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19 January 2013 7 Rabial I 1434 - Volume 17 Number 5584 Price: QR2 ON SATURDAY

Sniper kills Al Jazeera reporter in Syria BEIRUT: A sniper killed an Al Jazeera reporter in southern Syria yesterday, the pan-Arab television network said, in the second such shooting of a journalist in two days in the conflict-swept country. The killings take the death toll of report- ers who have died in Syria’s 22-month con- flict to at least 20, according to a count by AFP and Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders. “Mohammed Hourani was shot dead by a regime sniper in Basra Al Harir in the province of Daraa, while he was cover- ing the clashes there,” Al Jazeera said in a statement. The Qatar-based satellite news channel described the 33-year-old Syrian journal- ist as “courageous and accurate” in his reporting. Before joining Al Jazeera, Hourani was an activist in the uprising against President Bashar Al Assad, the broadcaster said. Outspoken in its support for the revolt against the Assad regime, Al Jazeera vowed to pursue its editorial line despite the lat- est killing. 12 hostages killed in Algeria SMALL VENTURES rescue operation: Official ALGIERS: Twelve hostages and 18 kid- nappers have been killed since Algeria’s army launched an assault against the Islamist gunmen who seized hundreds of people at a gas complex, a security official said yesterday. “As well as the 18 terrorists who were killed, 12 Algerian and foreign workers AIMING HIGH died,” said the source, cited by Algeria’s APS news agency, without giving any more details of the foreign casualties and calling it a “provisional toll.” THE ISSUE Late yesterday, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said a Frenchman had been To diversify the national economy times lack of transparency and indefinite The Ministry of Social Affairs, which sup- killed in the army assault. delays in processing loans and the absence of ports small enterprises, agrees with some of The hostage-takers said they were still Abraham Augusthy away from oil and eventually turn it a clear definition of SMEs. Private businesses these complaints, but claims to help small holding seven foreigners at the gas plant, into a knowledge-based one, Qatar also complain about the problem of collateral enterprises through all possible channels. part of which they blew up in order to push to get their projects financed by banks, as lend- According to a prominent Qatari CEO, Design: back Algerian forces, Mauritania’s ANI has taken a number of steps to ers do not consider the land allotted to them Nasser Al Khaledy, the proxy businesses run news agency reported. promote small and medium-sized by the government as collateral for mortgage by expatriates in the name of Qatari citizens They said the hostages remaining in enterprises (SMEs). purposes. should be streamlined if small businesses are captivity include three Belgians, two “Things are not very clear. The processes to be promoted in the country. Americans, a Japanese citizen and a Briton. involved are still bureaucratic and time-con- He said mega projects succeed tremendously But Belgium said none of its citizens were suming, said Mahmoud Younes, owner of an in Qatar because the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad among the hostages. ome organisations, like the Social SME. Under Al Dhameen, the QDB does not bin Khalifa Al Thani, follows up on them, while See also page 8 Development Centre affiliated to directly finance SMEs, but instead offers the small businesses are looked after by various the Qatar Foundation for Education, business owner facilities to get funding by issu- ministries and other state agencies. UAE stun Iraq in extra-time SScience and Community Development, ing guarantees for 85 percent of the value of a Observers said the government’s plans to to lift Gulf Cup have also come forward with a helping hand to project, not exceeding QR15m. curb monopolistic trade practices through leg- encourage entrepreneurs. The scheme does not cover projects related to islation is also a key step forward in helping MANAMA: United Arab Emirates Many schemes have been launched by public agriculture, fishing and livestock, non-oil min- SMEs. defeated former Asian champions Iraq 2-1 and private organisations to facilitate growth ing and quarrying, wholesale and retail trade, However, one problem that young Qatari in extra-time to claim their second Gulf and development of SMEs, but insiders say they finance, insurance and real estate. entrepreneurs talk of is lack of low-rent com- Cup title in a thrilling final yesterday. still face some difficulties. Most banks and other lending institutions mercial space where they can market their Substitute Ismail Al Hammadi scored the The challenges faced by SMEs suggest that cite the absence of a clear definition of SMEs products or services. winner in the 107th minute as thousands a lot of obstacles remain in transforming the as the main cause of delay in project financing. The Peninsula interviewed a number of of UAE fans, flown in by chartered flights energy-rich country into a diversified, knowl- The Social Development Centre has several young Qatari exhibitors at the Made in Qatar specially for the title showdown, roared in edge-based economy. Entrepreneurs are being projects to support SMEs, but the support is Exhibition, which concluded yesterday, and celebration. encouraged by the government, but some of not sufficient to expand their business say own- most of them said government real estate com- Al Hammadi, who replaced Ali Mabkhout them complain about finance-related problems ers of small enterprises. panies should build some premises where they in the 62nd minute, latched on to a pass and about the prolonged and time-consuming Many SMEs face difficulties in finding a place could be given space on subsidised rents so that from Amer Abdulrahman and neatly slid licensing process. to set up their business. As a result they are they can promote their products and their busi- the ball past the right of Iraqi goalkeeper The state-owned Qatar Development Bank unable to get their business registered, since nesses can prosper. Noor Sabri. (QDB) has launched a special scheme and a permanent business address is required for “Shop rents are very high, so we run our Omar Abdulrahman had conjured the a huge fund under Al Dhameen to develop registration of a small enterprise. businesses from home. If the government can lead for the UAE in the 28th minute while PAGElocal industries by 6supporting the SMEs. Al Lack of training in managing and developing help us by allotting or building low-rent shops, Iraq captain Younis Mahmoud Khalaf Dhameen (which means guarantee in Arabic) a business is another hurdle faced by owners of that would be a welcome step,” a young Qatari equalised nine minutes from time. is a scheme that provides financial assistance small enterprises. Some have received training entrepreneur said. See also page 20 to the SMEs. or support in starting their business, but not THE PENINSULA AGENCIES But some entrepreneurs say there are at enough to expand it. See also page 2

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Entrepreneurs display their wares at the Made in Qatar Exhibition in Doha Exhibition Center. Pics: Shaival Dalal & Kammutty VP SMEs key to knowledge-based economy QDB scheme can be more effective if complaints sorted out

BY MOHAMMAD factory with an estimated cost as medium enterprises.” guarantees to the partner Funding, red tape hinder SHOEB of QR10m”, said Mahmoud According to QDB, any bank for the loan, the business Younes, Chairman of Qatari project in Qatar – by SMEs owners are liable to repay the everal government Engineering Business Co or joint ventures (including full loan amount. expansion ambitions and private entities (QEC). those with foreign investors) Start-ups — private sector have taken a host of He said his company sub- — whose annual turnover does companies that are less than BY FAZEENA SALEEM participating in. Exhibitions are good, Sinitiatives to diver- mitted a detailed feasibility not exceed QR30m can apply three years old and 51 percent but they don’t make a long-term sify Qatar’s economy. The study, including all documents for financing by banks under Qatari-owned — are eligible DOHA: Small enterprises in Qatar impact in our business. There are so contribution of the non-oil required for the project’s Al Dhameen. A project can for guarantees of up to 85 face many challenges in expand- many people exhibiting their products sector to the Gross Domestic financing, to the bank, with receive more than one facility percent of the loan amount, ing their business, the biggest ones here, most of them selling from home. Product (GDP) has witnessed which QEC has more than under the scheme, since a let- which is limited to QR15m. being lack of funds and bureaucratic If we all can have one permanent remarkable progress over the 10 years of business ties, but ter of guarantee is issued for Al Dhameen loans can be and legal hurdles in registering. place, then customers will become past few years, but the chal- the latter declined to give any each facility. The total guar- either in the form of project For some, investment itself is a familiar (with us) and we will have lenges faced by Small and loan for the project. antees sought for a project financing for manufacturing, problem, while others find it difficult good business,” said Al Turki. Medium-sized Enterprises Younes added: “Despite all should not exceed QR15m. where the maximum tenure is to pay high rents for a suitable space Fatma is another small enterprise (SMEs) suggest a lot of obsta- the impediments, we decided Under Al Dhameen, exist- eight years, including a two- to set up their business. Without a owner supported by Dar Al Anma. cles remain in transforming to go ahead with the project, ing companies are eligible year grace period, or financ- proper place to run the business they She sells abayas and perfumes, but is the energy-rich country into and now all the stakeholders to get guarantees for up ing for services, which has a are not entitled to register. finding it difficult to set up a proper a diversified, knowledge-based are struggling to complete it.” to 75 percent of the unse- maximum tenure of five years, Poor knowledge of marketing and shop due to high rents. “If I have a economy. The construction of QEC’s cured outstanding princi- including a one-year grace managing a business are also draw- shop to sell the products, it will help Much has been said and chemical factory, named pal, with a financing limit of period. backs for small enterprises. the business develop. Now I am selling written about SME-specific Overseas Chemicals, is in full QR15m. Although QDB gives THE PENINSULA Some institutions, including things from home, but more custom- schemes launched by public swing in the Industrial Area. Qatar Development Bank, the Social ers would come if there is a proper and private organisations to Once completed, the facil- Development Centre and the Ministry shop,” she said. facilitate growth and devel- ity, spread over 3,700 square of Social Affairs, claim to support Lack of training in managing and opment of these small and metres, will produce additives small enterprises in Qatar. But the developing a business is another hur- medium-sized businesses, but and other chemicals for the support is not sufficient for a small dle faced by owners of small enter- the truth is they face many domestic market as well as enterprise to expand its business. prises. Some have received training difficulties. At public forums, for export. “We didn’t go for a loan, because or support in starting their business, meetings and conferences, Asked what reason was for that we have to go through a lot but not enough to expand it. entrepreneurs often complain given by the bank for deny- of bureaucracy. But we face finan- Suad Jawahar is a young woman about finance-related prob- ing QEC a loan, he said: “Lack cial difficulties and are unable to who makes food items at home and lems and, of course, about the of collateral. Generally, banks overcome them. We have not regis- sells them to known customers. She prolonged and time-consum- do not consider the land allot- tered the business because we need was supported by the Department of ing licensing process. ted to businesses by the gov- to have QR 200,000 as investment,” Family Development at the Ministry As part of Qatar ernment as collateral against said Mashal Al Jassim, an exhibitor at of Social Affairs. “We need training National Vision 2030, Qatar project financing.” the Made in Qatar exhibition, which and support to develop the business, Development Bank (QDB), Under Al Dhameen, QDB concluded yesterday. like learning new ways to make the a fully-owned government does not directly finance Al Jassim stitches and sells clothes business grow,” she said. entity, was set up by an Emiri SMEs, but instead offers the along with three of her friends. The Ministry of Social Affairs, decree to invest in and develop business owner facilities to get “The prices are very high. Clothes, which supports small enterprises, local industries by supporting funding by issuing guarantees tailoring and delivery cost us a lot, so agrees with some of these complaints, SMEs. For this purpose, QDB for 85 percent of the value of we have to sell at high prices. Because but claims to help small enterprises launched Al Dhameen (guar- the project, not exceeding of this, we get few customers,” she said. through all possible channels. antee), a scheme to provide QR15m. “This is our third exhibition. “We support families who want to financial assistance to SMEs The scheme does not cover Exhibiting is not enough, we need to do a business but need support, espe- and issue guarantee letters projects related to agriculture, get some training in how to manage cially the ones with less income. We to lenders on their behalf, fishing and livestock, non-oil a business,” she added. don’t give them any direct financial but entrepreneurs complain mining and quarrying, whole- Many owners face difficulties in help, but help them find a sponsor,” about lack of transparency, sale and retail trade, finance, finding a place to set up their busi- said Eid Al Sheebi, coordinator of indefinite delays in process- insurance and real estate. ness. As a result they are unable to get exhibitions at the Ministry of Social ing of loans and the absence Most banks and other their business registered, since a per- Affairs. of a clear definition of SMEs. lending institutions cite the manent business address is required Al Sheebi agreed that many small In addition, private busi- absence of a clear definition for registration of a small enterprise. businesses struggle because of high nesses complain about the of SMEs as the main cause of “The biggest problem I face is in rents. “We do our best to find them problem of collateral to get delay in project financing. finding a place to put up a shop. Rents a place. We have rented six shops at their projects financed, as Recently, during the launch are very high. There are shops given Barwa Village in Al Wakra, and one lenders do not consider the of Aamaly, a scheme for SMEs at Souq Waqif, but I was not able to shop is shared by two to three peo- land allotted to them by the from Qatar Islamic Bank, the get one. Because of this, I’m unable ple,” he said. “We have found places government as collateral for head of its business banking to complete by business registra- for some at Souq Waqif too,” he added. mortgage. division, Basem Shahrouri, tion,” said Faten Al Turki, who runs There are about 400 families regis- “Things are not very clear. said: “Unfortunately, we still Natural Beauty, which makes soap tered with the ministry’s Department The processes involved are do not have a clear-cut defi- and perfumes at a small ‘factory’ in of Producing Families Development, still bureaucratic and time- nition of SMEs here. Usually her house. She has been in the busi- and they receive support to promote consuming. Having waited we follow general definitions. ness for two years and is supported by their business, especially in the form for over one year, our ambi- Any firm with annual turno- the scheme Dar Al Anma. of exhibitions and sponsors to help tious project could not receive ver of up to QR25m comes She complained that exhibitions develop the small enterprise. any financial assistance from under (the category of) small did not help in getting long-term THE PENINSULA any bank. Finally, we had to enterprises, while businesses customers. find and rely on other sources with an annual turnover of up “This is the tenth exhibition I am of financing for a chemical to QR100m are categorised Designer bemoans lack of official support

DOHA: For Fatima Al Khuzaei, from the government. Women an upcoming Qatari fashion fashion designers there are even designer, it has been a long and encouraged by their governments bitter struggle to make her mark to visit neighbouring countries to in a field that has of late been expand their business, she said. witnessing fierce competition. With Fatima Al Khuzaei was “My family has been very sup- her younger sister, Khulood, who portive of my endeavour, but alas, holds a degree in marketing from I can’t say the same of the govern- London. Both sisters speak fluent ment, which talks so much about English. “I work as a model for my helping aspiring entrepreneurs,” sister,” Khulood said. says Al Khuzaei. Al Khuzaei’s business initially In remarks to this newspaper, grew through word of mouth pub- she said she was still running her licity as women used to ask her ‘abaya’ designing and stitching about ‘abaya’ designs whenever business from home. “Shops are so Fatima Al Khuzaei she went to parties and weddings expensive to take on rent. The gov- or visited her relatives and friends. ernment should provide us com- Exhibition Center, Al Khuzaei said — in terms of training and finan- Her key selling points are Khulood at her abaya stall at the mercial space on subsidised rent.” a lot of young Qatari girls were cial backing.” attractive and modern designs Made in Qatar exhibition, which Speaking in her stall at the talented and could turn out to be In GCC states like Kuwait and that incorporate traditional Qatari concluded at Doha Exhibition Center Made in Qatar exhibition, competent entrepreneurs. “All the United Arab Emirates, women designs, and moderate pricing. yesterday. which ended yesterday at Doha they need is government support entrepreneurs get active support THE PENINSULA Home JANUARY 19, 2013 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 ON SATURDAY Al Khor Fly-In takes off to a colourful start Around 40 aircraft take part BY RAYNALD C RIVERA on general aviation is a good plat- form for pilots and the public to DOHA: The sixth Al Khor interact and promote awareness Fly-In took off to a colourful among young people about the start yesterday with hundreds sector. of aviation enthusiasts throng- Fuad Dashti, the lone par- ing the Al Khor Airfield to see ticipant from Kuwait who has around 40 diverse aircraft from been regularly coming for the Qatar and other GCC countries. event, expressed satisfaction over “This year’s Al Khor Fly-In is improvements this year. bigger than the previous edition “I’ve been participating for the in terms of the number of par- last four years and every year it is ticipants and visitors,” Khaled becoming better and better,” said Al Khater, Vice-Chairman of Dashti, who has been flying for Aircraft lined up for the sixth Al Khor Fly-In at Al Khor Airfield, yesterday. (ABDUL BASIT) Al Khor Fly-in Organising the last 35 years as a hobby. Committee, told The Peninsula. “Since I was a kid, I had a great largest displayed at the exhibi- There are about seven micro- try the ride. achievements in getting into the The aeroplanes flew in from interest in becoming a pilot. My tion. Visitors, mostly families with lights which are available for the With his father who is a pilot, air.” various countries, including Saudi father wanted me to be an engi- children, took photos beside and rides and children who wish to Joshi had enjoyed such rides in Today, the event being held Arabia, Kuwait and the United neer, not a pilot, but while I was inside aircraft. take the tour should have paren- other types of planes back in his under the patronage of Qatar Arab Emirates, just to participate studying to be an engineer in the The most exciting part of tal consent. home country, but it was his first Civil Aviation Authority, starts in the much anticipated event, US I enrolled in a flight school,” the event, however, is the air “It was fun. The cockpit was time to fly in a microlight. at 9am and ends at 4.30pm and according to Al Khater. he said. tours wherein for a minimal fee open so I could feel the wind “My dream is to be a commer- features group and remote con- “We expect around 4,000 visi- His Beechcraft Baron G58, of QR200, a person can enjoy which made it thrilling,” said cial pilot because flying gives a trol flying and competitions for tors until tomorrow,” he said, a twin-engine aircraft, is a a 10-minute exhilarating ride American Academy student Yash feeling of being free and makes visitors. adding the event which focuses crowd-puller being one of the aboard a microlight aircraft. Joshi who was one of the first to one appreciate nature and human THE PENINSULA

Registration open for National Sports Day activities; 43,510 followers on Facebook

DOHA: Registration is now Sheikh Hamad Abdulaziz Those who wish to participate will organise activities. and handball events. Katara and 5,028 fans, 34 percent are in the age open for the National Sports Day Al Thani, Head of Media and in individual or team events can Venues include Aspire Zone, the country’s top sports clubs group 25 to 34 years and most active (NSD) activities on February 12. Communications for National Sports visit www.sportday.qa and fill in which will host the Aspire Run such as Al Sadd and Al Rayyan on the page. A total of 3,123 fans The National Sport Day, held Day at Qatar Olympic Committee the form. Alternatively, people and the Qatar Women’s Sports will also host events. are from Qatar. every second Tuesday of February, (QOC) said: “The National Sport can register on the day of the Committee hall where ladies can The official National Sport The NSD Twitter account @ is an initiative adopted by the Heir day aims to raise awareness about event by visiting registration take part in volleyball, handball Day (NSD) Facebook page has Qatar_NSD, on the other hand, is Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin health benefits through various desks near the scheduled sport- and football events. reached out to 43,510 people, being followed by 485. People can Hamad Al Thani. It aims to widen activities and motivate personal ing activity. There will also be a Sports keeping them informed about the stay updated with news related to the scope of participation of the development. Everyone is welcome Ministries, government depart- Walk and sailing on the Corniche, event on February 12. NSD by following the account or public in sport and create aware- to fill in the electronic registration ments, public and private sector where the QOC Zone will also host The page reached over 5,000 fans the Official Hashtag #NSD. ness of its health benefits. form to take part.” organisations, and sports clubs tennis, table tennis, basketball one month after its launch. Out of THE PENINSULA Four dhows to be launched today

DOHA: The Private The aim of the project was to are 60ft long each. Engineering Office in collabo- keep traditional dhows as a signif- Fifteen craftsmen worked ration with Al Rayyan Media icant part of Qatari heritage, he oneach dhow which were made and Marketing Company will added. These dhows, two of which from wood imported from India. launch four dhows today at the are classified as sambuk while the The opening ceremony start- Amiri dhow workshop near other two are shu’ai, will be used ing at 8.30am will be attended Doha Marriott hotel. by guests at Souq Waqif hotels for by elders and guests. The event Ali Saeed Al Kuwari, supervisor tours. will feature traditional shows for at the Private Engineering Office, The new dhows add to the children and performances by a said they spent six months work- three dhows launched last year. band who will present activities of ing on these dhows under supervi- The sambuk dhows have a length sayfe, al fajri and al naham. sion of two Qatari engineers. of 59ft while the shu’ai dhows THE PENINSULA

Workers engaged in last-minute preparations for the launch of dhows, yesterday.

QMA to hold health fair today

DOHA: Qatar Museums Al Malki, Chief Human Capital are able to give the people the Authority (QMA) is organising Officer of QMA. knowledge they need to lead a health fair for its employees “No matter what industry we healthier, more productive lives and their families in partner- are in — energy, cultural, medi- which ultimately contribute to the ship with ExxonMobil today. cal or hospitality— our organisa- overall well-being of Qatar,” said Hamad Medical Corporation tions begin and end with people. Dr Khalid Abdulnoor Saifeldeen, (HMC) will provide experts in As I’m sure is true of all the Director of HMC’s International the areas of health, medicine and organisations partnering in this Training Centre. wellness and the Four Seasons event, the safety and health of our “It is an honour for the Four will host the event at its West Bay employees are the foundations of Seasons to be able to support hotel. Employees of the four spon- our business,” said Bart Cahir, such an initiative. We are very soring organisations and their President and General Manager much dependent on a healthy families are invited to attend. of ExxonMobil Qatar Inc. workforce, and therefore provide “Along with the leaders of Participants will benefit from many support programmes and Qatar, we recognise the impor- free health checks and workshops services to help our employees tance of healthy and active resi- on first aid, CPR, healthy habits, live healthy lives,” said Simon dents. This event is a way for nutrition, diabetes and other top- Casson, Regional Vice-President us to put our commitment to ics at more than 20 booths. and General Manager of the Four our employees’ health and well- “By helping local organisations Seasons Hotel. being into action,” said Sharoq host health awareness fairs, we THE PENINSULA JANUARY 19, 2013 ON SATURDAY 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Middle East 12 killed in Aleppo explosion Assad regime trying to sow more chaos in the city, says activist

BEIRUT: Twelve people were killed when an explosion rocked a government -held district of the disputed Syrian city of Aleppo yesterday, a monitoring group said, and both sides in the conflict accused the other of mounting the attack. State television showed the collapsed side of a building and rubble spilling into nearby streets. A crowd sifted through the wreck- age as medics loaded bloodied bodies onto stretchers. It said the explosion had been caused by a rocket fired by a “terrorist group” — a term it uses to describe the rebels fighting to topple President Bashar Al Assad. www.swiss-belhotel.com Activists said the building in Muhafaza Sakaniya, a government-held neighbour- Tel hood of a city fought over by the army and Fax rebels for months, had been hit by a military air strike. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also said dozens were Tel wounded. Fax “The rebels do not have this capability yet,” said Hameed Barrasho, an activist in Aleppo speaking by Skype. “We have several reports of D emonstrators wave Syrian opposition flags during a protest against Bashar Al Assad’s regime a jet in the area before the strike. This is the in Aleppo’s Bustan Al Qasr district, yesterday. regime trying to sow more chaos in the city.” Tel Car bombs, rocket strikes and summary the Shi’ite-linked Alawite minority, have Activists said a car bomb exploded out- Fax killings are now daily occurrences across the ruled Syria for four decades starting with side a mosque, killing at least five people country in the 22-month-old conflict and it is his late father Hafez. and wounding dozens at a refugee camp in often difficult to determine who is behind an Residents of the capital Damascus reported Deraa, near the border with Jordan. attack. Two blasts at the University of Aleppo government air raids on rebel-held suburbs. The camp was made a city district after Tollfree killed more than 80 people on Tuesday and The opposition holds a semicircle of territory it was set up years ago for people who fled each side blamed the other for that attack. around the city but has been blocked from the Golan Heights after Israel occupied the Fax More than 60,000 people have now been advancing into central Damascus by heavy Syrian territory in 1967. killed in the conflict, which began in March daily air and artillery strikes. Syrians fleeing the current violence had 2012 as peaceful pro-democracy protests Opposition activists in the suburb of also taken shelter in the area, said the Tel but descended into civil war after a state Douma, east of Damascus, posted video of Observatory, which has a network of activ- crackdown. the bodies of at least 10 men who appeared ists across Syria. The camp has been a site Fax The opposition, mosty drawn from Sunni to have been executed. The men’s hands of clashes between rebels and state forces Muslim majority, is demanding that Assad were tied, and most were shot in the head in recent months, it said. surrenders power. He and his family, from or the eyes. Violence also hit further south. REUTERS Tel Fax Sniper fire Bodyguards hurt as gunmen aim kills French Tel Fax journalist at convoy of Lebanese minister www.doha.hilton.com TRIPOLI: Armed men opened fire yesterday Karameh told a Lebanese television channel ANKARA: French war in the north Lebanese city of Tripoli on the shortly afterwards, adding that his attackers “did Tel +974 44233333 reporter Yves Debay was killed convoy of a pro-Damascus minister, wounding not know I would be passing.” But he said the by sniper fire while reporting some of his bodyguards, a security official said. attack “threatens Tripoli’s stability and security.” Fax +974 44233000 on the crisis in Syria, a Turkish Four of Youth and Sports Minister Faisal Tripoli’s Islamists protested yesterday calling official said yesterday. Karameh’s bodyguards were hit, said the official, for the release of dozens of detainees held with- The Belgian-born Debay was who added that the gunmen were on their way out charge since violence wracked the Nahr Al taken to Turkey, where medical to a sit-in organised by Lebanese Islamists bit- Bared Palestinian refugee camp in 2007, when staff pronounced him dead, after terly opposed to the regime of President Bashar the army waged an all-out campaign to uproot being shot once in the head and Al Assad in neighbouring Syria. Islamist militants. once in the chest on Thursday, a A fifth man, a passer-by, was also wounded, the “The attack on Minister Karameh’s convoy... Turkish official said. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. is an attempt to sow strife in the city,” Prime “France condemns this odious The shooting came “while the minister was on Minister Najib Mikati said in a statement. act and expresses its condolences, his way in his convoy to join Friday prayers in a The army said in a statement it has “reinforced Tel its sympathy and its solidarity mosque in the city,” added the official. security measures, and started to seek out and with the friends and family of A correspondent said one of the minister’s vehi- arrest gunmen so they can be referred to the Fax Yves Debay,” French President cles went up in flames after the attack. competent judicial authorities.” Francois Hollande said in a “I don’t think I was personally targeted,” AFP statement. Syrian anti-government rebels Tel said Debay had been shot in the Fax northern city of Aleppo, a once- thriving commercial hub where two explosions tore through a university earlier this week killing 83 people. Tel Debay had been working for Fax Assaut, a French magazine he founded and which specialised in defence matters. According to French media, Debay was born in 1954 in what Tel was then the Belgian Congo and Fax later took French nationality. A former soldier, he later moved into journalism where he special- ised in war reporting. Tel Last year, Syria was the most dangerous country by far for jour- Fax nalists with 28 killed, according to the watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists. A car, which was part of Lebanese Minister of Youth and Sports Faisal Karami’s convoy, burns after it was REUTERS ambushed by gunmen in the northern city of Tripoli, yesterday. Tel Fax Syrians turn to astrology for signs of hope

