1 Sep

rI Pt Io n BS c Su THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF

40 PAGES

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2010

RAMADAN 22, 1431 AH

NO: 14838

150 FILS

94% of motorists text while driving

Armed militia: A quandary for Lebanon, US

Taleban footprint ‘spreading’ in Afghanistan

Atletico pound Sporting Gijon 4-0 in La Liga opener

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conspiracy theories

Begging techniques

By Badrya Darwish

W

hy do we have beggars in a wealthy country like Kuwait? Are they genuinely poor people who are in so much need that they come to the streets, roam houses and knock on doors especially in the hot and humid weather? I do not mean that everyone in Kuwait is rich but as far as I know there are no hungry people. This is so true especially in Ramadan when every mosque provides iftar meals and all kinds of food.

Or has begging become a well-established syndicate? Or maybe to some people it has become a trend and an easy way of living? Or is it a bit or both? I do not believe the news that over-exaggerate the number of beggars reporting that some 70,000 people are in Kuwait during this holy month of Ramadan.

Why in Ramadan and not Shaban or Rajab? Is it because the people’s sentiments of religion and humanity are more intense during Ramadan?

The ministry of interior brushed the number by stating that the entries to Kuwait, whether on business visas or residence did not exceed 20,000. From where do the newsmen come up with the number? Is this another blow to the minister of interior? Who would just come to Kuwait, pay a ticket and go through the hassle of visa application- just for begging?

Do you think a beggar can afford to buy a plane ticket or travel by land and pay accommodation to come for a month in Kuwait just to beg? Is he or she guaranteed that he or she is going to make enough money to cover the expenses and save extra to take back home?

If there are beggars they may be those who already live here in the country. They are maybe jobless or runaway labor force? Or are they people who are stateless? Why insinuate that they are coming from outside?

I do not believe that there are 70,000 beggars in Kuwait or anything remotely close to that number. We have had instances of begging just like in any other country. Why the media wants to portray it as an instance of organized crime on par with human trafficking.

Some of the beggars are creative and invent creative methods to beg. Some carry a baby, which might be even rented because a genuine mother will not carry her baby in the sun and knock on doors.

My friend Velina was telling me that the other day an elderly knocked her door using the excuse “Gaza, Gaza!” Pointing at a young boy she was dragging by her side and begging for money. Velina told me she empathized with the boy the most. I told her jokingly that the woman might have seen the movie Oliver Twist and used a similar technique.

Can you believe that a woman from besieged Gaza will go through the hassle to cross the Rafah border, which hardly opens its gate, and come to Kuwait to beg? I hope that there are not many people using the Gaza people as an excuse to make a quick buck. Leave Gaza and its children alone! They have enough tragedy on their heads. Begging has been a trade since the start of mankind.

People tend to be creative. Some in need, some not in need; some abused, others forced to do it. It has remained an unsolved problem for mankind. There are beggars even in the most sophisticated cities around the world.

Kuwait is no exception.

Amir urges nation to close ranks ‘Stand firm against those who try to harm our dear homeland’ KUWAIT: On the occasion of the last ten days of Ramadan His Highness the Amir delivered a speech to the nation yesterday night. “Carrying on the tradition, we meet to celebrate the last ten days of the holy month. First of all I’d like to congratulate you on the merit of this month. I pray to Almighty God to make it come back to our noble nation as well as all Arab and Muslim nations in peace, boom and blessings,” he said.

“The Almighty God gave us a lot of bounty for which we have to be in full of praise.

Among the signs of praise are to stick to teachings of our holy Islam and to carry on the good traditions of the ancestors. We also have to stand firm in the face of those who try to harm the dear homeland through dissemination of sectarian or tribal sedition and intolerance,” Amir added.

“Our Muslim world is undergoing a painful reality which compels us - Muslims - to Continued on Page 14

Panel probes release of two drug dealers

By B Izzak

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah delivering a speech to the nation yesterday night. — KUNA

Iraq regains sovereignty US ends combat operations

ramadan kareem

Month of Mercy- II

By Sheikh Aa’id al-Qarnee

I

n the same manner, when Uthman ibn Abi al As Al Thaqafi requested: ‘O Messenger of Allah, make me an imam of my people.’ The Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: ‘You are their imam so lead the prayer according to the weakest of them and take a caller to prayer who would seek no payment for doing so.’ Mercy dictates that the one who calls to Islam must advise Continued on Page 14

Emsak: Fajer: Shoruk: Dohr: Asr: Maghreb: Eshaa:

03:53 04:03 05:25 11:48 15:22 18:11 19:30

KUWAIT: US Army Stryker brigade soldiers carry their personal belongings to be inspected at Camp Virginia, 100 Km North of Kuwait City yesterday, before flying back to the US after their tour of duty in Iraq. The Stryker Brigade is the last combat unit returning from Iraq. — AP

BAGHDAD: Iraq’s prime minister said the end of US combat operations yesterday restored Iraq’s sovereignty and meant it stood as an equal to the United States, despite political deadlock and persistent violence. US troop levels were cut to 50,000 before the partly symbolic deadline of Aug 31 set by President Barack Obama to fulfill his pledge to end the war launched by his predecessor George W Bush.

The six remaining US brigades will turn their focus to training Iraqi police and troops as Iraq takes charge of its own destiny ahead of a full US withdrawal by the end of next year. “Iraq today is sovereign and independent,” Prime Minister Nouri AlMaliki told Iraqis in a televised address to mark the US forces’ shif t to assisting rather than leading the fight against a Sunni Islamist insurgency and Shiite militia.

“With the execution of the troop pullout, our relations with the United States have entered a new stage between two equal, sovereign countries.” Obama promised warweary US voters he would extricate the United States Continued on Page 14

4 Israelis shot dead four victims were Israelis from the Beit Haggai settlement. “The Qassam Brigades announces its full responsibility for the heroic operation in Hebron,” said a statement from Hamas armed wing Izz elDeen Al-Qassam.

The claim confounded recent Hamas signals that it did not want militants to rekindle the attacks on Israel that triggered a devastating Israeli military assault in the winter of 2008-09 in which 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis lost their lives. Yesterday evening’s shooting was the most lethal attack in the West Bank in four years, the Army said. A suicide bombing killed four Jews at a West Bank settle-

ment in 2006. In Jerusalem two years ago eight Jews were killed at a seminary.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Israel would “exact a price” for the killings. “This was an apparent bid by lowly terrorists to sabotage the attempt to achieve a diplomatic process and to try to hurt the chances of the talks opening in Washington,” he said in a statement. Hamas rejects the Palestinian leadership in the West Bank and opposes the direct peace talks due to resume formally in the US capital on Sept 2. “Hamas praises the attack and regards it as a natural response to the crimes of the Continued on Page 14

2 held over terror plot AMSTERDAM: Dutch police questioned yesterday two US residents of Yemeni descent arrested after flying into the Netherlands from Chicago in what officials fear may have been a dry run for a terror attack. The White House promised US authorities will conduct a “vigorous investigation” into the incident, which officials don’t exclude may have simply been a misunderstanding.

US airport security screeners found suspicious-looking items in the men’s checked luggage late Sunday before they flew out of Chicago, including a cellphone taped to a medicine bottle, three cellphones taped together, watches taped together, and box cutters and knives, according to US news reports. One of the men, a 48-year-old, was also carrying 7,000 dollars in cash. US officials notified Dutch authorities the men’s luggage included “suspicious items,” the Department of Homeland Security said.

The pair was arrested upon landing at Schiphol Airport early Monday. US air marshals had been aboard the flight, officials said. ABC News reported the men may have been testing airport security by Continued on Page 14

‘Prostitute Bruni deserves death’

Hamas celebrates, claims responsibility WEST BANK: Four Israeli settlers were shot dead in their car in a drive-by attack in the occupied West Bank yesterday, on the eve of a US-sponsored Middle East peace summit in Washington. The armed wing of the Islamist Hamas movement, the Islamist group which controls the Gaza Strip and opposes peace talks, claimed responsibility for the shooting in a statement.

“This was a terrorist attack and the army is treating it as a grave incident,” Israeli Army spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Avital Leibovitch told reporters in a telephone briefing. She said two men and two women, one pregnant, had been killed. Army sources said all

KUWAIT: The National Assembly interior and defense committee yesterday discussed in a meeting allegations made by MP Mussallam Al-Barrak in June that two Iranian drug dealers were released without trial by the interior ministry. Secretary of the panel MP Shuaib Al-Muwaizri said the meeting was attended by MP Barrak who provided the necessary documents to support his allegations.

Based on the outcome of the meeting and the information provided by Barrak, the committee will summon interior ministry officials responsible for the release to determine who has exactly supervised the release. Muwaizri said that Interior Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Khaled Al-Sabah apologized for not attending the meeting despite sending him an invitation.

During the June 30 parliamentary session, Barrak said that two Iranian brothers were arrested on drug trafficking charges and were referred to the deportation center without any investigation. A few days later the two Iranians were released from the deportation center on orders by the interior minister, saying that the two were neither deported nor interrogated by the public prosecution on drugs trafficking charges.

Barrak hinted that the minister’s decision was made after mediation from some lawmakers. During the session, the minister acknowledged the release of the two brothers but said he did so after receiving Continued on Page 14

WEST BANK: A bullet hole is marked on a car at the site of a shooting attack outside the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arbah yesterday. — AP

TEHRAN: A hardline Iranian daily stepped up its attack on France’s First Lady, Carla Bruni, saying yesterday the “Italian prostitute” deserved to die for supporting an Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning. “This Italian prostitute’s indignation at Kayhan’s report came while she has had illegitimate relationships with different people before and after marrying (French President Nicolas) Sarkozy,” Kayhan said.

“Reviewing Carla Bruni’s records clearly shows why this immoral woman has supported an Iranian woman who has committed adultery, has contributed to the murdering of her husband and has been sentenced to death, and in fact she herself (Bruni) deserves death,” Continued on Page 14

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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

94% of Kuwaiti motorists text while driving

A gender tug-of-war over traffic violations

By Abdullah Al-Qattan KUWAIT: Despite the fact that using a mobile phone while driving is illegal in Kuwait, a new survey shows that over 94 percent of the respondents still use their mobile, whether for texting, calling, or even web-surfing. According to the new study

by Dr Zakiah Al-Hashemi of Kuwait University's Social Studies Department, a person who is texting while driving has the same likelihood as a drunk driver of avoiding or causing accidents. A similar study proved that people who perform other tasks while driving may have the effect of one ounce of alcohol, therefore slowing down the driver’s reaction.

KUWAIT: The visiting head of the Iraqi Supreme Islamic Council Ammar Al-Hakim paid a visit recently to the Jahra hospital where a number of Iraqi patients who suffered injuries from blasts that took place in Basra are getting treatment. The injured Iraqi civilians were brought to Kuwait as per the instructions of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

in my view

Philanthropy missing in the Arab world

By Dr Baheeja Behbehani

V

oluntary work, alternatively known as community service, is accorded great importance in advanced countries, including the United States of America, where the percentage of work undertaken has risen by 12% during the period between 2002 and 2005.

This has been the case, ever since former president George Bush urged US citizens and the international community to allocate at least two years of their lives to voluntary work.

The annual average of donation paid by a US citizen is $500. Ted Turner, media tycoon and founder of the Cable News Network (CNN), has donated one third of his fortune to the United Nation's humanitarian organizations.

Meanwhile, billionaire Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, had also announced that he has donated almost half of his wealth to charity.

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In the United Kingdom, statistics reveal that more than twenty million civilians perform organized voluntary work.

Statistics from France point out that tenand-a half million citizens take part in voluntary work during weekends at educational, health, environmental and cultural fields.

Meanwhile, we can find that Canada is home to 161,000 non-profit organizations with around 12 million volunteers. At least 32 percentage of adults in Australia have stated that they contribute toward voluntary work.

Also, statistics state that there are 35,000 non-profit organizations in Israel, which exceeds the number of charitable trusts that operate in all Arab and Muslim countries worldwide.

On the other hand, voluntary work undertaken in Muslim countries remains limited. Charitable organizations use the donations collected to finance voluntary work locally as well as internationally.

Which is the most a ncient city in the w orld?

J ericho J erusa lem Damascus

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Has any Muslim billionaire ever announced that he will donate one quarter or even half of their wealth to charity?

Have there been an Islamic show that has contributed toward helping disasterstricken areas in the Muslim world, akin to Oprah Winfrey's?

When was the last time when a famous TV personality or athlete from the Arab and Muslim world had paid a visit to a disaster-stricken area in order to spread awareness about the situation there, in a bid to collect as much aid as possible?

Unfortunately, instead of reading about great charitable contributions made by people from our Muslim countries, we read a story about a competition that took place between a Kuwaiti national and a Pakistani man at the Hilton hotel's bar in Las Vegas. Both men embarked on a spending spree to buy alcoholic drinks to everybody in attendance just so that they could catch the attention of Hilton's family heir - Paris Hilton. — Al-Qabas

Dr. Al-Hashemi found that more than 94 percent of Kuwaiti drivers still use their mobiles to text behind the wheel. AlHashemi explained, that while conducting her 'Drivers Behavior Determinants Study,' she found that of that 94 percent of mobileusing drivers, 53 percent use their phones for both texting and reading messages.

Forty-four-year-old driver Jassem AlMortathawi said that using the phone while driving is a source of extreme danger, adding that people who use mobile phones while driving get distracted from the road and usually end up shifting lanes and causing accidents. "Yet, the police aren't taking their own regulations seriously due to the fact that they aren't enforcing these laws correctly," he added.

Abdullah Al-Enizi, a 20-year-old motorist, blamed the road problems on inexperienced female drivers. He insisted that the cause of most traffic accidents are women who use their mobile phones while driving, suggesting despite the evidence to the contrary that "men are actually quite capable of using their phones while driving." Despite what some men may believe, however, Dr Zakeyah stated that only 19 percent of women use their phones while driving which means that the percentage of female drivers doing so is under half that of the male drivers.

She observed that the statistics demonstrate that male drivers are responsible for Kuwait's unenviable status as the number

KUWAIT: A man using his mobile phone while driving in Kuwait. — Photo by Joseph Shagra one country worldwide in terms of traffic fatalities per capita for 2008.

Another motorist, 32-year-old Fatma AlMahmeed, explained that most drivers use the time taken in getting from one place to another or while stuck in tailbacks to socialize, check on each other or see if their manager has arrived at work yet. Fatma also added that texting while driving is considered to be more dangerous than talking on the phone, which she said is why some people usually draw the line at doing so.

Zainab Al-Eisa, a 24-year-old who has a driving license, said that while the stereotype of bad women drivers is in fact true to some extent, men are the main cause of high-speed accidents.

Al-Hashemi concluded in her study that even using a mobile phone with a headset or a hands-free device will not help drivers to avoid getting into an accident, due to the fact that while talking on the phone a driver's mind is no longer fully focused on the road, but is distracted by the conversation.

Financing can go without regulation KUWAIT: The Speaker of the Parliament recently noted that the projected methods to finance the mega projects of the development plan do not necessarily need to be a draft law first, reported Al-Qabas. Speaking at a ghabqa held by the Independent Kuwait Assembly, speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi explained that the Parliament is still waiting for the Cabinet to provide their vision on how to finance the development plan.

The feel within the Cabinet is that it is still too early to reach an agreement on the best possible method for financing the projects. This could leave the Parliament waiting for an answer until well after the Eid AlFitr holidays.

This statement comes as the Cabinet works on finalizing their preparations to present their results of a potential financing draft law to HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah. So far, it's believed that the draft law will insist on having the government finance the projects through local banks in a process that will be supervised by the Central Bank of Kuwait, reported Al-Watan.

The weekly meeting, which was sched-

uled to take place on Monday afternoon, was expected to feature a demonstration by the Minister of Finance, Moustafa AlShamali, on the insolvency fund. An agreement on the supreme council of the environment's decision to cancel all commercial and factory licenses in Al-Ashairej for environmental reasons was also expected to be discussed.

The Minister of Education, Dr Moudhy Al-Hmoud, was prepared to provide a project for increasing the salaries of teachers while the Interior Minister, Sheikh Jaber Al-Khalid, was scheduled to give a report on the results of his recent tour to Bahrain.

