Projects at Qantab beach - Oman Daily Observer

The OEPPA will organise a 

Conference on Strategic Growth 

Planning and Change Management 

from October 15 to 17 at City 

Seasons Hotel in Al Khuwair 

Tel: 24649142, Fax: 24649143 

oeppaconference@yahoo.com 

Tuesday, October 9, 2012/Dhul Qaada 22, 1433 AH 

www.omanobserver.om editor@omanobserver.om 

His Majesty 

thanked by 

Saudi king 

HIS Majesty Sultan Qaboos 

has received a cable of 

thanks from King Abdullah 

bin Abdulaziz of Saudi 

Arabia in reply to His 

Majesty’s condolences on 

the death of Prince Mesa’ad 

bin Saud bin Abdulaziz 

al Saud. His Majesty also 

sent a cable of greetings 

to President Yoweri 

Museveni of Uganda on the 

occasion of his country’s 

Independence Day. 

Ties with 

Senegal 

reviewed 

Pvt sector 

salaries by 

October 18 

SHAIKH Abdullah bin 

Nasser al Bakri, Manpower 

Minister, issued a decision 

for the payment of October 

salaries for employees in the 

establishments subject to 

the provisions of the Labour 

Law on the occasion of the 

blessed Eid al Adha. The 

decision stipulates that all 

private sector establishments 

should pay this month salary 

for their employees before 

October 18. 

New heart 

CT scan 

opened 

A NEW heart CT scan 

was opened at the Royal 

Hospital yesterday. The 

first-of-its-kind device 

is latest for CT scanning 

and is characterised by 

many features including 

examining patients, 

especially cardiovascular 

without the need for 

angioplasty. 

40pc more 

flights to 

Salalah 

OMAN Air carried 50,000 

passengers during August 

and September on Salalah- 

Muscat route, an increase 

of 20,000 passengers 

compared to the same 

period in 2011. According 

to the statement released 

by Oman Air, the extra 

flights accounted for 40 per 

cent of the total number of 

people travelling to Salalah 

with Oman Air and the 

extraordinary demand. 

A clear message of support 

GERMAN Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit today to 

debt-strapped Greece may provide a chance to ease 

tensions born of the economic crisis, but she looks 

set to receive a tepid welcome from those who blame 

Germany for the Greek government’s draconian 

austerity policies. During her visit she will meet with 

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. 

P3 

ON behalf of His Majesty 

Sultan Qaboos, His 

Highness Sayyid Asaad 

bin Tareq al Said received 

yesterday Al Shaikh Tijani, 

Ambassador of Senegal to 

the Sultanate, who bade 

farewell at the end of his 

tour of duty as his country’s 

ambassador to the Sultanate. 

P2 

P5 

P8 

 

MUSCAT — Entry to the vast 

Qantab beach area will be restricted 

sooner or later as major construction 

projects are set to come up in this 

13 28 20 

TWO star hotels are coming up around the Qantab beach and preliminary works are under way. 

Projects at Qantab beach 

area, according to reliable sources. 

As a first step, the whole area has 

been fenced and huge gates have 

been placed at the entrance since 

last week. 

The area will remain closed for 

public once the construction work 

begins and entry will be only for 

construction-related activities. 

The news was first reported by 

the Observer in its September 2 issue 

and an editorial also highlight- 

Plan for low-cost carriers 

MUSCAT — The Sultanate is mulling 

low-cost carriers, helicopter and 

amphibious services, and corporate 

and executive jet operators could 

all be potentially part of an exciting 

transformation that awaits the Sultanate’s 

aviation sector. 

Salim al Aufi, Chief Executive 

Officer of the Public Authority for 

Civil Aviation (PACA), said the authority 

was studying the feasibility 

of opening up the aviation sector 

to private investment, as a logical 

extension to the multibillion dollar 

investments currently being made in 

the expansion and modernisation of 

the country’s airport infrastructure. 

Speaking on the opening day of 

a conference, Al Aufi outlined opportunities 

for investment both on 

the aviation and airport sides of the 

rapidly expanding sector. 

“The Public Authority is embarking 

on a study of the local requirement 

(of various aviation related 

services) in the different areas of the 

country, and once we complete it by 

the year-end, we shall begin knocking 

on the doors of private investors 

to start looking at these opportunities,” 

the CEO said. 

In tandem with the investments 

taking place in the airport infrastructure 

arena, the Authority is working 

on a strategy to see how best the 

aviation sector can be suitably man- 

aged, he said. One key avenue being 

looked at in this regard is the potential 

for low-cost carriers, he said. 

“Today, we have one national 

carrier Oman Air, but with the expansion 

of Muscat and Salalah airports, 

we would probably need to 

start thinking of additional carriers, 

mostly in the areas that would complement 

Oman Air, particularly in 

the area of low cost carrier. 

“At the moment, there are a 

number of low-cost carriers flying 

into Oman and taking away a lot of 

the business, but we have nothing to 

compete with them unless we open 

up this sector and allow private investors.” 

See also P21 

Euro zone starts bailout fund 

LUXEMBOURG — Euro zone 

finance ministers launched their 

permanent 500 billion euro bailout 

fund yesterday but said Spain, the 

country widely expected to be first 

to draw on it, was taking steps to 

overhaul its economy and did not 

need a bailout for now. 

Arriving at a meeting in Luxembourg 

also set to discuss Greece and 

differences over how to recapitalise 

Europe's wobbly banks, German Finance 

Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble 

said Madrid had made clear it wanted 

no assistance. 

“Spain needs no aid programme. 

Spain is doing everything necessary, 

in fiscal policy, in structural 

reforms,” he told reporters as he arrived 

for a gathering that will also 

discuss plans to establish a single 

supervisor for euro zone banks. 

“Spain has a problem with its 

banks as a consequence of the real 

estate bubble of the past years,” he 

said. “That’s why Spain is getting 

(EU) help with banking recapitalisation.” 

Luxembourg Finance Minister 

Luc Frieden took the same line but 

added that if Spain were to make a 

request for aid beyond the 100 bil- 

lion euros already earmarked to 

recapitalise its banks, it would be 

examined. 

As well as Spain’s broad financial 

needs, yesterday’s meeting was 

expected to discuss the budget goals 

presented by Madrid last month, 

which the European Commission 

has yet to endorse. 

The Commission will publish its 

twice-yearly economic forecasts on 

November 7 and some officials have 

indicated that it may conclude Spain 

can't meet its budget targets, which 

are based on the economy contracting 

by just 0.5 per cent next year. 

COMPANIES in Sohar have teamed up with OFA to kick start a unique football project. Details, P7 

ed the issue. 

It is learnt that two star hotels 

are coming up around the beach 

and preliminary works are under 

way. Surveying, land marking, 

ground levelling To page 4 

New water 

networks 

in wilayats 

MUSCAT — The Tender 

Board yesterday awarded 

projects worth RO 

35,893,729 including expansion 

of the water distribution 

network in the wilayats of 

Ibri, Yanqul and Dhank in 

the Dhahirah Governorate 

(RO 10,398,303); development 

of Izki power plant 

220kv, 2x500 MVA (RO 

8,765,130) and construction 

of water transportation 

network Khasab/Al Khaldiyah 

and its attachments 

in Musandam Governorate 

(RO 8,227,012). 

Other projects include 

construction of three new 

beacons and site identification 

stations at the Arabian 

Sea along the Omani coast 

(RO 2,639,847) and additional 

works for the supply, 

installation, integration, 

testing and operation of the 

equipment used for the expansion 

and enhancing the 

capacity of the global mobile 

network at the different 

parts of the Sultanate (RO 

2,000,000). 

Others include renting 

and supplying the auto sorting 

out machines, installation 

and To page 5 

Chavez gets 

another term 

CARACAS — Venezuelan 

President Hugo Chavez 

promised to deepen his 

socialist revolution after a 

comfortable win that could 

extend to 20 years his polarising 

leadership of the South 

American Opec nation. 

Tens of thousands of ecstatic 

supporters thronged 

the streets around the presidential 

palace, pumping fists 

in the air after the former 

soldier beat opposition candidate 

Henrique Capriles by 

9 percentage points. 

The new six-year term 

will let Chavez consolidate 

his control over Venezuela’s 

economy. Details, P12 

By A Staff Reporter 

MUSCAT — The regulatory framework 

for Islamic Banking has been 

finalised, Hamoud bin Sangour al 

Zadjali, Executive President of the 

Central Bank of Oman (CBO), announced 

here yesterday. 

Addressing delegates during the 

opening of the Oman Investment Forum 

2012, he added that amendments 

to the Banking Law — a prerequisite 

for the rollout of Islamic Banking services 

in the Sultanate — are currently in 

process. 

“Islamic banking is considered as 

a new chapter in the banking sector in 

Oman, which would diversify banking 

services and augment financial inclusion,” 

Al Zadjali said. “The advent of 

Islamic banking is expected to complement 

the current conventional banking 

in promoting growth in the economy 

during 2012 and beyond,” the executive 

president stated. 

Two new local banks, Bank Nizwa 

and Al Izz Islamic Bank, have been 

granted initial approvals while almost 

all local banks have evinced interest 

in establishing windows for practicing 

Islamic banking, Al Zadjali said, noting 

that Islamic finance will add further 

incentive to deepen and broaden the financial 

markets in Oman, thereby contributing 

to further financial inclusion. 

Earlier, the executive president af- 

Researchers 

debunk super 

food benefits 

Page 27 

Gasquet wins in Shanghai 

RICHARD Gasquet rediscovered the winning formula 

after last week’s shock defeat in Beijing, cruising into 

the second round of the Shanghai Masters as Nicolas 

Almagro slumped to defeat. Gasquet crashed to a 

humiliating loss at the China Open to Chinese wildcard 

Zhang Ze, who was ranked 151 places below him, 

just days after the Frenchman won the Thailand Open. 

Islamic banking 

regulations set 

 

MUSCAT — Feasibility studies 

linked to the planned construction 

of a major pipeline that will channel 

natural gas from Saih Nihayda 

in central Oman to an ambitious 

industrial hub at Duqm, have been 

completed, a high-ranking official 

announced here yesterday. 

Yahya bin Said al Jabri, Chairman 

of the Special Economic Zone 

at Duqm, said the 230-km-long pipeline 

will have a capacity of roughly 

25 million cubic metres per day capacity 

— enough to fuel Duqm’s fu- 

firmed his firm conviction in the robust 

health of the Omani banking sector. 

“Oman’s banking system remained 

sound, resilient and profitable due to 

appropriate regulatory and supervisory 

policy adopted by the CBO despite 

adverse impact on the banking sector 

across the globe due to the recent global 

financial crisis. 

“A key element of the ongoing financial 

sector reforms has been the 

fine-tuning of prudential and supervisory 

framework through developing 

sound risk management systems, 

enhancing transparency, improving 

customer service and complying with 

international standards and best practices,” 

he said. 

However, in line with the recommendations 

of global standard-setting 

bodies, the CBO has initiated a number 

of regulatory and supervisory measures 

recently to improve efficiency of the 

country’s financial To page 8 

Duqm gas pipeline 

feasibility finished 

STOCKHOLM — Scientists from UK 

and Japan shared a Nobel Prize yesterday 

for the discovery that adult cells 

can be transformed back into embryolike 

stem cells that may one day regrow 

tissue in damaged brains, hearts 

or other organs. 

John Gurdon, 79, of the Gurdon Institute 

in Cambridge, Britain and Shinya 

Yamanaka, 50, of Kyoto University 

in Japan, discovered ways to make tissue 

that would act like embryonic cells, 

without the need to harvest embryos. 

They share the $1.2 million Nobel 

Prize for Medicine, for work Gurdon 

began 50 years ago and Yamanaka 

capped with a 2006 experiment that 

transformed the field of “regenerative 

medicine” — the field of curing disease 

by regrowing healthy tissue. 

“These groundbreaking discoveries 

Amendments to 

the Banking Law, a 

prerequisite for Islamic 

banking services in the 

Sultanate, are currently 

in the process 

ture power generation needs. 

Delivering the keynote address at 

the opening of the Oman Investment 

Forum 2012 at Al Bustan Palace — 

A Ritz Carlton Hotel, he said the 

36-inch pipeline project is being undertaken 

by state-owned Oman Gas 

Company and is due to be completed 

during 2015-16. 

“The project is integral to achieving 

the aim of feeding natural gas 

to the power generation, water purification 

projects and cement plant 

as well as the refinery and petrochemical 

complex and feedstock in 

Duqm,” he added. To page 8 

2 scientists win Nobel 

have completely changed our view of 

the development and specialisation of 

cells,” the Nobel Assembly at Stockholm’s 

Karolinska Institute said. 

All of the body’s tissue starts as 

stem cells, before developing into skin, 

blood, nerves, muscle and bone. The 

big hope for stem cells is that they can 

be used to replace damaged tissue in 

everything. 

Scientists once thought it was impossible 

to turn adult tissue back into 

stem cells, which meant that new stem 

cells could only be made by harvesting 

embryos — a practice that raised 

ethical qualms in some countries and 

also means that implanted cells might 

be rejected by the body. “The eventual 

aim is to provide replacement cells of 

all kinds,” Gurdon’s Institute explains 

on its website. See also page 15 

Prayer timing Fajr Dhuhr Asr Magrib Isha Weather W Muscat Musc Nizwa Sohar Al Buraimi Sur Duqm Salalah 

EXCHANGE RATES 

GOLD 

Dollar per Omani Rial 

PRICE 

Muscat 04:46 am 11:59 pm 03:22 pm 05:53 pm 07:03 pm Max ax 35 38 34 39 34 32 30 

Min 23 21 24 22 24 21 22 

Buying 0.382 Selling 0.388 $1,776.20

MUSCAT — The exhibition of “Discover 

Treasures in Oman for Jewellery” will 

be opened at Oman International Exhibition 

Centre today under the auspices of 

Sayyida Hujaijah bint Jaifar al Said. 

A number of international companies in 

Sultanate and outside will take part in the 

exhibition which will last till October 12. 

The exhibition aims at highlighting the 

2 OMAN 

OMAN DAILY Observer 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2012 

Senegalese Ambassador bids farewell 

MUSCAT — On behalf of His Majesty 

Sultan Qaboos, His Highness Sayyid Asaad 

bin Tareq al Said received in his office here 

yesterday Al Shaikh Tijani, Ambassador 

of Senegal to the Sultanate who bade him 

farewell at the end of his tour of duty in the 

Sultanate. 

Exhibition to showcase jewellery industry 

MUSCAT — His Highness Sayyid Haitham 

bin Tareq al Said, Minister of Heritage 

and Culture, will lead the Sultanate's 

delegation taking part in the 18th meeting 

of the GCC Culture Ministers, due to be 

The ambassador expressed his thanks 

to His Majesty the Sultan for the support 

extended to him during his mission here. 

He also thanked the Omani government 

and people for their support which he 

said, enabled him to carry out his duty. 

He wished His Majesty good health, hap- 

jewellery industry and the progress witnessed 

by the Sultanate, as well as viewing 

the experiences of friendly countries 

that will take part in the exhibition. 

Hassan Ramadhan, Director-General 

of Oman International Exhibition Centre 

said that the exhibition is one of the specialised 

exhibitions that aim at highlighting 

the jewellery industry and the latest 

held in Riyadh, from tomorrow. 

The meeting will discuss joint cultural 

topics relating to enhancing the cultural 

work and promoting the joint cultural 

relations between the GCC countries. 

piness and a long life and the Sultanate 

further progress and prosperity. 

HH Sayyid Asaad thanked the ambassador 

for the efforts he exerted in serving 

the relations between the two countries, 

wishing him success and the people of 

Senegal further progress. — ONA 

developments in this vital field. He added 

that it also aims at attracting the leading 

companies in the field of jewellery, as 

well as establishing strong relations with 

the jewellery companies in the Sultanate. 

The exhibition is considered as a good 

opportunity for precious jewellery lovers 

to view the latest jewellery in the world. 

— ONA 

Sultanate at Riyadh GCC culture ministers meet 

Sayyid Haitham will be accompanied by 

Shaikh Hamed bin Hilal al Maamari, Under-Secretary 

of the Heritage and Culture 

Ministry for Cultural Affairs and officials 

at the ministry. — ONA

Sultanate at 

Islamic 

co-operation 

meeting 

MUSCAT — The 

Sultanate, represented 

by the Supreme Council 

for Planning (SCP), 

participated yesterday in 

the 28th session of the 

Standing Committee for 

Economic and Commercial 

Co-operation (COMCEC) 

of the Organisation of 

Islamic Co-operation 

(OSC) held in Turkey until 

October 11. 

The Sultanate’s 

delegation is chaired by 

Sultan bin Salim al Habsi , 

SCP Secretary-General. 

The meeting reviewed 

and discussed the OSC 

10-year programme of 

action, co-operation action 

plan for strengthening 

economic and trade cooperation 

among member 

states, in particular on the 

areas of co-operation in 

agriculture, tourism and 

transport. 

The meeting will also 

discuss topics related 

to global economic 

developments related to 

OSC member countries. 

The meeting discussed 

issues related to bilateral 

trade between OSC 

member countries and 

ways of strengthening 

the role of the private 

sector in economic cooperation 

and exchanging 

views on enhancing SME 

competitiveness in these 

countries. Delegates 

will also display their 

experiences in this area. 

— ONA 

3 OMAN 



Oman, Australia 

discuss ties 

MUSCAT — Oman and Australia shared views on bilateral 

ties and discussed ways of enhancing co-operation between the 

two countries yesterday at the premises of Majlis Addawla. 

The Omani side at the talks was headed by Dr Yahya bin 

Mahfoudh al Mantheri, Chairman of Majlis Addawla. Al 

Mantheri received Alex Chernov, Governor of Victoria and his 

accompanying delegation here yesterday. 

During the meeting Al Mantheri reviewed bilateral relations 

and avenues of future co-operation and briefed the guests 

about the Sultanate’s Shura experiment and the blessed Renaissance 

which brought tremendous development to the nation 

and met the aspirations of the citizens. 

Al Mantheri also discussed the legislative and regulatory 

powers which were accorded to the Oman Council at the beginning 

of the fifth term and their impact on the current parliamentary 

activities. 

On his turn, the guests appreciated and thanked the opportunity 

to be a part of the meeting and expressed their friendly 

feelings toward the Sultanate. 

The guest stressed on his country’s keenness to work with 

the Sultanate to activate the areas of co-operation between the 

two countries, enhance the friendly relations between the two 

sides backed by the keen interest of the leadership of the two 

countries. 

Meanwhile, Alex Chernov yesterday also visited the Sultan 

Qaboos Grand Mosque in Bausher. 

He was briefed on the history of the mosque and its various 

facilities. He familiarised himself with the role of the mosque 

in conveying the tolerant message of Islam. 

He also toured various facilities of the mosque and viewed 

the Architectural style which is derived from the Omani and 

Islamic architectural design. — ONA 

His Majesty thanked 

by Saudi king 

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos has received a cable 

of thanks from King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi 

Arabia in reply to His Majesty’s condolences on the death 

of Prince Mesa’ad bin Saud bin Abdulaziz al Saud. 

King Abdullah expressed his appreciation for His Majesty 

the Sultan’s sincere sentiments, praying to the Almighty 

to protect His Majesty against all harm. — ONA 

HM greetings to Uganda 

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos has sent a cable 

of greetings to President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda on 

the occasion of his country’s Independence Day. His Majesty 

expressed his best wishes to President Museveni and 

the friendly people of Uganda. — ONA

4 OMAN 



Projects at Qantab beach set to begin 

From page 1 

and other initial earthworks are 

currently being carried out. 

Mountain blasting and other 

allied works will begin by 

the end of this year, according 

to officials at the site. Nagarjuna 

Construction Company 

(NCC) is engaged in the surveying 

and mapping activities 

of the projects. Two portacabins 

were already set up well 

before Ramadhan after the 

contract was awarded to NCC 

and employees are seen doing 

preliminary works. 

It is also feared that whole 

or a major part of the beach 

will be reserved for the hotel 

guests and the public may end 

up paying a price for using the 

beach just as other beach resorts. 

During the construction of 

the hotels too, people may not 

have entry to the construction 

site as it will affect the safety 

measures. The more than 

2-km-long narrow road to the 

beach from the main road will 

soon be closed, it is understood. 

The future of nearly 30 

boatmen who depend upon the 

visitors will also be bleak once 

the hotels are opened. Addi- 

tionally, many tour guides and 

tea shop employees who find 

an earning around the beach 

will also have to look for some 

other job as the hotels will be 

employing their staff to take 

care of all the areas of offering 

maximum comfort to their 

guests. 

On the other hand, some 

sources have informed the Observer 

that there are a cluster 

of private villas coming up 

near the beach. These villas 

are initiated by Saraya Bandar 

Jissah, which holds the 2.2 

million square metres (220 

hectares) beachfront resort 

on the North East outskirts of 

Muscat, between the splendid 

Hajjar Mountain ridges. 

“The hotel projects are still 

in the design stage and earthworks 

are expected to be completed 

by early 2014," sources 

at NCC said, adding, 

“The details of the hotel 

project or the cluster of premium 

villas are yet to be announced 

and they are expecting 

to complete it within two 

or three years once the construction 

started.” 

Omantel selects 

Ericsson for 4G/ 

LTE network 


MUSCAT — Omantel, the 

pioneer integrated telecom 

services provider with more 

than 2.7 million subscribers, 

has selected Ericsson 

to build its 4G/LTE network 

and transform Omantel’s Radio 

Access Network (RAN). 

Through the deployment 

of 4G/LTE, Omantel will 

provide its customers with an 

enhanced mobile-broadband 

experience offering higher 

data speeds and faster access 

to a wide range of new and 

innovative multimedia applications, 

as well as more 

responsive data services. 

Samy Ahmed Abdulqadir 

al Ghassany, COO Omantel, 

said: “Ericsson’s track 

record in LTE makes the perfect 

foundation to support us 

in providing the service. We 

are positive that, through 

this collaboration, we will be 

able to provide our customers 

with the best end-user 

experience.” 

The agreement marks the 

beginning of a new managed 

services partnership between 

the two companies, in which 

Ericsson provided Omantel 

its assurance of operational 

efficiency and improved network 

quality. 

Ray Hassan, President 

Ericsson Gulf Countries, 

said: “Omantel will gain deployment 

flexibility and simplicity 

from LTE by providing 

best in class services to 

their valued customers. The 

continuous evolution of Omantel’s 

network performance 

demonstrates the strength of 

our ongoing partnership, and 

also demonstrates Ericsson’s 

commitment to deploying 

high-quality networks for 

customers using Ericsson’s 

LTE technology.” 

Ericsson and Omantel 

share a longstanding relationship 

which goes back more 

than 30 years. During this 

period, Ericsson has contributed 

toward the development 

of the telecommunication industry 

in Oman through the 

implementation of a number 

of projects, including both 

traditional fixed-line services 

and mobile services. 

Ericsson is Omantel’s sole 

packet core vendor to both 

2G and 3G data services.

New CT Scan at Royal Hospital 

MUSCAT — The Royal Hospital 

inaugurated yesterday the 

new heart CT Scan in the Radiology 

Department, the rst of 

its kind in the Sultanate, under 

the auspices of Dr Ahmed bin 

Mohammed al Saeedi, Minister 

of Health. 

The new RO1,000,000 

worth device is latest for CT 

scanning and is characterised 

by many features including 

examining patients, especially 

cardiovascular patients without 

the need for angioplasty, 

and use less radiation dose 

compared to radiation doses in 

older CT. 

In addition, the device is 

of high speed, as it can nish 

the examination within seconds, 

which is comfortable for 

patients, especially children, 

who are not under anesthesia, 

as well as submit electronically 

test results to patients with 

higher resolution compared to 

previous devices which counts 

on radiographer for the results, 

which takes longer. 

The Health Minister congratulated 

the hospital management 

and personnel in 

Radiology for the new device 

considering it an important 

asset and a signicant step in 

radiology services in particular, 

and the hospital’s health 

services in general. 

He pointed out that such 

kind of advanced devices with 

multiple characteristics will 

save a lot of time and work to 

alleviate the growing pressure 

on Royal Hospital Radiology 

Department, adding that it, as 

it is specialised in cardiovascular 

examination, will reduce 

pressure on cardiac unit, especially 

for angioplasty. 

On his part, Dr Qasim al 

Salmi, senior consultant, Director-General 

of the Royal 

Hospital,- expressed his happiness 

for having the new device 

at the Radiology Department, 

for the many services it provides 

which will reduce time 

and effort, and will help early 

diagnosis of arterial disease 

and alleviate the need for cardiac 

catheterisation and thus 

alleviating the appointments 

for cardiac catheterisation. 

With respect to the quali- 

ed staff to use this device, 

Saqr al Taei, senior consultant 

radiologist, HoD of Radiology 

Department, said there is 

a qualied medical team for 

the device whenever needed 

comprised of a radiologist and 

radiology technician, pointing 

out that the device will offer 

CT for heart disease, especially 

arteries for three days 

a week, and two days a week 

will be used to detect other 

diseases as it has the ability to 

diagnose diseases. — ONA 

Documentary lm on coral reefs 

MUSCAT — The Environment 

and Climate Affairs Ministry 

currently collaborating 

with Arab House for Advertising 

to produce a documentary 

that highlights the efforts of 

the Sultanate in preserving its 

coral reefs. 

An international team 

specialises in photographing 

marine environments will be 

lming coral reef sites in the 

various governorates of the 

Sultanate. 

Yahya bin Ali al Salmani, 

Director of Awareness and 

Information Department at 

the Environment and Climate 

Affairs Ministry, said that the 

photography team with specialists 

in the eld of marine 

life and the number of divers 

and wildlife observers from 

the Ministry will begin today 

that would last for two weeks. 

Salamah Islands are being 

currently lmed, along with 

Lima Island and Ras Lima in 

Musandam Governorate for 

ve days. 

The team will go later to 

shoot the Al Dimaniyat Islands 

in the Wilayat of Barka 

and Al Halaniyat Islands, Al 

Sudah, Bandar Al Khayran 

and Al Fahal Island in the 

Governorate of Muscat. 

In order to ensure the success 

of the lming process the 

Ministry, represented by the 

Directorate-General for nature 

Conservation, has provided 

boats equipped with diving 

tools at the lming sites, in addition 

to rst aid kits, and the 

necessary security and safety 

equipment . Yahya bin Ali al 

Salmani said that the duration 

of the lm would be 25 to 30 

minutes and the Ministry has 

contracted with an expert in 

the marine environment on 

a scientic script for the lm 

with a voiceover in Arabic 

and English. 

The lm script addresses 

how the coral reefs are naturally 

built, their role in achieving 

ecological balance, publicise 

the threats to coral reef 

environments and their ebbing 

inuence on sh production, 

in addition to highlighting the 

efforts by the Environment 

and Climate Affairs Ministry 

and other authorities in the 

protection of coral reefs. 

There are nearly 1,000 

species of coral worldwide at 

present, there are about 140 

species of coral in Omani waters. 

— ONA 

5 OMAN 



Ties with Turkey reviewed 

MUSCAT — Sayyid Saud 

bin Hilal al Busaidy, Minister 

of State and Governor of 

Muscat, received in his ofce 

here yesterday the Commander 

of a Frigate of the Turkish 

Navy. 

During the meeting, cordial 

conversations were exchanged 

and matters of common concern 

between the two countries 

were discussed. 

The two sides also discussed 

means of enhancing 

the existing distinguished relations 

between the Sultanate 

and Turkey in all spheres. 

Sayyid al Busaidy explained 

the role of the Governorate 

of Muscat in serving 

the society, pointing out to historic, 

tourism and civilisational 

landmarks in the wilayats of 

the Governorate that stands as 

witness of its ancient history 

and bright present. 

The guest hailed the quali- 

Judicial ties 

with Qatar 

discussed 

DOHA — Talks session between 

Shaikh Abdulmalik bin 

Abdullah al Khalili, Minister 

of Justice, and Hassan bin 

Abdullah al Ghanim, Qatari 

Justice Minister was held in 

Doha yesterday during which 

the two sides reviewed the experiences 

of the two countries 

in the justice and judiciary 

eld. 

Shaikh al Khalili expressed 

the Sultanate’s keenness in 

strengthening the fraternal 

and co-operation relations 

with GCC, commending the 

initiative of the Qatari Justice 

Minister in the eld and 

march of justice in Qatar. 

On his turn, the Qatari 

Minister expressed the Qatari 

ofcials’ pride of the fraternal 

relations between the Sultanate 

and Qatar, afrming the 

keenness of the Qatari leadership 

on promoting elds 

of the existing co-operation 

between the two countries. 

He pointed out to a number of 

existing co-operation agreements 

in various elds. 

He added that it is important 

to work within the framework 

of the GCC system to 

enhance the bilateral relations 

between them in implementation 

of the directives of the 

GCC leaders that always af- 

rm the importance of the 

continues work in order to 

cement the bilateral co-operation. 

— ONA 

tative and civilisational shift 

being enjoyed by the Sultanate 

generally and Muscat in 

particular, commending the 

pioneering role pursued by the 

government of His Majesty 

Sultan Qaboos in cementing 

From page 1 

operation of the auto sorting 

system, design, printing and 

supply of the voting forms 

for the municipal councils 

for the rst term 2012 (RO 

1,780,865). 

Provision of technicians 

for the maintenance of tools 

and equipment at Al Masarah 

Hospital in Al Amerat 

in Muscat Governorate (RO 

1,188,124). 

Renewal of air calibration 

work for the auto pilot and 

assistant air navigation equipment 

at Muscat International 

and Salalah Airports for 2012 

and 2013 (RO 206,783). 

Additional works for the 

the co-operation relations with 

other countries. 

At the end of the meeting, 

commemorative gifts were exchanged. 

Sayyid al Busaidy wished 

the guest and his accompa- 

operation and maintenance 

of the water wells in the Dakhiliyah 

Governorate (RO 

171,000). 

Renewal of the agreement 

for leasing vehicles for Oman 

Gas Company (RO 163,414) 


maintenance of the technical 

workshops at the vocational 

training centre in Al Seeb (RO 

129,000). 


construction of 6 housing units 

and a public hall in Tuwi Jiwar 

village in the wilayat of Bahla 

in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate 

(RO 89,947). 


operation and maintenance of 

nying delegation success in 

carrying out their task during 

their visit to the Sultanate. 

The meeting was attended 

by the Charge D’affaires at the 

Turkish Embassy in Muscat. 

— ONA 

New water networks in wilayats 

THE board meeting held under the chairmanship of Dr Rasheed bin al Sa al Huraibi. 

Looking for job, car, flat and furniture? Check out the Observer classified page. 

the water desalination plants 

in the Dakhiliyah and Al Dhahirah 

Governorates (group 

C) and the water desalination 

plant in Mahout and Ja’alan 

Bani Bu Ali (Group D) (RO 

75,265). 


provision of the consultancy 

services for the quantity surveying 

for the Al Ansab Sanitary 

Treatment Plant (STP) 

and the sanitary drainage network 

in the wilayat of Baushar 

(RO 59,040). 

The board meeting was 

held under the chairmanship 

of Dr Rasheed bin al Sa al 

Huraibi, Chairman of the Tender 

Board. — ONA

WE get shocked 

sometimes 

by incidents 

that we hear 

about, and they become more 

shocking when we realise 

that youngsters, who have a 

crucial role in the development 

of the country, are behind 

them. Some practices 

need to be corrected by enforcing 

laws that help society 

remove hassles in the daily 

life and provide for people's 

needs. 

This is important to make 

everybody work with the 

concept of "no harm", towards 

one goal, so as to 

ensure a smooth life for one 

and all. 

There are contractors who 

win cleaning tenders of different 

institutions. According 

to the tender value, the 

payment of workers varies. 

The salary sometimes may 

be 150 rials, and maybe 

more, but the contractor 

pays the worker around 40- 

50 rials only. Among these 

immigrant workers there are 

people who are not granted 

health insurance and resident 

visas or other expenses. 

This kind of practices 

are not approved by the law, 

and there is no authority that 

is tracking such violations 

against workers. These workers 

cannot le a complaint to 

any party because it means 

they will be thrown out of 

their jobs permanently by 

the contractor as there are no 

contracts on the relationship 

between the two parties and 

perhaps also the tender does 

not specify the minimum salary 

of the worker. The result: 

complaints, lack of interest in 

work and unnished work. 

Another situation that 

I came across reveals the 

plight of workers. A contractor 

didn’t pay his workers 

for three months and he 

provided accommodation for 

them in a house that lacks 

the minimum requirement of 

6 OUTLOOK 



Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this page are solely those of the authors and do not reflect the opinion of the Observer. 

Basic rights of workers 

should be protected 

VISITORS to Egypt 

have the chance to 

be in the midst of 

so many archaeological, 

cultural and tourist 

sites. There are pyramids, one 

of the wonders of the world, 

besides churches, museums, 

forts and temples. All these 

landmarks manifest the features 

of some old civilisations 

which had existed in the land 

of Egypt. Of the splendid 

places to be visited in Egypt 

comes Alexandria, the Bride 

of the Middle White Sea, 

which is noted for its ancient 

library for hundreds of years. 

It was the largest and most 

signicant library of the ancient 

world. It ourished under 

the patronage of the Ptolemaic 

dynasty and functioned 

as a major centre of knowledge 

since its construction in 

the 3rd century BC until the 

Roman conquest of Egypt 

in 30 BC. The library was 

conceived and opened either 

during the reign of Ptolemy 

I (323–283 BC) who wanted 

his kingdom to achieve superiority 

in knowledge and 

culture. 

The rst known library 

of its kind to gather a sizable 

collection of books from be- 

Ahmed Al Falahi 

dreemlife11@yahoo.com 

yond the country's borders, 

the library at Alexandria was 

known for collecting the entire 

world's knowledge. It did 

so through an aggressive and 

well-funded royal mandate 

involving trips to the book 

fairs of Rhodes and Athens 

and a policy of pulling the 

books off every ship that 

called at the port. They kept 

the original texts and made 

copies to be sent back to their 

owners. 

This information is derived 

from the fact that Alexandria, 

because of its man-made bidirectional 

port between the 

mainland and the Pharos island, 

welcomed trade from 

the East and West, and soon 

found itself the international 

trade hub, as well as the leading 

producer of papyrus and, 

soon enough, books. 

There are contractors who win 

cleaning tenders of different 

institutions. According to the 

tender value, the payment of 

workers varies. The salary 

sometimes may be 150 rials, and 

maybe more, but the contractor 

pays the worker around 40-50 

rials only. Among these immigrant 

workers there are people who are 

not granted health insurance and 

resident visas or other expenses 

safety and health. This urged 

the rst party of the tender to 

intervene and pay the workers 

from the price of the tender 

without the knowledge of 

the contractor so that workers 

could ensure their food 

and meet the requirements of 

daily life. 

The library was destroyed 

by re that engulfed Alexandria 

in 48 BC followed by 

the political changes in the 

Roman Era which led the 

Roman soldiers to invade 

Alexandria more than once 

which resulted in the destruction 

of the neighbourhood 

entirely. 

The literary movement 

later depended on the small 

library which was again destroyed 

when the Roman 

Empire changed the religion 

from Paganism to Christianity 

at the end of the fourth 

century. Alexandria had long 

been known for its violent 

and volatile politics. Christians, 

Jews and Pagans all 

lived together in the city. One 

ancient writer claimed that 

there were no people who 

loved a ght more than those 

The human being is born 

greedy and this is an undisputed 

fact. Therefore, there 

must be some laws ruling 

human beings. All these con- 

icts leave people tired and 

do not let them differentiate 

between right and wrong. 

Many people hope to set 

some rules especially in the 

issue of tenders which require 

people to accomplish 

their work and to specify the 

minimum wage for workers, 

because leaving the freedom 

to contractor to determine 

the salary will not satisfy 

workers. 

Do you wear 

a watch? 

A 

WATCH is a 

timepiece, typically 

worn on 

the wrist and 

amongst the many things 

that I have always ignored 

for the past several years; 

none has been more pathetic 

than my neglect of the wristwatch. 

It has been so sad 

to the extent that whenever 

I am asked what time it is, 

Nizar Al Musalmy 

more often than not I drag 

out my mobile phone, as In the olden days 

if it’s some sort of swollen 

pocket timepiece, and give 

a digital answer. I am always 

careful in choosing my 

dishdashas, and always nd 

men once carried big 

watches in their vest 

them as objects of inspiration. 

The same aspiration as 

I get in a ne suit or black 

leather jacket, the shoes and 

all other garments. A watch 

pockets attached with 

chains. These were big 

has never been the case. 

In the olden days men complicated machines 

once carried big watches in 

their vest pockets attached 

with chains. These were 

big complicated machines 

with functions that prove the 

with functions that 

prove the personality of 

personality of a man who laboured 

over selecting the one 

just right for him. A watch is 

a statement, an investment 

not only in the person you 

a man who laboured over 

selecting the one just 

are but also in the person you 

want to be. A wristwatch pro- right for him. A watch is a 

vides one with a feeling that 

he/she just might be a little 

bit better, a little more out 

there, a little more of that 

extra mile. 

statement, an investment 

not only in the person 

When things are not as 

easy as they should be, any 

boost is always welcome. A 

man’s wristwatch follows 

the curve of life. As a boy 

you are but also in the 

person you want to be. A 

I began with a simple lookalike 

watch. It was a child- wristwatch provides one 

hood affair but it did the 

job. Then I got a real one. 

