28 Nov 2011

CR IP TI ON BS SU

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

Iran parliament votes to expel British ambassador

Colombia’s FARC rebels execute four, one escapes

Car salesmen sell a dream to small-town India

Wales football manager Gary Speed dies aged 42

NO: 15282

10 26 20 Tensions soar as three ministers plan to quit

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MUHARRAM 3, 1432 AH

Activists’ detention extended • Oppn paper, channel referred to court

Max 18º Min 09º Low Tide 08:10 & 19:59 High Tide 00:23 & 02:46

By B Izzak and Agencies

UAE court jails five activists ABU DHABI: A United Arab Emirates court yesterday sentenced a blogger and four other Internet activists to prison terms after finding them guilty of charges including insulting the Gulf state’s leaders.

The Federal Supreme Court handed the blogger, Ahmed Mansoor, a three-year prison sentence and the four others each received two years. They have no recourse to appeal. The court, which acts as the State Security Court, also ordered the shutting down of the Hiwar (Dialogue) Internet forum which was used by the activists.

Mansoor was convicted along with Nasser bin Gaith, who lectures at the Abu Dhabi branch of the Sorbonne University, and activists Fahid Salim Dalk, Hassan Ali Khamis and Ahmed Abdul Khaleq. The five, who were arrested in April, were accused of using the Internet to insult UAE leaders, of calling for a boycott of September’s Federal National Council elections and over anti-government demonstrations. Their trial was criticised earlier this month as “grossly unfair” by a coalition of seven rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which called for the five to be freed.

But the Supreme Court pressed ahead announcing its verdict. The five defendants, described by sympathisers as reformists, had refused to show up Continued on Page 13

KUWAIT: Opposition protesters stand next to a sign reading “Freedom for our sons” during a demonstration outside the Palace of Justice early yesterday against the arrest of pro-reform activists over charges of storming the National Assembly. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Junta leader defiant ahead of Egypt polls CAIRO: Egypt’s army ruler warned yesterday he would not tolerate any pressure ahead of new protests demanding that he step down on the eve of the country ’s first elections since the January revolution.

Egyptians go to the polls today to cast their first votes for a new parliament after the end of the 30-year rule of strongman Hosni Mubarak, forced from power in February in one of the seminal moments of the Arab Spring. The run-up to voting in the cultural heart of the Arab world and region’s most populous country has been marred by violence and fears of chaos as the army, protesters and new political figures fight for influence.

Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, who heads a council of generals who took power after Mubarak’s fall, called on voters to turn out and said he would not buckle in the face of demands for the army to hand control to civilian leaders. “We are faced with enormous challenges and we will not allow any individual or party to pressure the armed forces,” he told reporters, adding that Egypt stood at “a crossroads”. “Either succeed politically, economically and socially or face very dangerous consequences... and we will not let that happen,” he said, according to the MENA news agency.

Protesters have again occupied Cairo’s Tahrir Square, epicentre of the mass protests that drove Mubarak from power, but this time their target is Tantawi and his Continued on Page 13

CAIRO: Egyptian women walk in front of a wanted graffiti for police captain Mahmoud Sobhi, who is accused of aiming at protesters’ eyes, at Tahrir Square yesterday. — AP

Bahrain vows to act on criticism MANAMA: Bahrain has announced a commission to steer reforms after an inquiry found systematic rights abuse during a government crackdown on prodemocracy protests this year, but opposition parties said they would not participate. The US administration has said it will delay a $53 million arms sale to Bahrain, which is home to the US Fifth Fleet, pending the government’s response to the inquiry. Protesters, mainly from Bahrain’s Shiite majority, took to the streets in February demanding a bigger role for elected representatives and less power for ruling al-Khalifa family, who are Sunni Muslims. Some Shiite groups sought an end to the monarchy altogether.

The protests were followed by a harsh crackdown and two months of martial

law. After complaints of abuse and torture, King Hamad set up an inquiry in June to look at the events. It reported last week that abuse was systematic and called for a commission including opposition figures to implement reforms.

Among its recommendations were recruiting more Shiites to the security forces, reviewing jail sentences for activists, punishing those to blame for abuse and compensating victims.

“The National Commission will study the recommendations and put forward proposals including with regards to the recommendation on necessary amendments in laws and regulations and how the recommendations can be implemented,” a statement on the official BNA news agency said late on Saturday.

Continued on Page 13

KUWAIT: Three ministers plan to quit in protest over the strained political situation and the move is expected to lead to the Cabinet’s resignation and dissolution of the National Assembly, a local satellite channel reported yesterday. “Health minister Helal Al-Sayer, Justice and Social Affairs and Labour Minister Mohammad Al-Afasi and State Minister for Development Abdulwahab Al-Haroun plan to resign tomorrow (Monday),” said Al-Youm television, citing unnamed sources.

The channel, which backs the opposition, said the three have decided to step down in protest over the strained political situation and the treatment meted out to opposition activists. Their resignation is expected to shake the 16-member Cabinet, Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah’s seventh in the past six years, and could lead to the resignation of the government, the channel said. It also said HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah is expected to dissolve parliament and call a snap election.

Political tensions have escalated sharply in state amid a campaign by opposition MPs to force Sheikh Nasser, a senior member of the Al-Sabah ruling family, to resign.

The public prosecutor yesterday extended the detention of 24 opposition activists who stormed the Assembly building on Nov 16 following clashes with riot police to 21 days pending trial on the eve of a massive protest planned by all shades of the opposition to press for the resignation of the prime minister. In a decision issued in the early hours yesterday, the prosecutor also freed on KD 1,000 bail seven activists, a move that was received with huge disappointment by hundreds of supporters who waited outside the Palace of Justice all night.

The decision was blasted as oppressive and unnecessary by a number of MPs as supporters of the activists gathered outside the Palace of Justice for the fifth night Continued on Page 13

Arab League slaps sanctions on Syria CAIRO: Arab foreign ministers and Turkey agreed a list of sweeping sanctions yesterday designed to cripple the Syrian regime of President Bashar AlAssad who has defied pressure to halt a bloody crackdown on protests. As another 15 civilians were reported dead in Syria, the 22-member Arab League announced an immediate ban on transactions with the Syrian government and central bank and a freeze on Syrian government assets in Arab countries. Further measures including a ban on Syrian officials visiting any Arab country and the suspension of flights are to be implemented at a date fixed at a meeting next week.

The sanctions, announced by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al-Thani after a meeting in Cairo, are the first time the organisation has imposed such harsh economic measures against another country in the region. “We hope that (the Syrian regime) puts an end to the massacres so that this resolution (authorising sanctions) is not put into force,” said Sheikh Hamad, but he added that “the signs are not positive”. He also called

for “an end to the massacres, the freeing of prisoners and the withdrawal of tanks” from Syrian cities.

The violence showed no sign of abating yesterday, with Syrian security forces accused of killing at least 15 civilians, six of them in the flashpoint region of Homs that has been under siege for several weeks. Syrian state television said in a terse statement that the decision to impose sanctions on a member state was “an unprecedented measure” while several hundred Syrians gathered in a central Damascus square to denounce the move.

Long seen as a weak institution dominated by the region’s autocrats, the Arab League has taken on an increasingly activist role during the pro-democracy Arab Spring demonstrations of the past 12 months.

Nineteen Arab League members voted for the sanctions, but Iraq abstained and said it would refuse to implement them, while Lebanon “disassociated itself”, Sheikh Hamad said. Syria is a suspended member.

Continued on Page 13

Rage grips Pakistan over NATO attack ISLAMABAD/KABUL: Fury spread in Pakistan yesterday over a NATO cross-border air attack that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers and could undermine the US effort to wind up the war in Afghanistan. Yesterday night in Pakistan, more than 40 hours after the incident, many questions remained. NATO described the killings as a “tragic unintended incident” and said an investigation was underway. A Western official and an Afghan security official who requested anonymity said NATO troops were responding to fire from across the border.

It’s possible both explanations are correct: that a retaliatory attack by NATO troops took a tragic, mistaken turn in harsh terrain where identifying friend and foe can be difficult. Militants often attack from Pakistani soil or flee after combat across a porous border that NATO-led troops, under their United Nations mandate, cannot cross. What is clear is the incident could undermine US efforts to improve ties with Pakistan so that the regional power helps stabilise Afghanistan before NATO combat troops go home by the end of 2014.

Continued on Page 13

MULTAN, Pakistan: Protesters burn a US flag yesterday during a rally against a NATO strike on Pakistan troops. — AFP

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‘Entrepreneurship is about doing it better, differently’ Caan shares ideas with local investors

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: Entrepreneurship is not about being unique but how it can be done better and differently, opined James Caan, one of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs today. Caan addressed local media at a roundtable discussion held at Courtyard Marriott Hotel. He founded the multi-million dollar venture capital and investment company called Hamilton Bradshaw. His passion for small and medium enterprises (SME) continues, investing in the ‘90 North Real Estate Partners.’ The new firm is an independent investment advisory business specializing in Sharia-compliant real estate investments. He is currently on a tour to the Middle East to promote ‘90 North Real Estate.’

He shared his ideas on entrepreneurship and met some local investors and wannabe entrepreneurs. “You know the reason why people are out there on the streets to protest in various countries? Because of lack of employment, people need jobs. During recent years, governments have created very few jobs for the people. My business is helping governments create jobs, millions of jobs, sustainable jobs that can empower people. I can do that and hope to share my experiences and expertise to everyone who needs it,” he added.

Caan’s agenda includes supporting Kuwait’s economic development plan, meeting with entrepreneurs and potential partners. He also wishes to work in collaboration with the ministries here to inspire locals on how to invest their money better and differently. “I’ll be back in January next year to talk to ministry officials here to encourage them to create valuable projects that can employ Kuwaitis. This country has enormous potential, they have money and enough resources to create jobs, develop or stimulate entrepreneurial skills and benefit from it. I am sure that there are many opportunities out there and we can do better and differently,” he reiterated.

Caan, who has authored several books including the latest bestseller ‘My Story from Brick Lane to Dragon’s Den’ promised to meet various groups in the Middle East to share his secrets in entrepreneurial success.

He dedicates a significant amount of time working with entrepreneurs to help grow their businesses. “If you need advice about SME, I am here and ready to listen and help you out. You can reach me through my website jamescaan.com or read some of my

Dance exponent to hold workshop in Kuwait

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: James Caan, second left, poses with his team from 90 North Real Estate Partners. —-Photos by Ben Garcia books,” he added.

Caan’s father immigrated from Pakistan to the UK in 1960, the year he was born. He was left with his mother, older brother and sister in Lahore. His father started a job in London in a leather garment factory but eventually went on to own a leather manufacturing business of his own, thanks to the popularity of Elvis Presley’s rock’n’roll music, which eventually popularized the use of leather

The bestselling book “My Story from Brick Lane to Dragon’s Den.”

pants and jackets at that time. The business experienced rapid growth and supplied most boutiques and shops all over England. His father hoped that young James would continue his legacy, but at the age of 16, after dropping out from school, James started his own recruitment company business to become one of the top-30 fastest growing recruitment companies in the world. He owns a property business, HB Real Estate, specializing in partnership with real estate entrepreneurs to create new property services venture. Now he is also the chairman of the new investment company ‘90 North Real Estate Partners.’

In his visit to Kuwait, Caan met with British Ambassador to Kuwait Frank Baker prior to holding media roundtable discussions. “The UK and Kuwait are great trading nations that share strong historical traditions of entrepreneurialism,” the statement released to media.

“We enjoy a very close bilateral relationship, especially in the fields of trade and investment where we are constantly looking for ways to expand businesses. I welcome the visit of James Caan, one of the UK’s best known entrepreneurs, and look forward to working with him and our Kuwaiti friends to help promote the creation of small and medium sized enterprises and develop entrepreneurialism here in Kuwait.”

KUWAIT: In a strange and rare accident, Salmiya rescue center (Failaka and Salmiya) received a report about a boat which sank. The boat which was coming from Iran was loaded with two men and 280 lambs. The rescue group proceeded to the accident site between Oaha and Failaka Island and rescued the two men and were able to save about 50 lambs and brought them to Salmiya rescue center where they were handed to the owner. — Photos by Hanan Al-Saadoun

Car accidents

Sirens to be checked tomorrow

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: A 21-year- old citizen sustained head injuries in a car accident that took place along King Fahad Road opposite Umm AlHaiman. He was admitted to Al-Adan Hospital. In another incident that took place in Al-Qurain near the cooperative society, two Kuwaiti teenagers aged 14 and 15 years old respectively suffered spinal injuries. Both were admitted to Al-Adan Hospital.

A 33-year-old citizen fractured his leg in a car accident that took place at Kabd road, resulting in a leg injury. He was admitted to Farwaniya Hospital. A 26-year-old Saudi man was injured in a car accident that took place along Salmi road, sustaining different injuries. He was admitted to Jahra Hospital. A car accident took place in Sulaibiya near the water pump station. A 61-year- old citizen suffered fatal injuries and was admitted to Jahra Hospital by paramedics.

Kuwait to host defense, aviation exhibition KUWAIT: Preparations are ongoing to host the ‘Gulf Exhibition on Defense and Aviation’ between Dec 12 and 14 in cooperation with TNT Company. It will be held under the patronage of First Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry of Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak AlSabah at Mishref.

Deputy Chairman and CEO of Kuwait International Company Abdul Rahman Al-Nasser said that the exhibition is a very important event, as it is being held for the first time in Kuwait,

which places Kuwait on the list of countries capable of organizing specialized international exhibition. It will be a quality shift in the nature of exhibitions held by Kuwait International Fair Company.

The exhibition attracted major local and international companies from twenty-three different countries specialized in defense equipment. They confirmed their participation in the exhibition.

Companies from US, France, UK, Germany, Bulgaria, Jordan, Azerbaijan, Romania, UAE, South

KUWAIT: Gabriel Montaruli, an Italian professional dancer, choreographer and teacher will hold a six-day dance workshop hosted by the British Academy of International Arts (BAIA) between Dec 8 and 14. It is the first of what is planned to be a regular series of dance workshops in Kuwait. Separate classes will be held for junior and senior students. The workshop will present a unique opportunity to learn new dance skills, get physical training, and make new friends.

Who is Gabriel Montaruli? He started dancing at the age of nine in his hometown, Ruvo di Puglia, Bari (Italy) under the guidance of Sabrina Scioscia. In 2001, he entered the Youth Dance Company Puglia Danza.

In 2007, Gabriele was admitted to the prestigious Rotterdam Dance Academy.

He gained an internship with Dansgroep Krisztina de Chatel, Amsterdam, during his second year in RDA. Conny Janssen Danst of Rotterdam, offered Gabriele a second internship providing him with the opportunity to dance in the production ‘So Here We Are.’ After graduating, he collaborated on many productions with Productiehuis Brabant, Project Sally and its choreographer’s collective.

Gabriel is currently a freelance dancer and dance teacher. He is taking time to do experimental work and research for the development of further creations. Classes will be held for juniors aged 7 onwards and adults aged 15 and above. The majority of students are female. There are only a few male students.

It is the mission of the British Academy of International Arts to provide world-class arts programs to the community of Kuwait. This mission is based on the conviction that the arts form a vital part of society by giving individuals the opportunity to develop skills that would otherwise be left dormant. Participation in the arts fosters self-confidence, creativity, and social skills.

BAIA began as an extracurricular program at the British School of Kuwait(BSK). In a few short years, it

Africa, China, Lebanon, Slovene, Greece, Croatia, Finland, Canada, Italy, Pakistan, Spain, Sweden and Holland will make their presence felt.

The local and international companies participating are: Super Technology Center, Atlantic Regional Contracting and Trading Co., A & M Co, Bader Sultan and Brothers Co, Offset National Co, Gulf Qannas Est for Trading and Contracting, F K Logistic, Paul Steak Co, MOD, Ministry of Interior and Seedis Security Equipment Distribution.

Abdul Rahman Al-Nasser

KUWAIT: Sirens around Kuwait will be set off in a test-run tomorrow morning, announced the Ministry of Interior’s General Department of Civil Defense in an official statement yesterday.

“This operation is necessary to increase people’s awareness about the three-tone system and the respective security measures that should be taken in each case”, the statement said.

Each of the sirens’ tones indicates a certain condition that people must deal with accordingly in cases of emergency: the intermittent tone which means that an emergency situation is expected, the wavy tone which indicates that emergency is underway, and the continuous tone which means that the case of emergency has passed.

The Civil Defense department further clarified that all sirens in Kuwait’s six governorates will be operated at the same time to test their coverage range and any maintenance issues.

Gabriel Montaruli has become an autonomous entity open to the public with programming in visual arts, dance, theatre, public speaking, and music.

BAIA brings UK examination board representatives to Kuwait, including the London Academy of Dramatic Art (LAMDA), the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and the British Ballet Organization (BBO). In addition, music students have the opportunity to enter the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) examinations which take place on the same premises as our music classes.

BAIA is open to students from three years and up. Although, BAIA offer some courses for adults it mainly caters to school-going students and young adults. As mentioned previously, BAIA courses are open to the public. Certainly in dance and music, language is no barrier. BAIA also offers recreational classes for the younger students as well as in HipHop and Crafts. These classes fall under the Kool Kidz Club.

On December 10, Gabriel in conjunction with BAIA will present a recital of contemporary dance followed by discussion with questions and answers. The event will take place at the Shakespeare Theatre Salwa. Those who are interested in joining the workshop can register in the upcoming workshop through the Academy.

News

in brief

MoE to open school cafeterias KUWAIT: As the Education Ministry prepares to open cafeterias in secondary schools, directed the Health Ministry to enlist the services of Nawal AlHamad, Nutrition Department Director. Assistant Education Ministry Undersecretary for Financial Affairs Radhi Al-Owaid said that the cafeteria will cater to the needs of 500 to 700 students based on law number 393/2011. The Education and Higher Education Minister Ahmad Al-Mulaifi issued a decision to form the project in schools headed by Assistant Undersecretary Radhi Al-Owaid.

Advise against Syria travel KUWAIT: Kuwait will follow in the footsteps of UAE and Bahrain to advise Kuwaitis against visiting Syria, revealed official sources at the foreign ministry. Kuwait will soon advise Kuwaitis not to travel to Syria, and will ask those who are already there to head back. The sources said that the ongoing tensions in Syria and chances of escalation are the reasons for these measures. — Al-Watan Boat flips over KUWAIT: A marine rescue group in Salmiya dealt with a small boat accident which flipped near the rescue center on Saturday afternoon. After the group straightened the boat, they discovered that the boat-owner had died in the accident. He was a Kuwaiti man in his thirties. The body was handed over to the criminal investigations’ department. In another development, Salmiya rescue group responded to a call about a boat which had entered shallow waters in Sabhiya area and had got stuck. The two individuals who were on board were rescued and brought back to Salmiya center. The group waited for high tide to help the boat out of shallow waters.

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KUWAIT: The Kuwait Fire Services Directorate recently held a mock fire drill at Al-Hilali Fire Center. The exercise was supervised by Brig Yousuf Al-Ansari, the deputy director of KFSD. — Photos by Hanan Al-Saadoun

Foreign assets in Kuwait increase KUWAIT: Foreign assets in Kuwaiti banks have increased recently as a result of fund-transfer operations from countries affected by the Arab Spring. This was revealed by sources in a recent report in the local banking sector.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the sources indicate that foreign assets increased from KD 9.59 billion by the end of the second quarter this year to KD 10.7 billion by the end of the third quarter.

They also hinted that this means that the banking sector regained stability after it featured a KD 633 million drop in

foreign assets last June in the midst of the suspicious multi-million-dinar deposits scandal in which MPs are accused of receiving bribes.

In other news, the Ministr y of Commerce and Industry revealed that income of Kuwait’s non-oil exports reached nearly KD 95 million this September out of which nearly KD 83 million are of exports to Arab countries.

This figure means that September’s income increased by 52 percent compared to the previous month, and went up by three times compared to the same month last year. — Al-Annahar

Government to replace fingerprint devices KUWAIT: Kuwaiti employees are able to constantly challenge technological advances, be them old or modern, in terms of fooling office attendance system The Civil Services Commission (CSC) issued a decision in 2006 mandating all government employees to use new fingerprint devices to register attendance; a move that was not welcomed by a majority. It led to many loitering in offices more often. However, many changed their daily routine by showing up in the morning to clock in, leave, and then return by the end of the day to clock out.

To make things worse, many devised ingenious techniques to avoid its use by fashioning out plastic moulds of their fingerprint impression( a Thailand innovation). These were then distributed to office boys who are asked to clock in on their behalf in return for a monthly payment!

This new trick was brought to officials’ notice who now seriously consider changing the devices and replace them with face-recognition technology, said sources. The new devices will be installed in early 2012. — Aljarida

Kuwait witnesses increase in pests Revenge of the roaches

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: Many people in different areas of Kuwait have recently been complaining of finding cockroaches at their apartments. Cockroaches had been known for their presence in Kuwait even earlier but not in such large numbers and at so many places. Even the pest extermination companies have confirmed that the demand for their services have increased this year.

While some are sure about where these critters are cropping up from, others are visibly clueless.

A majority of people believe that they come with cartons of food stuff from the co-ops while others think that they crawl in from drainage pipes.

These small pests are called ‘German Cockroaches’ in Kuwait.

They are of a small size compared to the regular ones which make them faster and more resistant.

They also multiply in huge numbers at a quick rate. These cock-

Plot to seriously harm citizens, MPs: Opposition KUWAIT: A number of concerned opposition MPs approached authorities during the weekend over disturbing information they had received about instructions given to certain security departments to physically attack citizens and lawmakers.

“We have information which indicates that certain security departments reached an agreement to inflict physical harm on MPs and citizens, even if it means that targets are assassinated”, said opposition figure MP Musallam Al-Barrak in statements to a local daily, in which he held Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Hmoud AlSabah responsible. Fellow oppositionist MP Jamaan Al-Harbash announced in the meantime that a complaint was lodged at the Salhiya police station based on the information they received.

In another development, Ministry of Interior insiders insisted in statements to another daily that the ministry is taking the MPs’ complaints seriously, despite categorically denying any involvement of security departments to hurt citizens or lawmakers. “Rumors about preparations to inflict harm on any citizen or MP are completely false”, said a senior ministry official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. While assuring the safety of participants in any authorized rally, the official urged MPs to report names of those who have made the threats.

Al-Barrak said in his statement that this information reached MP AlHarbash and attorney Mohammad Abdul-Qadder Al-Jassem and himself from three different people on differ-

ent occasions. Only after this did they decide to take the matter seriously.

He fur ther said that information names MPs Ahmad Al-Saadoun, Faisal Al-Mislem, Waleed AlTabtabaei, Khalid Al-Tahous, AlHarbash and himself as targets of the alleged plot.

The opposition gears up for a mass demonstration tonight at the Irada Square and is expected to be attended by thousands of citizens.

According to sources, a program is already in place to organize the order of speeches to be delivered by MPs and activists. Participants have the option of staying by the seaside square to protest through the night.

This rally takes place ahead of a heated parliamentar y session on Tuesday when the grilling motion against Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad AlSabah regarding the graft scandal is scheduled. MP Saleh Al-Mulla said that any attempts that the government makes to foil the debate would be considered an act of “political suicide”. Sources with knowledge of the Cabinet’s ongoing preparations for Tuesday’s session indicate that the Cabinet is likely to request for a twoday extension instead of scrapping the grilling altogether on the basis of its unconstitutionality.

In the meantime, sources close to the opposition indicate that oppositionists are confident that the Cabinet “is done” after the National Action Bloc’s five members and independent MP Dr Hassan Jowhar announced their suppor t for the upcoming grilling. This will raise the potential number of MPs voting

against the Premier in a No Cooperation Vote to 26, which is enough to unseat the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, MP Hassan Jowhar announced on Saturday that he will file a grilling motion against Interior Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Hmoud AlSabah after Tuesday’s session. He also added that he plans to file an interpellation against Minister of Oil Dr Mohammad Al-Busairi thereafter.

Separately, the Public Prosecution denied mak ing a request to the Parliament to lift the immunity of seven MPs who took par t in the Parliament’s storming, according to sources. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the sources indicated however that a request to lift the immunity of nine MPs instead is expected to be filed within a couple of days. And while dozens of citizens remain in custody over November 16 episode, a senior government official warned of “serious repercussions”, demanding simultaneously that political, security and legal fields be separated. The source who spoke on the condition of anonymity was referring in particular to political reactions to detaining activists which put “pressure on the legal system”.

In other news, MPs Waleed AlTabtabaei and Mohammad Hayef made recent statements urging prompt action from the government to address recent reports which suggested that a lawmaker from the first constituency is involved in a money laundering scandal pertaining to Iran’s nuclear program, involving a Kuwaiti company he had trade relations with. — Al-Rai, Al-Qabas, AlJarida

‘Upgrading department will limit laborers in GCC’ KUWAIT: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries should upgrade their respective labor departments by automating databases to limit the influx of laborers to the region.

The suggestion was put forward

by Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MSAL) Undersecretary Mohammad Al-Kandari at the conclusion of a regional training course.

He said it was necessary to shed the light on worker’s rights and find ways to eliminate sponsorship sys-

tem and human trafficking.

The course was organized by the International Organization for Migration at the United Nations’ premises in Mishref in cooperation with the Dutch Embassy. “ There’s no such thing as the sponsorship system mentioned in Kuwait’s labor law,” Al-Kandari said.

He explained that there are no obstacles facing efforts to eliminate this system, reported Al-Rai. Al-Kandari further mentioned scenarios to organize the GCC coun-

tries’ labor countries by utilizing the full potential of expatriate workers and giving them the opportunity to achieve more. At the same time, it will limit the number of workers to be hired, subsequently reducing the number of expatriate labor forces in the region. “The fact that expatriate labor forces comprise 90 percent of the population in some GCC countries is an alarming issue,” Al-Kandari said. He added that the GCC plans to undertake demographic restructuring by 2014.— Al-Rai

roaches are usually found near places which contain food items and don’t come from the gutter as the regular big ones.

“I used to have mineral water bottles packed in cartons delivered to my house. About two months ago, I noticed small cockroaches in the kitchen, where I had placed them. Even though I tried to exterminate them, I noticed they had become resistant. This spray doesn’t kill the eggs, so new cockroaches were born. Then I threw away all the cartons and managed to exterminate them,” Lina, a 30year-old-Jabriya resident, told the Kuwait Times.

Other people in Salmiya faced a similar invasion of the German cockroaches in their house. “I don’t know from where these cockroaches came to my house, maybe from some neighbors’ apartments. I was fed up of killing them individually, so I decided to call a company to get rid of them. This spray was so strong that it affected my dog and

me, and I have been coughing ever since, but I’m just happy we got rid of them,” stated Jessie, a 59-yearold mother.

The extermination companies have different methods and different prices for killing the pests. The Chem Dr y Cleaning Company offered to kill the cockroaches by spraying the house for a price ranging between KD 15-25 depending on the size of the sprayed area. “ The sprayed place should be closed for about four hours and cleaned thereafter. This is a definitive solution, and we give a threemonths warranty. If the customer finds any cockroach, we will spray it again for free. Pets and humans can normally stay in the sprayed area after the specified four hours. It is true that the demand for our serv icpared es has gone up this year com the to the previous years,” said agent.

Al-Deera Insects Extermination Company offers a different method for killing these cockroaches. “Our

solution lies in spreading a paste containing Boric Acid. This is fixed to the walls along the kitchen or rooms to ensure that the roaches don’t come back. A single box costs KD 2.5 and each room usually requires four boxes. We give a sixmonths warranty, and we come after 15 days of the application to check, just in case, as the eggs hatch after a week. If we find any, we will kill them for free,” said Fathi, an employee.

Ahmad, an employee at the Dubai Insects Extermination Company stressed that this year has seen a resurgence of roaches compared to the previous years.

“Usually these ‘German cockroaches’ come in food or water cartons. It may also come in sacks from the vegetable market. Also the water cartons are stored in the ware house and sprayed, so they may contain the eggs which are transported to the houses where they hatch,” he noted.

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kuwait digest

In my view

Taking steps backward

When religion becomes a tool!

By Waleed Al-Rujaib

A

s four Arab leaders have so far been ousted by their people this year, there is more proof now that the oppressive measures can no longer deter Arab people away from their demands of wanting freedom, democracy and a decent living. The Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa adopted the fact-finding report on the events that took place in the kingdom, and vowed to take measures against those responsible for launching an attack on peaceful protes-

By Fouad Al-Obaid

fouad@kuwaittimes.net Twitter: @Fouadalobaid

I

t is not unheard of that during times of great schism people with different agendas will further their interests. The events that are unraveling in Kuwait is similar to the given infighting where various parties are using proxies to forward plans of grandeur built on thin air. What is going on these days is alarming, for chaos can easily be the likely outcome. While pointing out to the shortcomings, the government seems to lack wisdom. They claim to implement laws equally on all, it is not in itself a bad thing, but when people are being charged for ‘eating the Prime Minister’s chocolate’ you know

The use of force against citizens and MPs protesting in solidarity with young men who turned themselves in, following the Parliament’s storming incident clearly violates the principles of democracy. The fact that this happened three times during a two-week period is an indication that the government is adopting the approach of political prosecution under legal cover. tors. Amid the dramatic changes taking place in the Arab World, the government appears to be taking regressive measures by using violence to approach protestors - clearly contradicting the tolerant nature that Kuwaiti people are known for.

The use of force against citizens and MPs protesting in solidarity with young men who turned themselves in, following the Parliament’s storming incident clearly violates the principles of democracy. The fact that this happened three times during a two-week period is an indication that the government is adopting the approach of political prosecution under legal cover.

Unfortunately, the recent developments have bred attempts to impose restrictions on the freedom of public gathering protected by the Constitution, dividing the Kuwaiti people into two factions. This has been criticized by various local organizations, including the Kuwait Society for Human Rights(KSHR) and the Alshall Economic Services, as well as public figures who are disappointed that the situation in Kuwait stooped to this level in light of the wave of change sweeping through the Arab region.

I was also disappointed by the pro-government gathering held last Tuesday, as I was hoping that it would be a true voluntary expression different from the opposition’s point of view.

However, it was prepared similar to pro-government demonstrations that took place in Syria and Yemen, with a festive impression as participants from social care and disability homes. This is in addition to boy scouts that were brought back in buses to take part. I was upset at pictures in local papers showing cleaning workers that were brought to participate and wave Kuwaiti flags.

It is shameful that this gathering was organized and led by the Ministry of Interior; the same body that used violence against participants in the antigovernment rally held the previous week. I’m afraid that all indications these days point at the current crisis rise unless political issues are handled wisely. — Al-Rai

kuwait digest

Lessons learned from the street

By Dr Ghanim Al-Najjar

I

decided to take par t in protests held by hundreds of citizens - mostly youth activists - in front of the Palace of Justice, against the government’s arbitrary approach of detaining activists in connection with charges that include organizing an unlicensed march. Unlike many citizens, I was optimistic prior to Thursday and Friday’s demonstrations apparently directed against the government’s abuse of power, and my optimism increased after I sought a chance to speak with young people.

First of all, I noticed diversity among protestors’ clamoring against their peers’ detention.

Speculations suggest that antigovernment public movements are mainly controlled by a certain category of society. This diversity and unity between groups belonging to different backgrounds reflect a society that is more aware of their freedom and country’s stability. While several opposition MPs are present among demonstrators in front of the Palace of Justice, many people aren’t completely on the same page with these lawmakers while they support law enforcement and reject the notion of storming the Parliament.

However, they all shared the notion that legal procedures should not be politicized. The Constitution must be protected. I realized that the oppositionist lawmakers were not leading the gathering outside the Palace of

Justice, but simply participating in them.

What I also noticed on Thursday and Friday was the awareness of attendees in the gatherings. They asked me smart questions. While I only went to participate in the gathering to show solidarity to detained citizens, I found myself showered with questions from young peo-

While several opposition MPs are present among demonstrators in front of the Palace of Justice, many people aren’t completely on the same page with these lawmakers while they support law enforcement and reject the notion of storming the Parliament. However, they all shared the notion that legal procedures should not be politicized. The Constitution must be protected.

Op-Ed

kuwait digest

Avoid political showdowns

By Adel Abdullah Al-Mutairi

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t seems that political protests in Kuwait were inspired by the ‘Arab Spring’ despite it having such negative connotations and the obvious difference in lifestyles between the other Arab countries and Kuwait. The Kuwaiti political system enjoys a rich history, constitution and heritage and the political opposition should not cross some well-drawn red lines, regardless of the political situation.

We have a constitution which governs the relation between authorities and organizes its work. If the opposition accused the government of making use of this for its benefit, it would have been better for them to deal with in a legal way.

Regardless of the anger opposition has against the government, the action should be translated into a civilized one. Protests and peaceful demonstrations are allowed provided they abide by the law.

No matter what differences we have with the government, we must admit that they have legal consultants who are successful in taking advantage of the loopholes in the constitution. They managed to influence the grilling of the Prime Minister. Finally, government policy and achievements should be very clear, and should depend on new faces, to explain its position in a simple and quiet way. Also, political opposition must be more mature though there is no objection to peaceful demonstrations and protests, even strikes. But we must avoid a political showdown between demonstrators and police. — Al-Anba

ple. There are other aspects which include public freedoms and illegal practices that can be committed. This experience taught me that there is no such a thing as young people gathering as followers of certain MPs to participate in public demonstrations.

I realized that change has happened to society and that young people have became more aware about what is going on in the countr y.

Moreover, their approach now gives a strong chance to detained protestors against abuse committed.

The young people’s questions also brought to my attention to how defending public freedoms can still be subject to doublestandards. While MPs and political activists jumped immediately to support the group detained in connection with storming the Parliament, we find that citizen Nasser Abul was detained for three months over libel charges citing his Twitter tweets.

However, no similar public activities were held to speed up the process of his trial and release.

While I was writing this article, I received a phone call from female activist Fatima AlMutawaa asking me to deliver a lecture to people outside the Palace of Justice to talk about the future in light of the current developments. I agreed without hesitation because my experience during the past two days taught me how these gatherings offer a ver y good chance to exchange knowledge with people belonging to different social categories. — Al-Jarida

Don’t drive someone else’s car

Against popular will, there is the interest of the status quo championed by the current government -and to a wider extent, the current system. Adding confusion and a second layer of support is the playing of the religious card by some. that laws are being skewed.

Laws when dissected, are mere words in books that we use to regulate human-to-human interactions. Whether ‘divine’ or civil, laws are applied based on the inherent need to ensure social cohesion and stability. For instance, robbery is something we all agree is not to be endorsed. If such were the case, we will end up in a society where security would be all but gone. Hence, the need to ensure social stability compelled all societies I am aware of to place harsh penalties on robbery. In continuing with this notion, not all robberies are equal in danger, some are greater than others.

Paradoxically, some robberies are necessary to ensure social cohesion.

In light of the greater good, one is to contextualize laws to fit the motive of the presumed charged defendant. For instance, the breaking of Parliament on any given day is something that no one can accept period. However, when the motive of breaking into Parliament is seen as an act of popular anger against government policies that are directly jeopardizing the nation and its future, the storming of Parliament in the minds of those who did is of high civic importance. This is especially the case, in light of what many citizens perceive as the broad daylight robbery of their rights as free citizens take control of their destiny.

Against popular will, there is the interest of the status quo championed by the current government -and to a wider extent, the current system. Adding confusion and a second layer of support is the playing of the religious card by some. Some clerics are using the present situation as a tool to further their ‘Islamist’ agenda, frowning upon those that are set to voice their concerns, taking control of their destiny. To the clerics based on ‘religious’ texts, they claim that leaders are divine in nature. It is God who gives authority to whom he seeks, and it is He that takes it away from whom he seeks.

Not different to medieval monarchs’ justification for the ‘divine rule’ what some today are forwarding is dangerous. For not only do they affirm that people are not to revolt, but that if they do they need to do so for only one reason, and to do so by force rather than through peaceful means; to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven. Anything short of that is condemned and is akin to sin. May God have mercy on us all, and may we prosper as a nation, and develop our full potential.

By Nawaf Al-Arbash

O

ur society is ver y well structured from within: companies have hierarchies and chains of command, non-profit organizations have to delegate tasks and positions whether in a hierarchy or flat structure. I’d like to believe that our government has a structure as well (as random as things may seem).

Ironically, in a bird’s eye-view, our society is not structured even remotely. What’s happening in this era, the era of information technology and exchange, is basically diversification of human mind. People have so much access to many sources - books to videos explaining the centuries to come. They have lost their purpose in life. I don’t mean a spiritual or religious purpose, I mean the purpose that each one of us have.

It’s basically like driving a car: you have your personal car whose sole purpose is to transport one from point A to point B, given that one is capable of driving. If you are in your car driving, but watch other people drive without watching the road

ahead, you’ll end up crashing.

People have an attention span of a dust particle being blown into air. They will mind everybody else’s business except their own, whether on a professional or social basis. What will happen to the world if all engineers became interested in medicine? What can happen if lawyers became financial consultants? We’ll end up having what we have now, a society with gaps. There is a lack of efficiency because everyone is concerned about an issue that should be dealt with by specialists.

In the end, I am with the youth and for the youth. I do not wish that they will be intrigued with such issues (political), forgetting that they have studies to attend. There are jobs recently star ted. Some even married recently.

They need to be motivated to drive their own car, concentrate on their path, and serve their country and society by doing what they ’re good at! They should not be lured by followers, which is the trend nowadays.

Twitter@Narbash

kuwait digest

People have an attention span of a dust particle being blown into air. They will mind everybody else’s business except their own, whether on a professional or social basis. What will happen to the world if all engineers became interested in medicine? What can happen if lawyers became financial consultants? We’ll end up having what we have now, a society with gaps.

They don’t listen!

By Sherida Al-Maosherji

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n Kuwait, a man enters a diwaniya, greets everybody and starts talking about the latest information on some topic which he has not even bothered to verify. All that matters to him is that he be the first one to spread news across various diwaniyas he visits every night.

The man is never tired of repeating speech dozens of times every night until he receives new information and starts reproducing it. This is also applicable to our politicians who keep talking without listening to anybody.

They are never bored. They don’t feel embarrassed of repeating themselves. They are never shy when news they claim to be true prove to be baseless.

They stand up to criticize others and accuse them without giving their ‘interlocutors’ a chance to talk back. They just leave the place without bothering to listen. They have done their part. This trait is not common. Luckily, everybody shares it equally.

Therefore, it’s becoming difficult, almost impossible, to reach any compromise that will put our country back on the right track of achieving its aspirations. — Aljarida

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Bedoon driver dies in Fourth Ring accident Hunt on for police impersonators KUWAIT: A male driver was killed in a recent horrific accident on the Fourth Ring Road which left his body decapitated.

Paramedics and police rushed to the location between Qurtuba and Adailiya where a collision between two vehicles was reported. The bedoon driver was pronounced dead on the scene immediately after paramedics found his body at the crash site.

It was referred to the forensic department where an investigation was opened. The news report which quotes an anonymous security source doesn’t mention what happened to the driver of the other car involved in the crash.

KUWAIT: The Rumaithiya Co-op Society organized a marathon over the weekend for disabled citizens. It was held under the patronage of Sheikha Shaikha Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, honorary chairperson of the Kuwait Disabled Sports Club. —Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

Imposters at large Search is currently on for two police impersonators who stole money from a man they busted with a woman at a public place in Salmiya. The victim was reportedly spending time at the beach with his girlfriend when they were approached by the suspects who introduced themselves as police investigators and asked for their identification. The man eventually agreed to pay the fake cops KD 150 to let them go after he insisted that the girl’s identity wasn’t revealed to protect her ‘public reputation’. The

man reported the incident after realizing he was scammed, but insisted that his girlfriend shouldn’t be called to testify.

Police are currently looking to identify and arrest the imposters.

Bad cops Two police officers were taken into custody after they attacked a driver at a public street while drunk. Security officers rushed to a street in Hawally where a man reported being assaulted by two patrol officers after they hit his car while they were driving erratically. The two officers in question were placed under arrest after they were found to be heavily inebriated, and were taken into custody to face charges.

Investigations later revealed that the two were driving away after consuming alcohol at a party.

Party crasher A girl decided to invite her boyfriend over when her parents went on a camping trip but her plan was eventually ruined by the unexpected visit of a family member. The incident took place at a house in the Ahmadi governorate where a man dropped by for a surprise visit at his sister’s home. He grew suspicious when the housemaid was standing outside and trying desperately to

stop him from getting in by repeating that the family was on a camping trip. He broke in only to find his niece in a compromising situation with a stranger. The irate uncle then held the young man hostage and made sure he didn’t escape until police arrived and arrested him. His niece admitted that she lied about staying home and studying for the exams to get some time with her boyfriend.

Crybaby ruins plan A Saudi couple was detained at the Salmi border checkpoint ( West) after they were busted trying to smuggle their kid without a passport. The passports’ counter officers were startled by baby crying sounds coming from a car carrying a man and his wife.

They eventually discovered that the lady was hiding her infant in her abaaya in an attempt to smuggle him inside. The couple failed to provide a passport for the child and it was later discovered that the two were able to smuggle the kid out in the same fashion when they exited Kuwait on a shor t visit. They were referred to the proper authorities for further action.

Addict caught A driver was arrested in

Sulaibiya where he was driving under the influence of drugs. A significant amount of hashish was also found in his possession.

The bedoon man was pulled over at a street in the area by patrol police who noticed his erratic driving. He was taken to the General Department of Criminal Investigations following his arrest.

Farwaniya crackdown Police arrested 29 men and women in eight brothels busted in Khaitan, Farwaniya and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh during a security crackdown around the Farwaniya Governorate on Thursday and Friday. The operation also netted 33 residency violators and 70 women reported missing by their employers. The detainees were referred to the proper authorities for further action.

Bus driver assaulted A bus driver was hospitalized with a stab wound after he was attacked by four teenagers who refused to pay the fare. The Indian man told police after receiving treatment at the Adan Hospital that the thugs assaulted him when he stopped his bus shortly after they got in and escaped immediately following the attack. — AlWatan, Al-Rai, Al-Anba, Al-Qabas

KUWAIT: A Kuwaiti media delegation leaving for Ukraine yesterday.

Kuwaiti media delegation heads to Ukraine KUWAIT: A Kuwaiti media delegation represented by Kuwait Journalists Association (KJA) left yesterday on a visit to Kiev, to meet with Ukrainian media officials.

The delegation, headed by KJA Secretary General Faisal Al-Qinai, was seen off at

Kuwait International Airport by Ukraine’s Ambassador to Kuwait Vladimir Tolqatch and Media Attache at the Ukrainian Embassy Valdimir Martnic.

Ambassador Tolgatch expressed his hope that this visit would attain its goals in boost-

‘National unity necessary to preserve Kuwait’ LONDON: Khaled Al-Duwaisan, representative of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Kuwait’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, has affirmed necessity of preserving Kuwait with national unity and solidarity among all segments of the society. “I have repeatedly affirmed during my meetings with you the necessity of preserving our dear homeland, for this countr y has given us a lot and has enabled us enjoy prosperous and secure life under the sagacious leadership,” said Al-Duwaisan in part, in an address at inauguration of the 47th convention of the National Union of Kuwaiti Students (branch of the United Kingdom and Ireland), late on Sunday.

The State of Kuwait, with the abundant bounties granted by His Almighty, has furnished the people with all needs for living, such as free education, medical treatment and jobs, said Al-Duwaisan,

praising the government development schemes, that would secure many jobs for the citizens.

Kuwaiti nationals, over the past 20 years, affirmed their solid loyalty to their homeland and solidarity with their leadership. They also succeeded in rallying international support for their cause, liberation from the Iraqi occupation.

“The world now eyes with admiration this people that is small in number but great in will,” he said, noting the Kuwaiti people success in liberating their country and rebuilding it after liberation.

The world had anticipated that extinguishing fires at oil installations that had been set alight by the occupiers would last for five years, however, the patriotic Kuwaitis succeeded in putting out the blazes in only seven months. Turning to another level, the veteran diplomat shed light on Kuwait’s noticeable aid for needy nations particularly at times of crises and catastrophes. — KUNA

Course on radiation safety AMMAN: A regional training program entitled “Functions of safety of Regulations of agencies for radiation protection” concluded here yesterday.

Kuwait participated in the course, which was organized by Arab Atomic Energy Agency (AAEA) and Jordan Nuclear Regulatory Commission (JNRC).

The Gulf state was represented by Khaled Salem Saif Al-Azmi of the department of radiation prevention of the Ministr y of Health. Other conferees represented 11 Arab countries. — KUNA

ing media relations between Kuwait and Ukraine, praising the level performance of the Kuwaiti press and the freedom it enjoys.

On his part, Al-Qinai said in a press statement that the Kuwaiti delegation is visiting Ukraine for the first time and will be meet-

ing with a number of political and media officials, adding that signing a cooperation agreement between Ukraine Journalists Union and KJA is expected during the visit to strengthen media relations and experience exchange between the two countries.

The Kuwaiti delegation includes KJA board member Jassem Kamal, and members Ibrahim Al-Melaifi, Hussain Al-Harbi, Madi Al-Hajri, Omar Al-Rashidi, Jarah AlMutairi, Ghannam Al-Ghansam, Haider Saber and Hamed Al-Amiri. —- KUNA

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KUWAIT: Dean of the diplomatic corps in Kuwait, Senegal Ambassador Abdul Ahad Embaki recently hosted a dinner banquet in honor of the outgoing Australian ambassador to Kuwait. The dinner was held at the Crowne Plaza hotel and it was attended by a number of diplomats and other dignitaries.

‘Best 100’ projects qualify for next round of Kuwait Science Fair competition KUWAIT: More than 168 students across Kuwait are one step closer to a full international academic scholarship at Northwestern University, after their projects were selected as part of the ‘Best 100’ in this year’s Kuwait Science Fair competition.

The ‘Best 100’ projects have been judged by a team of teachers and scientists in Kuwait to qualify for the next stage-the experimental stage-of the competition.

Kuwait Science Fair Managing Director, Aseel Al-Turkait, said: “Every year, selecting the ‘Best 100’ projects becomes more and more challenging.

This year, we have seen some of the best and most innovative ideas. Qualifying students will be working round-the-clock for the next three months to develop their scientific ideas into tangible innovations. We congratulate the students who made it this far, and we can’t wait to see the final outcome of this year’s ‘Best 100’ projects.”

With the start of the experimental phase, 14 workshops will be held for students with the ‘Best 100’ projects at the Scientific Center starting Nov 30. With a team of science experts, the workshops will guide students on how to translate their ideas into live experiments, and help them with the requirements for finalizing their projects, such as the notebook, scientific paper and display.

The first two workshops held on Nov 30 and Dec 1, will be preceded by seminars presented by Kuwait University on research methods, providing students with scientific processes to develop their experiments. The first seminar will be

held in Arabic and the second in English.

Additionally, the Kuwait Science Fair team will be available regularly at the Kuwait Science Fair booth in Marina Mall on weekdays (Sunday - Thursday) between 5pm - 8pm.

The Kuwait Science Fair has also allocated KD100 for project development expenses. Students must supply receipts signed by their supervising teacher to receive compensation.

Students will start presenting their final projects to a panel of judges three days prior to the awards ceremony.

Finalists and grand prize winners will be announced on March 24 in a ceremony held at The Regency Hotel in the presence of His Excellency Dr Mohammed Mohsin Al-Busairi, Minster of Oil, Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs, and Chairman of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation.

Qualified students will compete for the top ten places. The first prize winner will receive a scholarship in the discipline of the student’s choice from Northwestern University, the grand prize of KD750 in cash, two certificates for participation and ranking, KD100 in vouchers, as well as an international internship at Schlumberger.

The second prize winner will be offered a scholarship from the American University of Kuwait and will receive a cash prize of KD500, two certificates for participation and ranking, as well as KD100 in gift vouchers.

The third prize winner will receive a cash prize of KD350, two certificates for participation and ranking, as well as KD100 in gift vouchers.

Kuwaitis graduate from NATO Defense College Step to upgrade positive cooperation ROME: Showing Kuwait’s interest in enhancing and upgrading skills of security and diplomatic personnel, two Kuwaitis graduated yesterday from the prestigious NATO Defense College (NDC). In a big ceremony held here at the NDC headquarters, the two Kuwaitis, head of the VIP Security Department at the Ministry of Interior Col Saleh Matar Al-Enezi and First Secretary of Kuwait Diplomatic Institute of the Foreign Ministry Meshal Jassem Al-Shehab, received their graduation certificates. The two trainees applauded the course and its great benefits.

The sixth NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC-6) took place at NDC in Rome. The NRCC is a 10-week course that focuses on the study of security challenges in the Middle East and North African regions. Course Members included government and military officials from NATO, Mediterranean Dialogue (MD), Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI), and other interested nations.

The Commandant of the NDC, Lt Gen Arne Bord

Dalhaug, delivered the graduation remarks and mentioned the importance of the NRCC during the current events taking place in the MENA regions.

NRCC-6 was a significant course because it ran simultaneously alongside the Arab Spring as it took shape. For his part, Charge d’Affaires of the Kuwaiti Embassy here Eyadah Al-Saeedi, who attended the graduation ceremony, underlined the importance of Kuwaiti cadres’ joining such courses.

“This helps upgrade experience of Kuwaiti cadres and promote positive cooperation and understanding,” he said.

Al-Saeedi stressed on the importance of dialogue and cooperation with international organizations such as NATO on key issues related to common interests, especially the security and stability, similar to what occurred during the Libyan crisis for the protection of Libyan people.

He added that Kuwait was interested in expanding dialogue with all organizations and countries to reach mutual understanding and constructive

cooperation to promote common security and face risks that threaten the stability, both in the Gulf or the Arab region and the region as well as on international level.

The aim of the NRCC is to bridge the gaps, dispel misconceptions, and create mutual understanding between NATO and its partner countries.

In Lt Gen. Dalhaug’s remarks, he explained that, “understanding, but not being understood, is not the same as understanding, and knowing you are understood. Make no mistake - understanding does not mean agreeing”. Lecturers from the Middle East and NATO countries are invited throughout the course to present on various topics dealing with the security and political challenges of the region. The last week of the course is dedicated to the Crisis Management Exercise (CMX), where participants have the opportunity to apply all of the knowledge that they had gained over the ten-week course. NRCC-6 saw the graduation of 25 participants from 14 different nations. — KUNA

MPs seek salary raise for civil servants KUWAIT: Various MPs recently filed parliamentary requests seeking revised salary scales for civil servants who have not benefitted from recent financial allowances approved. New proposals have been put forward to raise salaries of private sector employees. MP

Mohammad Al-Huwaila has said that some MPs have informed the government of the request.

“We are still waiting for the government’s decision to grant employees pay raises at par with their peers,” he stressed. “Otherwise, we’ll pursue the motion we made last

week to grant us 100 percent salary increases,” the lawmaker warned.

In addition, Al-Huwaila called for raising the salaries paid to citizens employed in the private sector. On his part, MP Saadoun Hammad AlOtaibi stressed that a majority of MPs supported various benefits

that are favorable to citizens, especially those demanding retirees’ increments, child allowances, raising housing loans from KD 70,000 to KD 100,000, increasing social allowances to KD 200 and increasing marriage loans given to KD 6,000. — Al-Watan

NUKS conference concludes in Beverly Hills BEVERLY HILLS: Representative of His Highness the Prime Minister, Kuwait’s Ambassador to the US Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah, congratulated the students on success of the 28th annual conference of the National Union of the Kuwaiti Students (USA) branch, which was held under patronage of HH Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser AlMohammed Al-Sabah.

In a speech the Ambassador delivered on behalf of the Premier at closing of the conference, he thanked them for the major efforts they exerted for this event.

He also voiced his “extreme” pleasure for the “mature presentation of many issues that are of Kuwait’s pres-

ent and future interest.”

He said that Kuwait was present in all of the activities of the conference and in the hearts and minds of all those who participated in this important event.

He affirmed that Kuwait is rich in its people and in their various expertise in all fields, where today “it awaits your expertise and is looking forward for your efforts, ideas and initiatives, to achieve for our next generation a better future and contribute in building a modern state based on knowledge and technology.”

He added that the globalization era strongly imposes itself on our lives and way of thinking, therefore “we have to confront it in a new and

developed way of knowledge to deal with its development.”

He affirmed that Kuwait has successfully embodied education and knowledge through many of the cultural platforms and scientific institutions and “with your efforts and open minds these institutions will take their place in building the new Kuwait so it would continue its pioneering role on the Arab, Islamic and international levels.”

He wished them success and that God protects Kuwait under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

For his part, the Ambassador con-

gratulated Al-Wihda party for winning the students elections and praised the students for the democratic electoral process that practiced in. Al-Wihda party won the elections of the National Union of Kuwaiti Students (NUKS) USA branch, which was held late Friday.

The runners in this year’s elections were Al-Wihda, which won 925 votes, against the Student Future party, which got 603 votes. Over 1,500 Kuwaiti students gathered in Beverly Hills, California to attend the 28th annual conference of the National Union of the Kuwaiti Students (USA) branch which is held under the theme “aspiring generation; homeland restoring glories.” —KUNA

Wataniya opens new branch in Sharq KUWAIT: Wataniya Telecom is always looking for ways to be easily available and accessible to all its customers. In an effort to reach out, Wataniya has recently announced the opening of its newest branch at Al-Babtain Cultural Tower in Sharq replacing its recently closed branch at its headquarters. The launch of the new branch took place last Sunday and was attended by Wataniya’s top management.

During the inauguration of the new branch, Amer Hayat, Senior Director, Direct Sales at Wataniya Telecom assured that the opening of Wataniya’s branch in AlBabtain Cultural Tower comes within the company’s strategic expansion plan in Kuwait.

Hayat added, “Wataniya Telecom does not spare any efforts to provide its customers with convenience and satisfaction for their telecom needs. Wataniya has recorded great achievements up to date; and the launch of the new branch just adds more success to the company’s portfolio and affirms its vision. Customers are

now welcome to visit the new branch at Al-Babtain Cultural Tower and get better acquainted with the new products and services.”

Wataniya new branch provides an enhanced customer experience by featuring an entire display area of exciting brand new handsets and accessories from a range of the top manufacturers. This hands-on display is designed to give store visitors an extensive choice in one place and the opportunity to test all the models on display. The branch also includes B2B counter to understand business needs and provide solutions.

This branch marks the 16th one for Wataniya Telecom in Kuwait. The 16 branches are located in Al-Babtain Cultural Tower, Jahra, Green Tower (Fahaheel), Avenues, Bairaq Complex, Beirut Complex (Hawally), Kuwait International Airport (2 branches), Kuwait Stock Exchange, Shaha Complex (Salmiya), Far waniya, Jahra Cooperative, 360 Mall, Al Kout, Marina Mall, and MIC.

KPC involved in diverse activities LONDON: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) is planning to launch “the constituent social responsibility program,” aimed at promoting sustainable development and bolstering status of the corporation.