BEIRUT: Tired of failed forecasts about reading about Syria’s future, they feel they Mike Feghali, who works for pro-Damas- their country’s bitter conflict that has can work again.” cus Lebanese broadcaster OTV, disagreed left more than 60,000 people dead, some After decades of stability, Syria’s war with Hayek. Assad, he predicted, “will Syrians have turned to fortune tellers has ravaged much of the country, struck remain strong. He will not fall.” and astrology to try to predict what lies the economy hard and turned everyday life Feghali’s popularity soared when his- Tel ahead. into a struggle for survival riddled with tory proved him right after he predicted Fax Nearly two years into the fighting, many uncertainty. former prime minister Rafiq Hariri’s 2005 have lost faith in political analysts and “Syrians do not like living in uncertainty,” assassination. claims by parties on both sides of the con- said Mona. In 2013, Feghali said, much of Syria will flict, who frequently promise that victory Just as the country’s crisis has divided be “mostly calm.” But violence in the cen- Tel is near. much of Syrian society into pro- and anti- tral city of Homs, dubbed “the capital of the Fax A group of well-off Syrians gathered in regime camps, astrologers’ contrasting pre- revolution,” will continue, he added. a Beirut restaurant found solace in what dictions reflect the split. “A drowning man will clutch at a straw,” famed Lebanese medium Maguy Farah told In Syria’s neighbour Lebanon, which said a journalist from Damascus, who said www.renaissancedoha.com them in a private seance. was dominated politically and militarily she has developed an “obsession” with “What will our country’s future be?” for nearly 30 years by Damascus, television astrology. Tel +974 44195000 asked one businessman, who longed for the astrologer Michel Hayek predicted the fall “In this crisis, it is unsurprising that Fax +974 44195100 fall of President Bashar Al Assad. of Assad in his latest annual reading on books about esoteric subjects have become “Assad will leave in March,” Farah told anti-Assad on channel MTV. more popular,” she added, speaking on the group. Hayek, the country’s most famous astrol- condition of anonymity. In early 2012, an “Many merchants have abandoned their oger, wrongly forecast the toppling of the astrologer said “black smoke will rise from businesses, and their horizons are empty,” a regime in 2012. This year, he said that the presidential palace, followed by white Syrian businesswoman guest of Farah who women and members of Assad’s minority smoke, symbolising good news — the fall of identified herself as Mona said. Alawite sect will play an important role in the regime,” said the journalist. “When a fortune teller gives them a Syria’s future political life. AFP JANUARY 19, 2013 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 ON SATURDAY

Abdul Basit

Excitement in the air

Hundreds of aviation enthusiasts yesterday trooped to the Al Khor Airfield on the opening day of the sixth edition of the annual Al Khor Fly-In. Around 40 aircraft from Qatar and other GCC countries are participating in the show, which ends today. Families and children had their photos taken alongside diverse types of aircraft while others queued for an exciting 10-minute trip on board microlight aircraft at a minimal fee. An exhibition featuring aircraft dealers, airlines and travel agencies in Qatar is also at the venue, where a food court and inflated slides and bouncy castles for children have been set up. JANUARY 19, 2013 ON SATURDAY 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Views

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A bold shot Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

S PRESIDENT Barack Obama has done what was considered undoable until recently – he kept his promise and called on the US Congress to Ustrengthen America’s loose gun laws to save more Mali: Fragile democracy children and innocent people from being mowed down by people who have crossed into the peripheries of lunacy. The president’s new proposals for gun controls have been described by some analysts as the most serious attempt in and clumsy US policy almost 20 years to bring meaningful limits to America’s BY SIMON TISDALL intense love affair with guns. three of the four Malian units fighting terrorist group being chased across Obama has chosen to act before the public erases from in the north defected to the insurrection national borders from Mauritania all the their memory the horror of the Connecticut school shooting HE Algeria hostage siege deba- “at the crucial moment”, taking fighters, way east to Chad. The war games proved last month, in which 20 children and six teachers were killed cle, coming hard on the heels of weapons and equipment with them. They to be prescient, except now it is the ter- TFrance’s intervention in neigh- were joined by about 1,600 other defectors rorists who are doing the chasing, and in by a gunman. The deep anguish and revulsion which the bouring Mali, has heightened fears that a from the Malian army, shattering the gov- the other direction. shooting caused made Americans rethink their gun culture, “third generation” of Al Qaeda-affiliated ernment’s hope of crushing the uprising. If Americans are confirmed among the resulting in a broad support for strict gun laws. jihadis is creating a new front in the war “The aid of the Americans turned out Algeria casualties, pressure will grow on The president’s list of proposals, announced on against US and western interests in the not to be useful,” another officer said. the Obama administration to get more Wednesday, is impressive. It includes a renewed ban on vast, ungoverned spaces of the Sahel “They made the wrong choice,” by rely- directly involved. The Joint Special and Saharan regions of north and west ing on commanders from a group that Operations Command is already oper- assault weapons in private hands; the introduction of Africa. had been conducting a 50-year rebellion ating covert, region-wide surveillance background checks for all gun purchases; close monitoring But the crisis has also focused attention against the Malian state. flights under a classified programme of mental health patients’ access to weapons; a limit to on unsuccessful and at times shambolic The coup was a particular embar- know as Creek Sand. Analysts say the the number of bullets in ammunition clips etc. The White American efforts to counter the grow- rassment to Washington as it was led next step may be to use existing bases in House proposals follow meetings between a task force led ing Islamist chal- by an army officer, Captain Amadou Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and elsewhere to by Vice-President Joe Biden lenge there, and Sanogo, on whom it had lavished special launch drone strikes and targeted assas- on the danger favour. “Sanogo represents something of sinations, as in Somalia and Yemen. Since and groups from across the that military a US failure,” said veteran commentator the Mali coup, the US has also upped mil- political spectrum. Biden met The multimillion intervention Walter Pincus. itary assistance to Niger and Mauritania. Obama has gun control and firearms rights dollar pre-coup will only make “He [Sanogo] had participated in the Mark Mazzetti and Eric Schmitt matters worse. Pentagon’s international military edu- reported for the New York Times: “Some advocates, entertainment and assistance to shown real video game industry figures, Fearful of more cation and training programmes, with Pentagon officials have long taken a more parents of shooting victims and Mali was part of Algeria-style basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia; hawkish stance, and they cite intelligence attacks, US English-language training at Lackland air reports that fighters with ties to Al leadership by law enforcement officials. an ambitious but and European force base, Texas; an intelligence course Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb ... played The political battle over gun flawed US regional officials hold at Fort Huachuca, Arizona; and study a role in the deadly attack in September targeting lax regulation has now just begun. differing views at Quantico, Virginia, with the Marine on the American diplomatic compound Every American knows that it’s policy embracing about what Corps,” Pincus reported. The ungrateful in Benghazi, Libya. They have pushed for gun laws. a long and bitter battle, one in Algeria, Morocco, to do next, Sanogo used his new skills to wreck years targeted strikes against Islamist leaders ranging from of careful American and European nur- in northern Mali, arguing that killing the which victory will not be easy. Tunisia and several direct engage- turing of Mali’s fragile democracy. leadership could permanently cripple the Powerful lobbies like the National west African ment via spe- The multimillion dollar pre-coup strength of the militants.” Rifle Association have trained their guns on Obama and cial forces and assistance to Mali was part of an ambi- At the same time there is a clear dan- will not rest until they shoot down the reforms. But not all states, intended to drone strikes tious but flawed US regional policy ger that an expanding war in Mali could of Obama’s proposals will meet with success. Some of the strengthen defences to enhanced embracing Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and start a wave of new attacks on “soft” provisions, like a proposed ban on assault weapons, appear to regional diplo- several west African states, intended to western targets similar to that in south- against Al Qaeda in macy and alli- strengthen defences against Al Qaeda in ern Algeria, and that increased western have poor odds of passage by the Congress. At the same time, the Islamic Maghreb ance building. the Islamic Maghreb and like-minded intervention in the region will transform there is strong public support for improving the background- Recent expe- groups. In 2002, the state depart- extremist groups that had only local check system for gun purchases. and like-minded rience is chas- ment unveiled the so-called Pan-Sahel importance into potent trans-national There is hope now because the president has undertaken groups. tening. US Initiative “to protect borders ... combat threats. a mission which he is determined to fulfill. The victory he attempts to terrorism, and enhance regional coop- “While Pentagon lawyers claim Al achieves, even if small, will help save human lives. As he said: build up Mali’s eration and stability”. This was replaced Qaeda is tipping into defeat, in fact we military as a bulwark against the extrem- in 2005 by the Trans-Sahara Counter- are seeing the emergence of the third “If there is even one thing we can do to reduce this violence, ists, by training army officers and provid- Terrorism Partnership, overseen by the generation of the terrorist movement,” if there is even one life that can be saved, then we’ve got an ing equipment including brand-new Land grandly named but ineffectual US Africa said analyst Bruce Riedel. “Under siege by obligation to try.” Cruisers and expensive communications Command. In recent years the Pentagon drones in Pakistan and Yemen, Al Qaeda Also, Obama’s initiative is important to the wider world. It equipment, backfired spectacularly last and other US agencies have run annual 3.0 has exploited the ‘Arab Awakening’ to is often forgotten that the US is not just the world’s biggest year after a rebellion in the north pro- joint military exercises called Operation create its largest safe havens and opera- voked a coup that unseated the elected Flintlock involving Mali, Algeria, Chad, tional bases in more than a decade across consumer of weapons it is also the world’s biggest exporter government in Bamako. Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Tunisia, the Arab world. This may prove to be the of guns. Tighter US gun laws can have a positive, cascading When push came to shove, a senior Burkina Faso, Morocco and Nigeria. most deadly Al Qaeda yet. effect on the rest of the world. officer said the Tuareg commanders of Imaginary war scenarios involved a THE GUARDIAN The other side Quote of Blessed by oil cash, Libya needs secure borders to thrive the day FAILED petro-state in Libya remains a possible of institutions from which to build, enforce security, the cranes that have hung idle over tens of billions of outcome of the revolution that began two years or control the country’s borders. And without basic dollars’ worth of Turkish, Chinese, Russian and other Aago this week, and its potential consequences security, real progress is impossible. building projects interrupted by the revolution — from are already on display in Mali. Revolving governments in Tripoli and a reluctance of hospitals to housing developments, railways to a new It has almost Compared with the Arab Spring revolutions in Tunisia those in power to take decisions have allowed insecu- Tripoli airport — will start to work again. Foreign inves- and Egypt, Libya’s attempt to build a working, pluralistic rity to fester. In the streets of the capital, the absence tors will flood in, attracted by Libya’s bottomless need become fashionable, society from the rubble left behind by the late Moammar of the state — especially uniformed police, municipal for construction and ability to pay for it. The alterna- that Pakistan- Gadhafi has both huge advantages and even bigger trash collectors and other providers of core services — tive would mean a growing belief that a unified Libya handicaps. Libya’s upside makes short reading. Thanks is striking. Benghazi has become a security vacuum, run by elected moderates cannot succeed. There are bashing has to oil, the country has money, and plenty of it. And as demonstrated by the killing of US Ambassador recent signs of improvement. Oil production is almost at thanks largely to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization- Christopher Stevens last September and Italy’s decision prewar levels, meaning that Libya can expect a current become fashionable led intervention against Gadhafi in 2011, Libya lacks this week to withdraw its consul, after an unsuccessful account surplus similar to what it had in 2010, about 20 the widespread popular hostility to the U.S. and Europe attack on his car. These and other failures create a pop- percent of gross domestic product. The country also whenever there is that complicates efforts to help Egypt. ular impression that under democracy, a world without has $168 billion in repatriated, once-frozen assets to an issue. Salman Bashir What also differentiates Libya, however, is its lack laws or security is normal. If basic security returns, then draw from. THE WASHINGTON POST Pakistani envoy to India JANUARY 19, 2013 Views www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 ON SATURDAY US leaves Afghanistan to warlords and Taliban

of his own. The potential damage to his Barack Obama who presidency from war in the Hindu Kush was contained. The Republicans couldn’t made Afghanistan outflank him, for they, too, knew that this was an unpopular war. But Obama had been shrewd. Early war as a necessity, on, he had stripped the Afghan campaign of exalted claims. Not for him was the won re-election and passion of President George W Bush about the Iraq War spreading “freedom” throughout the Arab world. Obama had insisted the conflict spoken of a “civilian surge” of experts and technocrats from all walks of life was meant to descending on Afghanistan and tack- ling its overwhelming troubles. This was shelved and forgotten. A bloodless real- avenge what befell ism guided the enterprise. We would end the war “responsibly,” the US on Sept 11, Obama would repeatedly observe. He was without illusions about the man in Kabul. 2001. In Bob Woodward’s Obama’s Wars, the president asks and answers the central question about the local “partner” in that BY FOUAD AJAMI war. “Why should Karzai change?” The Afghan could go on with his ways, Obama e wanted a clear mes- said, and the “US would be stuck tending sage from Obama that to the country for him”. the US will continue American soldiers could labour and to support democracy sacrifice in Afghanistan, but the flights, in Afghanistan, Fawzia eight a day, from Kabul to Dubai would WKoofi said, a lawmaker and human-rights haul off the cash for the warlords to pre- activist, said this month. “It’s the only pare for the time when the American alternative to Talibanisation.” centurions would be gone. Her honesty revealed the plain There is kitsch and legend about the truth, without official pieties and dou- country being a “graveyard for empires,” blespeak: The United States is quitting about the codes of the Pashtuns. But Afghanistan, and the morning after it decades of mayhem and corruption does, the Taliban will begin the recon- have hardened and wrecked the culture. quest of that tragic land. After 11 years, Plainly, the warrior bandits live off stra- and a toll of more than 2,000 Americans tegic rent, the subsidies that come to killed, 18,000 wounded, and the expendi- them from foreign donors caught up in ture of more than $600bn, what is per- the messiness of Afghanistan. haps the longest US war is winding down. You would think that these proud That good war of necessity, set up as Afghans would want the departure of a willful contrast to the war of choice in the Americans, but they dread that day. A US soldier shares grapes with Afghan boys in the southern province of Kandahar. Iraq, is in Washington’s rear view mirror. Luck had come to them when Al Qaeda, No stirring prose attends that war. When Arab jihadis and financiers had nested Afghan President Hamid Karzai came among them. Like a magnet, the Arabs Say what you will about the Afghan In November 2011, Karzai gave the elders. We will be spared anthropological to Washington for an official visit on Jan had pulled in the mighty Americans with warrior bandits: In the decade Americans quintessential Afghan statement about recitations about the “Pashtunwali,” the 11, the mood was sober and resigned. He their gear and deep pockets. A decade of spent among them, they never told us the place of the Americans and their code of the Pashtuns, for we have already could promise immunity for the US forces this lucrative trade for the Afghans in sweet things about our time, and our role, coalition partners in his homeland. “The seen through the pretence and the kitsch. that would stay in his country, but this power has been heady. in their country. This was “imperialism” lion doesn’t like it if a foreigner intrudes There remain earnest Afghan women would not change the course of things. A In 2009, the US ambassador to Kabul with a new twist. The clients dependent into his house. The lion doesn’t like it such as Koofi and those schoolgirls we cunning warlord — a job requirement — at the time, Karl Eikenberry, explained on imperial protection never wearied of if a stranger enters his house. The lion glimpse in their uniforms when our tel- Karzai knew it was the endgame in Kabul the Afghan and Karzai ways in a cable second-guessing the protectors. doesn’t want his children to be taken evision crews venture into that country. for the Americans. he sent to Washington. “President Karzai Karzai must be unique in that regard away by someone else in the night, the One shudders in fear and anxiety for President Barack Obama, who had is not an adequate strategic partner. He in the long line of unsavory despots the lion won’t let it happen.” All the lion them. They won’t be able to board the made Afghanistan his just war of neces- and much of his circle do not want the US had supported over several decades would tolerate is for the outsiders to “just flights for Dubai. They will be there when sity, had won re-election and he insisted US to leave and are only too happy to see in developing countries. For Karzai, the guard the four sides of the forest.” the pitiless soldiers of the Taliban, like that the conflict was meant to avenge us invest further. They assume we covet coalition forces were predators inflicting Well, soon the lion will be on his own. the Khmer Rouge of Cambodia, sweep in what befell the US on Sept 11, 2001. A their territory for a never-ending war pain and ruin on the Afghans. At times, No Americans will be under any com- and overwhelm all that the foreign pro- year into his first term, he had doubled on terror and for military bases to use the foreign protectors ranked lower in pulsion to dwell on the meaning and the tectors had left in place. down in Afghanistan, ordering a surge against surrounding powers.” esteem than the Taliban. ways of the loya jirga, the assembly of WP-BLOOMBERG Sectarian tensions are pushing Iraq to the brink the subsequent destruction of the Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki has country’s social fabric, as well as the ensuing bloodletting between become a dictator. He must resign Shias and Sunnis. American polices have delivered Iraq on a plate to the Iranians. to prevent a bloody confrontation The Obama administration, which chose to end the US war with Sunnis and Kurds. in Iraq, wanted to achieve relative stability — which would allow it BY WADAH KHANFAR his Shia-led government. to withdraw quietly and save face In the 2010 elections, Iraqiya, back home, while claiming that he blood that has been a national, non-sectarian coali- it had left behind a democratic spilt in Syria over the tion, won 91 seats and gained a system. So it supported Maliki’s past two years has polar- parliamentary majority, with two appointment and agreed to supply Tised the country and the seats more than Maliki’s State of the Iraqi army with weapons to region along sectarian lines. But Law coalition. But Iranian pres- the tune of $11bn, not to mention while Syria is fracturing, the situ- sure ensured that Maliki emerged its training of the security forces ation in Iraq is even more seri- as the prime minister. that are now accused of abuses ous. The sectarian divides there A power-sharing agreement against the opposition. are deeper, and at a more critical followed but, two years on, Maliki This policy reveals America’s point. It is Iraq, not Syria, that has failed to stick to it. He now short-sightedness. At a time when is most likely to be torn apart by holds all the power in Baghdad: the US supports the overthrow of sectarianism, with ramifications He is prime minister, defence Assad in Damascus, it supports for the entire region. minister, acting interior minis- Maliki’s government in Baghdad; Iraq is much more polarised ter, acting head of intelligence, while it expresses fear about the now than it was under Saddam and chief of the armed forces. Iraqis living in the Yemeni capital Sana’a take part in a protest in front of the Iraqi Embassy, demanding the sacking fate of religious minorities in Hussein. The bitterness and ret- Moreover, his partners accuse of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki. Syria at the hands of the majority ribution of the civil war that fol- him of using the judiciary to Sunnis there, it turns a blind eye lowed the US occupation are still eliminate political rivals. That to the widespread abuses against etched on people’s minds. The has prompted Interpol to issue a against him. This caused anger support for the demonstrators. sectarian conflict in Iraq it will, the Sunnis in Iraq. regional and international rivalry memorandum of non-cooperation among the Sunnis in Anbar prov- Meanwhile, the Kurds of north- nonetheless, continue to support The escalation of sectarian for its rich oil resources is now with Iraq’s judiciary (citing its ince and was in fact the spark ern Iraq, who are supposed to be Maliki. tension and the rise of popular greater than ever. Corruption is partiality, politicisation and the that lit the current protests. partners in the 2010 power-shar- If the Iranian position on Maliki protest in Iraq paves the way for rife: today, Iraq is classified by use of its office to pressure politi- Although the vast majority of ing agreement, are no less angry is understandable, that of the US a bloody confrontation that will Transparency International as cal rivals). the thousands of detainees in than the Sunnis. A series of crises is inexplicable. America — which have severe local and regional being among the most corrupt Under Iraq’s anti-terrorism Iraqi jails are Sunnis, the issue between Erbil and Baghdad have spent almost $1trn on its war in consequences. It is still possible countries in the world. In this oil- law, the authorities can detain that provoked Iraqi sensitivities heightened tensions to a danger- Iraq, lost 4,500 soldiers, with many to prevent this — but it would producing country already basic and prosecute a suspect on the most of all was the detention of ous level. more injured — got rid of Saddam take the resignation of Maliki and services and poor infrastructure basis of secret evidence. The most hundreds of women in terrible Maliki’s sectarian tendencies on the pretext that he was a dic- the formation of a new national, are continuing to decline. prominent case is that of Tariq conditions. Protestors accuse the have become more excessive in tator who threatened the region’s inclusive government, one that At a time when democratic Al Hashemi, the vice-president, Iraqi prison authorities of tortur- recent months with the waning of stability. Ten years after his over- reduces the current tensions and leadership is needed to heal who was sentenced to death by ing the female detainees and even Bashar Al Assad’s power in Syria. throw, Washington is supporting a prepares the ground for new elec- sectarian wounds and entrench a court in absentia. Many people raping some of them. Although Damascus is an important ele- new dictator — a policy that will tions under international moni- national reconciliation, Prime regard the charge of terrorism Maliki’s government is seen as ment in the alliance that extends lead to a far-reaching sectarian tors. This is a demand made by Minister Nouri Al Maliki has against him as fabricated. Then, essentially Shia, sections of the from Tehran, through Baghdad, confrontation in the Middle East. both Kurdish and Sunni leaders. instead established an autocratic last December, security forces Shia community have complained to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Maliki Why has America continued Other Iraqi forces, especially the single-sect power base. By so arrested several guards and about his autocratic policies. and the Iranians fear that the fall to support an Iranian ally in Shia national alliance, must sup- doing, he has plunged Baghdad advisers of the minister of finance The Sunni demonstrations were of the Syrian regime will encour- Baghdad? After the occupation of port these demands if the proc- into a deep crisis, which has and leader of the Iraqi National attended by solidarity delega- age the Sunnis and Kurds in Iraq Iraq, the Americans established ess of political reconciliation is to escalated in recent weeks with Movement, Rafi Al Issawi. He tions from the Shia regions. The to demand a greater share of the a political system based on sec- remain on track. The alternative thousands taking to the streets accused the police of torturing Shia leader Moqtada Al Sadr has political cake. For that reason, tarian quotas. Accordingly, the is that Iraq falls into the abyss. in Sunni areas to protest against detainees to extract confessions visited Sunni areas and declared Tehran doesn’t want to start a big US bears some responsibility for THE GUARDIAN JANUARY 19, 2013 ON SATURDAY 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Middle East

No removal of settlement, Netanyahu tells 12 hostages killed in Algeria rightwing voters Around 100 foreigners freed; kidnappers want prisoner swap, end to military intervention in Mali