I looked at it lovingly after 

my parents gave it to me 

on my sixth birthday. It felt 

with a feeling that he/she 

just might be a little bit 

good on my wrist and gave 

me the feeling that I wasn’t 

totally a kid any more. Feeling 

like my manhood might 

be right around the corner. 

Then graduation from primary 

school came and my 

close relative gave me an 

upgrade. 

better, a little more out 

there, a little more of that 

extra mile 

Of course it was neither a and when the mood struck and then? How about one 

Rado nor a Rolex. I must ad- me, I wore it as a remnant of those cool watches that 

mit that those Swiss watches of the younger person I used will show your substance? 

are real good. It was one to be. 

The watch make a man and 

I actually had to wind and I don’t know about you should never be overlooked. 

set every morning, an ac- and how you value watches, Go and see how many pretty 

tivity that I felt somehow but if your watch is a phone, watches gleam and glitter in 

odd and ironically a kind of think about things for a some showrooms around. 

wastage of time. Then I got minute. Are you doing well? Grab yourself one and wear 

a better watch after my high What would the proper time- it on a place close to your 

school. My old watch went piece say about your suc- heartbeat ie that part where 

into a drawer, but I still cess? Do you travel to dif- your forearm connects to 

looked at it once in a while ferent time zone every now your palm. 

A centre of tolerance, dialogue and understanding 

Humaid Al Shibli 

The new library in Alexandria is a sight to behold. The building covered in the letters of all the world’s alphabets houses 

around 8 million books, 3 museums, 5 research institutes, several exhibition galleries, a planetarium and a conference centre 

of Alexandria. Immediately 

after the death of Hierax, 

a group of Jews who had 

helped instigate his killing 

lured more Christians into 

the street at night by proclaiming 

that the church was 

on re. When the Christians 

rushed out the largely Jewish 

mob killed many of them. 

After this there was havoc as 

Christians retaliated against 

both the Jews and the Pagans 

— one of which was Hypatia. 

The story varies slightly 

depending upon who tells it. 

She was taken by the Christians, 

dragged through the 

streets and murdered. Some 

regard the death of Hypatia 

as the nal destruction of the 

library. 

In 1972, the process of reviving 

the library began and 

in 1989 an international contest 

was organised to choose 

the best design for the proposed 

library. Norwegian architectural 

company, Snohta, 

won the rst place for the 

design. In 2002, supported by 

the Unesco and other institutions, 

the library of Alexandria 

was launched and the 

building is set to be a centre 

of tolerance, dialogue and understanding.

Stress on craft rehabilitation 

NEW DELHI — Sultanate 

took part at the meetings 

of the World Crafts Council 

which is currently taking 

place in India and lasts till 

tomorrow. 

The Sultanate’s delegation 

to the meeting is led by 

Shaikha Aisha bint Khalfan 

al Siyabiyah, Chairperson of 

the Public Authority for Craft 

Industries. 

The agenda of the meeting 

includes themes that aim 

at exchanging expertise in 

the eld of craft industries 

protection and development, 

as well as craft rehabilitation 

and training. 

On the sidelines of the 

summit, PACI Chairperson 

sponsored the opening of the 


MUSCAT — Omantel, the 

pioneer integrated telecommunication 

services provider 

in the Sultanate, has launched 

“Shared Mobile Business 

Broadband” a new mobile 

broadband solution for corporate 

customers. 

The launch of this new solution 

comes within Omantel 

Business Unit constant efforts 

to meet the different needs of 

the growing number of corporate 

customers. The service 

enables multiple users to 

easily share and make use of 

a predened pool of data volume 

wherever they are. 

Commenting on the 

launch, Adel Yousef al Awadhi 

(pictured), Manager of 

Communication Solutions at 

Omantel Business said 'While 

designing the new packages, 

we have taken into consideration 

the different needs of our 


MUSCAT — The developers of a $1 billion 

Medical City venture in Salalah, have 

signed a partnership deal with Methodist 

International, a subsidiary of US-based 

Methodist Hospital, to jointly develop 

and run a tertiary-care hospital planned as 

part of the project, the company said in a 

press release. 

The International Medical City (IMC) 

project, previously known as The Medical 

City, is under development in strategic 

partnership with the Ministries of Tour- 

Badr al Samaa organises CME 


MUSCAT — Badr al Samaa 

group of Hospitals, as part of 

its 10th anniversary celebrations, 

organised a continuing 

medical education programme 

(CME) on recently which was 

a huge success. 

The event was conducted 

by Badr al Samaa, Al Khoud 

branch, and presided over by 

the top management of Badr al 

Samaa Group. 

Abdul Latheef, Managing 

Director of Badr al Samaa 

Group, in welcoming speech 

emphasised the need of CME’s 

to update the medical fraternity 

of the latest advancements 

happening in the medical eld 

around the globe, and Badr al 

Samaa’s commitment in organising 

such events. 

jewelry and costumes exhibition 

which included a number 

customers in terms of prices, 

volumes and speeds ensuring 

that we always cater for the 

different needs of our customers 

and that we have something 

for everyone”. 

'The new packages offers 

a cost effective choice, exible 

and convenient solution 

for large, mediums , and small 

enterprises. The rst package 

offers 30 GB for limited use 

which is suitable for groups 

of 5 to 10 users. The second 

package provides 65 GB for 

up to 15 users. The third package 

provides 100 GB for up to 

25 users. The fourth package, 

IMC signs deal with US hospital 

ism and Health in Oman since 2009. 

Apex Medical Group, a unit of Saudi al 

Joaib Holding, is developing the project, 

which will offer a comprehensive continuum 

of specialised medical and surgical 

services, a rehabilitation and diagnostic 

centre of excellences. 

The IMC development will comprise 

of a state-of-the-art diagnostic centre, a 

healthcare resort and a healthcare education 

complex. Furthermore, the IMC 

will also feature a luxury hotel, wellness 

centre, and free medical and educational 

community support services to poor fam- 

The topics covered were 

Cardiac Emergencies — An 

Overview by Dr S N Sharma 

— Sr Cardiologist, Badr Al 

Samaa, Al Khoud branch; The 

Art of Plastic Surgery by Dr 

Taimoor al Balushi — Sr Consultant 

Plastic Surgeon, Badr 

Al Samaa, Al Khoud branch; 

and Othopaedic Fracture Management 

by Dr Rajiv Sunny 

— Orthopaedic Surgeon in 

Badr Al Samaa, Al Khuwair 

branch. 

of manual and craft products 

from the different parts of the 

Omantel launches shared 

mobile business broadband 

the biggest in terms of capacity 

, size and number of users , 

provides 175 GB for up to 50 

users per month, he added. 

'Being the owner of the 

widest 3.5G network in the 

Sultanate that is being constantly 

expanded with more 

than 1,000 base stations as 

of today in different governorates 

of the Sultanate, we 

believe that these packages 

are the best solution for our 

corporate customers to remain 

connected to the internet 

on the go. The packages 

have been designed to meet 

the needs of our corporate 

customer and are provided as 

part of the Corporate Private 

Network (CPN) service provided 

by Omantel to its corporate 

customers, Al Awadhi 

concluded. 

Omantel Business is the 

dedicated Unit providing advanced 

tailored solutions to 

the meet needs of corporate 

and government customers. 

Dr Sharma highlighted the 

current and latest methods of 

treating cardiac emergencies 

and stressed the need of early 

action on the part of referring 

doctors to save lives from sudden 

death. 

Dr Taimoor gave a detailed 

presentation on the evolution 

of plastic surgery as a super 

specialty and its present role 

in various aesthetic and reconstructive 

surgeries. 

Dr Rajiv Sunny discussed 

world. 

The Sultanate’s participation 

at the exhibition witnessed 

an intense turn out by 

visitors. The Omani pavilion 

introduces the Omani crafts 

and showcases the Sultanate’s 

interest in preserving 

craft heritage. It also showcases 

the initiatives made to 

promote craft sector. 

The opening ceremony of 

the world summit meeting 

included launching a documentary 

for the World Crafts 

Council. 

Sultanate’s participation in 

these meetings aims at stressing 

the importance of the craft 

sector and its contribution to 

achieving the comprehensive 

development vision. — ONA 

Priorities of 

pension fund 

reviewed 

MUSCAT — A delegation 

specialised in the administrative 

arrangement from the 

Institute of Public Administration 

(IPA) in Saudi Arabia 

yesterday visited the Civil 

Service Employees Pension 

Fund (CSEPF). 

Ahmed bin Said al Mahrazi, 

CSEPF Director-General, 

reviewed prerogatives 

and tasks of the fund, as well 

as its experience in rendering 

the services for the beneciaries. 

The delegation viewed 

a visual presentation on 

CSEPF that included the 

services rendered for the 

beneciaries according to the 

pension law and post-service 

gratuities for the Omani government 

employees. 

Also means of future 

co-operation between the 

two sides were discussed to 

promote the administrative 

work in the elds of civil 

service. — ONA 

ilies. Methodist International will set up 

the management and operation system of 

the tertiary care hospital including the recruitment 

and training of hospital C-suite 

staff. Methodist International will be involved 

in a 10 year afliation focused on 

quality, training and knowledge transfer 

management. 

Dr Abdulla al Joaib, president of Al 

Joiab Group, said that through this partnership 

IMC will offer training opportunities 

to Omani doctors and nurses in the 

Methodist Hospital system in Houston, 

Texas. 

the latest techniques in Orthopaedic 

fracture management, 

with details of various patients 

treated at Badr al Samaa hospitals. 

Dr Rajan K Cherian, 

ENT Senior specialist Badr al 

Samaa, Al Khoud, proposed 

vote of thanks. 

Senior doctors from Badr 

al Samaa group gave mementos 

to the speakers as a token 

of gratitude and appreciation 

for their brilliant work and 

dedication. 

7 OMAN 



Awareness on depression 


MUSCAT — The Community 

and Mental Health Department 

of the College of Nursing at 

Sultan Qaboos observed World 

Mental Health Day 2012 with 

a number of activities creating 

awareness on mental health in 

general and depression in particular. 

The organisers yesterday 

set up an exhibition at Sultan 

Qaboos University Hospital 

premises to spread awareness 

to the visitors on depression, 

which has become a major 

psychological problem affecting 

world population. This 

year the theme for the day is 

“Depression: A Global Crisis”. 

Mohammad Abu Ealeh, 

Lecturer in the Department 

of Community and Mental 

Health Department said that 

depression affects more than 

350 million people of all ages, 

in all communities, and is a 

signicant contributor to the 

global burden of disease. 

Authentic Kerala cuisine opens in Ruwi 


MUSCAT — EnteTharavadu 

(My Ancestral Home), 

the newest family restaurant 

in Ruwi brings the taste of 

authentic, home-cooked Kerala 

cuisine to the Sultanate of 

Oman. 

Sulaiman Abdulmalik al 

Khalili ofcially opened the 

restaurant in the presence of 

K S Subromoniyan, Managing 

Director, AMI Projects 

LLC; K P Sasidharan, General 

Manager, Global Money Exchange; 

and other dignitaries, 

yesterday. 

A part of AMI Projects 

LLC, EnteTharavadu serves 

breakfast, lunch and dinner, 

knowing your gastronomic 

delights 7 days a week — ne 

dining and authentic cuisine. 

‘‘Residents will enjoy the 

ambiance of a traditional Kerala 

house right here in Ruwi 

at EnteTharavadu. Our menu 

is splendid, and has almost all 

the popular dishes of Kerala. 

All dishes are prepared for you 

with great care, and of course, 

with the nest ingredients,’’ K 

S Subromoniyan, Managing 

Director, AMI Projects LLC 

told newspersons. 

‘‘Visit us, and certainly 

one can enjoy the ambiance 

65 surgeries: Vijayan still has hopes in medicine 

By Kabeer Yousuf 

MUSCAT — Vijayan (pictured) 

is still not ready to give 

in calling it ‘I surrender’ even 

after he had been administered 

with anesthesia 65 times and 

medical knives had undergone 

numerous times on his body. 

For this soft-spoken man 

who had spent nearly two 

decades of his prime youth in 

Oman, life is a never-ending 

battle where he needs to win. 

Diagnosed with recurrent 

nasopharyngeal and systemic 

spread of Rhino-Sporidiosis 

with lesion over various parts 

of his body, life’s routine has 

turned out to be nothing short 

of doctors, hospitals, clinics, 

check up, interviews, reports 

so on and so forth for Vijayan 

hailing from South Indian district 

of Thrissur. 

“Although there are known 

effective treatments for depression, 

access to treatment is a 

problem in most countries and 

in some countries fewer than 

10 per cent of those who need 

it receive such treatment. One 

in every four females and six 

males suffer from an episode 

of depression at any stage in 

their lives. In the Arab world 

of a traditional Kerala House 

as EnteTharavadu is truly 

and aptly named. Indeed, our 

dishes will delight the sense of 

your taste. The restaurant has 

a blend of rst quality food 

and traditional ambiance to its 

credit. Our chefs are trained in 

Kerala, and this Kerala factor 

makes all our dishes authentic,’’ 

says restaurant-in-charge 

Smitha Avinash. 

EnteTharavaadu uses only 

home-made spices, which 

will ensure Kerala’s authentic 

taste. Traditional Kerala lunch 

is served in banana leaves. No 

doubt, your search for authentic 

Kerala food will bring you 

Symptoms of the disease 

started showing when he was 

38 years with profuse bleeding 

from the nose and some 

growth was detected inside 

his nose, mouth and under his 

right foot. 

Since then, there have been 

a series of laser surgeries despite 

the fact that relief was 

short-lived. 

Almost all the doctors 

whom he met said the same 

thing that it was a rare viral 

infection contracted from cattle 

and no medicine has been 

discovered so far to counter it. 

In less than two months frequency, 

he gets a strawberryshaped 

growth on anywhere 

on his body. 

At times, it swells further 

and breaks discharging blood 

with pain. So, he has been 

making it a point to go to the 

many people tend to hide mental 

problems and do not seek 

modern ways of treatment”, 

he said. 

The organisers distributed 

pamphlets shedding light on 

mental health issues and social 

problems such as drug addiction 

and alcoholism. Specialised 

physicians and paramedics 

from the Department of 

to EnteTharavadu. 

‘‘Our traditional kitchen 

offers breakfast items such 

as ‘Puttu, Appam and, Idiyappam. 

Items such as Thattu 

Dosa, Idly, Vada, Masala 

Dosa, Ghee Dosa and Poori 

Baji are also served as breakfast. 

North Indian and Chinese 

items are also available — all 

to the highest standard. 

In terms of space, EnteTharavadu 

can easily accommodate 

80-100 people at a time,’’ 

Smitha added. 

Two special halls (with 

a capacity to accommodate 

60 people) will make special 

gatherings and parties exciting 

doctor and get it removed on 

the operation table before it 

grows beyond a point. Currently 

he has such a growth 

inside his throat and is currently 

preparing for that ‘big 

day’ soon. 

Adding to his woes, doctors 

have recently told him 

that another growth has been 

identied inside his brain removal 

of which can be rather 

fatal. 

“Doctors in Kochi have 

Behavioural Medicine at SQU 

provided answers to the visitors’ 

questions about mental 

health. They also made us of 

screening tools for depression 

and other mental illnesses. 

The organisers said that the 

second phase of the awareness 

campaign will be conducted at 

Muscat City Centre (in front of 

Coast Coffee) tomorrow. 

Sohar trio, OFA to begin football project 

MUSCAT — A unique and pioneering 

football outreach programme that is 

causing quite a stir in Al Batinah North 

will begin soon. 

The programme is being delivered by 

UK Company Kickworldwide in partnership 

with the Oman Football Association 

and the British Embassy in Muscat. 

It is being funded by the Sohar based trio 

of companies ORPIC, Sohar Aluminium 

and Vale who are committed to helping 

to educate and create new opportunities 

for the young people of Al Batinah 

North. 

The outreach programme involves a 

team of Omani and UK teachers and ex 

footballers visiting primary schools every 

day for a period of four months. 

Using fun and interactive presentation 

methods, the team educate around 

200 hundred children between the ages 

of 8 and 12 per day about the importance 

of eating healthily, getting regular exer- 

cise and caring for others in their community. 

The visit reaches its climax when 

Kickworldwide’s mascot KW, a cool 

looking bear, turns up to give each child 

a colour booklet to take home. The booklet 

reiterates the key messages delivered 

during the presentation and gives the 

children some fun activities to ensure 

that the messages stay with them. The 

booklet also has key information for the 

parents explaining more about the programme 

in Arabic and English. 

The children are then encouraged to 

draw pictures and complete competitions 

in return for another visit by the 

bear who then distributes some special 

tee shirts to each child. 

After just two weeks nearly 2,000 

young children in Sohar, Liwa and Shinas 

have enjoyed the presentation and the 

response from the children and teachers 

alike has been fantastic. 

Sayyid Khalid al Busaidy, OFA Chairman, 

said: ‘I am delighted that Kickworldwide 

and OFA are able to bring 

such a programme to Omani schools. 

This partnership will provide thousands 

of young school children with the opportunity 

to learn about a global sport, learn 

lifeskills and stay healthy. 

OFA’s football initiatives in Oman allow 

us to connect with the wider community 

through a shared set of core values. 

We are passionate about the game, 

so I am very keen to see this partnership 

supporting the development of grassroots 

football in the country.’ 

Kickworldwide director Steve Bellis 

who delivered the rst presentation at 

Om Emara basic education school earlier 

this month is delighted by the reaction to 

the programme.The programme has the 

support of the Ministry of Sport and the 

Ministry of Education and also the British 

Embassy in Muscat. 

and comfortable. Decorated 

with the Kerala style ‘walkannadi’ 

and the traditional lamp 

make guests feel at home. 

Enjoy the tongue tingling 

taste and superior quality food 

at EnteTharavadu. 

Recently, AMI Projects has 

opened Palmeera, a restaurant 

serving international cuisine 

at Shatti al Qurum. Palmeera 

is a casual dining place with 

soothing ambience, which creates 

a homely feel when dining. 

The restaurant is designed 

to offer the best experience for 

all, including business travellers 

as well as those who look 

for leisure. 

told me that there is a growth 

inside my skull adjoining the 

brain and I will have to face 

the consequences if I decide 

either way — whether to get 

it removed or not”, Vijayan, 

who is currently in Oman told 

the Observer. 

He couldn’t continue his 

job as an A/C mechanic in 

Muscat and he bade adieu 

to the country along with his 

meagre earnings during his 

stint here which was spent toward 

his medical expenses. 

“We came to the world with 

nothing in our hands, so as we 

are while we go back. I have 

no complains. I’m still ready 

to take on another challenge 

of medical intervention. I’m 

ready to lie down on any operation 

table and be subject to 

any experiment,” says Vijayan 

who is optimistic to the core.

From page 1 

system in general and the 

banking system in particular, 

Al Zadjali said. 

These include a measure 

to increase the minimum 

regulatory capital from 10 per 

cent to 12 per cent of the riskweighted 

assets. The riskbased 

supervision, which has 

been introduced recently on 

a pilot basis, will cover the 

entire banking system by the 

end of 2012. 

Furthermore, the nal 

guidelines on Pillar 2 under 

Basel II were issued to the 

banks in December 2011. 

Likewise, the Internal Capital 

Adequacy Assessment Process 

(ICAAP) will be operationalised 

by all banks in the 

Sultanate by December 31, 

2012. 

“The CBO is well within 

the time frame for the implementation 

of the Basel III 

capital adequacy framework. 

The draft roadmap for the 

same has been issued to the 

banks for deliberation. 

"Moreover, the CBO is 

currently working to develop 

8 OMAN 



Spotlight on investment opportunities 


MUSCAT — Senior ministers 

and business executives 

displayed Oman as a truly 

dynamic destination for investment 

opportunities at the 

ofcial opening of the Oman 

Investment Forum 2012 as 

they made presentations to 

business leaders and delegates 

attending the high prole forum. 

Organised by MEED 

Events in association with 

their strategic event partner, 

the Public Authority for Investment 

Promotion and Export 

Development (PAIPED) 

the Oman Investment Forum 

2012 is now in its second edition. 

Senior executives from 

both organisations made welcoming 

addresses as the forum 

opened and mentioned that 

they received phenomenal response 

on the rst day of the 

event. 

Al Bustan Palace – A Ritz 

Carlton Hotel became an 

exclusive congregation of 

From page 1 

The pipeline scheme is one of several infrastructure 

initiatives being developed by the 

government with the aim of underpinning Duqm’s 

development into a “world-class investment 

and leisure endpoint and a logistics hub”, 

Al Jabri said. 

“The government has embarked on a massive 

plan of initiating a dedicated free economic 

zone at Duqm to serve as a predominant economic 

growth engine, to act as a catalyst to the 

country in general and to Wusta Governorate 

in particular, and to become the spearhead in 

accelerating the transformation of its economic 

growth model,” he stated. 

The Special Economic Zone at Duqm, he 

pointed out, will be utilised to bring a sustainable 

environment for foreign and domestic direct 

investment and to build targeted industries 

aimed at developing strategic industrial capabilities 

and industrial zones and will provide 

the “blueprint for the country’s economic rebirth”. 

“Therefore, the Special Economic Zone at 

Duqm is one of the most critical instruments 

that can be used to advance the government’s 

strategic objectives within the broader framework 

of accelerating industrial development, 

regional development, job generation and 

pushing economic diversication further.” 

With a major port having commenced ‘early 

operations’, attention is now focused on the 

design and construction of a liquid berth within 

the port, he said. 

“The implementation of this project is 

moving ahead in line with the construction of 

Duqm Oil Renery in order to provide it with 


MUSCAT — Nearly 50,000 passengers 

ew on the route, an increase 

of more than 20,000 compared with 

August-September 2011. 

The extra ights accounted for 

40 per cent of the total number of 

people travelling to Salalah with 

Oman Air and the extraordinary demand 

for travel also resulted in an 

impressive average seat factor of 88 

per cent for this festive period. 

Oman Air has recorded a huge 

surge in trafc between Muscat and 

Salalah during August and September 

this year, resulting from increasing 

demand at the end of the Holy 

month of Ramadan, the Eid festivities 

as well as the natural attraction 

of the Dhofar Khareef season. 

The national carrier of the Sultanate 

of Oman operated 163 extra 

ights on the domestic route 

between August 19 and September 

8, 2012, in addition to the 226 

scheduled services, thus offered 

Oman’s business and investment 

community as ofcials 

revealed their vision, strategic 

roadmap, investor incentives 

and provided an overview of 

current and new business opportunities 

in Oman’s project 

market. 

Mohammad al Zubair, 

Adviser to His Majesty for 

Economic Planning Affairs, 

declared the forum open, 

followed by a keynote and 

presentations by several high 

prole ministers and businessmen. 

Yahya Seed al Jabri, Chairman 

of the Special Economic 

Zone at Duqm, delivered the 

keynote which comprised of 

a holistic overview on the 

key milestones achieved at 

Duqm Special Economic Zone 

(SEZ). 

He also presented about 

the upcoming infrastructure 

project opportunities for consultants, 

contractors and service 

providers in each of the 

development phases for Duqm 

SEZ. 

His Highness Sayyid Faisal 

bin Turki al Said, Director- 

nearly sixty thousand seats in total 

— 22,500 more seats than over the 

same period last year. (Thus offered 

over 55 000 seats in total — 22,500 

more seats than the same period of 

last year.) 

Nearly 50,000 passengers ew 

on the route, an increase of more 

than 20,000 compared with August- 

September 2011. The extra ights 

accounted for 40 per cent of the 

total number of people travelling to 

Salalah with Oman Air and the extraordinary 

demand for tickets also 

resulted in an impressive seat factor 

of 88 per cent. 

Wayne Pearce, Chief Executive 

Ofcer (pictured, inset), Oman Air 

said: “These gures are extremely 

encouraging and demonstrate both 

Oman Air’s continuing commitment 

to investing in travel to Salalah 

and the popularity of Oman 

Air’s outstanding services. 

“Oman Air has always been 

committed to promoting Salalah 

as an ideal year-round destination 

for visitors from both within Oman 

General of Marketing and 

Media, commented, “For 

over 15 years PAIPED has 

played a crucial role in inviting 

the interest of international 

companies and promoting the 

Sultanate’s non-oil produce. 

The fact that this edition of 

the Oman Investment Forum 

has been so well received will 

facilitate and hearten PAIPED 

to build on and harnesses the 

skills, networks and support of 

public and private sector partners 

to deliver investment and 

export success to Oman.” 

Ministerial representatives 

speaking at the event included 

Salim al Au, CEO, Public 

Authority for Civil Aviation 

who spoke on the latest developments 

and opportunities for 

Oman’s regional airports and 

Dr Ali Talib al Hinai, Under- 

Secretary Planning, Ministry 

of Health, who presented an 

overview of Oman’s healthcare 

facilities construction 

master plan. 

Day one of the conference 

saw discussions focusing on 

macroeconomic trends for the 

Omani economy, key issues 

Duqm gas pipeline feasibility 

the required facilities for the import of crude 

oil and the export of processed products,” Al 

Jabri said. 

A site for the Duqm Renery and Petrochemical 

Complex has been earmarked, the 

ofcial said, adding that nancial alignments 

between the JV developing the $6 billion venture 

— state-owned Oman Oil Company and 

IPIC of Abu Dhabi — already approved. Re- 

ned products from the 230,000 barrels per 

day heavy crude renery will be mostly targeted 

for export to Asia, Europe and the Middle 

East, he added. 

Infrastructure and utility development will 

be integral to the goal of transforming the 

Duqm SEZ into a “competitive socio-economic 

platform with world-class facilities and social 

infrastructure to make it a preferred place 

to live and work”. 

and further aeld, and to serving 

the needs of the people living in 

the Dhofar region. We are therefore 

delighted that, as a result of our additional 

ights and the outstanding 

deals we have been offering, so 

many more people are ying with 

Oman Air and experiencing the 

in the transportation sector including 

the signicant investment 

in ports and free zones 

across the country and the 

potential for major growth opportunities 

in Oman’s successful 

tourism sector. 

This was followed by a special 

panel on “Doing Business 

in Oman” where discussions 

reviewed the processes and 

requirements for setting up a 

business, operating in Oman 

and dispute resolution in the 

region. 

“Oman has constantly 

demonstrated a desirable climate 

of economic optimism 

and condence that has clearly 

grown steadily owing to the 

coexistence of the public and 

private sector,” said Edmund 

O’Sullivan, Chairman MEED 

Events. 

“The Sultanate of Oman is 

clearly a very dynamic place 

for business and its prospects 

are excellent at both a regional 

and international level. We 

are delighted by the response 

that the second edition of the 

Oman Investment Forum has 

seen this year; it reinforces our 

belief that now is the time to 

invest in and do business with 

Oman,” he added. 

The second day of the conference 

will focus on the utilities 

sector covering power and 

water and wastewater treatment, 

industrial sectors with a 

focus on oil and gas in addition 

to a discussion on social infrastructure 

in the areas of education 

and affordable housing 

plus a panel on healthcare. 

“The Oman Investment Forum 

2012 has been an exclusive 

opportunity to be privy to 

the latest on Oman’s economy 

and the updated expenditures 

for Oman’s major sectors from 

2013 to 2015. 

“This year’s response to 

the event is overwhelming 

and exceedingly encouraging; 

the success of this forum, 

year on year has strengthened 

PAIPED’s conviction that 

Oman offers outstanding investment 

opportunities for 

companies based in Oman 

and prospective international 

investors,” said Faris al Farsi, 

Director-General for Investment 

at PAIPED. 

Islamic banking 

regulations set 

a set of macro-prudential indicators 

to assess the vulnerability 

of the nancial system 

in Oman. As nancial stability 

has emerged as a global 

problem, a nancial stability 

unit has been set up within the 

CBO for macro-prudential 

supervision of the nancial 

system and to produce the 

nancial stability report,” Al 

Zadjali said. 

Steps have also been taken 

to strengthen the Anti-Money 

Laundering and Combating 

Financial terrorism supervisory 

framework and processes, 

the Executive President said. 

“Banks in Oman have been 

advised to exercise prudence 

and caution in managing their 

business such as overseas exposures, 

internal counterparty 

limits, asset-liability management 

and distribution of dividend. 

Moreover, the exposure 

limit to non-residents has 

been recently reduced from 

5 per cent to 2.5 per cent of 

net worth for each borrower 

and from 30 per cent to 20 per 

cent of net worth at aggregate 

level,” he stated. 

beauty and hospitality that Salalah 

and Dhofar have to offer.” 

The number of ights was increased 

to meet strong demand not 

only as a result of the traditionally-busy 

Eid period, but also due 

to families returning home after 

enjoying a well-earned break in 

Govt intervention sought: 

Indian schools fee hike issue 


MUSCAT — The row over 

the recent fee hike in all the 

Indian Schools in Oman is 

taking a new dimension with 

the parents’ and other bodies’ 

decision to approach the 

Government of India and the 

Human Resources Ministry 

and seeking quick resolve to 

this unilateral decision including 

freezing the management 

resolution. 

“We will raise this issue at 

the India Government level 

and will also seek the intervention 

of Human Resources 

Ministry as this autarchic 

decision will have long-run 

impact on our future generations”, 

Dr V Shivadasan, SFI 

All India President told the 

media in Muscat. 

“Neither the Indian diplomat 

nor the diplomatic in 

the country can keep itself 

away from this issue saying 

it doesn’t bind them. In fact, 

they are liable to protect the 

best interest of the majority 

Indians living in the country. 

We will raise this issue at the 

Salalah as the schools in the region 

re-opened after the long annual 

summer holidays. 

Oman Air has been actively 

promoting inbound tourism to Salalah, 

not just by offering additional 

ights and special packages, but 

also by working closely with the 

GCC information ministers meet today 

RIYADH — Minister of Information Dr Abdulmunim 

bin Mansour al Hasani arrived here 

yesterday heading the Sultanate’s delegation 

at the 20th GCC Information Ministers Meet- 

NEW YORK — The Public 

Authority for Consumer 

Protection (PACP) signed an 

agreement here yesterday to 

open a regional ofce for Consumers 

International (CI) union 

in the Sultanate. The step 

seeks to upgrade co-operation 

with the international body till 

2015. 

The agreement was signed 

by Dr Said bin Khamis al 

Kaabi, Chairman of the Public 

Authority for Consumer Protection, 

while Jim Guest President 

as part of the visit by the 

PACP Chairman and the accompanying 

delegation to the 

USA to discuss areas of cooperation 

and establish channels 

of communication with 

international organisations to 

benet from their experiences 

in various elds. 

Jim Guest lauded the Sultanate's 

experience in consumer 

protection, noting that 

this experience is based on 

fair competition, are in line 

with international regulations, 

laws and legislation and correspond 

to the highest world 

standards. 

The Omani delegation 

visited the Auto Test Centre 

in Connecticut and held a 

meeting with the centre's of- 

cials who expressed willingness 

to train PACP staff in this 

eld. 

The Omani delegation 

also met with ofcials of the 

Federal Trade Commission in 

Washington and the National 

Road Trafc Safety institution, 

where the delegation members 

reviewed vehicular tests of all 

Such a fee 

raise is totally 

unwanted 

and is a 

bureaucratic 

decision of the 

management 

ministerial level in New Delhi”, 

Shivadasan said adding 

that this decision is putting the 

plans of averagely paid bigger 

strata of the expat population. 

With effect from the 

present academic year, 19 

Indian Schools in the Sultanate 

have decided to hike their 

tuition fees, as was notied by 

the Board of Directors governing 

the schools in the country. 

Accordingly, all the Indian 

schools except one or two 

have raised their tuition fee 

from RO 5 to 7. The decision 

came into force at a time when 

it has been said that most of 

the Indian Schools are operat- 

Oman Ministry of Tourism and supporting 

the Salalah Tourism Festival, 

an annual event that showcases 

the culture and produce of Oman’s 

most southerly Governorate. 

Hotel capacity in the area continues 

to grow and, in addition to the 

airline’s ights between Muscat and 

Salalah, Oman Air now operates a 

service between Salalah and Dubai, 

offering even greater convenience 

for visitors travelling from destinations 

around the Gulf region. 

Salalah is the ancient principal 

town in the southern-most Omani 

Governorate of Dhofar. For hundreds 

of years it has been a vital 

trading centre and home to the region’s 

frankincense trade. 

Located between precipitous 

mountains and the Indian Ocean, 

the area enjoys a monsoon season 

unique to southern Arabia and 

known as the Khareef. 

This brings cool temperatures 

and rains during the summer 

months, providing relief from the 

heat found elsewhere in the Gulf at 

ing due to being here later today. He was received 

upon his arrival by Dr Abdulaziz bin 

Muhiyiddin Khoja, Saudi Minister of Information. 

— ONA 

PACP signs pact to open ofce 

types and the role of Ohio Test 

Centre and the possibility of 

sending trainees from PACP 

to benet from the experience 

of the Centre. 

Another meeting was held 

with members of the Consumer 

Product Safety Commission. 

The department expressed 

readiness to provide training 

in the area of consumer protection 

for the PACP staff. 

— ONA 

ing on higher prots and have 

substantial sums as reserves. 

There has been lot of protests 

and memos and mass 

petitions against such a decision 

and several ministerial 

representations were invited 

against this move. 

“The plight is that despite 

the autocratic fee hike decision 

in the schools, the management 

of these schools are 

not operating democratically. 

First of all, these are not following 

the guidelines set by 

the CBSE back in India. The 

CBSE regulations contempt 

such fee hikes against the 

current facts and gures. In 

Oman, such a fee raise is totally 

unwanted and is just a 

bureaucratic decision of the 

management. 

Secondly, the qualications 

of the teachers working 

in these schools have to be assessed 

and established”, Shivadasan 

said. 

He added that he would try 

to meet with the Indian Ambassador 

to the Sultanate of 

Oman to represent the issue 

before him despite a couple of 

failed attempts to meet him. 

Oman Air meets increased demand on Muscat-Salalah route 

this time of year and drawing hundreds 

of thousands of visitors. 

“Oman Air, as the national carrier 

of the Sultanate of Oman, 

works globally to promote Oman as 

an exciting destination for holidaymakers 

and Salalah’s popularity 

continues to grow, both for domestic 

travellers and also for regional 

and international tourists. 

“Our luxurious modern aircraft 

provide the perfect way to travel to 

Oman from any one of the 40 international 

destinations within our 

ever-expanding network and many 

new visitors are discovering the unspoilt 

natural beauty and authentic 

Arabian hospitality that Salalah has 

to offer. 

“We look forward to welcoming 

many more visitors to Salalah, and 

Oman as a whole, over the coming 

months. I am happy to state that 

Oman Air is geared to meet the demands 

of the passengers during the 

upcoming Eid al Adha holidays,” 

concluded.

BEIRUT — Syrian forces advanced 

into the Khalidiya district 

in the central city of Homs 

yesterday for the rst time in 

months, opposition ghters in 

the neighbourhood said. 

Government forces have 

been bombarding 12 districts 

of the besieged city for four 

days. 

“The army has entered 

these areas in Khalidiya,” a 

ghter said by Skype. “They 

have occupied buildings that 

we were stationed in and we 

had to evacuate.” 

Rebels said troops had 

opened several fronts simultaneously 

and were attacking 

rebels in Khalidiya, Bab 

Houd, Jouret al Shiyah and 

Qusour. The Syrian army was 

also launching attacks on other 

towns in the province including 

Qusair, where state media 

said the government had 

inicted heavy losses on the 

rebels. 

President Bashar al Assad 

ZAATARI, Jordan — The United 

Nations Children's Fund has 

agreed with the Syrian government 

to expand humanitarian 

work across the country, Unicef 

chief Anthony Lake said yesterday. 

As a rsult of the 18-monthold 

unrest in Syria, 1 million 

people have been displaced and 

with the approaching winter, it 

poses a grave threat. 

Lake said the agency's 

agreement with Syria will allow 

it to go beyond its Damascus 

operations to reach Syrians in 

conict areas. It aims to vaccinate 

within a couple of months 

1 million vulnerable children 

against diseases such as measles, 

he added. 

"The Syrian government 

has agreed especially in recent 

has sent troops, tanks and 

warplanes to put down the 18month-old 

unrest. As in other 

provinces, the unrest in Homs 

began as peaceful protests 

Residents then took up arms 

and fought to take control of 

several areas of the city. 

Last week the government 

sent reinforcements to Homs, 

where its forces have stopped 

supplies from the besieged 

ghters in areas such as Khalidiya. 

“We saw them bringing 

tanks and troops, we knew 

they were going to increase 

their attacks, but we did not 

expect them to advance,” another 

ghter said. 

The troops attened several 

buildings where the rebels 

were taking cover, forcing 

them to retreat. “We became 

exposed, the buildings were 

like the wall between us but 

they brought them down and 

suddenly we were exposed.” 

Meanwhile, Syrian opposi- 

weeks to allow us to work with 

a number of local groups that 

will allow us to address the 

needs of the people," he said 

at a refugee camp in northern 

Jordan. 

The deal will expand 

Unicef's partnership with more 

than 40 Syrian civil groups and 

the Syrian Red Crescent, he 

said. 

