossard, 40 points 22 June 2014 Germany, Teutschenthal with his performance in Qatar. THE PENINSULA Jeremy Van Horebeek, 32 points 27 July 2014 Czech Republic, Loket

MXGP rider Maximilian Nagl Jeffery of Team HRC in action dur- Herlings ing Race 1 of Qatar MXGP. with his RIGHT: A camerman captures trophy. the action during the races. SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Asian Athletics Association meeting in Doha

Dahlan Al Hamad, President of Asian Athletics Association (AAA) and Qatar Athletics Federation, during a meeting with AAA council members in Doha yesterday. The 78th AAA Council Meeting kicked off yesterday. The two- day meet will end today at the InterContinental The City Hotel, Doha. RIGHT: Dahlan with former champion pole vaulter and IAAF Vice President Sergei Bubka. Skelleftea to host the FIM Vettel suffers test wipeout Snowcross We obviously have lots of different problems we are curing: Vettel World MANAMA: Four-time world most convincing outing this winter. Championship champion Sebastian Vettel “At the moment we obviously admitted Red Bull were facing have lots of different problems German serious problems after he failed we are curing,” said Vettel, who driver FUNCHAL, Portugal: Since to complete a lap in testing yes- will have his final test run of the Sebastian Youthstream took over the terday, just two weeks out from close-season today before the sea- Vettel rights to the Snowcross World the start of the new season. son gets under way in Melbourne (right), Championship in 2011 they have Vettel’s car suffered electrical on March 16. of Infiniti attempted to take Snowcross to issues which meant he stopped “It’s not the best situation Red Bull a whole new level. on the installation lap at Sakhir to be in but we can’t change it. Racing This year, the championship and then spent the rest of the day Obviously reliability is still a big team, and was supposed to be held over two frustratingly kicking his heels in question mark. It’s difficult to mechanics rounds, one in Skelleftea, Sweden, the garage. say how long it will take to rem- push his and the other in Tuuri, Finland. The setback came just a day edy. I think some things will just car after a Unfortunately, due to climate after teammate Daniel Ricciardo come down to the fact that in two changes, there is currently no breakdown had completed 66 laps in the sec- weeks’ time we’ll have lots of new snow in Tuuri meaning the during a ond Red Bull for the Australian’s parts on the car. second round of the 2014 FIM “We’ve had some damage four-day Snowcross World Championship Formula One Testing because of the problems we’ve had pre-season has been cancelled. here and the parts aren’t avail- testing at Nevertheless, Youthstream and Times on the third and penultimate day of pre- able overnight, so from that side Bahrain’s the FIM yesterday announced the season Formula One testing at Bahrain’s Sakhir I think things will get better over Sakhir round of Skelleftea, Sweden, will Circuit yesterday: the next couple of weeks.” Circuit. go on and a Women’s division has 1. Felipe Massa (BRA/Williams) 1:33.258 (99 Williams driver Felipe Massa also been included. laps), 2. Nico Rosberg (GER/Mercedes) 1:33.484 topped the time charts with a Skelleftea is a small Swedish (103), 3. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Ferrari) 1:35.426 time of 1min 33.258sec off 99 town known for its long, cold yet (87), 4. Kevin Magnussen (DEN/McLaren) laps with Mercedes driver Nico “I’m really happy with the car Christian Horner told Sky Sports to help the team where he can. glorious snow filled winters and 1:35.894 (88), 5. Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Toro Rosso) Rosberg in second spot just ahead and feel we found a good balance. News that speculation Vettel had “There has not been one raised is located 800 kilometers north of 1:36.113 (81), 6. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Force of Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen. We did so much work on the set- thrown a tantrum when he first voice, one bit of discontent. He the capital city (Stockholm) and India) 1:36.205 (115), 7. Jules Bianchi (FRA/ “We had a very good day today up but it is very important that tested the car back in January has just got his head down and 200 kilometers south of the amaz- Marussia) 1:37.087 (78), 8. Marcus Ericsson doing almost 100 laps. We did a we go to Australia prepared.” was “complete and utter rubbish”. he has a huge amount of trust in ing Artic Circle. (SWE/Caterham) 1:38.083 (117), 9. Romain lot more performance work in the Meanwhile, Red Bull dismissed “I don’t know where that came the team.” The Red Bull website It will be the first time in his- Grosjean (FRA/Lotus) 1:42.166 (33) car which is something that we reports that Vettel had “thrown a from about Sebastian,” he added. also carried a highly sarcastic tory Skelleftea has hosted a round No times: Adrian Sutil (GER/Sauber) 1 lap, haven’t done so much of so far,” hissy fit” about the situation. “He is fine, he understands that report from their “F1 Spy” about of the FIM Snowcross World Sebastian Vettel (GER/Red Bull-Renault) said Massa. Red Bull team principal there are issues and he is trying the rumour mill. AGENCIES Championship and with more than 25 percent of Snowcross racers hailing from Sweden, the atmosphere is bound to be buzzing. Kuwaiti stars Al Ansari and Al Shatti Last year’s FIM Snowcross World Champion Adam Renheim proved earlier this year he’s still carrying good form after win- ning a Swedish Championship seal Losail MX Championship titles race ahead of fellow Swedish tal- ent Oskar Norum.Next weekend DOHA: Kuwaiti motocross star season in Qatar with a sublime Renheim will line up in Skelleftea Moaath Al Ansari yesterday finish in the second race of the Losail MX for the 2014 FIM Snowcross bagged the MX1 title while com- Losail MX Championship. World Championship with the patriot Abdullah Al Shatti sealed “I am very happy to win this Championship number ‘1’ plate firmly attached the deal in the MX2 points race race. The track was still very to his Skidoo machine all set to on the dirt track inside Losail muddy and a little slippery MX final standings after fifth defend his crown. International Circuit. as some of the lines are still and final round of Losail MX Meanwhile, Swedish Oskar Al Ansari accumulated 177 here from the GP riders,” the Championship: Norum will have his home nation points from five rounds to finish American said. behind him as he aims to improve Abdullah Al Shatti, Kuwait, 228 points the MX1 season ahead of South “You had to be very cautious to on his fourth place finish last year. Africa’s LeRoy Botha (149 points) stand up just for your turns cor- Hassan Ahmed, Bahrain, 187 points While Finland’s Aki Pihlaja is and American rider Dennis rectly. Overall it was a good run Barak Al Jasmi, Kuwait, 169 points doing his best to climb the ranks Stapleton (147) who tied with as I had the holeshoot so I had a Saeed Al Shenqiti, UAE, 156 points after his seventh in 2011, sixth in Britain’s Ryan Blair (147). clear vision and I was able to ride Mohammed Jaffar, Kuwait, 88 points 2012 and fifth in 2013. Al Ansari was thrilled with his my own race,” he added. Swedish Filip Eriksson will line Results from race 2 of the fifth title win. “I had a good time and I am up on his Artic Cat snowmobile and final round of Losail MX “I am very happy to win the delighted to take this win. The carrying his 2013 FIM Snowcross Championship: championship for first time and first couple of rounds earlier in World Championship ranking, I would like to thank the Kuwaiti the season were well. I got overall Dennis Stapleton, US, 23 minutes 03.844 number six. While another Swede Motorsport Federation and wins, but unfortunately I had to seconds in the form of Markus Ogemar- Balooshi Racing team for all the miss the first two rounds living Ryan Blair, Britain, 32.508 seconds behind Hellgren, who finished seventh support,” Al Ansari said. away in California, but I came Sean Gugain, South Africa, 41.718 seconds last year, will also be hungry for “I would also like to thanks The podium winners at the MX1 race 2 pose for a picture at Losail back this weekend,” Stapleton behind a podium finish. QMMF for the organization and International Circuit yesterday. explained. Mohammed Jaffar, Kuwait, 1 minute, 11.527 Now with great facilities, an also the support of the fans who In the second race yesterday, seconds behind impressive track, exciting rac- were present to see us in action,” for this year and we are looking finished third with 147 points. British rider Ryan Blair and Sean ing as well as excellent HD cov- Abdullah Al Shatti, Kuwait, 1 minute, 24.610 he added. forward to the 2014 season and it MX2 Championship winner Al Gugain of South Africa secured the erage, the FIM Snowcross World seconds behind Second-placed Botha was also is possible that we may do (the Shatti topped the charts with 228 remaining two spots on the podium. Championship continues to grow