In other news, the Parliament's committee to study the negative effects of foreign phenomena in Kuwait was expected to meet with HH the Prime Minister yesterday in order to discuss national unity. The meeting was announced by committee spokesperson, MP Dr Waleed Al-Tabtabaei, reported Al-Rai. The meeting was held as per the committee's request and addressed some TV shows broadcast by private satellite stations that they considered damaging to

national unity.

"The panel's members will request that HH the Prime Minister step in and enforce the law against TV channels that attack our country's national unity," Al-Tabtabaei said.

It was expected that the recent uproar as a result of a radio show that made negative remarks about the rulers of Gulf states was also mentioned during the meeting.

On a separate topic, MP Dr Faisal AlMislem revealed intentions to present a draft law at the beginning of the upcoming parliament term regarding the valuation of citizens' homes on blocks 5 and 10 of Khaitan. The draft law would also give citizens priority when applying to own property on blocks 3 and 4 of the same area, which the Cabinet previously announced would be sold in an auction. Al-Mislem explained that the Cabinet's decision to place properties on blocks 3 and 4 blocks in Khaitan in a public auction would not help end the housing problems that citizens in the area are suffering from. He pointed out that relocating citizens and giving them priority to own houses on those blocks would help solve the problem.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

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School stationery items’ prices register five-fold increase Transport and shipment costs linked to price rise

By Ben Garci a KUWAIT: Prices of school supplies tha t a re mostly used by teachers from decora tive to a ca demic ma terials have risen by a s high much a s ten

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at the Police Officers Club.

Amir, Crown Prince pay visit to Police Officers Club KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, accompanied by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Deputy Chief of the National Guards Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah paid a visit to the Police Officers Club on Monday.

Receiving them was Interior Minister Lt Gen Sheikh Jaber Al-Khaled Al-Sabah (ret.), Interior Ministry Undersecretary Lt Gen Ahmad Abdullatif Al-Rujaib and Secretary of the National Security Bureau Sheikh Athbi Fahad Al-Sabah, among other officials.

His Highness the Amir, in a speech for the ranking officers, stressed the role of security personnel in attaining the security of the country, in cooperation with the Army and the National Guards. His Highness the Amir underlined that practicing the law equally on all, is the perfect way to achieve safety and security.

Interior Ministry Undersecretary Lieut. Gen. Al-Rujaib made a speech on the occasion, in which he praised the arrival of the guests.

Al-Rujaib mentioned that the Ministry of Interior criminal investigations unit had foiled many attempts to threaten security in the country

during the year, naming attempts to smuggle narcotics and alcohol, the arrest of suspects and the thwarting of robberies and attempts to illegally enter the country by use of counterfeit passports.

The undersecretary further mentioned achievements the ministry has made, including providing residents the option to pay for their fines on the web and means to learn of these fines through 17 electronic stations across Kuwait.

The speech was followed by a poem recital conducted by Colonel Falah Al-Mutairi.

HH the Amir was also accompanied during his visit by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Minister of State for Development Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister for Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah, HH the Amir’s Office Director Ahmad Fahad Al-Fahad, Acting Amiri Diwan Undersecretary and Director of Amiri Protocol Sheikh Khalid Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah Al-Nasser AlSabah, HH the Crown Prince’s Diwan Undersecretary Sheikh Mubarak Al-Faisal AlSabah and Sheikh Majed Al-Jaber Al-Homoud AlSabah. — KUNA

Gas cylinders sold illegally at local baqala in Hawally

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: A Kuwait Times investigation has shown that the gas cylinders used for cooking, which are supposed to be sold only by the so-called ‘gas outlets’ located beside local Co-ops, are actually being offered for sale at a local baqala (small grocery shop).

The baqala, located in a residential building in Hawally, is doing good business selling the gas cylinders to all the building’s tenants. The baqala in question is not just selling the gas cylinders illegally but charging a hefty mark-up of 500 fils, two-thirds of the original price, selling the cylinders which usually retail at 750 fils each for KD 1.250.

As one Lebanese tenant of the building, 30-year-old Yasmin told the paper, not all the tenants are happy about the illicit trade, with safety being her own principal concern.

“My flat is located directly above the baqala and I’m really afraid in this situation,” she explained. “If any incident happened or the baqala caught fire, those cylinders would cause a huge explosion.”

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s (MCI) licensing department, such unlicensed sale of gas cylinders is entirely illegal: “The ministry does not issue licenses to baqalas to sell gas cylinders,” said one employee, who gave their name as Souad. “These cylinders are only sold at the Coop gas outlets and with the permission of the oil and gas inspectors. A complaint should be filed about this with the Consumer Protection Department to take action against this illegal com-

KUWAIT: Gas cylinders stored in the baqala. mercial activity.”

The baqala in question is not just selling the gas cylinders illegally but charging a hefty markup of 500 fils, two-thirds of the original price, selling the cylinders which usually retail at 750 fils each for KD 1.250.

Ahmad, an inspector with the Consumer Protection Department, explained to the Kuwait Times that any consumer with a grievance must submit an official complaint in order for the department’s inspectors to assess and act on the situation.

“This baqala could be penalized for increasing the official price per cylinder with fines of between KD 300 and KD 400, for conducting an unlicensed activity by the MCI and the municipality or for selling pro-

hibited items. The baqala’s license is usually issued for selling foodstuffs, not gas cylinders,” he said.

Another official, Ali, an inspector with the municipality’s Emergencies Department in Jahra, said that his team could also be involved in the matter.

“Our teams conduct inspections in different stores and baqalas in all areas, but sometimes we may miss some of them,” he explained. “Even if we got to his baqala, though, it’s hard for us to check any concealed hiding places as we’re not policemen.

We have to catch the owner in the act and this could be achieved by preparing a trap for him in cooperation with the complainant. We can then penalize him and even close the baqala.”

Several school suppliers, of stationeries and book shops alike, in Kuwait City blamed the increase (of prices) in the rise of transportation or shipment fees which has increased to about 20 to 30 percentage.

According to a sales manager in a bookshop in Kuwait City, she had to follow instructions to raise the prices of some school items.

Other shop assistants at bookshops claimed that prices of ordinary notebooks, pens and pencils remained unchanged, “The prices of our school stationery are the same as the prices last year,” she said. She added that there are some items which have become costlier now.

The prices of some items have increased owing to a rise in the rates of shipment and transportation of goods, “There are several items, which are on sale since last year, and have not been affected. They are still sold at the same price today,” she said.

There are a few days left for some students in Kuwait, who were on regular holiday breaks, to prepare for their 2010-2011 class-opening next week.

Preparations continue to be held in several private schools.

Many department stores and supermarkets are also busy preparing for last-minute school shopping. Some private schools will re-open as early as September 5. Many, including public schools are scheduled to begin classes until midSeptember or after the four-day Eid celebration that marks the end of Ramadan.

percentage w hen compared to the previous yea r. There are a few days left until the beginning of the academic yea r. Students a re returning from their regular holida y brea ks and are busy prepa ring for 2010-2011 cla sses.

KUWAIT: File photo shows school items displayed during one of the ‘Back2school’ exhibitions held last year. — Photo by Joseph Shagra The British School of Kuwait (BSK) will open on September 15, “All teachers are in; teachers’ orientations classes, especially for the newly hired staff has been going on for four days a week. Everything is ready in our school; there are new facilities installed in the compound to improve our teaching mechanism - libraries, science laboratories, play-

grounds are all ready to accommodate new and improved amenities,” said Patricia Whelan, Financial and Public Relations Director at the British School of Kuwait.

Another school official also confirmed the start of the academic year on September 14, “Our teachers will start reporting to duty tomorrow (today) but our regular classes will

begin on September 14,” said Dr Jesusa Cristina V Puno, Principal of the New Kuwait Philippine International School situated in Jleeb.

Another school in Salwa, Bilingual Al-Danah school will begin classes on September 5.

This year, parents are busy shopping for two things - the new school year and Eid. “Yes, I plan to shop on Thursday and

Friday for Eid. At the same time, I need to buy new things for my children to use in school,” said a mother of two children. In her opinion, the holidays that coincide with the start of the school year creates an opportunity to save time.

“Thank God, I received my salary now so that I can shop for Eid and the school opening,” she said.

Grillings against four ministers in offing KUWAIT: Several MPs are reportedly preparing a number of interpellation motions against different ministers to be submitted following the start of the next parliamentary term. The grilling motions concern the ministers’ alleged failure to address certain issues that their respective ministries are involved in, or to provide clear answers to MPs’ previous questions.

According to reports citing parliamentary insiders, the ministers targeted for possible grillings are finance minister Mustafa AlShamali, minister of education and higher education Dr. Moudhi AlHumoud, health minister Dr. Helal Al-Sayer, and the minister of oil and of information Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah.

Al-Shamali is facing heavy criticism on several issues, headed by the controversy surrounding the financial aid to be given to insolvent Kuwaitis and the limited help provided by the insolvency fund established by the government to assist them in repaying their unpaid debts.

On this issue, it’s also been reported that MP Rola Dashti has announced that citizens will be able to submit applications for assistance from the insolvency fund following the end of the Eid Al-Fitr holiday in mid-September.

They will be able to submit their applications for a six-month period, she explained, urging the cabinet to launch a media campaign to raise Kuwaitis’ awareness of the facilities provided by the fund.

Other grilling motions against the finance minister are expected to focus on the government’s investments and an earlier contentious loan to Russia, as well as on his alleged failure to keep previous promises to pay the salaries of public sector workers before Ramadan and the Eid Al-Fitr holidays. Meanwhile, the oil minister is expected to face questions over suspected violations concerning

oil sector tenders, as well as a number of disputed appointments to senior positions within the sector, while the health minister may be grilled over the issue of medical treatment abroad for Kuwaitis, which has generated a large amount of controversy and numerous accusations.

The issues that may see the education minister facing interpellation include the predicted extension of the tenure of the current Kuwait University rector Dr. Abdullah Al-Fuhaid for an additional year, after the education ministry failed to select a suitable candidate to replace him. MP Dr. Hassan Jowhar has already expressed his intention to grill Dr. Al-Humoud over her failure to form a special committee to find a suitable replacement for Dr. AlFuhaid.

Dr. Al-Humoud may also find herself forced to the grilling podium over the controversy surrounding proposed amendments to local schools’ Islamic studies curricula, with MPs from the Reform and Development Bloc rumored to be already preparing to submit interpellation motions concerning the issue.

The minister herself is reportedly seeking to hold private meetings with MPs in order to answer their questions in person, which might help prevent the interpellation motions from going any further.

One MP criticized the expected flood of grilling motions, saying that they had played a central role in obstructing any real advance in implementing development-related proposals and recommendations in light of these developments, one MP said that the superfluous nature of many of the interpellation motions had played a huge role in obstructing the process of practically addressing proposals and recommendations made by MPs during the past term. — Agencies

Two dealers arrested

By Hanan Al-S aadoun KUWAIT: Two Bangladeshi expatriates have been arrested and referred to the Public Prosecutor on charges of drug dealing, with police recovering 250 grams of heroin from their possession.

The men, who used their work as taxi drivers as a cover for their criminal activities, were selling the drug principally to addicts in Hawally, Daiya and Dasma. They were caught red-handed in possession of the drugs, and admitted that they were involved in the deadly trade on behalf of another, higher-ranking dealer, who is expected to be arrested shortly.

KUWAIT: People waiting for a bus at a local bus stop. A recent strike by Kuwait Public Transportation Company (KPTC) drivers over a wage-related dispute caused some problems for many workers who are reliant on public transport as the only way of travelling to and from their work, prompting many of them to take taxis or even hitch a lift with passing motorists.

Power generation rates up KUWAIT: The Ministry of Electricity and Water is increasing electricity generation rates to cope with the heavy levels of use predicted for the remainder of Ramadan and the Eid Al-Fitr period.

Minister Dr. Bader Al-Shuraiaan said on Monday that the MEW is keen to demonstrate its commitment to maintain sufficient power reserves to ensure that the entire country has an adequate electricity supply and that it can easily cope with periods of heavy usage. The minister said that it is particularly important during the holy month of Ramadan to ensure that associated venues such as the Jaber Al-Ali Mosque’s Islamic Ramadan Center have a steady power supply and can operate at full capacity. The minister made his comments to reporters while touring the Jaber Al-Ali Mosque to

observe the preparations made there for the opening of the Ramadan Center, which will remain open for the last ten days of the holy month, reported AlWatan. Accompanying him on his visit were Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Undersecretary for Mosque Affairs Walid AlShuwaib, and the mosque’s general supervisor, who is also the head of the Hawally governorate’s mosques department, Walid Al-Satlan.

Al-Shuraiaan also revealed during his tour that MEW emergency maintenance teams would be on high alert to deal with any potential power cuts or any other problems concerning the national power grid, with both Al-Shuwaib and Al-Satlan expressing their gratitude for these efforts on the ministry’s behalf.

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Prime minister hosts Ramadan banquet

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah greets guests upon his arrival at the ghabqa.

Kuwait Times Editor-in-Chief, Abd Al-Rahman Alyan, greets HH the Prime Minister and other ministers.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah held a Ramadan dinner banquet on Monday on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. The National Assembly Speaker Jassem Mohammad Al-Khorafi and a number of ministers, senior officials and other dignitaries attended the banquet.

— Photos by Joseph Shagra HH the Prime Minister is pictured alongside National Assembly Speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi and Minister of Commerce and Industry Ahmad Al-Haroun, as Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad AlSabah looks on.

HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, the Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and State Minister for Development and for Housing Affairs, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah and Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Roudhan Al-Roudhan pose for a photo with a couple of guests.

Sheikh Faisal Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s Ambassador to Jordan, hands HH the Prime Minister an ancient copy of the Holy Quran, as a gift.

HH the Prime Minister receives greetings from the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Dr Mohammad Al-Afasi, as the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and State Minister for Development and for Housing Affairs Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah greets another guest.

New Mowasat Hospital hosts Ramadan health forum KUWAIT: The New Mowasat Hospital hosted a special Ramadan forum on August 29.

It was entitled ‘Stay Healthy..

While fasting,’ to bring attention to the effects of diabetes, kidney stones, high cholesterol and obesity on those who are fasting and offer guidance on the best ways to stay healthy while fast-

ing. The forum provided audience members with a multifaceted learning approach on the health benefits of fasting and ways to improve one’s quality of life.

Leading the forums were four highly acclaimed physicians specialized in Cardiology, Diabetology, Dietetics and

Urology at New Mowasat Hospital. Dr Fahed Enezi, Cardiology Consultant, began the forum by discussing the prevalence of hypertension and high cholesterol amongst Arabs.

Dr Fahed also addressed the health benefits of fasting for those individuals with high blood pressure or

high cholesterol.

Dr Kashif Rizvi, the Director of Mowasat Diabetes and Medical Center at New Mowasat Hospital, discussed the lifestyle, presentation and management of Type 2 Diabetes during Ramadan. Dr Kashif addressed the health benefits and risks of fasting during Ramadan with diabetes. He also provided suggestions for meal management, physical activities and medical assessments.

Asma Saleh, Head of New Mowasat Hospital’s Dietetic Department, discussed eating habits during the month of Ramadan. Asma focused on the excess intake of fats and refined carbohydrates and the intake of fibers in relation to constipation, heart burn, digestion problems, dehydration and obesity.

Asma also discussed food budgeting and management, as

many families tend to overspend and overcompensate on meals.

Dr Mohammed Lotfi, New Mowasat Hospital’s newest consultant in Urology, raised awareness and offered advice on how to benefit from fasting with urological complications in the urinary tract, especially since citizens in the Gulf area are genetically and environmentally prone to form kidney stones. Dr Mohammed discussed the importance of increasing fluid intake to decrease the risks of kidney stone formation, hypertension, lipids among the public, especially those suffering from obesity or diabetes.

Open to the public, the Ramadan forum closed with a Question and Answer session.

Everyone in attendance had the opportunity to ask doctors questions pertaining to health, livelihood and fasting concerns.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

NATIONAL

Burgan Bank hosts Girgian KUWAIT: The Burgan Bank recently hosted a Girgian celebration in the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor’s (MSAL) Special Care Complex in Sulaibikhat.

The bank, one of the leading banks in Kuwait, chose the complex to hold the event as it offered an excellent opportunity to share and communicate with the residents there and share the delight and pleasure enjoyed by every child in Kuwait on this annual celebration, which falls in the middle of Ramadan.