KPC strategists are aware that the corporation role must not be restricted to the oil sector and must be expanded to various other domains, for service of the society, said Ali Murad, the KPC director of public relations, on sidelines of the 47th conven-

tion of the Kuwaiti students union.

The special program is designed to enhance skills of personnel, support health, educational services and protect the environment. Within framework of the plan, the KPC will take part in diverse charitable, artistic, social, cultural and scientific events.

The KPC took part in the students gathering, Murad added, to educate the youth about the paramount role of the corporation. — KUNA

Ford honors Kuwaiti divers for environmental work KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Diving Team received, at a ceremony held in Dubai yesterday an award granted by the auto company Ford in appreciation for the divers’ role in preserving the environment.

The deputy head of the team, Walid Al-Shatti, said that the divers were honored in appreciation for their relentless efforts for service of

marine environment.

Attendees of the ceremony were briefed about the team works and accomplishments.

Ford, since 2000, has granted such awards, worth some $2 million, to various authorities throughout the world. — KUNA

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

Three American students arrested in Cairo back in US

Putin agrees to run for Russian president Page 9 TEHRAN: Iranian cleric lawmakers talk in an open session of the parliament in Tehran, Iran, yesterday. Iran’s parliament has approved a bill to reduce Tehran’s diplomatic relations with London and withdraw the country’s ambassador to Britain. — AP

Iran to expel British envoy Ties with other EU countries at risk TEHRAN: Iran’s parliament voted yesterday to reduce diplomatic relations with Britain, with one lawmaker warning that Iranians angered by London’s latest sanctions could storm the British embassy as they did to the US mission in 1979.

The bill, if it passes one further legislative hurdle, will oblige the government to downgrade ties within two weeks, forcing the ambassador out and leaving the British embassy to be run by a charge d’affaires.

It comes less than a week after London banned all British financial institutions from doing business with their Iranian counterparts, including the Central Bank of Iran, as part of a new wave of sanctions western countries are imposing on Tehran.

By announcing its moves ahead of other European Union countries, Britain-which Iranians often refer to as “the old fox”-is first in the firing line for retaliation by Tehran, but lawmakers said they would push to cut ties with other EU countries if, as expected, they follow London’s lead.

“The legislative branch is observing the behaviour of the British government and this is just the beginning of the road,” speaker Ali Larijani told parliament.

Lawmakers who spoke out against the bill did so because they deemed it not strong enough. “ This plan should be firmer and stronger against Britain,” Mahmoud Ahmadi Bighash told the house.

“Having relations with Britain, even with one representative, is a total betrayal and we should padlock the British embassy.” Another member went even further, invoking the storming of the US embassy-dubbed the “den of spies”-by students in the 1979 Islamic revolution.

The hostage crisis lasted for 444 days and set the tone for rock-bottom relations between Tehran and Washington ever since.

“The British government should know that if they insist on their evil stances the Iranian people will

punch them in the mouth, exactly as happened against America’s den of spies, before it was approved by officials,” Mehdi Kuchakzadeh said.

Ahead of the vote, lawmakers chanted “Death to England”.

Britain is resented by many Iranians for its exploitation of its oil in the early 20th century and its involvement with the United States in a 1953 coup which ousted Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadeq who had nationalised the oil industry.

The hardliners that run the Islamic Republic accuse Britain and other western countries of colluding with anti-government protesters after the contested re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.

Parliament’s website said there would be a demonstration outside the British embassy tomorrow, the first anniversary of the death of Majid Shahriyari, a nuclear scientist killed along with his wife by a car bomb that Tehran said was the work of Israeli agents.

London and Washington announced new sanctions after a U.N. nuclear agency report suggested Iran had worked on an atomic bomb

design. Tehran maintains its work is entirely peaceful and said the report was based on false Western intelligence.

In a final vote on the bill in the 290-strong assembly, 171 voted for, three against, and seven abstained, according to numbers displayed on screens in the parliament. The bill now goes to the Guardian Council, a panel of 12 clerics and jurists who judge whether legislation is Islamic.

The process usually take one to two weeks. If the council approved the bill, the foreign ministr y will be obliged to put it into force and downgrade relations with London.

In the meantime, EU foreign ministers are due to meet on Thursday to approved new sanctions on Iran.

Paris has proposed banning oil imports to the bloc, which accounted for 18 pct of Iranian oil purchases in the first half of 2011, and the Netherlands is pushing for the EU to follow London’s move on sanctioning the Iranian central bank. Parliament’s bill instructs the foreign ministry to downgrade relations with any country that follows London’s sanctions move. — Reuters

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Armenian town’s evictions stir Lebanon debate BEIRUT: A mainly Armenian suburb of Beirut has stirred controversy over a decision by local officials to expel foreign workers, with some linking the move to the revolt in Syria and others to sheer racism. The controversy erupted earlier this month when the municipality of Burj Hammud, located east of the Lebanese capital, requested all foreigners without rental leases leave the area by the end of November.

Targeted by the measure were Syrian Kurds as well as other labourers from the Philippines, Sri Lanka and from African countries, who for years have been drawn to affordable housing in Burj Hammud. The majority have no signed rental agreements, a common practice in Lebanon.

Officials say the decision came after local residents began to complain of increased petty crime and harassment of young women in the streets, pinning the blame on foreigners. But Syrian Kurds say the measure was a bid by the Armenian Tashnag par ty, a member of Lebanon’s pro-Syrian alliance led by the powerful Hezbollah, to punish them for taking part in anti-Syrian rallies.

Several Syrian Kurds interviewed by AFP in Burj Hammud said they believed the Tashnag was using its influence to squeeze them out

after they protested outside the Syrian embassy over the murder of Kurdish activist Meshaal Tammo in Syria in October. “The goal is to drive us out of our homes... and leading this campaign is a certain prominent party here in Burj Hammud,” said Khalil, 37, referring to the

BEIRUT: Lebanese -Kurdish jeweller Mohammed Siala stands at his shop in Burj Hammud, east of the capital Beirut, on November 21, 2011. — AFP Tashnag. Khalil says he was ordered by local officials to obtain a working visa or leave-a demand he says is “impossible” as Syrian citizens

do not need visas to work in Lebanon.

Ahmed, a 28-year-old Syrian Kurd who has lived for five years in a humble one-room flat in Burj Hammud, said he also believed the eviction order he had recently received was politically motivated.

“This decision is aimed at us, at all Kurds who are standing against the Syrian regime,” said Ahmed, who requested his real name be concealed for fear of reprisal.

Officials in the bustling suburb, however, deny that the evictions are political motivated, noting that the measure concerned all foreigners-not just Syrian Kurds-without identification papers or legal contracts.

“Several residents have contacted us to complain that they feel the district is becoming an increasingly dangerous place because of increased crime with foreigners living here,” said Arpineh Mangasarian, head of the city council’s engineering and planning department.

Tashnag officials in a statement also denied the evictions were related to politics. But Nadim Houry, director of the Beirut office of Human Rights Watch, said he believed racism was at the heart of the problem.

“Lebanon has a serious problem with racismracism towards foreigners but also racism

towards other Lebanese,” he told AFP. “The case in Burj Hammud is part of this overall problem of racism and has affected people of all races living in the area, most of whom are in fact Syrian Kurds.” Houry noted that other municipalities in Lebanon had previously banned foreigners-or even Lebanese of different confessions-from owning or renting property. Some Armenian residents of Burj Hammud have also criticized local officials for the indiscriminate expulsions. “It’s true that when young people, like foreign labourers, hang out in the street at night they might stir trouble,” said one shop owner, requesting his name be concealed.

“But a lot of foreign labourers live near my shop and they are really hard-working people who come home late at night and don’t bother anyone,” he added. “Now they’re being asked to leave too.”

Lebanon is home to a 140,000-strong Armenian community, mostly made up of the descendants of survivors of what they term the genocide in eastern Anatolia under Ottoman rule almost a century ago. Many of them live in Burj Hammud and have named the streets there after their ancestral towns. Shop signs around the area are often written in Armenian and the language is widely spoken in the district. —AFP

Morocco awaits final election results ‘As far as alliances are concerned, we are open to everyone’

SANAA: Women perform prayers during a demonstration demanding the prosecution of Yemen’s President Ali Abdullah Saleh in Sanaa, Yemen, yesterday. — AP

Saleh returns to Yemen after poll date set SANAA: President Ali Abdullah Saleh returned to Yemen overnight from Riyadh, where he signed a deal to step down under which a new presidential poll is take place in February, state news agency Saba reported.

Under the accord, the election is to be held on February 21, replacing Saleh who has been in power for more than three decades but faced 10 months of massive anti-regime protests. Saba did not specify if the president underwent new medical tests in the Saudi capital where he received treatment earlier this year after being wounded in a June bomb attack on the presidential compound in Sanaa.

Vice President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi, to whom Saleh handed power under the Gulf-mediated accord, announced the polling date in a decree Saturday, confirming the election would be brought forward from 2013. US President Barack Obama’s top counterterrorism adviser and point-man on Yemen, John Brennan, called Hadi after the announcement. “ The two agreed on the need to quickly implement the terms of the November 23 political settlement so that the legitimate and richly deserved aspirations of the Yemeni people can be realized,” the White House said in a statement.

Brennan “stressed that all parties need to refrain from violence and proceed with the transition in a peaceful and orderly manner.” The Riyadh accord makes Saleh, 69, the fourth Arab leader to be ousted from power in the Arab Spring which has swept away the autocratic rulers of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.

Hadi as the sole candidate in February’s poll is to officially take over as consensus president for a two-year interim period, after which parliamentary and presidential elections are to be held. The early poll follows a 90-day transition period which kicked off with the signing of the power transfer deal in Riyadh.

The accord called for Saleh, in return for immunity from prosecution, to hand all “necessary constitutional powers” to his deputy with immediate effect and to hold office on an honorary basis only for the 90-day period. A bloody crackdown on the anti-Saleh demonstrations across Yemen since January has left hundreds of people dead.

But demonstrators in Sanaa’s Change Square, the focal point of the protests, say they reject the Riyadh deal and want the president to go on trial.

Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Kurbi, meanwhile, has said Saleh could need further medical treatment in the United States. — AFP

Palestinian PM: Israeli sanctions starting to bite RAMALLAH: Palestinian officials said yesterday they won’t be able to pay upcoming public-sector salaries that support nearly one-third of Palestinian families in the in the West Bank and Gaza, the clearest sign yet that Israeli economic sanctions are starting to bite.

Israel last month stopped the transfer of tax revenues and other funds it collects on behalf of the Palestinians, retaliation for the Palestinians’ successful bid for admission to the United Nations’ cultural agency UNESCO, which was part of a larger effort to gain admission as a state in the world body.

Israel says a Palestinian state should be established through negotiations, and it accuses the Palestinians of acting unilaterally to bypass peace talks. The monthly transfers of about $100 million, along with hundreds of millions of dollars a year in foreign aid, are crucial for keeping the government of Westernbacked Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas afloat.

Abbas’ prime minister, Salam Fayyad, said yesterday that he won’t be able to pay upcoming salaries, which are due in the first week of December. He said the continued suspension of the tax transfers “has both an immediate impact on the lives of all employees and their dependents, some 1 million people ... (and) has a devastating indirect impact

throughout the whole economy.”

The Palestinian Authority is the biggest employer in the Palestinian areas, with tens of thousands of civil servants and security forces. UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Tony Blair, envoy of the Quartet of Mideast mediators have urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resume the transfers.

An Israeli official said yesterday that Israel suspended the transfers temporarily to express its concern over the conduct of Abbas and his government, mainly his quest for recognition of Palestine. The Israeli official said Israeli might make decision to withhold the money permanent if Abbas sets up a unity government with Hamas, the Islamic militant group that controls Gaza.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the issue with reporters.

A reconciliation agreement between Abbas and Hamas chief Khaled Mashaal calls for an interim unity government that would prepare for May elections, but it appears unlikely it will be formed because of disagreements over who should lead it. Hamas strongly opposes Abbas’ candidate for the job, the West Bank-based Fayyad, who is popular with Western donors. — AP

RABAT: Morocco yesterday awaited final results from elections in which moderate Islamists emerged as the dominant political force, the latest religious party to achieve huge gains on the back of the Arab Spring.

With 288 out of the 395 seats up for grabs in the lower house of parliament awarded, the Justice and Development Party (PJD) captured 80 seats in the election, Interior Minister Taib Cherkaoui said Saturday. That is nearly double the 45 seats won in Friday’s polls by Prime Minister Abbas el Fassi’s Independence Party, which finished second and has headed a five-party coalition government since 2007.

The interior ministry is scheduled to release final election results today. If the preliminary results are confirmed, the PJD’s victory will come just one month after Islamists won Tunisia’s postrevolution election and days before their predicted surge in Egyptian polls. Under a new constitution over whelmingly approved in a July referendum, King Mohammed VI will have to name a prime minister from the PJD. The king, the latest scion of a monarchy that has ruled the country for 350 years, proposed changes to the constitution that curb some of his near absolute powers as autocratic regimes toppled in nearby Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya and pro-democracy protests brewed at home.

The Islamists will have to govern with other parties and PJD leader Abdellah Benkirane acknowledged that his party would have to tailor its programme to appease its coalition partners. “As far as alliances are concerned, we are open to everyone, I have always said that,” he told the France 24 television

RABAT: A Moroccan girl arrives with tea as Abdelilah Benkirane, the secretary general of Morocco’s Islamist Justice and Development Party chats with Mustapha Moatassim, the secretary general of a small party (Al Badil Al Hadari) that Moroccan authorities banned on Feb, 20, 2008, after it became clear Benkirane’s party is on track to become the largest party in Morocco’s new parliament, at the Party headquarters in Rabat, Morocco, yesterday. — AP channel on Saturday.

“We will be required to revise our programme to come up with a common programme. But the nub of our programme and of those who will govern with us will have a double axis, democracy and good governance.”

Two parties that make up the outgoing governing coalition-the Independence Party and Socialist Union of Popular Forces - have said they would be willing to govern with the Islamist party.

The Party of Authenticity and Modernity, which was founded in 2008 by several politicians close to the king, has also indicated it was open to governing with the Islamists.

Unlike the banned Islamist opposition group Justice and Charity, the PJD pledges its allegiance to the monarchy.

The party has gradually increased its share of the vote in Morocco, seen as one of the most liberal and stable countries in the region. After winning just eight seats in 1997, the PJD surged in popularity, scooping 42 seats in the 2002 election, the first of King Mohammed VI’s reign.

It then increased its share in the last election in 2007 when it finished second with 47 seats. The party focused at first on social issues, such as opposition to summer music festivals and the sale of alcohol, but has shifted to

issues with broader voter appeal like the fight against corruption and high unemployment.

During the current campaign it promised to cut poverty in half and raise the minimum wage by 50 percent. Voter turnout was 45.4 percent, up from 37 percent from the last parliamentary election in 2007, but lower than the 51.6 percent turnout recorded in 2002.

Morocco’s pro-reform February 20 protest movement, responsible for protests held just before the king announced plans to change the constitution, had called on voters to boycott the election. It argues the reforms are insufficient. —AFP

Bethlehem church to get new roof BETHLEHEM: Preparations for a long-needed renovation of the 1,500-year-old Church of the Nativity are moving ahead in Bethlehem, the town of Jesus’ birth, in the face of political and religious conflicts that have kept one of Christendom’s holiest sites in a state of decay for centuries.

The first and most urgent part of the renovation, initiated by the Palestinian government in the West Bank, is meant to replace the building’s roof. Ancient wooden beams pose a danger to visitors, officials say, and leaks have already ruined many of the church’s priceless mosaics and paintings.

If the repairs go ahead as planned next year, it will be the first time the crumbling basilica has seen major renovation work in more than a century and a half. Altering a building like the Church of the Nativity, built 1,500 years ago on the site of a church 200 years older than that, is never a simple affair. The building is shared by three Christian sects - Catholics, Greek Orthodox and Armenians - who have traditionally viewed each other with suspicion and are wary of upsetting the brittle status quo that governs the site.

To repair a part of the church is to own it, according to accepted practice, meaning that letting other sects undertake renovations or pay for them could allow one to gain ground at another’s expense. The resulting paralysis and disrepair has been a recurring theme at the church. “In the roof the timbers which were constructed in ancient times are rotting, and this structure is falling daily into ruin,” wrote one visitor. That was in 1461.

Some measure of the complications involved in a renovation of this type can be found in the Nativity’s similarly ancient and fractious sister

BETHLEHEM: In this photo taken Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, pilgrims and tourists visit the Church of the Nativity, believed by many to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. — AP church, the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. When a 1927 earthquake badly damaged that building, it took the rival sects more than three decades to agree to major repairs and another three to complete them.

Today, the increasingly dire state of the Nativity’s roof and the intervention of an external player in the form of the Palestinian Authority - which has circumvented the old rivalries and allowed all to save face - has led the three churches to agree to a renovation to be arranged and funded by the Palestinian govern-

ment and international donors.

The Palestinian Authority, the Westernbacked government that wields limited control in the West Bank under Israel’s overall control, sees the church as its premier tourist attraction, with 2 million foreign visitors last year.

The PA and its president, Mahmoud Abbas, are eager to win recognition for the basilica from UNESCO as a world heritage site, but an earlier application was not accepted because UNESCO did not consider the Palestinian government a state. — AP

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Singer Church, Blair aide due at tabloid inquiry LONDON: Britain’s tabloids are braced for more damaging celebrity testimony this week at a public inquiry that has turned the tables on Fleet Street and could lead to major changes in the regulation of the press.

Singer Charlotte Church and Alastair Campbell, the former spin doctor of ex-prime minister Tony Blair, are among those due to give evidence during the second week of hearings at the Leveson inquiry into press ethics. But already the probe-launched

by Prime Minister David Cameron in July amid the furore over the phone-hacking scandal at the Rupert Murdoch-owned News of the World tabloidhas sharply divided opinion. During the dramatic first week of testimony, “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling and actors Hugh Grant and Sienna Miller launched an onslaught against the newspapers they accused of ruining their lives. Perhaps the most poignant testimony came from ordinary crime

victims, including the parents of murdered teen Milly Dowler who were given false hope that she was alive when the News of the World hacked her voicemails. Comedian Steve Coogan, who also testified to the inquiry, which is led by senior judge Brian Leveson, said it had been a “watershed” week.

“The Leveson inquiry has acted in the same way as genuine public interest journalism,” Coogan told the BBC on Saturday.

But Graham Foulkes, whose phone was hacked after his son died in the July 7, 2005 bombings on London’s transport system, said he would not be taking part in the inquiry because it had been “hijacked” by celebrities. “Leveson was set up around phone hacking but it has become a celebrity circus,” Foulkes, whose son David died in the attacks, told The Times newspaper-itself owned by Murdoch. And a leading lawyer, Paul McBride, also criticised the attention on the inquiry. It had heard

little evidence of actual lawbreaking, he said. Police time would be better focused on unsolved murders, he added. “I watched the Leveson inquiry, with endless celebrities babbling away about how their lives have been ruined by media intrusion when often they have paid millions of pounds to PR consultants to get their names into the paper,” he said.

On Monday Church, a former child star who entertained Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, pope John Paul II and US president Bill Clinton, is due to give evidence about the alleged phone hacking of her family. Campbell appears on Wednesday and is expected to focus on links between the press and politicians-which came under spotlight this summer as Cameron’s former spokesman Andy Coulson was himself once an editor of the News of the World. Current and former journalists will also testify, including Nick Davies of the Guardian, the British newspaper that helped break the phone-hacking

story. During the first week, a repeated complaint by witnesses was the inadequacy of the Press Complaints Commission, the current self-regulatory body for British newspapers. Several also complained that tabloids took a bitter revenge against people who stood up to them.

But there has been little consensus from the British media on the inquiry, as different newspapers, broadcasters and bloggers all have their own axes to grind. Britain’s “quality papers” such as the Guardian, Daily Telegraph, Times and Independent have jumped on the testimony of victims as proof that their tabloid cousins were out of control.

Knowing that they are in the line of fire, the tabloids have generally taken a much quieter line, although the Daily Mail branded Grant “mendacious” for claiming that the Mail on Sunday newspaper had hacked his phone. The inquiry is expected to report in late 2012. — AFP

DR Congo opposition leader vows to hold rally Police clash with Tshisekedi supporters

MOSCOW: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (Center-R) and Premier Vladimir Putin (center-L) walk next to supporters during a Congress of the ruling United Russia party in Moscow yesterday. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sternly warned the West against interfering in Russia’s upcoming elections after he formally agreed to run for a historic third term as president. — AFP

Putin agrees to run for Russian president MOSCOW: Russian strongman Vladimir Putin yesterday agreed to be the ruling party candidate in 2012 presidential elections that he is certain to win and that will fix the country’s political future. His nomination at a glitzy congress of United Russia was a formality after President Dmitry Medvedev announced in September he would give way for Putin in the March 2012 polls and instead take the job of prime minister.

The congress comes one week ahead of parliamentary polls on December 4 which United Russia is certain to win but could, for the first time in recent years, show that the authorities’ once colossal public support is on the wane. “I am grateful to (President) Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev and to the United Russia congress for nominating me and asking me to run for president of the Russian Federation,” Putin said. “Of course, I gratefully accept this offer, thank you,” Putin added. The chairman of United Russia, Boris Gryzlov, had earlier announced that it had agreed to put forward Putin for the presidency.

Putin has dominated Russia for over a decade since taking over from its first postSoviet president Boris Yeltsin in 2000. In 2008

he handed over the presidency to Medvedev after serving the maximum two consecutive terms.

“There is no more successful, experienced or popular politician in Russia than Vladimir Putin,” Medvedev said in a speech praising his mentor. “We have officially determined our political future not just for the short term but for the long term,” he said. “There is no deception here.”

Referring to his tandem with Putin and United Russia, Medvedev said: There is no other team than ours. There simply is not.” The nomination came at a mass congress attended by over 10,000 people at the Luzhniki sports arena, the same place where in September Medvedev announced he would be stepping aside to allow Putin to return to the Kremlin. Medvedev and Putin made a joint entry at the election-rally style meeting to loud music and flashing lights with the delegates waving flags and chanting “Russia!

Russia!”. The 59-year-old Putin’s expected return could keep him in power through 2024 and turn him into Russia’s longest-serving leader-as either premier or head of statesince the Soviet dictator Josef Stalin. —AFP

KINSHASA: Tensions flared on the eve of Democratic Republic of Congo elections as opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi called a rally in the capital despite a ban on gatherings followed deadly violence. His defiant call came after UN chief Ban Ki-moon appealed for calm following clashes that killed two people Saturday on what was supposed to be the last day of campaigning for today’s polls.

“He wants to hold a rally at the Stade des Martyrs (the city’s largest stadium) to make up for lost time,” Serge Mayamba, national secretary of Tshisekedi’s Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), told AFP, saying the rally had been called for 3:00 pm (1400 GMT).

Large crowds had gathered Saturday morning near Kinshasa’s largest stadium and at the main airport to welcome the top two presidential rivals, Tshisekedi and incumbent Joseph Kabila, who both planned to hold their final rallies in the capital. But as the festive atmosphere unravelled into unrest, Kinshasa police banned all further rallies.

Tshisekedi, a 78-year-old veteran politician known for his unbending personality, vowed to ignore the ban, and had a more than seven-hour stand-off with police who blocked his convoy at the airport. A defiant Tshisekedi emerged through the sunroof of his red Hummer to stare down the national police chief and some 300 officers who pushed members of the 20-car entourage into their cars with shoves and baton blows and forced the motorcade to drive off shortly before midnight.

The day’s unrest also saw police clash with Tshisekedi supporters near the airport-using teargas, water cannons, batons and live ammunition to disperse the crowd. One person was killed in the melee, hit in the head with a rock. At least three people were shot in the legs, apparently by police, AFP correspondents said. Interior Minister Adolphe Lumanu said that apart from “a few incidents”, the election campaign had passed off peacefully across the country. It was not known where or

Protestors in Germany rally against nuclear waste train HARLINGEN: German police yesterday battled thousands of anti-nuclear protestors, many chained to railroad tracks, who were hobbling the shipment of radioactive waste home from a French treatment centre.

Police moved in around 0100 GMT to tracks around the northern town of Harlingen, telling at least 3,500 demonstrators who had tethered themselves to the rail line to clear out, according to AFP reporters at the scene.

With most activists remaining where they were, the police began to remove them one by one two hours later. No violence was reported. The protestors argue that the shipment by train of spent nuclear fuel rods across 1,200 kilometres (750 miles) from a reprocessing centre in northwestern France is hazardous. They note that Germany, like the rest of Europe, has no permanent storage site for the waste, which will remain dangerous for thousands of years. And they are angry that a pledged phase-out of nuclear power, hastily agreed this year in the wake of the Fukushima disaster in Japan, will take another decade to implement. “It’s like a friend telling you that he will stop smoking in 10 years,” said

VASTORF: Police tries to unchain environment activists who have chained themselves underneath the tracks near Vastorf, northern Germany to block a transport of nuclear waste to the storage of Gorleben, yesterday. — AP Jochen Stay, spokesman for the antinuclear body Ausgestrahlt (Radiated), which has mobilised protesters against the shipment. “You are not going to congratulate them just yet.”

Harlingen lies some 20 kilometres from the train’s final destination of Dannenberg where the 11 containers of waste are due to be unloaded. Organisers said about 23,000 protestors had gathered in Dannenberg, while police put the number at 8,000. The train was expected to arrive at Dannenberg in broad daylight, for security reasons, on Sunday at the earliest. About 20,000 police have been deployed along the train’s German route.

From Dannenberg, the waste will be transported by heavy goods trucks the final 20 kilometres to Gorleben on the River Elbe, where it will be stored. Protestors turned out from across Germany but also from Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Italy, organisers said. The train’s controversial load represented “44 times Fukushima”, according to ecology group Greenpeace, which said a single container could unleash “four times the radioactivity released” by the stricken Japanese nuclear reactor.

A number of largely peaceful protests have slowed the progress of the train since it left Normandy in France on Wednesday. —AFP

KINSHASA: “Union for Democracy and Social Progress” (UDPS) supporters carry a man after he was shot in the leg by Congolese soldiers near Ndjili airport in Kinshasa. — AFP how the second death, mentioned in an interior political leaders and the people of the Democratic ministry statement, took place. Kinshasa governor Republic of the Congo to exercise restraint Andre Kimbuta, a Kabila ally, said officials had been throughout the process to ensure that the elecforced to cut short campaigning for security rea- tions are held in a peaceful and secure environsons, accusing Tshisekedi supporters of carrying ment,” the UN chief said.

Amid the chaos on the final day of campaignstones, machetes, knives and petrol bombs. The violence closed a tense campaign marred by a ing, the national polling commission cancelled a press conference for the second time on its efforts series of street fights between rival supporters.

Ban, in a statement issued from New York, to deliver ballots in a country two-thirds the size of warned the government that it had “primary western Europe and given the crumbling and limitresponsibility” for maintaining peace. “I call on all ed road network. —AFP

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Capital punishment slowly loses ground in US WASHINGTON: With a new moratorium on the death penalty in Oregon and a drop in the number of death sentences and executions, capital punishment is slowly losing ground in the United States. Oregon governor John Fitzhaber announced last Tuesday that the northwestern state will halt executions at least until the end of his mandate, joining the camp of US states that have effectively shunned the death penalty.

“I refuse to be a part of this compromised and inequitable system any longer; and I will not allow further executions while I am governor,” said Fitzhaber, who said he had come to the conclusion they were “morally wrong.” The governor suspended the last execution scheduled for this year, halting the count for the number of people put to death in the United States in 2011 at 43. That total is slight-

ly below that seen last year, and less than half the number of people executed each year in the 1990s. The number of death sentences also has fallen since then by nearly a third.

Only a dozen of the 50 US states conducted executions last year, most of them in the south. “Slowly, state by state, there is this erosion of support for the death penalty,” Richard Dieter, the director of the Death Penalty Information Center, told AFP. In all, 16 states have abolished the death penalty or did not re-adopt it after it was restored by the US Supreme Court in 1976. They could be joined as early as next year not only by Oregon, but also by Mar yland, Connecticut and California.

“It’s going to take a while-the death penalty won’t end in three years; in 10 years, there’s a possibility,” said Dieter, stressing that it ultimately will be up to

the Supreme Court to decide. Public enthusiasm for capital punishment shows some signs of waning, falling to the lowest level in 39 years, but Robert Blecker, a law professor at New York University, notes that it “remains surprisingly constant and robust.”

Blecker pointed to a recent Gallup poll that found that 61 percent of Americans approve of the death penalty for convicted murderers.

“Americans as a whole favor the death penalty when it is imposed only when there’s absolute certainty,” said David Schaefer, a professor at Holy Cross College in Massachusetts and an advocate of capital punishment.

With the execution of Troy Davis in September, whose case became a cause celebre after doubts were raised about his guilt, “we reached a new plateau in the US critical examination of the death penalty,” said Steven Hall,

of the abolitionist StandDown organization in Texas.

“If you have an ideal vision, the death penalty is reserved for the worst of the worst,” he said. But Hall added that the possibility that innocent people are put to death is “an issue that has been a great concern to people.”

New voices also are being raised against the death penalty-prosecutors, former guards and prison officials have protested individual executions on various grounds, denouncing lethal injection as cruel or calling for DNA tests. Since 1973, 138 inmates on death row have been subsequently found innocent and released, 17 of them on the basis of DNA evidence, according to the Death Penalty Information Center, which says doubts have been raised in three out of four executions. “If we occasionally, very rarely, execute an innocent person, if

the death penalty is more deterrent than life without parole, on balance we will have saved innocent lives,” said Blecker, who supports the use of the death penalty for the most monstrous crimes.

On the other hand, the cost of an execution, estimated at $3 million when all the legal work involved is considered, is three times greater than locking up someone in prison for life, according to a recent study. “The wheel of justice rolls rather quickly” in certain cases like that of Timothy McVeigh, who was executed in 2001 for the Oklahoma City massacre after only six years on death row, said Schaefer. But a 10 to 20 year process is more common. Schaefer argues for speeding up that process by “eliminating procedural road blocks that do not depend on the guilt or innocence.” — AFP

Three American students arrested in Cairo back in US ‘I was not sure I was going to live’

BOGOTA: Relatives of slain hostage Elkin Hernandez, at his family home in Bogota, Colombia, Saturday. Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos said that rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, killed four members of the security forces, including Hernandez, a police major kidnapped in 1998. — AP

Colombia’s FARC rebels execute four hostages BOGOTA: Colombia’s FARC rebels have executed four hostages, just days after installing a new leader at the helm of Latin America’s longest-running insurgent group, the defense minister said Saturday. “Four hostages, members of the security forces, have been killed,” Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon told a press conference, adding that their bullet-ridden bodies had been found early Saturday in the remote Solano region.

Pinzon said Colombian troops had approached a FARC encampment in the area in Caqueta department and engaged the rebels in a firefight. Only afterward did they discover the hostages’ bodies-three shot in the head, one in the back, from apparent execution.

Three of the hostages were policemen and the last was soldier Jose Libio Martinez, the FARC’s longest-held hostage who was abducted nearly 14 years ago in a rebel ambush on a military base, the defense ministry said.

Two of the three policemen had been held for more than 13 years. The last hostage killed was kidnapped in December 1999. President Juan Manuel Santos said the FARC were “solely responsible” for the deaths, as details emerged of the presence of troops moving against rebels around the time of their killing.

“It’s a heinous crime that deserves the condemnation of all Colombians and the international community,” he said.

Marleny Orjuela, who heads a group of

relatives of FARC hostages, however condemned the military operation leading up to the discovery of the bodies, and slammed the “inhuman” attitude of the government and rebel forces.

“They killed the hopes of our families,” said Orjuela, recalling how the pressure group had consistently opposed the use of confrontation to gain the freedom of hostages. After the latest executions, 14 police and soldiers remain in FARC hands.

Some have spent more than a decade in captivity. Pinzon said the rebels needed to “answer for these unacceptable crimes,” and noted that troops had found chains at the site, presumably for restraining the hostages. In his first message since taking over earlier this month as leader of Colombia’s main leftist guerrilla outfit, new FARC chief Timoleon Jimenez warned Santos a week ago: “We all have to die.” Alfonso Cano, who had led the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) since 2008, was gunned down in a November 4 firefight with Colombian government forces. Santos said Thursday that Jimenez, alias Timochenko, would share Cano’s fate unless he gave his actions serious thought. The FARC, believed to have 8,000 members, has been at war with the government since 1964. It began a campaign of kidnappings in the mid-1980s, seizing army hostages to serve as bargaining chips for FARC prisoners. — AFP

New Mass translation launches in US parishes CLAYTON: English-speaking Roman Catholics who haven’t been paying close attention to their church bulletins noticed something a little different during services yesterday. For decades at the very beginning of Mass, the priest has greeted the congregation by saying “The Lord be with you” and congregants responded: “And also with you.” Starting this saturday and sunday in the Englishspeaking world, the response will be: “And with your spirit.”

And that’s not all: Familiar prayers, both spoken and chanted, have changed and new words like “consubstantial” and “incarnate” now appear. In the Nicene Creed, the affirmation “We believe” has been replaced with “I believe.”

The changes are the result of a yearslong process to produce an English translation that is closer to the original Latin of the Roman Missal, which the text of prayers and instructions for celebrating Mass. It’s the most significant change to the regular worship for Anglophone believers since the upheavals that followed the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s. “It’s human nature that we’re resistant to change,” said Monsignor Michael Clay, pastor of St. Ann Catholic Church in Clayton, about 40 miles southeast of Raleigh. “I’m old enough to remember when we went from Latin to English, and that was just a huge change.”

Clay likes the new translation, finding it

closer to the Latin text that is still the church’s official language. But some priests and parishioners have been less enthusiastic, criticizing the new version as too ponderous or distant, and in some cases circulating petitions asking for a delay in introducing the new missal.

The roots of the new translation go back to that epochal council held at the Vatican in the 1960s, which allowed Mass in languages other than Latin. An Englishlanguage missal was produced by 1973, but that was intended to be temporary while improvements were made. In 2001, the Vatican office that oversees worship issued a directive requiring translation of the English missal that would be closer to the Latin rather than to more familiar vernacular speech. Numerous revisions and bishops’ meetings eventually produced agreement on the translation being used Sunday.

Parishes and dioceses around the country have spent months trying to prepare Catholics for the change.

Descriptions of the new translation have been printed in weekly bulletins, seminars have been held and since Labor Day, many parishes have been gradually introducing the new translation piece by piece, starting with the parts of the liturgy that are sung. Most of those activities are for the benefit of the average Catholic, but it’s priests who have more new material to master. — AP

ST. LOUIS: Three American college students detained for several harrowing days in Egypt before obtaining their release as deadly protests swept Cairo have flown home to freedom, one describing an ordeal so terrifying he wasn’t sure he would survive it.

“I was not sure I was going to live,” 19year-old college student Derrik Sweeney told The Associated Press by telephone moments after his relieved parents, other relatives and dozens of supporters swamped him with hugs as he got off a flight in St. Louis.

Sweeney, the last of the three to arrive late Saturday, recounted how tear gas clouded Cairo’s streets and he heard the rumbling of armored vehicles and what sounded like shots being fired just before his arrest a week earlier. Suddenly, the drama involving thousands of demonstrators in the streets had become intensely personal.

Egyptian authorities later announced that they had arrested Sweeney and two others studying abroad - 19-year- old Gregor y Porter and 21-year-old Luke Gates - on the rooftop of a university building near Cairo’s iconic Tahrir Square and a focal point of protests raging in that capital.

Officials had accused the young men of throwing firebombs at Egyptian security forces who were clashing with the protesters. Sweeney said Saturday that he and the other Americans “never did anything to hurt anyone,” never were on the rooftop and never handled or threw explosives.

Sweeney said he and the others were told by a group the night of their arrest that they would be led “to a safe place” amid the chaos engulfing the nearby square. Next, he said, they found themselves being taken into custody, hit, and forced to lay for about six hours in a near fetal position in the darkness with their hands behind their backs.

The worst, he said, was when they were threatened with guns. “ They said if we moved at all, even an inch, they would shoot us. They were behind us with guns,” Sweeney said in the brief interview.

That night in detention - “probably the scariest night of my life ever” - gave way to much better treatment in ensuing days, he said. Sweeney didn’t elaborate on who he believed was holding him the opening night but he called the subsequent treatment humane. “There was really marked treatment between the first night and the next three nights or however long it was. The first night, it was kind of rough. They were hitting us; they were saying they were going to shoot us and they were putting us in really

uncomfortable positions. But after that first night, we were treated in a just manner ... we were given food when we needed and it was OK.” He also said he was then able to speak with a US consular official, his mother and obtain legal counsel. He also said he denied the accusations during what he called proper questioning by Egyptian authorities. The three were studying at American University in Cairo.

A court ordered the students’ release Thursday and they took separate connecting flights out of Cairo via Germany on Saturday, a day of fresh clashes between Egyptian security forces and protesters. The demon-

have died in the unrest. “I’m not going to take this as a negative experience. It’s still a great country,” said Gates, his parents wrapping their arms around him, shortly after getting off a flight in Indianapolis.

I n another scene played out at Philadelphia International Airport, Porter was met by his parents and other relatives earlier Saturday evening after he landed.

Porter took no questions, saying he was thankful for the help he and the other American students received from the US Embassy in Cairo, administrators at the university they were attending, and attorneys in Egypt and the US. “I’m just so thankful to be back, to be in

ST LOUIS: Derrik Sweeney, 19, of Jefferson City, Mo., smiles as he walks with his mother, Joy Sweeney, center, and sister Ashley Sweeney after arriving at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport Saturday, in St. Louis. Derrik Sweeney and two other American students were arrested on the roof of a university building near Tahrir Square in Cairo last Sunday, were ordered to be released by Egyptian court. — AP strators are demanding Egypt’s military step down ahead of parliamentary elections due to start today.

Porter and Gates were first to arrive back in their home states late Saturday, greeted by family members in emotional airport reunions. Neither Gates nor Porter recounted any details of the past week in Egypt, where protests erupted Nov. 19 and have continued for days amid sporadic scenes of police firing tear gas and using armored vehicles to chase rock-throwing protesters.

Authorities said more than 40 people

Philadelphia right now,” said Porter, who is from nearby Glenside, Pa., and attends Drexel University in Philadelphia. Joy Sweeney said waiting for her son had been grueling. “He still hasn’t processed what a big deal this is,” she told the AP before his arrival in St. Louis , about 130 miles east of their home in Jefferson City, Mo. She said she was trying not to dwell on the events and was just ecstatic that her son, a student at Georgetown University in Washington, was coming home before the close of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. —AP

S African paper publishes ‘sealed’ arms deal interview JOHANNESBURG: A South African newspaper yesterday printed the sealed transcript of an old police interview with President Jacob Zuma’s spokesman, who at the time was the subject of a corruption probe.

The City Press’s decision to republish extracts of the 2003 inter view with Mac Maharaj comes amid growing concerns over press freedoms in South Africa. The newspaper had first illegally printed the interview four years ago.

But when a rival newspaper, the Mail&Guardian, recently got a hold of the same transcripts, it was immediately threatened with legal action by an elite investigative unit and police opened a probe into how IT got the transcripts.

Ultimately, that paper printed only redacted parts of the Maharaj interview, which was conducted by police investigating his ties to an arms deal.

Maharaj, Nelson Mandela’s former transport minister, had made statements to investigators in 2003 that were at odds with a money trail to foreign bank accounts, City Press said.

Maharaj has denied any wrongdoing. An inquiry into the

long-running arms deal saga was recently reopened by Zuma himself. “The details were exposed to millions years ago, rendering the idea of confidentiality moot. Yet the state has now put its top cops on to this enquiry,” the City Press wrote in a font-page editorial.

“The publication of the inquiry is in the public interest because it provides some of the answers as to how arms dealers and multinationals began corrupting our institutions, systems and leaders,” said City Press. The enquiry into how the Mail&Guardian got the transcript comes as many fret over press freedoms.

On Tuesday, the ruling African National Congress passed a state secrets bill, criticised as a threat to free speech, through the National Assembly. Editors and activists have vowed to fight the bill, which has not yet become law. The Law Society of South Africa on Sunday said it plans to approach Zuma “to raise its concerns with him on the serious inroads that the bill-as it standsmakes into our hard-won constitutional democracy”.

Many have blasted the bill, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu and the office of Nelson Mandela. “On Tuesday,

the parliamentary chamber where Nelson Mandela presided over the dismantling of apartheid and the passing of the constitution was transformed,” the Sunday Times wrote in its latest editorial.

The ANC insists the Protection of State Information Bill will not target journalists and is needed to update apartheid rules, while still respecting current protections for whistleblowers. Transcripts of

Maharaj’s questioning during a probe into the arms deal are sealed under a different law protecting witnesses against selfincrimination in exchange for truthfulness.

Maharaj, a former Robben Island apartheid prisoner, was also named recently by the Sunday Times as having received bribes from French weapons maker Thales. — AFP

WASHINGTON: Former House speaker and presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich speaking during the Republican presidential debate on national security at the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Constitution Hall in Washington, DC. — AFP

11

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

i n t e r n at i o n a l

US-Pak co-dependence may prevent rupture First test of ties may be cooperation on probe

PHNOM PENH: Cambodian mine survivor Song Kosal speaks during the opening ceremony of the Eleventh Meeting of the States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (11MSP), or Ottawa Convention, in Phnom Penh yesterday. —AFP

Cambodia landmine summit sparks hopes for survivor PHNOM PENH: Song Kosal was just five when she lost her right leg to a landmine.

But the tragedy inspired her to become one of Cambodia’s most outspoken anti-mine campaigners, and even take part in a beauty contest.

Now 27, Kosal will share her dream of a “mine-free world” when she gives the opening address to delegates from more than 100 countries at a conference in Phnom Penh this week taking stock of a global ban on the weapons.

“I have dreamed many times that I still have two legs, but then I wake up,” Kosal told AFP. “I don’t want to see other people, children especially, to be hurt by landmines like me.”

Representatives from the states that have signed the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention will discuss progress on eradicating the weapons at the meeting that starts today. The meeting follows a report just days ago saying that global landmine use is at a seven-year high.

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) said that landmines and explosive remnants of war caused 4,191 new casualties in 2010, including more than 1,000 deaths. Nearly three decades of civil war have left impoverished Cambodia one of the world’s most heavily mined countries.

Mines kill people there almost weekly, with 32 deaths recorded in the first nine months of 2011.

Before she became adept at moving around with a crutch, Kosal said, she felt “lonely, disappointed because I have only one leg and I could see other children running, playing”. Since then, she has blossomed, becoming a youth ambassador for ICBL and travelling the world to urge governments to destroy mines and help survivors.

The ICBL won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997 for its efforts towards the Ottawa Treaty banning the use, production, stockpiling and trade in anti-personnel landmines. In 2009, in a further effort to raise

awareness, Kosal entered the inaugural Miss Landmine Cambodia beauty pageant, but the event was controversially cancelled after the government decided it was in poor taste.

The contest still went ahead online, and Kosal can be seen smiling broadly in her competition photo, posing on a small boat wearing a tiara and purple summer dress.

“Everyone has the right to be beautiful,” Kosal said. “Taking part was one way I could show I am brave enough to do anything, that after we become survivors, we don’t become invisible.”

Since 1992, around 700 square kilometres (270 square miles) have been cleared of mines and other ordnance in Cambodia, destroying nearly a million anti-personnel mines, according to UN data. But Chum Bun Rong, secretary general of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), said that much more needed to be done.

“We can’t develop the country if the landmines remain,” he said, adding that Cambodia intends to clear another 650 square kilometres between 2010 and 2019, requiring $400-500 million. “Even though many landmines were cleared, there are still a lot more under the ground, and thousands of survivors who really, really need help,” Kosal said.

A big frustration is that the United States has yet to commit to the treaty, she said.

“How long will they have to review the policy?” she sighed, noting that more than 30 countries-including India, Russia and Chinahave yet to join.

“I’m grateful because the US gives a lot of support to mine clearance. But it’s not enough. We still need them to sign because then a lot of countries will follow.” On a personal level, there is still progress to be made as well. For herself, Kosal said, she hopes to one day find a prosthetic leg that doesn’t hurt her as much as models she has tried in the past. — AFP

WASHINGTON: Pakistan and the United States depend on one another too much to allow the deaths of two dozen Pakistani soldiers in airstrikes by NATO forces on Saturday to cause a definitive rupture. But the incident, the latest in a series of embarrassments this year to bedevil the relationship between two ostensible allies, will only aggravate the mistrust between the countries, and will require quick diplomatic work to contain.

Analysts and Western officials who track the relationship said a speedy, thorough investigation to find out what happened, establish responsibility and make amends is vital, although any reconciliation may be harder to achieve if NATO forces conclude the Pakistani side started the fight.

“They still have a great deal of co-dependence,” said Shuja Nawaz, an authority on the Pakistani military at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington. “ The United States needs Pakistan until it wraps up kinetic operations in Afghanistan.” The United States plans to have most troops out of Afghanistan by the end of 2014. “Pakistan, of course, is still fairly heavily dependent on US financial and military support,” Nawaz said. “But the way things have been going this past year, it’s one event after another.”

All the details of what happened in the latest incident, in Pakistan’s Mohmand tribal agency, are not yet publicly known. NATO helicopters and fighter jets based in Afghanistan attacked two Pakistan military outposts on Saturday, killing 24 Pakistani soldiers in what Islamabad called an unprovoked assault. A Western official and a senior Afghan security official on Sunday said that NATO and Afghan forces came under fire from across the border with Pakistan before NATO aircraft attacked the Pakistani forces.

An early test of how much the US-Pakistani relationship has been hurt may come from how well the sides cooperate with one another and with the Afghan authorities to establish precisely what happened on the border.

The key questions include who fired first and from where; why NATO and Pakistani forces appear to have been unable to commu-

PESHAWAR: Pakistani soldiers pay tribute to their colleagues who lost their lives in Saturday’s NATO attack, during their funeral in Peshawar, Pakistan yesterday. —AP nicate so as to prevent the Pakistani deaths; and whether NATO helicopters knew they had entered Pakistani territory. “All of this is extremely murky and needs to be investigated,” said an Obama administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Our goal today is ... that the investigation gets mounted in a way that is confidence-building on all sides,” the official added.

Pakistan shut down NATO supply routes into Afghanistan - used to send in nearly half of the alliance’s land shipments - in retaliation for the incident, the worst such attack since Islamabad uneasily allied itself with Washington following the Sept 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Islamabad also said it would ask US personnel to vacate a Pakistani base used to launch drone attacks, a threat it has made before without following through. The NATO attack was the latest perceived provocation by the United States, which infuriated Pakistan’s powerful military with a unilateral US special forces raid that killed Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in May. That raid also cost Pakistan much goodwill among US politicians who questioned why the United States provides so much

“Is this the last straw? (I) hope not. I believe both governments also hope not,” said retired Ambassador Teresita Schaffer, a fellow at the Brookings Institution who served as a U.S. diplomat in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. While there have been suggestions Pakistan could seek to improve its ties to China as a strategic counterweight to the United States, analysts dismissed this idea. Islamabad receives significant amounts of military hardware from Beijing and their armed forces are close but Schaffer said the United States is a source of two things Beijing does not provide: top-flight weaponry and extensive cash assistance.

Even if there is no radical rupture, relations are unlikely to improve quickly. “ The USPakistan relationship appears destined to lurch from crisis to crisis unless and until the two sides can reach some kind of understanding on the way forward in Afghanistan,” said Lisa Curtis of the Heritage Foundation think tank. With NATO planning to intensify its operations in eastern Afghanistan next year to try to cut off insurgent routes from Pakistan, Curtis said “the situation is likely to get worse before it gets better.” — Reuters

S Lanka’s president unveils island’s first expressway

Dalai Lama riff delays India-China talks NEW DELHI: A representative of the Dalai Lama asked China yesterday not to politicize a religious congregation in New Delhi at which the Tibetan spiritual leader is to speak . Tempa Tshering’s comment came as Indian newspapers reported that India has postponed talks with China on a border dispute because of a demand

by Beijing that India stop the Dalai Lama from addressing the Buddhist conference. “ This is a purely religious conference. I t should not be used by any nation or individual for political purposes,” Tshering said as the fourday gathering began Sunday with thousands of participants from India and abroad.

The Dalai Lama is scheduled to address the conference on Wednesday. Beijing apparently fears that the conference, which has the support of India’s External affairs Ministry, could be used

by Tibetans as a platform for criticizing Chinese rule over Tibet. China regularly objects to any contacts between other governments and the Dalai Lama, and accuses him of being a separatist. The Dalai Lama insists he is only seeking increased autonomy for Tibet.

At least 11 monks, nuns, and former monks have set themselves on fire in China this year in what is seen as acts of desperation in the face of tightening Chinese control over Tibetan life and Buddhist culture. China accuses supporters of the Dalai Lama of encouraging the immolations.

The Dalai Lama and representatives of the selfdeclared Tibetan government-in-exile in India say they oppose all violence.

Representatives of India and China were expected to meet in Delhi this week for talks on the decades- old border dispute in the Himalayans. The Indian and Chinese foreign ministries have not commented on the reports of a delay.

On Friday, both sides said they were in contact over dates and issues for the talks. There was no mention of any specific times, conflicts, or the Dalai Lama. The newspaper Hindustan Times said the Indian side is believed to have told China that the congregation is religious and cannot be canceled.

China insists Tibet has always been part of i t s t e r r i t o r y, b u t m a ny Ti b e t a n s s a y t h e Himalayan region was virtually independent for centuries. —AP

military and economic assistance to a country where bin Laden lived with impunity. Many Republican presidential candidates have asked the same question. According to a US Congressional Research Service tally released this year, the United States set aside some $22.01 billion in aid for Pakistan over the last decade, of which $14.62 billion was security-related and the rest economic. Other alliancestraining events over the past 15 months included a Sept 30, 2010 incident in which NATO forces killed two Pakistani service personnel, leading Pakistan to cut off NATO’s vital ground supply route for 10 days.

On Jan 27, a CIA contractor killed two Pakistani men he said were trying to rob him in Lahore, undermining ties between the US and Pakistani intelligence services. An in September, the then top US military officer accused Pakistani intelligence of backing violence against US targets including a Sept13 attack on the US embassy in Kabul. Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen said Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) had supported militants known as the Haqqani network, which he described as a “veritable arm” of the ISI.

KARIMNAGAR: Indian policemen accompany the body of Kishenji, a senior Maoist rebel leader killed in a gunbattle with security forces in eastern India, during his funeral procession at Peddapally village in Karimnagar District of Andhra Pradesh, India, yesterday. The government has called the rebels, who are now spread across 20 of India’s 28 states, the country’s greatest internal security threat. —AP

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s President yesterday unveiled the island ’s first expressway, linking the capital and the southern city of Galle, asserting that better road connectivity would remedy old separatist tendencies.

President Mahinda Rajapakse, who opened the expressway by unveiling a plaque at the main entry point in Galle, drove a short distance before addressing a public rally where he promised a highway “revolution” on the island.

“Separatist tendencies will fade away when we have better road connectivity,” Rajapakse said referring to the island ’s drawn out ethnic war which ended in May 2009 with the crushing defeat of Tamil Tiger rebels.

“There will be a revolution in road construction,” he said, adding that the government plans to construct another expressway linking Colombo to the Tamil-dominated Jaffna region in the north. The expressway opened yesterday links the island’s southern port city of Galle with Colombo. The 96-kilometre (60-mile) four-lane road cost $700

million and is three times over budget.

Sri Lanka borrowed $178 million from the ADB and sought $317 million from the Japan I nternational Cooperation Agency to finance the project. But it was competed three years behind schedule, with two interlinking bridges collapsing, killing a pedestrian, during the early stages of the work.

Land acquisition and funding shortfalls caused further delays.

“The new route will reduce congestion on the main (coastal) highway to Galle,” the Deputy Highways minister Nirmala Kotalawela said, adding that the roadway will boost the southern region’s economy.

Last year, Sri Lank a pledged to spend a billion dollars in foreign aid to rebuild roads as the island emerged from nearly four decades of ethnic war.

The Tamil Tigers had campaigned for a separate state for island’s ethnic Tamil minority and controlled nearly a third of the island’s territory at the height of their power. —AFP

Australian teen electrocuted in Bali SYDNEY: An Australian teenager holidaying in Bali was fatally electrocuted by live wires, officials said yesterday, with reports his friends initially thought it was a prank. Jake Flannery, 18, died Saturday after touching live wires on the popular Indonesian island’s Jalan Legian tourist strip, where he was celebrating finishing high school with friends, according to Australian media reports.

The foreign office confirmed that they were providing consular assistance to “the family of a teenager from New South Wales who died in Bali on 26

November as a result of accidental electrocution.

“The Australian Consulate in Bali will facilitate the return to Australia of the teenager’s remains, in close consultation with his family, Indonesian authorities and funeral directors in Bali and Australia,” a foreign office spokesman told AFP. Friends who had been holidaying with Flanner y were also being offered support, he added.

Flannery was out celebrating on the well-known Kuta strip when he received the electric shock at about 3:00 am, according to local media reports. “At the

time, the victim and his two friends were walk ing on the pavement on Legian road,” Kuta district police chief Gede Ganefo was quoted as saying by Antara news agency.

The pavement was blocked by construction works and Flannery had tried to squeeze through two piles of concrete slabs, accidentally touching signage and an electricity pole. “At that point, the victim was electrocuted and he screamed for help,” Ganefo said.

Flannery’s mother Cheryl told Australia’s Sunday Telegraph that her son’s friends thought he was “playing a joke.”

The teenager graduated from school last week and his mother said she had been “so stressed out” about the trip, his first overseas, but he was “very excited” and sent her a message on Thursday saying he had been having a great time.

Some passing Australian lifeguards who saw the jolt rushed to his rescue but he was unable to be revived, the Telegraph said. “This wasn’t what I was worried about, you don’t think about something as simple as leaning on a pole,” Flannery’s mother told the newspaper. “You can’t imagine it happening in Australia.” —AFP

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

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

Wildfire-hit Australia now faces floods SYDNEY: Thousands of Australians were trapped yesterday by rising east coast floodwaters which left one child dead, even as residents in the country’s west began returning to their homes after horror wildfires.

Officials said the northern New South Wales town of Wee Waa, 570 kilometres (355 miles) from Sydney, would be cut off for up to one week by the flooding, which has seen several rivers in the state overflow. The township of 1,800 will only be accessible by boat and helicopter and state emergency authorities said they were work-

ing to replenish food supplies.

Evacuations were also underway at nearby Moree, where 60 homes were expected to be cut off as floodwaters reached their peak, while some 150 rural properties in the region were already isolated. “I’ve just flown over the area in the chopper and it’s very extensive, the amount of flooding,” regional emergency controller Steve Martin told ABC Radio. “ The cross-country water that’s going there... it’s created an inland sea and it’s quite spectacular when you’re in the air, but not so happy for the

people on the ground.” More than 900 people had called for emergency help and 29 people were rescued from the floodwaters, which on Saturday claimed the life of a three-year-old boy who was swept into a surging stormwater drain.