delighted with his performances. race in) Dubai,” the South African points. In the MX2 category yesterday, it MX1 final standings after fifth and move forward. In addition, “I am second overall and yes I said. Al Shatti finished ahead of was a repeat of Friday’s results. and final round of Losail MX for the first time ever a Women’s am very happy considering that “I think that QMMF is doing Hassan Ahmed from Bahrain Kuwaiti rider Mohammed Championship: Snowcross World Cup has been in the start of the season I had great events and they have a mag- who ended the MX2 season with Jaffar produced a great race and Moaath Al Ansari, Kuwait, 177 points introduced and will also be taking a bit of struggle as I was riding nificent track and great organiza- a tally of 187 points while Barak emerged winner. “It was a great LeRoy Botha, South Africa, 149 points place along side the men of the FIM Kawasaki and I wasn’t enjoying tion,” Botha said after the race. Al Jasmi, also from Kuwait, ended race but still very muddy and the Dennis Stapleton, US, 147 points Snowcross World Championship, the bike much,” Botha said. Stapleton, who won race 2 of the battle for title in third place weather was difficult to manage making for one of the greatest FIM Ryan Blair, Britain, 147 points “Fortunately Abuissa Racing the Losail MX Championship yes- (169 points). as it was windy,” Jaffar said. Snowcross World Championships has given me sponsor and a bike terday, said he was happy to have Yesterday, Stapleton ended his THE PENINSULA Mohammed Al Balooshi, UAE, 141 points ever. AGENCIES SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Windies beat wasteful England Visitors lose their way in the home stretch, throwing away four wickets for 31 runs

NORTH SOUND: West Indies But just as in the West Indies all that, bludgeoning his way to 61 defeated England by 15 runs innings, when the home side off just 36 balls with five fours and in the first one-day interna- plundered 116 runs off the last four sixes as he and the man who tional on Friday after the visi- ten overs, England lost their way replaced him at the helm cashed tors squandered an excellent in the home stretch, losing four in on Broad’s decision to return platform that had put them in wickets for 31 runs. to the fast-medium bowlers at the position to take the lead in the “If you look at both innings, we end of the innings. three-match series. were brilliant for 40 overs and Bravo’s unbeaten 87 off 91 balls Replying to the home side’s then struggled,” said England cap- (4 fours, 1 six) was also entertain- competitive total of 269 for six, tain Stuart Broad. ing, the pair carting the England England were restricted to 254 “I wouldn’t look too much at the bowling to all parts of the huge Sir for six after cruising along mer- batting. It was the last ten overs Vivian Richards ground in taking rily at 180 for two in the 37th over. with the ball that really hurt us.” 116 runs off the hapless bowlers Michael Lumb’s fluent 106 Much of that English discom- before Sammy fell to Tim Bresnan on ODI debut, only the second fort in the field in the final stages off the final ball. England player after Dennis of the West Indies innings was Despite taking three wickets, Amiss to achieve the feat, and an caused by Darren Sammy. Bresman and fellow fast-medium opening partnership of 96 with Coming to the crease after the bowler, Barbadian-born Chris fellow first-timer Moeen Ali (44), fall of Lendl Simmons for 65 and a Jordan, conceded 135 runs off a seemed to ensure that most of 108-run partnership with skipper combined 19 overs. the hard work was done in pur- Dwayne Bravo, the hosts were still That was in stark contrast to suit of a morale-boosting victory labouring to get any momentum the economy and effectiveness of following the harrowing tour of at 153 for five in the 40th over. the slow bowling trio of James Australia. But the former captain changed Tredwell, Ali and Joe Root. They exploited the helpful con- Scoreboard ditions in the early going -- Root opened the bowling with Broad WEST INDIES L Wright c Dwayne Bravo b Sammy ...... 1 -- so successfully that the West D Smith c Buttler b Tredwell ...... 24 J Root c Ramdin b Narine ...... 37 Indies were almost in ruins at 45 K Powell c Jordan b Root ...... 5 B Stokes b Narine ...... 5 for four. K Edwards b Bresnan ...... 10 J Buttler c Holder b Dwayne Bravo ...... 12 Lumb, a member of England’s Darren Bravo lbw Ali...... 2 R Bopara (not out) ...... 23 World Twenty20-winning squad L Simmons c Ali b Bresnan ...... 