ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED NEWSPAPER

Friday 4 January 2013 22 Safar 1434 - Volume 17 Number 5569 Price: QR2

Egypt fights to Pakistan seal prop up sliding series with pound clinical win

Business | 13 Sport | 20

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780

Bayern Munich in Doha Egypt forms panel Double tragedy for release of nationals in UAE CAIRO: Egypt has set up a for Villaggio council to negotiate the release of its nationals arrested in the UAE reportedly for spying and raising funds for President Mohamed Mursi’s Muslim victim’s mother Brotherhood party, local media said yesterday. The council, formed by the Furious husband divorces wife newly-empowered senate, will “work towards the release of BY MOBIN PANDIT & interview one of the co-owners Egyptian doctors in the Emirates MOHAMED OSMAN of Gympanzee had given to a local and investigate the circumstances Arabic daily, which was published of (their) arrest,” newspapers DOHA: A woman who lost her on September 3, 2009, saying that quoted senate president Ahmed child in the fire that gutted an it was a nursery. Fahmi as saying. illegal nursery in Villaggio Mall The nursery charged a one-off The Al Khaleej daily reported last year has been divorced by registration fee of QR500 and, this week that the United Arab her husband, who accused her depending on the number of Emirates had dismantled a “cell” of being careless and leaving hours a child was left in its care linked to the Brotherhood which their toddler in the care of a daily, its monthly fees ranged was recruiting Egyptian expatri- “negligent” baby care facility. from QR2,000 to QR2,900, the ates in the Gulf country, mostly The woman, a French national parent said. doctors and engineers. of Egyptian origin, was mar- “I paid QR2,900 because my The Brotherhood’s spokesman, ried to an Egyptian. The now- child stayed there for longer Mahmud Ghozlan, said the arrest divorced couple had a small son, hours and I used to pick him was part of an “unjust campaign” Yusuf, who died in the tragic up at 6pm each day,” he told the against Egyptian expats, as Egypt inferno. court, producing vouchers as sent a presidential adviser to Testifying as a witness in a proof. Bayern Munich’s players participate in a training session at Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence in Doha. the UAE for talks with Emirati criminal court, which is hearing A witness from the General The Bundesliga leaders began their seven-day winter training camp in Doha yesterday. It is the third year in leaders. the Villaggio fire case, the woman Directorate of Civil Defence, a row that Germany’s biggest club is in Qatar for their mid-season training programme. The German club will At least 10 people “belonging to said yesterday that she was on whose firefighting teams bat- play two friendly matches, on January 5 and 8. See also page 22 a cell linked to the Brotherhood’s a visit to Qatar and had signed tled the Villaggio blaze, said he leadership in Egypt” were a four-month contract with the arrived on the scene as part of arrested, Al Khaleej said. ill-fated nursery, Gympanzee, for the second batch of firefighters, the day care of her son. and they couldn’t enter the nurs- UAE clarifies on She told the court she found ery through the main entrance Gympanzee listed as a nursery due to the fire and smoke. Carelessness causes over 500 bouncing cheques in a local tourism magazine, “We made our way to the nurs- ABU DHABI: Foreigners ‘Marhaba’. “That’s how I decided ery using our emergency stairs still risk being imprisoned for to leave my son in the care of at the rear of the building. We child poisoning cases a year bouncing cheques in the United that nursery.” reached the rooftop and saw a big Arab Emirates, as a govern- Sources, meanwhile, told this hole, drilled by our own people, ment order which decriminal- BY FAZEENA SALEEM newspaper that the woman which led right into the nursery.” wires or stick their fingers or cases of poisoning are seen by the ises the offence applies only to worked with a prestigious “When I went down, I saw one objects into electrical sockets or emergency department of Hamad local citizens, an official state- French bank outside Qatar, and of my colleagues lying dead on DOHA: Lack of adult super- into fire and suffer burn injuries. General Hospital and the Al Sadd ment said. while her husband stayed back the floor, and his uniform was vision at home leads to some “Around 100 of the cases paediatric emergency each year. The statement was issued to in Egypt, she had come to Doha burnt,” said the firefighter. 500 cases of poisoning among reported are serious burn injuries. Most poisoning incidents clarify contradictory reports in pregnant with a second child, Cross-examining him, a children in Qatar every year, They can cause death, brain dam- involve medicines, household local media, after some reports wanting to deliver here because defence lawyer asked why the caused by consumption of age and significant disability,” said products and cosmetics. The main this week said foreigners no of the advanced medical facilities Civil Defence personnel had not things like medicines, cosmetics Dr Khalid Abdulnoor Saifeldeen, reasons are lack of adult supervi- longer faced criminal penalties in this country. used exhausts to suck out the or chemicals. Director of Hamad International sion, not keeping potential poisons for writing cheques that bounced. She gave birth to a girl, and thick smoke. The witness said Some 2,000 children annually Training Center (HITC). out of reach of children and failing Post-dated cheques are fre- her first child was left in the day exhausts were used but they were are rushed for emergency medi- He was speaking to media per- to use safety caps on medicines. quently used in the UAE as care of Gympanzee, where he small. cal attention with burn injuries sons on the sidelines of a road- To create awareness and pre- guarantees by businesses and perished in a fire that broke out A senior official from the suffered at home, according to show, the fourth in a series being vent such incidents, Hamad individuals, for everything from 20 days after she began leaving Ministry of Business and Trade Hamad International Training held as part of the ‘Kulluna’ International Training Center, apartment rentals to multi-mil- him there. also deposed as a witness and said Centre. An estimated 40,000 safety campaign, which began at together with ConocoPhilips is lion dollar deals. Bouncing the She was one of the several that Gympanzee was licensed by children are injured a year due the Doha Exhibition Centre yes- organizing the ‘Kulluna’ road- cheques is a criminal offence aggrieved parents who testified his ministry as a “play and enter- to poisoning, burns, choking, falls terday. This weekend’s display is shows. The organizers have urged rather than merely a civil one. before the judges yesterday, pro- tainment area.” and being inadvertently hit in the dedicated to keeping children safe parents to share their experiences The UAE’s tough penal- ducing vouchers to show that To operate as a nursery, a driveway, and 85 percent of these at home. in keeping children safe at home. ties for defaulting on cheques they had paid Gympanzee for facility must be licensed by the injuries occur at home. “Accidents at homes are pre- “Hamad International Training were relaxed for local citizens taking care of their children, and Ministry of Social Affairs, he Most burn injuries are caused ventable, since the main reason Center’s website will be made in October after a royal decree that it was a nursery and not a said, adding that Gympanzee by hot or boiling water and equip- for such incidents is lack of adult interactive for parents to share was issued, but the threat of jail “play and entertainment area”, wasn’t licensed by this ministry. ment like cookers, irons or hair supervision” Saifeldeen said. their experiences,” said Saifeldeen. remains for the country’s large as claimed by the defence. Continued on page 3 straightening devices. There are Around 200 serious cases of THE PENINSULA expatriate population. Another parent cited an THE PENINSULA children who bite live electrical choking, and more than 500 See also page 3 AGENCIES

More Syrian refugees arrive Activists launch petition to free Al Jazeera buys Current; Saudi author to launch US channel DUBAI: Activists and intel- lectuals have petitioned Saudi DOHA: Al Jazeera Media headquartered in New York City. authorities to free a promi- Network will launch a new In addition to the existing Al nent author two weeks after US-based news channel follow- Jazeera news bureaus in New he was detained over tweets ing the acquisition of Current York, Washington, DC, Los deemed insulting to the Prophet TV, a cable channel founded by Angeles, Miami and Chicago, Mohammad (PBUH), cam- Al Gore and partners, in a move Al Jazeera will open bureaus in paigners said yesterday. that will boost the Qatar-based key locations across the United Turki Al Hamad, one of the broadcaster’s footprint in the States. Al Jazeera’s expansion will best known liberal thinkers United States to more than 40 double the network’s US-based and writers in the conservative million US households, up from staff to more than 300 employees. Muslim kingdom, was detained 4.7 million prior to the deal. Al Jazeera Director General on December 24 over the com- Al Jazeera Media Network Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani said ments on microblogging site announced that the new channel the creation of the new US-based Twitter which suggested that will provide both domestic and channel and the purchase of Islam needed to be rectified. international news to American Current TV were historic devel- Al Hamad was the third Saudi audiences, and will be available opments in Al Jazeera’s 16-year activist since early last year to on Current’s distribution network history. “For many years, we be detained for allegedly insult- when it is launched in 2013. understood that we could make a ing Islam. Saudi website www. There will be a transition from positive contribution to the news riyadhbureau.com said his arrest existing programming until the and information available in and was ordered by Interior Minister new Al Jazeera channel begins to about the United States and what Prince Mohammed bin Nayef fol- air. Currently almost 40 percent we are announcing today will help lowing a complaint from a Saudi A Syrian refugee and her child at the Doha International Airport yesterday. The second batch of 27 Syrian of online viewing of Al Jazeera us achieve that goal,” he said. religious body. refugees arrived in Doha from Beirut late last night. QASSIM RAHMATULLAH English takes place from the Continued on page 3 REUTERS United States. The channel will be THE PENINSULA FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Folk dancers Crowding at Al Sadd from Rajasthan wow visitors at Pediatric Emergency Doha Trade Fair DOHA: Folk dancers from Rajasthan in India attracted Increase in respiratory illnesses among the causes visitors at Doha Trade Fair yesterday. Wearing colour- DOHA: A recent decision of the to go to the health centres for non- internationally,” said the official. ful embroidered and mirror- Supreme Council of Health (SCH) emergency cases. Some children He said the recently introduced worked clothes and balancing reserving some primary health come here accompanied by six or short stay clinic, catering to chil- pitches on their heads, the centres exclusively for citizens seven people, other than the par- dren needing brief treatment, had dancers changed the mood of has contributed to the crowding ents. This is not good since crowd- received wide acceptance from the the fair into a celebration. at Al Sadd Pediatric Emergency, ing at health facilities can transmit public They performed Bhaval and a senior official has said. diseases,” said Al Ansari. “Instead of keeping children in Chari Nerthi dances to the beat With access to some popu- He said the Al Sadd Pediatric the hospital for four to five days, of their traditional drums and lar health centres in Doha now Emergency has been expanding they are transferred to the short melody in front of many Qatari restricted to Qataris, many expa- continuously. stay clinics, where they get medi- and expatriate visitors to the triates find it easier to go to a hos- “Last year we opened the Al cines and go home,” he said. fair. pital, instead of a health centre in Daain centre. However, we need About 1,000 patients have already “This is the first time I’m another area, director of the Al Sadd to create more awareness among been transferred to these clinics in seeing this dance, it’s amazing Pediatric Emergency Dr Khalid Al people so that they would stop going this manner. “Next month, we are how they balance the pots,” said Ansari told a local Arabic daily. to an emergency facility for minor going to add five new outpatient a young Qatari girl among the “Normally we receive about 1,500 illnesses,” he said. clinics for children. We are also audience. visitors daily and this has gone up The Al Sadd facility has 110 doc- expanding the clinic catering to Performers from the Kamla to 1,700 since the beginning of win- tors and more than 400 nurses, Qatari patients,” he added. Sallunath Spera and Party is ter,” said Al Ansari. which the official said is sufficient He said the Al Sadd Pediatric an entertainment group and on A rise in respiratory illnesses to meet current requirements. Emergency has also plans to intro- their first visit to Qatar. They during winter is another factor “In each shift we have five to duce electronic filing system, simi- will perform thrice a day during causing a surge in the number of 10 doctors. The waiting time is lar to what was implemented at the the 10-day fair being held at the visitors during this season. 30 minutes to one hour, while it Hamad General Hospital. Doha International Exhibition “We have been advising families ranges from three to four hours THE PENINSULA Centre. “This is the first visit to Qatar, and we enjoy performing here,” said Rajurana Nagada, drummer of the group. Qtel unit Asiacell’s Explaining about dance items, ‘Principles of bioethics’ seminar he said: “Bhaval is an impor- tant dance form originated in share offer opens DOHA: The Research Center for Islamic Legislation and Ethics Rajasthan. We perform this DOHA: Qtel’s subsidiary Asiacell (CILE) is holding a seminar on the “principles of bioethics” at the dance at every place we go.” yesterday announced that its share Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies tomorrow. Mamtha Safeera and Luxmi offer is now open for subscription. This is the first in a series of events being organised by CILE, a Safeera, dancers of the group, The offer of 25 percent of Asiacell’s member of Qatar Foundation. The three-day seminar aims to bring have been performing since total share capital is open from today together scholars of Islamic jurisprudence and Shariah under one forum their childhood as also other until 2 February 2013 to all inves- to discuss and tackle relevant contemporary issues. members of their group. tors, individuals and institutions with The participants will attempt to find solutions to two paramount ques- Before coming to Qatar, a trading account in Iraq. Asiacell tions: the first will examine what the Islamic principles of bioethics are, Kamla Sallunath Spera and will begin trading on the Iraq Stock and the second will study whether the four principles of bioethics as Party performed in Romania, A Rajasthani folk dancer entertains visitors at the Doha Trade Fair at Exchange, expected to be on 3 February defined in the West are in fact universal. Dubai, Hungary and Paris, to the Doha International Exhibition Centre yesterday. BELOW: Visitors at 2013, under the ticker ‘TASC’. CILE, a member of the Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies, specialises name a few. the fair. SALIM MATRAMKOT There is no minimum number of in Islamic legislation and ethical thought with a main focus on applied THE PENINSULA shares that investors can subscribe to principles. Speakers at the seminar include Sheikh Dr Abdallahi Boya, with the offer expected to be the big- Sheikh Dr Ali Qaradaghi, Sheikh Dr Ahmed Raissouni, Sheikh Dr gest in Iraqi history. Further informa- Abdul Sattar Abu Ghuddah, Dr Annelien Bredenoord, Dr Mohammad tion will be announced in due course, a Albar, Dr Hassan Pasha and Dr Tom Beauchamp. press note said. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

MIA lines up slew of QOC honours students on events this winter scholarships DOHA: The Museum of range of activities, including DOHA: Qatar Olympic Islamic Art (MIA) has lined special art workshops, where Committee yesterday held up workshops and lectures for children and adults can interact its annual honouring cer- all ages this winter, full sched- with the collection and create emony for its students on ule of which is available at their own pieces in response. scholarships. the MIA Education Calendar One of the workshops, enti- The ceremony was attended online. tled “In the Jungle, the Mighty by QOC Secretary-General H E Running from January until Jungle” is designed for pre- Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman March, courses are offered for schoolers. Children explore MIA Al Thani, his assistants, heads families, children aged 3-18 and find animals represented in of departments as well as stu- years old and adults as well. the museum art object and cre- dents on scholarships and their All courses and workshops ate mixed media collages. This parents. are designed by MIA staff and activity encourages observation The QOC secretary-general experts in their respective areas and critical thinking – while said in a speech: “This cer- of Islamic art. being fun at the same time. emony comes to honour our Courses are offered in the Another workshop, entitled sons who deserve our recogni- Education Center as well as a “The Eye of the Beholder” is tion and appreciation for the weekly drop-in workshop in the designed for teenagers who outstanding results they have foyer on the main ground level want to develop their artistic achieved in the academic year of the museum. talent to prepare for visual art 2011/2012. “The Museum of Islamic Art exams and create art portfolios “We wish everyone success and is a place of safeguard for a while looking at and learning excellence in the coming year to world class collection of Islamic about the Islamic art in the become part of cadres contribut- art. Through this exceptional museum. ing to the drive of the Olympic collection, visitors to MIA of For adults, the first lecture of Committee and keep pace with all ages can discover the great the year is entitled “From Ibn the sport achievements taking artistic achievements of the past Al Haytham to solar technology: place in our beloved Qatar under and explore the diverse cultural standing on the shoulders of the wise leadership of the Emir heritage of Islamic civilisation giants” by Dr Rabi Mohtar from H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa through the ages,” said Deputy Qatar Foundation. All courses Al Thani and the Heir Apparent Director Education, Dr. Thalia are on a first-come first-served and President of Qatar Olympic Dorothy Kennedy. basis. For the full calendar, visit Committee H H Sheikh Tamim Learning and interpretation www.mia.org.qa bin Hamad Al Thani.” at MIA takes place through a THE PENINSULA QNA FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 SCH plans healthcare survey First patient satisfaction poll to cover private and public facilities BY MOHAMMED IQBAL “This is the first patient satisfaction sur- including direct ones about the attitude and vey in Qatar covering both the private and performance of doctors, waiting time to see DOHA: More than 20,000 people from public healthcare facilities, and the first a doctor, nature of the treatment, facilities different segments of the Qatari and such survey of this scale in the region,” he and other related issues. The interviews will expatriate populations are expected to added. be conducted in five languages, including take part in the first nationwide survey to The official said the objective of the poll Arabic, English and Urdu. be conducted by the Supreme Council of was to do a comparative analysis of the “There will also be open-ended questions Health (SCH) to assess patients’ satisfac- performance of the healthcare facilities to allowing the respondents to give their com- tion with the private and public health- improve their standards and services. ments and suggestions about the facilities care facilities in the country. “The survey will help us identify the and services,” said Al Khanji. The survey, to be conducted with support strengths and weaknesses of each facility “We expect to complete the survey in four from an international company, will cover and deal with them individually,” said Al months, and it would take another one-and all the primary health centres, private hos- Khanji. -a-half-month to analyse the data. The find- pitals, select private clinics and all hospitals The samples have been selected from ings will be made public in a systemic and run by the Hamad Medical Corporation. recent visitors to the facilities. transparent manner,” he said. “More than 20,000 random samples have “We will go for fresh visitors because The survey precedes the implementation been selected for the survey. In the next the ideas will be fresh in their memory. of the national health insurance scheme two weeks we will conduct the first inter- Interviews will be conducted over telephone that targets all citizens and expatriates as view,” Dr Jamal Rashid Al Khanji, direc- and recorded with the support of computers. well as visitors to the country. tor of the Healthcare Quality Management We will ensure a representative mix while The first phase of the insurance scheme is www.swiss-belhotel.com Department at the SCH, told The Peninsula selecting the samples,” said Al Khanji. expected to be implemented early this year. Tel yesterday. The questions will be wide-ranging, THE PENINSULA Fax

Kulluna safety roadshow Tel Fax

Tel Fax

Tollfree Fax

Tel Fax

Tel Fax

Tel Fax Dr Khalid Abdulnoor Saifeldeen, Director, Hamad International Training Centre, explaining a visitor inside the simulator of giant kitchen at the Kulluna safety roadshow, at the Doha International Exhibition Centre, yesterday. SALIM MATRAMKOT www.doha.hilton.com

Tel +974 44233333 Qatar’s population to reach 2.8m by 2020 Fax +974 44233000

DOHA: With the rising influx of for- eign workers, Qatar’s total population is GCC Population: core scenario by country forecast to reach about 2.8 million from 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 the present 1.83m by 2020, pushing the Year total population of the Gulf Cooperation 29.63 35.08 41.45 47.52 53.41 Council (GCC) states to about 53.5m, says Total (m) Tel the London-based Economist Intelligence Average annual change over 2.80 3.44 3.40 2.80 2.40 Unit (EIU). Fax However, the combined Gross Domestic previous five years Product (GDP) of all the six Gulf states, according to the report, is expected to touch Saudi Arabia 20.47 23.12 26.18 29.59 33.34 $2 trillion mark by the same year. Kuwait 2.23 2.99 3.58 4.40 5.20 Tel “By 2020, the GCC population is forecast Fax to reach 53.5m, a 30 percent increase over UAE 3.24 4.61 5.57 6.44 7.06 the level in 2000. Over the same period, the region’s real GDP is expected to grow by 56 Bahrain 0.64 0.89 1.18 1.45 1.66 percent and the nominal GDP, which was Tel $341.6bn in 2000, is forecast to reach $2 tril- Oman 2.40 2.51 3.11 3.32 3.53 lion in 2020,” the report showed. Qatar 0.64 0.97 1.82 2.33 2.79 Fax The report, sponsored by the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority, aiming Sources: IMF; individual country statistical agencies (historical data); Economist Intelligence to provide the socio-economic and demo- Unit long-term forecasts. graphic outlook of the GCC states by 2020 Tel said that the profound demographic and (Note: The population growth estimates are based on separate projections for each GCC social changes that have transformed the Fax six GCC states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, state and population growth is projected to be higher in some of the smaller countries.) Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) are set to continue over the next decade, raising significant questions related infrastructure and housing in urban centres. pool, which would not only help stimulate Tel to labour and immigration policies, the role It will also create a large pool of labour that further economic diversification, which is Fax of women, and the adequacy of infrastruc- may be difficult to absorb into the private more relevant in case of Qatar. ture and public services. sector owing to mismatches not only of skills On the issue of foreign worker’s rights and According to recent reports, many expa- but also of expectations of wages and work- job security for nationals, the report sug- triate workers, including some engineers ing conditions. gested that nations with high dependence on and white collar employees, have already “Ongoing education reforms will help, but foreign worker such as Qatar will face more Tel started facing difficulties in obtaining resi- will not solve these mismatches within the pressure from groups that want to protect Fax dence visa for their wives and children in next 10 years”. jobs for nationals and those that want more Qatar. The report also noted that the rising rights for immigrants. The treatment of for- One of the key findings of the second expatriate population will continue to con- eign workers will become an increasingly phase of EIU’s research said: “Rapid popula- tribute to economic growth of the region. important aspect of foreign relations with tion growth will remain concentrated in cit- An expanding pool of skilled professionals source countries. ies. This will put pressure on public services, from overseas will provide a diverse talent THE PENINSULA

Next Villaggio case Tel Al Jazeera to expand footprint in US Fax hearing on Jan 23 Continued from page 1 across the world,” the director general said. “By acquiring Current TV, Al Jazeera will “Our commitment to the voice of the Continued from page 1 significantly expand our existing distribu- voiceless, bringing stories from under- Tel The official faulted his ministry, say- tion footprint in the US, as well as increase reported regions across the world and Fax ing that it had 36 inspectors and none of our news gathering and reporting efforts putting the human being at the centre of them ever reported that Gympanzee was in America. our news agenda is at the heart of what we operating as a nursery. Licensing rules for “We look forward to working together do,” he stated. www.renaissancedoha.com play and entertainment areas in malls or with our new cable and satellite partners Al Thani added: “Everyone at Al Jazeera major shopping centres require that they to serve our new audiences across the US. takes great pride in the independence, Tel +974 44195000 are monitored regularly to make sure that I am both exceptionally pleased and very impartiality, professionalism and courage Fax +974 44195100 they are operating for the purpose for which proud that we could take this very impor- of our journalism. I look forward to bring- they were licensed. tant step,” he added. ing these standards to our new American The next hearing in the case has been “US viewers have clearly demonstrated audiences and working with our new col- fixed for January 23. that they like the way Al Jazeera provides leagues at Current.” THE PENINSULA compelling, in-depth news to audiences THE PENINSULA FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Ties worsen ahead of key Sudans’ talks South accuses Sudan of air strikes

JUBA: South Sudan accused but the aerial bombardment has Sudan of launching air strikes caused a lot of injuries to the civil- on the southern side of their ians in the area,” he said. disputed border shortly before Sudan’s army spokesman Al the leaders of the oil-producing Sawarmi Khalid could not be African countries were due to reached on his cell phone. Sudan meet to defuse tensions. denies launching air strikes Sudan’s armed forces were not against the South though report- immediately available for com- ers witnessed several attacks ment but have regularly denied when border fighting escalated southern accusations of attacks in April. in the past. South Sudan, which inherited The two countries have been at three-quarters of oil production loggerheads over oil, territory and when it broke away, shut down its a string of other disputes since entire output of 350,000 barrels a the South split away from Sudan day in January after tensions over last year under the terms of a pipeline fees escalated. peace deal. Bashir and Kiir are due to dis- The two countries came close cuss how to set up the demilita- to war in April and have yet to rised zone they agreed upon in withdraw their armies from their September at a similar summit shared boundary or resume oil in Addis Ababa. exports from the landlocked South Both presidents said this week through Sudanese pipelines. they wanted to implement the Sudan President Omar Hassan September deals but diplomats Palestinian Fatah supporters take part in a rally in the West Bank city of Nablus yesterday. Al Bashir and his South Sudan are sceptical about the chances counterpart Salva Kiir are due of a quick breakthrough. meet at a summit in Ethiopia Both sides have a history of today to discuss how to end hos- first signing and then not imple- Palestinians hurt in clashes with Israel troops tilities and secure their almost menting agreements due to a deep 2,000km long border. mistrust going back to the civil But South Sudan’s Information war. NABLUS, PALESTINIAN 26-year-old Amjad Ighabariya was Palestinians were wounded in a incident in the village of Jalud. Minister Barnaba Marial Sudan accuses South Sudan of TERRITORIES: At least two arrested, although it was unclear village in the northern West Bank A military spokesman said that Benjamin said yesterday that supporting rebels who operate Palestinians were wounded yes- if he was the target of the raid. when clashes broke out between the settlers had damaged two Sudan’s army had bombed an in two states on the border with terday in clashes with Israeli An Israeli military spokes- residents and Israeli undercover cars, thrown stones at houses and area inhabited by civilians in the South Sudan. Juba has denied the forces in the northern West woman confirmed that soldiers forces attempting to arrest a forcibly entered one home, beat- South’s state of Western Bahr El charge and accuses Khartoum of Bank city of Jenin, Palestinian carried out a raid to arrest “a suspected member of the Islamic ing a Palestinian who was after- Ghazal on Wednesday. backing rebels on its territory. and Israeli sources said. Palestinian suspected of terrorist Jihad organisation. wards taken to hospital. There were attacks yesterday Both countries need the oil to Palestinian security sources activities” and that Palestinians Elsewhere in the West Bank, Soldiers arrived at the village, (Wednesday) ... in the area of Kit support their crumbling econo- said clashes erupted after Israeli had responded by throwing Israeli and Palestinian sources south of the city of Nablus, and Kit ... There was both ground mies. But analysts say both forces entered Jenin’s industrial stones. She said troops used confirmed that settlers had clashed with the settlers, but and aerial bombardment,” he governments are also using the zone and left two people injured “riot dispersal means” but said attacked a Palestinian village made no arrests, he added. told journalists in the South’s confrontation to shore up domes- — a woman who was bitten by a the target of the raid was not overnight, injuring several people. “The Israeli army takes these capital Juba. tic support and divert attention dog and a young man who was arrested, without commenting Palestinian security officials kinds of incidents, which threaten “The South Sudan armed forces from a lack of development. shot in the leg. on Ighbariya’s reported deten- said a two-month-old baby was the security of the area, seriously,” were able to repulse the attack REUTERS Palestinian sources said tion. On Tuesday, dozens of among those injured in the he said. AFP

19 pilgrims die in Karbala truck Syria rebels battle bomb horror to seize air base

KARBALA: A truck bomb AZAZ, SYRIA: Rebels battled including Islamists from Jabhat killed 19 pilgrims south of yesterday to seize an air base in Al Nusra, a powerful group that Baghdad yesterday as pilgrims northern Syria, part of a cam- Washington considers terrorists. from around the world thronged paign to limit the air power Taftanaz is mainly a helicopter Iraq’s shrine city of Karbala to that has given President Bashar base, used for missions to resup- finish commemorations for a Al Assad the upper hand. ply army positions in the north, revered figure in Shia Islam. More than 60,000 people have many of which are cut off by road The attack came despite a mas- been killed in the 21-month-old because of rebel gains, as well as sive security operation mounted uprising and civil war, the United for dropping crude “barrel bombs” to safeguard the millions of Shia Nations said this week, sharply of explosives on rebel-controlled Muslims travelling to and from raising the death toll in a conflict areas. Karbala for the conclusion of that shows no sign of ending. Near Minakh, another north- Arbaeen mourning rituals. After dramatic advances over ern air base that rebels have sur- No group immediately claimed the second half of 2012, the rebels rounded, close to the Turkish responsibility for the attack in a now hold wide swathes of terri- boder, government forces have car park in the town of Musayyib tory in the north and east, but retaliated by regularly shelling used mainly for vehicles trans- are limited in exerting control and bombing nearby towns. porting pilgrims, but Sunni mili- because they cannot protect In the town of Azaz, where tants often try to target Shias towns and villages from Assad’s the bombardment has become a during commemoration ritu- helicopters and jets. near nightly occurence, shells hit als in a bid to incite sectarian Hundreds of fighters from a family house overnight. Zeinab bloodshed. rebel groups were attempting to Hammadi said her two wounded The 5.00pm (1400 GMT) blast storm the Taftanaz air base, near daughters, aged 10 and 12, had killed 19 people and wounded the northern highway that links been rushed across the border 47, a police officer and a doctor Syria’s two main cities, Aleppo to Turkey, one with her brain said, the second deadly attack in and the capital Damascus. exposed. recent days in Musayyib, which Rebels have been besieging air “We were sleeping and it just lies about half way along the bases across the north in recent landed on us in the blink of an main route linking Baghdad and weeks, in the hope this will reduce eye,” she said, weeping as she sur- Karbala. the government’s power to carry veyed the damage. Seven people were killed in out air strikes and resupply loy- Family members tried to sal- Musayyib on December 31, appar- alist-held areas. vage possessions from the wreck- ently because they were Shiites. A rebel fighter speaking from age, men lifting out furniture AFP Iraqi police search Shia pilgrims at the entrance to the Imam Hussein shrine in Karbala, yesterday. near the Taftanaz base overnight and children carrying out their said the base’s main sections were belongings in tubs. REUTERS still in loyalist hands but insur- gents had managed to infiltrate and destroy a helicopter and a fighter jet on the ground. Syria in danger of splitting up: Hezbollah chief The northern rebel Idlib Coordination Committee said the rebels had detonated a car bomb BEIRUT: Syria is in danger “In the whole region, from recognised the opposition were “Lebanon cannot bear the inside the base. of being partitioned due to its Yemen to Iraq to Syria, which responsible for the flood of Syrian social, humanitarian and politi- The government’s SANA news 21 months of conflict, leader is threatened more than ever refugees into Lebanon, who now cal costs” of inaction. “There must agency said the base had not of Lebanon’s Hezbollah move- by partition, even in Egypt and number more than 125,000, be a serious political movement, fallen and that the military had ment Hassan Nasrallah said Libya and Saudi Arabia, there are according to the United Nations. which pushes for a political solu- “strongly confronted an attempt yesterday, while warning of a schemes of division and partition. “The people who bear responsi- tion in Syria through political by the terrorists to attack the “long war” in the neighbouring We must face these schemes,” bility for the continuation of their dialogue.” The United Nations airport from several axes, inflict- country. he said. displacement are the same ones on Wednesday said 60,000 peo- ing heavy losses among them and “We in Lebanon and in the “The biggest danger facing responsible for the bloodshed that ple have been killed since the destroying their weapons and region are living through one of our region and our nation at this is inhibiting Syrians from reach- rebellion started from a revolt in munitions”. the most important and dan- stage, is a redivision of the region ing a political dialogue or settle- March 2011. Nasrallah called on Rami Abdulrahman, head of gerous phases, an atmosphere into mini-states along sectarian ment,” he said. the government to dispatch an the opposition-aligned Syrian of strife,” Nasrallah, whose Shia or ethnic lines.” “If a military solution contin- envoy to Turkey to open direct Observatory for Human Rights militant group is a longstanding Nasrallah said that “parties ues, there will be a long war,” he negotiations with the kidnap- which monitors the conflict from ally of the Damascus regime, said inside Syria” and Western and warned, calling on the Lebanese pers of Lebanese hostages held Britain, said as many as 800 fight- The body of a person being carried in a televised speech. Arab governments which have government to take a stand. in Syria. AFP ers were involved in the assault, away in Aleppo yesterday. FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 ISLAM www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Islam between surrender and free will

