Panel to review medical errors - Oman Daily Observer

Budget woes 

to cloud 

F-35 sales 

Page 10 

Muscat 

Book Fair 

from today 

THE 18th Muscat 

International Book Fair 

will kick off today at Oman 

International Exhibition 

Centre. More than 500 Arab 

and foreign publishers will 

participate in the fair which 

continues till March 8. The 

total number of titles listed 

on the Website is 140,000. 

P3 

P4 

HH Sayyid Fahd with Agha Rafiq Ahmed Khan, Chief Justice of the Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan. See P2 

Cyprus new 

president faces 

tough job 

Page 11 

 

 

TUESDAY, February 26, 2013/Rabee al Thani 15, 1434 AH 

Business 

China growth falls 

CHINA’S manufacturing growth hit a 

four-month low but remained positive, 

British banking giant HSBC said, noting 

that the world’s second-biggest economy 

was still recovering slowly. P23 

Apex court 

upholds 

verdicts 

THE Supreme Court has 

upheld judgments issued 

by the Court of Appeal in 

Muscat awarding one-year 

jail and a fine on people 

found guilty in cases of 

slander and violation of the 

Information Technology 

Law. The verdicts were 

handed to Ali bin Hilal bin 

Ali al Muqbali; Mohammed 

bin Zayed bin Marhoon al 

Habsi; Abdullah bin Salim 

bin Hamad al Siyabi; Hilal 

bin Salim bin Mohammed 

al Busaidy and Abdullah 

bin Saleh bin Abdullah al 

Abdali. — ONA 

Temporary 

closure of 

juice factory 

AL Musannah Municipality 

has imposed temporary 

closure on the product line 

of a beverage company 

which produced unlicensed 

juices and failed to specify 

the juices’ expiry dates. 

The municipality cancelled 

75,528 juice cans last 

weekend and suspended 

more than 75,000 cans of 

suspected drinks and 69,868 

bottles of mineral water till 

the test results of samples of 

the same are confirmed. 

A MAHOUT decorates 

his elephant on the 

last day of a festival at 

Viharamahadevi Park in 

Colombo yesterday. 

DHL flights 

from Muscat 

airport 

OMAN Airports 

Management Company and 

DHL Company announced 

the operation of the first 

regular cargo flight via 

Muscat International Airport 

starting from March 1. It 

is scheduled that the flight 

connects Muscat airport 

with Dubai Airport by a 

Boeing 757-200 weekly 

cargo flight. 

Features Sport 

Food courts a big draw 

THE Muscat Festival venue is bustling 

with activity since day one. Be it arts, 

culture, recreational shows or local 

cuisine, Naseem garden has enough 

attractions for all age groups. P25 

Bank Muscat credit cards safe 

 

MUSCAT — Bank Muscat 

announced that 12 of its prepaid 

travel cards were exposed 

to hacking abroad on February 

20 when fraudsters made away 

with RO 15 million from various 

electronic transactions. 

The bank reaffirmed that no 

financial losses occurred to its 

customers due to the fact that 

the fraudulent operations did 

not impact its credit cards. 

Bank Muscat yesterday 

said that it was investigating 

the fraud case and evaluating 

the possible losses expected, 

while at the same time coordinating 

with all parties 

concerned. Muscat Securities 

Market (MSM) administration 

will be updated about any 

new developments, said Bank 

Muscat. 

In a disclosure notification 

to MSM, the country’s largest 

lender stated To page 4 

Call to form closed joint stock firms 

 

MUSCAT — Family businesses 

need to consider 

transforming themselves into 

‘closed joint stock companies’ 

for the future of the business, 

said Dr Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy, 

Minister of Commerce 

and Industry. 

“The family businesses 

need to think of governance 

because the coming generations 

may not be capable of 

managing a company the way 

the first owner used to man- 

age. So the first step should 

be not to register at the MSM 

but to manage the company 

the way his predecessors used 

to do it.” 

Speaking to the Observer 

on the sidelines of the Family 

Companies Conference at the 

Al Bustan — A Ritz Carlton 

Hotel yesterday, Dr Sunaidy 

said the proposed concession 

for the family-owned businesses 

is to divest 25 per cent 

when they go for listing. 

“We are ready to give concessions 

whereby 25 per cent 

can be viewed instead of 40 

per cent and it is the decision 

of the Cabinet. The Cabinet 

was prepared and is still prepared 

and if we have a serious 

group which wants to do such 

transaction we are willing for 

exceptions. But people have a 

reluctance to come forward in 

listing their privately-owned 

businesses.” 

The conference which is 

considered to be the first step 

in moving a family-owned 

company to a closed joint 

stock company in view of 

management, brought together 

for the first time experts 

who will give opinion on 

matters of transition of family 

businesses, departure of 

personal ownership and enhancement 

of governance. 

He said the major issue 

facing the transition is the 

fear of owners of losing their 

ownership and that is a global 

scenario. 

A German market survey 

has revealed that the German 

owners are not willing to list 

their companies To P3 

Syria ready for talks with opposition 

MOSCOW — Syria is ready 

for talks with its opponents, 

Foreign Minister Walid al 

Moualem said, in the clearest 

offer yet of negotiations with 

the opposition groups. 

But Moualem said at the 

same time Syria would pursue 

its fight “against terrorism,” 

alluding to the conflict with 

the opposition in which the 

United Nations says 70,000 

people have been killed. 

His offer of talks drew a 

dismissive response from US 

Secretary of State John Kerry, 

who was starting a nine-nation 

tour of European and Arab 

capitals in London. 

“It seems to me that it’s 

pretty hard to understand how, 

when you see the Scuds falling 

on the innocent people of 

Aleppo, it is possible to take 

their notion that they are ready 

to have a dialogue very seriously,” 

Kerry said. 

He said US President 

Barack Obama was evaluating 

more steps to “fulfil our obligation 

to innocent people,” 

without giving details or saying 

whether Washington was 

reconsidering whether to arm 

the opposition, an option it has 

previously rejected. 

“We are determined that the 

Syrian opposition is not going 

to be dangling in the wind,” 

Kerry said. 

Syria’s Moualem said in 

Moscow that Damascus was 

ready for dialogue with everyone 

who wants it, even with 

those who have weapons in 

their hands “because we believe 

that reforms will not 

come through bloodshed but 

only through dialogue.” 

Russia’s Itar-Tass did not 

say if Moualem had attached 

any conditions for the talks. 

“What’s happening in Syria 

is a war against terrorism,” the 

Russian agency quoted him as 

saying. — Reuters 

THE Royal Navy of Oman yesterday celebrated the graduation of a new recruits. Details on page 4 

India on verge of victory 

INDIA off-spinner R Ashwin snatched 

his second fiver before Australian 

debutante Moises Henriques struck his 

second half century of the match to take 

the first Test into the fifth day. P17 

Panel to review 

medical errors 

 

MUSCAT — Dr Ahmed bin 

Mohammed Saeedi, Minister 

of Health, issued a ministerial 

decision forming a central 

committee to study errors made 

by doctors and other medical 

personnel and owners of private 

clinics and hospitals. The 

panel will follow up violation 

of the law on practising human 

medicine and the dentistry law 

promulgated by Royal Decree 

No 22/96, as well as regulations 

and ministerial decisions 

aimed to maintain a professional 

level of medical practice 

in the Sultanate. 

The committee is headed 

by the Director General for 

Private Health Institutions and 

it has representatives from 

various departments at the 

Ministry. 

The ministerial decision 

comes within the framework 

of the Ministry's efforts to regulate 

the work of private health 

institutions and ensure that the 

institutions provide services 

efficiently and competently. 

The Sultanate attaches 

India puts 

7 satellites 

in orbit 

NEW DELHI — India successfully 

launched a satellite 

jointly built with France, 

along with six foreign satellites, 

in a single mission yesterday, 

officials said. 

The Indian Space Research 

Organisation’s Polar 

Satellite Launch Vehicle 

(PSLV) took off a little after 

6 pm from the Satish Dhawan 

Space Centre on Sriharikota, 

an island off southeastern 

India. 

The satellites were placed 

in their prescribed orbits by 

the PSLV rocket some 18 

minutes after the launch. 

“I congratulate the Isro 

for successfully executing 

this mission,” said President 

Pranab Mukherjee, who witnessed 

the launch. 

“The rocket was carrying 

the 407-kg SARAL satellite, 

built in collaboration 

with France. It will study the 

world’s oceans. 

Two of the satellite’s payloads, 

supplied by French 

National Space Agency 

CNES. Details, P9 

Pakistan hit 

by power 

outage 

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan 

was hit by a nationwide 

blackout for more than two 

hours after the breakdown of 

a major plant caused power 

stations to stop working 

across the country, officials 

said yesterday. 

Late Sunday’s blackout 

occurred when the Hubco 

plant in Baluchistan, which 

generates 1,200 megawatts a 

day of electricity, developed 

a technical fault, said official 

Rai Sikandar. 

That breakdown prompted 

a “cascading effect” 

which caused plants nationwide 

to shut down, said the 

water and power ministry 

official. — Reuters 

 

 

 

 

great importance to the health 

system and only approves 

modern medicines that are 

more effective to improve the 

accuracy of drug therapy, said 

a health ministry official. 

The official pointed out 

that the rate of medical errors 

in the Sultanate is lower than 

that in other countries and that 

the vast majority of patients 

are treated and cured in government 

institutions. 

Medical drugs are subject 

to pharmaceutical analysis in 

the central laboratory in the 

ministry to ensure high quality, 

said the official, noting that 

there are mechanisms to follow 

up and monitor the com- 

MUSCAT — The key thing 

in journalism is about communication, 

says international 

journalist Riz Khan, who 

spoke recently at the second 

Entrepreneurship Organisation 

(EO) Oman’s Majlis, 

held from February 21-23. 

“No society can really 

progress without communication. 

If you think about it, 

we’re all individuals unless 

we know how to interact and 

share thoughts,” Khan feels. 

“We don’t have a chance to 

build strengths from each others’ 

as a community. So any 

community needs the system 

of communication to be as efficient 

and as good as possible. 

And of course, journalism 

is a key part of that,” he says. 

Khan worked for BBC, 

CNN and Al Jazeera English 

and is known worldwide for 

his shows focusing on interviews 

with prominent global 

personalities. Sparing a few 

minutes from his busy schedule, 

Khan spoke to the Observer 

to share his thoughts 

on how media can shape the 

mitment of all pharmaceutical 

institutions to make sure they 

stick to the price specified by 

the ministry, and that is done 

through regular inspection of 

pharmacies. 

The list of medicines approved 

for use at the Ministry 

of Health is comprehensive 

and covers all diseases and 

medical specialities, said the 

official, who explained that 

the list includes more than 

1,060 types of therapy groups, 

in which 10 are painkillers. 

Also, the budget approved 

for medical supplies is subject 

to periodic review by the ministry 

as the cost of medicine is 

always rising. 

Communication 

key for growth 

RIZ Khan 

country. 

According to Khan, even 

though social media now occupies 

a space in journalism, 

there are still lines blurry 

amongst journalism, entertainment 

and social media. 

“These are all kind of merging 

but it comes down to how 

they can all allow people to 

share ideas,” he says. “So for 

young Omanis are concerned, 

if they want to have a true 

place in the global community, 

then they have to be able 

to understand what’s going on 

outside their country as well 

as what’s going on within,” 

Khan says. See also page 3 

THE latest issue of Observer’s lifestyle magazine 

Mazoon will be distributed soon. 

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

EXCHANGE RATES 

GOLD 

Omani Rial/Euro, Dollar 

PRICE 

Muscat 05:16 am 12:25 pm 03:45 pm 06:13 pm 07:23 pm Max M 27 28 27 25 32 26 29 

Min 20 18 19 17 22 18 21 

RO 1 €1.97759 $2.59774 $1,587.28

GEN Sultan bin Mohammed al Numani, Minister of the Royal Office, received in his 

office yesterday Yves Oudin, French Ambassador to the Sultanate. The meeting 

reviewed good bilateral relations and issues of common concern. — ONA 

Oman to attend 

UN forum on 

civilisations 

MUSCAT — Assigned by 

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, 

Dr Abdullah bin Nasser al 

Harrasi, Chairman of the 

Public Authority for Radio 

and Television, left here yesterday 

for Vienna to take part 

in the 5th United Nations Alliance 

of Civilisations Forum 

which opens today 

The Sultanate's delegation 

to take part in the threeday 

forum comprises Habib 

bin Mohammed al Riyami, 

Secretary-General of the 

Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre 

for Culture and Science, 

and Mohammed bin Said 

al Ma'amari, Advisor at the 

Office of Minister of Awqaf 

and Religious Affairs. 

The participation comes 

to affirm the pioneering role 

of the Sultanate in the field 

of enhancing dialogue and 

understanding among various 

nations and communities. 

— ONA 

Spreading awareness 

about misleading ads 

MUSCAT — Oman Association 

for Consumer Protection 

(OACP) will organise a seminar 

titled "Misleading Advertisements" 

on Sunday at City 

Seasons Hotel under the auspices 

of Sultan bin Hamdoon 

al Harthy, Muscat Municipality 

Chairman. 

The two-day seminar will 

include a number of working 

papers relating to the issue of 

misleading advertisements, as 

well as discussing experiences 

of the neighbouring countries 

in controlling the misleading 

advertisements. 

The seminar stems from 

the OACP responsibility towards 

protecting the consumers 

against such advertisements, 

as well as raising their 

awareness in selecting products 

and goods. — ONA 

Minister to participate in 

Manama celebrations 

MUSCAT — Ahmed bin 

Nasser bin Hamad al Mehrzi, 

Minister of Tourism, arrived 

in Manama yesterday to take 

part in the activities of "Manama 

Capital for Arab Tourism 

2013," as per invitation of 

Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed 

al Khalifa, Minister of Culture 

in Bahrain. 

Al Mehrzi will also take 

part in the ceremony of Ibn 

Battuta Award for Travel Literature 

in the presence of Arab 

tourism ministers, in addition 

to participants from the United 

Nations and Arab Organization 

for Tourism. — ONA 

2 OMAN 

OMAN DAILY Observer 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013 

Oman laws guarantee full autonomy to the judiciary 

MUSCAT — His Highness 

Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmood 

al Said, Deputy Prime Minister 

for the Council of Ministers, 

received in his office 

here yesterday Agha Rafiq 

Ahmed Khan, Chief Justice 

of the Federal Shariat Court 

of Pakistan. 

HH Sayyid Fahd hailed 

the strong bilateral relations 

which, he said, reflect the ad- 

Majlis Office 

reviews 

key issues 

MUSCAT — The Majlis 

Ash'shura Office yesterday 

discussed a report of the Economic 

and Financial Committee 

on the statement of the 

Minister of Tourism, which 

was delivered before Majlis 

on December 30 and 31, 

2012. 

The Office looked into 

the inquiries, questions and 

proposals raised by the committees, 

Majlis members and 

individuals on a number of 

topics and issues. They include 

inquires by members 

about the feasibility of investment 

in Omani airports 

and ports, a decision of the 

Ministry of Manpower about 

mandating the employers to 

deposit salaries of employees 

at one of the licensed banks 

in the Sultanate. 

The Majlis Office also 

looked into some questions 

by members to some ministers 

on the environmental 

studies for Al Seifah project 

in the Wilayat of Muscat, the 

compensation paid to owner 

of lands whose possession 

have been expropriated for 

public use, the tourism resort 

in Al Jissah in Muscat and 

took the appropriate decisions 

towards them. — ONA 

vanced level of co-operation, 

namely in judicial fields. The 

justice system in the Sultanate 

has witnessed great development 

since the dawn 

of the renaissance led by 

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. 

The Sultanate’s laws, he explained, 

guarantee full autonomy 

to the judiciary, thereby 

empowering judges to work 

freely and enabling litigants 

MUSCAT — Shaikh Khalid 

bin Hilal al Maawali, Majlis 

Ash’shura Chairman, received 

in his office here yesterday 

Agha Rafiq Ahmed Khan, 

Chief Justice of the Federal 

Shariat Court of Pakistan, and 

his accompanying delegation 

to obtain all their rights. 

Conversation during the 

meeting dealt with promoting 

co-operation and exchange 

expertise in judicial fields, 

besides reviewing developments 

in regional and international 

arenas. 

The Chief Justice of the 

Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan 

said he was delighted 

to visit the Sultanate and 

currently visiting the Sultanate. 

Shaikh Khalid welcomed 

the guest and gave a briefing 

on march of Shura in the Sultanate 

and mechanism of the 

parliamentary and legislative 

work in the Majlis. 

commended the progress 

Oman made in judiciary areas. 

He noted that autonomy 

of the judiciary cemented 

the concept of justice and allowed 

for total equality, as 

well as ensuring that citizens 

and residents obtain all their 

rights without discrimination. 

He expressed the confidence 

that his talks with 

senior Omani officials will 

He also touched on the 

achievements made by the 

Majlis, as well as taking part 

alongside with the government 

in outlining the national policies 

in the service of the citizens. 

The meeting reviewed 

aspects of the joint co-opera- 

come up with good outcomes 

at the level of supporting judicial 

co-operation between 

the two countries. 

The meeting was attended 

by Shaikh Dr Is'haq bin 

Ahmed al Busaidy, Chairman 

of the Supreme Court, 

and Deputy Chairman of the 

Supreme Judicial Council 

and Dr Khalfan bin Abdullah 

al Siyabi. – ONA 

Parliamentary co-operation discussed 

MUSCAT — The Legislative 

and Legal Committee at Majlis 

Ash'Shura yesterday held a 

meeting under the chairmanship 

of Said bin Ghanim al 

Muqbali, Head of the Com- 

mittee. 

The Committee approved 

its action plan and schedule on 

subjects that it intends to study 

and submit the studies to the 

Majlis for approval during the 

current sitting. The members 

of the Committee decided to 

study the issue of standardisation 

of pension funds and 

standardisation of salaries in 

the government sector. 

tion and the bilateral relations 

binding the Sultanate and Pakistan 

in the parliamentary, 

legislative and cultural fields 

and means of supporting, enhancing 

and expanding scope 

of this co-operation to serve 

the two countries. — ONA 

Standardisation of pension funds to be studied 

The Committee decided to 

host a number of specialists 

and officials in the governmental 

departments for feedback 

and comments on this 

topic. — ONA

Call to form closed joint stock firms 

From page 1 

for the fear of losing ownership. 

Secondly, one doesn’t 

want others to intrude into 

their businesses. These are 

some valid points that affect 

the family business transition 

and hence more focus should 

be given on business management. 

“It shouldn’t be restructuring 

of ownership but on 

the other hand, they should 

start working on management. 

If you have your son 

or daughter managing the 

company and if the family 

grows, don’t lose out on the 

power and the ownership of 

your company but you can 

restructure the management 

style of your company.” 

He said the ministry is also 

looking at other elements. 

“The law stipulates for a 

company to have a paid up 

capital of RO 2 million and 

we have a strong feeling that 

it may be way too high for 

these companies and we are 

thinking of revising it. I believe 

RO 1 million would be 

an ideal sum. While matured 

markets like Germany have 

By A Staff Reporter 

MUSCAT — Al Musannah 

Municipality has imposed 

temporary closure on the product 

line of a beverage company 

which produced unlicensed 

juices and failed to specify the 

juices’ expiry dates. 

The municipality cancelled 

75,528 juice cans last 

weekend and suspended more 

brought it down, Oman also 

needs to consider reducing 

the fixed amount. We will 

hold discussions on this issue.” 

The conference is organised 

by Muscat Securities 

than 75,000 cans of suspected 

drinks and 69,868 bottles of 

mineral water till the test results 

of samples of the same 

are confirmed. 

Meanwhile, the Directorate 

General of Muscat Municipality 

in Seeb seized 500 

cartons of salt found in the 

stores of a company in Al 

Rusayl. The Municipality’s 

inspection team also noticed 

Market in co-operation with 

Exhibitors Orbits from Saudi 

Arabia, and is attended by 

nearly 150 representatives 

from local, regional and international 

business spectrum. 

Temporary closure of factory 

By Fatima Muneer 

MUSCAT — International 

journalist, Riz Khan, recently 

spoke at the second 

Entrepreneurs’ Organization 

(EO) Majlis-2013, organised 

by the local Omani chapter, 

from February 21-23. Khan 

worked for BBC, CNN and 

Al Jazeera English and is 

known worldwide for his 

shows focusing on interviews 

with prominent global 

personalities. Sparing a 

few minutes from his busy 

schedule, Khan sat down 

with the Observer to share 

Municipality cancelled 75,528 juice cans last 

weekend and suspended more than 

75,000 cans of suspected drinks and 

69,868 bottles of mineral water till the test 

results of samples of the same are confirmed 

his thoughts on how media 

can shape the country. 

“The key thing with journalism 

is about communication,” 

he says. “No society 

can really progress without 

communication. If you think 

about it, we’re all individuals 

unless we know how to 

interact and share thoughts,” 

Khan explains. 

“We don’t have a chance 

to build strengths from each 

others’ strengths as a community. 

So any community 

needs the system of communication 

to be as efficient and 

as good as possible. And of 

RIZ Khan 

that the company failed to observe 

proper methods of storage 

of foodstuff, which were 

found lying on the floor and 

without partition or space for 

ventilation. 

The store rooms have 

holes which allow for the entry 

of rodents, while cylinders 

of gas are kept there in conditions 

contrary to specifications. 

— ONA 

course, journalism is a key 

part of that,” he says. 

According to Khan, even 

though social media now occupies 

a space in journalism, 

there are still lines blurry 

amongst journalism, entertainment 

and social media. 

“These are all kind of merging 

but it comes down to how 

they can all allow people to 

share ideas,” he says. 

“So for young Omanis, if 

they want to have a true place 

in the global community, 

then they have to be able to 

understand what’s going on 

outside their country as well 

as what’s going on within,” 

Khan says. “Ideally, pick 

the best things from outside, 

build the best things within 

and build a stronger community,” 

he advises. 

Pointing out how societies 

eventually are having to 

open up as time goes on due 

to the Internet, global communication 

and television, 

Khan acknowledges that the 

positive and negative sides 

3 OMAN 



Social media occupies space in journalism 

‘Omanis, if they want to have a true place in the 

global community, then they have to be able to 

understand what’s going on outside their country 

as well as what’s going on within, and pick the 

best things from outside, build the best things 

within and build a stronger community’ 

Proposed plan 

for residential 

units discussed 

MUSCAT — The Service and 

Social Development Committee 

at Majlis Ash'shura 

yesterday discussed the proposed 

plan of action on the 

establishment of residential 

complexes and the ownership 

of these complexes by 

easy instalment as the study 

aims to propose providing 

residential units for middleincome 

group of people and 

who are not covered by the 

current housing services 

provided by the Ministry of 

Housing. 

The meeting decided to 

examine the feasibility of establishing 

these compounds 

through a review of the data 

and information, including 

the rules and procedures 

followed in for the titling 

of housing financed by the 

Ministry of Housing and the 

conditions required to obtain 

housing loans and grants, in 

addition to the number of 

applicants for loans or grants 

and the number of those who 

do not have private houses 

from the total number of 

young people in the Sultanate. 

The Committee also decided 

to host a number of 

specialists and officials concerned 

with the subject of the 

study to discuss the project 

with them and provide their 

feedback. A presentation of 

a working paper was shown 

during the meeting. — ONA 

AWO role 

highlighted 

ALGERIA — The Sultanate 

is taking part in the 4th Conference 

of the Arab Women 

Organization (AWO) in Algeria. 

The Sultanate's delegation 

to the conference is 

being led by Dr Madeeha 

bint Ahmed al Shaibaniya, 

Minister of Education. Dr 

Shaibaniyah gave a speech 

in the conference during 

which she highlighted the 

prominent role being played 

by AWO to upgrade women 

in all fields. She also commended 

the role of Arab 

women in march of the social, 

economic and cultural 

development. 

The Sultanate's contribution 

to this field will be via 

presenting Omani pioneering 

experiences in the handicrafts 

development in modern 

visions to be presented 

by Dr Zuwaina bin Said al 

Kalbaniya. — ONA 

Integrated OIC 

media strategy 

JEDDAH — The Sultanate, 

represented by the Ministry 

of Information yesterday took 

part in the meeting, which 

was held at the Secretariat of 

the Organization of Islamic 

Co-operation (OIC) on the 

external media movement 

and means of implementing 

an integrated media plan. 

The Information Ministry 

is represented in the two-day 

meeting by Majeed bin Mohammed 

al Rowas, Director 

General of Information. 

to such transitions. “I think 

over time, all nations are realising 

that there is a benefit 

to be had from global communication, 

the World Wide 

Web and so on,” he says. 

“But they also realise that 

there are dangers that are 

coming; that there are bad 

ideas coming and so on. So 

the regulation is supposed to 

filter that,” says Khan. 

“Some countries tread 

more cautiously than others 

but I think over time, this 

will change. Young people 

can draw on the ability to 

be able to share these ideas 

through this instant communication,” 

he believes. “This 

is why journalism is an important 

aspect to any society 

because it’s the traditional 

way of spreading the word 

through papers, TV and so 

on,” he says. “So definitely, 

journalism is a key part of 

any society and I think over 

time the restrictions have to 

always take into account it’s 

a changing world.” 

Construction of 250 housing 

units, insurance for crew 

MUSCAT — The Tender 

Board yesterday awarded RO 

12,761,887 worth tenders for 

the following projects: 

1- Construction of 250 

housing units at the Wilayat of 

Al Mazyouna in the Governorate 

of Dhofar RO 7,556,948. 

2- Insurance coverage for 

Oman Shipping Company's 

crew and fleet RO 1,833,896. 

3- Provision of consultancy 

services for management 

and surveying of quantities 

for the construction of 

Oman Cultural Complex RO 

1,108,536. 

4- Supply of catalyst for 

the production of pure fuel 

and low sulfur auto fuel production 

unit for Oman Oil 

Refineries and Petroleum In- 

Italian, Pakistani commanders received 

MUSCAT — Sayyid Saud bin 

Hilal al Busaidy, State Minister 

and Governor of Muscat, 

separately received in his 

office here yesterday Commander 

Massimiliano Lauretti 

of the Italian ship "Commandante 

Cigala Fulgosi", and 

Commodore Ahmed Said, 

Commander of the Pakistani 

Naval Group. 

Sayyid al Busaidy welcomed 

the guests during 

which cordial conversations 

Muscat — Mohammed bin 

Salim al Toobi, Minister of 

Environment and Climate Affairs, 

received in his office here 

yesterday Dr John Anthony, 

Head of the delegation of the 

National Council on US-Arab 

Relations, accompanied by Dr 

Adnan Ahmed al Ansari, Ambassador 

and Observer of the 

GCC Permanent Mission to 

dustries Company (Orpic) RO 

782,883. 

5- Purchase of asset management 

system for Sultan 

Qaboos University (SQU) RO 

99,787. 

6- Provision of security 

guard services for Al Masarrah 

Hospital RO 489,600. 

7- Additional works for 

the provision of consultancy 

services for Blood Disorders 

and Marrow Transplant 

Unit at SQU Hospital RO 

136,494. 



services for the supervision of 

Taitam — Qaftoot road in the 

Governorate of Dhofar RO 

90,000. 


on a number of topics of common 

concern and the existing 

relations between the friendly 

countries were exchanged. 

He also gave a briefing to 

the guests on the Governorate 

of Muscat and its role in serving 

the community, as well as 

the historic, tourist and civilisational 

landmarks renowned 

in wilayats of the Governorate 

that depict its ancient history 

and bright present. 

On their turn, the Ital- 

the United Nations (UN). 

The meeting reviewed 

means of enhancing the joint 

co-operation between the Sultanate 

and the USA within 

the framework of encouraging 

the co-operation with the 

international institutions and 

organisations in the scientific, 

research and academic fields. 

The meeting stressed the 


services for the supervision of 

Haima — Al Sahma road in 

the Governorate of Al Wusta 

RO 20,000. 

The Board also approved 

additional works for a number 

of governmental departments 

related to the implementation 

of vital projects and provision 

of services at different parts 

of the Sultanate. 

The meeting, held under 

the auspices of Dr Rasheed 

bin al Safi al Huraibi, Chairman 

of the Tender Board, also 

opened bids for the tenders 

related to the supply of computers 

and accessories for the 

Ministry of Education schools 

for the school year (2013- 

2014). — ONA 

ian and Pakistani guests expressed 

their admiration over 

the unique civilisational landmarks 

in the Governorate of 

Muscat under the prosperous 

reign of His Majesty Sultan 

Qaboos. They valued the pioneering 

role pursued by the 

Government of His Majesty in 

pushing the wheel of development 

forward in the country 

and cementing relations of 

co-operation with other countries. 

— ONA 

Experiences in protecting environment exchanged 

Spotlight on the 

Tender Board 

AL BURAIMI — Oman 

Chamber of Commerce 

and Industry (OCCI) Al 

Buraimi Branch will host 

Dr Rasheed bin al Safi al 

Huraibi, Chairman of the 

Tender Board, tomorrow. 

He will meet with businessmen, 

businesswomen and 

officials in the Governorate 

of Al Buraimi. 

The meeting is part of 

the visits conducted by the 

Tender Board to the governorates 

in a bid to highlight 

the role of the Tender Board 

and its mechanism, in addition 

to the challenges and 

difficulties facing the private 

sector in issues related 

to tenders, as well as 

discussing ways to develop 

and upgrade services provided 

to companies registered 

in the Tender Board. 

The meeting also aims to 

strengthen relations between 

the Tender Board and the private 

sector, building a strategic 

partnership that contributes 

to achieving goals. 

importance of enhancing the 

knowledge-exchange in the 

field of environment and climate 

affairs, as well as reviewing 

the advanced experiences 

to protect the environment and 

pollution control in a bid to 

benefit from the global experiences 

to upgrade the level of 

the sustainable development. 

— ONA

By A Staff Reporter 

MUSCAT — Oman Airports 

Management Company 

(OAMC) and DHL, the international 

specialists and world’s 

leading logistics company, announced 

yesterday the launch 

of a new cargo flights linking 


with Dubai Airports with the 

inaugural flight planned for 

Friday, March 1. The Boeing 

757-200 aircraft will operate 

a weekly schedule into Muscat 

in collaboration with Oman’s 

national carrier Oman Air. 

Malcolm Macbeth, Middle 

East & Africa Vice President 

DHL Aviation said: “DHL’s 

long-term vision is to increase 

the number of weekly frequencies 

coming to Muscat International 

Airport where cargo and 

logistics services are viewed 

as an opportunity for growth 

and development. 

Receiving the first DHL 

cargo aircraft is a unique op- 

portunity that will enable 


to attract and receive other 

cargo and logistics aircraft in 

the future and boost the level 

of growth and aircraft movements,” 

added Macbeth. 

The Boeing 757-200 aircraft 

has a cargo capacity of 

25 tonnes and links DHL’s 

Dubai Hub with Oman, allowing 

greater cargo connectivity 

into the country. 

OAMC announced recent- 

ly the results of passenger, aircraft 

and cargo traffic for the 

year 2012, the passenger numbers 

handled was 7.5 million 

passengers with an increase 

of 16 per cent compared to 

the year 2011, cargo handled 

was 113,270 tonnes with an 

increase of 15 per cent compared 

with the same period in 

2011. 

OAMC is working hard to 

enhance the air cargo facilities 

at Muscat International Air- 

4 

OMAN/THE WORLD 


port in view of the recognized 

increase in the number of passengers 

and air cargo movements; 

OAMC is providing 

the required facilities to attract 

more airlines to operate into 

Muscat. Once the new airport 

opens OAMC plans to transfer 


to a primary main air gateway 

to the region. The new airport 

will have the capacity to handle 

260,000 cargo tones annually. 


Royal Navy of Oman new batch graduates 

MUSCAT — The Royal Navy of 

Oman (RNO) yesterday celebrated 

the graduation of a new recruits 

batch under the patronage of Maj 

Gen Matar bin Salim al Balushi, 

Commander of the Royal Army 

of Oman (RAO), in the pres- 

MUSCAT — The Media 

and Public Awareness Sector 

at the National System 

of Emergency Management 

yesterday held a meeting 

under the auspices of Qais 

bin Ibrahim al Farsi, Editing 

Manager at Oman News 

Agency (Coordinator of the 

Sector), in the presence of 

Dr Mu'nis Mostafa al Shashtawi, 

Advisor of Planning at 

ence of Rear Admiral Abdullah 

bin Khamis al Raisi, RNO Commander. 

The chief guest in his speech 

on the occasion said the ceremony 

proves the real interest attached by 

RNO to human resources, affirm- 

Role of journalism in emergencies 

the Ministry of Health, and 

members of the media sector. 

The meeting discussed the 

plan of the sector, its strategic 

objectives and reviewed 

a number of areas related 

to the sector in terms of the 

participation of the satellite 

channels and radio stations, 

as well as role of the journalism 

and society, besides the 

ing that this new recruits will help 

in upgrading the performance and 

increase the productivity. 

The ceremony began with a 

military salute for the chief guest 

who inspected the first row of the 

graduates' column and pinned 

co-operation of the local associations 

and sport clubs to 

achieve the desired goals. 

The meeting comes within 

the framework of interest 

of the Executive Office of 

the National Commission for 

Civil Defence (NCCD) to set 

up the awareness and media 

programmes that protect the 

society against risks of the 

emergency cases. — ONA 

Muscat to welcome first DHL cargo flight 

medals of long service and good 

conduct on a number of RNO commissioned 

and non-commissioned 

officers. Then, the graduates performed 

a parade in the regular and 

slow march. 

The graduates also took the 

From page 1 

that 12 prepaid travel cards 

were “compromised” on February 

20, 2013. The transactions 

are believed to have 

taken place outside of the 

Sultanate. 

“No customers have suffered 

any financial loss and 

no other credit or debit cards 

issued by Bank Muscat have 

been affected. The Bank is 

working with all stakeholders 

to further investigate and 

to establish any losses arising 

from these transactions. We 

will inform the market of any 

material developments,” the 

statement added. 

A Bank Muscat official 

said that the bank is investigating 

the matter. 

The official added, “The 

bank is committed to transparency 

and in line with the 

best Corporate Governance 

and Compliance practices, 

made the disclosure on Mus- 

EU gives Kiev until May to prove it wants to look West 

BRUSSELS — EU leaders 

yesterday gave visiting 

Ukraine President Viktor 

Yanukovich until May to show 

his nation had made progress 

towards political reform if it is 

serious about clinching a free 

trade deal which would move 

it away from Moscow's orbit. 

Both the European Union 

and Ukraine are keen to cut 

their dependency on gas giant 

Russia, but Ukraine has yet to 

make a clear choice between 

closer EU ties or tighter links 

with Moscow. 

The EU has set a November 

target for signing an ambitious 

free trade and political association 

agreement that would 

anchor Ukraine in the Western 

camp, but says a deal is conditional 

on improved human 

rights and addressing "politically 

motivated convictions" 

- a reference to the jailing of 

former Prime Minister Yulia 

Tymoshenko, Yanukovich's 

arch rival. 

After talks with Yanukovich 

in Brussels on Monday, 

European Council President 

Herman Van Rompuy told a 

news conference that EU authorities 

still needed to see 

tangible progress "at the latest 

by May". 

The May deadline was chosen 

because some time would 

be needed after that to tie up 

any loose ends if an agreement 

is to be signed in November. 

EU leaders also made clear 

Ukraine had to make a choice 

as membership of the EU's 

free trade agreement was incompatible 

with belonging to 

Moscow's Customs Union. 

"What we have to be clear 

about is one country cannot at 

the same time be a member of 

a customs union and be in a ... 

free trade area with the European 

Union. This is not pos- 

sible," European Commission 

President Jose Manuel Barroso 

said. 

"But I believe there are 

some pragmatic ways to address 

this issue." 

Yanukovich said he was 

working on finding a "model 

of co-operation" with the customs 

union, which could form 

the basis of a compromise. 

Ukraine, a transit state for 

nearly 70 per cent of all Russian 

gas shipped to the European 

Union, and itself heavily 

reliant on Russian supplies, 

has repeatedly clashed with 

Moscow over its gas bills. 

Russia has said it would 

only lower the price of gas to 

Ukraine if it allows Moscow 

to take over its pipeline network 

or if it joins the Russialed 

Customs Union trade bloc. 

The European Union signed 

an outline agreement yesterday 

to provide Ukraine with 

Bank Muscat cards safe 

up to 610 million euros ($803 

million) in "macro-financial 

assistance", but made it conditional 

on Ukraine meeting 

International Monetary Fund 

terms. It did not specify 

whether the money would be 

a loan or a grant. 

Ukraine's relationship with 

the IMF is potentially complicated 

by Yanukovich's pledge 

to keep down gas prices for 

domestic customers as the 

IMF has insisted Ukraine 

should reduce the amount it 

spends on subsidising prices 

to cut its budget deficit. 

In the past, Ukraine's quarrels 

with Moscow over gas 

prices have led to supply disruptions 

to the European Union, 

which depends on Russia 

for roughly a quarter of its 

gas. 

All parties are seeking to 

increase their options. 

— Reuters 

cat Securities Market (MSM) 

informing about the compromise 

of 12 Bank Muscat prepaid 

travel cards. The bank as 

mentioned in the disclosure is 

investigating the matter. On 

detection of the development, 

the bank launched immediate 

action and business relating 

to all operations, especially 

credit and debit cards, continues 

as normal. The bank has a 

strong system in place to address 

such developments. No 

customers are affected from 

this development and transactions 

relating to the bank’s 

debit and credit cards are also 

not affected. 

The bank is the leading 

financial institution in Oman 

and enjoys strong financial 

strength and this incident will 

not affect the growth of the 

bank. We reiterate that this is 

an isolated incident which has 

not affected the bank’s debit 

and credit card operations.” 

oath of loyalty and chanted thrice 

Long Live His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, 

the Supreme Commander of 

the Armed Forces. 

The graduation ceremony was 

attended by Maj Gen Sulaiman bin 

Mohammed al-Harthy, Assistant 

Inspector General of Police and 

Customs for Administrative and 

Financial Affairs, Brigadier Awadh 

bin Mohammed al Meshaikhi, Deputy 

Commandant of the National 

Defence College, Shaikh Hilal bin 

Said al Hajri, Governor of South 

Al Batinah, members of the Majlises, 

walis of the Governorate of 

South Al Batinah, senior officers at 

the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF), 

Royal Guard of Oman (RGO), 

Royal Oman Police (ROP) and a 

number of invitees. — ONA 

OMAN Telugu community recently celebrated Sankranti festival. On this occasion, the community felicitated blood 

donors from the Chiru Mega Youth Force, who donated blood at Baushar Blood Bank on a number of 

occasions. Mementos were distributed by Nagendrababu, brother of Indian union minister Chiranjeevi. 

The Telugu community also honoured veteran Telugu actor Kota Srinivasa Rao on this occasion. 

Pope changes law to allow early conclave 

VATICAN CITY — A senior 

cardinal resigned under duress 

yesterday and Pope Benedict 

took the rare step of changing 

Vatican law to allow his successor 

to be elected early, adding 

to a sense of crisis within 

the Roman Catholic Church. 

With just three days left 

before Benedict becomes the 

first pope in some six centuries 

to step down, he accepted the 

resignation of Britain's only 

cardinal elector, Archbishop 

Keith O'Brien, who was to 

have voted for the next pope. 

O'Brien, who retains the 

title of cardinal, has denied 

allegations that he behaved 

inappropriately with priests 

over a period of 30 years, but 

said he was quitting the job of 

archbishop of Edinburgh. 

He could have attended the 

conclave despite his resignation, 

but said he would stay 

away because he did not want 

Film-maker 

killed in 

plane crash 

NAIROBI — A Kenyan 

ecologist and a Canadian 

film-maker were killed in a 

plane crash near Mt Kenya, 

officials said yesterday. 

Anthony King, the conservationist, 

was piloting 

the plane when it went down 

on Sunday. The 44-year-old 

was widely respected in the 

local ecological community 

and was working on national 

conservation programmes. 

Canadian John Driftmier 

was working on a show 

for the Discovery Channel 

called Dangerous Flights, 

according to Jamie Roberts 

of Tropic Air, which took 

responsibility for rescue 

operations. The two people 

were the only passengers on 

the small aircraft. — dpa 

media attention to be focused 

on himself instead of the process 

of choosing the next leader 

of the 1.2 billion-member 

Church. 

O'Brien's dramatic selfexclusion 

came as the Vatican 

continued to resist calls by 

some Catholics to stop other 

cardinals tainted by scandals, 

such as US Cardinal Roger 

Mahony, from taking part. 

Catholic activists have petitioned 

Mahony to exclude 

himself from the conclave so 

as not to insult survivors of 

abuse by priests committed 

while he was archbishop of 

Los Angeles. 

In that post from 1985 until 

2011, Mahony worked to 

send priests known to be abusers 

out of state to shield them 

from law enforcement scrutiny 

in the 1980s, according to 

church files unsealed under a 

US court order last month. 

Kidnapped family 

appears in video 

DAKAR — A video appearing 

to show seven French 

citizens, including four children, 

kidnapped in Cameroon 

last week was posted 

on the YouTube website yesterday. 

"We have been taken 

by Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna 

Lidda'awati wal-Jihad," one 

of the male hostages said in 

the video, referring to the 

name in of Nigeria's Boko 

Haram. 