Sharing the joy of the occasion, a team of bank staff visited the complex, the Orphans’ Care Center and the Elderly Care Center, which all come under the MSAL’s supervision, as well as visiting a number of individuals with special needs.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program to support those with special needs, participating in the Girgian celebration at the Disabled Sports Club and distributing boxes of candies and bags of sweets to all the children there to help share the joyous festive spirit.

Speaking about the visits, Bashar Jaber, the bank’s Chief Marketing Officer, said, “We consider these visits to be a demonstration of our core values and an expression of our CSR initiatives and programs that cover different social groups and units. We preferred to hold this celebration at the Special Care Complex in order to be close to these children in their living environment, to share the lovely and joyous moments of this celebration with them.”

Last 10 days of Ramadan

By Dr. Yousef Yaqoub

I

believe that all of us know that Ramadan is a very special month in Islam and has an important place in the hearts of Muslims. It is the month of fasting, kindness, mercy and self-discipline.

Having said that, the last third of this religious period (i.e., the last 10 days of the month of Ramadan) receives more attention from Muslims around the world, probably because it is most especially meant to train the hearts and minds of the Muslims in taking care of the final moments of this special month before it leaves us. It is a special farewell. But it’s all according to the teachings of God. Ayesha, the wife of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said: “When the last ten days of Ramadan start, Prophet Mohammed tightens his loincloth, watches the nights and awakens his family” (Bukhari and Muslim).

What she meant by this is that the days and nights of this last third of Ramadan became a real centre of attention for the Prophet and received special care from him. However, the Prophet teaches every Muslim through his habits, deeds and sayings how to receive these special days and how to benefit from the special chances and occasions therein until the last moment.

From the above prophetic tradition, Ayesha mentioned that the Prophet would stay awake during most of those last ten nights. He used to stand-up and pray most of the hours of each night, if not all. Also, he encouraged and urged his family to pray during these nights. Hence the term, “tightens his loincloth,” which in Arabic is an expression denoting self-discipline and preparation for a serious activity, denoting that conjugal relations are abandoned during those nights. Was it a practice of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and his family only? Surely not. In a genuine prophetic tradition reported by Imam Al- Bukhari’s and/or Imam Muslim’s books, the Prophet mentioned that whoever stands up at night during the month of Ramadan in worship of God with firm belief and anticipation of hope, their previous sins will be forgiven. Standing up is an indication of praying during the night. Accordingly, the situation would be of more concern during the last 10 nights of Ramadan, as we learned from the companions of the Prophet and the generations after that.

The wife of Abu Mohammad Habeeb - the Persian - used to say to him in the night: “The night is leaving and there is a long and distant way ahead of us and our travel provisions are little and the caravans of good people had already travelled ahead of us but we stayed still”. She said this in order to encourage her husband to wake up during the night and start praying. This was the practice of all the Prophet’s companions and their families and of most of the good Muslims in the generations after that, although it is not compulsory. Praying during the night is not a duty upon the Muslims to fulfill, but they love to show God their worship and closeness to Him. Another habit of worship during the last 10 days of Ramadan is seclusion in mosques for the purpose of worship and meditation (E’etikaf). Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) used to live in seclusion in the mosque and encourage his companions, and subsequently all Muslims, to do so. The practice of seclusion by the Prophet and many Muslims entails staying in the mosque most of the time starting from the first day of these last 10 days until the last night of Ramadan. In their books of prophetic tradition, Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim revealed that the usual practice of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) was to live in seclusion in the mosque for the last 10 days of Ramadan every year.

Now let’s imagine the picture. It is the last period of the especially revered month of Ramadan, the month of worship and discipline. What do you think that a secluded Muslim would do inside the mosque? Play cards, tell jokes and spend valuable time in chatting?! Of course not. He tries to get closer to his Creator and strengthen his relationship with Him. First of all, it should be noted that the Muslim in such as situation of seclusion in the mosque begins by washing his body, wearing clean and good clothes and putting on a pleasant fragrance if possible. After that, he cloisters himself in the mosque in order to obey, worship and be mindful of Allah. He regularly recites the Holy Quran, trying to tries to memorize many of its chapters and verses by heart.

Moreover, the Muslim living in seclusion offers invocations and prayers, learning more through reading, listening to the lessons and the teachings and discussing useful matters with friends in the mosque. He raises his hands from time to time, calling upon God for support, bounties, guidance, strength and mercy and to accept his prayers and good deeds. Also, he glorifies and praises God the Most Powerful and the Most Merciful.

In one moment you may find in a spiritual environment with some shading tears, and in another moment you can feel that he is trying to discipline himself and to model his character and life on good manners and ethics. The first one is about his relation with God, and the later about his relation with human beings. All these practices bring him closer to God without exaggeration in imagination.

Another important element of the last 10 days is ‘Laylat AlQadr’, which may be translated as the night of decree. It is a very special night in Islam. Maybe I can elaborate more about it in another article. — IPC

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Bogus sheikh in custody for cheating female citizens KUWAIT: Hawally detectives arrested a fire department employee for claiming to be a member of the ruling family and taking KD 90,000 from female citizens. The bogus sheikh told several female citizens in South Surra that he was an experienced businessman in the field of investment and that he could use their money to turn a quick profit.

After turning over their money, the women decided to lodge a complaint with the Amiri Diwan a few days later when they learned that the 'sheikh's' phone number was no longer working. The Amiri Diwan contacted authorities who in turn contacted the accused sheikh. He explained that he had no knowledge of such a plan and suggested that someone may have used his identity to con the women. The case was transferred to detectives in Hawally for further investigation. Detectives were able to determine that the 'sheikh' was actually a citizen working for the Kuwait Fire Service Department. He initially denied the charges but when confronted with evidence admitted to cheating the women out of thousands of dinars. The

imposter was referred to the proper authorities.

Blackmailed A woman was blackmailed into turning over thousands of dinars and jewelry by an ex-boyfriend, a bedoon working at the Ministry of Defense, after he threatened to expose revealing pictures of her on the internet. After getting married, the woman tried to end her relationship with her ex but found herself in a compromising situation when she learned he had private photos of her. She was forced to pay him KD 1,000 and give him jewelry on two separate occasions before the woman finally reported the incident to Sulaibikhat authorities. The man was arrested and referred to the proper authorities.

Pharmacist arrested A pharmacist in Mangaf was arrested for selling illegal drugs after he unknowingly sold illicit materials to an undercover police officer. The pharmacist was found to be in possession of 250 illegal pills.

Kidnapper caught Sulaibikhat detectives kept a kidnapper

from fleeing the country through the Salmy Border. Security sources explained that they received reports of a 15-year-old girl who failed to return home after being sent out to buy bread. Her absence was reported by her mother and authorities found her two hours later. When questioned about her disappearance, she explained that a man forced her into his car and that she escaped his vehicle at a traffic light. Detectives learned that the kidnapper was on his way out of the country so they waited for him at the Salmy border.

He was arrested and charged with attempted kidnapping.

Hashish confiscated The coast guard removed 70 kilograms of hashish from the sea, east of Kubbar Island.

Fishermen with a private company, suspicious of a bundle of cloth bags at the bottom of the sea, called the coast guard. Their divers brought the bags to the surface where it was discovered to contain hashish. An investigation was launched.

Illegal weapons sale Capital Governorate detectives foiled an

attempt to sell an AK-47 and 840 rounds of ammunition in Doha. Police discovered two suspiciously parked cars while patrolling the area and when they approached the vehicles the two drivers tried to get away. Both men were caught by authorities and a search of their vehicles revealed the weapons. The men explained that they met in a diwaniya and agreed to meet to examine the weapon.

The weapon owner added that he found the AK-47 in Mutlaa two years ago and that he was planning to sell it. The two men were detained for further questioning.

Robbery Thieves stole KD 650 and several prepaid telephone cards from a grocery store and stabbed a worker in his left leg. An Arab expat reported that he witnessed three men enter a grocery store in Mahboula and attack the worker. Police responded to the incident and found the injured grocer. He told police that he had just been robbed and gave them details about the cars the thieves were driving. An investigation was launched.

Sexual assault A shepherd woke up to discover that he had just been drugged and sexually assaulted by a friend, reported Al-Rai. The victim, who works in Rabiya, reported the incident to authorities in Taims. He explained that he was invited for tea by a friend of his and as soon as he finished drinking it, he fell off to sleep. He added that after he woke up he discovered he had been assaulted and that his friend was nowhere to be found.

Facebook swindler arrested While detectives were carrying out an order to arrest a wanted man in Hawally, police patrols rushed to the same building to arrest the detectives. A resident of the same building that detectives were raiding to find a suspect reported to authorities that armed men were trying to break into an apartment.

The reason detectives were trying to get into the apartment was because they learned that a bedoon man was claiming to be from a certain family and was befriending women on facebook. He would then get their pictures and threaten to reveal their

identities on facebook if they did not meet his demands. While the detectives were raiding the apartment additional forces arrived in response to an armed breaking and entering. After the confusion was cleared the man was arrested and his computer was confiscated.

Harassment A citizen reported to authorities in Sharq that her ex-husband threatened to get her fired from her job and that he has harassed her several times. She explained that her ex-husband knows the bank's manager and that he has threatened to use his contact to her disadvantage. An investigation was launched.

Domestic dispute A woman reported to authorities in Mubarak Al-Kabeer that her husband damaged her car after the two had an argument.

An investigation revealed that the two did have an argument and that the woman had decided to leave to her family's house until the problem was solved. It was determined that he did damage her vehicle.

Ghabqa brings together NBK staff KUWAIT: Amid a family, friendly and fun-filled ambience, NBK's Public Relations Department recently hosted the annual Ramadan Staff Ghabqa.

NBK employees were treated to an evening of traditional Ramadan hospitality in addition to an array of entertainment activities and contests. The evening was an enthusiastic one. Attendees who participated in various competitions and games, with many of them winning prizes that range from fabulous travel tickets to valuable electronics. The lively and jovial ambience of the evening was furthered with the presence of Osama Fouda, Marina FM announcer.

Public Relations Team (The organizing committee)

NBK DCEO Shaikha Al-Bahar and Group GM Corporate Banking Mazen AlNahedh pose in a group photo with some NBK staff.

NBK CEO - Kuwait Isam Al-Sager gave a welcome speech to NBK staff.

Group photos: NBK staff

in the news New school year KUWAIT: Preparations for the new academic year will be completed at all six governorates, the Minister of Education (MoE) and Higher Education Dr Moudhi Al-Homoud said. The minister said that preparations have been made to provide school requirements human resources teachers, administrators and supervisors, in addition to equipment and support services and the supply of laboratory and student requirements, reported Al-Anba. The minister was speaking after inspecting the preparations made by schools in Hawally and Mubarak Al-Kabeer governorates. Accompanied by Undersecretary Tamador Al-Sdairawi and Undersecretary for Construction Sector Mohammad Al-Sayegli said that the minister was keen on inspecting maintenance work conducted at schools.

2009 crime rate up KUWAIT: The 2009 crime rate for Kuwait rose by 2.3 percent on the previous year, according to a new study from the Public Prosecution Services, with the total annual number of recorded crimes rising from 14,303 to 14,743. The study also revealed that the highest number of crimes were in the category of 'public claim,' with 3,534 cases being registered. Drug and alcohol-related crimes were the second most reported, with 1,161 cases. A total of 1,145 murder and physical assault cases meant that this was the third largest category, with sexual assaults and slander accusations being the fourth and fifth highest ranking crimes. The study also revealed that a total of 478 banking crimes were committed in 2009, as well as 444 reported cases of kidnapping.

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Armed militias: A quandary for Lebanon, US BEIRUT: It started with a dispute over a parking space and erupted into a four-hour street war between Hezbollah and a rival militia, with masked snipers running through alleyways and rocket-propelled grenades exploding in the middle of a Beirut neighborhood. Last week’s bloodshed, which killed three people, was nothing close to the worst this city has seen. But it has refocused attention on the bane of Lebanon’s existence: the dozens of private armies that grew out of the country’s 15year civil war and still flourish 20 years after the conflict ended.

“People still in this country have RPGs in their homes,” Nadim Houry, the Beirut director at Human Rights Watch, told AP after the Aug 24 clashes. “And they’re still in good shape, as you can see.” The fighting led the Western-backed prime minister, Saad Hariri, to call yet again for the militias

to disarm. But the biggest militia of all, Iranian-backed Hezbollah, is part of his government, wielding virtual veto power, and long-running talks on disarmament have gone nowhere.

The power balance worries the US and its close ally Israel, Hezbollah’s sworn enemy. This month, US lawmakers in Congress put a hold on $100 million of the $720 million in military aid that US administrations have provided to Lebanon’s illequipped army since 2006. It’s not clear how long the suspension might last. US administration officials say the aid should continue, and will prepare responses to the lawmakers’ concerns that the weapons may be falling into the wrong hands.

Israel says it spotted an ominous change on Aug 3 when the Lebanese army, recipient of the US weapons, traded fire with Israeli forces who were pruning a tree on

their border with Lebanon. An Israeli officer, two Lebanese soldiers and a Lebanese journalist died. Hezbollah was not involved in that fighting, but Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said his country always had concerns the army’s weapons could end up in Hezbollah’s hands.

Now, he said, Lebanon’s weapons are being used directly against Israel. The move in Congress has provoked defiant responses in Lebanon. Hezbollah and its chief backer, Iran, both said they were willing to make up the arms shortfall, and Lebanese Defense Minister Elias Murr vowed Lebanon would reject any military assistance if the condition was that the weapons not be used against Israel. He opened a bank account for Lebanese to donate money to buy arms from alternative sources.

Since Israel and Hezbollah fought a devastating 34-day war in 2006, Western gov-

ernments have worked to strengthen the central government, now led by Saad Hariri.

The danger of another Israel-Hezbollah war is ever-present, and would be especially disruptive now, when Israeli-Palestinian peace talks are about to get a fresh start initiated by the Obama administration.

Hariri’s call to disarm the militias has broad public backing, motivated by fears that local clashes could erupt into another civil war. But when it comes to Hezbollah, opinion is ambivalent. Hezbollah confronting Israel is applauded, but after the militia was seen by some as igniting the 2006 war and Israel bombed Lebanese infrastructure, it came under criticism.

Now that it’s part of the government and focused on building its political credentials, Hezbollah must tread carefully; it knows its standing would suffer if it were blamed for another outbreak of violence.

The criticism that followed the war with Israel was repeated two years later when 80 people died in clashes as Hezbollah resisted government attempts to dismantle its private phone network, and after the latest violence, both Shiite Hezbollah and its smaller Sunni rival, Al-Ahbash, were at pains to portray the matter as stemming from a “personal dispute”, not a sectarian one. But the fact that gunmen last week had the weapons to sustain a four-hour gun battle is testament to the power of these armed groups.

Lebanon is not entirely dependent on US military assistance, and has turned to Russia and Arab governments for assistance in the past. But Iran’s profile is growing steadily. “Iran and Lebanon are members of one body,” Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in Tehran on Sunday. “These two nations have joint

assignments and responsibilities against arrogant powers.” Hariri has stressed that his calls for a “weapons-free” Beirut do not extend to Hezbollah, and he would have a hard time including it in a ban.

For one thing, Hezbollah draws legitimacy from being the only militia that was allowed to keep its weapons under the agreement that ended the 1975-1990 civil war. For another, it is respected by Lebanese as the force most willing to stand up to Israel. “We are with the resistance against Israel, and there is an ongoing dialogue about these arms,” Hariri said recently. But, he added in a later speech, Lebanon cannot stand by in the face of firefights like last week’s, saying: “We will not allow anyone to burn our homes, kill our children and destroy our belongings only because someone didn’t find a suitable parking for his car.” — AP

Two more weeks to load fuel in Iran nuclear plant Iran testing second and third generation of centrifuges TEHRAN: Iran will need another tw o weeks to complete the process of loa ding fuel into its Russian-built first nuclear power plant, a tomic chief Ali Akba r Salehi has said. The process of loading 163 fuel rods, a lso supplied by Russia, into the nuclea r power plant located in the southern port city of Bushehr

BAGHDAD: An Iraqi police officer stands at a checkpoint yesterday. — AP

US legacy is unwritten as Iraq combat mission ends CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq: Army Colonel Charles Sexton likes to tell his soldiers that, 19 years on from his first involvement with Iraq, the US military’s legacy here remains largely unwritten. Sitting in his office on Contingency Operating Site Marez, just outside the main northern city of Mosul, where insurgent groups wreaked havoc in the aftermath of the US-led invasion of 2003, the 48-year-old recounts a story he has told his troops. On a recent break in France, Sexton and his wife visited Chateau-Thierry, a town east of Paris, where he saw a monument to the US army’s Third Infantry Division’s contributions during the two World wars.