JERUSALEM: With just four ALGIERS: Twelve hostages as “fantasy,” while stating that 18 days until elections, Israeli and 18 kidnappers have been of more than 30 gunmen involved Prime Minister Benjamin killed since Algeria’s army in the hostage-taking operation Netanyahu made a last-minute launched an assault against were killed. pitch for votes yesterday with the Islamist gunmen who International criticism is a promise that not a single set- seized hundreds of people at a mounting of the Algerian govern- tlement will be removed if he is gas complex, a security official ment’s handling of the attack on re-elected. said yesterday. Along with 573 the plant amid reports that many With opinion polls showing Algerians, around 100 foreign foreign hostages may have been growing support for the hardline hostages out of 132 seized are killed in the army raid. pro-settler Jewish Home party reported to have been freed, but Sources close to the mili- of Naftali Bennett, Netanyahu some 30 are still missing. tants’ leader were quoted by talked up his own pro-settlement “As well as the 18 terrorists Mauritanian media as say- credentials in two newspaper who were killed, 12 Algerian and ing they want to negotiate an interviews. foreign workers died,” said the end to French intervention in Asked by the Maariv daily if source, cited by Algeria’s APS Mali and exchange American he could guarantee that, if re- news agency, without giving any hostages for prisoners held in elected, he would not demolish more details of the foreign casual- the United States. Algeria has any Jewish settlements in the ties and calling it a “provisional insisted it would not negotiate occupied West Bank, Netanyahu toll.” with “terrorists.” said: “Yes, correct. The days of The hostage-takers said they The gunmen want to swap bulldozers uprooting Jews are were still holding seven foreign- American hostages they are hold- behind us, not ahead of us.” ers at the gas plant, part of which ing for Islamist prisoners held in “We haven’t evicted one settle- they blew up in order to push the United States, the ANI news ment. We have strengthened the back Algerian forces, Mauritania’s agency quoted sources close to settlement enterprise,” he said in ANI news agency reported. their leader as saying yesterday. what was widely seen as remarks The hostages remaining in The abductors, who are also Algerian Islamists protesting in the capital Algiers, against the decision taken by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika aimed at stemming the flow of captivity include three Belgians, holding other Algerian and for- to allow French fighter jets to fly in the country’s airspace, yesterday. votes to Bennett, whose party two Americans, a Japanese citi- eign hostages, have also demanded opposes a Palestinian state and zen and a Briton. French Foreign negotiations for an end to French champions accelerated settlement Minister Laurent Fabius said a intervention in Mali, the agency construction. Frenchman had been killed in the said, quoting sources close to Military’s goal is to crush Asked if he still supported the rescue operation. Mohktar Belmokhtar. concept of a Palestinian state, Algerian special forces Veteran Islamist fighter which he endorsed for the first launched their dramatic rescue Belmokhtar, a one-eyed Algerian time in June 2009, Netanyahu was operation at midday on Thursday jihadist with Al Qaeda ties, has Islamists, not save lives non-committal. after the kidnappers seized the claimed responsibility for launch- “Nobody wants a bi-national hostages at the gas plant in what ing Wednesday’s attack. ANI PARIS/ALGIERS: Hardened decision-making process about there placed security concerns state,” he said. they said was retaliation for said Belmokhtar proposed that by its decades-old struggle with tackling Islamists,” said Jon Marks, above the safety of the hostages, “I am realistic. The Palestinians Algeria’s support for French air “France and Algeria negotiate Islamists, Algeria’s paramount of the Chatham House think-tank as would be the case in the West. are posing entry conditions for strikes in Mali. Security sources an end to the war being waged concern in launching its deadly in London. Britain, Japan and the United commencing negotiations that we said the army was trying to reach by France in Azawad” (northern mission against Al Qaeda- The raid on the sprawling In States, “may well be angry, but cannot accept. “Their entry con- a “peaceful” end to the ongoing Mali). He also proposed “exchang- linked hostage-takers was to Amenas desert complex was it is better for them to be angry ditions are unacceptable to me, hostage crisis, before “neutral- ing American hostages held by his crush them, not to save lives, unprecedented, he said, noting than for there to be more victims, and my conditions for concluding ising the terrorist group that is group (the ‘Signatories in Blood’)” analysts said. that not even during Algeria’s more abductions,” said Majed the negotiations are unacceptable holed up in the plant and freeing for Egyptian Omar Abdul Rahman The aim of the Algerian military long war with Islamists in the Nehme, director of the monthly to them,” he said. a group of hostages still being held and Pakistani Aafia Siddiqui, who is “above all to neutralise terrorists, 1990s- that left more than 100,000 current affaris magazine Afrique Peace talks have been frozen there.” are jailed in the United States on while for us the priority is to save dead- did extremists manage to Asie. “The Algerian doctrine is for more than two years, and the The In Amenas plant, which charges of terrorist links. the lives of hostages,” said Frederic launch such a brazen attack on that they never negotiate with Palestinians say they will not re- is jointly operated by British oil The British government is fly- Gallois, a former boss of French a major hydrocarbon facility. “As hostage-takers,” said Majed. enter negotiations while Israel giant BP, Norway’s Statoil and ing a team of consular staff and police elite counter-terrorism unit such I think it was a humiliation “The hostage-takers were ask- continues building on land they Algeria’s Sonatrach, was put out intelligence analysts from MI6 GIGN. “Their second objective is to the Algerians and to the mili- ing to take the hostages out (of want for a future state. of service to avoid the risk of (foreign intelligence) and MI5 to pull the rug from under the feet tary,” which is central to the idea the site) where they would have But Netanyahu, who ordered explosion. The kidnappers said (national security) to Algiers to of Islamist propaganda. They don’t of the state, he said. become bargaining chips, so they a partial 10-month moratorium 34 captives were killed in the help secure the release of the want it lasting a week,” he said. “The Marks added that given Algeria’s (the army) preferred to resolve on new West Bank construction, military assault, but an Algerian Britons involved in the ongoing concerns of Western governments long history of battling Islamists, it the problem militarily,” he said. ruled out any future freeze. security source described that toll hostage crisis. AGENCIES would be very secondary in the was not surprising the authorities AFP “The freezing of settlements has run its course. We proved that the Palestinians are not interested and the settlement issue is largely a deception,” he Bahrain police said. “The settlements are a result of the conflict, and not its cause.” Jordanians rally against ‘cosmetic’ polls disperse protest Talks with the Palestinians collapsed in late September 2010 AMMAN: Some 2,000 protest- coming. Demonstrate and demand DUBAI: Bahrain police yester- after the moratorium expired and ers including Islamists, youths reform. The people will continue day fired tear gas to disperse Netanyahu refused to renew it. and leftists held a sit-in the to demand regime reforms until Shia protesters who took to the Figures published in the last Jordanian capital yesterday, the regime realises that there streets of the capital Manama opinion polls before Tuesday’s rejecting as “cosmetic” a gen- is no room for procrastination,” chanting anti-regime slogans, vote show the joint electoral list of eral election due to be staged Hammam Said, leader of the witnesses said. The demon- Netanyahu’s rightwing Likud and next week. Muslim Brotherhood, told the stration coincided with the the hardline nationalist Yisrael “We reject cosmetic elections demonstrators. final football game in the Gulf Beitenu losing support to between and schemes against our demands The Brotherhood, the main Cup of Nations being hosted 32 and 35 seats in the 120-mem- for reform,” read a banner car- opposition movement, has said it in the Sunni-ruled kingdom. ber parliament, down from 42 in ried by the demonstrators in Jabal would boycott the election in pro- Protesters attempted to march the outgoing Knesset. Hussein, close to central Amman. test at constituency boundaries it in small groups in the narrow At the same time, Jewish “The people want to want says are unfair, and at the failure alleys of central Manama, as Home is undergoing a major warn the regime, the people want to move towards a constitutional riot police fired tear gas canis- revival under its charismatic new to reform the regime. (King) monarchy with an elected prime ters and stun grenades, said wit- leader Naftali Bennett, a high- Abdullah, Jordanians are burning minister, rather than one named nesses. Police arrested several tech entrepreneur who makes themselves and the regime does by the king. protesters, including at least one no secret of his desire to annex not care,” they chanted. “I am taking in this sit-in today woman, they reported. Protesters more than 60 percent of West More than 1,500 candidates, to reject the election and Jordan’s also staged demonstrations and Bank land to Israel. It won three including 213 women, have been political reality, which is tearing burned tyres in villages outside seats in 2009, but is consistently registered for Wednesday’s apart our society,” Fayza Abu Manama as they failed to reach seen as winning between 12 and election, which the opposition Fares, a university professor, said. the capital due to a heavy security 15 seats in the new parliament, Islamists and other groups have “The coming election will do cordon, other witnesses said. The which could make it the third boycotted over a lack of reform. nothing to change our reality,” Protesters from the Islamic Action Front and other opposition parties hold demonstration in Manama was largest party. AFP “The rule of the people is she said. AFP up Jordanian national flags during a rally in Amman, yesterday. called by the February 14 Youth Coalition, an Internet group that regularly calls for protests in the Shia-majority kingdom ruled by the Al Khalifa dynasty. UN ex-official warns of ethnic cleansing in Sudan’s south Fans demand tough

JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN: A in Sudan in 2003-2004. second civil war (1983-2005). Meanwhile, South Sudan said South Sudan said in a statement verdicts in soccer trial former top UN official in Sudan His comments came prior After the South seceded in 2011 yesterday it had started with- released following the latest CAIRO: Thousands of sup- yesterday warned that “ethnic to the publication yesterday of fresh conflict broke out between drawing troops from its con- round of talks in the Ethiopian porters of Al Ahly club dem- cleansing” is going on in the a statement by anti-genocide rebels and the Sudanese govern- tested border with Sudan, as capital Addis Ababa. onstrated in Cairo yesterday southern part of Sudan, where charity the Aegis Trust, for ment, blocking crucial aid from part of an agreement to demili- “This is the first step in the to demand severe punishments the people are suffering from which he serves as a special reaching the resource starved tarise the flashpoint area that separation of forces and the full for 75 people on trial for doz- hunger, disease and bombing in representative. region. sparked a major conflict last operationalisation of the SDBZ ens of deaths in Egypt’s worst two war-torn states. In Blue Nile, where Kapila esti- “We saw people sitting at the year. 10km withdrawal from the centre football disaster. More than Just back from a trip to Blue mates 450,000 people are affected side of the road, with too little After months of talks, the two line” drawn from AU-suggested 70 people were killed in Port Nile and South Kordofan states, by the conflict, fields and villages energy to even become refu- former civil war foes agreed to set maps, it added. Said in February last year dur- where conflict between rebels and have been razed, he said, and gees, (people) who have given up a “Safe Demilitarised Border South Sudan split from Sudan ing clashes in the Suez Canal Sudanese government forces has the population is described on up,” Kapila said. It is estimated Zone” (SDBZ) along the largely in 2011 after decades of civil war city between fans of home side raged for over a year, Mukesh Sudanese radio as “black plastic that up to 170,000 people have undefined border as part of a raft and a landslide referendum for Al Masry and the Ultras of Al Kapila called on the international bags” that must be cleared out of fled the conflict and made their of deals signed in September dur- independence. Ahly. The violence came amid community to come to the aid of the area. way to camps in South Sudan. ing African Union-brokered nego- But the two sides have been at charges from witnesses that the some 1.5 million people living In South Kordofan, where as Kapila left his UN post in tiations that had so far failed to loggerheads over the demarcation security forces did little to pre- in these states that border South many as one million people are 2004- before the partition of bear fruit. of an oil-rich border and how to vent rioting, prompting more Sudan. affected, Kapila said he saw people Sudan- after speaking out on “The government of South divide revenue from crude that deadly clashes in the days that “The ethnic cleansing is “living in caves and cracks and eat- “genocide” in Sudan’s western Sudan has completed the with- the South exports via the north followed. Nine policemen are largely complete.... Rebel areas ing once every three days.” state of Darfur, where the UN drawal of all its troops south of - leading to South Sudan halting among 75 defendants in the trial are depopulated and largely The people of the two states says an estimated 300,000 peo- the centre line on the adminis- oil production last January and which opened in April. A verdict empty,” said Kapila, the former two states fought alongside South ple were killed by Sudanese trative and security map... for weeks of border conflict. is due on Saturday. UN humanitarian coordinator Sudan during the country’s bloody forces and allied militia. the establishment of the SDBZ,” AFP AGENCIES JANUARY 19, 2013 International www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 ON SATURDAY

EU ready to French-backed look at Serbia accession Malian troops talks: Rompuy

BRUSSELS: Serbia has made enough progress in normalis- ing relations with Kosovo for reclaim towns the EU to look at the possibility of opening accession talks with Belgrade, EU president Herman Paris to take part in Ecowas talks Van Rompuy said yesterday. The EU will “uphold its com- BAMAKO: French-backed militants had seized on Monday mitment to Serbia (and) ... review Malian troops yesterday even as their bases were pounded progress in the spring with a view wrested two key central towns by French fighter jets, local to a possible decision to open from Islamist rebels as hostage- sources reported the rebels had accession negotiations. Time takers in neighbouring Algeria been driven out. is of the essence,” Van Rompuy said they wanted to negotiate “Diabaly is freed, the Islamists said after meeting Serbian Prime an end to France’s military have left and the French and Minister Ivica Dacic. intervention. Malian troops have entered the Serbia is an EU candidate for As the dramatic hostage siege town,” said a member of the local membership and Kosovo hopes unfolded in Algeria — where municipal council. Her statement to formalise ties but the EU says extremists took hundreds cap- was confirmed by a regional secu- both must pursue dialogue and tive in a gas field to retaliate for rity source. produce concrete results first. the week-old French operation The rebels’ retreat coin- A Malian gendarme checks the identity of people crossing a strategic bridge over a dam on the Niger River secured Dacic met his Kosovo counter- in Mali, sparking a deadly com- cided with a demand from vet- by French forces in Markala, Mali, yesterday. part Hashim Thaci on Thursday mando raid — fighting has con- eran Algerian Islamist Mohktar in talks chaired by EU foreign tinued unabated on the ground Belmokhtar for talks to end the The UN refugee agency warned deliver crucial medical aid to the Abidjan to accelerate the African policy head Catherine Ashton, in Mali. French campaign against extrem- fighting in the next few months area. deployment. agreeing to another round and French and Malian troops ists controlling the north of Mali. could displace another 700,000 “Despite our repeated requests, “I will go there with a military making some progress on expand- scored two victories over the Belmokhtar, a one-eyed people, adding to some 350,000 we are still being denied access to attache and we will see with our ing a tentative accord on the sen- rebels after days of fighting in Algerian jihadist with Al Qaeda already forced to flee their homes the Konna region,” MSF opera- African friends how we can speed sitive northern border. Konna, a key town about 700km ties, has claimed responsibility for — taking the overall number of tions director Malik Allaouna said up the deployment of MISMA,” Van Rompuy said he welcomed from Bamako, and in Diabaly launching Wednesday’s attack on displaced passed the million mark. in a statement. or the International Mission for Belgrade’s “continued commit- which is 400km north of the capi- an Algerian gas complex. “We believe that in the near Paris says it already has 1,400 Mali Assistance, he said. ment... to the EU agenda” and tal of the sprawling country. A source close to him told future there could be up to soldiers in Mali, set to increase to Nigeria announced on Thursday Dacic’s efforts in the talks with “We have wrested total control Mauritania’s ANI news agency 300,000 people additionally dis- 2,500, while regional powers have it would boost its troop allotment Thaci. of Konna after inflicting heavy that a video would be distrib- placed inside Mali, and over pledged some 5,800 troops for an for Mali from a planned 900 to “I strongly encourage both losses on the enemy,” the Malian uted to the media proposing that 400,000 additionally displaced African military force. 1,200 soldiers. A first contingent of prime ministers to make the best army said in a brief statement. “France and Algeria negotiate an in the neighbouring countries,” Spain yesterday promised 100 Togolese and Nigerian soldiers use of this time and accelerate the Colonel Didier Dakouo, head of end to the war being waged by UNHCR spokeswoman Melissa military training personnel and arrived in Mali late on Thursday. work,” he said in a statement. the Malian forces based in Sevare France in Azawad”, or northern Flemming told reporters in a transport plane for African In urging the Senate to Despite the progress, how- south of Konna said his troops Mali. Geneva. troops, but said it would not take approve the deployment, Nigerian ever, “normalising relations with had “crushed the enemy.” The French military opera- After the victory in Konna, a part in combat operations. President Goodluck Jonathan Pristina now remains the key A security source said Malian tion started a week ago and was significant boost for the embat- French Foreign Minister said: “Our national security is requirement for Serbia and the soldiers were backed by French prompted by the fall of Konna to tled Malian army, French aid Laurent Fabius said he would under imminent threat or danger opening of accession negotia- air strikes to ease their entry into rebels amid fears they would push group Medecins Sans Frontieres attend an emergency summit of as a result of the crisis in north- tions,” Van Rompuy said. the town. south to the capital Bamako from (Doctors without Borders) the West African bloc Ecowas ern Mali.” “Great challenges are ahead but In Diabaly, which the Islamist their northern stronghold. stepped up calls to be allowed to today in the Ivory Coast city of AFP I am encouraged because I saw today in Prime Minister Dacic a man with a vision for his country’s future. I am convinced he will do all that he can to bring Serbia closer to the EU,” he added. Berlusconi’s poll recovery shakes Italy election race Earlier this week, Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic rejected outright an idea floated by Dacic ROME: Four-time Prime narrowed the gap with Pier Luigi government, Germany and the left results in several recent polls, poll. “Berlusconi has lost a lot that Belgrade agree to Kosovo’s bid Minister Silvio Berlusconi Bersani’s centre-left coalition by with promises to restore growth there seemed to be little chance of of credibility, more than he had to join the United Nations. extended his surge in Italy’s four percentage points versus a and scrap a hated property tax. an election shock giving Berlusconi before the 2006 vote, because of Dacic had said Serbia wanted opinion polls yesterday, increas- week ago, but still trails by 6 per- The surge has been reminis- a fifth term after the stew of scan- the failure of his government in a “comprehensive and complete ing prospects that the centre- centage points, a poll published on cent of 2006, when the flamboyant dals and the financial crisis forced 2011, and his personal scandals.” settlement” with Kosovo ... in that left Democratic Party now Friday showed. showman clawed back 10 per- him to step down in 2011. The poll showed the centre-left case, it is possible to negotiate all leading the race will have to His gains follow a blitz on centage points and nearly robbed “This time around, Berlusconi’s alliance of the Democratic Party the issues.” seek a pact with Mario Monti’s almost every television talkshow Romano Prodi of what looked like ability to stage a comeback is lim- and the leftist Left, Ecology, Ashton said meanwhile that centrist bloc. in Italy, where the 76-year-old a certain victory just a month ited,” said Maurizio Pessato, vice Freedom party at 33 percent, down her talks with Dacic and Thaci With a little over a month to billionaire has mixed blistering before the election. chairman of SWG polling insti- from 34.9 percent a week ago. were “long and constructive”. go before the vote, Berlusconi attacks on Monti’s technocrat But so far, despite similar tute, which conducted yesterday’s REUTERS AFP Obama inspires brother to run for office in Kenya KOGELO, Kenya: US President Barack However, the odds are stacked against by following the footsteps of their father, Obama’s message of hope and change has lone candidates in a country where ideology Barack Obama Snr — the first African inspired his half-brother Malik to launch is trumped by tribe or clan ties. This is the to attend the University of Hawaii before a political career of his own, with his eye first time independents have been permitted returning home to work in the senior ech- on elections in Kenya in March. to run in an election after a constitutional elons of the Kenyan civil service. “The old “If my brother is doing great things for change in 2010. For Obama, the inspiration and tested way has not really worked for us. people in the United States, why can’t comes from elsewhere. “He is an inspiration Right now we need a bold, radical and fresh I do great things for Kenyans here?” to me and I feel that he is an embodiment of approach,” he said. Malik Obama said in the village of Kogelo, my father’s dream,” he said of the US leader. Running late for the interview, Obama President Obama’s ancestral homeland. “All he told me is ‘brother, it is not an easy apologised, explaining he had to stop his car Malik, 54, is running for governorship of thing to get into public office. Just have a several times to talk to locals, who would the rural Siaya county as an independent thick skin because people will be targeting routinely flag him down for greetings. candidate. you. The media will be saying this and that. He says his race in the election is moti- His sibling’s message resonates with a There will be people who love you and people vated by a desire to foster economic devel- Kenyan electorate angry over a political who wont love you’.” opment and to answer the call of duty. class widely regarded as greedy and corrupt. He said his younger brother has flourished REUTERS

Half of US public British royals given knife, shoes endorses Obama and handbags on overseas tours job performance WASHINGTON: President LONDON: Princes William and Harry were traditional Malaysian dagger from the nation’s Barack Obama gets a passing given gifts of alcohol and weapons while on King, Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as well as some grade for his job performance overseas tours last year, while William’s wife clothes and books. from 51 percent of the US pub- Catherine received 10 handbags and six pairs Between them the royal couple counted a tea lic, according to a poll released of shoes, St James’ Palace said yesterday. service, a sheet of music, a model war canoe, eight yesterday, two days before he Many people go on holiday intending to do woven mats and some chilli sauce among their takes the oath of office to serve some shopping, but details released by the palace joint gifts, as well as two dressing gown robes a second four-year term. revealed the often weird and wonderful things from Raffles Hotel in Singapore. The survey by the New York collected by the British royals abroad, including William’s younger brother Harry, whose love Times and CBS News found 41 chilli sauce and a water filtration unit. of partying is well documented, was given some percent of those surveyed disap- On an official tour to Singapore, Malaysia, cachaca spirit from Brazil. The governor of Rio de proving with how the president is the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu with William Janeiro gave Harry a book and a Beatles CD when doing his job. in September, the Duchess of Cambridge, who he was in Brazil, where the prince also received Not quite half of respondents, is expecting her first child in July, was given an a license plate with “HARRY” on it. 49 percent, expressed disap- array of clothes, accessories and jewellery. Palace officials also published the gifts received proval with the way the presi- The shoes and two of the bags were gifts from by Prince Charles and Camilla on three tours last dent has been dealing with the the queen of Malaysia, Raja Permaisuri Agong, year, which included a portable water filtration economy, while 46 percent said along with two dresses, while the wife of the unit given to them by an unnamed individual in they approve. Malaysian prime minister gave the Duchess a Sweden. The survey also found twin set of South Sea pearls. Any presents received by the royals on official Americans closely divided over The president of Singapore gave the 31-year- tours are viewed as property of the British nation, how Obama is dealing with taxes old a shawl, and Catherine also received a silk but they can use them if they want. “Depending in the wake of the recent “fiscal scarf, sarongs, a sari, earrings and a pendant on the gifts, they are used, displayed or stored,” cliff” debate that dominated US necklace. a palace spokeswoman said. headlines. Prince William, meanwhile, received a AFP AFP JANUARY 19, 2013 ON SATURDAY 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Philippines Definitely no shootout: Justice official Witnesses, evidence point out that 13 people were killed in cold blood by 50 law enforcers and soldiers

