22 May 2013

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

Apple denies tax ‘gimmicks’ amid mounting criticism

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RAJAB 12, 1434 AH

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Mixed reactions over massive oil reshuffle

Opposition to shun polls if single-vote upheld

By B Izzak KUWAIT: A number of MPs expressed mixed reactions over the massive reshuffle on Monday in the oil sector, with some welcoming it and others strongly criticizing it as politically-motivated, while the opposition made no reaction to the changes. Islamist MP Khaled Al-Shulaimi welcomed the changes, describing the step as “reformist”, and hoped the new appointments will

Oil workers on strike KUWAIT: Around 80 percent of workers at Kuwait’s main, state-run oil services company are on strike calling for better pay, a union official said yesterday, the latest sign of wage pressures in the country. The walkout by the workers, who provide security, fire protection and health services for oil firms, began on Sunday but had not affected oil production in the OPEC member state, union official Saad Al-Sebayie said.

Well over 1,000 of around 1,400 staff at Oil Sector Services Co (OSSC), owned by Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, have been gathering in a union building instead of turning up for work, he said. OSSC was not immediately available for comment. The workers were asking for their jobs to be moved to a higher pay bracket, Sebayie said. The union had warned state oil companies of the planned action in advance, he added. — Reuters

boost the efficiency of the oil sector. But Shiite MP Abdulhameed Dashti strongly lashed out the appointments, describing the measures as an act of “vengeance” against Kuwait and the oil sector.

He said MPs are impatiently awaiting the Assembly session on May 28 to see what they are going to do with the request to grill Oil Minister Hani Hussein who has reportedly tendered his resignation like other Cabinet ministers. Dashti said the minister should have stayed away from

the series of decisions that introduced massive changes in the oil sector.

MP Nabeel Al-Fadhl also criticized the appointments, claiming they have strengthened the grip of the Islamic Constitutional Movement (ICM), the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood, on the oil sector. MP Saleh Ashour said that because the oil minister has submitted his resignation, he should have not made the sweeping changes in the oil sector.

Max 41º Min 27º High Tide 09:10 & 21:59 Low Tide 02:48 & 15:53

In a surprising decision on Monday, Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC) board of directors changed the top posts in its eight subsidiary companies in addition to changing a number of leading posts in KPC itself. According to the decision, all managing directors of the eight companies were removed and new managing directors were appointed.

And for the first time, chairmen were appointed in all the companies as per the requirements of the Continued on Page 15

Giant tornado levels US town 9 children among 24 dead • Rescuers dig for survivors

JIZAN: The headless bodies of five Yemenis are displayed in public yesterday.

Saudis arrest 10 Iran ‘spies’ 5 Yemenis beheaded RIYADH: Saudi authorities have arrested 10 more suspects in an alleged Iranian spy ring unveiled two months ago, an interior ministry spokesman said yesterday. The eight Saudis, a Lebanese and a Turk bring the number of people arrested to 28, the official SPA news agency quoted the spokesman as saying. However, a Lebanese arrested in March has since been released.

“The results of investigations by security services have led to the arrest of the other 10 involved in spying for this cell,” the spokesman said.

On March 19, the interior ministry said authorities had arrested 16 Saudis, an Iranian and a Lebanese in Continued on Page 15

MOORE, Oklahoma: An aerial view shows Plaza Towers Elementary school yesterday as rescue workers make their way through the structure. (Inset) A boy is pulled from beneath a collapsed wall at the school on Monday. — AP OKLAHOMA CITY: US rescue teams scoured a shattered town for survivors yesterday after a giant tornado tore through the outskirts of Oklahoma City, killing at least two dozen people, including nine children.

State medical examiner’s office spokeswoman Amy Elliott told reporters 24 victims had been confirmed dead, scaling back from a previous count of 51 that

she attributed to possible double reporting. Seven of the dead youngsters were found at a school, she added. Meanwhile, at least 101 people have been pulled alive from under debris, said Terri Watkins of the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, and local broadcasters said more than 200 people have been injured.

Some of the children killed by the mid-afternoon twister were buried when the two-mile wide funnel of wind - that lasted about 45 minutes - demolished an elementary school in the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore. US President Barack Obama declared a “major disaster” as crews combed the wreckage of the Continued on Page 15

Syria ‘destroys’ Israeli vehicle Hezbollah sends elite fighters to Qusair

In this photo taken on May 17, 2013, Saudi mountaineer Raha Muharraq celebrates on the summit of Mount Everest. — AFP

Saudi Everest climber happy to change views KATMANDU: The first woman from Saudi Arabia to scale Mount Everest said she doesn’t intend to inspire a movement, but would be happy to change people’s opinions of Saudi women and Saudi women’s opinions of themselves. Raha Muharraq told reporters in Katmandu yesterday after

returning from the mountain that her next goal is to climb the highest peaks in all seven continents. She said she has already scaled five of them. Muharraq, 27, was among hundreds of climbers who reached Everest’s 8,850-m (29,035foot) summit in recent days because of Continued on Page 15

BEIRUT: Syria said its troops destroyed an Israeli vehicle that crossed into its territory from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights yesterday and warned that any attempt to violate its sovereignty would meet “immediate and firm retaliation”. Israel said the incident took place on its side of the Golan ceasefire line, that the vehicle was damaged but not destroyed, none of its soldiers were hurt and they returned fire. The clash highlighted the potential for renewed conflict along a frontline that has become increasingly fraught after nearly four decades of calm overseen by Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and his father.

It also followed Israeli airstrikes near Damascus against suspected missile stockpiles two weeks ago, after which Syria threatened to retaliate. Assad is battling a two-year-old uprising in which rebel forces, including radical Islamists, have taken swathes of rural territory and attacked army posts near the Golan frontier. There are frequent reports of cross-border gunfire from Syria during clashes between army and rebel forces but yesterday’s incident was the first time since the start of the crisis that Syria’s armed forces said they targeted Israel’s military.

“Our noble armed forces destroyed an Israeli vehicle ... which entered from the occupied territories and crossed the ceasefire line,” Syria’s military leadership said in a statement broadcast on state media.

Continued on Page 15

BEIRUT: Syrian activists shout pro-Syrian revolution slogans during a protest against the participation of Hezbollah members in the fighting in the Syrian town of Qusair at the Martyrs Square. — AP

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

LOCAL

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at Seif Palace yesterday.—KUNA

KUWAIT: Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah returned here on Monday after attending the 27th GCC youth meeting in Bahrain.—KUNA

No coronavirus cases in Kuwait

Workshop debates emerging threats to national security

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Health Ministry reiterated that no cases of the coronavirus have been recorded in the country to date, emphasizing at the same time it is fully ready to treat any such case, in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

Health Ministry Undersecretary Dr Khalid AlSahlawi said yesterday that the ministry is in full contact with WHO to get the latest information on this severe respiratory infection and how to deal with it, in the case of an infection. It has been also keeping a close watch on disease control centers across the country for any emergence of the virus.

The ministry has been appealing to the public to take precautions to minimize the chances for contracting any disease caused by a virus, such as avoiding crowds, washing hands frequently, and not visiting patients in hospitals suffering from diseases caused by viruses. —KUNA

‘Citizens, expats must shoulder responsibilities’

Warning siren system to be tested today KUWAIT: The warning sirens system will be tested at 10 am today across Kuwait’s six governorates, it was announced here yesterday. In a press statement, the Interior Ministry said the move is meant to test the validity of the sirens and raise citizens’ and residents’ awareness about siren sounds and their meanings as well as to identify areas that require installing more warning siren devices.

The statement highlighted the importance of this experiment in promoting the concept of civil defense among citizens and residents. “The siren trial will remind everyone of the duties they should carry out during times of emergencies,” it said.

The statement pointed out that the single tone which is not continuous indicates possible danger, while a wave sound indicates something that has already happened and a continuous tone means that the danger is over. — KUNA

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: The Security Strategic Studies Institute of the National Security College at the Education and Training Sector of the Ministry of Interior is holding a three-day workshop titled ‘National Security of Kuwait in the Shadow of Local and Regional Changes’ from May 21-23, 2013 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

This workshop is being held under the auspices of the First Deputy of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior Sheikh Ahmad Al-Homoud Al-Sabah. The Assisting Undersecretary for Education and Training Affairs, Lieutenant General Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Sabah, Director General of the National Security College, Major General (staff ) Mohammed Al-Dihani, and officers of the Ministry and other related institutions participated in the workshop.

National security is the duty and responsibility not just limited to security institutions. “It is the responsibility of the entire community including citizens and expats.

We can protect the country only through united efforts. It is very important to spread a culture of security and prepare ourselves for the emerging circumstances. The security strategy needs to be formulated according to a holistic development plan. The youth must play a key role in activating this strategy to protect the country from within and outside,” said Lieutenant General Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Sabah during the launch ceremony yesterday.

On his part, Major General (staff ) Mohammed Al-Dihani highlighted the importance of the security related qualifications of the security officers and the public in general. “The Ministry of Interior has formulated a strategy to face the security related changes taking place locally and internationally. This can be done by holding scientific symposiums, activities and training courses, in which challenges facing the community are analyzed and studied, and solutions found,” he pointed out.

At the first session, Dr. Mohammed AlRumaihi, a teacher of Sociology at the Kuwait University, spoke on the theme ‘Belonging and Loyalty’ and its reflection on the Kuwait’s national security. “We

always hear people complaining that the situation in other countries is better, but we have much qualified manpower in Kuwait, and many advantages that other countries do not have including social welfare,” he explained. The Kuwaiti values are suffering from imbalance. “This problem is caused by the development, demography, houses being divided, separation within the families and other factors. Every 16 years, the Kuwait population multiplies. The population has grown from 468,000 people in 1965 to 3.8 million people in 2012, with the majority being expat population,” noted AlRumaihi. Dr. Homoud Al-Qash’an, also a teacher of Sociology at the Kuwait University, spoke about the nature of vio-

lence within the community and its effect on the Kuwait’s national security.

“Fortunately, the number of murders has decreased by 50 percent as 44 murders took place in 2011 while the number dropped to 21 in 2012. The violence starts at the canteens in the schools. We are facing the challenge of technology invading all aspects of life. I think that the most important need was to have some kind of a Social Police, which should not be limited to policemen only. Furthermore, there should be a sociologist and a psychologist in every police station,” he stated. Further workshops are slated for Wednesday and Thursday, starting from 9:00 am at the same venue, the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

New cameras installed to regulate traffic flow KUWAIT: Public Relations Director and Acting Secretar y Media Director Colonel Adel Al-Hashash has said the operations administration division of the traffic department has started operating the new traffic cameras, which were installed on many roads recently, for better traffic management.

Such cameras can be used to avoid jams by diverting traffic when necessary, manage traffic lights for smoother traffic flow on the roads and reveal any malfunctioning of traffic lights.

Al-Hashash said the new traffic cameras are considered the most modern means for monitoring traffic movement and reducing traffic jams round the clock, especially during peak hours, when students and employees go about their business early in the morning and return home at the end of the school day and work day. AlHashash noted that various departments were conducting traffic awareness campaigns, with support from security officers concerned, to reduce violation of traffic laws. He said such campaigns will continue until all road users abide by traffic regulations, adding that there is an urgent need to prevent careless drivers from causing tragic traffic accidents by speeding, over taking on the wrong side, using the phone or messaging

Colonel Adel Al-Hashash while driving, not wearing the seat belt and jumping the red light. AlHashash stated that the traffic police should not tolerate such traffic violations and must impose heavy fines as per the traffic law and its amendments. At the same time, Al-Hashesh praised those drivers who are abiding by the rules in response to the campaigns carried out by traffic department and the patrols that tour the streets round the clock. He said many have realized the seriousness of the traffic awareness campaigns, the success of which can be felt on the ground.

KUWAIT: The medical services administration personnel at the National Guard participated in the annual students’ stickers day and an exhibition about job opportunities at the Medical Science College of the Kuwait University to brief the students about jobs available with the National Guards. The director of Medical Services, Lt Colonel Abdul Rasheed Yousuf Abdulrahman, said that the exhibition was a good chance to showcase the role of the National Guards in serving the society. He explained that they do their best in spreading awareness about health through campaigns directed at Kuwaiti schools. In this context, medical checkup of the students is carried out to keep them protected from all diseases.

Saad Al-Abdullah Airport reopens for passenger jets KUWAIT: Kuwait plans to bring into commercial use an airport currently being used for private planes and air ambulances in order to ease the pressure on the state’s international airport ahead of the busy summer season, a senior official said in a recent report.

“The Directorate General Civil Aviation is set to transfer some airlines’ flights to the Saad Al-Abdullah Airport currently being used for private and rental aviation, helicopters and air ambulances,” Operations Manager Essam AlZamel told Al-Qabas newspaper on Monday. He indicated that the DGCA has already approved one airline’s request to use the airport, starting from the upcoming holy month of Ramadan (beginning approximately on July 9) as it plans to increase its flying operations in Kuwait.

Al-Zamel further indicated that coordination was currently on to equip the Saad Al-Abdullah airport with necessary manpower to accommodate flights planned for this summer. “The decision to utilize the Saad Al-Abdullah Airport which has an annual capacity to handle up to one million passengers came as a result of the pressure on the Kuwait International Airport. Such high overload affects the quality of services catering to passengers during the summer,” he added.

Overcapacity at Kuwait’s main airport has been a recurrent feature every summer since the Gulf state adopted the open skies policy in 2005. “This pressure has negatively affected the quality of services and we are working to relieve this by shifting some airline companies to the Saad Al-Abdullah Airport temporarily,” he said.

Kuwait is currently building a mega expansion project at the Kuwait International Airport that includes constructing a second terminal by the end of 2016 with an annual capacity to handle 25 million passengers. The airport at its current state has an annual capacity to deal with eight million passengers. The Saad Al-Abdullah Airport was last used for commercial flights in 2011 when the Wataniya Airways ceased operations after filing for bankruptcy. The United Projects for Aviation Services Company (UPAC), which owns 68 of the Saad Al-Abdullah Airport, announced last month that talks were on to resume operations there.— Al-Qabas

Differences over municipal election KUWAIT: Sources revealed that differences and contradictions are emerging among a number of municipal council members, whether elected or appointed, about the upcoming elections to the council and how will these be held.

Source said that members differed about having elections as per ten constituencies and one vote system or the new procedures for governorate councils. There was also an issue about

whether the elections be delayed so that these can be held as per the suggested system of five constituencies and two votes. It is also being pointed out that there might be a temporary committee to run the affairs of the municipal council, once the current council’s term is over when the election can be held under a new system.

Sources said that one member was of the opinion that time was not suitable to amend the elec-

tion law of the municipal council. He said the move required a thorough study about the governorate councils and whether to have elections as per the old system of ten constituencies and one vote.

Another member was of the opinion that the number of elected members in the municipal council be increased since ten members were not enough, and this was also something which was noticed in the previous elections.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

LOCAL

‘Trust issues’ signal crisis spillover into parliament KUWAIT: While the cabinet reportedly confirmed plans to attend the parliament’s session next Tuesday in which they are expected to garner enough votes to pass requests to delay two grilling motions by a month, tensions have started to emerge within the parliament itself, according to one newspaper’s report.

Al-Rai reported yesterday quoting parliamentary sources that ‘trust issues’ have started emerging among the MPs, including members of similar blocs.

“There is growing concern within blocs that some members have been negotiating with the government and with other blocs in secret which has created a situation of discord and distrust,” said the sources who requested to keep their identity hidden.

According to the same sources, there are MPs who are preparing to file new grilling motions should the cabinet boycott the parliament’s session on May 28th. “This happened in the wake of MPs discovering that some lawmakers are aware of the government’s plans to deal with the filed grillings but preferred not to share that information with their colleagues,” the sources said. They further indicated that the recent developments could be a sign that “MPs have started thinking in terms of preparing for the upcoming elections.”

Meanwhile, Al-Anba newspaper reported quoting parliamentary insiders that the cabinet has secured the votes of at least 18 MPs to pass a request next Thursday to postpone the debate on grilling motions filed against Interior

Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Hmoud AlSabah and Oil Minister Hani Husain by one month. The number would be enough for the cabinet whose 16 members have voting powers in the parliament. “The cabinet plans to back up its demands by explaining the measures taken to address the topics mentioned in the grillings, including security efforts undertaken in the past weeks to address the traffic problem as well as the shakeup in top positions in the oil sector,” said the sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

This comes even as Al-Jarida newspaper reported that the Interior Ministry’s grilling motion could be referred to the parliament ’s legislative committee “because it is concerned with certain issues in the ministry that happened

before he (the minister) assumed position,” according to sources familiar with the case.

If the requests to delay the grilling motions are passed, the government will ensure that no debate takes place till the Constitutional Court pronounces its key ruling on the single-vote system on June 16. There had been speculations that a cabinet reshuffle could happen unless the ruling annuls the results of last December’s elections which were conducted as per an emergency decree reducing the number of votes a citizen can cast from four to one.

The elections were boycotted by opposition groups on allegations that the decree was aimed to harm their chances to secure a majority in the parliament.

In this regard, Al-Rai reported yester-

day that former opposition MPs agreed during a meeting late Sunday night to meet again on Saturday in order to announce their position regarding future elections.

The meeting was hosted by former parliament speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun and was attended by members of the opposition who formed a unified bloc in the February 2012 parliament that was dissolved by a Constitutional Court ruling four months later. According to sources familiar with the meeting, the former lawmakers are currently split on whether to run for elections should the court reinstate the four-vote electoral law, or to continue with their boycott in order to press for more demands that include shifting to complete constitutional monarchy. — Al-Rai, Al-Anba & Al-Jarida

50 years of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria, Kuwait

By Alexandar Olshevski Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria

O

KUWAIT: The Deputy Head of Mission of the Kingdom of Belgium Julien De Fraipont visited Kuwait Times yesterday and discussed topics of mutual concern with Editorin-Chief Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan. — Photo by Joseph Shagra

Kuwait’s ex-IA head Sehgal gets 4-year jail term in India INDIA/KUWAIT: A sacked Indian Airlines (IA) officer has been jailed for four years for possessing disproportionate assets worth Rs63.06 lakh, double his known income, by a Delhi court which said he failed to maintain the “purity” of public office.

Special CBI Judge Kanwaljeet Arora awarded four years rigorous jail to Greater Kailash resident Rohit Sehgal, son of a retired DCP in Delhi Police, and also directed him to pay Rs5 lakh fine, while observing that the ‘kuch nahi hota’ (nothing happens) attitude has resulted in raising the audacity of people to flout laws and needed to be checked.

The court said there are “innumerable” public servants, who instead of thinking in the national interest, misuse their official positions for their own economic uplift rather than letting the government do something for those who are needy.

If corruption is not tackled, it will lead to “death of society” by continuous debilitation, it said.

The court said being a public servant, Sehgal, an ex-area manager in Indian Airlines in Kuwait, had committed criminal misconduct by possessing pecuniary resources of Rs 63.06 lakh from June 2000 to June 2003 and he could not give satisfactory reason about it as the money was disproportionate to his known sources of income. It said Sehgal was driven by greed and failed to maintain the purity of his public office and criminally misconducted himself by having assets disproportionate to the known sources of his income.

Sehgal, posted in Delhi as a senior manager (Commercial) in Indian Airlines Ltd before being transferred to Kuwait, was held guilty by the court for the offences of amassing wealth disproportionate to his known income and criminal misconduct by a public servant under the Prevention of Corruption Act. “It is this criminal miscon-

duct in which convict (Sehgal), had indulged by amassing pecuniary resources disproportionate to his known sources of income, which society denounces and as such is required to be punished. “Merely because convict was not involved with any direct act of bribery, the offence for which he has been convicted does not get diluted,” the judge said.

“Degeneration in the moral, ethical and national character of the society in general and individuals in particular has resulted due to lack of effective and proper implementation of Law. The attitude that ‘kuch nahi hota’ (nothing happens) has resulted in raising the audacity of people to flout the laws with impunity and have made corruption, a way of life.

“It is not the young people that degenerate, to my mind, they are not spoilt,” the judge said, adding it is the mature who are already sunk into corruption.

During the trial, Sehgal said the Investigating Officer and the CBI had failed to take into account the innumerable perks, to which he was entitled to, while being posted as area manager in Kuwait.

Sehgal had sought leniency on the grounds that he had a clear and unblemished record of public service and had got various promotion during his service with Indian Airlines.

The court, however, rejected his leniency plea and also dismissed his contention that proper sanction for his prosecution was not taken by the CBI. The court said that since he was dismissed from service by Indian Airlines Ltd, no sanction for his prosecution was required as per provisions of the PC Act. It, however, said a sanction to prosecute Sehgal was given by the Centre as though he was an Indian national, but the offence for which he was charge-sheeted was committed when he was in Kuwait.

- news.outlookindia.com

n the 15th of June we commemorate the 50 years jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Bulgaria and the State of Kuwait.

These relations developed on friendly and mutually beneficial bases. We note as an important positive factor the similarity of the positions of both countries on the topical international issues.

Bulgaria condemned the Iraqi aggression of August 1990 and supported without reservation the actions of the multi-national forces.

During the last years our efforts were aimed at promoting and developing the trade and economic relations. Kuwait regards Bulgaria as a friendly country-member of the European Union and NATO, bridge towards the EU and the Southeast European region. As a country, being one of the biggest investors in the world, Kuwait declares its readiness to invest in Bulgaria in large-scale projects in the field of power engineering, infrastructure, balneotherapy, tourism and real estate property. In the last years many Kuwaiti citizen and legal entities have bought real estate property worth tens of millions of US$. We note also a considerable growth of the number of tourists from Kuwait, mainly in the Bulgarian Black Sea resorts. The main reason for this is the beautiful Bulgarian nature, the excellent service, relatively low rates and the abundance of healing mineral waters. Still we have to make additional efforts to attract the attention of the big Bulgarian companies towards the Kuwaiti market.

The favorable market potential of the country and

the vastness of the investments may provide huge opportunities for the Bulgarian companies to be engaged in the field of construction, electrification, water-supply, health care, planting and tourism. During the last 20 years a number of

high-level visits were realized which contributed for the development of the bilateral relations and strengthening of the trade and economic dialogue. In this regard it is worth mentioning the visits to Kuwait of three Bulgarian presidents in 1993, 1997 and 2002, as well the visit of the Bulgarian prime-minister in 2010.

An important element in the bilateral relations is the presence in Kuwait of more than 500 Bulgarian specialists-doctors and nurses, engineers, architects, teachers, sports trainers, pilots and air-hostesses. They are noted for their good qualification and expertise, sense of responsibili-

ty, concerning their duties. That is why they enjoy good reputation and their performance is highly appreciated. The main group among them are the medical specialists-doctors and nurses, who started work in Kuwait in 2005, after the signing of the Agreement between the Bulgarian Military Medical Academy and Kuwait’s Armed Forces Hospital.

At present their number reached 180 people.

The Kuwaiti respective authorities are definitely pleased with their work and in confirmation of this fact in April 2012 a new four-year term extension of the Agreement was signed. More than once Kuwait declared the need of hiring considerable number of new specialists, giving priority to highly qualified experts from Europe. The high living standard in Kuwait logically provides for relatively high for the Bulgarian standards salaries for the specialists. A distinctive feature for the local labor market is the strong competition and the fact that the salary is negotiated individually, depending on the level of education, qualification and length of service. In principle, there are no legal obstacles for the Bulgarian citizen wishing to work in Kuwait.

On 17th March 1982 an Agreement for mutual recognition of diplomas and school-leaving certificates was signed which is still in force. In conclusion, we must say that Kuwait is a small, but rich country and Bulgaria holds with it traditional relations of friendship and mutually-beneficial cooperation. Our bilateral relations are in the process of further developing and extending and our country is able to play the role of strategic partner - bridge for the Kuwaiti investments towards South-east Europe and the EU in general.

KUWAIT: Shaikha Al-Bahar, NBK Kuwait Chief Executive Officer and George Nasr, ASCO Partner and General Manager in a group photo with NBK officials and representatives of the participating companies.

NBK to finance Amiri Hospital Expansion Project KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has signed a financing agreement with a Joint Venture led by Associated Construction Co (ASCO) to finance Al-Amiri Hospital Expansion project. The KD98 millionproject is part of Kuwait’s Ministry of Health’s plan to develop the healthcare sector in Kuwait.

The project had been awarded to ASCO who leads a Joint Venture comprising Impresa Pizzarotti and Al Essa Medical Equipment. “NBK is the leading bank in Kuwait when it comes to project finance”, said Shaikha AlBahar, NBK Kuwait Chief Executive Officer, following the signing ceremony of the financing agreement at NBK’s headquarters yesterday (Tuesday, 21 May, 2013) in the presence of George Nasr, ASCO Partner and General Manager and represen-

tatives of the participating companies and NBK officials.

Al-Bahar added: “throughout its history, NBK has always been a strategic partner in financing vital projects in Kuwait. NBK’s role in this project is yet again testament to NBK’s professionalism and credibility in the market place.” Al-Bahar stressed that “The Al Amiri Hospital Expansion Project reflects the determination to accelerate the implementation of mega projects. This is critical for boosting economic activity and spurring growth. We hope to see additional development projects being executed in the future allowing the private sector to be involved in a larger scale in developing Kuwait.” The Al-Amiri Hospital Expansion project comprises the construction, maintenance and provision of medical equipment

KUWAIT: Shaikha Al-Bahar, NBK Kuwait Chief Executive Officer and George Nasr, ASCO Partner and General Manager during the signing ceremony. for a new tower at the hospital doubling the existing capacity by adding

additional 460 beds and a multistorey parking block.

GCC Advisory Council holds meeting in Oman Zakat House delivers aid to 1,000 Syrian families BEIRUT: Kuwait Zakat (Alms) House delivered relief supplies to over 1,000 Syrian refugee families in cooperation with Lebanon’s Fatwa house. Zakat House official Adel Al-Jerri said yesterday that the goods consisted of food material. He hoped that the recent distribution would help lessen the suffering of the Syrian refugees.

Lebanese aid workers meanwhile lauded the Kuwaiti gesture, affirming that Zakat

House was always in the forefront of initiatives aiming to deal with the refugees situation. Kuwait Zakat House and the International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) had distributed $919,000 worth of relief items to Syrian refugees in Lebanon. A UN report estimated that the number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon was over 470,000. Most of the refugees are given shelter in the northern regions of the country. — KUNA

MUSCAT: The Advisory Authority of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held its third meeting here which was headed by Sheikha Mariam Bint Hassan AlKhalifa from Bahrain. In a press statement, Kuwait’s member on the Advisory Authority Abdullah Beshara said that the meeting discussed a number of issues including the establishment of a food and drugs authority in the GCC, as well as the formation of a joint specialized GCC center for public health.

The meeting also touched on a study in regards to media strategies of the GCC and means to develop them. The event focused on fighting corruption and obstacles facing development in the Gulf region. The development of children education in the GCC was also touched upon during the meeting, he said The headquarters of the Advisory Authority of the GCC Supreme Council is located in Oman. — KUNA

MUSCAT: The Advisory Authority of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) holds its third meeting. — KUNA

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

LOCAL In my view

kuwait digest

A better world for domestic helpers

Reshuffling for development

By Dr Yaqoub Al-Sharrah

T

By Labeed Abdal

labeed@kuwaittimes.net

T

he move by some of the new MPs to draft a bill to set up a shareholding company for the recruitment and deployment of domestic labor is indeed a step in the right direction though setting up a Public Authority for the same will be an even better step.

Those who help us carry out our daily chores come from abroad looking for a better living despite the low wages. They run errands like cooking for us and keeping our houses spic and span.

There were times when these household helpers were poorly treated by some employers who used to deny them salaries for months altogether.

Also, there used to be incidents just opposite in nature with the employers ending up as victims of

We need to ensure that culturally, such job opportunities are not viewed as slaver y of the dark ages. All the three cogs in the matter - the Embassy of the country of origin, the local and foreign recruitment agencies and the employer - must not be forgotten. some psychologically sick house help. There used to be many reports about tragic incidents that even resulted in an injury or, in extreme cases, even death.

Some embassies worked hard to prevent such cases and tried to maintain a safe supply of helpers looking for decent jobs and minimum guarantees like salary payments and safe accommodation.

Establishing this company will protect both the sides, house employers and the helpers.

Yet, at the same time, there must be some regulation to control the overcharging currently happening, particularly by the recruitment agencies.

In order to rule out too low wages for domestic helpers, the domain has to be regulated by having a minimum wage standard that would generally be acceptable and fair to workers and employers, both.

Moreover, we need to ensure that culturally, such job opportunities are not viewed as slavery of the dark ages. All the three cogs in the matter - the Embassy of the country of origin, the local and foreign recruitment agencies and the employer must not be forgotten.

Put simply, everyone must have one singular focus - protecting such workers and ensuring they are able to work in an atmosphere of dignity and respect while receiving proper labor wages and enjoying human rights.

kuwait digest

Learn a lesson from Dow

By Ahmad Al-Fahad

A

fter Kuwait was made to pay more than $2 billion knew the European market well and were well aware in fines for scrapping a contract with the Dow about the state of affairs in the company, then why did Chemicals company, many leaders broke their we buy the proposal on the basis of an unproven feasisilence and have accused others for being responsible bility study? Third: If, for the sake of argument, we had for the predicament. The Muslim Brotherhood - though indeed assumed that it was an outstanding company ostensibly Kuwait does not have any such organisation - and had a good future, that its plants were new and said the Popular Bloc scared the government and forced Saudi Arabia gained from it, along with all the arguments it to scrap the contract. The Popular Bloc has remained put forth by those who supported signing the deal, and if, as is being claimed, the deal silent and did not say anything, was to build a strategic partbecause it simply did not care.

I know very well that some of nership in the long run with Once Minister Al-Aleem appeared on a satellite channel the leaders are clean, and that Dow, then was it realistic for to accept a penal and spoke about the deal, we they studied the project very well. anyone clause like this, making it heard some apologists of the Brotherhood repeat what he I also understand that Kuwait has obligatory upon Kuwait to pay said. Of course, they were with- experts in every field. Some peo- a fine of more than $2 billion?

I know very well that some in their right to say all that, but then so are we within our right ple who analyzed the issue over of the leaders are clean, and to discuss the issue with them, Twitter, discussed the case and that they studied the project well. I also understand and pose some simple queshurled charges all around, very that Kuwait has experts in tions, such as: First: Did the three consult- remaining all this while behind every field. Some people who ants Morgan Stanley, Credit the scenes. All they did was to analyzed the issue over Twitter, discussed the case and hurled Suisse and Deutsche Bank, in addition to the manager of the hide behind a phone or a comput- charges all around, remaining all this while behind the investment portfolio at the KPC, er screen. scenes. All they did was to hide advised against the deal behind a phone or a computer because it favored Dow Chemicals, or were they in favor of it and recommended screen. Yet the question remains: Did the government learn anything from the Dow lesson that the time for it?

Second: Were the banks or the financial institutions attending meetings without preparations is over? Because ready to give Dow Chemicals a loan worth $1.5 billion? just exhibiting good manners and accepting an offer that And if the banks and the financial institutions at that cost Kuwait more than $2 billion for nothing, did not time refrained from giving such a loan to Dow since they amount to any achievement. — Al-Watan

kuwait digest

Law must not be discriminatory

here were many reports in recent years about a state department decision to reshuffle senior posts in order to “inject fresh blood” into the administrative sector as part of the “reform plans” announced by a minister. While such reshuffling has become more of a public sector phenomenon, I believe this step reflects a misunderstanding of the concept of administrative development and the belief that work can be improved by changing staff members’ seats within a certain department. But how can reform be achieved through reshuffles made without taking parallel steps to achieve development? Does reshuffle mean improvement? Obviously not, because moving senior officials to new posts they probably know nothing about is going to create new problems in addition to the already bad situation for which the decision to reshuffle was made.

Reshuffling is a bad administrative decision that reflects not only the government’s complete inability to achieve administrative improvement, but also its management’s failure and its lack of understanding of true development. It also exposes the government’s unwillingness to deal with corruption and address the mounting problems in state departments. People do not wish to see a reshuffle that is perceived as a phony attempt to achieve reform. It is no secret that state departments are suffering from many problems, which lead to deterioration in the quality of public services, especially when efforts to remedy these problems are not made in the right way.

The government has not been shy to admit the problems it suffers from or warn about their repercussions, but it has failed to take effective steps to resolve them.

Instead, the government has focused on reshuffles as the only solution for administrative imbalances, despite the fact that such steps do help in achieving development.

The concept of development involves following the principles of modern management within a framework that has clear methods and goals, which helps explain the nature of work and diagnoses the problems.

Development means achieving modern changes that suit the nature and circumstances of work at all levels of management. Therefore, simply replacing an incompetent senior official or unproductive employee is never going to be of any use - nor is wasting the experience of people who spend years mastering their craft, only to be moved to a position where they have to learn everything from scratch. This does not mean that reshuffles must not be made under any circumstances; they should be made, but only within the framework of comprehensive development, which addresses problems both for the short term and long term. Otherwise, a reshuffle would only seem as a reaction to the public’s demand to improve their conditions, and would ultimately lead to the problem becoming further complicated. And we have many examples in history, in which ministers reshuffled senior officials in order to avoid questioning or in response to constant demands for reform.

It is our hope that the government stops using reshuffle as a replacement of development in its administrative efforts. It seems that most top officials today simply announce reshuffles when radical changes instead are required in their respective state departments.—Al-Rai

kuwait digest

The Dow... once more!

By Dr Bader Al-Daihani

By Dr Shamlan Al-Essa

kuwait digest

Of limiting media freedom

By Thaar Al-Rashidi

U

nfortunately, some of those who call for new legislations to limit media freedom or “organize it” never read the articles of the new unified media law that has been finalized. One of the politicians objected to my attack on the draft law. He told me, “Why are you afraid of the law?”

Then, he added: “The law is made to organize things, but you people love mess. He who refuses such laws is a person who wants disturbance to prevail in the country. Thus, he is a person who seeks to strike the general system of the state, and this means working towards making the system collapse!” After the politician finished his talk, which was addressed to me and accused me of undermining “state security”, I asked him: “Do you know article 108 of the unified media law, which states that each journalist is required to report the financial status of his account to the Ministry of Interior every year? Do you agree with this thing?”

Then he gave a broad, victorious smile and said, “This is the law. It organizes everything. Do you want to be on your own, you journalists?”

I did not want to hurt him or interrupt his victorious smile, but there is no article 108 in the unified media law draft. The draft, which has been finalized now, consists of 65 articles only. Unfortunately, many of those who supported the law and appeared before the media, defending the government and its project, never read the law or saw it.

What was strange to me is that some media persons supported the law. I know some media persons are pro-government in everything, and they sleep at the offices of government officials day and night. But what I do not understand is how do you claim to be a writer, journalist or media person, regardless of the name and position you carry by mistake, and yet support a law that shuts your mouth and the mouth of your children and the sons of your children, up to the seventh grandson?

NOTE: Yes for mess in the sunlight, and no for a system in the dark. Is that clear for those of you who claim to be journalists? — Al-Anbaa

T

he strict measures being undertaken by the natural for traffic officers to cite us when we Interior Ministry against anyone who violated crossed a red light, or drove recklessly. The legal the traffic laws are now the talk of the town action taken against us included payment of a in the media, at the seminars, in diwaniyas and steep financial fine and suspension of the driver’s other places. Although most of the people support license if the violation was repeated, but I never this move by the traffic department since the traf- heard about deportation of any foreign expat fic problem has become a national issue that can- because he violated the traffic law. As long as any not be ignored or set aside, it is very clear that citi- law is applicable to everyone in the USA, everyone zens and expatriates are not familiar with strict must comply with the traffic instructions, otherapplication of the law. However, in most of the wise he will face strict punishment.

We believe that the law must be applied to all countries of the world, such strict application is par for the course since otherwise people try to without discriminating between the citizen and take advantage of the loopholes in the law to expat, because it is not realistic for citizens, especially the youth, to be mainly responsible for accibreak it.

Our differences with the Interior Ministr y ’s dents due to speeding, reckless driving, and being careless on the road, and measures are on account of still face only financial fines the issue of deportation of every expatriate who could We believe that the law must be without even their licenses being suspended, or their be our Arab brothers or foreigner friends who violate applied to all without discrimi- cars impounded except in the law. We are all for imple- nating between the citizen and rare cases.

What we want to say menting the law across the expat, because it is not realistic very simply is this: It is not board without any discrimination of nationalit y, as for citizens, especially the youth, right to go to an extreme in there is no use of citizens to be mainly responsible for acci- our depor tation polic y, wh o commit maj or viola- dents due to speeding, reckless because it is very harsh on non-Kuwaitis who make up tions, and any action against them would be considered driving, and being careless on the three quarters of Kuwait’s road, and still face only financial residents. We, the citizens, less.

The traffic depar tment fines without even their licenses fo r m o n e t h i rd o f t h e inhabitants while the rest knows very well that most of the violations are committed being suspended, or their cars are of foreign origin.

I t i s v e r y n a t u r a l fo r

by Kuwaiti citizens, be it impounded except in rare cases. some of them end up comspeeding, recklessness, not mitting a traffic violation, respecting the red lights, or driving in the emergency lane reserved for use by and the correct procedure is to apply the law, the police, ambulance or fire fighting services in which means suspending the driver’s license or pay high fines, even confiscate their car, but it is case of any emergency.

It is not realistic that a reckless Kuwaiti youth is not right to deport anyone because of a traffic punished merely in financial terms, or sometimes violation. The traffic department is required to his driver’s license is suspended or car is impound- p u t u p w a r n i n g s i gn s i n m u l t i p l e l a n g u a g e s ed, while in case of a foreigner, regardless of the explaining the procedures in case of a traffic violation, be it speeding, crossing a red light or reckviolation, he is deported from the country.

There are legal procedures that everyone must less driving. Whoever committed a violation must comply with, like suspension or revocation of the suffer financial penalties, imprisonment, revocalicense or impounding the car along with other tion of driver ’s license, but no one should be punishments, but deporting an expat in a hurry deported without approval from the court. We are without bringing his case to a court of law for con- a country of institutions and we must comply with international treaties. Finally, we need to put sideration is something unacceptable.

I lived for a long time in the USA during my additional patrolling personnel on the road so study years, and we were all foreigner students that everyone feels the force of law and learns to complying with the law to the last letter, but it was respect it.— Al-Watan

T

he issue of the failed Dow deal has come back to the surface once again. It has, in fact, topped all other local news, especially after Kuwait paid the $2.16 billion worth penal fine resulting from the cancellation of a deal that was clinched earlier, all in a bid to protect the former PM from being grilled in parliament even though the government had a majority of the lawmakers at the time by its side.

As we have written more than once in this column, the government in office at that time must take full responsibility for the Dow deal. This is the authority entitled to formulate and execute policies in the country in keeping with the constitution. It was the government that signed the contract including clause about an exaggerated punitive fine. It was also the same government that later on decided to cancel the deal despite the fact that the deal did not need approval of the parliament. The government should have stood up for its own decisions if it had known for sure that these were sound and correct.

Suppose a government should, hypothetically, go back on some decisions as soon as some lawmakers or people in the media made some remarks regarding these, this would mean that no government worldwide would be able to take any meaningful decisions. We do agree that lawmakers, NGOs, various pressure groups and the media have every right to take whatever stance they see fit towards any issue in accordance with their respective interests. On the other hand, it is the government’s responsibility to either make decisions that would achieve public interests and then relentlessly defend these or take full responsibility for going back on them even if it leads to the cabinet’s resignation.

In addition, talking about holding other parties responsible for the government retracting on some decisions and saying that ‘everybody is responsible’ only leads to dispersing responsibility among many and thus protecting those who have the authority to make decisions the government - that dominates all state interests as per article 123 of the constitution.

This was the political side of the argument. However, the criminal part is no less important. It is imperative that a wide scale neutral investigation is opened taking into consideration that referral to the public prosecution can sometimes become a way to ensure that some suspects walk free, especially if the case is not built on sound legal grounds and lacked enough documents accusing specific people on specific counts. There have been so many famous cases, such as those related to the bank deposits, transfers, the election ad billboards, the oil tankers and foreign investments, all of which ended up being referred to filing and cancelation for lack of evidence.

What makes things worse is that the ministers’ court ruling is final, which means that if a case was cancelled for lack of evidence, the concerned minister cannot be held legally or criminally accountable for the same case since the verdict is final. —Al-Jarida

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

LOCAL

MOH professors at KU not paid for two years Students likely to face problems

KUWAIT: Pakistan Ambassador to Kuwait Syed Abrar Hussain visited Kuwait Times yesterday and discussed matters of mutual concern with Editor-in-Chief Abd AlRahman Al-Alyan. —Photo by Joseph Shagra

KUWAIT: Students at the Kuwait University College of Medicine may soon face a major problem since the professors working under the Health Ministry have not been paid for two years now but were still being asked to teach at the college.

The failure to pay their salaries for such a long time led several doctors from Farwaniya health area to stop teaching, while a number of doctors from the Mubarak Hospital are also planning to go

on a strike soon, a scenario that threatens the career of students at the college of medicine since exams are scheduled for June.

Since the College of Medicine has only a few professors, it needs the help of several qualified health ministry teachers. The doctors teach practicals at the in hospital and examination rooms where patients are admitted, besides teaching at the college itself. Sources said the medical teach-

ers who are sent by the health ministry receive their salary from the health ministry regularly, but the college of medicine failed to pay them anything for the past two years. The source said the largest share of teaching, examinations and specialties was shouldered by the health ministry doctors, who continue to teach even during the summer for a monthly payment of KD300 to KD500.

Boubyan Bank sponsors honoring of GUST students

The honored students with Bank and University’s management KUWAIT: As part of its support for youth and based on its strategic relationship with Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST), Boubyan Bank (The Best Up-and-Comer Islamic Financial Institution in the World) sponsored GUST annual ceremony in which the outstanding students were honored.

Commenting on the event, GM - Human Resources Group of Boubyan Bank, Adel AlHammad said that “GUST graduates have achieved great success and proved their competence in the labor market, the fact that made them a priority for Boubyan Bank when considering recruitment, and we always look forward to welcome the distinguished students of them in Boubyan Bank family.”

“Human resources are the key pillar for the developments witnessed in the Bank over the last period based on its strategy that relies on human resources, specially the national ones, to strongly penetrate Islamic banking services market,” he added.

Al-Hammad pointed out that “since the Bank started to implement its new strategy in 2010, it takes into consideration that developing and enhancing the skills and expertise of its human resources should be the corner stone for achieving all the Bank’s goals and make this strategy successful, indicating that the top executive management regards this as a priority.”

Al-Hammad highlighted the strategic relationship between Boubyan Bank and GUST

Motorcyclist killed in Ahmadi road fatality Missing students found safe KUWAIT: A motorcyclist died in an accident reported recently in the Al-Ahmadi governorate. Police reached the Adan Hospital since medical staff had reported the arrival of a young man’s body. The victim’s friends had reportedly brought him to the hospital, and told officers that he lost control over his motorcycle before it crashed. The body was taken to the forensic department. A case was filed for investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the accident.

Missing students Two students in their early teens were reunited with their families on Monday, four days after they were reported missing. Fathers of both, a Kuwaiti national and the other a Saudi, approached officers at the Fahaheel police station on Saturday to report that their sons, aged 13 and 14, respectively, had been missing for two days. They came to know about their disappearance when they had gone to pick them up from school but could not find them. Al-Rai newspaper reported yesterday that they were contacted by the father of one of the students who said both were safe and home but did not provide any details about the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.

Drug overdose A resident of Andulus was found dead at his home on Monday, possibly due to an overdose of drugs. Police and paramedics reached the man’s house after his brother reported finding him unconscious in his room.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the man suffered complications from a drug overdose. The preliminary medical tests on the

body showed an excessive amount of drug consumption. The crime scene investigators’ report also indicated that drug related paraphernalia was found on the scene. A case was filed at the area’s police station.

Bootlegger in custody A man arrested for driving under the influence was also found by police officers to be involved in the alcohol trade. Ahmadi traffic police pulled over a minivan in the area for reckless driving, and arrested its Asian driver for driving under the influence. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of several bottles containing homebrewed liquor as well as brewing equipment. He was referred to the proper authorities for further action after he admitted that the bottles found inside his car were prepared for sale.

Instagram pic case A Kuwait University student faces charges after posting a picture on a social media website for photographs, Instagram, that her teacher found offensive. According to a source privy to the case, the law school instructor filed a complaint with the faculty’s dean against the student who posted a screenshot depicting a post he published on his Twitter account, and attached a comment to it that the teacher found highly offensive. The source, who spoke to Al-Watan on the condition of anonymity, also indicated that the teacher planned to press charges against the student, including libel, threat and misuse of a cell phone. The source also indicated that the instructor was considering legal action against other students also who commented on the ‘offensive’ picture.

Jordan lauds role of Kuwait cultural office AMMAN: Jordanian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr Amin Mahmoud on Monday applauded the role of Kuwait Cultural Office in Amman in cementing the cultural ties and enhancing the academic exchanges. During his meeting with the delegation of the Kuwait parliamentary friendship group, Mahmoud expressed keenness on maintaining close contacts with the office and advancing “the exemplary cultural and educational cooperation” with Kuwait.

Besides the members of the delegation MPs Hamad Saif Al-Harshani, Nasser Al-Marri and Essam Al-Dabbous, the meeting was attended by Kuwait Ambassador to Jordan Dr Hamad Al-Duaij and Cultural Attache Dr Mohammad Al-Dhafeeri. Al-Harshani, head of the delegation, commended the efforts being made by the Jordanian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to facilitate the study of Kuwaiti students at Jordanian colleges. “Thanks to the efforts of

the ministry and the close ties between the two sisterly countries, growing numbers of Kuwaiti students are coming here to study at the prestigious universities of Jordan,” he said. “The number of Kuwait students in Jordan topped 5,000, including 750 at faculties of engineering, 250 at faculties of medicine, and 90 at faculties of pharmacology,” Al-Harshani pointed out. On his part, Dr. AlDhafiri said Jordan was one of the four leading destinations, along with the UK, US and Australia, for Kuwaiti students willing to study abroad.

“Kuwait Cultural Office, chaired by Dr Attiyah Al-Shammari, maintains close coordination with the Jordanian educational institutions to solve any problems facing Kuwaiti students at the various specializations,” he noted. Meanwhile, MPs Al-Marri and Al-Dabbous thanked the Jordanian side for facilitating the study of Kuwaiti students, and spoke highly of the academic level of the Jordanian universities. — KUNA

through ITQAN Academy, which opened new vistas, whether through the type of provided programs or distinguished lecturers, the fact that will contribute to the continuous development of the Bank’s staff.

“The number of the Bank’s staff who joined the Academy since its launch last July reached 112 employees, of which 56 employees in the MBA program and 56 in bachelor’s degree program in College of Business Administration,” he added. The ceremony was attended by the families of honored students as well as a number of Boubyan and GUST executives including AGM Human Resources Group, Feras Al-Darmi, GUST Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr Sabah AlQaddoumi, Dean of the College of Business

Administration, Prof. Lee Caldwell, in addition to GUST teaching staff, outstanding students and students in general. Noteworthy is that in cooperation with GUST under the Bank’s strategic partnership with the University, the Academic Partner, the Academy provides a number of training programs for the Bank’s staff, which give them the opportunity to get 55% of the of MBA credits, and 50% of bachelor’s credits.

A group of the teaching staff of GUST possessing academic and practical expertise in addition to internationally certified trainers in training and development in Boubyan Bank have carried out these specialized training programs in many fields comprising accounting, finance, banking sciences, management and

leadership for the Bank’s managers and staff joining ITQAN Academy as well as the MBA program and Bachelor’s degree in specialized administrative sciences.

The Bank has recently made a new achievement by being honored by Kuwait’s Manpower and Government Restructuring Program (MGRP) for the Academy’s having the best training plan and specialized training and development programs for 2012 all over the private sector in Kuwait. The Academy takes pride in this achievement made all over the private sector, especially that it is granted by an authority known for efficiency and striving to develop human resources and national cadres across all sectors.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

LOCAL

US State Dept issues report on religious freedoms Executive Summary on Kuwait KUWAIT: The constitution provides for religious freedom; however, other laws and policies restrict religious freedom and, in practice, the government generally enforced these restrictions. The constitution states that Islam is the state religion and that Sharia (Islamic law) is a main source of legislation. The trend in the government’s respect for religious freedom did not change significantly during the year.

There were negative developments, such as municipal authorities obstructing private, unofficial religious gatherings and the Amir issuing an emergency decree that expands the laws that prohibit insulting religious groups.

The Council of Ministers rejected amendments passed by the parliament that would have made blasphemy a capital crime for Muslims. Courts sentenced several individuals to time in prison for blasphemy and denigrating religious sects. Religious minorities experienced discrimination as a result of government policies.

There were reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice. In general, citizens were open and tolerant of other religious groups, although vocal minorities opposed the presence of nonMuslim groups in the country and rejected the legitimacy of Shia Islam. Church representatives reported societal pressure on schools to stop allowing churches to gather in their facilities, and members of unrecognized religious groups reported pressure from landlords to stop meeting in unlicensed facilities. Regional events, including the conflict in Syria and public protests in Bahrain, contributed to increased sectarian tensions between Sunnis and Shia.

Religious demography According to the Public Authority for Civil Information, there are 1.2 million citizens and 2.6 million non-citizens.

The national census does not distinguish between Shia and Sunni Muslims. Estimates derived from voting records and personal status documents indicate that approximately 70 percent of citizens, including the ruling family, adhere to the Sunni branch of Islam. Most of the remaining 30 percent of citizens are Shia Muslims. There are approximately 150-200 Christian citizens and a small number of Bahai citizens. An estimated 150,000 noncitizen residents are Shia.

While some areas have relatively high concentrations of either Sunnis or Shia, most areas are religiously well integrated. There are an estimated 600,000 non-citizen Hindus.

The largely non-citizen Christian population is estimated to be more than 450,000. The government-recognized Christian churches include the Roman Catholic Church, the Coptic Orthodox Church, the National Evangelical (Protestant) Church, the Armenian Orthodox Church, the Greek Orthodox Church (referred to in Arabic as the Roman Orthodox Church), the Greek Catholic (Melkite) Church, and the Anglican Church. There are also many unrecognized Christian religious groups with smaller populations.

There are an estimated 100,000 Buddhists, 10,000 Sikhs, and 400 Bahais, the majority of whom are non-citizens.

Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom Legal/Policy Framework The constitution provides for religious freedom; however, other laws and policies restrict religious freedom. The constitution provides for “absolute freedom” of belief and for freedom of religious practice in accordance with established customs, provided that it does not conflict with public order or morals. The constitution states that Islam is the state religion. The law prohibits the naturalization of nonMuslims but allows male Christian citizens to transmit citizenship to their descendents.

There are laws against blasphemy, apostasy, and proselytizing, and the government actively enforces them. The government financially supports Sunni Muslims who proselytize foreign residents.

The law requires jail terms for journalists convicted of defaming any religion and prohibits denigration of Islam or Islamic and Judeo-Christian religious figures, including the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Jesus. The law prohibits publications that the government deems could create hatred, spread dissension among the public, or incite persons to commit crimes. The law provides that any citizen may file criminal charges against an author if the citizen believes that the author has defamed Islam or the ruling family, or harmed public morals.

On October 21, the Amir issued an emergency decree called the National Unity Law. The law criminalizes publishing and broadcasting content that could be deemed offensive to religious “sects” or groups and expands existing law by explicitly including social media. The National Unity Law greatly increases penalties for those convicted, allowing for fines ranging from KD10,000 to KD 200,000, and as many as seven years in prison.

The government requires Islamic religious instruction in public schools for all students. The government also requires Islamic religious instruction in private schools that have one or more Muslim students (regardless of whether the student is a citizen or not). Non-Muslim students are not required to attend these classes. High school Islamic education textbooks are based largely on the Sunni interpretation of Islam. Some text books from the ninth-grade Islamic studies curriculum refer to certain Shia religious beliefs and practices as heretical. The law prohibits organized religious education for faiths other than Islam.

Informal religious instruction occurs inside private homes and on church compounds without government interference. The government does not designate religion on passports or national identity documents, with the exception of birth certificates. On birth certificates issued to Muslims, the government does not differentiate between Sunnis and Shia. The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs is officially responsible for overseeing religious groups. The procedures for registering and licensing religious groups are similar to those for NGOs. There are seven officially recognized churches: the National Evangelical, Catholic, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Greek Catholic, and Anglican churches. They work with a variety of government entities in conducting their affairs. These include the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor for visas and residence permits for clergy and other staff, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Municipality of Kuwait for building permits and land concerns, and the Ministry of Interior for security and police protection of places of worship. The government imposes quotas on the number of clergy and staff officially recognized religious groups can bring into the country.

The government does not recognize religious groups not sanctioned in the Quran, such as the Bahais, Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs. Members of unrecognized religious groups are unable to apply for visas and residence permits for clergy and other staff, build places of worship or other religious facilities, or request security and police protection for a place of worship. The Amiri Diwan’s Higher Advisory

Committee on Completion of the Application of Islamic Sharia Provisions is tasked with preparing society for the full implementation of Islamic law in all fields. The committee makes recommendations to the emir on ways in which laws can be brought into better conformity with Islamic law, but it has no authority to enforce such changes.

Religious courts administer personal status law. The government permits Shia to follow their own jurisprudence in matters of personal status and family law at the first instance and appellate levels. In 2003 the government approved a Shia request to establish a court of cassation (equivalent to a supreme court) to oversee Shia personal status issues. The court is not yet established. An independent Shia Waqf administers Shia religious endowments. Eating, drinking, and smoking in public are prohibited during Ramadan between sunrise and sunset, even for non-Muslims, with a prescribed maximum penalty of up to KD 100 and/or one month’s imprisonment. Other practices deemed inconsistent with Islamic law are prohibited, including sorcery and black magic.

possessing items used in those practices. In one such case, a man was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labor followed by deportation.

In March 2011 the Ministry of Information announced it was filing charges against Al-Adalah satellite channel and the newspaper Al-Dar, which refers to itself as the “voice of the Shia,” for referring to the Saudi-led military intervention in Bahrain as an “invasion. “ In 2012 the Ministry of Information twice suspended Al-Dar’s operations. In addition, on March 12 a criminal court convicted Al-Dar’s editor-in-chief, Abd Al-Hussain Al-Sultan, of raising sectarian strife and undermining national security. Al-Sultan received a suspended six-month prison sentence and was fined 1,000 KD. On May 14, a court of appeal increased the sentence to a one-year suspended prison sentence. The government temporarily closed other media outlets for similar reasons. The government did not permit the establishment of non-Sunni religious training institutions for clergy. Shia who wanted to serve as imams had to seek training and education abroad (primarily in Iraq, Iran, and

According to the Public Authority for Civil Information, there are 1.2 million citizens and 2.6 million non-citizens. The national census does not distinguish between Shia and Sunni Muslims. Estimates derived from voting records and personal status documents indicate that approximately 70 percent of citizens, including the ruling family, adhere to the Sunni branch of Islam. Most of the remaining 30 percent of citizens are Shia Muslims. There are approximately 150-200 Christian citizens and a small number of Bahai citizens. An estimated 150,000 noncitizen residents are Shia. While some areas have relatively high concentrations of either Sunnis or Shia, most areas are religiously well integrated.