Unicef has opened an ofce 

in the Syrian port city of Tartous 

and talks were under way 

with Syrian authorities to open 

one in Homs, scene of massive 

damage and casualties in a year 

and a half of unrest, 

"We have increased our 

staff in Syria. We are hoping to 

establish some local ofces," 

Lake added. "We have a growing 

opportunity to do much 

tion ghters failed to take over 

Base 46 despite a two-week 

siege of the Syrian army barracks. 

The clashes have dragged 

on along with the prolonged 

unrest on the streets of Syria's 

second city Aleppo between 

President Bashar al Assad's 

forces and rebels. 

Causes of the failure to capture 

the base range from shortage 

of ammunition among the 

attackers to differences between 

commanders of various 

opposition groups, say sources 

from the insurgents. 

The rebels had said they 

mobilised at least 1,500 ghters 

from across the northern 

commercial capital and the 

province of Idlib under the 

command of General Ahmad 

al-Fajj to seize the base. 

But over the past two 

weeks, the army has held on 

to the vast barracks on high 

ground in Al-Atarib, at a junction 

of highways connecting 

more. We have an opportunity 

if we can seize it to save and 

improve hundreds of thousands 

of lives." 

Unicef plays a lead role 

along with other humanitarian 

groups in providing essential 

services including water, sanitation 

and education support in 

Syria. 

Lake said it was difcult to 

estimate the death toll but it was 

clear they included many innocent 

civilians. "Clearly thousands 

of children have been 

killed and tens of thousands 

and now hundreds of thousands 

have been uprooted," he said. 

Despite a $91 million nancing 

gap to address the 

needs of displaced Syrians and 

refugees outside the country, 

Lake said the agency was plan- 

Turkey from the west and Idlib 

from the south. 

The troops are rmly entrenched 

in the building of a 

former agricultural school in 

the village of Kafr Ama adjacent 

to the base, with snipers 

keeping any advance at bay. 

From the base itself the 

army has regularly red heavy 

artillery shells on attackers in 

surrounding villages of Al- 

Sahara, Ibizmu and Urma al- 

Kubra. 

Rebels took over Urma al- 

Kubra on September 22. MiG 

ghter bombers, a tiny black 

dot almost invisible but whose 

roar reverberates in the sky, 

have dropped bombs on rebel 

positions around the base. 

A no man's land of nearly 

two kilometres lies near the 

base where slender buildings 

are shredded by shrapnel. 

"Not a bomb for nearly a 

week," said a 50-year-old family 

man sitting on the steps of 

his house in Al-Atarib, ve 

ning for a conict that shows no 

sign of breakthrough, including 

looking at supply routes and 

stockpiles. 

But the challenges ahead 

were daunting with winter 

coming and more than a million 

Syrians displaced, more 

than half of whom are women 

and children and many of them 

sheltering in schools, mosques 

and other public buildings, 

Lake said. 

"Much of Syria (has) story 

after story of great human suffering, 

but we can do it and my 

main message is that we should 

not throw up our hands and say 

because of the political difculties 

and the escalating violence 

that there is nothing to be done," 

he added. 

Unicef gures calculated 

9 SYRIA 



GOVERNMENT forces are seen at Karm al-Gabal area in Aleppo city yesterday after clashes with Free Syrian Army ghters. — Reuters 

Govt forces make vital advances 

PARTICIPANTS of a political forum under the title of ‘Political Dialogue and National Reconciliation Path to Restore 

Stability and Security’ mingle in a room in Damascus yesterday. The forum is organized by the National 

Progressive Front (NPF), a coalition of 10 Syrian parties led by the ruling Ba’ath party, and other 

pro-regime political national and progressive groups. — Reuters 

kilometres west of Base 46. 

"They y MiGs from time to 

time... They bomb rebels who 

are close to the base." 

The capture of Base 46 

would mark a major victory 

for the rebels, who claim they 

have "liberated" extensive 

swathes of territory in northwest 

Syria. The takeover of 

the nearby village of Urma al- 

Kubra on the highway leading 

to Aleppo has helped cut the 

main supply route for the army 

coming from Idlib. 

"The base gets its supplies 

by helicopters that drop their 

cargo," said Abu Ali, a ghter 

with a shaven head. 

There are disagreements 

between rebel katibas (battalions), 

say some sources, with 

some commanders challenging 

the authority of Fajj, a former 

ofcer in Assad's army. 

Fajj has banned a group 

which keeps a low prole in 

Aleppo, from taking part in the 

siege of the base. — AFP 

DAMASCUS — Syria yesterday 

accused Turkey of having 

made a "political and diplomatic 

gaffe" with its suggestion 

that Vice-President Faruq 

al Shara take over from the 

country's President Bashar al 

Assad. 

"What (Turkish Foreign 

Minister Ahmet) Davutoglu 

said amounts to a agrant political 

and diplomatic gaffe," 

Information Minister Omran 

al-Zohbi said, quoted on state 

television. 

"We're not in the days of 

the Ottoman Empire any more. 

I advise the Turkish government 

to give up (power) in 

favour of personalities who 

are acceptable to the Turkish 

people," he red back. 

Davutoglu said on Saturday 

that Shara was "a man 

of reason and conscience and 

he has not taken part in the 

Unicef gets nod to expand relief work 

in collaboration with Syrian 

authorities show that at least 

2,000 schools have been damaged. 

Many are still housing 

displaced people despite the 

start of the school year last 

month. 

"There are tremendous 

needs across the board in terms 

of sanitation, in terms of particular 

interests of education 

because probably a tenth of 

schools have been damaged," 

he said. 

"What worries me (is) the 

generation of even greater numbers 

of internally displaced people. 

Unless we can help educate 

children and help overcome the 

psychological wounds then we 

are going to see the hatreds develop 

that can replicate the con- 

ict in future generations." 

ANKARA — Turkish President 

Abdullah Gul yesterday 

urged the international community 

to act as Turkey bombarded 

Syrian army positions 

afresh, saying Ankara would 

continue to do everything necessary 

to protect its borders. 

"Our government is in 

constant consultation with the 

Turkish military. Whatever 

needed is being done immediately 

as you see, and it will 

continue to be done from now 

on too," Gul told reporters in 

the capital Ankara. 

Turkey continued bombarding 

Syrian positions yesterday 

in response to what 

Turkish ofcials said was a 

new shell strike on a border 

town, just hours after UN 

chief Ban Ki-Moon warned of 

the dangers. 

Ban said there was a growing 

risk that the conict in 

Syria could spill over into 

neighbouring Turkey and 

Lebanon, and called for an 

end to foreign arming of either 

side. 

The Syrian shell struck in 

the Altinozu district of Turkey's 

Hatay province, at the 

western end of the two coun- 

Minister condemns 

annoying ‘gaffe’ 

International community 

must act, says Turkey 

massacres in Syria. Nobody 

knows the (Syrian) system 

better than he." 

The Syrian opposition, 

which Turkey supports, "is 

inclined to accept Shara" in 

place of Assad, he said on 

the public television channel 

TRT. 

Ties between Ankara and 

Damascus, which have been 

tense since March 2011 start 

of unrest in Syria, worsened 

sharply after Syrian shellre 

from across the border killed 

ve Turkish villagers last 

week. Turkey, which hosts 

nearly 100,000 Syrian refugees 

on its territory, openly 

supports members of the Free 

Syrian Army and has openly 

called for Assad's ouster. 

It has systematically retaliated 

for several days for Syrian 

shelling that has hit Turkish 

territory. — AFP 

DOHA — The opposition 

Syrian National Council is 

planning a major makeover at 

a meeting in Doha next week, 

a member said yesterday. 

"The secretariat preliminary 

meetings will on the 15th 

and 16th of October while the 

council members will hold a 

meeting on the 17th," SNC 

member Louay al-Sa said. 

"The most important point 

which will be discussed is 

restructuring the bloc and 

expanding it as a further step 

towards uniting the Syrian 

opposition under a broader 

framework," he said. 

Sa said new political 

and civil society groups will 

join the SNC — the main opposition 

bloc — including a 

Turkmen bloc and Nasserist 

tries' border, a Turkish ofcial 

said, speaking on condition of 

anonymity. 

He said troops had been 

under orders to respond to 

all cross-border re since 

shelling from the Syrian side 

killed ve Turkish civilians 

last Wednesday. 

"The Turkish military retaliates 

immediately after 

every single Syrian shell," the 

ofcial said. "We have antiaircraft 

batteries pounding 

Syrian targets." 

Hatay governor Celalettin 

Lekesiz said earlier that six 

shells red from the Syrian 

side had struck Turkish soil 

during the day. 

"All of them landed in rural 

areas," he said. 

The Turkish parliament on 

Thursday gave the government 

the green light to use 

military force against Syria if 

necessary. 

Turkish President Abdullah 

Gul said that was not a mandate 

for war but yesterday 

said he remained in constant 

contact with military commanders 

to ensure an appropriate 

response. 

"Whatever is necessary is 

WASHINGTON — Republican 

White House hopeful 

Mitt Romney yesterday attacked 

US President Barack 

Obama for his ‘failed’ Middle 

East policy and said as president, 

he would see that Syrian 

rebels receive weapons. 

In his rst major foreign 

policy speech, Romney outlined 

a robust internationalist 

role for the United States. 

Speaking from the country's 

oldest military academy, 

the Virginia Military Institute, 

in Lexington, Virginia, 

Romney hailed the work of 

a VMI graduate — George 

Marshall — in shoring up 

a free Europe after World 

War II, and indicated the US 

should be playing the same 

role in the Middle East. 

Romney charged that 

Obama had "failed to offer 

the tangible support that 

our partners want and need" 

since early 2011. 

Citing the rising tide of 

anti-American attacks such 

socialists "as well as several 

political blocs, most of them 

from the revolt groups inside 

the country." 

Twenty-ve new NGOs 

would also join the SNC. 

Last month, the SNC 

agreed to expand to include 

more opposition groups, but 

not the National Coordination 

Committee for Democratic 

Change, which favours nonviolent 

change and opposes 

foreign military intervention 

in Syria. 

Alya Mansur, a member of 

the SNC general secretariat, 

said the council would also 

elect its secretariat at the Doha 

meeting which she said will 

run until around October 20. 

The move follows criticism 

from within and outside the 

being done as you already see, 

and will continue to be done," 

Gul said. 

The UN Security Council 

on Thursday strongly condemned 

cross-border attacks 

and called for restraint between 

the two neighbours. 

Yesterday, Ban warned: 

"The escalation of the conict 

along the Syrian-Turkish border 

and the impact of the crisis 

on Lebanon are extremely 

dangerous. 

"I am deeply concerned by 

the continued ow of arms to 

both the Syrian government 

and opposition forces. I urge 

again those countries providing 

arms to stop doing so," 

he added. The Syrian government 

accuses Turkey and other 

states of backing the rebels. 

The Syrian opposition charges 

that Damascus is receiving 

support from its allies. 

Inside Syria, at least 65 

people were killed yesterday 

as ghting raged between 

troops and rebels in Aleppo in 

the north, in Homs in the centre 

and in Daraa in the south, 

the Syrian Observatory for 

Human Rights said. 

— Agencies 

SMOKE rises after a mortar bomb landed in Turkish soil yesterday. — Reuters 

Romney talks tough 

as that on the US consulate 

in Libya, which claimed the 

lives of four American diplomats, 

Romney said Obama’s 

policies had failed to head off 

such anger. 

"With the conict in Syria 

and with violent extremists 

on the march, and with 

an American ambassador 

and three others dead — it 

is clear that the risk of con- 

ict is higher now than when 

the president took ofce," 

Romney said. 

Romney said that if elected, 

he would bolster the US 

military presence in the Gulf 

and Mediterranean region, 

build 15 Navy ships a year, 

including three submarines, 

and expand missile defences. 

"In Syria, I will work with 

our partners to identify and 

organise those members of 

the opposition who share our 

values and then ensure they 

obtain the arms they need to 

defeat the forces," Romney 

said. 

Opposition plans makeover 

group that it is failing to unite 

the diverse opposition forces 

working against President 

Bashar al-Assad, after nearly 

19 months of a brutal conict 

that has engulfed Syria. 

The bloc's general assembly 

will grow from 300 to 400 

members and each opposition 

group will be represented by 

20 members, SNC spokesman 

George Sabra said last month. 

The election comes under 

a reform agreed in Stockholm. 

The assembly must still choose 

an executive bureau and leader 

for the SNC.More than 31,000 

people have been killed in 

violence in Syria since the uprising 

against Assad erupted 

in March last year, according 

to the Syrian Observatory for 

Human Rights. — AFP

10 INDIA 



WOMEN participate in a Congress party ‘Form Collection’ function at Dehgam town of Gandhinagar district near Ahmedabad yesterday. 

‘Own home’ or ‘Ghar nu ghar’ scheme was declared by Gujarat Congress under its 12-point poll agenda and if elected in the 

December 2012 state assembly elections the party promises to give houses at low rates to women members of homeless families. — AFP 

Air Kerala will take off on April 14 

T HIRUVANAN- 

THAPURAM — Air Kerala, 

the state government’s 

airline, would be launched 

April 14, 2013, to coincide 

with Vishu, new year’s day 

in the Malayalam calendar, 

says Chief Minister Oommen 

Chandy. 

“It (Air Kerala) will be 

airborne April 14. The only 

question is whether the rst 

ight will be an international 

or domestic one. Next month, 

we will be applying to the director 

general of civil aviation 

with the preliminary capital 

of Rs 100 crore, which we 

will raise by then,” Chandy, 

who is convalescing after a 

leg injury, said. 

Won’t interfere 

in Lanka army 

training: court 

NEW DELHI — The Supreme 

Court yesterday refused 

to interfere with government 

decisions to impart 

training to Sri Lankan army 

and air force personnel at various 

centres in the country. 

An apex court bench of 

Justice Aftab Alam and Justice 

Ranjana Prakash Desai 

dismissed a PIL led by an 

advocate, N Rajaraman, observing 

that the court cannot 

go into policy decisions of the 

government having foreign 

policy implications. 

The petitioner advocate 

submitted that the government 

cannot impart training to 

Sri Lankan defence personnel 

citing the letters written by 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J 

Jayalalithaa and other political 

leaders in Tamil Nadu. 

Telecom rms 

likely to be 

refunded 

NEW DELHI — The Empowered 

Group of Ministers 

on telecom yesterday decided 

to refund or adjust licence 

fees of companies whose 

licences stand cancelled following 

the Supreme Court’s 

verdict on 2G spectrum allocation 

but have no criminal 

charges against them. 

“Licence fee would be adjusted 

of those players who 

bid and win spectrum in the 

auction. Even if they do not 

participate or win, the money 

may be refunded,” a senior 

Department of Telecom 

(DoT) ofcial said. “This is 

the best the government can 

do. Give succor to everybody. 

However, this would 

be valid only for those operators 

against whom there is no 

criminal liability,” he added. 

The apex court had on 

February 2 ordered cancellation 

of 122 telecom licences 

affecting rms such as Uninor, 

SSTL, Idea Cellular, 

Videocon, STel and Etisalat 

and asked the government 

to redistribute them through 

auction. These players had 

paid around Rs 1,650 crore 

as their licence fees for 2G 

spectrum in 2008 to the government. 

The chief minister explained 

that under the rules, 

an airline can only y international 

routes after completing 

ve years of domestic service; 

there is also a stipulation 

about the number of aircraft 

that an airline operating internationally 

should have. 

“But Air India Express 

was given a relaxation in 

rules when it started international 

operations. They said it 

was because it was a subsidiary 

of Air India. So, when the 

state government put up the 

application, we also sought 

similar exemption. Moreover, 

at the moment, we are 

given to understand that one 

foreign airline is allowed to 

y in here, without observing 

these stipulations,” Chandy 

said. 

Chandy rst took up the 

project in 2004. After he 

stepped down in 2006, the 

project lay in cold storage, 

during the tenure of the Left 

government. 

On returning as chief minister 

last May, one of the rst 

decisions Chandy took was 

to revive this project. He has 

received support from Malayalee 

businessmen in the 

Middle East. 

“We have, in principle, 

decided to oat shares of Rs 

10,000 each and we were 

surprised when our own Malayalee 

businessmen there (in 

the Middle East) who employ 

thousands of employees 

agreed to take shares in their 

employees’ names. Each 

of them employ more than 

20,000 employees, so the issue 

of raising money of Rs 

500 crore is not at all a problem. 

We are condent our 

dream will soon take ight,” 

Chandy said. 

Chandy has drawn out a 

schedule, and xed April 14 

as the target date for launch 

of the new airline. 

And if Air Kerala is unable 

to y international, it 

will at least take to domestic 

skies. 

With Air India having 

opened a brand new hangar 

facility in the Thiruvananthapuram 

airport, Air Kerala, 

on entering into a contract 

with Air India and paying 

the maintenance charges, can 

use the hangar here, the chief 

minister said. 

Air Kerala will also have 

access to the engineering department 

of Air India, so it 

will not need to recruit engineers, 

he added. 

Air India was given the 

land for setting up the hangar 

free of cost by the Kerala government. 

What this means, 

though, is that Air Kerala can 

only lease B 737-800 aircraft; 

these are what the hangar 

here is equipped to service. 

— IANS 

Anti-nuke protesters take to sea 

CHENNAI — Opposing the 

Kudankulam Nuclear Power 

Project (KNPP), people belonging 

to various walks of life — 

shermen, traders, activists, 

cadres of political parties — 

began a protest at the sea near 

the atomic power plant, around 

500 metres from the Kudankulam 

shore yesterday, an activist 

said. 

“Around 1,000 shermen’s 

boats from Kanyakumari, 

Tirunelveli and Tuticorin with 

over 10,000 people were participating 

in the protest,” M Pushparayan, 

one of the leaders of 

the People’s Movement Against 

Nuclear Energy (PMANE), 

said. He said a decision on 

whether the “siege at the sea” 

would continue would be taken 

by the evening. 

Pushparayan said he does 

not expect protestors to turn violent. 

“The protest is in the sea, 

there is no question of violence. 

It will be a peaceful protest. We 

also do not expect much police 

presence in the sea,” he said. 

However, around 3,000 policemen 

have been deployed in 

the Kudankulam area to prevent 

any untoward incidents. 

This is the second time that 

a protest has been organised in 

the sea against the KNPP. 

Last month, hundreds of 

shermen blocked the approach 

channel to the Tuticorin port 

around 600 km from here. The 

shermen dispersed in the afternoon 

and the operations of the 

port were largely unaffected. 

India’s atomic power plant 

operator Nuclear Power Corporation 

of India Ltd (NPCIL) is 

building two 1,000 MW reactors 

with Russian help at Kudankulam 

since 2001. 

For more than a year, 

PMANE has been leading the 

people’s protests against the 

KNPP. Villagers under the 

PMANE banner have opposed 

the project fearing for their 

safety, especially since the nuclear 

disaster at Fukushima in 

Japan March 2011. 

The NPCIL recently completed 

loading the rst reactor 

with enriched uranium fuel 

bundles numbering 163. The 

process to close the reactor vessel 

is currently on. 

Meanwhile, Veterans from 

the Indian policy community, 

scholars, international historians 

and experts will meet in 

New Delhi tomorrow to debate 

on why and how India made a 

dramatic shift in its nuclear policy 

in the early 1970s and in the 

process challenged widely-held 

assumptions that are largely 

shaped by literature from Western 

sources. 

Did Jawaharlal Nehru favour 

nuclear weapons? Was it Lal 

Bahadur Shastri who rst authorised 

India’s nuclear weapons 

pursuit? Why didn’t India 

undertake its nuclear weapon 

test before the NPT came into 

force? Was the 1974 Peaceful 

Nuclear Explosion intended 

to demonstrate India’s nuclear 

weapon capability, or was it a 

genuine exercise for development 

purposes? 

Many such questions remain 

unanswered in the popular narrative 

on India’s strategic programme, 

for which answers 

will be attempted at the seminar. 

Defence ministry-funded thinktank 

Institute for Defence Studies 

and Analyses, along with the 

Nuclear Proliferation International 

History Project, is jointly 

organising the seminar on “Early 

Years of Nuclear Cooperation 

and Non-Proliferation: A Dialogue 

on Nuclear Historicities”. 

INDIAN nurses arrive in Iraq after being hired by the ministry of health to work in local hospitals yesterday. 

The ministry hired 35 skilled nurses from India to work in Baghdad hospitals. — AFP 

Antony for fool-proof coastal security 

NEW DELHI — Nearly four 

years after 26/11 when 10 

gunmen came from the sea to 

unleash terror in Mumbai, Defence 

Minister A K Antony yesterday 

held an inter-ministerial 

meeting to review coastal security 

and stressed on doubling 

manpower and infrastructure 

for the purpose. 

Ofcials of nearly 13 min- 

istries and departments attended 

the meeting. National 

Security Adviser Shivshankar 

Menon also attended the review 

meeting. “As we come 

closer to 26/11 this year, we are 

reminded of the day on which 

our security faced the biggest 

challenge. We resolved to convert 

the challenge into opportunity 

and in the last four years a 

number of steps have been taken 

by the ministry of defence,” 

Antony told ofcials. 

Antony stressed that the 

last four years saw “an unprecedented 

growth” in the capabilities 

of the Indian Navy and 

Indian Coast Guard to tackle 

maritime threats. 

“Assets, infrastructure and 

manpower — all have grown 

and the two services are likely 

to almost double their capabilities 

by the end of the 12th 

Plan,” he said. 

Alluding to the installation 

of 46 coastal static radars (36 

in mainland and 10 in island 

territories), Antony said he has 

directed the authorities to complete 

radar installation on the 

mainland by November 26. 

President’s Belgaum visit 

raises Maharashtra ire 

MUMBAI — Maharashtra 

political parties yesterday expressed 

their strong opposition 

to President Pranab Mukherjee’s 

plans to travel to the disputed 

border areas on the Maharashtra-Karnataka 

boundary. 

According to indications, 

President Mukherjee is scheduled 

to inaugurate the new 

Vidhan Bhavan complex in 

Belgaum town near the state 

border, which has been recently 

accorded the status of ‘second 

capital’ of Karnataka. 

Expressing his reservations 

on this, Minister for PWD and 

Tourism Chhagan Bhujbal has 

shot off a letter to the president, 

saying it would be “inappropriate” 

for him to accept 

an invitation to inaugurate the 

new Vidhan Bhavan complex 

in Belgaum. 

Bhujbal pointed out that the 

inter-state border dispute remains 

unresolved and by virtue 

of its physical control over the 

NEW DELHI — Short of 

money to fund its safety and 

modernisation needs, the railways 

will soon set up a Rail 

Tariff Authority, which will 

suggest whether or not to hike 

passenger fares and freight, 

Railway Minister C P Joshi 

said yesterday. 

“We have decided to constitute 

the Rail Tariff Authority,” 

he told reporters at the 

Economic Editors’ conference 

here. 

Joshi said the decision 

was taken after deliberating 

on the reports of two expert 

panels headed by Atomic Energy 

Commission’s former 

chief Anil Kakodkar and 

prime minister’s adviser Sam 

Pitroda, which had projected 

DEMONSTRATORS protest in the sea near the Kudankulam nuclear 

power project in the Tamil Nadu yesterday. — Reuters 

Canada minister 

assures stable 

LNG supply 

NEW DELHI — India can 

depend on Canada as a reliable 

supplier of liquied natural 

gas (LNG) for decades to 

come, the country’s Minister 

of Natural Resources, Joe 

Oliver, said yesterday. 

“We have vast natural resources 

in Canada. India, as 

one of the world’s largest energy 

consumers, is looking 

to diversify its energy supply 

sources which Canada 

is well positioned to full,” 

Oliver told media persons 

here. 

“We see this complementarity 

as an opportunity 

to greatly increase our 

trade and natural resources 

will be a signicant part of 

it,” said Oliver, who is on 

a ve-day visit to advance 

Canada’s natural resource 

exports. 

Canada is the world’s 

third-largest gas producer 

and has signicant supply 

reserves of up to 1300 trillion 

cubic feet or 37 trillion 

cubic metres in natural gas 

resources. 

In its oil reserves too 

Canada ranks third-largest 

in the world — 173 billion 

barrels, 98 per cent or 169 

billion barrels of which are 

oil sands. 

disputed region, Karnataka was 

bidding to strengthen its stranglehold 

by shifting part of its 

legislative work to Belgaum. 

“Your inaugurating the Vidhan 

Bhavan would amount to 

the central government’s tacit 

endorsement of that (Karnataka) 

state disregarding Maharashtra’s 

legitimate claims,” 

Bhujbal said in his letter to 

President Mukherjee yesterday. 

Besides Belgaum town, 864 

villages where the majority 

population is Marathi-speaking 

have been the bone of contention 

between the two neighbouring 

states since the past 56 

years. 

Shiv Sena MP from Kolhapur 

Sadashivrao Mandlik 

yesterday said that he would 

meet Chief Minister Prithviraj 

Chavan and urge him to convey 

the sentiments of the people 

of Maharashtra to President 

Mukherjee about the Belgaum 

function. 

requirement of over Rs 1 lakh 

crore over the next ve years. 

Railway Board chairman 

Vinay Mittal said the authority 

will insulate the railways 

from the hike in fuel prices 

and high running cost. “We 

have not raised passenger 

fares in the past decade,” he 

noted. 

The railways is spending 

almost all of its earnings on 

just running the network and 

desperately needs huge funds 

for a makeover. 

In March, former railway 

minister Dinesh Trivedi had 

to go as he annoyed his Trinamool 

Congress boss Mamata 

Banerjee by hiking passenger 

fares. 

His party colleague and 

1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs 

to gather on Kerala campus 

By Ashraf Padanna 

Similarly, Maharashtra 

Ekikaran Samiti chief Balasaheb 

Kakatkar expressed strong 

reservations about the presidential 

visit to Belgaum, and 

pointed out that the matter was 

pending in the Supreme Court. 

Kakatkar said his organisation 

would also hold demonstrations 

against the trip. 

On Sunday, Shiv Sena executive 

president Uddhav Thackeray 

also on similar grounds 

opposed the president’s plan 

to go to Belgaum. Bhujbal said 

that the Maharashtra-Karnataka 

border dispute was an “extremely 

sensitive issue”. 

“I would humbly request 

you not to accept the invitation 

to avoid any impropriety 

on the part of the central government, 

as well as involve the 

country’s highest constitutional 

ofce into a dispute which 

instead should be resolved on 

the basis of facts,” Bhujbal 

said. — IANS 

Railways to set up tariff body 

successor Mukul Roy partially 

rolled back the fares 

which has resulted in a loss of 

around Rs 4,000 crore for the 

cash-strapped national transporter. 

Stating safety and passenger 

amenities were top priority, 

Joshi said he would “try 

to strike a balance between 

the constraints and the expectations 

of the people”. 

Observing he was new to 

the railway ministry and in 

the process of understanding 

it, Joshi listed the proposed 

Mumbai elevated rail corridor 

for suburban passengers, seven 

high speed train corridors 

under study and monitoring of 

the Dedicated Freight Corridor 

as his priority areas. — IANS 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — Some 1,000 tech students 

wearing campaign T-shirts in support of Kerala’s new student 

entrepreneurship program are gathering on a college campus 

here today to ensure that the authorities keep their word. 

On September 14, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy announced 

a special scheme to encourage entrepreneurship and 

set a timeframe for announcing entrepreneurship policy within 

30 days. Students who have joined the entrepreneurship cells of 

various engineering colleges across the state will be attending 

the rst such meet-up to be held in the prestigious College of 

Engineering in the city. 

The government decided to frame the policy aimed at unleashing 

the student prowess in support of the startup movement 

mentored by Kris Gopalakrishnan, an alumnus of CET, 

and within weeks, incubation cells were formed in more than 

100 colleges and it’s counting. 

The chief minister made the announcement at the Emerging 

Kerala Global Connect 2012 and vowed to issue an executive 

order within 30 days on student entrepreneurship program and 

the next day, members of the entrepreneurship club at the CET 

opened a Facebook page “30 days to freedom’’. The countdown 

comes to a close this week. 

The policy, including 20 free attendances and four per cent 

grace marks for the budding entrepreneurs, was announced at 

the Emerging Kerala investors’ meet in Kochi in the presence of 

Gopalakrishnan. There are more than 600 likes on the Facebook 

page which includes superstar Mammootty. 

Kerala is the rst State in India to come out with the policy 

change that will enable students pursue their entrepreneurial 

dreams even while in college. The move to a policy change was 

spearheaded by Gopalakrishnan, who is the co-chairman and 

cofounder of Infosys with a vision to form a billion-dollar campus 

start-up. 

Student Entrepreneurship movements are very prominent 

in American Universities like Stanford, Harvard and MIT and 

have played a key role in promoting IT entrepreneurship in Silicon 

Valley.

Firm admits 

mistake in 

‘ash crash’ 

MUMBAI — An Indian rm 

yesterday admitted that human 

error by one of its dealers 

sparked a “ash crash” on 

India’s stock exchange last 

week, but pleaded for losses 

caused by the trade to be cancelled. 

The Nifty index in Mumbai 

dived 920 points on Friday 

with shares in big nancial 

stocks especially hard hit 

after incorrect orders worth 

$125 million were placed 

by Emkay Global Financial 

Services. “While executing an 

order to transact a Nifty cash 

basket... a dealer committed a 

bona de error,” Emkay said 

in a statement. 

“Immediately on realising 

the error, we promptly got 

in touch with the NSE (National 

Stock Exchange) and 

kept in touch with them to coordinate 

all future course of 

action until the entire erroneous 

outstanding position was 

closed out.” 

Emkay, which faces unknown 

liabilities over the 

mistake, said it hoped “this 

obvious and apparent error 

would justify the annulment 

of these trades”. 

Friday’s fall, which forced 

trading to be suspended for 15 

minutes, was compared to the 

“ash crash” in US stocks in 

May 2010 in which the Dow 

Jones plunged 1,010 points. 

HYDERABAD — A major UN 

meeting designed to safeguard 

the world’s natural resources 

began yesterday with appeals 

to ensure that biodiversity does 

not become a victim of the global 

nancial crisis. 

More than 170 countries 

are meeting in the Indian city 

of Hyderabad over the next 12 

days under the United Nations’ 

Convention on Biological Diversity 

(CBD), an offshoot of 

the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio 

de Janeiro. 

UN environmental experts 

have warned that the world has 

NEW DELHI/BANGALORE 

— The Cauvery water row returned 

to the prime minister’s 

court yesterday with the Supreme 

Court saying that he can 

decide on Karnataka’s plea to 

allow it to stop water release to 

Tamil Nadu immediately. 

Soon after the apex court’s 

clarication, Karnataka Chief 

Minister Jagadish Shettar announced 

in New Delhi that the 

state would petition the prime 

minister to stay his September 

19 order to release 9,000 cusecs 

of Cauvery water to Tamil 

Nadu from September 20 to 

October 15. 

The prime minister had 

given the order as the ex-ofcio 

chairman of the Cauvery River 

Authority (CRA). 

Hearing a petition by Karnataka 

seeking relief on the 

ground that it was not in a position 

to release the water, a 

bench of Justice D K Jain and 

Justice Madan B Lokur said: 

“Our order of September 28 

shall not in any way be an impediment 

in the way of chairman 

CRA to take decision on 

review application by the Karnataka 

government.” 

Karnataka moved the apex 

court as it had rapped the state 

11 INDIA 



ONE of the rst aircraft of the Indian Air Force, the HU-512 ies past the new-generation Sukhoi S30 at Hindon Air Force 

station on the outskirts of New Delhi yesterday during a Air Force Day parade to celebrate its 80th anniversary. — AFP 

Kejriwal has no proof: Congress 

Parties call for probe into Vadra’s assests, Gandhi family’s property in Shimla 

NEW DELHI — The Congress 

yesterday said that India 

Against Corruption (IAC) 

member Arvind Kejriwal has 

no documents to prove his allegations 

of Robert Vadra having 

received “undue favours” 

from realty major DLF. 

“Has he gone to any agency, 

registered any FIR? An inquiry 

will only happen when papers 

will be given. You cannot 

prove anyone guilty by ashing 

papers in the media. The 

reality is that they don't have 

any documents to prove their 

allegation,” said Congress 

spokesperson Rashid Alvi. 

Calling it “cheap publicity”, 

Alvi said: “There are 

many agencies, and you can 

also go to court rather than going 

to the media. They are doing 

it for cheap publicity.” 

IAC members Kejriwal and 

Prashant Bhushan alleged Oct 

5 that Vadra had bought properties 

worth over Rs 300 crore 

between 2007 and 2010 with 

an interest-free unsecured loan 

of Rs 65 crore provided by 

DLF. They claimed that the 

properties were given at undervalued 

rates in exchange 

Cauvery row back in PM’s court 

as little as a decade to fend off 

a species extinction that also 

poses a threat to humanity. 

And more than two decades 

after the Rio summit, the 

CBD’s executive secretary 

Braulio Ferreira De Souza Dias 

said that it was still a struggle 

to persuade governments to put 

biodiversity at the centre of development 

agendas. 

“Biodiversity should not be 

perceived only as a problem, 

but rather, for what it really is: 

a crucial asset which underpins 

sustainable development and is 

closely linked to many social 

of favours allegedly received 

from Congress state governments 

in Haryana, Rajasthan 

and Delhi. 

DLF on Saturday denied it 

had advanced any unsecured 

loan to Vadra, or sold its assets 

to him at throwaway prices, or 

that there was a quid pro quo 

in the transactions. 

However, the CPM and 

BJP yesterday demanded an 

ofcial probe into the business 

dealings of companies promoted 

by Vadra. 

“A number of charges have 

been levelelled regarding the 

and economic issues,” he told 

delegates. 

“Yes, we are facing times 

of nancial crisis, but times of 

crisis are the best opportunities 

to make substantive changes in 

the way we do business. 

“Expenditures on biodiversity 

should not be seen as 

costs — they should be seen as 

investments that will pay back 

with signicant environmental, 

social and economic benets 

for all our societies.” 

Nearly half of amphibian 

species, a third of corals, a 

quarter of mammals, a fth of 

business dealings of the companies 

promoted by Vadra. 

There have not been any clear 

answers to the questions which 

have been raised regarding the 

nances of these companies 

and their activities in the real 

estate sector,” the CPM said. 

The BJP alleged that the 

Congress was shying away 

from a probe in the alleged disproportionate 

assets of Vadra. 

BJP spokesperson Nirmala 

Sitharaman said the Congress 

was trying to hide facts, so it 

did not want a probe. 

“The Congress is shying 

all plants and 13 per cent of the 

world’s birds are at risk of extinction, 

according to the “Red 

List” compiled by the International 

Union for the Conservation 

of Nature (IUCN). 

The last CBD conference in 

Nagoya, Japan, adopted a 20point 

plan in 2010 to turn back 

biodiversity loss by 2020. 

But it has been a battle since 

then to nd the hundreds of billions 

of dollars needed to fund 

such a commitment at a time 

when the developed world nds 

itself in economic difculties. 

Jayanthi Natarajan, India’s 

away from investigation. Today, 

we have ministers telling 

there should not be any inquiry 

against Vadra,” Sitharaman 

said. 

Meanwhile, Former 

Himachal Pradesh chief minister 

Shanta Kumar has sought 

an inquiry into property 

owned by the Gandhi family 

in Himachal Pradesh. 

Kumar, who is presently a 

BJP MP in the Rajya Sabha, 

has written to Kejriwal, asking 

him to inquire about a property 

belonging to Priyanka Gandhi- 

Vadra in Shimla. — IANS 

on September 28 for not obeying 

the CRA order and directed 

it to release the water. 

It started releasing 9,000 

cusecs to Tamil Nadu daily 

from September 29, a move 

that has led to widespread protests 

in Bangalore and Cauvery 

basin districts of Mandya, Mysore 

and Chamarajanagar — 80, 

130 and about 200 kms from 

Bangalore, respectively.. 

STRIKING employees of Kingsher Airlines hold a protest march at the domestic airport in Mumbai yesterday. The 

airlines will remain grounded for another week after unpaid employees refused to go back to work. — AFP 

Biodiversity meeting begins with funding plea 

environment minister, said failure 

to fund the protection of biodiversity 

would mean a higher 

price to pay in the long term. 

“Expenditure on biodiversity 

needs to be looked at actually 

as an investment that will reap 

benets for us and our future 

generations,” the minister said. 

“The present global economic 

crisis should not deter us, but 

on the contrary encourage us to 

invest more towards amelioration 

of the natural capital for 

ensuring uninterrupted ecosystem 

services, on which all life 

on Earth depends.” — AFP 

BEML’s $275m deal with 

Polish rm under scanner 

NEW DELHI — A $275 million 

deal between Indian stateowned 

BEML and Polish arms 

rm Bumar for supply of 204 

armoured recovery and repair 

vehicles (ARRV) has reportedly 

got into trouble for alleged 

irregularities following 

an audit in Poland. 

The Bharat Earth Movers 

Ltd-Bumar contract got the 

approval of the Cabinet Committee 

on Security (CCS) in 

October last year when Gen 

V K Singh was still the Indian 

Army chief. 

The deal envisages supply 

of Bumar’s WZT-3 ARRVs to 

the Indian Army for its 1,500 

Soviet-origin T-72 Ajeya main 

battle tanks. 

