BUSINESS | Page 1

SPORT | Pages 1, 2

INDEX
QATAR REGION ARAB WORLD INTERNATIONAL

3-7, 28 8 8- 10 1125

COMMENT BUSINESS CLASSIFIED SPORTS SECTION

26, 27 1-6, 14-16 7-13 1-8

Brokerage units of Qatar banks see income gain

Australia sweep Ashes series 5-0 over England

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GULF TIMES
In brief
QATAR | Violation

d in

MONDAY Vol. XXXIV No. 9229

January 6, 2014 Rabia I 5, 1435 AH

www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Bayern Munich in Doha training session

Broken number plate leads to offender

A clue in the form of a broken number plate, lying on a road in Najma, helped the police track down a driver who managed to escape the scene after hitting a number of vehicles parked along a narrow street in the early hours on Friday. The broken number plate was found by a resident. While lodging their complaint with the police, the vehicle owners also showed the broken number plate to them. Using this the police traced the owner of the vehicle later in the afternoon. QATAR | Course

Training for inspectors

A five-day programme to train municipal inspectors to detect labour accommodations in family residential areas was launched yesterday in the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning, local Arabic daily Arrayah reported. The course includes explanation of the Law No 15 of 2010 for prevention of housing of groups of labourers in family residential areas and the Ministerial decision No 83 of 2011 regarding definition of family residential areas. QATAR | Weather

Tourism sector jobs on the rise in Qatar

The QTAs human capital strategy will soon finalise the training and educational opportunities within the sector
By Joseph Varghese Staff Reporter

Moderate-to-heavy rain likely today

Moderate to heavy rains are expected both in the early hours and late in the evening today, according to weather forecasters. The average temperature is expected to climb marginally during the day. Winds could reach upto 25 knots at times. Minimum temperature is expected to be 14 and the maximum should be 21 degrees. Parts of Qatar experienced drizzles yesterday evening. REGION | Briefing

Bayern Munichs players participating in a training session at Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence in Doha yesterday. Bayern Munich is in Qatar for a week-long training camp before the beginning of the new season of the German Bundesliga after the winter break.

Support for peace push

Saudi King Abdullah offered his enthusiastic support to US efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, US Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday. Kerry made the comment after some two hours and 40 minutes of talks with the King Abdullah. Page 8 BANGLADESH | Politics

Abu Issa becomes second Qatari to participate in Dakar Rally

atari rider Mohamed Issa Abu Issa, who last year topped the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and came second overall at the FIM 6 stage Cross Country Rally World Championship in his very rst outing, is now taking the next big step of his career. Abu Issa is participating in the quads category of the Dakar Rally 2014 as part of the Maxxis Super B Dakar team, thus become only the second man from Qatar, after 2011 Dakar Rally champion Nasser al-Attiyah, to drive in the worlds toughest rally. Abu Issa, though, is the rst Qatari to take part in the quads category of the arduous race. The Dakar race, which began in Argentina yesterday, runs for 14 consecutive days, traversing a distance of 8,700 kilometres across three countries - Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. Riders compete off-road on craggy terrains and through high sand dunes in the 14-day rally not to mention the long and elevated distances in Bolivia, which rise to 4,000m above sea level, throwing up a unique challenge for the contestants. To cope with the pressure, Abu Issa underwent an intensive training programme in the deserts of the United Arab Emirates, as it is considered one of the worlds toughest deserts for quad category races. He has also undergone tness and

Violence mars general election

Bangladeshs general election was marked by violence and a low turnout yesterday, with opposition parties boycotting the polls over suspicions of rigging by the ruling coalition of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. At least 18 people died and many others were injured during clashes between opposition activists and the police. Page 25

atar will require around 127,000 hospitality professionals by 2030 to meet the demands from various tourism sectors, a senior official of Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) said yesterday. Currently there are 81 hotels in operation in the country with another 110 under construction. At present there are only 20,000 hospitality professionals in Qatar. We have arrived at the gure of around 127,000 by 2030 based on the number of hotels that will be coming up in the next few years as well as the number of products and services that we will be providing in the coming years, explained Hassan Abdulrahman al-Ibrahim, strategy development director at QTA. Speaking on the sidelines of a press conference to announce the Qatar International Tourism conference, the official stated that efforts had been underway to meet the rising demands for professionals in the hospitality sector. In December last year, we launched a training institute focusing on various sectors including hospitality in cooperation with our partners. It will be operational soon. Al-Ibrahim announced that the QTAs human capital strategy would soon nalise the training and educational opportunities within the sector. Soon, we will be announcing some of the dates for the launch of these programmes and some of them will start in the next few months. This strategy will decide our roadmap to move forward. The QTA official said that details of the expansions in different segments of

Al-Ibrahim: new programmes the hospitality sector would be available in the 2013 annual report of QTA, scheduled to be released soon. The annual report will give you an update about the number of upcoming hotels as well as the initiatives in the pipeline. The report also will give the number of visitors to Qatar in 2013 which has seen a signicant increase over the last year. Prof Robert Coelen, executive dean of Stenden University in Qatar, said the university was prepared to expand its programmes to meet the countrys needs. Around 120 students, including 50% Qataris, pass out from the university yearly. At present we have only bachelors programmes and with the permission of the Supreme Education Council we plan to launch a number of post-graduate programmes, including an MBA. Qatar would also need to bring from abroad a large number of professionals for the sector, he added.

Doha to host tourism conference

Mohamed Issa Abu Issa: preparing for his first participation in the Dakar Rally 2014 in the Maxxis Super B Dakar team. readiness programmes in the United Kingdom for high altitude racing, which will come in handy in the Bolivian territory, the most difficult part of the race where lack of oxygen may lead to lapse in concentration for the riders. Salam International is Abu Issas main sponsor, in addition to the logistics and technical support provided by the Dutch Maxxis Super B team. Issa Abdul Salam Abu Issa, father of Abu Issa and chairman of Salam International Investment Limited, urged his son to go for glory in the rally. What Mohamed has reached and will achieve in this global competition makes us proud, Issa Abu Issa said. Those achievements, however, would have been impossible without the full support that HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, provide for sports and athletes. We hope that our champion will continue this way in order to raise the name of Qatar in international arenas, he added.
A major international tourism conference is to be hosted in Doha next month under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani by Stenden University Qatar (SUQ) in partnership with the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA). Titled Tourism in Tomorrows World: What the future holds for tourism in the region, the conference will take place on February 23 and 24 at the Renaissance Doha City Center. The event is in partnership with Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (ARTIC), a part of Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-

INDIA | Space

Mission successful
India successfully launched its first domestically-built cryogenic rocket yesterday, capping a two-decade effort to master a technology that is crucial for the countrys space missions. The cost of the mission has been estimated at over 3.5bn rupees ($56mn). Page 21

Thanis Al Faisal Holding Group and the European Tourism Futures Institute (ETFI). Page 3

Residents hail directive on parking for heavy vehicles

By Ramesh Mathew Staff Reporter

esidents of some of the densely-populated areas in Doha have welcomed the Ministry of Interiors latest instructions, aimed at preventing trailers, trucks and other heavy-equipment vehicles from parking in busy locations and certain

spots in the neighbourhood. The ministry, in an advertisement published in local newspapers, has given a January 30 deadline for the owners of heavy vehicles who park their vehicles in many open grounds in many Doha city areas, Lusail, Gharaffa, Wajba, Mauither, Rayyan, Al Hilal and Mesaimeer. However, heavy-vehicle owners have requested the ministry to specify the areas in the above zones where there

would be a ban on parking. The ministry announcement said that even though there was no ban on loading and unloading of goods from heavy vehicles in the above places they would not be allowed to park in any open areas there. However the government order has not said where such vehicles could be parked after January 30, said a representative of a company owning trailers and heavy equipment, which currently

uses some of the locations in the abovementioned areas for parking their vehicles. The order, he said, would cause severe difficulties to some of the companies as they were required to relocate their drivers accommodations to new places, mainly in locations such as the Industrial Area, where access had become increasingly difficult these days owing to the ongoing road works.

The government order should have been clearer on those zones where vehicles could be parked after the order came into effect on January 14, the representative said. Some of the residents in Najma, where such parking of heavy vehicles is common, welcomed the government order. Owing to heavy vehicles cornering the vital parking spaces in the area we encounter problems in nding parking dai-

ly, said a resident. However, he said that so long as the entry of such vehicles (for loading and unloading) to such denselypopulated areas was not banned, the residents had no complete relief. In areas like Doha Jadeed, people face a lot of problems on account of a lack of space for parking. Some of them said the new order would help them in nding parking space not far from their residences.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

QATAR
QHCP to conduct workshop
atar Council of Health Care Practitioners (QHCP) that pertain to the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) is organising a training workshop on the Objectives of structured clinical exams as a nal exam for Qatar University (QU) College of Pharmacy (CP) graduates starting from today until Wednesday. More than 50 practising pharmacists, teaching staff at CP and representatives from the Supreme Council of Health and QHCP are expected to attend the workshop. The training workshop aims at laying educational models to measure and evaluate the scientic ability of CP graduates and practising pharmacists and making a comprehensive evaluation of their readiness to work in Qatar as licensed pharmacists.

US Congressional team visits Doha

Official

Emir, PM send condolences to Saudi king

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani have sent cables to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia condoling the death of Prince Bandar bin Mohamed bin Abdulaziz al-Saud.

QCCI official meets Turkish trade delegation

Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI7) board member Ahmed Mohamed alObaidli yesterday met a visiting Turkish trade delegation led by Turkish Member of Parliament Ashraf Tash. Ashraf Tash extended an invitation to Qatari businessmen and the Qatar Chamber to visit Turkey to get acquainted with investment opportunities in the country and to participate in the World Summit for Investment to be held in Istanbul in April this year.

HE the Advisory Council Deputy Speaker Issa bin Rabia al-Kuwari presenting a memento to US Congressional delegation in Doha yesterday. The meeting dealt with parliamentary relations between the two countries and ways of enhancing them. The meeting was attended by HE the Advisory Council Secretary-General Fahd bin Mubarak al-Khayareen.

Qatar to host rst major global tourism conference

By Joseph Varghese Staff Reporter

One of four cinema halls opens at West End Park

ne of the four cinema halls in the newly built West End Park on the outskirts of the Industrial Area was opened recently. When contacted a senior official of the West End Park said: Only a soft opening has taken place and the formal inauguration of the four-hall cinema complex will be held sometime in March . He said the cinema hall which has been opened is currently screening two Indian movies and tickets are priced at QR15. There is an exclusive area for families in the hall which has a seating capacity of 500, and the ticket price remains the

same everywhere inside the venue. The official said considering the patronage for the Hindi and other Indian language movies in the area, the company is planning to screen lms from India on a regular basis at the facility. All halls at the complex have 500 seats each. The screening times are 2pm, 5.30pm, 8.30pm and 11.30pm. A Malayalam movie is screened at 2pm and 11.30pm and a Hindi movie is screened at 5.30 and 8.30 pm, said the spokesman of the company. Bahrain-headquartered Qatar Bahrain International Cinema Company (QBICC) is operating the cinema halls at the West End Park.

Qatar to attend GCC health ministers meeting

Qatar will Participate in the conference of GCC Health Ministers which starts tomorrow in Kuwait. HE the Minister of Public Health Abdullah bin Khalid al-Qahtani will head the Qatari delegation to the conference. During the conference Kuwait Document on combatting non-communicable diseases will be signed.

he rst major international tourism conference of its kind in Qatar is to be hosted next month under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani by Stenden University Qatar (SUQ) in partnership with the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA). Titled Tourism in Tomorrows World: What the future holds for tourism in the region, the conference will take place on February 23 and 24 at the Renaissance Doha City Center. The event is in partnership with Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (ARTIC), a part of Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thanis Al Faisal Holding Group and the European Tourism Futures Institute (ETFI). The conference was announced at a press conference attended by professor Robert Coelen, vice-presi-

dent international and executive dean of SUQ, Hassan al-Ibrahim, director of strategy development at QTA and Nicolas Frangos, chief operating officer of ARTIC. The event aims to underline the importance of tourism for Qatar and the region, focusing on Qatars recent tourism growth and showcasing its authentic culture, identity and heritage and focus on sustainability. It will cover every sector of tourism and hospitality such as family tourism to business tourism, cultural, sun and beach, sports, education, health and environmental tourism. It will address relevant cultural topical issues such as political tourism following the Arab Spring, as well as new industry developments and trends in the GCC and factors affecting tourism in the region. Al-Ibrahim said that QTAs strategic priorities include developing the tourism sector through stakeholder engagement

and inclusion in implementing the national tourism strategy 2030. Hence we have developed a strong relationship with Stenden University

With the number of hotels and other tourism products and services currently under development, Qatars hospitality industry will be able to offer young people ambitious roles in international groups to provide a meaningful career path for life
Qatar through various initiatives, he explained while observing that sectorial human capital development is also a priority of QTA. With the number of hotels and other tourism products and services currently under development, Qatars hospitality industry will be able to offer young people ambitious roles in international groups to provide a meaningful career path for life, he added.

Professor Coelen stated that the conference will attract the worlds leading experts in hospitality and tourism to discuss important key trends, and the crucial role Qatar is to play in this sector in the near future. Hospitality and tourism will be an increasingly important aspect of Qatars economic diversication and it is vital we ensure our young people are properly educated and trained to take on meaningful careers in hospitality and tourism. The conference, which is to become an annual event, will feature internationally renowned tourism experts as keynote speakers including United Nations World Tourism World Tourism Organisation Secretary General Dr Taleb Rifai, QTA chairman Issa al-Mohannadi and top local and international tourism experts, academics and futurists. The conference will also showcase major local and global players in tourism and hospitality.

Professor Coelen, al-Ibrahim, and Frangos announce details of the Tourism in Tomorrows World conference yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

QATAR

Qatar residents and visitors posted their messages of love for Qatar on a QTA billboard on Doha Corniche.

A visitor from Kuwait is presented with a gift kit at the Abu Samra Border Post.

Ooredoo extends one-month free promotion for Shahry Packs

oredoo has extended its one-month free promotion for Shahry Packs, when customers sign-up or upgrade to a higher pack before March 10. Starting with the Shahry 55, each pack offers calls, SMS and data bundles. Every pack over the Shahry 150 offers unlimited free landline calls and every pack over Shahry 250 provides free BlackBerry services. If customers upgrade to the Shahry 450 or Shahry 750, they can even use an additional allocation of

roaming receiving minutes, so they can receive calls when they travel abroad using their Pack allowance. Customers who use the Shahry International Key can even convert their local call minutes into international calls. More information on Ooredoos Shahry Packs can be had from www. ooredoo.qa. Existing Shahry customers who wish to upgrade can call 114, while Hala and new customers need to visit any Ooredoo Shop with their QID to get started on a Shahry Pack.

Over 33,000 visitors from GCC attended National Day events

he Qatar National Day promotional campaign launched by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) attracted more than 33,000 visitors from neighbouring GCC countries during the week of National Day celebrations, it was announced yesterday. The campaign was part of QTAs collaborative efforts with the National Day Organising Committee and tourism sector stakeholders successfully promoted the celebrations. Leading to the National Day, QTA launched a print and digital advertising campaign in the GCC markets to boost tourism within the region by encouraging GCC nationals to visit Qatar during the countrys most signicant celebrations. QTA in collaboration with the National Day Organising Committee and tourism sector stakeholders hosted a range of activities that entertained visitors from the moment they arrived in the country. QTAs plan includes positioning Qatar as a preferred family destination through various attractions and offerings represented in the countrys rich heritage, culture and customs and family-friendly atmosphere in addition to the facilitation of activities and events that appeal to all ages. This is part of QTAs larger strategy, to further tourism as a key factor that

Volunteers welcome visitors with gifts at Doha International Airport. contributes towards diversication of Qatars economy, inline with the National Vision 2030. Visitors were greeted with gifts and ags and other promotional items at the Abu Samra Border Post and Doha International Airport. QTA supported a set of events including a traditional tent which offered cultural activities that allowed visitors to experience Qatars Arabian hospitality. QTA collaborated with the National Day Organising Committee by providing information on tourism in Qatar to visitors and residents through information centres across the country including eight along the Corniche. These initiatives include the launch of the second phase of MyQatar and the installations of billboards along the Corniche. QTA will also be announcing the winners of the best decorated hotel front competition, launched to shed light on Qatars iconic building designs and contemporary architecture. The latest gures released for Q3 2013 showed that all key indicators of the tourism sector demonstrated improvement and growth from the previous year comparable period. The largest source of tourism is from the GCC, with regional visitors increasing by 20% in third quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. This is reective of the draw of Qatars offerings that appeal to regional visitors. International arrivals are also increasing, thanks to the strong performance of the MICE industry, in particular. Tourists coming from other continents rose by 13.36%, with arrivals from Asia showing the biggest increases at 18.27%. QTA has an important role to play in developing a sustainable tourism sector in Qatar so that tourism becomes a signicant factor as a part of the national economy.

CMC panel calls for strategy to monitor infrastructure projects

lose co-ordination should be maintained among all stakeholders in the country to avoid technical faults that may undermine the capabilities of buildings to endure natural effects, in particular rains and high underground water levels, a Central Municipal Council (CMC) panel has said. The Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning (MMUP) and the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) should devise an active strategy to supervise the technical designs of infrastructure projects, making sure that these are taking into consideration any potential rainfall in the country.

At a recent meeting, the Services and Utility Committee (SUC) of the Central Municipal Council (CMC) has addressed the issue of the adverse impact of rain on the buildings and roads throughout the country. The issue was earlier raised in the local Arabic press indicating that though it did not rain much, water logging is common in different areas when it rains and the Municipalities were unable to treat these in a timely manner. Further, the rains worsened the problem of high levels of underground water in some areas, which pops up from time to time in many houses and buildings, incurring heavy dam-

age to properties. The SUC pointed out that the various technical faults in the design and implementation of several drainage grids were exposed during the last rains. Also, pools of water were formed in some hospitals, schools and a well-known shopping mall, stressing the urgent need to review the overall building strategy in the country. The committee suggested that respective municipalities play a more active role in supervising the building processes for private buildings and projects. They should be involved in supervising the various stages of the construction processes to ensure com-

pliance with the approved designs and blueprint. Besides, they should ask the owner of the building to submit a report on the levels of underground water and a calculation of earth pressure by an approved company in the eld before being granted any building permits. In the meantime, all municipalities should prepare an annual report on the areas of rain water accumulation and provide it to Ashghal to help it come out with suitable and practical solutions. At the close of the session it was decided that the CMC would discuss the issue further and address the concerned entities with detailed recommendations.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

QATAR

Expert advises check-up for people with family history of glaucoma

n recognition of World Braille Day, HMCs senior consultant in ophthalmology, Dr Huda al-Mahdi, has reminded residents to learn more about their family history and undergo eye examination as soon as eye problems occur to avoid vision impairment. If there is any disease regarding the eye in the family, such as glaucoma (a condition in which the eyes optic nerve is damaged), patients should consult an ophthalmologist even if they do not have any symptoms, Dr alMahdi said, adding: Sometimes eye disease starts and the person doesnt have any visual problems, so it is better to be cautious early on. Some common eye diseases that may lead to high visual impairment or even

blindness include glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy (a condition that occurs due to diabetes in which blood vessels in the eye are damaged), and age-related macular degeneration (a condition in which damage to a small spot near the centre of retina called macula occurs, which leads to poor or decreasing vision). According to Dr al-Mahdi, most of these diseases are avoidable as causes of blindness if detected and treated in a timely manner. World Braille Day is an annual celebration that is held globally on January 4 to mark the birthday of Louis Braille, inventor of Braille, which is a system of touch reading and writing that allows visually impaired and blind people to read and write.

The day also provides organisations and individuals with an opportunity to highlight the problems for the visually impaired and the efforts being made to help them in the society. However, the rst important step that any individual can take to prevent visual deterioration is to be proactive. People should not underestimate any eye symptoms, whether it is loss of vision, blurring of vision, or minor or major pain in the eye, Dr al-Mahdi advised, adding: Coming to the ophthalmologist at the right time can save people from visual loss. If they delay, then sometimes surgical interventions may not guarantee that they will have good vision or normal vision later on. In recent years, HMC has

increased their services for eye care with specialised clinics located in Hamad General Hospital (HGH) such as Glaucoma clinic that has increased surgical procedures, as well as Retina and Cornea clinics. Other sub-specialty clinics focused on offering eye services using high techniques include: Optic clinic, dedicated for patients who need visual assistance with glasses and low vision clinic, to assist patients to use visual aids such as magniers and telescopes. Genetic counselling that includes analysis of patients family history and recommendation for appropriate eye care treatment is also available at the genetic clinic, which can be accessed through referral from an ophthalmologist.

JeemTV launches science campaign

eemTV has launched a campaign, which aims to develop childrens interests in scientic matters. The plan is to help children embrace scientic thinking through an entertaining approach. The campaign also aims to introduce children to the achievements of scientists so that they can benet from their experience and expand their knowledge. In support of the science campaign, JeemTV has

prepared various reports to encourage children to appreciate the role and efforts exerted by scientists to advance science and technology. The campaign will also raise awareness about the importance of science for a better and brighter future. Reports will feature the Astronaut Training Center based in Germany, Amazing Lab and Magical Physics Center based in Lebanon, and Eureka Science Center based in Finland.

Additionally, the campaign is to host a scientic event in Doha on January 30. Commenting on the science campaign, JCCs acting executive general manager and channels director Saad al-Hudai said: We at JCC realise the importance of raising awareness about the role of science in our daily lives, education, and child development. So, we always strive to inspire children to understand just how incredible scientic achieve-

ments are, especially in the Arab World, as well as to promote a culture of interest in science among our viewers through our programming and campaigns. This campaign falls within JeemTVs objectives of enabling children, strengthening their knowledge, and instilling values that will help build the promise of a new generation through the small screen and other interactive digital platforms.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

QATAR

Oil, gas sector top choice for job: survey

By Santhosh V Perumal Business Reporter

atars oil, gas and petrochemicals industry are considered to be the most preferable for employment, according to a survey. The survey by Bayt.com and YouGov also found that women in Qatar are most attracted to education and academia (38% of respondents), followed by healthcare, medical services and pharmaceuticals (37%), banking and nance (33%) and government (33%). Oil, gas and petrochemicals offer the best potential for career growth according to the majority of respondents (51%), with government coming second (29%), the survey showed. The highest levels of job security are seen to be in oil, gas and petrochemicals positions (51%), although there is also a perceived high degree of security in government (46%) and banking and nance (20%). The survey found that the best salary packages in Qatar are perceived to be in the oil, gas and petrochemicals industry (66%); though government careers are also seen to pay well, according to 30% of respondents. In the past year, respondents believe that the oil, gas and petrochemicals industry has seen the strongest

Fifty-one per cent respondents in a survey see highest level of job security in oil and gas sector. growth (49%), followed by construction (39%), and real estate (17%) and banking and nance (17%). A quarter of Qatar respondents (24%) have changed the industry they work in the last 24 months, with 48% considering an industry change in the next few years, it said. Oil, gas and petrochemicals are the industry of choice for 30%, banking and nance (9%) and management consultant (9%) jobs are also popular. The top reasons for career changes are perceived better salaries (74%), career growth opportunities (50%), and better benets (43%). Local talent is seen to be drawn predominantly to gov-

ernment, civil service and utilities jobs (47%), oil, gas and petrochemicals (46%), and military, defence, police and security services (28%). In Qatar, 44% of employed respondents are satised with the salary package in their current industry, while 51% are satised with their ability to maintain a good work-life balance. They are also generally content with the potential for career growth (with 40% being satised); job security (45%); working hours (61%); and training and development opportunities (38%). Fifty-three per cent are happy with their current work culture, which shows that the Qatar work environment is a happy one. Within Qatar, it is very clear which industry is the most preferable, though interestingly the majority of regional respondents are keen to nd employment in the IT, electronics and telecommunications industry rather than in oil, gas and petrochemicals, according to Sundip Chahal, CEO, YouGov. The survey also found respondents believe that the most stressful industries are construction (41%) and oil, gas and petrochemicals (19%). Construction is also considered to have the longest working hours, by half of respondents (49%).

Hamad al-Kuwari, right, and Ed Anami, fourth left, join dozens of stewards in a briefing before the finals on Saturday. PICTURE: Joey Aguilar

Work of tennis tourney volunteers is lauded

By Joey Aguilar Staff Reporter

ard work, professionalism and passion of more than 200 volunteers to serve thousands of tennis fans were integral components of Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2014s success, stewards manager Ed Anami has said. The stewards overall performance was laudable, a reason why many of them have been short-listed to be part of the next tournament. Some have been serving for about six to seven consecutive years. We monitor all of them and

take into consideration those who have performed well. They will likely join the next batch of stewards for international competitions, added Anami, also the founding president of Minzubasta tennis group in Qatar. Though they come from different expatriate communities, it is learnt that 85 to 90% of the stewards were Filipino expatriates who also play tennis. More than 300 expatriates have expressed willingness to work as stewards but only about 200 were selected for this ATP Tour. The spectators committee headed by Hamad al-Kuwari is expected to select another batch of stewards for the WTA event in February.

Since they are also tennis players, they know the rules, the technicalities of the game and how to courteously deal with the fans, said Anami. Jeffrey Santos, also a former steward, shared his own experience of the group when he was selected in the past years. He said that like any other tennis player, it was exciting to see professional and top ranking players in person and have pictures with them. He said working as a steward was a privilege and a chance to learn many things inside and outside the court. As players, many stewards join regular tournaments and charity competitions organised by various

groups. Minzubasta recently held a one-day tennis clinic for beginners and enthusiasts which attracted dozens of nurses from the Hamad hospital. Anami and Santos also urged other sports lovers to try playing tennis considered as one of the safest sports besides table tennis, badminton and other racket games. Their group is planning to hold another clinic this year after their tournament in March since tennis had become a popular sport in Qatar. Sultan Khalfan, a top Qatari national tennis player, earlier praised tennis volunteers for their dedication and hard work.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

QATAR

QGBC delegates hold talks with Saudi and UAE counterparts

Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) delegation has participated in the Emirates Green Building Councils (EGBC) second Annual Congress in Dubai, to meet regional counterparts and showcase its Passivhaus Baytna project. The QGBC delegation discussed potential collaborations on projects and events with Saudi Arabian and UAE counterparts, and engaged in a roundtable discussion about the green building movement in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region. The roundtable discussion was hugely valuable and we shared each countrys achievements in the hope of nding good examples that could be replicated in other countries, said Meshal al-Shamari, QGBC director. Legislation, subsidy, education and nancial incentives were also discussed in order to nd the one area that would benet most from the sustainable building sector. And nally, we looked to the future as well as the important developments for our industry for 2014, he said. The QGBC official observed that the EGBC Congress once again succeeded in facilitating a platform for all the stakeholders to address the pressing issues around green standards to determine what is needed

Al-Shamari with officials of EGBC at the EGBC Annual Congress in Dubai. to grow the sustainable building sector. With the UAE hosting the World Expo in 2020 and Qatar the FIFA World Cup in 2022, the demands on materials alongside a regionwide focus on infrastructure makes it an optimum time to address green building in our region, he explained. During the event, the QGBC team delivered a presentation about the Qatar Case Study, Passivhaus Baytna project. With partners, Kahramaa and Barwa Real Estate, the Passivhaus study seeks to establish if an eco-friendly villa can be a viable building option. Through the construction and subsequent operation of a Passivhaus villa and a Business As Usual (BAU) villa, the projects initial data showed a small increase in capital cost during construction of the Passivhaus compared with a BAU villa, offset against a 50% reduction in water and energy consumption and CO2 emissions. As part of QGBCs ongoing efforts to raise awareness levels and disseminate education on green building we sought to continue our outreach to green building councils in the Mena region at the EGBC Annual Congress, which also offered us an invaluable opportunity to see the achievements and activities of the other green building councils in the region, al-Shamari added. Under the theme, Building a Green Future, the EGBC Congress is dedicated to fostering industry dialogue and stakeholder engagement to further inuence sustainable practice in the built environment. The EGBC Congress, aimed at accelerating activities across the entire building supply chain, works towards achieving a Green Economy for Sustainable Development by sharing the latest insights from local and international industry experts.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

REGION/ARAB WORLD

Kerry vows fair Mideast plan, briefs Arab allies

AFP Jerusalem

A man shows the V-sign for victory as he stands on top of a burnt-out lorry on the side of the main highway leading out of Baghdad to Fallujah yesterday. The lorry was among several destroyed during fighting the day before between Iraqi army forces and militants.

Iraq readies for major Fallujah counter-attack

The army has paused on the edge of Fallujah to allow residents time to leave, after which it will launch the attack to crush the terrorists, a senior official says
AFP Baghdad

raq is preparing a major attack on militant-held Fallujah, a senior official said yesterday, spelling another assault for the city west of Baghdad where US forces repeatedly battled insurgents. Washington said it would help Baghdad in its ght against Al Qaeda-linked militants but that there would be no return of US troops, and Iran yesterday also offered assistance. The takeover of Fallujah and parts of Anbar provincial capital Ramadi, farther west, is the rst time militants have exercised such open control in major cities since the height of the bloody insurgency that followed the

US-led invasion of 2003. Iraqi forces are preparing for a major attack in Fallujah, a senior official said. Special forces have already conducted operations inside the city, the official said. The regular army has paused on the edge of Fallujah to allow residents time to leave, after which it will launch the attack to crush the terrorists . Fallujah is in the hands of ghters of the Al Qaeda-linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a senior security ofcial said on Saturday. US Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday that Washington would provide assistance to Iraqi forces in their battle against the militants but that it was their ght . He said Washington was very, very concerned about the resurgence of ISIL but was not contemplating any return of US ground troops, after their withdrawal in December 2011. We are not obviously contemplating returning, but we are going to do everything that

is possible to help them, he told reporters in Jerusalem. Iran also offered assistance, with deputy chief of staff General Mohamed Hejazi saying that if the Iraqis ask, we will supply them with equipment and advice, but they have no need of manpower . ISIL seized control of the village of Bubali near Ramadi after heavy ghting yesterday, a witness said. Sporadic clashes were reported both inside Ramadi and on Fallujahs outskirts. Iraqi ground forces commander Staff General Ali Ghaidan Majeed said security forces killed 11 militants on the highway from Baghdad to Fallujah. Majeed admitted that we do not know what is happening in Fallujah , but said the city should wait for what is cominga reference to the impending assault. On Friday and Saturday, more than 160 people were killed in the worst violence to hit Anbar province in years. Both Ramadi and Fallujah

were insurgent strongholds in the years after 2003, and Fallujah was the target of two major assaults in which US forces saw some of their heaviest ghting since the Vietnam War. American troops eventually wrested back control of Anbar from militants, with the support of Sunni Arab tribesmen of the Sahwa militia, who joined forces with the US from late 2006. American forces suffered almost one-third of their Iraq dead in Anbar, according to independent website icasualties. org. But two years after US forces withdrew, the power of militants in Anbar is increasing. Fighting erupted in the Ramadi area on December 30, when security forces cleared a yearold protest camp where Sunni Arabs demonstrated against what they see as the marginalisation and targeting of their minority community by the Shialed government. The violence then spread to Fallujah, and the subsequent

withdrawal of security forces from parts of both cities cleared the way for militants to seize control. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki had long sought the closure of the protest camp outside Ramadi, dubbing it a headquarters for the leadership of Al Qaeda . But its removal has caused a sharp decline in the security situation. ISIL is the latest incarnation of Al Qaedas Iraq affiliate and has made a striking comeback this year, taking advantage of widespread Sunni discontent and the civil war in neighbouring Syria, where it has become a major player in the nearly three-year-old conict. Violence in Iraq last year reached a level not seen since 2008, when the country was just emerging from a brutal period of sectarian killings. Three car bombs and a roadside bomb exploded in three areas of Baghdad yesterday, killing at least 15 people and wounding at least 40, officials said.

ecretary of State John Kerry yesterday rejected Israeli and Palestinian claims of US bias as he made a whistle-stop trip to Jordan and Saudi Arabia to woo support for his peace plan. Kerry promised any agreed plan would be fair and balanced and likened his efforts to broker a compromise between the conicting demands of the two sides to a puzzle. In the end all of these core issues t together like a mosaic, like a puzzle and you cant separate out one piece or another, Kerry said in Jerusalem before ying to Amman, and later Saudi Arabia. Each piece was interlinked, he stressed, and depended on the compromises the other side might be prepared to make. And theres always tension as to when you put your card on the table as to which piece youre willing to do, when and how, said Kerry. But he warned his efforts could ultimately fail, saying he could not tell when the last pieces may decide to fall into place, or may fall on the oor, and leave the puzzle unnished. Thats exactly what makes this such a challenge. On the fourth day of his long trip to the region, Kerry briefed the key Jordanian and Saudi stakeholders about his intense shuttling between Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. In Amman he spent more than an hour of talks with King Abdullah II and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh. A senior State Department ofcial said Kerry had wanted to seek their counsel on the discussion with the Israelis and Palestinians about a framework for nal status negotiations . He then travelled to Saudi Arabia for almost three hours of talks with King Abdullah. At Riyadh airport before leaving, Kerry said the monarch had backed his framework. I am grateful that the Arab League as a whole and Saudi Arabia individually will be signicantly involved in helping build support for this effort, he said. Today his majesty was not just encouraging, but supported our efforts in the hopes that we can be successful in the days ahead. Jordan borders the occupied West Bank, and under its 1994

peace treaty with Israel is recognised as playing a historic role in the guardianship of Muslim sites in East Jerusalem. Saudi Arabias King Abdullah was the author of a 2002 Arab League peace initiative, which Kerry praised again yesterday as holding out the prospect for instantaneously reaching peace between Israel and 22 Arab nations and 35 Muslim nations, all of whom have said they will recognise Israel if peace is achieved . Saudi Arabia has, however, been notably frustrated by Americas perceived lack of action to halt the war in Syria, and the conict was also likely to have been addressed in yesterdays talks. Kerry kicked-started nine months of direct peace negotiations in July after a three-year hiatus. But Israeli and Palestinian officials have both traded accusations in recent days. The Palestinians are continuing their campaign of inciting hatred, as we have seen in the last few days with their refusal to recognise Israel as a state for the Jewish people, Netanyahu told his cabinet yesterday. This is the main issue that were discussing with (Kerry). Among other key topics are Israels security, which must remain in its hands, he added, in comments broadcast by public radio. He was speaking after a Palestinian source said Washington was proposing a mixed IsraeliPalestinian military presence to ensure security in the Jordan Valley, without setting a deadline when Israeli troops would be withdrawn. But Kerry insisted: I can guarantee all parties that President (Barack) Obama and I are committed to putting forward ideas that are fair, that are balanced, and that improve the security of all the people of this region. A peace treaty would deal with all the divisive core issues, including the contours of a future Palestinian state, refugees, the fate of Jerusalem claimed by both as a capital, security and mutual recognition. A cabinet member close to Netanyahu also underlined Israeli rejection of any US-proposed security concessions for the Jordan Valley, where the West Bank borders Jordan. Anyone who proposes a solution in the Jordan Valley by deploying an international force, Palestinian police or technological means... does not understand the Middle East, Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz said.

Human body parts fall from sky in Saudi

AFP Jeddah

uman body parts fell from the sky in the Saudi city of Jeddah yesterday, with police saying they could be the remains of someone trapped in an aircrafts undercarriage bay. Police received a telephone call at 2.30 am from a witness reporting the fall of human remains at an intersection in Mushrefa neighbourhood in the Red Sea city, spokesman Nawaf bin Naser alBouq said in a statement.

Initial indications were that the remains fell from a planes landing gear , said Bouq, adding that investigations were ongoing. The report came after a Saudi Arabian Airlines jet made an emergency landing in the city of Madinah in the west of the kingdom, injuring 29 people yesterday. That aircraft had been travelling from Irans second city of Mashhad with 315 people on board. A spokesman for the General Authority of Civil Aviation said there was no connection between the emergency landing in Madinah and the Jeddah incident.

In a desperate attempt to cross borders, some people at poorly monitored airports climb inside the bays housing aircraft landing gear. Most of them freeze to death once the aircraft reach cruising altitude, but some survive. In 2010, the head of Beiruts airport security resigned after the death of a man who managed to hide in the undercarriage bay of a Saudi-bound jet. The mans body was found by a maintenance worker who was inspecting the gear of the Saudi-owned Nas Air Airbus A-320 after it landed in Riyadh.

A Saudi Arabian Airlines jet is pictured after an emergency landing at Madinah airport yesterday.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

ARAB WORLD

Iran could help on sidelines of Syria talks: Kerry

Reuters Jerusalem

he US yesterday appeared for the rst time to hold out the possibility that Iran might play a role on the sidelines of a Syria peace conference even if Tehran is not formally invited. Washington, and Syrian opposition groups, have long had reservations about the participation of Iran, which they accuse

of supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad with manpower and arms during the near threeyear uprising against his rule. Despite the improvement in US-Iranian relations this year with a landmark nuclear deal struck in November, ties are strained by many issues, including the Syrian civil war in which at least 100,000 people have been killed and millions uprooted. At a news conference in Jerusalem, Kerry reiterated US op-

position to Iran being a formal member of the so-called Geneva 2 talks scheduled for January 22 in Switzerland because it does not support a 2012 international agreement on Syria. That so-called Geneva 1 accord called for the Syrian government and opposition to form a transitional government by mutual consent , a phrase Washington says rules out any role for Assad. Russia, a sponsor of the plan, disputes that view. Kerry, in a shift in tone, held

out the possibility of Iran playing a constructive if limited role at the conference even if it does not endorse the 2012 agreement. Now, could they contribute from the sidelines? Are there ways for them, conceivably, to weigh in? Can their mission that is already in Geneva ... be there in order to help the process? It may be that there are ways that could happen, he said. But that has to be determined by the (UN) secretary general, it has to be determined by Iranian

intentions themselves, he told reporters in Jerusalem. But in terms of a formal invitation or participation - that is for those who support the Geneva 1 implementation. Senior US officials said they believed it was the rst time Kerry had publicly raised the possibility of Iran playing some kind of role at the talks without signing up to the Geneva 1 principles. Relations between Iran and Washington, frozen for decades,

have improved sharply since the election in June of President Hassan Rohani who promised to pursue a policy of constructive engagement with the West. In the clearest sign of warming ties, six major powers and Iran reached an agreement on November 24 designed to curb Irans nuclear programme in return for limited Western sanctions relief. However, US accusations that Iran supports international terrorism and is fuelling the vio-

lence in Syria with armaments continue to divide Washington and Tehran. Iran could participate very easily if they would simply accept the Geneva 1 premise on which Geneva 2 is based, Kerry said, referring to the 2012 pact calling for the formation of a transitional government with the mutual consent of the Syrian government and opposition. We are happy to have Iran be helpful. Everybody is happy to have Iran be helpful, he added.

Opponents of Assad threatened in Lebanon

AFP Beirut

everal prominent Lebanese politicians and media gures opposed to Syrias regime and its ally Hezbollah have been threatened, the official National News Agency reported yesterday. The report comes less than a fortnight after a car bombing in central Beirut killed eight people including anti-Syria former nance minister and member of the March 14 coalition Mohamed Chatah. NNA said Sethrida Geagea, a Christian member of parliament, March 14 member and wife of Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea, had a series of threats sent to her mobile phone. At 5pm on January 4, Sethrida Geagea MP started receiving calls on her mobile phone from several local, international and hidden numbers, the agency said, quoting the politicians media office. A statement said Geageas colleagues answered the calls, and heard personal threats against her life, insults and obscenities . More such calls came yesterday, NNA said. The threats were reported to the security forces, who Geageas office said should take the necessary measures to identify the callers. A string of other personalities have received similar threats, the statement said. They include former interior minister Ahmed Fatfat, outspoken TV presenter Nadim Koteich and assassination attempt survivor and journalist May Chidiac. All are seen as high-prole opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assads regime and its powerful Lebanese ally, Hezbollah. The Shia movement has sent

thousands of ghters into Syria to help Assads troops in their bid to crush the revolt that erupted nearly three years ago. Reports have also emerged that Sunni politician Khaled Daher, a erce critic of the Damascus regime, has also received threats against his life. Chatahs death on December 27 was the latest in a string of nine high-prole assassinations of Syria critics that began in February 2005 with former prime minister Rak al-Hariris murder. Syria and Hezbollah have systematically denied any links to the attacks. An international tribunal tasked with investigating Hariris assassination is due to start trying ve Hezbollah members in absentia from January 16. Syria dominated Lebanon for nearly 30 years until the international outcry over Hariris killing forced Assads troops out. However, Damascus still exerts inuence over Lebanon through its allies. In the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, scene of frequent Syria-related sectarian clashes, sniper re has killed one person and wounded eight others, a security official said yesterday. One person in his 60s from Bab al-Tebbaneh has died and eight others have been wounded after an exchange of sniper re on Saturday night, the official said on condition of anonymity. The man, a taxi driver, had been passing through the Sunnipopulated neighbourhood in his vehicle when a bullet struck his head. He died of his wounds yesterday. The wounded come from both Bab al-Tebbaneh, whose residents support the revolt in neighbouring Syria, and from Jabal Mohsen, whose residents are from the same Alawite religious community as Assad.

Free Syrian Army fighters man a checkpoint between the villages of Kvrromh and Haas, to stop members of the Al Qaeda-affiliated Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant from entering, in Idlib on Saturday.

Jihadists kill 50 rebels in new Syria war front

The Islamic Front, the countrys biggest rebel alliance, issues a strong warning to the jihadists
AFP Damascus

l Qaeda-linked ghters killed at least 50 rival rebels yesterday in a new front in Syrias war, a watchdog said, as an Islamist group issued a strong warning to the jihadists. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the rebels were killed in ghting, car bombings and summary executions by forces loyal to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. ISIL moved into Syria in late spring 2013, two years after the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began. Yesterdays deaths came on day three of ghting that began when rebels, including Islamists, attacked checkpoints and bases

manned by ISIL, which is accused of horric abuses in areas where its ghters operate. ISIL has been taking key roads and checkpoints from its rivals, and some Assad opponents have even accused it of serving regime interests. At least nine ISIL ghters were also killed yesterday, the Britainbased Observatory said. Most of the non-ISIL fatalities were in the northern provinces of Aleppo and Idlib, where the ghting began on Friday. Among the dead were seven who were summarily executed by ISIL . Clashes also erupted in Raqa and Hama provinces yesterday, in a sign the ghting was spreading. Scores of ghters on both sides have been killed in the past three days, the Observatory says. The rebels have made signicant gains (since Friday) in the west of Aleppo province, in the north of Idlib and east of Maaret al-Numan (Idlib), said

Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman. The Observatory also said ISIL ghters were laying down their arms and withdrawing from some areas, without elaborating. In Atareb, also in Aleppo province, rebels raised the green, white, black and red ag of the opposition, and brought down the black ag own by ISIL. The Islamic Front, the countrys biggest rebel alliance, issued a strong warning to the jihadists. We ght against whoever attacks us and whoever pushes us to battle, whether they are Syrian or foreign, said the alliance grouping tens of thousands of anti-Assad rebels. The Islamic Front, the Syrian Revolutionaries Front and the nascent Army of Mujahedeen are all battling ISIL. Whats happening is that the ranks of the revolution are being cleaned up, one Islamic Front member said.

The Islamic Front said it was thankful to the foreigners who came to help us but we will not accept any group that claims to be a state . Analysts say a key complaint against ISIL among rebels, including Islamists, is that the jihadists refuse to operate under the broader opposition. Instead, it commands its own institutions and rejects co-operation with other rebel groups. Anti-ISIL protesters demonstrated in Aleppo and Raqa for a third day yesterday, activists said. They are also calling for countrywide protests on Friday under the slogan: Day of rage against Al Qaeda and Assad . The slogan echoes the spirit characteristic of the pro-democracy protests that began in March 2011 before becoming a bloody civil war. In a separate development, 10 soldiers were shot dead by Al Nusra Front, another jihadist group, days after being cap-

tured in Aleppos Kindi hospital, which the army had turned into a base. Reecting the complexities of Syrias war, Al Nusra has also been involved in some of the ghting against ISIL, despite both groups having their roots in Al Qaeda in Iraq. In other developments, Riad Hijab, a former Syrian premier who defected in 2012, is a frontrunner along with current chief Ahmed Jarba to head the main opposition National Coalition in six-monthly elections being held in Istanbul, a coalition member said. The Coalition is also expected to take a nal decision on whether to attend proposed peace talks in Switzerland slated for January 22. And Turkish photographer Bunyamin Aygun, kidnapped by radical Islamists in Syria while on assignment for the newspaper Milliyet, has been freed, the Anatolia news agency reported.

Brothers mourn

12 weapons found at Palestinian mission

Reuters Prague

The brothers of 19-year-old Qutaiba Mohamad al-Satem, the man whom the army identified as the perpetrator of Thursdays suicide bombing in Hezbollahs southern Beirut stronghold, mourn at his grave in Hnaider yesterday.

zech police found 12 weapons, including pistols and sub-machine guns, at the Palestinian mission in Prague after an explosion killed the ambassador at his residence last week, the police chief was quoted as saying yesterday. Police said the explosion that killed ambassador Jamal al-Jamal after he opened a safe might have been caused by mishandling a device meant to secure it. After the incident, investigators found unlicensed weapons at the complex of the Palestinian mission that includes the embassy and residence. But the police had not immediately detailed the amount or type of weapons. Daily newspaper Mlada Fronta Dnes website idnes.cz reported that 12 weapons were discovered, conrming the number with national police chief Mar-

tin Cervicek, who declined to say how many pistols or submachine guns were found. We have to put the weapons through genetic and ballistic testing, until then we will not release this information, idnes.cz quoted Cervicek as saying. On Thursday, a Palestinian ofcial, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the missions staff had submitted the arms to the Czech authorities. He said the weapons had been retrieved from an old sack and had been untouched since Cold War times. The deputy Palestinian foreign minister, Tayseer Jaradat, in Prague with a team to help the investigation, said by telephone he had conrmed to the Czech authorities that the weapons were from a previous era and were being stored. We have stressed our commitment to the laws of diplomacy, he said. Jaradat told Voice of Palestine radio the weapons stash dated back more than 30 years. He

said some of the guns had been gifts to the embassy and some had been registered with the authorities. Czech police were not investigating the safe explosion as an attack, although the ambassadors daughter has alleged he was deliberately killed . This case needs more time and more criminal investigation to uncover the mystery of the case, Jaradat said on the radio. Adding to the uncertainty, an embassy spokesman has said mission staff were not aware of any explosives in the safe, which he said was used on a regular basis. The Palestinian mission was in the process of moving into new premises in a Prague suburb when the blast killed the ambassador at his residence on New Years Day. It was not yet the official site of the mission and so did not enjoy the diplomatic immunity that normally prevents host country officials from entering diplomatic missions without permission.

10

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

ARAB WORLD

Egypt convicts 12 activists, opens another probe

Reuters Cairo

welve Egyptian activists were given one-year suspended jail terms yesterday in a case brought over an attack on the campaign headquarters of defeated presidential candidate Ahmed Shaq during the 2012 election. The activists include siblings Alaa Abdel Fattah and Mona Seif, leading gures in the protest

movement that triggered the 2011 uprising against autocrat Hosni Mubarak, which has been targeted in a widening crackdown by the army-backed authorities. In a move that could open the way to more legal measures against dissidents, the authorities opened an investigation into allegations that six activists took part in the storming of Egypts domestic spying agency in 2011 - an important moment in the revolt against Mubaraks order. It intensies what activists

see as an effort to discredit the secular protest movement as the government also pursues a crackdown on Islamist supporters of deposed president Mohamed Mursi ahead of elections later this year. Yesterdays verdict related to an attack on Shaqs campaign headquarters ahead of the presidential runoff against the Muslim Brotherhoods Mursi in the 2012 election. The Cairo court convicted them of displaying force and

setting re to the building during the attack, charges they had denied. The ruling was political, Mona Seif said after the verdict was announced. She said there was no evidence or witnesses to back up the ruling against the dozen defendants. The case was brought last year by a public prosecutor appointed by Mursi. At the time, activists said it was an attempt to intimidate the pro-democracy movement.

Since the military overthrew Mursi in July, the army-backed authorities have launched a crackdown on dissent that has mostly targeted Mursis Islamist supporters but has recently widened to include members of the secular activist movement. Initiating the new probe, the public prosecutor referred formal legal complaints against six activists to the State Security prosecutor for investigation, a judicial official said. The complaints relate to the

2011 storming by protesters of the headquarters of State Security, the domestic spying agency that was an important tool of political control in Mubaraks era. Critics likened it to East Germanys Stasi. The complaints were lodged after a privately-owned Egyptian satellite channel broadcast what it said were recordings of telephone conversations in which the activists discuss les found at State Security offices. The complaints were led by

several people including lawyers who volunteered to defend Mubarak in the case brought against him for ordering the killing of protesters during the 2011 uprising. The accused include Ahmed Douma and Mohamed Adel two of three prominent activists sentenced on December 22 to three years in prison each over for their role in recent protests. That ruling drew condemnation from Western governments and local and international rights groups.

Tunisia MPs halt debate after death threat claim

AFP Tunis

South Sudan Information Minister Michael Makuei (centre) gives a press conference alongside other delegation members in Addis Ababa yesterday.

