28th May 2012

CR IP TI ON BS SU

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

Sweden sweeps Azerbaijan’s contentious Eurovision

Bisla powers Kolkata to maiden IPL title

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www.kuwaittimes.net

RAJAB 7, 1433 AH

MPs slam Syria regime, call for aiding rebels Majority bloc agrees on single constituency

Max 43º Min 28º High Tide 05:19 & 15:50 Low Tide 10:16 & 22:45

By B Izzak conspiracy theories

The row over Dow

By Badrya Darwish

badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

T

he K-Dow saga has now reopened. A lot of talk surrounded the big deal four years ago when a joint venture between Dow Chemical Co and the Kuwait government estimated at $17.4 billion was scrapped and last week Kuwait was ordered to pay $2.16 billion for wrongfully cancelling the deal.

The government signed the contract in the period when the parliament was dissolved. When they reconvened, the new MPs rejected the deal. The hero of the campaign against the deal was Ahmed Al-Saadoun who was an MP at the time. Many people thought that the war against K-Dow was a war launched against Sheikh Nasser - the then prime minister - rather than the K-Dow project. At the time I wrote an article for Kuwait Times which I just retrieved in order to quote some of my thoughts on the deal.

The big question was whose fault was it? Were the politically motivated moves an attempt to challenge or to stalemate Kuwait’s development. I wrote, “Before, MPs said the Dow chemical project was wrong... They claimed that the project was a loss for Kuwait, and Sheikh Nasser said cancel it if it is not good for Kuwait.” Sheikh Nasser’s government was forced to cancel the deal after the shark attack by MPs. Now MPs are crying, “Why was the Dow deal cancelled?”

Please! Do these people have short memory or suffer from amnesia or what? If they thought the deal was not in the interest of Kuwait, why didn’t they want to study it thoroughly. Even when the government cancelled it to please them, they should have asked the consequences of scrapping the deal, about the pluses and minuses and about the possible losses for the country. Are there no legal departments in the ministries that study things before rushing to conclusions?

The same perpetrators did the same things to two other giant development projects - Silk City and the fourth refinery. Thank God, there were no penalties and nobody sued anyone so far. Now MPs are preparing their cannons to aim at a victim and make him the scapegoat for the monetary loss.

On the other hand, if the project totaled $17.4 billion, how come the penalty is as high as $2.16 billion? Who’s going to pay the bill now? Would it be MPs, the government, the oil minister or the head of KPC at the time?

Whatever pushed the government to cancel the Dow deal, the scary part shows that things in this county are done at random, whether in parliament or by the government.

The major point of the discussion in 2008 was that the Dow deal was not in the best interest of Kuwait. What other things are not in the interest of Kuwait and how much will they cost us in the future - be it money-wise, security-wise or socially?

An aerial view shows the 321-m-tall Burj Al-Arab luxury hotel built on an artificial island off Jumeirah in Dubai yesterday. (Inset) Fujairah’s ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Sharqi speaks during an interview at his office in the Gulf emirate on May 23, 2012. — AFP

UAE eyes June opening for pipeline bypassing Hormuz Iran to launch new nuke plant project FUJAIRAH, United Arab Emirates: A pipeline being built by the United Arab Emirates to pump most of its oil exports from east coast terminals bypassing the Iranthreatened Strait of Hormuz, will be operational in June, the ruler of Fujairah told AFP in an interview. “The pipeline will be operational in June,” said Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Sharqi, whose east-coast emirate is one of seven that make up the UAE. Construction of the 360-km pipeline began in 2008. The pipeline will have an initial capacity of 1.5 million barrels per day rising to 1.8 million bpd, which represents the bulk of the UAE’s current production of around 2.5 million bpd, Sheikh Hamad said.

The Habshan-Fujairah pipeline will carry oil from fields in Abu Dhabi on the Gulf to Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman.

Fears of a closure of the Strait of Hormuz intensified in recent months after Iran threatened to close the strategic outlet to the Gulf if Western governments kept up their efforts to choke off its oil exports in a bid to rein in its controversial nuclear program. Sheikh Hamad, however, played down the possibility of a closure of Hormuz. “I do not believe there will be a war,” he said, arguing that the tension with neighbouring Iran is just a “summer cloud that will clear”.

‘Love’ conquers cannes CANNES: “Love”, a wrenching tale of a devoted Parisian husband caring for his dying wife, took the top prize at Cannes yesterday, bringing a second Palme d’Or to Austrian director Michael Haneke.

Starring French acting legend Jean-Louis Trintignant, the Frenchlanguage film beat 21 other movies to claim Cannes gold for Haneke three years after he won with “The White Ribbon” set on the eve of World War I. Danish heartthrob Mads Mikkelsen took the best actor prize for his role in the taut psychological thriller “The Hunt”.

Two Romanian actresses shared the best actress prize for their roles as best friends, a nun and the victim of a deadly “exorcism”, in Cristian Mungiu’s “Beyond the Hills”. Cosmina Stratan and Cristina Flutur appear in the harrowing picture by the director who captured the Palme d’Or in 2007 for the Communist-era abortion drama “4 Years, 3 Months and 2 Days”. He also won the screenplay prize this year.

An Italian tragicomedy starring a jailed former mafia hitman as a man driven mad by a quest to become a reality TV star, directed by Matteo Garrone, won the runner-up prize. In “Reality”, the director, who captured the festival’s same Grand Prix runner-up award in 2008 for “Gomorrah” about the mafia’s grip on southern Italy, tells the story of a fishmonger who dreams of joining the “Big Brother” franchise. Mexican Carlos Reygadas took best director award for his baffling family drama “Post Tenebras Lux”. The movie, whose Latin title means “after darkness, light” and derives from the biblical Book of Job, is the fourth of the director’s works to get an outing at Cannes.

Cannes veteran Ken Loach took the third place Jury Prize award for his kilts-and-whisky comedy “The Angel’s Share”, six years after the Briton won the Palme d’Or top prize. The 75-year-old, who was awarded the Palme in 2006 for “The Wind That Shakes the Barley” CANNES: Austrian director Michael Haneke raisabout Ireland’s independence struggle, was back in Cannes this es his Palme d’Or during the closing ceremony of year with a film in competition for a record 11th time. — AFP the 65th Cannes film festival yesterday. — AFP

Sheikh Hamad is hopeful that the new pipeline will “increase the geopolitical importance of Fujairah”, which “lies on a meeting point of east and west maritime routes”.

His small emirate, which has a population of just 170,000 people, wants to take advantage of its location to become an export hub for oil and gas. Fujairah is already the world’s third largest centre for ship bunkering after Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, and Singapore, and wants to rise up on the list. The ruler is expecting more investments in the petroleum sector after the emirate established last year a zone for oil industries.

Separately, Iran is to build a new nuclear power plant, alongside its sole existing one in the southern city of Bushehr by early 2014, state television reported yesterday, quoting the head of the country’s Atomic Energy Organisation. “Iran will build a 1,000-megawatt nuclear power plant in Bushehr next year,” Fereydoon Abbasi Davani said. He said foreign contractors would be needed for its construction. ISNA quoted Abbasi Davani as saying that designs for a 360-megawatt nuclear facility in Darkhovin, in the southwestern province of Khuzestan near the border with Iraq, “have been finished and we are reviewing it”. — Agencies

KUWAIT: MPs yesterday strongly condemned the Syrian regime for the massacres it has carried out against civilians and called on Kuwait and the rest of the Gulf states to provide aid to the Syrian people and the Free Syrian Army (FSA). Speaking at a press conference at the National Assembly, the lawmakers also called on Kuwait to increase its financial aid to the FSA and the Syrian people and to provide special residency facilities to Syrian nationals including allowing them to bring their families to Kuwait.

Assembly Speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun said the executive and legislative authorities should take specific and swift measures regarding the deteriorating situation in Syria. He appreciated the government’s position on the Syrian issue and called on the need for the Assembly and the government to agree on providing financial aid to the Syrian people, the FSA, the Syrian National Council and the rest of the opposition. He also called for bring injured Syrians for treatment in Kuwait.

MP Mohammad Al-Khalifa described the international position toward Syria as “shameful” and called for punishing Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and his junta before international courts. Islamist MP Osama Al-Munawer charged that Arab and Western countries remained silent over the events in Syria and called for opening the door for jihad, or holy war. The Assembly’s legal and legislative committee meanwhile said that terminating agreements between Kuwait and Syria and severing diplomatic ties are an integral part of the exclusive functions of the government. The committee made the comment after reviewing a draft law calling to terminate all agreements with Syria and for severing diplomatic ties.

In another development, the majority bloc agreed at a meeting late Saturday night that the best prelude to true political reforms is by introducing the single constituency which achieves justice in the society. MP Khalifa who hosted the meeting said the MPs agreed to ask the coordination panel of the majority bloc to prepare the final proposal in order to submit it to the bloc’s upcoming meeting. The proposal also is accompanied with calls to allow political parties and allow elections on the basis of combined lists. MP Falah Al-Sawwagh said the proposal will contain or eliminate the use of political money in elections, adding it is the only way out for political reforms in Kuwait. MP Saifi Al-Saifi meanwhile said the majority bloc blessed his plans to grill Minister of Social Affairs and Labour and that he will submit the request at the end of next week.

‘Deranged’ man severs genitals

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: An Indian expatriate suffering from a nervous and psychological breakdown severed his penis and one of his testicles, security sources said.

Case papers indicate that the man’s brothers informed Khaitan police about their brother’s act in the apartment they shared in the area. The man was immediately rushed to Farwaniya Hospital where he underwent several surgeries to stop the bleeding and save his life.

Bahrain jails 8 over coup plot 10 Asian workers die in blaze MANAMA: A Bahrain court sentenced eight people to prison terms of up to 15 years yesterday after they were accused of plotting with suspected Iranian agents to topple the Gulf kingdom’s ruling system, a defense lawyer said. The convictions - which include two activists put on trial in absentia - reflect mounting claims

by Gulf Arab states that Iran has links to the Shiite-led uprising against Bahrain’s Sunni dynasty. The group was accused of plotting with a “foreign country” - a clear reference to Iran - to bring down Bahrain’s Western-allied monarchy. They denied the charges.

The defense lawyer, Mohsin Al-Alawi, said the court sentenced six people to 15 years in person. Two were sentenced in absentia, including the son of jailed activist Hassan Mushaima.

The six men arrested in November chanted in defiance: “victory is close”, after the verdict was announced. Four were arrested in Qatar in possession of documents and a computer containing information about vital installations in Bahrain, in addition to flight tickets to Syria and cash in US dollars. The interior ministry had claimed that the eight formed a “terrorist cell” which plotted to attack important figures and vital instal-

MALKIYA, Bahrain: An elderly Bahraini man rests in front of a wall painted with graffiti that reads ‘blood is the price of freedom’ yesterday in this western village. — AP lations, including the causeway linking the archipelago with the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Also among the alleged targets in the Sunni-ruled kingdom were the interior ministry itself and the Saudi embassy.

Separately, ten Asian workers suffocated to death early yesterday after

inhaling toxic fumes from a fire that engulfed their home in the southern Bahraini town of Rafaa, state media said, citing a judicial official. The ten workers “died of suffocation”, the official said, adding that preliminary investigations suggested the fire was accidental and ruled out any criminal act. —Agencies

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MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

LOCAL

Kuwait condemns heinous crime in Syrian town

KUWAIT: Albanian President Bamir Topi arrived in Kuwait on a three-day visit yesterday, during which he will meet His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Receiving the leader at Kuwait International Airport was HH the Amir, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, National Assembly Speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun, ministers, other senior officials.

KUWAIT: The State of Kuwait has strongly condemned the “heinous” crime committed by Syrian government forces in the town of Houla in Homs that killed and injured many people, mostly women and children.

“Kuwait condemns the excessive use of force by the Syrian regime against its unarmed people,” a foreign ministry source said in a brief statement.

As rotating President of the Arab League Council, Kuwait started contacting regional and international bodies and urged the international community to liven up to its responsibility to stop the bloodshed in Syria and provide security for the Syrian people.

The State of Kuwait, added the source, will contact its Arab League par tners to hold an urgent ministerial meeting to dis-

cuss how to put an end to the “practices of oppression against the Syrian people.”

Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun called the legislative and executive branches to take quick measures to address the deteriorating situation in Syria.

Al-Saadoun said that what is occurring there “is sad and an attempt at cleansing the entire people. “It is also so sad to see Arabs respond to the Houla massacre only after it happened,” he added.

Al-Saadoun said Parliament and the Government needs to take specific steps, as “we need to be in contact with the Government to arrange for certain procedures, such as holding a special meeting to discuss the deteriorating conditions in Syria and the crimes committed there.

We need to identify the steps required of us as people and by the Government.”

He thanked the Government for the measures taken in this respect, stressing the need for the two authorities to provide financial aid to the Syrian people, the Syrian free army, the national council and the opposition.

He said the previous assistance extended by the Government to the Syrian people must continue, including the reception of wounded people.

He recalled an agreement, already signed between the State of Kuwait with the Syrian government, which is now on the National Assembly’s agenda for revision. He said “matters should not remain as they are,” referring to the need for the House to either suspend or withdraw such an agreement.—KUNA

KD600 minimum salary to apply for driver’s license?

Ministry studying proposal

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) is currently studying a proposal to increase the minimum monthly salary cap from KD400 to KD600 for an expatriate to be eligible to apply for a driver’s license. This stipulation is among a number of recommendations under discussion following requests by the Traffic General Department to look for solutions to traffic accidents and traffic jams in the country. The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, further indicates that the ministry “will soon put a new mechanism to monitor streets and take stricter penalties against reckless drivers”.

But the proposal received flak from various groups and individuals in

Kuwait. They said a salary cap will not help traffic problems/accidents on the road, but stricter enforcement of the traffic laws will.

“Traffic laws should be implemented regardless of citizenship/nationality. We already have good roads/infrastructure throughout Kuwait. What we need is strict adherence to the traffic rules,” one motorist said.

A male Kuwaiti motorist suggested that traffic accidents are mostly caused

by Kuwaiti youths. “ The expatriates came to Kuwait to work. They need cars.

But Kuwaitis are coming out onto Kuwaiti streets to flirt, go to malls, and meet friends. Now tell me who needs the license to do their jobs? The expatriates. Yet the minimum wage for expatriates is hardly KD400, so how can they

survive now in Kuwait?” said the Kuwaiti who gave his name as Abdullah.

A male Palestinian expatriate told Kuwait Times that there are roads that need improvements. “One example is the Fourth Ring Road. The congestion at the entrance going to Hawally is very obvious because of the narrow road compared to the number of cars using it.” He said the place becomes a bottleneck during rush hours. “ Why not improve that road leading to Hawally to avoid traffic jams there? Why not check the problem first? Is there anything to improve in the road? Maybe they can widen the entrance a little bit, or maybe they could build a new bridge going to Hawally instead,” he suggested.

A female Lebanese motorist said the solution to increase the minimum

monthly wage cap for someone to have a license is ridiculous and will never solve a traffic problem in Kuwait. She noted Kuwait should instead have a reliable and better public transportation system.

“You see the problem at the Sheraton Roundabout. It was solved because of the First Ring Road project. Targeting the salary cap will not help in any way.

The question is do we have a reliable public transpor t system in Kuwait?

Taking a bus to get to work and back will take commuters up to four hours.

You are wasting four hours of your precious time every day. But that is the truth, taking a bus in Kuwait is not really reliable. We need to first create a better public transport system maybe a light (metro) rail transit system,” she said.

News

in brief

Order to monitor prices KUWAIT: Ministr y of Commerce and Industr y Undersecretary, Abdul Aziz Al-Khaldi, said he met with the ministry commerce supervisory sector and instructed them to monitor prices and activate article 2 of the supervision law, which prohibits raising prices in an artificial way. The supervisory sector prepares weekly reports of the surveys they make about prices, and takes the necessary action to ensure the stability of prices for the public. The meeting was held due to the fact the month of Ramadan is approaching. With less than two months remaining, and an expected increase in salaries for government employees, Commerce Minister Anas Al-Saleh instructed the monitoring of prices to prevent price rises by those making use of the occasion of Ramadan and increased salaries.

Security cooperation

Kuwait discusses vaccination plan at WHO conference GENEVA: Kuwait has covered 95 to 99 percent of its routinely childhood vaccinations schedule since 2008 to 2011, said a Kuwaiti health official at the ongoing World Health Organization (WHO) annual conference.

Dr Sami Al-Nasser, Head of Public Health Services’ at the Health Ministry, said that the country provides vaccines for Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, Influenza virus, Measles, Rubella (German measles) and Mumps.

This high coverage of the country’s immunization schedule was due to the Ministry’s comprehensive plan of providing the necessary vaccines, both for children and adults, through a free and routinely national vaccination drives carried out through preventive care units, Al-Nasser pointed out.

He further said that the Ministry purchases the best vaccines from well-renowned medical companies. The Ministry also pays utmost attention to the proper storage of these vaccines.

The introduction of new vaccines to the country requires extensive study and proper training of the medical staff on them, Al-Nasser explained.

He concluded by saying that vaccination is an important precautionary procedure that could prevent death; therefore, the State of Kuwait is concerned with providing the best health care for its people through providing the best vaccination plan. — KUNA

Pomfret fishing ban KUWAIT: Jassem Al-Bader, General Director of the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR), said fishing for pomfret will be banned from June 1 to July 15 to give time for the fish to breed and grow.

“This is an attempt by the PAAAFR to preserve the natural stock of fish and not to expose this good kind of fish to be eliminated from our menu in the future,” he said. The fishing ban will compensate for the amount of fish that was caught during the past season.

The ban includes no marketing or sale of this kind of local fish during the mentioned period.

The import of fresh and frozen kinds of pomfret will be allowed during the ban period through the airport, as per regulations and with prior permission from the PAAAFR. Penalties will be applicable to violators of the law.

KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Humoud Al-Sabah met here yesterday Kuwaiti Ambassador to Iraq Ali AlMomen. He then met a visiting Bahraini security delegation. During the meeting, the Kuwaiti minister stressed deep historic relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain, especially in the security field. He hailed cooperation and coordination between security agencies in Kuwait and Bahrain.

9,911 new born in 2011 KUWAIT: Muna Rashid, Head of the Medical Records department at the Maternity Hospital, said the number of newly born babies during the year 2011 reached 9,911. She said the number of files at the hospital reached 150,000. Rashid said the number of patients who checked-in at the hospital last year amounted to 141,000. She wished that electronic filing be applied at the hospital and in the out-patient clinics.

MPs discuss amending internal charter KUWAIT: Opposition lawmakers believe that rumors implying a potential cabinet reshuffle, moving Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Ahmad Al-Rujaib and Minister of Defense Sheikh Ahmad Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, could be an attempt to deflect grilling motions proposed respectively against the two ministers.

These statements were made by sources close to the Majority Bloc, who held a meeting on Saturday night to discuss the aftermath of the grilling debate of Finance Minister Mustafa Al-Shamali on Thursday.

The Majority coalition reportedly agreed to “review the internal regulations of the National Assembly in parallel with proposing legislative reforms”, said a source who spoke on condition of anonymity. The source added that the bloc members are yet to decide on whether to address all articles in the internal charter, or only the subjects of dispute, such as the articles regulating to the process of walking out of sessions and merging interpellations.

MP Saifi Al-Saifi, who plans to file Al-Rujaib’s grilling, doesn’t believe that the Cabinet will “challenge Parliament” with a reshuffle.

KUWAIT: Ministry of Interior Acting Undersecretary, Gen Sulaiman Al-Fahad, received a group of Bahraini trainers in his office yesterday in the presence of Assistant Undersecretary Lt Gen Hameed Al-Sammak and Dalal AlRuwaished. The training group is headed by Col Muna Ali Abdul Raheem and her assistant Aneesa Misfer Abdullah. Gen Sulaiman Al-Fahad welcomed the Bahraini training staff and valued their efforts and contribution during the past four years, emphasizing that the role will not be forgotten in Kuwait.

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

local

Financial safety in service sector KUWAIT: Minister of Commerce and Industry Anas Al-Saleh said here yesterday the service sector, which is a major component of Kuwait’s economic system, still enjoys financial safety in spite of political, economic and financial challenges.

While opening the Forum of Service Companies, the minister said service firms have proved high efficiency since the outbreak of the global financial crisis.

Service companies enjoy high financial vitality and efficiency despite all surrounding financial complexities thanks to their monetary flows, he noted.

However, he said the future trend is to provide all encouraging facilities to this sector, given that it is a core pillar of modern economies due to its continuing monetary flow. The development of the Kuwaiti national economy should proceed from the service sector, which can ensure the building of a new Kuwait, the minister added.

He stressed the significance of the forum in highlighting the “impressive” role of the service sector.

This gathering is of special importance since it brings under its umbrella a large number of various service firms and banks that boast sufficient potential to ensure successful development projects, the minister pointed out. The service sector largely contributes to consolidating and propping up the infrastructure of the Kuwaiti national economy, he said, adding that a distinguished service sector is conducive to a strong, stable and firm economy. — KUNA

Dow ‘to negotiate’ settlement over ruling KUWAIT: There are many options by which Kuwait can reach a settlement to avoid paying all of a $2.16 billion fine, the penalty imposed on the state by a court ruling over a unilateral decision to terminate a deal with Dow Chemicals a few years ago. These options will be discussed during an emergency meeting of the Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC) to be held soon, according to sources with knowledge of SPC thinking.

“Kuwait has many options to try and reach a settlement, especially as Dow is open to negotiations”, said the source who spoke on condition of anonymity. Other anonymous sources indicate that Kuwait holds a number of cards that can be put on the negotiating table. These include Dow’s current cooperation deal with EQUATE, through which the American petrochemical company gains “multibillion profits” by using subsidized gas in petrochemical factories operated as part of the deal.

The same sources said legal options, while “very limited”, will still be discussed at the SPC meeting sometime this week.

A Cabinet insider says the negotiations will focus on “reducing the fine” that Kuwait is required to pay, adding that investigation committees probing the case are struggling on whether to focus on irregularities in the contract itself, or the liability over its termination.

Ever since the news broke last Friday about the ruling by the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Court, fingers of blame have been pointed at several parties over the responsibility for the losses; whether in regards to the termination decision or the agreement on a 30 percent penalty clause of the value of the deal. A source familiar with the deal since the early days of negotiation said “the legal liability lies with the former Cabinet, led by Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, who took the decision to cancel the deal under pressure from MPs who otherwise threatened to file a grilling”.

The source, who requested anonymity, said MPs share “political and moral liability” over the case.

Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak AlSabah met with Minister of Oil, Hani Husain, and senior officials in the oil sector on Friday as soon as the news emerged in the media.

According to sources with knowledge of the meeting, Sheikh Nawaf Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah, Deputy Managing Director for Legal Affairs at Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), explained during the meeting that the court ruling is irreversible. Minister Husain denied serving as a consultant to Dow’s CEO at any time. His comments clarified reports which quoted him as stating during the meeting that he worked as a consultant for energy affairs for the American company.

“I was part of an independent committee formed by Dow Chemical featuring international experts looking into the future of energy with regards to global markets, oil prices and the use of alternative energy”, the Minister explained, adding that the committee finished its work “around two and a half years ago”. —Al-Qabas, Al-Rai

No ministerial reshuffle now KUWAIT: Ministerial sources revealed that the resignation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mustafa Al-Shamali, has been accepted. He insisted on resigning and did not agree to back up, so the government had no choice but to accept his wish.

Sources said the government values the participation of Minister Al-Shamali and the door will remain open to make use of his experience, which lasted for several years in the financial and economic sectors.

Sources said there will be no ministerial reshuffle or rotation among current ministers. Minister of Education, Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf, will be assigned as the Acting Minister of Finance.

HH Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak attended the grilling and listened to the answers by AlShamali, sources said. That indicates that His Highness is keen to know the defects which need remedying and the government will take the necessary action.

Police help sought to secure test papers KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education (MoE) is coordinating with the Ministry of Interior about providing police security at locations where high school test papers are kept in a bid to prevent leaks ahead of the finals next month.

Mohammad Al-Kandari, MOE Assistant Undersecretary for Public Education, spoke about coordinating with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Electricity and Water in preparation for the high school finals.

“The test papers will be delivered to schools on the exam day”, Al-Kandari said, adding that the transportation process will be handled by the ministry and “under high security”.

Sources close to Nayef Al-Hajraf, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education, said he referred a request to the Cabinet to increase the higher education ministry’s budget to fund scholarships for 4,000 students next year, instead of 3,300.

The unconfirmed step is seen as an effort by the minister to avoid a similar crisis to that last summer, when thousands of eligible Kuwaiti high school graduates were unable to enter Kuwait University due to a lack of capacity.

KUWAIT: Minister of Commerce and Industry Anas Al-Saleh opens the Forum of Service Companies yesterday.

Proposal to grant KD 10,000 to all Kuwaiti families Citizens express mixed reaction

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: After the repeated failure of all proposals to cancel loans, or even to cancel the interest on these loans, some MPs have prepared a new proposal. According to the new proposal, every family will get a grant of KD 10,000. This will be used to clear the debts of those who have any, while others will just receive the credit in their bank accounts.

The previous proposals didn’t pass in parliament and were rejected as there was no equity in such proposals. They were always in favor of those who had loans, while those who didn’t have any loans, or had already paid their debts, would not receive anything.

According to a local Arabic daily, MPs will submit this proposal soon and it will cost the government KD 2 billion. They also prepared another alternative proposal, which will consist of giving all citizens a kind of annual bonus of about 20 percent of the public budget, which will cost the government about KD 600 million.

Manal, a 46-year-old citizen, was not very happy with this pro-

posal as she found it very low for her family consisting of six members. “I think this grant will not solve our problems as we have huge loans that consume more than half of my husband’s salary.

We are paying for loans for cars, land and electronics. KD 10,000 is very small amount. What difference will it make to those who have a KD 120,000 loan. It won’t help them much,” she told Kuwait Times. She thinks that there are better options than this grant. “I admit that canceling loans is not fair for all citizens, as it will be unjust for those who do not benefit from it. I think the government can at least cancel the interest on the loan so it will be easier for people to pay and close the loan. If it was a grant, it’s better to be for everybody so the amount should be higher, as if they only gave money to those who have loans it won’t be fair,” added Manal.

Nawaf, a 31-year-old Kuwaiti, welcomed this grant. “We don’t have any loans, and this proposal is great. It will help us as I’m newly married and my wife is about to deliver. I think that Kuwaiti women who are married to non-Kuwaitis should also receive this grant, as their situation is bad,” he pointed out. He suggested

another use of the public budget, rather than this grant. “Why doesn’t the Government invest this budget in public projects, such as rebuilding the country and fixing the damaged utilities.

People will never be satisfied, whatever grants they receive, as there is no awareness. I think that next year they will again demand another KD 10, 000. They want money without working and are depending on the government completely. They will take out more loans again. The country is not developing, and other GCC countries are in a better situation,” noted Nawaf. Salah, 28 years old, thinks that even this grant is unjustified. “Most people who have loans are single, so they won’t benefit from this proposal. If the head of a family takes the grant, he may not close the loan of his son, who will stay in debt. This proposal isn’t practical.

Canceling the interest from the loan is a better solution than such a grant. The problem of loans won’t be solved, even if the grant is KD 50,000. Those with high loans are suffering from this problem, not the ones with low loans, so not many people will benefit from it. The government must punish the banks who created this great problem by giving the loans,” he stated.

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

LOCAL kuwait digest

kuwait digest

Useless grilling of our ministers

People without a clear vision

By Mufarrej Al-Dossari

By Mubarak Al-Therwa

M

usallam Al-Barrak and (his populist and dreaming prime minister) Abdelrahman Al-Anjari do not want to hold Al-Shamali accountable for corruption issues at all, because they well know that this man did not commit a sin.

They want to settle personal issues with him because he does not submit to them, and has piercing answers when one of them goes overboard.

This does not suit those two, as they want ministers who do not reply when they are insulted and sworn at. They want MPs who smile when they are belittled!

The rock solid stand by His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak, in the face of the Majority’s arrogance strengthened the government’s clout and projected it in the honorable image it should have. This is a matter which calls for praise, because it is not realistic and not acceptable for Speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun to ignore the views of the government and its objection to merge both grilling motions, then call for a vote without having a decisive stance to its credit.

This is the way they want to deal with those who were honored with the confidence of the political leadership, with arrogance and pride. They want to settle accounts with anyone who does not bow to their authority, even if he did not make a mistake.

As for Al-Tahous, there will not be a comment until he gets free from his restrictions.

The rock solid stand by His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak, in the face of the Majority’s arrogance strengthened the government’s clout and projected it in the honorable image it should have. This is a matter which calls for praise, because it is not realistic and not acceptable for Speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun to ignore the views of the government and its objection to merge both grilling motions, then call for a vote without having a decisive stance to its credit.

The stray Majority is seeking the dissolution of the National Assembly using all means, and exerts all efforts to reach that goal. Do you know why?

Because it is a Majority that does not have a national rescue project, and does not have a clear plan, and does not have credibility in eradicating corruption as it claims.

Most of its members are not able to appear as statesmen or at least semi politicians who have the vision, or at least be aware of what they are doing, so it is not strange for them to hold screaming parties to escape from facing disappointed Kuwaiti citizens.

The people have started to realize that it will not fulfill its promises, and have begun to reject its despised practices. The Majority can only live and scream, and the achievements of some of its members is only the ability to gather crowds and swear at phantom adversaries! — Al-Watan

W

OP-ED

An unforgivable Kuwaiti mistake

By Thaar Al-Rashidi

T

he recent developments regarding the Dow Chemical case which involve a court order requiring Kuwait to pay $2.1 billion in compensation, proves again that Kuwait is subjected to individualistic desires. It would be a catastrophe of epic proportions if the state’s budget eventually lost this amount of money.

First of all, this case shows that the cabinet’s lack of firm stance against MPs’ threats and demands that can be extremely costly to Kuwait. The decision by the cabinet of former prime minister HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad AlSabah to cancel the deal was politically motivated and made with a narrow vision that failed to take into account the repercussions of the decision at the international scene. The negative effects not only impacted the reliability of investing in Kuwait, but also the country’s integrity when it comes to respecting terms of contracts that its government signs.

The previous government has been aware of the deal since early negotiation days, including all details about the project’s economic and investment feasibility.

However, a decision was eventually made to cancel the deal on the pretext of “lack of feasibility”. If that claim was true, it proves mismanagement so as to sign a deal with that magnitude before making sure of its feasibility in all aspects. If that’s indeed what happened, someone must be held accountable for responsibility over signing the deal before feasibility studies were complete. If not, then

someone should be held accountable for canceling the deal!

In the meantime, officials in the oil sector need to be held accountable for a number of mysterious issues about the deal, mainly the large penalty clause that was suspiciously approved in the contract. The penalty clause in similar deals mostly ranges between 1% and 15% maximum.

It is important to investigate the reason why 30% of the deal was put in the penalty clause in the Dow contract.

Moreover, accountability should also reach economic and legal consultants in Kuwait who failed to guide the government away from falling into trouble with regards to the deal, in addition to lawyers who defended Kuwait in international tribunes.

Meanwhile, MPs share what can be described as ‘historical responsibility’ over the problem after they spoke as international experts in oil and petrochemical industries while waging a vicious and unprecedented war against the deal. While they are busy today blaming the government for what happened, lawmakers overlook the fact that people haven’t still forgotten how fierce they were in pressuring the government to cancel the deal.

How long will it take before we realize how much political infightings are costing us, and how much of public funds are lost as a result?

How is the former government going to be held accountable for this error, no, unforgivable sin committed? Disclaimer of liability

is worthless when Kuwait might be forced to pay more than KD600 million of the future generations’ funds due to errors committed by people who lack long term planning. It’s worthless because this case proves that political yielding while helps maintain position in power, comes with a heavy price that include international humiliation and mammoth burdens carried by civilians.

Some might argue that the time is not suitable now to point fingers of blame as collective efforts are needed to prevent this financial crisis. The reality on the ground however indicates that the international community now sees that Kuwait has become indebted with the amount mentioned above, the payment of which cannot be avoided according to legal experts, while a compromise regarding which cannot be settled according to economic experts. Soon enough, we’ll find ourselves hit hard with the reality of how costly messing up with enormous funds can be.

If no one comes out to bear the responsibility both personally and politically, the door will be opened for more multibillion losses to happen again in the future, more international humiliation to come Kuwait’s way, and further solidification for the concept of making quick political gain on the expense of public funds. Maybe the recent news can be a wakeup call for politicians to learn from their mistakes and improve their work. Or maybe this is just wishful thinking. — Al-Qabas

kuwait digest

Political games destroy interests

By Sami Al-Nisf

W

hen we were young, we learned the fact that Jelly crude oil is no good for our economy, and it is better to sell it refined. This led to the idea of a joint venture with the international Dow company, which specializes in oil industries. When it was decided to build the fourth refinery, the project was implemented jointly with that company. But political games which have destroyed Kuwaiti interests have caused the cancellation of the contract with Dow and the fourth refinery.

In turn, that led to an arbitrary decision by the international court for Kuwait to pay a $2.2 billion fine for canceling the contract.

It was in Kuwait’s interests, as we say in several articles, to amend the joint contract with Dow, but not to cancel it. The matter needed only to make use of the services of an international oil office to look into the articles of the contract and decide, in a neutral way, whether it was good for Kuwait or not. If we had not used such an office, then for sure we would not have had to pay the penalty of $2 billion for work that has not started. The advice cost billions of dollars.

The destructive political game has also caused the cancellation of the Northern oil fields project, which would have increased its oil production and helped to develop its oil fields and security for Kuwait.

Then the project to update Kuwait Airways fleet was cancelled at a cost of

$2.1 billion (difference in pricing of the aircraft then and now. The political game also stopped the B.O.T projects, as the recreational programs had become the sole haven for citizens and expatriates during our hot summer.

Instead of providing state land for those who can develop it, and to the share holding companies as in the rest of the world to reduce the costs of houses, the political games stopped the shareholding companies from owning government land to build residences. This was reflected in the price of real estate, which are the highest in the world.

And instead of giving the necessary support to two telecommunication companies, they were fought by the construction of a third communications company, the existence of which did not benefit anyone. Rates of calls remained the same, and we read these days that the third company lost 75 percent of its capital, which was paid by citizens, and it is now about to declare bankruptcy.

All of these political games continue while the public hails and follows such MPs, who remove the politicians who are hot on their trail of destruction. NOTE: A hot political game is coming up very soon, by the group of politicians behind this playing. This time it is to cover up the responsibility of the one who caused losses of $2.2 billion from our public money. —Al-Anbaa

hy are rumors about a parliamentary dissolution circulating a lot recently? It’s reached a point in which the subject has become the talk of town and main topic of discussion in diwaniyas. According to people’s speculations based on fictional or allegedly informed sources, the current parliament is predicted to last for six months or maximum up to two years. But the main question is, why are these rumors spreading now? Why are there too many people talking about and even demanding a parliamentary dissolution? Who would benefit the most if that happens?

Is it because a group of people feel that their interests are harmed by the presence of the opposition as a majority in the parliament? If that’s the case, then pushing a series of serious grilling motions could be the best way to force a dissolution. The parliament has so far featured several interpellations filed, but were they serious?

First of all, I believe we have three types of grilling motions in Kuwait, based on their effect to the minister and political situation as a whole. The first type has a similar effect to an air rifle, similar to those filed

by MPs Mohammad Al-Juwaihel and Hassan AlQallaf. The second type has the effect of an AK47, similar to the one filed against the late Sheikh Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah during his time as information minister. The third and most serious type has an effect of a nuclear weapon, similar to the one filed against former oil minister Sheikh Ali Al-Jarrah AlSabah!

The first type is intended to leave limited damage to the grilled minister, and instead suspect work at the parliament and open the way for incidents such as MPs losing temper and making verbal assaults and sectarian remarks.

The second type can be fatal; as it aims to ending the career of the minister quizzed, perhaps to meet certain hidden agendas. It doesn’t have any effect on the surroundings, however, as parliamentary work goes ahead as soon as the ‘mission is done’. The third type has destructive effects. It addresses serious violations that have for long been overlooked by lawmakers; either unintentionally or deliberately, and involve names of senior officials. Given the seriousness of these grilling motions, senior officials usually work hard to avoid having them filed.

When grilling of the first and second types are filed, it shows the shallow thinking and limited ambitions. I don’t think I’d be exaggerating when I say that efforts are made to make sure that all grilling motions filed in the parliament are classified as per the first and second types mentioned above. I’m not a fan of conspiracy theories, but maybe useless interpellations are indeed being pushed to hurt the work of parliamentary investigation committees, and suspend legislative work in the parliament!

Anyway, it seems that the dissolution rumors are driving MPs to rush grilling motions without proper studying. In other words, interpellations of the first and second types that basically end up with more benefit to the MP filing the grilling than the public good. — Al-Rai

kuwait digest

Terrorist mindset

By Fawziya Al-Sabah

A

terrorist in military clothes blew himself up last week among soldiers during a rehearsal for a military parade to celebrate the Unity Day in Yemen. The suicide attack, later claimed by Al-Qaeda, left nearly 100 soldiers killed and 300 others wounded.

News agencies posted pictures showing blood and body parts of young men who perhaps were driven by poverty and unemployment to join the military for a small pay by which they can support themselves and their families. No person with the slightest bit of reason can find a way to justify or approve such criminal act except terrorists and their supporters.

What sin have these young souls committed to be killed? And what crime have the victims’ families committed to deserve losing their loved ones?

This incident further demonstrates the main goal of terrorist ideology which does not differentiate between civilians or age groups in their route of implementing their ideas by force. Terrorism doesn’t care if military men, civilians, senior citizens or children fall victim of murder, kidnap and other crimes as long as they work to force their ideologies on society. Terrorists give themselves the authority to commit crimes and take shelter in remote locations, while waging vicious retribution against those who oppose their activity regardless of the repercussions.

Terrorists like the one who blew himself up among a crowd of Yemeni young men recently are the product of schools that falsely use religion to brainwash recruits on killing; funded by enormous financial support and set up by self-proclaimed religious men who ironically are among religion’s worst enemies.

I was hoping that people who claim religious approach in Kuwait and the Gulf region, especially those busy preaching the public through media outlets, to come out with a statement criticizing the cowardly act that was committed in Yemen in violation of all principles of the Islamic faith.

Unfortunately however, they remained silent, which gives the impression that they could be in approval for such criminal acts.

One last note: It is the responsibility of Gulf Cooperation Council countries to do something against the ‘terrorism schools’ who receive most of their funding from these countries. As long as the funding keeps ongoing, the terrorist mindset will continue to grow; and perhaps reach the point it might become more closer to us than we think. — Al-Rai

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

local

Majority of MENA residents optimistic about coming year Bayt.com, YouGov survey KUWAIT: The latest Consumer Confidence Index, conducted

by Bayt.com and YouGov, a research and consulting organization, has revealed that the majority of MENA residents have either maintained or improved upon their financial status in the past 12 months, with more positive sentiments for the year to come. While roughly a third of regional respondents to Bayt.com’s Consumer Confidence Index experienced a decrease in their finances in comparison to 2011, another third (34 percent) state that they have not had any change at all. More than a quarter (27 percent) claim to have an improved financial situation.

Country economies are considered by most to be either the same or worse than last year, and the majority of respondents believe that this is a neutral or bad time to purchase durable consumer goods and that business conditions are unfavorable.

Only 12 percent claim that there are jobs readily available.

The MENA-wide sentiment (as per 67 percent respondents) is that remuneration and compensation are not keeping pace with the cost of living, with a majority of respondents (40 percent) stating dissatisfaction with their current job and career prospects along with chances for growth (39 percent).

Despite this, job security appears not to be too much of an issue for professionals in the Middle East and North Africa; a collective 61 percent claim their job security to be ‘neutral’ to ‘high’. The overall sentiment is that there will be little growth in terms of number of employees in companies in the coming three months, with 37 percent stating that they feel ‘neutrally’

about staffing requirements being met.

As far as the year ahead is concerned, the outlook is positive across the MENA. Respondents consistently believe that their personal financial situation will take a turn for the better. The majority also say that the same will be true for their country’s economy, business conditions and employment availability, too.

This positivity however doesn’t extend to the cost of living or real estate; 39% and 36% of respondents, respectively, believe that these will be negatively impacted in the future.

Only 27% of respondents will consider buying a new vehicle in the next year. Those who will are more likely to buy new. The same is true of the 21% who are look ing to buy proper ty. In terms of intention to make ‘smaller’ purchases, desktops and laptops continue to be top in popularity, followed by furniture and digital cameras.

“Feelings towards economy, commerce and employment are relatively consistent across the MENA region, with regional sentiment for the current situation remains relatively low.

However, there is always hope for a more positive tomorrow.

That employees feel secure in their current job is a welcome find,” said SuhailMasri, Vice President of Sales, Bayt.com. “At Bayt.com, we gather information that is relevant to both job seekers and employers, combining our knowledge of the industry and region to deliver tools pertinent to the millions of people who use our job site for recruitment purposes.”

“With the majority of people stating that their financial situation has either remained the same or improved over the last year, it may be that the positive

outlook for the future may be realistic,” said Sundip Chahal, CEO, YouGov. “While the majority say that now is a bad time for business, there are some countries that are clearly experiencing a more positive commercial atmosphere - which, undoubtedly, is a good sign for things to come.”

For the most part, the situation in Kuwait follows that of the rest of the region.

Respondents state that their financial situation is either the same or better now as it was 12 months ago, though they believe that the country’s economy has remained the same.

People in Kuwait believe that this is a neutral time to buy consumer durable goods.

Business conditions are also considered to be neutral.

The outlook for employment in Kuwaitis slightly better than elsewhere in the region, with 41% claiming that there are ‘not many ’ jobs as opposed to the37% who say there are ‘very few’ available. One third (34%) of Kuwait respondents state that there are fewer employees working in their company now than there was last year, while69% of them believe that their salary has not kept pace with the cost of living, and 51% say that their compensation is inadequate.

This does not seem to have had too negative an effect on job satisfaction, though. More than half (58%) opted for ‘neutral’ or ‘high’ to describe their satisfaction with their job and career prospects with their current employer; 62% state that their prospects for growth are ‘neutral’ to ‘high’. An additional 64% state that they have ‘neutral’ to ‘high’ satisfaction with their perceived job security.

In the next three months, most Kuwait respondents

believe that there will be few additional employees added to their company (45% claim to have a ‘neutral’ sentiment in this regard). Similarly, 43% are neutral as to whether or not their company will keep up with staffing requirements.

In terms of financial situation, Kuwait respondents are positive about the year ahead, with the majority believing that both their financial situation (54%) and the country’s economy (49%) will have improved.

Business conditions are expected to be better, according to 51% of respondents, though 29% believe that employment conditions are expected to be worse.

Residents inKuwait believe that the cost of living (36%) and cost of real estate for rental or purchase (32%) will be negatively impacted in the year to come.

Roughly a third of Kuwait residents (30%) are expecting to buy a vehicle this year, of which 50% say they will opt to buy new. Just over a quarter (27%)are considering investing in real estate, and of these, 18% are considering buying a livedin property. In terms of household goods, the most popular anticipated purchase is a laptop or desktop, followed by furniture and LCD or plasma televisions.

Data for the quar terly Bayt.com Consumer Confidence Index survey - May2012 was collected online from April 18 May 7 2012, with 10,138 respondents aged over 18 years, covering GCC Arab, North African, Levant, Western Expatriate and Asian nationalities. Countries who participated are UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Pakistan.

KUWAIT: As part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility program “Our Society, Our Responsibility,” Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait supported Cambridge English School’s Sports Day held recently at Qadsiya Sports Stadium. Present at the event, representing ABK, was Ali Al-Baghli, assistant public relations manager. Abdulnaser Al Manaea, public relations manager at Cambridge School, thanked ABK for their generosity and for making the sports day a success.

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

local

KUWAIT: Ministry of Education Assistant Undersecretary Mohammad Al-Kandari and other officials at the ceremony.

Special attention to advance educational process KUWAIT: Ministry of Education (MoE) Assistant Undersecretary for Public Education, Mohammad Al-Kandari, said the MoE pays special attention to advance the educational process and

extends links with other ministries and depar tments for fruitful and effective cooperation with everyone ac ting together for the future of Kuwait.

Kuwait hosting e-Waste conference KUWAIT: Minister of Public Works and Minister of State for Planning and Development, Dr Fadhel Safar, is to inaugurate today the second Kuwait Waste Management Conference and Exhibition, organized by Sour Center and held at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Hussein Al-O taibi, Assistant Undersecretary for Coordination and Follow-up, said yesterday that the topics of focus are electronic waste man-

agement and laws and regulations pertaining to hazardous waste, and management of related environmental and health issues. Al-Otaibi added the conference will also address the role of state bodies in this area and issues of information security involved in handling E-Waste. Elite specialized academics are to present working papers in an exchange of expertise and information about this challenge. —KUNA

Cultural events remind people of their roots KUWAIT: With negative domestic and international politics taking up most headlines nowadays and other issues being somewhat marginalized, cultural events aim to remind people of their rich past, present and future.

As most cultural festivals in Kuwait are coming to a close, a number of people spoke about their experiences during these events, and what these occasions mean to the public.

Mohammad Al-Ameer praised Dar AlAthar Al-Islamiyyah’s efforts to distribute Kuwaiti and Arab literary knowledge. These have included Arabic and English language cultural debates and symposiums in addition to recitals of world music.

Their most recent programs have gone further to open up a new horizon for children, shedding light on the importance of

Islamic art and history. Kuwait Writers Association, on the other hand, has taken it upon itself to discuss problems facing the spread of cultural forms of expression in the country, such as poetry and literature, suggests Abdallah Behbehani.

He urged the society to organize its programs in a more improved and diversified manner, with an aim to encourage more people in the country to read.

Efforts to encourage art in the country have been assumed by the Kuwait Art Association, which is known for its rewarding competitions for artists in the country, noted Naser Al-Ajmi.

Al-Ajmi said this does much to give lowkey artists the drive and confidence to be noticed and to continue pursuing their passion, aiding the prevalence of art and creativity in Kuwait. —KUNA

Al-Kandari was speaking during a ceremony to honor home economics teachers at the ministry theater yesterday. The teachers had attended a course on the “basics of nutrition and

dealing with diabetes and first aid” in cooperation with Dasman Diabetes Institute.

Amani Saleh, General Supervisor of family and consumer science, said

modern educational trends call for an effective role in technical guidance, both scientifically and practically, and should be integrated with the surrounding environment.

Asian woman in custody for abuse of runaway maids Scores forced into prostitution KUWAIT: Migration Department investigators arrested an Asian woman linked to crimes that involve the abuse of domestic workers seeking shelter in her country’s embassy. Investigations were ongoing after senior Ministry of Interior officials received information about illegal activity by a woman who paid frequent visits to her embassy. She was taking housemaids to an apartment hosting suspected immoral activities. The information indicated that the suspect gave the maids the impression that she would help them settle their dispute with their sponsors, but instead forced them into illegal activity. According to a security source with knowledge of the case, investigators contacted the Foreign Ministry after two months of monitoring the suspect. They asked the embassy whether she works there or not. After making sure that the suspect was not an embassy employee, investigators focused on finding the location where the housemaids were taken after they were escorted out of the embassy.

They eventually located an apartment in Hawally which they raided. There they found three women who admitted to being forced into prostitution. The suspect was also arrested during the operation. She admitted that she has been carrying out her illegal activity for two years, helped by a male embassy employee who now faces punitive measures by the embassy.

The woman was referred to the Public Prosecution Depar tment where she faces charges that include kidnap, blackmailing and running prostitution activities.

Airport thieves Three workers were arrested recently for stealing items from luggage they opened at Kuwait International Airport. Investigations went underway following reports by passengers about items, mainly laptop computers, missing from their luggage after collecting them at the airport. Detectives eventually caught three Bangladeshi workers sifting through luggage intended for a flight to Cairo in Egypt. The suspects first denied accusations, but eventually admitted responsibility for the multiple reported thefts. They were referred to the proper authorities to face charges.

Fugitive apprehended A man charged with attempted murder was arrested during a recent security crackdown on residency violators in Farwaniya. Officers were closing a road as part of the campaign when they noticed a driver attempting to escape by driving the wrong way. The Kuwaiti man was forced to stop. Following his arrest, detectives discovered that he is wanted by the authorities.

He was taken to Farwaniya police station for further procedures.

Child molester A man was arrested recently for molesting a child he lured away from her family at a beach in Shaab. A passerby spotted the Egyptian suspect with the 10-year-old Syrian girl hidden behind a tree, and immediately jumped to stop his abuse.

The uproar which escalated caught the attention of the victim’s father, who lashed out at the sus-

pect and beat him before the police were called.

The molester was taken to Shaab police station following his arrest.

Heart attack Paramedics rushed to a house in Ahmadi governorate recently where a Kuwaiti man reported finding his daughter who is in her twenties unconscious. Following an examination, paramedics pronounced the woman dead due to a heart attack. Forensic Department personnel reported to the scene to take the body for an autopsy.

Furious dad A high school student decided to take a break from studying for his finals by hosting a party at his house when the family went to spend the weekend at their chalet. His fun was cut short by his angry father, who crashed the party after his cell phone was bombarded by calls from neighbors. The incident took place recently in Qurain, where residents called their neighbor to ask how his house turned into a disco club overnight. The Kuwaiti man rushed back to his house, and immediately entered a state of uncontrollable frenzy. He witnessed his son, who asked to be left home to study, drinking and dancing to loud music with his friends. All the guests escaped, while the homeowner was busy teaching his son a lesson. One guest, who was too drunk to flee, fell under the angry man’s beating barrage. The drunk youngster was put under arrest after police arrived at the scene following an emergency call. —Al-Jarida, Al-Rai, Al-Watan

Divorce rate high in Kuwait KUWAIT: The Ministry of Justice prepared a study on divorce in Kuwait during the first decade of the new century, from 2001 to 2010, which showed the divorce rate varied between 1.3 to 1.7 for each 1,000 of the total Kuwait population. The average reached 1.67 for each 1,000 persons in the year 2010. The study indicated that the divorce average fluctuated upwards from 2001 to 2005 and downward in the years 2006 and 2007. Then it rose during 2009 and 2010.

The study indicated that the divorce rate in Kuwait is higher than in other Arab

and GCC countries, but lower compared to some other countries i.e. the situation is acceptable compared to all countries.

The reasons behind the high percentage of divorces, according to the study, is early marriage and development and society opening up with the increase of social media. The study urged those who intend to marry to choose the right partner, and to educate couples about their roles and responsibilities towards each other, and to support youths intending to marry and to increase counseling centers that receive couples with problems.

A group photo of last year’s students

Careless smoker caught

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: A citizen reported that a cigarette end thrown by another citizen driving ahead of him landed inside his vehicle and burnt the front seat cushion, said security sources. The man said that he caught up with the smoker.