BY IDRIS TAWFIQ we have in mind the will of Allah. As Muslims we always want to do he word “Islam” comes His will. Yet, it is most important from an Arabic lexical for us to remember something. root word which means Almighty Allah chose to create us Tboth surrender and as men and women. He could have peace. A “Muslim” is one who created us to be jinn or angels. submits to the will of Allah. In He could even have created us as doing so he finds both peace and inanimate objects or as fishes in fulfillment in this world and looks the depths of the sea, each prais- to eternal bliss in the Hereafter. ing and serving Allah in its own This submission, though, does way. Yet, He made us men and not destroy man’s own free will, women. As men and women we nor does it take anything away have feelings and appetites, given from his faculties as a man. to us by our Creator. Submission is a continuous, posi- Surrendering to the will of tive choice. Each moment of each Allah, then, does not mean that day we are called as Muslims to we stop being human. We can surrender our heart and will to submit to Allah and still have love Allah.During Ramadan, for exam- in our hearts for the little baby ple, we restrain our bodies, fast- that calls out to us. We can still ing for the sake of Allah, and we submit to Allah and earn food for show our bodies that we are in our families as a sign of the love control of them, rather than they we have for them. are in control of us. In submitting In Islam, there is no monastic to Allah, we even give up those tradition. It is not encouraged bodily appetites from sunrise to that men leave all things, as in sunset. other religions, and forsake the Five times a day, as Muslims, world to live a life apart. we prostrate ourselves on the Prophet Muhammad (peace ground in be upon him) a deliber- was well aware ate choice of such tradi- of praying In Islam, there tions, as he was as Allah has are no priests in contact with commanded. Christian holy Many or popes or men right from Are we entirely free? times dur- intermediaries the start, but ing the day he chose not to BY PROF SHAHUL HAMEED we declare between Allah encourage this Man shall have nothing but what he strives for. that there way of life. Everything is accounted for, and nothing is wasted in God’s scheme is no God and men. It is for Instead, the hether humans have free will or not is one of the most of things. Allah in His infinite mercy has given Man guidance too. but Allah each one to give normal way debated questions in philosophy and religion. The prob- This is to help him use his freedom and faculties to his own benefit and that of life for any lem can be stated thus: If God is in full control, humans and live a meaningful life here. Muhammad an account of Muslim is to Wcannot have freedom, as everything is pre-determined Allah wants Man to use the freedom He has given in accordance (PBUH) his deeds. There marry and to by God. So either God is not in full control, or humans have no free- with His guidance. This means that the scope and potential of Man’s is His have children dom of will and action. freedom is within the framework of God’s jurisdiction and control. Messenger. will be no one and to work From the Quranic point of view, Man is the khalifah (vicegerent) For this reason, we may say that Man is not a master of his fate; nor As to intercede for in this world. of God on earth and everything here has been created for him. This is he a mere cog in the wheel of destiny. Muslims, we After a man means that Allah has given Man certain abilities to act here as His God says in Surah 13, verse 11: Allah will never change the condition use a phrase him on the Day has prayed in ambassador. These gifts of Man will be useless unless he has freedom, of a people until they change what is in themselves. which is the mosque and so God has given him freedom too. Yet, it is within limits, as human So taqdir used in the Quran does not signify that Man is deprived essential of Judgement. discussed with abilities too are limited. of free will. It stands for the latent possibilities Allah has invested in to the very He must take his friends, he It is clearly stated in the Quran that life on earth is a testing ground the nature of things. It also signifies God’s grand design of creation meaning goes back home for Man. And we know that any test requires that the tested should as well as His foreknowledge; but it does not imply that human beings of being responsibility for to his wife and have the freedom to act on their own initiative. Otherwise, there is have been completely deprived of freedom of will or action. Muslim. In his actions in this children. no meaning in such tests. For this reason, Man’s freedom of will - if he ignores divine guid- anything we It is nor- As the chief faculty of Man is his reason, he can use it to good ance - can lead him to do wrong things, as suggested by your atheist talk about, world. mal, too, that purpose. He can study the world around him as well as assess his own friend. That exactly is the reason why we need divine guidance; to we preface our imams are potential and scope of action. On that basis, Man strives to achieve the keep ourselves upright and steady in times of extreme trials. it with insha not looked up objectives and goals he visualises. Allah Almighty says in the Quran Thus, from the Islamic point of view, it is our willful choice of those Allah (if God wills). Even though to as holy men, but as brothers (Chapter 99, verses 7-8): actions from our inherent possibilities, that are in harmony with God’s we are thinking beings, we admit highly respected in the commu- Whoever has done an atom’s weight of good shall get its reward and who- will that earns us our reward from Him. Our efforts should always that nothing can happen unless nity for their knowledge and for ever has done an atom’s weight of evil shall meet with its consequences.}* be to see that our choices and actions are in agreement with God’s Allah wills it to be so. the uprightness of the lives. They Also in Surah 53, verse 39: guidance. www.onislam.net The laws of physics tell us that earn their living like anyone else. the sun will come up tomorrow As Muslims, we revere schol- and that night will follow day, but arship and hold our scholars in of Allah” must not be mistaken spirituality that diverts us away of manliness. One of the figures the role of Muslims in this world. as Muslims we believe that these esteem, but these scholars are for surrendering our responsi- from who we are. We are men from British history who I admire We live in this world, enjoying things can only happen if Allah men, like us. bilities in this world. When a and women, called to live and immensely is Sir Thomas More. all its good things and celebrating wills them to be so. man marries, he completes half work in this world, and to find He was the Chancellor of King all the blessings we receive each Even though we know when NO INTERMEDIARIES of his religion. Marriage is not holiness and do goodness in our Henry VIII and he was ultimately day. Ultimately, though, Allah is the start of Ramadan will be for In Islam, there are no priests or a distraction that prevents him lives by the way we carry out our beheaded because he refused to our final end. many years to come, according to popes or intermediaries between from being a good Muslim or from responsibilities. give his vocal assent to the king’s There is neither strength nor astronomical calculations, we still Allah and men. It is for each one serving Allah with all of his heart Weeping over the loss of a son divorce so that the king could power, save in Allah, we proclaim. go out to look for the new moon. to give an account of his deeds. and soul. Marriage actually leads is not a weakness that we should marry someone else. In surrendering to His will we are Ramadan will not start unless There will be no one to intercede him to Allah. try to avoid. Desperately long- Just before he was beheaded, not denying our humanity. We are Almighty Allah wills it to start. for him on the Day of Judgment. So, we must never confuse ing to be with our spouse after More spoke from the place of completing it. I hope this answers In raising our children or loving He must take responsibility for the sweet and gentle message of a period of enforced separation, execution. “I am the King’s good your question. Please keep in our wives or serving our broth- his actions in this world. Islam with the teachings of other perhaps because of travel, is not servant,” he said, “but God’s first.” touch. ers and sisters in the community So “surrendering to the will faiths. Nor should we look for a a sign of weakness. It is a sign These words explain the place and www.onislam.net Excellent qualities and character of the Prophet

implicity and sincerity are the him to make him conspicuous. enemies, who had shed innocent blood, regardless of the fact that the Muslim, nay, he ultimately became the master of the keynotes of the Prophet’s char- The Prophet had a deep love for his who had shown no pity for helpless men, even perhaps the whole of his tribe, might whole of Arabia, he was not once scolded acter. He would do all sorts of friends. While shaking hands with them, women and children, who had exerted thereby be alienated. In his dealings with by him. He never kept anybody in slavery. Sthings with his own hands. He he would never be the first to withdraw themselves to their utmost to kill the his worst enemies he was always true to As soon as he got a slave, he set him free. would milk his own goats, patch his his hand. He met everybody with a smil- Prophet and to annihilate the Muslims. the Quranic injunction which says: In charity the Prophet was simply own clothes and mend his own shoes. In ing face. A report from Jarir Ibn Abdullah The prisoners of war were almost always “Let not hatred of a people incite you not unapproached. He never gave a flat person would he dust the house, and he says that he never saw the Prophet but set free even without demanding a ran- to act equitably; act equitably, that is nearer refusal to a beggar. He would feed the would tie his camel and look after it per- with a smile on his face. He would talk som. It was only in the case of the prison- to piety.” (5:8) hungry, himself going without food. He sonally. No work was too low for him. He freely, never putting on artificial reserve ers of Badr that ransom was demanded; On his deathbed, immediately before never kept any money in his posses- worked like a labourer in the construc- to give himself an air of superiority. He after that, hundreds of prisoners and he breathed his last, he had it Publicly sion. While on his deathbed, he sent for tion of the mosque, and again in digging a would take up children in arms and nurse in one case, in the battle with Hawazin, announced: “If I owe anything to any- whatever there was in his house and dis- ditch round Madinah. In person would he them. He disliked backbiting and forbade as many as six thousand, were released body, it may be claimed; if I have offended tributed it among the poor. Even for the do shopping, not only for his own house- his visitors to talk ill of any of his friends. without taking a penny as ransom. At the anybody, he may have his revenge.” dumb creatures of God his heart over- hold but also for his neighbours or for He would ever take the lead in greeting battle of Uhud, when he was wounded In his dealings with others he never flowed with mercy. He spoke of one who helpless women. He never despised any his friends and shaking hands with them. and fell, down, a comrade asked him to placed himself on a higher pedestal. Once drew water from a well to quench the work, however humble, notwithstand- The Prophet’s generosity even towards curse his persecutors. His reply was: I while he held the position of a king at thirst of a dog as having earned paradise ing the dignity of his position as Prophet his enemies stands unique in the annals of have not been sent to curse but as an Madinah, a Jew whom he owed some with this act of kindness. He spoke of a and King. He thus demonstrated through the world. Abdullah Ibn Ubayy, the head inviter to good and mercy. O Lord ! guide money came up to him and began to-abuse deceased woman that she was undergoing personal example that man’s calling does of the hypocrites, was a sworn enemy of my people, for they know not.” Once a him. Umar was enraged, but the Prophet punishment because she would tie up her not really determine his nobleness or his Islam, and his days and nights were spent Bedouin pulled him and threw his wrap rebuked him, saying: “It would have been cat and keep it hungry. Form his earliest meanness. in plotting mischief against the Muslims. round his neck. When asked why he meet for thee to have advised both of us days he had a deep sympathy for widows His actions and movements were Yet at his death, the Prophet prayed to should not be repaid in the same coin, - me, the debtor to repay the debt with and orphans, the poor and the helpless. characterised by homely simplicity. He the Lord to forgive him and even granted he pleaded that he (the Prophet) never gratitude, and him, the creditor, to demand He would ever stand by the oppressed. He did not like his companions to stand up his own shirt to enshroud his body. The returned evil for evil. it in a more becoming manner.” vindicated the rights of women over men, on his arrival. Once he forbade them, Makkans, who had all along subjected In the administration of justice, the And he paid the Jew more than his of slaves over their masters, of the ruled saying, “Do not stand up for me as do him and his friends to the most barba- Prophet was scrupulously even-handed. due. On another occasion when he was over the rulers, and of the subjects over the non-Arabs;” and added that he was rous tortures, were not only awarded a Muslims and non-Muslims, friend and foe, out in the wood with his friends, the time the king. Negro slaves were accorded the a humble creature of God, eating as oth- general amnesty but were let off even were all alike in his eyes. Even before the for preparation of food came. Everybody same position of honour as the Quraish ers eat and sitting as others sit. When without a reproof. Twenty long years of Call, his impartiality his honesty and integ- was allotted a piece of work, he himself leaders. He was the champion of the a certain man wanted to kiss his hand, persecutions and warfare were absolutely rity were of household fame, and people going out to pick up fuel. Spiritual and oppressed and the ill-treated ones. He he withdrew it remarking that that was forgiven and forgotten. “The magnanim- would bring their disputes to him to settle. temporal overlord though he was, he was very fond of children, and while the behaviour of the non-Arabs to wards ity with which Muhammad (PBUH) At Madinah, the Jews and the idolaters would yet do his share of work like an walking along he would pat and stroke their kings. Even if a slave sent him an treated a people who had so long hated both accepted him as the arbitrator in all ordinary man. In his treatment of his those whom he met on the way. Without invitation he accepted it. He would take and rejected him is worthy of all admira- their disputes. Notwithstanding the deep- servants, he observed the same princi- fail would he visit the sick to enquire his meals in the company of all classes tion,” says Muir. The fact is that no other rooted malice of Jews against Islam, when a ple of equality. A report from Anas says after their health and console them. He of people, even of slaves. When seated example is met with in history of such case between a Jew and a Muslim came up that during the ten years that he was in would also accompany a funeral. among people, there was nothing about magnanimous forgiveness of inveterate before him, he decreed in favour of the Jew, the Prophet’s service at Madinah, where www.muslimaccess.com FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 06 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

Editorial

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN: SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI Changing mindsets, and more EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: KHALID AL SAYED E-MAIL: [email protected] India needs to reform its law ACTING MANAGING EDITOR: HUSSAIN AHMAD E-MAIL: [email protected] enforcement along with fighting EDITORIAL: TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 chauvinistic mindsets. FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR. VEN the 1000-page chargesheet filed by Indian authorities of India’s womenfolk and the long-term safety and security of the E-MAIL: [email protected] against men accused of gang raping a woman sounds inad- person in the street. ADVERTISING: TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 Eequate in view of the magnitude of the crime that has drawn Globalisation saw a largely agricultural society in one of the larg- global headlines and triggered a heated debate on the rights of women est economies in the world pass through the pangs of modernisation. CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected] in a country of about 1.3 billion. The five men have been charged with Considering the complex nature of the Indian social order, the transi- multiple counts of rape, murder and criminal conspiracy in a case tion was never complete even two decades after globalisation set foot on SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY that can shake-up a lumbering judicial system and help burnish the Indian soil and Western labels and mores started catching up. As the TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 workings of a police force long given to a feudal mindset, and strug- winds of modernisation blew, a rising middle class struggled to find its E-MAIL: [email protected] gling to shed its heavy colonial baggage. coordinates. Indian society underwent a massive churning of opposing It is ironical that the physiotherapy student who came from a rural forces. The feminist movement, born in the west, was finding its way SUBSCRIPTION RATES area of eastern Uttar Pradesh, largely known for its feudal culture, was into Indian society. A class of modern women emerged and spoke for ANNUAL QR 675 raped and killed hundreds of kilometres away, in the Indian capital, the millions of underprivileged women who contribute considerable 6 MONTHS QR 340 which is the seat of power of the Goliathan federal government where to the economy but hardly reap its benefits. However, the movement scores of politicians avail of security details likely to rival the most somewhere got lost and the Indian woman, as was said, became more formidable ones in the world. prone to losing her identity before she found another. Amid hackneyed phrases being paraded in the burgeoning Indian Apart from talking of women’s emancipation and changing media about a woman being gang raped in a country which till some entrenched mindsets, which are long-term goals, a lot can be done months ago had a woman president, where the most powerful politician in the short-run to make it more safer for women. in the country is a woman, and where the Speaker of the Lower House Major police reforms — suggested by the Police Commission formed PUBLICATION of Parliament is again a woman, lurks a danger. The opprobrium sur- in the 1970s and the recommendations of which never got imple- rounding the grotesque crime should not undermine the real issues of mented— need to be implemented. This will lead to a more humane governance, subjects that are vital for the safety and empowerment police force that is more sensitive to the security needs of women.

We in Lebanon and in the region are living through The other side one of the most important and dangerous phases, an Quote of atmosphere of strife. the day Smoke signals from tobacco Hassan Nasrallah Hezbollah Chief HERE is no denying the harm tobacco causes to human health, so we need determination and corresponding action Tto ban smoking in public places. True, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine jointly released a three-year tobacco control plan (2012- 2015) on Tuesday. But the plan, despite being aimed at banning smoking in public places and promoting legislation to this effect, explains how difficult it is to control the use of tobacco. The reason: the tobacco industry accounts for 6 percent of the country’s revenue and employs more than 20 million people. Poor public awareness about the harm tobacco causes to human health along with nonsmokers’ disinclination to stop smokers from smoking in public places stand in the way of enforcing the plan. The government’s efforts leave much to be desired when it comes to promoting public awareness and enforcing the ban on smoking in public places. Cigarette packets still do not carry any images warning smokers against the use of tobacco. And the latest plan fails to make the requirement of graphic warning images mandatory. Apart from the legal codes legislated by various local governments on banning smoking and installing “no smoking” signs in public places, there are hardly any specific rules to enforce the ban. Besides, very few smokers have received due punishment violating the ban. The number of smokers in the country is more than 300 million. More than 52 percent of Chinese men smoke, and alarmingly 15 million of those are aged between 13 and 18 years, according to the Ministry of Health figures. The harsh reality is that the number of people who suffer the consequences of passive smoking is much higher than the number of smokers. The size of the tobacco industry and its contribution to the coun- try’s revenue are not good enough reasons for the government to drag its feet on tobacco control. The government has no option but to promote public awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco. This is necessary to improve the health of the people and for the healthy development of the country in more ways than one. CHINA DAILY Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Soaring Syria death toll brings intervention no closer

BY YARA BAYOUMY AND Al Assad inspired by Arab revolts Some Western countries have cohesive than that of his frac- as a “red line”, Washington has For their part, Russia and ALISTAIR LYON elsewhere, some of the civilians provided what they call non- tious opponents. He controls the effectively given Assad immunity China have vetoed three Security caught up in what has become a lethal aid to rebels, while some armed forces, using air power and to use anything else. Council resolutions on Syria, for he death toll in Syria now civil war are near despair. Arab states are reported to have heavy weaponry to contain rebel The United States and its fear they might lead to sanctions exceeds 60,000, the United “It’s all nonsense,” said Adnan sent weapons, mostly channelled advances or to pound any towns European allies, after extricating or foreign meddling aimed at TNations says. Another Abu Raad, an elderly man through Turkey. Fighters com- or urban districts that slip out of themselves from Iraq and soon ousting Assad. 100,000 may die this year, warns wrapped in a scarf against the plain of a dearth of ammuni- his control. Afghanistan, show no appetite for Iran fiercely opposes outside UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar cold, as he watched fresh graves tion even for the arms they have In Azaz cemetery, Abu Bahri, another such venture, with Syria intervention against its main Brahimi. About 220 were killed being dug after 11 people were acquired. a 45-year-old in a black coat, viewed as more likely to become Arab ally. The Shia-led govern- on Wednesday alone. killed in a weekend air strike in Without a negotiated solution, accused Assad of seeking to sap an Iraq-style quagmire than a ment in Iraq also fears the conse- “When numbers get serious, the rebel-held Syrian town of Brahimi said on Saturday, Syria rebel support by targeting civil- Libyan quasi-success. quences of any victory for mostly they leave a mark on your door,” Azaz near the border with Turkey. may soon resemble Somalia as a ians and depriving them of water, 2011, the UN Security Council Sunni Muslim rebels against goes a song by American musician “Neither the Free Syrian Army failed state plagued by warlords electricity and bread. adopted a resolution interpreted Assad and his Shia-linked Alawite Paul Simon. nor Assad’s forces can protect us. and destabilising its neighbours. Hurt the people and turn them by the West as allowing a Nato minority. But in Syria those bloody The two factions are fighting each But the opposition National against the Free Syria Army. It’s bombing campaign that helped Egypt’s new Islamist leaders notches show no signs of braking other, but no one is dying except Coalition rules out talks until a calculated move,” he said, as the rebels defeat Libyan leader have called for Assad’s fall, but a headlong struggle to the death for the innocent, the children, Assad goes, while the Syrian grave-diggers’ spades gouged at Muammar Gaddafi — whose air the most populous Arab nation, watched from afar by divided out- women and elderly.” leader says he will not give in to the soil to lay the next victims defences were flimsy and whose gripped by its own political and side powers, most of whose lead- Abu Raad derided the peace his foes. to rest. friends were few. economic turmoil, is in no shape ers seem convinced that the risks efforts of Brahimi and his pred- The insurgents have grabbed In the military struggle evolv- Syria’s dense core of towns and to bring this about. of direct intervention outweigh ecessor Kofi Annan as hypocrisy swathes of countryside in the ing so slowly, no end to the blood- cities, as well as the sectarian Turkey, which swiftly turned any possible rewards. and dismissed reports of even lim- north and east, as well as hold- letting is in sight. The outside diversity of its 23 million people against its former Syrian ally and Syrians realise they are ited outside help for the rebellion ing parts of Aleppo, Syria’s big- world appears impotent. in a country formally at war with for months talked of a possible essentially on their own, and 21 against Assad as fiction. “No one gest city, and some suburbs of Indeed, many Syrians on both Israel and deeply inter-connected no-fly zone or safe haven inside months after the start of pro- has sent us a single bullet. It’s Damascus, the capital. sides have concluded that by defin- with a volatile regional neighbour- Syria, also said it would never tests against President Bashar all a lie.” Yet Assad’s power base is more ing any use of chemical weapons hood, all mark it off from Libya. intervene unilaterally. REUTERS FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Elections that could change the world in 2013 BY TY MCCORMICK allies against a broad spectrum of more next government even if it fails to win a secular and leftist parties that cam- plurality because the PML-N has in the n 2012, the world witnessed an paigned for a “no” vote in the constitu- past found it difficult to play nice with unusual number of high-profile tional referendum. the Islamist parties it will need as coali- elections. Between the US battle The smart money is on the Brotherhood, tion allies. royale, Vladimir Putin’s return which dominated last year’s parliamen- If that happens, the race for prime to the Russian presidency, and tary election and recently secured the minister is wide open, with candidates Ithe once-in-a-decade leadership transi- presidency, but the coming election also from Makhdoom Amin Fahim to Bilawal tion in China, it seemed like the entire gives the opposition a second bite at the Bhutto Zardari being rumored to be in world was in flux. But don’t be fooled by apple. Instead of threatening to boycott, the running. Zardari, the 24-year-old this year’s quieter tempo: Everything a tactic that has come back to haunt son of President Ali Zardari and former from the European debt crisis, to Iran’s the left time and again since Mubarak’s Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, is too nuclear program, to the stability of Africa ouster, the opposition National Salvation young to run in the elections if they’re will be influenced by voters at the ballot Front plans to participate and is hoping held on schedule. box in 2013. Here’s a look at eight of the its recent push to vote down the consti- But his recent speech commemorat- most consequential elections coming up. tution — though unsuccessful — will pay ing the fifth anniversary of his mother’s electoral dividends this time around. So assassination has Pakistanis ruminating KENYA far, the opposition has proved remarkably about the possibility of a third-genera- TYPE: PRESIDENTIAL, inept at reading public sentiment, how- tion Bhutto premiership — now or in the PARLIAMENTARY ever, and could easily find itself trounced future. DATE: MARCH 4 at the ballot box by Islamists once again. Five years after Kenya’s presidential GERMANY election ended in tragedy, voters are IRAN TYPE: PARLIAMENTARY headed back to the polls to replace incum- TYPE: PRESIDENTIAL DATE: BETWEEN SEPT 1 AND OCT bent president Mwai Kibaki and to fill DATE: JUNE 14, 2013 27 the newly established Senate and regional With only six months left in Mahmoud German Chancellor Angela Merkel and governorships. In late 2007, following an Ahmadinejad’s lame-duck presidency, her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) ethically polarized campaign, presiden- the race to succeed him is starting to look poised to continue their reign in the tial runner-up Raila Odinga refused to heat up. Until recently, many thought Bundestag next fall, but they may need recognise the election results, touching Ahmadinejad’s chief of staff and chosen to dump their current coalition partner, off a wave of ethnic violence that left successor Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei was the Free Democrats (FDP). Recent poll- more than 1,100 people dead. This year, the president’s most likely replacement, ing showed the CDU at 41 percent sup- ethnic tensions are as high, if not higher, but the souring of relations between port, the highest since 2006. The FDP, than in 2007, and two of the presiden- Ahmadinejad and Supreme Leader Ali meanwhile, fell to 4 percent, below the tial candidates — Deputy Prime Minister Khamenei last year seems to have poi- his Bayit Yehudi party is now expected to Five Star Movement, led by former come- 5 percent threshold required for a party Uhuru Kenyetta and Minister of Higher soned his candidacy. According to ana- form the third-largest bloc in parliament dian Beppe Grillo. Opinion polls suggest to be allocated seats. According to politi- Education William Ruto — have been lysts, the Guardian Council, which vets after Netanyahu’s Likud-Yisrael Beitenu that Monti, whose austerity measures and cal analysts, the most likely electoral indicted by the International Criminal candidates in Iran, would most likely alliance and the centrist Labour party. As structural reforms arguably steered Italy outcome is a grand coalition between Court for their role in the 2007 violence. block Mashaei if he decides to put his a result, Netanyahu is under pressure to away from the brink of financial disaster, Merkel’s CDU and the center-left Social Odinga, who has been prime minister name forward. Without anyone close include his former protégé in whatever has little chance of defeating Bersani, the Democrats (SDP), a repeat of the alli- since 2008, and Kenyetta are currently to Ahmadinejad, the election will likely government he forms, although he has current front-runner. Nonetheless, the ance that led Germany from 2005-2009 considered the front-runners, but Ruto feature a bland group of pragmatic and reportedly met with representatives of caretaker prime minster could conceiv- (though a CDU-Greens coalition is not is still a viable candidate, as are Vice hardline conservatives, such as Khamenei Tzipi Livni’s new Hatnua party to explore ably supplant Berlusconi as the leader of out of the question). Peer Steinbrück, the President Kalonzo Musyoka and Deputy confidant Ali Akbar Velayati, parliamen- the possibility of an alliance. Bennett’s Italy’s center-right. leader of the SDP, is challenging Merkel, Vice President Musalia Mudavadi. tary speaker Ali Larijani, and Saeed inclusion in the next government would but few think he has a realistic shot at From an ideological perspective, there Jalili, the head of Iran’s nuclear nego- represent a significant blow to the two- PAKISTAN toppling the chancellor, whose handling isn’t a lot riding on the election — the tiation team. Another Khamenei loyal- state solution, which his party opposes in TYPE: PARLIAMENTARY of the eurozone debt crisis has won her a policy platforms of the leading candi- ist being bandied about is Tehran Mayor no uncertain terms. DATE: APRIL (EXPECTED) nearly 70 percent approval rating. dates are all virtually identical — but a Mohammad Qalibaf, who ran unsuccess- If Pakistan holds national elections this peaceful and fair balloting couldn’t be fully in 2009. None is a reformer, and all ITALY year, it will be the first time the country’s ARGENTINA more important. In addition to stunting would likely advance Khameni’s push to TYPE: PARLIAMENTARY civilian government completed its five- TYPE: PARLIAMENTARY Kenya’s democratic development, more consolidate political power. DATE: FEB 24-25 year term and transferred power demo- DATE: OCTOBER violence could send the country’s econ- Italy’s general election, precipitated cratically. The vote, which has not been The political future of Argentine omy into a tailspin, knocking as much ISRAEL by the resignation of technocrat Prime scheduled but is expected to take place President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner as 1.3 percent off of this year’s projected TYPE: PARLIAMENTARY Minister Mario Monti, is shaping up to in April, is shaping up to be a showdown could well be determined in this year’s growth, according to the World Bank. DATE: JAN 22 be one of the murkiest contests of 2013. between Pakistan’s two largest parties, legislative contest — not because she’s With the polls less than a month away, Former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi the center-left Pakistan People’s Party running, but because she needs a two- EGYPT the Israeli general election is turning out has thrown his hat in the ring, but his (PPP) and the center-right Pakistan thirds majority in parliament to amend TYPE: PARLIAMENTARY to be more interesting than previously People of Freedom (PDL) party is poll- Muslim League (PML-N). Earlier this the constitution so that she can run again DATE: WITHIN TWO MONTHS forecast. Although Ehud Olmert’s possi- ing at an abysmal 13-18 percent and a year, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, led by in 2015. To strengthen her ruling Victory Now that Egypt’s contentious consti- ble run proved to be a flash in the pan and mere 25 percent when combined with former cricket icon Imran Khan, looked Front, de Kirchner, who enjoys wide sup- tutional referendum is in the rearview Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the far-right Northern League, a likely like it could be the kingmaker, but a spate port among young people, in October mirror and legislative power has been all but guaranteed re-election, the emer- coalition partner. Monti, meanwhile, has of defections has left the upstart party threw her weight behind a bill that low- transferred to the country’s historically gence in recent weeks of Naftali Bennett offered to lead an alliance into the elec- crippled going into the election. ered the voting age to 16. But the country ceremonial Shura Council, Egyptians as a serious political force on the right tion and is expected to meet with poten- If the election were held today, ana- as a whole remains sharply divided over de are looking ahead to their second par- has the potential to impact the govern- tial coalition partners this week. As a lysts say, the PLM-N would have a slight Kirchner, whose heavy spending and lib- liamentary election in a little more than ing coalition. Bennett, a charismatic tech senator for life, Monti cannot officially upper hand, meaning that party chair- eral use of the printing press has resulted a year. (The country’s military rul- mogul and former Netanyahu aide, surged run in the polls, but can serve as prime man Nawaz Sharif would likely succeed in record inflation even as the economy ers dissolved the previous parliament to prominence in recent weeks with a minister if asked to do so by the winning Raja Pervez Ashraf as Pakistan’s next slows. Whether Queen Cristina’s bid to after the Supreme Constitutional Court series of controversial remarks — includ- coalition. His candidacy, if made official prime minister. But the race between widen the franchise will be enough to keep invalidated the election.) The new polls ing one quip about his unwillingness to in the coming weeks, would throw a the PLM-N and the PPP, which has yet her in power after 2015 is anyone’s guess, are constitutionally mandated to take evict Jewish settlers, even if ordered to wrench into the race between Pier Luigi to coalesce around a replacement for but you can bet your boots she’ll be out place within two months and will pit the do so by the military. Bennett appears to Bersani’s center-left Democratic party, Ashraf, is still neck and neck. Moreover, there stumping for her allies. Muslim Brotherhood and its Islamist have benefited from the controversy, and Berlusconi’s center-right PDL, and the it’s possible that the PPP could form the WP-BLOOMBERG Women fear getting groped at India’s anti-rape protests