S Sudan battles rage as truce talks face hurdles

The renewed fighting comes as East African diplomats struggle to get both sides, who have sent negotiation teams to Addis Ababa, to start formal negotiations on a ceasefire
AFP Juba

overnment forces and rebels fought fresh battles across South Sudan yesterday, vowing to step up their offensives as regional peace brokers struggled to get ceasere talks off the ground. With the nation teetering on the edge of all-out civil war less than three years after gaining independence from Khartoum, Sudans President Omar Hassan al-Bashir was expected in the capital Juba today for talks with his counterpart Salva Kiir. After a night of heavy gunre in Juba, more residents could be seen trying to get transport south to Uganda, adding to the nearly 200,000 people who

have already been displaced by the three-week-old conict. Army spokesman Philip Aguer also reported ongoing clashes in oil-producing Unity and Upper Nile states in the north, saying that government forces were advancing on the two state capitals of Bentiu and Malakal, currently in rebel hands, as well as Bor, capital of Jonglei state just north of the capital. The SPLA (Sudan Peoples Liberation Army) forces are advancing from the northern part of Bentiu. We will try to do our constitutional duty... sooner or later our target is Bentiu, Aguer told reporters. Its a matter of time, our forces are advancing towards Bor, he said, claiming that the rebels realise they are ghting a useless war and saying government forces were a mere 15km from the town. Rebel spokesman Moses Ruai, however, insisted that it was anti-government ghters who were advancing on the capital.

Our forces are well organised. They are not just hit and run. The next target is now Juba but I cannot tell you exactly when they will attack Juba, but they are heading there, he said. The conict in South Sudan erupted on December 15, pitting army units loyal to Kiir against a loose alliance of ethnic militia forces and mutinous army commanders nominally headed by Riek Machar, a former vice president who was sacked last July. Machar denies allegations that he started the conict by attempting a coup, and in turn accuses the president of orchestrating a violent purge. Fighting now grips much of South Sudan, which won independence only in 2011. UN officials say they believe thousands of people have already been killed, and both sides are alleged to have committed atrocities. UN peacekeeping bases have also been overwhelmed with civilians seeking shelter, many of them eeing ethnic violence pitting Kiirs Dinka community against Machars Nuer tribe.

The renewed ghting came as East African diplomats struggled to get both sides, who have sent negotiation teams to the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, to start formal negotiations on a ceasere. Officials said the chief negotiators for both sides held another face-to-face meeting yesterday, and had nally agreed on an agenda for the ceasere negotiationswhich had been expected to begin earlier in the day only to be held up by what one official described as protocol issues . South Sudan Information Minister Michael Makuei said the two sides were now waiting for IGADthe regional bloc brokering the talksto present a plan for the negotiations, which according to diplomats were now expected to get under way today. A key sticking point appears to be rebel and international demands that the South Sudanese government release 11 officials close to Machar so they can participate in the peace effort.

The South Sudanese government repeated earlier yesterday that the rebel suspects would not be freed and should face justice. His attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government is an established fact... but the way the international community is handling it is rather strange, Makuei told reporters. Sudans state-owned Omdurman radio announced that Bashir, who battled the SPLA for two decades before giving in to the souths statehood aspirations, was due to discuss the crisis in the South with Kiir today. US Secretary of State John Kerry urged rival southern factions not to use the Addis talks for buying time. Negotiations have to be serious, they cannot be a delay, (a) gimmick in order to continue the ghting and try to nd advantage on the ground at the expense of the people of South Sudan, Kerry told reporters while on a visit to Jerusalem.

ebate on Tunisias new constitution was suspended yesterday after a deputy claimed he had received death threats because a colleague accused him of being an enemy of Islam . The outburst came a day after the National Constituent Assembly (NCA) adopted articles making Islam the state religion but guaranteeing freedom of conscience. Yesterdays row broke out after Mongi Rahoui, from the leftwing Popular Front, accused Habib Ellouze of the Islamist ruling party Ennahda of saying he was an enemy of Islam. Such words are not taken lightly in Tunisia, where the suspected assassination by militant Salast Muslims last year of two opposition politicians threw the country into a political crisis that has still not been resolved. A police source said security measures for Rahoui had been stepped up from Saturday night because of the alleged threats. Addressing Ellouze, a hardline Ennahda member known for his controversial comments, Rahoui asked: How much more blood must there be before we understand that we are united (under Islam)? I tell you that I am a Muslim; that my father, my mother, my grandfather and my people are Muslims. What (Ellouze) said yesterday, that I am an enemy of Islam, has led to death threats against me. Ellouze had been quoted by a radio station on Saturday as saying Rahoui is known for his animosity toward religion . He said his words had been misinterpreted and apologised to Rahoui. A number of secular opposi-

tion deputies angrily protested that such words could spell the same fate for Rahoui as befell Chokri Belaid and Mohamed Brahmi last year. Ennahdas detractors accused the moderate Islamist party of failing to rein in the Salasts. Yesterdays session began at 1100 GMT, and was suspended twice. Following the exchange between Rahoui and Ellouze, some deputies demanded that the assembly vote again on an amendment rejected on Saturday that would make it a crime to accuse someone of apostasy. Deliberations were to resume later, with deputies wrapping up the chapter on civil rights. They were then set to move on to discuss forming an electoral commission to oversee elections later this year. Elected in October 2011, the NCA had been due to have drafted and adopted the text within one year. But its work was delayed by deep divisions between Ennahda and the opposition, aggravated by a rise in Islamist attacks and sometimes violent social unrest. Voting on the constitution comes amid concerns that a January 14 deadline for its adoption may not be met because of repeated disruptions. It was on January 14, 2011, that ousted dictator Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and his family ed the country for exile in Saudi Arabia. To be adopted, the constitution will need approval by twothirds of the assemblys 217 members. Otherwise, it will have to be put to a referendum. Prime Minister Ali Larayedh has agreed to resign, handing power to a transitional premier, Mohamed Jomaa, but insists that the constitution and an electoral law be in place rst to pave the way for elections.

Migrants stage huge Israel protest march

AFP Tel Aviv

ore than 30,000 African asylum seekers who entered Israel illegally protested in Tel Aviv yesterday, police said, in the biggest rally ever staged by migrants in the Jewish state. More than 30,000 demonstrators marched peacefully in Tel Aviv, police spokeswoman Lubra Samri said. Gathered in the coastal citys central Rabin Square, the protesters sharply criticised Israels refusal to give them refugee status and the detention without trial of hundreds of asylum seekers. We are all refugees and Yes to freedom, no to prison! they chanted in English, with Israeli rights activists also joining the march. Ultra-Orthodox MP Eli Yishai, the hardline former interior minister who in 2012 led the government campaign to round

up and deport tens of thousands of illegal migrants, denounced the protest. Yishai said that the inltrators , as authorities call them, were encouraged by anti-Zionist human rights organisations . Rights groups say most African migrants in Israel cannot be deported because their lives would be under threat if they returned to their homes in Sudan and Eritrea. Yishai told the website of Maariv daily that Tel Aviv, where many of the migrants live, long ago became an African city . He said the demonstration was a sharp and clear cry for the state of Israel and judicial and law enforcement authorities to apply all the means at their disposal to return the inltrators to their countries . Dawud, an Eritrean asylumseeker at the protest, said: We have ed persecution, dictatorships, civil wars and genocides. Instead of considering us refugees, Israel treats us like

criminals, he added, without giving his full name. Dawud said the demonstrators intended to head for the UN refugee agencys Tel Aviv office and foreign embassies in the city in further rallies today. Many illegal immigrants, who are often employed in menial jobs in restaurants and hotels, also launched a three-day strike in several Israeli cities yesterday. Under legislation passed on December 10, authorities can detain illegal immigrants entering Israel for up to a year without trial. The same month a sprawling detention facility named Holot or Sands opened in southern Israels Negev desert to house illegals crossing the nearby Egyptian border and for immigrants already in the country deemed to have disturbed public order. The moves triggered protest marches by migrants, including inmates who are allowed out during the day but locked in at night, but yesterdays was the largest demonstration by far.

Thousands of African asylum seekers demonstrate in Tel Aviv yesterday.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

11

AFRICA

Ravalomananas party warns of protests after rivals poll win

AFP Antananarivo

Residents flee Bangui

he party of Madagascars ousted president Marc Ravalomanana on Saturday warned the electoral panel it would face the peoples wrath if it declares electoral victory for the rival camp. The outgoing leaderships candidate, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, won 53.5% of the vote in a December 20 presidential runoff, according to official results. But his rival, Robinson Jean Louis, led several challenges with the Special Electoral Court (SEC), claiming the ballot was rigged in favour of strongman Andry Rajoelinas man. You in the SEC... dont think you can swindle the people, Roland Ravatomanga, the leader of Ravalomananas movement, said at gathering in the capital Antananarivo. We do not intend to terrorise

Ravatomanga: warning

you or threaten you but we are just warning you: beware for you might incur the peoples wrath, he added. Dont make us do anything silly. We have a trusted jurist sitting on the SEC. If we nd out ahead of time that its not going our way, we are sorry to say that the people will rise up, he told a crowd of Ravalomanana supporters in Malagasy. Speaking in French to foreign reporters moments later, he was more measured. I never called for street protests, he said. If the population wants to take to the streets, it is not our duty to stop them, it is their right, he added. A top police official warned against incitement. Incumbent president Rajoelina seized power from his rival Ravalomanana with the backing of the army in 2009, sending the countrys economy into free-fall. According to the World Bank, the ensuing crisis cost the Indian Ocean island nation at least $8bn. The islands two main political players - Rajoelina and Ravalomanana - were barred from running in the polls amid fears of a return to violence. They instead backed proxy candidates who went head-tohead in a run-off poll last month after an inconclusive rst round in October. Despite the mud-slinging, international observers gave the vote the green light and called on the parties to respect the electoral process.

A car full of people and their belongings in the PK 9 district flee from Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic yesterday. A hand grenade attack on a Bangui market yesterday injured four people, including two women and a Burundian soldier from MISCA, the African force deployed in the Central African Republic. More than 1,000 people have been killed in the past month and nearly a million people have been displaced since the coup that installed ex-rebel leader Michel Djotodia as the countrys first Muslim president.

Nigerian leader battles for political survival

President Goodluck Jonathan is struggling ahead of election campaign
AFP Abuja

Bomb blast wounds one in Kenyan capital

AFP Nairobi

ne person was wounded on Saturday when an improvised bomb exploded in the Kenyan capital, police said, in a shop in Nairobis mainly ethnic Somali district Eastleigh. The attack is the latest of a series of bomb or grenade blasts in Kenya. One person has been wounded... a person of Somali origin left luggage containing an improvised explosive device in a shop, Nairobi police chief Benson Kibue said. We are appealing to residents to help us get him. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. However, since Kenyan troops invaded southern Somalia in October 2011 to help oust the neighbouring countrys Al Qaeda-

linked Shebaab insurgents, it has been hit by a series of attacks. Homegrown groups including the Islamist Al-Hijra group, a radical organisation formerly known as the Muslim Youth Centre, operate in Kenya and have been linked to the Shebaab. Grenades have been hurled into restaurants in crowded areas in Nairobi as well as on the popular tourist Indian Ocean coast, and there has been a string of attacks in the remote northeast region bordering Somalia. Ten people were wounded on Thursday when attackers hurled a grenade into a restaurant in a popular coastal tourist resort town of Diani. The Shebaab claimed the brutal September assault on Nairobis upmarket Westgate mall in which at least 67 people died in a four-day siege of the shopping centre popular with foreigners.

igerias President Goodluck Jonathan is facing an uphill battle if he seeks re-election next year, after a series of unprecedented setbacks that have raised doubts about his political survival. The perceived damage to the 56-year-olds stock has led to questions about whether he can bounce back and whether his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could be heading for its rst national electoral defeat. Last month, Nigerias former head of state Olusegun Obasanjo accused Jonathan in a critical, 18-page open letter of failing to tackle widespread corruption and piracy as well as kidnapping and rampant oil theft. He even claimed that Jonathan was training a private militia to silence critics on a political hit list. The dust had hardly settled on the resulting row when the PDP lost its parliamentary majority, as 37 lawmakers in the lower

House of Representatives joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). Some PDP members of the upper house Senate are now expected to follow suit, handing a further potential advantage to the main opposition, just as parties gear up to hit the campaign trail. I think he (Jonathan) is a very weakened president at the moment, said political analyst Clement Nwankwo, director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, in the capital Abuja. Hes been a failure and he really has to do a lot to win back popular support, Nwankwo said. Political commentator Dapo Thomas suggested that with the PDP riven with in-ghting, it was now make or break time for Jonathan. He has to choose between the service of the party and the realisation of the damage of his own political ambition, said Thomas, from Lagos State University. He has to drop one and allow the party mechanism to operate freely. Jonathan, a Christian from southern Bayelsa state, stepped up from vice-president to be-

Jonathan: faces uphill battle

come acting head of state in February 2010 when Umaru YarAdua fell ill. He took over the top job after YarAduas death, going on to secure a popular mandate in the 2011 presidential elections. Jonathan has yet to announce whether he will run for re-election in 2015. But he has been accused of ignoring an unwritten PDP rule that presidential candidates rotate between Nigerias mainly

Muslim north and the Christian majority south. That issue is seen as a contributory factor to the defection of ve high-prole state governors to the APC in November, which in turn prompted lawmakers to cross the oor. He is also widely seen as having failed to address major concerns about graft, inadequate development and poor infrastructure, and to end the bloody Islamist insurgency in northern Nigeria. The president vaunted his governments achievements of sustained economic growth and job creation in his New Years message while the PDP denied it was irretrievably damaged. The recent defections were an example of democracy in action, said national publicity secretary Olisah Metuh, even as the APC hailed the apparent shift in the balance of power as a new dawn for Africas most populous nation. We have seen movement on one side maybe in the last quarter of last year, he added. Lets wait until April. Maybe the PDP will be larger that it was before. In 2014, we are predicting that the PDP will be larger than

it was before. Dont forget that the PDP got the people elected. Its a party that Nigerians love. Nwankwo acknowledged the oppositions hand had been strengthened but said the defections were still no guarantee of electoral success and presidential power could yet help swing support back to the PDP. Nevertheless, he suggested the problems may have reached such a point that recovery was impossible, forcing Jonathan to make way for another candidate. Thomas said the longer the president failed to tackle the issue, the more damage it would do to the PDP. Jonathan needed to rule out standing again as soon as possible and remove the party chairman Bamanga Tukur, who is seen as having been parachuted in as the presidents man, he added. Its better that he does it now so he can save the party, said Thomas, who lectures in international relations and history. I dont see the partys fortunes improving. I see continuous decline of the party because the defections are going to continue to be on the increase for as long as this disenchantment persists.

Senegal to ne Russian ship for shing illegally: minister

AFP Dakar

enegal plans to slap a ne of about 600,000 on a Russian ship for repeatedly shing illegally in its waters, its sheries minister said yesterday. The trawler arrived in Dakar overnight Saturday under military escort after the Senegalese navy boarded the vessel off the Atlantic coast. The Oleg Naydenov, this big shing boat which you see behind me and which is 120m long ... was shing fraudulently, without any authorisation in Senegalese waters, minister Haidar El-Ali told the press at Dakars Marine pier. The ship is currently in the hands of the Senegalese government, under the control of the national navy and the national police, he added. Senegal can seize the ship and its cargo and impose a maximum fine of 200mn CFA francs (nearly 305,000 /$414,000)

for the offence, said the minister. But because the Oleg Naydenov is a repeat offender, it will be ned twice as much, 400mn CFA francs. Senegal can also take this case to the courts because (the ships captain) would not obey orders before the Oleg Naydenov was boarded by the navy. This only made it worse ... They are thugs and we will ght these thugs, said the minister. During his visit, armed soldiers could be seen on board the vessel and nearby. Russias Ria Novosti news agency said the ship had 62 Russians and 20 Guinea Bissau nationals on board. Yesterday, journalists could see three Russians and several African sailors but were neither allowed to speak to them nor board the trawler. Ali said the ship had rst been spotted in Senegalese waters by a French military plane that assists the countrys DPSP shing control and protection agency.

It was stopped off southern Senegal, in a joint area which we share with Guinea-Bissau. Senegal then sent a commando which forced them to come here to Dakar, after the captain would not obey orders. Ali said Senegal was planning to adopt a decree so foreign ships that pillage our resources can be seized and become Senegalese state property. He also quoted a US Agency for International Development gure that put Senegalese losses because of illegal shing at 150bn CFA francs a year. There are about 50 such ships operating off our coast, entering (Senegalese territorial waters) fraudulently from time to time. We will not allow this, said Ali. Senegal has for years been battling to contain unauthorised shing by foreign trawlers in its waters, which has been blamed for depleting sh stocks, undermining the environment and endangering the livelihoods of local small-scale shermen.

The Russian trawler Oleg Nadenov is moored in Dakar yesterday. The ship was boarded after it was observed illegally fishing in Senegalese waters near the border with Guinea Bissau.

12

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

AMERICAS

JFK halts ights after plane skids into snowbank

AFP New York

plane skidded into a snowbank yesterday in freezing conditions at New Yorks John F Kennedy Airport, which temporarily ceased operations because of the icy conditions, officials said. The airport was closed at 8:32am (1332 GMT) after a Delta Airlines jet from Toronto slid into snow on a taxiway, officials including at the Port Authority, which manages the airport, said. There were no injuries to the 35 people on board, according to ABC News. The airport, which handles international and domestic ights and is one of the largest in the US, reopened shortly before 11:00am. Many ights were delayed by nearly two hours while around 15 ights were cancell ed, according to the air traffic monitoring website ightaware.com. There were also delays at the nearby LaGuardia and Newark airports. On Saturday, a small plane made an emergency landing on a highway in the Bronx borough of New York, injuring the pilot and two passengers, as the area battled a bitter cold snap. The single-engine propeller plane landed around 3:20pm (2020 GMT) in the Major Deegan Expressways northbound lane near 233rd Street, the New York City Fire Department said on its Twitter feed. The situation was under control, it added, noting that no cars were affected and that there

was no re or fuel spilled. Fireghters removed the planes fuel before moving it to avoid the risk of a blaze. The injured, two men and one woman, left the plane and were taken to St Barnabas Hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, authorities said. One had a serious injury and the other two suffered minor injuries. One of the injured was the pilot, though authorities would not conrm his or her identity. The plane was forced to make an emergency landing due to some sort of engine trouble, FDNY spokesman Khalid Baylor said. The plane then made a landing onto the highway and did not damage any vehicles, did not cause any injuries to any people on the ground. The FDNY safely offloaded the jet fuel and the plane was removed from the highway. He said Department of Transportation workers who happened to be on the scene doing some highway repair at the time noticed the plane coming in on landing and helped stop traffic with their rig. Drivers experienced some major delays on the highway, which has three lanes on both sides. A spokeswoman from New Yorks Office of Emergency Management said the plane had departed from Danbury, Connecticut for a tour around the Statue of Liberty. The plane was a 1966 Piper PA-28-180, according to Federal Aviation Administration records.

Delta airline planes sit on the tarmac at JFK Airport, New York, yesterday. A Delta Connection 4100 plane carrying 35 people from Toronto landed safely yesterday morning and skidded off of runway 22L and into a snowbank at JFK airport.

Life-threatening cold bites the US Midwest

Millions of people in the US hunkered down yesterday in anticipation of brutal weather from a dangerous Arctic blast that forecasters warn could send freezing temperatures plummeting to record lows
Reuters Milwaukee

Rescue workers are seen around a small plane that landed on the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx, New York, on Saturday. Three people were reportedly injured in the accident and there was no word on the cause of the emergency landing at this time.

esidents of the Midwestern US yesterday braced for the coldest weather in two decades, temperatures that forecasters warned would be life-threatening. Icy conditions snarled travel across the region and thousands of ights were cancelled or delayed, some officials preemptively closed schools, and at a New York City airport a plane skidded off a runway into snow days after the Northeast was

hammered by the rst winter storm of the season. The coldest temperatures in almost two decades will spread into the northern and central US today behind an arctic cold front, the National Weather Service said in an advisory posted on its website yesterday. Combined with gusty winds, these temperatures will result in life-threatening wind chill values as low as 60 degrees below zero (F/ -51C). In weather that cold, frostbite can set in on uncovered skin in a matter of minutes, experts warned. But fans of the NFLs Green Bay Packers vowed to brave the weather to see a playoff matchup that could stand as one of the coldest ever games in league history. In Green Bay, Wisconsin, football fan Jacquie Tucker Braun, 44, was undaunted by a

forecast for temperatures below 0F (-18C) when the Packers match up with the San Francisco 49ers at 3:40 CT (2140 GMT). Its going to be a challenge to stay warm, but were up to it, said Braun, who plans to bring her 14-year-old son Gryphon to the game. She is bundling up for the game, wearing four layers on top and three layers on the bottom, along with a two pairs of socks and two pairs of gloves. We will see the game to the end unless there was some type of emergency, she said. Being a Packers fan is in your blood, hereditary even. Officials at the Packers Lambeau Field promised fans two free hot cocoa or coffee drinks during the game, ESPN reported. Elsewhere in the Midwest, forecasters warned Chicago and Indianapolis could see over-

night lows of -12F (-24C), Minneapolis -29F (-34C) and Fargo, North Dakota, -31F (-35C). The coldest temperature reported in the lower 48 states yesterday was -36F (-38C) in Crane Lake, Minnesota, according to the National Weather Service. The northeast was forecast to see a brief thaw before intense cold returned late today. About half of all ights arriving and departing Chicago OHare International Airport had been cancelled yesterday, according to FlightAware, which tracks ight statistics. Nationwide, about 2,855 ights had been delayed nationwide by midday and 2,332 had been cancelled. In New York City, John F Kennedy International Airport was closed for a couple of hours yesterday morning after a Bombardier jet skidded off a taxiway soon after landing. The Delta

Connection ight had landed safely after arriving from Toronto with 35 passengers on board, and no injuries were reported, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, which runs the airport, said. Officials in several states asked residents to use extra precautions when outdoors. Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has ordered all public schools in the state closed today to protect children from dangerously cold weather. Chicago schools will be open today despite the cold, but ofcials, in a statement, advised parents to use their own discretion in deciding whether to send their child to school. Between 6in and 1ft (15-30 cm) of snow was predicted from Chicago to Detroit, AccuWeather said, while icy sleet and rain was forecast for much of the Northeast.

US population growth slowest since 1930s

By Tom McCarthy New York

Taking a curtain call

Senator wants light punishment of Snowden for leaks

Reuters Washington

S population growth has slowed to levels not seen since the Great Depression, according to data released this week by the US census bureau. The US population was expected to grow just 0.7% in 2013, to arrive at 317,297,938 people on New Years Day 2014. That rate was down from 0.73% in 20102011 and much lower than the 1.2% growth rate of the 1990s, a decade of economic expansion. The US has not seen such slow growth since the Depression era of 1933-1937, according to William Frey, a demographics expert and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Up until 2008, really we didnt see those growth rates change much, Frey said. This

sharp bump that weve seen in the last few years does suggest that the economy has a lot to do with it. But average annual growth, Frey said, is a fairly crude measure that can miss the underlying inuence of immigration laws and changing cultural and social mores. In the Great Depression era, migration laws were stricter in the late teens and early to mid20s, he said. You had lower fertility rates as well, with the very dire circumstances of many families. From 1932-1933, population growth settled at 0.59%, creeping to 0.60% in 1937, according to census bureau gures. Declining unemployment and other recent signs of economic life have yet to register on the population scales. Real GDP growth picked up in 2011 after declining sharply in the rst decade of the new millennium,

The census bureau estimates that there is one birth on average in the United States every eight seconds.

from nearly 1% a year in 2000 to just more than 0.3% in 2010. Regional population trends show more people appearing in the south and west, and fewer appearing in the Midwest and Northeast, a continuation of long-term patterns. The south was estimated to host 37.4% of the population in July 2013, up from 35.6% in 2000. The northeasts share was estimated to have shrunk to 17.7%, from 19.0% in 2000. In a developing demographics horse race, Florida appears poised to overtake New York in the near future as the thirdmost-populous state. The Sunshine State, currently fourth, grew 2.7% between April 2010 and July 2012, while the Empire State grew only 1.0%. The national average for the period was 1.7%. Far out front for head count was California, with an estimated 38.3mn residents by July 2013, the latest available gures. Texas was No 2 with 26.4mn. The state charting the most growth was North Dakota, which jumped 7.6% from 2010-2013. The discovery in 2008 of untapped oil and gas reserves in the state has attracted so many new arrivals that longtime residents of towns fueled by the boom are moving out to make room. The census bureau estimates that there is one birth on average in the US every eight seconds, and one death every 12 seconds. And with one international migrant added every 40 seconds, the country gains one person about every 15 seconds.

Actors Dwayne Clark, Christina DeCicco, Justin Matthew Sargent, Robert Cuccioli, and Michael Mulheren take a curtain call at the final performance of Broadways Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark at Foxwoods Theater on Saturday in New York City.

he public debate over the fate of former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden intensied yesterday with conservative US Senator Rand Paul calling for a light prison term as punishment for Snowdens disclosure of information on government surveillance programs. Paul, a Republican, said in an interview on ABCs This Week that Snowden does not deserve the death penalty or life in prison for the leaks, which have rattled the US intelligence community, not to mention an American public that had been unaware of the extent of NSA data collection. Instead, Paul spoke favourably of some penalty of a few years in prison if Snowden were to return to the US from Russia, where he currently is living, to face trial. Paul, a freshman senator from Kentucky and a Tea Party favourite who has his eye on running for president in 2016, made his remarks a few days after a New York Times editorial said Snowden had done the US a great service in divulging details of NSA surveillance. The newspaper said the US government should offer Snowden a plea bargain or some form of clemency that would allow him to return home.

Edward Snowden: call for a light prison term. Senator Charles Schumer, the third-ranking Democrat in the Senate, also on ABC, said Snowden should return to stand trial but that the US should not offer a plea bargain to him. Schumer said a trial could help clarify several issues, including whether the vast amounts of data being collected by the NSA actually help the US root out terrorists and how much damage Snowdens leaks have done to American intelligence agents. Last month, a federal judge criticised the NSAs metadata counter-terrorism program, saying that he could not imagine a more indiscriminate and arbitrary invasion. The Obama administration on Friday appealed that courts ruling: that the NSAs gathering of Americans telephone records was probably unconstitutional.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

13

AMERICA

Battle over GMO labelling rumbling in US

AFP New York

GMO labelling battle is rumbling in the US, with those demanding full disclosure of genetically modied organisms in food products pitted against big companies. Although some giants such as General Mills have recently taken timid steps toward being more upfront with consumers, the US, unlike some 60 other countries, lacks a legal requirement to do so. Still, in the worlds largest economy, where almost all soy, sugar beet, corn and canola crops are genetically engineered, bills requiring labelling for GMO foods were introduced

in 26 states last year. But only Maine and Connecticut approved such measures and have yet to implement them. Alaska adopted a law in 2005 requiring labelling of genetically engineered salmon, whose safety for human consumption is still being studied by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Elsewhere measures have been defeated, notably in the state of Washington, where voters narrowly rejected GMO labelling. Other proposals are near death or languishing in legislative committees. But supporters of GMO labelling of food insist they are unfazed and determined to shore up more support. We expect even more states

this year to join the battle, particularly Oregon and Colorado, said, Colin ONeil of the Center for Food Safety, a nonprot organisation that opposes GMO foods. While one bill in Vermont was likely to pass this month, two senators were working on federal legislation, he said. The labelling of genetically engineered foods is an issue that exploded last year at the state level due to consumer pressure, according to ONeil. A recent New York Times poll found that 93% of Americans want GMO food to be labeled. For ONeil, the tipping point came with the California ballot initiative on GMO labelling that was narrowly rejected in 2012 due to a costly counter-campaign by

large multinationals. Agrochemical giants such as DuPont, Monsanto, Syngenta, and BASF, joined by food behemoths including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Kraft Foods ponied up a combined $46mn for advertising and other means to convince voters to reject the proposal. The anti-GMO side spent $9mn. That sent a tremendous signal to consumers, ONeil said. Many were unaware that companies would spend so much to keep consumers in the dark. The Grocery Manufacturers Association, which represents leading food, beverage and consumer products companies, said the organisation has maintained

strong support for a federal solution regarding standards for the safety and labelling of GMO foods and beverages. Our nations food safety and labelling laws and regulations should not be determined by political campaigns or through a patchwork of state laws, spokesman Brian Kennedy told AFP. The GMA argues it agrees with the FDA and other agencies, such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, that foods and beverages containing genetically engineered ingredients are safe and that labelling would be costly for small farmers, as well as the agencies verifying them. But there are small signs the

issue is making its way to the front burner. General Mills announced on Thursday that it would make its popular Original Cheerios breakfast cereal without GMOs, and US consumers would see it labeled as such. We did it because we think consumers may embrace it, the company said. But its not about safety. However, General Mills, whose brands include Haagen-Dazs ice cream and Yoplait yogurt, said that for other varieties of Cheerios it will not be able to forgo GMOs. The widespread use of GM seed in crops such as corn, soy, or beet sugar would make reliably moving to non-GM ingredients difficult, if not impossible. A few other companies have

also addressed the GMO labelling issue lately. Supermarket chain Trader Joes says it sells only non-GMO products. Meanwhile upscale grocer Whole Foods, which sells a large amount of organic produce, plans to label genetically engineered products - but only as of 2018. As for fast food chain Chipotle Mexican Grill, it has started listing genetically engineered ingredients on its website. Our goal is to eliminate GMOs from Chipotles ingredients, and were working hard to meet this challenge, it says. But there is currently not a viable supply of responsibly raised meats and dairy from animals raised without GMO feed.

Obama back to US capital but without Michelle

AFP Washington

S President Barack Obama arrived back in chilly Washington yesterday after a 16-day holiday in his native Hawaii, but his wife Michelle was not with him. Obama swapped the sundappled golf courses of tropical Hawaii for a Washington in the grip of an Arctic cold snap last weekend, and faces a tough political season ahead. The US president left Honolulus Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Air Force One just before 9pm on Saturday (0700 GMT yesterday) with his daughters, before arriving in the US capital eight hours later. As part of her birthday gift from the president, the First Lady will remain in Hawaii to spend time with friends ahead of her upcoming 50th birthday, a brief White House statement said. Michelle Obamas birthday is on January 17. Obama arrived in Hawaii on December 21 along with Michelle and daughters Sasha, 12, and Malia, 15, and enjoyed several rounds of golf during his stay including with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, a rare vacation encounter with a foreign dignitary. The Obamas stayed at a rented house near a US Marine Corps base on the northeastern coast of the island of Oahu, located about a dozen miles from the state capital Honolulu, where Obama was born. Obamas approval rating is languishing at near record lows and he is locked in a Cold War with a surly Congress. He needs quick victories in the run-up to his State of the Union address at the end of the month, observers say.

Congress to begin 2014 with jobless benets battle

First Senate vote today on renewing unemployment checks; minimum wage vote expected within weeks
Reuters Washington

US President Barack Obama and his daughters Malia and Sasha walk across the South Lawn of the White House after arriving by Marine One, in Washington, DC, yesterday. Obama returns from a two-week holiday in Hawaii.

he US Congress begins what promises to be another highly combative year today with a showdown over a White House-backed bid to renew unemployment benets for 1.3mn Americans. The battle will kick off a 2014 drive by President Barack Obama and fellow Democrats to stem a growing gap between rich and poor. The Democrat-led Senate plans to escalate the ght in coming weeks by bringing up for a vote a bill to increase the federal minimum wage, which has stood at $7.25 an hour since July 2009. Democrats want the minimum wage to rise over three years to $10.10 and then be indexed to ination in the future. We are trying to catch up with what the American people have known for years - that they are working more for less, Democratic Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island said in an interview. Reed is a leading advocate of a minimum wage increase and, along with Republican Senator Dean Heller of Nevada, is sponsoring a bill to restore jobless benets for 1.3mn Americans

and prevent thousands more from soon losing such aid. The Reed-Heller measure would extend for three months the Emergency Unemployment Compensation programme, which ended on Dec. 28 when its funding expired. Signed into law in 2008 by Republican President George W Bush, the programme provided the jobless an average of $300 per week for an additional 28 weeks once state benets ended. Supporters argue that besides helping the unemployed, it boosts the economy as recipients quickly spend their benet checks on essential goods, helping local retailers. Providing a safety net for those in need is one of the most important functions of the federal government, the conservative Heller said in a statement. It is unclear if legislation to renew the 2008 emergency programme or increase the minimum wage will muster the needed 60 votes in the 100-member Senate to clear procedural hurdles erected by Republicans. But if they do, both can expect a steep climb in the Republican-led House of Representatives, which rejected most of Obamas largely liberal agenda the past three years. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, yesterday appealed to Republicans to allow the jobless benet extension to pass. There are 55 of us (Democrats) and 45 of them (Republicans). It

would seem to me that ve Republicans in the Senate could join Democrats to provide the necessary 60 votes, Reid said in an interview on CBSs Face the Nation. Obama also made an urgent pitch for Congress to act. On Saturday, in his weekly address, the president said Republicans should make it their New Years resolution to do the right thing and restore this vital economic security for their constituents right now. One conservative Senate Republican, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, told ABCs This Week that he was not opposed to renewing the benet. He added: Im opposed to having it without paying for it. With an extension of benets costing $6bn for three months, Democrats fear that paying for the program would mean cuts to other domestic programs that already have been under the budget knife. Paul, like House Speaker John Boehner, the top US Republican, also said that any extension should be coupled with new moves to create jobs. As Obama nears the sixth year of his presidency, he has said he wants to step up efforts to help the needy. But his appeals drew re from Republicans, who see them as attempts to increase taxes, particularly on the rich. Republicans argue that the best way to spread the wealth is to create more of it by easing federal regulations and taxes.

Film producer Zaentz dies at 92

AFP Los Angeles

NY may allow use of medical marijuana

AFP New York

ilm producer Saul Zaentz, winner of best picture Oscars for One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, Amadeus and The English Patient, has died at age 92, US media reported on Saturday. Zaentz died due to complications from Alzheimers disease at his home in San Francisco on Friday, his nephew Paul Zaentz told the Los Angeles Times . He was an extraordinary man, Paul Zaentz, who worked with his uncle for 37 years, told the Hollywood Reporter. He had a lot of guts, a lot of integrity. Zaentz, who began in the music business before moving into films, was known for

producing highbrow movies, and even ran his independent film production company from Berkeley - near San Francisco - to keep a distance from Hollywood. One Flew over the Cuckoos Nest (1975), co-produced with actor Michael Douglas, starred Jack Nicholson as a patient at a mental institution. The movie won five Oscars, including best director for Milos Forman. Zaentz and Forman teamed up again for Amadeus (1984) about the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The movie won eight Oscars, including best picture, best director and best actor for F. Murray Abraham. For The English Patient (1996), a drama set in World War II, Zaentz teamed up with director Anthony Minghella. The movie won nine Oscars,

including best picture and best director. On Oscar award night in 1977 Zaentz was awarded the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award for lifetime achievement. Other movies that Zaentz had a role producing include The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988), At Play in the Fields of the Lord (1991), and Goyas Ghosts (2006). He also produced an animated version of The Lord of the Rings (1978). Earlier in his career Zaentz made a fortune with Fantasy Records, a label that he bought, which represented jazz musicians and rock group Creedence Clearwater Revival. Later however Zaentz was involved in bitter and lengthy litigation with Creedence singer John Fogerty over the rights to several of the groups hit songs.

Saul Zaentz

ew York is planning to loosen its marijuana laws to allow limited use of the drug by people suffering serious illness, the New York Times reported on Saturday, citing state officials. The newspaper reported on its website that Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo - a long-time opponent of legalising medical marijuana - was planning to announce the new guideline next week in an executive action. The decision would see New York mirror a growing list of states which have taken an increasingly progressive stance on marijuana use. Colorado this week became the rst US state to legalise the drug for recreational use. The Times reported that New Yorks new policy would be far stricter than in California, which has already loosened its rules on

medical marijuana. In California, people suffering from mild ailments can obtain prescriptions for the drug; in New York it will be made available in only 20 designated hospitals across the state for individuals suffering from cancer, glaucoma or other diseases. New York retains some of the most draconian sanctions of any US state for individuals caught dealing or using drugs. However Cuomos apparent policy U-turn would inch it closer to the softer policies that are rapidly gaining traction in the US. Saturdays report said New York hoped to have the infrastructure for dispensing medical marijuana installed later this year. The move comes amid a nationwide campaign to relax laws on marijuana use which has been buoyed by shifting attitudes on the drug. In October, for the rst time in a Gallup poll, a majority of Americans - 58% - said they favored the legalisation of marijuana.

14

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

ASEAN
Myanmar agitators call for end to harsh laws
AFP Yangon

Thai protesters march again in bid to bring down govt

Anti-government march a prelude to Jan 13 shutdown; Prime Minister says election the best medicine
Reuters Bangkok

everal thousand people joined a rally in Myanmars main city yesterday to call for the abolition of repressive laws and an end to politically related arrests. The crowd gathered for about two hours near Yangon City Hall, chanting slogans such as Give citizens full rights! and Freedom! Myanmar said on December 31 that it was releasing its last remaining political prisoners under a sweeping amnesty. But about 35 political detainees remain locked up despite the pardon, according to activist Pyone Cho of the 88 Generation group which organised the rally. We do not accept any kind of political arrest, Pyone Cho said. President Thein Sein, a former general, has won international praise and the removal of most western sanctions for overseeing new political and civil freedoms. He had vowed to free all political prisoners by the end of 2013 and it is unclear why some apparently remain behind bars. Arbitrary imprisonment was a hallmark of nearly half a century of harsh rule by a junta that denied the existence of political detainees, even as it imposed harsh punishments on rights activists, journalists, lawyers and performers.

housands of anti-government protesters marched through the Thai capital yesterday, a prelude to a broader action next week when they say they will shut down Bangkok in their bid to scuttle a February election and topple Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. The protesters, who accuse Yingluck of being the puppet of her self-exiled brother and former premier, Thaksin Shinawatra, want an appointed peoples council to oversee a vague reform platform, which includes electoral reform, decentralising power, and a volunteer police force, over a 12-month period before any future election. The crisis, an outbreak of turmoil stretching back eight years, began in November and has become a drag on the Thai economy. The baht slid on Friday to its lowest against the dollar since February 2010 and the benchmark. SETI stock index has lost 15% since early November. Yingluck, her brother and their support base among the rural poor in the populous north and northeast are pitted against protesters who draw support

Thai anti-government protesters wave national flags during a rally in the restive southern province of Narathiwat yesterday. from Bangkoks conservative, royalist elite and middle classes and the south. Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, a ery former deputy premier from the main opposition Democrat Party, said marches would be held on Tuesday and Thursday, leading up the Jan 13 shutdown . That event is shaping up as the biggest confrontation since the latest round of largely peaceful demonstrations began. The protests at times have brought as many as 200,000 people on to the streets, but have also sparked sporadic clashes with police in which three people were killed and scores wounded. We will keep walking, we wont stop, Suthep said on the march. We will walk until we win and we wont give up. Yesterdays march began at Bangkoks Democracy Monument, where some supporters had gathered overnight. Suthep said the protesters would set up stages at ve rallying points through the city leading up to Jan 13.

Suthep was feted by whistle-blowing supporters, many of whom handed him cash as he shook hands and walked through the crowd. The protesters plan to shut down government offices in an attempt to force Yinglucks administration to a standstill but, mindful of bloody crackdowns on similar protests, they have also said they will minimise the impact on ordinary Thais and will not target airports. The protests since November have been the biggest in Thailand since 2010, when mostly red shirt supporters of Thaksin tried to bring down a Democrat-led government. Those protests led to a military crackdown in which 91 people were killed. Yingluck has steadfastly refused to bow to the protesters demands and is determined that the election, which her Puea Thai Party is almost certain to win, will go ahead. I admit that the election may not be a panacea to solve the problems immediately, Yingluck said in a post on her Facebook page yesterday. But the election is the best medicine to help solve conict under the democratic system. I dont want to see violence as it happened in 2010, or an economic crisis. We should not leave our children to inherit this conict, she said. The government has vowed to roll out 20,000 police and 20 companies of troops to maintain order during the pro-

tests. Concurrently, the red shirts have also promised to hold rallies outside Bangkok to counter the anti-government group. Thousands of Puea Thai supporters gathered in a Bangkok suburb on Saturday for the partys official campaign launch. Pro-Thaksin parties have won every election since 2001, based on their support among the rural poor who have benefited from Thaksins populist policies such as cheap healthcare, easy credit and subsidies for rice farmers. The anti-government protesters accuse Thaksin of effectively buying their support and manipulating Thailands democracy, while also enriching his family and business associates. The rst two years of Yinglucks government had been relatively smooth until a blunder by her party in November, when it tried to push through an unpopular amnesty bill that would have exonerated Thaksin from a 2008 graft conviction he says was politically motivated. Thaksin ed into exile shortly before he was sentenced to a two-year jail term. Despite her determination to press ahead, Yingluck is looking more isolated the longer the protests drag on, with intervention by the judiciary or a coupprone military always a possibility. Thaksin was ousted in a military coup in 2006.

Indonesians rescued from faulty boat

AFP Kuala Lumpur

Anniversary celebration

ome 51 Indonesians who drifted in rough seas for ve days after the engine on their rickety boat failed have been rescued by Malaysian authorities, a report said yesterday. The 34 men, 14 women and three children including a two-month-old girl, are thought to have boarded the shing boat on December 28 as they tried to sneak out of Malaysia to return to Indonesias Sumatra island, The Star reported. But the vessel suffered engine problems and drifted until maritime personnel spotted it on Thursday off northern Perak state, the report added. The immigrants were weak from hunger and shaken by

bad weather that rocked the boat, Razak Johan an official with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency - told the paper. They are now under investigation for trying to illegally leave the country, it said. Razak and other officials could not immediately be reached for comments. Around 2mn Indonesians and others from poorer regional countries are estimated to work illegally in Malaysian plantation, construction, factory and other jobs. They often use rickety boats to sneak in and out of the Southeast Asian country, and accidents are common. In August, seven Indonesians died, four were rescued and 33 others went missing presumed dead when their boat sank in rough seas on their way home to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the end of the fasting month.

Australian woman, daughter die

DPA Jakarta

Artistes, dressed in national costumes of Vietnam and Cambodia and waving Vietnamese (left) and Cambodian (right) national flags, perform at an event commemorating the 35th anniversary of the January 7, 1979 toppling of Pol Pots Khmer Rouge in Hanoi yesterday. About 1.7mn people are believed to have died in the Killing Fields of the ultra-Maoist guerrillas, whose four-year reign of terror was brought to an end in 1979 by troops from neighbouring Vietnam.

n Australian woman and her 14-year-old daughter died of uncertain causes on Indonesias resort island of Bali, police said yesterday. The mother died Saturday while being taken by an ambulance from her hotel in eastern Bali, and her daughter passed away a short time later, local police chief Made Sudarsana said. Samples of their vomit and medicines found in their hotel room are being tested in a laboratory, Sudarsana said. Australias Sunday Telegraph reported that the two, identied as Noelene Gay Bischoff, 54, and her daughter, Yvana Jeana Yuri Bischoff, had died from a suspected allergic reaction.

Cambodian opposition leaders summoned to court

AFP Phnom Penh

Sam Rainsy (centre), president of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), smiles during a Buddhist ceremony held for the garment workers who were killed during violent clashes with armed authorities this week at the party office in Phnom Penh yesterday.

ambodias opposition leaders have been summoned to court on suspicion of inciting civil unrest, their party said, after the government of strongman premier Hun Sen moved to suppress growing street protests. Hun Sen faces an increasing challenge to his nearly three-decade rule from striking garment workers as well as opposition supporters demanding that he step down and call a new election because of alleged vote fraud. Police have indenitely banned further rallies, including one which had been planned for yesterday, after several demonstrators were shot dead on Friday. Cambodia National Rescue Party leader Sam Rainsy and his deputy Kem Sokha have been summoned to Phnom Penh Municipal Court on January 14 for questioning in the case of incitement to commit criminal offences or serious social unrest , according to warrants posted on the opposition website late Saturday. Rainsy told reporters they were ready to defend themselves at the hearing. We have done nothing wrong. On the contrary, it will be an opportunity for us to help expose the truth, he said. The opposition party has boycotted parliament since the July election, alleg-

ing that Hun Sen was returned to power because of widespread vote-rigging. The 61-year-old prime minister has ruled for 28 years and vowed to continue until he is 74. He has faced mounting criticism over his rights record as well as accusations of excessive force against demonstrators. On Friday, police opened re on striking garment factory employees demanding a minimum wage of $160 per month for their work in an industry which supplies brands like Gap, Nike and H&M. Rights activists said at least four civilians were shot dead in what they described as the countrys worst state violence against its citizens in 15 years. A day later dozens of security personnel armed with shields and batons chased hundreds of protesters including monks, women and children from their rally base in a park in the capital, according to activists. Police and civilian thugs used metre-long steel poles to beat and intimidate the peaceful protesters before tearing down the rally site, according to the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights. Freedom Park, also known as Democracy Park, was opened by the government in 2010 as a designated area for people to air their grievances, and protesters had occupied the site since

last month as part of demonstrations against the contested election. An estimated 20,000 or more opposition supporters took to the streets of the capital a week ago to demand Hun Sen step down. Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) realises that it faces an unprecedented threat from a growing alliance between the factory workers and the opposition, Rainsy said. This is a matter of survival for the CPP, he added. Rainsy returned from self-exile in July after a royal pardon for convictions he denounced as politically motivated, but he was barred from running in the election the same month. He declined to reveal what the oppositions next move would be following the crackdown. But he said it would seek to draw on the strength of its growing support from factory workers. When the workers go back to their village they convince their family to support the opposition. Disputes over wages and safety conditions are common in Cambodias multibillion dollar garment industry, which has brought buoyant economic growth to what is still one of Asias poorest countries. The sector employs about 650,000 people and is a key source of foreign income.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

15

AUSTRALASIA/EAST ASIA

Tokyo urged to improve ties with neighbours

AFP Tokyo

S Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel has urged Japan to improve relations with neighbouring countries after Prime Minister

Shinzo Abes visit to a controversial war shrine, an American official has said. Abe enraged China and South Korea when on December 26 he made his rst visit as premier to Yasukuni shrine, which honours Japans war dead including several high-level officials ex-

ecuted for war crimes after World War II. Secretary Hagel underscored the importance of Japan taking steps to improve relations with its neighbours, and to promote co-operation in advancing the shared goals of regional peace and stability, Pentagon press

secretary John Kirby said in a statement posted on the US Defence Department website late Saturday. The comments were issued after telephone talks between Hagel and Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera. China and other Asian countries say the shrine serves as a reminder of Ja-

pans 20th century aggression, and is a source of bitterness between Japan and its neighbours and Abes visit also sparked criticism from Washington. During their conversation late Saturday, Onodera sought Hagels understanding over the visit, telling his counterpart that the prime minister

had renewed Japans pledge that it must never wage war again, Kyodo News said citing Japanese officials. Hagel had also thanked the Japanese government for its efforts in securing approval from Okinawas governor to move towards relocating a US Marine Corps air base on the island, Kirby said.

US icebreaker dispatched to Antarctic to help stuck ships

AFP Sydney

US icebreaker was dispatched yesterday to assist an icebound Russian research ship and Chinese vessel trapped during a rescue bid in Antarctica, as the leader of a group airlifted to safety rejected French criticism of their expedition. The US Coast Guards Polar Star accepted an Australian request to go to the aid of the marooned Russian ship Akademik Shokalskiy which has been beset by ice since December 24. It will also aid the Chinese icebreaker Xue Long which was involved in a dramatic helicopter rescue of the Shokalskiys 52 passengers on Thursday. The Xue Long has become trapped itself, with China vowing all-out efforts to assist the ship which is surrounded by ice of up to four metres thick and is
ACCIDENT

stuck 21 kilometres from open water, according to state news agency Xinhua which has reporters on board. If the ship is stranded for a very long time, which is very rare indeed, then well have to evacuate the people onboard and leave the vessel there, said division director Qu Tanzhou, adding that the vessels mission for the rest of the season would have to be revised. The Polar Star, which left the US in early December to clear a channel for ships resupplying McMurdo Station research base, left Sydney yesterday after taking on provisions, according to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The 122-metre ship is capable of continuously breaking ice up to 1.8 metres thick while travelling at three knots, and can break ice more than six metres thick by ramming. It is expected to take seven days to reach Commonwealth

Bay where the two ships are trapped in ice, 100 nautical miles from the French Antarctic base of Dumont dUrville. Our highest priority is safety of life at sea, which is why we are assisting in breaking a navigational path for both of these vessels, Vice Admiral Paul Zukunft, US Coast Guard Pacific area commander, said in a statement. The stranding of the Shokalskiy, which was carrying 22 scientists, 26 paying passengers and four journalists as well as 22 crew who remain on board, has sparked criticism in some quarters. As well as the Xue Long and Polar Star two other icebreakers, Australias Aurora Australis and Frances Astrolabe, were diverted from their Antarctic missions to assist the Shokalskiy. Yves Frenot, director of the French Polar Institute said the rescue saga had forced French

File photo shows the Coast Guard cutter Polar Star, completing ice drills in the Arctic. The US Coast Guards Polar Star accepted an Australian request to go to the aid of the marooned Russian ship Akademik Shokalskiy which has been beset by ice since December 24, 2013. scientists to scrap a two-week oceanographic campaign using the Astrolabe. But we are relatively lucky. The Chinese have had to cancel all their scientific programme, and my counterpart in Australia is spitting tacks with anger, because their entire summer has been wiped out, he said. The Australis was forced to suspend its resupply of the Australian base to rush to the aid of the Shokalskiy, but authorities said it was not yet known what impact the incident would have on scientific programmes. Chris Turney, leader of the Shokalskiys expedition which repeated century-old measurements to explore environmental changes as it retraced a 1911-14 voyage of the Antarctic, hit back at Frenots criticism yesterday. Yves was fully aware of the expedition and there was even an exchange of emails around it in September. At no time did Yves indicate any problems with the science of the expedition or the expedition itself, Turney said. The science on the expedition was supported by a number of major research institutions including NOAA (US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the University of Wisconsin and a host of others. Turney said there was a long history of both governmental and private vessels going to the assistance of others in the Antarctic. The Aurora Australis is now en route to Australias Casey Antarctic base to complete a resupply run, from where it will return to Hobart, with Turney and the Shokalskiys other passengers on board, later this month.

