QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN - DOHA, QATAR
$1,334,270
2-7 JANUARY 2017

ORDER OF PLAY - SUNDAY, JANUARY 01, 2017
COURT 1 start 3:30 pm
Qualifying - [1] N. Basilashvili (GEO) vs [8] V. Pospisil (CAN)

COURT 2 start 3:30 pm
Qualifying - [2] R. Stepanek (CZE) vs E. Lopez-Perez (ESP)

COURT 3 start 3:30 pm
Qualifying - M. Basic (BIH) vs [7] A. Giannessi (ITA)

COURT 4 start 3:30 pm
Qualifying - V. Millot (FRA) vs M. Safwat (EGY)

RESULTS - DECEMBER 31, 2016
Mens
Qualifying Singles - First Round
Qualifying - [1] N. Basilashvili (GEO) d L. Vanni (ITA) 61 75
Qualifying - [2] R. Stepanek (CZE) d L. Giustino (ITA) 57 75 64
Qualifying - M. Basic (BIH) d [3] M. Chiudinelli (SUI) 64 06 61
Qualifying - V. Millot (FRA) d [4] T. Fabbiano (ITA) 67(3) 63 61
Qualifying - E. Lopez-Perez (ESP) d [5] E. Donskoy (RUS) 64 64
Qualifying - M. Safwat (EGY) d [6] T. Daniel (JPN) 76(1) 62
Qualifying - [7] A. Giannessi (ITA) d [WC] M. Zayed (QAT) 62 61
Qualifying - [8] V. Pospisil (CAN) d [WC] J. Ali Mutawa (QAT) 62 62

ORDER OF PLAY - SUNDAY, JANUARY 01, 2017
COURT 1 start 3:30 pm
Qualifying - [1] N. Basilashvili (GEO) vs [8] V. Pospisil (CAN)

COURT 2 start 3:30 pm
Qualifying - [2] R. Stepanek (CZE) vs E. Lopez-Perez (ESP)

COURT 3 start 3:30 pm
Qualifying - M. Basic (BIH) vs [7] A. Giannessi (ITA)

COURT 4 start 3:30 pm
Qualifying - V. Millot (FRA) vs M. Safwat (EGY)

Ramallah
31 Dec 2016
QNA

Israeli forces shot and killed 134 Palestinians, including 34 minors, most at military checkpoints in the West Bank, since the start of 2016, a Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Center said on Saturday.

In It's bi-weekly report on Protection of Civilians, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance to the occupied Palestinian territory (OCHA) reported that Israeli forces shot dead two 19-year-old Palestinians during two separate clashes in the last two weeks of December.

According to its annual report on Israeli violations in the occupied territories, the PLO’s Abdullah Hourani Center for Documentation said most the 134 Palestinians shot dead by Israeli forces were killed at military checkpoints, which numbered over 472 in 2016. It said 34 of the dead were minors.

OCHA, on the other hand, said that in 2016, 101 West Bank Palestinians were killed in "conflict-related incidents," including 80 in attacks and alleged attacks against Israelis, comparing to 145 in 2015.

The PLO Center said the Israeli authorities announced or gave tenders or permits for the construction of 27,335 new housing units in settlements in the occupied land.

It said the Israeli forces detained 6970 Palestinians from the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, including 140 minors and 151 women.

Israel also demolished 1023 homes and structures throughout the West Bank and East Jerusalem, said the PLO center.

OCHA said Israeli forces conducted nearly 180 search operations and arrested more than 240 Palestinians in the West Bank in the last two weeks of December, including a search operation inside Birzeit University in Ramallah and a media association in Hebron where several computers were reportedly confiscated in the two locations.

The Jerusalem govern-orate accounted for the highest portion of operations (46) and of arrests (100), said OCHA.