groups in India, Borah opposes Some of the demonstrations the capital punishment that so many of the protesting men seek. during the past two weeks have She said capital punishment is not a deterrent against crimes such as rape and that profound been dominated by men. social changes are instead needed to protect women in India. BY JOHN UPTON men, including the driver. The “But recently, because men’s mass protests are a sign that voices are more audible, they take tight circle of hundreds India might finally be ready for over many of the protests. It’s of protesters chanted change, that a country with a his- really sad because we don’t want angrily in a heav- tory of indifference and even tacit goons — we want people who are Aily policed New Delhi encouragement of rape might really concerned about violence alley on Sunday afternoon. They finally be learning a different against women to come out on the waved placards calling for the way to respond. And in India’s streets. We’ve been requesting the hanging of six men — including deeply sexist society, it is prob- men to slop sloganeering and let a 17-year-old — accused in the ably the voices of these men that the women slogan, but it’s not gang rape of a woman who died will deliver publicity unlike any happening. They say, ‘Oh, come over the weekend in the hospital. seen before about the crisis facing on, we’re coming out and helping They demanded a deadline for India’s women and girls. you.’ “ the hanging: Jan. 26, the annual But change doesn’t happen Some of the anti-rape protests celebration of the nation’s inde- overnight. There are women during the past two weeks have pendence, which arrived courtesy out on the streets, some from been dominated by men, as was of the nonviolent “eye for an eye India’s long-suppressed women’s the case on Sunday; others have Women hold placards as they join others in a march past a metro station undergoing construction in New Delhi. makes the whole world blind” movement, to fight for stronger been roughly half women and The rally was organised by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit for justice and security for women. leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. rape laws and other legal pro- half men. While men shout and “So what he is minor . . . [sic]” tections. But those women risk hold brash signs calling for capi- read one man’s sign in gothic being groped by fellow protesters tal punishment, the women tend desire to send a message to the has helped to create an atmos- a man after dark. Most of the black handwriting and accompa- or shouted down. And the men to light candles. They sit with government that crimes against phere during some of the recent crimes against women in India nied by a crude drawing of the on these same streets seem to sad faces. They silently hold signs women must end. But many more protests that has been outwardly are inflicted against poor, unedu- accused teen-ager with a noose be operating just as much from that call for an end to violence seemed to be interested in pro- hostile toward women. Women cated women in rural areas, and around his neck, “hang him too.” a revenge instinct as from any against women, for peace after tecting women in the more old- have been subjected to the same they often go unreported. The protesters chanted angrily, desire for meaningful social, polit- death for the victim, and for sys- fashioned, oppressive way. type of groping and ogling by some The optimistic way of framing as television news crews broad- ical and legal changes. temic changes in government and Borah says her group recognised of the men at these protests that the problem is, as these women’s cast their rage around the world. “I’m really happy about men in society. For them, this is just several men among recent protest- the protesting women have long groups continue in their long- They seemed irate and bent on protesting,” said Ritupurnah the latest chapter in a drawn-out ers who had attacked members of fought to eradicate from Indian fought battle for meaningful revenge. Borah, a queer feminist activ- fight that for these women has her collective with misogynistic society. changes in India’s darkly patri- And almost all of them were ist who has helped organise lasted decades and enjoyed little threats during quieter demonstra- In India this is known as “Eve archal society, they have to fig- men. the Citizen’s Collective Against progress. “We want women dig- tions that preceded the infamous teasing” — the natural conse- ure out how to welcome men into Thousands of Indians have Sexual Assault. The collective has nity back [sic],” read a sign held gang rape. “They told us we had quence for a woman who, like their movement without getting taken to the streets to protest been coordinating women’s safety by two young women as they stood no right to protest there, and if the medical student, rides a public overwhelmed by them. Which the vicious Dec. 16 raping of a protests every month for the past mournfully at the periphery of the we wear indecent clothes they will bus. To protect themselves from won’t be easy so long as misogy- 23-year-old medical student, year. She said those protests were circle of angrily chanting men. molest us.” attack and harassment, women nistic foes of their campaign move who boarded a bus with a man attended by virtually no men. Some male protesters appeared The presence of some men that in India are often warned to in their midst. and then was attacked by several Like many women’s activists and steadfastly sincere about their Borah characterised as “thugs” dress modestly and travel with WP-BLOOMBERG FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL UK baulks at Gunman kills three women in Switzerland DAILLON, SWITZERLAND: A gunman killed three women and wounded two men late on Wednesday in the Swiss village of Daillon, opening fire from his apartment Argentina call then pursuing the attack in the street, Swiss officials said. The 33-year-old gunman, who has not been named, threatened police when they tried to arrest him and was shot in the chest before over Falklands being arrested and taken to hospital, police in the Swiss canton of Valais said yesterday. No police officers were wounded. The shooting is likely to stir a fresh debate Archipelago row hots up again about Switzerland’s fire arms laws that allow its male citizens to retain guns after their LONDON: British Prime mandatory military service. Minister David Cameron The Daillon gunman was a local resident (pictured) dismissed yesterday who had been in psychiatric care in 2005 and a renewed call by Argentine was unemployed and living on welfare benefits, President Cristina Kirchner for police said. His only previous conviction was Britain to return the disputed for marijuana use. Falkland Islands. The village is close to the town of Sion, the Cameron’s official spokesman capital of the canton — or region — of Valais, said the 3,000 residents of the known for its world-class ski resorts such South Atlantic archipelago “have as Verbier. a clear desire to remain British” The women who died, aged 32, 54 and 79, and would have a chance to were all shot at least twice, in the head and express their views in a referen- chest. The youngest was married to one of dum on their political status. the injured men and they had young children A spokesman for the legislative together, regional public prosecutor Catherine assembly of the islands, which Seppey told a news conference. The injured are known as Las Malvinas in men were aged 33 and 63. Spanish, confirmed the vote would Police said the gunman used at least two take place on March 10 and 11. to determine our own affairs, a firearms — an old Swiss army carbine and a In an open letter addressed right that is enshrined in the UN rifle capable of firing lead shot — even though to Cameron and published as a Charter and which is ignored by his weapons had been seized and destroyed in paid advert in two British news- Argentina.” 2005, and he was not currently listed as hav- papers, Kirchner said the islands Tensions between Britain and ing any guns. were “forcibly stripped” from Argentina rose last year on the He began firing from his apartment, shoot- Argentina 180 years ago today “in 30th anniversary of their short ing at people in the street and in neighbouring a blatant exercise of 19th-century but bloody war for control of the buildings, but later came out into the street, colonialism”. islands, which left 255 British police said. “Since then, Britain, the colo- soldiers and 649 Argentine Swiss website 20minutes.ch quoted villagers nial power, has refused to return troops dead. as saying the gunman had been drinking heav- the territories to the Argentine Cameron and Kirchner publicly ily. It also said he was armed with an assault Republic, thus preventing it from clashed over the issue at the G20 rifle, but the public prosecutor did not confirm restoring its territorial integrity,” summit last June in Mexico, and that information. Swiss voters, backed by the she wrote. the British prime minister used government, rejected a proposal in February However, Cameron’s spokes- his recent Christmas message to 2011 to tighten the country’s liberal fire man said it was up to the resi- the Falklands to accuse Argentina arms laws. REUTERS A police car drives near the scene of shooting in the Swiss village of Daillon near Sion, yesterday. dents themselves to decide on of denying islanders their rights. their future, adding that the Kirchner said the UN General prime minister would “do every- Assembly adopted a resolution thing to protect the interests of in 1965 which considered the the Falkland islanders”. islands as a case of colonialism “The people of the Falklands and invited Britain and Argentina have a clear desire to remain to hold talks on their disputed Hillary out of hospital, keen to resume work British and the Argentine govern- claims. ment should respect their right to “In the name of the Argentine NEW YORK: US Secretary “Her medical team advised It was the first time Clinton self-determination,” he said. people, I reiterate our invitation of State Hillary Clinton left her that she is making good had been seen since catching a The residents “will have a right for us to abide by the resolutions a New York hospital late on progress on all fronts, and they stomach virus on returning from to show that or otherwise in their of the United Nations,” she wrote Wednesday after three days are confident she will make a full a trip to Europe on December 7, own referendum this year”, the in the letter, which was copied of treatment and is expected recovery,” he said, adding that which triggered a series of health spokesman added. to UN Secretary General Ban to make a full recovery from a Clinton was “eager to get back to scares, forcing doctors to order Barry Elsby, a member of Ki-moon. rare blood clot in her head. the office.” her to rest. the islands’ elected legislative In her letter, Kirchner “Secretary Clinton was dis- Earlier, the top US diplomat, Accompanied by her smiling assembly, also rejected Kirchner’s accuses Britain of expelling the charged from the hospital this bundled up against the cold in a husband, former president Bill demands, saying: “We are not a Argentines from the islands evening,” a top aide, Deputy thick winter coat and wearing Clinton, as well as her daughter colony — our relationship with the when it took control in 1833 and Assistant Secretary Philippe dark glasses, appeared in pub- Chelsea and several aides, Clinton United Kingdom is by choice. beginning a “population implan- US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Reines, said in a statement, after lic for the first time in almost walked to a waiting black van at “Unlike the government of tation process similar to that leaves hospital in New York late on the 65-year-old diplomat was a month, when she came out the hospital, according to images Argentina, the United Kingdom applied to other territories under Wednesday. forced to spend New Year’s Eve of a building at the New York broadcast by CNN. respects the right of our people colonial rule”. AFP in a hospital bed. Presbyterian Hospital. AFP

Back to school Czech mass CAR president refuses to resign pardon triggers BANGUI: Central African of President Bozize leaving ... will despite its reserves of diamonds, controversy Republic President Francois be rejected systematically if it is gold and other minerals. Bozize will refuse to leave proposed,” Cyriac Gonda said. French nuclear energy group PRAGUE: Outgoing Czech power during talks with rebels, “For us, the solution is to form Areva mines the country’s President Vaclav Klaus came his spokesman said yesterday, a unity government with eve- Bakouma uranium deposit — under fire yesterday for decree- rejecting the insurgents’ main ryone,” he added, reiterating a France’s biggest commercial ing a mass amnesty for thou- demand and raising the pros- previous offer by Bozize to give interest in its former colony. sands of convicted or suspected pect of a return to fighting. government posts to the rebels. Seleka fighters have swept criminals, including some jailed The Seleka rebel alliance, which The spokesman for the CPSK, aside regionally-backed govern- or on trial in major fraud cases. has accused Bozize of reneging on one of the rebel groups that form ment defences to within 75km Around 7,400 inmates out of a past peace deal, advanced to Seleka, said yesterday a peace of Bangui since launching their a total of 23,000 were due to be within striking distance of the deal would not be possible without assault on December 10. released following the decision mineral-rich nation’s capital this Bozize’s unconditional exit. African leaders are organising taken by the head of state on the week before bowing to interna- The advance by Seleka, an alli- peace negotiations in Gabon’s cap- 20th anniversary of the Czech tional pressure to start negotia- ance of five armed groups, was ital Libreville that are expected Republic’s independence. tions. A week before those talks the latest in a series of revolts in to take place on January 10. The “Each amnesty should have a were due to start, a spokesman for a country at the heart of one of United States, France and the transparent philosophy. But in Sandy Hook Elementary students leave for school in Newtown, Bozize’s ruling KNK party said the Africa’s most turbulent regions. European Union have urged both this case, I am still trying to find Connecticut, yesterday. They returned to classes at an alternative president’s departure would not CAR remains plagued by pov- sides to reach a political solution it,” the head of the Czech supreme campus yesterday after a gunman massacred 26 pupils and teachers be on the agenda. “The question erty and underdevelopment and spare civilians. REUTERS court, Iva Brozova, told reporters. at the school last month. The amnesty mostly applies to people given sentences of less than a year and those aged over 75 who have been sentenced to less than 10 years in jail. Record 100 women The amnesty will also put a Call for action after organ scandal halt to legal proceedings that have been going on for more than BERLIN: The head of the and professional law should be in 2012 that other German hospi- eight years, provided that the pos- German doctors’ lobby and used” to bring corrupt doctors to tals engaged in dubious practices in US Congress sible sentence is not more than politicians called yesterday for justice. His comments came after with organ transplants, prompt- 10 years. swift action to root out cor- irregularities emerged at a trans- ing an independent commission to WASHINGTON: A record budget deficits, imposing new “This is a gesture aimed at giv- ruption following a scandal plant centre in the eastern city launch a sweeping review. number of women were sworn controls on gun ownership and ing a fresh chance to those citi- over preferential treatment for of Leipzig. The Leipzig cases emerged in in as members of the 113th reforming badly outdated immi- zens who may have broken the law organ transplants. The clinic said that between the course of that inquiry. Congress as a result of elections gration laws and the tax code. but who are not repeat offenders,” The president of the German 2010 and 2012, 38 people were The chief health policy spokes- on last November 6. Last month, in the midst of Klaus explained in the Dnes news- Medical Association, Frank Ulrich wrongly registered as dialysis man of Chancellor Angela The 80 women members of the a bitter budget and tax battle paper. The Czech press yesterday Montgomery, said physicians tak- patients so that they would be Merkel’s Christian Democratic House of Representatives are join- known as the “fiscal cliff,” two highlighted several controversial ing bribes in life-or-death cases given a higher priority on waiting Union, Jens Spahn, urged root- ing a total of 20 female senators female senators told ABC News cases that would be affected by would shatter the hard-earned lists for a liver transplant. and-branch reform of the organ — a record crop for both cham- that if women were in charge, the amnesty. faith that Germans have in them. It could not rule out that transplant system, echoing calls bers, which have been dominated things would have been fixed These included prominent “Transplant doctors who still “money had changed hands” in by other parties. by men — white men — from the much more easily. businessman Tomas Pitr, who is don’t understand that they are exchange. The head of the clinic “Manipulation to get certain time the first US Congress was “I think if we (women) were being prosecuted for suspected destroying their own field with as well as two senior doctors have patients higher on waiting lists seated in 1789. in charge of the Senate and of tax fraud, and Czech former foot- cheating and manipulation should been given a leave of absence while could mean a death sentence for The 100 women of the 113th US the administration, we would ball association chief Frantisek get out of the profession,” he told the institution conducts an inter- other patients who have a more Congress — out of 535 members have a budget deal by now,” said Chvalovsky who is suspected the daily Passauer Neue Presse. nal probe. Public prosecutors have urgent need for an organ,” he told — will be thrown into a pressure Republican Senator Susan Collins of embezzling the equivalent of Montgomery added that “all opened a preliminary investiga- the daily Rheinische Post. cooker with huge fights already of Maine. ¤60m ($78m). AFP means available under criminal tion. The affair follows revelations AFP brewing over reducing federal REUTERS FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Population seen to hit 97.7m this year Reproductive Health Act draws flak as Catholic couple files petition claiming the law as ‘unconstitutional’

MANILA: The country’s popu- to services and information about and is the lawyer for the influen- lation is expected to reach 97.7m family planning and their repro- tial Catholic Bishops Conference this year due to the 1.7m to 1.8m ductive health. of the Philippines, said that “the Filipino babies born every year, “They will know that birth state has no business entering the the Commission on Population spacing will be good for the moth- bedroom”. (PopCom) said yesterday. er’s and the baby’s health. Because “This law corrupts Philippine “This is just an unofficial esti- of that, they will evaluate their culture, mainly the emphasis we mate made by PopCom. Our capability (to raise a family). So put on family values and mar- population in 2010 was 92.3m in the process, the number of riage, taking care of children in absolute number. So based on the children will be based on the and parenting,” she said, having that, we may estimate that by health and future of the family,” earlier warned that lay Catholics May 2013, our population will be he said. would challenge the law in court. 97.7m,” said PopCom executive Osias maintained that there is The Philippine constitution director Tomas Osias. no provision in the law that will guaranteed the protection of the The National Statistical mandate couples to limit the size family and in passing the law “the Coordination Board is the agency of their family. government overstepped its pow- mandated to make an estimate “You will not be told not to ers”, Jo Imbong said. of the Philippine population but have a child anymore after two “This is just the first salvo,” she it has not released a projection kids or something like that. There added. “We are paving the way so far. are no demographic or family size for other similar suits from many According to Osias, PopCom targets. What we are saying is, faith-based groups.” made the computation based on they will be the ones to deter- Imbong said big “prayer rallies” the annual population growth mine what is good for the family were also being planned across rate of 1.9 percent. This translates in terms of health and the capac- the country in the weeks to come. to some 1.7m to 1.8m babies being ity to give the children a better The law will take effect on born every year. future,” he added. January 17, unless the Supreme Asked if the passage of Meanwhile, a Catholic couple Court issues an injunction. Court Republic Act Number 10354 or has asked the Philippines’ top officials have not indicated if they the Responsible Parenthood and court to stop a historic birth will hear legal challenges to the Reproductive Health Act of 2012 control law, their lawyer said yes- law before then. will slow down the country’s pop- terday, in the first of many legal The law requires government ulation growth, Osias refused to challenges church leaders have health centres hand out free make the connection. vowed against the measure. condoms and birth-control pills, Children play in a basketball court in Manila yesterday, a sign of increasing population. “The law does not have demo- The petition was filed on benefiting tens of millions of the graphic targets,” he said. Wednesday at the Supreme country’s poor who would not oth- Instead, the legislation will only Court by lawyer James Imbong erwise be able to afford or have will slow the country’s rapid pop- legislators and presidents by that toppled two corrupt presi- empower couples, especially the and his wife, who claim the law access to them. ulation growth, cut poverty and threatening to turn the public dents over the past 27 years. women, to make an “informed signed by President Benigno It also mandates that sex edu- reduce the number of mothers against them. Nevertheless, public opinion choice about their reproductive Aquino two weeks ago was cation be taught in schools and dying at child birth. Eighty percent of the coun- surveys have consistently shown health.” unconstitutional. public health workers receive The Catholic Church had try’s roughly 100m people are a majority of Filipinos support the Osias added that the law would Imbong’s mother Jo, who is rep- family-planning training. managed to stall the legislation Catholic, and the church helped “Responsible Parenthood Act”. just provide couples with access resenting the couple in the case Proponents have said the law for more than a decade, cowing lead “people power” revolutions AGENCIES

Manila voices outrage over Floods displace 130 Death of girl, 7, sparks call families in Dipolog ecology official’s murder ZAMBOANGA CITY: At least 130 families have been evacu- MANILA: The Philippine gov- 21 the number of environment for debate on gun control ated in two villages in Dipolog ernment has voiced outrage at department personnel, deputised City, Zamboanga Del Norte “ruthless” illegal loggers intent workers and volunteers who have due to floods caused by inces- on defying a nationwide ban on been killed since a nationwide log- MANILA: The death of a girl watching a fireworks display Prominent anti-crime cru- sant rain spawned by tropical destroying forests, following the ging ban was imposed two years hit by celebratory gunfire on outside their home in a Manila sader Dante Jimenez said the depression “Auring,” according New Year’s Day murder of an ago, according to government data. New Year’s Eve sparked calls suburb on Monday when a bul- government should impose “a to a local disaster official. environment officer. The Philippines, a tropical yesterday for stricter gun let, apparently fired from cel- total gun ban during the holi- Director Adriano Fuego, Two unidentified men armed Southeast Asian archipelago, controls in the Philippines, ebratory gunfire, struck her. days” and not only during elec- regional chief of the National with M16 rifles shot environ- has lost more than half its forest where unlicensed weapons are Ella was the second young tions, when rival politicians are Disaster Risk Reduction ment department officer Alfredo cover over the past century with widely blamed for rampant victim to die from stray bullets known to engage in blood feuds. Management Council Almueda in the head as he waited only about 7.6m hectares (18.8m violence. in New Year’s eve celebrations, “There should be no guns on (NDRRMC), said two houses at a forest checkpoint to inter- acres) left, Paje told reporters last The girl, Stephanie Ella, aged when gun owners tradition- the streets during these times. made of light materials built near cept a truck carrying logs on year. These forests are guarded by seven, died on Wednesday from ally fire bullets into the air or That is the only way,” he said. the river bank in Roxas town, also Tuesday, the government said in underfunded, outnumbered and a gunshot wound to the head, explode powerful firecrackers However, he said the bigger in Zamboanga Del Norte, were a statement. poorly armed government per- triggering outrage and condem- to make noise. problem was the failure of the destroyed by floodwaters. “We condemn in the strongest sonnel who often face resistance nation of poor law enforcement A four year-old boy was also authorities to seize all illegal “There was no reported casu- possible terms the killing of yet from illegal loggers often linked that allows hundreds of thou- killed, while a 16-year-old was firearms in the face of mount- alty so far. The wind was slight another environment officer. We to powerful businessmen and cor- sands of unregistered firearms in a coma after being wounded ing violence. and was not that strong,” Fuego are angered and outraged by the rupt officials. to be on the streets. in a similar incident. There were 1.2m registered said. attack,” Environment Secretary Clemente Bautista, national “This incident should not be Ella’s ordeal, however, was firearms in the Philippines as He said the river in Barangay Ramon Paje said in the statement coordinator for the non-gov- allowed to become just another prominently covered in national of last year, according to data Torno swelled prompting the issued late on Wednesday. ernment environmental group statistic,” Vice President media, as her grief-stricken from the police firearms and evacuation of 40 families. Paje said the 59-year-old Kalikasan (Nature), said illegal Jejomar Binay said in a parents tensely waited by her explosives office. It said there Fuego said the affected resi- Almueda was the victim of per- loggers felt they could operate statement. hospital bedside as doctors lost were another roughly 600,000 dents were temporarily sheltered sistent efforts by illegal log- with impunity. “Initially, they will “We have enough laws to the battle to save her. unlicensed firearms in circula- in Torno Elementary School. gers to silence “environmental be intimidated and if that does penalise but the problem has An outpouring of sympathy tion across the Philippines. At least 90 families have also defenders”. “This attack clearly not work, (the loggers) file a case always been in the enforce- followed, led by the office of While carrying an unlicensed been prepared for evacuation in demonstrates the ruthlessness against the officials or have them ment of laws,” he stressed, as President Benigno Aquino — firearm is punishable by up to Barangay San Jose. of those responsible for the rape removed from their post. If the he challenged the police to catch himself a keen sports shooter six years in prison, it remains and destruction of our forests,” officials are hard-headed they will the person responsible for Ella’s — which issued a statement relatively easy to acquire guns Leftist rebels extend Paje said. even kill them,” he said. death. condemning her senseless in the black market, Jimenez Almueda’s killing brings to AFP Ella and her father were death. said. AFP truce with authorities MANILA: The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Guard of Honour decided yesterday to extend its ceasefire declaration until January 15 after the Philippine government has announced of Nation-wide vigil stepped up to honouring the suspension of military and police operations up to the same date. prevent smuggling of cigarettes With the extension of the truce, the CPP Central Committee (CC) MANILA: The government is Tax bill became law. “Our anti- operates and the Tantoco family’s advised all commands and units of keeping a tight watch on pos- smuggling campaign has been Rustan’s Supermarket have not the New People’s Army, the leftist sible smuggling of cigarettes relentlessly on-going and noth- jacked up retail prices of imported group’s armed wing, and the peo- following the implementation of ing has changed even as we have and local cigarettes and alcohol ple’s militias that the end of the the Sin Tax Law. put on some asset replacement for products. ceasefire declared on Dec 20, 2012 Customs Commissioner Ruffy more vigorous campaign,” he said. “We haven’t received the new has been “re-extended to 2359H Biazon said Mindanao, par- The Navy has seized volumes of stocks yet,” said an employee of (hour) of Jan 15.” ticularly Zamboanga City and contraband that have been turned Rustan’s along Katipunan Avenue “Specifics of the Dec 20 order Tawi-Tawi, will be monitored as over to the Bureau of Customs, in Quezon City. will remain valid for the dura- smugglers use them as jump-off Mariano said. Convenience stores like Shell tion of this order. This declara- points. “These are not massive Beginning January 1, the tax on Select and Ministop that the tion overrides an earlier order smuggling activities,” he said. cigarettes is P12 ($.28) per pack Gokongwei group owns still sell by the CPP CC abbreviating the Biazon said smugglers usually for those with a net retail price their cigarettes and alcohol prod- ceasefire to 2359H of Jan 2, “ the transport goods using boats to (excluding the excise tax and the ucts at last year’s rates. group said. evade arrest. “Our bigger prob- 12-percent value added tax) of Internal Revenue The CPP said the declaration lem is the smuggling of cigarettes P11.50 and below. The tax is P25 Commissioner Kim Henares said was issued upon the recommen- from the Philippines,” he said. ($.60) for those with a higher some products still carry the dation of the National Democratic “Because even with the Sin Tax retail price. same prices because those with Front of the Philippines (NDFP), Law our cigarettes are still lower The rates will go up to P17 higher rates have yet to be deliv- the political wing of the CPP- than the prices abroad.” ($.40) and P27 ($.64) in 2014, ered. It’s possible that cigarette NPA. This developed being belat- In Mindanao, the Navy is P21 ($.5) and P28 ($.67) in 2015, manufacturers also partly absorb edly informed of the formal order guarding the country’s vast and P25 ($.60) and P29 ($.69) in the higher taxes and not pass this by President Benigno S Aquino coastline near the border with 2016. A single rate of P30 ($.71) on entirely to their customers, she III extending the suspension Malaysia against smugglers. per pack will be imposed start- added. BIR Revenue Regulation of offensive military and police Capt Rafael Mariano, Naval ing 2017, rising by four percent 17-2012, dated December 21, 2012, operations. The CPP said that Forces Western Mindanao dep- every year. prescribing higher tax rates on the re-extension of the cease- uty chief for naval operation, said In Quezon City, big grocery tobacco and alcohol products took President Benigno S Aquino III leads the observance of the country’s fire order may help in advancing the anti-smuggling campaign has stores such as Save More that effect on Tuesday. 116th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr Jose Rizal at the Rizal National peace process. been going on even before the Sin the Henry Sy-owned SM Group THE PHILIPPINE STAR Monument in Manila. THE PHILIPPINE STAR FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA Lanka’s top court rejects Factory fire bid to sack chief justice US, UN urge Rajapaksa to ensure independent judiciary

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s Bandaranayake guilty on counts The Supreme Court’s rul- Supreme Court said yester- of financial irregularities, conflict ing backs up a decision by an day parliament does not have of interest and failure to declare appeal court’s which last month the legal authority to inves- her assets. blocked parliament from vot- tigate accusations of miscon- But the Supreme Court said ing to impeach Bandaranayake, duct against senior judges and investigations into any misbehav- the country’s first woman chief an impeachment proceeding iour by senior judges including the justice. against the chief justice was chief justice should be conducted The United States, the United against the law. by a judicial body. Nations and the Commonwealth The government and Supreme “Therefore, in our opinion, it have raised concerns about the Court have been at logger- is mandatory for parliament to impeachment and called on heads since President Mahinda provide by law the body compe- Rajapaksa to ensure the inde- Rajapaksa’s ruling party filed tent to conduct the investigation,” pendence of the judiciary. an impeachment motion against the court said in a 27-page rul- The parliamentary panel which Shirani Bandaranayake, Sri ing, which was read out in a lower found Bandaranayake guilty was Lanka’s first female head of the court. appointed by Speaker Chamal Supreme Court, on November 6. Government Spokesman Rajapaksa, the elder brother of The government complained Keheliya Rambukwelle declined the president. that she had been overstepping her to comment on the ruling saying The accusations against authority but Bandaranayake’s the speaker of parliament would Bandaranayake arose after she supporters complained of politi- decide on the latest move by the ruled against a bill, submitted by cal interference in the judiciary. judiciary. Parliament had sched- the president’s younger brother, The case has raised international uled to debate the impeachment Basil Rajapaksa, proposing an concern about the independence on Bandaranayake next week, 80bn rupee ($614m) development of the judiciary. before a vote which the govern- budget which she said had to be A parliamentary impeachment ment, with a majority in the approved by nine provincial coun- Firefighters work to put out a blaze at a fur factory that contains six tanks of hazardous chemicals in committee last month found assembly, would be bound to win. cils. REUTERS Wenzhou, in eastern China’s Zhejiang province, yesterday. More than 350 firefighters were brought in to douse the flames. No casualties were reported yet.