Sailor survives shark, four others missing from boat

An Indonesian sailor has been rescued despite suffering a shark attack but four other crewmen are missing after their Taiwanese fishing boat apparently caught fire in the East China Sea, officials said yesterday. Taiwans coastguard said they were informed by their Japanese counterparts Saturday noon that the 26-tonne Cheng Tsai Li was drifting 65km northeast of Miyako-jima, an island in Japans Okinawa prefecture. An Indonesian sailor aboard the fishing vessel was rescued by another Taiwanese fishing boat, the Taiwan coastguard said. He was injured, suffering from shark bites, coastguard spokesman Hsieh Ching-chin said. Two coastguard vessels from Taiwan and two from Japan were mobilised to search for the four missing crewmen the Taiwanese skipper, a Taiwanese sailor and two Indonesian sailors.

Ice and snow sculpture festival

China probes almost 37,000 officials for graft

AFP Beijing

Visitors are silhouetted against lighted ice sculptures at the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in the northern city of Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China yesterday. The festival began yesterday.

hina investigated almost 37,000 officials suspected of corruption in more than 27,000 cases between January and November, state media said yesterday. Out of the 27,236 cases, 12,824 resulted in losses for the people involving a total of 5.51bn yuan ($0.9bn), Xinhua news agency said without elaborating. It cited a statement from the Supreme Peoples Procuratorate, Chinas top prosecuting body, which could not be reached for comment yesterday. Chinas top prosecutor Cao

Jianming told the National Peoples Congress parliament in October that 200,000 people had been probed for embezzlement or bribery between January 2008 and last August. Communist Party chief Xi Jinping has taken a hard line against graft since coming to power a little over one year ago, warning that corruption could destroy the party. He has threatened to stamp down on high-ranking officials, or tigers , along with low-level flies to maintain the purity of the party. At the same time he has mounted an austerity drive, with a range of measures including limits on banquets and bans on gift-giving.

North Korea fumes over Kims rejected peace gesture

AFP Seoul

orth Korea slammed South Korea yesterday for dismissing a peace overture by leader Kim Jong-un, accusing Seoul of pouring cold water on its attempt to mend ties. During his New Year address last Wednesday, Kim hailed the execution last month of his once-powerful uncle, and accused the US and South Korea of manoeuvering for a nuclear war. But he also called for a favourable climate to ease tension with Seoul, saying it was high time to improve ties that had been strained for years. The South Korean government described the move as an empty gesture Friday, however, urging the communist state to scrap its nuclear programmes to show it is committed to mending relations. Peace and reconciliation cannot be achieved merely by words, Seoul said in a statement. In order to improve ties between the South and the North, North Korea must show sincerity in building trust and

above all, it must make genuine efforts for denuclearisation. The North yesterday fumed at the cool reaction by the South, calling it undesirable and saying it would result in further raising tensions on the peninsula. Seoul... answered Pyongyangs call for defending security and peace of the nation with bellicose remarks and provocative sabre-rattling, the Norths spokesman for the Committee for the Peaceful Reunication of Korea (CPRK), in charge of cross-border affairs, told state-run KCNA. KCNA described the move as pouring cold water on efforts to improve relations. This just indicates that South Korea has no will to improve the relations with the North but will keep to the confrontation and war this year, too, said the official. The prospect for future cross-border ties now entirely depends on the attitudes of the South Korean authorities, warned the spokesman. Seoul said on Friday that Kim had made similarly conciliatory comments in last years New Years speech, but the

following months saw the North launch a series of provocations. Pyongyang staged a third nuclear test in February its most powerful to date and later issued threats of atomic attacks on Washington and Seoul for staging joint military exercises south of the border. It also unilaterally shut down an inter-Korean industrial zone in April, further escalating tensions. After months of negotiation, the two Koreas agreed in September to reopen the Kaesong industrial complex. Seouls defence chief Kim Kwan-jin cautioned last week that the apparent peace overtures from the North could be a smoke screen aimed at hiding a fresh provocation, and urged the military to remain alert. Kim Jong-un last month executed his uncle Jang Song-thaek, who had played a key role in cementing his leadership, for charges including treason and corruption. The isolated state could stage military provocations early this year to divert public attention and rally domestic unity after the shock execution of Jang, Kim Kwan-jin and analysts have said.

A handout picture released by the Pyongyangs Rodong Sinmun shows North Korean military officers holding a rally at the House of Culture.

16

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

BRITAIN

More ooding to come in worst storms for 20 years

Britain is preparing for worse floods as rain drenches the land and sea batters the coast
Evening Standard London

ritain has been battered by the worst set of winter storms in more than two decades as communities prepare for even more ooding today, forecasters said. More heavy rain is set to batter parts of the UK, with 96 ood warnings issued by the Environment Agency and a further 244 areas on ood alert. High tides and further storms blowing in from the Atlantic are leaving coastal areas - particularly in southern England - at risk of more ooding. The Thames Barrier remains closed to protect London from tidal surges. Forecaster Matt Dobson for MeteoGroup said the rain simply has nowhere to go after weeks of severe weather has saturated the ground and swelled rivers. He added: Its very unusual to have so many powerful storms come in one after the other in such a short space of time, we havent seen anything like this since about 1991. The nasty weather of the last few days is going to continue across the UK, with the combination of high tides and a powerful storm putting coastal areas particularly at risk. Any rain will mean more ooding as the ground is saturated and swollen rivers are coming up against strong waves. The water simply has nowhere to go. Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings of ice and rain, predicting river and surface ooding as well as travel disruption mainly in south Wales and the south west and south east of England. Up to 40mm of rain could fall in higher ground. Inland rainfall will put pressure on rivers, endangering nearby communities including those along the River Medway in Kent. the River Thames in

A large wave crashes over the promenade at high tide in Aberystwyth, Mid Wales, yesterday. when photographing waves from a harbour jetty. In the town debris was strewn across the promenade, rail lines in north Wales were left buckled by the power of the sea and a road collapsed in Amroth, Pembrokeshire. The strong tides were said to be the worst to batter the Welsh coast in 15 years. Aberystwyth University has deferred the start of the examination period by one week and was advising students not to travel to the coastal town until the middle of next week. Emergency services rescued four people from a ooded farm in Llanbedr near Barmouth, north west Wales, the River Severn burst its banks in Gloucestershire for the second day running and a pregnant woman was rescued after 30 properties were ooded in Cardigan, mid-Wales. Part of the sea wall behind the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe collapsed because of the storms. The coastal surge in recent days has tested over 3,000km of ood defences in England and over 205,000 properties have been protected. Trains have also suffered disruption with services in west Wales and from Newport and Bristol to the south coast affected by the weather. There were also delays at the Port of Dover because of force ve winds. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said: The worst of the bad weather is not yet over so Ive chaired an emergency meeting of all departments involved to make sure that preparations to respond are in hand. Our ood defences have worked very well and have protected 205,000 homes at risk. Id like to thank the Environment Agency, local councils, public utilities and emergency services who have worked tirelessly over the last week. Id also like to thank soldiers from 36 Engineer Regiment and 2 Royal Gurkha Ries who have helped to ll additional sandbags today in Kent. I would urge all those in at risk areas to sign up to the Environment Agency warnings and listen to advice being issued.

A flooded road in the village of Yalding in Kent yesterday. Oxford and Osney and the River Severn Estuary in Gloucestershire. The strong winds, persistent rain and tidal waves are predicted to the batter the UK for at least another two days, as emergency services attempt to cope with the trail of devastation already created by the severe weather. More than 200 homes have been ooded from Cornwall to Scotland, with miles of coastline battered and roads and elds across the country left under water. Prime Minister David Cameron praised the great work of the emergency services and Environment Agency in responding to the latest oods and defended the Governments ooding policy in protecting 200,000 homes. Meanwhile, searches resumed in south Devon for missing 18-year-old university student Harry Martin who was last seen leaving his home to take photographs of the weather - with more than 100 people volunteering to look for him. Two people have already died in the storms. A 27-year-old man from Surrey was found on Porthleven Sands beach in Cornwall after he was swept out to sea on New Years Eve night, and a woman died after being rescued from the sea in Croyde Bay, north Devon. Officials around the country have pleaded with people to keep away as dozens put their life at risk by going to coastal areas to watch as the storm brought waves up to 40ft high crashing on to land. A man and child were almost swept away by a huge wave at Mullion Cove in Cornwall as they peered over the sea wall to watch the raging sea, and elsewhere in Cornwall vehicles driving on a coastal road were swamped and almost washed away by a tidal surge. Elsewhere in Cornwall, Sergeant Regie Butler pulled a man who had been drinking from the sea at Towan Beach, Newquay after he had ignored police warnings about the erce storms. In Aberystwyth, Dyfed a man was rescued by lifeboat after he deed police warnings and became trapped

Senior Lib Dem calls for end to coalition

Evening Standard London

David Cameron will not participate in a television debate against Alex Salmond on Scottish independence.

Campaign on Scotland must be of the head and heart

Evening Standard London

committee of backbench Government MPs should be formed to agree how the coalition should split while ministers keep working at keeping the administration running, a former Liberal Democrat leader has said. Sir Menzies Campbell said three MPs from each party who have never been in Government should sit down to negotiate an amicable end to the alliance. But in an interview with Total Politics magazine, the outgoing North East Fife MP conceded he had yet to convince anyone of the merits of his proposal. He said: The ministers will have to keep going to the very end. Why? Because the country has to be governed. But I think we should accept that the points going to come

at which politically we may be together governmentally, but politically were going to start - well its started with differentiation - moving away from each other. And we should do that without recrimination or acrimony or intimidation or anything of that kind. Why? Because it is very damaging for both parties if it breaks up in a row, or a series of rows. But more to the point, it would have a considerable impact on the creditability of coalition. Menzies said his pitch was not a job application and that choosing the representatives for each side should be left to Nick Clegg and David Cameron. In other comments to the magazine, 72-year-old Menzies warned it was very foolish for the parties to rely entirely on 45-year-olds as leaders. I think its very, very foolish of political parties to think

that the only way in which you can run a successful political system is to have 45-year-olds. Doesnt work. I was 46 (when I was elected), he said. Id done about 18 years at the bar ... I prosecuted serious crime, I defended serious crime. I did a lot of matrimonial work in the early days. By doing that, one had a pretty good idea of the kind of stresses and strains which people have to face in their daily lives. Current Lib Dem leader Clegg is 46, while the prime minister is 47. Menzies added: (More senior MPs) give a depth of, if you like, corporate knowledge for Parliament. I think its becoming increasingly clear that people wont do 20-odd years, or very rarely, particularly on the Conservative side. People may come in for two or three parliaments.

he campaign to stop Scottish independence must centre around arguments of the head and heart instead of economics, David Cameron has urged. Cameron said the UK is a place of security in a diverse, dangerous world and pledged to work very hard to play my part in the referendum. But the PM will not take part in a public debate with Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond. Number 10 conrmed the boycott following the publication of a new SNP poll indicating a substantial proportion of the population would like to see them go head-to-head on television. Speaking in the Sunday Times Scotland newspaper, Cameron said: Weve just got to keep pushing both the arguments of the head and those of the heart. I think the arguments of the head weve been winning very strongly. We now need to win

some of the arguments of the heart. The UK is not something to want to belong to simply for economic reasons, but actually for emotional and historic reasons. He added: In a diverse, dangerous world, the security of the United Kingdom; the ability to be part of something that could be a great success story, just as it has been in the past - we need to win those arguments. He continued: Obviously Im very concerned that we win this referendum. I think the argument has been going the way of the United Kingdom, but it will not be won until every last vote is counted. Cameron has come under renewed pressure for a televised debate with Salmond following his New Year message urging England, Wales and Northern Ireland to send a message to Scotland that we want you to stay . Cameron has steadfastly refused Salmonds challenge, insisting the debate should be

amongst the people of Scotland. But in a new letter to Number 10, Salmond told the PM that his New Year plea to Scotland undermined this argument. Salmond said: I note that you used the centre-piece of your New Year address to attack Scottish independence. It seems that you want to dictate the terms of the debate about Scotlands future without taking the democratic responsibility to defend your views in open debate. That is simply unacceptable. A Number 10 spokeswoman said: The prime minister is prime minister of the whole United Kingdom and of course has a role in the referendum campaign, however, he believes that the debate should be led by Scots in Scotland and that is why Alistair Darling will lead for the No campaign. A Panelbase poll, commissioned by the SNP, found over three-fths of people in Scotland and over half in the rest of the UK want a TV debate between Mr

Salmond and Mr Cameron, compared with around a quarter on both sides of the border who do not. Deputy rst minister Nicola Sturgeon said: While David Cameron is happy to pull the strings of the No campaign from 10 Downing Street, he is scared to debate with Alex Salmond faceto-face. As the principal signatories of the Edinburgh Agreement, the natural progression in these circumstances is a televised, head-to-head debate between Cameron and Alex Salmond - a democratic position supported by a substantial majority of people north and south of the border. A spokesman for pro-independence campaign Yes Scotland said: A televised debate with the First Minister and Prime Minister will help Scots choose between the two futures on offer and ensure that the UK Government fully explains why it is willing to implement unwanted policies north of the border.

BNP official compares broke Griffins situation to Schumi

Evening Standard London

press officer for the British National Party has joked that bankrupt party leader Nick Griffin would be the envy of racing driver Michael Schumacher - because he is not in a coma. Simon Darbys comment to a Huffington Post UK reporter was made after Griffin announced he would continue as an MEP and run for re-election in May despite ling for bankruptcy. Mr Darby reportedly said: Look at it this way. Michael Schumacher has millions in the bank, but hed do anything to be in Nicks position now wouldnt he. Seven-time Formula One champion Schumacher is still ghting for his life after a serious skiing accident in France. Fans gathered outside Grenoble hospital to mark his 45th birthday today.A listing at the Insolvency Service showed Mr Griffin was declared bankrupt at Welshpool

and Newtown County Court yesterday. Bankruptcy will inevitably cast further doubts on the suitability of him being a lawmaker in the European Parliament. But Mr Griffin tweeted: Being bankrupt does not prevent me being or standing as an MEP. It does free me from nancial worries. A good day! Party funds are not affected in any way. Mr Griffin, who was elected an MEP for the North West region of England in 2009, will be automatically discharged from bankruptcy in one year, on January 2 2015, in accordance with the Insolvency Act.Bankruptcy in itself does not bar someone from being a member of the European Parliament or standing for election, according to the Electoral Commission. Restrictions are only triggered if an individual is made subject to a bankruptcy restrictions order or debt relief restrictions order. The Insolvency Service said such orders had not been made in Griffins case.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

17

BRITAIN

Migrants will make life tougher, says Miliband

Miliband contends that low paid migrants drive down wages
Evening Standard4 London

d Miliband yesterday warned that an inux of low-skilled workers from Romania and Bulgaria will make life tougher for Britons as they grapple with a cost of living squeeze. The Labour leader pledged to take action to tackle a legal loophole used to exploit cheap foreign workers, adding that he wanted to address understandable fears over immigration. He conceded that some UK nationals lose out due to new arrivals, backing stronger border controls and fair benet curbs. But, writing in the Independent yesterday, he said the key was ending the countrys chronic dependency on low-skill, low-wage labour . Among steps Labour would take if it won the 2015 general election would be ending the ability of unscrupulous bosses to undercut regular staff by paying agency workers lower wages, he said. The TUC claims agency staff are paid up to 135 a week less than permanent staff despite working in the same place and doing the same job because of a loophole in the Agency Workers Directive. Migrants are over-represented among the estimated 1mn agency workers in the UK, especially in sectors such as call centres, food production and logistics. Miliband said he would work with the business sector to end the practice. Unless we act to change our economy, low-skill immigration risks making the problems of the cost of living crisis worse for those at the sharp end, Miliband wrote four days after workers from the two eastern EU states gained unfettered access. When millions of workers already have low pay and poor job security in Britain and we add high levels of low skilled migration mostly from within the EU, some benet but some lose out, He added: It isnt prejudiced to believe

Victor Spirescu Ed Miliband: says migrant workers could have an impact on people dealing with rises in the cost of living. that. Miliband has conceded that the previous Labour administration was wrong not to impose transitional controls when Poland joined the EU - with far more arriving from there than anticipated. No official estimates have been given of the number of Romanians and Bulgarians likely to take advantage of the end of the restrictions later imposed on their countries. But amid claims they could number up to 50,000, Prime Minister David Cameron has rushed through measures restricting access to jobless benets and NHS healthcare. They came in the face of demands from Tories fearful of the threat posed by the eurosceptic UK Independence Party which is tipped to push the party into third place in Mays European election. Miliband wrote: Whatever the numbers of people that eventually come here, the concern that this has highlighted is not going away. Our country faces a fundamental question. Britain has succeeded through the centuries as an economy that reaches outwards to the world. Can we maintain that tradition and meet deep public concern about immigration? I believe we can. But only if we understand the sources of anxiety and act on them. This cost of living crisis is the most important context for the debate about immigration. It understandably makes people more fearful of the change that immigration brings. Of course effective border control is important and while all the evidence is that most people come here to contribute, we need a benets system that is seen to be fair. But this can only be a part of the solution because public concern about immigration is also a symptom of a deeper problem: an economy that no longer works for most working people. He said the British exit from the EU called for by Ukip and some Tory MPs would be a disaster - robbing the country of high-skilled foreign workers and forcing Britons working abroad to return home. If people want a party that will cut itself off from the rest of the world, or pretend we should try, that is not the Labour Party. But if people want a party that will set the right rules to stop a race to the bottom with workers coming here from abroad, Labour is that party. Miliband repeated pledges to impose higher nes on rms that fail to pay the minimum wage, ban recruitment agencies for hiring only from abroad and force large rms hiring skilled workers from outside the EU to take on an apprentice at the same time.

Romanian migrant a media star in Britain

Agencies London

PM makes pension vow in bid to attract elderly voters

Evening Standard London

T
Gatwicks bosses to face MPs on Dec 25 blackout
Evening Standard London

uaranteed rises in the basic state pension will continue if the Conservatives win the next election, David Cameron has pledged. The PM vowed to retain the triple lock system which means the state pension will always rise by whichever is highest out of ination, average earnings, or 2.5%. In a bid to reassure older voters, Cameron said the payouts would continue to rise according to the formula until at least 2020. The pledge comes as OAPs face the prospect of a post-election squeeze on benets including winter fuel payments, bus passes, TV licences and prescriptions as the government tries to reign in spending on the UKs ageing population. But Cameron insisted that pensions would not be hit by continued austerity measures. A Conservative government will offer pensioners a more secure future by pledging today that we will carry on using the triple lock after the next election to protect the basic state pension, he said. We can only afford to do this because we are taking difficult decisions to cut the decit and get spending under control as part of our long-term economic plan. I want to do everything we can to help people who have worked hard and done the right thing. The basic state pension will be around 440 a year higher from April than if it had been uprated in line with average earnings since 2011-12, Downing Street said. Mr Cameron has already indicated that the state pension would be the only spending exempt from a new cap on overall welfare spending. Conservatives contrasted that with comments made by shadow work and pensions secretary Rachel Reeves that they would be included by Labour. The Opposition subsequently said it was committed to the triple lock and that Reeves had been speaking about long-term policy over the next 50 years. Chancellor George Osborne warned in his Autumn Statement that the state pension system faced collapse without action to reduce the cost to taxpayers. His solution was to tell millions of people in their 30s and 40s they will have to wait until they are 68 or 69 before qualifying for a state pension.That sparked union protests that young people were being expected to work until they drop .

Cameron: says pensions will continue to rise using the triple lock formula. Cameron has faced criticism - including from senior Tory Cabinet colleagues for making and sticking by a 2010 election promise not to cut OAP benets. Chancellor George Osborne has indicated they could be reviewed in the years after the election because we have got to look at how we can afford them . Labour has said it would strip winter fuel payments from the richest 5% of pensioners and the Liberal Democrats have also said they would means-test the benets. Lib Dem former cabinet minister Chris Huhne has accused politicians of pandering to the selsh, short-sighted old because they are the group most likely to vote. Cameron told the Sunday Times the pension pledge was the rst plank of the next general election manifesto. In a civilised society...knowing youre going to have a decent state pension...is, I think, a really powerful thing. Defending the decision to raise the pension age, he said: People arent stupid they know that you can only pay a decent state pension if you take tough, difficult, long-term decisions. Liberal Democrat pensions minister Steve Webb said in June that, while he backed the continuation of the triple lock, parties would need to examine whether it remained affordable post-2015. In his newspaper interview, Cameron said he hoped to be able to offer tax cuts as the economy improved and left open the door to a further reduction in the top rate of income tax. The PM faces calls from right-wing MPs to bring it down from 45p - despite the controversial move from 50p already exposing the party to Labour claims of offering tax cuts to millionaires. That move had brought in extra revenue to the Treasury, he insisted, adding: Tax rates should be set to raise money, not to send messages. Im interested in making sure that the rich in this country pay a lot of tax, which they do - they are paying a bigger share... than they were. If people can bring forward arguments about how to maximise the revenue from the top rate of tax. Im always interested to read them. Shadow chief secretary to the Treasury Chris Leslie said: While ordinary families are facing a cost-of-living crisis it seems David Cameron wants to give people earning over 150,000 yet another tax cut. Working people are on average 1,600 a year worse off since the Tories came to office. But once again this Prime Minister seems determined to be on the side of the privileged few. Paul Green from the over 50s-specialist Saga, said: David Camerons commitment to the triple lock for the state pension will be warmly welcomed by British pensioners, giving them condence that their lifetime of work will be properly valued by society. Cameron also admitted to the newspaper that the Government had not yet won the hearts and minds of Scottish people over independence, but unionists were winning the heads on the economy and jobs in sectors including nance and defence north of the border. The UK is not something to want to belong to simply for economic reasons, but actually for emotional and historic reasons, he said.

atwick bosses are being summoned by MPs to explain the Christmas Eve chaos that left thousands of travellers stranded. The House of Commons Transport Committee wants senior executives from the airport to appear in front of a hearing into the cancellations, which were caused by a power failure. It emerged as the committee published a report warning that Britain needs to improve its defences against winter snow and storms that disrupt railways, roads and air travel. Committee chairwoman Louise Ellman said: The Civil Aviation Authority must get to the bottom of what went wrong and how airports can avoid similar situations in the future. Police had to be called in to help Gatwick staff deal with passengers described as extremely upset after severe ooding blacked out an electricity substation, cutting power to the north terminal. Some were kept waiting 12 hours before being told their ight was being cancelled. A total of 62 departures and 59 arrivals were cancelled, while other ights were switched to the south terminal. The disruption is being investigated by the Civil Aviation Authority. Gatwick has said a full review is also being led by David McMillan, a non-executive director of the airport. His ndings will be published in February. The report on the transport network called for better information for the public and backed rail bosses who cancel services before a storm hits, on the grounds it causes less disruption. Gatwick said in a statement that it had spent 20 million on ood defences and would take further action if needed. We continually strive to put the welfare of our passengers rst and to minimise the impact of severe weather on their journeys, it said.

he British media had warned of a ood of new Bulgarian and Romanian migrants arriving on January 1, but judging by this weeks coverage, they only appeared to have found one. Victor Spirescu, a 30-yearold Romanian, has become an unexpected star after ying into Luton airport, north of London, on the day EU labour market restrictions on his nation and Bulgaria were lifted. He has become the face of the new arrivals, featuring in several national newspapers in Britainincluding for a double-page spread in The Times appearing on Sky News and has been interviewed by the Romanian media back home. The Daily Telegraph newspaper even travelled to Romania to interview his 19-year-old ancee, Catalina Curcean, in what it called their ramshackle house outside the village of Pelisor in Transylvania. A gaggle of journalists had gathered to greet Spirescus ight on January 1, in hopes of a story about hordes of migrants arriving to seek work and possibly to abuse Britains welfare system. Media panic about the new inux and fears about benets tourism had led the British government to rush through measures in December restricting access to unemployment hand-outs to new EU migrants. But of the 140 passengers on board the 180-seat plane from Tirgu Mures in central Romania, most were already working in Britain and were returning from their Christmas holidays. Spirescu was one of the exceptions, making his rst trip to Britain to earn enough money to take home so he and his future wife could nish renovating their house. He was greeted by television cameras and two members of parliament, who said they wanted to see for themselves the rst day of unrestricted migration to Britain. The media attention has continued all weekand although Spirescu appeared relaxed when he appeared on Sky News on Sunday for a live panel discussion on immigration, he admitted it was a little weird. When I go in supermarkets, all the people look at me. I see a little girl, she said to her mum, hey this is the guy off the television , he said. He added that everyone had been very friendly .

Within a day of arriving, Spirescu had found a job washing cars at a supermarket in Biggleswade, west of Cambridge, although he hopes to win more lucrative work in construction. Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron has refused to say how many new migrants are expected, after the last Labour government underestimated by almost 1mn the number of Poles arriving after Poland joined the EU in 2004. Politicians and media who gathered at airports on New Years Day waiting for Romanian and Bulgarian migrants have been mocked by the countrys ambassador to Britain. Ion Jinga compared them to characters in Samuel Becketts Waiting for Godot play in which two men wait endlessly for someone called Godot.

The media attention has continued all week and although Spirescu appeared relaxed when he appeared on Sky News on Sunday for a live panel discussion on immigration, he admitted it was a little weird
Writing for The Huffington Post a day after restrictions on migrants from Romania and Bulgaria working in Britain were lifted, Jinga said: It seems that a new version of Waiting for Godot is being reinvented by part of the British media and by some politicians who are desperately waiting for the arrival of millions of Romanians after 1 January 2014. Journalists and distinguished British MPs who went to Luton airport on the 1 January... discovered that only two Romanians came to the UK to take advantage of the lifting of border restrictions, and both having rm job offers - one washing cars, the other as a doctor in Essex. The overwhelming majority of the passengers were Romanians returning to jobs after having enjoyed Christmas with their families at home, or Britons coming home after skiing in the Carpathians. The article was later amended to remove mention of politicians. Yesterday Border Force guards swooped on a group of Romanian migrants sleeping rough close to Londons Marble Arch. Among them was a woman who claimed she had moved to Britain in order to claim free hospital treatment on the NHS. The group were detained, nger printed and photographed, before being driven away in three Home Office vans.

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Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

EUROPE

Greek graft probe brings belated gains

The former minister said he couldnt remember how many bribes he took
AFP Athens

Anti-tax protest

corruption probe into long-forgotten defence contracts has given authorities in Greece a small nancial victory, along with the promise of revelations into decade-old graft. The sum of over 9mn has been handed over to the state by Antonis Kantas, a former defence ministry official turned state witness. Kantas, 72, was a deputy procurement director at the defence ministry from 1997 to 2002. He has admitted pocketing over 10mn from kickbacks related to the purchase of submarines, rockets, ghter aircraft and tanks. I took so many bribes that I cannot remember them all, Kantas said in his testimony, according to press reports. Kantas had served under socialist defence minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos, 73, who was jailed in October for money laundering. That 20-year prison sentence has loosened tongues after years of silence. Kantas was originally arrested in September, but the bulk of his testimony began pouring out last week. He has since named about a dozen other suspects, most of them businessmen and weapons intermediaries, but justice officials are hoping to net bigger sh among the Greek political elite. We are determined, any hint of corruption will be investigated to the end, government spokesman Simos Kedikoglou said on Friday. A decade earlier, a parliamentary committee had found insufficient evidence to indict Tsochatzopoulos over the suspect purchase of Russian Tor-M1 anti-aircraft missiles. Kedikoglou had been a member of that committee, and noted on Friday that lawmakers at the time had been frustrated by the lack of evidence against the former minister.

It was an awful feeling, to understand that something is wrong but to not be able to prove it, Kedikoglou told SKAI Radio. We had very little access to documents. We had very little evidence, he said. A justice source told AFP this week that there are hundreds of millions of euros from procurement programmes spread out in accounts around the world. It takes time to open these accounts because intermediaries and offshore companies are involved. It is certain that politicians are behind such cases, and witnesses are covering up for them, the source added. The investigation however still faces major hurdles. One of the new suspects named by Kantas is an 83-year-old ailing businessman who nearly collapsed during testimony. Another suspect claims to suffer from amnesia. The case has dominated headlines in a country suffering from four years of straight austerity cuts and trying to recover from a six-year recession. This particular case occurred at a time when Greece was spendingmns of euros on weapons in a costly arms race with neighbouring Turkey. To placate public anger, the nance ministry this week said the money returned by Kantas would be diverted to health and education, which have sustained major budget cuts in recent years. However, many in the country doubt that endemic corruption in public office will be eradicated as a result of the investigation. Also this week, the chairman of Greeces main childrens hospital was arrested after he was taped allegedly accepting a 25,000 bribe. Did the bribe tsunami described by Kantas cease after his departure? Or is it still ongoing? main opposition party Syriza said in a statement. The case is bad news for the conservative-socialist coalition government ahead of local elections in May. The conservatives and socialists have ruled Greece for the past 40 years, and are considered responsible for its nancial and corruption ills.

A protester wearing a red cap, the symbol of protest in Brittany, displays one of the Breton regional flags during a demonstration demanding that employees be retained and an ecotax on commercial trucks be scrapped, in Nantes. The ecotax is a new environmental tax on heavy goods vehicles which the French government hopes to implement, through which it aims to raise more than 1bn a year to finance mostly rail infrastructure projects.

Pressure mounts on French comedian

AFP Paris

he mayor of Paris yesterday joined Frances interior minister in calling for comedian Dieudonne, whose vitriolic brand of humour targeting Jews has caused outrage, to be banned from the stage. Dieudonne has been part of Frances comedy scene for years, but while he started out with a Jewish comedian in sketches that mocked racism, he gradually veered to the farright and alienated some fans with anti-Jewish commentshis latest being a joke about gas chambers. Speaking on Europe 1 radio, Paris mayor Bertrand Delanoe likened Dieudonne to a criminal who defends crimes against humanity . We must ban the performances (of the comedian), he said, echoing recent comments made by Interior Minister Manuel Valls. Dieudonne has been ned several times for defamation, using insulting language, hate speech and racial discrimination, and a provocative arm gesture he makes has been described as an upside down Nazi salute. Dieudonne argues that the horrors of the Holocaust are given too much focus to the exclusion of other crimes, like slavery and racism, and says his so-called quenelle gesture merely represents his anti-establishment views. The gesture has landed several personalities in hot water, including footballer Nicolas Anelka, who used it to celebrate a goal. SOS Racisme , an organisation that ghts racism, announced yesterday it would take to court anyone

Dieudonne who spread pictures of or did the quenelle in locations such as synagogues or Holocaust memorials that leave no doubt as to the anti-semitic nature of the gesture. Valls, meanwhile, has said he is examining options to ban performances by a man he brands as a little trader of hate , outraged by Dieudonnes latest jibe against Jewish radio presenter Patrick Cohen. When I hear Patrick Cohen speak, I tell myself, you know, the gas chambers... A shame, Dieudonne had said in comments lmed secretly at a show and then aired on French television. Valls has also asked Dieudonne to pay some 65,000 he has run up in nes. Officials in several cities where Dieudonne is set to perform during a nationwide tour this month have also said they are trying to ban his show. And veteran Nazi hunters Serge and Beate Klarsfeld have called for a protest on Wednesday at a theatre in the western city of Nantes, where Dieudonne is due to perform. The controversy comes at a sensitive time for France, where racism has shot to the fore after the countrys black justice minister was the victim of a series of racial jibesprompting President Francois Hollande to pledge intransigence on racism in his New Years address.

Pope announces visit to Holy Land

AFP Vatican

ope Francis said yesterday he will make his rst trip to the Holy Land, visiting Amman, Bethlehem and Jerusalem from May 24 to 26. In the climate of joy typical of this Christmas period, I would like to announce that from May 24 to 26, God willing, I will carry out a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Francis told crowds gathered in St Peters Square for the traditional Angelus prayer. Francis said the date of the announcement January 5 was signicant because it commemorates the historic meeting between pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras I of Constantinople , 50 years ago. Their meeting in 1964 in Jerusalem led to the rescinding of the excommunications of 1054 that caused the Great Schism between the churches of the East and West. During the visit, the pontiff said he would hold an ecumenical meeting with all the representatives of the Christian Churches in Jerusalem

at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in East Jerusalem, venerated as the place where Jesus was buried. Francis was invited to visit the Holy Land by Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, who said he would walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ . The 77-year-old pontiff has made many appeals for peace in the Middle East. During his meeting with Abbas, he called for a just and lasting solution to the conict between Israelis and Palestinians. The pontiff s visit had been anticipated by the Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot, which said Francis would celebrate a high mass in Bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of Jesus. The daily said Israeli authorities were unhappy with the brevity of the visit and the fact that the prelate will not celebrate mass in Israel, but in the West Bank, in the Palestinian territories. Francis made no mention of plans to hold a mass in Bethlehem in his announcement. Unconrmed information from Roman Catholic sources in the Holy

Land had earlier indicated a possible papal visit to a refugee camp for Syrians in Jordan. The Argentine pontiff s predecessor, Benedict XVI, visited Israel and the Palestinian territories in 2009. Israel and the Vatican rst established full diplomatic relations in 1993, but have been engaged in years of thorny diplomatic negotiations over property rights and tax exemptions for the Catholic Church, which have yet to be fully resolved. The Vatican used the term State of Palestine for the rst time in January 2013. The news of the popes trip came as US Secretary of State John Kerry was in the Middle East to push a framework for peace talks and broker negotiations which resumed in July after a three-year hiatus. The Palestinians want borders based on the 1967 lines that existed before the Six-Day War, when Israel captured the West Bank, including now annexed Arab east Jerusalem. But Israel wants to retain existing settlements it has built inside occupied Palestinian territory since then.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

19

EUROPE

10,000 gather for new rally by opposition in Ukraine

The opposition has stretched out the protests but the authorities seem resolute
AFP Kiev

ore than 10,000 people gathered in central Kiev yesterday for the rst major opposition rally of the new year as protests against Ukraines scrapping of an EU pact stretched into a seventh week. Opposition leaders including former heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko urged the crowd to continue the standoff on Independence Square, also known as the Maidan, where protesters have been camped out since late November. The authorities are pretending they cannot hear us. I know its hard for us, but we have enough strength to win, Klitschko said. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych last month triggered massive protests by deciding not to sign an Association Agreement with the European Union under pressure from the Kremlin. He then caused further anger by violently dispersing protesters, many of them students, using tear gas and stun grenades. At their height, the opposition protests drew as many as 200,000 people to the Maidan. Russian President Vladimir Putin in December responded by offering Ukraine a $15bn bail-out package and slashing the price Ukraine has to pay for natural gas imports. Klitschko, who leads the UDAR (Punch)opposition party, said that a new wave of protests would begin after public holidays to celebrate Orthodox Christmas today and tomorrow. He also announced plans for a general strike, which he said would be rst a strike warning and then a real one if the authorities dont want to listen to us. I am sure we will force the authori-

Protesters play table tennis at a pro-Europe supporters camp on Independence Square in Kiev. The Independent yesterday that the MP had suffered a fractured jaw and concussion. Shortly before the attack, Illienko had been speaking to officers at Shevchenko District police station about an incident in which the Svoboda Party accused police of conspiring with nationalist marchers who threw aming torches at a Kiev hotel on New Years Day. In a statement responding to the assault on Illienko, the party said: The Svoboda Party considers this attack as a particularly cynical attempt on the life of a statesman. This attack was planned in advance, with thugs and police acting as a coalition. A recent string of attacks has targeted the opposition and pro-EU activists who have led ve weeks of protests against the governments rejection of a free trade and political integration agreement with the EU in favour of closer ties with Russia. On Christmas Eve, a pro-EU activist, Dmitry Pylypets, was stabbed outside his apartment in Kharkiv, eastern Ukraine. Opposition journalist Tetyana Chornovol was beaten unconscious after assailants drove her car off the road on Christmas Day. In the past month, police have raided an opposition headquarters and three critical news outlets, seizing hard drives and computer servers. Authorities have twice used force to try to clear protesters from Kievs Independence Square. Police announced yesterday that they had opened an investigation into the latest attack but had no suspects.

Protesters wearing masks depicting Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a rally at Independence Square in Kiev. ties to take the citizens into account, he said. Opposition leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk also urged the demonstrators to maintain their protest camp on the Maidan, which they have sealed off with improvised barricades. This year will be a very difficult one for us. We must hold onto the Maidan, he said. Supporters at the rally expressed determination to continue the protest. I will denitely keep coming to Kiev, because the authorities are just waiting for support to weaken in order to disperse the Maidan. But people are ready to ght to the end, said teacher Olena Bilyk, who had travelled from the southern Mykolaiv region. Klitschko said that the opposition needed more than moral support in its campaign against the government. Addressing a rally of some 10,000 supporters in central Kiev, Klitschko renewed calls for the European Union to impose sanctions on the countrys leadership. Moral support for opponents of the government is not enough, he said. Meanwhile The Independent reports that a parliamentarian who organised Ukraines pro-EU protests, in which thousands demanded the removal of President Viktor Yanukovych, was assaulted on Friday night in the latest in a series of violent attacks on the demonstrations organisers. Andriy Illienko, a Svoboda Party MP, and party activist and lawyer Sydir Kizin were leaving a police station in central Kiev when they were set upon by a gang of youths. Around a dozen men reportedly kicked and punched the two men but ed when the attack was interrupted by two passers-by, who Svoboda said had rescued their members from probable death . An ambulance crew at the scene told

Anti-Roma bias aids far-right in central Europe

Reuters Cierny Balog, Slovakia

he people of this peaceful village at the foot of the Slovak mountains vented their anger over unemployment by electing as their regional governor a man who calls his Roma compatriots parasites and admires a wartime gure who collaborated with the Nazis. Marian Kotlebas landslide victory in November exposed pent-up frustration over unemployment and neglect by mainstream parties, together with a deep-seated animosity towards the Roma, factors that have built support for extremist politicians in Slovakia and elsewhere in central Europe. Still, many were shocked when Kotleba - a former high school teacher who looks back fondly on the Slovak state that was allied with the Nazis during World War Two - came from nowhere to win 77% of the vote in Balog, 260 km northeast of Bratislava, the capital. Overall, in the central Slovak region of Banska Bystrica, he won 55%, enough to become regional governor and a further sign that some European voters frustrated with the economic crisis were willing to take chances with extremists. Nationalist sentiment is increasingly directed against Slovakias Roma, a minority of 400,000 in the country of 5.4mn who live on the fringes of society, suffering from poverty, poor education and limited job prospects. In some settlements they have no access to running water. With European Union expansion opening borders, deprived regions have seen waves of departures, including some of Europes 10mn Roma, to countries such as Canada and Britain, where immigration has again become a hot issue. British Prime Minister David Cameron has imposed new regulations on migrants amid fears of an inux of poor people from Romania and Bulgaria, for whom restrictions on free movement within the EU expired at the end of December. Kotleba, who did not respond to requests to be interviewed for

General view of Cierny Balog. this article, ran on a platform that derided Gypsy parasites . Some Roma, whose forebears arrived in central Europe from India in the Middle Ages, see Gypsy as a derogatory term. Kotleba once ran a party that was disbanded for racial hatred. The 36-year-old has organised marches in military-style uniforms and praised Jozef Tiso, the wartime leader of Nazi-allied Slovakia. His partys newsletters talk about desperate villages and towns suffering from crime and terror from Gypsy extremists . We voted for him out of desperation, said Martina Strorcova, a pub owner in Cierny Balog. She says local people on low incomes often accuse Roma of drawing welfare benets while not being willing to work. It is bad to see how some of us toil and others take social support, Strorcova said. The pub in the village centre only has two customers at lunchtime, and Strorcova says business is tough. People who work at the local iron works bring home just 430 a month. The Slovak minimum wage is 337 a month, less than 2 an hour, against the equivalent of 7.50 in Britain. Cierny Balogs 5,000 inhabitants include about 700 out of work during the winter, said social worker Lubomira Pancikova. The problem is unemployment, not only among the Roma but overall. Young people run away, men and women in their most productive years, Pancikova said. The official jobless rate in the region is 18.1%, although in some areas it tops 30%. It is the second worst in the country and far above the national average of 13.7%. Kotleba promises to create jobs through public works schemes, setting up public companies and farms. He wants to give normal people, and the Roma, a pick-axe in their hands and make them work, said Ivana Galusova, who voted for Kotleba. In fact, Kotleba may not be able to do much. He will be isolated in a regional assembly dominated by Smer, the leftist party of Prime Minister Robert FiCo In some places, tension has been high between the Roma and the rest of the population. The European Commissioner for education, Androulla Vassiliou, called on authorities in Kosice in August to tear down a wall separating a Roma neighbourhood from the rest of the eastern Slovak city - a means of segregation used by local authorities in several places in eastern Europe. In Hungary, a court jailed four neo-Nazis for killing members of Roma families in a spree of racist violence in 2008 and 2009. The gang killed six Roma in carefully planned attacks. Around the region, anti-Roma sentiment has helped the far-right to win votes. In Hungary, the Jobbik party has vilied the Roma, in addition to employing anti-Semitic language. In Romania, mayor Catalin Chereches of the northern town of Baia Mare scored more than 86% in local elections in 2012 after relocating Roma families - and building a concrete wall around their neighbourhood. Some members of Bulgarias nationalist Attack party, which has seats in parliament, wear swastikas on their shirts and make Nazi salutes at rallies. Czech riot police had to intervene repeatedly this year to halt marches by hundreds of people on Roma neighbourhoods, in places where communities have swollen due to a government housing subsidy programme. In Balog, where several hundred Roma live in impoverished settlements around the village, there are no open clashes. But Jozef Bartos, a 20-yearold Roma, fears Kotlebas victory might lead to trouble. We do not have problems here ... but we have to be ready to protect ourselves, be prepared if someone comes at us, said Bartos, who shares a tworoom shack with no running water or sewerage with his wife, 18-month-old baby and parents. He said he can make 17 a day, but only nds work in a few days a month. Slovakia is a post-communist success story, having joined the

euro in 2009 and going through the global economic crisis almost unscathed. Gross domestic product per head is at 76% of the EU average, up from 54% a decade ago. But economic development, based mainly on car exports, has been uneven. Mountain ranges separate the richer west, connected to Austria and the Czech Republic, from the poorer centre and east, traditionally home to most Slovak Roma. Companies focused on heavy industry and arms manufacture there collapsed and there has been no substitution, said sociologist Lubomir Faltan of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Successive governments on right and left have done little to address social and ethnic problems, he said, and the economic crisis has made things worse. The Roma community has a double disadvantage. They do not have any qualications, they can be used only for manual work, if they are willing to work, he said. There are villages where unemployment is 80%, and Roma populations with almost 100% unemployment. Communities with high unemployment, Roma or majority Slovak, are prone to crime - mostly petty theft, Faltan said. The long-term unemployed often become resigned and settle for handouts and casual work. The government has been running inclusion programmes, some with the help of EU money. This is a warning sign. People and politicians in this country must realise that it is no longer possible to hide away from the Roma problem, Peter Pollak, the Slovak government representative for the Roma community, told local media. The government is responding to public resentment over welfare abuse with legislation that will deduct any court nes from handouts and also link the payments to participation in public works programmes. A plan drafted last year also calls for tying welfare payments to childrens school attendance, and for expanding pre-school education. Prime Minister Fico, whose incumbent candidate Vladimir

Jozef Bartos, a 20-year-old Roma, holds his child in front of shacks belonging to Roma. Manka lost the election to Kotleba, however blamed the media and the centre-right parties for Kotlebas victory. I do not feel responsibility for the result, he told a news conference. For you, anything that is against Smer is good. The European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC), a Hungarianbased non-governmental advocacy group, said the Roma in Slovakia are discriminated against in all aspects of life. They are likely to be forcibly evicted from their homes, face segregated or low quality education and nd it much harder to get work, said ERRCs Marek Szilvasi. But Kotlebas victory merely reected what a lot of the political class had been thinking in Slovakia, he said.

MALL CINEMA (1): Drishyam (Malayalam) 2 & 5pm; Dhoom 3 (Hindi) 8pm. Police Story (2D) 11.15pm. MALL CINEMA (2): Khumba (3D) 2.30 & 4.30pm; Frozen (3D) 6.30pm; Police Story (2D) 8.30pm; Drishyam (Malayalam) 10.30pm. MALL CINEMA (3): Walking W/Dinosaurs (3D) 3pm; The Day (2D) 5pm; Faces In The Crowd (2D) 7pm; Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (2D) 9.15 & 11.30pm. ROYAL PLAZA Cinema Palace (1): Drishyam (Malayalam) 2.30, 8 & 11pm. Mr. Joe B. Carvalho (Hindi) 5.30pm. ROYAL PLAZA Cinema Palace (2): Frozen (3D) 2.30pm; The Day 4.30pm; Khumba (3D) 7pm; Police Story (2D) 9 & 11.15pm. ROYAL PLAZA Cinema Palace (3): Khumba (3D) 3pm; Faces In The Crowd (2D) 5pm; The Day (2D) 7.15pm; Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (2D) 9.15 & 11.30pm. CINEMA LANDMARK (1): Frozen (3D) 2.30pm; Drishyam (Malayalam) 4.15, 7 & 10.15pm. CINEMA LANDMARK (2): Khumba (3D) 3 & 5pm; Frozen (3D) 7pm; Police Story (2D) 9.15pm; Faces In The Crowd (2D) 11.30pm. CINEMA LANDMARK (3): The Day (2D) 2.30 & 9.30pm; Walking W/Dinosaurs (3D) 4.15pm; Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (2D) 6 & 7.45pm; Police Story (2D) 11.30pm.

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Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

INDIA
Tamil Nadu Roundup
By Umaima Shafiq

Renowned agriculture scientist dies

Award-winning organic farming scientist Nammalvar died at Pichinikadu village in Pattukottai in Thanjavur district last week. He was 75. Born in Elangadu in Thanjavur, Nammalvar graduated in agriculture from Tiruchis Annamalai University. He worked at a government research centre in Kovilpatti in Tirunelveli district and later as an agronomist at Island Peace, an organisation founded by Nobel laureate R P Dominic Pyre. However he resigned from both jobs and began crusading against genetically modified crops. He taught farmers organic farming, drip irrigation, recycling crops for soil fertility and preparing manure from animal wastes and compost. Nammalvars flowing beard and hermit like attire made him distinct. His effort to rehabilitate the 2004 tsunami victims of coastal Nagapattinam district earned him a doctorate from Gandhigram University in Madurai. Hundreds of farmers, political leaders and students paid tributes to him.

20 still feared trapped in the ruins of Goa building

Rescuers search for survivors, toll rises to 15
Agencies Panaji

Parents allege foul play in students deaths

Parents and relatives alleged foul play in the suicide of two students in separate incidents last week. In Tiruchi, Geetha, a 27-year-old nursing student of a private residential college was found dead with burn marks and injuries on her body. Her father said the college authorities hospitalised her without informing him. He claimed that she had died in college and demanded a murder probe. Similarly in Namakkal, a 17-yearold boy committed suicide by hanging at his hostel room at a private school. His parents accused the school of threatening to dismiss him for teasing a female teacher. Hundreds of parents joined a protest which forced the school to shut down temporarily.

Relatives of missing people look at the rescue operation at the site of the collapsed building in Canacona in Goa yesterday.

escuers raced to nd survivors in the ruins of a partly-constructed apartment block in Goa yesterday after its collapse left at least 15 people dead in the countrys latest building disaster. Around 20 people are still feared trapped inside the residential building that crumbled mid-afternoon on Saturday while poorly paid daily-wage labourers were working on the site in a coastal village in the resort state, an official said. State acting chief secretary R K Srivastava told reporters at the site that the death toll has gone up to 15 from an earlier 13 with the discovery of more bodies, adding that the rescue operation was ongoing. A senior officer overseeing the rescue earlier said some 15 to 20 people are thought buried under the debris but the chances of nding anyone alive were getting bleak as time passes. There were some 40 people working when the building collapsed and some managed to escape, said the officer, who did not

want to give his name as he is not authorised to speak to the media. Rescue workers using cranes and bulldozers, shovels and bare hands, struggled to shift concrete slabs and other debris to try to free the labourers trapped under the building in the seaside village of Canacona just over 4km from the popular Palolem beach, south of the state capital of Panaji. Photos showed workers tunnelling into pancaked oors of smashed concrete, bricks and dirt to reach those trapped, after one witness said the building collapsed like a pack of cards. Emergency workers were using metal cutters to break through scores of twisted iron rods dangling from broken concrete to allow them to continue digging into and shifting the debris. Men who survived the collapse were shown wearing bandages on their legs and heads and resting on beds at a nearby hospital. The army joined re and emergency workers to dig through the rubble and cut through iron rods immediately after the collapse, efforts that continued during the night on Saturday. Goa police were searching for the builder and the contractor who have gone missing since the tragedy. Officers have registered cases against them, and others

involved in the buildings construction, of endangering human life, causing death and negligence. Both the builder and contractor have been missing while attempts are on to trace them, police Inspector Harish Madkaikar said. Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday pledged to immediately arrest those found responsible for the collapse of the building which reports said was ve storeys high. The design of the building was faulty and the columns were not built properly. Two adjacent under-construction buildings have been evacuated, Parrikar said. Indias booming construction industry is set to be worth $1tn by 2025, which would make it the worlds third largest, according to a report by Global Construction Perspectives and Oxford Economics. But this dazzling growth has often come at the expense of safety standards. At least 50 people were killed when a ve-storey apartment block in Indias nancial centre, Mumbai, collapsed last September. A collapse in April killed 72 people in Thane, a satellite city just outside Mumbai.