Narrabri mayor Robyn Faber said it was a “cruel blow” for the region’s farmers, who had been in the middle of a bumper wheat harvest. The weather bureau has forecast heavy rains in northeastern Australia in coming months due to a La Nina pattern in the Pacific Ocean, which is usually

associated with extreme rainfall in Australia and Asia.

It is not expected to be as bad as flooding earlier this year which killed dozens of people and swamped vast tracts of the region including the city of Brisbane, which is home to some two million people. More than 30,000 homes were inundated when the Brisbane River broke its banks, bringing Australia’s third-largest city to a standstill for several days in its worst deluge in more than a century.

As the east grappled with flooding, residents on the nation’s wildfire-rav-

aged west coast began returning to their homes after flames ripped through the scenic Margaret River region, destroying dozens of buildings. “We went in there and got what was left,” one resident, Leif Mulik, told The West Australian newspaper.

The fire, ignited on Wednesday by an ember from an earlier controlled burn-off, forced hundreds of people to abandon their homes. It was still burning yesterday but officials said the fire “remains within containment lines and weather conditions are favourable”. —AFP

Indonesia bridge collapse leaves four dead, 16 hurt Rescuers hunt for survivors

AUCKLAND: Leader of the National party Prime Minister John Key celebrateswith campaign supporters on election night in Auckland, New Zealand,Saturday. — AP

New Zealand premier claims vote mandate to sell assets WELLINGTON: Prime Minister John Key yesterday claimed the right to sell state assets to prop up a struggling economy after securing an overwhelming election victory to round off a turbulent year in New Zealand.

Opinion polls showed the partial sale of state-owned energy companies and national flag carrier Air New Zealand to be unpopular, but Key was adamant it would go ahead. “There are some New Zealanders that are concerned about it, I acknowledge that, but I also believe very firmly that when those minority stakes are offered to New Zealanders, a lot of them will feel less apprehensive than they do now.”

Key said the other priorities of his centre-right administration were welfare reform and rebuilding the earthquakestricken city of Christchurch. Saturday’s general election was held at the end of a tumultuous year for New Zealand with the Christchurch devastation in February claiming 181 lives and an earlier coal mine explosion that killed 29.

Key, who won plaudits for the way he handled the crises, led his National Party to win 48 percent of the vote-the best result by any party in New Zealand since 1951 and up from 45 percent in the last election in 2008.

Although the 60 seats it produced left him one short of an outright majority Key crossed the threshold with the continued support of previous coalition partners ACT and United Future which won a seat each.

The Maori Party, which also supported the last National-led administration, returns to parliament with three MPs and is likely to remain aligned with the government, further boosting Key’s majority.

Key said he would meet ACT, United Future and Maori Party officials today to discuss how they would support National in some policy areas and “agree to disagree” in others. The Maori Party,

representing New Zealand’s indigenous people, is opposed to the asset sales but co-leader Tariana Turia said Maori tribes were saying if the sell-off goes ahead “we expect to be big players in the action.”

The planned sales were a contentious issue in the election, however National’s campaign manager Steven Joyce said the convincing outcome showed there is a mandate to proceed. “I think the reality is, with a 48 percent party vote, that’s a pretty strong endorsement of where the government sits. We are confident we will be able to build the relationships needed to go ahead with the programme,” he said.

Key said he would also have discussions with the Greens, the third-largest party which returned a party record 13 MPs to parliament, but he did not consider them relevant to his coalition.

“I remain of the view that it’s likely to be a more policy-based agreement with the Greens rather than a formal confidence and supply agreement as we are likely to have with the other parties,” he said.

The prime minister is faced with an economy growing just 1.5 percent in the year to June, and is committed to reining in a record NZ$18.4 billion ($13.6 billion) deficit which led to sovereign ratings downgrades in September.

Throughout the election campaign he heavily promoted asset sales as a way of retiring debt but opposition parties said that should be considered in isolation to the election outcome. “People vote for a lot of different reasons,” said Labour’s campaign spokesman Grant Robertson, claiming “opposition to asset sales is still out there”.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, who led his party from political oblivion in the last election to win eight seats this time, also said he believed the majority of people remained opposed to the sales. — AFP

Malaysia pressured to scrap law against rallies KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s government faced mounting pressure yesterday to scrap plans for a law that would ban street protests, despite agreeing to ease other restrictions on rallies that activists have called repressive.

The proposed law to regulate public demonstrations has prompted lawyers, opposition leaders and rights groups to accuse Prime Minister Najib Razak ’s National Front coalition of cracking down on freedom of assembly ahead of general elections widely expected next year.

Details of the Peaceful Assembly Bill announced last week included a requirement for rally organizers to inform police about their plans 30 days in advance.

Street demonstrations would be forbidden, effectively limiting rallies to stadiums and public halls. Malaysia’s de facto law minister, Nazri Aziz, said Saturday that the Cabinet has agreed to make several changes to the proposed law, such as reducing the advance notification period to 10 days.

However, there were no changes planned for the ban on street protests and a fine of up to 20,000 ringgit ($6,200) for demonstrators who break the law. Children under 15 would be barred from attending rallies, which also cannot be held near

schools, hospitals, places of worship, airports or gasoline stations.

“In exercising their right to assemble, the rights of others must also be respected,” Nazri was quoted as saying by The Star newspaper. The Bar Council, Malaysia’s main lawyers group, said it would proceed with a march to Parliament to protest the proposed law tomorrow, when federal legislators are scheduled to debate and possibly vote on it.

“It is not a piece of legislation which we, as lawyers, can watch enter our statute books without standing up against it,” Bar Council President Lim Chee Wee said yesterday. Other nongovernment groups were also planning smaller demonstrations against the plan. Criticism about the government’s stance against street rallies surged in July when police arrested hundreds of protesters and fired tear gas at more than 20,000 people who marched in Kuala Lumpur to demand greater electoral transparency. Najib has insisted such rallies undermine public order, but he has worked to counter criticism by making numerous announcements in the past three months about plans to abolish other decades-old security laws regarded as Draconian, including ones that allow detention without trial.— AP

JAKARTA: Rescuers hunted for survivors yesterday after a busy bridge spanning the Mahakam river in Indonesia’s Borneo island collapsed, killing four people and injuring 19 others, officials said.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has ordered an investigation into the accident, which saw hundreds of vehicles thrown off the 720-metre-long (yard) structure-built to resemble San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.

Witnesses reportedly heard a loud crashing sound as the bridge buckled, sending a public bus, cars and motorcycles plunging into the broad river in Kutai Kartanegara district.

Survivors desperately swam to the shore, screaming in panic, while others were trapped underwater beneath the debris.

“We have recovered four bodies and rescued 39 people,” East Kalimantan province’s search and rescue agency head Harmoni Adi told AFP. “Rescuers are diving in the river to search for survivors but it’s difficult because of low visibility under water and strong currents.

I don’t know if we can find more survivors but the search will continue,” he added.

The cause of the collapse was not immediately clear, but disaster management agency spokesman Sutopo Pur wo Nugroho said a steel support cable snapped as workers were repairing it. “ That probably caused the collapse,” he told AFP. “We don’t know how many people exactly were missing. Several of them were workers,” he said.

The incident left another 19 people injured, 10 of them seriously, said Nugroho, adding that they are in a stable condition.

Witnesses told tales of miracle survival after being flung from the bridge. One survivor, 40-year-

SAMARINDA: A collapsed bridge showing its poles in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, on November 26.

Rescuers were still hunting for survivors yesterday after a busy bridge spanning the Mahakam river in Indonesia’s Borneo island collapsed, killing four people and injuring 19 others, officials said. — AFP old Adam Nur, told Kompas.com news website he had swum 300 metres to shore after disaster struck when he and four friends were driving over the structure.

“I was texting when suddenly something hit my shoulder and I couldn’t move my left hand.

Water was quickly filling up the car so I broke a glass window, got out and luckily for me, I knew how to swim,” he said, “My will to live gave me the strength to swim, using only an arm. I heard that my four friends were all safe,” he added.

Three ministers including Welfare Minister Agung Laksono arrived at the site early Sunday to oversee rescue operations and

investigate the cause of collapse, ministry spokesman Tito Setiawan told AFP. “The president has instructed them to find out why the bridge collapsed and what follow-up actions were needed such as provision of aid to the victims and their families,” he said.

Setiawan said the government will now operate ferries to transport people across the river.

Authorities said the bridge was built in 2002 over the Mahakam river-the longest in East Kalimantan-and linked the towns of Tenggarong and Tenggarong Seberang in the province.

Indonesia is a member of the Group of 20 bloc of major economies, and is setting a blis-

tering growth pace expected to top six percent this year.

But investors complain its infrastructure is hopelessly inadequate for the pace of growth it hopes to sustain in coming years, and it is also mired in corruption and red tape. The government last year announced plans to spend 140 billion dollars on infrastructure until 2014, more than half of which would have to come from the private sector.

In 2009, Indonesia opened the 5.4-kilometre (3.3 mile) Suramadu bridge linking second biggest city Surabaya to less-developed Madura island.

The bridge, the country ’s longest, was built with the help of a loan from China. —AFP

Filipino Muslim rebel faction leader falls ill

BANGKOK: A Thai man paddles on a large foam through floodwaters during floods at Baan Wang Thong Village in Bangkok yesterday. Thailand’s worst floods in half a century devastated vast areas of the kingdom and have left more than 600 people dead. — AFP

Kidnapped S Koreans now free in Philippines MANILA: Kidnappers have abandoned two South Korean businessmen in the restive southern Philippines after troops closed in and the gunmen panicked, an army general said yesterday. The gunmen had been holding three South Korean businessmen.

The first, Choi Inn-so, was released Friday, apparently because he had fallen ill and was slowing down the group.

On Saturday, the other two were found in Lanao del Norte province. Army Maj. Gen. Noel Coballes said Wu Seok-bung and Kim Nam-du were weak and starving when troops found them. A Filipino guide who was seized with the South Koreans on Oct. 21 was reportedly shot in captivity, and troops will continue to look for him and the approximately 15 kidnappers, army Col. Daniel Lucero said.

Lucero said the kidnappers were demanding as much as 50 million pesos ($1.2 million) in ransom but received nothing. “We were told that the kidnappers were mad because they haven’t received any amount and couldn’t move freely because troops were roaming around,”

Coballes told The Associated Press.

Coballes said the kidnappers apparently lured the South Koreans with a nonexistent mining investment project. He urged foreign investors to deal with government agencies to avoid security risks. Choi underwent surgery for a stomach ailment after being freed Friday. The two other South Koreans were in relatively good health aside from mosquito bites and bruises from weeks of traveling with their captors through the jungle, Coballes said.

Coballes said the kidnappers were not backed by the country’s largest Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which has been fighting for Muslim self-rule in the country’s impoverished south. Ransom kidnappings have long been a problem in the southern Philippines and are blamed mostly on the smaller but more violent al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group, which authorities said was not involved in the abduction of the South Koreans. The group is holding an Indian, a Malaysian and a Japanese, along with a number of Filipino hostages. — AP

MANILA: A hard-line leader of a breakaway Muslim rebel faction who has been linked to al-Qaeda-affiliated militants has fallen ill, raising doubts about the future of his 200-strong armed group in the southern Philippines, military officials and former comrades said yesterday.

Ameril Umbra Kato, thought to be in his 60s, fell unconscious for about two minutes last week while taking a break from a long hike near his jungle stronghold in Maguindanao province, said Abu Misri Mammah, a spokesman for Kato’s group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement.

Kato regained consciousness, was taken to a doctor and has now recovered, but has not been seen by his men since he fell ill, Mammah told The Associated Press. Military officials and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group, said they separately received information that Kato suffered a stroke, leaving him partially paralyzed. There also have been reports that Kato has died, but they said this could not be verified.

Regional military spokesman Col. Leopoldo Galon said Kato’s group has no other known strong leader and may weaken and split if he can no longer effectively lead it. Moro Islamic Liberation Front spokesman Von Al Haq said some of Kato’s men may return to the Moro group.

Kato and about 200 armed followers broke off from the Moro group this year, saying that peace talks with the government have gone nowhere. Kato said his group would continue to fight for an independent homeland for minority Muslims in the south. He also accused his former comrades of involvement in kidnappings for ransom and other crimes. The rebels deny his allegations. Kato and two other rebel commanders are wanted by Philippine authorities for leading deadly attacks against Christian communities after the main Moro group’s peace talks with the government collapsed in 2008.

Members of the main Moro group have said they would take action against Kato and his forces if he tries to disrupt their peace negotiations with the government, which have since restarted.—AP

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

Years

NEWS Rage grips Pakistan over NATO attack Continued from Page 1 The attack was the latest perceived provocation by the United States, which infuriated Pakistan’s powerful military with a unilateral special forces raid that killed AlQaeda leader Osama bin Laden in May. Thousands gathered outside the American consulate in the city of Karachi to protest against the NATO attack. A Reuters reporter at the scene said the angry crowd shouted “Down with America”. One young man climbed on the wall surrounding the heavily fortified compound and attached a Pakistani flag to barbed wire. “America is attacking our borders. The government should immediately break ties with it,” said Naseema Baluch, a housewife attending the demonstration. “America wants to occupy our country but we will not let it do that.”

Pakistan buried the troops killed in the attack yesterday. Television stations showed coffins draped in green and white Pakistani flags in a prayer ceremony at the headquarters of the regional command in Peshawar, attended by army chief General Ashfaq Kayani. The NATO attack highlights the difficulties faced by the United States as it tries to secure the unruly border area that is home to some of the world’s most dangerous militant groups who have mastered the harsh mountainous landscape. Around 40 troops were stationed at the outposts at the time of the attack, military sources said.

Militants targeting NATO forces have long taken advantage of the fact that the alliance’s mandate ends at the border to either attack from within Pakistan or flee to relative safety after an attack. Three Pakistani soldiers were killed last year by NATO gunships. NATO said then that its forces had mistaken warning shots from Pakistani forces for a militant attack. In the latest incident, a Western official and a senior Afghan security official said NATO and Afghan forces had come under fire from across the border with Pakistan before NATO aircraft attacked a Pakistani army post, killing the soldiers.

“They came under cross-border fire,” the Western official said, without identifying the source of the fire. The Afghan official said troops had come under fire from inside Pakistan as they were descending from helicopters, which had returned fire. Pakistan has said the attack was an unprovoked assault and has said it reserves the right to retaliate. US and NATO officials are trying to defuse tensions but the soldiers’ deaths are testing a bad marriage of convenience between Washington and Islamabad. Many Pakistanis believe their army is fighting a war against militants that only serves Western interests. Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar spoke with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton by telephone early on Sunday to convey “the deep sense of rage felt across Pakistan” and warned that the incident could undermine efforts to improve relations, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Pakistan shut down NATO supply routes into

Afghanistan in retaliation for the incident, the worst of its kind since Islamabad uneasily allied itself with Washington following the Sept 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

Pakistan is the route for nearly half of NATO supplies shipped overland to its troops in Afghanistan. Land shipments account for about two thirds of the alliance’s cargo.

A similar incident on Sept 30, 2010, which killed two Pakistani service personnel, led to the closure of one of NATO’s supply routes through Pakistan for 10 days.

US ties with Pakistan have suffered several big setbacks starting with the unilateral US special forces raid in May that killed bin Laden in a Pakistani town where he had apparently been living for years. Pakistan condemned the secret operation as a flagrant violation of its sovereignty, while suspicions arose in Washington that members of Pakistan’s military intelligence had harboured the Al-Qaeda leader. The militar y came under unprecedented criticism from both Pakistanis who said it failed to protect the country and American officials who said bin Laden’s presence was proof the country was an unreliable ally in the war on militancy.

Pakistan’s army, one of the world’s largest, may see the NATO incursion from Afghanistan as a chance to reassert itself, especially since the deaths of the soldiers are likely to unite generals and politicians, whose ties are normally uneasy. Pakistan’s jailing of a CIA contractor, Raymond Davis, and US accusations that Pakistan backed a militant attack on the US embassy in Kabul have added to the tensions. “From Raymond Davis and his gun slinging in the streets of Lahore to the Osama bin Laden incident, and now to the firing on Pakistani soldiers on the volatile Pakistan-Afghan border, things hardly seem able to get any worse,” said the Daily Times.

Islam ab ad dep ends o n b i llio ns in U S aid and Washington believes Pakistan can help it bring about peace in Afghanistan. But it is constantly battling AntiAmerican sentiment over everything from US drone aircraft strikes to Washington’s calls for economic reforms.

“We should end our friendship with America. It’s better to have animosity with America than friendship. It’s nobody’s friend,” said labourer Sameer Baluch.

In Karachi, dozens of truck drivers who should have been transporting supplies to Afghanistan were idle. Taj Malli braves the threat of Taleban attacks to deliver supplies to Afghanistan so that he can support his children.

But he thinks it is time to block the route permanently in protest. “Pakistan is more important than money. The government must stop all supplies to NATO so that they realise the importance of Pakistan,” he said. But some Pakistanis doubt their leaders have the resolve to challenge the United States. “This government is cowardly.

It will do nothing,” said Peshawar shopkeeper Sabir Khan. “Similar attacks happened in the past, but what have they done?” — Reuters

Junta leader defiant ahead of Egypt polls Continued from Page 1 fellow generals. Thousands gathered yesterday ahead of a planned “million-person march” called by The Revolution Youth Coalition to reject new 78-year-old caretaker prime minister Kamal Al-Ganzuri, appointed by the army last week. “Down with the military!” shouted a group of young men on the edge of the square underneath a lamppost from which an effigy dressed in army green was hanging by the neck.

Feeding the anger of those assembled in Tahrir, many of whom carried visible injuries from last week’s unrest, was the death of an unarmed 19-yearold demonstrator on Saturday who was crushed by a police truck. The demonstrators fear that Egypt’s temporary military rulers are looking to consolidate their influence and are too quick to resort to Mubarak-era tactics of violence and repression when faced with opposition. “I believe the Egyptian authorities must impose public order in a different way and that it is time they hand over power to civilians,” France’s Interior Minister Claude Gueant told French media yesterday. The generals have pushed back the original timetable for transferring power to a civilian government and demanded a final say on all legislation concerning the army in the future.

“They don’t want to give back power,”

said 18-year-old student Raghda, who was visiting the square yesterday.

Outside Tahrir, the political leaders expected to shape the democratic future of the country of more than 80 million people are locked in a fight for influence with the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF). In an effort to resolve the crisis, Tantawi called a meeting with all political party leaders and future presidential candidates, but it was boycotted by several leading figures.

The violence over the past week, which has seen 42 people die as police used live ammunition and tear gas, has cast a pall over the start of voting that was intended to usher in a new democratic era. The unrest has led to calls for the elections - spread in three stages over six weeks in a complicated process - to be delayed because of deteriorating security and the threat of boycotts. “The blood of the revolutionaries has not even dried yet on Tahrir Square and we should take part in elections? I won’t go to vote,” said one protester yesterday who gave his name as Mustafa.

Some protesters favour Mohamed ElBaradei, former head of the UN nuclear watchdog, who has offered to drop his campaign for the presidency and to lead a government of national unity. ElBaradei is respected among pro-democracy campaigners and has a high international profile, but many

Egyptians view him as out of touch because he spent much of his career abroad.

Also yesterday, the influential Islamist group, the Muslim Brotherhood, expected to be the biggest party in the new parliament, said it should form a new government if it emerges as the largest parliamentary bloc. “If the government is not representative of parliament, the assembly will block all its decisions,” spokesman Mahmud Ghozlan told AFP. Al-Gama’a al-Islamiya group, which has now renounced violence but led an armed insurgency against Mubarak during Ganzouri’s government in the 1990s, said it would not join the protesters in Tahrir, criticising them for trying to “force a certain prime minister on Egypt”, a reference to ElBaradei. The Salafi Islamist Nour Party said it would meet Ganzouri in the next few days to propose names for his cabinet. There is great uncertainty over how the new parliament, to be elected in stages over the next six weeks, will function because of a lack of clarity from the SCAF and the legal limbo until a new constitution is written. Two days of voting from today will take place in the main cities of Cairo and Alexandria as well as Fayum, Luxor, Port Said, Damietta, Kafr elSheikh and the Red Sea province.

Other cities and regions follow on Dec 14 and Jan 3. — Agencies

Tensions soar as three ministers plan to...

Continued from Page 1 in a row despite very chilly weather. Islamist MP Waleed Al-Tabtabaei said that the extension of detention was unnecessary because those who stormed the Assembly building did not damage any property and it was only a political action and not a crime.

The deputy chairman of the Assembly’s human rights committee MP Saleh Al-Mulla said the decision was oppressive and warned the interior minister against any maltreatment of the detainees who continued a hunger strike for the third day in a row with reports that a number of them were taken to hospital because of exhaustion. Those who were released on bail include Ahmad Al-Thayedi, the only university professor, and Mishari Al-Mutairi, the only surgeon in the arrested group. Protesters on Saturday night also displayed a four-metre wooden gavel, saying it was to replace the original gavel which parliament officials accused activists of having stolen.

The public prosecution is expected to ask the Assembly this week to lift the immunity of around nine opposition MPs who led the storming of the Assembly so they can be interrogated. The MPs, who include popular lawmaker Musallam Al-Barrak, could face the same fate of the detained activists and be detained for 21 days, which can be renewed.

The new developments come just one day ahead of a massive rally planned by the opposition that promises to attract huge crowds because all shades of the opposition, including liberals and tribal chiefs, have appealed to people to attend. The rally aims at applying more pressure for the resignation of the government and Sheikh Nasser and the dissolution of the Assembly.

The gathering also comes on the eve of a muchanticipated debate of a grilling against the prime minis-

ter over corruption allegations that is expected to be either postponed or referred to the Assembly’s legal and legislative committee to study if it is in line with the constitution. The grilling alleges that the prime minister is responsible for the government failure to take adequate action against claims that around 16 MPs received huge illegal deposits into their bank accounts and that he used public funds to transfer money into his overseas bank accounts. The government has categorically denied the two allegations.

The prime minister’s position has been solidified by a last month ruling by the constitutional court stating that the prime minister cannot be grilled over issues not under his direct authority. The government can claim that the grilling is a breach of the constitution. It will be extremely difficult for the prime minister to face a grilling because the opposition has 26 MPs who are ready to support a non-cooperation motion, one more than the required number.

In another development, the information ministry yesterday referred to court the opposition newspaper Al-Kuwaitiya and Al-Youm channel on allegations they did not cover the opposition’s previous protest in a professional way. The ministry also referred SCOPE channel to the prosecution for undermining the authority of HH the Amir.

“We are on the verge of a real collision,” between the government and an opposition demanding the resignation of the prime minister and dissolving parliament, said political analyst Dahem Al-Qahtani. “The least costly solution is to dissolve parliament and hold fresh polls,” Qahtani said. “Kuwait has never passed through a more difficult and explosive time than now. Someone has to quickly take an effective position. The country is headed to catastrophe,” former municipal council member Khalifa Al-Khorafi warned on his Twitter account.

NEW DELHI: A boy leans on a stone carved window at the Nizamuddin Dargah, a mausoleum complex of one of the world’s most famous Sufi saints, Nizamuddin Auliya, yesterday. The shrine is visited by thousands of faithful Muslims daily who bring offerings of rose and jasmine petals and inscribed ceremonial sheets to the saint’s tomb. — AFP

Bahrain vows to act on criticism Continued from Page 1 “The Commission will end its work by the end of February in a framework of transparency,” it said, citing a royal decree from King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa.

Wefaq, a Shiite Islamist party and the largest opposition political bloc in Bahrain, said two of its members had been asked to join the 22-member commission, but that they had not agreed to participate because the party itself was shut out. “We as a political party have not been approached and we were not consulted over who represents us,” senior Wefaq member Jawad Fairooz told a news conference by five opposition groups. The commission includes the justice minister and a range of Sunni and Shiite businessmen, politicians and rights figures. Only four, however, are considered members of the opposition, including the two Wefaq members and two rights activists.

Fairooz said the commission was dominated by progovernment figures and that the justice minister was responsible for mosque demolitions and criminal cases against doctors, teachers and opposition leaders, which were criticised by the inquiry. The opposition parties said the charges of rights abuse in the report were serious enough to warrant a cabinet resignation. Radhi Al-Musawi

of the Waad party said the commission outlined in the decree, with powers to study, propose and comment, fell short of the language used in the inquiry report, which talked of powers to implement reforms.

The inquiry called for legal action against “those in government who have committed unlawful or negligent acts resulting in the deaths, torture and mistreatment of civilians”. It said security forces should include Bahrainis from all communities. Sentences linked to political expression should be reviewed, sacked workers given their jobs back, and compensation paid to families of those killed 35 died during the unrest - and those who suffered torture and incommunicado detention. It also called on state media to relax censorship and give access to the opposition, and for a “national reconciliation program” to address political, social and economic grievances.

It is not clear how far the government is prepared to go in negotiations with opposition groups. A “national dialogue” was held in June, but Wefaq walked out and few reforms were agreed. The foreign minister told Reuters on Friday that opposition parties including Wefaq should take part in the National Commission and that all issues would be on the table. But he later said on Twitter that he was not suggesting the creation of a new political dialogue. — Reuters

Arab League slaps sanctions on Syria Continued from Page 1 Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, whose country has close economic ties with Syria and a large refugee community in its western neighbour, had said beforehand that it was “not possible” to impose sanctions on Assad’s regime.

Even without Iraq’s participation, the impact is expected to be crippling on a country already facing a raft of EU and US sanctions, and which depends on its Arab neighbours for half of its exports and a quarter of its imports. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has also said his government would harmonise measures with those of the Arab League, adding that Ankara’s former ally had

missed its “last chance” by failing to heed the Arab ultimatum. “Nobody can expect Turkey and the Arab League to remain silent on the killings of civilians and the Syrian regime’s increasing oppression of innocent people,” he said.

Damascus has defied an ultimatum to accept observers under an Arab League peace plan and put an end to the eight-month crackdown which the United Nations says has killed more than 3,500 people. “The sanctions further isolate everyone at the top,” said analyst Angus Blair from the Egypt-based investment bank Beltone Financial, who added that wavering business figures might be persuaded by the sanctions to abandon the regime. “It makes it very diffi-

cult for figures in Syria to be seen to be close to the regime,” he said.

Iraq’s non-participation and Lebanon’s abstention were less significant than the unity of the Gulf countries, he said. “The importance is the Gulf. They are the states that really matter here,” he said, referring to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

Syrian Economy Minister Mohammed Nidal Al-Shaar told AFP before the decision that sanctions would be “very unfortunate because the damage will be to all sides”. In a letter to the Arab League on Saturday, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem accused the organisation of seeking to “internationalise” the crisis in his country. — AFP

UAE court jails five activists Continued from Page 1 in court, saying in a message delivered by a police officer that the court “did not enable them to defend themselves”. The defendants are said to be still on a hunger strike which they began earlier this month.

“Their health is deteriorating and they lost a lot of weight,” Mohammed Al-Roken, one of two lawyers defending the five activists, told reporters. “But I don’t know if they will continue or not.”

“This is a horrible decision. A complete miscarriage of justice,” said Human Rights Watch representative Samer Muscati, who attended the trial. “This shows that in the UAE you are not guaranteed a fair trial,” he added, charging that the trial was “flawed from day one,” and pointing out that lawyers “couldn’t cross-examine witnesses”. He also criticised the verdict as harsh, pointing out that previous cases in which people were charged based on Article 176 of the UAE’s penal code were dealt with as misdemeanours, not at a security court.

Amnesty International said in a statement yesterday it considers the “UAE5” to be prisoners of conscience.

“The defamation charges the UAE5 faced are not internationally recognisable criminal offences and the trial process has been grossly flawed from the outset,” said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Amnesty’s Middle East and North Africa deputy director. “The UAE’s authorities must end this travesty of justice without further delay by ordering the immediate release of these five activists and expunging any ‘criminal record’ as a result of this inexplicable verdict.”

Outside the court, Khalifa Al-Nuaimi, a relative of bin Ghaith, said the verdict was “shocking and harsh”. “We expected a verdict of not guilty, based on the evidence presented,” he said, claiming that only one of seven witnesses brought in by the prosecution linked the defendants to statements made on the Internet. “We call upon our sheikhs to pardon them. They are their children,” he said. But around 200 people gathered in a park opposite the court building disagreed. Witnesses said one crossed the street and struck Nuaimi in the face.

“This verdict in itself could be considered a pardon,” said Hamad Jaber, who had come from the city of Al-Ain to join the rally against the activists. “I was expecting more,” he said, adding he had come to “protest the acts of Mansoor and his collaborators” for “threatening the security and stability of the country and insulting the leaders”. Government employee Mohammed al-Hossani, 33, also said the verdict was lenient. “This was a case of incitement, not just a matter of expressing opinion,” he said. “We trust our leadership which gives the people what they deserve. It never failed us,” he added, praising the oil-rich government that provides a cradle-to-grave care to its citizens.

Debate over the verdict quickly became rife on micro-blogging website Twitter. “The flags of freedom fly half mast today in my country,” read one tweet lamenting the verdict. “The activists today... won and the judicial system has lost,” read another. But many also hailed the verdict and denounced the defendants.

“Congratulations for the verdict against the five traitors,” wrote one contributor. — Agencies

14

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

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Issues

In India, sense of crisis fans reform embers

By John Chalmers rime Minister Manmohan Singh’s move to open India’s protected retail sector to global supermarket giants last week surprised critics who had written him off as a policy ditherer, but he was probably motivated by expedience rather than any reformist zeal. India’s stellar economic growth is slowing, the rupee has skidded to record lows and inflation is stuck close to a double-digit clip. Faced with this predicament, Singh may have simply weighed the benefits of opening a $450 billion market to foreign investment against the political risk, and taken his chance.

Just as he did back in 1991, when the central bank was forced to airlift 47 tonnes of gold to Europe as collateral for a loan to avert a sovereign default, Singh has opted for liberalisation to deal with urgent economic problems. “In India, we’ve always achieved economic reform at gunpoint,” said political commentator Swapan Dasgupta. Many seized on Singh’s retail sector decision, taken in the face of dissent within his own cabinet, as a sign that the reform process he had helped father was finally back on track. The frontpage headline of the Economic Times on Friday crowed: “Hello Walmart, Goodbye Inertia”.

Unpopular, saddled with petulant coalition allies, up against a combative opposition and facing elections in five states next year, Singh’s Congress party is likely to shy away from far-reaching economic reforms that could cost it votes.

Nevertheless, the move to allow multinationals into the retail market could be the first of several liberalisation initiatives aimed at silencing complaints from business leaders and even its own supporters that this is a government adrift.

“They are not reformers,” said Surjit Bhalla, chairman of Oxus Investments. “But, given its huge unpopularity, Congress is now looking to do what it can. There’s more than an even chance that reforms will continue.” Next up may be a decision to open India’s airline sector, which is struggling with cost pressures and a fierce price war, to foreign investors.

Singh, who will be 80 next year, earned his reformist stripes as finance minister back in 1991 when he prised open India’s state-stifled economy, opening the way for a long run of dazzling growth. However, as prime minister since 2004, he has presided over less spectacular reforms such as opening the country’s nuclear power market and freeing petrol and fertiliser pricing. And his government, beleaguered by corruption scandals, has slipped into a policy paralysis since it won a second term two years ago, taking the gloss off the “India Shining” story.

Asia’s third-largest economy is nowhere near the crisis it was facing 20 years ago. However, growth has sagged since it topped 9 percent for three years in a row before the global financial crisis, and a monetary tightening cycle to stamp out inflation that began in March 2010 is exacerbating the slowdown. The move to allow multinationals into India’s vast retail market will eventually help unclog some of the supply bottlenecks that stoke inflation. It will also generate sorely needed foreign capital, not least for infrastructure investment, which the government’s latest five-year plan targets at an ambitious $1 trillion. The government has taken other steps recently to attract funds from abroad. It has raised the limit on foreign investment in government and corporate bonds, and the cabinet has approved a law that - once it has parliamentary approval - will allow limited foreign direct investment in pensions firms. While none of this will address the country’s economic ills in the short term, it may bring an immediate political gain.

Welcoming in the world’s big supermarket brands was risky. It will fuel fury with Congress among the millions of neighbourhood store owners, who could make the party pay in next year’s state elections. But the promise of world-class shopping will be welcomed by India’s growing ranks of urban middle classes, and Singh’s uncharacteristic boldness could shore up public faith in his government as it gears up for a general election in 2014. If there is a new phase of reforms underway, it is likely to be tentative rather than sweeping. Some reforms, such as removing subsidies on diesel, are politically untouchable because of the backlash the party would face from the poor. Even the decision to open up the retail sector was hedged with provisos that will protect shopkeepers in small towns and rural areas. The government’s plans to pass a food security bill, which would widen subsidies for the poor, are an example of how there has been little change in the populist stance of the Congress party. Critics say the bill will only add to the fiscal deficit.

Nevertheless, with its back to the wall, the government appears to have snapped out of its inertia. “Reforms have been thrust upon it,” said Bhalla. “As long as the pressure is on this government it will continue to act.” —Reuters

P

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Iran adopts ‘wait and see’ policy on Syria

By Parisa Hafezi ran, its crucial anti-Israel alliance with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at risk from an uprising against his rule, has chosen a “wait and see” policy driven in part by concern not to alienate anyone who might succeed him, analysts say. A downfall of Assad could deal a strategic blow to Shiite-dominated Iran, where confrontation towards Israel remains one of its overriding foreign policy principles. Iran has used various regional cards, including fears it could unleash militant proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas against Israeli and US interests, to deter foreign intervention in Syria, making it harder for protesters to overthrow Assad.

But analysts say the Iranian-Syrian axis now faces a serious dilemma: Should Iran stick with Assad - whose family has ruled Syria for 41 years - at any cost or should it jettison the Islamic Republic’s most important Middle East ally? “Iran’s policy is to wait and see ... We need to be patient as the situation is very unclear and very sensitive in Syria. We hope for the best possible outcome for everyone,” said an Iranian government official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “(But although) Assad helped Iran play a leading role in its fight against the Zionist regime (Israel) ... now it is unwise for Iran to take sides.”

Iran will be hard-pressed to find Arab allies to replace Syria so it will be naturally keener to ensure Assad - whose minority Alawite sect is an offshoot of Shiism - can ultimately vanquish the revolt by majority Sunni Muslims. “A weak Assad is no longer an effective regional ally for Iran ... But it is better to have a weak ally rather than a

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Sunni (Muslim) leader in power in Syria,” said Iranian analyst Hamid Farahvashi.

However, Iranian leaders are also worried that siding too emphatically with Assad could undermine their chances of establishing a beneficial relationship with any new Syrian government, analysts say.

“Iranians do not want to back the wrong horse ... It is a very sensitive period and any wrong move could have negative consequences,” said Farahvashi. There are rumours in Tehran suggesting that Iranian officials have met members of the Syrian opposition in an effort to probe the possibility of forming future alliances. “We do not want to be seen as betrayers of our ally ... but like all other countries, Iran’s priority is to preserve the country’s interests,” said the Iranian official.

The Syrian crisis has added to pressures on Iran’s clerical elite, ranging from tightening international sanctions imposed over Iran’s disputed nuclear work, high inflation, long queues of jobless and investors keeping a tight hold on their purses. Betraying frayed nerves about the possibility of government change in Syria, Tehran has called the unrest against Assad an “AmericanZionist” conspiracy. Whether Tehran has contingency plans for any overthrow of Assad remains unclear. “Everything will happen behind the scenes. Iran might get closer to Lebanon’s Hezbollah or other Shi’ite militant groups in the region to preserve its influence in the region,” said an Asian diplomat in Tehran, speaking on ground rules of anonymity.

The United States says Iran’s policy towards the Syrian crisis has included financial and military aid. Iran denies any involvement in matters of the Syrian state.

Iranian officials still hope Assad will outlast the revolt. “Assad can bring millions of his supporters into the streets ... He enjoys support of his nation in big cities as we have seen in pro-government rallies in Syria,” the government official said. Iranian leaders hope international efforts to unseat Assad will ultimately be undone by concerns not to ignite broader sectarian conflict between Sunni and Shiite Muslims that could destabilise the wider region.

Saudi Arabia, which shares US fears that Iran is covertly seeking nuclear arms, has long accused Tehran of trying stir up its Shiite minority. Analysts say Syria might become the focal point of an Iranian-Saudi battle for regional dominance. “Syria might become a ground for America and Saudi Arabia to settle scores with Tehran ...

Further pressure on Assad might cause sectarian violence in Lebanon, Iraq and many other parts of the region where Iran has influence,” said political analyst Mansour Marvi. With Turkey’s condemnation of its erstwhile ally Assad over his military crackdown on protesters that has left thousands dead, Iran has become more cautious in its approach to Syria’s crisis, condemning his use of violence and calling on his government and the opposition to reach an “understanding”. Turkey and Iran are competing for influence in the new Middle East and each presents a model - one Islamic, the other secular and democratic-for Arab revolutionaries.

Iranian leaders view Ankara as a key cog in what they see as a US scheme backed by Gulf Arab states to contain Tehran’s ambitions to be the Middle East’s dominant power and undermine its Islamic Revolution. Some diplomats and analysts

disagree, however. “More than having influence, Iran is wisely using regional conflicts, like the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, to its own benefit,” said an Asian diplomat in Tehran. “Americans credit Iran for their mistakes in the Middle East.”

Iran’s hardline rulers were quick to put a positive spin on the Arab Spring uprisings against autocratic rulers, saying it will spell the end of US-backed governments in the region. While analysts abroad have said the Arab Spring has been largely secular in nature, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dubbed it the “Islamic Awakening”, saying it was inspired by Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution that replaced the US-backed Shah with a Muslim theocracy.

The government’s Syria policy has angered President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s rivals, deepening a political rift within the conservative elite dating to the 2009 presidential election that the opposition says was rigged to secure his return to power.

Some politicians, including legislators, say Iran should side with the Syrian opposition and not “a figure (Assad)”. “Iran could have mediated and controlled the crisis in Syria if Ahmadinejad’s government had a better position in the international community,” moderate former deputy foreign minister Mohammad Sadr was quoted as saying by some pro-reform Iranian websites.

Iran’s reformist opposition has watched with admiration as popular revolutions have toppled several Arab dictators. But despite divisions within Tehran conservative ruling elite, opposition leaders looks incapable for now of resuming serious street protests quelled by Revolutionary Guards two years ago in the wake of Ahmadinejad’s re-election. — Reuters

Islamists strong ahead of Egypt poll

By Tom Perry

he Muslim Brotherhood goes into Egypt’s first free election in living memor y with a strong hand enhanced by recent unrest. Well-organised, the Islamists will be able to get out their vote, even if fears of violence hit the overall turnout. By far the bestdrilled group in the countr y, the Islamists were in a good position even before the latest unrest triggered by protests against the military rulers who assumed power after Hosni Mubarak was overthrown in February. Since then, dozens of new parties have struggled to make an impact in a country whose political life was systematically crushed

by Mubarak. The only group to survive the oppression, the Brotherhood enjoys name recognition the newcomers lack.

Now, with Egyptians distracted by the battle of wills in the street, the Islamists could exceed their own expectations in the first of three rounds of voting which the generals say will begin as scheduled today. “The Islamists are the only groups that are organised and can mobilise their followers,” said Nir vana Shawky, a member of the Freedom Egypt Party, a reformist group set up this year. “With this level of fear, it’s expected that the only ones who will be able to mobilise the people are the Islamists,” she said, making her way to join protests against the military council at Cairo’s Tahrir Square.

Unrest set off by the latest wave of protests has resulted in 42 deaths in the last week, the worst spasm of violence since Mubarak was removed from power. Some Egyptians believe the election should be delayed to guarantee security

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and to give more time for campaigning disrupted by the turmoil. The military council, however, is determined to press ahead with the first stage of voting in a newly readjusted timetable to restore power to a civilian government by mid2012.

Contesting the vote under the banner of its political wing, the Freedom and Justice Party, the Brotherhood has demanded that elections go ahead on time. I ts refusal to back the latest protests by revolutionary groups has exposed it to charges of putting political expediency ahead of principles. That is sharply at odds with how the group was perceived during Mubarak’s era, when the Brotherhood was one of the

few groups that openly spoke out against his rule. It was the only party that seriously challenged Mubarak’s National Democratic Party at the polls, mobilising a dedicated support base that would brave beatings and tear gas to vote.

What share of the vote the Brotherhood might win in a free and fair election is a matter of debate.

Brotherhood leaders have previously forecast the group could win up to 30 percent. The group’s best performance at the polls under Mubarak was in 2005, when it emerged with 20 percent of the seats having only campaigned for a third of those up for grabs. The election was far from perfect, but two out of

Parliamentary candidate Baheya Mohammed wears a niqab as she talks to voters in Cairo yesterday. – AP

three rounds of voting took place in relatively free conditions. The Brotherhood leader who oversaw that campaign has said around 2.8 million people voted for the group in 2005.

Turnout this time had been expected to be at least 30 million of Egypt’s 50 million eligible voters. Now, with the shadow of last week’s violence hanging over the voting, it is anyone’s guess. “If the elections happen, the turnout will be 30 or 40 percent,” Hesham Gabr, a protester in Tahrir, predicted. “People are afraid. It only suits the Brotherhood.”

The Brotherhood’s success will, in part, be a consequence of the absence of other strong parties. “It was definitely mission impossible,” said Mohammed ElGarhy, another Freedom Egypt Party member, describing the challenge of trying to build a party in a few months.

He noted that the atmosphere of crisis hanging over Egypt has further weakened the position of the newcomers, saying: “I don’t think it’s the right time to talk about parties or even ideologies ...

The parties lost, and this is a sad thing.”

Shadi Hamid, director of research at the Brookings Doha Center, said the Brotherhood would dominate whatever the turnout, likely winning between 35 percent or 50 percent of the vote. “If there is lower turnout, that puts the Muslim Brotherhood in at least a slightly stronger position because they can guarantee their own internal turnout,” he said. “They may even benefit from higher turnout, where a lot of ordinary Egyptians are going to the polls saying, ‘We don’t know who to vote for, but we’ve heard about the Muslim Brotherhood’.” — Reuters

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Technical coup for Caterham SAO PAULO: Caterham have recruited McLaren aerodynamics head John Iley in another technical coup for the Malaysian-backed Formula One outfit who raced this season as Team Lotus.

While Team Lotus/Caterham have yet to announce the appointment, McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh told Reuters at the Brazilian Grand Prix that Iley had handed in his notice.

However, he said the former Ferrari chief aerodynamicist was not on ‘gardening leave’ and might have to stay for some months yet. “I’ve just had a request from (Caterham owner) Tony (Fernandes) - could he have him early? — and I haven’t agreed yet,” he said.

“John is a good guy and we have got a number of things that we could have him do but we will decide that in the course of the next week. “Tony would like him earlier and we might come to an accommodation on that.”

Iley joined McLaren from Ferrari in early 2010 but Whitmarsh said his role had been managerial and not that of chief aerodynamicist.

“In fact I think he’s going there (to Caterham) in a broader role than just aerodynamics,” added the Briton. “Tony is bringing together Caterham cars and I think he will be performance director of Caterham cars.” — Reuters

NHL results/standings NHL results and standings on Saturday.

NY Islanders 3, New Jersey 2; NY Rangers 2, Philadelphia 0; Colorado 5, Edmonton 2; Boston 4, Winnipeg 2; Buffalo 5, Washington 1; Pittsburgh 4, Montreal 3 (OT); Tampa Bay 5, Florida 1; Detroit 4, Nashville 1; Phoenix 3, Dallas 0; Vancouver 3, San Jose 2; Chicago 2, Los Angeles 1. (OT denotes overtime win) Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L OTL GF GA PTS Pittsburgh 14 6 4 77 59 32 Philadelphia 13 7 3 80 68 29 NY Rangers 12 5 3 56 43 27 New Jersey 12 9 1 57 58 25 NY Islanders 6 11 4 41 68 16 Northeast Division Boston 14 7 1 75 47 29 Toronto 13 8 2 74 73 28 Buffalo 13 9 1 67 61 27 Montreal 10 10 4 61 60 24 Ottawa 10 10 2 65 76 22 Southeast Division Florida 12 7 4 64 59 28 Washington 12 9 1 70 73 25 Tampa Bay 11 9 2 62 69 24 Winnipeg 9 10 4 66 74 22 Carolina 8 12 4 57 79 20 Western Conference Central Division Chicago 14 7 3 79 74 31 Detroit 14 7 1 65 49 29 St. Louis 12 8 2 55 48 26 Nashville 10 8 4 58 61 24 Columbus 6 13 3 53 73 15 Northwest Division Minnesota 13 6 3 52 47 29 Vancouver 13 9 1 69 59 27 Edmonton 12 9 2 64 58 26 Colorado 10 12 1 61 70 21 Calgary 8 12 1 45 58 17 Pacific Division San Jose 13 6 1 60 46 27 Phoenix 12 7 3 61 56 27 Dallas 13 9 1 59 64 27 Los Angeles 11 8 4 55 55 26 Anaheim 6 12 4 48 71 16 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the standings and are not included in the loss column (L)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

Pakistan appeals shifting of Lebanon Davis Cup tie KARACHI: Pakistan has appealed to the International Tennis Federation following its decision to shift the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania group two tie against Lebanon away from Lahore due to security reasons.

Pakistan were due to play Lebanon in Lahore in February but this week the ITF announced the tie had been moved to Lebanon due to security conditions in Pakistan.

“We are very disappointed at the ITF decision,” Mumtaz Yousuf, secretary of the Pakistan Tennis Federation, told Reuters. “ We have filed an appeal with them to reconsider as there is still time for the event.” Yousuf said Lebanon

was ready to play in Pakistan but the ITF had expressed its reservations over security concerns. “The Lebanon tennis federation had accepted our invitation to play in Pakistan provided we guaranteed foolproof security for their players and we were doing that,” Yousuf said. Since 2010 Pakistan has been forced to play its home Davis Cup ties against Hong Kong, Philippines, Oman and New Zealand abroad because of the security situation in the country.

The ITF moved the ties after the visiting teams refused to travel to Pakistan. The PTF has also filed compensation claims with the ITF after losing the right to host three of their Davis Cup ties. — Reuters

Boxer gives Webber tips SAO PAULO: Former heavyweight world champion Frank Bruno has given Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber the benefit of his advice on when to call it quits. The Red Bull racer told reporters at the seasonending Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday that he had “bumped into” the British boxer, who fought with Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis, on a visit to his gym a few months ago. “He’s been through quite a few things and he’s been very honest with me the last few times I’ve gone up there,” said Webber, 35. “He said that ‘the biggest fight you will have in your career is when you just try to stop’. And that’s how it is for all of us.

“That’s how competitors are-there’s obviously some arrogance involved that we want to keep competing.”

Webber, who renewed his Red Bull contract at the end of August for one more year, was talking in relation to Brazilian Rubens Barrichello’s determination to keep racing for a 20th season in Formula One, but his words suggested the subject of retirement had also been on his mind earlier in the year. The Australian has not won a race this year, after being a title contender right to the last in 2010, in a campaign dominated by German team mate Sebastian Vettel-now a double world champion. — Reuters

Blackhawks halt Kings march LOS ANGELES: The Chicago Blackhawks maintained leadership of the NHL’s Western Conference with a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.

Jonathan Toews scored the go-ahead goal in the second period and Andrew Brunette also found the net for Chicago, which has won seven straight against the Kings. Jarret Stoll ended a 17-game scoring drought by netting the sole goal for Los Angeles.

showed it still had the edge on San Jose, winning the first meeting between the teams since last year ’s Western Conference finals. Manny Malhotra also scored to lead the Canucks to their season-best fourth straight victory. Andrew

twice and added an assist to lead Detroit to its fifth straight win, defeating Nashville. Filppula assisted on Henrik Zetterberg’s goal as Detroit won its league-best ninth game at home. Dan Cleary added his fourth goal of the sea-

Rangers 2, Flyers 0 In New York, goaltender Henrik Lundqvist stopped 29 shots for the shutout as New York extended its best home start in nearly 20 years by beating Philadelphia. After a scoreless first period that featured a fight four seconds into the game, Brad Richards scored a power-play goal 54 seconds into the second. He had a goal disallowed 24 seconds earlier. Carl Hagelin also scored for New York, notching his first ever NHL goal.

The Rangers’ 6-1-1 start at Madison Square Garden is their best since they began the 1992-93 season 7-1-1.

Philadelphia lost for only the third time this season on the road.

Sabres 5, Capitals 1 In Buffalo, Luke Adam scored twice as under-manned Buffalo comfortably beat struggling Washington.

Jhonas Enroth made 26 saves, Zack Kassian scored his first NHL goal while Jason Pominville and Jochen Hecht also scored to help the injury-riddled Sabres snap a three-game winless streak despite missing nine regulars. Jason Chimera scored on a penalty shot for the sliding Capitals, who have dropped four straight on the road.

Bruins 4, Jets 2 In Boston, Chris Kelly scored two second-period goals to lift form team Boston past Winnipeg. Tim Thomas stopped 40 shots while Zdeno Chara also scored for the Bruins, who overcame a 2-0 deficit to earn a point in their 11th consecutive game, its longest such stretch since 2004.

Evander Kane and Dustin Byfuglien scored 39 seconds apart in the first period for the Jets.

SAN JOSE: Goaltender Cory Schneider No. 35 of the Vancouver Canucks blocks the shot of Brent Burns No. 88 of the San Jose Sharks at HP Pavilion. —AFP

Penguins 4, Canadiens 3 In Montreal, Pittsburgh’s Kris Letang returned from being bloodied by a hit late in regulation to score the overtime winner, beating Montreal.

Jordan Staal scored with 4:30 left in regulation to tie it for the Penguins.

Sidney Crosby got his eighth point in four games back from a long absence with concussion-like symptoms, assisting on Evgeni Malkin’s goal 21 seconds in. Pascal Dupuis also scored for the Penguins. Max Pacioretty and Erik Cole each had a goal and an assist, and Travis Moen scored an unassisted goal for Montreal.

Murray and Patrick Marleau scored for the Sharks, who had won four straight.

Coyotes 3, Stars 0 In Glendale, Arizona, Mike Smith stopped 26 shots for his second shutout, leading Phoenix to its first win over Dallas this season after a pair of overtime losses.

Smith posted his 13th career shutout, and needed to stop only 14 shots through the first two periods.

Mikkel Boedker scored in the first, Ray Whitney in the second and Taylor Pyatt in the final period for the Coyotes, who took 14 of their 22 shots in the opening session.

Red Wings 4, Predators 1 In Detroit, Valtteri Filppula scored

Canucks 3, Sharks 2 In San Jose, Henrik Sedin and Andrew Alberts scored goals less than a minute apart in the second period as Vancouver

son early in the third period. Jack Hillen scored midway through the third period for the Predators, who lost their fourth straight game.

Lightning 5, Panthers 1 In Tampa, Steven Stamkos had two goals and an assist to power Tampa Bay past state rival Florida. Mathieu Garon made 24 saves, while Martin St. Louis, Tom Pyatt and Ryan Malone also scored for the Lightning. Tampa Bay took control during the second when goals by Pyatt, Stamkos and Malone made it 4-0.

Stamkos got his second of the game and 14th of the season in the final minute of play. The Panthers got a late third-period goal from Shawn Matthias.

Avalanche 5, Oilers 2 In Denver, Stefan Elliott scored his first NHL goal in Colorado’s victory over Edmonton. Semyon Varlamov had 31 saves while Paul Stastny, Shane O’Brien, Jan Heda and Jay McClement scored for the Avalanche, which trailed 2-1 before piling on four goals in the final period.

Ryan Jones had a goal and an assist, Ladislav Smid also had a goal for Edmonton.

Islanders 3, Devils 2 In Newark, Michael Grabner snapped a tie with a short-handed goal to help New York edge New Jersey and pick up its first road win of the season.

Matt Moulson and Josh Bailey also scored for the Islanders, who had been winless in seven previous road games this season. Adam Larsson and Adam Henrique scored for New Jersey. —AP

Mustafa Karam shooting tourney concludes

By Abdellatif Sharaa KUWAIT: Mustafa Karam and Sons Company Cup tournament concluded on Saturday at Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Olympic Shooting Complex. The tournament which lasted for three days witnessed strong competition in the air weapons events with participation from Bahrain, Iraq and Singapore in addition to Kuwait.

President of Kuwait and Asian Federation, Vice-president of ISSF Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah thanked Mustafa Karam Company for its sponsorship of the tournament since the shooting club was established.

He said, this particular tournament witnessed the presence of several teams from Bahrain, Iraq and Singapore, adding that Bahraini shooters came up with outstanding results. Sheikh Salman said the Tunisian team is expected in Kuwait soon to prepare for the Arab Games to be held in Doha, Qatar in December. He said “We welcome our guests in Kuwait, and we thank all those who contribute to the success of the sport of shooting.”

Meanwhile, Mustafa Karam Co. representative General Manager Mohammad Karam said, “As we are part of this society, we must encourage our athletes to always look forward for outstanding results.” He said this sponsorship has been going on for more than 20 years and will continue to do so.

Secretary General of Kuwait and Arab Shooting Federations said that Kuwait Shooting is working hard to build on its achievements the last of which was in Arab clay target in Morocco, when “our shooters received eight gold medals and are looking forward for our national team’s participation in the 12th Arab shooting tournament to be held in Doha, Qatar from 923/12/2011, as well as the 12th Asian shooting tournament to be also held in Qatar from 11-22/1/2012.

Results of the MK tournament are as fellows.