UN report mentioned that the Israeli authorities demolished or seized 11 structures in Area C and East Jerusalem in the last two weeks of December on the grounds of the lack of building permits, displacing one Palestinian and affecting more than 250 others

Doha
31 Dec 2016

The Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic arrived in Doha on Saturday early morning to participate in the 2017 Qatar ExxonMobil Tennis Open to begin at the Khalifa tennis and squash complex on Monday.

Upon his arrival in Doha, Novak said "I'm very excited to be here in Doha to participate in the 2016 Qatar ExxonMobil Open. I'm also very excited to begin my new season with such a special event"

The defending champion and also current holder of Roland Garros heads a strong field at the Qatar Open which also includes Andy Murray, Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who will all kick off their season from Doha.

Doha

Lulu Group, the Middle East retail major is on an aggressive expansion mode and has opened its 7th Hypermarket in Qatar in Al Messila, Doha. The new hypermarket which is situated in the heart of city was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassem Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the presence of Sheikh Khaled Bin Hassan Al Thani, Salem Khalaf Al-Mannai, Deputy Group President & CEO – MENA of Qatar Insurance Company, Hussain Al Fardan, Ali Hussain Al Fardan, Ashraf Abou Issa, Nabeel Abou Issa, Ghanem Al Kubaisi, Dr. R. Seetharaman, CEO of Doha Bank, Ambassadors, diplomats, a number of high-ranking officials and representatives from local business communities.

Yusuff Ali MA, Chairman of Lulu Group, Saifee Rupawala, CEO, Mohamed Althaf, Director and other senior executives of Lulu were also present at the event along with a large number of residents.

The hypermarket, which is 7th in Qatar and 132nd of the group, is spread over an area of about 150,000 square feet and will serve the residents of Al Messila, Khalifa Town, Bin Omran, AlSadd and its surrounding areas with easy access and ample parking.

Yusufali MA, on the occasion said “we are very happy to unveil our latest hypermarket in Qatar which will bring world class shopping nearer to people. Our main emphasis is on showcasing the biggest range of “Free From” products such as Gluten free, lacto-free, sugar free, fat free, etc. that have been specially flown-in from our own sourcing offices in UK, US, Brazil and Far East.”

"The excitement surrounding the opening has been building among the residents of this region for several months, and we believe this store will be as popular with shoppers as our other existing stores” he added.

The new hypermarket showcases a fresh food section consisting of a wide assortment of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, poultry, meat and fish and a hot food and bakery section. There is also a huge area dedicated to department store, which includes garments, electronics, IT products, stationery and home appliances.

The hypermarket also features the widest choice of world-class brands and product lines at the fairest prices. The hypermarket is tailored to meet the needs and modes of modern day shopping with world class interiors and well-planned retail floor layout that are focused on customer convenience. The ample aisle space also ensures an uncluttered, fast and hassle-free shopping environment. The outlet also has extensively laid out counters and liberal parking space.

“We are very excited about the economic stability and growth prospects of Qatar, under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar and we are fully committed to play our role in the further development of this great country” Yusuffali said.

Doha
31 December, 2016

Isla Mexican Kitchen Celebrates Its Grand Opening in Porto Arabia at the Pearl-Qatar

Hospitality Development Company (HDC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Development Company (UDC), announced the grand opening of celebrity chef Richard Sandoval’s latest concept, Isla, at The Pearl-Qatar in 2 La Croisette, Porto Arabia.

With executive culinary experience spanning USA, Italy, UK, Serbia, Qatar, U.A.E., Mexico, Brazil and Argentina, Chef Sandoval brings a treasure chest of contemporary, modern American & Latin expertise, with a strong focus on Mexican origin fresh food components.
Isla Restaurant now broaden lunching options at The Pearl-Qatar, featuring dishes with a Mexican flair. The new Latin American cuisine features various kitchens with dishes influenced by Mexican and more.