“The monument is beautiful, it’s gorgeous... everything was kept perfectly and it was in a beautiful spot,” says Sexton, now the commander of the Third Division’s 2nd Brigade.

“And there is, just outside this town ...another little sign, it’s about maybe 18 to 20 inches, and it says ‘Cimetiere Allemand’, which is ‘German Cemetery’. ... It wasn’t wellkept, it was just a cemetery.”

Sexton, who completed his first tour in Iraq in 1991 helping oust Iraqi troops from Kuwait after dictator Saddam Hussein’s invasion the previous year, says he asks his soldiers: “How do you want to be remembered?” US forces are set to declare an end to combat operations on Tuesday, leaving fewer than 50,000 soldiers in the country with the mission of training and advising local troops ahead of a complete withdrawal at the end of next year.

Sexton and American officers across Iraq have stressed the importance of training Iraq’s forces and the transfer of responsibility to them - on Monday, he toured two checkpoints operated jointly by American, Iraqi and Kurdish forces. The pullout, mandated by a bilateral security pact with Baghdad, will close a chapter on more than 20 years of American military involvement in Iraq. Both Sexton and his deputy Colonel Bryan Luke were young officers during Operation Desert Storm which in 1991 ousted Saddam’s forces from Kuwait - Sexton a captain, and Luke one of his lieutenants. “It was all a nebulous concept - we didn’t even really know what Iraq was, to be honest with you,” Sexton admits.

But now, with the US set to completely pull out of Iraq in 16 months, he is confident

America will be fondly remembered. “I wish I had a crystal ball to tell you,” he says, “but I think ... (it) will be a good legacy.” The US army’s new mission in Iraq - Operation New Dawn - is a far cry from its efforts in the years following the invasion that toppled Saddam, after which violence peaked in 2006 and 2007. At the time, brutal sectarian conflict left tens of thousands dead, and the US military largely undertook missions on its own, and when carrying out partnered operations, dealt with a poorly-trained and equipped Iraqi force.

The surge in violence at the time largely caught the army by surprise - Luke recalls that when he left Iraq in early 2004, “I really thought that the unit that came in after me would be the last one.” “I was thinking 2006, we’ll be totally out of the country,” says the 44-year-old, an army major at the time of the invasion. Sexton, a lieutenant colonel in 2003, adds: “Had they (insurgents) not attempted to cause this kind of mammoth amount of suffering,

things would be pretty close to, very much near done. “We would probably have been out of here two, three years ago.”

Nationwide violence has dropped dramatically from its peak, though, as increasing numbers of Iraqi soldiers and police have been trained and equipped. But concerns remain - July was the deadliest month in Iraq since May 2008 according to Iraqi government figures, which the US military disputes, and the Iraqi army’s chief of staff said his forces will not be fully ready for another decade, calling for US troops to stay until 2020.

“It’s very interesting now, how they’re asking us to help out and to stay longer, it’s things in 2006 you wouldn’t have heard, but now its different how we’re being viewed,” says Sexton, whose son is now a lieutenant in the 82nd Airborne Division and ended a deployment to western Anbar province this month. “The Iraqi army and the Iraqi security forces get better every day, the Iraqi police get better every day,” he adds. —AFP

“From now on it will take 10 to 15 days for the 163 fuel rods to be moved into the main building of the Bushehr nuclear power plant and then we have to transfer the fuel rods into the reactor,” Salehi said. Last Thursday, IRNA quoted Salehi as saying that the transfer of fuel rods into the reactor would start at the end of the Iranian month of “Shahrivar (Sept 22) and at the end of (Iranian month of) Mehr (Oct 22), we will close the lid of the reactor.”

Salehi blamed Bushehr’s “severe hot weather” for the delay in moving the rods into the plant and said that this work was being done during the night. Iranian officials had earlier said the Bushehr plant’s commissioning is expected in October or November when the electricity it generates is connected to the national grid.

Russian officials said the commencement of the process of loading fuel into the plant marked the physical launch of the facility, which had been under construction since the 1970s under the rule of the late shah. Despite being OPEC’s second-largest crude oil exporter and having the world’s second-largest gas reserves, Iran insists it needs nuclear power for a rapidly growing population and for when its fossil fuels eventually run out.

Meanwhile Salehi said Iran has received a “positive” response from Russia to its proposal of making nuclear fuel jointly in both countries. “So far the Russian response has been positive to the Iranian proposal,” he said of the plan which he revealed on Aug 26. “But any comprehensive and complete response depends on future negotiations and further study.

We hope that the positive signals from the Russians will lead to the signing of an agreement.”

Iran is under four sets of UN Security Council sanctions for its refusal to halt uranium enrichment - the process which can be used to make nuclear fuel but also the fissile core of an atom bomb in highly purified forms. Russia, despite being Iran’s long time nuclear ally, had also voted for the latest round of UN sanctions against Tehran, a move which had triggered angry response against Moscow from top officials of the Islamic republic. Salehi also said that Iran was testing second and third generation of centrifuges, the device which rotates at supersonic speed to enrich uranium. —AFP

bega n on August 21 and w as to be completed by Sept 5. Thereafter the rods w ere to be tra nsferred to the reactor. But late on Monday sta te news agency IRNA quoted Sa lehi as sa ying that it w ill take another tw o weeks to shift the rods into the plant.

TEHRAN: A female employee of the Tehran Stock Exchange talks with two stockbrokers yesterday. Opened in 1967, during its first year of activity only six companies were listed. The exchange has now evolved into a marketplace where individual and institutional investors trade securities of over 420 companies. — AP

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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Bribes, kidnap and murder: Russia police turns to crime MOSCOW: Scandals involving police crime are becoming more and more frequent in Russia - kidnapping, murder, torture and corruption among them - casting doubts on President Dmitry Medvedev's ability to reform the tainted force. In the latest incident, four Moscow policemen were arrested on suspicion of kidnapping a businessman and driving off with him in the trunk of their car. The man's wife told police that her husband had been kidnapped from outside their house by camouflaged attackers. The case was not unprecedented: three Moscow police officers had kidnapped two women in February, demanding Ä50,000 and threatening that the families would be framed in

drugs cases if they failed to pay up.

Police often use heavy-handed tactics and are swift to pull the trigger. In January, a journalist was beaten to death by a policeman in Omsk, while in Moscow a lieutenant-colonel fired a fatal shot at the driver of a snow plough that had grazed his car.

A month earlier, an investigator in Siberia shot a suspect during questioning. In the most shocking case, Moscow police major Denis Yevsyukov was convicted in February of two counts of murder and 22 counts of attempted murder after he walked into a supermarket and randomly shot at staff and customers.

Yevsyukov committed the crime while

off duty, but still wearing his police uniform jacket. He killed a cashier and injured seven others in the supermarket, after shooting the taxi driver who drove him there. The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg regularly condemns Russia for police torture and draws attention to the slow investigations, the tardy opening of criminal cases and the mild sentences handed out to offenders, leading to a feeling of impunity among police officers.

In the latest example of such kid glove treatment, two Saint Petersburg policemen investigating the theft of a moped tried to extract confessions from two teenagers by burning their genitals with cigarettes and

suffocating them with plastic bags. The two men were sentenced in July to three years in prison each, with one receiving a suspended sentence. In the circumstances, it is hardly surprising that 67 percent of Russians say they fear the police, according to a survey carried out by Levada independent polling centre.

The most high-profile cases led to the sackings of senior police officials and the Kremlin has called for reforms in an attempt to curb police crime, particularly the force's all-pervasive corruption.

According to a report by the Association of Russian Lawyers for Human rights, a police officer who specialises in organised crime

and protects a criminal operation can earn as much as $20,000 per month. Even a rank-and-file traffic policeman pockets an average of $5,000 per month in backhanders. Some earn far more. Captain Arkady Kirsanov from the southern Astrakhan region, who was arrested in February, was earning more than $10,000 per month by extorting money from drivers, along with 13 other members of his unit, investigators said. Out of the 5,000 crimes committed by police in 2009 (up 11 percent on 2008), more than 3,000 were linked to corruption and abuse of power, according to official statistics. Two policemen in recent months have taken the risk of publicly exposing

their colleagues' ill-doing in whistle-blowing videos.

The first, Alexei Dymovsky, a police major from the southern city of Novorossiisk, was fired after he posted a video on YouTube alleging chronic corruption in his force. He was later detained for 1 1/2 months and convicted of slander over the video, in which he issued a litany of complaints about the conditions of work and said officers were treated "like cattle".

Another police major, Mikhail Yevseyev, was arrested last week on numerous charges after he made a video accusing police of fabricating evidence that led to the conviction of two innocent people.— AFP

President vows to be 'unbending'

Sarkozy govt divided on immigration crackdown PARIS: France's President Nicolas Sarkozy vowed yesterday to be "unbending" in his crackdown on foreign-born criminals, but signs emerged of splits in his government over the hardline measures. Referring to his plan to strip French nationality from foreign-born citizens for a range of crimes, Sarkozy "expressed his unbending will to fulfill these programs in the weeks to come," a statement said. But the government has faced accusations of

racism over another branch of its law and order drive - rounding up and deporting members of the Roma minority, branding them a crime threat and this week cracks began to show.Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said on Monday he had considered resigning in protest at the Roma deportations, and another minister broke ranks yesterday, opposing plans to tighten nationality rules.

ASSAS, France: Firefighters stand in front of a forest fire which has already destroyed 2,600 hectares yesterday near this French southern city. – AFP

Russian air crew freed in Darfur KHARTOUM: Three Russian helicopter crew members kidnapped in Sudan's restive Darfur region have been freed, officials said yesterday, with one report indicating force was used to secure their release. Sudanese army spokesman Sawarmi Khaled Saad and the Kremlin's special envoy to Khartoum Mikhail Margelov both said the trio were released after intensive negotiations with the abductors but did not say if a ransom was paid. "The three Russian pilots were freed last night (Monday)," following negotiations with the abductors, the army spokesman said. Russian envoy Margelov confirmed the release in statements carried by the Russian news agency Interfax. "The negotiations lasted several hours and were crowned with success. The group that was holding our pilots released them," Margelov said. He did not say if any ransom was paid.

Abdel Hamid Kasha, the governor of South Darfur state, where the men were abducted Sunday at gunpoint, however, gave a different version of events. "Border guards freed the Russians after clashes with the kidnappers," Kasha told the Sudanese Media Centre, which is close to Sudan's intelligence services. The news outlet had earlier said "specialised services" fought with the abductors and suggested

there had been casualties. "The toll (from the fighting) has not yet been announced," the report said. There was no immediate confirmation from the Khartoum authorities as to whether force had been used to end the kidnapping.

A diplomat at the Sudan consulate, Evgeni Arjantsev, meanwhile said that the three men were yesterday back in Nyala, capital of South Darfur state, from where they were seized by a small group of armed men on Sunday. Interfax had earlier quoted Margelov as identifying the three as the captain of a Mi-8 helicopter and two crew members, who worked for private aviation company Badr. "The helicopter was carrying food and other civilian supplies for the United Nations mission to Darfur," Margelov said.

Darfur has been gripped by civil war since 2003 that has left 300,000 people dead and 2.7 million displaced, according to the United Nations. Khartoum says 10,000 have been killed in the conflict. The strifetorn region has seen a wave of kidnappings since March 2009, when the International Criminal Court indicted Sudan's President Omar Al-Bashir for alleged war crimes there, with 23 foreigners seized. With the release of the Russians, no foreigners

remain in captivity.

On Monday, a US aid worker who had been held for more than 100 days was finally released by her abductors after negotiations with the authorities, Sudan foreign ministry spokesman Moawiya Osman said, stressing however that no ransom had been paid. Flavia Wagner, 35, who works for US aid group Samaritan's Purse was released after a 105-day ordeal, officials said.

Colleagues had seen her "and report that she is well. She said she is looking forward to being reunited with her family in the United States," Samaritan's Purse said in a statement on Monday.

"We thank God that Flavia is safe and free," said Franklin Graham, president of the American aid group. "We appreciate the help of the government of Sudan and the United States government." Wagner - who was seized on May 18 along with two Sudanese colleagues who were freed within days - was the first Western woman to have been held alone in Darfur. All foreigners kidnapped since March 2009 have since been freed unharmed. In July, a Russian helicopter pilot was taken prisoner after landing in South Darfur to pick up a group of rebels and transport them to Chad for peace talks. He was freed four days later. — AFP

WikiLeaks founder questioned by police STOCKHOLM: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been questioned by Swedish police about an allegation that he mistreated a woman, his lawyer said yesterday. Leif Silbersky said Assange, an Australian citizen, was questioned by police in Stockholm for about an hour late Monday and was formally informed of the suspicions against him. Silbersky said his client denies the allegation and is hopeful prosecutors will drop the case.

Police began investigating Assange earlier this month after two Swedish women accused him of rape and molestation, but prosecutors later closed the rape investigation. Molestation is not a sex crime under Swedish law. It covers offenses such as reckless conduct or inappropriate physical contact. It can result in fines or up to one year in prison.

Assange, who was in Sweden partly to seek legal protection for WikiLeaks, has suggested that the accusations are

part of a smear campaign. The whistleblower's Internet site has angered Washington by publishing thousands of leaked documents about US military

Julian Assange

activities in Iraq and Afghanistan. The group has said it has computer servers in Sweden and other countries and according to the Swedish migration board Assange has applied for a work and residency permit in Sweden.

Investigators have not released details about the accusations against Assange, though a police report obtained

by The Associated Press shows both women had befriended him in connection with a seminar he gave in Stockholm on Aug 14. The report shows they filed their complaints together six days later. The chief prosecutor in the case, Eva Finne, declined to comment yesterday. The women's lawyer, Claes Borgstrom, has demanded a revision of the prosecutor's decision to close the rape investigation, saying both complaints should be investigated as sex crimes. A separate prosecutor's office in Goteborg, Sweden, is investigating Borgstrom's complaint. — AP

Fadela Amara, the minister charged with improving conditions in France's run-down immigrant suburbs, said she did not support Roma expulsions and was against broadening the list of crimes that lead to a loss of citizenship. "There are laws and serious punishments that we must apply," she said, noting that she had supported a law that prescribes loss of nationality for a foreign-born French citizen convicted of terrorism or treason.

"I'm against expanding it to other crimes," said Amara, a former anti-racism activist and herself of North African descent, who said she had "always fought against deportations."

Defence Minister Herve Morin, a centrist member of Sarkozy's rightwing cabinet who has voiced concerns about his security policies and has not ruled out running aginst him in 2012, warned against linking crime and immigration. France's ministers for immigration and European affairs, Eric Besson and Pierre Lellouche, were due in Brussels on Tuesday to face European Commission officials over the Roma deportations and nationality plan.

Sarkozy has said he wants those convicted of endangering the lives of police or public officials added to the list of those who can lose their nationality.

Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux suggested polygamy and female circumcision should also be included. On Monday, Besson upped the ante still further, suggesting some foreigners could face deportation for "a threat to public order by repeated acts of theft or aggressive begging".

None of this will reassure Kouchner, a former humanitarian leader and Socialist who was recruited to Sarkozy's right-wing government in 2007 and now looks increasingly uncomfortable with its immigration stance. "I'm not happy with what has happened. I've been working with the Roma for 25 years. I'm not happy about this polemic," he told RTL radio on Monday. "What can I do to help the situation?

Resign? I've thought about it."

All three troubled ministers have said they will not resign at this point and will instead plead for moderation from within government, but the decision may soon be taken out of their hands.

Sarkozy will reshuffle his cabinet in October, perhaps for the last time before seeking re-election in 2012, and several ministers are expected to lose their jobs as he attempts to regain the political initiative.