BEML will build the AR- 

RVs through technology transfer 

from Bumar, which has an 

Indian subsidiary called Bumar 

India. 

According to a report in 

the Polish newspaper Puls 

Biznesu on September 26, the 

Polish rm’s auditors, beginning 

May this year, checked 

Bumar’s businesses, particularly 

the Indian deal, and in the 

second week of September, 

NEW DELHI — Shares of India’s 

biggest property developer 

DLF slid by over seven per 

cent yesterday on allegations it 

sold property to the son-in-law 

of powerful politician Sonia 

Gandhi at bargain-basement 

prices. 

Anti-corruption activists 

last week accused DLF of selling 

property to Robert Vadra at 

“throwaway prices” in return 

for government favours and 

demanded an investigation. 

Shares of DLF, which has 

denied any wrongdoing, fell 

by 7.24 per cent or Rs 17.50 to 

Rs 224.25. 

DLF said in a weekend 

statement that its dealings with 

Vadra, who is married to Sonia 

Gandhi’s daughter Priyanka, 

NEW DELHI — India’s nance 

minister yesterday 

promised a “credible” plan to 

cut a gaping scal decit that 

has alarmed investors and said 

he was determined to push 

through more reforms to spur 

the economy. 

The pro-market minister, 

P Chidambaram, said there 

was an “imperative need” to 

cut spending after a government 

panel warned that India 

stood on the edge of a “scal 

precipice” due to a swelling 

subsidy bill. 

“It is our intention to announce 

a credible and feasible 

path of scal consolidation 

beginning this year,” he said, 

giving a new target for the 

decit of 5.3 per cent of gross 

domestic product. 

Since taking over the nance 

job in July, Chidambram 

and 80-year-old Prime Minister 

Manmohan Singh have 

begun what some economists 

say are the biggest reforms in 

two decades since India began 

opening up its economy to the 

world. 

Chidambaram said the 

government, which last month 

eased foreign investment curbs 

in retail, aviation and broadcasting, 

would keep pushing 

forward with reforms. 

“The reform momentum 

will remain strong and unabated,” 

he said, warning without 

modernisation India risked 

a “sharp and continuing slowdown 

of the economy”. 

Chidambaram said investments 

are likely to pick up in 

the third and fourth quarter of 

the current nancial year following 

the recent economic 

reforms measures announced 

by the government. 

He said domestic as well 

as foreign investments would 

help boost economic growth. 

“Once domestic investments 

pick up and the foreign investments 

come in, the situation 

will improve.” 

Chidambaram said the government 

would take all possible 

steps to improve business 

sentiments and boost invest- 

approached state prosecutors 

seeking a detailed probe. 

The auditors, according to 

the report, conveyed to state 

prosecutors that the Indian 

ARRVs contract is “not profitable” 

as Bumar had tied up 

with a third party (BEML) for 

supply of its products to the 

Indian Army. 

The auditors, who went 

through Bumar’s documents 

on the ARRV deal with India, 

concluded that the Polish 

rm was allowing 36 per cent 

of the Indian contract worth 

$100 million to be cornered by 

BEML. 

The Polish rm’s auditors 

are looking into the role of 

former Bumar chairman Edward 

Nowak and two other 

company executives in the Indian 

deal. 

The auditors, according 

to the newspaper report, concluded 

that Nowak had no 

powers to enter into third party 

contracts without the approval 

of Bumar’s supervisory board. 

Yet, he went ahead and 

signed the deal with BEML 

for the Indian Army order and 

obtained post facto approval 

were conducted “to the highest 

ethical standards”. 

The wealthy businessman 

has dismissed the charges as 

“baseless.” 

Finance Minister P 

Chidambaram turned down 

calls for an inquiry yesterday 

into the accusations targeting 

India’s most famous political 

family. 

“Unless there is a specic 

allegation... I am afraid private 

transactions cannot and 

ought not to be allowed to be 

questioned on the basis of imputations 

and insinuations,” 

Chidambaram said. 

Sonia’s son Rahul, 42, is 

widely seen as being groomed 

for the role of prime minister 

despite his reluctance to take 

ments. “I am going to do my 

best to help bring the change,” 

he said. 

The nance minister admitted 

that GDP growth in the 

current nancial year would 

fall below the budgetary target 

of 7.6 per cent, largely due to 

adverse global economic climate. 

However, he emphasised 

that India, despite some slowdown, 

would remain among 

the fastest growing economies 

in the world. 

“Even if we fall short of 

7.6 per cent target, our growth 

will be four times the average 

growth of advanced economies 

and twice the average 

growth of global economy,” 

he said. 

“Our foremost task is to 

augment savings, and then 

challennelise these savings 

into investments,” the nance 

minister said, assuring every 

step possible to put the Indian 

economy back on the high 

growth path. 

“India’s growth story remains 

strong.” 

Chidambaram said India 

fared better than the global 

economy, which saw the 

growth drop from 5.3 per cent 

in 2010 to 3.9 per cent and 3.5 

per cent during the next two 

years. The advanced economies 

also logged a growth 3.2 

per cent, 1.6 per cent and 1.4 

per cent. 

“India was not immune,” 

he said, adding: “It will do 

well to remember that out of 

eight years it is only during 

from the board, they said. 

But soon after the approval, 

Nowak lost his job in the company. 

His successor Krzysztof 

Krystowski was quoted by the 

news report as having admitted 

that the Indian order for AR- 

RVs could not be implemented 

in its current form and that the 

company was now considering 

a renegotiation of the deal. 

According to Krystowski, 

the Indian contract was awed 

with regard to delivery schedule, 

pricing and the Indian 

PSU’s role. 

Bumar has also agreed with 

the auditors’ view that the contract 

was not protable, the 

news report said. 

BEML and Bumar came 

together for the rst time in 

February 2003 when they 

signed a memorandum of understanding. 

BEML is already under a 

Central Bureau of Investigation 

(CBI) probe over alleged 

irregularities in its deal for 

supply of Tatra multi-purpose 

military vehicles to Indian 

armed forces and defence research 

agencies. — IANS 

DLF shares dive on allegations 

on any government job. 

His sister Priyanka, 40, who 

bears a strong resemblance to 

her grandmother — assassinated 

prime minister Indira Gandhi 

— is often viewed as more 

suited to a career in politics, 

though she avoids public life. 

Italian-born Sonia is seen as 

India’s most inuential politician 

and the family’s privacy is 

ercely guarded by Congress 

party members who have rallied 

to Vadra’s defence. 

Vadra launched a company, 

Artex, which specialises in 

jewellery and handicraft exports, 

in 1997 — the year he 

married Priyanka Gandhi. In 

recent years he has branched 

into other sectors, from property 

to hospitality. — AFP 

‘Working on credible 

plan to cut decit’ 

CHIDAMBARAM addressing a news conference. 

two years — 2008-09 and 

2011-12 — our economy grew 

at less that 7 per cent.” 

He said the tight monetary 

policy of the Reserve Bank of 

India (RBI) to tame ination 

had dampened growth. “But 

there is no cause for gloom or 

despondency.” 

Investors have welcomed 

the reforms blitz that has ended 

years of policymaking paralysis 

amid massive government 

corruption scandals. 

The government has also 

outlined plans to raise foreign 

investment caps in the insurance 

and pension sectors. 

Chidambaram said the insurance 

market needed $5-6 

billion in “the immediate future” 

to begin covering India’s 

overwhelmingly underinsuranced 

population. 

Chidambaram urged the 

main opposition Bharatiya Janata 

Party, which has stalled 

the last few parliamentary 

sessions, to support reforms, 

noting it backed many of the 

same policies while in government. 

“There is a judgement day 

for every government every 

ve years — opposition is legitimate, 

obstruction is not,” 

he said. 

He said some subsidies in 

such areas as food, fertilisers 

and fuel, must remain “at this 

stage in India’s development”, 

but forecast “huge savings” 

with plans to make direct cash 

transfers to the needy and 

avoid widespread leakages. 

— AFP

Afghan 

govt could 

implode 

By Lawrence Bartlett 

THE Afghan 

government could 

implode after Nato 

troops pull out in 2014, 

particularly if presidential 

elections are fraudulent, a 

report by the International 

Crisis Group said yesterday. 

"There is a real risk 

that the regime in Kabul 

could collapse upon Nato's 

withdrawal," said Candace 

Rondeaux, the ICG's senior 

Afghanistan analyst. "The 

window for remedial action 

is closing fast." 

The report — 

"Afghanistan: The Long, 

Hard Road to the 2014 

Transition" — said the 

country was on course in 

2014 for another set of 

fraudulent elections after 

the chaotic presidential and 

parliamentary polls in 2009 

and 2010. A repeat could 

undermine what little hope 

remains for stability after 

the Afghan government 

takes full responsibility for 

security from US-led Nato 

forces, the analysis by the 

respected Brussels-based 

group said. 

The coalition, which 

has waged an 11-year war 

against Taliban, is drawing 

down its troops from a 

peak of some 130,000, and 

almost all combat forces 

are scheduled to quit the 

country by the end of 2014. 

"The Afghan army and 

police are overwhelmed 

and under-prepared for the 

transition," said Rondeaux. 

Within hours of the 

report's publication, a 

suicide car bomber rammed 

a police station in Lashkar 

Gar, capital of southern 

Helmand province, killing 

two intelligence agents and 

wounding 15 other people. 

Afghan police are 

increasingly targets of 

such assaults as they take 

a bigger role in the ght 

against the Taliban ahead of 

the Nato withdrawal. 

The government of 

President Hamid Karzai and 

the parliament have failed 

to take any serious steps 

towards preparing for a 

clean vote, Rondeaux said. 

"Karzai seems more 

interested in perpetuating 

his own power by any 

means rather than ensuring 

credibility of the political 

system and long-term 

stability in the country." 

The president is 

constitutionally required to 

step down at the end of his 

second term in 2014, and 

has said he will do so, but 

there are fears that he might 

try to manipulate the polls. 

By Patrick Lannin 

AUSTERITY-WEARY 

Lithuanians are set to 

eject the country's ruling 

centre-right coalition in an 

election this month, a move 

likely to delay the moment the 

small European Union member 

state joins the euro and to ease 

ties with Russia. 

However, the new government, 

which opinion polls 

show is likely to be a broad 

coalition led by the centre-left 

Social Democrats, is expected 

to stick to austerity as the Baltic 

state cannot afford to be frozen 

out of debt markets. 

"The situation is unbearable, 

half of Lithuania has 

emigrated," said Svetlana Orlovskaya, 

65, as she headed to 

work as a factory cleaner in a 

suburb of the capital city Vilnius. 

She said Prime Minister 

Andrius Kubilius, head of a 

coalition since 2008, had not 

done "anything good". 

The election is likely to in- 

uence when Lithuania seeks 

to join the single currency. 

Kubilius has said 2014 would 

be a realistic date, but Social 

Democratic leader Algirdas 

Butkevicius said he is aiming 

for 2015. 

Along with Latvia and Estonia, 

Lithuania has been held 

up to euro zone states as an example 

of how to successfully 

12 

ANALYSIS/OPINION 



VENEZUELAN President Hugo Chavez greets his supporters in Caracas. — AFP 

Chavez thwarts foes 

By Diego Ore 

VENEZUELA’S young opposition 

leader Henrique Capriles 

began election day on Sunday 

jovially donning his "lucky shoes" — 

but ended it gravely trying to stem the 

tears of shattered supporters. 

Yet another victory for Hugo 

Chavez, this one giving him a new sixyear 

term, was too much to bear for 

some of the volunteers and fans who 

coalesced around Capriles for the opposition's 

best shot at unseating him 

since he was elected 14 years ago. 

"People should not feel defeated. 

God's timing is perfect, the country is 

not going to end today," Capriles consoled 

them, as he accepted electoral 

defeat shortly before midnight. 

In the morning light, the opposition 

will reect on an improved showing 

— 45 per cent this time, up from 37 

per cent at the last presidential election, 

held in 2006. In Capriles they still 

have undoubtedly their most successful 

anti-Chavez candidate. 

The 40-year-old state governor 

showed extraordinary energy on the 

campaign trail with a months-long 

"house-by-house" tour and made inroads 

into poor Chavez heartlands 

where the opposition had barely been 

able to show its face before. 

He also managed to keep the hardwon 

and fragile unity of a diverse coalition 

of 30 or so political organisations, 

from left to right, whose only common 

factor was opposition to Chavez. 

"Capriles has been, by far, the best 

candidate who has faced Chavez, and 

his story is barely starting," local poll- 

implement tough austerity 

measures. It cut spending and 

raised taxes following the 2008 

global crisis. 

The ip side, however, was 

falling wages and living standards 

and a 15 per cent drop in 

output in 2009. Some growth 

has returned, but thousands 

have emigrated, the jobless rate 

is 13 per cent and the country 

remains one of the poorest in 

the EU. 

Kubilius, 56, a veteran politician, 

has defended his record, 

which included keeping the 

litas currency pegged to the 

euro. 

"Back in 2009 the budget 

decit would have been 15 per 

cent (of GDP), but it ended at 

9 per cent. This year it will be 

Another win for Hugo 

Chavez was too much 

for the opposition led by 

Capriles as this was the 

best shot at unseating 

incumbent president 

ster Luis Vicente Leon said, predicting 

Capriles would run for re-election as 

governor of populous Miranda state, 

which encompasses part of the capital 

Caracas, while continuing to steer the 

opposition at the national level. "He 

has become the indisputable leader 

of the opposition and his face-to-face 

work is a key asset for the future." 

While some opposition activists 

might like to curl up and cry, they have 

little time to lick their wounds before 

the next ght. State governorship elections 

in December give them an early 

chance to try and improve on their 

share of seven states they control out 

of Venezuela's 24 — though Chavez 

will go into that ght with momentum 

from Sunday's win. 

Crucial to their prospects will be 

maintaining the Democratic Unity alliance 

that was their single vehicle 

for the 2010 parliamentary and 2012 

about 3 per cent," he said. 

But political scientist Kestutis 

Girnius of the Institute of 

International Relations and Political 

Science said people were 

fed up with austerity, and with 

Kubilius. 

"As one of his advisers has 

said, he seems like a surgeon 

who would say 'Let me cut off 

the leg, but you won't get any 

anaesthesia'," said Girnius. 

Lithuania has two voting 

rounds: on October 14 half the 

seats will be decided on a proportional 

representation basis, 

with the rest decided two weeks 

later in runoffs in districts. 

Lithuanians will also vote 

in a referendum on Sunday on 

whether to back a new nuclear 

power plant. Polls show most 

people will reject it, but political 

parties might ignore the 

result as the referendum is advisory 

rather than binding. 

Social Democratic leader 

Algirdas Butkevicius, whose 

rst choice of coalition is 

with the Labour Party, led by 

a Russian-born businessman, 

and with a party led by an impeached 

former president, Rolandas 

Paksas, backs rises in 

minimum wage and a progressive 

income tax which would 

be fairer to lower earners. 

"It has to be recognised 

that if the situation in the work 

market does not change, there 

could be social clashes this 

winter as heating prices will 

rise," Butkevicis said. 

But DNB Nord economist 

presidential elections. 

While all the opposition leaders 

rallied behind Capriles after he won a 

resounding primary victory in February, 

there is no guarantee that egos will 

be kept in check going forward. 

Telegenic former Caracas district 

mayor Leopoldo Lopez and Zulia state 

governor Pablo Perez are both ambitious 

men who belong to the same 

40-something generation of opposition 

leaders who have broken with a 

more hardline "old guard." 

The older leaders were discredited 

by their association with a pre-Chavez 

political elite — when corruption and 

nepotism were common — and their 

failed tactics of boycotting elections 

and trying to oust the president via 

street protests. In his remarkable 14year 

rule of the South American Opec 

member, Chavez has won about a dozen 

national votes that also include ref- 

Rokas Bancevicius said he saw 

little leeway for a new government 

to go on a spending spree. 

"Even if budget policy will be 

slightly looser it might not actually 

have a big economic impact," 

he said. 

How the issue is handled 

may inuence when Lithuania 

seeks to join the euro, 

something it is determined 

to do despite the currency 

erendums and legislative elections. He 

also survived a 48-hour ouster in 2002 

from power by the military, and then 

saw off an oil industry strike and vast 

demonstrations by the opposition. 

As he accepted defeat, Capriles 

gave a hint that he would try to keep 

a rm rein on the opposition when an 

ex-legislator called out that there had 

been fraud. 

"Radicalism has always damaged 

Venezuela," he retorted. "I am never 

going to mess around with our people, 

or subject them to instability. The other 

side obtained more votes and that's 

democracy." 

The 58-year-old Chavez did not 

deign to mention Capriles by name 

once during the campaign, preferring 

to insult him as a "loser", "sycophant" 

and even "fascist" — a particularly 

offensive epithet for a man who lost 

great-grandparents in the Holocaust. 

Yet the president, in his victory 

speech, had rare praise for the opposition's 

quick acceptance of defeat. 

Capriles' tactic during the campaign 

was to focus attention on everyday 

problems that Chavez had failed to x: 

from pot-holed streets and the failing 

electricity grid, to runaway crime. 

While that resonated with many 

voters, the margin of Chavez's win 

was still comfortable, reecting the 

power of his personal connection with 

Venezuela's masses and the popularity 

of his welfare policies in the slums. 

There is always a chance, of course, 

that Capriles — or another opposition 

leader — may get another crack at the 

presidency, should Chavez suffer a recurrence 

of his cancer. 

bloc's debt crisis. To adopt the 

euro, a country has to keep 

its budget decit below 3 per 

cent of output and meet targets 

on ination, debt and longterm 

interest rates. President 

Dalia Grybauskaite, a forceful 

former EU Commissioner who 

oversaw budgets, has the role 

of choosing the prime minister 

after elections. She backs scal 

discipline. 

IMF vote reform 

delayed further 

By Lesley Wroughton 

THE politics of 

mathematics has 

deadlocked IMF 

discussions on shifting 

voting power to emerging 

economies such as China, 

as European countries dig in 

their heels over changes to a 

little-known formula with big 

implications. 

Governance reforms in 

the International Monetary 

Fund have been years in the 

making. A historic deal sealed 

in 2010 — and supposed to 

come into force this week 

in Tokyo where the IMF 

and World Bank are holding 

annual meetings — would 

make China the third-largest 

voting member and revamp 

the Fund's board to reduce 

Western Europe's dominance. 

But that has been stalled 

by the US presidential 

election. Washington 

has effective veto power 

over the 2010 package. 

Approving it would mean 

putting more money into the 

IMF, something the Obama 

administration is reluctant to 

do before the election. 

The 2010 deal was part 

of a broader plan by the 

IMF to recognise within the 

organisation the growing 

economic clout of emerging 

economies. 

The next phase, which 

the IMF had hoped would 

be completed by January 

2013, involves establishing a 

formula that would determine 

voting shares based on 

economic size, capital 

ows, foreign exchange 

reserves and other variables. 

Depending on the weighting, 

different countries benet, 

which helps explain the 

wrangling over the maths. 

"The message being sent 

by the institution is that it is 

having enormous difculty 

adapting its structure and 

functioning to the 21st 

Century," Paulo Nogueira 

Batista, the IMF executive 

director for Brazil and a 

constituency of other Latin 

American and Caribbean 

countries, said. 

China, Brazil and other 

large emerging market 

economies have long 

contended that the IMF's 

current voting set-up 

unfairly benets Europe and 

the United States, which 

dominated the IMF since its 

founding after World War II. 

They argue that if the IMF 

expects them to contribute 

more both to IMF resources 

and to the global economy, 

The Social Democrats back 

more constructive ties with 

Russia after Kubilius sought 

to lower gas prices and restructure 

the gas industry, against 

which the Kremlin loudly protested. 

Ex-Soviet state Lithuania 

and Russia have often had 

testy relations since the Baltic 

state regained independence in 

1991. Lithuanian elections often 

throw up protest parties. 

they deserve more power 

within the Fund. 

That was the reasoning 

behind two sets of IMF 

reforms in 2008 and 2010. 

Ted Truman, a senior 

fellow at Washington's 

Peterson Institute and a 

former assistant Secretary 

of the US Treasury for 

international affairs from 

1998-2001, said IMF reforms 

may not be Washington's 

highest priority even after the 

election. 

"One question is whether 

the US will be able to do 

this as part of the lame duck 

exercise, which would be 

positive. But my sense is 

maybe it won't be the highest 

priority of the administration 

and not the lowest either. 

"I don't think you have 

to be too partisan to say if 

(Mitt) Romney wins... this is 

not going to be the highest 

national priority for the new 

administration. If Obama 

wins, then you are likely to 

have a continuity of policy 

with regard to the Fund," said 

Truman. 

Ironically, it was the 

United States that pressed 

hard for IMF quota and board 

reform in 2009. US Treasury 

Secretary Timothy Geithner, 

himself a former IMF ofcial, 

conducted shuttle diplomacy 

between European and 

emerging economies to try to 

reach a reform deal. 

David Lipton, the 

No 2 ofcial at the IMF 

and the highest ranking 

American, said the Obama 

administration had been clear 

that it would not be able to 

seek congressional approval 

for more IMF funding before 

the November election. 

He said there was still 

time to reach a compromise 

on IMF governance reform 

and described an "emerging 

consensus" behind increasing 

the weight given to GDP to 

determine voting shares. 

"It is a complicated matter 

and different countries have 

different interests right now, 

but I think it would be wrong 

to surmise the membership 

doesn't stand strongly behind 

modernising the governance 

structure of the IMF to keep 

up with the evolution of the 

global economy," Lipton said. 

"There will be some 

elbow-throwing in the course 

of these discussions." 

Any change to the quota 

formula that gives more 

weight to purchasing power 

GDP would benet China and 

other developing economies. 

Lithuania to reject austerity, euro entry 

Along with Latvia and Estonia, 

Lithuania has been held up to 

euro zone states as an example 

of how to successfully implement 

tough austerity measures by 

cutting spending and raising taxes 

following the 2008 global crisis 

MORE CLOUT 

A WOMAN passes by election campaign posters in Vilnius. — Reuters 

This year, that party has 

been formed around a former 

judge, whose brother died — 

though some suspect he was 

murdered — after alleging his 

daughter was assaulted by a 

paedophile ring, which was 

covered up by ofcials. 

The brother, in turn, was 

suspected of killing a judge he 

accused of being a member of 

the ring.

Tough task 

lies ahead 

By Karl Malakunas 

A FINAL 

resolution 

to a decades-long 

campaign in the 

Philippines is a long way 

off with many tough issues 

yet to be resolved, experts 

cautioned yesterday, a day 

after a peace road map was 

unveiled. President Benigno 

Aquino raised hopes of 

ending the conict when he 

announced the government 

and the Moro Islamic 

Liberation Front (MILF) 

had agreed on a blueprint 

for achieving peace before 

his term ended in 2016. 

Under the plan, the 

MILF's 12,000 soldiers 

would lay down their 

arms and the group would 

give up its claims for an 

independent homeland in 

the southern Philippines, 

in return for the formation 

of a new semi-autonomous 

Muslim region. 

However both sides 

acknowledged that many 

of the most sensitive points 

of contention still needed 

to be addressed, while 

experts questioned whether 

a nal agreement could be 

implemented before Aquino 

stood down. 

"There are real 

differences between the 

two parties that they need 

to thrash out," Rommel 

Banlaoi, executive director 

of the Philippine Institute 

for Peace, Violence and 

Terrorism Research, said. 

"This is just a 

preliminary agreement... 

there is much work to be 

done," MILF vice chairman 

for political affairs Ghazali 

Jaafar said. Among the 

most contentious points 

between the two sides that 

still need to be addressed 

is how to share the largely 

untapped wealth on offer in 

Mindanao. 

The region is one of 

the country's most fertile 

farming areas, and is 

believed to have hundreds 

of millions of dollars worth 

of gold, copper and other 

minerals available for 

exploitation. 

Aquino said on Sunday 

that the people in the 

planned new autonomous 

region would have a "fair 

and equitable" share of its 

wealth, but gave no details. 

Steve Rood, Philippine 

country director for the Asia 

Foundation and a formal 

monitor of the peace talks, 

said he believed a nal 

resolution was possible 

before Aquino stood down. 

Another problem that 

has yet to be addressed is 

the MILF's insistence on a 

constitutional amendment 

to give legal certainty to the 

autonomous region. 

By Roddy Thomson 

FLEMISH nationalist Bart De 

Wever is betting that victory 

in local elections next week in 

Antwerp, Belgium's economic heart, 

will shake up the country, Europe — 

and possibly beyond. "If we can take 

Antwerp, then we are waking up in a 

different country," De Wever said as 

he canvassed for votes at well-to-do 

front doors in Europe's second biggest 

port and global diamond centre. 

Belgium, he says, is an entity as 

badly awed as the European Union. 

Its French- and Flemish-speaking 

halves can nd it hard to talk the 

same language. 

"The Belgian and the European 

situations are the same — they are 

badly constructed unions where the 

weaker parts become the problem 

of the stronger parts," he said in the 

quiet streets of the Wilrijk district. 

"Either you reform and evolve, or 

it's breaking point," De Wever said 

in an interview conducted mainly in 

English while proving every bit as 

uent in Dutch, German and French. 

His rightwing New Flemish Alliance 

(N-VA) views French-speakers 

south of the country's linguistic divide 

in much the same way as some 

northern Europeans view weaker euro 

zone states such as Greece, needing 

costly handouts for not sticking to 

EU budget rules. 

De Wever, a youthful 41 who shed 

an incredible 60 kilogrammes after a 

crash diet, argues too that a central 

state in Belgium, which gained independence 

from the Netherlands in 

1830, is now redundant as its powers 

13 

ANALYSIS/OPINION 



CHANCELLOR Angela Merkel and Greece’s Prime Minister Antonis Samaras in Berlin recently. — AFP 

A message of support 

By Katerina Voussoura 

GERMAN Chancellor Angela Merkel's 

visit today to debt-strapped 

Greece may provide a chance to 

ease tensions born of the economic crisis, 

but she looks set to receive a tepid welcome 

from those who blame Germany for 

the Greek government's draconian austerity 

policies. 

Her rst visit since Greece's nancial 

crisis started almost three years ago, during 

which she will meet with Prime Minister 

Antonis Samaras, comes at a crucial 

time for Greece, which is currently negotiating 

a near 13.5-billion-euro ($17.6billion) 

package of spending cuts with its 

creditors. 

Auditors from the European Union, 

International Monetary Fund and European 

Central Bank must approve the 

package before agreeing to the release a 

31.5 billion euros ($41.1 billion) instalment 

of EU-IMF rescue loans that have 

been keeping Greek nance alive. 

Heading for a sixth year of continuous 

recession, Greece desperately needs 

this tranche of aid to recapitalise banks 

and repay outstanding domestic debts 

amounting to almost eight billion euros. 

Samaras has called Merkel's visit 

a "positive development" and said the 

chancellor would be "welcomed in the 

appropriate way for the leader of a major 

power and a friendly country." 

On Sunday, Germany's Foreign Minister 

Guido Westerwelle called the trip "an 

act of recognition for the Greek government, 

which is under great pressure with 

its reform policy." But others in Greece 

are not so pleased. Merkel has often been 

singled out in the press and in street protests 

as carrying the blame for austerity 

measures that have included drastic salary 

and pension cuts in Greece. 

The radical left main opposition party 

have either been ceded to the EU or to 

regional institutions. "This is where 

we are going in Belgium — and this 

is where we are going in Europe," he 

said bluntly. 

Against this backdrop, the October 

14 local elections are inevitably 

more than just a vote on who will be 

mayor of such a prize as Antwerp. 

De Wever says that if he wins and 

becomes Antwerp mayor, he will 

The economic 

crisis has often 

caused tension 

between Greece and 

Germany, fuelled 

by the popular and 

often populist press 

in both countries 

Syriza, Greece's two main labour unions 

and the communist-afliated group Pame 

are organising a "warm welcome" for the 

chancellor to include work stoppages and 

street protests today. 

"She is not coming for our benet. 

This is to help the government impose the 

new barbaric measures," Pame said in a 

statement. "(Merkel) is coming to rescue 

a corrupt and discredited political system 

that is subject to her interests," Syriza 

leader Alexis Tsipras said at the party's 

annual youth festival in Athens on Saturday. 

But local media largely welcomed 

the visit and underlined its importance, 

with state television Net describing it as a 

"clear message of support to the country" 

and its efforts on Sunday. 

The Kathimerini newspaper commented 

that the chancellor would bring to 

Athens a "passport for the stabilisation of 

Greece's place in the euro zone." 

Yet police are on high alert and will 

Flemish party bets on Antwerp victory 

have more credibility to push his 

independence line ahead of national 

polls in 2014. They may also be 

watched with some alarm in Madrid 

after Spain's largest province Catalonia 

called a vote for November 25 

that has effectively become a referendum 

on independence. 

Similar tensions can be found 

across Europe, from Italy where a 

prosperous north wonders why it must 

take the same security measures as those 

adopted during the recent visit of former 

US president Bill Clinton, Net reported. 

The economic crisis has often caused 

tension between Greece and Germany, 

fuelled by the popular and often populist 

press in both countries. Earlier this 

month, during a general strike against 

austerity, protesters marching past the 

Bank of Greece crossed out "Greece" on 

bank's sign and wrote "Merkel" over it. 

The press on both sides had a eld day 

early this summer when the two countries 

faced each other in the quarter-nal of the 

Euro 2012 that Greece eventually lost. 

Ahead of the much-publicised game, 

Greek sports media ran ashy headlines 

such as "Bring us Merkel" and "This is 

how your debtors qualify, Angela get 

ready." Berlin has often openly criticised 

Greece for not making good on promises 

of implementing structural reforms. 

On Saturday, popular German daily 

Bild ran a photograph of a poster depicting 

Merkel in a Nazi uniform asking: "Is 

this how Angela Merkel will be greeted 

in Athens?" Bild has long railed against 

"the Greek failure". In late 2010, it called 

on Greece to "sell your islands... together 

with the Acropolis". 

More recently tensions appear to have 

calmed down, as talk of a possible Greek 

exit from the euro zone, a hot topic during 

the summer, has subsided. In addition, the 

Greek prime minister recently carried out 

a European tour in an effort to restore the 

country's credibility. 

The tour included meetings with Merkel 

in Berlin, French President Francois 

Hollande in Paris, as well as ECB President 

Mario Draghi in Frankfurt. 

Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert 

said on Friday the message she would 

take to Athens would be that "we want 

to help Greece stabilise itself within the 

euro zone." 

BART De Wever campaigns in the Wilrijk neighbourhood of Antwerp for the October 14 elections. — AFP 

bail out a poorer south or in Britain, 

where the local Scottish government 

is pushing for a vote on independence 

from London. Recent opinion 

polls suggest that the people of Flanders 

— an autonomous territory of 

six million anchored spiritually and 

economically in Antwerp — believe 

De Wever is their man, giving him up 

to 40 per cent of the vote. 

The most likely outcome, how- 

Key Cold War player 

through missile crisis 

By Isaac Risco 

ALMOST four years 

after the triumph of 

its Revolution, Fidel 

Castro's Cuba became the epicentre 

of the Cold War, with 

a crisis that came close to unleashing 

a nuclear catastrophe 

in October 1962. 

The Cuban Missile Crisis 

drew the eyes of the world 

onto the small nation led by 

a 36-year-old guerilla leader. 

The Caribbean island became 

a Latin American outpost in 

the ideological conict between 

the United States and 

the Soviet Union that marked 

the second half of the 20th 

Century. 

"The world was on the 

brink of a thermonuclear war 

as a consequence of the United 

States government's aggressive, 

brutal policy against 

Cuba," Castro said later. The 

Soviet Union secretly prepared 

the installation on Cuba of up 

to 32 nuclear missiles with 

the capacity to reach most of 

the US mainland. The move 

was intended as a response to 

the strategic missiles that the 

United States had deployed in 

Turkey in April 1962. 

As often happened during 

the Cold War, the so-called 

Operation Anadyr, the Soviet 

Union's code word for the 

Cuba project, was one of the 

proxy conicts being waged 

by both superpowers around 

the world. 

At the time, Cuba was the 

leading model of self-determination 

efforts for the Third 

World, nding international 

resonance as the little country 

challenging US dominance 

just a few miles off Miami. 

Riding a wave of condence 

after his April 1961 triumph 

over a US-sponsored invasion 

by anti-Castro exiles at 

the Bay of Pigs, Fidel Castro 

was keen to stand up to Washington 

in the "Crisis de Octubre," 

as the missile face-off is 

known in Cuba. "Those were 

years of patriotic fervour," 

says a 55-year-old resident of 

Havana who remembers her 

childhood days. 

"Everyone was mobilised." 

Castro had good reason to 

fear a US invasion. The missile 

crisis was the climax of 

drawn-out tensions between 

Washington and Havana. The 

conict in fact is credited with 

triggering the irreversible 

"Sovietisation" of the Cuban 

Revolution. 

The bickering began with 

Cuba's rst agrarian reforms 

in 1959 that expropriated large 

amounts of US capital. In 

1960, the United States retaliated 

by cancelling its historic 

sugar import quota. A year lat- 

ever, under the proportional voting 

system is that the Socialists may do 

as well, meaning the two will negotiate 

a coalition, or failing that seek 

support form the smaller parties to 

the left and right. In Belgium's last 

general election in June 2010, the 

N-VA garnered 28 per cent, leaving 

De Wever in such a powerful position 

that no one could form a central government 

for a world record 500 days. 

He then stood back to allow 

French-speaking Socialist Elio Di 

Rupo take ofce but said he considered 

the national government to be 

"illegitimate". 

He warned that he would use an 

election mandate to try to unseat Di 

Rupo, saying the prime minister leads 

"a government with no majority (in 

Flanders) in a democracy that is illegitimate". 

"I think that Di Rupo should go as 

soon as possible... I have no problem 

with Socialist rule but if you want 

Socialist rule, pick up the bill yourself 

— don't send it to someone else," 

he said. 

De Wever said he backs the German 

way — austerity, tight controls, 

the "no free lunch" approach to government, 

which goes down well in 

Flanders, the more prosperous north 

of the country. 

He insisted that this prosperity is 

under threat because the grip of the 

Left on French-speaking, poorer Wallonia 

means "we cannot (implement) 

the right measures in time" to compete 

better abroad. For the south to 

say "'no, keep things as they are,' and 

simply raising taxes time and again... 

is just unbearable," he said. 

ALEX Castro, son of Fidel Castro, with his book “Fidel, 

Fotograas” (Fidel, Photographs) in Mexico City. — AFP 

The Missile Crisis changed 

the global perception of the 

nuclear threat. And, for 

Cuba, it meant a denitive 

rapprochement with Moscow, 

after the initial problems 

er, the year US president John 

F Kennedy approved the Bay 

of Pigs invasion, diplomatic 

ties were severed. 

Cuba promptly turned to 

Moscow with an idea: A delegation 

led by Fidel Castro's 

younger brother and minister 

for the Armed Forces, current 

Cuban President Raul Castro, 

in early July 1962 went to 

Moscow to strike a secret military 

pact, Operation Anadyr, 

for installation of mid-range 

nuclear missiles on Cuban 

soil. The United States rst 

heard of the move in August, 

but only got photographic 

proof from reconnaissance 

planes on October 15, 1962. 

Once it became public 

through a message from US 

president John F Kennedy 

on October 22, Fidel Castro 

declared that the small island 

was ready to put up a ght. 

"The morale of the people 

is extremely high, and the 

people will confront aggression 

heroically," he told Soviet 

leader Nikita Khrushchev 

in a letter dated October 26. 

The next day, Cuban forces 

brought down a U2 plane, 

killing the pilot and provoking 

outrage among US military 

leaders. 

But Kennedy opted not to 

hit back, and Khrushchev and 

Kennedy ended the 13 days of 

brinksmanship by October 27, 

with a superpower deal that 

upset Cuban hopes. Havana 

had hoped that the US would 

also get its troops out of the 

Guantanamo naval base, on 

Cuban soil, and lift the embargo 

on Cuba, but that did 

not happen. 

Castro accused Khrushchev 

of having turned his back 

on Cuba, and having used the 

island as a tool in his dealings 

with the White House. 

"We heard through public 

channels that the Soviets were 

proposing a withdrawal of the 

missiles. And they had not discussed 

it with us at all!" Castro 

recalled years later. 

The Missile Crisis changed 

the global perception of the nuclear 

threat. And, for Cuba, it 

meant a denitive rapprochement 

with Moscow, after the 

initial problems between Castro 

and Khrushchev. 

Despite the aspirations 

of emancipation of the 1959 

Revolution, Castro's Cuba was 

to remain within the Soviet 

orbit until the collapse of the 

Soviet Union. The fall of its 

main ally, moreover, brought 

Cuba's communist government 

close to its own collapse 

as its economic benefactor 

withdrew support. 

Greater integration 

By Alexandra Mayer-Hohdahl 

GREECE and Spain may be the ones making headlines 

in Europe's nancial crisis, but in Brussels all the buzz 

is about integration. From a euro zone budget to a 

European army, ideas about how the continent should pull together 

to better face its headwinds have been arriving from all 

quarters. But the debate is also laying bare the bloc's traditional 

fault lines. 