KUWAIT: A mosque in downtown Kuwait City. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Government practices There were reports of abuses of religious freedom, including reports of imprisonment and detention.

Government restrictions primarily affected non-Sunni citizens and residents. Municipal authorities became more active in obstructing religious gatherings at unofficial, private spaces. Courts sentenced several individuals to time in prison for religious offenses and there were reports of religious bias and discrimination against religious groups in the issuances of legal verdicts.

On February 13, police arrested writer Mohammed AlMulaifi on charges that included denigrating Shia doctrine.

On April 9, the Court of First Instance sentenced Al-Mulaifi to seven years in prison. On May 31, the Court of Appeals reduced Al-Mulaifi’s sentence from seven years to six months, and he was released on October 9 after completing his sentence.

On March 27, police arrested Hamad Al-Naqi, a Shia, for posting comments to his Twitter account considered blasphemous and insulting to Sunni Gulf rulers. On June 4, the Court of First Instance sentenced Al-Naqi to 10 years in prison. Al-Naqi remained in prison at year’s end pending a decision from the court of appeals. Largely in response to this case, parliament voted to make blasphemy a capital crime for Muslims; however, the Council of Ministers rejected this amendment to the criminal code.

The media reported multiple incidents of individuals being detained for practicing black magic and sorcery, which are considered inconsistent with Islamic law, or for

to a lesser degree Syria) due to the lack of Shia jurisprudence courses at Kuwait University’s College of Islamic Law, the country’s only institution to train imams. There are no Shia professors at the College of Islamic Law at Kuwait University. The government prohibited non-Muslim missionaries from working in the country and prohibited them from proselytizing Muslims; however, they were allowed to serve non-Muslim congregations. The government imposed quotas on the number of clergy and staff recognized groups could bring into the country. Religious groups found the quotas insufficient for the needs of their congregations, experienced difficulties obtaining visas and residence permits, and found authorities to be unresponsive.

On August 9, the Roman Catholic Church announced that it would move the seat of the Vicariate of Northern Arabia from Kuwait to Bahrain, in part due to the difficulties it faced in obtaining adequate numbers of visas in Kuwait. The Vicariate had been in the country since 1953.

Foreign religious leaders of unrecognized religious groups had to enter the country as non-religious workers, which required them to minister to their congregations outside of their regular non-religious employment.

Churches that applied for licenses to build new places of worship often had to wait for approval for a substantial period of time, sometimes years. In some cases, such applications were denied. Some applications were allegedly refused based on technical grounds. Most of the recognized Christian churches considered their existing facilities

inadequate to serve their communities and faced significant problems in obtaining proper approvals from municipal councils to construct new facilities. Members of the Shia community expressed concern over the relative scarcity of Shia mosques due to the government’s slowness in approving repairs to existing mosques or the construction of new ones. Since 2001 the government granted licenses and approved the construction of six new Shia mosques.

Including these six, there are a total of 35 Shia mosques nationally. On February 17, Member of Parliament Osama Al-Munawer said that all existing Christian churches in the country should be destroyed. He later revised his comments, claiming that he only advocated curtailing the building of new facilities. The minister of Awqaf and Islamic affairs and members of the ruling family officially condemned the remarks, calling them a violation of constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of religious belief and practice. The government exercised direct control of Sunni religious institutions. The government appointed Sunni imams, monitored their Friday sermons, and financed construction of Sunni mosques. In some instances, Sunni imams were suspended for delivering sermons whose content the government deemed inflammatory. The government did not exert this control over Shia mosques, which the Shia community, not the government, funded. Some parliamentarians called for the government to regulate the Shia practice of khums (where the faithful pay one-fifth of their profits to their religious authority) and to supervise hussainiyas (Shia community religious gathering places), but no action was taken.

The government allowed Shia worshipers to gather peacefully in public spaces to attend sermons and eulogies during Ashura (the Shia day of mourning for the martyrdom of Hussein) and provided security to Shia neighborhoods. However, the government did not permit public reenactments of the martyrdom of Hussein or public marches in commemoration of Ashura during the year.

While seven Christian churches were legally recognized, others were not, including the Indian Orthodox, Mar Thoma, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), and Seventh-day Adventist Church. These religious groups were allowed to operate in rented villas, private homes, or the facilities of recognized churches.

Members of these congregations reported that they were able to worship without government interference provided they did not disturb their neighbors or violate laws regarding assembly and proselytizing. Authorities also prohibited these groups from displaying exterior signs, such as a cross or the congregation’s name, and from engaging in public activities. Municipal authorities obstructed religious gatherings in private spaces and pressured landlords who had leased property to unlicensed churches. One landlord suddenly terminated the lease to a private villa that a congregation had used for worship gatherings for seven years.

Another landlord told a congregation it would have to pay an exorbitant fine each month if it continued to use the villa it was renting as a church.

The government did not permit the establishment of non-Islamic religious publishing companies. Several churches published religious materials solely for their congregations’ use despite this restriction. The government permitted a private company, the Book House Company Ltd., to import Bibles and other Christian religious materials for use solely by government-recognized church congregations with the stipulation that any content did not insult Islam. The Book House Company Ltd. was the only company licensed to import such materials.

The government barred churches from bringing Bibles and other Christian literature to prisoners in detention facilities. However, some prisoners said they were allowed to read Bibles freely. School administrators have issued instructions to teachers to expunge English-language textbooks of any references to Israel or the Holocaust. Teachers at British schools were not allowed to teach comparative religion, although this unit is a required part of the British curriculum. Shia were represented in the police force and some branches of the military/security apparatus, although not in all branches and often not in leadership positions. Some Shia alleged that a “glass ceiling” of discrimination prevented them from obtaining leadership positions in some of these organizations. However, since 2006 the prime minister has appointed two Shia ministers to each Cabinet, including the current one. The Amir had several senior-level Shia advisors.

Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom There were reports of societal abuse or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice. A vocal minority opposed the presence of non-Muslim groups in the country and rejected the legitimacy of Shia Islam.

Regional events, including the conflict in Syria and public protests in Bahrain, contributed to increased sectarian tensions between Sunnis and Shia during the year.

On July 25, responding to reports that the government had agreed to allow construction of a new church, a group of Salafist clerics proclaimed that churches should not be built in Islamic countries, particularly in the Arabian Peninsula, arguing that it is not permissible under Sharia.

Church officials reported that some Christian domestic workers complained that their employers would not allow them to leave their homes, which prevented them from worshiping with their congregations and regularly practicing their faith. Most domestic workers are allowed only one day off per week, complicating workers’ ability to worship weekly and accomplish all other personal business. Some domestic workers also reported their employers confiscated religious articles such as Bibles and rosary beads, along with nonreligious items.

Some churches without other locations in which to congregate were able to gather in schools on the weekends.

Representatives of these churches reported that there was societal pressure on the schools to stop allowing such gatherings. Many hotels, stores, and other businesses patronized by both citizens and non-citizens openly acknowledged non-Muslim holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Diwali. During the Christmas season, stores, malls, and homes were decorated with Christmas trees and lights, and Christmas music, including songs with explicitly Christian lyrics, was broadcast in public spaces and on the radio. Christian holiday decorations were widely available for purchase. None of the many stores that had Christmasthemed displays reported negative incidents. The news media regularly printed reports of religious holiday celebrations, including large supplement sections detailing the religious significance of Christmas. In December, several civil society groups condemned calls from some groups and individuals forbidding the celebration of Christmas.

Calls to forbid Christmas celebrations were not common.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

Iran bars top figures from June ballot

America to speed up airport fingerprinting of immigrants

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WASHINGTON: Myanmar President Thein Sein speaks during an event at the Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, DC, on May 20. The Myanmar president urged for an end to intercommunal violence and discrimination after hearing a call from US President Barack Obama to put a stop to anti-Muslim attacks. In a speech after his landmark White House meeting, the leader of the former pariah nation said he wanted a “more inclusive national identity” but did not directly mention the plight of the beleaguered Rohingya community. — AFP

Obama hails Myanmar leader, warns on Muslims Thein Sein calls for ‘maximum international support’ WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama threw his support behind Myanmar President Thein Sein in his drive to reform a former pariah state but warned that a wave of violence against Muslims must stop.

As his guest became the first leader of his country in almost 50 years to visit the White House, Obama praised Myanmar’s journey away from brutal junta rule and promised Washington would offer more political and economic support.

Obama said that once tor tured USMyanmar relations had eased because of “the leadership that President Sein has shown in moving Myanmar down a path of both political and economic reform.”

Obama repeatedly used the word “Myanmar” rather than Burma. The former is the name introduced during military rule, and which is slowly being used more frequently by US officials as a courtesy to the reforming government. The US president said that Thein Sein had made “gen-

uine efforts” to solve the intricate ethnic wars that have long torn at Myanmar’s unity, but expressed “deep concern” on the plight of Rohingya Muslim minority. “The displacement of people, the violence directed towards them, needs to stop,” Obama said. The visit went ahead despite accusations by human rights groups that Myanmar authorities turned a blind eye or worse to a wave of deadly attacks against the Rohingya, who are not even considered citizens.

Thein Sein told Obama that he was committed to reforms and, in a speech shortly afterward, said he wanted to build a “more inclusive national identity.”

“Myanmar people of all ethnic backgrounds and all faiths-Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Hindus and othersmust feel part of this new national identity,” he said, while stopping short of directly mentioning the Rohingya. “We must end all forms of discrimination and ensure not

only that intercommunal violence is brought to a halt, but that all perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies.

Thein Sein, who took office as a nominal civilian in 2011, said that the reforms he has undertaken were “unprecedented” and called for “maximum international support.” “Periods of transition are always fraught with risk. But I know my country and my people,” he said. “I know how much people want to see democracy take root, put behind decades of isolation, catch up with other Asian economies and end all violence and fighting,” he said.

Thein Sein surprised even cynics by freeing hundreds of political prisoners, reaching ceasefires with ethnic rebel groups, easing censorship and letting long-detained opposition icon Aung San Suu Kyi enter parliament.

The most critical test of reform will

come in 2015, when Myanmar is scheduled to hold elections-testing whether the military would truly cede power and potentially let Nobel laureate Suu Kyi become president. The military seized power in 1962 under junta leader Ne Win, who in 1966 was the last leader of the country to visit the White House. He met president Lyndon Johnson as the Vietnam War raged.

Thein Sein spoke only obliquely of his motivation for reform. Many exper ts believe that the proudly independent nation feared that its isolation had pushed it too far into the orbit of China.

Thein Sein addressed a formal dinner later Monday with US business leaders.

Reading a speech in solid English after a day speaking Burmese, the president billed Myanmar as a gateway to the lucrative markets of China and India. “We would like to leave the foundation for a robust middle class. For that to happen, we would like to invite American companies to come and

US scientist’s family walks out of Singapore inquest SINGAPORE: The family of a US scientist found hanged last year in Singapore walked out of a coroner’s inquiry into his death yesterday, saying they had “lost faith” in the proceedings. The move came after their star witness, a US pathologist who never examined the body, came under intense questioning for saying Shane Todd may have been killed by assassins after quitting a high-tech project for two Asian firms. Singapore authorities believe Todd, who had a history of depression, committed suicide and reject the conspiracy theory. “Basically we actually have lost faith in the process,” the late researcher’s father Rick told reporters after leaving a packed courtroom with his wife Mary, three sons and daughter-in-law.

“We were told from the beginning that this will be honest and open. We were just chastised this morning for bringing forth evidence,” the airline pilot said, referring to an email the family’s lawyers had just introduced. The family quit the inquiry after learning that a French ex-colleague of Todd’s, Luis Alejandro Andro Montes, was going to testify that the American was still alive the day before his body was found on June 24, 2012.

“We don’t know who he is. Shane’s girlfriend doesn’t know who he is,” said Todd’s mother Mary, a Christian pastor in the state of Montana. A coroner’s inquest is a routine process in cases of “unnatural death” in Singapore. But US officials signalled strong

interest in the case after Todd’s family waged a high-profile lobbying and media campaign. Singapore officials said the inquest will resume Wednesday despite the walkout. It was unclear if the family would return to the hearing. A verdict is expected by late June and will only address the cause of death.

Earlier yesterday Edward Adelstein, 75, a deputy medical examiner in Missouri engaged by the family, testified that Todd was murdered in his Singapore apartment and his death made to look like a suicide.

Speaking by video link from the United States, he admitted his conclusions were based only on funeral pictures of the body and second-hand information.

Adelstein said Todd could have been disabled with a taser-an electronic device designed to stun-and killed with an arm lock before being hanged.

Giggles broke out in the audience during portions of his testimony and Adelstein was reminded by a judge overseeing the process to stick to forensic evidence instead of speculating. As he wrapped up his testimony, Adelstein drawled: “As Obama says, we can have differences but we don’t have to hate each other.”

Todd’s parents, who originally planned to testify, say their son was killed because of his work for a Singapore electronics research institute with alleged links to a Chinese firm accused of involvement in espionage. Adelstein repeated the accusa-

invest,” he said, promising greater transparency as well as protections for workers.

The Obama administration has already suspended most sanctions on Myanmar and on Tuesday will sign an agreement for greater dialogue on trade, hoping to show the country tangible benefits for embracing reform.

Obama paid a first-ever US presidential visit to Myanmar in November. To some, Myanmar represents the biggest success from his pledge in his 2009 inaugural address to reach out to US foes if they “unclench” their fists. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, seen as a rising star in the rival Republican Party, accused Obama of moving too quickly on normalization with Myanmar, saying “the jury is still out” on reform. “When rewards continue absent progress, it undermines the ultimate success of the effort and sends the wrong message to the Burmese people about American intentions,” Rubio said. — AFP

Suspect in abduction of 2 girls found dead

SINGAPORE: Rick Todd (R) and his wife Mary (L) leave for a lunchbreak from the Subordinate courts in Singapore yesterday. The family of a US scientist found hanged last year in Singapore walked out of a coroner’s inquiry into his death yesterday, saying they had “lost faith” in the proceedings. — AFP tion, saying Todd was “a very dangerous security threats that should be excluded person” to the two Asian companies. He from US government contracts and barred asserted without offering any evidence from acquiring US firms.

Todd was part of an IME research team that “they had him killed” and well-trained working on gallium nitride, a semiconducassassins may have been involved.

Singapore’s state-linked Institute of tor that can be used in radar and satellite Microelectronics (IME) and China’s Huawei communications. Singapore police earlier Technologies have denied working on a testified that there were no signs of a strugproject involving Todd, but confirmed they gle in the apartment where Todd’s body held preliminary talks on a potential was found. A Singaporean psychiatrist told research venture. A US congressional com- the inquiry that Todd was prescribed antimittee last year labelled Huawei and ZTE, depressants three months before his another Chinese telecom firm, as potential death.—AFP

DAYTON: A man suspected of abducting two girls from a bus stop in central Iowa has been found dead, but a massive search for one of the girls continues, authorities said yesterday.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation said at a news conference that the body of 42-year-old Michael Klunder was found Monday night at a rural property northeast of Dayton. His cause of death remains under investigation.

Dozens of federal, state and local law enforcement are searching still for 15-year-old Kathlynn Shepard. She and a 12-year-old girl were taken from a Dayton bus stop on Monday and transported to a rural agricultural facility southeast of the city.

The 12-year-old girl was able to escape and ran to a nearby rural residence for help, DCI Director Chari Paulson said. She told investigators that she and the 15-year-old had accepted a ride from a stranger.

The girl, whose name has not been released, was taken to a For t Dodge hospital and released.

Authorities haven’t said what relationship the girls have to one another. The onset of daylight has expanded the search, which includes about a 75- to 100-square-mile area of mostly rural land, according to Jessica Lown with the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Authorities are searching by air, water and land, and have deployed canine units.

Volunteers also are conducting a foot patrol of the area. Authorities have not released a lot of information about Klunder, but noted he resided and worked in the area. — AP

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Three killed during Syria-related clashes in Lebanese city TRIPOLI: Three people were killed in further sectarian fighting in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli yesterday, security sources said, raising the death toll from four days of sporadic conflict related to Syria’s civil war to nine.

Rocket-propelled grenades and heavy gunfire shook Tripoli yester-

day afternoon. Snipers positioned in apar tment blocks made walk ing through some streets unsafe.

Security sources said 60 people, including civilians, had been wounded over the past four days of violence in Tripoli, where an Alawite minority lives on a hill overlooking the mainly Sunni Muslim port city.

Syrian ac tivists say the latest fighting in Tripoli was ignited by tension over an assault by Syrian troops backed by Lebanese Shi ’ite Hezbollah militia on the rebel-held Syrian border town of Qusair.

Sunnis in Lebanon mostly sympathise with the Sunni-led insurrection against Syrian President Bashar al-

Assad, whose minority Alawite sect is an offshoot of Shi’ite Islam.

Lebanese militants are believed to be crossing the border to join fighting in Syria on both sides of a conflict which has sometimes bubbled over into Lebanon, especially in Tripoli.

The Syrian army offensive in

Qusair is aimed at retaking a town that straddles routes from Lebanon to the central crossroads cit y of Homs, which links Damascus to the north as well as to Alawite strongholds on the coast. Each side accuses the other of using Tripoli as a base for sending fighters and weapons in and out of Syria.—Reuters

Iran bars top figures from June ballot Mashaei’s disqualification a serious blow to Ahmadinejad

TUZ KHURMATU: Iraqis inspect damages at the site of two car bomb blasts in Tuz Khurmatu, a town in the Salaheddine province, yesterday. Four bombings in northern Iraq killed several people and wounded 69, officials said, the latest in a spate of violence that has killed more than 370 people so far this month. — AFP

New attacks across Iraq kills seven, dozens hurt BAGHDAD: New attacks in Iraq killed seven people and wounded dozens yesterday, officials said, after a bloody day that claimed more than 100 lives across the country.

A suicide bomber set off his explosivesladen vest at a military checkpoint in the town of Tarmiyah, 50 kilometers (30 miles) north of Baghdad. The blast was followed by militants who opened fire at the Iraqi troops, killing three soldiers and wounding nine, a police official said.

A medical official confirmed the causality figures. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

Meanwhile, in the northern city of Tuz Khormato, two parked car bombs went off simultaneously, killing three civilians and wounding 38 people, said Mayor Shalal Abdool. The town is about 200 kilometers (130 miles) north of the Iraqi capital.

And in Kirkuk, 290 kilometers (180 miles) north of Baghdad, three bombs exploded back-to-back at a sheep market, killing one person and wounding 25, police Col. Taha Salaheddin said. The attacks came as authorities raised the death toll from Monday’s wave of bloodshed - a series of blitz attacks stretching from north of Baghdad to the southern city of Basra and targeting bus stops, open-air markets and rush-hour crows - to 113 from 95, after many of the wounded died of their injuries.

No one has so far claimed responsibility

for the attacks, but such systematic carnage carries the hallmarks of the two sides that brought nearly nonstop chaos to Iraq for years: Sunni insurgents, including alQaeda’s branch in Iraq, and Shiite militias defending their newfound power after Saddam Hussein’s fall.

The latest spiral of violence, which targeted both Sunni and Shiite communities, has increased fears that Iraq is sliding back to the brink of civil war.

Hours after Monday’s stunning bombings, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki accused militant groups of trying to exploit Iraq’s political instability and vowed to resist attempts to “bring back the atmosphere of the sectarian war.”

Sectarian tensions have been worsening since Iraq’s minority Sunnis began expanding protests over what they say is mistreatment at the hands of the Shiite-led government.

Many Sunnis contend that much of the country’s current turmoil is rooted in the policies of al-Maliki’s government, which they accuse of feeding sectarian tension by becoming more aggressive toward Sunnis after the US military withdrawal in December 2011.

Mass demonstrations by Sunnis, which began in December, have largely been peaceful. However, the number of attacks rose sharply after a deadly security crackdown on a Sunni protest camp in northern Iraq on April 23. — AP

Israel warns Syria against attacks on Golan Heights JERUSALEM: Israeli and Syrian troops exchanged fire across their tense cease-fire line in the Golan Heights yesterday, prompting an Israeli threat that Syria’s leader will “bear the consequences” of further escalation and raising new concerns that the civil war there could explode into a region-wide conflict. The incident marked the first time the Syrian army has acknowledged firing intentionally at Israeli troops since the civil war erupted more than two years ago. President Bashar Assad’s regime appears to be trying to project toughness in response to three Israeli airstrikes near Damascus in recent months.

In the exchange, an Israeli jeep came under fire during an overnight patrol in the Golan Heights, a strategic plateau which Israel captured from Syria in 1967 and later annexed. Syria claimed it destroyed the vehicle after it crossed the cease-fire line.

Israel said the jeep was on the Israeli side of the line and suffered minor damage, and no one was hurt. It said it returned fire at the source and scored a “direct hit.” It gave no further details. Syria did not comment on the Israeli fire. It was the latest in a string of incidents in which gunfire and mortar shells have struck the Israeli side of the Golan in recent months. Israel believes that most of the fire has been incidental spillover from the Syrian civil war, but that several cases, including Tuesday’s, were intentional.

Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, accused the Syrian leader of encouraging and directing operations against Israel. He said the Israeli patrol was targeted several times Tuesday by a “clearly marked Syrian position.”

In his speech, he clearly alluded to the possibility that hostilities could erupt between Israel and Syria, which have fought several full-scale wars over the years and are bitter enemies. “We will not allow the Golan Heights to become a comfortable space for Assad to operate from,” Gantz told a conference at the University of Haifa. “If he escalates (the situation on) the Golan Heights, he will have to bear the consequences.”

Gantz said the situation is extremely combustible, and “a day doesn’t go by” where there could be a “sudden uncontrollable deterioration.” He warned, “Instability will be the only stable thing that will happen here.”

Israel has been warily watching the Syrian civil war since it broke out in March 2011,

fearing the conflict could spill across its borders at any time. Israel is concerned that Assad, if he is facing defeat, might try to draw Israel into the fighting to divert attention away from his internal struggles. More than 70,000 people have been killed in the civil war, and rebels now control large swaths of Syrian territory.

Israel is also concerned that Assad’s arsenal of advanced arms, including chemical weapons, anti-aircraft systems and sophisticated missiles, could be transferred to Iranianbacked Hezbollah militants in Lebanon or fall into the hands of radical rebel groups.

Islamic extremists linked to al-Qaeda are among the groups trying to oust Assad, and Israel is concerned they could turn their attention toward the Jewish state if they overthrow Assad. Although Assad is a sworn enemy of Israel, he is also a known quantity, and his family has been careful to keep the border with Israel quiet for most of the past 40 years.

But tensions have been rising between Israel and Syria in recent weeks, particularly following the airstrikes, which targeted alleged Syrian arms shipments bound for Hezbollah. Israel has not confirmed carrying out the attacks.

The airstrikes marked a sharp escalation of Israel’s involvement on the periphery of the Syrian civil war. Syria vowed to retaliate, and Assad said Syria is “capable of facing Israel” and would not accept violations of its sovereignty. Firing at an Israeli target, like the incident Tuesday, appears to be in line with the tougher rhetoric that followed the airstrikes.

Gantz visited the area after the exchange and told soldiers stationed there to “stay alert during these challenging times.”

Downplaying the immediate dangers, Moshe Maoz, a Hebrew University expert on Syria, described yesterday’s events as “mostly rhetoric,” saying neither Syria nor Israel has an interest in sparking a region-wide war. Israel’s powerful military is capable of toppling Assad, he said, while an outbreak of hostilities could potentially drag in Syria’s key allies, Iran and Iranian proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Hezbollah is already active in Syria, sending hundreds of fighters to back Assad’s troops.

“At this stage, neither side wants it, not Israel and not Syria,” Maoz said. “It’s rhetorical escalation, not strategic escalation. It’s more talk.

Each side is flexing its muscles.” — AP

TEHRAN: Iranian news websites boosted speculation yesterday that election overseers have barred two prominent but divisive figures from next month’s presidential ballot, in a move that would eliminate a threat to the country’s hard-liners.

The Tasnimnews.com website said the Guardian Council, which vets candidates, has rejected former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei, a close confidant of outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The semiofficial Mehr news agency carried the same report.

Mehr said only eight hopefuls, most of them hardliners loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have been approved.

The reports are not official. The announcement on the list for the June 14 election is expected later today. Rafsanjani’s unexpected entry into the presidential race had re-energized reformist groups that have been under relentless pressure and crackdowns since major protests following Ahmadinejad’s disputed re-election in 2009. His candidacy scrambled the vote’s equation because of his popularity, reputation and potential to draw voters away from conservatives If he is indeed barred from the race, it would deal a demoralizing blow to pro-reform groups and dim hopes for a high turnout. It also would boost the chances of a Khamenei loyalist winning the election.

The Iranian media didn’t provide any reason for disqualifying Rafsanjani, but his opponents have claimed that at the age of 78, he is too old to run the country.

On Monday, Abbas Ali Kadkhodaei, spokesman for the Guardian Council that vets election candidates, said the council would bar candidates who are limited in

A combo of pictures shows former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani (left) and the former head of the Iran’s presidential office Esfandyar Rahim Mashaie. — AFP their physical abilities, which was but Rafsanjani remained critical Islamic system. Some critics have over the way the ruling system even claimed he conjured black widely seen as a jab at Rafsanjani. magic spells to fog Ahmadinejad’s Rafsanjani is a founder of the dealt with the crisis.

Mashaei’s purported disqualifi- mind.

1979 Islamic Revolution that According to the unofficial news brought the clerics to power, and cation, meanwhile, is a serious blow was the closest confident of the to Ahmadinejad, depriving him of reports, among those approved for revolution’s spiritual leader, the late levers of power with which to influ- the June ballot are Iran’s top nuclear negotiator Saeed Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The ence the next government. country’s current supreme leader, Ahmadinejad cannot run in this Jalili, prominent lawmaker Gholam Khamenei, largely owes his position election because Iran’s constitution Ali Haddad Adel, former foreign minister Ali Akbar Velayati and bars him from seeking a third term. to Rafsanjani’s support.

Ahmadinejad has been promot- Tehran mayor Mohammad Bagher The head of the Guardian Council, 87-year-old Ayatollah ing Mashaei, whose daughter is Qalibaf - all top Khamenei loyalists.

Ahmad Jannati, warned Friday that married to the president’s son, as Former chief of the Revolutionary those who did not distance them- successor in recent years. But Guards, Mohsen Rezaei and a little selves from 2009 turmoil were not Mashaei is believed to have been at known former minister have also eligible to run, referring to the pop- the heart of a messy power strug- reportedly been approved.

Of eight, only two of them are ular protests over the disputed re- gle between Ahmadinejad and the election of Ahmadinejad as “sedi- ruling clerics in recent years, earn- pro-reform figures: Former top tion.” It was another hint that ing him the enmity of Iran’s hard- nuclear negotiator Hasan Rowhani and former first vice president Rafsanjani, who is viewed as a seri- liners.

Hard-liners accuse Mashaei of Mohammad Reza Aref. Reformers ous threat to hardliners, could be being the leader of a “deviant cur- now have the option of rallying banned.

A government crackdown in rent” that seeks to undermine behind Aref or Rowhani or boycott 2009 put an end to street protests, Islamic rule and compromise the the polls altogether. — AP

Kerry visits Oman for arms deal signing SHANNON: US Secretary of State John Kerry flew to Oman yesterday for Raytheon Co’s signing of an estimated $2.1 billion arms deal and to consult on Syria and Iran, US officials said.

Oman is expected to sign a letter of intent to purchase a ground-based air defense system that would help protect against cruise missile or drone attacks, a senior US State Department official told reporters aboard Kerry’s plane.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the terms were still being negotiated and the final value of the sale could change, adding that it was not clear whether Kerry would attend the signing expected today.

Raytheon spokesman Jonathan Kasle had no immediate comment.

Raytheon Chief Executive Bill Swanson told an earnings call last month that the company was making “considerable progress” on a number of foreign arms sales, including a deal to sell a ground-based air defense system to Oman.

Raytheon generates more of its revenues overseas than any other large US weapons maker. It has forecast a 20-percent increase in foreign bookings in 2013. Oman sits opposite Iran on the Strait of Hormuz, through which some 40 percent of the world’s sea-borne oil passes, and is a US-allied Gulf Arab State while also maintaining good relations with the Shi’ite-ruled Islamic republic.

Kerry’s visit is the first stop on a week-long trip that will take him to Amman for talks on bringing Syria’s warring parties to a peace conference and to Jerusalem and Ramallah to discuss reviving Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations.

Both issues are expected to come up when Kerry meets Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Arab world’s longest-serving ruler, on Tuesday, said the officials, who spoke to reporters while Kerry flew to Ireland for refueling before heading to Oman.

“It’s basically a chance to do a signals check with an important ally,” said a second senior

MUSCAT: US Secretary of State John Kerry, left, meets with Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said at Bait Al Baraka in Muscat, Oman, yesterday. — AP State Department official. “Oman is not a key player on Syria but, as an important player in the Gulf, I think it will be good to hear the sultan’s views on the situation in the region writ large.”

More than 80,000 people are believed to have died in Syria’s civil war, which began with peaceful protests against President Bashar alAssad’s rule more than two years ago as popular uprisings swept long-time authoritarian rules from power in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.

It has since become an all-out fight between opposition fighters who have Arab and some Western backing and government forces that are supported by Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah and that benefit from diplomatic support and arms sales from Russia.

Rebel and government forces engaged in their fiercest fighting this year in the rebel

stronghold of Qusair, Syrian activists said, saying about 30 Lebanese Hezbollah fighters and 20 Syrian soldiers and militiamen loyal to Assad have been killed in the clashes.

The reported Hezbollah losses reflect the extent to which the Syrian conflict is turning into a proxy war between Shi’ite Iran and US-aligned Gulf Arab states such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which back Assad’s mostly Sunni foes.

Kerry today will meet in Amman with senior officials from mostly Western and Arab states that are backing the Syrian opposition to discuss how to bring both sides to the negotiating table.

The United States and Russia announced two weeks ago that they would try to bring the two sides together - possibly in June in Geneva - for a peace conference that would choose a transitional government. — Reuters

Rubber bullets fired at S African mine strikers CAPE TOWN: Ten striking South African miners were taken to hospital yesterday after being hit by rubber bullets, police said, as labour strife swells in mines and factories ahead of mid-year pay negotiations. Auto maker Mercedes-Benz said a two-day wildcat stoppage at its East London plant had ended but the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA) squashed any relief with an immediate demand for a 20 percent pay rise.

“If our demands are not met we will have no option but to go to the streets,” NUMSA national treasurer Mphumzi Maqungo told Reuters. The comments underscored the fragility of labour

relations in Africa’s biggest economy since last year’s bloody mining sector unrest, and pushed the rand beyond 9.50 to the dollar for the first time since early 2009.

The currency extended its two-week slide after police confirmed that security guards had fired rubber bullets at stone-throwing wildcat strikers at a chrome mine near the platinum belt town of Rustenburg, 120 km (70 miles) northwest of Johannesburg.

The mining firm, Germany’s Laxness, said the guards had fired rubber bullets in self-defence into the ground in front of protesters. In a statement, it contradicted the police tally, saying only

two miners had been hit, and three more injured in the commotion.

South Africa’s annual mid-year wage negotiations - known locally as “strike season” - normally start with lofty wage demands that are then whittled down to something slightly above inflation, now around 6 percent.

However, the union-management choreography has been derailed by a vicious turf war between mining unions that spilled over into violence last year. Fifty people died, including 34 shot by police at the Marikana mine in the bloodiest security incident since the end of apartheid in 1994.—Reuters

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

LA picks new mayor after low-drama campaign LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles is about to elect its next mayor. Most residents probably won’t notice. A scant turnout is expected Tuesday when voters choose between two City Hall regulars who failed to bring much sparkle to the contest to succeed Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who exits office July 1 after two up-and-down terms. Only one of four voters in the nation’s second most populous city is projected to cast a ballot, possibly a historical low. And the tightness of the race suggests a winner might not emerge on Election Day, and it might take days to count all the ballots. Democrats Eric Garcetti, 42, a city councilman, and city Controller Wendy Greuel, 51, who could become the first woman to hold the job, occupy so much

of the same policy turf they’ve been dubbed “Greucetti.” A steady stream of negative advertising from the campaigns and outside groups has helped obscure the candidates’ promises about free-flowing traffic, new jobs and better schools in coming years.

Voters will also judge three competing proposals to manage the city’s proliferation of pot shops, forcing residents to weigh the needs of the sick against complaints about crime around the dispensaries.

While some cities successfully managed pot collectives, Los Angeles fumbled and dispensaries sprouted across the city. Proposition D would cap the number of collectives that opened prior to 2007 - about 135 - and raise taxes

slightly; Proposition E would cap the number at the same level but raise no new taxes; Proposition F wouldn’t limit the number of pot shops but put stringent controls such as audits and background checks on employees. It also raises taxes.

The proposition with the most votes wins, but only if it collects a majority. If none of the measures receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the issue could bounce back to the City Council.

Greuel and Garcetti emerged from a March primary in which no candidate secured the majority needed to win outright, leading to Tuesday’s runoff. Only about two in 10 voters went to the polls in that race. The mayoral contest that has seen record spending, over $30 mil-

lion overall, and the outcome will swing on appeal with key voting groups, including blacks, Latinos and women, and turnout in the San Fernando Valley, South Los Angeles and other battleground neighborhoods. Greuel Monday sent off a final round of recorded endorsements from former President Bill Clinton - she once worked in the Clinton administration while Garcetti was on campaign stops arguing a simple point: the election matters. The lack of public interest runs counter to what’s at stake. A key issue has been the city’s shaky $7.7 billion budget and the prospect of living with less. Spending is projected to outpace revenue for years, and rising pension and retiree health care bills threaten

money that could otherwise go to libraries, tree -trimming and street repairs. Villaraigosa is urging his successor to try to block a 5.5 percent pay increase for civilian employees.

With so much common ground on policy, the race became a duel over character issues as well as a referendum on who is closer to politically powerful municipal unions often criticized for landing generous raises and benefits.

Garcetti’s commercials labeled Greuel “DWP’s mayor,” a reference to the Department of Water and Power, whose workers are financing ads to help install her at City Hall. Greuel’s attack ads have hit Garcetti for a fundraiser organized by a developer who she says once served prison time for fraud. — AP

America to speed up airport fingerprinting of immigrants Negotiations continue over high-tech visas

CINCINNATI: The John Weld Peck Federal Building, shown in this photo made, Tuesday, May 14, 2013, in Cincinnati, houses the main offices for the Internal Revenue Service in the city. Tea party groups are planning a protest rally yesterday afternoon at the building that is tied to targeting of conservative groups. The IRS apologized Friday for what it acknowledged was “inappropriate” targeting of conservative political groups during the 2012 election to see whether they were violating their tax-exempt status. — AP

Attention shifts to White House in IRS probe WASHINGTON: Two senior aides to President Barack Obama knew weeks ago about a watchdog report on the US Internal Revenue Service targeting of conservative groups, a spokesman said on Monday, shifting the focus to the White House in a fast-moving controversy.

White House Counsel Kathryn Ruemmler was told on April 24 about an upcoming report by the Treasury ’s Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) on the IRS practice, which an IRS official apologized for on May 10, triggering the controversy.

Soon after she learned of the report, Ruemmler briefed White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough and other members of the senior staff, White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters at 7a news briefing.

Ruemmler decided there was no need to inform the president, Carney said, as the administration struggled to put a lid on the IRS affair which has become a major distraction early in Obama’s second term. Carney defended White House inaction prior to the completion of the inspector general’s probe, saying any intervention would have been inappropriate. In any case, he said, there was no urgency because the activity in question had stopped about a year earlier.

Carney last week said Ruemmler had not necessarily been told of the contents of the TIGTA report, which found IRS agents had targeted conservative groups for extra scrutiny based on the use in their names of key words, such as “Tea Party” and “Patriot.”

Ruemmler was told on April 24 the report would address “line IRS employees improperly scrutinizing ... organizations by using words such as Tea Party and Patriot,” Carney said yesterday.

“While we had an indication of the likely findings, until the IG finalizes his report, the findings and conclusions are subject to change,” Carney said. “That’s why we had to wait, appropriately, until the report was publicized or published for the president to be able to review it and respond, as he did very quickly,” Carney said.

Obama fired acting IRS Commissioner Steven Miller on Wednesday and called the inspector general’s findings outrageous. The report found no evidence of political motivation for the targeting or of any White House involvement. There was no White House intervention at any time into the contents of the report, Carney said.

As the White House fought to contain the political damage, two congressional committees were preparing to hold hearings on the report, with some lawmakers calling for the Obama administration to fire more people linked to the scandal.

Lois Lerner, chief of the IRS taxexempt unit, was scheduled to testify on Wednesday to a Republican-controlled investigative committee of the House of Representatives, along with other offi-

cials. Lerner’s apology on May 10 for the IRS targeting at a legal conference in Washington set off the furor.

Representative Sander Levin called for Lerner’s resignation on Friday, saying she had recently testified to a House subcommittee and failed to disclose what she knew about the targeting. “This is wholly unacceptable,” he said.

Levin is the top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, which writes tax law and oversees the IRS. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell’s office on Monday drew attention to a Washington Post article that questioned Lerner’s statements, including her contention that applications for tax-exempt status by groups had doubled during the time period in question.

Republican Vern Buchanan, another member of the Ways and Means panel, last week called for Lerner to be dismissed. Joseph Grant, acting commissioner for the IRS tax-exempt and government entities division and Lerner’s boss, said last week that he will retire.

“I don’t see how Lois makes it. It’s saddening to me,” said Philip Hackney, assistant law professor at Louisiana State University who worked until 2011 at the IRS with Lerner. “She is nonpartisan; I say that with great confidence.”

Lerner was scheduled to testify today to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee alongside Deputy Treasury Secretary Neal Wolin, former IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman and Treasury Department Inspector General for Tax Administration J. Russell George.

Yesterday, George, Miller and Shulman were set to testify before the Democratcontrolled Senate Finance Committee.

As the IRS scandal as widened, Republicans have focused on what officials knew about the targeting and when they knew it. The inspector general’s report showed that the targeting got under way in mid-2010. In 2011, Lerner was told about how the practice was being handled at a Cincinnati field office.

She halted the use of the controversial key words, but lower-level employees by January 2012 had resumed using them.

At a first congressional hearing on the matter last Friday, Republicans made clear they are looking beyond the IRS. “This appears to be just the latest example of a culture of cover-ups and political intimidation in this administration,” Republican House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp said on Friday.

Democratic Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus and top committee Republican Orrin Hatch on Monday requested documents on possible White House involvement and sought nearly 300 tax-exempt status applications delayed by the targeting.

Baucus and Hatch also asked for documentation of any disciplinary action taken, and whether some lawmakers’ calls for the IRS to crack down on tax-exempt groups played any role.— Reuters

WASHINGTON: High-tech systems for tracking the movements of immigrants and other foreigners when leaving the United States would be installed at major US airports under a plan approved by a congressional panel on Monday.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-5 for an amendment to a wide-ranging immigration bill that would require the installation of devices to check immigrants’ fingerprints at the 10 busiest US airports within two years of enactment of the legislation.

Checks currently are made at airports for foreigners arriving and re-entering the country but not when they leave. “It’s just a matter of having records we can keep so we know where we’re going,” Republican Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah told reporters of his successful amendment.

But opponents questioned whether the move would improve the ferreting out of foreigners who have overstayed their visas and expressed concerns that it could open the door to broader fingerprinting of travelers.

If the “biometrics” systems at major airports work out, they would be expanded to more airports across the United States and eventually be used at land and sea ports as well, under the amendment.

The Senate panel is trying to wrap up work by mid-week on a nearly 900-page immigration bill that aims to ratchet up security along the southwestern US border with Mexico and establish a path to citizenship for 11 million illegal immigrants already in the United States.

The bipartisan bill also would create new visa system so that farmers, high-tech firms and oth-

er American companies could get better access to both low- and high-skilled foreign workers.

If the measure is passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee this week, it could be ready for debate in the full Senate next month - a debate that could take several weeks to complete on the first major overhaul of US immigration law in 27 years.

The US has been trying for years to tighten the monitoring of entries and exits by visa holders. An estimated 40 percent of the 11 million illegal immigrants are people who have overstayed their visas, according to government estimates. But the implementation of equipment at ports has lagged. Last week, the Senate Judiciary panel defeated an amendment from Republican Jeff Sessions that would have required the installation of biometric equipment at all US ports before any of the 11 million undocumented could be eligible for permanent residency, or a green card.

Senator Sessions of Alabama, an outspoken opponent of the immigration bill moving through the Democratic-controlled Senate, argued on Monday that the United States has the ability to fully implement the program now.

Saying that many local police departments already use the technology in their cars, Sessions said, “I’m getting ... tired” of the delays. The issue is sure to be debated again in the full Senate, as even some Democrats have concerns over major airports’ ability to set up the screening equipment within the two-year time frame. Some also worry that US citizens could eventually be subjected to the fingerprinting. Democratic Senator

Patrick Leahy of Vermont, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, voted against the amendment. Meanwhile, senators were working behind the scenes on a controversial move to increase the number of foreign workers that would be available to US high-tech firms.

Hatch has emerged as one of the most influential lawmakers working on the immigration bill and has introduced amendments to make it easier for companies to hire foreigners.

In an attempt to secure his vote, Democratic Senator Charles Schumer of New York is trying to broker a deal between technology companies and the AFL-CIO labor organization on the highskilled H-1B work visa program.

During a break in the committee’s work, Hatch told reporters that he must have changes to the high-skilled worker visa program, otherwise “you’re just pushing these businesses offshore.”

Lobbyists for technology companies and trade associations said the two senators were nearing a deal. But sources close to the AFL-CIO disputed industry’s characterization. Even if Hatch gets what he wants on the H-1B program, he said there are other amendments he would insist upon during the Senate floor debate.

Without those amendments, which he refused to elaborate on, “I will vote against it (the entire immigration bill) on the floor,” Hatch said.

One amendment is thought to require that undocumented residents who win legal status must provide their own health insurance and not take advantage of government-backed programs. —Reuters

German SPD to relaunch itself on 150th birthday FRANKFURT: Germany’s Social Democrats, trailing behind the conservatives in the polls just months ahead of the elections, are looking to relaunch themselves as they celebrate their 150th anniversary later this week.

SPD party chief Sigmar Gabriel is hopeful that European allies such as French President Francois Hollande will give Germany’s Social Democrats the electoral boost they desperately need. “I’m convinced it will provide us with some gusto for the elections,” Gabriel said recently, promising that the birthday celebrations on May 23 in Leipzig, eastern Germany, will be “the biggest international political event in Germany this year.” With four months to go before the September 22 elections, the SPD’s standing in the opinion polls is currently stuck at around 23 percent. That is way below the current score of 40 percent by Chancellor Angela Merkel and her conservative CDU party with its Bavarian sister the CSU. Merkel can seemingly do no wrong in her handling of the euro crisis, but the SPD’s chancellor candidate Peer Steinbrueck could hardly be less popular. If the Social Democrats have backed Merkel in all of the eurozone rescue packages since the start of the crisis, they have nevertheless never hesitated to criticise her austerity policies.

Leipzig looks set to provide them with an ideal forum for this. One of the highlights of the festivities there will be a speech by Francois Hollande, even if the French president, too, has seen his popularity slump to a new low.

Merkel, too, will be at the party, but will not give a speech, while German President Joachim Gauck will. No meeting is planned between the German and French leaders on the sidelines of the festivities. But the two will have participated the day before in an EU summit dedicated to fiscal policy and growth. Among the other invited guests will be the heads of all Socialist and Social Democrat parties across Europe, including Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann and Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg. It was on May 23 1863 that the General German Workers’ Association or ADAV the predecessor to the SPD-was set up in Leipzig by the pioneer of German socialism, Ferdinand Lassalle.

And the celebrations in Leipzig will allow the Social Democrats to recall some of their greatest achievements, such as the resistance to Nazism. However, analysts believe the impact of the celebrations on German voters will be limited.

“Above all, it will be an opportunity to mobilise the SPD membership for the elections,” said Jens Walther, political scientist at the University of Duesseldorf. And Walther suggested the presence of Merkel could actually backfire on the Social Democrats it might conjure up images of a possible grand coalition between the two main parties after the elections.

“And that is something the SPD must avoid at all costs if it wants to win votes,” the expert said.

At the centenary celebrations in Hanover in 1963, the then conservative chancellor Konrad Adenauer refused to attend.

With the heads of all socialist parties assembled in Leipzig on Wednesday evening, they could agree on a joint candidate for the post of European Commission president, suggested SPD chief Sigmar Gabriel. The name of German Social Democrat Martin Schulz, president of the European parliament, has often been mooted in the press as a possible successor to Portugal’s Jose Manuel Barroso. The same day, leaders of the left are scheduled to set up a Progressive Alliance in Leipzig, a sort of platform of ideas wider than the current Socialist International.

The SPD is no friend of the latter and has considerably scaled back its contribution to it since it was set up in Paris in 1889.

“The new ‘Progressive Alliance’ network is complementary to efforts to reform the Socialist International. It should be an organisation which complements the SI, not replace it,” the leadership of the French Socialists insists. — AFP

MICHOACAN: Mexican army soldiers enter the town of La Ruana, Michoacan, Mexico, Monday. Residents of western Mexico towns who endured months besieged by a drug cartel are cheering the arrival of hundreds of Mexican army troops. Hundreds of people in the state of Michoacan have taken up arms to defend their villages against drug gangs, a vigilante movement born of frustration at extortion, killings and kidnappings in a region wracked by violence. — AP

Besieged Mexican town cheers arrival of soldiers LA RUANA: Residents of a western Mexico area who endured months besieged by a drug cartel cheered the arrival of hundreds of Mexican soldiers Monday.

People in La Ruana in Michoacan state lined the main road to greet more than a dozen troop transports and heavily armed Humvees with applause and shouts of joy.

The town’s supplies had been blocked after the Knights Templars cartel declared war on the hamlet. The cartel dominates much of the state, demanding extortion payments from businessmen and storeowners, and even low-wage workers.

In Februar y, the town formed selfdefense squads to kick the cartel out, drawing the wrath of the gang. Convoys of cartel gunmen attacked the town, which was forced to throw up stone barricades and build guard posts.

Supplies like gasoline, milk and cooking gas began to run low as cartel gunmen threatened to burn any trucks bringing in goods. On Monday, hundreds of soldiers moved in, erecting checkpoints on the highway leading into La Ruana and setting up an operating base in the town.

“This war has been won!” Hipolito Mora, leader of the self-defense movement, told hundreds of cheering townspeople gathered along the main road, including dozens of self-defense patrol members wearing white T-shirts and carrying shotguns.

Mora said the town had agreed to stop community patrols and let the army take over security in La Ruana. But he said the community would keep its weapons and would start patrols again if the army left.

The idea that troops might come in and

seize a town’s weapons, or stay only a few weeks, worried people throughout the crime-ridden area. So in town after town along the main highway through Michoacan’s hot lowlands known as the Tierra Caliente, self-defense squads welcomed the army’s arrival, but vowed to keep their guns.

The highway is littered with the charred hulks of supply trucks, the smoking remains of burned-out sawmills and the fire-blackened walls of fruit warehouses set afire by the Knights Templars cartel in retaliation for the towns’ rebellion.

In the nearby town of Buenavista, many of the masked, lightly armed self-defense patrol members manning a highway checkpoint said they welcomed the army - but vowed to resist any attempts to take their guns. They hung a banner beside the roadway: “Gentlemen of the federal police and the Mexican army, we would prefer to die at your hands, than at those of these stupid, stinking scum,” it said, referring to the cartel. A healthy dose of skepticism remained about the chances of success for sending the army into Michoacan - a tactic that then-President Felipe Calderon used to launch his offensive against drug cartels in 2006.

The Michoacan-based Knights Templar is, by all accounts, at least as strong today as its predecessor cartel, the La Familia gang, was in 2006. Instead of attacking the cartel’s strongholds in nearby cities like Apatzingan, the troops are fighting a sort of rear-guard action, protecting towns outside the main urban areas without going to the root of the problem.—AP

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Karzai to push for Indian military aid ‘India is ready to meet any request’

MANILA: Philippine marines raise their hands as they recite the navy pledge of protecting the constitution during the navy’s anniversary celebration at Fort San Felipe, in Cavite city, southwest of Manila yesterday. President Benigno Aquino said yesterday, the Philippines will spend 1.82 billion USD in the next five years to boost its capability to fight off “bullies” intruding in its territorial waters. — AFP

Philippines boosts military to resist ‘bullies’ MANILA: Philippine President Benigno Aquino yesterday announced a $1.8-billion military upgrade to help defend his country’s maritime territory against “bullies”, amid an ever-worsening dispute with China.

The announcement came on the same day that the Philippines filed a protest with China over the “illegal and provocative” presence of a Chinese warship and two other vessels at a Filipino-claimed shoal in the disputed South China Sea. In thinly veiled comments referring to China, Aquino vowed during a speech to mark the navy’s 115th anniversary that the armed forces would be given the resources necessary to protect Philippine sovereignty. “We have a clear message to the world: The Philippines is for Filipinos, and we have the capability to resist bullies entering our backyard,” Aquino told naval chiefs.

Aquino detailed a 75-billion-peso ($1.82-billion) military modernisation programme that gives priority to upgrading the navy, which is one of the weakest in Southeast Asia.

He said by 2017 the Philippines would acquire two new frigates, two helicopters capable of anti-submarine warfare, three fast vessels for coastal patrols and eight amphibious assault vehicles.

“We will also improve our communications, intelligence and surveillance systems,” he said. The Philippines has been locked for more than two years in an increasingly hostile dispute with China over rival claims to the South China Sea, which is believed to sit atop vast resources of oil and gas.

China insists it has sovereign rights to most of the sea, even waters close to the coasts of Southeast Asian countries.

Aside from the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan also claim

parts of the sea. China has in recent years taken what the Philippines and Vietnam say are increasingly aggressive actions to assert its claims.

In the latest incident, the Philippines said yesterday that three Chinese vessels-a warship and two maritime surveillance vessels-had established a presence near the Filipino-claimed Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin. “ We (have) filed with the Chinese embassy in Manila our protest on the provocative and illegal presence of Chinese government ships around Ayungin Shoal,” foreign affairs department spokesman Raul Hernandez said.

“The intrusions and the activities... in our (waters) is part of the Chinese projection of their claim which we believe is excessive and in violation of international law.”

Second Thomas Shoal is a tiny group of islets and reefs near the Spratly Islands chain, about 200 kilometres (120 miles) north of the Philippine island of Palawan.

It is very close to Mischief Reef, which the Philippines controlled until China built structures on it in the mid-1990s.

The Philippines says China has also since last year occupied a shoal 230 kilometres (140 miles) from the main Philippine island of Luzon. Even with the extra spending announced by Aquino yesterday, China’s military budget would still dwarf China’s.

China announced in March its defence budget for 2013 would be about $115 billion. The Philippines is also facing intense diplomatic pressure from Taiwan after the Filipino coastguard shot dead a Taiwanese fishermen this month in waters near the South China Sea. The Philippines insists the Taiwanese fishing vessel was illegally in Filipino waters. However Taiwan denies this and has suspended important trade ties in a bid to punish the Philippines. — AFP

China factory blast leaves 13 dead BEIJING: A blast which ripped through an explosives plant in China has left 13 people dead and another 20 missing, an official said yesterday, compounding the country’s poor industrial safety record.

Another 19 people were injured in the explosion on Monday at a three-storey workshop owned by Poly Explosives (Jinan), a state-owned company in the eastern province of Shandong, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Televised images showed orange-suited rescue workers combing through rubble after one building completely collapsed, leaving a framework of bent metal and scattered bricks.

An official in the city of Shangqiu, where the explosion occurred, confirmed the toll to AFP but said he was “not sure about the cause” of the blast in the factory, which Xinhua said had an annual capacity of at least 30,000 tonnes of

dynamite.

Police were using DNA identification to help confirm casualty numbers, said Liu Xinyun, director of the Jinan Municipal Public Security Bureau, according to the news agency.

Rescuers were still searching for the missing but clean-up efforts had also started, it added, citing the rescue headquarters. The company is a civilian explosives manufacturer and the plant was new, Xinhua said.

Safety standards are regularly flouted in China, and workplace accidents remain common despite repeated pledges by the government to improve regulations and oversight.

On April 1, an explosion in a coal mine in Jilin province in the northeast killed seven people and left 11 missing, three days after another blast at the same site left 29 workers dead. — AFP

MANILA: Repatriated Filipino workers and relatives join protesters during a rally outside the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs in suburban Manila, Philippines yesterday. The group is calling for the immediate recall of Philippine Ambassador Ezzedin Tago whom they think, neglect of helping overseas Filipino workers who have camped out in tents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to escape possible arrest by the Saudi Arabia government against undocumented overseas workers. — AP

NEW DELHI: Afghan President Hamid Karzai will seek to secure more militar y aid in talks with Indian leaders yesterday as he looks to beef up his security forces after international troops pull out next year. Karzai was to hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee after accepting an honorary degree on Monday night from a university the northern state of Punjab.

The Afghan leader used his acceptance speech to thank India for its support since he came to power in 2001 after the fall of the Taleban. “India, as a friend of Afghanistan, has made an immense contribution in uplifting its youths,” he said, according to the Press Trust of India news agency.

“India has contributed $2 billion from the hard-earned money of its taxpayers for the betterment of Afghanistan.” India’s support for Karzai is a reflection of its desire to ensure that the departure of the United States and other foreign forces in 2014 does not lead to the return of the radical Islamist Taleban to power in Kabul.

According to his spokesman, Aimal Faizi, Karzai will ask for “all kinds of assistance from India in order to strengthen our military and security institutions” during his talks in the capital New Delhi.

An Indian foreign ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the discussions would cover a potential arms deal between the two countries. “India is ready to meet any request that would strengthen Afghan security institutions,” said the official. “He (Karzai) is visiting India to discuss a potential arms deal.”

India has been training a limited number of Afghan military officers for years at its military institutions, but has provided little weapons

NEW DELHI: In this handout photograph received from the Presidential Palace yesterday, India President, Pranab Mukherjee (L) shakes hands with Afghan President, Hamid Karzai during a meeting at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi. — AFP assistance except for some vehicles.