"They want the liberation 

of their brothers in Cameroon 

and their women imprisoned 

in Nigeria." 

The kidnapping last Tuesday 

of the seven French nationals 

in Cameroon's far 

north, near the border with 

Nigeria, highlighted the risk 

to French citizens in Africa 

"O'Brien's recusal is also 

important as a precedent," said 

Terence McKiernan, of BishopAccountability.org, 

a USbased 

documentation centre 

on child abuse by priests. 

"Many cardinals scheduled 

to join the conclave have been 

involved as bishops in handling 

cases of clergy abuse, 

and some of them have done 

such a bad job that they too 

should recuse themselves from 

the conclave," he said. 

Benedict changed parts of a 

1996 constitution issued by his 

predecessor John Paul so that 

cardinals could begin a secret 

conclave to choose a successor 

earlier than the 15 days after 

the papacy becomes vacant, 

as prescribed by the previous 

law. 

The change means that in 

pre-conclave meetings starting 

on March 1, a day after Benedict 

leaves on Thursday, they 

since Paris sent troops into 

Mali. 

"The president of France 

has launched a war," said one 

of the apparent kidnappers, 

warning the hostages would 

be killed if their demands 

were not met. 

France's foreign ministry 

said it was still trying to 

verify the authenticity of the 

video. Cameroon's Communication 

Minister Issa Tchiroma 

Bakary said he could 

not comment because his 

government was not aware 

of the video. 

The governor of Cameroon's 

Far North Region, 

Augustine Fonka Awa, said 

he was not aware of any 

Boko Haram members being 

held in the country. 

— Reuters 

can themselves decide when 

to start. 

Some cardinals believe 

a conclave, held in secret in 

the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, 

should start sooner than March 

15 in order to reduce the time 

in which the Church will be 

without a leader at a time of 

crisis. 

But some in the Church 

believe that an early conclave 

would give an advantage to 

cardinals already in Rome and 

working in the Curia, the Vatican's 

central administration 

and the focus of accusations 

of ineptitude and alleged scandals 

that some Italian newspapers 

speculate in unsourced 

reports led Benedict to step 

down. The Vatican says the 

reports are false. 

The Vatican appears to be 

aiming to have a new pope 

elected by mid-March and installed 

before Palm Sunday.

Prisoner's death fuels tension 

RELATIVES mourn during the funeral of Arafat Jaradat in West Bank. — Reuters 

SE'EER, West Bank — Palestinian 

gunmen fired in the 

air yesterday as thousands 

marched at the West Bank 

funeral of a prisoner whose 

death in an Israeli jail has 

raised fears in Israel of a new 

uprising. 

Arafat Jaradat's death on 

Saturday and a hunger strike 

by four other Palestinian inmates 

have raised tension in 

the occupied territory after 

repeated clashes between Palestinians 

and Israeli soldiers in 

recent days. 

Israeli troops, on high alert, 

took up positions outside Jaradat's 

home village of Se'eer, in 

likely earshot of the bursts of 

automatic fire from the halfdozen 

Palestinians. 

The sounds and fury were 

reminiscent of the seven-year 

Intifadha, or uprising, that 

started in 2000 after Israeli- 

Palestinian peace talks failed. 

Israeli Homeland Minister 

Avi Dichter cautioned that an- 

other uprising could begin if 

confrontations with Palestinian 

protesters turned deadly. 

The Israeli military said 

dozens of Palestinians had 

thrown stones at soldiers in 

various parts of the West Bank 

yesterday. Troops responded 

with tear gas and stun grenades. 

"The previous two Intifadhas... 

came about as a result of 

a high number of dead (during 

protests)," Dichter told Israel 

Radio. "Fatalities are almost 

a proven recipe for a sharper 

escalation." 

Jaradat, 30, was arrested a 

week ago for throwing stones 

at Israeli cars in the West 

Bank. 

Palestinian officials said he 

had died after being tortured in 

prison. But Israel said an autopsy 

carried out in the presence 

of a Palestinian coroner 

was inconclusive and that 

injuries such as broken ribs 

could have been caused by ef- 

forts to revive Jaradat. 

Palestinian frustration has 

been fuelled by Israel's settlement 

expansion in the West 

Bank, a peace process in limbo 

since 2010 

"We have no choice but to 

continue the popular resistance 

and escalate it in the face of 

the occupation, whether it be 

the army or the settlers," Mahmoud 

Aloul, a senior member 

of Fatah movement, said. 

In Se'eer, local merchant 

Abu Issa, 45, said he was unsure 

whether what he described 

as Palestinian opposition to Israeli 

occupation would lead to 

an uprising. 

"One day the Palestinian 

people will take a stand, but 

I don't know if that day is today," 

he said. 

President Mahmud Abbas 

has said he will not allow a 

third Intifadha. 

"The Israelis want chaos ... 

We will not allow them to drag 

us into it and to mess with the 

INSURGENTS block street in the Yemeni port city of Aden yesterday. — Reuters 

lives of our children and our 

youth," Abbas told reporters 

in his office in the West Bank 

town of Ramallah. 

Dichter said Israel had to 

tread carefully in dealing with 

protests, accusing the Palestinians 

of trying to portray 

themselves as victims before 

US President Barack Obama's 

visit to the region next month. 

"I don't think the Palestinian 

Authority will gain from 

an Intifadha, just as it didn't 

achieve anything from the first 

or second Intifadhas," he said. 

"But I would say that, after 

conducting themselves with 

poor and warped thinking over 

the years, they don't always 

recognise what's in their best 

interests." 

Israel demanded on Sunday 

that the Palestinian Authority 

stem the protests, many 

of which have taken place in 

areas outside the Authority's 

jurisdiction. 

"They (the Palestinians) 

are trying to drag us to a situation 

where there will be dead 

children," Dichter said. 

Palestinians have rallied to 

the cause of the four hungerstrikers, 

two of whom are being 

held without trial on suspicion 

of anti-Israeli activity. 

Some 4,700 Palestinians 

are in Israeli jails and Palestinians 

see them as heroes in a 

struggle for statehood. 

The death of any of the hunger-strikers, 

one of whom has 

been refusing food, off and on, 

for more than 200 days, would 

likely lead to more widespread 

violence. 

The first Palestinian uprising 

began in 1987 and ended 

in 1993, when the Oslo interim 

peace accords were signed. 

The second Intifadha broke 

out in 2000 after the failure of 

talks on a final peace agreement. 

Over the following 

seven years, more than 1,000 

Israelis died, half of them in 

suicide attacks mostly against 

civilians. More than 4,500 Palestinians 

were killed by Israeli 

forces. — Reuters 

Turkey rejects 

KRG pipelines 

BAGHDAD — Turkey has 

told Iraq it will reject any extension 

of il and gas pipelines 

from Kurdistan without the 

approval of the Baghdad government, 

Iraq’s Oil Minister 

Abdul Kareem Luaibi was 

quoted as saying by the state 

media network yesterday. 

Iraq’s central government 

and the Kurdistan regional 

government (KRG) are in a 

long-running dispute over 

how to exploit the country’s 

crude reserves and divide the 

revenues. 

Baghdad says it alone has 

the authority to control export 

of the world’s fourth largest 

oil reserves, while the Kurds 

say their right to do so is enshrined 

in Iraq’s federal constitution. 

PKK leader 

likely to call 

ceasefire 

ISTANBUL — Jailed Kurdish 

leader Abdullah Ocalan 

will call a ceasefire at 

the Kurdish New Year next 

month, moving forward a 

peace process with Turkey 

aimed at ending his group's 

28-year-old insurgency, media 

reports said yesterday. 

Prime Minister Tayyip 

Erdogan said a planned withdrawal 

of Kurdistan Workers 

Party (PKK) fighters from 

Turkey after a ceasefire was 

established would begin the 

process of ending a conflict 

which has killed more than 

40,000 people. 

Ocalan, 63, has been 

holding peace talks with Turkey 

since last October and 

met a delegation of Kurdish 

politicians at the weekend 

on the island of Imrali near 

Istanbul, where he has been 

held in near isolation since 

his capture in 1999. 

At those talks, he signalled 

the PKK may release 

state officials it is holding, 

according to a statement 

read by the politicians. Several 

newspapers yesterday 

reported details of a timetable 

to end the conflict. 

5 REGION 



Egypt to reopen IMF 

loan talks next month 

CAIRO — Egypt will reopen talks with 

the IMF next month on a $4.8 billion 

loan, a minister said yesterday, and the 

government laid out plans to reverse a 

slide in currency reserves and tackle the 

dire state of public finances. 

A revised government economic reform 

programme, essential for securing a 

lifeline from the International Monetary 

Fund, called for a levy on stock market 

transactions and a flat 25 per cent tax rate 

for Egyptian companies, many of which 

are struggling for survival in a national 

economic crisis. 

But a summary of the plan released by 

the government did not spell out plans for 

cutting subsidy spending - a political hot 

potato with parliamentary elections due to 

begin in April. A fifth of the state budget 

goes on energy subsidies alone and tackling 

the issue is seen as crucial to securing 

the IMF loan. 

Investment Minister Osama Saleh expressed 

hope that help was on its way as 

Egypt battles with a falling currency and 

a budget deficit soaring to unaffordable 

levels. 

"There have been pledges of international 

and regional support to Egypt and 

most of these are in progress," he told a 

conference in Dubai. "Negotiations with 

the IMF over the $4.8 billion loan will 

resume in early March." 

Cairo and the IMF agreed in principle 

last November on the loan, based on an 

earlier version of the reform programme, 

but talks were suspended in December at 

Egypt's behest due to street violence. Any 

IMF deal would involve unpopular austerity 

measures just as Egyptians vote in 

four-stage parliamentary elections due to 

be held from April until late June. 

Under the latest programme, the government 

will impose a 0.001 per cent levy 

on stock market transactions, according 

to excerpts of the programme seen by 

Reuters, and corporate tax will be standardised 

at 25 per cent. 

Current rates are 20 and 25 per cent, 

meaning tax bills for some firms will rise 

at a time of great economic hardship. 

The programme also seeks to end 

the alarming slide in foreign currency 

reserves as the central bank has tried to 

prop up the Egyptian pound in recent 

years. It targets reserves of $19 billion by 

the end of June, climbing to $22.5 billion 

a year later. 

Reserves tumbled to $13.6 billon in 

January from $36 billion before February 

2011, and the Egyptian pound has fallen 

8.2 per cent since the central bank began 

auctioning dollars at the end of December. 

Economists expressed caution about the 

figures, and whether Egypt could secure 

IMF help by the end of the financial year 

in June. "They had their targets before 

and they didn't reach them," said Mona 

Mansour, chief economist at CI Capital. 

"Maybe they are targeting to have 

the IMF programme by then, but I think 

it will be difficult. Other than that, they 

may have an agreement with regional 

countries," she said. 

Egypt has secured funding from Qatar 

in recent months but this has not halted the 

fall in reserves or the drop in the pound. 

On top of the economic crisis, Egypt is 

in political turmoil with the government 

of President Mohamed Mursi in conflict 

with the opposition. 

Some opposition politicians want to 

boycott the elections over a range of disputes 

including a new constitution. 

Mansour noted that the loan talks had 

been repeatedly delayed during the political 

turmoil. "The situation has to be 

calmer politically," she said. 

The revised reform programme confirmed 

the daunting budget problems 

that the government faces. It targets a 

deficit for this financial year of 189.7 

billion Egyptian pounds ($28 billion), or 

a huge 10.9 per cent of total economic 

output. 

Even this assumes economic reforms 

are made and the deficit would hit 12.3 

per cent of GDP without such action, it 

forecast. 

The government gave scant details 

on personal income tax. The threshold 

below which Egyptians pay the lowest 

rate tax would be raised, but it gave no 

details of any changes in rates paid by 

higher earners. — Reuters 

SYRIAN refugees play outside a tent at the Al Zaatri refugee camp in the Jordanian city of Mafraq, 

near the border with Syria, yesterday. — Reuters

ROME — The centre-left is 

strongly leading in Italy's election, 

raising the chances of a 

stable pro-reform government 

in the euro zone's third larg- 

est economy, according to two 

telephone polls published after 

voting ended. 

The polls on Sky and Rai 

television after voting ended at 

3 pm (1400 GMT/9 a.m. ET) 

showed the centre left of Pier 

Luigi Bersani 5-6 points ahead 

of the centre right of former 

premier Silvio Berlusconi, 

6 THE WORLD 



Centre-left takes strong lead in Italy election: polls 

FIVE Star Movement leader Beppe Grillo speaks with media after casting his vote at the polling station in Genoa. 

IKEA halts meatball sales 

after horsemeat found 

PRAGUE/STOCKHOLM, 

— Sweden's IKEA halted 

sales of its trademark Swedish 

meatballs in 13 European 

countries after tests in the 

Czech Republic yesterday 

showed the product contained 

horsemeat. 

IKEA, the world's No 1 

furniture retailer and known 

also for its signature cafeterias 

in its huge out-of-town stores, 

said it had stopped sales of all 

meatballs from a batch implicated 

in the Czech tests. 

The checks were carried 

out in response to a Europewide 

scandal that erupted 

last month when tests carried 

out in Ireland revealed 

some beef products contained 

horsemeat. This has triggered 

recalls of ready-made meals 

and damaged confidence in 

Europe's vast and complex 

food industry. 

"We take this very seriously," 

said IKEA spokeswoman 

LONDON — Radio broadcasts 

in English from the 

BBC World Service are being 

jammed in China, the British 

broadcaster said yesterday, 

suggesting the Chinese 

authorities were behind the 

disruption. 

"The BBC strongly condemns 

this action which is 

designed to disrupt audiences' 

free access to news and information," 

the BBC said in a 

statement. 

China, which enforces 

strict restrictions on its domestic 

media, has been accused 

by several prominent 

foreign media of seeking to 

stop their news reports reaching 

Chinese audiences. 

"The BBC has received reports 

that World Service English 

shortwave frequencies 

Ylva Magnusson at the company's 

headquarters in Helsingborg, 

southern Sweden. 

"We have stopped selling that 

specific batch of meatballs in 

all markets where they may 

have been sold." 

The meatballs, pulled from 

shelves at IKEA's stores after 

Czech inspectors discovered 

they contained horsemeat, 

had been available in stores in 

several European countries, 

the company's Czech spokesman 


Besides the Czech Republic, 

they had also been on sale 

in Britain, Portugal, Netherlands, 

Belgium, Slovakia, 

Hungary, France, Italy, Spain, 

Greece, Cyprus and Ireland, 

Magnusson said. 

All IKEA's meatballs are 

produced in Sweden by supplier 

Familjen Dafgard, which 

said on its website it was investigating 

the situation. 

— Reuters 

Russia will ban smoking 

in many public places 

MOSCOW — Russia will 

ban smoking in many public 

places from June under a law 

central to President Vladimir 

Putin’s plans to make citizens 

healthier, raise life expectancy 

and help the economy. 

Under the law, signed by 

Putin which was passed by 

parliament last week, smoking 

will gradually be banned 

at work, in the subway, restaurants, 

cafes, ships and 

long-distance trains in a nation 

with one of the world’s 

top smoking rates. The legislation 

will also restrict cigarette 

sales and ban advertising 

and sponsorship of events by 

tobacco companies. 

It was opposed by foreign 

firms such as British American 

Tobacco, Imperial Tobacco, 

Japan Tobacco , and Philip 

Morris, which control more 

than 90 per cent of a Russian 

cigarette market worth 

about $20 billion annually. 

Putin’s aim is to force a lifestyle 

change on millions of 

Russians in a country where 

bars and restaurants are often 

filled with a thick blue haze of 

smoke. But in a sign that many 

will resist, smokers rights’ 

groups oppose the law and a 

website has sprung up which, 

in a nod to Russia’s Communist 

past, declares: “Smokers 

of the world unite.” 

The law will be phased in, 

with smoking banned in some 

public places, such as subways 

and schools from June 

1. The ban will be broadened 

to include restaurants and cafes 

a year later. Sales of tobacco 

products will be forbidden 

at street kiosks from June 1, 

2014. — Reuters 

are being jammed in China," 

said the London-based public 

service broadcaster. 

"Though it is not possible 

at this stage to attribute the 

source of the jamming definitively, 

the extensive and coordinated 

efforts are indicative 

of a well-resourced country 

such as China." 

A duty officer at China's 

foreign ministry had no immediate 

comment. 

It was not the first time 

the BBC had complained of 

disruption to its services in 

China, where its website has 

been consistently blocked. 

Last year, it accused the 

Chinese authorities of jamming 

its BBC World News 

TV channel when it broadcast 

stories regarded as sensitive, 

such as reports on dissident 

Chen Guangcheng, who escaped 

from house arrest and 

sought refuge in the US Em- 

with the anti-establishment 

movement of Genoese comedian 

Beppe Grillo taking third 

place. 

The early polls cheered 

bassy. 

Other foreign broadcasters 

including US state-funded 

markets worried that the election 

could produce a weak, 

unstable government. Italian 

shares extended an earlier rally 

and bonds gained.. 

The poll for Sky television 

showed the centre left ahead by 

5.5 points in the lower house 

and by six points in the Senate 

although the result there will 

depend on key battleground 

regions. In the most important, 

Lombardy, Sky said the centre 

left was tied with Berlusconi. 

Sky had Bersani on 34.5 per 

cent in the lower house, Berlusconi 

on 29 per cent, Grillo 

on 19 per cent and the centrist 

group of outgoing Prime Minister 

Mario Monti slumping to 

9.5 per cent after a lacklustre 

campaign that deeply disappointed 

his backers among 

foreign governments and investors. 

The RAI poll showed a 

similar line-up, with the centre 

left six points ahead of Berlusconi 

in the lower house. 

The spread between Italy's 

benchmark 10-year bonds and 

the German equivalent narrowed 

to less than 260 basis 

points after the poll results, 

in a sign of investor optimism 

that the centre left will be able 

radio stations Voice of America 

and Radio Free Asia have 

also complained of Beijing 

blocking access to their programmes. 

The New York Times reported 

on January. 30 that 

Chinese hackers had been attacking 

its computer systems 

while it was working on an 

investigative report in October 

last year on the fortune 

accumulated by relatives of 

outgoing Premier Wen Jiabao. 

The BBC said in its statement 

yesterday that it had 

experienced jamming of satellite 

broadcasts over the past 

two years, and that while 

shortwave jamming was generally 

less frequent, it did also 

affect Persian-language transmissions 

in Iran. 

to form a stable, pro-reform 

government. 

The picture could change 

after computer projections of 

the result in both houses, expected 

shortly. 

Italy's electoral laws guarantee 

a strong majority in the 

lower house to the party or 

coalition that wins the biggest 

share of the national vote. 

However the Senate, elected 

on a region-by-region basis, 

is more complicated and the 

result could turn on a handful 

of regions, including Lombardy 

in the rich industrial 

north - which the polls showed 

was tied - and the southern island 

of Sicily. 

Italy, the euro zone's third 

largest economy, is pivotal 

to stability in the region as a 

whole. The period of maximum 

peril for the currency 

was when Rome's borrowing 

costs were spiralling out of 

control at the end of 2011. 

A bitter campaign, fought 

largely over economic issues, 

has been closely watched by 

financial markets, anxious 

about the risk of a return of the 

kind of debt crisis that took the 

whole euro zone close to disaster 

and brought the technocrat 

Merkel meets Erdogan on 

her third visit to Turkey 

ANKARA — German leader 

Angela Merkel yesterday met 

Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip 

Erdogan on a visit meant to 

signal close ties despite slow 

progress in Ankara's EU accession 

talks. 

Before leaving for Turkey, 

Merkel said that she favoured 

opening a new chapter in 

membership talks, although 

she remained "sceptical" about 

the outcome. 

The EU-accession talks, 

first launched in 1987, have 

long stalled, in part because 

of European concerns over human 

rights and over Turkey's 

stance on divided Cyprus, an 

EU member. 

Yesterday, Merkel met Erdogan 

and President Abdullah 

Gul in Ankara, on her third 

visit to the country, hoping to 

stress solid ties despite the lingering 

EU question. 

Germany is home to about 

3 million people who migrated 

from Turkey, most as "guest 

workers" who helped staff its 

industry from the 1960s, and 

their descendants. 

Merkel has in the past said 

she favoured that Muslimmajority 

Turkey be given the 

status of a "privileged partner" 

rather than full member of the 

27-member union. 

In the years since the talks 

were launched, Turkey has 

emerged as a strong regional 

player and economic power, 

while the eurosone has recently 

been battered by the debt 

crisis. 

German business favours 

EU-membership for Turkey, 

"a modern and booming 

economy in a geo-strategically 

important location," said the 

president of the Association 

of German Industry, Ulrich 

Grillo. 

Turkey had seen annual 

economic growth above 5 per 

cent in recent years. Germany 

has been the biggest investor 

there and its main trade part- 

TURKEY’S Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan (L) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel 

review a guard of honour during a welcoming ceremony in Ankara yesterday. — Reuters 

ner since the 1980s, the association 

said in a statement. 

Merkel on Sunday visited 

German troops stationed in 

southern Turkey to man Patriot 

anti-missile defences near 

the Syrian border as a sign of 

solidarity with the Nato member 

state. 

The United States and 

Netherlands have also deployed 

Patriot batteries in 

Turkey to help defend its border 

area, where rockets from 

Syria have hit civilian areas. 

In the EU talks, Merkel 

was set to propose to Erdogan 

that Turkey start negotiations 

on economic or regional policies 

with the EU. Only one of 

35 policy chapters, science, 

has been closed during the 

past five years of talks. 

Ahead of her visit, which 

follows trips in 2006 and 

2010, Merkel avoided the 

"privileged partner" phrase, 

which has caused offense in 

Turkey. 

A major stumbling block 

has been Turkey's stance toward 

Cyprus. 

The island is split between 

Greece and Turkey, and Ankara 

does not recognise the government's 

sovereignty over 

the Turkish north, where it has 

stationed 30,000 troops. 

Merkel has in the past 

urged Erdogan to allow direct 

air and sea travel with Cyprus, 

while the Turkish leader has 

criticised the EU for admitting 

"southern Cyprus" as a 

member. 

EU nations have also criticised 

Turkey's stance on freedom 

of the press, religious 

minorities and unions. 

Turkey, fed up with the 

slow pace of talks, has at 

times warned that it may instead 

look to Russia or China 

as key partners. 

Before her talks with Erdogan, 

Merkel yesterday visited 

the World Heritage site of 

Cappadocia, in Central Anatolia. 

She was joined by Tourism 

Minister Omer Celik and 

shadowed by scores of Turkish 

camera teams, while a hot 

air ballon in the sky greeted 

her with a welcome banner. 

— dpa 

BBC radio broadcasts being jammed in China 

"The jamming of shortwave 

transmissions is being 

timed to cause maximum disruption 

to BBC World Service 

English broadcasts in China," 

said Peter Horrocks, director 

of BBC Global News. 

"The deliberate and coordinated 

efforts by authorities 

in countries such as China 

and Iran illustrate the significance 

and importance of the 

role the BBC undertakes to 

provide impartial and accurate 

information to audiences 

around the world." 

China is listed at number 

173 out of 179 countries on 

the World Press Freedom Index 

compiled by campaign 

group Reporters Without 

Borders. — Reuters 

Monti to office, replacing the 

scandal-plagued Berlusconi, 

in 2011. 

Monti helped save Italy 

from a debt crisis, but the polls 

suggested few Italians see him 

as the saviour of the country, 

in its longest recession for 20 

years. 

A surge in protest votes 

supporting Grillo's 5-Star 

Movement had raised uncertainty 

about the chances of a 

strong, stable government that 

could fend off the danger of a 

renewed euro zone crisis. 

Grillo's movement rode 

a huge wave of voter anger 

about both the pain of Monti's 

tough austerity programme and 

a string of political and corporate 

scandals. It had particular 

appeal for a frustrated younger 

generation shut out of full-time 

jobs. 

"I'm sick of the scandals 

and the stealing," said Paolo 

Gentile, a 49-year-old Rome 

lawyer who voted for 5-Star. 

"We need some young, new 

people in parliament, not the 

old parties that are totally discredited." 

Bad weather, including 

heavy snow in some areas, was 

thought to have hampered the 

turnout in Italy's first post-war 

election to be held in winter. 

This could have favoured the 

centre left, whose voters tend 

to be more committed than 

those on the right, which has 

strong support among older 

people. 

The 76-year-old Berlusconi, 

a billionaire media tycoon, 

pledged sweeping tax cuts 

and accused Monti of being 

a puppet of German Chancellor 

Angela Merkel in a media 

blitz that halved the lead of the 

centre left since the start of the 

year. 

But many voters said they 

were sick of his broken promises 

and his campaign faltered 

at the end, with Grillo stealing 

some of his votes. The election 

could mark the end of a 

flamboyant two-decade career 

at the centre of the political 

stage. 

Whatever government 

emerges will inherit an economy 

that has been stagnant for 

much of the past two decades 

and problems ranging from 

record youth unemployment to 

a dysfunctional justice system 

and a bloated public sector. 

— Reuters 

Germany probes possible 

organic egg fraud 

BERLIN — German authorities are investigating possible 

large-scale fraud by organic egg producers amid increased 

concern over food industry practices following Europe's horse 

meat scandal. The northern state of Lower Saxony, a major 

agricultural hub, has launched probes of some 150 farms suspected 

of wrongly selling eggs produced by hens kept in overcrowded 

conditions under the organic label. 

Two other states are investigating a further 50 farms. 

"If the accusations (against the farms) are found to be true, 

then we are talking of fraud on a grand scale: fraud against 

consumers but also fraud against the many organic farmers 

in Germany who work honestly," German Farm Minister Ilse 

Aigner said in a statement yesterday. 

She urged regional governments to ensure the full implementation 

of tough German and EU laws on organic food 

production, adding that consumers must be able to have full 

confidence in the labelling of products. 

Organically produced eggs cost some 10 cents more than 

those produced under standard industrial conditions. 

Christian Meyer, farm minister in the newly appointed 

Lower Saxony government, vowed to take a tough line on any 

farms found to have broken the law. 

Taiwan mulling nuclear 

plant referendum 

TAIPEI — Taiwan's prime minister said yesterday the government 

supports a referendum to decide the fate of the nation's 

fourth nuclear power plant, amid calls from activists and political 

rivals to stop the nearly completed project. 

The referendum is expected to be held in July or August, 

after the legislators of the ruling party put forward an initiative, 

Jiang Yih-huah said. 

Construction work will continue in the meantime, he said. 

Jiang, who became premier last week, said the decision 

was prompted by growing concerns over the safety of nuclear 

power in the wake of the Fukushima disaster in 2011. 

Taiwan currently operates three nuclear plants that supply 

about 18 per cent of the island's electricity needs. According 

to a recent survey done by Taiwan Thinktank, more than 60 

per cent of the 23 million population opposes the building of 

the fourth plant. Terminating the project would lead to huge 

losses, including nearly 9 billion dollars invested already. 

Armenia elections free of 

violations, says EC 

YEREVAN — The Armenian polls that saw President Serzh 

Sarkisian win re-election were free of any serious violations, 

the central Elections Commission (EC) said yesterday as it released 

the poll's final results. 

Serzh Sarkisian scored crushing victory in last week's presidential 

elections seen as a crucial test for the ex-Soviet state. 

"In the course of the electoral campaign and the vote, there 

were no violations that could have affected the elections' result," 

said the head of the Central Elections Commission, Tigran 

Mukuchyan. 

"Serzh Azatovich Sarkisian has been elected President of 

the Republic of Armenia," he announced. 

According to the final results, Sarkisian received 58.64 per 

cent of the votes against his top challenger Raffi Hovannisian's 

36.74 per cent. Turnover was 60.18 per cent. Observers from 

the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly said the February 18 election 

was an improvement on past polls but lacked real competition 

after two leading candidates pulled out late last year. 

The United States said it was concerned over "serious violations" 

in the country's electoral process. 

Strauss-Kahn to take action 

against book by ex-friend 

PARIS — Former head of the International Monetary Fund, 

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, is taking legal action against the 

publication of a book by a former lover, his lawyers said yesterday. 

Strauss-Kahn will take action either to affix a statement 

to the book (perhaps declaring it a work of fiction) or freeze the 

book's publication altogether. 

In addition the former IMF chief is seeking damages of 

100,000 euros for libel from the book's author Marcela Iacub 

and publishing house Stock. 

In the 128-page book entitled Belle et Bete (possibly a double 

entendre for Beauty and Beast'Pretty and Stupid), Iacub 

writes of an affair with Strauss-Kahn that took place between 

January and August last year when he was battling allegations 

of raping a New York chamber maid. 

The rape accusation ended in an out-of-court settlement, 

but another case alleging Strauss-Kahn's participation in illegal 

parties continues.

PROTESTERS clash with anti-riot policemen near the US Embassy in Manila yesterday. The protesters called for 

the immediate pullout of US troops stationed in the country and denounced the prolonged stay 

of the US Navy’s USS Guardian minesweeper that ran aground at the Tubbataha 

Reefs, a Unesco World Heritage site, in western Philippine waters since last month. — Reuters 

Compensation for martial law victims 

MANILA — Philippine President 

Benigno Aquino signed 

a landmark law yesterday 

compensating human rights 

victims of dictator Ferdinand 

Marcos, 27 years after 

a bloodless "People Power" 

revolution ended his rule. 

Ten billion pesos ($244 

million) will be distributed to 

potentially thousands of people 

who were tortured, abused 

or detained, as well as rela- 

tives of those who were killed, 

by Marcos's security forces 

during his 20-year rule. 

Speaking at a ceremony 

in Manila to mark the anniversary, 

Aquino said the law 

was part of his government's 

efforts to "right the wrongs of 

the past". "We may not bring 

back the time stolen from martial 

law victims, but we can assure 

them of the state's recognition 

of their sufferings that 

will help bring them closer to 

the healing of their wounds," 

Aquino said. 

Loretta Ann Rosales, an 

anti-Marcos activist who was 

tortured by his security forces 

and now heads the country's 

independent rights commission, 

said the law would finally 

allow all his victims to feel 

a sense of justice. 

"The law is essential in rectifying 

the abuses of the Mar- 

7 

SUBCONTINENT 


cos dictatorship and obliges 

the state to give compensation 

to all those who suffered gross 

violations of their rights," Rosales 

said. 

Marie Hilao-Enriquez, the 

chairwoman of Selda, a group 

which represents Marcos 

rights victims, also welcomed 

the symbolic intent behind the 

law but said the money was 

too little to have a meaningful 

impact. — AFP 

US green light 

for Myanmar 

bank tycoons 

YANGON — Two banks 

owned by tycoons associated 

with Myanmar’s former military 

government will start to 

do business with US companies 

and investors in the latest 

reward for the Southeast 

Asian country’s rapid political 

transformation. 

The US Treasury Department 

said it would issue a 

general licence for four of 

Myanmar’s biggest banks 

— Myanma Economic 

Bank, Myanma Investment 

and Commercial Bank, 

Asia Green Development 

Bank and Ayeyarwady Bank 

— allowing US companies 

and citizens to deal with 

them. 

The easing of sanctions 

on Asia Green Development 


underlines how politicallyconnected 

capitalists of the 

old government — whom 

the US once castigated — 

are re-inventing themselves 

and retaining a strong foothold 

as foreign investors 

race to enter the country. 

It helps remove uncertainty 

among US companies 

over lingering restrictions on 

their dealings in Myanmar 

and is expected to increase 

the domestic reach of US 

credit card firms Visa and 

MasterCard. 

The decision was announced 

ahead of a visit to 

Myanmar by 50 US executives 

yesterday to explore 

opportunities in the resourcerich 

nation, the latest sign of 

burgeoning foreign corporate 

interest in the country of 

60 million. — Reuters 

Woman climbs 

Everest twice 

in one season 

KATHMANDU — A Nepalese 

woman who climbed 

Mount Everest twice in the 

same season was recognized 

for her achievement 

by Guinness World Records 

in Kathmandu yesterday, the 

Nepal Mountaineering Association 

said. 

Chhurim Sherpa, 29, 

summited the world’s tallest 

mountain for the on May 12, 

2011, and then repeated the 

feat a week later. 

Sherpa told a press conference 

she would continue 

to try to climb other mountains. 

The first successful ascent 

of Everest was in 1953. Several 

thousand climbers have 

summited the 8,848-metre 

mountain since then. 


Protesters 

hold rally 

in Dhaka 

DHAKA — Protesters seeking 

the death penalty for war 

criminals held a rally here 

yesterday, the 21st day of 

such demonstrations to press 

their demand. 

The rally began at Mirpur 

intersection of Dhaka as 

people from different walks 

of life thronged the venue to 

push for their demand. 

Since yesterday, people 

from different walks of life 

began to throng the Shahbagh 

intersection, popularly known 

as Projonmo Chattar, where 

youths chanted slogans. 

The movement began on 

February 5, soon after Jamaat 

assistant secretary general 

Abdul Quader Mollah was 

sentenced to life in prison for 

abuse, killing and genocide 

in 1971 during country's liberation 

war. People became 

angry on seeing the image of 

Mollah smiling and holding 

up two fingers in a "V" sign 

as he was led from the court. 

Bloggers and Online Activist 

Network initiated the 

protest that soon turned into a 

mass movement. Thousands 

of demonstrators on Sunday 

took out a procession in the 

capital to protest the countrywide 

daylong shutdown 

called by eight parties. 

On Saturday, about 5,000 

students shouted "Death to 

the killers" as they rallied 

in Dhaka. The government 

says it will appeal Mollah's 

sentence before the Supreme 

Court this coming week, asking 

for the death penalty for 

the 65-year-old. 

Saturday's protest came 

a day after activists from 

Jamaat and an alliance of 12 

other parties clashed with 

police across the country, 

leaving four people dead and 

around 200 injured, including 

about a dozen journalists.

CHANDIGARH — Accusing 

Prime Minister Manmohan 

Singh of not doing enough for 

Punjab, Chief Minister Parkash 

Singh Badal yesterday 

complained that the central 

government had not meted 

out justice in disbursement of 

grants to the state. 

Badal said the interests of 

Punjab were being ignored 

despite Manmohan Singh, at 

helm of affairs, being a "son 

of the soil". Manmohan Singh, 

the country's first Sikh prime 

minister, lived in Amritsar 

and Chandigarh during his 

days as a student and later as 

a teacher. 

"The unending saga of discrimination 

and step-motherly 

treatment against Punjab and 

its peasantry is a deliberate attempt 

to demoralise the state," 

Badal told media at a function 

at Abul Khurana in Muktsar 

district, 250 km from here. 

He alleged that there was 

hardly any positive outcome 

from the side of the union government 

in allocation of funds 

and schemes to the state due 

to which its development had 

been badly hit. 

"I have taken over this matter 

with the top brass of the 

centre quite often but they paid 

a deaf ear to our request. The 

union government frames policies 

with riders to deliberately 

exclude Punjab from the ambit 

of the central schemes," he 

claimed. Badal further said that 

the apathy of the union government 

towards Punjab could be 

well judged from the fact that 

the state's industry has been 

ruined due to the tax incentives 

given to neighbouring states 

and now due to the exorbitant 

hike in the agricultural inputs, 

the distressed farmers of the 

state were on crossroads. 

He said Punjab farmers 

were reeling under a debt of 

Rs 32,000 crore but the central 

government was hardly bothered. 

The food grain produced 

by these hard-working farmers 

was rotting as the central government 

was unable to provide 

adequate storage facility, he 

added. — IANS 

8 INDIA 



RELATIVES of Javed Ahmed Wani, a Sarpanch or village council chief, mourn during his funeral in Kalantra village, north of Srinagar, yesterday. 

PM Manmohan Singh 

ignoring Punjab: Badal 

Rs 18,500 crore investment 

proposal for Vidarbha 

NAGPUR — In an overwhelming 

response, Maharashtra 

government's two-day 

'Advantage Vidarbha-2013' 

conclave notched proposals 

worth Rs 18,500 crore on the 

first day here yesterday. 

The Memorandums of 

Understandings (MoU) for as 

many as 24 mega-investment 

proposals, including eight of 

the Maharashtra Industrial 

Development Corporation 

(MIDC), totally worth nearly 

Rs 18,500 crore were inked 

in the presence of Chief Minister 

Prithviraj Chavan and 

top industrialists and officials 

present on the occasion. 

Chavan, while assuring the 

best of infrastructure and other 

facilities in the 11 districts 

comprising Vidarbha region 

of eastern Maharashtra also 

announced that the event 'Advantage 

Vidarbha' would now 

become an annual feature in 

the state's business calendar. 

"Vidarbha, strategically 

located in the heart of India, 

offers excellent scope for in- 

dustries, particularly textiles, 

agro-products, tourism, automobiles 

and other sectors," 

Chavan said. 

"Under the state's New Industrial 

Policy, we are offering 

lots of incentives to industries 

coming up in Vidarbha and 

other undeveloped regions of 

the state. I urge industrialists 

to take full advantage of all 

this," Chavan urged in his inaugural 

remarks. 

The chief minister listed 

other benefits of Vidarbha 

which is blessed with abundant 

water and power supply, 

lush green forests, including 

two tiger sanctuaries, availability 

of skilled labour and a 

salubrious industrial climate 

which would be attractive for 

industrialists to set up shop 

here. 

Union Heavy Industries 

Minister Praful Patel, while 

complimenting the state government 

for organising the 

conclave said it would give a 

new direction to the industrial 

and financial development of 

Vidarbha. Patel announced 

that a mega international class 

expo centre on the lines of 

Pragati Maidan in New Delhi 

would be set up either in Nagpur 

or nearby Butibori, and 

events like the automobiles 

exhibitions would be held in 

this region. 

Speaking on the occasion, 

state Industry Minister Narayan 

Rane highlighted the New 

Industrial Policy declared recently 

which will be valid for 

five years. 

Rane also announced the 

setting up of an international 

convention centre on 50 acres 

at Butibori, and assured that 

industries would be accorded 

all possible assistance to enable 

them set up plants in Vidarbha. 

Prominent among the personalities 

present at the twoday 

conclave included Raymond 

Group chief Gautam 

Singhania, R C Bhargava of 

Maruti Suzuki, and legislators 

and parliamentarians from Vidarbha. 

— IANS 

Chautalas facing problems 

NEW DELHI — Tihar authorities 

have ordered an 

inquiry against jailed Indian 

National Lok Dal leader 

Ajay Chautala for allegedly 

addressing a public rally in 

Haryana through a telephone 

call made from the prison, an 

official said yesterday. 

"All the inmates are allowed 

to talk to their family 

every day for five minutes 

through phone. Ajay Chautala 

telephoned his son on February 

19-20 who called his 

supporters. Chautala then addressed 

them through speaker 

phone," Director-General of 

Prisons Vimla Mehra said. 

"An inquiry was set up on 

Saturday. We are looking at 

every angle. The report might 

be submitted by today (Monday) 

or tomorrow (Tuesday)," 

said Mehra. 

"Suitable action will be 

taken if the allegation against 

Chautala is found true," added 

Mehra. 

Another jail official said 

Chautala addressed a rally 

in Sonipat district on February 

20 for five minutes when 

his son Dushyant patched 

him up through the speaker 

phone. 

Chautala used the occasion 

to update the crowd 

about the health of his jailed 

father and former chief minister 

of Haryana Om Prakash 

Chautala and inquired about 

the well-being of the villagers, 

the official said. 

Meanwhile, an adjournment 

motion seeking the 

ouster of former chief minister 

Chautala senior from the 

Haryana assembly has been 

admitted, following his conviction 

by a CBI court for 

graft in teachers' recruitment 

scam. 

Nalwa legislator Sampat 

Singh, who was finance minister 

in Chautala's ministry 

1999-2005 but is now with 

the Congress, moved the ad- 

journment motion under Rule 

66 of the Rules of Procedure 

and Conduct of Business in 

the Haryana legislative assembly, 

for today. 

He sought the removal 

of the Indian National Lok 

Dal (INLD) leader from the 

membership of the legislative 

assembly and also from the 

position of the leader of opposition. 

In his motion, Sampat 

Singh said that Chautala 

had been convicted and 

sentenced to 10 years' rigorous 

imprisonment in the 

teachers' recruitment scam 

by a Central Bureau of Investigation 

(CBI) court recently. 

"So, Mr. Om Prakash 

Chautala has no moral right 

to continue as member of 

the legislative assembly of 

Haryana and also the leader 

of opposition in such circumstances," 

Sampat Singh's motion 

read. — IANS 

States to tighten border 

security for vote count 

AGARTALA — Tripura, 

Meghalaya and Nagaland 

have been told to tighten security 

on their international 

and inter-state borders ahead 

of the vote count in the three 

states on February 28. 

"Security along the borders 

will be further tightened 

in view of the counting of 

votes," an Election Commission 

official said yesterday. 

The union home ministry 

has also directed the states to 

take steps to seal the international 

border by deploying additional 

Border Security Force 

and Assam Rifles troopers. 

The BSF guards India's 

border with Bangladesh while 

Assam Rifles is posted along 

the Myanmar border. 

