Employment access points Queen Beatrix arrives today

THE Ministry of Manpower has set up points of access to re- QUEEN Beatrix of the Netherlands will arrive in the Sultanate
ceive citizens who wish to apply for new jobs or update their today on a two-day private visit during which she will meet
data at the ministry’s register. „ Details on page 2 with His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. „ Details on page 2

6OLªª.OªªsªªBAISAS Tuesday, March 8, 2011/Rabee al Thani 3, 1432 AH www.omanobserver.om sªeditor@omanobserver.om

His Majesty issues eight Royal Decrees

MAJOR CABINET
RESTRUCTURE
z 10 new faces z Economy ministry abolished
z Agriculture and Fisheries ministries merged
MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos has
issued eight Royal Decrees.
Royal Decree No 31/ 2011 restructures the
Council of Ministers.
Article 1 states that the Council of Minis-
ters shall be restructured under the Chairman-
ship of His Majesty the Sultan as follows:
His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmood al
Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council
of Ministers; His Highness Sayyid Haitham
bin Tareq al Said, Minister of Heritage and
Culture; Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud al
Busaidy, Minister of the Diwan of the Royal
Court; Lt Gen Sultan bin Mohammed al Num-
ani, Minister of the Royal Office; Sayyid Badr
bin Saud bin Hareb al Busaidy, Minister Re-
sponsible for Defence Affairs; Sayyid Hamoud
bin Faisal bin Said al Busaidy, Minister of
Interior; Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdallah, Min-
ister Responsible for Foreign Affairs; Shaikh
Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Zaher al Hinai,
Minister of Justice; Darwish bin Ismaeel bin
Ali al Balushi, Minister Responsible for Finan-
cial Affairs; Shaikh Abdullah bin Mohammed
bin Abdullah al Salmy, Minister of Awqaf and
Religious Affairs; Dr Mohammed bin Hamad
bin Saif al Rumhy, Minister of Oil and Gas;
Hamad bin Mohammed bin Mohsin al Rashdi,
Minister of Information; Dr Rawya bint Saud
bin Ahmed al Busaidiya, Minister of Higher
Education; Ali bin Masoud bin Ali al Sunaidy,
Minister of Sports Affairs; Shaikh Moham-
med bin Marhoon bin Ali al Maamari, State
Minister and Governor of Dhofar; Shaikh Saif
bin Mohammed bin Saif al Shabibi, Minister
of Housing; Shaikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin
Abdullah al Bakri, Minister of Manpower; Dr
Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Obaid al Saeedi,
Minister of Health; Dr Madeeha bint Ahmed
bin Nassir al Shibaniyah, Minister of Educa-
tion; Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed al
Shuhi, Minister of Regional Municipalities
and Water Resources; Dr Ahmed bin Moham-
med bin Salim al Futaisi, Minister of Transport
and Communications; Shaikh Khalid bin Omar
bin Said al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Serv-
ice; Shaikh Saad bin Mohammed bin Said al
Mardhouf al Saadi, Minister of Commerce and
Industry; Sayyid Saud bin Hilal bin Hamad al
Busaidy, State Minister and Governor of Mus-
cat; Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Said al
Saeedi, Minister of Legal Affairs; Shaikh Ab-
dulmalik bin Abdullah bin Ali al Khalili, Min-
ister of Tourism; Dr Fuad bin Jaafar bin Mo-
hammed al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture
and Fisheries; Mohammed bin Salim bin Said
al Toobi, Minister of Environment and Climate
Affairs; Shaikh Mohammed bin Said bin Saif
al Kalbani, Minister of Social Development;
Royal Decree No 32/ 2011 appoints Shaikh
Al Fadhl bin Mohammed bin Ahmed al Harthy
as Secretary-General of the Council of Minis-
ters.
Royal Decree No 33/ 2011 appoints Shaikh
Nassir bin Hilal bin Nassir al Maawali as
Chairman of the State Audit and Administra-
tive Institution with the rank of minister.
Royal Decree No 34/2011 appoints Dr
Rasheed bin al Safi bin Khamis al Huraibi as
Chairman of the Tender Board with rank of
minister.
Royal Decree No 35/2011 appoints Mohsen
bin Mohammed bin Ali al Shaikh as Adviser at
the Diwan of the Royal Court with the rank of
minister.
Royal Decree No 36/2011 appoints Dr Ab-
dulmalik bin Abdullah bin Zahir al Hinai as
Adviser at the Finance Ministry with his exist-
ing rank and financial allocations.
Royal Decree No 37/2011 appoints under-
secretaries for the Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries.
Article 1 appoints Dr Hamad bin Said bin
Sulaiman al Aufi as Under-Secretary of the Min-
istry of Agriculture and Fisheries for Fisheries.
Article 2 appoints Dr Ishaq bin Ahmed bin
Mohammed al Ruqaishi as Under-Secretary of
the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for
Agriculture.
Royal Decree No 38/2011 cancels the Min-
istry of National Economy and states that a
committee shall be formed by the Council of
Ministers to manage the distribution of its pre-
rogatives, allocations, assets and employees.
The decrees took effect yesterday. — ONA
„ See also page 2

Many villages to get Large turnout of job seekers Oman-US Business

supply of electricity
MUSCAT — The Tender
Board yesterday awarded
tenders worth RO 12 mil-
lion. The new projects are:
technical preparations for
radio transmission stations
in Barka, Bidiya and Bahla
(RO 6,160,597); power sup-
ply to Najd, Baheer villages in
Bahla, Al Shaar in Adam, Jabal
al Sarah in Ibri and Al Saleel,
Maaresh and Marjabah in Izki
(RO 1,210,000); power supply
to Al Jarwalah in Ibra, Al Re-
hab, Al Eisi, Al Saleel, Khab
al Khais, Al Qaleet, Alka, We-
sal, Al Jar, Hail Braik and Al
Jabatian in Dima Wal Taeyyin
in the Sharqiyah Region (RO
1,053,360); power supply
Wadi al Lubaidaa in Ja'alan
Bani Bu Ali (RO 965,402);
power supply to Al Qalea, Al
Council established
Haliyah, Wadi al Khashkhash, "Yª"ADERªALª+IYUMI sible for Financial Affairs.
Jaiba, Dima, Faqarah and Al The forum aims at devel-
Zabai villages in Ja'alan Bani MUSCAT — The Oman oping trade relations introduc-
Bu Ali (RO 578,600); power Chamber of Commerce and ing investment opportunities
supply to Al Saifani, Mati, Industry (OCCI), signed an in the Sultanate and opening
Al Jamha, Qaran, Dhoha, Al agreement with the National new market for Omani ex-
Jailah, Al Theqab villages US Arab Chamber of Com- ports.
in Sur (RO 524,607); ad- merce to establish the Oman- Khalil bin Abdullah al
ditional works for the provi- American Joint Business Khonji, Chairman of OCCI,
sion of consultancy services Council. said in his speech that the fo-
for preparing technical speci- The council will pay regu- rum which is being held here
fications for express ferries lar attention for strengthening in co-operation with the local
and coast guard boats (RO co-operation and partnership and American partners, aims
522,060); supply of surgical in trade, industry and ex- at developing the trade and
materials for Royal Hospital changing experts and modern investment relations through
(RO 446,713); power supply technologies. private sector contributions
to Hail al Hlabi, Haloot, Al The signing agreement and to strengthen joint invest-
Walaja, Al Jareef, Al Areesa took place during the inaugu- ments under the legal environ-
villages in Sur (RO 392,920); ration ceremony of the open- ment provided by the bilateral
supply, installation, integra- ing of the Oman-US Econom- trade agreements.
tion, testing and operating of ic Forum which was presided "Several opportunities are
control and external warning over by Darwish bin Ismaeel available that are given priori-
system „ To page 2 al Balushi, Minister Respon- ties „ To page 2

Fish demand to be met
"Yª3ALIHªALª!ZRIª
MUSCAT — The decision by
the Fisheries Ministry ban-
ning export of five kinds of
fish: sirius, grouper, kingfish,
sal and sahwa,went into effect
on March 1.
Dr Hamad bin Said al
Aufi, Fisheries Under-Secre-
tary at the Ministry of Agri-
culture and Fisheries, said the
decision regulates the export
of some kinds of fish that are
on high demand in the local
market.
In an interview with Oman
Arabic daily, Al Aufi pointed
out that the studies conducted
over the last two years showed
a surge in the prices of fish in
the local market „ To page 4
"Yª+ABEERª9OUSUFªANDª
3OUDªALª'HANBOOSI
MUSCAT — In the wake of the recent
announcements inviting Omani youths to
enrol their names for jobs in the govern-
ment sector, the Office of the Diwan of
the Royal Court in Al Khuwair received a
large number of applications yesterday.
As many as 500 to 1,000 Omani
youngsters have registered at the Diwan
office in the past two days, according to
an official.
These candidates will be assigned to
various jobs across various sectors under
the Diwan.
Musab bin Salem al Mukhbali, an as-
pirant teenager from the Sidab village,
said that it was a great move for young-
sters like him. “I’m so excited that I stand
better chances to get a government job if
I register with the Office of the Diwan.
A number of my friends are also in the
queue to register their names for such
jobs”
Meanwhile, a number of other private
companies and public entities have come
forward with plans to absorb more Omani
staff.
The Association of Contractors has an-
5 bidders for Sur IPP
nounced that it will increase the number MUSCAT — The race for a licence to build a huge Independent
of Omani employees to 100,000 in the Power Project (IPP) at Sur, on the Sultanate’s Sharqiyah coast,
has whittled down to five bidders. AES Oasis Energy, one of
next two years. The minimum wages of
RO 200 has been implemented in the six energy firms prequalified to bid for the licence, opted out of
company since last week, according to the contest, leaving fellow contenders Marubeni Corporation
company officials. (Japan), Siemens LLC, Sembcorp Utilities, Enka (Turkey) and
Mashhoor Dawood al Osfour, Vice- Mitsui & Co in the fray. „ Details on page 21
President of the Board of Directors of
Contractors Association of Oman, said
that it played a crucial role in responding Ramadhan quiz winners’ list on P3
to citizens’ requests. „ To page 4

Ready to take up
any challenge
MUSCAT — Omani workforce is
ready to take up any challenge and
this is proved with the hard work of
an entrepreneur who established his
own oil and gas company by dint of
hard work and clear vision. Oilfield
services company Midwest is the re-
sult of the concerted effort of a young
Omani.
The company does not only meet
international standards, it has the cred-
it of being the only Omani company in
the sector when started in 2001.
In such companies the Omani
workers get training and qualify to
join the international job market.
Since the workers have exposure to
international standards while working
in Oman, they have a chance to get the
best possible training in the sector.
— Features
 2
OMAN
OMAN DAILY Observer
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011

GCC foreign ministers review

regional, global developments

SOME OF THE NEW MINISTERS: Shaikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al Khalili, Minister of Tourism; Dr Fuad bin Jaafar al Sajwani,
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries; Mohammed bin Salim al Toobi, Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs and
Shaikh Mohammed bin Said al Kalbani, Minister of Social Development.

Queen Beatrix visits Ministry of Manpower opens

Sultanate today
MUSCAT — Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands will arrive in
employment access points
the Sultanate today on a two-day private visit during which she MUSCAT — The Ministry namely at the premises of Other points of access
will meet with His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. of Manpower has set up the Omani Women’s As- for the reception of job- YUSUF bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, addresses
The queen will be received upon her arrival by His High- points of access to receive sociation, Al Turaif and Al seekers are set up in differ- journalists before a meeting of the GCC Foreign ministers in Abu Dhabi yesterday.
ness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmood al Said, Deputy Prime Minis- citizens who wish to ap- Multaqa. ent parts of the Sultanate,
ter for the Council of Ministers, His Highness Sayyid Haitham ABU DHABI — Foreign Ministers of GCC cussed ways to enhance the joint GCC march
ply for new jobs or update There are also other said Al Mzeidi, adding that states held their 118th session here yesterday and issues of common concern in political,
bin Tareq al Said, Minister of Heritage and Culture, Dr Omar their data at the ministry’s points of access in the Ba- the centres will continue to
bin Abdulmunim al Zawawi, Special Adviser to His Majesty under the chairmanship of Shaikh Abdullah legal, humanitarian, environmental and eco-
register. tinah region located at the operate in day and evening bin Zayed al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of the nomic spheres.
the Sultan for External Liaison, and Dr Rawya bint Saud al Said bin Salim al Mzei- ministry’s departments in shifts and that the min-
Busaidiya, Minister of Higher Education. United Arab Emirates. The meeting also touched on ‘strategic dia-
di, Adviser of the Minister Barka, Al Suwaiq, the of- istry is willing to provide
Queen Beatrix will be accompanied during the visit by a The Sultanate’s delegation was headed by logue’ between GCC states and other econom-
of Manpower for Legal fice of the Wali of Al Kha- the staff with computers to
delegation comprising Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange, Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdallah, Minister Re- ic blocks, as well as the latest developments
Affairs, said that four of bourah and Shinas Voca- process the applications the
other high-ranking personnel and the Dutch ambassador to the sponsible for Foreign Affairs. in the regional and international arenas.
the centres are in Sohar, tional Training Centre. soonest. — ONA
Sultanate. — ONA The ministers, in a closed-door session, dis- — ONA

Shooting contest winners

MUSCAT — Dr Ahmed bin
Mohammed al Saeedi, Min-
ister of Health, was the chief
guest at the final stage of the
Annual Light Arms Shooting
Competition 2011 held here
yesterday. The event was at-
tended by Lt Gen Ahmed bin
Harith al Nabhani, Chief of
Staff of the Sultan’s Armed
Forces and Chairman of the
Omani Shooting Association.
The top winners were:
Second Lieutenant Salim bin
Hamad al Hinai of the Royal
Oman Police (the Sultan’s
Medal for Best Gun Marks-
man); Second Warrant Of-
“Retreat”); Second Warrant
Officer Ahmed bin Abdullah
al Ghassani from Royal Army
of Oman (individual pistol
shooting); Captain Mussalam
bin Abdullah al Subhi from
the Royal Army of Oman
(gun shooting at the level of
lieutenants) and Corporal Sal-
mah bint Said al Miqbaliyah
(female pistol shooting).
For the team gun shooting
competition for progress and
retreat, the team of the Royal
Army of Oman came first
while the team of the Royal
Guard of Oman (RGO) came
second.

Oman, Mauritania seek ficer Ahmed bin Abdullah al

to boost trade relations
MUSCAT — Ahmed bin Has-
san al Dheeb, Commerce and
Industry Ministry's Under-
Secretary for Commerce and
Industry, and Dr Sidi Ould
Bebaha, Economic Affairs
and Development Minister
and Governor of the Islamic
Development Bank of Mau-
ritania, yesterday discussed
enhancing trade relations and
economic co-operation.
They also reviewed
projects to develop small and
medium enterprises and fa-
miliarised with mechanisms
and needs to develop such
enterprises. — ONA
Ghaisani from Royal Army
of Oman (the Sultan Qaboos
medal for Best Pistol Shoot-
er); Warrant Officer Ahmed
bin Abdullah al Ghassani
from Royal Army of Oman
(individual gun shooting com-
petition named “Progress”);
Staff sergeant Mohammed bin
Abdullah al Khatri from Royal
Army of Oman ( the individu-
al gun shooting event named
For the team pistol shoot-
ing competition on the level
of individuals, the team of
Oman-US Economic Forum established
the Royal Army of Oman
came first while the team of
the Royal Air Force of Oman
came second.
From page 1
in the developmental plans of both countries,"
ties. The discussions will also cover the impor-
tance of exchanging information on economic
For the pistol shooting sectors to attract more American investors and
Al Khonji added. to increase the volume of trade exchanges.
competition on the level of
lieutenants, the team of the The gathering concentrates on the signifi- The necessity of further activating the
Royal Army of Oman came cane of making appropriate environment for roles of Chambers and Federations of Com-
first while the team of the Roy- investment and promoting Oman as a wealthy merce and Industry will also come up for dis-
al Oman Police came second. destination of successful investment opportuni- cussion, he noted.

Power supply
to villages
From page 1
for Omantel (340,112);
and additional works for
the construction of ex-
ternal exhibitions for
2008, 2009 and 2010 (RO
175,966).
The board also opened
bids for the following ten-
ders: Tender No 281/2010
for construction of a pow-
er plant in Sur; Tender No
353,2010 for construction
of stores for the Public
Authority for Stores and
Food Reserves in Al Ka-
mil Wal Wafi; Tender No
367/2010 for construction
of stores for the Public
Authority for Stores and
Food Reserves in Barka;
Tender No 368/2010 for
SCADA project in South-
ern Al Batinah, Dakhiliyah
and Sharqiyah Regions
(second stage); Tender No
378/2010 for provision of
consultancy services for
Nizwa/Thumrait (Adam-
Thumrait) dual carriage-
way projects; Tender No
7/2011 for assessment of
mineral and mining sector;
Tender No 9/2011 for op-
eration and maintenance
of water transport system
in Southern Al Batinah
and its associated works;
Tender No 25/2011
for washing of insula-
tors for power lines and
plants (220 and 132 KV)
for Oman Electricity
Transmission company;
Tender No 26/2011 for
annual mainte-
nance of roads in the
Northern Sharqiyah
Region; Tender No 29/2011
for annual maintenance
of roads in the Southern
Batinah Region. — ONA
 3
OMAN
OMAN DAILY Observer
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011

BankMuscat gets Emeafinance award
MUSCAT — BankMuscat was
honoured as the Best Bank in
Oman, for the third year run-
ning, and the Best Asset Man-
ager and Broker in Oman, for
the second year running, at the
recent Emeafinance Middle
East Banking awards ceremo-
ny. The awards highlighted
BankMuscat’s performance
excellence and strategic initia-
tives.
Ali Said Ali, AGM – As-
set Management and Private
Banking, who received the
Best Bank award on behalf of
the bank, said: “BankMuscat is
focused on strategic initiatives
that help sustain its growth
trajectory. We are delighted to
note that all our efforts are be-
ing noticed and acknowledged
as well with the bank receiv-
ing almost all the prestigious
foreign, regional and local
awards and accolades. Con-
sistently winning prestigious
global awards helps Bank-
Muscat to further raise the bar
on performance. Year on year,
the bank adopts new initiatives
to stretch its operational excel-
lence.”
The Emeafinance award
in recognition of excellence
in banking across the Middle
East region was presented at
a ceremony in Dubai attended
by senior bankers.
Ali Mustafa, Deputy
Head — Brokerage, who re-
ceived the Best Asset Man-
ager and Broker in Oman
award, said: “BankMuscat
enjoys proven expertise in
asset management and stock
broking services. The bank’s
performance has been lauded
by the global banking com-
munity for several years and
we are delighted to receive
yet another endorsement from
Emeafinance. A keen percep-
tion of customer requirements
enables the bank to remain fo-
cused on developing products
and services in line with the
current and emerging needs.”
BankMuscat Asset Man-
agement Department (AMD)
is one of the largest fund man-
agers in the region. With a
SQU seeks research ties with Japan
track record of 15 years and
approximately $906 million
assets under management,
BankMuscat AMD enjoys a
dominant position in the as-
set management business in
Oman.
BankMuscat Asset Man-
agement manages mutual
funds investing in Oman
(BankMuscat Muscat Fund,
with returns of 7.44 per cent in
2010), Kuwait (BankMuscat
MSCI® Kuwait Fund, with
returns of 26.42 per cent in
2010), and India (BankMus-
cat India Growth Fund, with
returns of 22.40 per cent in
2010), as well as structured
products, hedge funds, private
equity funds and a real estate
fund investing in Oman. The
division offers discretionary
portfolio management service MUSCAT — Dr Ali bin Saud al Bimani, Vice Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University,
to suit varied clients, including yesterday received Tadatsuna Koda, Adviser of Japan Petroleum Exploration Compa-
pension funds, global funds, ny, JAPEX, and former ambassador of Japan to the Sultanate of Oman.
high net worth individuals, They discussed the possibilities of further strengthening research collaboration be-
corporations and other enti- tween SQU and Japanese organisations in water desalination, water treatment, solar
ties. energy and fisheries.

Muscat Broadband Summit debates strategies for future
By A Staff Reporter
MUSCAT — Telecommuni-
cations professionals from the
across the Middle East and
North Africa met in Muscat
yesterday to discuss the future
of Broadband at a Summit
organised by the SAMENA
Telecommunications Coun-
cil under the auspices of Dr
Mohammad Ali al Wohaibi,
Under-Secretary for Commu-
nications at the Ministry of
Transport and Communica-
tions.
Delegates at the summit
were addressed by Omantel
Chief Executive Dr Amer al
Rawas, SAMENA Telecom-
munications Council Chief
Executive Thomas Wilson and
by Stewart White, the MESA
Head of Telecoms at KPMG.
Omantel was the Diamond
Sponsor of the event, assum-
ing a key role to ensure it suc-
cess.
The keynote speeches and
debates covered a broad spec-
trum of issues including the
demand for Broadband, alter-
native technologies for Broad-
band Access, the need for
investments in the fixed and
mobile areas, the critical role
of regulations to stimulate in-
vestments and the importance
of building effective Public
Private Partnerships for broad-
band growth.
In his opening speech,
Dr Mohammed al Wohaibi
highlighted the importance
of developing public private
partnership to build the next
generation national broadband
networks as these networks
are recognised to be a prereq-
uisite for economic and social
mit, SAMENA Telecom-
munications Council Chief
Executive Thomas said: “We
are delighted to be organising
such a major event in Oman
which is increasingly becom-
ing a major regional hub for
the telecommunications in-
dustry thanks to its excellent
geographic position and the
leadership role played by Om-
Dr Mohammed al Wohaibi and Dr Amer al Rawas antel in introducing modern
and highly sophisticated tel-
development. Dr Al Wohaibi (OTTP) and what may in the
further commented that for future constitute opportunities ecommunications technology
many countries building a next for these to take part in fund- to the nation.
generation national broadband ing investments. “Broadband technology —
networks constitute the single The one-day summit held both fixed and mobile — is
largest infrastructure invest- at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah one of the fastest growing in
ment. Resort and Spa attracted pro- the region and we have seen
Dr Amer Awadh al Rawas fessionals from the private and extremely rapid growth across
highlighted in his speech the public telecommunications the SAMENA region in recent
opportunities and challenges sector from across South Asia, years. That is why our con-
faced by the operators across the Middle East and North Af- ference is timely to discuss
the region due to the arrival rica. and debate key issues that af-
of the over the top providers Commenting on the sum- fect its development so that
we can share knowledge and
best practice to help ensure
the continued healthy growth
and expansion of broadband
technology to individuals and
the corporate and Government
sectors.”
The summit represented
an excellent opportunity for
companies to exchange infor-
mation and experience in the
area of broadband technology
that is becoming increasingly
important both to individuals
and the business sector in the
Sultanate and the wider SA-
MENA region.
As a diamond sponsor of
the summit, Omantel recog-
nises the crucial importance
of broadband access — both
fixed and mobile — to the fu-
ture prosperity of Oman and
the well being of individuals
and businesses.
Ramadhan Quiz winners, prizes
1st Prize Abdullah Ibrahim Hussain
RO 350 Cash; RO 200 Coupons - Best Gulf; RO 200 Coupons - Al Amana;
RO 100 Coupons - Lulu; RO 100 Coupons - Khimji Mega Store; RO 100
Coupons - McDonald; Air Conditioner - Muscat Electronics; Dehumidifier-
Muscat Electronics
2nd Prize Hamed Mahmood
RO 200 Cash; RO 200 Coupons - Best Gulf; RO 200 Coupons - Al Amana;
RO 100 Coupons - Lulu; RO 100 Coupons - Khimji Mega Store; RO 100
Coupons - McDonald; Air Conditioner - Muscat Electronics; Dehumidifier-
Muscat Electronics
3rd Prize Fiyadh Abdullah al Raisi
RO 200 Coupons - Best Gulf; RO 150 Cash; RO 100 Coupons - Lulu;
RO 100 Coupons - Khimji Mega Store; RO 100 Coupons - McDonald;
Dehumidifier- Muscat Electronics; Air Conditioner - Muscat Electronics
4th Prize Parah Ibrahim Mahrab
RO 200 Coupons - Al Amana; RO 100 Coupons - Lulu; RO 100 Coupons -
Khimji Mega Store; RO 50 Coupons - McDonald; Air Conditioner - Muscat
Electronics
5th Prize Irfan Meo
RO 200 Coupons - Best Gulf; RO 100 Coupons - Lulu; RO 100 Coupons -
Khimji Mega Store; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald; Dehumidifier - Muscat
Electronics
6th Prize Hani Hamed Said
RO 200 Coupons - Al Amana; RO 100 Coupons - Lulu; RO 50 Coupons -
Khimji Mega Store; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald; RO 50 Coupons - Muscat
Electronics

Omar al Hashmi signs 7th Prize Mossa Mohsin Mossa

RO 200 Coupons - Al Amana; RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 50 Coupons -
Khimji Mega Store; RO 50 Coupons - Muscat Electronics; RO 25 Coupons-
McDonald

pact with UK’s Quist 8th Prize Mahmood Salim al Sulimi

By Kabeer Yousuf
MUSCAT — Omar al Hashmi
Legal Consultancy Bureau
signed a mutual agreement
with the representatives of
UK’s Quist Solicitors yester-
day.
Under this agreement, any
Omani legal suit against any
British citizen or entity in the
United Kingdom’s jurisdiction
can be taken care by Omar al
Hashmi and vice versa.
Until such an arrangement
came into force, the options in
BARKA — The first stage of a four-day round of annual camel races, organised by Oman front of a plaintiff was either to
Camel Racing Association, began here yesterday under the auspices of Shaikh Ali bin approach the department con-
Sultan al Mubaihsi, Deputy Chairman of Oman Camel Racing Association. Camel riders cerned at the British embassy
from all over the Sultanate took part in the first day’s 15 races. — ONA in Muscat or to be present in
the UK in person.
With this arrangement, a
lot of time, energy and money
can be saved, according to
Omar Salim al Hashmi, law-
yer and legal adviser at the
first party’s office.
“This is our second ar-
rangement after the one which
we made with a French legal
firm. With such an arrange-
ment, Omani nationals who
have a legal suit against any
British firm or citizen in their
jurisdiction can be put up
through us and any British
person or company who has
a legal transaction with an
Omani company or individual
can be approached through
us. This service will be for all
in the GCC and London and
Wales,” Omar Salim said.
“This is a partnership
arrangement and we have
pooled in our respective re-
sources in such a way that
we bring in our vast experi-
ence from England and Wales
to the Sultanate. Together,
we can offer our service to
companies and individuals
throughout the Middle East,”
said Akhtar Raja, Principal,
Quist Solicitors, Oman.
Prof Dr Sulaiman Badry al
Nassry, legal adviser/private
law, Abbas Mahamood Jas-
sim, legal adviser, and Osama
al Hashmi, General Manager
from the Omar al Hashmi
were also present at the sign-
ing ceremony.
RO 200 Coupons - Best Gulf; RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 50 Coupons -
Khimji Mega Store; RO 50 Coupons - Muscat Electronics; RO 25 Coupons-
McDonald
9th Prize Fatma Mustafa
RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 50 Coupons - Khimji Mega Store; RO 50
Coupons - Muscat Electronics; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald
10th Prize Nafiz Jamal
RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 50 Coupons - Khimji Mega Store; RO 50
Coupons - Muscat Electronics; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald
11th Prize Mishal S al Mayani
RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 50 Coupons - Khimji Mega Store; RO 50
Coupons - Muscat Electronics; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald
12th Prize Jiyad T
RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 50 Coupons - Khimji Mega Store; RO 50
Coupons - Muscat Electronics; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald
13th Prize Sam Said Salim
RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 50 Coupons - Khimji Mega Store; RO 50
Coupons - Muscat Electronics; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald
14th Prize Maryam al Balushi
RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 50 Coupons - Khimji Mega Store; RO 50
Coupons - Muscat Electronics; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald

15th Prize Zubaida al Habsi

Workshop reviews trends in fire RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 50 Coupons - Khimji Mega Store; RO 50
Coupons - Muscat Electronics; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald

safety engineering, management 16th Prize Desly Douza

MUSCAT — The opening ceremony of the Inter-
national Workshop on Fire Safety Engineering and
Management, organised by the Civil and Archi-
tectural Engineering Department in the College of
Engineering at SQU, in collaboration with the Civ-
il Defence Unit of Royal Oman Police, was held
yesterday under the auspices of Ahmed bin Sulei-
man al Maimani, Under-Secretary for Administra-
tive and Financial Affairs and Regional Affairs at
the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Dr Ali bin Salem al Harthy, Dean of the Col-
lege of Engineering, said that the value of fire
safety engineering is growing and it is consid-
RO 100 Coupons - Lulu; RO 50 Coupons - Khimji Mega Store
17th Prize Fatma al Barwani
RO 100 Coupons - Lulu; RO 50 Coupons - Khimji Mega Store
ered as separate discipline in academic institu-
tions as protection of people and their environ- 18th Prize Zubaida Moosa al Raisi
ments from the destructive effects of fire and RO 100 Coupons - Lulu; RO 50 Coupons - Khimji Mega Store
smoke is an matter of high importance.
He hoped that the workshop would pave 19th Prize Amor Hassan
way for more interaction among policy mak- RO 100 Coupons - Lulu; RO 50 Coupons - Khimji Mega Store
ers, practising engineers, faculty members and 20th Prize Shinu Zubair
students about the latest developments in fire
RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 50 Coupons - Khimji Mega Store
safety engineering and management. The au-
dience, later listened to the address of Dougal 21st Prize Sameer Said
Drysdale from the BRE Centre for Fire Safety RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald
Engineering at the School of Engineering, the
University of Edinburgh. 22nd Prize Badar Abdullah Mohammed
RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald

23rd Prize Marwa Mahmood

SQU College of Nursing holds first alumni meet RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald

24th Prize Jameela al Balushi

MUSCAT — The first alumni meet of the Col-
lege of Nursing at Sultan Qaboos University was
held at Grand Hyatt Muscat yesterday. The event
was historical as it is the first formal meeting ex-
clusively planned for the graduates of College of
Nursing.
Prof Bazdawi Mohammed Said al Riyami,
Dean, College of Nursing welcomed the gathering.
He gave an overview of the significance of alumni
association and emphasised that alumni associa-
tion is a means of connecting the college with the
graduates of different generations as their experi-
ences are valuable in building up the curriculum.
Dr Raghda Shukri, Expert, College of Nursing
spoke about the history of Nursing Programme
and the origin of alumni association, way back
in 2007. Dr Raghda led the audience to walk
through the memory lane of the initiation of bac-
calaureate nursing education, graduation of the
first batch in 2007 and other significant events.
She encouraged the students to be in touch with
the alma mater always.
The highlight of the event was the presenta-
tion on Empowerment of Nursing Alumni by Prof
Marianne Hattar-Pollara, Consultant from USA
for International accreditation of the College of
Nursing. She appreciated the efforts put in for
establishing the foundation for alumni associa-
tion. She said that alumni association is a critical
building block for the future of nursing in Oman.
She threaded the important aspects of an alumni RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald
association such as purpose, requirement, leader-
25th Prize Rosanna Mehdonsa
ship, types of meetings, significance of follow up
meetings and calendar of events of projected ac- RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald
tivities. Another salient feature of the day’s event 26th Prize Allan Anthony Mathias
was the launching of the Nursing Alumni web
RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald
link on the College of Nursing official website.
Suleiman al Sabei, alumnus from cohort 2004, 27th Prize Nooh Jahad al Baushi
was the mastermind behind the website with sup- RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald
port from others. The day’s activity culminated
by the election of new president and board mem- 28th Prize Abdul Rashid A K M
bers. Dr Judith Angelitta Noronha, Assistant RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald
Dean for Training and Community Services, who
is officially responsible for alumni association 29th Prize S P N Meera
acknowledged the significant contribution of all RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald
those involved and extended vote of thanks. The
30th Prize Master Anirudh
event was attended by around 50 graduates and
20 faculty members. RO 50 Coupons - Lulu; RO 25 Coupons - McDonald
 OMAN/THE WORLD 4
OMAN DAILY Observer
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011

Huge turnout
of job seekers
From page 1
“We always respect the
laws of the land and this
move will benefit the citi-
zens in addition to their sal-
ary and will stimulate other
sectors while improving the
ratio of Omanisation”.
He pointed out that the
construction sector employs
half a million workers and
the percentage of Omanis
employed in this sector so far
amounted to 12 per cent and
it is required to increase this
percentage to 30 per cent.
Al Osfour pointed that
Minister of Manpower has
set up a joint committee be-
tween the ministry and the
association, which follows
the absorption of citizens
in the construction sector
and this is one of the most
important goals of the joint
committee.