MANILA: Two of the 13 had Montero sport utility vehicle, and This third shooting phase lasted were killed in cold blood,” De The witnesses were report- had earlier complained that the their hands raised in sur- ordered all the passengers to get about 10 seconds. When the Lima said yesterday. edly on a slow-moving truck that Calabarzon police command, which render but were shot at close out. No one did. shooting was over, the lead vehicle Earlier after the re-enact- was overtaken by the slain men’s has jurisdiction over the provinces range. The rest were killed, as A third vehicle made a U-turn had 146 bullet holes; the second ment, she also told reporters, convoy. of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and managed to flee. And just in had 50. “Definitely, no shootout.” The With the witnesses’ story, De and Quezon, had refused to cooper- described witnesses’ accounts of time, as recounted by witnesses, All 13 men were killed, although witnesses told officials of the Lima said it was inevitable that ate with the investigation. the incident, “in cold blood.” a man in civilian clothes shouted, the security team claimed two National Bureau of Investigation the NBI would look into the pos- President Aquino has ordered De Lima joined the re-enact- “Fire! Fire!” died on the way to hospital. (NBI) that the checkpoint sign sibility that the security forces the relief of Calabarzon police ment yesterday morning of the For about 20 seconds, the Among the 13 were alleged was placed along the highway in tampered with the crime scene commander James Melad and the killing of 13 people on January 6 joint police-military contingent jueteng lord Vic Siman, two of Barangay Lumutan only when the and planted guns on the slain Quezon police chief. at the boundary of Atimonan and sprayed the lead SUV with bul- his cousins and a driver, three shooting started. men to make it appear that they De Lima, who was with NBI Plaridel towns in Quezon. lets. A shot rang out from inside policemen, two airmen, and two At least three witnesses and opened fire first. Director Nonnatus Rojas at the Security forces said the 13, in the vehicle, and the security men bearing identification cards their families have been placed She expressed hope that the re-enactment, said she would ask a two-vehicle convoy, refused to forces resumed firing. of the Intelligence Service of the on the government’s Witness security forces involved — about Interior and Local Government stop at a checkpoint set up on Two men got out from the sec- Armed Forces. Protection Programme. 50 soldiers and policemen report- Secretary Mar Roxas, whose Maharlika Highway and opened ond Montero SUV. Believed to be A woman who claimed the body De Lima, whose department edly led by Superintendent Hansel department has jurisdiction over fire first, prompting the security environmentalist Tirso Lontok Jr of one of the slain policemen said has jurisdiction over the NBI, said Marantan — would cooperate the Philippine National Police, to team to return fire. and Air Force First Lt Jim Beam he was supposed to be escorting the witnesses had initially refused with the NBI. compel the officers involved to As two witnesses recounted, Justiniani, the two raised their Siman in transporting P100m to surface, fearing for their safety. Marantan was the only mem- cooperate in the probe. however, there was initially no hands in surrender. They were ($2.4m). “What we can say at this point ber of the security team who was All 25 soldiers and 24 police- checkpoint sign. shot at close range by a man in The security team belatedly is that our witnesses are credible,” wounded. men at the supposed checkpoint Instead a military truck blocked uniform with a rifle and another reported finding only about she said. “These are witnesses and He has refused to turn over his have been grounded. the highway, forcing three vehi- in civilian clothes with a handgun. P200,000 ($4,800) from the two we see no reason to doubt them. gun to probers or subject him- De Lima said some of those cles to slow down. A policeman A man then ordered the secu- SUVs. “Based on witness accounts Earlier at the site, they were very self to questioning and physical involved in the incident may be in civilian clothes approached rity team to resume firing, this and other circumstances, it would certain in their narration of the examination. tapped as witnesses. the lead vehicle, a Mitsubishi time to include the second vehicle. not be erroneous to say that they incident.” A police fact-finding team THE PHILIPPINE STAR Fire aftermath Hundreds of families flee Pond owner raises rare blue, Maguindanao clan wars black milkfish COTABATO: Hundreds of There have been no reports of DAGUPAN CITY: Rare spe- families have fled yesterday casualties from both sides. cies of black and blue bangus as fierce fighting between two “Firing of guns can still be (milkfish) are being raised in warring clans erupted in the heard along the national highway. a fishpond in Barangay Bonuan restive southern Philippines, a Local officials are trying to pacify Gueset here. local military official said. both parties involved,” he said. Ed Maramba, the fishpond Colonel Dickson Hermoso, head The military official said the owner, said the two bangus, now of the military’s 6th Division pub- fighting has something to do with four months old, were still fin- lic affairs, said local MILF fight- long standing land feud between gerlings when he noticed their ers leaded by Commander Bigcog Bigcog and Montawal. unique colours. They are placed surprisingly launched attacks In Mindanao, clan war is com- in separate ponds, he added. around 2.30am against follow- mon among warring clans and Maramba, President of the ers of Otto Montawal, mayor sometimes the hostilities could Fishpond Owners and Operators of Datu Montawal, a town in last for decades until a peace pact Association of Dagupan City, said Maguindanao. is reached by protagonists, usually his friend Jun Velasco, a veteran Hermoso said hundreds of through mediation by religious writer, christened the black ban- families have evacuated to safer leaders and the payment of blood gus “Obama bangus.” grounds as the fierce gun bat- money. Two other black bangus and a tle spread out in nearby villages. THE PHILIPPINE STAR blue bangus are yet to be named, A Filipino victim carrying her baby returns to her burnt house following a blaze in Cainta, yesterday. Hundreds he added. of families lost their homes after the blaze razed a residential area in Cainta town in Rizal province. Dr Westly Rosario, Chief of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources centre here, said the black and blue bangus “could pos- 11,000 people displaced Filipino workers flown out of Algeria sibly be due to abnormality in pig- mentation called albinism”. It happens to a person, snake, by flooding in Caraga MANILA: Thirty-four when Islamist gunmen overran following the operation under- fish, and carabao, among others, Filipinos working at the a gas plant in the north African taken by the Algerian mili- he added. Algerian gas field where dozens desert the previous day. tary forces but no details were Rosario said he is not surprised MANILA: More than 11,000 A total of 16,598 persons in the of foreigners are feared dead in Of those evacuated, one had released,” Hernandez said. at the black bangus as a fish’s people in the Caraga region region have been affected by the a hostage crisis have been flown suffered a gunshot wound, he He did not know when the body becomes black when blind have been displaced due to bad weather. Affected persons out of the country, a Philippine said, declining to confirm press Filipinos might be repatriated. and adapts to the environment. floods caused by the tail end of include evacuees, those living in government spokesman said reports that at least two Filipinos Earlier he said the brother However, he is surprised at the a cold front. flooded areas and those who lost yesterday. were among those killed when the and wife of two Filipino workers blue bangus, he added. In a report, the Office of Civil properties. Another Filipino worker Algerian military launched its in Algeria had separately told the Rosario said when he was stud- Defence (OCD) Caraga said a The floods have affected the escaped on his own along with rescue operation. department that their relatives ying in the United States, he was total of 11,148 residents have towns of Alegria, Bacuag, Claver, a Japanese national, Foreign It remained uncertain whether and 19 other Filipino co-workers taught that in examining a fish, been evacuated to 28 temporary Gigaquit, Mainit, Tubod, and Undersecretary Raul Hernandez Philippine nationals were among had been in the gas field during one may conclude that a black fish shelters. Majority of the evacuees, Butuan in Surigao Del Norte and said as Algeria came under those hurt during the rescue bid the hostage-taking. may be sick. 10,360 of them, were from Surigao Butuan City. intense international criticism which Algeria said left “several “Just before the incident in Since Maramba’s unique ban- Del Sur while the rest were from OCD-Caraga said some evacu- over a deadly commando raid people” killed or wounded but Algeria, they were able to talk to gus are healthy, an examination Butuan City. The displaced per- ees in Mainit, Surigao Del Norte against the Islamist captors. also freed a “large number” of their relatives who were inside might be advisable, he said. sons stay inside barangay halls, and Butuan have returned home It was not certain how many of hostages. Algeria. They said, ‘We are here schools, gyms, covered courts after flood levels in these areas the Philippine workers, flown to “The Algerians admitted that inside and there are other Filipinos Ransom demanded and churches until the weather have subsided. London by their foreign employer there were some deaths and inju- with us,’” Hernandez said. improves. THE PHILIPPINE STAR on Thursday, were taken hostage ries on the side of the hostages AFP for Zambo trader ZAMBOANGA CITY: Gunmen, believed to be Abu Sayyaf members, holding cap- tive a restaurant owner in this city have demanded ransom Manila to seek damages for US navy ship mishap in exchange for his release, according to the police. Chief Supt Juanito Vaño, Police MANILA: The Philippines will the incident and make an assess- permit, damaging corals and for Regional Office 9 Director, dis- seek damages from the United ment on the damage caused by non-cooperation with local offic- closed that the kidnappers con- States after a navy ship ran this and the legal obligation,” he ers, she said, adding that the fine tacted the family of kidnap victim aground on a coral reef in a pro- said. The penalty would depend would depend on the extent of the Edgar Favella on Tuesday and tected marine reserve, an offi- on the amount of damage caused damage. issued their ransom demand. cial said yesterday. by the ship, he said. The local office of the environ- The family kept mum on the The USS Guardian remained The superintendent of mental group the World Wildlife ransom. trapped on the Tubbataha Reef, Tubbataha marine park, Fund also criticised the US The 52-year-old restaurant about 130km southeast of the Angelique Songco, said the ship navy, saying it was “both baffling and trucking business operator western island of Palawan, on was lying on about 10 metres of and lamentable” that the USS was abducted inside his eatery yesterday, even after most of its coral and that strong winds and Guardian would enter Tubbataha on January 11 and was taken on crew members were removed in waves were pushing it along the without a permit. board a pumpboat towards the a bid to get it refloated. reef, causing further damage. The Kalikasan People’s Network high seas. Philippine officials said the “The winds are getting for the Environment said: “This “We were informed they’ve 224-foot minesweeper, based stronger, the waves are getting incident shows us how the United contact (with the kidnappers). in Susebo, southern Japan, was larger and the hull is destroying States military forces have bra- They have proof of life,” Vaño destroying coral in the Unesco the reef,” she said. zenly disrespected our laws and said, adding that the kidnappers World Heritage Site where entry She questioned why the ship, damaged our country’s environ- allowed their captive to speak is restricted and permits are which had just made a port call ment and national treasures.” with his family. He said the vic- required. in Subic Bay in the Philippines, Tubbataha is popular among tim seemed to be healthy during Philippine Foreign was passing through Tubbataha. divers for its walls of coral and the call. Undersecretary Raul Hernandez “There was an absence of diverse ecosystem that environ- The police have released some said the United States, the coun- good faith here. They did not mentalists say rivals that of the of the images of the suspects try’s main defence ally, had pro- even report (the grounding.) Great Barrier Reef in Australia. through cartographic sketches vided some information on the Our rangers just discovered The US Navy said the USS provided by an artist. incident but that Manila would them there. I don’t know what Guardian was on its way to an The police said the suspects conduct its own probe. they wanted,” she said. The US unidentified “port of call” when An aerial shot of the US Navy minesweeper USS Guardian after it ran aground were young men aged between “We are now asking our gov- Navy should be liable for enter- the incident occurred. on the Tubbataha Reef in the western Philippine island of Palawan. 27 and 28 years old. ernment agencies to investigate ing the marine reserve without a AFP THE PHILIPPINE STAR JANUARY 19, 2013 Asia www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 ON SATURDAY Myanmar government announces ceasefire with Kachin rebels

YANGON: The Myanmar mili- The announcement from the ceasefire order until today. government forces were only four December, with the military shell- not discuss the proposal but tary will observe a ceasefire state Information Committee He had been unaware of the miles away from the town of Laiza ing and conducting aerial attacks rather directly seek the decision in its fight with ethnic Kachin said the ceasefire would take broadcast. and in a position to occupy the on the Kachin. of the house by vote, Thein Nyunt rebels with effect from today, effect from 0600 today but only The KIA withdrew soldiers KIA stronghold and headquar- China called for a ceasefire in said. state television reported, but applied to the Myanmar army, from the La Ja Yang area after a ters of the Kachin Independence response to an artillery shell that Myanmar’s half-century of rebels would not immediately the Tatmadaw, in the La Ja Yang successful offensive by Myanmar’s Organisation. flew over its border on Tuesday. military rule ended in early 2011 commit to uphold the truce. area where fighting has been troops, said Mark Farmaner, “The ceasefire is an artifi- It was the second such incident when a quasi-civilian government President Thein Sein issued fiercest. director of the human rights cial ceasefire agreement, until since late December. came into power. A quarter of the ceasefire order to the mili- “In order to let the tension group Burma Campaign UK. the day they start to shoot China’s response suggested parliament’s seats belong to the tary hours after a parliamentary lessen in an armed conflict, both “The offensive has ended again,” Lum Dau told Reuters growing impatience in Beijing military. motion calling for a ceasefire was parties need to stop fighting. The because they won the battle, but by telephone. “They talk about with the Myanmar govern- New York-based Human unanimously passed. Kachin Independence Army is they are trying to spin that they peace, but it’s just for show, ment’s campaign against ethnic Rights Watch last week accused Twenty months of fighting urged to instruct their troops are responding to parliament. for the outside world. It’s Kachins. the Myanmar army of “indis- between the Kachin Independence not to attack the Tatmadaw,” the Praising the Burmese government meaningless.” The ceasefire motion was criminately” shelling the town Army (KIA) and Myanmar’s mili- broadcast said. for ending this offensive would be The ceasefire order comes a day tabled by Daw Dwebu, a of Laiza in Kachin state, killing tary has displaced tens of thou- The chief of the KIA’s nego- praising them for winning a battle after China rebuked Myanmar Kachin member of parliament, three civilians. sands of people and raised doubts tiation team, Sumlut Gam, said where they also killed civilians,” over the fighting, which began said Thein Nyunt, another The United States also called about the sincerity of reforms the announcement was “good to he said. in June 2011 when a 17-year-old lawmaker. for a ceasefire and new peace aimed at ending decades of ethnic hear” but the KIA would hold Colonel James Lum Dau, a KIA ceasefire fell apart. Lower house speaker Shwe negotiations. tensions in Myanmar. off discussion of Myanmar’s spokesman based in Thailand, said The conflict has escalated since Mann told parliament it would REUTERS

Suu Kyi defends 11 dead, two donations from businessmen missing in close to junta NAYPYIDAW: Myanmar pro- democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday defended her Jakarta floods party’s controversial decision to accept donations from business- men close to the former junta 18,000 people forced out of homes for its education fund. The issue has highlighted the JAKARTA: Floods in “According to their colleagues Nobel Peace laureate’s dilemma Indonesia’s capital Jakarta have who managed to escape, when the of how closely to work with mem- left at least 11 people dead and waters came, the two men did not bers of the former junta and their two missing, authorities said take it seriously and stayed in the associates as the country also yesterday as murky brown basement until waters came sud- known as Burma emerges from waters submerged parts of the denly and submerged the whole almost half a century of military city’s business district, causing basement,” he said. rule. chaos for a second day. “Rescuers are still struggling to “Let them donate if they The capital’s worst floods in five search for them. We started this donate for good things,” Suu Kyi, years have forced 18,000 people morning pumping the waters out the opposition leader and lower from their homes, the nation’s of the flooded basement,” he said, house lawmaker, said in the capi- disaster agency said, with many adding that 2,781 police had been tal Naypyidaw when asked about ferried to temporary shelters on deployed to help assist victims the controversy. rafts. from the floods. “I don’t understand why we “Floods are occurring still and At least four scuba divers were cannot accept it. If it’s illegal since January 15, 11 people have also helping to locate the missing, money, we won’t accept it. If it’s died, five of which from electro- according to a correspondent. Residents wade through floodwater in Jakarta, yesterday. legal money, why not as it’s for a cution,” said National Disaster The flooding caused chaos in good cause?” Mitigation Agency spokesman Jakarta’s upmarket downtown the waters had receded, leaving “It took me two hours to get was inundated by the waters on The decision by Suu Kyi’s Sutopo Purwo Nugroho. district, causing hours-long traf- the area around the Grand Hyatt to work,” said Shinta Maharani, Thursday, with President Susilo National League for Democracy Among the dead were two fic jams as motorists struggled to and upmarket shopping centres whose home is just seven kilome- Bambang Yudhoyono pictured in (NLD) to take money from “cro- children aged two and 13, said get to work. Drivers could be seen caked in mud. tres (four miles) from her office. the grounds in rolled-up trousers. nies” of the generals who ruled Nugroho, adding that although standing miserably in raincoats, A spokeswoman for the “I had to abandon the motor- Authorities raised the flood the country with an iron fist for waters were receding, eight waiting for their flooded cars to Mandarin Oriental said that bike taxi and walk for 40 min- alert to its highest level Thursday, decades has raised eyebrows given percent of the capital was still be towed away. Other vehicles lay despite the flooding, the hotel utes because the road ahead was warning that the torrential rains her long stand against the regime. inundated and a city-wide state abandoned by the side of the road. had seen a surge in demand for submerged.” would not subside until the end The donors at a party fundrais- of emergency would apply until At the landmark Hotel rooms from well-to-do clientele Many train and bus routes of the week. ing concert in December included January 27. Indonesia traffic circle, sur- prevented from going home by serving the city centre were also Indonesia is regularly afflicted Air Bagan and Asia Green Jakarta police spokesman rounded by office towers and the waters. suspended. by deadly floods and landslides Development Bank, both owned Rikwanto, who goes by one name, five-star hotels, the brown flood- Jakarta, home to 20 million The floods were the worst to hit during its wet season, which lasts by prominent tycoon Tay Za, once said that two men had been waters continued to swirl, forcing people, is notorious for its traf- the capital since 2007, when about around half the year, and many described by the US Treasury as trapped since Thursday morn- the nearby British, German and fic-clogged streets, but the floods 50 people were killed and more in the capital live beside rivers “a notorious regime henchman ing in a flooded parking lot in the French embassies to remain shut. brought a new dimension to the than 300,000 were displaced. which periodically overflow. and arms dealer”. capital’s business district. By afternoon though, much of commute. Even the presidential palace AFP The NLD says it received a total of 500m kyat ($580,000) from the event, making a profit of 320m kyat after costs. Tay Za’s compa- nies donated a combined 70m kyat. Executed Sri “Tay Za and the cronies may have wanted to have some kind of Lankan maid’s Working age population declines in China political insurance, and as long as they are not trying to put politi- mother refuses BEIJING: China’s working ageing, moving to the cities, and — defined as those from 15 to China’s wealth gap and popula- cal pressure on the NLD, there is age population declined for the increasingly male, government 59 — fell by 3.45 million to 937 tion imbalances are major con- no problem,” said Trevor Wilson, Saudi money first time in recent decades in statistics showed. million, adding to concerns about cerns for the ruling Communist a former Australian ambassador 2012, the government said yes- The world’s biggest national how the country will provide for Party, which places huge impor- to Myanmar and visiting fel- COLOMBO: The mother of a terday, detailing the extent of a population rose by 6.7 million the elderly, with 194 million peo- tance on preserving social sta- low at The Australian National Sri Lankan maid beheaded in demographic time bomb experts in 2012 to 1.354 billion people, ple now 60 or over. It was the first bility to avoid any potential University. Saudi Arabia for murder has say is one of Beijing’s biggest excluding Hong Kong, Macau and absolute drop in the working-age challenge to its grip on power. The family of another crony rejected offers of cash from challenges. Taiwan, the National Bureau of segment in “a considerable period The government faces a “major Kyaw Win, head of the media Saudi well-wishers following China introduced its contro- Statistics said. of time”, said National Bureau of dilemma” over how it confronts giant Skynet, paid nearly $50,000 an outcry over the execution, a versial one-child policy in the Almost 118 boys were born for Statistics director Ma Jiantang, the problem of a rapidly ageing for a jumper knitted by Suu Kyi local newspaper said yesterday. late 1970s to control population every 100 girls. adding that he expected it to “fall population, said analysts. at a charity auction last month. “I will not accept any gifts growth, but its people are now The working-age population steadily at least through 2030”. AFP AFP from the Saudis or the Saudi government which murdered my daughter,” Rizana Nafeek’s mother, Saiyadu Farina, told the Heralding winter fishing Lankadeepa newspaper according to an excerpt of an interview on Dhaka backtracks on death its website yesterday. Sri Lankan newspapers say she has received cash offers exceeding penalty for counterfeiting two million rupees ($16,000) follow- ing the execution which was carried DHAKA: Bangladesh will drop Under the earlier draft law to out on January 9 in Riyadh despite plans to impose the death pen- which Germany’s central bank repeated appeals for clemency. alty for counterfeiting, a central had objected, a person could be The local Daily Mirror said ear- bank official said yesterday, as sentenced to death if found guilty lier this week that an advisor to it seeks technical cooperation of circulating at least 10,000 coun- the Saudi royal family had offered from Germany’s Bundesbank in terfeit notes. The minimum pen- $1m to the family out of his own tackling the crime. alty would be six months in jail. pocket during a visit to Sri Lanka The German central bank said on There was no immediate last week. Thursday it had suspended a pro- comment available from the The impoverished family lives spective cooperative venture with Bundesbank on the Bangladesh in a make-shift home in the east- Bangladesh Bank following media announcement. ern village of Muttur. Nafeek had reports that Dhaka was planning to The German central bank had falsified her age and gone to Saudi impose the death sentence to com- said earlier that while it believed Arabia as a maid to earn money to bat serious counterfeiting cases. counterfeiting was a serious crim- build a proper house for her fam- “We’re going to drop the death inal offence, it considered impos- ily, according to family associates. sentence clause from the proposed ing the death penalty “excessive”. President Mahinda Rajapaksa laws,” Bangladesh Bank spokes- “Unless Bangladesh clearly and who had pleaded on behalf of the man AFM Asaduzzman said. irrevocably drops these plans, the maid denounced the execution The government has engaged Bundesbank will terminate the and recalled Sri Lanka’s ambas- Performers dressed in Lama monk costumes blow horns during a ceremony marking the beginning of a winter its elite security force and police consultation project before it has sador to Riyadh in protest. fishing festival in Kangping county, Liaoning province of China, yesterday. intelligence to catch gangs pro- begun,” it said. AFP ducing fake notes. AFP JANUARY 19, 2013 ON SATURDAY 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Pakistan / Afghanistan Qadri’s party may take part in election Cleric denies being backed by army

ISLAMABAD: A cleric who 16, although it did not specify a has been pushing for electoral date. reforms in Pakistan will resort It also said elections would be to street protests again if the held within 90 days of the dissolu- government does not abide by an tion and electoral reforms would agreement that eased a political continue to be discussed. crisis, an aide said yesterday. An announcement of an elec- Muhammad Tahirul Qadri, tion date could come during a who has a history of ties with parliament session on Monday. the military, reached a deal with Pakistan’s ruling coalition on POLITICAL ASPIRATIONS? Thursday that will give his party “After signing the agreement some say over the formation of for electoral reforms, we are part a caretaker government ahead of the electoral process. We might of elections this spring. Qadri’s take part in elections,” said Islam, party may also participate in the adding however that Qadri had elections. no ambitions to become prime The cleric’s reappearance on minister. Pakistan’s political stage a few But the focus for the moment Activists of Muttahida Qaumi Movement carry the coffins of slain lawmaker Manzar Imam and his guards in Karachi, yesterday. weeks ago after years of living seems to be on the interim admin- in Canada, and his calls for the istration that will be formed after military to play a role in form- the dissolution of parliament and ing an interim administration, will oversee the elections. has raised speculation he may be A new political crisis could Karachi shuts down after politician killed backed by the country’s power- erupt if Qadri tries to promote ful army. Qadri and the military candidates for caretaker prime KARACHI: Shops, busi- them from MQM’s clutches,” “All political and religious par- which has a population of over 18 deny this. minister seen to be sympathetic nesses and schools shut across Tehreek-e-Taliban spokesman ties have to unite against the million. The cleric, who led four days to the military, which has ruled Pakistan’s financial capital Ehsanullah Ehsan said by tel- terrorists killing our lawmak- The death of MQM lawmaker of street protests in the heart of the country for more than half Karachi yesterday, as the city ephone from an undisclosed ers and politicians, otherwise Raza Haider in an ambush in the capital aimed at forcing the of its history as an independent braced for further unrest fol- location. terrorists will occupy the whole August 2010 sparked a fierce government to resign, will keep nation. lowing the funeral of a politi- “MQM is a secular party and country,” said MQM provincial wave of ethnic and politically pushing for political reforms and Qadri supported a 1999 mili- cian the Taliban claimed to we will increase such attacks Information Technology Minister linked violence that killed scores a halt to corruption, said his tary coup, and praised the mili- have killed. against them,” he said. Raza Haroon. of people. spokesman. tary during speeches this week, Manzar Imam, 42, a lawmaker Karachi last year saw its dead- Markets shut, streets were Police, meanwhile, said they had “We will ensure implementa- appealing to thousands of sup- from the Muttahida Qaumi liest year in two decades, with deserted and schools closed, with arrested two people suspected of tion of the agreement with full porters and members of the Movement (MQM), a coalition around 2,000 people killed in vio- office attendance thin, although being involved in criminal acts in letter and spirit,” Qazir Faizul middle and lower class who have partner in the federal government lence linked to ethnic and political government departments, the Karachi. Islam, Secretary of Information grown tired of Pakistan’s dynastic and the dominant political party tensions, raising fears over elec- port and stock exchange remained Police official Raja Oman for Qadri’s charity said. politics. in Karachi, was shot with three of tions due this year. open. Khattab told a press conference “If the government tries to Any disagreements between his guards in a drive-by shooting Overnight violence in Karachi Hyderabad, the second largest that police found weapons in pos- deviate, we will force them to Qadri and the government on on Thursday. left five people dead and around city after Karachi in southern session of the detainees. follow through the power of the electoral reforms could also bring Pakistan’s umbrella Taliban 30 wounded, according to police. province Sindh, was similarly shut He said that the deputy leader people and media.” fresh turmoil, distracting the faction claimed responsibility for Police said “thousands of peo- down and people burnt tyres to of Pakistan’s Taliban movement Aside from giving Qadri a state from a host of challenges, his death and threatened further ple” attended funeral prayers for protest against Imam’s killing. was among the pair. voice in who leads the caretaker ranging from a Taliban insur- attacks on the party. Imam and his three guards. It is the second shooting of Both were accused of assas- administration, the government gency to crippling power cuts to “This was a first gift to MQM Their coffins, wrapped in the an MQM provincial lawmaker sinating four people, including a also agreed to dissolve parliament a fragile economy. and we assure the people of MQM’s tricolour, were later taken in just over two years in the policeman. before a scheduled date of March REUTERS Karachi that we will soon free for burial. city, Pakistan’s business centre, AGENCIES