Four northeastern states — 

‘No plans to dissolve 

Karnataka assembly’ 

BANGALORE — Karnataka's 

ruling BJP yesterday 

asserted that it was not planning 

to dissolve the assembly 

before its tenure ended though 

several party legislators have 

quit and are threatening to 

leave the house and the party. 

"There is no question of 

dissolution. All reports about 

the party mulling such a move 

are mere speculation," state 

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 

chief K S Eshwarappa told reporters 

here. 

"Even if some more legislators 

quit, our government 

is safe and will complete the 

term (which ends in May)," 

he said. He was replying to 

questions on whether the BJP 

central leadership has advised 

the state leaders to dissolve 

the House instead of trying 

to prove its majority in case 

more party legislators leave. 

Elections to the 225-member 

assembly that includes 

one nominated member are 

due in May. 

The speculation about assembly 

dissolution has been 

13 Odisha 

students win 

fellowship 

BHUBANESWAR — Thirteen 

postgraduate students 

of an Odisha college have 

been selected for a prestigious 

central government fellowship 

in 2013, an official 


Kalinga Institute of Social 

Sciences said 13 of its boys 

and girls been selected for 

the junior and senior Rajiv 

Gandhi National Fellowship 

for Scheduled Castes and 

Scheduled Tribes students. 

They would receive Rs 

16,000 and Rs 18,000, respectively, 

for three years 

from the University Grants 

Commission (UGC). 

In addition, Rs 50,000 per 

year would be given to them 

as financial assistance. 

Students of the institute 

performed better than students 

of other universities in 

the national-level online test, 

it said. — IANS 

Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram 

and Asom — share a 1,880km 

border with Bangladesh. 

Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland 

and Arunachal Pradesh share 

a 1,640 km border with Myanmar. 

Most of the international 

border is unfenced and 

runs through dense forests and 

mountainous terrain, making 

it porous. The official said the 

poll panel has asked the states 

to ensure three-tier security 

around the counting centres. 

Central paramilitary troopers 

will be posted inside the 

counting centres, while other 

security forces will guard the 

outer areas. Assembly elections 

in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland, 

having 60 seats each, 

were held on February 14 (in 

Tripura) and February 23. 

on for weeks now as the resignations 

of BJP assembly 

members from the House has 

reduced the party's strength 

to 104, including the speaker. 

The party has the support of 

one of the seven Independents. 

Resignations of two more 

BJP assembly members are 

pending with the speaker 

and another member has announced 

he would quit soon. 

The combined opposition 

strength, including six independents, 

stands at 102. 

Meanwhile Karnataka 

Governor H R Bhardwaj 

said that the situation has not 

reached a stage needing his 

intervention. 

He told reporters on the 

margins of a function here that 

he was not concerned about 

the resignations and would 

act according to the laws. 

Bhardwaj noted that polls 

to 208 urban local bodies have 

already been announced (they 

are scheduled for March 7) 

and elections to the assembly 

were also due soon. — IANS 

Government flayed 

for sarpanch killing 

JAMMU — A panel of elected 

panchayat members in Jammu 

and Kashmir yesterday 

strongly condemned the killing 

of a sarpanch in Baramulla 

in the Kashmir Valley and 

held ‘deliberate negligence’ 

on the part of the government 

responsible for it. 

Javed Ahmed Wani of 

Baramulla was shot dead on 

Sunday by suspected militants 

— the fifth sarpanch killed in 

Jammu and Kashmir in the 

past six months. 

A total of 10 village council 

members, including panches 

and sarpanches, have been 

killed since the May-June 

2011 panchayat polls. 

Leaders of the All Jammu 

and Kashmir Panchayat Conference 

(AJKPC) held a meeting 

in Jammu yesterday after 

which its chairman Shafiq Mir 

SHIMLA — Baba Ramdev's 

Patanjali Yogpeeth yesterday 

moved the Himachal Pradesh 

High Court over the state government's 

action to take back 

possession of a chunk of prime 

land allotted to it in 2010 by 

the then BJP government. 

Meanwhile, the government 

has allowed Baba Ramdev 

to hold a public function 

in Solan town tomorrow. 

The government has taken 

the possession of land in an 

illegal manner, said the petition. 

"Once the lease was entered 

into, it can only be determined 

as per terms or through 

process of law," it said. 

The court has listed the 

matter for hearing tomorrow. 

ALLAHABAD — The penultimate 

bathing day of the 55day 

Maha Kumbh — Maghi 

Poornima — began early 

yesterday at the Sangam here, 

with lakhs taking an early holy 

dip in the Ganges. 

The day is special as the 

"Kalpawasi" pilgrims end 

their month-long penance and 

sabbatical from worldly life on 

Maghi Poornima. More than 

1.5 crore devotees were likely 

to take a holy dip at the Sangam 

— the confluence of rivers 

Ganges, Yamuna and the 

mythical Saraswati yesterday. 

The Kumbh mela administration 

has deployed extra 

police forces to man major 

intersections and roads in 

the sprawling 52 sq km mela 

premises. Photography has 

been banned at all bathing 

ghats, on the basis of a high 

court directive. 

Special traffic arrangements 

are in place to divert 

devotees to less congested 

roads and ensure smooth exit 

after the ritual bath. 

told reporters: "All these killings 

were caused due to the 

deliberate negligence of the 

state government which itself 

wants to fail the constitutional 

institutions so that the issue of 

power sharing dies once for 

all." 

He said: "There is no institution 

like government in 

Jammu and Kashmir state and 

that is why the innocent elected 

people are dying helplessly 

while the so called state government 

seems only a mute 

spectator." 

Mir said his panel cannot 

see its people dying every day 

and will take a final decision 

soon in its executive body 

meeting. 

By not providing adequate 

security, "the government is 

deliberately making the innocent 

panchayat members as 

The petitioner said the 

lease deed was validly given 

to the trust and it had spent 

about Rs 11 crore for land development. 

The government on Friday 

took possession of 96.5 bighas 

of land near Sadhupul in Solan 

allotted to Patanjali Yogpeeth 

for setting up its branch. 

The government's plea was 

that the land was allotted by 

violating statutory provisions. 

The land originally belonged 

to the erstwhile royal 

family of Patiala, to which 

former Punjab chief minister 

Amarinder Singh belongs. 

The Bharatiya Janata Party 

(BJP) government gave the 

land to the yoga guru for a 

one-time lease payment of Rs 

Still haunted by the tragic 

stampede of February 10 on 

Mauni Amavasya at the city 

railway station which left 37 

dead, the railway protection 

force (RPF), civil police and 

the government railway police 

(GRP), along with Indian 

Railways, has made elaborate 

arrangements for the return of 

the crowds after bathing. 

To meet the extra demand, 

the railways has opened additional 

ticketing counters at 

Prayag Ghat, Rae Bareilly, 

Lucknow, Faizabad, Ayodhya 

and Sultanpur. 

Extra coaches too have 

been added to trains plying 

between Lucknow and Allahabad, 

a railway official said. 

"Additional teams of officials 

have been sent to all 

stations and all care is being 

taken to ensure smooth passage 

of the Maghi Poornima 

bathing," senior divisional 

commercial manager Ashwani 

Kumar Srivastava said. 

The administration is on 

tenterhooks as it rained dur- 

sacrificial lambs so that others 

get terrorised and submit 

their resignations fearing their 

lives", he said. 

After concerns from various 

political parties as well 

as human rights organisations, 

Chief Minister Omar 

Abdullah, in his Republic 

Day address, said: "Security 

of panchayat members, their 

insurance cover and their demand 

for honorarium have 

been well taken and the state 

government has prepared an 

action plan in this regard." 

This and the continuing 

threat from insurgent groups 

forced over 600 elected village 

panches and sarpanches 

to resign in the state till date in 

different phases. 

There are over 33,000 

elected panches and sarpanches 

in the state. — IANS 

Land row: Baba Ramdev 

moves Himachal court 

17 lakh for 99 years at a token 

annual fee of Re 1. 

Earlier, the yoga guru was 

scheduled to inaugurate Patanjali 

Yogpeeth's first phase 

tomorrow. 

Official sources said that 

after the state government's 

taking back of the land, Ramdev's 

followers have been demanding 

that the yoga guru be 

allowed to hold a public function 

in Solan town. 

"The local Municipal 

Council has allowed Ramdev 

to hold a public function in 

Solan town Wednesday," an 

official said. 

The government has already 

clarified that there is no 

ban on Ramdev's entry into 

the state. — IANS 

Crowds throng Kumbh 

on Maghi Poornima 

ing the weekend, making the 

temporary roads unmotorable; 

large areas have been turned 

into swamps by rain. 

According to the ascetics 

at the Kumbh, the auspicious 

time for bathing began at 1:40 

Sunday night; it will continue 

till 2:01 am today. 

"Most people will take a 

bath during the auspicious 

time, though technically, bathing 

time ends at 1:41 pm yesterday, 

for 'Bhadra' is on till 

then. The Kalpavasis, who 

slept on thatched floor, gave 

up worldly life, cooked for 

themselves and lived in solitude 

since Makar Sankranti 

(January 14), will Monday disband 

their hutments and head 

back home. They will also take 

along a plant of Tulsi that they 

sowed on the first day of their 

Kalpwas," one ascetic said. 

The Kumbh, which falls 

after every 12 years, began 

this year at Allahabad on January 

14; it is set to conclude 

on March 10, Maha Shivratri 

day. — IANS 

PEOPLE gather on the day of ‘Maghi Poornima’ in the waters of Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna 

and mythical Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad yesterday. — AFP

POLAR Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C-20 blasts off, carrying Indo-French satellite SARAL from the Satish Dhawan 

space centre at Sriharikota, north of Chennai yesterday. — Reuters 

Iranian Majlis speaker on 

India visit, to meet PM 

NEW DELHI — Speaker of 

the Iranian parliament (Majlis) 

Ali Larijani is visiting India 

and is likely to meet Prime 

Minister Manmohan Singh 

tomorrow, said diplomatic 

sources. 

Larijani's visit is at the invitation 

of Lok Sabha Speaker 

Meira Kumar, who visited Iran 

in the latter part of 2011. 

The Majlis speaker is currently 

in Mumbai and will 

arrive in New Delhi today, a 

diplomatic source said. 

"Larijani will meet the 

Indian prime minister on 

Wednesday," the source said. 

The Majlis speaker is also 

to meet President Pranab 

Mukherjee and External Affairs 

Minister Salman Khurshid, 

the source added. 

Asked what would be on 

the agenda for talks, the source 

declined to divulge details. 

Before leaving for his India 

trip, which concludes on 

Thursday, Larijani on Sunday 

described India as one of the 

leading players in the region 

and said that both countries 

have long-standing parliamentary 

relations. 

"Today India is one of the 

important economies of the 

region and the visit by the 

Iranian parliamentary delegation 

to the country is aimed at 

strengthening parliamentary 

relations," Larijani said, according 

to Iranian media. 

Besides President Mukherjee, 

Manmohan Singh and 

Khurshid, Larijani is to meet 

National Security Advisor 

Shivshankar Menon and Rajya 

Sabha chairperson Mohammad 

Hamid Ansari on 

the expansion of political and 

trade interactions between 

Tehran and New Delhi, Iran's 

Press TV said. 

The two sides are also to 

discuss regional and international 

issues of interest such 

as Afghanistan, the campaign 

against illicit drug trafficking 

and war on terrorism, it said. 

Larijani, during a meeting 

with Indian Ambassador D P 

Srivastava, had underlined the 

need for enhancement of bilateral 

relations and co-operation 

between Tehran and New Delhi 

in various areas. 

Srivastava described talks 

on regional issues between 

Iranian and Indian officials as 

constructive, and said Larijani's 

upcoming visit to India 

would be an important step toward 

the expansion of friendly 

relations between the two 

countries, Press TV said. 

— IANS 

Singaporean doctor testifies 

in Delhi bus assault trial 

NEW DELHI — The victim 

of a fatal assault on a moving 

bus that shocked the country 

in December last died of multiple 

organ failure and a blood 

infection, testified a Singaporean 

doctor to a New Delhi 

court via video-link yesterday, 

defence lawyers said. 

Paul Chui, the doctor, performed 

the post-mortem examination 

on the victim. The 

alleged assailants face charges 

of rape and murder. 

The 23-year-old student 

was assaulted on a moving 

bus and abused by six suspects 

in the capital on December 

16 last year. The Indian 

government airlifted her to 

Singapore's Mount Elizabeth 

Hospital, where she died a few 

days later. 

"The doctor reiterated his 

post-mortem report, which 

said the victim had died due to 

multiple organ failure caused 

by septicemia, or severe blood 

infection," A P Singh, a lawyer 

for two defendants said. 

Defence lawyers, including 

Singh, who cross-examined 

the doctor claimed he refused 

to comment categorically 

whether the cause of death 

was homicidal, suicidal or accidental. 

They also claimed there 

were contradictions in his 

statements. 

This could not be verified, 

as the media has been barred 

from covering the hearings 

by the judge, who ordered a 

closed-door trial. 

Two more doctors from the 

Singapore hospital will testify 

in the next few days. The doc- 

tors' testimony is important in 

proving the case against the 

accused — since it points to 

the cause of death and help 

determine whether the death 

was intentional. 

Broadcaster NDTV reported 

that one of the doctors 

had prepared an ortho-dental 

report that confirmed that 

the bite marks on the victim 

matched most of the accused. 

The five accused are on 

trial for murder, gang rape, 

abduction and other charges 

and could face death penalty if 

convicted. The sixth suspect is 

to be tried in a juvenile court. 

The attack triggered protests 

across Indian cities, with 

demands for tougher anti-rape 

laws, many of which were introduced 

by the government 

last month. — dpa 

CHILDREN travel on a train heading from Agra to Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Railway 

Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal will unveil the railway budget today. — Reuters 

Former air 

chief in 

copter case 

NEW DELHI — The Central 

Bureau of Investigation 

(CBI) yesterday registered a 

preliminary enquiry against 

11 people, including former 

chief of air staff S P Tyagi, 

and four companies in the 

$750 million deal for purchase 

of 12 VVIP helicopters 

from AgustaWestland. 

Apart from Tyagi, the 

enquiry names 'Julie' Tyagi, 

Docsa Tyagi, Sandeep 

Tyagi, Gautam Khaitan and 

Praveen Bakshi. 

Others named include 

Giuseppe Orsi, the former 

CEO of Italian defence major 

Finmeccanica, Bruno 

Spagnolini, CEO of AgustaWestland 

- a Britain-based 

subsidiary of Finmeccanica, 

and Guido Ralph Haschke, 

Karlo Valentino, Ferdinando 

Gerosa, and Christian 

Michel. — IANS 

9 INDIA 



NEW DELHI — The second 

phase of Jawaharlal Nehru 

National Urban Renewal Mission, 

that is slated to begin 

next year, must focus on sustainable- 

and environmentfriendly 

transportation to keep 

Indian cities healthy, experts 

maintain. 

"Our transportation system 

is not sustainable. We are already 

facing a lot of problems. 

In the coming years it is going 

to worsen. We must plan and 

act now," said Amit Bhatt, 

strategy head for urban transport 

at Embarq India, a nonprofit 

organisation. 

Bhatt, whose organisation 

works with local transport 

authorities for the develop- 

Isro mission a success 

SRIHARIKOTA (Andhra 

Pradesh) — An Indian rocket 

yesterday evening successfully 

placed into orbit seven 

satellites — the Indo-French 

satellite SARAL, the world's 

first smart phone-operated 

nano satellite, a space telescope 

satellite and four other 

foreign satellites — in copybook 

style. 

A little after 6 pm, the rocket 

— Polar Satellite Launch 

Vehicle-C20 (PSLV-C20) 

standing 44.4 metres tall and 

weighing around 230 tonnes 

— hurtled towards the skies 

ferrying the seven satellites together 

weighing 668.5 kg. 

President Pranab Mukherjee 

witnessed the first of the 

10 space missions planned 

by the Indian Space Research 

Organisation (ISRO) for 2013 

and also the country's 101th 

space mission. 

With a rich orange flame 

at its tail and a plume of white 

fume, the rocket ascended towards 

the evening skies amidst 

the resounding cheers of ISRO 

scientists and a media team assembled 

at the launch centre. 

Space scientists at ISRO 

new rocket mission control 

room were glued to their computer 

screens watching the 

rocket escaping the earth's 

Kremlin Museum plans 

to exhibit Nizam jewels 

NEW DELHI — The Moscow 

Kremlin Museum may exhibit 

jewellery from the priceless 

collection of Nizam of Hyderabad 

at an exhibition of 

Indian jewellery in the Russian 

capital. 

"A preliminary agreement 

has been reached with the National 

Museum in New Delhi. 

Talks are being held to present 

jewellery from the Nizam of 

Hyderabad collection," Elena 

Gagarina, director-general of 

Moscow Kremlin Museum 

said. "This is a unique project. 

No other country has seen the 

exhibits, which will be exposed 

at the Moscow Kremlin 

Museum," Gagarina added. 

The exhibition is scheduled 

to be held from April through 

to August 2014. 

The Nizam's jewellery, rated 

among the world's priceless 

PSLV launch places seven satellites into orbit 

collections, is currently stored 

in government vaults after being 

exhibited a few times here 

at the National Museum and 

in Hyderabad. Gagarina said 

a proposal had been made 

in talks with India's Culture 

Minister Chandresh Kumari 

Katoch. 

"We explained that we 

were ready to hold an exhibition 

in India if we are allowed 

to present the Nizam's jewellery 

in Moscow. We are ready 

to discuss with India about its 

... interest in our collection," 

Gagarina said. 

The Nizam jewellery collection 

was purchased by the 

government in 1995 for Rs.217 

crore. 

Comprising 173 jewels, the 

collection covers a period ranging 

from 18th century to the 

early 20th century. — IANS 

ment of environment-friendly 

transport systems, said a lot of 

money was spent on building 

roads and flyovers earlier, but 

it was not creating a sustainable 

system. 

According to him, the desired 

results were not achieved 

in the first phase of the urban 

development ministry's flagship 

programme that ran from 

2007 to 2012. More than 60 

per cent of the $20 billion under 

the first phase was spent on 

flyovers and roads. 

"Whatever has been done 

is not sustainable. We would 

want to see the programme to 

be focused on helping the mobility 

of people and not the vehicles," 

he said of the mission 

gravitational pull. 

At around 18 minutes into 

the flight PSLV-C20 spat out 

SARAL satellite. The following 

four minutes saw the rocket 

ejecting six satellites in their 

intended polar orbit. 

Immediately on the successfully 

ejection of the seven 

satellites, scientists at the mission 

control centre were visibly 

relieved and started clapping 

happily. 

Mukherjee congratulated 

the scientists. "I congratulate 

ISRO for successfully executing 

the mission," he said. 

ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan 

said: "It's a successfull 

launch." 

The launch of the satellites 

takes ISRO's tally of 

launching foreign satellites to 

35. ISRO started putting into 

space third-party satellites for 

a fee in 1999 on its PSLV-C2 

rocket. 

Since then India has been 

successful in launching medium-weight 

satellites for overseas 

agencies. 

India began its space journey 

in 1975 with the launch 

of Aryabhatta using a Russian 

rocket and till date, it has completed 

102 space missions. 

The PSLV carried seven 

satellites for second time after 

that was launched by Prime 

Minister Manmohan Singh 

as a fully-funded government 

scheme. 

Embarq India recently released 

a study — "National investment 

in Urban Transport" 

— that recommends changes 

in existing policies and programmes 

related to urban 

transport. The study was supported 

by Shakti Sustainable 

Energy Foundation, an organisation 

that works in the clean 

energy policy space. 

"India is experiencing urbanisation 

at a scale it has 

never experienced before. 

The only way to keep our cities 

healthy and productive is 

by integrating land use with 

having done so in September 

2009. However, the highest 

number of satellites put into 

orbit in one go — 10 — was in 

April 2008. 

Two of the SARAL satellite’s 

payload (ARGOS and 

ALTIKA) have been supplied 

by the French National Space 

Agency CNES while the solid 

state C-band transponder is 

from ISRO. 

The SARAL will study the 

sea surface heights and the 

data generated will be shared 

by both countries. 

According to ISRO, the 

SARAL satellite is the first 

under the Indian mini-satellite 

Bus-series 2 configured for 

400 kg satellites. 

The Indian space agency 

states this satellite frame is envisaged 

to be the workhorse for 

different types of operational 

missions in coming years. 

Among the other six satellites 

on PSLV-C20 were two 

Canadian satellites — NEOS- 

Sat (Near Earth Object Space 

Surveillance Satellite), the 

world's first space telescope 

designed by Canadian Space 

Agency (CSA) and Sapphire 

satellite built by Mac- 

Donald, Dettwiler and Associates 

(MDA); BRITE and 

UniBRITE (both Austrian); 

GHAZIABAD — A Samajwadi 

Party (SP) leader-cumlawyer 

was killed here yesterday 

when a dozen armed 

men barged into his house 

and opened fire, leaving his 

brother and a guard injured. 

The assailants looted the 

dead man Yashvir Singh's 

firearms before getting away 

— in Bollywood style — in 

cars and motorcycles, police 

said. The audacious attack occurred 

at the Bamheta residential 

locality in Kavi Nagar. 

The dead man was president 

of Samajwadi Adhivakta 

Sangh, a wing of the Samajwadi 

Party. 

Police said that at about 11 

am, the attackers stormed his 

house. When the guard tried 

to stop them at the main entrance, 

he was hit in the head 

with a rifle butt, rendering 

transport," said Himani Jain, 

programme manager, transport, 

Shakti Sustainable Energy 

Foundation. 

Bhatt, who is one of the authors 

of the study, said the report 

had made some concrete 

recommendations to improve 

the urban transport system. 

"We have submitted our 

recommendations to the urban 

development ministry as well 

as the Planning Commission," 

Bhatt said, hoping that some 

of the suggestions would be 

incorporated in government's 

policies especially in the second 

phase of the mission. 

Bhatt said the emphasis 

should be on the use of nonmotorised 

transport. 

STRaND-1 (Britain) and 

AAUSAT (Denmark). 

The STRaND-1 (Surrey 

Training, Research, and Nanosatellite 

Demonstrator) is the 

world's first 'smartphone satellite' 

carrying Google Nexus 

One phone running on the Android 

operating system. 

The 6.5 kg satellite is a British 

mission jointly developed 

by the University of Surrey's 

Surrey Space Centre (SSC) 

and Surrey Satellite Technology 

Limited (SSTL). 

Once all the satellite's own 

operating systems have been 

checked out, key system functions 

will be transferred to the 

phone's components to take 

control and operate the satellite, 

SSTL said on its website. 

According to CSA, NEOS- 

Sat will detect and track asteroids 

and satellites circling the 

globe every 100 minutes and 

scanning space near the Sun 

to pinpoint otherwise almost 

invisible asteroids. 

The satellite will also be 

useful in tracking resident 

space objects. 

Sapphire will look for resident 

space objects that include 

functioning satellites and space 

debris circling between 6,000 

km and 40,000 km above the 

earth. — IANS 

ADMIRAL Katsutoshi Kawano (C), Chief of Staff, Japan Maritime Self Defence Force, inspects the guard of 

honour in New Delhi yesterday. — Reuters 

Jharkhand 

chopper to 

fight Maoists 

PATNA — Bihar has borrowed 

a helicopter from 

Jharkhand for operations 

against Maoist rebels, a state 

minister told the state assembly 

yesterday. 

"Bihar is taking a helicopter 

from neighbouring 

Jharkhand during its combing 

operations against Maoists 

because the state has 

no helicopter of its own," 

Water Resources Development 

Minister Vijay Kumar 

Choudhary told the house 

in a reply to a question by a 

Bharatiya Janata Party member. 

The minister blamed the 

central government for delay 

in finalising the terms 

and condition for hire of an 

MI-17 helicopter for operations 

against Maoists in the 

state. — IANS 

SP leader shot dead 

in Bollywood style 

him unconscious. 

The men then ran up the 

stairs and gunned down Yadav 

in his first floor room. 

His elder brother Salek 

Chand, who apparently first 

tried to chase the killers, escaped 

by jumping from the 

first floor. 

All three men were rushed 

to a nearby hospital where Yadav 

was declared dead. A doctor 

said the victim sustained 

three bullet injuries in the upper 

part of his abdomen. 

The other two men sustained 

injuries but are out of 

danger. 

Superintendent of Police 

Shiv Shankar Yadav said the 

Samajwadi Party leader and 

his neighbour Mithhan Lal 

had a running feud over setting 

up a shop at a temporary 

market. — IANS 

Urban India needs sustainable transportation: Study 

He pointed out that only 

10 per cent of the 16.31 million 

Delhi's population own 

cars. "We need to think about 

the majority of the population 

who don't own cars. The 

focus should be on providing 

proper transportation system 

to them." 

With increasing urbanisation, 

the problems related to 

transportation was going to 

worsen in the coming years, 

Bhatt said. 

India's urban population 

increased by more than 70 

percent to 377 million in 2011 

as compared to 217 million 

registered in 1991, according 

to the latest government census. 

— IANS

10 ANALYSIS 



FORMER British minister and EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson during an interview in London. — Reuters 

Killing the golden goose 

By Andrew Osborn 

PRIME Minister David Cameron 

risks wrecking Britain's financial 

centre with his bid to wrest 

back powers from the European Union 

ahead of a vote on whether to leave, 

one of the UK's most influential Europhiles 

says. 

Peter Mandelson, once one of Britain's 

most powerful men, said Cameron 

was imperilling the country's future by 

promising to claw back powers from 

the EU and to hold an in-out membership 

referendum by the end of 2017. 

Attempts to negotiate a new type of 

EU membership for Britain would fail, 

the former government minister and 

EU trade commissioner said, while a 

'Brexit' would isolate its $2.5 trillion 

economy and undermine the City of 

London's position as Europe's financial 

capital. 

"I don't see any circumstances in 

which Britain's financial sector and the 

City of London can thrive or flourish if 

we are not an integral part of the single 

financial services market in Europe," 

Mandelson said in an interview which 

kicks off a four-day Reuters euro zone 

summit featuring interviews with Europe's 

top policymakers. 

"We risk killing the golden goose, 

which in any case has done a pretty 

good job of shooting itself in the foot 

already, but which nonetheless remains 

a key component of our GDP 

and an important economic driver in 

Britain." 

By Jane Wardell 

THIS year's second grounding of Lockheed 

Martin Corp's F-35 warplane, plus looming 

US defence cuts, will complicate a push this 

week by Lockheed and US officials to convince 

Australian lawmakers and generals to stick to a plan 

to buy 100 of the jets. 

Australia, a close American ally, is considering 

doubling its fleet of 24 Boeing Co F/A-18 Super 

Hornets amid delays and setbacks in Lockheed's 

$396 billion F-35 project. 

That means Canberra could buy far fewer F-35s 

than initially planned, at a time when Canada is 

also rethinking its plans to make the F-35 — also 

known as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) — its future 

frontline warplane. US Lieutenant General Christopher 

Bogdan, the Pentagon programme chief for the 

F-35, said the grounding over a crack found in a test 

aircraft engine would not delay delivery of the most 

expensive combat aircraft in history. 

"It is not unusual in development programmes for 

these things to happen," Bogdan told reporters at an 

airshow in the Australian city of Melbourne, where 

the futuristic jet will draw attention from potential 

customers in Asia. "Don't be shocked in the future 

if we find other things wrong with the airplane that 

will result in us doing the same thing." 

All flights by the 51 F-35 fighter planes were 

suspended last Friday after a routine inspection revealed 

a crack on a turbine blade in the jet engine of 

a test aircraft in California. 

Australia will decide at the end of this year on 

the timing of an order for an initial 12 F-35s while it 

considers options to replace 71 early model F/A-18 

fighter jets and a recently retired fleet of 24 Vietnam-era 

F-111 supersonic bombers. 

Many defence insiders expect plans for a fleet of 

F-35s to be revised to feature 48 Super Hornets — 

12 equipped as EA-18G Growlers with radar-jamming 

electronic weapons — and as few as 50 Joint 

Strike Fighters. A source familiar with the matter 

Attempts to negotiate a 

new type of EU membership 

for Britain would fail, while 

a ‘Brexit’ would isolate its 

economy and undermine 

London’s status in EU 

London is home to over one third 

of the global foreign exchange market, 

though its bankers have been castigated 

by voters and politicians for causing 

the 2008 financial crisis. 

Mandelson, one of the architects 

of former prime minister Tony Blair's 

"New Labour" Party and a cabinet 

minister in the governments of Blair 

and Gordon Brown, said Cameron's 

European policy was schizophrenic 

because so many members of his ruling 

Conservative Party wanted him to 

get Britain out of the EU. 

"It's rather schizoid. He describes 

the EU in positive and flattering 

terms... then on the other hand the other 

David Cameron talks about the EU 

as if it's some alien body, some sort of 

monster, something that's attacking us 

rather than serving us." 

Mandelson warned that Cameron 

was staking Britain's future place in 

the world on an unpredictable referendum 

that could easily be hostage to 

domestic issues. 

"When you think what's at stake 

for us politically and economically it's 

a heck of a gamble," said Mandelson, 

a member of a group of senior politicians 

who have come together since 

Cameron's January 23 speech offering 

a referendum to campaign for British 

to stay inside the EU. Mandelson, who 

refused to call the outcome of a possible 

referendum, said the British public 

were split three ways: one third keen 

to stay in, one third ready to leave and 

one third wanting to reform the EU. 

Cameron says he also wants Brit- 

said Canberra's decision on the Super Hornets could 

come within the next three to six weeks. 

"The Super Hornets will eat into F-35 orders," 

said Sam Roggeveen, a former Australian government 

intelligence and arms analyst, now with the 

Lowy Institute security think tank. 

"It's not too crude to say it will be a one for one 

replacement, because so far that's the kind of basis 

that defence has so far been working on anyway." 

Budget cuts have already forced Italy to scale 

back its F-35 orders, and Turkey has delayed its purchases 

by two years. Orders from Japan and Israel 

have buoyed the project, and additional Israeli orders 

are expected in 2013. Singapore has also taken 

a more active interest in the radar-evading jet, and 

South Korea is expected to announce a winner in 

its fighter contest late this year. Australia and other 

countries are watching orders and problems with the 

jet with concern, since every reduction drives up the 

price of the remaining fighters to be built. 

"It is a nuisance," said a spokesman for the Dutch 

Defence Ministry, which has already paid for two 

test planes but will determine the size of its total 

ain to remain a member of the EU, but 

that the 27-member bloc needs reform, 

greater accountability, and that Britain 

needs a new settlement. 

He insists a new round of euro zone 

integration will require treaty change, 

giving him the opportunity to renegotiate 

Britain's terms of EU membership. 

Critics fear he will get little change 

from EU partners and could inadvertently 

push Britons into deciding to 

leave. Mandelson said Britain could 

not cherry pick its membership terms 

"as if it's a cafeteria service where 

you bring your own tray and pick out 

what's on offer and then leave. "That's 

not how the European Union works." 

If Britain sought consensual change 

as a central player in European affairs 

then London could defend its economy 

and help shape the EU's future, he 

argued. "If on the other hand we are 

saying you have got to revise all your 

treaties to bring a separate category of 

membership for Britain, then forget 

it," Mandelson said. 

He said isolation and ultimately 

insignificance awaited Britain outside 

the EU, whose $16.5 trillion economy 

makes up about 22 per cent of global 

gross domestic product, according to 

IMF data. Britain's economy makes up 

3.4 per cent of global GDP. "If Britain 

was out of the EU, we simply would 

not have an economic future in setting 

ourselves up as some Swiss-style 

safe haven for derivatives trading and 

hedge fund industries and for those 

who want to dodge taxes," he said. 

Budget woes cloud F-35 sales 

The grounding of F-35 and US 

defence cuts will complicate a push 

by Lockheed to convince Australia 

to stick to a plan to buy 100 of the 

jets, as it is considering doubling its 

fleet of 24 F/A-18 Super Hornets 

F-35 order later this year. Australian officials know 

the stakes are high. 

"We're only a small player, but other countries 

are watching," said a source at Australia's Defence 

Materiel Organisation, part of the defence department, 

who was not authorised to speak publicly. 

Bogdan approved the grounding just before leaving 

Washington to join Lockheed executives at the 

Avalon air show in Melbourne. 

"I believe by the end of this week we would 

know what the root cause of that crack was. If it's 

as simple as a foreign object damage problem, or a 

manufacturing quality problem, I could foresee the 

airplanes being back in the air in the next week or 

two," he said. Lockheed executives have been trying 

to reassure Canberra. They insist that problems with 

software and design, including imaging and night 

vision functions of the pilot's helmet, are being resolved, 

and testing is ahead of schedule. 

One US defence official, who was not authorised 

to speak publicly, said the technical problems 

bedevilling the new fighter were less troubling than 

Washington's budget woes. 

Sanford seeks 

a resurrection 

By Samuel P Jacobs 

THE scheduled 

appearance by a 

candidate for South 

Carolina's first Congressional 

District here last week was 

behind schedule. The event's 

co-host, an undertaker, had 

been detained at his funeral 

home by an unexpected 

"delivery." 

A couple of people in the 

audience laughed as they 

realised what sort of delivery 

a funeral home receives. 

Questions of life and death 

seemed oddly appropriate 

because the afternoon's guest 

of honour was a man who is 

trying to undergo a political 

resurrection: former South 

Carolina governor Mark 

Sanford. 

As governor in early 

2009, Sanford — a tanned 

conservative Republican who 

preached limited government 

— was widely seen as a 

potential candidate for 

president in 2012. 

But then he disappeared 

for six days in June 2009, 

without telling his family or 

staff. It turned out he was in 

Argentina, visiting a woman 

with whom he was having 

an extramarital affair. The 

episode destroyed Sanford's 

marriage and earned 

him a censure from state 

legislators who agreed that 

he had brought "dishonour, 

disgrace and shame" to South 

Carolina. And that, it seemed, 

was the end of the Mark 

Sanford story. 

He served out his term 

as governor but left office in 

January 2011 and headed for 

his family's farm in Beaufort, 

South Carolina. He became 

a footnote in a state whose 

recent political history has 

been shaped by the rise of 

the conservative Tea Party 

movement and the legacy of 

the late Strom Thurmond, a 

one-time segregationist and 

governor who served in the 

US Senate for nearly a halfcentury. 

Now Sanford, 52, is back 

— in search of a dramatic 

comeback by running for the 

same congressional seat that 

he won almost two decades 

ago, before he was governor. 

In talking about putting 

his life back together, 

Sanford gives off newage 

vibrations. During an 

interview, he seemed wellversed 

in the language of 

recovery and often referred to 

his "inner journey." 

Even without Sanford 

MARK Sanford addresses the media in Columbia. — Reuters 

and reminders of his scandal, 

the race has the makings 

of spectacle: It features 16 

candidates in the Republican 

primary on March 19, 

including Robert "Teddy" 

Turner, the rebel conservative 

son of Ted Turner, the liberal 

cable television billionaire. 

For Sanford, it was 

a surprising opportunity 

generated by the unexpected 

retirement of US Senator 

Jim DeMint, which caused a 

shift in the state's Republican 

leadership. Governor 

Nikki Haley appointed 

Representative Tim Scott 

to fill DeMint's seat. The 

opening of Scott's seat gave 

Sanford a chance to return to 

public life that Sanford said 

he found irresistible. 

Given that voters are 

familiar with Sanford — 

some of whom have cast 

ballots for him five times — 

most analysts expect Sanford 

to outlast the Republican 

field, even in a district where 

some religious conservatives 

could find it hard to forgive 

him. Many of the 15 other 

Republicans concede that 

they are hoping to finish 

second to Sanford, then have 

other candidates' supporters 

rally around them (and 

against the former governor) 

in a primary run-off vote. 

There is another twist: 

The Republican primary 

winner is likely to face on 

May 7 in a special election 

Democrat Elizabeth Colbert- 

Busch, an official at Clemson 

University and sister of 

comedian Stephen Colbert, 

who has been known to 

bring his antics into South 

Carolina politics. Colbert was 

scheduled to join his sister at 

a fundraiser on Sunday night. 

The conservative district 

has sent a Republican to 

Congress since Ronald 

Reagan was elected 

president in 1980. So most 

political analysts in South 

Carolina expect Sanford to 

eventually win back his old 

congressional seat despite 

his scandal and a celebrity 

presence on the Democratic 

side. 

But first, Sanford is 

making the case that he has 

learned from his fall and 

moved past his mistakes. 

During a coffee gathering 

last Thursday, Sanford 

pointed to a woman in the 

audience he had talked with 

earlier. 

THE US Marine Corps version of Lockheed Martin’s F35 Joint Strike Fighter.

By Christine Pirovolakis 

CYPRUS moved to end its prolonged 

political impasse and potential 

economic meltdown on 

Sunday by voting in a new president 

tasked with pushing forward a request for 

a financial rescue bailout with international 

creditors. 

Final results showed 66-year-old Nicos 

Anastasiades, the leader of the conservative 

Democractic Rally Party (DISY), 

winning a comfortable majority with 

57.48 per cent in run-off elections, one of 

the widest margins in 30 years. 

The vote took place at a crucial time 

for the country, where the threat of bankruptcy 

is not the only problem. Many 

observers believe that, unless a solution 

is found soon, the island’s cash problems 

could reignite the euro zone crisis. 

“The new president faces massive 

financial challenges — he is expected 

to move very quickly to finalise a financial 

rescue package so that Cyprus can 

exit from the economic crisis as soon as 

possible,” said Andreas Theophanous, a 

Nicosia University professor of political 

economy and head of its Centre of European 

and International Affairs. 

“Anastasiades will try to re-establish 

the credibility of the Republic of Cyprus 

and create conditions of confidence once 

again — both for the economy and for 

Cyprus’ future.” As Nicosia quickly runs 

out of cash, a bailout is proving difficult to 

clinch. Virtually all options on the table to 

avoid a default have obstacles attached. 

“Anastasiades will use his political 

leverage to ensure that there is more solidarity 

for Cyprus, which is not only good 

for Cyprus but for the EU overall... I think 

he will negotiate for a more positive conditions 

and terms for a bailout.” Hours before 

Cypriots went to the polls, Anastasiades 

revealed that he had been in talks with 

two countries — one EU member and one 

not, most likely Russia — to guarantee 

a short-term bridging emergency loan to 

cover the country’s short-term needs. 

Cyprus has already admitted it only 

has enough cash to last until mid-March. 

Compared to the hundreds of billions 

of euros used to prevent Greece, Ireland 

and Portugal from collapsing, the 17.5 billion 

euros needed for Cyprus’ banks and 

state coffers is a relatively small sum. 

But, in real terms, the loan is equal to 

the island’s entire economy. 

11 ANALYSIS 



Cyprus new president faces tough job 

By Gerry Shih 

ONE by one, the entrepreneurs, 

clad in crisp blue jeans and 

armed with PowerPoint presentations, 

stood before a roomful of 

investors and tech bloggers to explain 

their dreams of changing the world. 

For these exuberant times in Silicon 

Valley, the scene was familiar; the setting, 

less so. 

With the young and ambitious 

flocking again to northern California to 

launch Internet companies, there were 

signs one recent morning that startup 

mania has taken hold even behind the 

faded granite walls of California’s most 

notorious prison. 

“Live stream has gone mainstream. 

Mobile video usage went up and is expected 

to increase by 28 per cent over 

the next five years,” said Eddie Griffin, 

who was pitching a music streaming 

concept called “At the Club” and happens 

to be finishing a third stint for drug 

possession at San Quentin State Prison, 

near San Francisco, after spending the 

last 15 years behind bars. 

Griffin was one of seven San Quentin 

inmates who presented startup 

proposals on “Demo Day” as part of 

the Last Mile programme, an entrepreneurship 

course modelled on startup 

incubators that take in batches of 

young companies and provide them 

courses, informal advice and the seed 

investments to grow. 

According to business news website 

Xconomy, incubator programmes 

— which it tracks — have tripled in 

number for each of the past three years, 

proliferating from Sao Paulo to Stockholm 

at a pace that has fuelled talk in 

tech circles of an “incubator bubble”. 

NEWLY elected Cyprus’ President Nicos Anastasiades (C) waves during celebrations in Nicosia. — AFP 

Last Mile founder Chris Redlitz, a 

local venture capitalist, says his goal 

was never to seek out a genuine investment 

opportunity inside a prison but to 

educate inmates about tech entrepreneurship 

and bridge the knowledge gap 

between Silicon Valley’s wired elite 

and the rest of the region’s population. 

Inmates, after all, are not allowed to 

run businesses. They do not have access 

to cellphones — much less Apple 

Inc’s latest iPhone developer toolkits 

— and they use computers only under 

close supervision. 

After his presentation in San Quentin’s 

chapel, which received a rousing 

reception from an audience that included 

prison warden Kevin R Chappell, 

Griffin told a reporter it was unlikely 

he would launch his startup idea 

immediately after being released this 

summer. 

“I still have a lot to learn,” said the 

soft-spoken Detroit native. “I’ve never 

used a cellphone. Technology is kind 

of foreign in this environment.” 

But to hear the inmates use jargon 

such as “lean startup” and “minimum 

viable product” speaks to an unmistakable 

truth about the Bay Area zeitgeist, 

where startups, for better or worse, 

have come to embody upward mobility, 

ambition, and hustle. 