"A move towards true federalism has the potential to end 

the euro crisis," wrote Sebastian Dullien of the European 

Council on Foreign Relations. "However, even this positive 

scenario entails risks for the single market and European integration." 

"A positive scenario in which the euro zone solves 

the crisis by taking a great leap forward in terms of economic, 

scal and political integration would likely lead to the withdrawal 

of some countries," he added, with Britain squarely at 

the top of the list. 

Facing political pressure at home, British Prime Minister 

David Cameron has not hesitated in the past to split ways with 

his European Union counterparts — most notably on the new 

crisis-ghting budget rules enshrined in the so-called scal 

compact. 

Cameron vowed to veto the EU's 2014-2020 budget if 

needed, and argued that there should actually be two separate 

budgets: one for the 17-member euro zone and another for the 

10 non-euro countries. Others are pushing against the creation 

of a two-speed Europe. European Parliament representatives, 

for instance, insisted that "there must be no division of the 

EU," in a document seen by dpa. "The paradox today is that the 

economic and monetary union — the most advanced frontier 

of European integration — risks becoming a dividing factor. 

This is unacceptable," wrote Italy and Belgium's foreign 

ministers in a recent letter.EU leaders will discuss the call for 

greater integration at their next summit on October 18-19. A 

working document for the summit that was leaked to the media 

includes the idea of a joint budget. 

It mentions the need to move "towards an integrated budgetary 

framework... to ensure sound budgetary policies at the 

national and European levels that contribute to sustainable 

growth and ensure macroeconomic stability." It also raises the 

option of euro zone countries entering "into individual contractual 

arrangements with the European level" on reforms 

they would have to pursue.

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OMAN DAILY Observer TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2012 

F 

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transport, housing, 

meals and visits to 

shrine locations. 

Land and air trips 

weekly. (99311310, 

24566016, 

99361982, 

99707248, 

99322124. 

G 

OOD NEWS NEW 

AYURVEDIC 

Treatment, Yoga Yo massage 

& slimming. slimming Contact: C 

92504980/24475280, 

www.drsajjay.com 

S 

al-haditha 

centre 

AUTO REPAIR 

CENTRE 

Quality Repairs & Maintenance of all 

types of Cars and Heavy vehicles 

(ROP approved Grade A Workshop) 

Telephone: 24595951/1414, Fax: 24597979. 

G 

MURAHIB HOTEL 

APARTMENTS 

APARTMEN 

welcome our valuable 

GUESTS to our 

excellent location, 

AL KHUWAIR, near 

AL ZAWAWI 

MOSQUE, a single 

bedroom, a bedroom & 

majlis, two bedrooms 

& majlis. 24478087, 

Fax: 24482454. 

F 

W 

UEST HO HOUSE 

QURUM BEACH 

HOTEL. 24564070. 

OR SALE 

SALE of Mutton at Al 

Hamriya. 95756233. 

FROM owner residential 

plot 640m 2 , Lansab. 

RO 59,000/-. Contact: 

96306885. 

ANTED 

PURCHASING 

immediately: We would 

like to purchase your 

land at Maabela 

95490842, 9323957. 

ITUATION 

WANTED SITUATION WANTED 

INDIAN female, 28, 

BTech with honours 

(Computers Science), 

pursuing MBA (HR) 

Sem, 2½ years work 

experience, 6 months 

in Muscat, looking for 

opportunity in admin, HR, 

back ofce. Contact: 

93653426, 95328330. 

INSTRUMENTATION 

Engineer having 5 years 

experience in India, having 

skills in PLC, SCADA, 

HMI &VFO, also a 

certied professional in 

primarera and AutoCad 

electrical, presently on 

visit visa, seeks suitable 

placement. 99541689. 

e-mail: varghese.sbce@ 

gmail.com 

INDIAN male, Deck 

Cadet, diploma in 

Nautical Science, 

currently on visit visa. 

Contact: 92612404, 

92648930. e-mail: 

merwynls@gmail.com 

MALE, 38 years, having 

12 yrs exp in accounts & 

nance, with Tally & ERP 

knowledge, looking for 

senior level asst manager 

position. Contact: 

95319707. 

INDIAN male, BE 

Mech, 22 years, with 

3D experienced, looking 

for suitable placement. 

Contact: 97892269. 

CLASSIFIEDS 

Continued on P-15

A GENERAl view shows the assembly during the opening of the World Forum for 

Democracy at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, eastern France, yesterday. — AFP 

GENEVA — The United 

States will oppose any major 

revision to 24-year-old global 

telecommunications regulations 

at an international conference 

in December, the head 

of the US delegation said yesterday, 

insisting the Internet 

must remain free and open. 

"We need to avoid suffocating... 

the Internet space 

through overly-proscriptive 

S 

INDIAN male 

l with 12 

years of Gulf eexperience, 

currently work working as an 

Accounts Manager in a 

reputed co, seeks suitable 

placement. Contact: 

99705790. e-mail: 

dpnmct@gmail.com 

SALES Executive, Indian 

male, 40 years, BBA, MA 

(Public Admin), 15 yrs exp 

in Saudi Arabia, Thailand, 

China, now on visit visa, 

well versed exp in Tally 

SAP (MM Module), 

through knowledge in 

Arabic, English, Hindi, 

seeks good placement in 

Oman. Contact: 

93405704. 

NETWORKING Engineer, 

Indian male, BSc, MCA, 

32 yrs, working knowledge 

of system support engineer, 

software, hardware, 8 yrs 

exp in Singapore, Thailand, 

India, seeks suitable 

placement in Oman. 

Contact: 

92781754. e-mail: 

sis_mca@yahoo.com 

proposals that would seek 

to control content or seek to 

mandate routing and payment 

practices," said Terry Kramer, 

special envoy named for World 

Conference on International 

Telecommunications (WCIT) 

in Dubai later this year. 

Speaking to reporters in 

Geneva, Kramer said Washington 

was eager to co-operate 

with other nations to reach 

OMANI seeks H.S.E. 

position. contact: 

jeebal3000@gmail.com 

INDIAN male, BCA with 

rst class, work experience 

of 7 years in IT support 

(network, desktop, user end 

support, active directory, 

exchange server etc). 

Contact: 94286465. 

OMANI PRO, 5 years 

experience, seeks suitable 


98206653. 

BE Mechanical, Indian 

with QC - ASNT level 

II certicate, 1 year 

experience as site engineer 

in Indian renery. Contact: 

91128984, 92831958. 

INDIAN male, post 

graduate, above 10 yrs 

work exp (real estate, ofce 

admin, warehousing), 

seeks suitable placement. 

96303264. e-mail: 

lakshman20245@gmail. 

com 

a consensus on alterations to 

regulations set up by the UN's 

International Telecommunication 

Union (ITU) in 1988, 

but stressed that only minimal 

changes would be acceptable. 

Kramer reiterated Washington's 

opposition to proposals 

from a number of countries 

to expand the ITU's authority 

to regulate the Internet. 

— AFP 

INDIAN male, BCom, MA 

public admin, PG diploma 

in supply logistic mgnt, 

total 18, Oman 14 yrs, 

overall work experience 

in general management 

(sales/logistics/purchase), 

with D/L, seeks suitable 


e-mail: marsvenkat2012@ 

gmail.com 

QS - Sri Lankan male (1 

year visa/NOC available), 

advance diploma - UK, 

more than 9 years 

experience. Contact: 

93044123, 94051109, 

+94774794088 e-mail: 

msfarzan@gmail.com 

INDIAN male, 30 years 

MCA, 4 years experience 

in IT, Desktop Support, 

Windows server 2008, 

Exchange Server, PHP 

programming and 1+ 

years exp in Oman, seeks 

suitable position. Contact: 

98677350. E-mail: 

emustafa_mca@yahoo. 

co.in 

Mailing Address: OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS SECTION, P.O. Box 974, Muscat, P.C. 100 

Location: OEPPA HEAD OFFICE, Medinat Al Alam, 

Near Ministry of Information 24649 593, 594, 594, 595, 596, 597 

& OEPPA Ruwi Office, Next to Dhofar Bldg, Behind Ruwi Police Station 24785668 

15 

THE WORLD/CLASSIFIEDS 


INDIAN female, BSc. 

(Math), +16 years 

experience. Seeks 

placement as Math and 

Science teacher in schools. 

Contact: e-mail: mist-tc@ 

yahoo.com 99880343. 

SALESMAN cum driver, 2 

years Oman experience, 

seeks job. 98010468. 

INDIAN female, diploma 

in general nursing, finished 

Oman attestation, 3 years 

experience as a staff nurse 

97231071. 

INDIAN female, 28 years 

banking experience in a 

nationalised bank in India 

(now on resident visa) 

seeks suitable position. 

Contact: 999356451 

e-mail: leena3857@yahoo. 

com 

MECHANICAL Engineer 

having 10 years GCC 

experience having valid 

Omani driving licence is 

looking for immediate job 

in a reputed company. 

Please contact: 

96093552. 

INDIAN male, 24 years, 

BTech in electronics 

and communication 

engineering, MCSE, 1 year 

experience in relevant eld, 

excellent communication 

skill, looking for suitable 


93790414. 

fadhilashraf@gmail.com 

INDIAN male, BE 

(electronic & 

Communication Eingineer) 

on going MBA, CCNA 

completed experinec in 

India currently working in 

Oman. Seeks suitable 


e-mail: thejus2310@gmail. 

com 93807203. 

MALE, 22 years, looking 

for suitable position 

in Sales & Marketing. 

Contact: 93904004. 


First step in privatisation 

Hope of reducing space industry costs 

WASHINGTON — A cargoladen 

capsule yesterday was 

on its way to the International 

Space Station on Nasa's rst 

privately-run supply mission 

after a successful blast-off atop 

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. 

The capsule named Dragon 

reached orbit and spread its 

two wing-like solar antennas 

10 minutes after the rocket 

pierced the night sky over 

the Kennedy Space Center in 

Cape Canaveral, Florida late 

on Sunday. 

"It's a great evening. Dragon 

was inserted into a picture 

perfect orbit. Its solar rays deployed 

and it's driving its way 

to station," SpaceX president 

Gwynne Shotwell told reporters 

after the launch. 

She later noted that there 

was "an anomaly on engine 

one," though she said she did 

yet have details, adding that 

the equipment was designed 

to overcome engine loss. 

The mission — the rst 

of 12 planned trips in the US 

rm's $1.6 billion contract 

with Nasa — is a milestone for 

American efforts to privatise 

the space industry, in hopes of 

reducing costs and spreading 

them among a wider group. 

"We're handing off to the 

private sector our transporta- 

ITUATION ITUATIO WANTED SITUATION WANTED SITUATION WANTED 

BE Electrical Engineer 

with 2-3 yrs of experience 

special technical skills 

on AutoCad, MS Ofce, 

PLC, SCADA, currently 

on a visit visa, looking 

for suitable placement. 

Contact: 94339294. 

E-mail: varunrameshan@ 

gmail.com 

DIPLOMA civil engineer, 

3 years in Oman 

experience in tendering 

work project planning, 

driving licence. Contact: 

93914353. 

A DRIVER wants to work 

with Omani family in Al 

Athaiba. Contact: 

97911911. 

INVENTORY Controller 

with more than 8 years 

experience in Middle 

East in FMCG/Retail/3pc 

is looking for suitable 

posting. Contact: 

96372791. 

SRI Lankan housemaid, 

good experience with 

European family looking 

for job. 92369778. 

OMANI seeks 

administration & PRO 


salam2oman@yahoo.com. 

HARD working female 23 

years, possessing BBA 

certificate seeking a 

suitable job in the admin/ 

marketing field as 

marketing executive. 

e-mail: 1234.norreen@ 

gmail.com 

95483803/24711134. 

OMANI female having 

more than 5 years of 

experience in taking 

up administrative and 

secretarial works in 

multi-national companies, 


97094419. 

tion to the International Space 

Station so that Nasa can focus 

on what we do best: exploring 

even deeper into our solar system 

with missions to an asteroid 

and Mars on the horizon," 

Nasa Administrator Charles 

Bolden said at a press meet. 

"This is what I call a historic 

event in the annals of 

spaceight," he said. 

"This was not something 

that Nasa prepared, built, 

bought or did anything. 

SpaceX as a private company 

and our partner produced 

what you saw tonight. That's 

American industry at its best," 

he added. 

US against telecom rules change Georgian cabinet picks Tanker missing 

TBILISI — Georgian tycoon 

Bidzina Ivanishvili named 

a retired soccer player and a 

former envoy to the United 

Nations yesterday as his prospective 

cabinet deputies after 

leading an opposition coalition 

to election victory. 

Ivanishvili, the billionaire 

political newcomer whose sixparty 

Georgian Dream ended 

President Mikheil Saakash- 

vili's nine-year dominance in 

the Caucasus nation, intends 

to become prime minister after 

parliament convenes later this 

month. He named his picks 

for some senior government 

posts, shunning Saakashvili 

allies as expected after a bitter 

campaign in the nation that 

is an arena of strategic rivalry 

between Russia and the West. 

— Reuters 

ATHENS — The Greek manager 

of a Bahamas-agged 

tanker carrying over 32,000 

metric tonnes of gasoline 

yesterday reported the vessel 

missing after it left Abidjan 

in the Ivory Coast in the early 

hours of Saturday. 

The tanker Orfeas, 

crewed by two Greeks and 

22 Filipinos, had been expected 

to discharge its cargo 

at Abidjan. — Reuters 

OMANI male having 

more than 10 years of 

experience as a senior 

PRO in many local and 

international companies 

with very good relations 

and communication 

skills required for a PRO 

executive, seeks suitable 


INDIAN male, MBA, 

4 years experience in 

sales & marketing, good 

communication in English, 

Hindi. Contact: 

94354153. 

INDIAN male, MSc 

Microbiology, 3 

years experience as a 

Microbiologist, looking 

for a job as Microbiologist. 

74% of marks in PG. 

94282603. E-mail: 

nishkerala@gmail.com 

MICROSOFT certied IT 

system administrator with 

Oman driving licence, 3 

years experience in Oman 


Contact: 98427610, 

e-mail: royph4u@gmail. 

com 

26 YEARS Oman 

experienced Bldg 

Maintenance Supervisorcum-Manager 

on visit 

visa, tendering, estimation 

with valid Omani driving 

licence. 95154087. 

INDIAN male, 

BTech, Electronics 

& Instrumentation 

Engineer, 1½ years 

experience in Oman in 

instrument installation and 

maintenance in industries 

and fuel lling stations. 

Prociency in PLC, 

SCADA and AutoCad. 

Contact: 94252628. 

A SUDANESE female 

graduate, IT specialised, 

experience in marketing, 

communication companies 

and experience as secretary 

and human resources and 

co-ordination in oil companies. 

Contact: 92308316. 

British-Japanese duo win 

Nobel Medicine Prize 

SHINYA Yamanaka (L) and John Gurdon. 

STOCKHOLM — Shinya 

Yamanaka of Japan and John 

B Gurdon of Britain won the 

Nobel Medicine Prize yesterday 

for their groundbreaking 

work on stem cells, the jury 

said. The pair were honoured 

"for the discovery that mature 

cells can be reprogrammed to 

become pluripotent," it said. 

The two discovered "that 

mature, specialised cells can 

be reprogrammed to become 

immature cells capable of developing 

into all tissues of the 

body," it said. 

By reprogramming human 

cells, "scientists have created 

new opportunities to study 

diseases and develop methods 

for diagnosis and therapy," 

INDIAN male, 24, fresh 

BBM graduate seeks any 

kind of job specialised 

in marketing, computer 

literate and having good 

communication skills. 

Now on visit visa. 

Contact: 97090426. 

E-mail: vishalnambiar602 

@gmail.com 

GRADUATE Engineer 

in Electronics and Communication 

with two and 

a half years experience in 

telecommunication eld 

having valid Oman driving 

licence, looking for suitable 

placement. Contact 

95716974. 

INDIAN male, 24 years, 1 

year experience in accounts 

& admin, seeks suitable 

placement. 

97253005. 

INDIAN male, 29, BCom, 

8 years experience in 

accounts up to nalisation, 

better knowledge in Focus 

ERP, Tally & MS Ofce, 5 

years experience in Oman, 


Contact: 98496906. 

PAKISTANI, 33, holding 

bachelor degree in 

Economics, 12 yrs exp 

including in Oman in HR/ 

admin, Islamic nance, 

promotion, sales, gem 

accounting procurement, 

warehouse, seeks better 


97404202, e-mail: 

abdulmaalik2011@gmail. 

com 

ACCOUNTANT, Sri 

Lankan, completed CIMA 

(UK), 15 years experience 

in native and Middle East. 

Contact: 92230462. 

maithrees@gmail.com 

ACCOUNTS Manager, 

Indian male, 48 years 

having 22 years of wide 

experience in accounts, 

nance and banking, seeks 

job change. Contact: 

92785207. 

the Nobel committee said. 

Gurdon is currently at the 

Gurdon Institute in Cambridge, 

while Yamanaka is a 

professor at Kyoto University 

in Japan. 

Because of the economic 

crisis, the Nobel Foundation 

has slashed the prize sum to 

eight million Swedish kronor 

($1.2 million, 930,000 euros) 

per award, down from the 10 

million kronor awarded since 

2001. 

Last year, the honour went 

to Bruce Beutler of the United 

States, Jules Hoffmann 

of Luxembourg and Ralph 

Steinman of Canada, for their 

work on the immune system. 

— AFP 

INDIAN female, MBA 

graduate with airline 

experience, seeks suitable 

placements. 

Contact: 95317935 

27, MALE, 6 years 

experience in Oman, valid 

Omani driving licence, 

looking for suitable 

placement as electrical 

engineer in oil & gas eld. 

93782685. 

MBA (O&M), BTech 

(CSE), 2+ years of 

experience in operations, 

admin and sourcing, Indian 

female, seeks suitable 


FEMALE graduate in 

Computer Science Engineering 

with 3 years 

experience in teaching 

profession in India and 

four months teaching 

experience in Oman. 95% 

marks in English and 

Mathematics. Looking for 

suitable placement. Contact: 

99118817. 

B.TECH Mech Engr, 

10 years industrial exp 

in contract & project 

management, installation & 

erection of various 

projects, steel structure 

project, STP, sewer 

network, chemical plants, 

working exp on Primavera, 

AutoCAD, MS Ofce, 

Omani driving licence. 

Contact: 97793259 

shahid-gew@rediffmail. 

com 

INDIAN male, 24 years, B 

Tech in Electronics and 

Communication 

Engineering, MCSE, 1 

year experience in 

telecommunication field, 

excellent communication 

skills. Contact 

93790414. 

CLASSIFIED 

SECTION 

RUWI: 

24785668

FLIGHT LIGHT SSCHEDULE 

CHEDULE 

ARRIVALS LS — TUESDAY 

Flight No Aircraft From om / Via STA 

WY614 B737-8 Dubai 0005 

WY682 B737-8 Riyadh 0015 

WY648 B737-8 Kuwait 0015 

TK858 B737-8 Istanbul 0130 

BG021 DC10 Dacca-Chittagong 0130 

IX141 B737-8 Amritsar 0140 

PK225 B737-3 Karachi 0200 

QR170 A320 Doha 0315 

EY384 A320 Abu Dhabi 0350 

EK866 B777 Dubai 0355 

FZ041 B737-8 Dubai 0415 

GF560 E190 Bahrain 0425 

MS930 B737-8 Cairo 0500 

WY146 A330-200 Malpensa 0605 

WY122 A330-300 Munich 0630 

WY114 A330-300 Frankfurt 0645 

WY652 E175AR Bahrain 0700 

WY662 E175AR Doha 0700 

FZ043 B737-8 Dubai 0740 

WY132 A330-200 Paris 0745 

WY674 B737-8 Jeddah 0800 

WY202 B737-8 Bombay 0800 

WY914 B737-8 Salalah 0800 

WY632 ATR42 Abu Dhabi 0800 

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WY262 B737-8 Lucknow 0920 

EK862 B777 Dubai 0930 

QR166 A321 Doha 0950 

G9113 A320 Sharjah 0955 


PK191 ATR42 Gwadur 1045 

9W530 B737-8 Trivandrum 1045 

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IX549 B737-8 Trivandrum 1050 

WY604 E175AR Dubai 1100 

WY916 E175AR Salalah 1200 

WY314 B737-8 Chittagong 1210 


IX337 B737-8 Calicut 1255 

WY918 ATR42 Khasab 1315 

WY606 B737-8 Dubai 1330 

WY924 A330-300 Salalah 1410 

IX815 B737-8 Mangalore 1425 


FZ045 B737-8 Dubai 1545 

RJ602 ERJ175 Amman 1545 

WY664 E175AR Doha 1615 

WY328 B737-8 Lahore 1640 



WY204 B737-8 Bombay 1655 

WY244 B737-8 Delhi 1710 

WY298 B737-8 Calicut 1750 

WY284 B737-8 Bangalore 1800 

WY216 B737-8 Trivandrum 1805 

GF564 A319 Bahrain 1810 

WY236 B737-8 Hyderabad 1835 


SV534 EMB170 Riyadh 1900 

TG507 A330 Bangkok-Karachi 1900 

G9117 A320 Sharjah 1905 

WY926 B737-8 Salalah 1945 

FZ047 B737-8 Dubai 2020 


WY338 B737-8 Kathmandu 2100 

AI973 A320 Delhi 2125 

BA073 B777 London Heathrow-Abu Dhabi 2130 


WY926 B737-8 Salalah 2155 

AI907 A319 Madras 2200 

WY406 B737-8 Cairo 2215 

WY381 A330-300 Male-Colombo 2215 

LH618 A330 Frankfurt-Abu Dhabi 2225 


QR168 A320 Doha 2235 

LX242 A330 Zurich-Dubai 2235 

GF566 B737-7 Bahrain 2250 

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WY624 ATR42 Al Ain 2305 

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AI985 A321 Ahmedabad-Bombay 2310 

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WY686 B737-8 Dammam 2320 

9W534 B737-8 Cochin 2330 

WY816 A330-200 Bangkok 2335 

9W540 B737-8 Bombay 2340 

WY258 B737-8 Madras 2340 

QUOTATIONS FOR TODAY 

He fell in love with himself at first sight, 

and it is a passion to which he has always 

remained faithful. Self-love seems so often 

unrequited. 

— Anthony Powell 

He who is most slow in making a promise is 

the most faithful in performance of it. 

— Jean-Jacques Rousseau 

CINEMA 

FILM INFORMATION 

www.citycinemaoman.net 

AL BAHJA CINEMA: 

24540856, 24540855. 

AL NASR CINEMA: 

24831358, 24831809 (after 3pm) 

AL SHATTI PLAZA: 

24607360, 24692656 (after 2pm) 

STARS CINEMA: 

24791641, 24792360 

MAJLIS A’SHURA 

ADDRESSES 

Keep in touch with Majlis Ash’shura’s news. 

Log on to the Majlis’s website: 

www.shura.om 

and the Majlis’s 

e-mail: info@shura.om 

Or write to the Majlis’s postal address: 

P O Box 981 

Postal Code 111, Muscat 

Tel: 24510344 / 24521427/ 

Fax 24510560 

INFORMATION 

MINISTRY WEBSITES 

Ministry: www.omanet.om 

Oman TV: 

www.oman-tv.gov.om 

Oman Radio: 

www.oman-radio.gov.om 

Omani Centre for Traditional Music: www. 

octm-folk.gov.om 

OMAN RADIO 

06.00 am Opening, Royal Anthem, The Holy Quran, 

Preview of Morning Programme, Weather Forecast, 

Pharmacies on Duty; 06.15 Good Morning Oman; 

07.00 News Bulletin; 07.10 Good Morning Oman 

(Sat-Wed); 10.00 News Headlines; 10.02 Piano; 

11.00 Instrumental Music; 11.30 Light Classical 

Music; 12.00 News Headlines; 12.02 Artist of the 

Day - June; 12.07 Mid Day Edition - June; 02.30 

News Bulletin; 02.40 Behind The Wheel (Laxmi); 

04.00 News Headlines; 04.02 Moments in Music 

History (Laxmi); 04.07 Lifestyle - Laxmi; 06.30 News 

Bulletin; 06.40 Out in Oman; 07.00 Top 10 (Laxmi); 

08.00 News Headlines; 08.02 Night Express 

(Madiha); 10.00 News Bulletin; 10.10 Latino Beat 

(5.30pm Friday Repeat); 11.10 D.J Mix (Saleh 

Masruri); 12.40 News Summary; 12.45 The Holy 

Quran; 01.00 National Anthem, Close Down. 

DEPARTURES 

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9W539 B737-8 Bombay 0045 

KQ318 B737-8 Nairobi 0050 

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WY261 B737-8 Lucknow 0125 

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9W529 B737-8 Trivandrum 0130 

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WY313 B737-8 Chittagong 0200 

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TK859 B737-8 Istanbul 0220 

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PK226 B737-3 Karachi 0300 

BG022 DC10 Chittagong-Dacca 0300 

EK867 B777 Dubai 0500 

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QR171 A320 Doha 0550 

MS931 B737-8 Cairo 0600 



WY915 E175AR Salalah 0800 


FZ044 B737-8 Dubai 0820 

WY243 B737-8 Delhi 1000 

WY717 B737-8 Zanzibar-Dar-es-Salaam 1000 

WY327 B737-8 Lahore 1000 

WY825 A330-200 Kuala Lumpur 1000 

WY923 A330-300 Salalah 1005 

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WY215 B737-8 Trivandrum 1010 

WY815 A330-200 Bangkok 1010 

WY917 ATR42 Khasab 1030 

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G9114 A320 Sharjah 1035 

WY203 B737-8 Bombay 1040 

EK863 B777 Dubai 1045 


QR167 A321 Doha 1055 


WY235 B737-8 Hyderabad 1115 

PK192 ATR42 Gwadur-Turbat 1130 

9W533 B737-8 Cochin 1145 

IX554 B737-8 Cochin-Trivandrum 1150 

WY337 B737-8 Kathmandu 1155 

WY663 E175AR Doha 1215 


WY405 B737-8 Cairo 1310 



IX350 B737-8 Calicut 1355 

WY101 A330-300 London Heathrow 1400 

WY227 B737-8 Cochin 1445 


IX142 B737-8 Abu Dhabi-Amritsar 1515 

WY671 A330-300 Jeddah 1540 

WY257 B737-8 Madras 1545 

FZ046 B737-8 Dubai 1630 

RJ603 ERJ175 Amman 1630 


WY925 B737-8 Salalah 1750 


GF565 A319 Bahrain 1855 

WY685 B737-8 Dammam 1905 

WY647 B737-8 Kuwait 1905 

WY927 B737-8 Salalah 1905 

WY681 B737-8 Riyadh 1910 

WY667 B737-7 Doha 1910 

WY655 B737-8 Bahrain 1915 

G9118 A320 Sharjah 1945 

SV535 EMB170 Riyadh 2000 

TG508 A330 Karachi-Bangkok 2005 

WY623 ATR42 Al Ain 2015 

WY613 B737-8 Dubai 2045 

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WY635 E175AR Abu Dhabi 2105 

WY913 B737-8 Salalah 2245 

AI908 A319 Madras 2300 

AI974 A320 Delhi 2310 


LX243 A330 Dubai-Zurich 2335 

QR169 A320 Doha 2335 

GF567 B737-7 Bahrain 2345 

LH619 A330 Abu Dhabi-Frankfurt 2345 

LIBRA 

(September 23- 

October 22) 

You must not let 

yourself be intimidated by an offputting 

examiner as long as you 

are condent in your ability to 

pass a test. 

SCORPIO 

(October 23- 

November 21) 

A relative’s readiness 

to make amends for his unfair attitude 

towards you will restore the 

affection, which existed between 

you in the past. 

SAGITTARIUS 

(November 22- 

December 21) 

If you are considering 

discarding some old books think 

very carefully before parting with 

them because you may regret it 

later. 

CAPRICORN 

(December 

22-January 20) 

A most cordial letter 

from a friend abroad will dispel 

any doubts you may have had 

about his continued affection. 

16 

INFORMATION/LEISURE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2012 

PHARMACIES 

PHARM 

24-HOUR SERVICE 

Al Hashar ph, Ruwi 24783334 

Muscat ph, Ruwi, 24702542 

Al Sarooj, 24695536 

Scientific ph, Qurum, 24566601 

Ruwi, 24702850 

DAY DUTY 

Muscat Scientific 24423684 

Kims Oman 24760135 

Al Khuwair 24482044 

Scientific 24537127 

Sur Masira 25544033 

Buraimi Al Haditha 25650755 

Ibri Al Huda 25692604 

Nizwa Qarn al Rawdha 

25425012 

Salalah Muscat 23291635 

Sohar Badr Al Saama 

26846660 

NIGHT DUTY 

Muscat Al Seeb 24420294 

Apollo 24787766 

Ghubra 24497264 

Muscat 24535977 

Sur Ibn Sina 25540669 

Buraimi Yaas 25653855 

Ibri Muscat 25689216 

Barka Muscat 26885378 

Rustaq Al Muselhi 26877687 

Nizwa Qalaa 25431666 

Samayil Balsam 25351064 

Salalah Abu al Dhahab 

23291303 

Sinaw Badr al Jashmi 

25524533 

Ibra Al Bawaria 25572556 

Sohar Muscat 26840211 

KHOULA HOSPITAL VISITING HOURS 

Private & Other Wards 

Working Days: 16:00-18:00. Weekends & Public 

Holidays: 10:-12:00, 16:00-18:00 

ICU 

Working Days: 16:00-17:00. Weekends & Public 

Holidays: 16:00-17:00 

Special Care Baby Unit 

Working Days: Parents may visit at any time. 

Weekends & Public Holidays: Parents may visit 

at any time 

YOUR STARS 

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY: Knowing your abilities and understanding of problems assert yourself more at work in 

the coming year. You don’t want to be left behind by people who are quite willing to walk over their fellow workers in 

order to get ahead. Don’t run away from family disagreements but do your best to smooth things over. 

AQUARIUS 

(January 21- 

February 19) 

A more heartfelt show 

of gratitude will convince your 

benefactor how fully appreciative 

you are of his generous gift. 

PISCES 

(February 20- 

March 20) 

You should have more 

self-respect than to make overtures 

to a person of the opposite 

sex who has always failed to give 

you any encouragement. 

ARIES 

(March 21-April 20) 

If you have some free 

time today use it for 

relaxation and fun instead of tackling 

some of tomorrow’s work. 

You should lighten your serious 

approach to life. 

TAURUS 

(April 21-May 20) 

An offer made to you 

will be well worth 

considering providing you are 

ready to wait and be patient until 

nal details are available. 

CARTOONS 

GEMINI 

(May 21-June 21) 

Don’t be too disappointed 

if your partner 

is unable to fall in with your plans 

for a weekend away next month. 

There will be another and even 

better opportunity later on. 

CANCER 

(June 22-July 21) 

Let a day or two elapse 

for things to develop 

before you nally decide to take 

some drastic measure with a disruptive 

child. 

LEO 

(July 22-August 21) 

Although you don’t 

welcome the changes 

being made at work you may as 

well accept them with god grace 

because they are inevitable in the 

present economic climate. 

VIRGO 

(August 22- 

September 22) 

If anybody is trying to 

stie your enthusiasm for a person 

of the opposite sex, it would 

be best to ignore it, and to follow 

your own inclinations. 

ADAM @ HOME by Brian Basset 

CALVIN AND HOBBES by Bill Watterson 

GARFIELD by Jim Davis 

STONE SOUP by Jan Eliot 

Hospital . . . .Board . . . . . Emergency 

Royal. . . . . . .24599000 . . 24590491 

Health Services Department 

Muttrah . . . . .24797602 

Quriyat . . . . .24845001 . . 24845003 

SQH, Salalah 23211555 . . 23211151 

Police . . . . . .24603988 . . 24603980 

Al Nahda. . . .24831255 . . 24837800 

Ibn Sina . . . .24876322 . . 24877361 

Nizwa . . . . . .25439361 . . 25425033 

Al Rustaq . . .26875055 . . 26877186 

Sumayil. . . . .25350055 . . 25350022 

Izki . . . . . . . .25340033 . . 25340033 

Haima . . . . . .23436013 . . 23436055 

OTHER HOSPITALS 

CRYPTIC PUZZLE 

ACROSS 

1 The duchess’s game (5) 

6 As worn by the 

astronomer? (5) 

9 Dyes that do so are a 

failure (7) 

10 It’s after frisky fun that 

one’s out of condition 

(5) 

11 The highest point? (5) 

12 How Stein became 

established? (3,2) 

13 The educator had tea 

with an actress (7) 

15 Keep her quiet! (3) 

17 Marble, perhaps, in 

architectural use (4) 

18 Unexcited on the way to 

a meeting (6) 

19 Don’t allow bread to 

spoil (5) 

20 No out-of-the-way 

incursion! (6) 

22 It’s the very reverse of a 

bit of malevolence! (4) 

24 An element of rust 

protection (3) 

25 Seemed intimidated by 

female wild deer (7) 

26 It’s power that gives an 

aircraft height (5) 

27 Discuss the toss? (5) 

28 Stuff that makes a bad 

stain (5) 

29 A handy skill? (7) 

30 Prepares or cooks up 

new diets (5) 

31 Sing high in the Alps? 

(5) 

DOWN 

2 Watch that horse! (6) 

3 A change of rod (6) 

4 Rested for one short day 

(3) 

5 Absolute hush, always 

(5) 

6 Any one of certain trees, 

possibly including pine 

(7) 

7 School of Suetonius (4) 

8 Quite at home at the 

crease (3,3) 

12 Used a certain machine 

ACROSS 

2 Brittle (5) 

7 Kind (5) 

8 Reimburse (5) 

10 Relaxed (5) 

12 Brown (3) 

13 Domesticated (5) 

15 Polluted (7) 

17 Escaped (6) 

19 Vehicle (3) 

20 Purified (7) 

23 Pace (4) 

25 Sketch (4) 

26 Harmed (7) 

30 Decay (3) 

31 Relegate (6) 

34 Clutched (7) 

37 Managed (5) 

38 Noise (3) 

39 Twelve (5) 

40 Send (5) 

41 Fresher (5) 

42 Harmony (5) 

DOWN 

1 Lawful (5) 

2 Belief (5) 

3 Peruser (6) 

4 Rushed (4) 

5 Withdrew (7) 

Sohar . . . . . .26840022 . . 26840099 

Al Buraimi . . .25650855 . . 25652319 

Sur . . . . . . . .25440244 . . 25461373 

Tanam. . . . . .25499011 . . 25499033 

Masirah. . . . .25404018 . . 25404018 

Ibra . . . . . . . .25470533 . . 25470535 

Adam . . . . . .25434167 . . 25434055 

Bidiya . . . . . .25483535 . . 25483535 

Ibri. . . . . . . . .25491011 . . 25491990 

Saham . . . . .26854427 . . 26855148 

Khasab . . . . .26830187 . . 26830187 

Dibba . . . . . .26836443 . . 26836443 

Burkha . . . . .26828397 . . 26828397 

Sinaw . . . . . .25474338 

for destroying weeds (5) 

13 Going without a word 

that’s understood (5) 

14 Not the hiker’s favourite 

fruit (5) 

15 Officer of the crown (5) 

16 Cried upon finding me 

married (5) 

18 Something afoot at an 

age that’s destructive (5) 

19 Defoe and Boone, say, 

or maybe Paul (7) 

21 As a hunter, he gave 

some animals stick! (6) 

22 Played smoothly to leg 

out of the middle of the 

bat? (6) 

23 City of wet streets (6) 

25 This person in authority 

doesn’t seem to have 

any sex (5) 

26 It just has to be used in 

winemaking (4) 

28 To turn up with this is 

pushy (3) 

EASY PUZZLE 

ACROSS 

1 Capture (5) 

6 Sucrose (5) 

9 Extremely ugly (7) 

M USEUMS IN OMAN 

FAISAL BIN ALI AL SAID 

MUSEUM, 

Tel: 24641650 

MUSEUM OF OMANI HERITAGE, 

Tel: 24600946 

CHILDREN’S SCIENCE MUSEUM. 

Tel: 24605368 

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, 

Tel: 24641374 

NATIONAL MUSEUM, Tel: 24701289 

SULTAN’S ARMED FORCES 

MUSEUM, Tel: 24312646 

CURRENCY MUSEUM, 

Tel: 24796102 

MUSCAT GATE MUSEUM, 

Tel: 24739005. 

OMANI-FRENCH MUSEUM (Bait 

Fransa), Tel: 24736613 

BAIT AL ZUBAIR, Tel: 24736688 

BAIT A’NAMAN, Tel: 24641300 

SOHAR FORT MUSEUM. 

Tel: 26844758 

NAHKAL FORT, Tel: 26781384 

BAIT AL MAKHAM. Tel: 24641300 

BAIT ADAM MUSEUM, QURUM, 

Tel: 24605033, 24605013 

OIL AND GAS EXHIBITION 

CENTRE AND PLANETARIUM, 

Tel: 24677834. 

PLANETARIUM, Tel: 24675542. 

AQUARIUM at the Marine Science 

and Fisheries Centre (located next to 

Marina Bandar Rowdha, Sidab). 

SALALAH MUSEUM, Tel: 23294549 

CULTURAL CENTRE, 

Tel: 23294549. 