Regulations target fish availability Symposium

From page 1
due to rise in demand and
slump of supply owing to
competition in regional and
international markets.
He added that the home
market is open to competi-
tion and free trade. Produc-
ers and transporters choose
the market with the highest
profitability. In the past few
months the market saw some
changes that necessitated the
intervention of the ministry to
add new measures regularis-
ing the fish market in order
to orientate part of the fish
production towards the local
market.
“The decision came as
a result of a study lasted for
more than a year conducted
by experts from the Fisheries
Ministry as well as econo-
mists. The participants stud-
ied a number of choices of
which the most suitable was a
ban on export of five kinds of
fish that became effective on
March 1,” Al Aufi said.
Speaking about the deci-
sion, Al Aufi pointed out that
the interests of fishermen and
transporters were taken into
account. Companies with
large production lines which
employ Omani manpower
were also considered to avoid
job loss.
He expected that the deci-
sion will contribute largely to
the provision of these kinds
in the local market especially
in months of scarcity such as
March, April and May. It will
also reduce fish prices. How-
ever, he said the desired tar-
get will not be achieved soon,
because the market needs one
or two weeks to regain equi-
librium.
Al Aufi added: “The min-
istry is currently co-ordinat-
ing with all border centres to
implement the decision. We
have placed supervisors to
monitor the fish shipment.
“The ban excludes treated
fish. Value-added fish and
canned fish are not meant for
local consumers. For instance,
the Dhofar Company for Fish
Industries and the Omani
Fisheries Company own fac-
tories in Al Buraimi for the
production of value added
fish. Shutting these factories
will negatively affect the na-
tional economy”.
Al Aufi said the exporting
companies are being scruti-
nised to ensure that they don’t
put the fishermen under their
mercy. The fish production
should be treated in certain
methods approved by the min-
istry. Exporting certificates
are also issued by the ministry
to avoid any manipulation by
the companies.
He pointed out that the
ministry will set up a directo-
rate-general for fish market-
ing to oversee marketing op-
erations across the Sultanate.
He added that the ministry
has placed employees in local
markets to monitor the proc-
ess of sale and purchase of
fish. A ministerial teamwork
was set up to manage and co-
ordinate the network of fish
markets.
The under-secretary fi-
nally expected co-operation
from fishermen, saying the
decision will be efficient in
case of co-operation between
transporters and companies,
pointing out that fishermen
and the ministry are partners
in providing the required
quantities of fish. The minis-
try, on its turn, provides the
appropriate infrastructure and
equipment. The next period
will see increasing finance,
and the decision will prove
useful to the fishermen.
— Translated by Khalid
al Kush
on kidney
care today
By A Staff Reporter
MUSCAT — In observation
of the World Kidney Day, the
Ministry of Health’s (MoH)
Renal Dialysis Centre will
conduct the 7th ‘Think Kid-
ney’ symposium at the Insti-
tute of Health Sciences today.
The symposium will dis-
cuss the trends in diabetes
over the years and the preven-
tive strategies of this ailment
as well as shed light on cardio-
vascular diseases and chronic
diseases of the kidneys.
Discussion will also focus
on the role of iron in chronic
kidney diseases and the cur-
rent trends in treatment and
management of renal dialysis
using different methods of
treatment as well as the role
of hypertension in relation to
chronic kidney ailments.
Austria won’t send Bosnia
army general to Serbia
VIENNA — Austria will not
extradite to Serbia a former
Bosnian army general arrested
last week on a Serbian warrant
demanding he face war crimes
charges, the foreign ministry
said yesterday.
Austrian police arrested
Jovan Divjak at Vienna airport
on Thursday, triggering pro-
tests in Sarajevo and Vienna at
the weekend.
“According to our inter-
national law experts, an ex-
tradition to Serbia is incon-
ceivable,” Foreign Minister
Michael Spindelegger told the
Kurier newspaper.
A ministry spokesman con-
firmed the comments, which
he described as “a signal to-
wards the people of Bosnia”.
He said extradition requests
had to take into account Aus-
tria’s foreign policy interests,
international law and other
factors.
Spindelegger cancelled a
planned trip to Sarajevo yester-
day due to illness but hoped to
meet his Bosnian counterpart
within days either there or in
Vienna, the spokesman added.
Still popular in Bosnia,
Divjak is one of a group of 19
Bosnian officials charged by
Serbia over an attack on a Yu-
goslav army column in Sara-
jevo early in the 1992-95 war.
Serb prosecutors say 42
Yugoslav soldiers were killed
and 73 wounded in May 1992
when the Bosnian army at-
tacked the convoy after it had
been offered safe passage and
was being escorted out of the
city by UN troops.
Yugoslav army General
Milutin Kukanjac, who had
ordered the withdrawal of
his forces from Sarajevo, has
said that only six people were
killed that day.
The United Nations war
crimes tribunal in The Hague
has dropped the case due to
lack of evidence.
A British court, which last
year arrested Bosnia’s wartime
presidency member Ejup Gan-
ic on the same warrant from
Serbia, released him, saying
the charges were unfounded.
Divjak, an ethnic Serb
who defected from the former
Yugoslav Peoples Army after
it bombed Sarajevo in April
1992 and joined Bosnian
forces, is seen as a hero in
Sarajevo, which Bosnian
Serb forces besieged for 43
months. — Reuters

Kenya’s tourism Winning Estonia PM to keep centre-right coalition

earnings up
NAIROBI — Kenya’s tour-
ism earnings hit a record in
2010, driven by more high-
end visitors and the country
forecast it would rake in
even more this year by in-
creasing marketing and tak-
ing advantage of unrest in
North Africa.
Tourism Minister Na-
jib Balala said the country
would need to spend more
on marketing to promote
its beaches and game safa-
ris, but would also need to
reduce political infighting,
which was souring Kenya’s
image.
The state-run tourist
board has been positioning
Kenya to appeal to high-
spending tourists since 2009
and the industry is among
the top foreign currency
earners for east Africa’s big-
gest economy alongside hor-
ticulture and tea exports.
“We need to market ag-
gressively. If we have the
resources, we shall have 1.4
million passengers by end of
year.”
The sector earned 73.68
billion shillings ($887.1 mil-
lion) in 2010, up 18 per cent
from 62.46 billion shillings
a year earlier, but failed to
hit a 100 billion target.
Last year’s earnings rose
beyond the previous peak of
65.4 billion shillings reached
in 2007, the best year in
the sector’s history, before
post-election violence and a
global economic downturn
dented revenues in 2008.
Balala said that with the
right resources, it was pos-
sible to surpass 2010’s ar-
rival figures. Tourist arrivals
stood at 1.1 million visitors,
short of a 1.2 million target
for the year but up from
952,481 arrivals in 2009.
“Our traditional markets
are down, the markets that
did well are India and Italy,”
Balala said. Traditional mar-
kets for Kenya include the
United Kingdom, Germany
and North America — all
fell due to the lingering ef-
fects of the global financial
crisis.
Piracy by Somalia ban-
dits saw cruise arrivals fall
to 558 last year from 12,096
a year before, as holiday-
makers responded to a rise
in cases of kidnappings. The
World Bank has said Kenya
should revamp its tourism to
diversify beyond the wildlife
safari and beach tourism,
and suggested that facilities
at the coast be renovated.
However, in many cases
the cost of repairs exceeded
the value of the facilities,
thus making it unfeasible to
undertake.
“The main product that is
tired is the beach destination.
We are lacking good quality
products in terms of hotels,”
Balala said. “In terms of the
safari circuit, it is doing very
well. People have invested
in boutique lodges and bou-
tique hotels (mainly catering
for wealthy tourists).”
— Reuters
TALLINN — Estonia’s prime minis-
ter said he aimed to re-form his cur-
rent centre-right coalition after win-
ning an election, taking the credit for
a successful launch of the euro and
pulling the Baltic state out of reces-
sion.
The Reform Party of Prime Min-
ister Andrus Ansip won 33 seats in
Sunday’s election while current jun-
ior coalition partner, Pro Patria and
Res Republica Union, won 23, fig-
ures on the website of the election
commission showed.
That gave a total of 56 seats in the
101-seat house, six more than the par-
ties together won in the last election.
“I prefer to continue with the same
coalition,” Ansip said after the vote.
“Our co-operation was really
fruitful during all those good years,
A LOOTED house of a member of Ivorian pro-Ouattara Rally of Houphouetists
for Democracy and Peace in Abidjan yesterday. — AFP
but also during the difficult times,”
he added.
“...but we all know that coalition
negotiations are always very compli-
cated,” he said.
Ansip said he aimed to keep Esto-
nia on a path of fiscal restraint in the
debt-ridden single currency zone.
Keeping a tight rein on finances
allowed the nation of 1.3 million to
become the 17th euro zone member
in January.
Newspaper Eesti Paeveleht said
in an editorial after the vote it want-
ed “first and foremost real action to
combat unemployment and revitalise
the Estonian economy”.
The Reform Party campaigned
under a slogan of “You can be sure”
and touted its credentials as a good den in the European Union and one
economic manager.
The Centre Party, the main oppo-
sition group, was hit by allegations it
asked for funding from Russia, Esto-
The government had to cut spend-
ing to keep its budget deficit within
euro zone limits to adopt the cur-
nia’s neighbour which is traditionally rency.
regarded with distrust. The party de- Estonia remains one of the poor-
nied the allegations. It came second est countries in the EU, which it en-
with 26 seats. tered in 2004, the same year it joined
Russia has often criticised Esto- Nato.
nia for failing to properly integrate Its fiscal situation is sound — the
its large Russian-speaking minority, European Commission has forecast a
many of whom do not have citizen- total public sector budget deficit of
ship and cannot vote in national elec- 1.6 per cent of output for 2011, in line
tions. Estonia has rejected such criti- with the euro area average.
cism. State debt, forecast at 9.5 per
The centre-left Social Democrats cent of output for this year, will be
came fourth with 19 seats. by far the lowest in the euro zone
Estonia’s economic output and well below the average 86.5 per
dropped 14 per cent during the 2009 cent of gross domestic product. The
Estonia has the lowest debt bur- recession, the third worst in the EU government has pledged to get the
after fellow Baltic states Latvia and budget back in balance by 2014.
of the lowest fiscal deficits. Lithuania. — Reuters
People flee captured I Coast town
ABIDJAN — People were fleeing yesterday said. Toulepleu is a large town near the bor-
from a town captured by forces allied with Alas- der with Liberia and was on the frontline of
sane Ouattara in western Ivory Coast as fresh fighting in 2002 and 2003 between Gbagbo’s
clashes in Abidjan reportedly killed three peo- fighters and rebel forces after a failed uprising
ple in an escalation of a dispute over the presi- against his rule.
dency. The uprising left the country split between
Fighters took control of the town of Toulep- the FN in the north and Gbagbo in the south, a
leu in clashes on Sunday with forces of Laurent divide it had been hoped would be healed by
Gbagbo, who refuses to hand the presidency to the November election.
Alassane Ouattara after losing November elec- But fighting resumed in the region in late
tions in a conflict threatening civil war. February, with Gbagbo’s forces backed by lo-
Locals feared Gbagbo’s forces would cal militia lined up against the FN, sending tens
launch a counter-assault and the pro-Ouattara of thousands of people fleeing into Liberia.
fighters, from a former rebel army called the One local said the capture of Toulepleu was
New Forces (FN), were looting houses, resi- part of an FN strategy to reach the southwest-
dents said by telephone. ern port of San Pedro, a main export point for
“The town is controlled by the FN and has the Ivory Coast’s vital trade in cocoa, of which
been emptied of its residents after heavy fight- it is the world’s top producer.
ing,” one local said. The FN “have in their sites the town of Blole-
“The people have fled the town to hide in kin after Toulepleu, so they can go down towards
the forest,” he said, adding some had gone to San Pedro,” he said on condition of anonymity.
surrounding villages. “Some have taken the di- Residents also feared that FDS forces loyal
rection for Liberia,” he said. to Gbagbo planned a counter-offensive, one
“Our houses have been sacked,” a teacher said. — AFP

Climate change and biofuels threaten food security: FAO

MILAN/ROME — Climate change bringing floods and drought,
growing biofuel demand and national policies to protect domes-
tic markets could drive up global food prices and threaten long-
term food security, the United Nations said.
High and volatile food prices are a growing global concern.
Periods of price volatility are not new to agriculture, but re-
cent price shocks triggered by extreme weather and increasing
use of grains to produce energy have caused great concern, the
UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation said.
“There are fears that price volatility may be increasing,” the
FAO said in its State of Food and Agriculture report.
The growing influence of commodities markets and “coun-
ter-productive ‘beggar-thy-neighbour’ policy responses (to high
prices)...may exacerbate international market volatility and
jeopardise global food security,” it said.
The Rome-based FAO has already warned food-producing
countries against introducing export curbs to protect local mar-
kets as world food prices push further above the levels that trig-
gered deadly riots in 2007/2008.
A declining stock to utilisation ratio for major grain stocks
like wheat and maize is a concern, said Kostas Stamoulis, direc-
tor of Agricultural Development at FAO’s economics unit.
“We worry about this,” Stamoulis said on the sidelines of the
presentation of the report.
“As prices increase, governments and others are trying to re-
duce their stocks to soften the impact of decreased supplies. This
is one of the factors causing high prices ... If there is another sup-
ply shock very soon, like in China for example, then the shock
will happen amidst low stocks.”
Global food prices hit a record high in February, and the FAO
said last week that further oil price spikes and stockpiling by im-
porters keen to head off unrest would hit already volatile cereal
markets.
Food prices are projected to rise over the next decade and
stay at levels on average above those of the past decade, the
agency said yesterday.
Urgent co-ordinated international action was needed to en-
sure security of food supplies, including improvement of market
regulation and transparency as well as of statistics on food com-
modity markets, establishment of emergency stocks and provi-
sion of safety nets, the FAO said.
The number of undernourished people in the world has fallen
to 925 million people last year from an estimated 2009 peak of
1.023 billion, but it remained unacceptably high, the FAO said.
In 2010, 16 per cent of developing countries’ populations
were undernourished, down from 18 per cent in 2009 but still
well above the UN’s Millennium Development Goal to halve
to 10 per cent the share of the hungry between 1990 and 2015,
it said.
The number of hungry people could fall by 100-150 million
people if women farmers were given the same access to produc-
tion and financial resources as men, the agency said. — Reuters

China’s foreign minister denies Japan’s PM hangs on but outlook grim
shift in reporting rules for media
BEIJING — Chinese Foreign Minister
Yang Jiechi yesterday denied that his
government had tightened its rules for
foreign media despite recent restrictions
on reporting anti-government “strolling”
protests.
“China is a country under the rule of
law, and we abide by the law,” Yang told
reporters on the sidelines of the ongoing
annual session of the National People’s
Congress, China’s nominal parliament.
“We have always followed relevant
laws and regulations in managing the
affairs related to foreign journalists in
China,” he said.
He said there were “no such issues”
like assaults on foreign journalists despite
reports that a Bloomberg reporter was at-
tacked while trying to film a protest site
on February 27 on Beijing’s Wangfujing
shopping street.
Yang did not explain his comment
on the Bloomberg reporter, who was as-
saulted by several men in plain clothes the ongoing annual session of China’s
who appeared to be co-operating with the
police.
He urged foreign media not to “make
something out of thin air” when reporting who were trying to report a protest Sun-
in China.
Yang’s comments followed the brief harassment of reporters.
detention of at least 15 foreign journalists
Think tank urges overhaul of Myanmar sanctions
BANGKOK — Two decades of Western
sanctions against Myanmar have failed to
achieve their goal and need to be urgently
overhauled, an influential international
think tank said yesterday.
Myanmar’s first election in 20 years
and move to a new political system, albeit
one dominated by the military, have pro-
vided a rare chance to encourage greater
openness and reform, according to the In-
ternational Crisis Group.
“But this opportunity can only be
seized if the West changes its failed
policies of sanctions and isolation,” the
Brussels-based group said in a report, de-
scribing the punitive measures as “highly
counterproductive”.
“Myanmar is in dire need of social,
economic and political reforms,” it said.
A new approach could also signal to
Myanmar’s authoritarian leaders that bet-
ter relations with the West are possible if
they pursue political reform, the ICG add-
CHINA’S Foreign Minister Yang
Jiechi at a news conference during
parliament, the National People’s
Congress in Beijing yesterday.
day in Shanghai and growing reports of
Public security and Foreign Ministry
ed. It called for a boost to aid money for
the impoverished country along with an
end to broad economic sanctions — such
as a US ban on imports from Myanmar
— as well as restrictions on development
assistance.
The release of democracy icon Aung
San Suu Kyi from house arrest in Novem-
ber after the elections has reignited debate
over the sanctions, enforced notably by
the United States and the EU in response
to human rights abuses.
Suu Kyi’s party in February appealed
for talks with the West about sanctions,
but suggested the steps were not hurting
the economy and said any changes should
be linked to an improvement in human
rights.
Her party has no voice in a newly
opened parliament dominated by the
military and its proxies. It was disbanded
for opting to boycott the November vote
because the rules seemed designed to bar
5
ASIA
OMAN DAILY Observer
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011
TOKYO — Japan’s unpopu- debt and win approval from a than later. He is Japan’s fifth a $1 trillion budget for the
lar Prime Minister Naoto
Kan refused yesterday to step
down after the resignation of
divided parliament to enact a
new budget from April.
“Carrying out the admin-
leader since 2006 and has no
clear successor in sight.
The resignation of Seiji
year from April and keeping
the government from tackling
tax reforms to curb massive
officials have summoned dozens of jour- his foreign minister over a istration’s duty for the four- Maehara, a security hawk public debt, already twice the
nalists in the past week in a bid to impose political funding scandal that year term and then letting and critic of China’s military size of the $5 trillion econo-
tough new reporting rules on them. has added to pressure on him the people decide at the bal- buildup, removes a strong my.
Some foreign journalists said they to quit or call a snap election. lot box is best for the people contender to replace Kan and Kan has made fiscal re-
were threatened with punishment, includ- But it is far from clear how themselves,” he told a parlia- has deepened the impression forms including a rise in the 5
ing revocation of visas, if they continued Kan, if he does manage to mentary session. of a government in disarray, per cent sales tax a priority as
to work in public areas without express cling to office, will be able to “I intend to firmly fulfil my unable to resolve fundamental a way to fund the social costs
permission. resolve the political stalemate duty until that time comes.” problems facing the world’s of a fast ageing society. But
Others have reported visits from the that has left the government But some analysts warned third largest economy. he has failed to get opposition
police or tailing by plain-clothed offic- struggling to implement poli- that Kan’s government may The stalemate is blocking parties to join in talks on the
ers. cies to cut into a huge public well collapse sooner rather passage of bills to implement topic. — Reuters
“At least eight journalists or their
landlords have had phone calls from po-
lice in the past few days, checking their
paperwork and reminding them to fol-
low reporting regulations,” the Foreign
Correspondents’ Club of China said on
Sunday.
Several journalists also reported unau-
thorised access to their e-mail accounts in
recent days, the club said.
Li Honghai, a Beijing municipal for-
eign affairs official, on Sunday said for-
eign reporters must “submit applications
first before reporting in certain downtown
areas” of the city.
Rights groups and officials from Ger-
many, the United States and other nations
have expressed concern over China’s re-
cent treatment of foreign journalists.
— dpa
Suu Kyi from participating.
Supporters of the trade and financial
sanctions say they are the only way to
pressure the military rulers of Myanmar,
where there are about 2,200 political pris-
oners behind bars.
Despite the restrictions on Western
businesses, Asian companies, especially
from China, India, Thailand and South
Korea, have overlooked the political situ-
ation and human rights abuses to invest in
resource-rich Myanmar.
These projects “will transform the
economic landscape in Myanmar, and
will give its neighbours a major stake in
the country’s political stability”, the ICG
said.
“But they will likely do so at signifi-
cant social and environmental cost; and
by further unbalancing external relations,
they could place serious constraints on
how Myanmar can position itself diplo-
matically in the future.” — AFP
 THE WORLD 6
OMAN DAILY Observer
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011

UN atomic body meet Israel PM

discusses Iran, Syria
VIENNA — Iran and Syria
found themselves in the spot-
light yesterday as the UN
nuclear watchdog convened
for its traditional week-long
spring meeting.
The International Atomic
Energy Agengy’s 35-member
board of governors was set to
discuss two new reports show-
ing little or no progress in the
watchdog’s long-running in-
vestigations into Iran’s atomic
programme and allegations of
illicit nuclear activity on the
part of Syria.
IAEA director general
Yukiya Amano was scheduled
to give the opening address to
the closed-door session.
Just 10 days ago, Amano
circulated to the agency’s
member states updated reports
which said that inspectors had
received ‘new information’
about possible military dimen-
sions to Tehran’s programme,
but made scant progress in
their probe against Damascus.
In the run-up to this week’s
meeting, diplomats had sug-
gested that some member
states might seek to table reso-
lutions against both Iran and
Syria, as a way of turning up
the pressure on the two gov-
ernments.
But with countries unde-
cided about how much pres-
sure to apply, diplomats said
any possible action against
Tehran and Syria would now
probably be set back until the
next board meeting in June.
The IAEA has been inves-
tigating Iran’s nuclear pro-
gramme for eight years now,
but has so far been unable to
establish that it is not entirely
peaceful as Iran insists.
Iran is continuing to defy
UN orders to halt uranium en-
richment, the most controver-
sial part of its nuclear drive,
because enriched uranium can
be used both to make nuclear
fuel, as also the fissile mate-
rial for a bomb.
In fact, the IAEA said Iran’s
stockpile of low-enriched ura-
nium in the main branch of its
Natanz uranium enrichment
plant had now reached 3,606
kilogrammes.
Among the many unre-
solved issues about Iran’s
atomic drive are allegations
that Iran was involved in
weaponisation studies —
work which included uranium
conversion, high explosives
testing and the adaptation of
a ballistic missile cone — at
least until 2003.
Iran has dismissed the evi-
dence as “fabricated” and re-
fused to discuss the “alleged
studies” any further.
Nevertheless, “additional
information... has come to the
(agency’s) attention since Au-
gust 2008, including new in-
formation recently received”
that prompted “further con-
cerns,” Amano wrote in his
latest 12-page report.
In his separate report on
Syria, Amano said that Da-
mascus was refusing to coop-
erate on allegations that it had
been building an undeclared
nuclear reactor at a remote
desert site called Dair Alzour
until it was destroyed by Israe-
li planes in September 2007.
Syria granted UN inspec-
tors one-off access to the site
in June 2008.
Amano sent a letter to
Syria’s foreign ministry on
November 18 asking the gov-
ernment to provide the IAEA
with prompt access to relevant
information and locations”
connected to Dair Alzour.
told to bare
peace plan
JERUSALEM — Top Israeli
ministers yesterday urged
Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu to swiftly make
public details of his new
diplomatic initiative in a bid
to end the Jewish state’s in-
creasing isolation.
Over the past week, the
Israeli press has been filled
with reports about Netan-
yahu’s new plan to establish
a Palestinian state within
provisional borders as part
of ‘a long-term interim
agreement’ — details of
which were expected to be
announced during a trip to
Washington in May.
Defence Minister Ehud
Barak yesterday urged
Netanyahu to move faster
“to move Israel out of its
isolation.”
“Such a decision must be
taken in the coming weeks,
not the coming months. A
declaration before the Con-
gress in May would be too
late,” he told public radio.
“The world will not ac-
cept that we continue to rule
over another people after 43
years,” he said in reference
to Israel’s occupation of land
it captured in 1967. — AFP
Germany denies
cameras failed in
recent attack
BERLIN — Frankfurt airport
yesterday denied a media
report that security cameras
malfunctioned in last week’s
attack on US troops that killed
two airmen.
“The cameras here
worked, and the footage re-
corded has been given to the
investigators,” Thomas Uber,
a spokesman for airport oper-
ator Fraport, said, in response
to a report in the Die Welt
daily that they had failed.
Kosovan Arid U, 21, on
Wednesday shot dead the two
airmen and seriously injured
two others after boarding
their military bus, according
to German federal prosecu-
tors.
He then allegedly put his
handgun to a fifth serviceman
but it jammed. Pursued by
this serviceman, he fled into
the terminal building where
he was overpowered and ar-
rested.
Prosecutors said on Friday
that he told investigators the
attack was to avenge what he
saw as atrocities by US troops
in Afghanistan.
There are however no
indications that the alleged
gunman had links to any “in-
ternational terrorist groups,”
prosecutors believe.
Late on Thursday, the US
Air Force identified the dead
servicemen as Senior Airman
Nicholas Alden, 25, of Wil-
liamston, South Carolina, and
Airman First Class Zachary
Cuddeback, 21, of Stanards-
ville, Virginia. FRENCH minister of Employment and health and
Meanwhile, the head of the counterpart Austrian Rudolf Hundstorfer (LtR)
German Police Union, Rainer yesterday prior to an Employment, Social Policy,
Wendt, has called for 2,000 Health and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO) Council at
additional staff to monitor the EU headquarters in Brussels where the
websites. Council was to hold a policy debate on the joint
A month ago German au- employment report before it is adopted. — AFP
thorities had announced that
additional security meas-
ures imposed late last year
in response to indications of
an imminent “terrorist” at-
tack were set to be gradually
scaled back.
The newspaper earlier said
security cameras at Frankfurt
airport malfunctioned in the
deadly attack.
Investigators therefore
have no footage to assist them
in their probe into the attack
at one of Europe’s busiest
airports, the Die Welt daily
quoted an unnamed security
source as saying. — AFP

Hackers break into French

government G20 files
Number of
women MPs
Judge to rule today on BULGARIA’S President Georgi Parvanov (R) is
welcomed by Austrian President Heinz Fischer
for an official visit yesterday in Vienna. — AFP
PARIS — France’s Finance Ministry confirmed yesterday that
its information system, which includes sensitive files on the
country’s Group of 20 (G20) presidency, had been attacked
on the rise
GENEVA — The world as-
delaying Chirac trial
by hackers. Budget Minister Francois Baroin said hackers had sociation of parliaments said PARIS — A Paris judge said public funds while he was of Iraq, has denied any knowl-
mounted a “spectacular” attack on the ministry’s IT system in yesterday that the number of he would rule today whether mayor of Paris in the 1990s. edge of corrupt payments and
December. women in parliaments was to refer the corruption trial The 78-year-old, one of his lawyers accuse magistrates
“What was targeted was the organisation of the G20,” he at a record high, but said that of France’s former president France’s most popular po- of harbouring a hidden politi-
told Europe 1 radio. The dossiers of individual French taxpay- gender parity was still out of Jacques Chirac to constitution- litical figures, was not present cal agenda.
ers had not been targeted, he assured. reach in many countries. al authorities, which could en- for the opening of the trial He has been linked to a
Although it was not yet clear whether files had been cop- At the end of 2010, wom- tail a delay of several months. that will examine whether he series of corruption scandals
ied, Baroin said it was very likely the hackers had stolen in- en made up a fifth of parlia- Presiding judge Dominique misused public money to pay but never convicted. If found
formation. French authorities had unconfirmed “leads” on the mentarians worldwide, up Pauthe adjourned the first day of people working for his politi- guilty, he faces up to 10 years
origin of the attacks, which “probably” came from “outside,” from 16.3 per cent in 2005. hearings in the case — the first cal party. in jail and a fine of 150,000
he said. “It is a small but signifi- ever trial of a French former Chirac enjoyed immunity euros ($210,000) on charges
Paris Match magazine, which broke the story on its website cant gain,” said the Inter- president — while he consid- from prosecution as president including embezzlement and
yesterday, said the hackers tapped into 150 computers between Parliamentary Union in a ers a constitutional request by from 1995 to 2007, but the breach of trust.
December and last week, and copied several documents relat- statement. In 2010, some 43 defendants in the case. case, which has already seen The hearings in Paris are
ing to the G20. chambers of parliaments met A lawyer representing one current Foreign Minister Alain the result of the merging of
The ministry took 12,000 computers offline at the weekend the UN target of including at of Chirac’s co-defendants had Juppe convicted, has finally two separate cases — one be-
in an effort to secure the system. least 30 per cent of women asked the judge to refer to caught up with him. gun by magistrates in the Paris
The G20 is made up of the world’s leading developed and MPs. France’s constitutional court The first day of hearings suburb of Nanterre in 1995,
emerging economies. However, 62 chambers for a ruling on whether the got under way in a packed and another in the capital itself
Last month, G20 finance ministers held talks in France to remained below the 10 per statute of limitations had ex- court in central Paris. The first dating to 1998.
discuss global economic imbalances. — dpa cent mark and 10 chambers pired on some of the charges day was given to procedural The case involves seven
included no women at all. in the case. matters. alleged ghost jobs for which
Berlusconi operated on his Arab states remained at
the bottom of the table, with
Pauthe said the hearings
would resume at 1:30 pm
The case could however
promptly grind to a halt if a
Chirac is charged with con-
flict of interest and 21 other
face for 2009 attack an average of 11.7 per cent
in female representation in
(1230 GMT) today when he
would rule on the request. If
lawyer working for one of
Chirac’s co-defendants suc-
jobs for which he is accused
of embezzlement and abuse
ROME — Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was oper- parliaments. he agrees this could delay the ceeds in getting a procedural of trust.
ated on his face for four hours yesterday under general anaes- Nevertheless, this marked trial for several months. matter referred upwards to Nine other people are go-
thetic to restore his jaw after an attack by a deranged man in progress from 4.3 per cent in Chirac yesterday became France’s constitutional court. ing on trial alongside Chirac, A PALESTINIAN activist holds News Israeli Shekels’
2009, the government said. 1995, thanks to the introduc- the first former French presi- Chirac, best known inter- accused either of having ghost bills marked with stickers reading ‘Free Palestine’
Berlusconi “underwent a maxillofacial operation with bone tion of a quota system in dent to go on trial as the court nationally for his opposition jobs or benefiting from those yesterday in the West Bank city of Ramallah, as part
transplant and implant under general anaesthetic,” his personal some countries. — AFP heard charges he embezzled to the 2003 US-led invasion of town hall employees. of a campaign aimed to peacefully express opposition
doctor Alberto Zangrillo was quoted as saying in a statement to Israel’s occupation. Young Palestinian activists have
released by the government’s press office. found a new medium to protest Israeli occupation:
The prime minister’s operation has forced him to cancel a
scheduled meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lie-
berman planned for today.
Inflation threat real: Trichet Low-income
mobile call
scrawling anti-occupation slogans on the currency
they share with the Jewish state. — AFP
The doctor said Berlusconi, 74, was now recovering at his BASEL, Switzerland — this issue, he stressed. ily higher and back to levels
villa outside Milan and could be back at work for a key cabinet PARIS — The French gov-
Emerging economies are fac- Many robust emerging last seen before the bust in
meeting on Thursday. — AFP ernment and major mobile
ing clear signs of inflationary economies have escaped the 2008.
operators signed yesterday
threat, European Central Bank 2008 global financial cri- On Monday, oil prices
UK mother admits killing chief Jean-Claude Trichet said sis largely unscathed, unlike struck 2.5-year highs.
an agreement to introduce
service plans affordable to
yesterday after a meeting with their Western counterparts, Trichet noted that in the
her three children fellow central bankers. but they now face a danger of medium- to long-term, it is
low-income customers that
would shave around 20 per
LONDON — A mother admitted yesterday that she killed her “We see clearly that there overheating due to low inter- necessary to reduce global cent off call charges.
three children in Edinburgh last year during a custody battle are inflationary threats that est rates and inflows of capi- imbalances in order to cut the The plans should offer at
with her estranged husband. are particularly visible in the tal from depressed Western risk of inflation. least 40 minutes of call time
American Theresa Riggi stabbed her eight-year-old twins emerging economy area,” said economies. “It is very very important plus 40 text messages per
Austin and Luke and their five-year-old sister Cecilia at their Trichet, following the meeting On Saturday, Chinese that ... we could have a pro- month for no more than 10
home. Their bodies were discovered following a suspected gas at the Bank for International Premier Wen Jiabao said that gressive reduction of imbal- euros ($14), according to the
explosion at the house. Settlements. reining in prices is China’s top ances, which is certainly one ministry of industry.
At Edinburgh’s High Court, Riggi, 47, entered a plea of The EU central banker said priority in 2011, with food and of the conditions for the global The plans, which should
guilty to the culpable homicide of her three children on the his counterparts are “all very other commodities all rising economy to be as sustainable be introduced within six
grounds of diminished responsibility, the Press Association re- keen on anchoring inflation- sharply. in the sense of being non- months, was set in order to
ported. She had originally been charged with murder. ary expectations. “There is a Unrest in crucial areas inflationary and being bal- be affordable to those re-
Prosecutors had alleged that Cecilia and the twins, who sense of unity of purpose” on has pushed oil prices stead- anced,” Trichet said. — AFP ceiving social benefits.
were also known as Augustino and Gianluca, were repeatedly
struck on the body with a knife or knives between August 2
and 4 last year. The family had moved to the city from Skene,
Aberdeenshire, following the breakdown of her marriage to
the children’s father, Pasquale Riggi.
Gender equality on farms and food output SPAIN’S King Juan Carlos waits for the arrival of
Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera at El Pardo
Emergency services were called to the modern townhouse ROME — The UN’s Food “We must promote gender on governments, international to the report. palace outside Madrid yesterday. — Reuters
following an explosion on August 4. Riggi was found badly in- and Agriculture Organisation equality and empower women organisations and develop- “Just giving women the
jured after apparently falling from a second-floor balcony and (FAO) called for gender equal- in agriculture to win, sustain- ment agencies to work on gen- same access as men to agricul-
the children’s bodies were discovered inside. — Reuters ity in agriculture yesterday to ably, the fight against hunger der equality. tural resources could increase
increase farm production and and extreme poverty,” Diouf “Agriculture policy has to production on women’s farms
Uzbekistan jails six for reduce the world’s hungry by
at least 100 million.
said on the eve of International
Women’s Day.
be one of gender equality be-
cause women are present in
in developing countries by 20
to 30 per cent,” it said.
trafficking babies “If women in rural areas
had the same access to land,
Women across the world
do not have the same access
every agriculture sector,” she
told reporters.
Women on farms tend to
be lower paid than their male
TASHKENT — An Uzbek court has sentenced six people to technology, financial services, to land or farming resources Bina Agarwal, head of the counterparts. They are also
between seven and 10 years in prison for selling dozens of education and markets as men, as men. For those developing Institute of Economic Growth more likely to be employed in
newborn babies, a pro-government website said yesterday. agricultural production could countries for which data are in New Delhi, said there was seasonal or part-time jobs.
The suspects, who initially included 10 women and two be increased,” FAO said in its available, between three and “a growing concern” world- “We must eliminate all
men, were arrested in 2009 on suspicion of organising the 2010-11 State of Food and Ag- 20 per cent of all landholders wide about the disparity be- forms of discrimination
sale of a four-month-old baby for $3,000, gorizont.uz website riculture report. are women, the report said. tween men and women in ag- against women, ensure that ac-
said. “The number of hungry “Women farmers typi- riculture and called for action cess to resources is more equal
The court hearing “confirmed 70 cases of unlawful child people could be reduced by cally achieve lower yields than to ensure women have access and that agricultural policies
fostering, including four cases in which the babies were taken 100-150 million,” it said. men, not because they are less to land. and programmes are gender- A MEMBER of small nationalist Pentru Patrie party
out of the country,” said the website, which is close to the Uz- FAO Director-General skilled, but because they oper- On average, women make aware,” said Diouf. holds flags during a protest against Romania’s deal
bek law enforcement authorities. Jacques Diouf told a confer- ate smaller farms and use fewer up 43 per cent of the agricul- “We must... make women’s with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in
The report said that six other defendants received suspend- ence in Rome that “gender inputs like fertilisers, improved tural labour force in develop- voices heard in decision-mak- front of the government headquarters in Bucharest
ed sentences. equality is not just a lofty seeds and tools,” said Terri ing countries, ranging from 20 ing at all levels. Women must yesterday. In February, the IMF had agreed to a new
The group was headed by Ikbarkhon Hamidova, 63, who ideal, it is also crucial for agri- Raney, the report’s editor. per cent in Latin America to be seen as equal partners in deal with Romania, under which it would draw on
worked as a lawyer at several maternity hospitals, the report cultural development and food Ann Tutwiller, the FAO’s almost 50 per cent in Asia and sustainable development,” he the 5 billion euro funds only if needed, to replace the
said. — AFP security.” deputy director-general, called sub-Saharan Africa, according added. — AFP current 20 billion euro bailout. — Reuters