65 T Bresnan (not out) ...... 14 in the Caribbean in 2010, also took Dwayne Bravo (not out) ...... 87 Extras (B-1, LB-2, W-9) ...... 12 a liking to the faster stuff offered by the West Indies at the start of West Indies batsman Darren Sammy celebrates a quick half century with Dwayne Bravo during the first One Day D Sammy c Broad b Bresnan ...... 61 Total (for 6 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 254 International match against England at the Sir Vivian Richard Stadium in St John’s. Extras (LB-4, W-10 NB-1) ...... 15 Fall of wickets: 1-96, 2-106, 3-180, 4-192, the run-chase. Total (for 6 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 269 5-205, 6-211. In his first senior international Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-38, 3-40, 4-45, Bowling: Holder 4-0-27-0 (2w), Rampaul 10- match, Ali was also at ease and seven fours and two sixes before his spinning trump-card. variations were too much for 5-153, 6-269. 0-53-1 (3w), Narine 10-1-36-2 (2w), Dwayne the pair of left-handers were the 34-year-old South African- “We back our bowling group England to handle in the pressure Bowling: Root 9-2-47-1, Broad 6-1-35-0, Bravo 10-0-59-1 (2w), Sammy 10-0-46-1, on the verge of a century open- born batsman gave Bravo a com- to defend 250-plus anytime,” said situation, and reduced to 211 for Bresnan 10-1-68-3 (1w), Tredwell 10-1-23-1, Smith 6-0-30-1. ing stand when Dwayne Smith fortable catch at cover off Ravi Bravo. six in the 43rd over, there were to Ali 6-1-25-1, Jordan 9-2-67-0 (1nb, 7w). Result: West Indies won by 15 runs removed Ali to a catch at long-on. Rampaul. “Sunil Narine had five overs to be no heroics from Ravi Bopara in ENGLAND Series: West Indies lead 3-match series 1-0. Luke Wright fell cheaply but That proved to be the turning bowl and those were key, and we his 100th ODI or Bresnan to give M Lumb c Dwayne Bravo b Rampaul ...... 106 Remaining matches: March 2 - Antigua, March Root kept England ahead of the point with the West Indies able had Ravi Rampaul still to come as England anything like a glimmer M Ali c Narine b Smith ...... 44 5 - Antigua. game, seeing Lumb to the three- to build pressure and take more our best finishing bowler.” of hope at the end. figure landmark off 117 balls with wickets as the captain turned to Narine’s mesmerising AFP Chelsea beat Fulham, Arsenal lose Sunderland plot LONDON: An Andre Schurrle and his misery was compounded through to score from a lofted substitute before Steven Gerrard City ambush in hat-trick saw Chelsea stretch later in the day when Liverpool Eden Hazard pass. added a stoppage-time penalty. their lead in the Premier League moved above Arsenal into sec- Hazard teed up Schurrle for his Newcastle won 4-1 at Hull, but yesterday, while Newcastle ond place following a 3-0 win at second goal in the 65th minute the match was overshadowed by United manager Alan Pardew Southampton. before Torres released the former Pardew’s dismissal for aiming League Cup final was sent off for headbutting an At Craven Cottage, new Fulham Bayer Leverkusen man for his a headbutt at home midfielder opposition player. manager Felix Magath was over- third goal four minutes later. David Meyler. LONDON: Ten months on another year, another situation Germany international seeing his first home game and he Victory extended Chelsea’s lead Pardew was sent to the stands from their shock FA Cup final — but I am absolutely sure all Schurrle scored three times in 17 almost saw his side take an early to six points over Manchester after inclining his head towards defeat by Wigan Athletic, will be 100 percent motivated to second-half minutes as Chelsea lead when Clint Dempsey headed City, who have two games in Meyler during a second-half Manchester City find them- win.” won 3-1 at Fulham and a 1-0 loss wide from close range. hand, while Fulham, who replied touchline confrontation and selves again cast as poten- City’s chances have been for Arsenal at Stoke City left Jose However, after Fulham goal- through Jonny Heitinga, remain Football Association chair- tial Goliaths ahead of today’s enhanced by the news that top Mourinho’s side with a four-point keeper Maarten Stekelenburg four points adrift of safety at the man Greg Dyke subsequently League Cup decider against scorer Sergio Aguero is in con- lead over their London rivals. had saved from Fernando Torres foot of the table. announced that his organisation Sunderland. tention to play after missing the Arsenal manager Arsene just before half-time, Schurrle