SUR MARITIME MUSEUM, 

Tel: 24541466. 

BAIT AL BARANDA, Tel: 24714262. 

CROSSWORD 

10 Notions (5) 

11 Brings up (5) 

12 Protect (5) 

13 Burial or cremation (7) 

15 Bounder (3) 

17 Spoken (4) 

18 Appearance (6) 

19 Polite (5) 

20 Irregular (6) 

22 Mediocre (2-2) 

24 Insane (3) 

25 Legal punishment (7) 

26 Complete (5) 

27 Stadium (5) 

28 Stiff (5) 

29 Elocution (7) 

30 Faint (5) 

31 Cant (5) 

DOWN 

2 Fervour (6) 

3 House of God (6) 

4 Belonging to him (3) 

5 South Korean capital (5) 

6 Dreamlike (7) 

7 Second-hand (4) 

8 Overseas (6) 

12 Street urchin (5) 

13 Tribunal (5) 

14 Nude (5) 

15 Girl’s name (5) 

16 Lure (5) 

QUICK CROSSWORD 

6 Sheet (5) 

9 Friend (3) 

11 Determined (7) 

13 Taut (5) 

14 Pondered (5) 

16 Devotee (3) 

18 Discussed (7) 

21 Sag (5) 

22 Possessed (5) 

24 Vegetable (7) 

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 

EMERGENCY 9 9 9 9 

DG of Passports & Residency, 24569603 

DG of Customs, 24714626 

Traffic offences, 24510227/228 

ROP Public Relations, 24569270 

Consumer Complaints Cell, 24817013 

Muscat Governorate Headquarters, 24560021 

Muscat, 24736611 

Wattayah, 24677990 

Ruwi, 24701099 

Muttrah, 24712211 

Bausher, 24600099 

Al Amerat, 24875999 

Qurayat, 24845555 

A’Seeb, 24420099 

Al-Athaiba, 24521099 

AI-Khodh, 24425012 

Directorate of the University Security, 

24513999 

Directorate of Traffic Muscat, 24567898 

Al Batinah Headquarters, 26840096 

Al Rustaq Division, 26875099 

Al Dakhiliyah, 25425099 

Nizwa Division, 25425099 

Samayil Division, 25350099 

Al Sharqiyah Headquarters, 25545070 

Ibra Division, 25570100 

Al Dhahirah Headquarters, 25650099 

Al Buraimi Division, 25650199 

Ibri Division, 25689099 

Al Wusta Headquarters, 23436099 

Haima Division, 23436211 

Special Task Force, 24560088 

Coastguard Headquarters, 24714888 

Dhofar Governorate Headquarters, 23234599 

Salalah Police Station, 23290099 

Thamrait Division, 23279099 

Musandam Governorate Headquarters, 

26730299 

Khasab Division, 26731502 

ROP websites: www.rop.gov.om, www.ropoman. 

net and 

e-mail: ropnet@omantel.net.om 

18 Five-pound note (5) 

19 Sure (7) 

21 Taper (6) 

22 Salty (6) 

23 Try hard (6) 

25 Trivial (5) 

26 Unfasten (4) 

28 Steal from (3) 

YESTERDAY’S 

CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS 

ACROSS: 3, Flush 8, Luc-re 

10, Woven 11, Poe 12, 

Ja-Des 13, Opt-I-mum 15, 

Decks 18, Gap 19, Medusa 

21, Shrines 22, Heat 23, 

Lift 24, Peter-Ed 26, Eraser 

29, Rat 31, Rode-O 32, 

Tendril 34, A-p-hid 35, Oil 

(skin) 36, Still 37, S-W-oon 

38, Sewer. 

DOWN: 1, Puppy 2, F-reight 

4, Loa-m 5, Swedes 

6, H-osed 7, Jerks 9, Cot 

12, Ju-pit-er 14, Ma-R 16, 

C-up-ID 17, Salty 19, Metered 

20, Ch.-e’er 21, Salad 

23, Let down 24, People 

25, Ran 27, Roots 28, Seals 

30, Pi-lot 32, Tire 33, Rio. 

YESTERDAY’S EASY 

SOLUTIONS 

ACROSS: 3. Madam; 8. 

Rip up; 10. Decay; 11. Tar; 

12. Basra; 13. Dangles; 15. 

Onset; 18. Lad; 19. Sister; 

21. Pageant; 22. Liar; 23. 

Lets; 24. Bid fair; 26. 

Astral; 29. Fit; 31. Susan; 

32. Elderly; 34. Barge; 35. 

Rat; 36. Stain; 37. Caper; 

38. Daisy. 

DOWN: 1. Vital; 2. 

Burglar; 4. Alas; 5. Adroit; 

6. Means; 7. Payee; 9. 

Pan; 12. Bedevil; 14. Lag; 

16. Steer; 17. Trash; 19. 

Snafe; 20. Alias; 21. 

Pants; 23. Literal; 24. 

Banana; 25. Aid; 27. Suite; 

28. Rabid; 30. Alter; 32. 

Eggs; 33. Rap. 

27 Swab (3) 

28 Proper (6) 

29 Command (5) 

32 Cash (5) 

33 Principle (5) 

35 Objective (3) 

36 Disheartened (4) 

YESTERDAY’S QUICK 

SOLUTION 

ACROSS: 2, Irked 7, Oral 

8, United 9, Ledge 11, Bar 

13, God 15, Eden 16, Has 

18, Erne 19, Fertile 20, Used 

22, Face 23, Decreed 25, 

Even 27, Tap 28, Mere 30, 

Dad 31, Dud 33, Peace 36, 

Bitter 37, Near 38, Yield. 

DOWN: 1, Tread 2, Ill 3, 

Kid 4, Due 5, Wit 6, Felon 

10, Gear 11, Bemused 12, 

Receded 13, Greased 14, 

Deleted 16, Heart 17, Steep 

18, Elf 21, Den 24, Ease 26, 

Valid 29, Rural 32, Sty 33, 

Pry 34, Awe 35, End.

Nationals grab series lead 

WASHINGTON Nationals’ Gio Gonzalez in action against the St Louis Cardinals during 

their MLB play-off series in St Louis, Missouri, on Sunday . — Reuters 

NEW YORK — The visiting 

Washington Nationals enjoyed 

a 3-2 win over the defending 

World Series champion St 

Louis Cardinals on Sunday in 

their Major League Baseball 

(MLB) play-off debut for a 1-0 

lead in their National League 

Division Series. 

Rookie Tyler Moore delivered 

a pinch-hit, two-run 

single in the eighth inning 

to turn a 2-1 deficit into the 

game-winning margin of victory 

for the Nationals, whose 

98 wins this season led the 

major leagues and made them 

top seed in the play-offs. 

The Cardinals, who beat 

the Atlanta Braves on Friday 

in a one-game wildcard showdown 

to advance to the division 

series, squandered a bases-loaded 

no-out opportunity 

in the bottom of the seventh 

inning by failing to score. 

TIGERS EDGE ATHLETICS 

Don Kelly hit a sacrifice 

fly to right-field in the bottom 

of the ninth inning to give the 

Detroit Tigers a 5-4 victory 

over the Oakland Athletics on 

Sunday and a commanding 2-0 

lead in their play-off series. 

Kelly’s drive off A’s closer 

Grant Balfour scored Omar 

Infante to cap a wild finish, 

in which both teams scored 

late, game-tying runs on wild 

pitches after Detroit took a 

seventh-inning lead on a tworun 

error. 

Detroit reliever Al Alburquerque, 

who retired Yoenis 

Cespedes on a grounder with 

men on first and third in the 

ninth for the only batter he 

faced, took the win. Balfour 

got the loss. 

The best-of-five American 

League Division Series shifts 

to Oakland today. — Reuters 

Al Faisal beat Coastal to lift trophy 

MUSCAT — Al Faisal CT beat 

Coastal CC by seven wickets 

in the final of Oman Indo-Pak 

Cup cricket tournament organised 

by the Oman Indo-Pak 

Friends at the Al-Rifa ground 

during the weekend. 

Batting first, Coastal CC 

posted 48 for seven off eight 

overs. Al Faisal chased the 

required runs with five balls 

to spare. Later, Al Faisal CT’s 

Nadeem was declared the man 

of the tournament. 

Brief scores: Coastal CC 48 for 

7 off 8 overs (Jitu 12 n.o., Deepak 

12, Amir Khan 2/13) lost to Al 

Faisal CT 49 off 7.1 overs (Sanoj 

15, Irfat 16). 

17 SPORT 



Inspired 

Colts stun 

Packers 

NEW YORK — The Indianapolis 

Colts pulled off an 

emotional 30-27 surprise win 

over the Green Bay Packers 

in the National Football 

League action on Sunday. 

Tom Brady led the host 

New England Patriots to a 

31-21 victory against Peyton 

Manning's Denver Broncos 

in a battle of two future Hall 

of Fame quarterbacks. 

The Baltimore Ravens 

ground out a 9-6 win over 

the host Kansas City Chiefs 

while a late field goal gave 

the Pittsburgh Steelers a 

16-14 win over the visiting 

Philadelphia Eagles. 

Results: Atlanta Falcons bt 

Washington Redskins 24-17, Pittsburgh 

Steelers bt Philadelphia 

Eagles 16-14, Indianapolis Colts 

bt Green Bay Packers 30-27, NY 

Giants bt Cleveland Browns 41- 

27, Miami Dolphins bt Cincinnati 

Bengals 17-13, Baltimore Ravens 

bt Kansas City Chiefs 9-6, Seattle 

bt Carolina Panthers 16-12, Chicago 

bt Jacksonville 41-3, New England 

bt Denver 31 21, San Francisco 

bt Buffalo 45-3. — Reuters 

Stars Light 

win thriller 

MUSCAT — A brilliant unbeaten 

37 by Omar helped 

Stars Light win a thrilling 

encounter against Al Faisal in 

the FRiENDi Mobile Cricket 

Cup on Friday. In another 

match, CBD Challengers 

edged NCC by a single run. 

Results: Asfandyar XI 37/9 

lost to Century Cricketers 38/4 

in 5.2; Golden Toss 70/8 bt OIG 

57/6; HCC 57/7 bt Tile Marine 

41/8; Abu Sami International 

56/6 lost to OIG 61/3; Rahil 

Sports 48/8 lost to NCC 53/6; 

Al Faisal 59/9 lost to Stars Light 

60/8; Royal Challengers 87/4 bt 

Sunshine CC 54/8; CBD Challengers 

32/8 bt NCC 31 all out. 

ISC Urdu Wing triumph 

CRICKET 

By Rex Berhardt 

MUSCAT — ISC Urdu Wing 

defeated Sayarti Cricket team 

by five wickets in a ‘G’ Division 

Group ‘B’ match. Deciding 

to bat after winning the toss 

Sayarti lost wickets at regular 

intervals and were bowled out 

for 165 off 24.2 overs. 

Ruwan Rupasinghe batting 

at No 10 top-scored with 

35 (18b, 1x6 and 4x4), Imtiaz 

Ahmed Shah scored 21 (25b) 

and Srinivasan Selvarajan batting 

at the No 9 position made 

20 (28b, 1x4). 

Shameel Mohammed 

picked up three wickets conceding 

17 runs whilst Shadab 

Kazi ended with two for 37 

off five overs each. ISC Urdu 

Wing in reply scored 169 for 

five wickets off 23.3 overs 

with contributions from Irshad 

48 (42b, 2x4) and Chetan 

Sharma 42 (35b, 7x4). 

Brief scores: Sayarti CT 165 

all out off 24.2 overs (Ruwan Rupasinghe 

35, Imtiaz Ahmed Shah 

21 and Srinivasan Selvarajan 20; 

Shameel Mohammed 3/17 and 

Shadab Kazi 2/37) lost to ISC Urdu 

Wing 169 for five wickets off 23.3 

overs (Irshad 48 and Chetan Sharma 

42; Vedavyas 2/13 and Muhammad 

Faisal 2/26). Points: ISC Urdu 

Wing 2 pts (2 games, 2 pts) Sayarti 

0 pt (2 games, 2 pts). 

I-PARK AUTOCAR 

PARKING WIN 

I-Park Autocar Parking 

defeated R K Group despite a 

brilliant bowling performance 

from Mayur Ashok who ended 

with figures of six for 16 off 

five overs. The low-scoring 

Enhance-sponsored Division 

‘F’ Group ‘B’ match was 

played in the morning session 

at the OAC III grounds 

at Seeb. 

Winning the toss and electing 

to bat R K Group were 

bowled out for a 103 in 16.5 

overs with opening batsman 

Waman Jagannath 37 (27b, 

3x4). None of the other batsman 

made any worthwhile 

I-PARK Autocar Parking 

Majgaonkar Asgar and 

Tasleem Khan. 

contribution. Set an easy target 

of over four runs per over I- 

Park Autocar Parking in reply 

were reeling at 54 for seven 

wickets off 7.3 overs but recovered 

to reach 106 without 

further loss off 15 overs — 

thanks to a unfinished eighth 

wicket partnership between 

Majgaonkar Asgar 35 not out 

(26b, 6x4) and skipper Tasleem 

Khan unbeaten on 13 

(27b, 1x4). 

Brief scores: R K Group 103 

all out off 16.5 overs (Waman Jagannath 

37; Tasleem Khan 3/17, Zaheer 

Mohammed 2/14 and Michael 

Winston 2/15) lost to I-Park 106 

for seven wickets off 15 overs 

(Majgaonkar Asgar 35 n.o; Mayur 

Ashok 6/16). Points: I-Park 2 pts 

(2 games, 4 pts) and R K Group 0 

pt (2 games, 0 pt). 

AL HASHIM PROJECTS 

WIN BY 76 RUNS 

Al Hashim Projects defeated 

Excellent Electricals 

by 76 runs in a ‘G’ Division 

Group ‘A’ match. Deciding to 

take first strike after winning 

the toss Al Hashim Projects 

were bowled out for 194 off 

22.3 overs with Omani cricketer 

Sharif Pindook making a 

top-score of 40 (31b, 1x6 and 

4x4). 

The other batsmen to 

contribute were Arun Dev 

33 (21b, 5x4), Muhammed 

Rashid opening the batting 

made a cameo 30 (14b, 1x6 

and 4x4) and Ghulam Butt 

scored 29 (16b, 5x4). 

Excellent Electricals in 

their turn were bowled out for 

118 off 19.3 overs with opening 

batsman Anoop Kumar 

contribution 24 (20b, 4x4) and 

M Muthumurugan coming in 

at the fall of the first wicket 

scoring 22 (16b, 4x4). 

Brief scores: Al Hashim 

Projects 194 all out off 22.3 overs 

(Sharif Pindook 40, Arun Dev 33, 

Muhammed Rashid 30 and Ghulam 

Butt 29; M Muthumurugan 3/43, B 

V Binu 2/25 and Aneesh M 2/38) 

bt Excellent Electricals 118 all 

out off 19.3 overs (Anoop Kumar 

24 and M Muthumurugan 22; Arun 

Dev 3/17 and Muhammed Rashid 

2/15). Points: Al Hashim Projects 

2 pts (2 games, 4 pts) and Excellent 

Electricals 0 pts (2 games, 0 pts). 

OMAN ORIX LEASING 

BEATEN 

Times of Oman ‘B’ registered 

a 64-run win against 

Oman Orix Leasing when 

the two teams locked horns 

in an Enhance-sponsored ‘F’ 

Division Group ‘A’ 25-oversa-side 

match. Electing to bat 

after winning the toss Times 

of Oman ‘B’ piled on 250 runs 

for the seven wickets off their 

quota of 25 overs. 

Major contributions came 

from Waqas Mansoor Hussain 

55 (27b, 2x6 and 4x4), Syed 

Shahnawaz Hussain 46 (36b, 

5x4), opening batsman Umair 

Arif Mahmood 36 (25b, 1x6 

and 5x4), Vinod Shankar Karat 

29 not out (25b, 4x4), Mohammed 

Ayaz Khan 28 (30b, 

1x4) and skipper Sachinlal 

S L 27 (20b, 3x4). Requiring 

a mammoth 251 for victory 

Oman Orix were bowled out 

for 186 off 23.2 overs with 

valuable contributions from 

opening batsman Sarfaraz 

Rasheed 50. Ashfaq khalifa 

scored 42 whilst Nawaz Muhammad 

chipped in with 32. 

Brief scores: Times of Oman 

‘B’ 250 for seven wickets off 25 

overs (Waqas Mansoor 55, Syed 

Shahnawaz 46, Umair Arif Mahmood 

36, Vinod Shankar 29 n.o., Mohammed 

Ayaz 28 and Sachinlal S L 27; 

Godwin Prashant 2/42 and Mehran 

Shaukat 2/53) bt Oman Orix Leasing 

186 all out off 2.2 overs (Sarfaraz 

Rasheed 50, Ashfaq Khalifa 42 

and Nawaz Muhammad 32; Vinod 

Mathews 2/30, Waqas Mansoor 2/32 

and Mohammed Ayaz 2/33). Points: 

Times of Oman ‘B’ 2 pts (2 games, 

4 pts) and Oman Orix Leasing 0 pt 

(2 games, 0 pt).

MADRID — Real Madrid 

came away with a deserved 

point but failed to secure the 

victory they needed to trim 

the gap to leaders Barcelona 

when the outstanding Lionel 

Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo 

each struck twice in an attritional 

2-2 draw in La Liga on 

Sunday. 

A stuttering start by Jose 

Mourinho's Real side had left 

them eight points behind their 

great rivals after six matches, 

threatening to derail their title 

defence before it had even got 

off the ground. 

While they will take comfort 

from preventing Barca 

making it seven wins out of 

seven this term, they may feel 

they let slip an opportunity in 

the opening league 'Clasico' 

of the campaign after Ronaldo 

gave them a 23rd-minute lead 

in front of almost 100,000 fans 

packed into an electric Nou 

Camp arena. 

With millions more around 

the world watching the heavyweight 

clash, Messi levelled 

eight minutes later after a defensive 

lapse by Pepe and the 

Argentine World Player of the 

Year curled in a stunning free 

kick just after the hour to make 

it 2-1. 

Real were level within five 

minutes when Mesut Ozil slid 

the ball through to Ronaldo 

and the Portuguese forward 

beat Victor Valdes for a sec- 

ond time with a powerful low 

strike. 

Barca twice came close to 

a winner in a frenetic finale 

when substitute Martin Montoya 

crashed a long-range effort 

against the crossbar in the 

89th minute and Pedro dashed 

on to an Andres Iniesta pass 

in stoppage time, only to fire 

wastefully wide. 

"We were superior at times 

but it was a very even game," 

Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets 

said in an interview with 

Spanish television. "Everything 

is the way it was but 

with one match less," added 

the Spain international. 

Barca have 19 points from 

seven games, level with Atletico 

Madrid, who snatched a 

last-gasp 2-1 win at home to 

third-placed Malaga at the 

Calderon in Sunday's late kickoff. 

Real, who have already 

lost twice, the same number of 

defeats as they suffered in the 

whole of last season, are fifth 

on 11 points. 

GOAL-SCORING DUEL 

With the world's two richest 

teams meeting in probably 

the biggest fixture in international 

club soccer, Messi 

and Ronaldo continued their 

personal goal-scoring duel on 

a balmy night in the Catalan 

capital. 

Ronaldo's double made 

him the first player to score in 

six 'Clasicos' in-a-row, while 

Messi's 16th and 17th strikes 

in Real-Barca matches put 

him one short of the leading 

18 SPORT 



HEADING FOR DOHA: The Oman national team players train on the eve of their departure to Doha at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex yesterday. The squad will leave for the Qatari capital today morning to play a friendly with Qatar 

national team and return home right after the match. The friendly is being played as part of Oman’s preparations for the forthcoming World Cup qualifier against Jordan at home on October 16. — Picture by Mohammed Mahjoub 

Ahmad crowned champion 

MUSCAT — Omani racing 

star Ahmad al Harthy was 

crowned 2012 Porsche Carrera 

Cup GB Pro-Am 1 champion 

with two rounds to spare 

when achieved a double, winning 

both the rounds in sensational 

style at Silverstone on 

Sunday. 

In what has been a nearfaultless 

season for the 31year-old 

Oman Air Racing 

Team driver, wins in rounds 

17 and 18 — taking his tally 

of victories for the year to 12 

and his podium count to 16 — 

mean he goes to Brands Hatch 

two weeks from now for the 

season finale with the title 

well and truly secured. He has 

also made history as the first 

Omani and first Arab to win a 

title in the British series. 

“This is absolutely incredible,” 

said an elated Ahmad. 

“We’ve all been working so, 

so hard for this, and everyone 

at the Oman Air Racing Team 

has done such an amazing job. 

Winning this Pro-Am 1 championship 

is a dream come true 

and such an important mo- 

ment for all of my supporters 

back home in Oman who have 

made all of this possible. 

“I dedicate this win to His 

Majesty Sultan Qaboos and 

the people of Oman, my family 

and to everyone who has 

supported me over the years. 

Of course, a huge thank you 

goes to my sponsors Oman 

Air, Ministry of Sports Affairs, 

Ministry of Tourism, Nawras, 

National Bank of Oman and 

Muscat Eye Laser Centre.” 

He added: “I must say a 

massive thanks to the guys 

from Redline Racing, who 

are behind the Oman Air Racing 

Team car, they’re the best 

in the business. I love Silverstone, 

to be able to get two 

wins this weekend was exactly 

what we wanted and to wrapup 

the championship with a 

dominant win is something 

very special. It’s also a very 

proud moment for me to be the 

first Omani and the first Arab 

driver to win a championship 

like this in such a prestigious 

series.” 

Capping off an impres- 

sive three-year journey in 

Pro-Am 1, having graduated 

to sportscar racing in Porsche 

Carrera Cup GB back in 

2010 following a successful 

single-seater career, Sunday’s 

triumph is the culmination of 

a season in which the Muscat 

racer has made huge strides in 

terms of performance. 

Although starting both 

races from Pro-Am 1 pole position, 

Ahmad wasn’t able to 

make the launch he wanted at 

the beginning of round 17 — 

which was initially delayed 

because of thick fog — due to 

his grid slot being on a damp 

part of the track. 

Unfortunately slipping 

to third place, he instantly 

set about regaining the lost 

ground and on lap nine he 

took second at Becketts before 

grabbing the Pro-Am 1 lead at 

the same corner on lap 17. Rivals 

Derek Pierce and Victor 

Jimenez remained close in his 

wheeltracks but he held them 

off for the win. 

In round 18, Ahmad made 

a great start to maintain first 

place and after seeing off early 

pressure from Pierce he went 

on to dominate with a 12 second 

winning margin over the 

Scotsman. To put the icing 

on the celebratory cake, the 

Omani also posted the fastest 

Pro-Am 1 lap of the race. 

“The team did a great job 

with the car for race two”, 

said Ahmad, “We realised after 

race one there was a problem 

with the car and the guys 

worked so hard to sort that out, 

in the second race the car was 

absolutely perfect. It’s been an 

amazing year and now we can 

go to Brands Hatch without 

any pressure of the championship, 

so we can focus on fighting 

harder than ever for two 

more wins!” 

Rounds 19 and 20 of the 

Porsche Carrera Cup GB 

Championship will take place 

at Brands Hatch Grand Prix 

Circuit in Kent on October 20 

and 21. 

2012 Porsche Carrera Cup GB 

Championship Pro-Am1 driver 

standings (after round 18): Champion: 

Ahmad al Harthy 159 pts. 

Messi, Ronaldo trade blows in ‘Clasico’ draw 

BARCELONA’S Lionel Messi (right) and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo pictured 

during their La Liga ‘Clasico’ at Nou Camp in Barcelona on Sunday. — Reuters 

Al Saadi back 

to national 

team after 

injury 

MUSCAT — Striker 

Hamoud al Saadi returned 

to the Oman national soccer 

squad after recovering from 

a shoulder injury. 

According to information 

provided by the Oman 

Football Association (OFA) 

yesterday, the former Dhofar 

and Al Suwaiq forward, 

missed the ongoing camp 

briefly due to the injury. 

Al Saadi joined the national 

team ahead of their 

departure to Doha. 

Frenchman Paul le Guencoached 

Omani national 

team travel to Doha today to 

play a friendly against their 

Qatari counterparts this 

evening. 

The Omanis are playing 

the Qatar friendly as part of 

their preparations for their 

next World Cup qualifier at 

home against Jordan on October 

16. 

Meanwhile, another OFA 

statement said that the association 

board approved 

the formation of Sports Arbitration 

Committee, which 

will headed by Dr Yahya bin 

Nasser al Khusaibi. 

Ismaeel bin Ahmed al 

Balushi will be the vicechairman 

and Mohammed 

bin Ahmed al Brashdi will 

be member and rapporteur. 

The decision to approve 

the committee has been the 

outcome of OFA board elections 

which took place on 

September 27 and the OFA 

board’s decision made during 

a meeting held on September 

29. 

The panel will redraft the 

sports adjudication bylaws 

in accordance with Fifa regulations. 

marksman, Real great Alfredo 

Di Stefano. 

Ronaldo's first of the night 

came when Karim Benzema 

played him through on the 

left of the area and he struck 

a powerful low shot just inside 

Valdes's post. 

Pepe collapsed in a heap 

in the area allowing Messi to 

volley in the equaliser before 

last year's La Liga top scorer 

thrilled the home support with 

a spectacular 30-metre effort 

that left Spain keeper Casillas 

flapping at thin air. 

Ronaldo then netted his 

10th 'Clasico' goal when he 

raced on to Ozil's fine through 

ball and scored with another 

powerfully-struck low shot. 

"The result is perfectly 

suited to the match, which 

was very good and which the 

whole world enjoyed, just like 

myself and the players from 

both teams," Mourinho told a 

news conference. 

"I prefer to focus on that 

because it's the true reflection 

of the game, well contested 

and without knowing until the 

last moment who was going to 

win," the Portuguese added. 

"The league is how it was, 

my team pleased me a great 

deal and the world is happy." 

In other matches on Sunday, 

Levante beat Valencia 1-0, 

Granada edged Real Mallorca 

2-1 and Athletic Bilbao bettered 

Osasuna 1-0. — Reuters 

Two in fray for OHA 

chairmanship 

By Our Sports Reporter 

MUSCAT — Two candidates emerged 

as the contenders for the chairmanship 

of the Oman Hockey Association (OHA) 

which is scheduled to hold board elections 

on November 27. 

According to the OHA sources, 

Mahfood Ali al Juma of Qurayat and 

Adil Abdullah al Farsi of Saham are the 

only two candidates to enter the fray as 

the filing of nominations closed yesterday. 

Interestingly the long-serving 

chairman of the Sultanate’s hockey 

body, Dawood bin Ahmed al Raisi, has 

decided not to contest elections for the 

2012-2016 term. 

Meanwhile, the OHA sources also 

informed that two candidates will be 

competing for the vice-chairman’s post 

while four entered fray for the general 

secretary’s post. 

Those who filed nominations for the 

vice-chairmanship are Salim Ghareeb al 

Khartoobi of Sohar and Saif Mubarak 

al Rushdi of Ahli-Sidab. 

For the general secretary’s post 

the incumbent Mustafa Mallallah al 

Lawatia will be challenged by trio of 

Mohammed Taqi, Ahmed al Darmaki 

and Abdullah Said. 

There are also two contenders for 

the post of treasurer and they are Zahir 

Mohammed al Ajmi and Mohammed 

Ali Hassan al Lawatia. 

The OHA also received 10 nominations 

for the remaining five posts of 

members. They are Said al Darmaki, 

Abdullah al Balushi, Anwar Ahmed, 

Saleh al Batrami, Abdullah Obaidani, 

Rabee’a al Noufli, Mustafa al Ajmi, 

Saleh al Sheedi, Khalid al Hosni and 

Yaqoob al Balushi. 

SOHAR TO FIELD INDIA’S 

SUDHIR IN HM’S CUP 

Meanwhile, Sohar Club are likely 

field Mumbai-based goalkeeper Sudhir 

Dixit in the 2012 His Majesty’s Cup 

Hockey Championship, which kicks off 

tomorrow. 

PARIS — Andre-Pierre Gignac 

matched Zlatan Ibrahimovic 

goal for goal to earn 

Marseille a 2-2 draw at home 

to Paris Saint-Germain on 

Sunday and keep Olympique 

Marseille three points clear of 

their arch rivals at the top of 

Ligue 1. 

All the goals came in the 

first half at Stade Velodrome, 

with Gignac scoring either 

side of a stunning quick-fire 

double from Ibrahimovic, 

whose eye-catching contribution 

masked a listless performance 

from his side. 

PSG remain unbeaten in 

the French top flight this season, 

but Marseille showed 

MILAN — Inter struck in 

the third minute with a Walter 

Samuel header and hung 

on despite playing nearly all 

the second half with 10 men 

to beat AC Milan 1-0 in a 

bad-tempered, scrappy but 

absorbing Serie A derby on 

Sunday. 

Samuel scored with a diving 

header at the far post after 

Milan goalkeeper Christian 

Abbiati hesitated and failed to 

enough to suggest that their 

storming start to the campaign 

is not about to fizzle out. 

"We tried to play our hand 

as best we could and impose 

our game," said Marseille 

coach Elie Baup. 

"We didn't make any calculations 

about the result. We 

needed to keep defending even 

as we went forward." 

Earlier, Lyon were held to 

a 1-1 draw at Lorient in an 

open and entertaining game at 

Stade du Moustoir that left 

Remi Garde's side in third 

place. 

Lyon hit the woodwork 

twice before Bafetimbi Gomis 

volleyed them ahead in 

cut out Esteban Cambiasso's 

free-kick. 

Milan created far more 

chances and were in almost 

total control after Inter had 

midfielder Yuto Nagatomo 

sent off for a second bookable 

offence three minutes into the 

second half. 

The defeat left Milan with 

only seven points from their 

first seven league games of 

the season. Inter have 15, four 

According to Indian media reports, 

the 22-year-old goalkeeper has been offered 

a contract to play for Sohar Club. 

“I am extremely elated,” Dixit was 

quoted as saying in the Times of India 

newspaper. 

“It will be a life-changing experience 

and I am looking forward to it. I 

have played in Dubai earlier, but this 

will be my first professional outing. I 

hope I can repay the faith shown by the 

club’s management,” Dixit, who mans 

the goalpost for Union Bank of India, 

added. 

Dixit was part of the Mumbai 

Marines team that participated in the 

World Series Hockey tournament last 

year, but because of the presence of 

former India stalwart Adrian D’Souza 

he didn’t get sufficient opportunities to 

showcase his skills, the newspaper said. 

OVA AND OBA TO HOLD BOARD 

ELECTIONS IN NOVEMBER 

Two other sports bodies, Oman Volleyball 

Association (OVA) and Oman 

Basketball Association (OBA), are also 

set for their respective board elections 

with the former already began the poll 

process. 

The OVA general assembly is scheduled 

for November 15 when they will 

elect their new board members. 

The contenders for the top posts are 

not known yet but according to the association 

sources two have applied for 

the general secretary’s post and they 

are Amor al Toqi and Arif Bani Araba. 

Well-known sports journalist Mumtaz 

Fakhir al Balushi is eying the treasurer’s 

post. 

The other names which are revealed 

so far are Khalid al Shukairi and Yousuf 

al Rashdi, both of whom will be contesting 

for the board membership. 

The OBA board elections are likely 

to take place November end. The basketball 

body will start receiving the 

nominations from tomorrow and the 

last date for filing the nominations is 

October 15. 

Gignac matches Ibra as 

Marseille hold PSG 

the 23rd minute, with Jeremie 

Aliadiere equalising early 

in the second half when he 

converted Benjamin Corgnet's 

low cross following a 

slick move down the Lorient 

right. 

Lyon finished the weekend 

one point below PSG, while 

the impressive Lorient are a 

point further back in fourth, 

having extended their run of 

games without defeat to eight 

matches. 

In the lunch-time game, 

Bordeaux preserved their own 

unbeaten record in Ligue 1 

with a 1-1 draw at Brest that 

left Francis Gillot's side in 

sixth place. — AFP 

Ten-man Inter win fiery Milan derby 

behind leaders Juventus and 

Napoli who both won. 

A late goal by Claudio 

Marchisio gave Juventus a 2-1 

win at lowly Siena and Napoli 

beat Udinese by the same 

score with Goran Pandev scoring 

the winner. 

Cagliari won their first 

game of the season, 1-0 at 

Torino, and AS Roma finally 

managed their first home win 

as they beat Atalanta 2-0.

NEW SHOW 

THE OPERA GALA 

WITH ITALIAN SINGERS ANNA CATERINA ANTONACCI & FABIO SARTORI, 

FEATURING THE ROYAL OMAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, 

AND CONDUCTED BY MASSIMO ZANETTI 

12 October 2012 

8:00 pm 

The Royal Opera House Muscat is proud to announce a new show to be added to the Third Season, an Opera 

Gala on 12th October, 2012 featuring three renowned artists from Italy, the birthplace of opera and our very own 

Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra. The evening will feature some of the most beautiful operatic arias, overtures 

and compositions by the greatest composers such as Verdi, Puccini, Bizet, Donizetti and Rossini. 

A highlight of the evening will be Soprano Anna Caterina Antonacci, a high mezzo of elegant and intense artistry. 

Ms. Antonacci will be singing some of opera’s most classic arias. Also featured is tenor Fabio Sartori, coming to 

Oman from Opera Houses around the world. Royal Opera House Muscat is also proud to announce the pleasure 

of having the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra play for the entire evening led by accomplished conductor 

Massimo Zanetti, whose international reputation is known across both the operatic and symphonic fields. 

Tickets on sale now 

For details and a full schedule of performances, visit rohmuscat.org.om 

For enquiries, email boxoffice@rohmuscat.org.om or call + 968 2440 3332/3333/3334 

www.rohmuscat.org.om

Nationals grab 

NL Division 

Series lead 

Page 17 

RICHARD Gasquet of France hits a return against Brian Baker of the US during their 

first round match at the Shanghai Masters yesterday. — AFP 


SHANGHAI — Richard Gasquet 

rediscovered the winning 

formula yesterday after last 

week's shock defeat in Beijing, 

cruising into the second round 

of the Shanghai Masters as 

Nicolas Almagro slumped to 

defeat. 

Gasquet crashed to a humiliating 

loss at the China 

Open to Chinese wild-card 

Zhang Ze, who was ranked 

151 places below him, just 

days after the Frenchman won 

the Thailand Open by beating 

compatriot Gilles Simon. 

But the 26-year-old, seeded 

11th in Shanghai, made sure 

there was no repeat on the 

second day of action here, 

winning four out of five break 

points to dispatch American 

Brian Baker 6-2, 6-3. 

Tenth seed Cilic, who 

stands 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) 

tall, joined him in the second 

round with a 7-5, 6-3 victory 

over Lukasz Kubot, hitting 

eight aces and breaking his 

Polish opponent four times. 

It was the first main draw 

match win in four attempts at 

the Shanghai Masters for the 

24-year-old Croat, who fell in 

the first round in 2009-2011. 

Spanish ninth seed Alma- 

gro, chasing one of the last 

four slots at the ATP World 

Tour Finals, could not match 

his fellow seeds, slipping to 

defeat against Germany veteran 

Tommy Haas 4-6, 7-6 

(7/4), 6-2. 

Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov 

set up a clash with Novak 

Djokovic by beating 

Pablo Andujar of Spain 7-5, 

6-3. But he faces a daunting 

task against the second seed, 

fresh from victory at the China 

Open and aiming to displace 

Roger Federer at the top of the 

rankings. 

The No 1 ranking is on the 

Messi, Ronaldo 

trade blows in 

‘Clasico’ draw 

Page 18 

Gasquet wins in Shanghai, Almagro falls 

line at the Shanghai Masters. 

Federer can guarantee he remains 

as the top-ranked player 

by reaching the quarterfinals 

but anything less and Djokovic 

would overtake the Swiss by 

winning the Shanghai crown. 

Federer is beginning his 299th 

week as world No 1, having 

usurped Djokovic at the top of 

the leader-board after winning 

his 17th Grand Slam title at 

Wimbledon. 

Apart from Federer and 

Djokovic, the top two seeds 

in Shanghai, the other main 

draw-card is US Open champion 

Andy Murray. The top 

PARIS — Kei Nishikori, who 

made history as the first Japanese 

player to win the Japan 

Open at the weekend, moved 

up to a career-high 15th in the 

latest ATP rankings released 

yesterday. 

Rankings: 1 Roger Federer 

(SUI) 11805 pts; 2 Novak Djokovic 

(SRB) 10970; 3 Andy Murray (GBR) 

8090; 4 Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7085; 

5 David Ferrer (ESP) 5960; 6 Jo- 

Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 4640 (+1); 7 

eight seeds get a bye into the 

second round. 

Results (x denotes seeding): 

Singles (1st round): Benoit Paire 

(FRA) bt Philipp Petzschner (GER) 

7-6 (7/2), 6-4; Sam Querrey (USA) 

bt Zhe Li (CHN) 6-3, 6-1; Tommy 

Robredo (ESP) bt Alex Bogomolov 

Jr (RUS) 7-6 (7/4), 6-4; Grigor Dimitrov 

(BUL) bt Pablo Andujar (ESP) 

7-5, 6-3; Marin Cilic (CRO x10) bt 

Lukasz Kubot (POL) 7-5, 6-3; Kevin 

Anderson (RSA) bt Jarkko Nieminen 

(FIN) 6-2, 7-6 (7/4); Richard 

Gasquet (FRA x11) bt Brian Baker 

(USA) 6-2, 6-3; Andreas Seppi (ITA) 

bt Michael Berrer (GER) 6-2, 7-6 

(7/5); Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) 

bt Jeremy Chardy (FRA) 6-3, 6-2; 

Tommy Haas (GER) bt Nicolas Almagro 

(ESP x9) 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2. 