“If they were doing this in the ‘80s 

there may have been a different theme 

or model,” said Wade Roush, Xconomy’s 

chief correspondent. “But in this 

day and age, becoming an entrepreneur 

or starting a business is a form of selfactuation.” 

Situated on prime waterfront land, 

San Quentin is perhaps California’s 

most storied prison and home to the 

state’s only death row. But it has also 

kept a longstanding progressive reputation, 

boasting a rare college degreegranting 

programme and vibrant arts 

courses. 

The Last Mile accepted 10 inmates 

out of 50 applicants for its latest batch. 

The programme, which graduated its 

first class of inmates last year, meets 

twice a week to discuss startups and 

lasts six months, although the most recent 

class took seven months due to a 

prison lockdown last year. 

Some Last Mile participants, under 

official supervision, have also joined 

the online question-and-answer site 

Quora to respond to questions about 

Cyprus bailout talks have also hit obstacles 

in recent months due to allegations 

that the country’s banks are a hub for 

money laundering and tax evaders. 

“The new president will also move 

very quickly to deal with issues which 

have unjustly directed at Cyprus lately, 

such as money laundering — issues which 

are unjust taking into account that Cyprus 

ELIANA Lopez, wife of San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi, with a group of prison inmates in San Bruno, California. — Reuters 

Inmates go high-tech 

Live stream 

has gone 

mainstream. 

Mobile video 

usage went up 

and is expected 

to increase by 

28 per cent 

over the next 

five years 

prison life or describe what it felt like 

to commit murder. 

The latest batch of startup ideas included 

a fitness app that would motivate 

drug addicts to exercise, a cardiovascular 

health organisation, a social 

network for sufferers of post-traumatic 

stress disorder, a food waste recycling 

programme, and an e-commerce site 

for artists in prison. 

Because the likelihood is not great 

that these companies will become 

funded and succeed, Redlitz said he 

was also working to place the inmates 

in jobs at tech companies after their 

release. 

Rocketspace, a startup co-working 

space in downtown San Francisco, has 

agreed to host an internship. Rally.org, 

a crowd-funding site that counts Redlitz 

among its investors, said it hoped 

to begin a programme to seek microinvestments 

from the public for the inmates’ 

ideas. 

Sitting in the Demo Day audience 

was John Collison, the 22-year-old 

co-founder of online payments startup 

Stripe, who noted some stark differences 

between the inmates’ proposals 

and the fashionable startups du jour in 

Silicon Valley. 

“What’s frustrating is that all these 

companies in the Valley, they’re ideas 

for the 1 or 10 per cent,” Collison said. 

“You have startups like Uber or Taskrabbit, 

that’s like, ‘Oh, here’s something 

to help you find a driver or find 

someone to clean your house.’ Are they 

solving real problems?” 

The San Quentin inmates “were 

talking about urban obesity, or PTSD”, 

Collison said. “It’s a completely different 

perspective. We actually really 

need that.” 

has implemented all the anti-laundering 

legislation of the EU,” said Theophanous. 

As a condition for resumed talks, the 

new president may come under pressure 

to accept an audit of deposits held by non- 

EU citizens, following reports that Russian 

oligarchs, mafia and corrupt officials 

have stowed $26 billion in Cyprus. 

Germany has insisted that Moscow, 

given its large investments on the island, 

should make a contribution to any bailout. 

Nicosia will need to pay back a 2.5billion-euro 

loan it took out last year from 

Russia in 2016. Cyprus has requested that 

loan be extended to 2022. 

Cyprus has already implemented some 

austerity measures demanded by the troika 

of creditors — the European Commission, 

European Central Bank and International 

Monetary Fund — including wage cuts 

for civil servants. But Nicosia has balked 

at other steps, such as the privatising of 

state-owned companies or major pensions 

reform. 

But, even if Cyprus made more cuts 

and sold stakes in its state power and 

phone companies, many analysts insist it 

still would be unable to cut its high government 

debt to a sustainable level. Public 

debt is set to top 140 per cent of GDP, 

with a bailout. 

There have been other radical proposals, 

such as restructuring the nation’s sovereign 

debt and imposing losses on uninsured 

depositors at banks. But these have 

been rejected by Cypriot and EU officials, 

who fear they would hurt fragile market 

confidence and raise the risk of bank runs 

in other troubled EU states. 

Even Moody’s credit agency has 

By David Chance 

SOUTH Korea’s new president faces 

a hostile North Korea that seeks 

nuclear weapons, a moribund domestic 

economy and now new pressure 

on its exporters and growth prospects 

from neighbouring Japan’s yen devaluation. 

There is little Park Geun-Hye, who 

became South Korea’s first woman president 

yesterday, can do about the North 

but her first statement on the economy 

indicated she was willing to try at least 

to talk down the Korean won’s rise. “As 

the global economy hasn’t recovered 

from recession yet our companies are 

having more trouble as the weak yen 

offensive is following,” she said at a 

meeting with the Korea Employers Federation 

on February 20, according to her 

Youtube site. 

Her remarks have gone down well 

with those suffering most from Japanese 

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s 

hyper-easy monetary policy that has 

seen the won jump five per cent this year 

versus the yen after a 23 per cent gain 

in 2012. 

South Korean and Japanese firms 

compete against each other in a range 

of products, from cars to televisions and 

computer chips. “It was very encouraging 

when Park Geun-Hye said she 

would take pre-emptive currency measures,” 

said Cha Jae-Sik, chief executive 

of snack and grocery exporter Sammi 

Commerce Co, which has some $10 million 

in annual revenue. 

“No other presidents have said that 

before and I really expect a lot from 

Park and real steps to help small exporters 

like us.” The won is at 11.63 to the 

yen, levels last seen in October 2008, but 

still 50 per cent weaker than the sub 8 

won levels seen in 2007, before the start 

of the global financial crisis. 

Thomson Reuters data shows it is 

valued around 5 per cent higher than 

its 10-year average against both the yen 

and the dollar in trade-weighted and 

inflation-adjusted terms. 

Park’s team is looking at plans to reduce 

fund flows to limit the won’s appreciation 

and could consider a “Tobin Tax” 

on bond market transactions as well as 

tightening ceilings on bank holdings of 

currency derivatives. 

South Korea’s central bank has 

routinely intervened in the market to 

staunch the rise in the won, or at least to 

try and prevent to rapid an appreciation 

in “smoothing” operations, although it 

has never undertaken anything near the 

scale of Japan’s easing. 

Sensitivity analysis from Credit Suisse 

shows that for a one per cent fall in 

the yen-won rate, South Korean exports 

will underperform Japan’s by 1.1 percentage 

point over 3-6 months. 

The impact however varies greatly 

from industry to industry, with larger 

electronics companies saying the yen 

was not their major concern, although 

auto companies and smaller businesses 

said it was a big issue. Samsung Electronics 

Co Ltd, the country’s biggest 

exporter, said its operating profits were 

negatively impacted by 360 billion Ko- 

warned that imposing losses on depositors 

as part of Cyprus’ bailout would affect the 

ratings of European banks in general. 

But, for all its problems, Nicosia still 

has an ace up its sleeve. 

Deep off its coast lies natural gas — an 

estimated 60 trillion cubic feet. 

Cyprus has already received some 200 

million euros for oil and gas exploration 

licenses from international energy companies. 

“Cyprus has significant reserves of 

natural gas,” said Theodore Couloumbis, 

international relations professor at Athens 

University. 

“So there is the potential, although not 

immediate, to reap from the benefits and 

help pay down the debt.” 

The EU’s biggest parliamentary group, 

the centre-right EPP, and the European 

Commission already pledged support to 

newly elected Cyprus president Nicos 

Anastasiades in efforts to pull the country 

back from the brink of bankruptcy. 

European Commission president Jose 

Manuel Barroso said that “the Cypriot people 

have given Mr. Anastasiades a strong 

mandate to implement his programme of 

reform and to do what it takes to ensure 

fiscal and financial sustainability.” 

“I have assured him that he can count 

on the continued commitment of the European 

Commission to assist Cyprus to 

overcome the challenges it faces,” he said 

in a statement. 

In a separate statement issued as final 

results gave Anastasiades 57.5pc of the 

vote, the European People’s Party also 

pledged to back his efforts to secure a 

bailout for the EU state, currently on the 

verge of bankruptcy. 

Weak yen adds to 

woes of Park 

rean won ($331.45 million) due to a 

stronger won against the Chinese yuan 

and the Brazilian real. 

The won gained steadily last year 

from a low of 185.20 to the yuan and is 

now trading around 174. 

Yoon Boo-Keun, head of Samsung’s 

consumer electronics division, which 

makes televisions, fridges, washers and 

ovens, said this week the impact of the 

stronger won was limited as so much of 

its production is now overseas. 

“Only those products exported from 

Korea are affected by the won exchange 

rate, but the amount is small,” he said. 

It is a similar picture at rival LG Electronics 

Inc where Havis Kwon, head of 

the group’s television business said last 

week he was more worried about aggressive 

competition from China than by the 

yen’s weakness. 

“A weakening yen wouldn’t have any 

major immediate impact on us, although 

it will help Japanese competitors gain 

price competitiveness in general, but 

that’s something we can manage to overcome 

with various measures,” he said. 

Carmaker Hyundai Motor Co appears 

to feel more vulnerable. A top executive 

said recently the company was “agonising” 

over exchange rates as it sought to 

keep its profit targets. 

“One way to do that (hit the targets) 

is to maximise overseas production and 

volume... We will also increase sales 

of profitable, mid-and large-sized vehicles,” 

he said, speaking on condition 

of anonymity. That’s not an option for 

smaller businesses in Korea. 

“About one-third of our member companies 

in competition with the Japanese 

said in a recent survey that they noticed 

price reductions or moves of reductions 

(in dollar terms) by Japanese competitors 

after the yen slide,” said Austin 

Chang, a research fellow at the Institute 

for International Trade. — Reuters 

As the global 

economy hasn’t 

recovered from 

recession yet 

our companies 

are having 

more trouble 

as the weak 

yen offensive is 

following

MEXICO CITY — A price has 

been put on their lives, by gangs 

who want to find out the names 

of Mexican Internet activists have 

used the anonymity granted by social 

networks to denounce organised 

crime. 

From the Facebook page Valor 

por Tamaulipas (Courage for Tamaulipas), 

which was created a year 

ago, and the Twitter account @ 

ValorTamaulipas, activists who will 

not specify their ages or even genders, 

as they take on the interests of 

those in the violent north-eastern 

Mexican border state of Tamaulipas 

who now want to kill them. 

"For us, this has become a race 

against the clock that we know we 

will not win. Something would have 

to happen, a miracle, for organised 

crime not to have the power it has, 

and there is neither the national nor 

the international will to end this 

cancer," the activists told dpa in an 

interview done by Facebook. 

A few days earlier, flyers 

emerged in Ciudad Victoria that 

offered 600,000 pesos ($48,000) 

for the identities of the activists "or 

direct relatives, be they parents, siblings, 

children or wife. 

"Good money to shut the gob of 

fucking busybodies like these jerks 

who think they're heroes," the flyers 

read, along with a phone number to 

which any information was to be 

reported. 

This is not the first time the Internet 

activists have been the object 

of threats. In the past, someone allegedly 

belonging to the Gulf Cartel 

created a page called Antivalor por 

Tamaulipas to attack them. 

At least four Internet activists 

have already been killed in this part 

of Mexico for their activities. They 

include journalist Maria Elizabeth 

Macias, 39, who wrote the blog 

Nuevo Laredo en Vivo (Nuevo 

Laredo Live) and was decapitated 

in 2011. 

A message signed with several 

Zs (which identifies the gang Los 

Zetas), a computer keyboard, a CD 

player and several cables were left 

by her body. 

"OK. Nuevo Laredo en Vivo 

and social networks. I am the chick 

from Laredo and I am here because 

of my reports and yours," the message 

read. 

Traditional media also suffer 

similar attacks. Dailies like El Man- 

ana in Nuevo Laredo have opted for 

self-censorship. 

12 AMERICAS 



Cuban leader Raul Castro to retire in 2018 

CUBAN re-elected President Raul Castro (L) delivers a speech during the new National Assembly meeting to choose a 

Council of State, at the Conventions Palace in Havana. — Reuters 

HAVANA — Cuban President 

Raul Castro announced he will 

step down from power after 

his second term ends in 2018, 

and the new parliament named 

a 52-year-old rising star to become 

his first vice-president 

NEW ORLEANS — Billions 

of dollars were at stake 

yesterday at the opening of 

a complex trial to determine 

how much BP should pay for 

the devastating 2010 Gulf of 

Mexico oil spill. 

The British energy giant 

has already resolved thousands 

of lawsuits linked to the 

deadly disaster out of court, 

including a record $4.5 billion 

plea deal with the US government 

in which BP pleaded 

guilty to criminal charges and 

a $7.8 billion settlement with 

people and businesses affected 

by the spill. US prosecutors 

are determined to prove that 

gross negligence caused the 

April 20, 2010 blast that killed 

11 workers and sank the BPleased 

Deepwater Horizon rig, 

sending millions of barrels of 

oil gushing into the sea. 

BP is equally determined 

to avoid a finding of gross 

negligence, which would drastically 

increase its environmental 

fines to as much as $17 

billion. 

"Gross negligence is a very 

high bar that BP believes cannot 

be met in this case," BP 

group general counsel Rupert 

Bondy said. 

"This was a tragic accident, 

resulting from multiple causes 

and involving multiple parties." 

BP is also hoping to shift 

much of the blame — and cost 

— to rig operator Transocean 

and most visible successor. 

"This will be my last term," 

Castro, 81, said shortly after 

the National Assembly elected 

him to a second five-year tenure. 

In a surprise move, the new 

and subcontractor Halliburton, 

which was responsible for a 

faulty cement job on board the 

offshore drilling platform. 

It took 87 days to cap BP's 

runaway well, which blackened 

beaches in five states and 

crippled the region's tourism 

and fishing industries in a tragedy 

that riveted the nation. 

BP spent more than $14 

billion on the response and 

cleanup and paid another $10 

billion to businesses, individuals 

and local governments that 

did not join the class action 

lawsuit. 

parliament also named Miguel 

Diaz-Canel as first vice president, 

meaning he would take 

over if Castro cannot serve his 

full term. 

Diaz-Canel is a member of 

the political bureau who rose 

It remains on the hook for 

billions in additional damages, 

including the cost of environmental 

rehabilitation. 

The first phase of the civil 

trial at the federal courthouse 

in New Orleans will determine 

the cause and apportion fault 

for the disaster. 

The second phase, not 

expected to start for several 

months, will determine exactly 

how much oil was spilled in 

order to calculate environmental 

fines. The US government 

last week agreed not to count 

the 810,000 barrels of oil BP 

through the Communist Party 

ranks in the provinces to become 

the most visible possible 

successor to Castro. 

Raul Castro starts his second 

term immediately, leaving him 

free to retire in 2018, aged 86. 

Billions at stake as BP 

oil spill trial opens WASHINGTON 

FIRE boat response crews battle the blazing remnants of the offshore oil rig Deepwater 

Horizon, off Louisiana, in this April 21, 2010 file photo. — Reuters 

siphoned out of the runaway 

well before it could spill into 

the sea. 

But a complicated battle 

looms over the rest, as BP insists 

the government overestimated 

how much oil gushed 

out of the well by "at least 20 

per cent." 

The third phase will deal 

with environmental and economic 

damages. 

"It's a very complex piece 

of litigation," said Ed Sherman, 

a Tulane Law professor 

who has closely monitored the 

case. — AFP 

Former President Fidel 

Castro joined the National Assembly 

meeting on Sunday, in 

a rare public appearance. Since 

falling ill in 2006 and ceding 

the presidency to his brother, 

the elder Castro, 86, has given 

up official positions except as 

a deputy in the National Assembly. 

The new government will 

almost certainly be the last 

headed up by the Castro brothers 

and their generation of 

leaders who have ruled Cuba 

since they swept down from 

the mountains in the 1959 

revolution. 

Cubans and foreign governments 

were keenly watching 

whether any new, younger faces 

appeared among the Council 

of State members, in particular 

its first vice-president and five 

vice-presidents. 

Their hopes were partially 

fulfilled with Diaz-Canel's ascension. 

He replaces former 

first vice-president, Jose 

Machado Ventura, 82, who 

will continue as one of five 

vice presidents. 

Commander of the Revolution 

Ramiro Valdes, 80, 

and Gladys Bejerano, 66, the 

comptroller general, were also 

re-elected as vice presidents. 

Two other newcomers, 

Mercedes Lopez Acea, 48, 

first secretary of the Havana 

US pressed 

Pinochet to 

accept defeat: 

documents 

WASHINGTON — The 

United States warned Chilean 

dictator Augusto Pinochet 

(Pictured) against plans to 

use force to overturn a 1988 

referendum that ended his 

military regime, according 

to declassified documents 

released here. 

The documents' publication 

comes as the movie 

"No," about the ad campaign 

that propelled the Chilean 

opposition to victory in the 

referendum. 

The US documents released 

by the National Security 

Archive, a non-profit 

run by George Washington 

University, show that the 

Pinochet regime sensed it 

was going to lose the October 

8, 1988 plebiscite and 

began plotting to override 

the outcome. 

A Defence Intelligence 

Agency document on the 

eve of the referendum reported 

that Pinochet's supporters 

were said to have 

"contingency plans to derail 

the plebiscite by encouraging 

and staging acts of violence." 

Mexican Internet activists under threat from gangs 

THE parents of Francis Alejandro Garcia Orozco, who was abducted along with five other men, hold a 

banner with photographs of them at their shop in Iguala, in the Mexican state of Guerrero. 

The administrators of the page 

Valor por Tamaulipas admits that 

communist party, and Salvador 

Valdes Mesa, 64, head of 

the official labor federation, 

also earned vice presidential 

slots. 

Esteban Lazo, a 68-yearold 

former vice president and 

member of the political bureau 

of the Communist Party, left 

his post upon being named 

president of the National Assembly 

on Sunday. He replaced 

Ricardo Alarcon, who 

served in the job for 20 years. 

Six of the Council's top 

seven members sit on the party's 

political bureau which is 

also lead by Castro. 

Castro's announcement 

came as little surprise to Cuban 

exiles in Miami. 

"It's no big news. It would 

have been big news if he resigned 

today and called for 

democratic elections," said Alfredo 

Duran, a Cuban-American 

lawyer and moderate exile 

leader in Miami who supports 

lifting the US trade embargo 

against Cuba. "I wasn't wor- 

— Two 

banks owned by tycoons associated 

with Myanmar's former 

military regime will start to do 

business with US companies 

and investors in the latest reward 

for the Southeast Asian 

country's rapid political transformation. 

The US Treasury Department 

said it would issue a 

general licence for four of 

Myanmar's biggest banks — 

Myanma Economic Bank, 

Myanma Investment and 

Commercial Bank, Asia Green 

Development Bank and Ayeyarwady 

Bank — allowing 

US companies and citizens to 

deal with them. 

The easing of sanctions 

on Asia Green Development 


underlines how politicallyconnected 

capitalists of the 

old regime — whom the US 

once castigated — are reinventing 

themselves and retaining 

a strong foothold as 

foreign investors race to enter 

the country. 

It helps remove uncertainty 

among US companies over 

lingering restrictions on their 

dealings in Myanmar and is 

expected to increase the domestic 

reach of US credit card 

firms Visa and MasterCard. 

The decision was announced 

ahead of a visit to 

Myanmar by 50 US executives 

yesterday to explore 

opportunities in the resourcerich 

nation, the latest sign of 

they have thought about giving up 

too. However, reports of crimi- 

ried about him being around 

after 2018," he added. 

The National Assembly 

meets for just a few weeks each 

year and delegates its legislative 

powers between sessions 

to the 31-member Council of 

State, which also functions 

as the executive through the 

Council of Ministers it appoints. 

Eighty per cent of the 612 

deputies, who were elected in 

an uncontested vote Feb. 3, 

were born after the revolution. 

“Although we kept on trying to 

promote young people to senior 

positions, life proved that we did 

not always make the best choice” 

Raul Castro, who officially 

replaced his ailing brother as 

president in 2008, has repeatedly 

said senior leaders should 

hold office for no more than 

two five-year terms. 

"Although we kept on trying 

to promote young people 

to senior positions, life proved 

that we did not always make 

the best choice," Castro said at 

a Communist Party Congress 

in 2011. 

"Today, we are faced with 

the consequences of not hav- 

US banking green 

light to Myanmar 

burgeoning foreign corporate 

interest in the country of 60 

million. 

Washington eased sanctions 

last July to allow US 

companies to invest in and 

provide financial services to 

Myanmar, dropping restrictions 

on dealing with most 

Myanmar banks. 

Sean Turnell, an expert 

on Myanmar's economy at 

Australia's Macquarie University, 

said the latest move 

was significant because it 

would normalise the flow of 

international funds in and out 

of Myanmar. But he said the 

inclusion of formerly blacklisted 

Ayeyarwady Bank and 


Bank was a surprise given 

previous US assurances that 

they "still had their eye on 

the worst offenders of the 

past regime." 

"One of the great anxieties 

nal activities keep coming from 

around the state, and the authors 

of the page think it is worth publishing 

such information to protect 

others. 

"There have always been 

threats. The truth is, what scared 

us more was the fact that this 

started to be publicised elsewhere, 

and in Tamaulipas the 'penalty' 

for impartial reports on criminal 

activity and for drawing attention 

to it is death. It is against the 

interests of the cartels and of 

corrupt authorities," the activist 

says. 

There have been two major 

threats, the activists recalled. One 

was in November when the Gulf 

Cartel created the Antivalor por 

Tamaulipas page and asked 10,000 

people close to the criminal group 

to try and get Valor por Tamaulipas 

closed down. 

Another was to undermine the 

page's credibility by attempting to 

leak inaccurate information. 

About 99 per cent of the reports 

on which Valor por Tamaulipas is 

based come from private citizens, 

with the rest coming from authorities 

who are "tired of hearing about 

ing a reserve of well-trained 

replacements ... It's really embarrassing 

that we have not 

solved this problem in more 

than half a century." 

Speaking on Sunday, Castro 

hailed the composition of 

the new Council of State as an 

example of what he had said 

needed to be accomplished. 

"Of the 31 members, 41.9 

per cent are women and 38.6 

per cent are black or of mixed 

race. The average age is 57 

years and 61.3 per cent were 

born after the triumph of the 

revolution," he said. 

The 2011 party summit 

adopted a more than 300-point 

plan aimed at updating Cuba's 

Soviet-style economic system, 

designed to transform it 

from one based on collective 

production and consumption 

to one where individual effort 

and reward play a far more important 

role. Across-the-board 

subsidies are being replaced by 

a comprehensive tax code and 

targeted welfare. 

Raul Castro has encouraged 

small businesses and cooperatives 

in retail services, farming, 

minor manufacturing and retail, 

and given more autonomy 

to state companies which still 

dominate the economy. 

The party plan also includes 

an opening to more foreign investment. 

— Reuters 

is over the cronyisation of the 

economy — the fear it will be 

a fleeting summer and become 

like Russia," Turnell added. 

Ayeyarwady Bank is 

owned by Zaw Zaw, who 

was previously described by 

the US Treasury as "a regime 

crony" and blacklisted under 

targeted US sanctions four 

years ago. 

The tycoon, whose holdings 

range from timber and 

gems to luxury resorts and 

who benefited handsomely 

from state privatisations three 

years ago, said last year that 

his dream was to build Ayeyarwady 

into an international 

brand. 


Bank is controlled by Tay Za, 

Myanmar's best known tycoon. 

He was previously sanctioned 

by the US Treasury as 

a "notorious henchman and 

arms dealer." — Reuters 

unpunished murders." Still, the Internet 

activists have not requested 

protection: not just because that 

would expose their identities but 

also because the anonymous writers 

do not trust the authorities, 

who, in many cases in Mexico, are 

in bed with the gangs. 

Under new Mexican President 

Enrique Pena Nieto, who took office 

in December, the plan is to fight 

crime by sweeping it under the rug, 

the activists said. 

"They will restrict information 

more, which means that the gag 

will be stronger," they said. 

The activists think this may be 

part of the reason why no representatives 

from the authorities 

have been in contact to offer "a 

way out." "I guess they are showing 

us that we are alone when it 

comes to organised crime," the activists 

said. 

"In our state (Tamaulipas) the 

pain, the suffering, the fear and the 

uncertainty are so great that just like 

us there are hundreds of families 

who are indeed in a worse position. 

They are in their homes, at work, 

and they do not have the cover of 

anonymity like we do." — dpa

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 

WY602 B737-8 Dubai 0825 

WY326 B737-8 Islamabad 0900 

WY322 B737-8 Karachi 0900 

WY102 A330-300 London Heathrow 0900 

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 

WY3302 ATR42 Mukhaizna 1045 

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 

WY228 B737-8 Cochin 2250 

WY624 ATR42 Al Ain 2305 

WY656 B737-8 Bahrain 2305 

WY668 B737-7 Doha 2310 

WY928 B737-8 Salalah 2310 

AI985 A321 Ahmedabad-Bombay 2310 

WY672 A330-300 Jeddah 2315 


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 

A mind that is stretched by a new 

experience can never go back to its 

old dimensions. 

— Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr 

The only source of knowledge is 

experience. 

— Albert Einstein 

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 Classical Music; 12.00 News 

Headlines; 12.02 Fit and Healthy (June); 02.30 

News Bulletin; 02.40 Behind The Wheel (Laxmi); 

04.00 News Headlines; 04.02 Lifestyle (Laxmi); 

06.30 News Bulletin; 06.40 Herbs and Health 

(Huda Sultan); 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 Flash Back (Repeat) - June; 

12.40 News Summary; 12.45 The Holy Quran; 

01.00 National Anthem, Close Down. 

DEPARTURES 

Flight No Aircraft Aircraft To / Via Via STD 

BA072 B777 Abu Dhabi-London Heathrow 0001 

AI986 A321 Bombay-Ahmedabad 0005 


9W539 B737-8 Bombay 0045 

KQ318 B737-8 Nairobi 0050 

WY601 B737-8 Dubai 0115 


WY261 B737-8 Lucknow 0125 

WY201 B737-8 Bombay 0130 

9W529 B737-8 Trivandrum 0130 

WY661 E175AR Doha 0130 


WY313 B737-8 Chittagong 0200 

WY325 B737-8 Islamabad 0220 

TK859 B737-8 Istanbul 0220 

WY321 B737-8 Karachi 0220 

IX816 B737-8 Abu Dhabi-Mangalore 0220 

PK226 B737-3 Karachi 0300 

BG022 DC10 Chittagong-Dacca 0300 

EK867 B777 Dubai 0500 

FZ042 B737-8 Dubai 0500 


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 

WY297 B737-8 Calicut 1005 

WY215 B737-8 Trivandrum 1010 

WY815 A330-200 Bangkok 1010 

WY917 ATR42 Khasab 1030 

WY605 B737-8 Dubai 1030 

WY381 A330-300 Male-Colombo 1030 

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 

FZ048 B737-8 Dubai 2105 

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 

PISCES 

(February 20- 

March 20) 

A matter which 

involves other people besides 

yourself should not be settled 

without consulting them on the 

issues involved. 

ARIES 

(March 21-April 20) 

It would be foolish 

to presume on your 

boss’s good nature by asking for 

too many privileges, when you 

know they wouldn’t be granted to 

other employe employees. 

TAURUS 

(April 21-May 20) 

The less attention you 

pay to quarrelling 

children the sooner they will settle 

their dispute among themselves. 

Your interference will only cause 

resentment. 

GEMINI 

(May 21-June 21) 

A neighbour’s too 

frequent visits should 

be discouraged by the occasional 

white lie but you must ensure that 

you don’t cause lasting hurt by 

your action. 

13 

INFORMATION/LEISURE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013 

PHARMACIES 

PHARM 

24-HOUR SERVICE 

Al Hashar ph, ph Ruwi 24783334 

Muscat ph, Ruwi, 24702542 

Al Sarooj, 24695536 

Scientific ph, Qurum, 24566601 

DAY DUTY 

Muscat Belqees 24535398 

Scientific 24480679 

Al Salaam 24451092 

Muscat 24712782 

Sur Ibn Nafees 25544779 

Ibri Al Mukhtar 25689839 

Buraimi Yass 25653855 

Nizwa Badr al Samaa 

25447777 

Salalah Muscat 23291635 

Sohar Sharifa al Zidjali 

26841436 

NIGHT DUTY 

Muscat Starcare 24557222 

Muscat 24695536 

Muhaq 24421644 

Muscat 24702542 

Sur Al Fajr 25543113 

Ibri Sara 25691424 

Buraimi Zahrat Al Buraimi 

050-693504 

Rustaq Rustaq 26875045 

Barka Barka 26882140 

Nizwa Qarn Al Rawdha 

25425012 

Samayil Al Huriyah 25359435 

Salalah Muscat 23291635 

Ibra Muscat 25570473 

Mudhaibi Muscat 25524810 

Saham Al Shifa 26854997 

Sohar Badr al Samaa 

26847033 

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: You are a gregarious person who likes to be surrounded by friends who like your 

company as much as you like theirs. But there is a danger of sacrificing your home life for your social activities. 

You must keep a happy balance between the two if you want to please everybody. 

CANCER 

(June 22-July 21) 

Approach a formidable 

task with confidence 

and you will have won the 

battle before you start. Convince 

yourself you are capable of handling 

anything within reason. 

LEO 

(July 22-August 21) 

Use a windfall to settle 

some debts before 

you squander it on a celebration. 

You will feel that much better 

when you have eased your mind 

about what you owe. 

VIRGO 

(August 22- 

September 22) 

Don’t be too proud to 

accept a gift of great value just 

because it is not your birthday. 

Generous hearted people like to 

give at any time. 

LIBRA 

(September 23- 

October 22) 

Give your neighbour 

the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps 

he would like to be friendly and 

helpful but is too shy to disclose 

his true feelings. 

CCARTOONS A R T O O N S 

SCORPIO 

(October 23- 

November 21) 

You will just have to 

follow your own intuition if you 

have no other means of deciding 

between two courses that seem to 

hold equal promise. 

SAGITTARIUS 

(Nov 22-Dec 21) 

A business opportunity 

may arise which 

will involve a short journey but 

it will be well worth the interruption 

of your usual routine. 

CAPRICORN 

(December 

22-January 20) 

You can probably afford 

to take the risk of a modest 

financial speculation providing it 

is recommended by someone you 

cant rust. 

AQUARIUS 

(January 21- 

February 19) 

Although this might 

be a good day for a gamble, it 

would be foolish to make it the 

start of a regular tendency to 

speculate. 

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 Tricked out? (6) 

7 Quite proper, but a 

fathead could make it 

terrible! (8) 

8 Shop opened, in the 

past, just for one kind 

of pudding (4) 

10 Where varsity men 

regularly start a row (6) 

11 Divine spirits of the 

East, in new slang? (6) 

14 Part of a play current at 

the West End (3) 

16 Might such cards 

foretell that sailor has to 

return? (5) 

17 Eel wriggling out of the 

Birkenhead river (4) 

19 Cordage well known to 

old hands (5) 

21 Walked at the front of 

the field? (5) 

22 Sweet American, 

maybe, to chew the rag 

with (5) 

23 Become friendly with 

me and an officer (4) 

26 Possibly be ill due to an 

offence (5) 

28 In favour of reversing 

to the right (3) 

29 Is out of business due to 

perfectionist notions (6) 

30 Work in our lab (6) 

31 A line some cabs may 

form (4) 

32 Acclaimed for having 

sharpened up around 

the Central Court (8) 

33 Non-vintage wine from 

Spain, originally (6) 

DOWN 

1 Link the French with a 

sudden successful blow 

(6) 

2 To fine leg? (6) 

3 Essay about starting out 

in the city (4) 

4 Avoid a fellow getting 

side-tracked (7) 

5 Later, open talks in 

irrational fear (5) 

6 Another explosion, 

curse it! (5) 

8 A shot at heartening 

constables (4) 

ACROSS 

1 Advertisement (6) 

5 Break (6) 

9 Cleaned (5) 

10 Arranged (6) 

11 Inclined (6) 

12 Abate (5) 

14 Gemstone (4) 

17 Pouch (3) 

18 Dig (4) 

20 Restriction (5) 

22 Fabric (5) 

23 Nutrient (7) 

24 Basin (5) 

26 Infants (5) 

29 Grass (4) 

30 Network (3) 

32 Aura (4) 

33 Ledge (5) 

35 Bird (6) 

36 Flower (6) 

37 Instrument (5) 

38 Give (6) 

39 Sowed (6) 

DOWN 

1 Handgun (6) 

2 River (6) 

3 Jug (4) 

4 Travels (5) 

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 

9 In a bridge tournament, 

maybe win (3) 

12 Petrol for one sort of jet 

(3) 

13 All upset about some 

boy — it’s true! (5) 

15 Neighbour needing 

money for coal, perhaps 

(5) 

18 Angry little girl hiding 

in cover (5) 

19 Somewhat outrageous 

practical joke? (3) 

20 By getting one note 

right on the piano! (3) 

21 Move to the right as 

you leave (4,3) 

22 Could such an urchin be 

a cabin boy? (3) 

23 Phone the gang a 

wicked lie! (6) 

24 Greek god of generosity 

(4) 

25 A bird you can talk to, 

practically? (6) 

26 Though not heavy, it’s a 

good thing to shed (5) 

27 Prohibits including even 

a scrap of meat in a 

vegetable product (5) 

28 Communicate sound 

facts, if only 

approximately (3) 

30 A number of 

advertisements for 

young men (4) 

5 Antiquity (5) 

6 Modify (4) 

7 Involve (6) 

8 Abrupt (6) 

13 Mammal (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 

EASY PUZZLE 

ACROSS 

1 Initiated (6) 

7 Dealer overseas (8) 

8 Dash (4) 

10 Cruel person (6) 

11 Split (6) 

14 Writing fluid (3) 

16 Type of saw (5) 

17 Appointment (4) 

19 Servant (5) 

21 Was concerned (5) 

22 Disgusting (5) 

23 Saucy (4) 

26 Type of chair (5) 

28 Type of disease (3) 

29 Score (6) 

30 Drool (6) 

31 Radiate (4) 

32 Angelic (8) 

33 Dozen (6) 

DOWN 

1 Pursued (6) 

2 Salty (6) 

3 Hollow (4) 

4 Suggested (7) 

5 Blemish (5) 

6 Naive (5) 

8 Revise (4) 

9 Enquire (3) 

12 Animal doctor (3) 

13 Benefactor (5) 

15 European capital (5) 

18 Awry (5) 

19 Barrel (3) 

20 Guided (3) 

21 Mythical creature (7) 

QUICK CROSSWORD 

15 Fairy (5) 

16 Resided (5) 

18 Starling (5) 

19 Fresh (5) 

21 Songbird (3) 

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 

22 Adherent (3) 

23 Courteous (6) 

24 Way out (4) 

25 Hypnotic state (6) 

26 Orderly pile (5) 

27 Postpone (5) 

28 Woman’s name (3) 

30 Religious group (4) 

YESTERDAY’S 

CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS 

ACROSS: 1, St.-ash 6, 

Kitty 9, Corsair 10, Pilo-t 

11, Ni-F-ty 12, La-Uds 

13, P-itch-er 15, Den 

17, Las-h 18, Se-cur-e 

19, Dried 20, Screen 22, 

Sag-E 24, Has 25, Evente-r 

26, Lit-re 27, Ste-I-n 

28, Bill-y 29, Federal 30, 

Fe-T-ed 31, A-side. 

DOWN: 2, Trivia 3, 

Scotch 4, Hot 5, Oscar 6, 

Kind-red 7, Iris 8, Tot-ter 

12, L-earn 13, P-L-ush 14, 

Tsars 15, Du-cat 16, Never 

18, Serve 19, Defined 21, 

C-astle 22, S-nails 23, 

Gel-led 25, Erred 26, Life 

28, Baa. 

YESTERDAY’S EASY 

SOLUTIONS 

ACROSS: 1, Ashen 6, 

Right 9, Located 10, Carat 

11, Plead 12, Paste 13, 

Ordeals 15, Den 17, Used 

18, Allude 19, Adobe 20, 

Errors 22, Cede 24, Ray 

25, Prouder 26, Rivet 

27, Fines 28, Gamut 29, 

Starlet 30, Agate 31, 

Tenet. 

DOWN: 2, Stairs 3, Elated 

4, Not 5, Galas 6, Reptile 

7, Idle 8, Heated 12, Plods 

13, Outer 14, Decry 15, 

Duped 16, Never 18, 

Abort 19, Artiste 21, 

Racing 22, Curate 23, 

Deluge 25, Perry 26, Rest 

28, Get. 

22 Point (3) 

24 Reinforced (6) 

25 Minister (6) 

27 Washed (6) 

28 Squalid (6) 

30 Total (5) 

31 Stains (5) 

33 Gentle (4) 

34 Generous (4) 

YESTERDAY’S QUICK 

SOLUTIONS 

ACROSS: 4, Speed 7, Aerial 

9, Fir 10, Rob 12, Lifts 

13, Beat 15, Arson 17, Signal 

19, Tart 20, Opera 22, 

Sad 24, Elastic 27, Ale 28, 

Soils 31, Pass 33, Trucks 

35, Choir 37, Espy 38, Canoe 

39, Ego 41, Wad 42, 

Enmesh 43, Still. 

DOWN: 1, Bamboo 2, 

Grease 3, Car 4, Silo 5, 

Print 6, External 8, Loan 11, 

Brasserie 14, Tire 16, Slat 

18, Gala 21, Pleasant 23, 

Disc 25, Alto 26, Coke 29, 

Issued 30, Scythe 32, Scowl 

34, Urge 36, Heal 40, One.

PORTA CABINS / TURNKEY CAMPS 

Our Services Manufacturing, Erection, Mobilization. 

Our Products Camps, Kitchens, Offices, Ablutions 

Phone 24503725 Fax 24503723 

Mobile 95228450 Mobile 99277505 

e-mail info@speedhouseoman.com 

Web www.speedhouseoman.com 

SPEED HOUSE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION LLC 

R 

S 

ERVICES 

SERVICES 

1. AC, Fridge 

id & Washing 

Machine Servicing Serv & 

Repairing 22. PPainting, 

Plumbing, Electrical 

& Carpentry Works. 

Contact: 97014234/ 

97123569, 24504281. 

FOR Building 

maintenances and 

repairs 95218056. 

HOOPOE SMART 

CARD SERVICES 

Sanad Service Centre 

We provide the following 

services: Typing, clearing 

all transactions related to 

government departments 

and private sector, eg 

labour agreement for 

Omanis and expatriates, 

typing of labour 

card for expatriates, 

typing of visas and 

document clearing from 

immigration department, 

Ministry of Commerce 

& Industry, Ministry of 

Manpower, Commercial 

names reservation, 

renewal of commercial 

registration, renewal 

of OCCI membership, 

attestation of all 

documents from OCCI 

& Ministry of Foreign 

Affairs. Renewal of 

labour cards through 

electronic payment or 

cash payment. Please 

note you may deliver 

your transaction 

through our e-mail 

and our representative 

will deliver it to your 

office personally after 

completion. Our address 

is: Ruwi, near Gulf 

Transport Co. (GTC), 

Fax: 24793331, GSM: 

98793665 (Direct) 

99231500. 

E-mail: hoopoeoman@ 

gmail.com 

AL FAHAD 

TRANSLATION 

SERVICES 

Translation of all kinds 

of legal, medical, and 

other types of documents, 

Commercial Agencies, 

etc. Ruwi, near Gulf 

Transport Co (GTC), 

Fax: 24794286. GSM 

: 98793665 (Direct) 

95959838. E-mail: 

bptland@gmail.com 

LANDRAIL TRADING 

& SERVICES (Smart 

Card) Ruwi, near 

Gulf Transport Co. 

(GTC), Tel: 24789117, 

GSM 98793666 (Dir), 

96777170. E-mail: 

landrailoman@gmail.com 

M 

ENT-A-CAR 

ENT-A-C 

Luxury Luxury Cars 

BMW 750il Merc Mercedes 430SL 

on hourly & daily basis 

with chauffeur. 

Contact: 

Contact: 99337159/99359628 

ANPOWER 

ANPOWE 

AZOOZ TRUST 

PLACE 

Indonesian RO 840/- 

Ethiopian RO 330/few 

applications. 

24831448. 

FRIENDS 

MANPOWER: 

Filipino housemaids 

and all kinds of 

workers. 24489268 

Tel/Fax: 24478153. 

CLASSIFIED SECTION 

RUWI: 24785668 

P.C.O. (PEST 

CONTROL 

OMAN 

CO. LLC) 

Professionals who 

specialise in all 

types of Pest 

Control Services 

& Snake control 

and Guaranteed 

Termite Control. 

Also available Gel 

treatment for 

Cockroaches. 

Suppliers of UK 

Pesticides 

Chemicals, Snake 

Repellent, 

Cockroach Gels 

and Peripel 

treated Mosquito 

Nets. 24787606, 

24787503, 

Fax: 24787607. 

MARBLE Marble 

polishing and 

crystallisation building, 

cleaning floor, floor 

polishing, carpet, sofa 

shampooing, pest 

control, anti-termite, 

shifting, maintenance. 

99504275. 