Investigator in PM No Taliban peace talks under way: Cunningham case found dead KABUL: There are no signifi- a political office for the Taliban explosives in his turban, and then Washington to meet his US coun- ISLAMABAD: A case officer cant peace talks under way with outside the immediate region and last December an attacker with a terpart, Barack Obama, said the investigating a corruption scan- the Taliban, the US ambassador the release of Taliban prisoners. bomb concealed in his underwear, US hoped to start substantial dal involving Prime Minister to Afghanistan said, despite Earlier this month the insur- also posing as a broker for peace talks soon. Raja Pervez Ashraf was found years of Western and Kabul’s gent group said they were pre- talks, nearly killed the spy chief. He rejected a claim by Karzai dead yesterday in Islamabad, efforts to broker a political end pared to open an office in Qatar One advantage of having a that the US had promised drones, officials said. to the decade-long war and for negotiations “with the inter- Taliban office is that it should saying pilotless surveillance air- The Supreme Court on Tuesday some recent signs of progress. national community”, and since reduce the risk of impostors pre- craft came up in discussion on demanded Ashraf’s arrest in the James Cunningham described last November Pakistan has senting themselves as Taliban equipping Afghan forces, but no long-running case, but anti-cor- reconciliation as “a process released three batches of Taliban negotiators. But there are ques- decision had been made. If drones ruption watchdog the National that hasn’t even really begun”, prisoners. The moves were taken tion marks over what incentives were provided, they would be Accountability Bureau (NAB) although he added that one of as signs of progress towards get- the insurgent group has to talk, unarmed, he added. told the chief justice on Thursday Washington’s goals was ensuring ting talks under way after years as Western troops are heading In Abu Dhabi, Pakistan’s that it did not yet have enough “at least the beginning of a seri- of false starts, missteps and out- home, and Afghan security forces Foreign Secretary, Jalil Jilani, told evidence. ous process”. right disasters. are short on key capacities, from a news conference that his coun- Officials said Kamran Faisal, He hinted at concerns over the James Cunningham Among the most serious pitfalls bomb disposal to intelligence and try plans to release all Afghan was found dead in the government unconditional release of some were Nato’s 2010 discussions with air power. Taliban prisoners, including the hostel where he lived with other Taliban prisoners in Pakistan, at “We would have preferred to a grocer from the Pakistani city Afghanistan’s political land- group’s former second-in-com- colleagues from NAB. the request of Kabul, and seen as have greater visibility into that. of Quetta, who posed as a senior scape may also be dramatically mand, the clearest signal yet that “He was found dead in his a goodwill gesture to help ease the Still, it’s positive that they were Taliban official ready to broker different in two years, with a new it backs reconciliation efforts. room. He is suspected to have way for negotiations. released, I think, from the Afghan talks. He was flown to Kabul for president set to be elected next “The remaining detainees, committed suicide. Police have “To this point they’ve had a point of view.” meetings and pocketed thousands year — incumbent Hamid Karzai we are coordinating, and will be taken the body. A post-mortem is pretty hands-off kind of approach Secret discussions involv- of dollars in cash incentives. cannot stand for re-election — released subsequently,” he added. being carried out,” a NAB spokes- to the people that they have ing US, Afghan, Pakistani and In 2011, a suicide bomber posing and most Western troops gone Asked if the former Taliban man added. released,” Cunningham said when Taliban officials have been under as a Taliban peace envoy killed the by the start of 2015. No. 2 Mullah Baradar would be “We will share further details asked if he was working with way for months, focused around Afghan government’s top peace Cunningham, speaking at released, he said: “The aim is to when we get them,” the spokes- Islamabad to ensure the released confidence-building measures, negotiator, the former president a news conference to dis- release all,” without elaborating. man added. men did not rejoin the insurgency. including the establishment of Burhanuddin Rabbani, by hiding cuss Karzai’s recent visit to AGENCIES AFP Snow slide Trilateral trade talks postponed due to protest ISLAMABAD: Tahirul Qadri’s Afghan President Hamid Karzai circumstances,” he said. Afghan Commerce Minister Dr sit-in has forced the government asked their commerce ministers However, he said, the com- Anwarul Haq Ahadi and Iranian of Pakistan to postpone a two- to prioritise cooperation for the merce ministry cited the long Trade Minister Mehdi Ghazanfari day meeting of commerce min- sake of socio-economic develop- march as the reason for putting will take part in the deliberations isters of Pakistan, Afghanistan ment in the region. off talks. next month. and Iran, which was scheduled Commerce ministers of the Pakistan, Afghanistan and The ministers will discuss pos- to be held in Islamabad from three countries will outline steps Iran have underscored the need sibilities of increasing trade vol- yesterday, the third time talks for enhancing economic coopera- to increase trade with the help ume and how to facilitate traders have been put off, say officials of tion, a critical step for the three of facilitation measures, including and remove bottlenecks in the the three countries. neighbouring countries aimed preferential tariff and free trade way of commerce. “Pakistan has now proposed at empowering their economies, arrangements as well as barter They will also review propos- new dates of February 10-11 for officials say. trade. als for expanding transit trade the trilateral meeting,” said an Pakistan’s commerce and for- The first trilateral talks have and encouraging private sector Afghan official in Islamabad. eign ministries have formally been postponed for the third time investment. An Iranian embassy source informed Afghan and Iranian in nearly four months. The ministers of the three confirmed the postponement. governments about the post- Earlier, the ministers were countries will also review meas- The meeting will take place in ponement of the meeting, said scheduled to meet in Islamabad in ures to enhance connectivity by the backdrop of a trilateral sum- the Afghan official, requesting October and November last year, promoting cooperation in projects mit held in Islamabad in February anonymity. But the meeting could not take related to infrastructure, roads, last year where President Asif “The foreign ministry told us place because of pressing engage- railways, transportation and Afghan children slide down a snow-covered slope in Kabul, yesterday. Ali Zardari, Iranian President that the trilateral meeting has ments of Pakistan’s commerce communications. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and been delayed due to unavoidable minister, sources said. INTERNEWS JANUARY 19, 2013 India www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 ON SATURDAY

Jammu and Kashmir freezes Restrictions on India can try foreigners in new surrogacy rules Italian marines, NEW DELHI: India has issued new rules barring foreign gay couples and single people from using surrogate mothers to become parents, drawing sharp rules top court criticism from gay rights advo- cates and fertility clinics. Commercial surrogacy is a booming industry in India and Hearing shifted from Kerala to Delhi in recent years ranks of child- less foreign couples looking for a NEW DELHI: India has value Indian lives,” said Father low-cost, legally simple route to jurisdiction to try two Italian John Churchill, a priest and rela- parenthood have been joined by marines charged with killing tive of 19-year-old Ajesh Binki, one gay couples and singles. two fishermen, the Supreme of the slain fishermen, as he wel- The measures, circulated to Court said in a long-awaited comed the court’s decision. Indian missions abroad in late ruling yesterday, setting the The Italians have been confined 2012, which only came to light in stage for a criminal trial that to the Kerala city of Kochi but the Indian media yesterday, mark could further sour ties between spent Christmas in Italy after a the first step to the regulation of India and Italy. court allowed them to join their “surrogacy tourism” in India. The marines, members of a families for the holiday, on condi- The rules say foreign couples military security team protect- tion that they returned to India seeking to enter into a surrogacy ing a cargo ship, Enrica Lexie, say by January 10, which they did. arrangement in India must be a they mistook the fishermen for The sailors will now be brought “man and woman (who) are duly pirates off the southern Indian from Kochi to the Indian capital, married and the marriage should state of Kerala in February 2012. where they will remain in the cus- be sustained at least two years”. Italy went to the New Delhi tody of the Italian embassy. They The rule changes, posted on Supreme Court last year to chal- will have to report to a local police Kashmiri youth throw snow balls during a snowfall in Srinagar yesterday. A cold wave tightened its grip on the home ministry’s website, lenge India’s right to try the sail- station once a week and their Jammu and Kashmir with most places in the state recording sub-zero temperatures. The icy temperatures were denounced by fertility clin- ors, Massimiliano Latorre and passports will now be surrendered has frozen many water bodies and drinking water pipelines while an avalanche warning has been issued in ics and gay rights activists as Salvatore Girone, arguing that to the Indian government. some hilly areas. “discriminatory”. the shooting had taken place in Titus said they would challenge “Parenting is everybody’s right international waters, outside the yesterday’s decision in the federal and now we’re withdrawing that jurisdiction of Indian courts. special court, asking once again right,” said Dr Rita Bakshi, who The Supreme Court ruled that for the sailors to be tried on home heads the International Fertility Kerala state courts did not have soil. Centre in New Delhi. the authority to adjudicate in the “We do plan to agitate the issue Talks offer welcomed; Islamabad “These rules are definitely not case and ordered that a special of jurisdiction at the special court welcome, definitely restrictive and federal court be set up to try the level,” Titus said. very discriminatory,” she said. marines, lawyers who attended In April, Italy paid $190,000 criticises ‘Pakistan-bashing’ “This is a huge heartbreak for the hearing said afterwards. compensation to each of the homosexual couples and singles,” “The relief for the marines is victims’ families, who then NEW DELHI/JAIPUR: India the January 8 killing of two Indian Gandhi said closer relations with commented fertility doctor Anoop that at least they won’t be pros- dropped their cases against the yesterday welcomed the “posi- soldiers, including the beheading immediate neighbours would Gupta. ecuted by Kerala,” Diljeet Titus, marines. tive statements” coming from of one, and said their respective promote regional peace, but in a Gay rights campaigners also one of the lawyers representing The two sailors, wearing jeans, Pakistan on talks to defuse armies should probe the incident. tough posture, added: “However, denounced the changes to the the Italian marines, said. long-sleeved shirts and sunglasses, tensions and said the border But he stated: “We are abso- let us be clear. Our dialogue must rules on surrogacy, which was There were no immediate made no comment to journalists flare-ups of the past 10 days, lutely clear, that at no point in be based on accepted principles of legalised in 2002. details of the reasons for the as they left the police commission- including the January 8 brutal time did Pakistani forces cross civilized behaviour. We will never “It’s totally unfair — not only court’s decision in a case that has er’s office in Kochi, where they are killing of two Indian soldiers, the LoC”. compromise on our vigil and pre- for gay people but for people who caused a diplomatic rift between required to report every day as a would not undermine their In an interview to NDTV news paredness to deal with terrorism are not married who may have Italy and India, which have tradi- condition of their bail. peace process. channel, Bashir, taking note of and threats on our borders.” been living together for years and tionally had good relations. Italy has sought to pile both The statement by External the stern Indian stance, said: Khurshid, speaking in Jaipur, for singles,” Mumbai gay rights In Rome, the government said public and private pressure on Affairs Minister Salman “Unfortunately, I must say that said India would give an “appro- advocate Nitin Karani said. the decision was “encouraging” the Indian government to allow Khurshid came even as Congress it has almost become fashionable, priate response” to the Pakistan India is a popular destination and that its main objective was the marines to be tried at home. president and ruling United that Pakistan-bashing has become offer of talks. He said the matter for gay couples seeking children to bring the marines home. Italy’s prime minister and other Progressive Alliance chairperson fashionable whenever there is an would come up for discussion at even though it remains a largely senior officials have made direct Sonia Gandhi said India was for issue.” the three-day Congress Chintan conservative country and only Marines to challenge decision appeals to their counterparts in close relations with neighbours India maintains that Pakistani Shivir. decriminalised consensual sex Indian authorities had argued New Delhi. but the dialogue must be based on forces killed and beheaded Naik India has not yet responded between homosexuals in 2011. that the shooting took place in a In October, Ferrari’s Formula “accepted principles of civilized Hemraj Singh, whose head is still to Pakistan’s offer for talks, an The home ministry would not “contiguous zone” where Indian One team emblazoned its cars behaviour”. missing, and killed and mutilated informed source said. comment on the changes which law applies. Italian embassy offi- with the Italian navy’s flag in the A day after Pakistan Foreign Lance Naik Sudhakar Singh 600 The India-Pakistan border has stipulate that would-be parents cials declined to comment to Indian Grand Prix in a show of Minister Hina Rabbani Khar metres inside Indian territory been peaceful since Wednesday provide proof that their home reporters outside the court. solidarity with the military offic- offered talks at the foreign min- on the LoC that divides Kashmir after their respective armies country will give citizenship to “The government of India should ers, reigniting Indian anger over isters level to defuse the stand- between India and Pakistan. decided to adhere to the 2003 any baby born of a surrogate ensure that they are brought to the incident. off, the country’s envoy in New Addressing the Congress par- ceasefire and exercise restraint. mother. the book otherwise nobody will REUTERS Delhi Salman Bashir condemned ty’s ‘Chintan Shivir’ in Jaipur, IANS AFP

Delhi gang rape: Maoists attack IAF helicopter SC moved for RAIPUR: An Indian Air Maoists, went missing after area of Sukma district. Force helicopter had to make rebels attacked it. Officials in Sukma said all mental test of an emergency landing at a for- “Rebels opened fire on IAF the seven people on board ested location in Chhattisgarh helicopter when it tried to land safely reached a nearby Central juvenile accused last evening after Maoist in a conflict zone in Sukma dis- Reserve Police Force camp. rebels opened fire on it, police trict to airlift policemen who According to reports, the heli- NEW DELHI: The Supreme said. The crew, one of whom had received multiple gunshots copter’s wireless operator was Court yesterday issued a notice was injured, safely reached a in an encounter,” Chhattisgarh’s injured in the firing but his to the central government on a nearby paramilitary camp. Director General of Police, condition was stated to be out petition seeking that the juve- Officers at the police head- Ramniwas, said. of danger. nile accused in the Delhi gang quarters here said the Mi-17 The pilot was forced to leave A policeman was killed and rape case be kept in special cus- chopper, which was took off amid intense firing and for some several others were wounded tody if he was a psychopath and from Jagdalpur town and was time, the helicopter went off the in a lengthy gun battle with a threat to society and women. on its way to Sukma district radar, but it finally managed Maoists at Pollampalli, some A bench of Justice K S to airlift some policemen seri- to make an emergency land- 500km south of Raipur. Radhakrishnan and Justice Dipak ously injured in a gunfight with ing in a jungle in Chintalnar IANS Misra issued the notice. The petitioner — Delhi-based Shilpa Arora Sharma — has pleaded for the appointment of Celebration a panel of national and inter- national criminal psychologists President’s to examine the juvenile accused to determine whether he was rule imposed psychologically abnormal and a threat to society and women if in Jharkhand allowed to go free. It sought that if the juvenile accused was found to be so, he NEW DELHI: should not be released and kept Jharkhand was placed in detention as such a person under president’s rule posed a grave danger to society, yesterday with President especially women. Pranab Mukherjee for- The petitioner has also urged mally signing the order, the court to strike down Section official sources said here. 16 of the Juvenile Justice (Care President’s rule was and Protection of children) Act, okayed following the col- 2000, under which the juve- lapse of the Arjun Munda nile accused would get released government after the without punishment despite the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha “grisly act” committed by him. withdrew its support to it The petition has also sought last month. investigation by the Central The union cabinet on Bureau of Investigation to deter- Thursday gave its nod for mine the age of the juvenile imposing president’s rule accused. Such an inquiry, the peti- in the state. tion said should not be limited to “The president has examining the school documents Sikh devotees light candles at the Golden Temple in Amritsar as they signed the order this but detailed enquiry at the place celebrate the 348th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th evening,” sources at of his birth and birth records. Sikh guru, yesterday. Rashtrapati Bhavan said. IANS IANS JANUARY 19, 2013 ON SATURDAY 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Business US-Japan Dreamliner probe reveals blackened battery Picture released shows scorch marks on the battery

TOKYO: US and Japanese experts yesterday probed the emergency landing that sparked Union blames Boeing 787 the worldwide grounding of Boeing’s Dreamliner, releasing woes on outsourcing a picture showing the blackened remains of the battery. The risk of fire from overheat- WASHINGTON: Boeing’s engineers’ union blamed the prob- ing powerpacks has emerged lems with the grounded 787 Dreamliners on outsourcing as it as a major concern for Boeing’s rejected the US aerospace giant’s “final” contract offer. cutting-edge new planes since the After months of negotiations, and with current contracts expired, incident on the domestic flight Boeing said late yesterday that it had made its “best-and-final con- in Japan, prompting airlines to tract offer” to the Society of Professional Engineering Employees ground all 50 of the world’s opera- in Aerospace. tional 787s. SPEEA union negotiators, representing 23,000 Boeing engineers The All Nippon Airways and technical workers, unanimously rejected the offer. (ANA) Dreamliner has remained They said approval for a strike may be on the ballots when union on the tarmac at Takamatsu in members vote on the contract offer. southwest Japan since its pilots The union said its members had been left out of the Federal were forced to abort the flight on Aviation Administration’s safety review of the 787 Dreamliner, Wednesday because of a smoke announced last week before a battery problem on a 787 in Japan alert apparently linked to the led to the global grounding of 787s yesterday. lithium-ion battery. “Boeing corporate created the 787 problems by ignoring the warn- A team from the US National ings of the Boeing technical community,” Joel Funfar, one of the Transportation Safety Board, union negotiators, said in a statement. which includes members from “Now, they propose to double down on their failed outsourcing the FAA and Boeing, has arrived strategy by outsourcing the engineering work required to solve the in Takamatsu to take part in the problems caused by previous rounds of outsourcing.” Japanese investigation, a spokes- Breaking with its former largely in-house production practice, the man for the Japan Transport US aerospace giant outsourced much of what went into its newest Safety Board (JTSB )said. An ANA Boeing 787 Dreamliner grounded at Haneda airport in Tokyo, yesterday. Since the Boeing 787 Dreamliners jet, with its pioneering electrical systems and heavy use of carbon- “We removed the battery are grounded due to safety concerns, All Nippon Airways Co. (ANA) and Japan Airlines Co. had to cancel several fibre composite materials. yesterday and are inspecting domestic and international flights. Parts came into Boeing’s assembly plants from 135 sites and 50 the plane and its components, suppliers, including Japanese firm GS Yuasa, which built the bat- alongside the US officials,” burned stew. “You know how stew “I’m sure that too much cur- underestimated the level of man- teries that led to the 787 groundings. said the spokesman, Mamoru in a pot would boil, spill over and rent or too-high voltage has agement oversight and engineer- In a statement late on Thursday, Boeing said it had made a “mar- Takahashi. harden, it was like that,” he said, gone to the battery,” Kosugi told ing support it needed to provide ket-leading” offer to the union that includes five percent annual A picture released by the JTSB according to TV Asahi. reporters. A prolonged grounding to its suppliers to make the highly salary increases. The proposal would retain current employees’ showed scorch marks on the blue The batteries used for the could seriously compound prob- distributed supply chain work,” he traditional pension plans, but new hires would have a retirement- casing of the battery, which also Dreamliner’s advanced electron- lems for Boeing, which suffered a said in the US. savings scheme. AFP showed evidence of some kind of ics are made by Japan’s GS Yuasa, series of glitc “If Boeing had done a better job dark liquid that appeared to have one of many contractors in a com- hes over 10 days leading up at that, it would not have experi- leaked down the side. plex global chain that led to three to the ANA incident, including enced the technical problems it The lid of the battery cas- years of delays before Boeing another smoke alert on a Japan has, in my opinion.” Poland, Qatar and the US — have take delivery of three more planes ing had bulged out of shape and delivered its first 787 to ANA in Airlines Dreamliner at Boston The US firm is banking on now been taken out of service before the end of March, provided become badly discoloured. 2011. airport. strong global demand for an all- after a global alert issued this any defects are eliminated. Much of what looked like wir- JTSB investigator Hideyo Hans Weber, an independent new design based on lightweight week by the US Federal Aviation But Australia’s Qantas said ing around the eight cells of the Kosugi said one theory being security and defence expert, said composite materials that is much Administration (FAA). it was cutting its request for battery — the plane’s main electri- considered was that there may Boeing had been too optimistic more fuel-efficient than older air- Boeing shares lost another 1 Dreamliner planes by one, while cal power unit — was disfigured. have been insufficient protection about the benefits of its worldwide craft. It has won orders for nearly percent in US trading yesterday. noting it had planned to do so A Japanese investigator who offered by the batteries’ sur- outsourcing strategy to build the 850 more 787s. Polish flag carrier LOT — the before the jets were grounded had seen the battery was reported rounding electrical system, which 787. All of the 50 Dreamliners flying only European operator of the 787 and that it still had 14 on order. as saying the overspill looked like would also come under scrutiny. “Boeing has admitted that it — in Chile, Ethiopia, India, Japan, so far — said it still expected to AGENCIES

Jobs cut Reliance Q3 Top economies facing LNG profit up 24pc MUMBAI: India’s largest pri- price spike due to demand vate firm Reliance Industries reported yesterday a surprise 24 percent rise in quarterly net NEW YORK/LONDON: he added. He said that LNG out- project, in Angola, with a capacity profit as higher refining mar- Global prices for liquefied put had fallen just three other to produce 5.2 million tonnes per gins offset slowing output from natural gas (LNG) are rising times in the 50 years the fuel has year (mtpa )of LNG, is scheduled offshore fields. towards record highs this year been produced: to start up this year. Reliance, controlled by India’s as increasing demand runs In 2008 when the global econ- “If overall demand is growing wealthiest man Mukesh Ambani, up against stuttering supply, omy was in free fall and in 1980 and supply is not, and you are said net profit for the financial threatening to drive up fuel and 1981 when Algeria halted relying on the spot market, you third quarter jumped to 55.02 costs in some of the world’s big- LNG exports to the US over a are going to have a harder time billion rupees ($1.02bn), from gest economies. price dispute. accessing supply and will have to `44.4bn in the same period a year After a record, unexpected Moreover, the tighter mar- pay higher prices,” said Charles earlier. Turnover climbed 10 per- drop in LNG output in 2012, pro- ket means that any unforeseen Martin, an analyst of Asian LNG cent to `963bn for the quarter, a duction is expected to grow only events, such as Japan’s Fukishima markets for Waterborne Energy statement said. marginally this year. nuclear disaster, big weather in Houston. The earnings overshot analysts’ Demand continues to march events or sudden plant shut- Global supply fell about 1.6 expectations of a 50-billion-rupee higher, driven by energy-hungry downs, could push prices even percent to 238 million tonnes profit and snapped four consecu- Asia’s rapid economic growth, higher. in 2012, according to Flower’s tive quarters of declines. Japan’s near total shutdown In the wake of Fukushima in estimates. “Our performance improved of its nuclear industry and a March 2011, imports by the world’s This year does not look much this quarter with margin expan- drought in Brazil that has forced top consumer of LNG rocketed to better. The security situation sion in petrochemicals and record the South American nation to meet power needs, pushing Asian in Yemen remains a concern earnings in the refining business,” The entrance to Germany’s Commerzbank Headquarters in Frankfurt. buy emergency fuel supplies at prices up 70 percent in the fol- and a source said earlier that Ambani said. high prices. lowing seven months, according Indonesian production will The No.2 bank of the country is to present new information on planned Analysts have been concerned With 80 percent of global LNG to Reuters data. drop nearly 14 percent in 2013 job cuts. Some 6,500 employees may be laid off, according to media in recent months about Reliance’s supplies locked up under long- Only two of Japan’s 50 nuclear because of declines in domestic reports. ability to raise gas production term contracts, it is countries plants are back online nearly two gas output. from its blocks off India’s east such as Brazil, Argentina, China years later. At the same time, new projects coast. and India that rely on short-term LNG exporters are bracing for in Asia will suck up what supply In the first nine months of deals that could face the biggest a supply glut in the second half they can in 2013. the fiscal year from April to hit. of this decade as new supplies In India, China and Singapore, Two-hour strike at GM December, crude oil production LNG helps bridge fuel supply arrive from Australia, Africa and up to five new import termi- from Reliance’s main oilfield gaps in countries where domes- the US. But in the meantime a nals will add nearly 18 mil- KG-D6 slid 40 percent year-on- tic output fails to keep up with shortage looms. lion tonnes per year of import year to 2.3 million barrels. demand. The intricate process Production doubled between capacity, according to estimates unit over layoffs plan Natural gas production tum- of liquefying gas, shipping and 2000 and 2011 as a raft of new — about 8 percent of last year’s bled 37 percent to 275 billion regasifying the fuel can also make projects were completed, but supply. The LNG is used in elec- SAO PAULO: Nearly 4,000 layoffs at a struggling production cubic feet from April to December it more expensive than pipeline output fell by a record amount tricity generation, heating and workers staged a two-hour work line at the complex, which has over levels a year earlier. “This supplies. last year because of unforeseen transportation. stoppage at General Motors’ eight plants and employs 7,500 reduction was due to reservoir Spot prices of LNG are about events. That demand is only set to Brazilian unit yesterday as part workers. Last August, GM and complexity and natural decline,” $18 per million British thermal Maintenance slowed output in grow. China, which is planning of efforts to derail manage- the union reached a deal to delay the company said. units (mmBtu), up about $2 from the world’s top exporter, Qatar, to triple gas use by 2020 to ment plans to cut 1,500 jobs, the layoffs until January 26. But countering the output the same time last year but still while rising domestic energy reduce reliance on smog-induc- Metalworkers’ Union said. The workers scheduled another decline, gross refining margins lower than record deals above $20 demand in Egypt and Indonesia, ing coal, has nearly 10 mtpa of The morning stoppage at the protest action for Wednesday and rose in the third quarter to $9.60 in 2008. once stalwarts of the LNG export import projects on the slate for facility in Sao Jose dos Campos, said they did not rule out another a barrel from $6.80 a year earlier. “The supply situation is worse market, took supplies off the open 2013. 80km from Sao Paulo, came round of strikes if the talks failed. In 2011, British energy giant BP than we thought it would be,” said market. Qatar National Bank forecast shortly before representatives “The union has proposals to paid $7.2bn to acquire a 30 per- independent LNG analyst Andy Unrest and militant attacks in in December that the nation’s of the US carmaker, the union save all the jobs and bring new cent stake in 21 of Reliance’s oil Flower, who tracks global export Yemen also halted output from LNG spot sales would fall by at and the labour and development investments. It is prepared to and gas fields. Reliance hopes that and import volumes. the country’s troubled export least 40 percent from 2012-2014 ministry met in the city, a union negotiate. But GM wants to pro- BP’s deepwater drilling expertise “LNG production declined last project, which began producing as the world’s top exporter enters spokesman said. ceed with the layoffs,” union pres- will give it skills to develop hard- year and it doesn’t look as though in 2009. into longer-term supply deals. The union wants President ident Antonio Ferreira de Barros to-exploit reserves and find more it will increase by much this year,” Meanwhile, only one major REUTERS Dilma Rousseff to stop the planned said. AFP oil. AFPS JANUARY 19, 2013 Business www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 ON SATURDAY