US lawmaker to testify at
hearings on radicalisation
WASHINGTON — A US
lawmaker said on Sunday he
would testify at controversial
hearings on radicalisation as
religious leaders blasted the
congressional inquiry.
In the run-up to the hear-
ings, US authorities have
sought to stress their grow-
ing partnerships with Muslim
communities, with a senior
White House official saying
people that ‘being religious is
never un-American.’
In New York's Times
Square, several hundred peo-
ple turned out under heavy
rain to protest the planned
inquiries. “I am a Muslim but
I love this country as much
as any Christian or Jew loves
his country,” Imam Shamsi
Ali, head of the New York Is-
lamic Cultural Center, told the
crowd from a stage draped in a
huge Stars and Stripes.
Participants waved flags
and placards decrying what
protesters said amounted to a
collective attack on Muslims.
“No to Anti-Muslim Bigotry
and War!” one placard read.
Representative Keith El-
lison, the first Muslim elected
to the US Congress, has said
he would appear before the
House of Representatives
Homeland Security Commit-
tee.
Ellison welcomed a con-
gressional investigation into
radicalisation, but said that
focusing on a group was like
looking into organised crime
and talking only about the
Russian community or focus-
ing only on Irish gangs.
“I just think it doesn't make
sense to narrow in on a group
that has been the target of dis-
crimination,” he said. — AFP
AMERICAS 7
OMAN DAILY Observer
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011
Mayor fires 20-yr-old US top court: death row
Mexican police chief inmate can seek DNA tests
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico — A 20-year-old female student
who became the police chief in one of Mexico’s most danger- WASHINGTON — The US under the civil rights law by pressed no opinion on the ul-
Supreme Court yesterday refusing to grant DNA testing timate disposition of Skinner's
ous drug war towns was fired by the mayor yesterday for not
showing up to work after Mexican media reported she received made it easier for convicted of the evidence after his con- lawsuit, Ginsburg said.
death threats. death row inmates to seek new viction. Skinner was convicted
Marisol Valles, a criminology student in Mexico's violent DNA testing, ruling for a Texas In a narrow ruling, Justice and sentenced to death for the
city of Ciudad Juarez, took charge of the police force in the man who argued the forensic Ruth Bader Ginsburg said for 1993 bludgeoning and stran-
neighbouring municipality of Praxedis G Guerrero near El evidence could help clear him the majority that federal courts gling of his girlfriend, Twila
Paso, Texas, in October, sparking intense media attention after of a triple murder. have jurisdiction to hear Skin- Busby, and the stabbing of her
few candidates dared to apply for the dangerous job. The top court ruled by a 6-3 ner's lawsuit seeking DNA two adult sons in the Pampa,
Valles, the mother of an infant son, was due back at her post vote that Texas inmate Henry testing of crime-scene evi- Texas, home they all shared.
this week after taking leave on March 2 to attend to personal Skinner can use a federal civil dence. Skinner claimed he was in-
matters but Ciudad Juarez daily El Diario reported she had rights law to seek access to She said success in the law- capacitated by drink and could
fled Mexico after being threatened by gangs. DNA evidence, rather than a suit would only gain the pris- not have clubbed Busby 14
Officials in Praxedis last week denied she had sought asy- more difficult legal process oner access to DNA evidence, times with an axe handle and
lum in the United States and said they had received no reports that requires him to prove he which may turn out to help stabbed her sons.
of death threats. In a statement, the Praxedis mayor's office had been wrongly convicted. prove innocence, guilt or be He said the murders could
said she had failed to return to work yesterday without giving Skinner argued that Texas inconclusive. have been committed by Bus-
any notice, grounds for her firing. — Reuters authorities violated his rights The court in its ruling ex- by's late uncle.
 8
REGION
OMAN DAILY Observer
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011

LIBYAN dissident fighters take cover as a bomb dropped by an air force fighter jet explodes near a checkpoint on the outskirts of the oil town of Ras Lanuf yesterday. — AFP
Libya plane hits town, over 1m need aid
RAS LANUF, Libya — Government
forces struck at dissidents in Libya’s
east and were reported attacking a
town near Tripoli yesterday as con-
cern grew over civilian suffering and
a growing refugee exodus.
The United Nations said more than
one million people fleeing Libya and
inside the country needed humanitar-
ian aid, and conditions in dissident-
held Misrata town were particularly
worrying following attacks on it by
forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.
Offering a potential olive branch
to dissidents seeking to end Gadd-
afi’s long rule, one of his associates
appealed to opposition chiefs for dia-
logue, in a sign he may be ready to
compromise with the revolt.
The offer, rapidly dismissed by
dissidents, coincided with warnings
by Gaddafi that if he fell thousands
of refugees from Libya would “in-
vade Europe”.
Swiss-based exile group Libyan
Human Rights Solidarity said forces
loyal to Gaddafi had launched a new
attempt to capture Zawiyah, a dis-
sident-held town 50 km west of the
capital.
It was impossible to verify the
report because residents in the town
who had been speaking to journalists
by telephone were no longer reach-
able.
In the east, a warplane launched
an air strike on the outskirts of the
dissident-held oil terminal town of
Ras Lanuf, 600 km east of the capital
Tripoli, witnesses said.
“There was an aircraft, it fired
two rockets, there were no deaths,”
Mokhtar Dobrug, a dissident fighter
who witnessed the strike, said.
The attack fitted the pattern of
much of the fighting, which has been
erratic, with small groups engaging
each other, guerrilla-style, in hit and
run raids. Air attacks have been fitful
and the bombing often inaccurate.
In some areas, advantage on the
ground has swung back and forth
without conclusive result.
But the resilience of Gaddafi’s
troops in the face of protests which
started in mid-February and their
ability to launch a counter-attack has
raised the prospect that the country is
heading for prolonged bloodshed.
“It’s clear the government feels a
sense of momentum on its side,” said
military analyst Shashank Joshi, an
associate fellow at Britain’s Royal
United Services Institute.
“Government forces have more
mobility than the dissidents thanks
to airlift and a decent amount of road
transport.
“That’s blunted by the fact that
we are seeing extremely poor fight-
ing skills by government forces, and
reasonably competent fighting by the
geted only armed individuals attack-
z Warplane strikes ing state institutions and depots.
Witnesses said government forc-
outskirts of oil town es advanced on dissident-held Ras
Lanuf in a counter-attack that forced
z Government residents to flee and dissidents to hide
reported renewing their weapons in the desert.
In Ras Lanuf, one angry man told
assault on dissidents to go home, arguing that
they were bringing fighting closer to
Zawiyah town oil terminals.
z UN says more Another complained of the dis-
sidents’ inexperience, as one opposi-
than one tion fighter lay on his back and fired
an automatic weapon at a government
million need aid warplane flying overhead.
z Benghazi “I believe these youths are ready
to die, but they won’t make a dif-
dissidents release ference,” he said. “Look at the way
they’re firing at the plane. They have
British special no experience, no leadership and no
forces strategy.”
The army was moving down the
dissidents.” Mediterranean coastal road east of
In Geneva, UN aid co-ordinator the recaptured town of Bin Jawad,
Valerie Amos said more than a mil- heading towards Ras Lanuf which is
lion people fleeing Libya and inside about 60 km away, witnesses said.
the country need humanitarian aid. Residents of Ras Lanuf, fearing
The dissidents have called for assault by the army, were leaving in
UN-backed air strikes against what cars laden with belongings yesterday
they say are African soldiers-for-hire and dissidents said they had moved
used by Gaddafi to crush the uprising weapons into the desert for safekeep-
against his 41-year-old rule. ing.
The government says it is fighting As the rival combatants prepared
against Al Qaeda terrorists and main- to resume battle, the authorities
tains that its security forces have tar- launched an appeal to the dissidents
in the east for dialogue, in the clearest
overture yet to their opponents.
Jadallah Azous al Talhi, a Libyan
prime minister in the 1980s who is
originally from eastern Libya, ap-
peared on state television reading an
address to elders in Benghazi.
He asked them to “give a chance
to national dialogue to resolve this
crisis, to help stop the bloodshed,
and not give a chance to foreign-
ers to come and capture our country
again.”
Ahmed Jabreel, an aide to dissi-
dent leader Mustafa Abdel Jalil, said:
“Any negotiations must be on the ba-
sis that Gaddafi will step down. There
can be no other compromise.”
In an interview with the France 24
television station, Gaddafi said Libya
was an important partner for the West
in containing Al Qaeda and illegal
migrants trying to reach Europe,
“There are millions of blacks who
could come to the Mediterranean to
cross to France and Italy, and Libya
plays a role in security in the Medi-
terranean,” he said.
In the West, after what residents
said was fierce fighting on Sunday
with artillery, rockets and mortar
bombs, dissident forces announced
they had fought off Gaddafi’s forces
in the towns of Zawiyah, to the im-
mediate west of Tripoli, and Misrata
to the east. — Reuters
Bahrainis take
protests to
US embassy
MANAMA — Activists protested at the US Embassy in Bah-
rain yesterday, calling for Washington to press the authorities
for reform after weeks of demonstrations.
Dozens of activists gathered at a fence set up in front of the
embassy, chanting slogans in English.
US Embassy political officer Ludovic Hood brought a box
of doughnuts for the demonstrators as they gathered down the
street from the embassy ahead of the protest rally.
“These sweets are a good gesture, but we hope it is translat-
ed into practical actions,” Mohammed Hassan, 35, who wore
the white turban of a cleric, told Hood.
Hood told the demonstrators who clustered around him that
the United States had a “strategic relationship” with the gov-
ernment of Bahrain which included dialogue on human rights.
“We’ve had a US Navy presence here accepted by the great
majority of people for many decades,” he said.
“But part of our ongoing engagement with the government
is discussions on human rights and universal rights.”
He reiterated US support for an initiative from the govern-
ment for national dialogue, saying that “we continue to think
that engaging in some kind of talks is the right way forward.”
Demonstrators at the embassy expressed doubts that dia-
logue would produce any concrete results, with one protester
asking who would guarantee that promises were kept.
A letter given to Hood by 27-year-old activist Zainab al
Khawaja called for “the American administration (to) refrain
from taking negative positions that contribute to the oppres-
sion and abuse of the people” of Bahrain.
Anti-government protests in the country entered their 22nd
day yesterday.
Protesters continued to keep vigil in hundreds of tents in
Pearl Square, which has become the epicentre of anti-govern-
ment demonstrations. — AFP
UN calls for $160m to help
Libya conflict victims
GENEVA — The United Nations called yesterday for $160
million to cover the needs of those who have fled Libya as
well as others who remained trapped in the strife-torn north
African country.
The appeal is expected to cover relief support including
shelter, food, transportation, water and sanitation for up to one
million people for the next three months.
“This appeal is based on planning a scenario projecting up
to 400,000 people leaving Libya — including the 200,000 who
have left to date — and another 600,000 people inside Libya
expected to need humanitarian aid to varying degrees,” said
Valerie Amos, UN aid chief.
“I hope that this appeal receives a favourable response
from donors, which will enable us to continue to support
those in need,” added the United Nations under-secretary-
general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief co-or-
dinator.
The appeal will be revised in two weeks, said the UN.
Tens of thousands of mostly migrant workers have been
streaming out to bordering countries, including Tunisia and
Egypt, in a bid to escape violence in Libya.
An estimated 100,000 mainly foreign migrants have ar-
rived in Tunisia alone since February 20. Thousands remain in
temporary camps facing growing problems of hygiene.
Aid agencies are also increasingly concerned about the situ-
ation of people who are trapped in Libya, where battle is ongo-
ing between supporters of strongman Muammar Gaddafi and
dissidents.
UN chief Ban Ki-Moon managed on Sunday to persuade
Gaddafi’s foreign minister to allow in a humanitarian assess-
ment team to Tripoli.
Former Jordanian foreign minister Abdelilah al Khatib will
undertake “urgent consultations” with Gaddafi’s government
and work on the humanitarian crisis it has caused, UN spokes-
man Martin Nesirky said.
It is not immediately known where the team would be al-
lowed to visit in Tripoli and whether they would be taken to
other cities. — AFP

Tunisia-bound French warship

Yemenis vow to leaves empty-handed
ZARZIS, Tunisia — A French warship sent to evacuate nearly

escalate protest a thousand Egyptian refugees fleeing Libya arrived yesterday

SANAA — Yemen’s opposi-
tion coalition vowed yester-
day to escalate protests that
have swept the country de-
manding the resignation of
President Ali Abdullah Saleh,
after he rejected a plan that
would have him step down in
2011.
Tens of thousands of pro-
testers are camped out in
major Yemeni cities, stay-
ing awake through the night
to hear speeches and sing
national songs, as their tone
against Saleh hardens.
Saleh rejected a plan pro-
posed by an opposition coali-
tion last week, which would
have implemented political
and electoral reforms while
paving the way for his resig-
nation within the year.
“Recent events have prov-
en that the regime is incapable
of answering the demands of
the people, and for that reason
it needs to go,” said the coa-
lition’s spokesman, Moham-
med al Sabry.
“The protesters are study-
ing several options for an es-
calation, including organising
a day when all Yemenis will
take to the streets, a ‘Friday of
No Return’ protest, and other
options,” he said.
Yemen was teetering on
the brink of failed statehood
even before recent protests.
Saleh has struggled to cement
a truce with dissidents in the
north and curb secessionist
rebellion in the south.
The growing Yemeni pro-
tests, and a series of defec-
tions from Saleh’s allies, have
added to pressure on Saleh to
end his three-decade rule in
the state. But neither side ap-
pears willing to compromise
to end the deadlock.
Saleh rejected the op-
position plan, which would
have also required him to re-
move family members from
key posts, and reiterated his
pledge to resign when his
term is set to expire in 2013.
He also adopted a proposal by
religious leaders for revamp-
ing elections, parliament and
the judicial system.
Protesters are frustrated
with corruption and soaring
unemployment in Yemen,
where 40 per cent of its 23
million people live on $2 a
day or less and a third face
chronic hunger.
Half of Yemen’s popula-
tion is armed, and experts
worry that as protests con-
tinue, sporadic clashes be-
tween pro-government and
anti-government demonstra-
tors could evolve into greater
violence.
The United States and
Britain have warned citizens
against travel in Yemen due to
recent unrest. — Reuters
THOUSANDS of auxiliary police march near the Parliament in Algiers yesterday to demand a pay raise. — AFP
1000s of Algeria police march for higher pay
ALGIERS — Thousands of auxiliary
police marched across Algeria yesterday
to demand a pay raise, breaking through
heavy security to reach parliament in a
rare mass show of dissent in the tightly
controlled country.
The protesters, estimated by organisers
to number around 20,000 and 10,000 by
reporters, braved a ban on demonstrations
in the capital and pushed through several
police cordons to move from Martyrs
Square to the National Assembly.
They were quickly surrounded by
regular police dispatched to the scene of
the protest.
Algeria’s auxiliary police, a force
numbering about 94,000 men, operate
in the country’s villages as part of a pro-
gramme set up in 1994 when the govern-
ment was battling dissident groups.
Wearing their uniforms, the protesters
called on President Abdelaziz Bouteflika
to bring their salaries and conditions in
line with those of other security services,
chanting: “Bouteflika is the solution.”
“We demand a rise in salaries and
service indemnities along the lines of all
the other security units,” said Cherif Ab-
delkader, an auxiliary policeman.
The protesters want the raise to be
backdated to 1994, Abdelkader said. “We
only have the right to 21 days of leave
a year. We take part in security sweeps
without helmets or bullet-proof jackets,”
another protester said.
Another said that radicals who were
released from prison under Bouteflika
after a ceasefire with the militants “have
more rights than us. We want the presi-
dent to rapidly announce concrete meas-
ures in our favour.”
The demonstrators decided to march
on the National Assembly after a delega-
tion of around a dozen of their representa-
tives returned empty-handed from a meet-
ing with Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia,
some of them said.
“We suggested to the delegation that
they have a meeting with Interior Minis-
ter Dahou Oukld Kablia but his team re-
fused,” one said.
The deputy speaker of parliament,
Seddik Chihab, urged the demonstra-
tors to select representatives to meet the
speaker, Abdelaziz Ziari, to discuss their
complaints. A team of 11 was chosen, or-
ganisers said. — AFP
at Tunisia’s Zarzis port only to find they had already left, a
naval officer said.
The hi-tech Mistral helicopter-carrier had left on Satur-
day from the southern port of Toulon to repatriate around 900
Egyptians who had crossed into Tunisia from Libya and bring
them to the Egyptian port of Alexandria.
Soon after the ship dropped anchor however, spokesman
for the French navy Lieutenant Thierry Delorme announced
that it would “not be taking” refugees and would be leaving
on the same day.
Most of the Egyptians had already left by plane, impatient
to reach their homeland in just three hours as opposed to a boat
ride that would take them three days, he added.
US military planes repatriated 640 Egyptians over the
weekend, as part of an international effort to deliver refugees
from unrest in Libya
European countries and the United States on Thursday be-
gan airlifting more than 40,000 Egyptians who had fled Libya
for Tunisia, to avoid chaos and epidemics spreading at make-
shift camps on the border.
The French ship was equipped with 28 doctors as well as
69 beds, according to chief doctor Loic Lemesle. It was also
loaded with medical supplies, food and water to help the UN
refugee agency and the Red Crescent. — AFP
Jordan ex-minister named
UN envoy for Libya
AMMAN — Former Jordanian foreign minister Abdul Ilah
Khatib, named on Sunday as UN special envoy for humani-
tarian affairs in Libya, will meet all sides in the conflict, an
associate said yesterday.
UN spokesman Martin Nesirky, announcing Khatib’s ap-
pointment, said he would have “urgent consultations” with
Muammar Gaddafi’s government on the growing battle with
dissident forces and work on the humanitarian crisis it has
caused.
His associate in Amman said, “He will co-ordinate humani-
tarian aid and means to find a solution to the crisis in Libya.”
Khatib, 56, will leave for New York “in the next few days
before travelling to Libya, where he should meet with all par-
ties involved in the conflict,” the source added. — Reuters
 REGION9
OMAN DAILY Observer
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011

Moussa hits campaign trail Britain scrambles to

in Egypt presidency race
CAIRO — Veteran diplo-
mat Amr Moussa (pictured),
talked economics and social
justice when he hit the cam-
paign trail for the Egyptian
presidency with a string of
interviews that flagged him as
the front runner for the job.
Arab League secretary-
general for the last decade,
Moussa, 74, is the most prom-
inent figure yet to declare his
candidacy for the position
from which Hosni Mubarak
stepped down on February 11
after three decades in power.
The military, which took
power after Mubarak went,
plans to hold a parliamentary
vote in June to be followed
by a presidential election six
weeks later.
In a country where years
of oppression have crushed
political life, Moussa’s high
profile, oratory skills and cha-
risma have given him a natural
head start.
An online poll on the Web
site of Al Ahram newspaper
on Thursday showed him with
a big lead over Mohammed
ElBaradei, the Nobel prize-
winning former head of the
International Atomic Energy
Agency. ElBaradei, a leading
figure in the reform move-
ment, has yet to say whether
he will run on not. He is wide-
ly expected to.
“The Egyptian economy
must move on two wheels:
the free market and social
justice,” Moussa said in an
interview with the Al Masry
Al Youm newspaper, one of at
least three he gave this week.
The economic policies of
the last decade had resulted
in “overwhelming poverty
for the majority and obscene
wealth for the minority”, said
Moussa, adding that growth
had not benefited a large pro-
portion of the population.
His move into economics
marked a step away from the
diplomacy that has defined his
career. He was Egypt’s for-
eign minister for 10 years un-
til 2001, before being moved
to the Arab League position
which he will relinquish soon.
As foreign minister, Mous-
sa was an outspoken advocate
for Palestinian rights as Cairo
played a leading role in the
Middle East peace process.
His popularity was widely
assumed to be the reason Mu-
barak removed him from the
foreign ministry in 2001. To
some, the final straw for Mu-
barak seemed to be the release
of the 2001 Egyptian pop
hit, “I hate Israel, I love Amr
Moussa”.
Asked in the Al Masry Al
Youm interview whether he
was a part of the former ad-
ministration, Moussa said: “I
was not merely an employee
who would be ordered and
obey.”
Moussa said he had ex-
pressed “the pulse” of the
Egyptians. He declined to go
into the details on his differ-
ences with the former presi-
dent. — Reuters
EGYPTIAN protesters confront army soldiers in front of the state
security headquarters in downtown Cairo. — Reuters
New wave of immigrants
arrives in southern Italy
LAMPEDUSA — More than 1,000 illegal im-
migrants escaping political turmoil in North
Africa arrived on this southern Italian island in
the Mediterranean during the night.
Taking advantage of good weather, the im-
migrants, most of them from Tunisia, arrived
in more than 10 boats.
Some of the boats made it to the shores of
this tiny island on their own, others were in-
tercepted by the coastguard and their passen-
gers taken off. So far, none of the immigrants
were believed to have left from Libya itself but
Italian officials fear an exodus from its former
colony if the situation worsens.
From Lampedusa, immigrants are sent by
plane to holding centres on the mainland but
the backlog was beginning to grow.
Interior Minister Roberto Maroni said last
week an aid mission to Tunisia to provide food
and medical help was aimed at handling the
refugee situation in North Africa, but it was
already preparing for a potential surge of im-
migrants to Italy.
More than 7,000 migrants from Tunisia
have arrived in Italy since the overthrow of
President Zine al Abidine Ben Ali in mid-Jan-
uary.
Tens of thousands have fled violence in Lib-
ya and crossed the border to Tunisia since an
uprising against Muammar Gaddafi prompted
a violent crackdown by security forces.
In 2009, Rome and Tripoli signed a deal al-
lowing Italy’s coastguard to return boatloads of
illegal immigrants back to Libya. — AFP
explain SAS’s ‘blunder’
LONDON — The British
government was left red-faced
yesterday after a botched at-
tempt by special forces to
make contact with opposi-
tion forces in Libya ended in
the team being seized by
fighters.
The team, reportedly made
up of six soldiers from the
elite SAS and two diplomats,
flew into Libya by helicopter
and made their way to the
opposition-held city of Beng-
hazi. But they were rounded
up by lightly armed fighters
soon after they arrived, re-
ports said.
The diplomats are be-
lieved to have been officers
from Britain’s MI6 foreign
intelligence service whose
mission was to contact rebel
leaders and open the way for
a delegation.
But they succeeded only
in angering Libyan opposi-
tion leaders who denied they
had asked for any help and by
late on Sunday they had been
packed off to Malta on a Brit-
ish naval ship.
British Foreign Secretary
William Hague was to make
a statement to lawmakers on
the operation later yesterday.
After the government ini-
tially kept silent on the affair,
Hague confirmed on Sunday
that “a small diplomatic team
has been in Benghazi” and
said their intention had been
“to initiate contacts with the
opposition”.
“They experienced dif-
ficulties, which have now
been satisfactorily resolved.
They have now left Libya,”
he added.
However, Hague insisted
that Britain intended to send
“a further team to strengthen
our dialogue in due course” al-
though he stressed this would
be done in co-operation with
the Libyan opposition.
In Benghazi itself, an op-
position spokesman said the
fighters had refused to talk to
the delegation because they
had entered the country with-
out prior permission.
“We do not know the na-
ture of their mission. We
refused to discuss anything
with them due to the way
they entered the country,”
spokesman Abdul Hafiz
Ghoqa told reporters in the
rebel stronghold. The Britons
left Benghazi for Malta on
board the Royal Navy frigate
HMS Cumberland, reports
said.
The bungled operation
raised eyebrows because Brit-
ain prides itself on the com-
petence of the SAS, which is
believed to play a major role
in the conflict in Afghanistan
as well as in past wars in Iraq
and the Falklands.
The Times asked why the
SAS had felt it necessary to
carry out such a cloak-and-
dagger operation when it
would have been possible for
the team to simply drive into
Benghazi.
“Nabbed while escorting a
junior diplomat in a city that
would have welcomed them...
this was not their finest hour,”
the newspaper said. — AFP

Tunisia’s new
transitional
government
TUNIS — The following is
a list of ministers in the Tu-
nisian transition government
announced yesterday after
the resignation of prime min-
ister Mohamed Ghannouchi
and four ministers.
It has 22 members, in-
cluding the prime minister,
of whom 17 have been re-
appointed from the previ-
ous transition government
formed on January 17 and
five are newcomers.

- Prime Minister: Beji

Caid Essebsi
- Justice: Lazhar Karoui
Chebbi (reappointed)
- National Defence: Ab-
delkrim Zbidi (reappointed)
- Interior: Farhat Rajhi
(reappointed)
- Foreign Affairs:
Mouldfi Keffi (newcomer)
- Social Affairs: Moham-
ed Ennacneur (reappointed)
- Finance: Jalloul Ayed
(reappointed)
- Religious Affairs: La-
roussi Mizouri (reappointed)
- Education: Taieb Bac-
couche (reappointed)
- Culture: Ezzeddine
Bach Chaouch (reappointed)
- Higher Education: Ri-
faat Chaabouni (newcomer)
- Health: Habiba Zahi
Ben Romdhane (reappoint-
ed)
- Commerce and Tour-
ism: Mehdi Houas (reap-
pointed)
- Agriculture: Mokhtar
Jalleli (reappointed)
- Women’s Affairs: Lilia
Laabidi (reappointed)
- Transport and Equip-
ment: Yassine Brahim (re-
appointed)
- Labour and Profes-
sional Training: Said Aydi
(newcomer)
- Youth and Sports:
Mohamed Aloulou (reap-
pointed)
- Planning and Interna-
tional Co-operation: Ab-
delhamid Triki (newcomer)
- Industry and Technol-
ogy: Abdellaziz Rassaa (re-
appointed)
- State Property: Ahmed
Adhoum (reappointed)
- Regional Develop-
ment: Abderrazak Zouari
(newcomer).
Meanwhile, Tunisia is
moving to dismantle the ves-
tiges of toppled leader Zine
al Abidine Ben Ali’s era.
The interim president
last week called a July 24
election to choose a na-
tional constituent assembly
tasked with rewriting a con-
stitution which he said “no
longer reflects the aspira-
tions of the people after the
revolution”. — Agencies

NEWS IN BRIEF
Pranab Mukherjee’s son to
join Congress on Friday
CONGRESS stalwart and Finance
Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s son Avijit
will officially join the party on March 11
and contest the state assembly polls from
Nalhati constituency in Birbhum district,
an official said yesterday.
“Avijit Mukherjee will be officially
joining Congress on March 11. We will
make the announcement on that day. He
has left his public sector job a few days
back, so now he can join the party and
contest in the elections,” Birbhum district
Congress president Asit Mal said.
“We will announce it officially on
March 11 at the West Bengal Pradesh
Congress Committee office in Kolkata,”
he said.
According to Mal, Avijit Mukherjee,
52, an engineering graduate from
Jadavpur University, will contest the
polls from Nalhati constituency.
Speaker wants women’s
quota bill introduced
LOK Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar
yesterday said she wants the women’s
reservation bill to be introduced in the
lower house in the current session, but all
the political parties have yet to arrive at a
consensus on it.
“I would want this bill to be
introduced (in current session of
parliament), but all the parties have to
arrive at a consensus. That is the whole
reason this (the bill) has been held up,”
Meira Kumar told women journalists
during an interaction on the eve of
International Women’s Day (March 8).
The women’s reservation bill, passed
by the Rajya Sabha on March 9 last
year, seeks to reserve 33 per cent seats
for women in Lok Sabha and the state
assemblies. It has yet to be moved in the
Lok Sabha.
Shops in malls down
shutters against tax
FOUR major retail chains and other
shops downed shutters at popular malls
in south Delhi yesterday to protest
against the 10 per cent excise duty
proposed on branded apparel.
“We protest on behalf of our
customers, suppliers and employees. We
demand that the government rolls back
the 10 per cent excise on garments and
made-ups in full support of Clothing
Manufacturers’ Association of India
(CMAI) and Retailers Association of
India (RAI),” read a common poster
pasted at the shuttered outlets.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee
proposed the tax while presenting
his budget for fiscal in parliament on
February 28.
Mulayam in parliament
after ‘house arrest’
SAMAJWADI Party (SP) chief Mulayam
Singh Yadav attended parliament in
Delhi yesterday and claimed that he and
his son Akhilesh were put under house
arrest in the Uttar Pradesh capital earlier
in the day.
“There were dozens of policemen
and they had barricaded my house (in
Lucknow),” Mulayam Singh said outside
parliament after attending the Lok Sabha.
He claimed that the Mayawati
government had put restrictions on his
and his son’s movements to thwart their
anti-government rally in the state that
began yesterday.
He claimed the restrictions
were removed only after he faxed a
letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Meira
Kumar, mentioning that under such
circumstances he would not be able to
attend parliament.
Bengal to release 37
Bangladeshi prisoners
THE West Bengal government will today
release 37 Bangladeshi nationals who
were arrested for infiltrating into Indian
territory, police said yesterday.
“We will release at least 37
Bangladeshi nationals who have served
their terms in Raiganj correctional home
(in North Dinajpur district) for entering
Indian territory without any valid
documents,” Additional Director General
of Police (correctional services) B D
Sharma said.
“They will be handed over to Border
Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel at
Changrabandha immigration checkpost
in Cooch Behar,” Sharma said
Zero-deficit Kashmir
budget promises jobs
ANNOUNCING job-generation
schemes, Jammu and Kashmir Finance
Minister Abdul Rahim Rather yesterday
presented a zero-deficit budget for fiscal
2011-12 in the state assembly.
It was the 11th occasion when
Rather has presented the state’s budget
as finance minister. Rather announced a
number of schemes to help unemployed
youth get jobs. The budget provided
Rs 3,100 million for skill development
mission which would enable youth start
self-employment ventures. The finance
minister also provided Rs 400 million
under the employment and welfare pro-
grammes for the youth.
10 INDIA
OMAN DAILY Observer
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011
Supreme Court allows ‘passive euthanasia’
NEW DELHI — The Supreme Court ruled yes- cal high court, which would rely on the opinion of In Europe, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and
terday that life support can be legally removed for a court-appointed panel of three doctors who would Belgium have legalised it under strict conditions,
some terminally ill patients in a landmark ruling that examine the patient and speak to hospital staff. while in Switzerland a doctor can provide a patient
will allow “passive euthanasia” for the first time. The supervision was required to prevent “un- who wants to die with lethal medication that the pa-
The judgement came during a hearing into the scrupulous” family members attempting to kill off tient takes by him or herself.
case of former nurse Aruna Shanbaug (pictured), wealthy relatives, the Supreme Court said. In 1994, the US state of Oregon became the first
who has been in a vegetative state in a Mumbai hos- “The commercialisation of our society has in the country to legalise euthanasia for certain ter-
pital since being physically assaulted and strangled crossed all limits,” it said. “Hence we have to guard minally ill patients. The state of Montana has also
with a chain while at work 37 years ago. against the potential of misuse.” legalised it and the east coast state of Vermont is
A plea by journalist and friend Pinki Virani to Virani filed the case in the Supreme Court in considering a law.
stop her being force-fed was rejected by the Su- 1999 asking for Shanbaug to be allowed to die with The Supreme Court ruled that the nurses who
preme Court on the grounds that Virani was not eli- dignity. Both of her parents have died and other have cared for Shanbaug, who is now 60, at Mum-
gible to make the demand on Shanbaug’s behalf. family members have not maintained contact with bai’s KEM Hospital were the only ones who could
But withdrawing life support could be allowed her, according to the petition. ask for feeding to be stopped.
under exceptional circumstances, provided the re- Shanbaug, who is bed-ridden, blind and in a In the absence of any family, they were
quest was from family and supervised by doctors vegetative state, has spent three-and-a-half decades Shanbaug’s “next friend” in the eye of the law,
and the courts, a two-judge bench in the Supreme being fed mashed food and cared for by a team of rather than Pinki Virani, and they were in favour of
Court said. doctors and nurses. keeping her alive.
“We agree ... that passive euthanasia should be Her attacker, a ward boy at the hospital, was “We consider it as a duty to look after her. The
permitted in our country in certain situations,” the freed after a seven-year jail sentence. court has recognised our efforts,” Bhanuprita, a
court said in its ruling, adding that “we are laying Lawyer T R Andhyarujina, who was an adviser nurse at the hospital, was quoted as saying by the
down the law... until parliament makes a law on the to the Supreme Court in the case, said it was the Press Trust of India.
subject”. first time there had been a ruling on euthanasia by Indian laws do not permit euthanasia or self-
The ruling gives some legal clarity in an area the top court. starvation to the point of death, although fasting is
that has posed legislators and judges all over the “The court has accepted the withdrawal of a life a part of Indian culture, made famous by independ-
world with moral dilemmas thrown up by modern support system, but has not given the permission to ence leader Mahatma Gandhi.
medicine which can keep alive severely injured or as Shanbaug, a request to withdraw life support inject any lethal substance,” he said. The only exception to the law on self-starvation
handicapped people. should come from family or a spouse, the court in Laws on euthanasia or assisted suicide, in which is the religious practice of “santhara,” which sees
In the case of a person in a permanent vegeta- New Delhi ruled. patients are helped by doctors to end their own elderly believers from the Jain religion give up food
tive state and unable to speak for themselves, such The request should then be reviewed by the lo- lives, vary across the world. and water until death. — AFP
New norms for shifting
forest people withdrawn
NEW DELHI — Facing the wrath of The ministry organised a meet-
environmentalists, the central gov- ing of civil society groups on March
ernment yesterday withdrew its new 4 after they sought fine tuning of the
guidelines for declaring lands as criti- guidelines to make it compliant with
cal wildlife habitats and relocating the provisions of the Scheduled Tribes
people from such areas. New guide- and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers
lines would be put in place soon. Act, 2006.
The environment ministry’s deci- The biggest concern against the
sion came after the Congress chief guidelines was lack of a democratic
Sonia Gandhi-headed National Advi- process to determine the critical habi-
sory Council said that rights of forest tats which, once identified, will give
dwellers should not be diluted in any powers to the government to relocate
way. people from there.
“Members of some civil society The environmental groups also
organisations made representations claimed that the new guidelines con-
to the ministry about some technical, tradicted the recommendations of a
scientific, social and ecological issues joint committee of environment and
that related to the process of identifi- tribal affairs ministries.
cation and notification of the critical According to environmental
wildlife habitats and relocation of peo- groups, the guidelines aimed at doing
ple from such areas,” said a statement away with the consultation process
issued by the ministry here. before notifying a critically wildlife
“Taking note of their concerns, the habitat.
ministry has decided to withdraw the There was no clarity on the process
guidelines issued on February 7, 2011, for identification of areas for declaring
and has initiated the process for hav- them as critical wildlife habitats under WIDOWS and relatives of Sikhs who were killed in the 1984 riots demonstrate in New Delhi yesterday.
ing new guidelines in place,” it said. the guidelines. — IANS The protesters were demanding homes, jobs and compensation from the government. — AFP
Clarification sought from India to host
Telangana million march on,
Brazil, S Africa
apex court on Balwa’s plea meeting on ban orders in Hyderabad
NEW DELHI — The Delhi High Court
yesterday sought a clarification from
Justice Muralidhar.
On December 3 last year, Balwa,
UN reforms HYDERABAD — The Telan- standards to reach the exami- further intensify the move-
the Supreme Court whether it should vice chairman of Etisalat DB Telecom NEW DELHI — India will gana Joint Action Committee nation centres in Hyderabad ment for separate statehood to
take up a spectrum scam-related plea India Pvt, approached the high court host foreign ministers from (JAC) yesterday declared that and Ranga Reddy districts. Telangana, which comprises
filed by Swan Telecom promoter Sha- with a copy of an official note from Brazil and South Africa for it would go ahead with its mil- The million march will 10 districts including Hydera-
hid Usman Balwa. He has questioned the union home ministry. talks on UN reforms, offi- lion march to Hyderabad on be held at Tank Bund on the bad.
allegations by investigators about his In the note, the ministry recom- cials said yesterday. March 10 to press the demand banks of Hussain Sagar Lake, Meanwhile, police made
links with don Dawood Ibrahim. mended to the Foreign Investment The ministers’ meeting is for separate statehood to Tel- which divides the twin cities it clear that the march had no
Justice S Muralidhar said: “As Promotion Board to deny permission scheduled for this evening in angana while police have im- of Hyderabad and Secundera- permission. Police commis-
the Supreme Court is monitoring the to Etisalat to invest in a Chennai- New Delhi, officials in the posed ban orders and warned bad. sioners of Hyderabad and Cy-
2G (second generation) scam-related based firm. External Affairs Ministry action against violators. The march will demand berabad yesterday announced
matter, therefore, it’s better for me to The ministry said he shouldn’t be JAC convenor M Kodan- that the central government prohibitory orders to prevent
said.
take clarification from there whether I associated with the company either as daram told reporters after a introduce a bill in parliament any gathering.
“One of the focus areas
should take up the 2G-related matter a director or in other capacity as he meeting of the steering com- for carving out a separate Te- Hyderabad Police Com-
is on intensifying efforts for
or not.” had links with the underworld. mittee that the march would langana state. missioner A K Khan said there
expanding the permanent
The matter will now be taken up on The central government claimed begin in the afternoon instead JAC convenor Kodan- was no permission to hold ral-
March 24. that it had sufficient inputs in this re- and non-permanent mem- of morning so that students daram said people from two lies, meetings and processions
Balwa was arrested in Mumbai gard from the Mumbai ATS and the bership of the UN Security appearing for intermediate ex- to three points will come in a in the twin cities. He warned
February 7 and is now in judicial cus- IB. Council,” a ministry official aminations on that day face no procession to Tank Bund and that police would deal firmly
tody in Delhi. The IB alleged that Dawood in- said. ‘‘Other areas include hurdles. stage a sit-in there. “There will with those violating ban or-
In his petition, Balwa contended vested large sums of money in Balwa’s enhancing trade, co-opera- JAC, comprising Telan- be no speeches but artistes will ders.
that the Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) firm, which was used by him to finance tion in energy and closer co- gana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), sing and dance to highlight the Prohibitory orders ban-
ordination on global issues.”
of the Mumbai police and the Intelli- many of his business deals.
Foreign Minister S M
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demand for a separate state,” ning the assembly of four or
gence Bureau (IB) had not found any The central government was to file and other groups fighting for he said. more people have also been
evidence against him to support their its reply on the plea of Balwa yester- Krishna also planned sepa- a separate state, met here yes- However, Kodandaram ad- imposed in Cyberabad police
allegations that he was linked to the day but Additional Solicitor General rate talks with his South terday to discuss any possible mitted that the march would commissionerate, which cov-
underworld don. A S Chandiok informed the court that African and Brazilian coun- postponement of the march in not be on the scale on which ers outskirts of the city includ-
On Balwa’s plea, the high court the Supreme Court was hearing a re- terparts Nkoana Mashabane view of the appeals made by it was originally planned. The ing the IT hub.
earlier asked the home ministry to file lated matter. and Antonio Patriota. Brazil parents of the students appear- JAC had earlier planned to Cyberabad Police Com-
an affidavit. The central government is He said details of the Balwa’s and India along with Ger- ing for examinations. bring the city to halt by block- missioner Tirumala Rao said
yet to do so. plea were also presented before the many and Japan have been The meeting decided to go ing all the roads. “There will the police would prevent peo-
“On Thursday, 2G-related matter is apex court which has restrained seeking a status on par with ahead with the planned march be more protests on a much ple from gathering. He urged
listed in the Supreme court, therefore, all other courts from passing any or- the UN Security Council’s but changed its timings to ena- larger scale,” he said. the protesters not to disturb
I will take up this matter after it,” said ders. — IANS five permanent members. ble students of Class 11 and 12 The march is expected to the IT sector. — IANS
Unifem study says women feel unsafe in Kerala city
By Ashraf Padanna helmets and snatching away ornaments, which also move back, he physically pushed her,” the report tion (KSRTC).
sometimes lead to harassment. quotes one respondent as saying. A student shares Over 12,143 bus conductors were trained in
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — Women from the Lack of lighting, toilets and safe transportation the abusive language used by the conductor while 10 regions of the state in 2009. Sakhi produced
lower strata of society are more vulnerable to physi- leaves women more vulnerable to gender-based another reported they are allowed to enter the bus a sticker with the message ‘Behave decently with
cal assaults in cities than those from the upper class, violence. The basic factors, which contribute to this only after everybody gets in. women; ‘Safe journey is the right of women’ and
according to a study supported by Unifem, the UN feeling of being unsafe as pointed out by women A student said while travelling in a bus, her dress the women help line number (1091) and the traffic
entity for gender equality and empowerment of and common witness are crowded public transport was torn with a blade from top to bottom by some- help line number (1099) have been depicted into it
women, in Kozhikode. and bus stops. Another main factor is the nuisances one from behind. Another respondent was pulled to enable the victims to seek immediate assistance
Women who commute by bus face different of drunkards in public spaces. into a jeep while waiting for bus. from authorities.
vulnerabilities than those who own a car and liv- Gender-based violence includes physical, psy- The report also points to a widely reported inci- The project was part of the Unifem’s (United
ing in a slum area poses different challenges to safe chological and economic abuse. Women are vul- dent of the robbery, physical assault and murder of Nations Development Fund for Women) initiative
movement than living in a middle class residential nerable to various forms of violence for several 23-year-old Soumya at a time when the volunteers for gender equality. The pilot study began with
area, the study conducted by the city-based Sakhi reasons. When 74 per cent of women feel there is were taking samples for the survey. While returning the state capital and was completed by September
disrespect for women only 28 common witnesses from work in a local train, a man tried to snatch her 2010. The Kozhikode study started from October
Women’s Resource Centre and Anweshi Women’s
share this perception. The ‘problem spots’ include bag. When she resisted she was pushed out from the and the survey was conducted from November to
Counselling Centre in Kozhikode.
Puthiya bus stand, Palayam area, railway station running train and physically assaulted by the same January 2011. The sample population belonged to
The findings are similar to the survey conducted
by Sakhi in Thiruvananthapuram which found the and surrounding areas, Mananchira, SM Street and person. She succumbed to her injuries a couple of categories like students, workers, homemakers,
public spaces are increasingly unsafe for women. Vellayil beach area. days later. unorganised workers, commuters, drivers, conduc-
As many as 99 per cent of the respondents iden- Some 69 per cent of the women reported harass- Sakhi has started a campaign to make public tors etc and spread across public places such as
tified harassment as the main safety problem fol- ment while using public transport. Roadsides, cin- places safe for women by holding meetings with of- roadsides, bus stops, markets, beaches, buses, hos-
lowed by robbery. The respondents shared their ex- emas and parks are other unsafe areas. ficials and collaborating in training for bus conduc- pital compounds, hangouts, knowledge centres and
periences of robbery by young men in bikes wearing “The bus conductor instead of asking her to tors with the Kerala State Road Transport Corpora- theatres.