He stopped and blamed him and asked for compensation for the damage, which he refused. A case was filed and the smoking driver is being summoned for further investigation.

• A citizen assaulted a construction worker employed by him in Salmiya, said security sources. According to the citizen, he caught the worker selling steel from the construction site to some Asians. He filed a case against the worker, accusing him of robbery. The worker filed another case, accusing the citizen of assault.

• A citizen wanted for financial claims worth over a quarter of a million dinars was recently apprehended at a cafe he was used to frequenting and was arrested, said security sources.

• An Asian housemaid got so fed up with her sponsor that she rammed her, said security sources. Case papers indicate that a female citizen reported that she had been assaulted by her own housemaid because she had blamed her for not doing her household duties. “She didn’t like being blamed and charged at me”, said the citizen noting that she was saved by her children.

• An Egyptian pharmacist reported that he opened the private pharmacy he runs in Farwaniya and found out that it had been broken into. The cash box was broken and KD 190 was stolen.

NBK intern program registration continues KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) announced that the registration for the 2012 Summer Internship Program is open till Thursday. The program, specially designed for high school and college students between 15 and 20 years old, will start on June 10.

The two-week courses of the Summer Internship Program consist of 5-hour daily sessions and feature a mixture of theoretical and practical training to provide interns with

invaluable knowledge on a variety of subjects such as; teamwork, creative thinking, means of self-expression and modern banking, in addition to helping them to have greater exposure to daily banking work procedures.

Talal Adel Al-Turki, NBK public relations officer, said “NBK views the Summer Internship Program as an extension of its educative initiatives as part of its social responsibility. This annual program demonstrates

NBK’s long-standing social involvement as well as its national commitment towards providing the young generations with the appropriate opportunities to experience how the actual professional banking issues and transactions are handled and processed”. Online registration for the Summer Internship Program is open until May 31 through nbk.com and through NBK official page on Facebook and Twitter.

Talal Adel Al-Turki

Alarming rise in crime in Hawally

KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality’s PR manager, Rashid Al-Hashan stressed that in preparation for the summer season, inspections tours would continue all over Kuwait to make sure food items were always safe for human consumption. Al-Hashan added that in view of the soaring summer temperatures, inspections would focus on storage and cooling conditions for all food items. — Photos by Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: Hawally Prosecution Department looked into 1,592 felony cases last year, 50 percent of which were cases of theft by breaking in or infiltration, according to statistics provided by Director Dr. Omar Al-Massoud.

The statistics show an alarming increase in the crime rate compared to 2010, which saw 1,430 cases investigated.

Al-Massoud revealed that around 559 cases have been filed at the department this year, as of the end of April. Robbery cases reached 819, and battery and mugging cases came in second and third place with 163 and 160 respectively. Dr. AlMassoud said 176 cases were shelved last year “after investigations failed to identify suspects.”

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

Nepal faces deadline on new constitution Page 11

Christian Jordanian woman sues her Muslim employer Page 8

Syria blames rebels for massacre International condemnation grows AMMAN: Facing mounting international outrage over the killing of at least 109 people in the restive town of Houla, Syria yesterday accused rebels of carrying out the massacre, in which dozens of children were murdered.

Images of bloodied and lifeless young bodies, lain carefully side by side after the onslaught on Friday, triggered shock around the world and underlined the failure of a sixweek-old UN ceasefire plan to stop the violence.

Syrian authorities blamed “terrorists” for the massacre, among the worst carnage in the 14-month-old uprising against President Bashar Al-Assad, which has cost about 10,000 lives. “Women, children and old men were shot dead. This is not the hallmark of the heroic Syrian army,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Jihad Makdesi told reporters in Damascus.

Opposition activists said Assad’s forces shelled Houla after a protest and then clashed with fighters from the Sunni Muslim-led insurgency. Activists say Assad’s ‘shabbiha’ militia, loyal to an establishment dominated by members of the minority Alawite sect, then hacked dozens of the victims to death, or shot them.

Maysara Al-Hilawi said he saw the bodies of six children and their parents in a ransacked house in the town. “The Abdelrazzak family house was the first one I entered. The children’s corpses were piled on top of each other, either with their throats cut or shot at close range,” Hilawi, an opposition activist, said by telephone from the area.

“I helped collect more than 100 bodies in the last two days, mostly women and children. The last were six members of the Al-Kurdi family. A father and his five kids. The mother is missing,” he said.

Syrian forces shot dead two men yesterday at a protest in Damascus against the killings in Houla, opposition activists said. The men’s funerals also turned into demonstrations. Footage broadcast by activists in the Damascus suburb of Yalda showed a crowd of hundreds at one of the men’s funerals shouting “the people want the downfall of the regime”.

U.N. military and civilian observers counted 32 children under 10 years old among at least 92 dead in Houla on Saturday. More bodies have since been found, activists said. The observers confirmed the use of artillery, which

only Assad’s forces have, but did not say how all the victims died.

The U.N. and Arab League’s Syria envoy Kofi Annan and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon accused the Syrian government of using artillery in populated areas. “This appalling and brutal crime involving indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force is a flagrant violation of international law and of the commitments of the Syrian Government to cease the use of heavy weapons in population centres and violence in all its forms,” they said in a joint statement on Saturday.

Western countries and Arab states opposed to Assad put the blame for the deaths squarely on Damascus. The Gulf Cooperation Council of Sunni-led monarchies accused Assad’s soldiers of using excessive force and urged the international community to “assume its responsibilities to halt the daily bloodshed in Syria”.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton spoke of a “heinous act perpetrated by the Syrian regime against its own civilian population” in a statement yesterday. The head of the European parliament said it could amount to a war crime.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton demanded that those who carried out the killings be held to account. “The United States will work with the international community to intensify our pressure on Assad and his cronies, whose rule by murder and fear must come to an end,” she said.

France said it would call a meeting of the Friends of Syria, a group of Western and Arab countries keen to see Assad removed. Britain said it would summon Syria’s envoy over the massacre and that it would call for a meeting of the UN Security Council in coming days.

The United Arab Emirates requested an urgent meeting of the Arab League, whose head, Nabil Elaraby, urged the US Security Council to stop the killing. But there was no immediate official word from Russia, which along with China has vetoed Security Council resolutions calling for tougher action. Russia has previously blamed both the government and Syrian rebels for causing the violence.

Former U.N. secretary-general Annan is to brief the UN Security Council on Wednesday and is likely to be guided on who is responsible by reports from UN observers in

ISTANBUL: Demonstrators protest in front of the Syrian consulate in Istanbul yesterday against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The head of a UN mission warned of “civil war” in Syria after his observers counted more than 92 bodies, 32 of them children, in Houla following reports of a massacre there. — AFP Houla. Although the ceasefire plan negotiated by Annan has failed to stop the violence, the United Nations is nearing full deployment of a 300-strong unarmed observer force meant to monitor a truce.

The plan calls for a truce, withdrawal of troops from cities and dialogue between government and opposition.

Syria calls the revolt a “terrorist” conspiracy run from abroad, a veiled reference to Sunni Muslim Gulf powers that want to see weapons provided to the insurgents.

The United Nations has accused Assad’s forces and insurgents alike of grave human rights abuses, including summary executions and torture. — Reuters

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

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

Palestinian Airlines resumes flights after 7 years MARKA AIRBASE: Palestinian Airlines is back in the skies after being grounded for seven years by the deepening enmities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Once hailed as a symbol of Palestinian statehood dreams, the carrier is a tiny operation, with just two 48-seat turboprop planes, two weekly flights and a borrowed hub in Egypt.

But Palestinians say just being on the map again is what matters. “My hands were shaking when I bought the ticket ... and it said the name of the carrier is Palestinian Airlines,” said recent passenger Zuhair Mohammed, a 38-year-old teacher from Gaza.

The 15-year-old airline’s fortunes have been closely tied to the quest for a Palestinian state. In the late 1990s, when Palestinians appeared on the verge of a statehood deal with Israel, Palestinian Airlines operated from Gaza International Airport, flew tens of thousands of passengers a year to Middle Eastern destinations and planned to expand to Europe.

Those ambitions were crushed by the outbreak of a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation in September 2000, following the collapse of US-led peace talks. Over the next year, Israeli troops destroyed the Gaza airport, and Palestinian Airlines was forced to move its base to El-Arish, an Egyptian coastal resort about 60 kilometers from Gaza.

Seven years ago, the airline stopped flying altogether after its reservoir of passengers dried up. It had mainly served Gazans who, starting in 2005, could no longer reach El-Arish because of increasingly frequent Israeli closures of Gaza’s borders. The closures accompanied an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 and intensified with the capture of an Israeli soldier by Gaza militants a year later and the violent takeover of Gaza by the Islamic militant Hamas in 2007.

Until last year, the vast majority of Gaza’s 1.7 million residents were locked inside the territory, in part because Egypt went along with Israel and largely kept its Rafah border terminal with Gaza closed.

AMMAN: A Palestinian Airlines flight takes off from Marka Airbase to El-Arish, Egypt, in Amman, Jordan, yesterday. Palestinian Airlines is back in the skies after being grounded for seven years by the vagaries of the Mideast conflict. — AP After the ouster of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in 2011, Rafah gradually reopened and Gazans are now able to travel, though restrictions remain, particularly for men under 40, who need Egyptian security clearance.

Palestinian Airlines once again had potential customers. On May 9 it resumed operations, starting with biweekly flights between El-Arish and Marka Airbase in the Jordanian capital of Amman. The new route means Gazans no longer have to travel to Cairo, some 350 kilometers (215 miles) from their territory, to board planes.

Mustafa Abu Dan, a Palestinian civil servant, on Sunday bought four tickets at a Gaza City travel agency for a flight to Amman. He said he’s pleased

to be saving time and money, but he worried that Gazans and their travel plans will always vulnerable to political upheaval.

“Rafah is the only gate for us to the world now, but still it’s linked to the political developments in Egypt,” said Abu Dan, 32. “I voice my hope to have our own airport again so we can travel without problems, like others.” In one of the many political twists of Palestine air travel, the carrier is owned by the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank-based political rival of Gaza’s Hamas rulers. Gaza and the West Bank lie on opposite sides of Israel which has banned virtually all movement between the two territories that, along with east Jerusalem, are one day to make up a Palestinian state. All three areas were

captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast War. The West Bank does not have an airport, and Israel is unlikely to approve Palestinian Authority plans to build one, citing security concerns. West Bank residents have to fly from neighboring Jordan.

Palestinian Airlines operates two Fokker 50 turboprop planes, remnants of the original fleet that also included a since-retired Boeing 727. The Fokkers were donated by the Netherlands and the 727 by Saudi Arabia. During the years of idleness, Palestinian Airlines leased one of the Fokkers to an Egyptian carrier, Memphis, whose logo is still painted on the plane. The other plane is marked by black, red and green stripes on the tail, the colors of the Palestinian flag.

Yesterday, the Amman-El-Arish flight carried 27 passengers, and 44 were booked on the return trip later in the day. The flight takes an hour and 35 minutes, more than double the time needed for the direct route over Israel. The airline does not have permission to cross Israeli air space, said regional director Azmi Samaan.

Airline officials said flights to Saudi Arabia for Muslim pilgrims from Gaza are set to begin later this week, and routes to the United Arab Emirates and Turkey are being planned.

The airline hopes it will eventually turn a profit, but for now national pride and making life easier for the Gazans are more important, said Samaan. “We want the Palestinian flag to continue flying,” he said in an interview at Marka Airbase.

“This is part of the independent state, to have an airline, no matter what it will cost us.” He acknowledged that the airline also represents the many setbacks over the years for Palestinian statehood hopes. When Gaza’s airport was inaugurated in 1998, thousands cheered it as a milestone toward independence. This time around, flights resumed with little fanfare. Samaan said it’s better than not flying at all. “At least, we are there,” he said. “We are in the market.” — AP

Egyptian candidates file appeals, charge vote fraud Election considered freest in decades

AMMAN: Former assistant manager of corporate operations for Jordan Dubai Islamic Bank Vivian Salameh speaks to The Associated Press, in Amman, Jordan, Saturday.

The Christian Jordanian woman said yesterday she is suing her Gulf Arab employer for arbitrary dismissal after she refused a new dress code forcing her to cover her head. — AP

Christian Jordanian woman sues her Muslim employer AMMAN: A Christian Jordanian woman said yesterday she is suing her Gulf Arab employer for arbitrary dismissal after she refused a new dress code forcing her to cover her head. The incident is rare and could stir religious tensions in Jordan, a predominantly conservative Muslim nation whose Western-educated ruler - King Abdullah II - is perceived as a staunch supporter of moderate Islam and tolerance of other religions.

“We are not in Iran, we are in Jordan, and we must continue to enjoy personal and religious freedoms as stipulated by our constitution,” said Vivian Salameh, 45, an assistant manager of corporate operations at the Jordan Dubai Islamic Bank since March 2010 until she was fired a week ago.

“I’m Christian. Why should I wear something not dictated by my religion?” she said in an interview. Christians make up nearly 4 percent of the country’s 6 million population. Bank spokeswoman Eman Affaneh confirmed that Salameh was fired because “she refused to comply with the terms of her contract, which stipulates that all employees must respect management regulations and bank bylaws.”

“We are an Islamic establishment and the dress code is a reflection of our conservative Muslim traditions and values,” she said. Salameh says she had worked for Jordan’s Industrial Development Bank for 25 years until it was acquired in 2010 by the Jordan Dubai Islamic Bank - an offshoot of

the Dubai Islamic Bank based in the United Arab Emirates. In January 2011, the new management issued a new regulation stipulating a unified dress code for its workers, including waist-to-heel skirts and head covers for female employees.

Salameh accepted the uniform, but refused to wear the head cover on grounds that it violated her religious beliefs and since the contract she signed when she was hired did not oblige her to a dress code. Affaneh, the spokeswoman, said the headcover “is a fashionable piece of white cloth that shows the hair line - like what women wear in the Gulf Arab countries.”

“It’s not a headscarf, covering all the hair,” she added. She and Salameh said that five other Christian women employees at the bank accepted wearing the headcover.

When Salameh refused the head cover, “no action was taken against me for nearly 17 months until two weeks ago, when I was suddenly given two notices, five days apart, warning me that I will lose my job if I don’t wear the head cover,” she said. “When I stuck by my decision, I was verbally fired last Sunday,” she said, adding that she filed a lawsuit against the bank. The next legal step would be for the court to decide when it would hear the case.

Affaneh, the spokeswoman, says the bank has not been notified of the lawsuit.

“Her contract allows her to do what she wants,” she said. She declined to discuss the matter further. — AP

CAIRO: Three top candidates in Egypt’s presidential race filed appeals to the election commission ahead of the deadline yesterday, alleging violations in the first round vote that they say could change the outcome.

The appeals alleging fraud are likely to enflame an already explosive race. Preliminary results from last week’s election placed Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Morsi and Hosni Mubarak’s last prime minister, Ahmed Shafiq, as the two candidates entering a June 16-17 runoff. Thirteen candidates were on the ballot. Shafiq, who placed second after Morsi, said votes cast for him in one province were not included in the ballot count.

Many voters reject both front-runners as polarizing extremists. Young, liberal secularists who led the popular rebellion that overthrew longtime leader Hosni Mubarak last year failed to place a candidate in the runoff.

A large portion of the vote - more than 40 percent - went to candidates who were seen as more in the spirit of the uprising - neither for the Brotherhood nor for the so-called “feloul,” or “remnants” of the old autocratic regime - but those votes were mostly divided among the two candidates who placed third and fourth. The top finisher, the Brotherhood’s Morsi, received only about 25 percent of the vote, according to preliminary results.

Hamdeen Sabahi, a socialist and a champion of the poor who made a surprisingly strong showing, called for a partial vote recount after he placed third by a margin of 700,000 votes after Shafiq. Sabahi’s campaign said in a statement yesterday that its representatives met with the elections commission to request that official results not be announced until the eligibility of voters in five provinces is reviewed.

Official first-round results are expected today or tomorrow. Abdel-Moneim Abolfotoh, a moderate Islamist who finished fourth, also filed an appeal yesterday. His lawyer said the campaign has proof that votes were cast on behalf of dead people, and in other cases, bribes were paid for votes. Overall, the presidential election was considered the country’s freest and most transparent in decades.

Judges were present at each polling station.

International and local monitors, as well as journalists and the candidates’ representatives,

Ex-Mubarak aide sentenced to 7 years

HEIDELBERG: File photo shows Egypt’s ousted president Hosni Mubarak sitting at a table and going over paperwork with his chief of staff Zakaria Azmi at the University of Heidelberg hospital in Heidelberg in southwestern Germany. A Cairo criminal court sentenced yesterday Mubarak’s former aide to seven years in jail on corruption charges, a judicial source told AFP. — AFP

CAIRO: A Cairo criminal court yesterday sentenced ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak’s former chief of staff to seven years in jail on corruption charges, a judicial source told AFP. Zakaria Azmi was also ordered to pay a fine of 38 million Egyptian pounds (around $6.2 million), the source said.

Azmi was jailed last year and put on trial in October, charged with illegal acquisition of funds. An aide to Mubarak since 1989, Azmi was considered an influential figure in the presidency and in the now-dissolved National Democratic Party.

He joins a host of former ministers and officials handed jail sentences following a sweeping investigation into corruption after the uprising that ended Mubarak’s three decade rule.

Mubarak himself faces a verdict on June 2 to determine whether or not he was involved in the killing of protesters during the 18-day revolt. The sentence comes as vote counting is underway in Egypt’s first free presidential election, which will see a run-off between Mubarak’s last prime minister Ahmed Shafiq, and Mohammed Mursi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood banned under the strongman. — AFP

CAIRO: Supporters of Egyptian presidential candidate Hamdeen Sabahi shout pro Sabahi slogans at a press conference at Hamdeen Sabahi campaign headquarters in Cairo Egypt, Saturday. Of 13 candidates running for the presidency, Mohammed Morsi, along with Ahmed Shafiq, gained the largest number of votes placing Hamdeen Sabahi on third place. — AP

were allowed to oversee the process in stark contrast to elections under Mubarak.

On Saturday, ex-President Jimmy Carter said his center was restricted in its monitoring mission, but the process was generally acceptable. The Carter Center said in its report that the quality of the polling process was generally “good”, but that election authorities prohibited access to the final aggregation of national results, “undermining the overall transparency of the process.”Also Sunday, a criminal court convicted Mubarak’s former chief of staff of corruption, sentencing him to seven years in prison and fining him $6 million, Egypt’s official news agency reported.

Zakaria Azmi, who was also a lawmaker and a senior member of Mubarak’s ruling National Democratic Party, used his position to make illicit gains of $7 million, according to the court ruling carried by Egypt’s official Middle East News Agency.

The verdict against Azmi comes less than a week before a court is due to issue its verdict in the trial of Mubarak, who faces charges of complicity in the killing of protesters during the popular uprising last year. Mubarak, along with Gamal and his other son, Alaa, also faced corruption charges. Mubarak could receive the death penalty if convicted in the killing of protesters. — AP

Salafists stage new rampage in Tunisia TUNIS: Hardline Islamists, who have been running rampage in Tunisian towns, torching police stations and attacking bars, have sparked an outcry against the authorities for their lax attitude in stemming the violence. The ultra-conservative Salafists, some armed with clubs and swords, have been intensifying their attacks in the last 10 days, even burning down shops of alcohol vendors who refuse to close.

Yesterday, the interior ministry said it had arrested about 15 people who torched police stations and attacked bars in the northwestern towns of Jendouba and Ghardimaou a day ago.

The TAP news agency said national army units had been deployed after the violence to protect public buildings. “The law will be applied. These incidents are dangerous and will be dealt with in the appropriate manner,” secretary of state for the interior Said Mechichi told TAP. Last week Tunisia’s Justice Minister Noureddine Bhiri threatened to punish those who use violence to impose their views on others after Salafists forced a number of bars to close. But the violence has sparked criticism against the Islamist authorities elected after the revolution that toppled president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, with complaints they have done too little to stop the Salafists. “Will the government be disarmed by the Salafists?” asked Le Temps, pointing to the “yawning gap between the speeches and the actions.”

Another newspaper, La Presse, headlined its Sunday edition “the state challenged”, referring to the “laxness of the authorities.”

More moderate Tunisians have also voiced deep concern over the rising power of the Salafists. “Violent groups which are outside the law propagate terror,” said the head of the Tunisian League of Human Rights, Abdessatar Ben Moussa.

They “physically and morally attack women, intellectuals, journalists, designers, unionists, politicians as well as human rights activists,” he said. Tourism Minister Elies Fakhfakh meanwhile warned last week of the “wrong and aggressive image” generated by the Salafists.

Salafism as an organised political movement emerged in Tunisia in the late 1980s. But with just over 10,000 followers, the Islamists remain a minority in the north African state of over 10 million inhabitants. Only a few thousand showed up for their annual meeting last Sunday.

However, their ability to wreak havoc, as well as the jihadist past of some of their leaders, are sources of concern. Among them is Seif Allah Ben Hassine, who fought in Afghanistan and was in 2002 added to a UN list of people linked to Al-Qaeda. Sentenced to over 60 years in prison by the Ben Ali regime, the man who also goes by the alias Abu Yiadh has benefited from amnesty after the revolution that toppled the former president. — AFP

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

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Mali split deepens Government rejects rebel secession BAMAKO: Mali’s embattled transitional government yesterday rejected a rebel alliance’s declaration of an Islamic state in the vast desert north, a move that has plunged the nation closer to breakup two months after a coup.

The overnight statement by Tuareg and Islamist rebels that they have joined forces to create “the transitional council of the Islamic state of Azawad” came as interim president Dioncounda Traore was in Paris for medical treatment after being assaulted by protesters who stormed his office last week.

It underlined the chaos gripping Mali, once considered an example of democracy in the region, since a March 22 coup. “The government of Mali categorically rejects the idea of the creation of an Azawad state, even more so of an Islamic state,” Hamadoun Toure, information minister in the transitional administration, told AFP. “Even though this state creation is just on paper and not de facto, we are coming forward to stress that Mali is secular and will remain secular,” he said.

The accord between the Islamist group Ansar Dine (Defenders of Faith) and the secular Tuareg National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad ( Tuareg MNLA) comes after weeks of sometimes fraught discussions between

two groups that have long held separate objectives and ideologies.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which is playing the role of mediator in the Mali crisis, reacted ambivalently to the move.

“It’s always better to negotiate with one single group than with several groups whose interests are sometimes diametrically opposed,” said Burkina Faso Foreign Minister Djibrill Bassole, whose country is leading the talks.

But he said mediators reject any solution that splits the country in two. “The essential thing (is) that the group choose the option of a negotiated solution to the conflict,” he added, calling on the newly formed alliance to “abandon terror and terrorism”.

In Gao, a major town in the north where leaders of the two movements have been holding talks, the sealing of the deal was greeted by the sound of guns being fired into the air, local residents said.

“Allah has triumphed,” declared Sanda Ould Boumama, an Ansar Dine spokesman in the northern city of Timbuktu. Tuareg rebels, many of whom were mercenaries who had fought for Moamer Kadhafi and returned heavily armed to their homeland, rekindled their decades-old struggle for autonomy with a massive offensive in mid-

January. A coup by Captain Amadou Sanogo and a group of low-ranking officers ousted the government in Bamako, saying it was incompetent in handling the Tuareg rebellion.

But the coup only opened the way for the Tuaregs, Ansar Dine-led by the charismatic Ag Ghaly and backed by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) — and criminal groups to occupy the vast north of the country, an area larger than France.

The agreement between the Tuareg MNLA and Ansar Dine leaves AQIM’s position in “Azawad” unclear but creates a fresh headache for the transitional authorities in Bamako and the West African bloc ECOWAS. Regional and Western leaders have long feared a breakaway state in Mali’s remote desert north could become Al-Qaeda’s main safe haven.

Transitional leaders have stressed their wish to restore the country’s territorial integrity but seem unable to guarantee their own safety, let alone mount a credible challenge against the north’s new masters.

The uncertain security situation was highlighted by the assault on 70-year-old interim president Traore.

His entourage said tests had revealed nothing alarming and that Traore was expected back in Mali in the coming week. — AFP

Tens of thousands protest government in Georgia TBILISI: Tens of thousands of people thronged the streets of Georgia’s capital yesteray to show their opposition to President Mikhail Saakashvili, in the largest anti-government demonstration in three years.

The demonstration, which drew at least 40,000 people, was seen as a test of public support for the opposition ahead of a parliamentary election in October. It also was a political coming-out party for organizer Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire businessman who is Georgia’s richest man and leading philanthropist. He made his entry into politics last October, announcing that he was forming a political party with the aim of winning the parliamentary vote and assuming the post of prime minister.

Saakashvili’s second and last presidential term ends in January and his future plans are unclear. He has not excluded becoming prime minister, a position that will gain additional powers under a 2010 constitutional reform that his opponents said was designed to allow Saakashvili to remain a political force after leaving the presidency. But this would bring unwelcome comparisons to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who spent the past four years as prime minister to accommodate a constitutional ban on two consecutive presidential terms.

As the thousands of participants marched from three directions to join the rally on Freedom Square, they wrote their “dreams” on pieces of paper and stuffed them in sacks printed with the

name of Ivanishvili’s new party: Georgian Dreams.

“My dream has always been a strong and united Georgia, where people live freely and are paid what they are worth,” Ivanishvili said to the crowd. “I waited for Georgia to become strong and united, but the transitional period after the gaining of independence dragged on and I decided to begin to fight this regime.”

Georgia won its independence with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and began moving closer to the West when Saakashvili became president in January 2004. He is credited with pushing through a series of political and economic reforms, but he also led the country into a disastrous war with Russia in 2008 over two breakaway Georgian republics now fully allied with Moscow and beyond Tbilisi’s control.

Saakashvili weathered weeks of opposition demonstrations in 2009 demanding his resignation over his handling of the war, but the splintered opposition groups failed to coordinate and the protests fizzled out.

Ivanishvili has formed a coalition with some opposition parties but has refused to work with others, including the party led by veteran opposition leader Nino Burdzhanadze. Yesterday’s rally was opened by Kakha Kaladze, the former captain of Georgia’s national soccer team who played for nine seasons with Milan, and it ended with a performance

by Ivanishvili’s eldest son, Bera, a rap musician. — AP

TBILISI: Billionaire tycoon turned opposition leader Bidzina Ivanishvili (C) delivers a speech during a rally in central Tbilisi, yesterday. Tens of thousands of Georgians rallied in the capital yesterday as the ex-Soviet state’s richest man launched his bid to oust President Mikheil Saakashvili’s governing party at elections later this year. — AFP

Vatican braces for new arrests VATICAN CITY: The Vatican is hunting for the masterminds of leaks that have enraged the Holy See, with few believing the pope’s arrested butler was behind the scandal, Italian media reported yesterday.

Vatican officials confirmed Saturday that Pope Benedict XVI’s personal butler Paolo Gabriele was arrested on suspicion of leaking confidential documents from the pontiff’s private study after secret papers were found in his home.

His arrest was greeted with disbelief as the 46-year-old Gabriele was well-liked throughout Vatican City and known for his devotion and loyalty to the pope. The Italian press has been filled with speculation that the butler, one of a limited number of people who have access to the pope’s private quarters, was a pawn in a game of intrigue and struggle for power inside the Holy See. “No one thinks the butler was capable of orchestrating the ‘Vatileaks’ by himself

and so the focus is on a higher, ecclesiastical level,” wrote the Corriere della Sera under the headline “Vatican braces for new arrests.” “Maybe someone set up the butler by placing the documents at his house or maybe he was executing orders from higher up. When you are loyal you are also obedient.”

Last month, the pope set up a special commission of cardinals to probe the leaks, which began in January and have seen a number of private documents splashed in the Italian media-to the embarrassment and anger of the Vatican.

The documents shed light on many Vatican secrets, including the Church’s tax problems, the funding of Catholic bodies, sex scandals and negotiations with hardline traditionalist rebels. Gabriele’s arrest came hot on the heels of the sacking of Vatican Bank president Ettore Gotti Tedeschi, who has also been suspected of being behind the leaks. — AFP

S Africa police spy boss suspended JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s freshly reinstated police spy boss was suspended again over fresh allegations in an ongoing love triangle murder inquest, a newspaper reported yesterday. “The notice of suspension of General Mdluli has been served on General Mdluli’s lawyer,” police spokesman Lindela Mashigo said.

Mdluli was arrested last year over

alleged involvement in the 1999 murder of his former lover’s husband. He also faced charges of financial mismanagement, abuse of power and nepotism. Mashigo said fresh accusations against Mdluli had emerged during the murder investigation.

The charges were provisionally withdrawn in March pending an investigation and Mdluli, an ally of

President Jacob Zuma, went back to work as head of the police crime intelligence unit in April. The grafttainted top cop’s return sparked an outcry amid police top brass and new allegations emerged that he had looted a fund meant for witness protection. South Africa’s police chief Bheki Cele has been suspended over his approval of a lease for a police office block. — AFP

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

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Mexico’s former ruling party suspends ex-governor MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s former ruling party on Saturday suspended the membership of a former governor accused of accepting millions of dollars in bribes from a drug cartel. The Institutional Revolutionary Party said in a statement that the ex-governor of the border state of Tamaulipas, Tomas Yarrington, has been suspended from the party until the accusations are cleared up.

Party leader Joaquin Coldwell asked that Yarrington’s party rights be suspended and a commission agreed to the request during a special week-

end session. Coldwell urged Yarrington to cooperate with authorities so that the probe doesn’t affect upcoming elections.

The party, known as the PRI, held Mexico’s presidency without interruption from 1929 to 2000, and continues to govern most Mexican states. The PRI’s presidential candidate, Enrique Pena Nieto, is leading his two main opponents by double digits in opinion polls ahead of Mexico’s July 1 election.

His rivals, particularly the candidate of the current ruling party, have tried to dent his lead by accusing the party of

maintaining decades-long corrupt ties to organized crime and have cited cases in Tamaulipas as prime examples.

Yarrington was governor of Tamaulipas, the home base of the Gulf drug cartel, from 1999 to 2004.

Yarrington has not been charged with any crime, but US federal prosecutors filed two civil forfeiture cases Tuesday seeking to seize more than $7 million in properties Yarrington or his associates allegedly bought in Texas. US authorities are trying to confiscate a condominium in South Padre Island and a 46-acre property in San Antonio.

The Corpus Christi case alleges Yarrington used various front men and businesses “to become a major real estate investor through various money laundering mechanisms.”

Yarrington’s lawyer, Joel Androphy, said Yarrington does not own the properties in question and is innocent of the allegations. Androphy suggested that other targets of federal investigations have implicated the ex-governor to improve their own situations.

Mexican federal prosecutors have searched Yarrington’s home in Matamoros, a city across the border

from Brownsville, Texas and a stronghold of the Gulf cartel. Yarrington was mayor of Matamoros from 1992 to 1995, said an official at the Attorney General’s office in Tamaulipas on condition of anonymity because he is not allowed to discuss the case.

Prosecutors also searched the homes in Matamoros and the capital city of Ciudad Victoria of three businessmen who US authorities say acted as front men for Yarrington. One of the men, Napoleon Rodriguez de la Garza was brought to Mexico City for questioning, he said. — AP

NATO air strike kills 6 children in Afghanistan NATO disputes report of casualties

RICHMOND: A large crowd watches the USS Iowa leave from the Port of Richmond on Saturday, in Richmond, California. The 887-foot long, 58,000-ton battlewagon is being towed to the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, where it will be transformed into an interactive naval museum. — AP

World War II battleship USS Iowa sets off on final voyage RICHMOND: The battleship USS Iowa, which served the United States through victory and tragedy during six decades at sea, set off on its final voyage on Saturday, a trip to Los Angeles to become a museum.

With a cheer, volunteers in hard hats cast off the last of a dozen thick lines that had moored the 175-foot-tall (53 meters) gray dreadnought in the Port of Richmond. Then it slipped slowly into the San Francisco Bay, towering over the three tugboats that pulled it.

Throngs of onlookers gathered as the ship sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a sentimental send-off for the Iowa, which saw service in the US Navy conflicts around the world before being decommissioned in 1990 and sold to the nonprofit Pacific Battleship Center in May 2010.

The Los Angeles Harbor Commission voted unanimously on May 17 to create a permanent home for the ship at the city’s port, where it will drop its gangplank to the public on July 7. As the Iowa headed into San Francisco Bay, spectators swapped tails of the Iowa’s storied past.

It carried the late President Franklin Roosevelt across the Atlantic to his historic meeting with Winston Churchill and Josef Stalin in World War Two. The battleship was equipped with a special bathtub for Roosevelt - who was partially paralyzed following a bout with polio - and it remains on board. Later in the war, the Iowa pounded beachheads in the Pacific with its 16-inch guns ahead of Allied landings and took part in the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay in 1945.

During the Korean War in the 1950s, it conducted gun strikes and bombardments.

Not all memories from the Iowa are so triumphant. An explosion in one of its gun turrets killed 47 sailors in 1989. The next year, the Navy consigned the Iowa, along with its other three remaining battleships, the Missouri, Wisconsin and New Jersey, to its reserve fleet.

“There’s no more ships like this in existence in the active navies anywhere in the world,” said Robert Kent, president of the Pacific Battleship Center. “They’ve either been sunk, scrapped or turned

into museums and the Iowa is the last battleship to find a home.”

Dozens of volunteers spent months refurbishing the Iowa for its final role, including at least three men who served on it. “It’s been a greater privilege than I can express,” said David Canfield, 42, who was first assigned to the Iowa in 1987 at the age of 17 as a non-rated fireman.

Canfield, who was aboard the Iowa for the 1989 explosion, joined Marty Palmiere and Michael McEnteggert in reminiscing about life on the Iowa. They talked of hitting golf balls into the sea and of having “steel beach” picnics on its decks.

“A lot of memories are here,” McEnteggert said before the three scrambled aboard for one last ride. The Iowa was decaying as politicians tried to determine its future. Some of the gun turrets had been removed and the radar tower dismantled.

“Paint was peeling, rust was everywhere,” said Bob Rogers of the Pacific Battleship Center. “A lot of metal was rusting through so it was really important for us to save her.” The state of Iowa donated $3 million and private sources and loans provided another $1.5 million to the refurbishment. Rogers estimated that those contributions, along with 25,000 volunteer hours and donated supplies and equipment add up to $7 million.

The goal was to restore the 887-foot ship not to its condition when first commissioned in 1943 but to its appearance when armed with contemporary weapons such as Tomahawk missiles for its second commission in 1984 after spending the previous 26 years in mothballs.

Despite the extensive repairs, the Iowa could not steam to Los Angeles under its own power because the contract with the Navy forbade it, Rogers said. The Navy did not want a ship of this power fully operational outside of its control.

The Iowa was to proceed down the coast of California at rate of about 6 miles per hour (10 kph), a fraction of the 38 mph (61 kph) it could make in its heyday. — Reuters

SAN PEDRO SULA: In this May 3, 2012 photo, inmate Jesus Hugo Hernandez, 85, sits in his bed inside his cell in San Pedro Sula Central Corrections Facility in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Inside one of Honduras’ most dangerous and overcrowded prisons, inmates operate a free-market bazaar, selling everything from iPhones to prostitutes. Guards do not cross into the inner sanctum controlled by prisoners, and prisoners do not breach the perimeter controlled by guards. — AP

KABUL: The US-led coalition yesterday disputed reports that eight civilians, including children, were killed in a NATO airstrike in a remote part of eastern Afghanistan. Afghan officials said an airstrike Saturday night killed eight members of a family, but a senior NATO official said that so far, there is no evidence of any civilian casualties. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to disclose the information.

The killing of civilians by foreign forces has been a major irritant in Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s relationship with his international partners. He warned earlier this month that civilian casualties could undermine a strategic partnership with the US that is to govern long-term relations after most international troops withdraw by the end of 2014.

Karzai appointed a delegation to travel to Paktia province and determine what happened. The coalition also said it was working to find out more about the operation that foreign forces were conducting in the province.

NATO also reported yesterday that four coalition service members were killed in separate roadside bomb attacks Saturday in southern Afghanistan, bringing to 166 the number of NATO deaths so far this year.

The British Ministry of Defense said one of its soldiers was killed Saturday in an explosion in the Nahr-e Saraj region of southern Helmand province. The nationalities of the others killed were not released.

Elsewhere yesterday, two civilians were killed when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Marjah district of Helmand province in the south, provincial spokesman Daud Ahmadi said. Frequently, Afghan and coalition officials offer differing accounts of military operations.

In those cases, local residents claim civilians were killed, while the coalition says the victims had been identified as insurgents.

Later, if investigations prove that civilians were inadvertently killed, the coalition

acknowledges its mistake. Rohullah Samon, a spokesman for the provincial governor, said Mohammad Shafi, his wife and their six children were killed in the airstrike around 8 pm in Suri Khail village of Gurda Saria district.

“Shafi was not a Taleban. He was not in any opposition group against the government. He was a villager,” Samon said. “Right now, we are

recent airstrikes in Logar, Kapisa, Badghis and Helmand provinces. That led Karzai to issue his warning earlier this month.

“If the lives of Afghan people are not safe, the signing of the strategic partnership has no meaning,” Karzai’s office said. Last year was the deadliest on record for civilians in the Afghan war, with 3,021 killed as insurgents

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE: Senior Airwoman Sirintra Fisher closes the door of a transfer vehicle that holds a transfer case containing the remains of Cpl. Keaton G. Coffey during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Saturday. — AP working on this case to find out the ages of their children.”

Such attacks damage the civilian population’s trust in international troops who have been fighting in the country for more than a decade. Taleban attacks have killed more civilians than foreign forces, but public anger over the issue is usually directed at the international forces. Tensions spiked after Afghan officials reported that 18 civilians were killed in four

Storm threatens big US beach weekend MIAMI: Subtropical storm Beryl picked up some speed early yesterday as it headed for the southeastern US coast, threatening to put a damper on Memorial Day plans for hordes of American beachgoers.

Beryl formed late Friday in the Atlantic off the coast of South Carolina as rains generated by Budonce a hurricane-pelted Mexico’s Pacific coast. As Mexican authorities breathed a sigh of relief, several southeastern US states braced for foul weather yesterday on the holiday weekend that traditionally marks the start of the US summer vacation season.

Memorial Day honors soldiers fallen in US wars, but many Americans skip the parades and stream to the Atlantic beaches for the three-day weekend in search of sun and sand. Tropical storm warnings were in effect from northern Florida to South Carolina, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said.

Early Sunday, Beryl was about 175 miles (280 kilometers) southeast of Savannah, Georgia gaining some strength with top winds of 50 miles (85 kilometers) per hour. It was moving in a southwestern direction at 10 miles (17 kilometers) an hour, up from seven miles (11 kilometers) per hour just late Saturday.

“On the forecast track, the center of Beryl is expected to approach the coast within the warning area today and make landfall tonight or early today,” the storm center said, adding the storm was not expected to change much in strength during the next day or two as its center remained over water.

Beryl was expected to dump three to six inches (eight to 15 centimeters) of rain along the coast from northern Florida to southeastern North Carolina. Meanwhile, Bud practically dissipated over the weekend. All coastal watches and warnings were discontinued.

Emergency officials had previously alerted residents and prepared shelters as Bud-which briefly intensified to a category three hurricane on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale-made its approach.

Bud was expected to dump a total of six to 10 inches of rain on the southwestern Mexican coastal states of Michoacan, Colima, Jalisco and southern Nayarit, the NHC said. The Mexican Meteorological Service has forecast 23 tropical storms of various levels of intensity for the 2012 hurricane season.

Ten of them are expected in the Atlantic Ocean and 13 in the Pacific.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has meanwhile predicted a “nearnormal” Atlantic hurricane season is likely. The Atlantic hurricane region includes the northern Atlantic, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. —AFP

ratcheted up violence with suicide attacks and roadside bombs, the United Nations said in its latest report on civilian deaths.The UN attributed 77 percent of the deaths to insurgent attacks and 14 percent to actions by international and Afghan troops. Nine percent of cases were classified as having an unknown cause. The UN attributed 187 civilian deaths last year to aerial attacks, an increase of 9 percent over 2010. — AP

CIA remembers those lost in covert war on terror WASHINGTON: The CIA is remembering those lost in the hidden, often dangerous world of espionage, adding a new star to the intelligence agency’s memorial wall and more than a dozen names to its hallowed Book of Honor.

The new star carved into the wall is for Jeffrey Patneau, a young officer killed in a car crash in Yemen in September 2008.

“Jeff proved that he had boundless talent, courage and innovativeness to offer to our country in its fight against terrorism,” said CIA Director David Petraeus at a private ceremony at CIA headquarters this past week. Petraeus’ tribute was the first public identification of Patneau. The stars on the memorial wall at headquarters in Langley, Virginia, bear no names.

Yemen, the ancestral homeland of alQaeda leader Osama bin Laden, was the site of the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole, which killed 17 American sailors.

Patneau was part of the fight against militants in the country in a tense year in which the US Embassy in Sanaa was attacked. With the addition of the star for Patneau, the wall now commemorates the lives of 103 Americans who died in service of the CIA, “never for acclaim, always for country,” Petraeus said at the annual event attended by hundreds of employees and family members of those lost. The rememberance came just days ahead of Memorial Day, when the nation remembers its military veterans and those who died in war.

The addition of 15 names to the CIA’s Book of Honor means family members can openly acknowledge where their loved ones worked when they died.

Leslianne Shedd was lost when hijackers forced down her plane over the Indian Ocean, killing more than 125 people.

“Everybody who was on the plane with her who survived said she was not at all scared,” her sister, Corinne Collie, told The Associated Press on Saturday.

“She was saying it’s all going to be okay, holding the hand of the person sitting next to her.” Collie says the agency approached her family a year ago, saying it was now possible to acknowledge her death - likely meaning the cases she had worked on had been wrapped up, or staff she worked with had either retired or were no longer in harm’s way. Collie said being able to share what her sister

did has been a relief. “To lose a sister and not be able to talk about the full picture of who she was has been hard,” said Collie of Tacoma, Washington.

Shedd’s cover was working for the State Department. “The biggest relief is my parents ... get to acknowledge and brag about her, especially my dad,” she said. Like Shedd, most of those honored were killed in the clandestine war on terrorism, the list reading like a grim roll call of terrorist acts of the last three decades.

Matthew Gannon was among the victims

This undated photo provided by Corinne Collie shows Leslianne Shedd.

The CIA is remembering those lost in the hidden, often dangerous world of espionage, including adding more than a dozen names to its hallowed Book of Honor. — AP of the December 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.

Molly Hardy was killed in the August 1998 suicide bombing of the US Embassy in Nairobi. She urged others to take cover as she was hit by the blast from an alQaeda car bomb.

Jacqueline Van Landingham was killed in a terrorist attack in Pakistan in 1995. The CIA did not disclose how she died. CIA officers face constant threat in Pakistan, hunting and hunted by the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. They often play a cat-and-mouse game with Pakistan’s intelligence service, sometimes able to work with them and sometimes forced to work around them to gather intelligence on Al-Qaeda’s militant diaspora. — AP

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

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

Dripping crucifix sparks Indian blasphemy row MUMBAI: Angry Catholics have accused an Indian sceptic of blasphemy after he argued a dripping crucifix was caused by faulty plumbing rather than divine intervention, leaving him facing a possible prison term.

Thousands of believers flocked to a suburban street in the west of Mumbai in March, when drops of water began to fall from the feet of Jesus on the cross, drinking the prized liquid in the hope that it had holy powers.

Sanal Edamaruku, president of the Indian Rationalist Association, suggested otherwise. He said he inspected the site

NEW DELHI: Indian rationalist Sanal Edamaruku, who faces blasphemy charges for debunking a ‘weeping Christ’ miracle at a Mumbai church, posing in New Delhi. The Indian man is facing legal action from angry Catholics in Mumbai after saying a mysteriously leaking statue of Christ that drew crowds of worshippers was in fact the result of dodgy plumbing. — AFP and found the source of the water to be leaking toilet drainage, making it dangerous to imbibe. “It’s a case of miracle-mongering,” Edamaruku told AFP from his home in New Delhi. “Any kind of miraclemongering is ultimately to get money and power.”

Accusing him of spreading “antiCatholic venom” during televised debates on the crucifix, outraged religious groups in Mumbai have filed police complaints that could see Edamaruku jailed for up to three years under India’s blasphemy law.

“Don’t try to bring dark ages in India,” Edamaruku had warned in a TV discussion. One complaint was lodged with police by Joseph Dias, general secretary of the Catholic-Christian Secular Forum,

who objected to the rationalist’s “very obvious and stridently anti-Christian bias”.

In a statement emailed to AFP, Dias denied the dripping crucifix had been hailed as a miracle-a status that requires an official Church pronouncement-but he also dismissed Edamaruku’s theory. “A plausible explanation which makes sense is still elusive,” he wrote.

Superstitious beliefs are still widespread in India, a fast-developing and officially secular country where Hinduism dominates but a diverse range of ethnic groups, religious practices and languages co-exist.

As a prominent sceptical campaigner Edamaruku is no stranger to controversy.

His association, which claims 100,000plus members, was set up in 1949 to campaign for scientific reasoning over superstition-a job that has become his mission in life. The 56-year-old has spent the last three decades exposing what he says are fake miracles and fraudulent gurus across India, whose top mystics and yoga masters have amassed huge followings and fortunes.

Edamaruku’s targets have included powerful spiritual leaders such as the late Sathya Sai Baba, who was revered by millions and famed for producing baubles out of thin air. Now Edamaruku welcomes the moves against him as “an opportunity, not a thing to be afraid of”, he said, and is challenging India’s blasphemy law. The legislation bans “deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs”-a rule Edamaruku believes runs counter to freedom of expression.

His lawyers are preparing to lobby India’s Supreme Court to overturn the colonial-era section of the penal code, as well as asking a court in Delhi to prevent his arrest. Edamaruku said the Catholics’ response had been “like Islamic fundamentalists speaking” and drew parallels with the opposition to Mumbai-born British author Salman Rushdie.

Rushdie’s 1988 book “ The Satanic Verses” remains banned in India for allegedly insulting Islam and the writer withdrew from a literary festival in January this year after death threats and angry protests.

“I always think there are two Indias,” said Edamaruku. “The 21st century, which is progressive, modern, scientific” and “17th-century India, which is pulling us back to the dark ages of intolerance, bigotry, superstition”. — AFP

Nepal faces deadline on new constitution Police and army on alert nationwide KATHMANDU: Nepal’s leaders held urgent talks yesterday to avoid a political crisis, with just hours remaining before a midnight deadline to agree a new post-war constitution or face the dissolution of parliament.

The Constituent Assembly was elected in 2008 after a decade of civil war to write a new national constitution and oversee the peace process that began when the conflict ended in 2006. But the process has been deadlocked by demands for the country to be divided into states along ethnic lines and, after several deadline extensions, the 601-member assembly faces being disbanded to make way for fresh elections.

“If you go by the talks so far, the Constituent Assembly is headed for dissolution,” said Arjun Narsingh K.C., leader of the Nepali Congress, one of the nation’s four main parties. “ We are not for the dissolution because this is the only elected body in Nepal.”

Thousands of people from various ethnic and political groups gathered near the assembly, waving flags and chanting slogans as security forces prevented the crowd from getting too close. The police and army were on alert nationwide and ready to prevent any outbreak of violence, the Rajdhani daily newspaper said.

The new constitution is intended to create a new secular, democratic republic following the abolition of Nepal’s centuries-old Hindu monarchy after the Maoist rebels gave up arms and won the 2008 elections.

It is also meant to bring stability to the impoverished Himalayan nation and unite its more than 100 ethnic minorities in a country traumatised by the death of 16,000 people in the civil war.

But while the Maoists, who dominate the assembly, want the creation of up to 14 states named after ethnic groups, their rivals say dividing Nepal along ethnic lines will fuel unrest. Despite four extensions of the assembly’s mandate, it has been unable to complete the far-reaching document, and the Supreme Court has ruled that any further extensions would be illegal.

Analysts predict three possible outcomes of yesterday’s talks, with the most likely being no agreement and the dissolution of parliament. The other scenarios are agreement on a new constitution, or a compromise which

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s Brahmins and Chhetri society members try to break police barricade and enter restricted area as they hold a demonstration near the Constitution Assembly building in Kathmandu, Nepal, yesterday. They demanded that states proposed in the new constitution should not be determined on the basis of ethnicity. Nepal’s highest court Thursday ordered that the government finish the country’s long-awaited new constitution by the deadline. — AP

passes a constitution with the contentious issues left out to be settled after the deadline.

It is unclear what would happen if there is no agreement. Constituent Assembly chairman Subas Nembang has warned of a “political void”, with a caretaker government and president having no mandate, and no chamber in place to pass laws and rubber-stamp decisions.

A group of leading public figures headed

by Ratna Sansar Shrestha, a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal, released a statement urging the government not to rush a decision on new federal states.

“Even in the final moments of the assembly’s tenure, the voices of many marginalised

and minority communities remain unheard,” it said. The widespread hope in Nepal that followed the end of the civil war and the abolition of the unpopular monarchy has been replaced by a growing sense of anger and frustration.

Political instability has stifled economic growth, forcing many people to seek work overseas, and thousands of Nepalese have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest at the lack of progress in their country.

“No nation has drafted a constitution without turbulence. As we draw closer to writing the constitution, the atmosphere is getting charged,” political analyst Anand Jha wrote in the Republica English language daily. — AFP

12

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

international

Australia PM Gillard shrugs off leadership talk SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard yesterday vowed to take the government to the next election, despite reports a key Labor figure is canvassing support for a return of exleader Kevin Rudd.

The prime minister and then foreign minister Rudd faced off against each other in a party room vote in February, with the nation’s first woman

prime minister crushing her former boss 71 to 31 and Rudd going to the backbench. But reports Sunday said government whip Joel Fitzgibbon was making the case for a new Rudd challenge, prompting Gillard to respond that she was the best person to lead the party to the 2013 election.

“I’ll be happily leading Labor to the next election,” she told reporters.

Gillard said she was satisfied with a comment Fitzgibbon made on Twitter yesterday which read: “I thank my colleagues for the publicity but no one does more to support the PM and the Government than me!”

“I think his words speak for themselves,” Gillard said. The question of leadership has dogged Gillard since she swept to power in a party room

vote in mid-2010 in which she effectively deposed Rudd overnight, shocking a public who had voted him in less than three years earlier.

The February party room ballot came as the government languished at record lows in opinion polls and after weeks of intense speculation that Rudd was the only option if the party was to dodge defeat at the next

election. After the vote Labor vowed unity, but the poor polling of Gillard saw staunch Rudd supporter backbencher Doug Cameron warn that a second challenge could occur within months unless her standing with voters improved. The latest speculation was prompted by repor ts that Fitzgibbon had switched sides to the Rudd camp. —AFP

India seeks stronger ties with Myanmar PM seeks to heal bad blood on visit NAYPYIDAW: India’s prime minister began a historic visit to Myanmar yesterday, stepping up efforts to woo the resource-rich nation and seizing the chance to counter the influence of regional rival China. Manmohan Singh will hold talks with Myanmar President Thein Sein as well as opposition leader Aung San Suu

focus on during my visit,” said Singh in a statement yesterday before departing on the trip.