The two countries are attempting to step up their already solid relationship before international troops leave Afghanistan in 2014, foreign policy expert Brahma Chellaney told AFP. But any extra aid from India will be in the form of “indirect security assistance” such as more training of security officers and transfer of technology, said Chellaney, strategic studies professor at New Delhi’s Centre for Policy Research, a thinktank.

“This (Karzai’s visit) is part of a more intense interaction between the two countries before 2014,” he

said. “(But) there is no intention for India to have boots on the ground there.” In 2011, India and Afghanistan began a “strategic partnership” to deepen security and economic links. But Indian activity in Afghanistan has triggered unease in neighbouring rival Pakistan, which fears losing influence in Afghanistan.

The former Taleban regime was allied with Pakistan and gave refuge to virulently anti-Indian Islamist extremists. India has been notably cool about US-backed attempts to negotiate a peace settlement with Taleban elements.

Speaking on a visit to

Washington in February, Indian Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai said New Delhi saw little “dividing line” between Al-Qaeda and other militants.

He doubted that “these groups and those who support them have either had an epiphany or made a real strategic reassessment of their objectives”.

Karzai is a regular visitor to India and spent time as a student in the northern resort city of Shimla. He was last in New Delhi in November when he told Indian business leaders that Afghanistan was ripe for investment and promised them a “red carpet welcome”. —AFP

11 Afghan police killed in violence KABUL: A roadside bomb in western Afghanistan and clashes in the volatile south left eleven police officers dead, officials said yesterday.

The bomb killed six police guards in Herat province yesterday as they travelled to a hydroelectric dam that is under protection from insurgent attack.

The officers were from the Afghan Public Protection Force, a government-run force that provides security for international supply convoys, aid groups and foreign-funded reconstruction sites.

The blast ripped through the vehicle as the men were heading to Obe district in Herat, where India is rebuilding a major hydroelectric dam.

“All six police guards were killed,” Sher Agha, the Obe district police chief, told AFP. There was no claim of responsibility but similar bombs are often blamed on the Taleban, the main militant group waging an insurgency against the government in Kabul. Taleban insurgents attacked several police posts in the southern province of Helmand on Monday, triggering two days of clashes at the start of the traditional fighting season.

The interior ministry spokesman in Kabul said about 100 insurgents were involved in the offensive in the tinderbox district of Sangin, with five police and 26 militants killed. “The fighting continued throughout Monday and last night. The Taleban have now been pushed back,” Omar Zwak, the Helmand governor spokesman, told AFP. The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said none of its soldiers were involved in the fighting and put the number of attackers at less than 50.

“There were about 10 groups of four to five fighters each doing driveby shootings against five police checkpoints,” Colonel Thomas Collins, an ISAF spokesman said in a statement.

“Local Afghan security forces called for (Afghan) reinforcements and none of the checkpoints were overrun.”

Sangin district has been a hotspot of fighting for several years, with British and US forces battling against Taleban insurgents.

Afghan soldiers have recently taken over increased responsibility across the country as 100,000 ISAF troops start to gradually withdraw from the battlefield ahead of the end of combat missions next year. — AFP

JAKARTA: Indonesian workers union members hold a rally outside the energy and mineral resources ministry in Jakarta yesterday to demand safer working conditions after an accident on May 14 at the Freeport-McMoRan’s Grasberg, one of the world’s biggest gold and copper mines in the remote Papua province. The death toll from a mine tunnel collapse in eastern Indonesia has risen to 21, the US operator said, as rescuers searched for another seven workers now also presumed dead. — AFP

Indonesia mine collapse death toll rises to 21 TIMIKA: Rescuers recovered another four bodies from a collapsed underground room at a giant US-owned gold and copper mine in Indonesia, bringing the confirmed death toll to 21, mine officials said yesterday. Seven others were believed buried under the rubble.

The Big Gossan underground training facility at the PT Freeport Indonesia mine collapsed last week when 38 workers were undergoing safety training. Ten injured miners were rescued. A statement from the company said recovery efforts were continuing around the clock.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said he had ordered two Cabinet ministers to personally investigate the accident, but their visits were rejected by the company because rescue efforts were still under way.

Mining operations at the Grasberg mine, owned by Phoenix, Arizona-based FreeportMcMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., have been suspended since the accident to pay respects to the victims and to concentrate on the recovery effort. The company said the accident was expected to have no significant impact on its operations.

“I will continue to order the ministers as well as other concerned officials to thoroughly discuss and investigate to find out what has to be done to ensure safety in the future,” Yudhoyono said after presiding over a meeting to discuss the accident. “We will evaluate all mining companies in the country, not only Freeport.”

Richard Adkerson, president and CEO of Freeport McMoran Copper and Gold, arrived Saturday at the scene and visited the injured workers and the families of those still buried.

“I am deeply saddened and disturbed by this event,” Adkerson said, adding that “the entire Freeport family around the world joins Freeport Indonesia in grieving for our lost brothers.”

The Grasberg mine is one of the world’s largest single producers of both copper and g o l d. M o re t h a n 2 0 , 0 0 0 wo r k e r s a re employed at the mine, which has repeatedly been targeted by arson attacks, roadside bombs and block ades since produc tion began in the 1970s. I t is located in the re m ote m ount a i ns of re s ource -r i c h b ut impoverished Papua province, which is home to a decades-long, low-level separatist insurgency. — AP

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Sharp rise in number of Afghan women in prison for ‘moral crimes’ KABUL: About 600 Afghan women and girls are behind bars for so-called moral crimes, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said yesterday, the highest number since the Taleban were toppled almost twelve years ago. Running away from home, usually from abuse and forced marriage, and alleged adultery, which often involves rape, have landed most of the 600 women in prison. That figure is an increase of 50 percent over the last 18 months.

“That increase reflects a shameful lack and failure of political will by both

the government of Afghanistan and its foreign donors and allies,” Phelim Kine, HRW’s deputy director of Asia, told reporters.

Women have won back rights of education and work since the Taleban were toppled by U.S.-backed Afghan forces in late 2001, but there are fears these freedoms could be curtailed after most NATO-led forces leave by the end of next year. Rights workers and some Afghan female lawmakers accuse President Hamid Karzai’s government of doing too little to protect women - allegations his

administration denies.

The New York-based rights group said the statistics on girls and women in prison came from the Interior Ministry.

The findings come days after parliament failed to ratify an Elimination of Violence Against Women law, which would have strengthened a 2009 presidential decree banning forced and underage marriage, beatings and rape.

Conservative religious lawmakers blocked the decree’s ratification, arguing some articles were un-Islamic, such as keeping the legal age for women to mar-

ry at 16 and maintaining the existence of shelters for domestic abuse victims.

“If the parliament were to in future reverse this law, that would have very, ver y serious consequences for Afghanistan,” said HRW Afghanistan researcher Heather Barr. On Monday, the United Nations urged the government to ratify the law.

Barr said if the abuse of girls and women continued, countries that help Afghanistan might not be willing to.

“International donors will not support a country where girls who are 9 or 10

years old can be married,” she said.

While HRW said it was difficult to pinpoint the reason for the increase in the imprisonment of women for “moral crimes”, Barr said incarceration of both men and women had risen across the country in recent years.

The pending withdrawal of foreign troops and dwindling global interest in Afghanistan may also play a role. “As everyone anticipates the departure of foreigners, there is a feeling that, in a sense, things can go back to normal,” she said. — Reuters

Chinese premier vows to open up markets to India Two countries must now take corrective steps

NEW DELHI: Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi, right, holds the hand of Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit at a prayer meeting to mark the death anniversary of his father and former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi at his memorial in New Delhi, India, yesterday. — AP

Taipei releases satellite record, rejects Manila’s claim TAIPEI: Taiwan yesterday released a satellite record of the route of a fishing boat fired on by Philippine coastguards, flatly rejecting Manila’s allegations that the boat intruded into Philippine waters.

The killing of crew member Hung Shih-cheng, 65, sparked outrage in Taiwan, which has announced a series of economic sanctions against the Philippines.

Taiwan’s Fisheries Agency said the voyage data recorder from the fishing boat showed it was not in Philippine waters when it came under fire on May 9.

“The satellite records indicated that the Guang Ta Hsin 28 had been fishing within Taiwan’s exclusive economic zone throughout,” the agency’s deputy chief Tsay Tzu-yaw told AFP. The satellite record showed that the ship was positioned at 122 degrees and 55 minutes east and 19 degrees and 59 minutes north when it was attacked at 10:12 am. The economic zones claimed by each country overlap.

“Since the Philippine authorities repeatedly alleged that the fishing boat had intruded into their waters, then why not make public the video records they claim they have taken from the coastguard boat?” Tsay said.

The Philippines said Monday it would make “coordinated efforts” with Taiwan to look into the incident.

Its coastguards claimed that the fishing boat intruded into Philippine waters

and tried to ram their vessel, forcing them to to open fire.

Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou has termed the killing “cold-blooded murder” based on an initial inquiry by Taiwan, which showed that the boat had more than 50 bullet holes and showed no signs of ramming. The incident has sharply raised tensions between Taipei and Manila, sparking concern from Washington.

Philippine Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Monday a National Bureau of Investigation team would fly to Taiwan to examine the fishing boat and interview survivors.

De Lima said the Taiwanese investigators would be given access to their evidence, including statements from the coastguard.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino has personally apologised for the incident but Taiwan has rejected his apology and announced sanctions.

These include a ban on the hiring of new Philippine workers, recalling its envoy and staging a naval drill in waters off the northern Philippines.

Taipei has repeatedly pressed Manila to issue a formal government apology, to compensate the fisherman’s family and to apprehend the killer.

Philippine officials say the issue of a formal apology is complicated by the fact that Manila officially recognises Beijing over Taipei. — AFP

N Korea releases Chinese sailors BEIJING: North Korea released 16 Chinese fishermen and their boat yesterday, Chinese state media said, after reports that armed assailants had taken the sailors hostage fuelled strains between the neighbours.

“All the fishermen with the boat are safe on their way back,” China’s Xinhua news agency said, citing a Chinese embassy official in Pyongyang it said had heard the news from the shipowner.

Xinhua said the fishermen had been detained “by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea side”, using the North’s official name, without giving further details.

The vessel’s owner Yu Xuejun told AFP that armed North Koreans seized the boat in waters between the two countries on May 6 and demanded 600,000 yuan ($98,000) for the men’s release, adding they were probably from Pyongyang’s military.

The incident is the latest strain in the relationship between the neighbours.

Beijing is Pyongyang’s sole major ally and its key provider of aid and trade, but China said it “firmly opposed” the nuclear-armed North’s atomic test in February.

North Korea has for years done most of its banking through China, but with the imposition of stronger UN sanctions after the nuclear test, Beijing has come under greater pressure to tighten its control on Pyongyang’s financial flows.

The state-owned Bank of China in early May shut the account of a North Korean bank accused by the United States of supporting the atomic programme. Reports said the boat’s captors had asked Yu to pay the ransom into a bank account in the northeastern

Chinese city of Dandong, a major hub for trade between China and the North.

The detention caused outrage online in China, with Internet users calling on Beijing to take a tough stance against Pyongyang, and accusing authorities of not making sufficient efforts to secure the men’s release.

China has stayed in “close communication” with North Korea over the incident, foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular news briefing on Monday. In an editorial Tuesday before the release was announced, the state-run Global Times, which often reflects nationalist opinion in China, said that Beijing should “should let the North Korean side know we are angry”.

“If North Korea continues to go rogue, China should take actions to push it toward a more measured response,” it said, adding: “If we don’t set rules for North Korea, our whole government’s image may be seen as being too weak.”

The incident came a year after the return of 29 Chinese fishermen also kidnapped by unidentified North Koreans who had demanded a 1.2 million yuan ransom. Those sailors were returned without ransom after the foreign ministry said it had contacted North Korea in an effort to resolve the case, Xinhua reported at the time.

“There is no clear demarcation of the sea border between China and North Korea,” the Global Times quoted Lu Chao, a Chinese maritime researcher, as saying.

“Whenever North Korean coastal troops lack money, they cross the line and detain Chinese vessels to extort money.

And most ship owners choose to pay the ransom if the amount is not too high,” he said. — AFP

NEW DELHI: Visiting Premier Li Keqiang promised yesterday to open China’s vast domestic market wider to India and forge a “dynamic trade balance” to deepen economic ties and ease tensions between the Asian giants.

The trade push, which the countries say will supply “new engines” to lift the stumbling global economy, came amid efforts by the nuclear-armed powers to put a militar y dispute along their contested Himalayan border behind them. “ We have the ability to mitigate the trade imbalance between our two countries,” Li told business leaders in New Delhi, responding to Indian worries over trade that is heavily skewed in China’s favour.

“The Chinese side is willing to provide facilitation for more Indian products to access the Chinese market,” added Li, who chose to make India his first foreign stop after taking office two months ago.

He also said China was willing to “launch negotiations on a China-India regional trading arrangement” but did not elaborate. China is India’s biggest trading partner, with t wo -way commerce totalling $67.83 billion in the last fiscal year to March 2013, up from $2.1 billion in 2001-02. But India’s trade deficit with its neighbour soared to $40.77 billion last year from just $1.08 billion in 2001-02, Indian figures show. Li said he wants a “dynamic trade balance” as the neighbours aim to raise twoway trade to $100 billion by 2015, and said they had “huge markets with huge potential”.

But previous Chinese commitments have failed to narrow the imbalance. “The two countries must now take corrective steps,” B.G. Verghese, fellow at the Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi, told AFP, adding the balancing process could take five to seven years. “There must be market access on the Chinese side and the Indians must produce the manufactured goods the Chinese need,” he said, adding deeper trade involvement brings “deeper vested interest in all-round stability”.

MUMBAI: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang smiles during a business summit in Mumbai, India, yesterday. Li told Indian business leaders that developing stronger economic ties between the two nations would have huge benefits for both sides. — AP

In his speech, Li reiterated China’s desire to build trust with India after both sides agreed Monday to work towards settling the long-running dispute over their still formally undefined border. Ties have been dogged by mutual suspicion, the legacy of a brief 1962 border war. China also views the presence in India of Tibet’s spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, who campaigns for “genuine autonomy” for his homeland, as a serious irritant.

Li said China understands “balanced trade is crucial to good ties between the world’s two most populous countries” and that “a peaceful and stable South Asia is consistent with China’s development interests”.

“Only a dynamic trade balance is a sustainable trade relationship,” he said. “We will support Chinese enterprises to increase

investments in India and help Indian products have access to Chinese markets,” he said.

India is seeking Chinese participation in its special manufacturing zones or SEZs being set up under its National M a n u f a c t u r i n g Po l i c y, w h i c h a i m s t o sharply increase manufacturing to provide jobs for its growing army of young people.

Yesterday the countries signed deals to raise Indian access to China’s drugs market and promote trade in fish and meat products. Both nations’ economies have slowed due to the global downturn and in India’s case due to high interest rates, corruption scandals and government policy paralysis that have dampened business activity. Li was travelling later to India’s financial hub Mumbai before heading to Pakistan and later to Switzerland and Germany. — AFP

Myanmar jails 7 Muslims for up to 28 years for riots YANGON: Myanmar yesterday sentenced seven Muslims to prison terms ranging from two to 28 years in connection with religious violence in March that left dozens of people dead, a justice official said.

The defendants, who were spared the death penalty, were accused of the murder of a Buddhist monk in the central town of Meiktila that sparked unrest across the region, mostly targeting Muslims.

The suspects were jailed on charges including murder, incitement to murder, arson and damage to public property, Mandalay region advocate general Ye Aung

Myint told AFP by telephone from Meiktila. The main suspect received life imprisonment-equivalent to 20 years-and four more years for other charges, he said.

One of his accomplices was handed 10 years for the murder, and 18 years for other crimes including arson and damage to public property.

Their family members broke down in tears at the court after hearing the verdict, defence lawyer Thein Than Oo told AFP. “Whether they appeal depends on their relatives,” he said.

According to the government, at least 44 people were killed and thousands left homeless after the

wave of violence, which was apparently triggered by a quarrel in a gold shop.

Three Muslims including the gold shop owner were jailed for 14 years in April for assaulting a Buddhist customer. So far no Buddhists have been convicted in connection with the unrest in Meiktila, but Ye Aung Myint insisted that both sides were being treated equally.

“We are sentencing people according to the law based on evidence presented at trial. We have no bias at all based on religion,” he said. A total of 87 people have been arrested in the Meiktila area including about 38

MEIKHTILA: A Muslim man is escorted by police officers following a trial at a township court in Meikhtila, central Myanmar, yestertday. A court in Myanmar sentenced seven Muslims to terms ranging from life to two years in prison yesterday for the killing of a Buddhist monk during sectarian violence that is posing a serious challenge to President Thein Sein’s reformist government. — AP

Buddhists, he said.

Attacks against Muslims-who make up an estimated four percent of Myanmar’s populationhave exposed deep fractures in the formerly junta-run country and cast a shadow over widelypraised political reforms.

Some monks were involved in the clashes, while others have led a nationalistic campaign calling for a boycott of Muslim-owned shops. President Thein Sein, who sent the army to restore order, has vowed a tough response against those behind the violence, which he attributed to “political opportunists and religious extremists”.

It followed Buddhist-Muslim clashes in the western state of Rakhine last year that left about 200 people dead, mostly minority Muslim Rohingya who are denied citizenship by Myanmar.

The verdicts come as rights group Physicians for Human Rights released a report detailing “horrific” violence in Meiktila targeting Muslims.

It quoted eyewitnesses who described a Buddhist mobincluding monks and assisted by the security forces-hunting down and killing at least 20 children and four teachers from a Muslim school and injuring many more.

Witnesses recounted seeing one student being decapitated and another being set on fire, according to the US-based group, which aims to use medicine and science to stop human rights violations. “Innocent children and adults were humiliated, beaten, and killed with complete impunity, which-if not addressed-will only lead to more human rights violations,” said report author Holly Atkinson, who also directs the Human Rights Program at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. —AFP

14

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

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Issues

Real juggernaut in need of repair post Mourinho

By Iain Rogers lorentino Perez’s decision to hire Jose Mourinho to coach his beloved Real Madrid in 2010 was the fruit of the construction magnate’s obsession with winning the 10th European crown that has eluded the club since 2002. The bespectacled 66-year-old, who has splurged more than Ä400 million ($514 million) of the club’s money on players since returning to the presidency in 2009, was also desperate to end the domestic and European domination of Real’s bitter rivals Barcelona. With his repeated references to Mourinho being “the best coach in the world” during the controversial Portuguese’s presentation, it seemed that Perez, who is up for re-election this year, was digging himself a hole.

And so it proved. Mourinho’s departure three years before his contract ends in 2016 comes at the end of a trophyless season he himself labelled a “disaster” and concludes a reign marked by division, conflict and controversy.

The self-proclaimed special one’s major trophy haul of one La Liga title in 2012 - with a record points tally - and a King’s Cup the previous year is a poor one considering the immense resources at his disposal.

But as Mourinho appears poised to return to Chelsea, it is not just the lack of success on the pitch that his successor - Paris St Germain’s Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti is widely tipped to take over - will need to reverse. They will inherit a squad reeling from the painful failure of their latest La Liga, Champions League and domestic Cup campaigns.

One of the first tasks will be to reintegrate players like goalkeeper and club captain Iker Casillas and defender Pepe, who clashed with Mourinho and were sidelined, while attempting to prevent talent from jumping ship along with their former coach.

The club’s demanding fans, who want to see entertaining football as well as titles, will swiftly need to be placated. Mourinho was being whistled by a significant section of the Bernabeu long before he benched club hero Casillas and his style of play did not sit well with many supporters. While Mourinho’s Real sides could be devastating on the counterattack, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria surging forward at breathtaking speed, he was often accused of using negative tactics, particularly when the team were defending a lead. A typical example was Friday’s bitter King’s Cup final defeat to Atletico Madrid. After going 1-0 up, Real sat back instead of pushing for a second goal that might have killed off their city rivals and Atletico forced their way back into the game, going on to win 2-1 for their first success against Real in 14 years.

The damage Mourinho has inflicted on the image of a club which likes to see itself as a gentlemanly institution, magnanimous in victory as well as defeat, will also have to be addressed, according to marketing experts. Perez appointed Mourinho “sporting manager” as well as firstteam coach, an unusual step for a club in Spain where a coach’s powers are typically more limited, and he was responsible for the development of the “soccer product”. A successful marketing strategy primarily requires success on the pitch but should also foster an image of the club that is acceptable to existing fans and will encourage more to invest their time and money.

Mourinho appears to have failed on both counts and the list of controversial incidents during his three years in the Spanish capital is a lengthy one. They include sneaking up behind Tito Vilanova, then assistant Barca coach, during a brawl and poking a finger in his eye, repeated complaints about refereeing bias, ugly clashes with journalists and Real officials and dark hints that Barca get favourable treatment from governing body UEFA. His stint at Real hit a new low on Friday when he was sent from the bench during the second half of the Cup final for furiously berating the referee and refused to collect his loser’s award from the Spanish king.

Ancelotti is a very different personality to the outspoken Mourinho and has an impressive record, winning the Champions League with AC Milan in 2003 and 2007 and losing to Liverpool in the 2005 final. However, he also has a reputation for fielding counterattacking sides not immune to negativity and such tactics repeated in Madrid will not go down well with the Real faithful. But after the clashes and controversy of the Mourinho years, perhaps the understated and respectful Italian is just what Real need to restore calm and finally get their hands on the “decima”, or 10th European title. For his part, Perez is unlikely to be damaged too seriously by the failed Mourinho experiment.

He is unlikely to be opposed at this summer’s election, guaranteeing another four-year term. — Reuters

F

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The editor reserves the right to edit any submission as necessary.

Reps see new scandal in Sebelius fundraising

By David Morgan ith the White House already reeling from three major controversies, some Republican lawmakers are zeroing in on what they perceive is another possible scandal tied to President Barack Obama’s landmark health reform law just as it nears implementation. On top of the troubles the administration is facing over its handling of the attack on the Benghazi mission, the Internal Revenue Service’s targeting of conservative groups, and the Justice Department’s seizure of Associated Press phone records, Republicans hope to target Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

They are questioning her soliciting of funds on behalf of a non-profit group, called Enroll America, from two private entities, a practice which if not unprecedented is at the very least unusual. Federal law bars officials from soliciting any organization or individual with whom they do business or regulate. Enroll America is run by the president’s former campaign backers to do something Congress refused to fund: sell “Obamacare” to the public.

An HHS statement last week said that since March Sebelius solicited financial donations for Enroll America from H&R Block Inc, the tax preparation company, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a philanthropic entity devoted to public health issues. Asked Monday for a list of all solicitations before or after March, an HHS spokesman referred Reuters to the department’s original statement. Neither H&R Block nor the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation are regulated by HHS, the department’s spokesman said, so there was nothing improper or illegal about soliciting them.

Enroll America is intended to serve as the private sector flagship for a massive public outreach campaign intended to get millions of uninsured Americans to sign up for subsidized insurance coverage through new online marketplaces, or exchanges, that will begin open enrollment on Oct 1. H&R Block said it has made no commitment to Enroll America.

“We received a phone call from the Secretary during which the Secretary discussed supporting Enroll America,” the company said in a statement. “While we took her suggestion under consideration, we have made no commitment,” it said.

W

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation said in a statement that it had “recently approved new funding” for Enroll America, bringing its total contributions to the group to nearly $14 million since 2010. It did not say how much of that, if any, came in response to Sebelius’ solicitation.

It’s the second controversy over the novel method used by the Obama administration to promote its agenda: using campaign-style organizations staffed with loyalists and former campaign or White House aides to mobilize grassroots suppor t for government policies. The first involved Organizing for Action, an independent non-profit group seeking to harness both the energy and personnel from Obama’s re-election campaign in support of the president’s legislative agenda.

The Enroll America issue is complicated by the fact that Republicans in Congress have succeeded in blocking proposed government spending that otherwise could have been used to achieve the ends pursued by the independent group. That has given lawmakers, such as Republican US Senator Lamar Alexander, an opening to allege a violation of the federal “anti-deficiency” act, which bars agencies from accepting “voluntary” services except when authorized by law.

In defense of the help the department is getting from Enroll America, an HHS spokesman said it is permitted by a section of the Public Health Service Act that allows the secretary to encourage support for new and innovative health programs. Some conservative legal experts say finding a clear-cut violation of the law is a long shot. “I would be skeptical of the claim that it’s illegal, unless someone made a really compelling case. However, the appearance is such that it at least raises questions,” said Jonathan Adler, a law professor at Case Western University who opposes healthcare reform.

But legal issues may be the least of the concerns for supporters of the healthcare law. They worry that a political storm over Obamacare, with congressional hearings likely, could discourage private donors to Enroll America and jeopardize the administration’s ability to find the funds needed to reach a public that is already largely unaware of the healthcare reforms. One of the biggest concerns is that younger, healthier people will not sign up for health plans

on the exchanges, driving the costs up for coverage of the people who do sign up. “The danger” to the health program, said former Obama healthcare adviser Nancy-Ann DeParle, “is that people don’t come and enroll and get insured. That leaves the health plans in the exchanges trying to cover people without any young, healthy people, and it drives the price up.”

Republicans certainly see an opportunity. “Our guys on the Hill think this is the fourth scandal,” said Republican strategist Matt Mackowiak. “It fits into that narrative Republicans are building not only about incompetence in the executive branch but also dishonesty.” “This is a good issue for Republicans,” Mackowiak added. “We want to maximize it.” The Republican-controlled House Energy and Commerce Committee has launched an investigation into the fundraising to determine whether it involved regulated companies and has asked nearly a dozen healthcare firms including major insurers such as Aetna Inc, a member of Enroll America’s advisory council, to say whether they have received solicitations.

Republicans in the House and Senate have also called on the non-partisan Government Accountability Office to investigate. “People are watching it very closely. We’re hearing about it from constituents, people who are incredibly concerned,” said Republican Representative Marsha Blackburn.

Enroll America was launched in Sept 2011 in part by leaders of Families USA, a key backer of the healthcare reform effort as it moved through Congress in 2009 and 2010. It is led by Anne Filipic, who worked on public engagement projects in the Obama White House. It’s managing director, Chris Wyant, directed Obama’s eastern Ohio field operation during the 2012 election campaign.

It includes on its boards of directors and advisers, executives of Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Blue Shield of California, Kaiser Permanente, and CVS Caremark as well as officials of major health-related trade associations, such as the American Hospital Association and the National Association of Health Underwriters. Filipic said she is confident that Enroll America will get the funds it needs for the outreach campaign. “We feel really good that we’ll have the resources we need,” she said. — Reuters

Mother of China rape victim turns crusader

By Carol Huang he kidnap, rape and forced prostitution of her daughter set Tang Hui on a mission to seek justice. But it was Chinese authorities’ repeated obstructions, even detaining her, that made her a diehard activist. For seven years she has fought against the men who violated her child, and the system that blocked her, becoming a cause celebre in 2012 after her efforts landed her in a labour camp. The public outcry over her sentence led to her release and Tang resumed her crusade which even she considers unlikely to succeed. But she refuses to give up. “ The biggest change for me has been that I no longer believe there is justice in this society,” Tang said in an interview in Changsha, the capital of her home province of Hunan.

The 40-year-old’s voice rose and her chin-length hair, still growing back after being shorn at labour camp, shook at times as she spoke. But, she added: “For sure I will persevere.” Tang set out demanding punishment for seven men who in 2006 forced her daughter - 11 at the time -into sex work, and for a dozen police she says raped her child and falsified evidence to protect the abductors. The men lured Tang’s daughter at a skating rink in her hometown of Yongzhou by showing off their moves on the ice before seizing her. Three months later Tang found her at a brothel but said an officer handling the case declined to intervene. “He didn’t even go inside, just stayed at the side of the road, then got in his car and drove away,” she recalled.

Eventually other police arrived to rescue the girl.

But it was just the end of the beginning of Tang’s battle, and along the way, she

T

says, she has endured beatings, false charges and labour camp. In this way Tang - who only went to primary school and now helps run a small shop - fell into what Yu Jianrong of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences has called a “vicious cycle” of ordinary citizens becoming obsessed activists after their initial injustices are mishandled. “As local governments use even more severe methods... people’s complaints grow more extreme,” he wrote in a rare public criticism last December.

The child came out scarred - she contracted herpes, suffers from nightmares even today and still shuns men. To try to avoid any stigma she has moved away to another province and switched schools almost every year. Tang stayed in Hunan to

pursue justice, her efforts funded by loans from family and friends and her husband’s meagre income from temporary jobs. She tracked the kidnappers’ trial impatiently as it took a year to open and then meandered in the courts for another four - an unusually slow process for China’s normally decisive legal system.

Frustrated, she found ways to agitate inviting trouble in a country that quashes social disturbance. She handed out leaflets recounting her story. Twice she knelt for hours outside the Changsha high court.

Dozens of times she travelled to Changsha and Beijing to petition higher authorities, an age-old practise in China. Aggravated officials whose jobs depend on preventing protest began to monitor Tang and, she

A photo taken on April 28, 2013 shows Tang Hui in a car in Changsha, Hunan province.— AFP

said, “every time I went to Beijing they would bring me back”. On one occasion she was detained in Changsha and beaten so badly that she stayed in hospital for over a week, vomiting for days as her swollen head throbbed, she said.

Finally in June 2012, two men were sentenced to death, four to life in prison and one to 15 years. Tang continued to seek punishment for the police, but was soon sentenced to 18 months hard labour at a prison-like camp outside Changsha for doing so, along with her earlier efforts.

Xinhua state news agency said she was condemned for “seriously disturbing social order and exerting a negative impact on society”. Many petitioners face such fates in China, and the camps can involve gruesome abuses from electric shocks to shackling in painful positions, a Chinese magazine revealed in April.

Tang said she was never allowed to speak with other inmates so did not learn what they experienced. News of her detention spread online, scandalising the public.

“The state should protect citizens,” one social media user wrote, calling her ordeal “so unfair”. Just over a week in, Tang was released. She filed a lawsuit over her sentence, which was rejected, and has now submitted an appeal which a court said at the weekend will be heard - although she considers victory a “remote possibility”.

“Ordinary people like me, even if we kneel a thousand times, ten thousand times, we cannot get results,” she said. But the risk of further punishment does not dissuade her, she said. “If I thought about such things, then there are things I would not dare do.

And if you don’t dare do some things, then those people will never get what they deserve.” — AFP

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

A woman and child watch a dog sculpture in Beijing yesterday. — AP

Saudi Everest climber happy to change...

Syria ‘destroys’ Israeli vehicle

Continued from Page 1

Continued from Page 1

favorable weather conditions on the mountain. “It was very personal thing. I didn’t do it to cause a movement, did not do it because of anything, but If I can change people’s opinion or the world’s opinion on Saudi women and if I can change Saudi women’s opinion about themselves I would be really happy,” Muharraq said. Women’s freedoms are severely limited in Saudi Arabia.

Females are not allowed to drive and cannot travel or attend school without the permission of a male guardian. Last year, two Saudi female athletes made an unprecedented appearance at the Olympics.

Muharraq said she didn’t have any problems during the climb. She was among the first batch of climbers to head to the summit and there were fewer people on the narrow trail on the day she and her teammates reached the summit. “I am very lucky that I adapted to the altitude well but

The incident occurred at 1:10 am (2210 GMT, Monday), it said. Shortly afterwards, Israeli forces fired two rockets towards a Syrian position, without causing any casualties, Syria said. The Israeli military’s chief of staff, Lieutenant-General Benny Gantz, said the Israeli army vehicle had been patrolling on the Israeli side of a border fence when it came under repeated fire. “They fire on it once. They fire on it twice. They fire on it a third time, from a clear Syrian position,” he said in a speech. “One time, okay. Two times, okay. Three times, too many. The position was destroyed.”

Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon said: “Our policy on Syria is clear: We are not intervening there, of course, in the civil war ... But as for the situation in the Golan Heights, we are not allowing and we will not permit a spillover of fire into our territory.” Tension in the Golan Heights region has been fuelled by the fighting on the Syrian side and several recent abductions by rebel fighters of UN peacekeepers, who have monitored a narrow zone of separation between Syrian and Israeli troops since 1974.

The abductions led the Philippines government to say it was considering withdrawing its troops from the UNDOF observer mission. Austria, the other main troop contributor, is concerned that French and British calls to drop an EU arms embargo on Syrian rebels would render its continued presence untenable. Adding to the sense of alert, the militant Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said two weeks ago it was forming combat units to try to recapture the Golan, after Assad and Lebanon’s Hezbollah said they would support such operations.

Syria’s Foreign Ministry sent a written complaint to the United Nations yesterday, saying Israel’s actions violated the United Nations charter and a 1974 military disengagement agreement between the two foes. Syria’s military command said the incident showed that Israel was supporting the anti-Assad rebels and aimed “to raise their morale which collapsed after the tough blows struck by our noble armed forces ... especially in Qusair.” Syria’s army, backed by Hezbollah, has launched an offensive to capture the central town of Qusair, which has been in rebel hands for most of the two-year uprising which has now killed more than 80,000 people, according to the

Saudi mountaineer Raha Muharraq talks with the media in Kathmandu yesterday. — AFP it was really hard for me to get used to someone said I couldn’t do it and I the cold, I come from Saudi Arabia,” wanted to prove to myself”. “It wasn’t she said. She said she began climbing a perfect day on the summit, it was by scaling Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa windy but it was beautiful,” she said. “I nearly two years ago and set her was standing on the summit of the sights on Everest “simply because world with my two feet and I could

Saudis arrest 10 Iran ‘spies’ Continued from Page 1 four regions, including the oil-rich Eastern Province, where Saudi Arabia’s Shiite Muslim minority is concentrated. A week later, the kingdom said the alleged spy cell had “direct links” to Iran’s intelligence services.

“Preliminary investigations and physical evidence that has been collected as well as the defendants’ statements on this case have all revealed direct links between this cell and Iranian intelligence services,” a ministry spokesman said. Shiite-dominated Iran has denied any involvement in the alleged spy ring.

Saudi Arabia’s ultra-conservative Sunni Muslim rulers have strained ties with Iran, which deteriorated further after a Saudi-led military intervention crushed Shiite-led pro-democracy protests in neighbouring Bahrain in early 2011. Since early 2011, mainly Shiite towns in the Eastern Province have seen sporadic protests and confrontations between police and residents complaining of marginalisation. There are an estimated two million Shiites in the Sunni-dominated Saudi kingdom of about 27.5 million people. On March 27, 135 Saudi Shiites, among them 36 clerics, urged the government to free members of the alleged spy ring, accusing it of using sectarianism to settle foreign scores.

Separately, Saudi Arabia yesterday executed five Yemenis and displayed their bodies in public for killing a national and forming a gang that committed robberies across several towns in the kingdom, the interior ministry said. New York-based watchdog Human Rights Watch (HRW) slammed the punishment as “outrageous”.

The ministry later also announced, in statements carried by the official SPA news agency, that a Saudi was beheaded in the southwestern region of Assir for the murder of a fellow citizen. The five were executed in the town of Jizan, also southwest Saudi Arabia.

The beheadings yesterday bring the number of peo-

ple executed in the kingdom this year to 47, according to an AFP tally. A witness in Jizan told AFP that the five men were “beheaded by the sword” and displayed in public near a university. Their bodies were removed from the area a few hours later, according to witnesses.

In a picture on microblogging website Twitter, five men are seen hanging from a rope tied to their waists on a horizontal bar between two cranes, in a public display which Saudi authorities refer to as “crucifixion”. The picture appeared to show the men’s severed heads in separate sacks.

The ministry said that Khaled, Adel and Qassem Saraa, three brothers, as well as Saif Ali Al-Sahari and Khaled Showie Al-Sahari had formed a gang which committed “several crimes in various regions in the kingdom and robbed stores”. The five had killed Ahmed Haroubi, a Saudi, by beating him up and strangling him, it said.

In remarks emailed to AFP, HRW’s Middle East researcher Adam Coogle said “Saudi authorities have once again made headlines for beheading five men and displaying their decapitated bodies in public”.

“Regardless of the accusations against them, this outrageous punishment serves as a gruesome reminder of the deficiencies of Saudi Arabia’s criminal justice system,” he said. “If Saudi Arabia is serious about reform, as it has claimed, it should create a penal code, uphold fair trial rights, and cease using inhuman punishments.”

In March, a Saudi firing squad executed in public seven men convicted of armed robbery despite last-minute appeals by rights groups at the time that their lives be spared. In 2012, the kingdom executed 76 people, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. HRW has put the number at 69. Rape, murder, apostasy, armed robbery and drug trafficking are all punishable by death under Saudi Arabia’s strict version of sharia, or Islamic law. —Agencies

Mixed reactions over massive oil reshuffle Continued from Page 1 new corporate law. But the opposition has so far remained silent on the changes to Kuwait’s most vital sector which contributes around 95 percent of public revenues.

In another development, the opposition is on the verge of announcing that it will again boycott any parliamentary election based on the single-vote law if the constitutional court confirms the law. Former opposition MPs of the scrapped 2012 Assembly held detailed discussions on the issue late Sunday at the diwaniya of former speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun and decided to hold another meeting on the issue next week. Former Islamist MP Khaled AlSultan said in a statement after the meeting that “one or two former MPs” still believe that it will be better to take part in the election if the court declares the law in line

with the constitution in the highly anticipated ruling next month.

But the majority of the former MPs and the opposition members believe that elections should be boycotted if held on the basis of the single-vote law and the final decision is expected to be announced on Saturday. Sultan said the issue is not about how many constituencies and how many votes, but it is about “the regime having the right to change the election system unilaterally” which allows the government to manipulate election results. He said that any change in the election law must be taken by the National Assembly and not by the government because it shapes the political future of the nation. So far, members of the Popular Action Movement and the Reform and Development Bloc and several independents have announced that they will not contest any election unless the previous law issued in 2006 is reinstated.

United Nations. “The blatant Zionist aggression confirms that any violation, or attempted violation of the country’s sovereignty will be met with immediate and firm retaliation,” the Syrian army said.

Meanwhile, elite Hezbollah fighters poured across the border from Lebanon into Syria yesterday, a watchdog and others said, bolstering regime forces battling to retake Qusair. Washington expressed concern about Hezbollah’s role and diplomats said the EU was poised to place the powerful Shiite militant group’s military wing on its list of international terrorist groups.

In central Homs province, Hezbollah fighters were reportedly leading the battle for Qusair, three days after the Syrian regime began an assault to regain control of the town. “It’s clear Hezbollah is leading the assault,” Syrian Observatory for Human Rights director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP, adding that regime air strikes were ongoing and “much of the town is now destroyed.”

A source close to Hezbollah told AFP it “has sent new elite troops to Qusair”. Hezbollah’s television channel broadcast images of funerals for five members it said were killed carrying out their “jihadist duty”. The Observatory said more than 100 people have been killed in Qusair since the fighting began on Sunday, including 31 Hezbollah fighters, 70 rebels and nine soldiers. Abdel Rahman described the rebel response to the assault in Qusair as “fierce,” but expressed concern for the fate of some 25,000 trapped civilians.

Pro-regime daily Al-Watan said loyalists had taken control of all Qusair’s official buildings and “raised the Syrian flag” above them. The town, which lies between Damascus and the coast, and sits between the Syrian city of Homs and the Lebanese city of Tripoli, is a key strategic prize. The regime is hoping to protect its access to the coast and deprive the rebels of links to Tripoli, a majority Sunni town that provides a conduit for fighters and weapons. “It is important for the Syrians, the Iranians and Hezbollah to control the road” linking Tripoli to Syria, Lebanese analyst Waddah Sharara told AFP. Tripoli is also home to a minority of Alawites, an offshoot of Shiite Islam to which Assad belongs. Violence there between the sects has broken out regularly since the Syrian conflict began in March 2011. Yesterday, a security source confirmed the death of Sunni man from the town in clashes. — Agencies

Giant tornado levels US town Continued from Page 1 shattered community, where even residents with long memories of past storms were shocked by the devastation.

In televised remarks from the White House, Obama made special mention of the young victims as he mourned those lost and promised to provide survivors with the help they need to find their footing.

“The people of Moore should know that their country will remain on the ground there for them, beside them as long as it takes for their homes and schools to rebuild,” Obama said. “There are empty spaces where there used to be living rooms and bedrooms and classrooms and in time we’re going to need to refill those spaces with love and laughter and community,” he added.

The killer system - packing powerful winds of up to 322 km per hour - flattened block after block of homes, set off fires, downing power lines and tossed cars. Stunned weather forecasters described an epic three-kilometer wide mid-afternoon storm, as news helicopter footage showed a dark twister plowing through densely packed suburbs. “To me, this is this is bigger than anything I’ve ever seen. It’s absolutely huge. It’s horrific,” Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin told NBC’s Today Show early yesterday. “It looked like somebody just set off something that just destroyed structures, not blocks, but miles of areas, and major buildings from hospitals to schools to banks to shopping centers, movie theaters.”

Local television footage on Monday showed children as young as nine being pulled out of the Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore, a residential community of 55,000 just south of Oklahoma’s state capital. “I had to hold onto the wall to keep myself safe,” one little girl said. The Moore Medical Center was evacuated after it sustained damage, and state authorities called out the National Guard to help rescue efforts as Obama ordered federal aid to supple-

ment local recovery efforts. Rescue operations already hindered by the mounds of debris and fallen power lines could be further disrupted by more foul weather.

On Twitter, the National Weather Service gave the tornado a preliminary rating of EF-4, indicating that it packed winds of 166 to 200 miles per hour - more severe than a category five hurricane. In downtown Oklahoma City, tornado sirens went off at least three times and the Interstate 35 highway - a busy northsouth artery through the American heartland - was closed to all but emergency vehicles.

I n Moore, live images from KFOR television showed people wandering among the debris and even a couple of un-tethered horses from a local stable that managed to survive the punishing storm. “I had no idea it was coming,” said a stable worker, who told how he survived the “unbearably loud” twister by taking cover in one of the stalls.

Monday’s tornado followed roughly the same track as a May 1999 twister that killed 44 people, injured hundreds more and destroyed thousands of homes.

Tornadoes frequently touch down on Oklahoma’s wide open plains, but Monday’s twister struck a populated urban area and raised fears of a high casualty toll. Because of the hard ground, few homes are built with basements or storm shelters in which residents can take cover. Oklahoma City lies inside the so-called “Tornado Alley” stretching from South Dakota to central Texas, an area particularly vulnerable to tornadoes. But Moore’s residents were shocked at the sprawling moon-like landscape left behind by the massive twister. “There’s nothing left of my house,” an unidentified woman told CNN. “We’ve lost animals.

We’ve lost everything.” Some 29,000 people remained without power early yesterday, according to OG&E, the local utility. In a sign that more chaos may be to come, the National Weather Service forecast the development of more tornadoes later Tuesday, with parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas most likely to be affected. —- AFP

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

S P ORTS

Montanier leaves Sociedad

Anchoring putters banned

Bell fit for second Test

PARIS: Stade Rennes have appointed Philippe Montanier as their coach for next season after the Frenchman turned down a contract extension with Real Sociedad, the Ligue 1 club said yesterday.

The 48-year-old Montanier will replace Frederic Antonetti, who said he was stepping down after four seasons in Rennes. “He will join the first team for the return to training scheduled on July 1,” Stade Rennes said on their website (www.staderennais.com), without disclosing any detail about the deal. Rennes, who lost the League Cup final to St Etienne last month, are 11th in the Ligue 1 table. Sociedad had earlier announced the Frenchman’s departure following his refusal to extend his contract at the club he joined two years ago from French side Valenciennes. Sociedad are fourth in La Liga and close to securing a place in Champions League qualifying for next season. They said they would focus on their remaining two games, at home to Real Madrid on Sunday and at Deportivo La Coruna the following weekend, before turning their attention to finding Montanier’s successor.—Reuters

VIRGINIA WATER: Golf’s governing bodies will ban the anchoring of putters from January 2016, the Royal and Ancient (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) said in a joint statement yesterday. The ban was first proposed in November. Players and the golfing community were then given 90 days in which to discuss the proposal.

The European Tour expressed its support for the idea while both the U.S. PGA Tour and PGA of America voiced opposition.

“We took a great deal of time to consider this issue and received a variety of contributions from individuals and organisations at all levels of the game,” said R&A chief executive Peter Dawson.

“We recognise this has been a divisive issue but after thorough consideration we remain convinced this is the right decision for golf.” USGA president Glen D. Nager said the new rule would uphold the “essential nature of the traditional method of the stroke and eliminate the possible advantage that anchoring provides”.

“Having considered all of the input that we received, both before and after the proposed rule was announced, our best judgment is it is necessary to preserve one of the important traditions and challenges of the game - that the player freely swing the entire club,” said Nager.—Reuters

LONDON: England named an unchanged squad for the second Test against New Zealand starting on Friday after batsman Ian Bell was declared fit following a bout of tonsillitis. Bell climbed out of his sick bed to take his place at the crease in the first test won in stunning fashion by England on Sunday but had been a doubt for Headingley. Yorkshiremen Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root will get the chance to play at their home ground after solid performances at Lord’s, while bowler Tim Bresnan is again included in the 12man squad having undergone elbow surgery in February.

Despite New Zealand’s stunning collapse on Sunday when they were bowled out for 68 chasing 239 for victory, national selector Geoff Miller said they remain a threat.

“We are aware that there are still areas that we need to improve on and the players and coaches will be working hard ahead of the second Test to ensure we continue to get better as a side,” he said. “New Zealand showed again that they are a dangerous side and we know we will need to produce another strong performance this week to secure a series victory.”—Reuters

Dodgers triumph over Brewers

BALTIMORE: First baseman Lyle Overbay No. 55 of the New York Yankees waits for the throw as Matt Wieters No. 32 of the Baltimore Orioles tags the bag during the sixth inning.—AFP

Yankees see off Orioles BALTIMORE: Vernon Wells doubled in the tiebreaking run in the 10th inning and the New York Yankees hit four solo homers in a 6-4 victory over the Orioles on Monday night, extending Baltimore’s losing streak to six games.

New York trailed 4-3 in the ninth before Travis Hafner homered with one out on a 3-1 pitch from Jim Johnson, who has blown three straight save opportunities after converting a clubrecord 35 in a row. All three of those botched saves have come during Baltimore’s current skid.

Hafner added an RBI single in the 10th inning for the Yankees, who have won 10 of 13 to move a season-high 12 games over .500 (28-16).

Robinson Cano hit his team-high 13th home run in the first inning for New York, David Adams clubbed his first major-league homer in the second and Lyle Overbay connected in the seventh.

In the 10th, Ichiro Suzuki led off with a double off Pedro Strop (0-2) and Wells followed with an RBI double to left. Hafner’s two-out single made it 6-4. David Robertson (3-0) worked the ninth and Mariano Rivera got three straight outs for his 17th save in 17 tries.

INDIANS 10, MARINERS 8 In Cleveland, Yan Gomes hit a three-run homer in the 10th inning as the Indians, twice revived by Seattle’s fielding errors, beat the Mariners to complete a four-game sweep.

Gomes, who also homered in the second, drove a 3-2 pitch from Charlie Furbush (0-3) over the wall in left, giving the Indians their fifth straight win and third walk-off over the Mariners in four days. As Gomes reached the plate he was mobbed by his teammates following an improbable win that came after Cleveland’s bullpen gave up homers in three consecutive innings. It was the Indians’ first four-game sweep of Seattle since 1981, and the comeback gave Cleveland its 18th win in 22 games. Joe Smith (2-0) won despite giving up a go-ahead homer to Justin Smoak in the 10th.

BLUE JAYS 7, RAYS 5 In Toronto, RA Dickey won his second straight start and Edwin Encarnacion hit a tiebreaking, bases-loaded double in the seventh inning as the Blue Jays beat the Rays.

Dickey (4-5) allowed three runs - two earned - and four hits in a season-high eight innings as the Blue Jays won their fourth straight home game. The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner walked four and struck out five. Casey Janssen gave up a two-run homer to former Toronto shortstop Yunel Escobar in the ninth. Booed by the crowd of 29,885, Escobar made a safe sign as he crossed the plate, prompting more jeers.

Desmond Jennings followed with a single and Matt Joyce walked, bringing the potential go-ahead run to the plate, but Janssen struck out Ben Zobrist on three pitches to end it.

Encarnacion doubled in the seventh after Josh Lueke (0-1) walked the bases loaded

around a sacrifice and a flyout. Encarnacion’s hit off the left-field wall ricocheted past outfielder Sam Fuld.

WHITE SOX 6, RED SOX 4 In Chicago, Adam Dunn hit a three-run homer in the first inning and the White Sox handed Jon Lester his first loss of the season with a victory over the Red Sox. Alejandro De Aza and Alexei Ramirez added consecutive RBI doubles in the second as Chicago took advantage of an ineffective Lester (6-1) to earn its fifth win in seven games in the opener of an eight-game homestand. The White Sox scored each of their runs with two outs.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a two-run homer for the Red Sox, who had won five in a row.

Saltalamacchia made a bid for a second two-run shot, but Dayan Viciedo brought in his drive on the warning track in left-center with the White Sox clinging to a 6-4 lead in the seventh.

While Lester struggled, Dylan Axelrod (2-3) pitched six effective innings to win his second straight start. The right-hander, who could lose his spot in the rotation when John Danks comes off the disabled list, gave up two runs and four hits.

ASTROS 6, ROYALS 5 In Houston, Matt Dominguez hit a three-run homer and Jason Castro added a solo shot to give the Astros a win over the Royals.

The Astros trailed by one in the fourth inning before Dominguez launched his fourth homer of the season into the Crawford Boxes in left field to give Houston a 6-4 lead.

Castro’s homer came in Houston’s two-run third inning before Kansas City took the lead on a three-run home run by Miguel Tejada in the fourth. It was his first homer since 2011.

Houston’s Dallas Keuchel (1-1) allowed nine hits and four runs while striking out six in 6 2-3 innings for the win. Closer Jose Veras struck out two in a perfect ninth for his seventh save.

Kansas City starter Jeremy Guthrie (5-2) allowed eight hits and a season-high six runs in five innings - his shortest start of the season.

ATHLETICS 9, RANGERS 2 In Arlington, Seth Smith homered and scored three times and Bartolo Colon pitched seven strong innings for his first win in nearly a month as the Athletics beat the Rangers. Colon, who turns 40 on Friday, gave up two runs on six hits and struck out three. It was the first win for Colon (3-3) since April 23 at Boston. Coco Crisp got three hits, and had the first of three straight Oakland doubles in a four-run fifth inning that broke a 1-1 tie. He scored when Yoenis Cespedes hit a line drive just over Adrian Beltre’s head with the third baseman playing in, and Cespedes came home on Brandon Moss’ line drive to the wall in right. Josh Lindblom (0-1) lost in his 2013 debut and first major league start. —AP

MILWAUKEE: Clayton Kershaw scattered three singles in his second complete game of the year and Matt Kemp hit his first home run since April 24, lifting the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday night.

Ryan Braun managed a pair of singles and Yuniesky Betancourt also singled for the only hits off Kershaw (5-2). The lefty struck out five and walked one.

Andre Ethier homered and tripled for the lastplace Dodgers before being ejected by plate umpire Dan Bellino for arguing a called third strike in the eighth inning.

The victory was a respite for Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. He addressed speculation before the game on whether he would be fired this week, insisting he didn’t feel as if he was about to be replaced.

Yovani Gallardo (3-4) gave up three runs, including two homers, in six innings. The right-hander lost his third consecutive start and the reeling Brewers have dropped 15 of 18 games.

GIANTS 8, NATIONALS 0 In San Francisco, Ryan Vogelsong broke his throwing hand on a swing after pitching himself toward his first win in seven starts as San Francisco returned from a terrible road trip to beat Washington.

The right-hander fouled a ball off his right hand in the fifth inning and grimaced in pain. He was quickly examined near the batter’s box and left the game.

Vogelsong (2-4) snapped a six-start winless stretch with his first victory since April 11 against the Cubs. He allowed three hits in five sharp innings and lowered his ERA from 8.06 to 7.19.

Brandon Belt hit a solo home run, matched his career best with four hits and scored three runs as the Giants pounded a season-high 17 hits. Angel Pagan hit an RBI double and a two-run single. He also made a leaping catch against the center-field wall.

San Francisco snapped a three-game skid after a 1-5 road trip through Toronto and Colorado.

Bryce Harper went 0 for 4 in his return to the Nationals’ lineup after missing two games with a bruised left knee. Zach Duke (0-1) lasted 3 1-3 innings in a spot start for Ross Detwiler, sidelined with back spasms.

DIAMONDBACKS 5, ROCKIES 1 In Denver, Patrick Corbin tossed a three-hitter for his first complete game and struck out a careerhigh 10, lifting Arizona over Colorado.

Corbin (7-0) joined Randy Johnson as the only lefties in team history to begin the season 7-0. He also turned in his club-record ninth straight start in which he’s pitched at least six innings and allowed two runs or less.

Didi Gregorius drove in two runs for the NL West leaders. A.J. Pollock had three hits and scored twice. Paul Goldschmidt and Eric Chavez had RBI singles in the third.

Pinch-hitter Jordan Pacheco broke up Corbin’s shutout bid with an RBI double in the eighth. Jon Garland (3-5) went six innings, allowing five runs

and a season-high 11 hits.

PADRES 4, CARDINALS 2 In San Diego, Jason Marquis combined with four relievers on a four-hitter to win his fifth straight start and Will Venable homered to lead San Diego over NL Central-leading St. Louis.

Marquis (6-2) has won five consecutive starts for the first time since 2007 with the Chicago Cubs. He allowed two runs, one earned, on three hits in six innings.

Chris Denorfia went 3 for 3 with an RBI for the Padres, who have won three straight and five of seven. Huston Street pitched the ninth for his 11th

save in 12 chances.

The Padres chased St. Louis rookie Shelby Miller (5-3) in the sixth, when they scored two runs on three walks, one hit and a hit batter. Miller entered with a 1.40 ERA, tied for the lowest in the majors.

REDS 4, METS 3 In New York, Jay Bruce hit a tiebreaking homer and an RBI double to back Johnny Cueto’s wild but effective return from the disabled list during Cincinnati’s victory over New York.

Brandon Phillips had a two-run single for his first career hit off Shaun Marcum (0-5) in 13 at-bats.

Phillips also made two sparkling plays in the field to help the Reds bounce back from a stunning 3-2 loss to the Phillies in which closer Aroldis Chapman gave up two home runs.

Chapman, the Reds’ fifth reliever, struck out two in a perfect ninth for his ninth save. He had blown his two previous save chances.

Cueto (2-0) started for the first time since leaving his April 13 outing with a strained back muscle.