Thailand deports Myanmar says jets used against Kachin rebels 73 Rohingya boat people to Myanmar YANGON: Myanmar’s military “The Tatmadaw troops cleared said in a statement. Colonel James Lum Dau, a Mistrust runs deep between has used jets to attacks rebel Point-771 hill and its surround- President Thein Sein’s quasi- Thai-based spokesman for the the military and the KIA, which BANGKOK: Thailand has fighters in northern Kachin ing areas where the KIA troops civilian administration insists KIA’s political wing, said Kachin was once backed by China, and deported dozens of Rohingya state, the government said yes- were attacking the Tatmadaw it wants a ceasefire and politi- officials on the ground had multiple rounds of talks aimed boat people back to Myanmar, terday, its first admission of logistic troops,” the New Light of cal dialogue. It says troops have reported up to 300 people killed at reaching a ceasefire have gone an official said yesterday, an intensification of a conflict Myanmar, a government mouth- acted only in self-defence and on in air strikes. nowhere. Analysts say a history despite a UN appeal to accept that has raised doubts about its piece, said. “The air cover was Thursday denied having plans to “We are in a defensive posi- of bad blood and a battle for con- members of the Muslim reformist credentials. used in the attack.” seize the KIA’s stronghold. tion. Right now more people are trol of resources, including highly minority fleeing sectarian Rebel sources have reported UN Secretary-General Ban The escalation of fighting has suffering not only bombings, but lucrative jade, could be stoking bloodshed. aerial bombings, shelling and Ki-moon voiced concern on raised doubts about the sincer- shelling and spraying of chemical the unrest. The 73 Rohingya, including 15 even the use of chemical weap- Wednesday over reports of heli- ity of the reformist ex-generals weapons with helicopter gunships Zaw Htay, a senior official in women, were sent back across ons since December 28 after copters and fighter jets being running the government and the and jets,” he said. “Only god knows Thein Sein’s office, told Reuters the border on Wednesday after the Kachin Independence Army used in the state bordering China. extent of their power in a coun- what to do. We are praying.” no air strikes had taken place landing on the southern island of (KIA) ignored an ultimatum to The KIA said the attacks were try the size of Britain and France It is difficult for journalists to but K-8 trainer jets had provided Phuket, said Ditthaporn Sasasmit, stop blocking an army supply intended to clear the path for an plagued by decades of internal independently verify accounts cover fire to protect ground troops a spokesman for the kingdom’s route in the hilly, resource-rich assault on its headquarters in conflict. from the two sides. from rebel attacks. The military, Internal Security Operation state where more than 50,000 Laisa. Some analysts and diplomats Fighting erupted in Kachin in he said, had no intention of seiz- Command. people have been displaced. Ban called on Myanmar’s gov- say central government is either June 2010, ending a 17-year truce, ing the KIA’s headquarters. “The waves were high and it Official newspapers said that ernment to “desist from any not fully committed to peace and has continued even as gov- “The president has said this might have been dangerous to go air support was used on Dec. 30 action that could endanger the with the KIA or unable to assert ernment negotiators have agreed and at the same time he has further, so Thailand allowed them to thwart KIA fighters who had lives of civilians” and reiterated control over the military, which ceasefires elsewhere with ethnic invited KIA leaders to come and to come into the country and occupied a hill and were attacking demands for humanitarian aid still dominates politics and the Shan, Chin, Mon and Karen mili- talk with him in Naypyitaw, but detained them as illegal immi- logistics units of the Tatmadaw, groups to be granted access, economy despite formally ceding tias after decades of fighting in they still haven’t responded,” Zaw grants,” he said. as Myanmar’s military is known. UN spokesman Martin Nesirky power in March 2011. border areas. Htay said. REUTERS “Phuket immigration police sent them back overland via Ranong, where there is a border checkpoint.” Seoul shivers The UN refugee agency has China denies rejecting visa called on Myanmar’s neighbours to open their borders to people fleeing a wave of communal vio- to New York Times reporter lence in the western Myanmar state of Rakhine. BEIJING: Beijing yesterday foreign journalists in the coun- Clashes between Buddhists denied rejecting a New York try, said yesterday it “strongly and Muslims have left at least Times reporter’s visa after regrets” what it called “delays” 180 people dead in Rakhine the paper - which has pub- in Buckley’s accreditation. In a since June, and displaced more lished a series of exposes on statement it linked the appar- than 110,000 others, mostly Premier Wen Jiabao’s family ent delay to a Times investi- Rohingya. - said he had been forced to gation into the huge riches Myanmar views the roughly leave mainland China. amassed by the family of Wen, 800,000 Rohingya in Rakhine as Chris Buckley, a long- who is soon to step down as illegal Bangladeshi immigrants standing China correspond- premier. and denies them citizenship. ent recently employed by the The New York Times in Although the tensions have Times, departed Beijing for October published reports say- eased since a new outbreak of Hong Kong on Monday after ing that relatives of Wen have killings in October, concerns the authorities did not issue controlled assets worth at least have grown about the fate of asy- him a working visa for 2013 $2.7bn during his tenure. lum-seekers setting sail in over- before the year’s end, the news- Lack of clarity over Buckley’s crowded boats. paper said. accreditation “inevitably raises In a statement, New York- “There has not been any so- suspicions that the authorities A man walks past iced-over trees at the Cheonggye stream in central Seoul, yesterday. South Korea’s based Human Rights Watch urged called rejection,” an official from are punishing The New York electricity consumption shot up to a new all-time high, as temperatures dropped to this winter’s lowest Thailand to “scrap its inhumane the spokesman’s office of the Times” for the articles, the in the capital. policy of summarily deporting ministry of foreign affairs said in statement said. Rohingya, who have been brutally response to faxed questions about Buckley, who has worked persecuted in Burma (Myanmar), Buckley. His visa application was as a reporter in China for and honour their right to seek still being processed, she said, 12 years, was previously asylum”. adding that at present it “did not employed as a correspondent The group said some deported meet all requirements, but has for Britain-based news wire South Korea confirms Google Rohingya were falling into the not been delayed”. Reuters, and rejoined The New hands of people smugglers waiting The official declined to give York Times in October. It is the for them at the Thai-Myanmar her name and also refused to latest instance of what press chairman’s visit to North border to demand large sums specify which requirements groups say is a series of cases of money to transport them to had not been fulfilled, adding in which Chinese authorities Malaysia. that Buckley “should be clear have obstructed the work of SEOUL: South Korea’s foreign Press and Wall Street Journal as prosecuted for unspecified crimes “Those unable to pay the smug- about that himself”. foreign journalists, who some- ministry confirmed yester- being part of a humanitarian mis- against the state. gling fees are forced into labour to The Foreign Correspondents’ times have a difficult relation- day that Google chairman Eric sion led by former New Mexico In the past, Pyongyang has pay off the fees, condemning them Club of China, which represents ship with Beijing. AFP Schmidt was planning a visit to governor Bill Richardson. agreed to hand over detainees to situations amounting to human North Korea, but was unable to Richardson has been to North to high-profile delegations led by trafficking,” it said. comment on the reason for the Korea a number of times in the likes of former US president Rohingya have for years trip. “We are aware that he is the past 20 years and has been Bill Clinton, and some observers trickled abroad to neighbouring planning a personal visit,” min- involved in negotiating the release suggested it may have specifically Bangladesh and, increasingly, to Wanted rapist-robber arrested istry spokesman Cho Tai-Young of US citizens detained in the requested Schmidt’s participation. Muslim-majority Malaysia. They BEIJING: A Chinese man accused of robbing and raping women told a regular press briefing. country. North Koreans are largely sometimes land in Thailand, in a crime spree across more than 10 cities has been arrested by Cho said Seoul was “not aware” He was last in Pyongyang in isolated from external news and which has been criticised in the authorities, state media said yesterday. of either the timing or the reason 2010 when he met North Korea’s information sources and very few past for pushing Rohingya back Zhang Haijun, 35, described by state broadcaster CCTV as “a criminal for Schmidt’s trip to Pyongyang. chief nuclear negotiator in an citizens have access to a compu- out to sea. seriously wanted across the country”, was arrested by police in the “We know of Schmidt’s visit to attempt to ease tensions after ter, let alone the Internet. About 500 Myanmar boat peo- central Chinese province of Shaanxi on Wednesday, CCTV reported. the North only as a private visit. the North shelled a South Korean Google is present in neighbour- ple swam to shore in Malaysia at Police escorted Zhang, who used online house rental websites to con- So there is no specific comment border island. ing China where it has long strug- the weekend after a 15-day sea tact female victims who he robbed and raped, to the eastern Chinese to be made from our government,” Reports of the latest mission gled with government censors. In journey, according to police there. city of Suzhou, the report said. CCTV showed Zhang with a shaved head he added. emerged just weeks after North 2010 it effectively shut down its Another died after being hit by a and wearing handcuffs, adding that he had previously spent 13 years Google has so far refused offi- Korea confirmed it had arrested Chinese search engine, re-routing boat propeller when he jumped in jail, and was arrested by authorities in the coastal city of Qingdao cially to confirm the visit, which a US citizen of Korean descent mainland users to its uncensored into the sea. last year but escaped while undergoing a medical check. AFP was reported by the Associated and said he would be formally site in Hong Kong. AFP AFP FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 US drone strikes kill Pakistani warlord Nazir was the main commander in South Waziristan

MIRANSHAH: US drone among those killed, the official move into South Waziristan. strikes killed a prominent war- added. “There will be a setback in a lord who sent insurgents to fight Local residents said that way. He was one of those who Nato troops in Afghanistan funeral prayers were said for were keeping his area under along with nine other militants Nazir and his associates around effective control and preventing in Pakistan’s tribal belt, local 10 kilometres (six miles) west of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan officials said yesterday. Wana, the main town in South from operating there. So it will Mullah Nazir was the main Waziristan, and markets and make a difference,” the official militant commander in South shops closed. said. Waziristan, part of the tribal In the neighbouring district of Analysts were divided on the zone where militants linked to the North Waziristan, two more mis- impact that his death would have Taliban and Al Qaeda have bases siles fired from a US drone killed on Pakistan and on the US-led on the Afghan border. He is one of four other militants yesterday but war against an 11-year insurgency the highest-profile drone victims their identities were not imme- in neighbouring Afghanistan. in recent years. diately known, other Pakistani Pakistani author and expert on Pakistani officials said an security officials said. the tribal belt, Imtiaz Gul, sug- unmanned US aircraft fired two Nazir’s fighters have long been gested there would be little fall- missiles at his vehicle in the Sar targeted by US drone strikes. out for Pakistan, which is trying Kanda area of Birmil in South He was understood to be close to assist efforts by the Western- Waziristan, killing Nazir and five to the Al Qaeda-linked Haqqani backed Kabul government to bro- of his loyalists, including two sen- network, a faction of the Afghan ker a peace deal. ior deputies. Taliban blamed for some of the “The Americans and Afghans “Mullah Nazir and five asso- most high-profile attacks in Kabul suspected Mullah Nazir of shel- ciates died on the spot,” one of and elsewhere in Afghanistan in tering and hosting Al Qaeda Pro-Taliban Pakistani tribal leader Maulvi Nazir Wazir, also known as Mullah Nazir, speaks during a news conference the officials said on condition of recent years. operatives,” Gul said. in Wana, the main town of the South Waziristan region bordering Afghanistan in this file photo. anonymity. But he reached a peace deal “They (the US and its coali- He said the attack happened with US ally Islamabad in 2007 tion partners) want to eliminate at 10:35 pm on Wednesday (1735 and had testy relations with the whatever elements are left in the with Pakistan’s umbrella Tehreek- you make things difficult for your press conference at which he GMT) but that it took time to Pakistani Taliban, who are fight- border regions to minimise the e-Taliban faction, which is domi- most important ally in the region? said he had never met Osama confirm the reports from such a ing a domestic insurgency. threat that Al Qaeda poses to US nated by members of the rival That would create chaos in that bin Laden but would protect him far-flung and mountainous area. He was wounded in a suicide forces in Afghanistan.” Mehsud tribe. region,” he added. if asked. Another Pakistani official said attack in South Waziristan on But Saifullah Khan Mehsud, “If he is dead then it is a big Nazir was an enemy of Covert US drone strikes Nazir, believed to have been in his November 29 and had survived executive director of the FATA problem for the Wazir tribe, it is Uzbek militants in the Islamic are publicly criticised by the late 30s, was targeted as he pre- previous attempts on his life. Research Center, said his death a big problem for the Pakistani Movement of Uzbekistan and was Pakistani government as a viola- pared to swap vehicles after his Pakistani security officials could unleash chaos given that army,” said the Research Center in 2007 congratulated by Pakistan tion of sovereignty, but American pick-up developed a mechanical were locked in talks to assess the Nazir tried to contain the executive director. for expelling Uzbek and other for- officials believe they are a vital fault. impact of Nazir’s death, which Pakistani Taliban and keep Wazir “And I don’t know what the US eign Al Qaeda linked militants weapon in the war against Two of his influential deputies, one official said would benefit tribes and militant groups united. was thinking when they decided from South Waziristan. Islamist militants. Atta Ullah and Rafey Khan, were Pakistani Taliban who want to Nazir had sporadic alliances to hit him, because why would In April 2007 he gave a rare AFP

Gunmen kidnap 7 Taliban compare Nato withdrawal to Soviet, Vietnam wars Pakistani soldiers ISLAMABAD: Gunmen have KABUL: The Taliban have current occupation was exactly the formula of ‘Transfer security police to ensure stability, while week repeated that the handover kidnapped seven soldiers from issued an end-of-year review as 1986 was for the former occu- and run’ here in Afghanistan,” the the Afghan government has to local soldiers and police was a bus in Pakistan, military that compares the impend- pation,” the Taliban said on militants added. appointed negotiators to open advancing successfully. officials said, just days after ing withdrawal of US-led for- Wednesday. “In reality, they want to peace talks with the Taliban. Afghan security forces will take Taliban forces executed 21 pro- eign troops to the 1989 Soviet The year 1986 is widely flee from Afghanistan just as Coalition leaders say that the lead in areas covering nearly government paramilitaries they retreat from Afghanistan and seen as a turning point in the they turned tail and ran from Afghans now take on about 75 90 percent of the population had seized. the end of the Vietnam war. Soviets’ ten-year presence in Vietnam.” percent of military responsibili- under the latest transfer of secu- The gunmen took the seven The insurgents’ emailed state- Afghanistan, with mujahideen The Nato coalition, fighting ties, though the United States is rity due in the coming months, soldiers and let go a sweeper on ment, entitled a “Quick glance at attacks forcing Moscow on the an 11-year Taliban insurgency, in talks over leaving a small force President Hamid Karzai said this the bus with them, one military 2012”, said coalition forces had defensive before the military reduced troop numbers by about behind after 2014. week. official said. The gunmen were “completely lost their will to fight finally left in 1989. 30,000 in 2012 and is due to end “To sum up 2012 in one sen- Analysts have warned the wearing military uniforms, other and practically began the process “When America faced utter its combat mission in 2014. tence it would be ‘The beginning country risks plunging into a sources said. of withdrawal and retreat”. destruction in Vietnam, they came The 100,000 international of the invaders scamper’,” the large-scale civil war after the The men were travelling on “We can unmistakably state up with the formula ‘Declare vic- forces still in Afghanistan are Taliban said. Nato force departs. Wednesday between army head- that 2012 in Afghanistan for the tory and run’ and want to utilise training a national army and Nato and US officials this AFP quarters in Rawalpindi and their stations in the northern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when Afghan playtime they were taken off their bus in Jand in Punjab province. Taliban commander Tariq Ethnicity, language off Afridi, who has forces in the area, was not available for com- ment and no Taliban spokesman limits in Afghan census returned calls seeking comment. Last week the Taliban kid- KABUL: There are two ques- wrong!” shouted more than 1,000 napped 23 paramilitary pro-gov- tions Hajera Bashir does not ask demonstrators as they marched ernment forces. Twenty-one of as she goes door to door gath- on UN offices in the small town their bodies, bound, blindfolded ering census data in Ghor prov- this summer, the Pajhwok news and shot in the head, were discov- ince in Afghanistan’s central agency reported. ered on Sunday. One man escaped highlands: which ethnic group A previous attempt to end the and another was badly wounded. residents belong to, and what decades-long wait for a count A military offensive over the language they speak at home. of the Afghan people, in 2008, past two years has clawed back With these taboo topics set was scrapped, with the govern- swathes of Pakistan from the aside, she quizzes families about ment citing security problems. In Taliban. But the insurgents are everything else: their income December officials even dropped still able to organise kidnaps and and how many wives each man plans to unveil a new estimate of killings over wide swathes of the has, whether they can read and the population. country and high-profile attacks if their sons and daughters are Although war has often put have increased over the past in school, domestic details such swaths of the country off-limits month. Elections are scheduled as how they heat their homes, to statisticians, bitter ethnic poli- for the spring and the insurgency whether they have a toilet and if tics have also played a role in slow will be a key issue. they keep chickens. progress, because of the risks that Poorly trained police, overbur- Bashir is part of a critical but a population count might reduce dened courts and corruption have controversial effort to count the the official size of some constitu- hampered Pakistan’s ability to Afghan population for the first encies or expand those of rivals. crack down on militancy. time since 1979. Expected to take “If a politician sees that the On Monday, the bullet-riddled at least six years, it is possible only ethnic group to which he or she bodies of nine men were found in because it sidesteps tangled ques- belongs is less than expected, they North Waziristan, local tribesmen tions about the country’s ethnic will sometimes reject the data,” said. REUTERS Children play Ghursai, a traditional Afghan game played in the countryside in Jalalabad, yesterday. Youngsters balance. Asking about language said Abdul Rahman Ghafoori, hold one foot in one hand and then try to knock down their opponents. is avoided because it can be used head of the Central Statistics as a proxy marker for ethnicity. Office, who has the delicate job of “We don’t ask for ethnicity balancing his country’s need for or language spoken, this is on decent data against the influence purpose,” said Laurent Zessler, of groups who would rather details head in Afghanistan of the UN remain opaque or unchanged. New spike in violence raises concerns of aid groups Population Fund, which is sup- It is hard to overstate how porting the project. “This coun- few reliable numbers there are PESHAWAR: Aid groups vehicle before spraying it with The organisation runs dozens workers were shot dead in a try has so many issues to address about population or anything demanded greater protection gunfire, police said. of health and education projects, string of incidents, forcing UN between the political process, the else in Afghanistan, or what a in Pakistan amid concerns of The attack — which has including polio vaccinations, in agencies to suspend an immuni- economy and security, why com- problem this is for those trying a new spike in violence after not been claimed — adds to the northwestern province of sation campaign, and there are plicate it?” to bolster the economy, distribute seven charity workers were fears that charity workers are Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Health now concerns about a record Still, the complexity of aid, decide where clinics should shot dead and their organisa- increasingly vulnerable, particu- and education programmes, par- number of deaths from measles Afghanistan’s ethnic politics be built or do any other kind of tion suspended operations. larly in the northwest which is ticularly those for girls, are seen in the south. means any kind of counting is long-term planning. The six women — five of them badly affected by Taliban and Al as being at particular risk. On Wednesday, an umbrella controversial. The first results, So far only three provinces teachers and one a health visitor Qaeda-linked violence. A United Nations spokes- organisation of around 200 char- from normally calm central have been counted, and they are — and a male health technician The charity, Support With man said Secretary General ities in the northwest demanded Bamiyan province, showed an among the most secure in the were ambushed by gunmen on Working Solution, has tempo- Ban Ki-moon was “appalled” by better protection, but vowed to actual population barely half offi- country. Security problems are motorbikes on Tuesday as they rarily suspended its operations. the killings. “His view is that it continue working in order not cial estimates. The area is mostly likely to be added to political were returning from a commu- “The NGO has suspended is difficult to understand what to encourage “those who are home to Hazaras, a Shia minority tensions as teams spread out in nity centre in northwestern dis- its activities for three days to motivates people to carry out opposed to progress”. who have often been persecuted more restive areas. But the slow trict Swabi. mourn the deaths. They will such terrible acts against peo- “We have to stand up and foil in Sunni-dominated Afghanistan, timetable, with the final provinces They were buried on decide after three days whether ple who are helping their own the nefarious designs of anti-state and many took the findings as not due to be surveyed until 2016, Wednesday. A four-year-old boy to start work again or not,” said people and especially children,” elements,” said the Pakhtunkhwa another form of attack. may help limit political opposition was spared when the gunmen Abdul Rashid Khan, the police the spokesman said. Civil Society Network. “Death to the enemies of to the project. removed him from the same chief of Swabi. Last month, nine polio vaccine AFP Bamiyan! The statistics are THE GUARDIAN FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Chargesheet filed in Delhi gang rape Another victim critical after jumping from train in Bihar

NEW DELHI/PATNA: They have been charged with physiotherapy intern in a mov- Delhi Police yesterday filed a murder, gang rape, unnatural ing bus, leading to multiple-organ chargesheet seeking trial for offence, destruction of evidence, failure and her death. murder and gang rape against attempt to murder, kidnapping, They also assaulted her five men who brutally assaulted causing hurt while committing 28-year-old male friend. Both a young woman who died 13 robbery, dacoity with murder, and were thrown out of the bus after days later in Singapore. common intent. around 40 minutes, naked, bleed- The case against the sixth The chargesheet, filed in the ing and shivering. The friend will accused, said to be a minor, would Saket court of Metropolitan be the main witness in the case. be heard by the Juvenile Justice Magistrate Surya Malik Grover, Public prosecutor Rajiv Mohan Board. who posted the matter for tomor- sought a day’s time to file an The five are bus driver Ram row for taking cognizance. The e-chargesheet, saying documents Singh, his brother Mukesh, fruit case is expected to be taken up to be annexed were bulky. seller Pawan Gupta, gym instruc- by a fast track court. The operative 33-page tor Vinay Sharma and bus cleaner Yesterday’s development comes chargesheet is part of a much Akshay Thakur. All of them are 18 days after the six gang raped bulkier document, which includes now in Delhi’s Tihar Central Jail. and tortured the 23-year-old the victim’s statement, details of the accused, evidences and foren- Musicians play John Lennon’s Imagine in a memorial tribute to the 23-year old gang rape victim, during a mass sic reports. guitar ensemble played by some 600 guitarists in Darjeeling, yesterday. An application was filed for Minor’s rapist, murderer concealing the identity of the comments on the woman after of rape cases and amendments in The critically injured woman is victim. they boarded the bus around 9.15 rape laws. said to from Darjeeling in West gets death in Kerala “All the original documents pm. The attackers were drunk Prime Minister Manmohan Bengal and boarded the train at have the name of the victim, so and were on a joy ride. Singh and Congress president Guwahati in Assam, a police offi- THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A court here yesterday sent to we are moving the application They brutally beat the woman Sonia Gandhi were at the airport cial said. the gallows an autorickshaw driver who raped a Class 10 student for concealing her identity,” the and her friend with an iron rod when the gang rape victim’s body Choudhary said police were yet and murdered her in March 2012. application said. when they resisted them. Then arrived from Singapore. She was to record the victim’s statement Principal Sessions Judge B Sudheendrakumar awarded the death Police urged the court to have they gang raped the woman. The cremated in Delhi. as she was in a serious condition. penalty to Rajesh Kumar who raped the 15-year-old victim March in-camera proceedings but the young woman fought the accused Meanwhile, a young woman The incident took place on a 6, 2012 when she was alone in her house. He was arrested a week court said it would decide the and bit Thakur, Ram Singh and was battling for life in Bihar yes- day the Bihar Police chief called after the incident. issue later. Sharma. terday after jumping from a mov- for speedy trails of cases involving After the verdict, the victim’s mother told reporters: “Capital The main formal charges The chargesheet, police sources ing train after two men allegedly rape and eve-teasing. punishment is what the murderer deserved and we prayed for it would highlight that Ram Singh, said, would cite 30-40 witnesses molested her, police said. One of Inspector General of Police also. He did not deserve anything less.” a short-tempered man involved including doctors who treated the accused, a soldier, has been Arvind Pandey said all district Meanwhile, Kerala Police has written to Facebook following a in crime, was instrumental in the the gang rape victim in Delhi and arrested. superintendents of police and rail- complaint from the parents of a young woman whose photograph December 16 assault. Singapore. Patna Railway Superintendent way superintendent of police had was posted on the social networking site and identified as the Delhi He also used an iron rod on the Ramadhar Singh, a man who of Police Suresh Choudhary said been told to expedite investigation gang rape victim. N Vinayakumaran Nair, assistant commissioner victim with the help of Thakur was robbed by the six on the bus the victim was seriously injured and file chargesheets at the earli- of police, who heads the Hi-Tech Crime Enquiry Cell, said a probe and the minor co-accused, a police minutes before the gang rape, when she jumped out of the est. “The state government has had begun following a complaint from the parents of the woman officer said. would also testify as a witness. Delhi-bound Brahamputra Mail made it clear to police officials to whose picture was misused. The driver and Thakur will be All the accused were arrested between Bihta and Ara stations. deal seriously with rape and eve “We have written to the site which posted the picture. It should accused of destroying evidence between December 17-21 follow- “The Government Railway teasing cases,” he told the media. have been removed by now,” Nair said. as they washed the bus after the ing a nationwide outcry over the Police with the help of passen- Till October 2012, 482 cases of He said soon after the picture was posted, there were numerous incident at Noida, near Delhi, the crime, which also triggered pro- gers caught one of the accused rape and 183 cases of harassment comments saying it was fake. officer said. They also burnt the tests in several cities. In Delhi, at the Buxar railway station,” of women were pending in Bihar. “We are certain we will soon find out how this happened,” he said. victims’ clothes. protesters clashed with security Choudhary said over telephone. Pande said the Bihar govern- Nair did not disclose the complainant’s name. IANS According to police, it was forces.The gang rape led the gov- He said the arrested man was a ment was serious in setting up the minor who first passed lewd ernment to promise speedier trial soldier in the Indian Army. such courts, and soon. IANS

BJP: Gadkari Khurshid backs granting visa to Miandad front-runner in BANGALORE: External ourselves; it’s a decision taken still consider Dawood Ibrahim crushed. The government and Affairs Minister Salman by the government. What are the the most wanted and have been the security agencies should presidential race Khurshid yesterday said the gov- circumstances, what is considered, asking Pakistan to send him be alert as to who is coming or ernment followed proper proce- when is the approval given, what back. Giving a visa to his rela- not so that the game should be NEW DELHI: BJP president dures in giving a visa to former goes into it is something that is tive will hurt the sentiments played in a sportsmanship and a Nitin Gadkari appears to be Pakistan cricket captain Javed an internal government matter,” of people in India,” Congress good environment,” BJP spokes- front-runner for a second term Miandad, whose visit has sparked Khurshid told reporters here. MP Jagdambika Pal said on person Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi in office as the party weighs its off a political controversy. The visit of Miandad, whose Wednesday. told reporters in Delhi. options for the crucial decision Miandad (pictured), now a son Junaid is married to Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut Khurshid said the media was which is likely to be taken by senior official of the Pakistan Mahrukh, daughter of under- also slammed the government not supposed to question the the middle of this month, said Cricket Board (PCB), would world don Dawood Ibrahim, for granting visa to Miandad. government’s decision. informed sources. arrive in India tomorrow to watch wanted in the 1993 Mumbai The Bharatiya Janata Party “It’s not your (media) job to The sources said that Gadkari a one-day cricket match between serial blasts, has sparked a con- (BJP) said the government and ask these questions. It is a job the ministry would take inputs has an edge in the Bharatiya India and Pakistan in New Delhi troversy with leaders of the security agencies should be alert that the home ministry has from all agencies, including Janata Party’s (BJP) presiden- the following day. “It’s a deci- Congress and the Shiv Sena about visitors so that the spirit to ask and answer itself and from our missions abroad. And, tial sweepstakes as he continues sion that has been taken by the demanding his visa be cancelled. of the game is not crushed. they have taken a decision. No I think that’s an internal proce- to have backing of the Rashtriya government. I can’t blame the “Giving visa to his (Dawood “It should be ensured that the Pakistani visa gets cleared with- dure,” said the minister. Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) home ministry, I cannot blame Ibrahim’s) relative is wrong. We spirit of the game should not be out home ministry clearance and IANS despite some demands from within the party against giving him a second term in the wake of allegations relating to financial wrongdoing in Purti Group linked Fire in Kolkata to him. Jet Airways in stake “He is the front-runner as no other name has emerged so far. There is no unanimity on any alternate name so far,” a party sale talks with Etihad leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said. Party sources said discussions NEW DELHI: Jet Airways Man-based investment vehicle on the issue of presidential choice said yesterday that it was in of Jet founder Naresh Goyal, had been going on at individual talks with Abu Dhabi’s Etihad currently holds 79.99 percent of level among senior leaders so far Airways for a potential stake Jet Airways. Etihad declined to and a collective view is yet to be sale in the Indian carrier, comment. taken by the leadership. although terms have not been Etihad and Jet already have “Party’s core group is yet to finalised yet. a code-sharing agreement, and meet on the issue though there The statement was the first a tie-up could make Jet a more have been discussions between confirmation of a potential deal by formidable competitor to state- individual leaders,” said a party either side, a day after an Indian owned Air India, while strength- functionary. government source said the Gulf ening Etihad’s position against The BJP is, at present, going carrier could pay up to $330m for Dubai-based Emirates Airline, through organisational elections a 24 percent stake in Jet. which carries a big chunk of the which will lead finally to the elec- Jet shares surged as much as traffic between India and the tion of the party president. Firefighters extinguish a blaze inside a cloth godown in Kolkata, yesterday. 6.4 percent yesterday. The stock Middle East. The sources said elections of has risen 65 percent since India A deal between Jet and Etihad office-bearers of about 22 state relaxed rules allowing foreign could shut the door on grounded party units are expected to be airlines to buy up to a 49 per- rival Kingfisher Airlines, which completed by January 10, setting cent stake in local carriers in is in desperate need of cash to the stage for issuing notification Chilly day for Delhi, no respite today September. fly again and was in talks with for the presidential poll. “Various structures are being Etihad to sell a stake. They said the party constitu- explored by the legal and com- Etihad’s decision to buy into Jet tion makes it mandatory for at NEW DELHI: It was another Indian Railways. “There seems to morning but the sky will be mercial teams,” Jet said in a may be announced in 10 days, the least 50 percent of state units chilly day in Delhi yesterday be no respite from the cold. Even clear in the day,” said an official statement to the Bombay Stock same source quoted earlier said to complete the process of their with the maximum tempera- at 10 am it was extremely cold,” from the India Meteorological Exchange, adding any structure on Wednesday. elections before the notification ture 8 notches below average at said Ramesh Kumar of Kalkaji Department. would comply with Indian rules. Etihad, which expanded glo- for the party’s presidential poll 12.7 degrees while the minimum in south Delhi. The plight of the The maximum and minimum The founder of Jet Airways is bally through stake purchases in is issued. “The picture on the was 4.4 degrees - three notches homeless was the worst in the temperatures are likely to hover likely to convert shares owned by the likes of Air Berlin and Virgin party’s choice of next president below average. The met depart- biting cold. Dressed in tattered around 14 and 5 degrees Friday. its holding company into his per- Australia, is looking to extend its is expected to be clear by the mid- ment has forecast similar con- clothes, they are protecting The temperature broke a sonal stake to comply with foreign geographical reach to India and dle of the month,” the party func- ditions today. themselves from sitting around 44-year-old record — Wednesday, investment regulations, a govern- other Asian markets, its chief tionary said. Nearly 40 trains were cancelled bonfires. settling 11 notches below average ment source had said. executive said in October. IANS due to fog, said a statement from “There will be fog on Friday at 9.8 degrees. IANS Tail Winds Ltd, the Isle of REUTERS FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Egypt fights to prop up pound With crisis deepening, economists see more financial mess in store