Singh will meet Thein Sein today in the capital Naypyidaw and then travel to the main city of Yangon for talks with Suu Kyi tomorrow, in a move seen as a sign that India wants to reaffirm ties with the veteran activist.

based and inclusive reconciliation process,” said Singh, adding that his country was “ready to share our democratic experiences with Myanmar”.

Suu Kyi, who has a strong personal tie to India where she studied while her mother was ambassador there, said after she was released from house arrest in

NAYPYIDAW: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (C) shakes hands with Myanmar Minister of Foreign Affairs, U Wunna Maung Lwin (5R), upon their arrival at Naypyidaw airport late yesterday.

India’s prime minister began a visit to Myanmar yesterday, stepping up efforts to woo the resourcerich nation and seizing the chance to counter the influence of regional rival China. —AFP Kyi during the three day trip, the first by an Indian premier to the Southeast Asian nation in a quarter of a century.

Energy-hungry India is eyeing Myanmar’s large oil and natural gas reserves and is eager to boost trade after a half-century of military rule left Myanmar isolated and heavily reliant on its other giant neighbour China.

“Stronger trade and investment links, development of border areas, improving connectivity between our two countries and building capacity and human resources are areas that I hope to

New Delhi, once a staunch supporter of Suu Kyi’s struggle for democracy, changed tack in the mid-1990s as it sought closer ties with Myanmar, and drew international criticism for its engagement with the former junta.

But India has pointed to recent dramatic reforms under a new quasi-civilian regime, including Suu Kyi’s election to parliament in April by-elections, as a validation of its stance. “India welcomes Myanmar’s transition to democratic governance and the steps taken by the government of Myanmar towards a more broad-

2010 that she had been “saddened” by a lack of support from New Delhi.

“We welcome that India now has a more open relationship with us,” Nyan Win, a spokesman for her National League for Democracy, told AFP. India hopes to sign several memorandums of understanding during the talks, said Singh, who stressed the countries’ “shared history and culture”.

Myanmar, formerly called Burma, was administered as a province of India during British colonial rule and the two coun-

tries have religious links dating back to the early spread of Buddhism more than 2,000 years ago.

India sees Myanmar as the springboard to a closer connection with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc as well as a key partner in counter-insurgency and economic development drives in its northeast border areas.

Singh is the latest in a series of top-level visitors to Myanmar as the international community begins easing sanctions, raising hopes that the impoverished nation could be the next big frontier market. Rajiv Biswas, AsiaPacific chief economist at IHS Global Insight, said Singh’s visit was “rather belated”.

“Myanmar is strategically very important for India and should be given a high foreign policy and economic policy focus so long as the reform process is continuing,” he said. Singh will be accompanied by a high-powered business delegation, including telecom tycoon Sunil Bharti Mittal, chairman of mobile giant Bharti Airtel.

Indian-backed infrastructure projects in Myanmar include a port at Sittwe on the Bay of Bengal but New Delhi’s activities in the country lag those of Beijing, which is behind a host of major energy developments.

According to IHS figures China led the ranking in investments in Myanmar last year, pledging $8.3 billion, with India trailing in 13th place, with $189 million pledged.

Indian trade with Myanmar stood at $1.2 billion in 2010, far short of the $4.4 billion between China and Myanmar. Vibhanshu Shekhar of the Indian Council of World Affairs in New Delhi said Myanmar was crucial in “limiting China’s growing presence in Myanmar and the Bay of Bengal”.

But he said “no power including China can say with certainty that they are in a comfortable position in Myanmar”, citing a major Chinese-backed dam project halted by Naypyidaw last year. —AFP

China news agency breaks silence on ‘serial killer’ China detains official for rapes BEIJING: A man has been arrested on suspicion of killing 11 men in China, the official Xinhua news agency confirmed yesterday, breaking its silence over the capture of a loner dubbed the “cannibal monster”.

News reports from China and Hong Kong on Friday alleged the 56-year-old, a convicted murderer who was released from prison in 1997, had chopped up the bodies of the dead and sold the flesh to unsuspecting consumers.

Zhang Yongming was detained more than two weeks ago in his village in southwest China, where he was known as the “cannibal monster”, the Guangxi News website reported last week. It quoted residents as saying they had seen green plastic bags hanging from his home, with what appeared to be white bones protruding from the top.

The influential Xinhua made no mention of cannibalism in its “exclusive” story on Sunday of the arrest of the man it called “the alleged serial killer” and made few of the graphic revelations contained in the earlier reports.

A previous Xinhua report said only that Beijing had dispatched a team of experts to Yunnan province, where the accused lives, to supervise an investigation into missing teenagers. Almost all last week’s reports on the grisly case -which made headlines around the world-were later removed from Chinese websites and online searches for the words “missing in Yunnan” were also blocked.

Chinese media normally face few restrictions on repor ting about non-political

crimes, and it was not immediately clear why details of the Yunnan case had been originally censored. Cannibalism is a particularly sensitive subject in China, where it was practised as a survival tactic during periods of mass starvation, for example in the wake of a failed industrialisation drive launched in the late 1950s.

“A large amount of physical evidence and DNA comparisons show that Zhang Yongming from Nanmen village, Jinning county, killed the 11 males,” Sunday’s report said, citing the ministry of public security.

“After the murders, Zhang used various means, including dismemberment, burning and burial, to destroy the evidence.” Zhang is said to have attacked his victims while they were walking alone near his home.

Hong Kong newspaper The Standard had said police discovered human eyeballs preser ved inside wine bottles-”like snake wine”-and pieces of what appeared to be human flesh hanging up to dry when they entered Zhang’s home.

Police feared that Zhang had fed human flesh to his three dogs, while selling other parts on the market, calling it “ostrich meat”, according to The Standard. Xinhua’s Sunday report quoted the public security ministry as saying that it would work with local authorities to punish any police officers found to be guilty of dereliction of duty.

Internet users have expressed dismay that officials had not tackled the case sooner.

M eanwhile, police in central China detained a former Communist Party official on suspicion or raping underage girls, state media said yesterday, following an online

uproar about the latest case of abuse of power.

Li Xingong, who was the party’s deputy head in Yongcheng city in Henan province, is accused of assaulting more than ten girls during police interrogations, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

City authorities have “ordered swift and severe punishment on the suspect in accordance with relevant laws”, it added. The case has been widely discussed on China’s wildly popular Twitter-like microblogging site Weibo, after reports about the rapes naming him as the perpetrator began circulating online over the past week.

“Officials these days are all like this. It’s really terrible,” wrote one Weibo user. “These dog officials are everywhere. Only execution will sate the public’s anger,” wrote another. While the government has encouraged people to take to the internet to expose corruption and abuse of power, especially at the grassroots level, it generally keeps a tight rein on what can be said about similar problems with more senior officials.

After briefly allowing free discussion online following March’s sacking of former Chongqing party boss Bo Xilai and the naming of his wife as a suspect in the murder of a British businessman, censors moved to block the topic.

The ruling Communist Party has long pushed to eradicate corruption, underscoring a broader fear that, if left unchecked, the problem could hurt the legitimacy of one-party rule and maybe threaten its survival. —Agencies

HONG KONG: Pro-democracy supporters display banners during a pre June 4 rally in Hong Kong yesterday, opposing China’s treatment of human rights activists. Hundreds of pro-democracy activists marched through central Hong Kong yesterday to mark the upcoming 23rd anniversary of the crushing of the Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing. —AFP

Hundreds march in HK to remember Tiananmen HONG KONG: Hundreds of pro-democracy activists marched through central Hong Kong yesterday to mark the 23rd anniversary of the crushing of the Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing.

Activists marched to the government headquarters in the first of a series of planned events marking the anniversary in the southern Chinese city.

Several marchers said they feared the government of chief executive-elect Leung Chun-ying, chosen by a proBeijing electoral committee to replace outgoing Hong Kong chief Donald Tsang in February, would roll back democratic freedoms.

“We don’t want the Chinese government to be in charge of us,” university student Catherine Booldown said as she took part in the march. Lawmaker Leung

Kwok-hung added: “If there is still oneparty rule in China, we will still be marching.”

Hundreds, perhaps thousands, died when the Chinese government sent in tanks and soldiers to clear the square in central Beijing on the night of June 3-4, 1989, and end six weeks of unprecedented pro-democracy protests.

An official Chinese Communist Party verdict after the Tiananmen protests branded the movement a “counter-revolutionary rebellion,” although the wording has since been softened. Hong Kong was a British colony until it reverted to Chinese rule in 1997 as a semiautonomous territory with its own mini constitution that guarantees basic rights and freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland. —AFP

SINGAPORE: Supporters surround opposition party, Worker’s Party candidate Png Eng Huat, center front, Saturday in Singapore. Voters dealt Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party its third electoral setback in a year, allowing the opposition to hold onto a Parliament seat in a by-election Saturday. —AP

Singapore’s ruling party loses by-election SINGAPORE: Voters dealt Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party its third electoral setback in a year, allowing the opposition to hold onto a Parliament seat in a by-election Saturday. Workers’ Party candidate Png Eng Huat, a 50-yearold businessman, won 62 percent of about 21,700 votes cast in Hougang district, while PAP candidate Desmond Choo received 38 percent, election officials said.

The PAP still controls 81 of 87 parliamentary seats, but it has struggled to staunch growing discontent over a surge in foreign workers, soaring housing and transport costs, and stagnant salaries for low-wage earners. The Southeast Asian city-state island of 5.2 million people has one of the world’s highest standards of living. “ We’ve done our best to address important national issues like housing and transportation, immigration and population, economic upgrading and workers’ incomes,” Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is also PAP’s secretarygeneral, said in a statement. “We’ve made progress but there is much more to be done.”

Lee and other PAP leaders campaigned frequently for Choo during the nine-day campaign. The government called the by-election after the Workers’

Party earlier this year expelled lawmaker Yaw Shin Leong when he refused to explain allegations of personal indiscretions.

Choo, a 34-year-old union official, suffered his second defeat in Hougang in a year. He lost with 35 percent of the vote to Yaw last May during a general election in which the PAP won 60 percent of the total vote, its lowest level of popularity since independence in 1965.

In August, the PAP’s candidate for president - a largely ceremonial position - won by less than 1 percentage point with 35 percent of the vote. The Workers’ Party’s six parliamentary seats are the most the opposition has held since Singapore split from a short-lived federation with Malaysia. The WP has represented Hougang since 1991.

Workers’ Party Secretary-General Low Thia Khiang urged the government to stop its policy of limiting improvements to public housing in districts that elect opposition candidates. About 80 percent of Singaporeans live in public housing apartment blocks.

“Why have the residents of Hougang been denied estate upgrading for the last 21 years?” Low said in televised comments. “Where is the inclusiveness? We should be a first-world society, not just a first-world economy.” —AP

14

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

opinion

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Issues

Arms deals, human rights and hypocrites

By Bernd Debusmann rofits from arms deals tend to trump human rights.

The United Nations Security Council, whose five veto-wielding permanent members count among the world’s biggest arms dealers, is falling down on its job.

Hypocrisy is rampant as governments pay lip service to human rights. So says Amnesty International, the Londonbased human rights organization, in its latest annual report, published last week. It deplores an “endemic failure of leadership” and says 2011 - the year of the Arab Spring had made clear that “opportunistic alliances and financial interests have trumped human rights as global powers jockey for influence.”

That reference covers Russia, chief armourer of the government of Bashar Al-Assad, as well as the United States, which recently resumed arms shipments to the royal rulers of tiny Bahrain, whose crackdown on dissidents has been brutal, though not nearly on the same scale as the campaign to wipe out the opposition in Syria.

The death toll in Syria now stands at around 10,000. To hear Amnesty Secretary General Salil Shetty tell it, the leaders who have so far failed to match human rights rhetoric with arms export deeds have a chance to redeem themselves at a United Nations conference next July to work out a global Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), an idea first put forward in 2003 by a group of Nobel laureates who argued that existing arms control regulations are full of loopholes. Campaigning for an arms treaty has gathered momentum over the past few years and in a letter to US President Barack Obama timed to coincide with the Amnesty International report, representatives of 51 nongovernmental organizations described the July conference as an historic opportunity to prevent weapons from ending up in the hands of human rights violators. “We urge you and your administration to play a strong leadership role,” the letter said. According to arms control experts, there are more rules and regulations governing the trade in bananas than in the trade in tanks, machine guns, sniper rifles and bullets. The lack of common international standards, the argument goes, results in the deaths of thousands of civilians every year at the hand of dictatorial governments, criminals and terrorists.

The existing framework of arms embargoes is not bullet-proof. According to the relief organization Oxfam, which has taken a prominent role in advocating for the ATT, countries under arms embargoes imported more than $2.2 billion worth of arms and ammunition since the year 2000. Case in point: Darfur. It has been under an arms embargo imposed by the UN Security Council in 2004 but weapons from Belarus, China and Russia continue to flow despite reports of large-scale human rights violations.

Given the long history of questionable arms deals, a dose of skepticism is in order about the prospect of a treaty that would change a world in which one man’s rights-trampling government is another man’s valuable ally. Case in point: Bahrain. On May 11, the US State Department said it would end a freeze on military sales to the island state - imposed in September in response to a violent crackdown on dissidents - because of “a determination that it is in the US national interest to let these things go forward”, in the words of an official who briefed reporters. He did not need to explain the nature of the national interest - Bahrain is home to the US Fifth Fleet, there to guard shipping lanes that carry around 40 percent of the world’s tanker-borne oil.

National interest trumps human rights concerns. That is as true for the United States, the world’s largest arms manufacturer and exporter, as it is for other arms exporters. Russia, number two in the arms exporters’ ranking, does not cite “national interest” for shipping weapons to Syria, it just refers to compliance with commercial contracts. But its naval base at the Syrian port of Tartus, Moscow’s only outpost in the Mediterranean, clearly plays a role.

While proponents of a treaty sound optimistic about the possibility of all 193 members of the United Nations agreeing on new regulations, they also say there are different approaches that have yet to be reconciled. One would require that countries “shall not” transfer weapons to recipients who might use them to violate human rights or humanitarian law. “Without that ‘shall not’ requirement, the treaty would be ineffective,” says Oxfam’s Scott Stedjan. The second approach under discussion as experts prepare for the July conference would require signatories to “take into account” potential risks associated with an arms deal. That’s a loophole big enough to drive a tank through.— Reuters

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Pressure for real progress in next Iran talks

By Simon Sturdee ran and world powers cannot afford to come away from their next round of nuclear talks in Moscow in June without concrete progress, as they did in Baghdad, analysts said. “We are starting to reach a point in which it is going to be more difficult to keep this process alive without having some tangible results on the substantive issues,” said Trita Parsi, author of a recent book about US diplomacy with Iran called “A Single Roll of the Dice”. With an EU embargo on Iranian oil set to come into force on July 1, two weeks after the next meeting in the Russian capital on June 18-19, Iran in particular cannot afford to keep avoiding the key issues indefinitely.

But the pressure is also on the P5+1, as the group comprising Germany and the five permanent and nuclear-armed members of the UN Security Council Russia, the United States, China, Britain and France - is known. Israel, the region’s sole if undeclared nuclear power, has like Washington not ruled out military

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action to prevent its arch foe also getting the bomb and has made clear its patience with diplomacy is running out.

US President Barack Obama wants to bring down oil prices to help the economy as he seeks re-election on November, although at the same time he is wary of being accused of weakness towards Iran by his Republican challenger.

Parsi said he had expected this week’s meeting to be a “calculated failure in the sense that both sides will drive a very hard bargain, knowing they have a chance of having another meeting before these other sanctions kick in”. “ They could afford to do this (in Baghdad), but I don’t know if they can afford to do this in Moscow,” he said.

In intense discussions in Baghdad last week, the good mood music hailed by all at an initial gathering in Istanbul in mid-April, the first in 15 months, fell silent as negotiators got down to the real issues. “Baghdad began with a giant leap backward as a result of an obstinate non-flexible Western approach and ended as a small step forward by the agree-

ment to continue in Moscow,” said Kaveh Afrasiabi, former adviser to Iranian nuclear negotiation teams from 2004-06.

The main bone of contention was and will remain in Moscow - the speed at which the P5+1 eases sanctions if the Islamic republic suspends the parts of its nuclear program that most raise suspicions it wants an atomic arsenal. This is the enrichment of uranium to purities of 20 percent, a capability that in theory cuts the “breakout” time needed to develop the fissile core of a nuclear weapon if Tehran took the decision to build the bomb. Iran’s negotiator Saeed Jalili said in Baghdad that this “can be an issue of discussion for cooperation” and that EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said Iran had “declared its readiness to address” the topic.

But Mark Fitzpatrick from the International Institute for Strategic Studies think-tank in London told AFP that Iran’s expectations going into the talks of what the P5+1 would offer were “wildly inflated”. Ashton’s proposals on behalf of the six called on Iran to sus-

pend 20-percent enrichment but she did not dangle the carrot of easing sanctions that Iran had wanted in return for giving up what Jalili called Tehran’s “inalienable right”. Instead she reportedly offered measures such as supplying fuel for producing medical isotopes, technical assistance, easing restrictions on aircraft parts and a suspension of an EU insurance ban on ships carrying Iranian oil.

Mark Hibbs, nuclear proliferation expert at the Carnegie Foundation for International Peace, said there was a “window” open for both sides to strike a deal but that this would require more “brinkmanship”. But he told AFP that part of the problem was that it is unclear that Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, “can simply cut a deal without precipitating an internal political crisis”. He added that the role of the UN atomic agency, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), would be “crucial” in order to “provide the world with confidence that Iran’s nuclear programme is totally peaceful”. — AFP

China’s nine-dashed line in S China Sea

By David Lague longside an armada of paramilitary patrol vessels and fishing boats, China has fired off a barrage of historical records to reinforce its claim over a disputed shoal near the Philippines in the South China Sea. While this propaganda broadside makes it clear Beijing will take a tough line with Manila as a standoff over Scarborough Shoal continues into a seventh week, the exact legal justification for China’s claim and the full extent of the territory affected remain uncertain, according to experts in maritime law.

Like most of its claims to vast expanses of the resource-rich and strategically important South China Sea, Beijing prefers to remain ambiguous about the details, they say. This allows the ruling Communist Party to demonstrate to an increasingly nationalistic domestic audience that it can defend China’s right to control a swathe of ocean territory. And, it avoids further inflaming tensions with neighbours who are already apprehensive about China’s growing military power and territorial ambition. “This ambiguity ser ves China’s domestic purpose which is to safeguard the government’s legitimacy and satisfy domestic public opinion,” said Sun Yun, a Washington DCbased China foreign policy expert and a former analyst for the International Crisis Group in Beijing.

Rival claims to territory in the South China Sea are one of the biggest potential flashpoints in the Asia-Pacific region.

China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei all have territorial claims across a waterway that provides 10 per cent of the global fisheries catch and carries $5 trillion in ship-borne trade.

Half the world’s shipping tonnage traverses its sea lanes.

The United States, which claims national interests in the South China Sea, recently completed naval exercises with the Philippines near Scarborough Shoal.

It is stepping up its military presence in the region as part of a strategic “pivot” towards Asia after more than a decade of

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wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The acrimonious confrontation over Scarborough Shoal, known as Huangyan Island in Chinese, began last month when Beijing ordered its civilian patrol vessels to stop the Philippines arresting Chinese fisherman working in the disputed area.

Beijing and Manila both claim sovereignty over the group of rocks, reefs and small islands about 220 km from the Philippines. The Philippines says the shoal falls within its 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ), giving it the right to exploit the natural resources in this area.

In a concerted response from Beijing, official government spokesmen, senior diplomats and reports carried by influential state-controlled media outlets have drawn on the histories of earlier dynasties to rebut Manila’s claim. They say the records show China’s sailors discovered Huangyan Island 2,000 years ago and cite extensive records of visits, mapping expeditions and habitation of the shoal from the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) right through to the modern period.

To back up these arguments, China has also deployed some of its most advanced paramilitary patrol vessels to the shoal in a calibrated show of strength, for now keeping its increasingly powerful navy at a distance.

A Philippines government spokesman said on Wednesday China had almost 100 Chinese vessels at the shoal, including four government patrol ships. Earlier, Manila demanded that all Chinese vessels leave the area. China’s Foreign Ministry responded on Wednesday that only 20 Chinese fishing boats were in the area, a normal number for this time of the year, and they were operating in accordance with Chinese law.

Maritime lawyers note Beijing routinely outlines the scope of its claims with reference to the so-called nine-dashed line that takes in about 90 percent of the 3.5 million sq km South China Sea on Chinese maps. This vague boundary was first officially published on a map by China’s Nationalist government in 1947 and has been included in subsequent

maps issued under Communist rule.

While Beijing has no difficulty in producing historical evidence to support its territorial links to many islands and reefs, less material is available to show how it arrived at the nine-dashed line.

In a Sept, 2008 US diplomatic cable published by WikiLeaks, the US Embassy in Beijing reported that a senior Chinese government maritime law expert, Yin Wenqiang, had “admitted” he was unaware of the historical basis for the nine dashes. In a March, 2008 cable, the embassy reported that a senior Chinese diplomat, Zheng Zhenhua, had handed over a written statement when asked about the scope of this boundary.

“The dotted line of the South China Sea indicates the sovereignty of China over the islands in the South China Sea since ancient times and demonstrates the long-standing claims and jurisdiction practice over the waters of the South China Sea,” the statement said, the embassy reported.

Scarborough Shoal falls within the nine-dashed line, as do the Paracel and Spratly Islands, the two most important disputed island groups in the South China Sea. China insists it has sovereignty over both these groups but it has yet to specify how much of the rest of the territory within the nine-dashed line it intends to claim. One reason suggested for this lack of clarity is that China, like all of the other claimants except Taiwan, is a signatory to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

If Beijing defined its claim to conform with the provisions of this treaty, it would almost certainly reduce the scope of Chinese territory and expose the government to criticism from vocal nationalists.

Alternatively, if Beijing was to maximize the extent of its claim to include all or most of the territory within the ninedashed line, it would be difficult to justify under international law and antagonize its neigbours.

“Neither choice leads to a promising prospect,” said Sun. “Therefore sticking to the existing path is the most rational.”

This means that China is likely to remain vague, experts say, particularly during the current period of heightened political sensitivity ahead of a leadership transition scheduled for later this year.

However, this lack of clarity doesn’t mean China’s claims over South China Sea territory have less merit than other claimants, experts say. In the case of Scarborough shoal, Beijing says the land is Chinese territory and the waters surrounding the shoal have been China’s traditional fishing grounds for generations. “This geographic proximity argument the Philippines is using is not necessarily good in international law,” says Sam Bateman, a maritime security researcher at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University. “If China can demonstrate sovereignty, its claim is as good as the Philippines’.”

Under the provisions of UNCLOS, a nation with sovereignty over an island can claim a surrounding 12-nautical mile territorial sea. UNCLOS defines an island as a natural land feature that remains above water at high tide. If the island is inhabitable, it is also entitled to an EEZ and possibly a continental shelf.

However, Beijing has not claimed a territorial sea or an EEZ from any of the features of Scarborough Shoal. Most maritime experts doubt China will agree to have any claims over the South China Sea heard by the United Nation’s International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), the body set up to rule on disputes.

Beijing’s policy is to negotiate on the joint exploitation of natural resources in contested areas but rival claimants are reluctant to accept this formula because it could be seen as recognition of China’s sovereignty. Beijing is also increasingly wary about the Obama administration’s military “pivot” to Asia designed to counter China’s growing power, security experts say. They suggest Vietnam and the Philippines have already shown greater willingness to challenge China since the US signaled a renewed interest in the region. “They think they have the US on side,” said Bateman. — Reuters

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

sp orts Britain’s Froch stops Bute LONDON: Britain’s Carl Froch stopped Romanian title holder Lucian Bute in the fifth round to claim the IBF world super-middleweight crown on Saturday.

The 34-year-old Froch’s comfortable victory over the unbeaten Bute in his home town of Nottingham, England made him a three-time world champion after his previous two WBC title wins. Froch whose record is now 29-2, started brightly and had the 32-year-old Bute in trouble in the third round and again late in round four roared on by a raucous home crowd.

Bute, who came into the fight with a 30-0 record including 24 knockouts, was caught by a right hand in the fifth before a flurry of punches from Froch culminated in another right that forced Bute to hang on to the ropes. Referee Earl Brown started a standing count but Bute’s corner came into the ring to save the Canadian-based fighter from further punishment. “I came here more determined than I’ve ever been before,” Froch told Sky Sports. “I’ve been guilty of switching off in the past but tonight I’ve been very focused.”

Froch was fighting for the first time since losing in the final of the Super Six tournament against Andre Ward in December. —Reuters

Olympics volleyball qualifiers TOKYO: South Korea, Serbia and Japan qualified for the London Olympics, joining two-time world champions Russia, on the final day of the women’s volleyball qualifying tournament yesterday.

South Korea beat Peru 25-11, 25-18, 25-21 to finish on 15 points and in second place behind Russia, who had already qualified for the Games.

The Russian women recorded their seventh straight win earlier in the day, beating Taiwan 25-14, 25-17, 25-17. But there was disappointment for Thailand.

They outclassed former world champions Cuba 25-23, 25-23, 18-25, 25-21 to keep their hopes alive in the morning and ended with the same win-loss record and point score as the Japanese.

But the Japanese-who were defeated by Serbia 18-25, 25-21,

19-25, 25-21, 15-9 — ended with a higher set ratio than the Thais, meaning they claimed the Asian ticket to London.

The top three teams in the eight-team round robin and the best-placed Asian side among the rest qualify for the Olympics.

Serbia ended in third place with a 5-2 win-loss record and 14 points, while Japan and Thailand ended with a 4-3 record for 12 points.

“We couldn’t take part in the Beijing Olympics and we struggled since then, but today we were able to achieve our dream,” said South Korean coach Kim Hyung-Sil. “We won the bronze medal in the Olympics 36 years ago. We’ll do our best to win a medal again. Hopefully our men’s team will also qualify for the Olympics.”—AFP

Mets pound Padres 9-0 NEW YORK: Johan Santana pitched a four-hitter for his first shutout since 2010 as the New York Mets backed him with three home runs in a 9-0 win over the San Diego Padres in the National League on Saturday.

Santana’s last shutout in August 2010 came less than a month before shoulder surgery cost him the rest of the year and all of 2011. Santana (2-2) had gone without a decision in his last three starts, all Mets losses, and had six no-decisions in his first nine.

Mike Nickeas hit New York’s first grand

ing up four runs and six hits in five innings.

The Braves’ season-worst losing streak reached six games. Before the game, the Braves placed Chipper Jones on the 15-day disabled list with a bruised left leg. Kris Medlen (1-1) took the loss.

Marlins 5, Giants 3 In Miami, Mark Buehrle pitched into the eighth inning and the Marlins moved within a victory of matching the team record for the most wins in a month.

Phillies 4, Cardinals 0 In St. Louis, Kyle Kendrick threw a sevenhitter for his first career shutout, putting the Phillies on the verge of their first four-game sweep in St. Louis since 1913.

Shane Victorino’s RBI double in the fourth was the only support Kendrick (1-4) needed, and John Mayberry added a two-run double in a three-run sixth. Jaime Garcia (3-3) took the loss for the Cardinals, who hit the wall against the team they upset in the NL Division Series last fall. The Phillies haven’t swept a four-game series at St. Louis since Aug. 3-6, 1913.

Reds 10, Rockies 3 In Cincinnati, Chris Heisey gave the Reds the lead with his first home run of the season, and four relievers made it stand up as Cincinnati beat Colorado.

Devin Mesoraco and Ryan Ludwick also homered as the Reds picked up their seventh win in eight games. Rookie J.J. Hoover (1-0), the first Cincinnati reliever, pitched 1 1-3 shutout innings for his first career win.

Colorado’s Jeremy Guthrie (2-3) allowed a season-high 10 hits and tied his season worst by giving up six runs in five innings.

Pirates 3, Cubs 2 At Pittsburgh, Matt Hague was hit by a pitch from Rafael Dolis with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth as the Pirates sent the Cubs to their 11th straight loss.

Hague took a fastball from Dolis (2-4) in the left side, scoring Jose Tabata. Dolis also walked Josh Harrison and Neil Walker earlier in the ninth.

The Cubs managed just six hits against Kevin Correia and three relievers. Closer Joel Hanrahan (2-0) had two strikeouts in a perfect ninth.

NEW YORK: Mets’ Johan Santana (57) delivers a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres. —AP slam of the season, and Scott Hairston and Vinny Rottino also homered for the Mets.

Nationals 8, Braves 4 In Atlanta, Bryce Harper homered and Danny Espinosa added a three-run shot to help Washington beat reeling Atlanta.

Stephen Strasburg (5-1) got the win despite setting a season high with four walks and giv-

Giancarlo Stanton hit two doubles and scored twice while Logan Morrison drove in two runs for the Marlins. Miami is a Major League best 18-7 in May. The Marlins went 1910 in August 1997.

Buehrle (5-4) allowed two runs and eight hits while throwing 69 of 100 pitches for strikes. Madison Bumgarner (5-4) took the loss.

D’backs 8, Brewers 5 At Phoenix, John McDonald hit a threehomer to lead Arizona past Milwaukee.

Gerardo Parra went 4-for-4 with a double, a walk and two runs for the Diamondbacks. His four hits tied a career best.

Zack Greinke (5-2), who had allowed one run in his previous three starts, gave up seven runs and a season-high 10 hits in 2 1-3 innings. Rookie left-hander Wade Miley (6-1), allowed five runs in six innings for the victory.

Dodgers 6, Astros 3 In Los Angeles, AJ Ellis hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning as the Dodgers got their 11th victory in 15 games. The Dodgers improved the best record in the majors to 3115 and extended their NL West lead over San Francisco to a season-high 7 1-2 games - the largest margin in any division. Kenley Jansen (4-0) pitched 1 1-3 innings for the victory, while Wesley Wright (0-1) took the loss. —AP

Els says sorry for rant WENTWORTH: Ernie Els apologised yesterday for his foul-mouthed criticism of the watering of the course here at Wentworth during the PGA Championship.

South African Els, who has been involved in the redesign of the layout of the West Course, launched a fierce attack on staff here following his third round on Saturday. But the three-time major winner has backtracked and made a donation to the European Tour charity.

George O’Grady, chief executive of the European Tour, said in a statement issued yesterday: “Ernie Els asked to see me this morning and apologised for his intemperate language following the conclusion of his round yesterday.

“He stated that he had already apologised to the individuals concerned and offered a substantial donation to the European Tour Benevolent Trust, which I accepted. The European Tour now consider this matter closed.” Els had shot a 70 in tricky conditions in his third round but rounded on the state of the course which he considered had been left too dry in hot and windy weather to make it fair to the players. —AFP

Hamilton homers lift Rangers ARLINGTON: Josh Hamilton hit a tworun homer in the bottom of the 13th inning to lift the Texas Rangers to an 8-7 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League on Saturday.

Toronto had taken a 7-5 lead in the top half, but Elvis Andrus doubled in a run off Ryota Igarashi to start the comeback. Hamilton’s third game-ending homer came off Jason Frasor (0-1) and was his 20th home run of the year.

In the top of the 13th, Omar Vizquel hit an RBI single for Toronto and later scored after Nelson Cruz misplayed a flyball by Yunel Escobar with two outs.

Yoshinori Tateyama (1-0), the seventh Rangers pitcher, got one out for the win.

who have lost four straight. Justin Morneau and Denard Span homered for Minnesota.

Yankees 9, Athletics 2 At Oakland, California, Mark Teixeira hit a two-run homer and a solo shot as the Yankees beat the Athletics for their fourth straight win. Teixeira and Robinson Cano each homered for a second straight day as the Yankees added three more homers to give them nine homers in the last three games.

Oakland’s Josh Reddick connected leading off the third for his 13th home run and second in as many games, but the A’s lost their eighth in a row at home to the Yankees. CC Sabathia (6-2) outpitched former Yankee Bartolo Colon (4-5).

White Sox 14, Indians 7 In Chicago, Dayan Viciedo homered in his third straight game as the White Sox pounded the Indians for their eighth win in nine games. Paul Konerko had four hits, three of them doubles.

Derek Lowe (6-3) lasted just 2 1-3 innings in his shortest start this season and watched his ERA jump from an American League-leading 2.15 to 3.25 after giving up eight runs.

Jake Peavy (6-1) gave up a pair of two-run homers to Jason Kipnis and allowed seven runs in all while struggling through 6 1-3 innings.

ARLINGTON: Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Yunel Escobar (bottom left) grabs a pop-out by Texas Rangers’ Ian Kinsler while narrowly avoiding a collision with teammate Omar Vizquel (17) as Eric Thames (top) watches in the sixth inning. —AP

Tigers 6, Twins 3 At Minneapolis, Max Scherzer struck out nine in a rain-shortened outing and Prince Fielder had his first four-hit game with the Tigers, leading Detroit to victory over the Twins.

Scherzer (4-3) gave up three runs and six hits in 5 1-3 innings before leaving due to a rain delay and Andy Dirks had two doubles and two RBIs for the Tigers. Jose Valverde picked up his eighth save in 10 chances. Carl Pavano (2-4) allowed six runs on 10 hits in 4 1-3 innings for the Twins,

Royals 4, Orioles 3 In Baltimore, Eric Hosmer singled in the game-winning run in the eighth inning as the Royals rallied to beat the Orioles. Hosmer went 3 for 4 with two RBIs to help the Royals make up a threerun deficit. Billy Butler’s 10th homer cut it to 3-2 in the sixth, Hosmer scored the tying run in the seventh and then put Kansas City ahead for the first time in the eighth. Greg Holland (1-2) pitched the seventh for the win, while Pedro Strop (3-2) took the loss.

Angels 5, Mariners 3 At Seattle, Albert Pujols hit a home run in his third straight game and pinch hitter Alberto Callaspo came through with a grand slam in the sixth inning to lead the Angels. Callaspo’s slam came against Mariners starter Felix Hernandez (4-4) and was the first pinch grand slam for the Angels since Shane Halter hit one against Tampa Bay in 2004. Pujols has homered in six of his last 11 games after not hitting any in April. Jerome Williams (5-2) earned the victory. —AP

Chiefs win again to top Super 15 WELLINGTON: The Waikato Chiefs, ACT Brumbies and Cape Town-based Stormers have held their places atop the regional conferences of rugby’s Super 15, with only the Chiefs doing so by winning in the tournament’s 14th round.

Waikato beat the Pretoria-based Bulls 28-22, breaking a four-match losing streak against the three-time champions, to move back to the top of the overall standings and a fivepoint margin over the Canterbury Crusaders in the New Zealand conference. The Brumbies were beaten 13-12 by the defending champion Queensland Reds in Australia to see their lead in that conference trimmed to five points, keeping the first place battle alive with four rounds remaining in the regular season.

The Stormers were beaten 25-20 by the Durban-based Sharks, remaining second in the overall standings - three points behind the Chiefs - but still atop the South African conference thanks to the Bulls’ second straight loss in New Zealand. The 14th-round results mean that first place is still up for grabs in all three conferences, carrying with it automatic qualification for the six-team playoffs. The next three placing among the top six are occupied after the weekend round by the Crusaders, Bulls and Sharks.

The Otago Highlanders, who took a four-try bonus point from a 27-20 win over the Auckland Blues, stay in the playoffs race in seventh place, two points behind the Sharks who held sixth place after extending their winning streak to four games. The Reds, in eighth place after their win over the Brumbies, and the Wellington Hurricanes, in ninth after a nine-try, 66-24 win over the Melbourne Rebels, are six points outside the top six but retain chances of making the playoffs.

Queensland’s best chance may still be to overtake the Brumbies in the Australian conference. The Hurricanes are still only fourth in New Zealand behind the Chiefs, Crusaders and Highlanders but could make their playoffs if they win

their remaining matches against the New South Wales Waratahs, Crusaders and Chiefs.

Last year, in the first season of the Super 15, the Reds topped the table after the regular season with 66 points while a minimum of 57 points were needed to finish in the top six. The Chiefs produced the best performance in the 14th round of any of the leading sides, scoring three tries in a come-from-behind win over the Bulls who led 16-8 at halftime. The Bulls sought to grind out a win by establishing field position and relying on the boot of Springboks flyhalf Morne Steyn whose tally of 17 points included his 200th career conversion and 24th career dropped goal. After eliminating firsthalf errors, the Chiefs rallied to claim the match with secondhalf tries to winger Asaeli Tikoirotuma and replacement flanker Sam Cane. “We’re thrilled that we can kick on in a very tight game, a very physical game,” Chiefs captain Craig Clarke said. Waikato’s win may have helped win an All Blacks callup on Sunday for hooker Hika Elliott, who has been added to New Zealand’s training squad as cover for Keven Mealamu who has a calf injury. The Reds won the most important match of the season in the Australian conference, following up their 20-13 win over the Brumbies in round seven to narrow the gap at the top of the Australian conference.

Queensland will pick up a free four points next weekend when they have their scheduled bye, then finish the regular season with matches against the Rebels, Highlanders and Waratahs.

The Brumbies are still strongly placed to win the Australian pool with matches remaining against the 12thplace Rebels, 13th-place Western Force, 11th-place Waratahs and 14th-place Blues.

Fullback Luke Morahan scored the only try in the third minute of Saturday’s match and flyhalf Michael Harris converted and added two penalties for the Reds. Zack Holmes

provided all the ACT scoring with four penalties, but missed a 38-meter penalty attempt with five seconds left that would have given his team the win.

The Reds suffered a small blow to their title hopes when their captain, Wallabies leader James Horwill, limped from the field just after halftime with a hamstring strain. Horwill is now in doubt for Australia’s June tests against Scotland and Wales. The Sharks led the Stormers by 19 points going into the final half-hour of Saturday’s match at Durban but two tries from Gio Aplon brought the Stormers back into the match before the Sharks defense re-gathered. “We probably didn’t capitalize on some of the opportunities we had,” Stormers captain Jean de Villiers said.

The outcome of the South African conference may now be decided by next week’s clash between the Stormers and Bulls ahead of a four-week break in the tournament schedule.

The Stormers hold a two-point lead in South Africa ahead of the match at Pretoria and with matches remaining against the last-place Lions, Cheetahs and Rebels.

The Bulls finish off with matches against the Cheetahs, Sharks and Lions and the improving Sharks may now be the greatest threat to their playoff ambitions.

Winger Hosea Gear won an All Blacks recall after scoring two tries in the Highlanders’ hard-fought win over the Blues.

Gear was called into the All Blacks training squad on Sunday as a replacement for the injured Cory Jane.

New All Blacks winger Julian Savea scored three tries in the Hurricanes’ win over the Rebels. Fullback Andre Taylor and winger Alapati Leiua scored two tries each as the Hurricanes took full advantage of Melbourne’s porous defense. The Waratahs all but saw their playoff chances end when beaten 35-34 by the Cheetahs at Bloemfontein, South Africa. The Western Force beat the Lions 17-11 in another match Saturday at Perth, Western Australia.—AP

JOHANNESBURG: Australia’s Brumbies Henry Speight (left) is tackled by an opponent in this file photo. —AP

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

S P ORT S

Brodeur back in Stanley Cup finals at age 40 NEWARK: With Martin Brodeur nearing his 40th birthday and entering the final year of his contract, this NHL season at first had the look of a last hurrah for the New Jersey Devils’ goalie great. Well, the hurrah part was right.

It’s been one hurrah after another, reaching a high point on Friday. Brodeur made 33 saves to help the Devils defeat the rival New York Rangers 3-2 in overtime in Game 6 to advance to the Stanley Cup finals against the Los Angeles Kings.

Game 1 will be on Wednesday in New Jersey.

After the Devils missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 1996, no one might have been put under the microscope more than Brodeur. Longtime president and general manager Lou Lamoriello certainly had questions to answer after the early season stumble under new coach John MacLean, but Brodeur was the focal point

after a so-so season nagged by injuries.

Now at 40, he’s back after outdueling Henrik Lundqvist in the first Eastern Conference finals between the teams since their memorable showdown in 1994. New York won that one in seven games with Stephane Matteau scoring the seriesclincher in double overtime.

Rookie Adam Henrique did the honors for New Jersey on Friday with a shot from just about the same spot where Matteau scored, from the right edge of the crease.

“It’s been a lot of fun this season, playing on a really good team, and I’m enjoying this ride,” Brodeur said. “And I know what I can do, try to compete as hard as I can every night and try to give these guys a chance to win hockey games.

And they’ve been scoring a lot of goals for me in the playoffs so far, and it’s been great.”

Brodeur was the difference in the Devils’ wins in Games 5 and 6, when the Rangers controlled most of the play in the final two periods.

“He was outstanding, all playoffs,” Devils forward David Clarkson said. “He kept us in games, stood on his head. It’s amazing to see what he’s doing right now and our bench just feeds off it.”

Lamoriello scoffed when asked on Saturday about Brodeur performing so well at 40. He pointed out that some 30-year-old people act like they are 50, and vice versa. He said the same holds true for athletes, adding athleticism and genetics also play a part. “(Brodeur) is just a real thoroughbred athlete,” Lamoriello said. “He loves the game. His mind is 100 percent there and he feels good.”

Brodeur refused to compare this Devils team to the ones that won Cups in 1995, 2000 and ‘03, or to the one that lost the Cup in seven games to

Colorado in 2001.

“Every team writes its own story,” the Montreal native said. “I was fortunate to be part of great teams that had success, and I was part of great teams that didn’t have success. ... It’s not just a oneman show out there. A lot of guys are contributing, and there’s a good feeling. But until you finish out these playoffs, we’ll see then.”

Up next will be the Kings. They have posted a 12-2 record in beating Vancouver, St. Louis and Phoenix, the top three seeds in the Western Conference. The Devils were given Saturday and yesterday off while the coaches worked on their game plan.

“They have played well at home and away and we just have to take a step back,” Lamoriello said.

“We haven’t seen much of them except the games on TV.” — AP

Donald defends PGA title

FORT WORTH: Ryan Palmer hits out of the sand on the 11th hole during the third round of the PGA Colonial golf tournament. — AP

Dufner retains lead FORT WORTH: Jason Dufner survived two back-nine bogeys to take a one stroke lead over fellow American Zach Johnson into late yesterday’s final round of the Colonial Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas. Johnson narrowly missed sharing the top spot when his 12-foot birdie putt fell inches short at the 18th hole.

Dufner, seeking his third PGA Tour victory in his last five tournaments, used six birdies to offset bogeys at 14 and 16 for a four-under 66 and 195 total.

“If I were to pull the victory off tomorrow it would be pretty great company to be in,” Dufner said of the possibility of joining Ben Hogan as the only two golfers to win the two Dallas area tournaments in the same year. Johnson, who carded a five-under 65, had other ideas. “I hope he’s getting a little tired of winning,” the 2007 Masters champion said.

He pressured Dufner throughout the hot day, using a birdie at the par-three 16th that Dufner bogeyed, to move within one. Dufner steadied himself to join Johnson in a birdie-par finish as they pulled away from the field.

“Hopefully both of us can go out there tomorrow and increase that distance from them and make it kind of a twohorse race ... and give the fans and the people watching at home some good

golf and some good theater,” said Dufner.

Americans Tom Gillis (203), Bo Van Pelt (204), John Huh (205) and Ryan Palmer (205) rounded out the top six. Dufner had never won a PGA Tour event until he captured the New Orleans Classic on April 29. He took the next week off to get married before tying for 68th at The Players.

Last week, he was back on course, claiming the Byron Nelson Championship at Irving, Texas. Dufner entered Saturday’s play with a two-stroke lead before Johnson birdied four of the first nine holes. “Yes, I got off to a good start,” Johnson said. “Today I just scored. I think Dufner played better than I did. But I scored.”

The early spurt by Johnson seemed to ignite Dufner as he rattled off birdies at 10, 11 and 12 before his streak of 38 consecutive bogey-free holes was snapped at the 449-yard 14th when he wound up in the rough, then missed the green with the second shot.

But Johnson three-putted for a bogey.

The two parred the 15th, before Johnson took advantage of a two-stroke swing at the par-three 16th to close within one when Dufner missed a par putt from seven feet while Johnson sank a 16-foot birdie putt. — Reuters

WENTWORTH: Luke Donald successfully defended his PGA Championship title here at Wentworth yesterday and went back to the top of the world rankings.

The Englishman carded a four-round total of 273, 15-under par and won by four shots from Scotland’s Paul Lawrie and Justin Rose from England.

Rose, who missed a six foot putt at the last which would have given him second place outright, had put the pressure on during the front nine before Donald eased away to win and displace Rory McIlory as world number one.

It is the fourth time Donald has topped the global rankings. Scotland’s Lawrie had a best of the day 66, six-under par, had only one bogey on his card and finished with a flourish by birdying the last two holes, both par-5s to add to the three other birdies and an eagle he had already collected.

Ireland’s Peter Lawrie, who had shared the lead after the first round, had two birdies in the first seven holes but his hopes went up in smoke with a triple bogey seven at the eighth and he finished on 280, level par and in fourth spot with South African Branden Grace a further shot back in fifth. Two more South Africans followed with Richard Sterne in sixth and Ernie Els, who earlier paid a donation to charity after his inappropriate remarks about the course, in seventh along with Francesco Molinari. Donald became only the third player to win back-to-back PGA titles following in the footsteps of Sir Nick Faldo (1980-1981) and Colin Montgomerie, who won three times from 1998 and this was the fourth English win in a row here after Paul Casey, Simon Khan and Donald’s first victory last year.

Rose got level with Donald with back-toback birdies at the third and fourth whilst Donald dropped a shot at the fourth.

However Donald responded by holing putts of 15 and 18 feet at the sixth and seventh to go clear again. Donald played serene golf for the rest of the back nine making up shots at

SURREY: English golfer Luke Donald poses with the trophy on the 18th green after winning the PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club. — AFP

the 10th, 12th and 16th whilst Rose bogeyed the 16th after hitting his second shot into a greenside bunker.

That was game, set and match for Donald who did not need to do anything rash over the last two holes and sensibly laid up on the par-5 18th, resisting the temptation to take on the water in front of the green, and made a solid par for a 68 and a comfortable.

The early excitement was provided by Germany’s Marcel Siem who holed in one at the 160-yard (141m) second hole with an 8iron. Coupled with his birdie at that first

that moved Siem to five-under par but a run of three bogeys in six holes on the back nine derailed his challenge. Scotland’s David Drysdale who had been level with Peter Lawrie after 18 holes put himself out of the running with a 78 on Saturday but battled back with a closing 70 to end in a share of 10th spot. But it was a miserable day for Montgomerie who after recording a 78, his highest score here ever, in the third round fared even worse yesterday with an 81 and finished last of those who made the cut. — AFP

Jet Ski Race round halted KUWAIT: One of the competitors of the Jet Ski Race suffered a cramp and was rushed to the hospital according to the organizing committee of Kuwait Sea Sports Club (KSSC). The second round of this season’s Jet Ski Race was stopped that was being held at the coastal area along Salmiya beach.

The jury member, Abdul Wahab Ghazi AlOmar explained that the competitor caused a slight collision with another who had to be taken to hospital by the only ambulance available on site. He added that since international safety conditions mandate the presence of an ambulance on site, the

organizing committee had to stop the race.

Al-Omar added that the competitor was now OK and that the final decision on the first round results was up to KSSC’s marine sports under Abdul Qadir Al-Najjar. He concluded that the third round of the race would be held on June 9.

Dos Santos floors Mir LAS VEGAS: Brazilian Junior Dos Santos flattened Frank Mir with a huge right hand and finished him on the ground at 3:04 of the second round Saturday night, emphatically defending his heavyweight title at UFC 146 on Saturday night.

Dos Santos (15-1) picked apart the two-time ex-champion with superior boxing throughout the fight, finishing Mir with one last blow to the head.

Dos Santos then wrapped himself in the Brazilian flag while celebrating his first title defense since taking the belt from Cain Velasquez last fall.

“I’m feeling awesome!” he said to the crowd. “It’s not bad for a nice guy, huh? ...

Frank Mir is a really good fighter, too. I came here to defend my belt, and I did it.”

Velasquez stopped Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva late in the first round at the MGM Grand Garden. Roy Nelson, Stipe Miocic and Stefan Struve also won on a card topped with five heavyweight fights, a first in UFC history.

Dos Santos never faced trouble in the fight’s eight minutes after easily avoiding an opening-minute takedown attempt

by Mir, who hoped his superior jiu-jitsu skills would allow him to avoid Dos Santos’ unparalleled striking ability.

Mir, who turned 33 on Thursday, has the most heavyweight victories in UFC history, but he couldn’t match Dos Santos’ skills. “He’s a champ,” Mir said.

“He’s fast. I couldn’t get out of the way.

He hit me hard. There were just too many of them, and they were hard shots. I couldn’t do anything about it.”

Dos Santos downplayed the revenge element of beating Mir, who broke the arm of Dos Santos’ mentor, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, in a fight last December.

Mir (16-6) had won three straight fights since losing a title shot to Shane Carwin in March 2010, but couldn’t reclaim the belt he held in 2004 before getting into a serious motorcycle accident and again in early 2009 before losing to Brock Lesnar.

Velasquez (10-1) finished Silva at 3:36 of the first round, but only after pulverizing the 6-foot-4 Brazilian with a relentless series of blows after an early takedown.

Silva (16-4) was cut on his face early in the beating, sending streams of blood down his face and onto the canvas, eventually coating both fighters’ torsos.

“I knew he was going to be a tough guy to finish, and he posed certain threats,” Velasquez said. “But I’m happy I was able to go in there and perform.”

Nelson stopped Dave Herman with an overhand right just 51 seconds into the first round, and Miocic remained unbeaten with a second-round stoppage of fellow heralded prospect Shane Del Rosario. Struve, a 6-foot-11 Dutch heavyweight, stopped Lavar Johnson in the first fight. —AP

GREECE: French World Champion Sebastien Loeb and his co-driver Daniel Elena drive their WRC Citroen DS3 as they compete in the WRC Acropolis Rally. — AFP

Loeb clinches victory in Greece ATHENS: Sebastien Loeb produced a faultless display on the final day of the Rally of Greece to win the event for the third time after main rival Petter Solberg crashed out.

The French world champion began the day in his Citroen DS3 WRC with a 10.2 seconds advantage over Solberg but after his Norwegian rival crashed on the opening test of Sunday’s five stages, Loeb finished 40 seconds ahead of team mate Mikko Hirvonen with an overall time of 4:42:03.3 over the four days. The victory came despite a late scare, when Loeb and co-driver Daniel Elena had to

stop to change a puncture on stage 20. It was Loeb’s fourth victory in six rallies in this season’s championship and by claiming three bonus points for winning the event-closing Power Stage, he increased his lead over Finland’s Hirvonen in the overall standings to 30 points.