Wall Street little changed; Sony selling Manhattan Intel drags NEW YORK: US stocks opened little changed yester- HQ building for $1.1bn day, a day after the S&P 500 rose to its highest level in five years, as a weak outlook from Intel offset a fourth- The deal as part of huge restructuring boosts shares quarter profit at Morgan Stanley. TOKYO: Sony shares rocketed below 1,000 yen a share for the businesses including its movie and Shares of Intel Corp 12.20 percent yesterday as the first time since the era of the music divisions would remain in slumped 6.1 percent to $21.30 embattled Japanese consumer Walkman. the tower for up to three years after the tech company fore- electronics giant said it was “Sony is undertaking a range under a lease agreement with the cast quarterly revenue that selling its US headquarters in of initiatives to strengthen its buyer. was below analysts’ estimates Manhattan for $1.1bn as part of financial foundation and business The 37-storey building, home and hiked capital spending a huge restructuring. competitiveness and for future to about 1,500 employees and plans for the year. The Tokyo-listed shares fin- growth,” it said in a statement on one of New York City’s best- That was offset somewhat ished at 1,149 yen, boosted by a announcing the sale. known thoroughfares, opened in by a 5-percent gain in shares weak yen and after the announce- The company was “balancing 1984 and was sold to Sony in 2002. of Morgan, which reported a ment that New York-based com- cash inflows and outflows while Sony was “re-evaluating” its out- fourth-quarter profit after a mercial property firm Chetrit working to improve its cash flow look — which forecast a 20 billion year-earlier loss, helped by Group was leading a consortium by carefully selecting investments, yen ($223m) annual net profit in higher revenue at the bank’s that agreed to buy the Madison selling assets and strengthening the fiscal year ended March — “to institutional securities busi- Avenue skyscraper. control of working capital such take into account this sale and ness. Its stock jumped 5.3 per- The sale, expected to close in as inventory”, it said. other factors”. cent to $22.84. March, comes as the firm under- “This sale is made as a part of Toshiyuki Kanayama, market The earnings season so goes a corporate overhaul aimed such initiatives.” analyst at Monex, said the sale far has been mixed, but that at returning to profitability after The deal would net Sony about was an “obvious plus for Sony’s could change with a bar- four years in the red. $770m after paying off build- balance sheet, but does not rage of releases scheduled for In June, the company’s hard ing-related debt and transac- instantly improve its creditwor- next week, said Doug Cote, times saw its stock value tumble tion costs, it said, adding that thiness or investability in the eyes Chief Market Strategist, ING of investors”. Investment Management in The rise also came as Tokyo’s New York. “There were some benchmark Nikkei 225 index good reports but the real big Asian markets up on China jumped nearly three percent as bellwether companies are not a weaker yen helped shares of coming in strong,” said Cote. exporters, including Sony, which The Dow Jones industrial data, weak yen lifts Tokyo had climbed 5.67 percent the average edged up 8.02 points, day before after Goldman Sachs or 0.06 percent, at 13,604.04. HONG KONG: Asian shares posted strong gains yesterday after upped its recommendation on the The Standard & Poor’s 500 China released data showing a better-than-expected pick-up in stock to neutral from sell. Index slipped 1.20 points, or the economy for the past four months, while Tokyo was boosted The maker of PlayStation game 0.08 percent, to 1,479.74. The by another fall in the yen. consoles and Bravia televisions Nasdaq Composite Index lost The dollar climbed to a new two-and-a-half-year high against lost a whopping 456.66bn yen in 7.52 points, or 0.24 percent, to the Japanese unit, while the euro jumped on expectations the Bank its last fiscal year, with its massive 3,128.48. of Japan will unveil another huge stimulus package and set a two- restructuring including selling off S&P 500 company earnings percent inflation target. its chemical division while invest- are expected to have risen 2.3 Tokyo soared 2.86 percent, or 303.66 points, to 10,913.30, Hong ing 50bn yen in camera and medi- percent in the fourth quar- Kong was up 1.12 percent, or 262.02 points, at 23,601.78 and Shanghai cal equipment maker Olympus. ter, Thomson Reuters data put on 1.41 percent, or 32.16 points, to 2,317.07. Last year, the firm said it would showed. Expectations for the Seoul added 0.69 percent, or 13.58 points, to 1,987.85 and Sydney cut about 10,000 jobs and spend quarter have dropped consid- gained 0.31 percent, or 14.6 points, to 4,771.2. nearly $1.0bn on an overhaul erably since October, when a Beijing said the world’s number two economy expanded 7.8 per- designed to shake up its prod- 9.9 percent gain was estimated. cent in 2012, better than the government target of 7.5 percent, uct line and cut costs, which its On Thursday, the S&P 500 marking a second straight year of easing owing to weakness in key chief Kazuo Hirai described as rose to its highest since late overseas markets. It also said GPD grew 7.9 percent in October- “urgent”. Sony’s US headquarters building (centre), located at Madison Avenue in New 2007, and that could prompt December, snapping seven straight quarters of slowing growth. The sale announced yester- York. investors to lock in recent Economists had projected GDP growth of 7.7 percent in 2012 and day comes after Japanese media gains, analysts said. 7.8 percent in the fourth quarter. The figures reinforce indications reported that the firm was also Panasonic and Sharp, has suffered in huge losses and credit rating Economic data out of China that the economy will not suffer a so-called hard landing and is planning to sell one of its main from myriad problems, including downgrades. provided some support to emerging from a drawn-out slumber that has had a knock-on effect buildings, in Tokyo’s Osaki district, a high yen, slowing demand in key Rival Sharp said last year it the market, though the focus on other countries. “In the market now hard landing concerns are which accommodates Sony’s strug- export markets, fierce overseas would put up real estate as col- remained on US corporate lower, we expect stable growth for the rest of the year,” Haibin gling television division. competition and strategic mistakes lateral for bank loans — including earnings. Zhu, chief China economist at JP Morgan in Hong Kong, said. AFP Japan’s battered electronics that left its finances in ruins. its Osaka headquarters — to stay REUTERS sector, including giants Sony, The industry has been awash afloat. AFP

QATARI MARKET Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Eggcelent! GE reports rise Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 105.38 0.68 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 106.13 1.54 % Aa2 AA in net income Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 126.63 1.98 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 120.25 2.12 % Aa2 AA NEW YORK: US industrial Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 115.38 2.58 % Aa2 AA giant General Electric yester- Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 180.50 3.52 % Aa2 AA day bested quarterly earnings Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 139.00 4.02 % Aa2 AA from a year ago, as it reported higher profits in all of its major Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 129.06 4.04 % Aa2 AA operating segments. The US Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 105.00 1.46 % Aa2 AA conglomerate said net income Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 116.88 2.52 % Aa2 AA came in at $4.0 billion, up 7.5 Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 105.88 1.70 % A1 A- percent from the year-ago lev- Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.44 2.27 % A1 A- els. That equated to 38 cents QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.88 2.00 % NR NR per share. Analysts had pro- QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.50 1.85 % Aa3 A+ jected earnings of 43 cents per QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.38 2.25 % Aa3 A+ share. General Electric, which Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.44 2.37 % A2 A- builds power generation equip- Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.50 1.85 % A2 A ment, wind turbines and other Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 131.38 2.53 % A2 A industrial products, said its Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 112.75 2.96 % A2 A earnings from continuing oper- Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 111.63 3.84 % A2 A ations were 41 cents per share. Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 107.13 1.21 % Aa3 A Continuing earnings adjusted for non-operating pension costs Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 109.38 3.13 % Aa3 A were 44 cents per share. All of Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 112.88 3.38 % Aa3 A the sub-units of its industrial SOVEREIGNS division showed year-on-year Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P gains, with double-digit per- German Chancellor Angela Merkel (centre) looks at an egg at the Internationale Gruene Woche (International Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 106.13 0.40 % Aa2 AA centage increases in oil and gas, Green Week) agriculture and food fair on its opening day in Berlin, yesterday. The annual expo is one of the Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 129.13 1.78 % Aa2 AA energy management, aviation world’s largest of its kind and runs until January 27 in the German capital. Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 111.19 2.39 % NR NR and transportation. Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 108.25 2.84 % NR NR Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 128.38 3.52 % NR NR Shale slowdown hits Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 119.25 3.95 % NR NR Schlumberger gains Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 105.63 1.13 % Aa2 AA US oil export restrictions to stay Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 116.19 3.21 % NR BBB PARIS: The oil services group Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 111.38 3.69 % NR BBB LONDON: The US is unlikely are hopelessly constrained in Extra infrastructure was Schlumberger reported a Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 101.75 5.45 % B2 /*- B- to relax soon rules ban- their capacity to export domes- needed to get this new oil to 10-percent rise in net profit Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 104.88 3.76 % NR BBB- ning exports of most types of tic crude,” the IEA said in its areas where “light, sweet crude last year, saying yesterday its crude oil, despite a huge monthly oil market report. remains a staple of the refining that performance was driven *Periodic Distribution Amount IMPORTANT NOTE: increase in production that is “Large legislative changes feedstock slate, predominantly by activities outside North Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which forcing some domestic prices seem unlikely in the short term, the East Coast”. The IEA said America but that fourth- is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services well below international mar- and we are likely to see instead it anticipated increasing pres- quarter performance slowed Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary data kets, the West’s energy agency workarounds such as crude/prod- sure on the Department of owing to slowing North and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising out of said yesterday. uct swaps and/or an expansion of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry American gas activities. The the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not take into In the absence of signifi- condensate exports.” and Security to liberalise rules French-US group reported a account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds can and cant changes to the law, the The Paris-based IEA, which governing the movement of oil net profit of $5.49 billion for does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not a reliable International Energy Agency advises major oil-consuming in and around the US. 2012 on a 14-percent rise of indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and consult your (IEA) said it expected US oil pro- nations on energy policy, said “Shipping reform... the expan- sales to $42.15 billion. In the financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. ducers to export more products “intra-US infrastructure” was sion of existing Gulf Coast- fourth quarter, net profit fell and condensate, as well as build likely to be improved to make it to-East Coast pipelines, and a to $1.36bn and profit growth more pipelines to allow oil to easier to move some of the new change in the refining slates are was weaker than sales growth move around more freely within light, tight oil being produced just a few ways in which rising of 8.5 percent. Net earnings North America. from unconventional oilfields light, tight oil volumes could per share were $1.02 in the last “While the need for export such as Eagle Ford, Bakken, and avoid or delay crashing into the quarter and $4.10 for the year. capacity is clear, US producers the Permian Basin. export wall.” REUTERS AGENCIES JANUARY 19, 2013 Classifieds www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17 ON SATURDAY

SERVICES

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SERVICES FOR RENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Qatar National Sprint 2013

The participants of the first round of the Qatar National Sprint 2013, along with officials pose for a picture in Doha yesterday. Pavel Nedobity of Czech Republic, beat 17 other drivers to finish first, recording a best time of 1:21:06. Peter De Vido of Canada and Nadim Ziady of Lebanon finished in second and third places respectively. CENTRE: Nedobity (left) receives his trophy from an official. RIGHT: Nedobity is seen in action during the first round yesterday. PICTURES BY: AHMED FEISAL Djokovic, Sharapova stay hot as Melbourne cools Ferrer eases past Baghdatis; Ivanovic, Na advance

MELBOURNE: A welcome wind blew away the stifling heat Australian Open at Melbourne Park yesterday but Results there was no diverting Novak Djokovic or Maria Sharapova Women's singles 3rd round from their paths to the last 16 of Julia Goerges (GER x18) bt the Australian Open on day five Zheng Jie (CHN) 6-3, 1-6, 7-5 A photo illustration shows a woman watching on her laptop the Oprah of the tournament. Angelique Kerber (GER x5) bt Winfrey interview with cyclist Lance Armstrong, as seen from Washington, Djokovic remained on course Madison Keys (USA) 6-2, 7-5 DC, yesterday. for his third straight title as he Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x4) bt marched into the fourth round Heather Watson (GBR) 6-3, 6-1 without giving up a set after suc- Li Na (CHN x6) bt cessfully negotiating a tricky tie Sorana Cirstea (ROM x27) 6-4, 6-1 Armstrong admits against Radek Stepanek with a Ana Ivanovic (SRB x13) bt 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 win. Jelena Jankovic (SRB x22) 7-5, 6-3 Sharapova was even more Ekaterina Makarova (RUS x19) bt Marion impressive and, although denied Bartoli (FRA x11) 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-4 doping in ‘toxic’ tale a third successive 6-0, 6-0 win of Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) bt the week, looked every inch the Valeria Savinykh (RUS) 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 NEW YORK: Lance I didn’t try to stop the culture,” title contender in her 6-1, 6-3 Armstrong ended years of he said. Maria Sharapova (RUS x2) bt demolition of seven-times grand vehement denial yesterday “It’s hard to talk about the Venus Williams (USA x25) 6-1, 6-3 slam champion Venus Williams. by finally coming clean and culture. I don’t want to accuse Fourth seed Agnieszka Men's singles 3rd round admitting he had cheated his anyone else. I’m here to acknowl- Radwanska also continued her Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Radek Stepanek way to a record seven Tour de edge my mistakes. red-hot start to the year, notch- (CZE x31) 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 France titles with systematic “I will spend the rest of my ing up win number 12 with a 6-3, Kevin Anderson (RSA) bt Fernando Verdasco use of banned, performance- life trying to win back trust and 6-1 victory over Britain’s Heather (ESP x22) 4-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 enhancing drugs. apologizing to people.” Watson in their third round tie. Janko Tipsarevic (SRB x8) bt J Benneteau Confessing his “toxic” tale to Armstrong said he had never Playing with the roof closed on (FRA x32) 3-6, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 chat show host Oprah Winfrey, considered himself to be a cheat Rod Laver Arena because of a few Kei Nishikori (JPN x16) bt Evgeny Donskoy Armstrong described himself as and had been sure he would get drops of rain that accompanied (RUS) 7-6 (7/3), 6-2, 6-3 a “flawed character” while at last away with it, until out of compe- the cooler weather, Djokovic had Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI x15) bt Sam owning up to being at the center tition tests were introduced and to work for every point against Querrey (USA x20) 7-6 (8/6), 7-5, 6-4 of one of the biggest drugs scan- testing procedures dramatically Stepanek, who charged the net dals in world sport. improved. Nicolas Almagro (ESP x10) v Jerzy Janowicz 67 times. (POL x24) 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 In just one word at the begin- The last time he cheated was It was little more than a good ning of the interview broad- in 2005, he said, when he won his Tomas Berdych (CZE x5) bt workout for the world number cast worldwide, cancer survivor seventh Tour de France on the Jurgen Melzer (AUT x26) 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 one, however, and before launch- Armstrong confirmed his place streets on Paris. ing a broadside at disgraced David Ferrer (ESP x4) bt in any gallery of fallen icons who “I looked up the definition of Marcos Baghdatis (CYP x28) 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 cyclist Lance Armstrong, he com- Ana Ivanovic of Serbia celebrates defeating compatriot Jelena Jankovic have shamed their sport, the a cheat to gain an advantage. I plimented the 34-year-old Czech in their women’s singles match at the Australian Open in Melbourne, likes of drug-cheat sprinters Ben didn’t view it that way. I viewed on his contribution to the match. yesterday. Australian Open Johnson and Marion Jones. it as a level playing field,” he said. “He loves the big stage,” the “Yes,” he replied when asked One company, Texas-based Serbian said. “You saw how much Schedule - Day Six directly whether he had used SCA Promotions, said it would fun he had. I also had a lot of fun Big-serving Tomas Berdych Janowicz’s maiden Australian Rod Laver Arena 11:00 am (0000 GMT) performance enhancing drugs. sue the fallen cyclist if he did not playing. It was a very entertaining was a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 winner over Open with a 7-6, 7-6, 6-1 win in a Without flinching, Winfrey pay back $12m they paid out for match. He’s very skilful, comes to Jurgen Melzer and will face Kevin match that was free of the histri- Victoria Azarenka (BLR x1) vs rapidly fired questions at him, Tour de France wins. the net, never gives you the same Anderson in the next round with onics that accompanied the Pole’s Jamie Hampton (USA) offering the 41-year-old little “He doesn’t deserve, and is ball twice.” a likely quarter-final meeting second round victory. Followed by respite, grilling him about every not entitled to, that money,” Sharapova’s flurry of fist with Djokovic on the line. Janowicz’s compatriot Serena Williams (USA x3) vs Ayumi Morita aspect of his tainted career. Jeff Tillotson, a lawyer for SCA pumps after she wound up her “Kevin Anderson has a huge Radwanska claims she is not (JPN) Without hesitation, and Promotions told Reuters. match against Williams showed serve so it could be like playing superstitious, which might be a Ricardas Berankis (LTU) vs Andy Murray (GBR x3) showing no signs of emotion, Meanwhile, Armstrong’s con- how much the victory meant to against myself,” the Czech fifth good thing as she will face 13th 7:00 pm Armstrong replied “yes” to ques- fession of years of systematic the second seed, who has been in seed said of the South African, seed Ana Ivanovic in the fourth tions about whether he used doping represented a sad day for Bernard Tomic (AUS) vs ruthless form this week despite who upset 22nd seed Fernando round as he looks to extend her specific drugs, including erythro- sport and the former rider should Roger Federer (SUI x2) missing her one warm-up tourna- Verdasco 4-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2. winning streak to 13 matches. poietin, human growth hormone, provide evidence to end “this ment with a collar-bone injury. Djokovic must first get past “I just hope I keep going,” last Casey Dellacqua (AUS)/John-Patrick Smith and blood doping. dark episode”, the International “I think the reason I started so Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka, who year’s Wimbledon finallist said. (AUS) vs Andrea Hlavackova (CZE)/Daniele When asked why he had Olympic Committee (IOC) said well in this tournament is because ended the 2013 challenge of the “Of course now it is going to be Bracciali (ITA x7) repeatedly lied about using yesterday. I knew that I had to,” said the American men at Melbourne harder and harder playing against Hisense Arena 11:00 am banned substances until yester- “If Lance Armstrong believes Russian 2008 champion. Park when he beat Sam Querrey seeded players.” Yanina Wickmayer (BEL x20) vs Maria day’s startling admission, he told he can win credibility with this “I knew I was coming in with- 7-6, 7-5, 6-4. Ivanovic won the battle of the Kirilenko (RUS x14) Winfrey: “I don’t know I have a interview then it is too little, out any match play. It’s tough. Eighth seed Janko Tipsarevic Serbian former world number Followed by great answer. too late,” IOC Vice-President I hadn’t played a professional outlasted Frenchman Julien ones against Jelena Jankovic 7-5 Juan Martin del Potro (ARG x6) vs “This is too late, probably for Thomas Bach said. match, a real match, in over two Benneteau 3-6, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 6-3 and was later joined in the most people, and that’s my fault. “There are no new facts or Jeremy Chardy (FRA) months.” in a second successive five-set fourth round by another former I view this situation as one big evidence related to the USADA The absence of the injured match but Melbourne’s change- French Open champion, Li Na. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x10) vs lie that I repeated a lot of times. (US Anti-Doping Agency) report world number four Rafa Nadal able weather seemed to trouble China’s Li, who beat Sorana Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) “This story is so bad ... so toxic. in the entire interview. It was has left a gaping hole in the top him as much as the length of his Cirstea 6-4, 6-1, reached the 7:00pm “It’s not as if I said no and clearly a well-orchestrated inter- half of the draw and fourth seed contests. final in 2011 and will fancy her Gilles Simon (FRA x14) vs Gael Monfils moved off it. While I’ve lived view which, however, did provide David Ferrer eased further into “The weather in Australia, I chances of going deep again this (FRA) through this process, I know the no new facts.” it with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 win over have to say it’s crazy,” he said. year, especially as Kim Clijsters, Margaret Court Arena Not Before 12:00pm truth. The truth isn’t what I said Meanwhile, Armstrong’s another entertainer, 2006 finalist “Today was beautiful, but it was who beat her in both the last two Elena Vesnina (RUS) vs Roberta Vinci (ITA and now it’s gone.” admission of doping was a “cal- Marcos Baghdatis. really, really windy. Who knows years, has now retired again. x16) Armstrong said he did not culated public relations exer- The Spanish baseliner showed what’s going to happen tomorrow? American teenager Madison believe he could have achieved cise”, Tour de France director Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x7) vs more than a few decent touches of Probably we’ll have rain and we’re Keys was knocked out by German what he did without breaking the Christian Prudhomme said yes- Blaz Kavcic (SLO) his own - most notably a sumptu- going to end up playing indoors.” fifth seed Angelique Kerber in rules due to a culture of drugs in terday, calling for him to reveal ous backhand lob - as he set up The Serbian will next face the opening match on Rod Laver Serena Williams (USA)/Venus Williams cycling. “Not in that generation. more detail about his activities. a fourth-round contest against Spanish 10th seed Nicolas Arena, yesterday in Melbourne. (USA x12) vs Vera Dushevina (RUS)/Olga I didn’t invent the culture, but AGENCIES Japan’s Kei Nishikori. Almagro, who ended Jerzy REUTERS Govortsova (BLR JANUARY 19, 2013 ON SATURDAY 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Sport

Walcott agrees new UAE clinch Gulf Cup title Arsenal deal Al-Hammadi scores the extra-time winner in 2-1 victory over Iraq LONDON: Theo Walcott ended months of speculation yesterday MANAMA: United Arab by signing a contract extension Emirates (UAE) defeated with Arsenal. former Asian champions Iraq The 23-year-old England for- 2-1 in extra-time to claim their ward’s former deal was due to second Gulf Cup title in a thrill- expire at the end of the season ing final yesterday. and he could have left the London Substitute Ismail Al-Hammadi club on a free transfer. scored the winner in the 107th But it is understood he has now minute as thousands of UAE agreed a new three-and-a-half- fans, flown in by chartered flights year deal worth in the region of specially for the title showdown, £100,000 a week. roared in celebration. Walcott, who joined the Al-Hammadi, who replaced Ali Gunners from Southampton as Mabkhout in the 62nd minute, a teenager seven years ago, told latched on to a pass from Amer Arsenal’s website yesterday: “I Abdulrahman and neatly slid the have made it clear from the start ball past the right of Iraqi goal- that I wanted to stay at Arsenal, keeper Noor Sabri. so I am pleased we have agreed a Omar Abdulrahman had con- deal that everyone is happy with.” jured the lead for the UAE in the AFP 28th minute while Iraq captain Younis Mahmoud Khalaf equal- ised nine minutes from time. Valdes to leave Abdulrahman’s solo goal was the best of the championship as Barca in 2014 the 21-year-old slipped into the penalty box before slamming the BARCELONA: Barcelona ball to the left of Sabri. goalkeeper Victor Valdes has Iraq had to wait till the 81st United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Omar Abdul Rahman (centre) celebrates with team-mates during their match against Iraq during the 21st Gulf Cup final in rejected the chance to renew minute to get back into the match Manama, yesterday. RIGHT: UAE players celebrate after winning the Gulf Cup tournament. his contract and will leave at with Khalaf, in front of goal, coolly the end of his current deal in slotting the ball past goalkeeper 2014, sports director Andoni Ali Khaseif for his second goal of the last-minute winner against Amer Abdulrahman’s powerful who were part of the national Under-19 Championship, a silver Zubizarreta said. the championship. Kuwait in the semi-finals, tried long ranger from the left went team which took part in the 2012 medal at the 2010 Asian Games “We let them know our interest Khalaf could have sealed the from the right but on both occa- slightly wide and Khalil’s attempt London Olympics, kept pressing and a berth in the 2012 Olympics. in renewing his contract because match six minutes later when he sions Sabri came to Iraq’s rescue. from close was also off target. for the second goal but failed to It was UAE’s second title in he is a keeper of the highest level,” did well to beat Abdulaziz Sanqor For Iraq, Ahmed Yasin and Iraq came up with their own find a way past goalkeeper Sabri. this prestigious regional cham- Zubizarreta said. inside the penalty box but he shot lone stiker Khalaf made a cou- attack in the 58th minute when For UAE coach Mahdi Ali, the pionship, six years after having “Before we could put forward directly at Khaseif. ple of encouraging moves midway Adnan made a move from the left only one of two native coaches won it for the first time since its any proposals or speak about any- Mabkhout had the first attempt through the first-half but were but his powerful left-foot drive among the eight nations in the inception in 1970. thing, his representative told us on goal in the eighth minute thwarted by UAE defenders. was punched away by a diving fray, it was a moment of crowning Earlier, 10-time champions that the decision had been consid- from the left and a few minutes UAE could have doubled their Khaseif. glory having earlier steered his Kuwait beat Bahrain 6-1 to claim ered and taken, that he would not later Ahmad Khalil, who scored lead early in the second half as UAE, made up mostly of players team to victory in the 2008 AFC third place. AFP continue after 2014.” REUTERS London Games gold changed my life, says Limardo