DMK puts off decision to
quit UPA, holds talks
NEW DELHI — A key mem-
ber of the Congress-led coali-
tion put off its plan to resign
ministerial posts until today,
offering respite to a govern-
ment fighting to win back
public trust after a raft of cor-
ruption scandals.
The Dravida Munnetra Ka-
zhagam, which gives Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh’s
coalition vital support in par-
liament, had said its six min-
isters would quit the coalition
yesterday because of a row
over seat to be contested in a
local election next month.
But a leader of the south-
ern party said the two sides
were holding talks to resolve
the dispute that has underlined
the shaky nature of the federal
coalition.
“The resignations are on
hold,” DMK leader M K Stalin
told reporters.
The announcement by the
regional group that it was
leaving the cabinet was the lat-
est in a series of problems that
Singh has faced, ranging from
corruption scandals to an ina-
bility to push through reforms
in parliament.
Court clears Rahul
Gandhi over smear
LUCKNOW — An Indi-
an court yesterday fined a
former lawmaker more than
$100,000 for falsely accus-
ing rising political star Rahul
Gandhi of rape.
The High Court in the
northern city of Lucknow
ordered Kishore Samrite to
pay Rs 5 million for smearing
40-year-old Gandhi, widely
seen as a prime minister-in-
waiting.
Samrite had accused Ra-
hul, the latest member of the
Nehru-Gandhi political dy-
nasty to be tipped for high
office, and five of his friends
of gang-raping 24-year-old
Sukanya Singh during a De-
cember 2006 trip to his home
constituency of Amethi.
Samrite said he read about
the alleged attack on an un-
named website and tried to
contact the supposed victim,
but turned to the courts after
failing to track her down. At
no point has Singh filed a
complaint.
“The court also considers
it necessary that an inquiry is
carried out by an independ-
Lok Sabha gives nod to
Mamata’s rail budget
NEW DELHI — The Lok
Sabha yesterday passed Rail-
way Minister Mamata Ban-
erjee’s (pictured) budget,
but not without the expected
acrimonious scenes between
her and her political rival Left
MPs. Replying to a nearly
half-day debate on the Febru-
ary 25 railway budget, Baner-
jee said the work of the rail-
ways should go on unhindered
irrespective of whether she
was the minister or not.
This was seen as an indi-
cation of her future moves in
case her party, the Trinamool
Congress, wins the West Ben-
gal assembly elections.
Touted to become the state
chief minister if the Trinamool
Congress ousts the Left par-
ties in the state, Banerjee said:
“I may remain tomorrow or
not (as the railway minister).
Somebody else may come and
take over... but there has to be
some system for proper rail
services. We have to do it.”
Combative as ever, Baner-
jee also countered the attacks
of her detractors that she was
announcing railway projects
for West Bengal that had no
Planning Commission ap-
proval.
“I have not done anything
without the approval of Plan-
ning Commission. I will do it
within the norms and not out-
side the norms of the Planning
Commission and constitution.
Anybody can have differences
of opinion with me on my pol-
icies, but they should not play
politics with development,”
The coalition was not in
danger of collapse even if the
DMK ministers left because
the party said it would contin-
ue to give conditional support
to the government.
The Congress Party could
also seek support from other
regional groups to boost its
numbers in parliament, as
few want to face an election
more than three years ahead of
schedule.
But the cracks in the rul-
ing alliance have reinforced
the image of an administra-
tion adrift, unable to tackle a
culture of corruption or curb
inflation that has stoked public
anger.
Analysts said it looked
increasingly likely that the
Congress and the DMK would
patch things up, as each was
weaker without the other.
“I expect a compromise.
They need each other. Howev-
er bad the Congress is with the
DMK, they are worse without
it,” said Mahesh Rangarajan
of the University of Delhi.
The DMK, which has been
implicated in a massive tel-
ent agency to find out if there
was a political design behind
the move,” judges Uma Nath
Singh and Satish Chandra
said in their ruling.
Samrite is a former legis-
lator of regional opposition
Samajwadi (Socialist) Party
in the central Indian state
of Madhya Pradesh and de-
scribes himself as a social
activist.
Singh appeared in the
court and said she had not
been attacked by Rahul, who
has sought to establish him-
self as a champion of the poor
by sleeping in the houses of
low-caste Hindus.
Two million rupees should
be given to Rahul, state pros-
ecutor Devendra Upadhaya
said, adding that Singh, a
daughter of a Congress activ-
ist, would receive Rs 2.5 mil-
lion. The remainder will go to
the police.
Rahul is the great grand-
son of independence prime
minister Jawaharlal Nehru
and son of Italian-born Sonia
Gandhi, who currently heads
the ruling Congress party.
— AFP
she said. Banerjee said rail-
ways was one field in which
India could do better and help
the economy to grow faster.
She also objected to the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
attacking her on what it termed
as her Bengal-centric railway
budget. “It is not correct. I do
not agree with this,” she said.
The minister said she had
“the heart to give more” rail
lines, train services and stop-
pages as per the request of the
MPs, but there was no scope
for more when the available
resources were looked at.
The house witnessed a
minor clash between the law-
makers of her party and Left
MPs over an alleged suicide
attempt by a youth outside
Banerjee’s residence in Kolk-
ata because he was denied
a job in railways after being
promised one.
Trinamool MPs strongly
objected to CP03/07/11M
member Ramchandra Dome’s
allegation. Senior Trinamool
leader Sudip Bandopadhyay
said the Left MP was anti-
Bengal. Reacting to the alle-
gation, the minister denied the
ecoms scandal, has six min-
isterial posts in the council of
ministers, which represents
the full range of the federal
government.
It holds two positions —
minister of textiles and minis-
ter of chemicals and fertilisers
— in the 34-member cabinet.
Singh’s coalition has a ma-
jority of one, with 273 mem-
bers in the 545-seat Lower
House of Parliament.
A political party based in
the north has said it would
consider supporting the coali-
tion if it was approached.
Shares dropped 1.4 per
cent yesterday, with rate sen-
sitive sectors contributing the
most to losses, hit by political
worries and surging crude oil
prices.
“DMK’s pullout will add
to the already weak investor
sentiment,” said Arun Kejri-
wal, director of research firm
KRIS.
“The uncertainty over the
political scene will lead to a
volatile market.”
Ties between the Con-
gress and the DMK have been
strained since former telecoms
ACTIVISTS of National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW), the women’s wing of the Communist Party of India, during a rally
in Hyderabad yesterday on the eve of International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day (IWD), originally called International
Working Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8, this year marking 100 years since its creation. — AFP
incident took place.
“This is absolutely con-
cocted and false. He can speak
anything about the railways
but this allegation is totally
wrong,” an angry Banerjee
shouted.
Earlier in the pre-lunch ses-
sion, the house witnessed two
adjournments after Samajwadi
Party members forced disrup-
tion during the question hour
over the alleged “house arrest”
of their leader Mulayam Singh
Yadav and his son Akhilesh in
Lucknow ahead of their agita-
tion against Uttar Pradesh’s
ruling Bahujan Samaj Party.
Soon after the house paid
homage in the morning to
Congress leader Arjun Singh,
who died on Friday, Sama-
jwadi Party members rushed
towards the chair and raised
slogans demanding the dis-
missal of the Uttar Pradesh
government.
Lok Sabha Speaker Meira
Kumar’s requests to the pro-
testing members to return to
their seats went unheeded,
forcing her to adjourn the
house twice.
Rajya Sabha also mourned
the death of Arjun Singh who
was a sitting member, with
chairman Hamid Ansari say-
ing the country had lost “an
eminent administrator and a
distinguished parliamentar-
ian.” The upper house ad-
journed for the day soon after
as a mark of respect for the
departed leader. — IANS
11 INDIA
OMAN DAILY Observer
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011
minister A Raja, a DMK mem-
ber, was fired from and de-
tained for selling 2G telecom
licences at low prices which
an audit said had cost the gov-
ernment $39 billion loss.
The scandal, said to be the
country’s biggest, has deeply
embarrassed Singh who has
seen his reputation dashed to
the ground.
In February, he bowed to
demands for a parliamentary
investigation into the scandal
after months of protests by the
opposition stalled the assem-
bly’s last session.
Yesterday, Singh appeared
before parliament, accepting
responsibility for naming a
civil servant to the country’s
top anti-graft watchdog even
though the officer was himself
facing allegations of wrong-
doing. He made similar com-
ments on Friday.
“There has been an error
of judgement and I accept full
responsibility,” he said fol-
lowing the Supreme Court’s
decision last week cancelling
the appointment of the tainted
officer. — Reuters
Tax evader
questioned
MUMBAI — The Enforce-
ment Directorate (ED) yes-
terday raided the home of
Hasan Ali Khan and quizzed
him on the allegations of
money laundering including
the alleged $8 billion stashed
away abroad, officials said
here.
ED teams raided Khan’s
Pune home and detained him
for questioning. He was like-
ly to be brought to Mumbai
last night for further ques-
tioning in the matter.
The ED and other agen-
cies investigating the money
laundering racket are also
likely to open some bank
lockers in his presence in
Mumbai, the official said.
However, the official de-
clined to reveal the outcome
of the raids or of Khan’s pre-
liminary questioning.
This is the second time
that Khan has been raided,
the previous one being in
January 2007.
Among other things,
Khan is suspected to have
stashed away around US$8
billion in Swiss bank ac-
counts, transferring cash
and assets out of the country
through dubious means and
evading taxes on income
with a suspected liability of
over Rs 40,000 crore.
Recently, the ED issued
summons to him to appear
before it on March 10 while
he was quizzed by the In-
come Tax Department last
month in connection with
notices served to him in De-
cember 2008. — IANS
Over 12,000 citizens
evacuated from
strife-torn Libya
NEW DELHI — With a special char-
tered flight bringing 155 people from
Libya yesterday morning, over two-
third of nearly 18,000 Indian nation-
als have been evacuated from the vio-
lence-torn north African country.
A chartered Fly Dubai flight with
the last batch of 155 people who had
crossed over from Libya to Dzerba in
Tunisia returned to India early yester-
day morning.
In all, 1,120 Indians had crossed
over to Tunisia, all of whom have
since returned home safely.
Another 67 Indians who had
crossed over to Salloum in Egypt
reached Mumbai yesterday morning
by a Gulf Air flight.
Giving an update on Operation
Safe Homecoming, the multi-pronged
operation to evacuate Indians from
Libya, the External Affairs Ministry
said over 12,000 Indian nationals,
have been evacuated so far.
Chartered ship MV Red Star One
returned to Malta from Misurata in
Libya on Sunday morning with 301
Indians and 29 foreign nationals on
board. The passengers returned to In-
dia on Sunday night, on special Jet Air
and Kingfisher flights.
“All our nationals have thus been
brought back from Malta,” the min-
BJP hopes to open
account in Kerala
in coming elections
By Ashraf Padanna
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — The
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is plan-
ning a high-voltage campaign to open
its account in the state assembly with
Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj
camping here leading the campaign.
The party which could so far get
its candidates elected to the local self-
governments only had come second
in at least two constituencies (Kasara-
god and Manjeshwaram bordering the
BJP-ruled Karnataka) in 2006 elec-
tions raising hopes of the party.
This time the BJP has fielded sen-
ior leader O Rajagopal (pictured), the
81-year-old former federal minister,
from Nemam constituency to make
the last push for the breakthrough and
the entire focus is on his candidature
for the party that wants to establish its
presence in the state’s bipolar politics.
Rajagopal had unsuccessfully con-
tested from here in the 2004 parlia-
mentary elections though he came first
in three assembly segments, including
Nemam. The BJP just banks on his
popularity in the constituency rather
than its political strength.
BJP leader in charge of Kerala,
Muralidhra Rao, said besides Swaraj
the entire top brass of the party will
soon be in Kerala campaigning for
Rajagopal who had already started so-
liciting votes.
“The top BJP leadership has taken
the electoral battle in Kerala very seri-
ously and the party will open its ac-
count in Kerala Assembly,” Rao told
reporters here yesterday. “The first list
istry said. MV Red Star One would
now set sail for Sirte in Libya today
and reach its destination in 24 hours.
It is expected to evacuate 600 people
to Malta.
Presently, there are 1,600 Indians
in Sirte, many of who may be heading
for Tripoli by road, for being airlifted
from there, the ministry said.
MV Scotia Prince is on its way
back to Alexandria with 972 people
from Benghazi in Libya on board.
The ministry, however, added that
the ship’s arrival has been delayed due
to some engine trouble and it is now
expected to reach today. All passen-
gers will be flown back to India on
three Egypt Air and one IL 76 flight
on March 9.
Naval vessels INS Jalashwa and
INS Mysore are headed for Tripoli and
expected to reach on March 10, the
last day for evacuating the remaining
Indian nationals in Tripoli.
India launched Operation Safe
Homecoming on February 26 to bring
back its nationals — the biggest such
exercise mounted since the August
1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait that
forced thousands of Indians to flee to
Jordan from where they were flown
home. — IANS
of the candidates will be released in
Delhi on Thursday after the formal ap-
proval by the core committee and the
election committee of the party”.
The BJP is going it alone in all the
140 constituencies, long dominated
by the rival United Democratic Front
(UDF) and Left Democratic Front
(LDF) alternately.
“The BJP will play a major role
in the electoral politics of Kerala this
time and the party will emerge as a
strong and creative opposition party
in the state as it has been doing at the
national-level,” he said.
To a question on alleged distribu-
tion of sarees to women by a prospec-
tive BJP candidate in Palakkad, he said
the Left parties, which don’t have self
confidence to fight the BJP on ideo-
logical level, was promoting violence
and raising baseless allegations.
“The party has no role in organis-
ing the function and there is no need
for BJP to canvass votes by extending
gifts like clothes,” he said.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Violence mars Bengal
Youth Congress polls
PANDEMONIUM broke out at the venue
of the West Bengal Youth Congress
committee elections yesterday as the
supporters of a losing candidate broke
furniture, upturned tables and chased
people with rods and flag poles.
The election at the Nazrul Mancha
in south Kolkata saw Congress MP
Mousam Benazir Noor becoming the
new state Youth Congress chief after
defeating Arindam Bhattacharya who had
the backing of Deepa Dasmunshi, wife
of ailing Congress leader Priya Ranjan
Dasmunshi.
Soon after the results were
announced, Youth Congress activists
owing allegiance to the losing candidate
forced their way onto the dais and went
on a rampage. They broke chairs, tore up
cloth used to decorate the stage and beat
up some of the Congress workers with
rods and flag poles.
Sandeep Wadhwa held in
CWG overlays scam
THE Central Bureau of Investigation
(CBI) yesterday arrested Sandeep
Wadhwa, director of the India operations
of a Swiss-based company, in connection
with the Commonwealth Games (CWG)
overlays scam.
Wadhwa was called for questioning in
the afternoon and arrested in the evening,
a CBI official said.
“Wadhwa was held in connection
with alleged irregularities in the award of
overlays contracts for over Rs 6 billion,”
said the official.
Wadhwa is Managing Director of
Comfort Net Traders India Pvt Ltd, the
company which was part of Switzerland-
based Nussli India Consortium. Nussli
India was given a contract of nearly
Rs 140 crore for supplying tents, portable
cabins, containers and other items for six
venues.
Quashing of Doordarshan
staff appointment stayed
THE Delhi High Court yesterday
restrained a Central Administrative
Tribunal (CAT) order quashing
appointment of 25 anchors and reporters
in Doordarshan (DD) News channel in
2010.
Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice
Sanjiv Khanna issued notice to the
central government, public broadcaster
Prasar Bharati and asked them to file
their replies by May 10.
The court was hearing a petition filed
by DD’s anchors and reporters who
challenged the CAT’s September 2010
order annulling their recruitment.
AIIMS questioned for
disobeying court order
THE Delhi High Court yesterday
issued notices for contempt of court to
the additional director-general, health
and the All India Institute of Medical
Sciences (AIIMS) for denying an MBBS
doctor admission in a masters course
despite the court’s order last week.
Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice
Sanjeev Khanna said: “Why have you
not allowed the child to take admission
even after this court has directed on
March 4 to allot a seat? You have
committed contempt of this court order.”
“Issue notice to additional director-
general, health, central government and
AIIMS. They will have to file their reply
by March 15, with a clarification on
which ground he was denied admission
twice,” said the court.
Woman killed while
resisting robbery
THE Delhi Police have arrested a
man for allegedly killing a 58-year-
old woman at her residence when she
resisted a robbery attempt by a three-man
gang, police said yesterday.
Ranjit was arrested from Harsh Vihar
in north Delhi for murdering Kiran Soni,
wife of Shiv Charan Soni, a goldsmith,
when she refused to part with her jewel-
lery and cash on Sunday, police said.
The woman was alone in her Harsh Vi-
har home when the men broke in. Ranjit
had worked for the family for two months
in the past. The two accomplices are ab-
sconding.
Ensure safety of Sikhs
abroad, PM told
PUNJAB Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir
Singh Badal yesterday asked Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh to take all
possible diplomatic steps to ensure the
security of Sikhs working in the US and
in other countries, following the killing
of a Sikh in California.
Surinder Singh, 68, was killed and
Gurmej Singh Atwal, 71, was critically
injured in Sacramento after unidentified
assailants opened fire at them.
“We are very shocked over this
incident of attack on Sikhs at California.
It is a suspected case of hate crime. This
was the second such incident during
last four months in the same US city
and it has triggered panic among the
Sikhs, who have a sizeable population in
California,” Badal said. — IANS
 ANALYSIS/OPINION 12
OMAN DAILY Observer
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011

Reform hurdles Palestinians using cash, Facebook for freedom

By Raymond Colitt By Laura Villena appeared the handwritten slogan in from all over the world.
big black letters. Before long, organ- This is a simple, non-violent, innovative Despite that push, Hamas has

B
RAZILIAN President Dilma Rousseff is backing away

G
from a reform agenda that the business community, the O through your wallet some isers said, they hope “Free Palestine” continued to block all street demon-
IMF and others say is needed to spur investment and day and you might see a
surprise. Along with Queen
will show up on paper currency eve-
rywhere.
way to resist Israeli occupation, strations in recent weeks. On Feb-
ruary 28, Hamas security forces in
sustained growth in Latin America’s largest economy. Despite
commanding a large majority in Brazil’s Congress, Rous-
seff’s centre-left coalition government has been spooked by
Elizabeth on a British pound, George
Washington on the US dollar or Jew-
Israeli shekels are used in the
West Bank and Gaza Strip, but the
according to the organisers Gaza City stormed a rally for politi-
cal freedom and the end of Palestin-
concerns about its spending, inflation and uncertainties in the ish leaders on the Israeli shekel, you initiative, defined as an “everywhere also demands “Stop the Gaza block- have met with varying degrees of ian division.
global economy, according to its leaders. might see something new. campaign,” has quickly spread ade.” The three organisers said they success and recognition. Even Palestinian officials have
That has led it to water down or delay legislation that It could be “Free Palestine” en- around the world. have a “firm belief in non-violent “Gaza Youth Breaks Out” was tried to make greater use of Facebook
would, among other things, simplify the unwieldy tax system, grained across those familiar images. “No matter what country you are national resistance.” “This is a sim- the name of an initial group formed as shown by a message sent in ad-
reform the oil royalty structure and tighten oversight of the The new message is the product of a from, no matter what currency you ple, non-violent, innovative way to in January to protest all sides in the
new non-violent resistance campaign vance of anticipated parliamentary
country’s massive mining industry. Business leaders have said use, every time you get any note, resist” Israeli occupation, they said. Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
by Palestinian protesters against Is- elections.
those changes would make it easier to operate in Brazil, where write on it in pen or permanent mark- Five students from the Gaza Strip,
manufacturers and other companies frequently complain that rael’s occupation. er ‘Free Palestine,’” the Facebook Success, recognition who didn’t provide their identities, “In your opinion, in light of the
the strong real currency, onerous red tape and high tax burden With the help of Facebook, its page said. “This is an ingenious way of published a furious manifesto on the ongoing discussion to form a govern-
make it hard to compete. organisers said they hope to turn “This message must be spread sending a vital message to so many site railing against Israel, the Gaza ment, who is the person you believe
“At this juncture, even with political stability, you could it into a worldwide movement, far and wide.” One day after being people,” a statement said on the Strip ruler Hamas, the Fatah admin- is trustworthy and has leadership and
make financial instability” by attempting to pass the reforms, and it is one of many attempts by launched, another Facebook page Facebook page. “Just ‘Free Pales- istration in the West Bank and the distinguished scientific skills that
Candido Vaccarezza, government leader in the lower Chamber Palestinian groups to use the social- showed photos of Indonesian rupi- tine’ will sit in people’s heads. Some international community. could be relied on to be given a min-
of Deputies, said. “You undertake such changes when things networking site to get out their mes- ahs, euros and US dollars stamped will look into it more. The page, which has now turned isterial portfolio?”
are calm, not during an international economic crisis.” sage. with the message. Some won’t. This vital message into a plea by the authors for the Palestinian acting Prime Minister
Rousseff, an economist who defeated a centrist challenger The most recent campaign was Queen Elizabeth II seems to be will reach people on something that end of Palestinian internal division, Salam Fayyad asked on his personal
in a 2010 election, oversaw austerity measures opposed by launched on Saturday with one 50- shouting the slogan on a £20 note is handled in every part of the globe has received 20,645 “like” clicks. It Facebook page. “Name the place and
unions and other key supporters of her Workers’ Party (PT), shekel ($13.80) note across which while a note of 20 Canadian dollars each and every day.” Previous efforts continues to get messages of support the person.”
raising hopes among business leaders of more reforms to
come. But she began distancing herself from the reform agen-
da before taking over from her predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula
da Silva, putting the brakes on overhauling costly pension
benefits and rigid labour laws.
Now the government has watered down the planned tax
overhaul, which Rousseff had highlighted as one of her top
It’s dangerous
economic priorities, to a few targeted payroll and capital in-
vestment tax breaks. The big task of harmonising state taxes
will be postponed.
Industry leaders have long complained that the current
to fight graft
system favoured imports over exports and penalised adding By Rupam Jain Nair Hundreds of other
value to goods. States competing to offer the lowest tax for whistleblowers have been

S
foreign goods, boost imports and hurt local industries, they OON after he exposed attacked, threatened or
say. Rousseff’s defenders, once again, cite timing as the main how bricks were harassed for pursuing similar
reason for the move. bought for six times crusades, said Manish Siso-
“It’s not worth tackling that because it requires agreement their value for roads that dia of Kabir, a voluntary
we don’t have,” Humberto Costa, Senate leader for Rousseff’s were never built in the organisation who has been
ruling Workers’ Party, said. “There are a lot of interests in- northern Indian state of Uttar spreading awareness about
volved. It’s not so easy.” A bill that would define the distribu- Pradesh, Amarnath Pandey RTI to encourage its use.
tion of oil royalties between Brazil’s states also is unlikely to was shot near his home. The organisation has initi-
be discussed until the second half of the year, preventing the The bullet, which he ated a “RTI-brotherhood”
government from auctioning rights to explore vast, offshore believes was fired by con- campaign to provide safety
oil reserves. tractors who were benefiting to whistleblowers.
Investors were eagerly awaiting the legislation, especially from the brick scam, clipped In the latest case, the
as the recent rise in global oil prices had made Brazil’s off- his ear and grazed his skull, daughter-in-law of a man
shore oil deposits more attractive to multinationals seeking leaving him in hospital for who exposed a pension scam
to boost their reserves. “We don’t know how to deal with that weeks. in Haryana state was alleg-
issue yet. I don’t see us voting on it for at least three to four Pandey, 56, a doctor from edly murdered by a village
months,” Vaccarezza said. Robertsganj, a sleepy city council head whose role
Framework legislation that would heighten government 640 kilometres from New in the corruption had been
control and tighten concession rights in the mining industry, a Delhi, has been fighting exposed.
mainstay of the booming economy, may be sent to Congress for better civic amenities in Last September, Justice
by mid-year. But debate over a possible mining royalty hike the area for more than two Minister Veerappa Moily
is held up and will continue to generate uncertainty for inves- decades. called murdered RTI activists
tors. He used India’s new “martyrs” and said action
“The government’s attitude is worrying, this could be a Right to Information (RTI) was needed to protect those
lost opportunity,” said Rogerio Cesar de Souza with Iedi, an Act, passed in 2005, to find who exposed wrong-doing.
industry-financed think tank in Sao Paulo. Pressure on Rous- out why roads were not be- The government now
seff’s government is likely to increase, as Brazil’s economy JAPAN’S Prime Minister Naoto Kan (R) speaks with Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara at the start of a regular ing constructed despite funds plans to propose the new law
slows following breakneck expansion in 2010. parliament session in the lower house of parliament in Tokyo in a file photo. — Reuters allocated by the government in the current parliamentary
Dominique Strauss-Kahn, head of the International Mon- — and the facts he discov- session, but RTI activists
etary Fund, joined the chorus of voices calling for the country
to keep to its reform agenda on a visit to Brazil on Thursday,
saying it would help ensure sustainable economic growth. More troubles for premier ered nearly cost him his life. say delays in the police’s
Pandey refuses to be put
off and is determined to un-
response would still provide
ample opportunity for any
earth other corruption scams “vested interest” to plot their
using RTI, a law introduced

Test for Putin

revenge.
By Takehiko Kambayashi opposition Liberal Democrat- pledges before the 2009 gen- between a Chinese fishing to promote accountabil- The Bihar Human Rights
ic Party (LDP). eral elections, in which the boat and Japan Coast Guard ity and good government Commission, a government

T
HE resignation of Ja- “The only ways to break party won a historic landslide vessels near a disputed group through giving open access body working in the eastern
By Stuart Williams pan’s foreign minister through this situation are for victory, ending more than a of islets. to official data. state of Bihar released a
is adding to the troubles the entire cabinet to resign or half-century of almost unbro- Edano said he expected the It was hailed as a major report last year on harass-