NY Yankees Boston Baltimore Tampa Bay Toronto Cleveland Detroit Kansas City Chicago W Sox Minnesota Texas Oakland Seattle LA Angels Houston

GB 1.5 5 5 10

Atlanta Washington Philadelphia NY Mets Miami

2.5 5 6 7

St. Louis Cincinnati Pittsburgh Chicago Cubs Milwaukee

5.5 9 11.5 16

Arizona San Francisco Colorado San Diego LA Dodgers

3.5 5.5 8 13.5 1.5 2 9.5 10.5 1 2 4.5 7

innings. Hamels (1-7) struck out 10 in six effective innings but has not won since April 28. Domonic Brown homered for the Phillies. Miami had 11 hits and struck out 13 times on its way to scoring more than three runs for just the second time in 13 games. The Marlins have won two straight after dropping seven in a row and 10 of 11.

INTERLEAGUE BRAVES 5, TWINS 1 In Atlanta, Julio Teheran pitched into the ninth inning and Dan Uggla hit a three-run homer in the first as Atlanta beat struggling Minnesota for its fourth straight victory.

Teheran (3-1) gave up five hits, including Josh Willingham’s homer in the ninth. He struck out four, walked one and threw 80 of 123 pitches for strikes during the longest outing of his career.

Cory Gearrin earned his first major league save.

Minnesota has lost six straight. After rallying late to win three in a row against the Dodgers last weekend, Atlanta jumped on Twins starter Kevin Correia (4-4) early.—AP

Red Wings top Blackhawks

Cleveland 10, Seattle 8 (10 innings); Toronto 7, Tampa Bay 5; NY Yankees 6, Baltimore 4 (10 innings); Atlanta 5, Minnesota 1; Cincinnati 4, NY Mets 3; Miami 5, Philadelphia 1; Oakland 9, Texas 2; Chicago White Sox 6, Boston 4; LA Dodgers 3, Milwaukee 1; Houston 6, Kansas City 5; Arizona 5, Colorado 1; San Diego 4, St. Louis 2; San Francisco 8, Washington 0.

National League Eastern Division 26 18 .591 23 22 .511 21 24 .467 17 25 .405 13 32 .289 Central Division 28 16 .636 27 18 .600 26 18 .591 18 25 .419 17 26 .395 Western Division 26 19 .578 25 20 .556 24 21 .533 21 23 .477 18 25 .419

MARLINS 5, PHILLIES 1 In Miami, Alex Sanabia outpitched Cole Hamels in a matchup of struggling starters to lead Miami past Philadelphia. Justin Ruggiano and Nick Green each drove in two runs for Miami in front of a season-low crowd of 13,231 at Marlins Park. Sanabia (3-6) allowed one run and seven hits over 6 1-3

MILWAUKEE: Norichika Aoki No. 7 of the Milwaukee Brewers pops up to right field for an out in the bottom of the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the game at Miller Park. —AFP

MLB results/standings

American League Eastern Division W L PCT 28 16 .636 27 18 .600 23 21 .523 23 21 .523 18 26 .409 Central Division 26 17 .605 23 19 .548 20 21 .488 20 23 .465 18 23 .439 Western Division 29 16 .644 24 22 .522 20 25 .444 17 27 .386 13 32 .289

Making his fourth start of the season, the Reds’ ace gave up three hits and three runs with eight strikeouts in five innings. But he walked four and served up a three-run homer to Marlon Byrd. After the homer, Cueto struck out four in a row with a fastball that reached the mid-90s.

DETROIT: Corey Crawford No. 50 of the Chicago Blackhawks knocks the puck away from Justin Abdelkader No. 8 of the Detroit Red Wings in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.—AFP

DETROIT: Gustav Nyquist and Drew Miller scored 31 seconds apart midway through the second period and Pavel Datsyuk restored a two-goal lead in the third to help the Detroit Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 Monday night to take a 2-1 lead in the second-round series.

Patrick Kane scored 4:35 into the third period to pull Chicago within one. The Blackhawks celebrated as if they tied the game about a minute later, but Andrew Shaw’s goal was waved off because he was in the crease.The seventh-seeded Red Wings have a shot to put the top-seeded Blackhawks on the brink of elimination Thursday night in Game 4. Chicago has lost consecutive games for the first time in nearly two months.

The Blackhawks began the lockout-shortened season by setting an NHL record with at least a point in their first 24 games, ended it with a league-high 77 points and avoided having a three-game losing streak during the 48-game campaign.

After a scoreless first period in a hot and steamy Joe Louis Arena, Detroit took a 2-0 lead. Nyquist patiently carried the puck from right to left and waited for defenseman Brent Seabrook and Crawford to sprawl out to make a shot before shooting the puck.

Miller crashed the net to stuff the puck into the net after Patrick Eaves got to his own rebound to keep pressure on Crawford. Blackhawks defenseman Michal Rozsival started the sequence with a turnover in the Chicago end. It was a sixth straight goal for the Red Wings, who lost the opener 4-1 and gave up the first goal of Game 2 before going on to even the series with a 4-1 victory. Chicago escaped getting shut out when Duncan Keith lifted the puck up the ice, over and past Detroit’s defense and Kane got to it in time to beat Howard with a low shot. Datsyuk gave the Red Wings a comfortable cushion again, getting off a wrist shot from the left side that went in and out of the net before Crawford saw it. In late yesterday’s playoff games, the New York Rangers host Boston and San Jose is at home to Los Angeles.—AP

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

S P ORTS

More proof that time waits for no one NEW YORK: A 77-year-old trained a horse that a 50-year-old rode to victory in the Preakness, which should give anyone worried about the graying of America something to cheer about.

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas and jockey Gary Stevens added to their own long resumes Saturday with a win on Oxbow that denied Orb any chance of snagging racing’s first Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978. “I get paid to spoil dreams,” Lukas crowed afterward.

Shane Mosley was chasing some dreams of his own later that day, going down to Mexico to begin his comeback in the ring by beating Pablo Cano for his first win in four years. The 41-year-old plans to fight until he wins a title, and if it might seem foolish, well, it’s his own brain he’s risking. If those are stories for the aged, another athlete began a comeback Monday and she’s not even out of her teens.

Olympic all- around gymnastics gold medalist Gabby Douglas returned to the gym to start training for what will likely be another Olympic bid in 2016, when she still won’t be of legal

drinking age. Meanwhile, a 14-year-old from China is spending the spring playing in the Masters and other PGA Tour events. Guan Tianlang missed the cut and didn’t play this weekend at the Byron Nelson, but he’s already got a spot in the Memorial Tournament next week - where Jack Nicklaus will get a close look at his game.

For those intrigued by age in sports, these are good times, indeed. Athletes are getting older and stars are getting younger, giving us a fascinating peek at the future while at the same time allowing us to revel in the past.

There’s nothing new about it, of course, as anyone who remembers the name Satchel Paige understands. Paige spent the prime of his career in the Negro leagues, finally making his Major League debut at the age of 42 after baseball was integrated and pitching for five years for the Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Browns. When Kansas City owner Charles Finley brought him back as a gimmick to pitch one game in 1965 at the age of 59, all Paige

did was throw three innings of one-hit ball against the Red Sox. On the flip side, the youngest player ever in the bigs pitched his first game while still two months shy of his 16th birthday. Joe Nuxhall was inser ted in a game in 1944 because Cincinnati’s roster had been decimated by World War II, and he didn’t make it out of his first inning. But Nuxhall would come back eight years later to pitch again for the Reds and ended up winning 135 games for four teams in a solid if otherwise unspectacular career before beginning a second career as a broadcaster.

And then there was 18-year- old David Clyde, who won his first star t after going directly from high school to the Texas Rangers in 1973. Clyde would pitch parts of five seasons in the majors, but won only 17 games after that while losing 33.

And sports history is littered with players who tried to hang on too long only to embarrass themselves, as Willie Mays did when he

stumbled about the outfield while finishing his career with the New York Mets at the age of 42.

As Mosley will likely find out, boxing is no place for the aged, despite George Foreman winning a heavyweight title at age of 45 and Bernard Hopkins still fighting efficiently at 48.

Heavyweight great Joe Louis was among those who paid dearly for his attempt to come back at an advanced age, and anyone who saw him slumped and drooling in a wheelchair in his later years could only wonder why he ever tried. And then there’s golf, a game that embraces both young and old. Sports like gymnastics and tennis may offer up potential stars not even old enough to drive, but only golf can bring you compelling stories at both extremes of the age line. I was in Scotland four years ago when 59-year-old Tom Watson needed only to par the 18th hole to win the British Open, a victory that would have lived in golf lore forever. He didn’t, of course, and with the emotion sucked out of both him and the crowd, went on to lose a playoff to Stewart

Cink. It was a magical moment when time seemed to stand still. But in the end time won again, as it always seems to do.

I was also at the Masters this year when 14year-old Guan not only didn’t embarrass himself but managed to make the cut despite being penalized for slow play. Guan might have been the most composed teenager in Georgia that day, coming out to meet the media afterward and answering questions in English while refusing to question the legitimacy of a very questionable penalty.

Earlier this month, another Chinese golfer made histor y himself by becoming the youngest player to compete on the European Tour. Ye Wo-cheng shot consecutive 79s to miss the cut at the Volvo China Open, where some players had clubs older than him.

The schoolboy from Dongguan is 287 days younger than Guan, who was 13 when he competed in last year’s China Open. As if more proof was needed that time waits for no one.—AP

San Francisco favored to host 50th Super Bowl MIAMI: San Francisco is favored to be named the host city for the 50th Super Bowl when National Football League (NFL) owners vote late yesterday on the site of the 2016 championship game. The Californian city, home to the NFL’s 49ers, is up against South Florida (Miami) while Houston will compete with the losing bid for the 2017 game, which will also be decided late yesterday.

All the focus, however, is on the prestige of hosting the 50th anniversary game, which the NFL is promising to make the biggest and best finale ever. The San Francisco Bay Area has hosted one Super Bowl, in 1985, while the Miami area has enjoyed the economic boost from hosting the NFL’s championship game a record-tying 10 times, most recently in 2010.

But that extra experience appears to be the only obvious advantage Miami has. The NFL has said for several years that they wanted to see upgrades made to the 26-year-old Miami Gardens venue but a bid by Dolphins owner Stephen Ross to get state funding for a major redevelopment failed and the billionaire has made it clear he will not fund the changes alone.

That setback has left the South Florida bid

committee talking about a ‘Plan B’ with the existing stadium but they have been badly damaged by the dropping of the planned upgrade.

“Following the Miami Dolphins’ failure to secure public funding for renovations ... San Francisco sits in the driver’s seat,” Albert Breer wrote on the NFL website on Monday.

While the South Florida bid is now left to focus on downtown events and beachside activities, San Francisco, in contrast, is proudly highlighting the state-of-the-art nature of their $1.2 billion stadium in Santa Clara set to open next year. The San Francisco bid, which was presented to the NFL’s 32 owners on shiny, new iPads, and which has been backed by some of the biggest names in Silicon Valley, such as Apple and Google, promises an unmatched venue.

As well as ultra-luxury suits, Levi’s Stadium will feature stadium-wide wifi, streaming video, mobile connectivity, in-seat tablet holders and huge HD video boards measuring over 13,000 square feet. “I think we will win on our own right,” Steve Van Dorn, chief executive of the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce, told the Silicon Valley Mercury News, “I’m feeling very good about it.”—Reuters

Castroneves, Franchitti chase 4th Indy 500 win NEW YORK: Castroneves believes plenty of today’s IndyCar fans have never seen a driver win the Indianapolis 500 for a record-tying fourth time. He can change that on Sunday. So could Dario Franchitti. It’s been 22 years since Rick Mears became the third driver with four Indy 500 victories. He won No. 4 in 1991 to join AJ Foyt and Al Unser in the exclusive club. This will be the first time since 1987 that two threetime winners will start the Indy 500. “What an incredible opportunity for the fans to have not only one but two guys trying to make history,” Castroneves said this week while promoting the race with Franchitti in New York City. “Forget about the names, forget about who it is. But imagine people who didn’t even see the last time when the guy won four times.”

Scotland’s Franchitti or Brazil’s Castroneves would be the first foreign-born four-time winner.

Castroneves won his third in 2009, so he’s used to the pressure of trying to tie the record. Since then, Franchitti won No. 2 in 2010 and No. 3 last year. Castroneves qualified eighth, while Franchitti will start 17th after a frustrating day last Saturday for Chip Ganassi Racing. Franchitti, a four-time IndyCar champion, is just 15th in the standings.

Then again, things didn’t look much better a year ago - and he went out and won. “Last year, we had an even worse start to the season,”

Franchitti said. “We were sitting here this time last year having qualified 16th, and we were thinking we’re in trouble. Honda brought an updated engine to the race, and all of a sudden we’re in the game.”

Franchitti, who turned 40 on Sunday, remembers when he thought he’d retire at 35.

Instead, much of his success has come after that age. All three Indy 500 victories were in the last six years. Another big milestone with the No. 4 is it could come a week after his birthday. But Franchitti won’t try to put that accomplishment into context until it actually occurs.

“To kind of tempt fate a little bit, and say what it would mean and what it would feel like and all that stuff, is kind of wasted energy right now,” he said.

The 38-year-old Castroneves, who earned his first two Indy 500 victories in 2001 and 2002, has the advantage of working with Mears on Team Penske. Mears won his first three in 1979, 1984 and 1988 before earning the record-tying victory three years later. Foyt and Unser had to wait much longer between Nos. 3 and 4 - Foyt’s wins came in 1961, 1964, 1967 and 1977, with Unser’s in 1970, 1971, 1978 and 1987.

Compared to that, not much time has passed since Castroneves’ last victory. “If the preparation’s right, the opportunity right, it’s going to come up naturally,” he said.—AP

Helio Castroneves

Gabby Douglas

Beam her up: Gabby returns to the gym NEW YORK: Gabby Douglas had been looking for ward to this appearance for a long time. The Olympic all-around champion returned to the gym Monday, going through her first practice since the London Games after meeting with coach Liang Chow to discuss her comeback plan.

“She is very excited to be coming back,” Chow told The Associated Press. “She can’t wait any longer.”

Douglas has always said she wanted to continue competing through the Rio Olympics in 2016. She is only 17, and Chow said in London that she hadn’t come close to reaching her potential. ( The Olympics were only the fifth international event for Douglas.)

But her life has been a whirlwind since London, where she also helped the U.S. win only its second team title. Her Olympic success, dazzling smile and captivating personality turned her into a worldwide celebrity, and she’s been going nonstop since the games ended.

She was the AP’s female athlete of the year and one of Barbara Walters’ “10 Most Fascinating People” in 2012. She was the youngest and only

female on Forbes’ recent list of 10 most influential athletes in the US She had a guest spot on “The Vampire Diaries,” one of her favorite shows, and she performed at the Video Music Awards after walking the red carpet with the rest of the Fierce Five. Douglas and fellow Fierce Five members Aly Raisman, Jordyn Wieber and McKayla Maroney did a 40-city gymnastics tour last fall, and she’s made dozens of other celebrity appearances. She signed deals with Nike, Kellogg Co. and AT&T, among others, and recently published her second book.

Gymnastics was never far from her mind, though. “She loves the spor t of gymnastics,” said Douglas’ mother, Natalie Hawkins. “She’s so excited at the prospect of getting back into sport. We’ve been out on this incredible journey but that ’s been the one thing: She’s missed gymnastics. Her sole desire and passion was to get back to the sport she loves so much.”

The plan always was to return to training in April or May, Hawkins said, and they’ve adjusted her schedule accordingly.

Hawkins said she has turned

down “an incredible amount” of oppor tunities for Douglas, including an appearance at The Sound of Change Live concert, which is being headlined by Beyonce, on June 1 in London.

“There’s no way to be training and be in London at the same time,” Hawkins said.

With Douglas back in the gym, Raisman is the only member of the Fierce Five who isn’t in training. Kyla Ross, the only member of the gold-medal team who didn’t turn professional, barely took any time off and has already returned to competition. Wieber and Maroney have been back in the gym for a few months now.

Raisman is currently competing on “Dancing with the Stars.”

Chow won’t put a timetable on Douglas’ return, saying she has to get back in gymnastics shape before they can put a “realistic” training plan together.

“I think 2014 is an excellent possibility for competition,” he said. But this won’t be an easy process, Chow said. Gymnastics is a sport that requires hundreds of hours of repetition to perfect skills, and Douglas has been out of action for nine months.

“I did warn her, ‘If you think

preparing for London was hard, preparing for Rio will be harder.’

There’s many challenges ahead of us,” Chow said. “Also, ‘You’re going to have to have a lot more patience with yourself. Nine months off, you have to get yourself in very good physical condition first before we even talk about the training plan for the next steps.’”

But Douglas is undeterred.

“She understood,” Chow said, “and she is super excited.” Even though it could mean another separation from her family.

Douglas will live with her host family, the Par tons, until her brother, John, a high school track star, graduates next month and goes to college. Hawkins and her other two daughters may then relocate to Iowa, or Douglas could stay with the Partons and have her family visit. “We’re taking our cues from Gabrielle,” Hawkins said. “I remember her saying to me once, ‘I want to push myself to the limit in this spor t, I want to see what I’m capable of doing. I want to see how far I can take it,’” Hawkins said. “That’s really what I want to see for her, that desire completely fulfilled.”—AP

Indoor Clubs soccer World Cup in Ramadhan

By Abdellatif Sharaa KUWAIT: The call by HH The Amir Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad to bring back Kuwait’s leadership in culture, economy and sports, was met with great interest by the sports community, and the first move came

Sheikh Talal Al-Mohammad with Marzuoq AlKharafi

from Sheikh Talal Al-Mohammad, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the World Cup I ndoor Clubs S occer M ondial to be held in Ramadhan under the patronage of HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.

Sheikh Talal Al-Mohammad called for solidarity and cooperation to organize this tournament in a way that it develops into an addition to the Kuwait Sports achievements, and push it further in its start of a new golden era and restore its pioneering status.

Sheikh Talal Al-Mohammad’s call found a good response from Kuwait’s business community which plays a major role in supporting many youth activities, as businessman Marzouq Al-Kharafi insisted on becoming the Diamond sponsor of the tournament.

He said, “I am proud to sponsor the tournament which attracts international interest, and having Kuwait associated with its history, by organizing it during the holy month of Ramadhan”.

He said the Indoor Club Soccer World Cup will be organized by Kuwaiti youth who are keen to make it a success, as Sheikh Talal Al-Mohammad is

leading a group of enthusiastic youth who are truly an addition to our achievement.

Al-Kharafi said, as a citizen I will extend a hand of cooperation and support to the youth who are working for their countr y and do not wait for return, as their major aim is to have Kuwait’s name in an honorable list of countries that organize sports activities.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Talal Al-Mohammad said he did not expect such a reaction from everyone, and that the reaction of Marzouq Al-Kharafi was quick and surprised us. He said that Al-Kharafi is among those citizens who support our national economy, while having great contribution to sports and youth activities. He said I consider the Diamond sponsorship by Marzouq Al-Kharafi is a strong motive and one of the most notable elements of success to organize the Mondial, which we undertook its organization without prior preparations as such championships need 3 to 4 years to prepare, but we were able to overcome the time frame in one year. Sheikh Talal Al-Mohammad thanked Marzouq Al-Kharafi for his involvement in this major event.

The tournament’s mascot

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

S P ORTS

McCullum backs batsmen after ‘hour of madness’ LONDON: New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum insisted he still had faith in his batsmen after an “hour of madness” cost the team dear in a thumping first Test defeat at Lord’s.

England went 1-0 up in the twomatch series, with more than a day to spare, after dismissing New Zealand for just 68 to secure victory by the huge margin of 170 runs.

Stuart Broad, who took a Test-best seven for 44, did the bulk of the damage Sunday as New Zealand’s pursuit of a victory target of 239 ended inside 23 overs.

An otherwise even contest changed in the hour before lunch on Sunday as New Zealand slumped to 29 for six. It was the third time in 2013 that New Zealand been six down for fewer than 40 runs.

In the first Test against South Africa at Cape Town in January they were six down for 28 before being dismissed for 45. In the next Test, in Port Elizabeth, they were 39 for six before being bowled out for 121. “For so long in this game we were up with the play and at times we were dictating terms,” McCullum, himself lbw to Broad for eight, said Sunday.

“Within an hour the game turned on its head.

“Our confidence started to subside and the difference between the two teams came down to that one hour of madness.” He added: “We’ve had many of these experiences before and I think we’ve put distance between the last time we felt this sort of pain. “We’ve taken some significant steps forward in the last little while but today was undoubtedly a step backwards.

“You’ve got to give credit where credit’s due and Stuart Broad’s spell of bowling was high class. He swung the ball

Photo of the day

beautifully, he was able to get the odd ball to hold its line up the slope and his lengths were impeccable.”

To make matters worse for New Zealand both wicket-keeper BJ Watling (knee) and spinner Bruce Martin suffered injuries that made the duo doubtful for the second Test at Headingley starting on Friday. McCullum took over the gloves at Lord’s, having given up keeping in Tests because of back and knee problems.

Should McCullum, rather than reserve gloveman Tom Latham keep at Leeds, New Zealand could field Martin Guptill as an extra batsman.

Meanwhile experienced spinner and fit again former captain Daniel Vettori is due in England this week as a member of the Black Caps’ one-day squad.

“There’s plenty of different options we have to look at,” McCullum said. “It’s important to note that batters have done a very good job for us in the most recent Test matches.

“I totally believe in this group of players and just because of one poor batting performance it’s not panic stations,” added McCullum, whose side held England to a 0-0 draw in a three-Test series in New Zealand concluded in March.

Sunday’s collapse was particularly hard on Tim Southee, whose match haul of 10 for 108 saw him become only the second New Zealander, after fellow seamer Dion Nash in 1994, to take 10 wickets in a Lord’s Test.

Southee insisted he did not feel let down by his team-mates. “No one goes out there to do that deliberately,” he said. “I’m sure we’ll learn from that and the beauty of the game is in a few days time we’ve got a chance to do it all again against the same team.”—AFP

Brendon McCullum

Daniel Wedemeijer backflips across Passeerdersgracht canel in preparation for the Red Bull Framed Reactions, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. www.redbullcontentpool.com

Bowlers refused bail as court raps Indian board NEW DELHI: Three cricketers were refused bail yesterday after they appeared in court in New Delhi on spotfixing charges as senior judges rapped the Indian board’s “lackadaisical” approach over the scandal. And in a sign of the growing fallout from the allegations, police in Mumbai announced the arrest of a Bollywood actor as part of the investigation which has caused outrage among fans in the cricket-mad nation.

A court in New Delhi agreed a fiveday custody extension for former Test paceman Shanthakumaran Sreesanth and two teammates from the Rajasthan Royals who are accused of deliberately bowling badly in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars during the ongoing Indian Premier League, a Twenty20 competition.

“Police said they wanted to interrogate them further and also conduct raids on their houses,” said S.K Rai, one of the prosecuting lawyers who was present at the hearing, told AFP. Eleven other bookmakers who were arrested at the same time as the Rajasthan Royals players were also refused bail during the afternoon sitting.

Investigators told the court they had seized two million rupees (around $37,000) stashed in a cricket kit bag and hidden at the home to a relative of Ajit Chandila, one of the three Rajasthan Royals players in custody.

Police behind the arrests last week of Sreesanth, Chandila and their team-

mate Ankeet Chavan say the trio were acting under orders from international crime syndicates, whose bosses are based in the Gulf.

Sreesanth, who is the most famous of three having played 27 Tests for India, is alleged to have been paid four million rupees (about $75,000) to give away 14 runs in an over in a match against Kings XI Punjab on May 9.

His teammates are said to have agreed to similar deals in two other IPL

matches. The Rajasthan Royals on Monday suspended the contracts of the three players and promised to cooperate fully with the authorities in their investigation.

As the bail hearing was taking place in a lower court in south Delhi, the country’s Supreme Court was hearing a private petition to halt the tournament. While it turned down that application, the bench ordered the Indian board to come up with a report

NEW DELHI: Indian cricketer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth (center) sits in a police vehicle as he leaves the Saket district court in New Delhi. Three Indian cricket players were refused bail yesterday after they appeared in court on spotfixing charges as police announced the arrest of a Bollywood actor over the scandal.—AFP

Goa Maroons team

within 15 days to show how it intends to clean up the game.

“The problem is lackadaisical approach of the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and it must stop,” the bench said, according to a report carried by the Press Trust of India news agency.

“We are not talking about individual players but about irregularities.

What measures are you taking? You must take all steps to stop the irregularities.

“We direct that committee submit its report in 15 days and specifically point out irregularities in the matches and individual errant behaviour. The board should take immediate action against the team and the players as per rules.”

Meanwhile police in Mumbai said they had arrested the actor Vindu Dara Singh Randhawa, who is the son of the late Bollywood star Dara Singh, as part of the spot-fixing investigation.

“He has been arrested today,” Mumbai police spokesman Satyanarayan Choudhary told AFP, without giving further details.

And in a further blow to the IPL, a seven-week competition which is reaching its finale, the struggling Pune Warriors franchise announced it was pulling out of the tournament in a dispute with the board about fees.

The decision is largely symbolic as the team has already finished their matches, finishing second from bottom of the tournament.—AFP

Indian Strikers team

GOA Maroons, UFC, NYC and Indian Strikers in last four JP D’Mello Rolling Trophy KUWAIT: In exciting quarter final matches of KIFF league for the JP D’Mello Trophy organized by Kuwait Indian Football Federation and played last Friday at the MOH Grounds in Shuwaikh, Goa Maroons upset Kerala Challengers 3-2 while Navelim Youth Centre edged AVC Sports & Cultural Association 1-0 and Indian Strikers trashed Kuwait Goan Association 5-2 to join United Friends Club in the last four.

In the first match of the day, KGA and Indian Strikers started and ended the first half on equal terms with the score level 2-2; before Indian Strikers went on to add three more in the second half to take the game away from KGA. Agnelo Martins and Cheslee scored for KGA while Aiva Sameen and Roy Pathroso scored two each for the winners and Sainudeen scored one.

Roy Pathroso was declared Man of the Match and received his award sponsored by Integrated Logistics Company, from the hands of Indian Strikers President William Stronach. The match was officiated by IFRA officials, Francis Fernandes, Tiago and Julio Cardoso.

In the second match at 8:45am, former champions Navelim Youth Centre took one step closer to the final when they edged strong contenders AVC 1-0. The all important goal was scored by Cruzedio in the second half when he latched on to a pass from new signing Sanford Cardozo to side step Vincy in the AVC defense and score past the outstretched hands of goalkeeper Alvaro Dias to set up a mouth watering semi final clash with UFC. United Friends Club (UFC) last week had beaten Real Betalbatim in the tie-breaker after normal time had not produced any result and the man of the match was Ramson Costa the goalkeeper of Real Betalbatim and he received his award from Mario Carneiro. Cruzedio was declared man of the match and received his award from Julio Cardoso. The match was offi-

ciated by Tiago and he was assisted by Michael and David on the lines.

In the final match of the day, 10 men Goa Maroons came from behind to shock Kerala Challengers 3-2 in an exciting encounter. Kerala Challengers got the first goal in the 10th minute of the first half when Sumesh scored from a free kick . Maroons equalized almost immediately when Ian scored from the penalty spot after diminutive forward Joe was brought down in the box. Kerala Challengers made it 2-1 when Abdul Thuyadi beat the Maroons offside trap and scored on the stroke of half time. In the second half Maroons were reduced to 10 men when Steven Rodrigues was send off by referee Michael for a second booking and when it seemed that Kerala Challengers would qualify for the semi finals, hard working Gaby scored one of the most bizarre goal this season when he back heeled a cross from Larry to level the score 2-2 and take the game to extra time.

It was in the dying minutes of extra time that Joe was again brought down in the penalty area and Ian made no mistake in scoring from the penalty spot to give Maroons a famous win and qualification to the semi finals. Kerala Challengers easily one of the strongest team in the league will rue the missed chances they had in the second half.

Gaby was rightly declared man of the match and received his award from Tony Gonsalves the ex-president of United Goans Centre. The match was officiated by Michael Dias and he was assisted by Nikush and Francis on the lines.

The semi finals are slated for 31/5/2013 with UFC taking on Navelim Youth Centre at 6:45am followed by Indian Strikers playing Goa Maroons at 8:45am. The finals of this prestigious tournament will be held on 14/6/2013 at one of the major stadium in Kuwait. This year’s final will be graced by the popular soccer star and India football captain Sunil Chettri

who is a household name in India and overseas.

Chettri was recently instrumental in helping Churchill Bros of Goa lift the I-League title and is one among only three Indian Players who had an overseas stint with foreign clubs. He first played in American Major League Soccer club Kansas City Wizards in 2010, and had a brief stint with Sporting B’s in Portugal before returning to India.

Man of the match of all four games.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

S P ORT S

England braced for Mourinho’s Chelsea return LONDON: Jose Mourinho looks set to be welcomed back to Chelsea with open arms, but his reputation has been sullied during his three -year stint at Real Madrid and he will return to Stamford Bridge with several thorny issues to address.

Having been released from his contract by Madrid, the charismatic but controversial Portuguese is now widely expected to return to Chelsea, with some British bookmakers offering odds of 20/1 on that he does so.

Chelsea’s fans have already made their feelings known about the prospect of his return, having lustily chanted his name on several occasions during the final weeks of the season.

His previous stint at the club, between 2004 and 2007, saw Chelsea emerge as the dominant force in English football and even their recent continental successes carried echoes of his impact.

Seven different managers will have been and gone by the end of the campaign, but the Europa League winners remain very much a Mourinho teamdogged, compact, and still bossed by Mourinho loyalists such as Petr Cech, Frank Lampard and captain John Terry.

Mourinho left after his relationship with owner Roman Abramovich broke down and, in his subsequent spell at Inter Milan, he confirmed his status as one of the great managers of modern times by leading the club to league, cup and Champions League glory in 2010.

It is nonetheless a chastened Mourinho who will return to London. He found in Italy that the local media did not lap up his pot-stirring quite as enthusiastically as their English counterparts had, and in Spain things were even worse.

After Madrid went out of the Champions League following a onesided semi-final loss to Borussia

Dortmund, he told reporters: “In Spain, some people hate me; many of you in this room.”

It has long been part of Mourinho’s strategy to portray himself as a victim, but any sympathy for him is mitigated by the list of misdemeanors he has perpetrated in the Spanish capital.

The image of Mourinho poking then Barcelona assistant Tito Vilanova in the eye during the Spanish Super Cup in August 2011 left an indelible stain on his reputation, and his long dispute with club icon Iker Casillas this season saw him alienate half the Madrid changing room.

His antics prompted Manchester United director Bobby Charlton to observe that a “United manager wouldn’t do that”, and Mourinho’s offpitch conduct was one of the factors that pushed the Old Trafford club to look elsewhere for the successor to Alex Ferguson.

Mourinho’s desire to succeed Ferguson has long been apparent and the 50-year-old was lampooned in the British media for adopting what was seen as an uncharacteristically obsequious tone after his side’s victory over United in the Champions League last 16.

As well as the worry that he may still harbour ambitions to coach United, Chelsea’s fans must also hope he is able to reconstruct a successful working partnership with Abramovich.

The Portuguese would also have to submit to the authority of sporting director Michael Emenalo, a close Abramovich ally who oversees first-team affairs. Despite the potential for fireworks, Chelsea fans believe Mourinho feels compelled to come back.

“The way he left was such a shock-it almost felt like a bereavement,” Chelsea Supporters’ Group chair Trizia Fiorellino told Britain’s Press Association.

“Both supporters and Jose himself

think that there is unfinished business, which is why, I think, he is so keen to return.” Several of Mourinho’s successors struggled to dismantle the ageing team that he had created, but interim coach Rafael Benitez has moved the squad forward during his turbulent six-month spell in charge.

The influential Terry is no longer guaranteed a first-team place, while Fernando Torres looks a far more potent force than the spectre-like figure who wore the number nine shirt like a millstone in his first season and a half at the club.

In Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar, Chelsea also possess three of the most gifted creative midfielders in the country, although Mourinho, who has always favoured powerful, counter-attacking football, might be reluctant to fit all three into the same team. Whatever happens, with Mourinho at the reins, it would be anything but dull.—AFP

‘Special One’ Mourinho retains hunger for success

Tomer Hemed

Mallorca defeat Betis to keep survival hopes alive MADRID: Real Mallorca boosted their chances of escaping what would be their first relegation from La Liga in 16 seasons when Tomer Hemed’s strike gave them a 10 win at home to Real Betis on Monday. The victory, which sparked wild celebrations at the Iberostar stadium in Palma, lifted Mallorca off the bottom of the table above Celta Vigo, while denting Betis’s hopes of overtaking sixth-placed Malaga.

With two games left, Mallorca have 32 points in 19th, one ahead of bottom side Celta and two behind 18th-placed Real Zaragoza, who were beaten 2-1 by Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

“Our job is to win the last two matches and that’s what we will try to do,” Mallorca coach Gregorio Manzano said in an interview with Spanish television broadcaster Cuatro.

Granada (39 points), Osasuna (36) and Deportivo La Coruna (35) are all still threatened with the drop to the Liga Adelante (second division) as the season draws to a

close. Betis, in seventh on 52 points, two behind Malaga, remain on course to qualify for the Europa League as they have a threepoint advantage over eighth-placed Rayo Vallecano.

Mallorca were close to taking the lead in the ninth minute when a Victor Casadesus header was brilliantly saved by Betis goalkeeper Adrian and Hemed followed up with a volley against the crossbar.

Casadesus forced another superb save from Adrian in the 17th minute and Hemed struck four minutes later when he was first to a rebound and sidefooted the ball into the net.

Mallorca’s final two games are away at Atletico Madrid, who are already assured of third, and at home to mid-table Real Valladolid.

“If we can get the six points we will have a chance,” Mallorca captain Pep Marti told Cuatro. “Yes we can, yes we can,” he added, echoing the cries of the home fans up in the stands.—Reuters

LONDON: Intensely irritating to some, hugely entertaining to others, the outspoken and colorful Jose Mourinho has proven time and again that success is never far from his golden touch.

From a modest playing career and humble beginnings in management, Mourinho, 50, has become one of the most sought-after signings by club presidents eager for the Portuguese to wave his magic wand and conjure a succession of silverware.

His managerial record stands the closest scrutiny - a Champions League winner with two clubs and league titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain.

He guided Porto to league and European glory, moulded Chelsea into English champions and Inter Milan into league and European winners.

At Real, who on Monday announced that Mourinho would leave at the end of a trophyless season in a mutual parting, he ended three years of Barcelona dominance by winning the La Liga title last season. But he fell short in his stated desire to win a third personal Champions League trophy and the magical 10th that Real so desperately desired.

Success on the pitch has earned the adulation of fans, the respect of players and a lovehate relationship with club presidents.

But underpinning Mourinho’s time in managerial hotseats have been clashes with authority, tetchy relationships with rival managers and a disdain for match officials.

Accused by rivals of being arrogant, Mourinho is never one to keep an opinion to himself. Arriving at Chelsea in 2004 to declare “please don’t call me arrogant but I’m European champion and I think I’m a special one,” the never-shy Mourinho has worn his heart on his sleeve. There is no doubt that he possesses a spark that others lack. It is often said that players will “run through walls” for a popular manager and Mourinho has no bigger admirer than Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.

“It’s a presence and an aura and a way with people. He galvanises people,” Chelsea’s record goalscorer told Talksport recently in hailing the Portuguese’s tactical nous and man-management.

“His own self-confidence reflects back on his teams. He did that to me personally. Mourinho was the best, for me he was. He brought my con-

fidence to a level it had never been.”

Mourinho has often stated that English football was his passion and that he would find his way back there. It would now appear that he is on his way back for a second stint at Stamford Bridge having dropped heavy hints. “I know I am loved by some clubs, especially one,” he said last month. Adored by Chelsea fans during his three full seasons, if he does head back to London Mourinho will work again under the man who brought his reign to an end.

Russian billionaire and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich fired Mourinho in 2007 when their relationship had reportedly broken down completely.

Chelsea’s long-serving captain John Terry has said the pair “now get on very well”, a key sign that Abramovich could soon be again rolling out the welcome mat.

Mourinho has never been far from controversial moments. In 2005, he was fined and banned for accusing Swedish referee Anders Frisk and Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard of meeting at halftime during the first leg of their Champions League last-16 match against Chelsea.

Frisk sent off Didier Drogba in that game and two weeks later the referee announced his retirement because of threats made to his family. Banned from the touchline and fined several times during his Inter stint, Mourinho often complained that referees were against his team.

There was no hiding his rancour in 2010 when he landed in hot water again for making a handcuff gesture to photographers and television cameras to make the point that his side had been victimised after they had two players sent off in a Serie A match with Sampdoria.

Mourinho also possesses a gift for the eccentric. After Chelsea had won their second consecutive Premier League title in 2006, Mourinho flung his winners’ medal and blazer into the Stamford Bridge crowd. Handed a second medal minutes later, he also launched it into the fans before later saying “I have one from last season”.

His departure from Real comes as a far cry from the way he left Inter after guiding the Italians to an unprecedented treble in 2010, culminating in their first European Cup triumph in 45 years.

“My work here is done, I have made history with this club,” Mourinho said after Inter’s 2-0

Real Madrid’s Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich. “I will find motivations in another big club. Playing against Barcelona in Spain? That would be a big challenge.”

Last year Mourinho guided Real to their first La Liga title for four years but was unable to work his magic again in the Champions League with Real beaten in the semi-finals in the last three seasons - an improvement on their previous run of last-16 exits but not enough.

With Chelsea mounting a feeble defence of their Champions League crown won last year under Roberto Di Matteo, Mourinho may just have unfinished business on his mind.—Reuters

Brazil stadiums ready for WCup warm-up in June

Radamel Falcao

Atletico say blockbuster transfer up to Falcao SINGAPORE: Atletico Madrid left this summer’s expected blockbuster transfer in Radamel Falcao’s hands yesterday when they admitted the prolific striker was free to leave and decide his own future.

Chief executive Miguel Angel GilMarin said he didn’t know if Falcao would still be at the club after his 28 La Liga goals this season reportedly attracted multi-million dollar offers from some of Europe’s top clubs.

“Next season? I don’t know, it depends on the player,” Gil-Marin told reporters in Singapore. “If the player decides to go, Atletico will help him. Or if he prefers to be with us, for us it’s perfect.” Chelsea, Monaco, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Manchester Citywho are preparing a record £54 million deal, according to British press-have all been linked to the long-haired Colombian.

Falcao did little more than give a thumbs-up to waiting media as he arrived for a football clinic with schoolchildren at Singapore’s Jalan Besar Stadium, where Atletico will play a friendly on Wednesday.

But last week, the 27-year-old laughed off intense speculation he was about to sign for Monaco. “If you believe what is being reported, I have already signed for half the clubs in Europe: Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid,” Falcao said.

“Last year, before the (Europa League) final in Bucharest (against Athletic Bilbao), people said I was going to leave and that the club didn’t have the budget to keep me. “All I can say is that I have a contract with Atletico and everything else is speculation.”

Atletico arrived in Singapore fresh from last week’s Spanish Cup victory over arch-rivals Real, in which Falcao set up his team’s first goal.—AFP

BRASILIA: Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff took a swipe at the naysayers on Monday as she officially inaugurated the last of six stadiums that Brazil will use next month to host a warm-up for the 2014 World Cup soccer tournament.

“The pessimists said the stadiums would not be ready in time, but we are showing them today that we can deliver high-quality stadiums,” Rousseff said in a speech in Recife before opening the 46,000-seat Arena Pernambuco outside the northeastern Brazilian city. Rousseff said Brazil is fulfilling its commitments with global soccer body FIFA, whose secretary general Jerome Valcke last year angered Brazilians by saying the countr y needed a “kick up the backside” to get World Cup preparations moving.

On Saturday, Rousseff kicked the first symbolic ball on the newly-laid pitch of the brand new Mane Garrincha National Stadium in the Brazilian capital of Brasilia, where Brazil will face Japan in the first game of the eight-nation Confederations Cup on June 15.

At a cost 1.2 billion reais ($590.1 million), the colonnaded stadium is the most expensive of the 12 that Brazil is building for next year’s 32nation World Cup, and a prime candidate to become a white elephant in a city with no major soccer club.

Yet some of its 309 toilets were not ready yet and flooded during a test game between two local teams that filled half the 71,000seat stadium. Its big test will come next Sunday, May 26, when two of Brazil’s top teams - Flamengo and Santos - will fill the venue for the

opening of the Brazilian national league. “These six stadiums show the ability and determination we have building the six remaining stadiums,” Rousseff said on Saturday.

Only two stadiums were completed in time for the December deadline originally set by FIFA, which takes over the first batch of stadiums on Tuesday.

FIFA has said it will not budge on the deadline for the second batch of stadiums due by the end of this year. The main problem will be the Sao Paulo stadium where the World Cup is due to kick off in June 2014. Builders threatened to halt construction because of a financing dispute that might throw Brazil’s hosting of the World Cup into disarray and embarrass the government.

Major logistical problems during the World Cup could damage

Brazil’s image as an emerging power that is seeking to become a bigger player on the world stage. FIFA is worried that communications and transport infrastructure may not be ready to cope with the estimated 500,000 soccer fans who will descend on 12 Brazilian cities next year for the World Cup. Western governments worry that Brazil is not prepared to counter possible terrorist threats during the massive event and the Olympic games that Rio de Janeiro will host in 2016.

Brazilian security forces have gone on a shopping spree for equipment to bolster their defenses for the global sports events and the first trip abroad by Pope Francis to Rio de Janeiro in July.

The Brazilian police have bought drones to keep an eye on the areas around the soccer stadiums during the games.

To enhance security for the tournaments, Brazil said it will buy robots that can inspect suspicious packages and detect and diffuse chemical and explosive devices in a $7.2 million contract awarded to Boston-based iRobot Corp.

Last week, the first of 32 used anti-aircraft Flakpanzer Gepard tanks bought from the German army to help bolster air defenses in the World Cup cities rolled off a ship in Rio. Cranking up security ahead of the Confederations Cup, Brazil launched a massive military operation on Saturday to secure its porous 10,440-mile (16,802-km) frontier, much of which is Amazon jungle and rivers. The 25,000 troops and police agents will crack down on drug trafficking and smuggling of arms and illegal migrants, Brazil’s defense ministry said.—Reuters

BRAZIL: Handout photo released by the Brazilian Presidency of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff (center) posing with workers during the inauguration of the Arena Pernambuco stadium in Recife. —AFP

Atletico say blockbuster transfer up to Falcao

Beam her up: Gabby returns to the gym

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

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17

England braced for Mourinho’s Chelsea return

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BEIJING: Russia’s Anna Chicherova competes during the high jump competition at the IAAF World Challenge held in China’s National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest. — AP

China’s long jumper Li wins again BEIJING: Long-jumper Li Jinzhe boosted his reputation as one of China’s greatest track and field hopes with his second victory over a strong field in three days at the IAAF World Challenge in Beijing yesterday.

Li beat 2008 Olympic Champion Irving Saladino at the scene of the Panamanian’s greatest triumph, leading the field with a jump of 8.31 at China’s iconic National Stadium, which is also known as the ‘Bird’s Nest’.

Saladino could only manage a jump of 7.44m, which left him nine places behind Li, with Ghanaian Ignisious Gaisah in second and Zimbabwe’s Ngonidzashe Makusha third.

Three of the last four IAAF World Indoor Championships gold medallists were also competing against 23-year-old Li, including Gaisah (2006). Victory for the Beijing-born jumper came after he claimed another Olympic scalp, when he won at the Shanghai Diamond Athletics meet on Saturday, pushing London 2012 gold medalist Greg Rutherford into third place.

Saladino finished eighth in Shanghai, while 2004 champion, the USA’s Dwight Phillips came 10th, after Li jumped a season’s best 8.34m. But there was success for another

Beijing Olympic champion, with 400m gold medalist LaShawn Merritt winning on his return to the Bird’s Nest in the 200m event.

He finished ahead of compatriot Jeremy Dodson and Chinese star Xie Zhenye. In the 110m hurdles, the USA’s David Oliver claimed victory after the 2008 bronze medallist could only manage fourth in Shanghai. “China has great fans and great atmosphere,” Oliver told Xinhua news agency, moments after he won the race ahead of Jamaica’s Dwight Thomas and the USA’s Jason Richardson.

In the men’s 100m, the USA’s Justin Gatlin crossed the line first in 9.91secs, ahead of compatriot Michael Rodgers and China’s Su Bingtian.

Su finished on 10.06secs, marginally off the 10.04secs national record set last month by Zhang Peimeng, who came fifth in Beijing.

In the women’s events, reigning Olympic champion Allyson Felix won the 200m with ease. The USA sprint star pushed her compatriots LaShauntea Moore and Ebonie Floyd into second and third with a time of 22.36secs. Also Olympic hammer throw champion Tatyana Lysenko of Russia claimed victory with a throw of 73.12m.

In France, European sprint star Christophe Lemaitre clocked his fastest time of the season of 10.17sec in winning the 100m at the French national club competition on Sunday.

But there was no break for Teddy Tamgho, who again failed to break the 17-metre barrier in the triple jump, and was beaten to boot.

Running into a 0.6m/sec headwind, Lemaitre improved on his first outing over track and field’s blue riband event, a 10.29sec last month in the United States.

“It’s still not completely fluid technically,” acknowledged Lemaitre, the French record holder with a best of 9.92sec set in 2011. “The legs are struggling to get used to everything again” after a heavy weights-based winter training period, the double European 100m champion added.

Tamgho, who shot to fame when he set a world record of 17.90m when winning the world indoor championships in Doha in 2010, could only manage a best of 16.86m, 6cm behind winner Harold Correa. “Each time I jumped, I was missing the board by a millimetre. It was starting to get annoying,” he said. “I just have to keep on working.

Physically, I’m not worried. There are some small details to

Nibali still in pink as Intxausti wins stage IVREA: Astana’s Vincenzo Nibali kept possession of the Giro d’Italia race leader’s pink jersey for another night after a strong showing in yesterday’s 16th stage.

Benat Intxausti of Spain, riding for the Movistar team, won the stage, a 238km ride from the French resort of Valloire, in 5hr 52.48min.

Intxausti beat Estonian Tanel Kangert into second in a sprint finish, with Nibali and his rivals in the general classification, Australian Cadel Evans and Colombian Rigoberto Uran, coming in as part of the same peloton 14sec behind.

Evans stands 1min 26sec off Nibali, with Uran 2.46 off the Italian’s pace. “You might have thought the stage would be easy, but it wasn’t the case,” Nibali said.

“A lot of riders from Monday’s day off. The Giro, the Tour, they’re raced like that. In the final descent, I didn’t try to gain time, I only sought to control. It’s been a good day, I can only be happy.”

The big loser of the day’s racing was Mauro Santambrogi, the Vcini Fantini rider starting in fourth overall but losing more than two minutes.

“Over three weeks, a bad day can happen to anyone,” said Santambrogio in reference to Bradley Wiggins and Michele Scarponi.

“Today was my turn. Tomorrow, I’ll ride out calmly with the goal of doing well at each

occasion that presents itself. “Even if it didn’t happen today as I had hoped, I can’t complain about my Giro.”

A 22-rider breakaway formed several times in the ascent of Mont-Cenis mountain frontier between France and Italy, Nibali and his team content to hand them a lead that once stretched to almost five minutes.

But they were eventually reeled back in with 20km to race, with Astana taking up the lead. Evans and Uran reeled in Nibali’s group 11.5km from the finish after the Italian had gone on the attack down a spectacular descent that featured a series of hairpin turns.

Kangert then attacked and at the 6km mark took with him Intxausti, Lampre’s Polish rider Przemyslaw Niemiec and Dutchman Robert Gesink, who was later knocked out of the equation with a flat tyre.

Intxausti, competing in the Giro for a third time, took his moment perfectly for the a first-ever stage win on a Grand Tour.

“It wasn’t an easy sprint. At 3km, Kangert got on my wheel and I knew he was my opponent,” said the 27-year-old Intxausti. “At 700 metres, I was able to keep my head and stay in the saddle, and at 300 metres, with a tailwind, I attacked on the outside.” The 17th stage today sees the riders tackle a 214km course between Caravaggio and Vincenza, before three testing stages. — AFP

iron out on hitting the board.”

Meanwhile, Kenyan world 5,000 and 10,000 metres gold medallist Vivian Cheruiyot said yesterday she will not defend her titles at the Moscow world athletics championships in August.

“I will be out for some time,” Cheruiyot, 30, told Reuters by telephone from her home town of Eldoret. She gave no further details.

Cheruiyot, who won both races at the 2011 Daegu world championships, also took silver and bronze in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres respectively at last year’s London Olympics.

Twice Olympic steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi will head an elite squad including Commonwealth Games champion Richard Mateelong at the Kenya Police Championships in Nairobi on Friday and Saturday.

Geoffrey Mutai, whose time of 2:03:02 in the 2011 Boston marathon is not recognised as a world record because the course does fulfill the International Association of Athletics Federations’ criteria, will take on 2012 London marathon winner Wilson Kipsang and Geoffrey Kipsang in the 10,000 metres. — Agencies

Nicol makes fast start at the British Open

ITALY: Spain’s Benat Intxausti celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the 16th stage of the Giro d’Italia, Tour of Italy cycling race. — AP

HULL: World number one Nicol David’s bid to win the British Open for a fifth time made a fast and impressive start yesterday which belied the fact that she has yet to win a title this year. The record-breaking Malaysian needed only half an hour to win her first round by 11-4, 11-5, 11-4 against Joshana Chinappa, the five-time Indian champion who had come through the qualifying competition. This may have been an advantage as Chinappa was comfortable with the warm, fast conditions and able to push David to some fine long rallies, though she was not consistent enough to avoid an occasional sprinkling of high-speed mistakes which was the difference between the players.

“I tried not to give her time to play her game because she can be dangerous,” said David. “And I’m really pleased with the way I did that.

“Especially this last year I do more with the ball. Of course it’s difficult to do that all the time, but I knew I had to work her and not let her game flow.”

David produced two terrific rallies in the middle of the second game, which revealed the increasing authority of her stroke play, carried her to 6-3, and announced that she was firmly in control of the match against an able opponent.

One of these finished with a disguised drive, which David masked so well with a late movement of the wrist that it hurtled for a

clean winner, and the other included a volleying attack which pressured Chinappa into hitting the ball down.

David concluded the match with a neat little volley-drop cut-off to a cross court ball, and then discussed the big change which will come today.

Then she and all the other women will have to adapt not only from a plaster wall court to an all-glass court, but to temperatures which may be 15 degrees or more lower, greatly affecting the bounce of the ball.

That is because all the women’s first round matches - unlike the men’s - are being played at the Pontefract club 50 miles away from the Hull City football club venue - placing a greater premium on the ability to adapt quickly. “It would be better if everyone started straight away on the glass court,” David admitted. “Or to do it half and half with the men, to give us a better chance. It’s a shame.

But I’m used to having to adapt.”

Earlier another Malaysian, Low Wee Wern, became the first seed to fall. The seventh-rated Low was beaten 11-7, 13-11, 7-11, 11-9 by Sarah-Jane Perry, a new English hope who has risen more than 40 places in less than a year to reach the top 20 for the first time.

A good start and the support of the home crowd always made an upset possible, and Perry was further helped when Low was unable to convert a game ball at 10-9 in the second game to level the scores. — AFP

Business

Qatar, GCC should mull ‘flexible’ exchange rate Page 22 Apple denies tax ‘gimmicks’

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

Page 25 IMF sees economic slowdown in Saudi Page 22

Does France have right plan to revive its economy?

Page 23

SARAJEVO: Bosnian people listen to a local chef presenting freshly prepared food during a halal fair. —AFP

Halal food production on rise in Balkans Young market with important purchasing power SARAJEVO: Trying to fight back against the persistent economic crisis in the Balkans, food producers here have turned towards halal food, targeting rising demand from markets in Western and Muslim countries. At a recent three-day halal food fair in the Bosnian capital, the first of its kind in the Balkans, some 30 producers from the region gathered to present their goods-meat products, cheese, sweets, pastry, oils and even halal cosmetics. “The halal market represents more than one billion people across the globe. It is a young market with an important purchasing power,” said Amel Kovacevic, one of the organizers of a halal food fair in Sarajevo.

The demand for halal products is “growing between 10 and 20 percent per year” globally, he estimated. In addition to low labor costs, he said Balkans-based companies can try to take advantage of their geographical advantage: located in the Mediterranean basin, they are near both European and Middle Eastern markets. The Brajlovic factory, near Sarajevo, is among some 150 food producers in the Balkans which have obtained halal certificates for a total of 2,000 food products.

“Halal should not been seen as something that will immediately accelerate production and make profit grow in a day,” Asim Bajraktarevic, in charge of production in the processed meat factory said. With its capacity to offer some 15 tons of products daily, the factory, which obtained a halal certificate three months ago, now aims to “improve product quality and create the conditions for growth once we enter foreign markets,” he said. Halal, an Arab word meaning “lawful”, refers to all things and actions permitted by the Koran to practicing Muslims.

With regard to food, it notably concerns ensuring that approved types of meat have been slaughtered according to ritual, as well as ensuring that processed foods as well as phar-

maceuticals and cosmetics do not contain any non-halal products. “It is very important for me to be able to buy products with halal certifications as I respect recommendations of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) that ban pork and its by-products,” said visitor Mirza Suvalija, a pensioner wearing the Islamic veil.

Amir Sakic, head of a halal certification agency in Sarajevo, said that the number of companies getting the licence for halal production in the Balkans is now growing by between 30 and 40 percent per year.

The number of products they offer is also rising up to 40 percent per year, while annual sales are now estimated at around 550 million euros ($708 million), Sakic said. The agency, in charge of the whole region, was founded in 2006 with the help of local Islamic community in Bosnia, where Muslims make up 40 percent of the country’s 3.8 million people.

Few Bosnian Muslims had been following halal dietary restrictions, and until recently halal products were often not available in shops. Companies from other Balkan countries like Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia, where the Muslim population is tiny, are also seeking halal certifications. All have the same goal: to try their luck abroad, as purchasing power is low throughout the region, and has been squeezed further by Europe’s economic crisis.

Kalin Babusku of the Macedonian factory “Mama’s”, which exports its products to twenty countries, has obtained halal certification this year. “It helped us a lot to increase our sales, notably in Scandinavian countries,” said Babusku. The factory produces jams and “ajvar,” a side dish made of pepper, eggplant and garlic, that is very popular throughout the Balkans.