CAIRO/LONDON: Egypt Arab Spring unrest spread to the $300m a week to slow the decline,” dollars for fear of a messy deval- dipped deeper into its rapidly country. But about a third of that said one economist based outside uation, and banks have been shrinking currency reserves has come this week alone, since of Egypt. forced to impose limits on dollar yesterday, fighting to slow a the central bank began auctioning Protracted political wran- withdrawals to prevent a run on sliding pound which is likely $75m a day out of its reserves on gling is bad news for President deposits. to push up inflation and risks Sunday. “The pound is extremely Mohammed Mursi who desper- The central bank alarmed reigniting popular unrest. vulnerable,” said Raza Agha, chief ately needs consensus in order Egyptians further when it QE market capitalisation Economists warned that the economist for the Middle East to introduce unpopular auster- announced last weekend its for- central bank had little room left and Africa at VTB Capital. ity measures, vital to securing a eign reserves had fallen to what for manoeuvre with its read- Egyptians began the new year $4.8bn loan from the International it said was a critical level, at ily available foreign currency in an atmosphere of growing anxi- Monetary Fund. around $15bn as of late November. rises to QR470.25bn reserves enough to cover just over ety, with few expecting any quick To conserve reserves and December figures are due out in two months of Egypt’s import bill, solutions as political infighting restore confidence, Egypt has the coming days. DOHA: Qatar Exchange’s main services sector led number of well below levels in many of its continues before a parliamentary imposed new rules involving daily This equates to about three index gained 257.91 points (3.10 transactions this week with 39.06 emerging market peers. election expected to get underway foreign currency auctions and has months’ worth of imports. percent) in the first week of the percent of the total followed by The pound slid further yester- within two months. promised that the situation would However, one Cairo-based analyst New Year when trading closed the industrial sector (19.48 per- day at the central bank’s fourth With the crisis deepening and soon stabilise. said that if the gold bullion por- at 8,569.13 points yesterday. cent), the transportation sector auction of foreign currency, with the pound hitting fresh record Businesses say they are factor- tion of reserves were subtracted, The trading value during this (12.56 percent) and the consumer $74.9m sold to banks at a cut-off lows every day, economists believe ing in an even bigger decline in end-November reserves coverage week increased by 25.13 per- goods and services sector (12.10 price of 6.386 pounds, weaker than more financial mess could be in the pound’s value and inevitable were equivalent to 2.1 months of cent to QR737.48m compared percent). Wednesday’s 6.351 to the dollar. store for the Arab world’s most steep price rises in country which imports. By contrast, Turkey holds to QR589.36m. Trading volume Of the 42 companies listed, 34 Egypt’s currency has lost about populous nation. “This is the imports most of its food. reserves equal to about six months increased by 5.42 percent to reach ended higher while six fell and two 10 percent against the dollar since worst possible way of manag- Unnerved by the events, of imports, or five months when 15.68 million shares, as against remained unchanged. Industries the start of 2011, just before the ing the devaluation, squandering Egyptians have rushed to buy gold reserves are stripped out. 14.87 million shares, while the Qatar led traded value with 19.37 Echoing this anxiety, the number of transactions fell by percent of the total followed by cost of insuring Egyptian debt 0.89 percent to 9,963 transactions Qatar National Bank (17.71 per- against default has soared. as compared to 10,052 in the pre- cent) and Masraf Al Rayan (9.14 Adding to the uncertainty, it vious week. percent). remains unclear when talks with The market capitalisation For the day, Qatar Exchange the IMF - originally expected in increased by 2.79 percent to pursued its upswing trend, add- January - would resume. reach QR470.25bn as compared ing 119.87 points (or 1.42 percent) Importers are finding their to QR 457.49bn at the end of pre- to advance to 8,569.13 points from purchasing power curtailed vious week. 8,449.26 on Wednesday. because of the pound’s declining The banking and financial serv- Among the top gainers were value. Inflation is relatively low - ices sector led the traded value Qatar National Bank which was urban consumer inflation declined with 50.37 percent of the total, up 2.28 percent to QR134.50, to 4.25 percent in the 12 months followed by the industrial sector Industries Qatar rose 1.83 to November from an annual 6.7 (26.07 percent), the transporta- percent to QR161.40, Qatar percent in October - giving lim- tion sector (7.99 percent) and the Electricity and Water gained ited leeway. consumer goods and services sec- 1.80 percent to QR135.50 and Though the prices of state- tor (7.44 percent). Masraf Al Rayan qas up 1.95 subsidised basics will stay the The banking and financial percent to QR26.10. same, the cost of other imported services sector led traded volume The banking and financial sec- goods is about to go up, further with 47.52 percent of the total fol- tor index was up 30.92 points, stoking anger and resentment lowed by the transportation sec- the consumer goods and services that is never far from the sur- tor (15.30 percent), the industrial sector index dropped 61.01 points, face and increasing the potential sector (12.80 percent) and the the industrial sector gained 37.43 Traders working at the Egyptian Stock Exchange in Cairo yesterday. for unrest. real estate sector (11.31 percent). points while the insurance sector REUTERS The banking and financial rose 6.45 points. QNA

Turkey signs $12bn German jobless rate increases to 2.94 million

FRANKFURT: Unemployment gross domestic product shrank in economy and increase the chances Global Insight said that “overall, energy investment in Germany remains close to real terms in the fourth quarter,” that the German economy can labour market conditions con- record lows as the labour mar- said agency chief Frank-Juergen soon overcome its current phase tinue to be healthier in Germany ket continues to hold up com- Weise. of weakness,” Roesler said. than in most other countries in paratively well to the eurozone “So far, the labour market has Economists were similarly Europe.” deal with UAE firm debt crisis, official data showed held up fairly robustly to the encouraged by the better-than- And while the positive trend yesterday. economic deterioration. But the expected monthly jobless data for has come to an end, “we do not ANKARA: Turkey tied up a “The Turkish economy has been In seasonally-adjusted terms, slowdown is leaving its mark,” December. “The German labour expect any major deterioration giant agreement with the UAE doing very well over the years ... the jobless rate — which measures Weise cautioned. market remains in good shape,” with large increases in jobless- yesterday for the develop- because you have a good invest- the number of people registered Taking 2012 as a whole, the said Barclays Research economist ness during the coming months,” ment of coal fields in southern ment climate. If you have a good as unemployed against the work- annual average jobless total fell Thomas Harjes. he said. Turkey to generate electricity investment climate, we’ll come ing population as a whole — stood by 78,837 to 2.897 million on a It “again appeared relatively Berenberg Bank economist and ensure power for the fast- and invest,” UAE Energy Minister at 6.9 percent in December, only raw or unadjusted basis and the stable in December, despite poor Christian Schulz said that “as growing economy. Mohammad bin Dhaen Al Hamli fractionally higher than the post- annual average jobless rate fell weather conditions, indicating economic confidence is already The deal to exploit the coal said in remarks about Turkey. He unification low of 6.8 percent seen to 6.8 percent from 7.1 percent a that most firms do not expect the improving, prospects are bright- reserves is a new signal of the hailed the multi-billion-dollar joint throughout most of last year, the year earlier. currently weak economic environ- ening for 2013. However, since the rise of the Turkish economy and venture with Turkey as “strategic” Federal Labour Agency said. “The labour market proved ment to persist for much longer.” labour market usually lags the of wider links between Turkey and as a sign of an ever-growing In concrete terms, the jobless again to be very robust at the And while the German econ- economic cycle, unemployment and the Middle East. trade relationship. total rose by 3,000 to 2.94 million end of 2012, as during the course omy, Europe’s biggest, is slowing might still rise slightly over the The agreement between Abu In 2012, the trade between on a seasonally-adjusted basis, a of the whole year, despite the noticeably, “any further increase next few months before resuming Dhabi-based Taqa and Turkey’s Turkey and UAE amounted to much smaller increase than the difficult economic conditions,” in unemployment figures... should its downtrend.” state-run power company EUAS $9bn-$10bn, the minister noted. 10,000 analysts had been expect- said Economy Minister Philipp be modest while reduced hours Natixis economist Constantin marks the biggest Arab invest- “We can only see that we’ll ing. “The German economy is Roesler. “The positive condi- worked and short-time work Wirschke said he expected the ment in the Turkish energy sec- increase our investment in Turkey feeling the pull of the recession tion of the labour market will schemes act as a buffer,” the German job market “to remain tor, a senior energy ministry and hope that we succeed.” in Europe. Indicators suggest that largely help stabilise the domestic analyst said. Timo Klein at IHS relatively robust in 2013”. AFP official said. “This is a very serious Taqa and Turkey’s EUAS have investment, a significant invest- been selected as the government- ment,” Turkish Energy Minister related entities responsible for Taner Yildiz said at the signing implementing the project. Gap buys Intermix ceremony here. The Turkish “This agreement gives our energy ministry put the total cost company an exclusive right to Unemployment at up to $12bn. negotiate with the Turkish gov- “This is the second-biggest ernment on this project for the drop raises investment made in Turkey next six months,” said an official after the two nuclear power plant from Taqa. projects,” he added. The govern- The negotiations will lead to hope in Spain ment plans to build three nuclear the signing of a “host govern- MADRID: Spain’s right-leaning power plants in hopes of prevent- ment agreement” in the second government hailed a rare glim- ing a possible energy shortage and quarter of 2013, establishing mer of economic hope yesterday reducing dependence on foreign more detailed terms, he added. when figures showed the jobless energy supplies. Under the intergovernmental queue shrank in December, but It struck a deal with Russia in agreement, the project part- unemployment was still up dra- 2010 to build the country’s first ners will modernise and expand matically over the year. power plant at Akkuyu in southern the existing 1,400 MW Plant B Millions of jobs have been Turkey and is in negotiations with and develop several new power destroyed in Spain since a prop- China, Japan, South Korea and plants and associated mines in erty market crash and a glo- Canada to build the second nuclear sectors C, D, E and G of the bal financial crisis rocked the reactor in Black Sea region. Afsin-Elbistan region. economy in 2008. Lines outside With the latest agreement, the And preparatory work on Plant unemployment offices have grown coal reserves at Afsin-Elbistan B and the feasibility study for the further since Spain slipped back basin in southern Turkey will planned 1,440 MW Plant C and into recession in mid-2011 and be put to use for electricity pro- associated mine development will the government took an axe to duction. Over the last decade, start immediately. The Afsin- spending, provoking two general Turkey’s Islamic-rooted Justice Elbistan basin where two thermic strikes and growing protests in and Development Party (AKP) power plants are already in opera- the past year. government has boasted of major tion has the potential to power But in December, the number success in transforming the econ- new plants with a total installed of people registered as unem- omy after a devastating meltdown capacity of 8,200 megawatts. ployed in the eurozone’s fourth- in 2001 and has introduced strict The region contains 4.4 billion biggest economy fell by 59,094, budgetary discipline under IMF tonnes of coal reserves, which or 1.2 percent, to 4.85 million programmes. account for approximately 40 per- from the previous month — the The country achieved record cent of Turkey’s lignite resources. first decline since July last year, growth rates exceeding 8.0 per- With the joint venture, Turkey is the Labour Ministry said. When cent in 2010 and 2011. Turkey has hoping to cut nearly $1.2bn worth The Gap flagship store in San Francisco, California. Gap Inc, which owns clothing retailers Banana Republic adjusted to smooth out seasonal also cultivated good relations with of natural gas imports, which and Old Navy as well as its namesake brand, expanded into the thriving luxury market with its purchase of blips, Spain’s jobless numbers the Arab world and gained access account for a large part of the women’s apparel retailer Intermix Holdco Inc for $130m, the company said yesterday. were down by 41,023 people, or to Middle Eastern investors and country’s current account deficit. 0.8 percent. markets. AFP AFP FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Gulf markets stay strong; Egypt at nine-week high Dubai, Abu Dhabi indexes end higher

DUBAI: Egypt’s stock market early in the year; we saw that GCC rose to a nine-week high yesterday markets lagged international mar- as investors continued to bet that kets’ performance for 2012, except authorities would succeed in man- Dubai, so the rest of the mar- aging depreciation of the Egyptian kets should be playing catch-up in pound smoothly. Most Gulf mar- January,” said Marwan Shurrab, kets gained because of positive glo- vice president and chief trader at bal sentiment. Gulfmena Investments. The Egyptian index climbed 1.8 In Dubai, Emaar Properties gained percent to its highest close since Oct. 1.3 percent and Dubai Islamic Bank Robots weld part of a Chrysler SUV at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan. 30. It has risen for the last five ses- added 1.5 percent. However, mortgage sions, partly because of foreign inter- lender Tamweel fell 2.5 percent as est in the market; stock exchange traders expect the firm to be affected Chrysler outpaces GM, Ford in December sales data on Thursday showed foreign by a UAE central bank decision to investors’ buying outweighing their cap mortgage lending to 50 percent CHICAGO: US auto sales roared ahead in a strong performance, its 26.6 percent echoed Ken Czubay, head of Ford sales. selling by more than two to one. of property value for expatriates. in 2012, with Chrysler once again outpac- growth to 2.1 million units still reflecting a “Ford’s fuel-efficient cars and hybrid The Egyptian pound slid further at Executives from commercial banks ing its American rivals with double-digit rebound from the March 2011 earthquake vehicles showed the most dramatic growth the central bank’s auction of foreign operating in the UAE are expected to gains as General Motors and Ford posted and tsunami disaster that crippled Japanese for the year, and we achieved our best year currency, with $74.9m sold to banks meet on Sunday to discuss their posi- modest growth yesterday. industry. for commercial vehicle sales since 2008.” at a cut-off price of 6.3860 pounds. tion on the mortgage caps, Al Khaleej All three posted strong sales last month, The auto industry’s gains came despite the Ford’s domination of the truck market The currency has lost more than 3 newspaper reported on Thursday, cit- with Ford registering its best December US economy continuing to grow at a slug- helped boost sales as its popular F-Series percent this week. ing an unnamed source. in six years, and GM and Chrysler scoring gish pace and consumer worries that mounted pickup marked 31 consecutive years as But most investors still appear to The report said banks were inclin- their best December in five years. late in the year about the potential sharp America’s best-selling vehicle with 645,316 think the drop can be controlled, and ing towards asking the central bank For the year GM sold nearly 2.6 million tax increases of the fiscal cliff that had been units sold, a 10 percent gain from 2011. that a cheaper currency could ulti- to raise the cap for first-time home vehicles in total, a gain of 3.7 percent from slated to take place from January 1. Volkswagen — which sees strong growth in mately be positive for the economy buyers to 85 percent from 70 percent 2011. Ford, the number-two US automaker, In the end, battling political leaders the US market as key to its attempt at gain- Shares in Ezz Steel, which as a for UAE citizens, and to 75 percent said its 2012 sales rose five percent from reached a last-minute compromise that ing the global sales crown — also celebrated major exporter could benefit con- from 50 percent for expatriates. 2011 to nearly 2.3 million vehicles. resulted in only modest tax hikes. GM strong gains. The German automaker’s sales siderably from a weaker pound, After the market closed, Dubai But Chrysler topped both in terms of vice president of US sales operations Kurt jumped 35 percent to just over 438,000 vehi- advanced 4.3 percent. Palm Hill Islamic said its board had approved sheer growth, delivering nearly 1.7 million McNeil said in a statement that industry cles in 2012 after it posted its best December Development Co, the country’s sec- plans to fully acquire Tamweel, in vehicles for a 21 percent gain. sales should rise again this year with the since 1970 with sales up 35 percent. ond biggest listed property developer, which it already holds a majority Chrysler estimated that its US market cliff threat averted. “The Volkswagen brand delivered another gained 1.2 percent. Orascom Telecom stake of 58.2 percent. share had grown to 11.2 percent in 2012 “GM’s strong finish in 2012, the indus- important step in our long-term growth climbed 1.9 percent. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi property from 10.5 percent in 2011, which ought to try’s momentum and the overall health of plan,” said Jonathan Browning, chief of Meanwhile, Gulf markets took developers Aldar Properties and place it squarely in fourth place behind the US economy make us optimistic about Volkswagen Group of America. their cue from global markets, partly Sorouh Real Estate climbed over 3 General Motors, Ford and Toyota. 2013,” McNeil said. “The budget compromise Volkswagen has more than doubled its because of the resolution to the US tax percent each, helping lift the Abu “Looking back on 2012, we were again reached in Washington this week removes 2009 volume after three consecutive years talks and partly because of anticipation Dhabi index, which ended 0.3 per- one of the fastest-growing automakers uncertainty and clears the way for full-year of double-digit growth, he noted. “With the of healthy fourth-quarter earnings. cent higher. Aldar and Sorouh have in the country,” Chrysler sales chief Reid light vehicle sales to rise to the 15 million to addition of the all-new Jetta Turbo Hybrid, Dubai’s index ended at a nine-month announced that they are in advanced Bigland said. “We also recorded 33 consecu- 15.5 million unit range in 2013.” Beetle Convertible and our strong dealer high, advancing 0.9 percent. stages of talks on a merger, and tive months of year-over-year sales growth “Ford finished 2012 strong, with retail network, we expect to continue to outpace “We are expecting to see a strong investors are expecting a decision in and our strongest annual sales in five years.” sales showing improved strength as more the industry in 2013,” Browning said. performance on regional markets the near future. REUTERS Top Japanese rival Toyota also turned customers returned to dealer showrooms,” AFP

Pier of Scheveningen QATARI MARKET European stocks Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid Price Yield Moodys S&P Qatar Govt 5.15% 09/04/2014 USD 105.50 0.78 % Aa2 AA mixed as fiscal Qatar Govt 3.125% 20/01/2017 USD 105.75 1.65 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 6.55% 09/04/2019 USD 125.88 2.12 % Aa2 AA deal rally fades Qatar Govt 5.25% 20/01/2020 USD 119.63 2.22 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 4.5% 20/01/2022 USD 115.00 2.63 % Aa2 AA LONDON: European stock Qatar Govt 9.75% 15/06/2030 USD 182.50 3.43 % Aa2 AA markets were mixed yesterday as investor enthusiasm waned Qatar Govt 6.4% 20/01/2040 USD 140.50 3.95 % Aa2 AA over the US fiscal cliff deal that Qatar Govt 5.75% 20/01/2042 USD 130.63 3.96 % Aa2 AA had sparked a rousing global Qatari Diar 3.5% 21/07/2015 USD 105.13 1.44 % Aa2 AA rally on the first trading day of Qatari Diar 5% 21/07/2020 USD 117.13 2.50 % Aa2 AA the year. Comqat 5% 18/11/2014 USD 106.00 1.73 % A1 A- London’s benchmark FTSE 100 index of top companies added 0.33 Comqat 3.375% 11/04/2017 USD 104.50 2.26 % A1 A- percent to close at 6,047.34 points, QIB 3.856% 07/10/2015 USD 104.50 2.17 % NR NR while Frankfurt’s DAX 30 index QNB 3.125% 16/11/2015 USD 103.25 1.95 % Aa3 A+ dropped 0.29 percent to 7,756.44 QNB 3.375% 22/02/2017 USD 104.75 2.17 % Aa3 A+ points and the Paris CAC 40 fell Doha Bank 3.5% 14/03/2017 USD 104.00 2.49 % A2 A- 0.34 percent to 3,721.17 points. All three indices had surged Qtel 3.375% 14/10/2016 USD 105.25 1.93 % A2 A by more than two percent on Qtel 7.875% 10/06/2019 USD 130.88 2.63 % A2 A An aerial view of the Pier of Scheveningen in the Netherlands. The pier has been declared bankrupt after Wednesday, in a bright start to Qtel 4.75% 16/02/2021 USD 113.13 2.92 % A2 A its owners, hotel and catering family Van der Valk failed to find a buyer. It was put up for sale in March but 2013, after US lawmakers agreed Qtel 5% 19/10/2025 USD 113.25 3.69 % A2 A a deal to avert the so-called fis- parts of it were closed to the public in November because it is no longer considered safe. It is still open to Rasgas 5.5% 30/09/2014 USD 108.00 0.86 % Aa3 A cal cliff. On Wall Street, US the public, but several parts are closed because of overdue maintenance. stocks were also mixed in mid- Rasgas 5.832% 30/09/2016 USD 110.13 2.95 % Aa3 A day trading, with the Dow Jones Rasgas 5.298% 30/09/2020 USD 112.88 3.39 % Aa3 A Industrial Index down by a slight SOVEREIGNS 0.06 percent, the broad-based S&P 500 up by 0.11 percent and Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid Price Yield Moodys S&P US private sector steps up hiring the Nasdaq Composite adding just Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 08/04/2014 USD 106.25 0.53 % Aa2 AA 0.05 percent. Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 08/04/2019 USD 129.38 1.77 % Aa2 AA Back in Europe, Madrid’s Ibex- Dubai Govt 6.7% 05/10/2015 USD 111.00 2.54 % NR NR WASHINGTON: US private- economy — the budget prob- have suggested the economy was 35 index lost 0.52 percent but Dubai Govt 4.9% 02/05/2017 USD 107.63 3.01 % NR NR sector employers shrugged off lems are far from resolved. The in a much better shape that pre- Milan’s FTSE Mib rose by 0.10 a looming budget crisis and ADP National Employment viously thought. It was released percent, one day after both key Dubai Govt 7.75% 05/10/2020 USD 126.88 3.73 % NR NR stepped up hiring in December, Report showed the private sec- ahead of the government’s peripheral eurozone countries Dubai Govt 6.45% 02/05/2022 USD 117.00 4.23 % NR NR offering further evidence of tor added 215,000 jobs last month more comprehensive employ- had soared by more than three Qatar Govt 4% 20/01/2015 USD 105.50 1.27 % Aa2 AA underlying strength in the after increasing their payrolls by ment report today. That report percent. Bahrain Govt 6.273% 22/11/2018 USD 114.50 3.52 % NR BBB economy as 2012 ended. 148,000 in November. The report is expected to show employers In foreign exchange activity, the Bahrain Govt 5.5% 31/03/2020 USD 108.25 4.17 % NR BBB While other data yesterday- is jointly developed with Moody’s added 150,000 jobs to their pay- euro fell to $1.3110 from $1.3184 showed an increase in the number Analytics. rolls in December, according to a late in New York on Wednesday, Egypt Govt 5.75% 29/04/2020 USD 100.00 5.75 % B2 B of Americans filing new claims for The job gains came even as com- Reuters survey of economists, up when it had struck a two week high Morocco Govt 4.5% 05/10/2020 EUR 102.88 4.06 % NR BBB- unemployment benefits, the trend panies worried the economy might from 146,000 in November. at $1.3300. Gold prices declined to *Periodic Distribution Amount remained consistent with steady fall off the fiscal cliff. However, the A separate report from the $1,679.50 an ounce on the London IMPORTANT NOTE: job growth. ADP data tends to overstate job Labour Department showed ini- Bullion Market from $1,693.75. Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which “The underlying economy has gains in December because of a tial claims for state unemploy- On secondary sovereign bond is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services momentum, and the employment year-end accounting quirk. ment benefits increased 10,000 to markets, 10-year debt issued by Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary data confirms that. The hope and “While we are encouraged by the a seasonally adjusted 372,000 last Spain traded at 5.026 percent, data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising prayer of the market is that our better tone in the ADP employ- week. However, claims data for down from 5.037 percent on out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds political leaders don’t screw it ment report, we are cautious about nine states, including California Wednesday, while the comparable can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant up,” said John Brady, managing reading too much into it, particu- and Virginia, was estimated Italian rates were 4.242 percent, liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not director at R J O’Brien & larly given its tendency to exagger- because of the Christmas and down from 4.276 percent. a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and Associates in Chicago. ate the performance of the labour New Year holidays. Asian equities traded mixed. consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. Although Congress approved market in December,” said Millan The four-week moving average Sydney rose 0.74 percent to hit a deal to avoid the so-called fis- Mulraine, a senior economist at TD for new claims, a better measure the highest since May 2011, and cal cliff — a combination of sharp Securities in New York. of job market trends, was little Hong Kong added 0.37 percent, government spending cuts and Still, the report added to other changed at 360,000, a sign labour while Seoul slipped 0.58 percent. higher taxes that would have data ranging from consumer conditions continue to improve at Shanghai and Tokyo were closed sucked about $600bn from the spending to manufacturing that a steady pace. REUTERS for public holidays. AFP FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

QE Indices Summary WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Index 8,569.13 119.87 QE Total Return Index 11,597.13 162.23 RATE QE All Share Index 2,063.41 27.36 INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,002.84 30.92 GOLD Buying Selling QE All Share Industrials 2,699.53 37.43 All Ordinaries 4761.417 38.54 0.82 4761.417 4664.6 QR197.1716 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 1,381.04 24.39 Cac 40 Index/D 3709.97 -23.96 -0.64 3733.93 3692.9 QE All Share Real Estate 1,628.41 3.16 SILVER UK ...... QR 5.8470 QR 5.9293 QE All Share Insurance 1,978.77 6.45 Dj Indu Average 0 0 0 13661.87 12035.16 QR 3.6254 Euro ...... QR 4.7415 QR 4.8077 QE All Share Telecoms 1,071.63 9.37 CA$ ...... QR 3.6598 QR 3.7311 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 4,783.65 61.01 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.9207 QR 3.9757 Hang Seng Inde/D 23398.6 86.62 0.37 23317.39 22860.25 Yen ...... QR 0.0416 QR 0.0424 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7901 QR 3.8644 Iseq Overall/D 3453.91 -2.29 -0.07 3459.84 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0662 QR 0.0675 03-01-2013 02-01-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 16588.54 98.55 0.6 16935.52 16379.47 Index 8,569.13 8,449.26 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0371 QR 0.0378 Change 119.87 90.32 Nikkei 225 Index 10395.18 72.2 0.7 10376.39 8238.96 Peso ...... QR 0.0885 QR 0.0903 % 1.42 1.08 $ 112.29 SL Re ...... QR 0.0284 QR 0.0290 YTD% 2.51 1.08 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1474.51 1258.86 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0452 QR 0.0461 Volume 5,095,978 3,274,109 Straits Times/D 3224.8 23.06 0.72 3210.02 3186.28 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0416 QR 0.0424 Value (QAR) 223,820,040.40 150,369,500.86 $ 111.06 Trades 3,485 2,449 SA Rand ...... QR 0.4201 QR 0.4286 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 34 | Down 06 | Unchanged 01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 03-01-2013

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED

A B G Infra-B/D 115.05 -1.95 9646 Chola Invest-B/D 288.5 15.9 124623 Hind Motors-B/D 9.89 -0.02 91018 Lupin-A/D 609.25 -5.15 27705 Rallis India-B/D 151.05 -3.1 72828 Imperial Tobac/D 2396.2 10 266723 A C C-A/D 1438 8.1 19089 Chowgule St-B/D 18.85 0.25 4779 Hind Org Chem-/D 19.3 0.35 47152 Lyka Labs-B/D 11.69 -0.1 5903 Reliance Indus/D 500.8 39.9 1351509 Kingfisher/D 286 -0.1 918879 Aarti Drugs-T/D 217.85 5.8 8245 Cimmco-B/D 45.05 -1.45 1882 Hind Unilever-/D 531.25 1.4 63546 Mafatlal Ind-T/D 125.65 -2 7710 Ruchi Soya-B/D 67.1 1.5 12018 Land Secs Grou/D 821.5 -2.5 201016 Aban Offs-B/D 392 4.3 94949 Cipla-A/D 417.7 -2.95 125930 Hind.Petrol-A/D 297.35 0.5 43004 Mah.Seamless-B/D 275.35 0.15 1639 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 480.55 2.2 93988 Legal & Genera/D 150.1 1.5 2608968 Ador Welding-B/D 147 -1.15 6772 City Union Bk-/D 57.75 0 72027 Hindalco-A/D 134.4 -0.65 597790 Maha Scooter-B/D 521.25 2.1 2448 Saur.Cem-B/D 27.85 -0.6 6735 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 49.7264 0.03 31076154 Aegis Logis-B/D 189.75 7.3 78415 Cmc Ltd-B/D 1225.2 -0.45 1149 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 844.15 -1.75 35318 Mangalam Cem-B/D 185.3 -0.7 24867 Sterling Tool-/D 95.7 -1.25 1141 Marks & Sp./D 385.8 3.3 1121318 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 143.05 -0.85 4545 Colgate-A/D 1529.05 -4.3 14318 I F C I-A/D 34.25 0.3 1195612 Maral Overs-B/D 14.74 0.32 7110 Thirumalai-B/D 121.05 -0.2 16252 Next/D 3855 83 507348 Alembic-B/D 16.8 0.2 31990 Dcm Financia-B/D 1.66 0.06 4196 Idbi-A/D 114.5 -0.1 284632 Mastek-B/D 137.65 -0.3 5966 Timexgroup-B/D 25.9 -1 673284 Pearson/D 1213.3 9 285692 Alok Indus-B/D 11.41 -0.07 1412525 Dhampur Sugar-/D 52.15 -0.25 30170 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 106.35 1.3 21368 Max India L-A/D 252.45 4.65 59682 Tinplate-B/D 52.65 -0.05 22468 Prudential/D 903.5 2 736511 Andhra Paper-B/D 287.6 2.9 49631 Dr. Reddy-A/D 1881.05 43.25 73586 India Cement-B/D 91.9 -0.25 132753 Mrpl-A/D 64.55 2.6 209372 Ub Engineer-B/D 38.3 -0.25 7131 Rank Group/D 146.844 -0.8 5848 Apollo Tyre-A/D 90.2 -0.1 347363 E I H-B/D 71 1.35 71216 India Glycol-B/D 172.1 -0.4 5672 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 17.3 -0.5 1355 Ub Engineer-B/D 38.3 -0.25 7131 Rentokil Initi/D 97.25 -0.7 491283 Asahi I Glass-/D 54.25 1.55 35635 E.I.D Parry-B/D 201.65 -2.6 45603 Indian Card-B/D 124.05 0.2 1098 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 17.3 -0.5 1355 Ucal Fuel-B/D 70.95 0.45 26828 Rolls Royce Pl/D 912.062 2 611235 Ashok Leyland-/D 27.2 -0.15 801037 Eicher Motor-A/D 2857.2 -3.7 1575 Indian Hotel-A/D 66.75 2.35 392035 Nahar Spg.-B/D 74.3 2.5 24901 Ucal Fuel-B/D 70.95 0.45 26828 Rsa Insrance G/D 128 0.2 2503911 Bajaj Hold-A/D 1039.6 36.45 19201 Electrosteel-B/D 25.95 0.05 127135 Indusind-A/D 433.95 1.05 55235 Nath Seeds-B/D 6.75 0.01 1953 Ultramarine-B/D 51.7 0.3 7302 Sainsbury(J)/D 335.7 -0.3 2304195 Ballarpur In-B/D 23.15 -0.35 153922 Emco-B/D 32.75 -0.9 204611 J.B.Chemical-B/D 91.95 -1.8 103316 Nation Alum -A/D 50.85 0 98503 Unitech P -A/D 35.05 0.15 3508252 Schroders/D 1767 8 72182 Bata India-A/D 884 -13.65 19167 Escorts Fin-B/D 4.27 0 1323 Jbf Indu-B/D 130.25 3.7 34576 Navneet Pub.-B/D 66.6 0.9 212073 Univcable-B/D 44.05 -0.95 1108 Severn Trent/D 1587 -18 100302 Bayer Crop-A/D 1269.4 -9.6 2890 Escorts-B/D 73 -0.15 217359 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.59 0 17301 Nepc India-B/D 2.52 0.08 9767 Uppergsugar-B/D 47.2 0.45 2613 Smith&Nephew/D 685 1 233700 Beml Ltd-B/D 286.65 -0.85 78379 Essar Oil-A/D 71 0.1 335729 Jct Ltd-B/D 1.42 -0.05 52216 Neuland Lab-B/D 127.25 6.05 4222 Smiths Group/D 1219.1599 -1 127306 Bh Electronic-/D 1300.4 -18.05 1285 Eveready Indu-/D 22.85 -0.2 47932 Jik Indust-B/D 2.01 -0.1 411519 Nrb Bearings-B/D 34.95 0 10845 LONDON Standrd Chart /D 1611 1 657606 Bharat Bijle-B/D 583.65 -5.4 4272 F D C-B/D 95.7 0.35 33496 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 128.4 3.85 54430 O N G C-A/D 279.75 5.35 268309 Tate & Lyle/D 776 -1.5 189965 Bhartiya Int-T/D 175 2.15 6766 Federal Bank-A/D 537.7 -5 15062 Jmc Projects-B/D 123.8 4.35 20643 Ocl India-B/D 151.45 0.85 4927 3I Group/D 226.4 2.9 487160 Tesco/D 345.75 3 6060512 Bhel-A/D 238.2 -0.1 360286 Ferro Alloys-B/D 6.99 -0.3 110809 Kajaria Cer-B/D 236.05 0.15 23366 Oil Country-B/D 51.25 0.15 1945 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 1584 -7 209616 Tomkins/D 0 0 0 Bom.Burmah-B/D 127.95 -0.65 36081 Finolex-B/D 62.5 0 40449 Kalpat Power-B/D 95.3 -0.4 33852 Onward Tech-T/D 42 0.25 7169 B Sky B/D 778.5 1.5 387251 Unilever/D 2385 -7 369987 Bombay Dyeing-/D 136.25 -0.9 96629 Gail-A/D 363.65 -0.35 39291 Kalyani Stel-B/D 60.35 0.4 86804 Orchid Chem-B/D 102.9 0.3 169280 Barclays/D 275.65 0.05 12589234 United Util Gr/D 687.938 2.5 620220 Cable Corp.-B/D 23.55 0.3 4672 Gammon India-B/D 41.15 0 35352 Kg Denim-T/D 14.58 -0.18 15045 Orient Hotel-B/D 23.05 0.35 1454 Bg Group/D 1019.562 -2 1603785 Vodafone Group/D 156.1 -1.35 21563135 Camph.& All-B/D 155.5 -1.3 2192 Gangotri Tex-B/D 3.14 0.28 19224 Kin.Motor-B/D 11.19 0.36 52678 Orient.Carb.-B/D 126.15 0.15 6602 Bp/D 435.65 4.35 6010142 Whitbread/D 2531.08 -15 59557 Canfin Homes-T/D 176.8 8.4 84594 Garden P -B/D 62.55 1.05 12142 Kinetic Eng-B/D 93.5 2.75 18094 Orient.Carb.-B/D 126.15 0.15 6602 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3111.433 20 793060 Caprihans-B/D 51 -0.5 1611 Goodricke-B/D 160.95 7.3 74032 Kopran-B/D 21.5 0 10476 Pacific Indu-B/D 171 7.85 4225 British Airway/D 276.4574 0 0 Castrol Ind-A/D 302.05 -0.25 40368 Goodyear I -B/D 354.55 -6 2261 Lakshmi Mach-B/D 2299 13.2 2937 Patspin India-/D 8.4 -0.05 1251 Bt Group/D 237 -0.2 1969736 Century Enka-B/D 132.4 2.45 18302 Hcl Infosys-B/D 39.6 -0.25 124265 Lloyd Steel-B/D 14.02 0.81 259366 Punjab Chem.-B/D 54.45 0.45 2508 Centrica/D 335.8248 -5.1 3730945 Century Text-A/D 430.75 -0.45 106643 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 10.17 0.02 248867 Lloydsfin.-B/D 0.93 0.15 56436 Radico Khait-B/D 145 -1.6 20717 Gkn/D 235 -0.2 1280082 Chambal Fert-B/D 68.65 0.9 146215 Himat Seide-B/D 41.05 0.15 39669 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 20.8 0.95 78371 Rallis India-B/D 151.05 -3.1 72828 Hsbc Holdings/D 663.3 -2.4 3589972 FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 CLASSIFIEDS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17