Air Pistol - Men Abdelmajid Abdelkhaliq (Bahrain) 663.1/700 Ashban Mohammad Eid (Bahrain) 652.8/700 Khalid Ahmad Mohammad (Bahrain) 647.7/700 Air Rifle (Men) Ali Farhan Al-Mutairi (Kuwait) 690.6/700 Ali Hussein Ali (Bahrain) 683.9/700 Khalid Al-Subaie (Kuwait) 681.7/700 Free Rifle 50m (Men) Salman Zaman (Bahrain) 689/700

Mishal Al-Tahoos (National Guard) 685.9/700 Jamal Ali Mohammad (Bahrain) 685.2/700 50m Pistol (Men) Ashban M Eid (Bahrain) 621.3/700 Abdelmajid Abdelkhaliq (Bahrain) 619.2/700 Zaid Zaal Al-Zafiri (Kuwait) 609/700 Free Rifle (50m) Women Aza Ali Al-Qasimi (Bahrian) 584/600 Lula Al-Zayani (Bahrain) 583/600 Ayesha Suwaileh (Bahrain) 578/600 Air Rifle - Women Mariam Irzouqi (Kuwait) 500.5/500 Heba Irzouqi (Kuwait) 493.8/500 Duaa Al-Duwaikhi (Kuwait) 489/500 Air Pistol - Women Iman Bouland (Kuwait) 466.7/500 Israa Bahman (Kuwait) 461.4/500 Awatif Al-Qallaf (Kuwait) 456.8/500 Air Rifle - Junior Women Heba Irzouqi (Kuwait) 392/400 Zahraa Al-Safar (Kuwait) 389/400 Fatima Abdelmalik (Kuwait) 389/400

KUWAIT: Joint photo with shooting officials and female winners

Air Rifle - Junior Ali Farhan Al-Mutairi (Kuwait) 595/600 Bandar Al-Mutairi (Kuwait) 580/600 Turky Al-Shimmari (Kuwait) 577/600 Air Pistol - Junior Mousa Al-Khayat (Kuwait) 533/600 Khalifa Al-Zafiri (Kuwait) 523/600 Abdelaziz Al-Rakhis (Kuwait) 519/600 Turkey Al-Shimmari (Kuwait) 569/600 Ali Al-Mutairi (Kuwait) 558/600 Bandar Al-Mutairi (Kuwait) 554/600 Air Pistol - Junior Women Rawan Al-Qattan (Kuwait) 299/300 Hind Al-Qattan (Kuwait) 238/300 Air Rifle Junior - Shooting School Fahad Shafi (Kuwait) 233/300 Hamad Adel (Kuwait) 209/300 Ritaj Al-Qatan (Kuwait) 258/300 Ghadeer Ali (Kuwait) 235-300 Fatima Shihab (Kuwait) 229/300

KUWAIT: Mohammad M. Karam hands a trophy to Mariam Irzouqi.

KUWAIT: Sheikh Salman hands a Bahraini shooter his first place trophy.

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Surprise and joy as NBA deal draws near MIAMI: Surprise, relief, joy and even some caution. Such was the reaction of many NBA players and fans Saturday, amid news that the labor dispute which led to the cancellation of hundreds of games and threatened the entire season was nearing an end.

No schedules are out, the collective bargaining agreement has not been drafted and formal votes on the deal remain unscheduled. Still, for the first time in months, optimism seemed to take the lead over pessimism on the NBA’s emotional scoreboard.

“The journey now begins!!” soon-to-be Cleveland guard Kyrie Irving, the league’s No. 1 draft pick, wrote on Twitter. Well, soon enough, anyway.

Barring either side rejecting the deal, training camps will open Dec. 9, with the league’s first three games set to be played on Christmas Day. The Utah Jazz invited fans to start calling again to discuss ticket options, the reigning NBA champion Dallas Mavericks wrote “Go Mavs” on Twitter shortly after the middle-of-the-

night news conference to announce the breakthrough, and Shaquille O’Neal recorded a brief video to show his excitement. “Haven’t crossed the finish line yet,” wrote Orlando guard J.J. Redick, “but there’s definitely a reason to be optimistic.”

The league and the union announced around 3 a.m. that they had struck a tentative deal calling for a 66-game season, meaning many owners - and players were asleep, unaware of the news until they awoke. Miami guard Dwyane Wade was text-messaging with an associate shortly after 4 a.m. Eastern, and his reaction was subdued given the lateness of the hour. “All I feel right now is ‘Finally,’” Wade said to The Associated Press.

Free agent Shane Battier said he was getting “mad love” from fans in Memphis, Miami, Oklahoma City and Houston teams that all figure to be in the mix for his services.

“I am happy it looks like we’ll get to start winning our fans back,” Battier wrote.

“Thanks for the patience. Need to read new details before I pop the bubbly.”

Later, Battier poked fun at himself, saying that tweet made him sound like “a conservative old man,” adding that he was happy to just talk basketball again. So was just about everyone else.

Even former players were relieved, including Basketball Hall of Fame player Isiah Thomas, a former union president during his time with the Detroit Pistons.

“I’m extremely pleased and relieved,” said Thomas, now the Florida International coach. “Basketball in society is extremely important for social reasons, for economic reasons and the game has always been used to bring people together - not tear them apart. That being said, I think the owners and the players realized that they are not bigger than the game. By them coming together and continuing to work together, I’m pleased with that. That’s the way it should be.”

Thomas added that he got very concerned when lawsuits started getting filed.

Had the sides actually starting waging battles in courtrooms, Thomas feared the worst.

“Once the owners and players are going to court, relationships are severely damaged and severed forever,” he said.

“Now that they’re back working together to better the game, those relationships have a chance to continue to exist.”

It should come as no surprise that the Heat - who will be among the favorites for the NBA title when the season gets rolling - were overjoyed by the news. LeBron James, Mario Chalmers and even team owner Micky Arison told their Twitter followers that they couldn’t wait to get started. “I feel like my kids on X-mas day! So juiced!!,” James wrote.

Added Chalmers: “I’ve been waitin for this moment since June 12th,” referring to the day the Heat watched the Mavericks celebrate winning the NBA title in Miami.

It’s expected that the teams will open up against each other on Christmas in Dallas, marking the first time that finalists from one year were matched up in a seasonopener since Utah and Chicago in 1999 (another season shortened by a work stoppage). But not everyone was cele-

brating.

“With high school and college basketball now playing, who really needed the NBA?” asked Ed White of Allentown, Pa. who was at Saturday’s NJIT-St. Francis (NY) men’s basketball game in Newark. “I think they’re going to lose some fans because of this. The NBA treats its fans like they really don’t care. I’m personally offended by both the owners and the players’ attitudes through all of this.

They play for the fans. ... I think people will go back eventually, but not right away. It’s always about the money. The owners always want more. The players always want more. But when was the last time someone spent money to see an owner score a basket? The owners should realize that.”

Teams largely remained quiet, since the league’s lockout rules technically are still in place - and likely will stay that way until the deal is actually ratified and signed.

Players, however, turned en masse to Twitter to share their views, which seemed overwhelmingly positive.—AP

US win 24th World Cup Ireland falter, finish fourth

COOLUM: Greg Chambers of Australia kisses the Kirkwood Cup after winning the play off hole during the final round of the Australian PGA golf tournament. —AFP

Chalmers wins in Australia COOLUM: Greg Chalmers followed up his Australian Open title win earlier this month by winning the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum yesterday after beating Marcus Fraser and Robert Allenby in a three-way playoff.

The 38-year-old Australian left-hander was the most consistent on the only playoff hole, the par-four 18th, when he made par, while compatriot Allenby missed his long par putt following a wayward drive off the tee at the Hyatt Regency course on the Sunshine Coast.

Fraser, another local player, had fallen out of contention when he found the water off the tee and then the bunker on the back side of the green.

“I was surprised to see that par was good enough because I thought we would have to birdie this hole, but that’s how it goes some times,” Chalmers said in a greenside interview.

“The putt was the hardest thing and to have won it now and coupled with the Australian Open, I’ve got two of those, I’m just thrilled.”

Chalmers will now seek to join Allenby as the only players to win all

three Australian tournaments in the same year when he plays the Masters at the Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne from Dec. 15-18.

Fraser, who underwent neck surgery earlier this year that saved his career, made it into the playoff when he birdied two of the last three holes, making a mammoth putt from almost 50 feet on the last to notch a three-under 69.

Allenby (68) also qualified for the playoff when he made a birdie on 18, while Chalmers had earlier taken the outright lead when he birdied 17 and made par on 18 to record a 12-under 276. Overnight leader Kim Kyung-tae and second-placed Bubba Watson faltered early in their rounds, with Kim making a double bogey seven on the fifth, while Watson opened with a double-bogey and had bogeys on the second and fourth. Kim (76) finished in a three-way tie for sixth with Australians Marc Leishman (69) and Nick O’Hern (67) on nine-under-par 279, while the bighitting Watson (77) was tied for 12th with Australian Brad Kennedy (69) on seven-under. —Reuters

Pakistan seek further success in Bangladesh DHAKA: Misbah-ul-Haq’s Pakistan will look to continue their recent winning form when they open the tour of Bangladesh with a Twenty20 international in Dhaka tomorrow.

The three-week visit, which also comprises three one-day internationals and two Tests, is Pakistan’s first full tour of their South Asian rivals since 2002.

Pakistan are buoyed by their emphatic success over Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates this month, where they beat their accomplished rivals in all three formats of the game. “This is a good period for us and I hope we will continue to win,” Misbah told reporters yesterday.

“It’s all about team work. The guys know what is expected of them and they work hard to fulfil their responsibilities.

It’s really good to have a team like this.”

Pakistan have enjoyed overwhelming success over Bangladesh in the past, but Misbah cautioned his team-mates against taking the hosts lightly.

“We will have to play good cricket to beat them because Bangladesh are a strong side at home. They are sure to put up a tough fight,” the Pakistan captain said.

“We have to be more consistent in our

batting. There is always room to improve the fielding and we must be more disciplined in our bowling.”

When Pakistan last played a Test series in Bangladesh in 2002 they won both matches by heavy margins, the first by an innings and 178 runs in Dhaka and the second by an innings and 169 runs in Chittagong.

Bangladesh have endured a wretched period at the top level, having lost nine of their last 10 Tests with one drawn game.

The 1-0 loss at home to the West Indies in October was their 61st defeat in 71 Tests since they entered the big league in 2000.

Bangladesh have won just three Tests so far, while seven matches were drawn.

The hosts, now led by their gutsy wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim, will look to push Pakistan hard when the two-Test series starts on December 9.

Tour itinerary: Nov 29: T20 international, Dhaka Dec 1 : First one-dayer, Dhaka Dec 3 : Second one-dayer, Dhaka Dec 6 : Third one-dayer, Chittagong Dec 9-13: First Test, Chittagong Dec 17-21: Second Test, Dhaka.—AFP

HAIKOU: Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland gave the United States a 24th World Cup yesterday af ter the duo reeled in overnight leaders Ireland and held off the charge of fast-finishing England.

The victory at the Blackstone course comes a week af ter Kuchar helped the United States win another team event, the Presidents Cup, in Australia.

The US team fired a final round of 67 to take the title with a combined 24-under-par 264, two shots ahead of England and Germany in joint second place.

Ireland’s Ror y McIlroy and Graeme McDowell star ted Sunday with a two-shot lead but endured a frustrating day and carded an even par 72 for a share of four th. Kuchar told reporters he was proud to have won the title for America.

“You think of all the sporting events, and you think of all the teams that become world champions, and in golf there are not that many opportunities to be world champions,” he said. “So to represent the United States of America and become world champions just feels great.”

The American duo began the final round two strokes behind McIlroy and McDowell but moved to the top of the 28nation leaderboard after birdies on the opening two holes and at the sixth and seventh. A bogey on 11 was the only blip but they rebounded with birdies on the 12th and 13th.

Kuchar and Woodland cruised home to slip on the traditional golden jackets and take first prize cheques of $1.2 million.

“On Saturday we really clicked together and played a great round and when Matt got up-and-down at the last that gave us the momentum into

today’s final round,” Woodland told reporters. “So we came out today to birdie the first two holes and that really got us going.”

England’s Ian Poulter and Justin Rose produced the round of the day, a nine-under 63, to climb to second place on 22under par with Germany ’s Martin Kaymer and Alex Cejka (69).

Poulter and Rose were eight strokes off the lead going into the final round but started their charge with four birdies in their opening six holes before playing the closing four holes in four under.

“We ... were a little subdued

last night and neither of us were much company,” said Poulter.

“We stayed in our own rooms, and kind of rightly so as fourunder par in fourball was very disappointing.

“But to go and shoot nineunder par in foursomes is crazy.

“When we look back at rounds of golf, that’s why we play golf, and to have that much fun with a few holes to play, like to birdie 15 and to eagle 16, was great.”

However, it was disappointment for Ireland for the second World Cup in a row after McIlroy and McDowell faltered when it mattered most. The pair had also been leading the event in 2009 but were overhauled by Italy on

the final day.

They had four birdies and bogeys for a level par 72, sharing four th with Australians R ichard Green and Brendan Jones (69), the Scottish duo of Mar tin Laird and Stephen Gallacher (66), and Joost Luiten and Robert Jan Derksen (68) of Netherlands. The Guatemala team of Jose Toledo and Pablo Acuna were celebrating their 27th place after a final round 70.

They finished 11 shots better than Belgium. “We’ve had a fantastic week and have easily exceeded our expec tations,” Toledo told Reuters. “It’s been a good experience for Pablo and myself.”—Reuters

HAIKOU: US team players Gary Woodland (second left) and his girlfriend Gabby Granado (left) with playing partner Matt Kuchar (second right) and his wife Sybi Kuchar (right) celebrate with the winners trophy after their victory in the 56th World Cup of Golf tournament.—AFP

Iker bounces back to take Volvo Ocean race first leg CAPE TOWN: World sailor of the year Iker Martinez jumped from bottom to top spot when Telefonica stormed in past Table Mountain to complete a first-leg victory in the Volvo Ocean Race on Saturday.

The Spaniard, an Olympic gold medallist in 2004, arrived in Cape Town as the sun set some 250 nautical miles (463 kilometres) clear of his nearest rival Camper of New Zealand to collect 30 points for victory on the 6,500nm, 21-day leg from Alicante, Spain.

Groupama of France were around 600nm further adrift but assured, barring disaster, of a podium place after the three other boats in the fleet were forced out earlier in the leg.

Martinez’s superb seamanship illustrated why this month his peers on the sport’s governing body, the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), elected the Telefonica skipper and crewmate Xabi Fernandez as joint sailors of the year.

He and the rest of the crew were greeted by vuvuzelas and hugs and kisses from loved ones

CAPE TOWN: The yacht Camper sails into Table Bay to take second place over the first leg of the 2011/2012 Volvo Ocean Race. This leg started in Alicante, in Spain. —AFP

as they stepped on to dry land for the first time in three weeks.

“The feeling is fantastic,” said Martinez, who helped the team finish third overall in the last Volvo Ocean Race in 2008-09. “It’s something that you only dream of. “We’ve seen what can happen and we have achieved much more than we thought we could.”

Telefonica now have 31 points, having finished last in front of their home crowd in Alicante on Oct. 29 in the first in-port race of the series.

“We were very disappointed with our result in the in-port race,” said the team’s Brazilian watch captain Joao Signorini. “We knew the potential of the boat and we believed in it. For us, it has been a very good comeback and we are very glad to be here in first place in Cape Town.” If Camper finish second early on Sunday they will be on 29 points, having taken third in Alicante’s in-port race. The 39,000nm, ninemonth Volvo Ocean Race which visits five continents and four oceans has already thrown up plenty of drama with two boats forced to suspend racing the leg in the first 24 hours.

Another pulled out earlier this week.

Abu Dhabi suffered a broken mast and Team Sanya of China was holed in her hull after hitting debris in the Mediterranean after a stormy night on Nov. 5.

Today, the American boat Puma was forced to retire after her rigging also failed. She has since limped to one of the world’s most remote places, Tristan Da Cunha, arriving earlier on Saturday, and will be shipped to Cape Town next week. Puma, Abu Dhabi and Sanya now face a race against time to be ready to compete in the Cape Town in-port race on Dec. 10 before the start of leg 2 to Abu Dhabi begins the following day. —Reuters

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

sp orts

Alabama pound Auburn Michigan stop losing streak

ASPEN: Viktoria Rebensburg, of Germany, competes in the women’s World Cup giant slalom skiing competition. —AP

Viktoria wins World Cup giant slalom ASPEN: Olympic champion Viktoria Rebensburg, beaten by the slimmest margin on the same course a year ago, took fine revenge when she won the Aspen World Cup giant slalom on Saturday.

The 22-year-old German, who was also second in the season opener in Soelden last month, dominated the afternoon run to clock a fastest combined time of two minutes and 11.25 seconds.

Rebensburg, who has now won four World Cup giant slaloms, leads the speciality’s and overall World Cup standings neatly on 180 points.

“I was not too happy with my first leg and I was not too sure how it would all end up but if I manage to stay on the podium race after race, it shows I must be doing things right,” she said after taking back the discipline leader’s red bib. “It’s great to hold the red bib but I feel I’m at the right place and I deserve it.”

Downhill and Super-G world champion Elisabeth Goergl of Austria led after the morning leg but skied too conservatively in the second run to trail the German by 0.33 seconds overall.

While all eyes at the start were on Lindsey Vonn, winner of the season opener ahead of Rebensburg and Goergl, fellowAmerican Julia Mancuso stole the show by taking third spot, 0.44 behind the winner.

It was the discipline’s 2006 Olympic gold medallist’s first podium in a giant slalom for four years and it was also the first medal spot by an American in Aspen since Kristina Koznick finished third in a slalom in 2004.

“It’s a great relief as everybody has kept talking about Koznick since we arrived here,” Mancuso said. Tamara McKinney was the only home skier to win a women’s race at the Colorado resort thirty years ago in 1981. Vonn was 12th, 1.74 behind Rebensburg, a rather disappointing result after her maiden giant slalom victory in Soelden, but not such a bad one in a race she considers the toughest on the circuit.

The American was also hampered by back problems but she fared much better than arch-rival and World Cup defending champion Maria Hoefl-Riesch of Germany, who failed to complete the second run. The women’s programme continues in Aspen on Sunday with a slalom.—Reuters

Cuche clinches Lake Louise downhill LAKE LOUISE: Evergreen Didier Cuche showed he was right not to retire at the end of last winter when he won the opening downhill of the Alpine skiing season at Lake Louise on Saturday.

The 37-year-old Swiss was already the oldest winner of a World Cup race since last March and he set the bar even higher with his 18th career victory, tenth in a downhill, in one minute and 47.28 seconds.

Cuche, winner of the speciality crystal globe four times, including the last two, had suggested he might retire last winter but decided to continue racing for one more year.

“I’m going on out of pleasure, that’s simple,” said the man who started his World Cup career 18 years ago. “A lot of people tell me I’ve won everything but it’s not true as far as individual races are concerned. It doesn’t ring true to my ears.”

Had Cuche called it a day, victory on the Canadian Olympic run would still have gone to Switzerland as hopeful Beat Feuz was second, 0.06 seconds behind. Feuz, 24, shot to the limelight last season when he won his first World Cup downhill in Kvitfjell.

Cuche had topped the Lake Louise

downhill podium two years ago and it was already a surprise then for the solid, skilled skier, who usually favors more technical courses.

“It is a bit of a surprise again because I didn’t fare too well in practice. But I guess experience matters and the fact that I had nothing to prove, just the wish to enjoy myself,” the Swiss said.

“It’s always good to win early in the season,” added Cuche, who would equal Austrian downhill legend Franz Klammer should he win the discipline’s globe a fifth time.

“Everybody’s telling me about this but it’s seriously not a goal in itself. I just want to ski each race at the best of my abilities and the results will come,” he said.

Lake Louise has been known to crown unexpected winners starting with high number bibs and it proved almost true once again when Austrian Super-G specialist Hannes Reichelt made it to the podium with the number 45 on his back.

The Altenmarkt skier, who missed second place by 0.02 seconds, should be one of the favourites in Sunday’s Super-G on the same course.—Reuters

Alabama 42, Auburn 14 In Auburn, Trent Richardson rushed for a career-high 203 yards and AJ McCarron threw three firsthalf touchdown passes to lift Alabama.

The Crimson Tide (11-1, 7-1 Southeastern Conference) now must wait and see if its resume is good enough to secure a shot at a second national title in three years.

No. 3 Oklahoma State and No. 1 LSU have big games remaining.

Richardson ran 27 times and caught a 5-yard touchdown pass in his final chance to impress Heisman Trophy voters. He had runs of 35 and 57 yards to set up second-half scores.

The Tide didn’t put Auburn (7-5, 4-4) away until Dee Milliner’s 35yard interception return early in the fourth quarter. Alabama entered the quarter with a 309-44 advantage in total yards but also gave up touchdowns on a fumble recovery and a kick return.

Former heavyweight title contender Ron Lyle dies DENVER: Former prizefighter Ron Lyle, a convict-turned-contender who once fought Muhammad Ali for the world heavyweight title, died in Denver on Saturday at age 70. Lyle, admitted to Porter Adventist Hospital on Friday with a stomach ailment, died from septic shock after undergoing surgery, said Ron McKinney of the Salvation Army, who worked with the former heavyweight at a youth boxing programme.

“I just spoke to him yesterday, so this was a total surprise to all of us,” McKinney told Reuters. “He was a giant, but a gentle giant...I’ve lost a good friend.”

A native of Dayton, Ohio, who grew up in Denver in a family of 19 children, Lyle was convicted as a teenager of seconddegree murder and went to prison, learning to box while he was incarcerated.

A chiseled, hard-punching fighter, Lyle

became a fearsome amateur boxer while still an inmate. He was paroled in 1969 and set out on a professional boxing career, ultimately earning a title shot against Ali in May 1975. Lyle was ahead on points in the championship bout until Ali unleashed a flurry of unanswered combinations to a cornered Lyle in the 11th round.

The referee stopped the fight, awarding Ali a technical knockout victory. Lyle always contended that the fight was halted prematurely. His other memorable fight was a January 1976 slugfest with another hardhitting heavyweight, George Foreman. The two stood toe-to-toe, knocking each other down multiple times before Foreman ultimately won in a knockout.

Lyle was last seen publicly earlier this month when he commented on the death of former champion Joe Frazier.—Reuters

COLUMBIA: Clemson’s Dwayne Allen goes over South Carolina’s Marty Markett on a touchdown reception during an NCAA college football game. —AP record while catching 12 passes for 113 yards and two TDs, and No. 10 Southern California finished its resurgent season with a demolition of Pac-12 title game-bound UCLA. Marqise Lee had 13 catches for 224 yards and two TDs during a showcase of offensive brilliance by the Trojans (10-2, 7-2), who are banned from postseason play under heavy NCAA sanctions. USC still went out in style, jumping to a 29-point halftime lead before posting its largest victory in the city championship game since 1930, the rivalry’s second year.

USC won seven of its final eight games capped by this utter obliter-

Cousins threw a 33-yarder to Cunningham in the third quarter and hit him again on a juggling 29yard TD pass with 5:17 left to complete a 93-yard drive. It was the 62nd career touchdown pass for Cousins, breaking the school record held by Jeff Smoker (61).

Northwestern (6-6, 3-5) had its four-game winning streak snapped in the regular-season finale and now hopes for a bowl bid. The Wildcats closed to 24-17 early in the final quarter on Dan Persa’s 12yard TD pass to Demetrius Fields, set up by a clutch fourth-down pass from Persa to Jeremy Ebert.

Oregon 49, Oregon State 21 In Eugene, LaMichael James ran for 142 yards before leaving with what appeared to be a left elbow injury, and Oregon clinched the Pac-12 North and a spot in the conference’s first championship game.

The Ducks (10-2, 8-1 Pac-12) will host UCLA on Friday night with a chance to win their third straight conference title and a spot in the Rose Bowl. The Beavers (3-9, 3-6) aren’t going to a bowl game for the second straight season.

James, who went into the 115th Civil War as the nation’s top rusher with an average of 142.78 yards per game, was hurt midway through the third when he was hit by Oregon State linebacker Tony Wilson.

KANSAS: Kansas defensive end Michael Reynolds (55) tries to block a punt by Missouri kicker Trey Barrow (97) during the first half of an NCAA college football game. —AP ation of the crosstown Bruins (6-6, 5-4), who will represent the division at Oregon next week despite finishing two games behind USC in the South standings.

Michigan State 31, Northwestern 17

In Evanston, Keshawn Martin returned a punt 57 yards for a touchdown just before halftime and Kirk Cousins threw two TD passes to B.J. Cunningham as No. 11 Michigan State warmed up for next week’s Big Ten championship game.

The Spartans had already wrapped up the Legends Division title and a berth in the league championship game next week.

Now they have the best record in the division, as well, and 10 victories overall (10-2, 7-1).

South Carolina 34, Clemson 13 In Columbia, Connor Shaw threw for three touchdowns and ran for another to lead South Carolina to a 10-win season for the first time in 27 years and its third straight victory against Clemson.

The Gamecocks (10-2) choked off Clemson’s once-high scoring offense, holding the Tigers (9-3) to 153 yards and Atlantic Coast Conference passing leader Tajh Boyd to 83 yards through the air.

Clemson was part of the BCS title talk a month ago when it opened 8-0 and rose to No. 6 in the country. But it heads to the ACC championship game against Virginia Tech next week a shaky team after losing three of its past four. South Carolina’s only other 10victory season in 118 years of football came in 1984.

Wisconsin 45, Penn State 7 In Madison, Montee Ball scored four more touchdowns in his pursuit of an NCAA record, powering Wisconsin to a spot in next week’s Big Ten championship game.

Ball has scored 34 touchdowns this season for the Badgers (10-2, 62 Big Ten), the second-most in a single season in NCAA history. Barry Sanders holds the record, scoring 39 for Oklahoma State in 11 games in the 1988 season. Wisconsin will play Big Ten Legends division winner Michigan State in Indianapolis next Saturday.

The Nittany Lions (9-3, 6-2) came into the game hoping to salvage something from a season dwarfed by the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal. They took an early 7-0 lead but quickly unraveled, falling behind 28-7 by halftime.

Boise State 36, Wyoming 14 In Boise, Kellen Moore tossed three touchdown passes, including a 46-yarder on the final play of the first half, to lead Boise State.

After getting off to a sluggish start, Moore and the Broncos (10-1, 5-1) rattled off 36 straight points to put the game away and secure a second-place finish in their first year as a member of the Mountain West Conference.

Moore was 24 of 36 for 279 yards and he threw touchdown passes of 17 and 10 yards in the second half. Wyoming (7-4, 4-2) scored first when linebacker Luke Anderson picked off Moore’s pass early in the first quarter and ran 29 yards for a touchdown. The Cowboys were held to 191 total yards and 78 yards passing.

USC 50, UCLA 0 In Los Angeles, Matt Barkley passed for 423 yards and six touchdowns in his possible Coliseum farewell, Robert Woods set the conference’s single-season receptions

LAKE LOUISE: Didier Cuche, of Switzerland, celebrates his victory in the Lake Louise men’s World Cup downhill ski race. —AP

Georgia 31, Georgia Tech 17 In Atlanta, Aaron Murray threw four touchdown passes and Georgia extended its domination over Georgia Tech.

The Bulldogs (10-2) did not get caught looking past their state rival to next week’s return trip to Atlanta, when they will take a 10game winning streak into the Southeastern Conference championship game against top-ranked LSU. Murray extended his school record for touchdown passes in a season to 32, hooking up with Michael Bennett and Chris Conley in the first half, and Tavarres King and Aron White in the third quarter as Georgia cruised to its 10th win over the Yellow Jackets in 11 years.

Georgia Tech (8-4) rushed for 243 yards, but just 79 after halftime.

Tevin Washington threw a pair of interceptions.

AUBURN: Alabama got some payback for a brutal loss to its fiercest rival and Michigan snapped an excruciating losing streak to the opponent its fans love to hate.

Trent Richardson and No. 2 Alabama cruised to a 42-14 victory at Auburn, avenging last year’s painful collapse to Cam Newton and the Tigers.

The Crimson Tide led 24-7 at half for the second straight season. This time, though, instead of letting the Tigers rally, Alabama pulled away in the second half.

The Tide goes to the clubhouse in position to reach the BCS championship game, and hoping no other team jumps over it in the BCS standings. No. 17 Michigan broke a seven-game losing streak against Ohio State with a 40-34 victory in Ann Arbor.

Led by Denard Robinson, the Wolverines finished 10-2 and are a strong contender to go to the BCS for the first time since the 2006 season.

Oklahoma 26, Iowa State 6 In Norman, Landry Jones threw for 256 yards, Blake Bell punched in two short touchdown runs and Oklahoma set up a Bedlam showdown for the Big 12 championship.

Trey Franks finished with 88 yards rushing on two long reverses to set up scores for the Sooners (9-2, 6-2 Big 12), and Michael Hunnicutt matched his career-high with four field goals. Rebounding after allowing a school-record 616 yards allowed last week in a 45-38 loss at Baylor, Oklahoma held Iowa State (6-5, 3-5) to a season-low 245 yards and only let the Cyclones score after James Winchester’s snap sailed over the head of punter Tress Way in the first quarter. Oklahoma will visit No. 4 Oklahoma State next week with the winner earning the Big 12 title.

Michigan 40, Ohio State 34 In Ann Arbor, Denard Robinson accounted for five touchdowns and Michigan snapped a school-record, seven-game losing streak to its biggest rival.

The Wolverines (10-2, 6-2 Big Ten) were forced to settle for a sixpoint lead with 1:59 left on Brendan Gibbons’ career-long 43yard field goal after two apparent TDs were negated by a video review and then penalties.

The Buckeyes (6-6, 3-5) had a chance to win the game on their final drive, but freshman Braxton Miller sailed a pass over Deviser Posey ’s head on what could’ve been a 76-yard TD and threw a losssealing interception to Courtney Avery. Robinson was 14 of 17 completing 11 straight passes during one stretch - for 167 yards with TD passes to Kevin Koger, Junior Hemingway and Martavious Odoms. He ran 26 times for 170 yards and two more scores and lost a fumble.

Miller was 14 of 25 for 235 yards with TD passes to Posey and Corey Brown. He ran 16 times for 100 yards and a score.—AP

China’s shuttlers dominate SHANGHAI: Lin Dan made it four wins out of five for his country at the China Open yesterday, but he needed seven match points before beating his teammate Chen Long in a see-saw match in the men’s singles final.

Lin was full of confidence after his victory in the semis over tournament first seed and his arch rival, Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia, but he had to work hard to wrap the title up in two games, 21-17, 26-24.

“I felt quite relaxed after yesterday’s match. I didn’t think too much about today... because the gold medal would belong to China, but in the latter half of the second game I was not so patient because victory was so close” Lin said.

Lin also admitted his win over Olympic champion Lee Chong

Wei the day before had taken its toll. “Yesterday’s match gave me more pressure... In case there would be a third game I would not have the obvious advantage.

Anyway, yesterday’s match cost me a lot of strength”, he said.

Asked how he felt about becoming the best in the world, Lin refused to be complacent: “I never think there is a best player.

There’s always a better player.”

His defeated teammate Chen Long remained positive about his performance: “I have tried my best to compete this match I think I did a good job. I always try to keep calm in my heart and to play the game in a more relaxed way.” The home crowd in Shanghai cheered victories in four of the five competitions on finals day.

In the women’s singles final,

China’s Wang Yihan won a bittersweet victory as her opponent Wang Xin pulled out of the match in the first game with a sprained knee, with Wang Yihan ahead 1812. “At about 15 minutes when I tried to receive a slam from Wang Yihan I felt my knee which was already hurt getting worse,” Wang Xin explained, “to avoid further hurt... and ensure the future competitions I decided to quit the game.”

“If Wang Xin didn’t get hurt we could have put on a very exciting game,” said the former world champion, who dismissed questions about whether she could still savour her win in Shanghai.

Women’s doubles first seeds Wang Xiaoli and Yu Yang of China completed a Grand Slam winning of all five Super Series contests, as they defeated teammates Tang

Jinhua and Xia Huan 21-11, 21-10.

In the mixed doubles, topseeded pairing Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei from China beat the third-seeded Danes Joachim Fischer Nielsen and Christinna Pedersen, 21-11, 21-14.

However, Denmark did manage to spoil the Asian party, as third seeds Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen took the men’s doubles crown, beating Korean fourth seeds Ko Sung Hyun and Yoo Yeon Seong, 21-17, 21-13.

The China Open in Shanghai is the last of 12 Super Series tournaments. Players competed for $350,000 in prize money and points which will count towards a ranking that will enable them to compete next month at a finals competition in Liuzhou, China, December 14-18.—AFP

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

S P ORT S

Former Togo goalkeeper among 6 dead in bus crash LOME: Former Togo goalkeeper Charles Balogou was among six people killed when a bus carrying players and officials from a topflight club plunged into a ravine and caught fire.

Togo football federation spokesman Aime Ekpe said another 25 people from the Etoile Filante delegation - 19 of them players - plus the driver were injured in Saturday’s crash.

Ekpe said yesterday that club secretary general Christophe Dagdovi, deputy coach Isidore Kouma, a female reporter attached to the club, a cook and a team doctor were killed alongside Balogou in the accident in Glei, about 130 kilometers north of the capital Lome.

The federation later said eight of the 32 people who were traveling on the bus for Sunday’s league game in the city of Sokode were being treated for

severe burns after the injured were taken to the military wing of the Lome Central Hospital.

Others had various injuries, which included broken limbs. Some of the players were “seriously injured,” Ekpe said. Balogou was a Togo international in the 1970s. None of the other players involved were national team players.

Eyewitness accounts said the bus rolled several times as it crashed into the ravine after a tire was thought to have burst in Glei, near the central city of Atakpame.

Images on television showed the smoldering wreckage of the bus, which was almost completely burned to ashes. Some of the victims reportedly burned to death. “We do not know how we managed to get out of the accident,” said one of the survivors, goalkeeper Mama Souleyman, in an

government said in a statement. “The head of state and the government offer their condolences to the bereaved families and wishes the injured a good recovery.”

The Lome-based Etoile Filante club is a seventime Togo national league champion and was runner-up in Africa’s continental club competition in 1968.

Last year, two Togo national team officials were killed and several players hurt after a gun attack on the team’s bus as it traveled to the African Cup of Nations tournament in Angola.

In 2007, Togo sports minister Richard Attipoe was among 22 people who died when a helicopter carrying Togolese fans and officials crashed in Sierra Leone after an African Cup qualifying match. — AP

interview with Togo state television from his hospital bed. “Most of the players got out of the bus before the officials could do so because they were all in the front row of the bus.

“The officials and technical staff were trapped ... when the bus somersaulted several times and caught fire,” he said.

A delegation, led by sports minister Christophe Tchao, traveled to the accident site with an ambulance to evacuate the injured back to Lome on the orders of Togo President Faure Gnassingbe.

Ekpe, who also visited the crash site, said he was told that the six people died in the fire because they couldn’t get off the bus in time.

“The government reassures the football fans and the victims’ families that measures are being taken to give the injured good medical care,” Togo’s

Spanish League

Levante hit four past Sporting Barcelona crash to Getafe

SIENA: Inter’s Luis Castaignos of The Netherlands celebrates scoring against Siena during the Italian Serie A football match. — AFP Italian League

Inter defeat Siena 1-0 with last-minute goal MILAN: Inter Milan needed a last-minute goal from Luc Castaignos to beat 10-man Siena 1-0 yesterday and edge further away from the Serie A relegation zone.

It was Inter’s second league win in a row and lifts it to 15th spot in the Serie A standings, four points off the bottom three. Siena striker Franco Brienza was sent off seconds after the goal.

Inter leapfrogs Fiorentina, which lost 20 at Palermo, following goals from Fabrizio Miccoli and Josip Ilicic. Fiorentina also had Cesare Natali dismissed in the final minutes after he picked up a second yellow card for dissent.

Cesena beat Bologna for its first victory of the season last week and Adrian Mutu’s double saw his team win again as a 2-0 triumph against Genoa pushed it off the foot of the table. Elsewhere, Cagliari drew 1-1 with Bologna.

Inter is 11 points behind Serie A leader Juventus, which also has a game in hand, but coach Claudio Ranieri has not given up hope of making up lost ground.

“I don’t know if now we’re back in it,” Ranieri said. “I said this game was important because they’re all finals for us. We have to always look to win. It will be very difficult but that’s our aim.

“On one side there’s a team which has won everything and on the other a team which wants to return to winning always.

Juventus has been out of the title race for a few years. This year, after spending the right money and buying the right players, they’re deservedly back in it.”

Inter was desperately seeking a victory following just one win its past three league games. But they had few chances in a drab match at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Claudio Ranieri’s team should have taken the lead on the half hour mark. Siena goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic flapped at a corner and the ball fell to Walter Samuel, who woefully mis-hit his shot across goal.

It could have been worse for Inter as Siena immediately counterattacked. But Brienza’s finishing touch flew inches over the crossbar.

Inter snatched all three points right at the death. Thiago Motta found Castaignos in the middle of the area and the Dutch youngster managed to squeeze a shot in between two Siena defenders for his first goal in Inter colors. Brienza received a second yellow and his marching orders in stoppage time for dissent.

Cesena also managed to record a second consecutive victory. Genoa missed several chances to take the lead, most notably when Rodrigo Palacio passed instead of shooting when one on one with Cesena goalkeeper Francesco Antonioli and the ball was scrambled to safety.

It was to rue its missed opportunities as Cesena was awarded a penalty in the 70th minute after Emiliano Moretti fouled Erjon Bogdani.

Mutu stepped up and cheekily looped his spot-kick over the diving Sebastien Frey. Mutu doubled his tally 10 minutes later with a stunning 25-yard strike into the top right corner, which gave Frey no chance.

Cesena moves into 19th in the standings and now has a point more than Lecce which takes over bottom spot. Fiorentina is closer to being sucked into a relegation battle after it lost 2-0 at Palermo.

Miccoli beat the offside trap in the 22nd minute to give the home side the lead. The Palermo captain timed his run to per fection as he raced onto Ilicic’s through ball on toward goal, chased by Alessandro Gamberini, before slotting home.

It was Miccoli’s fourth goal this season and the sight of him being stretchered off at the end of the first half after complaining of a right knee problem will be a worry for Palermo.

Fiorentina came close to leveling when Natali hit the crossbar in the 70th. Just three minutes later the Tuscan side found itself further behind when Ilicic fired a stunning free-kick into the top right corner from over 25 yards out.

It was Palermo’s sixth consecutive home victory and sees it move into sixth in the table, six points behind leader Juventus which has a game in hand.

Cagliari and Bologna had to settle for a 1-1 draw which will please neither of the struggling sides. Cagliari gifted Bologna the lead in the 75th minute. Cagliari captain Daniele Conti cleared a cross but only as far as Marco Di Vaio, who lashed it home from close range. Conti atoned for his error six minutes later after he was fouled by Nicolo Cherubin in the area. He stepped up to the spot and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to ensure Cagliari a share of the spoils. Bologna is a point off the bottom three, with Cagliari just three points further ahead. —AP

Italian League results/standings Cagliari 1 (Conti 81-pen) Bologna 1 (Di Vaio 75); Cesena 2 (Mutu 70-pen, 80) Genoa 0; Palermo 2 (Miccoli 22, Ilicic 73) Fiorentina 0; Siena 0, Inter Milan 1 (Castaignos 89).

Catania 1 (Barrientos 90); Novara 2 (Rubino 70, Rigoni 78) Parma 1 (Centurioni 29-og).

Playing later AC Milan v Chievo (1945GMT) Played Saturday Atalanta 1 (Denis 64) Napoli 1 (Cavani 90); Lazio 0, Juventus 1 (Pepe 34); Lecce 0,

Played Friday: Udinese 2 (Di Natale 79, Isla 89) Roma 0

Italian Serie A table ahead of yesterday’s late match (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Juventus Udinese Lazio AC Milan Palermo Roma Catania Napoli Genoa Chievo Parma

11 12 12 11 12 12 12 11 11 11 12

7 7 6 6 6 5 4 4 4 4 5

4 3 4 3 1 2 5 4 3 3 0

0 2 2 2 5 5 3 3 4 4 7

19 15 16 23 16 15 14 14 14 10 15

7 6 9 14 15 14 18 8 14 12 20

25 24 22 21 19 17 17 16 15 15 15

Siena 12 3 5 4 14 11 14 Atalanta 12 5 5 2 16 15 14 Cagliari 12 3 5 4 11 13 14 Inter Milan 11 4 2 5 14 17 14 Fiorentina 12 3 4 5 10 11 13 Bologna 12 3 2 7 10 18 11 Novara 12 2 4 6 14 21 10 Cesena 12 2 3 7 6 13 9 Lecce 12 2 2 8 9 19 8 Note: Atalanta deducted six points at start of season for match-fixing

MADRID: Arouna Kone netted a brace as modest Levante consolidated their position among the top four in La Liga with a crushing 4-0 victory over Sporting Gijon yesterday.

The Valencia-based club are more accustomed to fighting relegation battles but a run of seven straight wins earlier in the season made them surprise league leaders.

The bubble appeared to have burst, though, and Levante came into this game on the back of three defeats on the trot.

However, they responded with a convincing performance against an improving Sporting side who had not lost in five games.

Levante began the match on the front foot but Andre Castro almost put the visitors ahead on 17 minutes when his overhead kick came back off the crossbar.

It was a warning for Levante, and minutes later they responded by taking the lead when Jose Barkero slotted into an open goal following good work from Kone.

Sporting had the opportunities to equalise before the break with David Barral clipping the crossbar and Miguel de las Cuevas heading straight at the keeper from close range, but in the second half Levante ran away with the match.

Valdo Lopes scored straight after the restart and then Kone hit a brace. His first goal came after he was put through from just inside the Sporting half after a defensive mistake and he kept his cool, finishing with aplomb.

The Ivorian then made it four just after the hour, converting after Asier Del Horno’s freekick had been touched onto the bar. Below Levante, Malaga play Villarreal on Monday and Sevilla are in action later away to Zaragoza.

Elsewhere, a stunning injury-time strike from the half-way line by Inigo Martinez gave Real Sociedad a much needed 3-2 win away to Betis.

The visitors, who were joint bottom of the table going into the match, went two goals clear through Imanol Aguirretxe and Carlos Vela at the start of the second half but substitute Jonathan Pereira appeared to have given Betis a point with two goals in the final ten minutes until Martinez’s wonder goal.

Martinez, 20, had also scored from halfway in the Basque derby defeat to Athletic Bilbao earlier this season. Barcelona crashed to a shock 1-0 defeat at Getafe on Saturday and now trail Real Madrid, who came from a goal down to beat nine-man derby rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1, by six points.

It was the first defeat of the season for the reigning Spanish and European champions as Getafe frustrated their illustrious visitors, grabbing the three points thanks to a second half header from Juan Valera.

Barcelona’s last defeat came on April 30 when they lost 2-1 at Real Sociedad while Saturday’s drama added an extra edge to the first Clasico of the league season, scheduled for December 10.

“It’s not a terrible defeat and there is a long way still to go in the season,” said Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.

“We need to recover from the effort which

SPAIN: Levante’s Ivorian forward Arouna Kone (center) vies for the ball with Sporting Gijon’s goalkeeper Juan Pablo (down) and Sporting Gijon’s midfielder Ivan Hernandez during the Spanish League football match. — AFP

Spanish League results/standings Levante 4 (Barkero 20, Valdo 46, Kone 52, 62) Sporting Gijon 0; Real Betis 2 (Pereira Rodriguez 81, 85) Real Sociedad 3 (Agirretxe 55, Vela 77, Martinez Berridi 90).

Playing later Espanyol v Osasuna, Real Mallorca v Racing Santander, Athletic Bilbao v Granada, Real Zaragoza v Sevilla

(Jonas 21, Tino 56); Real Madrid 4 (Cristiano Ronaldo 24-pen, 82-pen, Di Maria 49, Higuain 65) Atletico Madrid 1 (Adrian 15); Getafe 1 (Valera 67) Barcelona 0.

Played Saturday Rayo Vallecano 1 ( Tamudo 84) Valencia 2

Playing today Malaga v Villarreal

Spanish league table after yesterday’s early matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Real Madrid Barcelona Valencia Levante Malaga Sevilla Bilbao Espanyol Rayo Atletico

13 13 13 13 12 12 12 12 13 13

11 8 8 8 6 4 4 5 4 4

1 4 3 2 2 6 5 2 4 4

1 1 2 3 4 2 3 5 5 5

46 38 21 23 15 12 19 9 15 18

10 7 13 12 15 10 15 13 15 20

34 28 27 26 20 18 17 17 16 16

we put in which was very good. Next we play against Rayo on Tuesday, then Levante and then Real Madrid.

“We played a good game against a good side. They are a team which have strong players so it was always going to be a difficult game.”

Real beat a robust Atletico-who had taken an early lead through Adrian Lopez-with the game turning on the first half dismissal of keeper Thibaut Courtois and a penalty converted by

Osasuna Villarreal Getafe Real Betis Sociedad Sporting Mallorca Zaragoza Granada Racing

12 12 13 13 13 13 11 12 11 12

3 3 3 4 3 3 2 2 2 1

6 5 4 1 3 3 4 4 3 6

3 4 6 8 7 7 5 6 6 5

14 10 14 12 12 12 8 12 4 8

24 17 19 19 20 21 16 26 12 18

15 14 13 13 12 12 10 10 9 9

Cristiano Ronaldo.

After the break Ronaldo pulled the ball back for Angel Di Maria to put Real ahead and then substitute Gonzalo Higuain rounded the keeper after 64 minutes for the third.

Atletico were reduced to nine men when defender Diego Godin was dismissed for a foul on Higuain and Ronaldo got his second of the match from the resulting penalty with nine minutes left.— AFP German League

Bremen back in title race BERLIN: Werder Bremen put themselves back in the German league title race with a 2-0 win at home to VfB Stuttgart yesterday as just four points now separate the top five teams.

Bremen are fourth on 26 points, two behind third-placed Bayern Munich who can reclaim top place if they draw or beat Mainz late yesterday, with Borussia Moechengladbach second and defending champions Borussia Dortmund currently occupying pole position.

Bremen picked up the points after midfielder Aaron Hunt and Brazil defender Naldo both scored second-half goals to keep them in touch with the leaders after last weekend’s shock 5-0 hammering at ‘Gladbach. Dortmund claimed first place on Saturday with a 2-0 defeat of neighbors Schalke.

Having had their Champions League hopes all but ended with defeat at Arsenal in midweek, Dortmund claimed their seventh win in eight league games. Poland striker Robert Lewandowski and Brazilian defender Felipe Santana scored the goals in front of 80,720 spectators.

Lewandowski grabbed his ninth league goal when he headed home on 16 minutes and Dortmund made sure of their first home win over Schalke since 2007 when Santana fired home on 61 minutes in the 139th Ruhr Valley derby.

Dortmund had lost Germany midfielder Sven Bender with a broken jaw at Arsenal, and only having had teenage star Mario Goetze confirmed in the starting line-up on Friday night after a knee injury and he played 88 minutes.

There is no love lost between the rival fans and 35 arrests were made at Dortmund’s sold out Signal Iduna Park stadium as fights between supporters were broken up by police using batons and pepper spray. Having booked their place in the knock-out phase of the Champions League with a

late win at home to Chelsea on Wednesday, Leverkusen sealed a 3-3 draw at Hertha Berlin.

Swiss striker Eren Derdiyok, who scored the equaliser against Chelsea, hit a hat-trick, but having put his side in the lead in the 79th minute to make it 3-2, Berlin’s teenage striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga levelled eight minutes from time.

The draw leaves Leverkusen sixth in the table while Berlin are 10th. Hamburg’s new coach Thorsten Fink has now gone five games unbeaten

after his side drew 1-1 at Hanover to leave his side 14th, while Hanover are now eighth.

Bottom side Augsburg picked up only their second victory of the season, and their first home win, when they inflicted a 2-0 defeat on 2009 champions Wolfsburg. Midfielder Daniel Brinkmann scored his first goal of the season when he fired home on 65 minutes from a tight angle before Albania striker Edmond Kapllani scored their second in the fourth minute of injury time. —AFP

GERMANY: Stuttgart’s Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak (left) and Werder Bremen’s midfielder Philipp Bargfrede vie for the ball during the German First Division Bundesliga football match. —AFP

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

S P ORT S

World champion Matthew quits with injury KUWAIT CITY: World champion Nick Matthew’s season may be over after he pulled out of the quarter-finals of the $165,000 Kuwait PSA Cup with an adductor muscle injury yesterday.

The 31-year-old Englishman hopes he will recover before the last World Series tournament of 2011, the Punj Lloyd PSA Masters in Delhi in a fortnight’s time, but admitted he might not make it.

“It is possible the season is over for me.

But I have a fantastic team and I hope that with the right assessment and treatment it may heal,” said Matthew, who has been troubled by the problem since before retaining the World Open title in Rotterdam three weeks ago.

His decision to allow his opponent,

Karim Darwish, the former world number one from Egypt, go through to the semifinals was taken only 10 minutes before they were due on court.

“When you have an injury you get used to emptying your mind before a match and doing your preparation exactly as usual, and so I did,” Matthew explained.

“But the muscle felt like it might snap when I lunged, and if that happened, I could be out for a long time. “I’m very disappointed, but if I risked playing I could be kissing goodbye to a great deal more.”

Earlier, Greg Gaultier, the former world number one from France, became the first player into the semi-finals and then spoke out against the tournament’s new draw system.

In beating Stewart Boswell 8-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-5, he also brought an end to the Australian’s career, before offering opinions in characteristically forthright fashion.

“I don’t think it’s a good thing,” Gaultier said of the experimental quarter-final, redraw which had pitched top seed Matthew and the second-seeded Karim Darwish against each other at this early stage.

The aim of the experiment has been to generate media interest by creating more unpredictable outcomes, but Gaultier reckons the cost outweighs the benefit.

“Top players have to work hard all year to get where they are, so if they have to play each other in the quarter-finals, they don’t get the reward for what they have

done,” he said.

It was a low-key end to the career of Boswell, who reached a career high of world number four, captured the world doubles title with Anthony Ricketts and won the Australian Open three times.

The 33-year-old from Canberra might well have achieved more with his disciplined and well-drilled game but for a back problem that kept him away from the tour for two years.

Boswell departed too emotional to talk, but left a written message thanking his coaches, family and wife, Vicki Botwright, the former World Open finalist from England, with whom he has a son.

Gaultier now has a semi-final with James Willstrop, the winner of the World

Series in Hong Kong last week, while Darwish faces his compatriot Mohammed El Shorbagy, the former world junior champion.

Kuwait Cup results Collated results yesterday in the Kuwait PSA Cup (x denotes seeding): Quarter-finals Gregory Gaultier (FRA x5) bt Stewart Boswell (AUS) 8-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-5 James Willstrop (ENG x3) bt Peter Barker (ENG x6)) 11-9, 11-7, 11-7 Karim Darwish (EGY x2) bt Nick Matthew (ENG x1) walkover Mohamed El Shorbagy (EGY x7) bt Laurens Jan Anjema (NED x10) 11-8 11-5, 7-11, 11-7. —AFP

Webber wins Brazilian GP

LONDON: Roger Federer of Switzerland poses with the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament singles trophy after beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in the final on day eight of the competition. —AFP

Federer wins record sixth Tour Finals title LONDON: Roger Federer won a record sixth ATP World Tour Finals title with a 63, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3 victory over France’s JoWilfried Tsonga yesterday.

Federer came to London’s O2 Arena determined to end a frustrating year on a high and he fulfilled that ambition by moving ahead of Pete Sampras and Ivan Lendl on the list of Tour Finals champions in the 100th final of his majestic career.

The 30-year-old, who retains the title he won 12 months ago, has now won 70 trophies in his career and has also equalled Lendl’s record of 39 match wins in the end-of-season event.

While rivals Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have all faded in the final weeks of a gruelling season, Federer is still going strong and this triumph-which followed back to back titles in Basel and Paris-will be a major boost to his confidence heading into 2012.

Although Federer, who takes home the winners’ cheque worth $770,000, ends the season without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2002, talk of his demise seems greatly exaggerated.

The 16-time Grand Slam winner has reeled off a 17-match winning streak since the US Open and he will rise back above Murray to third in the world rankings as a result. Tsonga had hoped to become the first Frenchman to win this event in its 41-year history.

But the 26-year-old was unable to emulate his famous Wimbledon quarterfinal win in June when he became the first player to beat the Swiss star from two sets down in a Grand Slam.

Tsonga has served more aces than anyone on the ATP Tour this season and bashed down his 815th of the year to open his first service game in front an 18,000 crowd including the Duchess of Cambridge and Cristiano Ronaldo.

It was an emphatic statement of intent and Tsonga-who lost just one

point in his first three service games-was able to keep Federer at bay in the early stages of a thrilling encounter.

Federer so often produces a piece of inspiration that turns the course of a tight match and that was the case again at 0-30 on Tsonga’s serve in the seventh game.

When Tsonga forced Federer into a lunging return that took his opponent wide of the tramlines it seemed the point was over, but the Swiss star somehow recovered his balance and swept back across court in time to flick a forehand winner down the line.

As Tsonga shook his head in disbelief, Federer pressed home his advantage, converting his first break point and then taking the set on his third set point.

Federer kept up the pressure at the start of the second set and broke with the score tied at 2-2, deftly guiding a forehand winner on the Frenchman’s second serve.

However, to his credit Tsonga didn’t throw in the towel and, out of nowhere, he found a way back into the match when Federer lost his cool as he served for the title.

Tsonga earned three break points and although Federer saved two of them, the Frenchman nailed a volley on the third.

Suddenly Tsonga was inspired. Even when he trailed 5-2 in the tie-break, he was swinging with such freedom and power that a nervous looking Federer couldn’t contain him.

Tsonga saved a match point with a blistering forehand and then took the set with another superb return of a weak Federer second serve.

If Federer was haunted by the ghosts of his Wimbledon meltdown he didn’t let it show in the final set.

He had three break points at 3-4 and converted on the third when Tsonga hooked a forehand wide before finally serving out a dramatic victory. —AFP

Force India celebrate breakthrough year SAO PAULO: Force India were celebrating yesterday after they completed their strongest season to date by taking sixth place in the Formula One constructors standings.

Their impressive performance was confirmed when drivers Adrian Sutil and Paul Di Resta finished sixth and eighth in the Brazilian Grand Prix, the final race of the 2011 series.

Deputy team chief Robert Fernley said: “Adrian and Paul drove brilliant races to add 12 more points to our tally-and confirm our sixth place in the championship, our highest finish to date.

“I’m also very pleased that we could move Adrian up to ninth in the drivers’ standings. As a team, we have taken great strides forward this season and now is the time to congratulate everyone who has contributed to that.

“We head into the winter in good spirits and determined to come back even

stronger next year to pick up where we left off.”

Sutil, who has been linked with a possible move to Williams as a replacement for Rubens Barrichello, said: “It completes a great weekend where everything went to plan.

“I had a good feeling in all the sessions and the team did a brilliant job to give me such a good car. We also made the right calls with the strategy because we knew there was a chance to beat Mercedes-and that’s exactly what we did.”

Di Resta said: “My eighth place is a great result after quite a tough race for me. There was a concern with the gearbox around half way through the race so the team told me to just try and bring the car home.

“So that’s the end of my first season of Formula One-and it’s been a great year, especially now we have finished sixth in the championship.” —AFP

SAO PAULO: Mark Webber won his first race of the year yesterday when he took advantage of Red Bull team-mate and double world champion Sebastian Vettel’s gearbox problems to win the seasonending Brazilian Grand Prix.

Driving with great speed, precision and a near-flawless sense of judgement, the 35-year-old Australian came home 16.9 seconds ahead of his team-mate Vettel to give Red Bull a third onetwo of the 2011 season.

It was an excellent drive by Webber who delivered his seventh career win to make sure he finished third in the championship behind Vettel and Jenson Button, who came home third for McLaren.

Vettel, who had already wrapped up his second title, finished with a final total of 392 points ahead of Button on 270 and Webber on 258. Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso was fourth on 257.