R
UMBLINGS of protest and increased criticism of the of embattled Prime Minister to dissolve the lower house ken LDP rule. premier to pick a new foreign breakthrough for India’s ment of people who made
authorities on the Internet present a new test for the Naoto Kan’s government. as soon as possible” to hold a Last week, the 16 law- minister before a meeting of bureaucratic and graft-ridden RTI requests and asked the
Russian ruling elite led by Vladimir Putin one year be- Seiji Maehara, once seen snap election, Kosaka said. makers skipped the vote on the Group of Eight major in- public service culture, but government to suspend 54
fore presidential polls, analysts said. But while Russia has in as a possible successor to Kan, the fifth prime minis- the budget plan although it dustrialised countries in mid- few people foresaw the vio- guilty officers.
the last months seen unusual protests on issues ranging from Kan, stepped down after tak- ter since 2006, has also been cleared the powerful lower March. lence that the RTI Act would Sumankant Raichaudhari,
sirens used by officials to a highway through a forest and time ing responsibility for receiv- criticised by fellow members house. Critics said Kan is Kan told a parliamentary unleash. a teacher in Bihar’s capital
zones, they do not — for now — pose the risk of an Egypt- ing campaign donations from of his Democratic Party of Ja- entrenched in internal feuds session yesterday that “for- At least 11 people were city, Patna, says he has filed
style turnaround. a foreign national in violation pan (DPJ). and has surrounded himself eign policy is extremely im- killed, or died in unexplained 150 applications to find out
The last presidential elections held on March 2, 2008, de- of Japanese law. DPJ lower house member with opponents of former DPJ portant” and that he would try circumstances, last year more about money budgeted
livered Dmitry Medvedev to the Kremlin for a four-year man- Kan, facing protracted Yuko Sato offered to resign leader Ichiro Ozawa despite to name a permanent minister after exposing corruption in for government schools and
date, taking over from Putin who had served a maximum two economic troubles and mount- from the party as she ques- his repeated insistence on soon. public utilities, mining, food whether it was all being used
terms and instead became a powerful prime minister. Putin, ing public debt, has struggled tioned Kan’s political leader- party unity. Japan has been plagued distribution and unauthor- on students.
still seen as Russia’s de-facto leader, now has the right to to get key budget measures ship, but party secretary-gen- Maehara was one of those by diplomatic troubles, espe- ised water and electricity The authorities reacted
stand again as president. He and Medvedev have made two through a divided parliament eral Katsuya Okada did not who had harshly criticised cially since Kan took office, hookups, according to RTI by trying to bribe him and,
things clear — they will not compete against each other and before the April 1 start of the accept the resignation. Ozawa, who was indicted in while facing nuclear and mis- activist groups in New Delhi. when that failed, they threat-
they will decide who will stand nearer the time. fiscal year. Sato’s move followed a re- January in a political funding sile threats from North Korea. In July 2010, environment ened to kidnap his teenage
A crucial indicator will be parliamentary elections at the His popularity ratings have volt within the ruling party in case. Kan decided yesterday Japan’s relations with activist Amit Jethwa, from daughter, he said.
end of 2011 which will test the dominance of the ruling party fallen to around 20 per cent, mid-February when a group to ask chief cabinet secretary Russia have been especially the western state of Gujarat, Mumbai-based Sumaira
United Russia in regions which have seen the biggest protests and opposition parties em- of 16 DPJ lawmakers said Yukio Edano, another critic tense since Russian President was shot dead by two men on Abdulali, who founded the
against authorities. These include Moscow and Saint Peters- boldened by the resignation they would openly challenge of Ozawa, to serve as interim Dmitry Medvedev travelled a motorbike outside a court. Movement against Intimida-
burg as well as further-flung regions with a tradition of liberal of Maehara are pressing the initiatives by Kan. foreign minister. in November to Russian-con- Jethwa, 35, had been us- tion, Threats and Revenge
thinking and a string of local gripes against the Kremlin like premier to step down. The 16 members and Sato Edano, who lacks a dip- trolled islands that Japan also ing the RTI act for two years against Activists, has been
the western Kaliningrad exclave and the Far East. Maehara’s resignation were particularly opposed to lomatic background, called claims. to fight against illegal mines attacked twice for expos-
In one bizarre incident in the Far East Kamchatka region, demonstrated that Kan’s cabi- Kan’s plan to raise the na- China a “vicious neighbour” Kan called the visit an “un- operating inside the Gir lion ing a multi-million-dollar
the authorities tried to ban a production of Cinderella when net “lacks governing ability,” tion’s 5 per cent consump- last year amid mounting ten- forgivable outrage.” Analysts sanctuary, the only natural sand mining scam allegedly
audiences cheered wildly at what they saw as a subliminal said Kenji Kosaka, an upper tion tax. They argued the hike sions between the neighbour- said his comments further ag- habitat of the endangered involving politicians, civil
protest against a Kremlin-imposed time zone change. “The house lawmaker of the main would violate DPJ campaign ing countries after a collision gravated diplomatic tensions. Asiatic lions. servants and police.
mood has changed and there are reasons to be worried,” pro-
Kremlin analyst Sergei Markov, a United Russia MP in the
State Duma parliament, said.
“The ratings for the authorities remain very high but the
protest mood is growing in the country,” he added. “This
pre-election year promises to be more stormy than the last.”
The Internet — finally now penetrating deep into Russia —
Forest loss threatens S Leone water resources
By Simon Akam And house building is the least of Although the house building on (the water) comes off in the wet sea- by storing carbon, but few countries
has allowed activists like whistleblowing shareholder Alexei
the worries facing Sierra Leone’s for- Leicester Peak is outside the main son,” said Richard Harding, of the plan to.
Navalny to expose abuses at state firms or bloggers to claim

T
HE slopes of Leicester Peak,
Putin is building a lavish new dacha on the Black Sea. a protected rainforest on a hill
Forums like Live Journal and social networking sites have above Sierra Leone’s capi-
given critical Russians a chance to spread their views, be it tal, are a jumble of haphazard de-
criticising the authorities on their response to terror attacks or velopment and half-finished villas.
mocking the mascots for the 2014 Olympics. According to the
Concrete buildings cluster against a
Renaissance Capital brokerage, Russia’s Internet penetration
tangle of trees and vines — a con-
rate is still only 45 per cent, compared with 84 per cent in Brit-
struction site in a forest reserve that
ain, but broadband Internet access is now expanding fast.
“Opposition supporters are particularly speaking out on supplies the city of Freetown with its
the Internet,” said Markov. “For the moment this protest has water and where building is meant to
be banned.
no defined political expression but if it gets one, it could
change the election campaign.” And there is much fodder for It highlights a common problem
complaint. Corruption remains endemic and events like the across Africa, where efforts to halt
murder of 12 people in a farmer’s house in south Russia in forest loss are routinely flouted, often
November by a known criminal group expose how anarchy with the consent of a cash-strapped
has been allowed to rage unchecked in some places. government or corrupt officials.
“There is dissatisfaction and for the State Duma elections “There is a huge encroachment,”
United Russia will see a drop in its support,” liberal political said Jochen Moninger, who works
analyst Dmitry Oreshkin said. “But the situation has not yet for the German NGO Welthunger-
reached a crisis.” Russia remains in suspense over which of hilfe on a project to preserve the for-
the ruling duo will choose to stand and win an almost certain est. “By the law of Sierra Leone no
victory on the back of continued popularity and slavish state settlement, no activity is supposed to
media support. happen in these areas.”
ests — which like many neighbours
in Africa’s humid, forested belt are
being plundered for logs and char-
coal or cleared for rice fields to feed
one of Africa’s poorest nations.
According to a United Nations
report in 2008, the African continent
is losing forest at a rate of more than
4 million hectares per year — twice
the world average.
Data from the Food and Agricul-
ture Organisation (FAO) shows Sierra
Leone lost 19,000 ha or 0.7 per cent
per year of forest from 2000 to 2005,
as it emerged from a brutal civil war.
Freetown, a rundown, palm-
fringed capital with a population of
just over a million, has a water defi-
cit of 12 million gallons (55 million
litres) per day. Sierra Leone is one of
a number of African countries where
deforestation is impacting water sup-
ply.
water catchment area of Freetown’s
main dam, officials worry it sets a
precedent that protected forest can
be cut.
“Our efforts have not yielded
much fruit,” said Samuel Serry, Sierra
Leone Forests and Agriculture Minis-
try spokesman. “There is a serious
problem enforcing the regulations.”
Dependence on water
In Moseh, a village on a penin-
sula south of Freetown, village chief
Foday Koroma said water supplies
were getting more irregular and lo-
cal people were carrying water in
jerrycans.
On a continent where rain often
buckets down then dries up, trees
help moderate the cycle, by slowing
run-off and soaking up precipitation
to be released later.
“When you take forest off, all
UK-based Centre for Ecology and
Hydrology. “It will all be lost ... out
to sea.”
Only 40 per cent of a protected
forest of 17,482 hectares on a penin-
sula south of Freetown is left, yet a
fifth of the nation’s six million peo-
ple depend on it for water.
Government regulation is weak,
and illegal farming, building wood-
cutting and stone mining have all re-
duced the forested area.
Scott Bode, a resource specialist
in a US-funded programme fears se-
vere water shortages if the peninsula
loses its trees.
“It’s crazy that there could be wa-
ter shortages in a country that gets
3,000 mm rain per year,” he said.
Environmentalists say Africa
could cash in on carbon credits under
a UN scheme recognising the role
of trees in fighting climate change
Gabon began working on a plan
last year to conserve 80 per cent of
its forests on the UN scheme to re-
duce emissions from deforestation or
degradation (REDD).
The African Development Bank
has formed a huge programme for
the Congo basin, the world’s second-
biggest forest.
In Sierra Leone, with much forest
already razed, some environmental
charities like Welthungerhilfeare
(WHH) are seeking to make new,
downsized protected areas that can
be more easily protected.
A tender is out for projects to
attract REDD money, but they are
a long way off working out the de-
tails.
“Sierra Leone has not yet devel-
oped a national strategy, how to do
this REDD,” said WHH official Jo-
chen Moninger.
 THE PHILIPPINES/SUBCONTINENT 13
OMAN DAILY Observer
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011

Philippine Navy gets patrol NEWS IN BRIEF

craft to guard its borders
MANILA — The Philippine Navy said yester-
day it had bought a large Hamilton-class patrol
craft from the United States to help it guard its
waters, amid tensions over territorial claims,
notably with China.
The announcement was made by the new
Philippine military chief of staff, Air Force
Lieutenant-General Eduardo Oban, as he as-
sumed his post.
“As I speak, Philippine Navy officers are
now in the United States... preparing to sail our
first Hamilton class navy (vessel) to the Philip-
pines,” he said in a speech to troops. “We shall
sustain efforts to modernise our armed forces,”
he added.
Details of the acquisition were not dis-
closed, but the navy said in January that ac-
quiring the refurbished, 380-foot vessel was
aimed at boosting its border patrol capability.
Yesterday’s announcement came amid fresh
tensions between Manila and China over alle-
gations that Beijing’s patrol vessels harassed a
Philippine oil exploration boat in disputed wa-
ters in the South China Sea last week.
After lodging a formal protest, President
Benigno Aquino ordered coast guard escorts
for the oil exploration vessel, which was con-
ducting a seismic survey in the Reed Bank,
which is close to the disputed Spratly Islands.
China has brushed the protest aside, reas-
Kitchen
Garden Project
Casualties take focus from
serting that the Spratlys, which it calls the Nan-
sha islands, and adjacent waters have always
been part of its territory.
The new ship will replace the Philippine na-
vy’s flagship, Raja Humabon, a Cannon-class
destroyer escort, which is probably one of the
world’s oldest warships, the navy has said.
Equipped with a retractable hangar, a heli-
copter flight deck and powered by a dual en-
gine or gas turbines, the Hamilton is described
as a high endurance cutter with close-in weap-
ons systems.
Washington considers the Philippines a ma-
jor non-Nato military ally and the two countries
are bound by a 1951 mutual defence treaty.
Meanwhile, a high-profile name-and-shame
campaign against tax cheats helped the Philip-
pines keep its 2010 budget deficit from spin-
ning out of control, Finance Minister Cesar
Purisima said yesterday.
The government said last year’s funding
gap was limited to P314.4 billion ($7.25 bil-
lion), due to improved customs and income tax
collection.
“Collections in both (customs and in-
ternal revenue) agencies have benefited
from the vigorous implementation of the
Run After Tax Evaders and Run After The
Smugglers programmes,” Purisima said in a
statement. — AFP
Three police killed in
Philippines attack
THREE policemen were killed and five
wounded in an attack by suspected com-
munist fighters in the southern Philip-
pines, police and army spokesmen said
yesterday.
The ambush occurred late on Sunday
in Malaybalay town in Bukidnon
province, 870 kilometres south of
Manila, said national police spokesman
Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz.
The police officers were aboard
two vehicles en route to the village of
Magsaysay to investigate a report of a
killing when the guerrillas ambushed
them, Cruz added.
Regional army spokesman Major
Julio Eugenio Osias said three policemen
died in the ambush while five were
wounded.
“We have sent more soldiers to the
area to help conduct pursuit operations
against the fighters,” he added.
Government and rebel negotiators
resumed formal peace talks last month
after the talks were stalled for more than
six years. They agreed to complete the
negotiations in 18 months.
SOLDIERS stand atop a vehicle during an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) parade and change of Govt orders oil firms to
command ceremony inside the Camp Aguinaldo military headquarters in metro Manila. — Reuters
boost inventories
THE Philippine government yesterday
Pakistan prime minister ordered oil firms to ramp up imports
and stocks amid growing concern about
potential supply disruption due to unrest

launched
HAFIZABAD — The gov-
ernment of Pakistani prov-
ince of Punjab launched a
revolutionary step “Kitchen
Garden Project” to increase
vegetables’ production as
well as provision of cheap
vegetables to the consumers,
officials said yesterday.
Punjab Kitchen Garden
Project Director Asghar
Khan, addressing a semi-
nar, said the objective of in-
troducing this project was
not only to create a new
trend of growing vegetables
at domestic level but also to
provide cheap vegetables to
the people of the province.
At least 100 kitchen gar-
dens would be established
at district level in Punjab;
he said, adding that experts
in the Agriculture Depart-
ment would provide as-
sistance to the people who
would establish the kitchen
gardens.
Hafizabad District Co-
ordination officer Muham-
mad Asif said the kitchen
gardens would increase
environmental beauty and
income of the growers.
B’desh sets up $700m
Gates’s Afghan trip
KABUL — US Defence Sec-
retary Robert Gates arrived
in Afghanistan yesterday at
a time of increased strain be-
tween Kabul and its Western
backers and with important
security transition milestones
looming.
Gates, whose visit was not
announced in advance, will
meet President Hamid Karzai,
who complained angrily last
week after nine Afghan chil-
dren were mistakenly killed
by helicopters from the Nato-
led International Security As-
sistance Force (ISAF).
Karzai will soon unveil
a timetable for the start of a
handover of security respon-
sibility from foreign forces
to Afghans. The process is to
begin in July and be complete
by 2014. US officials said it
would be the focus of Gates’s
trip.
Gates is expected to visit
parts of southern and eastern
Afghanistan where Nato com-
manders say they have weak-
ened the Taliban and created
“bubbles” of security they
hope to link up.
But civilian casualties have
clouded the relationship and
diverted attention from transi-
tion plans, with blunt exchang-
es between Karzai and US
leaders after a string of recent
accidental killings, mainly in
remote eastern provinces .
Karzai has said a rare
and candid apology by ISAF
Commander General David
Petraeus was “not enough”.
The boys were killed while
collecting firewood in a vola-
tile eastern province.
US President Barack
Obama has also expressed his
“deep regret” but Karzai told
a meeting of security advisers
on Sunday, which Petraeus at-
tended, that civilian casualties
caused by foreign troops were
“no longer acceptable”.
Petraeus again apologised
for the killings, saying they
were a “great mistake”, ac-
cording to a statement released
by the presidential palace.
Karzai in turn said such
casualties were the main cause
of strained relations between
the United States and Afghan-
istan, the statement said.
Yunus ‘apprehensive’ over fair trial
Gates visited a military
hospital at the vast Bagram
base north of Kabul soon after
arriving but had no immediate
comment on civilian casual-
ties.
“You’ve had a tough
winter and it’s going to be a
tougher spring and summer,
but you’ve made a lot of head-
way and I think you’ve proven
with your Afghan partners that
this thing is going to work,” he
told troops at the base.
Major-General John Camp-
bell, commander of Nato-led
forces in eastern Afghanistan,
said 90 per cent of civilian
casualties in his area were
caused by insurgents. Of the
rest, most came during “esca-
lation of force” incidents such
as when a car failed to slow
down as instructed at a check-
point, he told reporters.
He said an ISAF base had
come under attack in the area
where the boys were killed
and his forces had responded.
Hundreds of Afghans
chanting “Death to America”
gathered in the capital on Sun-
day in protest. — Internews
urges peace, tolerance
ISLAMABAD — Pakistani Prime
Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani yesterday
sought scholars’ help in curbing ex-
tremism and urged the country’s youth
to follow teachings of tolerance and
peace.
Gilani’s appeal came after sus-
pected fighters gunned down his lone
Catholic minister Shahbaz Bhatti
in broad daylight in Islamabad last
week.
Minorities Affairs Minister Bhatti,
42, who was an outspoken campaign-
er against Pakistan’s blasphemy laws,
died in a hail of bullets as he left his
mother’s home on Wednesday.
Bhatti’s murder came months after
Punjab provincial governor Salman
Taseer, a liberal politician and oppo-
nent of the blasphemy law, was shot
dead by one of his police bodyguards,
who was hailed as a hero by religious
groups.
The minister’s assassination last
week rekindled international fears
about violence in Pakistan, a crucial
ally in the US-led war in Afghanistan.
“The country’s present situation
demands that we follow the life of
the Prophet Mohammad, who taught
us tolerance and brotherhood,” Gilani
told a conference of scholars.
Some 300 scholars from Pakistan
and abroad are attending the privately
Tajik president
arranged three-day conference aimed
at hammering out a strategy to end ex-
tremism in the country.
“Today we need to follow the true
message of tolerance and understand-
ing preached and practised by the Holy
Prophet,” Gilani told the participants.
He said the murderers of Shah-
baz Bhatti tried to create a “wedge”
between two groups. But, he said, “I
warn such elements they will never
succeed in their objective.” Gilani said
that Islam and the Pakistani constitu-
tion ensure rights and freedom for mi-
norities.
In their speeches, scholars vowed
opposition to bombings, extrem-
ism and terrorism, saying that they
were struggling to spread message of
peace. Pakistan has been wracked by
violence, mostly targeting security of-
ficials.
Some 4,000 people have been
killed in bomb blasts, suicide and gun
attacks blamed on home-grown Tali-
ban and Al Qaeda linked fighters since
Pakistan troops stormed fighters in Is-
lamabad in July 2007.
“Extremism, terrorism and attacks
are heinous acts and have nothing
to do with Islam. Such acts violate
what Islam stands for,” senior scholar
Mufti Abu Huraira Mohiuddin told the
gathering. — AFP
in the Middle East and North Africa.
The energy ministry said in a
statement it had ordered oil companies to
step up imports and maintain a minimum
inventory sufficient for 15 days.
“The Philippines needs to be resilient
in light of these events,” Energy Minister
Jose Rene Almendras said in the
statement. He said the oil-poor country’s
main concern was supply security.
Ministry spokesman Joel Gaviola
said the government had not previously
imposed a minimum inventory
requirement.
The energy ministry puts the
country’s daily fuel consumption at about
300,000 barrels or 48 million litres.
Inflation surged to 4.3 per cent last
month, its highest level in nearly a year,
from 3.6 per cent in January, as bloody
protests spread from Tunisia and Egypt
to Libya and beyond.
Sri Lanka’s remittances
rise by 23.6 per cent
SRI Lankans employed abroad sent
home a record $4.11 billion in 2010, up
by nearly a quarter from the previous
year, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka said
yesterday.
Over 1.5 million Sri Lankans are
employed abroad, mainly as labourers or
housemaids in Gulf states. They are the
biggest single source of foreign exchange
for the South Asian nation which has a
population of 20 million.
“During 2010, workers’ remittances
increased by 23.6 per cent to $4.11
billion over that of 2009,” the bank said
in a statement.

fund to prop up stocks arrives in Pakistan It said Sri Lanka’s exports also hit
a record $8.3 billion in calendar 2011,
up 17.3 per cent compared with 2009,
DHAKA — Bangladesh will create a $700 million mutual on three-day visit but the overall trade deficit grew to $5.2
fund, the country’s biggest ever, in a bid to stabilise the highly billion, an expansion of 66.7 per cent on
volatile Dhaka Stock Exchange, the head of a state-owned in- ISLAMABAD — Tajik President Emomali the previous year.
vestment bank said yesterday. Rahmon arrived in Islamabad yesterday to Import costs were sharply higher,
The plan is part of the government’s drive to restore calm to discuss bilateral relations and economic co- mainly because of surging oil prices and
the market, after sharp falls triggered angry protests by inves- operation, an official of Pakistan’s Foreign a flood of vehicles and consumer goods
tors in the capital Dhaka and across the country. Ministry said. following a reduction in import duties,
Eight state-run financial institutions will invest cash to Rahmon is expected to meet President the bank said.
create the planned 50 billion taka ($700 million) Bangladesh Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Better prices for Sri Lankan tea, the
Fund, said M Fayequzzaman, Chief Executive Officer of the Raza Gilani during his three-day visit. He main export commodity, and clothing
Investment Corp of Bangladesh. also plans to visit the main commercial city helped to partially offset these factors,
“It is the largest ever mutual fund in the country’s history. It and southern port of Karachi. the bank said. The country’s economy
is aimed at stabilising the country’s stock exchange and boost- The ministry said Rahmon is accompanied grew 8 per cent in 2010, up from
ing liquidity in the crisis-hit market,” Fayequzzaman said. by several Tajik lawmakers and a delegation 3.5 per cent a year earlier. Sri Lanka
The Dhaka Stock Exchange has shed more than 40 per cent of businessmen who will discuss agreements expects to maintain 7 to 8 per cent
in the past three months, wiping over $16 billion off the share in the fields of hydropower, investment, growth in 2011.
market’s capitalisation since its benchmark index hit a record healthcare, trade, sports and agriculture.
high of 8,918.51 points on December 5. “The project is still in the phase of plan- Philippines to tender $1bn
ning and we are not expecting an agreement
The benchmark DGEN index was trading up 2.90 per cent, or
right now but its vital for Pakistan since it worth of rail, toll roads
160 points, at 5,697 points in morning trade on the back of Sunday’s
announcement of the fund’s creation. The fund is in addition to a re- will help us to meet our electricity needs in PHILIPPINE President Benigno Aquino
form package that includes tighter regulation and other measures an- future,” said the Pakistani official who spoke yesterday invited investors to help his
nounced by the government to prop up the market and boost investor MICROFINANCE pioneer Muhammad Yunus emerges from the high court building to on condition of anonymity. cash-strapped government build more
confidence. contest the decision to remove him from his post in Grameen Bank in Dhaka. — AFP than a billion dollars’ worth of road and
DHAKA — A court hear- Mahmud told the court. “During the 12 years you
New special envoy rail projects.
Saudi team visits projects ing into whether Bangladeshi
Nobel laureate Muhammad
Mahmud said the central
bank’s charges against Yu-
say he held the post illegally,
Yunus received the Nobel in Islamabad to ease
Aquino said he wanted the private
sector to build this year a road linking
Manila’s North Luzon and South Luzon
in calamity-hit areas Yunus was illegally sacked
from his microfinance bank
nus were baseless and that he
had personally encountered
Prize — does this mean the
award is illegitimate? Does diplomatic tensions toll highways, as well as a toll road to
unclog traffic around Manila airport, and
adjourned yesterday after his “problems” as a result of rep- this mean the Nobel Prize was a new access route to the South Luzon
ISLAMABAD — The three-member Saudi high echelon engi- lawyers expressed doubts he resenting his client against the given to a usurper, a pretender ISLAMABAD — The new US special envoy
neering delegation has undertaken inspection of the projects in tollway.
would get a fair trial. government. The central bank to the throne?” Mahmud said. for Afghanistan and Pakistan met yesterday The government also plans to sell
different parts of the country, which are under completion and Yunus, 70, who won the claims Yunus has been in his Supporters say Yunus’s with Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani in
funded by Saudi Arabia. Manila’s Light Rail Transit and Metro
Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 position illegally since he did troubles stem from 2007 when Islamabad to ease growing tensions over the Rail Transit systems to improve service,
The Saudi Development Fund (SDF) delegation, headed by for his pioneering concept not seek its approval when he he floated the idea of form- arrest of a US national for killing two people.
chief engineer Abdullah al Shoaibi had an important meeting he added.
of small cash loans to tackle was reappointed to the post of ing a political party, earning On his first trip to the region, Marc Gross- “And with an estimated investment
with Saudi Ambassador in Pakistan, Abdul Aziz Ibrahim bin poverty, was removed from Grameen Bank managing di- the wrath of Prime Minister man held talks with Foreign Secretary Sal-
Saleh al Ghadeer, and discussed with him about the plans to of more than a billion dollars lined up
Grameen Bank last week in rector in 2000. Sheikh Hasina, who has pub- man Bashir before meeting Gilani.
help the people living in calamity-hit areas. for bidding, these projects give us more
what his supporters say was Yunus founded Grameen licly disparaged his work. The visit came as the relations between two
Yaser al Bakri and Muhammad al Masood are the other reason to be optimistic,” Aquino said in a
part of a political vendetta in 1983, and its microfinance In December, following countries are strained because of the arrest of
members of the visiting delegation. The SDF has initiated a speech to an investor conference.
against him. work offering credit to mil- the release of a Norwegian Raymond David, a CIA contractor, who shot
number of projects in the 2005 earthquake and 2010 flood- Presidential spokesman Edwin
He has defied the central lions of villagers and farmers TV documentary critical of and killed two Pakistanis in the eastern city of
affected areas for the rehabilitation of the people of the areas. Lacierda told reporters formal bid
bank’s dismissal order, re- who do not have access to Yunus, Hasina accused him of Lahore on January 28.
King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia dispatched invitations for the first project would be
turning to work at Grameen’s mainstream banking has since “sucking blood from the poor” The US had claimed that Davis was a US
huge assistance on both the occasions for relief and rescue pur- sent out at the end of the month, and the
headquarters in Dhaka and been copied in developing and pulling a financial “trick” Embassy official and therefore enjoyed dip-
pose and subsequently a number of projects were started under second project in early April.
lodging the high court case countries around the world. to avoid paying tax. lomatic immunity, but a local court on Thurs-
the auspices of Saudi organisation for the rehabilitation of the To attract investors, the government
contesting his firing. His lawyers have argued Yunus has since been vili- day said that no evidence had been produced
earlier offered assurances about the
affectees. “The world is watching that the Bangladesh bank gave fied in the Bangladeshi press, about his diplomatic status.
Philippines’ notoriously poor and
According to Saudi embassy in Islamabad, the site project this courtroom and what it “implied consent” by not rais- summoned to court three times An official privy to the talks between the
corrupt business environment, which
of King Abdullah University was handed over to the project will decide. My client is very ing the issue of his reappoint- in cases nominally connected US envoy and Gilani yesterday said the prime
has seen governments not honour
contractors to initiate the execution at an estimate costing $60 apprehensive of whether he ment for 12 years, and that to Grameen, and seen his bank minister told Grossman that the issue would
contracts and investors lose millions of
million in Muzaffarabad on the occasion of the visit of the del- will receive a fair hearing,” they were also not the compe- become the target of a govern- be handled “in a responsible way and in the
dollars. — Agencies
egation to the project site. — AFP/Internews Yunus’s lawyer Rokonuddin tent authority to fire him. ment probe. — AFP light of the court verdict.” — Agencies

R ENT-A-CAR
ENT-A-C
Luxury Cars
BMW 750il Mercedes
Mer 430SL
on hourly & daily basis
with chauffeur.
Contact:
Contact: 99337159/99359628
F OR RENT
FOR RENT
9000M² of secured
open land, with basic
office and labour
camp facilities in
GHALA. To be
leased for long and
short term lease.
Serious offers write
to 2275/112.
Tel : 24791485/
92137157
A FARM at Al Seeb
3,000 m/sq. Contact:
 92758030.
SAVILLS OMAN
QUALITY homes for
rent throughout
Capital Area Muscat.
Contact: 24692151.
www.sav-oman.com
1 AND 3 bedroom flat
for rent in Al Khuwair.
Contact: 99747714,
24706521
2 BEDROOM, centrally
air-conditioned flat at
MBD. 24714624/
93231434.
2 BEDROOM flat,
separate hall, Al Hail,
near Math Genius
School and International
School. Contact:
99439705, 99768094.
HOUSE for rent, Wadi
Kabir. 99343397,
98813620.
MAJAN Line for
transportation. Luxury
Tourist buses for lease.
Model 2010-2011,
24-hour service. For
contact: 9772777,
95655556.
INDUSTRIAL land
in Sohar 3,000m2 with
compound wall/room
etc. 24815404.
HOUSE/villa for rent
at Wadi Kabir near
Baladiya Masjid. Call
Felix Fernandes.  shifting, cargo
98929129.
FLAT for rent in Muscat
92828722.
FLATS Al Khuwair,
Wadi Kabir, Mumtaz
(with excellent furniture
& without) offices &
shops (Al Khuwair).
96596348.
95228450
NCR Car Rental
„ Best price & Best cars
„ Special long term deal
„ Delivery 24 hrs
For Booking 99371078/
96106626.
A NNOUNC
NNOUNCEMENT
AYURVEDIC
treatment, Yoga
massage &
slimming. Contact
92504980/98354760/
24475280/ 24698564.
www.drsajjay.com
WANTED
About 500 sqm space to
be used as godown cum
repair shop in
WADI KABIR
INDUSTRIAL AREA
for long lease or purchase.
For details contact:
Shimon Mohandas
+968 99573080
Hassan Mohd Hassan al
Balushi +968 97878878
SITUATION
VACANT
A qualified Nurse
required to care
for a 73 years old
European lady for
eight hours
per day.
CALL: 99333095
CLASSIFIED
SECTION
RUWI
 24785668
F OR RENT/SALE/INVT
RENT/S
AVAILABLE industrial/
commercial land in
Ghala, Wattayah, Al
Amerat, Al Masafah,
Al Rumaiz, Al Thraf
in Sohar. For rental/
business/investment.
Front road facility
available.  92997705.
INDUSTRIAL land for
investment extended
for (14 years) in Jufnin
(Rusayl).  99323957,
96554668.
INDUSTRIAL and
commercial land at Al
Maabela, Rusayl,
Barka, Al Amerat and
Quriyat. 95113217,
95490842, 99323957,
24453352.
S ITUATION WANTED
ITUATIO
26 YEARS old female on
family visa, B Com, PG in
Marketing and Financial
Services with Canadian
experience in Banking
operations.  93363358.
jeanramacha@gmail.com
INDIAN male office
secretary/ administrator,
20 years experience in
Oman, looking for suitable
job. 92118648.
INDIAN male, 7 years
experience, holding valid
Omani D/L, seeks job in
sales & marketing field
99529327, 98258515
CLASSIFIED SECTION:
SPECIAL Rates on
New Cars & 4 WDs
RENTING & LEASING
Tours and Airport Transfer
Tel: 24582663
GSM: 95859497,
Fax: 24582664,
abcrent@omantel.net.om
B UYING CA
CARS
WE are buyin
buying cars
Contact
in cash. Cont
95921203.
D RIVING SSCHOOL
MORNING STAR
DRIVING SCHOOL
S SALES TEAM FOR ALL YOUR REAL
— Learn driv
driving
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
M ANPOWE
ANPOWER
RECRUITMENT/
Manpower supply
agency for all job
categories, skilled,
semi skilled, unskilled
and domestic
helpers. FRIENDS
ENTERPRISE
SERVICES LLC.
24561010/ 24565646
Fax: 24562168. E-mail:
june_nrg@yahoo.com.
FRIENDS MANPOWER:
Filipino housemaids
and all kinds of
workers.
 24489268,
Tel/Fax: 24478153.
F OR SALE
FOR NRIs. 6
Residential p
plots in
high
hi h class
l residential
area at Neyatinkara,
Trivandrum. Contact:
98096644.
NEW &
REFURBISHED
PORTA-CABINS.
Srinivas - 99460340.
ACCOUNTANT, Indian INDIAN female graduate
having 9 years experience,
male 25, having 3 years
Oman experience in good computer &
accounts on Oracle communication skills,
((ERP), seeks better seeks suitable placement in
placement. Contact: Administration HR Dept.
96143708. 
INDIAN female, 24, B
INDIAN male, 24 years, Com, experience in travel
DCE diploma civil agency accounts, seeks
engineer, 4 years India placement as an accounts
experience in building
assistant, preferably
construction, now on close to Wadi Kabir.
visit, seeks placement 
95564971.
INDIAN male, having
driving licence,
30 MAX with AutoCAD,
seeks good job vacancy. looking for job in sales.
92046437. 
CLASSIFIED Sulaiman Awlad
SECTION Thani:95181747
RUWI:  24785668 Ali al Maashari:
99639264
Behind Royal Oman Police
Saada:
Adjacent to Dhofar
Building 95919344
14
OMAN DAILY Observer z TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011
GOOD PRICE!!! GOOD PRICE!!! al-haditha
centre
Available on very GOOD prices
HP F1050 for vehicles repairing
GOOD PRICE!!!
GOOD PRICE!!!
3 in 1 Printer High quality maintenance and repairing for
all kinds of light and heavy vehicles
RO 13.500 only (A certified workshop from ROP, Grade A)
HP J4500 4 in 1 Printer Telephone: 24595951, 95306257.
RO 29.900 only
HP S2021 20” LCD Monitor SAMA MUSCAT
GOOD PRICE!!!
GOOD PRICE!!!
REAL ESTATES
RO 44.000 only
z We are doing all kinds of
Samsung ML 1660 Laser Printer mediation
RO 21.200 only z Sale and purchase of
lands, villas and buildings
AII HP, Eoson, Canon, Lexmark, Samsung z Renting the flats and villas
z Management and
GOOD PRICE!!!
GOOD PRICE!!!
Cartridges also available. maintenance of the
buildings.
COMPUTER SUPPLIES FOR SALE
Ruwi: 24 792-792
REAL ESTATE AGENTS Two storeys villa +
Sohar: 2684 2420 two apartments
TALK TO OUR INTERNATIONAL The villa contains:
GOOD PRICE!!! GOOD PRICE!!!
4 bedrooms, living room, two
ESTATE REQUIREMENTS kitchens, servant room and
S
dining room.
ERVICES SERVICES
24695023 Each apartment contains:
3 bedrooms, a living room,
24695025
HOOPOE Sm Smartcard ARE you really fed up dining room and a kitchen.
Services near Gulf with your home/office, The area of the land is 907
Co, Ruwi.
Transport Co computer, laptop, square metre.
Typing of all Labour Network? Then call us, 24560040, GSM: 98789228,
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION, Agreements for Omanis Windows IT. Fax: 24560070
& expatriates & all 92394206, 98019413.
S ITUATION VACANT SITUATION VACANT
documents related to
Ministry of Manpower,
G OOD NEW
NEWS
Immigration & ROP. CARPET, sofa
URGENTLY required an A HEALTHCARE 24793331, Ruwi.
experienced light vehicle company requires GSM: 95959838.
shampooing,
GUARANTEED
FRE
FREE
driver. Fax your CV to storekeeper with 5 years CLEANING INFORMA
INFORMATION
24701278, 24701282/ experience. Mail CV to
Al Fahad Translation
Services 24793614/99314807 ABOUT ISLAM
24701842. admin@medservllc.com Near Gulf Transport If you would like to
Co, Ruwi, Translation know more about
of all kinds of MAINTENANCE: Islam, please call:
WANTED Lecturers in MARKETING 1. AC, fridge & washing Tel : 99425598,
documents.
Engineering/Business/ machine servicing & 96050000, 99353988,
Executive vacancy.  24794286 Ruwi,
Information Technology  24561010/ 24565646 repairing. 2. Painting,
GSM: 99231500 99253818, 99341395,
for a reputed institute. plumbing, electrical
Fax: 24562168. Landrail Smartcard 99379133,
Suitable candidate should & carpentry works
E-mail: june_nrg@yahoo. Services For ladies: 99415818,
have 5 years of college 97014234, 24504281
com Dohat Al Adab Street 99321360, 99730723
teaching experience after
obtaining masters degree Near Used Car Or visit:
and should be able to Showroom www.islamfact.com
join immediately. Very REQUIRED an Indian P.C.O. (PEST
Typing of all Labour CONTROL OMAN
good salary offered. male, fluent in English CARGO transfer with
Send your CV to: language, with driving
Agreements for Omanis
& Expatriates &
CO. LLC) attractive price to all
licence and has an Professionals who
lecturerjobsoman@ areas in the Sultanate
experience of heavy All documents related specialise in all types
gmail.com and outside of Oman
equipments leasing. to Ministry of Pest Control
(by truck). Contact:
of Manpower, Services & Snake
Contact: 99888378.  00968/99171758.
ARCHITECTURE Immigration, ROP etc control and
Engineer required with  24487759, Al Guaranteed Termite
Khuwair, GSM: Control. Also
10 years experience.
99015624.
WANTED Defensive
Driving Instructor 96777170 available Gel U MRAH/HAJ
MRAH/HA
treatment for
— Omani (male or Landrail Trading &
Cockroaches. AL Hikmani for
female) with an excellent Services Co.
FEMALE Staff Nurse is Suppliers of UK HAJ and UM UMRAH
command of English to Near Gulf Transport Pesticides Chemicals,
required for a medical — Withi h a hhost of
IELTS Level 6 or above Co, Ruwi
centre in Suwaiq. required. Applicants Typing of all Labour
Snake Repellent,
Cockroach Gels and
services including
Contact: 92228656. the following: Hiring
not holding the IELTS Agreements for Omanis Peripel treated luxurious coaches,
qualification should
& Expatriates & All Mosquito Nets. arranging weekly
have sufficient ability 24787606,
MANAGER for travel documents related to trips, preparing
to pass this examination Ministry of Manpower, 24787503,
agency office, 5 years visas for expats at
before employment. Immigration, ROP etc. Fax: 24787607. cost-effective price,
experience in this
Send your CV to:  24789117, including transport,
business. E-mail:
birdymaan@hotmail.com defensivedrivingoman @ Fax: 24780244 housing, meals
gmail.com GSM: 99231500 and visits to shrine
Fax: 24494847.
Website: www. WALLPAPERS, locations. Land and
wooden floor, Vinyl air trips weekly.
brightplanettrading.
REPUTED IT company Floor, Fixing, carpets, (99311310, 24566016,
REQUIRED an Indian com, E-mail:
looking for part-time curtains, sofa, Arabic 99361982, 99707248,
male, Civil Engineer bptland@gmail.
with driving licence. Marketing Executives. com/salim@ Majlis, All kinds 99322124.
92394206.
 99888378. brightplanettrading.com of Blainds making,
upholstery, furniture
FOR all your household
remove and fixing
G UEST HO
HOUSE
SITUATION WANTED maintenance including
clean and polishing,
Contact Yousuf
plumbing, electric- Ali 99834373/ MURAHIB HOTEL
SYSTEM/Network ity, painting, laying of
97102699. Fax: APARTMENTS
Admin, Indian male 24, 1 interlock, marble, ce-
22018293 welcome our valuable
ramic etc. 99333479,
year experience, MCTS GUESTS to our
95215360.
certified, diploma in excellent location,
MCITP, CCNA, CCNP, AL KHUWAIR, near
LOGISTIC Services AL ZAWAWI
99652943/9934422. BTech (computer MARBLE — Transportation, MOSQUE, a single
science), seeks suitable CRYSTALLISATION, bedroom, a bedroom &
placement. Contact: restore the original shine services. All kinds of majlis, two bedrooms
of your marble & majlis 24478087,
97744143/ transportation
24792998/99314807. Fax: 24482454.
92989197. available 92118538,
99332771.
MARBLE polishing and QURUM BEACH
92125848. INDIAN, MBA, 38 years crystallisation building, HOTEL. 24564070.
cleaning floor, floor
worked in London and
polishing, carpet, sofa V EHICLE SSALE
UAE, experience in
shampooing, pest
office administration A 2007 mode
model
d Sewage
control, anti-termite, CLASSIFIED SECTION
and sales, seeks job. shifting, maintenance. vehicle 5,000 Gallon
96447531/ 99651214. 99504275. it 99283216
capacity. 99 RUWI:
 93428084.
 24785668
Sulaiman Awlad Thani: 95181747
DIRECT: 24649594 - FAX : 24649590 CLASSIFIEDS
Ali al Maashari:
Saada:
99639264
95919344 e-mail: classified@omandaily.om
Continued on P-15
 15
ASIA/CLASSIFIEDS
OMAN DAILY Observer
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011