Bihar clerics not to conduct nikah of dowry-seekers

IANS Patna

CM announces Pongal package for the poor

Chief Minister Jayaram Jayalalithaa announced gift packages of food and clothes to impoverished families for the January 13 harvest festival of Pongal. Over 1.84mn ration card holders will get 20kg of rice, an extra kg of sugar and Rs100 cash along with free saris. The official distribution would begin today. Besides this, Jayalalithaa also raised the salaries of Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) staff from December 1, 2013, by 7%. Meanwhile, she criticised the federal government for the hike in prices of cooking gas, petrol and diesel.

uslim clerics in a Bihar district have said they would not conduct marriages of those who give or take dowry. Alarmed over the trend of dowry among Muslims, a group of Imams in Bihars Nalanda district took the decision at a meet-

ing on Saturday evening. We have decided not to conduct nikah (marriage) for those who take and give dowry in the district, said Qazi Maulana Mansur Alam, who heads Imarat-e Sharia of Biharsharief in Nalanda. It is a historic move to discourage dowry and create awareness. It is a kind of social boycott to warn dowry takers, he said. Alam said that after this deci-

sion is successfully implemented in Nalanda, about 100km from here, they would request Imams of other districts across Bihar to start similar campaigns. The Muslim community has welcomed this move against dowry. It is a positive step to counter increasing dowry and create awareness. I am ready to help and support such a move, said Ghulam Rasool Baliyavi, head of

Edar-e-Sharia, a Patna-based Muslim organisation. At last, someone has raised a voice against dowry among Muslims..., said Haji Mohamed Shaullah Khan, a retired railway official and now a social worker in Gewal Bigha in Gaya district. Shaullah Khan said there was no concept of dowry in Islam and it was unfortunate that Muslims were practicing it. It is only in Islam that at the

time of the marriage, the groom hands over to the bride a sum of money called Mahr , which is a token of his willingness to accept the responsibility of bearing all expenses of his wife, Khan said. According to Islamic jurisprudence, a woman married to a Muslim man has a right to get property or money which is called Mahr . Irshadul Haque, a Dalit Muslim activist, said that reports of

increasing dowry trends among Muslim were a major challenge today. Dowry is no more a social evil of the Hindu society alone. It has already created trouble in the Muslim society, he said. Haque said that dowry has badly affected the poorest of the poor Muslims, particularly Dalit Muslims. The decision...not to conduct nikah of those taking dowry should be emulated by others, he said.

With Delhi in pocket, AAP to focus on Maharashtra

IANS New Delhi

Jethmalani accuses broker of cheating

Leading criminal lawyer Ram Jethmalani has complained to the Chennai police of being cheated by a real estate broker at Numgambakkam in Chennai. Police said Jethmalani, 91, and two friends had contacted the broker through a leading property website two years ago. The broker showed them some properties and the three men finally decided to buy one. They paid an advance of Rs70mn to a landowner on the brokers advice. However after this, the broker began avoiding Jethmalanis phone calls and absconded when he demanded the money back.

Adopted son of Annadurai dead

C A Gouthaman, the adopted son of late chief minister and Dravidian party founder C N Annadurai, died last week. He was 67 and is survived by a daughter and son-in-law. Gouthaman was a widower. As Annadurai was childless, he adopted his sisters four grandsons including Gouthaman.

aving conquered Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party has now set its eyes on Maharashtra. The party is all set to contest all 288 assembly seats in the elections later this year, buoyed by the enthusiasm shown by over 300,000 people who have joined in the last three weeks. In fact, the party is getting overwhelming support from the lm industry, including from Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan. The partys conveners for Maharashtra, Anjali Damania and Mayank Gandhi, said the AAP is getting massive response from the state, especially from the rural belt. In the past 20 days, more than three lakh people have joined us in Maharashtra. Committees in 34 districts have been formed, said Damania, who along with Gandhi are camping in Delhi to attend the partys two-day national executive committee meeting. This is all due to the Delhi election results, she added. The one-year-old party won 28 of the 70 seats in Delhi and has formed the government courtesy outside support from Congress, which has eight legislators. According to the social activists and AAP national executive

members, the people who are joining the party belong to varied social and economic backgrounds. From rickshaw pullers to IT professionals to doctors, we are getting people from all classes, said Damania. M S Navare, surgical oncologist at the prominent Jaslok hospital in Mumbai and Idea cellular CEO Sanjeev Aga are some of the high-prole people who have recently joined the party in Maharashtra. We are looking for clean people to join us, those who want to serve and are not hungry for power or money, Gandhi said. The party is also getting support from Bollywood actors like Aamir Khan and Ranvir Shorey. Many other actors are also extending support to us, Gandhi added. Music composer Vishal Dadlani of the Vishal-Shekhar duo, which has to its credit a number of hit Hindi songs, was the rst celebrity to extended support to the AAP. Vishal had even attended some of its public rallies in Delhi. Pointing out the reason behind the people unhappiness, especially in the rural areas, they said the local leaders have failed to solve even the basic problems like drought, water shortage, malnutrition and farmers suicides, among others. We have met many families

personally and they are fed up of the political parties there. They desperately want change and have promised to bring AAP in power, said Damania, claiming that there were many villages whose residents had vowed to vote for the AAP. The regional parties contest on the basis of language and religion but we will talk about issues that directly affect the people including corruption, Gandhi said. The party is also claiming inroads into the established parties like the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Recently, 1,200 members from these three parties joined us in Aurangabad. The party will launch a membership drive on January 10, party leader Yogendra Yadav said. From January 10, we are launching a membership drive, Main Bhi Aam Aadmi (I too am a common man), Yadav told reporters after the partys national executive meeting concluded. We want people not just to join the AAP, but also do something for the country, he said. Yadav said the Rs10 fee earlier charged for primary membership had become a bottleneck, and it was decided to suspend the membership fee. Party leader Gopal Rai will head the membership campaign.

Corrupt will not be spared, says Kejriwal

IANS New Delhi

Aam Aadmi Party leaders Yogendra Yadav announces the partys first membership drive Main Bhi Aam Aadmi during a press conference after the partys two-day national executive meeting in New Delhi yesterday.

elhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal yesterday said there would be no compromise on corruption, and sought time for taking action against the menace. It has just been eight days, give us some time. We will not spare anyone who is corrupt, Kejriwal told reporters. There is no question of compromising on corruption, I will put my life at stake, but will not compromise on the issue, he said. Kejriwal was responding to a question on whether the Aam Aadmi Party-Congress tie-up would result in letting off the Congress, which the AAP had accused of corruption in the runup to the Delhi polls. Whether it is (former chief minister) Sheila Dikshit, or some minister from the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, or my own party, no one will be spared, he said. Kejriwal, however, added the back end needed to be strengthened before action can be taken. Unless we strengthen our back end, announcement will not help. For example, we said we will give an anti-corruption helpline number, I have been working on its back end since a week, he said.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

21

INDIA

India joins cryogenic rocket club

India successfully launches cutting-edge cryogenic rocket
Agencies Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh

ndia yesterday successfully launched its rst rocket using domestically produced booster technology after several previous missions had failed, taking another step forward in its ambitious space programme. The Indian-made cryogenically-powered rocket blasted off from the southern spaceport of Sriharikota precisely at 4.18pm as scheduled, as the country tries to join an elite club of countries which have mastered the complex technology. The 415-tonne Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) D5 rocket deployed a two-tonne advanced communications satellite some 17 minutes after blast-off, said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman Dr K Radhakrishnan. I am extremely proud and happy to say that Team ISRO has done it, Radhakrishnan announced at mission control in Andhra Pradesh state, sparking a roar of applause from colleagues. Team ISRO and the project directors all have put their heart and soul in making this proud moment for the country, he said. India has for years been try-

ing to develop its own cryogenic rocket engines that are designed to put heavier satellites into high orbits, about 36,000km from Earth. The powerful booster technology, using super-cooled liquid fuel, is a much needed tool to help India capture a larger share of the lucrative global market for launching commercial satellites. But the technology has only been successfully developed by a handful of countries including the US, Russia, France, Japan and China as well as the European Space Agency. Indias project has had to overcome a string of hurdles and mishaps, including an aborted launch in August last year several hours before lift-off after fuel was found to be leaking from one of the rockets engines. The rst India-built rocket crashed into the Bay of Bengal just minutes after take-off in April 2010 after the cryogenic engines failed to ignite. If we succeed this time, India will join a select club of spacefaring nations with indigenous cryogenic engine capability to launch above two-tonne class satellites, ISRO director Deviprasad Karnik said before the launch. The twin purpose of this launch mission is to ight-test once again our own cryogenic engine and put into the geostationary orbit a heavy communication satellite, Karnik added.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh congratulated the team on yesterdays mission, which cost Rs3.65bn ($58mn) - Rs2.2bn for the rocket and Rs1.45bn for the satellite. It is yet another important step that the country has taken in the area of science and technology, Singh said in a tweet. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Partys prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi too congratulated the Indian scientists. In November India successfully lifted into orbit a spacecraft bound for Mars as it tries to become the rst Asian nation to reach the Red Planet.

It has taken ISRO scientists years to develop cryogenic motors after Indias attempt to import the technology from Russia in 1992 failed because of opposition from the US. Since 2001 India has bought cryogenic engines from Russia and seven of them have been used on missions. An Indian space rocket using a Russian-built booster exploded shortly after launch in December 2010, also during a mission to put an advanced communications satellite into space. ISRO pushed ahead with developing its own engine, including the third and nal part, fuelled with a mix of oxygen and

hydrogen in liquid form and kept at a very low temperature. A cryogenic rocket stage is more efficient and provides more thrust for every kilogram of propellant it burns compared to other solid and liquid fuel stages, Karnik said. Indias rst satellite launch, of an Italian satellite, was in 2007. The country sees its space programme as an achievement that highlights its emergence as a major world economy, and many citizens take great pride in it. But the cost of the programme has attracted criticism as the government struggles to tackle poverty and child malnutrition.

Now sky is the limit for India: ex-scientist

When the countdown began in Sriharikota yesterday for the launch of the Rs3.65bn mission to flight test the cryogenic engine designed and built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), S Nambinarayanans heart was beating fast and he could not speak much. After its successful launch, he said: Now, the sky is the limit for India. In 1991, it was Nambinarayanan, a former ISRO scientist, who was busy working as project director for the development of cryogenic technology. Three years later, he was arrested on the allegation that Indias space programme was sold. Along with another top ISRO official, two Maldivian women and a businessman, he was arrested on charges of espionage. However, in 1996, the Supreme Court dismissed the case against him. Yesterday, he was sitting in the studio of a leading TV channel and found it difficult to hide his emotions - removing his glasses and wiping his tears of joy - when the mission turned successful. I am really happy and mind you it was this technology which we all saw just now, that was told by people here, that I sold it then (1994), said an emotionally choked Nambinarayanan. ... We should now have an overall plan and I am sure scientists are working on it as this cryogenic engine is the best of its kind. Incidentally, this was first developed in 1967 by Russia, he added. Even now, Nambinarayanan is busy in his battle seeking justice for his fair name and has already tasted success. In 2012, a division bench of the Kerala High Court upheld the order of the National Human Rights Commission directing the state government to pay a compensation of Rs1mn to him.

The cryogenically-powered GSLV-D5, carrying a satellite, blasts off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, yesterday.

Partys over, Goa starts clampdown on nightlife

IANS Panaji

Bharatiya Janata Party prime ministerial candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with yoga guru Baba Ramdev during an event for Ramdevs Bharat Swabhiman Trust in New Delhi yesterday.

oas reputation as a nightlife destination is in peril. A ban on outdoor nightlife and commercial activity imposed by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikars government came into effect yesterday. All commercial activities in Goa will have to wind up by 1am, according to Parrikar, who said the decision was necessary to curb the rising wave of crimes, especially the looting of tourists, burglaries and thefts. All commercial activity will have to shut after 1am, Parrikar said, announcing the ban last Thursday. Only ve-star hotels and indoor activities have been spared the ban. Hundreds of the states beach shacks, open dance oors and other open dining courtyards will come under the new regulation. The ban comes on the heels of week-long celebrations in Indias party state, which included Christmas as well as New Year revelries. There was also a string of music parties

across the coastal stretch. Most sections of Goa have called the ban a party pooper, and said it was brought into force to mask the inefficiency of a oundering state police force which has been unable to control rising crime. Its a ridiculous move. Shutting down activity and staying indoors is not going to help the situation. Weve had a burglary twice at our home so far... The reason for the steep rise in burglary and crime is that the crooks are not scared of the cops or the law and order machinery in the state, says Skitter Faia, a public relations professional who lives in Colva, a popular beach village in south Goa. Shalom Sardinha, a Congress activist, says it would be unfair to blame the police alone. Sardinha, the son of a sitting Lok Sabha MP, says the blame rests with politicians for more reasons than one. It would be unfair to blame just the police as most of these nefarious activities are (done) with the backing and support of the states politicians, says Sardinha, adding that the shortage of police personnel

was also a handicap. Former president of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry Manguirish Pai Raikar feels that not allowing music, especially in Goa, with its prole as an entertainment destination, was wrong. Raikar said these indiscriminate bans work well for local politicians who extort money from hospitality outts who play music to enhance a visitor experience. I have seen people at Morjim blackmailing hoteliers. They allow music only after you pay them. Are visitors coming here to gaze at the stars? They might want to enjoy the sound of music with their food. We need to look into this matter, or stop tourism altogether, Raikar said. But G Ganesh, a web developer who has managed a nightclub in the past, feels there was a need to curb nightlife: There have been problems because of the late-night commercial activities - noise pollution, accidents, burglaries, etc, Ganesh said, adding that the corrupt, lazy and unt police force are to blame for the breakdown in law and order.

Optimist Modi gets Ramdevs support for Lok Sabha polls

IANS New Delhi

Trinamool slams oppositions misinformation campaign

IANS Kolkata

alling himself a thorough optimist, Bharatiya Janata Partys prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi yesterday said the word disappointment is not in his dictionary. He was speaking as the chief guest at the foundation day celebrations of yoga guru Ramdevs Bharat Swabhiman Trust in New Delhis Talkatora Stadium. Ramdev later announced his support for the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections and Modi as the prime minister. The word disappointment is not there in my dictionary. I have seen my mother work in homes to bring us up. I never saw her being pessimistic, he said. When senseless allegations are levelled against me, I feel people are so great to have lifted a tea seller so high, said Modi. Taking a jibe at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi with-

out naming him, Modi said: A person who has lived in such acute poverty does not need to undertake tours to understand peoples pain. He also said the 2014 Lok Sabha polls will be a movement in itself. This will be the rst election since Independence which will destroy all traditions. Usually polls are fought by political parties and candidates. This is the rst time elections are becoming a peoples movement in itself and political parties are being forced to ght on the agenda of development, he said. Also present at the event were senior party leaders Arun Jaitley and Rajnath Singh, who too took on the Congress. Jaitley, leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, targeted Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs comments on a breakthrough with Pakistan, saying such a development would go against Indias dignity. The prime minister said there was almost an agree-

ment on Kashmir. When Pervez Musharraf (former president of Pakistan) said this, we did not believe him ... but now the prime minister has said, so Kashmir does not belong to any one party, they cannot reach a conclusion without consulting all parties. After a meeting in New Delhi in 2005, India and Pakistan, in a joint statement, had said the peace process between the two countries was irreversible. Meanwhile, Ramdev raised three main points in his address - bringing back black money stashed abroad, abolishing all direct and indirect taxes and bringing a single banking transaction tax and promotion of Indian culture and languages, apart from other issues. Modi promised his party was working on all the suggestions made by the yoga guru. The present taxation system is a burden on the common man and new reforms are needed. The BJP has been agitating against black money for long

and we will bring it back when we come to power. Our children should feel proud of their language and culture and only then will they be able to face the world with their heads held high, said Modi. The BJP is working diligently on all the issues raised by swamiji (Ramdev) and the suggestions, he added. Following Modis assurance, Ramdev announced his support for the party. I had two options in front of me, Modiji , and the shahzada who has not done anything for the country, Ramdev said, referring to Rahul Gandhi. I know Modiji has the will to take on the corrupt Congress, he said. Ramdev was initially a supporter of Anna Hazares India Against Corruption campaign, which split later with Arvind Kejriwal forming the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The yoga guru, however, refused to speak on the AAP and said he will not talk about third or fourth options here.

est Bengals ruling Trinamool Congress, under attack after the gang-rape and death of a girl after she was set ablaze, yesterday staged rallies and held meetings across the state, decrying the campaign of misinformation unleashed by the opposition parties. In Kolkata, the Trinamool

Yuva organised a rally from Golpark to Hazra in the southern part of the city. Senior party leaders Partha Chattopadhyay, Subrata Bakshi and Sovandeb Chattopadhayay took part in the 3.1km rally. Several thousand Trinamool workers joined the rally, carrying posters and banners denouncing the opposition parties for trying to halt the development of the state by highlighting such incidents. Leaders of opposition parties

Aam Admi Party (AAP) activists hold posters during a rally as they protest against the gang-rape and murder of a teenager in Kolkata, yesterday.

know theyll disappear from the scene if the Trinamool can continue with its agenda of progress and development for some more time. So they are hatching conspiracies to give the government a bad name, said Sovandeb. When small incidents happen, they can be tackled well. But doing politics over dead body is not the politics the state needs, he said. The girl, 16, whose father is a taxi driver from Bihar, was raped twice by a gang in October in Madhyamgram of North 24-Parganas district. Shockingly, the second assault took place when she was returning home after ling the police complaint. She died on December 31 of severe burn injuries. Police have slapped murder charges against two accused, now under custody, based on the girls dying declaration that the duo set her ablaze. The police have drawn ak for their alleged attempt to forcibly perform the last rites of the girl to prevent any demonstration with the body.

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Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

LATIN AMERICA

Bezos airlifted off Galapagos in health scare

Reuters Chicago/Quito

A crane is seen at the construction site of the Panama Canal Expansion project during an organised tour for the media on the Pacific side at the outskirts of Panama City.

mazon.com founder Jeff Bezos was airlifted from a cruise ship by the Ecuadorean Navy after suffering a kidney stone attack in the Galapagos Islands on New Years Day. Galapagos: ve stars. Kidney stones: zero stars, Bezos said in an e-mail provided by Amazon in response to a Reuters request for comment. Ecuadors navy said Bezos was aboard a ship travelling between the islands of Floreana and Santa Cruz, both famed for their wildlife, when the attack struck in the mid-afternoon. A navy helicopter met the ship at Santa Cruz and ew him about 20 miles (32km) to his private jet on nearby Baltra island. From there, Bezos was own to the US for emergency surgery , the navy said in a statement. He had to be attended to in the shortest possible time, the statement said. The Galapagos lie about 600 miles west off the Ecuadorean coast. Juan Carlos Ibarra, a lieutenant with the navys air force, was the helicopter pilot who ew the airlift. They informed us when the ship was arriving in Academy

Bay at Santa Cruz island, Ibarra told Reuters by telephone. We landed our helicopter on a football pitch there ... they told us that a doctor had already gone in boat to treat him onboard the yacht ... They stabilised him and took him to the US. He was conscious, but he was on a drip. The navy said in its statement that Ibarra, as well as the helicopter co-pilot and ight engineer, had received messages of thanks from the relatives and associates of Bezos, whom it described as such a prestigious, world famous businessman . Galapagos National Park draws many wealthy and famous visitors among the roughly 180,000 tourists who visit every year to gape at the archipelagos rich but fragile biodiversity. Bezos, 49, is the 19th richest person in the world, according to Forbes magazine, with a fortune of $25bn. Since founding Amazon in his own garage near Seattle in 1994, Bezos has built the online bookseller into the worlds largest Internet retailer, a consumer electronics giant with its Kindle e-reader and is pioneering cloud , or internet-based computing. Last year Bezos made a splash when he bought the Washington Post for $250mn.

Panama botched geological studies in canal cost dispute

Reuters Panama City

lawed geological studies of the terrain of the Panama Canal by its operator has led to big cost overruns in the project to expand the waterway, the building consortium at the centre of a dispute with Panamas government over the plan said on Saturday. Earlier last week, the consortium led by Spanish builder Sacyr said the scheme to build a third set of locks for the canal had incurred additional costs of $1.6bn, and demanded Panama foot the bill or work would be suspended. Panama rejected those arguments, but has hinted it could negotiate some kind of compromise with the consortium,

which also includes Italys Salini Impregilo, Belgiums Jan De Nul and Panamas Constructora Urbana. Complaints by consortium officials on Saturday about geological problems provided some of the most detailed explanations yet on what pushed costs above the projections to expand one of the worlds major maritime cargo routes. The consortium known as Grupo Unidos por el Canal (GUPC), on Saturday reiterated that it did not plan to abandon the project, but would suspend works on Jan 20 if no deal was reached. GUPC officials told reporters that when excavations to build the locks began, they found the geology of the area was more complex than had been made clear when the project was tendered.

The main part of (the cost overruns) is due to geological aws and is related to problems with the concrete, said Paolo Moder, a member of the GUPCs board of directors. After the group began digging in the Pacic zone of the canal, the basalt they found there was not right for the mix of concrete they planned for the locks, so they had to bring in basalt from elsewhere, resulting in higher costs, said Jose Pelaez, head of the GUPC section building the Atlantic locks. But the canal authority rejected that mix, and for seven months the GUPC had to develop other mixes until in the end the authority nally approved the original one, he added. He said the geological studies were carried out by the canal authorities in tandem with

international advisers, and formed the basis for the subsequent tender the consortium won. The (Panama Canal Authority) studied these technical conditions for more than seven years and didnt detect them, and its not fair to assign GUPC or any contractor unlimited risks for something the GUPC only had months to study, Pelaez said. A team of Spanish government officials is travelling to Panama to try to help resolve the dispute over the massive infrastructure project, which aims to broaden and deepen existing channels so bigger vessels can sail through. The canal authority responded to the comments by stating that the GUPC could present its arguments to the

arbitration authorities set out to resolve disputes under the contract. Asked whether the companies could seek government aid, Pelaez said the consortium was a private group and the actions undertaken by the government are strictly diplomatic . The canal expansion, whose total cost is estimated at around $5.3bn, is at the center of the Panamanian governments plans to modernise the Central American country, and President Ricardo Martinelli is insistent the project must be completed. Spain is also keen to demonstrate its builders can be relied on after a slump in the local construction industry plunged the country into an economic crisis that has dragged on for years.

Amazons Jeff Bezos reported well after health scare in Galapagos.

Kings Day celebration

Robber spends $40,000 on party

Mexican cartel leader arrested in Netherlands

AFP Los Angeles

A Colombian man spent the entire 100mn-peso ($40,000) booty he stole from a currency dealer on a New Years party with his neighbours, a newspaper reported on Friday. The robber allegedly pretended to be a wealthy businessman and lured the victim into a hotel in Bogotas Salitre neighbourhood near the international airport, El Tiempo reported, quoting police. The victim was found tied up in a hotel room. The suspect was identified and arrested based on a surveillance video recording.

Mexican man described as an alleged leader of the powerful Sinaloa drug syndicate has been detained in the Netherlands on a US arrest warrant, US authorities said on Friday. Jose Rodrigo ArechigaGamboa, also known as Chino Antrax and Norberto Sicairos-Garcia, was arrested on Monday at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, the office of the US attorney for the southern district of California, based in

San Diego, said in a statement. A federal grand jury in San Diego returned a sealed indictment on December 20 charging Arechiga-Gamboa with conspiracy to import and distribute controlled substances. An arrest warrant was issued the same day. Arechiga-Gamboa was arrested at the airport under a fraudulent name as he deplaned from KLM Flight 686 from Mexico City, Mexico to Amsterdam, the statement read. US officials are seeking his extradition to face charges in southern California. The main leader of the Si-

naloa cartel, based in the western Mexican state of the same name, is Joaquin El Chapo (Shorty) Guzman. Guzman escaped from a Mexican prison in 2001 and is now the drug trafficker most wanted by US officials. He is also considered by Forbes as the most powerful criminal on the planet. More than 77,000 people have been killed in Mexico in connection with organised crime since now former president Felipe Calderon launched a nationwide war against the drug cartels after taking office in 2006.

One killed in building collapse

One worker was killed and two dozen injured in the collapse of a building during construction of a electric power substation in Mexico City on Saturday, utility company CFE said. Cement was being pumped onto a platform on an upper floor of the building at the time of the accident and it appeared the building could not sustain the weight of the building materials, the Excelsior newspaper reported.

Cage demonstration

Fire destroys Argentine natural reserve

A large fire destroyed much of a nature reserve at the foot of the Sierra de la Ventana mountains in Argentina, but workers managed to control it on Saturday, authorities said. The blaze ripped through 48,000 hectares (118,610 acres) of a grassland area, including much of he 6,700 hectares of Ernesto Tornquist Provincial Park, in Buenos Aires province. After a week of hard work, the fire is now under control, regional fire chief Martin Haag told the Todo Noticias television channel. It had extreme characteristics, with high temperatures, drought and winds that rotated and increased in speed. He explained that the fire increased in magnitude amid a historic heatwave affecting much of the country during its Southern Hemisphere summer. A total of 35 fire crews, 250 firefighters, 40 navy troops and 25 rangers worked to extinguish the fire, aided by two air tankers and two helicopters, authorities said. The priority is definitely to handle this situation and then move to strengthen and recover lost heritage, said Buenos Aires province Governor Daniel Scioli, who flew over the affected area.

Thousands of inhabitants receive a piece of the traditional ring-shaped cake Roscon de reyes during the Kings Day celebration at Zocalo square in Mexico City on Friday. The 9.4 tonne cake was 1,440m long.

A demonstrator from the AnimaNaturalis animal rights group, with body paint applied to resemble a macaw, is pictured inside a cage during a demonstration against the buying and selling of pets on Three Kings Day, in Mexico City on Saturday. Children traditionally receive gifts on Three Kings Day, observed on January 6.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

23

PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN
ECONOMY COMMERCE COST OF LIVING MILITANCY AID DISTRIBUTION

Islamabad agrees to new IMF benchmarks

Under the new structural benchmarks, Pakistan has agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to initiate revenue-based loadshedding in the power distribution companies, taking action against tax dodgers and hiring financial advisers for the privatisation of the strategic organisations, including state carrier PIA and Pakistan Steel Mills, official sources say. The IMF has also assessed that the security conditions in Pakistan remain difficult with alarming terrorist activities recently, as well as sectarian violence and criminal activities, which continue to depress investment and growth.

Investors flocking to Pakistan: report

Investors are heading to Pakistan to benefit from a newly-elected, business-friendly government that is rolling out a programme to aid the struggling economy, the Wall Street Journal newspaper has reported. In its latest report on Pakistan, the American daily said the benchmark index traded in the financial capital Karachi jumped 49.4% last year, ranking among the worlds top performers. It said the rally is also part of a broad move by money managers willing to take on high risks in frontier markets across the globe on hopes of juicy returns that beat traditional emerging markets.

Poor planning leads to hike in fuel prices

The six months of rule of Nawaz Sharif government has led to increase in prices of oil and gas, for which analysts blame poor policies and weak financial management. They allege that the government has no plan and neither is it trying to formulate one to address this multi-headed hydra. Oil price increases mainly because of the surge in international market but this is not the only factor determining the consumer (retail) price of petroleum products in the domestic market, they say. The last six months of the current fiscal year witnessed more than 12% hike in prices of petroleum products.

Afghan Taliban claim attack on Nato convoy

The Afghan Taliban claimed responsibility for an attack on a military convoy belonging to the Nato-led ISAF security force in Kabul on Saturday, striking at the heart of the capital but without causing any casualties. Security sources said the bomb had targeted a military convoy near Camp Eggers, an ISAF base in the diplomatic quarter of the capital close to both the German and Italian embassies. The Nato-led force said only that there had been an improvised explosive device detonation in the vicinity of Camp Eggers, but that no casualties had resulted. The Taliban claimed in an e-mailed statement to have inflicted losses.

Afghan families receive winter assistance by a non-government organisation Muslim Hands, for the most vulnerable returnees, Internally Displaced Persons as well as others at risk in the cold winter weather in Kabul yesterday.

Musharraf wont appear in treason court: lawyer

Former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf is scheduled to appear in court to face treason charges today; He is in hospital with complaint of heart problem
AFP Islamabad

Right to Self-determination Day

lawyer representing Pakistans former military ruler Pervez Musharraf said yesterday the retired general would not make a scheduled appearance at his treason trial today because of an ongoing illness. The 70-year-old was rushed to a military hospital on Thursday after developing what a police official called a heart problem while being taken to hear treason charges against him at a special tribunal in Islamabad. Musharrafs team says the treason allegations, which relate to his imposition of emergency rule in November 2007, are politically motivated and his lawyers have challenged the authority of the three-judge tribunal. Everyone is aware of his sickness. The whole world knows that he is in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and the court also knows that, lawyer Ahmed Raza Kasuri said by telephone.

Pervez Musharraf We just have to make an oral request in the court that since he is not well, his presence should be dispensed with, Kasuri said. The ex-dictator spent his fourth day in the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology in Rawalpindi, the garrison city bordering Islamabad, yesterday. The court had adjourned its proceedings Thursday and summoned Musharraf to appear today, but Kasuri said he hoped it would now exempt his personal presence . The court is not making a special concession to Musharraf. It is according to the law. Human life is over and above justice, Kasuri added. Doctors treating Musharraf

had sent his medical reports to experts in Britain, Kasuri said on Saturday, to determine his further treatment at home or abroad. The ex-dictators sudden health scare was met with scepticism from some observers and feverish media speculation that his departure from Pakistan on medical grounds possibly to either Saudi Arabia or the UAE could be imminent. Some analysts believe such a move is necessary to head off a potentially destabilising clash between the government and the all-powerful military. Siddiq-ul-Farooq, a spokesman for the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) denied a deal was in the offing but added the government would follow the courts ruling. We neither wish to settle scores nor give any undue concession, he said. No foreign pressure will be entertained: let the law take its course. If the court allows Musharraf to travel abroad for medical reasons then we will not try to stop it. Aside from the treason allegations, Musharraf also faces trial over the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, the death of a rebel leader, a deadly raid on a radical mosque and the detention of judges.

Supporters of Hizbul Mujahideen chant slogans as they take part in a protest in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-administered Kashmir, yesterday. The protest was held to mark Right to Self-determination Day, observed by Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control which separates Pakistan and India.

Sharif govt may seek reopening of Swiss cases against Zardari

Internews Islamabad

he Nawaz Sharif government of Pakistan Muslim League-N is contemplating reviving through the Swiss courts of the appeal graft cases against former president Asif Zardari of Pakistan Peoples Party for the return of $60mn reportedly stashed away in Swiss banks. Sources here say that the law

ministry is engaged in discussions with a Geneva-based law rm, Python and Peter, and an Islamabad-based rm, Amhurst Brown, to revive cases against Zardari that Swiss authorities closed last year due to a time-bar. The sources said the governments legal minds are condent that the Swiss cases could be reopened following a Rawalpindi accountability courts revival of cases that had been kept pending against Zardari because he

enjoyed presidential immunity for ve years. The appeal could be led in the Swiss court of appeal shortly, said a government official. Currently, the two private law rms are reviewing the judgments of the accountability courts in Rawalpindi acquitting the persons co-accused with Zardari in [what are known as the] SGS and Cotecna cases to rm up a future course of action, he said. However, Law Secretary Bar-

rister Zafarullah Khan said: Not in my knowledge, in an SMS reply when asked if the government had decided to request the reopening of the SGS and Cotecna cases in Switzerland. The minister for law and information, Senator Pervez Rashid, said: We have decided on oath that we will not politicise any issue. We will go by the book and keep taking steps under the law. We will not try to persecute anybody or try to exonerate anybody .

Pakistans truck art masters fret over Nato withdrawal

AFP Islamabad

akistans truck artists, who transform ugly lorries into amboyant moving works of art, fear boom times for their trade could be at an end as Nato winds down its mission in Afghanistan. The workhorses of the Pakistani haulage industry are often ageing, patched-up Bedford and Dodge models, but almost without exception they are lavishly decorated. Elaborate colourful designs, calligraphy, portraits of heroes and singers, mirrors and jingling tassels are skilfully worked onto the trucks by artists such as Haider Ali. In his open-air workshop in the heart of Karachi, a goat or two browsing the dusty ground, Ali sketches out a design for a boat. Others include horses, partridges, tigers, the faces of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto or singer Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi. The design depends on the owner of the truck. Everyone wants his truck to be different from everyone elses, Ali, who left school to follow his father Mohamed into the truck art business, said. Truck art has become one of Pakistans most distinctive cultural exports in recent years, but

it is still not highly regarded at home. The higher echelons of society dont call it art but craft or anything else, just not art, said Ali. Call it what you will, decorating trucks is big business haulage rms and lorry owners shell out $5,000, even $10,000 a time to have their vehicles adorned. It can take a team of half a dozen artists nearly six weeks to decorate a truck, not just painting but working up intricate arabesque collages of laminated stickers. Jamal Elias, a truck art expert from Penn State university in the United States, said it represents the largest art sector of the Pakistani economy. You cant say the gallery world or textile design begins to compare in size, he said. But in Pakistan, he said, the artists are never going to be treated as real artists as long as the social structure remains the way it is . For the past decade, hauliers in Pakistan have been making money by ferrying supplies for the Nato mission in neighbouring, landlocked Afghanistan from the port of Karachi. Prots from this work have meant they have been happy to spend on decorating their vehicles, but with Nato withdrawing from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, the artists fear the good

In a picture taken on October 4, 2010, a truck painter adds the finishing touches to the bodywork of a truck in Rawalpindi. times could be over. There was a great deal of demand because of Nato trucking, and everyone was trying to get the work, but the decline has already started, said Ali. Noor Hussain, 76, who has been painting trucks in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, next to Islamabad, for 65 years, shares his fears. Were afraid that because of the decrease in trucks circulating, people will lose their jobs in our business, he said. Because if there are fewer lorries in circulation, we will have fewer to decorate. Mumtaz Ahmed, another Karachi artist, said business surged under the rule of former army dictator Pervez Musharraf, who gave Pakistans support to the US-led invasion of

Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. A foretaste of what might happen came in late 2011 and 2012, when the Pakistan government shut Natos supply routes through its territory for several months in protest at a botched US air raid that killed 24 soldiers at a border post. We felt a real slowdown when there was the ban on Nato supplies, said Ahmed. Things are just getting better now. Nato has meant a good boom for us. But in a country with a stagnant economy and galloping ination, why bother spending so much just to decorate a lorry? It shows our pride, our love for our job and also that our trucks are in good condition and attractive, said Mir Hussain, who was about to spend a small fortune repairing and redecorating a truck. The more a lorry grabs the attention with its beauty, the better its owner thinks it will attract clients, though most contracts are granted without regard to looks. Perhaps the real reason behind the slightly shaky logic is the simple love of man for his machine. His wife may be dying of hunger at home in the village, but the driver will still go ahead and have his truck decorated, said mechanic Sajid Mahmood.

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Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

PHILIPPINES

Typhoon brings unexpected medical relief to town

AFP Basey

devastating typhoon that killed thousands of people in the Philippines has unexpectedly given young trafc accident victim Mario Renos hope that he could one day walk again. Hit by a motorcycle while walking to school months before Super Typhoon Haiyan struck the central islands, the 13-yearolds shrivelled legs are taking their rst steps to recovery at a Red Cross tent hospital put up in Basey town. I want to go back to school, said Renos, gritting his teeth as he held on to metal railings with both hands while trying to negotiate an improvised exercise stall made of lumber from typhoonfelled coconuts. There is no reason he cant walk again, said Norwegian nurse Janecke Dyvi as she coaxed the boy across. Staffed by doctors and nurses from 10 European nations and offering its services for free, the $1.6mn hospital has uncovered a huge unmet need on Samar island, one of the countrys poorest regions. Survivors of the ferocious winds and giant waves that attened Baseys coastal neighbourhoods on November 8 are now ocking by the thousands to the medical facility that locals

have affectionately named the Norwegian Hospital . And it is not just those injured directly by the typhoon who are feeling the benets of such aid. Pitched beneath the damaged municipal gym, the hospitals six air-conditioned tents have brought relief for a multitude of injuries including centipede bites, harelips, traffic accidents, strokes and burns, and other ailments and conditions unrelated to the typhoon. It also successfully delivered the towns rst ever baby via caesarean section, said its Norwegian administrator Kjell Engkrog. Haiyan, one of the countrys deadliest natural disasters which left nearly 8,000 people dead or missing and 4.4mn others homeless, also wrecked Baseys hilltop district hospital. The temporary replacement is the same type as those put up by the Red Cross in conict areas around the world, and is being deployed in the Philippines for the rst time, Engkrog said. It is part of the aid agencys contribution to an international humanitarian effort that is evolving from meeting the survivors immediate needs, such as food and shelter, to addressing their longer-term issues. UN agencies and international aid organisations are also involved in the effort across the disaster zone, which covers an area the size of Portugal.

Until Haiyan hit, the boy struck by a motorcycle in March last year had no access to a physiotherapist and his legs had atrophied because he was bedridden at home, forcing him to stop attending his fth-grade classes, nurse Dyvi said. Maybe they dont have the money to pay for the treatment, she said. Assistant Philippine Health Secretary Eric Tayag said the government acknowledges problems concerning (health services) access in that area . The district hospital is to be rebuilt this year, he said, but the authorities do not yet know when it will reopen. While the rebuilding is taking place, it is important that temporary facilities are available so that basic health services are delivered, Tayag said. Nearly 4,000 patients have been treated in the Red Cross hospital since late November, said Atishay Abbhi, spokesman for the Red Cross contingent at the disaster zone. He said the aid agency has also built four water treatment plants across Samar, a region largely populated by coconut farmers and shermen. Starting this month, the Red Cross will provide equipment like boats and hooks to shermen and seeds for farmers as well as fund cash-for-work schemes for displaced labourers. Cash grants will also be set

Norwegian nurse Janecke Dyvi (right) along with a Filipino volunteer helping traffic accident victim Mario Renos (second right) during a physical rehabilitation session at the $1.6mn Red Cross tent hospital in Basey town, Western Samar province, central Philippines. up to help small businesses get back on their feet. About 60 local medical personnel are now being trained on the job to take over when the Europeans are gone, Engkrog said, adding all the hospital equipment will also be handed over to Filipino authorities. The Red Cross has already shut down a 100-bed tent hospital it had put up in Ormoc, a city on neighbouring Leyte island, where the local health needs were not as acute once typhooninduced injuries were dealt with, Engkrog said. Passing on medical expertise to the locals is vital if people are to continue beneting over the coming months and years. As Abhi, the Red Cross spokesman, put it: We are not going to be (here) forever.

Patients inside one of the ward-tents of the Red Cross tent hospital in Basey town, Western Samar province.

Colour Run

Inghting brewing at Supreme Court

By Jomar Canlas Manila Times

Participants cheer after taking part in The Colour Run in Manila yesterday.

ig trouble could be brewing at the Supreme Court after its most senior member, Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, got a scolding from Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno during debates on the petition questioning the legality of the cybercrime law. An unimpeachable source of Manila Times said Sereno shouted at Carpio during the Courts last en banc deliberations in December. The source said Carpio wanted a more liberal interpretation of the cybercrime law, while Associate Justice Marvic Leonen proposed that Justice Secretary Leila de Lima be given fangs in penalising offenders of the law. The Court insider said Sereno backed Leonen, who is her close friend. The two justices were debating the draft ponencia of Justice Roberto Abad. While Carpio was speaking, Leonen kept

butting in. At this point, Sereno admonished Carpio. Justice Carpio keep quiet! Justice Leonen has the oor we should listen to him, the source quoted the chief justice. Serenos behaviour is said to have shocked the other justices. We were all shocked. We never imagined Meilou to shout at Tony. No one has ever done that to Carpio but Sereno, the source said. The source recalled that former Chief Justice Renato Corona treated Carpio with respect even if they were not on good terms. We knew that chief Corona and justice Carpio were at odds because of the chief justice issue but they never resorted to shouting matches. They can disagree without being disagreable, the source said. He said Carpio managed to keep his cool despite Serenos outburst. Justice Carpio did not react. He seldom reacts. But to shout at him in an en banc is to insult him, the source said.

He said the other justices admired Carpio for not ghting back despite the rude treatment he got from Sereno. A Court insider said they fear that Sereno may have dug her grave because she has officially declared war against Carpio. Another source believes Carpio will not take the incident lying down. Sereno had better watch out. Carpio may be quiet but he is dangerous. He will get back at her, the source said. Carpio is one of the founders of the Carpio Villaraza Cruz Marcelo law office, which is popularly known as The Firm. The law office became very powerful and inuential in the appointment of several justices and judges, especially during the Arroyo administration. The Manila Times learned that Serenos position was brokered by The Firm. A magistrate said Sereno was introduced to President Benigno Aquino as the architect of the Philippines victory in the Piatco case in Singapore.

Enforcement agency to monitor suspected drug traffickers

By Joel M Sy Egco Manila Times

he Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will wiretap suspected drug traffickers to nd out more about the presence of the Sinaloa cartel in the country. PDEA chief Director General Arturo Cacdac said wiretapping is illegal in the Philippines, but it has become a necessity to counter the entry of drug syndicates which are looking at the Philippines as a key hub in an EastWest network they want to set up. Cacdac said there is a need to immediately pass a law allowing the agency to conduct communications surveillance of suspected drug traffickers.

The PDEA and other counter narcotic agencies must be able to hit the command structure of drug trafficking organisations, he told Manila Times. He said the agency is backing the passage of a bill authored by Sen. Gregorio Honasan that seeks to legalise the wiretapping of drug traffickers. The US government recently placed the Philippines at the centre of its anti-narcotics operation in Asia following reports that notorious drug rings that used to traffic drugs only in the West have found their way to the East through their Chinese associates. US Ambassador William Browneld, assistant secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), was credited for the Christmas Day bust of a drug syndicate

in Lipa City whose members include those from Sinaloa, the Mexican drug cartel. Browneld said the cartel is eyeing the Philippines as a hub in Asia for selling narcotics that have too small a market in the US. Some 84 kilos of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) were seized from a ranch in Lipa City on December 25. Government agents arrested four suspects, including the Chinese contact of the Sinaloa. PDEA public information office chief Derrick Carreon said wiretapping should be done on personalities who are suspected to be involved in the drug trade. Basically it involves intercepting all forms of communication so

that we can establish the involvement of personalities who do not directly handle the items but they instead call the shots in the illegal drug industry, Carreon said. I believe the measure was forwarded even before the involvement of Mexicans came to light, he said. Besides wiretapping, Cacdac said moves to intensify drug operations include the activation of the National Coast Watch Council, which has been established to implement the National Coast Watch System. The system helps address threats such as the entry and transshipment of illegal drugs, terrorism, smuggling and illegal shing among others. PDEA is also part of the participating agencies in this endeavour, Cacdac said.

The PDEA wants the Bureau of Customs to be more actively involved in detecting drugs, controlled precursors, essential chemicals and other contraband materials. It said there is a need to enhance the X-ray systems and similar facilities in the countrys ports. In 2012, the Senate approved a bill that would allow law enforcement agencies to conduct wiretapping and surveillance on individuals suspected of being involved in the illegal drug trade. Senate Bill 3341, sponsored by Honasans committee on public order and dangerous drugs, was approved on the third and nal reading. The bill addresses the need to further strengthen the campaign against

illegal drugs in the country by giving more power to law enforcement agencies to go after dealers, smugglers, nanciers, manufacturers and even cultivators of substances declared illegal in Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Honasan said. It will take more than the present methods to address the drug trade which has assumed global proportions and now poses a threat to national security. We need to upgrade our countermeasures against this global menace, he said. The bill would allow authorised intercepted conversations as evidence in court and only if it involves the sale, manufacturing, importing and nancing of illegal drugs.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

25

SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

At least 18 dead, polling booths bombed as Bangladesh votes

Police open fire at opposition protesters as they torch more than 200 polling stations and burn ballot papers to try to sabotage the general election
AFP Dhaka

housands of protesters rebombed polling stations and at least 18 people were killed as violence ared across Bangladesh yesterday during a walkover election boycotted by the opposition. Police said they had opened re at protesters as they torched more than 200 polling stations and stole and burnt ballot papers to try to sabotage the poll. Two of those killed were beaten to death while guarding polling stations in northern districts but most of the victims were opposition supporters. Weve seen thousands of protesters attack polling booths and our personnel at a number of locations with petrol bombs, Syed Abu Sayem, police chief of the northern district of Bogra, said. The situation is extremely volatile, he added after describing how thousands of ballot papers had been ceremoniously set on re. Most of the other victims were opposition activists shot by police, while a driver died of his injuries from a petrol bomb attack on his truck. Police put the overall toll at 18 although the opposition said 22 of its supporters were killed. We were forced to open re after thousands of them attacked us with guns and small bombs, said Mokbul Hossain, police chief in the northern town of Parbatipur. It was a co-ordinated attack. They managed to seize some ballot papers and they tried to steal our weapons. In the capital Dhaka, whose streets were largely deserted apart from thousands of troops,

Police and volunteers carrying a voter injured by crude bomb thrown by opposition party supporters in Dhaka yesterday. police conrmed three petrol bombings of polling stations. Tens of thousands of troops were deployed across the country after around 150 people had been killed in the build-up to the election. The ruling Awami League has accused the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of orchestrating the violence and has kept its leader under de facto house arrest. The opposition had demanded that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina make way for a neutral caretaker government before the election to ensure no ballot-rigging, a system in force in the past. It staged weeks of deadly protests, including transport blockades and calls for strikes, to press its demands. A general strike called by the BNP, which began on Saturday, has now been extended until Wednesday morning as the party tries to ratchet up the pressure. Although there was no immediate gure on turnout, officials acknowledged that it was poor. The turnout was low, partly due to the boycott by many parties, said election commission chief Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad. Munira Khan, head of a Bangladeshi team of election monitors, said the vote had been characterised by widespread apathy and confusion about the choice on the ballot papers. Eyewitnesses said there were no queues to vote, while local television reported that only a single person voted in the rst three hours at one station. Final results are expected in the early hours today. But the outcome is not in doubt since voting took place in only 147 of the 300 parliamentary constituencies. Awami League candidates or allies had a clear run in the remaining 153. Hasinas government says it had to hold the vote after parliaments ve-year term expired. The turnout doesnt matter, what is important is that the people deed violence and came out to vote, Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu told local television. The BNP, whose leader Khaleda Zia has been conned to her home for a week, said the vote was a joke. The country has rejected these farcical elections which were meaningless, laughable and universally unacceptable, said deputy leader Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Those who did vote showed little enthusiasm. I dont really want to vote as I dont think its a proper election with only the ruling party candidates participating, Anwar Hossain said outside a polling station in Dhakas Azimpur neighbourhood. But I am scared about what might happen if I dont as the candidates might think I am anti-Awami League. Analysts warn the election will likely stoke violence after the bloodiest year of unrest since Bangladesh broke

A polling official inking a female voters finger at a polling station during the 10th Bangladesh national elections in Dhaka yesterday. free from Pakistan in 1971. The former East Pakistan is the worlds eighth most populous nation but also one of the poorest in Asia, and more turmoil will undermine efforts to improve the lot of its population of 154mna third of whom live below the poverty line. A local rights group says more than 500 people have been killed since January 2013, including victims of clashes that erupted after the conviction of Islamists for crimes dating back to the 1971 war. The main Islamist party was banned by judges from taking part in the election, and its leaders are either in detention or in hiding. Alarmed by the violence, the United States, European Union and Commonwealth all declined to send observers to yesterdays election. Bangladesh has been plagued by instability since independence, with nearly 20 coups since 1975.

Opposition calls new strike after deadly vote

angladeshs opposition called a new 48-hour general strike yesterday to protest at the killing of its supporters by police during a violence-plagued general election. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said the shutdown would begin today morning, effectively extending a protest which was in place throughout the weekend as part of a campaign to wreck yesterdays election. Weve called the strike to demand that the government declares this farcical election null and void, BNP spokesman Sayrul Kabir said. We are also protesting the deaths of 22 of our supporters

in police ring during todays vote, Kabir added. Police say at least 15 people were killed in violence during the voting, most of them opposition activists who were shot dead as they tried to disrupt the poll. A polling officer and a security guard were also beaten to death by opposition protesters, according to the police. The BNP and 20 other parties boycotted the election after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina spurned their demands for the polls to be overseen by a neutral caretaker government. Hasinas Awami League is guaranteed victory as its members or allies faced a clear run in 153 of the 300 constituencies.