F 

LUXURY 5 bedroom b 

twin villa for ssale, 

fantastic f i llocation 

near 

Sahwa Garden, Muwalah. 

93218942, 94027010 

I 

OR SALE 

NVESTMENT 

NVESTM 

AN apartment apartmen hotel 

in Bausher (n (new 

commercial iland 

residential complex) 

near new Bahwan 

Mosque, 7 floors 

with 18 apartments, 

an open showroom is 

below the complex. 

The apartment hotel is 

located in an excellent 

place. Contact us: 

99387455, 99213341. 

CLASSIFIED 

SECTION 

RUWI: 

24785668 

DIRECT: 24649594 

FAX : 24649590, 

e-mail: 

classified@ 

omandaily.om 

G 

ALL L Season 

clinic 

Ayurvedic Treatment, Tre 

Yoga massage 

& 

slimming. Contact: 

92504980/24475280, 

U 

S 

OOD NEWS NEW 

MRAH/HAJ 

MRAH/HA 

AL Hikmani 

for 

HAJ and UM UMRAH 

— With a host ho of 

services including 

the following: Hiring 

luxurious coaches, 

arranging weekly trips, 

preparing visas for 

expats at cost-effective 

price, including 

transport, housing, 

meals and visits to 

shrine locations. Land 

and air trips weekly. 

(99311310, 24566016, 

99361982, 99707248, 

99322124. 

ITUATION VACANT 

URGENTLY Required 

cook for royal family who 

knows Arabic food 

(Diwan visa). 

99600593 

TRUCK driver and 

Dozer, Shovel operator 

with valid licence. 

99346813. 

REQUIRE Indian legal 

adviser having experience 

in Oman E-mail : 

adalahoman@hotmail.com 

REQUIRED for a reputed 

club the following staff: 

Swimming Pool 

Attendants (Male & 

Female); Gymnasium 

Fitness Instructors (Male 

& Female). Candidates 

having requisite 

qualification and 

experience please send 

CV by e-mail to: 

oceanint@omantel.net.om 

or by fax to fax no 

24832193. 

URGENTLY required a 

well experienced camp 

boss who can handle 

independently a labour 

camp, with computer 

knowledge for a leading 

contracting firm. Contact: 

96789441. E-mail: 

admin@pctoman.com 

REQUIRED to work for 

the United Arab Kuwaiti 

company: Engineers, 

Indians and Egyptians. 

Civil engineer, architect 

— a mechanical engineer 

equipment. Road engineer 

and required expertise in 

these areas. Applicants are 

requested to send your CV 

in English. E-mail: Emil/ 

info@uagtc.com 

CONTRACTING 

company looking urgently 

for: Civil engineer & 

foremen: Candidates 

should have long 

experience in Oman 

market & have ability to 

bring business to 

company. E-mail CV to: 

kwk585@gmail.com 

WE are looking for 

Engineering staff for our 

organization. 1- Civil 

Engineer experience BE 

Degree in civil, 8 to 10 

years Experience in 

construction., Having 

driving license. 2- Civil 

Engineer fresh graduate 

BE Degree in civil 

Engineering 2 to 4 years 

experience in construction 

Having driving licences 

99211999, Fahad. 

hinai@gmail.com 

CLASSIFIED SECTION: 

OMAN DAILY Observer TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013 

SPECIAL Rates on 

New Cars & 4 WDs 

RENTING & LEASING 

Tours and Airport Transfer 

Tel: 24582663 

GSM: 95859497, 

Fax: 24582664, 

abcrent@omantel.net.om 

W 

F 

D 

C 

Ali al Maashari: 99639264 

Salim al Naamani: 99355675 

14 

GOOD PRICE!!! GOOD PRICE!!! 

Available on very GOOD prices 

HP 1050 Wireless Printer 

RO 13.900 only 

HP 4620 3 in 1 Printer 


HP LJ 1212nf laser 4 in 1 Printer 


HP LED 18.5" Monitor 


AII HP, Epson, Canon, Lexmark, Samsung 

Cartridges also available 

GOOD PRICE!!! GOOD PRICE!!! 

OR REN RENT FOR RENT FOR RENT 

SAVILLS OMAN 

QUALITY homes 

for rent throughout 

Capital Area 

Muscat. Contact: 

24692151. 

www.sav-oman.com 

OFFICES, shops, 

villa at Al Khuwair, 

flats at Al Khuwair, 

Wadi Kabir, MBD, 

Mumtaz, furnished/ 

unfurnished. 

96596348. 

INDUSTRIAL shops 

and workshops (under 

construction) for 

reservation. 

99486118, 

99323957. 

RIVING SSCHOOL 

MORNING STAR 

DRIVING SCHOOL S 

— LLearn ddriving i 

manual/ automatic 

with professionally 

qualified male/ female 

trainees in brand new 

cars and flexible 

payments. Call: 

99043283, 

24478589, 24478505, 

www.chamberman. 

com/member/ 

morningstar www. 

morningstar.com 

AR BUY & 

SELL 

IF you are interested in 

to sell your cars, c send 

SMS, SMS we pay cash. 

Contact: 99333088. 

G 

ANTED 

QUALIFIED and 

experienced Oil and 

Gas Sales Executive 

Engineer for local 

firm. Send CV: 

bardeej@omantel. 

net.om 

UEST HO HOUSE 

MURAHIB HOTEL 

APARTMENTS 

APARTMEN 

welcome l 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. 

QURUM BEACH 

HOTEL. 24564070. 

TWO bedroom flat at 

Qurum PDO Road, near 

to CCC. 

99203954/24789769. 

NEW flats near Indian 

School Darsait, 2 bed 

room, living room, kitchen, 

2 WC. 99242357. 

VILLA for rent in Mabella, 

5 bed rooms, 5 WC, majlis, 

kitchen, living room, car 

parking with shade. 

99242357, 99371332. 

3 BEDROOMS apartment 

al Al Khuwair. 

95806606. 

THREE bedroom comical 

and residential brandnew 

flat in Alsharadi 

near Al Seeb beach with 

air-conditions, if interest 

please call: 95133833. 

S 

GOOD PRICE!!! GOOD PRICE!!! GOOD PRICE!!! 

COMPUTER SUPPLIES 

Ruwi: 24792792 

DIRECT: 24649595 — FAX : 24649590 

e-mail: classified@omandaily.om 

CLASSIFIED SECTION 

RUWI: 24785668 

Behind Royal Oman Police 

Adjacent to Dhofar Building and 

KM Hypermarket 

GOOD PRICE!!! GOOD PRICE!!! GOOD PRICE!!! 

T 

OURS 

MARINE To Tourism 

92808636 92808636, e-mail: 

info@alainain.com 

ITUATION WANTED SITUATION WANTED SITUATION WANTED 

IRAQI male, Project 

Engineer with 12 years 

GCC experience. 

Contact: 99224588. 

ACCOUNTS/Finance, 

Indian male, BCom, 4 

years experience in 

accounts, seeks suitable 

position. Now on visit. 

95518126. E-mail: 

wacmulla05@gmail.com 

PHARMACIST, Indian 

Muslim, with 5½ years 

Oman experience with 

valid Omani driving 

licence, seeking for 

job in visiting visa. 

98009576, 99044699 

(with MOH licence) 

Indmalik@gmail.com. 

INDIAN male, 29 years, 

MBA with 5 years of 

Gulf experience in 

the field of material 

controller/inventories and 

administration, looking 

for suitable placement. 

Contact. 92098457. 

e-mail: sdriaz18@yahoo. 

com. 

INDIAN female 24 years, 

M Com, Dip in E finance, 

Dip in IT. Well exposure 

in Tally, Experience in 

Finance and Accountancy 

in corporate company. 

Looking for a suitable 

placement. Contact 

99051689. 

FURNISHED and 

unfurnished flats at Al 

Ghubrah North, Ghala 

and Al Wadi al Kabir 

and offices, shops and 

basement are available 

92283444, 95098103, 

24494979. 

SINGLE bedroom flat 

near Wadi Kabir, LuLu. 

Contact: 95755551, 

99719471. 

INDUSTRIAL land, 2,000 

sq m, Rusayil Industrial 

area. Wanted RO 1,400 

monthly. 99353994. 

VILLA for rent behind Al 

Ehsan mosque in Al Amerat, 

Muscat, 2 bedrooms + 3 

living rooms + 2 Majlis + 

outside kitchen, Villa with 

nice decoration + A/C + 

new curtains.: 96323282. 

INDIAN male with 

1 1 / 2 year experience, 

diploma in electronics 

exteli communication 

computer hardware and 

networking. Looking for 

a suitable placement in 

Oman. 

00919980269805 

Oman 98050993, 

E-mail: imranpasha048@ 

gmail.com 

INDIAN male, with 10 

years of work experience 

in Oman & Bahrain, 

diploma in Finance and 

BCom. Looking for 

suitable job in Accounts, 

Admin, Operation. 

98519020. 

INDIAN male (30 years) 

M Sc post graduate having 

9 years of rich experience 

in Admin/secretarial fields. 

Looking for suitable 

placement. 95912433. 

PAKISTANI Driver with 

3 years experience in 

Oman. 97764096. 

SENIOR Accountant, 

Indian male 32 yrs. B com 

having 15 yrs experience in 

Accounts & Finance 5 yrs 

in Oman & 10 yrs in India, 

seeks a suitable job can 

join immediately . 

96287039/93017780. 

2 BEDROOM flat & shop 

available for rent located 

at MBD, 2 Bed room flats 

& offices in new building 

at Mumtaz Area, contact.: 

93892917&95453813. 

ONE room + toilet behind 

Burger King Qurum 

contact.: 99654530. 

RESIDENTIAL Building 

with good quality 9 flats 

at Madinat Sultan Qaboos 

near OHI. 

3 bedroom flats — 2 Nos 



Contact: 99369514/ 

24488241. 

V 

EHICLE SSALE 

TOYOTA Cor Corolla, 1999 

model, full au automatic, 

registration va valid 2014. 

99663090. 

BSc (maths), MBA 

(finance and marketing) 

with Tally Indian male, 29 

years with 7 years experience 

(3 years in accounts 

and admin, 2 years in sales 

co-ordinational, 2 years 

sales exp in Oman including 

the above. Currently 

on employment visa, seeks 

a suitable change. 

Contact: 95484806. 

E-mail: nisharmba@ 

gmail.com 

INDIAN male, BBM, aged 

26 years, having 4 years 

experience in accounts 

with valid Oman driving 

licence in Oman on visit, 

seeks a suitable placement. 

92722408. 

INDIAN male, fresh 

B.Tech Mechanical 

Engineer, seeks suitable 

job. 99076229. 

HSE Adviser & Instructor 

with 10 years exp. in 

Oman, seeks suitable job, 

Oman D/L. 92825053. 

OMANI male, 27, seeks 

suitable job in any type 

of industry as Safety 

officer, 3 yrs experience 

in Hydrogen Sulphide 

designed area and scba on 

Behalf of PDO well versed 

in computer QLS. 

95779654. 

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. 

DOLPHIN watching 

in Muscat. 

93323551, 

93323558. 

alraheebooog@ 

yahoo.com 

FREE 

INFORMATION 

ABOUT ISLAM 

If you would 

like to know 

more about 

Islam, please 

call: 

Tel : 99425598, 

96050000, 

99353988, 

99253818, 

99341395, 

99379133, For 

ladies: 99415818, 

99321360, 

99730723 

Or visit: www. 

islamfact.com 

INDIAN female, MSc 

chemistry having one 

year experience in Quality 

evaluation technique (from 

gpciey board) in India , 

seeks a suitable job. 

94122642. 

BTECH (Electrical & 

Electronics) projects, seeks 

suitable a job. 99790427, 

e-mail: genius6551@yahoo. 

com. 

INDIAN male, B com 

diploma in fire & safety 

Engineering, 30 hours 

OSHA nebosh result 

awaiting, now on visit 

visa fresh seeking suitable 


E-mail: alaparjuam1987@ 

gmail.com. 

ILYA MANPOWER 

HOUSEMAIDS 

available from 

Philippines, Sri 

Lanka & Africa. 

All types of SKILLED 

WORKERS (Waiters, 

Cooks, Drivers, 

Constructions, 

Industrials, Hotels 

& Ministries...) 

Tel/Fax: 22050086 

Hail Shimaly al Jabri 

Blg, next to Bahja Mall 

CLASSIFIEDS 

Continued on P-15

S 

SENIOR Software 

Engineer, 6 yrs experience, 

Indian male (30 yrs) Net 

Programmer, working in 

MNC, India, presently in 

Muscat on visiting visa, 

seeks suitable placement. 

E-mail: jobinvarghese@ 

gmail.com Contact: 

95329465, 99041668. 

HARDWORKING female, 24 

years, holding BBA certificate 

seeks suitable marketing or HR 

entitled position. Contact: 

95483803, 24711134. 

OMANI seeks position in 

administration, 

PRO. salam2oman@yahoo. 

com 

INDIAN male 26, 

Masters in social work, 

3 years work experience, 

looking for Asst 

Psychologist, Hospital 

Office Admin jobs, PoG 

from University of East 

London. 

99046410. 

antzcjohn@gmail.com 

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 

PAKISTAN/CLASSIFIEDS 


B.TECH (electrial), 

experienced in MEP 

designing, relay testing, 

AutoCAD, male, 25 years, 

seeks suitable placement. 

Currently on visit visa. 

93216140 E-mail: 

dkaliasdevasia@gmail. 

com 

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Glacial lakes a threat to villages: experts 

ISLAMABAD — With the 

summer approaching, the 

Pakistan Meteorological Department 

(PMD) is concerned 

about more than 50 potentially 

hazardous lakes formed in 

glaciers in the northern areas. 

Most of these lakes can bring 

disaster for small settlements 

downhill. 

“Glacial lake outburst 

floods (Glof) have become 

a concern. Glofs are a fairly 

unique phenomenon where 

huge lakes are formed (or 

water is dammed) inside the 

walls of glaciers. They are 

particularly dangerous be- 

cause the walls holding the 

massive water bodies can 

break due to intense heat or 

torrential rains causing flooding,” 

said Dr Ghulam Rasul, 

the chief meteorologist at the 

PMD, here. 

The floods could cause 

devastations, especially to 

small villages that lay directly 

in their paths in some cases. 

“Last year, we installed 

four automatic weather stations 

on Passu and the Baltoro 

glaciers in Gilgit-Baltistan to 

better understand the melting 

rates of glaciers in the area. 

The department has been re- 

cording constant rise in temperatures 

in the region,” said 

Dr Rasul. 

According to the PMD, 

temperatures in the northern 

areas have increased by 0.8 

and 1.5 degrees centigrade 

between 1990 and 2010. The 

chief meteorologist said because 

of the rising temperatures, 

the phenomenon of glacial 

lake outburst floods was 

becoming a regular feature in 

the summers in the northern 

areas. His department has recorded 

five Glof events in the 

last two years. 

“The Buni glacier last year 

caused extensive damage to 

houses in its path. About two to 

three Glof events are now permanent 

features at the Gulkin 

glacier on the Karakorum 

Highway and that now feeds 

the Attabad Lake in Hunza,” 

said Dr Rasul, explaining how 

another glacial lake outburst 

flood in 2008 in the northern 

areas destroyed over 50 out of 

the 135 houses. 

Not only the Glof events 

but also the fast retreating glaciers 

are a disturbing factor. 

Another expert on weather 

monitoring in PMD explained 

how the Passu glacier had re- 

Zardari to finalise 

gas pipeline deal 

ISLAMABAD — Despite 

mounting American pressure, 

President Asif Ali Zardari has 

decided to travel to Tehran this 

week to finalise a multibillion 

dollar gas pipeline deal, officials 

here say. 

Under the agreement, Iran 

would offer a loan of $500 

million to Pakistan for the 

construction of a gas pipeline 

on its side of the border. 

However, the project has 

run into trouble due to an absence 

of investors fearing economic 

sanctions by the United 

States. 

A Foreign Ministry official 

confirmed in a news report 

published in Express Tribune 

newspaper here yesterday that 

Zardari will begin a two-day 

visit to Iran today to finalise 

the much-anticipated deal. 

The official, requesting anonymity, 

disclosed that Wash- 

ington was pushing hard to 

convince Islamabad to abandon 

the project. “But we feel 

that the project is important 

for our future energy needs 

and we will pursue it at all 

costs,” he added. 

Meanwhile, at his weekly 

briefing last Thursday, the 

foreign ministry spokesperson 

rejected reports of US pressure 

insisting that the Iran-Pakistan 

(I-P) gas pipeline project was 

“enormously important” for 

Pakistan. “We are an energy 

deficient country. It is in our 

national interest to have this 

project,” Moazzam Ali Khan 

asserted. 

Not only would Zardari 

sign a deal on the I-P project, 

Iran will also set up an oil refinery 

in Gwadar, Balochistan, 

it was revealed. And both the 

formal agreements would 

be inked between leaders of 

the two countries during the 

president’s upcoming visit to 

Tehran. 

The $4 billion refinery is 

slated to be constructed in the 

port city of Gwadar with an 

estimated capacity of about 

400,000 barrels per day. 

The proposed co-operation 

between Islamabad and Tehran 

is likely to invite more 

pressure from Washington, 

sources say. 

The US State Department 

said on Saturday that there 

were better options available 

for Pakistan than the I-P 

project to meet the country’s 

growing energy demands. But, 

Pakistan so far resisted the 

pressure and has decided to go 

ahead with the project. 

Last week, the Iranian oil 

minister visited Islamabad and 

said Tehran would start supplying 

natural gas to Pakistan by 

December 2014. — Internews 

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treated over 20 metres in the 

last 15 years. 

“The weather is becoming 

unpredictable. More worrying 

than retreating glaciers are 

our findings on how the Passu 

and Baltoro glaciers are thinning,” 

said the senior official 

in the PMD. Explaining the 

reasons, the expert said, “The 

ice mass of the Baltoro glacier 

has reduced because most of 

the low lying tributaries have 

disappeared and others are retreating 

fast. 

The low lying tributaries 

like the Liligo glacier and the 

Silili glacier, which once fed 

Envoy gets 

prestigious 

US medal 

WASHINGTON — Pakistan’s 

Ambassador to 

the United States Sherry 

Rehman has been awarded 

prestigious Smith College 

Medal for her extraordinary 

achievements and outstanding 

dedication to the rights 

of women. 

Ambassador Rehman, 

who graduated in 1985 from 

the institution, joined five 

other alumnae -who are now 

outstanding professionals- in 

receiving the medal. 

“After 20 years of service 

as one of the most respected 

Pakistani journalists, you became 

part of the story, seeking 

to add a much-needed 

voice for unity and equality 

to a political struggle defined 

by sharp divides. You 

gained a seat in the parliament 

and became the architect 

and advocate of the bills 

for women’s rights women’s 

empowerment bill; the domestic 

violence prevention 

act and the anti-honour killings 

bill,” citation by the 

Smith College Medal Committee 

acknowledged. 

The citation noted that 

in 2011, Sherry Rehman became 

the voice of her country 

as Pakistan’s ambassador 

and said Smith College is 

honouring her for courage. 

Established in 1962, the 

medal is given annually to 

those alumnae who, in the 

judgment of the trustees, 

exemplify in their lives and 

work the true purpose. 

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the Baltoro, are already disconnected 

from it. And the 

Payo glacier, which was another 

important tributary of 

the Baltoro glacier, has completely 

disappeared.” 

To help understand the 

changing climate over Gilgit- 

Baltistan better, the PMD has 

got 14 new automatic weather 

stations to expand its glacier 

monitoring network to study 

the rapidly melting glaciers 

into the higher Himalayas and 

the Karakorum ranges. 

The monitoring units, each 

costing $45,000, were obtained 

in grant from Finland 

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under the glacial lake outburst 

floods programme. It would 

help better assess impacts of 

warming weather in the upper 

Indus basin and related flood 

hazards. 

Pakistan’s vast glacial area 

covers around 15, 000 square 

kilometres which is rapidly 

retreating. The new stations 

(installed above 4,000 metres) 

would help gather data 

on temperature, humidity, 

precipitation, pressure, solar 

radiation and wind speed and 

direction. 

So far, Pakistan has been 

relying on images from Chi- 

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L 

ost 

ABUL Bashar Mustak 

Ahamad has lost Indian 

Passport No E-1363660. 

Finder please handover to 

ROP. 

MOHAMMED Altaf 

Abdul Mannan has lost 

Indian Passport No 

E-1633146. Finder please 

handover to ROP. 

KOYS Ahmed has lost 

Bangladeshi Passport No 

V-0626073. Finder please 

handover to ROP. 

SUKUMARAN Sisupalan 

has lost Indian Passport 

No F-6619512. Finder 

please handover to ROP. 

nese and Japanese remote 

sensing satellites to study 

glaciers. Although satellites 

offer inputs from inaccessible 

terrains, the data sometimes 

did not match ground observations. 

The new weather monitoring 

system would help 

real-time measurements from 

the ground, said Dr Rasul, 

elaborating how the stations 

would also help predict 

possible glacial floods and 

avalanches just in time to 

warn and even evacuate settlements 

in the paths of the 

sudden floods. — Internews 

Contingency plan ready 

ISLAMABAD — Marred by 

corruption charges and awaiting 

the superior judiciary’s 

decisions, leadership of the 

Pakistan People’s Party — 

parliamentarians is wary of 

what holds for them in the future. 

Little wonder, the ruling 

party has worked out a contingency 

plan to deal with 

any untoward decision from 

the judiciary that may adversely 

impact its ECP-registered 

wing — the PPPP (the 

Pakistan People’s Party-Parliamentarians). 

Corruption cases against 

PPPP president Makhdoom 

Amin Fahim and general-secretary 

and incumbent Prime 

Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf 

are at critical stages and the 

party suspects that decisions 

from the superior courts may 

impact the party unfavourably 

— especially in the run-up to 

the elections. 

Fahim’s possible disqualification 

— since his name features 

in the NICL corruption 

scam — could lead to grave 

legal implications for the 

party; as under clause 5 of the 

Political Parties Order 2002, a 

convicted person cannot hold 

office in a political party. 

Moreover, last month, 

while hearing the Rental Power 

Projects (RPP) case, the Supreme 

Court ordered the National 

Accountability Bureau 

to arrest the incumbent prime 

minister and secretary-general 

of PPPP. 

Under such fickle circumstances, 

sources in the PPP 

said that a number of names 

have been discussed within 

party circles in case the top 

two office-bearers are convicted. 

Among them, Federal 

Minister for Religious Affairs 

Khursheed Shah is a probable 

candidate to replace Fahim as 

party president. 

A man of a relatively clean 

background, PPP believes 

Shah can run electoral matters 

of the party adequately. 

Moreover, PPP sources said 

President Zardari wants the 

religious affairs minister to 

contest next elections for the 

Sindh Assembly and it is speculated 

that he may become 

the next chief minister in the 

province. 

As far as Ashraf’s replacement 

as secretary general of 

PPPP is concerned, Qamar 

Zaman Kaira has emerged as 

a possible candidate. 

New debt management policy 

ISLAMABAD — With Pakistan’s 

debt hovering around 

Rs 16 trillion, the government 

is considering a proposal to 

abolish withholding tax on 

cash withdrawals from banks 

and launch insurance-wrapped 

dollar-denominated bonds in 

the international market to 

limit money circulation, spur 

economic growth and provide 

support to balance of payments 

position. 

This is part of a debt management 

strategy prepared by 

the Debt Policy Co-ordination 

Office (DPCO) of the finance 

ministry and submitted to the 

government for a policy decision. 

The DPCO believed that 

withholding tax on cash withdrawals 

from banks was contributing 

to an increase in currency 

circulation. Currently, 

0.2 per cent withholding tax 

is charged on cash withdrawal 

exceeding Rs 50,000. 

“The government may 

consider abolishing this tax, as 

the net contribution of this tax 

is negligible when compared 

with the potential benefits of 

reduction in currency in circulation,” 

says the DPCO. 

The government has 

also been asked to market 

domestic debt instruments 

to non-resident Pakistanis 

and other investors 

given the interest rate differ- 

ential that may attract overseas 

investors. 

The government may consider 

launching insurancewrapped 

dollar-denominated 

bonds in the international 

market or a partial credit guarantees 

instrument by an internationally 

reputable institution 

to raise sizable flows. 

The government will soon 

strengthen the Pakistan Remittance 

Initiative which, with 

better policy co-ordination between 

the Ministry of Finance 

and the State Bank of Pakistan, 

could increase flow of 

remittances from the current 

average of about $1.1 billion 

per month. — Internews 

CLASSIFIED 

SECTION 

RUWI: 

24785668 

DIRECT: 24649594 — 

FAX : 24649590, 

e-mail: 

classified@ 

omandaily.om 

Behind 

Royal Oman 

Police, 

Adjacent, 

to Dhofar 

Building

Beckham enjoys 

PSG debut as 

Sirigu shines 

Page 18 


Al Shabab, 

Kazma look 

for first wins 

Page 18 

Kuchar downs Mahan to win Match Play crown 

MATT Kuchar hits a shot during the final round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play on Sunday. INSET: Kuchar celebrates with the trophy. — AFP 

Nadal to test troublesome knee 

ACAPULCO, Mexico — Rafael 

Nadal will test his troublesome 

left knee again this 

week at the Mexico Open, 

then decide if he'll brave the 

first Masters Series event of 

the year on the hard courts 

of Indian Wells. 

Spain's 11-time Grand 

Slam champion will conclude 

a three-tournament 

Latin American comeback 

tour in Acapulco, playing 

in his third ATP clay 

court tournament in four 

weeks. 

He came back from an injury 

layoff of seven months 

to reach the final in Vina del 

Mar, Chile, and followed up 

by winning the title in Sao 

Paulo on February 18. 

In Brazil he needed just 

78 minutes to beat Argentina's 

David Nalbandian 6-2, 

6-3 in the title match. 

But the 26-year-old says 

he still feels intermittent 

pain in his left knee and 

could yet opt out of the hard 

court tournament at Indian 

Wells, where men's main 

draw play begins on March 

7. 

Nadal is a two-time champion 

at the BNP Paribas 

Open in the California 

desert east of Los Angeles. 

That tournament is immediately 

followed by the 

Masters Series event in 

Miami where he has never 

won. 

"Let's see how my knee 

responds in Acapulco. We 

will discuss what has happened 

during these three 

tournaments and what I 

thought about it," Nadal said 

after his Brazil triumph. 

"Then we will see if we 

are ready to play in Indian 

Wells or not." 

Nadal said it wasn't 

the thought of stepping up 

against top competition like 

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, 

Andy Murray and compatriot 

David Ferrer that 

caused him to hesitate, nor 

was it the possible stresses of 

the hard court surface. 

Instead it's just the simple 

fact that his knee is still 

not 100 per cent. 

"It's better and I've been 

able to compete, but it's still 

bothering me," he said after 

arriving in Mexico. 

"It's better on some days 

and worse on others, which 

isn't ideal for someone like 

me, because my idea of competing 

is based on giving it 

all at all times." 

In Acapulco, Nadal is the 

second seed behind Ferrer, 

the world number four who 

will arrive in Mexico fresh 

from a successful title de- 

fence in Buenos Aires. 

Ferrer, 30, earned his 

20th career title and his second 

of 2013 on Sunday and 

will be going for a fourth 

straight Acapulco crown. 

The men's field for this 

combined ATP and WTA 

event also includes 2008 

champion Nicolas Almagro 

and Swiss Stanislas 

Wawrinka, a semi-finalist 

last year who lost to Ferrer 

in the Buenos Aires final on 

Sunday. 

The women's field is 

headed by defending champion 

Sara Errani. 

Nadal may get a chance 

to ease into the tournament, 

drawing a qualifier in the 

first round. 

A massive security operation 

has been mounted for 

the event, prompted by a 

gang rape earlier this month 

as well as the brutal ongoing 

turf war between drug gangs 

that has seen the Pacific port 

and longtime tourist destination 

become Mexico's 

deadliest city. 

The 4,000-strong security 

force is three times the size 

of the city's own police force 

and will feature army, navy, 

federal, state and municipal 

police, a senior Guerrero 

state government official 

said. — AFP 

Blackhawks edge Blue Jackets 

CHICAGO — The Chicago 

Blackhawks extended their 

record for the best start in 

league history, shutting out 

the Columbus Blue Jackets 

1-0 Sunday behind a 28-save 

performance by goaltender 

Corey Crawford. 

Chicago has now recorded 

at least one point in 18 consecutive 

games to begin the National 

Hockey League regular 

season. 

Crawford posted his second 

shutout of the season as 

he made his first start since 

February 12. 

Andrew Shaw scored the 

only goal for Chicago who improved 

to 5-0-1 in their sevengame 

home stand which continues 

against the Edmonton 

Oilers on Monday. 

Steve Mason stopped 26of-27 

shots for Columbus, 

who have lost nine consecutive 

games to Chicago. 

Columbus dropped to 2-8-0 

as the road team this season. 

Bryan Bickell set up Shaw 

from behind the net with 1:27 

CALGARY Flames’ Jarome Iginla (left) celebrates his 

goal with team-mate Matt Stajan during their NHL game 

against the Phoenix Coyotes in Calgary on Sunday. 

remaining in the second period 

for the Blackhawks' only 

goal on the game. 

Crawford made 13 saves in 

the second period for Chicago, 

who are 7-0-1 at the United 

Center arena this season. 

The Blue Jackets had 

chances to tie the game but 

went zero-for-three on the 

power play in the third period. 

Columbus finished zerofor-five 

with the man advantage. 

— Reuters 

DUBAI — Two-time finalist 

Mikhail Youzhny made a 

great escape to start his 12th 

appearance at the Dubai Open 

yesterday, staging a fighting 

comeback to reach the second 

round over Blaz Kavcic 1-6, 

6-1, 6-3. 

It was no secret that the 

Russian got off slowly on a 

court he knows well. "It was 

a bad start for me, in the first 

half hour, first set, I played so 

many mistakes. 

"He played like normal, but 

I have too many mistakes. He 

helped me a little bit actually 

in the beginning of the second 

set with two double faults in 

the first game. 

"After I broke I had even 

better motivation to come 

back to the court." Eighth seed 

Youzhny, who lost title bids at 

the Aviation club in 2007 and 

2010 to Roger Federer and 

Novak Djokovic respectively, 

was joined as a winner on 

opening day by seventh seed 

Andreas Seppi. 

Seppi had to be treated after 

he cut his finger on the way 

out of the locker room but said 

the minor injury affected nothing. 

The Italian who had lost 

five times in the Dubai first 

round finally broke his duck 

at the expense of Paul-Henri 

Mathieu 6-3, 7-5. The Frenchman 

is still looking for his first 

victory of 2013 after missing 

more than a year of play with 

a knee injury. 

"I don't think it was such 

a good match today," said 

Seppi. "It was difficult conditions 

with the wind changing a 

lot. I just tried today to play a 

little bit more solid or to keep 

the ball a little bit more in the 

centre, not to play so many 

angles."I did well to win this 

MARANA, Arizona — Matt 

Kuchar denied Hunter Mahan 

a World Golf Championships 

Match Play Championship 

title repeat, triumphing over 

his fellow American 2 and 1 in 

Sunday's final at Dove Mountain. 

Kuchar, eliminated by Mahan 

in the quarterfinals of the 

elite 64-man event last year, 

avenged that defeat as he prevented 

Mahan from joining 

Tiger Woods as the only backto-back 

winners of the title. 

"What an incredible feeling 

to be standing on top after six 

matches. I really have to give 

Hunter a lot of credit," Kuchar 

said. 

"He got off to a slow start 

and I got up pretty quickly, 

4-up at the turn. I was thinking 

I was going to try to do the 

same that he did to me last year 

and see if I could do 6 & 5. But 

Hunter made a great battle, 

played some great golf coming 

in." Mahan was the first 

defending champion to return 

to the final since 2006 winner 

Geoff Ogilvy of Australia was 

runner-up in 2007. 

"I didn't play well. You 

know, making a couple silly 

bogeys there. Kooch is a good 

player, he's a solid player. You 

saw today how he can get up 

and down and hit good quality 

shots. He didn't put himself in 

the desert really at all," Mahan 

said. "I put myself behind the 

eight-ball. 

"I hit really good putts on 

seven and eight, and thought I 

could get one on nine. I really 

didn't do anything on those 

holes. I gained some momentum 

on 10, but it was too little 

too late." 

Kuchar never trailed in the 

match... my first victory here, 

so good for me. 

"I don't know if it's relief or 

not. I was telling myself I have 

to come back until I win my 

first match, and, it happened 

today. For sure it's a good start 

here. I felt also pretty comfortable." 

Five-time winner Roger 

Federer was opening as second 

seed in a sold-out session 

in the first round against Tunisian 

wild card minnow Malek 

championship match, and in 

fact trailed for just three holes 

the entire week. The victory 

was his first in a WGC event 

and his fifth on the US PGA 

Tour. 

Australian Jason Day was 

third, defeating former champion 

Ian Poulter of England in 

the consolation final 1-up. 

Mahan 2-putted for par 

from the fringe at the 16th hole 

to close within 1-down. Both 

players then hit into the fairway 

bunker with their tee shots 

the 17th hole. 

Mahan's second shot from 

a poor lie in the sand came 

up short. Kuchar landed his 

second shot within three feet 

of the cup. Mahan hacked his 

ball a few feet, then pitched 

his fourth shot to about seven 

feet. 

But that would be it. Mahan 

then conceded Kuchar the 

birdie putt and the match. 

Kuchar's triumph capped 

a wild week in the Arizona 

desert, where a snowstorm 

that halted first-round play on 

Wednesday was just the first 

surprise. 

When the first round was 

finally completed on Thursday, 

the top two players in the 

world, Rory McIlroy and Tiger 

Woods, were on their way 

home, and the second round 

saw the next four seeds — 

Luke Donald, Louis Oosthuizen 

and Justin Rose — eliminated 

as well. 

The delays, which also included 

some morning frost 

delays, made for long days. 

But after the third round and 

quarter-finals were contested 

on Saturday, Poulter was looking 

a good bet to challenge for 

the title. — AFP 

Youzhny rallies to beat Kavcic 

DALLAS — Kobe Bryant 

fired back at Dallas owner 

Mark Cuban with 38 points 

as he lifted the Los Angeles 

Lakers past the Mavericks 

103-99 on Sunday. 

After Cuban recently suggested 

the Lakers should 

consider waiving Bryant, 

the five-time NBA champion 

showed his worth with an artistic 

display of clutch shooting 

and all-around effort that 

included 12 rebounds and 

seven assists. 

"It was a big win for us," 

Bryant said. 

Dallas (25-30) led 90-87 

midway through the fourth 

quarter but visiting Los 

Angeles nosed ahead with a 

seven-nil run led by Bryant 

and Steve Nash who finished 

with 20 points. 

The victory was the third 

straight for Los Angeles 

who moved within 2-1/2 

games of a Western Conference 

playoff spot that Bryant 

has guaranteed the team will 

secure. — Reuters 

MIKHAIL Youzhny eyes the ball before hitting a return to Blaz Kavcic in Dubai. 

Jaziri. The defending champion 

Swiss stands second in the 

field behind three-time champion 

Novak Djokovic. 

Results: Men’s singles first 

round: 2-Roger Federer (Switzerland) 

bt Malek Jaziri (Tunisia) 5-7 

6-0 6-2; 8-Mikhail Youzhny (Russia) 

bt Blaz Kavcic (Slovenia) 1-6 

6-1 6-3; Lukas Rosol (Czech Republic) 

bt Matteo Viola (Italy) 6-3 7-5; 

Daniel Brands (Germany) bt Florent 

Serra (France) 7-6(7) 6-4; Roberto 

Bautista (Spain) beat David Goffin 

(Belgium) 6-2 7-5. — dpa 

Bryant lifts Lakers past Mavericks 

DALLAS Mavericks’ Mark Cuban (right) reacts as Vince Carter (left) and Los Angeles 

Lakers’ Kobe Bryant in action during their NBA game in Dallas on Sunday. 

Cassiopeia on 

top of ladies 

bowling league 

MUSCAT — Cassiopeia 

overtook Pegasus to lead the 

ladies bowling league, sponsored 

by Risk Management 

Services (RMS) and Mubarak 

Juma Bahwan (MJB), at the 

Al Khuwair Bowling Centre 

on Saturday. 

It was mixed fortunes 

for Cassiopeia and Pegasus 

as the former won against 

Draco 3-1 while the latter 

(Pegasus) whop wer on the 

top of the team stading till 

last week went down 0-4 to 

Hercules. 

It was mainly superb 

bowling by Cassiopeia which 

earned them victory. Cassiopeia’s 

Katai Pathmanathan 

bowled three brilliant games 

of 201, 134 and 149 pins 

with support from Catherine 

Preece’s outstanding bowling 

of 147 and 151 pins ultimately 

ensuring three points 

for the team. However, Draco’s 

Arleen Edwards also 

bowled three games of 128, 

171 and 159 pins respectively 

which helped their team to 

score a point. 

In the game bewteen 

Hercules and Pegasus, Gina 

Dobson of Hercules bowled 

32 pins above their average 

which secured them all four 

points. 

Samar Mukadam of 

Pegasus also bowled two excellent 

games of 135 and 148 

pins though it was not enough 

for them to gain a point. 

The third game betwen 

Lynx and Orion was a thrillier 

and ended at 2-all. 

Team standings: 1 Cassiopeia 

(17), 2 Orion (16), 3 

Pegasus (15), 4 Hercules (13), 5 

Draco (12), 6 Lynx (11). 

Japan’s 

Nishikori 

captures 

Memphis title 

MEMPHIS, Tennessee — 

Japan's Kei Nishikori, who 

did not drop a set all week, 

easily defeated Feliciano 

Lopez 6-2, 6-3 in the final of 

the US Indoor Tennis Championships, 

claiming his third 

career ATP Tour title. 

The 23-year-old Nishikori 

needed just 67 minutes 

to earn his second title in 

four months as he managed 

to break unseeded Lopez's 

serve four times on Sunday. 

"I'm very happy with the 

way I played today," said 

Nishikori. 

"To win this title is an 

amazing feeling. I tried to 

concentrate on all the important 

points. I served really 

well this week. I was practising 

a lot and it's getting 

better. Hopefully I can win a 

couple more titles. It's been a 

good start to the year." 

Meeting for the second 

time on the Tour, Nishikori 

started fast, breaking Lopez 

to begin the match. 

Nishikori, who is ranked 

22nd in the world, clinched 

the win when Lopez sent a 

backhand wide on the second 

championship point. 

Nishikori appeared to injure 

his elbow on the first championship 

point but managed 

to serve out the match. 

"I love this place," said 

fifth seeded Nishikori. "I 

played an amazing player 

but I played aggressive today. 

"For sure I want to come 

back next year." 

He had three aces, one 

double fault and won 80 

percent of his second-serve 

points. 

Nishikori improved to 

11-2 in 2013 and avenged 

his third-round loss to Lopez 

in Barcelona two years ago. 

Nishikori also won in October 

on his home soil in Tokyo.Spain's 

Lopez finished 

with eight aces, but he also 

double faulted three times 

against Nishikori. 

Lopez dropped to 2-6 in 

title matches with his last 

win on the tour coming in 

2010. "To be in a final without 

playing for a few weeks 

is great result for me," Lopez, 

31, said. 

Lopez was trying to 

become the oldest winner 

on the ATP Tour this season. 

— AFP

17 SPORT 



Team AISM sail to victory in Sailing Arabia-The Tour 

MUSCAT — A superb performance 

by Team AISM 

throughout the 15 days and 

760 nautical miles of EFG 

Bank Sailing Arabia–The Tour 

(SATT) has seen the Dubaibased 

crew sail to victory in 

convincing fashion in the third 

edition of the region’s only 

long distance off-shore race 

ahead of BAE Systems and 

EFG Bank (Monaco). 

Nine world-class crews including 

a host of elite sailors 

from the Middle East completed 

the unique sailing challenge 

and showcase endurance race 

around the coastline of four 

different countries, covering 

seven legs between Bahrain 

and Muscat. 

The culmination of three 

year’s development of offshore 

racing in the region, this 

season delivered on its promise 

of being the most competitive 

and successful yet involving 

some of the world’s and 

region’s most accomplished 

sailors all competing in the 

ideal sailing conditions of the 

Arabian Gulf. 

Yesterday brisk downwind 

conditions, took the full 

fleet of nine Farr 30s home 

to The Wave, Muscat providing 

the perfect conclusion to 

this year’s EFG Bank Sailing 

Arabia-The Tour. The fleet 

leaving Mussanah Marina at 

dawn this morning was up to 

its full strength with the return 

of Adil Khaled and his Team 

Abu Dhabi, following their 

grounding and helicopter rescue 

on leg two. 

Sarwan leads 

West Indies 

to series win 

ST GEORGE'S, Grenada — 

West Indies beat Zimbabwe 

by seven wickets in the second 

one-day international at 

the National Cricket Stadium 

on Sunday to take a 2-0 lead 

in the three-game series. 

Ramnaresh Sarwan hit an 

undefeated 120, his highest 

ever one-day international 

score, as West Indies reached 

274 for three with an over to 

spare. 

Kieron Pollard was also 

unbeaten on 41 off just 20 

balls while opener Kieran 

Powell had hit 57. 