Japan suspends 2 vaccines after infant deaths North Korea proposes talks to
TOKYO — Japan’s health ministry has suspend-
ed two widely-used vaccines made by Pfizer and resolve row over defection
Sanofi-Aventis as it investigates whether they are
linked to the recent deaths of four infants.
The infants, aged from around six months to
under two years old, died over a three-day period
this month after receiving the vaccinations or in
combination with other drugs, the health ministry
said in a statement.
The two drugs — used to prevent forms of pneu-
monia and meningitis — are Prevenar made by New
York-based Pfizer and ActHIB, a drug made by the
Sanofi Pasteur wing of Paris-headquartered Sanofi-
Aventis.
Sanofi’s ActHIB is used in over 120 countries,
according to the company.
The two vaccines have been administered to an
estimated 1.5 million children in Japan, the ministry
said.
There have been no reports so far from the doc-
tors who treated the children that establish a causal
relationship between the vaccines and their deaths,
according to the Ministry of Health.
In Japan the precautionary suspension remain un-
til at least today pending the results of an investiga-
Pasteur intends to fully co-operate with health au-
thorities by providing all data available regarding
HIB.”
tion by a group of medical experts. In a statement Pfizer said it was fully co-oper- SEOUL — North Korea has The North has lashed out at to “confirm the free will of
The ministry reported that three infants under the ating with the ministry’s suspension and was in the proposed Red Cross talks to its neighbour, accusing Seoul the four people”. The North
age of two died within three days of receiving the process of gathering information. “Our company has try to resolve a row over the of forcing the North Koreans had yet to reply to Seoul’s re-
two vaccine shots, with two of the children also re- studied and assessed accumulated information, in- fate of 31 of its nationals in to defect against their will. sponse, the official said.
ceiving DPT shots for diphtheria, whooping cough cluding that on causal relationships, with regard to South Korea, four of whom North Korea’s Red Cross The 27 returnees and the
and tetanus. the side effects of all products including Prevenar.” have said they want to defect, requested working-level talks vessel they sailed south off
A one-year-old died a day after being adminis- The suspension follows the deaths of two infants officials in the South said yes- tomorrow at the truce village the peninsula’s west coast
tered Prevenar and a DPT shot, the ministry said, in southwest France in late February who had been terday. of Panmunjom on their heav- on February 5 in thick fog
adding that some of the infants had underlying ill- administered Prevenar. The South says the four, ily fortified border to resolve were meant to be repatriated
nesses. Health authorities on Thursday said the deaths on a fishing boat that drifted the issue, the South’s Red through land and sea borders
Prevenar and ActHIB became available in Japan were not linked to the drug. into South Korean waters Cross said in a statement. on Friday, but the North re-
around two years ago. In 2009, US firm Wyeth, which was later bought last month, would be allowed North Korea said the four fused to allow their re-entry.
Authorities decided to suspend them after the by Pfizer, suspended distribution and quarantined a to stay, while the remainder who wished to defect should The boat was spotted drift-
four deaths occurred between March 2-4, the min- batch of Prevenar in the Netherlands following re- would be sent back home. be brought to the talks. ing near Yeonpyeong island,
istry said. ports of the deaths of three infants around the time “The government’s official The Unification Ministry which lies just 11 km from
“Sanofi Pasteur would like to express its sincere of vaccination. position is that the will of in- in Seoul rejected the North’s the North’s soil and was bom-
condolences to the families affected by these loss- Dutch authorities and Wyeth in February 2010 dividuals must be respected,” proposal, but an official said barded in November by North
es”, a spokesman said. determined there was no correlation between the a Foreign Ministry official the South was still willing to Korean artillery, killing four
“An investigation is under way to which Sanofi three deaths and the vaccine injections. — AFP told a news briefing in Seoul. hold discussions tomorrow people. — Reuters

Sahara Hotel Apartments Rotana Hotel

We are glad to receive our honourable customers in our new hotel (Rotana Hotel) at our distinguished
location at Al Khuwair area opposite the Ministries Street next to Al Zawawi
Mosque. We have Single, Double rooms, suites and Meeting Hall.

For further information please contact us on the following numbers: For further information please contact us on the following numbers:
24483888/+968-24487799 /+968-24488117 / fax : 968-24488221 +968-24476000/ 24394444 /99449009 fax: +968- 24476999

S ITUATION WANTED SITUATION WANTED SITUATION WANTED

INDIAN male, 34, with 12
years experience in
Accounts & Admin
(including 6 years in
Oman) working in a
reputed organisation, seeks
suitable placement.
92353285.
MBA (Mkt), LLB, Indian
female, 4 years experience
in customer care and
admin and also 1.5 years
experience in corporate
banking, seeks suitable
placement. 95420917.
INDIAN male, 24 years,
Fire & Safety engineering
with OSHA certification, 3
years experience as safety
officer, on visit, seeks
placement. 95392940.
EXPERIENCED
Mechanical Engineer, also
experience in plumbing
(steel fabrication).
95775221.
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
SOFTWARE Projects/
Products: Indian Male,
M Tech, Rich exp (10
yrs Oman exp), QMS/
Testing,
Implementation &
Support (including
Change, Config &
Incident Management).
Knowledge in QMS,
ITIL, SDLC, SRLC &
STLC Life Cycles.
Currently on visit &
seeks suitable
placement. Call
96274923/ 92398489 or
e-mail: garimellar@
gmail.com
INDIAN female, BCom,
having 9 years experience
in Accounts (upto
finalisation) and office
administration. Good
knowledge in computers
— proficient in MS
Office, Tally and ERP,
seeks stuitable placement,
now at family visa.
98454766 or e-mail:
reshma_barnes@
rediffmail.com
INDIAN Engineer, B Tech
(Mech), MBA, PGDHRM
with 23 years experience
in production, QC, HR/
Admin, now working as a
plant manager in a large
Indian company, seeks
suitable position.
98081756.
EXPERIENCED project
manager, MBA
(Marketing), BE
(Telecom) projects,
portfolios, BCP, ATM,
SVS, CVS, CIF archival.
Has AIG also worked as
FA Engineer in Thailand.
E-mail: ammarirfan@
yahoo.com
INDIAN female, 30 years,
Bachelor of Homoeopathy
and Medical Sciences
(BHMS) one year diploma
in Diet and Nutrition,
pursuing PG diploma in
hospital administration, on
family visa, seeks suitable
job. 96431491, (R)
22024553.
GULF experienced INDIAN female, BCom, 20 YEARS Oman ARCHITECT graduate
26, MALE, Indian, production engineer (BE) PG in HR, 4 yrs
experienced male, who 10 years experience with
graduate seeks suitable knows AutoCad. experience in India. could handle accounts driving licence seeks
placement as Office 95775221. Looking for suitable up to finalisation, L/C suitable placement.
Administrator, Data assignment in Admin/ operation, banking, budget, 99590287.
Entry, on visit visa, sales/ co-ordination/ having Omani driving
seeks immediate HR Asstt/ Back licence, seeking suitable
INDIAN male having 9 office. Contact:
placement. Contact: years experience in opening in a senior level. AUTOMOBILE diploma
95248485.
996248925. E-mail: technical desktop & server E-mail: amrubhusari@ 97221993 holder, 8 years experience
shrinivas.devang@ support, seeks a suitable gmail.com as service adviser in
gmail.com placement. 95857316 auto mobile industry,
e-mail: thameemr@gmail. INDIAN male BCom with Indian, male, 28 years,
com over 8 years experience in seeks suitable placement
INDIAN male, BE
CIVIL, postgraduate Sales, Accounts, 95310423.
(Computer Science Administration, Store-
diploma Engr, 32 yrs, Engineering) (CCNA,
INDIAN, BSc Electronics, CCNP, MCP), with 4 years keeper, seeks suitable
Indian male, More than 9
placement. On family
years Oman experience in 4 years experience in experience in networking/ HOTEL Management and
handling major Computer Hardware, visit. 96458518,
hardware/ telecom, seeks catering tech, Indian male,
construction projects. Has Networking and Tele 92203891.
suitable placement. seeks suitable placement
valid Oman D/L, seeks job communication (optical Contact: 99342044/
for the position of Commis
as project/ planning fibre networking for 1 99540876.
year). Presently on visit — Continental, Indian and
engineer. 95565039. SOFTWARE Engg, BTech various other cuisine.
visa. 92454665. with 3+ years experience
 99274639.
in Net, web design, OFC ,
IT NETWORK
knowledge in VBNet, Java
MALE, 27 years, BA, 2 administrator/supporter,
ACCOUNTANT script, XHTML, XML,
years Hotel Management, professional MCom, with Oman driving HTML, ASP.Net. Looking YOUNG dynamic male
MS Office, 5 years Oman ACCA, 12 years UAE & 1 licence, 3 years experience for suitable placement in with 12 years experience
5-star hotel experience. year Oman experience, in IT, B.Com, CCNA, IT/Telecom. in oilfield industry
98806986, 99850227. knowledge of Tally seeks MCSE, MCTS, ISA fire 92684002. E-mail: in Oman (transport
senior Accountant post. Wall Hardware, seeks mdkaleem1184@yahoo. & logistics sector) in
placement. 98427610.
Contact: mohammed_ co.in reputed organisations in
shareef786@hotmail.com managerial positions, seeks
INDIAN male, BA, 3 suitable placement. roced_
years experience, mas@rediffmail.com
HR & Administration
multimedia and animation, CHARTERED Accountant, MALE, 26, Indian, BSc in
Information Technology Generalist with 14 years
3D visualiser, AutoCad, Indian female, with 4 years (IT), Oman, 2 years experience in diversified
MS, Coral draw, experience in finance, experience in indoor sales, industries looking for a M COM, MBA (finance),
Photoshop, seeks suitable audit, management, 3½ years working in sales challenging and exciting completed Oracle
placement. 99421537, accounts & reports, as a team leader with career. Personally suitable Financials 11i Module,
98443288. financial statements, Reliance and Tata USB — in Muscat till 10 March having 26 years experience
budgeting, MIS, is looking Broadband. 2011. out of which 19 years in
for a suitable placement. Also worked in computer 93530687. Oman, having valid Omani
 99147922. hardware, seeks for e-mail: Josephabraham@ driving licence, can handle
BE, MBA (HR), PGDBM, enjoylife138@gmail.com suitable position in rediffmail.com finance and accounts
Indian female, 3 years Muscat. Contact: independently, up to
experience in HR & 92983456. finalisation, seeks suitable
Admin, well versed with ACCOUNTANT, 13 years E-mail: wilfsome@gmail. INDIAN male, graduate, post. 98096644.
Oman HR practice, Oman experience, 7 years com, holder of FIATA/DGR
labour laws, goozzd in experience in transport co wilfsome_tall@yahoo. foundation with 5 years
inter personal skills, Oman with knowledge of co.in experience in shipping / PROJECTS Co-ordinator,
proficient in MS Office. Tally, seeks jobzzzzzzz. logistic operations, seeks experienced in execution
92474376. Contact: 98075840. suitable placement and co-ordination of
 99284879. construction projects, over
AN experienced and 14 years, Indian, MBA,
qualified sales executive saviorodrigues2002@
ACCOUNTANT/Asst yahoo.com employed in Muscat,
GULF experienced 3D six years experience in Seeks suitable
Acct, BCom, on visit visa, Oman local market and
Viewmaking, looking for needs immediate placement. Contact
interior with Omani 97528928.
part-time. 95516807. placement. Contact: driving licence. CHARTERED Accountant,
96093722. E-mail: 96416273. Indian male with 8 years
sheikcok@yahoo.zzzcom experience (4 years in
INDIAN male, graduate, Oman) in finance, audit, INDIAN female, 27,
10 years experience in accounts, consolidation experienced MBA
ACCOUNTS Assistant/ INDIAN male Office financial statements (CMA professional looking for
Oman, in Import Export Secretary/ Administrator,
clerical works, BCom on &CBO requirements), a suitable assignment in
documentation, Admn/HR visit visa, needs immediate 20 years experience in HR/admin/sales co-ord/
budgeting, MIS.
seeking suitable job. placement. Contact: Oman, looking for suitable  98441907. enjoylife@ back office.  97920717.
Contact: 93364154. 99100926. job. Contact: 92118648. gmail.com chauhanchani@gmail.com

ZAJEL
for advertising contact 
weekly magazine evry saturday along with ZOMAN DAILY [

Mobile 96224397 95181747

Tel 24649593 Fax 24649590 Email  zajeloman@yahoocom
 INFORMATION/LEISURE 16 TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011

FLIGHT SCHEDULE PHARMACIES

PHARM MUSEUMS IN OMAN R OYAL O MAN P OLICE
ARRIVALS
LSS — TUESDAY
S DEPARTURESS 24-HOUR SERVICE FAISAL BIN ALI AL SAID MUSEUM, EMERGENCY 9 9 9 9
Flight No Aircraft om / Via
From STA Flight No Aircraft To / Via STD Tel: 24641650 DG of Passports & Residency, 24569603
KQ318 B737-8 Dubai 0005 BA072 B777 Abu Dhabi-London Heathrow 0015
Al Hashar ph, Ruwi 24783334 DG of Customs, 24714626
MUSEUM OF OMANI HERITAGE,
WY682 B737-8 Riyadh 0005 IC686 A319 Bombay-Ahmedabad 0015 Traffic offences, 24510227/228
WY672 B737-8 Jeddah 0010 LX243 A330 Dubai-Zurich 0020 Muscat ph, Ruwi, 24702542 Tel: 24600946 ROP Public Relations, 24569270
WY670 B737-8 Doha 0010 9W539 B737-8 Bombay 0040
WY648 B737-8 Kuwait 0010 WY631 ATR42 Abu Dhabi 0055 Al Sarooj, 24695536 CHILDREN’S SCIENCE MUSEUM. Consumer Complaints Cell, 24817013
WY660 B737-8 Bahrain 0010 WY661 B737-8 Doha 0055 Tel: 24605368
BG021 A310 Dacca-Chittagong 0145 Muscat Governorate Headquarters, 24560021
TK858 A320 Istanbul 0210
WY651 B737-8 Bahrain 0055 Scientific ph, Qurum, 24566601 NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Muscat, 24736611
KQ318 B737-8 Nairobi 0105
QR170 A320 Doha 0315 WY601 B737-8 Dubai 0110
EK866 A330 Dubai 0355 9W529 B737-8 Trivandrum 0115
Ruwi, 24702850 Tel: 24641374 Wattayah, 24677990
EY384 A320 Abu Dhabi 0400 Ruwi, 24701099
GF560 E190 Bahrain 0420
WY201 B737-8 Bombay 0130 NATIONAL MUSEUM, Tel: 24701289
WY321 B737-8 Karachi 0200 DAY DUTY Muttrah, 24712211
MS930 B737-8 Cairo 0450 SULTAN’S ARMED FORCES
WY271 B737-8 Jaipur 0220
WY322 B737-8 Karachi 0630 Bausher, 24600099
WY325 B737-8 Islamabad 0240
WY122 A330 Malpensa-Munich 0715
TK859 A320 Istanbul 0300
Muscat Ibn Sina 24540137 MUSEUM, Tel: 24312646
WY114 A330 Frankfurt 0740 Al Amerat, 24875999
WY132 A330 Paris 0750 BG022 A310 Chittagong-Dacca 0315 Al Hashar 24833115 CURRENCY MUSEUM,
Qurayat, 24845555
WY632 ATR42 Abu Dhabi 0755 EK867 A330 Dubai 0500
EY385 A320 Abu Dhabi 0530 Muscat 24421691 Tel: 24796102
WY652 B737-8 Bahrain 0800 A’Seeb, 24420099
MS931 B737-8 Cairo 0545
FZ043 B737-8 Dubai 0800
QR171 A320 Doha 0550 Al Rimah Medical MUSCAT GATE MUSEUM, Al-Athaiba, 24521099
WY602 B737-8 Dubai 0800
WY674 B737-8 Jeddah 0800 GF561 E190 Bahrain 0655 Center 24479664 Tel: 24739005. AI-Khodh, 24425012
WY202 B737-8 Bombay 0800 WY603 B737-8 Dubai 0730
WY902 B737-8 Salalah 0800 FZ044 B737-8 Dubai 0840 Sur Masirah 25544033 OMANI-FRENCH MUSEUM (Bait Directorate of the University Security, 24513999
WY102 A330 London Heathrow 0840 WY293 B737-8 Calicut 0900 Fransa), Tel: 24736613 Directorate of Traffic Muscat, 24567898
WY662 B737-8 Doha 0855 WY823 A330 Kuala Lumpur 0900 Ibri Al Zaiyana 25694458
WY272 B737-8 Jaipur 0900 WY311 B737-8 Chittagong 0905 Buraimi Zahrat Al Buraimi BAIT AL ZUBAIR, Tel: 24736688 Al Batinah Headquarters, 26840096
WY326 B737-8 Islamabad 0920 WY403 A330 Cairo 0920 Al Rustaq Division, 26875099
EK862 A330 Dubai 0930 WY213 B737-8 Trivandrum 0945 050-693504 BAIT A’NAMAN, Tel: 24641300
QR166 A321 Doha 0950 WY243 B737-8 Delhi 0950 Al Dakhiliyah, 25425099
EY382 A320 Abu Dhabi 1000 WY263 B737-8 Lucknow 1000 Nizwa Al Hazfah 25426102 SOHAR FORT MUSEUM. Nizwa Division, 25425099
WY818 A330 Bangkok 1000 WY3301 ATR42 Mukhaizna 1000 Tel: 26844758
G9113 A320 Sharjah 1005 WY381 A330 Male-Colombo 1020
Salalah Al Hadeeqa Samayil Division, 25350099
9W530 B737-8 Trivandrum 1025 WY283 B737-8 Bangalore 1020 23292991 NAHKAL FORT, Tel: 26781384 Al Sharqiyah Headquarters, 25545070
WY604 B737-8 Dubai 1040 WY663 B737-8 Doha-Bahrain 1020
PK191 ATR42 Gwadur 1045 WY101 A330 London Heathrow 1030 BAIT AL MAKHAM. Tel: 24641300 Ibra Division, 25570100
DHX881 SA227F Bahrain 1130 WY917 ATR42 Khasab 1030 NIGHT DUTY
GF562 A319 Bahrain 1250 BAIT ADAM MUSEUM, QURUM, Al Dhahirah Headquarters, 25650099
WY605 B737-8 Dubai-Abu Dhabi 1040
IX815C B737-8 Mangalore 1255 WY203 B737-8 Bombay 1040 Muscat Scientific 24537127 Tel: 24605033, 24605013 Al Buraimi Division, 25650199
WY3302 ATR42 Mukhaizna 1330 EK863 A330 Dubai 1045
WY918 ATR42 Khasab 1330 G9114 A320 Sharjah 1045
Apollo 24787766 OIL AND GAS EXHIBITION
Ibri Division, 25689099
WY606 B737-8 Dubai-Abu Dhabi 1450 Al Wusta Headquarters, 23436099
RJ600 ERJ175 Amman 1515 WY223 B737-8 Cochin 1045 Mahaq 24421644 CENTRE AND PLANE-TARIUM,
EY383 A320 Abu Dhabi 1050 Haima Division, 23436211
FZ045 B737-8 Dubai 1545
QR167 A321 Doha 1110 Muscat 24485740 Tel: 24677834.
WY664 B737-8 Doha-Bahrain 1550 Special Task Force, 24560088
WY906 A330 Salalah 1615 9W533 B737-8 Cochin 1125 Sur Ibn Sina 25540669
PK192 ATR42 Gwadur-Turbat 1130 PLANETARIUM, Tel: 24675542.
WY294 B737-8 Calicut 1640 Coastguard Headquarters, 24714888
WY204 B737-8 Bombay 1700 WY905 A330 Salalah 1130 Ibri Al Aryaf Al Omania AQUARIUM at the Marine Science Dhofar Governorate Headquarters, 23234599
IC885 A320 Delhi 1700 WY335 B737-8 Kathmandu 1145
WY244 B737-8 Delhi 1710 WY701 B737-8 Dar-es-Salaam 1210 25689715 and Fisheries Centre (located next to Salalah Police Station, 23290099
WY214 B737-8 Trivandrum 1745 DHX886 SA227F Abu Dhabi 1230 Buraimi Zohal 25640211 Marina Bandar Rowdha, Sidab).
WY264 B737-8 Lucknow 1750 WY253 B737-8 Madras 1235 Thamrait Division, 23279099
WY284 B737-8 Bangalore 1755 WY101 A330 London Heathrow 1305 Barka Muscat 26885372 SALALAH MUSEUM, Tel: 23294549 Musandam Governorate Headquarters,
WY3304 ATR42 Mukhaizna 1800 GF563 A319 Bahrain 1340 26730299
GF564 A320 Bahrain 1820 IX816C B737-8 Abu Dhabi-Mangalore 1345 Rustaq Bader Al Jashmi CULTURAL CENTRE, Tel: 23294549.
WY224 B737-8 Cochin 1855 WY3303 ATR42 Mukhaizna 1430
26876523 Khasab Division, 26731502
G9117 A320 Sharjah 1855 WY233 B737-8 Hyderabad 1550 SUR MARITIME MUSEUM,
SV534 EMB170 Riyadh 1900 RJ601 ERJ175 Amman 1600 Nizwa Alqalaa 25410076 Tel: 24541466. ROP websites: www.rop.gov.om, www.ropoman.
WY404 A330 Cairo 1900 FZ046 B737-8 Dubai 1630 net and
WY312 B737-8 Chittagong 1905 WY671 B737-8 Jeddah 1650 Salalah Al Eman 23290170 BAIT AL BARANDA, Tel: 24714262. e-mail: ropnet@omantel.net.om
FZ047 B737-8 Dubai 2020 WY907 A330 Salalah 1745
TG507 A330 Bangkok-Karachi 2035 IC886 A320 Delhi 1800
WY254 B737-8 Madras 2045 WY609 B737-8 Dubai 1800
WY336
WY610
B737-8
B737-7
Kathmandu
Dubai
2115
2145
WY681
WY647
B737-8
B737-8
Riyadh
Kuwait
1850
1900
KHOULA HOSPITAL VISITING HOURS OTHER HOSPITALS
IC923 A319 Madras 2200 GF565 A320 Bahrain 1905
WY381 A330 Male-Colombo 2220 Private & Other Wards Hospital. . . . . . Board . . . . . . . Emergency Al Buraimi . . . .25650855 . . . .25652319
WY683 B737-8 Dammam 1915
WY908 A330 Salalah 2230 WY909 B737-8 Salalah 1920 Royal. . . . . . . .24599000. . . .24590491 Sur . . . . . . . . .25440244 . . . .25461373
LH618 A340 Frankfurt-Abu Dhabi 2230 G9118 A320 Sharjah 1935
Working Days: 16:00-18:00. Weekends & Public Health Services Department
BA073 B777 London Heathrow-Abu Dhabi 2230 Tanam. . . . . . .25499011 . . . .25499033
QR168 A320 Doha 2235
SV535 EMB170 Riyadh 2000 Holidays: 10:-12:00, 16:00-18:00 Muttrah . . . . . .24797602
Masirah. . . . . .25404018 . . . .25404018
EY388 A320 Abu Dhabi 2240 WY669 B737-8 Doha 2005 Quriyat . . . . . .24845001. . . .24845003
GF566 E190 Bahrain 2250 WY635 B737-8 Abu Dhabi 2010
ICU SQH, Salalah .23211555 . . . .23211151 Ibra . . . . . . . . .25470533 . . . .25470535
WY624 ATR42 Al Ain 2300 WY659 B737-8 Bahrain 2010
Police . . . . . . .24603988 . . . .24603980 Adam . . . . . . .25434167 . . . .25434055
IC685 A319 Ahmedabad-Bombay 2310 WY625
WY623
ATR42
ATR42
Ras Al Khaima
Al Ain
2010
2015
Working Days: 16:00-17:00. Weekends & Public Al Nahda. . . . .24831255 . . . .24837800 Bidiya . . . . . . .25483535 . . . .25483535
WY234 B737-8 Hyderabad 2310
WY636 B737-8 Abu Dhabi 2310 WY611 B737-8 Dubai 2030 Holidays: 16:00-17:00 Ibn Sina . . . . .24876322 . . . .24877361 Ibri. . . . . . . . . .25491011 . . . .25491990
WY626 ATR42 Ras Al Khaima 2310 FZ048 B737-8 Dubai 2105 Nizwa . . . . . . .25439361 . . . .25425033 Saham . . . . . .26854427 . . . .26855148
9W534 B737-8 Cochin 2315 TG508
WY901
A330
B737-8
Karachi-Bangkok
Salalah
2140
2245
Special Care Baby Unit Al Rustaq . . . .26875055 . . . .26877186
LX242 A330 Zurich-Dubai 2320 Khasab . . . . . .26830187 . . . .26830187
WY910 B737-8 Salalah 2325 IC924 A319 Madras 2300 Working Days: Parents may visit at any time. Sumayil. . . . . .25350055 . . . .25350022
WY612 B737-8 Dubai 2330 EY381 A320 Abu Dhabi 2330 Izki . . . . . . . . .25340033 . . . .25340033 Dibba . . . . . . .26836443 . . . .26836443
WY684 B737-8 Dammam 2335 GF567 E190 Bahrain 2335 Weekends & Public Holidays: Parents may visit Haima . . . . . . .23436013 . . . .23436055 Burkha . . . . . .26828397 . . . .26828397
9W540 B737-8 Bombay 2340 QR169 A320 Doha 2335
WY702 B737-8 Dar-es-Salaam 2355 LH619 A340 Abu Dhabi-Frankfurt 2355 at any time Sohar . . . . . . .26840022 . . . .26840099 Sinaw . . . . . . .25474338

CRYPTIC PUZZLE 8 Cease (4) ACROSS 29 Confidence (5)

QUOTATIONS FOR TODAY ACROSS CROSSWORD 9 Before (3) QUICK CROSSWORD 32 Bench (3)
12 Boy (3) 2 Fruit (5) 33 Prize (3)
1 Something filling you can
I was always ready to fight. But get at the station (6)
13 Tree (5) 7 Against (4) 34 Decorate (3)
15 Flower (5) 8 Tool (6)
I have reached the limits of my 7 Take shocking 18 Gemstone (5) 35 Insect (3)
9 Thrust (5)
strength. precautions? (8) 19 Illuminated (3)
11 Aged (3) YESTERDAY’S
8 The only one to lose out 20 Sprinted (3)
(4) 21 Infectious disease (7) 13 Nourished (3) QUICK SOLUTION
— Germany’s popular defence minister 10 Kicked a fellow with a 22 Scientist’s room (3) 15 Trudge (4) ACROSS: 1, Strip 5,
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg derisive cry (6) 23 Hurry (6) 16 Undergarment (3) Cosmos 8, Madly 10,
11 Was he led far astray? (6) 24 Insects (4) 18 Travelled (4) Topple 11, Ajar 14,
quits over accusations he 25 Trusted adviser (6) 19 Bedroom (7)
14 Sound catty (3) Novice 15, Biscuit 18,
cheated on his doctorate. 16 Not the full name? (5)
26 Form (5) 20 Fake (4) Yet 19, Dog 21, Sell 23,
27 Mistake (5) 22 Look (4)
17 Changed in appearance as 28 Twitch (3) Merry 24, Axle 27, Duo
the eddy swirled (4) 30 Titled woman (4) 23 Swellings (7) 29, Oak 31, Sweater 32,
CINEMA 19 Partly undress and return
YESTERDAY’S CRYPTIC
25 Consumed (4) Lessee 34, Sign 35,
to bed at some stage (5) 27 Headgear (3) Nearly 38, Dogma 39,
21 Mark, the officer SOLUTIONS 28 Strongbox (4)
FILM INFORMATION ACROSS: 1, Smash 6, Ea-
Pearls 40, Urged.
commanding half London 30 Spoil (3)
(5) gle 9, Weeding 10, Chain DOWN: 2, Too 3, Im-
AL BAHJA CINEMA: 31 Bundle (3) pact 4, Pal 5, Cyan 6,
22 Two letters relating to legs 11, Ten-Ch. 12, Beard 13,
33 Leader (5) Slaves 7, Squeal 9, De-
24540856, 24540855. (5) Discard 15, Bet 17, Arch 18, 4 Sheep (3) 14 Ordered (7)
8 Thus, at half-time, there’s 30 Fictional operative in Banana 19, Unlit 20, C-rusty 36 Cake (6) cided 12, Joy 13, Rite
AL NASR CINEMA: 23 A crew member with taste 37 Instrument (4) 5 Black (3) 16 Branch (5)
evidently more to come (4) carbon dating (4) 22, Bare 24, Ea.-t 25, Pop-u- 16, Ibex 17, Torus 20,
24831358, 24831809 (after 3pm) (4) 6 Suffered (5) 17 Allow (5)
9 He left contradictory lar 26, Sedan 27, Abler 28, 38 Reverence (5) Growing 22, Lope 24,
26 Stuffed and framed (3,2) EASY PUZZLE Earth 29, We-stern 30, Stand
AL SHATTI PLAZA: 28 The point of cannibalism directions (3) DOWN 10 Teacher (4) 18 Tear (3) Asleep 25, Loss 26,
ACROSS 31, Read-y.
24607360, 24692656 (after 2pm) (3) 12 As blamed by a fathead for 1 Toll (5) 11 Marsupial (7) 21 Insane (3) Easier 28, Bazaar 30,
scoring at the wrong end? 1 Yarn (6) DOWN: 2, Mohair 3, SW-itch
29 Something lower than a 4, Hen 5, Edged 6, En-treat 7, 2 Afflict (3) 12 Widow (7) 24 Fasten (4) Keg 33, Ends 36, Emu
STARS CINEMA: (3) 7 Creator (8)
work of art? (6)
8 Stalk (4) Aged 8, Lichen 12, BR-in-y 3 Joke (3) 13 Predicted (7) 26 Stories (5) 37, Lie.
24791641, 24792360 30 Samuel’s servant? (6) 13 She’ll give a bit of discreet
10 Stop working (6) 13, Dance 14, Scout 15, Ban-
31 No longer an incomplete help (5)
11 Royal residence (6) a-L 16, Taper 18, Bi-son 19,