Unlike City, who tackle would investigate the incident. As in May 2013, City will start last five matches with a ham- Wenger described his side’s made the breakthrough in Sunderland in Sunday’s League Pardew issued a public apology as favourites against a team string injury. result as a “massive setback” the 52nd minute when he ran Cup final, Arsenal do not have moments after the final whistle, residing third from bottom in The Argentine’s absence coin- the consolation of any games in telling Sky Sports: “It was a heat- the Premier League relegation cided with the losses to Chelsea hand on Chelsea after their defeat of-the-moment thing. I massively zone, but the experience of that and Barcelona and a 0-0 draw at at Stoke. regret it and I will have to sit rain-soaked Wembley day will Norwich City, but Pellegrini was Wenger had Mesut Ozil back down from now on. steel them against complacency. reluctant to confirm whether in his squad after injury, but he “Of course, I didn’t mean to do Then, a stoppage-time Ben or not he will start against saw his side beaten by a 76th- anything aggressive. I did move Watson header gave Wigan vic- Sunderland. minute Jonathan Walters penalty my head forward, and that’s tory, producing the biggest FA Fellow striker Stevan Jovetic after Laurent Koscielny had been enough. Of course I apologise. I Cup final shock in 25 years and will miss the game with a ham- penalised for handball. represent a big club.” precipitating the departure of string injury, while centre-back Arsenal’s defeat, their fifth Moussa Sissoko scored twice for City coach Roberto Mancini, Matija Nastasic continues to be of the season, enabled Liverpool Newcastle, with Loic Remy and who was sacked two days later. sidelined by a knee problem. to steal above them on goal dif- Vurnon Anita also on target, while By then, City had conceded Today’s game will be ference after their success at Curtis Davies replied for Hull. the league title to Manchester Sunderland’s first ever visit Southampton. Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku United, but although Mancini’s to the new Wembley Stadium, Luis Suarez opened the scor- marked his return from a month- successor, Manuel Pellegrini, has which opened in 2007, and their ing in the 16th minute, sweeping long absence with an ankle injury enjoyed a fine debut campaign, first appearance in a major final home after Jose Fonte had inad- by coming off the bench to score his side’s momentum has slowed since a 2-0 loss to Liverpool in vertently gifted him the ball to for Everton in a 1-0 win at home in recent weeks. the 1992 FA Cup. mark his 100th Premier League to West Ham United. They are only three points The old Wembley held special appearance with a 62nd league The Belgian slammed home off the top in the league with a memories for the club, however, goal. from Leighton Baines’s pass in the game in hand, but a recent home as it was there in May 1973 In reply, Adam Lallana hit 81st minute to end West Ham’s defeat by Chelsea exposed hith- that a second-tier side led by Andre Schuerrle of Chelsea celebrates his third goal during the English the post for Southampton, but run of four consecutive wins and erto unseen vulnerability, while trilby-wearing former manager Premier League soccer match against Fulham at Craven Cottage stadium, Raheem Sterling made it 2-0 take Everton to within two points a 2-0 loss to Barcelona has left Bob Stokoe stunned the mighty in London, yesterday. in the 58th minute with his of fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur. them on the verge of elimination Leeds United to win the FA Cup. first touch after coming on as a AFP in the Champions League. It was the last piece of silver- City remain in contention in ware that Sunderland won, but the FA Cup, having been handed 31,000 fans will travel to London a chance of revenge against today in anticipation of another IFAB rejects UEFA request on triple punishment Wigan in the last eight, but a famous upset. loss to Sunderland could have Manager Gus Poyet, who ZURICH: A request from board member Stewart Regan told FIFA secretary general Jerome Horne, another board member and damaging implications for the succeeded the sacked Paolo Di UEFA to change the so-called reporters. Valcke said UEFA had written to chief executive of the English FA. last two and a half months of Canio in October, continues to triple punishment rule has been The so-called triple punishment the board asking for the rule to “That is not to say we don’t lis- the