Zimbabwe had made 273 

for eight in their 50 overs 

with Craig Ervine top-scoring 

on 80 while Dwayne 

Bravo became only the 

eighth West Indies bowler to 

claim six or more wickets. 

West Indies won the first 

match at the same venue by 

156 runs on Friday while the 

third and final game will also 

be played in Grenada today. 

SCOREBOARD 

Zimbabwe 273 for 8 in 50 overs 

West Indies 

K Powell c Taylor 

b Masakadza ............57 

R Sarwan (not out) .................120 

Darren Bravo cTaylor 

b Masakadza .......0 

N Deonarine run out ................42 

K Pollard (not out) ...................41 

Extras: (lb-2, w-11, nb-1) .......14 

Total: (3 wkts, 49 overs) .......274 

Fall of wickets: 1-111, 2-111, 

3-219. 

Bowling: Jarvis 9-1-55-0 (w-1), 

Chatara 8-0-64-0 (nb-1, w-5), 

Chibhabha 5-0-25-0, Utseya 10-0- 

54-0 (w-4), Masakadza 7-0-27-2, 

Mushangwe 10-0-47-0. 

BAE Systems clinch second place, EFG Bank Monaco finish third 

A fitting end to the event 

was that honours on the leg 

should go to French America’s 

Cup helmsman Bertrand Pacé 

and the crew of AISM who 

have constantly dominated 

EFG Bank Sailing Arabia-The 

Tour 2013. Over the last two 

and a half weeks they have 

won five of the seven offshore 

legs and set the tone for the inports 

when they claimed three 

out of three races in Doha. 

AISM won 2013 EFG Bank 

Sailing Arabia-The Tour by 

10.25 points. 

“We enjoyed this year’s 

event a lot,” said Pacé. “We 

have a good crew — everyone 

was very focussed on winning 

this race. It is much easier 

when the guys are working 

like that because we have good 

speed, good navigation and 

tactics. This tour was much 

easier than the previous years 

because there was less night 

sailing and more downwind. 

Conditions were similar to the 

Mediterranean this year with 

the thermal effect. But still it 

is two weeks of racing, so it is 

still hard.” 

The pressure was fully on 

Cédric Pouligny and the crew 

of BAE Systems, going into this 

final leg just 0.5 points ahead 

of a hungry Sidney Gavignet 

and EFG Bank (Monaco) 

and with Bernard Pacé always 

one to aggressively defend his 

overall lead. 

In fact Pacé’s dirty work 

was done for him by Gavignet 

who attempted to luff 

BAE Systems off the course. 

CHENNAI — India offspinner 

Ravichandran Ashwin 

snatched his second fiver 

before Australian debutante 

Moises Henriques struck his 

second half century of the 

match on a difficult pitch yesterday 

to take the first Test into 

the fifth day. 

At stumps, Henriques was 

batting on 75 following his 

first-innings 68, and his 57-run 

unfinished last-wicket stand to 

take Australia to 232 for nine 

in the second innings, giving 

the visitors a slender lead of 40 

runs going into the last day. 

Earlier on resumption, India 

ended their first innings at 

572, skipper Mahendra Singh 

Dhoni stretching his score to 

224. Australia made 380 in 

their first outing. 

Henrique and Lyon frustrated 

the Indian bowlers with 

their stubborn yet attacking 

stand after the Indian spinners 

reduced Australia to 175 for 

nine. Off-spinner Ashwin finished 

the day with five for 90, 

while left-arm spinner Ravindra 

Jadeja and Harbhajan 

Singh, playing his 100th Test, 

got two wickets each. 

Henriques and Lyon came 

together with Australia still 

needing 17 runs to force India 

to bat again. They not only 

averted an innings defeat but 

also gave a demoralised dressing 

room a hope to fight back 

in the remaining three Tests. 

Henriques struck six 

fours and two sixes during 

his 124-ball knock, getting 

to his 50 with a straight six off 

Harbhajan. 

Australian openers Ed 

Cowan (32) and Shane Watson 

(17) looked comfortable to 

However he never quite succeeded. 

In the end BAE Systems 

nosed ahead and although the 

two boats finished the leg in 

lowly seventh and eighth positions 

respectively, this was 

enough for them to take second 

and third places overall. 

“We had more to lose than 

to gain, so basically it was 

a bit of a match race,” said 

start with as the effect of 

heavy roller softened the pitch 

somewhat. Watson was promoted 

up the order after regular 

opener David Warner was 

down with an upset tummy. 

At the stroke of 

lunch, Ashwin got 

one to jump and spin to dismissed 

hapless Watson, 

caught by Virender Sehwag 

at first slip, leaving Australia 

at 34 for one. 

After the lunch session, 

Cowan (32) and Warner (23) 

defied for a while, but Ashwin 

struck again to get rid of 

Cowan, trapping him lbw. It 

triggered a middle-order collapse 

as Australia from 64 for 

one slumped to 121 for five. 

Pouligny. “We had a very 

good start and were first at the 

upwind mark and then Bertrand 

Pace managed to pass 

us, but he was not really important. 

Sidney gained on us 

and was trying to make us go 

higher until we got separated 

from the fleet. We were in a 

difficult position, but we managed 

to have good speed and 

stay low.” 

Phil Hughes followed 

Cowan, unable to cope with 

vicious delivery of Jadeja and 

could only glove it to Sehwag. 

Harbhajan got Warner legbefore 

in a classical off-spinner’s 

style and then bowled 

wicketkeeper Matthew Wade 

(8) as the batsman tried to 

sweep. 

Shortly after tea, skipper 

Michael Clarke began belligerently, 

but it was too good 

to last. The first-innings centurion 

was foxed by Ashwin 

and was legbefore by one that 

came in sharply and kept low. 

Henriques then waged the 

grim battle with the tailenders, 

but again double strikes 

by Ashwin left them staring 

The EFG Bank (Monaco) 

skipper had a few regrets 

about how the leg had panned 

out. “We had a good race, but 

we should have gone and got 

them before the start line,” 

said Gavignet. 

“But it was a nice race, a 

nice fight with everyone.” 

After knocking on the door 

of the podium throughout 


Ashwin spins India to verge of victory 

ASHWIN: Another five-wicket haul 

an innings defeat. Henriques 

and Lyon saved the day for 

Australia. 

India, resuming at 515 for 

eight, added 57 runs in the first 

hour before their innings was 

terminated. Dhoni added 18 

runs to his overnight 206 before 

becoming James Pattinson’s 

(five for 95) fifth victim, 

caught behind hooking. 

Dhoni’s stupendous 224 

is now third highest score by 

a wicket-keeper. Overnight 

batsman Bhuvneshwar Kumar 

also made a fighting 38. 

SCOREBOARD 

Australia 1st innings 380 

India 1st innings 

(Overnight 515 for 8) 

M S Dhoni c Wade b Pattinson . 224 

B Kumar c Clarke b Siddle ..........38 

Ishant Sharma (not out) .................4 

Extras: (b-14, lb-14, w-4) ...........32 

Total: (all out, 154.3 overs) ...... 572 

Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-12, 3-105, 

4-196, 5-324, 6-365, 7-372, 8-406, 

9-546. 

Bowling: Mitchell Starc 25-3-75-0; 

James Pattinson 30-6-96-5; Peter 

Siddle 24.3-5-66-1; Nathan Lyon 

47-1-215-3; Moises Henriques 17- 

4-48-1; Michael Clarke 8-2-25-0; 

David Warner 3-0-19-0. 

Australia 2nd innings 

E Cowan lbw Ashwin ..................32 

S Watson c Sehwag b Ashwin .....17 

D Warner lbw Harbhajan .............23 

P Hughes c Sehwag b Jadeja .........0 

M Clarke lbw Ashwin ..................31 

M Wade b Harbhajan .....................8 

M Henriques (not out) .................75 

P Siddle b Jadeja ............................2 

J Pattinson c Sehwag b Ashwin ...11 

M Starc c Tendulkar b Ashwin ......8 

N Lyon (not out) ............................8 

Extras: (b-15, lb-2) .....................17 

Total: (9 wkts, 84 overs) .......... 232 

Fall of wickets: 1-34, 2-64, 3-65, 

4-101, 5-121, 6-131, 7-137, 8-161, 

9-175. 

Bowling: Ravichandran Ashwin 28- 

4-90-5; Harbhajan Singh 27-6-55-2; 

Ravindra Jadeja 26-5-68-2; Ishant 

Sharma 3-1-2-0. 

Tour, Mohsin al Busaidi and 

his Renaissance team finally 

came good on this leg taking 

third place behind Messe 

Frankfurt. 

Attending the final prizegiving 

at The Wave, Muscat 

yesterday afternoon was event 

sponsor George Catsiapis, 

Managing Director of EFG 

Bank (Monaco), who has been 

following the event closely. 

MUSCAT — The Oman Cement 

Company (OCC) and 

Al Bashaer Travel & Tourism 

(BTT) will vie for the title 

at fourth Oman Chamber of 

Commerce and Industry Companies 

Basketball Championship 

(OCCI-CBC) today. 

The final, to be presided 

over by OCCI Chairman 

Khalil al Khonji, will start at 

7.00 pm at the Sultan Qaboos 

Sports Complex. 

According to the organisers, 

the spectators will be 

entertained with musical performances 

during the match 

and there will also be attrac- 

He said: “It was a stressful 

race with boats going aground 

— Abu Dhabi was the first 

victim and in a way they were 

the winners of the race because 

they showed the morale 

to come back and finish off the 

race. But it is the mixture of 

top international skippers and 

GCC sailors that is fantastic.” 

David Graham, CEO of 

Oman Sail, organiser of the 


Tour commented of this year’s 

event: “It has been amazing. 

The level of competition 

has gone up as has the overall 

standard of the event. I’m 

particularly pleased with the 

girl’s boat and that they have 

four Omani sailors on board 

and have shown moments of 

brilliance. We have had some 

really interesting conversations 

in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain 

and Qatar, so I’m looking forwards 

to seeing who will be 

on the start line next year. And 

the media-side has gone amazingly 

well.” 

Graham believes that SATT 

next year will reach critical 

mass with more Gulf countries 

entered, 12-15 fully funded 

boats and a title sponsor. 

“I am also particularly 

pleased that an Omani vision 

for the region, designed and 

managed this event, and we 

were able to get a prestigious 

international bank to put 

their confident in them and 

this race. By every possible 

measure this year’s EFG Bank 

Sailing Arabia-The Tour has 

been an outstanding success 

tive prizes for the fans. 

According to Executive 

Director Nadir al Bahrani the 

champions will be presented 

with 20 gold medals and a 

winners’ cup while the runners-up 

will receive 20 silver 

medals and a cup. 

Shams Al Tafani Trad Est 

(STTE), who won the third 

place, will be honoured with 

20 bronze medals and a cup. 

There will also be prizes 

for best team manager, best 

team, top scorer, best playmaker, 

best centre, highest 

three-point scorer and most 

valuable player (MVP). 

and significant strides have 

been made towards our vision 

of encouraging the growth of 

sailing across the region and 

re-igniting the rich maritime 

heritage of the Gulf. Today 

we congratulate all the teams. 

Tomorrow we start working 

towards next year. That is the 

legacy of this truly unique 

spectacle” concluded Graham. 

Starlets of the show, regardless 

of where in the GCC 

they visited, have been Dee 

Caffari’s all-female crew on 

Al Thuraya Bank Muscat. 

Caffari, the first woman 

to have sailed single-handed 

around the world non-stop in 

both directions, said today’s 

leg was a fine conclusion to 

SATT, even though they just 

missed the podium. 

“We had great wind and 

good conditions and really 

close racing. It was intense 

and a really good way to finish 

a great event. This was our 

chance to get on the podium 

and we missed it by just two 

gybes. On the finish line all 

the girls all burst into tears — I 

was quite emotional for them, 

but it shows just how much 

they wanted it — we wouldn’t 

have got that reaction two 

weeks ago.” 

Almost speechless with 

disappointment, hiding behind 

her sunglasses, was Al 

Thuraya’s Intisar al Tobi. 

“I am sad, because we were 

so close and we did our best 

and we tried so hard to finish 

in the top three places,” she 

said. 

OCC, BTT to clash for 

OCCI-CBC title today 

Meanwhile, Oman Baksetball 

Association General 

Secretary Assad al Hassani 

expressed delight in the success 

of the championship and 

level of the competition. 

“We have seen six tough 

teams battling for the honours 

since the beginning of the 

champions. We are pleased 

with the level of competition 

in the event. Both the Omanis 

and expats impressed with 

their display of talent,” he 

said. 

He also said that the next 

edition will be even more bigger 

and more successful.

PARIS — David Beckham enjoyed 

a winning Paris St Germain (PSG) 

debut as goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu 

produced an outstanding performance 

in a 2-0 victory over Ligue 1 title rivals 

Olympique Marseille on Sunday. 

The 37-year-old former England 

captain, who has joined the wealthy 

capital club on a five-month deal, 

replaced Javier Pastore in the 75th 

minute to the delight of a roaring 

home crowd. 

Beckham, who sat on the bench 

after the packed stadium welcomed 

him as the sound system played The 

Beatles song Hey Jude, immediately 

produced a trademark long pass to 

Ezequiel Lavezzi before joining in 

with a sterling defensive performance. 

"He has brought his passing skills, 

his experience and tactical solutions," 

PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters. 

"He only played 20 minutes tonight 

but he showed some good things." 

Ligue 1 leaders PSG had opened 

the scoring thanks a bizarre Nicolas 

Nkoulou own goal in the 12th minute 

as the ball rolled into the net after 

Joey Barton and the Cameroon centre 

back had both diverted a Lucas attempt. 

The visiting team dominated possession 

and had the best chances 

throughout but Italy reserve keeper 

Sirigu made a string of superb saves 

to preserve the leaders' advantage until 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic sealed victory 

with the second goal from close range 

in stoppage time. 

PSG have 54 points from 26 games, 

three ahead of Olympique Lyon, who 

beat Lorient 3-1 at home thanks to 

Lisandro Lopez, Rachid Ghezzal and 

Arnold Mvuemba's goals. Marseille 

stayed third on 46. 

The hosts seemed started well and 

after two minutes Lucas hit the post 

following Ibrahimovic's back-heeled 

volleyed pass. 

They were quickly rewarded with 

Nkoulou's own-goal but then let the 

visitors dominate possession, banking 

on in-form Ezequiel Lavezzi's pace to 

create chances. 

Marseille struggled to unsettle 

their hosts' tough defence for half an 

hour, until Foued Kadir produced a 

fine solo effort down the right, only 

to see his powerful shoot parried away 

by Sirigu. 

It was just the beginning of the 

show for the keeper who also pushed 

away efforts by Mathieu Valbuena and 

Andre-Pierre Gignac. 

Marseille continued to push hard 

early in the second half but could not 

beat the inspired Sirigu who stopped 

Gignac's 61st-minute overhead kick 

and Andre Ayew's neat header. 

The keeper should have taken all 

the plaudits but the crowd were focused 

on Beckham when the former 

Manchester United and Real Madrid 

player came on with 15 minutes left. 

The 37-year-old was loudly cheered 

by the frozen fans following his trademark 

deep pass to Lavezzi who failed 

to make anything of it. 

Playing in midfield, Beckham 

joined the team in the defensive work 

before Ibrahimovic sealed victory 

with the second goal. 

In Lyon, the 20-year-old Rachid 

Ghezzal shone with his first league 

goal, which helped the home team 

keep PSG within reach thanks to a 3-1 

victory. 

Ghezzal tapped the ball in five 

minutes into the second half and Lyon 

wrapped up the win thanks to Arnold 

Mvuemba's last-gasp goal. 

18 SPORT 



Bahrain stay ahead at GCC Golf Championships 

CHAMPS: The UAE junior team pose for a group photo after winning the title 

RUNNERS-UP: The Oman junior team who clinched the second place. 

MUSCAT — With one day 

of play behind them, the 40 

golfers taking part in the 17th 

GCC Golf Championships 

were raring to go on the second 

day of play. 

Several low scores were 

carded on the first day and, 

with similar weather yesterday, 

many players were hoping 

to get ahead of their GCC 

counterparts. 

Nasser Yacoob of the Bahrain 

National Team carded the 

lowest score of the day with a 

70 total, 2 under par. 

“The course was beautiful, 

the conditions were perfect 

and my putting was good. I 

learned a lot yesterday and today 

I put that together and it 

paid off. 

“The Almouj Golf course is 

very challenging with narrow 

fairways and very fast greens. 

I have been concentrating on 

making sure my drives are in 

the centre of the fairway and 

setting myself up for as few 

putts as possible.” 

He credited his playing 

partners for keeping him on 

his toes and not letting him 

take it easy. 

“Tomorrow is another day 

and it will be a challenge to 

keep ahead as everyone’s 

standard is getting better.” 

Qatar’s Ali al Bishi remains 

the overnight leader in 

the men’s category after parring 

the course on the second 

day, adding to his 2-under par 

on the first day. 

He will go into the final day 

with a total of 142, a 6-shot 

advantage over second place 

Al Shabab, Kazma aim for first wins 

By Our Sports Reporter 

MUSCAT — With four internationals 

in their ranks who starred in Oman’s 

recent success in the Asian qualifiers 

for the Military World Cup, Al Shabab 

Club are confident of winning full 

points against Kazma Club of Kuwait 

in the GCC Clubs Championship today. 

The Group ‘C’ match, to be played 

at the Seeb Stadium, is scheduled to 

be kicked off 6.30 pm. 

But Al Shabab, like Kazma, 

are looking for their first win after 

having lost their opening match to Qatar’s 

Al Khuriatiat in the three-team 

group. 

Al Shabab’s coach Nooruddin Bu 

Falgha, while describing the match as 

an important one in their campaign, 

sounded optimistic of good result. 

“It is an important match for both 

the teams as we have lost the opening 

matches to Al Khuriatiat. But I have 

confidence in our players and expecting 

them to deliver tomorrow,” the 

Moroccan said. 

Speaking at the match-eve press 

conference, he also said the team is 

boosted by the presence of four star 

players who helped Oman military 

team in the Asian qualifiers of the 

Military World Cup. 

Al Shabab’s star quartet includes 

former internationals Hashim Saleh 

and Yousuf Shaaban, and national 

under-23 forward Azan al Balushi and 

defender Jaber al Awaisi. 

“No doubt they are in good form 

now after their good performances 

in the Military World Cup qualifiers. 

Beckham enjoys winning PSG debut as Sirigu shines 

UAE lift junior title, Oman clinch second place 

Their form augurs well for the team,” 

he said. 

“I hope they will help Al Shabab to 

come up with a performance that will 

truly represent the standard of Omani 

football,” he added. 

Al Shabab coach also agreed that 

his team have the advantage of playing 

at home while expressing hope 

that fans will turn up in large numbers 

to support the team. 

“There is no doubt any team will 

have an advantage when playing at 

home. But we need large attendances 

to feel that advantage. I hope fans turn 

up in large numbers tomorrow: fans 

of not just Al Shabab Club but all the 

supporters of Omani football.” 

His counter part Jamal Yaqoob also 

expressed the hope that Kazma can 

pull it off for their first win. 

“It is an important match at this 

stage. We want to win this match as 

much as Al Shabab because we both 

are yet to open our account. I am confident 

we can achieve that tomorrow,” 

he said. 

“We are in fourth place in the Kuwait 

league while Al Shaban are in 

12th in the Omani league. But there 

isn’t much difference between the 

two teams. It is going to be a tough 

match.” 

Kazma coach also said his team 

can overcome the absence of two key 

players in star forward Yousuf Nasser 

and attacking midfielder Talal Fadhil. 

“We will miss those two players. 

But we have others who have been 

doing well with the club as well as the 

senior national and Olympic teams.” 

(Pictures by Shamsa Hamed) 

"I've waited for this goal for a 

long time now," winger Ghezzal told 

French channel beIN Sport. 

"I am lucky to score at home and 

help the team join up with the leaders 

before tonight's game. It's all good." 

Jeremie Aliadiere had headed the 

visitors in front following a corner 

kick in the 11th minute, only to see 

Lisandro Lopez fire past goalkeeper 

Fabien Audard 13 minutes later to 

make it 1-1 with his eighth goal of the 

season. 

Lorient could have regained the 

lead in an entertaining first half but 

saw Kevin Monnet-Paquet's 27th 

minute effort from the left side of the 

box hit the post. 

Lyon went ahead when Ghezzal 

notched up his maiden league goal 

after Audard had parried a Lisandro 

header into his path. 

The seven-times French champions 

then controlled the play until former 

Lorient player Arnold Mvuemba 

sealed victory with a powerful strike 

in the 90th minute. 

Lorient stayed ninth on 39 points, 

one ahead of Girondins Bordeaux who 

slumped to 2-0 home defeat by lowly 

Brest. 

OMAN’S Ahmed al Balushi who came second in junior category 

Hamad Mubarak and Nasser 

Yacoob, both of Bahrain. 

Leading the Omani teams 

is Azzan al Rumhy who was 

disappointed with his score 

today but stayed ahead of the 

UAE players, many of who 

were amongst the favourites. 

In the team scoring, the 

order remains Bahrain on top 

with 446 points, Qatar on 457 

points, UAE on 485 points 

and Oman on 514 points. 

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait 

round-off the table with 526 

and 585 respectively. 

Leader in the junior category 

with the lowest net 

score was Ahmed al Balushi 

who was very happy with 

his round, but was acutely 

aware of having to keep his 

consistency over the following 

days. 

To his credit he did exactly 

that and ended the championships 

in second place 

with a very impressive score 

to stay close to eventual winner, 

Faisal Salhab of Saudi 

Arabia. 

UAE player, Abdullah al 

Qubasi took the third place. 

The best news of the day 

was the overall result of the 

junior team. Playing for only 

two days as opposed to the 

men’s who play a full three 

days, the Omani team comprising 

Ahmed al Balushi, 

Hamood al Harthy, Rashad al 

Harthy secured second place 

overall, keeping their cool 

and staying ahead of the other 

teams and keeping the eventual 

leaders, the UAE, under 

pressure. 

Al Nahda, Dhofar, Al Arouba 

reach HM’s Cup semis 

ACTION from the quarterfinal match between Al Nahda and Al Salam in 

His Majesty’s Cup Football Championship played at the Sohar Sports Complex 

yesterday. Al Nahda advanced to the semifinals with a 4-1 victory. In other last 

eight matches played yesterday, Dhofar routed Salalah 5-0 at Al Saada Sports 

Complex while Al Arouba edged Al Talee’a 3-2 at Sur Sports Complex. The fourth 

quarterfinal match between Al Shabab and Suwaiq is scheduled to be played on 

March 8 as the former are involved in a GCC Clubs Championship match 

against Kuwait Kazma to be played at the Seeb Stadium today. 

PSG’s (from left) Blaise Matuidi, David Beckham, Sylvain Armand and Zlatan 

Ibrahimovic celebrate after their Ligue 1 match against Olympic Marseille 

at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Sunday. — Reuters

19 SPORT 



Oman Cricket appoint NPA Events 

as marketing consultant 

Long-term coach must for 

Sultanate cricket: Mendis 

By Sanjay Chakhaiyar 

MUSCAT — Oman cricket 

coach Duleep Mendis feels 

it’s high time that the Sultanate 

squad appoints a longterm 

coach. 

‘‘This concept will help 

the team in a big way, especially 

the players getting used 

to one coach,’’ said the legendary 

Sri Lankan cricketer. 

Duleep did not hesitate 

for a moment when asked as 

to whether he was ready for 

such an assignment. 

‘‘Of course, given the opportunity 

I will definitely stay 

back and be part of the Oman 

squad for a longer period,’’ 

said Duleep. 

Duleep, who will be in 

charge of the Oman team for 

the ACC T20 championship 

in Kathmandu (Nepal) next 

month and also the ICC World 

Cricket League (Division 3) 

in Bermuda in April, has high 

hopes from the team. 

“I have been concentrating 

on the players’ fitness for 

the forthcoming tournaments 

as I feel that it is the key to 

success and thus have been 

focussing on this aspect right 

from beginning of our training 

programme in January.’’ 

‘‘I’m also of the firm opinion 

that the more we are able 

to involve local Omanis into 

this game, it will do wonder 

in developing the sport.’’ 

MUSCAT — In order to 

promote the game of cricket 

in the Sultanate, the Oman 

Cricket yesterday officially 

appointed NPA Events as 

their marketing consultant of 

a project which authorises 

them to promote, co-ordinate 

and execute advertising displays 

on the cricket grounds 

at Al Amerat. 

This idea will also offer 

opportunity for big brands 

to be visible to a large audience. 

Also as part of their corporate 

social responsibility, 

companies and business 

houses can also contribute 

towards the development of 

the game of cricket in Oman 

by way of sponsorships. 

Speaking at a press conference 

yesterday, NPA Events 

Executive Director Ashok 

Suvarana said: We have dis- 

cussed branding of the cricket 

grounds at Al Amerat and 

hope to do our best.’’ 

‘‘The best location of the 

grounds have been identified 

where brands will be visible 

to the players, audience and 

by-standers alike. These can 

be put at the entrance on the 

scoreboard, sight-screens, pavilions, 

changing rooms, water 

tank and other locations for 

this entire season. There will 

also be branded boards on the 

boundary lines and portable 

branded flags. This will create 

a total brand recall for products 

or services along with the 

game of cricket,’’ Suvarana 

said. 

Oman Cricket board 

member Pankaj Khimji who 

too spoke on the occasion 

expressed satisfaction on the 

development of cricket. 

‘‘Now cricket is much 

more organised in Muscat 

and it has grown in cities like 

Sohar and Salalah. All we 

need to do is to corporatise it 

and take it to a higher level.’’ 

‘‘Thus we have appointed 

NPA Events to help take 

Oman Cricket to the next 

level,’’ he added. 

All present on the occasion 

felt that in recent times the 

game of cricket has attracted 

many expatriates and Omanis 

and thus its all the more important 

to put attention on the 

Al Amerat grounds. 

Under the patronage of the 

Ministry of Sports Affairs, 

Oman Cricket has currently 

developed five astroturf 

cricket grounds and one green 

grass ground in the wilayat of 

Al Amerat. A record number 

of 72 teams are playing the 

league which includes seven 

all Omani teams. 

BOOK NOW 

Skipper Ranjith Nair 

stars for Assarain ‘B’ 

CRICKET 

By Rex Berhardt 

MUSCAT — Skipper Ranjith 

Nair with a magnificent 100 

(63b, 2x6 and 11x4) helped 

Assarain ‘B’ defeat Attic Outdoors 

by a massive margin of 

85 runs in a Khimji Ramdas 

sponsored Intermediate Cup 

T20 match played in the 

morning session during the 

weekend at the Municipality 

Ground No 4 at Al Amerat. 

Electing to bat after winning 

the toss Assarain ‘B’ 

scored a colossal 212 runs for 

the loss of 8 wickets at the end 

of their 20 overs. Thanks to a 

second wicket partnership of 

81 runs between Ranjith and 

No 3 batsman Hafiz Irfan 28 

(19b, 3x4) and a further third 

wicket partnership of 84 runs 

between No 4 batsman Vijay 

Anand D 26 (18b, 2x6 and 

1x4) and Ranjith helped swell 

the score. Earlier in the innings 

opening batsman Muhammed 

Naseem chipped in with 25 

(14b, 2x6 and 3x4). 

Set a daunting target of 213 

runs for victory Attic Outdoors 

lost wickets at regular intervals 

and were bowled out for 

127 runs off 18.5 overs with 

opening batsman Muhammad 

Shahid scoring 26 (18b, 6x4), 

none of the other batsmen 

made any worthwhile contributions. 

Brief scores: Assarain ‘B’ 212 

for the loss of 8 wickets off 20 overs. 

(Ranjith Nair 100, Hafiz Irfan 28, 

Vijay Anand D 26 and Muhammed 

Naseem 25; Rajesh Rao 3/26 and 

Sandeep Datta 3/46) bt Attic Outdoors 

127 all out off 18.5 overs. 

(Mohammed Shahid 26; G P Anoop 

3/14 and Somanatha Poojary 3/22). 

OCT AL AMERAT LOSE 

Times of Oman ‘B’ registered 

a resounding 9-wicket 

win against OCT Al Amerat 

to earn a place in the Quarter 

RANJITH NAIR MURAD YOUNAS 

Finals of the Khimji Ramdas 

sponsored Junior Cup T20 

tournament in a match played 

during the morning session at 

the adjoining ground No 3 at 

Al Amerat. 

Winning the toss and opting 

to bat OCT Al Amerat 

were bowled out for 115 off 

18.5 overs with contributions 

from Nusrat Allah 27 (19b, 

5x4) and skipper Salim Haider 

opening the batting 24 (23b, 

4x4). 

Times of Oman ‘B’ in 

reply lost opening batsman 

Suresh Subramaniam for 27 

(13b, 5x4) who together with 

his partner skipper Sachinlal 

S L 52 not out (33b, 9x4) put 

together 55 runs for the first 

wicket off 5.1 overs. An unfinished 

second wicket partnership 

of 64 runs between Mohammed 

Ayaz who remained 

unbeaten on 35 (15b, 6x4) and 

Sachinlal helped them reach 

the target scoring 119 with 9.1 

overs to spare. 

Brief Scores: OCT Al 

Amerat 115 All Out off 18.5 overs 

(Nusrat Allah 27 and Salim Haider 

24; Mohammed Ayaz 3/29, Vishal 

Manoj Sheth 2/8 and Mohammed 

Umair Irshad 2/15) lost to Times 

of Oman ‘B’ 119 for the loss of 1 

wicket off 10.5 overs (Sachinlal S 

L 52 n.o., Mohammed Ayaz 35 n.o. 

and Suresh Subramaniam 27). 

Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra 

with Ton Koopman 

 

 

 

10 

MARCH 

Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra with Ton Koopman 

 

 

 

 

AL HAIL CT TRUMPH 

Murad Younas with brilliant 

bowling figures of 5 for 

26 off 4 overs helped Al Hail 

CT crush L &T Electromech 

by a huge margin of 6 wickets. 

The Khimji Ramdas sponsored 

Intermediate Cup T20 

match was played in the afternoon 

session at the same 

venue. Deciding to take first 

strike after winning the toss 

L&T Electromech scored 143 

runs for the loss of 6 wickets 

off the 20 allotted overs. 

Opening the batting skipper 

Ramkumar Chinna 

Gounder scored 47 (41b, 8x4) 

and together with his partner 

Deepak A 25 (31b, 2x4) were 

involved in a useful 73 run 

opening partnership. 

Shankar Basvaraj batting 

at No 4 scored 27 (19b, 1x6 

and 3x4). Al Hail CT in their 

turn raced to their target scoring 

144 losing 4 wickets off 

16 overs. 

Brief scores: L&T Electromech 

143 for the loss of 6 wickets 

off 20 overs. (Ramkumar Chinna 

Gounder 47, Shankar Basvaraj 27 

and Deepak A 25; Murad Younas 

5/26) lost to Al Hail CT 144 for 

the loss of 4 wickets off 16 overs. 

(Chaudry Haroon 40, Chaudry 

Khurrum 38 n.o. Ghayoor Abbas 

25 n.o. and Adeel Muhammed 20; 

Manu Mohanan 2/14). 

Tickets on sale now. Tickets start from OMR 5. 

 

 

www.rohmuscat.org.om

VISITORS walk by the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, yesterday. The 

GSMA Mobile World Congress, representing the interests of the worldwide mobile 

communications industry, takes place from February 25 to 28 in Barcelona. — Reuters 

20 

PANORAMA 


Sporting on 

into hotels 

LONDON — Andy Murray 

is expanding his investments 

off the tennis court, with 

the Scot confirming reports 

since late 2012 that he has 

purchased a luxury hotel in 

his hometown of Dunblane, 

Scotland. 

Murray is following in 

the footsteps of Spain's Juan 

Carlos Ferrero, who has for 

some years run a hotel near 

Valencia. 

Rafael Nadal paid a visit 

last week to the Mexican 

island of Cozumel, to 

finalise a management deal 

on a hotel he owns in Puerto 

Rico. 


MEMBERS of a ‘Samulnori’ dance troupe, or traditional South Korean percussion assemble, perform during the 

inauguration of South Korea's new President Park Geun-hye (not pictured) at parliament in Seoul yesterday. — Reuters 

A THREE-YEAR-OLD boy sits in an open suitcase filled 

with clothes as his mother wheels it along the side of a 

highway in Mumbai yesterday. — Reuters 

New discovery at museum? 

BARCELONA — An 

unknown drawing that 

appears to be the work 

of Pablo Picasso (1881- 

1973) has been discovered 

at the Picasso Museum in 

Barcelona, its representative 


The drawing, which has 

been named "Figure with 

pipe," had been attached to 

the back of Picasso's 1896 

painting "Portrait of the 

mother of the artist." It was 

discovered when the painting 

was restored. The drawing, 

which appears to copy 

some 18th-century Flemish 

engraving, was made before 

the painting. It may have 

been an exercise forming part 

of Picasso's artistic training, 

museum director Bernardo 

Laniado-Romero said. 

JULIO Castaneda practices slacklining over the 

Periferico avenue in Guatemala City, the first time in 

Guatemala that anyone is attempting it over a street. 

Slacklining is an extreme sport that requires one to 

balance on a line anchored between two points. — Reuters 

ICICLES on a frozen table in the Weigelia nursery 

garden in Heerhugowaard. Water is sprayed over the 

plants to freeze the buds of the hydrangea, a method of 

protecting them from the freezing night as temperatures 

within the frozen buds will be higher. — Reuters

Africa investment 

boom continues 

unhindered 

Page 24 

Asian share markets mostly up 

ASIAN markets mostly rose yesterday, with Tokyo surging 

after the yen hit a near three-year low against the dollar, while 

concerns eased that the US Fed could soon end its loose policy. 

Investors in Japan cheered reports that the likely next central bank 

chief was in favour of aggressive monetary easing. Page 23 

Tuesday, February 26, 2013 

OOC’s Takatuf wins award 

By A Business Reporter 

MUSCAT — Takatuf, the 

human capital unit of Oman 

Oil Company (OOC), has 

been awarded top Honours in 

the category Best Leadership 

Engagement by e-Learning 

Solution Provider, Skillsoft. 

The announcement was 

made recently at an event 

held in Dubai by the learning 

solutions provider for its 

customers. 

The winning case study 

from Takatuf looked at how 

e-learning has been used as 

part of the leadership development 

programme within 

Oman Oil Company and its 

subsidiaries in Oman. 

Aliya Al Aufi, HR Business 

Partner at Takatuf accepted 

the award on behalf of 

the organisation: “e-Learning 

has been the perfect tool to 

standardise the varied experience 

and management practice 

levels across the group 

and to instill leadership practices 

at every level.” 

We have also used it as a 

bridging step to create a unified 

standard before our staff 

enters the formal leadership 

development programme 

with the London Business 

School.” 

The criteria for the award 

were that it had to be given 

to a company who has used 

innovative methods and 

strategy for the development 

and engagement of their 

leaders. 

The selection was made 

by a panel who evaluated 

several other company strategies 

and programmes in the 

Gulf region that are doing 

the same. 

Khalid Al Jashmi who 

heads up Takatuf describes 

the value of providing online 

training content that staff can 

complete on their own, “ It 

allows 24/7 learning access 

to a diverse workforce both 

professional and geographical.” 

“It also helps us create 

a culture of information 

sharing and learning driven 

development. It optimises 

training costs and pepares 

people to access knowledge 

through technology. 

“But probably most importantly 

it delivers fundamental 

knowledge in an efficient 

way.” 

The e-Learning leadership 

development content used 

by Takatuf within the OOC 

Group contains mandatory 

content linked to the group’s 

Leadership competencies 

and allows staff to develop 

new skills. 

“To ensure the success of 

this pioneering form of training 

a lot of detailed planning 

and getting the buy-in from 

a large enough section of our 

workforce was needed,” explains 

Al Jashmi. 

He further explained 

the lessons learned by the 

Takatuf team which helped 

them to achieve a good 

rate of participation and results. 

“In our planning we had 

to be pro-active and begin 

with the end in mind.” 

“To ensure buy-in and 

participation the team had 

to approach it with a winwin 

mindset and seek first to 

understand the needs of staff 

before implementation.” 

On the back of the success 

of the Takatuf’s e-Learning 

award for leadership development 

the organisation 

plans to build on the programme 

by making technical 

and professional e-learning 

content such as HR Advantage 

available. 

There are also plans 

to customise compulsory 

knowledge for areas like 

Health, Safety and Environment 

(HSE) and confidentiality 

policies and make these 

available as e-Learning content. 

Fraudsters target 

Bank Muscat 

travel cards 

MUSCAT — Bank Muscat 

yesterday revealed that it 

was investigating suspected 

fraud involving prepaid 

travel card transactions 

totalling RO15 million in 

value. 

In a disclosure notification 

to Muscat Securities 

Market (MSM), the country’s 

largest lender stated 

that 12 prepaid travel cards 

were “compromised” on 

February 20, 2013. The 

transactions are believed 

to have taken place outside 

of the Sultanate. 

“No customers have 

suffered any financial loss 

and no other credit or debit 

cards issued by Bank Muscat 

have been affected. 

The Bank is working with 

all stakeholders to further 

investigate and to establish 

any losses arising from 

these transactions. We will 

inform the market of any 

material developments,” 

the statement added. 

China manufacturing growth falls 

CHINA’S manufacturing growth hit a four-month low in 

February but remained positive, British banking giant HSBC 

said, noting that the world’s second-biggest economy was still 

recovering slowly. The bank’s seasonal preliminary purchasing 

managers’ index stood at 50.4 for the month. Page 23 

Royalty Pharma moots 

$6.6 bn bid for Elan 

DUBLIN — Investment firm 

Royalty Pharma has made a 

$6.6 billion bid approach to 

Elan, seeking to scupper the 

Irish drugmaker's plan to spend 

most of the proceeds from a 

major drug sale on deals and 

instead give the money to 

shareholders. 

Royalty Pharma, which 

buys royalty streams of patented 

drugs, said yesterday it 

planned to offer $11 per share, 

a 4 per cent premium to Elan's 

closing share price on Friday in 

New York, where the company 

has its primary listing. 

Elan announced earlier this 

month it would raise more than 

$3.25 billion by selling its interests 

in its main drug, multiple 

sclerosis (MS) treatment 

Tysabri, to US partner Biogen 

Idec and effectively reinvent 

itself by splashing most of the 

cash on acquisitions. 

Royalty Pharma, however, 

said the risks associated with 

this plan were substantial, 

prompting it to offer Elan 

shareholders a "simple and 

clear choice" with a cash proposal 

it said represented the 

full value of the company today. 

Elan shares in Dublin were 

up 8.9 per cent at 8.68 euros 

($11.42) by 1200 GMT. The 

firm, in which US group Johnson 

& Johnson is an 18 per 

cent shareholder, said it would 

not make a comment on Royalty 

Pharma's proposal for the 

time being. 

Deutsche Bank analyst Richard 

Parkes said the small 

premium suggested by Royalty 

Pharma might deter Elan's 

shareholders. 

"But it's not totally unreasonable," 

he added. 

"I think investors are now 

faced with a straight question 

of whether you lock in the 

value at a small discount to asset 

value or you have faith that 

management can deliver on its 

planned strategy of acquiring 

assets." 

Royalty Pharma said it had 

not received a formal response 

from Elan and had been unsuccessful 

in its efforts to engage 

with the company since making 

contact with it on February 18. 

It added it was "surprised" 

by Elan's announcement on 

Friday that it planned to return 

$1 billion to shareholders by 

buying back some of its shares, 

because it did not address the 

proposed offer. 

Following the agreement 

to sell Tysabri — which accounted 

for almost all of Elan's 

revenue — the Dublin-based 

company will still receive a 

royalty on its sales. 

Elan said last month it had 

already spoken to several companies 

about potential deals 

and would look to move quickly 

over the next 12-18 months. 

— Reuters

Bank Muscat supports 

family business meet 

MUSCAT — Bank Muscat, 

the flagship financial services 

provider in the Sultanate, 

extended lead support to the 

Family Business Conference 

organised by Muscat Securities 

Market yester. 

Ali Bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, 

Minister of Commerce 

and Industry, presided at the 

conference held on the theme 

‘Preparing Family Business for 

Global Competition’. 

The conference attended by 

owners, CEOs and senior management 

members of the family 

business fraternity in Oman 

addressed topics of family 

business in light of global competition, 

their role in the development 

of economy and creation 

of jobs for Omani citizens. 

The conference also discussed 

the legislative and technical 

mechanisms for transformation 

of closed and family companies 

to public companies. 

Ali Mustafa, Head of Brokerage, 

said: “Bank Muscat’s 

support and participation in the 

Family Business Conference 

was aimed at achieving several 

important goals, most notably 

equipping Omani familyowned 

companies towards global 

competition and creating a 

conducive environment for the 

transition of family businesses 

to public joint stock companies 

to enhance sustainability and 

thereby contribute effectively 

to the performance of Omani 

economy.” 