“This rally was so long and difficult,” Loeb said after his 71st career rally triumph. “We had some fortune in the morning, but in general we had to fight really hard. It was really good. I tried to always keep my rhythm and do what I felt.” Solberg’s misfortune — he tore a rear

wheel off his car after hitting a tree — allowed Hirvonen to move into second spot with JariMatti Latvala securing the final podium place in third, the Finn marking his return from a broken collarbone in style by claiming 10 fastest stage times.

“I am happy with the result, after Friday I didn’t have so much to do except just try not to make mistakes and bring the car back safely,” said Hirvonen. “It’s a very good result for the team, they have done a fantastic job with the car. I believe I can be faster than this.” — Reuters

18

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

sp orts

Hesjedal wins Giro d’Italia

TRENT BRIDGE: Kieran Powell of West Indies (second left) is bowled out by Jimmy Anderson of England (right) during the third day of the second Test match between England and West Indies. —AFP

England eye series win as Windies slump again NOTTINGHAM: West Indies’ latest toporder collapse left England on the brink of a series-clinching victory in the second Test at Trent Bridge here yesterday.

The tourists had slumped to 61 for six in their second innings at stumps on the third day. That gave them a lead of just three runs after England had made a first innings 428 featuring captain Andrew Strauss’s second hundred in as many Tests. Marlon Samuels (13 not out) and West Indies captain Darren Sammy (nought not out), who both made hundreds in the first innings, were together at the close.

Earlier in this match they’d shared a stand of 204 but it was now going to take something special, with two days left, to prevent world number ones England, who won the first Test at Lord’s by five wickets, from going 2-0 up in this three-match series.

James Anderson removed both West Indies openers in a spell of two wickets for three runs in eight balls while fellow seamer Tim Bresnan followed up with three for nine in 26.

“It’s fantastic,” Bresnan told the BBC. “It puts us in a really good position. We’ve still got work to do. “Sammy and Samuels put on such a good partnership in the first innings, so we’ve still got a lot of work to do to take those wickets,” added Bresnan, who took four wickets in the first innings and then chipped in with a useful unbeaten 39 — not bad for a man who came into this match with his place under threat.

West Indies had enjoyed a relatively good day’s work until the final session.

Anderson bowled Kieran Powell for one after the left-hander inside-edged a drive onto his stumps and then had Adrian Barath lbw for seven.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, officially the world’s best batsman, walked out at number four instead of his usual number five slot when the tourists were forced into a rejig as regular number three Kirk Edwards was suffering with ‘flu. So far this series, Chanderpaul had come to the crease at 86 for three, 36 for three and 42 for three. But having batted for over 10 hours in total at Lord’s and spent more

than two hours compiling 46 in the first innings of this match, Chanderpaul was at the crease for just 24 minutes yesterday. The left-hander had made a mere 11 when his renowned concentration faltered as he fell into a hooking trap, topedging Stuart Broad’s bouncer to Jonathan Trott at long leg.

And when Darren Bravo, who took Edwards’s spot at three, was lbw to Bresnan the desperate review showed the ball hitting middle stump-West Indies were 45 for four and still 13 runs adrift of making England bat again.

They avoided the embarrassment of an innings defeat when Samuels clipped Bresnan for a boundary through midwicket. But in the space of three balls Bresnan had Ramdin and Edwards lbw, the latter out for nought.

England resumed yesterday on 259 for two in reply to West Indies’ first innings 370. Strauss was 102 not out and Kevin Pietersen 72 not out.

It was left-handed opener Strauss’s second century of the series after he ended an 18-month wait for a Test ton with 122 at Lord’s. But whenever he’d been previously been not out overnight on a Test hundred, Strauss had never added more than six runs.

It was Pietersen though who was unable to press on Sunday when he was lbw to Ravi Rampaul’s inswinger for 80, ending a third-wicket partnership of 144.

Fast bowler Rampaul, who missed the first Test with a neck injury, led the attack well with three for 75 in 32 overs.

Fellow paceman Kemar Roach took two for six in 16 balls with the new ball to reduce England to 308 for five, removing Ian Bell and Jonathan Bairstow, who struggled against anything short.

Strauss managed just 39 runs in 98 balls Sunday and he was eventually caught behind off the medium-pace of Sammy. He batted for more than seven hours in total, facing 303 balls with 22 fours. England were still behind when Strauss was out at 363 for seven. But West Indies, who bowled well, then had to suffer a frustrating eighth-wicket stand of 53 between Bresnan and Broad. —AFP

SCOREBOARD NOTTINGHAM: Scoreboard at stumps on the third day of the second Test between England and the West Indies at Trent Bridge here yesterday: West Indies 1st Innings 370 (M Samuels 117, D Sammy 106; T Bresnan 4-104) England 1st Innings (overnight: 259-2) A. Strauss c Ramdin b Sammy 141 A. Cook c Ramdin b Rampaul 24 J. Trott lbw b Rampaul 35 K. Pietersen lbw b Rampaul 80 I. Bell lbw b Roach 22 J. Bairstow c Chanderpaul b Roach 4 M. Prior b Sammy 16 T. Bresnan not out 39 S. Broad c Sammy b Shillingford 25 G. Swann c Sammy b Samuels 1 J. Anderson lbw b Samuels 0 Extras (b9, lb10, w4, nb18) 41 Total (all out, 123.4 overs, 531 mins) 428 Fall of wickets: 1-43 (Cook), 2-123 (Trott), 3-267 (Pietersen), 4-300 (Bell), 5308 (Bairstow), 6-336 (Prior), 7-363 (Strauss), 8-416 (Broad), 9-426 (Swann), 10-428 (Anderson Bowling: Roach 25-1-90-2 (11nb, 1w); Rampaul 32-8-75-3 (2nb, 2w); Sammy

34-3-120-2 (5nb, 1w); Shillingford 26-4110-1; Samuels 6.4-2-14-2.

West Indies 2nd Innings A. Barath lbw b Anderson 7 K. Powell b Anderson 1 D. Bravo lbw b Bresnan 22 S. Chanderpaul c Trott b Broad 11 M. Samuels not out 13 D. Ramdin lbw b Bresnan 6 K. Edwards lbw b Bresnan 0 D. Sammy not out 0 Extras (b1) 1 Total (6 wkts, 26 overs, 127 mins) 61 Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Powell), 2-14 (Barath), 3-31 (Chanderpaul), 4-45 (Bravo), 5-61 (Ramdin), 6-61 (Edwards) To bat: K Roach, R Rampaul, S Shillingford Bowling: Anderson 7-2-12-2; Broad 114-36-1; Swann 2-1-2-0; Bresnan 6-2-103; Match position: West Indies lead England by three runs with four second innings wickets standing.

GERMANY: Kiel’s Marcus Ahlm raises the trophy after winning the Final Four Champions League final handball match between THW Kiel and BM Atletico Madrid. —AP

MILAN: Ryder Hesjedal became the first Canadian to win one of cycling’s three major tour races yesterday, when he overhauled Spanish leader Joaquin Rodriguez on the final stage to take the 95th Giro d’Italia.

Hesjedal started the 21st stage in Milan a full 31 seconds behind Rodriguez, but finished 16 seconds ahead of him in the overall standings. He took 34 minutes, 15 seconds to complete yesterday’s 28.2-kilometer (17.52mile) individual time trial, placing sixth — 20 places ahead of his Spanish rival.

“It’s just been an unreal experience from day one, what the team was able to do. It’s unbelievable,” said Hesjedal, who finished the overall race in 91 hours, 39 minutes, 2 seconds. “This is incredible. It’s a dream come true. The 32-year-old Hesjedal, only the third non-Italian to win the Giro in the past 15 years, thanked everyone who had helped him over the previous weeks.

“I couldn’t have done it without the team,” he said. “I knew I was good when I came into the race. I stayed focused and took every opportunity. The support, the fans at home, it’s all unreal. I’d like to thank everyone.” Marco Pinotti won the final stage in 33:06, 39 seconds ahead of Geraint Thomas.

Hesjedal and Rodriguez were the last two riders to start. Although Rodriguez had worn the pink jersey for 10 days over the course of the race and gave it his all on Sunday, he ended the stage in 35:02.

Thomas De Gendt, who rode to a memorable solo win atop the Stelvio Pass on Saturday, put in another good performance to

finish third overall, 1:39 behind Hesjedal. The Belgium had been 5:40 behind Rodriguez at the start of stage 20.

Defending champion Michele Scarponi was fourth. It is the first time since 1995 that an Italian has not finished on the podium in the Giro, one of the sport’s top three races with the Tour de France and the Spanish Vuelta. Two-time Giro winner Ivan Basso was fifth, 3:44 off the pace.

Taylor Phinney, who won the opening time trial in Denmark, was one of the favorites to claim another stage win. However, the American - who started the day third last in the general classification - followed a race bike instead of taking a right turn and was forced to turn around. Nevertheless, he finished the stage 16th in 34:37. The final stage was shortened by more than a kilometer due to road works. —AP

ITALY: Canada’s Ryder Hesjedal kisses the trophy after winning the 95th Giro d’Italia, Tour of Italy cycling race. —AP

Celtics see off 76ers challenge BOSTON: Rajon Rondo had 18 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds to lead the Boston Celtics to an 85-75 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals on Saturday night to advance to the finals. The Celtics will open the third round of the NBA playoffs in Miami against the Heat today.

Rondo scored nine straight Boston points, helping the Celtics turn a three-point edge into a double -digit lead after Paul Pierce fouled out with 4:16 left in the game.

Andre Iguodala scored 18 points, and Elton Brand and Jrue Holiday had 15 apiece for the 76ers, who eliminated the topseeded Chicago Bulls in the first round but couldn’t do the same against the Celtics.

Kevin Garnett had 18 points and 13 rebounds, and Ray Allen hit a pair of fourth-quarter 3pointers after missing his first five attempts. Pierce had 15 points and nine rebounds before fouling out. That’s when Rondo took over.

The point guard, rebounding

from his worst performance of the playoffs in Game 6, scored on a baseline drive and followed it up with a long jump-shot with 2:47 left.

He then made a 3-pointer with a little more than two minutes left and hit a pair of free throws to

leave Boston with an 80-70 lead with 1:44 left.

After Holiday made a 3-pointer to cut the lead to seven, Garnett went to the line with just under a minute left and made one of two shots. Rondo then made another pair of free throws with 54 sec-

BOSTON: Andre Iguodala No. 9 of the Philadelphia 76ers presses Paul Pierce No. 34 of the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2012 NBA Playoffs. —AFP

Britain beat India for first Azlan Shah win IPOH: Top seeds Britain secured their first win of this year’s Sultan Azlan Shah Cup yesterday with a 3-2 victory over India in a closely fought match.

New Zealand sent Asian champions Pakistan crashing to a 3-1 defeat, while Argentina beat South Korea 4-3 with just seconds on the clock, their first win of the tournament, which is an important warm-up for the London Olympics.

Britain, who drew their opening match 3-3 on Friday to hosts Malaysia, were in good form in the early part of the match, with Glenn Kirkham and Ben Hawes both scoring.

But some poor defending saw India draw level with goals from VR Raghunath and Sunil Sowmarpet, leaving it to Nick Catlin to save the day for Britain, ranked fourth in the world, with a goal in the 62nd minute. Indian coach Michael Nobbs berated his team, saying they “simply did not follow the instruction given and wasted several good chances... What is the point in fancy stick work in the D if you do not score?”

Earlier, New Zealand took a commanding 3-0 lead over Pakistan with goals from Ryan Archibald, Andy Hayward and Nick Wilson.

Pakistan pulled a goal back in the 44th minute through Abdul Haseem Khan, but the brief comeback was too late to pose a real threat to their dominant rivals.“We created enough chances to take a point in the match but just did not have the final touch,” said Pakistan team manager Akhtar Rasool.

The win gives New Zealand maximum points from three outings as they beat India 5-1 and Argentina 5-2 in their opening two matches.

They now top the standings with nine points, while Britain are in second, and Pakistan are third with three points thanks to their 4-2 win over Argentina.

In the day’s other match, South Korea opened the scoring but then Argentina took a 2-1 lead. The match went to 3-3 and was tight until the dying moments, but with the clock showing only 12 seconds, Facundo Callioni scored the decisive goal for Argentina to triumph.

In the standings, Argentina rank fourth with three points, while South Korea are last with one point, behind India and hosts Malaysia, who are not going to the London Olympics.

The seven-team tournament is an important last chance for teams to tune up and hone line-ups before the London Games. —AFP

onds left and Allen followed with a pair as the crowd chanted “Beat the Heat!” Miami advanced to the conference finals by eliminating the Indiana Pacers in six games.

The Heat beat Boston in five games in the conference semifinals last year. In 2010, the Celtics eliminated the Heat in the first round and then knocked LeBron James and the Cavaliers out in the second round - his final game with Cleveland before defecting to Miami.

Boston got off to a fast start in Saturday’s game, taking a 10-2 lead thanks to four assists and two rebounds from Rondo in the first three minutes. The Sixers tied it before the end of the quarter, but the Celtics again pulled ahead and took a 41-33 lead into the half.

The lead grew to 11 before the Sixers scored seven straight points and then, trailing 53-45, they scored another seven in a row to cut the deficit to a point.

Garnett made a high floater at the buzzer to give Boston a 5552 lead at the end of three quarters. —AP

Al-Arabi defeat Al-Nasr in KHA Cup KUWAIT: In the first group competition, Al-Arabi Handball team defeated AlNasr 22-20 yesterday, in the opening match of the 45th Kuwait Handball Association Cup. Despite a great run by Al-Nasr, AlArabi team, the title holder of the handball premier league, were able to barely defeat Al-Nasr thanks to Al-Arabi play-

ers Ali Murad, Ahmad Al-Kandari, and goalkeeper Abdulrazaq Al-Bolushi.

Al-Arabi will be meeting Yarmouk team, which defeated Sulaibkhat 26-24.

The Yarmouk-Sulaibikhat clash witnessed excellent form by Yarmouk goalkeeper Mohammad Mijbil who stopped eight penalty shots by Sulaibkhat. —KUNA

Doohan hoping Stoner has a change of mind MONACO: Casey Stoner might yet be talked out of retiring at the end of the MotoGP season, according to motorcycling great and fellow Australian Mick Doohan. Speaking to Reuters at the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix, the five times 500cc world champion said he hoped the MotoGP title holder might have a change of mind despite announcing his departure.

“There’s still a long way to go in the season so you never know, he could have a change of heart before the end,” said the 46-year-old. “You never know how determined Honda get to keep him, because the last thing they want is to lose him especially as he’s in such a dominant position. It’s cheaper to try and retain him at any cost than to try and bring another guy through.” Stoner announced at the French Grand Prix this month that he had lost his love for the sport and would retire at the end of the current championship. The 26-yearold, who won the 2007 crown with Ducati and 2011 with Honda and is currently second overall behind Yamaha’s 2010 champion Jorge Lorenzo, said he had been mulling his decision for a couple of years. “This sport has changed a lot and it has changed to the point where I am not enjoying it,” he said. “I don’t have the passion for it and so at this time it’s better if I retire now.”

Doohan, who won five successive titles for Honda and only retired in 1999 after his broken legs could take no more punishment, said he had been as stunned as anyone to hear the declara-

tion. While he understood the reasoning behind it, the Australian said he was also puzzled. “For me it’s a bit of a shock, that’s for sure,” he said.

“He’s been there a long time too. Not too many guys join the world championship at 16, so he has been putting in the hard yards there. It’s a bit of a shame that he sees it that way but he’s the only one who can make that decision.” “I can understand it and I can’t understand it,” said the winner of 54 grands prix from 117 starts. “I can understand that he wants to get rid of the rumors. Even within Honda and so on if he said something there’d be rumors and he’d be forever getting asked about it so he just figured get it out in the open and that’ll be the end of it. “I am just hoping for the sport and for himself as well that he can actually regain the joy of riding,” said Doohan, whose five top flight titles have been bettered only by Italians Giacamo Agostini and Valentino Rossi.

The plain-talking rider, who had a sometimes abrasive relationship with the media during his championship years, reminded Stoner that the rough came with the smooth.

“That side of the sport (the media and sponsorship work) is essential to be able to be in that position to ride such a great machine and to be part of such a great championship.” Stoner has been one of MotoGPs leading lights since he moved into the top category in 2006 after winning races in the 125 and 250cc categories. — Reuters

19

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

SPORTS

Webber wins Monaco GP

FRANCE: French defender Adil Rami (right) vies with Iceland’s goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson (left) and midfielder Kari Arnason (center) during the friendly football match. —AFP

France struggle to beat Iceland VALENCIENNES: France battled back from two goals down at half-time to beat Iceland 3-2 in the first of three warm-ups for Euro 2012 here yesterday.

Iceland, ranked a lowly 131 in FIFA’s world table, stunned their hosts when Teddy Bjarnason put them into a 28th minute lead, with Ajax striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson doubling up five minutes later.

Whatever words of wisdom coach Laurent Blanc came up with at the interval evidently sank home as the second half was only seven minutes old when Lille defender Mathieu Debuchy reduced the deficit.

But France had then to wait until the 85th minute before Franck Ribery put them back on level terms with a lob for the Bayern Munich star’s first goal for his country in three years.

Valencia back Adil Rami bagged the winner three minutes from time to extend France’s unbeaten run to 19 matches.

France’s next prep outing is against Serbia on Thursday in Reims, with their third and final warm-up scheduled for June 5 in Le Mans against Estonia.

Blanc’s men are drawn in Group D at the European Championships and they begin their campagin in Donetsk against

England on June 11 followed by co-hosts Ukraine and Sweden.

Mexico 2 Wales 0 EAST RUTHERFORD: Aldo de Nigris scored two goals and Mexico, preparing to open 2014 World Cup qualifying next month, blanked Wales 2-0 yesterday in an international football friendly.

De Nigris scored on a header off a centering pass from Pablo Barrera in the 42nd minute and netted the clincher in the 89th minute off a chest deflection of a cross into the penalty area by Edgar Andrade. Wales manager Chris Coleman remained without a victory since taking over the national side following the death of former Wales manager Gary Speed last November.

Liverpool’s 32-year-old forward Craig Bellamy played the full match for Wales.

He had been considering retirement in the wake of Speed’s death.

Wales will host Bosnia-Herzegovina in August before beginning their World Cup qualifying campaign against Belgium in September. The Mexicans will face Bosnia-Herzegovina in Chicago on Thursday and Brazil next Sunday in Arlington, Texas, before starting World Cup qualifying at Mexico City against Guyana on June 8.—AFP

Donovan slams hat-trick as US hit five past Scots JACKSONVILLE: Landon Donovan struck a superb hat-trick as the United States crushed Scotland 5-1 in a friendly international on Saturday handing the Scots one of their most humiliating defeats.

Juergen Klinsmann team’s fifth successive win was a sparkling performance against a woeful Scotland team who were unable to match the speed and creativity of the Americans.

The US were 2-0 up inside 11 minutes and never looked back as they produced the kind of high-tempo display their German coach has demanded of them.

“We had a wonderful start with two early goals which really set the tone and the team really kept the rhythm throughout the entire game,” said the former Germany striker and coach.

Donovan had said earlier in the week he was finding it hard to get motivated but on Saturday there was no short of hunger from him in an outstanding display from the U.S’s all-time top scorer, who now has 49 goals.

The LA Galaxy forward opened the scoring in the third minute and then eight minutes later midfielder Michael Bradley blasted in from 25 yards out after a delightful set-up from Jermaine Jones.

Scotland pulled one back in the 15th minute when US defender Geoff Cameron inadvertently chested in a header from Kenny Miller.

But that was the last real threat from Craig Levein’s team as the Americans ran away with the game after the break with three goals in a ten minute blitz.

The outstanding Jones picked out Donovan inside the box for the team’s third on the hour and the forward completed his hat-trick in the 65th minute when his shot

went in off the inside of the post.

Donovan turned provider for the fifth with a pinpoint cross that Jones, who had charged through the open midfield, headed past Allan McGregor to make it 5-1.

After February’s friendly victory away to Italy the signs are that Klinsmann’s changes to U.S. team, 10 months after he took over from Bob Bradley, are bearing fruit.

“We kept the tempo going, the energy was high and we saw some wonderful goals, Landon had his hand in four of them, and obviously for a coach it was fun to watch,” said Klinsmann.

Donovan, who praised a loud 44,348 crowd for energising the team, said he did not want his midweek comments about motivation to be misunderstood.

“I don’t want to be mistaken for not caring, I care and I like being a part of this team. I’m a professional and I do my job, I’ve been doing it a long time. Tonight was one of those nights when things went right,” he said.

While the US can look forward to their World Cup qualifying campaign which starts on June 8 against Antigua and Barbuda, Scotland have no competitive games until their bid for Brazil 2014 begins in September.

“I think it was evident that there was one team out there who were focused and ready to dictate the game and another one who looked like they had finished the season and had nothing to play for,” said Levein.

“We didn’t give ourselves a chance tonight but the USA were very good. I’ve been here before as a coach, it happens sometimes, the team have been excellent recently and that was most unlike them tonight.”—Reuters

JACKSONVILLE: Landon Donovan No. 10 of Team USA, is challenged by Charlie Mulgrew No. 3 and Scott Brown No. 8 of Scotland during their friendly match.—AFP

MONACO: Mark Webber won the Monaco Grand Prix yesterday to make Formula One history, while Fernando Alonso took a narrow lead in the championship.

Webber, who started from pole position, is the sixth different driver to win in the opening six races of the season, a first for F1.

With drivers favoring a one-stop tire strategy on the most difficult track for overtaking, Webber effectively needed to make it to the first corner in front and then negotiate a clean pit stop.

“When days like this come along you can’t afford to let them go,” Webber said. “You have to grab them with both hands and feet and hold on like hell ... in 1983 (Alain) Prost led with two laps to go and crashed, so you never get carried away here.”

The 35-year-old Australian beat Nico Rosberg by 0.6 seconds and Alonso by 0.9 for his eighth career win - his second in three years at Monaco for Red Bull, which has won the last three here from pole position. “I’m feeling incredible,” Webber said. “It was reasonably straightforward at the start. It’s just a matter of then getting back into a reasonable gap (with) the weather threatening.”

Alonso, who is bidding for his third F1 title, headed into the race level on 61 points with two-time defending champion Sebastian Vettel. He now leads Vettel and Webber by three points.

“It’s interesting to see the constant surprises we’re having this season, you never know who’s going to be in pole and win the race,” Alonso said. “It’s difficult in Monaco, but we managed the traffic.” Several drivers failed to finish, including Jenson Button and Michael Schumacher.

Vettel drove brilliantly to finish fourth, after starting ninth, and Red Bull’s clever strategy of keeping him on the same set of tires for 46 laps worked to perfection.

“It was an amazing day for the team,” Webber said. “It’s great to win here twice, fair and square off the pole position.” McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton finished fifth ahead of Ferrari’s Felipe Massa.

“My start was one of the worst I’ve had in a long time,” Hamilton said. Webber clenched his fist as he crossed the finish line ahead of Rosberg’s Mercedes.

“Unfortunately it didn’t come

MONACO: Red Bull driver Mark Webber, of Australia, winner of the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix (center) stands on the podium with second placed Mercedes Grand Prix driver Nico Rosberg (left) of Germany, and third placed Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso, of Spain, at the Monaco racetrack.—AP together perfectly, but I’m happy with second place overall,” Rosberg said. “I hope there’s a lot more to come from the next few races, it’s just nice to see how we’re progressing.” Although the front six were relatively untroubled as rain splashed the Monaco circuit late in the afternoon, there was chaos elsewhere.

“We were praying for no more rain at the end because we know how difficult it can be,” Alonso said. “You see all the drops on the visor and you don’t know how fast that next corner will be.”

The race was only seconds old when a crash took out four drivers, including Romain Grosjean, one of the pre-race favorites after the Frenchman impressed in practice.

Schumacher appeared to nudge his Mercedes into Grosjean as they jostled for position, sending Grosjean’s Lotus spinning sideways.

Pastor Malonado’s Williams was caught up in the mayhem and bashed into Pedro de la Rosa’s HRT as all three went out of the race, while Schumacher continued.

Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi, whose Sauber was also damaged,

failed to restart after making a pit stop for repairs.

“I’m very disappointed,” Grosjean said. “I wanted to finish the Grand Prix, but it was a terrible start and that was that.”

Button, starting from 12th place, was caught behind the early traffic and dropped down to 14th as Vettel squeezed through a gap.

The German looked to have possibly taken a shortcut when he overtook Kimi Raikkonen’s Lotus, but he was soon cleared by race officials.

The top three positions stayed unchanged for the first third of the race, with Rosberg tucking in behind Webber, followed by Hamilton. With Grosjean out, the Ferraris pressured Hamilton.

With rain looming, drivers pushed their supersoft tires hard while Vettel started out on soft, having saved some by sitting out Saturday’s third qualifying session.

After 22 laps, Webber led Rosberg by just over two seconds, and the pace of the race started to drop as the tires wore thin.

Rosberg was first to pit, switching to soft tires on lap 28.

Webber and Hamilton soon fol-

lowed, also changing to the primes, with Alonso and then Massa doing likewise. That put Vettel into the lead, 16 seconds ahead of Webber, and with Rosberg, Alonso, Hamilton and Massa behind them.

Button’s miserable day saw him change tires halfway through, but lose ground to Heikki Kovalainen as he emerged from the pits. A late crash saw the 2009 champion spin out of the race.

Vettel, meanwhile, stayed out on his softs until lap 46, and when he came out he was just behind Alonso and ahead of Hamilton, who nearly rammed into him.

The top six were separated by only six seconds with 25 laps to go, but Webber still had a decent lead of 1.8 seconds on Rosberg.

Vitaly Petrov lasted less than 30 laps before retiring due to electrical problems in his Caterham car, while Mexican driver Sergio Perez got a drive through penalty for entering the pit lane too late and was sanctioned for impeding Raikkonen.

Schumacher, Frenchman Charles Pic (Marussia) and Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso) retired near the end.—AP

Russia take two gold on final day of Euros

INDIANAPOLIS: Will Power (12), of Australia, drives under Mike Conway, of England, after they made contact in the first turn during IndyCar’s Indianapolis 500 auto race.—AP

Franchitti clinches Indy 500 INDIANAPOLIS: Scotland’s Dario Franchitti won the 96th Indianapolis 500 yesterday, taking his third career Indy 500 crown after Japan’s Takuma Sato crashed while running beside him on the final lap.

Franchitti, who also won the fabled race in 2007 and 2010, was followed across the finish line under a caution flag

by Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Scott Dixon of New Zealand and Brazil’s Tony Kanaan.

“What a race. I think Dan Wheldon would be proud of this one,” Franchitti said, dedicating the triumph to the 2011 winner from England who was killed in a crash last October at Las Vegas.

Franchitti, who fell behind early after his car was struck on pit row, seized the lead from Kanaan on a restart with six laps to go in the 200-lap showdown around the 2.5 mile (4km) Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval.

After Franchitti and Dixon traded the lead over the next few laps, Sato moved past Dixon into second behind the Scotsman with two laps remaining and made his run at the lead in the first turn of the last lap. Sato, trying to become the first Japanese driver to win an IndyCar race, went low on the inside of the track and side-by-side with Franchitti, but lost control and spun into the outer wall as Franchitti sped away for the victory.

“I moved over and saw he was coming,” Franchitti said. “I came back over and he got loose underneath me. I moved over to give him room and just managed to keep it going.”

Sato, who was not injured, settled for 17th and complained that Franchitti did

not allow him enough room to make the turn on the final lap.

“I was going for the win,” Sato said.

“Very last lap, good tow from Dario. I saw a good opportunity to the inside. It looks like he didn’t give me enough room to go there. I was below the white line.

“I was already in (position). He didn’t move up. Kept on pushing. I had nowhere to go. It’s a little disappointing.”

Dixon was undone by the crash, which froze the racers in their positions and denied him a chance to make a move for the pass at the end.

“I’m super gutted,” Dixon said. “It’s tough when you get so close to have it ripped away from you. So close. We definitely had the car.

“I wasn’t expecting Sato to dive in there with two to go. He was pretty aggressive all day. I thought we were in good position to get a run at both of them on the last lap. They touched. All credit to Dario to save it.” Wheldon was in the thoughts of Kanaan, who along with Franchitti and Dixon were Wheldon’s best friends in the series.

“His best friends fighting for the win, I knew the odds were one of us would do it,” Kanaan said. “To lose this one like this was an honor. Danny, wherever he is right now, is extremely happy, his three best friends in the top three.”

New IndyCar engines and chassis being raced at Indy for the first time were tested by near-record heat. Racers had smashed the old record for Indy 500 lead changes, 29 in 1960, with 22 laps remaining, well ahead of the closing drama.—AFP

MONTPELLIER: Aleksandr Balandin and Emin Garibov claimed two gold medals for Russia on the final day of the European men’s gymnastics championships here yesterday.

A day after having to settle for silver behind Britain, who took their first ever international team title, rising 22-year-old star Balandin won gold on the rings while Garibov took the horizontal bar title.

Hungary’s Krizstian Berki, the reigning two-time world champion, won the pommel horse for a sixth European title, ahead of British rival Louis Smith, who helped his team to gold on Saturday.

Romanian Flavius Koczi lost his title on floor but took vault gold, with Greece’s Eleftherios Kosmidis, the 2010 world champion on floor, taking gold in that discipline.

It was a disappointing championships however for Germany and their star Philipp Boy, with the two-time world silver medallist going home without a medal after falling twice off the horizontal bar in the final.

Marcel NGuyen gave Germany gold on the parallel bars after the defending champions finished sixth in the team event.

“It’s like a hammer blow,” said Boy, with just two months to go to the London Olympics. “I spent the entire European championships in a hole. I have to now train to try and regain the confidence which was missing here,” said Boy who injured his collarbone earlier this year. Hosts France took just one medal — Gael Da Silva’s bronze on the floor.—AFP

MONTPELLIER: Krisztian Berki of Hungary, performs on the pommel horse exercise during the final of the European Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships.—AP

Webber wins Monaco GP

Loeb clinches victory in Greece

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

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17

England eye series win as Windies slump again

Page 18

CHENNAI: Players and support staff of Kolkata Knight Riders celebrate with the trophy after their win against Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final cricket match. —AP

Knight Riders bag maiden IPL title CHENNAI: Kolkata Knight Riders found a surprise hero in Manvinder Bisla to bag the maiden Indian Premier League title with a fivewicket victory over Chennai Super Kings in the thrilling final yesterday.

The little-known opener smashed five sixes and eight fours in his quickfire 48-ball 89 as Kolkata surpassed Chennai’s total of 190-3 with two balls to spare in the Twenty20 final before a sizeable crowd at the Chidambaram stadium in Chennai.

Kolkata needed nine runs to win off the last over bowled by West Indies seamer Dwayne Bravo, but Manoj Tiwary (nine not out) smashed the third and fourth deliveries for fours to spark celebrations in his team’s camp.

Kolkata’s other batting star was South African Jacques Kallis, who made a crucial 49ball 69 with the help of one six and seven fours despite suffering a hamstring injury in

the later part of his knock.

Man-of-the-match Bisla and Kallis put on 136 runs for the second wicket in 13.4 overs before Tiwary and Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan (11 not out) completed the win to deny two-time champions Chennai a hat-trick.

Australian paceman Ben Hilfenhaus bagged two wickets for Chennai, who were facing elimination at one stage of the tournament.

Chennai were lucky to figure in the playoffs, having qualified on better net run-rate than that of Royal Challengers Bangalore after both the teams finished their league engagements with 17 points.

The final was also watched by Pakistan’s cricket chief Zaka Ashraf. Pakistani players, who are usually a major draw in India, have been kept out of the tournament after the first

edition, reportedly due to security fears.

Suresh Raina earlier cracked a 38-ball 73 with five sixes to help Chennai set a stiff target. Australian Michael Hussey (54), who turned 37 on Sunday, and Murali Vijay (42) were the other main scorers.

Chennai made a brisk start after electing to bat as Hussey put on 87 for the opening wicket with Vijay and then 73 for the second wicket with Raina.

Raina raced to his half-century off just 27 balls before falling off the last ball of the innings, caught by Australian Brett Lee in the deep off Shakib.

Kolkata got $2 million for the win while runners-up Chennai bagged $1.5 million.

Kolkata, Chennai and Delhi Daredevils qualified for the Champions League to be held in India in October between the top domestic Twenty20 clubs from around the world.—AFP

SCOREBOARD CHENNAI: Scoreboard of the Indian Premier League final between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings at Chidambaram Stadium yesterday: Chennai Super Kings Michael Hussey b Kallis 54 Murali Vijay c Shakib Al Hasan b Bhatia 42 Suresh Raina c Lee b Shakib Al Hasan 73 Mahendra Singh Dhoni (not out) 14 Extras: (3lb, 2nb, 2w) 7 TOTAL: (for three wickets) 190 Overs: 20.

Fall of wickets: 1-87, 2-160, 3-190.

Did not bat: Subramaniam Badrinath, Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Albie Morkel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ben Hilfenhaus, Shadab Jakati.

Bowling: Brett Lee 4-0-42-0 (1nb), Shakib Al Hasan 3-025-1 (1w), Sunil Narine 4-0-37-0, Iqbal Abdulla 1-0-9-0, Jacques Kallis 4-0-34-1 (1nb, 1w), Rajat Bhatia 3-0-23-1, Yusuf Pathan 1-0-17-0.

Legend Gebrselassie fails to qualify for Olympics

Tsonga, Del Potro overcome jitters PARIS: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga survived the weight of home expectations while danger man Juan Martin Del Potro shrugged off an injury scare before triumphing yesterday’s sweltering first day at Roland Garros.

French fifth seed Tsonga, the highestranked player in action, overcame a worrying first set wobble to beat Russian qualifier Andrey Kuznetsov 1-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

Tsonga, who sparked controversy on the eve of the tournament by claiming that French players had no chance of winning their home Grand Slam, next faces Germany’s Cedrik-Marcel Stebbe.

The last Frenchman to win the title in Paris was Yannick Noah in 1983. “Against such a player, you feel, okay, let’s wait for the storm to be over and in half an hour I’ll see what’s going on,” said Tsonga of his opponent, who was the 2009 Wimbledon junior champion, but was making his debut in Paris.

Ninth seed Del Potro, the Argentine who won the 2009 US Open having made the semi-finals here in the same year, saw off Spanish veteran Albert Montanes 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 6-1 in a shade over three hours.

He will tackle France’s Edouard RogerVasselin for a place in the last 32. Del Potro, a potential quarter-final opponent of Roger Federer, had beaten Montanes in straight sets on his way to the Estoril title in April.

But he endured a bumpy ride on the Philippe Chatrier Court when his troublesome left knee, which had already been taped, required further strapping at the end of the marathon second set.

The 23-year-old, the only man outside

of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Federer to win a Grand Slam title in the last seven years, also needed a doctor three games into the second set as the soaring temperatures threatened to take their toll.

“I was struggling a little, but I had some good treatment which allowed me to finish the match,” said Del Potro. “Roland Garros is a physically-demanding tournament. I have to keep that in mind as I am playing well at the moment.”

Andy Roddick slumped to a fifth French Open first round defeat in 10 visits when the injury-plagued American lost 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 to France’s Nicolas Mahut.

Former US Open champion Roddick, who has never got beyond the third round, came into Roland Garros having made his season’s European claycourt bow only in Dusseldorf last week where he lost all three matches.

Now ranked at 29 in the world, Roddick has been battling hamstring and hip problems for most of the year. “Down two sets, it ’s not where you want to be,” said Roddick. “I move horrendously on this stuff, I feel like I am shuffling around. I made a choice to play and I lost.”

Also making the last 64 was 2003 champion Juan Carlos Ferrero, who defeated French wildcard Jonathan Dasnieres de Veigy 6-1, 6-4, 6-3.

In the women’s event, US Open champion Samantha Stosur had the honour of being the first player into the second round, brushing aside Britain’s Elena Baltacha.

The Australian sixth seed, the 2010 runner-up to Francesca Schiavone, took just over an hour to see off the 68th-ranked

Kolkata Knight Riders Manvinder Bisla c Badrinath b Albie Morkel 89 Gautam Gambhir b Ben Hilfenhaus 2 Jacques Kallis c Jadeja b Hilfenhaus 69 Laxmi Ratan Shukla c Hussey b Bravo 3 Yusuf Pathan c Badrinath b Ashwin 1 Shakib Al Hasan (not out) 11 Manoj Tiwary (not out) 9 Extras: (1lb, 6w, 1nb) 8 TOTAL: (for five wickets) 192 Overs: 19.4 Fall of wicket: 1-3, 2-139, 3-152, 4-164, 5-175.

Did not bat: Rajat Bhatia, Iqbal Abdulla, Sunil Narine, Brett Lee. Bowling: Ben Hilfenhaus 4-0-25-2 (1nb, 1w), Albie Morkel 4-0-38-1 (2w), Ravichandran Ashwin 4-0-41-1, Dwayne Bravo 3.4-0-49-1 (3w), Shadab Jakati 4-0-38-0.

Result: Kolkata Knight Riders won by five wickets.

FRANCE: Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic hits a return to Spain’s Lara Arruabarrena-Vecino during their Women’s Singles 1st Round tennis match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium. —AFP

Baltacha 6-4, 6-0 on Philippe Chatrier court. Joining Stosur in the next round were former champions, Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova and Ana Ivanovic of Serbia.

Kuznetsova, the 2009 winner, marked her 40th Grand Slam appearance with a comfortable 6-1, 6-3 win over Croatian world number 117 Mirjana Lucic.

Serbian 13th seed Ivanovic, the 2008 champion, was also a first day winner, cruising past Spain’s Lara ArruabarrenaVecino 6-1, 6-1 in under an hour.

Venus Williams battled back from a set down to defeat Argentine teenager Paula Ormaechea 4-6, 6-1, 6-3. Williams, seventimes a Grand Slam title winner and runner-up here to sister Serena in 2002, faces either Polish third seed Agnieszka Radwanska or Bojana Jovanovski of Serbia

for a place in the third round. The American is now ranked 53 in the world after battling energy-sapping Sjogren’s Syndrome.

World number one Djokovic kicks off his bid for an historic Grand Slam today when he tackles Italian clay courter Potito Starace.

The top seed is just seven wins away from becoming only the third man to hold all four majors at the same time.

Federer, the holder of a record 16 Grand Slam titles, was the champion at Roland Garros in 2009, and he also starts his campaign today against Germany ’s Tobias K amke. Defending champion Rafael Nadal, chasing a seventh French Open, begins tomorrow against Italy’s Simone Bolelli.—AFP

HENGELO: Ethiopian athletics legend Haile Gebrselassie failed to qualify for the London Olympics here yesterday as he could only finish seventh in the 10,000 metres.

The 39-year-old two-time Olympic 10,000m champion who had already failed to post a qualifying time for the marathon - admitted his hopes had been dashed after his disappointing performance against 12 of his compatriots.

Ethiopia were using this as a qualifier for the Olympics.

“The Games in London, is over for me,” he told AFP. “I ran a good race till the last lap. I felt good but I manifestly didn’t have the speed to compete against my rivals.

“That’s life. I am not disappointed,” added Gebrselassie, whose epic defeat of Kenyan great Paul Tergat at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, his second Olympic title, is one of the great finishes of all time. Indeed for the ever cheerful Ethiopian great it is to be his last track race.

“The ‘spikes’, it is finished for me. I am 39. I have failed to qualify for the Olympics. And there is a very strong younger generation in Ethiopia now.

“I tried to qualify for my fifth Olympics. And I don’t regret trying to do so. “I simply came up against stronger rivals yesterday.”

Tariku Bekele and Leleisa Desisa Benti finished first and second respectively - with the former posting the best time in the world this year of 27min 11.70sec - to book their tickets for London. The third spot is being kept for Bekele’s older brother and world record holder Kenenisa, who has been struggling for several months with a calf muscle problem.

Gebrselassie said that he felt he was handing over the baton of Ethiopian track running to a golden generation. “I am leaving the track in a calm frame of mind because there is a super generation taking over. “I haven’t in any case run on the track since the Beijing Games (2008).

“Ethiopia will be stronger in London. “I gave all that I had. It is why I am not sad or disappointed. I am always happy to run. These next months, I will devote solely to marathons and half marathons. “In three years, I envisage a political career. I would like to become a member of parliament.” Gebrselassie, a four-time world 10,000m champion, had come into the race boosted by his victory in the 10km Great Manchester Run in northwest England last week in 27min 39secs.—AFP

Saudi Airlines win CMA’s nod for catering unit IPO Page 22

Jobless European recovery highlights need for reform Page 23

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

Arab Spring hit Mideast business: KPMG Page 24

Airlines face turbulence despite oil price drop Page 25

DUBAI: An aerial view shows Dubai international airport, home to the national carrier Emirates Airways yesterday.— AFP

IMF chief riles Greeks as election looms Leaders attack Lagarde for ‘tax-dodgers’ comment ATHENS: Political leaders in Athens rounded on IMF chief Christine Lagarde yesterday for branding Greeks tax-dodgers as parties went on the campaign trail for next month’s elections. Socialist leader Evangelos Venizelos accused Lagarde of trying to “humiliate” the debt-stricken country, which is facing its second election in six weeks seen as crucial to the future of the euro-zone. Radical left-wing leader Alexis Tsipras, whose Syriza party is one of the two top contenders for the June 17 vote, insisted “Greek workers pay their taxes, which are unbearable”.

The International Monetary Fund managing director’s comments drew more than 10,000 messages on her Facebook page, many of them angry or obscene. By late yesterday afternoon a new page had sprung up, titled “Greeks are against Lagarde”. Lagarde told Britain’s Guardian newspaper in an interview published Friday that Greeks must “help themselves collectively” by all paying taxes, saying she was more concerned about Africans in poverty than Greeks in the economic crisis. The comments by the French IMF head came as parties squared off for the election that could determine whether Greece continues to receive EU-IMF funds as part of a multi-billion euro bailout package and stays in the eurozone.

Lagarde said she was “very sympathetic to the Greek people and the challenges they are facing”, in a response on Facebook. “That’s why the IMF is supporting Greece in its endeavor to overcome the current crisis.” Among the messages posted by angry Greeks, user Iakovos Magdakis wrote: “Who are you to tell me to pay? My wife has been unemployed for four years, I have been unemployed for five

months and we have a four-month-old baby.”

Tsipras seized on her comments to assert his stance as a defender against economic cuts, which drove many Greeks to vote for him in an inconclusive election on May 6, putting him second ahead of Venizelos’s Pasok party. “The last thing we seek in Greece is her sympathy. Greek workers pay their taxes, which are unbearable,” Tsipras said in a statement, taking a swipe at Pasok and the conservative New Democracy party which came first in May. “For tax-evaders, she should turn to Pasok and New Democracy to explain to her why they haven’t touched the big money and have been chasing the simple worker for two years.” In France, whose Socialist President Francois Hollande has defended Greece’s place in the euro-zone and pushed for a more growth-oriented strategy in the crisis, government spokeswoman Najat Vallaud-Belkacem described Lagarde’s comments as “rather simplistic and stereotypical”. Venizelos welcomed Lagarde’s Facebook message, after telling an election rally: “Nobody can humiliate the Greek people during the crisis.” “I say this today addressing specifically Ms Lagarde... who with her stance insulted the Greek people,” he said.

Greece made a deal in 2010 to receive hundreds of billions of euros (dollars) from the IMF and the EFSF, a European Union bailout fund, to rescue it from financial collapse.

Lagarde took the reins of the global lender in May 2011. The country will head to the polls for a second time in six weeks on June 17 since political parties failed to form a coalition after the May 6 election. Syriza, which has threatened to renege on the bailout accords, has led at times in the opinion polls, but a series of polls published Sunday indicated New

Egypt drops on election concerns; Gulf drops MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS CAIRO/DUBAI: Egypt’s bourse made its largest one-day decline in two months on concerns over the presidential election outcome, while most Gulf markets slipped yesterday amid uncertainty over a possible Greek exit from the euro.

Cairo’s index fell 3.5 percent, its biggest one-day drop since March 25, after two of the most divisive candidates emerged as the likely contenders of next month’s run-off vote. State television said the Brotherhood’s Mohamed Mursi led this week’s vote with 26.4 percent against 23 percent for ex-air force chief Ahmed Shafiq, according to preliminary results.

“Some investors are afraid that because we now have the two extreme elements confronting one another, then the coming period will not be calm,” said Osama Mourad, chief executive of Arab Finance Brokerage. Real estate developer SODIC booked the largest losses, down 9.7 percent, and investment bank EFG Hermes tumbled 9.2 percent.

Mourad said investors are also con-

cerned about possible repercussions of the verdict, due on June 2, in the highlycharged trial of former president Hosni Mubarak. In Saudi Arabia, the benchmark fell for a third session, down 0.4 percent, as trading volumes dropped to a four-month low. Worries over the deepening euro-zone debt crisis spurred investors to sell ahead of an expected summer lull on the kingdom’s bourse.

A total of 199 million shares changed hands, the lowest daily total since February 2. “People have already started taking cash out of the market for the summer because they don’t know what will happen with Greece,” said Tarek Al Mady, a Riyadh-based independent financial analyst. Saudi’s school holidays are expected to start early next month, which usually causes a 25-30-percent dip in market activity. “If there is clarity on Greece, prices in Saudi are very attractive to bring back the money,” said Al-Mady.

Petrochemical and banking stocks headed losers, with Saudi Basic

Industries Corp (SABIC) falling 0.8 percent. Arab National Bank slipped 2.3 percent and Bank Aljazira shed 3.2 percent.

Greece’s conservatives have regained an opinion poll lead that would allow the formation of a pro-bailout government committed to keeping the country in the euro zone, a batch of new surveys showed on Saturday. Elsewhere, Qatar’s bourse halted a two-session decline, rising 0.3 percent to trim year-to-date losses to 3.3 percent.

The gas exporter’s bullish economy is making it a defensive play for some regional investors amid global market turmoil. “At this point in time, due to the fact that Qatar’s economy in general is strong, it has a defensive nature,” said Ali Adou, portfolio manager at The National Investor. “If we are on the verge of a meltdown in Europe, Qatar will benefit.

Most regional investors will be interested in this market as they reduce exposure to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.”— Reuters

Democracy had taken the lead.

New Democracy and Pasok each defend the bailout agreement they signed as partners in a coalition government, but have proposed to amend it. Venizelos said he wants to extend the loan repayments. “The country needs a government that will unite the people and revise the loan agreement, but assure we stay in the euro,” he said yesterday.

Former prime minister Lucas Papademos has warned that Greece may run out of money by the end of June if international bailout funds are cut off following the election, To Vima newspaper reported yesterday. Campaigning on Saturday, New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras said a victory for Syriza would cause “catastrophe” and send Greece out of the euro. — AFP

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

BUSINESS

Indian rupee weakening to record lows

By Camille Accad KUWAIT: India’s growth has been slowing down in recent quarters, and its currency has weakened. On the domestic front, India has been plagued by persistently high inflation, requiring the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to keep interest rates at lofty levels, which has hurt investments and domestic demand. The central bank cut rates by 50 basis points a few weeks ago in an attempt to boost growth, although prices are still increasing -a major problem RBI has been facing. The balance of payments is also hurting India: on one hand, the trade deficit continues to widen; and on the other, the fragile financial account surplus is coming down due to weaker foreign capital interest. As a result, the Indian rupee has been depreciating, reaching its current historical low, past 56 rupees per US dollar. Given that India is a strong net importer, the weak currency has been fuelling inflation, mainly through energy imports, increasing India’s dilemma of lower growth and stubborn inflation.

After a strong start of the year, the Indian Rupee already lost all its yearly gains, down 5% year-to-date, as the balance of payments continues to deteriorate.

In response, the RBI and Indian authorities have taken steps to stabilize the rupee. First, in order to boost demand, RBI intervened by (a) selling dollars and (b) carrying out open market operations, as well as (c) introducing new measures such as forcing exporters to convert at least half of their US dollar holdings in rupee and increasing the interest rate on foreign currency deposits. Second, with the purpose of encouraging foreign investment inflows, authorities delayed new tax regulations, and blocked proposed tax

changes from overriding any of the over 80 double tax avoidance agreements (DTAA) of the country. RBI and the government’s latest actions are expected to halt the fall of the Indian rupee.

The weak external balance of payments, which consists of the current account and the financial account, has been a long-standing issue in India, and has worsened in the last few quarters. The current account - which comprises the trade of goods and services, income and transfers -has traditionally been

ADIPEC 2012 to host UAE oil, gas museum ABU DHABI: Organizers of Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference established a museum to study the exploration and production of oil and gas in the UAE and the evolution of Abu Dhabi’s hydrocarbons industry. The 15th edition of Middle East’s largest oil and gas exhibition to be held at Abu Dhabi National

ent day. Kimon Alexandrou, ADIPEC Exhibitions Director at dmg energy, said “Abu Dhabi is estimated to have the world’s sixth largest oil reserves and daily oil production of around 2.6 million barrels.

Although, despite the global importance of the UAE as an energy producer, no museum dedicated to

ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference established a museum.

Exhibition Centre from November 1114.

The exhibition is the largest oil and gas exhibition in the Middle East will unveil a dedicated oil and gas museum at this year’s event. Comprising exhibits loaned by local and multinational energy companies, the museum will be a chronological study of the UAE’s oil and gas industry, from its origins in Abu Dhabi in 1939 to the pres-

the oil and gas industry in the UAE currently exists. Given ADIPEC’s standing as the region’s largest oil and gas event, the 15th exhibition is the ideal venue for such a fascinating and necessary historical record.” Alexandrou said “A great deal of documentation on the UAE’s oil and gas heritage already exists. Working with Abu Dhabi’s oil and gas subsidiaries and our partners in ADIPEC, our role will be to bring

together as much of this priceless detail as we can, to educate both exhibition visitors and the local community about the industry’s transformative impact on UAE society and the significant role the UAE plays in meeting the world’s energy needs.”

The ADIPEC Oil and Gas Museum will comprise a wide variety of exhibits, many of them on public display for the first time, including archive photography, film, plans, engineering components and machinery, as well as the testimonies of former and present-day oil executives.

In addition, the museum will feature a tribute to the vision of the UAE’s founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan AlNahyan. Fareed Al-Sayed Abdulla, a senior vice president with Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations and joint curator of the museum, said “The museum will be a temporary installation during the four days of ADIPEC. However, our aim is to develop its contents and scope into a significant community project over time. Working with other local and international energy companies and participants in ADIPEC, we aspire to tell the story of oil and gas in the UAE and wider region for the benefit of present and future generations.”