Before having the halal certificate, the company exported a truck of products every three months. “Now we export a truck monthly,” said Babusku.—AFP

News

in brief

Drake and Scull grabs $461 million contract DUBAI: Dubai’s Drake and Scull said yesterday it had won a contract worth 1.73 billion riyals ($461.3 million) to build a twin-tower residential and commercial development in the western Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah. The Lamar Towers consists of two towers, one 322 meters high and the other 293 meters, to be built in Jeddah’s Corniche area. The project, which had originally been unveiled in 2007 but was put on hold in 2009 and recently restructured with new investors coming in, will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2015, the statement added. Drake and Scull has recently been the subject of rumours surrounding a stake sale to Dubai’s largest construction firm, Arabtec Holding. Its shares have rallied 24.7 percent since April 24. While Drake Chief Executive Khaldoun Tabari dismissed talk of him selling part of his stake in the company, he said on May 14 it would be partnering more with Arabtec on a number of projects.

SARAJEVO: Bosnian workers prepare sausages for packaging, at a local food factory in Sarajevo. —AFP

Foreign buyers descend on Sicily for bargain property ROME: Foreign buyers are swooping on deserted villages in Sicily to snap up homes for as little as 10,000 euros ($13,000), propping up a property market in freefall as Italy suffers its longest-ever recession. “When you go to the pizzeria now, you often meet more foreigners than Sicilians,” said Salvatore Sansemi, mayor of Cianciana, near the southern city of Agrigento.

Half the population of the village-set against the stunning backdrop of the Sicani mountains and close to the sea-has emigrated to Canada, France or Germany in recent years, leaving only around 3,500 inhabitants. “We have just signed off on 140 sales to British, French, Norwegians and Poles, as well as a few Canadians and Chinese,” Sansemi said.

One of the latest buyers in the village is Ray Winstone, a British actor and producer who bought an old farmhouse for 50,000 euros ($65,000) and is entirely redoing it to the tune of 1.3 million euros. “Prices are very low. A house needing repairs can cost from 10,000 to 30,000 euros. An apartment or a renovated house from 60,000 to 80,000,” he said. Cianciana already has around 800 British home owners and the number is growing. Raffaele Impallari, a local tourism board official, said:

“Thanks to our hospitality, here they have the feeling of being at home.

“Maybe they feel even better since the weather is always good and we are only 20 minutes from the seaside,” he joked.

Cianciana’s success has inspired neighboring villages to do more to attract foreign buyers. Aragona, which now has 9,500 inhabitants after over 8,000 upped sticks, has launched a campaign to try and persuade Belgians and Russians to move there.

“Last year, I invited a delegation of Russians that was visiting Agrigento,” said mayor Salvatore Parello. “‘Buy everything!’ I told them. Here it’s warm year-round,” he said.

The state of the property market is such that any buyers are welcome. A shocking report by the Italian Banking Association and the national tax agency earlier this week showed that the number of property sales last year dropped by 27.5 percent from 2011 to 448,364 - its lowest level since 1985. The drop in Sicily was little different, with a contraction of 27.4 percent.

“Right now there are just sellers. Sales are not going well at all,” said Antonello Cassisa, director of Sicilproject, a real estate company aimed at the Russian market which even has a website entirely written in Cyrillic. —AFP

Suicides up 26 percent in crisis-hit Greece ATHENS: Suicides have jumped by 26 percent in Greece over the past year, with the country’s economic crisis blamed for the trend, officials said yesterday. Four hundred and seventy seven people committed suicide in Greece in 2011, an increase of 26 percent over the previous year, the national statistics agency Elstat said. Although 82 percent of those who committed suicide were men, the rate of women taking their own lives doubled to 84 deaths in 2011, the agency said.

The region of Athens, where nearly one-third of Greece’s 11 million people live, accounted for 35 percent of the cases, it said. Central Macedonia in the north accounted for 11 percent, while the island of Crete accounted for 7.7 percent. An official in the statistics agency said the figures for 2011 were carefully verified. The radical leftist opposition party Syriza and NGOs blamed the rise in suicides on the impoverishment of recession-hit Greece-where more than a quarter of people are unemployed-during the last four years of austerity imposed by international creditors in return for international aid. —AFP

Arabtec says projects unaffected by strike DUBAI: Arabtec, Dubai’s largest construction firm, said yesterday that it was working with authorities in the United Arab Emirates to resolve a labor dispute and that its projects delivery schedule would not be affected by the action. Thousands of workers have been on strike since Saturday in a rare labor protest in the Gulf Arab country, which relies on migrant laborers hired on a contract basis from South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal across a number of areas, including construction and domestic services. “Arabtec has been working closely with the UAE Ministry of Labour, the Dubai Police and the concerned security authorities to resolve as soon as possible a partial workers stoppage by a limited number of Arabtec labor employees,” the company said in a bourse filing yesterday. “Arabtec reiterates that project delivery timelines have and will not be affected.”

Air Arabia raises $350 million loan DUBAI: Budget airline Air Arabia, the only publiclylisted carrier in the United Arab Emirates, signed a $350 million loan to finance its purchase of 10 new Airbus A320 aircraft, the airline said in a statement yesterday. The Sharjah-based airline said Qatar National Bank and Abu Dhabi-based Commercial Bank International arranged the loan, without providing terms of the loan facility. Air Arabia, which posted a 20 percent rise in first-quarter net profit, said the purchase of 10 new Airbus planes are part of a larger order for 44 A320 flights it placed with the planemaker in 2007.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

BUSINESS

IMF sees Saudi economic slowdown RIYADH: Saudi economic growth will slow to 4.4 percent this year from 6.8 percent last year due to an expected fall in oil production, and cuts in government spending, the International Monetary Fund said yesterday. “Overall GDP growth is expected at 4.4 percent... because oil output is likely to be lower than its average level in 2012 and the growth rate of government spending looks set to slow,” said the IMF. Following talks with Saudi Arabia, an IMF mission said it was right time for the kingdom to undergo fiscal reforms, to hike fuel prices to reduce consumption and to take precautionary measures to contain inflation. Inflation has picked up since mid-2012 due to higher food prices and cost increases for restaurants, hotels and transportation, but remains contained at 4.0 percent, the IMF said. “The

fiscal position is very strong. In recent years, the government has run large budget surpluses, reduced debt to very low levels, and built up considerable financial assets,” it said in a statement.

“Budget management has been considerably strengthened. From this position of strength, now is a good time to consider further fiscal reforms. In this context, we encourage the government to further develop fiscal tools, including those dealing with oil price uncertainty.”

The IMF said a drop in oil output and lower crude prices would likely result in smaller fiscal and current account surpluses this year, but “they will remain substantial”. Saudi Arabia posted massive budget surpluses of $81 billion and $103 billion in 2011 and 2012, respectively, and is projected to post a huge surplus this year also. Last year, the OPEC

kingpin used part of the surplus to pay public debt which dropped to $26.4 billion by the end of 2012 from $36.1 billion in the previous year. The IMF advised Riyadh to gradually raise energy prices to cut consumption which has been rising rapidly due to a growing population.

“The IMF mission considers that an upward adjustment of energy prices over time will likely be needed to curb the growth of domestic energy consumption. International experience with energy price reform suggests that it needs to be well-planned, phased, and clearly communicated,” the Fund said. IMF expects the Saudi fiscal policy looks set to appropriately slow the pace of public spending growth this year after the large increases in 2011 and 2012 which will help contain inflation rate. — AFP

IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde

Qatar, GCC should mull ‘flexible’ exchange rate Move would help counter future inflation threat

BEIRUT: Syrian refugees sell fruits on barrows along a street in the coastal city of Tripoli, north of Beirut yesterday. — AFP

Lebanon’s GLB to invest $800 million in Sudan KHARTOUM: Lebanese farmland investor GLB Invest plans to invest up to $800 million in Sudan to produce animal feed to be sold to Saudi Arabia, its president said yesterday. Arab investors have launched farmland and livestock projects in the vast African country, prized for its fertile soil and easy access to irrigation water from the Nile, to help arid Gulf oil producers secure food supplies.

Firas Badra, president of Beirut-based GLB Invest, said the firm had leased 78,000 hectares of land 130 km north of Khartoum to produce and export 40,000 tons annually of animal feed from January to Saudi Arabia. “We are starting now with 40,000 tons for the time being and the project will have a maximum capacity of 750,000 tons by 2019,” Badra told Reuters on the sidelines of an Arab food investment conference in the Sudanese capital.

“Next year we are going to reach 250,000 tons,” he said. “Saudi Arabia is a market of 4 million tons.” The Sudanese

pound has more than halved in value since South Sudan’s secession in 2011 deprived Sudan of most oil production, the main source for dollars and state revenues. GLB had so far spent $200 million in Sudan and would increase investment up to between $750 million and $800 million by 2019, he said.

As a second project, GLB planned to plant 200,000 sun flower seeds which would be crushed to make sun flower oil to be sold inside Sudan, he said, adding that part of it would be exported to neighboring countries. He said the investment climate in Sudan was good despite central bank restrictions on repatriating profits in hard currency, a common complaint from foreign investors.

“We can find solutions for that,” he said.

The Sudanese pound has more than halved in value since South Sudan’s secession in 2011 deprived the country of most oil production, the country’s main source of dollars. — Reuters

DUBAI: Qatar and other Gulf states should consider moving to a more flexible exchange rate from long-entrenched pegs to the US dollar, to better manage inflation risk in the next decade, a senior Qatar central bank official said yesterday. He cited Singapore’s currency regime as an example that Gulf states could adopt. Gulf Arab monarchies embraced fixed exchange rate regimes to stabilize their currencies and import low inflation from overseas. But their economic cycles have diverged from the United States in recent years as Asia became the Gulf’s dominant trade partner.

“We in the GCC need more than an outdated four-decade old simple uni-instrument, uni-tool macroeconomic policy framework,” Khalid Alkhater, Central Bank (QCB) Director of Research and Monetary Policy, said in a prepared speech seen by Reuters. “This framework was suitable for the earlier stages of development. However, the world has changed,” said Alkhater, who has recently completed a scientific research study on the topic, adding it did not necessarily reflect the QCB’s official view.

Alkhater is due to speak at the Doha Forum later. Any change to currency pegs to the dollar would be a sensitive issue in the Gulf Arab region, which has strong political and economic ties with the United States. Comments diverging from the official line are very rare. Qatar adopted a currency

peg after gaining independence from Britain in 1971. It has kept the riyal pegged at 3.64 riyals to the dollar since 2001, when it replaced pegging it to special drawing rights (SDR) used in 1975-2001.

A more active monetary policy may now be needed as Qatar plans to spend $140 billion on infrastructure, partly to prepare for hosting the 2022 World Cup soccer tournament. As the World Cup draws closer, Qatar’s fiscal spending, its only policy tool, may become difficult to restrict due to the tournament building commitments and preplanned diversification programs, Alkhater said.

“We could potentially face a threat of a buildup of inflationary pressures over the next 10 years.

Hence, we need additional macroeconomic stabilization instruments, namely monetary policy and exchange rate,” Alkhater said.

Inflation in Qatar climbed to 3.7 percent on an annual basis in April, the highest level since at least 2009, fuelled by rising rental costs. Bank credit expanded by 32 percent on average last year, the fastest rate since the global crisis started in 2007/8. “If we are left out with one policy instrument (fiscal), and if that policy instrument is rigidly fixed then this factor (rigid fiscal policy) along with the newly added potential challenges posed by the shale fuel production, merit a consideration for more flexible exchange rate policy,” Alkhater said. The International Monetary Fund

expects Qatar’s inflation to edge up gradually to reach 5.0 percent in 2017 and 2018.

CURRENCY BASKET Qatar, the world’s top liquefied natural gas exporter, had already been questioning merits of the peg in 2008-2009. In 2008, the Emir’s adviser Ibrahim al-Ibrahim called for the peg to be abandoned as Qatar reeled under a record 15 percent inflation. But as capital flows dried up, the QCB was able to break free from tracking US interest rate cuts despite the peg, slashing inflation and stabilizing the money market rate. Ibrahim said in 2009 that oil producers should be more willing to discuss the viability of dollar pegs as the greenback slid to 15-month lows against a basket of currencies. “Instead of being targeted and hence stripped of your policy toolkit, the exchange rate itself can be used as an economic policy instrument to combat inflationary pressures,” Alkhater said, adding that would also allow the government to have more room for spending with less worries about inflation.He cited the example of Singapore’s currency regime - whereby the Singapore dollar trades against a basket of trading partners’ currencies in an adjustable band - as an inspiration for Qatar as well as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain, which plan to form a currency union in the coming years. —Reuters

Doha Bank could issue capital-boosting bond DUBAI: Qatar’s Doha Bank could issue a capitalboosting bond instead of shares as planned, although it was evaluating the best route to help raise core capital, its chief executive said.

The Gulf Arab state’s fifth-largest lender by market value had said in January it would hike its paid-up capital by 50 percent, split equally between a local rights issue and a sale of global depositary receipts (GDRs) in London. While the $426 million local cash call was completed in March, the expected GDR issue, which was due to be managed by JP Morgan Chase, has yet to materialize.

“The second part, we have multiple options.

We can go for a GDR or for hybrid debt that is validated for Tier 1, or for a rights issue again to shareholders,” R Seetharaman, the bank’s CEO,

told reporters at an event in Dubai yesterday.

Hybrid debt could include perpetual bonds, whose lack of a maturity means they can count as equity and, therefore, towards a bank’s capital ratio. “All these options are being contemplated and hopefully we should be in a position to resolve this during this year,” he said, adding the bank’s Tier 1 capital ratio was already above 15 percent after the local rights issue.

Hybrid debt instruments which boost Tier 1 capital - a key measure of a bank’s financial health - are becoming increasing popular in the Gulf, given their competitive costs and the fact they diversify the investor base away from local shareholders.

Dubai’s largest lender, Emirates NBD, is meeting investors ahead of a possible Tier 1

bond, while Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Dubai Islamic Bank have both completed sharia-compliant Tier 1 sukuk in recent months.

Commercial Bank of Qatar has also picked banks to arrange a deal, sources said last month.

In terms of a regular bond issue, Seetharaman said the bank could “possibly” return to the market next year. The bank completed a $500 million five-year offering in March 2012. Qatari banks have begun looking outside of the Gulf region for acquisition opportunities Qatar National Bank and CBQ have bought businesses in Egypt and Turkey respectively and Seetharaman said last month Doha Bank would look to double its foreign profits to 15 percent of the total by 2015. —Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES Irani Riyal

Commercial Bank of Kuwait US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian Dollar Australian DLR Indian rupees Sri Lanka Rupee UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi riyals Omani riyals Egyptian pounds

.2770000 .4310000 .3680000 .3020000 .2780000 .2940000 .0040000 .0020000 .0771240 .7513970 .3930000 .0720000 .7366120 .0370000

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES US Dollar/KD .2841000 GB Pound/KD .4338920 Euro .3707360 Swiss francs .3043390 Canadian dollars .2795430 Danish Kroner .0497330 Swedish Kroner .0443660 Australian dlr .2963730 Hong Kong dlr .0365940 Singapore dlr .2291130 Japanese yen .0029600 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 Pakistan rupee .0000000 Bangladesh taka .0000000 UAE dirhams .0773800 Bahraini dinars .7538810 Jordanian dinar .0000000 Saudi Riyal/KD .0757800 Omani riyals .7382100 Philippine Peso .0000000

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Malaysian ringgit Irani Riyal

ASIAN COUNTRIES 2.800 5.213 2.914 2.269 3.267 229.320 36.979 3.675 6.975 9.667 94.221 0.271

.2880000 .4470000 .3760000 .3170000 .2920000 .3020000 .0069000 .0035000 .0778990 .7589480 .4110000 .0770000 .7440150 .0440000 .2862000 .4370990 .3734770 .3065880 .2816100 .0501010 .0446940 .2985640 .0368650 .2308060 .0028810 .0052870 .0022880 .0029190 .0036810 .0779520 .7594530 .4048090 .0763400 .7436660 .0069870

0.273

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd

GCC COUNTRIES 76.564 78.890 745.750 762.590 78.180

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 40.450 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.448 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.339 Tunisian Dinar 174.360 Jordanian Dinar 405.450 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.926 Syrian Lier 3.119 Morocco Dirham 33.804 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 287.000 Euro 370.950 Sterling Pound 438.250 Canadian dollar 281.100 Turkish lira 158.720 Swiss Franc 297.560 US Dollar Buying 285.800 GOLD 298.000 150.000 77.500

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

SELL DRAFT 285.82 284.05 300.81 372.76 286.40 440.36 2.86 3.689 5.186 2.268 3.258 2.910 78.04 762.27 40.40 407.61 744.82 79.09 76.50

Selling Rate 286.750 283.020 438.465 370.120 296.715 759.185 78.050 78.710 76.430 404.225 40.419 2.266 5.203 2.912 3.680 6.959 703.420 3.795 9.735 4.095 3.355 95.180

Bahrain Exchange Company CURRENCY

UAE Exchange Centre WLL COUNTRY Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc Euro US Dollar Sterling Pound Japanese Yen Bangladesh Taka Indian Rupee Sri Lankan Rupee Nepali Rupee Pakistani Rupee UAE Dirhams Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Jordanian Dinar Omani Riyal Qatari Riyal Saudi Riyal

Rate for Transfer US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupees Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

SELL CASH 283.000 282.000 299.500 372.000 287.500 439.500 3.300 3.720 5.380 2.460 3.400 2.960 78.700 762.000 40.000 410.000 748.000 79.500 77.000

British Pound Czech Korune Danish Krone Euro Norwegian Krone Scottish Pound Swedish Krona Swiss Franc

BUY Europe 0.4303233 0.0062438 0.0456187 0.3647565 0.0449402 0.4273130 0.0391175 0.2915303

SELL 0.4393233 0.0182438 0.0506187 0.3722565 0.0501402 0.4348130 0.0441175 0.2985303

Australasia 0.2712898 0.2267660 0.0001138

0.2832898 0.2367660 0.0001138

Canadian Dollar Colombian Peso US Dollars

America 0.2728632 0.0001460 0.2846500

0.2818632 0.0001640 0.2868000

Bangladesh Taka Cape Vrde Escudo Chinese Yuan Eritrea-Nakfa

Asia 0.0036376 0.0031825 0.0457047 0.0165867

0.0036926 0.0034125 0.0507047 0.0196667

Australian Dollar New Zealand Dollar Uganda Shilling

Guinea Franc Hg Kong Dollar Indian Rupee Indonesian Rupiah Jamaican Dollars Japanese Yen Kenyan Shilling Malaysian Ringgit Nepalese Rupee Pakistan Rupee Philippine Peso Sierra Leone Singapore Dollar Sri Lankan Rupee Thai Baht

0.0000445 0.0344062 0.0051474 0.0000244 0.0028682 0.0027159 0.0033694 0.0901163 0.0031079 0.0028840 0.0065159 0.0000733 0.2246741 0.0022277 0.0092462

0.0000505 0.0375062 0.0052114 0.0000295 0.0038682 0.0028959 0.0035994 0.0971163 0.0033079 0.0029240 0.0069859 0.0000763 0.2306741 0.0022697 0.0098462

Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Ethiopeanbirr Ghanaian Cedi Iranian Riyal Iraqi Dinar Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Lebanese Pound Moroccan Dirhams Nigerian Naira Omani Riyal Qatar Riyal Saudi Riyal Sudanese Pounds Syrian Pound Tunisian Dinar UAE Dirhams Yemeni Riyal

Arab 0.7543157 0.0390413 0.0129449 0.1458305 0.0000798 0.0001762 0.3989505 1.0000000 0.0001760 0.0217030 0.0012225 0.7339262 0.0781215 0.0759467 0.0466344 0.0031269 0.1726442 0.0766578 0.0012941

0.7628157 0.0410713 0.0194449 0.1476205 0.0000803 0.0002362 0.4064505 1.0000000 0.0001960 0.0457030 0.0018575 0.7449262 0.0789045 0.0765867 0.0471844 0.0033469 0.1786442 0.0781078 0.0013941

Al Mulla Exchange Currency US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen Indian Rupee Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupee Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso Pakistan Rupee Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal *Rates are subject to change

Transfer Rate (Per 1000) 286.400 372.050 439.150 281.650 2.825 5.190 40.445 2.265 3.680 6.960 2.915 762.700 78.000 76.500

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

BUSINESS

Debt limit reset at $16.7 trillion US budget impasse grinds on

French president Francois Hollande

Does France have right plan to revive economy?

PARIS: The man charged with reviving France’s shrinking economy and attracting businesses to invest there is gaining a reputation for doing the opposite. As the country’s first-ever minister for industrial renewal, Arnaud Montebourg has told the world’s largest steelmaker it is not welcome in France; exchanged angry letters with the head of an American tire company he was supposedly wooing; and scuttled Yahoo’s offer to buy the majority of a video-sharing website.

Montebourg, a 50-year-old lawyer from Burgundy, is the public face of President Francois Hollande’s plan to revitalize Europe’s second-largest economy, which is in recession and grappling with 11 percent unemployment. The plan is to make the French economy more competitive globally - especially for manufacturers - by making it easier to fire workers, offering a payroll tax credit and investing in small businesses.

Economists have praised the labor reforms as a step in the right direction.

But mostly they say France’s economic plan is all wrong: It is too complicated; it favors a top-down approach to innovation; and it ignores some of the most serious problems plaguing France’s economy, such as high labor costs. And then there is Montebourg, whose public spats with international companies and efforts to block layoffs are making France look like an unappealing place to do business.

In fairness to Montebourg, he’s not so much the problem as he is the symbol of it, analysts say. Even if Hollande were to replace him - and that’s looking increasingly likely - it’s unclear whether the substance of the industrial renewal strategy would change. The sheer size of France’s economy has cushioned it somewhat from the worst of Europe’s debt crisis, which has brought depression-level unemployment to countries like Spain and Greece.

It is home to many huge industrial companies, like EADS, parent company to plane-maker Airbus; Total, the world’s fifth-largest investor-owned oil company; and Sanofi, the world’s fourth-largest pharmaceutical company. France is also a cradle for design, high fashion and fine wine, embodied by world leaders like LVMH and L’Oreal. But make no mistake, analysts warn: The French economy, which had no growth in 2012 and shrank at an annualized rate of 0.8 percent in the first three months of 2013, is in slowmotion free fall.

Profit margins at French companies are the lowest they have been in 30 years. In the past decade, one in six industrial jobs has been lost. And economists forecast unemployment will rise to 11.6 percent next year. Hollande says the decline in French manufacturing - from 16 percent of gross domestic product in 1999 to 10.7 percent a decade later - is at the heart of his country’s stagnation.

Many European economies have seen a similar trend, but France’s slide has been more pronounced than most. Reverse the decline, Hollande believes, and you reverse the stagnation.

“The goal of reindustrialization is a perfectly legitimate goal. The only question to ask for France is ... whether it’s too late,” says Elie Cohen, an economist at Sciences Po university in Paris. “It’s probably too late.” Serge Lelard, who started a plastics company called Microplast in 1984, feels the same way. Montebourg, who buzzes around France touring businesses on a near-weekly basis, recently visited Microplast’s factory outside Paris.

He held it up as an example of the kind of small manufacturing businesses that France needs to keep and attract.

But Lelard is dismissive of the government’s reindustrialization plan. He says there is too much talk and not enough action that addresses the competitive disadvantages French companies face in the global marketplace. Microplast, which sells plastic bits that connect the wires in cars, has struggled along with the French auto industry. Lelard is pessimistic about the company’s chances of survival.

France’s economic challenges are rooted in government policies that protect workers at the expense of their employers. It has the highest payroll taxes in the European Union to fund generous health and retirement benefits. It has the highest tax on capital, which discourages investment. It aggressively fights companies that try to outsource jobs.

And it makes firing an employee expensive and difficult. These problems have existed for decades, but a growing global economy and France’s control over its own currency and spending policies masked them. Slowly, however, those masks have been removed.

First, the euro was introduced at the

turn of the millennium. Europe’s strongest economies, like Germany, gained a competitive advantage: The value of the euro, held down by the weaker nations that used it, made German exports more affordable overseas. By contrast, countries like France suffered because the euro was valued more highly than their own currency, making French exports more expensive for buyers outside the euro-zone.

Then the global recession dried up demand for French products at home and around the world. Finally, Europe’s debt crisis prompted the government to cut spending and raise some taxes to reduce its budget deficit. With these crutches pulled away, France’s industry was pushed to its breaking point. But Hollande, a Socialist, came to power last year by promising more of the same: He vowed to spark growth without cutting generous benefits.

There are three main planks to Hollande’s reindustrialization plan: up to a 6 percent rebate for companies on some payroll taxes, labor reforms that make it easier to fire employees or cut their salaries during hard times, and a public investment bank with 42 billion euros ($55 billion) to invest in small businesses. But new programs are announced frequently. Millions in grants and other incentives have been promised for everything from spurring the construction of electric cars to bringing robots to factory floors.

“That’s exactly what you should not do. They’re ... complicating instead of simplifying,” says Anders Aslund, an economist with the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington.

Aslund says the government should avoid giving grants for specific industries and instead help all industries - with permanent tax breaks, for example. Last year, Montebourg unveiled a plan to give several hundred million euros in grants and tax credits to car companies and subcontractors in an effort to encourage the development of electric cars and batteries.

But economists say the French government should not try to invent successful sectors. Never mind that France is an unlikely place to incubate an auto revolution. Its car industry can’t compete with global rivals like Volkswagen and Hyundai that have lower labor costs and stronger cultures of innovation. For example, French research institutions lack the strong links to industry that allow entrepreneurs in other countries to quickly convert lab discoveries into products. The flip side of France’s efforts to create booming new industries is its aversion to letting struggling ones die out. “A saved job is always a victory,” Montebourg, who is on the far left of the Socialist party, said at a recent lunch with journalists. He declined to be interviewed for this story. But that’s not how many economists see it. Part of Germany’s success is its willingness to let some lower-level manufacturing jobs move to other countries, says Christian Ketels, a researcher at Harvard Business School. That allows German companies to stay competitive and keep highskilled, higher-paid jobs at home.

“To my knowledge, France is really the only country in Europe that is upset about outsourcing,” says Aslund. One of the most glaring examples of this no-jobleft-behind policy has been France’s campaign to block steelmaker ArcelorMittal from shuttering the two blast furnaces its plant in Lorraine, in eastern France - in spite of the fact that local mines are used up, it’s far from ports and its furnaces are out of date.

That plant is “a perfect example of what you should close down,” says Aslund. Instead, Montebourg took up the cause, threatening to nationalize the plant and declaring that the company wasn’t welcome in France. It’s unclear how much of this rhetoric was in line with government policy - the suggestions of nationalization were quickly struck down by the prime minister - but the affair deeply bruised France’s reputation as a serious place for business. In the end, the company will shutter the furnaces but other operations at the plant will continue.

Montebourg also tried to save a Goodyear plant in northern France by asking American tire manufacturer Titan if it was willing to invest.

The answer from Titan’s CEO mocked France’s work practices in an embarrassing public letter - and Montebourg took the bait, shooting back an equally chestthumping missive. There looks to be little hope of saving the Goodyear plant, but litigation could drag on for months if not years. —AP

WASHINGTON: The US government added $306 billion in new debt during a four-month suspension of the federal borrowing limit, the Treasury Department said on Monday, but there was no sign on Capitol Hill of any movement toward a budget compromise. As of Friday, the last business day before the debt limit was officially reset on Sunday, the Treasury said in its daily statement that US debt subject to the limit was $16.7 trillion, compared to $16.394 trillion prior to the suspension in February. The new $16.7 trillion level effectively becomes the new debt limit, and the Treasury has begun to deploy its socalled extraordinary cash management measures to keep from exceeding that cap.

Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said last week that the department could continue paying the government’s bills until after Sept 2, while the Congressional Budget Office has said the deadline may stretch as late as November, given the recent strength of US revenues. House Republicans engineered the debt limit extension as part of a strategy to coax the Democratic-controlled Senate to pass its first budget resolution

in four years. Congress would then debate each party’s fiscal visions.

The Senate passed a budget reflecting Democratic priorities to preserve social safety net programs that would require the wealthy to pay nearly $1 trillion more in taxes by eliminating deductions. It contained only modest spending cuts. The Republican plan, like those passed in previous years, includes no new revenues and relies heavily on deep cuts to social programs such as the Medicaid healthcare program for the poor and disabled, while keeping the savings from automatic spending cuts in place.

With Congress consumed by a widening scandal over the Internal Revenue Service’s targeting of conservative groups for extra scrutiny, congressional aides say there have been no new developments. House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, who was the 2012 Republican vice presidential candidate, and his Democratic Senate counterpart, Patty Murray of Washington state, continue to discuss forming a conference committee. Democrats want to start a formal, public conference to work

out the differences between the two budget plans. But Ryan wants to establish a “framework” for an agreement before starting that process and a Ryan spokesman said: “We remain in contact with Murray and her staff.” The Republicans who control the House have not yet coalesced around a strategy for approaching the debt limit.

Some lawmakers last week voiced support for linking the next debt limit hike to policy goals such as tax reform or approving the Canada-toTexas Keystone XL oil pipeline. Many say they won’t vote to raise the debt cap without further action to reduce deficits.

“We’ve just begun the conversation with members - and, more importantly, the American people - about what will be necessary to raise the debt limit, consistent with the ‘Boehner Rule’ of equal or great cuts and reforms,” said Michael Steel, a spokesman for Republican House Speaker John Boehner. Boehner, who was one of the key players in the 2011 debt limit negotiations, has said that for every dollar increase in the debt limit he wants an equal amount or more in debt reduction over 10 years. —Reuters

Rubber bullets fired at S African mine strikers CAPE TOWN: Ten striking South African miners were taken to hospital yesterday after being hit by rubber bullets, police said, as labor strife swells in mines and factories ahead of mid-year pay negotiations. Auto maker Mercedes-Benz said a two-day wildcat stoppage at its East London plant had ended but the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA) squashed any relief with an immediate demand for a 20 percent pay rise.

“If our demands are not met we will have no option but to go to the streets,” NUMSA national treasurer

Mphumzi Maqungo said. The comments underscored the fragility of labor relations in Africa’s biggest economy since last year’s bloody mining sector unrest, and pushed the rand beyond 9.50 to the dollar for the first time since early 2009.

The currency extended its twoweek slide after police confirmed that security guards had fired rubber bullets at stone-throwing wildcat strikers at a chrome mine near the platinum belt town of Rustenburg, 120 km northwest of Johannesburg.

The mining firm, Germany ’s Laxness, said the guards had fired

rubber bullets in self-defense into the ground in front of protesters. In a statement, it contradicted the police tally, saying only two miners had been hit, and three more injured in the commotion.

STRIKE SEASON South Africa’s annual mid-year wage negotiations - known locally as “strike season” - normally start with lofty wage demands that are then whittled down to something slightly above inflation, now around 6 percent. However, the union-management choreography has been derailed by a vicious turf

war between mining unions that spilled over into violence last year.

Fifty people died, including 34 shot by police at the Marikana mine in the bloodiest security incident since the end of apartheid in 1994.

Even before yesterday’s Laxness clash, the temperature was rising.

Last week, the platinum firm Lonmin suffered a wildcat walkout at Marikana shortly after an unknown gunman shot dead a senior union official in a bar, and the National Union of Mineworkers said it would push for a pay rise of a staggering 60 percent for some categories of miner. —Reuters

BUSINESS

Oil falls towards $104 Fresh conflict in Syria supports prices

BEIRUT: A Syrian refugee boy sells packets of tissues along a street in the coastal city of Tripoli, north of Beirut yesterday. As the conflict in neighboring Syria stretches into its third year, Lebanon has seen an ever-growing flood of refugees flock to its towns and villages. The flood of arrivals has had inevitable knock-on effects both on Lebanon’s economy and the nerves of its citizens. —AFP

LONDON: Brent oil futures fell towards $104 per barrel yesterday, on concerns that the US Federal Reserve might scale back its quantitative easing program, which could damage fragile demand.

Comments by Fed officials and upbeat US data last week fuelled speculation the central bank might start to reduce its bond purchases this year.

Investors are focusing on the release of minutes of the Fed’s last meeting and testimony by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke to Congress, both scheduled for today. “The market is waiting to see what is going to happen with monetary policy and at what speed it will change,” said Bjarne Schieldrop, head of commodity research at SEB in Oslo. Front-month Brent futures fell 66 cents to $104.14 per barrel by 1034 GMT, after touching $105.31 in the previous session, the highest since May 7. US crude was down 42 cents to $96.29 but

could gain support from inventory data. Analysts expect a drop of 400,000 barrels in US crude stockpiles due to higher refinery activity and lower imports, according to a Reuters poll. Lending some support to prices was fear that supply could be disrupted if fighting in the Middle East intensifies. Reports that Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas were involved in fierce fighting for Syria’s embattled president prompted alarm the civil war may spread to neighboring oil producers.

Initial estimates of Purchasing Managers’ Indexes (PMIs) are due this week for China, the euro zone and the United States but are unlikely to dispel fears of a sluggish global economic outlook, Reuters polls show. Highlighting these concerns, Swiss bank UBS trimmed its forecast for growth in China, the world’s biggest energy consumer, citing weak credit expansion and credit

growth. “While some of the weakness may be transitory, increasingly evidence suggests that growth will be weaker than we previously envisaged,” Tao Wang, UBS China economist, wrote in a report.

The spread between US crude oil, also known as WTI, and Brent crude narrowed to its lowest in a week at $7.62 a barrel, and was heading for its lowest close since January 2011. Analysts saw scope for further tightening in the spread due to an increased ability to move US fuel to the Gulf and East coasts. “Towards the end of the year there will be two new challenges to the Brent-WTI (spread),” Olivier Jakob, analyst at Petromatrix in Zug, Switzerland said. “The first one will come from the increased pipeline capacity to the US Gulf, the second one from the surge of terminal capacity for railcars in the US East Coast.” — Reuters

NANGARHAR: Afghan laborers make bricks at a traditional brick factory in Surkh Rod district of Nangarhar province. The thousands of neatly-stacked sandy bricks baked in these coal-fired ovens are in high demand in the capital and across Afghanistan, as the country tries to rebuild after three decades of conflict.— AFP

Dollar firms as US Federal Reserve’s suspense builds LONDON: The dollar edged up, gold steadied and European shares held near five-year highs yesterday as investors look out for US Federal Reserve signals on the future of its stimulus program. Upbeat comments from Chicago policymaker Charles Evans have made today’s release of minutes of the US central bank’s last meeting and Fed chairman Ben Bernanke’s testimony in Congress the same day the main focus for markets.

The usually dovish Evans said on Monday that as long as the recent pickup in the US jobs market continued he was “open-minded” about slowing the Fed’s $85 billion a month bond-buying program, and he even mentioned the idea of simply halting it. The dollar was up 0.25 percent against a basket of major currencies as mid-morning approached in Europe, although that was comfortably below its recent three-year high.

Economists expect Fed Chairman Bernanke to deliver a steady message on the bank’s policy when he speaks to US Congress.

But any hint that it plans to wind in its support in the coming months could unsettle markets used to a steady drip of stimulus.

Having hit a five-year high on Monday, top European shares were 0.3 percent lower by 0815 GMT as investors took the pre-Fed uncertainty as a cue to cash in on some of the recent sharp gains.

“With the economic numbers being pretty good in the States, there may be an easing back of QE (quantitative easing bond-buying stimulus) sooner rather than later,” said Berkeley Futures associate director Richard Griffiths. “The DAX and Euro STOXX have moved ahead a lot more than the UK, so in the event of any profit-taking in the US, the European markets may drop just that little bit

more.” It was a similar story in the bond market, where safe-haven German Bund futures lost ground. If the Fed does slow its bondbuying it will effectively be a tightening of monetary policy and thereby push up benchmark bond yields.

YEN, METALS YO-YO Currency and stock markets across Asia were largely subdued, although Japan’s Nikkei index managed to creep up to a fresh 5-1/2 year high and the yen gave back some of Monday’s minor gains. The yen’s move came after Japan’s economy minister said his comments the previous day that the government was now satisfied with the level of the currency had been misinterpreted.

“The Japanese yen story is still very much the same as it has been all along,” said Societe Generale strategist Kit Juckes. “Any correction in the dollar yen has been shallower than people who wanted big dips to make money out of could look for. And those who think it is a turn are being repeatedly thwarted.” After a recent rollercoaster ride in precious metals, gold steadied around $1,390 an ounce, although the stronger dollar left it facing its eighth fall in nine sessions.

But silver fell as much as 2.2 percent to trade near the 2-1/2-year lows hit during a 6 percent slide on Monday, when an unidentified investor sold off a large holding. The metal has fallen out of favor with investors recently as declining demand from the photovoltaic solar energy sector and a growth in mine supply tarnish the outlook. Spot silver XAG= was down around 1.2 percent at $22.65 an ounce. It hit a session low earlier of $22.41, not far off the 2-1/2 year low of $20.84 on Monday.—Reuters

Gold down 1 percent LONDON: Gold, down in seven of its last eight sessions, fell by around one percent yesterday on a firm dollar, weak technical signals and speculation that the US Federal Reserve might rein in its stimulus program.

Gold has been hit by a shift in investment into higher-yielding equities since the start of the year on signs of an improving global economic outlook, particularly in the United States. Spot gold hit a session low of $1,374.95 an ounce and was trading down 1 percent at $1,378.96 at 1154 GMT, unable to sustain initial gains around the $1,400 level.

It touched its weakest since April 16 at $1,338.95 on Monday, before gaining 2.6 percent in US trade and snapping a sevensession slide that was its longest losing streak since March 2009. US gold futures for June delivery were down 0.5 percent to $1,377.10 an ounce. “The market was caught horribly short yesterday, so there was some buying this morning. But the dollar (got) stronger, gold didn’t manage to break above $1,400 and sales started again,” Marex Spectron head trader David Govett said.

“The market is being driven by algos trading on the CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange) platform while the real money, the big funds, are not playing in this.”

Algorithmic trading uses advanced mathematical models for making transactions. The dollar was up 0.4 percent against a basket of major currencies, but below its recent threeyear high, on uncertainty over the message that Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke will deliver when he speaks to the US Congress today.

The market will also focus on the FOMC minutes from the central bank’s April meeting. “Should Bernanke encourage perceptions that the Fed could move somewhat earlier than expected, gold could get hurt as a change in stance may finally usher in high-

er interest rates,” INTL FCStone analyst Edward Meir said. On Monday, Federal Reserve official Charles Evans said the central bank could continue its bond buying through the summer, but end it in the autumn if the central bank became confident about its jobs outlook.

Tighter monetary policies in the United States would weigh on gold as they should strengthen the dollar, making the metal more expensive for holders of other currencies. Holdings in SPDR Gold Trust, the largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, continued to shrink to 1,031.50 tons on Monday, their lowest in more than four years. Physical demand strengthened in China, while buying in India, the world’s top gold consumer, has been slowing as its central bank tries to rein in the country’s deficit with steps to cut gold and silver imports, which shot up 138 percent in April.

SILVER UNDER PRESSURE Silver remained under pressure, but well off Monday’s lows, when it slid nearly 10 percent to a 2-1/2 year trough, on heavy fund liquidation in Asian trade and generally weak fundamentals for the metal. Spot silver was down 2.2 percent at $22.38 an ounce, but still $1.60 higher than the previous session’s lows, having staged a shortlived recovery in US trade.

Holdings of the largest silver ETF, the iShares Silver Trust , fell to their lowest since mid-January at 329.631 million ounces on Monday. “For now, the focus remains on the fading appeal of gold, and as a result, those who have used silver as a way of expressing exposure to the gold price have followed this trend,” UBS analyst Joni Teves said in a note. Platinum fell 1.5 percent to $1,465.50 an ounce and palladium dropped 1.1 percent to $738.50 an ounce.— Reuters

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

BUSINESS

Al Babtain Group honors its best employees KUWAIT: In the presence of Saleh Al Babtain, CEO of Al Babtain Group, and Mohamad Shalaby, Group Chief Operations Officer, Al Babtain Group organized a rewarding ceremony for its managers and best employees in the company. The event was organized at Al Rai Nissan Showroom on Friday 10th May and marked by the participation of the

employees, as recognition of their tireless efforts by employees to develop the company’s performance, enhance efforts, and encouraging them to sustain the company’s position.

Mohamad Shalaby, Group Chief Operations Officer, showcased the outstanding achievements made by the Al Babtain Group during the year through

ments. After that he gave trophies and prizes for the honored ones.

The ceremony was attended by more than 800 employees from various departments of the group, where the honoring recognized the best performance among staff, managerial level, and the best supporting departments from Al Babtain Group. Many valuable prizes were later

the perseverance of its employees. In his presentation, he also introduced the company’s commitment to achieve plans, and cooperate with other departments to achieve desired goals. On his part Saleh Al Babtain, CEO of Al Babtain Group thanked the employees for achievements, expressed the trust of the management in them and wished them more accomplish-

distributed to the participants, and the ceremony was followed by a lunch organized in honor of the employees. This rewarding ceremony is a solid proof that the company is constantly supporting and taking care of all its employees, believing that human resources are the major pillar of achieving development and reaching towards excellence in customer service.

A350 could make Paris show flypast Airbus to show off new jet from the air SAN FRANCISCO: The Apple logo is seen at the Yerba Buena Center for Arts in San Francisco. Apple has denied using “gimmicks” to dodge taxes. —AFP

Apple denies tax ‘gimmicks’ WASHINGTON: Apple denied yesterday using “gimmicks” to dodge taxes as the tech giant came under attack from US lawmakers for using “sham” subsidiaries and “convoluted” strategies to shift profits offshore. In a statement issued ahead of a Senate hearing on corporate strategies to minimize taxes, Apple said it “carefully manages its foreign cash holdings to support its overseas operations in the best interests of its shareholders.” “Apple does not use tax gimmicks,” the company testimony said ahead of the hearing where chief executive Tim Cook and other Apple executives were set to testify. “Apple does not move its intellectual property into offshore tax havens and use it to sell products back into the US in order to avoid US tax; it does not use revolving loans from foreign subsidiaries to fund its domestic operations; it does not hold money on a Caribbean island; and it does not have a bank account in the Cayman Islands.”

Senator Carl Levin, chairing the hearing of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, said however the report by the panel found a disturbing pattern of shifting profits through a complex network of subsidiaries, many with no declared tax jurisdiction.

Levin said the investigation showed Apple shifted profits to offshore entities which were “a sham and a mere instrumentality of the parent.” “Apple is a great company but no company should be able to determine how much they should pay in taxes,” Levin told the hearing. Republican Senator John McCain echoed those sentiments, saying, “It is completely outrageous

that Apple has not only dodged full payment of US taxes, but it has managed to evade paying taxes around the world through its convoluted and pernicious strategies.”

Senator Rand Paul meanwhile denounced the hearing, saying he was “offended by a $4 trillion government bullying and badgering one of America’s greatest success stories.” “I think the Congress should be on trial for creating a bizarre and byzantine tax code... what we need to do is apologize to Apple, compliment them for the job they have done and get on with our business.” Richard Harvey, a Villanova University law professor, told the hearing that “I suspect what Apple has done is within the bounds of international law.” But he said that when he heard Apple’s comment that it did not use “gimmicks” to reduce taxes, “I about fell off my chair.” He said his analysis showed Apple shifted 64 percent of its 2011 income into Ireland into a “shell corporation” which had “no employees, no real activity, basically an entity on paper.”

Apple said in its statement it “welcomes an objective examination of the US corporate tax system, which has not kept pace with the advent of the digital age and the rapidly changing global economy.” The California maker of iPhones and iPads said it “pays an extraordinary amount in US taxes” and is “likely the largest corporate income tax payer in the US, having paid nearly $6 billion in taxes to the US Treasury” in the past fiscal year. —AFP

PARIS: Airbus could steal the Paris air show with a flypast of its newest passenger jet, the A350, as confidence grows over a maiden flight some four weeks away. The timescales of its previous airliner launches suggest the European manufacturer could be ready to fly the aircraft in midJune, depending on weather and ground trials, giving pilots a narrow time window to test the plane’s basic characteristics in flight before the June 17-23 air show.

With just a few hours in the air, industry sources say it is unlikely that the first completed A350, rolled out of the Airbus paint shop only last week, will actually land at the show. But if the first handful of flights go to plan, a 600-km trip to Le Bourget for a brief roar over its American rivals would ratchet up the PR war just as Boeing aims to recover from a three-month grounding of its 787 Dreamliner. Airbus reiterated it plans to fly the A350 around the middle of the year and declined further comment on the plane’s debut.

However, the prospect of Airbus flaunting its newest jet from the air increased as photographs of an A350 logo painted on the plane’s belly circulated on the Internet. Such belly markings are typically used for branding in air show flypasts. Media were kept away from a staff-only unveiling last week, but a corner of what looked like an A350 logo was just visible on official video that otherwise showed little of the underside, tweeted David Kaminski-Morrow of aviation website Flightglobal.

A flying debut is the signature moment in the development of any new plane, when the industry goes into publicity overdrive. The first tests may also give Airbus the first indications of whether a $15-billion gamble on an aircraft to rival Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner has paid off. The

A350 is designed to offer airlines big savings on fuel thanks to a lightweight structure that follows on the heels of Boeing’s carbon-composite 787.

“If everything goes well, you can do a quick check of cruise performance even on the first flight,” said Claude Lelaie, who was head of flight testing at Airbus before he retired. “Everyone is usually anxious to have a very preliminary idea of performance, and especially fuel consumption,” he said. He declined to comment specifically on the A350.

UPBEAT MOOD Airbus is keeping a tight lid on the A350’s progress ahead of the maiden flight and broke with tradition by deciding not to hold a lavish “roll-out” party for its new model. But suppliers say the mood emanating from the A350 design team is notably more upbeat than the painful launch almost a decade ago of the A380 superjumbo, the world’s largest airliner. Before flying, the A350 must pass a series of ground tests. “No machine as complex can be perfect straight away,” said Lelaie, who took the A380 on its maiden flight in April 2005. The timing of the equivalent first flight for the A350 will depend in part on when Lelaie’s successors in the flight team agree to take the aircraft from the developers.

That is a decision not even top managers can impose on the elite corps of pilots and flight test engineers who, with their own lives at stake, have final say over whether to accept delivery of the jet, just as though they were outside customers. “It is another world. Flight Test do not think about shows. They fly when they are ready,” said an industry executive. The A380 debut was delayed when crew rejected the double-decker plane until a landing-gear problem had been addressed.

Asian nations cut Iran’s oil imports NEW DELHI: India has slashed Iranian oil imports by almost a fifth since December, the sharpest cut among Asian buyers, in a move that should increase its chances of winning a new US waiver next month on sanctions targeting oil trade with Iran. Sanctions imposed by the United States and Europe to force a halt to a controversial nuclear program that Tehran says is for peaceful purposes saw Iran’s oil exports more than halve last year, costing it $5 billion a month in lost revenue.

The sanctions have forced refiners in India, Iran’s second-largest oil buyer, to reduce imports because national insurer, General Insurance Corp of India has said that cover and losses on processing the crude would not be payable by European reinsurers. Local insurers rely on reinsurers, who are mostly based in Europe and the United States, to share the financial burden in case of claims on equipment worth billions of dollars.

The United States in June will review the 180-day exceptions granted to Asian importers that make continuous reductions in oil purchases from Iran.

Waivers allow Iranian imports without the risk of being cut off from the US financial system. Refiners want to continue using the Iranian crude many of their plants are configured to process, as changes will need lengthy testing of new grades or cause an alteration in output. “We are hopeful that India will get a waiver again because of this forced cut in imports,” said an Indian government source, who was not authorized to talk to media.

Officials in Iran’s top customer China, which cut its oil imports by 3 percent from the previous waiver period, also expect to have their country’s waiver renewed. South Korea has increased its Iranian imports and is sending a delegation to the United States to discuss its continued exemption from sanctions. Waivers on US sanctions have been granted twice to China, India, South Korea and other Asian buyers. Japan, another top buyer, won its third exemption during an earlier review period. A US State Department spokesman said it was too early to tell if Asian buyers would get

waiver renewals next month.

Overall, December to April Iranian oil imports by China, India and South Korea were nearly unchanged at 833,000 barrels per day (bpd), compared with the previous six-month period, according to customs and trade data and a loading program obtained by Reuters. Daily Iranian oil imports by the three were down 15 percent from the six-month period December to May a year ago. The biggest winners in recent months filling the supply gap left in some Asian countries by falling Iranian exports include Iraq, Libya, and Central and South American exporters.

CHINA China imported an average 440,800 bpd of crude from Iran in the December-April period, down from 455,000 bpd in the previous six months. From a year ago, daily imports rose about 6 percent as Iranian shipments in the first quarter of 2012 fell sharply due to a contract dispute. Beijing opposes the US and European sanctions on Iran and views them as unilateral moves made outside a United Nations framework. Even so, last year China cut imports from Iran by 21 percent versus 2011 to 438,448 bpd.

For all of 2013, China may cut imports another 510 percent, and it expects that to be enough to retain a waiver on US sanctions, said trade officials familiar with the import strategy of state refiner Sinopec. China’s imports for April were 371,500 bpd.

China largest refiner Sinopec Corp processes nearly all the Iranian crude imported into the country, which is shipped in by its trading arm Unipec and state trader Zhuhai Zhenrong Corp.

INDIA India imported 224,532 bpd from Iran in the December to April period, according to the data and information gathered by Reuters, down from 270,380 bpd it bought in the previous six months.

Compared with a year ago, imports fell about 40 percent. Its imports from Iran in April are expected to be about 123,000 bpd, according to the prelimi-

nary loading program.

Indian insurers have said they will not cover refineries processing Iranian crude because reinsurers in Europe and the United States, who dominate the global insurance market, will not honor claims on refineries, ports or other facilities handling Iranian oil. Two of Iran’s Indian clients - Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum Corp have said they will not import oil from Iran as long as they are unable to hedge their risk.

SOUTH KOREA, JAPAN South Korea’s imports of Iranian crude averaged 167,649 bpd in the December to April period, up 45 percent from the prior six months. The imports fell about 9 percent from a year ago. The comparison to the previous six months was thrown off because South Korea imported no Iranian oil in August and September last year. Its imports in April are expected to be about 190,000 bpd, according to the preliminary loading data. SK Energy and Hyundai Oilbank process Iranian oil in the country.

A South Korean delegation is expected to visit the United States mid to late-May to discuss the exemption, a source with direct knowledge of the matter said, declining to be identified as he was not authorized to speak to the media. South Korea may have to commit to cut Iranian imports by up to 20 percent over the next six months, the source said, though Seoul could take heart from the extension of the sanctions waiver for Japan, another close US ally, in March.

For the six-month period ended February, a month before Japan secured its third waiver, Japan’s imports from Iran rose 31 percent to 200,000 bpd compared with the previous six months. But they fell a third from a year earlier. Japan had also halted its imports of Iranian crude for one month in the second half of 2012, skewing its data. Japan probably imported about 179,000 bpd in April, and Tokyo plans to cut purchases from Iran by about 15 percent this year from a year earlier. JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corp is Japan’s top buyer of Iranian oil. —Reuters

FLIGHT TEST SCRUTINY Based on past launches, the timing of last week’s unveiling is consistent with a handover to test crews near the end of May and a maiden flight two weeks later, but the schedule is tight. The A380 was handed to the Flight Test Centre on April 6, 2005 after a two-week handover process and first flew on April 27 - about 35 days from the start of the handover. Eight years on, the A350 left the paint shop on May 12, leaving a total of just 28 days before the start of the air show. In a book last year, Lelaie described how a year of flight testing on the A380 was complicated by mistrust between pilots and management. Analysts say such tensions have eased, however.

Following delays on civil and military projects worldwide, Airbus slowed development of the A350 to avoid skating over problems that might end up costing more and taking longer to fix. Even so, analysts say intense scrutiny of the A350 will not go away until well af ter the first jet enters ser vice in 2014.

Performance tests at cruising altitude will be vital. That height is where the industry’s big jets spend most of their economically useful career of 22-23 years and fuel is the major factor in deciding whether to buy a long-range airliner.

While dedicated fuel-burn tests come later, Airbus will be looking to early flights to check the credibility of guarantees it has given on fuel consumption to the 35 customers which have already placed orders for 617 of its new twin-engined jet. Its rival, the 787 first flown in 2009, is now returning to service after battery overheating caused a worldwide grounding and Boeing is expected to give it a big publicity push at Paris.—Reuters

Business aviation awaits recovery to find its wings GENEVA: Manufacturers of business jets can look forward to climbing sales in the years to come thanks to emerging markets as they gather in Switzerland for an annual air show, having survived the turbulence of the global financial crisis. But “we’re still waiting for the real recovery,” noted Eric Trappier, chief executive of Dassault Aviation, which will have three versions of its luxurious Falcon jet on display on the tarmac at Geneva at the three-day EBACE show that opened yesterday. In 2012, the French company sold 58 jets compared to 36 the previous year, to take a 17 percent market share according to analysts at the Teal Group aviation consultancy. “And, after the first quarter which just finished, the trend doesn’t differ much for 2013,” added Trappier. With 66 deliveries in 2012, Dassault is still off its pre-crisis performance of 72 deliveries in 2008. Deliveries of business jets grew by just 4 percent in the first quarter of this year, estimates Gama, the association which groups manufacturers.

“Business aircraft have been hit harder by the economic downturn than any other aerospace market,” said Teal Group vice president Richard Aboulafia. He said the $13-billion (10-billion-euro) sector saw the value of deliveries drop by 29.2 percent between 2008 and 2012 as the global financial crisis forced corporations to cut back on executive travel and fewer of the world’s super rich splurged on luxury jets. Teal Group expects that the industry will muster 11 percent this year, lifted by higher deliveries of the Gulfstream 650, which is the most expensive business jet with a price tag of around $60 million. For the following four years it sees annual growth of around 12 percent.

“Unfortunately, with this growth rate we won’t see a recovery to the 2008 peak deliveries level until 2015,” added Aboulafia. Not all the elements are in place for a real recovery. On the market for used jets “the number of transactions is increasing, but at still weak prices, in particular for discontinued models,” explained Trappier. Moreover, confidence has slow to return to the US market, which is the top for the industry. The US market “is the lungs of business aviation despite the sector having globalised,” said the Dassault chief.

Some two-thirds of the business aviation fleet in

service (around 12,000 jets) are situated in North America “although constructors are today delivering a much greater proportion of planes to the rest of the world,” he noted. EBACE should be ‘much more positive this year’-However Ernie Edwards, head of the business aviation branch at Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, believes there are reasons to be optimistic.

“US corporate profits are at record levels and that means North America will set the pace of recovery,” he said. Plus Embraer sees weakness in Europe being balanced out by activity in the Middle East, China and Africa. The number of super-rich individuals is also now back at record levels, with manufacturers eyeing in particular the emerging markets. In China there are some 3,000 individuals with a net worth above $500 million and 130 billionaires, according to the Teal Group. “Only about 150 business jets were registered in China in early 2011, compared with well over 10,000 in the United States,” said Aboulafia. “But this is up from fewer than 100 just two years ago and just a few dozen in 2006.”