The conference discussed 

the future prospects of Omani 

economy and the need to build 

competitive entities in today’s 

global world. Topics highlighted 

at the conference included 

‘Activating the role of the pri- 

22 

OMAN/INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013 

vate sector in the development 

and stability of the Omani 

economy’ and ‘Importance 

of family businesses in the 

Omani economy’. The conference 

focused on issues for the 

betterment of family business 

systems to face the global challenges. 

Port of Salalah union holds elections 

MUSCAT — Port of Salalah has lent 

administrative support in the interest 

of good worker and employee relations 

to the election process of the company’s 

Union Administrative Authority 

(UAA) and registration of the General 

Assembly (union) members last week. 

In all, 875 employees at Port of 

Salalah have registered with the union 

for the upcoming four year period, of 

which approximately 85 per cent are 

Omani nationals and the remaining 15 

per cent expatriate employees, to elect 

the leadership structure of the UAA 

from a band of 11 Omani candidates, in 

accordance with the legal framework 

for the establishment of trade unions in 

the Sultanate of Oman. 

The Port of Salalah, currently the 

largest private sector employer in the 

Dhofar region with over 2200 employees, 

has since its start of operations 

in 1999 taken an active approach in 

supporting the organisation employee 

representative bodies as a resource for 

facilitating communication between 

the employer and the employee, having 

formed the first representative body in 

the year 2000. 

Following the amendment to 

Oman’s Labour Law in 2006 to formalize 

the establishment of trade unions 

in Oman, the first official union 

body was elected at the port in 2009, 

which served its four year duration until 

2012. 

Under a climate of enthusiasm and 

hope for the new UAA to achieve common 

goals for the organisation and the 

employees, the current round of elections 

lasted for two days following a 

thorough period for staff members to 

enroll and campaign. 

The elections were attended by 

Masoud bin Ali Jaaboub, head of the 

trade union organisations at the Dhofar 

MUSCAT — Daleel Petroleum 

LLC, an oil & gas production 

company, held its 9th Annual 

Quality, Health, Safety and Environment 

(QHSE) Awareness 

Day in the field where it operates. 

The event has developed 

into one of the most significant 

awareness campaigns within 

the organisation over the years. 

The awareness day is 

conducted to highlight the 

company`s commitment to existing 

policies and standards as 

well as to ensure compliance 

with health and safety legislations. 

Continuous improvement 

programmes are introduced to 

create a health & safety culture 

as part of the awareness efforts 

within Daleel Petroleum with 

particular interest on the area of 

operations. 

The theme for this year`s 

governorate office for the Ministry of 

Manpower, who said that the Port of 

Salalah union was the largest and most 

organised in the province, while praising 

the role of the administration’s organising 

committee for the transparency 

in its registration, nomination and 

screening process. 

Jaaboub said that the active approach 

reflected in the administration’s 

awareness and interest in the 

formation of its union would reflect on 

stronger industrial relations and held it 

as a model for companies to follow. 

The new UAA members that were 

elected by majority are: Salim Masoud 

Ali Bait Said, Zeyad Ahmed Salim Al- 

Marhoon, Khalid Salim Ali Jaboob, 

Said Mahad Musallam Bait Said, 

Musallam Said Ahmed Tabook, Ali 

awareness day was “prevention 

is better than cure”. The 

programme included activities 

such as presentations, an exhibition, 

a two kilometre walk, 

and a lot more to promote the 

concept of prevention in the aspects 

of quality, health, safety 

and environment. Discussions 

were held to introduce ideas on 

investigating incidents, fully 

identifying areas of weakness 

and specific trends as well as 

implementing effective and 

timely corrective actions. 

Present at the event was 

Gong Changli, Chief Executive 

Officer- Daleel Petroleum 

LLC, who commented on the 

occasion: “At every level of our 

organisation, from top management 

to each employee, our 

activities are managed so that 

quality, health, safety and en- 

vironment is given the same 

priority as every other aspect of 

our business.” 

The same emphasis was 

demonstrated by Moza al Adawi, 

Chief Operating Officer, 

Daleel Petroleum LLC: “We 

strive to ensure that no activity 

should put the safety of people 

or the environment at risk. All 

employees are responsible for 

ensuring that the commitments 

in this policy are made into action 

throughout our company’s 

operations, to fulfill our goals 

of no harm or injuries to our 

people, the public, no environmental 

pollution and no material 

damage.” 

Daleel Petroleum LLC practises 

its commitment to engage 

all its managers in this event 

where the culture promotes 

them as the people responsible 

Salim Ali Al-Jahfali, and Salim Said 

Musallam Al Kathiri. 

Ahmed Akaak, Deputy CEO at the 

Port of Salalah, said: “The vital role 

ahead of the new union administrative 

authority demands a lot of work to 

ensure the interests of the employees 

are cared for and followed up continuously 

while co-ordinating between the 

staff and management of the company. 

At the administrative level at the Port 

of Salalah we put a lot of emphasis on 

providing the support that can help to 

facilitate the work and duty ahead of the 

union authority towards the employees 

and the organisation, and we praise all 

the efforts made in this regard.” 

Commenting on the election process, 

the head of the election organising 

committee and member of the port’s 

for providing the leadership 

and resources to enable employees 

at every level of our 

organisation to contribute to 

the achievement of our QHSE 

goals. 

Dr Ghudayyer Al Wahaibi, 

QHSE Manager said: “Clearly 

defined organisational structures, 

responsibilities and arrangements 

for QHSE are 

established and maintained 

to ensure that we proactively 

identify and control hazards 

and risks that may affect the 

health and safety of employees 

and non-employees when at 

work. Therefore, all managers 

should always ensure through 

their actions and behaviour that 

employees are encouraged to 

proactively follow safety rules. 

Daleel Petroleum LLC is 

one of the leading oil producing 

AB Foods says 

Primark drives 

better first half 

LONDON — Associated 

British Foods forecast first 

half results ahead of its expectations 

at the start of the 

year, driven by the performance 

of its Primark discount 

fashion chain. 

The firm said yesterday 

adjusted operating profit 

for the half to March 2 will 

be higher than the previous 

year, with earnings 

per share "substantially 

ahead". 

AB Foods said Primark's 

first half sales were expected 

to be 23 per cent ahead 

of the same period last year, 

with sales at stores open 

over a year up 7 per cent. 

The group said Primark's 

profit margin was 

also much higher, reflecting 

the benefit of lower 

cotton prices and better 

trading. 

"Our expectation for the 

full year is unchanged and 

earnings growth for the full 

year will therefore be heavily 

weighted towards the 

first half," added the group, 

noting stabilisation in the 

performance of its sugar, 

grocery and ingredients 

businesses. — Reuters 

Human Resources department, Hind 

Jumaan Hubais, said that the focus on 

legal procedures and that the employees 

were in full exercise of their electoral 

rights were the factors resulting 

in the election’s success and employee 

credibility. Hubais also underlined the 

support from the members of the organising 

committee in delivering on 

the successful regulation. 

Former president of the port’s 

UAA, Ahmed bin Salim Al Amri, 

said that the new union authority was 

picking up from the previous unions’ 

success and results that were achieved 

from an era of dialogue and sound negotiations. 

Al Amri also thanked the 

former members for their hard work 

and wished the new members future 

achievements. 

QHSE Awareness Day celebrated at Daleel field 

company in the Sultanate. It is 

a 50/50 joint venture registered 

in Oman between Mezoon 

Petrogas SAOC (Subsidiary 

of MB holding) and Mezoon 

Petrogas BVI (Subsidiary of 

China National Petroleum Corporation). 

The company was 

formed during the second half 

of 2002. 

Daleel Petroleum LLC is involved 

in exploration; appraisal 

and production of hydrocarbon 

reserves located onshore Oman 

approximately 450 km North 

West of Muscat. Daleel Petroleum 

LLC aims to maximise 

the development of oil and gas 

reserves in a responsible and 

cost effective manner for the 

social and economic benefit of 

the people of Oman, the shareholders 

and employees of the 

company 

Iran sees rising inflation as sanctions hit output 

DUBAI — Iran's inflation is 

continuing to rise and is likely 

to top 30 per cent in coming 

weeks as economic sanctions 

contribute to shortages and 

stockpiling by anxious consumers, 

the central bank governor 

was quoted as saying 

yesterday. 

"The reduction in supply 

of some product lines and the 

psychological effect of concern 

about access to goods have led 

to inflation," the Iranian Stu- 

dents' News Agency quoted 

Mahmoud Bahmani as saying 

at a conference on monetary 

policy. Bahmani said output in 

areas such as dairy products, 

vehicles and ferrous and nonferrous 

metals had dropped, 

prompting consumers to buy 

out of concern they could lose 

access to such goods. 

His remarks were an unusually 

frank description by a government 

official of an economy 

which has been hit hard by US 

and European sanctions imposed 

over Iran's disputed nuclear 

programme. 

The country has been largely 

frozen out of the international 

banking system, disrupting 

its trade and prompting a sharp 

depreciation of the rial currency 

last year. A weaker rial has 

raised prices of imported goods 

and made it difficult for some 

factories using imported parts 

to operate. Year-on-year inflation 

hit 27.4 per cent at the end 

of 2012, according to official 

data; including imported goods, 

actual inflation is believed to 

be roughly twice as high. 

Bahmani was quoted as 

saying on Monday that the inflation 

rate had reached 28.7 

per cent in mid-January and 

was estimated at 29.8 per cent 

in mid-February. It is now forecast 

to rise to between 30.6 and 

31.5 per cent at the end of the 

Iranian calendar year, which 

falls on March 19, he added. 

Initially, officials expected 

inflation to reach 40 per cent by 

the end of the Iranian year, "but 

with controlling measures implemented 

by the central bank, 

it has remained at this level," 

Fars news agency quoted Bahmani 

as saying. The report 

did not describe the measures, 

which may have included action 

to limit consumers' access 

to credit and allocations of foreign 

exchange to ease import 

bottlenecks. — Reuters 

BUSINESS ALERT 

Toyota Aurion now at attractive price 

MUSCAT — A proven performer, the Toyota Aurion is available at RO 10,999 onwards. The 

price is for base grades and valid on available stock, according to a press release from the Saud 

Bahwan Group. 

Conveying class and prestige with its wide, expansive stance, the Aurion is available with 

6-speed sequential automatic transmission, with a 3.5l engine and a maximum output of 268 

HP, delivering top-class level fuel economy and a powerful driving experience. A newly adopted 

ECO meter allows drivers to recognise when they are driving in a fuel efficient and economical 

manner. The Aurion has also been designed to significantly reduce road and wind noise, resulting 

in a quieter cabin experience expected from prestige sedans. 

The headlamps and the grille have thin, long headlamps on either side of the impressive 

front grille. An elevated hood adds thickness to the vehicle, expressing a majestic and powerful 

presence. The side of the Aurion is accented for a stronger appearance through a flared bottom 

section and an accented door-cross section. 

The Aurion's 17-inch wheels enhance the character of the vehicle and provide a feeling of 

advanced luxury. The rear of the Aurion has also been redesigned, blending into the rear combination 

lamps for a greater emphasis on width, with the bumper corners protruding outwards, 

creating a wide stable feeling and a ground hugging stance. 

The interior of the Aurion is made with an emphasis on luxury and quality, creating a unique 

personalised appearance. The cabin of the Aurion offers roomy occupant room and the dashboard 

has an exclusive horizontal T-shaped design, which significantly enhances the feeling of 

prestige. A thicker meter hood gives a solid feel that adds a modern beauty to the interior. The 

feeling of quality is enhanced with leather stitching, and curved wood grain and silver accents 

create a sense of functional beauty and high-quality. Chrome accenting on the air conditioning 

vents and audio controls complete the sense of prestige that extends even to the smallest of details. 

Luxury features inside the Aurion include audio switches on the steering wheel and a two 

seat position memory system. 

Cutting-edge aerodynamic technology ensures that the Aurion experiences straight line stability, 

while the column mounted electric power steering mechanism allows an optimum level 

of vehicle control. 

“Were the Aurion a human being, I would say that its VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) plus 

TRC (Traction Control) technologies give it a ‘firmer footing’ while the HID (High Intensity 

Discharge Headlamps) help it see better in the dark, by improving nighttime visibility,” says a 

fan, in a manner of speaking. 

The Aurion offers new utility features such as a Parking Assist system, which alerts the driver 

when approaching obstacles in blind spots. The Aurion also has a new audio system with a 

6.1-inch display, a USB/AUX Terminal for external audio devices, advanced Bluetooth communication 

compatibility, keyless entry, dual-zone air conditioning, and a back window power 

sunshade. 

The Aurion is also available in a sport grade for a sportier and advanced appearance and performance. 

Additional features include front and rear bumper spoilers, a wing-type rear spoiler, 

sports seats and suspension, aluminum pedals and a steering wheel with paddle shift switches. 

On the one hand, Toyota offers enduring quality. On the other, 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 ever-expanding customer base. The unmatched, nationwide parts and 

service support of Saud Bahwan Group makes Toyota's pride of place a reality. 

Nawras service for Arabic poetry fans 

NAWRAS is introducing ‘Adab Mobile’ service for 

keen Arabic poetry fans to enjoy, as the latest addition 

to its long list of customer driven services. Adab Mobile 

provides customers with a daily Arabic poem sent 

by SMS according to their preferred category selection. 

For only 300 baisas a week, customers can select 

one genre from a list of six popular categories. 

Nawras Content Specialist, Marwa Salim Al-Farsi, 

said, “Arab poems and poetry are very much part of 

our culture in Oman and in the region. People like to 

express their emotions and feelings through rich verses 

and this new service is another example of Nawras 

providing entertaining content for our Arabic speaking 

customers.” 

She added, “Customer experience is at the core of 

our operations and the Adab Mobile service further 

reinforces our commitment to continuously offering 

rewarding and innovative ideas.” 

Customers can register for the service by sending ‘help’ to 91942. They will then be able to 

enjoy seven beautifully written and renowned Arabic poems every week. The service will be 

renewed automatically and a reminder will be sent one day before. 

Nawras, a Qtel Group company, constantly listens to its customers to provide innovative 

and tailored services to meet current trends. As a dynamic company, Nawras is committed to 

bringing customers new products and plans to make communications easier, more versatile and 

a rewarding experience. 

Overwhelming response to Ahsaas Toyota 

IN the major branches & interior regions of Oman, people eager to test-drive their favourite 

Toyota and get a first-hand feel thronged to 'Ahsaas' Toyota test-drive tents. 

Conveniently placed at local souqs/malls and hypermarkets, the 'Ahsaas' Toyota Road Show 

gave them a chance not only to test drive a new generation Toyota, but to also get exciting gifts. 

This was in addition to winning high value prizes in a raffle draw (at specific locations) with 

prizes including Samsung Galaxy Note, iPhone, 40" Samsung LED TV, iPad Mini and the 

Samsung Galaxy Tab. 

As noted by the Saud Bahwan Automotive spokesperson, “The ‘Ahsaas’ Toyota road show 

spanning over a month is effectively covering the major towns in the Sultanate of Oman. This 

activity is really stirring up the excitement. Through this event, Toyota is reaching out to a huge 

number of people in Oman.” 

According to the spokesperson, “To facilitate meaningful customer interactions, the specially 

developed Toyota pavilion carries Brand / Product messages that are being disseminated in a 

very interactive and impactful manner. Additionally, SMS and other channels are being used to 

popularize the activity.” The Ahsaas Toyota road shows would continue until mid-March 2013 

Toyota is Oman's most coveted brand. 

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.

Assarain Group, KONE enter JV 

MUSCAT — KONE, one of 

the leading elevator and escalator 

companies in the world, 

has entered into a joint venture 

with Oman's Assarain Group 

for marketing, installation and 

maintenance of its elevators. 

KONE has been operating 

in the Sultanate of Oman as a 

division of Assarain Enterprise 

LLC since the 80s and have 

captured a strong market share 

with over 1000 installations 

nationwide. This joint venture 

is aimed at further strengthening 

their market presence in 

the Sultanate and benefitting 

customers with a robust sales 

and service network. 

The Assarain Group has 

been at the helm of business 

development in Oman right 

since their inception, building 

an impressive and diverse 

portfolio of international 

brands and businesses. 

Today, as a multi-million 

dollar international group, its 

diverse interests span construction, 

property development 

and leasing, national 

infrastructure projects, consumer 

products, food distribution, 

travel and insurance, and 

health care. 

Innovation continues to be 

a priority as Assarain seeks to 

set new standards in product 

and service quality, and with 

this new joint venture, they 

help bring in the latest and 

the most innovative technologies 

to move people safely, 

smoothly and in a eco-friendly 

way in and between buildings. 

KONE was founded in 

1910 in Finland and since then 

has been committed to understanding 

the needs of its customers 

by providing industryleading 

elevators, escalators 

and automatic building doors 

as well as innovative solutions 

for modernisation and maintenance. 

It has been the only elevator 

and escalator company 

ever to have made it to Forbes 

magazine's top 50 most innovative 

companies in the world 

two years in a row. For over 

23 

OMAN/INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013 

a century now, the company's 

innovations continue to set 

benchmarks for the entire elevator 

and escalator industry. 

One of its most popular and 

talked about invention is the 

revolutionary machine room 

less elevator concept using 

their EcoDisc permanent 

magnet synchronous motor. 

KONE has also pioneered the 

introduction of eco-friendly 

products that save energy directly 

or indirectly. The success 

of their technology and 

design is evident with them 

posting an annual net sale of 

EUR 6.3 billion in 2012. 

"KONE and Assarain 

Group's strategic partnership 

will enable various clients 

utilise path breaking technology 

and advancements and 

help hundreds of customers 

they serve," said Khalid Said 

al Wahaibi at the function to 

mark the occasion. He added 

that today's urban and modernised 

life demands comfort 

and eco-efficiency, which their 

award winning solutions will 

help achieve. KONE products 

are fully compliant with green 

building applications and have 

been awarded the prestigious 

VDI 4707 A grade certification. 

KONE has also received 

several awards for stylish designs 

of elevator interiors. 

KONE is supplying Mono- 

Space® and TranSys elevators, 

TravelMaster and 

TransitMaster escalators 

and autowalks for the new 

Muscat International Airport. 

This project is considered as 

one of the most valuable infrastructure 

projects in Oman and 

KONE products will ensure 

smooth and efficient travel for 

up to 12 million passengers 

annually. 

The Assarain Group's hallmark 

is quality and with their 

new joint venture, it is evident 

that they will continue to enhance 

National development 

in the Sultanate in many different 

ways. 

LONDON — Italian banks 

were among the top risers in 

Europe around midday yesterday 

as investors started to bet 

on a centre-left victory a closely-fought 

general election, seen 

as crucial to efforts to dig the 

euro zone out of crisis. 

Opinion polls have suggested 

the pro-reform, centre-left 

Democratic Party of Pierluigi 

Bersani could secure a narrow 

victory in the recession-hit 

country, the euro zone's thirdlargest 

economy. 

"Everybody is expecting 

that the left wing will be the 

winner of the election. It is not 

yet sure but it is in the price," 

said Oliver Roth, head trader at 

Close Brothers Seydler. 

Italy's benchmark index rallied 

1.8 per cent led by banks 

such as Unicredit and Intesa 

SanPaolo as concerns of a victory 

for former prime minister 

Silvio Berlusconi eased. 

One note of caution, however, 

were signs of a surge in 

protest votes that added to the 

risk of an unstable outcome 

and Italy's broader economic 

problems remain a huge challenge 

for the incoming administration, 

whatever its makeup. 

"In the short term ... only a 

hung Parliament ... has the potential 

to rock the boat at this 

Asian markets mostly up, yen falls on BoJ chief reports 

HONG KONG — Asian markets 

mostly rose yesterday, with Tokyo 

surging after the yen hit a near threeyear 

low against the dollar, while 

concerns eased that the US Federal 

Reserve could soon end its loose monetary 

policy. 

Investors in Japan cheered reports 

that the likely next central bank chief 

was in favour of aggressive monetary 

easing. 

In other developments, the pound 

slumped after Britain lost its AAA 

credit rating. Also, China's manufacturing 

growth hit a four-month low in 

February but remained positive, British 

banking giant HSBC said. 

Tokyo surged 2.43 per cent, or 

276.58 points, to 11,662.52 and Sydney 

climbed 0.75 per cent, or 37.7 

points, to 5,055.8. But Seoul lost 0.46 

per cent, or 9.37 points, to 2,009.52. 

In the afternoon Shanghai was up 

0.14 per cent and Hong Kong was 

flat. 

Japanese media said Prime Minister 

Shinzo Abe is set to nominate 

Asian Development Bank president 

Haruhiko Kuroda as next governor of 

the Bank of Japan. 

Kuroda "backs Prime Minister 

Shinzo Abe's bold monetary easing 

policies while maintaining good links 

with the international financial indus- 

SHANGHAI — China's manufacturing growth 

hit a four-month low in February but remained 

positive, British banking giant HSBC said yesterday, 

noting that the world's second-biggest 

economy was still recovering slowly. 

The bank's seasonally adjusted preliminary 

purchasing managers' index (PMI) stood at 

50.4 for the month, down from a final 52.3 in 

January, it said in a statement. 

A reading above 50 indicates expansion and 

it was the fourth consecutive month of growth, 

after 12 months of contraction. 

"The Chinese economy is still on track for a 

gradual recovery," Qu Hongbin, a Hong Kongbased 

economist with HSBC, said in the statement, 

downplaying the fall in PMI. 

"The underlying strength of Chinese growth 

recovery remains intact, as indicated by the still 

expanding employment and the recent pick-up 

of credit growth," he added. 

Chinese banks more than doubled their 

lending in January from December, granting 

1.07 trillion yuan ($171.7 billion) worth of new 

loans, official data showed earlier this month, 

as Beijing seeks to boost economic growth. 

The domestic economy expanded at 7.8 per 

cent last year, its slowest pace in 13 years, in 

the face of weakness at home and in key overseas 

markets. 

try", the Nikkei business daily said. 

"There was a little euphoria because 

we have some clarity over the 

Bank of Japan and that caused the yen 

to sharply weaken after the opening," 

Tim Waterer, senior trader at CMC 

Markets in Sydney, told Dow Jones 

Newswires. 

The dollar surged to 94.77 yen 

in early trade, its highest since May 

2010, before easing to 94.17 yen in 

the afternoon, still well up from 93.37 

yen in New York late on Friday. 

The euro changed hands at 124.33 

yen compared with 123.18 yen on 

Friday, while it was at $1.3202 from 

$1.3189. 

Regional sentiment was also 

boosted by easing concerns over the 

Fed's bond-buying scheme. 

Speculation it would end its quantitative 

easing programme in 2013 had 

driven markets lower last week. But 

on Friday US investors began to conclude 

that the market had "misinterpreted" 

minutes of the bank's meeting 

that discussed such a move, said Peter 

Cardillo of Rockwell Global Capital. 

Cardillo expected Fed chief Ben 

Bernanke to reaffirm the scheme in 

congressional testimony this week. 

St Louis Fed President James Bullard 

told CNBC that the policy will remain 

in effect for "a long time". 

China manufacturing growth 

falls in February: report 

A WOMAN eats her lunch outside a shop in a clothing market in Shanghai. — AFP 

Policymakers cut interest rates twice in 

2012 and have trimmed the amount of cash 

banks must place in reserve three times since 

December 2011 to encourage lending and 

pump up growth. The PMI figure, compiled 

by information services provider Markit and 

released by HSBC, tracks manufacturing activity 

and is a closely watched barometer of the 

health of China's economy. 

Liao Qun, a Hong Kong-based economist 

with Citic Bank International, said weaker 

manufacturing activity in February may have 

suggested the domestic rebound was unstable, 

but the overall recovery trend remained intact. 

"The figure, after being seasonally adjusted, 

might indicate a weaker economic rebound 

in February due to the uncertainty in overseas 

economies and a lack of clarity in China's fiscal 

and monetary policies ahead of the two sessions," 

Liao said. 

The "two sessions" is a Chinese reference 

to the annual meetings of the country's top legislative 

and political advisory bodies in March, 

which will set the tone for the country's economic 

policies. 

"Given the HSBC PMI index is just preliminary, 

we'll have to wait for the official PMI to 

gauge the momentum of China's growth recovery," 

Liao added. — AFP 

PEDESTRIANS walk in front of a share price board in Tokyo yesterday. — AFP 

On Wall Street on Friday the Dow 

rose 0.86 per cent, the S&P 500 gained 

0.88 per cent and the Nasdaq rose 0.97 

per cent. 

The pound remained under pressure 

after Moody's on Friday said it 

had cut Britain's rating for the first 

time in history, citing weak growth 

and rising debt. 

The unit sank at one point Monday 

to $1.5072, its lowest level since 

July 2010, before recovering slightly 

to $1.5135. The pound was at 1.5250 

before the Moody's announcement. 

In China, HSBC said its preliminary 

purchasing managers' index 

stood at 50.4 for the month, down 

from a final 52.3 in January, although 

it marked the fourth consecutive 

month of growth after 12 months of 

shrinkage. 

A reading above 50 indicates expansion. 

"The Chinese economy is still 

European shares up as investors 

bet on clear win in Italy 

on track for a gradual recovery," Qu 

Hongbin, a Hong Kong-based economist 

with HSBC said in a statement, 

downplaying the fall in the index. 

Despite the slowdown markets remained 

buoyant. 

"If we got a very strong number it 

would have strengthened the worries 

about policy tightening," said Chi Lo, 

senior strategist, Greater China for 

BNP Paribas Investment Partners in 

Hong Kong. — AFP 

stage," said Nicola Marinelli, 

fund manager at Glendevon 

King. "Longer term is more 

challenging, because the Italian 

(economic) problems that 

(former prime minister) Mario 

Monti had just started to tackle 

are all still there." 

Marinelli said he remained 

happy to hold some Italian assets 

in the short-term, although 

he favoured corporate credit 

more than government bonds. 

Demand for Italy's state debt 

held firm at a sale on Monday 

with the state's borrowing costs 

only slightly up from a month 

earlier and lower than rates on 

secondary markets. The more 

buoyant mood in Italy fed 

through to the broader market 

where the FTSEurofirst 300 

rose 8.21 points, 0.5 per cent, 

to 1,173.79. 

Sentiment was also helped 

by more signs from the Federal 

Reserve late last week that 

soothed concerns it may withdraw 

economic stimulus sooner 

than previously expected. A 

broader outlook for continuing 

ultra-easy policy in both Japan 

and the United States continues 

to underpin markets. 

And Britain's FTSE 100 

also rallied 0.7 per cent, shrugging 

off the loss of the first of 

the country's triple-A credit 

ratings late on Friday, which 

knocked both sterling and UK 

government bond prices. 

Berenberg Bank said the 

downgrade is likely to mean 

slightly looser monetary and 

fiscal policy, which usually 

benefits equities. 

The cut weighed on the 

value of the pound, but that 

again would be another boost 

for equities on London's blue 

chip index, around 70 per cent 

of which derive their earnings 

from outside the UK. 

The euro zone's blue chip 

index climbed 1.9 per cent 

to around 2,679, extending a 

bounce off near three-month 

lows hit last Thursday. One 

technical analyst said gains 

should continue if the index 

manages to close above resistance 

at 2,675. 

Germany's Dax, meanwhile, 

powered 2.3 per cent 

ahead, led by a 10.3 per cent 

gain for Deutsche Boerse AG 

after a Bloomberg report that it 

had been approached by CME 

Group Inc., the world's largest 

futures exchange, to consider 

beginning talks on a merger. 

Irish drugmaker Elan Corporation 

gained 8.9 per cent 

after Investment firm Royalty 

Pharma made a $6.6 bn bid approach 

to the firm. — Reuters 

Thorntons profit rises 

LONDON — Chocolate maker Thorntons Plc reported a 70 

per cent rise in first-half profit as it sold more to supermarkets 

and other wholesale customers and said it expected Easter to 

provide another boost to sales. 

Thorntons' shares, which rose as much as 10 per cent yesterday, 

were one of the top percentage gainers on the London 

Stock Exchange. 

Thorntons' spring-season order book is strong, particularly 

sales to big grocers, Chief Executive Jonathan Hart said. 

Derbyshire-based Thorntons, which sells its products in 

its own stores as well as to supermarkets in the United Kingdom, 

closed 13 stores in the first half. The company said it 

ended the first half with 317 stores. 

Consumers have been reluctant to loosen their purse 

strings in the face of subdued wage growth, high unemployment 

and rising prices, prompting Thorntons to close its high 

street stores and focus on its online business. 

Official retail figures, released in January by the Office 

for National Statistics (ONS), confirmed that December was 

a tough month for customers and retailers. 

Thorntons' results were a clear sign that its strategic plan 

to rebalance its sales towards its commercial arm that sells to 

grocers is beginning to work, Panmure Gordon & Co analyst 

Philip Dorgan said in a note. 

Sales rose 3 per cent to £133.7 million ($204.1 million) 

in the 28 weeks ended January 12. Sales in the commercial 

UK channel rose 16 per cent to £51.8 million. 

Pretax profit before exceptional items rose to 5.3 million 

pounds from £3.1 million a year earlier. 

Thorntons, which had cancelled its dividend last year, 

said there would be no interim dividend. 

Thorntons' shares, which have more than doubled in value 

since June, were up 9 per cent at 46.19 pence. — Reuters 

TEL: 24601003, 24600586 • FAX: 24600736 

• WEBSITE: www.salalahport.com

Africa investment boom 

continues unhindered 

SOME of the best-performing stocks in the past year have been Nigerian banks like 

Guaranty Trust and Zenith. 

LONDON — Turmoil in Tunisia? 

Conflict in Mali? Fraught 

elections in Kenya? Investment 

in Africa is thriving regardless. 

African investment funds 

have grown nearly five times 

in value in the past six years 

and are attracting new forms 

of capital, from local pension 

money to sovereign wealth 

funds. 

Conflicts are still making 

the news and corruption remains 

a concern. Elections in 

Kenya next month and a probable 

vote in Zimbabwe in July 

are also stoking unease. 

But investors have worked 

out that economies and markets 

vary widely in this large 

continent, and that businesses 

can carry on through difficult 

political times. 

They are also looking beyond 

the region's natural resources. 

Favoured investment plays 

now include banking stocks, 

particularly in Nigeria, with 

demand seen for financial services 

from a growing middle 

class. Telecoms, pharmaceuticals 

and breweries are also in 

demand, while mining stocks 

remain attractive, though these 

are often listed outside Africa. 

Investors have become 

more knowledgeable about Africa, 

and focus more on how, 

rather than whether, they will 

commit funds. 

"When I was in Europe 

a few weeks ago, I noticed 

that people no longer ask so 

many questions about Africa 

but more about us," said 

Sven Richter, head of frontier 

markets at Renaissance Asset 

Managers. "They have come to 

a realisation that Africa is not 

one country — if you heard 

there was a problem in Slovenia, 

would you worry about 

investments in France?" 

Equity funds that badge 

themselves Africa or African 

held assets of less than $1 

billion in 2006, according to 

Lipper data. That rose to over 

$3 billion by the end of 2011, 

and to nearly $5 billion by the 

end of last year. 

That is small compared 

with over $38 billion in funds 

Persimmon year profit up, 

makes strong start to 2013 

LONDON — British housebuilder 

Persimmon posted a 

52 per cent increase in fullyear 

profit, beating analysts' 

expectations, as government 

lending schemes helped to 

boost access to mortgages. 

Britain's largest builder by 

market value said yesterday 

its strong performance had 

continued into 2013 and forward 

sales had reached £1 billion 

($1.5 billion). 

Pretax profit for the year 

to December 31 climbed to 

£225.1 million versus £6,148.1 

million in 2011. Analysts had 

on average expected a profit 

of £6,215.8 million, according 

to a Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S 

poll of 14. 

Revenue rose to £1.72 billion, 

up 12 per cent. 

Britain's housebuilders 

have largely coped with a stagnant 

property market thanks 

to snapping up cheap development 

land at the depths of 

the financial crisis, selling 

more expensive family homes 

rather than flats, and building 

homes in the more affluent 

south, where house prices 

have stayed strong. 

They have also benefited 

from government schemes 

such as Funding for Lending 

and New Buy which seek to 

free up mortgage lending, 

stoking investor optimism in 

the sector and lifting housebuilders' 

share prices over the 

labelled Latin American at the 

end of 2012 but with a much 

stronger growth — a near fivefold 

increase in six years for 

Africa funds, versus less than 

40 per cent growth for Latin 

American ones. 

African equity funds include 

major names like Templeton 

and Morgan Stanley as 

well as Africa specialists such 

as Investec and Renaissance. 

The sum covers funds 

bunching north Africa and the 

Middle East or focused mainly 

on north or south, but excludes 

those invested mainly in better 

developed South Africa and 

the Africa component of many 

frontier funds. 

The economies of Africa, 

the world's poorest continent, 

are among the fastest-growing, 

though it's from a low base, 

at only a few per cent of the 

world's GDP. 

The change is driven by 

youthful populations coupled 

with improving mortality rates 

and an expanding middle class, 

as well as by exports to richer 

economies. 

Analysts point to economic 

reforms in many countries, 

even when this does not go 

hand in hand with democratic 

reform. 

"Countries are starting to 

enter into their second series 

of free and fair elections, 

but to paint all of Africa as a 

Switzerland is pushing it," said 

Gus Macfarlane, director of 

political risk consultancy Maplecroft, 

who added that corruption 

has not lessened significantly 

in recent years. 

Nevertheless, economic 

reforms have allowed local 

pension funds to set up, while 

intra-regional trade has also 

risen. 

Sovereign wealth funds, 

particularly from the Middle 

East, are increasingly enamoured 

of the high returns in 

the riskier markets of Africa, 

compared with the developed 

world. 

African stocks can be 

volatile, dropping 30 per cent 

in 2011. But they have outperformed 

broader frontier 

and emerging market indices 

since, climbing 38 per cent in 

past year. 

"Mortgage availability remains 

the key constraint to 

the housing market. However, 

there are some signs that lenders 

are embracing the Government's 

Funding for Lending 

scheme and we have seen 

some recent reductions in 

mortgage rates," Persimmon 

Chairman Nicholas Wrigley 

said. 

Separately, Bovis Homes 

reported 2012 pretax profit of 

£54.1 million, up 69 per cent 

on 2011. That beat the 60 per 

cent rise expected by 15 analysts 

in a Thomson Reuters 

poll. 

Persimmon, whose brands 

include Persimmon Homes, 

Charles Church and Westbury 

Partnerships, said it had completed 

9,903 homes over the 

year, up from 9,360 in 2011, 

and that its average sales price 

rose 6 per cent to £175,640. 

2012 and over 9 per cent so far 

in 2013. 

Some of the best-performing 

stocks in the past year 

have been Nigerian banks like 

Guaranty Trust and Zenith, 

as investors reckon financial 

services will catch up with 

ballooning demand for mobile 

phones and consumer brands. 

Big Pharma is also attracted 

by opportunities to treat chronic 

diseases afflicting the new 

middle classes, rather than just 

fire-fighting infection. 

Private equity deals in Africa 

have attracted mainstream 

houses like Carlyle, which last 

year set up offices in Johannesburg 

and Lagos, and invested 

in a cashew nut trader 

in Tanzania. 

Standard Chartered invested 

in Zimbabwe last year and 

said this month it was looking 

for more deals there, while local 

bond markets across the 

continent are also in the radar, 

alongside several billion dollars 

of hard currency bonds. 

African markets have 

avoided much of the lock-step 

trading that has characterised 

bigger markets during the global 

crises of the past few years, 

making them a useful diversification 

play. 

They are neither closely 

correlated to the larger emerging 

markets like those of the 

BRIC countries — Brazil, 

Russia, India and China, nor 

even to one another. 

Kenyan stocks and Egyptian 

stocks have a 200-day 

correlation of only 0.1, for 

instance, where a reading of 1 

would signal perfect correlation. 

There have been flashpoints 

across the continent 

over the past few years, starting 

with the Arab Spring regime 

changes in Tunisia and 

Egypt two years ago. 

But that failed to deter veteran 

emerging market investor 

Mark Mobius, who was 

in Cairo's Tahrir Square at a 

time of protests late last year 

and kept Egypt holdings in his 

$1 billion frontier fund, while 

local stock Orascom Construction 

has attracted the attention 

of Bill Gates. — Reuters 

It added about 14,800 plots 

to its land bank over 2012, 

taking the total to 68,200, 

representing 6.9 years of supply. 

The company said last 

month its chief executive of 

seven years, Mike Farley, was 

retiring in April and would be 

replaced by Jeff Fairburn, the 

group's managing director and 

chief executive of its northern 

division. 

In February last year Persimmon 

announced a plan to 

return £1.9 billion to shareholders 

over 9 years. The 

company said it was on track 

to make its first dividend payment 

of 75 pence per share in 

June 2013. 

Shares in the company, 

which have surged by more 

than 40 per cent over the past 

year, closed at 909.5 pence on 

Friday, valuing the company 

at £2.77 billion. — Reuters 

24 

OMAN/THE WORLD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013

Babies slow to gain 

weight catch up by teens 

Page 27 

Developing programmes 

to raise staff potential 

Page 26 

Swati prefers 

young team 

Page 28 

‘Hairstyling as a profession 

gaining respect around world’ 

Page 27 

Fea ures 

Tuesday, February 26, 2013 

Food stalls are 

one of the key 

attractions at the 

Muscat Festival 

2013 where a 

number of leading 

restaurants are 

participating. 

Thematic 

restaurants 

serve authentic 

Arabic, Pakistani, 

Egyptian, Syrian, 

Indian and 

Chinese food. 

Special seafood 

outlets are a major 

attraction 

Applegate marries 

LeNoble 

Page 28 

Food courts a big draw at Naseem Garden 

By Hasan Kamoonpuri 

NOWADAYS all roads lead 

to Naseem Garden which 

is alive and lit up with the 

magic of light and sound, reflecting 

the Sultanate’s unique blend of 

the old and the new. The festival 

venue is bustling with activity since 

the day one of the Muscat Festival 

2013. Be it arts, culture, recreational 

shows or local cuisine, the garden 

has enough attractions to keep 

people of all age groups involved. 

Food courts charm 

one and all 

Festival Plaza at Naseem Garden 

is Muscat’s unrivalled food courts 

destination these days, showcasing 

an exciting selection of local, 

national and international food and 

beverage outlets. 

Food stalls are one of the key 

attractions at the Muscat Festival- 

2013 where a number of leading 

restaurants are participating. Thematic 

restaurants here serve authentic 

Arabic, Pakistani, Egyptian, 

Syrian, Indian and Chinese food. 

Special seafood outlets are a major 

attraction. 

The food courts at Naseem Garden 

are the best places to sit and 

enjoy different Arab and European 

foods with your family or friends. 

The food is as varied as the countries 

they represent. 

Apart from usual Egyptian, Indian 

and Chinese food stalls, there are 

stalls that serve Lebanese, Omani 

snacks and sandwiches as well as 

full course meals from Africa, Pakistan, 

Turkey and other countries. 

Traditional sweets big 

favourites 

Muscat Festival offers an insight 

into Arabian customs too. For 

example, a number of stalls showcasing 

Arabic sweets at Naseem 

Garden would give you an insight 

into the range of their selections. 

Arabic sweets are not necessarily 

served after a meal as ‘the dessert 

course’, says a stall manager. They 

are served with kahwa (coffee) later 

in the evening. 

After tasting these sweets you 

will learn that Arabic sweets are 

rich and delicious, containing almonds, 

walnuts and pistachios in 

good quantities. 

Apart from being tasty and nutritious 

one finds that everyone enjoys 

them. The sweets have always 

been the best-selling food items at 

the Muscat Festival. 

Hot and fresh Omani halwa is 

something that most visitors want 

to taste when they visit the festival. 

Experienced halwa makers are seen 

preparing the delectable delight by 

continuously stirring huge metal 

pans. When the halwa is done, it 

sells like hot cakes. 

Omani halwa is often eaten and 

handed out during celebrations and 

religious occasions, and is widely 

popular all over the Gulf. The 

halwa comes in different varieties, 

of which the most popular is the 

Sultani kind, made from a special 

kind of sugar. Others are the muscati, 

tamr, zayt al zaytoon and haleeb 

varieties. 

Arabian cosmetic heritage 

on show 

Visitors at the Muscat Festival 

get to see not only Arabian handicrafts, 

their folkloric performances, 

cuisine, fashion, books, films and 

personal products reflecting their 

tradition, but also a great range of 

cosmetics and make-up styles. 

The Muscat Festival is an excellent 

opportunity to gain an insight 

into Arab cosmetics and their most 

up-to-date techniques, allowing 

one the liberty of thinking over new 

business ideas. 

A full spectrum of shades for 

a wide range of skin tones, easily 

bendible cream and powder sticks, 

hair care products are exhibited 

in the stalls from Syria, Lebanon, 

Egypt, Kuwait and Oman. All of 

these items cover the full range of 

your body care needs, from moisturisers 

and scrubs to hair removal 

and fake tan. 

Moreover, you’ll find loads of 

choice when it comes to finding 

products targeted at stretch marks, 

dry skin and body scars, from Lebanon, 

Syria and Egypt. 

And don’t forget the festival at 

Naseem Garden has got a great selection 

of Syrian footwear to choose 

from too! 

You’ll be spoilt for choice when 

it comes to skincare products. 

Whatever your skin type, the festival 

is sure to have something to suit 

you, thanks to a huge selection of 

products. 