campaign. maintain that Premier League rejected by soccer’s law-making happens when a defender or goal- be changed. ten, we don’t understand. “Maybe While Pellegrini has played survival remains his top prior- body while a proposal to study keeper denies an opposing forward “Again, there was a lot of dis- we just need to re-educate people down similarities with last sea- ity, but he admits that he cannot the use of video technology also a clear scoring opportunity in the cussion and it was not approved,” about why it was introduced in the son’s FA Cup final, he concedes ignore the romance of a trip to got short shrift. penalty area. he said, adding that IFAB would first place.” that it could prove a source of Wembley. The International Football The defender is sent off, con- instead send the matter to its Valcke said that the use of vid- motivation for his players. “It’s going to be special,” said Association Board (IFAB) said cedes a penalty and also has to two specialist panels for further eos to help match officials had “I don’t like to talk with them the Uruguayan, who won the FA yesterday that it was concerned serve an automatic one-match debate. been ruled out altogether. about what happened last year, Cup at Wembley as a player with that changing the controver- suspension. “We know that is something “There is a risk that using the but I am sure for every player Chelsea in 2000. “Firstly because sial rule would re-open the door Critics say that it can com- the football community feel really video will change the nature of the it is a lesson,” the Chilean said I was not expecting this in my for goalkeepers to commit cyni- pletely kill a game. Supporters say strongly about. It will make such game and maybe we will reach the at Friday’s pre-game press first season here, and secondly cal fouls to prevent clear scoring it prevents more cynical fouling an impact on the game of football day when the referee will ask one conference. because everything was very, opportunities. taking place than already exists. if it’s changed, we have got to get it day to stop the game to make sure “It is very beautiful to play very dark and sad when we got “We don’t want to flip back to Manchester City were on the right,” said Regan, the chief execu- he has made the right decision,” for a title at Wembley and very here. Now we are 90 minutes where we were before where some wrong end of such a decision tive of the Scottish FA. said Valcke. “The use of video will awful to lose it. away — or 120 — from being the goalkeepers knew that if they in their Champions League tie “A lot of us felt that taking not be in the game apart from goal “For all of them it is not happiest people in England.” could not be sent off, they would at home to Barcelona as were UEFA’s wording would reopen the line technology.” revenge — it is another team, AFP simply take out the attacker,” Arsenal against Bayern Munich. door for cynical fouls,” added Alex REUTERS Sunday 2 March 2014 1 Jumadal I 1435 Volume 18 Number 5991 Sport Price: QR2

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Afghanistan shock Bangladesh Asia Cup debutants defeat hosts to register first win over a Test playing country

FATULLAH, Bangladesh: both their one-day internationals second over with only a single run Afghanistan put up a brilliant against Pakistan and one against on the board. performance to upset hosts Australia. It was a 68-run stand between Bangladesh by 32 runs in the Afghanistan are playing the Mominul Haque (50) and skip- Asia Cup match in Fatullah Asia Cup for the first time. per Mushfiqur Rahim (23) that yesterday. It was a great shock for the lifted Bangladesh before Afghan Afghanistan rode on a bril- hosts, who were runners-up in the captain Mohammad Nabi claimed liant unbeaten career best 90 by last Asia Cup in 2012 to Pakistan his counterpart’s wicket. Asghar Stanikzai and a punishing as they played without their key Nabi finished with 3-44 while 69-ball 81 by Samiullah Shinwari all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, pacemen Hamid Hassan and to post a challenging 254-6 before suspended over indiscipline, and Shapoor Zadran took two wick- bowling out their rivals for 222 in injured spearhead Mashrafe ets apiece. 47.5 overs. Mortaza. Mominul hit six boundaries Afghanistan’s victory marked Bangladesh, who lost their in a sedate 72-ball innings but its first win over a Test play- opening match to India, never once he was bowled by Shinwari ing country in four one-day looked settled in their run-chase (1-23), all hopes of a home team matches. They previously lost as they lost their openers by the win evaporated. Nasir Hossain and Ziaur Scoreboard Rahman chipped in with 41 apiece but could only delay the AFGHANISTAN Shamsur Rahman b Shapoor ...... 