Alonso finished fourth in the race just ahead of team-mate Felipe Massa, with Adrian Sutil of Force India and Nico Rosberg of Mercedes sixth and seventh respectively.

Rookie Paul Di Resta came home eighth for Force India, capping an impressive first season with another good result, ahead of Kamui Kobayashi of Sauber and Vitaly Petrov of Renault.

Webber took the lead after 30 laps of the 71-lap contest when Vettel, struggling with gearbox problems from lap five onwards, accepted the team’s advice to ease off and nurse his car home to second.

“I felt good all weekend. Seb did a great lap for pole. Today I had the rub of the green. It would have been nice to have a race with Seb all the way through but he had a problem,” said Webber.

“It’s a win you’ll take for sure

because I’ve had bad luck or whatever you want to call it. It’s an important win for me and the team to finish on a high.”

The race started in hot condi-

lished a lead of more than a second on the opening lap ahead of Webber and Button.

Behind that trio, Lewis Hamilton was unable to resist the surge from

SAO PAULO: Red Bull driver Mark Webber of Australia holds up the trophy after winning the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos racetrack. —AP tions with an air temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and a track temperature of 44 degrees.

Vettel, from his record 15th pole of the year, made a now-customary smooth departure and estab-

Alonso’s Ferrari as he fought past him to take fourth. Massa also progressed a place to sixth.

By lap three, Vettel was 2.2 seconds clear but Rubens Barrichello, dreaming of a glorious race in

what may have been his final Grand Prix, fell from 12th to 19th off the grid.

The order remained unchanged through the opening 10 laps when Michael Schumacher and Bruno Senna clashed and the German suffered a puncture to his Mercedes.

The stewards decided the Brazilian deserved a drive-through penalty which effectively wrecked his hopes of shining in his home city race. Schumacher pitted, but his hopes of points were over.

One lap later, Alonso produced a stunning passing move when he flew round the outside of Button to take third place on the outside of turn six.

As the Spaniard made his dramatic progress, Vettel was confirming the news that he had a serious gearbox problem, a difficulty that persuaded him to accept that Webber should lead the race.

After some discussions, he gave up the number one spot to Webber on lap 30, giving him sight of his first win of the season.

As they approached the halfway stage of the 71-lap contest, Webber was out in front ahead of Vettel, Alonso and Button with Hamilton fifth and Massa sixth.

Hamilton retired on the 47th lap with a gearbox failure, parking his car out on the circuit.

“I enjoyed my race and it is unfortunate for the team that I can’t bring in the extra points. I was challenging, but the gearbox problems did it for me. I gave it all I could,” said Hamilton.

Button turned up the heat on Alonso as he pursued a podium finish and he passed him with a well-judged move on lap 61, the last major positional change on a day when Red Bull again demonstrated their overall superiority. —AFP

Leaders’ curse hits favorites

FRANCE: Lyon’s Brazilian midfielder Michel Bastos (left) vies with Auxerre’s French midfielder Willy Boly (right) during the French League football match. —AFP

Lyon stop the rot at Auxerre PARIS: Lisandro Lopez scored his first goals since August as Lyon salved their Champions League heartache with a 30 win at Auxerre that saw them reclaim fifth place in Ligue 1.

Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Ajax practically extinguished OL’s Champions League hopes, but they went ahead in the 20th minute at Stade l ’Abbe Deschamps when Lisandro dived to head in Michel Bastos’ cross.

Having been out for almost three months with an ank le injur y, the Argentine claimed his second goal in the 69th minute, clipping the ball home af ter a cunning feint had brought Auxerre goalkeeper Olivier Sorin to the ground.

Dennis Oliech struck the Lyon crossbar with 17 minutes left before Bastos made the game safe in the dying stages, as Lyon recorded a first victory

since the end of October after consecutive league defeats by Sochaux and Rennes.

In the day’s other afternoon kick-off, Lorient climbed above Saint-Etienne into seventh place by beating secondbottom N ice 1-0 thanks to a 63rdminute penalty by Arnold Mvuemba.

Paris Saint-Germain visit Marseille in the first French ‘clasico’ of the season on Sunday night, when Antoine Kombouare’s visitors will be bidding to reclaim top spot from Montpellier.

Montpellier moved three points clear of PSG at the summit on Saturday as newly capped France striker Olivier Giroud claimed a hat-trick in a 3-1 win at Sochaux.

Reigning champions Lille held on to third place by beating Brest 2-0 through goals in either half from Dimitri Payet and Moussa Sow. —AFP

MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s “curse of the superleader” hit favorites Guadalajara in the first knockout round of the Apertura championship when they were upset 2-1 on aggregate by Queretaro on Saturday.

Cruz Azul were also favoured to beat Morelia but lost 2-1 at home and 4-2 on aggregate, failing to exact revenge after the same rivals eliminated them in the semi-finals of the Clausura championship at the end of last season.

Guadalajara, who finished top of the standings in the round-robin phase of the championship, were held 0-0 at their Omnilife home and went out 2-1 on aggregate in Queretaro’s first appearance in the quarter-finals.

The team finishing top of the league table, supposedly an advantage since their quarter-final opponents are the eighth-placed side, has never managed to win the Apertura title since the two-championship format was first played in the 1996/97 season.

Cruz Azul’s coach Enrique Meza, whose side were Apertura runners-up in 2009 in his first season in charge, said he had no intention of quitting despite their wait for a title now standing at 14 years.

“I’m not leaving, even though many (people) want me to go I won’t do it. I still have the dream of doing big things (here),” Meza told reporters.

Morelia scored twice in five minutes early in the first half to give Cruz Azul a mountain to climb. Mexico striker Miguel Sabah put Morelia ahead in the 15th minute after a one-two with midfielder Gerardo Lugo, who added the second five minutes later with a shot from outside the box that beat diving goalkeeper Jesus Corona.

The “Blue Machine” hit the bar in the 32nd minute and pulled a goal back in the 35th when Alejandro Vela netted from Javier Aquino’s right cross but they had to play the last 20 minutes without captain Gerardo Torrado. The Mexico midfielder was sent off for a second booking when he fouled Luis Sandoval.

The match in Guadalajara city was dominated by the Chivas but the closest they came to scoring was a header

by Mario de Luna that hit the ground and rose to come back off the bar on the stroke of halftime.

Goalkeeper Liborio Sanchez was the key player for Queretaro, coached by former Paraguay striker Jose Saturnino Cardozo, making a string of fine and often spectacular saves.

Morelia and Queretaro will be joined in the semi-finals by the winners of Sunday’s quarter-finals. Chiapas visit Santos Laguna with their tie poised at 2-2 while Tigres UANL, now the favorites, defend a 1-0 lead at home to Pachuca. —Reuters

Levante hit four past Sporting

Webber wins Brazilian GP

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

Matthew quits with injury in Kuwait cup

Page 19

LONDON: Manchester City’s David Silva (right) attempts to take the ball around Liverpool’s Pepe Reina (left) and Daniel Agger during their English Premier League soccer match. —AP

Balotelli sees red in Liverpool draw Liverpool 1

Man City 1

LIVERPOOL: Mario Balotelli was sent off as Manchester City’s hopes of opening a sevenpoint lead at the top of the Premier League were dashed following a 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield yesterday.

A rare goal by Vincent Kompany looked to have put the leaders on course for an eighth straight league win. But City manager Roberto Mancini was denied three points on his 47th birthday when Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam let fly from 30-yards, his shot taking a heavy deflection off Joleon Lescott before find-

ing the net. Substitute Balotelli had been on the pitch for fewer than 20 minutes when he was ordered off by referee Martin Atkinson in the 83rd minute after a second yellow card.

The result ended City’s seven-match winning sequence in the league but the point still stretched their lead at the top of the table over nearest rivals Manchester United to five points.

Liverpool, who were without Wales striker Craig Bellamy following the death of his international manager Gary Speed, are now without a win in their last four home games. But Kenny Dalglish’s side moved up to sixth in the table after their eighth unbeaten league game.

It was one of City’s pre-season recruits, Sergio Aguero, who went close to breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute following an uncharacteristic error by Jose Enrique.

Liverpool’s Spanish full-back, who has been exceptional since joining from Newcastle in August, put Jose Reina under pressure with a poor back-pass which was seized upon by

Aguero.

But Reina was alert to the danger and rushed out of his area to deny Aguero with his chest as the Argentine striker threatened to score.

Instead it was City captain Kompany who made the breakthrough. Dirk Kuyt was left chasing shadows as Kompany shrugged off his marker to glance David Silva’s header beyond Reina - the 19th successive top-flight game City have found the opposition net. Yet their lead lasted all but two minutes as Liverpool levelled through Lescott’s own-goal.

The former Everton defender could only look on in horror as Adam’s 30-yard attempt deflected off his body to wrong-foot England goalkeeper Joe Hart.

It was a slice of good fortune for the hosts, who had started slowly but finished the half unfortunate not to be leading.

Within the space of a minute, Hart denied Adam from making it 2-1 with an outstretched

Goal-shy Aussies held by Uzbekistan SINGAPORE: Goal-shy Australia’s Olympic qualifying hopes were dealt a blow by their third successive 0-0 draw yesterday as Japan and South Korea both stayed on course with narrow wins.

Olyroos coach Aurelio Vidmar said he was considering ordering extra shooting practice after the Aussies were held at home by Uzbekistan, after similar bore draws against UAE and Iraq. The complete absence of goals has put Australia under severe pressure at the halfway stage and it got worse for them later yesterday as Iraq leap-frogged them into second after they claimed their first win of the campaign a 2-0 away victory over winless UAE. The top teams from three groups gain an automatic ticket to London 2012, while the second-placed sides enter a roundrobin with the prize of a play-off against an African nation. “Maybe it’s time we

stopped doing tactical work at training and concentrated a bit more on shooting,” Vidmar said. “We seem to be lacking that little bit of extra finesse (in attack).

“We get in front of the penalty box time and time again, but the wall pass goes too long or the through ball hits the striker on the back of the neck instead of going in front of him. “It’s the small detail that’s letting us down.”

At Sydney’s Parramatta Stadium, the Australians’ lack of cutting edge in front of goal again proved their undoing against the resilient and hard-nosed Uzbeks, who earned the home team’s ire with their time-wasting tactics. While Uzbekistan retained the group lead, the Olyroos have now played four-and-a-half hours of football without finding the net, which has left them struggling to keep pace halfway through qualifying. In Tokyo, Borussia

KUALA LUMPUR: Bahrain’s Abdullah Khalid Hazza (17) is challenged by Malaysia’s Mahalli Jasuli (5) during their qualifying match for 2012 London Olympics Preliminary Round Three. —AP

Monchengladbach summer signing Yuki Otsu’s 86th-minute winner gave Japan a 2-1 win over Syria and the outright lead in Group C with a maximum nine points.

Striker Otsu got on the end of a Yusuke Higa cross to settle it for the Japanese after Omar Al Suma’s solo effort had cancelled out defender Mizuki Hamada’s firsthalf opener. “I felt Higa would send a nice cross to me. Since I went to Germany, I learned that I must be always ready for a cross. We needed a goal as soon as possible, so I was ready for it,” said Otsu, 21.

Meanwhile South Korea needed a firsthalf penalty as they edged Saudi Arabia 10 to stay top of Group A. Cho Young-Cheol put his 33rd-minute spot-kick past Saudi ‘keeper Hussein Shaian after defender Ahmed Walibi’s foul, stretching South Korea’s group lead to four points ahead of second-placed Oman’s game with Qatar.

South Korea are three points clear of Oman who could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to Qatar. The Qataris are a point further back after drawing all three of their matches thusfar. In Kuala Lumpur, Bahrain stunned Malaysia with three goals in the last 10 minutes as they stormed back to win a remarkable match 3-2.

The visitors had gone behind to a long-distance scorcher from Malaysian livewire Muhammad Nazmi and they looked dead-and-buried when Mohamed Al Hayam put the ball in his own net midway through the second half.

But a moment of magic from Saad Al Amer reduced the deficit on 80 minutes when his sublime bicycle-kick dropped over goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi and into the Malaysian net. Four minutes later Bahrain were back on terms courtesy of a superb free-kick from Isa Al Ahmed, who was then on hand to fire the winner on 86 minutes. The dramatic turn-around earned Bahrain their first points of qualifying but it put a big dent in the hopes of Malaysia, who have now lost twice since lifting the Southeast Asian Games trophy last week.—AFP

leg while Glen Johnson, who scored Liverpool’s winner in the previous game at Chelsea, went close with a dipping effort.

With the game intriguingly poised, Aguero got behind the home defence before forcing a smart save from Reina. Liverpool continued to press after the break.

Kuyt headed horribly wide from a good position in the 53rd after Stewart Downing’s cross had been deflected into his path by Kompany. Balotelli was introduced in the 65th minute with the instructions to fire his side to victory.

But the Italian only left his side to play out the last seven minutes with 10 men after elbowing Martin Skrtel. Liverpool piled forward in the closing stages in search of a winner.

But they found Hart in exceptional form, the City keeper denying Suarez and the substitute Andy Carroll while, in a dramatic finale, Silva had an effort cleared off the line by Skrtel at the other end.—AFP

EPL results/standings Liverpool 1 (Lescott 33-og) Manchester City 1 (Kompany 31); Swansea 0, Aston Villa 0.

English Premier League table after yesterday’s matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Man City Man Utd Tottenham Newcastle Chelsea Liverpool Arsenal Aston Villa Everton Norwich QPR Stoke Swansea West Brom Fulham Sunderland Wolverhampton Bolton Wigan Blackburn

13 13 12 13 13 13 13 13 12 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

11 9 9 7 8 6 7 3 5 4 4 4 3 4 2 2 3 3 2 1

2 3 1 5 1 5 2 7 1 4 3 3 5 2 6 5 2 0 3 4

0 1 2 1 4 2 4 3 6 5 6 6 5 7 5 6 8 10 8 8

43 30 26 19 28 17 26 16 15 19 14 13 12 12 15 15 13 19 12 17

12 13 16 12 17 12 23 17 16 21 24 23 16 20 16 15 23 31 24 30

35 30 28 26 25 23 23 16 16 16 15 15 14 14 12 11 11 9 9 7

Swansea and Villa in goalless stalemate SWANSEA: Swansea and Aston Villa played out a Swansea 0 0-0 draw in the Premier League at the Liberty Stadium here yesterday in a match overshadAston Villa 0 owed by the death of Wales manager Gar y Speed.

News of Speed’s death was confirmed just over an hour before kickoff and as both teams observed a minute’s silence before the match got underway, fans broke into chants of “there’s only one Gary Speed” and rounds of applause.

Villa goalkeeper Shay Given, who had played with Speed at Newcastle, was in tears prior to kick-off. Given the prevailing mood, it was perhaps only to be expected the match was a largely uninspired clash.

Swansea substitute Leroy Lita had the newly promoted hosts’ best chance, firing narrowly wide, while Villa’s Gabriel Agbonlahor was twice denied by Michel Vorm.—AFP

Wales manager Speed found dead LONDON: British football was in shock yesterday after Wales manager Gary Speed was found hanged at his home at the age of 42. A statement issued by Cheshire Police said there were “no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death,” indicating Speed had taken his own life.

Sources close to the investigation told the Press Association and the BBC that Speed had hanged himself. “At 7.08am (7.08GMT) today, Cheshire Police was informed of a sudden death at an address in Huntington, Chester,” the police statement said.

“Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead. The Gary Speed next of kin have been informed and have confirmed the identity of the man as Gary Speed.

“There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.” Speed-capped 85 times by Wales and a winner of the English league title with Leeds United-took over coaching the national side last year and was credited with reviving their fortunes, recently leading them to three successive wins for the first time since 2008. He was also awarded the Member of the British Empire medal by Queen Elizabeth II last year in recognition of a 22-year-long playing career that started when he was a trainee at Leeds United and also encompassed spells with Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United.

A tribute issued by the Football Association of Wales (FAW), said: “That this tragedy should have overtaken someone so young and talented is a huge loss not only for his family and friends but a nation as a whole.” Speed-capped 85 times by Wales and a winner of the English league title with Leeds United-took over coaching the national side last year and was credited with reviving their fortunes recently leading them to three successive wins for the first time since 2008. Howard Wilkinson, Speed’s manager at Leeds when they won the English title in 1992, told the BBC: “The players I worked with represented all colours of the rainbow in terms of character, but in Gary’s case he was a star in the true sense. “I’ve known Gary since 1988 when I joined Leeds and I’ve rarely come across a better balanced, lovely, genuine person. “He was a terrific player - not as gifted as some but he made the most of everything he had.” Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs, who for 13 years played alongside Speed with Wales, said: “I am totally devastated. Gary Speed was one of the nicest men in football and someone I am honoured to call a team-mate and friend. “Words cannot begin to describe how sad I feel at hearing this awful news.” Away from football, a Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister (David Cameron) was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Gary Speed, who was greatly respected by football fans across the country both as a player and manager.” A minute’s silence was observed in Speed’s memory at several grounds on Sunday, including the Liberty Stadium where Welsh club Swansea were hosting Aston Villa in a Premier League match and at Anfield.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given, a friend of Speed’s when they both played for Newcastle, made a sign of the cross and was in tears before the kick-off. Elswhere Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish took it upon himself to rest Wales striker Craig Bellamy, also a close friend of Speed, from the match against Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

“I felt that Bellas-who was really close to Gary-would not be in the frame of mind to play,” said Dalglish, who signed Speed when he was the manager of Newcastle. —AFP

UAE bourses remain under selling pressure Page 23

77% of ME employees feel engaged at work Page 24 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

Record US retail sales on Black Friday

NBK enjoys highest credit ratings in ME Page 22

Page 26

ESSEN: A Brabus Mercedes SLS car shown on a stand during the “Motorshow” fair in the western German city of Essen yesterday. The Motorshow takes place in Essen from November 26 until December 4, 2011 with Dragster, Tuningcars and -parts, Hot Rods Oldtimer and Youngtimer on display. — AFP

Oula sees profitable options in local market Innovation drives growth of hydrocarbon retail sector

By Velina Nacheva KUWAIT: In a market where fuel stations offer the same fuel quality and kind at a state-governed price, competition in the hydrocarbon retail sector demands a business strategy that is largely based on innovation and a customer-oriented vision for growth.

For example, customer service is what Oula Fuel Marketing Company, a Kuwait-based shareholding company engaged in the fuel marketing sector, tries to differentiate itself with.

Innovation has been the kernel of Oula’s strategy. Having introduced the concept of a service station rather than a fuel station, Oula’s managing director argues that offering a suite of services rather than serving just as a gas station, the introduction of newest technologies and customerservice orientation make Oula standout in Kuwait’s market. For example, Oula’s novelty to fuel the car’s gas tank from two-ends, and the company’s call centre has given Oula an edge over its rivals.

You can go to the station to buy groceries, re-fuel, do a car wash and grab fast food, says Hamzah Abdullah Bakhash, Managing Director Oula Fuel

Marketing Co. He elaborates that “unfortunately, this experimental exercise” has not been successful so far due to many regulatory requirements. “ We are working with the authorities to bring this to a good conclusion,” he explained, adding that “this concept will be, inshallah, introduced to all Oula stations.”

Extending the hose to fuel the gas tanks from both ends is a profitable proposition for Oula. “The customers feel more comfortable because they don’t have to wait in a queue to fuel their car,” Bakhash says, attributing this innovation to the safety benefit too. “You don’t have a big crowd at the station.” Oula, which currently operates 41 gas stations with another two scheduled to open soon, has deployed a strategy for growth that focuses on expansion reliant on new technologies. “We try to expand within the existing stations by adding more pumps and more islands. We think that by introducing more technologies to accommodate more cars at a time is a more effective way of expansion,” says Bakhash.

Diversification and growth New technologies lie in Oula’s con-

tribution to the country’s attempts for diversification from hydrocarbon reliance. A new project which Oula has not started yet, but is in the pipeline, involves saving the fuel in

Hamzah Abdullah Bakhash, Managing Director, Oula Fuel Marketing Co the company’s own fuel stations. “In some of our own stations, we are planning to start saving the fuel by minimizing the reliance on the power from the grid by trying to go to solar

energy,” says Bakhash, explaining these to be related to lightening and few of the pumps. “It is not going to save a lot of energy, but if I do my part and this company does its part,” the efforts will add up. “This is something we are trying to do,” he said.

Oula’s main strategy and plans for growth revolve around expanding the number of stations in Kuwait.

“We have a huge shortage of gas stations in Kuwait,” says Bakhash. “The Kuwaiti market has a lot of potential that we haven’t really tapped into.

The stability in the market and the margin secured by the state are all elements that make you think 10 times before you consider leaving and taking your investment elsewhere. We have a big room to improve, provided somebody can help us to eliminate the red tape or minimize it,” he said. “We have a lot of room to grow in Kuwait before thinking of going outside.”

Bakhash, a former KNPC official, is an advocate for greater participation of the private sector in the country’s development. Dwelling on the challenges and advantages in both the private and the government sector, he points out that the private sector

is more efficient and offers more internal support for the achievement of goals. He further outlined some factors saying, decision-making is very fast in the private sector, which according to him, is result-oriented and boasts a more efficient workforce. “You have to deliver. People are not going to keep you if you keep coming with excuses. At the end of the day they need a result,” he highlighted.

Project Kuwait Project Kuwait, Bakhash says, “is a sad story.” Calling it a vital project for the country, he stressed the need for somebody to revive it again. “We passed the era of easy oil. If you are going to recover oil efficiently, you need the exper tise which is not available in the country. You need to rely on those who invested in development of technology,” he said.

In a similar view, according to Bakhash the clean fuel project which is intended to convert the refineries to a higher quality fuel producing refineries is “a matter of life and death to Kuwait and the local community.” He opines that the hold-up of the project is tied to the political

China hit by labor unrest as global slowdown bites BEIJING: China’s manufacturing heartland has been hit by large-scale strikes in recent weeks, as an increasingly demanding workforce faces off with employers struggling with high costs and falling exports.

Thousands of workers in factories in the southern province of Guangdong have gone on strike in recent days, protesting over low salaries, wage cuts or tough conditions, and triggering a strong police response and some clashes. The unrest comes as China’s exports and manufacturing activity weakens, hit by falling demand due to economic woes in Europe and the United States-both crucial markets for the export-driven economy.

“When orders and profits decline and costs of business increase for manufacturers... their first instinct is to pass those costs on to the workers,” said Geoffrey Crothall, editor of the China Labor Bulletin. He said many factories in Guangdong were cutting back on lucrative overtime, bonuses and benefits for their workers, even as living costs remain high.

“That’s why we are seeing workers much more willing to go out on strike and protest,” he told AFP, adding that the recent bout of unrest was the most intense since a

series of strikes in the summer of 2010. Earlier this month, more than 7,000 workers went on strike at a factory in Guangdong making New Balance, Adidas and Nike shoes, clashing with police in a protest over layoffs and wage cuts. In Shenzhen, the manufacturing metropolis that borders Hong Kong, more than 400 female workers at a bra factory downed tools to demand higher wages. Alistair Thornton, China analyst at IHS Global Insight, said Guangdong’s huge army of factory staff-many of them migrant workerswould go on feeling the effects of the global slowdown.

“There’s a lot more upward pressure from the labor force as it demands higher wages, but at the same time, it increasingly looks like there’s less room in the global economy for the Chinese exporter. There’s a conflict there,” he said.

Ji Shao, a Beijing-based labor expert at Capital University of Economics and Business, said she had just come back from Shenzhen, and painted a pessimistic picture.

She added that a huge number of small enterprises could be forced to shut their doors, pressured by high costs, difficulty accessing loans and the global downturn.

and legal framework. “It is being linked with the new (fourth) refinery and is being delayed. These two projects need to be decoupled from each other,” he said adding that Kuwait needs it in order to be able to sell its products overseas.

“We need it to have a better quality fuel in Kuwait. We need it to have better quality fuel for the gas stations and better fuel quality for the ships that come to the country. It has an immense impact on Kuwaiti economy for the future. We are already late in building this project. If you start now, you need at least four to five years in the fast-track basis. We are a bit late on that project. We are not even close to any environmentfriendly fuel in the world. We are far off. With the clean fuel project hopefully these can be met.”

Bakhash’s sentiment about the future remains upbeat. “I am very optimistic. Given all the negative elements and circumstances, I think we have all the success fac tors in Kuwait. We have the capital and knowledge. Even the knowledge we don’t have is accessible. The outlook of this country is good if you restore and maintain the political harmony.”

Britain has a Plan B if euro-zone breaks up

SHENZHEN: Some 400 female workers at a factory gather as they downed tools to demand higher wages in Shenzhen, southern China’s Guangdong province. China’s manufacturing heartland has been hit by large-scale strikes in recent weeks, as an increasingly demanding workforce faces off with employers struggling with high costs and falling exports. — AFP

Vice Premier Wang Qishan, China’s top finance official, warned just over a week ago that the global recession was here to stay and would affect the world’s second largest economy.

Other countries in Asia are also bracing for a rough ride. Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa said Thursday that Tokyo should prepare for potential major shocks from Europe.

Manufacturing is a key driver of growth and employment in China. A fall in month-on-month exports in

October-triggered in part by the deepening euro-zone debt crisisfuelled fears for the sector.

Mark Williams, China economist at Capital Economics, said the level of exports in the country had remained essentially flat from one month to the next since the first quarter of the year.

“The outlook is not at all positive, so a lot of employers will be extremely concerned about the position they will be in three to six months,” he added. — AFP

LONDON: Britain is stepping up its contingency plans in case the euro -zone breaks up, even though analysts believe that only Greece is currently at risk of departing the 17-nation bloc over the debt crisis.

A senior official at Britain’s financial watchdog, the Financial Services Authority, said Thursday that Britain’s banks were drawing up plans for the possible dismantling of the euro-zone, but did not elaborate.

Andrew Bailey, deputy head of the FSA’s prudential business unit and an executive director of the Bank of England, said banks such as HSBC and Barclays could not afford to ignore the possibility of a breakup. “ We are talk ing to them about it and they are doing (something about) it,” Bailey told reporters following a speech in London. “ We have talked to them already and will be talk ing to them again.” Bailey had earlier told a retail banking conference: “Good risk management means planning for unlikely but severe scenarios, and this means that we must not ignore the prospect of the disorderly departure of some countries from the euro-zone.

“I offer no view on whether it

will happen, but it must be within the realm of contingency planning,” he added. Questioned on Friday about the matter, the British Bankers’ Association released a statement to AFP. “UK banks remain well capitalized and are required by the FSA to undertake rigorous ‘what -if’ stress-testing to ensure they hold sufficient financial and liquid resources against severe scenarios of a varying nature,” it said.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said earlier this month that his government was preparing for every scenario, as contagion from the debt crisis reached Italy. “Here in Britain, outside the euro, we must prepare for every eventuality and that is exactly what we will do,” Cameron told a London conference. Also speaking earlier in November, finance minister George Osborne said “Britain and the British government prepares for all contingencies.”

Britain is one of the 10 European Union countries that does not have the euro currency but it fears turbulence in the euro-zone will heavily affect the kingdom. A total 40 percent of British trade is with euro-zone countries. — AFP

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Movenpick Hotels & Resorts opens family resort on Arabian coast DUBAI: The stunning five-star Movenpick Beach Resort Al Khobar has officially opened, setting a new standard for family holidays on the Arabian coast.

The resort is the ninth hotel to be opened by Movenpick Hotels & Resorts in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and offers 36 three-bedroom duplex villas - including two Royal Villas each with a spacious majlis - two restaurants, a spa and fitness centre, free-form swimming pool, a fun kids club, lush landscaping and spectacular private beach.

“This resort is truly unique and perfect for families that enjoy holidays in an exclusive, relaxed environment,” said Markus Marti, general manager of the new property. “There is nothing like this resort in the entire Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Everything has been designed to the highest possible standards offering a seaside experience that is exceptional and comforting.”

The design of the villas illustrates this philosophy perfectly. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a state-ofthe-art kitchen, service quarters as well as spacious dining and living areas, each duplex is the epitome of contemporary comfort with a relaxed Mediterranean feel.

Movenpick Beach Resort Al Khobar is just 45 minutes from Dammam International Airport and only 25 minutes away from the five-star shopping outlets and entertainment options of Al Khobar and the King Fahad Causeway to Bahrain. Guests will find it difficult to leave the family-focused attractions of the resort.

The Azure restaurant offers contemporary gourmet seafood in a Mediterranean-style lounge atmosphere with magnificent views of the

resort’s private marina. The Clubhouse, meanwhile, offers all-day dining and ‡ la carte where guests can take time with family to enjoy a snack or relaxing meal.

Within The Clubhouse is the Retreat Wellness Center & Spa featuring separate rooms for men and women as well as European beauty treatments, private massage, sauna, steam rooms, a fitness area with modern gym equipment and serene spaces where guests can relax.

For families who enjoy the splash happy fun of water, an artfully designed swimming pool and a separate private pool area for children are available. There is a Kids Club with fully trained attendants offering a wide range of games and activities as well as a children’s dining menu.

Parents can enjoy a variety of water sports and activities or stroll by the waterfront pathways of immaculately manicured grounds or along the world-class marina.

Complimentary Wi-Fi coverage is available throughout the resort and there are also dedicated conference and banquet facilities.

The Movenpick Beach Resort Al Khobar builds on the strong profile of the upscale international hotel company in the Kingdom.

“Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has quickly established a very positive reputation in Saudi Arabia,” said Turki AlMohaisen, representative of property owner Eastern Rehab Company for Tourism Investment.

“This is a country that has always appreciated the importance of hospitality and we recognise in Movenpick Hotels & Resorts a partner that celebrates the Swiss values of quality, reliability and care that every Saudi guest appreciates.”

Isam Al-Sager

NBK enjoys highest credit ratings among all ME banks Al-Sager: Recognition of NBK’s leadership position KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) continued to enjoy the highest credit ratings amongst all banks in the MENA region by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch Ratings. NBK’s ratings are supported by its strong capitalization, prudent performance, and its disciplined approach to risk management, in addition to the stability and professionalism of its management team. “NBK’s ratings reflect the international recognition of the strength of NBK’s credit

standing despite the ongoing crises and the unprecedented operating environment locally and in the region” said Isam Al-Sager, NBK Group Deputy CEO. “NBK has been constantly awarded the highest credit ratings in the region by the top three rating agencies in the world due to its prudent performance, clear strategy and outstanding asset quality.” In their latest update of the credit ratings of the top regional banks, Moody’s, Fitch Ratings and Standard &

Poor’s have all affirmed NBK’s long term ratings at “Aa3”, “AA-” and “A+” respectively. All NBK’s ratings carry a stable outlook.

“This exceptional rating consensus is a clear acknowledgment of NBK’s leadership in the region, especially in these critical times and considering the worsening sovereign debt crisis in Europe and the United States, as well as the recent political developments in the Arab region”, added Al Sager.

Burgan Bank’s ‘BuBa’ Kids Accounts presents a unique range of benefits KUWAIT: Burgan Bank has announced that its innovative “BuBa” Kids Account offers its customers a diverse array of unique benefits that range from free deposits as well as receiving instant gifts upon opening the account to enjoying a family trip in Abu Dhabi, along with exciting discounts at selective stores.

The bank’s first 200 customers who enroll in the “BuBa” Kids Account will receive an additional deposit of KD 20 into their accounts. The initiative is part of the bank’s overall rewards scheme which provides a wide range of exciting benefits for the account holders.

Furthermore, account holders will have the chance to travel to one of the most internationally recognized spectacular theme parks, the Abu Dhabi Ferrari World.

Two draws will also be held in February and May 2012 for BuBa Account holders to grant them a family trip to Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Ritz Travel, and experience the excitement of Ferrari World at the Yas Island. For every KD20 deposited in their accounts, customers will receive one chance to enter the draw.

Amongst the wide range of added value benefits that are associated with Burgan Bank’s “BuBa” Account is an exclusive 10% discount on selective stores that include Crocs, Nike Stores, Cozmo, as well as Ali Abdulwahab Sons & Co. Customers are required to use their cards to benefit from this exciting initiative.

Burgan Bank’s latest “BuBa” Kids Account is

a savings account. The minimum opening balance of the “BuBa Kids Account” begins at KD 10, with no required minimum balance or interest earning or charges fees.

Children will also be entitled to a free branded ATM VISA Electron card, which will allow them to withdraw money from any of Burgan

Bank’s local branches. To find out more about Burgan Bank’s newly launched “BuBa” Kids Account, customers are urged to visit any of Burgan Bank’s conveniently located branches, or call the bank’s call center on 1804080, or log on to Burgan Bank’s website at www.burgan.com.

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

.2725000 .4310000 .3700000 .2980000 .2650000 .2720000 .0040000 .0020000 .0747670 .7284350 .3810000 .0700000 .7140980 .0040000 .0430000

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES US Dollar/KD .2754000 GB Pound/KD .4323920 Euro .3706060 Swiss francs .2993750 Canadian dollars .2668730 Danish Kroner .0497950 Swedish Kroner .0404670 Australian dlr .2732240 Hong Kong dlr .0353590 Singapore dlr .2118460 Japanese yen .0035860 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 Pakistan rupee .0000000 Bangladesh taka .0000000 UAE dirhams .0750100 Bahraini dinars .7307950 Jordanian dinar .0000000 Saudi Riyal/KD .0734600 Omani riyals .7156030 Philippine Peso .0000000

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. ASIAN COUNTRIES

Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash

3.617 5.316 3.163 2.427 3.336 212.700 35.571 3.590 6.384 8.866 0.271 0.273

.2785000 .4430000 .3790000 .3140000 .2760000 .2830000 .0072500 .0035000 .0755170 .7357560 .4010000 .0760000 .7212750 .0072000 .0530000 .2775000 .4356890 .3734320 .3015980 .2689080 .0501740 .0407760 .2753080 .0356290 .2134620 .0036140 .0053780 .0025220 .0031910 .0036390 .0755820 .7363670 .3925040 .0740200 .7210600 .0064530

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

GCC COUNTRIES 73.923 76.168 720.020 736.280 75.484

Pakistani rupees Philippine peso Qatari riyal Saudi riyal Singapore dollar South Africa Sri Lankan rupees Sterling pound Swedish krona Swiss franc Syrian pound Thai bhat Tunisian dollar UAE dirham U.S. dollars Yemeni Riyal

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 47.750 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 46.187 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.268 Tunisian Dinar 191.100 Jordanian Dinar 391.470 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.860 Syrian Lier 5.984 Morocco Dirham 34.042 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 277.100 Euro 374.090 Sterling Pound 432.550 Canadian dollar 267.470 Turkish lire 153.940 Swiss Franc 304.510 Australian dollar 277.000 US Dollar Buying 276.700 GOLD 315.000 159.000 81.500

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

COUNTRY

SELL CASH

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

279.900 735.760 3.850 272.600 543.400 44.700 51.200 167.800 48.240 378.000 36.220 5.790 0.032 0.224 0.241 3.690 392.910 0.187 89.930 46.300 4.260 213.300 1.793 49.000 718.600

SELL DRAFT

278.400 735.760 3.605 271.100

214.300 46.268 376.500 36.070 5.360 0.031

10 Tola

75.330 276.600

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Selling Rate

US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupees Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

276.850 268.505 443.300 374.970 303.055 733.125 75.350 75.990 73.785 389.700 46.310 2.422 5.309 3.179 3.615 6.383 679.095 3.675 8.955 5.830 3.415 91.960

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 Yemeni Riyal Jordanian Dinars Syrian Pounds Euro Canadian Dollars Nepali rupee

Currency

Transfer Rate (Per 1000)

273.51 268.82 305.37 372.15

437.00 3.62 3.740 5.715 2.650 4.150 3.370 75.15 737.00 48.20 393.00 720.00 76.65 74.00

276.900 3.165 5.310 2.435 3.620 6.430 75.495 73.995 736.200 46.220 438.100 3.190 1.550 393.400 5.750 378.800 272.100 3.690

Al Mulla Exchange

UAE Exchange Center WLL Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc Euro

432.13 3.64 3.603 5.297 2.434 3.333 3.173 75.47 737.47 46.22 394.44 720.55 76.45 74.03

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co.

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 438.200 276.600

Sterling Pound US Dollar

Currency

718.420

303.700 5.500 9.110

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

Currency

392.020 0.185 89.930 3.370 211.800

3.185 6.385 76.100 73.870 214.290 36.290 2.503 438.200

GOLD 1,783.550

Rate for Transfer

Bahrain Exchange Company

3.340 6.600 76.530 73.870 214.290 36.290 2.636 440.200 41.700 305.200 5.500 9.300 198.263 75.430 277.000 1.220

275.00 275.00 311.00 378.00

US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen Indian Rupee Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupee Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso Pakistan Rupee Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal *Rates are subject to change

Transfer Rate (Per 1000)

276.250 376.300 438.000 270.900 3.625 5.335 46.205 2.501 3.590 6.365 3.170 735.700 75.300 73.825

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How to deal with the resignation of a coworker Bayt.com report KUWAIT: Reasons for professionals in the Middle East leaving work are manifold: pursuit of better salaries, hunger for better working conditions, ambition to launch a personal business, going back to college, getting married are just some of them.

Having to suddenly say “Adieu” to a coworker whom you are used to working with closely and for a large part of your day can be quite distressing.

A recent Bayt.com poll about good working conditions in the Middle East cited that positive relationships with colleagues is one of the main constituents of good work settings. And while your morale might slip briefly, bear in mind your performance and productivity must remain intact!! In fact, there is no room for drama in the entire scenario and as one colleague departs, bear in mind that another one will make an entrance, new work-

ing relationships will be born and nurtured and your life at the office will soon again retain its equilibrium. The career experts at Bayt.com, the Middle East’s #1 Job Site, offer you a few tips to better handle the inevitable occasional partings of coworkers: • Stay objective: Come to terms with the fact that your colleague no longer finds themselves in the right place and that their priorities have changed, hopefully for the better. Do not allow for any feelings of hostility or negativity to settle in; instead focus on the positive. You’ve had a fruitful professional relationship and now is the time for both of you to find a new equilibrium.

• Focus on the deliverables: Do the two of you have projects in common? Do you share common job responsibilities? Remember that this is probably a stressful time for your colleague too and be con-

siderate. A helping hand would probably be much appreciated at this stage so aim to be an active facilitator during the handover process bearing in mind this will also make your role much easier after your colleague departs.

• Assist your management if needed: Employee resignations are often hard for management to cope with as well. The entire process from targeting to selecting your colleague’s replacement might be draining (depending on how senior/ specialized the position is). This is a good time for you to step in and offer to take over some of the responsibilities you are familiar with until the replacement arrives (assuming your workflow allows for it). This will reinforce you as a reliable and committed employee and will play to your advantage in future promotions.

• Expand you interoffice network: This will make the transition process much smoother for you especially if there are other coworkers in your office that you usually don’t much interact with. You’d be surprised with the positive effect that new minds, energies and faces could have on your performance and morale. Give yourself leeway to start interacting with other colleagues and build new professional relationships.

• Maintain contact: Positive and supportive coworkers are keepers even after they move on with their lives. Exchange personal contact details and aim to share regular updates. The fact that your colleague is leaving work does not necessarily mean you should shut them out from your personal life. Instead keep on building your healthy relationship under slightly different circumstances.

UAE bourses remain under selling pressure KAMCO monthly review

US dollar gaining on safe haven demand NBK WEEKLY MONEY MARKETS REPORT KUWAIT: Market focus is still centered on the European debt crisis and its potential ramifications in terms of contagion and default risks. From the disastrous bond sale in Germany to Portugal’s downgrade to sub-investment grade, negative news seem to be the trend for the moment. And given the markets’ negative sentiment, risk aversion pushed foreign exchange traders once again to the safety of lower-yielding currencies, mostly the US dollar. The greenback strengthened across the board last week, with the Dollar Index gaining more than 2% despite the Thanksgiving holiday in the US. Naturally, the euro was a major loser last week, falling from a high of 1.3570 on Tuesday to a low of 1.3210 on Friday, before ending the week at 1.32X. The sterling pound had a similar performance to that of its European counterpart, dropping from an opening level of 1.5805 to a low of 1.5425 on Friday. The Pound closed sessions at 1.54X. The Japanese yen was no exception either last week. After the currency’s slow start last Monday, the US dollar managed to strengthen from 77.00 levels to a high of 77.75 towards the end of the week, and closed the near the high at 77.X. USD/CHF opened on Monday at 0.9165, and traded in a tight range for most of the week. The US dollar broke higher on Friday also to a level of 0.9330, and closed at 0.93X. Given the US dollar’s strength, Gold had a negative week and closed the week at $1,69X. Existing home sales Sales of previously owned homes in the US rose unexpectedly last month, signaling that falling home prices are attracting more buyers. Existing home sales rose 1.4% to 4.97 million from October, against expectations of a drop to 4.82 million from last month’s 4.90 million homes.

This came as a result of the median house prices dropping 4.7% from a year earlier.

GDP slows Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at an annual rate of 2.0% in the July-to-September period, lower than the forecast of 2.5%, as a big downward revision to inventory investment dragged down the GDP number. Gains in retail sales, manufacturing and housing this quarter, combined with lean inventories, raise the odds that the world’s largest economy will pick up.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) kept the federal funds target at 0.25%, and the committee reiterated its expectation that “economic conditions - including low rates of resource utilization and a subdued outlook for inflation over the medium run - are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels for the federal funds rate at least through mid-2013.” Moreover, some members expressed interest in using language specifying a period of time during which the federal funds rate is expected to remain exceptionally low, rather than a calendar date, arguing that such language might be better to indicate a constant stance of monetary policy over time. However, members generally preferred to retain the existing forward guidance.

Consumer spending Personal incomes in the US rose by 0.4%, slightly more than the 0.3% forecasted, while personal spending rose by a less-than-expected 0.1% during the month of October, less than the 0.6% increase the month before. In fact, Americans are using the biggest part of their extra income to rebuild savings, even though last month has marked the biggest gain in incomes in seven months.

This indicates that household spending, which accounts for 70% of the economy, would contribute less to the recovery.

Unemployment claims More Americans have filed for unemployment benefits from last week’s seven-month low, a sign that the labor market is taking more time to gain traction.

Applications for jobless benefits increased last week by 2,000 claims to 393,000, against market expectations of a drop to 389,000. The increase in claims indicates that the rate of firings has stabilized after slowing during the past weeks. With the US presidential elections coming closer, the unemployment rate above 9% for more than two years piles pressure on President Obama and the Federal Reserve to spur job growth.

Europe Worries spreading Political disagreements over the role of the European Central Bank between Europe’s biggest economies caused uncertainty and fear to broaden through financial markets. Europe’s economic status is becoming more vulnerable as lack of consensus between European leaders on how to tackle the spreading debt crisis in the Euro zone continued to put off nervy investors.

Germany offered EUR 6 billion worth of 10-year

bunds this week, but the auction failed disastrously as total bids amounted to only EUR 3.889 billion, falling short of the total amount by 35%. After the catastrophic failure of the auction, talks by the heads of Germany, France and Italy, were overshadowed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s determined opposition to a joint Euro zone bond and a bigger role for the European Central Bank to deal with the crisis, rejecting the idea of making the ECB a lender of last resort. On the other hand, European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said that it was up to Europe’s politicians to resolve the region’s debt crisis and rejected calls that the bank take on greater risks to make sure Italy and other countries avoid default.

European stocks declined after Italy’s borrowing costs rose to Euro-era records, and the cost of insuring against default on financial debt climbed to a record.

Consumer confidence European consumer confidence dropped to the lowest level in more than two years this month, as the European debt crisis takes its toll on jobs, pushing the economy towards a recession. Household sentiment in the 17-nation Euro area fell from October’s -19.9 to 20.4 in November, the lowest since August 2009.

German Business Confidence unexpectedly rose this month, for the first time in five months, defying Europe’s worsening debt crisis. Business confidence increased to 106.6, exceeding expectations of a drop to 105.3 from last month’s 106.4. German unemployment remains near a two-decade low, supporting consumer spending and helping to offset the impact of weakening demand for the country’s exports across the 17nation Euro region.

Portugal downgrade Portugal’s efforts to climb out of its economic crisis suffered a double setback last week as its credit rating was downgraded to junk status and a major strike gave voice to broad public outrage over austerity measures that have squeezed living standards. Portugal’s deepening troubles underlined Europe’s difficulties in finding a way out of the continent’s debt crisis which has recently shown alarming signs of spreading to bigger nations, most notably Italy. Like others in the 17-country Euro zone, Portugal has embarked on an austerity program to make its debts sustainable. Earlier this year, Portugal followed Greece and Ireland in taking a bailout to avert bankruptcy. International ratings agency Fitch blamed Portugal’s “large fiscal imbalances, high indebtedness across all sectors, and adverse macroeconomic outlook” for its decision to cut the country’s rating by one notch to BB+. Fitch’s decision also means it is even more difficult for the country, which is already mired in a deep recession and is witnessing rising levels of unemployment, to raise money on bond markets by its 2013 goal. That creates the prospect that Portugal, like Greece, may need a second bailout.

BOE wary The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting minutes released last week showed that all nine committee members agreed on maintaining their target level of asset purchases at GBP 275 billion, after October’s unexpected GBP 75 billion increase.

Furthermore, policymakers denied the likelihood of a further increase when these purchases are completed, by the time of February’s MPC meeting. Bank of England Governor Mervyn King stated that conditions had deteriorated since August, and that Britain’s economy could stagnate until the middle of next year.

UK economy UK economic growth accelerated during the third quarter of 2011 as stock building and government spending offset weak consumer spending. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose 0.5% from the previous quarter, matching analysts’ expectations. The Bank of England, which has restarted bond purchases to aid the recovery, said that the “underlying growth was probably weaker than the reported figure due to heightened uncertainty” related to the euro-area crisis.

Consumer prices falling Japan’s consumer prices fell for the first time in four months, an indication that slowing global demand and the Yen’s strength are weighing on growth and prolonging deflation. The Core Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell 0.1% in October as economists had forecasted. The Japanese Yen’s surge to its current highs against the US Dollar is lowering import costs, putting pressure on prices that have also been damped by a weaker demand locally. Europe’s deepening sovereign debt crisis is also threatening the outlook for growth in the world’s third-largest economy.

KUWAIT: The ADX General Index has been battered this year by negative sentiment stemming from regional and international events. After incurring losses for three consecutive months, October proved to be no exception as the index slid to a 14-month low to 2,501.43, down 1.26 per cent. Europe’s debt problems weighed heavily on investors worldwide as the EU worked to find a way out of its troubles by developing a pan-European fiscal response to reduce debt levels and its burden on taxpayers. Investors were jittery about the prospects of such a deal throughout the month and this was characterized by swings in global equity markets, with the Abu Dhabi bourse registering a doubling in volatility from 3.8 per cent in September to 7.87 per cent in October. A deal late in the month for a 50 per cent ‘haircut’ on Greece’s debt along with strengthening Europe’s bailout fund provided some relief for global equity markets as investor’s approved of a step forward in the stalemate evidenced by a spike in equity indices at month-end. Volume for the month increased 8 per cent to reach 962 mn shares as trading picked up in the last three trading sessions, while value also registered an increase to AED 1.4 bn - a 10 per cent jump over last year - spread over 18,605 deals. The market registered losses in market cap across all sector except banking, with the sharpest loses in Investments & Financial Services and Real Estate sectors which registered losses of 6.11 per cent and 7.48 per cent, respectively.

Corporate Earnings: All companies listed on ADX announced 9M-11 results, with aggregate profits of AED 24.2 bn, up 19.1 per cent from 9M-10 earnings of AED 20.3 bn.

Earnings growth was supported by the healthy banking sector, with profits rising 28.5 per cent to record AED 12.9 bn. The banking sector is the cornerstone of the bourse representing 42 per cent of the market capitalization and as such banks earnings pushed cumulative earnings to growth despite the drop in profitability of all other sectors, the real estate and energy. The industrial sector suffered the most for the period with earnings plummeting 61 per cent to record AED 271.9 mn stemming from losses in building materials and cement companies.

Abu Dhabi economy is expected to grow 4.5 per cent in 2011 according to the Undersecretary of the Department of Economic Development, and is expected to grow at 4.5 - 5.0 per cent in 2012. Growth is being aided by efforts to diversify the economy as non-oil sectors are now accounting for approximately 50 per cent of the growth. A report by the Statistics Centre - Abu Dhabi reported that non-oil exports increased 22 per cent in 2010 to AED 11.6 bn compared to 2009. Inflation is stable in Abu Dhabi as the annual rate increased 1 per cent in September on the back of increases in food and beverage prices, according to the Statistics Centre of Abu Dhabi. Inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for 61 per cent of the increase, while 35 per cent of the increase is due to higher prices in the housing, water, electricity, gas and other

fuels group.

Dubai Financial Market Review Despite better than expected earnings, DFM General Index declined for the third consecutive month to its lowest level since March 2011 as intensifying political uncertainties in the region along with the European debt crisis and concerns over whether a new eurozone bailout agreement would be reached weighed on investor confidence. The Index traded on a negative note during most of the month on fears of renewed global financial turmoil and the lack of any local catalysts to drive investors’ demand for equities as it ended trading on October 26th with a month-todate loss of 5.44 per cent. During the last three trading sessions of October, the DFM General Index was able to reverse some of its losses incurred earlier by as much as 4 per cent on news of a new euro-zone agreement to bailout the Greek economy and ended October with a monthly loss of 1.65 per cent at a value of 1,408.06. The DFM General index performance was dragged down by the weak performance of the heavyweight banking sector especially after the announcement that Emirates NBD was taking over Dubai Bank where the aggregate market cap for the sector decreased by 4.74 per cent contributing to almost 80 per cent of the total drop in the market. The sector’s heavyweights Emirates NBD and Commercial Bank of Dubai declined by 11.63 per cent and 1.33 per cent over the period to end the month at AED 3.420 and AED 2.960, respectively.

Despite a slight improvement during October, trading activity is still considered significantly low in comparison with historical averages where the value of shares traded increased by 12.5 per cent to AED 1.53bn ($416.5 mn) in comparison with AED 1.36 bn ($370.2mn) in September, reflecting the general negative sentiment and the scarcity of international and institutional investors in the market. Moreover, the number of shares exchanging hands during the month increased by 7.5 per cent to 1.4bn shares in comparison with last month’s 1.3 bn shares.

Emirates NBD, the UAE’s biggest bank, was placed on watch at Fitch Ratings for a possible downgrade on concerns about a rise in bad loans due to a weak property market in Dubai and after its announcement that it will be taking over Dubai Bank. The bank will take over the struggling government-controlled Islamic lender under orders from Dubai’s ruler as the Dubai government holds a 55.6 per cent stake in the bank. Dubai announced during May that it would inject an unspecified amount of capital into Dubai Bank in a move aimed at protecting depositors’ interests and avoiding a default, but the capital injection never materialized. The lender is whollyowned by Dubai Banking Group, which itself is 70 per cent owned by state-backed Dubai Holding. Furthermore, shares of Emirates NBD dropped by 11.6 per cent during the month of October following the takeover announcement and due to lower than expected third quarter earnings. The bank posted a 59 per cent slump in Q3 net profit after taking provi-

sions against Dubai Holding where it announced a net profit of AED 175mn for Q311, compared with AED 424mn in Q3-10. For the 9M-11 period, however, Emirates NBD reported a 20.6 per cent increase in net profits from AED 1.9bn in 9M-10 to AED 2.3bn during 9M-11.

The UAE will start Emirates Development Bank with AED 10bn ($2.7bn) of capital to help promote economic growth in the country. The bank will support the UAE’s development initiatives, including industrial and real estate projects, and will facilitate real estate loan applications. It will also provide financial services for small and medium-sized businesses and offer advice and feasibility studies.

The positive news aided the real estate and property sector in the Dubai Financial Market to get a boost and finishing the month as the only heavyweight sector to register a gain in value on the back of increases registered by Emaar, Arabtec and Drake & Skull of 1.09 per cent, 2.22 per cent and 3.99 per cent, respectively. Corporate Earnings: 52 out of 64 companies announced their 9M-11 earnings with aggregate profits decreasing by 21 per cent from AED 7.8bn to AED 6.1 bn on the back of the drop in profitability of Emaar Properties and investment companies. Emaar’s earnings dropped from AED 2.2 bn during 9M-10 to AED 1.1 bn during 9M-11. The results reflect the general weakness in the property market that has seen a significant drop in prices recently and the lack of investors’ appetite for properties. Furthermore, three investment companies announced their results reporting aggregate losses of AED 32.4 mn in comparison with profits of AED 775.2 mn during a year earlier. This drop was driven by a 62 per cent decrease in earnings of Dubai Financial Market to AED 264.3 mn as well as losses of AED 304.2 mn reported by Gulf General Investment Company. The banking sector, on the other hand, showed buoyed financial performance where Emirates NBD announced 9M-11 net profit of AED 2.3 bn representing a 20.6 per cent increase over 9M-10 net profit of AED 1.9bn while Mashreq Bank announced as 16.8 per cent increase over 9M-10 earnings to register AED 756.5 mn in 9M-11.

On the economic front, the broadest measure of money supply (M3) in the UAE declined by 0.7 per cent month-on-month in June 2011 to reach AED 1.06 trillion ($288.6 bn). The decline came on the back of a 7.9 per cent decrease in government deposits from AED 229 bn to AED 211 bn. On the other hand, M1 and M2 increased during the month of June where M1 increased by 0.6 per cent from AED 260.6 bn to AED 262.2 bn by the end of the month and M2 grew by 1.3 per cent from AED 841.1 bn to AED 851.9bn over the same period.

The overall UAE consumer price index, or CPI, rose 1.17 per cent during the first nine months of the year. It increased by 0.36 per cent compared to the end of Aug-11, and is up by 0.1 per cent on annual basis. The overall price escalation was mainly driven by higher prices for beverages and tobacco, education and food while cost for housing and medical care sector recorded a slight drop.

X-cite by Alghanim Electronics launches new ecommerce website KUWAIT: X- cite, Kuwait ’s leading electronics retailer, is proud to introduce its multi-categor y, dual-language ecommerce portal, xcite.com.

Consumers who have come to love the quality of products and services that X-cite offers, will be delighted to discover they can now also buy from its stores online. Whether they visit xcite.com on their laptop, mobile phone or tablet PC, customers now have amazingly convenient access to all their favorite electronics products.

Commenting on the launch, Samer Sayegh, Vice President - Alghanim Elec tronics, remarked, “ With xcite.com, we mark the beginning of X-cite’s operations in the ecommerce arena. The website brings X-cite’s online presence on par with leading international electronics retailers.”

The new interface provides visitors with engaging social media tools such as blogs, polls, and links to Xcite’s lively presence on Twitter and Facebook. These new features are

coupled with what customers have come to expect from X-cite: highquality products, excellent selection, delivery and installation, and 24/7 online customer service. And every product is carefully described in both Arabic and English.

Kuwait’s ecommerce-savvy consumers will also be pleased to know that the new site provides a wide range of world class features that

include product comparisons, wishlists, promotions,, and a secure shopping environment.