Sri Lanka evacuates With demand up, Nepal reels people as storm nears under heavy load-shedding
Agencies Colombo

ri Lanka has begun evacuating people living along the coast areas, as a major storm threatened to create havoc in the area, officials said yesterday. The early warning centre of the department of meteorology said that strong winds of speeds about 100km per hour and very heavy rain are expected over the Northern Province and the areas adjacent to northern sea, Xinhua reported. It warned people living along the coastal areas of Jaffna, Mullaitivu and Mannar to be more vigilant, as sea waves are expected to rise above 3m. Officials said that people living within 100m from the sea were evacu-

ated as a precautionary measure and taken to safer locations. The US navy and air force joint typhoon warning centre earlier said tropical storm one was forecast to strike Jaffna with maximum sustained winds and high gusts. In 2004, Sri Lanka suffered extensive damages and lost over 30,000 lives when a devastating tsunami struck and caught the country unaware. Since then, Sri Lanka has put in place a natural disaster emergency system to evacuate people before the disaster strikes. AUSTRALIAN KAYAKERS RESCUED: Strong winds and rough seas yesterday scuttled a bid by two Australian kayakers to circumnavigate Sri Lanka, the Disaster Management Centre said. The two men identied as

David Rowlands and Ian Pexton got into trouble off Mullaittivu on the northeast coast and were helped by local military personnel, said centre director Sarath Kumara. The weather was very bad at the time, Kumara said. There was a severe weather warning in that area from the morning because of wind speeds of up to 100km (60 miles) an hour. Military spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya said the two Australians were given a lift to a nearby hotel along with their kayak. The duo had set out from southern Sri Lanka last month hoping to cover 1,200km (750 miles) in their kayak in just over three weeks ending January 12, according to their website. There was no immediate comment from them yesterday.

IANS Kathmandu

Top US envoy due in Colombo

AFP Colombo

top US envoy will travel to Sri Lanka today to discuss allegations of war crimes ahead of a UN review of Colombos human rights record, officials said. US ambassador for Global Criminal Justice Stephen Rapp will spend ve days in Sri Lanka discussing rights and reconciliation following the decadeslong separatist war, the US State department said. Rapp will meet with government, political and civil

society officials on a range of issues focusing on Sri Lankas justice, accountability, and reconciliation processes, the US State Department said in a short statement on its website. The visit comes as the UN Human Rights Council meets in March to discuss whether Sri Lanka has shown progress towards reining in alleged rights abuses and investigated suspected war crimes. The UN estimates that the conict for a separate homeland for ethnic Tamils in the Sinhalese-majority nation cost

at least 100,000 lives between 1972 and 2009. Sri Lanka has resisted calls to investigate allegations that up to 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians were killed by the security forces during the nal push that crushed the Tamil rebels. UN rights chief Navi Pillay has warned Sri Lanka that it faces an international probe into the allegations if it has not shown progress by March. There was no immediate comment from Sri Lankas foreign ministry on Rapps visit and no further details were immediately available.

he state power monopoly in Nepal has extended load-shedding hours from the earlier nine hours a day to 12 hours beginning yesterday. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), that had increased power cuts to nine hours a day in mid-December, announced last Friday further extension to 12 hours a day for domestic consumers. It is not an abnormal phenomenon for NEA to increase the hours of power cut following the onset of the dry season in Nepal, a country having one of the highest hydropower potential in the world. The drop-off in electricity generation owing to the decreasing water level in rivers has been blamed for the extended rolling blackout. Load-shedding during winter last year had gone up to 16 hours a day. With the new schedule becoming effective, Nepalis will have to cope with 84 hours a week in darkness. Increasing load-shedding is our compulsion, Bhuwan Chettri, chief of NEAs load dispatch centre, told Xinhua by phone. The power demand goes up to 100MW during the dry season as compared to the wet season and it is hard to balance the demand and supply chain. It has not even been a week since Nepals Energy Minister Umakant Jha promised to contain power cuts within 12 hours a day this winter that Nepalis have received the fresh load-shedding schedule equalling to the same period a day.

A man heading home with a cart filled with water as light fades before the sunset in Kathmandu yesterday. With 12-hour load-shedding in place, few areas in the capital have streetlights working. This is just the beginning and the power crisis cannot be limited within only 12 hours a day in the near future, Chettri said. At present, there is a demand for 1,100MW a day while we have been able to supply only 575MW to 600MW. The NEA projected the demand for power to go up to 1,200MW a day during this years dry season. Industrial consumers have been hit harder with the new schedule. NEA sources said load-shedding for industrial consumers have been extended to 14 hours a day. Sadly, the 14-hour-long power cut is arranged in a single shift. Factories that used to run three shifts of operation a day have been restricted to only one shift, Nepali industrialist Pashupati Murarka said. Nepalese industries are forced to manage back-up power by installing diesel plants at their factory premises. Almost 95% of the industries, hotels, hospitals and academic centres, among other business enterprises, have their own diesel plants, said Murarka, who is also vice-president of Nepals apex business body, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The cost of production goes up to around 35% higher, if the factories are run with diesel plants, he added Similarly, general consumers have also begun to install back-up electricity facilities in their residences to escape the dark hours. Nepal has already imported tens of millions of dollars worth of inverters and solar panels for household purposes. Though the government had earlier announced import of 200MW hydropower from India to limit the deepening power crisis, the process has not begun so far. More than 80% of Nepals hydro-power projects are runof-the-river power stations and power generation from these projects goes down by as much as 60% during the dry season. Several studies suggest that Nepal has commercially viable hydroelectricity potential of up to 45,000MW which remains largely untapped.

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Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

COMMENT
Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Editor-in-Chief : Darwish S Ahmed Production Editor: C P Ravindran

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar editor@gulf-times.com Telephone 44350478 (news), 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) Fax 44350474

Why digital money is bound to take over

While the change to digital money will not be effortless, the benets of the transition will likely outweigh the problems
By Fernando Chvez Mexico City It is not about money disappearing then, but changing: from physical to virtual or digital. While the money we have known for hundreds of years may be palpable, money of the future will only be valuable. This will actually be far less traumatic as when humanity passed from merchandise-money to bank money a currency ultimately based on condence.

GULF TIMES
Violations of traffic laws are rampant despite campaigns
Whoever coined the quote Laws were made to be broken would denitely be impressed by the fragrant violations of the traffic law on the streets of Qatar. Two surveys by Gulf Times in as many weeks have revealed that a campaign by the Traffic Department to curb traffic violations does not seem to have had any impact. After the rst survey on December 26, Gulf Times reported on December 28 that traffic violations in Doha had reached alarming levels, making a mockery of the countrys laws. The very day, the Traffic Department announced the campaign, which was launched from the next day. The second survey last Thursday conrmed that all the ndings from the rst survey - that many motorists do not wear seat belts, use mobile phones while driving and take left or U-turns from lanes meant for proceeding straight - were continuing unchanged. As done during the rst survey, Gulf Times sent two news photographers to some of the busiest points in Doha last Thursday. The pictures they took show eight out of 10 motorists using mobile phones while driving and at least ve out of 10 not wearing the seat belt. The photographers also found that illegal left- and U-turns were common. These violations of the traffic law are happening despite earnest efforts by traffic police personnel and even some senior officials who have been spotted at roundabouts and traffic signals looking out for violations. The moment they come across a law enforcing official, motorists who are otherwise averse to wearing the seat belt or keeping the mobile phone away, turn into a picture of obedience. Once they move clear of the monitoring zone, things are back to square one. It is as if a good number of motorists got some thrill out of violating the traffic law. As pointed out time and again by road safety experts, one of the reasons that encourage motorists not to wear the seat belt and use mobile phones while driving is the absence of black points for the offences. Each offence carries only a ne of QR500 but if they came with at least three or four demerit points each, motorists would be careful once they are caught, because their driving licence would be suspended for three months if 14 points are accumulated. Repeat offenders, if they get 12 points the second time, would see a licence suspension for six months. Accruing 10 points a third time entails the suspension of driving licence for nine months, a fourth time with eight points warrants a one year suspension, and fth time with six points result in the ultimate suspension of the license, following which the offender would have to pass the driving test afresh after one year. The provisions in the traffic law are adequate, but only that the demerit point system should be made applicable to the most common offences of not wearing the seat belt and using handheld mobile phones while driving. Residents from all walks of life, both citizens and expatriates, are breaking the traffic law. It is not just a lack of awareness that is leading many to ignore road safety norms. It seems that arrogance is a factor too.

he history of currency has entered a surprising and mysterious phase, with the arrival of digital money, presented like some novelty feature in a sci- lm. The media has amplied this fascinating leg of nancial history as their noisy vocation requires, mixing fact and ction while reporting on Bitcoin, that has become the digital money most in demand in the world (there are others). But beyond the hyperbole, this is a development that may soon become a major issue for central banks, precisely because it is bound to weaken their positions as exclusive emitters of money. The costs and benets of this digital innovation, we must all admit, are still far from clear. I suspect, however, that there will be a growing international consensus that such money forms will impose themselves, without the imminent disappearance of our money - coins and bills - and even less so credit and debit cards or electronic transfers. The writing of cheques, on the other hand, is already about to enter a display case for the money museums.

While the money we have known for hundreds of years may be palpable, money of the future will only be valuable
We may cite here two indisputable examples from centuries ago. Cocoa beans were used as money in ancient Mexico - and if people grew tired of handling them, they could always consume them, hot or cold. Or a more extreme case from the distant past, when a female slave could be used for payment in the Roman world, to become a companion or wife. While change from merchandisemoney to duciary money was traumatic, going from physical to digital money will have more benets than problems. It is cheap to make and move, efficient as a means of payment, hygienic and as durable as can be. Clearly it would also be as vulnerable to forgery or theft as is money today. To suppose it would not, would be to suppose that human nature will change.

Lets be very clear: the coming monetary change is only technical in nature, not social; a matter of form, not content. Before this new monetary future arrives, what will happen to digital money like Bitcoin? One can already say that is highly volatile. Digital bubbles can be seen ahead: this new financial asset has seen its value rise in the past year (it skyrocketed from $15 in January to just over $1,000 on November 27, plunging again this week below $600), in the financially developed world and with the Chinese - who else? - attentive as always to such speculative movements. It is also more or less clear that those fuelling a signicant demand for this type of money are crime bosses, for whom this is a practical, very efficient and anonymous currency with no legal framework yet in place. And as those tasked with controlling the legal monetary mass, what do the central bankers think? They are cautious, but optimistic. The most important one, Ben Bernanke, said that it may hold long-term promise if pertinent innovations ensure a faster, more secure and more efficient payment system . For these master regulators, any means of payment that is out of their direct or indirect control is of concern, above all if these will create inationary pressures. I spoke some months back to a free-market economist who told me with some annoyance that the little exchange markets emerging in Mexico, with their illegal money use, were not

efficient. I doubt it, I said, because if that were the case they would not exist, even if they contravene Mexicos money laws. The physical money we use today, whose value is based on condence among its users and the evolution of prices, will gradually move toward their own place in the money museums, as well. We dont know when, but it will. As far as I know my own Central Bank here in Mexico has no position yet on digital money, though I hope we shall soon hear what they think. And what do our private banks and bankers think? Theyre already involved in all this, though arguably the best thing for them is that nobody controls monetary emission, so money can become an even more lucrative business. Economists on the right have proposed as much, though paradoxically, central banks, the state organs with the monopoly on regulating money emission, are absolutely packed with people who think this way. Technological changes are initially awesome, as was the case with the rst people to ride a horse, or drive a cart, travel by train and board an airplane. There are no technological changes without pain, even if we later gorge ourselves on the welfare they generate. Thats also how it is likely to wind up some day, not too far away, with digital money.- Worldcrunch/America Economia Economist Fernando Chvez is a lecturer at Mexico Citys Autonomous Metropolitan University.

Violations of the traffic law are happening despite earnest efforts by traffic police personnel

A man holding an iPhone with the Bitcoin digital transaction form ready for a payment.

A more Machiavellian world than ever

By Gianni Riotta Turin alf a millennium after the publication of Niccol Machiavellis The Prince, one of the most brilliant books ever written on political theory, the world has become more Machiavellian than ever. The United States, which has been democratic for more than two centuries and invented the Internet as a place of transparency, has now ended up in trouble for its National Security Agency (NSA) spying on allies. The former KGB agent, Vladimir Putin, in his semifree country where independent journalists are murdered, welcomed NSA mole Edward Snowden as a political refugee, as he put on his laticlave and preached to the world about human rights and privacy. Meanwhile, in Syria, just because President Bashar Assad is massacring his subjects doesnt mean that hell meet the same fate as Hosni Mubarak or Moammar Gadda. Hes still in power in Damascus, a merciless and bloodthirsty character lifted right from the pages of Machiavelli, who pays no attention to his conscience, just to power and its cruel nature. The clash between China, Japan and the US over the minuscule SenkakuDiaoyu islands oozes pure Machiavelli.

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Beijing implemented an Air Defence Identication Zone around the islands, Tokyo challenged it and Washington still sent B52s into the zone, declaring that it would continue to carry out unregistered ights in the region. In chapters 12-14, Machiavelli warns against troops borrowed from an ally because if they win, he is indebted to them. And if he loses, he is ruined. Thanks to the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan, a threat to the islands would require the United States to come to Japans aid.

Who is right? Who is wrong? Who is on the side of ethics? Machiavelli would have laughed at such questions. He would have explained to those interested, as he tried to do with those who wanted to rise, that where power and politics are concerned, moral questions and ethical integrity arent even factored in. In this way, America, in a delicate and yet existential way, has been celebrating the 500th anniversary of The Prince diligently. Canadian philosopher and politician, Michael Ignatieff, in The Atlantic magazine, commends Machiavelli, remembering that Barack Obamas choice to eliminate Osama bin Laden, was a Machiavellian moment of excellence, even if it was outside the bounds of moral and international rights. The assassination of an enemy, as well as innocent bystanders around him - something condemnable by any democratic jury - was deemed pardonable by the Florentine writer. Obama, he would have said, did well to defend his republic with each decision he made. Yet, Machiavelli also praises restraint when it serves the republic. Ignatieff notes that it may even be advisable, for example, for the president to call off the cruise missiles to Syria if he cannot discern a clear target or a defensible strategic objective. Five hundred years later and history

has nally vindicated Machiavelli. He was placed on the list of banned books in 1559 by the Pope and deemed by modern conservative political theorist Leo Strauss a master of evil . New books argue that in order to understand Machiavellis brutal honesty, we must understand the times that produced him. These authors declare that he wasnt a gangster of critical indulgence, but a patriot and a republican who fought for unification of the citystates that had too long been kept at odds, searching for a virtuous and true politician who was not superficial but capable of sacrifice and harsh choices. Hes more alive than ever. Our world can be found in his: violence, hypocrisy, clashes of personalities and forces, as well as interests. The only thing that would surprise Machiavelli in this modern world is the Web, the huge information network where The Prince would be subject to direct debate, analysis, criticism and censorship. Trading in his evenings networking in taverns, Niccol Machiavelli would have delved to the depths of the Internet to make his plans, plotting and looking for his Prince, using the new technology to help him rise to a powerful government position, and then, with the help of big data, to help him keep it for as long as possible.Worldcrunch/La Stampa

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

27

COMMENT

Robots are taking over the Internet

Automated computer programs - or socialbots - are assuming the identity of supposedly real people on social networking and dating sites
By Nic Ulmi Geneva

es not human. Hes a robot. Dante Pryor is a socialbot, lawyer and series heroine Alicia Florrick says in a recent episode of the TV series The Good Wife. How could a robot defame your client? the judge character asks her. Its designed to repackage comments and gossip by others and disperse it onto sites, Florrick responds. Its a computerised version of the worst part of human nature. These so-called socialbots , increasingly part of our zeitgeist, are more or less the same in real life. Anna Jobin, a researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and at Lausanne University who is currently working on a doctoral thesis about our interactions with algorithms, notes that socialbots are ubiquitous in political campaigns, for example. An algorithm creates thousands of socialbots to exert inuence or to drown divergent opinions, she says. The Mexicans, Russians and Syrians all have been accused of deploying armies of socialbots over the last three years. And Indiana Universitys research group Truthy observed the use of this electoral weapon during the US congressional elections in 2010. A socialbot is basically an automated computer program

capable of creating proles on social networks, complete with names and photos, before establishing connections with users, chatting, commenting on friends posts, and fuelling discussions. It picks up on the living material uploaded by humans: attractive faces taken from the website Hotornot.com, elements of identity found on social networks, and clearcut opinions gathered in the news or in tweets. Websites such as 10minute-mail. com allow the swarm of robots to obtain disposable e-mail addresses to sign up to networks. Other online services are used to get around the CAPTCHA obstacle - the sequence of bent letters and numbers a user must decode to prove that you are human . The rest, the formula that mixes a variety of data to simulate the behaviour of an average person, is a matter of algorithms. Most times, socialbots land on social networks as invaders. Their aims are political or commercial and are treated as unwelcome when discovered. But sometimes, the same site where they are active also creates them. Its the case for some dating sites, Jobin says. When there are more men than women among the users, the website may then deploy a large number of fake female proles created by algorithms to increase the activity. She says that a single program can create up to 20,000 proles. These are malicious and deceptive manipulations, Jobin says. Internet robots (or bots) are nothing new. When Amazon suggests purchases, its because an algorithm analysed your previous purchases to determine your preferences. There is an attempt to influence your purchases, yes, but no fraud per se when algorithms are used in this way. But socialbots are,

as the saying goes, a different kettle of fish. The website Netix - an online video-on-demand service - has determined that in 60% of cases, consumers choose according to suggestions based on the history of their purchases, Jobin says. And that leaves the other 40%, those whose viewing choices wander off the beaten track, as targets. The question is whether its possible to steer these users as well? Startups in Silicon Valley are working on it, Jobin says. They talk about serendipity algorithms . In the case of socialbots, in a similar way, they create inconsistencies, irregularities, randomness, so their behaviour seems more credible. Its not just about deceiving users, but also the social network itself. On the one hand, there are algorithms conceived to influence users without being discovered, Jobin says. On the other, there are algorithms made to detect these social algorithms. Its a game of hide and seek. When the herd of socialbots and their human owners (the bot herders, or robot keepers) succeed, no one talks about it because their activity is undetected. The socialbots that make the most headlines are those that are created with the singular aim if showing how a socialbot works. Last summer, a Brazilian bot called Carina Santos managed to become a journalist, influencing Twitter by automatically recycling tweets from the newspaper Globo. Its creators - researchers at the Ouro Preto Federal University wanted to show that the way Twitter measures inuence is not reliable, Jobin says. Mission accomplished.Worldcrunch/Le Temps

Letters
Quad bike safety rules
Dear Sir, Regulations are required to protect lives of quad drivers at sand dunes. It is shocking to note that so many young lives are being lost near the Sealine resort sand dunes area in quad crashes. Hundreds of shops in makeshift tents offer colourful quads on rental in the area and their prime customers are teenagers and even children. All these rental companies want is just the copy of a Qatari ID to issue a quad for driving . Most accidents are caused by rider error. The best way to learn the skills necessary to ride an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or a quad bike safely and avoid accidents is to attend a specialised training course. The rental companies must check whether people are capable of driving or having a licence before renting the quads out as the powerful machines can easily turn turtle and cause serious injury or even kill the rider. Fun-loving teens can be seen driving quads at high speeds at the sand dunes near the resort. Driving on sand dune slopes can cause quads to ip over unexpectedly and could trap the driver under the heavy machine. Following suggestions shall be useful to put an end to this uncontrolled sector. 1) Only professional rental companies should be given licence to operate outlets near sand dunes. 2) Quad users should have either a valid driving licence or should be 18 years and above. 3) Safety headgear, goggles, gloves and kneecap kits must be issued by rental companies to all drivers. 4) Brief demo class shall be given by rental companies to users explaining them how to drive the quad and safety lessons . 5) Traffic police shall be posted to monitor compliance to all above . Vasanth (e-mail address supplied) The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) D5 rocket has been launched from the Sriharikota spaceport, in the south-eastern state of Andhra Pradesh, and after a 17-minute ight placed a communications satellite into orbit. With the launch, India joins only ve countries - the US, Russia, France, Japan and China - in designing and developing the cryogenic technology. Cryogenic engines are rocket motors designed for liquid fuels that have to be kept at low temperatures as they turn into a gaseous state at room temperature. Indian scientists have been working on the technology for over two decades. This is a great acheivement for the entire team in ISRO: this is the rst successful mission in the last three years after two such rockets failed in 2010. The GSLV, Indias most powerful space rocket, is crucial to the countrys future space missions, including its second mission to the Moon, Chandrayaan-2, in 2016 that will use a GSLV rocket, media reports say. The success of the cryogenic engine is crucial as it provides more thrust for every kilogram of propellant burnt compared to solid/liquid fuels. New rockets can be built using this technology to carry heavier payloads. India can save a lot of foreign exchange as it can launch indigenous and foreign satellites from the country itself without depending on external space agencies. Manoj C Velappan (e-mail address supplied)

Weather report
Three-day forecast
TODAY

High: 21 C Low: 16 C
Strong wind and high seas with thunderstorm

TUESDAY

High: 19 C Low : 14 C
P Cloudy

Please send us your letters

By e-mail editor@gulf-times.com Fax 44350474 Or Post Letters to the Editor Gulf Times P O Box 2888 Doha, Qatar All letters, which are subject to editing, should have the name of the writer, address and phone number. The writers name and address may be withheld by request.

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High: 20 C Low : 14 C
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Fishermens forecast
OFFSHORE DOHA Wind: NE-NW 12-18/25 KT Waves: 4-6/8 Feet INSHORE DOHA Wind: NE-NW 15-25 KT Waves: 1-2/3 Feet

Cryogenic rocket success

Dear Sir, Indias space agency, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), is in the limelight with the successful launch of GSLV D5.

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Live issues

Americas treacherous tipping culture

By Liu Tong New York

ecause of several successive business trips plus my holiday in the United States, I have been living from one hotel to another for more than two weeks. Obviously Im also obliged to dine out. What this means in terms of personal nances is that even before paying the hotel or restaurant bills, I must face a continued lineup of people expecting tips: waiters, room service, doormen not to mention taxi drivers, unless of course you like to haul your heavy luggage out of the trunk yourself. I have a colleague from Hong Kong, a place where tipping is also customary, though not as far-reaching or at such high percentages as it is in the United States. She, nonetheless, tried to pretend that she didnt know how things work in the United States. The result: dirty towels left unchanged. A friend who happens to be looking for an apartment tried hard to avoid renting anywhere with a concierge, because If I carry something whenever I get home, the concierge will always come and open the door

and expect to be tipped. But when do I come home without a bag or something in my hand? Imagine how much extra cost that is every month? Chinese people always talk about how expensive it is to live in America. And while I have studied all kinds of gures related to the xed expenses of American households, none of them take tipping into account! Indeed, bills in America often give people the wrong impression that its cheap, simply because the tax and the tips are rarely included. Sales tax rates can vary widely between different states, by as much as 10%. When I tried to pay a 10% tip on top of my bill

in a Washington DC restaurant, I was immediately warned to add 15-20% by my friend unless you want them to chase after you to recover it! I suppose I will learn how to live with all this tipping if I stay in the United States long enough. Still, on an economic level, I am convinced that the system is part of what makes hiring workers so costly. Though it is a bit of a luxury to go and dine in a restaurant or take a taxi in America, the restaurateur or the cab company doesnt seem to earn that much money. I once interviewed a top executive of a famous hotel chain who told me that he started off his career as

a doorman, and that it was still some of the best money hed ever earned. The tipping custom exposes a particular feature: If one expects to get a better tip, one has to offer a better sales proposition. This includes the appearance and the gure, smartness or likability of the attendant - in other words it means individual employees making themselves marketable. When I went to cover the Miami International Art Fair, on the way to the venue I had a taxi driver who spoke only Spanish, and made no effort to use even a single word of English with me. On the way back to the airport, instead, the cabbie was eager to tell me all the artists he likes and complimented me on how Asian women look younger than their age. Though I was obliged to tip them both, guess who I tipped more heartily? Recently, more and more Americans have called for the end of the tipping system, saying waiters enjoy high wages and lower taxes not to mention making customers feel obliged to pay additional rates for their meals. I am not optimistic. All I can hope for is the person serving me next time is smart and pleasant and cant guess my age.- Worldcrunch/Economic Observer

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Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

QATAR

600 bikers from GCC countries to take part in Doha shows

By Joey Aguilar Staff Reporter

ome 600 bikers from the six GCC countries will be gathering in Doha to participate in one of the biggest motorbike shows, including a charity event, on January 17 at Aspire Zone Foundation, Soul Riders founder Khalid al-Hamadi has said. Each biker will contribute a xed amount of cash to take part in the charity parade and a separate fee for those who want their motorbike entered as part of the bike show. Funds collected from the drive will be donated to the Qatar Red Crescent. He said more than 45 members have conrmed their participation. Some of the motorbikes which will be showcased are valued at QR500,000. All 600 bikers from Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar have already registered to join the event especially the charity parade which will start from The Torch Doha at 1pm. It is a motorbike show where different categories of bikes are

displayed by their owners, he said. These categories included: Sportster, Dyna, Softail Touring, V-Rod, Vintage, Touring, Metric Touring, Chopper, Bobber, Burgor, Radical, Trick, Super Shot, Spider CanAm, Hayabousa, the bike with the best paintwork, and the best bike voted by the public. Winners will receive trophies and other tokens. Al-Hamadi also said that they have opened the event for public viewing. Some of the programmes will feature entertainment and games for children, food outlets, traditional Qatari dancers and DJs. Organised by Soul Riders and Mayfair Events, the motorbike show is supported by the Ministry of Interior, Aspire Zone Foundation, The Torch, Qatar Racing Club, Qatar Photographic Society and Qatar Red Crescent. This is to come together as one to help the needy, if it means to make someone in need smile in a way we know best by riding motorbikes, which we do as our passion, said George Thachil, managing partner, Mayfair Events.

Soul Riders, one of the largest motorcycle groups in Doha, also wants to use their passion to help other people especially those who are in dire need. The group started in October 2012 with only 11 bikers. Now, it has 62 active members coming from various expatriate communities in Qatar. They recently held a charity motorbike ride to help children with special needs. Soul Riders had supported similar activities which included breast cancer awareness campaign and activities such as Ride for Hope, Wheels n Heels Reach Out To Asia, Tour Of Qatar Cycling Race, Ride to support the Heir Apparent Cup, Garangao and the Qatar Sport Day Events. We are a mix of expatriates and locals who talk one language - motor biking. We are one family. Soul Riders is the only motorbike group from Qatar who are part of the Bikers Network which has over 2,000 motorcyclists as its members, said al-Hamadi. The event is open to all motorbikers. Those who are interested to join may call 7770-0074 to register.

Soul Riders members at a gathering in Doha.

Registration closes for falcon festival

Commuting on Wukair-Mesaimeer road a nightmare

By Ramesh Mathew Staff Reporter

Registration for participation in the 5th Qatar International Falcon and Hunting Festival concluded yesterday at the Qatari Society of Al-Gannas, Katara. Due to the huge turnout, the organising committee extended the registration deadline up to 10pm. A programme would also be launched at Al-Kass channel to follow up the activities of the festival.

he absence of streetlights and road dividers makes driving a nightmare for commuters after sunset on the busy road connecting Wukair with Mesaimeer and surrounding areas. The more than 7km stretch between the area housing the newly built residential compounds in Wukair and the intersection near the traffic signal in the vicinity of the expatriate schools in Mesaimeer is being used round the clock by thousands of vehicles plying from Wakrah to the Doha Industrial Area and in the opposite direction. Several minor as well as major crashes have been reported on the road in recent months. Some of the daily travellers said most of the accidents occurred

owing to the absence of the streetlights along the stretch. Despite heavy traffic, most drivers pass through the area at a very high speed and the trend continues even in the evenings when there is no light along the route, it is learnt. Because of the absence of the streetlights, many drivers are unable to see clearly the line of vehicles coming from the opposite direction and some of the drivers have reported narrow escapes from collisions in recent weeks, said a resident in one of the new residential compounds in Wukair. Though it has been more than three years since the road was completed, the vehicular traffic through the area increased heavily during the last one year only, especially since the opening of most of the new residential properties in Wukair and surrounding areas. The route is being used

mainly by vehicles going to the Industrial Area, including trailers and also many others travelling to the citys western areas, said a bus driver, who transports workers of a construction rm twice daily through the stretch. He said even though the road is well constructed the absence of streetlights turns it into a big blind spot. The number of light vehicles using the road, particularly in the evenings on Thursdays and Fridays, is very large, according to residents. With Al Wakra Hospital starting operations, many vehicles are using the road in the mornings as well, they said. While appealing to the authorities to consider installing streetlights along the route and constructing road dividers, the residents also requested them to deploy more traffic patrol vehicles along the stretch in the evenings.

The unlit 7km stretch between Mesaimeer and Wukair. PICTURE: Najeer Feroke

Vodafone offers audio conferencing solution

Vodafone has become the first company in Qatar to offer a cost effective and efficient audio conferencing solution to help businesses improve their productivity. This comes shortly following the launch of Secure Device Management, another first for Vodafone in Qatar. Niraj Singh, director, Vodafone Business Services, said: Vodafone is delighted to be the first to launch a conferencing solution with a local toll free dial-in number for businesses here in Qatar. Audio conferencing has existed for a long time in many parts of the world but to date a Qatar local toll free dial-innumber has not existed and companies have had to make an international call if they wanted to take advantage of the significant benefits that audioconferencing can deliver. As Qatars position in the global economy grows, businesses in Qatar increasingly need to collaborate with partners around the world and work in virtual teams to make decisions and share information quickly. Audio conference from Vodafone will ultimately save any business costs, especially for those that have international operations, increase productivity and gain competitive advantage. More information on Vodafones audio conference and all of Vodafones other enterprise products and services can be had from www.vodafone.qa/en/ business.

COST CUTTING | Page 15

TAPER DEBATE | Page 16

HTC Q4 profit comes below expectations

Monday, January 6, 2014 Rabia-I 5, 1435 AH

Fed officials zero in on next policy steps

GULF TIMES

BUSINESS

SEVEN-VESSEL ORDER: Page 2

Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar lays keel for two 16m stan tugs

Q4 earnings to drive Gulf markets in coming weeks

By Santhosh V Perumal Business Reporter

F
QNB Financial Services, the brokerage arm of QNB, accounted for 14.9% of stocks trading value (QR23.95bn) YTD in December against 6.9% the comparable period of 2012.

Brokerage units of Qatar banks see income gain

By Santhosh V Perumal Business Reporter

he brokerage units of Qatars commercial banks witnessed enhanced incomes through intermediary business, indicating higher non-interest earnings year-to-date (YTD) in December. QNB Financial Services, the brokerage arm of QNB, accounted for 14.9% of stocks trading value (QR23.95bn) YTD in December against 6.9% the comparable period of 2012. Through it, there were a total of 212,845 deals and volume was 415.06mn shares YTD December 2013. Commercial Bank Investment Service, the stock broking subsidiary of Commercial Bank, accounted for 7.54% of trading value (QR12.12bn) compared to 2.9% the previous year period. It had under-

taken 41,577 transactions on a volume of 99.87mn stocks YTD December 2013. Al-Ahli Brokerage, a subsidiary of Ahlibank Qatar, saw its market share rise to 0.98% of trading value (QR1.57bn) against 0.89% the year-ago period. There were a total of 13,086 deals and volume was 34.58mn equities YTD December 2013. Al Rayan Financial Brokerage, a stock broking unit of Masraf Al Rayan, accounted for 0.31% of trading value (QR497.1mn) compared to 0.16% the previous-year period. Through it, there were a total of 5,770 transactions and volume was 13.65mn shares YTD December 2013. The Group Securities continued to be atop the chart, accounting for 29.15% of trading value (QR46.86bn) YTD in December against 29.09% the year-ago period. The entity had undertaken 845,035 transactions on a volume of 1.4bn stocks YTD December 2013.

The Qatar Financial Market Authority had earlier approved the Group Securities as liquidity provider, while saying other licenses are on the pipeline. Dlala Brokerage, a traditional conventional stock broking business arm of Dlala Holding, cornered 12.25% of trading value (QR19.7bn) compared to 11.01% the comparable period of 2012. It had undertaken a total of 179,027 transactions and volume was 517.03mn equities YTD December 2013. The Gulf Investments Groups share substantially fell to 9.38% of trading value (QR15.08bn) YTD in December against 27.17% the previous year period. Through it, there were a total of 154,808 deals on a volume of 377.07mn stocks YTD December 2013. Qatar Securities accounted for 10.26% of trading value (QR16.49bn) against 7.4% the year-ago period. Through it, there

were a total of 186,474 deals and volume was 342.58mn shares YTD December 2013. International Securities share stood at 6.81% of trading value (QR10.94bn) against 5.62% the comparable period of 2012. Through it, there were a total of 106,072 deals and volume was 269.04mn equities YTD December 2013. Islamic Securities market share was 5.41% of trading value (QR8.7bn) compared to 6.12% in the previous year period. The brokerage outt had undertaken 111,326 transactions and volume was 231.22mn stocks YTD December 2013. Dlala-Islamic Brokerage, a Shariahprincipled broking unit of Dlala Holding, cornered 3.02% of trading value (QR4.86bn) against 2.74% the comparable period of 2012. Through it, there were a total of 67,738 deals and volume was 175.03mn shares YTD December 2013.

ourth-quarter (Q4) earnings are likely to be the main inuence on the Gulf stock markets in the coming weeks, even as investors in the region are now cautiously optimistic despite the US Fed tapering this year, according to Abu Dhabi Investment Company (Invest AD). Q4 earnings results are likely to be the main drivers of performance of the Gulf markets in the coming weeks, with dividend pay-outs also important given the predominance of retail investors in the region, Invest AD said in a report. With the upcoming full-year corporate results, investors were seen on a buying mode in the Qatar Exchange in expectations of dividends, a usual phenomenon during the earnings season. Investors will also be closely watching the announcement of federal budgets for 2014 for an indication of continued scal support to the regions economies, with Saudi Arabias budget particularly of interest, Invest AD said. In December, Qatar announced a few new infrastructure projects, which is an early sign of the likely revival of projects in the country, the report said. Meanwhile, in Kuwait, the constitutional court has ruled in favour of the validity of the national assembly, which implies that it will complete the term, thus removing one element of political uncertainty hanging over the Kuwait market, the report said. Investor sentiment across the region remains robust with Dubais successful bid to host the Expo 2020, reinforcing the UAE economic story, although benets for trade, tourism, retail and real estate sectors will be gradually felt in the coming years. The pace of the US Federal Reserves tapering in the coming year is likely to impact emerging market and frontier market sentiment, but investors in the Gulf are in a cautiously optimistic mode for now, it said. On Middle East xed income market, Invest AD said, in 2014 market direction will primarily be driven by moves in the US benchmark rates. The key factors in market direction in 2014 are likely to be the US Feds tapering process and the US scal situation, and their interrelation with a recovering US economy, it said. Investors would also be looking to the European Central Bank, and in particular whether it needs to implement negative deposit rates or introduce quantitative easing, according to the report.

BANKING ON KNOWLEDGE

Global governance should recognise global citizenship

By Dr R Seetharaman The advanced economies have recently gained some speed, while the emerging market economies have slowed. The impulse to global growth is expected to come mainly from the US as fiscal consolidation eases and fed tapering begins. The emerging market economies, however, continue to account for the bulk of global growth. Emerging economies had contributed to global economic recovery after the crisis. They will continue to exercise their power in global forums such as G20, while advanced economies and emerging economies will play a vital role in the area of global governance. The global governance had brought significant measures in response to global financial crisis. The interconnected nature of our world demands that global governance recognise the necessity for coordination to keep pace with the demand for a more farsighted global order, and hence encourage global citizenship. Global citizenship is based on the belief that each of us can change things and has choices about how we behave. It is also based on the belief on the power of the individual and it aims to empower people to lead their own action. It enables you to build knowledge and values based on learning about global issues. In a changing world, global citizenship is about flexibility and adaptability and a positive image of the future. In an interdependent world global citizenship encourages us to recognise our responsibilities towards each other and learn from each other. Global citizenship should lead to a single world. Modern technology has created a single-world culture. The highly-developed world-wideweb enables us to broaden our view of the world, experiencing various cultures across the world. There are opportunities for those who want to expand their knowledge about other countries cultures due to the development of modern technologies. If culture differences are addressed it is possible to work towards a single world. Understanding other countries culture is the first step to address cultural differences. There have been significant migration of people and vast exchange of ideas between various countries, which has given momentum to the concept of single world. A single world will have a single global currency. The single global currency would be managed by a single global central bank, with representative governing boards for the people, governments and financial institutions of the world. The Global Central Bank will be financed by benefits, which come from the printing of money and seigniorage. Any surplus monetary benefits coming to the bank would be allocated to the agreed-upon goals. The conditions based on which the countries will participate and the goals to be achieved should be agreed to develop a single global currency. In recent years the global trade has rebounded between advanced and emerging economies as global economy recovered from crisis. US and China have featured in the list of top 5 exporters and importers of world merchandise trade and commercial services in 2012. Since 2009, China has promoted RMB internationalisation by facilitating international trade and investment, encourage development of offshore RMB-denominated financial products, and encouraging central banks to hold RMB as part of their foreign exchange reserves. Emerging economies have also provided an ideal platform for those US corporations which had struggled in their local economies and for those which looked for opportunities in emerging economies to diversify the risk. Economic and global developments have made emerging economies more visible and hence promoted more international collaborations with advanced economies. Advanced economies and emerging economies can play an important role as part of global governance to bring mechanisms to strengthen ties among global citizens and link their efforts towards national and international policies. Dr R Seetharaman is Group CEO of Doha Bank. The views expressed are his own.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

BUSINESS

QP renerys 2012 exports total 1.52mn tonnes

P Renery exported rened products totalling 1.52mn tonnes in 2012 compared with the planned export volume of 1.5mn tonnes, Qatar Petroleum said in its report for 2012. The renery imported 114,922 tonnes of light gas oil (LGO) and 513,719 tonnes of Jet A-1 to meet the high increase in local demand. The QP renery processes crude oil

and condensate into various nished products, which are intended to meet both domestic and export demands. The main nished products are liqueed petroleum gas, petrochemical naphtha, premium gasoline, super gasoline, jet fuel, diesel, decant oil and fuel oil. In 2012, GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries were the major destination for gasoline, diluted crude oil and straight run fuel oil, while

naphtha was exported to petrochemical plants in Japan, the report said. Major international customers for QPs renery are Tragura, Vitol, Glencore, Totsa, Ginvor, Bakri, Arcadia, Phillips, Shell and Marubeni. The renery also supplies rened products (locally) to Woqod, Seef, Qafac, Qapco and QPs NGL Complex (Mesaieed). The marketing of QP Renerys

products is being undertaken by Qatar International Petroleum Marketing Company (Tasweeq), working in close coordination with the production planning, scheduling and export division. This division is responsible for working out the annual, quarterly and monthly planning and products export schedule. QP Renery started as a small topping plant in 1958 and has grown over the years into a giant organisation,

successfully making Qatar self-sufficient and export-oriented in rened oil and petroleum products. It has provided value addition to the countrys natural wealth, improved rening economics in Qatar and provided citizens with the necessary expertise in areas such as management, operations, engineering, maintenance and marketing. The report also said Qatar is entering

a new phase in its economic development with great determination . The countrys hydrocarbon revenues have maintained impressive growth rates, while its sustainable development efforts move forward with great resolve and dedication. Revenues are being invested in strategic projects that help create a solid foundation for greater economic growth and expansion, the report said.

QE breaks 10,600 level on transport, telecom and banking stocks support

By Santhosh V Perumal Business Reporter

Dubai stocks slip after lending rules change

Momentum driving markets in the UAE was tempered yesterday after the regulator approved changes to margin lending rules and said it would crackdown on unlicensed lending, while most other regional bourses scaled higher. Dubais index slipped 0.2%, easing off Thursdays fiveyear high. The market gave back earlysession gains as brokers told clients to sell shares so margin limits would fall within the amended regulations. Although changes to the lending rules aim to improve trading volumes going forward, the likelihood of penalties for not complying with the set limits sent some brokers scrambling to lower margin levels. Most of the trading on Dubais bourse was on margin, which is now being cut back, traders said. Today, margin trading business from what we can see in volumes is low, said Mohammed Ali Yasin, managing director of Abu Dhabi Financial Services. This is for the short-term as brokers will raise their capital to allow for more leverage. Abu Dhabis index rose 0.6%, in its fifth consecutive gain, to a new five-year high. Banks supported, with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank up 3.5% and Union National Bank 3.9% higher. Analysts expect Abu Dhabi lenders to announce strong dividends in the coming weeks. In Egypt, Cairos benchmark index added 0.6% to 6,854 points, heading back to the previous peak of 6,876 points - the intraday high of December 26. The market gained despite fresh violence over the weekend. Elsewhere, Saudi Arabias index gained 0.2% to 8,638 points; Omans measure gained 0.1% to 6,899 points; Kuwaits index was flat at 7,551 points, while Bahrains benchmark was flat at 1,248 points.

he Qatar Exchange yesterday opened the week on a stronger note to break the 10,600 level, mainly lifted by transport, telecom and banking stocks. Buying support from local and foreign retail investors led the 20-stock Qatar Index to gain for the third day by a robust 1.13% to 10,664.16 points. With full-year results yet to be announced, investors sought to buy stocks expecting dividends, a usual phenomenon during the earnings season. Local retail investors buying support came despite the ongoing QR3.23bn initial public offer of Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding Company, a Qatar Petroleum unit. However, domestic institutions sought to book prots in the market, which is up 2.74% year-to-date. Foreign institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser vigour in the bourse, whose key index has been remaining above the 10,000 mark for the 37th consecutive day. The index that tracks Shariah-principled stocks was seen to outperform the other major indices. The 20-stock Total Return Index rose 1.13% to 15,236.64 points, the All Share Index (with wider constituents) by 0.91% to 2,646.32 and the Al Rayan Islamic Index by 1.47% to 3,151.22. All the three indices factored in dividend income as well. Insurance stocks surged 1.42%, followed by transport (1.39%), telecom (1.21%), banks and nancial services (1.1%), industrials (0.63%), real estate (0.52%) and consumer goods (0.06%). Around 65% of the stocks gained

Buying support from retail investors led the 20-stock Qatar Index to gain a robust 1.13% yesterday to 10,664.16 points. with inuential movers being Doha Bank, Barwa, Qatar Islamic Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Ezdan, Mazaya Qatar, Milaha, Gulf International Services, Qatari Investors Group and International Islamic. However, Industries Qatar and Vodafone Qatar were seen to buck the trend. Market capitalisation expanded 0.79%, or more than QR4bn, to QR566.14bn. Small cap equities gained more than 3%, mid (0.86%), large (0.72%) and micro (0.28%). Foreign institutions net buying stood at QR26.45mn against QR45.44mn the previous trading day. Non-Qatari institutions were buyers to the tune of QR1.26mn compared to net sellers of QR21.36mn last Thursday.

Qatari individual investors net buying was QR2.37mn against QR24.97mn the previous trading day. Domestic institutions turned net sellers to the extent of QR25.39mn compared with net buyers of QR0.89mn last Thursday. Total trading volume gained 68% to 13.04mn stocks, value by 52% to QR503.79mn and transactions by 36% to 6,120. The real estate sectors trading volume doubled to 4.65mn shares, value soared 83% to QR100.56mn and deals by 38% to 1,177. The banks and nancial services sector reported 91% surge in trading volume to 3.11mn equities, 64% in value to QR127.3mn and 68% in transactions to 1,714. The transport sectors trading volume expanded 81% to 0.96mn stocks but on more than doubled value to QR27.12mn and deals gained 63% to 339. The consumer goods sectors trading volume shot up 61% to 0.74mn shares, value by 95% to QR42.47mn and transactions by 55% to 549. The insurance sector witnessed 50% rise in trading volume to 0.18mn equities, 52% in value to QR10.19mn and 20% in deals to 83. There was 49% expansion in industrials sectors trading volume to 2.45mn stocks, 26% in value to QR181.16mn and 15% in transactions to 1,946. However, the telecom sectors trading volume tanked 13% to 0.93mn shares; while value rose 14% to QR15mn. Deals were up 1% to 312. In the debt market, there was no trading of government bonds. However, a total of 40,000 treasury bills valued at QR396.68mn were traded across two transactions on special market.

Eversheds assists Kahramaa in $500mn, 25-year water supply deal with QEWC
lobal law rm Eversheds has worked with Qatar General Electricity and Water Corp (Kahramaa) on a 25-year water supply deal with Qatar Electricity & Water Company (QEWC) worth $500mn, which reached a nancial close in Doha last month. The nancial close that follows earlier signature earlier by Kahramaa and QEWC of a 25-year Water Purchase Agreement (also with the legal support of Eversheds) is the nal stage of completing the funding of the project. The funders are entirely Qatari banks the rst time an IWP project in Qatar has been fund-

The project will enable Kahramaa to meet the water grid requirements of 2015

ed entirely by domestic lenders. The project will enable Kahramaa to meet the water grid requirements of 2015. The 36-MIGD (million imperial gallons per day) plant will deliver rst water in June 2015. Kahramaa will purchase the entire production. QEWC signed an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with a consortium of Mitsubishi Corp and Toyo Thai Public Company for the construction of the plant earlier last year. The Eversheds team, led by partner Tim Armsby and Jennifer Westall, advised the client on the tender for its water capacity expansion project as well as the negotiation of the Water Purchase Agreement and related agreements for this plant. Armsby said, This project is a signicant step forward for Qatar as it will ensure that Qatar maintains a surplus capacity pending the launch of the next Independent Water and Power Plant (IWPP), known as Facility D. The fast track project demonstrates the Qatari governments commitment to updating utilities infrastructure across the country. Westall said, Now that the project has reached nancial close funded entirely by domestic lenders, we are entering a new era for the power & water sector in Qatar. Energoprojekt (lead and technical) and PWC (nancial) advised Kahramaa alongside Eversheds. HSBC (nancial) and Norton Rose (legal) advised QEWC.

Representatives from NDSQ and NSW at the keel-laying ceremony at Erhama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma Shipyard in Ras Laffan.

Nakilat Damen Shipyards lays keel for 2 stan tugs

akilat Damen Shipyards Qatar (NDSQ), a joint venture between Nakilat and Dutch shipbuilder Damen, has laid the keels for two 16mlong stan tugs. This is part of a seven-vessel order for marine services provider Nakilat SvitzerWijsmuller (NSW), which is owned 70% by Nakilat and 30% by Svitzer Middle East. The two twin-screw stan tugs have a bollard pull of 15 tonnes and will be used for mooring vessels visiting the Port

of Ras Laffan, said a spokesman for Nakilat. NDSQ is also currently building ve other vessels for the NSW order: two 28m-long azimuth stern drive (ASD) tugs, two 31m-long ASD Tugs and one 22m-long glass reinforced plastic (GRP) pilot boat. The stan tugs, the ASD tugs and the pilot boat will be delivered to NSW for use at Ras Laffan. This milestone further conrms the solid contribution that NDSQs shipbuilding operations

are making towards Qatars industrial sector, Abdullah Fadhalah al-Sulaiti, managing director of Nakilat and chairman of NDSQ and NSW, said. Vessels operated by NSW include tug boats, pilot boats, line boats and crew boats. It offers a range of services including towing, escorting, berthing, pilot support, line handling services aoat and ashore, emergency response, and marine maintenance support. Nakilat is a Qatari marine

company providing the essential transportation link in Qatars liqueed natural gas (LNG) supply chain. Its LNG shipping eet is the largest in the world, comprising 56 vessels. Nakilat also manages and operates four liqueed petroleum gas carriers. Through two strategic joint ventures, Nakilat-Keppel Offshore & Marine (N-KOM) and NDSQ, Nakilat operates the ship repair and construction facilities at Erhama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma Shipyard.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

BUSINESS
Libya restarts El Sharara oilfield, but new protest erupts in west
Libya has restarted oil production at the southern El Sharara field with an initial output of 60,000 bpd after protesters ended a blockade, the state-run National Oil Corp (NOC) said yesterday. But in a new sign of trouble, protesters blocked an oil pipeline in western Libya, adding to disruptions that have slashed Libyas oil production to 250,000 bpd from 1.4mn. Tribesmen calling for greater local powers had blocked the El Sharara field since the end of October. NOC now hopes to reach the fields maximum output capacity of around 340,000 bpd within two to three days, spokesman Mohamed al-Harari said. Production started last night, he said. Libya remains in turmoil as the government struggles to rein in dozens of militias that helped topple leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 but kept their guns and continue to make political and financial demands. Last week, the protesters at El Sharara agreed to suspend their action after the defence minister visited them and said the government would look into their demands. They are calling for the establishment of a local council and the granting of national identity cards for tribesmen from the Tuareg minority. The field, located in the remote and volatile south, supplies crude to the western Zawiya export terminal and feeds the 120,000-bpd Zawiya refinery. Separately, in western Libya, protesters blocked a pipeline near Nalut carrying condensates from the Wafa field to the port of Mellitah, co-owned by Italys ENI, oil officials said. Al-Harari said production of condensates remained normal as the field had sufficient storage capacity. We hope the government will solve the problem before we have to decrease production, he said. No more information was immediately available about the protest. The pipeline feeds the Mellitah oil and gas terminal, a joint venture operated by ENI and the NOC. There is no sign of progress in eastern Libya despite reported attempts by tribal elders to help end a blockade of the Ras Lanuf, Es-Sider and Zuweitina ports, which previously accounted for 600,000 bpd in crude exports. The group behind the blockade is demanded autonomy for the east and a greater share of the oil wealth, Libyas main source of income.