Police raided a squat on the outskirts of the central city of St Etienne on Tuesday, rounding up around 40 Roma. Judicial authorities will decide whether they will follow those recently expelled back to Romania.

France deported 283 Roma last Thursday, bringing the number of Romanian and Bulgarian Roma expelled so far this year to 8,313, compared to 9,875 for the whole of last year. Paris insists that the expulsion plan is in line with European law and its international treaty obligations, despite complaints from international rights groups, the OSCE and a United Nations anti-racism panel. Romania has also protested, urging France to help resettle Roma under an EU-wide program rather than to simply shuffle them back piecemeal. — AFP

BRATISLAVA: A police sniffer dog checks a parked car for explosives yesterday in the Bratislava suburb of Devinska Nova Ves. – AFP

Slovakians search for answers after rampage BRATISLAVA: Shocked residents of a Bratislava suburb were searching for answers yesterday after a local man killed seven people and wounded 13 others in an unexplained gun rampage. Police declined to speculate on why the 48-year-old man from Devinska Nova Ves, on the outskirts of the Slovak capital, opened fire in a next-door flat occupied by a Roma family and then began to shoot at random into neighbouring homes before killing himself. Media reports said the man was a former soldier and police said that he had a licence for the assault rifle used in the killings and other guns found in his possession.

Prime Minister Iveta Radicova called a government meeting for later yesterday to declare a day of national mourning today following the rampage which local residents suggested may have been racially motivated. "He lived on the same floor as the murdered family... He didn't like coloured people, he always had something against them," a relative of the family told the SME daily. "They didn't get along very well. He was strange, a loner," said a woman in her 40s living in the building.

The gunman shot dead four women and one man in the next-door flat and another man -their relative - outside the home, before killing a 52year-old woman with one of a series of random shots into nearby windows. The murdered Roma lived in a prefabricated building which is home to mostly poor people. The family had a bad reputation and were "noisy," said a middle-aged man living opposite the building. Other neighbours also

complained that the single-room flat was often used by as many as 10 people at a time, SME wrote. "There used to be noisy parties late at night. The family was rather asocial," a neighbour told the daily.

One man suggested the shooter might have had mental problems. "I didn't know the gunman but people say he was nuts. He used to wear a fur coat in summer and boxer shorts in winter, singing on the street," the man who identified himself only as Jaro told AFP yesterday. "I went to the balcony but then my neighbour, also standing on his balcony, was shot, so I went to help him. He was shot four times, I called an ambulance and gave him first aid," he said.

Jolana Lazukova, a next-door neighbour of the Roma family, said she was thankful to be alive. "I was standing in front of the building when it happened. I heard the shooting, saw a dead body lying on the pavement, but I didn't see the gunman. It was like war. I was very lucky," she told AFP. "The only thing we want to know is why it happened," said a hooded man walking his dog on the cold and rainy morning, who refused to identify himself.

In Devinska Nova Ves, opposite the house where the shooting started, about 20 candles were lit near a supermarket next to a handwritten message saying: "For all the victims but the murderer." Yesterday morning, police sealed off part of the area again after a phone call announcing a suspect parcel under a car, but the object turned out to be an empty shoebox. — AFP

UK brothers battle for leadership of Labour LONDON: Voting for a new leader of Britain's Labour party starts Wednesday, with one of two brothers tipped to win an election overshadowed by two heavyweights from the past -Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. The contest was triggered when Brown quit after May's general election at which Labour lost power for the first time in 13 years, making way for a coalition government under David Cameron of the centre-right Conservatives.

Ballot papers are being sent out today to around 160,000 Labour party members, who have a third of the votes, plus Labour lawmakers in the British and European parliaments who have another third, and trade unionists who get the final chunk. The result will be announced on Sept 25, the day before Labour's annual conference begins in Manchester, northwest England.

The favourite to take over from Brown is former foreign secretary David Miliband. The 45-yearold is nicknamed "Brains" for the wonkish skills which saw him serve as a top policy advisor to Blair, to whom he remains close.

But David Miliband is facing a strong challenge from his younger brother Ed. Aged 40 and seen as more charismatic than David, he was one of Brown's key advisors in the Treasury -when Brown was Blair's finance minister - and later became Brown's energy secretary. The other candidates are pugnacious ex-education secretary Ed Balls, veteran left-winger Diane Abbott and youthful former health secretary Andy Burnham. According to a projection last week for leading Labour blog Left Foot Forward, David Miliband has 36 percent of first preference votes, Ed Miliband has 31 percent, while Balls, Abbott and Burnham have 11 percent.

Politics runs deep in the Miliband family.

David and Ed's late father was a famous Marxist thinker, Ralph Miliband, while their mother Marion was an activist and academic but has not said who she will be supporting in the election.

Both brothers insist the contest will not cause a rift in the Miliband household. "Our family is solid and our family will still be sitting down for the Sunday roast whatever the outcome," Ed

Miliband told the Sunday Mirror newspaper this week.

However, their past affiliations to Blair and Brown place David and Ed Miliband on different branches of Labour's family tree. Blair was the key figure of the New Labour project in the 1990s, which took the party beyond its traditional working class roots and on to the centre ground, attracting more middle and upper class voters. Labour held power under Blair for 10 years from 1997, although discontent among core voters grew during his time in office, particularly over the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

When Brown took over from Blair in 2007, he often tacked towards more left-wing pledges before being ousted after a rocky three years.

Much of the debate in the election for a new leader so far has focused on whether Labour should fight back by wooing the kind of middle class voters who supported Blair - as advocated

by David Miliband - or focusing on disillusioned core supporters, as Ed Miliband suggests.

"Simple opposition takes us back to our comfort zone as a party of protest, big in heart but essentially naive, well meaning but behind the times," David Miliband wrote in The Times newspaper last week.

Ed Miliband - who has drawn significant support pledges from trade unions who provide much of cash-strapped Labour's funding responded by turning his brother's words back on him, prompting media claims of a spat.

"Remaining in the New Labour comfort zone would consign us to opposition," he said. The younger Miliband - who has notably floated raising taxes on wealthier people - has drawn a rebuke from another New Labour big beast, Lord Peter Mandelson, who was a minister and key advisor to both Blair and Brown. "I think that if he or anyone else wants to create a pre-New Labour future for the party, then he and the rest of them will quickly find that is an electoral culde-sac," he told the BBC. Neither Blair nor Brown has yet made their views public - though Blair publishes his autobiography today, perhaps giving him an ideal opportunity to do so. — AFP

international

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

9

Migrant massacre challenges Mexico anti-crime strategy MEXICO CITY: An eruption of violence in northeastern Mexico, including the massacre of 72 migrants, may force the government to rethink its strategy against the country’s powerful drug gangs, analysts say. Tamaulipas and the neighboring state of Nuevo Leon, both across the US-Mexico border from Texas, have become a growing battleground between the powerful Gulf gang and its former ally, the particularly vicious Zetas.

Recent days saw a local mayor

murdered and a string of explosives attacks on police stations and a TV station in Tamaulipas wound at least 15 people. An investigator of last week’s migrant killings also went missing. The sole survivor of the massacre, who has now returned to his native Ecuador, blamed the killing of 72 Central and South American migrants on the Zetas.

Analysts say the drug gang, which spreads fear from Central America to the US border, sometimes in collaboration with local police, is

undermining the government’s authority.

Battling at least three other criminal groups, the gang is spreading its reach, according to a government document released over the weekend. “The Zetas gained strength and they said ‘we’re not going to be hitmen, we’re going to run a business,’” said Jose Reveles, a drug trafficking analyst. “They’ve been kidnapping migrants, carrying out extorsion and people trafficking for some years... but it’s not only the

Zetas, other cartels are doing it too.”

The government claims the escalating violence, with more than 28,000 deaths since 2006, owes to deep divisions within the gangs provoked by a clampdown on organized crime that has involved some 50,000 troops. It says the gangs are being forced to diversify their criminal activities to increase their income. But critics counter that the growing activities prove the power of the gangs.

Clashes between soldiers and

suspected drug gangs are increasingly common, including a shootout overnight Sunday to Monday that left seven dead in Panuco, near the border with Tamaulipas. Violence, including a deadly shootout on a university campus and road blockades by drug gangs, has transformed the city of Monterrey, a business hub in Nuevo Leon state. Politicians are increasingly targeted, often if they refuse to accept orders from gang members. The favorite candidate for governor of Tamaulipas state was

gunned down shortly before July polls. And a local mayor was murdered last Sunday.

Three car bombs rocked northern areas this year in a frightening new tactic, while threats, abductions and killings of journalists are on the rise. At least five explosives attacks, including two suspected car bombs, ripped through TV offices and police buildings across Tamaulipas between Friday and Sunday. The Zetas have established a “criminal state” in parts of Tamaulipas where

they collect protection money, said National Autonomous University of Mexico professor Javier Oliva.

Drug gangs attack civilian areas with grenades because they lack the money or weapons to attack military installations, according to Oliva. For Jorge Bustamente, a UN advisor on migrants’ rights, the migrant killings were a symptom of a “serious problem of governance” that brings Mexico closer to becoming “a failed state, which the government insists on denying”. —AFP

Valdez also wanted in United States

Mexico captures ‘La Barbie’ drug kingpin FAJARDO, Puerto Rico: A boy takes cover from a wave caused by the approaching of the Hurricane Earl Monday. —AP

Earl threatens US Coast after battering Caribbean SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico: Hurricane Earl, now a powerful Category 4 storm, barreled toward the US coast early yesterday after battering tiny islands across the northeastern Caribbean with heavy rain and winds that damaged homes and toppled power lines. Earl is forecast to potentially brush the US East Coast late tomorrow, before curving back out to sea, possibly swiping New England or far-eastern Canada. The US National Hurricane Center warned coastal residents from North Carolina to Maine to watch the storm closely.

“Any small shift in the track could dramatically alter whether it makes landfall or whether it remains over the open ocean,” said Wallace Hogsett, a meteorologist at the center. “I can’t urge enough to just stay tuned.” In the Caribbean, Earl caused flooding in low-lying areas and damaged homes on islands including Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla and St Maarten. Several countries and territories reported power outages.

Cruise ships were diverted and flights canceled across the region.

The storm’s center passed just north of the British Virgin Islands on Monday afternoon. By nighttime, the hurricane was pulling away from the Caribbean, but heavy downpours still threatened to cause flash floods and mudslides in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands by drenching already saturated ground. The Hurricane Center said it was too early to say what effect Earl would have in the US, but warned it could at least kick up dangerous rip currents. A surfer died in Florida and a Maryland swimmer had been missing since Saturday in waves spawned by former Hurricane Danielle, which weakened to a tropical storm Monday far out in the north Atlantic.

Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said Earl’s approach ought to serve as a reminder for Atlantic coastal states to update their evacuation plans. “It wouldn’t take much to have the storm come ashore somewhere on the coast,” Fugate said. “The message is for everyone to pay attention.” Close on Earl’s heels, Tropical Storm Fiona formed Monday afternoon in the open Atlantic. The storm, with maximum winds of 40 mph (65 kph), was projected to pass just north of the Leeward Islands by Wednesday and stay farther out in the Atlantic than Earl’s northward path. Fiona wasn’t expected to reach hurricane strength over the next several days.

The rapid development of Earl, which only became a hurricane Sunday, took some islanders

and tourists by surprise. Wind was already rattling the walls of Lila Elly Ali’s wooden house on Anegada, the northernmost of the British Virgin Islands, when she and her son went out to nail the doors shut Monday. “They say the eye of the storm is supposed to come close to us, so we’ve just got to pray. Everyone here is keeping in touch, listening to the radio,” the 58-year-old said by phone from the island of 280 people. After Earl’s center passed, there were reports of roofs torn from homes on Anegada, but the extent of damage across the Virgin Islands was unclear Monday night. Emergency officials said they had no immediate reports of any fatalities or serious injuries.

“Thank God we survived,” said a caller to the British Virgin Islands’ ZBVI Radio.

In Anguilla, several utility poles were down and a couple of roofs had blown away, but it was still too dangerous to go out and assess the full extent of damage, said Martin Gussie, a police officer. At El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, people lined up at the reception desk, the lights occasionally flickering, to check out and head to the airport. There, more delays awaited.

John and Linda Helton of Boulder, Colorado, opted to ride out the storm. The couple, celebrating their 41st wedding anniversary, finished a cruise Sunday and planned to spend three days in Puerto Rico. “There was a huge line of people checking out as we were coming in, and I thought it was just that summer vacation must be over,” said John Helton, a real estate appraiser. “But we paid for the room, so we might as well stick it out.” “I don’t think we could get a flight even if we wanted to leave,” Linda Helton added.

There were no reports so far of major damage from Earl. In St Maarten, sand and debris littered the streets, and winds knocked down trees and electricity poles and damaged roofs. But police spokesman Ricardo Henson said there was no extensive damage to property. In Antigua, at least one home was destroyed but there were no reports of serious injuries. Governor General Dame Louise Agnetha Lake-Tack declared Monday a public holiday to keep islanders off the road and give them a chance to clean up. Some 10 to 20 cm of rain were forecast to fall on islands including Puerto Rico. Early yesterday, Earl was about 280 km north-northwest of Puerto Rico’s capital, San Juan, and moving west-northwest near 20 kph, according to the center in Miami.

Hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 110 km from its center. —AP

NY groups seek DC order blocking targeted killings NEW YORK: Two civil liberties groups sued the federal government on Monday to try to block its targeted killing overseas of a US-born cleric believed to have inspired recent attacks in the United States. The American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Constitutional Rights filed a lawsuit in US District Court for the District of Columbia for the father of cleric Anwar Al-Awlaki, who’s believed to be hiding in his parents’ native Yemen.

Defendants were President Barack Obama, CIA Director Leon C. Panetta and Secretary of Defense Robert M Gates.

The groups, both based in New York, said it was unconstitutional to intentionally try to kill Al-Awlaki unless he presents a specific imminent threat to life or physical safety and only killing him will elimi-

nate the threat. The Obama administration cited AlAwlaki’s growing role with AlQaeda when it placed him on the CIA’s list of assassination targets. Al-Awlaki was put on the list after US intelligence authorities tied him to Sept 11 hijackers and concluded he had provided inspiration for those who carried out shootings in Fort Hood, Texas, a failed Times Square car bombing and an attempted Christmas Day bombing of a jetliner approaching Detroit.

The lawsuit seeks a court order declaring that the US Constitution prohibits the government’s targeted killings of US citizens, including Al-Awlaki, unless there’s a concrete and imminent threat to life and there’s no other way to prevent it.

In a statement, Department of Justice

spokesman Matthew Miller defended the US position. He said Congress has authorized the use of all necessary and appropriate force against AlQaeda and associated groups.

“The US is careful to ensure that all its operations used to prosecute the armed conflict against those forces, including lethal operations, comply with all applicable laws, including the laws of war,” Miller said.

He said the US government has the authority under domestic and international law and the responsibility to its citizens to use force to defend itself “in a manner consistent with those laws”. “This administration is using every legal measure available to defeat Al-Qaeda, and we will continue to do so as long as its forces pose a threat to this nation,” Miller said in the statement. —AP

MEXICO CITY: Federal police on Monday captured a long-sought, Texas-born government said nearly 10 percent of the federal police force has been fired alleged gang kingpin who faces drug trafficking charges in the US and has this year as part of a campaign to root out corruption. The arrest of Edgar been blamed for a vicious turf war that has included bodies hung from bridges Valdez Villarreal, alias “the Barbie”, was the culmination of a yearlong inteland shootouts in central Mexico. The announcement came just hours after the ligence operation, the Public Safety Department said in a statement.

President Felipe Calderon also announced the capture on Twitter, calling Valdez “one of the most-wanted criminals in Mexico and abroad”. Calderon said operations to bring down this trafficking gang will continue. The department said Valdez was captured in the state of Mexico, which borders the capital of Mexico City. The statement offered no other details, but included a photograph of Valdez sporting stubble as he kneels on the ground, a police officer’s hand on his shoulder. Valdez - the third major drug lord brought down by Mexico’s security forces in less than a year - was charged in May in US District Court in Atlanta with distributing thousands of pounds of cocaine from Mexico to the eastern US from 2004 to 2006.

US authorities had offered a reward of up to $2 million for information leading to his capture, and the Mexican government offered a similar amount.