Dominic Cameron, X- cite’s eCommerce Adviser explains, “ The new xcite.com places a special focus on our customers’ shopping experience. We’ve worked diligently to ensure that the same great service and quality of X-cite stores are emulated by the new ecommerce portal.”

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weekly commodities

Commodities sold as liquidity rules

By Ole Hansen

T

he financial stress in global markets continues unchecked and the longer it takes before a resolution to the European debt crisis is found the higher the risk of a global recession re-emerging. This has resulted in the nearterm demand outlook for commodities being lowered and prices have suffered as a consequence.

Many traders have begun to scale back early due to year-end considerations and investment funds have been deleveraging speculative positions, as a result of banks reducing credit lines. On this basis further headwinds cannot be ruled out during the coming weeks, also considering the continued dollar rally which erodes support for commodities traded in dollars. The global Purchasing Managers Index on manufacturing which is a good forward-looking gauge for economic activity is also pointing towards near-term weakness with softer data from China this week adding to the uncertainties about the outlook.

The two major commodity funds, the S&P GSCI and DJ UBS are both trading into negative territory for the year, more so for the latter as it has a much bigger exposure to agriculture and metals (the two sectors which have suffered the most during the last few months).

The Reuters Jeffries CRB index lost 2.7 percent over the week on a broad based sell-off which primarily hurt dollar sensitive commodities like corn and soybeans.

US exporters are struggling to compete with cheaper products from other regions, especially South America where the Brazilian real has weakened by more than 15 percent over the last six months.

Broad-based dollar buying continues with the dollar rising 1.9 percent versus a basket of major world currencies.

Scramble for liquidity hits gold Gold continues to struggle heading for its second straight weekly drop. It has failed to make any progress despite an escalating crisis and central banks still being very active buyers in the physical market and investments through ETFs having reached a new record high of 2,350 tonnes. ETF investors are generally considered to have a much longer investment horizon and it underpins the belief that gold will continue to perform well in the months ahead. As we mentioned last week the biggest danger to gold near term stems from the general state of risk reduction currently happening across most asset classes combined with ongoing dollar strength.

The technical picture however remains weak as long as the price stays below 1,710 and the risk is currently pointing towards further weakness with a break below 1,665 pointing towards 1,600 which represents previous lows and the 200-day moving average. The dollar is currently approaching overbought levels against most major currencies and an overdue correction would lend support to gold.

Oil supported on call for Iran oil ban Crude oil headed for its second weekly loss on concerns that the worsening debt crisis in Europe will trigger a recession which, if materialized, could have a serious consequence for demand and future oil prices. Prices however held up relatively well as a significant geopolitical risk premium related to Iran continues to build. France has called for a European ban on Iranian oil over its still unknown intentions with its nuclear program. This carries the risk of escalating the tension between Iran and the outside world. Iran effectively controls the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a third of seaborne oil cargo from the Middle East pass and further escalation of the tensions and subsequent impact on oil prices could not happen at a worse time for consumers given the economic crisis.

Demand for oil and bi-products in particular, especially diesel going to China, continues at healthy levels despite all the macro-economic headwinds. This supports the backwardated shape of the Brent oil curve with the price of oil for prompt delivery trading higher than forward prices. Support is currently located towards 105 on Brent crude with a break below opening up for a move towards 100 dollars.

The price of everything from copper to nickel continues to suffer as the economic outlook worsens. The LME composite index is currently down nearly 24 percent on the year with all components having suffered heavy losses during 2011. The leading mining companies have performed even worse with the Bloomberg World Mining Index being down almost by one third in the year to date. Copper, the most traded of the metals, headed for a fourth weekly drop as the deteriorating outlook and stronger dollar continued to erode support for the sector. Demand for copper, especially in Asia, remains strong with LME copper inventories having fallen eight weeks in a row. Further price falls could therefore be met by additional buying from that region, thereby cushioning the fall. Support on

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

business

high grade copper for March delivery will be looking for support towards 315 cents per pound ahead of even stronger support towards 300 cents.

Soybeans close to multiyear support The sell-off in grain and soybean markets continues with speculative longs continuing to come under attack. US export sales of soybeans and corn are well behind previous projections as the stronger dollar has lead to a drop in demand from China which instead has been buying at more competitive prices from South America.

The price of front month soybeans is getting close to multi-year support at 1095 and a close below this level could signal further losses ahead. Hedge funds and other large investors have turned outright bearish on the soybean complex for the first time in more than three years.

On that basis further dollar strength may be required to trigger additional selling.

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77% of ME employees feel engaged at work 62.9% of companies offering no incentives KUWAIT: A recent poll conducted by Bayt.com, the Middle East’s #1 job website, has revealed that while the majority of employees across the Middle East (77%) feel engaged in their workplace, only 29.2% are familiar with the concept of an employee reward program.

Just less than half of the employees surveyed state that their company offers an employee reward program, with the majority 56.4% claiming that their company is one of the 62.9% across the region that offer none of the following incentives: awards to employees; recognition or appreciation; employee of the month or year, or peer-to-peer recognition. Only 12.7% of professionals said their employers offer all four of these motivational stimuli.

“The responses we received to our latest online poll study show that employees in the Middle East are engaged at work, despite the fact that the majority of companies appear not to offer many of the traditional incentives that are used elsewhere in the world as motivational tools,” commented Lama Ataya, Chief Marketing Officer at Bayt.com. “At Bayt.com

Bayt.com report we strive to provide employers and employees with detailed, relevant information that reflects issues that are current to them, while offering a comprehensive, invaluable online resource for all employment needs.”

While 62.2% of poll respondents say that they do receive recognition or praise at work, 23.8% state that they do not find it necessary to have someone encourage their development. Of those who do have their efforts lauded, 44.4% receive encouragement from their supervisor or manager, with colleagues being a boost source for a further 25.5%.

Results show that 77% of poll-takers do feel engaged at work, with 68.4% understanding what is expected of them in their current role.

Companies that are attempting to boost engagement levels are doing so by showing more recognition (25.3%), giving more rewards (22.5%), encouraging open communication (24.5%), increasing transparency (13.3%), and empowering staff (14.5%).

However, 44.7% of employees claim that first and foremost, more opportunities to learn and grow within the company are needed to make them feel more engaged. A better salary and benefits package comes in as a distant second with 17.1% placing it as a priority; trailing behind is a clear career path (13.7%); a good relationship with colleagues (9.1%); and a good relationship with their manager or supervisor (8.6%). Only 6.8% believe that more recognition or appreciation will increase their level of engagement at work.

“Clearly, beyond getting the compensation equation right, there are very many variables that influence employee satisfaction and engagement and Bayt.com’s regional HR research has shown time and time again that opportunities for career development and training are paramount amongst these” added Ataya. Data for the Bayt.com Reward Programs and Employee Engagement in the Middle East survey was collected online from September 27 - November 13, 2011, with 14,063 respondents from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, KSA and the UAE..

KASCO silver sponsor of 2012 HORECA Kuwait

NEW DELHI: An Indian man shops at a retail departmental store on the outskirts of New Delhi. Global supermarket chains have been salivating at the prospect of setting up in India, but local shopping habits could make it a tricky business to crack even after major retail reforms announced last week. —AFP

India’s shoppers wary of supermarket seduction NEW DELHI: Global supermarket chains have been salivating at the prospect of setting up in India, but local shopping habits could make it a tricky business to crack even after major retail reforms announced last week.

The family-run shops and stalls in every market and on every street corner often stock a well-tailored range of goods which are delivered for free to loyal customers who say the set-up is more efficient than it looks. “I’m used to phoning for my deliveries of groceries every day,” 45-year-old Sheila Sharma, a New Delhi mother of three, told AFP. “I don’t think I want to change.”

“I might go to one of these supermarkets if I wanted something special, but not for my everyday needs. It’s convenient the way things are.”

Reforms announced on Thursday to open up the retail market to foreign supermarket chains were broadly welcomed by giants such as Carrefour and Wal-Mart. But the recent experiences of domestic retail firm Reliance, which has struggled with the routine and expectations of urban Indian lifestyles, suggest their entry won’t be a cakewalk.

Many consumers are accustomed to rapid home delivery of even the smallest orders for groceries-a service that congested roads would make almost impossible from large stores positioned on city outskirts. Distances between a local shop and the customer’s home are often short, and a network of couriers travelling by bicycle or on foot ensure prompt and reliable service from dawn until late at night. Many shop owners even offer credit to regulars. Consumers such as

Sharma say driving to a supermarket or having a weekly order delivered at home would never match the service provide by the mom-and-pop neighborhood stores, which make up 90 percent of the retail market. Four years ago, Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, whose main business is energy, sought the “first mover advantage” ahead of the entry of foreign chains.

He declared he wanted to make his new stores division a “Wal-Mart in India” and set an ambitious annual sales target of $25 billion by 2011.

But Reliance stores’ annual sales are currently reckoned by analysts to be around $1 billion. It also wanted to have 4,000 stores by 2011 but its store count is just over 1,000.

It is shut out of Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, as well as from the eastern states of West Bengal and Jharkhand, due to opposition from state governments following attacks on Reliance stores by small shopowners.

As overseas firms look to set out on the same tricky path, one maverick opposition leader has even vowed to set fire to any Wal-Mart store that opens in India.

“By allowing Wal-Mart to directly invest in the retail sector, the government has jeopardised the job opportunities of the poor,” said Uma Bharti, of the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). At the head of the reforms approved by the government last week was a long-awaited plan to allow international firms to hold a 51 percent stake in “multi-brand retailers”, as supermarkets are known. — AFP

Ugandans battle soaring inflation KAMPALA: Like most of the mothers in her ramshackle neighborhood, Rose Awino used to dread one day a month more than any other-the day the $20 rent was due on her family’s cramped one-room home.

But as prices in Uganda have soared on everything from food to fuel, Awino says it is now not only the monthly visit from her landlord she fears, but also the twice-weekly shopping trip to the local market. Protests have rocked Kampala since April when opposition chief Kizza Besigye launched demonstrations against high living costs, sparking a violent police crackdown that killed at least 10 people. Besigye is now under house arrest. “Everything here has become so expensive, and life is getting more difficult all the time,” says 23-

year old Awino, who lives in the sprawling Konge district on the edge of Uganda’s capital. Uganda’s overall inflation last month rose to over 30 percent, its highest level in almost two decades.

In the same month, year-on-year inflation on food topped 45 percent. “This has led to a steep rise in the cost of essential goods,” said Frederick Golooba-Mutebi, a political scientist at Kampala’s Makerere University. “That means that the standard of living for many Ugandans has gone down, especially for the poorer people in society,” he added. Ordinary Ugandans are struggling to cope with the situation.

Awino says she used to sell tomatoes and onions to local housewives from a small vegetable stall but, as prices rose, customers dried up. — AFP

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Aviation Services Company (KASCO) reached an agreement with organizers of the 2012 HORECA Kuwait exhibition to participate in the event as a silver sponsor which will take place between January 22 and 24, 2012 at the Arraya Ball Room - Courtyard Marriott Hotel.

“The hospitality and catering industries play a vital role in the success of the travel and aviation sectors in Kuwait and the region,” said KASCO’s Chairman of the Board and Managing Director, Khalid Al-Duwaisan, in a press statement. He acknowledged that the exhibition is expected to “encourage the hospitality industry in Kuwait in light of the growth in Kuwait’s aviation market. The growth and advancement of local projects including the expansion of the Kuwait International Airport expansion has also helped,” he added.

Al-Duwaisan said that KASCO’s participation in HORECA Kuwait is significant, given the services it offers to 22 different airlines and catering services to multiple firms such as the Kuwait Airways headquarters and the Sief Hospital.

The 2012 HORECA Kuwait is a comprehensive event covering the hospitality, catering and food industry sectors in Kuwait and the GCC. It is organized by Leaders Group for Consulting and Development in cooperation with the Hospitality Services of Lebanon.

KASCO’s Chairman of the Board and Managing Director, Khalid Al-Duwaisan

India supply chain chaos next hurdle for global retailers MUMBAI: Seven years ago, when India’s Future Group retail giant sent shipments from Mumbai on the country’s west coast to Kolkata in the north-east, the products took 10 nervous days to arrive.

“You sent the goods, and until you received them, you just prayed,” said Anshuman Singh, managing director and chief executive officer of Future Supply Chains.

“There was just a black hole until they finally reached the destination.” Since then, he has wrestled with shoddy roads, minimal cold storage capacity and a myriad of state regulations and taxes to cut the journey to 72 hours. That challenge is all to come for foreign retailers eyeing a slice of India’s $450 billion market.

Major cities in Asia’s third-largest economy are thousands of miles apart, connected by pot-holed and clogged roads or creaking railways where wagons are in short supply. Global giants such as Wal-Mart may be eager to start selling their wares to 1.2 billion people, but a need to first tackle India’s logistical headaches will likely mean they will be heavily dependent on local expertise. India’s government last week approved 51 percent foreign direct investment in supermarkets, ending years of legislative hand-wringing over a policy seen modernising the industry.

To appease those who say it will destroy local shopkeepers, rules mean foreign retailers must source almost a third of their produce from small industries, invest a minimum of $100 million and spend half of that on “back end” supply infrastructure. “Global retailers have expertise from around the world, but in India they will have to develop it,” said Singh, who ships 2 million items a day, including 95 percent of the goods sold by Future Group’s retail arm, Pantaloon Retail India Ltd. “They will all have to go through the learning curve on their own.” Today, GPS tracking means each of his firm’s consignments are monitored every metre, from a vast warehouse outside Mumbai to the bright aisles of an air-conditioned Kolkata supermarket. — Reuters

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IIFM CEO sees Islamic profit-rate swap template MANAMA: International Islamic Financial Market (IIFM) expects to launch a template for shariacompliant profit-rate swaps, designed to help in hedging risk in frequent cross-currency transactions, in the first quarter of next year, its chief executive said.

Ijlal Alvi said IIFM, a global body which works to standardize Islamic finance products, was close to finalizing the template, which will standardize documentation in the use of profit-rate swaps among Islamic institutions.

“That standard documentation for the profit-rate swap

product will be available soon.

We would generally keep the first quarter for now,” Alvi said in an interview with Reuters in Bahrain. “We have tested with some core banks already and got their views on it. Now it’s really just more about getting the sharia (approval by Islamic scholars).”

Alvi said, “There is a need to control risk, such as currency volatility for a sukuk issued in another currency or a venture capital deal in which the balance sheet is another currency.

We’re seeing such a pipeline, for instance, of sukuk in recent days so the need for profit-rate

swaps is also coming in.”

Profit-rate swaps are intended to achieve the economic effect of interest-rate swaps, through the use of underlying sharia-compliant undertakings and mark-up sale transactions.

Advocates say Islamic financial institutions have long needed the hedging product to deal with mismatches between the fixed-rate profile on some of their assets and variable-rate profile on their liabilities, and vice versa.

Sukuk issuance has outpaced the conventional bonds industry in recent months and is expected to remain strong

into the first quarter of 2012, as borrowers seek better pricing and alternative funding amid the global debt crisis.

Sharia-compliant derivative products have in the past been problematic within the Islamic finance industry. In conventional finance, hedging can be used not only to manage risk but also to gamble or speculate, which is forbidden in Islam.

Last year IIFM launched a broader Islamic derivatives contract template, known as the Tahawwut Master Agreement, to provide Islamic institutions with a simpler format for risk management that has been

approved by sharia scholars.

But the document has been slow to catch on in some parts of the industry, where it is viewed by some as unwieldy.

Still, Alvi said the need for hedging products would become increasingly apparent as the nearly $1 trillion Islamic finance industry continued to grow rapidly, and as standardized documentation approved by sharia scholars became available.

He also said his organization would look to create a standardized wakala agreement in 2012. Wakala is an agency agreement in which one firm

accepts funds from another to invest on its behalf in a shariacompliant manner. IIFM is putting together a first draft of the document following a consultative meeting with banks, scholars and law firms, and will provide it for wider feedback. “ We are hoping once the wider phase is done, we’ll cover most issues that come up and are aiming to have a template in 2012,” Alvi said. The documentation will look to address interbank relationships, including concern over comingling of funds and minimizing the use of commodity murabaha, he added. —Reuters

New Moroccan govt faces stiff economic challenges Rising unemployment, empty coffers pose threats

NEW DELHI: Indian farmers work in a field on the outskirts of New Delhi yesterday. As cities in India like New Delhi expand with ever more people, the government is increasingly seizing the farms around them for private development. —AFP

Deutsche to name Masud as UAE country head DUBAI: Deutsche Bank is set to name Nadeem Masud, head of its corporate and investment banking business in Dubai, as the new country head for United Arab Emirates after the resignation of top banker Salman Al-Khalifa earlier this month, two people familiar with the matter said yesterday.

Masud’s appointment is waiting “final approvals”, one of the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Bahrainiborn Khalifa, who is leaving the German lender at the end of the year, will move to the Gulf island kingdom to pursue a career outside the investment banking industry, the sources said.

At Deutsche, Khalifa was also head of global markets for Middle East North Africa (MENA). That role is unlikely to be replaced by the bank and will instead be split among separate teams, the first source said. A Deutsche Bank spokesman in Dubai was not immediately available for comment. The region’s banking industry has seen several top-level executive changes in recent months. Last month, Deutsche moved its top Middle East equity banker Christopher Laing to London from Dubai. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley’s top banker Habib Achkar relocated to Europe and was replaced by Kamal Jabre earlier this month. —Reuters

RABAT: The new government which emerges from Morocco’s parliamentary elections faces a growing list of economic challenges, from sky-high youth unemployment to worsening state finances.

The country’s budget deficit is expected to hit 6.0 percent of gross domestic product this year, the highest level in a decade and far above the 4.0 percent forecast by the outgoing government, due to increased social spending. The rise is due in part to the outgoing government’s decision to boost subsidies for food and fuel earlier this year to try to ensure social peace as the Arab Spring uprisings toppled regimes in neighboring countries.

The mildly Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), which won the most seats in Friday’s election, focused during the campaign on ways to pay for the subsidies instead of cutting them.

It has called for higher taxes on luxury goods and a new tax on unused land to cover the costs of the subsidies. With 288 out of the 395 seats up for grabs awarded, the party had captured 80 seats in the election, the government said Saturday. That is nearly double the 45 seats won by Prime Minister Abbas el

Fassi’s Independence Party, which finished second. Final results will be released later.

It was the first election since a new constitution that gives parliament and the prime minister more powers was overwhelmingly approved in a July referendum. The PJD will likely govern in a coalition with several other left-wing parties. The new government will be under pressure to use its enhanced powers to tackle the longstanding problem of unemployment, especially among young people.

The jobless rate among Moroccans under the age of 34 stood at 31.4 percent last year, according to government figures. Every day hundreds of out of work university graduates stage a protest march through the streets of Rabat, Morocco’s seaside capital, to demand a public sector job.

Economists estimate that to create 300,000 new jobs each year, the north African country’s economy would have to expand by around 6.0 percent. The International Monetary Fund predicts the Moroccan economy will grow by 4.6 percent this year. During the campaign the PJD said it could lift growth to between 6.0 and 8.0 percent, in part by streamlining regulations to attract more private investment in big infrastructure projects.

Incredible gold exchange offer at Joyalukkas

In euro crisis, US gets crash course in EU institutions WASHINGTON: As Europe’s sovereign debt crisis rattles financial markets and threatens the US economic recovery, political leaders here are struggling with the arcane institutional structures that shape decision-making in the European Union, analysts say.

On Monday, President Barack Obama hosts this year’s EU-US summit, welcoming European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton. According to European officials, the main focus of the White House meeting will be the global economic situation.

Leaders are expected to discuss responses to the euro-zone debt crisis, even though the three guests from Brussels are only playing a minor role in Europe’s efforts to contain the financial turbulence.

With a multitude of actors on the national and European level, the EU governing system can appear to outsiders like a mind-boggling maze. “It’s kind of like a state, but it’s kind of not. It’s kind of an international organization, but it’s kind of not,” said Tyson Barker, director of the transatlantic relations program at Bertelsmann Foundation, a think tank.

“We talk about the EU as an economy sometimes, but then we talk about France, Germany and its individual components. It’s a very hard concept to grasp in the United States.” The absence of one single economic government for the euro-zone and the need for 17 parliaments to ratify major decisions such as the creation of the rescue fund, the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), are not always clear in Washington, added Jacob Kirkegaard of the Peterson Institute for International Economics. “With the exception of a few people at the very top of the Treasury and the Fed there is a very poor understanding, and certainly in the financial markets here in the US, about what are the political and institutional constraints facing policy makers in the euro area right now,” he said.

The lack of speed at moving forward a resolution to the euro-zone crisis has led to frustration in the US, with Obama repeatedly urging Europeans to take action and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner even joining a meeting of EU finance ministers in Poland in September. The US administration is worried that bad news coming out of Europe could have a negative effect on weak economic

recovery here and ultimately damage Obama’s re-election chances in November 2012.

Republicans in Congress have also voiced concern about bailing out profligate Europeans with US taxpayer cash via the International Monetary Fund.

Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a party leader, called on Obama last month to veto any new IMF aid to the EU. Meanwhile, Europeans are growing tired of what they say is finger-pointing by a nation that is itself weighed down by $15 trillion of debt.

“It’s always much easier to give advice to others than to decide for yourself,” German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said in September.

“Both sides are sniping at each other,” observed Barker, who nevertheless pointed out that there is “a much broader layer of cooperation that goes unnoticed.” Many instruments to combat the euro-zone crisis such as the plans to leverage the EFSF are products of the US policy debate during the banking crisis in 2008, he said.

For Kirkegaard, the conflict “boils down to a different perception about what are the real ultimate challenges facing Europe.” While US policy makers want the Europeans to calm markets and contain the economic fallout, the challenges are “as much institutional and political as they are financial,” he explained.

“It’s really about getting governments in various countries to commit to implementing reforms as well as to agree to more fiscal integration.”

The economies on both sides of the Atlantic are closely linked, with the EU and US being each other’s biggest trade and investment partners. A study by Fitch ratings agency published last week warned that exposure of the US financial sector to European countries and banks was “sizable.” The Fed announced a fresh round of stress tests for the largest US banks that also include a possible European market shock. Given the economic “blowback potential,” the euro-zone crisis should be the number one US foreign policy concern, Barker said.

“But none of our politicians at the top level has been able to communicate the gravity to the American people.” Barker sees the debates of the Republican presidential hopefuls as a good barometer for public understanding of the crisis. —AFP

But with the European Union, the country’s main commercial partner, heading towards another recession and gripped by a worsening debt crisis, attracting more investment from Europe will be a challenge. Foreign investment from other regions has also been on the decline due to the global economic uncertainty.

“Even if they have not left, the rich Gulf countries have reduced their investments,” said Mehdi Lahlou, an economics professor at Rabat University.

Reforming Morocco’s slow-moving judiciary and cracking down on corruption are key to capturing private investment, experts said.

“Capital is cautious by nature,” said Hammad Kassal, an economist at Morocco’s Al Akhawayn University, said in an interview published Friday in the news week ly L’Observateur. “To reassure it and seduce it, a reform of the economic judicial system is needed.” Morocco came in a lowly 85th place in Transparency International’ annual global ranking of least corrupt nations last year, behind China, Brazil and Saudi Arabia.

The Berlin-based watchdog bases its 178nation index on independent surveys on corruption. —AFP

SEOUL: Opposition party’s lawmakers, shout slogans during a rally to denounce the passing of a bill on ratification of a South Korea-US free trade agreement in Seoul. —AP

Almost 40 S Korean police hurt in anti-FTA protest SEOUL: Almost 40 South Korean policemen were injured when a street protest against a free trade agreement with the United States turned violent, police said yesterday.

Some of about 2,200 people staging the rally punched and kicked officers during the protest in central Seoul’s Gwanghwamun district Saturday evening, a spokesman for the National Police Agency said.

Among those hurt was a district police chief. Most of the injuries were minor.

Police deployed some 8,000 officers along with dozens of police buses to restrict access to the protest site.

There have been near-nightly demonstrations in central Seoul since the ruling party last Tuesday pushed the longdelayed trade deal through parliament against opposition protests. One opposition MP set off a tear gas canister to try to

halt proceedings. Opponents of the free trade agreement say it unduly favors the United States and will hit farmers and small businesses. Supporters say it is crucial for South Korea’s export-dominated economy and will boost jobs and growth. The deal “should be nullified as it will eat into the Korean economy, only to fatten US capital”, protesters shouted Saturday, according to Yonhap news agency.

North Korea’s main newspaper Sunday described the railroading of the trade pact as “a despicable action intended to maintain power by selling off the dignity and interests of the nation to curry favor with the US master”.

The US bases 28,500 troops in the South to guard against any attack by the North. The National Police Agency, in a statement quoted by Yonhap, said attackers would be tracked down and punished along with protest organizers. —AFP

WAGAH: An Indian truck driver looks out from a vehicle carrying goods at the Pakistan-India Wagah border post. Cosmetics are smuggled by donkey through Afghanistan, chemicals and medicines track through Dubai. —AFP

Joyalukkas launched an exciting 10 days gold exchange offer from November 24 to December 3, 2011. During the offer period customers can exchange their old gold jewelry at Joyalukkas for brand new jewelry, without any loss in rate and weight of gold. This great zero-percent deduction offer will be valid across all Joyalukkas showrooms in the GCC. In addition to this, during this 10 day period, Joyalukkas is also offering a discount of 50 percent on diamond and Polki jewelry purchases. “We are trying to offer more and more convenience to our customers by launching unique schemes that will excite and motivate jewelry lovers to shop at Joyalukkas. Jewelry lovers always feel let down on the returns they get on their old gold jewelry, hence this unique offer is planned to ensure they do not lose any value on the rate and weight in gold.

The 50 percent off on diamonds is an additional incentive for our customers to pick their favorite diamond jewelry,” said John Paul Joy Alukkas, Executive Director, Joyalukkas.

Joyalukkas has recently introduced around 10,000 new designs to their branded portfolio like Eleganza, Veda, Mayuri, Entice, Sparx, DiRoyale, Bouquet, Tre’stelle, Ishis, Miluna, Spring, Sumangal, Sveni, Ovio, Florentina, Baki Amore, Ebru, Akshaya, Aamira, Keraleeyam, Mermaid, Zenina, Ratna, Navratna and others.

In addition to this, Joyalukkas also offer exclusive collections for men under the Magnus range, for kids under the Lil Joy range and an exquisite collection of Pearl jewelry under the brand name Masaaki. “ We have now created a wide range of choice in our branded offering and we also have crafted some great new designs in our Gold and Diamond bridal collections. I am sure that jewelry lovers will appreciate them,” added John Paul Joy Alukkas.

Joyalukkas Group, the Superbrand with 80 showrooms across the world, is a worldrenowned jewelry chain with international experience in jewelry retailing, manufacturing and exports. The Group’s operation is spread across India, GCC, London and Singapore. The $1 billion plus Joyalukkas Group’s current businesses include money exchange, textiles and more. The Group employs over 3,000 personnel at branches spread across nine countries - India, UK, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Singapore.

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business

Record US retail sales on Black Friday WASHINGTON: In a display of the US economy’s underlying strength, retail sales on Black Friday hit a new record for the start of the holiday shopping season that follows Thanksgiving, according to early estimates. Sales hit $11.4 billion, up 6.6 percent compared to last year, and the biggest dollar amount ever spent on Black Friday, Chicago-based research firm ShopperTrak said in a statement made public Saturday. It was the largest year-on-year gain since an 8.3 percent increase in sales between 2006 and 2007, the firm said.

Foot traffic in stores was up 5.1 percent compared to Black Friday 2010. “Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year and the traditional start to the holiday shopping season,” said ShopperTrak founder Bill Martin. “Despite our sluggish economy, shoppers proved they are looking for value and ready to buy if given a good customer experience.”

But the company warned: “Still, it’s just one day. It remains to be seen whether consumers will sustain this behavior through the holiday shopping season.” The increase in sales appeared to be far higher than the inflation rate, which eased to 3.5 percent in October as compared with a year ago, according to US Labor Department data.

Shoppers mobbed malls and went online in droves to snap up bargains late Thursday, through the night and into Friday-an annual sales ritual that marks the start to the end-ofyear shopping season relied on by many retailers. The stampede for deeply discounted goods

was fed by aggressive marketing, with many stores this year moving up their sales launches to intrude on Thursday’s Thanksgiving holiday, then followed by all-night service into Friday.

Sears opened Thanksgiving morning-traditionally a time when families gather for quiet get-togethers-and Toys “R” Us opened at 9:00

pm Thursday. Wal-Mart’s big discount rival Target upset some employees by opening doors at midnight on Thanksgiving instead of the usual early bird time of 5:00 am Friday.

Market analysis firm SpendingPulse said there were potentially more than $20 billion in sales up for grabs. The buying spree continues

BLOOMINGTON: Crowds of Black Friday shoppers attempt to push their way through security staff moments after the doors opened outside of Best Buy at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, early on Friday. — AP

throughout the weekend and into Cyber Monday, when retailers offer hot deals online following the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

The National Retail Federation was due to publish its first Black Friday sales estimates on Sunday. In the meantime, IBM reported a whopping 39.3-percent increase in online Thanksgiving Day spending, saying US shoppers had set the stage for 24.3-percent online growth on Black Friday compared to the same period last year.

“This year marked Thanksgiving’s emergence as the first big spending day of the 2011 holiday season with a record number of consumers shifting their focus from turkey to tablets and the search for the best deals,” commented John Squire, chief strategy officer at IBM Smarter Commerce.

“This momentum continued into Black Friday where the big winners were those retailers that delivered a smarter commerce experience with compelling, relevant deals that people could easily access from their channel of choice,” he added. Online seller Buy.com, which offers consumers links to more than 4,000 top retailers, said sales over the last two days grew by double digits year-over-year, but did not provide a specific figure. “Our initial holiday results point to a strong start of the season, as consumers responded favorably to our expanded selection of products and our newest initiatives we put in place to create an even more wallet-friendly shopping experience,” noted Neel Grover, president and CEO of Buy.com. — AFP

IMF readying $794 billion bailout for Italy: Report Monti under pressure to speed up measures

DUBLIN: Protestors march down O’Connell Street, in central Dublin, on Saturday, past a statue of union leader Jim Larkinon (left) during an anti-austerity rally. — AP

British FM concedes economy slowing LONDON: British finance minister George Osborne conceded yesterday that official figures would this week confirm a slowdown in the economy, but promised a new £40-billion scheme to help small businesses.

He was speaking ahead of his keynote autumn statement to parliament on Tuesday, in which he will set out his economic plans following the latest data from the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). The OBR predicted in March that gross domestic product (GDP) would grow by 1.7 percent in 2011, but this is expected to be sharply downgraded on Tuesday. The Bank of England estimated a figure of one percent earlier this month.

“International bodies, forecasters in the private sector, they’re all saying the same thing, which is the British economy has slowed,” Osborne, whose official title is chancellor of the exchequer, told the BBC. “By the way so has the American economy, so has the German economy, so has the French economy. I’m not using that as an excuse; I’m using that as an explanation for why this is an exceptionally difficult time.” Osborne said the debt crisis engulfing the euro-zone was having a “huge, chilling effect” on the British economy, adding: “It’s a very, very difficult and dangerous situation.”

In a bid to boost private sector growth, he unveiled details of an initiative in which the government would underwrite bank loans to struggling small businesses worth up to £40 billion (46.65 billion euros, $61.75 billion). “The basic idea of this national loan guarantee scheme is to use the fact that the gov-

ernment can borrow very cheaply to help small businesses borrow money more cheaply than they do at the moment,” Osborne said.

“The government will underwrite the loans the banks make to small businesses, in order to cut the interest rates that small businesses pay.

“That will help with their cash flow, that will help them retain their workforces, that will help them expand and invest.” He added: “We are making available £20 billion for the national loan guarantee scheme, however it sits within an envelope that could be as large as £40 billion.” The slowdown in the economy is likely to spell bad news for the government’s plan to eliminate the deficit in five years, although Osborne said: “I am confident we are going to meet the targets we set out.”

He is expected to promise no let-up in his austerity drive in Tuesday’s statement, which comes the day before unions stage a mass strike over pension reforms in a major challenge to the government.

Unions say they expect up to two million people to go on strike on Wednesday against plans to raise the retirement age by up to six years to 66 and to ask public sector employees to pay up to 50 percent more in contributions. Negotiations have been going on for months and Osborne said on Sunday that the latest government offer was a “good deal”.

“What I am trying to do is give them a good, decent pension for many, many years to come, much better than you can get if you are in the private sector these days,” he said. — AFP

Tokyo Motor Show looks to green cars to drive recovery TOKYO: Japan’s auto industry has taken a triple hit from the global downturn, strong yen and a catastrophic quake, but is hoping the Tokyo Motor Show, starting Wednesday, can mark a fresh start.

With a reputation for environmental technologies, Japanese firms are looking to showcase green innovation to boost sales at home and abroad.

Demand is still shifting to compact, fuel-efficient cars, said Tatsuya Mizuno, a director at Mizuno Credit Advisory in Tokyo and vehicle industry expert, and this is where Japan’s manufacturers have the edge.

“The Japanese market is still important for European carmakers that are interested in environmental technologies such as electric and hybrid cars,” he said.

There are signs of recovery ahead of this year’s show, after the 2009 edition of

the biennial event was blighted by the global financial crisis. This year’s motor show-aimed at showcasing products to buyers and promoting industr y exchanges-will host 176 exhibitors from a dozen countries, compared with 129 exhibitors from 10 nations two years ago.

The venue for this year will be almost twice as large. Several major foreign manufacturers who skipped last time are back, such as Germany ’s Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes and Porsche; French carmakers Renault and Peugeot-Citroen; and Britain’s Jaguar and Land Rover.

Toyota is set to unveil the Aqua, a compact hybrid car, and several concept vehicles including an advanced fuel cell car, while rival Nissan, which is 43.8 percent owned by Renault, is to showcase several electric concept cars. But global economic uncertainty is still casting its shadow over the vehicle market. —AFP

ROME: The IMF could bail out Italy with up to 600 billion euros ($794 billion), an Italian newspaper reported yesterday, as Prime Minister Mario Monti came under pressure to speed up anti-crisis measures.

The money would give Monti a window of 12 to 18 months to implement urgent budget cuts and growth-boosting reforms “by removing the necessity of having to refinance the debt,” La Stampa reported, citing IMF officials in Washington.

The IMF would guarantee rates of 4.0 percent or 5.0 percent on the loan-far better than the borrowing costs on commercial debt markets, where the rate on two-year and five-year Italian government bonds has risen above 7.0 percent.

The size of the loan would make it difficult for the IMF to use its current resources so different options are being explored, including possible joint action with the European Central Bank in which the IMF would be guarantor. “This scenario is because resistance from Berlin to a greater role for the ECB in helping states in difficulty-starting with Italy-

could be overcome if the funds are given out under strict IMF surveillance,” the report said.

The European Union and the ECB have sent auditors to check Italy’s public accounts this month and the IMF is set to send experts soon under a special surveillance mechanism agreed at the G20 summit in France earlier this month.

Monti’s predecessor Silvio Berlusconi said at that summit that he had turned down an offer of financial aid in the form of a precautionary credit line from the IMF, although IMF chief Christine Lagarde later denied the claim.

“IMF intervention is inevitable but not enough,” Paolo Guerrieri, economist at the College of Europe in Bruges, was quoted by La Stampa as saying.

“There is a grave risk of a liquidity crisis soon in the entire euro-zone, including both sovereign states and banks,” Guerrieri said.

“Italy and Spain need the necessary time to carry out reforms,” he added.

Italy’s 1.9-trillion euro ($2.5-trillion) public debt and low growth rate have spooked the markets in recent weeks, prompting concern

that it could have to seek a bailout like fellow euro-zone members Greece, Ireland and Portugal. Monti, an economics professor and former top EU commissioner who was installed on November 16 after a wave of market panic ousted Berlusconi, is under intense pressure to move quickly to implement longdelayed reforms. Italian news reports said that a package of budget measures, which would still have to go before parliament for final approval, would be approved at a cabinet meeting on December 5 ahead of an EU summit on December 9.

The reports said the measures could include the re-introduction of a tax on first home buyers, as well as a one-off tax on property worth over a million euros, a reform to increase the pension age and infrastructure projects.

The EU’s Economic Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn during a visit to Rome on Friday called for an “ambitious timetable” for reforms, warning that Italy’s high borrowing costs risked impacting the country’s economic growth prospects. — AFP

Chinese demand fuels Swiss watch success GENEVA: The Swiss watch industry is in rude health, the latest figures show, with exports leaping once again last month and watchmakers set to notch up a record year thanks to hungry Chinese consumers.

Despite the strong Swiss franc punishing exporters, not to mention the effect of the global debt crisis, the demand for Swiss watches hit a peak in October, putting smiles on the faces of the country’s 600 watchmakers. Data from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) showed exports rose to 1.9 billion Swiss francs (1.5 billion euros, $2.0 billion), up 18.6 percent on the same month last year. “The upwards trend is clearly continuing... and shows no signs of weakening,” the trade body said.

While Switzerland only represents two percent of the global market in terms of volume, with 26 million watches sold last year compared to China’s 671 million and

Hong Kong’s 419 million, it remains the top world exporter in terms of value, enjoying a more than 50 percent market share, analysts at Bank Vontobel said.

Swiss watch sales were worth $15.5 billion, exceeding both Hong Kong at $7.5 billion) and China at $3.1 billion.

About 95 percent of watches costing more than 1,000 Swiss francs were meanwhile produced in Switzerland.

The world’s top three watchmakers are also Swiss: Swatch, with a 17.4 percent market share in 2010, followed by Rolex (14.7 percent) and Richemont (14.7 percent). French luxury brand LVMH ranks fourth with a 5.5 percent share, Vontobel said. The domination of Swiss watchmakers in the luxury watch sector was underlined by the October figures, which showed exports of watches priced upwards of 3,000 Swiss francs recording the strongest increase, soaring by 25 percent. —AFP

TOKYO: Japanese farmers protesting against Japan’s participation in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade talks in Tokyo. Most farmers here fear that a free trade pact will be bad news for them. And buffered from global trade by a nearly 800 percent tariff on imported rice, it is not difficult to see why. — AFP

Car salesmen sell a dream to small-town India BARABANKI, India: Out on the edge of town, a few steps from the railroad tracks and across the street from an emerald-green field that stinks of sewage, Sanjeev Saxena sits inside a signpost of a new Indian era. Occasionally, he glances up from his desk to see if anyone is coming through the door.

He’s waiting to sell you a dream. It’s a dream about small-town prestige, and air conditioning in the brutal north Indian summer. It’s a dream that people never thought they’d see in India’s millions of villages, and of generations that once couldn’t imagine clawing their way into the middle class.

It’s a dream that comes in 15 models and 35 colors. Financing is easily available. “I remember when cars were for rich people,” said Dharmendra Srivastava, 32, one of Saxena’s seven salesmen at the brightly lit dealership with the unwieldy name Bright4Wheel. “Today, everyone in India wants to have a car: the city people, farmers, everyone.”

Little is changing modern India more than the spread of cars, a four-wheeled reflection of its economic transformation and a window into the aspirations of the new Indian middle class. The automotive metamorphosis has spread from the

upper-class enclaves of India’s biggest cities to its countless Barabankis: once-quiet towns now spilling over with concrete buildings, crowded streets and clattering vehicles.

Farmers and schoolteachers now buy cars. The Barabanki shopkeeper selling fluorescent tubes for 150 rupees ($3) apiece has one. The farmerbusinessman with the one-room tire store has two.

Saxena, with his smoker’s growl and graying comb-over, often tells his team that what they do is about sales technique: about confidence, about treating customers right, about knowing the latest offers. “You need to learn how to convince people to buy. If you can’t do that, you need to ask why,” he told them during a recent sales meeting, his voice somewhere between an angry father’s and an encouraging teacher’s.

It was the first day of a string of autumn Hindu festivals marking the year’s biggest shopping season, and an hour before the arrival of the day’s first customers. It was three days before the Maruti-Suzuki dealership’s monthly sales deadline.

There was a parking lot of modest sedans and hatchbacks to sell. Everyone felt the pressure “We

can’t lose a customer, no matter what happens,” Saxena said. But behind the technique is something else. Maruti sells its cars with ads showing an idealized India that barely exists, even in the country’s wealthiest enclaves: sprawling houses with white picket fences, highways with no traffic, friendly towns without a hint of litter. Everywhere, there are joyful Indians driving Marutis. That’s the Indian dream they’re selling.

The fantasy began taking shape in 1991, when the government was facing crushing debt payments and dangerously low foreign exchange reserves. Desperate to save itself, India abandoned socialism and embraced globalization to become one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Per capita income 20 years ago was $350, one-quarter of what it is today. The literacy rate was 42 percent. Cars were an unimaginable extravagance.

The small middle-class spent years on waiting lists for cars. Then, for the most part, they had two choices: the Ambassador, a ridiculously outdated bubble-topped sedan whose design was borrowed from 1950s Britain; and the Maruti 800, a stripped-down economy model that resembled a metal box with wheels. —AP

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EMC backup and recovery customers achieved payback within seven months European backup customers saw ROI over 3 years of 450% News highlights l Customers of EMC backup and recovery solutions, including EMC Data Domain and EMC Avamar, saw an average payback of seven months and a 450% ROI over three years, according to a new IDC study of 10 European companies l These EMC customers avoided average of Ä1.4 million in tape upgrade, media and maintenance costs over a three year period l Average backup windows decreased by more than 72% and restore times were reduced by more than 88% Full story The new IDC study quantifiesthe real-world business impact of EMC backup and recovery solutions, including EMC Data Domain and Avamar. A majority of the customers had multiple EMC backup products, proving the value of the company’s integrated portfolio. The results revealed that each next-generation backup and recovery solution provided significant business benefits relating to cost and time savings.

Specifically, customers reported data restore times were reduced by 88%, from 17 to 2 hours on average.

Backup window times also decreased by more than 72%, from an average of 11 hours to 3 hours.

Furthermore, customers avoided an average of Ä1.4 million in tape upgrade, media and maintenance costs over a three year period by either eliminating or dramatically reducing their reliance on tape in the backup process.

The whitepaper - “Generating Proven Business Value with EMC Next-Generation Backup and Recovery” - included results from ten companies across EMEA, representing a wide number of industries and company sizes. Inter viewed by IDC researchers, respondents were asked to disclose internal IT process, infrastructure, and cost information covering the period before, during and after the deployment of EMC backup solutions. Researchers were then able to calculate the payback period and

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

TECHNOLOGY

ROI for the deployed products, taking into account cost of purchase, setup and integration as well as ongoing software fees and IT maintenance time. Factors such as improved management of space, gains in productivity, availability and efficiency, in addition to cost reduction were all included in the final ROI analysis.

Mark Hunt, IS support engineer, ordnance survey “Over the past three years we’ve experienced a 900 per cent rise in data. This exponential jump meant we were spending as much as 25 hours a week completing just administration on theageing tape infrastructure.

Realizing that tape wasn’t a viable strategy for Ordnance Survey, we implemented Data Domain systems for both our primary and offsite back up centers. As a result of the systems we are using, our second data centre is now a lights out site with no admin time at all for backups. In some casesthe deployments cut our backup window from 20 hours to less than two hours and restore performance times went from several hours to a number of minutes.”

Kelly Ferguson, director of EMEA marketing, EMC backup recovery systems division “The IDC study shows quantifiable business results through backup modernization. In today’s economic environment, a solution that pays for itself in only 7 months should be compelling not only to the IT department but also to the executive staff as a strategic business initiative. Taking cost out of backup operations is one thing. What this study also shows is a direct benefit to the business users as a result of backup transformation. While the natural reaction in a time of economic uncertainty is to cut spending, this study shows that next generation backup and recovery is a wise investment to ensure that organizations’ critical assets - data and applications - are protected and quickly recoverable.”

Sound Advice: Buying a soundbar is a sound decision Q. We are having trouble understanding the dialogue on our television. I’d like to buy a Sony HT-CT150 Sound Bar System. Would this solve our problem and be a good addition to the next TV we buy? Any comments on soundbars would be greatly appreciated.

A. Difficult-to-understand TV dialogue has been the most common reader complaint since I started the column almost 10 years ago.

Back then the problem was the dynamic range of DVDs, which makes dialogue too soft unless you play the movie at movie theater volume levels. Today the problem is compounded by flatscreen televisions and their weak, tiny, downward-facing speakers. It adds up to a prescription for sonic disaster.

Most televisions have a setting that makes dialogue easier to understand. It is usually called Dynamic Range Control or DRC, Dialogue Enhancer, or Midnight Mode. Your DVD player, Blu-ray player, or cable and satellite box may have this setting as well. You are still limited by the speakers in the TV, though. If you really want to solve the problem a soundbar is a good idea. Given the poor sound quality of most of today’s TVs they are almost a necessity for anyone who does not want a multi-speaker sound system.

The Sony HT-CT150 is the best choice in the $225 price range. The budget-minded should check out the 2.1-channel Home Theater Soundbar from monoprice.com. It is only $115 and has HDMI, supports 3-D and includes a wireless subwoofer that can be placed in a discreet location in the room. If you want the best sound quality and surround effects possible from a

soundbar check out the 5.1-channel surroundbar speakers from Definitive Technology and Polk Audio. They work with an A/V receiver and a subwoofer to provide

of the zoom range. Old-school photographers will appreciate the ability to select from various “film modes” to duplicate the look of Kodak films such as Kodachrome

The Kodak EasyShare Max has proven to be an excellent ultrazoom camera with very impressive specifications. It has a clear, sharp 30x optical zoom lens from top-tier lens manufacturer SchneiderKreuznach of Germany, optical image stabilization, 1080p HD video, fast shooting speed, good low light capability and a 28mm f/2.8 lens at the wide end of the zoom range. —MCT much of the experience of a 5speaker system without running wires around the room.

Holiday product highlight The Kodak EasyShare Max has proven to be an excellent ultrazoom camera with very impressive specifications. It has a clear, sharp 30x optical zoom lens from top-tier lens manufacturer Schneider-Kreuznach of Germany, optical image stabilization, 1080p HD video, fast shooting speed, good low light capability and a 28mm f/2.8 lens at the wide end

(RIP), Kodacolor, Ektachrome, Tri-X B&W, and T-Max B&W, as well as sepia tones. Users report great looking images and video, along with fast focusing and quick shutter response. The MSRP is $299 and it offers great value and quality at that figure. At the current online price of $220 nothing comes close to what you get with the EasyShare Max. On the downside, shot-to-shot times are a bit slow unless you are using continuous mode and the panorama mode seems to be a bit hit or miss. —MCT

20-fold increase in fraudulent spam in Q3 Refined phishing n Q3 2011, the percentage of fraudulent emails in spam traffic increased twenty times, rising from 0.1% last quarter to 2% of all spam traffic in Q3. The quantity of fraudulent messages is striking, but so is the variety of social engineering techniques deployed. On one level, attackers used tried-and-trusted tricks, sending email offers on behalf of online games to steal usernames and passwords, or fake notifications from major organizations which then link to a phishing resource.

Multi-stage attacks on a new level are now becoming more common.

For example, messages invited recipients to take part in a survey and win money for doing so. Users followed the link, found themselves on a page with a customer satisfaction survey form and filled it in. After submitting the survey, they were redirected to a further form asking for their full credit card details in order to process the promised payment. Of course, the information was likely to be used to clean out accounts, rather than pay any cash. The third quarter saw the volume of phishing emails increase very slightly and account for just 0.03% of all mail traffic. The share of attacks on Facebook increased by five percentage points which meant this social network climbed from 5th to 3rd in the rating of most popular phishing targets. In previous spam reports we have mentioned how phishers have lost interest in traditional banks, and this time, for the first time ever, we saw just two banks feature in the Top 10 in Q3 2011. This is because the theft of real money is more risky than stealing virtual money for phishers. Moreover, both approaches are almost equally lucrative.

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Volume of Spam Dropping Spam levels fell steadily throughout the quarter, except for a spike in the last week of September when the share reached 82.1%. “Despite the decrease in the amount of spam in mail traffic its content has become more dangerous. The average percentage of spam with malicious attachments reached a record-breaking high of 5.3% throughout Q3.

This spike, and a similar rise in adult content spam, could be the result of the summer holiday season and the ‘second wave’ of the global economic crisis. During the summer slowdown, and prompted by the uncertain financial climate, spammers look for scams that can keep them in business,” says Darya Gudkova, Head of Content Analysis and Research at Kaspersky Lab. Think before opening attachments Increased levels of spam with malicious attachments continued to threaten users in Q3 2011. The spammers deployed standard tricks to coax users into opening attachments, and used some new, more sophisticated methods. Among the latter, it was common to send emails with alarming subjects, an apparently encrypted text and a malicious attachment. The fraudsters were hoping that users would choose to open the attachment in the hope of making sense of the unintelligible email. Overall, in Q3 2011 the average proportion of emails with malicious attachments increased by 1.17 percentage points, reaching 5.03%. As in the previous two quarters, Russian and US mail traffic carried a sizeable proportion of malicious attachments (9.8% and 9.5% respectively). Britain came third with 7.3% of all detected malicious attachments, up 1.1 percentage points on the previous quarter.

Spammer methods and tricks: hiding the evidence Hacking legitimate sites and doctoring them with javascript code is not the only trick spammers use to keep their sites off blacklists. In Q3 2011 we came across spam emails containing links to legitimate web resources but, at the same time, carrying an SQL injec-

tion (in fact these were compromised sites which redirected users to the fraudsters’ resources). In addition, spammers continue to actively use Google cloud services to bypass filtering. By adding a link that leads to a document in the cloud they can redirect users to spammer advertising sites.

Main statistics 2011’s major trend continued in Q3: more and more spam is coming from developing countries. India (+0.7 percentage points), Indonesia (+4.7 percentage points) and Brazil (+0.8 percentage points) were the top three sources of spam. Q3 2011 saw considerable shifts in the distribution of spam by category. In Q3 education-related spam went down sharply (-39.9 percentage points) compared to the previous quarter. There were also declines in other categories of commissioned spam, such as Travel and Tourism (-4.3 percentage points) and Other Goods and Services (-1.6 percentage points). In their place, we saw a growth in spam distributed via partner programs: Medications and Health-Related Goods and Services, and Adult Content spam.

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Arab region to face extreme weather events: UN official Agreement unlikely at Durban climate conference

By Sajeev K Peter

SOUTH PASADENA: Erica Martinez, 22, poses for a portrait in California. — MCT

Adolescents: Cancer’s most isolated patients LOS ANGELES: She has had four surgeries to remove her thyroid, parathyroid and vocal cord nerve, along with muscle and tissue.

Once a year, she goes to a hospital and swallows a radioactive iodine capsule to attack the remaining cancer cells _ and then remains in isolation for four days. During what she calls her quarantine, she can’t touch - or even be in the same room as - anyone else. The treatment causes soreness, swelling, nausea and headaches.

Each year, as the ordeal approaches, she scans the Internet for support groups. Once, she reached out to another cancer patient, only to discover that the woman was 64. Erica Martinez is 22. “No one can really relate to what I am feeling,” she said. “I can’t find anybody else who has a similar case to me.”

Physicians and researchers acknowledge that for decades, the needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer have been slighted.

They frequently receive inconsistent treatment and follow-up care, and clinical trials and research focused on this age group have been scarce, according to oncologists and a report by the National Cancer Institute.

More than 72,000 adolescents and young adults - defined by the cancer institute as ages 15 to 39 - are diagnosed with cancer each year. For many, the disease is detected late for various reasons: Patients don’t recognize the symptoms or have no health insurance, or the cancer is initially mistaken for something else.

That may help explain why there has been very little improvement in cancer survival rates among adolescents and young adults, even as the rates for childhood cancers have risen steadily over the last few decades.

On top of the physical burdens of the disease, many young adults feel a painful isolation. “This was the lost generation,” said Dr. Stuart Siegel, director of the children’s center for cancer and blood diseases at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “They were thrown in with kids or adults depending on their age.”

Now, physicians nationwide are realizing they can no longer ignore this population. The Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology, the first peer-reviewed journal devoted to this age group, began publishing this year. Doctors are receiving better training in how to diagnose and treat young adults, and the number of clinical trials and support groups addressing their needs has increased.

A new film, “50/50,” about a 27-year-old man diagnosed with a rare spinal cancer, has brought further attention to this long-neglected cohort.

In the spring, the University of Southern California and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles plan to open a center devoted to adolescent

and young adult cancers, one of several such facilities established across the country in recent years. “There is a growing appreciation for the differences and unique needs of young adults with cancer,” said Dr Brandon HayesLattin, a cancer survivor and head of the adolescent and young adult oncology program at Oregon Health and Science University.

In addition to studying the biology of cancers and developing more effective treatments, doctors are trying to meet patients’ social and emotional needs. Many adolescents and young adults are trying to form relationships, finish school, begin careers and have children while fighting the disease. “A cancer diagnosis is really disruptive for many of those things in a way that it isn’t for young kids or older adults,” said Dr. Rebecca Johnson, medical director of the adolescent and young adult oncology program at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common among young adults, along with ovarian and testicular cancer, melanoma, lymphoma and leukemia. Martinez first noticed the swelling in her neck when she was 13. Her mother took her to a doctor, who diagnosed cat scratch disease and prescribed antibiotics. Two years later, Martinez started feeling lumps and went back. This time, her doctor referred her to a specialist. Surgeons operated to find out what was wrong and discovered the cancer, which by then had spread to her lungs.

“I came out after surgery and everything was different,” said Martinez, who lives in Alhambra with her parents. She was transferred to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and spent much of a summer there. Most days, she couldn’t lift her head or speak clearly. She felt out of place, surrounded by young children, TV screens showing Disney movies and walls decorated with butterflies. Martinez read fashion magazines and rarely left her room. “It was a happy place to be, but it wasn’t catered to my age,” she said.

After she was discharged, Martinez felt too sick to return to Alhambra High School. But she was determined to graduate and did two years of independent study to earn her diploma. When she turned 21 and was no longer eligible for children’s health coverage, she started receiving treatment at City of Hope in Duarte. She didn’t feel she belonged there either. “Really old” people sat in wheelchairs or lugged oxygen tanks behind them as they walked, she recalled. Hospital workers did double takes when she told them that she not her mother - was the patient. “I was too old for the children’s hospital,” she said, and at the adult hospital, “I get the look like ‘You’re too young.’”—MCT

NUSA DUA, Bali: The Arab region and the North Africa could witness extreme weather events as a result of the rapid urbanization and climate change, said a UN expert. In an exclusive interview with the Kuwait Times on the sidelines of 19th ASEAN Summit 2011 in Nusa Dua, Bali, Margareta Wahlstrom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General of Disaster Risk Reduction, said many of the countries in the region are already severely affected by water stress, probably one of the most significant issues today.

“This water stress will grow as a significant phenomenon in the near future as water will become a real dilemma of the region,” she said quoting a Special Report prepared by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that was released recently.