0 inevitable. Mohd Shahzad lbw Hossain ...... 2 Mominul Haque b Shinwari ...... 50 Earlier, Afghanistan, put into Karim Sadiq c and b Sunny ...... 12 Mushfiqur Rahim lbw Nabi ...... 23 bat, owed their total to a record Najibullah Zadran b Sunny ...... 21 Nasir Hossain c Shinwari b Ashraf ...... 41 sixth wicket stand of 164 runs Asghar Stanikzai (not out) ...... 90 Naeemul Islam c Mangal b Hassan ...... 35 between Stanikzai and Shinwari Nawroz Mangal (run out) ...... 24 Ziaur Rahman b Nabi...... 41 who lifted their team from a pre- Mohd Nabi c Nasir b Haque ...... 7 Abdur Razzak (run out) ...... 0 carious 90-5. Samiullah Shinwari (run out) ...... 81 Arafat Sunny c Shahzad b Shapoor...... 0 The Stanikzai-Shinwari stand Mirwais Ashraf (not out)...... 0 Rubel Hossain c Mangal b Nabi...... 17 is the third highest partnership Afghan bowler Shapoor Zadran (second right) and team-mates celebrate their win during the Asia Cup one-day Extras (B-1, LB-6, W-10) ...... 17 Sohag Gazi (not out) ...... 2 for Afghanistan in all one-day tournament against Bangladesh at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah, on the outskirts of Dhaka, Total (for 6 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 254 Extras (B-4, LB-2, W-6) ...... 12 internationals and the highest yesterday. Fast-rising Afghanistan upset Bangladesh by 32 runs in their Asia Cup match in Fatullah. Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-40, 3-43, 4-74, 5-90, Total (all out in 47.5 overs) ...... 222 for the sixth wicket. 6-254. Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-1, 3-69, 4-88, 5-161, Stanikzai hit six boundaries and Bowling: Hossain 10-0-61-1 (2w), Razzak 6-165, 7-165, 8-165, 9-206. three towering sixes in his high- delivery. Afghanistan had lost skipper Mohammad Nabi (seven) Sri Lanka have won both 10-1-57-0 (2w), Sunny 10-0-44-2 (1w), Ghazi Bowling: Shapoor 8-0-39-2, Hassan 6.1-1- est one-day score while Shinwari opener Mohammad Shahzad too failed to benefit from good their matches while title-holders 0.3-0-0-0, Nasir 2.3-0-8-0, Haque 10-0-38-1, 26-2 (2w), Sadiq 2-0-9-0, Ashraf 9-0-51-1 smashed 10 fours and a six. (two) in the third over of the starts as Afghanistan were left Pakistan and India have won one Rahman 7-0-39-0 (5w). (4w), Nabi 9.4-0-44-3, Hotak 7-0-24-0, Shin- They ran riot in the final 10 innings before Karim Sadiq (12) struggling at 90-5 in the 27th of their two matches. BANGLADESH wari 6-0-23-1. overs as Afghanistan added 107 and Najibullah Zadran (21) took over. India meet Pakistan in a high- Anam-ul Haque lbw b Hassan ...... 1 Result: Afghanistan won by 32 runs. for the loss of Shinwari who the total to 40. It was left to Stanikzai and profile match in Mirpur today. was run out off the penultimate Nawroz Mangal (24) and Shinwari to lift the innings. AFP Federer rallies to beat Berdych Veils and turbans given the go ahead by FIFA ZURICH: Football’s world “It was a plus for them to have to claim sixth Dubai Open title governing body FIFA yesterday authorisation from the IFAB for officially authorised the wear- women to be able to play (wear- DUBAI: Roger Federer fol- ing of head covers for religious ing head covers). It was a request lowed his best win in 18 months purposes during matches. from these (muslim) countries by taking his first title in nine “It was decided that female that said it would help support months with a revenge victory players can cover their heads women’s football there.” over Tomas Berdych in yester- to play,” said FIFA secretary Meanwhile, FIFA has been left day’s final of the Dubai Open. general Jerome Valcke at a with a huge challenge following Federer came from behind to meeting of the International Brazilian delays in building sta- beat world number two Novak Football Association Board diums for the 2014 Valcke said Djokovic on Friday. (IFAB), the sport’s lawmak- yesterday. Now he did the same against Roger Federer ers, in Zurich. “We are working in condi- Berdych, the man who saved two of Switzerland That will allow female muslim tions where the cement is not match points against him in last holds the trophy players who wear a veil in every- even dry,” Valcke told reporters year’s semi-finals, winning 3-6, after defeating day life to cover their heads dur- as Tuesday’s 