SERVICES

ACCOUNTING SOFTWARES MOBILE PHONES & COMPUTER TRAINING CENTRE FLORIST ENHANCEMENTS ARTECH FAMILY COMPUTER CENTRE QATAR INTERNATIONAL NURSERY Sage Accounting, Peachtree, QuickBooks, Dynacom, Al Rayyan Complex, Rayyan Road. Garden Services, Irrigation Systems, Soft & Hard Landscaping, Indoor & Outdoor DacEasy, Tally, POS, Bar Code, Fixed Assets Software’s. Tel: 44435361/44370779 Fax: 44449130 Tel: +974 44375654 E-mail: [email protected] Plants, Water Fountains, Fresh Cut Flowers & Garden Maintenance. Tel: 44212630 Fax: 44213619 www.qinagriqatar.com E-mail: [email protected] ADVERTISING OVERSEAS COMPUTERS & NETWORKING NEWSPAPER GLASS COATING GEM ADVERTISING & PUBLICATIONS (Overseas Newspaper Advertisements) APOLLO ENTERPRISES Tel: 44442001 GSM: 55783303 Crystal Bond Glass Coating Against The Sun’s Harmful Rays, Heat Resistance. Salwa Road. Tel: 44426664 GSM: 55830870/33599574 E-mail: [email protected] ADVENTURE IN QATAR

QATAR INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES GIFTS Tel: 44553954, 44677406 GSM: 55527225 E-mail: [email protected] - Website: www.qia-qatar.com ARTIFACTS OF ARABIA Arabian Style Gifts and Souvenirs See. Also Corporate ATTESTATION Contracts and Tenders. www.artifactsofarabia.com GSM: 55614573 - David

NATIONAL COMPUTER CENTER HOME CONTROL SYSTEM Desktops, Laptops, Printers, Scanners, UPS, Softwares, ERP, Accessories, Networking & Cabling Tel: 44351200 Fax: 44315058 - [email protected] MONEY EXCHANGE CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE QATAR-UAE EXCHANGE Service is our Currency. Al Sadd Street. Tel: 44445558 AL MUTWASSIT CLEANING & PEST CONTROL City Center. Tel: 44115959 Kharaba Street, Behind White Mosque, Clock Roundabout (Near Gold Souq). Tel: 44368222 Tel: 44367555 Fax: 44367999 GSM: 55875920/55860432

CAPITAL CLEANING COMPANY W.L.L. MASSAGE HELPLINE GROUP OF COMPANIES Complete General Cleaning Services for Old and New Villas Certificate attestation from India, UK, USA, Australia, Gulf Countries and Tel: 44582257/44582546 Fax: 44582529 Mobile: 33189899/ THAI LADY MASSAGE & BEAUTY SALON Canada. We have 15 years experience & approved Agency. 55565328 E-mail: [email protected] For Ladies. Thai Massage, Oil Massage, Steam Bath GSM: 77711129 Tel: 44351974/44919213 - www.helplinegroups.com Home Visit. Villa No.4, Al Kinana St., Al Sadd Road. PRESTIGE GENERAL SERVICES Tel: 44350143 General Cleaning for Villas, Flats, Sofa, Carpets, Floor Tiles, Marble Polish. Daily, INVEST IN QATAR AMETEK CERTIFICATE ATTESTATION 66752291 44323040 44131012 Weekly, Monthly & Yearly Contracts. GSM: Tel: Fax: KOTTAKKAL AYURVEDIC MASSAGE CENTRE Affordable Rate. Certicate Attestation in 7 Indian Working Days. E-mail: [email protected] - www.prestigegeneralservices.com Attestation from India/UK/USA/Australia & GCC. Tracking Facility. LEADER MIDDLE EAST W.L.L. Oil Massage, Hotel & Home Visit. Free Pick-Up & Delivery. GSM: 30092444/33589739 For fast & reliable BUSINESS SET-UP, LOCAL SPONSORS, Trade Opposite Hamad Hospital. Al Rayyan Street. FIDELITY SERVICES COMPANY Licences, Joint Ventures, Public Relations, Visas & Real Estate Services. Tel.: 44360061 GSM: 33453697 Tel: +974 55745147/55201189 E-mail: [email protected] Part-Time Maid Service. Reliable maids for cleaning and A/C MAINTENANCE & generalhousekeeping duties. Flexible packages at low rates SERVICES INTERNATIONAL MASSAGE CENTER (AYURVEDIC) For booking : 66144629, 44186738 HELPLINE GROUP OF COMPANIES Rejuvanation, Back & Joints Pain, Paralysis, Rheumatic CITYSCAPES AIRCONDITIONING We provide A to Z support for the Company Formation, Commercial Diseases. Home Services. Opposite: Al Jazeera TV, Bin Registration, PRO Services & Real Estate Services. Call Now: Installation, Maintenance and Servicing of all kinds of Split, AL SADEQ TRAD. & MAINTENANCE CO. Omran. Tel.: 44218166 GSM: 77702421 77711129/44351974/44919213 - www.helplinegroups.com Window and Package of Type A/C. GSM: 33709599/ General Cleaning for Villa, Flat, Building, Carpet Shampooing, Sofa Sets, Marble Polish, Manpower Supply & 55175012/ 33414781 E-mail: [email protected] Pest Control - Daily, Weekly, Monthly & Yearly Contracts (24 Hours Service). GSM: 33020107/33020108 iRest Massage Chair Tel: 4436068 Fax: 44353336 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Buy Online www.qbuy.qa BURHA TRADING IT SOLUTION 2nd Floor, Quality Hyper Market All kinds of A/C Maintenance & Services GSM: 55684777 A/C Tech. from Philippines. Waranty after maintenance CURTAIN & UPHOLSTERY Something different at moderate prices. Tel: 33202138 / 77619899 Software Lab Qatar MEDIHERB P.O. Box : 31400, Doha, Qatar CASA BLU COMPANY Separate Section for Gents & Ladies. Back, Neck & Joint Care, Indian

Software Tel: +974 44622703, 44622705 GSM: 66836037 FIDELITY SERVICES COMPANY Tel: 44694020/90 Fax: 44694010 Labs Ayurvedic Massage, Holistic Rejuvenating Massage. Fareej Al Nasar, Near A/C. Maintenance, Cleaning, Relocation, Repair for all types of [email protected] - www.casabluinteriors.com E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.softlabqatar.com Midmac R/A.Tel.: 44690363 GSM: 66167700 www.mediherbqatar.com AC’s 7/7 - Office: 44186738, GSM: 66144629 HR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (DEVELOPED SPECIFICALLY FOR QATAR) DENTAL • Document Management System • Inventory Management System • Plant Management System MUSIC

BLINDS Expertise and capability to develop any kind of Software to suit your specific business needs!!! MUSIC HOUSE AL SHARK EXHIBITION AL MASA DENTAL COMPLEX Courses Offered: Guitar, Drums, Keyboard, Violin, Voice, Piano, Piano Vertical-Venitian Blinds. DR. Saeed Mohammed Abdelkhalek, MS, Prosthodontics. INTN’L TRDG. & TECHNICAL SVCS. CO. (INTER-TECH) Tuning + Rentals, Band Rehearsal Studio. Call: 44550203/ Bin Mehmoud. Tel./Fax: 44422906 Opposite Villagio. Tel: 44513289 Fax: 44693086 Hardware, Software, Networking, ERP, Cabling, Servers, UPS, 77469047/66022769 - E-mail: [email protected] Network Operation, Maintenance, etc. AL MASA DENTAL COMPLEX Tel: 44416556 Fax: 44416410 - [email protected] AL JAWHAR CURTAINS & FURNITURE DR. Sami Khalil Elmorsi Elsharoud, MS, Restorative Dentisty & METAL REPAIRS Endodontics. Opposite Villagio. Tel: 44513289 Fax: 44693086 Vertical-Venitian Blinds. Salwa Road, Qatar Decoration R/A. IMMIGRATION SERVICES APOLLO ENTERPRISES Tel: 44689897 AL MASA DENTAL COMPLEX Belzona Polymerics - Tel: 44426664 DR. Mohammed Naveed Yawar GSM: 55871914/55524897 E-mail: [email protected] GB, General Scope Dentist (Rajiv Gandhi University of Health ‘WE GET THE JOB DONE’ [email protected] BLASTING AND PAINTING Sciences). Opposite Villagio. Tel: 44513289 Fax: 44693086 Specialised in Governmental work, Work Visa, Family Visa, Resident Permits and many more. Email: [email protected] 44675502 4467-5503 Website: deltaqatar.com M. PALLONJI QATAR Tel: , Fax: MANPOWER SUPPLY P.O. BOX: 23933. E-mail: [email protected] ENTERPRISE TELEPHONY AND SECURITY SOLUTIONS Tel: 44606822 Fax: 44606977 GSM:55879234 LIVE, WORK & STUDY IN CANADA/AUSTRALIA Work Permit Visas for: Hotel Staff, Administrators, Sales Associates, Male & Female Cooks, Light & Heavy Drivers + Mechanics and more.. BICYCLES & WATER SPORTS E-mail: [email protected] - www.dubaimcs.com

SKATE SHACK Al Ain # 3, Salwa Road, MISSION SERVICES For Direction call: Tel: 446-92532 We are government services agent specialised in government services process: Establishing new GSM: 552-47885/779-36152 - www.skate-shack.com companies, Immigration Services, Traffic Department, Labor Department and other authorities. Our mission is to get your job done. Tel: 44131358 Fax: 44131359 E-mail: [email protected]

CURTAINS IMPORT SERVICES AL SHARK EXHIBITION INTN’L TRDG. & TECHNICAL SVCS. CO. (INTER-TECH) Bin Mehmoud - Planning, Design, Engineering, Supply, Installation, Testing, Commissioning, Multi System IMPORT FROM CHINA/INDIA Tel./Fax: 44422906 Integration, Maintenance in Telecommunication, Electronics, Power, Security & Cabling. Building Materials/Industrial Items/Steel/Aluminium Sections/ Tel: 44416556 Fax: 44416410 - [email protected] Panels, etc. 18 year old Indian Company having China Office. NURSERY AL JAWHAR CURTAINS & FURNITURE GSM: 33391248, [email protected] Salwa Road, Qatar Decoration Roundabout. THE LITTLE HANDS NURSERY Tel: 44689897 ERP SOFTWARE Age group 2 months to 4 years. Separate classes for babies, toddlers & students JEWELLERY with spacious play area. British Management & Camera Protection. Location: New AL HAWAL GROUP Salata, 137 Al Maahed Street, (at the back of Birla Public School) GSM: 55312803 CARPET Job Card, Job Order, Job Bill, Project Costing, Sales, Inventory, CANARA JEWELLERY Al Mansoura, Bin Dirham Street. Purchase, Sales, Payroll & Accounts, Only QR.2,500. HELLO BABY NURSERY (ABU HAMOUR & KHARTIYAT) KASHMIR HANDICRAFT EMPORIUM Tel: 44311705 GSM: 55231633 Tel: 44422071, 44357283 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] - www.4422071.com We start registration for September 2012. Handmade Cartpets, Handicrafts & Furniture. Al Mirgab We follow English Curriculum. Street, Al Naser. Tel: 44432761 GSM: 55553407 Abu Hamour: 77759789 Al Khartiyat: 33000819 FURNITURE MOVERS CCTV SECURITY SOLUTIONS OFFICE INTERIORS/FIT-OUT APOLLO FURNITURE PARAGON SHIPPING & LOGISTIC W.L.L. CONTRACTOR ANAN SECURITY SYSTEMS Salwa Road. For International/Local Relocation. CCTV - Remote Monitoring Security Solutions for Industrial, Tel: 44689522 (3 Lines) Doha - Qatar. OFFICE EXPERTS Commercial & Residential Security. Contact: 33216343 www.apollofurnitureonline.com Mobile: 55803404 Tel: 44299555 A cost effective office service provider: Office Interior, Office Email: [email protected] Stationery & Supplies, Office Space, Office Services - An initiative of Sama Group W.L.L. T: 44447705 - F: 44447709 - For advertisements, call: ARTIFACTS OF ARABIA E2E GLOBAL PACKERS & MOVERS W.L.L. E: fi[email protected] W: www.samagroup.me Solid Wood Furniture, Antiques, Art & Decor. Professional’s in Int’l & Domestic Relocations & Removals Call David: 55614573 Office Shifting & Industrial Packing. E: [email protected] 44557857 www.artifactsofarabia.com Tel: 4451 6688, Mobile: 5599 0644, Fax: 4468 8631 FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com CLASSIFIEDS

SERVICES FOR RENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

OPTICS RENT A CAR APOLLO REAL ESTATE BUYING Doha’s leading Real Estate Agency can offer you a wide selection of available MODERN GULF OPTICS We buy all kinds of used household Please visit for all types of Eye Glasses, Sun Glasses, Contact properties. Apartment to compounds and office space. Give us your requirements and let us find Lenses, Eye Test for Driving License and Industrial Safety you a place that fits. With over 30 years experience in Doha, we know the market. items. Office Furniture, Electric and Glasses. Near Crazy Signal. Tel: 44310768 Qatar’s first Real Estate Company under British Management electronics items.. Fridge, A/Cs, Freezer, TV & Computers. PORTABLE/CHEMICAL TOILETS Call: Office: 44689522, Maureen 55864352 Abubakar 55850815, Peter 55506803, Dexter 55872145 Call: 55505773 BEAM CONSTRUCTION www.apollopropertiesonline.com Near Al Saliya Sports Stadium. Tel: 44901760 Fax: 44901566 GSM: 33138018 E-mail: [email protected] SERVICES NOTICE PARTY ITEMS & BALLOON DECORATION PARTY KINGDOM WEBSITE ABSCONDING Near Jaidah Flyover, Nasrallah Centre. AL DAR CAR RENTAL MR. MOHAMMAD MERAJ ALI MOHAMMAD Tel: 44353501/ 44366431 24 Hours. Bin Omran, Ahmed Bin Ali St., PO Box 24816 INDIAN NATIONAL, PASSPORT NO.E6127419 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 44877789 GSM: 55599972/55732070, Fax: 44866637 [email protected] QATAR ID NO. 28135636545 PEST CONTROL & CLEANING The above said person is absconding from his PRODUCTS COUNTRY RENT A CAR - BARWA AL WAKRA duties. Anybody who knows his whereabouts, TRADE CHEM LTD. A car has a choice of vehicles to suit your needs. Special cost provide nice service to our customer. please contact us or the nearest police station. What’s more? Comprehensive, Maintenances & Replacement Vehicle. Come to you at affordable P O Box: 21748 - Tel: +974 44278006 Fax: +974 44278007 rates, etc. Tel.: 44154467 GSM: 55440424 E-mail: [email protected] Anybody who protects or employs him can be E-mail: [email protected] prosecuted under Qatar Labour Law. Tel: 44666097 PEST CONTROL & CLEANING SAFETY TRAINING

DOHA PEST CONTROL & CLEANING CO. W.L.L. MR. RANJITH MALAGE For Pest Control & Cleaning Services - Fax: 44360838. SRI LANKAN NATIONAL, PASSPORT NO. N3709196 Email: [email protected] GSM: 55513862/55814832/ QATAR ID NO. 25914404081 55514709 Tel:44360901/902 Web: www.dohapest.com The above said person is leaving Qatar for good. AL HAWAL GROUP Anybody having any claim against him should QATAR PEST CONTROL COMPANY W.L.L. Website Designing, Statics & Dynamic, Web Portal, Online Store Online Booking, Online Appointment, Starting only Email: [email protected] contact us on the following numbers within 3 QR.1,000. Tel: 44311705 GSM: 55231633 web: www.qatarpest.com GSM: 55517254/66590617 days from the date of this advertisement. We Tel: 44222888 Fax: 44368727 will not be responsible for any claim whatsoever WATER TANK CLEANING REAL ESTATE after the above said date. AL MUTWASSIT CLEANING & PEST CONTROL Tel: 44882327 GSM: 66256033 AL MUFTAH SERVICES & RENT A CAR WLL Kharaba st, Behind white Mosque. C Ring Road Main Office Tel: 44328100/44442003, Fax: 443679 99 GSM. 55875920/55860432 MR. PADINJARA VEETTIL ABOOBACKER Fax: 44414339 - Musherib Branch Office: Tel: 44326840/ 44426649, SYED MOHAMED Fax: 44312899 E Mail: [email protected] Website: www.racqatar.com CAPITAL CLEANING COMPANY INDIAN NATIONAL, PASSPORT NO. H6615596 Cleaning Water Tanks & Pest Control. Fax: 44582529 The above said person is leaving Qatar for ADAM REAL ESTATE COMPANY GSM: 55565328/33189899 Tel: 44582257/44582546 Al Kuwari Blgd., 8th Floor, Al Sadd, Near Sebstain Rest. E-mail: [email protected]/[email protected] vacation. Anybody who has any claim against Tel: 44366932 Fax: 44366931 GSM: 55500789 / 55803731 him should contact us on the following numbers APOLLO REAL ESTATE YOGA SERVICES within 3 days from the date of this advertise- Salwa Road. GSM: 55864352/55506803/ 55872145 ment. We will not be responsible for any claim Tel: 44689522 www.apollopropertiesonline.com YOGASHA whatsoever after the above said date. E-mail: [email protected] First time in Qatar. Counselling and Yoga Services. Almajaz Builiding Office 3, Al Kharatiat. Tel: 44422052 GSM: 55024014 RENT A CAR GSM: 55264002 - www.yogasha.com

AVIS RENT A CAR Main Office at Daihatsu Showroom Complex on ‘C’ Ring Road. Tel: 44667744 / 44622180 Fax: 44657626

BUDGET RENT A CAR The Best Car Rental Service in Qatar. Head Office - 44310411 Airport Arrival - 44153048 Airport Departure - 44622678/55808638 (24 Hrs)

AL MUFTAH RENT A CAR WLL HO, D’ Ring Road -Tel: 44328100, 44634444 - Branches: Airport 44634433, C’ Ring Road -Tel: 44442003, Grand Hamad 44326840, 44748840 Avenue - Ras Lafffan: Tel.: STATIONERY & OFFICE E Mail: [email protected] Website: www.rentacardoha.com SUPPLIES AL SULAIMAN RENT A CAR OFFICE EXPERTS Main Office D’ Ring Road. Tel: 44911711/44911710 Fax: 44911699. A cost effective office service provider: Office Stationery & E-mail: [email protected] Musherib: 44355477/44440702/44315616 Supplies, Office Interior, Office Space, Office Services - An Fax: 44355466. Al Wakra: 44646775/44649153 Fax: 44646773 initiative of Sama Group W.L.L. T: 44447705 - F: 44447709 - Al Khor: 44796677/44725378 Fax: 44796633 E: [email protected] W: www.samagroup.me

EUROPCAR TRIOS - OFFICE & PROJECT SUPPLIES You rent A lot more than a car. Opp. Al Sharq Bldg., D-Ring Stationary, Computer Supplies, Gift Items, Cad Plotting & Road. Tel: 44660677 Fax: 44662677 Airport: 44621188 Digital Printing. Tel: 44919114-15 Fax: 44919116 E-mail: [email protected] - www.triosqatar.com BASE RENT A CAR Cars that fits your Needs & Budget. We Deliver & Pickup. Call for a quote 24 Hours @ 55206569 SCAFFOLDING OASiS RENT A CAR AND TRANSPORTATION YOU RENT MORE THAN A CAR WITH OASiS. Fax: 44130033 APOLLO ENTERPRISES SCAFFOLDING DIVISION Tel: 44130011/44130022 GSM: 55157587 (Rental)/ 55129615 Contract/Hire/Sale - Salwa Road. Tel: 44693334 (Transportation) [email protected] - OasisCars.com Fax: 44416274 GSM: 55521089/55560246/55536285 www.apollo-qatar.net - E-mail: [email protected] NICE RENT A CAR Solution for Transport & Leasing all types of vehicle & Heavy Equiment. COSMOS TOOLS & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES CO. W.L.L Tel: 44413392 GSM: 55514223 Fax: 44317896 Website: niceqatar.com Scaffolding & Ladders. Tel: 44151824 (3 Lines), 44315500 Fax: 44151825/ E-mail: [email protected]/ [email protected] 44214809 GSM: 55898593 E-mail: [email protected] Main Showroom: Beside Doha Stadium, near to Clock R/A. Branch: Barwa Village, Bldg. No.2, Shop 8 & 10 THE OWNERS RENT A CAR + LIMOUSINE SERVICE 24 Hrs Service! Tel: 44515515 GSM: 55149555 Fax: 44515155 TRANSLATION SERVICES Contact Mr. Anjum Malik E-mail: [email protected]

JABRCO RENT A CAR We have many vehicles like 2009, 2010 & 2011 models for rent with a comfortable price on daily/weekly and monthly. Main office: 44663933 GSM: 33131241 - Branch Barwa Village: 44152020 GSM: 33640652 E-mail: [email protected]

E2E FLEETS 15/26/30/55/60/65 Seated Buses with or without Driver Excellent Service & Competitive rates - Tel: 4460 5291 Email: fl[email protected] - Mobile: 3307 4056

GO RENT A CAR Competitive Rates for Car Rental & Leasing. Tel: 44325500 Fax: 44375753 GSM: 33697075/66983107 E-mail: [email protected] TOURS IN QATAR REGENCY FLEETS (A Regency Group Co.) Special Corporate leasing and Rental rates. Price includes Comprehensive Insurance, Maintenance, Replacement Vehicle etc. Driven by Values. E-mail: info@regencyfleets. QATAR INTERNATIONAL TOURS com Tel: 44433822/44554046 Fax: 44554047 Branches: Airport - Tel.: 44153086 Tel: 44551141/44552242 GSM: 55010137/55864568 Beverly Hills - Tel.: 44122131 Movenpick Tower & Suites: Tel.: 44966107/30122300 Fax: 44653461 E-mail: [email protected] - Website: www.qittour.com FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 BREAK TIME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 CINEMA LISTINGS TV LISTINGS

Nepali Movie – 2.00pm SHOWING AT VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER 1 TEL: 444933989 444517001 Bavuttiyude Namathil 13:40 Battle Machine 13:50 How Sharks GULF (Malayalam) – 5.30, 8.30 & 11.30pm Bros Hunt CINEMA Telegu Movie – 2.15pm 15:05 Scrappers 14:45 Great White 2 15:30 Auction Hunters Invasion Table No 21 (2D/Hindi) The Will: Jaws Comes – 5.30, 8.30 & 11.30pm 16:00 15:40 Family Secrets Home: Return Karma Yodha (Malayalam) 1 – 2.30, 5.00, 8.00 & 11.00pm Revealed Of The... 16:55 Dynamo: 18:25 Adrift: 47 Days Abdo Mota (Arabic/2D) – 2.30pm Magician With Sharks Impossible 19:20 Air Jaws Parental Guidance (2D/Comedy) – 4.30 & 11.30pm 17:50 Mythbusters Apocalypse 2 Les Miserables (2D/Drama) 18:45 Sons Of Guns 20:15 Monkey Life – 6.30pm 20:05 How It’s Made 21:10 Call Of The MALL Geddo Habibi (2D/Comedy) 20:35 Scrappers Wildman CINEMA – 9.30pm 21:00 Property Wars 22:05 Profiles Of Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away 21:30 Fast N’ Loud Nature (3D/Fantasy) – 2.30pm 22:25 One Car Too Far 23:00 Jaws Comes Les Miserables (2D/Drama) 23:20 Wheeler Home: Return – 4.15pm Dealers Of The... 3 Geddo Habibi (2D/Comedy) – 7.15pm Life Of Pi (Comedy/3D) – 9.15 & 11.30pm Geddo Habibi (2D/Comedy) 13:00 The Living Edens 13:40 Courage The – 2.30 & 7.30pm 14:00 Kingdom of The Cowardly Dog Les Miserables (2D/Drama) Oceans 14:30 Powerpuff Girls – 4.30pm 1 15:00 Leopards of 15:20 Angelo Rules Parental Guidance (2D/Comedy) Dead Tree Island 18:00 Level Up – 9.30pm 16:00 Untamed 19:40 Mucha Lucha Life Of Pi (Comedy/3D) Americas 20:05 Total Drama – 11.30pm 18:00 Monster Fish Island Mr & Mrs Eweys (Arabic) Ultimate Animal Bakugan: – 2.30pm 19:00 21:45 ROYAL Countdown Mechtanium PLAZA 2 Anna Karenina (Drama) – 4.15pm 07:00 Messi Tribute 08:00 News 20:00 Kingdom of The Surge 09:00 Al Jazeera World Oceans 23:00 Ben 10: Ultimate Jack Reacher (Action) 08:00 Stars Rooney – 6.30, 9.00 & 11.15pm 08:30 Stars Hoddle 10:00 News 21:00 Lion Battle Zone Alien Inside Story 22:00 Leopard Queen 23:50 The Powerpuff Rise Of The Guardians 09:30 Omni Sport 10:30 11:00 News 23:00 World’s Deadliest Girls (Animation) – 2.30pm 10:00 Rugby Aviva The Hobbit: An Expected 11:30 The Stream Animals Premiership Final 3 Journey (3D/Adventure) 12:00 News – 4.30 & 7.30pm Harlequins V 12:30 101 East Killing Them Softly (Crime) Leicester 13:00 NEWSHOUR – 10.30pm 12:00 Basketball Nba La 14:00 News Parental Guidance (2D/Comedy) Clippers @ Denver 14:30 Inside Story – 2.30 & 4.30pm 14:00 English Sports News 15:00 A Year with Al 08:00 Cheaper By The 13:30 The Wind In The Jack Reacher (2D/Action) 1 – 6.30pm 14:15 Best Of Plus 3 Jazeera Dozen Willows 16:00 NEWSHOUR 10:00 Desperately 15:00 Jelly T Geddo Habibi (2D/Comedy) Spanish League 17:00 News Seeking Santa 16:30 Marco Macaco – 9.00 & 11.30pm Barcelona V Real 17:30 The Stream 12:00 The Search For 18:00 Zathura: The Reef 2 (3D/Animation) Madrid – 2.30pm 18:00 NEWSHOUR Santa Paws A Space LANDMARK 16:00 Tennis Studio News Cheaper By The Adventure Geddo Habibi (2D/Comedy) 19:00 14:00 2 16:30 Tennisg Atp Qatar – 4.15 & 6.30pm 19:30 Earthrise Dozen 2 20:00 Hoodwinked Open Life Of Pi (3D/Action) 20:00 News 16:00 Desperately Too! Hood vs. – 8.45 & 11.15pm 22:00 The Global Game 20:30 Inside Story Seeking Santa Evil Code Name: Geronimo 23:00 Football Asia 21:00 NEWSHOUR 18:00 Easy A 22:00 Marco Macaco (2D/Fantasy) – 3.00 & 5.00pm 23:30 Stars Villa Boas 22:00 News 20:00 Loser 23:30 The Wind In The 3 Les Miserables (2D/Drama) 22:30 South2North 22:00 The Banger Willows – 7.30 & 10.30pm 23:00 Indian Hospital Sisters