Bombardier, which is the leader in the business aviation sector with nearly a third of the market, last year estimated that 2,360 business jets would be delivered to China by 2030. The company unveiled its new 10-seat Challenger 350 in Geneva on the eve of the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition. But even in Europe there are “pockets of growth” emphasized Marine Eugene, European sales director for NetJets, which offers fractional ownership in aircraft as well as charter and management services.

NetJets is seeing the London market perking back up. “After three years in sleep mode, it is very active at the moment,” she said. EBACE should be “much more positive this year.” The highlight of this year’s show is expected to be the Legacy 500, Embraer’s new midsize entry, which is making its global debut at the show and is expected to enter into service next year. Edwards said Embraer expects the Legacy 500 to be a “game-changing aircraft” that will have the same disruptive influence on business aviation as that experienced by the telecommunications industry with the advent of the smartphone. The midsize jet will offer full fly-wire-technology and a six-foot stand-up cabin. —AFP

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

BUSINESS

Zain Group, GENBAND seal deal KUWAIT: Zain Group, a pioneer in mobile telecommunications across 8 markets in the Middle East and North Africa, yesterday announced its selection of GENBAND, a leading developer

of multimedia and cloud communications solutions, to support the launch of its IP eXchange (IPX) interconnect and wholesale voice operation. The solutions will enhance Zain’s mobile

operations to offer enhanced new multimedia services to its customers.

Zain will benefit from GENBAND’s SMART EDGE solutions, consisting of t h e Q UA N Ti X Q 2 0 S e s s i o n B o rd e r

Controller (SBC) and Real-Time Session Manager (RSM), which will be supported by GENBAND’s professional services team, to enhance new multimedia services across its existing voice and data infrastruc ture. Henri K assab, Director Roaming and Wholesale, Zain Group said: “GENBAND is helping Zain Group to set the foundation to be a major IPX hub operator in line with our strategy to enrich voice and data offerings to our customers.”

K assab continued: “Primed with already significant organic traffic from existing customers and powered by GENBAND’s market-leading session management capabilities, our wholesale voice network will take advantage of our wireless technology leadership and coverage in our countries of operation. GENBAND understands our business challenges and supplied a technical solution that meets our needs for fast deployment, cost effectiveness and strong service level agreements.”

The Smart EDGE solution is a key element in Zain Group’s rollout of carrier-grade, wholesale voice infrastructure across the Middle East. The industry’s most widely deployed interconnect SBC for wholesale and IPX, the QUANTiX Q20 will be installed in mul-

tiple locations, providing Zain a simple-to-configure solution that is cost efficient to own and operate.

Running on the geo-redundant the QUANTiX Q20s, GENView RSM software will ease day-to-day administration while routing voice sessions to maximize revenue streams. Charlie Vogt, President and CEO of GENBAND said: “Zain Group’s selection of GENBAND as a par tner in building and managing its state - of-the -ar t, IPXready wholesale voice infrastructure is a major milestone for our company and we couldn’t be more pleased to support their rapid expansion efforts in the Middle East.”

Commenting on achieving this strategic milestone, GENBAND’s VP for the M iddle East and Nor th Africa region, Haitham Shubair said: “ The Middle East IPX and wholesale market is one of the most vibrant regions in the world.

Zain is always at the forefront of innovation and cutting-edge technology.

With GENBAND’s compelling future-proof offer, Zain end-customers will enjoy enhanced SIP based IP interconnect voice and multimedia services through the Zain Wholesale network with high quality of service and high reliability. “

Kidnappings, accidents hit Egypt sector image Tourist arrivals rise - not back to pre-revolt levels CAIRO: The number of tourists visiting Egypt rose in the first four months of 2012, the cabinet said yesterday, but analysts say the sector is still suffering from the aftermath of the country’s 2011 uprising. The revolt that ousted President Hosni Mubarak sparked more than two years of protests, riots and political instability, denting Egypt’s tourism sector - a major employer and source of foreign currency.

The number of travelers visiting Egypt in the first four months of 2013 rose 11.8 percent from a year earlier, after falling by a third in the year after the uprising. Mohamed Abu Basha, an economist at investment bank EFG-Hermes, said he did not

expect the sector to fully recover this year, despite the rise in arrivals compared to last year. The Easter holiday season, which usually draws Western Europeans, had passed and parliamentary elections would probably be held around the time of the winter holiday season, he said.

A full recovery would not be likely until at least 2014 and would depend partly on an improvement in the perception among foreigners of Egypt as a safe place to visit, Abu Basha added. Egyptian tourism, which accounted for over 10 percent of gross domestic product before the uprising, has been damaged by kidnappings and high-profile accidents. In February, 19 people, most of them

Asian and European, died in a hot air balloon crash near the ancient town of Luxor, a popular tourist destination.

Foreign currency earnings from tourism help Egypt pay for vital imported food and subsidized fuel products. A cabinet statement said about 4 million tourists visited Egypt in the first four months of 2013 and that tourism revenue rose 16.2 percent to about $3.4 billion. Some 11.5 million tourists visited the country last year, up from 9.8 million in 2011 but down from 14.7 million in 2010, the last full year before the revolt. But some economists question the reliability of government figures, particularly revenues, which are based on estimates of average spending. —Reuters

Tissot T-Race MotoGP Limited Edition 2013 KUWAIT: The Tissot MotoGP Limited Edition 2013 not only reflects a sporty and dynamic way of living, but also a taste for style. Everyone knows they need a sports watch in their collection.

Add the latest trends to it and you have your winner. Additionally, this watch doesn’t take its inspiration from just any sport but from one of the fastest and most thrilling disciplines - MotoGP. The inspiration came from years of partnership. This is reflected through elements of the watch, going from counters which were present on classic bikes, all the way to a brake-disk bezel and the dial’s carbon composition that are seen in today’s MotoGP motorbikes that race around the tracks.

A LIGHT IN THE DARK The Tissot T-Race MotoGP Limited Edition 2013 is the ultimate sports watch. Its details provide it with its

bold style. The blue stripes on the black strap along with clearly visible white counters give it that sporty look. To this comes to add the prominent indices 12, 8, and 4 that will glow as you move into the dark, thanks to their SuperLumiNova(r) properties. This is to make sure that even in darkness you may keep track of time. Details go all the way to its packaging. This limited edition piece comes in a stylish helmet box. The odds are definitely in favour of the Tissot T-Race MotoGP Limited Edition 2013.

Features include; Swiss made, Quartz movement; 316L stainless steel case with black PVD coating and silk printed glass case back; Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal; Water resistance up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft); Silicone strap with folding clasp and push-buttons; Limited edition of 8888 pieces and MotoGP presentation box.

For Tissot, “In touch with your time” is far more than an advertising claim.

This phrase expresses the brand’s DNA; its proven dedication to being perfectly in tune with the technology and

tastes of each era. Tissot has been growing and developing its tradition of innovation since 1853. From the early days to the present, in its home in Le Locle in the Swiss Jura Mountains, Tissot has translated craftsmanship and precision into stylish timepieces now sold in more than 160 countries around the world.

Special materials, advanced functionality and meticulous design detail join forces to create the luxury of accessibility. Tissot is a member of the Swatch Group, the world’s largest watch producer and distributor of Swiss watches, as well as Official Timekeeper and Partner of MotoGPTM, FIM Superbike, FIBA, AFL, RBS 6 Nations Rugby and the World Championships of cycling, fencing and ice hockey. With the latest innovations in its communication and product, Tissot presents impressive proof of its signature, “Innovators by Tradition”.

Terminal 2 expansion enhances flydubai passenger experience KUWAIT: Passengers travelling on flydubai are enjoying an improved departure at Dubai International Airport following the opening of the new extension at Terminal 2. The bigger, brighter terminal not only has more check-in desks and self-service kiosks but customers can also enjoy the comfort of a Marhaba Lounge and a range of services at the new business centre - a first for this terminal. flydubai’s CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “We look at every aspect of our passengers’ journey, not just the flight and the newly refurbished departures hall at Terminal 2 provides a convenient start to their journey and a better customer experience. The transition has been smooth and we hope our passengers enjoy the range of new facilities available to them.” The departure and immigration area is the first stage of an AED 600 million two-year redevelopment of Dubai Terminal 2, which will see it able to handle more than 10 million passengers every year and is due for completion in 2014.

Richard Talian, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Development at Dubai Airports said: “As the second largest airline operating out of Dubai International as well as being the main carrier at Terminal 2, we want to provide flydubai’s passengers with an enjoyable experience. We have worked closely with flydubai to ensure the terminal meets their needs as

they continue on their rapid growth trajectory.” As part of the opening, flydubai introduced its mascot, Maya, to her new home.

Created exclusively by the producers of the award-winning Emirati animation series FREEJ( TM), flydubai’s most well-known cabin crew member took her co-stars from flydubai’s on board safety video to see the new terminal.

Whilst flydubai’s offering is pretty complete, aside of enhancing services on the ground it is also looking at improving the on board experience for passengers. Earlier this year it became the first airline to offer daily updated digital newspapers through its In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system and it plans to unveil a new food menu later this year. “Passengers will soon be able to pre-order their on board meal, reflecting flavours from across our network, ensuring that they know exactly what food they are about to enjoy with the quality that you expect from flydubai,” added Al Ghaith. flydubai operates a simple model in which fares include the price of the seat, all taxes and 7kg hand baggage in addition to one small laptop bag or handbag. Checked baggage starts at AED 50 for 20kg, while a seat with extra legroom costs AED100. Once on board, passengers can choose from a range of optional extras, including in-flight entertainment packages priced from AED 10 or select from the varied menu of refreshments and Duty Free items.

Talabat.com records 3m orders in GCC KUWAIT: Talabat.com, the leading online food delivery service provider across the MENA region has achieved a score record by delivering the order number 3 million across the GCC markets. Accordingly, talabat.com announced the lucky winner of KD 1000 prize, Mrs. Dania Al Amer from the state of Kuwait, whose order landed as number three million on Talabat.

On this occasion, Rabih El Asmar, Head of Marketing/ Talabat.com, said, “As we congratulate Mrs. Al Amer for winning the 1000 dinar prize, we are glad to announce that Talabat.com ranks today in leading position on online food delivery industry. We are proud to be able to hit the three million record in such a short span of time considering that the website was established in 2004 in Kuwait and expanded to GCC market in 2010”. El Asmar confirmed that Talabat.com dedicates its success to its loyal customers and food lovers who showed lots of confidence in the website services and team’s efforts. Talabat.com is referred to as a onestop online food court comprising of 200 restaurants that offers a vast choice of different international cuisines. The website provides the most convenient esolution to the food delivery industry, through which it coordinates on carrying your order up to your doorstep, hot and fresh.

Understanding the importance of the human communication element besides a virtual service, Talabat also provides a Call Center, Online Live Chat, and an email service for a full-fledged experience by its users.

The website is available in both English and Arabic and is ready to receive orders around the clock. Meanwhile, Talabat can be reached on customized smart phone applications, including iPhone and Android, in addition to regular cell phones. iPad users as well can download their own application for a hassle-free experience.

El Asmar added, “We encourage our customers to log on now to Talabat.com and enjoy a remarkably fast experience to quench their food cravings while intro-

duce themselves to the online promotions on the website.” He added, “You don’t have to deal with a slow phone operator anymore, receive wrong or missing orders due to miscommunication and human error, or even face a painful call waiting system again. Instead, we offer you a quick, practical and user-friendly interface that allows you to place check and modify your order in no time.”

What’s more, a user can see and decide on their meals before hitting the ‘submit’ button as food images, restaurant menus and prices are up on the website and are instantly updated by the portal’s online team. In addition to the ‘Promotions’ tab, which displays the latest offers by restaurants, Talabat provides candid reviews by its customers on their favorite restaurants and recently ordered meals.

Today, Talabat.com is witnessing remarkable demand by its ever-growing customer base which has reached 225,000 users, in addition to receiving over 10,000 orders on a daily basis with the safe delivery of over three million orders till date. “If you have not registered yet, simply log on now and create an account free of charge with a few clicks to save your information for future orders. While submitting your order, you can choose your preferred payment method whether it be in cash, debit card or credit card,” El Asmar said.

He concluded, “We would love to express our appreciation and sincere gratitude towards all subscribing restaurants for supporting our online portal all these years, a matter which has helped us witness such an outstanding achievement today. We do look ahead towards breaking more exceptional records together and continue on developing our service for our clients.” It is worth mentioning that Talabat.com achieved the 2008-2009 ‘Kuwait e-Award’ in the e-business category from the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS).

You can stay connected to Talabat via Instagram.com/Talabat, Twitter.com/Talabat, www.facebook.com/6alabat and www.youtube.com.TalabatGTC .

Bayt.com announces two upcoming events DUBAI: Adding to the success of the Bayt.com Virtual Job Fair series, Bayt.com, the region’s number one job site, has announced two upcoming fairs: the Bayt.com Middle East Virtual Job Fair which will be accessible online from May 26 to May 30, and the Bayt.com Hospitality Virtual Job Fair, which will be accessible online from June 9 to June 13.

Employers and job seekers from across the region are invited to participate in the innovative online fair, which allows both professionals and companies to interact live, explore various opportunities, and access Bayt.com’s HR tools all from the convenience of their personal computers, without needing to travel or commute. The Bayt.com Middle East Virtual Job Fair will be held for the third time and will target the site’s community of over 11.5 million members as well as all other professionals interested in finding a job in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the Bayt.com Hospitality Job Fair is the second one to be launched and will target the jobsite’s community of over 500,000 hospitality-industry professionals, whose talents and experience spans all career levels and job roles as well as any other professionals interested

in a hospitality job in the region. Media sponsors for the fairs are Snob Publishing, Business Benchmark Middle East, Arab Hardware, Al Faridah and HR Review and current Official Sponsor for the Bayt.com Virtual Hospitality Fair is IHG Group. The last Bayt.com MENA Job Fair received 139,000+ visits and the last Bayt,com Hospitality Job Fair received 75,000+ visits.

“The Bayt.com Virtual Job Fair concept is the evolution of the traditional job fair; it provides the ultimate level of convenience for today’s busy professionals. Through the fair, employers and job seekers can achieve results quickly and cost-effectively, from the comfort and convenience of their own home or office,” said SuhailMasri, VP of Sales, Bayt.com. “The exciting virtual fair concept is unique, in that it allows employers to fully interact with job seekers through an immersive, interactive virtual environment.

The platform mimics a traditional job fair setting but eliminates the inconveniences and physical logistics required to participate in them. It presents numerous advantages, not least of which is easy accessibility from anywhere in the

world, less planning, no need for costly stand and branding manufacturing and far more flexible timing parameters. This goes in line with our mission at Bayt.com to empower people with the tools and information to build their lifestyle of choice.

The convenience, effectiveness and Employer ROI afforded by the Bayt.com Virtual Job Fair, targeting the entire regional spectrum and the industry-specific hospitality industry are unparalleled.” Employers and job seekers can use a range of digital tools, such as chat rooms, webcasts and webinars, to exchange vital job-related information.

Jobseekers can search for available jobs and submit their CVs, while employers can interact with jobseekers through virtual ‘booths’.

Jobseekers wishing to participate in either virtual fair can register for free at virtualjobfair.bayt.com or hospitality.bayt.com. Once logged in to the fair, candidates are able to apply for jobs 24/7, at their own convenience and from the privacy and comfort of their own home or office environment. Employers interested in participating or learning more can log on to virtualjobfair.bayt.com or email at vjf@bayt.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

technology

Yahoo unveils makeover of Flickr site NEW YORK: Reinvigorated technology player Yahoo! Monday unveiled a dustedoff design of its Flickr photo platform only hours after the company’s dramatic acquisition of blogging site Tumblr.

Yahoo chief executive Marissa Mayer, maintaining that her ambition was to make Flickr “awesome again,” said the new site will showcase “bigger images” and create a user experience that is “more immersive, more expressive.”

Mayer’s announcement of the Flickr makeover came only hours after the company announced it was buying Tumblr for $1.1 billion. Referring to Tumblr, Yahoo promised “not to screw it up.”

Mayer, a Google veteran who joined Yahoo as chief executive last summer, Monday referred to Flickr as a once-shining acquisition “that didn’t fare so well” and vowed that Tumblr would not follow a similar path. Mayer described Monday’s dual announcements as consistent with her ambition to make Yahoo an “Internet services company ” that focuses on “improving user experience.”

Some analysts have criticized the $1.1 billion Tumblr deal as overpriced given that the company has a scant $13 million

in revenues and no profits. But Mayer said that Tumblr’s users of some 300 million per month complements Yahoo’s 700 million per month, making a total of some 1 billion users per month, a huge set of eyes that will appeal to advertisers.The remade Flickr aspires to transform a consumer experience that had become flat with excessive text and dull, uninspired photos. Under the new Flickr, photos upload in full resolution and adapt “wherever” users desire, such as smartphones, tablets or social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, said Yahoo senior vice president Adam Cahan. The showcase element is a free terabyte of space to store photos; enough capacity to store up to 537,731 images, Cahan said. That is more space that any user could possibly fill in a lifetime, Yahoo officials said. “We wanted it to be unlimited,” Cahan said. The revamped website, which went live Monday evening, also has a new look, cutting out words and user messages and instead featuring larger photos without text set against a sleek black background.

Mayer said Flickr’s current subscription pool is in the “tens of millions.” She declined to release the company’s targets

for growing subscriptions. Mayer said Yahoo benefits from a “really healthy” revenue stream, largely from advertising. The new Flickr will employ new advertising formats that Yahoo! is still developing.

Users who want to opt out of advertising can pay $49.95 a year to access an ad-free version of Flickr.

Mayer said she has four more product launches scheduled for the coming weeks. She boasted that the recent stream of activity has increased the “velocity” within Yahoo, which has been viewed by some as a fallen technology star following the rise of Google and some other companies.

Mayer, who was joined by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, also announced that Yahoo had settled on a New York City headquarters. It will be in the former New York Times building in Times Square. “Twenty years ago if you looked out here you’d see plenty of yahoos, but now the Yahoos will make an honest living and help us grow,” Bloomberg said in a joking reference to the area’s seedy past. Bloomberg said that the moves show the city has become “a big player” in the technology world. — AFP

NEW YORK: Tumblr founder David Karp (left) poses after a news conference with Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer (right) following Yahoo’s acquisition of Tumblr in Times Square in New York City. — AFP

Microsoft readies new Xbox as its entertainment hub Game consoles evolve with new technology

TOKYO: A model for Japan’s electronics maker Sharp diplays a new high-end liquid crystal display television “AQUOS LC-70UD1” equipped with 4K technology during a press preview in Tokyo yesterday. Sharp will launch the 70-inch television on June 15 in Japan with an expected price of around 850,000 yen ($8,300). — AFP

US-based iGate fires CEO after sex harassment claim MUMBAI: US-based outsourcer iGate says it has fired chief executive Phaneesh Murthy, one of India’s best-known IT businessmen, for failing to report a relationship with an employee, the second such case he has faced. The statement by the Fremont, California-based IT and outsourcing company, came after an investigation into “a claim of sexual harassment” against Murthy and marked the second time he has been entangled in such a situation.

In 2002, he was forced to quit India’s second-biggest software exporter, Infosys, following a similar claim. The latest probe looked into a relationship Murthy had with a “subordinate employee” at iGate, the statement, dated Monday, said.

The “outside” investigation “has reached the finding that Mr Murthy’s failure to report this relationship violated iGate’s policy, as well as Mr Murthy’s employment contract”, the statement said. “The investigation has not uncovered any violation of iGate’s harassment policy,” it added, paying tribute to “the significant contributions” Murthy made over the past decade to establish iGate as an industry IT leader.

Murthy’s exit was not related in any way to iGate’s financial performance which remains “strong”, added company cofounder Ashok Trivedi. iGate gets the bulk of its revenues from the United States.

“The board deliberated extensively on this matter, said iGate board cochairman Sunil Wadhwani. “However, as a result of

this violation of iGate policy, we asked Mr. Murthy to step down.” Murthy was quoted on India’s Economic Times newspaper website as saying the allegations were “completely baseless” and he would fight harassment charges “vigorously” if they went to court. He also said he had told the company of his “personal relations” with the colleague in question.

Murthy had been seeking recently to shake up the IT sector with a new “outcome-based billing” strategy to challenge India’s outsourcing industry’s traditional method which charges for “time and material” rather than results. The old model of outsourcers getting paid based “on a flawed metric of effort without any risk being shared is dying in today’s times”, he has asserted. The iGate board appointed industry veteran Gerhard Watzinger, 52, as interim president and chief executive with immediate effect. In 2003, Infosys agreed to pay $3 million in an out-of-court settlement after his personal secretary filed a sexual harassment charge against its exmarketing head Murthy, who was the firm’s highest paid employee when he resigned.

In that case, Murthy denied involvement with the complainant. Krishnakumar Natarajan, chairman of outsourcing industry body NASSCOM, said in televised remarks that iGate’s “quick and decisive” action to dismiss Murthy was right for a sector which prides itself on the “highest standards of governance”. — AFP

Under Mayer: Boosting mobile, buying firms NEW YORK: Yahoo Inc lured Marissa Mayer from Google in July to become its fifth CEO in as many years. Her task: Help the Internet pioneer regain its stature after years in a financial funk. In her 10 months leading the company, she has overseen a redesign of Yahoo services and orchestrated several acquisitions, including a deal to buy online blogging forum Tumblr for $1.1 billion.

Here are some of the milestones on her watch: ALIBABA: In September, Yahoo completed a long-awaited, $7.6 billion deal for Chinese e-commerce group Alibaba to buy back half of Yahoo’s 40 percent stake. Most of the proceeds will go to its shareholders, but Yahoo has an extra $1.3 billion to finance acquisitions or hire new talent.

Some of that money is going to the Tumblr deal.

MOBILE: Mayer has made mobile services one of her top priorities, as more people connect to the Internet on smartphones and tablet computers. During her tenure, Yahoo has created a new weather app for Apple’s iPhone. It also has redesigned an email app for smartphones, as well as the app for its Flickr photo service on the iPhone and iPad. But in February, Mayer also said Yahoo will be better served with just 12 to 15 mobile applications, down from a

“scattered” portfolio of as many as 75 different programs in recent years.

WEB MAKEOVER: Yahoo unveiled a long-awaited redesign of its home page in February - the first in four years. The new approach is meant to get people to visit more frequently and linger for longer periods of time. Yahoo said it has developed more sophisticated formulas to determine which topics are most likely to appeal to different people so the news feed can be finetuned to cater to different tastes.

PERSONNEL: Ross Levinsohn, who was in charge of Yahoo’s media and advertising services and served as interim CEO before Mayer’s hiring, left the company. Software industry veteran Ken Goldman was named chief financial officer to replace cost-cutting specialist Tim Morse, who was hired in 2009.

Alfred Amoroso stepped down as board chairman in April and plans to leave next month, which will make him the eighth director to leave since early 2012.

STOCK PERFORMANCE: Mayer’s efforts at Yahoo have been well-received on Wall Street, although most of the 70 percent surge in Yahoo’s stock price under Mayer’s leadership has been driven by the rising value of Yahoo’s remaining 24 percent in Alibaba. Unlike Yahoo, Alibaba’s growth has been accelerating. —AFP

SAN FRANCISCO: Microsoft offers a glimpse at a new-generation Xbox as videogame consoles evolve into home entertainment centers and adapt to competition from smartphones and tablets.

A tented stage has been set up at the technology giant’s headquarters in the city of Redmond in Washington State for an “Xbox Reveal” event to play out just weeks before a major annual E3 videogame conference in Los Angeles. The console debut, to be streamed worldwide to Internet-linked Xbox 360 consoles, will spotlight the hardware and platform while Microsoft will show off games at E3.

“We are really going to tell one story across two events,” Aaron Greenberg of Microsoft’s interactive entertainment division said in an interview posted online. “That’s about revealing the next Xbox platform and our vision for the future of games and the future of entertainment.” Microsoft has sold approximately 77 million Xbox 360 consoles since they hit the market in late 2005. Console rival Sony has sold about the same number of PlayStation 3 consoles.

Meanwhile, Nintendo sold nearly 100 million Wii consoles that became hits due to innovative motion-sensing controls after their debut in 2006. Demand for Nintendo’s recently-released

Wii U consoles have been disappointing, however. Sony announced a new generation PlayStation 4 system in February but spoke ambiguously about the device, leaving much to the imagination.

Sony picked the eve of the Xbox Reveal event to release a YouTube video teasing its plans to show off the PS4 in Los Angeles on June 10, the night before E3 officially gets underway. The PS4 will succeed PlayStation 3 consoles that began their lifespan in late 2006. Microsoft’s E3 press event will take place in the morning on June 10 but will be competing with an eagerly-anticipated Apple developers conference keynote presentation taking place in San Francisco at the same time.

“If you look at Microsoft, their competition is Apple and Google,” videogame industry analyst Mike Hickey of National Alliance told AFP, noting that the new Xbox will need to deliver a broad range of digital entertainment to be a hit. “They have to surface content beyond just games to create value for gamers and non-gamers on Xbox Live,” he continued, referring to Microsoft online service connecting consoles to games, movies, music, and more.

“Now, with smartphones and tablets getting more traction they need to have a presence on

those as well.” Low-cost or free games on smartphones or tablet computers are increasing the pressure on videogame companies to deliver experiences worth players’ time and money.

Features being incorporated into new consoles include games relying on connections to servers in the Internet “cloud” and synching play, movie viewing and social networking with tablets, smartphones and other devices. Last year at E3, Microsoft introduced Smart Glass software to connect Xbox 360 consoles with smartphones or tablets, which could serve as second-screens for viewing or controlling action on televisions. “The essence of Xbox was to get a lock on the living room,” Hickey said. About $65 billion was spent worldwide last year on videogames, with 1.2 billion people playing them on devices ranging from smartphones to consoles, according to industry statistics cited by Microsoft.

“More people are playing videogames today than ever before and they are doing it across more devices,” Greenberg said. The largest portion of revenue was spent on console hardware and software, according to Greenberg. Game software, not hardware, typically drives profit, he added. Subscription service Xbox Live boasts 46 million members. — AFP

Solaris Mobile hails LS telcom Report DUBLIN: Solaris Mobile, a next generation Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) operator, yesterday welcomed the findings from a report published by LS telcom which concludes that an integrated terrestrial-satellite network, using 2 GHz S-Band spectrum for mobile broadband represents a cost effective solution for the Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) sector across Europe.

The report,’ Comparison of the performance of 700 MHz versus 2 GHz networks for PPDR Services’ makes a direct comparison between the performance of an expanded 700 MHz network and that of a 2 GHz terrestrial-satellite hybrid network operating in Greater London. LS telcom found that “the Solaris 2 GHz network [is] able to deliver and exceed the stated PPDR community data requirements and provide good indoor coverage at a cost per bit that is substantially lower than the use of a 700 MHz network in the same area.” A 700 MHz network covering Greater London was estimated to cost EU3.5 million NPV/Mbps compared to EU1.9 million NPV/Mbps for a terrestrial-satellite network operating in S-Band.

Matthew Child, Chief Executive, Solaris Mobile, welcomed the findings of the report stating that a converged terrestrial-satellite network was the logical, cost-effective choice for critical communications agencies. “Only the combination of satellite and terrestrial coverage can give the PPDR sector the bandwidth, availability and resilience they need to meet the projected demand for data services.

A hybrid solution plays to the unique strengths of each network. High bandwidth services can be delivered via S-Band at a lower cost-per-bit than current solutions while mission critical voice systems can stay on narrowband networks until ready to migrate to LTE in the future”, he continued. In addition, the report raises concerns about the practicality of expanding 700 MHz spectrum for the exclusive use of critical communications users. — Reuters

LONDON: A Vodafone retail store in central London. British mobile phone giant Vodafone said yesterday that annual net profits tumbled 90 percent after taking a vast impairment charge relating to its businesses in debt-laden euro-zone nations Italy and Spain. — AFP

Vodafone hit by euro-zone crisis ONDON: British mobile phone giant Vodafone reported a 90-percent plunge in annual net profit yesterday after taking a vast impairment charge relating to businesses in debt-laden euro-zone nations Italy and Spain.

Earnings after taxation nosedived to £673 million ($1.03 billion, 796 million euros) in the group’s financial year to the end of March, compared with £7.0 billion in 2011-2012, Vodafone said in a results statement. Group revenues retreated 4.2 percent to £44.44 billion.

Vodafone’s businesses in Italy and Spain have been hit hard by the impact of the ongoing euro-zone sovereign debt crisis.

The company said that it took a second-half

hit of £1.8 billion, taking its total impairment charge to £7.7 billion for Italy and Spain. “We have faced headwinds from a combination of continued tough economic conditions, particularly in Southern Europe, and an adverse European regulatory environment,” said Vodafone chief executive Vittorio Colao in the statement.

He added: “The board remains focused on balancing ongoing shareholder remuneration with the long-term investment needs of the business, and going forward aims at least to maintain the ordinary dividend per share at current levels.” Vodafone’s full-year shareholder dividend stood at 10.19 pence per share, up seven percent from the previous year. —AFP

SEOUL: A South Korean model poses with the world’s first curved OLED TV of LG Electronics. (Right)Models pose with an 85-inch Ultra HD LCD TV panel of Samsung Electronics. South Korea’s largest consumer electronics and technology trade fair kicked off in Seoul yesterday showcasing the latest mobile gadgets and telecommunications technologies. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

Nobel laureate plays down flu pandemic scaremongering WELLINGTON: A Nobel prize-winning scientist yesterday played down “shockhorror scenarios” that a new virus strain will emerge with the potential to kill millions of people.

Peter Doherty, who jointly won the Nobel prize in 1996 for his work on how the immune system combats virusinfected cells, said the worst-case scenario was a new virus with a high mortality rate that was also highly infectious.

The Australian said the world experienced such a pandemic in 1918, when

an influenza variant killed an estimated 50 million people, more than twice the number who died in World War I. Doherty said it was possible such an outbreak could occur again but it was unlikely to have such devastating consequences.

“A lot of the (1918) deaths were undoubtedly due to secondary bacterial infection and, of course, we have antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infection now,” he said at a lecture at Otago University’s Wellington campus.

“In the pandemic world we all look to these shock-horror scenarios-it makes good television, there’s a lot of books about these terrible infections that are going to kill us all off.

“It makes a good book, it makes it terribly scary (but) I actually think that we’ll do a lot better than that with most pandemics.” Doherty said analysis of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus, a form of influenza which killed about 800 people, took three months when it emerged a decade ago.

The University of Melbourne-based scientist said similar work would now take just days. “We’re doing extremely well with virus diagnosis, rapid detection and all sorts of things like that, much better than in the past, so I don’t think a pandemic is going to kill us all off,” he said.

Doherty said the H1N1 “swine flu” which sickened millions around the world in 2009 was an example of an highly infectious strain with a relatively low mortality rate, with some 18,500

deaths reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Another strain, H7N9, emerged in China in March and has a high mortality rate of 36 deaths from 130 cases, according to official data. But there is no evidence it can be transmitted from human to human.

The WHO has also since last September confirmed 40 cases of a coronavirus closely related to SARS. It has caused 20 deaths, mostly in Saudi Arabia. — AFP

After a decade, AIDS program looks ahead ‘AIDS program’s future, however, is uncertain’

NEW ENGLAND: Acupuncturist Claire McManus treats a sea turtle, which was injured after getting stranded on Cape Cod during a prolonged exposure to cold weather, at the New England Aquarium’s animal care center in Quincy, Mass., Monday. The turtle remained calm as McManus gently tapped more than a dozen needles into its leathery skin during a therapy session intended to decrease inflammation and swelling on its front flippers, restore a full range of motion on those limbs and help the animal regain its appetite. — AP

Slow pokes: Acupuncture helps hypothermic turtles QUINCY: Two endangered sea turtles that are shells of their former selves after getting stranded on Cape Cod during a cold spell are getting some help easing back into the wild - from an acupuncturist.

Dexter and Fletcher Moon, juvenile Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles, remained calm as acupuncturist Claire McManus gently tapped more than a dozen needles into their grayish-green, leathery skin during a therapy session intended to decrease inflammation and swelling on their front flippers, restore a full range of motion on those limbs and help the animals regain their appetites.

“There aren’t a lot of people doing sea turtle acupuncture,” said McManus, who works alongside a vet to find parts of the marine mammals’ bodies corresponding to locations where acupuncturists put needles to treat front limbs. “There is not a whole lot of literature out there on turtle acupuncture, so I’m basing it on how we treat other animals and humans.”

McManus uses particularly thin needles for sea turtle acupuncture. “The needles, they are tiny, no bigger, like having a mosquito bite. You notice there’s no blood,” McManus said. “You can probably fit four or five of these inside the type of a needle you’d use to draw blood, so they didn’t really feel it.”

Dexter and Fletcher Moon were among a record number of more than 400 turtles of various species that got stranded on Cape Cod and the southern Massachusetts shore over the winter.

The victims included juvenile Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles that were there to feast on crabs, fish and jellyfish as cold weather settled over New England, causing hypothermia to set in and render the coldblooded animals immobile and unable to eat for days. As their stunned bodies floated on the sea surface, their limbs were exposed to extremely cold winds that ultimately blew them to the beach. Only 242 of the stranded sea turtles lived, and they were taken to the New England Aquarium’s offsite animal care center for treatment.

The turtles arrived because of hypother-

mia but also had secondary problems, such as pneumonia, and were malnourished.

“They haven’t been eating in a couple of weeks, so they don’t have the energy that it takes to be able to fight off some of these things,” said Connie Merigo, head of the aquarium’s marine rescue team.

Vets used laser therapy, antibiotics, enriched meals and other treatments to help turtles recover their health and strength before being returned to the wild.

Still, the sophisticated treatments could not help 14 sea turtles. That includes Dexter and Fletcher Moon, who are unable to use their front flippers - making it impossible for them to forage for food in the wild or escape from sharp-toothed predators prowling off the coast.

“We reach a point, sometimes, in the therapy for these turtles that the traditional methods aren’t working the way we want them to, and so we’ve reached out to a licensed acupuncturist,” Merigo said.

One other turtle, a loggerhead, is also getting acupuncture treatment; the other 11 not yet back in the wild are continuing on traditional treatments for lingering infections and orthopedic ailments. The acupuncture is intended to reduce stress, increase blood flow and boost the immune system - just as in humans.

Dexter and Fletcher Moon have already had three acupuncture sessions, scheduled once a week, said Merigo, who broke into a broad smile as she described their improvements over the past three weeks.

“These two turtles really had very limited limb use and they weren’t eating. We are seeing improved limb use and improved appetite,” Merigo said. “They are eating on their own, which is fantastic.”

McManus, the acupuncturist, was restrained when describing her reaction to the results.

“It makes me feel very happy,” McManus said. “Acupuncture is not alternative to conventional medicine - they are also receiving Western treatments as well, but the fact that it can work in conjunction with the other treatments they are getting makes me very happy.” — Reuters

PARIS: Jacques Servier, seated centre, founder of Servier Laboratories, during the opening of the trial of the so-called Mediator case, a drug linked to hundreds of deaths, at Nanterre’s court house, outside Paris, yesterday. Between 1976 and 2009, around 5 million people took Mediator, also promoted for weight loss. The drug may have caused between 500 and 2,000 deaths. —AP

WASHINGTON: The decade-old law that transformed the battle against HIV and AIDS in developing countries is at a crossroads. The dream of future generations freed from epidemic is running up against an era of economic recovery and harsh budget cuts.

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief grew out of an unlikely partnership between President George W. Bush and lawmakers led by the Congressional Black Caucus. It has come to represent what Washington can do when it puts politics aside - and what America can do to make the world a better place.

President Barack Obama, speaking at the recent dedication of Bush’s presidential library, praised the compassion Bush showed in “helping to save millions of lives and reminding people in some of the poorest corners of the globe that America cares.”

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said of Bush in a statement that “while many events may distinguish his presidency, his devotion to combatting the scourge of HIV/AIDS will certainly define his legacy.”

The AIDS program’s future, however, is uncertain. Obama has upped the stakes, speaking in his State of the Union address this year of “realizing the promise of an AIDS-free generation.” But funding for the relief plan’s bilateral efforts has dipped in recent years and it’s doubtful that Congress, in its current budget-cutting mood, will reverse that trend when the current five-year program expires later this year.

The AIDS program is also trying to find a balance between its goals of reaching more people with its prevention and treatment programs and turning over more responsibility to the host nations where it operates.

“This has been an incredible achievement,” said Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., a senior Congressional Black Caucus member who played major roles both in passing the original

2003 act and its 2008 renewal that significantly increased funding for AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis treatment in Africa and other areas of the developing world. She spoke of the more than 5 million people now receiving life-saving antiretroviral treatment and 11 million pregnant women who received HIV testing and counseling last year. “But I’m worried that with any type of level-funding or cuts we’ll go backward,” she said.

The 2008 act more than tripled funding from the 2003 measure, approving $48 billion over five years for bilateral and global AIDS programs, malaria and tuberculosis. It also ended US policy making it almost impossible for HIV-positive people to get visas to enter the country.

The AIDS program was the largest commitment ever by a nation to combat a single disease internationally. According to the U.N.’s UNAIDS and the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2011 the United States provided nearly 60 percent of all international AIDS assistance.

A decade ago, almost no one in sub-Saharan Africa was receiving antiretroviral treatment. By 2008, the AIDS program had boosted that number to 1.7 million. As of last year it was 5.1 million. The State Department says the program last year also helped provide treatment to some 750,000 HIV-positive pregnant women, allowing about 230,000 infants to be born HIV-free, supported 2 million male circumcisions and directly supported HIV testing and counseling for 46.5 million.

“This is a remarkable story that the American people should know about,” Kimberly Scott of the Institute of Medicine, which recently completed an evaluation of the AIDS program, said at a forum sponsored by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the CSIS Global Health Policy Center.

According to UNAIDS, the number of people living with HIV has leveled off, standing at about

34 million at the end of 2011. New infections that year reached 2.5 million, down 20 percent from 2001.

AIDS-related deaths were 1.7 million, down from 2.3 million in 2005. Jennifer Kates, director of global health and HIV policy at Kaiser, said most countries where the program operates have yet to reach the “tipping point,” where new infections occurring in a year are less than the increase in people receiving treatment. Among the success stories were Ethiopia, where the 40,000 going on treatment in 2011 was almost four times the new infections. Still with a long way to go was Nigeria, which that year had 270,000 new HIV infections and a 57,000 increase in those getting treatment.

Chris Collins, director of public policy at amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, also warned of potential repercussions as the AIDS program shifts from being an emergency response to the AIDS epidemic to a more supportive role for country-based health programs.

“The countries themselves largely are avoiding the important role that key populations play in epidemics,” he said, referring to gay men, those injecting drugs and sex workers. These groups face discrimination and criminal charges in many cases, and 90 percent of the money to help them now comes from external sources.

Collins also spoke of the “huge mismatch” between the positive science and rhetoric on fighting AIDS and the money available. Since 2009 the funding for bilateral and global HIV and AIDS programs has largely stalled.

Kaiser’s Kates said that while there’s still bipartisan support for the AIDS program in Congress, “the big question is will the financing be there to reach the goals” of treating more people and advancing toward that AIDS-free generation.

“The challenge right now is that the global economic climate is different, the US climate is different, but the need is still great.” — AP

SARS-like virus victim dies TUNIS: A man travelling from Saudi Arabia who was infected with the SARS-like coronavirus has died in Tunisia, the health authorities said yesterday.

“It is the first case in Tunisia, and he died on May 10,” Noureddine Achour, director of the National Observatory for New and Emerging Diseases, told AFP. “Two members of his family also contracted the virus but they are doing well after receiving treatment,” he added.

The World Health Organisation is still gathering information to be able to draw conclusions on how the deadly coronavirus is transmitted.

It has been deadliest in Saudi Arabia, where it has so far killed 16 people, but cases have also been reported in Jordan, Qatar, Germany, Britain and France.

The virus is a cousin of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which triggered a scare 10 years ago when it erupted in east Asia, leaping to humans from animal hosts and eventually killing some 800 people.

Since last September, the WHO says it has been informed of a global total of around 40 laboratory confirmed cases of the virus, including 20 deaths. — AFP

Rice contamination reported in China BEIJING: Authorities are investigating rice mills in southern China following tests that found almost half of the staple grain in one of the country’s largest cities was contaminated with a toxic metal.

The mills in Hunan province’s Youxian county were ordered to suspend business and recall their products after samples showed excessive levels of cadmium, according to an official notice issued Tuesday by the county government.

It said the mills had been operating legally and sourced their rice from local farmers. The announcement followed reports over the weekend that government inspectors discovered that 44.4 percent of rice and rice products tested this year in the southern city of Guangzhou in Guangdong province showed high levels of cadmium. The carcinogenic metal can seriously damage the kidneys and cause other health problems.

Hunan is a heavily agricultural province that borders on Guangdong, although it wasn’t clear if there was a direct connection between the mills and Guangzhou’s tainted rice. While investigations are continuing, cadmium is believed to have entered the rice from soil polluted with heavy metals.

Air and soil pollution are chronic problems in China, caused by poor regulation of industrial emissions and heavy dependence on coal to generate electricity.

China’s food supply also suffers from deliberate faking or adulterating by unscrupulous operators, leading to occasional public panic over products from infant formula to cooking oil and a deep lack of trust in the government’s ability to ensure food safety.

In one of the worst scandals, at least six babies died and 300,000 became sick in 2008 after being fed milk powder tainted with the industrial chemical melamine, which was illegally added to watered-down dairy products to make their protein content appear normal. — AP

FRANCHEVILLE: An employee (L) of “La Maisonee”, a center for disabled children who need breathing assistance, gives a massage to a disabled child during a Snoezelen session (a controlled multi-sensory stimulation) on May 6, 2013 in Francheville, central eastern France. — AFP

Australian zoo says white rhino birth ‘sign of hope’ SYDNEY: An Australian zoo said yesterday the birth of a southern white rhinoceros was a “sign of hope” for the species given the escalation of poaching in Africa.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo said the yetto-be-named male calf was born to firsttime mother Mopani in the safari-style animal park in Dubbo, 400 kilometres (250 miles) west of Sydney, on May 14.

“It seems the first rain we had in Dubbo in a number of months helped bring on the birth of this calf, which was spotted by a staff member on Tuesday morning,” senior keeper Pascale Benoit said.

Taronga said every birth was important given unprecedented poaching in Africa, with close to 2,000 rhinos estimated to have been slaughtered since 2006, resulting in population growth slumping to some of the lowest levels in decades.

“He is a sign of hope to all of us to help stop the worst rhino poaching crisis in half a century,” Taronga chief executive Cameron Kerr said.

The zoo hopes the delivery heralds a new start for its breeding programme after it last year suffered the devastating loss of four white rhinos from a mysterious illness

which caused neurological abnormalities.

The cause of the disease has never been determined.

Mopani contracted the illness while pregnant but survived to give birth to the healthy 45-50 kilogram (99-110 pound) calf.

Zoo general manager Matt Fuller said nine white rhinos had been born at the facility since 2003 but the latest was “incredibly special” given the recent escalation in poaching, driven by demand from Asia for rhino horn.

“We are hearing that in excess of 300 animals have succumbed this year already,” he said. “If that’s to continue then very soon, in fact something like 2015 or 2016, we will be seeing a tipping point where the deaths brought on by illegal poaching and hunting outweigh the number of births that are happening in the wild.

“And that really puts rhinos on one clear path, and that is the path towards extinction.” The zoo’s rhinos are southern whites, the less endangered of the two white rhinoceros species. There are estimated to be some 20,000 southern whites surviving in the wild, according to environmental group WWF. — AFP

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

Erupting Alaska volcano spews ash, disrupts air travel ANCHORAGE: One of Alaska’s most active volcanoes, which has been belching ash and spewing lava since last week, has forced regional flight cancellations and dusted some nearby communities with ash, scientists and local officials said yesterday.

Pavlof Volcano has sent up ash as high as 22,000 feet (6,700 meters), with the cloud blowing eastward and the eruption showing no signs of abating, according to the federal-state Alaska Volcano Observatory. The lava from its 8,261-foot (2,518-metre) peak has also created huge steam clouds on meeting the mountain’s snow. While the ash plume was still too low on Monday to affect commercial airliners flying at least 30,000 feet (9,150 meters) above sea level between Asia and North America, it was scrambling schedules for regional carriers serving rural fishing towns and native villages that lack outside road access. PenAir, an Anchorage-based Alaska company specializing in travel in southwestern Alaska, briefly stopped flights to four destinations to wait for ash to dissipate, said Danny Seybert, the carrier’s chief executive. “We’ve had about a dozen cancellations due to the volcano,” he said.

PenAir’s planes fly at altitudes between 15,000 and 20,000 feet (4,500-6,000 meters), exactly where they could

encounter ash, depending on wind direction, Seybert said.

Among the cancellations were flights in and out of Unalaska/Dutch Harbor, the topvolume seafood port in the United States, he said. Ash plumes could go higher, as Pavlof’s eruption could intensify with little warning, the Alaska Volcano Observatory said. Trace amounts of ash fell overnight on Nelson Lagoon, a tiny Aleut village of 50 residents located 48 miles (77 km) northeast of Pavlof. The volcano had earlier sprinkled ash on Sand Point, a fishing town of about 1,000 people, when the wind was blowing in a slightly different direction, according to the observatory.

Along with potential aviation hazards, the ash poses possible health risks, said Rick Wessels, a U.S. Geological Survey geophysicist at the observatory.

“It’s dangerous for the people downwind of it, because you don’t really want to breathe in that fine ash that long,” Wessels said of the eruption taking place on the Alaska Peninsula, 590 miles (950 km) southwest of Anchorage.

Pavlof is one of Alaska’s most restless volcanoes and had its last major eruption in 2007. The Alaska Volcano Observatory estimates it has erupted about two dozen times between 1901 and 2007. — Reuters

Dr Zaidi promotes cancer foundation KUWAIT: An introductory talk was delivered

by Dr Adnan Zaidi, an American Board Certified Oncologist, at a local hotel yesterday about The Cancer Foundation (www.thecancerfoundation.pk), a not-for-profit organization in Karachi, Pakistan.

The main objective of the Cancer Foundation is making cancer treatment available to everyone, without any distinction, at an affordable price. The event was attended by over 100 Pakistanis from different walks of life.

This noble cause has brought together a

team of like-minded people; entrepreneurs, business managers and doctors with a unique philosophy to achieve the mission of building a KWD 2.6 million cancer hospital in the city of Karachi, Pakistan.

The Cancer Foundation has acquired a hospital premises in the heart of the Karachi city which is being rebuilt and restored. The Cancer Foundation will be a 90-bed unit with 18 beds committed to Intensive Care (ICU) and Step Down Units (SDU), and 13 chemotherapy day care beds. This facility will incorporate a labo-

ratory, radiology, and clinical services unit.

The facility will blend functionality with comfort for the patients and its employees. A paperless electronic medical record system and IT backbone will be used to manage patient records, transactions, purchases and supply chain. This will ensure transparency, efficiency and lower operating costs in the long run. Dr Adnan Zaidi is in Kuwait to raise awareness about the project and meet various Pakistanis and Kuwaitis who are in a position to support this cause.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

W H AT ’ S O N

Marriott executives showcase ‘see the world’ SEND US YOUR INSTAGRAM PICS

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hat’s more fun than clicking a beautiful picture? Sharing it with others! Let other people see the way you see Kuwait - through your lens. Friday Times will feature snapshots of Kuwait through Instagram feeds. If you want to share your Instagram photos, email us at instagram@kuwaittimes.net

Announcements Classical music at AUK he Department of Music and Drama is hosting a demonstration/ masterclass with the German classical guitarist Friedemann at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), 28 May 3 pm, Liberal Arts Building, room 205. Wuttke is a gifted performer, having played with major ensembles and orchestras. Besides various concerts in Germany, he has toured in the United States and South East Asia, as well as several European metropolises. This, his first visit to the Gulf region, has been realized with the support of the German Embassy in Kuwait, in cooperation with the Dar al Athar al Islamiyyah. The AUK performance is free and open to the public.

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AIP shaam-e ghazal he Association of Indian Professionals (AIP), Kuwait, forthcoming event has been scheduled for the evening of May 25, 2013 at 6 pm at the auditorium of Indian Community Senior School, Salmiya and is titled as AIP Shaam-e-Ghazal. We have invited Raghuram Krishnan, a Ghazal singer from Cochin, India to make this evening more melodious and vibrant. He will be supported by few local musicians also.

Ambassador of India, Satish C. Mehta will be the Chief Guest. Admission is by invitation and children below 10 years of age will not be allowed.

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The TIES Center’s ‘trip’ he TIES Center cordially invites those who are interested in its trip to the Historical, Vintage and Classic Car Museum, which is the first museum in Kuwait specializing in old cars on May 30th at 6:00 pm.

Revisit past memories or learn something new. If you love cars then this is the trip for you. Even if you don’t love cars, come anyway; you will enjoy the trip. For more information/registration, log onto: www.tiescenter.net.

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Photography exhibition

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he Embassy of India, Kuwait in association with National Council of Arts, Culture & Letters is organizing an exhibition of photographs of Islamic monuments of India by Benoy K Behl, Art - Historian & Photographer at Al-Edwani Hall, Dahiyat Abdullah AlSalem. The exhibition is being inaugurated at 1900 hrs tomorrow 21 May, 2013. The exhibition shall be kept open till 27 May 2013 from 0900 hrs to 1230 hrs and 1700 hrs to 2100 hrs. All are cordially invited to the exhibition.

IMAX

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arriott International executives from across the globe have arrived in Kuwait as part of a Global Sales Mission taking place across the Middle East this month, showcasing the company’s “See The World” campaign. The initiative highlights Marriott International’s global spread of hotels with senior executives from London, China, Paris, the US and other destinations joining the mission.

Vladimir Dabbah, Vice President Global Sales, Middle East and Africa at Marriott International, said: “The exclusive Global Sales Mission concept epitomizes the innovative way of doing business at Marriott International. This unique approach helps to maximize the sales efforts and reflects the company’s proactive strategy to strengthen relationships with key customers. It is also a step towards, further enhancing our long-term strategic customer relationships in the region - the cornerstone of success at Marriott International whilst demonstrating the company’s commitment to the region”.

According to Kuwait Infrastructure Report Q22, the Kuwait Infrastructure

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ulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) Public Relations Officer and GUST Advertising/PR Alumni, Joanne Basel Al-Abduljaleel, was accepted into the prestigious Yale Pre-MBA program, which was advertised to students through GUSTís International Programs/Academic Affairs office. This highly selective program accepts only 40 students worldwide, and Al-Abdul Jaleel will be representing GUST and Kuwait at the workshop taking place for two-weeks this summer in Yale Universityís campus in New Haven, Connecticut.

The Yale School of Management PreMBA Leadership Program is a highly selective summer program aimed at college

Wednesday: ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups To The Arctic 3D 10:30am Tornado Alley 3D11:30am, 6:30pm, 9:30pm Flight of Butterflies 3D 12:30pm, 7:30pm Journey to Mecca 5:30pm Born to be Wild 3D 8:30pm Thursday: ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups Flight of Butterflies 3D 10:30am, 5:30pm, 8:30pm Born to be Wild 3D 11:30am Tornado Alley 3D12:30pm, 7:30pm, 9:30pm To The Arctic 3D 6:30pm

Saturday: ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups Flight of Butterflies 3D 10:30am, 1:30pm, 8:30pm Tornado Alley 3D 11:30am, 2:30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm, 9:30pm To The Arctic 3D 12:30pm, 6:30pm Born to be Wild 3D 3:30pm Journey to Mecca 4:30pm Notes: All films are in Arabic. For English, headsets are available upon request.

“Fires of Kuwait” is in English. Arabic headsets are available upon request.

Film schedule is subject to changes without notice.

Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

including JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Residence Inn by Marriott to name a few. There are a further 48 announced properties scheduled to join Marriott International’s portfolio in the region through 2017, eight of which are in Saudi Arabia, adding 11,567 rooms to the Marriott International system.

On an international level, executives promoted the global portfolio, including: Autograph Collection, whereby each property was selected for its bold originality, rich character and uncommon details; and Renaissance Hotels, the brand that speaks to passionate travellers in search of local authentic experiences. The mission also highlighted the 2013 introductions of both Gaylord, a destination focused heritage hotel brand and Moxy, which combines contemporary stylish design with an affordable price point.

On a regional level, focus points for discussion and promotion were the company’s expansion in the Extended Stay segment, with its Residence Inn

by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments (MEA) brands. A key discussion point was the 2013 opening of

the 83-unit Residence Inn by Marriott Jazan. Marriott International views Extended Stay as a key area for expansion due to the increasing number of mid-term visitors to the region, be it for business or for pleasure. The mission also discussed the 2013 opening of the Renaissance Cairo Mirage City, Dubai Marriott Zabeel and MEA Zabeel Dubai.

The comprehensive two-week program kicked off in Abu Dhabi on May 5, and culminated in Kuwait on May 20th seeking to empower the company’s sales force and develop strategic customer relationships across the region. Coinciding with the Arabian Travel Market, this mission provided a platform bringing senior executives closer to customers for a unique networking opportunity, while updating them on the various events and promotions from Marriott International.

During this road show, executives visited Jeddah, Riyadh, Al Khobar, Bahrain, Doha and ended their mission in Kuwait, all in order to strengthen Marriott’s strategic relationships and grow Marriott International’s sales force.

GUST Alum accepted into Yale Pre-MBA Leadership Program

IMAX film program

Friday: Fires of Kuwait 2:30pm Tornado Alley 3D3:30pm, 5:30pm, 8:30pm To The Arctic 3D 4:30pm, 7:30pm Flight of Butterflies 3D 6:30pm Born to be Wild 3D 9:30pm

sector continues to perform well driven by strong oil revenues. The government has been providing stability and stimulus for the sector. As a result, growth remains positive for 2013, with a forecast of 3.6% year on year (y-o-y).

This will take the industry value to US$3.2bn this year, rising to $6.6bn by 2022. This factor, along with the expansion of numerous airports across the GCC including the Kuwait International Airport, and the 11.4 percent increase in visitors to the GCC3, positions Kuwait and the region as a key area in terms of growth in passenger numbers and ultimately hotel occupancy rates.

Marriott International manages and operates over 3,800 hotels under 18 brands around the world, including JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Renaissance, Autograph Collection, Courtyard by Marriott, Gaylord and Moxy, the company’s latest introduction. In the Middle East and Africa, the company currently has a regional presence consisting of 42 properties in 12 countries - including five properties in the Kingdom - offering 12,237 rooms and spanning seven lodging brands,

sophomores, juniors and seniors and recent college graduates where they will be introduced to the fundamentals of management education and given the tools necessary to hone their individual leadership skills. The goal of the program is to develop the participantsí practical knowledge of business and management and inspire them to develop and draw upon their leadership abilities in order to make a positive impact in all aspects of their lives.