M AJLIS A’SHURA
concept (4)
32 Check what the reserves
15 Unites meltingly (5)
18 Sing high in the Alps? (5)
14
16
Mineral (3)
Called (5)
Ut-ter-ed 21, Rabbit 22, But-
a-NE 23, Ran-Ted 25, Paste
CARTOONS
do between matches (8) 19 He has a bit of fun at a 26, SEWN 28, E-rr.
17 Adhesive strip (4)
A DDRESSES 33 Mid-summer, to ride party (3) 19 Sensational (5)
ADAM @ HOME by Brian Basset

20 A backward yob? (3) YESTERDAY’S EASY

around recklessly is not so 21 Italian city (5) SOLUTIONS
Keep in touch with Majlis Ash’shura’s bright! (6)
21 Catch something and 22 Dead language (5)
there’s apt to be a remedy 23 Injury (4) ACROSS: 1, Float 6, Circa 9,
news. DOWN going around (7) 26 Take unlawfully (5) Bighead 10, Pagan 11, Plead
Log on to the Majlis’s website: 1 Delved into a professional 22 Chelsea hair-style? (3) 28 Brown (3) 12, Haste 13, Benefit 15, Bed
plot (6) 23 Series based on familiar 29 Using plants (6) 17, Arid 18, Divine 19, Pecan
www.shura.om 2 In Detroit, endlessly, shortcomings? (6) 30 Hark (6) 20, Others 22, Tome 24, Nee
25, Learner 26, Cited 27,
and the Majlis’s caused great commotion 24 Skilled in bale bundling? 31 Performs (4)
Hades 28, Avian 29, Debacle
(4) 32 Catered (8)
e-mail: info@shura.om (6) 30, Steed 31, Plied.
33 Over there (6)
3 Told fibs to music? (4) 25 Painter of what might be
4 Sleeping in such a car was true about the navy? (6) DOWN DOWN: 2, Leader 3, Abated
Or write to the Majlis’s postal address: a moving experience (7) 26 It’s fun touring around, I 1 Tower (6) 4, Tin 5, Cheat 6, Captain 7,
Idle 8, Craven 12, Hives 13,
P O Box 981 5 Youngster in the Inland see, in the tropics (5) 2 Whole (6)
Baton 14, Niche 15, Bison
Revenue during 27 Happy to give advice to a 3 US coin (4) CALVIN AND HOBBES by Bill Watterson
Postal Code 111, Muscat Yankee (5) 4 Skin pigment (7) 16, Defer 18, Dated 19,
Prohibition (5) Praised 21, Tenant 22, Travel
Tel: 24510344 / 24521427/ 28 Lady in a brown uniform 5 Vapour (5)
6 Darling, she is, in Peter 23, Menace 25, Legal 26,
6 Avarice (5)
Pan (5) (3) Cede 28, Alp
Fax 24510560

INFORMATION
M INISTRY WEBSITES
™ YOUR STARS ™
IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY: The first few weeks of the coming year will be quite uneventful and you will have
Ministry: www.omanet.om a good chance to attend to some chores which you feel have been neglected in the rush of the recent past.
Oman TV: Control your expenses carefully and don’t let anybody persuade you that their ways are best.
www.oman-tv.gov.om
PISCES CANCER SCORPIO
Oman Radio: (February 20-March 20) (June 22-July 21) (October 23- GARFIELD by Jim Davis
www.oman-radio.gov.om An additional financial com- You’ll find that your family November 21)
Omani Centre for Traditional Music: mitment may put a heavy don’t seem to want to listen If you have received an in-
strain on your resources just now so don’t to your exciting plans. You will either vitation you are unable to accept try to
www.octm-folk.gov.om let anybody persuade you to sign any- have to keep them to yourself or wait un- transfer it to a friend or relation who is
thing. til someone asks about them. in need of a treat.
OMAN RADIO ARIES LEO
SAGITTARIUS
(March 21-April 20) (July 22-August 21)
Your friends will be just as (November 22-
6.00 Opening, Royal Anthem, The Holy Quran, Preview of If you bicker over every tri- December 21)
Morning Programme, Weather Forecast and Pharmacies fle in your business dealings pleased to come to your
You will be able to resolve
on Duty; 6.15 Good Morning Oman; 7.00 News Bulletin; you may overlook the more important home over the Easter weekend if you an emotional conflict in short order by
7.10 Good Morning Oman (Sat-Wed) with What the Paper aspects and prejudice your advantage on make them really welcome even if you making a difficult decision without fur-
Says; 9.00 News Headlines; 9.02 Piano; 10.00 important issues. don’t indulge in extravagantly expensive
hospitality. ther upset or delay.
Instrumental Music; 11.00 Light Classical Music; 12.00
News Headlines, 12.02 Midday Edition (Live) Sat-Wed; TAURUS VIRGO CAPRICORN
2.07 Around the World in 30 mins; 2:25 Jungle — On (April 21-May 20) (August 22- (December 22- STONE SOUP by Jan Eliot
Road with 90.4 — Sat-Wed; 2.30 News Bulletin; 2.40 Realise that you have neglect- September 22) January 20)
Sports (Faiq) Daily except Thu & Fri; 2:50 Mix Music ed your correspondence very A confidential discussion An important letter should
Except Thu & Fri; 3.00 Women in Focus — Nisham badly and do something about it unless will be more productive of results over be written on Easter and it is essential for
Repeat of Thu 6.40 & Fri 3.30 pm; 3.20 Radio Station you can afford to lose a number of useful a luncheon table than in the businesslike you to be sincere and truthful in whatever
Jingles and Programmes; 3.25 Mix Music; 3.30 Health contacts. atmosphere of the office. you have to say.
Matters; 4.00 News Headlines; 4.02 Health Matters; 6.00
Forts and Castles of Oman — Laxmi Repeat of Monday GEMINI LIBRA AQUARIUS
3.00 & Fri 2.40 pm;. 6.15 Radio Station Jingles and (May 21-June 21) (September 23-Oct 22) (January 21-Feb 19)
Programmes; 6.30 News Bulletin; 6.40 Mix Music; 7.00 Don’t allow yourself to An urgent domestic ex- Information received in a
Football Lounge (Rumaitha); 8.00 News Headlines; 8.02 become too preoccupied penditure may be more than roundabout way may prove
Night Express; 10.00 News Bulletin; 10.10 Flash Back; with worries about your health. If you you had anticipated and it may be nec- most helpful in connection with a busi-
11.15 Mix Music; 12.40 News Summary; 12.45 The Holy have any medical problems consult your essary to practise some economies for a ness deal, which had been meeting ob-
Quran; 01.00 National Anthem, Close Down. doctor straight away. while. stacles.
 17 SPORT
OMAN DAILY Observer
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011

Kazakhs shock Czech Republic, Van Persie Benzema double helps Real outplay Racing
France to face Germany in squad to MADRID — Karim Benzema
scored twice as Real Madrid
or scored in the 23rd minute
following the type of move
when he scored from a fine
move in the 70th.
Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Sevilla’s Argentine defend-

PARIS — Kazakhstan QUARTERFINALS

shocked the Czech Republic
3-2 in Ostrava in their Davis
Cup World Group first round
tie to enter the quarterfinals on
Sunday.
Andrey Golubev, ranked 43,
shocked Tomas Berdych 7-5,
5-7, 6-4, 6-2, in the day’s first
reverse singles as the world
No 7 showed the strain of
playing three days in a row.
Mikhail Kukushkin, ranked
63, was then feted as a hero by
dominating Jan Hajek 6-4, 6-7
(4/7), 7-6 (10/8), 6-0 to seal
the decisive point.
QUARTERFINALS DRAW
DRAW
Sweden v Serbia
Kazakhstan v Argentina
United States v Spain
Germany v France
The Kazakhs next meet
Argentina after the South
Americans beat Romania 4-1
in Buenos Aires.
Eduardo Schwank eased
past Victor Crivoi 7-6 (7/3),
6-2 with Adrian Ungur getting
a point back for the visitors
with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 win over
Juan Monaco. Last year’s
runners-up France, mean-
while, battled into the next
round with Jeremy Chardy
scoring the decisive point with
a 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 6-3 win
over Martin Fischer which sets
up a meeting with Germany in
July. “The important thing is
to advance. Next time maybe
it will be another who will get
two points,” said Chardy, who
was the hero of the weekend
as he also achieved their first
point by beating Jurgen Melz-
er in Friday’s opening match.
“We qualified with extraor-
dinary matches,” said France
captain Guy Forget. — AFP
face Barca
LONDON — Injury doubt
Robin van Persie has been
added to Arsenal’s squad
for the second leg of their
Champions League last-
16 clash in Barcelona to-
day night.
Van Persie had been ex-
pected to miss the tie after
injurying his knee during
Arsenal’s League Cup final
defeat against Birmingham
on February 27.
But his inclusion was an-
other boost to manager Ar-
sene Wenger. — AFP
survived without Cristiano
Ronaldo to win 3-1 at Racing
Santander and close the gap
on La Liga leaders Barcelona
to seven points on Sunday.
Ronaldo, who has netted 27
goals this season, missed his
first league game of the cam-
paign with a muscle strain, but
Benzema and Emmanuel Ade-
bayor led Jose Mourinho’s
side on to 67 points with 11
games left.
The leaders beat Real
Zaragoza 1-0 at home on Sat-
urday. Real made a flying start
at the Sardinero, hitting the
crossbar twice before Adebay-
more usually associated with
their arch-rivals Barca.
The outstanding Mesut Ozil
was at the centre of a series of
one-touch passes which sliced
Racing open and he finished
by squaring for Adebayor to
sidefoot into the empty net.
Three minutes later, the
Germany midfielder set up
Benzema to score the second.
Racing, who had not lost
under new coach Marcelino,
spurned a chance to hit back
when Pablo Pinillos’s weak
penalty was saved after the
break, but Kennedy Bakirci-
oglu threatened a comeback
Benzema curled in his
second soon after following a
counter-attack and Adebayor
also missed a late penalty.
“We played very well,
very compact and control-
led the game,” Mourinho
told reporters.
Earlier, a Sevilla own-goal
and a late penalty from Ando-
ni Iraola gave Athletic Bilbao
a 2-0 home win which lifted
them to fifth. The Basque club
moved on to 41 points from
27 games, nine short of Vil-
larreal and the last Champions
League qualification slot. The
fourth-placed side lost 3-1 at
er Federico Fazio knocked
a cross into his own net with
his knee after 66 minutes, in
a bruising encounter at San
Mames. Julien Escude brought
down Oscar de Marcos for a
penalty which Iraola, wearing
a head bandage after a colli-
sion with Sevilla’s Alvaro Ne-
gredo, converted in the 88th.
Almeria climbed two points
above Malaga into 19th with a
2-1 comeback win at Hercules,
who now occupy the last relega-
tion place in 18th on 26 points.
Sporting Gijon moved out of the
bottom three with a 2-0 home
win over Getafe. — Reuters

Lakers brush Loeb wins

aside Spurs
SAN ANTONIO — The Los
Angeles Lakers brushed aside
NBA leaders San Antonio
Spurs 99-83 to record their
seventh consecutive win on
Sunday and bring the Spurs’
hot home streak to a halt.
The Pacific-division lead-
ing Lakers still trail the Spurs
by six and a half games in the
Western Conference but ended
San Antonio’s record home
winning streak at 22 games.
Kobe Bryant led the Lak-
ers with 26 points and Pau
Gasol scored 21. Tony Park-
er was the only Spurs starter
to score in double digits.
Results: Chicago Bulls bt Mi-
ami Heat 87-86, Detroit Pistons
bt Washington Wizards 113-102,
New Orleans Hornets bt Cleve-
land Cavs 96-81, Los Angeles
Lakers bt San Antonio Spurs 99-
83. — Reuters
Devils maintain
sizzling form
NEW YORK — The New
Jersey Devils maintained
their recent sizzling form
with a 3-2 shoot-out victory
over the New York Islanders
on Sunday. Brian Rolston
scored the deciding goal in
the sixth round of the shoot-
out. The Devils continue to
make an improbable charge
towards a play-off position.
Results NY Rangers bt Phila-
delphia Flyers 7-0, Washington
Capitals bt Florida Panthers 3-2,
New Jersey Devils bt New York
Islanders 3-2. — Reuters
Rally of
Mexico
MEXICO CITY — Sev-
en-times world champion
Sebastien Loeb won the
Rally of Mexico for the
fifth year in a row on Sun-
day after overnight leader
Sebastien Ogier crashed
out on the first stage of
the final day.
Finns Mikko Hirvo-
nen, winner of the season-
opening race in Sweden
last month, and Jari-Matti
Latvala were second and
third respectively in the
race in the state of Guana-
juato.
Loeb moved up into
second place in the stand-
ings with 35 points, eight
behind Hirvonen.
“It was a very difficult
weekend, the fight with
Ogier was fierce,” Loeb,
who was one minute 38.40
seconds faster than Hirvo-
nen at the finish in Leon,
told reporters.
“We had an almost per-
fect weekend. I’m happy
with the new car, it’s very
fast,” added Loeb of the
brand new Citroen DS3
car’s first victory.
Ogier went off the
road 13 kms into the 20th
stage and broke his front
ACTION during the BTT-Oman Cement match at the left wheel, handing the
OCCI basketball championship yesterday. BTT won lead to fellow-French-
70-55. In the other match, FILCOSOC defeated man and Citroen team-
TAISM 106-61. mate Loeb. — Reuters

NBO maintain unbeaten record

MUSCAT — NBO maintained
their unbeaten record in the Al
Ansari Group of Companies-
sponsored ‘C’ Division T20
tournament with a convincing
seven- wicket win against Dy-
namos cricket team in a morning
match played during the week-
end at the OACIII grounds.
Winning the toss and decid-
ing to bat, Dynamos with con-
tributions from opening bats-
man skipper M G Shankar 49
(47b, 4x4), his partner Anishad
K P 39 (27b, 1x6 and 7x4) and
Shameer K C 21 (15b, 3x4)
scored 163 for six wickets off
the 20 stipulated overs.
The bowling honours were
shared by Punit Mehta two for
24, skipper Anil Koshy two
for 28 and Abhishek Prafull
two for 36 off four overs each.
NBO in their turn lost both
openers with 18 runs on the
board but recovered through a
third wicket partnership of 125
between Khurram Bilal 93 not
out (43b, 3x6 and 13x4) and
opening batsman Nayaz Mo-
hammed 50 (44b, 4x4) to make
167 for three wickets off 18.1
overs. Anishad K P claimed all
three wickets to fall conceding
23 runs off four overs.
Brief score Dynamos CT 163
for three wickets off 20 overs (M
G Shankar 49, Anishad K P 39 and
Shameer K C 21; Punit Mehta 2/24,
Anil Koshy 2/28 and Abhishek Pra-
full 2/36) lost to NBO 167 for three
wickets off 18.1 overs (Khurram Bi-
lal 93 n.o and Mohammed Nayaz 50;
Anishad K P 3/23).
Points NBO 2 pts (6 games,
12 pts) and Dynamos 0 pt (7
games, 6 pts).
AL Hassan players pose for a photo.
ENHANCE EAGLES WIN briskly with opening batsmen
Enhance Eagles registered skipper Jaison Manjila strik-
a thumping nine-wicket win ing an elegant unbeaten 76
against Sarco OCT Hatat when (43b, 13x4) and his partner
the teams met in a Raha Poly Sharath Krishnamoorthy mak-
Products-sponsored ‘D’ Divi- ing 29 the duo putting together
sion T20 match played in the 60 runs for the first wicket off
afternoon at the same venue. six overs. Deepak Nicholas
Electing to bat after win- joined Jaison and remained
ning the toss, Sarco OCT unbeaten on 50 (36b, 2x6 and
Hatat made 164 for six wick- 1x4) the pair were associated
ets off the 20 allotted overs in an unfinished partnership of
with Nadil Yousuf making a 105 runs for the second wicket
top- score of 52 (23b, 6x4). taking the score to 165 for 1
The other batsman to make wicket off 17.2 overs.
major contributions were Brief scores Sarco OCT Hatat
opening batsman Sameer Me- 164 for six wickets off 20 overs
hrab 39 (25b. 4x4), Abdullah (Nadil Yousuf 52, Sameer Mehrab
39, Abdullah Mohammed 21 and
Mohammed 21 (28b, 2x4) and Mohammed Ali 20; Sharath Krishna-
Mohammed Ali 20 (8b, 3x4). moorthy 2/25 and Ikram Nasir 2/38)
Sharath Krishnamoorthy lost to Enhance Eagles 165 for 1
and Ikram Nasir claimed two wicket off 17.2 overs (Jaison Man-
wickets each conceding 25 jila 76 n.o, Deepak Nicholas 50 n.o
and Sharath Krishnamoorthy 29).
and 38 runs respectively off Points Enhance Eagles 2 pts (5
four overs each. games, 6 pts) and Sarco OCT Hatat
Enhance Eagles started off 0 pt (7 games, 8 pts).
SHEHBAZ STARS
Opening batsman Shehbaz
Butt with a brilliant 54 (34b,
2x6 and 6x4) and a haul of two
for six off three overs helped
Al Hassan defeat Ceva Lo-
gistics by 42 runs in an Oman
Cricket-organised ‘E’ Division
T20 match played at the PDO
grounds during the weekend.
Batting first after winning
the toss, Al Hassan scored
177 for seven wickets off their
quota of 20 overs, thanks to
the contributions from open-
ing batsman Shehbaz Butt
and his partner Nasir Awan36
(28b, 5x4) and Ghulam Abbas
32 (22b, 5x4).
Praveen Lewis picked up
three wickets conceding 23
runs off four overs.
With a required run rate of
less than eight runs per over
Ceva Logistics fared disastrous-
ly and managed to reach 135 for
eight wickets at the end of 20
overs. The major contributors
were Daley Mathias 41 (48b,
1x4), Praveen Edatt 31 (13b, 2x6
and 1x4) and Nitin Cherukupalli
a run a ball 22 (2x4). Shehzad
two for 17 off three and Ghulam
Abbas two for 25 were amongst
the wickets.
Brief scores Al Hassan 177 for
seven wickets off 20 overs (Shehbaz
Butt 54, Nasir Awan 39 and Ghulam
Abbas 32; Praveen Lewis 3/23) bt
Ceva Logistics 135 for eight wick-
ets off 20 overs (Daley Mathias 41,
Praveen Edatt 31 and Nitin Cheruku-
palli 22; Shehbaz Butt 2/6, Shehzad
2/17 and Ghulam Abbas 2/25).
Points Al Hassan 2 pts (4
games, 6 pts) and Ceva Logistics 0
pt (5 games, 2 pts).
 18
18

TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011

Pak ready for Kiwis on mystery pitch Tamim urges emotional

PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka —
In-form Pakistan batsman
Misbah-ul Haq said his team
was ready for the double chal-
lenge of facing New Zealand
as well as a mystery World
Cup pitch today.
The Group ‘A’ rivals meet
at the newly-built Pallekele
Stadium in the first-ever one-
day match at the venue, a fac-
tor which vice-captain Misbah
believes will give both teams
plenty to think about.
“Of course, it adds to the
challenge because we don’t
know how the pitch will be-
have but that’s the same for
both teams, and as far as we
are concerned we are up to the
challenge,” Misbah said yes-
terday.
The 36-year-old has an-
chored the Pakistan team in
the World Cup with two half-
centuries against Kenya and Sri
Lanka and a hard-fought 37 in
the last match against Canada.
Pakistan sit top of Group
‘A’ with six points after three
matches, followed by co-hosts
Sri Lanka (five points in four)
and defending champions Aus-
tralia (five after three), with
New Zealand fourth with four
in three matches.
Misbah said Pakistan’s re-
cent one-day series win over
New Zealand will count for
nothing.
“We have done well against
them in World Cups and in the
recent series there but that win
will count for nothing as it’s a
new game at a new place,” said
PAKISTAN’S Misbah-ul Haq (centre) and coach Waqar Younis (right) play football during a team training session at the Pallekele Stadium yesterday.
Pakistan are set to face New Zealand today. PICTURE RIGHT: New Zealand’s coach John Wright (left) and team captain Daniel Vettori
watch other players during a practice session at the Pallekele Stadium yesterday. — AFP
Misbah, of Pakistan’s 3-2 win
in New Zealand last month.
Pakistan will bring in
paceman Shoaib Akhtar after
resting him in the last match
against Canada, while left-arm
spinner Abdur Rehman will
also be available after miss-
ing the last match due to a leg
muscle injury.
Led by skipper Shahid Af-
ridi’s leg-spin, which has gar-
nered a tournament-leading
14 wickets, Pakistan possess
variety in their bowling with
off-spinners Saeed Ajmal and
Mohammed Hafeez, coupled
with a strong new-ball attack
of Akhtar, Umar Gul and Wa-
hab Riaz.
“I think we know how good
their bowling can be,” said
New Zealand captain Daniel
Vettori. “They can probably
defend any score because of
the nature of their bowlers.
They bring a lot to the table.”
Pakistan successfully de-
fended a below-par 185-run
target against Canada and 278
against co-hosts Sri Lanka in
the two of their three matches.
New Zealand, who lost to
Australia by seven wickets but
eased past Kenya and Zim-
bawe by 10 wickets in each
game, have four points after
three matches.
“We know to win these big
games it needs complete team
performances and that’s what
we have done.
“It’s a matter of stepping up
against the harder teams,” said
Vettori, whose country has lost
six World Cup matches against
Pakistan since winning their
first in 1983.
Unlike the bowling head-
to-head, New Zealand hold
the upper hand in batting,
with openers Martin Guptill
(86) and Brendon McCullum
(76) chasing a 186-run target
against Zimbabwe without be-
ing separated.
“I’m not sure you could ask
for too much more, we wanted
complete performances out
of ourselves and that we gave
in the last match,” said Vet-
tori, whose team have made
the semifinals in the last three
World Cups.
The hill town of Kandy has
suffered from persistent rains
and the only international
match here, a Test between Sri
Lanka and the West Indies in
December, was drawn with-
out a single innings completed
in five days. The warm-up
matches before the World Cup
were also moved because of
bad weather. — AFP
Bangladesh fans
to calm down
CHITTAGONG — Bangla-
desh opener Tamim Iqbal has
called on fans to cool their
passions and be patient if the
World Cup co-hosts do not
meet their sky-high expecta-
tions.
Their supporters in Dhaka
reacted with fury on Friday
after the nine-wicket Group
‘B’ defeat by West Indies with
stones thrown at the visiting
team’s bus.
“I request the fans not to
do any silly things,” Tamim
told reporters in Chittagong
yesterday.
So far, Bangladesh have
won one of their three games,
losing also by 87 runs to co-
hosts India in the tournament
opener on February 19 but
beating Ireland in between
their defeats.
“We will win some days
and lose some days as that is
cricket and they need to sup-
port us through good times as
well as bad times,” said the
left-hander.
Bangladesh faced the
wrath of fans after a rampant
West Indies attack skittled
them out for their lowest ever
ODI total of 58 runs.
The fans booed the Bang-
ladesh team at the ground and
threw their shoes on to the
road in front of their bus on
their return to the team hotel,
a huge insult in the country.
The attack on the West In-
dies team bus was taken very
seriously by Bangladesh se-
curity forces and politicians,
leading to the tightening of
safety measures including the
introduction of armoured per-
sonnel carriers to accompany
team buses.
Bangladesh’s elite force
Rapid Action Battalion
(RAB) arrested at least 28 in
connection with the stoning
of the bus, though local media
said all of them were released
on bail.
Police said they also de-
tained a fan in Chittagong
on Sunday for showing his
thumbs to Bangladesh play-
ers, again a big insult in the
country.
“He (the fan) realised
his mistake and was also
repentant. We released him
following a request by the
players,” Deputy Police Com-
missioner of Chittagong told
reporters.
Vice-captain Tamim hoped
a good show against England
in their next match on Friday
in Chittagong would change
the perception of fans about
the Bangladesh team.
“I am sure one good
game will change the total
scenario and you will see a
different Bangladesh team,”
he said. — Reuters

DRS has
improved
correct
decisions by
over 7 pct,
says ICC
MUMBAI — Cricket’s
controversial Decision
Review System (DRS)
has improved correct
umpiring verdicts by
more than seven per
cent in the World Cup,
the game’s governing
body said yesterday.
For the first time
at a World Cup, each
team has the right to
question at least two de-
cisions which go against
it during an innings.
A third umpire uses
the available technology
to determine if the on-
field officials were cor-
rect. But it has not been
an easy debut for DRS
in the showpiece event.
The Indian Cricket
Board, infuriated by
Ian Bell’s apparent
let-off for lbw in the
tied India vs England
match, wrote an angry
letter to ICC chief ex-
ecutive Haroon Lorgat
pointing out the inad-
equacy it perceives in
the system.
The statistics will
calm the nerves a bit
for the ICC, which re-
vealed that correct deci-
sions in the World Cup
have risen from an av-
erage of 90.18 per cent
to 97.82 per cent due to
the DRS.
“It is a fact that the
number of (appealed)
decisions in this event
is way above the nor-
mal average for ODIs,”
ICC general manager
Dave Richardson said
in the statement. “This
is because of the type of
wickets that prevail in
the subcontinent where
the bounce is often
lower and where there
is a greater amount of
turn.” — Reuters
Yuvraj Singh’s bowling exploits England expose S Africa’s
can’t hide attack weaknesses
BANGALORE — An un-
beaten run in the World Cup
is enough to paper over most
cracks and India so far have
managed to hide the lack of a
wicket-taking bowling line-up
by piling on the runs.
Throw a stone at India’s
15-man squad and you will
almost certainly hit a batsman
who can walk into any interna-
tional team. With a careful aim
and some luck, you might also
just find one such bowler.
Indian captain Mahendra
Singh Dhoni has categorically
said that his side will at all
times have seven batsmen and
four bowlers, with a couple
who can turn their arm over a
bit making up the fifth bowler.
On Sunday one of those
part-timers put in a sterling all-
round performance that saved
India’s blushes and covered up
the disturbing fact that India
simply do not have a front-line
bowler who can run through a
batting line-up.
Yuvraj Singh took a career-
best five for 31 with his slow
left-arm off spin to weave a
web around Ireland on a track
that was conducive to spin-
Kevin Pietersen out with injury, Morgan is replacement
CHENNAI — England’s
star batsman Kevin Pie-
tersen has been ruled out of
the World Cup with a hernia
condition and Eoin Morgan
will replace him.
Pietersen’s hernia prob-
lem surfaced during the
tournament, but England’s
medical team thought the
surgery could be postponed
till after the World Cup.
Pietersen was, however,
struggling in the match
against South Africa which
England won by six runs. A
re-look by the medical team
indicated that the surgery
need to be done immedi-
ately to avoid further com-
plications.
“I fly home tonight. Out
of the WC (World Cup)
batting vulnerabilities
ners, while the regular tweak-
ers went wicketless.
The only other bowler
worth a mention in the match,
and indeed who has been In-
dia’s saviour more than once
with the ball this
tournament, was
speedster Zaheer
Khan.
It was Khan’s
impeccable bowl-
ing that tamed the
Bangladeshi fight
back, and his sen-
sational three-wicket burst that
halted England’s charge, and
again it was his two wickets at
the start of the innings to that
firmly pushed the Irish on the
back foot.
On all three occasions, the
lack of any genuine wicket-
taking bowler to partner Khan
and really nail the opposition
with a couple of more wickets
almost cost India the match.
While the Bangladeshi’s
fearless batting succumbed to
the chase rather than the bowl-
ing, England’s lower order
swatted the Indian bowlers to
eke out a draw and the Irish
milked the bowling until Yu-
and IPL (Indian Premier
League). Sad to leave India.
Love the people & the hos-
pitality. Absolutely devas-
tated!!” Pietersen posted on
Twitter.
International Cricket
Council granted England
the replacement.
“The Event Techni-
cal Committee of the ICC
Cricket World Cup has ap-
proved Eoin Morgan as a
replacement player for the
injured Kevin Pietersen in
the England squad,” an ICC
statement said.
Morgan, 24, is a middle-
order batsman and has
played in 38 ODIs for Eng-
land, scoring 1,160 runs at
an average of 40. He was in-
cluded in the original World
vraj came into the attack.
Khan has picked up eight
wickets in the tournament so
far to lead India’s bowling
charts and no surprise then
that he has bowled most of the
overs (29) along
with off-spinner
Harbhajan Singh.
ECONONICAL
FIGURES
The next best
bowling figures
belong to fast
bowlers Munaf
Patel (seven wickets) followed
by Yuvraj (six wickets), but
with more economical figures.
That a part-timer has a bet-
ter analysis than the front-line
bowlers underlines the lack of
depth in India’s bowling.
In fact the part-timer spin-
ners, Yuvraj and Yusuf Pathan,
have between them taken al-
most double the wickets than
full time spinners Harbhajan
and Piyush Chawla and they
have conceded fewer runs per
over.
That, though, is mostly be-
cause of Chawla, who prom-
ised much after a five-wicket
haul in a warm-up match
against Australia, but has de-
livered little — two wickets
and leaking over seven runs
per over.
Harbhajan has been the
most economical Indian bowl-
er but only has a modest two
wickets so far which is very
surprising. Not for nothing has
he been nicknamed the ‘turba-
nator’ over the years though
that sounds a misnomer right
now.
It is said that fast bowlers
hunt in pairs but that saying
has clearly fallen on deaf ears
in the Indian camp.
Khan’s choices to lead the
attack are:
Patel, who is leaking al-
most a run-a-ball and has at
no point looked even remotely
threatening; Sreesanth, who
runs his mouth at almost the
same rate he gives away runs
and Ashish Nehra, who is on a
well paid medical leave.
The lack of a Malinga,
Steyn or Tait to partner Khan
coupled with the lack of a Mu-
ralitharan, Swann or Tahir to
partner Harbhajan might come
back to haunt India. Sooner
rather than later. — Reuters
Cup squad but missed out
after breaking a finger in
the build-up to the tourna-
ment.
England team director
Andy Flower said the team
was losing an important
player in Pietersen, who
was promoted to open the
batting, where he was doing
a good job.
“He’s a world-class play-
er,” Sky Sports News quoted
Flower as saying.
“I thought he was form-
ing an interesting opening
partnership with Andrew
Strauss. In three of the
four games they’ve played
together they have looked
good up front and they
put on significant partner-
ships that have kicked off
CHENNAI — Whatever pretensions South The pattern so far suggests South Africa’s
Africa had of having overcome their tendency total depends on the start provided by Hash-
to crack under pressure in big tournaments lay im Amla up front and then AB de Villiers at
shattered after their demoralising six-run de- number four.
feat by England in Sunday’s thriller. The team owe their victories against West
The team did not put a foot wrong against Indies and the Netherlands to De Villiers’ back-
West Indies and the Netherlands but suddenly to-back centuries. The right-handed batsman,
came unstuck chasing a modest 172-run target. battling a back problem, could not make much
Their brittle middle and of an impact on Sunday
lower order batting was and that effectively led to
exposed in the process South Africa’s downfall.
and the result threw open In fact, De Villiers’ rich
Group ‘B’. form glossed over some
In the post-match press of South Africa’s batting
conference, South African vulnerability which the
captain Graeme Smith English attack so cruelly
was invariably posed the exposed.
question he is now tired of As his scores of two,
answering — whether his four and 15 in the three
team choked yet again. matches so far would sug-
“I would not say so, we gest, Jacques Kallis has
have handled ourselves been woefully out of form
well in a number of situ- since joining the squad af-
ations over the last couple ter an injury lay-off.
of years to be able to say Also the comprehen-
we can cope with pressure,” he said. sive victories in the first two matches meant
The match, however, suggested otherwise. their lower middle order was not really tested.
The team seemed to have inherited the big So when the chips were down on Sunday,
stage fright that led to their World Cup semifi- JP Duminy or Morne van Wyk could not guide
nal heart-breaks in 1992, 1999 and 2007. them home.
Seeking a third successive win in the tour- “I think this is the first (outing) they had af-
nament, South Africa’s batting frailties were ter a long time. But I think we need to show a
laid bare by England’s inspired bowling attack little more faith in the guys, it’s just one game,”
on Sunday. Smith assured. — Reuters
STANDINGS
good batting performanc-
es.” Group ‘A’
“We’re moving on now
P W L T NR NRR Pts
and Eoin Morgan is an ex-
Pakistan 3 3 0 0 0 1.747 6
citing cricketer. It’s good
Sri Lanka 4 2 1 0 1 2.663 5
to have him back,” said
Australia 3 2 0 0 1 1.813 5
Flower.
New Zealand 3 2 1 0 0 1.584 4
Flower said Pietersen
had been struggling with Zimbabwe 3 1 2 0 0 -0.079 2
the injury for some time but Canada 4 1 3 0 0 -2.083 2
remains hopeful that he will Kenya 4 0 4 0 0 -3.403 0
return in time for a busy
summer. Group ‘B’
“He’s got a problem and P W L T NR NRR Pts
I’ve seen the scan myself. It’s India 3 2 0 1 0 0.786 5
a problem that he has been England 4 2 1 1 0 0.054 5
dealing with for a number of West Indies 3 2 1 0 0 2.667 4
weeks now so he has got to go South Africa 3 2 1 0 0 1.754 4
and get that sorted out and Ireland 3 1 2 0 0 -0.296 2
hopefully he will be ready Bangladesh 3 1 2 0 0 -1.764 2
for the first Test against Sri Netherlands 3 0 3 0 0 -3.058 0
Lanka in the English sum-
mer.” — IANS (Played, won, lost, tied, no result, net run rate and points)