HYPER C RSO S W O RD

123456 789101112 1314151617 5 Experiment place 63 Drugstore eponym 6 They cause your eyes to close 64 First volume of an 18 19 20 21 7 Maritime birds encyclopedia, perhaps 22 23 24 8 Mythical birds 66 Magazine extra 25 26 27 28 9 Alt-rock genre 67 Shakespeare sobriquet 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 10 Snag 69 Country with a green, yellow and red flag 38 39 40 41 11 Hot dog ___ stick 12 Actress Kristen of “S.N.L.” 70 Company calling? 42 43 44 45 46 47 13 Journal 71 Garlic relative 48 49 50 14 You can count on them 73 Fire ___ 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 15 Shade lighter than emerald 74 Dating service specification 75 Country with a red, yellow 60 61 62 63 64 16 Longtime Yes drummer and green flag 65 66 67 68 17 New Jersey community next to Montclair 76 Swear 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 20 Whatever 79 Basset sounds 77 78 79 80 81 21 Costumed animal, maybe 80 Michael Moore documentary 81 Not windward 82 83 84 85 86 87 23 “It’s ___ cause” 27 Place for a hammerlock 83 1975 Joni Mitchell hit Yesterday’s answer 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 29 Lover’s question on a long- 84 Had an unquiet sleep How to play Hyper Sudoku: 95 96 97 distance call 86 Les États-___ A Hyper Sudoku Puzzle is solved by filling the numbers from 1 to 9 into the blank cells. A Hyper 98 99 100 101 102 30 Involve 89 Courtroom schedule

Sudoku has unlike Sudoku 13 regions (four regions overlap with the nine standard regions). In all 103 104 105 106 107 31 Card game expert John 91 Medicinal plant regions the numbers from 1 to 9 can appear only once. Otherwise, a Hyper Sudoku is solved like 32 Fox TV’s “___ Death” 92 Snared 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 a normal Sudoku. 33 Can’t abide 93 Wood-marking tool 118 119 120 34 Mideast carrier 94 “My mama done ___ me 121 122 123 35 Sunshade …” How to play Kakuro: 37 Bon mot 96 Cryptologist’s org. The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any 39 It rolls in the aisles 98 Lowly workers size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells ACROSS 69 Digestive enzyme 40 Good for snacking 99 “Gulliver’s Travels” creature like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, 1 What the majority of elements are 72 Penguins’ org. 41 ___-European 100 Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some 7 Before this moment 73 Half of an old Latin aphorism and others 45 Wooley with the 1958 #1 hit 13 Show whose title was seen on a 77 One of 17 on a Monopoly board: Abbr. cells will contain two numbers. “The Purple People Eater” 102 “___ Now” (Murrow series) license plate 78 Take off the board However, in a crossword the numbers reference 46 Like a difficult order 105 Sharable PC file clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! 18 One specializing in slugging 80 Not troubled by 47 Boo-boo 106 Motley-colored They denote the total of the digits in the row or 19 Country with a blue, yellow and red 82 Singer Lisa and newspaper publisher 49 Belief: Suffix 107 Bring (up) from the past column referenced by the number. flag William 52 Rapper on “Law & Order: 109 Actress ___ Scala 21 Not fixed 85 Put back up Within each SVU” 111 Miracle-___ 22 Daughter of rocker Kurt and Courtney Love 87 With 116-Down, club in “Cabaret” collection of cells 53 Drink with dim sum 112 Not as experienced 24 Brilliantly colored lizards 88 One way to be repaid - called a run - any 54 Texas has one, in song 113 Bleaches 25 Tennis’s Monica 90 Country with a blue, white and red flag of the numbers 1 55 One on a diet 114 Mine find 26 Reps’ places? 91 ___ Chapel to 9 may be used 57 Sounded like a fan 115 Sue Grafton’s “___ for but, like sudoku, 28 Rap’s 50 ___ 95 Stage a walkout 58 Braver Outlaw” each number may 29 Mixed-ancestry Latin Americans 97 Keeps from prying eyes, in a way 61 Lentil dish at an Indian 116 See 87-Across 33 Lead-in for cat only be used once. 98 Lighting enthusiasts? restaurant 117 ___-mo 36 Buy real estate 101 British mil. award Yesterday’s 38 Provokes 102 Responds to angrily OSLO OLES OCOME answer 39 Devastating 103 Toward the dawn 42 Most old-hat 104 British science fiction author Colin PLOD POLO RIVER 43 Galloping ___ I AGO ORAN I RAN I 44 Connects with 107 Tooth: Prefix EVERYS INGLECLUE Sherman’s Lagoon by Jim Toomey 48 Isl. near Corsica 108 Amount of electrical resistance SAS SEN 49 Country with a green, white and orange 110 Modern school keepsakes ART PUFF ATLAST flag 118 Sartre play LAI T MORE AISLE 50 “It is to laugh!” 119 Greedy race in the “Star Trek” 51 Composer Philip Glass and others universe INTHISPUZZLEHAS 56 Knit one’s brow 120 Like some Google Maps views AOLER S I RE DENT 59 Horror director Roth 121 Actress Braga SNEERS TAPS STY 60 Alloy of gold and silver 122 County on the English Channel ISM PEA 61 Cry from Homer 123 Rapidly THI RTEENLETTERS 62 Within a lumberjack’s ability to cut HUBBA MA I L OL I O down DOWN 65 Fair-hiring org. 1 1959 #1 hit for the Fleetwoods AGA I N OMNI L IMP 66 Country with a green, white and red 2 “The Trumpet of the Swan” author WOR S T S E E N L A S S flag 3 Bushed ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE 68 “Our quest ___ an end!” 4 They include the wee hrs. FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Pakistan seal series with clinical win in Kolkata Batsman Jamshed hits second consecutive century

KOLKATA: Indian batting before reaching 100. India lost the fizzled out virtually without a plot there and literally gave up spark as Pakistan took a win- the chase. It was only a painful ning 2-0 lead in the One-Day display to extend the proceedings International (ODI) series by at the end with Pakistani bowl- carving out a comprehensive ers building the pressure up to a 85-run victory in the second crescendo. South Africa’s Morne Morkel looks on as New Zealand’s Kane Williamson match yesterday. Openers Gautam Gambhir (11) (left) and Brendon McCullum run between the wickets on the second day Replying to Pakistan’s 250, and Virender Sehwag (31) looked of their first cricket Test match in Cape Town, yesterday. spearheaded by opener Nasir tentative against the beauty of Jamshed’s second consecutive deliveries sent down by Junaid hundred of the series, India were and Mohammed Irfan but man- bundled out for 165 in 48 overs as aged to put on a stand of 42. they failed to break their Eden However, Gambhir, who never Brownlie, McCullum Gardens jinx against Pakistan. looked confident, inside edged As Junaid Khan shattered Junaid to the stumps, thereby Ishant Sharma’s stumps with a starting the procession. dig in for New Zealand snorter of a delivery, the visitors A short while later Virat got their fourth win in as many Kohli (6) nicked Junaid behind ODIs against India at the iconic the wicket while Gul picked up CAPE TOWN: Brendon Visions of the first day col- ground. India skipper Mahendra Sehwag by getting him plumb McCullum and Dean Brownlie lapse were revived when Martin Singh Dhoni remained unbeaten with a moving delivery. hit half-centuries as New Guptill was dismissed by Dale on 54. Gul continued the momen- Zealand fought back on the sec- Steyn in the first over of the sec- With the hosts losing the tum by evicting Yuvraj Singh (9) ond day of the first Test against ond innings. But McCullum and opener by six wickets in Chennai, as India tottered at 70/4 in 18.5 South Africa at Newlands Kane Williamson dug in to blunt the final match in Delhi is now overs. yesterday. South Africa’s renowned pace reduced to a mere formality. The strokes also dried up. After New Zealand were 169 for four attack, although they only added This is Pakistan’s first ODI a boundary from Suresh Raina’s in their second innings at the 29 before Williamson was caught series triumph in India since the blade in the 24th over, the Indian close, still 133 short of avoiding an at gully off Jacques Kallis. 4-2 win in 2005. batsmen could not send the ball innings defeat. McCullum made McCullum and Brownlie coun- It was a fine show from pac- across the ropes for the next 101 51 and Brownlie was undefeated ter-attacked, scoring 77 in the ers Junaid (3/39) and Umar Gul deliveries. on 69. first ten overs after the interval (2/24), who backed up Jamshed’s Spinner Saeed Ajmal took Pakistan’s Mohammad Hafeez (left) leaps with joy after Saeed Ajmal (right) New Zealand’s bowlers and as both Vernon Philander and efforts with their variations and three late wickets -- seeing the takes a wicket during the second One-Day-International match against fielders set the tone with an Steyn took some punishment. movement rattling the Indian back of Ravindra Jadeja (13), India in Kolkata, yesterday. improved performance, restrict- Brownlie was dropped at gully willowers. Bhuvaneshwar Kumar (0) and ing South Africa to 97 runs and by Dean Elgar off Steyn when Much to the dismay of a capac- Ashok Dinda (2) -- before Dhoni claiming five wickets in 31.2 overs he had 23 and again one run ity crowd, the Indian top order and Sharma added 33 for the last 2x6) to give Pakistan a rollicking breakthrough. Hafeez missed a before South Africa declared at later in the following over by showed its brittleness for the sec- wicket. start before India fought back to sweep and lost his wicket. 347 for eight, a lead of 302. Alviro Petersen, also at gully, off ond straight match, with half the Earlier, Man-of-the-Match run through the visitors’ batting Skipper Misbah-ul Haq (2) AB de Villiers made 67 for Philander. side back into the pavilion even Jamshed fired a 124-ball 106 (12x4, line-up. did not last long while Jamshed’s South Africa before being dis- McCullum made 51 before was Riding on the hundred by the knock ended in the 41st over. missed shortly before the dec- leg before wicket to left-arm 23-year-old Jamshed -- who com- The left-hander darted down the laration. Trent Boult and Chris spinner Robin Peterson, bowling Scoreboard pleted a hat-trick of hundreds track to Jadeja, missed, and Dhoni Martin both took three wickets for the first time in the match . Pakistan India against India -- and his 141- rattled his stumps in his second for New Zealand. REUTERS run opening wicket stand with effort, reducing Pakistan to 210/5. Nasir Jamshed st Dhoni b Jadeja ...... 106 Gautam Gambhir b Junaid Khan ...... 11 Mohammed Hafeez (76), Pakistan Azhar Ali (2) was run out, Mohammad Hafeez b Jadeja ...... 76 Virat Sehwag lbw b Umar Gul ...... 31 looked poised for a 300-plus total while Younis Khan (10) got an Scoreboard Azhar Ali run out (Dhoni/Sehwag) ...... 2 Virat Kohli c Kamran Akmal b Junaid Khan 6 after being put into bat. But they unfortunate leg before decision. New Zealand (I innings) ...... 45 24-4-93-1, Martin19.2-4-63-3 (nb-1, 1w), Younis Khan lbw b Raina ...... 10 Yuvraj Singh c Kamran Akmal b Umar Gul 9 surrendered wickets at regular Television replays showed the ball South Africa (I innings) Franklin 14-1-50-1, Patel 17-4-60-0 Misbah-ul-Haq lbw b Ashwin ...... 2 S Raina st K Akmal b Mohammad Hafeez 18 intervals to fold up in 48.3 overs. striking the pad off an inside edge. Shoaib Malik c Yuvraj Singh b Sharma ...24 Mahendra Singh Dhoni (not out) ...... 54 Except the opening stand, there Pakistan were 177/3 then in 34.3 G Smith lbw b Bracewell ...... 1 New Zealand (II innings) Kamran Akmal c Sehwag b Jadeja ...... 0 R Ashwin st Kamran Akmal b Shoaib Malik3 was not a single half-century overs. A Petersen b Boult ...... 106 M Guptill c Amla b Steyn ...... 0 Umar Gul b Sharma ...... 17 R Jadeja c Junaid Khan b Saeed Ajmal .13 partnership in the innings. The young Jadeja celebrated by H Amla lbw b Franklin ...... 66 B McCullum lbw b Peterson ...... 51 Saeed Ajmal c Sehwag b Kumar ...... 6 Bhuvneshwar Kumar lbw b Saeed Ajmal .0 Jamshed seemed to have sending Kamran Akmal (0) back J Kallis c Watling b Boult ...... 60 K Williamson c Petersen b Kallis ...... 15 Junaid Khan (not out) ...... 0 Ashok Dinda lbw b Saeed Ajmal ...... 0 started from where he left off in two balls later. A.B De Villiers b Martin ...... 67 D Brownlie (not out) ...... 69 Mohammad Irfan b Sharma ...... 0 Ishant Sharma b Junaid Khan ...... 2 Chennai reaching his century off Ishant Sharma (3/33), luckless F du Plessis c Williamson b Martin ...... 15 D Flynn c de Villiers b Kallis ...... 14 Extras: (LB 1, W 6) ...... 7 Extras: (LB 4, W 14) ...... 18 120 balls in the 40th over, driv- till then, struck gold in his last D Elgar c Watling b Boult ...... 21 BJ Watling (not out) ...... 10 ing Ravichandran Ashwin for a spell, removing Shoaib Malik (24), Total: (all out in 48.3 overs) ...... 250 Total: (all out in 48 overs) ...... 165 R Peterson b Martin ...... 5 Extras (B-1, LB-8, W-1) ...... 10 boundary past mid-off. Umar Gul (17) and Mohammad Fall of wickets: 1-141 , 2-145, 3-177, 4-182, Fall of wickets: 1-42, 2-55, 3-59, 4-70, 5-95, V Philander (not out) ...... 0 Total (four wickets, 52 overs) ...... 169 The only blemish in Jamshed’s Irfan (0) within nine balls. 5-210, 6-210, 7-236, 8-249, 9-250, 10-250. 6-103, 7-131, 8-131, 9-132, 10-165 Extras (B-1, LB-2, W-2, NB-1) ...... 6 Fall of wickets: 1-0 2-29 3-118 4-155 innings came on 35 when he The third and final ODI inter- Total (eight wkts decl. 95.2 overs) 347 To bat: James Franklin, Doug Bracewell, Jeetan Bowling: Bhuvneshwar Kumar 9-0-61-1, Bowling: Mohammad Irfan 10-0-46-0; Junaid edged one to backward point but national takes place in Delhi on Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-108, 3-212, 4-255, Patel, Trent Boult, Chris Martin Ashok Dinda 7-0-42-0, Ishant Sharma 9.3-0- Khan 9-1-39-3; Umar Gul 7-0-24-2; Moham- Kohli failed to grip the offering. January 6. 5-281, 6-335, 7-342, 8-347. Bowling: Steyn 14-2-38-1, Philander 13-5- 34-3, Ravichandran Ashwin 10-0-49-1, Suresh mad Hafeez 10-0-29-1; Saeed Ajmal 10-1-20- Hafeez initially looked circum- After the final ODI match, Raina 2-0-13-1, Ravindra Jadeja 10-1-41-3, 3; Shoaib Malik 2-1-3-1 spect but grew in confidence as England, who left London heath- Did not bat: Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel 53-0, Morkel 12-4-29-0, Kallis 6-1-19-2 (1w), Yuvraj Singh 1-0-10-0 Man-of-the-Match: Nasir Jamshed the overs progressed. Ultimately, row yesterday will play India in a Bowling: Boult 21-2-78-3 (1w), Bracewell Peterson 7-2-21-1 left arm spinner Jadeja got the ODI series this month. IANS Australia and Sri PCB, BCCI Thirimanne shines before Sri Lanka remember mulling ‘Ashes’ Tony Greig series for India

Lanka fall for 294 in Sydney SYDNEY: Australian and and Pakistan Sri Lankan players paid their SYDNEY: Australia’s four- Scoreboard respects to Tony Greig in a KOLKATA: With the pronged pace attack over- moving farewell to the former revival of cricketing ties with came spirited resistance from A hat, of the type often Sri Lanka (I Innings) England captain before the India after a gap of almost Lahiru Thirimanne and Mahela worn by former England D Karunaratne c Hussey b Bird ...... 5 start of play in the third Test five years, the Pakistan and Jayawardene before dismissing yesterday. Indian cricket boards are Test captain and T Dilshan c Wade b Bird ...... 34 Sri Lanka for 294 to end the A minute’s silence was observed mulling an “Ashes” like series cricket commentator M Jayawardene c Clarke b Starc ...... 72 opening day of the third Test L Thirimanne c Warner b Lyon ...... 91 by players wearing black arm- between the two countries to against Australia yesterday. Tony Greig, sits atop bands and fans in honour of take forward bilateral sport- T Samaraweera lbw b Siddle ...... 12 Both Thirimanne, who scored the stumps before the Greig, who died at the weekend ing relations. A Mathews c Hussey b Starc ...... 15 a career best 91 just three days start of the first day’s aged 66 from a heart attack while “We have floated a proposal after joining the Sri Lanka squad play of the third cricket D Chandimal b Starc ...... 24 battling lung cancer. for an Ashes-like series between as an emergency replacement, Test match between D Prasad c Starc b Siddle ...... 2 A trademark Greig sunhat was India and Pakistan with the and Jayawardene, who hit 72 in Australia and Sri Lanka R Herath c Siddle b Bird ...... 5 placed symbolically on the stumps BCCI (Board of Control for his penultimate innings as cap- at the Sydney Cricket S Lakmal c Hussey b Bird ...... 5 at the Sydney Cricket Ground Cricket in India). With the tain, threatened to make a sunny Ground, yesterday. The N Pradeep (not out) ...... 17 before being taken away by his current series, the ice has been day in Sydney their own. placement of the hat Extras (LB8, W3, NB1) ...... 12 sons, Mark and Tom. melted and we need to take the Ultimately though, Australia was part of a memorial Total (all out; 87.4 overs) ...... 294 The sons embraced and headed relationship further,” Pakistan captain Michael Clarke’s decision for Greig who died on Fall of wickets: 1-26, 2-72, 3-134, 4-167, from the ground before the start Cricket Board (PCB) chairman on winning the toss to send his Saturday from a heart 5-222, 6-250, 7-256, 8-271, 9-273, 10-294 of play. Zaka Ashraf said. pacemen out to bowl first was all attack. Bowling: Starc 19-0-71-3 (3w), Bird 19.4- Greig’s family and the Channel Ashraf said if the “India- but vindicated and the hosts will 10-41-4, Siddle 15-3-46-2 (1nb), Johnson 9 commentary team were invited Pakistan Ashes” becomes a have finished the day confident by opposing captains Michael reality, cricket-loving people 13-1-58-0, Lyon 19-2-69-1, Hussey 2-1-1-0 they can wrap up the series 3-0. Clarke and Mahela Jayawardene of the two nations will be ben- Jackson Bird, the least experi- to join the players and officials efited and bilateral relations enced of the quartet, took 4-41, his captain was dismissed after his bat in despair. Jayawardene Chandimal for 24 with a perfect on the playing arena before the will also improve. He even Mitchell Starc 3-71 and Peter his first half century outside Sri seemed determined to make up yorker on the first delivery with match started. proposed naming the series Siddle grabbed a brace with spin- Lanka for more than three years. for that humiliation, on his own the second new ball. His wife Vivian was over- after Mahatma Gandhi and ner Nathan Lyon pitching in to Thirimanne reached his second if necessary. Bird had removed both Sri come by the cricket community’s Muhammad Ali Jinnah. end Thirimanne’s knock just shy half century with a cover drive off After a cautious start, the Lanka openers in the opening ses- response. Ashraf also said he was opti- of his maiden Test century. Mitchell Johnson for three runs 35-year-old came out firing after sion, having Dimuth Karunaratne “I just wish he could have seen mistic of a return tour by India. Thirimanne had shown a fight and, punishing any loose deliver- lunch and smashed 13 boundaries caught off a top edge for five and it,” she said. “I’m so grateful, truly “There is a window available that had largely been absent from ies, smashed 13 fours and a six in in his 154-minute knock before returning an hour later to dis- grateful. for a return tour in August and the batting of his better-known his 151-ball knock. Starc removed him with a fizzing miss Tillakaratne Dilshan, caught “For Channel 9 and Cricket we are in talks with BCCI about compatriots on the tour so far. The end to his innings came ball that caught a thick edge and behind for 34. Australia to organise this tribute whether the series will be in a The 23-year-old left-hander chasing another boundary off flew to Clarke in the slips. His third victim of the day was to him is truly touching.” neutral venue or in India or survived an lbw decision on his Lyon and it took an exceptional Starc, rested for the Melbourne Rangana Herath (5) and, with Greig played 58 Tests for his Pakistan. There is still some time first ball courtesy of the tel- catch from David Warner at cover Test, also accounted for captain- the end of the day approaching, adopted country England between for the series and things will evision appeal and assumed the point to snare the miscued drive, elect Angelo Mathews (15) and he returned to remove Suranga 1972 and 1977, scoring 3,599 runs surely work out,” he said. IANS mantle from Jayawardene when leaving the batsmen bowed over returned to remove Dinesh Lakmal (5). AFP with eight centuries. AFP FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Qatar Airways James shines as Heat scrape named official airline of Qatar past Mavericks in overtime football team DOHA: Qatar Airways and the Qatar Football Association announced a NBA champions top Eastern Conference; Clippers suffer another loss strategic partnership with the carrier being named offi- MIAMI: LeBron James got off cial airline of Qatar’s national to a surprisingly slow start but NBA Results football team. kicked into top gear to lift the Toronto 102 Portland 79 The tie-up comes ahead of NBA champions Miami Heat Chicago 96 Orlando 94 the Gulf Cup, in which Qatar to a 119-109 overtime win over Sacramento 97 Cleveland 94 will join seven other national the stuttering Dallas Mavericks Indiana 89 Washington 81 teams from across the Gulf yesterday. to compete in the region’s Memphis 93 Boston 83 Eight-times All-Star James most prestigious football finished with a game-high 32 Miami 119 Dallas 109 tournament. points and 12 rebounds, and guard San Antonio 117 Milwaukee 110 As the official airline, Qatar Dwyane Wade weighed in with 27 Houston 104 New Orleans 92 Airways will work with the points, as Miami cemented their Brooklyn 110 Oklahoma City 93 national team proudly spread- place at the top of the Eastern ing Team Qatar’s brand during Utah 106 Minnesota 84 Conference with their 15th home matches at home and overseas. win of the season. Phoenix 95 Philadelphia 89 The agreement between The Heat, who outscored the Golden State 115 LA Clippers 94 the two local organisations Mavericks 16-6 in overtime, was signed by Qatar Football improved their overall record to back of a 10-0 run before end- Association President Sheikh 22-8 after being tested to the full ing the opening quarter with an Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed in a clash of the last two NBA eight-point cushion. James earned Al Thani and Qatar Airways champions. just six points on three-for-eight Chief Executive Officer Akbar “Execution going down the shooting from the field. Al Baker at a press conference stretch was very good,” Heat However, the Heat stead- held at QFA’s headquarters in coach Erik Spoelstra told report- ily reeled in the Mavs as James Doha, recently. ers. “LeBron was really big and ominously began to find his range Qatar Airways Chief deep and showing his world-class and they cut the deficit to 52-50 Executive Officer Akbar Al conditioning level. by halftime at American Airlines Baker expressed his delight. “They (the Mavericks) played a Arena. “This is a moment of pride to very good basketball game. It’s not James poured in a three- link up with our national foot- as if we were necessarily letting pointer to give Miami a 81-79 ball team and provide support them score. It was highly com- lead after the third quarter but as the team prepares for key petitive at both ends.” Dallas regained control and a matches and tournaments O.J. Mayo led the way with 30 Mayo three-pointer put them LeBron James (6) of the Miami Heat reacts during his team’s match against the Dallas Mavericks at American around the world,” he said. points for Dallas while 11-times 97-91 up with just over four min- Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida, yesterday. “Sport is one of the pillars All-Star Dirk Nowitzki, despite utes remaining. of Qatar Airways’ strategy and not being back to his best follow- The hosts battled back again football in particular will fea- ing knee surgery, had 19 points and a Shane Battier three-pointer “You’ve got to respect these Meanwhile, Stephen Curry had have now won four straight. Los ture largely in our marketing off the bench. put the Heat 103-101 ahead with other teams,” Wade said. “They 31 points, eight assists and six Angeles closed out 2012 on a fran- activities this year and going “It shouldn’t have gotten to 14.5 seconds to go before Nowitski come in and play very well against rebounds to lead the Golden State chise-record 17-game win streak, forward. We are taking great overtime,” said Mavericks coach responded with a fadeaway us so we’ve got find ways to win Warriors to a 115-94 win over Los but the Clippers lost a 92-78 con- steps to align ourselves with Rick Carlisle, whose team slipped jump shot to take the game into ballgames. That’s what it’s all Angeles, handing the Clippers test to the Denver Nuggets on great brands at home and to 13-20 for the season. overtime. about right now.” their second straight loss. New Year’s Day before suffering overseas. “We were up by six with a cou- After veteran Ray Allen sank James, who finished just one David Lee finished with 24 their second consecutive defeat “More immediately, I wish ple minutes to go and our inability another three-pointer, James assist shy of a triple-double, points, 13 rebounds and seven against the Warriors. Team Qatar great success in to keep them out of the paint was followed up with a bank shot to was presented with the USA assists, while Klay Thompson Jamal Crawford led the Clippers the Gulf Cup and I am sure our downfall.” put Miami 108-103 up and there Basketball Male Athlete of the nailed five three-pointers en route with 24 points, while Chris Paul travelling fans from our coun- Dallas made a fast start, surg- was no way back from there for Year award by Heat president Pat to 19 points for the Warriors at added 23 points and six assists in try will enjoy a football spec- ing 12 points clear at 30-18 on the Dallas. Riley at halftime. Oracle Arena. Golden State yesterday’s match. REUTERS tacle during two weeks of exciting play on the field in Bahrain in the coming days.” Sheikh Hamad was equally QBL: Top teams Al Sadd, Al Rayyan in action today delighted. “Coming on the first day of DOHA: Qatar Basketball League (QBL) It will be Al Sadd’s second match in as and combined for 81 points and 35 rebounds. a much-needed win for his team who the year and just as Qatar pre- leaders AlRayyan and Al Sadd will be many days, as they also played their first Mofunanya had 29 points and 10 improved to a 5-4 win loss card. pares to compete for the Gulf in action today as round two hostilities game of the second round on New Years rebounds while Jalloh contributed 27 and Qatar Sports Club will be aiming to get Cup, this is wonderful news to resume at the Al Gharafa Indoor Arena. Day. 10. back on track when they face Eljaish in have Qatar Airways on board The defending champions, Al Rayyan, Al Sadd beat Al Ahli, in the loopsided Byrd led in rebounds with 15 aside from tomorrow’s match that starts at 5:15pm in as a key long-term sponsor,” face Al Ahli in the openining match at 59-42 curtain-raiser, in what was their chipping in 25 markers at Al Gharafa the evening. he said. 4:00pm. eighth-straight win of the season. Indoor Hall. Meanwhile, Al Gharafa will be looking to “I would like to offer my Al Rayyan will be aiming to to start the On Wednesday, Al Arabi improved their Meanwhile, Al Gharafa, parading new pick up maximum points when they face Al thanks to Qatar Airways for round on a positive note and improve to win record to seven by beating Al Wakrah, reinforcement in FIBA-veteran Rasheim Arabi in Saturday’s late match at 7:15pm. showing vision in backing the 8-1, and stay half a game closer to tourna- 98-70, in a game that drew game-long Wright, overpowered Qatar Sports Club, In the second round, held on New Year’s sports sector, and football in ment trailblazer Al Sadd. brilliance from the prolific trio of Abdulai 88-67. Day on Tuesday, El Jaish trounced Al particular, in our country in a Al Sadd are expected to notch their Jalloh, Alvin Mofunanya and William Byrd. The America-Jordanian Wright con- Shamal, 74-49, banking on a balanced scor- big way,” he said. ninth win against Al Wakrah in the the The trio all registered double-doubles in tributed to 27 points and dished out 6 ing to register their seventh win in nine THE PENINSULA late match at 8:00 pm. the scoring and rebounding departments assists to cap a sterling league debut with outings. THE PENINSULA La Hoor finishes first at QREC New changes and

DOHA: La Hoor won the ‘Ministry of Culture, Arts format for Qatar and Heritage Cup’ at Qatar Equestrian and Racing Club (QREC) yesterday. The horse trained by Hassan International Rally Ali Hassan Al Matwi won the prize of 45600.00 QR Mark DOHA: New stages and a opened in September 2010. Lawson was the jockey. revised route will be used for Semaan has also confirmed that In second place, Mogida, trained the 2013 Qatar International the three stages will be completely by Abdulaziz Ali Al Qhatiri, Rally when the new FIA Middle new and other sections of the claimed a prize of 17600.00 QR. East Rally desert route have Shakeemah, trained by Alban Championship been modified. De Mieulle came third, winning starts on “This year we a prize of 8800.00 QR. January 24. have three com- La Hoor’s race was one of six Clerk of the pletely new stages races to take place yesterday. course Elie with undulating, Among the winners in yes- Semaan issued twisty and chal- terday’s races, Raddadd won the the first details lenging terrain,” ‘Maiden Plate’ meeting, with the of the changes, said Semaan. horse also trained by De Mieulle. after officials at “The other In the second race, the Qatar Motor three stages fea- ‘Thoroughbred Handicap’, jockey and Motorcycle ture changes. Stephan Ladadj rode Marked Red Sheikh Mohammed Federation Two have been to victory. bin Faleh Al Thani (QMMF) had modified up to 70 Madj Al Shajaa, ridden by RR (third right) along been piecing per cent of their Ponce, grabbed victory in the with jockey Mark together a new total distance third race of the evening, win- Lawson (second format and and the approxi- ning the ‘Thoroughbred Handicap right) and officials route for the mate total length Rated 60 - 80’, race. pose for a picture event under of the stages Ladadj, who won the second at Qatar Racing and the presidency is 260km. The race of the evening, made it two Equestrian Club, of Nasser bin whole rally is wins out of two, when he rode yesterday. BELOW: Khalifa Al concentrated off Clean Bowled to victory in the Attiyah (pictured). the Salwa Road to the north of Lawson in action ‘Thoroughbred Handicap Rated A brand new service park will Doha,” she added. during the ‘Ministry 75 - 95’ race. be used as part of the plans. Last year, the QMMF used In the penultimate race, Gerald of Culture, Arts and The rally headquarters and the Al Wakra sports complex Avaranche won the ‘Throughbred Heritage Cup’ race operations will continue to be for the headquarters and service Stakes’ race who rode Al yesterday. based at the QMMF, but the event park and ran special stages to the Muthanaa to first place. PICTURES BY: JUHAIM will now use the brand new serv- south of the capital. The next race meeting to take ice area in Qatar’s Aqua Park at The FIA Middle East Rally place will be on Wednesday, with Abu Nakhla on the Salwa Road. Championship concludes on six races. THE PENINSULA The water theme park was January 26. THE PENINSULA FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Qatar national team arrive in Bahrain AC Milan storm off pitch after racist chants