A plane takes off at the concourse in Dubai International Airport (file). Middle East airlines will need 2,610 new planes worth $550bn over the next 20 years as traffic grows rapidly in the region, according to Boeing.

Gulf banks to play bigger air nance role in 2014

Bloomberg Dubai

rabian Gulf banks are set to increase funding to the regions airlines, who have placed a record number of plane orders as part of their expansion plans, according to lenders including Novus Aviation Capital. Airlines will be a strong driver of borrowing this year as they tap nancial markets to cover their large capital expenditure requirements, the banks said. The most popular debt instruments may include nance leases, bonds, Shariah-compliant sukuk, Enhanced Equipment Trust Certicates (EETCs) and debt. There is a strong expectation that the regions banks will play an increasing role in nancing the regions air-

lines, Mounir Kuzbari, executive vice president and board member of Novus Aviation, said by e-mail on December 29. There is still a signicant surplus of Middle Eastern airline demand for nancing over Middle Eastern banks supply, indicating an opportunity for the regions banks to play a greater role. Credit growth in the UAE will accelerate to 8.4% in 2014, up from 6% last year and 2.3% in 2012, the International Monetary Fund said in a November 12 report. Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and FlyDubai will contribute to that growth after announcing more than $160bn in combined plane orders at the Dubai Airshow last month. Middle East nancial institutions provided about $4bn for new Boeing Co aircraft to airlines in 2012 - almost double the gure for 2011, according to the Chicago, Illinois-based manufacturer. Bank debt will provide 25% of nanc-

ing to airlines around the world as they look to fund $112bn in jet deliveries in 2014, Boeing said in its annual market outlook report last month. The trend is denitely for a more important portion of nancing to come from the region, Montasser Kheli, a Dubai-based senior manager for global markets at Quantum Investment Bank Ltd, said by phone on December 29. Following the nancial crisis, banks - especially big European banks that were involved in air nancing - have shied away from the region and are back to their core markets, so theres an opportunity to replace these. Sovereign ownership of the major Gulf airlines could help local banks to step up their air nancing as some of those lenders are also governmentowned, Kheli said. When there is a government-related entity that needs nancing, there

was always support from the local banks, he said. Emirates sukuk issuance last year involved four local lenders including Dubai Islamic Bank and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, while Etihad obtained a $359mn loan from First Gulf Bank in April to buy two Boeing 777s. Popular nancing tools for the regions airlines could include EETCs, bonds specically to pay for aircraft that arent yet widely used locally, Sidanth Rajagopal, aviation nance partner at Clyde & Co, said by phone on December 30. Thats the scene going forward in the next two years - airlines will be looking to access the EETC market and the big three Gulf airlines have the name recognition, he said. Emirates is considering the sale of sukuk or bonds to raise $4.5bn in the nancial year starting April to fund plane deliveries, Brian Jeffery, former senior

vice president for corporate treasury, said in August. The yield on the airlines 5.125% bond maturing in June 2016 declined 48 basis points last year to 3.01%. Kuwait Airways plans to nance the purchase of 10 aircraft by issuing bonds or sukuk and through loans from local and foreign banks, its nancial consultant Amani Bouresli said in December. Middle East airlines will need 2,610 new planes worth $550bn over the next 20 years as traffic grows rapidly in the region, according to Boeing. Local carriers probably made a combined net income of $1.6bn in 2013, increasing to $2.4bn in 2014, according to the International Air Transport Association (Iata). Given the size of orders and aircraft deliveries, you would hope banks would start to ramp up their asset nance portfolio in aviation, Rajagopal said.

Kuwait 6-mth budget surplus down 15% as spending jumps

Spending soars over 50% in first half; most of rise due to current expenditure, not investment; may partly reflect payments timing, not annual allocations; impact on domestic demand not as large as figures suggest; but figures underline growing pressure on state finances
Reuters Kuwait City

uwaits budget surplus narrowed in the rst six months of its scal year as spending soared over 50%, partly thanks to increased outlays on public sector wages, while oil revenues fell, gures from the Finance Ministry showed. The budget surplus for April to September was 10.72bn Kuwaiti dinars ($37.9bn), a Reuters calculation based on official data showed. That was down 15% from 12.65bn dinars during the same period a year earlier. Although Kuwaits scal position is still strong because of its oil wealth, the International Monetary Fund has told the government that it will need to invest in infrastructure projects and control public wage growth to strengthen the economy and maintain a healthy balance sheet. Kuwaits prime minister echoed the IMF in October when he described the countrys expensive welfare system as unsustainable and said the government needed to cut spending and consumption of natural resources. Six-month state expenditure reached 5.10bn dinars, up 52% from 3.36bn dinars a year earlier, the gures showed. Revenues fell to 15.82bn

dinars from 16.01bn dinars because of a decrease in the oil price. National Bank of Kuwait, the countrys biggest commercial bank, said in a report that the jump in spending was mostly due to current expenditure such as wages, rather than to investment. Part of the increase may be due to the timing of some payments rather than to any increase in allocations over the full scal year, so spending growth is expected to moderate considerably by the end of 2013-14, NBK said. It added that much of the rst-half spending surge apparently involved governmental transfers that would not affect the real level of demand in the economy, so the gures did not necessarily mean a huge boost to economic growth. Kuwait pledged $4bn in aid to Egypt after the overthrow of former Egyptian president Mohamed Mursi in July, and quickly began disbursing that aid. Nevertheless, the spending and revenue numbers are in line with the IMFs warning that if Kuwait does not curb spending growth, government expenditure could exceed oil revenues by 2017-18, raising the risk of budget decits. Although senior government officials are discussing that risk, it is not clear whether they have the political freedom to address it. Kuwaits political system has made it difficult for the government to push through economic reforms that are unpopular with voters. Any government attempt to cut subsidies for citizens or curb public wage growth could cause a backlash in parliament from lawmakers who support raising benets.

Pipes lead from Kuwait Petroleum Cos Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery to the South Pier loading area in Kuwait City (file). Although Kuwaits fiscal position is still strong because of its oil wealth, the International Monetary Fund has told the government that it will need to invest in infrastructure projects and control public wage growth to strengthen the economy and maintain a healthy balance sheet.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

BUSINESS
Norwegian Air CEO plans to meet Boeing over Dreamliner problems
Reuters Oslo

he Chief Executive of budget airline Norwegian Air Shuttle, Bjoern Kjos, plans to meet Boeing management in the US next week to discuss problems with its Dreamliner planes, Norwegian media reported yesterday. Norwegian Air, Europes third-biggest budget airline after Ryanair and EasyJet, launched long-haul operations last year and hoped to capitalise on the Dreamliners lower operating costs. But during the autumn its first two Dreamliners broke down more than half a dozen times, forcing it to lease back-up planes at short notice or cancel flights. Its newest, the third, plane was grounded in the US before Christmas, and the company said spare parts had to be ordered for the replacement. As far as I know the plane is not back in service yet, we have a wetleased (Boeing) 777 today between Oslo and New York, Anne-Sissel Skaanvik, a spokeswoman for

the Norwegian, said in an e-mail to Reuters. Wetleasing means hiring a plane with a crew. Norwegian Air might see whether it needs to replace its maintenance service provider, daily VG quoted Kjos as saying in an interview. Skaanvik could not confirm the quote, but said Kjos, who was already in the US, was planning a number of meetings there next week. The Dreamliner was intended as a game changer for the aviation industry as its lightweight body and sophisticated engines cut fuel consumption by 20%. But it has been beset by problems, including battery fires that grounded the model for months last year and forced Boeing to come up with a new battery design. The first two Dreamliners bought by the Norwegian Air have previously suffered hydraulic and electrical faults. Boeing promised to fix problems quicker after its executives met with Norwegian Air in Oslo in September. After that, Norwegian ordered two more Dreamliners for delivery in 2016.

President Mario Draghi (centre) and Vitor Constancio, president and vice-president of the European Central Bank, arrive for a news conference at the banks headquarters in Frankfurt. ECBs policy-setting governing council is scheduled to hold its first meeting of this year on Thursday, but central bank watchers are not projecting any new measures.

Words, but no action from ECB: analysts

AFP Frankfurt

he European Central Bank looks set to ring in the New Year with interest rates on hold, but will have its work cut out for it in 2014, analysts say. The ECBs policy-setting governing council is scheduled to hold its rst meeting of this year on Thursday, but central bank watchers are not projecting any new measures just yet after a surprise rate cut in November. The ECBs governing council appears unlikely to make any substantive policy changes at its rst policy meeting of the year, said Jonathan Loynes at Capital Economics. But the ongoing combination of weak economic growth, a damagingly strong currency and poor liquidity conditions will maintain the pressure on the central bank to take further action to support the regions fragile economic recovery in 2014, he said. The ECB took markets by sur-

prise in November and pared back its central re renancing rate by a quarter of a percentage point to a record low of 0.25%. The reason behind the move was an expectation that the single currency area is facing a prolonged period of very low ination. Area-wide ination picked up fractionally in November, but analysts believe that does not sound the all-clear and the ECB may have to take further action again at some point. There is no immediate need to act, said Commerzbank economist Michael Schubert. ECB council members signalled in recent weeks that they currently see no need for further measures, the expert said. Against this backdrop we expect that at ECB President Mario Draghi will merely emphasise once again that the ECB is ready to act, Schubert suggested. In addition to changing interest rates, the ECB could pump more liquidity into the nancial system to get credit owing again between banks and businesses, crucial if any

economic upturn is to be sustained. For the moment, loans to businesses in the euro area are continuing to decline, new ECB data showed on Friday. Private sector loans dropped by 2.3% in November in a year-onyear comparison, after already contracting by 2.2% in October, the ECB calculated. The ECB already pumped more than 1.0tn ($1.3tn) into the banking system at the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012 to avert a potentially disastrous credit crunch. But the banks preferred to use the ultra-cheap cash to buy up sovereign bonds rather than lend it on to businesses and the ECB is considering ways of channelling the cash directly to businesses if it decides to open the liquidity gates once again. The governing council obviously agrees that with possible further steps the ECB wants to provide targeted support to the real economy. But there seem to be differences of opinion as to what is the most effective way to reach this target,

said Loynes at Capital Economics. Berenberg Banks Schmieding said the weak credit data did suggest a possible credit crunch. However, companies are on aggregate in such a comfortable nancial position that they can reduce their bank loans and increase their cash reserves at the same time. On aggregate, companies do not need credit at the moment, Schmieding suggested. The data on money and credit show that eurozone companies have the nancial strength to increase their investment. The question is whether they will do so. Condence in the future was key to investment and in the wake of the post-Lehman turbulences and the euro crisis, companies are more reluctant to invest than before, the expert argued. However, rising business condence in the eurozone does suggest that business investment will pick up over the course of 2014. In Germany, this started in the spring of 2013 already. We expect more and more companies elsewhere to follow suit soon, Schmieding said.

Afghan govt revenues 20% short of target

Reuters Kabul

fghanistan fell about 20% short of its domestic revenue target in 2013 despite better tax collection as the economy slowed ahead of this years planned withdrawal of foreign troops, the Ministry of Finance told Reuters yesterday. Theres concern that after the withdrawal of international troops, Afghanistan will fall again and that economic growth will drop, spokesman Abdul Qadir Jaillani said. There was tension created by the media and investors held back, which brought some problems in, he said regarding 2013. The government collected about 100bn Afghani (about $1.8bn) towards a budget of 354bn. The data is preliminary and gures are expected to be nalised this week. Despite missing a target of about 123bn Afghani, funds collected rose by about 15% from the previous year, the gures showed.

Still, most of the governments budget is provided by foreign aid and donors say that corruption continues to mar tax collection. Afghanistan regularly ranks among the most corrupt in the world and diverting revenue is an easy way for powerful officials and warlords to boost their incomes. Weaknesses in administration and higher leakages, particularly in customs play a signicant part in weak tax collection, the World Bank said a recent report. Jaillani said the government had worked to strengthen mechanisms for collecting taxes and that he expected further improvement this year. For the last three years we have concentrated on our revenue, we have trained our staff and worked on capacity-building, he said. We are improving day by day. We are still optimistic. I think 2014 will be very good for Afghans because this is the year Afghans will take responsibility for their country.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

BUSINESS
Goldman sees risk in bank bailouts and Ukraine aid
Bloomberg Moscow

An employee walks near a vehicle on the production line at Ford Motors assembly complex in Oakville, Ontario, Canada (file). Fords Canadian arm sold fewer vehicles in December than a year earlier, but held its position as the countrys best-selling automaker in 2013.

Canada auto sales best ever in 2013; Ford tops

Reuters Toronto

anadians bought more vehicles in 2013 than ever before, as consumers brushed off high debt and a slow economic recovery to buy trucks and luxury models, though icy weather limited December purchases, numbers released on Friday showed. Industry-wide sales grew 3.8% to 113,036 vehicles in December, bringing total sales for the year to 1.74mn, a 4% increase, according to independent auto industry rm DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, which collates manufacturer data. That topped the previous highest sales year of 2002.

Truck sales jumped 6.9% while passenger car sales were almost at for the year, with the discrepancy even wider in December with truck sales up 14.4% and car sales shrinking by 9.7%.

Industry-wide sales grew 3.8% to 113,036 vehicles in December, bringing total sales for the year to 1.74mn, a 4% increase, according to independent auto industry firm DesRosiers Automotive Consultants
Ford Motor Cos Canadian arm sold fewer vehicles in December than a year earlier but held its position as the countrys best-selling automaker in 2013 as truck sales helped it notch over-

all growth of 2.7%, the company said. Chrysler claimed second place, with a 4.7% jump in December sales and 6.6% growth for the year, helped by record sales of its Ram trucks. Overall 2013 goes down as the year of the truck, DesRosiers wrote. The F150 alone outsells other full-line nameplates including Kia, Mazda and Nissan. General Motors Co, meanwhile, posted the biggest gain in December sales, up 17%, while taking third place for the year on 4% growth. Its Cadillac brand notched 44.6% annual sales gains for its best-ever Canadian sales. Toyota Motor Corp said its luxury Lexus brand had a mar-

quee year that helped the company notch 1.7% annual growth and cemented its fourth-place position. Other luxury brands including Land Rover, Porsche and Jaguar recorded double-digit annual growth. Ford said it was their best year for Canadian sales since 1997, with the F-Series pickup truck leading all vehicle sales for the fourth straight year. The companys Fusion and Escape models also recorded their best-ever sales. Honda Motor Co said its Civic was Canadas top-selling car for the 16th straight year. Hondas monthly sales nudged slightly higher overall to 13,316, but grew 10.4% for the year to 164,236. Fords total vehicle sales in De-

cember slipped 4.2% to 16,161, as it sold fewer cars than a year ago. For the year, it sold 283,588 vehicles, an increase of 2.7%. Chrysler, which is owned by Italys Fiat, sold 15,445 vehicles in December and 260,015 in all of 2013, while GM sold 17,036 vehicles in December and 234,944 in the year. Toyota sold 12,348 vehicles in December and 195,360 in 2013. Ford said in September that it would invest C$700mn ($659mn) in its Oakville assembly plant as North American demand surged to pre-recession levels. December sales in the much larger US market came up short of expectations, but 2014 sales are forecast to keep outpacing the overall US economy recovery from recession.

ank Rossiis decision to withdraw licences from a slew of lenders and Vladimir Putins $15bn of aid for Ukraine are increasing the risk associated with investing in Russian debt, Goldman Sachs Group said. The state may have to pay as much as $100bn in compensation to depositors as it closes banks and pulls licences in an industry cleanup, Clemens Grafe and Andrew Matheny, Goldman analysts in Moscow, said in an e-mailed report. The premium investors pay to hold Russias five-year credit default swaps over those of Mexico, rated the same at Moodys Investors Service, more than doubled this year to 72 basis points on December 26, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Bank Rossii has revoked 30 licences since Elvira Nabiullina became chairman in June, more than the total for all of last year. The Goldman analysts also cited funding for Ukraine and Belarus equivalent to 2% of Russias gross domestic product as they cut their credit recommendation for the nation to neutral from constructive. If it becomes necessary for the government to bail out more than a handful of banks at once, we will all have much bigger problems, Richard Segal, chief of credit strategy at Jefferies International Ltd in London, said. The Deposit Insurance Agency is very underfunded and the cleanup of the banking system will likely gather pace. The Deposit Insurance Agency, which caps reimbursements at 700,000 rubles ($21,434) per account, has about $4bn to $6bn available for payments, according to Goldman. Retail deposits in banks outside the nations top 50 amount to about $100bn, the upper limit the state will need in the event of real stress in the banking industry, Goldman said. While we currently nd little evidence of systemic bank-

ing sector stress, we believe the risk of bank stress developing and of potential sovereign exposure resulting from the regulators actions has nonetheless risen, Grafe and Matheny said in the note. At the same time, stronger supervision is clearly positive for the country in the long run, they said. The banks that lost their licences this year had assets of 177bn rubles, compared with 23bn rubles for all lenders targeted last year, the analysts said. The banks werent active on the money market and the license revocations havent hurt nancial stability, central bank First Deputy Chairman Ksenia Yudaeva told reporters in Moscow. The Finance Ministry press service didnt immediately respond to questions sent by e-mail. The Ukraine deal and a further $2bn of support offered to non-investment grade Belarus on December 25 wont help Russias credit prole, according to Jean-David Haddad, an emerging-markets strategist at OTCEx Groups xed income arm in Paris. The Ukraine deal comes at the expense of rising credit risks, he said. The current quantiable Russian exposure to Ukraine and Belarus is about $45bn, not counting the additional $15bn for Ukraine by the end of next year, the Goldman analysts said. Russia bought the rst $3bn of two-year securities from Ukraine on Dec 20, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said. Russia will use its $88bn National Wellbeing Fund for the purchases, though it may seek other sources, he said. The purchases are small relative to the size of the wealth fund, according to Jefferiess Segal, who said he isnt concerned by the deals with Belarus and Ukraine. Russias exposure to Belarus and Ukraine is large and expected to rise further, Goldmans Grafe and Matheny said. Money market rates have risen after the bank closures, and both factors could be creditnegative for the Russian sovereign, they said.

Brazil trade surplus falls sharply in 2013

Reuters Brasilia

razils trade surplus fell to its lowest level in over a decade in 2013, hurt by lower commodities prices, an increase in fuel imports and declining competitiveness among manufacturers. Brazil posted a trade surplus of $2.561bn in 2013, the Trade Ministry said. It was the countrys worst trade result since 2000 and a sharp drop from the $19.396bn surplus posted in the previous year. The worsening trade balance is a serious challenge for Brazil, which is struggling with a subdued global economy and productivity shortcomings at home. The diminishing surplus has also weakened the local currency, the real, as fewer US dollars enter the economy. That could lead to additional ination pressure as imports become more costly. For December, Latin Americas largest economy

posted a trade surplus of $2.654bn, above the median forecast for a $1.35bn surplus in a Reuters survey of six analysts. A 15.3% increase in manufactured goods over the previous year helped support the trade balance in December, with the largest portion of that attributed to the $1.2bn export of an oil rig. That oil rig, however, was sold by state-run oil rm Petroleo Brasileiro, known as Petrobras, to one of its foreign subsidiaries and will likely remain in Brazil. Petrobras obtains certain tax and other benets by registering its ships and offshore oil rigs in the Netherlands, and any transfer of ownership out of Brazil is accounted for as an export. Imports reached a record $239.6bn in 2013, a 6.5% increase over the previous year, the trade ministry said. In contrast, exports fell 1% to $242.2bn. President Dilma Rousseffs government has offered billions of dollars in subsidized lending to help exporters, mostly those who produce nished goods. Still, Brazilian manufacturers have strug-

gled to remain competitive with their global peers due to a heavy tax burden, high labor costs and poor infrastructure. Raw materials such soy, corn and iron-ore accounted for about half of total exports from Brazil last year, though the country is earning less for some of those products as prices on global markets decline. The Reuters/Jefferies CRB index of the 19 most-traded agricultural, energy and metals commodities fell 5% in 2013. Imports, on the other hand, remain robust even after the real weakened a little over 13% against the US dollar last year. A big part of that is fuel, with the countrys limited rening capacity requiring costly shipments from abroad. The total value of fuel and lubricant imports rose 13.8% in 2013 from the previous year, while intermediate goods rose 5.8% and capital goods rose 5.4%. Brazilians appetite for foreign products has also remained strong, bolstering imports of consumer goods such as electronics and clothes by 3.2% in the year.

Vestas Dec orders hit monthly record in rush for US tax credits
Turbine maker Vestas Wind Systems has received its highest ever monthly total of orders in December as wind farm developers in the US rushed to meet a year-end deadline to qualify for a tax credit. The Danish company booked orders for capacity of 1,346 megawatts (MW) in December and is set for its second-best sales ever in the US this year, according to Nordea Markets analysts. The Unites States has been offering a Production Tax Credit (PTC) to help finance wind farm projects to promote renewable energy. Last January, the US congress extended the credit for one more year. While the wind energy sector is seeking a further extension, many developers are keen to ensure they qualify now for the credit, which is worth $23 for every megawatt-hour of electricity a wind farm produces over its first 10 years. In previous years, projects had to be in commercial operation by December 31. This year, they need only to have begun. Vestas has had a terrific year which also means that the share price has increased explosively, Nordea Markets wrote in a note to clients on Friday. On December 23 the wind turbine maker signed a contract to deliver 150 megawatts to the Route 66 project near Amarillo, Texas with potential for up to 568 MW more. On December 24 the company announced an order of 110 MW for another project in the US but did not reveal the name of the customer or the new projects name and location.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

BUSINESS
SAUDI ARABIA
Company Name
Saudi British Bank Sabb Takaful Saudi Basic Industries Corp Saudi Cement Sasco Saudi Dairy & Foodstuff Co Saudi Arabian Fertilizer Co Al Sagr Co-Operative Insuran Saudi Advanced Industries Saudi Arabian Coop Ins Co Salama Cooperative Insurance Samba Financial Group Sanad Cooperative Insurance Saudi Public Transport Co Saudi Arabian Refinery Co Hsbc Amanah Saudi 20 Etf Saudi Re For Cooperative Rei Savola Saudi Cable Co Saudi Chemical Company Saudi Ceramic Saudi Electricity Co Saudi Fisheries Al-Hassan G.I. Shaker Co Saudi Hotels & Resort Arabian Shield Cooperative Saudi Investment Bank Saudi Industrial Development Saudi Industrial Export Co

KUWAIT
Lt Price
44.40 34.00 113.50 101.00 23.20 86.50 156.25 26.30 18.45 47.50 42.70 50.50 22.15 27.30 58.75 29.40 11.55 63.50 13.05 55.25 112.50 14.65 30.20 70.75 34.90 34.10 28.50 19.85 45.70

OMAN
Lt Price
40.50 0.00 150.00 265.00 1,120.00 56.00 67.00 62.00 61.00 1.42 188.00 156.00 80.00 228.00 94.00 24.50 104.00 54.00 170.00 0.00 136.00 110.00 75.00 156.00 90.00 89.00 510.00 890.00 140.00 202.00 75.00 234.00 160.00 1,720.00 112.00 156.00 146.00 71.00 224.00 126.00 255.00 1,400.00 26.50 0.00 150.00 97.00 38.50 104.00 320.00 114.00 130.00 45.00 79.00 460.00 106.00 68.00 96.00 95.00 48.50

% Chg
0.23 0.00 0.22 -0.49 0.00 0.00 -0.16 -1.13 -0.81 -2.46 -3.17 1.20 -1.77 0.37 0.43 0.00 -2.12 2.01 0.38 -0.90 1.81 0.34 -0.33 1.07 -0.57 -1.45 -2.73 -0.50 -0.87

Volume
42,700 535,195 4,552,519 122,730 899,643 47,689 124,996 259,869 827,363 281,007 421,428 470,058 349,454 1,183,952 108,085 995 2,413,038 270,370 1,179,757 224,079 248,790 911,264 919,520 417,817 807,312 263,462 330,993 1,123,414 266,153

Company Name
Kuwaiti Syrian Holding Co Kuwait Invest Co Holding Kuwait Reinsurance Co Ksc Kgl Logistics Company Kscc Mabanee Co Sakc Al-Madar Finance & Invt Co Manafae Investment Co Manazel Holding Real Estate Trade Centers Co Markaz Real Estate Fund Marine Services Co Kuwait Financial Centre Al Masaken Intl Real Estate Mashaer Holdings Al-Massaleh Real Estate Co National Ranges Company Al-Mazaya Holding Co Mena Real Estate Co Al Mowasat Health Care Co Al Maidan Dental Clinic Co K Metal & Recycling Co Mushrif Trading & Contractin Mubarrad Transport Co Munshaat Real Estate Project Kuwait Resorts Co Kscc Nafais Holding National Petroleum Services National Bank Of Kuwait National Consumer Holding Co National Industries Co National International Co National Industries Grp Hold National Investments Co National Mobile Telecommuni Noor Financial Investment K. National Real Estate Co National Slaughter House Osoul Investment Kscc Oula Fuel Marketing Co Palms Agro Production Co Shuaiba Industrial Co Kuwait Portland Cement Co Pearl Of Kuwait Real Estate Kuwait Pipes Indus & Oil Ser Kuwait United Poultry Co Umm Al Qaiwain Cement Indust Qurain Holding Co Real Estate Asset Management Refrigeration Industries Co Kuwait Remal Real Estate Co Ras Al Khaimah Co Al Safat Real Estate Co Al-Safat Tec Holding Co Safwan Trading & Contracting Salbookh Trading Co K.S.C.C Sanam Real Estate Co Kscc Sharjah Cement & Indus Devel Securities House Kscc Al Safat Energy Holding Comp

% Chg
-3.57 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.70 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5.62 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.17 0.00 0.00 -1.82 6.25 0.00 1.49 1.85 0.00 0.00 2.27 -3.26 0.00 0.00 0.00 5.21 0.00 0.00 0.00 -2.27 -1.75 1.30 0.00 -6.58 3.70 0.00 0.00 0.00 -8.62 0.00 -5.06 5.43 0.00 0.00 1.59 -1.72 6.56 1.12 0.00 0.00 0.00 -1.45 5.49 -2.06 -1.02

Volume
515,026 1,000 11,000 271,566 262,109 70,015 2,268,567 25,050 1,000 3,500,000 5,000 10,000 114,130 11,499,902 2,196,778 172,648 1,645 73,003 216,790 123,214 456,200 700,986 27,100 15 553,327 40 201 21,000 103,175 680,005 1,063 227,120 10,032 300 179,000 19,998 50 15,000 27,330 1,879,465 3,138 4,962,747 1,013,350 384 6,638 1,302,941 1,607,952 1,557,601 290,000 1 2 550,866 7,992,637 822,510 2,357,941

Company Name
Financial Corp/The Dhofar Tourism Dhofar Poultry Aloula Co Dhofar Intl Development Dhofar Insurance Dhofar University Dhofar Power Co Dhofar Power Co-Pfd Dhofar Fisheries & Food Indu Dhofar Cattlefeed Al Batinah Dev & Inv-50% Dhofar Beverages Co Computer Stationery Inds Construction Materials Ind Cement & Gypsum Pro Marine Bander Al-Rowdha Bank Sohar Bankmuscat Saog Bank Dhofar Saog Al Batinah Hotels Majan College Areej Vegetable Oils Al Jazeera Steel Products Co Al Sallan Food Industry Acwa Power Barka Saog Al-Omaniya Financial Service Taghleef Industries Saog Gulf Plastic Industries Co Al Jazeera Services Al Jazerah Services -Pfd Al-Fajar Al-Alamia Co Ahli Bank Abrasives Manufacturing Co S Al-Batinah Intl Saog

Lt Price
0.12 1.00 1.93 0.53 0.62 0.29 1.35 0.00 0.00 1.28 0.26 0.09 0.26 0.33 0.07 1.00 0.00 0.21 0.64 0.36 1.21 0.45 5.10 0.36 0.00 0.66 0.40 0.00 0.39 0.58 0.55 0.75 0.19 0.05 0.00

% Chg
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.56 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.56 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Volume
112,286 2,000 160,000 1,445,200 637,486 118,000 339,665 618,000 83,372 -

QATAR
Company Name
Qatar National Bank Industries Qatar Ezdan Holding Group #N/A Requesting Data... Masraf Al Rayan Qatar Fuel Co Qatar Electricity & Water Co Commercial Bank Of Qatar Qsc Qatar Islamic Bank Doha Bank Qsc Barwa Real Estate Co Qatar Gas Transport(Nakilat) Qatar Navigation Gulf International Services Qatar International Islamic Vodafone Qatar Aamal Co Qatar Insurance Co United Development Co Al Ahli Bank Al Khaliji Bank #N/A Requesting Data... Qatar National Cement Co Mannai Corporation Qsc Qatar General Insurance & Re Al Meera Consumer Goods Co Qatar Industrial Manufactur Gulf Warehousing Company Medicare Group National Leasing Salam International Investme Mazaya Qatar Real Estate Dev #N/A Requesting Data... Zad Holding Co Qatar Islamic Insurance Al Khaleej Takaful Group Doha Insurance Co Dlala Holding Qatar & Oman Investment Co Qatar Cinema & Film Distrib Islamic Holding Group Qatar German Co For Medical

Lt Price
172.90 171.50 17.40 0.00 33.65 289.10 178.20 71.30 70.50 60.00 30.85 20.50 87.50 66.20 63.60 10.90 15.00 68.50 23.13 57.00 20.00 0.00 120.50 89.00 47.80 133.80 50.50 41.30 54.00 30.45 13.10 11.53 0.00 69.00 57.60 38.40 25.45 21.90 12.70 40.15 45.30 13.72

% Chg
-0.06 -0.46 2.35 0.00 3.38 0.03 -0.72 0.56 1.00 2.04 0.82 0.00 3.43 2.95 2.25 -1.09 0.33 1.48 -0.09 3.64 0.10 0.00 1.26 -1.00 1.70 0.00 -0.59 0.24 0.75 1.16 0.00 1.59 0.00 0.00 0.88 2.40 -0.59 -0.77 -0.70 0.00 0.67 -2.90

Volume
81,844 274,443 300,063 1,067,178 34,211 46,745 81,706 414,816 199,317 2,053,602 835,153 111,690 932,034 98,310 890,944 13,058 41,767 460,863 1,604 581,920 15,854 4,294 4,923 11,670 20,820 10,303 327,512 169,866 141,457 1,834,936 113,164 6,587 16,301 143,687 238,903 34,102 1,000

KUWAIT
Company Name
Aayan Leasing & Investment Aayan Real Estate Co Burgan Co For Well Drilling Al Ahli Bank Of Kuwait Abyaar Real Eastate Developm Acico Industries Co Kscc Al-Dar National Real Estate Afaq Educational Services Al Arabi Group Holding Co Agility Al-Ahleia Insurance Co Ajwan Gulf Real Estate Co Aviation Lease And Finance C Al Aman Investment Company Kuwait Real Estate Holding C Al-Deera Holding Co Al-Eid Food Co Alimtiaz Investment Co Kscc Alkout Industrial Projects C Al Madina For Finance And In Al Mal Investment Company Al Mudon Intl Real Estate Co Ahli United Bank (Almutahed) Al-Nawadi Holding Co K.S.C First Investment Co Kscc Al-Qurain Petrochemicals Co Alrai Media Group Co Al Safwa Group Co Al Salam Group Holding Co Alshamel International Hold Commercial Real Estate Co Amar Finance & Leasing Co Amwal International Investme Aqar Real Estate Investments Arab Real Estate Co Ajial Real Estate Entmt Alargan International Real Arkan Al Kuwait Real Estate #N/A Requesting Data... Automated Systems Co Advanced Technology Co Ahli United Bank B.S.C Al Bareeq Holding Co Kscc Bayan Investment Co Kscc Boubyan Intl Industries Hold Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Boubyan Bank K.S.C Boubyan Petrochemicals Co Burgan Bank Gulf Cable & Electrical Ind Kuwait Cable Vision Sak Livestock Transport & Tradng Commercial Bank Of Kuwait Combined Group Contracting City Group National Cleaning Company Coast Investment Development Dulaqan Real Estate Co Danah Alsafat Foodstuff Co Educational Holding Group Egypt Kuwait Holding Co Sae Ekttitab Holding Co S.A.K.C #N/A Requesting Data... Equipment Holding Co K.S.C.C Al-Enmaa Real Estate Co Kuwait Bahrain International Eyas For High & Technical Ed Commercial Facilities Co Fujairah Cement Industries First Dubai Real Estate Deve Flex Resorts & Real Estate Kuwait Foods (Americana) First Takaful Insurance Co Future Communications Co Future Kid Entertainment And Gulf Bank Gulf Cement Co Gulf Franchising Kscc Gulf Finance House Ec Gulf Glass Manuf Co -Kscc Gulf Investment House Gulf Insurance Group Ksc Gulf North Africa Holding Co Gulf Petroleum Investment Kuwait Gypsum Manufacturing Hayat Communications Hilal Cement Co Hits Telecom Holding Human Soft Holding Co Intl Financial Advisors Ifa Hotels & Resorts Co. K.S Industrial & Financial Inves Ikarus Petroleum Industries Injazzat Real State Company Inovest Co Bsc Investors Holding Group Co.K Independent Petroleum Group International Resorts Co Housing Finance Co S.A.K.C Ithmaar Bank Bsc Jazeera Airways Jeeran Holdings Kipco Asset Management Co Kuwait Building Materials Kuwait Business Town Real Es Kuwait Cement Co Kuwait China Investment Co Kuwait National Cinema Co Kuwait Medical Services Co Kuwait Co For Process Plant Kuwait Finance & Investment Kuwait Finance House Kuwait Foundry Co Kuwait & Gulf Link Transport Kuwait Hotels Co Kuwait International Bank Kuwait Insurance Co Kuwait Investment Co Kuwait & Middle East Fin Inv Kout Food Group Kuwait Packing Materials Mfg Privatization Holding Compan Kuwait Projects Co Holdings Kuwait Real Estate Co Kuwait Slaughter House Co

Lt Price
69.00 93.00 234.00 445.00 55.00 295.00 52.00 160.00 200.00 700.00 480.00 61.00 275.00 80.00 68.00 65.00 90.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 152.00 720.00 124.00 102.00 218.00 134.00 0.00 142.00 0.00 93.00 70.00 64.00 94.00 61.00 210.00 162.00 130.00 0.00 400.00 910.00 204.00 0.00 97.00 98.00 0.00 560.00 650.00 550.00 840.00 61.00 250.00 720.00 1,280.00 500.00 138.00 65.00 0.00 88.00 160.00 248.00 74.00 0.00 136.00 87.00 0.00 0.00 275.00 90.00 124.00 0.00 2,520.00 120.00 148.00 118.00 365.00 116.00 88.00 51.00 670.00 48.00 550.00 59.00 76.00 180.00 94.00 230.00 69.00 230.00 95.00 280.00 0.00 166.00 95.00 77.00 25.00 410.00 77.00 38.50 64.00 495.00 74.00 126.00 290.00 40.00 365.00 65.00 990.00 0.00 350.00 92.00 780.00 410.00 102.00 150.00 295.00 290.00 132.00 64.00 740.00 465.00 70.00 620.00 98.00 236.00

% Chg
2.99 2.20 0.00 1.14 1.85 0.00 -1.89 0.00 1.01 1.45 0.00 1.67 -3.51 1.27 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -2.56 0.00 0.00 0.00 -1.80 -2.90 0.00 -4.05 0.00 1.09 0.00 1.59 0.00 1.67 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -1.18 0.00 0.00 -2.70 0.00 0.00 0.00 -1.52 0.00 2.33 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -5.56 1.16 0.00 0.00 0.00 5.88 1.64 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -2.67 9.43 -5.38 3.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -6.17 0.00 -4.08 4.55 4.55 0.00 -4.04 -1.75 0.00 1.22 1.06 1.32 0.00 0.00 0.00 14.93 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -1.23 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -1.08 -2.50 3.80 2.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -7.25 0.00 0.00 1.45 0.00 1.03 0.00

Volume
1,154,703 737,800 88,298 6,600 10,914,766 110 743,819 30,000 270,100 345,187 8,397 219,932 141,200 258,510 55,000 6,295,230 6,784 401,721 11,080 10 18,200 80,000 55 582,001 1,939,150 500 406,379 6,620 2,697,782 50,000 110,000 29,203 10,000 3,000 803,000 1,034,541 1,231,050 26,414 440,812 2,164,904 37,510 8,164 20,207 278 41,261 1 27,000 2,124,278 90,001 50 10 2,543,757 787,380 187,011 5,000 4,269,520 2,851,229 257,520 10 20,000 80,000 315,503 16,387,750 70,000 30,274,458 3,000 1,355,625 10,250 226,432 55,837,702 10 125,057 767 5,424,625 60 24,286,880 7,150 616,882 35,105 906,922 10,445,650 500 1,245,358 220,000 1,815,780 362,650 97,200 340 35 3,125,746 1,066 140,400 2,000 82,800 62,400 4,216,850 2,000 273,445 20,000 875,471 4,990 70,500 40,000 1,000 10,700 815,001 967,576 5,000,628 6,779

UAE
Company Name
National Takaful Company Waha Capital Pjsc Union Insurance Co Union National Bank/Abu Dhab United Insurance Company Union Cement Co United Arab Bank Abu Dhabi National Takaful C Abu Dhabi National Energy Co Sudan Telecommunications Co$ Sorouh Real Estate Company Sharjah Insurance Company Sharjah Cement & Indus Devel Ras Al Khaima Poultry Ras Al Khaimah Co Rak Properties Ras Al-Khaimah National Insu Ras Al Khaimah Ceramics Ras Al Khaimah Cement Co National Bank Of Ras Al-Khai Ooredoo Qsc Umm Al Qaiwain Cement Indust Oman & Emirates Inv(Emir)50% National Marine Dredging Co National Corp Tourism & Hote Sharjah Islamic Bank National Bank Of Umm Al Qaiw National Bank Of Fujairah National Bank Of Abu Dhabi Methaq Takaful Insurance #N/A Invalid Security Gulf Pharmaceutical Ind-Julp Investbank Insurance House Gulf Medical Projects Gulf Livestock Co Green Crescent Insurance Co Gulf Cement Co Foodco Holding Finance House First Gulf Bank Fujairah Cement Industries Fujairah Building Industries Emirates Telecom Corporation Eshraq Properties Co Pjsc Emirates Insurance Co. (Psc) Emirates Driving Company Al Dhafra Insurance Co. P.S. Dana Gas Commercial Bank Internationa Bank Of Sharjah Abu Dhabi Natl Co For Buildi Al Wathba National Insurance Intl Fish Farming Co-Asmak Arkan Building Materials Co Aldar Properties Pjsc Al Ain Ahlia Ins. Co. Al Khazna Insurance Co Agthia Group Pjsc Al Fujairah National Insuran Abu Dhabi Ship Building Co Abu Dhabi National Insurance Abu Dhabi National Hotels Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Abu Dhabi Aviation

Lt Price
1.15 2.16 1.05 6.13 0.00 1.89 6.65 0.00 1.44 1.36 0.00 0.00 1.41 1.80 1.76 0.98 3.50 3.14 1.32 7.40 139.00 1.39 1.45 9.00 5.85 1.71 3.30 4.75 14.25 2.03 0.00 3.27 2.60 1.42 2.34 0.00 1.30 1.64 3.00 3.75 19.15 0.00 1.35 11.70 2.24 6.95 3.90 0.00 0.90 1.89 1.87 1.72 0.00 12.95 1.30 2.80 38.60 0.82 4.27 0.00 2.85 5.90 3.10 6.05 7.14 3.50

% Chg
0.00 -1.82 0.00 3.90 0.00 0.00 3.10 0.00 -0.69 3.03 0.00 0.00 11.02 0.00 6.67 2.08 0.00 1.29 14.78 3.64 3.19 13.93 0.00 4.65 0.00 0.59 0.00 0.00 -0.35 9.73 0.00 0.00 -3.35 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 13.10 0.00 0.00 -0.26 0.00 14.41 -0.43 6.16 0.00 -6.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.54 1.18 0.00 1.57 8.33 0.36 0.00 0.00 1.43 0.00 -4.68 0.00 0.00 0.83 3.48 0.00

Volume
377,421 5,978,278 15,000 1,149,000 993,561 200,000 2,719,618 6,335,764 2,315,811 10,000 310,400 29,665,644 10,500 2,069,699 63,970,940 151,700 2,000 2,629,482 1,469 1,035 25,000 3,826,450 121,907 11,000 1,043,352 32,984,256 203,700 115,705 50,000 2,165 3,359 16,891,464 60,000 207,583 899,616 354,514 1,606,176 95,159,488 16,470 19,000 56,575,028 784,159 2,201,370 1,014,413 46,885 9,916,594 53,588,596 18 100,000 75,400 223,204 37,206 14,159 2,376,449 1,628,071 200,000

SAUDI ARABIA
Company Name
Saudi Hollandi Bank Al-Ahsa Development Co. Al-Baha Development & Invest Ace Arabia Cooperative Insur Allied Cooperative Insurance Arriyadh Development Company Fitaihi Holding Group Arabia Insurance Cooperative Al Abdullatif Industrial Inv Al-Ahlia Cooperative Insuran Al Alamiya Cooperative Insur Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Dev Al Babtain Power & Telecommu Bank Albilad Alujain Corporation (Alco) Aldrees Petroleum And Transp Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair & C Alinma Bank Alinma Tokio Marine Al Khaleej Training And Educ Abdullah A.M. Al-Khodari Son Allianz Saudi Fransi Coopera Almarai Co Saudi Integrated Telecom Co Alsorayai Group Al Tayyar Amana Cooperative Insurance Anaam International Holding Abdullah Al Othaim Markets Arabian Pipes Co Advanced Petrochemicals Co Al Rajhi Co For Co-Operative Arabian Cement Arab National Bank Ash-Sharqiyah Development Co United Wire Factories Compan Astra Industrial Group Alahli Takaful Co Aseer Axa Cooperative Insurance Basic Chemical Industries Bishah Agriculture Bank Al-Jazira Banque Saudi Fransi United International Transpo Bupa Arabia For Cooperative Buruj Cooperative Insurance Saudi Airlines Catering Co Methanol Chemicals Co City Cement Co Eastern Cement Etihad Atheeb Telecommunicat Etihad Etisalat Co Emaar Economic City Saudi Enaya Cooperative Insu United Electronics Co Falcom Saudi Equity Etf Filing & Packing Materials M Food Products Company Falcom Petrochemical Etf Gulf General Cooperative Ins Jazan Development Co Gulf Union Cooperative Insur Halwani Bros Co Hail Cement Herfy Food Services Co Al Jouf Agriculture Developm Jarir Marketing Co Jabal Omar Development Co Al Jouf Cement Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Co Knowledge Economic City Kingdom Holding Co Saudi Arabian Mining Co Malath Insurance Makkah Construction & Devepl Mediterranean & Gulf Insuran Middle East Specialized Cabl Mohammad Al Mojil Group Co Al Mouwasat Medical Services National Agriculture Develop Najran Cement Co Nama Chemicals Co National Gypsum National Gas & Industrializa National Industrialization C Maadaniyah National Shipping Co Of/The National Petrochemical Co Rabigh Refining And Petroche Al Qassim Agricultural Co Qassim Cement/The Red Sea Housing Services Co Saudi Research And Marketing Riyad Bank Al Rajhi Bank Saudi Arabian Amiantit Co

Lt Price
43.10 14.75 0.00 59.75 26.60 28.50 16.35 23.90 40.60 47.50 47.40 10.05 32.30 34.90 26.00 45.60 137.00 14.90 63.50 45.50 32.70 78.50 52.75 0.00 21.30 107.25 40.30 33.10 124.50 26.20 42.90 42.50 64.75 31.00 54.25 39.90 52.75 50.25 23.05 35.70 33.40 0.00 38.60 34.90 74.25 43.40 44.50 142.50 15.75 23.45 60.00 14.55 85.50 13.75 37.30 96.75 30.10 52.25 32.00 31.70 42.50 17.15 23.00 58.00 21.40 111.25 48.10 160.75 31.50 17.65 16.00 17.80 23.85 32.50 20.95 72.75 32.90 14.05 0.00 91.25 30.10 24.45 14.25 31.20 26.70 34.30 31.00 28.50 27.00 25.50 17.85 87.25 61.00 21.65 29.90 73.00 15.55

% Chg
1.41 0.00 0.00 -2.45 -1.85 0.71 -1.21 -1.04 -0.25 -2.26 -3.85 1.01 1.25 -1.13 -2.26 2.47 -0.36 0.00 -1.93 0.89 -0.30 -1.57 -0.47 0.00 -0.70 0.23 -6.50 -0.90 0.81 6.94 0.70 -1.85 -0.77 0.00 -0.91 -0.50 1.44 -0.99 -1.07 -3.25 0.30 0.00 1.31 0.29 3.85 0.93 -3.68 1.60 -0.63 0.00 0.00 1.39 -0.87 1.48 -3.87 -1.53 0.00 -0.95 0.00 0.00 -3.85 -0.58 -1.08 0.87 0.23 0.91 -0.62 0.31 5.35 0.00 -0.62 1.42 -2.45 0.31 -1.18 2.83 -2.08 0.36 0.00 0.27 0.00 1.03 -1.04 1.30 -0.74 -0.58 0.00 -1.04 2.66 0.39 -1.11 -0.85 9.91 0.00 0.00 0.34 -0.96

Volume
78,223 1,259,557 119,259 394,118 1,214,434 1,756,305 685,209 284,978 491,736 309,893 14,815,549 963,894 514,244 830,922 826,302 92,565 16,046,196 123,550 348,097 175,142 494,246 233,418 591,452 148,705 2,297,042 321,091 35,880 3,255,240 471,450 133,480 202,037 500,577 167,806 329,807 176,037 163,232 1,320,018 481,024 394,070 942,342 167,809 270,459 356,707 531,048 106,056 2,997,638 671,528 178,439 3,146,715 627,238 10,843,948 846,639 64,453 561 137,707 469,580 9,462 286,216 434,372 404,535 112,907 297,154 70,303 289,567 51,179 9,577,605 638,451 7,922,243 3,936,079 672,411 1,399,765 587,582 1,360,792 458,981 1,431,722 23,016 409,080 600,457 4,363,615 493,630 94,584 1,018,832 333,414 1,268,207 2,133,876 3,054,855 1,410,779 122,152 654,750 326,467 389,246 2,174,387 1,822,548

OMAN
Company Name
Voltamp Energy Saog United Finance Co United Power Co United Power/Energy Co- Pref Al Madina Investment Co Taageer Finance Salalah Port Services Asaffa Foods Saog Sohar Poultry Shell Oman Marketing Shell Oman Marketing - Pref Smn Power Holding Saog Al Shurooq Inv Ser Al Sharqiya Invest Holding Sohar Power Co Salalah Beach Resort Saog Salalah Mills Co Sahara Hospitality Renaissance Services Saog Raysut Cement Co Port Service Corporation Packaging Co Ltd Oman United Insurance Co Oman Textile Holding Co Saog Oman Telecommunications Co Sweets Of Oman Oman Orix Leasing Co. Oman Refreshment Co Oman Packaging Oman Oil Marketing Company 0Man Oil Marketing Co-Pref Oman National Investment Co Oman National Engineering An Oman National Dairy Products Ominvest Oman Medical Projects Oman Ceramic Com Oman Intl Marketing Oman Investment & Finance Hsbc Bank Oman Oman Hotels & Tourism Co Oman Holding International Oman Fiber Optics Oman Flour Mills Oman Filters Industry Oman Fisheries Co Oman Education & Training In Oman & Emirates Inv(Om)50% Oman & Emirates Inv(Emir)50% Oman Europe Foods Industries Oman Cement Co Oman Chlorine Oman Chromite Oman Cables Industry Oman Agricultural Dev Omani Qatari Telecommunicati National Securities Oman Foods International Soa National Pharmaceutical-Rts National Pharmaceutical National Packaging Fac National Mineral Water National Hospitality Institu National Gas Co National Finance Co National Detergents/The National Carpet Factory National Bank Of Oman Saog National Biscuit Industries National Real Estate Develop Natl Aluminium Products Muscat Thread Mills Co Muscat Insurance Company Modern Poultry Farms Muscat National Holding Musandam Marketing & Invest Al Maha Petroleum Products M Muscat Gases Company Saog Majan Glass Company Muscat Finance Al Kamil Power Co Interior Hotels Hotels Management Co Interna Al-Hassan Engineering Co Gulf Stone Gulf Mushroom Company Gulf Invest. Serv. Pref-Shar Gulf Investments Services Gulf International Chemicals Gulf Hotels (Oman) Co Ltd Global Fin Investment Galfar Engineering&Contract Galfar Engineering -Prefer Financial Services Co. Flexible Ind Packages