Bringing a new street food experience straight from the heart of Mexican dining, Isla is the latest addition to the impressive list of franchises in Qatar developed by HDC. Created by chef Sandoval, who is int'l recognized as the Father of Modern Mexican Cuisine, Isla elevates Mexican cooking to new heights where guests savor authentic Mexican street comfort foods, in the casual yet upbeat ‘cantina’ style dining room and patio.

"Latin American food is more than a meal, it is an event,” said chef Sandoval. “Isla embraces this concept, offering new flavors on a diverse menu to encourage diners to sample a range of exotic and delicious dishes. The result is a new Modern Mexican restaurant exposing even the most seasoned diner to the myriad of new flavors.

Infusing traditional Mexican recipes with Asian ingredients, Isla offers diners the opportunity to gastronomically explore a variety of signature dishes such as lobster tacos, NY Steak Alamcho, chipotle rubbed salmon and fresh homemade guacamole. Guests can enjoy a flavorsome culinary menu served alongside a great selection of fresh mocktails that are inspired by Sandoval’s kitchen mantra of ‘old ways, new hands’. Isla is thus a reinterpretation of traditional Mexican dishes with innovative techniques that are skillfully and ingeniously presented.

Guests have in addition live music on the Isla Terrace by famous musical duo ‘Rumba Latina’ band which performs every day except Sundays between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm.

Adjacent to the Isla entry, will also be a convenient grab-&-go window with a selection of desserts like churros, chocolates, coffees, smoothies and fruit juices.

Hospitality Development Company (HDC) focuses on acquiring, developing and operating world-class hospitality projects and brands including hotels, high-end restaurants and Cafés. The company’s strategy revolves around UDC’s vision of building a unique hospitality portfolio in Qatar.

Consequently, many of HDC’s brands include internationally celebrated and recognized names in the food and hospitality industry that are entering the Middle East market for the first time.

Islamabad
30 Dec 2016
(APP)

Minister for Interior Pakistan Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Friday said around 450,000 fake Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) had been blocked during last three and a half years. Over 32,000 passports were also revoked during the period, he said this while addressing a press conference here at NADRA Headquarters.

Giving comparison of present and previous regimes regarding blocked CNICs, the minister claimed that no action was taken against bogus identity cards before 2011, however, the present government realized the issue and started national re-verification campaign of CNICs.

The verification process of CNICs was branded ‘impossible’ by a section of media, however, the government proved them wrong and successfully completed the task, he said. He admitted that the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) had issues, however, the government was bringing reforms and introducing solutions with the passage of time.

Nisar said the recovery of Pakistani identity cards from terrorists had damaged the country on different levels. He told that 26 fake CNICs were cancelled in 2011, 493 in 2012, 6,000 in 2013, 22,000 in 2014, 96,000 in 2015 and around 223,512 in 2016.

He said no concrete steps were taken in the past and during the tenure of last government only 517 CNICs and few passports were blocked. There was no example of verification before 2011.

The national important documents were issued to foreigners and were used in human trafficking, terrorism and other illegal activities which led to defame Pakistan in the world.

He appreciated NADRA officials and media for their effective and praiseworthy role in six month verification process and said any official of NADRA found involved in issuing illegal national documents would be brought to justice.

The minister said mobile phones, SIMs were also verified through bio-metric system and after completion of the process millions of SIMs were blocked.

He said during the campaign, NADRA sent 101 million SMS to family heads asking them to verify their family members. Around 86,380 intruders were found during the six month drive which were identified by the citizens, he added.

Nisar said proactive efforts were being made to restore the CNICs of those who had valid documents. He announced to form an 18 member parliamentary committee to oversee the verification process of CNICs and NADRA would brief the committee every month and decisions would be taken on fast track basis.

Answering a question, he said everyone was equal in eyes of the law and indiscriminate actions were being taken against all the criminal cases.

He said the committee probing the news leak issue had been given a one month extension to submit its report which would be made public.

ISLAMABAD
3- Dec 2016
(APP)

Pakistan Stock Exchange (KSE 100 Index) has been ranked 5th best performing stock market in the world in the year 2016, by Bloomberg.