The report discusses issues that range from the relationship between climate change and ex treme weather and climate events (climate extremes) to the implications of these events on society and sustainable development.

Citing the incidents of flash floods in Jeddah and cyclone in Oman in the recent past, she said, “You will see more of these kinds of very unpredictable and extreme events we have not seen before.”

Asserting the important role nonclimatic factors play in determining impacts, Wahlstrom said these are not only the results of changes in the weather. “The rapid urbanization over the last 25 years has contributed a lot to such disasters”.

As a person who has worked with disaster relief programs across the world, Wahlstrom said she could observe some drastic

changes in the pattern of weather events over the years and climate change steadily increases the number and intensity of natural disasters across the globe.

Giving an over view of the Special Report, she said, “This is for the first time that climate scientists and disaster risk exper ts have

by serious water stress. She hoped that the report would motivate governments, private sector and local authorities to actually plan the development of their environment in tandem with the evidence of climate changes.

“We need to mitigate the emission of Co2 and greenhouse gases.

NUSA DUA: Margareta Wahlstrom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General of Disaster Risk Reduction is pictured in conversation with the Kuwait Times.

—Photo by Sajeev K Peter come together and tried to verify the future.” “They have pointed out that there will be an increased frequency of cyclones and floods.

Flooding will become more and more serious with the rise in sea level. At the same time, some areas of the world will dry up further with rising temperatures as these areas have already been affected

But as you know, the timetable is not on our side to bring about immediate improvement,” she pointed out. Asked about the commitment made by the developed nations on reducing the greenhouse gases, she admitted that they had made promises.

“They also know that the situation is quite serious. So, it is not the

realization of the fact, but the political negotiations that are not concluded.”

“Right now, everyone is going to Durban for the climate conference,” she said. There would be no agreement in Durban as things are only at discussion levels, she said.

The immediate focus in Durban is the Kyoto Protocol, the 1997 agreement requiring 37 industrialized countries to slash carbon emissions to 5 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. It will be the central theme for the 20,000 national officials, lobbyists, scientists and advocates gathering under UN auspices in the coastal city of Durban today.

“Most likely there will an agreement on what they call a roadmap to a second commitment,” she predicted. However, the Cancun Conference on Climate held last year was very positive as it had a lot more focus on practical things to do. “And I understand that many countries will state their strong intention in Durban to move on with practical aspects and how they can motivate countries with their mitigation commitments irrespective of an agreement or not.”

She pointed out that many countries have been able to reduce greenhouse gases to be able to provide a safer future for their people. “ This includes big emitters like China and European Union. This follows the realization that action has to be taken. And action is being taken by many countries,” she exuded confidence.

Brigette Leoni, Regional communication Officer, UN, Michelle Zaccheo, Director, UN Information Center, Jak ar ta and Abhilash Panda, Regional Program Officer, ISDR, Bangkok were also present during the interview.

Restaurants plan DNA-certified seafood CANBERRA: Restaurants around the world will soon use new DNA technology to assure patrons they are being served the genuine fish fillet or caviar they ordered, rather than inferior substitutes, an expert in genetic identification says. In October, the US Food and Drug Administration officially approved socalled DNA barcoding - a standardized fingerprint that can identify a species like a supermarket scanner reads a barcode - to prevent the mislabeling of both locally produced and imported seafood in the United States. Other national regulators around the world are also considering adopting DNA barcoding as a fast, reliable and cost-effective tool for identifying organic matter. David Schindel, a Smithsonian Institution paleontologist and executive secretary of the Washington-based Consortium for the Barcode of Life, said he has started discussions with the restaurant industry and seafood suppliers about utilizing the technology as a means of certifying the authenticity of delicacies.

“When they sell something that’s really

expensive, they want the consumer to believe that they’re getting what they’re paying for,” Schindel told The Associated Press. “We’re going to start seeing a self-regulating movement by the high-end trade embracing barcoding as a mark of quality,” he said. While it would never be economically viable to DNA test every fish, it would be possible to test a sample of several fish from a trawler load, he said.

Schindel is organizer of the biennial International Barcode of Life Conference, which is being held today in the southern Australian city of Adelaide. The fourth in the conference series brings together 450 experts in the field to discuss new and increasingly diverse applications for the science.

Applications range from discovering what Australia’s herd of 1 million feral camels feeds on in the Outback to uncovering fraud in Malaysia’s herbal drug industry. Schindel leads a consortium of scientists from almost 50 nations in overseeing the compilation of a global reference library for the Earth’s 1.8 mil-

lion known species. The Barcode of Life Database so far includes more than 167,000 species. Mislabeling is widespread in the seafood industry and usually involves cheaper types of fish being sold as more expensive varieties. A pair of New York high school students using DNA barcoding of food stocked in their own kitchens found in a 2009 study that caviar labeled as sturgeon was actually Mississippi paddlefish.

In a published study a year earlier, another pair of students from the high school found that one-fourth of fish samples they had collected around New York were incorrectly labeled as higher-priced fish. Mislabeling of fish - which account for almost half the world’s vertebrate species - also poses risks to human health and the environment. In 2007, several people became seriously ill from eating illegally imported toxic pufferfish from China that had been mislabeled as monkfish to circumvent US import restrictions.

Endangered species are also sold as more common fish varieties. — AP

detergents inhalation causes irreparable damage to health

Will Pilates help me lose weight?

One of the most frequently asked questions about Pilates is ‘Will Pilates help me lose weight?’ The short answer is yes.

Pilates is supportive of weight loss in conjunction with a good eating regime. In many cases just beginning Pilates class, or a home routine, is enough to jump start weight loss. However, as time goes by you may find that your body becomes accustomed to your workout level. Then, you will need to increase the intensity of your workout enough to help you continue to burn extra calories. Here are some ideas to help you amp up your workout.

Do a faster paced routine Pilates is sometimes done slowly, especially at the beginner and intermediate levels. This gives a student a chance to establish inner-attention, good alignment, and familiarity with the exercises. But if you want to burn calories and lose weight, you might want to create opportunities to do your Pilates with more zest. One of the best ways to do that is to get the Pilates principles of breath and flow working for you and pick up the pace.

If you take a Pilates class regularly, talk to your instructor and find out if it is possible to move the class along a little more quickly. Sometimes a class needs to take that step. On the other hand, it may be that some members of your class are not ready

to increase the pace of their workouts and you will have to graduate yourself to a more advanced class. If you work out at home, it is a good idea to have a routine or two that you know quite well. That way you can focus on the breath and flow of the workout and not have to pause to review the exercise instructions or sequence.

Another great way to get a weight loss workout at home is push your current level or add a new challenge like the magic circle, fitness band, or exercise ball.

Fully commit to each exercise Even if you can’t move through a routine rapidly, do make sure that you get the most out of each exercise. Stretch to your fullest length at every opportunity, go for the extra scoop of the abs, breathe deeply, be precise, move with control and grace.

Add equipment Adding equipment, or different equip ment, to your workout will help build muscle and strength by giving your body new challenges. Remember, muscle burns a lot of fat. If you go to a studio to work out, you could move from the mat to the reformer.

At home, smaller types of Pilates equip ment such as magic circles, exercise balls and fitness bands can add the extra challenge. They also help keep your workouts interesting.

Who does not want to live in a clean environment, breathe in fresh air or wear clean clothes? While we know that the cleaning agents at our disposal make our lives easier and better, what we are blissfully unaware is that the same cleaning agents could cause more harm than good!

The powder detergents commercially available in the market, which are supposed to give us a cleaner fabric, could in fact be clogging up our health by causing serious health problems for us and our family members.

It is a well-known fact that the powder detergents contain chemicals which help clean the clothes.

However, the same powder detergents also contain toxic chemicals which lead to irreparable damage to our health and the environment, for they contain chemicals, release gases or create fumes that endanger our health.

Numerous studies have proved that accidental poisoning with household powder detergents can pose significant risks to anyone, especially the susceptible children.

While caustic gastrointestinal injury resulting from ingestion of these highly alkaline cleaning agents is well-recognized, few reports address the potential damage to the respiratory tract that can occur following ingestion or inhalation of granular laundry detergent.

Talking about the risks of powder detergents, a well-known doctor said: “Many common laundry powder detergents contain phosphates, ammonia, naphthalene, phenol etc. If inhaled, phosphates irritate the upper respiratory tract and cause breathing problems. If

accidentally swallowed, phosphates cause nausea, vomiting and stomach problems. These chemicals can cause rashes, itches, allergies, sinus problems and have longterm toxic effects on the environment. Chemicals such as sodium sulphate, which are part of the

allergic reactions, with symptoms including skin and respiratory irritation, headaches, and watery eyes.

Another health hazard from powder detergents are its enzyme content, which lead to respiratory illness and are extremely toxic to virtually all living organisms! Enzymes,

detergents, are corrosive and a cause of severe eye, skin and respiratory irritant leading to asthma attacks, especially among children.”

Similarly, the fragrances in powder detergents may also trigger

which have been used in detergents since 1960, can be particularly harmful to those who suffer from any kind of allergy. According to study, enzymes in detergents can cause skin irritation and may be

hazardous if inhaled or ingested.

Enzyme preparations may also cause irreparable damage to eyes and can even lead to blindness.

It is commonly known that with the movement towards eco-safer detergents, phosphates have been removed from detergents and replaced with sodium carbonate.

“This is no better. The sodium carbonate makes the detergent highly alkaline, and very dangerous if inhaled or ingested. Breathing problems may occur even when small amounts of the detergent are swallowed or inhaled. The damage occurs when the child’s esophagus, epiglottis (the flap of tissue that closes the opening to the trachea when a person swallows), and vocal cords are exposed to the detergent.

If the child vomits, which often happens because this substance is an emetic (something that causes vomiting), the tissues may be damaged again with the second exposure.”

Moreover, don’t forget the possibility of eye damage. If a child is playing with the detergent, some will get into the air and may drift into his eyes. This can cause damage to the cornea. The symptoms of breathing problems may not appear for one to two hours after the ingestion. If the child inhaled the product, and if respirator y symptoms are going to occur, they will occur rapidly. Breathing problems may occur even when small amounts of the detergent are swallowed or inhaled. So, it is amply proven that powder detergents can be highly toxic and dangerous in the home. The best bet is to switch over the liquid detergents. Think smart, and live longer and healthy!

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Down syndrome is focus of new blood test for pregnant women About 1 in 691 babies is born with Down syndrome ST LOUIS: A new blood test for pregnant women that can reliably detect Down syndrome in a fetus has raised concerns about the ethical implications of making that information safer and easier to obtain.

The test is more accurate than the blood and ultrasound screenings currently used to gauge the chance that a baby will be born with the syndrome.

And it’s safer than invasive tests of the amniotic fluid that carry a small risk of miscarriage. But families and advocates worry that if the blood test becomes widely used, fewer children with Down syndrome will be born. Studies have shown as many as nine out of 10 pregnancies with a Down syndrome diagnosis end in abortion.

The new blood test, MaterniT21 from the California company Sequenom, checks the fetal DNA present in the mother’s blood for the extra copy of the 21st chromosome that causes the most common form of Down syndrome. It can be administered as early as 10 weeks into the pregnancy with 99 percent accuracy.

So far, the test has been studied in women at higher risk of delivering a baby with Down syndrome - mothers whose initial screenings were abnormal, who have a family history or are older than 35. About 750,000 pregnancies a year fall into that category, the company estimates. The blood test is expected to further reduce the number of women who undergo amniocentesis to confirm a Down syndrome diagnosis. Most women already decide against the invasive test, which requires the extraction of amniotic fluid from the uterus, in part because of an estimated 1 in 500 chance of miscarriage.

“Women who are not really interested in invasive testing, many of them would want to go for this (new) test,” said Dr. Anthony Odibo, who specializes in fetal care at Washington University in St. Louis. “For many of them it’s really for preparation. Especially here in the Midwest, just knowing does not mean you’re going to terminate.”

The blood test is available in 20 cities including St Louis and is expected to cost up to $235 out of pocket for women with insurance. Results can be expected in eight to 10 days. Unlike amniocentesis, the test does not screen for other fetal abnormalities including spina bifida and more rare forms of Down syn-

drome. Company executives said they don’t expect the test to have a significant impact on the birth rate for babies with Down syndrome.

“All that this test does is to provide a safer alternative to the information that is already available to a woman” Dr Mathias Ehrlich, senior director of research and development at Sequenom. “They can take that information with their doctor into consideration, to make appropriate decisions for their family.”

About 1 in 691 babies is born with Down syndrome, which is marked by mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, developmental delays and distinctive facial features. Half of the babies also have heart defects that usually require surgery. Children and

adults can experience vision, hearing and speech impairments, thyroid problems and respiratory difficulties. People with Down syndrome can expect to live into their 50s, doctors said.

It’s estimated that 400,000 Americans have Down syndrome. Early intervention and therapy has improved their health and opportunities to attend mainstream classrooms, work and live independently, advocates say. Families of children with Down syndrome said they fear that widespread use of the new test will lead to more abortions, creating a smaller community with fewer resources.

Most families enrolled in the Down Syndrome Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital did not receive

MISSOURI: Dawson and Landon Lawrence play in their home in Imperial. — MCT

a prenatal diagnosis, said Niki Armstrong, a genetic counselor at the center. “A big proportion are not interested in prenatal testing because it would not affect pregnancy outcomes” Armstrong said. “I think that’s a very reasonable option.”

The results of the test should be accompanied by educational information and referrals to support groups so parents can make informed decisions, said Christy Klaus, family support coordinator for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St Louis.

Klaus added that more than 250 US and Canadian families are on a waiting list at the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network. The grief parents feel after receiving a diagnosis is understandable, said Trey and Darla Lawrence, whose 18-month-old son Dawson has Down syndrome.

The Lawrences, who live in Imperial, Mo., said their initial reaction of fear and panic lasted about a week after they found out fairly early into the pregnancy.

“By the time he was born it was all joy ” Darla Lawrence said over lunch at a cafe where Dawson charmed strangers by blowing kisses. “It would be devastating if we didn’t have children like Dawson.”

Expectant parents facing a decision about their pregnancy should also hear the personal, and not just clinical side of the story, Lawrence said. “They’re the lucky ones. I know most people can’t fathom that,” she said. “They will have a love and a presence of joy in their house that just can’t be matched by typical people.”

In a survey of more than 2,000 parents of children with Down syndrome, 99 percent said they loved their child and 4 percent regretted having the child, according to results published last month in the American Journal of Medical Genetics. Parents of children with Down syndrome were careful not to depict an overly sunny experience. There are medical, social and educational challenges that require extra time and money. But people should know there are more similarities than differences among all children, said Linda Kronmiller, education coordinator for the local Down Syndrome Association. “He’s just like every other human being with a range of emotions,” Kronmiller said, speaking of her 14-year-old son Eric. “If you saw him walking through the school, you wouldn’t notice.”— MCT

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Greetings

Happy Birthday, Leah!

Best wishes from your loving mum and dad (Jessy, George) Harriet, and Bibin.

Sahara Hotel General manager Hassan Bayrly with the participants following the awards ceremony.

Upcoming events Rak dance academy new year hangama-2012 The RAK Dance Academy (RDA) Kuwait, is planning to put a charity event as celebration of its New Year Hangama 2012, on 31st December, 2011, from 6.00pm onwards, at Carmel School Khaitan. All participants are well known artists from Kuwait. The main purpose of this celebration is to collect donations and raise money for supporting handicapped children in India.

Advertisement will be published throughout Kuwait absolutely free of charge. We are expecting huge crowd for this event. The fund raised will be beneficial handicapped children. In order to make this event joyous and successful we are seeking kind contributions from you. Your attendance is your donation. Please join for an evening for a good cause. Darla Srinivasulu Achari, 99 692266; Mob: 65728740 K. Eswar Babu, Phone 99692266, Lashmeesha 65925730 Email: rakdanceacademy@gmail.com Aware Center Arabic lessons The AWARE Management is glad to inform you that Winter 1 Arabic language courses will begin on November 20th, 2011 until January 12th, 2012. AWARE Arabic language courses are designed with the expat in mind. The environment is relaxed and courses are designed for those wanting to learn Arabic for travel, cultural understanding, and conducting business or simply to become more involved in the community.

We cater to teachers, travelers & those working in the private business sector. Arabic classes at the AWARE Center are unique because students are provided with the chance to practice their Arabic through various social activities that aim at bringing Arabs and Westerners together.

AWARE Arabic courses highlight: l Introductory to Level 4 Arabic language basics l Better prepare you for speaking, reading and writing Arabic l Combine language learning with cultural insights lTaught in multi-nationality group settings l Provide opportunities to interact with Western expatriates and native Kuwaitis/Arabs.

For more information or registration, call 25335260/80 ext 105/104/0 or log onto: www.aware.com.kw.

Christmas music concert Men’s Voice and Choral Society - Kuwait, the renowned Christian musicale group in Kuwait since 2001, who were able to put up a splendid Christmas carol in the form of a Living Christmas tree last year, are going to be back on stage this season of winter with their 11th Annual Christmas Music Concert “Celtic Christmas” for all the music lovers of the region on Wednesday 7th, December 2011 at 7 pm at Hall of Faith, National Evangelical Church (NECK), Kuwait.

They are at their final stages of practice rounding up and polishing the best carols from English and Malayalam favorites. Every Music Lovers are cordially invite everyone to this spiritual musical concert, for more details contact 94064465/94063481 or visit www.mensvoicekuwait.org

French embassy presents ‘Chamber music’

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he French Embassy in Kuwait and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Literature presents “Chamber music”, a concert of Ballake Sissoko & Vincent Segal tomorrow, November 29th, 7:30PM at the Shamiya Theater.

Most of the time, when we say “chamber music”, we think to classical music in a salon in Paris or Vienna. Ballake Sissoko who plays the traditional kora, a 18-string luteharp from Mali, and Vincent Segal, the French cellist from the famous trip-hop band Bumcello, are giving a new sense and sound for that kind of music.

Their music is a hybrid of African and European idioms where the graceful melodies of the kora interact with the delicate notes of the cello. Chamber Music is considered as one of the most beautiful recordings of “world music” in recent years. Ballake Sissoko and Vincent Segal show that the best musical marriages are born from simplicity... and friendship. Invited by the French Embassy to Kuwait, the Kora master from Mali, Ballake Sissoko and the talented French cellist, Vincent Segal will perform for the 1st time in Kuwait and the Gulf on Shamiya theater stage for a unique concert.

Ballake Sissoko (Mali): kora player Vincent Segal (France) : Cellist Free entrance / Limited seats Shamiya Theater Shamiya, Bloc 4, Hamad Saleh Al-Homaidhi st., in front of the co-operative.

Sahara Hotel hosts golf tournament

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he Sahara Resort hosted its annual golf tournament featuring 127 participants who competed at the resort’s signature golf course which contain 18 holes and classified by the International Golf Federation to host international competitions.

The two-day tournament which started on November 18th saw Paul Larner from the UK crowned as the winner of the men’s competition, and Hi Ji Lee from South Korea as the winner of the women’s competition. The event was concluded with a dinner party held at the Sahara Resort’s hall.

Annual Christmas bazaar

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he Salesian Cooperators are hosting “Annual Christmas Bazaar” with lots more items on sale!

Homemade goodies, chocolates, decoration and much much more! Please be a part of their drive to help the underprivileged— especially this Christmas season.

All proceeds go to charity! When: Friday, December 2nd, Time: 9:00am - 12:30pm, Where: IEAS - Don Bosco School, Salmiya Kuwait

Hip hop classes

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ip hop classes on Mondays & Wednesdays Where: Movenpick Al Bida’a - Shapes Health Club Time: 7-8 PM Cost/Fee: 35 KD/month/twice a week For more info: darine.mar@hotmail.com Phone: 9955-8281

Auditions for KLT season

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t’s audition time again for the next show of the KLT season, a ‘GLEE-esque’ show choir production - Vocal Rhapsody’s “Love Story”, slated for the stage in February 2012. Vocal Rhapsody’s “Love Story” - is a show choir production with hit songs from artists such as Journey, Queen, Katy Perry and Meatloaf. If you love to sing and perform come out to audition for this ‘GLEEesque’ production that is guaranteed to be fun, exciting and musically intriguing for all! Audition/Times Auditions are held in Kuwait Little Theater in Ahmadi on Saturday December 3rd from 6pm-8pm, Sunday December 4th from 7pm-9pm, and Monday December 5th from 7pm-9pm (you should arrive promptly at the start time on the day you choose to attend and stay until your audition is complete. You only need to attend one audition.)

Shreya Ghoshal to perform in Kuwait

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outh icon for the millions Shreya Ghoshal will be performing live in Kuwait on Friday, 9th Dec. 2011. The mega evening is organised by Indian Cultural Society.

After hosting memorable events such as “ Parda Hai Parda” with Munawwar Masoom, Surinder Singh & Poonam Bhatia, “Mahakte Lamhe” with Udit Narayan, Neha Chauhan &Trishna Mukharjee, “Dil Ki Awaaz “with Kavita Krishnamurti & Bharti Singh, “Jashn e Bahara’n” with Talat Aziz & famous poets, “Nazar Ke Samne” with Kumar Sanu & Bali and many more events. ICS is now all set to present “Silsila Ye Chahat Ka” with Shreya Ghoshal at Al Jeel Al Jadeed School, Hawally. The Chief Guest for the event will be Ambassador of India, Kuwait and the guest of honor will be prominent personalities from Kuwait. The evening will witness new fashion and ever green songs by leading female playback singer from Indian cinema Shreya Ghoshal. She will perform with her world fame orchestra & musician along with co singer Shiv Prasad Mallaya. Young talents from Kuwait will be another attraction of the evening.

Galleries & Art Exhibition lThe Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah (DAI) is a cultural organization based on a Kuwaiti private art collection.

Since its inception in 1983, DAI has grown from a single focus organization created to manage the loan of the prestigious Al-Sabah Collection of art from the Islamic world to the State of Kuwait to become an internationally recognized cultural organization. DarMuseum.org.kw lAl Americani Cultural Centre and Administrative Offices in the Historic Americani Hospital Buildings Tel: (965) 2240 0992 Fax: (965) 2246 7770 Email: info@darmuseum.org.kw

friends@darmuseum.org.kw lThe Kuwait National Museum is located on the Arabian Gulf Street between Seif Palace & the National Assembly (Parliament). Phone: 22451195 or 2245-6534 lKuwait Textile Arts Association (KTAA) The Kuwait Textile Arts Association (under the auspices of Sadu House) is a non-profit multinational organization which aims to bring together individuals interested

in textiles and the fibre arts including applique, embroidery, knotting carpets, quilting, silk painting and weaving. Members include a number of talented decorative artists who hold classes throughout the year. Quilt Group: q8quilter@yahoo.com Yarn & Fiber Group: q8yarnandfibregroup@yahoo.com Contact: Joan Fisher Tel: 2390-3462 (English)/2243-2395 (Arabic) Email: wovenpieces@yahoo.com

lSultan Gallery: As the first venue of its kind in Kuwait, Sultan Gallery believes in the power of art as a medium of meaningful expression. Founders Ghazi Sultan, and the late Najat Sultan, envisioned a gallery that would serve as a platform for Arab artists to showcase their most inspired work.

Empowered by the mission to forge cultural understanding and artistic appreciation in Kuwait, Sultan Gallery has spent 40 years exhibiting both the most visionary artists and thought provoking themes. Sultan Gallery showcases artists that explore the breadth of creative expression - from the traditional painting to the contemporary audio and visual installation. Sultan Gallery enriches the Kuwaiti cultural scene with its passion for art as a vehicle of cultural understanding through visual language. Email: sultangallery@sadeer.com Location: Sabhan, Sadeer Co, Block B, Street 105, Building 168 lAl-Maidan Cultural Centre: Abdullah al-Salem School, Maidan Hawally, near al-Shaab Leisure Park.

Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday 9am - 5pm, until 9pm on event nights. Tel: (965) 2563 6561/ 2563 6528 Fax: (965) 2565 3006 Email:

Youth Chorus Group Song Competition 2011

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outh Chorus organized the Sixth Christian Malayalam Group Song Competition on Friday the 18th November 2011 at 6.00pm at the United Indian School Auditorium, Abbasiya. Six

teams of different churches and congregations participated in the programme.

Seraphs Kuwait secured the first prize with an enchanting feat and the St. George Universal Syrian Orthodox Reesh

(Valiyapally) team won the second prize with a magical performance of music.

Yuva Jyothi KMRM team which participated in this programme first time and bagged the third prize with amazing

presentation. The first and third prize winners will be awarded with Youth Chorus Ever Rolling trophies and the second prize winner will be given Mrs. Omana Jose memorial Ever Rolling Trophy. All the teams participated in the programme will be given Youth Chorus mementos. The trophies, certificates and the mementos will be distributed during the Christmas programmed of Youth Chorus which will be held on Thursday,22nd December 2011 at the Indian Central School Auditorium, at 6.00pm.

The program was inaugurated by Bro. Paul Mahesh, the renowned preacher from India. Sam T Thomas led the opening prayer followed by the welcome speech by Somu Mathew, General Secretary. John Abraham, president of Youth Chorus chaired the meeting and delivered the presidential address. Adv. P.John Thomas, Secretary briefed the gathering about the rules and regulations of the competition and Shibu Pullampallil proposed the cote of thanks. Tony Mathew and Shibu Pullampallil served as the conveners of the programme.

Mr. Abraham Thomas, Organist of Youth Chorus coordinated the programs.

Melodious solo of Manoj Philip enthralled the audience. The program was well compered by Chinnu Maxin and Sonia Bibin.

Closing prayer was led by Chechamma Sunu.

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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. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF BANGLADESH The embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Kuwait will remain closed today 27 November. 2011 on the occasion of the Arabic New Year 1433 Hizri. nnnnnnn

Forum for disabled children held in Kuwait

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he first forum for disabled children and their peers was organized recently at the Discovery Mall by the Kuwaiti Pro Team in cooperation with the ‘Hemmatna Le Deeratna’ (our determination for our country) voluntary group. The event featured lectures in which specialists talked about the importance of helping children with special needs to become more involved in society, and find ways to put them in social activities with children without disabilities. —Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

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. Canada offers a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that Consular Officials can contact and assist Canadians in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform Canadians of a family emergency at home. The Embassy of Canada encourages all Canadian Citizens to register online through the Government of Canada Travel Website at www.voyage.gc.ca.

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.

Effective January 15, 2011, the only Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application form that will be accepted by CIC is the Application for Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside of Canada [IMM 5257] form. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF GERMANY

The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kuwait wishes to announce that as of 1 May 2011, the external service provider Al Qabas Assurex is operating a Visa Application Centre in support of the German Embassy. Short-term visa applications for travels to Germany (e.g. for tourism, visits, business) are to be submitted to the service provider Al Qabas who for your convenience will ensure that all relevant documents are included in your application. Your personal appearance at the Application Centre is not required. Address of the Visa Application Centre: Al Qabas Assurex Sanabel Tower (AlBabtain) Mezzanine (M3) opposite Sharq Mall Kuwait 22924444 Fax: 22924442 Further information are available on the following websites: www.kuwait.diplo.de www.qavisa.com nnnnnnn

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. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF PERU The Embassy of Peru is located at Al-Arablya Tower, Sharq, Ahmed Al-Jaber Street, on the 6th Floor. In the same place, as a part of the Chancellery of the Embassy of Peru in Kuwait, also is located the Showing Room of “PeruExpoTour, Trade & Invest.” nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF RUSSIA Embassy of the Russian Federation will hold the elections to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation (Parliament) on December 3, 2011, between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm in the Embassy s premises by the address: Kuwait City, Daiya, Block 5, Diplomatic campus, Plot 17. All the Russians are invited to participate.

They are requested to present valid Russian passports. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF US The United States and Kuwait enjoy a long-standing and fruitful relationship with higher education. As evidence of this enduring partnership, the number of Kuwaiti students enrolled in US institutions of higher education in 2010/11 increased from 2442 to 2998, a 22.8% increase compared to the previous year. Kuwaiti students study in 45 states.

This year, embassies and institutions around the world will be celebrating International Education Week the week of November 14-18.

In honor of International Education Week, the US Embassy s Mobile American Corner will be at the Marina Mall on Wednesday evening, November 16, and at the Avenues Mall on Thursday evening, November 17. Information about higher education in the US, English language classes and the student visa application process will be available, and staff will be present to answer questions about study in the USA from the general public.

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00:50 Untamed & Uncut 01:45 Cats 101 02:40 Crocodile Feeding Frenzy 03:35 Wildest Africa 04:30 Whale Wars 05:25 Cats 101 06:20 Animal Cops Houston 07:10 Michaela’s Animal Road Trip 08:00 Monkey Life 08:25 The Really Wild Show 08:50 Panda Adventures With Nigel Marven 09:40 Breed All About It 10:10 America’s Cutest Pet 11:05 Cats 101 12:00 Animal Cops Specials 2009 12:55 Pit Bulls And Parolees 13:50 Wildlife SOS 14:45 Animal Cops Miami 15:40 Life Of Mammals 16:30 Monkey Life 17:00 The Really Wild Show 17:30 Natural Born Hunters 18:00 Jeff Corwin Unleashed 18:25 Cats 101 19:20 Dogs vs. Cats 20:15 Monkey Life 20:40 Breed All About It 21:10 Dogs 101: Specials 22:05 Life Of Mammals 23:00 Bad Dog 23:55 Untamed & Uncut

00:20 Conviction 01:15 As Time Goes By 01:45 The Weakest Link: S10: Set 2 02:35 The Fixer 03:20 Emma (2009) 04:10 One Foot In The Grave 04:40 3rd & Bird: set 01 04:50 Bobinogs 05:00 Boogie Beebies: Set 4 05:15 Poetry Pie 05:20 Tweenies: Set 15 05:40 Fimbles: Set 3 06:00 3rd & Bird: set 01 06:10 Bobinogs 06:20 Boogie Beebies: Set 4 06:35 The Adventures Of Spot 06:40 Tweenies: Set 15 07:00 Charlie & Lola: Set 1 07:10 Fimbles: Set 3 07:30 3rd & Bird: set 01 07:40 Bobinogs 07:50 Boogie Beebies: Set 4 08:05 Poetry Pie 08:10 Tweenies: Set 15 08:30 Charlie & Lola: Set 2 08:40 Fimbles: Set 3 09:00 3rd & Bird: set 01 09:10 Bobinogs 09:20 Boogie Beebies: Set 4 09:35 Poetry Pie 09:40 The Adventures Of Spot 09:50 Tweenies: Set 15 10:10 Charlie & Lola: Set 2 10:20 Fimbles: Set 3 10:40 One Foot In The Grave 11:40 The Weakest Link: S10: Set 2 12:30 Inspector Lynley Mysteries (8 part version) 13:20 Doctors: Set 2 13:50 As Time Goes By 14:20 Coast 15:25 One Foot In The Grave 16:25 Inspector Lynley Mysteries (8 part version) 17:15 The Weakest Link: S10: Set 2 18:05 Doctors: Set 2 18:35 As Time Goes By 19:05 Coast 20:10 Inspector Lynley Mysteries (8 part version) 21:00 The Weakest Link: S10: Set 2 21:45 Doctors: Set 2 22:15 Eastenders: set 253 22:45 Holby City: Set 1 23:40 The Fixer

00:00 BBC World News 00:30 Horizons

01:00 BBC World News 01:10 World Features 01:30 BBC World News 02:10 The Health Show 02:30 Asia Business Report 02:45 Sport Today 03:00 Newsday 03:30 India Business Report 04:00 Newsday 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Sport Today 05:00 Newsday 05:30 Asia Business Report 05:45 Sport Today 06:00 Newsday 06:30 Asia Business Report 06:45 Sport Today 07:00 Newsday 07:30 Hardtalk 08:00 BBC World News 08:30 World Business Report 08:45 BBC World News 09:30 World Business Report 09:45 BBC World News 10:30 World Business Report 10:45 Sport Today 11:00 BBC World News 11:30 World Business Report 11:45 Sport Today 12:00 BBC World News 12:30 Hardtalk 13:00 BBC World News 13:30 World Business Report 13:45 Sport Today 14:00 BBC World News 14:30 World Business Report 14:45 Sport Today 15:00 GMT With George Alagiah 16:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 17:30 World Business Report 17:45 Sport Today 18:00 BBC World News 18:30 Hardtalk 19:00 BBC World News 19:30 World Business Report 19:45 Sport Today 20:00 The Hub With Nik Gowing 21:30 World Business Report 21:45 Sport Today 22:00 World News Today With Zeinab Badawi 23:30 World Business Report 23:45 Sport Today

00:15 Samurai Jack 00:40 Megas XLR 01:05 Robotboy 01:30 Squirrel Boy 01:55 George Of The Jungle 02:20 Cramp Twins 02:45 Chop Socky Chooks 03:10 Best Ed 03:35 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 04:00 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 04:25 Generator Rex 04:50 Adventure Time 05:15 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 05:40 Chowder 05:55 Powerpuff Girls 06:30 Ed, Edd n Eddy 06:55 I Am Weasel 07:20 Squirrel Boy 07:45 Cow & Chicken 08:00 Casper’s Scare School 08:04 Cow & Chicken 08:25 Angelo Rules 08:50 Best Ed 09:15 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 09:40 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 10:05 The Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy 10:30 Courage The Cowardly Dog 10:55 Cow & Chicken 11:20 I Am Weasel 11:35 Adventure Time 12:00 Ben 10 12:25 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 12:50 The Secret Saturdays 13:15 Samurai Jack 13:40 Ben 10: Alien Force 14:05 Codename: Kids Next Door 14:30 Skunk Fu! 14:50 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 15:15 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

TV PROGRAMS 15:40 Ed, Edd n Eddy 16:05 Camp Lazlo 16:30 Chowder 16:55 The Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy 17:25 Cow & Chicken 17:50 Courage The Cowardly Dog 18:15 I Am Weasel 18:40 George Of The Jungle 19:05 Codename: Kids Next Door 19:30 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 19:55 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 20:20 Generator Rex 20:45 Bakugan: Gundalian Invaders 21:10 Hero 108 21:35 Star Wars: The Clone Wars 22:00 Total Drama Action 22:25 Adventure Time 22:50 The Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy 23:00 Ben 10 23:25 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 23:50 The Secret Saturdays

00:20 01:13 02:00 02:45 03:35 04:25 05:15 06:00 06:20 Cody 06:45 07:05 07:30 07:55 08:20 08:35 09:00 09:15 09:25 09:35 09:50 10:15 10:30 10:50 11:15 11:35 12:00 12:25 12:45 13:10 13:30 13:55 14:55 15:20 15:45 16:10 16:35 Cody 17:00 17:25 17:50 18:15 18:45 19:35 20:00 20:25

Replacements Fairly Odd Parents A Kind Of Magic Stitch Kim Possible Emperor’s New School Stitch Emperor’s New School The Suite Life Of Zack And Phineas And Ferb Wizards Of Waverly Place Suite Life On Deck Good Luck Charlie Fish Hooks Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates Jungle Junction The Hive Handy Manny Imagination Movers Phineas And Ferb Emperor’s New School Good Luck Charlie Phineas And Ferb Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Sonny With A Chance Good Luck Charlie Hannah Montana Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Good Luck Charlie Phineas And Ferb Fish Hooks Shake It Up The Suite Life Of Zack And Wizards Of Waverly Place Good Luck Charlie Fish Hooks Shake It Up Suite Life On Deck Good Luck Charlie Emperor’s New School Fish Hooks

00:00 Globe Trekker 01:00 Wild Camping 02:00 Rajasthan - A Colourful Legacy 03:00 Luxury Train Journeys Of India 04:00 Great Scenic Railways-New Zealand 04:30 Life’s A Trip 05:00 Globe Trekker 09:00 Travel Today 09:30 Cruise Today 10:00 Planet Food 11:00 Glutton For Punishment 12:00 Inside Luxury Travel-Varun Sharma 13:00 Globe Trekker 14:00 Sophie Grigson In The Souk 14:30 Feast India 15:00 Rajasthan - A Colourful Legacy 16:00 Globe Trekker 18:00 Inside Luxury Travel-Varun Sharma

EMOTIONAL ARITHMETIC ON OSN CINEMA

00:40 07:00 07:25 07:50 08:45 09:10 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:25 12:20 13:15 14:10 15:05 15:30 16:00 16:25 16:55 17:50 18:45 19:10 19:40 20:05 21:00 21:30

Pit Bulls And Parolees Wheeler Dealers Fifth Gear Overhaulin’ How It’s Made Mythbusters Cake Boss Border Security Auction Kings Ultimate Survival Deadliest Catch Ultimate Survival Dual Survival Swamp Brothers Cash Cab Us Wheeler Dealers Fifth Gear Overhaulin’ Mythbusters Cake Boss Border Security Auction Kings How It’s Made Cash Cab Us Coal

00:40 Bang Goes The Theory 01:05 The Tech Show 01:30 Nasa’s Greatest Missions 02:20 Catch It Keep It 06:40 The Tech Show 07:10 How The Universe Works 08:00 Junkyard Mega-Wars 08:50 How The Universe Works 09:40 The Tech Show 10:10 Weird Connections 10:35 The Gadget Show 11:25 The Future Of...

12:20 Sci-Fi Science 12:45 How Stuff’s Made 13:15 Build It Bigger: Rebuilding Greensburg 14:05 How The Universe Works 14:55 Stuntdawgs 15:20 Green Wheels 15:50 Mega World 16:40 Weird Connections 17:05 Junkyard Mega-Wars 18:00 Brainiac 18:50 Sci-Fi Science 19:15 The Tech Show 19:40 Things That Move 20:30 Race To Mars 21:20 Nextworld 22:10 The Gadget Show 23:00 Things That Move

00:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 00:40 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 01:05 World Cafe Asia 01:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 01:55 Bobby Chinn Cooks Asia 02:45 Food Network Challenge 03:35 Chopped 04:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 05:15 Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam 05:40 Unwrapped 06:05 Chef vs Britain 06:30 Paula’s Best Dishes 06:50 Paula’s Party 07:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 08:00 Chopped 08:50 Guy’s Big Bite 09:15 Extra Virgin 09:40 Chef vs Britain 10:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 10:30 Paula’s Best Dishes 10:55 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 11:20 Aarti Party 11:45 Guy’s Big Bite 12:10 Unwrapped 12:35 Paula’s Party 13:25 Extra Virgin 13:50 Paula’s Best Dishes 14:15 Mexican Made Easy 14:40 World Cafe Asia 15:05 Food Network Challenge 15:55 Unwrapped 16:20 Good Eats - Special 16:45 Chopped 17:35 Guy’s Big Bite 18:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 18:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 18:55 Extra Virgin 19:15 Lidia’s Italy 19:40 Mexican Made Easy 20:05 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 20:30 Food Network Challenge 21:20 Unwrapped 21:45 Unwrapped 22:10 Lidia’s Italy 23:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics

00:20 Special Agent Oso 00:50 Jungle Junction 01:15 Little Einsteins 01:40 Higglytown Heroes 02:30 Special Agent Oso 03:00 Jungle Junction 03:25 Little Einsteins 03:50 Higglytown Heroes 04:40 Special Agent Oso 05:10 Jungle Junction 05:35 Little Einsteins 06:00 Higglytown Heroes 06:50 Jungle Junction 07:15 Higglytown Heroes 07:45 Handy Manny 08:00 Special Agent Oso 08:15 Jungle Junction 08:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 09:10 The Hive 09:20 Handy Manny 09:35 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 10:15 Mini Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh 10:20 Timmy Time 10:30 Jungle Junction 10:45 The Hive 10:55 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 11:15 The Little Mermaid 11:45 Little Einsteins 12:10 Imagination Movers 12:30 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 12:45 Lazytown 13:10 Handy Manny 13:25 Jungle Junction 13:40 Imagination Movers 14:05 The Hive 14:15 Special Agent Oso 14:25 Little Einsteins 14:50 Lazytown 15:15 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 15:40 Jake & The Neverland Pirates

15:55 16:05 16:30 16:40 16:55 17:20 17:45 18:00 18:20 18:30 18:55 19:25 19:50 20:04 20:05 20:25 20:40 20:50 21:20 21:30 21:55 22:20 22:35 22:50 23:15 23:25 23:40 23:55

Jake & The Neverland Pirates Handy Manny The Hive Jake & The Neverland Pirates Imagination Movers Lazytown Jungle Junction The Hive Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates The Little Mermaid Special Agent Oso Animated Stories Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 101 Dalmatians 101 Dalmatians Jake & The Neverland Pirates The Hive Imagination Movers Little Einsteins Jake & The Neverland Pirates Jungle Junction Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Timmy Time Handy Manny Jungle Junction Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

00:25 Style Star 01:25 20 Hottest Women Of The Web 03:15 E! Investigates 04:10 Sexiest 05:05 Reality Hell 05:30 Wildest TV Show Moments 06:00 THS 07:50 Behind The Scenes 08:20 E! News 09:15 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 10:15 Christina Aguilera 12:05 Style Star 12:35 Fashion Police 13:05 Dirty Soap 14:05 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 14:35 Giuliana & Bill 15:30 THS 16:25 Behind The Scenes 16:55 Bridalplasty 17:55 Ice Loves Coco 18:55 THS 19:55 The Dance Scene 20:25 Kendra 20:55 Chelsea Lately 21:25 Dirty Soap

00:00 Cowboy U 00:50 Aiya TV 02:30 Final Fu 03:20 Ty Murray’s Celebrity Bull Riding Challa 04:10 Eurodip 05:00 Shark Park 05:50 Lucas Oil Motocross Championships 2009 07:30 Ride Guide Mountainbike 2009 09:00 From Romania With Love 09:25 IFMXF 2010 11:55 Fantasy Factory 12:45 Breitling Airsports 2009 13:35 Untracked 14:25 Mantracker 15:15 World Combat League 16:05 Fantasy Factory 16:55 Breitling Airsports 2009 17:45 From Romania With Love 18:10 IFMXF 2010 20:40 Mantracker 21:30 Untracked 22:20 Final Fu 23:10 World Combat League

00:40 01:30 02:15 03:05 03:50 04:40 05:25 06:15 07:10 08:00 08:50 09:40 10:25 11:10 11:35 11:55 12:40 13:25 14:15 15:00 15:25 15:50 16:35 17:20 18:10 19:00 19:45 20:10 20:55 21:20 22:10 23:00

Couples Who Kill True CSI Nightmare Next Door I Almost Got Away With It Couples Who Kill True CSI On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared Mystery Diagnosis FBI Files Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Street Patrol On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Street Patrol On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared FBI Files Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Real Emergency Calls Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared Nightmare Next Door

00:00 00:30 01:00 02:00 02:30 03:00 03:30 05:30 06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:30 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 15:30 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 21:00 21:30 22:00 23:00

Travel Madness Madventures Delinquent Gourmet Exploring The Vine Exploring The Vine Word of Mouth Banged Up Abroad Weird & Wonderful Hotels Travel Madness Madventures Delinquent Gourmet Delinquent Gourmet Exploring The Vine Exploring The Vine Word of Mouth Banged Up Abroad Banged Up Abroad Weird & Wonderful Hotels Travel Madness Madventures Banged Up Abroad Banged Up Abroad Eccentric Uk Deadliest Journeys

By Any Means Endurance Traveller City Chase Argentina Banged Up Abroad Eccentric Uk Deadliest Journeys

By Any Means Endurance Traveller

STONE OF DESTINY ON OSN MOVIES HD 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00 00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

Killshot-18 From Within-PG15 Blood And Bone-18 Rocky IV-PG15 Shanghai Knights-PG15 Tracker-PG15 The Lost Future-PG15 Shanghai Knights-PG15 Arctic Predator-PG15 The Lost Future-PG15 Death Race 2-18 The Thin Red Line-18

01:00 03:00 04:45 06:45 09:00 11:15 13:15 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

In Her Skin-18 Gentlemen Broncos-PG15 Good Hair-PG15 Paper Man-PG15 The Last Airbender-PG Flipped-PG Private-PG15 Emotional Arithmetic-PG15 The Open Road-PG15 Leap Year-PG15 Certified Copy-PG15 Jackass 3-R

00:00 The Ricky Gervais Show 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 Eastbound & Down 02:00 Saturday Night Live 03:00 Friends 03:30 Friends 04:00 According To Jim 06:00 Yes Dear 06:30 Just Shoot Me 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 According To Jim 08:30 Friends 09:30 State Of Georgia 10:00 How I Met Your Mother 10:30 Just Shoot Me 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:00 Yes Dear 12:30 According To Jim 13:00 Friends 14:00 Just Shoot Me 14:30 State Of Georgia 15:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 16:00 The Colbert Report 16:30 Yes Dear 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Friends 19:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:30 The League 20:00 Seinfeld 20:30 The Ricky Gervais Show 21:00 The Daily Show Global Edition 21:30 The Colbert Report Global Edition 22:00 It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia 23:00 Eastbound & Down 23:30 Seinfeld

01:00 Penny Dreadful-18 03:00 Shutter Island-18 05:15 Blood River-18 07:00 Rocky II-PG15 09:00 Batman: Under The Red Hood-PG 11:00 Fast Lane-PG15 13:00 Staten Island-PG15 15:00 Batman: Under The Red Hood-PG 17:00 Dolan’s Cadillac-PG15 19:00 Valhalla Rising-18 21:00 The Thin Red Line-18

Sweet Home Alabama-PG15 Molly-PG15 Knucklehead-PG15 Unmade Beds-18

01:15 03:15 05:30 07:15 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

Mr. Nice-18 I Am Sam-PG15 Flicka 2-PG15 Date Night-PG15 12 Men Of Christmas-PG15 Don’t Fade Away-PG15 My Sassy Girl-PG15 Stone Of Destiny-PG15 12 Men Of Christmas-PG15 Legion-18 Certified Copy-PG15 Knucklehead-PG15

00:00 02:00 PG 03:45 05:45 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 19:45 22:00

Ed-PG Legend Of Sleeping BeautyIn Search Of The Titanic-PG15 Toy Story 3-FAM Turtle Hero: Part I-FAM Open Season 3-PG15 Christopher Columbus-PG North-PG Ulysses-PG Open Season 3-PG15 Tooth Fairy-PG Christopher Columbus-PG

02:00 International Rugby Union 04:00 Trans World Sport 05:00 Rugby League 4 Nations 07:00 WWE Bottom Line 08:00 PGA European Tour 12:30 Trans World Sport 13:30 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup 14:30 International Rugby Union 16:30 Premier League Snooker 20:00 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup 21:00 International Rugby Union 23:00 RWC 2011 Tournament Highlights

02:00 Scottish Premier League 04:00 Trans World Sport 05:00 International Rugby Union 07:00 Scottish Premier League 09:00 Premier League Snooker 12:30 International Rugby Union 14:30 Pro 12 Celtic League 16:30 Golfing World 17:30 Pro 12 Celtic League 19:30 Beach Volley Ball 20:00 World Hockey 20:30 ICC Cricket World 21:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 21:30 Futbol Mundial 22:00 Premier League Snooker

01:30 Trans World Sport 02:30 Premier League Snooker 06:00 ICC Cricket World 06:30 World Hockey 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 European PGA Tour 12:30 Golfing World 13:30 Scottish Premier League 15:30 Futbol Mundial 16:00 Premier League Snooker 19:30 ICC Cricket World 20:00 European PGA Tour Highlights 21:00 International Rugby Union 23:00 Golfing World

00:00 03:00 04:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 00:00 Sweet Home Alabama-PG15 09:00 02:00 Marci X-PG15 04:00 The Adventures Of Rocky And 11:00 13:00 Bullwinkle-FAM 14:00 06:00 Double Wedding-PG15 16:30 08:00 The Country Bears-PG 17:30 10:00 A Lot Like Love-PG15 19:30 12:00 Malibu’s Most Wanted-PG15 20:00 14:00 Garfield-PG

UFC 139 UFC The Ultimate Fighter Super Formula V8 Supercars Extra WWE Vintage Collection WWE Bottom Line WWE SmackDown V8 Supercars Speedway Super League Formula WWE Bottom Line WWE SmackDown UFC All Access UFC 139

00:00 01:00 03:00 03:30 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 09:00 09:30 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 15:00 15:30 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 23:00

Warriors American Pickers Pawn Stars American Restoration Chasing Mummies Battles B.C. Warriors American Pickers Pawn Stars American Restoration Chasing Mummies Battles B.C. Warriors American Pickers Pawn Stars American Restoration Chasing Mummies Battles B.C. How The Earth Was Made American Pickers Decoding The Past Ice Road Truckers Ax Men

00:05 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 01:00 Open House 02:00 Videofashion Daily 02:55 Videofashion News 03:25 How Do I Look?

04:20 Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

05:15 Married Away 06:10 Homes With Style 06:35 Area 07:05 Clean House 08:00 Videofashion News 09:00 Videofashion Daily 10:00 Open House 10:55 How Do I Look?

11:50 Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

12:50 Clean House: Search For The Messiest...

13:50 Clean House 14:45 Videofashion Daily 15:45 How Do I Look?

16:40 Ruby 17:35 Jerseylicious 18:30 How Do I Look?

19:25 Tia And Tamera 20:25 Open House 21:20 Clean House 22:15 Elements Of Style 23:10 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane

01:20 03:10 04:50 06:15 07:50 09:45 11:15 12:40 14:10 16:20 18:20 20:25 22:00 23:35 23:50

Red Shoe Diaries, The Couch Trip Bloodmatch Cotton Comes To Harlem Bridge At Remagen, The Limit Up Road Rage Danielle Steel’s Remembrance Nicholas Nickleby Eight Men Out Taras Bulba Vera Cruz In The Arms Of A Killer Mgm’s Big Screen Chains Of Gold

01:15 02:55 04:25 06:05 08:00 09:50 11:40 13:15 14:50 16:40 18:30 20:35 23:00

Shaft In Africa Above Suspicion-PG It’s Always Fair Weather-FAM Now, Voyager-PG A Day At The Races-FAM Bhowani Junction-PG Billy The Kid-PG Code Name: Emerald-PG Dark Passage-FAM Guns For San Sebastian-PG The Unsinkable Molly Brown Cimarron-FAM Sunday In New York-FAM

01:00 02:00 08:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00

Music For The Masses VH1 Music Aerobic VH1 Hits Music For The Masses Top 10 Music For The Masses VH1 Pop Chart

Classifieds MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

Child mummy returned to university after being posted for sale on eBay

Ronn Wade, director of Anatomical Serivces Division for University of Maryland School of Medicine, inspects the child mummy that was returned to the school. — MCT

BALTIMORE: Ronn Wade gingerly picked up the package wrapped in a simple white sheet and placed it on an examining table before slowly peeling away the layers. And there it was.

The mummified remains of a small child that had disappeared from the University of Maryland School of Medicine years ago. With one look Wade knew it was part of the famed Burns collection, an obscure set of medical mummies once used for dissection and the training of medical students and acquired by the university in 1820.

"This little fellow has been classically prepared just the way the others were in the collection," said Wade, the curator who has cared for the mummies since 1974.

The effort to identify the mummy's home and return it was aided by a Port Huron, Mich., police lieutenant, a couple of astute Michigan anthropologists and the curator of a mummy collection originally assembled by a convicted 19th-century Scottish grave robber.

It is not known when the child disappeared from the university. It was found for sale on eBay in Port Huron on Oct. 10, 2006, under category of medical

specimen and has spent the last five years in a police evidence room there.

It was finally sent back to the university — by regular U.S. mail — and arrived Monday. On Tuesday, Wade opened the package sent in a cardboard box marked "fragile" and "don't shake."

The child mummy wasn't the first piece to go missing from a collection once believed to have topped 500 items. They were stolen or lost, probably borrowed by students or professors and never returned, said Wade, also director of the anatomical services division at the medical school.

The age and sex of the child mummy haven't been determined, but it is believed to be a young boy. It's also unclear what journey the mummy has made over the years or how it ended up in Michigan.

"It is about 3 feet tall," Wade said. "It was definitely up walking around at some point."

Wade said he'll send the body for Xrays and CT scan and try to figure out more about its identity. He said, it is believed to be the oldest child in the collection. "It is good to have it home," Wade said. — MCT

Sequoia suffers from Valley's smog problems FRESNO, Calif.: Amid the pines and incense cedar in Sequoia National Park, the five o'clock rush hour often is limited to squirrels, mule deer and the occasional skunk crossing the road. Visitors see spectacular 13,000-foot peaks, the largest trees on the planet and far fewer idling cars than at Yosemite National Park. So the downside here seems unbelievable: Sequoia's Ash Mountain entrance this year was the worst smog trap in the country.

Worse than Fresno, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta or any other city.

With 87 days above the federal eight-hour ozone standard, the foothill entrance was in a smog cloud all summer long.

"People looking for a clean-air vacation are safer going to Los Angeles than Sequoia National Park," says Kevin Hall, executive director of the activist Central Valley Air Quality Coalition.

But there are no special measures being taken by federal, state and local air-quality officials to clear up Sequoia's problem.

Officials say the bad air will subside as the San Joaquin Valley is cleaned up.

That's because Sequoia does not create much air pollution. Yet, giant sequoia seedlings and other trees are damaged, and chemicals from the bad air appear in pristine mountain streams, federal scientists say.

So, what's going on?

Sequoia gets plumes of ozone-making gases when some of the Valley's air pollution ascends and drifts for miles, mixing with the air at about the same elevation as the Ash Mountain entrance — 1,700 feet. The lungcorroding pollution ranges far from cities and freeways.

And there's another air-quality problem in Sequoia that almost defies logic. Ozone stubbornly hangs around overnight at isolated foothill sites. The reason: There is too little traffic. Emissions from overnight traffic actually destroy ozone in darkness, scientists say. So city traffic wipes out a lot of ozone each night in summer. But foothill and mountain traffic drops off steeply at night. Ozone gases sometimes remain for days.

The same thing happens at Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains, downwind of the massive Los Angeles metropolitan area.

The resort is notorious for having more violations than any other place in Southern California. Many years, it is the worst hot spot in the nation, but not this year.

Crestline had 85 violations of the eighthour standard—a daylong measurement of ozone. With its 87 violations, Ash Mountain in Sequoia eclipsed Crestline for the first time since 2004. Sequoia, which is part of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, also was affected this summer by the Lion fire, air officials said. The fire began with a lightning strike July 8 and burned 20,500 acres by mid-August in a neighboring section of the southern Sierra Nevada. Fires create ozone-making gases. On 16 days this year, the only ozone violations in the Valley air district were at Sequoia, said Seyed Sadredin, execu-

tive director of the Valley air district. But those violations do not affect most of the Valley's nearly 4 million residents, he said.

Though state officials consider Sequoia's violations as part of the Valley's total, Sadredin says the district does not. He said the park's violations make the Valley's problems seem worse than they are.

With Sequoia's readings, the Valley this year had 109 days of violations, according to the California Air Resources Board. That's the highest in the nation.