There was no word from Mexican authorities on any extradition plans. Mexican authorities say Valdez has been battling for control of the Beltran Leyva cartel since its leader, MEXICO CITY: Federal Police escort Texas-born fugitive Edgar Valdez Villarreal, alias “the Barbie”, during Arturo Beltran Leyva, was killed his presentation to the press yesterday. —AP in a December shootout with marines in Cuernavaca, a favorite weekend getaway south of the Mexican capital. The fight against Hector Beltran Leyva - a brother NEW YORK: The developer planning to it took him eight years to negotiate pur- matched the needs of my Muslim brothers of Arturo - has made a battlebuild a mosque near the site of the Sept 11 chase of the private property for the cen- and sisters, my Christian brothers and sisground of what was once a relaattacks said in an interview that the ter. The New York municipal council in ters, my Jewish brothers and sisters who tively peaceful pocket of the amount of controversy engendered by the May approved construction of the Islamic live and work in lower Manhattan,” said country and brought the drug war project has been “surreal”. Sharif El- center, setting off a national debate Gamal, a New Yorker born to a Polish ever closer to Mexico City. Their Gamal, who intends to go ahead with con- because of its proximity to where Al-Qaeda Catholic mother and an Egyptian father. fight has spread westward toward A slew of top political figures, from struction at the site, said he had not pre- hijackers brought down the Twin Towers, the resort city of Acapulco.

President Barack Obama to prospective killing almost 3,000 people nearly nine dicted the uproar over the proposed Valdez’s capture is the gov2012 Republican presidential candidate Islamic cultural center two blocks from years ago. ernment’s latest victory against Gamal, who intends to install a swim- Sarah Palin have weighed in, with some where the World Trade Center once stood, the crumbling Beltran Leyva carbecause “I did not hold myself or my faith ming pool, cooking school, meeting and Republicans seeking to raise the issue tel. Two other Beltran Leyva accountable for that tragedy”. “It’s very Islamic prayer room at the $100-million, 13- ahead of key mid-term elections. A recent brothers have been arrested surreal,” real estate developer he told CBS storey glass and metal building, said he CNN/Opinion Research poll found that 68 under Calderon’s government, News in interview excerpts broadcast late would like it to be “universally known as a percent of Americans oppose the project which in late 2006 deployed Monday. “It is a very surreal experience to hub of culture, a hub of coexistence, a hub and 29 percent are in favor, and the site has thousands of federal police and of bringing people together.” Despite the been picketed by fervent protests for and be in the middle of this storm.” soldiers to fight drug traffickers Over the past year, he brought the pro- furor, Gamal said he is “100 percent” intent against the development. Gamal’s interin their strongholds. That offenposal four times before a community board, on going ahead with building the center. “It view is due to air in full this Sunday on sive has brought down several which approved it every time. And he said matched the needs of my community. It CBS’s “60 Minutes”. —AFP major traffickers. Aside from the Beltran Leyvas, drug lord Ignacio “Nacho” Coronel was killed in a gun battle last month when soldiers raided his home in Guadalajara. Coronel was the No. 3 in the Sinaloa cartel, one of COPIAPO, Chile: Engineers not cause another collapse. gency supplies last an astonish- denied cigarettes, but given the world’s most powerful drug were in the early stages of “They will be helping us. They ing 17 days, digging into the nicotine patches to help them trafficking gangs. The Sinaloa drilling an escape route yester- will be giving us clear informa- ground to get water to keep cope with withdrawal sympcartel was aligned with the day for 33 Chilean miners tion on the state of the mine,” themselves alive. The US space toms.

Beltran Leyvas until they split in Limited to one minute per trapped deep underground, but said lead engineer Jorge agency NASA said it would dis2008, one of the many divisions officials warned their ordeal Sanhueza. The final rescue will patch a team this week to help miner, wives, mothers and among Mexican cartels in recent may last until Christmas. Away take place at night to protect the efforts to keep the miners fit fathers lined up on Sunday for years that have fueled the counfrom the men’s families and the miners, who will be blindfolded, and healthy. Expertise of how their first person-to-person contry’s gruesome gang violence. media, the giant, Australian- from the sunlight after months astronauts deal mentally and versations with their loved-ones Valdez, 37, was born in the made “Strata 950” excavator spent in near darkness. They physically with arduous space by telephone. “To hear his voice border city of Laredo, Texas, and will first bore a 33-cm wide pilot will also wear specially designed journeys could help the miners was a balm to my heart,” said belonged to the Sinaloa cartel hole. This must then be doubled protective clothing to protect cope during the long months Jessica Chille after speaking to before its split from the Beltran using a special drill bit to 66 cm them from thermal shock after ahead in their dark, subter- her husband, Dario Segovia.

Leyvas. Much of the most recent - wide enough to lower a rescue living in extremely hot, humid ranean world. “The environ- They tried to stay upbeat and violence in central Mexico has ment may be different, but the the conversations were morale capsule down to pull out the and cramped conditions. been directed at his allies. The It will take three to four days human response in physiology, boosters for the miners, who miners one by one. decapitated bodies of four men The process, which began as each worker must be behavior, responses to emer- until now have only been able to were hung from a bridge in late Monday, will be painstaking painstakingly raised from some gencies is quite similar,” said exchange written notes and Cuernavaca last week, along and delicate, and Chilean offi- 700 m below. In conjunction NASA deputy chief medical offi- group videos relayed through with a message threatening cials have warned the rescue with the drilling, a new phase of cer Michael Duncan, one of the the narrow shafts. “I didn’t allies of “La Barbie” and signed operations could last up to four medical and food care began for four-strong team. Duncan will break down until I told him: by the gang led by Hector months. Even in the most opti- the men, following a slow rehy- be accompanied by a NASA ‘Ciao, my little boy, we will see Beltran Leyva. Two more bodies mal of conditions, the drill will dration and nourishment pro- engineer, a psychologist and a each other,’” said Alicia later were hung from bridges Campos, after speaking to her only progress some 15 to 20 m gram after they were discov- second medical doctor. near Acapulco later in the week, Conditions for the trapped son Daniel Herrero. “He’s not per day. After 26 days languish- ered nine days ago. The mission although no gang claimed ing in hot, dank conditions in the is “unprecedented in medical miners improved over the good, but not so bad either.” responsibility.

Some family members were San Jose gold and copper mine history”, according to Health weekend as they were sent dry US prosecutors say they used 800 km north of Santiago, some Minister Jaime Manalich. The clothes, food supplies and clearly impatient that nothing a federal wiretap of a related case of the miners have developed miners’ heroic tale came to light games to occupy their time. could be done more quickly, in Atlanta in Jan 2008 to identify fungal infections and body sores when a note scribbled in bold Some received mats to sleep on after officials denied they had Valdez as the source of thouwhile others are showing signs red letters was found tied to a to protect them from the damp alternatives to get the workers sands of kilograms of cocaine drill probe on Aug 22, by which ground. Miner Johnny Barrios, out in as little as a month. “It’s a of depression. that were imported into the U.S. During the lengthy shaft time all hope for their survival the designated doctor among big shame that there is no other from 2004 to 2006. Witnesses drilling, the men will have to was thought to have been extin- the group due to his brief med- quicker plan because four said some truckloads traveling ical training, gave his colleagues months is a long time,” Alfonso work in shifts around the clock guished. from Laredo to Atlanta carried A captivated nation heard vaccinations against tetanus and Avalos, father of stricken minto clear rocks and debris falling more than 650 pounds of from above, all the time hoping how the miners managed to will administer flu shots on ers Florencio and Renan, told cocaine. —AP the precarious operation does make 48 hours-worth of emer- Wednesday. Smokers have been AFP. —AFP

Controversy over NY mosque ‘surreal’

Chile mine rescue operation begins

international

10

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

US slaps new sanctions on North Korea WASHINGTON: The US government has slapped new sanctions on North Korea, targeting illegal trade in arms, drugs and luxury goods, as it steps up the pressure over the sinking of a South Korean warship. The Treasury Department announced Monday it was imposing sanctions on four people and eight organizations accused of aiding the secretive communist government through illicit trade.

President Barack Obama issued an order freezing assets and imposing travel bans, in the latest action over the sinking of the

South Korean navy ship in March which Washington and Seoul have blamed on North Korea.

Obama also expanded the scope of US sanctions to cover those involved in the trade in arms, drugs and luxury goods to and from the dirt-poor nation.

Among those targeted was a secretive branch of the Korean Workers’ Party, known as Office 39, which is suspected of selling methamphetamine in China and South Korea and acquiring luxury items for North Korea’s leaders. The group is thought to be

involved in a failed attempt to buy two Italian-made luxury yachts worth more than $15 million for North Korea’s reclusive leader, Kim Jong-Il. “North Korea’s government helps maintain its authority by placating privileged elites with money and perks such as luxury goods like jewelry, luxury cars and yachts,” said the Treasury Department’s sanctions chief Stuart Levey. Among those also targeted were the head of North Korea’s intelligence agency Kim Yong-Chol, who has been linked to the March torpedo attack that

killed 46 people on the South Korean corvette. Pyongyang denies any role in the attack.

Green Pine Associated Corporation, a group said to be controlled by Kim Yong-Chol’s intelligence agency, was also sanctioned. The organization was accused of “exporting arms or related materiel from North Korea,” and is said to specialize in the production of maritime military craft and armaments. “(Green Pine) has exported torpedoes and technical assistance to Iranian defense firms” the Treasury department said.

Other individuals, including two members of the North Korea’s General Bureau of Atomic Energy were also sanctioned. Others targeted included the head of North Korea’s atomic energy bureau Ri Je-son and Ri Hong-Sop, who according to the United Nations, once ran the controversial Yongbyon Nuclear Research Center. The center is suspected of producing fissile materiel used in nuclear weapons testing.

Talks aimed at ridding North Korea of nuclear weapons have been on hold since Pyongyang

walked out of a multinational forum in 2009, but on a visit to China, the ailing Kim Jong-Il reportedly backed the resumption of negotiations. Chinese television quoted Kim - who reportedly returned home on Monday - as saying Pyongyang’s stance on ridding the peninsula of nuclear weapons was unchanged and the country “is not willing to see tensions on the peninsula”.

Kim pledged to remain in close consultation with China and hoped for the “early resumption” of the six-party nuclear dis-

armament talks that also include South Korea, the United States, Japan and Russia, it said. State media in China, North Korea’s main ally and economic lifeline, called on the United States and its allies not to “bully” Pyongyang if they wanted to ease regional friction. “Living in the shadows of South Korea, Japan and the US, North Korea has to wrap itself up tighter in order to fend off military threats, and threats of political and cultural infiltration,” the Global Times said in a commentary.

“North Korea’s opening-up

will help relieve tensions in northeast Asia. But the knot does not only lie on the North’s side. Other countries in the region must redouble their efforts to untangle the knot,” said the Chinese paper. “These three nations should not bully North Korea anymore.” The North Korean leader rarely travels abroad but it was his second visit this year to China, also host of the six-party talks which began in 2003. The North walked out in April 2009 and staged its second atomic weapons test a month later. —AFP

Effort to avert contest fails, ruling party could split

Kan faces challenge from kingpin Ozawa announcements due today. Former premier Yukio Hatoyama had since tried to mediate between the two men to prevent a damaging split at a time when the government faces a host of challenges, foremost among them to revive a stalling economic recovery. Kan, 63, calling for “party unity”, had reportedly sought to persuade Ozawa to drop his bid, but the two failed to avoid a clash that spells more instability for the year-old government.

The strife in the Democratic Party of Japan, which could split the party just a year after it took power for the first time promising change, coincides with policymakers’ efforts to curb a rise in the yen that threatens economic recovery. A Bank of Japan decision to boost a cheap loan scheme at an emergency meeting on Monday did little to weaken the yen, still hovering near a 15-year high against the dollar hit last week.

“This could be the beginning of a party split. It may not be immediate, but the confrontation is real and serious,” said Koichi Nakano, a Sophia University professor. Ozawa, 68 and known for shaking things up, announced his decision after efforts failed to avoid a showdown in the Sept 14 DPJ leadership vote. “As I have said before, I have decided that although I am unworthy I would like to take part (in the race) with everyone’s support,” Ozawa told a news conference at party headquarters. The winner of the race will likely become premier by virtue of the Democrats’ majority in parliament’s powerful lower house. Kan is already Japan’s fifth TOKYO: Former Secretary General of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan Ichiro Ozawa reacts during a press leader in three years.

Ozawa has criticised Kan for conference at the party headquarters yesterday. —AP floating a possible rise in the 5 percent sales tax ahead of a July upper house election. The DPJ’s poor showing in that poll cost the ruling bloc its majority in the chamber and forced the Democrats to seek opposition MANILA: China is angry the Manila ceremony. an investigation that would that the situation will be temhelp to pass bills. Kan reiterated after a violent hostage drama President Benigno Aquino be “unassailable” in under porary.” In the prime beach yesterday that debate was needresort of Boracay, hundreds in the Philippines killed eight III has asked for China’s for- two weeks. ed on reforming the sales tax, tourists from Hong Kong, giveness while vowing China is the country’s of Chinese tourists scrapped which economists say needs to and the Southeast Asian “someone will pay” for the third largest trading partner their bookings, said regional be raised to fund the bulging nation can do little to soothe embarrassing official han- after the US and Japan - two- tourism director Edwin social welfare costs of a fast-agethe powerhouse, as a raft of dling of the 11-hour hostage- way trade reached $6.7 billion Trompeta. Losses could top ing society. Ozawa wants to stick visitor cancellations has hit taking Aug 23 that unfolded last year - and its fury is tak- half a million dollars, he said. to pledges made before last the country’s tourism indus- live on television. Eight ing its toll. Flag carrier Emotions ran high in Hong year’s general election to put try. Tens of thousands of tourists were killed before Philippine Airlines and bud- Kong on Sunday when 80,000 more cash in households’ hands, people have marched in police snipers took down the get airline Cebu Pacific people marched to show “the while Kan has signalled the need Hong Kong to denounce the gunman, a dismissed police- reported more than 1,000 anger and unity of the Hong to revise the promises, given a public debt already twice the size from the Kong people,” lawmaker Philippines and thousands of man demanding his job back. cancelations of the $5 trillion economy. The Chinese tourists canceled Survivors said he became Chinese territory of Hong Cheung Man-kwong said.

Democrats have stumbled on flight and hotel bookings. enraged after watching police Kong alone. “It created a Hong Kongers blasted Manila economic and diplomatic fronts, Two Chinese recipients of handcuff his brother for inter- domino effect,” said PAL police for what they called an struggling to craft a plan to end Cielo amateurish rescue attempt.

Asia’s most prestigious fering in the negotiations. spokeswoman decades of stagnation and strainaward failed to show up for Yesterday, Aquino promised Villaluna. “We are hoping In another setback, two of ing ties with key security ally the three Chinese recipients of United States. Ozawa’s admirers the Ramon Magsaysay say the veteran political strateAwards, named after a popugist’s deal-making skills may be lar Philippine president and just what Japan needs to break considered an Asian Nobel through the political deadlock.