With Karachi 100 Index gaining 43.05%, Pakistan remained the 5th best performing stock market in 2016, after Brazil IBOVESPA Index (63.36%), Kazakhstan KASE Stock Ex (59.95%), S&P/BVL Peru General TRPEN (59.15%) and Russian RTS Index $ (50.03%), according to the World Equity Indices table posted by Bloomberg on its website.

The Bloomberg in its report titled “Here Are the Best and Worst Performing Assets of 2016” analyzed the performance of different countries and regions in 2016 in terms of Currencies, Equities, Commodities and Bonds.

MOSCOW
30 December 2016
TASS

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a decision not to expel any US diplomats from Russia in retaliation for Washington’s latest sanctions against Moscow and invited their children to a New Year party in the Kremlin.

Putin noted that Washington’s actions against Russia cause damage not only to the bilateral relations but the world as a whole. "We consider the new unfriendly steps by the outgoing US administration to be provocative and aimed at further undermining the Russian-US relations," he said. "This definitely contravenes the fundamental interests of both the Russian and American people."

"Considering special responsibility of Russia and the United States for the preservation of global security, this causes damage to the entire range of international relations," he added.

Russian President stressed that, in accordance with the established international practice, Moscow has every reason for an adequate response. According to Putin, Russia reserves the right to retaliate, but will not stoop to diplomatic cat-fight. "While reserving the right to take retaliatory measures, we will not stoop to the level of the so-called ‘cat-fight’, irresponsible diplomacy and take further steps to restore the Russian-US relations taking into account the policy that will be pursued by the administration of President Donald Trump," Putin said.

New Year holidays for US diplomats in Russia

Russia will not expel US diplomats from Russia in response to Washington’s sanctions. "We will not create problems for US diplomats. We will not expel anybody," the Russian president said in a statement on Friday.

Putin also said that Russia would not prevent the families and children (of diplomats) from using the customary rest and leisure facilities and sites during the New Year holidays. "Moreover, I am inviting all children of US diplomats accredited in Russia to the New Year and Christmas parties in the Kremlin," Putin said.

The Russian leader voiced regret over the fact that "the administration of President Barack Obama is ending its work in this way." "Nevertheless, I wish him and members of his family a Happy New Year. I also congratulate President-elect Trump and the entire American people. I wish all of you success and prosperity," the statement reads.
US sanctions

The administration of President Barack Obama earlier slapped new sanctions on Moscow over its supposed cyber attacks on US institutions. The restrictive measures announced on Thursday apply to some Russian companies, the Federal Security Service and the Russian General Staff’s Main Department and its senior officials.

In addition to that, US authorities declared 35 Russian diplomats persona non-grata. Washington also informed Moscow that it would deny Russian personnel access to two recreational compounds in the United States owned by the Russian government. Moscow has repeatedly denied any involvement in cyberattacks.

Commenting on the new sanctions, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said they are a manifestation of aggression.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said today A total of 96 Russian diplomats and their family members will have to leave the US.

"On December 29, the US administration announced that over 30 Russian diplomats will have to leave the country," she said. "Their family members will have to leave the US with them. The total number of the affected people is 96, including children of preschool and school age."

Zakharova said that some of the Russian diplomats, who have been declared persona non-grata by the Obama administration, arrived in US only two months ago.

Press Statement
Mark C. Toner
Deputy Department Spokesperson
US Department of State
Washington, DC
December 29, 2016

The State Department today declared persona non grata 35 Russian officials operating in the United States who were acting in a manner inconsistent with their diplomatic or consular status. The Department also informed the Russian Government that it would deny Russian personnel access to two recreational compounds in the United States owned by the Russian Government.

The Department took these actions as part of a comprehensive response to Russia’s interference in the U.S. election and to a pattern of harassment of our diplomats overseas that has increased over the last four years, including a significant increase in the last 12 months. This harassment has involved arbitrary police stops, physical assault, and the broadcast on State TV of personal details about our personnel that put them at risk.