Al-Abduljaleel is an excellent candidate and representative for GUST as she exemplifies the essence of the required type of applicant for the program: hard working, focused, with strong leadership potential and a commitment to diversity. When asked about why she applied for the program, Joanne says, ìI am always looking for more opportunities to further my leadership skills and career path within my community. I am looking forward to this program which I believe will be an exceptional experience which will help me define my future.î The program will include classes in business and management skills including data analysis and economics, leadership knowledge through various exercises, career inspiration following an MBA, practical job search training including resume building and it will also provide the students with a unique opportunity to network with people from different parts of the world. GUST is constantly encouraging its students to apply to such multicultural and diverse programs which will strengthen students academically, professionally, and personally as well as expand the studentsí global outlook and reach.

TIES Center cordially invites you to the following events

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ore than fourteen centuries ago, Allah sent down the Glorious Quran to mankind as a book of guidance. Of course the Qur’an is not a book of science. However, many scientific facts that are expressed in an extremely concise and profound manner in its verses have only been discovered with the technology of the 20th century. These facts could not have been known at the time of the Quran’s revelation, and this is still more proof that the Qur’an is the word of God. The staging of human embryos was not described until the 20th century. Streeter (1941) developed the first system of staging which has now been replaced by a more accurate system proposed by O’Rahilly (1972). Visit the Ties Center on May 27 at 7:00pm, to watch a very interesting and education movie about some scientific miracles in the Quran.

Lecture - ‘Weapons of Mass Instruction’ What is a library? Not always what you think. As libraries have spread across the world, and as times have changed, libraries have adapted. Library design is no longer just the building you’re all familiar with: the large building that houses a vast collection of books on row upon row of shelves.

Libraries are mobile; libraries are technological hubs; they pop up in new and unique places. You never know where or what a library might be. In this talk we will explore traditional library design and how it has changed to fit different cultures’ and countries’ needs. If you are interested in the topic, join Whitney Spencer at TIES Center on May 28, 2013 at 7:00pm to learn

more about the topic. Whitney Spencer is a newly graduated librarian from Canada.

Currently working at Al Bayan Bilingual School as an elementary librarian, her focus has always been on library design and promotion. She was been involved in Librarians Without Borders, helping build a library in Guatemala and was the leading member of a study to build a conceptual library in Ghana, Africa.

Class - ‘Quran Quotes and Interpretation’ After reading specified Quranic verses aloud and explaining them very briefly, Nejoud and Hassan, will take turns in explaining the various connotations of some words and phrases to show the literary beauty and miracle of the Qur’an among others. After that, attendees will be asked to participate in the ensuing discussion on the topic and other related issues together. The class will involve an open discussion in casual setting with the aim of reflecting and pondering over verses from the Noble Qur’an as well as learning how to recite some short surahs. You are welcome after tomorrow May 29 at 7:00pm.

Tour to the Historical, Vintage and Classic Car Museum On May 30 at 6:00pm we will be going to the Historical, Vintage and Classic Car Museum, which is the first museum in Kuwait specializing in old cars. Revisit past memories or learn something new. If you love cars then this is the trip for you. Even if you don’t love cars, come anyway; I am sure you will enjoy the trip. For registration, please call 25231015/6 or log onto: www.tiescenter.net

The English School, Fahaheel celebrates forty-five years

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he English School, Fahaheel, Kuwait, celebrated its 45 years in education with a glittering and opulent ceremony for its graduating students in years 11, 12 and 13 (Sixth form), on Wednesday 1 May, at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

The event was a double celebration for ESF .To mark this exceptional milestone a special film was screened illustrating the rich history of the school since its founding in 1968. The film featured black and white photographs from the 1960s and 1970s to those of the present day. The film was accompanied by the specially printed souvenir booklet marking forty-five years of ESF, entitled The Journey.

Special guests at the occasion included Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the State of Kuwait, Frank Baker; Indian Ambassdor, S.C. Mehta; South African Ambassador, D. Van Tonder and Dr Abdullah Rashed Al Hajeri, former member of Parliament and Minister of Commerce and Industry.

The Chairman and owner of ESF, Mr Ibrahim Shuhaiber, accompanied by the Vice-Chairman, Mrs Jasmine Shuhaiber, welcomed the Heads of Department, staff, the graduating students and their

parents.The event commenced with the entrance of the Graduates, the Class of 2013.

Certificates were presented to Year 11 students by the British Ambassador accompanied by Ibrahim Shuhaiber and to Years 12 and 13, by the Indian Ambassador.

Special presentations to the Head Boy, Michael Bechara and the Head Girl, Sarah al Saleh, were presented by South African Ambassador.

In his speech, Ibrahim Shuhaiber spoke of his pride in the excellent results and progress made at ESF over the previous 45 years and in his confidence for continuing success in the future.

The International Student Award of the Year was presented to Tareq Al Baddah.

The French prize, donated by Mrs Frederique Asfar, was awarded to Tamara Raad.

The ceremony closed with Votes of Thanks in English (Michael Bechara); Arabic (Hind Attar) and in French (Amira Aly). Guests were then invited to a buffet dinner catered by the staff of the Radisson Blu Hotel.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

W H AT ’ S O N

Embassy Information

Safir Hotel & Residences hosts traditional dinner for the media

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afir Hotel & Residences Kuwait-Fintas hosted a traditional Kuwaiti dinner exclusively for the media at the Al Roshinah Restaurant. The dinner showcased the best authentic Kuwaiti dishes that Al Roshinah Restaurant offers to its valuable patrons. The event was attended by a select group of representatives from the local Kuwaiti media, advertising agencies, and public relations companies. Set against the backdrop of a classic yet contemporary setting, the event highlighted Al Roshinah’s delectable array of authentic local delicacies and famous Arabic dishes that reflect the fusion of tradition and modernity - the central theme of Al Roshinah cuisine and atmosphere.

Saif Eddin Mohammed, the General Manager of

Safir Hotel & Residences Fintas, received and welcomed the guests and wished them all an enjoyable evening. Saif Eddin said, “At Al Roshinah Restaurant we go all out to bring you nothing but a truly authentic traditional Kuwaiti cuisine to satisfy even the most of our fastidious patrons.” He added, “Al Roshinah Restaurant is the only Kuwaiti restaurant in a 5 star hotel in Kuwait.”

Al Roshinah Kuwaiti Restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner from 12:00 noon until 12:00 am and also caters for private and corporate dining events. It is the perfect venue for locals and the guests of Kuwait to enjoy an authentic Kuwaiti cuisine in a modern environment.

Fruit Salad Day - at Jack & Jill - Bhavans

EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA The Australian Embassy Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department.

All processing of visas and immigration matters in conducted by The Australian Consulate-General in Dubai. Email: info.ausdxb@vfshelpline.com (VFS) immigration.dubai@dfat.gov.au (Visa Office); Tel: +971 4 355 1958 (VFS) - +971 4 508 7200 (Visa Office); Fax: +971 4 355 0708 (Visa Office). In Kuwait applications can be lodged at the Australian Visa Application Centre 4B 1st Floor, Al-Banwan Building Al-Qibla Area, Ali Al-Salem Street, opposite the Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait City, Kuwait. Working hours and days: 09:30 - 17:30; Sunday - Thursday. Or visit their website www.vfs-au-gcc-com for more information. Kuwait citizens can apply for tourist visas on-line at www.immi.gov.au/e visa/e676.htm. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF CANADA The Embassy of Canada in Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department. All processing of visa and immigration matters including enquiries is conducted by the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Individuals who are interested in working, studying, visiting or immigrating to Canada should contact the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, website: www.UAE.gc.ca or www.goingtocanada.gc.ca, E-mail: abdbi-imenquiry@international.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakei St, Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. The reception is open from 07:30 to 12:30. Consular services for Canadian citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00, Sunday through Wednesday. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF CYPRUS In its capacity as EU Local Presidency in the State of Kuwait, the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus, on behalf of the Member States of the EU and associated States participating in the Schengen cooperation, would like to announce that as from 2nd October 2012 all Schengen States’ Consulates in Kuwait will use the Visa Information System (VIS). The VIS is a central database for the exchange of data on shortstay (up to three months) visas between Schengen States. The main objectives of the VIS are to facilitate visa application procedures and checks at external border as well as to enhance security. The VIS will contain all the Schengen visa applications lodged by an applicant over five years and the decisions taken by any Schengen State’s consulate. This will allow applicants to establish more easily the lawful use of previous visas and their bona fide status. For the purpose of the VIS, applicants will be required to provide their biometric data (fingerprints and digital photos) when applying for a Schengen visa. It is a simple and discreet procedure that only takes a few minutes. Biometric data, along with the data provided in the Schengen visa application form, will be recorded in the VIS central database. Therefore, as from 2nd October 2012, first-time applicants will have to appear in person when lodging the application, in order to provide their fingerprints. For subsequent applications within 5 years the fingerprints can be copied from the previous application file in the VIS. The Cypriot Presidency would like to assure the people of Kuwait and all its permanent citizens that the Member States and associated States participating in the Schengen cooperation, have taken all necessary technical measures to facilitate the rapid examination and the efficient processing of visa applications and to ensure a quick and discreet procedure for the implementation of the new VIS.

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easonal Fruit Salad Day was celebrated at Jack & Jill, - Bhavans - Mangaf on 2nd of May with much cheerful zest by the Principal of Jack & Jill Rathi Ravindran. Friendship Salad Recipe lesson activity is a well-loved classic because it works! It’s a fun activity that

teaches children the rules of the classroom manners and how to be a good friend and a helper. Before the lesson activity was done, the children were asked to feel the texture of the fruits. The bright flavors of the salad hold up really well in a school lunch. There were raspberries, figs,

peaches, nectarines, plums, and crisp summer apples abound standard oranges and bananas, Crispin apples, ripe nectarines, and two kinds of plums. The crisp apples lent texture, the nectarines lent sweetness, and the plums added a hint of tang - gathering the children around.

50% discount on room rates at the Palms Beach Hotel & Spa

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he arrangements are completed to welcome the upcoming summer of 2013 at the Palms Beach Hotel & Spa. As the hotel managements are always willing to introduce certain special & unique packages, they proudly set a valuable promotion on room rates on its large and modern featured suites, which marked with lot of facilities that ensure the comfort & satisfaction of their guests, especially in the one or two bedroom suites that contain the large living room & dining table, that meet with the family requirements. These facilities created the attractive point that made lot of resident & GCC guests keep an eye on the Palms Beach Hotel & Spa on this season.

Furthermore, the Palms Beach Hotel & Spa had recently launched the special promotion that reached up to 50% discount on the weekdays, especially The Palms Beach Hotel and Spa is Kuwait’s unique five star city resort, located on the seaside in Ta’awn Street, Salwa area, which is considered one of the nearest locations to reach the shopping areas in Kuwait. The Palms Hotel summer promotion contain lots of benefits, started by room rates, passing by the special rich buffet breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Palmerie restaurant, which serve certain collections of the international and Arabian dishes, additional to the live station.

On the other hand, for the seafood lovers, they can enjoy with the day fishing dish experience at AlMuhallab restaurant, which serve a wide variety of traditional fish and seafood dishes on the seaside along with the traditional house music, additional to the shisha corner. Moreover, the guests can explore the Moroccan experience along with its related delicious

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EMBASSY OF SOUTH AFRICA The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa will be closed on Tuesday, 28 May 2013, for an official event. The Embassy will resume it’s normal working hours on Wednesday, 29 May 2013, from Sunday to Thursday. Please note that the Working hours will be from 8h00 to 16h00 & the Consular Section operation hours will be from 8h30 to 12h30, for any emergencies please contact: 94924895. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY GREECE The Embassy of Greece in Kuwait has the pleasure to announce that visa applications must be submitted to Schengen Visa Application Centre (VFS office) located at 12th floor, Al-Naser Tower, Fahad Al-Salem Street, AlQibla area, Kuwait City, (Parking at Souk Watia). For information please call 22281046 from 08:30 to 17:00 (Sunday to Thursday). Working hours: Submission from 08:30 to 15:30. Passport collection from 16:00 to 17:00. For visa applications please visit the following website www.mfa.gr/kuwait. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF SOUTH KOREA

meals, hot & soft drinks, additional to Shisha at Tagine Moroccan restaurant & cafe.

The applicable promotions are enabling the guests to avail the entire hotel facilities including the Palms Beach Club, which is considered the first in Kuwait with

its related equipments and the high-tech machines, further to the attractive front sea view, additional to the special beach club packages on the annual membership. Moreover, the unique packages extended to the Dive Center and the Orchid Spa.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kuwait will organize 2013 K-POP Contest on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 6:00 pm. The aim of the contest is to provide an opportunity to the participants to showcase their exciting talents to the audience. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the contest. Application forms can be downloaded from the Embassy’s website: http://kwt.mofa.go.kr (Select English from the menu at the top of the page then Bilateral Relations) or visit the “Korean Culture Diwaniya” Facebook Group. Interested applicants must send their application forms to Kuwait@mofa.go.kr by 24 May 2013.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

TV PROGRAMS

00:45 Monsters Inside Me 01:35 I’m Alive 02:25 Safari Vet School 02:50 Safari Vet School 03:15 Gator Boys 04:05 World Wild Vet 04:55 Shamwari: A Wild Life 05:20 Cheetah Kingdom 05:45 Dolphin Days 06:10 Dolphin Days 06:35 Wildlife SOS 07:00 The Really Wild Show 07:25 Karina: Wild On Safari 07:50 Karina: Wild On Safari 08:15 Dogs 101 09:10 Chris Humfrey’s Wildlife 10:05 Safari Vet School 10:30 Safari Vet School 11:00 Animal Cops Phoenix 11:55 Shamwari: A Wild Life 12:20 Wildlife SOS 12:50 SSPCA: On The Wildside 13:45 Animal Precinct 14:40 Safari Vet School 15:30 Cheetah Kingdom 16:00 The Really Wild Show 16:30 Dogs 101 17:25 Weird Creatures With Nick Baker 18:20 Groomer Has It 19:15 Escape To Chimp Eden 19:40 Bondi Vet 20:10 Shamwari: A Wild Life 20:35 Echo And The Elephants Of Amboseli 21:05 Queens Of The Savannah

00:40 Come Dine With Me 01:30 Masterchef: The Professionals 02:15 Gok’s Fashion Fix 03:05 To Build Or Not To Build?

03:30 Cash In The Attic 04:15 Bargain Hunt 05:00 Holmes On Homes 05:45 Gok’s Fashion Fix 06:35 To Build Or Not To Build?

07:00 The Roux Legacy 07:35 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 08:05 Homes Under The Hammer 09:00 Bargain Hunt 09:45 Antiques Roadshow 10:40 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 11:20 Masterchef: The Professionals 12:05 Come Dine With Me 12:55 The Roux Legacy 13:30 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 13:55 Bargain Hunt 14:40 Cash In The Attic 15:25 Antiques Roadshow 16:15 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 17:00 Homes Under The Hammer 17:55 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 18:20 Food And Drink 18:50 The Hairy Bikers USA 19:20 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 19:45 Come Dine With Me

00:45 01:35 02:00 02:25 02:50 03:00 03:30 03:55 04:20 04:45 05:00 05:25 05:45 06:00 06:25 06:50 07:15 07:40 08:05 08:30

Wacky Races Duck Dodgers Duck Dodgers Dastardly And Muttley Dastardly And Muttley Dexter’s Laboratory Wacky Races Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries Tom & Jerry The Garfield Show Bananas In Pyjamas Gerald McBoing Boing Jelly Jamm Ha Ha Hairies Bananas In Pyjamas Lazytown Krypto: The Super Dog Baby Looney Tunes Gerald McBoing Boing Cartoonito Tales

08:55 09:20 09:45 10:10 10:35 11:00 11:25 11:50 12:15 12:40 13:00 13:25 13:50 14:20 14:45 15:10 15:35 16:00 16:25 16:50 17:15 17:40 18:05 18:30 18:55 19:20 19:45 20:10 20:35 21:00 21:25 21:50

Ha Ha Hairies Lazytown Baby Looney Tunes Krypto: The Super Dog Cartoonito Tales Jelly Jamm Gerald McBoing Boing Lazytown Baby Looney Tunes Jelly Jamm Tom & Jerry Kids A Pup Named Scooby-Doo Moomins Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries The Looney Tunes Show The 13 Ghosts Of Scooby-Doo Taz-Mania Tiny Toon Adventures Moomins Tom And Jerry Tales What’s New Scooby Doo The Looney Tunes Show The Garfield Show Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries The 13 Ghosts Of Scooby-Doo Tom And Jerry Tales What’s New Scooby Doo Tiny Toon Adventures Puppy In My Pocket What’s New Scooby-Doo? Looney Tunes Dexter’s Laboratory

00:30 Grim Adventures Of...

01:20 Johnny Test 02:10 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 02:35 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 03:00 The Amazing World Of Gumball 03:25 Regular Show 03:50 Ben 10: Omniverse 04:15 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 04:40 Powerpuff Girls 05:05 Evil Con Carne 05:30 Cow & Chicken 06:00 Casper’s Scare School 06:30 Angelo Rules 07:00 Dreamworks Dragons Riders Of Berk 07:25 Johnny Test 07:45 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 08:10 Evil Con Carne 08:55 Adventure Time 09:45 Regular Show 10:35 Angelo Rules 11:25 Ben 10: Alien Force 11:50 Ben 10: Alien Force 12:15 Hero 108 12:40 Hero 108 13:05 Mucha Lucha !

13:30 Angelo Rules 14:20 Evil Con Carne 15:10 The Amazing World Of Gumball 15:35 Adventure Time 16:00 Regular Show 16:30 Johnny Test 17:00 Ben 10: Omniverse 17:25 Dreamworks Dragons Riders Of Berk 17:50 Gormiti New 18:15 Young Justice 18:40 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 19:05 Total Drama Island 19:30 Total Drama Island 19:55 Mucha Lucha !

20:20 Ben 10: Omniverse

00:30 01:30 02:30 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30

Jerome Brudos: The Lust Killer The Real Essex Boys Psychic Detectives Bloodwork Evil Up Close Crime Stories Crime Town USA Crime Town USA Cold Case Files The FBI Files Crime Stories Crime Stories Crimes That Shook Britain Psychic Detectives Curious & Unusual Deaths

13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:30 Face

Nightmare In Suburbia Vanished With Beth Holloway The First 48 The FBI Files Crime Stories Psychic Detectives Curious & Unusual Deaths Snapped: Women Who Kill Psychic Detectives Crime Stories Haunted Encounters: Face To

00:15 Dual Survival 01:10 Yukon Men 02:05 Moonshiners 03:00 Mythbusters 03:55 Border Security - Series 6 Specials 04:20 Auction Hunters 04:50 Storage Hunters 05:15 How Machines Work 05:40 How Stuff’s Made 06:05 Sons Of Guns 07:00 Mythbusters 07:50 Ultimate Survival 08:45 Gold Rush 09:40 Border Security - Series 6 Specials 10:05 Auction Hunters 10:30 Auction Kings 10:55 How Machines Work 11:25 How It’s Made 11:50 Dual Survival 12:45 Yukon Men 13:40 Moonshiners 14:35 Border Security - Series 6 Specials 15:05 Auction Hunters 15:30 Auction Kings 16:00 Jesse James: Outlaw Garage 16:55 Gold Rush 17:50 Mythbusters 18:45 Sons Of Guns 19:40 How Machines Work 20:05 How It’s Made

00:05 How Tech Works 00:30 Sci-Fi Science 01:00 Prototype This 01:50 Sport Science 02:45 Unchained Reaction 03:35 Prototype This 04:25 Superships 05:15 The Gadget Show 05:40 How Tech Works 06:05 Meteorite Men 07:00 Stephen Hawking’s Grand Design 07:50 Bad Universe 08:40 The Gadget Show 09:05 How Tech Works 09:30 Da Vinci’s Machines 10:25 What’s That About?

11:20 Superships 12:10 Prophets Of Science Fiction 13:00 Bad Universe 13:50 Sci-Fi Science 14:20 The Gadget Show 14:45 How Tech Works 15:10 Stephen Hawking’s Grand Design 16:00 Scrapheap Challenge 16:55 Future Weapons 17:45 Superships 18:35 Meteorite Men 19:30 Stephen Hawking’s Grand Design 20:20 Bad Universe 21:10 The Gadget Show 21:35 How Tech Works 22:00 Stephen Hawking’s Grand Design 22:50 Sport Science

00:45 01:10 01:35 02:30 03:25 04:20 05:10 06:05

The Road To Le Mans The Road To Le Mans Treasures Decoded Zero Hour Survivorman Alaska’s Great Race Timewatch Circus

07:00 07:50 08:15 08:45 09:35 10:30 10:55 11:20 12:10 13:05 13:55 14:50 15:45 16:40 17:05 17:35 18:00 18:25 19:20 20:10 21:05 22:00 22:55 23:50

Land Of The Mammoth The Road To Le Mans The Road To Le Mans Circus Reign Of The Dinosaurs Great Battles Great Battles Survivorman Alaska’s Great Race Timewatch Bone Detectives Treasures Decoded Prehistoric Great Battles Great Battles The Road To Le Mans The Road To Le Mans Survivorman Combat Countdown Alaska’s Great Race Timewatch Combat Countdown Final 24 FBI Case Files

00:00 00:55 01:25 02:20 03:15 03:40 04:10 05:05 06:00 07:50 08:20 09:15 10:15 12:05 12:35 13:05 14:05 15:00 15:30 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 22:30

Dirty Soap Style Star THS THS Style Star Extreme Close-Up THS THS THS Style Star Opening Act Opening Act THS Married To Jonas Married To Jonas Playing With Fire Kourtney & Kim Take New York Style Star THS Extreme Close-Up Chasing The Saturdays Chasing The Saturdays E! News Fashion Police THS Kourtney And Kim Take Miami Chasing The Saturdays E! News

00:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 00:55 Unwrapped 01:20 Unwrapped 01:45 Food Wars 02:10 Food Wars 02:35 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 03:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 03:25 Food Wars 03:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 04:15 Unique Eats 04:40 Chopped 05:30 Iron Chef America 06:10 Food Network Challenge 07:00 Guy’s Big Bite 07:25 Guy’s Big Bite 07:50 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 08:15 Kid In A Candy Store 08:40 Unique Sweets 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 09:30 Food Network Star 10:20 Extra Virgin 10:45 Extra Virgin 11:10 Cooking For Real 11:35 Food Crafters 12:00 Ultimate Recipe Showdown 12:50 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 13:15 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 13:40 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 14:05 Food Wars 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 14:55 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 15:20 Guy’s Big Bite 15:45 Chopped 16:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 17:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 17:25 Food Wars 17:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 18:40 Guy’s Big Bite 19:05 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 19:30 Chopped 20:20 Chopped 21:10 Food Network Caters Your Wedding 22:00 Charly’s Cake Angels

00:30 01:20 02:05 02:55 03:45 04:30 05:20 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:15 08:40 09:05 09:30 10:20 11:10 12:00 12:50 13:15 13:40 14:30 15:20 15:45 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:30 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:40

AMERICAN REUNION OSN CINEMA

01:20 01:35 03:09 04:40 06:35 08:15 09:40 11:10 14:01

Dr G: Medical Examiner A Haunting Couples Who Kill Deadly Women I Almost Got Away With It Dr G: Medical Examiner A Haunting Nightmare Next Door Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

On The Case With Paula Zahn Murder Shift Disappeared Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Street Patrol Forensic Detectives On The Case With Paula Zahn Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

Disappeared Murder Shift Forensic Detectives On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared Nightmare Next Door Couples Who Kill Nightmare Next Door Nightmare Next Door I Almost Got Away With It

Mgm’s Big Screen Sometimes They Come Back Bulletproof The Innocent Night Of The Warrior Sleeper Grow Old Along With Me Fiddler On The Roof A Funny Thing Happened...

Forum 15:35 Futureworld 17:20 Swamp Thing 18:50 Mgm’s Big Screen 19:05 Love And Death 20:30 Behind Enemy Lines 22:00 The Hunting Party 23:50 Consuming Passions

00:15 00:45 01:40 02:05 02:35 03:30 04:25 04:50 05:20 06:15 06:40 07:10 07:35 08:05 09:00 09:25 09:55 10:50 11:45 12:10 12:40 13:35 14:00 14:30 14:55 15:25 16:20 16:45 17:15 18:10 19:05 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:55 23:20 23:50

Kimchi Chronicles George Clark’s Amazing Spaces Market Values Market Values Banged Up Abroad Dive Detectives My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita Long Way Down Graham’s World Maverick Chef Delinquent Gourmet Kimchi Chronicles George Clark’s Amazing Spaces Market Values Market Values Banged Up Abroad Dive Detectives My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita Long Way Down Gone to save the planet David Rocco‚Äôs Dolce Vita Delinquent Gourmet Kimchi Chronicles George Clark’s Amazing Spaces Market Values Market Values Banged Up Abroad Dive Detectives My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita Delinquent Gourmet Kimchi Chronicles Gone to save the planet David Rocco‚Äôs Dolce Vita Long Way Down Graham’s World Market Values The Frankincense Trail

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 War 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

World’s Toughest Fixes 80s: The Decade That Made Us 80s: The Decade That Made Us Pirate Patrol Helicopter Wars Caught In The Act Pirate Patrol Alaska State Troopers World’s Toughest Fixes 80s: The Decade That Made Us 80s: The Decade That Made Us Pirate Patrol Helicopter Wars Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy The Border Alaska State Troopers Ancient Megastructures Apocalypse: The Second World

00:00 01:00 01:55 02:50 03:45 04:40 05:35 06:30 07:25 08:20 09:15 10:10 11:05 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Animal Fugitives Clouded Leopard Fish Warrior Man v. Monster World’s Deadliest Animals World’s Deadliest Animals Secret Brazil Fish Warrior Man v. Monster World’s Deadliest Animals I, Predator Squid vs. Whale Wild Case Files How Big Can It Get Megafish Man v. Monster World’s Deadliest Animals World’s Creepiest Killers Monster Jellyfish Wild Case Files Megafish Man v. Monster World’s Deadliest Animals World’s Creepiest Killers Monster Jellyfish

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

Chain Letter-R Shadow-PG15 Interview With A Hitman-PG15 Rage Of The Yeti-PG15 The Ring-PG15 Soldiers Of Fortune-PG15 Vengeance-PG15 The Ring-PG15 Hide And Seek-PG15 Vengeance-PG15 Imago Mortis-PG15 Burning Bright-18

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

33 Postcards-PG15 Ceremony-PG15 Ties That Bind-PG15 33 Postcards-PG15 Ceremony-PG15 This Means War-PG15 Golden Christmas 3-PG15 Encounter With Danger-PG15 Beware The Gonzo-PG15 The Lincoln Lawyer-PG15 American Reunion-18 Chloe-R

00:30 01:00 01:30 02:00 02:30 03:00 03:30 04:00 04:30 05:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart The Colbert Report The New Normal Out There The Big C Last Man Standing Friends Seinfeld The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Hope & Faith Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Seinfeld Hope & Faith Last Man Standing Men At Work The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Arrested Development

Convoy: War For The Atlantic Wild Russia Britain’s Greatest Machines Animal Mega Moves Cruise Ship Diaries Alaska State Troopers

BURNING BRIGHT ON OSN ACTON HD 12:30 13:00 14:00 14:30 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00 23:30

Seinfeld Hope & Faith Friends Men At Work The Daily Show With Jon Stewart The Colbert Report Arrested Development Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Ben And Kate The Simpsons Modern Family The Mindy Project The Tonight Show With Jay Leno The Daily Show With Jon Stewart The Colbert Report Weeds It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia The Big C Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

00:00 01:00 05:00 07:00 08:00 08:30 11:00 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

24 Good Morning America Good Morning America 24 Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show 24 Emmerdale Coronation Street Live Good Morning America Awake The Ellen DeGeneres Show Emmerdale Coronation Street 24 C.S.I. Miami The Carrie Diaries The Newsroom Rescue Me

00:00 01:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

Eureka American Horror Story The Americans House Of Cards Eureka Emmerdale Coronation Street C.S.I. New York The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Americans Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show C.S.I. New York Eureka Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show C.S.I. New York Touch Bones Castle The Client List

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

Broken Path Chain Letter Shadow Interview With A Hitman Rage Of The Yeti The Ring Soldiers Of Fortune Vengeance The Ring Hide And Seek Vengeance Imago Mortis

00:00 High School-18 02:00 A Few Best Men-18 04:00 Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell Of Fear-PG15 06:00 Mrs. Miracle-PG15 08:00 Cheaper By The Dozen 2-PG 10:00 Wayne’s World 2-PG15 12:00 Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell Of Fear-PG15 14:00 Arthur-PG15 16:00 Wayne’s World 2-PG15 18:00 Sorority Wars-PG15 20:00 The Janky Promoters-18 22:00 High School-18

01:15 The Man Who Came With The Snow-PG15 02:30 Hemingway & Gellhorn-18

05:00 07:15 09:00 11:15 13:00 15:00 17:15 19:00 21:00 23:15

The Terminal-PG15 Love Takes Wing-PG15 Phenomenon-PG Certain Prey-PG15 An Invisible Sign Of My Own Phenomenon-PG Paws-PG Krach-18 The Flowers Of War-PG15 Twelve-18

01:30 The Beaver-PG15 03:15 Happy Feet Two-PG 05:00 The Tree Of Life-PG15 07:15 Jack And Jill-PG15 09:00 New Year’s Eve-PG15 11:00 Love Will Keep Us Together-PG15 13:00 Take Shelter-PG15 15:00 Brave-PG 16:45 New Year’s Eve-PG15 18:45 Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol-PG15 21:00 My Own Love Song-PG15 23:00 The Ides Of March-PG15

01:00 The Ugly Duckling Goes On Holiday 02:45 The Nimbols: Part I 04:15 Cher Ami 06:00 Adventures Of Sharkboy And Lavagirl 08:00 Princess Sydney: The Three Gold Coins 10:00 Sinbad: Legend Of The Seven Seas 11:30 The Wild Thornberrys Movie 13:00 The Nimbols: Part II 14:30 Cher Ami 16:00 Emperor’s Secret 18:00 Sinbad: Legend Of The Seven Seas 20:00 A Monster In Paris 22:00 The Nimbols: Part II 23:30 Emperor’s Secret

00:15 StreetDance 2-PG15 02:00 American Girl: McKenna Shoots For The Stars-PG 04:00 Justice League: Doom-PG15 06:00 Perfect Plan-PG15 08:00 StreetDance 2-PG15 10:00 Last Holiday-PG15 12:00 The Big Year-PG 14:00 Prime Mover-PG15 16:00 StreetDance 2-PG15 18:00 Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted-PG 20:00 Chronicle-PG15 22:00 Butter-PG15

01:00 01:30 02:30 03:30 04:00 06:00 07:00 09:00 10:00 12:00 13:30 14:30 15:30 16:00 16:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:30 23:30

00:00 01:00 01:30 02:00 05:30 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 12:00 13:00 15:30 17:30

ICC Cricket 360 PGA Tour Highlights Trans World Sport NRL Full Time NRL Premiership AFL Premiership Highlights Super Rugby Super Rugby Highlights Top 14 Super League PGA European Tour Highlights PGA Tour Highlights ICC Cricket 360 NRL Full Time Premier League Darts Futbol Mundial PGA PGA European Tour Weekly Inside The PGA Tour Trans World Sport AFL Premiership Highlights Super Rugby Highlights

WWE Bottom Line NRL Full Time ICC Cricket 360 Premier League Darts Futbol Mundial Super Rugby AFL Premiership Highlights Ladies European Tour PGA Tour Highlights Super Rugby AFL Premiership Highlights European Challenge Cup NHL Futbol Mundial

18:00 19:00 20:00 23:00

AFL Premiership Highlights Super Rugby HSBC Sevens World Series PGA Tour Highlights

00:30 01:00 02:00 03:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 21:30 23:00 23:30

Top 14 Highlights World Pool Masters World Cup Of Pool Super Rugby PGA European Tour Highlights Trans World Sport Golfing World European Challenge Cup World Pool Masters World Cup Of Pool Trans World Sport Golfing World AFL Premiership Highlights ICC Cricket 360 World Pool Masters World Cup Of Pool Ladies European Tour Highlights AFL Premiership Super League Futbol Mundial Mass Participation Ironman

00:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:30 20:30 23:30

UFC UFC Countdown Ping Pong World US Bass Fishing NHL WWE Vintage Collection WWE NXT Ping Pong World US Bass Fishing NHL WWE SmackDown Mass Participation Ironman Mobil 1 The Grid UIM Aquabike Champs UIM F1H2O Nations Cup UFC Countdown UFC Prizefighter Mobil 1 The Grid

00:05 Stihl’s Reel In The Outdoors 01:45 Moultrie’s The Hit List 03:00 Game Chasers 04:15 Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures 05:30 Stihl’s Reel In The Outdoors 07:00 Shooting USA’s Impossible Shots 08:15 Stihl’s Reel In The Outdoors 09:30 Shooting USA’s Impossible Shots 10:45 Buccaneer And Bones 12:00 Steve Gruber’s The Wildlife 13:15 Major League Fishing 14:30 Buccaneer And Bones 15:45 Steve Gruber’s The Wildlife 17:00 Major League Fishing 18:15 Buccaneer And Bones 19:30 Steve Gruber’s The Wildlife 20:45 Major League Fishing 22:00 Shooting USA’s Impossible Shots 23:15 Stihl’s Reel In The Outdoors

00:00 02:25 04:20 07:00 08:50 10:35 12:55 14:40 16:00 17:50 20:00 FAM 22:00 23:40

The Wild Bunch-U Travels With My Aunt-PG The Wild Bunch-U Johnny Eager-PG Green Mansions-FAM Friendly Persuasion-FAM Clash By Night-PG Texas Carnival-FAM Rebel Without A Cause-PG The Women-PG Robin And The Seven Hoods-

00:00 01:00 01:55 02:50 03:45 04:40 05:10 05:35 06:05

Fashion Police Empire Girls: Julissa And Adrienne Glam Fairy Jerseylicious Chicagolicious Open House Videofashion News Videofashion Collections The Amandas

Telefon-PG 3 Godfathers-FAM

Classifieds WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

Kuwait SHARQIA-1 PHANTOM (DIG) STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG) STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG) PHANTOM (DIG) STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG) PHANTOM (DIG)

12:45 PM 2:45 PM 5:30 PM 8:15 PM 10:15 PM 1:00 AM

SHARQIA-2 THE GREAT GATSBY (DIG-3D) THE GREAT GATSBY (DIG-3D) IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) THE GREAT GATSBY (DIG-3D) IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D)

1:45 PM 4:30 PM 7:15 PM 9:45 PM 12:30 AM

SHARQIA-3 SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) THE CALL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) THE CALL (DIG)

1:15 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

MUHALAB-1 THE GREAT GATSBY (DIG) JAVA HEAT (DIG) THE GREAT GATSBY (DIG) THE GREAT GATSBY (DIG)

1:45 PM 4:30 PM 6:30 PM 9:15 PM

MUHALAB-2 SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) PHANTOM (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) PHANTOM (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG)

1:00 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 9:45 PM

MUHALAB-3 IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG-3D) IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG-3D)

1:30 PM 4:15 PM 7:00 PM 9:30 PM

FANAR-1 SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) THE CALL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG)

1:15 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 2:15 AM

FANAR-2 PHANTOM (DIG) PHANTOM (DIG) RISE OF THE ZOMBIES (DIG) PHANTOM (DIG) PHANTOM (DIG) PHANTOM (DIG) PHANTOM (DIG) FANAR-3 JAVA HEAT (DIG) WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) AURANGZEB (DIG) (HINDI) JAVA HEAT (DIG) WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) JAVA HEAT (DIG) MARINA-1 STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG) JAVA HEAT (DIG) STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG) STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG) STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG) NO SUN+ TUE+WED MARINA-2 SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) PHANTOM (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG)

2:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 PM 11:00 PM 1:00 AM 1:00 PM 3:15 PM 5:30 PM 8:30 PM 10:45 PM 12:45 AM

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (16/05/2013 TO 22/05/2013) PHANTOM (DIG) PHANTOM (DIG) NO SUN+ TUE+WED

10:15 PM 12:30 AM

MARINA-3 IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) THE GREAT GATSBY (DIG-3D) THE GREAT GATSBY (DIG-3D) IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) NO SUN+ TUE+WED

1:45 PM 4:15 PM 6:45 PM 9:30 PM 12:15 AM

AVENUES-1 JAVA HEAT (DIG) RISE OF THE ZOMBIES (DIG) JAVA HEAT (DIG) JAVA HEAT (DIG) RISE OF THE ZOMBIES (DIG) JAVA HEAT (DIG) NO SUN+ TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 8:45 PM 11:00 PM 1:15 AM

AVENUES-2 WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) THE CALL (DIG) WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) THE CALL (DIG) NO SUN+ TUE+WED

1:45 PM 4:00 PM 6:15 PM 8:30 PM 10:45 PM 1:00 AM

AVENUES-3 SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) NO SUN+ TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:45 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM 9:30 PM 11:45 PM

360º- 1 SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) NO SUN+ TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM

360º- 2 WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) NO SUN+ TUE+WED

12:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM

360º- 3 JAVA HEAT (DIG) JAVA HEAT (DIG) JAVA HEAT (DIG) JAVA HEAT (DIG) JAVA HEAT (DIG) JAVA HEAT (DIG) NO SUN+ TUE+WED

1:00 PM 3:15 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

1:30 PM 4:30 PM 6:30 PM 9:15 PM 12:05 AM

AL-KOUT.1 IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 2:00 PM STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG-3D) 4:30 PM STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG-3D) 7:15 PM IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 10:00 PM STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG-3D) 12:30 AM NO SUN+ TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 5:45 PM 8:00 PM

AL-KOUT.2 SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG)

1:15 PM 3:30 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM

SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG)

12:45 AM

AL-KOUT.3 THE GREAT GATSBY (DIG) JAVA HEAT (DIG) THE GREAT GATSBY (DIG) THE GREAT GATSBY (DIG) JAVA HEAT (DIG) NO SUN+ TUE+WED

1:30 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 9:30 PM 12:15 AM

BAIRAQ-1 STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG-3D) STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG-3D) STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG-3D) IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG-3D)

12:45 PM 3:30 PM 6:15 PM 9:00 PM 11:45 PM

BAIRAQ-2 PHANTOM (DIG) PHANTOM (DIG) THE GREAT GATSBY (DIG) PHANTOM (DIG) THE GREAT GATSBY (DIG) PHANTOM (DIG)

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:45 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 12:30 AM

BAIRAQ-3 SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) THE CALL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) THE CALL (DIG)

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 10:45 PM 1:00 AM

PLAZA STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG)

5:30 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM

LAILA IRON MAN 3 (DIG) NO WED THE GREAT GATSBY (DIG) NO WED STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (DIG) NO WED AJIAL.1 EMMANUEL (DIG) (MALAYALAM) EMMANUEL (DIG) (MALAYALAM) AJIAL.2 TADAKHA (DIG) (TELUGU) THU+FRI SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) NO THU+FRI SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) NO THU+FRI SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG)

5:30 PM 8:00 PM

6:30 PM 9:30 PM 6:45 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 7:00 PM 10:00 PM

AJIAL.4 AURANGZEB (DIG) (HINDI) AURANGZEB (DIG) (HINDI)

6:45 PM 9:45 PM

METRO-2 TADAKHA (DIG) (TELUGU) THU+FRI EMMANUEL (DIG) (MALAYALAM) NO THU+FRI TADAKHA (DIG) (TELUGU)

I, Shri. DONATO BEVINDO MORAIS residing at Bencleam Vaddo, Cuncolim, SalceteGoa have changed my name from DONATO MARAES to DONATO BEVINDO MORAIS. Hereafter, in all my dealings & documents, I will be known by the name DONATO BEVINDO MORAIS. (C 4423) 22-5-2013 FOR SALE Mitsubishi Jeep Pajero, model 2012, engine v6 3.5L, brown color, done km 19,000, registration till 15-215, alloy rim, fog lamp, CD, wooden interior, shaded roof sahallah etc. (installment possible). Cash price KD 5,250/-. Contact: 66507741 (C 4421) 21-5-2013 Chevrolet Captiva (LT ) Jeep, black color, model 2008, very good condition, 135,000 km, price KD 2,600/-. Contact: 50994848.

(C 4419) Mazda Zoom (6), model 2011, white color, 40,000 km, excellent condition, price KD 2,800/-. Contact: 66729295. (C 4420) 20-5-2013

10:45 PM

AJIAL.3 NERAM (DIG) (TAMIL) NERAM (DIG) (TAMIL)

METRO-1 NERAM (DIG) (TAMIL) NERAM (DIG) (TAMIL)

CHANGE OF NAME

6:30 PM 9:30 PM 6:45 PM 6:45 PM 10:00 PM

Leaving Kuwait permanently after retirement. All households including fridge, electrical items, jogging machine, furniture etc or full flat on sale. Contact: 99798432. (C 4418) 19-5-2013

LOST Original document Policy No. 633002599 of LIAQAT ALI by the state Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan, Gulf Zone is reported to have been lost.

Anyone finding the same or claiming any interest in it should communicate with the Manager, Kuwait State Life office - Ph: 22452208.

(C 4424) Original document Policy No. 633004170-3 of MR. MOHAMMAD ATIF SULTAN by the state Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan, Gulf Zone is reported to have been lost. Anyone finding the same or claiming any interest in it should communicate with the Manager, Kuwait State Life office - Ph: 22452208.

(C 4425) 21-5-2013

SITUATION VACANT Required English speaking nanny / maid. Contact: 99824597. (C 4422) 21-5-2013

MATRIMONIAL I am an American Muslim man looking for a Muslim woman from ages of 23 to 33. Please only Muslim woman reply. My email is: ibngrant2000@hotmail.com (C 4417) 18-5-2013

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is

1889988

Prayer timings

112

Fajr: Shorook Duhr: Asr: Maghrib: Isha:

03:21 04:52 11:45 15:20 18:37 20:06

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airlines JZR JZR QTR QTR ETH GFA UAE ETD FDB MSR OMA QTR JZR THY DHX FDB BAW FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC JZR JZR UAE ETD ABY QTR IRM FDB IRA ETD GFA MEA IAW MSC IRM TMA KNE UAE MSR THY CLX KAC JZR JZR JZR JZR JZR KNE

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 22/5/2013 Flt Route 267 BEIRUT 539 CAIRO 148 DOHA 6130 DOHA 620 ADDIS ABABA 211 BAHRAIN 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI 67 DUBAI 612 CAIRO 643 MUSCAT 138 DOHA 529 ASSIUT 770 ISTANBUL 170 BAHRAIN 69 DUBAI 157 LONDON 53 DUBAI 344 CHENNAI 302 MUMBAI 412 MANILA 206 ISLAMABAD 416D JAKARTA 382 DELHI 352 COCHIN 561 SOHAG 165 DUBAI 855 DUBAI 933 ABU DHABI 125 SHARJAH 132 DOHA 1186 TEHRAN 55 DUBAI 603 SHIRAZ 301 ABU DHABI 213 BAHRAIN 404 BEIRUT 157 BAGHDAD 403 ASSIUT 1188 MASHAD 213 BEIRUT 470 JEDDAH 871 DUBAI 610 CAIRO 766 ISTANBUL 792 LUXEMBOURG 284 DHAKA 535 CAIRO 787 RIYADH 177 DUBAI 357 MASHAD 185 DUBAI 480 TAIF

Time 00:20 00:40 00:15 00:05 01:45 01:55 02:25 02:30 03:10 03:15 03:20 03:30 06:40 04:35 05:10 05:50 06:30 07:45 08:20 07:50 06:15 07:25 03:40 07:30 08:05 12:00 11:35 08:25 08:30 08:50 09:00 09:10 09:15 09:25 09:30 10:40 10:55 11:00 11:20 11:45 12:00 12:15 12:45 13:00 13:10 13:15 12:05 16:10 16:15 17:30 16:50 22:40 13:20

QTR FDB IRC MSR SVA QTR RJA IYE ETD UAE ABY GFA SVA UAL KNE QTR FDB GFA MSC MSR JAI OMA FDB ABY MEA AXB KLM ALK UAE ETD QTR GFA QTR JAI FDB AIC UAL KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC JZR JZR DLH JAI THY JZR

140 57 6692 575 500 134 640 824 303 857 127 215 510 982 462 144 63 219 405 606 572 647 61 129 402 489 417 229 859 307 136 217 146 576 59 975 981 102 674 788 672 790 786 538 166 618 774 542 777 239 636 574 772 135

DOHA DUBAI MASHAD SHARM EL SHEIKH JEDDAH DOHA AMMAN SANAA ABU DHABI DUBAI SHARJAH BAHRAIN RIYADH WASHINGTON DC DULLES MEDINAH DOHA DUBAI BAHRAIN SOHAG LUXOR MUMBAI MUSCAT DUBAI SHARJAH BEIRUT COCHIN AMSTERDAM COLOMBO DUBAI ABU DHABI DOHA BAHRAIN DOHA COCHIN DUBAI CHENNAI BAHRAIN NEW YORK DUBAI JEDDAH DUBAI MEDINAH JEDDAH SHARM EL SHEIKH PARIS DOHA RIYADH CAIRO JEDDAH AMMAN FRANKFURT MUMBAI ISTANBUL BAHRAIN

13:45 13:50 14:00 14:15 14:30 15:45 15:55 16:30 16:35 16:55 17:10 17:20 17:20 17:25 17:45 18:25 18:55 19:05 19:20 19:30 19:35 20:00 20:00 20:05 20:15 20:35 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:30 21:35 21:45 22:00 22:05 22:20 22:25 22:40 19:35 19:25 15:00 13:40 13:55 18:30 15:50 18:40 19:10 19:25 18:15 17:50 22:30 23:10 23:20 23:45 23:00

Airlines AIC JAI UAL DLH QTR THY ETH UAE FDB MSR OMA ETD QTR QTR JZR FDB GFA THY JZR KAC BAW FDB KAC JZR KAC KAC ABY KAC UAE FDB ETD QTR IRA IRM ETD JZR GFA KAC MEA IAW KAC MSC JZR KAC JZR KAC IRM KNE JZR TMA MSR THY KNE

Departure Flights on Wednesday 22/5/2013 Flt Route 982 AHMEDABAD 573 MUMBAI 981 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 637 FRANKFURT 6131 DOHA 773 ISTANBUL 621 ADDIS ABABA 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 613 CAIRO 644 MUSCAT 306 ABU DHABI 139 DOHA 149 DOHA 560 SOHAG 70 DUBAI 212 BAHRAIN 771 ISTANBUL 164 DUBAI 537 SHARM EL SHEIKH 156 LONDON 54 DUBAI 117 NEW YORK 534 CAIRO 789 MADINAH 671 DUBAI 126 SHARJAH 787 JEDDAH 856 DUBAI 56 DUBAI 302 ABU DHABI 133 DOHA 602 SHIRAZ 1187 IMAM KHOMEINI 934 ABU DHABI 356 MASHHAD 214 BAHRAIN 541 CAIRO 405 BEIRUT 158 AL NAJAF 175 FRANKFURT 406 SOHAG 776 JEDDAH 103 LONDON 786 RIYADH 785 JEDDAH 1189 MASHHAD 461 MADINAH 176 DUBAI 223 DUBAI 611 CAIRO 767 ISTANBUL 481 TAIF

Time 00:05 00:20 00:25 00:30 02:00 02:20 02:45 03:45 03:50 04:15 04:20 04:20 04:25 05:15 05:35 06:30 07:00 07:10 07:25 08:00 08:25 08:25 09:05 09:10 09:15 09:25 09:30 09:35 09:50 09:55 10:15 10:25 10:25 10:30 10:30 11:00 11:25 11:30 11:55 12:00 12:10 12:20 12:25 12:30 12:50 13:00 13:10 13:10 13:20 13:45 14:00 14:10 14:10

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

UAE FDB CLX QTR IRC MSR KAC KAC SVA KAC RJA JZR QTR ETD IYE JZR ABY UAE GFA SVA JZR UAL KNE JZR QTR FDB GFA JZR MSC MSR JAI FDB ABY KAC KAC OMA KAC MEA DHX KLM ETD ALK UAE KAC QTR KAC GFA KAC FDB JAI QTR JZR KAC KAC JZR

872 58 792 141 6693 576 673 617 503 773 641 238 135 304 824 538 128 858 216 511 184 982 471 266 145 64 220 134 404 619 571 62 120 331 361 648 351 403 171 417 308 230 860 381 137 301 218 205 60 575 147 554 283 415 528

DUBAI DUBAI GIALAM DOHA MASHHAD SHARM EL SHEIKH DUBAI DOHA MADINAH RIYADH AMMAN AMMAN DOHA ABU DHABI SANAA CAIRO SHARJAH DUBAI BAHRAIN RIYADH DUBAI BAHRAIN JEDDAH BEIRUT DOHA DUBAI BAHRAIN BAHRAIN ASSIUT ALEXANDRIA MUMBAI DUBAI SHARJAH TRIVANDRUM COLOMBO MUSCAT KOCHI BEIRUT BAHRAIN DAMMAM ABU DHABI COLOMBO DUBAI DELHI DOHA MUMBAI BAHRAIN ISLAMABAD DUBAI KOCHI DOHA ALEXANDRIA DHAKA KUALA LUMPUR ASSIUT

14:15 14:30 14:45 14:55 15:00 15:00 15:05 15:45 15:45 16:00 16:55 17:05 17:15 17:20 17:30 17:40 17:50 18:15 18:20 18:20 18:30 18:40 18:40 18:40 19:25 19:35 19:50 20:05 20:20 20:30 20:35 20:40 20:45 20:50 20:50 20:55 21:05 21:15 21:50 22:05 22:15 22:20 22:25 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:45 23:00 23:00 23:05 23:15 23:20 23:45 23:50 23:55

34

stars CROSSWORD 197

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) Channel and focus your energies into your work today—find delightful ways to discourage interruptions. There is inspiration available today for a great deal of accomplishments. This is not perhaps the best time to make important decisions that affect your living situation or life circumstances. Others may challenge the direction you are taking. Take a step back to see what could be the cause of some disturbance; then take it upon yourself to learn or accept some of the changes that are taking place now. You have unusual vigor and self-control, making you a tough opponent for any competitive endeavor—a fun day. New outlets for growth and success should appear through something you may be reading this evening.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Professional associations push you to be the best you can be. You will rise to any challenge that is presented to you now—and you love it! Your day comes to you, packed with hard work and challenges as well as the sense of humor you enjoy. Although you may fight for your particular identity and recognition, your attitude is positive and upbeat. You may find that someone close to you understands and is supportive of your eccentricities. This evening you continue to see the lighter side of life and may be able to enjoy and value your own life situation. You could find yourself with a group of friends or attending some group meeting this evening. You teach others the art of lighthearted fun and enjoy interacting with many people.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

ACROSS 1. A caress with the lips.

5. Chinese ephedra yielding ephedrine.

12. The compass point that is one point east of due south.

15. Using speech rather than writing.

16. Capable of resuming original shape after stretching or compression.

17. A resource.

18. (sports) The act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand.

20. A lawman concerned with narcotics violations.

22. Mongolian wild ass.

24. That is to say.

25. An informal term for a father.

26. In bed.

29. United States writer of thrillers (born in 1925).

32. Spoiled and covered with eggs and larvae of flies.

35. Alsatian artist and poet who was cofounder of Dadaism in Zurich.

36. A lipoprotein that transports cholesterol in the blood.

38. A heavy brittle diamagnetic trivalent metallic element (resembles arsenic and antimony chemically).

39. (Akkadian) God of wisdom.

40. Preparatory school work done outside school (especially at home).

45. Express or utter with a hiss.

47. A person who lacks good judgment.

49. That part of the ovary of a flowering plant where the ovules form.

51. (physics) The capacity of a physical system to do work.

52. The capital and largest city of Fiji (on Viti Levu island).

53. A pass between mountain peaks.

54. A doctor's degree in religion.

55. Small terrestrial lizard of warm regions of the Old World.

58. A colorless odorless gas used as a fuel.

61. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

62. A hard gray lustrous metallic element that is highly corrosion-resistant.

63. (Scottish) Bluish-black or gray-blue.

68. Tropical American tree grown in southern United States having a whitish pink-tinged fruit.

72. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

74. British composer (1857-1934).

75. A digital display that uses liquid crystal cells that change reflectivity in an applied electric field.

76. Of an industry or technology.

78. An elaborate song for solo voice.

79. Serving as an essential component.

80. A flattened stem resembling and functioning as a leaf.

81. A coil of rope or wool or yarn.

DOWN 1. Greenish-yellow pear.

2. Goddess of fate.

3. A dress worn primarily by Hindu women.

4. A favorite saying of a sect or political group.

5. A person who participates in a meeting.

6. A silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite.

7. A Loloish language.

8. North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North

America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

9. (anatomy) Of or relating to a cavity or chamber in the body (especially one of the upper chambers of the heart).

10. In a nice way.

11. 1,000,000,000 periods per second.

12. A island in the Netherlands Antilles that is the top of an extinct volcano.

13. Warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings.

14. Tropical starchy tuberous root.

19. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables.

21. Love unquestioningly and uncritically.

23. (of eggs) No longer edible.

27. (computer science) A unit for measuring computing power.

28. A gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number).

30. A short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission.

31. Large African forest tree yielding a strong hard yellow to golden brown lumber.

33. United States photographer(1886-1958).

34. Speak in a nasal voice.

37. Diabetes caused by a relative or absolute deficiency of insulin and characterized by polyuria.

41. An expression forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence but not containing a finite verb.

42. Common Indian weaverbird.

43. A white crystalline double sulfate of aluminum.

44. The central area of a church.

46. A ruler of the Inca Empire (or a member of his family).

48. Oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food.

50. Any of various units of weight used in SE Asia (especially a Chinese measure equal to 500 grams).

56. A fancy dock for small yachts and cabin cruisers.

57. On a ship, train, plane or other vehicle.

59. (Jewish cookery) A loaf of white bread containing eggs and leavened with yeast.

60. After the expected or usual time.

64. A cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment).

65. part of the peritoneum attached to the stomach and to the colon and covering the intestines.

66. Type genus of the family Unionidae.

67. An anxiety disorder associated with serious traumatic events and characterized by such symptoms as guilt about surviving or reliving the trauma in dreams or numbness and lack of involvement with reality or recurrent thoughts and images.

69. A city in northern India.

70. Most important element.

71. Any of various strong liquors distilled from the fermented sap of toddy palms or from fermented molasses.

73. A committee in the executive branch of government that advises the president on foreign and military and national security.