The exhibition is held under the patronage of the UAE President, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and the 15th edition of ADIPEC takes place from November 11-14 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Entry to the ADIPEC Oil and Gas Museum, occupying 500 square meters in one of the exhibition’s main indoor halls, will be free to all trade and public visitors registering to attend ADIPEC 2012.— KUNA

in deficit. This situation is exacerbated by the high oil price and the weak rupee, which makes goods abroad more expensive. This trend particularly hits India’s oil companies that buy oil overseas and sell fuel at statecontrolled prices. India finds itself spending more for the same quantity of goods and services, consequently hurting the currency as more rupees are sold to purchase US dollars. The financial account, which takes into account the economy’s foreign net capital flows (such as portfolio investments and foreign direct

investment), also influences the foreign exchange of the Indian rupee: the higher the net inflows, the stronger the demand for rupees from abroad.

However, India’s financial account surplus has been declining in the past few quarters, hence weakening the demand for the currency and fostering the depreciation in the rupee. India is one of the most domesticoriented economies in Asia. So, in theory, the European crisis should have a less significant effect on the country than on its Asian peers. However, the nation’s strong demand for energy from abroad (80% of what it consumes) affects the country in its own way.

As the rupee and the current account deficit fall, fuel subsidies weigh more on the government’s expenses deteriorating the fiscal deficit. In reaction to the imbalances, the financial account declines as weaker investor confidence drives the outflow of funds. Given the current fragile economic climate, a risk-off environment could spur further outflows.

Despite fundamentally adverse effects from the weakening rupee, the next few months could very well be the best time to enter India. To start with, the current level of the Rupee should help the export sector become more competitive and help reduce the trade deficit. Also, the weak currency could attract investors by both holding the oversold currency expecting future appreciation and buying cheaper rupee-denominated capital. Excluding any major euro zone collapse, RBI’s actions, as well as investor interest in distressed assets, are likely to bring the Rupee back to stronger levels, which could gradually become a supporting factor to curb inflation and reinvigorate the Indian market.

—Camille Accad, economist at KCIC, an investment firm specializing in Emerging Asia investments.

Saudi Airlines win CMA’s nod for catering unit IPO First unit of national airline to be listed RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority (CMA) has given approval to Saudi Arabian Airlines for an initial public offering of 30 percent of its catering unit, the regulator said in a bourse statement yesterday.

The long-awaited share-sale in Saudi Airlines Catering Company has been anticipated by investors as it is the first part of the Saudi flag carrier, one of the kingdom’s largest state-owned entities, to be listed. The offering, which will consist of 24.6 million shares, will be sold to the public between June 18-24, following a period of bookbuilding

which will decide the price which prospective investors will pay.

“It is good to hear it has been approved, but the offering is not large.

It’s a mid-sized cap and we need to know the price to evaluate the offer,” said Hisham Tuffaha, asset manager at Bakheet Investment Group.

The IPO, which analysts have formerly estimated will be worth between $400 million-540 million has been delayed before, with the company initially targeting a flotation date in late 2010. Credit Agricole has advised the company on its IPO. Saudi Arabian

Airlines, the kingdom’s national carrier, started a process of privatization in 2006 by splitting into six units - catering, cargo, maintenance, airlines, flight academy and ground handling.

It plans to privatize each of the units individually and offer them to the public. The catering unit was the first to be privatized through private placement in 2008.

The listing of the airline’s units follows those of state utility Saudi Electricity Co and the former telecom monopoly holder Saudi Telecom Co during the last decade. — Reuters

US dollar rate up against dinar KUWAIT: Exchange rate of the US dollar against the Kuwaiti dinar rose to KD 0.280, while the euro dropped against KD to 0.350, compared to last Thursday’s figures, said the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) yesterday on its website. Exchange rate of the Sterling pound dropped to KD 0.438, and the Japanese yen remained unchanged, at KD 0.003, whereas the Swiss franc also slipped to KD 0.292.

Many factors affected the exchange market especially the dominant crisis of Greece’s sovereign debts which prompted investors to abstain from taking any risks. Fears are rising of Greece leaving the euro-zone due to its deteriorating economic and political circumstances, considering that in case it leaves the zone it would affect the European economies, namely those of Spain and Italy. The French initiative supporting economic growth and alleviating the austerity measures in the region was strongly rejected by Germany in spite of approval of most of the European leaders. The initiative suggests creating common bonds for the euro zone countries in order to use all the options to fight against corruption.

The US economy spent a calm week, while the euro continued to drop to its lowest levels against the dollar since two years ago.—KUNA

Maaden inks $1.5bnrefinery deal JEDDAH: Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) has awarded a $1.5 billion contract to South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. to build an aluminum refinery in the kingdom, a bourse statement said yesterday. The refinery, to be constructed in the Eastern Province, will have an annual production capacity of 1.8 million metric tons of smelter-grade alumina and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2014, the statement to Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange said.

“The contract includes completing detailed engineering, procurement, construction, pre-commissioning, commissioning assistance, start-up assistance and training services,” Maaden added. In March, the firm agreed a draft deal with Hyundai to build the refinery, part of a multibillion dollar complex in Ras Al-Khair that is 74.9-percent owned by Maaden and 25.1 percent by Alcoa Inc. — Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES 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 Philippine peso Egyptian pounds

.2730000 .4360000 .3480000 .2890000 .2700000 .2710000 .0040000 .0020000 .0759190 .7396520 .3830000 .0710000 .7250960 .0040000 .0430000

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES US Dollar/KD .2796500 GB Pound/KD .4378760 Euro .3500380 Swiss francs .2914840 Canadian dollars .2716760 Danish Kroner .0471080 Swedish Kroner .0389720 Australian dlr .2729520 Hong Kong dlr .0360210 Singapore dlr .2182380 Japanese yen .0035090 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 Pakistan rupee .0000000 Bangladesh taka .0000000 UAE dirhams .0761680 Bahraini dinars .7420720 Jordanian dinar .0000000 Saudi Riyal/KD .0745930 Omani riyals .7266470 Philippine Peso .0000000

.2832500 .4450000 .3570000 .3020000 .2800000 .2800000 .0070000 .0035000 .0766820 .7470860 .4000000 .0770000 .7323840 .0072000 .0500000 .2817500 .4411640 .3526660 .2936730 .2737160 .0474610 .0392650 .2750020 .0362910 .2198770 .0035360 .0051220 .0021670 .0030830 .0034550 .0767400 .7476450 .3985150 .0751530 .7321030 .0064890

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. Currency

Rate per 1000 (Tran)

US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah

280.800 3.057 5.075 2.150 3.434 6.485 76.555 75.035 746.500 46.485 445.600 3.090

Yemeni Riyal Euro Canadian Dollars Nepali rupee

1.550 358.600 279.200 3.220

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

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

Transfer Rate (Per 1000)

280.400 354.350 441.600 274.650 3.575 5.059 46.500 2.140 3.424 6.410 3.055 746.850 76.400 74.900

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

SELL DRAFT SELL CASH

278.59 277.09 297.40 354.72 280.45 442.93 3.60 3.431 5.072 2.141 3.179 3.055 76.42 747.05 46.47 399.55 729.90 77.45 74.99

288.00 280.00 300.00 355.80 281.25 445.00 3.65 3.550 5.330 2.400 3.850 3.200 76.80 745.00 47.85 396.00 730.00 77.55 75.15

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Rate for Transfer

US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Bahrain Dinar

Selling Rate

280.550 277.140 441.180 353.865 294.250 742.745

COUNTRY Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash Hongkong dollar Indian rupees Indonesia Iranian tuman Iraqi dinar Japanese yen Jordanian dinar Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Morocco dirham Nepalese Rupees New Zealand dollar Nigeria Norwegian krone Omani Riyal Pakistani rupees Philippine peso Qatari riyal Saudi riyal Singapore dollar South Africa Sri Lankan rupees Sterling pound Swedish krona Swiss franc Syrian pound

SELL CASH 277.700 747.040 3.680 276.300 551.700 45.800 48.400 167.800 48.130 356.000 36.870 5.270 0.032 0.160 0.238 3.630 398.070 0.190 92.440 44.400 4.320 215.200 1.820 47.900 729.650 3.180 6.710 77.700 75.000 220.780 36.280 2.676 443.800 40.200 296.400 4.300

9.310 198.263 76.590 281.300 1.350

9.080 76.490 280.900

GOLD 1,658.650

10 Tola Sterling Pound US Dollar

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 441.800 280.900

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co.

Bahrain Exchange Company

UAE Exchange Centre WLL COUNTRY

Thai bhat Tunisian dollar UAE dirham U.S. dollars Yemeni Riyal

76.360 77.005 74.775 394.915 46.424 2.155 4.987 3.054 3.431 6.452 688.185 4.520 8.990 5.005 3.225 89.005

SELL DRAFT 276.200 747.040 3.430 274.800

Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Malaysian Ringgit

3.543 4.999 3.050 2.149 3.195 220.150 36.118 3.421 6.464 8.895 89.413 GCC COUNTRIES 74.803 77.075 728.600 745.050 76.382

220.800 46.513 354.500 36.720 5.065 0.031

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

398.030 0.189 92.440

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 48.300 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 46.378 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.307 Tunisian Dinar 177.81 Jordanian Dinar 395.770 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.882 Syrian Lier 4.854 Morocco Dirham 32.790

3.200 213.700 729.470 3.062 6.415 77.270 75.000 220.780 36.280 2.142 441.800 294.900 4.300

EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 280.400 Euro 356.11 Sterling Pound 441.350 Canadian dollar 275.28 Turkish lire 153.020 Swiss Franc 296.81 US Dollar Buying 279.200 20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

GOLD 295.000 148.000 76.000

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

BUSINESS

A deeper recession in Europe highly expected NBK ECONOMIC REPORT KUWAIT: The US dollar strengthened against most of its major counterparts last week, amid betterthan-expected data from the US housing sector and as data from Europe and the UK fuelled risk aversion in the markets. Europe experienced a sharp decline in the PMI composite, adding expectations that the area will witness a deeper recession than initially anticipated. Additionally, the market is expecting more actions from the ECB to help support the economy as the crisis starts to intensify, and as markets are starting to price in a Greek exit.

The informal EU summit was a preliminary discussion to prepare for the European Council on June 28/29, where the EU leaders would attempt to produce a credible plan that addresses growth and additional banking integration. The single currency opened the week at 1.2781, and dropped gradually towards Thursday. On Friday, the currency broke major support levels and reached 1.2495, marking a two-year low and finally closed the week at 1.2515. The sterling pound followed suit, as the UK economy returned to recession, after shrinking by 0.2% in the first three months of 2012. Bad economic data combined with risks surrounding the euro-zone pushed the Pound to close the week at 1.5628 after breaking a number of technical levels.

The Japanese Yen opened the week at 79.08, and then rallied to 80.14 as the Central Bank of Japan maintained its key policy rate at a range of zero to 0.1%. The currency then range traded between 79.00 and 80.00, and closed within the range at 79.60.

Existing home sales The pace of sales for existing US homes in April rose to its fastest in nearly two years and a drop in foreclosures helped cause an unexpected jump in prices. Home resale has increased by 3.4% to an annual rate of 4.62 million units last month.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits slipped 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 370,000.The prior week’s figure were revised up to 372,000 from the previously reported 370,000. Claims have barely moved in the past four weeks indicating a marginal

improvement in the pace of job creation after April’s disappointing 115,000 gain in nonfarm payrolls.

US commercial crude oil inventories increased by 0.9 million barrels in the week ending 18 May. The US Energy Information Administration said that at 382.5 million barrels, crude oil inventories are above the upper limit of the average range for this time of year. Total motor gasoline inventories decreased by 3.3 million barrels last week and are in the lower limit of the average range.

Europe The PMI Index fell for the fourth month in a row to 45.9 in May, down from 46.7 in April, to signal the fastest rate of decline of private sector economic activity since June 2009. Output has fallen eight times in the past nine months. The goods-producing sector posted the stronger overall rate of contraction.

Manufacturers continued to post a steeper drop in

new orders than their service sector counterparts.

France posted a steeper drop in new business than Germany, while the rest of the euro-zone continued to see a stronger average rate of decline than the ‘bigtwo’.

The German economy grew by 0.5% in the first quarter on a bounce back in exports, confirming the strength of Europe’s largest economy. The German economy has powered ahead of its European partners after recovering swiftly from the 2008/09 financial crisis and has consistently brushed off debt worries and

the risk of recession. However, the drop in inventories was a clear warning signal for slower growth in the coming quarters.

Based on a survey of 2,000 Germans, the mood among consumers in Germany was very stable in May. Consumers were considerably more optimistic than in the previous month and their willingness to buy also increased slightly. Following a revised value of 5.7

points in May, the overall indicator is also forecasting 5.7 points for June, despite the drop income expectations.

The UK economy has returned to recession, after shrinking by 0.2% in the first three months of 2012. A sharp fall in construction output was behind the surprise contraction. The economy shrank by 0.3% in the fourth quarter of 2011.The UK economy was last in recession in 2009. British consumer price inflation dropped in April, reaching its lowest level in more than two years. The CPI rose 3% from a year earlier, down from 3.5% in March showing signs of disinflation across the board due to a fallback in energy prices. Nine members of the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee voted 8-1 in favor of ending the asset purchases at a total of 325 billion pounds, with only one member calling for another 25 billion pounds of quantitative easing. The majority decided to refrain from additional stimulus, as inflation would likely stay above the 3% target, suggesting that no further asset purchases were necessary at this point. On the other hand, policy makers kept the door open for further easing if risks from the euro-zone crisis persist.

Exports rising Japans exports rose at their fastest pace in more than a year. Exports rose by 7.9%, helped by a recovery in overseas demand. Despite the rise in exports the country’s trade deficit widened from the previous month as imports of fossil fuels from abroad rose to make up for the closure of all its nuclear plants.

The Bank of Japan kept monetary policy steady, preferring to save its ammunition as Europe’s deepening debt crisis may warrant further action in the coming months to curb away the damage to the fragile economy. As widely expected, the central bank maintained its key policy rate at a range of zero to 0.1% by a unanimous vote, and held off on offering additional monetary stimulus.

Kuwait Kuwaiti dinar at 0.28020 The USDKWD opened at 0.28020 on yesterday morning.

Jobless European recovery highlights need for reform OECD projects painful rebound by 2013

KOIDU: A worker walks past one of the three crushing circuits at the diamond mining company Koidu Holdings plant, in Koidu, the capital of the diamond-rich Kono district, in eastern Sierra Leone, some 250 km east from Freetown. — AFP

Sierra Leone diamond town lacks old luster KOIDU, Sierra Leone: It has been weeks since miner Sembo Sesay found a diamond in this eastern Sierra Leone town, whose soil was once littered with the stones that fuelled one of Africa’s bloodiest wars. “Diamond no there,” he laughs, his voice tinged with disappointment as he examines the “shaker” after plunging the sieve repeatedly into a muddy pool, muscles taut with exertion as he expertly swirls the water.

Every day just after sunrise, men carrying shovels and sieves set out for the gruelling task of digging, lifting and sifting waste sand for only 3,000 Leones ($0.69) a day in Koidu.

But the lustrous gems are few and far between these days. “We are really worried if we don’t see anything, there is no other job. We need the diamonds to survive,” Sesay, 27, says.

On the other side of town, Koidu Holdings, a mining company owned by Israeli diamond magnate Beny Steinmetz, is testing a new plant built to process the diamonds from its two vertical kimberlite mines as part of a $150 million (115 million euro) expansion plan. Small-scale artisanal mining has sustained this area since diamonds were discovered in 1930, and it was here that the 968.9-carat Star of Sierra Leone the largest alluvial diamond ever found-was mined in 1972.

But sur face diamonds are nearly depleted and only capital-intensive mining can now uncover the gems. Koidu suffered some of the worst ravages of Sierra Leone’s war in the nineties as rebels forced citizens to mine at gunpoint.

Residents speak of streets dug up and houses demolished at even a hint they were sitting on diamonds. These gems were smuggled to Liberia-whose former president Charles Taylor was last month

convicted of aiding and abetting Sierra Leone rebels in exchange for diamondsand Guinea, making their way onto ring fingers across the globe while rebels used the weapons they bought to sow terror.

Prosecutors have sought an 80-year sentence for Taylor in the first judgement against an ex-head of state by a world court since the World War II Nuremberg trials. Once one of the most powerful men in west Africa, Taylor will be sentenced on May 30 by a court based in The Hague.

Since a ban on the sale of Sierra Leonean diamonds was lifted in 2003, the country has taken pains to clear its image as a provider of “blood diamonds” and erase memories of the civil war in which several thousands were killed or had their limbs amputated.

Koidu now supplies US jewelry icon Tiffany & Co and Steinmetz is planning to float the mine on the Hong Kong stock exchange later this year, according to the Financial Times business newspaper.

However 10 years after the war, Koidu has little to show for its diamond wealth.

Dusty and desolate, it is reminiscent of an 1800s mining town, lined with diamond trading offices-mostly Lebaneseowned-and clapped-out stores selling shovels and sieves for those still hoping to try their luck.

Koidu is a seven-hour journey from the capital Freetown, the last half of which on a bone-rattling dirt road with potholes so large that ducks waddle over from mud-hut villages to swim in them after a downpour.

Amid the glaring poverty, much hope rests on Koidu Holdings’ presence in the town, but many are unhappy with the lack of visible development, while the resettlement of communities close to the plant has caused friction. — AFP

PARIS: Europe is set for a rebound to growth the latest forecasts show, but unemployment will keep on rising, a conundrum that highlights the difficult economic reforms that still need to be made. Policymakers have generally taken it as a given that growth produces jobs, but the relationship is not so simple given the complex interplay of business, people and regulations. In its latest Economic Outlook report, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development forecast that after a 0.1 percent contraction this year the euro-zone will rebound in 2013 with 0.9 percent growth.

Yet unemployment is set to rise to 10.8 percent this year and 11.3 percent in 2013. The upward drift in euro-zone unemployment “hides sharply divergent developments,” the OECD said, “with large increases from alreadyhigh levels in the economies under market pressure, more moderate increases elsewhere and continuing declines in Germany.”

Indeed bailed out countries Greece and Portugal as well as Spain and Italy are set to see unemployment rise further as their economies keep on contracting. But unemployment will also rise for countries with growth, such as in France, which is forecast to expand by 0.6 percent this year and 1.2 percent in 2013 but with the jobless rate also forecast to climb to 9.8 percent and 10.0 percent. Fellow euro-zone members Austria and Luxembourg are also forecast to see steadily rising unemployment despite their economies continuing to expand. Likewise for Britain, which is outside the euro, as is Sweden, where the jobless rate will hold steady despite the economy growing.

“The historical links between unemployment and growth fit with difficulty in this crisis,” the head of the French state’s Employment Council, Marie-Claire CarrereGee, told AFP. The Employment Council released a report on how employment policies fared during the global financial crisis in 2008, and found that fewer jobs were lost in countries such as France and Britain than would otherwise would have been expected. For such countries “the link between growth and employment, already weaker, was weakened further” noted the report, especially compared to countries such as Spain and the United States which saw unemployment explode after property bubbles burst. One reason that helped some European countries avoid a massive surge in unemployment were state programs to help businesses temporarily reduce working hours, or let people share jobs.

“Companies preferred to hold on to their skills base to be positioned when activity recovered,” said Carrere-Gee. But this came with a cost, both to companies and the overall economy. For Mathieu Plane, an economist at the French Economic Observatory, the report showed “a loss of competitiveness for businesses which absorbed the shock and didn’t immediately react by cutting employment.” The OECD sees less room for labor retention during the eurozone debt crisis. “In some European economies as in 2008-09, it is possible that lower working hours might cushion employment, although the scope for doing so is more limited at present,” it said in its latest report.

The OECD said working hours were now

Renaissance unit Topaz signs $330m debt plan DUBAI: Topaz Energy and Marine, a unit of Oman’s Renaissance Services, has signed the first phase of a $330 million refinancing loan agreement with banks, its parent said in a statement to the bourse yesterday.

United Arab Emirates - based Topaz, appointed banks in November to lead a refinancing initiative, after it was hit by a $2.9 million fraud scandal, and forced to pull a London listing amid valuation concerns and regional unrest. The first phase of the refinancing plan totals $203 million and was arranged and financed by Standard Chartered, DVB Bank and First Gulf Bank, the statement said.

The deal will refinance Topaz’s existing borrowings and releases $60 million in trapped equity, it added. No further details on the terms and pricing of the loan were provided in the statement.

Topaz operates mainly in the Middle East, North Africa and Caspian Sea region, running a fleet of 100 offshore support vessels. Vishal Goenka, group chief financial officer of Renaissance said the company is “encouraged” by the interest of regional and international banks for the second phase of the refinancing package.

The company originally said it was seeking $380 million for refinancing, and expected the deal to close by the end of last year. Shares in Renaissance are down 5.5 percent this year, after slumping over 50 percent in 2011. — Reuters

close to estimated trend levels, rather than above them as in 2007-08. Instead, businesses appear to be cutting jobs this time in response to the slowdown “bringing the unemployment rate back towards a level that might normally be expected given output developments,” said the OECD. The London-based research firm Markit, which compiles the closely-watched Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) survey, found that French companies are slashing jobs in response to weakening demand.

“Companies adjusted to the deteriorating conditions by cutting employment at the sharpest rate for over two years,” said Markit Senior Economist Jack Kennedy after releasing the May figures for France.

The policy prescription from the OECD and others is much the same that European countries have received for dealing with the debt crisis: structural reforms to increase the flexibility and competitiveness. “Labor market reforms remain essential to foster near-term employment growth and reduce the risk that higher unemployment becomes permanently entrenched,” said the OECD. Such reforms can be politically difficult to implement as they take on entrenched interests, but Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece have all moved along this front although there is an increasing risk of an electoral backlash before results emerge.

“Elections in a number of euro area countries have signalled that reform fatigue is increasing and tolerance for fiscal adjustment may be reaching a limit,” OECD chief economist Pier Carlo Padoan warned this past week. — AFP

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

BUSINESS

Arab Spring hit Mideast business: KPMG Audit firms see huge potential in Kuwait market KUWAIT: KPMG in Kuwait is one of the leading providers of professional services in the country. KPMG Kuwait works very closely with KPMG Saudi Arabia which has over 400 professionals in its Riyadh, Jeddah and AI-Khobar offices and KPMG Jordan which has over 100 professionals in its Amman office.

KPMG Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan work closely with the UK and other Middle Eastern offices and draw heavily on international resources. This approach international expertise with detailed local knowledge to service to our clients.

As Kuwaiti businesses join the global economy and international companies seek to enter the Kuwait market, KPMG’s blend of international expertise and local knowledge makes us well-positioned to serve our clients in this increasingly complex, but exciting market KPMG operates through a national leadership with dedicated regional teams, which enable our network of professional talent, our technologies and our products and solutions to quickly come together to meet our clients’ needs.

In addition to its presence in the Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, KPMG is widely represented in the Middle East region and has offices in Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, UAE, Lebanon, Oman and Yemen.

In a recent interview, Michael Andrew, Chairman, KPMG International, spoke about its regional operations in the backdrop of the global financial crisis.

KPMG Kuwait chief Safi Al-Muatawa was also present. Excerpts: Question: Since you currently work in the accounting field, I must ask you on your view and thoughts of what happened during the past financial crisis and what our current world lives now, and what you think may have caused it Answer: The financial crisis was caused due to a combination of failures in the banking system, excessive spending, prudential supervision, under pricing risk, and over-leverage. There are many root causes to this including short term targets, inappropriate performance based pay, failure of internal control in business models, questionable external independence ratings, and so on. The

end of the day, we must look back and say what could we have done belter to avoid this from recurring and what are our responsibilities to improve capital markets.

Q: How can you explain the European pressure on Audit firms in general?

A: Audit firms are down under pressure in Europe for two reasons: Economic conditions -where significant cost reduction issues are being faced by many European companies and governments. This is placing great pressure on audit firms in terms of audit pricing but equally increasing risk in terms of the number of financial institutions and business models which are exposed in the current environment.

Overarching this, the European Union is recommending market intervention into the audit industry with measures that, frankly, are impractical and will not enhance audit quality. Their timing couldn’t be worse. Our challenge is to educate the market that many of the recommendations in the Brainier report will de-value audit quality and to outline belter alternatives to strengthen investor confidence.

Q: In everyone’s view, that the emerging markets will be the ones to watch during the next few years, is this also the case for audit firms? And why?

A: The emerging markets are very important to audit firms as there are major global companies are investing into these marketplaces. Equally, many of these emerging markets are seeking to attract capital through IPOs, increasing enhanced government policy and new tax regimes. Essentially, audit firms go into a new market to support their global client’s business, then they provide tax services, assist the IPO of the local enterprises, and finally, you see the growth of the local entities requiring a global audit firm opinion as they seek to raise funds or establish business operations outside their domestic market.

Q: What is your strategy in the Middle East Market?

A: We see the Middle East as being a significant opportunity for us in the audit and advisory space. In particular, many, many Middle Eastern governments are trying to modernize their

Cash rich companies!

By Hayder Tawfik KUWAIT: Is it another false alarm or this time is for real. Cash rich companies are still underper forming throughout the world. In the last few weeks, they have attracted the attention of some clever investors.

Possible reasons for this shift are or could be their attractive dividends yield, strong balance sheet, underperformance or the global economic uncertainties which is lead by Europe. Yes, cash is a good cushion for companies when and if the global macro environment weakness. I personally do not believe in the justifications given to invest in some of those companies just because they are cash rich. Investors should remember that they invest in equities because of growth potential and the hope that they get good returns on their money. These returns should beat cash plus inflation and some more for the risk they take.

Investors should be aware why these companies have big cash on their balance sheets. If they are growing then it is fair enough but if not then cash can disappear quickly. The global economic environment is in such a state, the only way forward for it is growth. Actually, I am quite sure that sooner or later we will hear of some kind of a Marshal Plan for the eurozone and some other economic blocks around the world. Any announcement of policy change or the hint of it will be a big boost for growth stocks and not cash rich companies. This is my fundamental dis-

agreement why investors should avoid cash rich companies when they investing.

If you have to be invested at all times and you are not sure then may be invest in cash rich companies. In a world where shareholders are protected and have a strong voice, cash rich companies ultimately have to pay dividends, buyback shares and then return cash to shareholders and if not then those companies get punished. My own advice to cash rich companies is to take advantage of the current economic situation and use the cash either to expand or acquisition or both, but do not sit on the cash for long time.

The announcement by Apple to pay dividends and buyback shares has rattled the CEO’s of the tech sector that have been objecting to pay dividends. Apple has set the trend not only for the tech sector but for all cash rich companies. Hopefully, they will follow Apple’s scheme otherwise they will be punished. Investors should focus on Free Cash Flow rather than just cash balances. Also, investors should target companies that already pay good dividends, but have the potential to pay more in the future. Looking at companies dividends policies and analyzing past dividends should give investors some indication for the future potential. At the end it is in the company’s interests to return surplus cash to shareholders or they may face a nasty and hostile takeover.

— Hayder Tawfik is Executive Vice President of Asset Management, at Dimah Capital.

public policy programs and address a number of issues facing their communities where this being the education, government efficiency, market reform of governance and transparency issues.

Q: We’re also seeing significant international interests around some of these markets, most notably I raq, Lower Gulf, and Kuwait What are the key influences that will help your company achieve great results during 2012?

ing with other stakeholders in capital markets to improve investors’ confidence. This requires consultation, discussion and we working together constructively. This is why the European Green Paper has been disappointing as it has ignored all stakeholder input to-date and will, if implemented, be a substantial cost to European business.

Q: Has the “Arab Spring” affected your business?

A: Yes, the “Arab Spring” has affected

Michael Andrew, Chairman, KPMG International A: The key factor behind KPMG’s success in 2012 will be very much aligning and focusing on our high growth strategy. We priorities emerging markets, especially China and India, financial services transformation, management consulting, energy, government and infrastructure, international tax and healthcare. All these proved to be areas with superior growth rates. Being a more globally balanced firm, we are going to have greater access and success in the emerging markets through greater local understanding and market knowledge.

Q: Can you please explain the most difficult challenges that face you?

A: The most difficult challenge I’ve seen in audit profession is inefficient regulatory intervention. We recognize the audit profession is a regulated industry, but we, too, share the focus on increasing the integrity in the financial reporting, increasing audit quality, and work-

Safi Al-Mutawa our business in 2 ways. We had Significant business presence in Egypt, Syria, Yemen which has been disrupted by the “Arab Spring”, and we had to put in place strategies to maintain our key employees and partners through this difficult environment. On a positive note, the “Arab Spring” has forced many countries to address a number of internal issues and this has given right to significant opportunities for our advisory practice especially in the government services area. Long term, we see this actually benefiting our businesses as these markets become more sophisticated and open to international advisory and audit opportunities.

Q: What are your expectations for the global economy in the near future?

A: The global economy will continue to be challenged while the euro-zone crisis remains unresolved. Fortunately, this has been counter balanced by a

resilient US economy and strong growth in the domestic economies of the emerging market countries. Most international investors are now factoring in the euro-zone crisis to their business planning and are diversifying risk away from these economies. It will be a challenging 2012/2013; but I feel more optimistic today than I did in October of last year.

Q: How do you see the Kuwaiti market and the Gulf market in general?

A: The Kuwaiti and Gulf market has great potential for these firms as there is a lot of accumulated wealth. There will be major outbound investors addressing many government programs for a reform measure, and the market is opening up to more modern and western type ideas.

We’re seeing more companies start to invest in this marketplace, and more of the major state-owned enterprises and sovereign funds dictate the global investment agenda. It’s really important to have a strong presence in this hub.

Q: What is more difficult. Running a big 4 Audit firm or looking after your race horses which I learnt is a hobby of yours?

A: I think winning a horserace is extremely challenging but it bears nothing on running a Big Four audit firm in the current environment. Not only do you have economic regulatory and talent challenges, the market is becoming much more global and the exchange rates and trade flows are changing very quickly. You’re at the forefront of media and regulatory attention, people look to you as a role model in leadership. The race horses, frankly, are light relief! While leading KPMG is ver y challenging, demanding but satisfying job.

KPMG International is a global network of professional member firms providing audit, tax and advisory services to meet the demands of their clients. It operates in 152 countries and has more than 145,000 professionals working in member firms around the world.

The independent member firms of the KPMG network are affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. KPMG International provides no client service.

Jordan increases gasoline and power prices to ease deficit Price hikes hit corporate, wealthy citizens AMMAN: Jordan has raised the price of gasoline and electricity for major mining firms, hotels and banks as part of IMF-guided austerity steps to ease its worsening budget deficit that could reach $4 billion this year.

Yesterday’s move was the first major rise in retail gasoline prices since street protests early last year - inspired by a wave of Arab unrest pushed the authorities to expand social spending and freeze fuel price hikes, including gasoline. The price of premium petrol has been increased almost 20 percent while electricity tariffs have also been substantially raised for major industrial and service sectors of the economy, including banks and hotels.

Prices of bulk LPG, heavy fuel oil for industry, jet fuel and bunker fuel were also hiked in a move economists say will add to inflationary pressures and hurt the country’s exports competitiveness by pushing costs. The government, mindful of public fury that exploded into street clashes in the depressed south of the country after two price hikes in 1989 and 1996, has not raised the price of lower grade gasoline used by lower-income Jordanians - the majority of the country’s seven million population.

Successive governments have adopted an expansionist fiscal policy characterized by sizeable state subsidies and salary increases in response to the months of protests. To head off greater unrest, the authorities also created new state jobs in an already bloated public sector, and maintained subsidies for bread and other

staple goods, further straining public funds.

In the latest sign of popular discontent, Islamist and tribal opposition groups held street protests against rising prices on Friday.

O fficials say the focus on taxing Jordan’s wealthy and big corporations while avoiding any moves to raise prices of subsidized gas cylinders for cooking or electricity for lower income households will ward off any troubles, especially in traditional trouble spots where anti-government protesters had warned they would resist price hikes that harm the poor.

Jordanian officials say the price hikes will show a serious commitment to fiscal consolidation and win the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) continued support and further aid.

An IMF team raised with officials at a meeting last month the prospect of the country facing a bleak economic plight if the authorities fail to contain the public sector wage bill and restore fiscal prudence.

The cabinet also announced long-planned electricity tariffs for key corporate sectors including banking, a pillar of the economy, a move that will hit the country’s struggling businesses, already reeling from the slowdown. A senior official told Reuters that the government also planned raising taxes on banks, mining firms and large corporations, along with slapping higher taxes on luxury items.

The moves, seen as appeasing protesters demanding a fight against corruption and angry at a widening gap between the rich and

poor, were criticized by a business community already reeling under heavy direct and indirect taxes. They say such moves will not only scare investors but a drop in business activity where growth has halved in the last few years from a high 6-7 percent during a boom period until 2008, will offset any gains from higher taxes.

The budget deficit has been accentuated by a soaring energy bill that hit $4.5 billion last year after the disruption of regular Egyptian gas imports that support 80 percent of Jordan’s electricity generation. That forced the kingdom to switch to much more expensive diesel to cover its electricity needs.

Economists said Jordan’s ability to maintain a costly subsidy system and a large state bureaucracy, whose salaries consume the bulk of the $9.6 billion of state expenditure, was increasingly untenable in the absence of large foreign capital inflows or infusions of foreign aid.

The austerity package has become more pressing with absence of any commitment so far by Saudi Arabia, which came to the rescue of the kingdom last year with a $1.4 billion cash injection, to extend any extra aid to bolster the kingdom.

Officials say the rise in gasoline prices along with fiscal prudence and restraint will help Jordan meet an IMF-backed budget deficit target of around 6 percent of gross domestic product after grants that traditionally cover budget shortfalls. — Reuters

Typical CEO made $9.6m last year, finds study

KABUL: An Afghan onion vendor drinks tea at his roadside stall in Kabul yesterday.

As NATO discusses its exit from Afghanistan at a summit in Chicago, Afghans fear that a meltdown in their corruption-plagued economy could follow the consequent drop in foreign funding. Cash that is desperately needed in one of the world’s poorest economies is already making its own way out —$4.6 billion left through Kabul airport in 2011, almost double the amount in the previous year, the finance ministry says. — AFP

NEW YORK: Profits at big US companies broke records last year, and so did pay for CEOs. The head of a typical public company made $9.6 million in 2011, according to an analysis by The Associated Press using data from Equilar, an executive pay research firm.

That was up more than 6 percent from the previous year, and is the second year in a row of increases.

The figure is also the highest since the AP began tracking executive compensation in 2006.

Companies trimmed cash bonuses but handed out more in stock awards. For shareholder activists who have long decried CEO pay as exorbitant, that was a victory of sorts. That’s because the stock awards are being tied more often to company performance. In those instances, CEOs can’t cash in the shares right away: They have to meet goals first, like boosting profit to a certain level.

The idea is to motivate CEOs to make sure a company does well and to tie their fortunes to the company’s for the long term. For too long, activists say, CEOs have been richly rewarded no matter how a company has fared - “pay for pulse,” as some critics call it. To be sure, the compa-

nies’ motives are pragmatic. The corporate world is under a brighter, more uncomfortable spotlight than it was a few years ago, before the financial crisis struck in the fall of 2008.

Last year, a law gave shareholders the right to vote on whether they approve of the CEO’s pay. The vote is nonbinding, but companies are keen to avoid an embarrassing “no.” “I think the boards were more easily shamed than we thought they were,” says Stephen Davis, a shareholder expert at Yale University, referring to boards of directors, which set executive pay.

In the past year, he says, “Shareholders found their voice.” The typical CEO got stock awards worth $3.6 million in 2011, up 11 percent from the year before. Cash bonuses fell about 7 percent, to $2 million.

The value of stock options, as determined by the company, climbed 6 percent to a median $1.7 million. Options usually give the CEO the right to buy shares in the future at the price they’re trading at when the options are granted, so they’re worth something only if the shares go up. Profit at companies in the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index rose 16 percent last year,

remarkable in an economy that grew more slowly than expected.

CEOs managed to sell more, and squeeze more profit from each sale, despite problems ranging from a downgrade of the US credit rating to an economic slowdown in China and Europe’s never ending debt crisis. Still, there wasn’t much immediate benefit for the shareholders. The S&P 500 ended the year unchanged from where it started. Including dividends, the index returned a slender 2 percent.

Shareholder activists, while glad that companies are moving a bigger portion of CEO pay into stock awards, caution that the rearranging isn’t a cure-all. For one thing, companies don’t have to tie stock awards to performance. Instead, they can make the awards automatically payable on a certain date meaning all the CEO has to do is stick around. Other companies do tie stock awards to performance but set easy goals. Sometimes, “they set the bar so low, it would be difficult for an executive not to trip over it,” says Patrick McGurn, special counsel at Institutional Shareholder Services, which advises pension funds and other big investors on how to vote.

And for many shareholders, their

main concern - that pay is just too much, no matter what the form - has yet to be addressed. “It’s just that total (compensation) is going up, and that’s where the problem lies,” says Charles Elson, director of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware.

The typical American worker would have to labor for 244 years to make what the typical boss of a big public company makes in one. The median pay for US workers was about $39,300 last year. That was up 1 percent from the year before, not enough to keep pace with inflation.

Tita Freeman, a senior vice president at the Business Roundtable, a group of chief executives of large U.S. companies, says that CEO compensation is driven by market forces.

“I can’t tell you precisely what a specific CEO should make, any more than I can tell you what a top-performing Major League Baseball shortstop should make,” Freeman said in an emailed statement.

Since the AP began tracking CEO pay five years ago, the numbers have seesawed. Pay climbed in 2007, fell during the recession in 2008 and 2009 and then jumped again in 2010. —AP

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business

Airlines face turbulence despite oil price drop Crash of single currency afflicts European carriers

MADRID: With Spain’s unemployment rate of 24.4 percent, the highest in the industrialized world, home evictions are expected to rise further.

Families occupy empty flats in crisis-hit Spain SEVILLE, Spain: Spanish grandmother Ana Lopez Corrales already feels at home in the Seville apartment where she’s been living for the past week —- but it is not hers and she pays no rent. The 67year-old is one of 32 homeless families who are squatting in an empty fourstorey building, one of thousands of unsold apartment blocks that dot Spain following the collapse of a property bubble in 2008.

Corrales said she found herself on the street when she could not keep up with her monthly rent of 500 euros ($630).

She and her 70-year-old husband, who has been bedridden for the past two decades, now occupy the show flat of the building, the only one that was furnished, and her kitchen is used by all the squatters. “All the women you see here are homeless,” she said as she gestured to several women as they prepared vegetables for lunch, washed dishes and polished tiles around her in the kitchen.

“This place has been shut up for more than two years, no one has come by.

Why do they want to shut up these apartments when there are so many people in the street with nothing?”, added Corrales.

The developer of the building has disappeared and no one has claimed the property. The 32 families moved into the building with the aid of members of Spain’s popular movement known as “the indignants”, which emerged last year to protest economic inequality, corruption and sky-high unemployment.

“Demanding a home is a constitutional right. The Spanish constitution says that all Spaniards, all citizens, have the right to decent housing,” said “indignant” activist Antonio Perez. So far, police had let the squatters stay, he said. “The police know that if a judge issues an eviction order, they will have to execute it. But up until now they have protected us.”

There are about one million vacant homes left over from the property crash in Spain, where the number of home

evictions last year amounted to more than 58,000. ‘Not a happy future’With Spain’s unemployment rate of 24.4 percent, the highest in the industrialized world, home evictions are expected to rise further.

The southwestern region of Andalucia, of which Seville is the capital, has been especially hard-hit by the crisis, with a jobless rate of over 33 percent.

“There must be many other people in our situation. This is an example for those who find a house that has been empty for two or three years,” said Corrales, who has been dubbed “the heart of the neighbors.”

“We did not know each other before but we are united now like a family, for better or worse we get along well. Our strength comes from our unity.” Corrales’ 35-year-old daughter Ana Lopez also lives in a flat in the building, where she is struggling to raise her two children, aged six and 18, on a monthly family allowance of 426 euros.

“We want a rent that we would be able to afford,” she said. No one knows how long they will stay in the building.

“We will be here the time we need, for as long as my family does not have a decent roof over its head,” said Aguasanta Quero Reyes, 38, who lives in a flat on the fourth floor with her husband and three children. “My children joined me here two days ago and I can see they’re very happy. When I opened the door, my eightyear-old son said: ‘Thank you so much, mummy, thanks to everything you’ve done we’ve got a home.” Reyes, who earns just 250 euros a month working as a saleswoman, said her family moved into the flat after they were evicted for falling six months behind on their rent.

Raquel Machuca Rodriguez, who is pregnant with her fourth child, said she planned to buy second-hand furniture for the flat she occupies on the fourth floor. “This is not a happy future but you have to take what you can get,” the 29year-old said. — AFP

Wilhelmshaven port Germany

German port Wilhelmshaven readies to take on Rotterdam WILHELMSHAVEN, Germany: The small town of Wilhelmshaven on Germany’s North Sea coast, with its population of only 81,000, is already the country’s largest naval base. But with its new JadeWeser-Port container hub, Wilhelmshaven became Germany’s only deep water port and hopes to give Rotterdam and Antwerp a run for their money and become the main stopping point in Europe for supersize container ships arriving from Asia.

The town was set up by Emperor William I of Prussia in 1869 and its port opened for civilian purposes in the mid1950s, with the first oil tanker jetty constructed not much later. Since then, Wilhelmshaven has become the largest German import terminal for crude oil, with pipelines supplying refineries in the Rhine-Ruhr region and Hamburg, and also a major handling location for goods such as petroleum products, coal and chemical products.

Nevertheless, the Jade-Weser-Port Container Terminal will catapult the port into the world’s premier league, with the capacity to handle the largest container ships-including the future triple-E class ships that have a carrying capacity of 18,000 TEU or “Twenty-foot equivalent

unit” which is the unit of measure in the sector.

Wilhelmshaven’s 18-metre deep port will allow these huge new giants to dock here fully loaded independent of the tide at any time of night or day. At the moment, the site is a vast stretch of sand with a few diggers and excavators, a scattering of buildings still under construction. On the waterfront, sit four giant 83metre high cranes newly arrived from China, which will load and unload vast container ships that Wilhelmshaven hopes to soon welcome.

“They are the highest in the world,” boasts Jan Miller, director of the logistics zone next to the new container hub. But just when the cranes will start their work is still not certain. Officially, the port, which is costing more than 1.0 billion euros ($1.25 billion) mostly from the regional state of Lower Saxony, is scheduled to open for business on August 5.

A ship of Danish group Maersk will be among the first to dock there, a spokesman said for the company which is currently the only customer of the new port. “We’re in talks with others, but we haven’t yet signed any concrete agreements,” said Marcel Egger, director of the port operator Eurogate. — AFP

PARIS: Airlines are still in for financial turbulence despite a recent fall in oil prices, with many at risk of posting major losses as the cost of their top input remains historically high. “If fuel prices remain at a reasonably low and stable level, of course it’ll be favorable to operations of the company,” Wang Jian, board secretar y of China Eastern Airlines, told AFP. But “despite the recent reduction in oil price, it remains at historically high levels and a significant challenge to the business,” said Cathay Pacific Finance Director Martin Murray. It “relieves the pressure a bit,” acknowledged Air France-KLM’s Philippe Calavia, finance director at Air France-KLM. But he noted the Franco-Dutch group has based its financial plans on oil at an average of $98 a barrel this year. Oil prices are “still above over budget,” he said.

The price of oil continued to fall this past week, with Brent North Sea crude for June at $106.91 a barrel in late London afternoon trade, way off the $128.40 it hit on March 1 and the record $147.50 it set in July 2008.

Airlines in Asia and Europe have been struggling with the high price of fuel, the first or second largest cost in their budgets, which has pushed many deep into the red.

Singapore Airlines saw its full-year profit plunge 69 percent year-on-year to $268 million due to high oil prices and global economic uncertainty. Similarly Hong Kongbased Cathay Pacific saw its 2011 net profit slump 61 percent to $708 million and recently announced a raft of cost-cutting measures in response to high fuel prices.

Australia’s biggest airline Qantas, which has raised fares in recent months to partially offset higher fuel costs, said reduced oil prices were not yet helping its bottom line.

“Our fuel bill this year is going be significantly higher than last year, so the outlook is still very challenging as far as we are concerned,” a spokesman told AFP. Jet fuel is Qantas’ biggest operational cost and in February the carrier said it had hedged 86 percent of its remaining fuel requirement for the financial year at a worst-case price of $121 per barrel.

Airlines, like many other companies, use financial instruments to protect themselves from possible rises in oil prices. But hedging can also trap them if oil prices fall below expectations.

“The main risk today is to rush to take advantage of current prices, which are still very high if falling, and finding yourself exposed to a loss on your hedges if prices continue to fall,” said Air France-KLM’s Calavia. The airline which is looking at a fuel bill some 1.1 billion euros ($1.4 billion) heavier than the 6.4 billion it spent in 2011, has hedged around 60 percent of its second-largest operational cost after wages.

German airline Lufthansa has hedged 76

percent of its fuel needs, and forecasts it will spend 7.5 billion euros this year compared to 6.3 billion in 2011. Oil prices are now moving back to a level where airlines can make a profit, according to the industry group IATA, which represents 240 companies that carry 84 percent of global traffic.

“Our central forecast in March suggested that if oil averaged $115, then as a whole the industry would still make a small profit of $3 billion,” said IATA spokesman Chris

Goater. “But if oil were to spike to an average of $135, then we would see an industry loss of $5.3 billion,” he added.

European airlines are also not getting their hopes up too high too quickly as the slide in the euro has been eroding much of the gains in the drop of dollar-priced oil.

And until oil prices stabilize at a lower level airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa and Air France-KLM intend to push forward with drastic cost-cutting plans. — AFP

SYDNEY: A Qantas Boeing 747-400 (left) and a Virgin Airbus A340-600 (right) cross paths at Sydney International Airport yesterday. Virgin announced it plans to hire Qantas engineers made redundant after the Australian flag carrier axed 500 jobs in its heavy maintenance and engineering operations as part of a restructuring to stem losses. — AFP

Glencore to lay out Xstrata merger plans LONDON: Glencore will this week move into the final stage of its long-awaited $30 billion takeover of miner Xstrata, as shareholders are sent detailed documents on the deal, kicking off a last charm offensive ahead of July votes.

But Xstrata investors hoping for an improvement to the allshare offer are likely to be disappointed, at least for now. That is because of technical changes set to support Glencore shares over the coming weeks, share sales by prominent naysayers and stake-building by Qatar, whose sovereign wealth fund now has more than 9 percent of Xstrata and is expected to back the deal.

Glencore, which already owns almost 34 percent of the miner, is offering 2.8 new shares for every Xstrata share held to conclude its long-standing plan to create an integrated mining and trading powerhouse.

Those terms will likely be confirmed in the documents, due out by Thursday, though Glencore can still increase the bid up until a few days before shareholders vote. “Qatar seems reasonably likely to approve the 2.8 ratio. So given that, the chances of an increase in the ratio from 2.8 to something modestly above have probably lessened slightly, and the probability the deal will get done has increased,” Nik Stanojevic, an analyst at Brewin Dolphin, said.

Glencore shares closed on Friday at almost 346 pence, with Xstrata at about 912 pence, below the level implied by the offer. The time value of money a convention that says money held now has a higher value than money promised in future implies investors are expecting the deal to go through roughly on current terms. “We continue to see negligible scope for a

“bump” to the terms and larger downside risks for Xstrata shareholders in the increasingly unlikely event that the deal is voted down,” Liberum analysts said in a note on Friday.

Ingredients that helped Glencore, they said, included an increased focus on the rising cost of new greenfield projects a bonus for the trading giant which has bet on low capital intensity, brownfield growth.

But the last round of meetings after the documents are published will be crucial for Glencore, which needs the backing of minorities thanks to the deal structure.

It requires at least 75 percent of shareholders excluding Glencore to approve the offer, meaning opposition from investors representing more than 16.5 percent of Xstrata’s total shareholding would be enough to derail it.

And there is still opposition to the deal on current terms.

“They want control of the assets and to control them in a different way - but we are not being paid for that change of control.

It’s pretty clear what is in this for Glencore but not so much for Xstrata,” one top-20 shareholder said this month.

Yet at least two of Glencore’s most vocal opponents on the Xstrata shareholder register, Standard Life and Schroders, have been selling down their stakes, according to regulatory filings.

Investors are expecting the documents to lay out minutae of the deal, including payments due to the two sides’ advisers, remuneration details and an update on discussions with antitrust authorities, with the European Union and China a focus. Remuneration - including details of any retention package for Xstrata’s Mick Davis, who will stay on as chief executive of the combined group - will be closely watched after more than a third

of voting shareholders rejected pay plans at Xstrata’s annual shareholder meeting this month.

Xstrata and Glencore last month delayed timing of the documents for shareholders to the end of May, a month later than planned, as the two sides sought more time for discussions with regulators - including Brussels, to which a merger notification is expected to be filed imminently.

Once that notification is received, the European Commission has 25 days to approve the deal or begin an indepth probe into the plan to create the world’s fourth-largest miner.

An in-depth probe-Phase II-is considered unlikely, but would be a significant setback for Glencore. The deal would technically lapse, under UK rules, and could only be restarted once clearance is granted-a bruising delay. — Reuters

Glencore will this week move into the final stage of its long-awaited $30 billion takeover of miner Xstrata.

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MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

BUSINESS

Qatar Tourism to launch road show across GCC KUWAIT: Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) will embark on a promotional roadshow spanning six cities across the Gulf to endorse Qatar as the ideal destination for Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Roadshow 2012 will start in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Al-Khobar on 26 May, before moving on to Riyadh, Kuwait, Muscat, Abu Dhabi and concluding in Dubai on 31 May. QTA’s tourism strategy during the GCC Road show 2012 will aim to promote Qatar’s authentic heritage and rich past while highlighting its focus on building the future through creativity and innovation by promoting the five major pillars: Meetings, Sports, Culture, Leisure and Education.

The (QTA), which plans to grow the tourism industry by 20% in the next five years, want to highlight and educate the GCC on the potential of Qatar being an ideal destination for people to celebrate the two Islamic holidays.

Abdulla Malalla Al-Bader, Director of Tourism at Qatar Tourism Authority said: “We are conducting these roadshows to educate the GCC on the

potential of Qatar being an ideal destination for people to celebrate Eid AlFitr and Eid Al-Adha.”

“Qatar is fast becoming one of the emerging destinations in the world

Abdulla Malalla Al-Bader travel, thanks to our strategy to highlight the range of activities on offer in Qatar. Qatar has everything a high end traveler needs - stunning hotels, cultural icons and many leisure activities.”

“The promotional roadshow is to promote Qatar as a premier business and upscale leisure destination to MICE (meetings, incentive, conven-

tion, exhibitions) professionals. .” added Al Bader. Qatar has made significant investments domestically and internationally to encourage cultural, sport, and leisure tourism to complement business tourism industry in the country. The government of Qatar has made significant investments to develop Qatar’s tourism infrastructure over a 5 year period, including the construction of new hotels, resorts and other tourism facilities. Qatar is a hosting venue for many international sporting championships in tennis, golf, athletics and football. Plans are being put in place to build worldclass stadiums for the 2022 Football World Cup. The iconic Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I.M. Pei, has put Qatar’s capital city of Doha firmly on the cultural scene in the Middle East. Other major projects scheduled to open in the near future include the Qatar National Convention Centre, which boasts 40,000 square meters of stateof-the-art exhibition space and the New Doha International Airport, which at completion will be able to handle 50 million passengers.

Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG and G 65 AMG coming to Kuwait Legendary G-Class continues to surprise

Abdolaziz Al-Balool

Wataniya offers MOI SMS Service KUWAIT: Wataniya Telecom, winner of the Best Telecom Company of the year, 2012 award, recently announced the launch of its latest service, MOI SMS. This service offers customers yet another innovative way to stay informed through Wataniya’s collaboration with the Ministry of Interior. The MOI SMS service allows all Wataniya customers to be updated with important information round the clock. Citizens and residents of Kuwait can obtain information such as traffic violations, car registration expiry, driving license expiry, travel ban, weapon license expiry notifications and even emergency cases that may be occurring at the time. Foreign residents are also offered the service for residency expiry alerts.

Citizens of Kuwait are offered additional services such as passport expiry dates, upcoming national elections and alerts on matters such as separating children from citizenship file.

Commenting on this new service was Abdolaziz AlBalool, Public Relations Director at Wataniya Telecom, “The MOI SMS service is a significant service that offers convenience and peace of mind to its users. It facilitates the process of continuously staying up to date with matters that are considered a priority.”

He added, “There is so much Wataniya aspires to offer its customers, and in due time it shall keep adding more valuable and distinguished services to its rich portfolio.”

Customers can easily subscribe directly from their mobile, with a onetime subscription fee of only KD 1. In order to subscribe to this service and receive notifications in English, Wataniya subscribers would need to send either; E (space)Civil ID number to 1750, and ⁄(space)Civil ID number to 1750 to receive the alerts in Arabic. Upon subscribing, they will receive a confirmation SMS.

KUWAIT: High tech for the AMG off-road classic: the new G 63 AMG impresses with state-ofthe-art drive technology and expressive design. All this is largely attributable to the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine delivering 400 kW (544 hp) and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7GTRONIC automatic transmission system. Even more exclusive is the new G 65 AMG: its 6.0-litre biturbo engine delivers 450 kW (612 hp) and reaches a maximum torque of 1000 newton metres - a record in the off-road segment.

Every new AMG high-performance vehicle offers an outstanding mix of “more power from less fuel” - and the G 63 AMG is no exception. The “strong man” in the AMG model range has been further enhanced with the state-of-theart powertrain of the new ML 63 AMG. The design has been comprehensively reworked, so that, for the first time in the 33-year history of the G-Class, AMG customers can enjoy a raft of future-oriented systems: spraycontrolled petrol direct injection, the ECO start/stop function and generator management.

The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine develops a maximum output of 400 kW (544 hp) and a torque of 760 newton metres.

This enables the new G 63 AMG to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, with a new top speed of 210 km/h (electronically limited). The new G 63 AMG outperforms the G 55 AMG KOMPRESSOR by 27 kW (37 hp) and 60 newton metres.

Its direct predecessor was a

sure, tread wear, and detect any signs of damage on tyres. With this campaign we aim at making these very easy steps to become a routine for every driver before going behind the wheel” said Mr. Takumi Kakara, Director-Marketing for Bridgestone Middle East & Africa. “ Too many people are still unaware of the significant role car’s tyres play for the safety of the car and -most of all - of its passengers. I invite all Kuwait motorists to pop by

the TSES stand and find out how they can quickly and easily keep their families and friends safe when they drive, and also save money by reducing fuel consumption”.

The stand has a special demonstration corner where Bridgestone staff will educate visitors effortless steps to enhance safety while driving on roads; drivers will practice how to check the proper tyre air

More power, more performance

clear favourite for G-Class purchasers, with a sales ratio of over 40 percent.

Michael Ruehle, General Manager, Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Co, said, “Our G-Class has been a force to be reckoned with for the last 33 years. In its latest evolutionary stage, it offers state -of-the -art, power ful engines, a further improved range of luxurious appointments and the very latest safety

Fuel consumption, NEDC combined 13.8 l/100 km CO2 emissions 322 g/km Efficiency class G Acceleration 0-100 km/h 5.4 Top speed 210 km/h* ● electronically limited The fascination of the characteristic sound of a V8 AMG

teristics of the new model. To reduce vibration and noise impacts, the design engineers at Mercedes-AMG have also implemented a wide range of NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) measures. Optimised bearings for the automatic gearbox, transfer case and engine cut vibration and noise levels. All this ensures a more comfortable ride and helps to keep the driver fit and alert, particularly over long distances.

off-road look perfectly integrated into the vehicle’s overall appearance.

features, as well, of course, as its now legendary off-road capabilities. At the same time the design remains true to its downto-earth, unmistakable style.”

G 63 AMG Displacement 5461 cc Bore x stroke 98.0 x 90.5 mm Compression ratio 10.0 : 1 Output 400 kW (544 hp) at 5500 rpm Max. torque 760 Nm at 2000-5000 rpm*

A glance at the AMG sports exhaust system will reassure any doubters that all these efficiency advances have not been at the expense of emotional appeal. The twin tailpipes on both sides at the rear put out the hallmark AMG eight-cylinder sound that means so much to the vehicle’s many admirers.

Characteristic AMG styling with the new face of the brand The appearance of the eightcylinder top-of-the-range model is also definitely up with the times. Following the example of the SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG, the G 63 AMG has also taken on the new face of the AMG brand.

The high-gloss black “twinblade” radiator grille with four chrome inserts makes the new G-Class model instantly recognisable as an AMG. The grille design is consistent with the car’s classic contours, with an

cluster with colour TFT screen, AMG main menu and separate gear display, plus white-lit AMG sills on all doors. The classy ESELECT shift lever with the distinctive AMG medallion is a familiar feature from other models such as the SLS AMG. An exclusive on-board environment is created by the designo leather upholstery with ruffled leather door panelling. Options available for an even more stylish interior comprise the AMG carbon trim and the designo Exclusive package.

Bridgestone’s second GCC tyre safety and eco station campaign to stop over in Kuwait KUWAIT: The Bridgestone ‘ Tyre Safety and Eco Station’ (TSES) campaign, which is touring the GCC with its second annual roadshow, will stop in Kuwait city next week.

From Thursday 31st May until Friday 1st June, the fun and educational campaign, which is aimed at making the region’s roads safer for everyone, will be held in the Foot Bridge area of Kuwait City’s Marina Mall Shopping Centre.

The campaign, developed by Bridgestone Middle East & Africa FZE as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, was launched in 2011 and kicked off its second GCC wide tour last March in Doha, Qatar.

With the support of Bridgestone Tyre Distribution Co WLL, its trusted local distributor, Bridgestone wants drivers to understand the key role of tyres for keeping a vehicle safe on the road, and that taking a few minutes to check the car’s tyres before driving can significantly reduce the risk of having an accident.

“At the Bridgestone Tyre Safety and Eco Station, people will learn how to properly check tyre air pres-

●

pressure and tread wear to avoid the dangers of driving with underinflated or overinflated and worn-out or damaged tyres. The TSES station has also a section especially dedicated to kids, where they’ll have fun with drawing activities and face painting, while their parents will learn about tyre safety. All people visiting the stand and partaking in the activities will also receive a complimentary Tyre Safety booklet and a Bridgestone Tyre Safety compact gauge which measures air pressure and tread depth. As well as pointing out the safety benefits of proper tyre check and maintenance, the campaign also emphasizes the positive environmental impact of maintaining correct tyre pressure.

Driving a vehicle on properly inflated tyres helps to reduce the rolling resistance of the vehicle, which aids in reducing fuel consumption hence minimizing motorists’ expenses.

After Kuwait, the campaign will continue its tour and visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia next month and UAE in July.

New chassis settings The suspension/damper settings in the AMG Sports chassis have been adjusted for the more dynamic handling charac-

New-look interior The interior features even more innovations in comparison with the predecessor model.

Along with the facelift changes provided as standard, including the new instrument panel and state-of-the-art infotainment and assist systems, the G 63 AMG has an AMG instrument

IKEA Kuwait offers smart solutions for optimum use ‘Why is IKEA obsessed with keeping things flat’ KUWAIT: Part of the IKEA resourcesaving legacy has been the introduction of flat pack furniture and its exceedingly beneficial purpose. Flat packing not only saves materials, but also saves transportation costs as more pieces can be shipped at the same time.

be flat packed. In 1956, IKEA began testing the concept of flat pack to reduce costs through reduced transportation expenses, lowered storage space requirements, decreased transportation damage and reductions in labor costs.

Stacking as many flat packs as

Designing furniture for their own stores allowed IKEA to focus on low prices, improve function and ultimately led to the success of the company. Around this time, an employee removed the legs of a table in order to fit it into the trunk of a car and avoid transportation damage, which led IKEA to contemplate about designing furniture to

possible on each full pallet and standardizing the sizes of the pallets themselves are two ways of making the distribution of IKEA products efficient and economical. The issue at stake here is to transport as little air as possible by maximizing the potential of the load carriers we use.

Every type of load carrier must be utilized to the fullest possible

degree, every time it is used. Halfempty containers, trailers and railway wagons are a waste of capacity and have no place in the IKEA concept. But rather by using the opportunities offered by shared loads and cheap return loads reduce transportation costs and making full use of every pallet and pallet pools and so on as efficiently and effectively as possible mean big savings. To reduce the impact on the environment, IKEA transports goods by rail or sea wherever it is possible to do so at reasonable costs. Ensuring that all load carriers are filled to capacity is also an important factor, which contributes to reducing the impact that IKEA operations have on the environment.

The pioneering flat packs at IKEA were not aimed at selling more but to save more. Flat packs mean optimized loads and fewer transports thereby reducing emissions. The use of recyclable packaging requiring minimal raw material helps, in return too. “Brown cardboard is one of our best friends - it saves costs and the environment” is the iconic philosophy about smart packaging that IKEA has successfully abided by for so many years.

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

TECHNOLOGY

The virtualization trend in GCC countries

V

irtualization has long been a global IT trend - and GCC companies are keeping up with their international peers, according to the results of a survey conducted by Kaspersky Lab in the run-up to the launch of its new corporate security solution for virtual environments. The survey revealed that 35 percent of companies in GCC polled are already using virtual servers and 26 percent

intend to start using them within a year.

Companies in GCC mostly apply virtualization technologies to their databases, email and financial management applications. According to the survey, 71 percent of the services which have been virtualized are business-critical. “Virtualization technologies are now at the peak of their development and have already

reached sufficient maturity to allow companies to virtualize their most important business applications & servers, storing and processing their confidential data on virtual machines.

This calls for high standards in both the performance and security of the vir tual infrastructure. Traditional security technologies are not always able to provide such a balance so we advise companies to pay attention to

specific solutions specially designed for vir tual environments,” said Vladimir Udalov, Senior Corporate Produc t Marketing Manager at Kaspersky Lab. Despite the rapid growth of virtualization, 21 percent of the GCC IT specialists surveyed told us that they had only basic knowledge in this area, sufficient to carr y out daily duties but little more. Only 7 percent

of the respondents regarded themselves as exper ts with ex tensive knowledge, while in the USA this figure is 38 percent. However, the survey shows that GCC countries have been using virtualization technologies for just as long as the seemingly more experienced US and European markets: the average period here is almost two years, which matches global figures.

Browser wars flare up in mobile space ‘Chrome has a lot of momentum on PC’

KUWAIT: The X-cite officials are pictured at the inauguration at The Avenues Mall.

X-cite by Alghanim Electronics opens new showroom at The Avenues Mall KUWAIT: Once again, X-cite by Alghanim Electronics reinforced its leadership in Kuwait’s electronics market by opening its expanded showroom at The Avenues mall. The all new showroom introduces spacious layouts and a stylish look and feel that enhances customers’ shopping experience.

Samer Sayegh, Vice President of X-cite

by Alghanim Electronics, opened the showroom during the official opening ceremony in the presence of VIP guests, X-cite’s senior management and the local media. After cutting the ribbon, Samer Sayegh guided the invitees and media through an introductory tour inside the various sections of the showroom. A brief summary about each section was highlighted to explain the background of every concept and theme of the newly designed sections.

Samer Sayegh explained the reason behind the exceptional development of X-cite’s showrooms, “Over the past years, we exerted all our efforts to enhance our communication and interaction channels with our customers and visitors. As a result of which we have a rich knowledge base of customer expectations, insights and feedback. After conducting detailed marketing studies and research to see the shopping trends and behaviors of customers in Kuwait, we utilized the results to create a significantly enhanced shopping experience for our customers.

We transformed our customers’ expectations and wants into a shopping environment that embodies the most advanced and modernized electronics showroom

in the region.”

The new and spacious X-cite showroom at the Avenues mall exudes a modern and sleek vibe. With X-cite’s signature touch -feel-interactive displays, more than 10,000 products are now easily accessible to customers. The multi-cultural bilingual trained product specialists ensure that customer can get a deeper insight into how the product works or how modern technology converges to make life easier and better. One of the most eye-catching sections is the gaming zone which is the largest in the Middle East. Filled with the latest games and gadgets in the market, the game zone also allows customers to try out different gaming consoles or play network games before buying.

The home theater section showcases the widest range of sound and video products. The high technology system in the listening rooms allows customers to test the combinations of home theater kits before making that all important purchase decision. There are different product test/experience zones that customers can try out different products.

Shopping at the X-cite store is a one stop solution as it provides for all solutions including Easy credit product financing to instant skinning and laser customization, all under one roof. Everyone is invited to visit the expanded X-cite store at The Avenues to enjoy an exciting shopping experience that showcases the best and latest electronics in the market. After all X-cite is where technology meets excitement.

Wireless medical monitors to transform patient care SAN JOSE: It’s hard to find a better example of how technology is revolutionizing patient care than the tiny edible sensor Proteus Biomedical of Redwood City, Calif., plans to begin selling this fall in the United Kingdom.

When the grain-of-sand-sized sensor is integrated into a drug tablet or capsule and activated by stomach fluid, it signals when the medicine was taken to a patch on the patient’s body. Then the patch relays the information along with the person’s heart rate and other medical details to a caregiver’s phone - all without a visit to the doctor.

“We’re seeing an enormous surge in demand for health services across the globe,” said Proteus CEO Andrew Thompson, noting that he plans to offer a similar product in the United States. To meet that need inexpensively, he added, “health care must digitize. It must move into the 21st century.” Some experts predict that in the near future, tens of millions of Americans will be tethered to gadgets that will automatically send their vital signs to medical professionals, relatives and concerned friends. The technology already has generated an industry worth well over $1 billion a year. And despite concerns that the data transmitted by patients could overwhelm doctors and be spied on by hackers, the trend is widely expected to transform the relationship between patients and physicians.

Eric Nagel, a 57-year-old semiconductor analyst who lives in Los Gatos, Calif., generally takes his blood pressure readings in the morning with a monitor made by iHealth of Mountain View, Calif. The device sends the data in an easy-to-understand form to his iPhone and every few weeks, he emails the data to his doctor, who became concerned about his high blood pressure a year ago.

“She wanted to put me on medicine,” Nagel said. But he worried about the possible side effects and chose instead to exercise more and improve his diet.

“It’s been a very positive thing for me,” he said. “I’ve been able to get my blood pressure down. The device was able to show me what changes I was making that were positive and which ones weren’t.” Lots of patients could benefit by sharing their medical data more

LOS GATOS: Eric Nagel checks his blood pressure in his California home. — MCT regularly with a physician, said Dr. Joseph Smith of the West Wireless Health Institute in La Jolla, Calif., which seeks to lower health care costs in part through new innovations.

“The notion that your needs for health care are best met by seeing a doctor a couple times a year, when you live every day, is probably wrong,” he said. “There is obvious value in knowing more.” Many people are reaching the same conclusion. Of 2,000 consumers surveyed by PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2010, 40 percent said they would willingly buy a device and pay a monthly fee to automatically send their heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar and weight data to their doctors. And Connecticut research firm Nerac estimates that by 2020, “at least 160 million Americans will be monitored and treated remotely for at least one chronic condition.”

That represents a big business opportunity. Juniper Research has predicted the global market for remote patient-monitoring gadgets will hit nearly $1.9 billion in 2014. Another research firm, Park Associates of Dallas, has put the US market alone this year at $4.4 billion. Either way, several companies hope to cash in.—MCT

WASHINGTON: The browser wars are heating up again, but this time the fight is for dominance of the mobile Internet. Google, Apple, Microsoft and Yahoo! are all in the struggle, along with the Norwegian-made Opera browser and the open source Firefox software from Mozilla. The motive behind the wars is not just bragging rights. The company that controls the mobile Web can direct users to its websites, and importantly, gather data that can be used in targeted advertising. “ The browsers need to be present on the mobile device for survival,” said Greg Sterling, an analyst with Opus Research.

“Everyone is trying to manage their strategy in this multi-screen and multiplatform world.”

Research firm StatCounter found that global access from mobile devices, not including tablets, doubled in the year to January to 8.5 percent of all Internet usage.

Google stepped up its effort earlier this year by releasing a full version of its Chrome browser for mobile devices, which will over time replace the unnamed browser on devices powered by Google’s open Android platform.

The Google-Android browser

by April had grabbed 21.5 percent of the mobile Web, overtaking Opera, the early leader that had 21.3 percent, according to StatCounter. “Chrome is definitely the up-and-comer because of

Android, and it has a lot of momentum on the PC,” Sterling said. Running third was Apple’s Safari, the default browser on iPhones, with 20 percent. Nokia, BlackBerry and a few others hold small shares.

When tablets are included, Apple is the dominant player with 63 percent, according to data from Net Applications’ NetMarketShare sur vey, but Android is gaining with nearly 19 percent. The push by Google meshes with its strategy of gathering information about users across platforms, so that someone searching on a mobile device might get an ad on a PC, or viceversa.

And Google just completed its $12.5 billion deal to buy mobile phone maker Motorola Mobility, freeing the California company to build its own handsets that play into the strengths of its software.

“Everybody wants to have that first point of contact with the user to control the experience from that point, capture certain data and direct them to services,” said Al Hilwa of the research firm IDC. “It’s all about control, about who is further up on the stream of data.” Meanwhile Microsoft, in its effort to get a share of the mobile space, is pushing its own Internet Explorer browser for devices running Windows, but critics say the software giant is limiting compatibility. Mozilla’s

Harvey Anderson complained in a blog post that Microsoft is limiting the “advanced” capabilities for outside software, effectively shutting out browsers like Firefox.

Anderson said Microsoft in its new Windows 8 devices was signalling “an unwelcome return to the digital dark ages where users and developers didn’t have browser choices.” Yahoo! became the latest to boost its effort in the mobile space, introducing its Axis browser designed for mobile devices. “It is meant to replace Safari,” Yahoo! product management director Ethan Batraski said of Axis. “You will never have to use Safari ever again.”

Ben Schachter, an analyst at Macquarie Capital who follows Google, said the Internet search giant will also introduce a version of Chrome for the Apple operating system. Schachter said in a note to clients that Google benefits from Chrome by reducing the payments from “traffic acquisition costs” and that a Chrome browser for iPhones and iPads could “meaningfully ” reduce what Google pays Apple.

But Apple can tweak its strategy without competing head-on against Google, Sterling said. He said Apple’s Siri voice assistant and its new maps software offer a type of search. And as tensions rise with Google, it could change the Safari search engine to Microsoft’s Bing, or another.

Analysts say it remains unclear to what degree device makers will try to block out competing browsers, and if this will trigger a government response. In the 1990s, Microsoft’s efforts to lock out competing browsers prompted actions on both sides of the Atlantic.

The battle for control of the mobile Web raises questions about Facebook, which is groping for a mobile strategy after a troubling response to its massive share offering. One report said Facebook was eyeing Opera, which could solve some of the perceived problems for the social network giant by offering a platform to get better data on mobile usage for targeted advertising. “It wouldn’t surprise me” if Facebook were to acquire or tie up with Opera or develop its own browser, Hilwa said.

Another player to watch, said Hilwa, is Amazon, which has developed its own browser for the Kindle Internet device -a move that can also steer users various services, earning cash along the way. Hilwa said Amazon, like the others, is pursuing a strategy that includes hardware and software, but can also sell goods and services. “They have content, they sell stuff, they have Web services,” he said. “They have a lot of assets and have been successful. I would watch them.” — AFP

LG’S new home theatre systems ready to change entertainment KUWAIT: LG Electronics is launching four new home theater systems in the UAE equipped with LG’s latest 3D sound technology and following their successful debut at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). By combining its 3D home theatre systems with the company’s popular Cinema 3D smart TVs, LG aims to solidify its position as the leader in 3D home entertainment.

“Whether it’s TVs or audio systems, LG continues to offer the most immersive 3D home entertainment experience possible,” said D.Y. Kim, President of LG Electronics Gulf FZE. “Our cinema 3D smart TVs will now be accompanied by a wider variety of Cinema 3D sound home theatre products that offer consumers a complete 3D experience and further strengthen LG’s leadership in 3D.” The BH9520TW incorporates LG’s very own 3D sound zooming technology, which constantly synchronizes sound output with the location and movement of the on-screen 3D images on a cinema 3D smart TV. In turn, 3D sound zooming plunges the viewer into the middle of the action, as the events that unfold on their 3D TVs immerse and surround the viewers as both images and sound in real 3D. 3D sound zooming is capable of generating variety of depth in sound based on a complex algorithm that analyzes the varying depth of numerous on-screen objects displayed on the 3D TV. Such immersive 3D sound quality is enhanced fur ther by the BH9520T W ’s 9.1 speaker system, which adds four upright 3D speakers to the 5.1 channels of a conventional home theater system. The four upright 3D speakers pump sound upward, ensuring that

the vertical space is completely filled with sound. Meanwhile, a 360 reflector inside each of the upright 3D speakers reflects sound in all directions, creating acoustics as rich as those in a concert hall.

Moreover, by applying LG’s unique 3D effect DSP algorithm, the sound field expansion technology further expands the horizontal sound field, and works in harmony with the Upright 3D Speakers to create a truly immersive 360 sound experience. Additionally, the audio “sweet spot” is further extended so viewers

always feel as if they are right in the middle of the action, regardless of their location in a living room. In order to provide viewers with a wide range of 3D experiences, the BH9520TW is equipped with a smart TV function. In turn, any ordinary 3D TV can have access to LG’s smart TV ecosystem, which is composed of a growing variety and quantity of 3D content through various premium content services and apps, such as LG’s 3D zone.

The BH9520TW is now available across all LG stores and retail outlets in the UAE.

‘Daddy, I want to be on Facebook!’

BERLIN: There are more than 900 million Facebook users worldwide, but many parents have an uneasy feeling when their children spend more and more time on Facebook, Google+ and other social networks. Many parents cannot figure out why youngsters would want to meet with people online instead of in real life, but social networks have become a part of everyday life for teenagers. “They can no longer be banned from children’s rooms,” said Heinz Thiery, online consultant at the German federation for child guidance and family-counselling, the bke.

And parents should accept that. “They cannot win this fight by prohibiting something,” Thiery said. But at the same time, it’s important that they deal with the issue, he said. Tobias Arns of the German IT association Bitkom said that social networks are the most important form of internet usage for young people. More than 90 percent of individuals between the ages of 14 and 29 use social media, especially social networks like Facebook.

“Social networks are so attractive because they

unite so many functions,” said Arns. “Users can look at pictures and watch films there. They get information and chat with their friends.” Eighty-two percent of the 14 to 29 age group told the latest Bitkom survey that the most important issue for them was keeping up-to-date with friends. “That rating was higher than in any other age group,” said Arns.

Social networks are totally normal for youngsters. “They organise their everyday life with them and use them as naturally as their parents use the telephone,” said Arns. “Parents have always had a vague uneasiness when they don’t understand what their kids do,” said Arns. And even more so when youngsters today use smartphones to access the Internet. Often it’s the fear that their children can drift into a dangerous virtual world.

Parents should know that there are risks - as always in life. “That’s why social networks are not recommended for youngsters under 12 years,” said Thiery. Facebook has a minimum age requirement for membership of 13 years. “But youngsters can easily fake their birthdates,” said Thiery. He suggest-

ed teenagers not use a real photo for their portfolio picture, or at least use one in which the teenager cannot easily be identified. “The more anonymous you are, the more protected you are” is the motto.

Users should also be cautious about sharing information about themselves. “If need be, they can name their city and school, but never where they live,” warned Thiery. Safer and more secure would be to change one’s name so that outsiders do not straight away have the chance to find out who the user is. But youngsters have become more cautious in that regard.

Many however still do not understand that they can run into problems regarding personal rights.

The rights of others can be infringed upon for example if someone takes a picture of a girl with their smartphone and posts it in Facebook - something which is strictly prohibited without the consent of the individual pictured. “Many youngsters believe that when they take a picture that it belongs to them and they can do with it as they wish,” said Thiery. “But the Internet is not a legal vacuum.”—dpa

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

H E A LT H & S C I E NC E

Cambodian forest campaigners fight against rampant logging Forest cover drops from 73% to 57%

DETROIT: Martin Rosenfeld, 90, was originally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s but further tests showed it was sleep apnea causing symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s. — MCT

When Alzheimer’s isn’t the real problem DETROIT: His loved ones dreaded what might be next: a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Martin Rosenfeld had called too many times - confused and frustrated - from a parking lot outside his synagogue, after driving there in the middle of the night for services that wouldn’t begin for hours. Once a meticulous pattern-maker in the clothing industry, he now nodded off mid-conversation. Spilled things. Mumbled.

“We’d be getting calls all night long. He’d say, ‘What time is it? Can I get up now?’” said his daughter, Shelley Rosenberg, whose husband, Don Rosenberg, chairs the Alzheimer’s Association’s Greater Michigan Chapter. Rosenfeld’s confusion, which turned out to be caused partly by sleep apnea, reflects what the head of Wayne State University’s Institute of Gerontology worries is a growing trend in the number of Americans being wrongfully assumed - even medically misdiagnosed - with Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia and perhaps the most feared disease of old age.

“It’s a real problem. If you’re older and you get a label of Alzheimer’s - even a hint that you have Alzheimer’s - there’s no more critical thinking about it. You’re written off by a lot of people,” said Peter Lichtenberg, head of the institute and a clinical psychologist who has testified in several probate cases in which a person’s mental capacity was at issue.

Lichtenberg, in a December paper for the journal Clinical Gerontology, highlighted two case studies: in one, a man’s bouts of confusion and agitation in his late 70s were caused by illness and painful cellulitis, not Alzheimer’s; in the other, an 87-year-old woman, who seemed suddenly confused, was suffering from depression.

Lichtenberg’s paper builds on research elsewhere that suggests that the difficulty in pinning down Alzheimer’s makes misdiagnosis too easy. The research is based mostly on small studies but also on an ongoing, long-term study supported by the National Institute on Aging, which is part of the National Institutes of Health. In cases reviewed so far, about one-third of Alzheimer’s diagnoses were incorrect, according to the lead researcher, Lon White. “The diagnosis was dead wrong onethird of the time, and it was partially wrong a third of the time, and it was right one-third of the time,” White said.

The project, called the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study, has been under way since 1991 and focused on the precise brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Pathologists examined the brains of 852 men born between 1900 and 1919, about 20 percent of whom were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

In the cases carrying an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, two-thirds of the brains exhibited the types of lesions closely linked to Alzheimer’s. Half of those featured other problems, as well, such as scarring on the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory, White said. That didn’t mean that those without the Alzheimer’s lesions were otherwise healthy, “but what we’re calling Alzheimer’s is very often a mixture of different disease processes,” White said.

Lichtenberg said his concerns about misdiagnosis in no way lessen the enormity of Alzheimer’s impact.

“I don’t know how vast a problem it is, but I see it too often,” Lichtenberg said. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s.

Lichtenberg’s grandmother had the disease. A picture of her, dancing, sits in his office at Wayne State. But understanding how often Alzheimer’s and other dementia are misdiagnosed is hard to quantify. Sometimes, that’s because loved ones have not yet noticed a decline; sometimes, they don’t want to face the possibility, Lichtenberg said.

Rosenfeld’s most pressing problem was severe sleep apnea that had aggravated the more manageable symptoms of undiagnosed Lewy-body dementia. Lewy-body dementia causes a visual processing disorder, disrupts the ability to organize, plan and focus and can causes sleep problems and hallucinations. A breathing machine at night made a dramatic difference, said Shelley Rosenberg: “I’m thrilled. He is what he used to be. I have my father back.”

It’s a difficult balance for the Alzheimer’s Association: trying to raise awareness and boost early intervention efforts for Alzheimer’s and other dementias, while also cautioning families and clinicians not to jump to conclusions. Diagnosing Alzheimer’s is tricky and is done, in part, by ruling out other health problems, such as an undetected stroke or brain tumor.

Even well-meaning doctors can be too quick to judge, especially when confronted by worried loved ones listing Mom’s memory lapses, said Jennifer Howard, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association - Michigan Great Lakes Chapter. An expert evaluation by an interdisciplinary team that includes a geriatrician and neurologist is crucial, she said.—MCT

French smokers unite against curbs PARIS: French smokers have formed a lobby to “defend their rights” against what they perceive as unfair curbs imposed by the state, the group’s leaders said yesterday. The Union for the Rights of Adult Smokers (UDFA) says it represents a potential 12.5 million voters and intends to fight against the spread of no-smoking zones or rising cigarette prices. “We want to defend our freedom,” chairwoman Nathalie Masseron told AFP. “We are being barred from cafe terraces, some want to ban us from parks with children, some hotels are non-smoking, soon a smoker won’t be able to rent a flat and there’s even talk of banning smoking while you drive,” she said.

With the first round of France’s legislative election on June 10, the new group is hoping to catch the attention of the country’s politicians. Masseron said there were an average of 21,600 smokers in every constituency “which is a lot when you know that most MPs are elected by a margin smaller than 500 votes”.

According to Masseron, the social cost of smoking is half the amount-13.6 billion euros ($17 billion) — raked in by the state thanks to taxes on tobacco products. Government statistics say 73,000 French people die every year from smoking-related illnesses.— AFP

KOH KONG: Frustrated by government inaction, Cambodian citizen patrollers are risking their lives to take on the country’s illegal loggers in a bid to save their shrinking forests. The shooting of a prominent environmentalist by a military policeman last month after he refused to hand over logging photos rocked the kingdom and shone an unflattering light on government conservation efforts.

Forest communities who depend on the woodlands for their survival say they plan to keep Chhut Vuthy ’s brand of grassroots activism alive by stepping up the patrols he introduced last year to monitor forest crimes.

“We are all Chhut Vuthy,” supporters said at a recent memorial rally in the remote jungle in southwestern Koh Kong province where the 45-year-old was gunned down. Rampant illegal logging contributed to a sharp drop in Cambodia’s forest cover from 73 percent in 1990 to 57 percent in 2010, according to the United Nations. “We must protect the forest before it’s gone. The forest is our rice bowl,” 58-year-old Chan Yeng told AFP at the rally, recalling how she once helped confiscate a chainsaw while on patrol in northeastern Prey Lang forest, where the livelihoods of thousands of indigenous people are at risk.

She said the patrols work: after talking to loggers, documenting their activities or preventing them from benefitting from their illegally harvested timber, her community has seen a drop in forest crimes in recent months. In the past, when Vuthy was still alive, the patrollers even went so far as to burn hidden caches of luxury

timber worth tens of thousands of dollars. In what will be their largest coordinated action yet, hundreds of villagers plan to patrol forests across 10 provinces in June, according to the Communities Peace Building Network, which coordinates grassroots forest activities.

Campaigners admit it could be

public to do something,” said Ou Virak, president of the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights.

‘So no blood is shed’ Government spokesman Ek Tha said he welcomed civilian efforts to help preserve the countr y ’s pristine woodlands but rejected accusations that it was a

hectares (acres) of forest landincluding in protected zones-for everything from rubber and sugar cane plantations to hydropower dams.

Rights groups and environmental watchdogs have linked many of these concessions to rampant illegal logging, and say armed government forces are

KOH KONG: This photo shows Cambodian villagers from other provinces next to piles of timber.— AFP risky but they say forest communities are willing to put themselves in harm’s way because they cannot rely on the authorities to save the country’s natural riches.

“Given the government’s inaction or inability to stop illegal logging and to stop deforestation, I think it now falls to the Cambodian

sign that authorities were failing to tackle the problem. “You can’t control 100 percent of the natural resources across the nation,” he told AFP. In its haste to develop the impoverished nation, the government has been criticised for allowing well-connected firms to clear hundreds of thousands of

routinely used to act as security guards for offending companies.

Following the outcry over Vuthy’s death, Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered a freeze on new land grants, a move cautiously welcomed by environmental groups, who nevertheless argue it will not save the forests already under

threat. For that, campaigners say, more people like Vuthy are needed.

One of them is Prum Dharmajat, 41, a Buddhist monk who lives in Aoral wildlife sanctuary in southwestern Kampong Speu province. He has quietly dedicated the past 10 years of his life to preserving a two-by-threekilometre (1.2-by-1.8-mile) patch of forest near his hut-with a few tips from Vuthy along the way.

The area has long been stripped of its valuable trees, but Dharmajat, whose name translates as “Nature”, tries to dissuade loggers from felling the remaining ones for firewood or charcoal, with some help from the villagers and children he educates about conservation.

“The destruction of nature is happening too quickly,” the orange-clad holy man told AFP, a gaggle of children swarming around his wooden hut. But even for monks-highly revered in this staunchly Buddhist nation-standing between a logger and a lucrative haul can be a dangerous undertaking. Dharmajat said he has been threatened many times, and after a recent visit to Phnom Penh he returned to find several trees felled and 11 peacocks poisoned close to his home, in what he believes was an act of revenge by frustrated loggers.

Dharmajat is undeterred, however, and said he supported the plans for more community patrols as an effective tool to deter forest crimes. But he urged patrollers and those accused of harming the forest to peacefully handle their inevitable confrontations. “We have to resolve it so that no blood is shed,” he said. —AFP

Implantable pain disk helps those with cancer BALTIMORE: An estimated 3.5 million cancer patients around the globe are in severe pain from their disease, but many get no relief. In poor countries the cost is considered too high for drugs like morphine when such opioids are often stolen, abused or not taken according to instruction. But some Johns Hopkins University scientists have been working on a solution for those patients, as well as some in the United States, that uses a flexible button-sized disk implanted under the skin that releases consistent doses of painkiller over a month. No pills, no measuring, no trips to the clinic.

If an upcoming clinical trial for safety goes well, the device could be available next year, doctors say. It also could be retooled to treat other diseases and injury, and maybe even some opioid addicts.

“With all the problems, the health officials (in developing countries) would prefer to spend money on antibiotics that cure diseases, vaccines that prevent diseases or children with a long life ahead of them rather than those with terminal cancer,” said Dr. Stuart A. Grossman, a Johns Hopkins professor of oncology, medicine and neurosurgery and a pain management expert in Hopkins’ Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Grossman grew up overseas but when he returned to India and other poor countries as an oncologist and worked in cancer centres he saw how hard it was for patients with cancer to get opioid pain medications.

He and others began working on a solution about 15 years ago. They came up with something that works a little like Norplant, the rods inserted under the skin that release contraceptives over weeks.

Only this round, plastic disk just over a centimetre wide delivers hydromorphone, a more potent form of morphine, through a channel in its centre. The rest of the device is sealed to prevent an initial burst of the drug that could kill a patient. The disk could be made wider to deliver drugs longer, or thicker to deliver higher doses. It eventually could deliver a different drug or be used by veterinarians on animals. But for now, the scientists are focusing on one device for cancer patients that would cost about $50 a month, or about the same as the bill for relatively cheap morphine pills.

With Hopkins’ blessing, Grossman patented the device and formed a company called Axxia. Dr. Suzanne A. Nesbit, a clinical pharmacy specialist in pain management and a research associate in the Hopkins oncology department, will run the clinical trial, which was delayed a bit when the maker of the plastic they preferred decided to stick to producing the soles of shoes. They’re working with a new plastic that already is approved for medical implants by the US Food and Drug Administration but requires some fine tuning.

The clinical trial for the disk will be conducted in the Philippines, Singapore and East Baltimore, where Hopkins has a presence. Grossman said a US manufacturer would make the drug device and Axxia will rely on pharmaceutical companies around the world to distribute it and train doctors unaccustomed to assessing pain, dosing

and monitoring patients.

Some of those who treat pain and addiction believe the disk would serve some populations well and look forward to having another tool for tricky patients, though they also see some challenges.

There are an estimated five million Americans on opioid therapy for pain, or 2.5 percent of the population, though most take a short-acting, low-dose Vicodin or similar pill and not every day, said Dr. Nathaniel Katz, the director of the nonprofit Program on Opioid Risk Management at the Tufts Health Care Institute.

Opioids don’t work well managing everyone’s pain, and about 5 percent of people who take them become addicted to the medications. Others don’t stick to their regimen, said Katz, who is also the CEO of a pain-drug development company called Analgesic Solutions. There may be a role for Grossman’s pain disk in addicts and those who don’t follow their prescriptions, he said.

“There are people out there who would benefit from having something in their body releasing drugs at all times that doesn’t involve the patient and can’t be changed by them,” he said. “These are people who you fear might overdose if you give them pills, or there is an abuser in the household, or the person has mental illness like PTSD, or Parkinson’s disease.” Many don’t have consistent pain, and it would be better if they could change their dosage as needed, Katz said. But when that’s not possible, some relief is better than none, Katz added.

The disk, he said, may not solve all illicit use of the drug. Even though they are meant to be implanted by a doctor, addicts are crafty and will find ways to acquire them, melt them down and ingest them, said Katz, adding many such recipes end up on Internet. Some addicts have been known to eat pain patches even though that can be fatal, Katz said. The disks could only be used to treat addiction if they delivered a different drug than hydromorphone because that drug is not approved by the FDA for treating addiction, only for pain, he said. Only methadone and buprenorphine currently have that stamp from the FDA. There is a growing need for new treatments for addiction to prescription drugs such as oxycodone and morphine, said Dr. Michael Fingerhood, an associate professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University. The number of admissions to Maryland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration-funded treatment programs for prescription drug addiction doubled to 7,000 between 2007 and 2010, according to the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Others, especially teens, find unused opioids in their parents’ medicine cabinets. About 2,500 American teens use prescription drugs every day to get high for the first time, according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America.

Maryland joined dozens of other states this year in creating a database to track filled prescriptions so doctors know when someone may be shopping for extra drugs,

BALTIMORE: Dr. Grossman holds a prototype of a polymer disc up to a ‘phantom’ human x-ray which illustrates the disc within the body.— MCT but the system is not yet up and running.

The trend is likely to continue until doctors stop prescribing so many addictive drugs, said Fingerhood, who treats addicts. He said addicts still often have pain, but the pain becomes difficult to treat because they can’t be handed more pills. This is where Dr. Grossman’s disk may come in.

Not for treating the addiction - there already is a similar rod implant developed

by Titan Pharmaceuticals Inc. awaiting FDA

approval that contains buprenorphine for that purpose. But to treat the pain, said Fingerhood, who also is the director of the division of chemical dependence at Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.

“It’s a great option for pain,” he said. “It’s treated poorly now in this population because they can’t take traditional pills...

And I think implants are going to be the wave of the future with other medications as well.” — MCT

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

H E A LT H

Rare disease finds no interested companies Parents hire own researchers to tackle fatal illness CHICAGO: When it comes to advocating for her 8-year-old son’s serious illness, Gelse Tkalec is on a much lonelier path than those strewn with pink ribbons and yellow bracelets. There are only 25 to 30 children worldwide known to suffer from Giant Axonal Neuropathy, or GAN, the disease that afflicts her son, Ethan. The disease damages the nerve pathways that carry signals to the brain and from the brain to the muscles, claiming most victims by early adulthood.

Already wheelchair-bound, the suburban Riverside, Ill., boy has difficulty swallowing and will use a feeding tube beginning next month. Eventually, he will be bedridden, trapped inside a failing body.

“After Ethan was diagnosed, people would say to us, “Don’t worry, they’ll find a cure,” Gelse Tkalec said. “And I’d say, “You don’t understand ... there is no ‘they.’ We are the ‘they.’” With so few afflicted with the disease, pharmaceutical and biotech companies have little financial incentive to study it. So parents such as Tkalec and others have taken it upon themselves to recruit scientists, underwrite clinical trials and raise money and awareness.

So far, they have funnelled thousands of dollars to a few select scientists, including to a cellular biologist at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, to accelerate the glacial pace of biomedical research in time to rescue their children. In essence, they’ve hired their own, personal research team. “These warrior moms are driving research and doing serious fundraising,” said Mary Dunkle of the National Organization for Rare Disorders. “They realize that if they don’t save their child, no one else is going to do it.”

Robert Goldman works at Northwestern and has studied structural proteins of cells for 30 years. His lab was hired by parents of GAN patients to use his specialized research to unlock a molecular understanding of the disease and hopefully, a drug therapy. Moreover, progress in studying GAN may offer new insights into more common neurological disorders. The sticky clumps of protein evident in GAN are similar to aggregated proteins seen in ALS and Alzheimer’s, Goldman said.

The relationship between the families and their researchers is easy and informal.

Goldman talks almost weekly with some par-

ents, acting as consultant and answering questions such as “What do you think of this investigator? Is this a good use of our money?” Last month, neurologists, stem cell experts and biochemists attended an international conference on GAN at the medical school in Chicago. The conference was led by Goldman and underwritten almost exclusively by parents, of whom seven attended.

During a break at the conference, the parents had a rare opportunity to chat up some of the brightest minds in the business, while

information as I go, a little bit at time. Who else will do it?” she asked plaintively. “There’s no one.” It was another mother, Lori Sames of Rexford, N.Y., who reached out to Goldman about two years ago. Her daughter was diagnosed with GAN in 2008 and clinicians told her it would take at least a decade and millions of dollars to discover a cure. Rather than take her home to die, she founded Hannah’s Hope Fund to speed up the timeline to a treatment. For about a year, Sames kept reaching out to Goldman, based on his work

BURR RIDGE: Gelse Tkalec (left) has a playful moment with her son Ethan before he goes in for aqua therapy. — MCT the scientists interacted directly with people who benefit from their years of work in the lab. “It has enormous impact,” Goldman said. “I can tell you ... if it weren’t for the moms, I just wouldn’t be as involved.”

As one researcher after another presented their findings, Gelse Tkalec dutifully took notes, struggling to grasp the finer points of aggregated proteins and defective genes. It’s a stretch for a stay-at-home mom whose last science class was a quarter of a century ago at Proviso West High School, but she has thrown herself into the task with a palpable intensity. “I learn more every day ... gathering

with proteins and research into progeria, another fatal childhood disease that turns children into octogenarians. Last year, Hannah’s Hope provided $50,000 for Goldman’s lab to get the ball rolling. Because of funding from Hannah’s Hope, Goldman said he has been able to develop GAN antibodies which are important for finding a breakthrough.

In January, Sames appeared before an FDA panel about the first gene therapy, an injection into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord that would attack the nerve cells and deliver a healthy copy of the GAN gene.

Clinical trials could be under way by December, which Goldman said was “solely attributable” to the money raised by the GAN parents. Sames sounds more like a PhD than a stay-at-home mother of three girls, the result of spending about nine hours a day on GAN business.

“It’s my belief that there’s a treatment for every one of these horrific, rare diseases, given sufficient attention and funding,” she explained. “But scientists are so focused on the next funding cycle and getting the next grant that it detracts from developing a therapy.” Taxpayer-supported, government-sponsored funding through the National Institutes of Health has been flat for nearly a decade, according to Dr. Eric Neilson, dean of the Feinberg School of Medicine.

And the challenges for developing treatments for very small patient populations are even greater. It will fall to groups like the GAN parents to pick up the slack, experts said.

However, the National Organization for Rare Disorders cautions desperate parents about falling victim to scams or outrageous promises of a quick cure. The organization says it can help parents who want to sponsor independent research find credible scientists.

“We always tell people if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Dunkle said.

“It’s important to turn to reliable resources for trustworthy information and referrals.” It costs cell biologists such as Goldman about $500,000 to $1 million annually to run research laboratories, pay salaries and buy supplies and high-tech equipment. Still, key discoveries are fuelled by collaboration as well as cash. Pascale Bomont of Montpelier, France, discovered the gene which, when altered, is responsible for GAN. Steven Gray at the University of North Carolina is working on gene therapy to introduce a correct copy of the gene into patients, and Jean-Pierre Julien of Quebec is developing mouse models of GAN. All three presented at the Chicago conference and all have received financial support from GAN parents.

That partnership between researchers and families is emphasized by Dr. Stephen C. Groft of NIH’s Office of Rare Disease Research, who said he’s seen a “tremendous” increase in activism during the last five years. “We’ve

seen the expansion of the role of patient advocacy groups as true partners...Without them, research would take much longer.”

Ethan was just 2 when he began showing symptoms of GAN. “He was tripping a lot,” said Gelse Tkalec. “In our gut, we just knew that something was wrong.” But it would be another two years before a doctor at the University of Chicago, would give his awkward gait - a classic characteristic of the disorder - a name.

“Dr. (Kenneth) Silver just sat down with us, looking like he had seen a ghost. I asked if this was terminal ... and he paused for a long time before answering, ‘Yes.’ All I could think of was ‘Get me out of here.’ We practically ran out of his office because we just didn’t want to hear any more.” Tkalec came home and typed “GAN” into her computer. Nothing.

Six months later, after a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota where more specialists confirmed the diagnosis, the 48-year-old mother once again sat down at the keyboard.

This time, she got a single hit: Hannah’s Hope.

Slowly, Tkalec moved from screen, to phone, to full-on advocacy, starting a foundation last year called “All In For Ethan.” The Tkalecs have a long way to go before matching the Sames’ fundraising prowess, which includes winning a Pepsi Refresh Challenge and a $500,000 check from Warren Buffet’s sister. But there have been benefits at some local watering holes. Ames Elementary School in Riverside, where Ethan is in the third grade, raised $5,000. “It’s just been an all-out community effort, and we’re so humbled by all this kindness and generosity,” Tkalec said. She brings out a photo of Ethan walking hand-in-hand with his dad, along Chicago’s 57th Street Beach on Labour Day, 2005. “I remember very clearly thinking that I should get a photo of this ... just in case it’s the last time he walked like a normal kid. ... And it was.”

Ethan knows that he has a muscle problem but does not know the word GAN or its likely outcome. His parents have discussed when to tell him, but for now they’re staying silent. “We can’t predict an outcome that who knows? - may never come,” Gelse Tkalec said. “You can never tell where the next lead is going to come from ... what will start you down the path to the next miracle.” —MCT

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MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

WHAT’S ON Greetings appy birthday to our dearest son, Ashanul Haque Sapnil who celebrates his first birthday today.

May Almighty Allah bless him with good health and a bright future.

Best wishes come from father Anamol Haque and mother Shathe, and Kuwait friends, poet and journalist AlAmin Rana and all relatives in Bangladesh and Kuwait.

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Summer scrabble for kids ood news for Kids who are going to be facing the heat this summer and would love to play mind games and learn Scrabble. This is open to all kids aged between 9 and 19. Basics of Scrabble as well as competitive play will be taught to all, together with lots of quizzes, mind games and vocabulary learning. Itís more fun than learn so register quickly before the 3rd of June. Classes will start on June 7 and will be held once a week at the UCMAS Centre in Salmiya. The course is for seven weeks for each batch. For more information, call Rohaina at 66634224. Classes will be on Thursday afternoons from 3 pm to 4:30 pm.

ASSE holds training program

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Announcements ‘Leniency of Islam’ An unprecedented initiative of KTV2 (English channel) is the new program by the name ‘Leniency of Islam’ presented by Shaikh Musaad Alsane and directed by Hamid Al Turkait. The program is mainly meant to address the expatriates living in Kuwait.

Religious questions are received through the program email qislam@tv.gov.kw and sms can be sent to- 97822021 and answered by the lecturer and Imam in Awqaf Ministry Shaikh Musaad Alsane - a Master Degree holder in Sharia and fiqih from Kuwait University. So don’t forget to watch the program every Friday at 1:00 pm.

Free Arabic course IPC is opening an Intensive Basic Arabic Course for ladies commencing from June 3 to July 8, 2012. The class will be from 5-7 pm for three days a week.

Registration is on! For information, call 22512257.

Open House for Indian Citizens The Ambassador of India will be holding an Open House for Indian citizens to address their problems/grievances on Wednesdays of the second and the fourth week of every month between 1500 hrs and 1600 hrs at the embassy. In case Wednesday is an Embassy holiday, the meeting will be held on the next working day. To ensure timely action/follow-up by the Embassy, it is requested that, wherever possible, Indian citizens should exhaust the existing channels of interaction/grievance redressal and bring their problems/issues in writing with supporting documents. It may be mentioned that Embassy of India’s Consular Wing is providing daily service of Open House to Indian citizen on all workings days from 1000 hrs to 1100 hrs and from 1430 hrs to 1530 hrs by the consular officer in the Meeting Room of the Consular Hall. For any unaddressed issues, Second Secretary (Consular) could be contacted. Furthermore, the head of the Consular Wing is also available to redress grievances. Similarly, a labor wing Help Desk functions from 0830 hrs to 1300 hrs and 1400 hrs to 1630 hrs in the Labor Hall to address the labor related issue.

There is also a 24X7 Help Line (Tel No. 25674163) to assist labors in distress. For any unaddressed issues, the concerned Attaches in the labor section and the head of the labor wing could be contacted.

merican Society of Safety Engineers, Kuwait Chapter organized a training program on “An Insight into K-EPA Regulations with an emphasis on Waste Management” on May 18 2012, 10:00 am to 3 pm at Kohinoor Hotel, Fahaheel. The trainer for the session was Rama Krushna Chary, Head of Environment & Health Committee, ASSE - Kuwait Chapter & Secretary of Environmental Practice Specialty, ASSE USA. Rama Krushna Chary holding B. Tech in Chemical Engineering from National Institute of Technology (NIT), India. He is working as an Environment Engineer in HSE (E&PD) Team, Kuwait Oil Company.

He has 12 years of experience in waste

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and air quality management, encompassing compliance and permit applications; preparation and implementation of Environmental and Quality Management Systems, work plans for monitoring, assessment and feasibility studies.

Some of his key achievements are, played an instrumental role in establishing, implementation of Environmental Management System (EMS), commissioning of Hazardous Waste Treatment Centre (HWTC) for Oil and Gas Industry and also played key role in establishing the air quality division in Environmental Consultancy.