100-days-to-kickoff 6-4, 6-3 to claim a sixth title in Tomas Berdych ing matches, and Valcke added milestone approaches. the UAE. that male players will also be “We still have to install all of the Czech It was never a great final, for authorised to do so following a the IT solutions for the media. Republic at the the error count was too high, request from the Sikh commu- Without IT and without the tel- but it became increasingly dra- ATP Dubai Open nity of Canada. ecommunications in place in the matic as the game’s best known final yesterday. “It was decided that male stadium you will say we are the player worked his way back into players can play with head cover worst organisers and it was the it against one of the sport’s most too,” he said, although they will worst event. dangerous hitters. not be the same as those worn “But to install the IT in a sta- Federer was a set and a break day to day. dium, it needs at least 90 days down and appeared to be out of “It will be a basic head cover and we have to work for all the it but managed to find some good and the colour should be the people who have an interest, our returns at last, just as the match same as the team jersey.” commercial partners, our media was slipping away, and broke back The wearing of head covers partners, hospitality...... at once. Then his standard went had been banned until 2012, with “The ball starts rolling on up. It extended Federer’s record FIFA saying that they posed too June 12 until July 13 and I think of Dubai titles to six, and moved against Djokovic, Federer was I started to play better. I really successive driving errors from great a risk of injury to the head things will work well then but him above John McEnroe’s total more circumspect about the ten- enjoy playing against Tomas, who Berdych. or neck. it is also true that whenever of 77 titles into third place in the nis which had got him over the is a great player and has had a After it, he dropped serve twice However, the IFAB then you receive something late, it all-time title list. line against Berdych. great streak.” without looking likely to make a allowed for them to be tested becomes a challenge to make it Only Ivan Lendl and Jimmy “He should have brought it This was a reference to break back. out over a two-year period fol- ready in time,” Valcke added. Connors remain above the Swiss. home,” Federer admitted. “I got Berdych’s 11 successive wins Berdych’s first serve and a few lowing a request from the Asian “I am not a World Cup special- Most of all it helped the Grand a little lucky. I just fought well which is the longest streak of his of his forehand blows were deliv- Football Confederation (AFC), ist but I will say this has not been Slam record-holder to maintain and I couldn’t be more happy with career. ered as fast as any in the game, a trial which proved to be easy for sure,” he told reporters his belief that even at 32, he has the outcome. But he will be very disappointed but still Federer’s timing was successful. gathered after a meeting of the another major in him. How had he escaped from peril to have lost three of his next five nowhere near the sharpness it “It’s a worldwide authorisa- annual International Football “It’s the mental belief that in the second set? service games from 3-2 up in the had been in the second half of his tion,” said Valcke, who con- Association Board, the game’s you’re gonna win instead of los- “I just stand on the baseline, second set, and again questions win 24 hours previously. firmed that the hosting of law-making meeting. ing -- I think that’s what I got try to hit a few good shots, hope will be raised about the Czech’s Early in the second set he stood the 2016 women’s under-17 “We are almost at 100 days back right now,” said Federer, Tomas doesn’t keep hitting big mental capacity to make the best with hands on hips, staring in World Cup by the Arab king- before the first game starts in after lifting his first trophy since serves, and hope you get a little of his considerable talent. frustration at another mistimed dom of Jordan played a part a stadium in Sao Paulo which is Halle in June last year. lucky,” he said. Federer’s patchy start hap- forehand, just when he needed to in the authorisation being still not ready and won’t be ready While he had been brilliant “I was able to stay calm and pened despite being donated an make a push to turn the match introduced. until May 15.” AGENCIES in the second half of the match once I got back on even terms early break for a 2-1 lead by four around. AFP