77. The branch of engineering science that studies the uses of electricity and the equipment for power generation and distribution and the control of machines and communication.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

The mental world appeals to you and you are very discriminating and appreciative when it comes to concepts, ideas and thoughts, etc. You value good research and real inquiry. In-depth discussions and probing conversations find you at your mental best, particularly when it comes time for group meetings. Your analytical abilities are at a high point. It would not be too surprising to hear people responding in positive ways because of your suggestions. You have favorable energies that will bring pleasant surprises. You can do more than you thought you could and you may find your limitations are no longer what you thought they were—mental or physical. Look toward home and family for support and encouragement—you return the same.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Progress is happening with your career as well as advancement toward your goals. You are able to intuitively know the right moves to make in order to complete difficult projects. This is a time to get ahead by taking action. Your work or career is in real harmony with the rest of your life. As usual, you demonstrate great understanding and sensitivity regarding the needs of others, which puts you in a good position to communicate concerning groups and social events. Your home environment, friends and surroundings become simplified and receive encouragement. Lovers, children and other people or things dear to your heart are enjoyed at this time. When planning a future birthday party, allow the birthday person to help you with the plans.

Leo (July 23-August 22) There is confidence to succeed at any project you attempt. There could be a sudden loss in business by no fault of your own. Oddly enough, this is a time when you may increase finances through some unexpected avenue. Either way, you should not let finances completely dominate your concerns. You should take care to examine all aspects of your business dealings to find the best avenues of success. This consideration could include the psychological aspects as well as the monetary aspects. You have a better understanding of your goals and the path that will get you to your goals. You will influence and inspire others through your actions. You provide psychological nourishment and encouragement to those around you whether you realize it or not.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Business looks promising, but you will need to stay on your toes and do what you can to resist outside pressure. It is important that you complete whatever project you start today. You do not usually show the firm side of your character; however, someone out of control today may demand your composure and firm command. You rule on the side of goodness and have high moral ethics. This afternoon you have an opportunity to gather information on some political issue that means a great deal to you, especially if a rule or law takes away from the free choice of people. This is a great day for intellectual matters. Changes you want to make now will have an excellent rate of success. There is positive thinking, mental stability, good feelings and opportunity.

Word Search

Libra (September 23-October 22) You should enjoy great success and attention through your profession.

There is an instinctive urge to get a great amount of work completed at this time. You may even find yourself agreeable to staying overtime—but not often. You love the time you can get in transit from one place to another because it gives you an opportunity to read or to write or to listen to books. Working overtime may cut back on this special time so you will do everything you can to catch up, get ahead or take home any extra work that is pending. A pleasant environment at home is important to you and your family. Family members will help with chores if you ask nicely. You may even decide to do a little extra cooking or entertaining soon—as a reward or trade for their help.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You are mentally in high gear most of the time. This is a lucky day for you.

It is also a time that is favored for unexpected business increases and new commercial ventures. Be careful that you do not go on a spending spree, however, as you may appreciate the beauty and value of everything you encounter. You are likely, however, to get a good deal for yourself at this time. Also, this is a promising time for any legal undertaking. It is also a good time to begin any personal health routine such as building good muscle tone through physical activities. You could feel loving and warm to those around you, and you are appreciative of your own life and self, in general. You may decide to start a savings program to save up for new bicycles in your family.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You may find that a promotion or practical insights come with ease. You could represent or speak for your company or communicate about your skills.

You need a place to think and dream without interruptions. Perhaps a short trip or walk at the noon break will enhance your focus. Outside activity at noon will bring your energies into a comfortable balance. You will be able to return to your work with renewed enthusiasm. You can be extremely creative once you learn how to channel your thinking properly. You are willing to take risks and can rise to whatever challenges occur. You will meet an interesting person this afternoon—perhaps a new employee. Discovery of a new talent may be the topic of discussion in your home this evening.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) CAPRICORN You could be teaching or be taught today regarding a new project or style of working. The day is charged with lots of drive and new beginnings. You may lack the staying power to see projects through to the end, however, and a new project will require a group effort. In a group effort, you might suggest rotating jobs to bring about a balance and to lessen the chance of boredom or resentments. You are emotionally sensitive and able to influence others in subtle ways. If you are scheduled for court for the next few days, expect delays. If you are looking for a job, a past interview will come to your attention with positive results. If you are looking for an increase in income, this is possible through a written request. Fill your home with good smells tonight.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You have a quick thinking mind and this is beneficial for investigative work. You are also able to sway others to your way of thinking. Being hurried may cause you to forget something important today so, you might consider guiding yourself by a list, particularly in the workplace. Establishing a balance between your personal needs, the responsibilities you have incurred and the opportunities you experience through your career, can be stressful. With your organization skills, you could lay out a plan that will help you create a better balance in your life. You will enjoy time with your friends this evening. You have been very busy answering the demands of work and other responsibilities. Good relationships will improve if you look for the positive.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) Professional matters are important to you. You want to achieve more in the way of status and prestige. Like most of us, you want recognition and are likely to achieve this soon. Today, there are universal vibrations of encouragement; go for the gold!

Engage in new projects or invest in what is best described as fair to good investments. Care, however, should be taken not to force things. Volunteering your services to a friend can be most rewarding. It could be that someone is ready to move but has a need for something you have—perhaps muscles or a vehicle. Your disposition is open and welcome to all you meet. Your social life will certainly blossom during this time—perhaps including a new love life. Avoid extravagance.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

i n f o r m at i o n For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 GOVERNORATE Sabah Hospital

24812000

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

Adan Hospital

23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital

24874330/9

PHARMACY

ADDRESS

PHONE

Ahmadi

Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

23915883 23715414 23726558

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy Ibn Al-Nafis Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

25726265 25647075 22625999 22564549 25340559 25326554 25721264 25380581 25628241

Hawally

Al-Madeena

22418714

Al-Shuhada

22545171

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Sabhan

24742838

Al-Helaly

22434853

Al-Faiha

22545051

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

Al-Mangaf

23711183

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

Kaizen center

25716707

Rawda

22517733

Adaliya

22517144

Al-Jahra

25610011

Khaldiya

24848075

Al-Salmiya

25616368

Kaifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salem

22549134

Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Qadsiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Gar

22531908

Shaab

22518752

Qibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Qibla

22451082

Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

25388462

Mishref

25381200

W Hawally

22630786

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Omariya

24719048

N Khaitan

24710044

Fintas

23900322

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Urologists Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Psychologists /Psychotherapists

Paediatricians

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf

22547272

Dr. Khaled Hamadi

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari

22617700

Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed

Dr. Abdel Quttainah

25625030/60

Family Doctor Dr Divya Damodar

23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari

22635047

Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan

22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians DrAdrian arbe

23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami

25343406

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly

25739272

Dr. Salem soso

22618787 General Surgeons

Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer

22610044

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

25327148

Internists, Chest & Heart Dr. Adnan Ebil

22639939

Dr. Mousa Khadada

22666300

Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra

25355515

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub

24726446

Dr Nasser Behbehani

25654300/3

Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

25665898 25340300

Dr. Zahra Qabazard

25710444

Dr. Sohail Qamar

22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof

25713514

Dr. Pradip Gujare

23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew

24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

25655535

Dentists Dr Anil Thomas

3729596/3729581

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

22641071/2

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

Neurologists Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

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25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly

25322030

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Kaizen center 25716707

Endocrinologist Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

25339330

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD Dr. Deyaa Shehab

25722291

Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees

22666288

Rheumatologists: Dr. Adel Al-Awadi

25330060

Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah

25722290

Internist, Chest & Heart DR.Mohammes Akkad

24555050 Ext 210

Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Farida Al-Habib MD, PH.D, FACC Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123

2611555-2622555

William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677

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Iran 0098 Iraq 00964 Ireland 00353 Italy 0039 Ivory Coast 00225 Jamaica 001876 Japan 0081 Jordan 00962 Kazakhstan 007 Kenya 00254 Kiribati 00686 Kuwait 00965 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Laos 00856 Latvia 00371 Lebanon 00961 Liberia 00231 Libya 00218 Lithuania 00370 Luxembourg 00352 Macau 00853 Macedonia 00389 Madagascar 00261 Majorca 0034 Malawi 00265 Malaysia 0060 Maldives 00960 Mali 00223 Malta 00356 Marshall Islands 00692 Martinique 00596 Mauritania 00222 Mauritius 00230 Mayotte 00269 Mexico 0052 Micronesia 00691 Moldova 00373 Monaco 00377 Mongolia 00976 Montserrat 001664 Morocco 00212 Mozambique 00258 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Namibia 00264 Nepal 00977 Netherlands (Holland) 0031 Netherlands Antilles 00599 New Caledonia 00687 New Zealand 0064 Nicaragua 00505 Nigar 00227 Nigeria 00234 Niue 00683 Norfolk Island 00672 Northern Ireland (UK) 0044 North Korea 00850 Norway 0047 Oman 00968 Pakistan 0092 Palau 00680 Panama 00507 Papua New Guinea 00675 Paraguay 00595 Peru 0051 Philippines 0063 Poland 0048 Portugal 00351 Puerto Rico 001787 Qatar 00974 Romania 0040 Russian Federation 007 Rwanda 00250 Saint Helena 00290 Saint Kitts 001869 Saint Lucia 001758 Saint Pierre 00508 Saint Vincent 001784 Samoa US 00684 Samoa West 00685 San Marino 00378 Sao Tone 00239 Saudi Arabia 00966 Scotland (UK) 0044 Senegal 00221 Seychelles 00284 Sierra Leone 00232 Singapore 0065 Slovakia 00421 Slovenia 00386 Solomon Islands 00677

36

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

LIFESTYLE G o s s i p

Beckham’s

son signs with soccer team QPR

B

rooklyn Beckham has been signed to a professional soccer club. The 14-year-old schoolboy looks set to follow in his father David Beckham’s sporting footsteps after joining Queens Park Rangers’ Under 14 academy side, according to the MailOnline. The English club train near the Beckhams’ home in west London.

The news comes after David announced his retirement from professional soccer last week playing what is believed to be his final match for French team Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Saturday. Soccer-mad Brooklyn was a regular on the pitch with his dad during training and put his skills to the test with a trial for Chelsea juniors in January. He was also part of the junior roster at David’s former club Los Angeles Galaxy while the family were in California. Brooklyn was in the stands to cheer on his soccer superstar dad in his final outing for PSG over the weekend alongside his siblings Romeo, 10, Cruz, eight, and 21-month-old Harper, and their mother Victoria Beckham. The family couldn’t hide their emotion as David left the pitch in floods of tears when he was substituted in the 81st minute. David has admitted in the past he is very hard on his sons when it comes to soccer and constantly pushes them to improve their skills and play. He explained: “I’m as hard on my boys as my dad was. They always ask, ‘Did I play well?’ I’ll say, ‘You did alright, could have done better.’ “

Will Smith can’t swim T

he 44-year-old actor’s most embarrassing setback in life is never having learned how to negotiate deep waters, but insists he’s not scared to get his feet wet as long as his toes can reach the bottom. Speaking on the Late Show with David Letterman in the US, Will said: “I can’t swim.

In inner City Philadelphia [where he grew up], there’s not a lot of swimming pools and I never actually learnt how to swim and I’m embarrassed about it. “I’m not scared [of the water]. I get in the water but as long as my feet can touch the bottom, I’m good because I go in, jump up and get

some air.” The ‘Men in Black 3’ actor - who has son, Jaden, 14, and daughter Willow, 12, with wife Jada Pinkett Smith - claims he always ends up red-faced when he watches his kids in the pool, but insists being able to swim isn’t a necessity of life. He explained: “They [Jaden and Willow] can swim because it was important to their mother that they learnt how to swim but you can get through life without that.”

Walters’ daughter arrested for DUI

B

Newton-John is selling mansion for $6.2 million

O

livia Newton-John has put her hurricane-proof mansion on the market for $6.2 million. The 64-year-old actress - who purchased the house with her husband John Easterling in 2009 - is set to make a profit on the waterfront pad, which is located in Jupiter Island, Florida after splashing out over $2 million on renovations. The 6,383 square foot natureinspired home - which the ‘Grease’ star initially bought for $4.1 million - boasts four bedrooms, three bathrooms and special impact glass throughout, which is made to withstand violent storms. Not only does Olivia’s pristine place step out onto the ocean but it also has its own dock and pool, which is finished off with tropical landscapes. An estate agent told RadarOnline.com: “[It has an] incredible backyard with kayak beach, crystal clear water for snorkelling and a dock for up to an 80 ft boat.” Olivia’s husband’s travels were rumored to have inspired some of the dÈcor in their flashy home - which is situated in the neighborhood with Celine Dion, Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan’s mansions - and has the added bonus of stunning views of the historic Jupiter Lighthouse.

Brad Pitt doesn’t

Kunis introduces Kutcher to parents

have many friends

M

ila Kunis introduced Ashton Kutcher to her parents last weekend. The ‘Ted’ actress and the ‘Two and a Half Men’ star were spotted strolling through London on Saturday with Mila’s mum Elvira and dad Mark, and they spent the evening watching ‘Billy Elliot: The Musical’ at the Victoria Palace theatre. The morning after, Ashton, 35, decided to cook up a traditional English breakfast for his girlfriend’s parents. A source said: “Ashton thought it would be nice to lay on a good old English fry-up. It was knocked up in one pan.” Their weekend in the UK capital continued in the afternoon when the four of them headed out for dinner at the Duck & Waffle restaurant in Heron Tower - the same hot spot where Mila and Ashton enjoyed the company of Britain’s Princess Beatrice and her boyfriend Dave Clark the weekend before. Mila, 29, is currently shooting her upcoming movie ‘Jupiter Ascending’ in the city and the couple have been staying in Hampstead, north London, which is near the shooting location. Ashton started dating his former ‘That ‘70s Show’ co-star a few months after he split from wife Demi Moore in November 2011.

Demi and Ashton are still trying to finalize their divorce settlement and the 50-year-old actress is reportedly demanding an extra $10 million from her estranged spouse due to his involvement in new technology start-up investment firm A-Grade, which she believes she is entitled to a percentage of the earnings.

T

he Hollywood heartthrob made a decision to shrink his circle of pals so he could spend as much time as possible with his wife Angelina Jolie and their six children - Maddox, 11, Pax, nine, Zahara, eight, Shiloh, six, and four-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne - and he has never been happier.

He admitted: “I have very few friends. I have a handful of close friends and I have my family and I haven’t known life to be any happier. “I’m making things.

I just haven’t known life to be any happier.” The 49-year-old actor fully supported Angelina’s decision to have a double mastectomy in February after learning she had an 87 per cent chance of developing breast cancer because she carries the BRCA1 gene mutation. The 37-year-old actress went ahead with the operation so she can be around for her kids and Brad insists they can be no better motivation as the couple love the “chaos” of their big household and the bond they all share. In an interview with the new US issue of Esquire magazine, he explained: “I always thought that if I wanted to do a family, I wanted to do it big. I wanted there to be chaos in the house ... there’s constant chatter in our house, whether it’s giggling or screaming or crying or banging. “I love it. I love it. I love it. I hate it when they’re gone. I hate it.

Maybe it’s nice to be in a hotel room for a day - ‘Oh, nice, I can finally read a paper.’ But then, by the next day, I miss that cacophony, all that life.”

Brad has also opened up about his past dabbling in recreational drug use and says he needed to make a change as he felt he was wasting his life. He said: “For a long time I thought I did too much damage drug damage. I was a bit of a drifter.

A guy who felt he grew up in something of a vacuum and wanted to see things, wanted to be inspired. I followed that other thing. “But then I got burnt out and felt that I was wasting my opportunity. It was a conscious change. This was about a decade ago. It was an epiphany.”

arbara Walters’ daughter was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence on Sunday.

Jacqueline Danforth - the legendary US talk show host’s adopted daughter with her second husband Lee Gruber - was pulled over by police officers in Naples, Florida, and charged with a DUI, but was later released after paying a $1,000 bond, according to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. The arrest marks Jacqueline’s first brush with the law as an adult, but the 44-year-old had a troubled childhood, including drug and alcohol abuse, as detailed by her adoptive mother in her autobiography and numerous interviews. In a 2003 interview with NBC, Barbara, 83, revealed Jacqueline ran away from home as a teenager but said she kept the matter quiet because it “might have made things worse.” The ‘View’ host’s daughter admitted to her wild child past in the same interviewing, saying she would miss school and party late into the night at New York City club Studio 54 when she was just 13.

Jacqueline soon began drinking and abusing substances and blames her wayward years on feeling abandoned by her biological mother and not fitting into her mother’s glitzy showbiz lifestyle. She said: “I did marijuana. It was called crank then, but it’s now methamphetamines. Quaaludes were all over the place. Valium. And the drugs numbed all the other feelings. But it didn’t take away the issues that I had. They got bigger and bigger. I was more and more isolated from my mom’s world.”

T

Lindsay Lohan sued for $5 million

he Scary Movie 5’ star is being counter-sued by clothing manufacturer D.N.A.M. Apparel Industries, who claim she is the reason a business deal for her 6126 clothing line fell apart, according to TMZ. Lindsay had originally started legal action against the company, claiming they didn’t honor a licensing fee agreement and seeking $1.1 million in damages. However, D.N.A.M. claim they attempted to sell the Lindsay’s 6126 clothes to high-end third party retailers in 2010, but found it hard, as Lindsay’s personal life and legal problems had spiraled out of control. The lawsuit points out Lindsay was in rehab at the time, claiming she had a “drug-addled image,” which affected their own reputation, and her legal problems were playing out “like a Greek tragedy.” D.N.A.M. claims it invested millions in the 6126 brand only to find it unprofitable. They are suing for breach of contract and fraud, asking for at least $5 million in damages. Lindsay’s public image is still in trouble as she is currently undergoing three months of court-ordered rehab at the Betty Ford Clinic in California, where she is reportedly finding conditions tough. An insider told RadarOnline.com: “Lindsay just doesn’t want to be there. She was forced to go to Betty Ford by the judge instead of going to jail. “The actress looks extremely haggard, her face is bloated, and it doesn’t look like she has brushed her hair in days. “She looks very disheveled and has absolutely no energy since docs took away the [prescription medicine] Adderall.” —Bang Showbiz

37

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

LIFESTYLE

Basma Al-Sultan: F e a t u r e s

First Kuwaiti designer to

By Nawara Fattahova

K

Kuwaiti fashion designer Basma Al-Sultan

uwaiti fashion designer Basma Al-Sultan, who is also an ambassador of Saxofono, a Turkish fashion brand, unveiled her latest fashion collection titled ‘Spring Melodies’.

The new collection combines various apparel choices for different occasions including the sports-chic outfits, training suits, Dara’as, evening dresses and others. She also didn’t forget to design special accessories to match each piece in her collection. These include bags, shoes, scarves and other accessories to complete the ensemble.

Al-Sultan designed some of the Saxofono pieces to suit the demands of the Kuwaiti woman specifically as also of the women in the GCC countries in general. This collection celebrates the oriental Arabian spirit, which permeates through all the designs to suit the traditions and customs.

“For instance, the Dara’a is not only a traditional dress for certain occasions, but stands transformed into an elegant dress, which remains decent and covers the body, while still adding a modern touch in keeping with the latest fashion trends. This modern touch provides more options to the women to wear it, and they can wear it at any time of the day, morning or evening,” she told the Kuwait Times.

Basma Al-Sultan made her forays into fashion designing six years ago and joined Saxofono three years back.

“I am happy to express my creativity

showcase in Milan

and my ideas with this brand and to see women wearing my designs. I am especially happy as there is a wide variety of outfits that suit all occasions and are not limited to the evenings, as the most of local designs are,” she pointed out.

She was keen to make the outfits complete by adding the accessories. “I have added some accessories to my collection such as the scarves of different sizes with different prints and decorations, and made from the best kind of silk and chiffon available. These pieces were specially designed for the Saxofono for Kuwait and Qatar,” she further said.

“I am glad that I have many celebrity customers such as the Kuwaiti singer Shams, actresses Ilhaam Al-Fadala and Huda, in addition to popular TV presenters. Also, the prices of my apparels are affordable and all categories of customers can wear these,” stressed AlSultan.

In July 2013, Al-Sultan will be participating in one of the most popular international fashion shows slated in Milano, Italy, and will become the first Kuwaiti fashion designer to participate in this show. The most popular world brands such as Versace, Chanel, Valentino, and Dior are participating in this fashion show.

‘Hangover 3’ goes out with a bang in Sin City

O

ne of the oddest moments for Todd Phillips, director of the “Hangover” movies, was meeting a Zach Galifianakis lookalike on the Vegas Strip who refused to have his picture taken if not paid.

Galifianakis’ hilarious bearded misfit Alan-who takes center stage in the final installment, out this week-has become a staple image on T shirts and tourist trinkets in Vegas, where the first blockbuster film was set in 2009. Jobless actors dressed as “Hangover” characters, as well as more traditional movie icons, tout visitors for money to have their pictures taken outside the casinos lining the Nevada gambling capital’s worldfamous Strip.

“When we were scouting for ‘Hangover 3’ I saw some guys and I went to take a picture of them. And a Zach character turned around and said ‘No free pictures’,” recalled director Todd Phillips. “I said ‘I directed the movie, but I don’t have my wallet.’ But he refused to turn round,” he said. He was speaking ahead of the May 23 US release of “The Hangover Part 3,” which takes its ill-fated heroes back to the scene of their first mayhem-fueled adventure in Sin City. The movie, which looks set to be one of the biggest hits of the summer, returns hapless Phil, Stu, Alan and Doug to Las Vegas after they got spectacularly lost in Bangkok in the second installment in 2011 “Bridesmaids” star Melissa McCarthy joins Bradley Cooper (Phil), Ed

Helms (Stu) and Justin Bartha (Doug) in a film which starts with Alan’s buddies deciding to stage an “intervention” to rescue him from his demons.

Alan initially agrees, but inevitably the plan goes awry, Doug is kidnapped (as in the first two films-”I’m a good Jewish kidnapee,” says Bartha), and the other three have to turn to the crazed Asian Mr. Chow to save the day. Unlike the previous films the plot does not include a hangover. In those, the story was “reverse engineered” starting with the hapless heroes waking up with the mother of all headaches, and trying to figure out what had happened.

In “The Hangover Part 3” Phillips says he wanted to tie up loose ends from the previous films. “‘Hangover 3’ is the ultimate backwards engineering,” said Phillips, explaining how fragments of plot and character which went almost unnoticed are pulled together to “resolve” the hapless friends’ story once and for all.

The first two movies broke box office records, and the Oscar-nominated director would love this movie to do the same, even if it doesn’t win any awards. “If you look at the box office .. literally a hundred million people have seen (the movies) in theaters alone. That’s a pretty cool thing, and I think that ultimately is a more rewarding thing than even an award,” he told AFP. For the films’ stars, the blockbuster success has been spectacularly good news. “Todd has supplied

(From left) Bradley Cooper, director Todd Phillips, Zach Galifianakis, and Ed Helms pose together at the LA Premiere of “The Hangover: Part III”.

me with the biggest role that any director has ever given me,” said former doctor Ken Jeong, who plays Mr Chow. Jeong, who again appears full frontal naked in the new movie-which also sees him paragliding over the casinos of Las Vegas and plunging out of the side of a mountain-insists he is shy. “I’m not an exhibitionist. I’m very shy and very demure about my body, and ashamed about my body. But an actor acts.

You’ve got to make fearless choices to be an actor.”

Referring to himself, he added: “I’ve got nothing to brag about,” and said he cleared the decision to go naked with his wife before agreeing to it with the filmmakers. He recalled how she teasingly told him: “I guarantee ‘Hangover’ will be the feel good movie of the summer. I guess every guy will go home feeling good about themselves.” Galifianakis, whose character finally finds a soulmate in a hilarious scene with McCarthy, said the Emmy-winning actress’s performance is “really nice for the energy of the movie.” The film ends heart-warmingly with the buddies re-united, Alan happy with his new beloved. Well, that’s unless you stay past the first few closing credits, when a more typically graphic scene brings down the final curtain. —AFP

Actor Bradley Cooper attends the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Hangover Part 3” yesterday in Westwood, California. —AFP photos

Jackson concert director worked without contract

M

ichael Jackson’s doctor was not the only person working on the singer’s ill-fated “This Is It” tour without a fully executed contract, a corporate attorney for concert promoter AEG Live LLC testified Monday. The tour’s director Kenny Ortega was being paid based on an agreement laid out solely in emails, AEG General Counsel Shawn Trell told jurors.

Jackson’s mother is trying to show AEG was negligent in hiring Conrad Murray, the doctor who was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s June 2009 death.

Katherine Jackson claims AEG failed to properly investigate Murray before hiring him to serve as her son’s tour physician, and that the company missed or ignored red flags about the singer’s health before his death. AEG denies it hired Murray. In court, attorneys for Katherine Jackson displayed emails sent a month before the death of her son in which Murray’s contract terms were laid out. Trell said those emails did not demonstrate an employment relationship a key element of the case that will be decided by a jury of six men and six women.

Trell acknowledged, however, that Ortega was paid for his work on the shows despite working under terms laid out only in a series of emails. “Kenny Ortega is different from Conrad Murray,” Trell testified.

Michael Jackson died before signing a $150,000 a month contract for Murray to serve as his doctor on the “This Is It” tour.

AEG’s attorneys say Jackson’s signature was required to finalize Murrays’ contract. An email displayed in court showed Murray’s contract terms. Other documents indicated AEG budgeted $300,000 to pay Murray for his work with Jackson in May and June of 2009.

Another email said executive Paul Gongaware informed others that Murray would be “full time” on the tour by mid-May. Plaintiff’s attorney Brian Panish asked Trell to agree with a statement that Murray was working for AEG. “I would totally disagree

with that statement,” Trell said, noting that Ortega and Murray were considered independent contractors. Trell was the second AEG executive to testify in the trial, which is entering its fourth week. AEG attorneys have yet to question him.

He also testified that the company obtained an insurance policy that covered

File photo show Michael Jackson announces several concerts at the London O2 Arena in July, at a press conference at the London O2 Arena. —AP the possible cancellation of some of the “This Is It” shows after a physician evaluated the singer. Trell testified that five days before Jackson’s death, top AEG executives were informed the singer was in poor health. By that point, Ortega had sent executives an email titled “Trouble at the front” detailing Jackson’s problems. “There are strong signs of paranoia, anxiety, and obsessive-like behavior,” Ortega wrote to AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips. Jackson’s symptoms were reminiscent of behavior that led to the cancellation of an HBO concert earlier in the decade. Ortega wrote. —AP

38

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

LIFESTYLE M u s i c

&

M o v i e s

Spotify s top 10 most viral tracks 1. Five Finger Death Punch, “Lift Me Up” (Prospect Park) 2. Mariah Carey, “Beautiful” (The Island Def Jam Music Group) 3. Robin Thicke, “Blurred Lines” (Star Trak LLC) 4. Lorde, “Royals” (Lava Music/Republic Records)

5. Hoodie Allen feat. Kina Grannis, “Make It Home” (Hoodie Allen) 6. Lana Del Rey, “Young and Beautiful” (Lana Del Rey) 7. Sebastian Ingrosso, “Reload - Vocal Version/Radio Edit”(Astralwerks)

8. Thomas Rhett, “It Goes Like This” (The Valory Music Co LLC) 9. Daft Punk, “Get Lucky - Radio Edit” (Columbia Records) 10.Fergie, Q-Tip and GoonRock, “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)” (Water Tower Music/Interscope) United Kingdom 1. Hoodie Allen feat Kina Grannis, “Make It Home” (Hoodie Allen) 2. John Grant, “GMF” (Universal Music GmbH) 3. Sub Focus, “Endorphins” (Universal Music Ltd) 4. DJ Khaled, “No New Friends - SFTB Remix” (Cash Money Records Inc) 5. Passenger, “Let Her Go” (Sony Music Entertainment) 6. Various Artists, “Only Teardrops Eurovision 2013 - Denmark” (MBO The Music Business Organization A/S) 7. Kill It Kid, “Run” (One Little Indian Records) 8. Editors, “A Ton of Love” (Play It Again Sam) 9. Icona Pop feat. Charli XCX, “I Love It (Original Version)” (Big Beat Records/Atlantic) 10.Bibio, “A tout a l’heure” ( Warp Records). —Reuters

File photo, Actor Antonio Banderas arrives for the screening of The Paperboy at the 65th international film festival, in Cannes, southern France.—AP

File photo of Ray Manzarek of The Doors at the Sunset Strip Music Festival launch party celebrating The Doors at the House of Blues in West Hollywood, Calif. —AP/AFP

File photo shows members of the Doors, from left, John Densmore, Robbie Krieger, Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison, pose for a portrait.

The Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek dies at 74 ay Manzarek, co-founder of legendary 1960s group The Doors and creator of their signature organ sound, died Monday after a long battle with cancer, his manager said. He was 74. Manzarek formed the group-whose worldwide hits included “Light My Fire” and “LA Woman”-with Jim Morrison in 1965 after the two met by chance in Venice Beach, California. He died surrounded by his wife Dorothy and brothers Rick and James in a clinic in Rosenheim, Germany after “a lengthy battle with bile duct cancer,” said a statement on the Doors Facebook page.

“I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and bandmate Ray Manzarek today,” The Doors’ guitarist and longtime collaborator Robby Krieger was quoted as saying. “I’m just glad to have been able to have played Doors songs with him for the last decade.

Ray was a huge part of my life and I will always miss him,” he added.

Tom Vitorino, the keyboardist’s manager, told AFP: “Ray Manzarek was larger than life. He will be missed.” The Doors were one of the biggest acts of the 1960s, selling over 100 million albums worldwide and earning 19 Gold, 14 Platinum and five multi-Platinum albums in America alone.

Morrison impressed Manzarek, who moved from Chicago to Los Angeles to study film, with an early version of “Moonlight Drive” during their chance meeting on Venice Beach.

Manzarak was responsible for the band’s trademark sound, including the rolling organ on songs like “Light My Fire.” Other hits included “Break On Through to the Other Side,” “The End” and “Hello, I Love You.” He was “really the driving force behind (the band) to make it all happen,” former band manager Bill Siddons said. “He was the guy behind the curtain that made things happen.”

Morrison’s untimely death in 1971 aged 27 effectively ended the band’s iconic phase, although the group continued to perform and release music with various band line-ups.

Manzarek wrote a best-selling book about his life, “Light My Fire: My Life with The Doors,” in 1998.

He was played by Kyle McLachlan in the 1991 Oliver Stone biopic “The Doors.” Slash, the former lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, was among the first to pay tribute, posting on his Twitter account: “RIP Ray Manzarek words cannot express.”

Morrison’s sudden death-he was found in a bathtub in his Paris apartment stunned fans of the band, which broke fresh ground in psychedelic rock with such hits as “Riders on the Storm” and “People are Strange” and “Light My Fire”.

There was never an autopsy, giving rise to multiple conspiracy theories, as Morrison’s remains were buried in the French capital’s Pere Lachaise cemetery, alongside other such notables as Marcel Proust, Gertrude Stein and Oscar Wilde.

Morrison moved to Paris after the 1971 release of “L.A. Woman” and lived in the then-not-yet-hip Marais district with partner Pamela Coulson. It

R

The Whisky a Go Go’s marquee honors musician Ray Manzarek of The Doors.

Chile miner happy to be played by Banderas in film ntonio Banderas will star in a movie as one of the 33 Chilean miners trapped deep underground for more than two months in 2010, and the charismatic survivor he’s playing couldn’t be happier. Mike Medavoy, producer of “The 33,” announced on Sunday at the Cannes Film Festival that Banderas will play Mario Sepulveda, who known as “Super Mario” became the public face of the miners. The film will dramatize the cave-in at a mine in Chile’s Atacama desert and the globally televised rescue of the miners that mesmerized millions worldwide.

Sepulveda told the Associated Press on Monday that he’s thrilled because he’s a fan of the Spanish actor and that he hopes the movie will remind people how life is the most valuable gift. “I’m very excited and full of anxiety. All of my mates are looking forward to this big production,” Sepulveda said. “Banderas is very charismatic. I like him a lot and I think this movie is going to make him even more famous than he already is.”

Even in their despair, Sepulveda said, “peace, love, solidarity and teamwork” were shared by the miners who survived entrapment longer than anyone else before.

“There are people who don’t realize the value of what they have next to them. And after those 69 days we know that there’s nothing as important as being alive, being healthy and enjoying the people you love while you’re alive,” he said. The miners said it felt like an earthquake when the shaft caved in above them on Aug 5, 2010, filling the lower corridors of the copper and gold mine with suffocating dust. Hours passed before they could even begin to see a few steps in front of them. Above them tons of rock

A

shifted constantly, threatening to bury them forever.

People on the surface didn’t know for more than two weeks that the men had survived the collapse. The 33 men had stretched a meager 48-hour store of emergency food for 17 days, eating tiny capsules of tuna and sips of expired milk while a narrow shaft finally reached their haven and the world learned they were alive. The small emergency shaft allowed food and water to be lowered to the miners while rescuers drilled a bigger escape hole. Finally, in the early hours of Oct. 13, the miners were hauled up one-by-one in a cage through 2,000 feet of rock.

Back on the surface they were received as heroes. They got paid trips to the Greek Islands, visited the Real Madrid stadium in Spain and paraded at Magic Kingdom in Disney World. But the fantasy began to crumble on their return home. Many ran out of money and had to scratch out a living in the dusty working-class neighborhoods and shantytowns of the desert city of Copiapo.

Some began suffering from health and psychological problems. Others took to alcohol and drugs. Most are still kept up at night by memories of their ordeal.

“I’m thankful for things in life,” said Sepulveda, an electrician who earns a living giving motivational speeches. “Some are good, others bad, but God gave us another chance ... The door that was opened for us is huge.” Variety magazine say production for “The 33” is scheduled to start in the fall in Chile. The film will be directed by Mexican filmmaker Patricia Riggen. Martin Sheen and Rodrigo Santoro are also on the cast. —AP

Spider-Man Broadway venue sold to Britain s Ambassador Theatre ritish theater company Ambassador Theatre Group’s subsidiary Lyric Theatre LLC has purchased Foxwoods Theatre, currently home to the “Spider-Man” musical, from Live Nation Entertainment Inc, the companies said on Monday. Lyric Theatre paid about $65 million for Foxwoods, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.

The Foxwoods Theatre, which opened in 1997 and seats nearly 2,000, is one of Broadway’s largest venues. It is the current home of the rock musical “SpiderMan: Turn Off the Dark,” which a Broadway record for weekly ticket sales of $2.9 million during the 2011 Christmas and New Year holidays.

Foxwoods, located adjacent to New

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York’s Times Square, is Ambassador’s first theater in the United States and 40th venue overall. Musicals such as “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and “Jesus Christ Superstar” have previously been staged at the venue.

Ambassador said the purchase of Foxwoods was part of its focus on overseas expansion. It also is eyeing venues in Australia and Asia. “Ownership of the Foxwoods Theatre within the [Ambassador Theatre] group will provide a catalyst to expand in the North American market and to further build on our past production successes in North America,” Ambassador’s Co-CEO Howard Panter said in a statement. Live Nation said Foxwoods did not fit into the company’s future strategy. —Reuters

File photo shows former keyboard player of The Doors Ray Manzarek talking with a reporter during a book signing event celebrating 40 years of the band’s legacy in Hollywood.

File photo shows former Doors band members Ray Manzarek, right, and Robby Krieger display the stars they received on the Walk of Fame in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. was she who found him dead, with a heart attack officially cited as the cause.

Manzarek, who did much to keep the Doors flame burning, once suggested another possibility,. Recalling a 1970 conversation with Morrison, he wondered if the intense frontman had just faked his death to start a new life incognito. In

2011 Manzarek and Krieger marked the 40th anniversary of the singer’s death with a sell-out concert at the Bataclan club in Paris. The Doors were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where flowers were placed Monday in Manzarek’s memory. —AFP

MacFarlane won t host Oscars, recommends Phoenix for 2014 eth MacFarlane will not return to host the 2014 Oscars, the filmmaker and hit TV writer/producer announced yesterday.

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Seth MacFarlane

MacFarlane said that his schedule did not permit him to return. “Traumatized critics exhale: I’m unable to do the Oscars again. Tried to make it work schedule-wise, but I need sleep,” MacFarlane tweeted. MacFarlane’s turn as emcee of the 2013 Oscars divided the community. Some found him funny and eager to experiment while many found him crass and unoriginal, citing a long gag about breasts.

MacFarlane, one of the most successful writers and show runners in television, finds his schedule even busier because of his nowbustling film career. He is writing, directing and starring in “A Million Ways to Die in the West” and, eventually, should make a sequel to “Ted.” Oscar producers Craig Zadan and Neil Maron first brought on MacFarlane because he would appeal to a younger audience and because he loves musical theater. The producers will return in 2014 and had hoped MacFarlane would join them.

While the “Family Guy” and “American Dad!” creator will not be able to host, he has an idea of who should. “I highly recommend the job, as Zadan and Meron are two of the

most talented producers in the business,” he tweeted. “My suggestion for host is Joaquin Phoenix.”—Reuters

Joaquin Phoenix

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

LIFESTYLE M u s i c

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M o v i e s

Ari Folman animates Robin Wright in ‘The Congress’

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ollywood is hell. That’s an idea to set tongues wagging at the Cannes Film Festival, and it’s the distinct impression left by Israeli director Ari Folman’s head-spinning part-animated feature “The Congress.”

Fittingly, Cannes provided the inspiration for the director’s dystopian vision of the entertainment business, which stars actress Robin Wright as, well, actress Robin Wright - a 40something performer whose career is on the slide. Folman conceived the kernel of the film when he came to the festival in 2008 with “Waltz With Bashir,” his Academy Award-nominated animated film about his experiences as a young Israeli soldier in Lebanon in the 1980s.

The director said he was walking through the bustling movie marketplace at Cannes when he saw an eld-

cinogenic drugs. In the movie, Wright agrees to become a “scanned actor,” a digital avatar owned by her studio.

The digital Wright can be endlessly, agelessly used in new movies - the studio makes her “Agent Robin” in a sci-fi action series - while the fleshand-blood person grows old in obscurity.

The film’s live-action first half is an entertainingly bleak depiction of Hollywood, with an on-the-ropes Wright berated by her agent (a delicious Harvey Keitel) and bullied by her studio boss (a malevolent Danny Huston). Wright has been called brave for taking on issues of aging and image so directly. But Folman said he didn’t see it that way when he offered the role to the actress after sitting across from her at an awards ceremo-

This publicity image provided yesterday by Wolf Consultants shows an animated Robin Wright in director Ari Folman’s film ‘The Congress.’ The movie is playing in the Directors’ Fortnight competition at the Cannes Film Festival. —AP erly woman. “And my sales agent asked me, do you recognize this lady?

And I said no,” Folman said. “And he told me her name and I was shocked, because she was this goddess American actress from the 70s. She was in her 70s, and no one recognized her. And this is hub for cinema, this place! “And I thought, she’s got in front of her, everywhere, the image of her young, stolen forever in the movies. And here she is and she has to live with her image forever young, but she’s getting old.”

Folman diplomatically declined to name the actress. But he said the episode gave him a way to realize a long-held dream of adapting “The Futurological Congress,” a satirical scifi novel by Polish writer Stanislaw Lem in which pharmaceutical overlords keep the population hooked on hallu-

ny and thinking she looked sad. “I think it’s a great role,” he said. “She is Robin Wright, she is Agent Robin in the movie, she’s an animated character, she’s an old Robin at the very end, she sings two songs - it’s a great role.

“Although Harvey Keitel told me one day on the set, ‘Man, she is so brave. You could have offered me the world, I would never do what she does in this movie.’” Wright has said she doesn’t think she is playing herself, even though she and her screen character share a name and many biographical details, including roles in “The Princess Bride” and “Forrest Gump.” Once Wright has been digitally scanned, the movie switches to animation as the character visits a conference at a luxury hotel - where her films screen endlessly and she goes unrecognized - and learns of a sinister

plot to make the power of celebrity even more addictive.

The movie’s audacious shifts of tone, and its swirling, psychedelically tinged animation, have elicited diverse reactions at Cannes, where “The Congress” opened the Director’s Fortnight competition. Many saw it as original but uneven. It’s inarguably a strikingly original work by a director who is both amused and despairing about the modern entertainment business. Folman, a genial, bearded 50-year-old sporting a gold medallion and an earring, says he fears the sort of movies that inspired him - the director-driven American cinema of the 1970s - is dying, soon to be found only in cinema museums.

And don’t get him started on 3-D, CGI and the other digital tricks that, Folman thinks, are ruining movies.

“The role of the director is completely different (today),” he said. “Until recently the urgency on the set to make a movie was huge. Today, it’s only part of the job, because you can fix everything afterwards. The set is blue screens, and then you build it and you can fix it. And sometimes it’s for the good, but I can give you examples where it’s terrible.

“My favorite sci-fi movie ever is ‘Blade Runner.’ This film was done with hand-made crafts.” For the movie, director Ridley Scott “built the sets it’s wood and paper and plastic and aluminum. I see this movie every few months on a big screen at home and it will live forever. “Same guy did ‘Prometheus’ last year. Who saw it?”

Folman is keeping the flame burning for an older form of cinema - but it’s a slow and laborious process. “The Congress” took five years to make, and slightly under an hour of animation required two years of work by animators in nine countries.

“I try not to look at myself as this nostalgic (person),” Folman added, pausing a second before adding: “But.” “I don’t say we will have scanned actors. I think the human side will win.

I am a true believer in that. “But if I look at my kids and the way they use everything - iPads and electronics and everything - I have to be honest with myself and say, if my kids, in 15 years’ time, see a movie with scanned characters, they won’t give a damn.” —AP

From left, actors Justin Timberlake, Carey Mulligan and Oscar Isaac pose for photographers during a photo call for the film Inside Llewyn Davis. —AP

In Coens’ Cannes hit, Oscar Isaac gets his break

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oel and Ethan Coen had almost given up on casting the lead for their film “Inside Llewyn Davis.” The part, a folk musician in early 1960s Greenwich Village, demanded the elusive combination of someone who could both carry a movie and perform the songs central to the film. Then they met Oscar Isaac. “It just didn’t happen until he walked in the room,” says Joel Coen. “There was a point at which we wondered if we’d written something that was essentially impossible to cast.”

The Coens have long been known for their casting acumen, but they may have outdone even themselves with Isaac, a 33-year-old, Juilliard-trained actor with a few notable credits to his name but nothing on par with a major Coen brothers release. The film was greeted ecstatically at the Cannes Film Festival at its Sunday premiere, with Isaac hailed as the festival’s breakout star and a possible Oscar nominee. “I finally got the shot,” Isaac said in an interview. “And I got it in this context, which is more than I honestly could have ever imagined for myself.”

In the film, Isaac plays Llewyn Davis, a character very loosely modeled on folk musician Dave Van Ronk. Despite his evident talent for personal songs with traditional folk influences, he’s an artist just barely out of step with history. Bitter and increasingly frustrated, he’s a raging failure, missing his moment, one instead grabbed by Bob Dylan. For many, Isaac’s story is kind of an inverse of Llewyn. He is a young actor who gets his chance - “his minute,” says music supervisor T Bone Burnett - and takes advantage of it.

“The whole story is about a guy who never gets there,” says Burnett, the frequent Coen collaborator. “And yet the actual person who’s playing that guy, does it.” Isaac isn’t as sarcastic or as antagonistic as Llewyn: “My energy toward people is very much like ‘I mean you no harm,’” he says. And he’s trying not to get too far ahead himself with his rousing success at Cannes. His instinct, he says, “is always to diminish

any good thing, so as not to be devastated later.” While Isaac says that he identifies with the role fortune and opportunity plays in catching a break, he more associates with the workmanlike attitude of both Llewyn and the Coens. For him, it was as much about gradually working toward “Llewyn Davis” as it was landing a single break.

“I remember when I was getting out of school, I was like, ‘If they just gave me one shot. If they gave me the one shot, oh man, I know I can do it,’” he says. “Then I got my first movie and it came and it went, and I was like, ‘If they just gave me one more shot, just another shot.’ Then I started getting work, and I realized it’s not about that.

It’s not about the shot. It’s about work.”

Born in Guatemala and raised in Florida, Isaac grew up playing in a variety of bands as a guitarist and singer, everything from ska to a hardcore band in which he sported blue hair. But since coming out of Juilliard, the New York actor has found his musical talents valuable in Hollywood.

He also played a musician in the direct-to-DVD high school reunion comedy “10 Years.” His most notable previous credits include Madonna’s British period film “W.E.” and Nicolas Winding Refn’s neo-noir “Drive,” in which he played the formerly incarcerated husband of Carey Mulligan’s character. (Mulligan co-stars in “Inside Llewyn Davis,” along with Justin Timberlake.) But when he heard about the Coens’ film, he knew that his combination of skills was perfectly suited to the part. “I said: I have to get a shot at this movie because I feel like my 33 years of life have been preparing me to do something like this,” says Isaac.

He first submitted a recording of himself performing the traditional blues ballad, “Hang Me, Oh Hang Me,” which Llewyn plays in the film. He auditioned for a casting director and then later for the Coens. Usually, as a guard against later disappointment, Isaac immediately tosses a script after an audition. But he didn’t this time, and

kept working on the part for the next month before Joel Coen called to tell him he got the part.

His preparation included performing the film’s songs, like Llewyn, in downtown New York clubs. Buster Keaton was an influence in forming a “mask of melancholy.”“I would go to parties with that and try to interact with people with that,” says Isaac. “It’s tough because it’s not about being cool. In a way, it’s just about being very open and very up front with who you are. That was a scary place to live in.”

But the music was central to character, a kind of window into Llewyn’s soul. A bit of advice from Burnett (who also did the music for the Coens’“O Brother, Where Art Thou?”) was crucial: “Sing like you’re singing to yourself.”

Along with Burnett, Isaac collaborated with Timberlake and Marcus Mumford. Using the parlance of musicians, Timberlake said Isaac “threw it down” in his performance. “It felt like a little bit of serendipity,” Timberlake says of the Cannes reception to Isaac. “Just seeing the looks on people’s faces looking at him like, ‘Where did you come from?’ It felt like: ‘Llewyn finally made it.’” Moviegoers will surely become more familiar with Isaac when CBS Films releases “Inside Llewyn Davis” this December in the heart of awards season. (He also co-stars alongside Kirsten Dunst and Viggo Mortensen in the upcoming thriller “Two Faces of January.”)

“Why this movie is so personal - I think to all of us - is because of the recognition that it just as easily can go the other way,” Isaac says. “There’s very few geniuses that are shooting across the sky like Shakespeare or Dylan. The rest of us, it’s like you have to work and be talented, but you got to be lucky for a lot of this stuff to happen.” —AP

UAE film maker aspires for Gulf entries into Cannes Film Festival (From left) French screenwriters Agnes de Sacy and Noemie Lvovsky, actor and director Xavier Beauvois, Italian actor Filippo Timi, actress and director Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, actress Marisa Borini and French actors Louis Garrel and Celine Sallette pose yesterday during a photocall for the film “A Castle in Italy”. —AFP

France’s Bruni gets personal at Cannes F ranco-Italian director Valeria Bruni Tedeschi relived a painful chapter of her family history in a film presented at Cannes yesterday in which she cast her real-life mother and exlover. Bruni Tedeschi, the elder sister of France’s former First Lady Carla Bruni, said her work on “A Castle in Italy” (Un Chateau en Italie) helped heal old wounds. “For me work is a form of therapy,” she told reporters. “I sleep better when I have the impression I’ve worked well during the day.”

She recast actual events, including her own brother Virginio’s AIDS death in 2006 and her relationship with co-star Louis Garrel, with often absurdist takes on them on screen. “When I’m working on a different planet like this, it’s like being in a carnival,” she said. “Everything is back to front, upside down. In that sense it is like therapy, it helps me to enjoy life more.” Bruni Tedeschi plays Louise, the 40-something retired actress and heiress to a Franco-Italian industrialist family that can no longer afford the

upkeep on its elegant manor home in the Italian countryside and sets up in Paris.

The director’s own wealthy family left Italy for France in the 1970s, fearing attacks by far-left radicals. Once in Paris, Louise begins dating Nathan (Garrel), a man almost 20 years her junior who she hopes can give her a child. Meanwhile her ailing brother and elderly mother cling to the family castle and their collection of Old Masters’ paintings even as an accountant tells them they will have to make some major sacrifices to pay off an unexpected tax bill.

Bruni Tedeschi said she chose her mother, Marisa Borini, an actress and concert soloist who also plays piano in the film, for the part but was careful as they relived their grief for Virginio.

“I chose my mother to be in the film because she’s a wonderful actress.

Perhaps I make her work even harder than the other actors. Sometimes I’m more strict with her, I like being very strict with my mother,” she said.

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uring his attendance of the 66th Cannes Film Festival, UAE film director Nawaf Al-Jenahi urged Arab Gulf film makers to excel at what they do in order to one day qualify to compete at this international film event. He said, in remarks to KUNA, that he had been attending the Cannes Film Festival for five years, noting satisfactorily an increase in the presence of Arab Gulf film makers at this event over the past few years. He said he was at Cannes this year primarily to prepare for his third movie, having had good luck with two previous ones, The Circle and Shadow of the Sea, which incidentally won a prize at the recently held 2nd GCC Film Festival.

He sounded optimistic that within probably the next

five years, a GCC film might make it as an official entry among those accepted by the Cannes Film Festival. He urged all GCC officials in charge of the film industries in their countries to send to the Cannes Film Festival new budding talents interested in the field of film making to learn firsthand about the movie-making industry and the art of marketing films of all types, including shorts and documentaries. As the festival continues here, there are 21 films vying to get the top prize of the Golden Palm as the best movie of the year. Needless to say there are no Arabic movies among the 21. —KUNA

“I always thought a lot of work would help her to act in this film without feeling too much pain and suffering.

The idea was to protect her, I think work protects us from what might be a psychodrama.” Borini said in notes for the film that “making a movie changes absolutely nothing” in terms of the pain of losing a son. But she said at the same time that it was important for the family itself to tell its own story, rather than “someone else going to our family cemetery”.

Bruni Tedeschi, the only female director in competition at Cannes this year, dedicated the film to Virginio. But despite feverish speculation in France before the premiere, Carla Bruni is not depicted in the film. “A Castle in Italy” is one of 20 films in the running for the Palme d’Or top prize to be awarded Sunday by jury president Steven Spielberg. —AFP

(From left) Director Steven Soderbergh, actor Matt Damon, producer Jerry Weintraub and actor Michael Douglas pose for photographers during a photo call for the film Behind the Candelabra at the 66th international film festival, in Cannes, southern France, yesterday. —AP

The Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek dies at 74

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013

Garden gnomes, one of which designed by British musician Elton John are seen during the Chelsea Flower Show press day in London. For this year the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) lifted its customary ban on garden gnomes at the Chelsea Flower Show to celebrate its centenary year and raise funds for the next generation of gardeners. The RHS invited celebrities to paint and decorate gnomes to feature at the world famous gardening event, before auctioning the gnomes online to raise funds for the RHS Campaign for School Gardening. —AFP

Chapman brothers unveil diabolical art in Hong Kong T This picture shows a close up detail of “The Sum of all Evil” by British artists Jake and Dinos Chapman. —AFP photos

A close up detail depicting crucified Ronald McDonalds, the mascot of the fast food giant.

he Chapman brothers presented their latest epic installation featuring thousands of little figures in violent conflict yesterday at the sidelines of Art Basel in Hong Kong, but dismissed the renowned fair as a “shop”.

“The Sum of all Evil” by Jake and Dinos Chapman builds on previous work such as “Hell” (1999), which showcased innumerous miniature Nazis soldiers in various states of diabolical torment. Their ambitions to use themes of war, genocide, the apocalypse and the evils of mass consumerism come in the form of tiny, tortured Nazi soldiers, skeletons and bloody corpses, and crucified Ronald McDonalds, the mascot of the fast food giant.

“I don’t want to think that making art or works of art are the pioneering objects of capitalistic markets, which ultimately they are, but I don’t really want to think about that,” Jake Chapman told AFP at Hong Kong’s White Cube gallery, as he unveiled the siblings’ first exhibition in China. “One of the ways in which we proof our work from being implicated in that process is to make the work as awful as we can, so it can’t be mistaken for anything positive-it’s as cynical and pessimistic and anti-human as possible,” he said.

The four-day annual Art Basel show, the world’s premier art fair that is enjoying its inaugural showing in Hong Kong, is offering a crowded platform for around 2,000 international artists to promote and sell their work.

Nothing could be further from the artistic

British artist Jake Chapman looks on during a media preview of his and his brother Dinos Chapman’s piece “The Sum of all Evil”. vision of the London-based pair, Jake Chapman insisted to AFP. “If you’re an artist I think you allow yourself the privilege of believing that what you do is something to do with producing culture, rather than commodities,” he said, adding it was “best (to) keep away” from the

massive fair happening nearby-dismissing the gathering as “a big shop”. Art is, in fact, “to do with producing commodities and not culture”, he admitted, “but you don’t have to force yourself into the awful truth of it by going to art fairs”. —AFP

Hong Kong hails the return of the duck

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The 16.5-metre-tall inflatable Rubber Duck art installation lies deflated in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour. —AFP

ong Kong yesterday joyfully welcomed the return of a giant inflatable rubber duck, which drew tens of thousands of visitors before it was abruptly deflated for maintenance for almost a week. The southern Chinese city has taken the 16.5-metre-tall (54-feet) yellow inflatable duck, conceived by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, to its heart since it was towed into the harbour on May 2 to cheering crowds. Duck mania has gripped the city ever since, with locals and tourists packing the streets near where it is moored to catch a glimpse of it. Stalls and shops throughout the city sold replicas and restaurants created special duck dishes. So many were disconsolate when the cheerful giantsized bath toy was transformed into a deflated disc resembling a floating fried egg last Wednesday. “It went for a body check and for maintenance, now all the work is finished and it will see everybody again,” Andrew Yeung, advertising and promotions manager of shopping mall Harbour City which is organizing the exhibit, told AFP. Hundreds packed the waterfront last night and greeted the duck with cheers. “I thought that once it got deflated, it wouldn’t come back again. So now I see that it is back, I am very happy,” said 28 year-old Bonibelle Lee, who was carrying a three-dimensional duck tote bag with matching yellow rain boots. Since 2007 the duck has travelled to 13 different cities in nine countries ranging from Brazil to Australia in its journey around the world. Hofman said he hopes the duck, which is due to stay in Hong Kong until June 9, will act as a “catalyst” to connect people to public art. —AFP

Contemporary French artist Fabien Merelle poses for photos in front of his creation in five meters high sculpture “Pentateuque” in Central, business district of Hong Kong, yesterday. The artwork brings to real life the fantastical and seemingly impossible act of an average man balancing a gigantic elephant. The elephant and the man are modeled on one at the Singapore Zoo and on the artist himself. —AP