Chary explained about Kuwait Environmental Public Authority requirements with respect to waste manage-

ment. He has covered topics like the types of waste, storage and labelling, transportation, manifest and other related topics with documentation, treatment facilities in Kuwait, disposal facilities in Kuwait, etc. With some excellent video presentations about air, water pollutants and remedies in saving the planet, the audience got a wonderful thought provoking idea about the environment. In the beginning of the session Chary, after introduction of the course structure, started with a preliminary test, to check the audience’ knowledge about the Environmental Management System. The session took five hours and finished with a final test with the same questions provided in the preliminary test. All the par-

ticipants got excellent scores compared to the preliminary test scores which showed their improvement, interest about the topic and the instructor’s capability of teaching and presenting the topic in the right way.

As a token of appreciation B. Amarnath, Secretary, ASSE-Kuwait chapter congratulated Chary for his presentation. The program was very much beneficial to all the members particularly to new members. All the participants received handout CDs by ASSE-Kuwait chapter. At the end of session Chary and Amarnath presented certificates to the participants. Delicious lunch Sponsored

by ASSE - Kuwait Chapter served at the end of the session.

Karkal Pulari

Shreya Anil

Aarya Kalyani

Uma Prasanna

Dileep Menon

Govind Shajan

Ananya Athmabodh

Vishnu Vajhala

Harikesh Pradeep

Bharat Ganesh

Arun George

Rohita Mary

Sneha Susan Mathew

Rajagopal Kannan

CBSE Class 10 results: Euphoria of victory at IES havanites have brought glory to their alma mater with their stupendous performance in the CBSE Class 10 examination. Bhavans relishes with contentment the euphoria that has been ushered in with the declaration of the results. This child centered school which does not believe in the so called “filtering” has welcomed every single student who has walked in to be a part of it with utmost care, has opened the vistas of knowledge, instilling confidence and the power to think positively, to work hard and to excel.

There is tremendous improvement in the performance of Bhavanites. Fifteen meritorious students have scored CGPA of 10, 42 out of 93 have scored a CGPA

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of nine and above and 66 out of 93 have scored a CGPA of 8. All the efforts have proved fruitful and today the joy at Bhavans knows no bounds.

Twnety-two out of 93 students who appeared for the exam have scored a CGPA of 10 in English. The English Department of IES also has to its credit 84 students with a CGPA of 8 and above in English. The French Department has to its credit 20 out of 40 students with a CGPA of 10 in French. The Department of Hindi has 10 out of 30 with a CGPA of 10. 84 students in all have scored a CGPA of 8 and above in Language.

Bhavans also has to its credit 30 students with a CGPA of 10 in Mathematics. The Mathematics

Department is proud of the 70 students who have scored a CGPA of 8 and above in Mathematics. The Science Department of IES has to its credit 25 students with a CGPA of 10 and 70 students with a CGPA of 8 and above in Science. The Social Science Department has to its credit 25 students with a CGPA of 10 and 68 students with a CGPA of 8 and above in Social Science.

The entire IES fraternity shares the boundless glory that has been brought in by Bhavanites. With the vision “to prepare global citizens to provide leadership in future” Indian Educational School, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, “the school with a difference” works towards its mission in making a child and main-

taining the child as the best.

Every child here is an excellent child and they have essentially reciprocated by their performance. Chairman, N.K Ramachandran Anika Shridhar Menon, Principal T. Premkumar, Vice Principal Lalitha Premkumar, Academic Co-ordinator Anita Sadanand, the Heads of Departments and the entire teaching fraternity cherish a deep sense of contentment.

Basil Arts Kuwait The Basil Arts Kuwait requests all its registered members to attend the General Body / Family gettogether, scheduled at 11:00am on Friday, the 1st June, 2012 at the HiDine Restaurant, Abbasiya. For further information contact General Secretary on 65003040

Legal seminar alakkad Pravasi Association of Kuwait, the association of Palakkad natives living in Kuwait and ‘Indian Lawyers’ Forum’, (ILF) the association of Indian Lawyers and Law graduates in Kuwait is conducting legal seminar, on June 1, at 11 am at Mangaf Friends of Kannur (FOKE) auditorium. All Indian community members in Kuwait, especially Palpak members, families and friends are cordially invited to participate.

Your legal doubts/questions can be send by email to: palpaklegal@gmail.com and it will be answered in the seminar. For further information contact, P.N.Kumar, 99771830, Aravindhashan 68535989.

Revanth

Jestly Hudson Roy

Aleena Rehan

Rimsha Rehan

Malvika Rangta

Ijaz Aflah

Nanditha Venkatraman

D. R. Pratyusha

Aheli Gupta

Anjula Mary Antonis

Joanna P. Johnson

Anjali Sunil

Alistair Dias

Sharv Parikh

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Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

Berchmans announces 16th Extempore Speech Competition winners lumni Association of St. Berchmans College (AASBCO), Kuwait chapter held the Annual Extempore Speech competition for the 16th consecutive year in the United Indian School, Jleeb AlShuyoukh. AASBCO lauds all the 130 participants and their parents for the genuine interest that they have evinced in the event.

The programme commenced at 1.30 pm with a silent prayer. Shibu Pallickal, General Secretary welcomed the gathering followed by Presidential address by President Thomas Varghese. K.P. Koshy

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the Vice President blessed the participants with his message. The Chief Coordinator Kurien Varghese explained the rules of extempore speech competition.

The competition was conducted in five categories. The performance of each category was simply superb. Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan enjoyed a sweeping victory and bagged the Championship Trophy. IEASDon Bosco Salmiya emerged runner-up.

Here are the winners Senior category: V. Revanth (Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan), Jestley

Hudson Roy (Indian Public School), and Aleena Rehan (Carmel School -Khaitan), secured I, II, III prizes respectively.

Junior B category: Rimsha Rehan (Carmel School -Khaitan), Himag B. Vaidya (Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan) and Malvika Rangta (Carmel School -Khaitan), secured I, II, III prizes respectively.

Junior A category: Ijaz Aflah (Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan), Nanditha Venkataraman (Indian International School) and D. R. Pratyusha (Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan) secured I, II, III prizes respectively.

Sub-Junior B category: Aheli Gupta (FAIPS-DPS-Ahmadi), Anjula Mary Antonis (IEAS - Don Bosco Salmiya) and Joanna P Johnson (Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan) secured I, II, III prizes respectively.

Sub Junior A category: Anjali Sunil (IEAS - Don Bosco Salmiya), Alistair Dias (IEAS - Don Bosco Salmiya), and Sharv Parikh (FAIPS-DPS-Ahmadi) secured I, II, III prizes respectively.

Trophies and certificates will be given during AASBCO’s Annual day celebration, which will be conducted later this year.

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MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

WHAT’S ON

Embassy Information EMBASSY OF BRAZIL The Embassy of Brazil requests all Brazilian citizens in Kuwait to proceed to the website www.brazil.org.kw (Contact Us Form / Fale Conosco) in order to register or update contact information. The Embassy encourages all citizens to do so, including the ones who have already registered in person at the Embassy. The registration process helps the Brazilian Government to contact and assist Brazilians living abroad in case of any emergency.

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Pancily Varkey, Country head of UAE Exchange Co. lights the lamp. Tom Chirayil, Malayil Moosakoya, K. J. John, Somu Mathew, Raju Karunakaran, Varghese Mamparamban, Raju Zakarias, Tony Mathew, M. A. Hilal, Geevarghese Abraham are pictured at the event.

Indian Overseas Congress Arts Competitions 2012 ndian overseas congress (IOC) conducted the 6th Arts Festival-2012 for the children of expatriate Indians in Kuwait as well as for the elders, on 11th and 12th May 2012 at United Indian School, Abbasiya. The two day event was inaugurated by Pancily Varkey, Country Head of UAE Exchange and was presided by M.A Hilal, President of IOC which was attended by a huge crowd of Indians from various states of India.

Moosakoya felicitated on the occasion.

Somu Mathew, Gen. Secretary welcomed the audience and Raju Zacharias delivered vote of thanks.

Various competitions were held on two days on different stages with a good number of participation from children and elders from all over Kuwait. The competitions for drawing and painting and poster poetry writing was followed by classical dance and group dances for different age groups at two stages simultaneously on the first day of the event. On second day poetry recitation, elocution, solo, monoact and patriotic song competitions were held. Dignitaries and leaders of various Indian organizations and

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schools visited the venue during this event spread on these two days and congratulated the winners and participants.

The winners of the competitions are in order, first, second and third as follows: Classical dance - Group A - Anjana Raviprasad, Alicia Rose Sebastian, Sandra Treesa Sebastian. Group B -Angel Maria paul, Santhra Annualas John, Harsini Ramesh.

Group C- Stephina Sebastian, Anjali Sunil, Jismol Rajan.

Folk Dance - Group A - Anjana Ravi Prasad, Helen Maria Jaison, Harichandana P.D. Group B -Athira Ravi Prasad, Joan May Jaison, Nandhana Santhosh. Group CStephina Sebastian, Ganga Prasad, Anagha reghu Nair. Group Dance - Group A - Jerson Jose team, Merlyn titus team, Riya Mary sudin Team. Group B - Abin Seby team, Diya rosen Giju team, Jefy Sabu Elias team. Group C- Priya Elizabeth team, Farhana Firos team, Eleen Rose team.

Elocution - Group A - Neethu Elsa Joseph, Joan Mary Jaison, Amalendu Anil Kumar.

Group B- Nancy Joseph, Manar Ashad Khan,

Adith Hari Narayana. Group C- Rajesh Babu, Anil Kumar.

Poetry Recitation - Group A - Amirtha Rajan, Pratik Prateesh, Amalendu Anil Kumar, Athira Ravi Prasad & Akshaja K. S. Group B - Mable James Cheryeth, Renita Rajan Thotungal, Sneha Wilson. Group CAnil Kumar, K. R. Rajan, Sreela Ravi Prasad.

Solo Female - Group A - Athira Ravi Prasad, Gayatri Devi, Amalendu Anil Kumar.

Group B- Mable James Cherath, Varsha Venugopal, Blessy Susan Mathew. Group CSreela Ravi Prasad, Dr. Sitara.

Solo Male - Group A - Pratik Pratish, Vinayak Varma, Alen Siju. Group B - Kishan Rajan, Joel Shaji, Kishore Rajan. Group C Jaison Mathew, Anil Kumar, Rajan Chacko Thotungal.

Mono-act - Group A- Pratik Pratish, Sara Scaria, Angel Raju. Group B- Nowr Nasim, Sneha Wilson, Rachel Ann Kerr, Indian Patriotic Song - Group A - Aswathy Sivaprasad team, Kishore Rajan team, Sitar Suder Team. Group B - Rajan Chacko team.

Results were announced on the same day of the event except for drawing and

painting competitions. IOC volunteers who contributed to the successful conducting of this annual event are K. J. JohnGen. Convenor, Varghese MamparampanJoint Convenor and other convenors of various committees and office bearers Geevarghese Abraham, Tony Mathew, John Abraham, Tom Chirayil, Reji. C. Ninan, Thampan Mani, Raju Karunakaran, George Joseph, Thajudeen, Shaji Kavalam, Jacob Kavalam, Sunil, M.P. Sen, Chandy Kizhakel, Alex Bino Joseph and Chinnu Maxin. The Jury constituted by IOC chaired by Adv. John Thomas and comember Dr. K.G.S. Raju, effectively monitored the evaluation process and further results finalization.

The winners of these competitions will be awarded with trophies and medals during a public meeting which will be held in October 2012, the date of which will be informed later. Indian Overseas Congress expresses sincere thanks and gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the programme including the participants, parents, well wishers and sponsors.

EMBASSY OF CANADA The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakel 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 closed from 12:30 to 01:00 pm for lunch break. Consular Services for Canadian Citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00 on Sunday through Wednesday. The Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi provides visa and immigration services to residents of Kuwait. Individuals who are interested in visiting, working or immigrating to Canada are invited to visit the website of the Canadian Embassy to the UAE at www.uae.gc.ca.

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EMBASSY OF CYPRUS The Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus requests Cypriot citizens living in Kuwait to register with the Embassy has moved. This registration service is provided so that the Embassy can update its contact list and assist Cypriot citizens in cases of emergencies.

Registration information can be emailed to cyprusembassykwt@gmail.com or faxed to 22253227 or given by phone to 65906048 (Mrs Christine).

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EMBASSY OF FRANCE The French Embassy in Kuwait will be closed on Sunday, May 27, 2012 for Pentecost holidays.

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EMBASSY OF KOREA The Embassy of the Republic of Korea wishes to inform that it has moved to Mishref. New Address: Embassy of the Republic of Korea Mishref, Block 7A, Diplomatic Area 2, Plot 6 The Embassy also wishes to inform that it will be opened to the public on the following office hours: Saturday to Thursday Morning: 8:00 am to 12:30 pm Lunch Break: 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm Afternoon: 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to request all Kenyans resident in or training through Kuwait to register with the Embassy.

We are updating our database. This information is necessary in order to facilitate quick assistance and advise in times of emergency. Kindly visit in person or register through our website www.kenyaembkuwait.com. The Embassy is located in: Surra Area Block 6 - Street 9 - Villa 3 Tel: 25353362 - 25353314; Fax: 25353316.

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De-stress and decrease symptoms of Crohn’s Disease ember of the Kuwait Doctors Association of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and Head of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit at Al-Farwaniya Hospital, Dr. Salah Elenezi said that while stress might not be one of the factors that

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cause Crohn’s disease, it is an important lifestyle element for diagnosed patients to manage. Over the years, several flare-up cases have been reported during stressful times. It has been proven that stress can alter the way the stomach and intestines digest food. The stomach empties more slowly and secretes more acid. Also the rate for passing of intestinal contents can be affected. Some studies showed that there are cases when the

intestinal tissue can change. Stress can be pressure imposed on the individual by external circumstances, for example a problem faced in the workplace, or internal turmoil. While external factors are obvious to recognize, internal discomfort is usually ignored.

It is vital to note that many patients take time to live with the fact of their diagnosis, especially children who might not understand why they are different to their peers.

To avoid inflaming the symptoms further, attention must be paid to the stress levels experienced. Therefore, it is recommended for patients to adopt habits that would help release tension during a moment of high stress, as well as general routines to let go of bigger issues. These can vary from relaxation breathing exercises to actual physical exercises practiced on a regular basis.

Patients should also seek regular coaching from their doctor right after diagnosis until they can find a daily routine with which they are comfortable. Same for children, parents should get guidance from the doctor and develop their understanding of the disease in order to provide comfort to their child. If the distress caused by being diagnosed is more than they can handle, they should not hesitate to get in touch with a therapist who can help him/her through the transition.

Art Sawa hosts exhibition n exhibition called Sense & Sensibilities will be held from May 30 till June 19 at Art Sawa

by Hend Al-Falafly explores through her most recent and intimate works” Senses and Sensibilities” the different emotions expressed by the women, usually which are part of her daily life. She strongly uses body language to understand the meaningful silence carried over their experiences and different stories. Hend reflects all its semantic in the facial expressions and movements of the hands, the feet, the look, the clothes, and

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reveals then the tension, and the emotions repressed. “The pencils are my instruments, my tools, simply to express the intimate relationships of my social circle and, my work is mixed with strong realism which contains symbolism with very expressive meaning in the same time” she says. A different realism inspires her and has great impact in her works, which breaths from an inherent activity revealed through an incredible movement and light. No secret can be kept hidden, all is revealed. info@artsawa.com

EMBASSY OF MEXICO The Embassy of Mexico is pleased to inform that it is located in CLIFFS Complex, Villa 6, Salmiya, block 9, Baghdad street, Jadda Lane 7. The working hours for consular issues are from 9:00 to 12:00 Sunday through Thursday. The reception is closed from 14:00 to 15:00 hours for lunch break. The Embassy of Mexico kindly requests all Mexicans citizens in Kuwait to proceed to the e-mail: embkuwait@sre.gob.mx in order to register or update contact information. Other consultations or/and appointments could be done by telephone or fax: (+965) 2573 1952 ■■■■■■■

Youth India holds meeting ny form of violence cannot be tolerated, and the killings and atrocities for political motives have to be strongly condemned and those who involve in such activities should be brought before the law and punished with the maximum sentence possible, without which the civil life cannot be restored, said speakers at a conference organized by Youth India on ëThe growing terrorism in Kerala Politicsí. The gundas who commit the crimes for money are being protected by the political parties and no political parties in Kerala can claim their hands are clean, such is the sad sight of the Kerala Politics, said social activist John Mathew.

The elimination of people who have different views is uncivilized and making use of the situation by politi-

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cal parties for personal gains, when such a tragedy has taken place worries those who believe in humanity and the indifferent attitude of the government in punishing the culprits is a sign of deteriorating values in the society, said Youth India Kuwait President Arshad delivering his keynote address. Sakkeer Hussain Thuvvoor moderated the discussion which was held in Pravasi Auditorium Abbasiya. Raju Sakariya (OICC), Sreemlal Murali (Kerala Association), basher Batha (KKMCC), Mukesh VP (KALA Art Kuwait) and Faisal Manjeri (KIG) represented various organizations in Kuwait.† Youth India General Secretary Shafi PT welcomed the audience and Social Wing Convenor Anwar Shaji proposed the vote of thanks.

EMBASSY OF MYANMAR Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar would like to inform the general public that the Embassy has moved its office to new location at Villa 35, Road 203, Block 2, AlSalaam Area in South Surra. The Embassy wishes to advice Myanmar citizens and travellers to Myanmar to contact Myanmar Embassy at its new location.

Tel. 25240736, 25240290, Fax: 25240749, email:myankuwait11@gmai1.com ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF NEPAL The Embassy of Nepal will be moving from its current location to a new place in Jabriya, Block 8, St. 13, House No. 514, effective from 15th April, 2012. Till the new telephone connections are installed, the Embassy may be contacted by email: info@nepembku.org ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF NIGERIA The Nigerian embassy has its new office in Mishref. Block 3, Street 7, House 4. For enquires please call 25379541. Fax25387719. Email- nigeriakuwait@yahoo.com or nigeriankuwait@yahoo.co.uk ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF THAILAND The Royal Thai Embassy in Kuwait, wishes to invite the Kuwaiti companies that deal business with Thai companies or those agencies of Thai commercial companies to visit the Embassy’s Commercial Office to register their relevant information to be part of the embassy’s business and trade database. The Royal Thai Embassy is located in Jabriya, Block 6, Street 8, Villa No. 1, Telephone No. 25317530 -25317531, Ext: 14.

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EMBASSY OF UKRAINE We’d like to inform you that in response to the increasing number of our citizens who work in the state and the need for 24-hour operational telephone in case of emergency the Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Kuwait has opened “hotline telephone number” - (+ 965) 972-79-206.

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

TV PROGRAMS

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Untamed & Uncut Bite Of The Living Dead Wildwives Of Savannah Lane I Was Bitten Baboons With Bill Bailey Baboons With Bill Bailey Great Ocean Adventures Dogs 101 Shamwari: A Wild Life Growing Up...

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00:00 Newsday 00:30 India Business Report 01:00 Newsday 01:30 Asia Business Report 01:45 Sport Today 02:00 Newsday 02:30 Asia Business Report 02:45 Sport Today 03:00 Newsday 03:30 Hardtalk 04:00 BBC World News 04:30 World Business Report 04:45 BBC World News 05:30 World Business Report 05:45 BBC World News 06:00 BBC World News 06:30 World Business Report 06:45 Sport Today 07:00 BBC World News 07:30 World Business Report 07:45 Sport Today 08:00 BBC World News 08:30 Hardtalk 09:00 BBC World News 09:30 World Business Report 09:45 Sport Today 10:00 BBC World News 10:30 BBC World News 11:00 GMT With George Alagiah 11:30 GMT With George Alagiah 12:00 BBC World News 12:30 World Business Report 12:45 Sport Today 13:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 13:30 Impact With Mishal Husain 14:30 World Business Report 14:45 Sport Today 15:00 BBC World News 15:30 Hardtalk 16:00 The Hub With Nik Gowing 17:30 World Business Report 17:45 Sport Today 18:00 World News Today With Zeinab Badawi 19:30 World Business Report 19:45 Sport Today 20:00 BBC World News America 20:30 Hardtalk 21:00 BBC World News 21:30 World Business Report 21:45 Sport Today 22:00 BBC World News America 22:30 Asia Business Report

00:10 Duck Dodgers 00:35 The Perils Of Penelope Pitstop

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Tom & Jerry Kids A Pup Named Scooby-Doo The Jetsons Puppy In My Pocket Popeye Tom & Jerry Looney Tunes Scooby Doo Where Are You! Droopy: Master Detective Wacky Races The Flintstones A Pup Named Scooby-Doo Popeye Classics Dexters Laboratory Bananas In Pyjamas Baby Looney Tunes Gerald McBoing Boing Ha Ha Hairies Pink Panther And Pals The Garfield Show Dastardly And Muttley A Pup Named Scooby-Doo Scooby Doo Where Are You! The Flintstones Duck Dodgers Tom & Jerry Kids Droopy: Master Detective Wacky Races Jelly Jamm Baby Looney Tunes Ha Ha Hairies The Garfield Show Scooby Doo Where Are You! Dastardly And Muttley Looney Tunes Puppy In My Pocket Pink Panther And Pals Pink Panther And Pals Tom & Jerry Moomins The Garfield Show Dexter’s Laboratory Jelly Jamm Baby Looney Tunes Ha Ha Hairies Gerald McBoing Boing Bananas In Pyjamas Pink Panther And Pals Tom & Jerry Looney Tunes Scooby Doo Where Are You! Droopy: Master Detective The Flintstones Wacky Races Dastardly And Muttley New Yogi Bear Show

00:30 Bakugan: New Vestroia 01:20 Powerpuff Girls 02:10 Courage The Cowardly Dog 03:00 The Amazing World Of Gumball 03:25 Ben 10 03:50 Adventure Time 04:15 Powerpuff Girls 04:40 Generator Rex 05:05 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 05:55 Angelo Rules 06:00 Casper’s Scare School 06:50 The Powerpuff Girls 07:15 Adventure Time 07:40 Regular Show 08:05 Grim Adventures Of...

08:55 Courage The Cowardly Dog 09:45 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 10:35 Powerpuff Girls 11:25 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 12:15 Ed, Edd n Eddy 13:05 Ben 10: Alien Force 13:30 Bakugan: Gundalian Invaders 13:55 Redakai: Conquer The Kairu 14:20 Camp Lazlo 14:45 Powerpuff Girls 15:35 Angelo Rules 16:25 Grim Adventures Of...

17:15 The Amazing World Of Gumball 17:40 Adventure Time 18:05 Regular Show 18:30 Ben 10 18:55 Bakugan: Mechtanium Surge 19:20 Hero 108 19:45 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 20:10 Courage The Cowardly Dog 21:00 Ben 10: Alien Force 21:25 The Powerpuff Girls 21:50 Cow And Chicken

22:00 22:50 23:15 23:40

Codename: Kids Next Door Ben 10 Ben 10 Chowder

00:15 South Beach Classics 00:40 How Do They Do It? Turbo Specials 03:25 Wheeler Dealers 07:00 Chop Shop: London Garage 07:50 Mythbusters 08:45 Ultimate Survival 09:40 Border Security - Series 6 Specials 10:05 Auction Hunters 10:30 How It’s Made 11:25 Gold Rush 12:20 Gold Divers 13:15 Alone In The Wild 14:10 Border Security - Series 6 Specials 14:35 Auction Hunters 15:05 Gold Rush 16:00 Chop Shop: London Garage 16:55 Wheeler Dealers On The Road 17:20 Ultimate Survival 18:15 Mythbusters 19:10 How It’s Made 20:05 Border Security - Series 6 Specials 20:35 Dealers 21:30 Gold Rush 22:25 Gold Divers 23:20 Alone In The Wild

00:35 01:25 01:50 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:15 08:40 10:25 10:50 11:20 12:15 13:05 13:55 14:20 14:50 15:15 15:40 16:05 17:00 17:25 17:50 18:40 19:30 20:20 20:45 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:40

Invisible Worlds The Tech Show Catch It Keep It Future Weapons Nasa’s Greatest Missions How Does That Work?

How Does That Work?

Punkin Chunkin 2011 The Gadget Show The Gadget Show Smash Lab Mega Builders Nasa’s Greatest Missions How Does That Work?

How Does That Work?

Stunt Junkies Stunt Junkies The Tech Show Smash Lab The Gadget Show The Gadget Show Nasa’s Greatest Missions Mega Builders Superships The Gadget Show The Gadget Show Smash Lab Mega Builders Superships Mega Builders

00:10 00:35 01:00 01:50 02:40 03:30 04:20 05:10 06:00 06:15 06:40 07:05 07:30 07:55 08:20 08:45 09:10 09:25 09:35 09:45 10:00 10:25 10:50 11:15 11:26 11:40

Replacements Replacements Fairly Odd Parents A Kind Of Magic Stitch Replacements Fairly Odd Parents A Kind Of Magic Fish Hooks Recess So Random Wizards Of Waverly Place Good Luck Charlie Shake It Up Phineas And Ferb Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates Handy Manny The Hive Mouk Recess So Random Hannah Montana Fish Hooks Fish Hooks Jake & Blake

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00:25 Kendra 00:55 Style Star 01:25 20 Best & Worst Celebrity Plastic...

03:15 E! Investigates 04:10 Sexiest 05:05 Then And Now 06:00 THS 07:50 Behind The Scenes 08:20 E! News 09:15 Kourtney & Kim Take New York 10:15 THS 12:05 Kendra 13:05 Dirty Soap 14:05 Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami 15:00 Style Star 15:30 THS 16:25 Behind The Scenes 16:55 Giuliana & Bill 17:55 Kourtney & Kim Take New York 18:55 THS 19:55 Khloe And Lamar 20:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 21:25 Ice Loves Coco 22:25 Scouted 23:25 Chelsea Lately 23:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians

00:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 00:30 Unwrapped 00:55 Restaurant: Impossible 01:45 Guy’s Big Bite - Special 02:10 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 02:35 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 03:25 Meat & Potatoes 03:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 04:15 Outrageous Food 04:40 World Cafe Asia 05:05 Gourmet Farmer 05:30 Chopped 06:10 Barefoot Contessa 06:35 Healthy Appetite With Ellie Krieger 07:00 Food Network Challenge 07:50 Gourmet Farmer 08:15 Barefoot Contessa 08:40 Unique Sweets 09:05 Good Eats 09:30 Paula’s Best Dishes 09:55 World Cafe Asia 10:20 30 Minute Meals 10:45 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 11:10 Unwrapped 11:35 Easy Chinese: San Francisco 12:00 Food Network Challenge 12:50 Aarti Party 13:15 Cooking For Real 13:40 Barefoot Contessa 14:05 Healthy Appetite With Ellie Krieger 14:30 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 14:55 30 Minute Meals 15:20 Mexican Made Easy 15:45 Iron Chef America 16:35 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 17:00 Barefoot Contessa 17:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 17:50 Outrageous Food 18:15 Unique Sweets 18:40 Guy’s Big Bite 19:05 Mexican Made Easy 19:30 Food Network Challenge 20:20 Iron Chef America 21:10 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 21:35 Gourmet Farmer 22:00 Easy Chinese: San Francisco 22:25 Easy Chinese: San Francisco

00:30 00:55 01:20 02:05 02:55 03:45 04:10 04:30 Jones 05:20 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:40 09:30 09:55 10:20 Jones 11:10 12:00 12:50 13:40 14:30 14:55 15:20 Jones 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:05 19:55 20:20

THE HAUNTING OF MOLLY HARTLEY ON OSN ACTION HD

Sonny With A Chance Wizards Of Waverly Place Phineas And Ferb Recess Jessie A.N.T. Farm Good Luck Charlie Suite Life On Deck Shake It Up Phineas And Ferb Jessie A.N.T. Farm Wizards Of Waverly Place Shake It Up Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Hannah Montana Phineas And Ferb Shake It Up Jonas So Random Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Kim Possible

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Stalked: Someone’s Watching I Was Murdered Behind Mansion Walls LA: City Of Demons Scorned: Crimes Of Passion Stalked: Someone’s Watching I Was Murdered True Crime With Aphrodite Mystery Diagnosis Disappeared Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

True Crime With Aphrodite Disappeared Street Patrol Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

True Crime With Aphrodite Disappeared Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Real Emergency Calls Mystery Diagnosis Who On Earth Did I Marry?

True Crime With Aphrodite

Market Values Market Values Around The World For Free Departures Banged Up Abroad Adventure Wanted Nomads

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Market Values Market Values Around The World For Free Departures Banged Up Abroad Adventure Wanted Nomads Market Values Around The World For Free Departures Banged Up Abroad Adventure Wanted Nomads Market Values Deadliest Journeys Don’t Tell My Mother Banged Up Abroad Treks In A Wild World Endurance Traveller

00:30 The Haunting Of Molly Hartley-18 02:00 Full Metal Jacket-18 04:00 RoboCop 3-PG15 06:00 X2-PG 08:15 Spider-Man-PG 10:15 Ip Man-PG15 12:15 Hidalgo-PG 14:30 Spider-Man-PG 16:30 Blank Slate-PG15 18:00 Hidalgo-PG 20:15 Assassination Tango-18 22:15 Blood Out-18

01:00 Homecoming-18 03:00 My Dog Tulip-PG15 05:00 Elle: A Modern Cinderella Tale-PG15 07:00 Prom-PG15 09:00 Make It Happen-PG15 11:00 Alabama Moon-PG15 13:00 Africa United-PG15 15:00 St. Trinian’s 2: The Legend Of Fritton’s Gold-PG15 17:00 The Eagle-PG15 19:00 Just Wright-PG15 21:00 From Paris With Love-PG15 23:00 Arthur-PG15

THE EAGLE ON OSN CINEMA

14:00 Everybody Wants To Be Italian-PG15 00:00 Napoleon Dynamite 16:00 The Addams Family-PG 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 18:00 Cool Runnings-PG15 Stewart 20:00 Mardi Gras: Spring Break-18 01:00 The Colbert Report 22:00 PJ Gallagher: Just Jokes-18 01:30 Saturday Night Live 23:45 Paper Man-PG15 03:00 The Simpsons 03:30 Last Man Standing 04:00 Weird Science 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Seinfeld 01:30 2:22-18 06:30 Melissa And Joey 03:30 Sideways-18 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 05:45 Eight Below-PG 08:00 Weird Science 07:45 Bond Of Silence-PG15 08:30 The Simpsons 09:15 Freestyle (2010)-PG15 09:00 Seinfeld 11:30 Not Since You-PG15 09:30 Two And A Half Men 13:30 Veronica Guerin-PG15 10:30 Melissa And Joey 15:45 Freestyle (2010)-PG15 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay 17:45 Across The Sea Of Time-FAM Leno 19:00 Strange Culture-PG15 12:30 Weird Science 21:00 The Silence Of The Lambs-18 13:00 Seinfeld 23:00 Chico & Rita-18 13:30 Melissa And Joey 14:00 Last Man Standing 15:00 Two And A Half Men 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Hurt Locker-18 16:00 The Colbert Report 03:30 The LXD: The Uprising Begins17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon PG15 18:00 The Simpsons 05:10 The LXD: Secrets Of The Ra18:30 Raising Hope PG15 20:00 Community 07:10 A Family Thanksgiving-PG15 20:30 King Of The Hill 09:00 Get Low-PG15 21:00 The Daily Show Global Edition 11:00 Evan Almighty-PG15 21:30 The Colbert Report Global 13:00 Elle: A Modern Cinderella Edition Tale-PG15 15:00 Call Of The Wild-PG15 17:00 Get Low-PG15 19:00 Easy A-PG15 20:45 Iron Man 2-PG15 00:00 Bones 23:00 Arthur-PG15 01:00 Burn Notice 02:00 Top Gear (US) 03:00 Covert Affairs 04:00 Pillars Of The Earth 00:00 Last Of The Mohicans-PG 05:00 The View 02:00 Bat Cat And Bitsy-FAM 06:00 Good Morning America 04:00 Shipwrecked-PG 07:00 Charlie’s Angels 06:00 Good Boy!-PG 08:00 Emmerdale 08:00 Freddy Frogface-PG 08:30 Coronation Street 10:00 Yogi Bear-FAM 09:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 Cher Ami-PG15 10:00 The Martha Stewart Show 14:00 Shipwrecked-PG 11:00 The View 16:00 The Thief Of Baghdad-PG 12:00 Bones 18:00 Yogi Bear-FAM 13:00 Covert Affairs 20:00 The Lucky Dragon-PG 14:00 Good Morning America 22:00 Cher Ami-PG15 16:00 Charlie’s Angels 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 18:00 Emmerdale 18:30 Coronation Street 19:00 Revenge 00:00 Test Cricket 20:00 Justified 07:00 NRL Premiership 21:00 The Closer 09:00 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 22:00 Game Of Thrones 09:30 Super Rugby 23:00 Pillars Of The Earth 11:30 Trans World Sport 12:30 WWE This Week 13:00 Live Test Cricket 21:00 Super Rugby Highlights 22:00 European PGA Tour 00:00 Pan Am Highlights 01:00 Top Gear (US) 23:00 Trans World Sport 02:00 Burn Notice 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00

Bones Covert Affairs Eureka Pan Am Emmerdale Coronation Street The Practice Top Gear (US) Bones Burn Notice

01:00 04:00 05:30 07:00 09:15 11:00 13:00 15:00 PG15 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

The Godfather III-18 The Burningmoore Incident Sleep Dealer-18 The Manchurian Candidate True Justice: Brotherhood The Front-PG15 The Warlords-PG15 True Justice: Brotherhood-

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Ladder 49-PG15 The Siege-18 Quarantine 2: Terminal-18 RoboCop 3-PG15

The Secret Of My Success Our Family Wedding-PG15 The Big Green-PG Elevator Girl-PG15 The Addams Family-PG Paper Man-PG15

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Pro 12 NRL Premiership Pro 12 AFL Premiership NRL Full Time Live NRL Premiership City Center Races Pro 12 Golfing World AFL Premiership Highlights Futbol Mundial Super League Super League

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Super League Super Rugby Highlights Pro 12 Super League

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UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC 146 Countdown UFC Prelims UFC 146 WWE Bottomline WWE Experience PrizeFighter V8 Supercars Highlights

13:00 14:00 15:00 17:00 18:00 20:00 23:00

V8 Supercars Highlights WWE Experience WWE SmackDown V8 Supercars UFC Prelims UFC 146 UFC Unleashed

00:00 Vietnam: Lost Films 01:00 Underwater Universe 03:00 Vietnam: Lost Films 04:00 The Universe 05:00 MysteryQuest 06:00 Decoded 07:00 Pawn Stars 07:30 Pawn Stars 08:00 Ancient Aliens 09:00 Soviet Storm: WWII In The East 10:00 Pawn Stars 10:30 Pawn Stars 11:00 Ax Men 12:00 Underwater Universe 14:00 Soviet Storm: WWII In The East 15:00 Ancient Aliens 16:00 Underwater Universe 18:00 Soviet Storm: WWII In The East 19:00 Ancient Aliens 20:00 Pawn Stars 20:30 Pawn Stars 21:00 Ax Men 22:00 IRT: Deadliest Roads – The Andes 23:00 Pawn Stars 23:30 Storage Wars

00:00 01:00 01:25 01:55 02:50 03:20 04:15 05:10 06:05 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 09:25 09:55 10:50 11:50 12:50 13:15 13:45 14:45 15:40 16:35 17:30 18:25 19:25 20:20 21:15 22:10 23:05

Wicked Fit Fashion Classics Open House Videofashion Daily Videofashion News How Do I Look?

Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

Married Away Clean House Videofashion News Videofashion News Videofashion Daily Open House Fashion Classics How Do I Look?

Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

Clean House Dress My Nest Mel B: It’s A Scary World Bridalplasty How Do I Look?

Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane Big Rich Texas Big Rich Texas The Amandas The Amandas Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane The Amandas Fashion Police

00:00 Planet Food 01:00 Think Green 02:00 Globe Trekker 03:00 The Big Guide 04:00 Globe Trekker 05:00 Planet Food 06:00 Sophie Grigson In The Souk 06:30 Sophie Grigson In The Souk 07:00 Globe Trekker 08:00 Great Scenic Railways-Us & Canada 08:30 Life’s A Trip 09:00 Intrepid Journeys 10:00 Chef Abroad 10:30 Chef Abroad 11:00 Flavours Of South Africa 11:30 Glutton For Punishment 12:00 Globe Trekker 13:00 Culinary Asia 14:00 Rivers Of The World 15:00 Cruising The South China Sea 16:00 Globe Trekker 17:00 Glutton For Punishment 17:30 Flavours Of Scotland 18:00 Chef Abroad 18:30 Chef Abroad 19:00 Globe Trekker 20:00 Distant Shores 20:30 Essential 21:00 Inside Luxury Travel-Varun

Sharma 22:00 Down The Line 23:00 Globe Trekker

01:25 Klute-18 03:15 Never So Few-PG 05:15 For Me And My Gal-FAM 07:00 Somebody Up There Likes Me-PG 08:50 White Heat-PG 10:40 Logan’s Run-PG 12:35 Never So Few-PG 14:35 What’s Up, Doc?-FAM 16:05 Home From The Hill-PG 18:30 Rebel Without A Cause-PG 20:20 Blackboard Jungle-PG 22:00 Skyjacked-PG 23:40 Cannery Row

00:15 Little Einsteins 00:40 Jungle Junction 00:55 Jungle Junction 01:10 Little Einsteins 01:30 Special Agent Oso 01:45 Special Agent Oso 02:00 Lazytown 02:25 Little Einsteins 02:50 Jungle Junction 03:05 Jungle Junction 03:20 Little Einsteins 03:40 Special Agent Oso 03:55 Special Agent Oso 04:10 Lazytown 04:35 Little Einsteins 05:00 Jungle Junction 05:15 Jungle Junction 05:30 Little Einsteins 05:50 Special Agent Oso 06:00 Special Agent Oso 06:15 Jungle Junction 06:30 Jungle Junction 06:45 Handy Manny 07:00 Special Agent Oso 07:15 Lazytown 07:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 08:10 The Hive 08:20 Handy Manny 08:35 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 08:50 The Little Mermaid 09:15 Mini Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh 09:20 Mouk 09:35 Mouk 09:45 The Hive 09:55 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 10:20 Lazytown 10:45 Art Attack 11:10 Imagination Movers 11:35 Lazytown 12:00 The Hive 12:10 Handy Manny 12:25 Jungle Junction 12:40 Imagination Movers 13:05 The Hive 13:15 Special Agent Oso 13:30 Lazytown 13:55 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 14:20 The Hive 14:30 Handy Manny 14:45 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 15:00 Mouk 15:15 The Hive 15:25 Handy Manny 15:40 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 15:55 Imagination Movers 16:20 Lazytown 16:45 The Adventures Of Disney Fairies 17:10 The Adventures Of Disney Fairies 17:35 Art Attack 18:00 Mouk 18:10 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 18:25 The Hive 18:35 The Little Mermaid 19:00 Mini Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh 19:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 19:25 101 Dalmatians 19:40 Mouk 19:50 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 20:05 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 20:20 The Hive 20:30 Mini Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh 20:33 A Poem Is...

20:36 Animated Stories 20:45 Mouk 21:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 21:25 Jake & The Neverland Pirates

Classifieds MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

CHANGE OF NAME

FOR SALE Pajero model 2006, 3.8 liters full options, leather upholstery, always serviced by company, single owner driven, excellent condition, KD 3,500/- O.N.O. Contact: 24810860. (C 4027) 27-5-2012

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arrival Flights on Monday 28/5/2012

Departure Flights on Monday 28/5/2012

Airlines Flt

Route

Time

Airlines Flt

Route

Time

JZR

185

DUBAI

0:15

AIC

982

AHMEDABAD/HYDERABAD

0:05

QTR

148

DOHA

0:20

UAL

981

WASHINGTON DC DULLES

0:25

JZR

539

CAIRO

0:30

DLH

637

FRANKFURT

0:30

ETH

620

ADDIS ABABA

1:45

PIA

206

PESHAWER/LAHORE

1:10

GFA

211

BAHRAIN

2:20

THY

773

ISTANBUL

2:15

ETH

621

ADDIS ABABA

2:45

UAE

854

DUBAI

3:45

FDB

68

DUBAI

3:50

DHX

371

BAHRAIN

3:55

ETD

306

ABU DHABI

4:05

MSR

613

CAIRO

4:20

QTR

139

DOHA

4:50

UAE

853

DUBAI

2:25

ETD

305

ABU DHABI

2:30

DHX

370

BAHRAIN

2:55

FDB

67

DUBAI

3:10

MSR

612

CAIRO

3:20

QTR

138

DOHA

3:25

JZR

503

LUXOR

3:55

THY

770

ISTANBUL

4:35

DHX

170

BAHRAIN

5:00

QTR

149

DOHA

5:40

FAH

201

DUBAI

5:30

JZR

560

SOHAG

6:00

JZR

555

ALEXANDRIA

6:00

JZR

164

DUBAI

6:55

212

BAHRAIN

7:05

KAC

412

MANILA/BANGKOK

6:15

GFA

BAW

157

LONDON

6:30

THY

771

ISTANBUL

7:10

6:40

KAC

545

ALEXANDRIA

8:10

JZR

529

ASSIUT

KAC

206

ISLAMABAD

7:15

BAW

156

LONDON

8:25

FDB

53

DUBAI

7:45

FDB

54

DUBAI

8:25

KAC

302

MUMBAI

7:50

JZR

256

BEIRUT

9:00

KAC

352

COCHIN

8:05

ABY

126

SHARJAH

9:05

KAC

362

COLOMBO

8:20

JZR

534

CAIRO

9:10

UAE

855

DUBAI

8:25

KAC

671

DUBAI

9:20

KAC

787

JEDDAH

9:35

UAE

856

DUBAI

9:40

QTR

133

DOHA

10:00

FDB

56

DUBAI

10:05

ETD

302

ABU DHABI

10:15

ABY

125

SHARJAH

8:30

KAC

284

DHAKA

8:45

QTR

132

DOHA

9:00

FDB

55

DUBAI

9:20

ETD

301

ABU DHABI

9:30

BAB

436

BAHRAIN

9:35

KAC

344

CHENNAI

9:45

GFA

213

BAHRAIN

10:00

IRC

6521

LAMERD

10:15

BAB

437

BAHRAIN

10:25

GFA

214

BAHRAIN

10:45

IRC

6522

LAMERD

11:15

541

CAIRO

11:30

MEA

404

BEIRUT

10:55

KAC

JZR

165

DUBAI

11:05

KAC

165

ROME/PARIS

11:45

11:25

MEA

405

BEIRUT

11:55

MSR

618

ALEXANDRIA

JZR

561

SOHAG

12:25

JZR

776

JEDDAH

12:15

MSR

610

CAIRO

13:30

MSR

619

ASSIUT

12:25

GFA

219

BAHRAIN

13:40

KAC

103

LONDON

12:30

KAC

672

DUBAI

13:40

KAC

785

JEDDAH

13:10

FDB

57

DUBAI

13:45

JZR

176

DUBAI

13:20

OMA

645

MUSCAT

14:00

GFA

220

BAHRAIN

14:25

KNE

472

JEDDAH

14:15

FDB

58

DUBAI

14:25

QTR

140

DOHA

14:25

MSR

611

CAIRO

14:30

SVA

500

JEDDAH

14:30

OMA

646

MUSCAT

15:00

RJA

640

AMMAN

14:55

KAC

673

DUBAI

15:05

KAC

788

JEDDAH

15:00

KNE

473

JEDDAH

15:15

JZR

257

BEIRUT

15:00

KAC

617

DOHA

15:45

KAC

546

ALEXANDRIA

15:05

QTR

134

DOHA

15:15

SVA

501

JEDDAH

15:45

SYR

341

DAMASCUS

15:55

RJA

641

AMMAN

15:50

KAC

118

NEW YORK

16:00

QTR

135

DOHA

16:15

JZR

535

CAIRO

16:00

ETD

303

ABU DHABI

16:35

KAC

773

RIYADH

16:25

KAC

741

DAMMAM

16:30

342

DAMASCUS

16:55 17:20

UAE

857

DUBAI

16:55

SYR

GFA

215

BAHRAIN

17:20

ETD

304

ABU DHABI

17:20

JZR

238

AMMAN

17:30

538

CAIRO

17:40

SVA

510

RIYADH

UAL

982

WASHINGTON DC DULLES

17:25

JZR

JZR

177

DUBAI

17:30

QTR

141

DOHA

17:45

17:40

UAE

858

DUBAI

18:05

JZR

777

JEDDAH

ABY

127

SHARJAH

17:45

GFA

216

BAHRAIN

18:20

KAC

542

CAIRO

18:15

JZR

134

BAHRAIN

18:20

Households for sale cheap prices with or without, 2 BR C-A/C flat at Fahaheel, family leaving June. BR set, sofa, fridge, thread mill, electronics, medicated bed etc.

Contact: 99232986.

(C 4021) Toyota Camry model 2010, white color, GL, CD, excellent original condition, cash price KD 4200/-, installation possible.

Contact: 66396517.

(C 4025) 24-5-2012

I, Vinoth Kannan Kesavan son of Kesavan bearing an Indian passport No. E3242791, born on 3, June 1984, residing at No.1/8 West Street, Keezhupadi, Sathaputhur post, Sankarapuram T.K, Villupuram - 606 205, has converted to Islam with the name of Abdul Rahman .K on 6th May 2009. (C 4026) 26-5-2012 Sivakumar Krishnamoorthy, son of Krishnamoorthy and Theivanayagi bearing Indian passport No. F9732440 and having address New No. 151, Achuthampettai, Thirukandeeswaram, Sannanallur (P.O), Nannilam TK, Thiruvarur DT, Tamil Nadu, India have embraced Islam and changed the name as ABDURRAHMAN. (C 4024) 24-5-2012

SITUATION WANTED Auditing, Accounting, Financial Management, Business Development services/ advice by an experienced Indian man available for part-time assignment.

Contact: 65802853. (C 4028) 28-52012

SITUATION VACANT Indian driver for Kuwaiti family. 1) Working as driver in Kuwait at least 5 years. 2) Knows to speak English. 3) Residence 20. Contact: 66343220.

(C 4017) 20-5-2012

No: 15462

Accountant, MBA-Finance, B.com-Accounts & CA-Inter, having 5 years experience looking for part time job; can prepare your all business accounting reports and financial statements independently. Call Now: 55829223 or Email: acconline@ymail.com (C 4010) 26-5-2012 United States citizen 15 plus year experience working on U.S. Military 3 non military tire including MRAP looking for employment with US Army contract company in Middle East. Contact: 60461658. (C 4023) 23-5-2012

ST TAT TE OF KUW K WA AIT

Tel.: e 161

DIRECTORA AT TE GENE GENERAL OF CIVIL AVIA V ATION T METEOROLOGICAL DEP PARTMENT A DA AY: Y Sunday

WWW.MET.GOV V.KW .

27/05/2012

Issue Time

BY Y DA AY:

Hot and Partly cloudy with light to moderate north westerly to northerly wind, with speed of 08 - 28 km/h

BY Y NIGHT:

Relatively hot with light to moderate north westerly to northerly wind, with speed of 12 - 35 km/h

No Current Warnings arnin a

WA ARNING ST TATION T

MAX. EXP P.

MIN. REC.

KUW WAIT A CITY

43 °C

31 °C

KUW WAIT A AIRPOR RT

45 °C

28 °C

438

BAHRAIN

18:40

ABY

128

SHARJAH

18:25

786

JEDDAH

18:40

SVA

511

RIYADH

18:35

FDB

63

DUBAI

18:45

UAL

982

BAHRAIN

18:40

KAC

104

LONDON

18:45

FDB

64

DUBAI

19:25

NUW WAISEEB A

42 °C

29 °C

MSR

620

ASSIUT

19:10

BAB

439

BAHRAIN

19:30

WAFRA A

45 °C

27 °C

KAC

618

DOHA

19:20

JZR

184

DUBAI

20:05

KAC

674

DUBAI

19:25

SALMI

MSR

621

ALEXANDRIA

20:10

44 °C

26 °C

KAC

742

DAMMAM

19:30 19:35

DHAKA

20:15

28 °C

MUMBAI

283

45 °C

572

KAC

ABDAL LY

JAI KAC

774

RIYADH

19:40

JAI

571

MUMBAI

20:35

JAL ALIY YAH A

44 °C

28 °C

FDB

61

DUBAI

20:00

FDB

62

DUBAI

20:40

FA AILAKA

42 °C

28 °C

MEA

402

BEIRUT

20:15

KAC

351

COCHIN

21:05

20:25

BEIRUT

21:15

32 °C

DOHA

403

39 °C

146

MEA

AHMADI POR RT

QTR GFA

221

BAHRAIN

20:35

GFA

222

BAHRAIN

21:35

UMM AL-MARADEM

35 °C

29 °C

502

LUXOR

21:45

WARBA A A - BUBY YA AN

40 °C

27 °C

229

COLOMBO

20:55

UAE

859

DUBAI

21:15

DHX

171

BAHRAIN

21:50

JZR

135

BAHRAIN

21:15

ALK

230

COLOMBO

21:55

ETD

307

ABU DHABI

21:20

ABY

120

SHARJAH

22:10

BBC

43

DHAKA

21:25

ETD

308

ABU DHABI

22:20

ABY

129

SHARJAH

21:30

UAE

860

DUBAI

22:25

QTR

136

DOHA

21:35

FAH

102

DUBAI

22:30

QTR

137

DOHA

WEA ATHER T

Monday

28/05

hot + raising dust

22:35

Tuesday

29/05

22:40

Weednesday

30/05

Thursday

31/05

dusty

372

BAHRAIN

22:00

975

CHENNAI/GOA

22:25

KAC

301

MUMBAI

GFA

217

BAHRAIN

22:35

KAC

205

ISLAMABAD

22:45

UAL

981

BAHRAIN

22:40

DHX

373

BAHRAIN

23:00

TAR

327

TUNIS

22:55

JZR

554

ALEXANDRIA

23:00

JZR

239

AMMAN

22:55

BBC

44

DHAKA

23:05

DLH

636

FRANKFURT

23:10

QTR

147

DOHA

23:10

GFA

218

BAHRAIN

23:30

THY

772

ISTANBUL

23:40

KLM

411

AMSTERDAM/DAMMAM

23:40

PIA

239

SIALKOT

23:45

KAC

411

BANGKOK/MANILA

23:40

TAR

328

DUBAI/TUNIS

23:45

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

27/05/2012 0000 UTC

Temperatures DA AT TE

AIC

SFC. CHART

4 DA AYS Y FORECAST DA AY

DHX

07:00

Expected Weeather for the Next 24 Hours

KAC

ALK

Ext.: 262 2627 - 2630

Fax: 24348714

BAB

JZR

For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128

MAX.

MIN.

Wind Direction

Wind Speed

43 °C

28 °C

NW-N

15 - 40 km/h

hot

44 °C

29 °C

NW-N

15 - 35 km/h

hot + raising dust

46 °C

30 °C

N-NW

20 - 45 km/h

46 °C

32 °C

NW

25 - 45 km/h

PRA RA AY YER TIMES Prayer timings Fajr

Fajr: 03:17 Sunrise Duhr: Zuhr11:45 Asr: Asr15:20 Maghrib:Sunset 18:42 Isha20:11 Isha:

RECORDED YESTERDA AY AT KUW WA AIT AIRPORT 03:17

MAX. Temp.