Prize, failed to show up in the Others say his election will likely spark confusion and worsen the Philippines for a gala ceremopolicy gridlock. ny scheduled for yesterday in “I see Ozawa’s entry in the Manila. race positively. I think he is more “We respect the sensitivicapable and has power to take ties of the Chinese. We bold measures to boost the econunderstand we are now in a omy,” Ryosuke Okazaki, chief situation wherein they are investment officer at ITC demanding some measure of Investment Partners, an asset justice,” presidential management arm of Itochu Corp. spokesman Edwin Lacierda Many credit Ozawa with engisaid. But Filipino political neering the huge election win analyst Ramon Casiple said that swept the DPJ to power, but both sides should be careful a majority of voters are put off by his image as a scandal-tainted not to further escalate tenwheeler-dealer. Opinion polls sions. “It’s not in China’s consistently show that a vast long-term interest to fight majority of Japanese voters want the Philippines and the vice Kan to defeat Ozawa in the leadversa, but the danger of an ership race. Ozawa stepped down escalation is still there,” MANILA: Awardees Yuan Pun, representing China’s Pan Yue and Fu Qiping, Casiple told AP. “The as party leader last year over a Bangladesh’s A H M Noman Khan, Chinese photographer Hou Daishan, Philippine Philippines should avoid political funding scandal and as the party’s No. 2 in President Benigno Aquino, Philippines’ Maria Victoria Bernido and her husband provocative actions and resigned June. He faces possible indictChristopher Bernido, and the mayor of Hiroshima attend the 2010 Ramon ensure a transparent investi- ment if a judicial panel of ordinary Magsaysay Awards yesterday. The Ramon Magsaysay Award, established in 1957, gation that will satisfy this citizens rules he must be call for justice.” —AP charged. —Reuters is widely seen as Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize. —AFP TOKYO: Japanese powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa confirmed yesterday he would challenge Prime Minister Naoto Kan in a party vote, setting up a clash that risks creating a policy vacuum as Japan struggles with a strong yen and fragile growth. A major DPJ faction leader and veteran of backroom politics dubbed the “Shadow Shogun”, 68-year-old Ozawa first said last week that he sought to oust Kan, ahead of the candidates’ formal

Philippines counts cost of China fury

BRASTAGI, Indonesia: Children who fled their homes near the erupting Mount Sinabung play at a temporary shelter in North Sumatra yesterday. Villagers briefly returned home yesterday to check their farms along the fertile slopes of an Indonesian volcano that erupted after laying dormant for more than four centuries - catching many scientists off-guard. —AP

Grenade fired at state TV station in Bangkok BANGKOK: A grenade exploded in the compound of a Thai staterun broadcaster yesterday, damaging vehicles but causing no injuries, the fourth mysterious blast in five weeks during a state of emergency in Bangkok. Police suspect the grenade was fired by a shoulder-mounted M79 launcher from a highway overlooking the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) and exploded after hitting a tree inside its compound, sending shrapnel into the parking lot.

“Three vehicles were slightly damaged by sharpnel from the explosion,” said Police Colonel Paisan Wongwatcharamongkol.

The NBT has faced criticism from “red shirt” anti-government demonstrators and independent media observers who accuse the channel of biased reporting. It is

near one of Bangkok’s largest military bases on an expressway leading into the capital.

Authorities did not blame anyone for the attack. An opposition leader denied involvement in the incident. “I don’t know who did it.

We criticise the channel because it is irresponsible in its reporting but that’s different from attacking it. We don’t use such tactics,” protest leader and parliamentarian Jatuporn Prompan said.

It was the latest in a series of small grenade or bomb attacks across Bangkok since violent clashes between troops red shirt protesters in April and May, in which 91 people were killed and up to 2,000 wounded. On Aug 26, a grenade fired into the headquarters of Thai duty-free giant, King Power Group, wounded a security guard. That occurred on

the same street where a bomb exploded a few weeks earlier, seriously wounding a garbage collector. On July 25, a bomb hidden at a bus stop outside a supermarket killed one man and wounded nine.

The emergency decree, imposed on April 8 after protesters stormed parliament, gives security agencies broad powers to impose curfews, detain suspects without charge, censor media and ban political gatherings of more than five people.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has not identified when emergency rule will be lifted in Bangkok. Broadcaster NBT was targeted for criticism in 2007 by “yellow shirt” protesters when allies of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra were in power. —Reuters

Gillard warns of political gridlock if no consensus CANBERRA: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard yesterday claimed her Labor party was best placed to run a stable minority government after the election dead heat, warning of political gridlock if a consensus cannot be found. Gillard also said she was not in favour of calling a fresh election to resolve the impasse thrown up after neither of the country’s main parties won a majority at the Aug. 21 polls. Labor and the conservative opposition are now in a race to win the support of four independent lawmakers to cobble together the parliamentary numbers needed to form a government.

In a speech to Canberra’s National Press Club, Gillard said the next government needed to find ways of building consensus and support in parliament, and she was best placed to deliver. “If the new government doesn’t find new ways to establish consensus and parliamentary support, then we will have gridlock, and we will quickly look more like Washington than Westminster,” she said. “What is needed more than anything now is continuity - continuity, certainty and delivery. I believe I can provide that stability, certainty and continuity.”

Conservative opposition leader Tony Abbott earlier claimed the upper hand as counting from the election briefly gave his party more votes and parliamentary seats than Labor - but that situation soon turned around, cheering Gillard’s supporters. Election projections point to the conservatives ending up with 73 seats and Labor 72, with the four independents and one Green MP who has already said he favours Labor in the race to gather the 76 seats needed to govern the 150seat lower house.

One independent, Andrew Wilkie, has said he will decide this week which side to back. He has already asked both leaders to launch a crackdown on gambling, which would affect stocks like Tabcorp Holdings, Tatts, Crown and Aristocrat Leisure. Financial markets hope Abbott’s coalition prevails, given his promises to scrap Gillard’s proposed mining profits tax and carbon-trading plans, and a $38 billion broadband project that could hurt dominant telecoms provider Telstra.

“At the moment the market is hanging on the belief that the coalition will probably get up, and that’s helped mining stocks,” said Shane Oliver, head of investment strategy at insurer and asset manager AMP, which manages $85 billion in Australia.

Australian shares fell yesterday, in tune with a sell-off on Wall Street, but local mining stocks have fared better than other sectors since the election on hopes that Gillard would be ousted and the mining tax scrapped. Miners that stand to benefit from the tax’s demise include Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Xstrata and Fortescue Metals Group. Scrapping the broadband network is also seen as benefitting shareholders in Telstra, as it would kill a $10 billion deal by the company to provide its infrastructure to the scheme.

Political experts have dismissed the market’s reaction as wishful thinking and point out that most of the independents favour some Labor policies over the conservative agenda. Tony Windsor, one of the four independents holding the key to power, said he would back the candidate he felt would maintain a stable government, and not necessarily the one with most votes. The four “kingmaker” MPs have threatened to force fresh elections should they lose faith in both sides’ ability to deliver parliamentary reform and stability.

Underlining the post-election volatility, a poll yesterday showed 13 percent of voters would have decided differently had they known the country was headed towards gridlock, possibly pointing to a vastly different parliament next time around. The nationwide Ogilvy Illumination poll in the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper showed voters aged between 18 and 24, and strongly supportive of Greens lawmakers backing carbon trading and broadband, were most inclined to change their vote. Moody’s Investors Service said it expected the stable trend in Australian corporate ratings to continue as the new financial year progressed, though conditions were likely to remain choppy as the effects of the sharpest slowdown in decades continued. —Reuters

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INTERNATIONAL

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Aid for sale in Pakistan as refugees want cash PESHAWAR, Pakistan: Needing cash not food, refugees in Pakistan’s flood-ravaged northwest do not have to look far for buyers for their rations. Outside an aid warehouse, middlemen buy US-branded oil, flour and biscuits and supply shops across the city. The trade is not illegal, but appears to strengthen arguments by aid groups who say that giving money to those recovering from disasters or war is often cheaper, more effective and efficient than doling out food or other assistance like housing materials, seeds or agricultural tools.

Some large charities have already begun handing out money to victims of this summer’s devastating floods and others say they have plans to so, continuing a trend that began in earnest after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and has picked up pace ever since. But some in the humanitarian community remain resistant to the idea, especially those in the larger UN agencies, where there are fears that cash can cause inflation and fuel corruption. Many Pakistanis apparently share the same concern. They have preferred to give food, clothes and medicine to flood victims

instead of money because of worries it could be misused.

The floods started about a month ago in the northwest after extremely heavy monsoon rains and have slowly surged south along the Indus River, devastating towns and farmland. More than 1,600 people have died and 17 million have been affected by the floods. Water levels are beginning to drop in southern Pakistan as the floodwaters flow down the Indus River into the Arabian Sea. While giving money in environments where there is no food to buy on the market and banks and distribution networks have been damaged is clearly wrong, in many parts of Pakistan - even those affected by the floods - those conditions do not apply, aid groups say.

“We have other needs too,” said Paenda Mohammad, who sold part of his rations from a World Food Programme warehouse in the northwestern city of Peshawar last week to one of several middlemen waiting outside. “Each time we get just flour and oil and this bunch of tasteless biscuits.”

Mohammad is one of several hundred people who receive a sack of 80 kg of flour, along with cooking oil, pulses, sugar and

high-energy biscuits from the warehouse every month. The goods are clearly marked “Not to be Sold or Exchanged”.

The flour sacks have American flags emblazoned on them.

Mohammad and his family have been displaced by fighting over the last two years between the Pakistani army and the Taleban in tribal regions close to the Afghan border, not by the floods, which have hit communities elsewhere in the northwest. Men with pushcarts then take the goods to shops around 100 m away, where shopkeepers display them prominently. “This is very fine flour and costeffective too,” said Nawab Ali, who bought a 50-kg sack and rode off with it, and his two young children, on a motorbike.

“We mix it with a little local wholewheat flour and make good bread out of it.”

The World Food Programme said it monitored markets in the northwest to see how much of its supplies were ending up for sale and that levels in Peshawar were not unusually high. American officials said they were not so concerned about people selling the aid, but would investigate whether any supplies had been stolen from somewhere

in the distribution network and then put up for sale.

While aid groups use the term “cashbased programming,” actual money is rarely given because of security reasons.

The assistance is mostly in the form of checks, vouchers, food stamps or remittances at banks. Some aid experts say the resistance to cash by some aid groups is as much cultural as anything else. They say it challenges deep-seated and largely unspoken assumptions that Western countries know best what the poor in developing countries need.

Several studies have shown that a main argument once used against giving cash that recipients would spend it on cigarettes, alcohol or drugs - is not true. “We can trust people. They are wise enough,” said Claudie Meyers from Oxfam GB, which has already given cheques of around $60 to 7,000 families in the northwest and plans to give out similar amounts to 40,000 more. “They can prioritize their needs. If I was in this situation, I would buy food.

They do the same.”

The WFP, which plans to be feeding 6 million people in Pakistan by the end of

September, recently concluded a pilot project in Buner district in the northwest where it gave cash vouchers to people rather than food. It found that recipients spent 70 percent of the money on food and the distribution costs were around five percent cheaper than trucking in food. The study also reported a significant boost to local shops.

Wolfgang Herbinger, WFP’s country director in Pakistan, said there would likely be more cash-programming in the future in the country, but said the agency still “tended to be a bit cautious.” “Many people are fairly ideological on cash, I find, but the analysis and evidence is not there,” he said.

“There is currently so much hype, every donor says it stimulates the economy,” he said, adding there was a risk that “if you throw the money, it does not add a kilogram of food, it only drives up prices.”

Many governments around the world already give their poorest citizens cash handouts or food stamps. Pakistan has a scheme named after the slain former prime minister Benazir Bhutto that gives out the equivalent of $24 every two months to its poorest people. The United States has

donated at least $85 million dollars to that fund. The government has also announced plans to give $250 to families affected by the floods.

Paul Harvey, an independent aid consultant who has studied the use of cash in emergency situations, said that so long as aid groups were responsible, it was a very effective response. He said that in reality a mix of food, other aid and cash was often the ideal choice. “Cash should be part of the tool box and could be used more than it currently it is,” he said. “People prefer having cash. It is a more dignified way of doing things.”

Several flood victims returning to their villages in the northwest said they would prefer money. Many people have complained over the last month of humiliation when scrounging for food thrown from a helicopter or the back of a truck. “We prefer the cash. Because whenever this stuff comes - whether it is food or anything else - the distribution is not very good.

Undeserving people get things that other people truly need,” said Mirbat Khan who was looking at the remains of his village in Nowshera district. — AP

Kashmir protests after 11-year-old boy slain Indian police shoot at men playing board game SRINAGAR: Residents in Indian Kashmir defied a curfew yesterda y to hold angry demonstra tions after an 11-year-old boy w as killed and a relative of a top separa tist seriously injured in police fire. About 65 protesters and bystanders have been killed over the past 11 weeks, mostly by security forces w ho ha ve opened fire on rallies after being pelted with stones. On Monday, the 11-year-old boy w as shot dead by police in the southern town of Anantnag during a violent demonstra tion against New Delhi’s rule in the Muslim-majority region. He was earlier reported as being nine. Ea ch dea th in recent months ha s triggered further protests in defiance of strict a ll-da y curfew s.

SINDH: Displaced Pakistanis reach for food aid along main road near Marli, Sindh province, southern Pakistan yesterday. — AP

Floods sweep towards more Pakistani towns SUJAWAL, Pakistan: Floodwaters swept towards two small southern Pakistani towns yesterday as authorities managed to finally plug a breach in defences across the Indus river at nearby Thatta city. Pakistani troops and city workers had been battling over the weekend to save Thatta, with most of the population of 300,000 fleeing the advancing waters. “Thatta city has been declared safe after a breach in the river caused by floods at nearby Faqir Jo Goth village was fully plugged,” senior city official Hadi Bakhsh Kalhoro told AFP. But he said the fast-moving waters that left the low-lying town of Sujawal submerged on Sunday were now threatening the towns of Jati and Choohar Jamali, where official warnings have been issued to residents to evacuate. “We are making efforts to save the two towns which have a combined population of more than 100,000,” Kalhoro said, adding most had already left for safer spots.

Most people had already returned to Thatta, he said, on the western bank of the swollen Indus.

But inundated Sujawal was mostly empty yesterday, as water flowed down its streets and troops offloaded rubber boats from their vehicles to rescue the remaining few, an AFP reporter on the scene said. Sindh government spokesman Jameel Soomro told AFP that 147 people had been killed in the province, mostly as a result of disease triggered by the floods, and mostly women and children. Torrential monsoon rains have triggered massive floods that have moved steadily from

north to south over the past month, engulfing a fifth of the volatile country and affecting 17 million of Pakistan’s 167 million people.

Southern Sindh is the worst-affected province, with 19 of its 23 districts ravaged as floodwaters have swollen the raging Indus river to 40 times its usual volume. One million people have been displaced over the past few days alone. Eight million people have been left dependent on aid for their survival and floods have washed away huge swathes of the rich farmland on which the country’s struggling economy depends.

India yesterday offered another $20 million in flood aid to Pakistan, boosting efforts to build goodwill between the estranged neighbours.

Foreign Minister S M Krishna told parliament a fresh instalment of $20 million would boost India’s total aid contributions for Pakistan to $25 million.

“As a more concrete assessment of the damage inflicted by this natural disaster and the urgent needs of the people of Pakistan emerges, government has decided to increase its assistance to Pakistan from five million dollars,” he said.

Pakistan’s government has confirmed 1,645 people dead and 2,479 injured but officials warn that millions are at risk from food shortages and disease. The UN has warned that 800,000 people in desperate need of aid have been cut off by the deluge across the country and appealed for more helicopters to deliver supplies to those reachable only by air. — AFP

Taleban ‘spreading’ in Afghanistan: Petraeus KABUL: The US commander of the Afghan war acknowledged yesterday that the Taleban were expanding their footprint across the country even as international forces close in on their traditional southern strongholds. General David Petraeus said a sharp rise in attacks on foreign troops showed the Taleban were feeling threatened but said there needed to be political as well as military action to wipe out the “industrialstrength insurgency”.

In an interview with foreign media organisations, Petraeus also hailed the counter-insurgency efforts by neighbouring Pakistan, which has faced accusations it has not done enough to combat extremism.

Petraeus said the overall campaign strategy in Afghanistan after almost nine years of war was reaching its “final stages”, with the number of US and NATO troops set to peak at 150,000 in the coming days.

The number of American troops killed fighting the

David Petraeus Taleban in the last four days hit 22 on Tuesday with the deaths of five US soldiers in the east of the country, NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said. The total number of foreign troops to die this year is now 485, compared to 521 for all of 2009, according to an AFP count based on a tally kept by the independent icasualties.org. Petraeus said the intensified fighting was a reflection of the militants’ des-

peration as the alliance poured in more resources in an effort to speed an end to the war.

US President Barack Obama’s surge of an extra 30,000 troops, announced last December, is aimed at flooding the Taleban hotspots of Kandahar and Helmand and adding pressure on the insurgents, he said.

“Levels of attacks have gone up and that’s a manifestation of us increasing our resources substantially and taking away safe havens that the Taleban have been able to establish over the course of the last several years,” he said. “And when the enemy’s safe havens are threatened they fight back.

“I said in testimony last year several times... that indeed it would become harder before it got easier. That’s the nature of these endeavours,” he said.