MILAN: AC Milan walked off the pitch during a friendly match at Italian lower side Pro Patria yesterday in protest at racist chanting by the home fans, causing the game to be abandoned after less than half an hour. “Milan left the pitch follow- ing racist insults on the part of a minority of the Pro Patria fans directed at (Kevin-Prince) Boateng, (M’Baye Niang, (Urby) Emanuelson and (Sulley) Muntari,” the club said on their website (www.acmilan.it). A video posted on Youtube showed Boateng in possession Qatar coach Paulo Autouri (left) poses with his players after arriving in Bahrain yesterday. Wisam Rizq (third right), Jarallah Al Marri (second right) and Bilal Mohammed (third left) are also near the penalty area when jeer- seen. CENTRE: Striker Sebastian Soria attempts to take a shot during a training session at Aspire Academy before their departure to Bahrain. RIGHT: Autouri looks on as his squad trains. ing was heard from fans nearby. Qatar have announced their final for the 2013 Gulf Cup. The squad squad consists of: Mohammed Abdul Muttalib, Marcone Younis, Ali Ai Mahdi, Mohammed Kasola, Yusuf Ahmed, Abdul He stopped playing, collected Karim Hassan, Rizq, Talal Al Balushi, Khalfan Ibrahim, Massad Hamad, Hassan Al Haydos, Qassem Burhan, Lawrence Quaye, Soria, Ali Afif, Baba Mallick, Rajab Hamza, Mohammed, Al the ball and kicked it towards the Marri, and Mohammed Razaq. Qatar will open their campaign against UAE tomorrow. PICTURES BY: FADI AL ASSAAD stands. He then took his shirt off and walked off the pitch and his team-mates followed. “I’m disappointed and sad- dened but I think that it was the right choice to not return to the pitch, out of respect to our play- Wright-Phillips strikes late ers and all other coloured play- ers in any other league,” Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri told reporters. “We have to stop these uncivi- lised gestures. Italy has to become a little more civilised and a little to stun former club Chelsea more intelligent. “It’s unfortunate because of the families and children who had come here to enjoy the beautiful Liverpool thrash Sunderland 3-0; Everton win 2-1 at Newcastle day of sport and sun. “We hope we have given a sig- nal that will be followed if such LONDON: Chelsea old boy football by coming from behind acts occur again in any league. We Shaun Wright-Phillips stunned English Premier to win 2-1 at Newcastle. apologise but we hope that these his former club with a 78th- League results Papiss Cisse did his best to uncivilised acts will not happen minute winner as bottom side prove there is life after his again.” AFP Collated English Premier League results on Queens Park Rangers shocked Senegal team-mate Ba by heading Wednesday: the European champions 1-0 Newcastle into a second-minute in the Premier League on Chelsea 0 QPR 1 lead after goalkeeper Tim Krul’s Wednesday night. Liverpool 3 Sunderland 0 long kick was allowed to bounce Mancini clashes The 31-year-old drove home Newcastle 1 Everton 2 on the edge of the visitors’ box. from the edge of the box at Played Tuesday: England international, with Balotelli on Stamford Bridge to move Harry Leighton Baines produced a goal- Redknapp’s side to within five Man City 3 Stoke 0 of-the-season contender to equal- training ground points of safety and prevent Southampton 1 Arsenal 1 ise, however, rippling the net with Chelsea from reclaiming third Swansea 2 Aston Villa 2 a magnificent 30-yard free-kick LONDON: place from Tottenham Hotspur. Tottenham 3 Reading 1 that left Krul grasping at thin air. Mario Balotelli’s “They worked their socks off Substitute Victor Anichebe future at Manchester City West Brom 1 Fulham 2 and they got their rewards. We completed the comeback on the was cast into doubt once again deserved it and it was a fantastic West Ham 2 Norwich 1 hour, tapping in Nikica Jelavic’s yesterday after photographs performance,” said QPR manager Wigan 0 Man Utd 4 low cross barely ninety seconds emerged showing him in an Redknapp. after coming on to send Everton apparent training-ground “They have set the standard to shoot wide from close range up to fifth. bust-up with manager Roberto tonight and to get out of this early in the second half, while Liverpool reinvigorated their Mancini. mess, they have to do it every Julio Cesar saved brilliantly from push for European football by Media reports claimed that week.” Fernando Torres and Frank sweeping Sunderland aside 3-0 Mancini lost his temper with his Newcastle United had Lampard had a goal ruled out at Anfield to climb two places to Italian compatriot after Balotelli announced earlier in the day that for offside, but Chelsea were eighth. made a reckless challenge on they had accepted a bid for striker below-par. Teenage winger Raheem team-mate Scott Sinclair at the Demba Ba from Chelsea and last Punishment arrived with Sterling opened the scoring in club’s Carrington training base on season’s Champions League win- 12 minutes to play, when Adel the 19th minute, galloping onto a the edge of Manchester. ners looked like they needed the Taarabt teed up Wright-Phillips pass from Luis Suarez and calmly The pictures, published widely extra fire-power against their to find the bottom-left corner lobbing the advancing Simon in the British media, show London rivals. from 20 yards and bring Chelsea’s Mignolet. Mancini gripping Balotelli’s Interim coach Rafael Benitez four-game winning run to a jud- Suarez added a second in the orange bib in an apparent rage, made five changes to his start- dering halt. 26th minute, shrugging off Carlos before the two men are separated ing line-up, with Ashley Cole, “A lot of things went wrong Cuellar before beating Mignolet at by members of City’s coaching Ramires, Juan Mata, Eden Hazard today,” said Benitez. his near post, and the Uruguayan staff. and the injured Petr Cech drop- “We knew we were playing made it 3-0 from Steven Gerrard’s An eye-witness, quoted in ping out, and the changes were to against the bottom-of-the-table pass seven minutes into the sec- local newspaper the Manchester prove costly. side and we spoke about that. We ond half. Evening News, said: “Mancini German winger Marko Marin knew we had to be focused but we Suarez’s brace took his tally of ran at him -- he was furious. He made his first league start for did not have the tempo and some league goals to 15, while Liverpool grabbed hold of him and appeared Chelsea but his only contribution players may have been tired. are now only seven points beneath to try and throw him on the floor. of note was an ugly fourth-minute “It was going wrong against a the Champions League places, “It looked like Mario was too challenge on Stephane Mbia for side who played deep and were although fourth-place Chelsea Queens Park Rangers’ Shaun Wright-Phillips (left) is mobbed by team-mates strong and he couldn’t get him which he was lucky to escape with organised.” retain a game in hand, after play- after his team defeated Chelsea in their English Premier League match at down. Then all the coaches ran in only a caution. Meanwhile, Everton bolstered ing at the FIFA Club World Cup Stamford Bridge in London, on Wednesday night. to separate them but Mancini was Marin did tee up Victor Moses their bid for Champions League in Japan. AFP having none of it. He kept trying to break free and have a go at him again.” AFP Real still have a chance of Juventus to start Bayern Munich’s talks with Bilbao forward Arjen winning La Liga: Ramos Robben (right) takes striker Llorente part in a MADRID: Real Madrid we have not had the same effi- training defender Sergio Ramos (pic- ciency we had last year,” Ramos ROME: Italian club Juventus session tured) said yesterday that win- said. is opening talks to buy Athletic at Aspire ning La Liga will be difficult but Ramos was referring to Real’s Bilbao forward Fernando Academy not impossible after the club 2-2 draw against Espanyol on Llorente after the end of this in Doha, slipped 16 points behind leaders December 16, after which coach season, the Spanish club said yesterday. and arch-rivals Barcelona. Jose Mourinho said he believed yesterday. Bayern “La Liga has become very diffi- the Liga title was “now impos- Juve formally told Athletic on cult but not impossible, we have to sible”, and a 3-2 loss away to Thursday that they were open- Munich are carry on with enthusiasm, achiev- Malaga on December 23. ing negotiations with Llorente, in Qatar for ing victories,” he told a news con- Ramos, who reportedly had whose contract ends June 30, the a week-long ference after a training session. some tense moments with Basque team said in a brief online training “Madrid is obliged as a whole to Mourinho early in the sea- statement. camp before carry on fighting for every title,” down recent losses to weaker- son, played down the omission The Spanish international said they start said Ramos, who is suspended than-usual finishing and a “bad of Casillas, as have Cristiano last month he would not stay with the second from Sunday’s clash with Real streak”. Ronaldo and Casillas himself. Athletic Bilbao after his contract half of their Sociedad at the Bernabeu after “I don’t think it is a problem “We go through good times, bad expires, bringing an end to long- season. picking up too many cards. with anxiousness. I think in foot- times, and above all the coach’s running speculation about his “All the players, from the first ball you get bad streaks, perhaps decision rules. Where there is departure which upset many fans. to the last, we are on the right in some games things have not a boss, the sailors don’t give the Llorente said at the time he track, our attitude has always turned out the way we wanted commands,” he added in yester- was not going because of the been good,” said Ramos, who put and especially in front of the goal day. AFP money. AFP FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Ferrer, Gasquet in Doha semis Brands stuns Monfils in straight sets victory; Davydenko cruises past Bolelli

BY ARMSTRONG VAS “I need to improve my serve, sure, to win tomorrow. But I DOHA: Top-seeded David played good in the baseline, and I Ferrer will take on 2010 cham- am positive. I’m trying to. I will pion Nikolay Davydenko while be positive,” he said. second seed Richard Gasquet On his semi-final opponent faces qualifier Daniel Brands he said: “He was on top three or in the semi-finals of the Qatar top four, I’m not sure. He played ExxonMobil Open here today. unbelievable, no? He has really Yesterday at the Khalifa good shots, very good backhand. International Tennis and Squash He move really good. The last two Complex, the top seed from Spain years he was injured, and maybe took 63 minutes to dispatch the he’s not in his best performance, challenge of Paolo Lorenzi of Italy but I think this year or this week in an easy 6-3, 6-0 victory. he’s playing really good tennis.” Ferrer, who is bidding to Ferrer is focussed on the Qatar become the first Spaniard to challenge and has no thoughts win the singles title in the tour- of the Australian Open at the nament’s 20-year history, was moment. never tested on serve and broke “I’m not focussed on the the Italian four times to move Australian Open, no? I’m focused through in 62 minutes. on this tournament. It’s very The world No.5 won 24 of the important for me. After this tour- last 28 points over his opponent, nament I will play in Auckland, who is ranked 58 places below no? I am not thinking about in the ATP rankings, to con- Australia. When I will play the tinue his impressive form in the week of Australian Open, I will tournament. be focused there but not in this “Yesterday (Wednesday) and moment,” he added. Spain’s David Ferrer returns the ball to Italy’s Paolo Lorenzi during their quarter-final match of the Qatar Open at the Khalifa Intenational Tennis and tonight I had a very good feeling In the other quarter-final Squash Complex yesterday. Ferrer won 6-3, 6-0. RIGHT: Germany’s Daniel Brands celebrates his win against France’s Gael Monfils their quarter-final – tomorrow (Friday) maybe I will Davydenko took just 49 minutes match. Brands won 6-1, 7-5. PICTURES BY: SALIM MATRAMKOT not play better, no, but I am try- to defeat Simone Bolelli 6-1, 6-1. ing to be focused, to win. In the The Russian, who is eyeing a tournament has been a happy the Slovakian five times. Gasquet the first round, broke serve four Qatar Open Results second set, I played more aggres- place in a first final in 20 months, hunting ground in the past. sealed the victory in 71 minutes to times to knock out former World Results of the quarter-finals of the Qatar sive with my game. It’s never easy capitalised on all five of his break “I have been in the semi-finals defeat Lacko for the second time. No. 7 Monfils in 63 minutes. Open yesterday (x denotes seed): to play (well) in the first week of points and won 75 percent of his five times here now,” he said. “I returned better and served “I had three matches in the the season,” Ferrer said. first serve return points to remain “I like it here and maybe this is better than yesterday. It’s a good qualifiers, which were also not so Quarter-finals The Spaniard was quick to undefeated against Bolelli in their my tournament.” match for me,” said Gasquet. easy,” said Brands. David Ferrer (ESP x1) bt dismiss suggestions that he can four meetings. Davydenko said he and Ferrer “I’m happy. I feel more confi- “If you win the matches, you Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) 6-3, 6-0 break into the top four in the The former world number has played some tough matches dent than yesterday. It’s a good get confidence. That’s very impor- Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) bt rankings. three’s win over the world number in the past and today’s semi-final win for me,” he added. tant for me. I can’t believe it right Simone Bolelli (ITA) 6-1, 6-1 “That’s very difficult. At the 83 from Italy was the quickest of will be a closely fought encounter, The Frenchman, who recorded now. If I have confidence and I feel Daniel Brands (GER) bt moment the top four, they are the tournament. he hoped. his 300th match win in the second good, then I can play like today. I Gael Monfils (FRA) 6-1, 7-5 better than me,” he said. The 31-year-old quick fire win, “If I play against him today round, is aiming to win his eighth hope I can keep on playing like Richard Gasquet (FRA x2) bt But Ferrer is likely to over- the third successive straight sets with the same level I can beat ATP World Tour title. this in my next match tomorrow Lukas Lacko (SVK) 6-1, 6-3 take injured compatriot Nadal, win, has raised hopes for the him, but tomorrow (today) will Gasquet semi-final opponent and let’s see what happens,” he the current world No.4, ahead of Russian to regain the Qatar Open be different day, and we’ll see how Brands registered the biggest added. the Australian which starts in ten title he so spectacularly won three I feel and how Ferrer will play, upset of the tournament. A disappointed Monfils said: days time from now. years ago. also,” added Davydenko. The 153th-ranked Brands “Well, obviously I think today my Order Of Play Last year, Ferrer enjoyed a Davydenko won the Qatar Meanwhile, world No. 10 reached his first ATP World Tour opponent was better than me. I Centre Court start 4:30 pm career-best season, leading the Open in 2010 and on the way Gasquet advanced to the semi- semi-final since October 2011 as think he went for his shots more (Q) D Brands (GER) vs (2) R Gasquet (FRA) ATP World Tour with seven titles defeated two top ranked players finals, dismissing Lukas Lacko he defeated France’s Gael Monfils than me, and obviously at the end (1) D Ferrer (ESP) vs N Davydenko (RUS) and 76 match wins. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer 6-1, 6-3. 6-1, 7-5. he was like blowing in like every DoublesC Kas (GER)/P Kohlschreiber (GER) In today’s semi-final Ferrer in the same tournament. The second seed won 55 per- The German qualifier, who had ball. You know, he was better than

vs (2) J Knowle (AUT)/F Polasek (SVK) aims to raise his game. For the Russian the Qatarn cent of his return points, breaking upset fifth seed Jeremy Chardy in me today.” THE PENINSULA Chennai Open Serena and Azarenka to Results

Singles Second round clash in Brisbane semis Marin Cilic (CRO x3) bt Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKR) 4-6, 6-2, 6-3

BRISBANE, Australia: Benoit Paire (FRA x5) bt Serena Williams survived a Dudi Sela (ISR) 6-1, 6-0 testing examination from fel- low American Sloane Stephens Tomas Berdych (CZE x1) bt at the Brisbane International Somdev Devvarman (IND) 6-3, 6-1 yesterday to book a semi-final against world number one Roberto Agut (ESP) bt Victoria Azarenka. Matthias Bachinger (GER) 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 Williams was pushed all the way by her Fed Cup teammate in Andy Murray of Britain hits a return to John Millman of Australia during the last of the four quarter-finals their men’s singles match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament, before winning 6-4, 6-3 in 71 min- Cilic and Berdych yesterday. utes in Pat Rafter Arena. Earlier Azarenka, of Belarus, reach quarters of swept aside the challenge of Kazakhstan qualifier Ksenia Chennai Open Pervak 6-1, 6-0 in her most Murray battles past impressive display of the tournament. CHENNAI, INDIA: Top seed Williams and Azarenka have Serena Williams of the US reacts after missing a shot against compatriot Tomas Berdych of the Czech met 12 times previously, with Sloane Stephens in their quarter-final match at the Brisbane International Republic and number three local hero Millman Williams winning all but one of tennis tournament, yesterday. Marin Cilic of Croatia entered those encounters. the quarter-finals of the ATP BRISBANE: Andy Murray the Scot after yesterday’s victory. Today’s clash will be a tanta- Chennai Open with contrasting narrowly avoided the wrath of “He was obviously expecting lising warm-up for this month’s holding to love to claim a highly wins yesterday. coach Ivan Lendl after labour- me to come through, but it was Australian Open, where there is a entertaining match. Brisbane The 15th world-ranked Cilic ing to a 6-1 5-7 6-3 win over very nearly a different story. The strong possibility the two women “I think she can be the best shrugged off a hesitant start Australian qualifier John depth of the game now is so, so will meet in either the semi-finals player in the world one day,” International results in his first match of the season Millman in his opening match strong. None of the matches are or final. Williams said later. Results of matches at the Brisbane to defeat Sergiy Stakhovsky of at the Brisbane International easy. It was a bit different back in “I’m going up against the best Azarenka was in superb form International tennis tournament yesterday (x Ukraine 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in an hour yesterday. Ivan’s day where they could kind player in the world,” Williams as she crushed Pervak, who had denotes seeding): and 45 minutes. The US Open champion ran of cruise a little bit the first cou- said. “She’s had a fabulous year, upset former world number one Men’s World number six Berdych hot but mostly cold against the ple rounds.” she won the Australian Open and Caroline Wozniacki. opened his campaign with a 6-3, 199th ranked player in a match Murray was horribly out of Second round has been the most consistent all “It was pretty good, even 6-1 demolition of Indian wildcard of wildly fluctuating tennis that sorts in a tight second set, clutch- year. though we had some tough games Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) bt Somdev Devvarman. lasted two hours and four minutes ing at his back, thigh and shoul- “I’ve got nothing to lose. I can I felt I was playing really well at Milos Raonic (CAN x2) 6-3, 6-4 Cilic began the match with a at Pat Rafter Arena. der. His class shone through but go out there and see where my the important moments and tak- Jurgen Melzer (AUT x7) bt string of unforced errors from the The 2012 Olympic gold medal- it was not one of his finest efforts. game is at.” ing my chances to close out the David Goffin (BEL) 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) baseline that allowed Stakhovsky list revealed that former world “I had seen John’s name before, Williams, 31, has hardly games,” she said. to wrap up the first set in 39 number one Lendl, who was due but I hadn’t seen him play,” he been pushed this week and was She said she was excited about Denis Istomin (UZB) bt minutes. to arrive in Brisbane on Friday, said. “I think it’s important expected to waltz through her the prospect of playing Williams. Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) 7-5, 7-5 But the big-serving Croat had not even considered the when you don’t know how some- clash with 19-year-old Stephens “It’s a tough match, there is Andy Murray (GBR x1) bt regrouped in the next two sets possibility of the Scot losing to one plays to find out about their in their first ever meeting. no question about it,” she said. John Millman (AUS) 6-1, 5-7, 6-3 with 12 aces and dazzling cross- Millman. character a little bit. But Stephens matched the “I’m looking forward to it. There Women’s court winners to march into the Before the second-round “He’s very consistent...he can world number three shot for is one more chance for us to last eight. match, Lendl had sent a text mes- play quite a long way behind the shot, often leaving Williams meet (before Melbourne) and it’s Quarter-finals “It was my first match of the sage to the 25-year-old’s hitting baseline and doesn’t take too stranded on the baseline with going to be a great test for the Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) bt season and it took time to adjust parter Danny Vallverdu asking many risks. And then, you know, the power and accuracy of her Australian Open.” Anqelique Kerber (GER x4) to the conditions, the court and what time Murray’s quarter- he was going for absolute bombs groundstrokes. The second semi-final will be 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/3) the weather,” said Cilic. “Besides, final against Uzbekistan’s Denis and making them,” he added. Stephens attacked Williams’ between two unseeded players Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) bt Sergiy played the first set really Istomin would be today Second-seeded Canadian Milos serve and had the first opportu- after Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 6-3, 6-4 well. “December 22nd was the last Raonic was eliminated 6-3 6-4 in nity to break but couldn’t convert. beat 2012 runner-up Daniela “But it all came together in the day we trained in Miami before I the biggest boilover of the event Williams then took her only break Hantuchova 6-3, 6-4 and Russia’s Victoria Azarenka (BLR x1) bt next two sets. I was able to serve went home. He messaged Danny by 21-year-old Bulgarian Grigor point to win the set. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova Ksenia Pervak (KAZ) 6-1, 6-0 better and did not make many and said, ‘Can you send me the Dimitrov, nicknamed Baby The second set was almost downed fourth seeded German Serena Williams (USA x3) bt errors. I have worked hard dur- score and what time he’s playing Federer for the similarity of his a carbon copy of the first, with Angelique Kerber 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 Sloane Stephens (USA) 6-4, 6-3 ing the off-season and I hope it tomorrow before the match?’ He technique to Roger Federer’s. Williams breaking at 4-3, before (7/3). AFP results in something good.” AFP hadn’t heard of John before,” said REUTERS FRIDAY 4 JANUARY 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Money washing ceremony

Fajr (Dawn) 4:59 Shorook (Sunrise) 6:20 Zuhr (Noon) 11:39 Asr (Afternoon) 2:37 Maghrib (Sunset) 4:58 Isha (Night) 6:28

WEATHER

Today Saturday Sunday Weather Conditions: Clear Mostly sunny Mostly sunny Slight dust with some scattered High: 24° High: 22° High: 24° clouds. Low: 19° Low: 15° Low: 19°

DOHA - SUN & SEA

SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 06:21 16:58 09:00 & 22:30 16:30 & 01:45 12-22/25 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER

MUSCAT 25/17 Mostly sunny 26/17 Mostly sunny MAKKAH 34/21 Mostly sunny 30/20 Mostly sunny KUWAIT 17/11 Mostly sunny 17/13 Clear BAHRAIN 20/16 Mostly sunny 20/17 Mostly sunny SANAA 24/08 Clear 23/05 Mostly sunny RIYADH 20/10 Clear 28/12 Clear DUBAI 25/17 Mostly sunny 23/17 Mostly sunny A visitor washes US currency bills with Japanese yen at the spring of Zeniarai Benten Ugafuku Shrine in Kamakura, south of Tokyo, Japan, yester- BAGHDAD 17/04 Clear 16/07 Clear day. Visitors to the shrine washed money in the hope of seeing an increase of money, property and prosperity in the New Year. It is believed that if money washed in the spring water of the shrine is spent, it will increase many times and come back to the owner. ‘Zeniarai’ means money washing TODAY TOMORROW THE WORLD in Japanese. Japan will start the New Year’s business today.

HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER

ATHENS 15/07 Chance of rain 14/07 Mostly sunny WASHINGTON 05/-1 Mostly sunny 05/01 Mostly sunny Scientists mapping SYDNEY 24/19 Clear 25/19 Clear Hunger Games, Hobbit among LONDON 12/08 Partly sunny 12/08 Partly sunny the Great Barrier PARIS 12/07 Chance of rain 11/06 Cloudy Reef discover ISTANBUL 09/05 Partly sunny 08/03 Chance of rain most-awaited films this year MANILA 30/24 Chance of rain 31/24 Mostly sunny deep sea corals DHAKA 26/15 Mostly sunny 25/14 Clear LOS ANGELES: - This year Fandango chief correspondent, fans to vote on the sexiest man DELHI 13/04 Mostly sunny 14/04 Clear will look a lot like 2012 at the told Reuters. “The first Hunger and woman on the big screen in SYDNEY: Australian scientists ISLAMABAD 15/03 Clear 15/03 Clear box office, with The Hunger Games’ whetted peoples’ appetites 2013, as well as best villain, brea- mapping the Great Barrier Reef Games and Hobbits at the for more. The same can be said kout stars and best apocalyptic have discovered corals at depths top of cinemagoers must-see for The Hobbit and Iron Man.” films. never before thought possible, lists, according to a survey by The superhero thriller Iron Mila Kunis, who stars in with a deep-sea robot finding Hot chocolate tastes better ticket-seller Fandango released Man 3 starring Robert Downey upcoming film Oz: The Great and specimens in waters nearly as yesterday. Jr. ranked third on the list and is Powerful, was voted sexiest actress, dark as night. The second installment in The set for a May 3 release. while Channing Tatum was voted A team from the University in an orange cup: Research Hunger Games trilogy, The Hunger Star Trek into Darkness - the sexiest man for Paramount’s G.I. of Queensland’s Seaview Survey Games: Catching Fire, which is set follow-up to 2009’s Star Trek sci- Joe: Retaliation. announced the unprecedented PARIS: European scientists are served can enhance some for a November release, topped ence-fiction adventure - and The Both films are set for March discovery 125 metres (410 feet) say they have found further evi- attributes like taste and aroma,” the list as 2013’s most-anticipated Great Gatsby starring Leonardo releases. below the surface at Ribbon dence that how you serve food Betina Piqueras-Fiszman of blockbuster. DiCaprio rounded out the top five. Ben Kingsley (Iron Man 3) was Reef, near the Torres Strait and drink matters hugely in the the Polytechnic University of The first film in the life-or- Both films are set to open in May. voted most-anticipated villain, and at the edge of the Australian perception of taste. Valencia said in a press release. death thriller series starring The heavy dose of franchise and June’s zombie thriller World continental shelf. Researchers at the Polytechnic The findings could be beneficial Jennifer Lawrence, raked in some films on the list indicates how War Z starring Brad Pitt was Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, chief sci- University of Valencia and the to chefs and food manufacturers, $687 million at the worldwide box familiarity can build buzz among voted most-anticipated apoca- entist on the project, said yester- University of Oxford recruited Piqueras-Fiszman added. office in 2012. moviegoers, Karger said. lyptic film. day that coral had previously only 57 volunteers and asked them Previous research has found The Hobbit: The Desolation of “In the case of The Hunger British actress Alice Eve was been shown to exist to depths of to taste hot chocolate served in that yellow containers boost the Smaug, director Peter Jackson’s Games, many people who loved voted biggest breakout actress for 70 metres and the finding could plastic cups with four different perception of flavour of lemons in second installment in the The the movie have read the other Star Trek. bring new understanding about colours — white, cream, red and soft drinks; beverages with cold Hobbit series of elves and dwarves, books so they’re excited to see Fellow Brit Henry Cavill got how reefs spawn and grow. orange with white on the inside. colours, like blue, seem more ranked second on the survey that it brought to life,” he said. “The the nod as biggest breakout actor “What’s really cool is that The chocolate was the same in thirst-quenching than warm col- polled more than 2,000 moviego- same with The Hobbits too. for playing Superman opposite these corals still have photosyn- all the samples, but the volunteers ours like red; and if drinks are ers during the final week of 2012. “Some people say, ‘Where is Russell Crowe and Amy Adams thetic symibionts that supposedly found that the flavour was better pink, they are perceived as being It is scheduled to hit the big the originality?’ but the fact of in Man of Steel. still harvest the light,” Hoegh- when the drink was served in the more sugary. The study appears screen in December. the matter is that these fran- It will be released in June. Guldberg said. orange or cream-coloured cups. in a specialist publication, the “People love the mega-fran- chises are what people get most Full results can be viewed at “It’s interesting to know how “The colour of the con- Journal of Sensory Studies. chises and that is what gets jazzed about.” Fandango.com. they can handle such low light tainer where food and drink AFP them most excited,” Dave Karger, The survey also asked film REUTERS conditions — it’s very deep dusk, you can barely make out much at the bottom.” Researchers were particularly Winter tourism interested in how the coral repro- duced at such depths. Shallow Gas guzzlers: New insights corals mate in a synchronised spawning event triggered by the moon which Hoegh-Guldberg into birth of giant planets said would be “very hard to see” at 125m. PARIS: Astronomers using the “Astronomers have been pre- “We don’t know the answer to most advanced land telescope dicting that these streams must that yet, they may be doing very in the world said that they had exist, but this is the first time different things to what shallow unlocked knowledge about how we’ve been able to see them water corals do,” he said. The deep formidable “gas giant” plan- directly,” said University of Chile water corals had been found to ets such as Jupiter and Saturn astronomer Simon Casassus. have weathered storms on the come into being. Casassus’ team used the reef much better than those These vast but uninhabitable Atacama Large Millimetre/ closer to the surface and he said worlds are created by gobbling up Submillimetre Array, or ALMA, the team was also looking at how gas and dust that envelope young a hi-tech telescope still under ocean acidification and warming stars in a murky disc, they believe. construction at the European was impacting deeper reefs. The evidence comes from obser- Southern Observatory’s site in Hoegh-Guldberg said the team vations of a youthful star called Chile’s Atacama Desert. had been lucky to be able to dis- HD 142527 which is located more By observing light at submil- patch the diving robot — unusu- than 450 light years from Earth. limetre wavelengths, ALMA is ally calm conditions had allowed Stars are born from a cloud of impervious to glare in the infra- their ship to stop on the wind- cosmic gas and dust, which sur- red or visible-light part of the ward side of the reef where large rounds the star for millions of spectrum. waves typically prevent access. years after it bursts into light. Using it, the team spotted two “No one’s ever seen these Around HD 142527, the astron- dense streams of gas flowing places. It’s pretty rare on the omers found an intriguing gap in across the gap, as well as residues planet today,” he said. the dusty disc, and they believe this of gas within the gap itself. The survey has had a number of was carved out by newly-forming In a separate paper, also pub- successes, with checks underway gas giants. The planets absorb the lished by Nature, astronomers on a number of specimens Hoegh- debris into their expanding mass using a radio telescope in Parkes, Guldberg said were thought to be as they circle the star, according Australia said that an outpouring new species records for Australia to the investigation, appearing in of gas and charged particles from “and may even be completely new the journal Nature. the centre of the Milky Way is to science”. “It’s just showing that The planets also feast on gas a byproduct of the birth of new we do have rich communities that A Chinese family rides down an ice slide at the frozen Houhai Lake in Beijing yesterday. The lake attracts that streams across the gap from stars. The mysterious energy was can reach into the deep water,” he scores of tourists and locals who use its frozen surface for skating, ice swimming and even exercising their the outer zone of the disc to the first detected in 2010, but only said. “We are yet to discover many dogs despite winter temperatures of up to minus 18 Celsius. inner zone, which helps to feed now has it been mapped. corners of the Earth.” the infant star. AFP AFP