44 °C

04:50

MIN. Temp.

28 °C

11:45

MAX. RH

25 %

15:20

MIN. RH

06 %

18:40

MAX. Wind

20:10

TOT TA AL L RAIINF FALL A L IN 24 HR.

All times are local time unless otherwise stated.

27/05/12 02:18 UTC

NE 28 km/h 00 mm V1.00

T1.06

34

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

stars CROSSWORD 688

STAR TRACK

CALVIN & HOBBES

Aries (March 21-April 19) You are very expressive and outgoing when it comes to your feelings and emotions today. Creativity of all kinds is available to you—music, drama, art and perhaps a bit of poetry. If you are not involved in learning some creative technique, you could find yourself teaching. Animals and children play a large role in your day—which could mean a trip to the zoo. You are driven to excel in many forms of physical and creative expressions—sports, theatrics and arts and crafts.

This urge to express yourself, to speak out and be heard propels you into many an interesting situation . . . especially today. You enjoy watching people and find it fun and satisfying to learn about others. It is in learning about others that we learn about ourselves.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You will aid and calm others in problem-solving situations today. Others will seek you out for advice. Perhaps you are a speaker, counselor or adviser—whatever the case you often assist and support those that need your help. Your special gift of promoting a healing between people comes up frequently. You are able to span the generation gap and bring people together regardless of their age or their feelings. This is a vital day. You express yourself deliberately and have a natural sense of organization with much discipline and care—perhaps a little too sober at times. Spiritual subjects still have a way of coming into your world. You come up against it often. You keep finding yourself looking out the window.

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. Above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent.

4. Small space in a tissue or part such as the area between veins on a leaf or an insect's wing.

10. Female of domestic cattle.

13. Hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland (trade name Pitressin) and also by nerve endings in the hypothalamus.

14. A motley assortment of things.

15. A benevolent aspect of Devi.

16. A domain in which something is dominant.

18. A crude uncouth ill-bred person lacking culture or refinement.

19. A flexible container with a single opening.

20. The capital and largest city of Yemen.

21. A soft cotton or worsted fabric with an open mesh.

23. A unit of dry measure used in Egypt.

24. Old World genus of annual to perennial herbs.

25. A gray lustrous metallic element of the rare earth group.

27. An official prosecutor for a judicial district.

29. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

32. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising solely the razorbill.

36. (Akkadian) God of wisdom.

38. The elementary stages of any subject (usually plural).

40. A village of huts for native Africans in southern Africa.

43. A fraudulent business scheme.

45. Material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds.

47. A river that rises in northern Colombia and flows generally eastward to the Orinoco in central Venezuela.

51. Large burrowing rodent of South and Central America.

53. A small island.

55. Having undesirable or negative qualities.

56. A dark-skinned member of a race of people living in Australia when Europeans arrived.

60. An emotional response that has been acquired by conditioning.

61. Wild or domesticated South American cud-chewing animal related to camels but smaller and lacking a hump.

62. German naturalist whose speculations that plants and animals are made up of tiny living `infusoria' led to the cell theory (1779-1851).

63. A doctor's degree in education.

64. English theoretical physicist who applied relativity theory to quantum mechanics and predicted the existence of antimatter and the positron (1902-1984).

65. A neutral middle vowel.

DOWN 1. Gymnastic apparatus consisting of two parallel wooden bars supported on uprights.

2. The content of cognition.

3. A republic in West Africa on the Gulf of Guinea.

4. A large fleet.

5. An intensely radioactive metallic element that occurs in minute amounts in uranium ores.

6. Animal reproductive body consisting of an ovum or embryo together with nutritive and protective envelopes.

7. A slender double-reed instrument.

8. An arrangement of points or particles or objects in a regular periodic pattern in 2 or 3 dimensions.

9. Struck with fear, dread, or consternation.

10. An ancient unit of length based on the length of the forearm.

11. Of or relating to Oman or its people.

12. A recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing.

17. Soft white semisolid fat obtained by rendering the fatty tissue of the hog v 1.

22. (Hinduism) Term of respect for a Brahmin sage.

26. A flat-bottomed volcanic crater that was formed by an explosion.

28. The elementary stages of any subject (usually plural).

30. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group.

31. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

33. A gonadotropic hormone that is secreted by the anterior pituitary.

34. A white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light.

35. A colorless and odorless inert gas.

37. A member of the Siouan people formerly living in the Missouri river valley in NE Nebraska.

39. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

41. Harmony of people's opinions or actions or characters.

42. A white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily.

44. A high-crowned black cap (usually made of felt or sheepskin) worn by men in Turkey and Iran and the Caucasus.

46. Related to or having filaments especially across a field of view.

48. A virtually extinct Caucasian language spoken exclusively in Turkey.

49. English Cavalier poet whose lyric poetry was favored by Charles I (1595-1639).

50. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan River.

52. In bed.

53. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group.

54. Rock that form the continuous lower layer of the earth's crust.

57. (used especially of persons) Having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age.

58. Being one more than forty.

59. (Greek mythology) The winged goddess of the dawn in ancient mythology.

Yesterday’s Solution

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Your eagerness is strong and your creative juices are flowing, ready to be applied to any work you want to undertake. If you give your best effort now, considerable success may follow your efforts. It is an excellent time for a drive in the country or for visiting out-of-town friends or family. Petty differences will come to an end soon. Your efforts to communicate in positive ways are beneficial to your own growth. If you are right, things will shift your way soon enough. Do not try to force an issue. Doing just about anything with friends or family will bring much joy today. This is also an excellent time to engage in activities with the opposite sex. Love relationships are exalted. This is a nurturing and fertile time when new seeds of ideas are planted.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) There is a drive to probe and penetrate that may find you examining and working through some strong internal changes.

Don’t push too hard—you could put yourself in a more difficult situation. You are presented with new energies and ideas along the line of creative endeavors today. This is a great time to start new projects. Your interest in professional success is great—you could find yourself analyzing your choices up to now. You may even decide to update your resume, even if you feel you don’t need to just now. You will be able to inspire your friends to new heights of accomplishments without words today. A pleasant environment this afternoon encourages you to be with friends and family. You may decide to have a planning party tonight for your next party.

NON SEQUITUR

Leo (July 23-August 22) Today marks a time when your personality and mode of living will be changeable. You are well disposed to others at this time but should be careful in overextending your energies. In other words, you must have some play or quiet time to think and be by yourself. Others could take advantage of your good nature and you could end up resenting some time loss.

You are lucky today. Buoyed with confidence, you could become carried away with some particular endeavor. This is a great time to play in a competitive sport, especially with the opposite sex. You may appear perhaps more charming and refined than usual. This evening could be the time to plan a special date or spend some quality time with a loved one.

ZITS

Virgo (August 23-September 22) There are powerful, energetic feelings today that inject a great sense of humor and lighthearted feeling about you. You could feel great support from those around you for whatever activity is chosen for this day. You are particularly energetic today and involving yourself with some form of exercise will properly channel this energy. Appearances and style may count more than substance and you may decide it is time to shop for an addition to your wardrobe. You may also decide to add a little something new for a family gathering coming up soon. Romance, the arts and others of life’s pleasures seem to take center stage at this time. Marriage, or a steady relationship, and good health are strong points in your life now.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

It could be difficult to get yourself motivated today. If you have really been as busy as the energies indicate, you should not feel guilty about making this a day of relaxation. Any sort of ongoing crises, including the struggle to meet time limits at work can lead to poor health. Having a handle on your physical and emotional wellbeing will help you maintain a good balance in your life.

This is a day to enjoy. A little rest, exercise and some form of quiet entertainment can be of benefit. Look at ways in which you can create harmony in your own home. This may include a new color of paint for a room. This afternoon is filled with times of amusement and good communication while visiting with the older generation in your family.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) How long has it been since you slept late or had breakfast in bed? This could be the perfect day to enjoy the comforts of home, familiar places and faces. Go ahead and baby yourself—you deserve it. You have really been working hard on your goals and shaping your personal outlook. The need for partnership is strong at this time. This may be the best time to express yourself, vocally, artistically or through an opinion. Expression through your talents and abilities is something you take with you forever and others enjoy as well. Think about the way you express yourself and your talents; perhaps you could learn new talents. Spend some time in rest and relaxation this afternoon. If you are a mom—there are extra sweet surprises today.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) The proper way to enjoy this day is to relax. Some people relax by gardening and some people relax by soaking under a little sun by the pool. You will find that some time during this day you may look up and realize that you have not thought about work or any other responsibilities for the whole day.

Through your actions, you just automatically teach others how to be appreciative of the freely available, natural surroundings. You should take every opportunity to be with friends or loved ones this evening. You can be in touch with your most personal emotions, usually filling you with a sense of contentment and peace. A new family project—purchasing a gift—enjoying friends and family makes the evening complete. Keep this day in your memory bank.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) You have much motivation to begin a home project or to help someone with his or her project today. Your energies continue throughout the day and you may be more than ready to quit working on your project and relax this afternoon. Other people want your attention. You could find yourself solving puzzles and problems and finding solutions, etc. You feel a love of order and law—an appreciation for responsibilities and duty. Problems are valued for the lessons they represent, rather than perceived as obstacles. Sympathy and understanding are emotional qualities that take on greater importance now. It is wisdom and experience that counts most today; not knowledge. You may volunteer to have an ice cream social tonight.

To

Yesterday’s Solution Yester

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) If you attend a spiritual assembly or meeting, you will enjoy the emotional satisfaction that it brings, as well as the communication with others. This afternoon will be an important time to catch up on reading and just soak in some good energies of the day. Rest, relaxation and the importance of some private, personal time are significant today. Books or articles on law, politics, education, travel or religion may be where your interest is this afternoon. You will want to finish any weekend task before the workweek begins.

You will be setting aside some time to catch up on the affairs of those with whom you love. This evening you enjoy communicating with family members. Clear thoughts from the past may be flowing in today.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Word Sleuth Solution

This could be a time to make changes in your environment.

Looking at real estate may find you signing on the dotted line today.

Everything is in order to reveal you at your best. You may find yourself enjoying an afternoon book signing, art show or a small gathering of friends. If you attend a spiritual gathering, you will find some in-depth discussions that may cause you to think about your beliefs and urge your contribution in a group discussion. You will have a grasp for abstract and spiritual ideas and are able to express your views to others quite well. Obtaining and exchanging information takes on an emotional significance.

Being more involved with neighbors satisfies a deep emotional need. Perhaps there are plans in the works.

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

i n f o r m at i o n

112 GOVERNORATE Ahmadi

23915883 23715414 23726558

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

Hawally

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

24812000 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

Rabiya

4732263

Roudha

22517733

Adhaliya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Keifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Al-Khadissiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

Al-Shaab

22518752

Al-Kibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Kibla

22451082

Al-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

Al-Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Al-Omariya

24719048

N.Kheitan

24710044

Fintas

3900322

PHONE

Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

Jahra

Amiri Hospital

ADDRESS

Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

website: www.moi.gov.kw

Sabah Hospital

PHARMACY

GOVERNMENT WEB SITES Kuwait Parliament www.majlesalommah.net

The Public Institution for Social Security www.pifss.gov.kw

Ministry of Interior www.moi.gov.kw

Public Authority of Industry www.pai.gov.kw

Public Authority for Civil Information www.paci.gov.kw

Prisoners of War Committee www.pows.org.kw

Kuwait News Agency www.kuna.net.kw

Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.mofa.gov.kw

Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affair www.islam.gov.kw

Kuwait Municipality www.municipality.gov.kw

Ministry of Energy (Oil) www.moo.gov.kw

Kuwait Electronic Government www.e.gov.kw

Ministry of Energy (Electricity and Water) www.energy.govt.kw

Ministry of Finance www.mof.gov.kw

Public Authority for Housing Welfare www.housing.gov.kw

Ministry of Commerce and Industry www.moci.gov.kw

Ministry of Justice www.moj.gov.kw

Ministry of Education www.moe.edu.kw

Ministry of Communications www.moc.kw

Ministry of Information www.moinfo.gov.kw

Supreme Council for Planning and Development www.scpd.gov.kw

Kuwait Awqaf Public Foundation www.awqaf.org

Psychologists /Psychotherapists

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

Endocrinologist

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. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami

25343406

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

22641071/2

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly

25739272

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

22618787

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

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

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

3729596/3729581

Neurologists Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly

25322030

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa, Ph.D. 2290-1677 Susannah-Joy Schuilenberg, M.A. 2290-1677

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

Dr Anil Thomas

Dr. Salem soso

Al-Shohada’a

22545171

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Sabhan

24742838

Al-Helaly

22434853

Al-Fayhaa

22545051

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

Al-Mangaf

23711183

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

Al-Jahra

25610011

Al-Salmiya

25616368

Al-Madena Police Station Al-Murqab Police Station Al-Daiya Police Station Al-Fayha’a Police Station Al-Qadissiya Police Station Al-Nugra Police Station Al-Salmiya Police Station Al-Dasma Police Station

22434064 22435865 22544200 22547133 22515277 22616662 25714406 22530801

Kuwait Airways Jazeera Airways Jet Airways FlyDubai Qatar Airways KLM Air Slovakia Olympic Airways Royal Jordanian Reservation British Airways Air France Emirates Air India Sri Lanka Airlines Egypt Air Swiss Air Saudia Middle East Airlines Lufthansa PIA Alitalia Balkan Airlines Bangladesh Airlines Czech Airlines Indian Airlines Oman Air Turkish Airlines Aeroflot

171 177 22924455 22414400 22423888 22425747 22434940 22420002/9 22418064/5/6 22433388 22425635 22430224 22921555 22438184 22424444 22421578 22421516 22426306 22423073 22422493 22421044 22414427 22416474 22452977/8 22417901/ 2433141 22456700 22958787 22453820/1 22404838/9

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

Paediatricians

Plastic Surgeons

22418714

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988

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

Al-Madena

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

Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Anguilla Antiga Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African

0093 00355 00213 00376 00244 001264 001268 0054 00374 0061 0043 001242 00973 00880 001246 00375 0032 00501 00229 001441 00975 00591 00387 00267 0055 00673 00359 00226 00257 00855 00237 001 00238 001345 00236

Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Cyprus (Northern) Czech Republic Denmark Diego Garcia Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador England (UK) Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia Gabon Gambia

00235 0056 0086 0057 00269 00242 00682 00506 00385 0053 00357 0090392 00420 0045 00246 00253 001767 001809 00593 0020 00503 0044 00240 00291 00372 00251 00500 00298 00679 00358 0033 00594 00689 00241 00220

36

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

LIFESTYLE G o s s i p

Kristen Stewart ‘hates’ riding horses he 22-year-old star detested the scenes on horseback in her latest movie ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ - in which she plays the titular character - although she thought it was “cool” to watch others look “uncomfortable” around the animals. She said: “Riding a horse was the worst part of the movie. The dynamic between horse and rider is not for me. “I’ll happily watch a horse run around a pasture, I’ll even run with him but I hate riding horses.

But it’s cool to watch people genuinely uncomfortable on screen.” Kristen’s co-star Sam Claflin - who portrays Prince William in the fantasy motion picture also had difficulty riding a horse in the film as he fell off while riding alongside Chris Hemsworth (The Huntsman). But instead of helping Sam, who was dressed in full armor at the time, the ‘Avengers Assemble’ actor decided to speed off on his horse to “save the scene”. Chris explained to BANG Showbiz: “At one point Sam and I had to ride in on horseback and we were supposed to jump off the horses and we had never practiced this before and were only told just before we shot the scene. “So, Sam jumped off and got his foot stuck in the stirrups because he was in full armor and he ended up on his back and couldn’t get back up and I was going to go help him but I remember thinking ‘Keep going, save the scene’ “

T

Prince William’s tribute to role model queen

Faith wants to be a

ritain’s Prince William says his grandmother Queen Elizabeth is an “incredible role model”. The 29-year-old prince paid tribute to the monarch as he selected a photograph from his 2006 passing out ceremony at the Sandhurst military academy - in which he struggles to suppress a smile as the queen walks by inspecting the troops - to be uploaded onto website Historypin, which is aiming to become the world’s largest interactive gallery of the queen. He said: “Taking part in the Sovereign’s Parade at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is a moment I will never forget. After a very demanding 44-week course, it was a memorable celebration of personal and collective achievement for everyone concerned. “I felt especially proud to receive my commission as an officer in front of my grandmother, the queen. She has been an incredible role model to me over the years, so it was very special to have her present for my graduation. I know it was also a memorable moment for my fellow officers to take part in the Parade in front of the queen as Head of the Armed Forces.” William also praised the queen - who celebrates her Diamond Jubilee next month - for her sense of “selflessness and duty”. He added: “I remember the queen’s words as she addressed us from the tremendous parade ground at Sandhurst, ‘you must be courageous yet selfless, leaders yet carers, confident yet considerate.’ These qualities of selflessness and duty are values that the queen has continuously demonstrated over the last 60 years and are qualities that remain very important to me.”

B

‘quirky’ actress atre school first, though.” However Paloma would not find it too hard to enter the world of acting, as she used to play a lot of makebelieve as a child. She said: “When I was a child, I used to eat my dinner on the pavement outside our house in London. “We didn’t have a garden and there wasn’t a lot of green space so my mum would put out a little table and tablecloth out on the pavement and pretend it was a restaurant. A little imagination goes a long way!”

he 26-year-old singer - who made appearances in ‘The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus’ and ‘St Trinians’ would resort to film work if her music career didn’t work out, but she admits she would need some extra lessons first. She said: “I’d moonlight as an actress, in Christina Ricci’s roles if I wasn’t a musician. I’d like to be an actress. That would be my plan B. I’d want to be cast in the sort of roles that Christina Ricci gets - quirky, avant garde and a little bit disjointed. “I really loved her in ‘Buffalo ‘66’ and ‘Monster’. I’d probably have to look into the-

T

Andre might have met the girl he will marry eter Andre thinks he has met the person he is “supposed” to marry. The hunk has largely been single since the end of his marriage to Katie Price - with who he raises stepson Harvey, 10, son Junior, six, and daughter Princess Tiaamii, four - in 2009, but is now overcoming his fear of commitment, and wonders if the person he could be happy with forever is closer to home than he realises. He said: “I admit that I had a commitment phobia after Katie but I think I’ve started to overcome it. I mean, maybe I’ve met the person I’m supposed to marry. Maybe I’ve met the girl I’m going to be with. Sometimes the person you’re meant to marry is right under your nose but you don’t realise it. “I’ve had friends who’ve said they were searching and searching for years and it ended up being one of their best friends, so who knows?” However, Peter, 39, is starting to worry about whether he will end up alone forever, although he has been on a few dates, and had a brief relationship with model Elen Rivas. He told Now magazine: “The idea of spending the rest of my life alone is a horrible thing, especially in old age, that’s one of my fears. I don’t have a fear of dating. I’ve been doing it quite a bit over the last two years and have been on lots of different dates.”

P

Apl.de.Ap praises beautiful Cole

Theron considered quitting film harlize Theron almost dropped out of ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ when she knew she was going to become a mother. The 36-year-old actress adopted her son Jackson, now six months, in March and is pleased she decided against pulling out of the film because she now thinks becoming a parent to the little boy has made her a more creative person. She said: “When I first heard my son was coming into my life, I didn’t want to make the film. But having him has changed me and made me a lot more creative as a person. “I love being a mum so much.

There’s nothing better than rolling around with the baby in my PJs.” Charlize - who has been single since her nine-year relationship with Stuart Townsend ended in 2010 - recently admitted she never expected to be a single parent but always wanted to adopt. She said: “You know, I don’t think any mother aims to be a single mom.

I didn’t wish for that, but it happened. “I always knew I would adopt. Always .”

C

Morrison’s ‘sexy’ meals atthew Morrison thinks cooking is “sexy”. The ‘What To Expect When You’re Expecting’ actor - who is dating model Renee Puente - loves nights in at home sharing a romantic meal with his girlfriend. He said: “I’m very much a homebody with my girlfriend. I think cooking and creating something together is very sexy. I love candlelit dinners.” Matthew has a lot of female fans thanks to his role as teacher Will Schuester in ‘Glee’ but insists his girlfriend never gets jealous. He said: “Luckily, Renee is very relaxed about my female fans.

“Once, a girl gave me cupcakes shaped to look like her breasts.

Needless to say, I didn’t eat them.” While Matthew isn’t ready to start a family himself just yet, he would love to see his ‘Glee’ alter ego - who is engaged to guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury - settle down. He told Closer magazine: “I want Mr. Schu to get married and have a baby with Emma as soon as possible. I’ve always wanted kids myself one day but, right now, I’m not ready.”

M

pl.de.Ap thinks Cheryl Cole is a “beautiful” woman. The Black Eyed Peas star is a big admirer of the pop beauty - who is managed by his bandmate will.i.am - and he particularly likes her down-to-earth ways. Speaking at a fundraising evening for his charity’s We Can Be Anything Campaign, he said: “I love Cheryl, she’s beautiful and just so nice. “She’s really normal, she came on a plane with the Peas once and she was tired, but it was only a small plane so there weren’t any seats where she could lie down. But she didn’t mind about that - she just lay down in the middle of the floor on the plane.” Apl, 37, is currently single and admits he is on the looking for a wife, because he is keen to settle down and start a family. He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: “I’d like to have children one day, but I’m single at the moment so I’m looking for a wife. Yes, maybe I can find one while I’m in the UK.” The We Can Be Anything Campaign is a joint advocacy of the Apl.de.Ap Foundation and Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation. The goal is to raise funds to build 10,000 classrooms all over the Philippines within two years in one of the country’s biggest ever education reform projects.

A

Gloomy

Lana Del Rey

ana Del Rey’s songwriter thinks they write good songs together because they are both “gloomy.” Justin Parker co-wrote Lana’s first ever hit, ‘Video Games’, and says they had chemistry to write together because they both sometimes have a sad outlook on life. He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: “I’m quite gloomy! And she’s a bit gloomy sometimes as well. It says a lot about her and I’m not too dissimilar and I think that’s why we got on so well because we have a similar outlook.” Justin and Lana recently picked up an Ivor Novello award for their track, and he is hopeful they will collaborate again when it comes to her second album. He added: “I think there’s going to be some more, definitely. I don’t know when or anything but I’ve already been told there’ll be some more sessions so I’m looking forward to it. “We had a really good relationship when we were working together - it was like younger sister, older brother type of thing. It worked really well.” —Bang Showbiz

L

37

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

LIFESTYLE M u s i c

This file photo taken on November 10, 2011 shows US singer Lady Gaga posing during the Bambi awards ceremony in Wiesbaden, Germany. —AFP

P

the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) threatened violence if Lady Gaga performed, calling her a “devil’s messenger” who wears only a “bra and panties”.Big Daddy president director

Star Wars maker in ‘evil empire’ row with neighbors “S tar Wars” director George Lucas has dismissed claims he is waging “class warfare” by selling some of his land for low-income housing, after rich neighbors nixed plans for new studio space. In the latest twist in a long-running battle, the legendary filmmaker lamented that some locals near his Skywalker Ranch complex outside San Francisco had misrepresented him as running an “evil empire.”

Lucas claims the planned new addition to his studio based in a secluded valley in Marin County would have provided good jobs for local people, and not had any significant extra environmental impact on the well-to-do area.

But he withdrew the planning application last month after it appeared that neighbors’ complaints would delay the project indefinitelyand decided instead to offer the land for development of affordable housing. That triggered a new round of protest from some in the wellheeled community, including a reported comment from Carolyn Lenert, head of the North San Rafael Coalition of Residents, that he was “inciting class warfare.” Lucasfilm, the studio behind the “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” movie franchises, rejected the charge.

“It’s unfortunate if people think of affordable housing as a sort of class warfare, because affordable housing is for your firefighters, your police, your teachers,” said Lucasfilm spokesman Miles Perkins. “That’s what’s needed in Marin County, without a question,” he told AFP. The story began in 1978, when Lucas bought a 2,500-acre (1,000-hectare) plot in Lucas Valleynamed after a 19th century rancher-to build Skywalker Ranch, the year his first “Star Wars” film won a stunning six Academy Awards. In the years that followed, he gradually expanded the company, but was careful to ensure the growing studio complex remained discreetly nestled behind trees, maintaining a low profileand keeping his valley neighbors happy. But relations began to fray with plans for a new facility to be called Grady Ranch, that would include a large studio space, an outdoor sound stage and underground parking. And tensions came to a head last month when, after the latest bureaucratic and legal delay, Lucas announced in an emotionally-worded letter than he was canceling the plans-and turning the land over to low-income housing. “The level of bitterness and anger expressed by the homeowners in Lucas Valley has convinced us that, even if we were to spend more time ... we would not be able to maintain a constructive relationship with our neighbors.

“We love working and living in Marin, but the residents of Lucas Valley have fought this project for 25 years, and enough is enough.”

Recalling his arrival in the valley, he said: “When

and Lady Gaga’s side. The government has given support, but this is not about the permit,” he said. “The cancellation is really due to concerns over security.”

More than 50,000 tickets had been sold for the event at the Bung Karno Stadium, but FPI Jakarta chairman Habib Salim Alatas said the cancellation was “good news” for Muslims in Indonesia. “FPI is grateful that she has decided not to come. Indonesians will

we first proposed Skywalker Ranch in 1978, we understood people’s concerns about a business moving to a residential area. “They feared helicopters landing with celebrities and tour buses coming down Lucas Valley Road. None of their fears materialized,” he said, noting hiking trails, buildings hidden from the road and other measures to preserve wildlife. But, he said, attempts to find acceptable compromises for Grady Ranch had failed. “We are not a real estate developer. We need the spaces we build to do our work. Movies are waiting to be made, and we must move forward.

“Unfortunately, the projects we had planned to shoot on those stages have already started production and we will need the studio space by early 2013. “We have several opportunities to build the production stages in communities that see us as a creative asset, not as an evil empire, and if we are to stay on schedule we must act on those opportunities.” Spearheading opposition to the Grady Ranch was the Lucas Valley Estates Homeowners’ Association, which critics accused of being “eco-activists” and “NIMBYs” (Not In My Back Yard). “These comments are unfortunate,” the association says on its website, defending itself against such charges. “All citizens and neighborhoods have the right to submit comments or request reviews on developments that significantly impact their immediate environment. This is a normal and standard process,” it said. In an email to AFP, the association said it had “no regrets” about having opposed the Grady Ranch to the point where it was dropped, adding that it had never discussed the project directly with the filmmaker or his company. “There has been no communication from George Lucas personally nor Lucasfilm directly,” it said.

Tensions between those who backed the new studio project and those who opposed it have been exacerbated by Lucas’ unexpected decision to turn it over to affordable housing.

Lucas himself, in an email to the New York Times, said he only wanted to do something good for Marin. “I’ve been surprised to see some people characterize this as vindictive,” he said, adding that there was a “real need” for affordable housing here. “I wouldn’t waste my time or money just to try to upset the neighbors,” he said. The Lucasfilm spokesman, Perkins, said the company wanted to move on from the long-running dispute. “If we can identify a developer, which I’m pretty confident that we will, then it will change hands, and they will develop it as low-income housing,” he said.

“We’re not building Grady Ranch... We plan on selling the property.”“It’s been going on for a long time, and from our perspective we’re kind of done,” he added.—AFP

A fan of US pop star Lady Gaga poses.

Indonesia concert off after threats

A fan of US pop star Lady Gaga prepares for a flash mob.

Michael Rusli said it was “unfortunate” that the show, part of Lady Gaga’s tour of Asia that drew protests from Christian groups in the Philippines and South Korea, had to be called off.”For the past few days we have communicated with the government

M o v i e s

Fans of US pop star Lady Gaga perform a flash mob at a shopping mall in Jakarta.

Lady Gaga op diva Lady Gaga yesterday cancelled her Indonesian concert with promoters saying the security threat was too serious after Islamic hardliners promised “chaos” if she entered the Muslim nation. The promoters had indicated that a deal was being hammered out to tone down the June 3 concert in Jakarta, but the US star’s management had stood firm, vowing there would be no compromise to appease religious conservatives. “Lady Gaga’s management has considered the situation minute to minute, and with threats if the concert goes ahead, Lady Gaga’s side is calling off the concert,” Minola Sebayang, lawyer for promoters Big Daddy, told reporters.

“This is not only about Lady Gaga’s security, but extends to those who will be watching her.”

The flamboyant performer, who has nearly 25 million followers on Twitter-the highest number on the social networking site-wrote just hours before the announcement was made: “There is nothing Holy about hatred.” After the announcement the show was off, thousands of her fans, who call themselves “little monsters”, sent a flurry of Twitter messages to persuade her to go ahead with the concert.

Earlier this month Jakarta police refused approval for the show after

&

be protected from sin brought about by this Mother Monster, the destroyer of morals,” he told AFP. “Lady Gaga fans, stop complaining. Repent and stop worshipping the devil. Do you

also raised concerns.

“I strongly believe this cancellation will benefit the country. Indonesians need entertainment and art which have moral values,” he told reporters.

A group of Indonesian Lady Gaga fans pose in Jakarta. want your lives taken away by God as infidels?”The FPI claims seven million followers and has been known to raid pubs and clubs. Conservative Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali welcomed the cancellation, saying other groups had

Lady Gaga is scheduled to play three shows in Singapore this week. She was due to play in Jakarta after that, before flying to New Zealand and Australia, and then to Europe on her “Born This Way Ball” tour. Indonesian fans had suggested that Big Daddy

look for another venue outside the capital after Jakarta police refused to give approval, but Rusli said “this is a huge concert so it can’t be moved elsewhere”.

“Nowhere else in Indonesia can accommodate that many people”, he said, insisting that the 26-year-old singer was “prepared to adapt to Asian culture”. The star’s manager Troy Carter said in Singapore on Thursday that Lady Gaga would not tone down her concerts. Disappointed student Agus Murdadi, 17, said he had been waiting for months to see his idol. “I’m shocked. She’s creative, not provocative. I bought a ticket because I want to see her dancing and singing ‘Judas’ in front of me,” he told AFP. “I’m going to tweet to her to tell her that she should just come and not worry. The police can take care of FPI. I hate the FPI.” Another fan, Muh Fadli Firdaus, tweeted on @FadliGermanotta: “Sorry for everything, we still love you.”

Ninety percent of Indonesia’s 240 million people identify themselves as Muslim, making it the world’s largest Islamic-majority nation, but the vast majority practise a moderate form of the religion. In the past, pop stars including Beyonce and The Pussycat Dolls have been allowed to perform in the country on condition they wore more conservative dress than usual. —AFP

Lone wolf Myanmar director has story to tell at Cannes sole film-maker from Myanmar hit the Cannes Film Festival this week in search of funds to capture on camera the spirit of a country undergoing a dramatic transformation.

Midi Z, who describes himself as his country’s only real film-maker, told AFP that he was searching for potential European co-producers to help him realize his vision.”People in France are curious about new cinema, in Asia they are curious about commercial cinema,” said the 30-year-old, describing the challenge of getting movies made with help from closer to home. “People are curious about Burma,” he said, referring to his country’s official name until 1989.

“None of them has seen any Burmese film. But as an artist, I do not want them to just consider the country; I want them to take into account the project, the movie.”He said the budget for his first current film, “LianQing, a Burmese Girl”, about his main character’s attempt to enter neighboring Thailand in search of a better life, is around 650,000 euros ($814,000). More than 3,000 reporters, nearly 5,000 producers and a similar number of distributors descended on the French Riviera town for the festival-presenting a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity for Midi Z.Based now in Taiwan, the director returns frequently to Myanmar to film or scout locations.

Midi Z said he would love to work from Myanmar but that conditions are still too trying to produce ambitious films, even for a native son. “It’s very difficult. Transportation is very rough,” he said, relaxing in the Mediterranean sun

A

Puerto Rican musician and singer Rene of Calle 13 performs during the Wirikuta Fest at the Foro Sol in Mexico City yesterday. The Wirikuta Fest supports the Huichol people in their struggle for their lands, Wirikuta-a reserved area in San Luis Potosi state-where Canadian mining company First Majestic Silver Corp has purchased 22 mining concessions. —AFP

in a t-shirt. “If you are a foreign filmmaker and came to my country for film-making, first you would want to solve the problem for equipment. In Burma, there is no equipment, there is no technicians.”In my hometown Lashio, it’s very difficult to have access even to your emails.”

(at the) Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival.”His first full-length film, “Return to Burma”, was shot in 2010 with the infinitesimal budget of 3,000 dollars and Midi Z served as cameraman, producer, screenwriter, editor and sound designer. “It was premiered in Fusan competition where I met Luc Besson,”

(From Left) French actors Gilles Lellouche, Audrey Tautou and Anais Demoustier pose during the photocall of “Therese Desqueyroux” presented out of competition at the 65th Cannes film festival yesterday in Cannes. —AFP Midi Z left home at the age of 16 to study Chinese in Taiwan. “After, I returned back to Burma and in 2008 I shot a short film in Burma and sent it to Taiwan,” he said. “And Taiwan’s very famous director Ang Lee liked my short film and chose me as student for a famous short term academy in Taipei

he said, referring to the internationally renowned French director of “The Fifth Element”.”Journalists compared the two, Luc Besson with his very high budget film with a famous star and a global issue, and mine with very low budget, about the reality of young people leaving Burma during the coun-

try’s first elections 16 years ago,” he said with pride. Besson was presenting his biopic “The Lady” starring Malaysian superstar Michelle Yeoh as Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi. Now 66, Suu Kyi was released in November 2010, just days after another controversial election won by the military’s political allies. But since then Thein Sein, a former general, has won international praise for releasing hundreds of political prisoners and welcoming Suu Kyi and her party back into mainstream politics as part of a broader reform drive. Suu Kyi is to visit Bangkok Tuesday in her first foreign trip in 24 years. Midi Z said the new openness applied to film-makers too.”My first feature film was totally shot in Burma. I used small cameras,” he said.”In crowded places I had to hide my camera to avoid problems. Before 2011, holding a camera could be considered political action. Especially if you bring a big camera, the police would come all the time. This has changed.”

He has been fishing for partners at Cannes with a group of 10 ambitious directors from Madagascar, Rwanda, Iran and Chile invited to the festival’s world cinema pavilion.Midi Z is hopeful that the new curiosity about his country will translate to the screen, with his story he says is crucial to understanding Myanmar.”There are more than three million illegal Burmese workers in Thailand,” he said. “Most of my friends, when I was a child, became illegal immigrants in Thailand. I got many stories from them and as an artist we always explore ourselves first.”—AFP

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

lifestyle A W A R D S

Sweden’s Loreen kisses her trophy prior to a news conference after winning the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest at the Baku Crystal Hall in Baku, Azerbaijan, yesterday.

—AP/AFP photos

Sweden sweeps Azerbaijan’s contentious Eurovision

S

wedish star Loreen yesterday celebrated victory over rivals including Russian pensioners in a spectacular Eurovision Song Contest that host Azerbaijan hoped would banish qualms over its rights record. Loreen, 28, the daughter of Berber immigrants from Morocco, wowed voters with a catchy dance number called “Euphoria” featuring an exultant chorus accompanied by a high-kicking

explained her victory. Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt tweeted: “Yes, Loreen certainly lived up to high expectations.” Second place on Saturday went to Russia’s heartwarming Buranovskiye Babushki, a choir of elderly village women aged up to 76 who performed a disco song “Party for Everybody” in English and their local Finno-Ugric language. “There are tears of joy.

The Babushki are so happy with their success,” band administrator Maria Tolstukhina told Interfax, adding their earnings would be spent on building a new church in their native village of Buranovo. Third was Serbian Eurovision veteran Zelijko Joksimovic who had already competed in three previous contests, once as a singer and twice as a composer. The show included the usual range of the weird and exotic including a Norwegian rapper of Iranian origin who came last, half-naked French gymnasts and Irish duo Jedward who ended the routine by getting drenched by a fountain.

There was disappointment for Britain after veteran crooner Engelbert Humperdinck-brought in to revive its notoriously bad Eurovision fortunes-scored just 12 points and came second last with his ballad “Love Will Set You Free”.

Sweden’s victory with 372 points with an

Swedish Loreen, center, celebrates her victory.

Ireland’s duo Jedward performs.

Sweden’s Loreen performs after winning the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest.

Azerbaijanís Sabina Babayeva dance duet and a storm of artificial snow. The slick four-hour show late Saturday was the biggest event ever hosted by energy-rich Azerbaijan as it seeks to present a glitzy image despite concerns over rights violations under the autocratic rule of the Aliyev dynasty.

Loreen’s victory was the fifth by Sweden in the contest and followed in the footsteps of its most famous band Abba who won the contest in 1974 with “Waterloo”-for many the song that defined the kitschy contest for all time.

“It’s just a question of taste. This year it happened to me,” was how Loreen, whose real name is Lorine Zineb Noka Talhaoui, modestly

Russia’s group “Buranovskiye Babushki” (Buranovo Grannies) performs. uplifting song tailor made for the contest was pop career, sang in a black leather jacket in a never in doubt, although voting was marked musical interlude after the voting. The event by the usual backslapping patterns with the was also far beyond the reach of ordinary Greeks voting for the Cypriots and vice versa. Azerbaijanis, with tickets for the final starting The final’s 26 acts lit up the spectacular Crystal at 160 manat ($204), half the monthly income Hall built to host the contest in barely half a of the average Azeri, according to World Bank year on the Caspian Sea, with an audience of statistics. With political sensitivities never far some 20,000 inside the venue and 100 million from this Eurovision, the promotional videos television viewers. The host entry Sabina shown included landscapes from Nagorny Babayeva was not all that far from securing a Karabakh, which Armenian separatists backed repeat of Azerbaijan’s 2011 success that by Yerevan seized from Azerbaijan in a war in earned the nation the right to host the contest the 1990s. Armenia had pulled out of the conwith her “When the Music Dies” coming in test saying it feared hostile treatment and Azerbaijan barred those who had visited fourth.

Loreen ran into controversy during the con- Nagorny Karabakh from travelling to the contest by meeting local rights activists who test.—AFP briefed her on the lack of democratic freedoms in the tightly controlled ex-Soviet state.

However at the post-contest news conference she sidestepped a question about how she would support the people of Azerbaijan further, saying simply that: “I will support the Azerbaijan people from my heart.” In Baku the festive atmosphere had been clouded by the detentions of dozens of opposition activists who attempted to hold several peaceful demonstrations calling for democratic freedoms in the tightly-controlled state.

Azerbaijan is run by strongman President Ilham Aliyev, who succeeded his late father Heidar Aliyev in 2003. His wife Mehriban Aliyeva headed the organising committee of Eurovision and his son-in-law, Emin Agalarov, a Moscow-based businessman with a budding

Serbia’s Zeljko Joksimovic performs.

Albania’s Rona Nishliu performs.

France’s Anggun performs.

Turkey’s Can Bonomo performs.

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

lifestyle A W A R D S

Romania’s Mandinga performs.

Italy’s Nina Zilli performs.

Malta’s Kurt Calleja performs.

Denmark’s Soluna Samay performs.

Pastora Soler performs.

Full results of 2012 Eurovision Song Contest

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weden on Saturday won the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest with pop star Loreen crushing her rivals with 372 points, while Norway had the dubious honour of finishing last with just seven points. The Buranovskiye Babushki, a group of grandmothers representing Russia, came second with 259 points while Zeljko Joksimovic, a Eurovision veteran from Serbia, was third with 214 points.

However 1960s British crooner Engelbert Humperdinck, one of the original favourites, came in second last with just 12 points. Here are the results from first to last with country and artist:

Britain’s Engelbert Humperdinck performs.

1: SWEDEN - Loreen 2: RUSSIA - Buranovskiye Babushki 3: SERBIA - Zeljko Joksimovic 4: AZERBAIJAN - Sabina Babayeva 5: ALBANIA - Rona Nishliu 6: ESTONIA - Ott Lepland 7: TURKEY - Can Bonomo 8: GERMANY - Roman Lob 9: ITALY - Nina Zilli 10: SPAIN - Pastora Soler 11: MOLDOVA - Pasha Parfeny 12: ROMANIA - Mandinga 13: MACEDONIA - Kaliopi 14: LITHUANIA - Donny Montell 15: UKRAINE - Gaitana 16: CYPRUS - Ivi Adamou 17: GREECE - Eleftheria Eleftheriou 18: BOSNIA ANAD HERZEGOVINA - Maya Sar 19: IRELAND - Jedward 20: ICELAND - Greta Salome and Jonsi 21: MALTA - Kurt Calleja 22: FRANCE - Anggun 23: DENMARK - Soluna Samay 24: HUNGARY - Compact Disco 25: UNITED KINGDOM - Engelbert Humperdinck 26: NORWAY - Tooji —AFP

Germany’s Roman Lob performs.

Norway’s Tooji performs.

Estonia’s Ott Lepland performs.

Pasha Parfeny, front left, of Moldova performs.

Cyprus’ Ivi Adamou performs.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Maya Sar performs.

Lithuania’s Donny Montell performs.

Ukraine’s Gaitana performs.

Greece’s Eleftheria Eleftheriou performs.

Macedonia’s Kaliopi performs.

Lady Gaga Indonesia concert off after threats

MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

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An artist performs in Kiev during annual international Kiev Fire Fest late on May 26, 2012. Artists from Ukraine, Russia, France, Lithuania, Belarus and others took part in the two-day show.—AFP

Father, son explore Madrid’s magic

By Raf Casert

Joyful metalheads unite at biggest US festival

“H

ey dad, listen! The music of ‘Un Chien Andalou,’” my son Corneel said casually, as we wandered the maze of hallways that make up the Reina Sofia museum.

Spain’s Luis Bunuel and Salvador Dali produced this masterpiece of European surrealism in 1929, but while I knew about the film’s infamous eyeslitting scene, the music had long escaped me. It was only the opening afternoon of this father-son voyage of mutual understanding, and already the tables had turned.

If something seemed a given during the fiveday trip to Madrid, it would have been that I, at 51, would have pointed anything pre-war out to him, rather than being upstaged by a 17-year-old with three times less life experience. We followed the musical strains through the hot August air into a video room where indeed the old blackand-white movie flickered.

And that set the tone for two guys traveling together to the benefit of both. The plan had been hatched at short notice when my daughter, Clara, had to stay home for university study during high summer and my wife refused to abandon her. That left the family’s men to their own devices.

Instead of Barcelona, where Corneel’s beloved football is played, he proposed Madrid, seeking to please me since it was one of the few major European cities I’d never seen. What’s more, we were there in August, when Spain’s capital largely

This undated image from the Madrid Visitors & Convention Bureau shows the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid.—AP shuts down in the heat, leaving fine hotels well within affordable range. Expecting a swelter, it was no more than plain hot. Immediately after ditching our luggage at the hotel, we settled under the trees of the adjacent Parque del Retiro, a spectacular expanse of greenery, water and air smack in the center of town that was once the private garden of the king. From there, almost all of Madrid was within walking distance. And walk we would - first to the Reina Sofia. It was not surrealism that enticed us there, but a single painting: Picasso’s “Guernica.” Often in total silence, we spent half an hour going through all the depicted torments of the 1937 bombing of the ancestral capital of the Basque country by German and Italian warplanes aiding Gen. Francisco Franco’s fascist forces. Beyond the moral and political significance, the museum also makes the exhibit an

H

This Feb. 21, 2012 file photo shows Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica” painting displayed at the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid.—AP artistic highlight by bringing together sketches and partial paintings to show in a timeline how all came to fit in one of the world’s greatest masterpieces. So dark and somber was it that we had to squint when we finally faced the harsh afternoon light in the glass elevator bringing us back to the square below. A tourist, though, shall not live by art alone. And Madrid has plenty of ephemeral diversions.

In Spain few are more pleasurable than those contained in these five letters: “Tapas” - those bite-size delights that can grease conversation from sundown till well past midnight. Another advantage is that they are a perfect conduit for Cava sparkling wine and Crianza and Reserva reds. One night, we sped past that tourist trap, Plaza Mayor, and took refuge instead in the nearby covered market, Mercado de San Miguel, where locals and tourists mingle happily for gamba croquettes, marinated sardines and bacalao, or cod. No time to get bored as the older generation pushed the younger into some experimenting.

The ultimate goal however was something dad had ingrained on his tastebuds years ago, a gustatory delight as simple as it is exquisite. Jamon Iberico de bellota is ham from black Iberian pigs stuffed on acorns and cured, preferably for years.

Winding down from San Miguel through the old streets, the tabernas kept proliferating on the Calle de la Cava Baja until we settled on a bar called Goyo. Slivers of ham were sliced before our hungry eyes, and even after all these years it continues to amaze me how a tiny morsel of ruby red meat lined with off-white fat can pack such a punch.

And the way Corneel’s eyes were widening at the taste, I knew at once he felt the same. What more to do than wash it down with some hearty Reserva and walk back to the hotel through the balmy darkened boulevards, giddy on so much gastronomic luck? Morning came with its own dietary challenges. Hotel breakfast just didn’t seem adventurous enough for real travelers, what with the sun out and Corneel’s craving for fresh churros, fried dough served in sausage-shape sprinkled with sugar.

Madrid, though, specializes in late nights, not early mornings, and it took us until our final day in the city to find a terrace that served the real thing - crispy churros. It wasn’t half bad. Most days though, we settled in the shade of a patio outside a chic hotel on a major boulevard to catch up on sports news in the local papers. Even if our Spanish is elementary, we do know our football

(not the American game, of course, but what Europeans call soccer), and through pictures combined with key words and names of players we dissected the fortunes of Real Madrid and Barcelona from the fiercely partisan pages. Time flew and off we went, one day to Toledo, another to Segovia to discover Spain’s historic treasures. In Toledo, we walked the endless stairs to the historic center high on a hill, only to find, once we’d made the ascent, that we could have taken an escalator. But Toledo’s history was worth the climb, as were the joys of Segovia, where we overdosed on Romanesque churches and - finally - on the crispest churros enjoyed literally in the shadow of a massive Roman aqueduct.

All too soon, the return trip was upon us. We already had jamon for the rest of the family wrapped airtight for travel, leaving us time for one last classic, Spain’s biggest house of paintings, the Museo del Prado. We only gave Rubens, Velazquez and El Greco cursory glances: We were here for Francisco de Goya. We skipped most of his courtly portraits and made a beeline for “The Naked Maja” - a brazen statement of eroticism in the late 18th century in which the nude model eyes the painter as a centerfold might eye the photographer two centuries later. More impressive still was the darkness and horror of “The Third of May 1808” execution of rebels and his “Black Paintings” series, including the crazed vision of Saturn devouring one of his sons. We had started with Picasso’s “Guernica,” and now the trip had come full circle. But we could not leave on such a soul-wrenching note.

Then we noticed amid the blackness one painting that featured only the small head of a dog emerging from a dark space into swirls of yellow-brown light. Was “The Dog” drowning, swimming to safety, something else entirely? Who knows? The ambiguity was mystifying, the purpose a riddle, the quality of the masterpiece beyond question. After coming to Madrid seeking to understand each other better as father and son, we came away just less than perfect: Neither one of us could make sense of that little dog’s head.

If you go...

Madrid: Links to museums and other attractions with visitor information available at official tourism website, ttp://www.spain.info/en_US/ven/grandes-ciudades/madrid.html.—AP

onestly, you couldn’t meet a nicer bunch of people than the metalheads gathered in gritty downtown Baltimore this weekend for the biggest death, doom and black metal festival in America. The Maryland Deathfest is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, with organizers anticipating a record 4,000-plus enthusiasts of the growling, pulsating, bass-heavy sub-genres of heavy metal rock to attend. “With the underground metal scene, it’s kind of like a family-type event,” said Evan Harting, 27, who co-founded Deathfest with high school friend Ryan Taylor, 30, after going to other festivals and reckoning they could do better. “Most people just don’t listen to one or two metal bands,” Harting told AFP. “It’s more like a lifestyle thing.... It’s something people get into at some point and never really stop. They’re really dedicated to the music.”

So what defines “underground”?

“Not radio-friendly stuff, I guess you would say,” he said. Sixty-one bands are lined up to perform at the Sonar Club and two adjacent outdoor stages until Sunday beneath an elevated expressway that’s a stone’s throw from Baltimore’s red light district and a Roman Catholic Church. Top draw is Electric Wizard, making its first d Deathfest in nd the Marylan US festival appearance since it was Music fans atte formed in 1993 in Dorset, England.

Baltimore.

With dark lyrics that touch upon witchcraft and horror films, it has a big cult following stateside. Just over 20 other bands on the program are also from outside the United States, including Germany’s Morgoth, Chile’s Pentagram, Canada’s Anvil, Swedish groups Setherial and Nasum, and Church of Misery from Japan. Day tickets for the four-day Deathfest are $50 a pop, but few complained Friday as fans lined up patiently for more than a hour to slip through security and a chain link fence onto M em b er s o f th e C h ic ag o m et the festival grounds. The dress Macabre perf al g ro u p orm. code? Black. As in black cargo shorts and T-shirt for guys, preferably with a slogan like “Obligated to Suffer”, and black short shorts, punk bullet belts and tank tops for girls.

And the more tattoos, the better.

Drugs of choice? Nothing harder than cigarettes and beer, plus an odd joint. So what makes underground metal, the heaviest variety of heavy metal, so compelling? “It starts with the sound,” explained Howie Voigt, 35, a convenience store clerk in Wisconsin when he’s not fronting his own band e Catatomic or selling CDs backstage, as r fo rm s at th A rt il le ry pe e, nd he was Friday, released by his own or ba im lt h is Ba an in D iv al indie label. “But the thing is, it’s under- M ar yl an d D ea th fe st fe st AFP photos 12. — 20 , 25 ay M ground music. It ends up being comMaryland on munity.” To those who’d dismiss metal as all noise and no music, Voigt said he’d reply: “You’re right! ... It’s a campaign for musical destruction.” Amanda Solomon, 27, from New Jersey was keen to catch Negura Bunget, a Romanian black metal band whose latest album was sold, in limited edition, with a complementary handful of real Transylvanian dirt. “It’s not something you’d see here” in the United States, she said, noting how Negura Bunget includes traditional instruments such as pan pipes into its otherwise standard guitar-and-drum lineup. Metalheads can be surprisingly open-minded in their musical tastes, like Ryan Collins, 32, an insurance underwriter from Lafayette, New York, who’s looking forward to attending bluegrass and psychedelic rock events this year.

“Summer equals festivals,” said Collins as Danish thrash pioneers Artillery prepared to open fire on stage. “It’s good, going outside and enjoying the nice weather.”

Breaching the noir dress code was Chris Penrod, 21, of Annapolis, Maryland, who turned up in a yellow chicken costume for some joyful slam-dancing in the mosh pits-the free-forall zone situated just beneath a stage. —AFP