Lt Price
0.49 0.15 1.40 1.00 0.00 0.15 0.60 1.14 0.21 2.35 1.05 5.51 1.04 0.28 2.74 1.38 1.46 2.45 0.75 2.05 0.58 0.37 0.43 0.28 1.52 0.94 0.15 2.60 0.30 2.16 0.25 0.52 0.34 0.00 0.44 0.00 0.49 0.52 0.27 0.00 2.20 0.43 4.85 0.62 0.04 0.10 0.17 0.19 0.00 1.00 0.83 0.64 3.90 2.25 1.45 0.60 0.09 0.52 0.00 0.10 0.00 0.04 2.05 0.98 0.16 0.81 0.00 0.33 3.75 0.00 0.42 0.18 0.00 0.00 1.66 0.00 22.01 0.87 0.31 0.16 2.80 0.00 1.25 0.26 0.08 0.43 0.18 0.21 0.22 11.50 0.16 0.27 0.43 0.16 0.02

% Chg
2.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.92 -0.55 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.53 1.24 0.34 0.00 2.38 0.71 0.66 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -1.14 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.74 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.52 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.27 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.61 0.00 0.00 0.48 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.83 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.77 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.47 -0.45 0.00 -1.25 -1.10 0.00 0.00 0.00

Volume
851,334 22,340 1,811,881 4,508 1,011 632,196 128,300 175,830 1,594,380 2,300 49,021 11,600 575,850 342,747 111,742 635,166 17,000 1,303,100 100,000 176,500 126,818 799 207,829 634,199 505,444 1,122 2,941,865 1,559,430 9,750 130,745 73,865 6,000 -

BAHRAIN
Company Name
United Paper Industries Bsc United Gulf Investment Corp United Gulf Bank United Finance Co Trafco Group Bsc Takaful International Co Taib Bank -$Us Securities & Investment Co Seef Properties Sudan Telecommunications Co$ Al-Salam Bank Delmon Poultry Co National Hotels Co National Bank Of Bahrain Nass Corp Bsc Khaleeji Commercial Bank Ithmaar Bank Bsc Investcorp Bank -$Us Inovest Co Bsc Intl Investment Group-Kuwait Gulf Monetary Group Global Investment House Kscc Gulf Finance House Ec Bahrain Family Leisure Co Esterad Investment Co B.S.C. Bahrain Duty Free Complex Bahrain Car Park Co Bahrain Cinema Co Bahrain Tourism Co Bahraini Saudi Bank/The Bahrain National Holding Bankmuscat Saog Bmmi Bsc Bmb Investment Bank Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Bahrain Islamic Bank Gulf Hotel Group B.S.C Bahrain Flour Mills Co Bahrain Commercial Facilitie Bbk Bsc Bahrain Telecom Co Bahrain Ship Repair & Engin Albaraka Banking Group Banader Hotels Co Ahli United Bank B.S.C

Lt Price
0.00 0.13 0.25 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.16 0.00 0.14 0.00 0.37 0.70 0.16 0.05 0.23 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.18 0.00 0.00 0.77 ` 1.30 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.81 0.00 0.00 0.14 0.65 0.35 0.68 0.43 0.30 0.00 0.73 0.00 0.73

% Chg
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.27 -2.17 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.86 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.94 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.68

Volume
10,000 7,000 10,000 3,692,000 1,051 39,300 80,000 105,600 30,881 115,000 508,174 10,000 447 10,000 60,000 3,000 2,887 7,660 14,831 154,475 15,000 44,487

LATEST MARKET CLOSING FIGURES

14

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

BUSINESS

Latin American markets poised for recovery in 2014

Stock market indexes from Mexico to Chile fell enough over the course of 2013; weaker currencies around the region add to the potential for smart stock picking
Dow Jones Sao Paulo

US economy needs more stimulus: Bernanke

Dow Jones Philadelphia

nvestors have high hopes for Latin American stocks in 2014, after a disappointing 2013 left share prices lower across most of the region. Stock market indexes from Mexico to Chile fell enough over the course of 2013 to offer up plenty of bargains, and weaker currencies around the region add to the potential for smart stock picking. Its a good buying opportunity, said Geoffrey Dennis, head of global emerging-markets strategy at UBS. People are saying It was a terrible year in 2013, it has to be better in 2014. Foreign-exchange woes have piled on further misery. The regions currencies have been losing ground against the dollar for months, with the Brazilian real weakening 15.2% last year and the Peruvian sol weakening 9.7% partly because of investor concern about the looming end to the US Federal Reserves $85-billion-a-month bondbuying programme. Brazils benchmark Ibovespa index lost almost 16% in 2013 and in dollar terms plummeted 26%. The indexs most heavily weighted shares, iron miner Vale SA and oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA, lost the most market value in the year, according to Economatica. Vale lost $30 billion and Petrobras lost $34 billion. Worst hit was Perus IGBVL index, which dropped 23.6%,

Traders monitor the markets on the trading gallery of Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV), Mexicos stock exchange, in Mexico City (file). The fall in Latin American markets offers plenty of bargains to prospective investors, say analysts. while Colombias IGBC fell 11.2% and Chiles IPSA declined 14%. All three were even worse off in dollars. All stock index and currency gures were provided by FactSet. One major market escaped some of the bloodbath. Mexicos IPC index fell 2.2% in 2013 and retreated 3.1% in dollar terms. The Mexican peso was down a mere 1.4% against the dollar last year, helped by a series of reforms passed by the government expected to attract more investment inows in the future. While opinion is mixed about the potential for the region as a whole this year, investors see plenty they like in individual countries, though not always in the same countries. For Audrey Kaplan, a senior portfolio manager at Federated Investors in New York, Brazil is the only country in Latin America worth investing in at the moment. We have a favourable view of global equities, but are cautious about Latin America, Kaplan said. In Latin America we favour Brazil, primarily because Brazilian equities are cheap. The valuation is driving our view. The forward price/earnings ratio for Brazils Ibovespa index was at 10.7 on December 31, down from 19.2 a year earlier, according to FactSet. That compares with 15.4 for the S&P 500 on the last day of 2013. The International Monetary Fund predicts GDP growth of just 2.5% in Brazil for 2014, but there are some bright spots. One of the companies Kaplan likes is beer-maker Companhia de Bebidas das Americas SA, or AmBev. The World Cup soccer competition will be held in Brazil later this year and should help boost beer sales there, she said, and raise the tournament sponsors prole around the world. In Mexico, Latin Americas second-biggest economy after Brazil, the economy should bounce back in 2014, with an expansion of 3% after 2013s 1.2% growth rate, according to the IMF. The growth slump last year may have been tied to

Mexicos political cycle. Government spending rises ahead of a presidential election then declines rapidly afterward. Last year was no different with newly elected President Enrique Pea Nieto focusing on guiding reforms through Congress rather than on boosting short-term growth. The biggest reform of all, the opening up of the countrys oil industry to outside investors after a seven-decade monopoly by Pemex, could start to pay off quickly. The oil thing isnt getting nearly as much press as it deserves based on the positive effect on investment it will have, said Greg Lesko a managing director at New York-based Deltec Asset Management LLC. The next tier of Latin American economies, Chile, Colombia and Peru, will all see faster economic growth in 2014 than Brazil and Mexico, according to the IMFs forecasts. None of the three offer the breadth of options available in Brazil and Mexico, but there may be opportunities for careful stockpickers that can hang on to shares, said Sammy Simnegar, a portfolio manager at Fidelity Investments Peru is a favourite among the investors and analysts. The IMF expects GDP growth of 5.7% in 2014, the second-fastest pace the organisation expects in all of Latin America after Guyana, after an expansion of 5.4% last year. Perus neighbour Chile is also expected by the IMF to have fast economic growth, of 4.5% in 2014 compared with 4.4% last year. Colombias economic growth in 2014 will be slower than Perus and Chiles, according to the IMF, but will still be an impressive 4.2%after an increase of 3.7% last year.

he US economys recovery from the 2007-09 recession likely would have been far more feeble without the extraordinary stimulus efforts of the Federal Reserve, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said in a speech. The recovery has faced powerful headwinds, suggesting that economic growth might well have been considerably weaker, or even negative, without substantial monetary policy support, Bernanke said, defending the Feds record against skeptics who see disappointing growth as proof of Feds failure.

Bernanke: Call for drastic measures. For the most part, research shows that the Feds massive bond purchases and communication about the likely path of future policy have helped promote the recovery, he said, according to his remarks prepared for delivery at the annual meeting of the American Economic Association in Philadelphia. Bernankes speech comes less than a month before he is set to step down from the helm of the central bank. He appeared to use the opportunity to start dening the legacy of his eight tumultuous years leading the institution. The US Senate is scheduled to vote to conrm Bernankes replacement, Fed Vice-Chairwoman Janet Yellen, today. Her term would begin February 1. Among economic headwinds, Bernanke highlighted the drag on growth produced by tighter scal policy especially at the federal level, saying that budget belt-tightening and tax increases in recent years have likely been counterproductive. Bernanke has long highlighted the challenge tighter scal policy has posed to the economy, but his criticism seemed particularly forceful in the speech. With fiscal and monetary policy working in opposite directions, the recovery is weaker than it otherwise would be, Bernanke said. The Fed and Congress working at cross purposes is particularly problematic when short-term interest rates are pinned near zero, as they have been since late 2008. The Feds tools are less powerful when rates are near zero, while Congress may have more room to maneuver, he said. Expansionary scal policy is likely both more effective and less costly in terms of increased debt burden when interest rates are pinned at low levels, he said.

Peso leads losses in Asian currencies

Bloomberg Kuala Lumpur

he Philippine peso and Indias rupee led declines in Asian currencies last week as data fueled concern that some of the regions biggest economies are cooling. A gauge of Chinas services industries growth fell to a fourmonth low in December, an ofcial report showed, after gures released January 1 signaled a manufacturing slowdown. A Purchasing Managers Index for India compiled by HSBC Holdings Plc and Markit Economics fell to 50.7 last month from 51.3 in November, according to a report on January 2. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. The peso slid 0.6% from December 27 to 44.648 per dollar

in Manila, according to Tullett Prebon Plc. The rupee weakened 0.5% to 62.1550, according to prices from local banks compiled by Bloomberg. Thailands baht dropped 0.4% to 32.970 and South Koreas won lost 0.1% to 1,055.23. Growth will remain sluggish, said Ashtosh Raina, head of foreign-exchange trading at HDFC Bank Ltd in Mumbai. The Bloomberg-JPMorgan Asia Dollar Index was at 115.82, compared with 115.72 on December 27. The gauge of 10 regional currencies excluding the Japanese yen fell 1.9% in 2013, the most since 2008. Chinas non-manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index slumped to 54.6 in December from 56 in November, the Beijing- based National Bureau of Statistics and China Federa-

Philippine one thousand- peso banknotes are arranged for a photograph in Manila, the Philippines (file). Peso and Indias rupeeled declines in currency market last week. tion of Logistics and Purchasing said. The manufacturing index declined to 51 from 51.4, the bureau said on January 1. The baht traded near the lowest level since June 2010 as local

stocks tumbled amid concern prolonged political unrest in the country will hurt the economy and deter investors. Caretaker Finance Minister Kittiratt NaRanong said yesterday hes concerned about baht weakness. The Thai government cut its 2014 economic-growth forecast last week to 4% from 5.1% citing export declines and political instability. Anti-government protests that began in late October forced Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to dissolve parliament in December and call a snap election in February. People are still held in suspense trying to gure out how this will resolve itself, said Leong Sook Mei, Southeast Asian head of global markets research in Singapore at Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ. The

baht may fall to 34 by June, she said. South Koreas won fell 0.5%, erasing the weeks gain amid concern policy makers will intervene to shield exporters against the impact of a slide in Japans currency. The government needs to aid companies because of the weak yen, Yonhap Infomax reported today, citing Finance Minister Hyun Oh Seok. The won strengthened 23% versus the yen in 2013, the most in Bloomberg data going back to 1986, following an increase of 22% in 2012. The wons advance against the yen hurts local exporters, which compete with Japanese companies in overseas markets. Chinas yuan gained for a second week, advancing 0.3% to 6.0515 per dollar.

FOCUS

Low interest rates in Australia boost Lend Lease outlook

Bloomberg Sydney
Bond risk is tumbling for Australias biggest developer as an improved global economy boosts the outlook for its record project pipeline, which includes makeovers for a Sydney shipyard and a former London slum. Credit-default swap contracts on Lend Lease Group slid 89 basis points to 186 in 2013, the most after QBE Insurance Group Ltd among 25 members of the benchmark Markit iTraxx Australia index, according to CMA prices. A gauge of costs to protect against non-payment by Asia-Pacific builders and real-estate companies, including Singapores CapitaLand Ltd and Hong Kongs Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd, fell 17.5 basis points. Record-low interest rates in Australia and reviving European and US economies are helping boost the outlook for Lend Leases record A$37 billion ($33 billion) of future developments, including Barangaroo South in downtown Sydney and Elephant & Castle in central London. The Reserve Bank of Australia has flagged growth in investment outside of mining over the next few years, while housing demand in the UK rose 25% last year, the fastest pace in three years. The markets hoping they can add to that pipeline given the improving economies, said Winston Sammut, who helps oversee about A$100 million as managing director of Sydney-based Maxim Asset Management. Investors are now willing to take on more risk, and their focus has shifted, to some extent, from more passive to more active, more aggressive. Lend Lease reported a 10% jump in profit in the year ended June 30, driven by a surge in income at its development business and improving residential construction in the US. The company saw an 18% increase in operating profit from its Australian business in the year to June 30. Even as its taken on more developments, net debt fell to 6.1% of total tangible assets excluding cash in the 12 months to June 30 from 6.3% the previous year, the company said. Its borrowing costs declined to 5.7% from 6.2%, regulatory filings show. The fundamentals of the company are sound, and the overall rally in credit markets contributed to the tightening in spreads, said Gus Medeiros, a Sydney-based credit strategist at Deutsche Bank AG. While the company has a significant development pipeline, they have good financial flexibility and their financial profile has been relatively stable. The Markit iTraxx Australia index fell to 98.2 basis points on December 31 from a 2013 high of 149.5 basis points on June 24, and 127.5 at the start of the year. Lend Lease credit default swaps slid to a 2013 low of 167.9 basis points in May before climbing to 250 basis points the following month when the company said it would report reduced earnings from construction in the year to June 30 due to weakness in The central bank has reduced its benchmark by 2.25 percentage points since late in 2011. Dwelling prices climbed 6.6 percent in the second half of 2013, taking gains for the year to 9.8%, the most since 2009, according to RP Data. The Australian Industry Groups Performance of Construction Index climbed in November to the highest level since April 2010, signaling a second month of growth following more than three years of contracting activity. The Australian dollar, the worlds fifth most-traded currency, traded at 89.73 US cents of 5 p m in Sydney on January 3. The nations 10-year bond yield was at 4.35%. Lend Lease performed strongly last year and it has continued to build on its construction pipeline, company spokeswoman Vivienne Bower said by e-mail. The developer recorded the first profits during the year from Barangaroo, where it has secured tenants for almost 80% of the first two office buildings, now under construction. In August, the Sydney-based company sold all 159 apartments at the developments first two waterfront towers within three hours of starting sales simultaneously in Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. Income from developments including Barangaroo and Darling Harbour Live, also in Sydneys centre, and planned infrastructure projects will contribute to future earnings in its Australian business, the company said in October. Lend Lease, which in January 2013 received approval for its 31.5 billion pound ($2.5 billion) regeneration of Elephant & Castle, including about 2,500 homes as well as shops, restaurants and community facilities, began construction on the site in July. That project and the 2 billion pound redevelopment of the International Quarter, close to the site of the 2012 Olympics, will contribute to European earnings over the next 10 years, it said in October. The developers Americas business took advantage of an improving US housing market to secure new construction projects in New York, Chicago and San Francisco last year. Lend Lease plans to add further developments in the US and is seeking to expand its presence in Malaysia, Japan and China, Chief Executive Officer Steve McCann said at its annual shareholder meeting in November. Lend Lease plans to reduce Australias contribution to earnings to between 60% and 70% from 75% now, as it boosts its focus on offshore markets in the next few years, McCann said. We expect this re-weighting will occur as the strong US construction backlog wins in fiscal year 2013 manifest in revenue in fiscal year 2014, and as Lend Lease seeks more opportunities in Asia, Simon Wheatley, Sydney-based real estate analyst at Goldman Sachs Group, said in an e-mailed note on November 15.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has flagged growth in investment outside of mining over the next few years, while housing demand in the UK rose 25% last year, the fastest pace in three years
Australia and Europe. That came as house and apartment prices across Australias biggest cities stalled in the second quarter of 2013 after posting gains of 2.8% in the first three months, the RP Data-Rismark Home Value index showed. Since then, conditions have improved as the RBA reduced rates to a record low 2.5% in August and previous cuts filtered through the economy.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

15

BUSINESS
FOCUS

HTC posts worse than expected prot in Q4

HTC has lost nearly three quarter of its market value; current value is worth about $4 billion
Reuters, AFP Taipei

Why following the winners is for losers

By Mark Hulbert
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. This phrase, ubiquitous in the small print of financial products, often falls on deaf ears, according to Adam Reed, a finance professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Investors have a tendency to rush into those funds that are at the top of the previous years performance rankings, he says, citing numerous studies. They shouldnt. The evidence is that last years top performers will lag behind the market in 2014if not lose a lot of money. You should instead be focusing on strategies with superior track records over far longer than just the last 12 months. More like 15 years, in fact. Consider a hypothetical portfolio that, each January 1, began following the strategy espoused by the investment newsletter that--among the more than 500 tracked by the Hulbert Financial Digesthad the best record over the previous year. Over the past two decades, this portfolio would have been a disaster, losing an average 17% a year. Such a follow the winners strategy didnt trail the S&P 500 every year. But in the majority of years it did, and in a handful of cases it suffered huge losses. That is because one-year performance rankings will almost always be dominated by high-risk strategies that hit it big. When they dont pan out, those same strategies also can lose big. Take the portfolio with the best 2013 return, according to the Hulbert Financial Digest: the Traders Portfolio of the Medical Technology Stock Letter, edited by John McCamant. It gained 216% in 2013 by investing in emerging biotechnology companies. When judged by the volatility of its returns, a common measure of risk, the portfolio has been more than three times riskier than the market as a whole. Its worst single calendar-year performance, in 2008, was a loss of 68%, versus a loss of 37% for the S&P 500 index, assuming dividends were reinvested. McCamant, in a telephone interview, acknowledged the volatility inherent in the biotech sector, though he added that, in the future, he will be doing his best to manage that volatility. He says that biotech stocks are one of the premier growth sectors going forward, and that even though another 216% gain in 2014 is unrealistic to expect, a triple-digit gain is still achievable. So does the first shall be last pattern mean you should instead follow the lead of the worst performer of the previous year? Absolutely not. A portfolio that did that over the past 20 years would have lost even more than the follow-thewinners strategy. That shouldnt be particularly surprising, since the bottom of the one-year performance rankings also will be dominated by risky strategies whose bets didnt work out. The need to avoid huge amounts of risk has suggested to some an amendment to the follow-the-winners strategy: Focus only on lower-risk approaches, avoiding those that concentrate on a single industry sector or which borrow heavily to increase the size of their bets. This amended approach performs better than the plain-vanilla follow-the-winners strategy--but it, too, has ultimately proved disappointing. Consider a strategy introduced at the beginning of 1992 by Sheldon Jacobs, then the editor of an investment newsletter called the No-Load Fund Investor. Each year it followed the previous years best-performing diversified US stock mutual fund that could be purchased without a sales commission. That strategy didnt perform appreciably better than the S&P 500 over the next 19 years, however, and in 2010--after three years in a row of underperforming the average diversified US stock fund--the newsletter stopped recommending it. Mark Salzinger, who in 2003 succeeded Jacobs as editor of the No-Load Fund Investor, said that disappointing performance was the reason he decided to stop featuring this follow-the-winners strategy in his newsletter. You would do much better to focus on performance over far longer periods than the past 12 months. That is because, when picking an adviser based on his track record, you implicitly are betting that the future will be just like the period over which that record was produced. Picking an adviser on the basis of 2013s returns, for example, is tantamount to betting that 2014 will be just as good a year for the stock market as last year. But if you were confident that the market this coming year would be up more than 30%, you wouldnt need an adviser in the first place.

aiwanese smartphone maker HTC reported a worse than expected net fourth-quarter prot yesterday, despite aggressive cost cutting and a one-time gain. The company reported net prot of T$0.3 billion ($10 million), compared to a net loss of T$2.97 billion ($99.9 million) in the previous quarter and prot of T$1.01 billion ($34 million) in the same quarter of 2012. The gure lags expected net prot of T$721.71 million ($24.3 million), according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. The number highlights how quickly problems have piled up at a company that just over two years ago supplied one in every 10 smartphones sold around the world. The company, which has lost nearly three-quarter of its market value in the last two years, is now worth about $4 billion, dwarfed by rivals like Apple and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd. New management installed in the last quarter to tackle that slide must persuade customers the brand can still stand for stylish, feature-loaded phones, while keeping a lid on development costs. Despite its latest flagship product, the HTC One, garnering rave reviews, the companys global share of the smartphone market has declined to a mere 2.2% in the third quarter of 2013 from a peak of 10.3% in the third quarter of 2011, data from research firm Gartner show.

Members of the media try HTC smartphones at an unveiling ceremony in Tokyo (file). HTC reported a worse than expected Q4 net profit despite aggressive cost cutting. While the companys recent Heres To Change campaign has seen an advertising revamp featuring Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr., analysts remain skeptical about the rms ability to differentiate its brand image in a highly-saturated playing eld. The company has embarked on a cost-cutting campaign that includes buying its chips from cheaper vendors and outsourcing production. It also sold its stake in headphone brand Beats Electronics LLC, booking a one-time pretax prot of T$2.5 billion ($85 million), which would be recorded in the fourth quarter. Shuttered factories, a wave of executive departures and toplevel reshuffling are symptoms of what industry insiders see as the companys biggest problem: connecting with consumers. In its brief statement, the company neither elaborated on its results nor provided yearearlier gures. It reported a net prot of NT$1.0bn and revenue of NT$60.0bn in the same period a year earlier, but Taiwans accounting standards have since changed. Once the top Android smartphone maker in the US during its heyday in 2010, HTC has since found it difficult to keep up with competition and is no longer among the top 10 global smartphone makers. Despite the launch of a largerscreen high-end smartphone, One Max, in the fourth quarter, HTCs sales havent returned to 2012 levels as the company faces stronger competition from the likes of Samsung Electronics Co The companys plan to look for growth in China has also proved to be challenging as popular local brands like Xiaomi retail for much lower prices. To turn around its business, HTC is undergoing reorganisation, with Chairwoman Cher Wang stepping in late last year to take on a more active management role. Chief Executive Peter Chou has announced he is focusing on research and development. The company said earlier that Chief Financial Officer Chang Chialin is now doubling as president of global sales.

Investors have a tendency to rush into those funds that are at the top of the previous years performance rankings
While there is no magical track-record length on which you should always focus, 15 years is a good rule of thumb. The past 15 years--from the beginning of 1999 through the end of last year encompass two powerful bull markets as well as two punishing bear markets. The investment newsletter with the best 15-year returns, among those monitored by the Hulbert Financial Digest, is a service titled the Turnaround Letter, edited by George Putnam. It focuses on out-of-favour stocks that Putnam judges to have attractive longterm potential. Its model portfolios have produced an average annualised return of 14.2% over the past 15 years, versus 4.7% annualised for the S&P 500 index, assuming dividends were reinvested. Recent additions to Putnams buy list include EMC, the datastorage company; PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust, a financial-services firm; and Layne Christensen, a water-management company. The US diversified equity mutual fund with the best 15-year return, according to Lipper, is the Turner Emerging Growth Fund, with a 1.4% annual expense ratio, or $140 per $10,000 invested. Its largest current holdings are Huron Consulting Group, which provides consulting services for organizations in financial distress; Middleby, which manufactures food-service equipment; and Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, the restaurant chain. One word of caution: Even though you can increase your chances of success by picking your adviser based on long-term performance, beating the market is by no means guaranteed. For those of you who dont want to even bother analysing the year-end performance rankings, a broad-based index fund remains the obvious choice.

LNG deal ushers in tighter Shell spending regime

Reuters London

oyal Dutch Shells new boss Ben van Beurden will be able to point to a clear downward trend in spending this year, thanks in part to the way the oil company is accounting for an acquisition completed this week. In a deal announced on Thursday just 24 hours after the former head of rening and marketing took over officially as chief executive, Shell completed the acquisition of liqueed natural gas (LNG) assets from Spains Repsol. Shell will burden its 2013 accounts with most of the cost, helping van Buerden commit to signicantly lower spending from this year - something Shells shareholders are very keen to see happen given that any budget strains can only dim the outlook for dividends. Shell and its peers in the industry are facing increasing investor pressure to keep a lid on spending as costs rise and prospects for oil prices wane. Shell said it would pay a net $3.8bn to buy Repsols LNG portfolio outside North America and take on $1.6bn of as-

Shell and its peers in the industry are facing increasing investor pressure to keep a lid on spending as costs rise and prospects for oil prices wane
sociated debt. The debt, which does not count as investment spending, becomes part of the balance sheet in 2014, and some $400mn of the actual payment will count as spending this year. The bulk of the transaction cost - some $3.4bn - is being loaded onto the 2013 spending budget. Shell had originally planned to complete the deal in 2013, and in its Oct. 30 third-quarter results conference with analysts, nance director Simon Henry forecast net investment spending for the whole year - including the Repsol transaction - of some $45bn. That was up from guidance of $40bn given in the second quarter as a result of the timings of some other acquisitions and divestments. Shell has pledged a four-year net investment spend of $130bn for 2012 to 2015, based on a $100 oil price scenario. Including $30bn spent in 2012, if 2013 spending now comes in on track, the company will have eaten through $75bn in the rst two years - leaving only $55bn to spend in 2014 and 2015. Henry agged in October that 2013 would be a clear peak year for net investments, with divestments stepping up signicantly in 2014 and 2015. Since van Beurden began working alongside outgoing boss Peter Voser at the beginning of the fourth quarter, the company has cancelled plans to build a gas-to-liquids (GTL) plant in the US. Industry sources have said its Arrow coal bed methane LNG export project in Queensland is another likely casualty of a tighter spending regime. And bankers are speculating that Shells 23.1% stake in Australian group Woodside Petroleum - worth over $6bn at current prices - will be among the divestments that Henry agged. A Shell spokeswoman said

the accounting had been split because a part of the transaction was done in the 2013 calendar year, and it involved a number of legal entities in various locations and hence requires several steps to complete. Projects like Arrow and the GTL plant are considered as organic spending - unlike the Repsol acquisition and any divestment of Woodside. And looking behind the headline gures, analysts say it is organic spending that investors are most concerned about, since these are the areas where cost ination, project delays and other factors can blow strategy off course. Shell has no four-year target for organic spending, but Henry estimated 2013 organic spending at $36bn. Van Beurden will face investors on Jan. 30 as the company reports fourth-quarter results, and on March 13 at a planned investor day. In a separate announcement on Thursday, Shell revealed that Voser, who surprised investors last year with news of his early retirement, will be repatriated to his native Switzerland, where he will work for the local subsidiary on his full group chief executive pay and with a full pro-rata bonus.

Deutsche Bank, BDO Seidman sued by Lane over tax shelter

Bloomberg San Francisco

eutsche Bank AG, BDO Seidman and an ex-BDO Seidman partner were sued over claims they designed a fraudulent tax shelter that caused losses for a former chief operating officer of a Fortune 100 software company. The plaintiff, RJ Lane, didnt identify his former employer in the complaint, which was filed yesterday in state court

in Chicago. The tax shelters described in the lawsuit are similar to those used by Ray J Lane, the former Oracle Corp COO and president and former Hewlett-Packard Co chairman, who reached a $100 million agreement with the Internal Revenue Service over a tax shelter called Partnership Option Portfolio Securities, or POPS. Lane used POPS to shield $250 million of income through what tax regulators ruled were sham transactions.

RJ Lane, identied as a California resident in his complaint, said he placed his trust in senior tax partner Michael Kerekes at BDO Seidman, who advised him in the POPS strategy. Kerekes, who worked as a partner at BDO Seidmans Los Angeles office from 1998 to 2008, pleaded guilty in 2009 to conspiracy to defraud the US and tax evasion. In reality, BDO, Deutsche Bank, and A&P were peddling a tax shelter that they knew was illegal and that they knew

possessed no chance for profit after the subtraction of fees and costs, RJ Lanes attorneys

largest bank, admitted criminal wrongdoing in 2010 and agreed to pay $553.6 million to avoid

The tax shelters described in the lawsuit are similar to those used by Ray J. Lane, the former Oracle Corp COO and president and former Hewlett-Packard Co. chairman, who reached a $100 million agreement with the Internal Revenue Service over a tax shelter called Partnership Option Portfolio Securities
said in the complaint. A&P is the law firm Arnold & Porter LLP, which is also named as a defendant. Deutsche Bank, Germanys prosecution over its participation in 15 fraudulent tax shelters, including POPS transactions. BDO, now known as BDO USA LLP, said in June 2012 it

would pay $50 million to settle a charge of tax-fraud conspiracy for helping wealthy individuals evade about $1.3 billion in taxes from 1997 to 2003. Jerry Walsh, a spokesman for BDO, and Catherine Wooters, a spokeswoman for Deutsche Bank, didnt immediately respond to e- mail messages yesterday after regular business hours seeking comment on the lawsuit. James Ross Smart, an attorney for Kerekes, and Darryl Van Duch, a spokesman for Arnold

& Porter, didnt immediately respond after business hours yesterday to e-mails seeking comment on the case. Ray Lane left Oracle with more than $1 billion in stock and stock options in mid-2000 and agreed to settle with the IRS on a tax bill that could be as much as $100 million. My tax advisers put me into an investment, he said in an interview in June. Somewhere along the way I knew these things were being questioned by the IRS.

Monday, January 6, 2014

GULF TIMES

BUSINESS

Top Fed officials zero in on next policy steps

Better economy puts US central bank at crossroads; winding down QE; shrinking balance sheet; raising rates
Reuters Philadelphia

Nigerian nance resurges, but investors still shy

AFP Lagos

he US Federal Reserve, having just reduced its bond-buying programme, now appears deep in debate over the best way to unwind its extraordinary stimulus in the months and years ahead. Wrapping up a big economics conference in snow-swept Philadelphia, a handful of top US central bankers were sometimes at odds over the ideal pace at which to wind down the purchases and, eventually, start to shrink the Feds balance sheet and raise interest rates. The Fed has held benchmark rates near zero since late 2008 to spur growth and hiring in the wake of the Great Recession. It has also quadrupled the size of its balance sheet to around $4tn through three rounds of massive bond purchases aimed at holding down longer-term borrowing costs. In what came as a surprise to some, the Fed decided last month to cut its current quantitative easing programme, or QE3, by $10bn to $75bn per month. It cited a stronger job market and economic growth in its landmark decision, which amounts to the beginning of the end of the largest monetary policy experiment ever. Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren dissented against that decision. On Saturday he urged patience as the Fed continues to trim the purchases, in part because he said it risks a permanent rise in the number of Americans who are out of work. The failure of monetary and scal policy to generate a more rapid recovery risks creating a long-term structural unemployment problem out of a severe cyclical downturn, the dovish Fed official said at the meeting of the American Economic Association. US unemployment has dropped from a post-recession high of 10% in 2009 to 7% in No-

Janet Yellen, vice-chairman of the US Federal Reserve (right), laughs with Charles Plosser, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, at an event commemorating the Federal Reserve Act, the legislation that created the central bank, in Washington, DC (file). Taking an indirect swipe at an approach favoured by Yellen, Plosser on Saturday said he is sceptical of optimal control policy-making in which mathematical models are used to predict when things like unemployment and economic growth will return to more normal levels. vember, a ve-year low. Still, the proportion of the unemployed who have been so for more than six months remains high, at almost 40%. In what might be his last keynote speech as Fed chairman, Ben Bernanke told the conference on Friday that the economic recovery has a long way to go, and that the Fed is committed to stimulus as long as needed. Last month, he said the Fed plans to keep buying bonds through much of the year. Beyond that, the central bank has tried to telegraph its future intentions by saying it will most likely keep rates near zero well beyond the time joblessness falls below 6.5%. Those promises make hawkish Fed officials like Charles Plosser uncomfortable. On Saturday Plosser, the head of the Philadelphia Fed, warned the recession could have done permanent damage to potential US output. Taking an indirect swipe at an approach favoured by Fed ViceChair Janet Yellen, Plosser said he is sceptical of optimal control policy-making in which mathematical models are used to predict when things like unemployment and economic growth will return to more normal levels. Measures that arbitrarily, or by assumption, assign the bulk of uctuation in GDP to purely temporary factors may provide poor policy guidance when shocks are more permanent in nature, he said. Yellen, who is set to take the reins at the US central bank next month, has in the past suggested higher ination could be tolerated for a short while in order to speed up the overall economic recovery. While gross domestic product growth rose above 4% in the third quarter, it has generally stayed closer to 2% since the recession ended in 2009, causing some to think that longerterm potential GDP growth is no longer the 3% rate to which Americans are accustomed. If that is the case, the Feds ultra-easy policy stance, including promises to keep rates near zero for a while to come in order to drive down joblessness, may be misdirected. The shock that hit the economy appears to have had very persistent, if not permanent, effects, said Plosser, who regains a vote on policy this year under the Feds rotating system. From a statistical perspective, the economy appears to have taken a permanent hit to the output level. For now, the Fed is looking for sustainable economic growth and labour market improvement before it stops buying bonds and starts looking to shrink its balance sheet. William Dudley, the inuential head of the New York Fed, said he hopes the balance-sheet trimming will start to happen in the next four years the duration of Yellens term if she wins US Senate approval as expected today. But there is a lot of uncertainty about how monetary policy exit will occur with the very large balance sheet, Dudley said. We have a pretty strong presumption that the instruments we have in place will work very well ... But there is no question that there could be unintended consequences. Clearly communicating policy intentions becomes critically important in this phase because the real question is not what will happen today but what will happen in the future, he said.

igerias nancial markets posted healthy gains in 2013 but ve years on from the global nancial meltdown, local investors are still wary of sinking their money into stocks. The market capitalisation of the nearly 200 listed companies on the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) rose by 41% in the 12 months to December 31 to around 13tn naira ($58bn). The All-Share Index on west Africas leading bourse closed up nearly a third over the year, to 41,329.19 points. The gures indicated that the market appears to have rebounded well from the global meltdown, which saw some eight trillion naira wiped off the value of stocks. Industry operators said the market has been buoyed by foreign investors looking for bargains. Foreigners made our capital market their investment destination as a lot of shares were selling far below their par value following the 2008 nancial crash, broker Mukaila Alogba told AFP. Investments from offshore accounted for some 60% of total transactions in the stock market in 2013, he added. Also, the World Banks International Finance Corp, which backs private enterprise, oated 12bn naira in bonds to lure investors into Nigerias nascent capital markets, he said. The IFC also approached the Securities and Exchange Commission for a naira-dominated medium-term notes programme of $1bn, Alogba said. A $1.5bn African Development Bank facility for projects by telecoms rm MTN was also driving the market, he added. But despite the more optimistic outlook including for the Nigerian economy as a whole Nigerians remained wary of sinking their cash into equities. Local investors cannot forget in a hurry irrational manipulation of share prices which stockbrokerage rms, in connivance with banks, engaged in to cause the market crash, said one

stocks analyst. Lagos businessman Soji Fadairo would rather forget what happened ve years ago. Each time I tried not to remember, my memory keeps recalling how I lost my entire savings to stock market crisis, he recalled. Overnight, my entire investment running to several millions of naira evaporated like air. Fadairos experience forced him to sell property in the upscale Ikeja neighbourhood of Nigerias nancial hub to offset a ve million naira bank loan. I will never put my money on stocks again. Experience they say is the best teacher, he said. Funke Bello, a 45-year-old civil servant, also lost out but has now dumped stocks for bricks and mortar to assure her long-term nancial future. I used to be active on market with thousands of stocks in blue-chip companies. I was making a lot of money in terms of capital gains until the crisis, she said. The losses she suffered forced her to withdraw her son from his school overseas. I will not venture into stocks again. I am now into properties business. If you buy a house or a plot of land today and decide to sell it tomorrow, it will be at a good margin, she said. One senior manager at the NSE said the future looked brighter for the market on the back of strong economic indicators for the country as a whole. The economy is predicted to grow at a rate of seven%, the naira is stable against the US dollar, ination is at a manageable 7.9% and interest rates are favourable for savings and investment. A lot has changed since the global recession, said the official, who requested anonymity. Investors are also enjoying high returns on investment due to impressive performances of quoted companies, he said. The official urged reluctant investors to take advantage of the gains and pointed to new regulations to protect investors. We are poised to promote good corporate governance as well as prevent inside dealings and abuse in the market, he said.

WEEKLY COMMODITIES REVIEW

Prices mostly fall in downbeat start to new year

AFP London
Commodity prices mainly fell this week in low-volume trade on the back of weak Chinese economic data, while many participants were away for an extended Christmas and New Year break. Beijing released figures on Friday showing that growth in Chinas services sector slowed sharply in December. The data followed news on Wednesday and Thursday that manufacturing in the country had also suffered a slowdown in growth last month. On the upside, precious metals eked out slender gains following heavy losses during 2013. BASE METALS: Base or industrial metals prices mostly slid as the poor Chinese data cast a shadow over markets. The lower than expected China non-manufacturing PMI figure in December has got metals lower, said Richard Fu, director of Asian commodities trading at Newedge. The metals market is still a bit jittery as most people are still not sure of the macroeconomic trend for 2014. Asian powerhouse China is the worlds second biggest economy after the US and is a leading consumer of many raw materials. Softer-than-expected manufacturing data from China is still weighing on confidence, added analyst David Madden at trading firm IG. By Friday on the London Metal Exchange, copper for delivery in three months fell to $7,341 a tonne from $7,385 a week earlier. Three-month aluminium increased to $1,798 a tonne from $1,784 Three-month lead dropped to $2,204 a tonne from $2,265. Three-month tin gained to $21,550 a tonne from $22,949. Three-month nickel fell to $13,846 a tonne from $14,344. Three-month zinc declined to $2,051.75 a tonne from $2,096.75. PRECIOUS METALS: Gold rebounded slightly, having suffered a 28% slump in 2013 on the back of weaker demand and easing inflation. Gold continues to shine in these early days of 2014, said Forex.com analyst Fawad Razaqzada. However, given the low liquidity I am sceptical about this rally, which I think is fuelled by position squaring from the sellers who will likely re-emerge at higher prices. In 2013, gold suffered its first annual loss for 12 years, while sister metal silver shed a third in value. It is difficult to see why gold would fall significantly further, given, for example, its price is close to the cost of production for many precious metals miners, added Razaqzada. On top of this, demand from China remains very strong in the Key export terminals in eastern Libya remain blockaded. However, NOC announced earlier this week that two oilfields in southern Libya had resumed yesterday. Over the course of 2013, Brent crude prices were virtually unchanged, while New York futures have risen more than 12%, amid tight supply concerns earlier in the year caused by the threat of US military action on Syria. By Friday on Londons Intercontinental Exchange, Brent North Sea crude for delivery in February dropped to $108.25 a barrel from $111.83 a week earlier. On the New York Mercantile Exchange, West Texas Intermediate or light sweet crude for February fell to $95.45 a barrel from $99.62. COFFEE: Prices touched multi-week lows this week on the back of heavy speculative selling, dealers said. Speculators were the big sellers in New York, with little interest noted by producers or roasters in any trading, said Price Futures Group analyst Jack Scoville. Prices sank in 2013 by 24% in New York and 12% in London, hit by plentiful supplies. By Friday on the ICE Futures US exchange, Arabica for delivery in March dipped to 111.65 a pound from 117 a week earlier. On Liffe, Robusta for March fell to $1,596 a tonne from $1,699. COCOA: Futures sank on profit-taking after striking the highest points since September 2011 in the prior week. Cocoa dived as low as 1,676 per tonne in London and $2,629 per tonne in New York. Cocoa futures finished significantly weaker on Thursday, falling to a near seven-week low as fresh supplies reach the global market, said analysts at industry publication The Public Ledger. Prices had rebounded sharply last week on undersupply concerns. Cocoa prices rose by a quarter during 2013. By Friday on Liffe, Londons futures exchange, cocoa for delivery in March dipped to 1,677 a tonne from 1,788 a week earlier. On ICE Futures US, cocoa for March decreased to $2,636 a tonne from $2,815. SUGAR: Prices fell over the week, and slid by about 15% during 2013, as the market was hit once again by abundant supplies. The primary focus of the market remains big supplies. Strong offers from India and Thailand keep overall (price) trends down, added Scoville. By Friday on Liffe, the price of a tonne of white sugar for March slipped to $443 from $444.10 a week earlier. On the ICE Futures US exchange in New York, the price of unrefined sugar for delivery in March fell to 16.24 a pound from 16.32. RUBBER: Prices in Kuala Lumpur fell further due to inactivity amid year-end festivities. The Malaysian Rubber Boards benchmark SMR20 slid to 225.50 a kilo from 229.25 the previous week.

A woman fills petrol in her car at a station in Peoria, Illinois, US. Oil prices fell heavily last week, hit hard by news that a major Libyan field could come back on line later this week, while Chinese data also weighed.
physical market. By late Friday on the London Bullion Market, the price of gold rose to $1,234.50 an ounce from $1,214.50 a week earlier. Silver climbed to $20.18 an ounce from $19.92. On the London Platinum and Palladium Market, platinum increased to $1,388 an ounce from $1,374. Palladium advanced to $723 an ounce from $711. OIL: Prices fell heavily, hit hard by news that a major Libyan field could come back on line later this week, while the Chinese data also weighed. The market slumped by about three dollars on Thursday, following the Libya news that could spark an increase in global supplies. Oil prices dropped sharply by over three dollars yesterday, as supply concerns in Libya eased off with news that protestors would stop striking at one of the major oilfields, El Sharara, which has been shut down by protests since October, said Inenco analyst Lucy Sidebotham. She added: Weaker stock markets have also weighed on prices, and poor economic data from China. A spokesman for the Libyan National Oil Corp (NOC) told AFP on Thursday that the 330,000 barrel a day El Sharara field is expected to resume normal output within two or three days, once protesters who have blocked production pull out. Oil production in Libya has plunged to about 250,000 barrels a day from nearly 1.5mn in the face of demands from armed protesters for more regional autonomy and greater say over the distribution of oil revenues.

FOOTBALL | Page 3

GOLF | Page 6

FOOTBALL | Page 4

Eusebio dies of heart attack, aged 71

Zach Johnson takes control in Hawaii

Swansea dump Man United out of FA Cup

Monday, January 6, 2014 Rabia I 5, 1435 AH

TENNIS

GULF TIMES

SPORT
ASHES
Reuters Sydney

Federer goes down to Hewitt in Brisbane final

Page 7

Aussies take sweep revenge

I told the bowlers at the start of the series that I thought they were the best attack in the world and I think theyve shown that
under 14 runs apiece over the ve Tests. Johnsons ferocious pace again played an integral part in Australias victory in Sydney but it was no one man show and his fellow quick Ryan Harris won the Man-of-the-Match honours after taking ve for 25 as England were skittled for 166 yesterday. Its very special after the rollercoaster ride, the ups and downs of 2013, said Australia captain Michael Clarke, who also played in the 2006-7 sweep but clearly not that of 1920-21. Its been a lot of work to get us where we are today. I said to the bowlers at the start of the series that I thought they were the best attack in the world and I think theyve shown that in ve Test matches. Johnsons revival was even more remarkable than that achieved by Australia, turning him from a gure of ridicule for Englands travelling Barmy Army into a bowler who struck fear into

SCOREBOARD
Australia (1st innings) .......................... 326 England (1st innings) ............................ 155 Australia (2nd inngs; overnight 140-4) C Rogers c & b Borthwick ................... 119 D Warner lbw Anderson ...................... 16 S Watson c Bairstow b Anderson ... 9 M Clarke c Bairstow b Broad ............. 6 S Smith c Cook b Stokes ...................... 7 G Bailey c Borthwick b Broad ........... 46 B Haddin b Borthwick ........................... 28 M Johnson b Stokes............................... 4 R Harris c Carberry b Borthwick ..... 13 P Siddle c Bairstow b Rankin............. 4 N Lyon (not out) ....................................... 6 Extras (lb-14, w-2, nb-2) ........................ 18 Total (all out, 61.3 overs) ..................... 276 Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-47, 3-72, 4-91, 5-200, 6-239, 7-244, 8-255, 9-266 Bowling: Anderson 15-6-46-2, Broad 14-1-57-2 (nb-2, w-1), Rankin 12.3-0-47-1, Stokes 10-0-62-2 (w-1), Borthwick 6-033-3, Pietersen 4-1-17-0 England (2nd innings) A Cook c Haddin b Johnson .............. 7 M Carberry c Haddin b Johnson ..... 43 I Bell c Warner b Harris......................... 16 K Pietersen c Bailey b Harris ............. 6 G Ballance lbw Johnson ...................... 7 B Stokes b Harris ..................................... 32 J Bairstow c Bailey b Lyon .................. 0 S Borthwick c Clarke b Lyon .............. 4 S Broad b Harris ....................................... 42 J Anderson (not out) ............................. 1 B Rankin c Clarke b Harris .................. 0 Extras (b-5, lb-2, nb-1) ........................... 8 Total (all out, 31.4 overs) ..................... 166 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-37, 3-57, 4-87, 5-90, 6-91, 7-95, 8-139, 9-166 Bowling: Harris 9.4-4-25-5, Johnson 9-1-40-3, Siddle 4-1-24-0, Lyon 9-0-70-2

ustralia obliterated Englands batting in a shade over 31 overs to claim a thumping 281-run fth Test victory with more than two days to spare and seal only the third 5-0 sweep in the long history of Ashes series yesterday. The triumph at a sunbaked Sydney Cricket Ground completed a remarkable turnaround for Australia, who were in disarray after being swept themselves in India and going down 3-0 in England to lose a third successive Ashes series last year. A big clue to how Australia managed that turnaround came when paceman Mitchell Johnson was awarded the Compton-Miller medal as Man-of-theSeries after taking 37 wickets at a shade

the touring batsmen. It was his intervention after tea yesterday that turned what had been a stately progression to victory into another humiliating rout for the tourists. After nally dismissing Chris Rogers for 119 and bowling Australia out for 276, England stumbled to the break on 87 for three chasing a highly improbable 448 for victory. A fth thumping victory had always looked on the cards after Australias pace attack tore through Englands top order in the rst hour of Day 2. A more spectacular collapse in 11 balls after the second interval on Day 3 made it certain with Johnson dismissing opener Michael Carberry for 43 and Gary Ballance three balls later in the rst over. Spinner Nathan Lyon took over for the next over and he dismissed Jonny Bairstow (0) and Scott Borthwick (4) to reduce the tourists to 95-7 in a matter of minutes. With Eng-

lands top order having failed yet again, Ben Stokes (32) and Stuart Broad (42) provided their countrys stiffest resistance down the order but they could only delay the inevitable. Australia had already reclaimed the coveted Urn after winning the opening Brisbane Test by 381 runs, the Adelaide match by 218 runs, in Perth by 150 runs and an 8-wicket win in Melbourne. For a dispirited England, their triumphs in India in 2012 and in Australia in 2010-11 will appear a distant memory and they face an immediate future of recrimination and rebuilding. Aside from criticisms of his captaincy, Cooks miserable series was a reection of that of a vaunted batting line-up which simply failed to re in the face of sustained pressure from the Australians. The England skippers seven runs yesterday gave him 246 at an average of 24.6 for the series.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

CRICKET
BACKLASH

Ex-players slam spineless England after Ashes rout

Reuters London

nglands Ashes whitewash triggered a scathing attack from former players yesterday with Ian Botham lashing out at the teams spineless display in Australia. Having won the home series 3-0 last year, captain Alastair Cook and his men landed in Australia in October as the overwhelming favourites to retain the famous Urn. Instead, they were ruthlessly brushed aside by a rampant Australian side, failing to get close to victory in any of the ve matches as pace bowler Mitchell Johnsons express speed and Brad Haddins never-saydie batting exposed their limitations.

What proved to be the nal day of the series was synonymous of Englands feeble showing as they were bowled out for 166 inside 35 overs, chasing an improbable 448 for victory, as Australia completed the clean sweep with two days to spare. Im pretty depressed and embarrassed I use that word, embarrassed, and I mean it, former captain Botham told Sky Sports. I am not allowed to use the words that are ashing through my head at the moment. I just think it was spineless, added the former all-rounder. Australia never took their foot off Englands throat registering comprehensive victories at Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and nally in Sydney to avenge last years series defeat in England. England have been

WHITEWASH HELPS AUSTRALIA CLIMB TO NO 3 IN TESTS

Australia jumped two places to third on the ICCs World Test Rankings after sealing a 5-0 whitewash in the Ashes series in Sydney yesterday, overtaking England and Pakistan. Michael Clarkes men climbed to within six points of second-placed India with their 281-run rout of England. Australias third-ever clean sweep of the Ashes brought them 10 points for ratings of 111. Englands crushing defeat cost them nine points and saw them slide to fourth place at 107, five points clear of Pakistan. South Africa remain comfortably atop the world rankings at 133 points. It is a remarkable turnaround for the Australians who had a forgettable year in 2013 losing a four-Test series to India without a single win and the previous Ashes series in England 3-0. Clarke is targeting the top spot in Test cricket and Australias threegame series against South Africa in February-March will be a major test of his in-form squad. India will have a chance to shore up their position with a two-Test series against eighth-placed New Zealand beginning in February. England face Sri Lanka, ranked sixth, for two Tests in June.

steamrollered. If it had been a boxing match it would have been stopped weeks ago, Botham said.