BY ARMSTRONG VAS Venezuela came from Francisco “Morochito” Rodriguez who won DOHA: Ruben Limardo’s ‘life gold for Venezuela in the 1968 has changed’ ever since he ended games. Venezuela’s 44 year gold drought The record breaking athlete at last year’s London Olympics. said fencing was an ‘unknown’ The 26-year-old won the men’s sport in Venezuela but ever since individual epee to earn Venezuela he won gold at the London Games only their second Olympic gold people want to know more about medal ever. the sport. For the last five months the “When I won gold in London, Olympic gold medallist is a much People knew Limardo has won after sought after man for TV an Olympic medal for the coun- endorsements in Venezuela. try, but fencing, what fencing, “Earlier my life was relaxed. they used to say to me. People in But now life is hectic, many com- Venezuela know more about base- panies want me to endorse their ball and football, so fencing as a products, so I have become the sport was an entirely alien thing new face which is in demand in for them,” said the top seed of the Venezuela,” said the 26-year-old, Qatar tournament. who is in Qatar for the Qatar 2013 “The other problem with Fencing Grand Prix and World fencing is that it is at an ama- Cup by Qatar Fencing Federation teur stage in Venezuela and not (QFF). professional.” Ruben Limardo (centre) of Venezuela, Olympic gold medal winner in fencing at the 2012 London Games poses for a picture with his coach and maternal The four-day championship But the face of fencing is set uncle Ruperto Gaecon, and cousin’s sister Maria Gabriela Martinez, during the Qatar 2013 Fencing Grand Prix and World Cup at Aspire Academy yesterday. is simultaneously held at Aspire for change in the coming four to Limardo has been coaching his nephew and niece since childhood in Bolivar state of Venezuela. Martinez, also took part in the London Olympics, while Academy and the Gate mall. ten years with government pump- Gaecon was coach to both of them. RIGHT: Bahrain’s Mohamed Ali (left) and Qatar’s Abdullah Sayyari in action. PICTURES BY: KAMMUTTY VP Around 240 players from 45 ing funds into fencing ever since countries are vying for the top Limardo’s Olympics feat. Gazcon, who led her son to fenc- from 1986 to 1992 I had to think “Yes, the phase after the pass- independence hero Simon prize in the men’s and women’s “The government has allotted ing but died of cancer two years what I will do, where will I train ing away of my sister affected my Bolivar’s sword to Venezuelan section besides the women’s team lot of funds for fencing and we ago. with the boys. It is then my sister nephew, He was crest fallen but fencer Ruben Limardo for win- event. will see the change at the next Limardo initiation to fencing suggested training her four sons. we motivated him. We told him ning a gold medal at the Games. “I came here to seek the gold Olympics in Rio in 2016. Now was through a quirk circum- And, I am proud that all of them that a medal at the Games will be Bolivar’s sword is a solid- medal. This is something I have people are ready to help fenc- stances, informed his uncle and represented the country and one the great tribute for his mother. gold saber encrusted with more eyed since I was a kid and today ing and it is not just me, whose coach Ruperto Gaecon. of them is an Olympic champion,” And we are glad he took it up as than 1,000 diamonds, rubies and I achieved my goal, together with life has changed after Olympics. “I studied physical education in said Gaecon. a challenge and lived up to it,” other precious stones. Chavez the whole Venezuela,” Limardo My coach, physio lives have all Kiev, now in Ukraine but which Gaecon said the period after said Gaecon. Limardo received has given other gold-plated rep- had said after winning the gold changed after the gold in London” earlier formed part of Soviet the death of his sister was the a hero’s welcome in Venezuela licas to Cuba’s Fidel Castro and medal. said Limardo, who dedicated his Union, when I returned to my most painful for the entire fam- and President Hugo Chavez gave Iranian President Mahmoud The last gold medal for gold medal to his mother Noris Venezuela after spending six years ily and more so for Limardo. a replica of South American Ahmadinejad. THE PENINSULA Qatar Nations Beach Soccer Cup: Qatar reach quarter-finals Handball: Iceland beat Qatar

Qatar beach soccer team players pose for a picture yesterday. RIGHT: An Indian beach soccer player in action during a match. Qatar won Group A with a Iceland’s centre back Snorri Steinn Gudjonsson (centre) attempts to take superior goal difference despite losing 3-2 to Syria. Qatar will play EU United in the quarter-finals at Al Gharafa Stadium. Syria finished as runners-up and a shot during the 23rd Men’s Handball World Championships preliminary will play Tunisia in their quarter-final. In Group B, Pakistan beat Portugal 4-2. Pakistan will play France while Portugal will face Egypt in the quarter-finals. round Group B against Qatar in Sevilla, yesterday. Iceland won 39-29. JANUARY 19, 2013 Sport www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21 ON SATURDAY Three share Woods, McIlroy miss cut slender lead in California Rules blunder sinks Woods; England’s Rose takes one-shot lead LA QUINTA, California: Roberto Castro, Jason Kokrak, ABU DHABI: The world’s top outside the projected cut line. and US PGA Tour rookie James two golfers, Rory McIlroy and He birdied eight and nine to Abu Dhabi Golf Hahn all shot nine-under par 63 Tiger Woods, both missed the pick up some hope, but bogeys at yesterday to share a one-stroke cut in their first tournament the 10th and 14th all but sealed Scores lead after the first round of the of the season at the Abu Dhabi his fate in a tournament where $5.6m Humana Challenge. ABU DHABI: Leading second HSBC Golf Championship he was runner-up last year with Rookie Russell Henley, com- round scores in the Abu Dhabi yesterday. his old Titleist clubs. ing off a three-stroke win in the HSBC Golf Championship: McIlroy finished well outside Another wild drive into desert Sony Open on Sunday, was among (par-72) the cut line, while playing partner scrub at the last summed up his the quartet of players lying one Woods appeared to have squeezed day as he eventually came in with 136 Justin Rose (ENG) 67-69 stroke back on eight-under 64. He into the weekend before he was another 75, which left him tied 137 Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (ESP was tied with Australians Greg hit with a two-stroke penalty for for 99th position and with no 70-67, Jamie Donaldson (WAL) 67- Chalmers and Aaron Baddeley a rules infringement that sunk his hope of making it through to the 70, Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN) 68-68 and Dough LaBelle. challenge. weekend. 139 Garth Mulroy (RSA) 71-68, Joost Phil Mickelson launched his By the time the dust had set- The last cut McIlroy missed Luiten (NED) 70-69 2013 season with an inconsistent tled, England’s Justin Rose was was at the US Open in San 140 Matteo Manassero (ITA) 72-68, round of even-par 72 that left him the leader at the halfway stage at Francisco last June, which ended Jason Dufner (USA) 71-69, Branden nine off the pace. eight under par after a 69, with a run of three missed cuts in four Grace (RSA) 71-69, Martin Kaymer Mickelson, recovering from flu- rising Danish star Thorbjorn tournaments. (GER) 71-69, George Coetzee (RSA) like symptoms, had three birdies, Olesen (69), Jamie Donaldson of It was shortly after that that 69-71, Henrik Stenson (SWE) 69- one bogey and a double-bogey at Wales (70) and Spain’s Gonzalo his game suddenly picked up 71, Michael Campbell (NZL) 69-71, La Quinta Country Club, one of Fernandez-Castano (67) all a fur- again and he went on to win the David Howell (ENG) 69-61 three courses used in the tourna- ther stroke back. USPGA title at Kiawah and the 141 Keith Horne (RSA) 72-69, Soren ment in which the opening rounds But it was the astonishing dou- money lists on both sides of the Kjeldsen (DEN) 70-71, Joel Sjoholm are played in a pro-am format. ble demise of McIlroy and Woods Atlantic. (SWE), Liang Wen-Chong (CHN) Castro had nine birdies at PGA that was the story of the day. McIlroy does have the excuse 69-72, Thongchai Jaidee (THA) West’s Jack Nicklaus Private Playing for the first time in that Abu Dhabi was his first 70-71, Richie Ramsay (SCO) 73-68, Course and Hahn had nine bird- competition with his new Nike tournment since winning the Danny Willett (ENG) 70-71, Raphael ies on PGA West’s Arnold Palmer clubs after signing a mega- World Tour Championship in Jacquelin (FRA) 72-69, Jbe Kruger Private Course. money, long-term deal with the Dubai in early December. (RSA) 72-69 “The course over at La Quinta US sportswear giant, the 23-year- But he will need to return to is in great shape,” Kokrak said. old McIlroy clearly failed to get the driving range for some much tough week with everything going “Greens are not overly fast, so the hang of his new sticks. needed repairs in the four-week on, but I was just looking forward you can be somewhat aggressive Starting the day well down the break he has that follows before to getting to the golf course and out there. The greens are holding. field after an opening 75, McIlroy the tournaments in the United getting back to what I do and So you can be aggressive with the had three straight pars but that States leading up to the Masters, what I am comfortable with,” a iron shots out there,” he said. AFP failed to steady his ship and three the first of the four majors at clearly frustrated McIlroy said. bogeys in the next four holes sent Augusta National. “It just didn’t work out like him spiralling to six over, well “I knew it was going to be a that.” Humana Challenge “I’m also struggling with my US PGA Scores swing a little bit. I feel like I’m spinning out of it a lot, hitting LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA : Leading first- off the heel. I just need to put in England’s Justin Rose lets go of his club as he plays a shot during the round scores yesterday in the $5.6m US a bit of work on the range,” said second round of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship at the Abu Dhabi Golf PGA Tour Humana Challenge on the Palmer McIlroy. Club in the Emirati capital, yesterday. Course, Nicklaus Course and La Quinta Twice major winner McIlroy Country Club course (USA unless noted, all said he would stay in Abu Dhabi courses par-72): over the weekend to work on his with three birdies in a row from I fought and got it back,” he said 63 Roberto Castro, Jason Kokrak, game. the 14th to get back to level par. of the penalty stroke drama. James Hahn “It’s the first week,” he said, A bogey after another wild drive “I was right there and I felt that 64 Russell Henley, Greg Chalmers referring to his new clubs, “so I at the 17th popped him over par, if I had close to even par, I had a (AUS), Doug LaBelle, Aaron Baddeley wouldn’t read too much into it. If but he shot regulation on the last chance going into the weekend, (AUS) anything it’s more the Indian and to come in with a 73. being only eight back. Evidetnly 65 Jeff Maggert, Daniel Summerhays, the arrow at this point. That left him at one over for it wasn’t enough.” Michael Bradley, Ricky Barnes, “I’ll work on the range for a few the tournament, with the cut pro- It was also the first tournament Charley Hoffman, Cameron Tringale, hours tomorrow (today) and try jected at two over. But it was then of the year for Woods, whose focus Ryan Palmer, Jerry Kelly, Patrick to clear a few things up with my announced that he had been hit this year is on winning a 15th Cantlay coach.” by a two-stroke penalty for a rules major title, four and a half years Playing partner and Nike sta- infringement in sand at the fifth after his last success at the 2008 66 Johnson Wagner, Stewart Cink, blemate Woods also struggled to hole, turning a five into a seven. US Open at Torrey Pines. Zach Johnson, Darron Stiles, Kevin Stadler, Jimmy Walker, Tiger Woods of the US drops the ball at the fifth hole after hitting it into a find his game as he bogeyed four That was enough to seal his Tournament leader Rose said of the first five holes. fate. that his recent surge of form Robert Garrigus, Bo Van Pelt, Scott desert bush during the second round of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship Stallings, Bryce Molder, Richard H. at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club yesterday. But the 37-year-old world No.2 “It’s tough because I didn’t get came down to an improved fit- produced a battling back nine off to a very good start today and ness regime. AFP Lee, Bobby Gates

Basketball: QBL action NBA: James leads Heat past Lakers

LOS ANGELES: LeBron absence because of a concussion to James showed he had no inten- score 12 points with four rebounds tion of slowing down after and four assists off the bench. reaching the 20,000-point mile- The Lakers made it interest- stone, scoring 39 points yes- ing at the end, with Bryant’s terday to lead NBA champions three-pointer knotting the score Miami to a 99-90 victory over at 90-90 with 2:33 remaining. the Los Angeles Lakers. Wade answered with a jump shot, The victory came one day after Lakers center Dwight Howard James scored 25 points in a win missed two free throws and Ray over Golden State in Oakland, Allen made a jump shot to give California, becoming the young- the Heat a 94-90 lead. est player in NBA history, at 28, After Lakers point guard Steve to record 20,000 career points. He Nash missed a layup, James gave also reached 5,000 career assists. Miami breathing room with a Dwyane Wade, who celebrated jump shot that made it 96-90 with his 31st birthday yesterday and 49 seconds to play. He added one learned that like James he’d more basket and a free-throw to been elected close it out an Eastern “I thought Conference NBA Results we played well NY Knicks 102 Detroit 87 ABOVE: Al starter to the enough to beat All-Star game, LA Clippers 90 Minnesota 77 them,” Lakers Arabi and added 27 points, coach Mike Qatar Sports Milwaukee 98 Phoenix 94 five assists and Miami 99 LA Lakers 90 D’Antoni said. Club players in four rebounds “At the end of action during for Miami. the day, turno- their Qatar Kobe Bryant, who led all All- vers killed us.” Basketball Star vote-getters in earning a Meanwhile, the NBA’s Phoenix League (QBL) 15th straight starting spot in the Suns, off to the worst start in the match at mid-season exhibition, paced the Western Conference at 13-28, Al Gharafa Lakers with 22 points. removed Alvin Gentry as coach Sports Club, But he connected on just 8-of- yesterday by what the team called yesterday. 25 from the field, missing 14 of his mutual agreement. BOTTOM: An Al first 17 shots, as the Heat defence An interim replacement was Rayyan player stifled Los Angeles and forced 20 expected to be named over the tries to pass Lakers turnovers. weekend by the Suns, who went the ball during Metta World Peace followed 158-144 in more than five sea- his side’s QBL with 16 points and Dwight Howard sons with Gentry as coach since match against contributed a double-double of 13 his arrival in February 2009 as an points and 16 rebounds. But Los interim coach after Terry Porter Al Gharafa. Angeles couldn’t stretch their was fired. two-game winning streak. The Suns reached the 2010 There was some good news for Western Conference finals in the lackluster Lakers, who had their only play-off appearance Pau Gasol return from a five-game under Gentry. AGENCIES JANUARY 19, 2013 ON SATURDAY 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Sport Hanson and Sri Lanka overcome nerves Grace to play at Qatar to beat Australia in Brisbane Masters DOHA: Peter Hanson and Branden Grace have confirmed The hosts all out for 74 runs; Sri Lanka take 2-1 lead in ODI series their attendance for next week’s US$2.5m Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, which will BRISBANE, Australia: Sri hope of defending such a low total. the same bowler to McKay for be held at Doha Golf Club from Lanka found prodigious swing They did manage to make it two. It was replacement wicket- January 23 to 26. yesterday to shoot out Australia tough for the tourists though. keeper Kushal Perera, showing Hanson will also be among five for 74 runs, their lowest one-day Sri Lankan captain Mahela great poise and power with the multiple winners on last year’s international total in 27 years, Jayawardene scored just one, ball zipping around, who found European Tour to compete in and take a 2-1 lead in the series. caught brilliantly by David the boundaries after tea to ensure Qatar. The tourists also swung their Warner at backward point off victory. Grace, is one of golf’s most bats at everything Australia threw Clint McKay in the first over. The youngster was not out exciting young players and is at them, missing frequently and Lahiru Thirimanne, who made 22, the same total as Dilshan looking to building on his break- losing six wickets before strug- a maiden century in Adelaide on who rode his luck before edging through season as he competes gling to 75, in a bizarre match Sunday, was out for seven from Johnson to Clarke in the slips in Doha for only the second time. that ended with thirty overs to a Johnson delivery that Warner with the score on 33. Hanson, 35, finished fourth in spare. snatched out of the air. Man-of-the match Nuwan The Race to Dubai with over €3m Mitchell Johnson led Australia’s Angelo Mathews went first Kulasekara did the damage for in prize money after his best-ever riposte with three wickets for 11 ball caught Mitchell Starc again Sri Lanka taking five wickets for season, as wins in September’s runs off just three overs. off Johnson. Upal Tharanga bat- 22 and Lasith Malinga picked up KLM Open in The Netherlands But the hosts put down three tled to 12 before Starc had him three for 14. and October’s BMW Masters in catches and fumbled a clear caught by Michael Clarke and Skipper Clarke won the toss China helped him break into the runout chance to forego any real Jeevan Mendis soon top edged and decided to bat on what he world’s top 20. called “a really good wicket”. The six-time European Tour However his team fell to a pro- winner will join Justin Rose of Scoreboard longed inswing onslaught in the England and Louis Oosthuizen of AUSTRALIA SRI LANKA third match of a series of five. South Africa – second and third D Warner c Eranga b Mathews ...... 4 M Jayawardene c Warner b McKay ...... 1 Australia’s lowest ODI score of respectively in last year’s Race P Hughes c Jayawardene b Kulasekara ...... 3 T Dilshan c Clarke b Johnson ...... 22 70 came against England in 1977 To Dubai – in a star-studded M Clarke b Kulasekara ...... 9 L Thirimanne c Warner b Johnson ...... 7 at Edgbaston, with the embar- field in Doha, where Hanson was D Hussey c K Perera b Kulasekara ...... 4 K Perera (not out) ...... 22 rassing scoreline repeated against joint runner-up to Paul Lawrie of G Bailey lbw Kulasekara ...... 0 A Mathews c Starc b Johnson ...... 0 New Zealand in 1986 at Adelaide. Scotland last February. M Wade c Dilshan b Malinga ...... 8 U Tharanga c Clarke b Starc ...... 12 At one stage, Australia were “I’ve been competing at the M Henriques b Kulasekara ...... 2 J Mendis c McKay b Starc ...... 2 40-9, but ninth man Starc helped Commercial Bank Qatar Masters M Johnson b Malinga ...... 2 T Perera (not out) ...... 4 them avoid the ignominy of a new for a long time and I always enjoy M Starc (not out) ...... 22 Extras (LB-1, NB-1, W-3) ...... 5 record-low with a knock of 22, it. Last year was my best perform- C McKay c K Perera b Malinga ...... 0 Total (for 6 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 75 when it had looked like no one ance in Doha and was the start of X Doherty c Mendis b Eranga ...... 15 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-33, 3-37, 4-37, 5-63, would get into double figures. a fantastic season for me, which Extras (LB-2, W-3) ...... 5 6-71. “A horrible day to be honest, included my second Ryder Cup Total (all out in 26.4 overs) ...... 74 Bowling: McKay 8-0-31-1; Starc 7-0-25-2; our batting performance was appearance,” said Hanson, who Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-13, 3-21, 4-21, 5-28, Johnson 3-0-11-3; Moises Henriques 2-0-7-0. very poor,” Clarke admitted. “We will join European teammates 6-30, 7-35, 8-38, 9-40 Result: Sri Lanka won by four wickets are really disappointed,” he said Rose, Lawrie, Sergio Garcia and Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Kulasekara celebrates the dismissal of Australia’s Bowling: Mathews 4-0-10-1, Kulasekara 10- Sri Lanka lead 5-match series: 2-1 yesterday. Martin Kaymer in Qatar. George Bailey during their One-Day International cricket match at the 2-22-5, Malinga 7-2-14-3, T Perera 3-0-14-0, Man-of-the-match: Nuwan Kulasekara (Sri “I think the wicket was fine, “I’ve been playing the best golf Gabba in Brisbane, yesterday. Eranga 2.4-0-12-1. Lanka there’s always a bit of pace and of my life over the past year, but bounce,” he said. AFP I’ve never won in Doha and it’s a course I know I can play well on. This will be my 12th time compet- Rejuvenated India seek series lead Kiwi coach accused of ing at the event and it’s nice to come back here after such a great season, especially after the Ryder RANCHI: Propped up by the massive series- Gambhir continues to baffle. But today, and it will Cup win,” he said. levelling win in the second ODI, India will look be all about Dhoni when India play their first match sabotaging Ross Taylor He added: “Paul Lawrie played to keep the momentum going when they go into at the skipper’s home ground. really well to win in Qatar last the third one-dayer against England here today, The World Cup-winning captain has an aura about WELLINGTON: New Zealand Test and limited overs captaincy. year and I think there will again hoping that skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s first himself at the newly-constructed JSCA International bowling coach Shane Bond “I believe the coach has been be strong competition for the match in his hometown will prove lucky. Stadium Complex in the south-western fringes of the believed his boss “sabotaged” dishonest in his assertion around trophy.” After they fell short by mere nine runs in a high- city, like Sourav Ganguly has in Kolkata. former captain Ross Taylor the miscommunication of the Hanson recorded seven scoring 326-run chase in Rajkot, India came back “200 per cent I’m looking forward to it (playing and was dishonest about his captaincy split with Ross... it was top-five finishes on The 2012 strongly in Kochi to level the series 1-1 with a 127- at home). It’s a big thing for me,” the Ranchi-born role in the sacking, reports said clear to me that Ross Taylor was European Tour, including a run win, their second highest margin of victory wicketkeeper batsman, who has so far played 216 yesterday. to be removed as captain from all tie for third behind Bubba against England. ODIs since making his debut in 2004 in Bangladesh, Head coach Mike Hesson axed three formats,” said the letter. Watson and Oosthuizen in the The manner in which the victory came for Dhoni’s had said. Taylor in favour of Brendon Meanwhile, Gary Kirsten Masters Tournament at Augusta men gave a fresh lease of life to the struggling outfit With Dhoni being in the form of his lifetime, the McCullum last December, spark- wants to overcome the challenge National Golf Club, his best fin- and it would look to take the crucial lead going into ODI in his home town could not have come at a ing an outcry in New Zealand of South Africa in the ODI series, ish in a Major. In August, he Mohali and Dharamsala. better time. cricketing circles that eventually when they host New Zealand tied for seventh in the US PGA Another destructive innings by Dhoni (72 from Since the 2011 World Cup, Dhoni has averaged led to officials publicly apologising today. Championship in August, match- 66 balls) coupled with Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 61 83.28 at a strike rate of 92.39, with 11 fifty-plus for the ex-skipper’s treatment. “We would like to perform at a ing his placing in the 2011 US from 37 balls set the momentum after yet another scores in 27 innings. At the time, Hesson insisted higher level than we have in one- Open. top-order failure in Kochi as England choked in the England’s hope for a double, and a repeat of the he had offered Taylor a compro- day cricket,” Kirsten said as he Oosthuizen, Lawrie and Bernd 286-run chase. 1984-85 series, where they won both the Tests and mise option of retaining the lim- looked ahead to a three-match Wiesberger of Austria also won In the Kochi triumph, India finally seemed to have ODIs, would largely depend on how Kevin Pietersen ited overs captaincy, a version of series against New Zealand, start- twice on last year’s European got the allrounder solution in Jadeja who came of performs in the next three ODIs in their series in events disputed by the player, who ing in Paarl today. Tour and will compete in Qatar. age, brilliantly chipping in with 2/12 from his seven India. sat out the Black Caps’ tour of “We’ve been okay but we However, it was Grace who overs of left-arm spin. The middle-order batsman is yet to convert his South Africa in protest. haven’t been outstanding.” topped the list of European Tour Another positive was the failing middle-order starts (44 in Rajkot and 42 in Kochi) in the series. In a leaked letter to New Being “okay” is not good enough wins in 2012 with four, claiming batsmen’s return to form with the Suresh Raina, Down 0-1 in the Test series, Pietersen had turned Zealand Cricket (NZC) published for Kirsten. the Joburg Open and Volvo Golf Dhoni and Jadeja notching half-centuries. it around with a series-levelling 186 in Mumbai to by the Radio Sport network yes- “We believe that we are capa- Champions in South Africa in That Virat Kohli, going through a rare lean patch, help England pocket it 2-1, their first in 28 years. terday, bowling coach Bond said ble of being a unit that can really January, the Volvo China Open showed some flair in his 37 would also augur well for England have not won an ODI series since then, his boss Hesson had made no com- perform at one-day level,” he said, in April and the Alfred Dunhill India as the think-tank may not look to fiddle with as their last best performance on the Indian soil was promise offer to Taylor and never ahead of today’s ODI match. Links Championship in Scotland the batting line-up, even as the poor run of Gautam the 3-3 result in 2001-02. AGENCIES had any intention of splitting the AGENCIES in October. THE PENINSULA Dolphin Energy Doha Dash likely to be an annual event DOHA: The Dolphin Energy successful and enjoyable mass excellent initiative of the Heir weeks. We are also in talks with Doha Dash, a community participation running event to Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim the Qatar Association of Athletics event, which aims to encour- the city of Doha. Bin Hamad Al Thani. We believe Federation (QAAF) to work with age a healthy lifestyle and “We also want to highlight National Sport Day is an excel- a local brand ambassador,” dis- raise money for charity is the importance of taking part lent opportunity for everyone to closed Albuainain. likely to be an annual event of in healthy activities; and having do something active – it should Albuainain said Dolphin National Sport Day, an official fun while doing so. The concept not be thought of as a day off Energy provides unlimited oppor- of the Dolphin Energy Limited is already very popular across the work, but a reason to do some- tunities and support to encour- announced here yesterday. Middle East; with notable events thing that will benefit your health age its employees who display a “We are planning to establish such as the Dubai Marathon, the with, family and friends.” strong passion towards a certain the Dolphin Energy Doha Dash Abu Dhabi Terry Fox Run, the “All of our senior management sport. as an annual event, which grows Amman 10km and the Beirut from the UAE and Qatar will “For instance, our talented Adel Ahmed in popularity year-on-year, and Marathon bringing together be participating in the Dolphin jockey, Nayef Al Hajri won the Albuainain, becomes the ‘go-to’ event for thousands of participants every Energy Doha Dash, along with “Thoroughbred Maiden Plate” General National Sport Day in Qatar,” said year. We want to give the same several hundred members of our trophy at The 16th Rowdas Al Manager, Adel Ahmed Albuainain, General opportunity to the citizens and staff from here in Qatar. As one Fares Cup Day in 2012. He has Dolphin Manager, Dolphin Energy, Qatar. residents of Qatar,” added the of the leading companies in Qatar, won the top prize for three years,” Energy, The first annual Dolphin company official in a statement we want to lead the way and offer he said. Qatar, Energy Doha Dash, in celebra- yesterday. our staff, other companies and Dolphin Energy have been poses for a tion of Qatar National Sports Day Albuainain said Dolphin the general public a ready-made, sponsoring major sporting events picture. will be held on February 12 and is Energy is aiming to take the fun event which they can use to including the Commercial Bank the first ever 5km run to beheld sports movement to new heights celebrate National Sport Day,” Qatar Masters Golf Tournament at Losail International Circuit. in Qatar. said Albuainain. for five years from 2008 until last The community event will fea- “Sport, and a healthy lifestyle The name of a local brand year in 2012. ture a 5km run for participants in general, is very important to ambassador for the event will The organisers have said that aged twelve and over, a 3km run everyone and we have a respon- shortly be finalised, he said. a special Festival Village will for all ages, a 1km run for chil- sibility to our staff and stakehold- “We will be announcing an be located in the pit garages at dren and a 1km ladies walk. ers to encourage activities that international athlete as a brand Losail Circuit during the Dolphin Albuainain said Dolphin promote this,” he said. ambassador for the Dolphin Energy Doha Dash. Energy aims to introduce a He added: “This is why it is an Energy Doha Dash in the coming THE PENINSULA JANUARY 19, 2013 Break Time www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 ON SATURDAY CINEMA LISTINGS TV LISTINGS Bavuttiyude Namathil (Malayalam) SHOWING AT VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER – 2.30 & 5.15pm TEL: 444933989 444517001 1 Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola (Hindi) GULF – 8.00 & 11.00pm 10:10 Weird Creatures 12:20 Masters Of With Nick Baker Survival CINEMA Inkar (2D/Hindi) – 2.30 & 5.30pm 11:05 Monkey Life 14:10 Masters Of 2 Da Thadiya (2D/Malayalam) – 8.30pm 11:30 Dick ‘n’ Dom Go Survival Wild 15:05 Bear Grylls Samar (Tamil) – 11.00pm 12:55 Wildest Latin 16:00 Fine Dining With Beat The World (Drama) America Bear Grylls 1 – 3.00 & 11.15pm 13:50 Wildest Arctic 16:55 Bear Grylls Hassal Kheir (Arabic) 19:20 Speed Of Life 17:50 Fast N’ Loud – 5.00, 7.00 & 9.00pm 20:15 Speed Of Life 18:45 Gold Rush Tad, The Lost Explorer 21:10 Killer Crocs 19:40 Deadliest Catch (3D/Animation) – 2.30pm 22:05 Wildest Latin 20:35 Sons Of Guns Diango Unchained (2D/Action) America 21:30 Auction Kings MALL 2 – 5.00 & 10.30pm 23:00 Bad Dog 22:25 Auction Kings CINEMA Chinese Zodiac (3D/Action) 23:55 Karina: Wild On 23:20 Auction Kings – 8.00pm Safari 23:45 Auction Kings Great Expectations (2D/Drama) – 2.30 & 5.00pm 3 Life Of Pi (Action/3D) – 7.15pm 06:00 A Very Fairy 14:00 Soviet Storm: The Last Stand (2D/Action) Meet the designers, talk with the experts and hear the Christmas WWII In The East – 9.30 & 11.30pm music driving the fashion industry. Laura brings you all 08:00 The Ugly 15:00 Pawn Stars Tad, The Lost Explorer the latest news from the biggest fashion shows around Duckling Goes 15:30 Pawn Stars (3D/Animation) – 2.30pm On Holiday 16:00 Pawn Stars the world with practical advice on how to wear the looks 1 The Last Stand (2D/Action) 10:00 Dolphin Tale-PG 16:30 Pawn Stars – 4.15, 6.15 & 11.15pm and keep in style. Every Saturday at 6.00 PM. 11:30 Arrietty 17:00 Ancient Aliens Diango Unchained (2D/Action) 13:00 Tom Tom & Nana 19:00 Ancient Aliens – 8.15pm 14:30 Crab Island-FAM 20:00 Storage Wars ROYAL Hassal Kheir (Arabic) 16:00 Snow Day-PG 20:30 Storage Wars PLAZA – 3.00, 5.00, 7.00 & 9.00pm 18:00 Dolphin Tale-PG 21:00 Pawn Stars 2 20:00 Barbie: A Perfect 21:30 Cajun Pawn Jack Reacher (Action) – 11.00pm Christmas Stars 4:00 Tutu’s Children 0445 Short Programme 22:00 Snow Day 22:00 American The Hobbit: An Expected Journey 5:00 NEWSHOUR 0830 The Global Game 23:45 The Ugly Pickers (Adventure) – 2.30pm 6:30 101 East 0930 Omni Sport Duckling Goes 23:00 Storage Wars 3 Beat The World (Drama) 7:00 News 1030 Real Nba Magazine 23:30 Storage Wars – 5.30, 7.30, 9.30 & 11.30pm 7:30 Talk To Al Jazeera 1100 Twenty20 Cricket Great Expectations 10:30 Inside Story Bangladesh Premier (2D/Drama) – 2.30pm 11:00 News League Chittagong Hyde Park On Hudson 11:30 Listening Post Kings V Duronto 1 (2D/Comedy) – 5.00pm 12:00 News Rajshahi Diango Unchained (2D/Action) 12:30 Counting the Cost 1400 Omni Sport 04:00 Morning Glory- 16:00 Level Up – 7.00 & 10.00pm 13:00 NEWSHOUR 1430 Football Asia 06:00 Zookeeper-PG15 16:25 Level Up 14:30 Inside Story 1500 Twenty20 Cricket 08:00 Big Mommas: 17:15 Ben 10: Ultimate Tad, The Lost Explorer 15:00 Indian Hospital Bangladesh (3D/Animation) – 3.00 & 5.00pm Like Father, Like Alien 16:00 NEWSHOUR Premier League Son-PG15 17:40 Young Justice LANDMARK 2 Life Of Pi (Action/3D) – 6.45pm 17:30 South2North Dhaka Gladiators V 10:00 It’s Kind Of A 18:05 Young Justice 18:00 NEWSHOUR Rangpur Riders Funny Story- 18:55 Batman: The Chinese Zodiac (3D/Action) 19:00 News 1800 Real Nba Magazine 12:00 Morning Glory- Brave And The – 9.00 & 11.15pm 19:30 People & Power 1830 Transworld Sport 14:00 Scooby-Doo-PG Bold Les Miserables (2D/Drama) 20:00 News 1930 Spanish League 16:00 It’s Kind Of A 19:20 Ben 10: Ultimate – 2.30pm 20:30 Inside Syria Real Sociedad V Funny Story- Challenge The Last Stand (2D/Action) 21:00 NEWSHOUR Barcelona Italian 18:00 The Ladykillers- 20:10 Adventure Time 3 – 5.30, 9.15 & 11.15pm 22:00 News League Juventus V 20:00 High Fidelity- 20:35 Regular Show Hyde Park On Hudson 22:30 Listening Post Udinese PG15 21:00 Mucha Lucha (2D/Comedy) – 7.30pm 23:00 Al Jazeera World 0100 Rugby Heineken 22:00 Paul-PG15 21:25 Total Drama