Jayawardene captain of 

ICC World T20 team 

COLOMBO — Outgoing Sri 

Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene 

was named skipper 

of the International Cricket 

Council's (ICC) team of the 

World Twenty20 tournament 

yesterday, one day after his 

side were beaten in the final 

by a rampant West Indies. 

Jayawardene announced 

his decision to give up the 

captaincy after the hosts lost 

by 36 runs on Sunday, Sri 

Lanka's fourth successive defeat 

in a World Cup final, in 

front of a disappointed full 

house at the R Premadasa Stadium 

in Colombo. 

A five-member ICC panel 

selected three Sri Lankan 

players and two each from the 

new champions and Australia 

in the 11-man team, the governing 

body said in a statement. 

Chris Gayle and all-rounder 

Shane Watson, the player of 

the tournament, were named 

openers while India's Virat 

Kohli, Jayawardene, England's 

Luke Wright and explosive 

West Indies batsman 

Marlon Samuels filled up the 

middle-order slots. 

Young Australian seamer 

OSAKA — Top seed Samantha 

Stosur of Australia beat 

Erika Sema of Japan 6-4, 6-2 

to move into second round of 

the Japan Open tennis tournament 

yesterday. 

Stosur's countrywoman 

Casey Dellacqua also advanced 

with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 

win over Japanese veteran 

Kimiko Date-Krumm. 

Results (x denotes seeding): 

Mitchell Starc and limitedovers 

specialist Lasith Malinga 

were the two fast bowlers 

in the team, while experienced 

Pakistan spinner Saeed 

Ajmal and Ajantha Mendis of 

Sri Lanka were named as the 

two slow bowlers. 

Former New Zealand captain 

Brendon McCullum was 

selected as the wicket-keeper, 

while South Africa were the 

only major cricketing nation 

without a representative in the 

team. 

Team: Chris Gayle (WIS), 

Shane Watson (AUS), Virat Kohli 

(IND), Mahela Jayawardena (SRI 

- captain), Luke Wright (ENG), 

Brendon McCullum (NZL), Marlon 

Samuels (WIS), Lasith Malinga 

(SRI), Mitchell Starc (AUS), Saeed 

Ajmal (PAK), Ajantha Mendis 

(SRI). — Reuters 

ICC to probe spot-fixing 

charges against umpires 

MUMBAI — The International 

Cricket Council (ICC) 

has launched an investigation 

into match-fixing allegations 

made by an Indian television 

channel against international 

umpires. Footage screened 

on India TV yesterday appeared 

to show umpires from 

Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri 

Lanka negotiating deals with 

under-cover reporters to spotfix 

matches. 

The channel showed footage 

of Pakistan's Nadeem 

Ghauri, Nadir Shah of Bangladesh, 

part of the ICC international 

panel of umpires, and 

Sagara Gallage of Sri Lanka 

agreeing to give favourable 

decisions in exchange for umpiring 

contracts and money. 

"The ICC and its relevant 

members have been made 

aware of the allegations made 

by India TV this evening and 

calls on the station to turnover 

any information which can 

assist the ICC's urgent investigations 

into this matter," 

the governing body said in a 

statement. 

"The ICC re-iterates its zero-tolerance 

towards corruption 

whether alleged against 

players or officials. The ICC 

confirms that none of the umpires 

named were involved in 

any of the official games of the 

ICC World T20 in Sri Lanka." 

In the sting operation, conducted 

in July and August, the 

reporters said they belonged 

to a sports management company 

and promised the umpires 

assignments in different 

events around the world, 

largely domestic T20 leagues. 

While Ghauri and Shah appeared 

to agree to give wrong 

decisions, Gallage was ready 

to pass on information about 

the toss, the pitch and weather 

conditions in a match before it 

was available to the public. 

In May, the same television 

channel's sting operation 

prompted the Indian cricket 

board to ban one uncapped 

cricketer for life and hand 

out lesser punishments to 

four others for involvement 

in corruption in domestic 

cricket. — Reuters 

Stosur advances in Japan 

Singles (1st round): Jamie Hampton 

(USA) bt Ayumi Morita (JPN) 

6-3, 6-2; Samantha Stosur (AUS 

x1) bt Erika Sema (JPN) 6-4, 6-2; 

Casey Dellacqua (AUS) bt Kimiko 

Date-Krumm (JPN) 6-3, 3-6, 6-4; 

Pauline Parmentier (FRA) bt Mathilde 

Johansson (FRA) 6-2, 6-2; Misaki 

Doi (JPN) bt Julia Cohen (USA) 

7-5, 3-6, 6-0; Pauline Parmentier 

(FRA) bt Mathilde Johansson 

(FRA) 6-2, 6-2; Chang Kai-Chen 

(TPE) bt Christina McHale (USA 

x3) 6-3, 7-6 (7/5). — AFP 

Nishikori move up to No 15 

Tomas Berdych (CZE) 4570 (-1); 8 

Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 3670; 

9 Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) 3185; 

10 Juan Monaco (ARG) 2775; 11 

Nicolas Almagro (ESP) 2515 (+1); 

12 John Isner (USA) 2475 (-1); 13 

Richard Gasquet (FRA) 2370 (+1); 

14 Milos Raonic (CAN) 2335 (+1); 

15 Kei Nishikori (JPN) 2315 (+2); 

16 Marin Cilic (CRO) 2200 (-3); 

17 Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 1955; 

18 Gilles Simon (FRA) 1860; 19 

Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 1855; 

20 Oleksandr Dolgopolov Jr. (UKR) 

1770. — AFP

Bank Sohar holds Al Mumayaz draw 

AFTER hugely successful get-togethers in a number of 

governorates and wilayats across the country, the northwestern 

Governorate of Al Buraimi played host to Bank Sohar’s 

popular Social Gathering for VIP customers in this rapidly 

modernising region of Oman. Page 22 

Tuesday, October 9, 2012 

Oman mulls low cost carriers 

and amphibious services 

Move to open up aviation sector to private investment Study to assess market 

demand for helicopter services Potential for corporate, charter, executive 

jet services Airport City development envisaged at Salalah 

By Conrad Prabhu 

MUSCAT — Low cost carriers, 

helicopter and amphibious 

services, and corporate and executive 

jet operators could all 

be potentially part of an exciting 

transformation that awaits 

the Sultanate's aviation sector, 

according to a top official of 

the Public Authority for Civil 

Aviation (PACA). 

Salim al Aufi, Chief Executive 

Officer, said the Authority 

was studying the feasibility of 

opening up the aviation sector 

to private investment, as a logical 

extension to the multibillion 

dollar investments currently 

being made in the expansion 

and modernisation of the country's 

airport infrastructure. 

Speaking on the opening 

day of the Oman Investment 

Forum 2012, which began at 

Al Bustan Palace — A Ritz 

Carlton Hotel, Al Aufi outlined 

opportunities for investment 

both on the aviation and 

airport sides of the rapidly expanding 

sector. 

“The Public Authority is 

embarking on a study of the 

local requirement (of various 

aviation related services) in 

the different areas of the country, 

and once we complete it 

by the year-end, we shall begin 

knocking on the doors of 

private investors to start looking 

at these opportunities,” the 

CEO said. 

In tandem with the investments 

taking place in the airport 

infrastructure arena, the 

Authority is working on a 

strategy to see how best the 

aviation sector can be suitably 

managed, he said. One 

key avenue being looked at in 

this regard is the potential for 

low-cost carriers, the official 

explained. 

“Today, we have one national 

carrier Oman Air, but 

with the expansion of Muscat 

and Salalah airports, we would 

probably need to start thinking 

of additional carriers, mostly in 

the areas that would complement 

Oman Air, particularly in 

the area of low cost carrier. At 

the moment, there are a number 

of low cost carriers flying into 

Oman and taking away a lot 

of the business, but we have 

nothing to compete with them 

unless we open up this sector 

and allow private investors to 

(enter) into this area. Only then 

we can start providing the airports 

with the passenger numbers 

that they need to run the 

airports economically.” 

Another opportunity being 

explored pertains to the provision 

of helicopter services, 

outside of the domain of the 

police and military departments, 

he said. Towards this 

end, a study is under way to assess 

market demand, he said. 

Also prospective is the 

introduction of amphibious 

services involving aircraft that 

can land both on water and on 

the ground. “The Authority 

— Picture for illustrative purposes only 

will seek to identify potential 

development areas along the 

coast that can only be reached 

by such aircraft,” Al Aufi said, 

adding that Musandam Governorate 

and Hallaniyat Islands 

are example of places that can 

ideally be served by amphibious 

planes. 

Al Aufi also identified corporate 

and charter aircraft operations 

are potentially promising. 

He explained: “Oman 

Air is today the only provider 

of charter aircraft; but there is 

no reason why this sector cannot 

be opened up for potential 

investors. There are many corporate 

businesses that would 

like to establish their own corporate 

aviation services and 

fly around.” 

Likewise, investments in 

executive jet services — both 

in the air and on the ground — 

hold out significant potential, 

he said. “We see the need for a 

lot of facilities for people who 

come for a very short trip and 

do not have the time to queue 

up for commercial aircraft or 

wait for the aircraft to take off. 

This is an opportunity for them 

to get into executive jets with 

all the facilities on the ground 

to facilitate their visits, and so 

on,” he noted. 

Significantly, investment 

opportunities also abound on 

the airport side of the aviation 

business, Al Aufi said. New 

duty free areas opening up at 

the modernised Muscat and 

Salalah airports will need to be 

suitably managed and populated 

with shops and retail 

outlets. Likewise, cargo handling 

and freight forwarding 

activities, currently handled 

by Oman Air and Oman Airports 

Management Company 

(OAMC), could be opened up 

to attract other players as well. 

Cargo terminals planned at 

Duqm and Sohar airports will 

also open up opportunities for 

private investment, he stated. 

According to the CEO, 

sites have been earmarked on 

the eastern side of the Muscat 

airport for private sector development 

of shopping malls, 

hotels, conference facilities, 

and so on. Opportunities for an 

Aircraft City type of development 

are also envisaged at the 

new Salalah airport, he added. 

Hayatuk 

(your life) 

ﻦـــﻴـــﻣﺄــﺘــﻟا ﻂﻄﺧ 

 

bank muscat to host art exhibition 

bank muscat Private Banking is hosting an art exhibition by 

leading artist Sudipta (Bubbly) Choudhry on October 14 and 15 

at the bank’s head office. The exhibition titled ‘Splendorous Vanguards’ 

reflects the heritage of Oman and is inspired by the book 

‘Forts and Castles of Oman’ by Dr. Patricia Groves. Page 24 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This policy is underwritten by National Life and General Insurance Company 

Oman. bank muscat shall not be responsible for Insurance Company's 

actions or decisions nor shall the bank be liable regarding payment of 

claims or services whatsoever under the policy/insurance contract. 

www.bankmuscat.com 

"Hayatuna" 

(our life)

22 OMAN TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2012 

Bank Sohar holds 3rd quarter draw of Al Mumayaz scheme 


MUSCAT — After hugely 

successful get-togethers in a 

number of Governorates and 

wilayats across the country, 

the northwestern Governorate 

of Al Buraimi played host to 

Bank Sohar’s popular social 

gathering for VIP customers 

in this rapidly modernising region 

of Oman. 

As with social gatherings 

held in other areas of the country, 

the Al Buraimi event attracted 

the Governorate’s elite 

for an evening of conviviality 

combined with an element of 

social networking and entertainment. 

Also in attendance 

were local dignitaries and 

leading personalities hailing 

from different professional 

backgrounds, underscoring the 

diverse nature of Bank Sohar’s 

customer base. 

Shaikh Khalaf bin Salim 

al Ishaqi, Wali of Buraimi, 

was the Guest of Honour at 

the event which was held at 

Al Binuna Hall in Al Buraimi. 

Representing Bank Sohar was 

a large contingent comprising 

Salim bin Khamis al Maskeri, 

AGM Branches and Mazin 

bin Mahmood al Raisi, AGM 

Marketing and Publicity, and 

Khalid bin Humaid al Saadi, 

al Buraimi Branch Manager, 

among other senior management 

officials. 

The evening began with 

welcome remarks by Khalid 

al Saadi, Al Buraimi Branch 

Manager. This was followed 

by a brief presentation on 

some of Bank Sohar’s outstanding 

products and services 

such as Al Mumayaz Savings 

Scheme 2012. The presenter 

also touched on the bank’s 

strategy for rolling out Islamic 

Banking products and services 

which will be launched soon. 

The big attraction of the 

evening was the 3rd quarter 

draw of Bank Sohar’s flagship 

Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme 

2012. While the honour of 

picking the lucky winner is 

usually reserved for the chief 

guest or some other dignitary, 

the privilege this time around 

was given to members of the 

audience. Guests took turns to 

come on stage to pick the winners 

of the guaranteed prizes 

of RO 5,000 each, which are 

given away every quarter to 

one lucky customer of every 

branch across the bank’s network. 

As the names of the lucky 

winners were announced, the 

crowd broke into loud cheers 

when it was revealed that the 

prize winner for the Buraimi 

branch was from amongst the 

audience. 

All eyes, however, were on 

the eagerly awaited bumper 

prize of RO 50,000. The lucky 

winner was from Bank Sohar’s 

Salalah branch. He joins a long 

line of customers who discovered 

that dreams can indeed 

come true, thanks to Bank 

Sohar’s Al Mumayaz Savings 

Scheme. 

After the excitement of the 

3rd quarter draw, the guests 

settled down to enjoy a delectable 

dinner spread. Adding to 

the enlivening evening was a 

raffle draws in which several 

attractive prizes were given 

away to lucky members of the 

audience. Indeed, these social 

gatherings have come to symbolise 

Bank Sohar’s corporate 

philosophy of concrete and 

continuous engagement with 

its customers. These informal 

forums, characterised by cordiality 

and warmth, provide a 

perfect setting for senior management 

officials to interact 

closely with their customers, 

particularly business personalities 

and high net worth individuals, 

who form a notable 

segment of the bank’s diverse 


“Social Gatherings are a 

unique concept introduced by 

Bank Sohar with a view to staying 

close to our customers,” 

commented Salim Khamis al 

Maskeri, AGM Branches — 

Bank Sohar. “Because they 

are held close to where our val- 

Nawras hosts first Qtel Group forum 


MUSCAT — Nawras recently 

hosted the first Qtel Group Device 

Management Forum. 

Empowering people via 

connected mobile devices is a 

goal shared by network operators 

and device manufacturers. 

Among the manufacturers and 

suppliers who attended the 

gathering were Samsung, Nokia, 

Research In Motion, Alcatel 

and Huawei. Delegates 

from Nawras were joined in 

the Sultanate by their Qtel 

Group counterparts from Qatar, 

Kuwait, Tunisia, Algeria, 

Palestine and Indonesia. 

Welcoming the delegates, 

Martin Lyne, Nawras Chief 

Marketing Officer, said, “It 

is my great pleasure to welcome 

Qtel Group delegates 

and leading mobile device 

suppliers and manufacturers 

from across the globe to Oman 

for this Forum. Hosting this 

ued customers reside, whether 

in the capital region or in a 

distant governorate, the idea 

behind such forums has been 

extremely well-received. The 

response is typically excellent 

as our customers welcome the 

opportunity to interact with 

us in a relaxed atmosphere. 

For us, it is an opportunity to 

sound them out on our future 

vision and ongoing efforts to 

constantly improve our products 

and services, enhance our 

service delivery standards, and 

enhance their overall experience 

of banking with us. In 

turn, we receive their valuable 

feedback not only on matters 

of specific interest and concern 

to them, but also on broader 

issues pertinent to the wellbeing 

of Bank Sohar as well 

as the longer-term good of the 

conference provides us with 

a great opportunity to share 

knowledge and discuss industry 

trends to find the best ways 

to meet the changing needs of 

our customers.” 

He added, “As we make 

progress with Turbo charging 

our network, customers will 

soon be enjoying a faster and 

richer experience, and many 

will be able to choose from the 

latest 4G LTE enabled devices 

banking industry.” 

Mazin al Raisi — AGM 

Marketing, added: “These social 

gatherings have been an 

opportunity for us to keep a 

finger on the pulse of our customers, 

understand their needs 

and concerns, and to meet their 

expectations positively and 

promptly. This policy of engagement 

has yielded important 

dividends for us over the 

years. Besides reinforcing our 

customer-focused credentials, 

it has enhanced our public image 

as a bank that is solidly 

committed to its customers.” 

Bank Sohar has launched its 

year-end Al Mumayaz Savings 

Scheme 2012 campaign which 

now gives our customers more 

on their savings. Enjoying 

more home luxuries, more 

travel destinations, more driv- 

to take full advantage of the 

super fast speeds and greatly 

improved quality of service. 

By maintaining our competitive 

edge as communications 

continue to evolve, we can 

give customers more options 

by offering the latest handsets 

and devices with competitive 

bundles to suit different usage 

styles and budgets.” 

As Nawras Turbocharges 

its network, the forum pro- 

ing pleasures and more shopping 

sprees. The scheme offers 

customers a once-a lifetime 

chance of winning cash prizes 

worth RO 600,000, including 

the yearend grand prize of 

RO 500,000 as well as the exclusive 

prize of RO 100,000 in 

December. 

To participate in the daily 

RO 5,000 customers need to 

maintain a minimum average 

balance of RO 100 for a period 

of 30 days in their savings account 

preceding the draw date. 

For the year-end RO 500,000 

draw in the month of December, 

minimum average balance 

monthly required is RO 1,000, 

while for the exclusive prize 

of RO 100,000 in December; 

customers need to maintain 

an average monthly minimum 

balance of RO 10,000. 

bank muscat wins Euro STP award 


MUSCAT — bank muscat 

has won a prestigious award 

in recognition of operational 

excellence in the field of Euro 

payments processing. bank 

muscat was among a select 

group of regional institutions 

to receive the prestigious annual 

excellence award for 

straight-through-processing 

(STP) presented by Commerzbank 

for outstanding performance 

in the delivery of commercial 

payment and transfers 

in Euro currency. 

Ali Amin Moosa, AGM 

— Central Operations, said: 

“Consistently winning this 

prestigious award is testimony 

to the bank’s commitment 

to high standards in meeting 

the stringent criteria for fund 

transfer. The Central Operations 

electronic payments department, 

Treasury back office 

and Global Trade Services 

department are handling fund 

transfer operations in the bank 

while the technical and security 

issues are handled by the 

Systems & Procedures department. 

The Financial Institu- 

tions Group has established 

more than 500 correspondent 

banking relationships across 

the world and is acknowledged 

as one of the leading FI teams 

in the region.” 

The award recognised bank 

muscat’s exceptional quality of 

SWIFT messages on Euro payment. 

The award was based 

on evaluation of the quality 

and accuracy of SWIFT payment 

messages routed through 

Commerzbank. The award 

also recognised bank muscat’s 

state-of-the-art in-house 

payment architecture and af- 

firmed that the bank consistently 

maintained high SWIFT 

standards, which facilitated 

automated processing throughout 

the payment chain resulting 

in extremely high STP 

rates. Commerzbank is one 

of bank muscat's main correspondents 

for Euro payments. 

Commerzbank representatives 

commended the operational 

teams involved in processing 

payments at bank muscat for 

the error-free rate maintained 

consistently throughout the 

high volume of remittances 

processed during 2012. 

vided the perfect opportunity 

to share feedback and usage 

styles with the vendors in order 

to select the best devices 

for the faster network and 

provide the best possible customer 

experience. 

The forum was also a valuable 

resource to help device 

manufacturers develop new 

products based on the evolving 

needs of customers across 

the MENA region.

Discover Toyota 86 Sport 

MUSCAT — The revolutionary 

new Toyota that 

has put the “sport” back 

into the “car”, the Toyota 

86 is a compact frontengine 

rear-wheel drive 

sports car designed to 

place the driver in control. 

It is called the Toyota 86 

in tribute to the hugely 

successful Toyota AE86 

— one of the most cherished 

and loved sports 

cars having a huge fan 

following. 

And now, the Toyota 

86 is being made available 

in a excitingly new grade 

that offers a Sport Aero 

package. In the words of 

the Toyota spokesperson, 

“To enhance the sporty 

and thrill-a-minute ride 

characteristics of the Toyota 

86, we are now offering it with a package that will sweep everyone off their feet, 

the sport edition of Toyota 86 stands apart from the rest with a front bumper spoiler, 

side spoilers, rear bumper spoiler and large rear spoiler.” 

The Toyota 86 is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe is lightweight and wellbalanced, 

making it a solid choice for driving enthusiasts. Toyota 86’s 2-litre, naturally 

aspirated four-cylinder engine has a horizontally opposed engine and Toyota’s cutting 

edge D-4S injection system that incorporates both direct and port injection. The D-4S 

system, partnered with a high compression ratio, results in an impressive 197 horsepower 

- still achieving impressive fuel economy. 

Quick and nimble into and out of corners, with dynamic maneuverability and confident 

handling, the Toyota 86's weight is kept to a minimum by utilising an aluminium 

hood, a solid roof, and by a trunk design in lieu of a hatchback. 

The Toyota 86’s low weight is matched with a dynamically tuned suspension setup 

consisting of MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone system in the rear. 

Lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes are on all four corners. 

The fierce exterior of the Toyota 86 is a solid reflection of its inner power. The 

profile reveals a hood and roof-line that is remarkably sleek and low, giving it an aerodynamic 

shape that channels air cleanly over to the top. 

The Toyota 86’s interior features a 2+2 seating configuration that is designed with 

both form and function in mind. A 2-door coupe, the Toyota 86 is packed to the hilt with 

thrilling features such as cruise control, HID headlamps, LED clearance lamps, ABS 

and VSC, world’s first frame-less rear view mirror, ultra-low hip point 400mm, VSC 

sports function (a Toyota first), superior audio CD/MP3 system with built-in USB/Aux 

and Bluetooth, 6 speakers; another Toyota first — sports engine sound creator, non-slip 

assist pad for entry and exit, fender garnish with 86 logo, SRS airbags front, curtain 

side (fr)+knee (fr), exclusive seat material & sports seats, amongst many others. 

In Oman, Toyota is a household name, a part of people's lives. Toyota offers enduring 

quality and nothing comes close to it in terms of value-retention. It is no surprise; 

therefore, that Toyota soars far above the rest, with a dominant market share and everexpanding 


The unmatched, nationwide parts and service support of Saud Bahwan Group 

makes Toyota's pride of place a reality. Toyota customers in Oman enjoy 6-year unlimited 

mileage protection, over 98 per cent parts availability and round-the-clock care, 

amongst many other exclusive privileges from the Group. 

Kia ranked among top 100 global brands 

THE accolades for Kia, the fastest growing brand, keep flowing. Now, the whole world 

has stood in applause for brand Kia, valued at $4.1 billion, earning a pride of place 

amongst the ‘top 100 best global brands’. 

The 2012 study conducted by Interbrand, the world’s largest brand consultancy 

agency, noted that Kia’s dramatic brand value increase were the result of its advances 

in product quality, design and innovative marketing. 

Claire Chai, Vice-President of Kia Motors Corp. Marketing Division, said, “Entering 

the ‘Top 100 Best Global Brands’ validates Kia’s commitment to continuously 

provide exciting and inspiring brand experiences. And it’s amazing to see what we can 

accomplish by staying true to who we are – a young and dynamic challenger that goes 

beyond expectations.” 

Kia’s remarkable increase in brand value is now estimated at $4.1 billion, which 

firmly sets the automaker at 87th place on the ‘Top 100 Best Global Brands’ list. This 

is a 50% increase from last year’s estimated brand value and far exceeds the average 

automotive brand value growth rate of 11 per cent. 

The 2012 edition of Interbrand’s annual ‘Best Global Brands’ study was executed 

through a comprehensive brand performance analysis using best practice research 


BUSINESS ALERT 

methodology by expert analysts. The study measures a corporation’s financial performance 

in terms of the raw financial return to investors; role that a brand plays in the 

actual purchase decision; and brand strength, which is the ability of a brand to secure 

the delivery of expected future earnings. 

The strong increase in Kia’s brand value closely mirrors the company’s recent surge 

in global sales, which have posted three consecutive double-digit year-or-year gains to 

cement Kia’s position as the world’s fastest growing major automotive brand. Over this 

three year period (2008-2011), Kia’s annual global sales have grown by 81 per cent to 

nearly 2.5 million units. 

Kia is one of the world's premier automotive brands. Over 2.5 million vehicles a 

year are produced in 15 manufacturing and assembly operations in eight countries 

which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 

172 countries. 

Kia today has over 47,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of over $39 

billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner 

of FIFA — the governing body of the FIFA World Cup. Kia Motors Corporation's 

brand slogan — "The Power to Surprise" — represents the company's global commitment 

to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation. 

Reliable International Automotive, the distributor for Kia in Oman provides a 

rewarding ownership experience for customers. Excellent product attributes and unmatched 

18 facilities easily ensure their absolute satisfaction, every mile of the way. 

No wonder then that Reliable International Automotive has been ranked amongst 

the top Kia distributors worldwide and has been honoured with prestigious accolades 

including the Kia 'Dealer of the Year' award; Kia 'Distributor of Distinction' award, 

'Family Like Care' Service award and the 'Zenith Club' award for excellent performance. 

The prestigious 'Kia Award for Overall Excellence and Outstanding Performance' 

amongst Kia distributors worldwide was bestowed most deservingly. 

MG-Group wins Business Leader award 

THE World Confederation of Businesses, an organisation that encourages worldwide 

business development, has chosen MG-Group to be one of the recipients for a prestigious 

World Business Leader Award during its recent ceremonies in Qatar. 

Mohamed Yassin, CEO of both MG-Group and Modecom MEA, thanked the event 

organisers for the evaluation and selection of MG-Group. 

On the other hand, early this year, MG-Group was awarded the Excellence in Quality 

Award (QC100). In an interview, after being asked what this award means to him, 

the CEO said “we are so proud to get both of these awards this year, which means that 

the excellence in business leadership will be based on the quality of our superb services 

and products delivered to our clients,” said. 

TEL: 24601003, 24600586 • FAX: 24600736 

• WEBSITE: www.salalahport.com 

Finalists for Chrysler Cup announced 

DHOFAR Automotive and the 

Oman Golf Committee (OGC) 

announced the names of two 

teams which have won the semifinals 

held recently at Almouj 

Golf Course and will compete 

for the coveted Chrysler Cup. 

The leader board displayed 

that Ghala Valley prevailed over 

Almouj Golf — 6.5 to 5.5 and 

Ras Al Hamra won the matches 

against Muscat Hills 7 to 5 qualifying 

to enter into the finals of the 

Chrysler Cup 2012. The matches 

came down to the wire where the 

last game played by each group 

decided the teams going through 

to the finals. 

The grand finals of the Chrysler 

Cup will be held at Muscat 

Hills Golf Club on October 11 

and 12, 2012 in a format similar 

to the internationally acclaimed 

Ryder Cup. 

Chris Edwards, General Manager, 

Dhofar Automotive said, “At Dhofar Automotive, we are extremely proud of the 

outcome and response that the Chrysler Cup has received. The level of skill and proficiency 

seen during the tournament is reflective of our objective to pursue excellence. 

We would like to congratulate Ghala Valley and Ras Al Hamra for a superb performance 

today and wish them the best of luck for the impending finals.” 

M-learning to enter Omani varsities 

MOBILE learning and cloud-based assessment 

are set to radically transform the 

GCC’s education sector with universities in 

Oman among the first in the Middle East to 

adopt this revolutionary new technology. 

Mobile learning, or m-learning, takes 

digital education to an altogether higher 

level and Oman can be one of the first few 

countries in the world to adopt this revolutionary 

technology in mobile learning 

(m-learning) and cloud computing through 

hand-held devices. Building on the popularity 

of tablet PCs and smart phones 

among the younger generation, CORE 

Education and Consulting Solutions FZ 

LLC (CORE), a global leader in education 

technologies, has revolutionised traditional 

concepts of teaching and learning, firmly 

aligning them with cutting-edge 21st century 

education processes, said Sanjeev 

Mansotra, Chairman, CORE 

The objective of this solution is to leverage 

the power of handheld devices such 

as tablet PCs to transform teaching and learning by bringing the world into the classroom 

and extending the classroom to the world. The initiative brings knowledge and 

information to the students and break down the virtual walls of the classroom, allowing 

students to become the co-creators of their own learning environment through collaborations 

with their own peers and faculty. 

The m-learning and formative assessment trend has been introduced in the Middle 

East by CORE, a leading global education solutions provider implementing nextgeneration 

solutions for teaching, learning and assessment across the world. CORE 

this week signed an agreement towards this effect with the UAE’s Higher Colleges of 

Technology (HCT) as part of the UAE’s flagship education project and is now taking 

the lead in introducing the concept in schools, colleges 

Mazoon Electricity gets GCC recognition 

MAZOON Electricity Company (MZEC) was recently recognised for its Omanisation 

efforts which have enabled the company to maintain a high Omanisation rate of 98 

per cent. The accolade was awarded during a ceremony held at the 29th Session of the 

Council of Labour Ministers of the GCC in Riyadh. 

The award aims to encourage private sector companies across the GCC to reinforce 

their efforts in providing enriching job opportunities for nationals and ensuring that 

local expertise is cultivated to generate further growth and prosperity. Eng Zahir al 

Abri, General Manager of MZEC received the award on behalf of the company and 

expressed his gratitude for the recognition. 

Renault Megane — unique style statement 

RENAULT is committed to providing excellent safety features with their range of vehicles. 

The Renault Megane collection is a primary example of this commitment, being 

the first vehicle in its class to achieve five-stars at the Euro NCAP safety trials. The 

Megane, despite its compact appeal has an interior layout that provides a roomy driving 

atmosphere with exceptional road handling. 

The new Renault Megane hatch’s lively design makes the car feels agile and responsive, 

exuding vitality, charm and sturdiness. The car’s charismatic impressions 

borne of its sleek look, sharpened lines and harmonious proportions are meant for the 

adventure seeking and outdoorsy individuals. 

The display panel in Megane cars is a true innovation. Drawing inspiration from 

the world of professional motor sports, it features analogue for the rev counter, digital 

for the speedometer and information from the trip computer. Not only does the Renault 

Megane exude a sporty personality with an energetic dynamic that is often seen in Renault 

cars, but its design also stands out from the crowd of cars found in its segment. 

Suhail Bahwan Automobiles is largely committed to supporting Renault Oman’s 

growth in the Sultanate.

Sales office at Muscat 

Hills to market phase 2 


MUSCAT — His Highness 

Rawy al Said opened the exclusive 

sales office at Muscat 

Hills aimed at marketing the 

limited upcoming residences 

in the phase 2 development. 

Set on sprawling verdant 

property that offers spectacular 

views of green golf course 

and the majestic Hajjar mountains 

, Muscat Hills is a luxurious 

project in the Sultanate. 

One of the foremost ITC 

projects in Oman, wherein expatriates 

can also buy a property, 

Muscat Hills features the 

country’s first 18-hole PGA 

standard green golf course 

and the residential properties 

in the prime location, Airport 

Heights, of Muscat towards 

where the city continues to 

witness the fast expansion. 


MUSCAT — bank muscat 

Private Banking is hosting an 

art exhibition by leading artist 

Sudipta (Bubbly) Choudhry 

on October 14 and 15 at 

the bank’s head office. The 

exhibition titled ‘Splendorous 

Vanguards’ reflects the heritage 

of Oman and is inspired 

by the book ‘Forts and Castles 

of Oman’ by Dr. Patricia 

Groves. 

Ali Said Ali, DGM —Asset 

Management and Private 

Banking, said: “The Sultanate 

enjoys an unrivalled position 

as the confluence of art 

and culture in the Middle East 


MUSCAT — Underscoring 

its credentials as a customercentric 

corporation, Oman Oil 

Marketing Company (omanoil) 

has embarked on an exciting 

programme of activities 

that seeks to put the accent 

on a key differentiator of its 

business — customer service 

excellence. 

The activities are part of 

celebrations marking ‘Customer 

Service Week’ that got 

underway on September 29 

and will conclude with a prizegiving 

ceremony on October 

10. In observing ‘Customer 

Service Week’, omanoil joins a 

growing number of customersavvy 

corporations and service 

providers in Oman and around 

the world in affirming the piv- 

As per HH Rawy Al Said, 

“Keeping in mind the successful 

1st phase implementation, 

the new development is our 

natural response to the continual 

enthusiastic market demand 

for our exclusive residential 

units. The phase 2 development 

initially will comprise of a 

limited number of aesthetically 

designed villas strategically 

located in the golf course.” 

The market response to 

phase 2 development is encouraging 

as evident from 

the bookings it has already received 

even prior to the launch 

which is expected soon. 

The large and elegantly 

designed Sales Office boasts 

of a reception, viewing area, 

meeting area and offices, and 

is ready to welcome discerning 

clients interested in the 

purchase of the phase 2 devel- 

region and the exhibition by 

Sudipta (Bubbly) Choudhry 

further underscores this reputation. 

bank muscat is proud 

to contribute to preservation 

of the country’s centuries-old 

heritage and culture.” 

Till date, Sudipta has held 

25 exhibitions in Oman. Her 

major international / solo 

shows include Art Shanghai; 

National Museum of Riyadh; 

Gallery ‘M’ at Vienna; Paris 

: Les Galeries Artitude; Visual 

Arts Gallery, Cork Street, 

London; ‘Venice Autumnal’ at 

Palazzo Correr, Venice, Italy); 

Jain Marunouchi Gallery, 

Manhattan etc. In May 2008, 

M.F. Hussain was the guest of 

otal importance of customer 

service as the cornerstone of 

successful business practice. 

“This is the first time that 

omanoil is celebrating ‘Customer 

Service Week’ as part of 

an annual international event. 

For a company like omanoil 

where customer service is a 

key differentiator of our business, 

we are proud to be part 

of this important event,” said 

Faiza al Mazrui, Customer 

Care Manager. “We are a 

customer-centric organisation 

and everything we do revolves 

around our customers to ensure 

the best possible experience.” 

In celebration of its maiden 

‘Customer Service Week’, 

omanoil’s CEO and Executive 

Management team personally 

visited key corporate customers 

in appreciation of their 

opment which will endeavour 

to maintain the low density of 

the residential units. 

According to Ivor Braganza, 

Director of OUDC, “ 

Oman is a very stable economy 

and provides outstanding 

family life to the expatriate 

and local community. This 

coupled with the location that 

Muscat Hills offers makes it 

an ideal residential destination. 

The rich experience of 

WJ Towell Group in premium 

real estate development will 

add significant value to this 

unique project”. 

The phase 2 development 

is undertaken by Muscat Hills 

Residences which is the culmination 

of a strategic partnership 

between Muscat Golf 

Course Project (MGCP) and 

Oman Urban Development 

Co (OUDC). 

bank muscat to host art exhibition 

Ali Said Ali 

honor at a show organised by 

the artist in Muscat at the Indian 

Embassy. 

bank muscat Private Banking 

offers bespoke solutions 

that preserve, secure and grow 

wealth. The Private Banking 

strategy is a step into the future 

banking in Oman, reflecting 

the bank’s commitment to 

expand innovative services to 

clients and remain the nation’s 

bank of first choice. With 

global financial expertise, 

the bank has adopted smarter 

strategies to stay ahead in 

business and provide a distinct 

experience for Private Banking 

clients. 

With expertise and experience, 

bank muscat Private 

Banking provides an exceptional 

breadth and depth of 

wealth management solutions, 

including investment, wealth 

structuring, advisory and 

banking across multiple jurisdictions 

around the globe and 

diverse asset classes. 

loyalty and support throughout 

the years. The company 

has also rolled out an exciting 

programme of activities that 

includes promotions, competitions, 

giveaways, attractive 

prizes, and a host of in-house 

initiatives designed to reinforce 

a culture of excellent customer 

care among employees. 

“We have put in huge efforts 

to make ‘Customer Service 

Week’ a success,” said Faiza. 

“As part of our social media 

promotion, we have a competition 

underway on our Facebook 

page that encourages our 

‘friends’ to answer questions 

and win some fabulous prizes 

in return. Also, at selected filling 

stations, promotional items 

such as T-shirts and pens will be 

given away, while a 50 per cent 

discount will be offered to car 

wash customers. Furthermore, 

customers shopping at our ahlain 

convenience store chain will 

receive a free bottle of ahlainbranded 

mineral water.” 

Internally, the company has 

planned a number of initiatives 


Omanoil Customer Service Week: Connecting with customers 

FAIZA al Mazrui 

aimed at strengthening employee 

engagement and raising 

awareness on customer service, 

Faiza stated. “Our deeply-rooted 

customer care philosophy is 

ingrained in our corporate culture 

and is harnessed through 

internal team-building exercises 

and specialised training programs. 