Canada down Kenya to win battle of associates
NEW DELHI — Canada
overcame some early jitters
with the bat to eventually win
the battle of the associates by
beating Kenya by five wickets
and register their first win in
the World Cup yesterday at the
Ferozeshah Kotla.
Right-handed batsman
Jimmy Hansra (70) and cap-
tain Ashish Bagai (64 not
out) stitched together a 132-
run partnership for the fourth
wicket that sealed the Group
'A' match for the
North Ameri-
cans.
They sur-
passed Kenya's
total of 198
with 27 balls to
spare.
Hansra and
Bagai consoli-
dated hard after Canada were
reduced to 48 for three and bat-
ted intelligently thereafter to
wrest the control back in their
hands, helped in part by a few
dropped catches.
“I made sure I made them
pay after the dropped catch.
It was good to be positive at
the start,” a content looking
Hansra said.
“I hit the shots that I was
comfortable with, pushed the
field back and rotated the sin-
gles in the middle.”
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011
Paceman Henry Osinde
took four wickets as Canada
shot out the Africans for a pal-
try 198 runs after they opted to
bat first on winning the toss.
The burly fast bowler got
the ball to move a bit at the
start to take three quick wick-
ets in his opening spell and re-
turned to add one more to his
tally off his last over.
Medium pacers Harvir
Baidwan and Rizwan Cheema
also chipped in with two wick-
ets apiece.
“The whole
World Cup our
bowlers have
done a fantas-
tic job and our
fielding too.
Our batting had
let us down so
I am happy that
we worked things out today,”
Hansra said.
Kenya had been bundled
out for scores of 69, 112 and
142 — amassing just 323 runs
in their last three outings be-
fore yesterday and they once CANADA’S Henry Osinde (centre) celebrates with team-mates after taking the wicket of Kenya’s Seren Waters during their match at the Ferozeshah Kotla in New Delhi yesterday. — AFP
again got off to a sorry start ity for the African nation. pitch and with five boundaries S Waters b Osinde .........................2 J Ngoche (not out) .........................1 5), Davison 5-0-26-1. Extras: (b-1, w-11, nb-1) ............13
and tottered at 57 for five at Tanmay Mishra also added and one six managed to take C Obuya b Baidwan ....................31 Extras: (lb-4, w-10) ....................14 Canada Total: (5 wkts; 45.3 overs) ........199
one stage. 57 runs with Thomas Odoyo Kenya close to the 200-run D Obuya c Bagai b Osinde ............2 Total: (all out; 50 overs) ...........198 R Gunasekera st Ouma b Ngoche 18 Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-37, 3-48,
But a patient 52-run partner- S Tikolo lbw Cheema ..................12 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-7, 3-21, 4-41, R Cheema b Etieno .....................17 4-180, 5-186.
for the seventh wicket before mark. T Mishra c Surkari b Davison .....51 5-57, 6-109, 7-166, 8-171, 9-193. Z Surkari run out .........................10 Bowling: Odoyo 5-1-18-0; Etieno
ship between Tanmay Mishra he fell while trying to up the J Kamande c Bagai b Rao ...........22 Bowling: Osinde 10-2-26-4 (w-3); A Bagai (not out) .........................64 8.3-0-45-1 (nb-1, w-4); Odhiambo
(51) and captain Kamande for tempo. SCOREBOARD
T Odoyo b Baidwan ....................51 Baidwan 10-1-41-2 (w-2); Desai J Hansra c Ngoche b Odhiambo ..70 10-0-45-2; Ngoche 10-2-26-1 (w-
the sixth wicket weathered the Odoyo (51) looked the most Kenya N Odhiambo b Osinde ..................4 3-0-20-0; Cheema 9-1-30-2; Hansra T Gordon b Odhiambo ..................3 1); Kamande 5-0-25-0 (w-1); Obuya
storm and ensured respectabil- fluent Kenyan batsman on the M Ouma c Baidwan b Osinde ........0 E Otieno c Hansra b Cheema ........8 3-0-15-0; Balaji Rao 10-0-36-1 (w- J Davison (not out) ........................4 2-0-15-0 (w-1); Tikolo 5-1-24-0.
 Carillion Alawi office in Salalah New transformer protector
THE newly established regional office of Carillion Alawi in EXPANDING on its top of the range safety and security product
Salalah was officially launched at an event in Hilton Salalah portfolio in Oman, Amanco (National Factory for Security
Resort recently. The event was attended by government and Safety Equipment) has earned sole representative status to
officials, business partners and members of the local introduce SERGI — France’s Transformer Protector (TP) in the
community. ● Page 23 Sultanate. Amanco has been operational since 1998. ● Page 23

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Contest for Sur IPP down to five bidders

By Conrad Prabhu
MUSCAT — The race for a
licence to build a huge Inde-
pendent Power Project (IPP)
at Sur, on the Sultanate’s
Sharqiyah coast, has whittled
down to five bidders.
AES Oasis Energy, one of
six energy firms prequalified
to bid for the licence, opted
out of the contest, leaving
fellow contenders Marubeni
Corporation (Japan), Siemens
LLC, Sembcorp Utilities,
Enka (Turkey) and Mitsui &
Co in the fray.
Envelopes containing the
financial offers and final tech-
nical submissions from the lat-
ter five bidders were opened at
the Tender Board yesterday, as
the competition for the pres-
tigious licence now enters its
final phase.
The successful bidder
will secure a licence to build
the country’s largest green-
field power project with an
installed generation capacity
ranging from 1,500 to 2,000
megawatts (MW). Project
costs are estimated to range
from $1.6 billion to $1.8 bil-
lion on a 1,500MW project,
which could escalate to nearly
$2 billion at the higher capac-
ity limit.
Japanese conglomerate
Mitsui & Co has joined hands
with Oman Oil Company and
Taqa in bidding for the IPP
mandate. Siemens LLC heads
a consortium that includes
Saudi Oger and Korean East-
West Power. Japanese corpo-
ration Marubeni has teamed
up with Qatar Electricity and
Water, Chubu Electric and
Multitech in its bid.
The state-owned electric-
ity off-taker, Oman Power and
Water Procurement Company
(OPWP), is overseeing the
implementation of the IPP at
Sur in line with its mandate to
procure all new electricity and
related water capacity.
OPWP is eyeing a March
30 deadline to finalise a short-
list of bidders, who will then
be called for final negotiations
leading to the selection of a
preferred bidder by April 16.
The execution of project doc-
uments is slated for April 30,
paving the way for construc-
tion work on the IPP to begin
in earnest.
Underscoring efforts to
fast-track the implementation
of the project, OPWP has set
a Q1 2013 time frame for part
of the IPP’s output, equiva-
lent to roughly 400 MW of
generation capacity, to be
brought into operation ahead
of summer peak demand that
year. The IPP’s full capacity
of 1,500-2,000MW is slated
for full commissioning ahead
of peak summer demand in
2014.
The Sur IPP, as well as a
pair of recently awarded IPPs
(Barka 3 and Sohar 2) under
development in the Batinah
region, will go a long way in
meeting the galloping demand
for electricity within the Main
Interconnected System (MIS).
An estimated half a million
customers are served by the
MIS, an area encompassing
the Governorates of Muscat
and Buraimi, and most of the
South Batinah, Dakhiliyah,
Sharqiyah, North Batinah and
Dhahirah regions.
According to OPWP, elec-
tricity demand in the MIS is
projected to rise from 3,424
MW in 2009 to 6,043 MW by
2016, representing an average
increase of around 8.5 per cent
or 374 MW per year.

Strong growth in general cargo traffic at Salalah Port

By A Staff Reporter
MUSCAT — General cargo volumes
handled at the Port of Salalah surged 68
per cent to over six million tonnes dur-
ing 2010, according to a top official of
Salalah Port Services Co SAOG, which
operates and manages Oman’s largest
container transshipment terminal on the
Sultanate’s southern coast.
Abdul Aziz bin Ali al Shanfari,
Chairman of Board of Directors, said
rising general cargo volumes were
fuelled by a hefty increase in commod-
ity exports.
“The General Cargo business has
been growing rapidly and the main fac-
tors driving the growth are commodi-
ties such as limestone and cement that
are exported from Oman to developing
economies surrounding Oman. The
growth of the Salalah Free Zone also
contributed to the excellent results,” Al
Shanfari stated in the Director’s Report
on the company’s performance during
the financial year ended December 31,
2010.
Container traffic on the hand re-
mained unchanged at 3.48 million
TEUs during 2010 when compared to
2009. “This continues to make Salalah
Oman’s largest port by over 10 times
compared to any other port. The lack
of volume change was a result of the
substantial growth being offset by a
strategy change implemented by one
customer from transshipment to direct
shipping. Despite this, revenue growth
was significant in 2010,” the Chairman
said.
Consolidated revenues rose 10.4 per
cent to RO 52.7 million last year, while
the consolidated net profit was record-
ed at RO 5.76 million, an impressive 27
per cent increase over 2009 results, Al
Shanfari stated.
“Though the volumes at the contain-
er terminal remained similar to previ-
ous year, the efforts undertaken by the
management in taking costs out, driv-
ing performance, and unparalleled per-
formance by the general cargo business
have made it possible to achieve the
record profitability in 2010,” he said.
Energetic efforts to boost productiv-
ity also resulted in improving the crane
moves per hour by over 11 per cent.
Improvements in efficiency were also
achieved through the sale of unused as-
sets, while further gains were made in
sustainable savings of financing costs
and the ability to turn rights for interest
in a small terminal in Jordan, the Chair-
man said.
The outlook for the company, Al
Shanfari said, was positive with the
management keen on pursuing strategic
initiatives that balance risk and reward,
creating a ‘Process Excellence’ culture
within the organisation, and exploring
newer markets and products.
23
OMAN TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011

Carillion Alawi office

launched in Salalah

By A Staff Reporter
SALALAH — The newly
established regional office
of Carillion Alawi in Salalah
was officially launched at an
event in Hilton Salalah Re-
sort recently. The event was
attended by government of-
ficials, business partners and
members of the local com-
munity.
Company’s partner and
sponsor Alawi bin Qais al
Zawawi welcomed the guests
and briefed the gathering
on the history and progress
of Carillion Alawi in Oman
since 1965.
In his address, Regional
Managing Director of Caril-
lion Alawi, Andy Jones, men-
tioned in detail the plans of
the company for the Salalah
region. “The company, which
has a reputation for high
quality construction, safety
standards and quality, hopes
to better support construction
contracts in the Dhofar Gov-
ernorate,” he said.
Andy said Carillion Alawi
offers professional services
such as pre-construction
tasks with in-house design,
MEP services, joinery and
facilities management.
“With expertise in all ar-
eas of construction and glo-
bal procurement capabilities,
we can employ and move
key professionals quickly
to suit the needs of specific
projects,” he added.
Reiterating company’s
commitment to Oman, he
said, “Carillion Alawi is one
of the largest and most reput-
ed construction companies in
Oman. We have a portfolio of
prestigious landmark projects
for key clients in public and
private sectors like Grand
Mosque, Barr Al Jissah Re-
sort, The Royal Opera House
and Majlis Oman.”
Omanisation Manager of
Carillion Alawi Mohammed
al Ghafri, said the new Sala-
lah office of the company
has presently achieved 50
per cent Omanisation. “We
regularly provide training
to Omani nationals through
our training centres located
in various regions of the Sul-
tanate and we will replicate
the success in Dhofar region
too,” he added.
The launch event was fol-
lowed by dinner and later the
guests had an opportunity to
meet the senior management
team of Carillion Alawi.
The construction sector
in Oman is set to derive the
maximum benefit from the
8th Five-Year Plan as the
government is ramping up
spending on infrastructure
development. The Sultan-
ate’s construction industry
was valued at $3.7 billion in
2010 and is expected to grow
at an average annual rate of
5.8 per cent between 2010
and 2014.

Amanco introduces France’s

transformer protector
By A Staff Reporter
MUSCAT — Expanding on its top of the range
safety and security product portfolio in Oman,
AMANCO (National Factory for Security and
Safety Equipment) has earned sole representa-
tive status to introduce SERGI — France’s
Transformer Protector (TP) in the Sultanate.
AMANCO has been operational since 1998
and enjoys the reputation of being the only
company in Oman manufacturing fire-fighting
equipment under all relevant licence catego-
ries. Over the years the company has supplied
to almost all major players in the country who
required fire-fighting equipment.
“Transformer Protector is a product that
addresses the need of the hour in fire-fighting
technology. The quality and innovative tech-
nology that drives this product makes it indis-
pensable in this market,” said Salman Rashid
al Fannah al Araimi, Chairman, AMANCO.
“It is a privilege that AMANCO has been
chosen to introduce this technology in Oman.
SERGI-France has always provided us with
top quality products which we have been privi-
leged to bring to the market here,” said G Mu- 8, from 3:30-4:10 pm.
rali Das, General Manager, AMANCO. The Chairman adds, “We have strengthened
“We rarely find companies working togeth- our top management team by positioning expe-
er with sincere consideration for each other's rienced professionals with varied skill sets and
needs. I believe that, this is what the winning exposure in different markets on board. We
equation for SERGI — France and AMANCO have declared 2011 as Customer Satisfaction
has been,” Das added Year to be more pro-active in addressing our
This partnership has been announced in customers’ needs and issues.”
line with the arrival of Arnaud Magnier, CEO, The product is set to face the home-run
SERGI — France in Muscat to participate in challenges that are typical for any new item
the International Workshop on Fire Safety En- in the market, but AMANCO is equipped to
gineering and Management organised by Sul- move ahead through the challenges by ensur-
tan Qaboos University. Arnaud will be present- ing zero compromise on the quality of the
ing the innovative technology of transformer product which in turn assures people and en-
protection during this conference today, March vironment safety.
 Wave of women-centric Witherspoon carries Sudden impact to kids’
films her make-up kit chest can prove fatal
™ Page 28 ™ Page 28 ™ Page 28

100th year of International

Isla Fisher writes own Women’s Day
comedy script ™ Page 27
™ Page 28

Fea ures
Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Omani workforce ready for

any corporate challenge
Oilfield services company
Midwest meets international
standards. It has also the
credit of being the only
Omani company in the
sector when it started in 2001
not carry any complex and he is as
good as a trained expatriate worker.
So the need of the hour is emphasis
on better training and education.
The company favours summer
camps for training and advises the
youth to chart out their proper ca-
reer plan.
The company responsibilities
do not end with earning money
and finding some jobs for youths to
meet the present crisis. It insists on
better training and education to en-
sure that Omanis can match anyone
in the job market and do not carry
the stigma of being inferior to any-
one.
The company has its own for-
mula for success: “Hard work and
By Kaushalendra Singh company Midwest does not only ties. The company has exhorted peo- the-job training. During the time of only hard work,” can lead anyone
meet international standards, it has The employees at Midwest are ple not to overreact and urged them training the company identifies the to success. “Luck may be one of the
MANI workforce is ready the credit of being the only Omani so qualified that none of them gets to try and address the needs of edu- talent and offers them jobs as and factors, but it comes only when you
Midwest Oilfield Services is the
first 100 per cent Omani owned lo-
cal company to specialise in per-
formance drilling services, turbine
drilling services, directional drill-
ing services and supervision.
Midwest is equipped with high-
ly experienced, competent and
dedicated staff. The company is
reputed in maintaining the highest
levels in business conduct, quality
and HSE.
The company knows that there
are Omani companies meeting in-
ternational standards that are still
facing hurdles. It has strong faith in
the capabilities of Omanis and sug-
gests the authorities to give them
proper education and training to
meet the requirements of the job
market.
It urges the big companies to un-

O to take up any challenge company in the sector when it start-

and this has been proved ed in 2001.
less than RO 500 and all those who
were getting RO 300 are now get-
cation and training to get better po-
sition in companies.
when vacancy arises.
The company is strict on not
are prepared to do hard work.”
The company suggests that
derstand their Corporate Social Re-
sponsibility. It also feels the need of

The company has an Omanisation

level of 90 per cent and none of them
is inferior to anyone. The company
keeps them abreast with the latest in
by the hard work of an entrepre- The company understands that ting RO 500. The company has en- the market and every six months the compromising on quality while of- young entrepreneurs work until realising the human side of the job
neur who established his own oil Omanis are prepared to take up any sured a hike of 30 to 50 per cent to company sponsors college and uni- fering jobs. The company’s policy is it hurts, as in its scheme of things issue with a “need to operate and
and gas company. Oilfield services job without caring for the difficul- all the employees. versity students for short-term on- a trained and educated Omani does nothing comes easy. deliver in a controlled manner.”

‘A trained and
educated Omani
does not carry
any complex and
he is as good
as a trained
expatriate
worker. So the
need of the hour
is emphasis on
better training
and education’
 SPOTLIGHT 27 TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011

By Mirfat al Araimiya
mirfat@omandaily.om

I
N a historical occasion
marking the 100th an-
niversary of the Interna-
tional Women’s Day (IWD),
today, the world unites to
observe this day under the
entitle: ‘Equal access to ed-
ucation, training and science
and technology: Pathway to
decent work for women’.
This year’s theme will re-
flect upon the role that en-
hanced access to these fields
for women and girls which
plays on the economic
growth of developing coun-
tries, especially the Least
Developed Countries. It
will also focus on the policy
mechanisms that need to be
put in place to make it hap-
pen.
Enhancing policy meas-
ures can ensure equal op-
portunities and treatment
for women and men when
it comes to jobs and work-
ing conditions through skills
development and training
policies. According to the
International Labour Organ-
ization (ILO), the economic
downturn has served to un-
derscore and aggravate pre-
existing inequality therefore
achieving gender equality
remains a major challenge;
as well as securing a sustain-
able and equitable recovery
and a fair globalisation de-
mand for gender-aware re-
sponses.
The 100th year com-
memoration comes at the
heels of the establishment
of ‘UN Women’, the United
Nations Entity for Gender
Equality and the Empow-
erment of Women, in July
2010 by the United Nations
General Assembly. In doing
so, UN member states took
a historic step in accelerat-
ing the Organisation’s goals
on gender equality and the
empowerment of women.
The creation of UN Women
came about as part of the
UN reform agenda, bring-
ing together resources and
mandates for greater im-
pact. Significant Progress
has been made in advancing
gender equality, including
landmark agreements such
as the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination against
Women (CEDAW).
Remarking on the occa-
sion, Dr Laila Omar Gad,
Unicef Representative in
the Sultanate said: “Gen-
der equality is not only a
basic human right, but its
achievement has enormous
socio-economic ramifica-
tions. Empowering women
fuels thriving economies,
spurring productivity and
growth.”
The Government of
Oman has demonstrated
political commitment and
will, to promote the rights
of women and His Majesty
Sultan Qaboos is dedicated
to building the nation’s edu-
cation and empowerment
of women. In the past four
decades, women have paved
new paths on the socio-
economic front including
the right to vote, the right
to stand for the membership
of the Consultative Council,
State Council, the Board of
Oman Chamber of Com-
merce & Industry and other
bodies.
In an effort to promote
women to be part of the
country’s development
process, the government
also ratified the CEDAW
convention in 2005.
Major progress has been
achieved in education,
healthcare, as well as politi-
cal and economic participa-
tion of women; however
despite these achievements,
some challenges still re-
main.
The Omani Women’s
Symposium held in 2009
had set a platform for dis-
cussing and addressing the
issues and challenges faced
to further enhance the role
of national women and em-
power them in all spheres
of life, and mark October
17 of every year as Omani
Women’s Day.
Unicef has been working
in partnership with the Gov-
ernment of Oman since 1971
with the aim of improving
health, education and social
services for children and
women in the Sultanate.
By Maryam Khalfan
Omani women have gained prominence and are benefiting
from the equal rights in education, social and health
services, as well as from the employment opportunities
facilitated in all provinces and regions of the Sultanate
Omani women have gained
prominence and are benefiting
from the equal rights in educa-
tion, social and health services,
as well as from the employ-
ment opportunities facilitated
in all provinces and regions of
the Sultanate.
Since 1976, the Sultanate’s
strategies and development
plans has taken on board the
aspect of human resource de-
velopment as one of its basic
also offers Omani women the
right to work in the private
sector and many mechanisms
were also improved to expand
women’s participation in pri-
vate businesses and Small
and Medium Size Enterprises
(SMEs) with the support of
the Youth Development Fund,
Intilaqaah Projects which
works to encourage the Omani
youth (both male and female)
to engage in entrepreneurship
tion for a loan.
International Conven-
tions
In 1979 the UN agreement
was formed to Eliminate of
All Forms of Discrimination
Against Women (CEDAW)
— a Treaty for the Rights of
Women and the International
Bill of Rights for Women. The
treaty addresses the advance-
ment of women, describes the
meaning of equality and sets
T HE Prophet Muhammed (Peace and Blessing Be Upon
Him) addressed a messenger of his who was beaten and
verbally abused, saying, “Had you been sent to the people
of Oman, you wouldn’t have been harmed”. This is the land
of Al Qubairaa, Oman, the land of the people who believed
in the prophet and his heavenly message right from the
beginning, about whom the prophet said, “May God bless
the people of Al Qubairaa who believed in my message
without seeing me”.
So this is the kind of ethics that distinguishes the people
of Oman. The Omani people are civilised, tolerant tightly
adherent to their land and to the nation they built over four
decades, we are utterly proud of the good reputation we
enjoy among the nations. We have developed throughout
history a remarkable ability to cope with the toughest of
conditions, and we have maintained our national unity in
an astonishing way.
The nation is not just geographical boundaries, it’s the
history of our forefathers, it is a set of cultural values that
lies deep in our collective mindset, we all belong to this
land, and we are firmly tied to the nation. A sound sense
of belonging to the country entails relentless efforts on the
part of the citizens to build the nation, and to maintain the
spirit of solidarity and national identity among themselves
under the banner of national unity.
Those who lived in Oman in the pre-Renaissance era are
the ones who feel the true value of the nation. The young-
sters who travel abroad feel nostalgic of Oman in the di-
asporas, that’s because they savoured the fruit of the land
and relished its water in the days of childhood.
As far as history is concerned, all civilisations were
built and made strong only by the faithful efforts of the
people, and by work that is based on tolerance and national
unity which is the most important pillar of nation building.
The genuine citizenship manifests itself when every in-
dividual stands firm in the face of attempts aiming to dwarf
the nation or hinder its progress. The good citizen should
have a great love of the country; he should not resort to
vandalism and destruction. The people have to be aware
that dialogue is the best way to achieve their demands.
Modern technology has turned the world into a small
global village, where we can easily make our voice heard.

I
N observation of this great
elements to accord special care and ownership of small and forth guidelines on how to What we need is to express our opinion in a responsible
day the Sultanate joins the
and rights to women in many medium SMEs and the Sanad achieve it. way, and in such a manner that doesn’t affect the people’s
rest of the world in a spe-
Dr Rajan Philips walks of life. Further, the 7th projects among others. The Sultanate Ratified the freedom or damage their properties. We are allowed to de-
cial programme held in the
Development Plan (2006- A study for the development CEDAW Convention in May liver whatever message we want on one condition, protect
rajanph@yahoo.co.uk Wilayat of Rustaq to mark
2010) has given an important of Omani women in entrepre- 2005 up on the completion of the common interest.
the significant progress that These days the habit of emulation has prevailed in the
place for the advancement of neurship was also established the first national report on the
has been achieved by Omani Arab world, the people tend to clone the events in other
Omani women. to upgrade Omani women’s legislative, judicial, admin-
women through determined countries, ignoring the fact that every nation has its special
Women’s rights participation in private busi- istrative, and that comes as a
advocacy, practical action and conditions that are not necessarily similar to other nations’.
The Sultanate has taken
T ODAY is International Women’s Day (IWD). In
fact, it happens to be centenary year of the annual
observance that began in 1911. The Day reminds the world
significant measures to en-
sure women’s rights in several
This has led many countries to fall in the trap of violence
and chaos.
of its responsibility towards the welfare of women. While areas of the legislative field His Majesty Sultan Qaboos will remain the aspiring
celebrating the economic, political and social achievements and that of the State’s Basic leader of Oman, and the symbol of the nation. Oman will
of women all over, the Day reminds us of the disparities still Statute, which emphasises the be as stable and great as it is. The Omani people will never
to be redressed. principle of complete gender derail from the track of civilisation. We will be strong in the
No sphere of human endeavour is today beyond the equality in rights and duties in face of crises as we did when adverse weather conditions
reach of women given the right opportunities. The concept public office, and in areas of hit us. We have to take a stop and rethink the events so as to
of male-only domains is fast vanishing. Sky is the limit for social development. know what we did wrong.
those with a will to succeed. Omani women are also en- Also we have got to know that the process of nation
All the same, we realise that despite the undisputed con- titled to pension benefits and building cannot be achieved overnight. Great missions can
tributions made by women, for centuries they were denied comprehensive social secu- be accomplished only when we come together. May God
rity system, which guarantees safeguard the nation and protect His Majesty the Sultan,
equal rights and opportunities. They had to struggle hard
them the right to pension and architect of its blessed Renaissance, whose farsightedness
to win even the minimum rights. There are still parts of the
compensation of the insured and wise leadership ushered in the stability and welfare of
world where this demand for justice and equality remains a
upon death, the right of women Oman.
distant dream. But wherever they have access to the right
to receive early old age pen- — Translated by Khalid al Kush
kind of education they can hope to achieve economic inde-
pendence which in turn ensures equality. sion, the right of an unmarried
IWD was originally called International Working Wom- woman in the pension of the
en’s Day. In1913 the observance was moved to March 8. pensioner, the deceased, re- nesses and a committee was result of co-operation between
enlightened policy making.
Today it is observed worldwide and is an official holiday in gardless of age. formed to facilitate access for governmental and private in-
The observation of the day
several countries. Other women’s rights in- loans and to facilitate training stitutions.
is indeed one of the fruitful
The UN has been playing a key role in the promotion clude the right to have ad- and other kinds of material The Sultanate also formed
achievements in the education
of the objectives of celebrating this day and had even des- ditional grants, rights to all support in addition to enhanc- a special committee to follow-
of Omani women under the
ignated 1975 as ‘International Women’s Year’. It comes up forms of social welfare for ing the role of Omani Wom- up the implementation of the
guidance of His Majesty the
with specific themes for each year to focus attention on dif- CEDAW provisions, taking
Sultan.
ferent areas of women empowerment that demand urgent advantage of available in-
The empowerment in-
attention. The theme for 2011 is: Equal access to education, ternational experience. The
vested in women’s education
training and science and technology: Pathway to decent committee was tasked to pre-
has not only enabled them to
work for women. pare the first national report
be knowledgeable, self reli-
It is said that ‘Behind every successful man there is a to monitor the Sultanate’s im-
ant and reputable in their own
woman’. Well, it works the other way round as well. With plementation of the provisions
right, but it has significantly
more and more women taking up challenging careers and of the Convention and other
enabled women to effectively
pursuits it is easier for a woman to become high achiever periodic reports. The commit-
contribute to their social wel-
and trail blazer if there is a supportive male — the spouse, tee is also obliged to follow-up
fare, development and pros-
father or brother — backing her. implementation and effective-
perity of their nation in all
There are, of course, women who have created history ness of the provisions of the
walks of life.
even when this was not so. But that called for greater de- Convention; promote aware-
The access to gender equal- In fact, since the launch The UN office also played a
termination, struggle and strength of character on their part. ness among the public, and
ity in areas of education and of the UNFPA GCC office significant role in assisting the
But if men are positively inclined towards the legitimate the relevant authorities of the
empowerment that women in in 2006, collaboration began National CEDAW Committee
needs and aspirations of women, the entire community rights, and provisions of the
this country currently enjoy is women as applied in the prin- en’s Association in wilayats with the Ministry of Social in preparation and drafting the
stands to gain. Convention through appropri-
of no doubt the results of the ciple set forth in the Statute of in regards to terms of raising Development in all aspects of Sultanate’s first official report
A few of the outstanding examples of women of sub- ate means of notification.
blessed Renaissance of His the State. women’s awareness about the concern to women’s issues and of the treaty on the rights of
stance who overcame heavy odds and prejudices to make Since the Sultanate rati-
Majesty the Sultan. The Omani labour law procedures related to applica- gender. women.
this world a better place for all are Helen Keller, Marie Cu- fied the Convention, the state
rie, Mother Teresa and Kiran Bedi, the Indian super cop. has played a significant role
In Oman women have been accorded dignity and equal to implement the international
opportunities in crucial areas like education and healthcare agreements in accordance to
in the Renaissance era and the results are there for all to see. the Sultanate’s laws, which re-
The recognition of their importance was demonstrated last sulted in the establishment of a
year by the institution of October 17 as Omani Women’s national committee to address
Day (OWD). This is in addition to Oman’s active participa- all sorts of human rights.
tion in the annual global celebration on March 8. The committee compris-
Even where the status of women is fairly satisfactory, ing of representatives from
disparities exist in salary structure and representation in vi- concerned government es-
tal spheres like business and politics. In many developing tablishments and the Non-
and under-developed nations the degree of discrimination Governmental Organisations
and exploitation are far worse. was further expanded in three
Changes are definitely taking place. It is a positive sign teams comprising of the me-
that on this day, we are moving away from concentrating on dia, law and research and stud-
the negatives to a celebration of the positive achievements ies sections, which were far-
by women. Yet, we ought not to ignore the implicit call to ther tasked to raise awareness
think globally and act locally. We must do all we can to about the rights of the women.
help women realise their full potential to build a vibrant and The articles of the CEDAW
happy world. are not only restricted to ad-
Quotes: dress women’s rights but also
involves a broad spectrum
• A woman is like a tea bag. She knows her strength of issues in addressing other
only when put in hot water. — Nancy Reagan aspects related to health, edu-
• Being a woman is a terribly difficult task, since it con- cation, law, human rights,
sists principally in dealing with men. — Joseph Conrad agriculture and many other
aspects.

Wave of women-centric films
N
O One Killed Jessica,
Mirch, Turning 30 and
7 Khoon Maaf — all
women-centric films in the
last few months show the fe-
male leads in strong and pow-
erful roles. Film-makers and
actors hope this trend contin-
ues in future.
On the silver screen wom-
en are usually seen as a help-
less mother, submissive wife,
Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising; P.O. Box 974, Postal Code 100, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman; Tel: 24649444, 24649450, 24649451, 24604563, 24699437 Š Fax: 24699643 Š Website: omanobserver.om
Š e-mail: editor@omanobserver.om Š Salalah Office: Tel: 23292633, Fax: 23293909 Š Nizwa Office: Tel: 25411099, P.O. Box 955, P.C. 611 Š ADVERTISING: AL OMANEYA ADVERTISING & PUBLIC RELATIONS, P.O. Box 3303,
Postal Code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman, Tel: SWITCHBOARD: 24649444, DIRECT: 24649430/24649437/24649401, Fax: 24649434 Š DISTRIBUTION AGENT: AL OMANEYA FOR DISTRIBUTION & MARKETING,
Gul Panag in
Turning 30
devoted girlfriend, overcaring
sister, daughter or a vamp, but
directors like Vishal Bharad-
waj and Alankrita Shrivastava
are trying to break the mould
and present women in a more
realistic, vibrant and uncon-
ventional way.
One-film-old Rajkumar
Gupta’s No One Killed Jessica
was an attempt to bring alive
the struggle of Sabrina Lall’s
Chief Executive Officer ABDULLAH BIN NASSIR AL RAHBI. Editor-in-Chief FAHMY BIN KHALID AL HARTHY
P.O.Box 974, P.C. 100, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, Tel: 24649350/24649360, Fax: 24649379, subscribe@omandaily.om
fight with the Indian judici-
ary for years to get justice for
her murdered sister. Starring
Vidya Balan and Rani Muk-
erji, the movie created a buzz
as it was inspired by the 1999
murder of model Jessica Lall
and the director was never ap-
prehensive that his film won’t
do well without a strong male
character.
“The protagonists in my
movie were two leading la-
dies who were very powerful
in whatever they did. It’s not
easy to make a film on such
a theme, but times are chang-
ing and people are accepting it
with open arms,” Gupta said.
Director Vinay Shukla,
best known for his 1999, mul-
tiple National Award-winning
project Godmother, is confi-
dent there will be more suc-
cessful women-centric films
in the years to come.
“At the moment, the
number of women-centric
movies is less, but it will grow
with time because actresses
nowadays have got huge po-
tential to run a movie on their
shoulders much like their male
counterparts,” said Shukla,
whose latest film Mirch dealt
with four stories of women’s
emancipation. — IANS
Printers and Publishers OMAN ESTABLISHMENT FOR PRESS, PUBLICATION AND ADVERTISING
ENTERTAINMENT 28
Sudden impact to the chest
can prove fatal for children
O NE of the dangers young
sports enthusiasts should
watch out for are blunt blows
to the chest region, according
to Germany’s Association of
Paediatricians. A collision
with another player, a ball
or a puck could induce
life-threatening heart
fibrillations.
“Fibrillation can lead to
death within minutes if it’s
not quickly treated by a med-
ical professional,” warns the
association’s Herman Josef
Kahl.
However, accidents
like these are very rare, ac-
cording to the cardiologist.
That’s because the blow
must occur at a certain point
on the chest, with a certain
degree of force and during a
specific 10 to 20 millisecond
phase of the heart’s electrical
activity.
In most people a heart-
beat lasts about 1,000 mil-
liseconds but during sport
it can speed up to 500 mil-
liseconds. A number of cir-
cumstances must coincide
before a heart can be thrown
off rhythm by a sudden im-
pact to the chest.
“Trainers should warn
children about the risks as-
sociated with a blow to the
chest region and advise
them not to fend off an op-
ponent, a ball or a puck with
their chests. They should
try another form of defence
instead,” says Kahl. Chest-
protectors available in stores
cannot guarantee that a blow
to the chest will not induce
fibrillation (Commotio
cordis).
A much thicker protector
must be used instead. Balls
with a lighter centre and
softer covering or a lighter
puck can also help protect
your child.
A study of data contained
on a register compiled by the
US Heart Institute Founda-
tion in Minneapolis showed
that young boys between
10 and 18 years old are at a
higher risk of experiencing
Commotio cordis.
A quarter of the record-
ed cases involved children
under the age of ten years.
Young adults aged 25 years
and above made up just nine
per cent of cases.
— dpa
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2011
Isla Fisher writes own comedy script
A CTRESS Isla Fisher was so frustrated with
the lack of good comedy scripts for actresses
that she wrote a script on her own. The Wedding
Crashers star, who is married to actor Sacha Baron
Cohen, felt the only way she could get a good role
was to pen Groupies, which she will co-star in with
Amy Poehler, reports contactmusic.com.
On how her script is developing, Isla replied: “Oh
you mean Groupies? After Wedding Crashers I was
just surprised as to the lack of comedic female mate-
rial there is. So I had to start working and getting
stuff out there for myself”. Groupies is pretty close
to being ready and I’ve got another movie called Life
Coach which I’ve been working on. Hopefully one
of them will go soon.
It’s more frustrating being in development than it is just to be cast in something. It’s a
lot of things involved. The movie talks about Isla’s and comedienne Amy’s rock groupie
characters, and they are also set to produce it. This isn’t Isla’s first foray into writing — the
35-year-old actress has also written two novels but has previously revealed she has no plans
to return to her old job.
Witherspoon carries her make-up kit
A CTRESS Reese Witherspoon always carry her make-
up kit with her whenever she goes out. Witherspoon,
who is engaged to Hollywood agent Jim Toth, hates to
be caught without her favourite cosmetics, though she
insists she tries to limit what she takes with her, reports
femalefirst.co.uk “I have a bunch of different make-up
bags — one in my car, one in my handbag and one at
home. I try to keep them small, but I have about five
lipglosses, mascara, cover-up, lipstick and blush,” she
told Glamour magazine.
The actress also doesn’t forget to keep a white
eyeliner pencil, as she believes it keeps her looking re-
freshed. — IANS