HYPER C RSO S W O RD

123456 789101112131415161718 2 Art ___ 58 Some short-term investments, briefly 19 20 21 22 3 Quechua speaker 4 Low digit 60 Seed coverings 23 24 25 5 What many older parents face 61 ___ nova 26 27 28 29 30 6 Locking lever 63 Adherent: Suffix 31 32 33 34 7 Rogues 64 Advantage

35 36 37 38 39 8 Tulsa sch. 65 Site of some paintings 66 Informal exchanges 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 9 ___ Cruces 10 Elocutes 67 Li’l Abner creator 47 48 49 50 51 52 11 Seasoned stew 68 Food thickener 53 54 55 56 12 Harsh 69 Loathsome 57 58 59 60 61 13 “___ Fuehrer’s Face” (1942 73 1967 Dionne Warwick hit

62 63 64 65 66 Disney short) 74 Some constructions on 14 Dawdler “Survivor” 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 15 Explorer who claimed 75 Certain detail 76 77 78 79 80 81 Louisiana for France 77 Bobby Fischer, once

82 83 84 85 16 Thin-toned 78 Words before “kindness” and “the Apostles” Yesterday’s answer 86 87 88 89 17 Recipient 18 Bergen’s foil 79 Be of use 90 91 92 93 How to play Hyper Sudoku: 22 Poi ingredient 80 Like diabetes A Hyper Sudoku Puzzle is solved by filling the numbers from 1 to 9 into the blank cells. A Hyper 94 95 96 97 98 99 24 General dir. of Sal Paradise’s 83 Refinement Sudoku has unlike Sudoku 13 regions (four regions overlap with the nine standard regions). In all 100 101 102 103 104 105 return trip in “On the 84 Tiny bit regions the numbers from 1 to 9 can appear only once. Otherwise, a Hyper Sudoku is solved like Road” 106 107 108 109 110 111 85 Woes a normal Sudoku. 29 Peach ___ 87 Cross or star, often 112 113 114 31 Gossip 91 Dexterous 115 116 117 118 32 Grillers’ grabbers 92 Apparently do How to play Kakuro: 33 On dope 93 Rice dishes The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any 34 Things that drawbridges 94 Steps that a farmer might size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells ACROSS 67 Hole bridge take like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, 1 Ready for publication 70 Makes holes 35 Absorb 95 Brown and Turner some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some 7 Flag 71 Sounds of understanding 36 Headquarters of the Union of 96 “The defense ___” cells will contain two numbers. 13 Certain Internet connection: Abbr. 72 Wrapped garment South American Nations 97 Stake However, in a crossword the numbers reference 16 Things refs raise their arms for 76 Nimble 37 Speak 98 Prepares to play pool, say clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! 19 Full chromosome set 77 Any singer of “Hotel California” 38 “Hansel and Gretel” setting 99 Tie indicator They denote the total of the digits in the row or 20 Pairs’ debarking point 79 “Stop!” 41 CNN’s Sanjay 102 Many an M.I.T. grad column referenced by the number. 21 Joy 81 Grp. of connected PCs 43 Northern inlets 103 “Che gelida manina,” e.g. Within each 23 234, as of July 4, 2010? 82 What’s borne at a funeral 44 Any tail in a cat-o’-nine-tails 104 Salon option collection of cells 25 Cash in the music business 83 Too much guitar work by a professor’s 45 Lhasa ___ 105 Celtic tongue - called a run - any 26 1950 noir film helper? 46 Not spoil 107 Nautical rope of the numbers 1 27 Perfect specimens 86 Like some English muffins 48 Not well 109 Novy ___, Russian literary to 9 may be used 88 Scullers’ needs 28 Divided 49 Thick soups magazine but, like sudoku, 89 Best 30 ___ Bros. 50 Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga, 110 Low digit each number may 31 Unit of force 90 Aquatic shockers e.g. only be used once. 111 International grp. since 32 Workers in a global peace organization? 91 “The Addams Family” co-star 51 Tomato type 1948 35 Hard look? 93 Most easily sunburned, maybe 56 Hole number Yesterday’s 94 “Pay in cash and your second surgery 38 Pass off as genuine CARPORT MAMBA JOBJAR answer is half-price”? 39 Hip OVERPAR USUAL BADMOVE 40 Unconventional 99 Small islands MENOTT I SOSHALLYEWEEP 41 Remove from a talent show, maybe 100 Nuevo Laredo store EDEN SP I CES EONS CRU 101 Get along TOWELWHACKS DATE FOAL 42 Come under criticism ONS OMAR POST SLOGS 102 Singer Fitzgerald Baby Blues By Jerry Scott and Rick Kirkman 47 What gumshoes charge in the City of SAD THEL I FEOFWI LEE Bridges? 103 Galoot DOZENS BEL I EFS I AM 52 Kid 106 Second ORARE D I ALS BBL VAC NADERSWADERS TRUELOVE 53 Native Coloradan 108 Typical termite in a California city? ATON HOYA EV I L CLAM 54 Some court evidence 112 Inactive state TOREDOWN TH I NASAWHALE 55 Signs of spoilage 113 Using fraudulently altered checks ERA OWS DHOT I AARON 56 Group following a star? 114 Sharpie alternatives AIM IRANIAN ORIENT GARGLEANDWINCE IBM 57 Left at sea 115 Preceder of 116-Across EVERY SARS STLO SAC 59 Drinker’s problem, for short 116 Follower of 115-Across NOVA F I FE F I L THYW I TCH 60 Word that comes from the Greek for 117 Pack rat ECO T I TO CAMI SE DECO “indivisible” 118 “Opening” word TAKEABIGWHISK LIEOVER 61 Not stay long for shots? IDEATES PUREE OLDLINE COSTAR ABETS TEASETS 62 Symmetrical power conductor for DOWN appliances? 1 “Good grief!” ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE JANUARY 19, 2013 ON SATURDAY 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Morning Break

PRAYER TIME Snow angels

Fajr (Dawn) 5:01 Shorook (Sunrise) 6:21 Zuhr (Noon) 11:44 Asr (Afternoon) 2:47 Maghrib (Sunset) 5:09 Isha (Night) 6:39

WEATHER

Today Sunday Monday Weather Conditions: Mostly sunny Clear Clear Hazy and moderate High: 22° High: 24° High: 25° temperature Low: 13° Low: 16° Low: 16° during the day to relatively cold and humid by night.

DOHA - SUN & SEA SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 06:21 17:09 09:30 03:15 & 17:00 03-12KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER Four youngsters make snow angels in Parliament Square next to the Houses of Parliament in central London, yesterday. A band of heavy snow MUSCAT 25/16 Mostly sunny 25/17 Mostly sunny affected most of Britain, bringing chaos to roads, and causing power cuts and school closures. MAKKAH 33/24 Mostly sunny 33/21 Mostly sunny KUWAIT 20/14 Mostly sunny 22/12 Mostly sunny BAHRAIN 22/14 Partly sunny 22/17 Mostly sunny SANAA 24/05 Mostly sunny 25/05 Mostly sunny Rare dolphin species threatened by big fishnets RIYADH 22/11 Partly sunny 28/11 Mostly sunny DUBAI 23/16 Mostly sunny 24/17 Mostly sunny RIO DE JANEIRO: The long- on the mortality of these marine river dolphins, which grow to be with 20 fishermen (against four BAGHDAD 17/08 Clear 18/06 Partly sunny beaked La Plata River dol- mammals which “showed that between four and six feet long or five in Uruguay and Argentina) phin, a small species living in fishnets have become increasingly (1.20 to 1.80 metre) and weigh up who stay at sea for up to 20 days, THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW in South America’s Atlantic bigger over the past few years and to 50kg. It is the only species of which leads to the accidental HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER coastal waters, is increasingly now can be 30km long.” river dolphins that can be found capture of many cetaceans,” said threatened with extinction “This is a virtually insurmount- in salt water. Ferreira. from big-net fishing, Brazilian able barrier for these small dol- Although their sightings are To remedy the situation, he ATHENS 15/08 Mostly sunny 16/11 Clear researchers warn. phins,” said Ferreira, who works scarce, they can be found in said his team recommends reduc- WASHINGTON 07/01 Clear 13/-2 Mostly sunny At last 1,000 of these dolphins with Rio Grande do Sul’s marine Brazil’s Doce River, the Valdes ing the size of fishnets and ban- SYDNEY 23/20 Partly sunny 23/19 Chance of rain die every year near the coast of mammals laboratory and with Peninsula in Argentina and in ning fishing up to a depth of 20 LONDON 02/00 Chance of snow 01/-3 Chance of snow (Brazil’s) Rio Grande do Sul,” sci- the KAOSA non-governmental the coastal waters of Uruguay. metres (66 feet). PARIS 01/-2 Chance of snow 03/-3 Chance of snow entist Emanuel Carvalho Ferreira organization campaigning for the But they are most threatened in “We did a simulation by exclud- ISTANBUL 11/06 Chance of rain 12/07 Mostly sunny said yesterday. protection of the La Plata River Brazilian waters because fishing ing fishing up to a depth of 20 MANILA 29/22 Chance of rain 30/22 Mostly sunny Ferreira led a study funded dolphin. in Uruguay and Argentina is con- meters and the accidental capture DHAKA 28/17 Clear 27/15 Mostly sunny by cosmetic giant Boticario’s There are currently an esti- ducted in a less intensive manner. and dolphin mortality rates fell by DELHI 15/07 Mostly sunny 15/06 Clear Foundation for Nature Protection mated 40,000 to 50,000 of these “In Brazil, the boats are bigger 72 percent,” he added. AFP ISLAMABAD 15/03 Chance of rain 15/03 Clear

Ancient critter could More horse DNA found in burgers be the granddaddy of shellfish LONDON: More traces of horse DNA the Silvercrest plant and was confident its lines made there from stores. suggested the problems might have origi- have been found in burgers and ingredi- burgers had not been affected. The plant, The first tests were conducted by the nated in the Netherlands or Spain. PARIS: A weird marine ents at one of the plants involved in the owned by the ABP Food group, had already Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) We have been told efforts to trace the creature that lived 500 mil- adulterated food scandal, the Irish gov- stopped work and no products made this in November and December but were source of adulteration in the Tesco econ- lion years ago at a time of ernment has announced. week have left the factory. made public only this week. On Thursday omy burgers are focusing on additives used explosive growth in Earth’s Tests instituted on Tuesday, the day ABP said yesterday it was acting respon- night Simon Coveney, the Irish Minister of in the manufacturing process. ABP has biodiversity could be a fore- before contamination of products was sibly in “temporarily closing down the Agriculture and Food, said samples of burg- pointed the finger at suppliers of the “beef runner of worms and mol- revealed, showed equine DNA in products entire plant for purposes of expediency” ers and ingredients taken by his depart- ingredient products” it uses to make cheap luscs, a study published manufactured there this month. and reiterated that there was no evidence ment on Tuesday had revealed further burgers. The Tesco burgers were only 63 yesterday said. Nine of 13 finished burgers tested from of any contamination of raw material used horse contamination. percent meat and 37 percent other ingredi- Palaeontologists in China the Silvercrest plant in County Monaghan, for the manufacture of any Burger King Seven samples of raw ingredients were ents. Economy burgers are typically bulked and Europe have taken a sec- Ireland in the latest checks were contami- products.“We anticipate that the facility tested, one of which, sourced from another out with additive mixes of concentrated ond look at fossils of a species nated, while equine DNA was also found in will be closed for several days to complete EU country, tested positive, a depart- proteins extracted from animal carcasses called Cotyledion tylodes-a one in seven raw ingredients. This came the sanitation process,” it said. “During ment statement said. All ingredients in and offcuts. Industry sources said the 29 small animal that, when it from another EU country. No ingredients this time, all staff will continue to be paid, the production of burgers sourced from percent horse DNA was more likely to have was identified in 1999, was at originating in Ireland had traces of horse. and we will be working with the relevant Irish suppliers tested negative for equine originated with these high-protein powders first thought to be a cnidarian, Attention is being paid to ingredients authorities, management and supervisory DNA. Thirteen samples of finished burg- from rendered horses rather than any fresh or part of a group of jellyfish- derived from horse rather than fresh meat. team to complete our investigation.” ers were tested for the presence of equine horse meat. ABP declined to comment on like species. C. tylodes had a Major retailers in Britain were told earlier The company said its own investigations DNA. Nine had traces of equine DNA and its ingredients or on the companies it uses goblet-shaped body between this week to give the UK Food Standards had centred on two third-party continen- another four were negative. No compa- for additive mixes but they are believed to eight and 56 millimetres long, Agency (FSA) full lists of the sources of tal suppliers. As a result of the latest test nies’ products were named as having been be in the Netherlands and Spain. with a cup-shaped upper part meat and other ingredients used in their results, “we believe that we have established involved in this week’s tests. Tesco said it could not comment on and lower cylindrical stalk. burgers by last afternoon. the source of the contaminated material to Coveney and the FSAI have arranged the source of the horse DNA while it was On the upper part, the crea- The Tesco supermarket chain, which one of these two suppliers”. to have all the positive samples further investigating with its supplier and the ture’s mouth lay adjacent to was implicated in previous test results Supermarkets are thought to be using analysed in Germany to quantify the per- authorities. FSA is negotiating with local its anus, with the two organs published this week, with up to 29 percent alternative suppliers during the crisis. The centages of equine DNA. These tests and authorities to test samples of beef prod- connected by a U-shaped gut of meat content having horse DNA in sam- Co-op said it had no problems with stock further examination of all raw ingredi- ucts from retailers around the country for and encircled by a “crown” of ples, is among high street names affected by levels, as it had a number of branded frozen ents used in the affected products by Irish the presence of DNA from other species, foldable tentacles, the scien- a shutdown of the Silvercrest plant along beefburger lines from other suppliers. authorities should give “greater clarity to including horse and pig, because it does tists found. with Asda and the Co-op supermarkets and The focus of ongoing investigations by the source of the original problem”, said the not have the capacity to sample and test The peculiar anatomy Burger King restaurants. Supermarkets Irish and UK authorities now centres on statement. It repeated earlier assurances nationwide. However, some local authori- means that C. tylodes is most had already withdrawn from sale burger a common ingredient used at Silvercrest, that there was no danger to consumers. ties have had to cut their budgets for food probably an entoproct, mean- lines made at all three processors involved Liffey Meats in Ireland and Dalepak The focus of the investigation was now to standards testing drastically as their ing an organism that strains in the original tests. Several took such Hambleton in North Yorkshire. Iceland, establish a common ingredient used in the finances have been squeezed. The FSA is sea water to filter out sus- action even though their products had not which was implicated in earlier test results, manufacture of burgers in all three plants expected to announce it will make some pended food particles. been tested. On Thursday, Burger King said and Sainsbury’s are among companies using and from where it was sourced, said the Irish DNA checks on meat. AFP it had its own dedicated production line at the British plant. They too have withdrawn statement. Earlier this week Irish authorities GUARDIAN NEWS Back-up singers finally in spotlight at Sundance

PARK CITY, UTAH: They barely known. They have sung on the music industry,” director care about the music.” But even she elected not to go the stars whom they accompany. sang for the Rolling Stones, some of the most popular tunes of Morgan Neville said, in the Utah That doesn’t mean that they further with her solo career, “Not everybody can sing. It’s a Elvis, Frank Sinatra, U2, Sting the modern era, but who knows ski resort of Park City, hosting never dreamed of a solo career: telling the documentary-maker gift. And that gift, somehow, has and Michael Jackson, but they the names of Darlene Love, Sundance until January 27. Almost all of them have released in the film that, for her, singing to be shared. It is a very spiritual stayed out of the spotlight- Lisa Fischer, Tata Vega, Claudia “These are people who have their own albums, but none has was not about competition, but thing to them. They all came out until a new documentary gave Lennear or The Waters Family? lived their lives making peace achieved the success that could about sharing. Tata Vega tells of a church, they’re all very reli- them a starring role at last. Or Merry Clayton, the female with the fact that they are there make them a star in their own him that if she had become a solo gious and I do think that they see Twenty Feet From Stardom, voice on the Rolling Stones’ to disappear in the spotlight,” right. Lisa Fischer, the main star, she would probably not be it as a calling. “That’s what they which opened the Sundance Film “Gimme Shelter,” possibly one of he added. “In a way, I was mak- back-up singer on Rolling Stones alive today; she would have died are addicted to, they’re addicted Festival on Thursday, showcases the most iconic back-up vocals ing a film about addicts. These tours since 1989, is an excep- of a drug overdose at some point to being able to lose themselves the lives of a series of mostly in rock and roll. “Something are people who are addicted to tion: her debut album So Intense along the line. in this greater sense of together- African American back-up sing- that struck me instantly was music. And it doesn’t matter if was a major success, producing Neville said the back-up sing- ness. And that is a great thing,” ers whose voices are familiar that it’s not sex, drugs, and rock they don’t make a lot of money a Grammy award-winning 1991 ers form a community who have he said. but whose faces and names are and roll-it’s a different side of or don’t get any glory-they just single, How Can I Ease the Pain? a sense of sharing far more than AFP