In addition, the Russian Government has impeded our diplomatic operations by, among other actions: forcing the closure of 28 American corners which hosted cultural programs and English-language teaching; blocking our efforts to begin the construction of a new, safer facility for our Consulate General in St. Petersburg; and rejecting requests to improve perimeter security at the current, outdated facility in St. Petersburg.

Today’s actions send a clear message that such behavior is unacceptable and will have consequences.

The spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow rejects accusations that it hacked U.S. political parties and the new sanctions imposed by the Obama administration on Thursday. The new measures include the sanctioning of agencies and individuals tied to the hacks and the removal of 35 Russian government officials from the United States.

AlJazeera
Doha
29 Dec 2016

Russian President Vladimir Putin says an agreement has been reached on a countrywide ceasefire for Syria, with Russia and Turkey to act as guarantors.

He said the truce would begin at midnight on Thursday (22:00 GMT) and be followed by peace talks between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government and the Syrian opposition in the Kazakh capital Astana.

"The agreements reached are, no doubt, very fragile and they demand special attention and follow-up in order to keep them and develop them. Nevertheless, this is a notable result of our joint work, efforts by the defence and foreign ministries, our partners in the regions," Putin said.

"Now we need to do everything for these agreements to work, so that negotiators would come to Astana and would begin to work on real peace process. I call on the Syrian government, armed opposition, all countries involved to support these agreements."

Putin's announcement followed a statement carried by Syrian state news agency SANA, which said the agreement excluded the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, the group formerly known as al-Nusra Front, and "groups linked to them", without specifying who these groups are.

Al Jazeera's Hashem Ahelbarra, reporting from Gaziantep on the Turkish border with Syria, said excluding Jabhat Fateh al-Sham could "create some problems" and "futher undermine the ceasefire's chances of holding".

The group, he said, "has presence in areas where moderate rebel groups are operating - around Aleppo, Idlib and on the outskirts of Damascus".

"If the Russians and the Syrian government decide to target the positions of Nusra [Jabhat Fateh al-Sham], the potential for casualties among other groups is going to be high".

Sergei Shoigu, Russia's defence minister, said the truce would include 62,000 opposition fighters across Syria.

The Turkish foreign ministry confirmed the agreement and called on countries with influence on groups fighting in the country to provide the necessary support for the ceasefire to last.

"Russia and Turkey strongly support the truce and will monitor it together," the ministry said.

Reporting from Moscow, Al Jazeera's Natasha Ghoneim said three different documents had been signed as part of a trilateral agreement involving Russia, Turkey and Iran.

"The first document lays out an agreement between the Syrian government and opposition groups on the ground. The second document includes measures designed to control the ceasefire and the third lays out what needs to happen next in order for there to be peace talks."

Russia to 'scale down'

Details of the agreement remained hazy, our correspondent said, and it was unclear which opposition groups had been involved in the negotiating process.

"Just a day ago the negotiating arm of the largest group of rebels fighting under the banner of the Free Syrian Army said they had yet to be in contact with anyone and had not been invited to participate in talks."

In his announcement, Putin said the Russian military had been ordered to scale down its presence in Syria, where it has been providing crucial support to Assad's forces.

He did not say how many troops and weapons would be withdrawn, but said Russia would continue "fighting international terrorism in Syria" and would maintain its presence at both an airbase in the coastal province of Latakia and the naval facility in the port of Tartus.

The Syrian conflict started as a largely unarmed uprising against Assad in March 2011, but quickly developed into a full-on armed civil war.

Staffan de Mistura, the UN special envoy to Syria, estimated in April that more than 400,000 Syrians had been killed since 2011.

Calculating a precise death toll is difficult, partially owing to the forced disappearances of tens of thousands of Syrians whose fates remain unknown.

Almost 11 million Syrians - half the country's prewar population - have been displaced from their homes.