This is a worse loss than when we lost before 5-0 because they had great players like (Glenn) McGrath, (Shane) Warne and (Adam) Gilchrist last time. England have just disintegrated
Former skipper Michael Vaughan echoed his sentiment, saying the senior players had let the team down. Ive lost words to describe how England played. That was pathetic it was always going to happen but theres a way to lose, Vaughan told BBC Sport. I have never seen an England team throw in the towel, but they did this af-

ternoon. Our senior core of players have not been able to get into any sort of form, said Vaughan, who in 2005 became the rst England captain to win an Ashes series since Mike Gatting in 1986-87. The Australian wagon got into motion at Brisbane and England have not been able to cope since. That last innings there showed how frazzled the team is. In many ways, the nal Test in Sydney Test mirrored Englands shambolic campaign as they were shot out for 155 and 166 on a green-tinged wicket. Its pathetic there is no other word. Its humiliation, former opener Geoff Boycott said. This is a worse loss than when we lost before 5-0 because they had great players like (Glenn) McGrath, (Shane) Warne and (Adam) Gilchrist last time. England have just disintegrated.

WARNING

FOCUS

Beware SA, we are coming, says Clarke

Its about consistency home and away and if you do that you will get the results

Cook apologises to England fans

AFP Sydney

AFP Sydney

ichael Clarke said Australia will take the greatest bowling attack in world cricket to South Africa next month in a bid to challenge the number one Test side, after securing a 5-0 Ashes whitewash over England yesterday. The victorious Australian skipper knows that Graeme Smiths Proteas will give his Australians an idea of where they stand in Test cricket after a lop-sided series against England, which culminated in a three-day nal Test win. We have the greatest attack in the world and theyve shown it, Clarke said.

Its certainly going to be a challenge for us to perform over there and then our next Test series is in the UAE against Pakistan which is going to be extremely tough as well. We believe we have the team to have success
Its certainly going to be a challenge for us to perform over there and then our next Test series is in the UAE against Pakistan which is going to be extremely tough as well. Playing away from home in international cricket seems to be hard to get results. We believe we have the team to have success. Clarke said it will take more than one series win to prove Australia are the best team in world cricket.

We are not going to win in South Africa and all of a sudden think were the best team in the world, he said. Its not about that. Its about consistency home and away over long periods of time and if you do that you will get the results youre after. Australia play South Africa in three Tests, starting at Centurion on February 12. Clarke said it was satisfying to turn things around after a poor start to last year. Its been a roller-coaster ride... the start of 2013 certainly didnt go anywhere near as well as we would have liked, he said. I think thats what feels so satisfying at the moment. Weve been able to turn things around. I dont want to disrespect anyone in that 2006-07 team (last Australian team to win 5-0 series) to say that this is a bet-

ter win than then. I just think its a different time, different era. To me its as special and probably more personal because Im captain, he added. Australia coach Darren Lehmann said he took over a team which needed direction when appointed in England last year and he put his faith in a band of experienced players to win back the Urn at home after three-straight series of Ashes failure. Lehmann admitted the extent of his teams dominance surprised even him but said they still had plenty more to prove. They just needed some direction on where we wanted to go and how we wanted to go about it, the coach said. I thought we had the makings of winning the Ashes comfortably, but not 5-0. We need to move forward as a team and win away from home.

lastair Cook yesterday apologised to England fans for letting them down in the Ashes series and said he wanted to stay on as captain to help turn around the teams fortunes. Cook was at a loss to explain what had gone wrong but was adamant he had no intention of walking away from captaincy. If I knew that answer, I would be telling the guys out there rather than telling you guys, he said. The England captain said he knows what it takes to rebuild the shattered team from the rubble of their 5-0 Ashes series humiliation, adding that he has been given the vote of condence from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to continue as captain. I was given the vote of condence from the board which usually means in football terms you have two weeks and then youre on your bike, he said. But I am desperate to try and turn it around. I feel as if I am the right man to do it. If Im not and people higher up want a change because they think thats the best way, I have to take it on the chin. Cook, who scored just 246 runs at 24.60 in the series, said he had the qualities to take the England team forward. I have a lot of experience as a player. I have seen a 5-nil before and Ive seen the drive and determination which that caused that team then. I know what that takes to do, he said. When you strip everything down, every single player now has to go back and have a look at themselves, have a look at their techniques. Have a look at the

way theyve bowled and start rebuilding again. And that hunger has to come from within to do it. Cook said only all-rounder Ben Stokes and paceman Stuart Broad played to their potential on a miserable tour where senior batsmen Ian Bell and Kevin Pietersen both averaged less than 30 in the series. I think weve seen some very good stuff from Ben Stokes. He looks like he can balance our side, something weve been trying for a long time. I think hes obviously been the nd of the tour, Cook said. Every player will be feeling that they let themselves down because we havent performed. Only Broady (Broad) and Stokesy have delivered close to their potential. I think everyone else will be hurting. I think what it does mean when you lose 5-0 is a lot of places are for grabs. That should be a real inspiration for people outside the team and also for people inside the team. As a side weve let the supporters down because we havent played very well. The results suggest that. The work ethic is there, weve just got to go back to basics. Cook said he felt anger and frustration within because of Englands woeful Test results, but added the buck stops with me . He paid tribute to Australia for what he said was a thoroughly deserved victory and apologised to Englands vocal Barmy Army band of travelling supporters. As a side weve let the supporters down because we havent played very well. The results suggest that, he said. The work ethic is there, weve just got to go back to basics. Every player will be feeling that they let themselves down because we simply havent performed.

SPOTLIGHT

Clarke pays fulsome tribute to Johnson

Reuters Sydney

A
AGONY & ECSTASY: Dejected members of the English cricket team led by captain Alastair Cook (extreme left) look on as the Australian players (above) celebrate their 5-0 series sweep in Sydney. (EPA)

ustralia captain Michael Clarke paid fulsome tribute to Mitchell Johnson for his part in the 5-0 Ashes sweep, saying nobody could ever again doubt the pacemans character. Johnson was awarded the Compton-Miller medal as Manof- the-Series after taking 37 England wickets over the ve Tests at an average of below 14. There are few cricketers more enigmatic than the quietly spoken and introspective Queenslander, whose fortunes over his Test career have mirrored those of his countryin his pomp from his debut in 2007 to 2009, with a steady decline and the occasional brilliant performance since. Recalled for the current series after more than a year in the Test wilderness, he buried ve years of ridicule from England fans at his sometimes erratic bowling with a barrage of deliveries in excess of 150 kilometres per hour. For perhaps the rst time since the retirement of Glenn McGrath, there was fear in the eyes of the English batsmen, particularly those of the tailenders. I hate to say I told you all so, but I told you all so, Clarke laughed. Man of the Series, who would have thought? Except me and perhaps Mitch. To be able to bowl at that pace is one thing, to do it for ve Test matches, every single innings, to be able to back it up is an amazing achievement. Mitchells bowled a couple of spells in this series that are without doubt as good a spell as Ive seen in my career. And Ive been lucky enough to play with Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie, Brett Lee and Shane Warne. Mitchs spells certainly match the greats, if not better. He deserves all the credit hes received, hes copped a lot of criticism, hes been dropped from the team. No one in the world can doubt Mitchell Johnsons character ever again. Hes as tough a cricketer as Ive played with. To be able to come back from the criticism hes copped, to be dropped at an older age and have the attitude and hunger to say no, Im not going to give up , credit to him. He deserves the accolades. Johnson, still sporting the distinctive moustache he grew for charity in November but retained as a symbol of his rediscovered form, said he was glad it was all over. Im absolutely exhausted now, said the 32-year-old. Its a huge relief to nish the Test series.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

FOOTBALL
SPOTLIGHT

Too many foreign coaches in England: Mourinho

Reuters London

here are too many foreign coaches in the Premier League and British candidates should be given more opportunities, Chelseas Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho has said. In this moment in the Premier League - and Im speaking against myself - I disagree with so many foreign coaches in this country, Mourinho told British media. I dont see a reason for that because I dont feel the English managers are in any point behind the foreign ones. But I think if there are no jobs in the country as a manager or a player then you have to go (abroad) because this is a short professional life. So go and en-

joy. You always have the chance to come back as a manager and a player. There are now nine foreign managers from outside Britain and Ireland in the top ight after Cardiff City this week named Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to replace Scot Malky Mackay. There were none in 1992 when the Premier League was launched. West Bromwich Albion have been considering appointing a Spaniard, ex-Osasuna manager Jose Luis Mendilibar, to succeed another sacked Scot Steve Clarke, British media have reported. I have to say, the ones that are coming, and I can analyse (them) one by one, all of them are good coaches and good people and they try to do good jobs for them and for their clubs, Mourinho was quoted as saying

in The Independent yesterday. So Im not saying these people are not top people or people that dont deserve to be here the same way I deserve to be here. I just feel sorry that in a football country like England, that is the country of so many managers, they (British managers) are not getting enough jobs in this country. At the end of the day, inuence from abroad is good, you can learn the differences from other cultures, but I think the main culture has to be always the English, or in this case the British culture, he added. Mourinho believes more British coaches should go abroad to develop their skills and he praised Derby Countys former England coach Steve McClaren, whose in-form Championship (second division) side host

Chelsea in the FA Cup third round on Sunday. If you ask me, the rst thing that comes to my memory about Steve is not being the England manager but being a champion in Holland. So I think he did well..., he said, referring to McClarens 2010 league triumph with Twente FC. In this country people shouldnt be afraid to be a bit adventurous, like other coaches from other nationalities are, added Mourinho, who is in his second stint at Chelsea, having initially joined the club from Porto in 2004 before then managing Inter Milan and Real Madrid. In Portugal, people say there are lots of Portuguese coaches working abroad and I opened the door for them. People are not afraid to go and nd a future in other countries.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho gestures on the bench during their FA Cup match against Derby County at the iPro Stadium in Derby yesterday. (Reuters)

OBITUARY

Eternal Eusebio dies of heart attack, aged 71

Top-scored with nine goals at 1966 World Cup; Named European Player of the Year in 1965
The Black Panther who lit up 1966 World Cup
Known as the Black Panther or simply The King, football legend Eusebio, who has died aged 71, reigned over Portuguese football in the 1960s, bringing glory to both his club Benfica and his country. The top scorer in the 1966 World Cup and considered one of the best footballers of all time, Eusebio da Silva Ferreira died of cardio-pulmonary arrest early yesterday morning. His death lead to an outpouring of tributes with the Portuguese government decreeing three days of national mourning, with flags in Lisbon to fly at half mast. The top Portuguese footballer of all time Eusebio rivalled all-time greats including Brazilian Pele, Argentinas Alfredo Di Stefano and Englands Bobby Charlton. I was the best player in the world, top scorer in the world and Europe. I did everything, except win a World Cup, Eusebio said in a interview in 2011, recalling his tears after Portugals loss in the 1966 World Cup semi-final to England. From humble origins in the former Portuguese colony of Mozambique, Eusebio da Silva Ferreira was to emerge as one of the World Cups most feared strikers, combining panther-like pace with a ferocious shooting ability. Known throughout his career simply as Eusebio, the poor boy from Maputo became a legend for his exploits with Portugal and Lisbon giants Benfica during the 1960s. Born in 1942, he rose to prominence in Mozambique football circles as a teenager through his performances for Sporting Lourenco Marques, a team with links to Sporting Lisbon. With his exceptional technique, strength and goal-scoring record, it was not long before word of Eusebios prowess soon filtered back to Portugal. In December 1960 he was offered trials with Sporting. Although keen, Eusebio was not willing to risk leaving his beloved mother unless there was the firm promise of a contract. Sporting baulked, creating an opening for Benfica, who snapped up the youngsters signature. A wrangle with Sporting Lourenco Marques over Eusebios registration was finally settled, and in 1961 he made his debut for the club, scoring a hat-trick in a friendly. Over the next five years, Eusebio developed as one of world footballs best players. In an early game for Benfica, he had outshone Pele in a friendly with Santos, and in 1962 he scored the crucial goals in a 5-3 victory over Real Madrid in the European Cup final. When Madrids legendary Hungarian Ferenc Puskas symbolically handed his jersey to Eusebio after the match, the message was clear - the torch had passed, and in 1965 Eusebio was named European Player of the Year. 1966 World Cup exploits But while Eusebio excelled with Benfica in Europe, it was his exploits at the 1966 World Cup for which he will be best remembered. Eusebios nine goals in England propelled Portugal to a third-place finish, and a succession of opposing teams simply had no answer to the power and pace of his play. He scored twice in the 3-1 victory which sent holders Brazil out of the competition. In the quarter-finals Eusebio was unstoppable, pulling off a one-man rescue act after Portugal went 3-0 down against North Korea after just 20 minutes. The Koreans were blown away by a four-goal display from Eusebio as the Portuguese won 5-3. In the semi-final against England Eusebio was effectively marked out of the match but he did find the net again. He scored his ninth of the tournament in the third-place play-off win over the Soviet Union. He finished his 64-cap career having accumulated 41 goals for Portugal. He also earned European footballs Golden Boot award twice and was Portugals top scorer every season between 1964 and 1973. He helped Benfica to 11 league championships and five domestic cups. He also appeared on the losing side in the European Cup finals of 1963 and 1968. In 1975 he joined the flow of players involved in the ill-fated North American Soccer League, before retiring in 1979 after winding down his career in Mexico and Portugal. Married with two daughters, in retirement he became an ambassador for Benfica and the Portuguese football federation. Always present at major events, he rubbed shoulders with current stars, among them the young Cristiano Ronaldo, now the Portugal captain, and the only one who could one day dethrone The King. Eusebio will always be eternal. Rest in peace, wrote Ronaldo, in a message posted on Facebook alongside a photo of himself and his hero Eusebio..

Former Portugal national soccer player Eusebio gestures before their Group A Euro 2008 match against Czech Republic at Stade de Geneve Stadium in Geneva in this June 11, 2008 file photo. (Reuters)
Reuters Lisbon

ortuguese great Eusebio, top scorer at the 1966 World Cup, died yesterday from a heart attack at the age of 71 with the small Iberian nation mourning him as an eternal symbol of their football pride. The death of the charismatic striker, who was idolised throughout the Portuguesespeaking world and considered one of the games greatest players was conrmed by former club Benca and the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). Portugal is mourning. Eusebio, the King of Portugals 1966 team and the eternal symbol of the country, national team and Benca passed away, the FPF said in a statement. The Portuguese government declared three days of national mourning and many fans paid homage by visiting an iconic statue of him erected next to Bencas Luz stadium, leaving owers, scarves and other tributes. Eusebio, whose full name was Eusebio da Silva Ferreira, was European Footballer of the Year in 1965 but won global acclaim a year later at the World Cup in England, where his nine

than 300 league goals for the Lisbon outt. The news caught us by surprise brutally, because there are men who should never go away, a Benca statement read. The life of Eusebio is the patrimony of everyone who loves football. As news of Eusebios death spread, tributes began pouring in from the football family. FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on his Twitter page: football has lost a legend but Eusebios place among the greats will never be taken away. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who overtook Eusebio last year to go to the top of the countrys list of top marksmen and trigger a debate on who is the best Portuguese player of all time, shared a picture of him and Eusebio on Twitter. Always eternal Eusebio, rest in peace, read the caption. A file photo dated 1968 shows Manchester United player George Best (centre) with Benfica Lisbon players, Eusebio (right) and Coluna (second right) during their European Champions Cup final at Wembley stadium in London. (EPA) goals helped Portugal reach the semi-nals. He earned 64 caps and scored 41 goals for Portugal, records that stood for almost two decades. Nicknamed the Black Panther , Eusebio was a European Cup winner with Benca in 1962 and played in three other nals, including the loss to Manchester United at Wembley in 1968. Eusebio helped Benca to 11 Portugues championships and later served as an ambassador for the club. He scored more THE KING Eusebio hailed from Lourenco Marques, now Maputo, in colonial Mozambique and as a teenage prodigy was expected to join Bencas great rivals Sporting Lisbon but changed his mind at the last minute. Even though he played for Portugal, he was widely regarded as the best known African player of all-time, until the emergence in more recent times of the likes

of Samuel Etoo, Didier Drogba and Abedi Pele. He was one of the great gures of Portugal. I think he is immortal. We all know what he meant for football and especially for Portuguese football, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho told Portugals state broadcaster RTP. He was not only a great inspiration but also an important gure in upholding the values, principles and feelings of football, even after nishing his career, the former Porto, Inter Milan and Real Madrid coach added. Eusebio ended his career playing in the US but returned to Portugal to various roles with Benca and the Portuguese federation. He was referred to as the O Rei (the king) in his later years, enjoying widespread affection. Among the rst reactions to his death came from former Benca and Portugal teammate Toni. I told him when he was alive much of what I felt... that it was a privilege to have played with him. We have lost one of the greatest gures of Portuguese sport, the former midelder said in a statement. There were many princes in football but few kings. He is in the gallery of the greats. He was gifted both physically and technically, he was like a Greek statue, he added.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

FOOTBALL
SCHALKE AT ASPIRE ACADEMY
SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP

Commons at the double in emphatic Celtic victory

AFP Glasgow

Schalke 04s Atsuto Uchida (centre) controls the ball during a training session at the Aspire Academy of Sports Excellence in Doha yesterday. (Reuters)

ris Commons scored two goals in two minutes for Celtic in an emphatic second half display that sealed a 4-0 win over St Mirren and extends his sides lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to 14 points. In a tight rst half Celtic twice came close to opening the scoring with both Charlie Mulgrew and Commons ring strikes off the post. With no goalless draws between the sides since 1990, there were always likely to be goals in the second half and Mulgrew started the scoring when he coolly nished in the box after great work from Adam Matthews in the 53rd minute. Stokes scored his 100th career goal with a superb 58th minute strike before Commons added his 50th goal for Celtic with a 70th minute header. The Scottish midelder red in his 16th of the season two minutes later to seal Celtics ninth win in a row in the league and extend their undefeated start to the season to 20 games going into a twoweek winter break. I thought we were exceptional from start to nish. We could have been two up in the rst half but for the inside of the post, Celtic manager Neil Lennon said. We felt at half time if we got one goal we would go on to dominate the game and thats exactly how it panned out. It was a magnicent team performance. St Mirren manager Danny Lennon said his side couldnt cope with Celtic in the second half. I thought in the rst half we were bang on and we matched them and we grew in condence as

the game went on, he said. But in the second half they certainly turned it up a notch with the quality they do have and there was a 15 minute period where they were on re and we just couldnt handle it. Celtic had made just one change from Wednesdays win over Partick Thistle with Stokes restored to the starting line-up in favour of the Finnish striker Temmu Pukki. Stokes had a shot blocked before Mulgrew nearly opened the scoring with a ne strike that bounced off the post and into the hands of keeper Marian Kello. In the 32nd minute Commons came even closer to putting Celtic in front when his superbly hit shot on the turn ew over the head of Kello and smacked the post before bouncing along the line and out. Commons was again involved just before the break when Emilio Izaguirres cross from the left went evaded Joe Ledley and fell to the Scottish midelder six yards out but he couldnt direct his header on target. Mulgrew gave Celtic the lead in the 53rd minute but it was Matthews who deserved the plaudits. The Welsh defender burst into the box and evaded two challenges before backheeling the ball to Mulgrew, who took a touch before burying the ball into the bottom left-hand corner. Celtic moved further ahead in the 58th minute through Stokes with only his second goal in his last 16 outings. The Irish striker peeled away from his marker to collect a pass from Ledley before curling a shot across Kello and into the bottom right-hand corner from just inside the box. Only a ne save from Kello denied Celtic a third in the 68th minute as he got his ngertips to a erce 25 yard strike from Scott Brown.

SPOTLIGHT

LA LIGA

Swansea dump Man United out of FA Cup

West Ham United humiliated by Nottingham Forest; Chelsea and Liverpool win
AFP London

Sanchez hat-trick puts Barca back on top

AFP Barcelona

ilfried Bony snatched a dramatic last-minute winner as Swansea City visited fresh misery on Manchester United with a shock 2-1 success in the FA Cup third round yesterday. Eleven points off the pace in the Premier League, where they have already lost six games, United crashed out at the rst hurdle in the FA Cup to give beleaguered manager David Moyes even more problems. To compound matters, Uniteds injury list swelled further after Rio Ferdinand had to go off with a knee injury, while Fabio da Silva was sent off shortly after coming on to replace him. In a game preceded by a minutes applause for late Portugal great Eusebio, who died yesterday, Swansea took a 12thlead through Wayne Routledge, who cantered onto a pass from Alejandro Pozuelo to lob Anders Lindegaard. The hosts equalised four minutes later, Javier Hernandez volleying in a cross from Alexander Buttner, but they could not nd a second goal. Ferdinand had to hobble off due to injury late on and his replacement, Fabio, was sent off for a high challenge on Jose Canas shortly after coming on. Worse was to follow at the death, with Routledge lifting a cross into the box from the left and Bony powering home a near-post header to add a new chapter of disappointment to the tale of Uniteds unravelling season. West Ham United also fell in the third round yesterday, crashing to an embarrassing 5-0 defeat at second-tier Nottingham Forest, but Chelsea and Liverpool both progressed against lower-league opponents. Chelsea beat in-form Championship side Derby County 2-0, with Liverpool avenging their shock defeat by third-tier Oldham Athletic in last seasons competition with a 2-0 success at Aneld. Chelsea enjoyed the best of the rst half against Derby at Pride Park, but they had to wait until the 66th minute before making the breakthrough against former England manager Steve McClarens side. Eden Hazards trickery wide on the left yielded a free-kick

arcelona moved back to the top of La Liga on goal difference with a comfortable 4-0 win over Elche yesterday thanks to a hat-trick from Alexis Sanchez. The Catalans are tied with Atletico Madrid on 49 points with the two set to meet for the rst time in the league this season next weekend at the Vicente Calderon. Lionel Messi was once again watching from the sidelines as he nears a comeback from a hamstring injury and Neymar was left on the bench having recently returned from a Christmas break in Brazil. However, Sanchez and Pedro Rodriguez once again proved able deputies as they slotted home inside the opening 15 minutes. Xavi Hernandez also missed a second-half penalty for the hosts, but it mattered little as Sanchez rolled home his second goal from Pedros pass shortly afterwards. And the Chilean sealed his rst hat-trick for the club with a stunning free-kick 21 minutes from time. Barca now lead Real Madrid by eight points, but Madrid can cut the gap on the leaders to ve with victory over Celta Vigo today. It took Gerardo Martinos men just seven minutes to open their account in 2014 as Jordi Albas enticing cross Manchester Uniteds English defender Chris Smalling (left) vies with Swansea Citys English midfielder Wayne Routledge during the English FA Cup third round match at Old Trafford in Manchester yesterday. (AFP) and from Willians wicked, inswinging cross, John Mikel Obi glanced home a header to mark his 300th Chelsea appearance with his fourth goal for the club. Oscar got on the score-sheet shortly afterwards, gathering a pass from Hazard and beating Lee Grant at his near post with a powerful shot. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho highlighted the importance of Mikels goal, syaing: It was important for us, because we were dominating and dominating, creating and creating, but the goal was not arriving. It was like the winning goal. Liverpool will visit either Bournemouth or Burton Albion in round four after seeing off Oldham, who stunned Brendan Rodgerss side 3-2 at Boundary Park in the fourth round last season. Iago Aspas, a closeseason signing from Celta Vigo, broke the deadlock in the 54th minute by dispatching a cross from Raheem Sterling to claim his rst goal for the club. The Spaniard then hit the post, but Liverpool did not secure victory until Oldhams James Tarkowski put through his own goal with eight minutes to play. West Ham became the second Premier League team to be eliminated by lower-league opposition in this seasons competition when they were crushed 5-0 by Championship side Forest at the City Ground. A day after Aston Villa fell to third-tier Sheffield United, West Ham were undone by a 14-minute hat-trick from Forest forward Jamie Paterson, sandwiched by an early Djamel Abdoun penalty and a late Andy Reid strike. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce made nine changes to his starting XI and gave debuts to three young players, but he told ITV: What choice did I have? I dont think I had one. I make the decisions for the benet of everyone at the football club. We have a huge amount of problems in terms of available players. Sunderland overcame thirdtier Carlisle United 2-1 at the Stadium of Light to take their place in round four. Adam Johnson put Sunderland ahead with a ne 34thminute free-kick and then supplied the cross from which Sean OHanlon put through his own goal after Matty Robson had levelled the scores. A 90th-minute strike from 20-year-old French midelder El-Hadji Ba completed victory for Gus Poyets men.

from the left was expertly nished by Sanchez at the back post. Victor Valdes was making his return in goal for Barca after six weeks out with a calf injury, but he was very nearly beaten on 14 minutes when Richmond Boakye red a powerful drive off the outside of the post. Moments later, though, Barca had made the game safe as Cesc Fabregas 10th assist of the season released Pedro to round Elche keeper Tono and roll the ball into an unguarded net. Pedro could have added to his tally twice more in the rst-half as he ashed a shot just past the far post before seeing an attempted chip over Tono also oat off target. Barca had a great chance to extend their advantage four minutes after the break when Cristian Sapunaru upended Fabregas inside the area and was extremely fortunate not to be shown a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. And Elche had another slice of luck when Xavi side-footed the resultant spot-kick wide of the target. The third goal did nally arrive just after the hour mark as Pedro unselshly squared for Sanchez to double his tally for the afternoon. Six minutes later Sanchez sealed his hat-trick with a ne curling free-kick from 25 yards that brought wild celebrations from Martino on the touchline.

Barcelonas Alexis Sanchez celebrates his third goal during the La Liga match against Elche at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona yesterday. (Reuters)

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

SPORT
PEP TALK FOCUS

Success is all about attitude, Nadal tells Aspire students

Fight with a positive attitude, until the very last moment

Sheikh Saoud meets Brunei Olympic chief

By Sports Reporter Doha

E Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman alThani, secretary general of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) met HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, president of Brunei Olympic Committee and Football Federation, at the QOC headquarters yesterday. Sheikh Saoud greeted the senior Brunei official, who is on an official visit at Qatar, and stressed the importance of effective co-operation between the two countries to serve their sport development effort. Talks during the meeting focused on ways of expanding

common co-operation between Qatar and Brunei especially in the eld of sport. Both sides also reviewed the possibility of Brunei to benet from Qatars experience in Schools Olympic Program and National Sport Day . HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah applauded Qatars comprehensive development in the sports infrastructure and its ambitious strategy for development in all elds especially sport. He also lauded Qatars professional abilities in hosting major international sport events. The meeting was attended by Fisal Saleh al-Mansoori, director of the QOC Public Relations and Marketing Department.

SPOTLIGHT

Wood to defend Qatar Masters title

Rafael Nadal poses with the students of Aspire Academy here yesterday; (Below) Nadal with Aspire Academy director general Ivan Bravo (left) and Al Sadd player Raul.
By Sports Reporter Doha By Sports Reporter Doha

ennis champion and world number one, Rafael Nadal visited Aspire Academy yesterday, fresh from his victory at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, to advise students on the road to sports stardom. Only the second male tennis player to achieve a Career Golden Slam, Nadal attributed his incredible record to a positive mental attitude and a love of his chosen sport. The only advice I can give young and aspiring sportsmen is to ght with a positive attitude, until the very last moment, said Nadal. On the days youre not feeling your best and just want to go home, push through and give it all youve got because it is by getting through those moments that you become a winner. Having begun playing tennis at the age of three, Nadal told the crowded auditorium that it is with hard work that amateur players will develop successful sporting careers. I believe that most of the work Ive put into my career was between eight and 21-years-old, because after you become professional and play matches every week you have less time to prepare yourself. If you manage to maintain the right attitude on top of all the pressure, it will be very difficult to become a successful professional but, without the right attitude, itll be impossible, he said. Recalling how he trained for up to nine hours a day in his early years, when asked by a student how much training he puts in these days, Nadal said, A sports career isnt forever. It lasts for a short period

of time so its in this time where you will have to work the hardest, after which you will have more time to enjoy lots of different things. When asked by another student how he has stayed motivated throughout his career, Nadal said, Its not going to be easy. Everybody, including me, has their bad moments, and the most important thing is to go back to basics when that does happen. Start again from the beginning with the right attitude and then you will overcome a tough situation because the happiest victories for me have been when I came from a low moment. Attributing a positive mental attitude to keeping in top form he added, Its important to understand that in a sporting career you cant always be on top. Sometimes you will be on the bottom, but you have to work every day at getting back to the top. Its a step-by-step game and my experience says that if you are able to keep working with a positive attitude, you will get back to the top of your game. Aspire Academys student-athletes were clearly enthralled by the presence of such an illustrious and inspirational visitor. It is an honour for us to host Rafa at Aspire to speak to our young athletes, said Ivan Bravo, director general of Aspire Academy. He represents the highest values intrinsic to sporting excellence such as passion, hard work, discipline, determination, fair play, humility, and generosity. He is the worlds number one player, but hes also an inspiring gure for millions of young sportsmen around the world. We tell our talented players that if there is one person they can look up to, try to learn from, and imitate, then Rafa is that person. He is a wonderful role model.

he 2014 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters conrms that towering Englishman Chris Wood will return to defend his title at the 17th edition of the tournament, which will be held at Doha Golf Club from January 22 to 25, 2014. The six-foot ve-inch Wood produced a spectacular nish to claim his rst European Tour title last January, sinking a pressure-packed, 12-foot eagle putt on the 18th to beat Spanish legend Sergio Garcia and South African George Coetzee by one stroke. Hassan al-Nuaimi, president of the Qatar Golf Association, said: We are delighted to conrm that Chris Wood will be back to defend his title at the 17th Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at Doha Golf Club. Chris was a very popular winner last year and we all know how much he wanted his well-deserved rst European Tour victory. Furthermore, he earned it in the most dramatic way, with an eagle on the nal hole, which gave us one of the most exciting nishes in the tournament since it began in 1998. We will soon be conrming more star players who

will all aim to challenge Chris for the Mother of Pearl Trophy next month. Wood, who led by three after the third round, claimed victory in Doha with an 18 under par total of 270. After sinking the winning putt, the usually mild-mannered Englishman punched the air in delight after ending years of frustration following 19 top-tens on The European Tour, including three runner-up nishes since 2011. Currently ranked 74th in the Official World Golf Ranking, the Bristol-born golfer also reached the quarter-nals of the Volvo World Match Play Championship in Bulgaria, nished joint-seventh at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland and represented England at the ISPS Handa World Cup of Golf in Australia. Day tickets and season tickets for the 2014 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters are available to purchase online at www. virginmegastore.me and instore from Virgin Megastore shops in Villaggio Mall and Landmark Mall, Doha, as well as Doha Golf Club. For those looking for an extra-special experience, event hospitality packages are available through the tournaments official website, www.qatarmasters.com

Golden win for Qatar

Rayyan down Wakrah

NBA

Durants 48 rally Thunder, Clippers sputter without Paul

DPA Los Angeles

Al Rayyans Abdulla Malek Salim (left) rises to score against Al Wakrah during their Qatar Mens Basketball League match at Al Gharafa Sports Club here yesterday. Al Rayyan won the match 91-74. In the other match of the day, Al Khor beat Al Shamal 64-56.

evin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder are doing a little better without their All-Star point guard than Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers are doing without theirs. Durant scored 23 of his NBA season-high 48 points in the fourth quarter Saturday night - including the go-ahead basket with four seconds to play - to rally the Thunder to a 115-111 road victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Meanwhile, the Clippers got their rst extended look at life without Chris Paul and it was not good as they were overwhelmed, 116-92, by the host San Antonio Spurs. The Thunder were coming off consecutive home losses but improved to 3-2 without AllStar Russell Westbrook, who is out until at least the All-Star break after having knee surgery. Oklahoma City trailed by 13 points early in the fourth quarter before rallying behind Durant, the NBA scoring leader. I was hanging my head (in the rst half), Durant said. My teammates kept me encour-

aged and Russell was great on the bench as a coach for me and helped me out. In the nal period, Durant made 7-of-11 shots, including four three-pointers. His midrange jumper with four seconds left gave Oklahoma City (26-7) a 113-111 lead. Minnesota had a chance to tie or take the lead when Kevin Love, who had 30 points and 14 rebounds, was fouled while shooting a threepointer with 2.2 seconds to go. But Love - who had missed a potential go-ahead free throw before Durants shot - missed all three foul shots, and Durant sank two to seal it. First time in my career in a situation like that where I missed four straight, Love said. Overall, Durant made 16-of-32 shots and 12of-13 free throws, adding seven rebounds and seven steals. He is averaging 35.2 points in the ve games without Westbrook. He makes shots from a lot of different angles, Minnesota coach Rick Adelman said. He puts a lot of pressure on you. When he gets it going like that, hes pulling up from 30-35 feet and knocking them down. Montenegros Nikola Pekovic had 31 points and 11 rebounds for Minnesota (16-17), which fell to 1-2 vs Oklahoma City this season.

Qatar players celebrate their 34-27 win over Norway in the Golden League handball tournament at the Palais-Omnisport de Paris-Bercy (POPB) in Paris yesterday. (AFP)

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

SPORT
GOLF

Sharp wedge game helps Johnson take control in Hawaii

If you have the proper winds, for me not being a bomber, I feel like I can take advantage
Reuters Maui, Hawaii

Ambitious Jimenez aims to be Ryder Cup captain

Barcelona: Evergreen golfer Miguel Angel Jimenez has set his sights on being Ryder Cup captain one day having marked his 50th birthday yesterday by saying he will compete in The Senior Open Championship. The Spaniard, who claimed his 20th European Tour win in last months Hong Kong Open, is maintaining a busy schedule and will take part in this weeks Volvo Golf Champions tournament, held in South Africa, but plans to take time out to make his debut in the senior tournament in July. Jimenez is then aiming to become Europes oldest Ryder Cup player by earning a place in the team ahead of the event in Gleneagles in September, and believes one day he can be captain. I think I can do it but I have to go step by step, he told Marca, while adding he is hoping to play in this years competition. I would like to be there. I am waiting for news and it would be great if I can. Jimenez has been a Ryder Cup player on four occasions, the last in 2010 at the Celtic Manor Resort. He will return to Wales for the Senior Open Championship at Royal Porthcawl. The veteran player who began his career as a caddie remains as driven as ever. I feel fine. I have spent 25 years travelling the world and competing and if you arent happy doing that then it would be impossible to be so. I am motivated, he said, before evaluating how the sport has changed in Spain. I am the last of the caddie players, he said. Golf has evolved and before it was much more difficult as we had to be caddies. We couldnt play with the children of (club) members and play better than them. I am the last caddie and (Jose Maria) Olazabal is the first amateur player that came from humble roots.

ach Johnson failed to take advantage of the par-ve holes but his renowned, razor-sharp wedge game helped him seize a three-shot lead after Saturdays second round of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. One stroke off the lead overnight after opening with a six-under-par 67, the American broke clear of a logjammed leaderboard as he red a sevenbirdie 66 in the elite, winners-only PGA Tour event at the picturesque Kapalua Resort. Though Johnson did not birdie any of the four par-ves on the hilly Plantation Course, he hit a series of wedge shots close to the pin on the par-fours and putted well as he posted a 13-under total of 133. Matt Kuchar (68), Jordan Spieth (70) and champion Dustin Johnson (66) were tied for second place, with fellow Americans Webb Simpson (71) and Michael Thompson (71) a further stroke back at nine under. Zach Johnson, who upstaged tournament host Tiger Woods in a playoff to win the Northwestern Mutual World Challenge in California last month, was delighted to see the prevailing trade winds return to Kapalua on Saturday. If you have the proper winds, for me not being a bomber, I feel like I can take advantage, Johnson, who is known for his accuracy off the tee and brilliant short game, told Golf Channel. There were a lot of wedges today and thats where Ive got to continue to stick it close, with those wedges.

Sole Regret
Johnsons sole regret on another mainly sunny day on the Hawaiian island of Maui was his mediocre performance on the par-ves. You know I parred every one of them, said the 37-year-old, a 10-time winner on the PGA Tour. I had a threeputt on one of them for par, which can happen. A couple of missed opportunities, certainly one at the last, and also at 15, but I putted well today. Long-hitting Dustin Johnson, who triumphed by three shots last year in a tournament reduced to three rounds and forced to a rare Tuesday nish because of relentless howling winds, birdied all the par-ves as he surged into contention. This golf course sets up well for me, said the 29-year-old American, who clinched his eighth PGA Tour title at the

Zach Johnson plays a shot on the 16th hole during the second round of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Saturday. (AFP) WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai two months ago. I can reach all the par-ves and then there are a few short holes where you can drive it up close to the green. If I chip and putt it well, Im going to shoot a good score pretty much every time around here. It was back to a pretty normal wind here today ... I thought the golf course played a little tougher yesterday. Today it was in great shape and I played a little better, said Johnson, who birdied six of the rst nine holes. Masters champion Adam Scott, the world number two and highest-ranked player in the elite eld of 30, carded a second successive 70 to end the day at six under, seven strokes off the pace.
Scores 133 - Zach Johnson (US) 67-66 136 - Dustin Johnson (US) 70-66, Jordan Spieth (US) 66-70, Matt Kuchar (US) 68-68 137 - Webb Simpson (US) 66-71, Michael Thompson (US) 66-71 138 - Ryan Moore (US) 67-71, Kevin Streelman (US) 67-71 139 - Jason Dufner (US) 67-72, Brandt Snedeker (US) 70-69, Ken Duke (US) 70-69 140 - Adam Scott (Australia) 70-70 141 - Gary Woodland (US) 71-70, Chris Kirk (US) 66-75, Harris English (US) 70-71 142 - Patrick Reed (US) 70-72, Bae Sang-Moon (South Korea) 69-73, Woody Austin (US) 72-70

FOCUS

Witness says he inadvertently filmed Schumi accident

AFP Grenoble, France

ormula One legend Michael Schumacher remained in critical condition yesterday a week after his skiing accident in the French Alps, which a German eyewitness said he inadvertently caught on his smartphone. Investigators are focusing on the retired racers speed when he fell and slammed his head on a rock on a small off-piste section of the Meribel ski resort, prompting his evacuation by helicopter to the Alpine city of Grenoble. They are hoping that a helmet-mounted camera Schumacher was wearing will provide some clues, as will footage by a 35-yearold German steward who says he was filming his girlfriend on the slopes when by chance he captured the moment when the retired driver fell. In the background, a skier is seen descending an unmarked run between two groomed pistes before falling, news magazine Der Spiegel reported. According to the witness, who spoke to the magazine, the seven-time world champion was descending the slope at a leisurely pacea maximum speed of 20 kilometres an hour . He plans to hand over the footage to French investigators. This would corroborate claims by Schumachers spokeswoman Sabine Kehm, who said he could not have been going fast because it appears he helped a friend who had just fallen .

were correctly marked and whether the rock in question was lying close enough to the piste to require some kind of protection or signage. In addition, they are examining whether the safety releases on Schumachers skis operated properly in a probe aimed at determining responsibility for the accident.

Your accident is now just another challenge. You have to fight hard again, just like we both used to do on the track, Mika Hakkinen said. Do me a favour: just this once dont try to beat the clock. You dont have to post your best time in this race. You have to take all the time you need
Schumacher turned 45 on Friday, and fans marked the birthday with a silent vigil outside the facility, part of which was organised by Ferrari, Schumachers former team. His wife Corinna and two teenage children have been at his bedside throughout, and other family members have come to visit, including his father Rolf and his brother Ralph, who is also a racing driver. Kehm said Schumacher remains in a critical but stable condition after he underwent two surgeries earlier in the week to ease pressure and bleeding in the brain. No further press conferences are scheduled before today, and prosecutors and police probing the circumstances of the accident will brief journalists around the middle of the week, public prosecutor Patrick Quincy said yesterday.

Germanys Michael Schumacher. (Reuters) But in a press conference last week, doctors who treated Schumacher said he had been skiing at great speed when he fell on December 29. Edouard Bourgin, a specialist on accident claims, said there could have been a catapult effect that explains the violence of the shock, even in the absence of excessive speed . Prosecutors are also looking at whether the limits of the ski runs next to the accident site

The accident has shocked legions of fans and racing stars used to seeing Schumacher cheat death on the track. Mika Hakkinen, the double Formula One world champion who suffered a near fatal crash during a practice session for the 1995 Australian Grand Prix, wrote to his former rival wishing him a quick recovery, the Bild am Sonntag newspaper reported. Your accident is now just another challenge. You have to fight hard again, just like we both used to do on the track, the Finnish driver said. Do me a favour: just this once dont try to beat the clock. You dont have to post your best time in this race. You have to take all the time you need. It is not known whether the miniature camera Schumacher had strapped onto his helmet lmed the accident, or whether images have been damaged by the impact of his fall, which was so hard it split the helmet in two. Any usable images should shed light on the circumstances of the accident on the small, seemingly innocuous off-piste section of Meribel located between two ski slopesone classed as easy and the other as intermediate. Police have also obtained eyewitness testimony from Schumachers 14-year-old son Mick, who was skiing with his father at the time, as well as a friend. Schumacher, who made his debut in 1991, dominated Formula One during his career, winning more world titles and races than any other driver. He retired in 2012.

Gulf Times Monday, January 6, 2014

TENNIS
COMEBACK CONFIDENCE

Resurgent Hewitt stuns Federer with Brisbane victory

I think the most pleasing thing is what Ive had to come through

Tsonga all fired up for Australia

AFP Perth

Lleyton Hewitt of Australia reacts as he wins the final against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane. (Reuters)
AFP Brisbane

ustralias Lleyton Hewitt stunned top seed Roger Federer of Switzerland to win the Brisbane International yesterday. Hewitt raced through the rst set and then held off a comeback from the world number six to win 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 in two hours and seven minutes. It was Hewitts 29th title on the ATP tour but his rst since 2010, when he also beat Federer in the nal at Halle. Hewitt has been plagued by injury in recent years and underwent surgery in 2010, 2011 and 2012 to x various hip and foot problems. I think the most pleasing thing is what Ive had to come through and the tough times in terms of surgery, the former Wimbledon and US Open champion said. Before the last surgery I made no secret (that) there were no guarantees I

would be able to play again at all. There were still times when I came back from that surgery and played that Wimbledon straight after it, and I was still doubting whether I was ever going to be pain-free again. For me thats the most pleasing thing. Hewitt, the world number 60, is projected to rise to 43 in the rankings as a result of the win, and will be one of the most dangerous oaters when the Australian Open draw is made on January 10. Federer started the nal poorly and made a staggering 22 unforced errors in the rst set, perhaps showing the effects of playing both singles and doubles in the heat and humidity of a Brisbane summer. However, Federer denied the high workload was to blame for his performance despite looking fatigued at times. I feel actually pretty good considering playing ve sets yesterday and coming out and playing another three-setter today, (considering) the warmer weather the last

couple of days in particular, he said. The Swiss great had not lost his serve all week, but he appeared sluggish from the beginning and was broken to love in the rst game. I really was struggling with all sorts of rhythm, Federer said. I wouldnt say I was serving poorly, but it was just a tough set for me. I was put on the back foot very often. He managed to stop the rot on his next serve but Hewitt was soon back in control, breaking Federer twice more to take the rst set in only 27 minutes. Hewitt lost only one point on serve in the rst set as Federer imploded, stunning the sellout crowd in the Pat Rafter Arena. The second set started much the same way, with Hewitt holding easily and Federer struggling. But the top seed gradually worked his way into form, halving his error rate and beginning to pressure the Australian. He had the chance to break Hewitt in the fth game but couldnt convert. However

he struck immediately to break the Australians next serve, then served three aces on his way to levelling the match. Hewitt struggled to hold serve at the start of the third but surprisingly it was Federer who cracked rst, dropping serve in the fourth game when a tired-looking forehand sailed long on break point. The Australian then held serve easily to jump out to a 4-1 lead in the decider, and maintained the advantage to win the title. For the rst set I was seeing the ball like a footballit didnt really matter where he served, I was on it. I felt great out there, Hewitt said. As the match went on, I think I started getting a little more sluggish just after, obviously backing up from yesterday (when he beat Kei Nishikori in three sets). Hewitt said he was heading to the Australian Open full of condence. Ill go out there and Ill compete exactly the same as Ive competed here this week, he said.

owerful Frenchman JoWilfried Tsonga will head into the Australian Open full of condence as he chases his maiden Grand Slam win after leading his country to their rst Hopman Cup triumph. Tsonga, who has slipped to 10th in the rankings after an injury-plagued 2013, teamed up with Alize Cornet to win the title, beating the Polish pair of Agnieszka Radwanska and Grzegorz Panl in Saturdays nal in Perth. For the Frenchman, the mixed teams event was a perfect way to complete his preparations for the years rst major in Melbourne, where he reached the nal in 2008 - his best ever performance at a Grand Slam. Having overcome the knee problems that dogged him last year, forcing him to retire in the second round at Wimbledon and miss the US Open, the 28-yearold, unbeaten in Perth, said he was condent his best tennis is still ahead of him. Speaking after the nal, Tsonga, once ranked number ve in the world, said he was well-placed for a serious tilt at the Australian Open. I have had a good preparation and the Hopman Cup is part of it, he said. Even while I have been playing matches here I have

continued to work. I was bit tired for my singles (in the nal) but now I have seven days to recover and to be ready for the Australian Open. Tsonga, seen as one of the main challengers to the dominance of the likes of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, is now coached by countrymen Nicolas Escude and Thierry Ascione. Among the highlights of his week in Perth were straightsets wins over world number 14 John Isner and Radek Stepanek but he said he would have to cut out mental lapses that meant he dropped sets against Spaniard Daniel Munoz-De La Nava and Panl. When you play in Grand Slams, you cannot do that, he said. Tsonga ew to Melbourne on Sunday ahead of the Australian Open, which starts on January 13. Cornet, 23, said the hamstring tightness she experienced during her nal group match and again in the title decider would not affect her preparations for Melbourne. Although the 27th-ranked player won just one of her singles matches, against Spains Anabel Medina Garrigues, she was buoyed her overall form. It was a good preparation because I had four good matches, she said. I lost two tight matches against top 10 players, which is frustrating but a good sign for the future.

INJURY WOES

Venus drops out of Hobart ahead of Australian Open

months Australian Open. Williams, ranked 47 in the world, dropped out of the Hobart tournament after losing the Auckland Classic in a marathon three-set nal to Ana Ivanovic on Saturday. After a long week during my rst tournament of the year, my body needs time to rest and recover, Williams said, announcing her withdrawal. Unfortunately, I am not able to play this week in Hobart. I was looking forward to playing in Tasmania and I sincerely do hope to play there in the coming years. Williams, 33, has not won a title since October 2012, and Auckland was her rst appearance in a WTA nal since then. Her last Grand Slam win was in 2008. The former world number one is seeking to rejoin the games elite after two years marred by auto-immune disease and injury. Williams was to be among the Hobart Internationals star attractions and her withdrawal is a blow for the tournament. I know it was a hard decision and we wish her the best of luck for the Australian Open, said tournament director Mark Handley. Williams is expected to travel straight to Melbourne for practice ahead of the Australian Open, which begins on January 13.

DOMINANCE

Wawrinka wins Chennai Open

AFP Chennai, India

orld number eight Stanislas Wawrinka warmed up for the Australian Open later this month by bagging the ATP Chennai Open title with a uent victory over Edouard Roger-Vasselin yesterday. The top-seeded Swiss, playing his 500th ATP Tour match, outclassed the 52nd ranked Frenchman 7-5, 6-2 in the 90-minute nal at the Nungambakkam Tennis Stadium. It was the fth career title and the second in Chennai for 28-year-old Wawrinka, who emerged from the shadows of his renowned Swiss compatriot Roger Federer with a top 10 nish last year.

Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland holds the trophy after winning the final at the Chennai Open. (AFP)

This is big for sure, said Wawrinka, who has a 302-198 career win record. It has been an amazing week for me and put me in the right frame for the Australian Open. Winning in Chennai means a lot to me. I like the place and that is why I have played here for six years now. This is just the place I want to start the season from. Last year was very good for me and I hope this year will also be the same. I have practised hard and tried to improve my game. This is just the rst tournament of the year, I hope I can continue this way. The morale-boosting win ahead of the years rst Grand Slam in Melbourne, starting January 13, earned Wawrinka the winners purse of $72,490 and 250 ranking points. Seventh-seeded Roger-

Vasselin received $38,180 and 150 points. The rst set lasted an hour as both players held serve till the 10th game, before Wawrinka broke through in the 11th with a backhand crosscourt shot that left Roger-Vasselin stranded. The Frenchman, playing only his second nal in a 12-year career, lost his serve in the opening game of the second set and then again in the fth game before Wawrinka served out the match with an ace. Roger-Vasselin said he will leave Chennai with mixed feelings as he heads for a tournament in Sydney. This is a bit of a heartbreak for sure, said the 30-year-old. It was very disappointing to lose the nal but there was little I could do to change that. Stan was too good for me and deserved to win.

AFP Hobart

even-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams pulled out of the Hobart International yesterday to give herself a full rest and recovery ahead of this