But without the 16 days when Sequoia alone had a violation, the total would have been in the low 90s—below South Coast Air Basin's 107 violation days in the greater Los Angeles area. "Sequoia's numbers have value for the park's visitors and for helping the National Park Service protect vegetation and other resources," Sadredin said. "But those numbers don't mean a lot for people living down on the Valley floor. It is misleading."

That's not a good reason to view the violations separately, says activist Hall of the Central Valley Air Quality Coalition. He said district leaders and the governing board should not shrink from their job.

"The valley air board doesn't get to pick and choose whose health matters and whose doesn't," Hall said. — MCT

ACCOMMODATION

MATRIMONIAL

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FOR SALE Two General A/C window units and Sony T V 21”, excellent condition.

Contact: 66625253.

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DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arrival Flights on Monday 28/11/2011 Route

Airlines

Flt

JZR PIA KLM JZR JZR ETH THY UAE QTR DHX MSR FDB ETD GFA KAC DHX JZR JZR BAW KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY QTR FDB ETD GFA KAC JZR RKM MEA IRC MSR MSR JZR KAC GFA SYR FDB UAL

185 205 447 267 539 620 772 853 138 370 612 67 305 211 544 170 503 555 157 412 206 53 352 302 284 362 855 125 132 55 301 213 344 165 310 404 6521 623 610 201 672 219 341 57 982

DUBAI LAHORE AMSTERDAM/BAHRAIN BEIRUT CAIRO ADDIS ABABA ISTANBUL DUBAI DOHA BAHRAIN CAIRO DUBAI ABU DHABI BAHRAIN CAIRO BAHRAIN LUXOR ALEXANDRIA LONDON MANILA/BANGKOK ISLAMABAD DUBAI COCHIN MUMBAI DHAKA COLOMBO DUBAI SHARJAH DOHA DUBAI ABU DHABI BAHRAIN CHENNAI DUBAI RAS ALKHAIMAH BEIRUT LAMERD SOHAG CAIRO DAMASCUS DUBAI BAHRAIN DAMASCUS DUBAI WASHINGTON DC DULLES

Time 0:20 0:25 0:30 0:45 0:50 1:45 2:15 2:35 2:40 2:55 3:00 3:05 3:10 3:15 4:40 5:15 5:55 6:00 6:40 6:45 7:40 7:45 7:50 7:55 8:15 8:20 8:30 9:00 9:05 9:20 9:35 9:55 10:35 11:20 11:45 11:55 12:00 12:30 12:55 13:00 13:20 13:25 13:45 13:50 14:05

OMA QTR KNE SVA RJA KAC JZR KAC KAC QTR JZR ETD UAE KAC GFA SVA ABY RBG ALK JZR FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC AIC KAC KAC FDB KAC JAI QTR MSR DHX VOS MEA GFA QTR UAE JZR KLM TAR JZR UAL BBC DLH PIA

645 140 745 500 640 788 257 550 546 134 535 303 857 118 215 510 127 3561 227 177 63 542 786 618 674 744 975 104 774 61 552 572 6056 618 372 81 402 217 136 859 135 445 327 239 981 43 636 239

MUSCAT DOHA JEDDAH JEDDAH AMMAN JEDDAH BEIRUT SOHAG ALEXANDRIA DOHA CAIRO ABU DHABI DUBAI NEW YORK BAHRAIN RIYADH SHARJAH ALEXANDRIA COLOMBO/DUBAI DUBAI DUBAI CAIRO JEDDAH DOHA DUBAI DAMMAM CHENNAI/GOA LONDON RIYADH DUBAI DAMASCUS MUMBAI AMSTERDAM ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN BAGHDAD BEIRUT BAHRAIN DOHA DUBAI BAHRAIN AMSTERDAM TUNIS AMMAN BAHRAIN DHAKA FRANKFURT SIALKOT

14:15 14:20 14:25 14:30 14:40 14:50 15:00 15:15 15:20 15:25 16:25 16:50 16:55 16:55 17:15 17:20 17:40 17:50 18:10 18:15 18:40 18:50 19:10 19:15 19:25 19:25 19:30 19:35 19:40 20:00 20:05 20:10 20:25 20:45 21:00 21:15 21:20 21:25 21:35 21:40 21:55 22:05 22:35 22:45 23:00 23:45 23:50 23:55

Airlines UAL AXB AIC DLH PIA KLM ETH THY FDB UAE DHX MSR ETD QTR JZR GFA JZR FDB KAC BAW KAC KAC JZR JZR KAC UAE ABY FDB QTR ETD GFA KAC KAC KAC RKM MEA IRC MSR KAC JZR MSR GFA FDB KAC

Departure Flights on Monday 28/11/2011 Flt Route Time 981 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 0:45 390 MANGALORE/KOZHIKODE 0:50 982 AHMEDABAD/HYDERABAD/CHENNAI1:05 637 FRANKFURT 1:20 206 PESHAWER/LAHORE 1:25 447 AMSTERDAM 1:45 621 ADDIS ABABA 2:45 773 ISTANBUL 3:15 68 DUBAI 3:45 854 DUBAI 3:50 371 BAHRAIN 3:55 613 CAIRO 4:00 306 ABU DHABI 4:00 139 DOHA 4:55 164 DUBAI 6:55 212 BAHRAIN 7:00 200 DAMASCUS 7:30 54 DUBAI 8:25 545 ALEXANDRIA 8:30 156 LONDON 8:40 549 SOHAG 8:55 671 DUBAI 9:00 256 BEIRUT 9:00 534 CAIRO 9:15 787 JEDDAH 9:25 856 DUBAI 9:40 126 SHARJAH 9:45 56 DUBAI 10:05 133 DOHA 10:10 302 ABU DHABI 10:20 214 BAHRAIN 10:40 165 ROME/PARIS 11:45 541 CAIRO 12:00 103 LONDON 12:30 311 RAS ALKHAIMAH 12:50 405 BEIRUT 12:55 6522 LAMERD 13:00 624 SOHAG 13:30 785 JEDDAH 13:40 176 DUBAI 13:50 611 CAIRO 13:55 220 BAHRAIN 14:20 58 DUBAI 14:35 551 DAMASCUS 14:40

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

SYR KAC KNE OMA UAL RJA SVA KAC KAC QTR KAC JZR ETD JZR QTR VOS UAE GFA ABY RBG SVA JZR ALK FDB JZR KAC FDB DHX KAC KAC JAI MSR KAC DHX MEA GFA QTR QTR KAC JZR UAE KAC KLM TAR JZR KAC

342 673 746 646 982 641 501 617 773 141 743 238 304 538 135 82 858 216 128 3563 511 134 228 64 184 283 62 171 331 351 571 619 543 373 403 218 6056 137 301 554 860 205 445 327 528 411

DAMASCUS DUBAI JEDDAH MUSCAT BAHRAIN AMMAN JEDDAH DOHA RIYADH DOHA DAMMAM AMMAN ABU DHABI CAIRO DOHA BAGHDAD DUBAI BAHRAIN SHARJAH ASSIUT RIYADH BAHRAIN DUBAI/COLOMBO DUBAI DUBAI DHAKA DUBAI BAHRAIN TRIVANDRUM COCHIN MUMBAI ALEXANDRIA CAIRO BAHRAIN BEIRUT BAHRAIN DOHA DOHA MUMBAI ALEXANDRIA DUBAI ISLAMABAD BAHRAIN/AMSTERDAM DUBAI/TUNIS ASSIUT BANGKOK/MANILA

14:45 15:05 15:10 15:15 15:20 15:35 15:45 15:55 16:25 16:30 16:40 17:15 17:35 17:40 17:45 18:00 18:10 18:15 18:25 18:30 18:35 19:05 19:10 19:20 19:55 20:15 20:40 21:00 21:00 21:05 21:10 21:45 21:55 22:00 22:20 22:25 22:25 22:35 22:45 22:45 22:50 23:00 23:05 23:35 23:35 23:55

34

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

stars CROSSWORD 511

STAR TRACK

CALVIN & HOBBES

Aries (March 21-April 19) This is a great time to be with others and to work on a group project. You may be sought after as just the person to lead or organize. You are in a fun frame of mind but you can deal with matters of much concern and responsibility. If you are searching for a lost object, today you will find that object. You may be asked to help make some tough decisions concerning a senior member of your family. You are able to bring about an understanding as well as helpful ideas. This evening you are ready to socialize. Everything conspires to reveal you at your most elegant. You look forward to this time of the year, a time to enjoy friends and catch up on the lives of those you love. Today would be a good time to find a good hiding place for all your presents.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You may find yourself working on a budget for your place of business as well as a personal budget. Budgeting is where your attention stays and planning for some sort of travel or a special gift may take just that—budgeting. You are a solid supporter of those you love and will get behind any worthy cause. If your plate is too full of outside responsibilities, you may find your own home lacking . . . careful. Emotional seriousness, a sober orientation and a practical awareness of the nature of time are the clues to your deepest feelings now. Ambition is intensified and you could be looking for a part-time job or trying to talk a family member into working part-time. Deal with the facts to find success. Enjoy the art of joke telling this evening.

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. A state-chartered savings bank owned by its depositors and managed by a board of trustees.

4. The conscious subjective aspect of feeling or emotion v 1.

10. An easy return of a tennis ball in a high arc.

13. Any of various primates with short tails or no tail at all.

14. Capital of the state of South Dakota.

15. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm used in India for writing paper.

16. Having leadership guidance.

17. French physicist who founded thermodynamics (17961832).

18. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism.

19. Singing jazz.

21. A hard malleable ductile silvery metallic element that is resistant to corrosion.

22. A plumbing fixture (usually attached to the wall) used by men to urinate.

24. A high-crowned black cap (usually made of felt or sheepskin) worn by men in Turkey and Iran and the Caucasus.

26. A domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building especially the east end of a church.

29. A river in central Europe that arises in northwestern Czechoslovakia and flows northward through Germany to empty into the North Sea. 30. Divulge information or secrets.

34. Small striped semiterrestrial eastern American squirrel with cheek pouches.

35. The ending of a series or sequence.

36. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

40. Remaining after all deductions.

41. A small cake leavened with yeast.

45. A unit of weight used in some Spanish speaking countries.

47. Roar louder than.

51. American professional baseball player who hit more home runs than Babe Ruth (born in 1934).

55. A short high tone produced as a signal or warning.

56. English monk and scholar (672-735).

59. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

60. The compass point midway between northeast and east.

61. Exultantly proud and joyful.

63. The branch of information science that deals with natural language information.

64. Edible tuber of any of several yams.

65. West Indian tree having racemes of fragrant white flowers and yielding a durable timber and resinous juice.

66. Large brownish-green New Zealand parrot.

67. A white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light.

DOWN 1. A master's degree in library science.

2. A detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work.

3. English monk and scholar (672-735).

4. A drug combination found in some over-the-counter headache remedies (Aspirin and Phenacetin and Caffeine).

5. A woman who is engaged to be married.

6. Of or relating to or being a feria.

7. Bulky grayish-brown eagle with a short wedge-shaped white tail.

8. The part of a quadruped that corresponds to the human buttocks.

9. Brightly colored tropical freshwater fishes.

10. The provision of money temporarily (usually at interest).

11. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm used in India for writing paper.

12. Any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples.

20. (South African) A journey by ox wagon (especially an organized migration by a group of settlers).

23. A ballistic missile that is capable of traveling from one continent to another.

25. 16 ounces.

27. A metabolic acid found in yeast and liver cells.

28. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike.

31. A Russian river.

32. American novelist (1909-1955).

33. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

37. A language of Australian aborigines.

38. To make a mistake or be incorrect.

39. To an excessive degree.

42. A unit of area (4840 square yards) used in English-speaking countries.

43. The cry made by sheep.

44. A plant hormone promoting elongation of stems and roots.

46. English monk and scholar (672-735).

48. The inner and longer of the two bones of the human forearm.

49. Be teeming, be abuzz.

50. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum.

52. Very fertile.

53. Look at with amorous intentions.

54. Plant with an elongated head of broad stalked leaves resembling celery.

57. The 7th letter of the Greek alphabet.

58. A young woman making her debut into society.

62. A white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily.

Yesterday’s Solution

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Emotional seriousness and a sober awareness of time are keynotes to your day. Some unfinished projects or some desired ability that you have been wanting to experience has lingered long enough. You may find yourself looking at continuing education classes in hopes of learning more about something you may want to accomplish—this could be piano, voice, computer knowledge or perhaps art. Clearing away the things that do not serve a purpose may also be part and parcel of this day. Your professional ambition is intensified—you aim to make a difference in this world: to accomplish—and you think of ways to be more prepared or organized. Look for ways to balance your activities. Now is a good time to show off your soft side to a family member.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

NON SEQUITUR

A drive to investigate and learn may find you examining and working through some problems that have lingered far too long on the home front. However, push too hard and you could be too dominating. You gain understanding and a sense of support from those around you today. In return, you offer support and understanding. Instant gratification is one of the temptations to which you may be subject now. This is a practical and materialistic kind of focus—one that emphasizes the making and spending of money. Learning what really counts is an important lesson that may be learned the hard way. Having and appreciating things of beauty and value also plays a big role in your life. This can be a financially favorable period.

Leo (July 23-August 22) Work, achievement and ambition are a definite drive these days. This day, however, is a good time to take care of some personal business you have previously postponed. You prepare for next working week and complete and mail letters, as well as update the checkbook. Obligations come to your attention. This afternoon you may find yourself hurrying to some neighborhood meeting. Being on the go and keeping a finger to the winds of change make you feel in touch. Learning and communicating satisfies your need to know. If you are not constantly growing and learning there could be a bit of frustration. Set a pace for something new in your focus every other month; this will bring in a feeling of satisfaction, no matter what is going on each day. Enjoy life fully.

ZITS

Virgo (August 23-September 22) You are at your mental best today. This is an excellent time to make decisions and take care of whatever needs your attention.

Work, health, diet and the other things that take care of us if we take care of them will be the topics of discussion among friends and family today. Self-achievement and competition concerning these subjects will help encourage successful results for yourself and others. The accomplishment of a self-improvement project can also lead to love and a new self-image, particularly if you stick with it. You demonstrate a great deal of understanding and sensitivity to the needs of others and you are in a good position to communicate as well as volunteer your expertise. Expect a sense of support and good will.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

You will find it easy to pour a lot of energy into helping those around you; perhaps you are in a volunteer situation. You may be called upon to smooth over the frustrations of a disgruntled loved one this morning.

Patient sacrifice of your time is called for and teaches much. Learning what really counts is an important lesson that may be learned the hard way. You succeed in helping others to look upon all things with love, appreciation and open-mindedness; keep up the good work. This afternoon you may feel that you need some relaxation.

Exercise is always a good way to spend a little time away from others. Relaxation may also come in some sort of group activities with friends. Refurbish that positive attitude of yours—romance is possible.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You might like to ignore responsibilities and do some socializing today, but priorities or weather may demand that you tend to business close to home just now. Set aside some time for yourself this next week and make it known to others that you need some rest and relaxation time as well. Your management and directional abilities are in high focus today and all next week; now is a good time for planning. Remember, however, all-work-and-no-play certainly makes for burnout. You may be moved to appreciate and discover the beauty in your life at this time. Art and the involvement in some favorite hobby are where you will find yourself retreating this afternoon. You may find yourself teaching a cooking lesson to a young person this evening.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You may find yourself in an unrealistic and dreamy mood today.

It may take extra effort—yours or someone else’s—to hold your attention just now. You may find yourself feeling blocked and unable to express yourself. This will pass and the job for now is realizing that it is not a time to be productive.

It is a time to rest and rejuvenate for the busy time ahead of you. It’s up to you to stay on top of the latest developments so you may find that you spend much time in reading and communicating with friends. This evening you may find yourself shopping for food or decorations that will enhance a special meal. Careful—your current appreciation for just about everything may lead you to overspend or indulge too much. A harmonious gathering is planned.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

To

You are feeling, on top of the world and can do no wrong.

Use these energies to accomplish tasks that you would not normally do at this time. A positive attitude benefits you greatly. Demonstrate the magic. Let optimism lead you to a happy ending in whatever you may be involved with today. Finances may top your list of concerns. Watch out for overspending in group activities. Make an honest attempt to stay within your budget. You look for ways to increase your income. You may find ways that a budget can also save the company for which you work some extra expense; keep notes.

Your mind is on cutting through the nonessentials and penetrating to the core—you want to know who or what is in control.

Yesterday’s Solution Yester

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Harmonious ties to others are what you yearn for; refinement and elegance are what you seek. The ideal partnership, the perfect balance, the highest standards of truth and beauty are some of the things that quicken your pulse now. A co-worker may be much more agreeable this next week than in the past. You will prosper by pursuing your ideals and most deep-seated dreams of how life could be. Don’t be afraid to push forward and make your dreams real. Ideas of group cooperation and communion could further your career. You make preparations for the work week ahead and consider some of your job options. You would work well with mental patients, prison inmates and the like. You and a friend may work together in a volunteer organization.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Word Sleuth Solution

You may feel restricted in some of your activities this day. It may be hard to organize or persevere. Do not force things. Be patient and let the chaos dissolve. Perhaps this is not the time to try to solve any serious problems or make important decisions. It could be hard to think. This is a good time for personal communications, however. If you are a clerk, you will find your work slowed a bit because of interactions with the public. This communication could be good for public relations and the upcoming season of retail business, but not so good for sales today.

Think of ways to expand your social contacts. This afternoon a love relationship appears almost magical in the way you communicate. Let optimism lead you to a happy ending in a love story.

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

i n f o r m at i o n

FIRE BRIGADE

112

Al-Madena

22418714

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

24812000

Al-Jahra

25610011

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Al-Salmiya

25616368

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

Ministry of Interior website: www.moi.gov.kw For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128

Hospitals Sabah Hospital

POLICE STATION 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

Clinics Rabiya

4732263

Roudha

22517733

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22517144

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24848075

Keifan

24849807

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24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

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22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

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22515088

Dasmah

22532265

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22531908

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22518752

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22459381

Ayoun Al-Kibla

22451082

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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

22434064 22435865 22544200 22547133 22515277 22616662 25714406 22530801

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988

PHARMACIES

AIRLINES

ON 24 HRS DUTY GOVERNORATE

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Ahmadi

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23915883 23715414 23726558

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

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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

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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

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Urologists Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Psychologists /Psychotherapists

Paediatricians

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf

22547272

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Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari

22617700

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Dr. Abdel Quttainah

25625030/60

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23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari

22635047

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22613623/0

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23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

Endocrinologist

25665898 25340300

Dr. Zahra Qabazard

25710444

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22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof

25713514

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23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew

24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

25655535

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Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

22655539

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25343406

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22641071/2

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25739272

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22562226

22618787

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22561444

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22619557

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22525888

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25653755

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25620111

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22610044

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25327148

Internists, Chest & Heart Dr. Adnan Ebil Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

22666300 25728004

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25355515

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24726446

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25654300/3

Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688

Neurologists

22639939

Dr. Mousa Khadada

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

3729596/3729581

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

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25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

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25322030

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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

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

25330060

Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah

25722290

Internist, Chest & Heart DR.Mohammes Akkad

24555050 Ext 210

Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Farida Al-Habib MD, PH.D, FACC Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123

2611555-2622555

William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677

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A

36

e niv rsar n

Years

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

LIFESTYLE G o s s i p

Catherine taking beauty tips from Camilla ritain’s Duchess Catherine is taking beauty tips from her stepmother-in-law. The newest member of the royal family - who married Prince William in April has been receiving treatments from Deborah Mitchell after Duchess Camilla, the wife of Prince Charles, recommended the beautician’s bee sting facial. A source told the Mail on Sunday newspaper: “Deborah has been treating Camilla for six years now. Like any customer who finds something good, Camilla has told her friends and in-laws, including Kate. Now she visits the Royal Family wherever they are in residence. They are lovely to her.”As well as her treatments, Deborah is known for her bee venom mask - which contains manuka honey, shea butter, rose and lavender essential oils, a “secret” ingredient and around one per cent bee venom - which tricks the skin’s surface into thinking it has been stung, increasing blood flow, collagen and elasticity.

Famous fans of the product are said to include Victoria Beckham, Michelle Preiffer and Kylie Minogue. Deborah said: “They were discovering the more they did Botox, the more their faces did not match their body language and viewers found them difficult to trust. “This pushes out those wrinkles and gives a smooth, supple look and feel to the skin - as opposed to the frozen-face look associated with Botox.” Deborah, 46, refused to discuss her relationship with Camilla and Catherine. She said: “I’m afraid I cannot talk about that.”

B

King’s ‘rough’ disguise ollie King goes out looking “rough” so she doesn’t get recognized. The Saturdays singer admits she adopts “risky” tactics to go out in public unnoticed, but it is a form of disguise some of her other bandmates have also adopted. She explained: “What I tend to do is go out looking absolutely rough and people think it can’t possibly be me. It’s a risky game though.” Una Healy added: “I always go out without make-up on and I’ll wear a hat to cover up as much as possible - but the odd person will always catch you out.” Mollie also admitted she was completely clueless about taking care of her appearance when she first joined the band, but was helped out by the rest of the group.

She told Now magazine: “I remember when we first went on tour, supporting Girls Aloud, I didn’t know anything about make-up. “I’d put on a bit of concealer and Vaseline and carry a bar of soap with me in some Tupperware.

“Rochelle [Wiseman] was like, ‘What are you doing? Don’t you know about cleanse, tone and moisturize?’ “

M Lohan praised for morgue duty indsay Lohan has been hailed as “polite and hardworking” by law-enforcement officials. The troubled actress is ahead of schedule with her courtordered community service, having already completed 10 out of 12 morgue duty shifts at the Los Angeles County Morgue with three weeks to go until she appears in court for a status hearing on December 14.

According to gossip website TMZ, Lindsay wants to finish the required hours and then get a head start on the duties she needs to complete before her second status hearing. Law enforcement officers told the site that the actress has earned a “good reputation” at the morgue as she is “polite, hard-working and never complains”.

L

Lindsay is working at the morgue as part of her sentence for breaching the terms of probation which was set following a 2007 driving under the influence (DUI) charge. After she was recently found in violation of probation, she was sentenced to 300 days jail but was only told to spend 30 days behind bars. Judge Stephanie Saunter warned the ‘Machete’ star - who went on to serve just four-and-a-half hours of her prison term that if she fails to complete her community service or court-ordered psycho-therapy sentence, she will return to jail for the remaining 270 days. However, if she successfully completes everything the court requires of her, the sentence will be stayed indefinitely.

Britney Spears loves her kitchen he 29-year-old singer - who has sons Sean Preston, six, and Jayden James, five, with ex-husband Kevin Federline - has a “very traditional” home and says she spends most times in the room where meals are prepared. She said: “My house is very traditional. And I love ‘shabby chic’. It’s a very homeycosy vibe. “We spend a lot of time in the kitchen actually, maybe my kids will be doing their homework or that kind of thing when they get home from school. I love my kitchen.” When she isn’t working, Britney - who is dating her former agent Jason Trawick - enjoys relaxing by watching movies with her sons, even if they don’t always understand what they are seeing isn’t real. She told Stylist magazine: “The last film I saw was ‘The Never Ending Story’ with my children. They liked it but they were scared in places. They were like, ‘This is scary, we don’t want to watch this.

And I was like, ‘It’s not scary, it’s fake, it’s a movie.’ “They haven’t really grasped the concept that movies are fake - they always say, ‘Is this real?’ and I’m like, ‘No baby - it’s just a movie.’ But they liked it.”

Minogue wants to have another baby he ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ judge has been focusing on getting back to full health after being diagnosed with an underactive thyroid but she admits she and partner Kris Smith have discussed the “possibility” of having a sibling for their 16-month-old son Ethan. She said: “There’s the possibility of a bigger brood. The main thing has been getting my health back on track. “But I do look at other little babies and think, ‘Aww it’d be nice to experience that again.’ So yeah.” Dannii, 40, loves being a mother but says she seeks guidance from Kris and her brother when she is unsure about parental matters. She told Now magazine: “Kris knows it all and doesn’t have fears about anything. I’d never been around kids before, so he’s teaching me along the way. “I ask my brother for advice. He and his wife have two kids and are always bringing toys around for each stage Ethan’s going through. As a parent, sometimes it’s so confusing. I go to a toy shop and don’t know what he’d like or what he needs.”

T

T

Quinto hates being Idle achary Quinto isn’t in a good “headspace” when he’s “idle”.

The ‘Star Trek’ actor - who is currently producing and starring in new movie ‘Margin Call’, which documents the 2008 worldwide economic meltdown - admitted he “thrives” upon being busy, as not having projects on the go doesn’t sit well with him. He said: “I thrive when I’m busy. The busier the better for me. I’m not in a good headspace when I’m idle.” However, the 34-year-old star explained while the second film in the ‘Star Trek’ franchise looks set to be more “exciting and dynamic” than the first one, he is pleased to have moved away from “hi-tech stuff” with ‘Margin Call’. Zachary told Total Film magazine: “I know that they story they’re concocting is going to be as exciting and dynamic as the first one, if not more so. “But all that hi-tech stuff - head casting, casting my ears - is pretty overwhelming. ‘Margin Call’ was particularly gratifying because it didn’t involve any of that. It wasn’t about green screens or laser beams or prosthetic ears. It was much more about humanity.”

Z

Westlife preparing to split estlife have been preparing for their split “for a few years”. The Irish quartet recently announced they will go their separate ways to the end of a tour next summer but are refusing to think about what will happen after their last concert. Mark Feehily said: “We’re not going anywhere just yet, so I’m not thinking about it. I don’t know whether I’m doing it subconsciously or on purpose. But I think we’ve been preparing for the idea that it’s not gonna last forever for a few years now.” Shane Filan added: “It will be kinda weird on the last night of the tour in Dublin next year, as that’s when it will be scary. It’s like, ‘What do you do after the concert?’ Because that’s it! It will be the last time ever! Do you go off for a drink; do you go for a cry? It’s one of those weird moments that we haven’t experienced, but when we do, I know it will feel like we’ve been hit by a ton of bricks.” While the band are comfortable with the idea of splitting, their manager Louis Walsh is struggling with their decision. Mark told Britain’s Star magazine: We’re worried we’ll have to set up a helpline for Louis because he wasn’t happy about it at all! He is devastated, genuinely. I saw him the other night and I said, ‘So how are you feeling?’ and he said, ‘I don’t want to talk about it.’

He’s not there yet. But he understands.” Shane and Mark are joined in Westlife by Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne.

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Wood missed Murphy on movie lijah Wood felt “extremely sad” recording ‘Happy Feet 2’ without Brittany Murphy. The ‘Lord of the Rings’ star reprised his role of animated penguin Mumble in the movie, but he was upset the late actress - who died suddenly in November 2009 aged 32 - could not be there to voice Gloria again. Speaking at the UK launch of the Warner Bros. film, he told BANG Showbiz: “I worked very closely with Brittany Murphy on the first movie. We’d all had time to accept her passing and emotionally deal with it by the time we started recording this film, but it was extremely sad.”

However, the 30-year-old actor thought her replacement Pink - whose real name is Alecia Moore - was “great” in the film, especially considering it was her first ever movie role. He added: “I guess it was a bit strange that first day but the energy was focused on Pink being the new character. We didn’t come into it thinking about how awkward it was going to be, we just went in there and worked with this new person, who was great. “She had never played a character in a film so it was fun to watch her go through that for the first time and enjoy it.” Robin Williams - who reprised his double role of penguins Ramon and Lovelace in the motion picture - also felt “sad” about filming the sequel without Brittany. Robin explained: “It was sad recording without Brittany Murphy.

My last vivid memory of her was the ‘Happy Feet’ premiere in London when she sang, it was so beautiful. She was live and her voice was so exquisite. So when she died it was like, ‘Oh dude’.” ‘Happy Feet 2’ is released on December 2 in the UK. —Bang Showbiz

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Years

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A picture shows the front page of the comic “The adventures of Tintin - Tintin au Tibet” signed by the author Herge , Tchang , the man who inspired the main character of the Blue Lotus (Le Lotus Bleu), and the Dalai Lama (R bottom).

—AFP photos

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

LIFESTYLE &

A picture shows small characters of the comic “The adventures of Tintin”.

M o v i e s

Sculptures made for an exhibition in Vancouver (1986) of comic character Tintin and his dog Milou dressed as astronauts.

Tintin auction in Paris fetches 1.8 million euros Paris auction of items related to Herge’s comic book reporter Tintin, whose adventures have been adapted for the big screen by Steven Spielberg, fetched more than 1.8 million euros Saturday. Auctioneers Arcturial said the sale, including costs, had brought in 1,873,396 euros ($2,480,095) — far more than the one million euros expected. The 856 lots up

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for grabs were equally divided between recent objects and older material, including some very rare items, said Arcturial. In all, 85 percent of the items sold in a packed hall. One of the most sought-after objects was an original gouache and watercolour drawing of a battle scene from “The Secret of the Unicorn”; estimated at between 35,000 and 40,000 euros, it finally sold for

168,900 euros.

Spielberg’s “The Adventures of Tintin,” saw its worldwide premiere in Belgium in October and later in other parts of Europe to generally positive reviews and strong business. It opens in North America next month. An original drawing for another Tintin adventure, “Flight 714 to Sydney,” fetched 90,100 euros, about three times the initial estimate of

between 25,000 and 35,000 euros. And a special edition of the adventure “Explorers on the Moon”, signed not just

by Herge but by six astronauts to have made the journey to the Moon, fetched 100,000 euros-around 10 times more than originally expected.

Even a handmade greeting card by Herge, featuring a drawing of Tintin and his faithful dog Snowy perched on the

Michael Jackson doctor to be sentenced ichael Jackson’s doctor Conrad Murray is due back in court tomorrow for sentencing, facing up to four years in prison after being convicted over the King of Pop’s 2009 death.

Prosecutors want Murray to get the maximum jail term and be ordered to compensate the Jackson family for the star’s loss of earnings, estimated at $100 million for the comeback shows he was preparing when he died. But the 58-year-old medic’s lawyer Ed Chernoff asked in submissions to court last week for his client to be given parole and community service, underlining that he will likely never practice medicine again.

“To subject this former doctor, described

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File photo shows Dr Conrad Murray listening in court during his trial in the death of pop star Michael Jackson. —AFP by all who know him as a gentle man who devoted his professional life to providing care to the underserved population, to a lengthy jail term would be wholly inappropriate,” he wrote. Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter on November 7 for having given Jackson an overdose of the anesthetic propofol on June 25, 2009 at his plush Holmby Hills mansion to help him fight chronic insomnia.

Jackson, aged 50 at the time of his death, had hired Murray at a salary of $150,000 a month to look after him as he rehearsed and embarked on a series of planned comeback shows in London.

During the trial, the court heard a two-hour police interview with Murray in which he recounted the star’s final days and hours, and claimed he found Jackson lifeless after

leaving his bedside for only two minutes.

But it also heard evidence that Murray was on the phone with a series of girlfriends at the crucial time Jackson was on his deathbed, and that he delayed calling 911 and failed to tell paramedics what he had given the star.

A seven-man, five-woman jury took barely a day to reach a guilty verdict.

Minutes after the verdict was read out, Murray was ignominiously handcuffed as judge Michael Pastor remanded him in custody pending sentencing. Murray chose not to testify himself during the trial-experts suggested he would have been ripped to pieces by prosecutor David Walgren, who had already comprehensively dismantled the defense case. But days after his conviction it emerged that he had given media interviews during the closing weeks of the trial, for a documentary which was screened in the United States and Britain on which he collaborated.

That could weigh against him with judge Pastor, who was quick to take action over alleged contempt of court during the trial, including against the defense’s star witness Dr Paul White, who was fined $250. Walgren said the TV interviews back up his assertion that Murray “displayed a complete lack of remorse for causing Michael Jackson’s death.” “Even worse than failing to accept even the slightest level of responsibility, the defendant has placed blame on everyone else, including the one person no longer here to defend himself, Michael Jackson,” he wrote.

The eight-page prosecution claim estimated Jackson’s projected earnings from the London “This is It” shows at $100 million, as well as saying Murray should compensate Jackson’s children for nearly $2 million spent on his funeral. Murray’s lawyers, Chernoff and Michael Flanagan-who reportedly fell out with each other as their case gradually collapsed during the trial-insist that he should not be jailed, as he poses no threat to the public. “If he ever does practice again, it is highly improbable that he will encounter a patient with the charisma and star power of Mr. Jackson, or that he would make the same misjudgments,” they wrote.” The event stands as an atypical and isolated aberration to an otherwise exceptional medical career.” —AFP

File photo shows a prosecution exhibit photo projected on the screen in the Conrad Murray involuntary manslaughter trial showing the body of Michael Jackson lying dead on a gurney during opening arguments in Los Angeles.—AFP

famous red-and-white rocket from the moon adventures, fetched 40,000 euros.

It had been estimated at between 10,000 and 15,000 euros. The Tintin adventures were written and illustrated from 1929 until his death in 1983 by Georges Prosper Remi, whose pen name Herge is the French pronunciation of his initials reversed: RG. Herge memorabilia are among the most sought-after comic

book items. A Paris auction of Tintin drawings and sculptures last year brought in just over a million euros. And a single illustration fetched 764,200 euros at another Paris auction in 2008, a world record in the field of comic books.The auction catalogue can be viewed at www.artcurial.com/pdf/presse/2011/cp1956.pdf. —AFP

Golden Horse Awards

(From right) Hong Kong actress Deanie Ip and Hong Kong actor Andy Lau hold their awards for Best Leading Actress and Best Leading Actor at the 48th Golden Horse Awards, Saturday, in Hsinchu, northern Taiwan. They won for the film “A Simple Life” at this year’s Golden Horse Awards - the Chinese-language film industry’s biggest annual events. —AP Photos

Hong Kong director Ann Hui holds her award for Best Director.

Taiwan films reach out to Asia and beyond fter a slump of over a decade, Taiwan’s home-grown films are not only sweeping box offices at home but winning awards and hit status overseas thanks to a new cohort of filmmakers. Box office revenues for local films as of mid-November had already set a new record of Tw$1.5 billion ($50 million) — triple the 2010 full-year figure, and up a staggering 200-fold from 2001.

Once best known for its arthouse films, the island has recently produced blockbusters with broad appeal thanks to themes that resonate with large swathes of the public.

“Monga”, which topped the local box office in 2010 and was screened at the Berlin film festival, portrays a brotherhood of five boys and touches on social issues such as gang violence and teenage bullying. This year’s hit “Night Market Hero” depicts street vendors standing up against ruthless developers, while “Jump Ashin” tells the true story of a struggling gymnast-turned-coach.

“Previous directors tackled profound issues such as destiny and history-issues that seemed distant to many,” said influential film critic Steven Tu. “The new generation of directors address current Taiwan issues and sentiments that strike a chord with the audience.”

Tu, who is also the curator of the Taipei film festival, noted that the number of productions has picked up, with a new movie released as often as every two weeks, up from every three or four months a few years ago.”In the past some directors might only

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get one shot at making a movie. Now the market is bustling and new investors are coming in, so directors and actors can move from one production to the next at a faster rate,” he said. Taiwan’s premier film event the Golden Horse awards, handed out on Saturday, saw a record submission of 182 films, which organizers said reflected the renaissance of Chinese-language film and the island’s rising cinematic clout.

The biggest surprise this year was arguably the teen romance “You are the Apple of My Eye”, which has topped box offices in Taiwan and Hong Kong and generated buzz in Southeast Asia. The movie, which grossed Tw$400 million in Taiwan, marked the directorial debut of popular novelist Giddens-the pen name of local author Ko Ching-teng and is based on his personal story of love and friendship. “I like the movie because it is realistic, funny, and touching,” said Sam Lau, a 16-year-old Hong Konger who saw it with 30 classmates after school this month.

“Many students at my age want to start dating and it is what we often talk about, so we can easily relate to the movie,” he said.

Giddens said he was overjoyed by the film’s success in Hong Kong, where it had raked in about $7 million as of November 20 and is poised to become the territory’s best-selling Chinese-language film this year. “I truthfully and sincerely shot the story of my youth and I think that’s why people from different places find it moving,” he told AFP. Giddens

said he now “faces pressure every day” to produce his next work, but intends to take time to write a brand-new script to shoot, as he sees filmmaking as primarily about “seeking happiness and self-fulfillment”.

Taiwanese films have also won critical acclaim overseas, with nearly 20 titles scooping various awards at festivals in Asia, the United States, Europe and South America this year, according to the Government Information Office. Director Wei Te-sheng-who holds the local box-office record of Tw$530 million for his 2008 romance “Cape No. 7”-has outdone himself with the epic “Seediq Bale”, about aboriginal hunters battling Japanese colonial power in the 1930s. The film drew attention abroad as a contender for the prestigious Golden Lion award at the Venice film festival earlier this year. It is scheduled to be released in the United States in February, and rights have been sold to Australia and New Zealand as well as to European and South American countries.

But it remains to be seen how much reach outside Asia the new wave of Taiwanese films will have. Giddens is cautiously optimistic: his agent is expected to close a deal soon for the sale of his movie to Europe and the United States. “In the east, love is more ambiguous, and one might not dare to ask or take action for the object of his affections,” he said. “(But) even though we have different ways of expressing them, I think feelings and emotions can be understood.” —AFP

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

lifestyle F E A T U R E S

A picture taken on November 26, 2011, shows Albanian mosaic artist Saimir Strati, 45, working on his coffee bean mosaic with five characters which represent five continents, in Tirana. The theme of the mosaic is ‘One world, One family, One coffee’. About a million coffee beans will be used to create the mosaic which Strati hopes will enter the Guinness World Records. The mosaic measures 25 square meters and will take 30 days to complete. —AFP

Residents and tourists mark the start of Advent, next to the nativity scene made of ice, in Graz, Austria, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011. The nativity scene is hand-made by the ice sculptor Gert J. Hoedl and his international team. They have been doing it for the start of Advent every year since 1996, with variations in details, and claim it’s the biggest one in the world. —AP

Teddy Roosevelt’s NY home set for $6.2m rehab

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heodore Roosevelt had a lot of stuff.

There’s the massive head of a 2,000pound (900-kilogram) African cape buffalo hanging over a fireplace near the front entrance of his home, Sagamore Hill, on the north shore of Long Island. Next to a large desk in the North Room sits a wastepaper basket made from the hollowed foot of an elephant. Nearby, there’s an inkwell crafted from part of a rhino. More than four dozen rugs made from bearskins and other creatures taken down by the noted big game hunter adorn nearly every room. There are 8,000 books, and thousands of items from flags to furniture, busts to baubles and medals to mementoes.

Everything must go.

The entire contents of Sagamore Hill are being packed up and put in storage as the National Park Service prepares for a threeyear, $6.2 million renovation of the 28-room, Queen Anne-Shingle style mansion in Oyster Bay. The 26th president of the United States, who had the home built for him in 1885, lived there until his death in 1919. He used Sagamore Hill as a “summer White House” during his presidency from 1901-1909.

Workers have already spent nine months packing books and other smaller items into boxes, using special care to catalog every one and place it on a computer spreadsheet. The three-story home has 15 bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as sitting rooms and offices. It sits on nearly 83 acres (34 hectares) high atop a hill overlooking an inlet that leads to Long Island Sound. Sagamore Hill, which sees about 50,000 visitors annually, closes to the public on Dec 5 so craftspeople can begin the heavy lifting in earnest to rehabilitate the home that hasn’t seen any major renovations in more than a half century. A much smaller display of Roosevelt memorabilia - including his White House china - will remain on display in a smaller building on the property throughout the three-year project.

Plans call for upgrades to the electrical, heating, security and fire suppression systems throughout the home, which has been a National Park Service historic site since the early 1960s. Exterior work will include a new roof, gutter and drainage system, foundation waterproofing, and restoration of 78 historic windows, doors, porches and siding. Also to

be restored are Sagamore Hill’s original rear porch and a skylight in the center of the house, both of which were altered or removed in the 1950s when the Theodore Roosevelt Association owned the property and first opened it to public visits. The association ran Sagamore Hill for about a decade before the National Park Service took over in 1962 - a somewhat fitting custodian for the home of the man who championed the creation of the national park system.

“Theodore Roosevelt’s house is like anybody else’s house,” said Amy Verone, chief of cultural resources at Sagamore Hill. She joked, however, that not everyone tackling a renovation project in their home has to contend with finding a place for 10-foot (3-meter)-elephant tusks adorned with silver inlays. “You should replace your furnace system, you should update your electrical system, you should do all those kinds of things,” Verone said. “But in order to facilitate that work, we have to empty the house, because the artifacts are historic.

We can’t just run out and buy a new one if we drop or break something.” National Park officials at Sagamore Hill first talked of rehabilitat-

ing the mansion in the late 1990s, competing for finances with other park projects across the country. Finally, funding was awarded in 2008, and after three years of planning, actual construction is set to begin next spring.

Although officials have consulted with museum experts - including someone at the Smithsonian Institution who advised on the care and storage of the animal skin rugs - they confess finding inspiration in many places. “We love ‘This Old House,’ Verone said of the Public Broadcasting Service series on home fix-ups.

“We’re always watching it for clues.” Sagamore Hill is somewhat of a precursor to the modern concept of presidential libraries, which didn’t come into fashion until one was built for President Herbert Hoover in the 1930s, Verone said. Before that, presidents usually gave their official papers to the Library of Congress, as was the case with Roosevelt, although his personal papers went to Harvard, his alma mater, she said.

The first national historic site was designated in the 19th century when volunteers worked to rehabilitate George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon after it had fallen into

‘Afghan Elvis’ gets Kabul women all shook up

File photos show the ‘Afghan Elvis’, singer Farhad Darya, a United Nations goodwill ambassador, performing during a concert for Afghan girls and women at Amani high school in Kabul. — AFP photos

The ‘Afghan Elvis’, singer Farhad Darya, a United Nations goodwill ambassador, performing.

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disrepair. Thomas Jefferson’s home at Monticello and several locations associated with Abraham Lincoln are among the other sites. Most former presidents are remembered in some way, either by private associations, the park service or state-run programs, she said. Roosevelt’s birthplace in Manhattan, the site where he was inaugurated in Buffalo after the assassination of William McKinley, a national park in North Dakota and a small island in the Potomac River in Washington, DC, are also historic sites operated by the Park Service. Sagamore Hill superintendent Tom Ross said “TR” also has a “home” at Mount Rushmore.

Sagamore Hill, Ross said, “is a priceless, irreplaceable resource.” He said the preservation is important “so that we can preserve the history and heritage and share it with future generations.” Verone said visitors to Sagamore Hill learn that Roosevelt tackled many of the same problems the country faces today. “What kind of country will we be? A place like Sagamore Hill helps remind the public of that. “These aren’t new problems; these are conversations we’ve been having for 100 years.” — AP

ubbed the Afghan Elvis, Farhad Darya may be the only man in the most conservative country on earth who can reduce an audience of women in headscarves to a screaming, waving, whistling throng. In a country where women enjoy few rights and music was banned under the Taliban until 10 years ago, Darya is an icon for millions and his popularity was clear at a rare, top-security, female-only show in Kabul. Despite the excitement, Thursday’s gig, shrouded in secrecy due to fears it could be targeted by the Taliban, was a thousand miles away from a typical concert in many other parts of the world.

Several hundred women, from students to middle-aged mothers, swayed as Darya performed but they did not dance due to the presence of television cameras. Women dancing in front of strange men is taboo in Afghanistan. One even dared to shout out: “We love you!” halfway through-a standard greeting for male rock stars around the world but exceptional in a nation where female sexuality is a highly sensitive topic, even in relatively sophisticated cities like Kabul. “I’ve always told everyone he’s my dream man-he sings so good, his personality is so high, it’s great,” said one excited fan, 18-year-old student Meetra Alokozay.

Darya, a UN goodwill ambassador described by the organization as “one of the best role models” in Afghanistan, held the concert to spotlight a campaign against domestic violence, which is still widespread here. It was the latest in a series of ecstatically received free performances he has given across the country. He told AFP that he hoped the event could be an outlet for fans and help people outside the country realise there was more to Afghan women than “burqa, chador (a similar head-to-toe veil), suffering, sitting next to the kitchen.” But he also argued that music in Afghanistan is about far more than sheer entertainment.

“There is a big problem in Afghanistan. The people responsible for politics, for government, they are not really capable of delivering,” said Darya, a 49-year-old with jet black hair, piercing blue eyes and a neat goatee beard. “Even good people, capable people, they lose themselves within the system.

So what happens? What people expect to hear from them, for example from a politician or for a leader here, they don’t hear.

They come to artists.” He added: “In the West, everybody’s into their own work-the politician knows what to do, authorities know what to do, musician knows what to do and so on.

“Here, people expect a lot from artists. A musician, a singer can deliver the biggest message in this country and he can be heard big time.” This is often reflected in the songs from his 35 albums, many of which have a strongly political, pro-peace flavor. His song “Kabul Jaan” (Beloved Kabul) was the first song played on Afghan radio after the Taliban were ousted by a USled invasion in 2001. It contains lyrics like: “I’m a voice for my poor people/I’m an old rubab (a lute-like musical instrument) singing songs of sorrow to my friends.” Although Darya moved abroad in 1990 and currently lives in the United States, he spends much of his time in Afghanistan and is alert to the threats that come from 10 years of war.

After one of his concerts last year in the western city of Herat, 13 fans were wounded by a bomb outside the venue.

Darya said the blast happened next to the door through which he had been due to leave. Nevertheless, he does not travel with security guards because he does not want to look like he is “afraid of people”. “I know the risks, I know, everybody knows those risks but I’m trying not to show off with security,” he said. “I would rather work with the locals to feel secure rather than being surrounded with gunmen.”

Afghanistan has made great progress in the last decade, he said, but added it was too soon to know what would happen when US-led NATO combat troops leave in 2014.

“The people of Afghanistan, they can see these achievements but they cannot believe it’s real,” he said. “The very important thing is that Afghans should take over because they need to believe in themselves.” And that is where Darya said singers like him can help bring peace and improve women’s rights-by changing hearts and minds. “I see that my music can have this impact. This is a tool, I can help life here, so why shouldn’t I do it?” he said. — AFP

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

lifestyle F E A T U R E S

French film director Agnes Varda, poses with “Madame Patate” suit (Mrs Potato) created for the 2003 Venise biennial, in front of the picture entitled “The cheminee patate” at the Paul Valery Museum in Sete, southern France, prior to her exhibition “Y a pas que la mer” (There is not just the sea). The event will run from December 3, 2011, to April 22, 2012. —AFP

Lyon’s silk survivors ply noble trade

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eavy rolls of silk printed with a tiny stirrup motif line up on a factory floor near Lyon, waiting to be rolled, beaten and brushed to perfection, before they are cut into Hermes neckties. Based outside the eastern French city, silk “finisher” Proverbio is one of a handful of survivors of a once-flourishing industry, which from farm to weaver to trader employed many thousands at its height in the 19th century. Today the thread comes from China or Brazil, but Lyon still counts a core of about 30 silk companies focused on the very top end of the luxury market.

When Laura Bush wanted to spruce up the curtains in the yellow room of the White House, she naturally turned to the people who made the originals for Jackie Kennedy: Lyon’s oldest silk weaver Tassinari et Chatel. France’s whole textile sector took a knock following the banking crisis of 2008, but silk has bounced

back in the past two years thanks to robust demand in the luxury sector. “There aren’t many silk firms left, but those that remain are doing well,” said Pierric Chalvin, head of the regional textile federation, Unitex. Tassinari was one of a dozen firms showcasing its skills this week at the Lyon Silk Bazaar, held in the city’s old stock exchange, where bolts and offcuts are sold direct to the public packing out the venue.

Founded in 1680, the firm supplies sumptuous 17th- and 18th-century patterned silks to the Chateau de Versailles, to royal households and luxury hotels the world over, turning over four millions euros last year. “We have handmade items that can take two, three or four years to weave- at a pace of a few centimeters a day,” said Tassinari’s industrial director Bertrand Dessailly. “Technically, what we do could be done elsewhere. But our fabrics carry

within them a little bit of French history. And the people who can afford them do not want to buy them in China.” Haute Couture designer Alexis Mabille, who is originally from Lyon, sources most of his silk there and partnered with the fair to promote local know-how.

“Each house here has its specialities,” said the 33-year-old designer, known for his signature bow-tie motif. “For couture or luxury ready-to-wear there are the classics like radzimir, which you can have reissued, or gazar which is back in fashion, or others who do chiffon with silk velvet.” He says a willingness to work closely with designers is key to survival.

“It means you can obtain things that are exclusive, or semi-exclusive. If you want a particular motif, a change of colour, something psychedelic instead of classical, you can have it,” he said. One of Mabille’s suppliers is the weaver Sfate et Combier, which exports fabrics like silk

chiffon and organza to more than 50 countries-and creates some 1,000 novelty weaves and patterns each year. “In France it has become impossible to produce cheap fabrics.

We have been pushed upmarket. But that is an asset, because the further up we go, the fewer limits there are on our creativity,” said its chief executive Philippe de Montgrand.

From modern weavers like Sfate et Combier, to heritage firms, to luxury fashion brands from Chanel to Louis Vuitton or Hermes, Proverbio counts most of France’s big silk players among its 50-odd clients. It business, called finishing, is what makes silk feel like silk. Step one is to scour or boil-off the fabric, to remove a sticky gum called secretin, the glue in the silkworm’s cocoon. Rolls of raw white silk, starchy and thick-feeling, are wound by hand onto spools and plunged into frothy vats of water with pure olive oil Marseille soap,

emerging slippery and supple. Proverbio then uses a string of chemical and mechanical processes to fine -tune the silk’s feel and aspect-mat, shiny, grainy, smooth-or add special properties. “We can make a soft silk even softer for a piece of lingerie, or make a tie water-resistant,” he said.

“The possibilities are infinite.” Founded 90 years ago and still family-owned today, his firm last year expanded its workforce from 34 to 45 people and invests 15 percent of annual turnover into research and development. “Silk is inseparable from its history,” said the firm’s head Bruno Proverbio. “Up to us to ensure that history is not just left gathering dust.” In the meantime, since the silk rolls need to travel back and forth between weaver and finisher, Proverbio believes it is unlikely to lose out to faraway competitors-as long as there are looms still whirring in Lyon. — AFP

‘zombies’

Mexico City

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early 10,000 people dressed as zombies marched in Mexico’s capital Saturday for a “Zombie Walk,” breaking a Guinness record for the largest gathering of undead, organizers said. The more than 9,600 participants gathered at Mexico City’s Monument to the Revolution, with blood on their faces and burnt or torn clothing, before marching silently to Zocalo square.

Guinness World Records currently recognizes the October 30, 2010 “New Jersey Zombie Walk” in Asbury Park, New Jersey, as the record holder. But a group from Brisbane, Australia is also seeking Guinness recognition for gathering 8,000 people there last month. —AFP

People dressed as zombies react to the camera during the V edition of the socalled ‘Zombie Walk’ in Mexico City, Saturday. According to the organization ‘Zombie Walk Mexico’, the event gathered over 9,800 participants, breaking the previous record set in Asbury Park, in New Jersey in 2010 with 4,093 participants. Guinness World Records have not officially confirmed if Mexico holds the new record. —AP/AFP

Mexico City ‘zombies’ set record gathering

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

Bio

fashion show

Andres Martinez

Reinaldo Giraldo

Ann Murcia

A model performs with live butterflies.

Daniela Aristizabal

Angelo Restrepo

Reinaldo Giraldo

A model presents a creation by Colombian designer Ledy Aldana during the Biofashion Habitat show on November 26, 2011, in Cali, Valle del Cauca department, Colombia. The designs are made with natural materials and live plants. — AFP photos

Luisa Fernanda

Ximena Quintero

Daniela Arevalo

Recycle this

Bolivian turns waste into high fashion C

rafted from old newspapers, plastic bags, discarded CDs and soda bottle caps, Bolivian designer Marion Macedo’s quirky fashion creations have added an eclectic dimension to the catwalks of Europe, South America and Asia. Each dress is a unique, eco-friendly work that takes about a week to make by hand and comes with a $250 price tag. Macedo does most of the work herself, using giant needles for the crochet work. “Not only do we recycle paper, but we also use vegetable dyes, cocoa bean shells, and we even make our own natural adhesives,” Macedo told AFP, adding that her goal was to be as “ecologically pure as possible.”

Since starting out in 2005, the fashionista has been invited to present her work at several international venues, including the 2006 Amsterdam Fashion Week, the 2008 Paris Chocolate Festivalwhich featured French singer Anne-Laure Girbal wearing one of her eco-dresses-fashion shows in Tokyo in 2007 and 2010, and in Madrid in 2010. At her seventh fashion show, entitled “Recycle Yourself” this month in La Paz, a model wore a white Macedo dress of crocheted paper with two large ruffles, one around the neck and the other around the hem, made of pink polyethylene bags. “Paper is good material to work with,” said the designer, boasting that she learned how to “give it movement” like fabric. “It’s the material I feel most comfortable with.”

Describing herself as an amateur designer, Macedo has in the past bought her own materials and recycled household waste, including CDs discarded by her photographer husband. Her latest show was the first for which she had the backing of corporate sponsors, and she jumped on the opportunity to use material from their products for her creations. One model hit the runway wearing a blouse adorned with soda bottle caps, and a plastic red skirt with the ubiquitous white-on-red CocaCola logo. Another had a blouse made out of paper flyers from a local shopping mall, another sponsor.

A model wearing a dress covered with old CDs

about fashion on the popular website Gather, commenting on a 2010 show. “Practicality of this outfit is low,” she wrote, commenting on a corrugated cardboard hat and shawl.

“The hat may work for a sunny day, but you don’t want to get caught in the rain wearing this.

Have you smelled wet cardboard? Not attractive.”

Commenting on a dress made out of a table runner with flower details, Westervelt wrote: “This piece is infinitely more wearable than the others. Not sure that’s a compliment, though.” — AFP

attracted a round of enthusiastic applause. Another wore a miniskirt made of nylon bags.

Fellow designer Claudia Perez describes Macedo’s work as “more art than fashion”, as it was created to be displayed rather than worn. “It’s a work of art ... well done and creative,” she said. The designs may be mainly for show, but Macedo says she has orders for outfits as well as accessories like shawls, neck pieces and paper flowers. Most of her customers are middle-class women who fork out between $50 and $100 for a handmade blanket-

A model in a blouse adorned with soda bottle caps, and a plastic red skirt with the Coca-Cola logo. —AFP photos

A model wears a Marion Macedo creation made with recycled CDs.

one of her best sellers. Wedding gowns and cocktail dresses are made to order-and in 2008 a bride got married in a Macedo-designed paper dress.

Macedo was trained as a wallpaper designer and became a clothing designer almost by accident when her husband did a photo shoot with a subject wearing a suit crudely made from newspaper. In 2007, she won a prize for creativity from the Buenos Aires-based Latin American Design Association. But not everyone is impressed. “Many of the outfits looked more like craft day at the local preschool than fashion,” said Krista Westervelt, who writes

A model wears a creation in paper and other recycled elements “Moda en Papel” fashion show.