A dedicated team gains 

firsthand insight on customer 

satisfaction through the Call 

Centre and employees share 

their experiences with others 

in open forums to better tailor 

services.” 

“The staff will be invited to 

participate in teambuilding exercises 

and competitions that 

emphasise customer service 

themes. The objective behind 

these efforts is to acknowledge 

and reward our front 

desk service providers who 

transcend our philosophy of 

excellent customer care, said 

Al Mazrui. “Our slogan during 

the week is ‘Because Of You 

We Celebrate’ in recognition 

of the hard work, loyalty and 

dedication of our employees 

who have enabled the company 

to realise its goals of better 

serving the nation.” 

According to the executive, 

customer service is perhaps 

the only factor that can 

drive business growth in a 

tightly regulated industry like 

fuel marketing. “Unlike other 

business lines, the fuel marketing 

industry centers around 

a small number of products 

whose prices are regulated by 

government. While we cannot 

compete on price, room for 

creativity in product offerings 

is either non-existent or very 

limited. In such a business, 

customer service is the only 

differentiating factor for success.” 

Building a customer-centric 

culture is no easy task, she 

explains. “Changing attitudes 

towards customers and getting 

people to behave differently 

can indeed be challenging. 

Thus, if a company has managed 

to successfully inculcate 

customer service values within 

the organisation, then it has effectively 

won the competitive 

edge.” 

omanoil, says Faiza, has 

embraced a customer service 

culture earlier than competition. 

“Whereas others in the 

business have Customer Service 

Departments that have 

more to do with processing 

orders, issuing cards, and so 

on, our management decided 

to establish a team that is exclusively 

at the service of customers. 

Our remit is to listen 

to customers, address their 

problems, study customerrelated 

issues, provide training 

for customer facing stations, 

formulate customer-centric 

training strategies, develop incentive 

programmes for staff, 

and keep employees well motivated. 

Our focus is on changing 

the internal culture of 

our organisation to become a 

customer-centric company. We 

aim continuously surpass customer 

expectations and lead 

by example to redefine standards 

in delivering consistently 

excellent customer service 

through innovative methods. 

This is the key differentiating 

factor of omanoil.”

By Ali Ahmed al Riyami 

REFLECTING the popularity 

of The Wave’s luxurious 

freehold properties, 

hundreds of visitors, many of 

whom are prospective buyers, 

came to the recent unveiling of 

their exclusive new waterfront 

address, Marsa Apartments, 

overlooking the scenically idyllic 

Almouj Marina. 

This is the first phase — Marsa 

One — of the luxury marina 

Marsa Apartments, and property 

purchasers have the option of 

selecting from one, two, or three 

bedroom residences. 

In his address at the launch 

reception, The Wave’s Vice- 

President for Sales and Marketing, 

David Stafford, commented 

on this latest edition of one of 

Oman’s leading prime integrated 

development complexes. 

These and all of The Wave’s 

lifestyle destination properties 

are finished to the highest international 

standards and, as is also 

the case with Marsa Apartments, 

they afford spectacular views and 

stylish modern interiors that optimise 

space and light. 

Besides the marina, residents 

will also have access to 

the recently opened, legendary 

golfing champion, Greg Norman 

designed, ‘Almouj Golf’, a 

world-class, 18-hole golf course 

with floodlit driving range and 

restaurant. It is, however the opportunity 

of being able to take 

advantage of berthing one’s yacht 

just metres from the front door 

that is an enticement and strong 

buying point for many prospective 

purchasers who have a pen- 

Parineeti’s graceful walk 

gets thumbs-up at WIFW 

Page 28 

chant for sailing. 

One of the reasons why The 

Wave has proven to be a very 

popular lifestyle destination is 

thanks to its integration of superb 

facilities that combines more 

Sleeping brain acts as if 

remembering something 

Page 27 

Super food 

questioned 

Page 27 

Sohar University at Faidh Al 

Marefa School career seminar 

Page 26 

Fea ures 

Tuesday, October 9, 2012 

than 4,000 luxurious properties 

with the award winning Almouj 

Marina, Greg Norman inspired 

signature Almouj Golf course, 

four world-class hotels, shopping 

and dining, and, for non-Omanis, 

the opportunity of foreign ownership 

of property with unrestricted 

freehold rights of use and transfer 

– as well as eligibility for a twoyear 

renewable residency visa. 

As noted, owners have 

achieved resale and rental returns 

throughout The Waves phases of 

development and enjoy some of 

the highest and most consistent 

rental yields in Muscat. 

Almouj Marina is considered 

to be one of the Sultanate’s premier 

marina facilities and flagship 

yachting and sailing destination, 

providing state-of-the-art 

eco-friendly facilities amongst 

beautifully luxurious surroundings 

— a real delightful haven 

for yacht owners and discerning 

property purchasers. 

The Al Marsa Village is located 

right in the heart of The Wave 

and is set to become the social 

hub of its community once completed. 

It is to include a variety 

of shops, restaurants, cafes and a 

waterfront hotel. Popular outlets 

such as Pizza Express and Costa 

Coffee are already open and a 

new Waitrose store is in the offing. 

All of this provides residents 

with convenience and choice, 

literally, at their very own doorstep. 

For those considering purchase 

at The Wave as an investment, 

this sublime seafront destination 

has continued to deliver 

completed properties and sell new 

properties off plan in record numbers. 

In each and every aspect of 

its phased development, there has 

been a concerted effort to make 

sure that the environment of the 

properties are attractive, homely 

and offer The Wave residents 

Stewart punishing 

herself? 

Page 28 

Visitors flock to unveiling of The Wave’s Marsa 

The Wave’s lifestyle destination 

properties are finished to the 

highest international standards 

and, as is also the case with Marsa 

Apartments, they afford spectacular 

views and stylish modern interiors 

that optimise space and light. 

Besides the marina, residents will 

also have access to the recently 

opened ‘Almouj Golf’, a world-class, 

18-hole golf course with floodlit 

driving range and restaurant 

smart surroundings wherein to 

live and enjoy life. 

Entertainment throughout the 

evening’s reception was provided 

by the effervescent DJ Junior, on- 

board an original Omani Dhow 

(traditional Arabian-style sailing 

vessel) that was moored close-by. 

(Photos by Ali al Riyami and 

courtesy of The Wave)

The Sultan’s School 

under-16 football 

team wins Dubai 

Unity Cup 

THE Sultan’s School welcomed its friend and 

partner, Pankaj Khimji to a recent assembly 

to celebrate the sporting success of the boys’ 

football team in the recent Dubai Unity Cup 

competition. For the second consecutive year 

the school came home the winners of the coveted 

trophy, having competed against others from 

Kuwait, UAE, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain 

and Cyprus. 

Graeme Garrett, Principal of The Sultan’s School 

said, “Through a rich and varied curriculum, 

the Sultan’s School emphasises the importance 

of teamwork and dedication to achieve success 

as well as a healthy lifestyle. Team sports such as 

football instills skills such as leadership, problem 

solving, self-motivation and performing under 

pressure that can be transferred from a sporting 

scenario to life lessons.” 

He added, “The win could not have been possible 

without the generous support of Khimji. It is 

victories such as this and the support received 

that propels our students to excel in academics 

and sports. We look forward to further trophies 

and achievements as more year groups are 

inspired by this triumph.” 

In recognition of his ongoing and outstanding 

commitment to The Sultan’s School, Khimji 

was presented with a signed and framed shirt 

by members of the team, Munthir Al Kharusi, 

Ismail al Balushi, and Hakeem Khusaibi. 

Sharon Deona 

Lobo 

Oman Daily Observer would like to take the lead in sharing 

the joy with its readers. Send us a colour photograph of 

your baby (below 10 years) along with name, date of birth, 

address, telephone number and parents’ names. Send in 

your baby’s picture and other details to: 

observerfeatures@gmail.com or Kids Corner, Oman 

Daily Observer, P O Box 974, PC 100, Muscat, 

Sultanate of Oman 

LAST week while working on a 

project, I received a call. As I 

was anticipating a call with some 

information that I was seeking, I picked 

up the phone without looking. It turns out 

the caller was a sales rep trying to sell me 

some marketing services. 

Normally I wouldn’t have taken the 

call at that time, but just out of curiosity, 

I asked him how he got my name and 

number. 

His response was interesting in that 

he said he had spoken personally with 

the founder of a group I belonged to and 

claimed the founder gave him permission 

to contact all the members regarding his 

services. 

Sounds convincing…except there’s 

one problem. I’ve been a member of 

Sharon Veronica 

Warnakulasuriya 

this group for six years, held different 

functions in it and personally know the 

founder. The founder is dead set against 

people trying to do direct selling to the 

membership — even member to member. 

I knew in a heartbeat that this sales rep 

hadn’t been given permission to contact 

the membership. 

If I had to guess, I would say he joined 

as a member and thought he could use the 

membership database as his personal sales 

pool. He probably assumed that he could 

use this lie to try to sell his company’s 

service and no one would be the wiser. 

Telling a lie, even if it seems like a 

small one, destroys any chances of doing 

business if it’s discovered. It might seem 

clever at the time, but here’s the thing. If 

someone will lie about how they came to 

call you, then one wonders what else they 

say that isn’t true. 

It’s imperative to be honest when 

speaking with prospects and customers. 

As a sales representative or a business 

owner, you can be sure that you and your 

company are being evaluated in every in- 

26 SPOTLIGHT TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2012 

Sohar University at Faidh Al Marefa 

School career seminar 

SOHAR University marketing 

department recently 

participated in 

the Career and Vocational 

guidance seminar at Faidh Al 

Marefa School. 

The event gathered colleges 

and universities from all over 

the country to represent their 

programmes to the students. 

Sohar University introduced 

its five faculties which are 

the Faculty of Arts and Law, 

Faculty of Business, Faculty 

Honesty is the best policy 

By Susan Bagyura 

teraction. The question they will be asking 

themselves: "Is this a person (or a company) 

I want to work with on a long-term 

basis?" 

If they feel pressure from you, the answer 

is no. 

of English Studies, Faculty 

of Computing and IT and the 

Faculty of Engineering. 

Sohar University delegation 

assisted the students to 

research different career possibilities 

as well the vocational 

LEADERSHIP CORNER 

Telling a lie, even if 

it seems like a small 

one, destroys any 

chances of doing 

business if it’s 

discovered 

If they feel like you're trying too hard 

to be liked, the answer is no. 

If they don't think you understand their 

business, the answer is no. 

If they get overwhelmed by what 

you're saying, the answer is no. 

areas they have aptitude or talent 

in. Sohar University concluded 

their participation with 

a visual presentation about the 

Sohar University expansion 

project as well as the facilities 

of the university. 

Bank Sohar to support cancer 

awareness walkathon 

FOR the fourth consecutive 

year, Bank Sohar 

is extending its staunch 

and enthusiastic backing to the 

National Cancer Awareness 

Association (NACA) in the 

hosting of the 9th Walkathon 

2012 in support of cancer 

awareness. 

The event, which will 

take place this month, is the 

flagship annual initiative of 

NACA, one of Oman’s bestknown 

advocacy groups dedicated 

to fighting cancer by 

espousing better awareness, 

early diagnosis and successful 

management. NACA’s sterling 

contribution to cancer awareness 

and ameliorative support 

has won the Association numerous 

awards and accolades. 

Bank Sohar continues to 

enjoy a strong and fruitful 

relationship with NACA – a 

partnership nurtured from 

the Bank’s inception in 2007. 

Over the years, Bank Sohar 

has supported a number of initiatives 

organised by NACA, 

demonstrating its commitment 

to playing a frontline role in 

the collective battle against 

cancer. 

This year’s walkathon will 

focus on the theme ”Beat Your 

Feet, For Cancer Defeat”, 

which seeks to drive home 

the importance of early detection 

in the fight against cancer 

through better awareness and 

regular screenings. Previous 

editions of the walkathon 

have been major successes for 

NACA in terms of the large 

turnouts and eager participa- 

tion of attendees in activities 

conducted on the sidelines of 

the event. 

Proceeds from this year’s 

walkathon are earmarked in 

aid of two principal projects of 

NACA. Part of the proceeds 

will go towards the maintenance 

of the Association’s 

Mobile Mammography Unit 

(MMU), a pioneering initiative 

designed to provide free 

screening services to women 

across the Sultanate. Since it 

was launched in 2009, more 

than 5,000 women have been 

able to get themselves screened 

for dreaded breast cancer. 

Equally laudable is NACA’s 

Dar Al Hanan initiative, a 

project that provides a caring 

home environment for children 

undergoing cancer treatment 

at Royal Hospital on an 

outpatient basis. The balance 

part of the proceeds generated 

during the walkathon will help 

fund this noble venture, which 

serves as a ‘home away from 

home’ for both; cancer-afflicted 

children and their family 

members. 

Both initiatives have a 

special significance for Bank 

Sohar. In 2009, the Bank 

made a generous financial 

contribution to NACA allowing 

them to purchase a 

Mobile Mammography Unit 

to spearhead its breast cancer 

detection programme. A year 

later, Bank Sohar once again 

pitched in with funding support 

towards NACA’s Dar Al 

Hanan (‘Home Away From 

Home’) project. Both gestures 

helped cement a blossoming 

partnership between Bank 

Sohar and NACA in support 

of the latter’s cancer awareness 

programmes. 

Thus, in addition to partner- 

ing with NACA in the staging 

of the annual walkathon, Bank 

Sohar has also been closely 

championing the Association’s 

cancer awareness cause. Last 

year, Bank Sohar joined select 

corporate organizations in an 

exhibition hosted by NACA 

at Qurum City Center in support 

of cancer awareness. The 

month-long ‘Show You Care, 

Be Aware’ campaign was an 

opportunity for Bank Sohar 

to demonstrate its credentials 

as a keen advocate of community 

and social causes. 

“We are delighted by our 

growing engagement with 

NACA in advancing the cause 

of cancer awareness. NACA’s 

passionate pursuit of this objective 

is both inspirational 

and laudable. Public education 

is a key part of our community 

outreach programme, 

and by encouraging a greater 

understanding and knowledge 

of cancer, Bank Sohar hopes 

to make a modest contribution 

to the goal of combating this 

disease” commented Munira 

Abdulnabi Macki, DGM — 

Human Resources & Corporate 

Support, Bank Sohar. 

Yuthar al Rawahy, Founder 

and Chairperson of NACA, 

said: “Bank Sohar’s unwavering 

support to NACA’s is a 

prime example of how corporates 

should rise to the occasion 

to promote noble causes. 

We applaud the management 

and staff of the Bank for their 

continuous and unstinting 

patronage of our many initiatives.” 

If they feel like you put your interests 

before theirs, the answer is no. 

If they think you’re lying, the answer 

is no. 

Going back to my caller, even though 

he did look me up and contact me, he 

hadn’t taken any time to find out a little 

about me and my business. His plan was 

to jump in with a canned speech and try 

to manoeuvre me into something without 

knowing if this is what I need. 

He was completely stuck in what he 

wanted and gave no thought to what I 

might need or want. This made his interruption 

even more unwelcome. 

When it comes to running a business, 

there’s one very simple equation: no sales 

equals no business. However, to be most 

effective in sales today, it's critical to drop 

the sales mentality and techniques. Start 

working with your prospects as if they've 

already hired you. 

Approach their business with fresh eyes 

and look for ways of how you can serve 

them. If you have successfully helped a 

company with your products and services, 

Dr Rajan Philips 

rajanph@yahoo.co.uk 

Towards better 

mental health 

THE fallout of a long drawn out civil war is not just 

death and destruction. In Somalia, long years of 

unrelenting war has resulted in one in three survivors 

afflicted by some form of mental illness. Worse, there 

are only a handful of trained psychiatrists in the entire 

country equipped to tackle it. This may be an extreme 

example but mental illness is a fact of modern life that 

cannot be wished away. 

Life is a roller coaster ride with ups and downs, 

excitements and shocks. Managing these upheavals 

calmly is not easy and some victims may end up as 

mental wrecks. Some of them experience severe depression 

that may end in suicide. 

It is in such a scenario that the World Mental health 

Day observed annually on October 10 assumes singular 

significance. 

The Day aims to raise public awareness about mental 

health issues. It promotes open discussion of mental 

disorders, and investments in prevention, promotion 

and treatment services. 

Mental illness is a problem of colossal magnitude. 

About 450 million around the world suffer from some 

mental disorder or the other. The alarming trend continues 

unabated. It is a wake up call for all of us to 

act. 

A common but dangerous form is mental depression 

that afflicts nearly 150 million people in both 

developed and developing countries. Though depression 

and other related disorders are treatable, access 

to treatment is highly limited in poor nations. This is 

where the pioneering efforts of bodies like World Federation 

for Mental Health (WFMH) founded in 1948, 

proves valuable. It envisions a world in which mental 

health for all is a priority. It works with indefatigable 

zeal for the prevention of mental and emotional 

disorders, and the proper treatment and care of those 

affected. 

Its most significant initiative has been to institute 

a World Mental Health Day thanks to the visionary 

zeal of Richard Hunter, a long time Deputy Secretary 

General of the WFMH. Though trained as a lawyer, 

his work for three years during World War II as an attendant 

in psychiatric institutions left a deep impact on 

him. The annual observance of World Mental Health 

Day on October 10 and the concept of a specific 

theme for each year is his brainchild. Now the Day is 

supported by the United Nations (UN), and the World 

Health Organization (WHO). 

The Day aims to create a strong global awareness 

on the devastating and tragic consequences of untreated 

mental illnesses. It also highlights the risks to 

mental health such as poverty, gender discrimination, 

low level of education, stressful work conditions, unhealthy 

lifestyle, hereditary factors, and exposure to 

violence and chronic illness. 

The social stigma attached to mental health problems 

makes recovery tougher. This year’s theme ‘Depression: 

A global crisis’ has far reaching implications. 

Promoting mental health involves creating conducive 

living environment and healthy lifestyles. A social 

climate that ensures, political, socio-economic and 

cultural rights is essential. A few practical measures 

include regular exercise, healthy and balanced diet, 

sound relaxation techniques to lower stress, including 

meditation and deep breathing, good sleeping habits, 

balanced family and social ties and curtailing use of 

alcohol and narcotic substances. 

The long term goal is not absence of mental disorder 

but ensuring true mental health. Greater research, 

reducing social stigma and caring for those with mental 

health problems adequately are challenging but not 

insurmountable goals. Of course, time, understanding, 

compassion and a concerted effort are required. Surely, 

any investment in mental health is laudable since there 

is no health without mental health. The WMHD will 

hopefully spur such proactive and positive measures. 

Quote: 

The only way to good health is to eat what you don’t 

want, drink what you don’t like, and do what you’d 

rather not. — Mark Twain 

ask them for a testimonial. Target companies 

in the same industry or that have 

similar requirements and approach them 

from the standpoint of how your company 

has helped other to solve whatever their 

problem was. 

If my caller had said that he was calling 

me because we’re members in a group 

and he’s helped other member coaches increase 

their business by 40 per cent using 

his marketing services, backed up by testi- 

monials, then we would have had another 

conversation. 

(Susan Bagyura, a leadership coach 

and business consultant, works with entrepreneurs 

in the essentials of starting 

a business and developing the business 

mindset. The audio to this article may be 

heard at http://www.susanbagyura.com/ 

audio/coldcall.html.)

PEOPLE’S 

PLATFORM 

PARKING a car in front of the 

gate of a house, blocking movement 

is the cruel thing anybody 

can do. Recently a rental car was parked 

at our building entrance gate by an expat 

woman at about 11 am. It remained 

parked there till 3pm in the afternoon. 

No contact details were kept on the 

dashboard. 

One of the residents had to take 

his sick child to hospital; another had 

to drop his daughter at school. They 

called all the authorities concerned in 

hotlines in several places on several 

times, pleaded with them but received 

the same response ‘We cannot help, call 

the car company’. 

Then the residents called the renta-car 

company several times, 3 times 

they said that the ‘customer is not responding 

to calls’. Even on insisting to 

remove the car with their spare key, the 

car company refused. 

When the woman returned at 3 pm, 

the residents of the building asked her 

why did she parked in front of the gate. 

She very casually and coldly replied, “I 

am sorry”. 

When the residents called on a passing 

patrol car and complained, they just 

laughed off, not even putting a fine and 

went away. 

The result — one infant could not 

get timely medical attention, one child 

missed school and the residents suffered 

in many ways. 

As a resident, I don’t know what else 

could we have done. But we will always 

remember the apathy of the authorities, 

the car company and the car driver. 

And now this encourages others to park 

anywhere as we know nobody will do 

anything. 

— Suresh 

Editor: I agree there are some who 

aren’t even taught good manners, let 

alone civic sense. Some people lack 

Researchers debunk 

super food benefits 

SUPERFOODS may have been the mainstay of the 

health industry for a long time, but now researchers 

are questioning their much touted health promoting 

properties. 

Foods such as broccoli, blueberries and whole grains 

do contain polyphenols, compounds that have antioxidant 

and anti-inflammatory properties, but their healthgiving 

properties seldom make it past the gut, contend 

experts. 

"Polyphenols may well work when cells are exposed 

to them directly, such as under laboratory conditions, 

but what needs to be established is how effective they 

are when consumed as part of a food," said Lucy Jones, 

Kingston University's deputy dean of the faculty of science, 

engineering and computing. 

"If they don't actually get through the gut membrane 

and into the rest of the body, then they're not a super 

food," said Jones, who with colleague Elizabeth Opara 

have taken a model developed in the early 1980s by 

Sloane Kettering Institute in the US and adapted it to see 

if and how medicinal Chinese herbs, known to limit the 

growth of cancer cells, are absorbed in the body. 

Known as the Caco-2, the model mimics the action 

of the small intestine, the principal place where nutrients 

are taken up. 

The Kingston researchers have used it to assess what 

does and doesn't make it through the gut, according to a 

Kingston statement. 

"The Caco-2 is a single layer of cells grown in a laboratory 

environment that develops the characteristics and 

functions of the micro-villi, the tiny hair-like projections 

that aid efficient absorption found mainly in the small 

intestine," Opara said. 

"This method allows us to look at what nutrients pass 

through into the body and could be used to test food supplements, 

drugs and foodstuffs. 

"We found that while some compounds may have a 

local effect in the gut itself, in terms of the rest of the 

body the impact could be negligible." 

Products so far tested by the Kingston University 

research team include herbs such as parsley, rosemary, 

sage and thyme. 

a general civic sense. This attitude of 

people is a matter of great concern. 

We need to create civic consciousness 

among our children so that they will 

behave in the society in a civilised way. 

27 

LETTERS/HEALTH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2012 

Lack of civic sense is a matter of great concern 

Traffic congestion 

NOTED with interest one of the recent 

I letters appeared in these columns 

where a reader has rightly commented 

that it’s not the road network that is to 

blame for traffic congestion, but it’s the 

fact that there are so many road users. 

With Oman having a high youth population 

quotient, it’s not at all surprising 

that, once they have obtained their driving 

licences, more and more young drivers 

are plying on the roads. 

This, together with the increased 

commercial vehicle activity — that has 

come about thanks to the many projects 

and business related developments that 

are flourishing here – has been adding a 

large number of new vehicles to the fleet 

of vehicles plying on the country’s highways 

and byways. 

It is the same in every burgeoning metropolis 

around the world, where growth 

and increased activity has left road users 

dreading peak-hour traffic jams and has, 

in some cases, resulted in road rage. 

There are a number of initiatives authorities 

can take to help reduce traffic 

and encourage road users to leave their 

vehicles at home. 

— P Zance 

Editor: Yes, studies have to be made 

in order to find the best way of reducing 

traffic congestion. 

Opportunities for growth 

AS anyone taking a drive into 

the Sultanate’s interior regions 

can testify, Oman is blessed with an 

expansive land range and mass, befitting 

its status as one of the biggest countries 

in the Arabian Peninsula. 

There are still many barren unpopulated 

places here and with a relatively 

low, but steadily rising population, there 

are enormous opportunities for growth, 

as projects such as the Duqm Port and 

Industrial Zone have shown. 

This, and thanks to the stability and 

progressive development here, is why 

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Sleeping brain acts as if 

remembering something 

RESEARCHERS who 

measured during sleep 

the activity of a brain 

region involved in learning, 

memory and Alzheimer's discovered 

that it behaves as if 

it is remembering something, 

even under anaesthesia. 

The finding counters existing 

theories about memory 

consolidation during sleep. 

Researchers simultaneously 

measured the activity of single 

neurons (brain cells) from 

multiple parts of the brain involved 

in memory formation, 

The technique allowed 

them to determine which brain 

region was activating other areas 

of the brain and how that 

activation was spreading, said 

study senior author Mayank 

R. Mehta, professor of neurophysics 

at the University of 

California Los Angeles, the 

journal Nature Neuroscience 

reports. 

Mehta and his team looked 

at three connected brain regions 

in mice — the new brain 

or the neocortex, the old brain 

or the hippocampus, and the 

entorhinal cortex, an intermediate 

brain that connects the 

new and the old brains, according 

to a California statement. 

While previous studies 

have suggested that the dialogue 

between the old and the 

new brain during sleep was 

critical for memory formation, 

researchers had not investigated 

the contribution of the entorhinal 

cortex to this conversation, 

which turned out to be 

a game changer, Mehta said. 

His team found that the entorhinal 

cortex showed what 

is called persistent activity, 

which is thought to mediate 

working memory during waking 

life, for example when 

people pay close attention 

to remembering things temporarily, 

such as recalling a 

phone number or following 

directions. 

"The big surprise here is 

that this kind of persistent 

activity is happening during 

sleep, pretty much all the 

time," Mehta said. 

"These results are entirely 

novel and surprising. In fact, 

this working memory-like 

persistent activity occurred 

in the entorhinal cortex even 

under anaesthesia," concluded 

Mehta. 

Majority of urban working women fat 

ABOUT 80 per cent of urban Indian 

working women in the 25-45 

age group are fat because of sedentary 

lifestyle and changing food habits, 

a survey by a health organisation has revealed. 

"Most of the women who were obese 

said they were overweight because of 

sedentary lifestyle, lack of time to walk 

or exercise due to work pressure, and not 

having healthy food," Heal Foundation 

president R. Shankar said. 

The survey report "Rising Workplace 

Obesity among Indian Women" — by 

Healthji.com in association with Leisa's 

Secret, a firm that sells weight loss products 

— covered about 2,000 working 

women across Bangalore, Chandigarh, 

Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai. 

"Obesity could also affect the mind, 

and cause symptoms like insomnia, depression 

and self-pity," Shankar said, citing 

responses of obese women during the 

survey. 

A majority of the women working in 

the information technology (IT) and biotechnology 

(BT) sectors gain weight as 

they spend 10-12 hours sitting at their 

terminals (computers) in a controlled en- 

vironment. 

"Most of the 'knowledge workers' admitted 

during the survey that their walks 

were confined to going to a restroom or 

fetching coffee, tea or snacks from the of- 

fice pantry or cafeteria. Their work poses 

a hazard to their health," Shankar said. 

Although many of the fat women expressed 

satisfaction over their careers and 

salaries, they were conscious of their appearance. 

"Grappling with weight management 

could pose psychological problems and 

affect not only eating habits but also lead 

to depression. Long-term stress influences 

hormones, which control appetite and 

stimulate metabolism, resulting in insulin 

release and hunger for more food," chief 

psychiatrist Neelesh Tiwari of the New 

Delhi-based World Brain Centre said. 

"Married working women who are 

also homemakers are under even greater 

stress as they have no time to include exercise 

in their daily routine. Their own 

health is unfortunately not a priority for 

these women," Shankar said. 

Interestingly, unlike their men counterparts, 

women knowledge workers, 

single or married, do not make use of the 

gym or other health facilities that many 

tech firms provide in their campuses for 

paucity of time, deadline pressures at 

work, and the rush to return home to finish 

domestic chores. 

the Sultanate is one of the few places in 

the world where it is possible to undertake 

this and other multi-billion dollar 

projects, including the spectacular Sohar 

Port and Industrial Zone. 

For Oman, these types of developments 

have the added advantage of attracting 

investors and joint ventures, and 

can assist in providing diversified revenue 

and employment opportunities. 

His Majesty’s government has 

mapped out the future of the country 

very well, discouraging over-dependence 

on carbon-fuel through economic diversification, 

encouraging, supporting and 

assisting private enterprise and a number 

of welfare-based initiatives. 

— Ganesh Kumar 

Editor: The country’s potential has to 

be tapped fully and so we must plan positively 

for the future. 

Hospitality is the key 

THROUGHOUT the ages, and in 

typical Arab fashion where generosity 

is considered to be of a very high and 

noble attribute, Omanis have been noted 

for their hospitality to guests as well as 

strangers. 

This is still very much a part of modern-day 

Oman, where tradition plays an 

important part in everyday customs and 

where generosity, kindness and good 

manners are much appreciated. 

It is a distinguishing hallmark of the 

nation, both treasured and hoisted as an 

enticement for tourists. 

In a world of seemingly constant 

change, it is good to note that some distinguished 

traits and habits still survive. 

— Mohsin Yacoub 

Editor: The Sultanate’s hospitality is 

well known and appreciated by all. 

Vitamin pill a day helps 

boost memory 

DAILY multivitamin tablet may boost the memory 

A and slow mental decline, the Daily Mail reported 

Sunday. 

According to new studies, taking supplements has a 

beneficial effect on memory and may work by increasing 

the efficiency of brain cells. 

One study showed that after just four weeks there were 

measurable changes in electrical activity in the brain when 

carrying out memory tests. 

The body needs 13 vitamins to function properly and 

maintain health. 

Vitamins A, C, D, E and K and the eight B vitamins 

each have specific job in the body. 

Vitamin C keeps cells healthy, D regulates calcium and 

E maintains cell structure, while the B vitamins, including 

folic acid, have a wide range of functions. 

David Kennedy, of the Brain, Performance and Nutrition 

Research Centre at Northumbria University, said: 

"The evidence is still limited but the studies hint at some 

possible beneficial effects. 

"Optimal brain function depends on an adequate level 

of all of the vitamins." 

Animal cell shots could rid 

you of double chin? 

DIETERS could lose their double chins and spare tyres 

by getting shots of modified heat producing cells 

commonly found in animals and babies, according to a 

finding. 

The cells release "signals" that alter the surrounding fat 

tissue so surplus calories are burnt up by producing body 

heat rather than being stored as fat. 

Tests in animals have shown that injecting the capsules 

caused obese mice to lose up to 10 percent of their body 

weight even when being fed a high calorie diet, the journal 

Biomaterials reported. 

The researchers are now planning to begin treating 

obese dogs later this year. If successful and found to be 

safe, it is hoped that the treatment could be available for 

use in humans in around six years, according to the Telegraph. 

Ouliana Ziouzenkova, human nutrition researcher at 

Ohio State University, said: "We found the capsules completely 

remodelled the fat they were put into." 

"Our goal was to achieve a way of targeting deleterious 

visceral fat that increases the risk for diseases like type 2 

diabetes and cardiovascular disease." 

"We have to prove that this is safe and effective in humans, 

but we could think about using it for body sculpturing. 

So if you wanted to remove a small amount of fat 

under your face like a double chin, or in their arms or legs, 

you could target these with a single injection.

Parineeti’s graceful walk gets thumbs-up at WIFW 

Malaika behind the 

scene in Dabangg 2 

ACTRESS Malaika Arora Khan’s 

item number Munni in Dabangg 

was a chartbuster, she is focusing more 

on behind the scenes activities. "I am not 

actively involved on the sets of Dabangg 

2 in terms ofcreativity, but I am more 

behind the scenes. 

Dr Ibrahim bin Ahmed al Kindi, 

Chief Executive Officer 

Fahmi Bin Khalid Al Harthy, 

Editor-in-Chief 

Denise Richards 

attends 

The American 

Humane 

Association’s 

Hero Dog 

Awards in 

Beverly 

Hills, California. 

— AFP 

28 

ENTERTAINMENT TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2012 

CLAD in a beautiful navy 

blue-orange lehanga, teamed 

with a deep-cut choli and a 

heavy dupatta, chirpy and spontaneous 

actress Parineeti Chopra (pictured) 

left the audience applauding 

and cheering when she walked the 

ramp for veteran designer Manish 

Malhotra at the ongoing Wills Lifestyle 

India Fashion Week (WIFW). 

Known for her bubbly image on 

the silver screen, Parineeti walked 

the ramp with a lot of elegance and 

poise. 

Her entry made people cheer her. 

She could not help smiling and waving 

at her fans, even as she looked 

stunning without any accessories and 

minimal make-up. 

The 24-year-old, who made her 

acting debut with Ladies Vs Ricky 

Bahl, left it on the audience on how 

she looked. 

"About the outfit, I think it's for 

you people to judge. I think I looked 

okay," Parineeti said. 

Malhotra showcased his latest 

Mijwan collection in the capital 

Sunday night. It comprised the traditional 

yet popular embroidery work, 

Chikankari, by girls from Mijwan, 

who are supported by veteran actress 

and social activist Shabana Azmi's 

Mijwan Welfare Society (MWS). 

Mijwan is a small village near 

Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. 

Shabana started the show by 

sharing some lines by her father, late 

Urdu poet Kaifi Azmi, who founded 

Boys were scared of 

me: Brooklyn 

the MWS to empower the girl child. 

The collection saw the return 

of earthy, subdued tones like ivory, 

brunt orange, dull shades of red and 

pink. There was a mix of garments 

both for men and women. Coats, 

kurtas, sherwanis, lehangas teamed 

with long jackets and cholis, farsi 

pants and anarkalis. The outfits were 

liked by all and it was a jam-packed 

show. 

The 62-year-old actress dressed 

elegantly for the occasion in a black 

shirt and white chikankari dupatta, 

and was all praises for Malhotra's 

collection. 

"Manish with his collection is 

bringing into fashion world the craft, 

which is our USP and which is what 

we can offer to the world. They can 

copy everything but cannot compete 

with our craft," Shabana said. 

Malhotra, who has designed for 

over 1,000 films and is a recipient 

of 38 awards, said about his collection: 

"This show was basically 

about showing the craft of Mijwan. 

My purpose was to bring it up here 

at an event like WIFW. It's Shabanaji's 

NGO and Parineeti was very 

kind and said she wanted to be associated 

with it and that is how we 

are all here." 

"Fashion week is all about style 

and trends but is is important sometimes 

to see the Indian craft which is 

happening in our villages and is so 

beautiful," he added. — IANS 

MODEL Brooklyn Decker feels she 

was never approached by men 

because she had a very good height, and 

boys were scared of her. “I am very tall 

and I feel like it is actually quite scary to 

boys. I never get approached by people,” 

okmagazine quoted her as saying. 

Perry splits 

with Mayer 

again? 

S INGER Katy Perry has 

parted ways with singer 

John Mayer again after he 

couldn't commit to their 

relationship, said a source. 

"John just can't commit, 

and he kept luring Katy 

back with promises that 

was going to change, but 

then he didn't. Katy was 

pretty crazy about him, so 

she kept giving him another 

chance," radaronline.com 

quoted a source as saying. 

Mayer, 34, and Perry, 

27, were together from 

past couple of months but 

Mayer was not giving the 

kind of attention expected 

from him. 

"John liked Katy, so he 

wanted to keep her in his 

life, but it just wasn't up to 

Katy's standards. She needs 

the guy to be on board 100 

per cent and she was sick of 

John disappearing for five 

days at a time, then booty 

calling her, then straightening 

up and treating her 

well, only to go back to his 

old behavior a few days 

later," the source added. 

Sienna Miller 

attends 

the Variety 

Performers 

Brunch during 

the 20th 

Hamptons 

International 

Film Festival 

at Nick & 

Toni in NY 

Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising; P.O. Box 974, Postal Code 100, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman; Tel: 24649444, 24649450, 

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subscribe@omandaily.om 

Stewart punishing herself? 

ACTRESS Kristen 

Stewart is reportedly 

punishing herself 

by reading negative 

comments about her on 

the Internet. 

The 22-year-old actress, 

who was caught 

cheating on boyfriend 

actor Robert Pattinson by 

having an affair with director 

Rupert Sanders, is 

hooked to the computer. 

"Kristen is hooked on 

Googling herself and seeing 

all of the horrible stuff 

people write as a way of punishing herself," thesun.co.uk 

quoted a source as saying. 

Singlehood keeps Ferguson happy 

SINGER Rebecca 

Ferguson says she is 

happy staying single, as 

it helps her focus on her 

career. The 26-year-old, 

who dated singer Zayn 

Malik once, says being 

in a relationship distracts 

her. 

“I’m single and happy. 

When I’m in a relationship 

I fall hard and it distracts 

me. Like right now, I’d 

just be sitting here texting 

them when I should be 

working,” femalefirst.co.uk quoted her as saying. 

Liam has a crush on Leona Lewis 

SINGER Liam Payne 

has confessed he has 

a crush on singer Leona 

Lewis (pictured), which 

has fuelled rumours of 

the two dating each other. 

Payne, 19, was rumoured 

to have to gone 

out on two dates with 

Lewis, 27, and his recent 

compliments about her 

made the buzz stronger. 

“I do have a crush on 

Leona, she’s hot! I have 

met her. ,” Payne said. 

Printers and Publishers 

Oman Establishment 

for Press, Publication 

and Advertising

Projects at Qantab beach - Oman Daily Observer

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