Razors, hair removal creams, 

waxing strips and special gadgets 

— whatever your choice, the festival 

has got all bases covered when it 

comes cosmetics for face and body. 

Spiritual items 

The Muscat Festival is not only 

about fun and frolics. It caters to all 

the needs of visitors. As you enter 

the venues you can see people enjoying 

entertainment programmes 

with stage performances as well as 

people offering prayers at particular 

times in special tents set up for 

worship. 

Similarly, the festival offers a 

big range of spiritual products such 

books on the life of Prophet Muhammed 

(peace be upon him), and 

designer beads from Yemen and 

Egypt for the remembrance of Allah, 

the Exalted. 

At Naseem Garden, visitors can 

also lay their hands on audio CDs 

and cassettes on the 99 names of 

Allah, Quran and commentaries on 

Quran and Hadith. There are plenty 

of books and audio CDs for children 

on Islam as a solution to all 

our issues. 

— Pictures by Hasan Kamoonpuri

PEOPLE’S 

PLATFORM 

THE different types of Omani 

folklore for various occasions is 

beautifully exhibited in the ongoing 

Muscat Festival. Some of the most 

famous and popular folklore are Al Taymoona, 

Al Wayilia, Al Sanawa, Al Tanjeela, 

Al Zaffa, Al Shubaniya, Al Tanboura, 

Al Rabouba, Al Sirwan, Al Hamboura, 

Al Sha’abaniyya, Al a’yalla, Al Razfa 

Al Badwiya, Al Bara’a, Al Wahbiya, 

Taqroud Al Boosh and Al M’ghaydha. 

Al Razha is a dance performed by men 

only, by throwing swords high in the air. 

Al Hoboot is a famous dance in Dhofar 

Governorate expressing horsemanship, 

bravery and dignity. 

Traditional Omani folk songs and 

dance has continued to be a favourite in 

the festival. Omanis are admired for their 

rich repertoire of folk dances and songs. 

It is an important part of the Sultanate’s 

traditional arts. 

Enthusiasts watching live performances 

of these folk dances and songs say 

that they stand out because of the robust 

rhythm. The folk dances together with 

music, movements, bright costumes and 

public applause enliven the festivities. 

Scintillating dances and songs at Al 

Amerat and Naseem Park are among the 

major highlights. Omani men and women 

performing spectacular folklore have 

added sparkle to the festivities, say visitors 

from Nizwa. 

— Salman 

Editor: Folk dances and music give 

ISS Eco Club participates 

in mangrove planting 

THE Eco Club of Indian 

School Salalah 

along with the support 

of Ministry of Environment 

and Climatic Affairs, Dhofar 

Governorate organised activities 

to create awareness on environmental 

care. 

Students numbering 54 

of class VIII and two teachers 

participated in this programme. 

The team visited 

the government ministry’s 

permanent nursery at Awqad, 

Salalah. After a warm welcome 

by the Programme 

Manager Esam Al Busi, Dr 

Ahmed al Saidi, Director of 

Marine Conservation, explained 

about the mangrove 

tree planting project and its 

importance. He said that, this 

project has two phases. The 

first phase is to collect the 

mangrove seeds from the forest 

and the initial process is 

to plant it in the plastic bags. 

The second phase begins 

by transplanting the grown 

plants from the nursery to the 

an insight into the cultural legacy of a 

country. Each region has distinct folklore 

traditions, portraying the cultural milieu 

of that area. 

Jobs are basic rights 

MORE than 40,000 young Omani 

jobseekers enter the market 

every year. It is the duty of the private 

sector to accept them and offer training 

opportunities. Many of these jobseekers 

are well-trained and can very well adapt 

26 LETTERS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013 

Omani folklore at Muscat Festival adds sparkle 

to the demands of offices. They are hard 

working and obedient. 

Developing programmes to raise staff potential 

By Susan Bagyura 

ONE important role of a 

successful leader is to 

be on the look out for 

potential future leaders. It’s 

more effective and cost efficient 

to develop people within the 

company rather than instituting 

an external search. 

Depending on the size of 

your company, you may want 

to implement leadership development 

programmes for high 

potential staff to develop their 

skills and give them a broader 

view of the company. 

High potential staff typically 

are conscientious, ambitious, 

swampy areas of the Dhofar 

coast. 

Indian School Students 

took part in the first phase 

guided by Badr al Balushi, 

Head of Wetlands. In this 

stage soaked seeds of mangrove 

trees (kept six hours 

in water) were planted in the 

plastic bags filled with soil by 

the nursery. 

Since these types of 

mangrove trees (Avicennia 

Marina) provide shelter for 

certain species of migratory 

birds like Flamingos, Western 

Reef Heron, Garganey, European 

Teal etc, the organisers 

have arranged for special bird 

watching telescopes and binoculars 

to watch these species. 

Salinity test was conducted 

and shown to the students. 

Eco caps were distributed 

to the students. The President 

of the school management 

committee Cyril Samuel and 

the Principal TR Brown appreciated 

the effort of the Eco 

club. 

LEADERSHIP CORNER 

Leadership is lifting a 

person’s vision to high 

sights, the raising of a 

person’s performance 

to a higher standard, 

the building of a 

personality beyond its 

normal limitations. 

— Peter Drucker 

committed and invested in the 

vision of the company. They 

go well beyond expectations 

in their pursuit of completing a 

task or project. To retain these 

types of individuals, it’s essential 

to have a programme that 

challenges and rewards them 

for their efforts. 

Here are seven tips of how 

you can groom your high potential 

employees for success: 

1) Create an individual development 

plan. Work with 

your employees to create a 

plan that harmonises with their 

strengths, desires, interests and 

experience. The plan should 

include milestones, training 

requirements, resources and 

deadlines. 

2) Give them opportunities 

to move into different roles 

and positions throughout the 

company to gain new expertise 

and perceptions. In meetings 

with them, find out what their 

viewpoints and recommendations 

are to determine if they 

are in alignment with your understanding. 

3) Stretch them by giving 

growth-oriented tasks that include 

some risk. Push them past 

their comfort zone and skill 

level. Provide an environment 

where failure is valued as a positive 

learning experience. 

4) Get them pared up with 

a suitable mentor. Ensure there 

are guidelines so both sides are 

well prepared. Initially the new 

‘partners’ should get to know 

each other and set the ground 

rules for their relationship, 

spelling out how often they 

will meet, how long the meetings 

will be and how they will 

communicate outside of those 

meetings. It’s beneficial for 

each of them to understand the 

other’s personality, style and 

background. 

5) Do regular assessments 

on the progress of the high potential 

candidates to verify that 

they are growing and stretching 

with adequate support. See that 

they receive regular feedback. 

Address any problems as they 

arise. 

6) Provide outside coaching 

and assessments. Allow the opportunity 

for these candidates to 

freely discuss the challenges or 

say things that they may not say 

to an internal mentor. 

7) Understand that not every 

high potential candidate will 

have what it takes or the desire 

to become a leader. Continually 

be on the outlook for new candidates 

inside and outside of the 

company. 

As people go through the 

process, be willing to withdraw 

people from the programme 

when it becomes apparent that 

although they are good employees, 

they do not fit your future 

leadership requirements. 

Leaders must be able to deal 

with conflict and uncertainty. 

Use the above methods to see 

how your high potential candidates 

develop through the process. 

They will need an experimental 

mindset because some 

The government has been working 

hard to generate employment opportunities 

(106,000 jobs for Omanis over the 

course of 2012 and 2013). The private 

sector, which enjoys huge government 

projects and support, must complement 

the Omanisation programmes. The multinationl 

giants operating here need to 

consider the gain they get from the government 

in terms of billions of rials worth 

of projects and incentives need to share 

the wealth and give some of it back to the 

community. 

— Ahmed 

Editor: Omani graduates need jobs 

which is their basic right. They also need 

skills and incentives to build their own 

micro and small enterprises. The multinational 

companies need to share their 

wealth. 

New road projects 

IN the news item ‘Timeframe for 

project’ you have reported the 

implementation of the directives of His 

Majesty by the Muscat Municipality 

which will begin paving and constructing 

new internal roads in the Muscat 

decisions will work out and others 

won’t. Some projects will 

be successful and others won’t 

be. However, every decision 

and project should teach them 

something and it’s important to 

know what they’ve learned and 

how they will serve the company. 

— Susan Bagyura is a leadership 

coach and business consultant. 

She works with aspiring 

entrepreneurs in the essentials 

of starting a business and developing 

the business mindset. Go 

to http://www.bizsuccesstraining.com/audios 

to hear the audio 

of this article in English. 

Governorate totalling 1,000 kilometres 

in the next few days. The project will be 

carried out within the timeframe set for 

the current Five-Year Plan which ends on 

2015. The Royal directives point to the 

paving of 533 kilometres to be added to 

the already planned 467 kilometres, with 

the total number of new internal roads 

rising to 1,000. 

This year’s programme provides for 

the paving of 420 kilometres, with 160 

km in Seeb, 65 in Bausher, 20 in Muttrah, 

105 in Al Amerat and 70 in Qurayat. 

Next year’s programme provides 125 

km in Seeb, 38 km in Bausher, 20 km 

in Muttrah, 102 in Al Amerat and 35 in 

Qurayat. 

The implementation of these projects 

will usher in a great degree of flexibility 

in managing the rising volume of traffic. 

— Abdullah 

Editor: Road networks are a key 

part of the country’s infrastructure for 

progress. Oman has been spending considerable 

time and funds on roads which 

is good for the overall development of the 

country. 

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Tanzania for Omani investment in gas reserves 

By Hasan Kamoonpuri 

JOB Ndugai, Deputy 

Speaker of the Parliament 

of Tanzania, who recently 

visited Oman with a six-member 

delegation of parliamentarians, 

had “very positive and 

fruitful meetings with Omani 

authorities” on developing relations 

between the two countries. 

After meetings with Shaikh 

Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, 

Chairman, Majlis Ash’shura, 

Dr Yahya bin Mahfoudh al 

Mantheri, Chairman, Majlis 

Addawla, and other top-ranking 

officials, Job Ndugai told 

the Observer that Tanzania 

holds great potential for investment 

in its oil and gas sector. 

The Tanzanian official said 

he was impressed by his visit 

to the Sultan Qaboos University 

library, Sultan Qaboos 

Grand Mosque and the newly 

built Majlis Ash’shura and 

Majlis Addawla. As many as 

60 per cent of the students at 

SQU are women and 15 women 

have been designated as 

member of Majlis Addawla, he 

said, adding that “the all round 

development and the use of oil 

revenues for building infrastructure 

under the leadership 

of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos 

are praiseworthy”. 

The Tanzanian guest said 

they could gain a lot from 

Oman’s experience in the oil 

and gas sector. Many African 

countries blessed with natural 

gas and oil resources are 

in chaotic conditions because 

of mismanagement. Oman 

has managed to tap its natural 

resources for the good of the 

country, Ndugai added. 

Oman-Tanzania Business 

Council is to be formed in 

near future as a follow-up of a 

memorandum of understand- 

ing signed during the visit of 

Tanzanian President Jakaya 

Mrisho Kilwete to Oman last 

year. 

Job Ndugai said once the 

council is in place more investment 

opportunities could 

be explored for joint ventures 

in the two countries in addition 

to the Sultanate’s investment 

in the natural gas sector 

of Tanzania. 

Tanzania sits on recoverable 

natural gas reserves of 

over 33 trillion cubic feet (tcf). 

New discoveries are an indication 

that Tanzania is now becoming 

one of the natural gas 

hubs and a new frontier in oil 

and gas exploration in the east 

African region and the world 

at large, say experts. 

Tanzania hopes the gas 

finds would help to transform 

the country’s economy, which 

largely depends on farming, 

mining and tourism. 

He said Tanzania holds out 

great opportunities for investment 

in its livestock and fisheries 

sector, and farm production. 

Blessed with millions of 

hectares of fertile land, water 

and very suitable weather, 

Tanzania can be an ideal place 

for Oman to invest and grow 

its farm products to meet its 

requirements. 

Is winning, 

everything? 

Dr Rajan Philips 

rajanph@yahoo.co.uk 

THE other day I listened to a popular ABBA song, 

The Winner Takes it All. This single released in 

1980 from the group’s Super Trouper album won 

many awards and topped the charts in several countries. I 

believe the context of the song was a broken relationship 

that ends in divorce. 

Bu the expression set me thinking in a different direction 

altogether. My mind explored the notion ‘winner 

takes it all’ in relation to accomplishments in sports and 

in life. 

The excessive emphasis in sports on winning is a 

modern aberration. The statement “winning is the only 

thing that matters in sport” attributed to the American 

football coach Vince Lombardi, is gaining greater respectability. 

Coaches, players, managers and even some 

nations are prepared to take unethical path to glory and 

success. Athletes are prepared to go to any lengths. Unfair 

means like use of performance-enhancing drugs, or 

match fixing are common occurrences. 

Take a chance till you are caught seems to be the policy. 

Fair play and true sportsmanship takes a back seat. 

The reasons are obvious. The stakes are high — wealth, 

fame and power. Caution and scruples are thrown to the 

winds. The losers miss out on the rich spoils of the game. 

Contracts of players who do not deliver are not renewed. 

Coaches are summarily sacked for the below par performance 

of teams. 

However, such an attitude towards the game does not 

augur well for sports in the long run. Winning by devious 

means must be recognised as an unacceptable hollow 

victory. 

The disgraceful fall from the pinnacle of fame of 

super athletes like Ben Johnson, Lance Armstrong, Tiger 

Woods prove this beyond doubt. Yet, it is a pity that 

sports stars continue to chase instant success risking their 

careers and health. 

Sadly, the obsession with instant success has percolated 

every sphere of public and personal life of celebrities 

and common folk alike. Don’t we read regularly 

of unethical business practices, including recent spate of 

criminal tampering of expiry dates of essential commodities? 

Or of political leaders who rig elections to cling 

on to power? 

It is high time we redefine ‘success’. Winning and 

losing must be accepted as a natural element in the process 

of building our careers and character. Then we can 

draw valuable lessons from the very process of losing — 

lessons that spur us to grow into better human beings. 

Unhealthy competition and rat race in academic, business 

and social realms must cease. Parents’ urge to goad 

their children to out shine their peers must be bridled. 

They must accept the reality of individual differences 

and aptitudes. They must support and encourage their 

wards to achieve their innate potential. 

In the endeavour to excel, the key question to ask is: 

‘As we move forward, are we better than we were before? 

Not: ‘Are we better than X, Y or Z’? If we can gain 

this balanced state of mind we are already winners. 

‘Everyone is a winner’ is the motto of the Paralympics. 

Rightly so. Those valiant athletes triumph over incredible 

adversities to run the race of life with courage 

and confidence. They teach us that winning a medal isn’t 

everything and losing is not the end of the world. 

We must take a leaf out of the lives of such inspiring 

examples. That’s the way to escape our obsession for 

instant and unethical success and live a life of honest endeavour, 

contentment and joy. 

Quotes: 

Success is nothing more than doing what you can 

do, well. 

— HW Longfellow 

Try not to become just a man of success but a man 

of value. 

— Albert Einstein

27 LIFESTYLE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013 

Targeting junk DNA can help suppress cancers 

Babies slow to gain 

weight catch up by teens 

MOST babies slow 

in gaining weight 

within the first 

nine months catch up by 

the age of 13, but remain 

lighter and shorter than 

their peers, a new study has 

found. 

The University of Bristol 

study is based on data from 

11,499 participants, providing 

the most conclusive 

and reassuring evidence for 

parents that, given the right 

care, many infants who lag 

in weight gain catch up by 

teenage. 

Alan Emond, professor 

at Bristol, who led the 

study, explains: “The reason 

the early group caught 

up more quickly may be 

because those infants had 

obvious feeding difficulties 

and were more readily 

identified at the eight-week 

check, resulting in early 

treatment leading to a more 

rapid recovery, the journal 

Paediatrics reports. 

“Those children who 

showed slow weight gain 

later in infancy took longer 

to recover, because of 

the longer period of slow 

growth and because their 

parents were smaller and 

lighter too,” adds Emond, 

according to a Bristol statement. 

The study found that, 

of the 11,499 infants born at 

term, 507 were slow to put 

HE has styled the hair of film 

stars like Salman Khan, 

Ranbir Kapoor, Hrithik 

Roshan, Saif Ali Khan and Shahid 

Kapoor, creating a niche for himself 

in the field. Celebrity stylist Aalim 

Hakim now feels proud to see his 

profession getting respect around 

the world. 

“I think hairstyling as a profession 

has changed immensely. Hairdressers 

are becoming celebrities. 

Also, creative satisfaction is there 

so parents want their kids to be hairdressers, 

unlike past. It was more of 

a time-pass thing a few years back, 

but now many people want to get 

into creative field whether it is hairdressing 

or designing,” the 38-yearold 

Aalim said. 

Today, Aalim has salons across 

the globe, in Mumbai, Hyderabad, 

Bangalore and Dubai, by the name 

on weight before the age of 

eight weeks (early group) 

and 480 were slow to 

gain weight between eight 

weeks and nine months 

(late group). 

Thirty children were 

common to both groups. 

The infants in the early 

group recovered quickly 

and had almost caught up 

in weight by the age of two, 

whereas those in the later 

group gained weight slowly 

until the age of seven, then 

had a ‘spurt’ between seven 

and 10 years, but remained 

considerably shorter and 

lighter than their peers and 

those in the early group at 

the age of 13. 

At that age, children 

in the later group were on 

average 5.5 kg lighter and 

almost four cm shorter than 

their peers; those in the 

early group were on average 

2.5 kg lighter and 3.25 

cm shorter than their peers, 

according to a Bristol statement. 

Slow weight gain is 

often seen by parents and 

some healthcare professionals 

as a sign of underlying 

ill health. Clinicians 

face a dilemma between 

taking steps to increase a 

child’s energy intake and 

putting them at risk of 

obesity later in life by encouraging 

too rapid weight 

gain. — IANS 

of Hakim’s Aalim Hair n’ Tattoo 

Lounge. Aalim had initially harboured 

a dream of becoming an actor, 

but eventually realised that his 

passion lay in making others look 

good. 

“I was a child when my father 

passed away and my uncle initiated 

me into the profession. However, 

during my college days, I was confused 

about what do and there was a 

time when I wanted to be an actor,” 

he said. 

“I tried my hand in theatre with 

my classmates Shreyas Talpade 

and Vivek Oberoi, but then life had 

something else for me. I slowly realised 

that my passion lies in making 

people look good and then it all 

started,” he added. 

Aalim’s father Hakim was a 

hairstylist and boasted of clients 

like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh 

TARGETING bits of junk 

DNA, known to regulate the 

activity of a cancer-related 

gene PTEN, can help suppress cancers, 

says a new study. 

Small stretches of such DNA in 

the human genome, called pseudogenes, 

are considered to play no role 

even while being nearly identical to 

those of various genes. 

But now a discovery made by the 

Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) 

scientists shows that by targeting 

pseudogenes related to PTEN, cancers 

can be suppressed, the journal 

Nature Structural and Molecular Biology 

reports. 

The discovery suggests a much 

larger role for pseudogenes — adding 

a new layer of complexity to an 

already crowded topography marked 

by multiple, overlapping and interacting 

gene networks, according to a 

Scripps statement. 

Understanding how pseudogenes 

interact and control gene networks 

in the human body may lead to 

new ways of addressing diseases, 

linked to disruptions in these gene 

networks, said TSRI scientist Kevin 

Morris. 

“This has improved our knowl- 

edge of how genes in cancer are regulated 

and how we may now be able 

to control them,” said Morris, who 

led the study with scientists from the 

Karolinska Institute, Sweden, and 

the University of New South Wales, 

Australia. 

Nearly 99 per cent of the human 

genome comprises what was once 

labelled “junk DNA” because unlike 

the other 1 per cent or so, it does not 

contain blueprints for making proteins, 

the building blocks of life. Now 

scientists are beginning to discover 

that sections of DNA in this “dark 

matter” of the genome are “non-coding” 

genes that control the behaviour 

of protein-coding genes. 

For example, last week, MIT biologists 

reporting a study in Cell, 

describe how a piece of non-coding 

DNA they dubbed “Braveheart” controls 

the transformation of stem cells 

into heart cells, and without which 

the embryonic process of building a 

heart never gets started. 

The researchers in this latest study 

say theirs are the first cancer-related 

mutations to be found in non-coding 

DNA; until now all the cancer genes 

that have been discovered have been 

protein-coding ones. — IANS 

Childhood obesity promotes hyperactivity: study 

HIGH-fat diets tend to 

promote inattentiveness, 

over-activity, impulsivity 

in childhood, known 

as attention deficit hyperactivity 

disorder (ADHD), and other 

learning disabilities, says a 

new study. 

“We found that a high-fat 

diet rapidly affected dopamine 

metabolism in the brains of 

juvenile mice, triggering anxious 

behaviours and learning 

deficiencies,” said Gregory 

Freund, professor at the University 

of Illinois College of 

Medicine. 

“Interestingly, when methylphenidate 

(Ritalin) was 

administered, the learning 

and memory problems went 

away.” 

Freund said that altered 

dopamine signalling in the 

brain is common to both 

ADHD and the overweight or 

obese state. “And an increase 

in the number of dopamine 

metabolites is associated with 

anxiety behaviours in children,” 

he added, the journal 

Psychoneuroendocrinology 

reports. 

Intrigued by the recent upsurge 

in both child obesity and 

adverse childhood psychological 

conditions, including 

impulsivity, depression and 

ADHD, Freund’s team examined 

the short-term effects of 

a high-fat (60 per cent calories 

from fat) versus a low-fat (10 

percent calories from fat) diet 

on the behaviour of two groups 

of four-week-old mice. 

A typical Western diet con- 

tains from 35-45 per cent fat, 

Freund said. “After only one 

week of the high-fat diet, even 

before we were able to see any 

weight gain, the behaviour 

of the mice in the first group 

began to change,” he said, 

according to an Illinois statement. 

Evidence of anxiety included 

increased burrowing 

and wheel running as well a 

reluctance to explore open 

spaces. The mice also developed 

learning and memory 

deficits, including decreased 

ability to negotiate a maze and 

impaired object recognition. 

Switching mice from a 

high-fat to a low-fat diet restored 

memory in one week, 

he noted. — IANS 

Caesarian babies more prone to allergies 

BABIES born through Caesarian surgery are 

five times more susceptible to allergies by 

the age of two years, a new study suggests. 

“This further advances the hygiene hypothesis 

that early childhood exposure to micro organisms 

affects the immune system’s development and the 

onset of allergies,” says Christine Cole Johnson, 

head of the Henry Ford Department of Health Sciences, 

who led the study. 

“We believe a baby’s exposure to bacteria in 

the birth canal is a major influencer on the immune 

system,” adds Johnson, according to a Henry Ford 

statement. 

Johnson says C-section (Caesarian) babies have 

a pattern of “at risk” bugs in their gut that may make 

them more susceptible to developing the antibody 

Immunoglobulin E, or IgE, when exposed to allergens. 

IgE is linked to the development of allergies 

and asthma. 

For the study, Henry Ford researchers sought to 

evaluate the role of early exposure to allergens and 

how this exposure affects the association between 

C-section and the development of IgE. 

Researchers enrolled 1,258 newborns from 2003- 

2007, and evaluated them at four age intervals — 

one month, six months, one year and two years. 

Data was collected from the baby’s umbilical 

cord and stool, blood samples from the baby’s mother 

and father, breast milk and household dust. 

The study was presented Sunday at the annual 

meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma 

and Immunology in San Antonio. — IANS 

‘Hairstyling as a profession gaining respect around world’ 

Do not burn your bridge 

with your employer 

Salim Al Riyami 

salimriyami2000@yahoo.co.uk 

ARE you familiar with the phrase “What goes around 

comes around”. You meet the same people on the 

way up as you do on the way down. The world is a 

small place and your reputation and network are precious. 

Okay, you have found a new job, congratulations! Now 

comes the hard part — delivering the news to your manager 

and executives. It is quite common that when someone 

leaves a company for another there are hard feelings 

no matter how delicately they try to balance the transition. 

Oftentimes, managers feel “betrayed” when you are leaving 

the company, and this can lead to awkward moments 

during the notice period. How does one leave a job without 

burning the bridge or how do you leave a company and 

maintain your good relationship with your managers, peers 

and other colleagues? 

Why and how you burn your bridge with your employer? 

Before I answer the above question, I would like to 

explain why bridge burning takes place and what kind of 

‘inflammatory’ shapes it takes! In most cases, people who 

decide to burn their bridge with their employer are mainly 

exploited in their workplace. They usually feel humiliated, 

disrespected and treated unfairly. They are under the belief 

that they are in a ‘toxic’ environment, and work for a bad 

employer. These people think they have a strong rationale 

to react aggressively against their employer. They may 

spread gossip about employers or peers, confront people 

in an aggressive or unproductive way, and even cross the 

line into criminal activity through vandalism, sabotage or 

assault. 

The six golden rules 

I would like to suggest six rules that will help avoid 

burning the bridge and help to maintain your reputation 

when you pass out of the door! 

Rule No 1: Keep a low profile, yet be a professional: 

The last thing to do is to spread the news of your resignation 

‘all over the world’ through Facebook or LinkedIn before 

informing your manager about it. This is not the way 

to break the news to your manager. The right way is to 

take the time to hand-deliver your letter of resignation to 

your management, and keep it behind ‘closed door’. Come 

prepared to address their immediate concerns about your 

transition and pending work. This small but important task 

will go a long way in leaving a favourable impression with 

your former employer. 

Rule No 2: Bullet-point your accomplishments: Before 

you leave, it is a good idea to call the management team 

and executives for a brief presentation, or create a summarised 

report about your positive contribution. By showing 

how much you achieved you will leave a better taste in 

the mouth of the managers by reminding them that you 

were a good employee and brought something to the table. 

You may even go further, by giving suggestions on the 

way ahead and challenges that the company might tackle. 

Who knows? The company may suddenly decide not to let 

you slip away and provide a counter-offer. You ought to be 

prepared for this possibility, but do not be disappointed if 

it does not happen. 

Rule No 3: Stay focused and do not be a ‘slacker’: Indeed, 

you may get excited that you have a new job and a 

new challenge ahead, but do not get overexcited. Do not let 

this excitement make you feel that ‘it’s a school summer 

holiday’ and the next weeks remaining are for fun! Keep 

putting in your 100 per cent effort and do not be a slacker. 

Rule No 4: Wrap up your work: Finish whatever 

projects or assignments you have on hand. Make sure that 

you undergo a proper handover process before you leave 

the ‘house’. What you want to do is to create a situation 

where your team or the person who is taking over is aware 

and can cope with the projects on the pipeline. You need to 

tidy up loose ends. Remember it is about your reputation! 

Rule No 5: Be constructive and honest in an exit interview: 

Do not use the exit interview meeting as an arena for 

revenge. Be honest, constructive and polite in your answers 

and feedback for the questions asked during the interview. 

Do not put emotions on the table, be objective. Constructive 

and honest feedback will make your employer respect 

you, value your input and help maintain your reputation, 

accordingly. 

Rule No 6: Say thank you to everyone: Jot down a 

farewell note on your last day of work to thank your managers, 

peers and colleagues for their support during your 

service in the company. This ‘class act’ may leave a good 

impression on the people you worked with. Be genuine and 

let go of any misunderstandings and hostilities that may 

have occurred in the workplace. Consider mentioning your 

e-mail or phone number to be in touch with your colleagues 

in the future. 

Bottom line 

If you consider quitting your job, you should walk out 

with dignity, respect and a good reputation. Do not burn 

your bridge with your employer. Bridges are not constructed 

on a one-way street that you take for granted and see 

in your rear view mirror. Bridges are often returned to for 

good back-ups and support! 

Khanna, Dilip Kumar, Sunil Dutt 

and Vinod Khanna. 

Getting away from father’s 

shadow was not easy for Aalim. “I 

got a lot of respect from the industry. 

Salman Khan, with whom I was 

working during Baghban days, introduced 

me to Amitabh Bachchan. 

The moment Bachchan got to know 

that I am the son of the person who 

styled him, he hugged me and asked 

about my family. There is a lot of 

respect after what dad built during 

his entire career,” he said. 

“But the respect only helps in 

initial stages, rest we have to build 

ourselves. It can help you get first 

chance but not the second chance,” 

said the hairstylist who is geared up 

for his show Style Inc with Aalim 

Hakim”, to be aired on TLC starting 

on March 8. 

Aalim picked up the reins of 

hairstyling at the age of 16 and his 

first Bollywood project later. 

“My first Bollywood project 

started in 1993-94 when I took the 

styling of Chandrachur Singh for 

the movie Maachis; then I took 

Manoj Bajpayee’s styling for Satya 

and gradually things started shaping 

up. Ajay Devgn in Omkara, 

Singham and Once Upon A Time 

in Mumbaai, Ranbir Kapoor in 

Rockstar are some of my favourite 

works,” he said. 

He feels hairstyling is getting 

prominence in Bollywood thanks to 

experimental scripts. 

“The industry is very professional 

now and actors think of 

each scene. They want their look 

to be honest, not overly done-up. 

Earlier stars were seen in same 

hairstyle for 30 long years but 

now script demands new look in 

every scene; for instance, I tried to 

give Ranbir seven to eight looks in 

Rockstar and this varied from his 

college look to musician look,” 

Aalim said. — IANS

Naomi Watts attends the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscars Party in West Hollywood, 

California on Sunday. — Reuters 

Stewart walks red 

carpet on crutches 

ACTRESS Kristen Stewart attended the 

85th Academy Awards supported on 

a pair of crutches. The 22-year-old is 

said to have stepped on glass recently and was 

unable to walk on her own. 

Dressed in stylish Reem Acra gown, Stewart 

stopped and posed for the cameras on the 

red carpet, reports dailymail.co.uk. She was 

comforted by actress Jennifer Lawrence, who 

Dr Ibrahim bin Ahmed al Kindi, 

Chief Executive Officer 

Fahmi bin Khalid al Harthy, 

Editor-in-Chief 

later won the award of best actress for her role 

in movie Silver Linings Playbook. 

Stewart was later seen hobbling on the 

stage with actor Daniel Radcliffe as she went 

to present an award. 

I’m not a believer in Oscars: Sunny: National 

Award winning actor Sunny Deol, who 

is busy promoting his film I Love New Year, 

is contented with Indian audience and doesn’t 

feel the need to go to the Oscars. 

“What is the need for Indians to go to the 

Oscars? (Indians ko Oscar jaane ki zaroorat 

kya hai?). Aren’t we happy here? Make the Indian 

audience happy. We have a population of 

130 crore, is it not enough?” Sunny Deol told 

reporters during the theatrical trailer release of 

I Love New Year yesterday. 

In his 30 years’ acting journey, the 56-yearold 

bagged two National Awards for Ghayal 

and Damini and says they came as a surprise 

to him. 

“Everybody has an individual take on it. I 

am not a believer of these things (Oscars). I 

was surprised when I got the National Award. I 

was like how the hell did I get it?” 

Media shy Sunny talked candidly at the 

event and said: “Everything is manipulated 

these days. Things are such that we ourselves 

give the news and read the other day.” 

Known for his action roles, the actor’s I 

Love New Year is a romantic comedy. 

“As an actor I want to do everything. With 

comedy, it gets gentler... in action, it’s much 

about fighting. My fans should also see the 

other side of me,” he said. 

Co-directed by Vinay Sapru and Radhika 

Rao, I Love New Year also features Kangna 

Ranaut in the female lead and is slated for an 

April 26 release. — IANS 

28 

ENTERTAINMENT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013 

Life of Pi leads Oscar pack, 

spreads Indian flavour 

THE Indian flavour was predominant at 

the 85th Academy Awards, when Life 

of Pi, widely shot in India with Indian 

actors, won the maximum awards, including 

the best director’s trophy for Ang Lee, who not 

only thanked his Indian crew but also wowed 

everyone by saying namaste. 

Another India link was Lincoln, a historical 

drama about the last few months of 16th US 

President Abraham Lincoln, which has been 

co-produced by Indian business tycoon Anil 

Ambani’s Reliance Entertainment and Dream- 

Works. 

However, India’s only hope — vocalist 

Bombay Jayashri — lost the award in the best 

original song category. 

Life of Pi, based on Canadian author Yann 

Martel’s Booker Prize winning eponymous 

novel, won four out of its 11 nominations at 

the 85th Academy Awards. 

Apart from the best director’s gong for Lee, 

who won his second Oscar after 2005 Brokeback 

Mountain, Life of Pi clinched the trophies 

for best cinematography (Claudio Miranda), 

best music — original score (Mychael Danna), 

and best visual effects (Bill Westenhofer, Guillaume 

Rocheron, Erik-Jan De Boer and Donald 

R Elliott). 

In his acceptance speech, Lee thanked his 

producers, “Indian crew”, technicians who 

worked on the movie and the film’s lead actor 

Suraj Sharma. 

“Suraj, where are you,” he asked, and the 

cameras panned to Suraj, a 19-year-old Delhi 

boy who made his acting debut with the mov- 

ie. He waved at Lee with joy. Lee ended the 

speech with a warm namaste. 

Indian singer Bombay Jayashri lost out 

the trophy of best original song to Adele, who 

took home the golden statuette for Skyfall. The 

British singer also performed at the gala ceremony. 

In a show of great variety, all four top 

awards — best actor, actress, director and film, 

went to different movies. The best actor trophy 

went to Daniel Day-Lewis for portraying Abraham 

Lincoln in Lincoln, which won a total 

of two awards out of its 12 nominations. The 

other gong was for production design. 

Day-Lewis is the only actor to win three 

best actor Oscars for My Left Foot, There Will 

Be Blood and now Lincoln. Jennifer Lawrence 

won the best actress trophy for her work in Silver 

Linings Playbook. 

The best film award went to Argo, which 

was announced by US First Lady Michelle 

Obama. Based on a joint CIA-Canadian secret 

operation to extract six American diplomatic 

personnel during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, 

the film also got the trophy for best editing and 

best adapted screenplay. 

While Anne Hathaway walked away with 

best actress in a supporting role Oscar for Les 

Miserables, Christoph Waltz picked up the best 

supporting actor trophy for his performance in 

Django Unchained. 

The best original screenplay trophy went 

to film-maker Quentin Tarantino for Django 

Unchained, set among the slave plantations of 

pre-American Civil War. — IANS 

No Oscar for Bombay Jayashri, 

Adele wins for original song 

INDIAN vocalist Bombay Jayashri, who 

was nominated in the best original song 

category at the 85th Academy Awards for 

her track Pi Lullaby from Life of Pi, lost the 

trophy to British singer Adele, who took home 

the statuette for Skyfall. However, Life of Pi 

won the best music — original score award. 

Written and sung by Jayashri, Pi Lullaby 

was also competing with other numbers like 

Before my time from Chasing Ice (music and 

lyrics by J Ralph, Everybody needs a best 

friend from Ted (music by Walter Murphy; lyrics 

by Seth MacFarlane) and Suddenly from 

Les Miserables (music by Claude-Michel 

Schonberg; lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and 

Alain Boublil). 

Adele, who performed Skyfall at the glitzy 

ceremony, collected her award with Paul Epworth. 

The Oscar award for best music — 

original score went to Mychael Danna for Life 

of Pi. 

Danna’s competitors for the award were 

Anna Karenina (Dario Marianelli), Argo (Alexandre 

Desplat), Lincoln (John Williams) and 

Skyfall (Thomas Newman). 

Best costume design: Jacqueline Durran 

bagged the best achievement in costume design 

trophy for the film Anna Karenina. 

Other nominations in this category were 

Paco Delgado (Les Miserables), Joanna Johnston 

(Lincoln), Eiko Ishioka (Mirror Mirror) 

and Colleen Atwood (Snow White and the 

Huntsman). 

The best achievement in make-up and hairstyling 

went to Lisa Westcott and Julie Dartnell 

for Les Miserables. 

Best animated feature film: Directors Mark 

Andrews and Brenda Chapman’s Brave won 

the best animated feature film award. 

The film’s story is about a high-spirited 

Scottish princess Merida, who resists her 

mother’s efforts to transform her into a more 

ladylike young woman. 

For Lawrence, life is lonely, but worth it! 

ACTRESS Jennifer 

Lawrence says being an 

actress has its own pros and 

cons. Though she sometimes 

feels lonely, still she’s happy 

with it. The 22-year-old is 

known for her work in movies 

like The Hunger Games and 

Silver Linings Playbook. 

“There are sacrifices with 

any job. With this one, you’re 

in a long-distance relationship 

with pretty much everybody 

in your life,” more.com quoted 

Lawrence as saying. 

“It is hard sometimes, it’s 

obviously a very lonely life 

but it’s still worth,” she added. 

Sound editing Oscar: Two 

films — Skyfall and Zero 

Dark Thirty shared the best 

Jennifer Lawrence (left) and Anne 

Hathaway pose with their Oscars 

backstage. — Reuters 

Faced with an arranged marriage she 

doesn’t want, Merida runs away into the forest, 

where she encounters a witch, who teaches her 

a dangerous spell. 

The film pipped Frankenweenie, ParaNorman, 

The Pirates! Band of Misfits and Wreck-It 

Ralph, to win the prestigious trophy. Director 

Andrews was “brave” enough to wear a kilt to 

the Oscar stage and collect the trophy. 

Christoph Waltz picked up the best supporting 

actor trophy for Django Unchained. 

Waltz, 56, played Dr King Schultz, a German 

bounty hunter in the pre-Civil War South 

who buys a slave to assist him with his work, in 

Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained. 

This is Waltz’s second Oscar award. He 

won the first for his supporting role in the 2009 

film Inglorius Basterds. 

For this year’s Oscar statuette, he pipped 

Alan Arkin (Argo), Robert De Niro (Silver Linings 

Playbook), Philip Seymour Hoffman (The 

Master) and Tommy Lee Jones (Lincoln). 

Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth pose with their awards. 

sound editing award, and 

Les Miserables clinched the 

best sound mixing trophy. 

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Amrita’s big moment: 

Sharing screen with Big B 

PRAKASH 

Jha has 

roped in 

Amrita Rao for 

Satyagraha and 

the actress is extremely 

joyous as 

most of her scenes 

are with none other 

than Amitabh 

Bachchan, whose 

role in the film is 

reportedly modelled 

on activist 

Anna Hazare. 

“We are shooting 

in Bhopal and 

I am feeling so 

blessed that all my 

scenes in Satyagraha are with Amitabh Bachchan. In fact, 

I can say 99 per cent of my scenes are with him. It’s like a 

dream come true for me,” Amrita said. 

After Main Hoon Na and Vivah, the 31-year-old’s last 

memorable role was in 2008 Welcome to Sajjanpur. After 

that, most of her films, like Shortkut — The Con Is On, 

bombed at the box office. 

Swati prefers young team 

ACTRESS Swati 

Reddy a.k.a. 

Colours Swati loves 

to work with young 

team because she 

feels youngsters 

are more focused 

and don’t have ego 

hassles. In fact, her 

forthcoming Telugu 

crime-comedySwamy 

Ra Ra features three 

newcomers. “Most 

of my films have 

been with debutant 

directors or with 

those who are one 

or two-film old. I 

always look forward to working with a young team because 

they’re highly focused and don’t have room for ego. More 

importantly, they strive to prove themselves,” Swati said. 

“If I were to put it in one line, then I would say that I love 

to work with people who want to work with me,” added the 

actress who had earlier teamed up with M Sasikumar for his 

directorial debut Subramaniapuram and also featured in Sripathi 

Rangasamy’s first directorial venture Kanimozhi. 

Applegate marries LeNoble 

AC T R E S S 

Christina 

Applegate has 

reportedly tied the 

knot with musician 

Martyn LeNoble in 

a small ceremony. 

The couple has 

a two-year-old 

daughter Sadie. A 

representative told 

People magazine 

that they tied the 

knot “surrounded by 

family in a private 

ceremony at their 

home here”. 

Applegate and 

LeNoble have been dating for over four years and got engaged 

on Valentine’s Day in 2010. Applegate made her TV 

debut with her mother in the soap opera Days of Our Lives 

and a commercial for Playtex baby bottles at three and five 

months respectively. Her first big screen appearance followed 

at age seven when she was seen in the 1979 film, 

Jaws of Satan, followed by 1981’s Beatlemania. 

Hypnotherapy helped Dido 

SINGER Dido 

says she had to 

undergo hypnotherapy 

to get rid of the fear of 

singing on stage. 

The 41-year-old, 

who has sung songs 

like Here with me, 

Thank you and White 

flag had reached a 

point in life where it 

was becoming difficult 

for her to sing, reports 

contactmusic.com. 

“I went to hypnotherapy 

for stage fright 

years ago and it completely worked. I always get nervous, 

but it was getting to the point where it would mess with my 

singing,” Dido said. “My mum said that if you stop getting 

nervous you stop caring but there’s nerves and there’s complete 

meltdown,” she added. Dido attained international 

success with her debut album No Angel. The album sold 

over 21 million copies worldwide and won several awards 

including the MTV Europe Music Award for Best New Act, 

two NRJ Awards for Best New Act and Best Album, and 

two Brit Awards for Best British Female and Best Album. 

Printers and Publishers 

Oman Establishment 

for Press, Publication 

and Advertising

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