Petraeus acknowledged the spread of Taleban influence, especially to parts of the formerly peaceful north. —AFP

In Indian Kashmir’s main town of Srinagar, Yasir Sheikh, a cousin of senior separatist leader Yasin Malik, was seriously injured on Monday by police gunfire. Witnesses said police opened fire without provocation when young men were playing a board game outside the residence of Malik, who heads the pro-independence Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front. Police initially said they had opened fire to quell stone-throwing demonstrators but later described the incident as “unfortunate”.

“A police constable who fired the shots has been suspended and taken into custody,” an officer said, asking not to be named. “An inquiry has been initiated to know the facts which led to this incident,” a police statement said. Sheikh has been put on a ventilator and his condition was serious, doctor Basharat Ahmed told AFP. Police imposed a curfew in Srinagar yesterday morning but residents defied restrictions and held noisy demonstrations.

Young men, many of them wearing masks to prevent identification, chanted pro-independence slogans and burned tyres to block main roads. “Indians, leave Kashmir,” chanted the residents at Miasuma, the scene of Monday’s shooting in Srinagar as women squatted on the main road, some of them beating their chests in a traditional display of bereavement.

Meanwhile, hardline separatist Syed Ali Geelani yesterday said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh “must commit publicly and ensure practically that henceforth no killings and no arrests shall take place”.

It was one of the five demands Geelani put forth during a news conference in Srinagar, warning that if the demands were not met the “the programme of ongoing mass protests would be intensified.” Geelani has been spearheading the recent wave of protests and strikes.

The other demands include declaring Kashmir as an international dispute, complete demilitarisation, release of all political prisoners and conviction of security forces involved in the recent killings of protesters and bystanders. Among the prisoners whose release has been sought by Geelani is Mohammed Afzal Guru, a Kashmiri Muslim man sentenced to death for his role in a deadly attack on India’s parliament in 2001.

Thousands of police and paramilitary forces yesterday sealed off neighbourhoods in Srinagar with barbed wires and iron barriers. Government forces have struggled to contain the outpouring of anger triggered by the killing of a schoolboy by police in early June.

Protests began in Srinagar and have spread through the Kashmir valley. — AFP

SRINAGAR: Relatives and neighbors of Yasir Rafiq Sheikh, a Kashmiri wounded in police firing Monday, wail during a protest in the Maisuma neighborhood of Srinagar yesterday. — AP

Delhi uses fish to fight dengue NEW DELHI: On top of construction chaos and corruption concerns, organisers of the Delhi Commonwealth Games are now grappling with a mosquito crisis at sporting venues and are even employing larvae-eating fish.

“We are taking all possible precautions against mosquitoes,” a senior official from the Delhi event’s organising committee told AFP Tuesday, asking not to be named. “But we are concerned.”

An outbreak of mosquitoborne dengue fever in New Delhi has led 863 people to seek hospital care since July, according to an official tally, although the real number of infections is thought to be many times higher. Three people have died.

The Oct 3-14 sporting extravaganza, already mired in severe delays and corruption allegations, will bring together 8,000 athletes and officials from 71 nations and former territories of the old British empire. Delhi health minister Kiran Walia on Monday told reporters she had ordered municipal authorities to spray anti-mosquito repellent “in and around” all the Games venues.

Media reports said organisers were also releasing larvaeeating fish in a pond built in the Games Village to protect participants from dengue, a viral infection transmitted to humans by female Aedes mosquitoes. The disease causes a severe flu-like illness for most victims. One strain of it can cause internal bleeding.

A heavy monsoon and the Games construction sites across the city, where water has gathered in large pools, have led to heightened fears this year about mosquitoborne diseases. The insects breed in stagnant water.

Delhi’s Yamuna river is also running very high. “Due to a good monsoon and a rise in the Yamuna river water levels, high density (mosquito) breeding has been found in the Village and neighbouring areas,” municipal health official V K Monga told The Times of India. “To check this, we have introduced Gambusia fish in the water body near the training venue,” he said. A species of the Gambusia is known as the “mosquitofish” as it consumes the insect’s larvae.

The Times said a Malaysian athlete participating in a Games test event in July had contracted dengue.

With just over a month to go until the opening of the games, many sports facilities have yet to be completed, while new roads, flyovers and metro lines are also behind schedule. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urged authorities at the weekend “to redouble their efforts” while the leader of the ruling Congress party, Sonia Gandhi, has warned that the country’s prestige is on the line.

At the weekend, Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit urged residents to pray for the timely completion of the infrastructure.

Yesterday, another powerful chief minis-

ter, Narendra Modi from the western state of Gujarat, mocked the government for its failures. “I don’t know what is happening in the Commonwealth Games. Even if the PM starts wiping the floor, the venues won’t be

ready for the Games,” said Modi, who is a virulent critic of the government from the opposition BJP party. “CWG (Commonwealth Games) people had four years to get the venues ready, but they are still struggling.” — AFP

BYLAKUPPE, India: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama tastes a traditional rice dish as he attends a prayer meeting during “First Tibetan National General Meeting 2010” at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery about 220 km southwest of Bangalore yesterday. The Dalai Lama is on a fourday visit to Bylukuppe, popularly known as “Mini Tibet”. — AP

opinion

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Kim's China trip aimed at consolidating succession

By Park Chan-Kyong

K

im Jong-Il's secretive visit to China made it clearer than ever that the ageing North Korean leader is preparing an eventual power transfer to his youngest son Jong-Un, analysts said yesterday.

The two nations were also staging a show of unity as Pyongyang faces tougher sanctions for its alleged torpedo attack on a South Korean warship, they said. Kim, 68, stressed the need to prepare for the "rising generation" and visited sites linked to his own late father and founding president Kim Il-Sung during a fiveday trip that ended Monday.

Analysts saw the site visits as a bid to confer legitimacy on another dynastic succession in the hardline communist state.

The Swiss-educated Jong-Un, believed aged around 27, could be named to a senior post when the North next month holds its first meeting for decades of key ruling party delegates. Chinese President Hu Jintao, at a welcoming banquet last Friday, reportedly wished "a signal success" for the meeting.

"Depending on Kim Jong-Il's health, the son will possibly be appointed as party organization secretary or as organization department head just below the (secretary) position," Paik HakSoon of Seoul's Sejong Institute said. Yang Moo-Jin of Seoul's University of North Korean Studies said Kim and Hu "must have discussed the succession issue deeply".

Cheong Seong-Chang, also from the Sejong Institute, said Kim must have notified key ally China of upcoming leadership changes but did not seek consent. "North Korea, as a proud sovereign state, needs no approval for its leadership changes from any country," Cheong said. "After being informed in advance of the upcoming changes, China must have felt satisfied. "Jong-Un has already been in charge of person-

nel appointments in the party.

Since the second half of last year, all reports to the leader have been made through Jong-Un." Cheong said the son is likely to be appointed party organization secretary in charge of filling party posts, making policy decisions and managing reports presented to the leader.

Kim's visit to China-his second since May-was also designed to underscore their traditional alliance amid rising regional tensions, analysts said. "They are stepping up the alliance and demonstrating it towards the United States and its allies amid an intensifying enmity between the two great powers in the region," Paik said. "China was sending a strong message to the United States, Japan and South Korea-'Don't shake the North'."

Tensions have risen sharply since the United States and South Korea accused the North in May of sinking a South Korean warship-a charge it denies. A subsequent US-South Korean naval exercise strained ties between Washington and Beijing.

Washington on Monday slapped new sanctions on four North Korean people and eight organizations. China's state-controlled Global Times yesterday called on the United States, Japan and South Korea not to "bully" the North any more if they want to ease regional tensions.

"Beijing is expanding its influence in the region as the North finds no one else to turn to but China, as South Korea has been cutting off economic aid to the North and the United States announces new sanctions," Yang said.

Chinese TV footage released Monday also showed Hu urging Kim to push forward economic reforms and modernization in North Korea.

According to China's Xinhua news agency, Hu said "economic development calls for self-dependence but cannot be achieved without cooperating with the outside world". —AFP

Rumbling volcano keeps Indonesians in shelters

T

housands of Indonesians spent a third day in shelters yesterday as a volcano threatened a devastating eruption on Sumatra island, officials said. Government volcanologists said 2,460-metre Mount Sinabung was not spewing as much ash and smoke into the atmosphere as it had for the first two days but it was still extremely dangerous. The mountain erupted for the first time in 400 years on Sunday, sending around 30,000 people into temporary camps as authorities ordered everyone within a six-kilometer radius to leave. Officials said about 7,000 people had returned to their villages yesterday but those from within the evacuation zone were not being allowed to go home. "People are asking us if they can go home to tend to their animals and guard their homes but they're not allowed to leave the camps," disaster response official Mohammad Agus Widisono said.

Government volcanologist Agus Budianto said: "The volcano continues to spew smoke and ash but the cloud is only 50

meters high compared to 2,000 meters yesterday. Visually, its activities have significantly reduced. "But our instruments have recorded continuous tremors in the volcano, which means that there is magma trying to push upward." He said the situation remained too precarious for people who live closest to the volcano to go home. "We predict that there's still a possibility that it will erupt again," he said, adding there was "no plan" to downgrade the threat level.

Airlines have been warned to avoid Mount Sinabung in northern Sumatra but the area is remote and the ash cloud has caused minimal flight problems.

Sinabung is one of 69 active volcanoes in the sprawling Southeast Asian archipelago.

Indonesia straddles the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where the meeting of continental plates causes high volcanic and seismic activity. It has more active volcanoes than any other country. Earlier this month four people went missing after the 1,784-metre Mount Karangetang erupted on the island of Siau, North Sulawesi province. — AFP

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S Africa's Zuma tries to dodge bullet on strike

By Jon Herskovitz

S

outh Africa's government has made a new wage offer to striking state workers to end a labor dispute that has raised investor concerns over Africa's largest economy. The strike added to tensions between President Jacob Zuma's ruling African National Congress and the country's largest labor federation COSATU, which has a long-standing governing alliance with Africa's oldest political party. The following are some implications of how the new wage offer will impact the strike and what a settlement would mean for Zuma's government: POLITICAL PRESSURES Zuma will be given a measure of credit in the short term for acting quickly after he returned last week from a trip to China and then ordered his ministers to try to negotiate a settlement. If the offer leads to a settlement, unions will likely cool rhetoric about the alliance being on the verge of rupture. But they will still keep up pressure on Zuma to push their agenda of left-leaning policies that include a call to weaken the rand. Zuma's enemies in the ANC will still be gunning for him at a major policy setting meeting later in September and will blame him for letting the strike last as long as it did. Zuma, seeking allies, may reach out to anti-union factions at the ANC meeting. Cosatu has called for major revisions to a government program to expand economic empowerment to the black majority, saying it has benefitted the politically connected, while leading to cronyism and corruption. Analysts said there are groups in the ANC who would like to crack down on the unions to try to free up a rigid labor market seen as worrying investors. But there are some who joined the anti-union group out of their own self-interest to

keep their slice of the empowerment programs, analysts said.

REJECTED OFFER If the unions reject the offer, Zuma could face one of the biggest crises of his term with a massive strike looming, more threats to the alliance and his foes looking to seize as much power from him as possible. That could leave him far weaker with most of his five-year term still ahead. The government could try to impose its wage offer unilaterally to end the impasse, but this would further strain ties with labor. It could also quickly improve its wage offer to limit the damage. Zuma and the ANC would find themselves in a weaker position heading into local elections early next year that would embolden the opposition. But its virtual one-party rule would not be in jeopardy.

BUDGET PRESSURES If accepted, the government's latest proposal will likely swell state spending by an amount equal to about 1 to 2 percent of the overall budget. That will force the government to find new funds just as it tries to bring down a deficit totaling 6.7 percent of gross domestic product. There are worries that the deal could lead to higher taxes or cause South Africa to increase its borrowing, making it more costly to obtain loans and leading to increased budget spending to pay for servicing the debt. This could lead to a downgrade of its sovereign rating.

PUBLIC OPINION The public appears to be angry at the unions for cutting off services and their violent conduct during a strike which has led to the sick being denied treatment at hospitals. It is also angry at the government for letting the situation get out of hand. But their anger will not likely lead to any changes in how labor disputes are fought and settled.—Reuters

S Africa workers' wage offer to hit budget

By Phumza Macanda

T

he South African government's latest wage offer to striking public sector workers will lead to increased state borrowing and may put the country's sovereign credit rating under threat. The lessons learned from Europe's debt crisis are still fresh in the minds of South African authorities and they want to press on with plans to slow down borrowing and cut the country's large budget deficit. But the government's improved offer of a 7.5 percent wage increase - double the inflation rate of 3.7 percent-and an 800 rand ($108.5) housing allowance puts a damper on those plans.

The state's wage bill already makes up a third of its entire spending and almost half of the tax revenue it collects. "Put simply, government will be borrowing money to pay wages and debt service costs. This is not only unsustainable but will require future generations to pay for our current spending," said government's spokesman Themba Maseko in a statement on Sunday. "The fiscal trajectory over the next few years aims to moderate our borrowing while continuing to support the economy ... Unexpected growth in wages will compromise our ability to meet those objectives," he added.

After two years of surplus, the budget deficit widened to 6.7 percent of GDP in 2009/10, with plans to trim it to around 4 percent by 2013 and moderate borrowing.

"Anyway you (look at it), it's exceptionally difficult for government to give in to the high wage demands in this environment," said Dennis Dykes, chief economist at Nedbank.

"It will mean they have to cut expenditure elsewhere ...

They can cut on fixed investment spending and then you would have a situation where the economy doesn't grow." he said.

RATINGS' CONCERN Investors have praised South Africa's prudent fiscal policies of the past decade, which have helped to gradually improve the country's credit ratings from international agencies. At 28 percent, South Africa's debt to GDP ratio still pales in comparison to the much higher levels of some countries in Europe and government has projected it will reach 40 percent in 2013. International ratings agencies have warned of risks to the country's ratings on any hint of

expanded fiscal spending.

"We already have a negative outlook on the (South Africa) rating and for some time we've been flagging some downside risks with regards to rating," said Konrad Reuss, managing director for South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa at Standard & Poor's. "We've seen high wage settlements for a number of years, which might be followed by another one now. Already in February the finance minister (Pravin Gordhan) highlighted there's very little flexibility to accommodate this." "In the broader context of budget commitments and fiscal flexibility this is a concern," Reuss said, adding S&P will wait for Oct 27's medium-term budget policy statement to make a call on ratings.

Moody's also said in March any relaxation of spending policies could threaten ratings. South Africa compares poorly with other emerging economies such as China and India in terms of labor costs. The average monthly salary, including overtime and benefits, is 6,400 rand, according to Statistics SA. By contrast, this year the official average monthly wage for a city worker in China has been 1,783 yuan ($261.9) and a menial entry-level factory worker could be on a third of that, albeit with food and dormitory accommodation thrown in.

HIGHER TAXES NOT A VIABLE OPTION Finance Minister Gordhan hinted in April the government would consider raising taxes to boost revenue and keep the budget in check. But analysts say raising taxes would be devastating to consumer spending, putting brakes on an already-fragile economic recovery that is vulnerable to a possible global economic slowdown. "In an environment where growth is still relatively weak and the consumer is still in a phase of recovery it's very unlikely we'll see heavy increases in income taxes," said Gina Schoeman, senior economist at Absa Capital.

"It would hurt growth and we need our households balance sheets to recover over coming quarters," she added.

Consumer spending is about 60 percent of the economy and it propelled growth to an average 5 percent between 2003 and 2007. The economy is expected to grow by an average 3 percent a year in the medium term, far short of the 7 percent the government has said is needed to alleviate poverty and create jobs for almost half of the adult population that is unemployed. — Reuters

North Korea's 'family firm' sidles up to China

By Chris Buckley

T

hink of North Korea's Kim Jong-il as the autocratic, ailing boss of a family firmsanctioned, cash-strapped, and worried about who will take over - and his weekend tour to woo main backer China makes sense.

Kim's visit to China was, as usual, cloaked in secrecy until it ended on Monday. But even the opaque official reports made clear enough that the shuffling 68year-old leader wanted to reassure China, whose economic help and diplomatic muscle he needs as much as ever to support a dynastic succession.

The reclusive leader told President Hu Jintao he was willing to return to nuclear disarmament talks-which China wantsand praised China's economic success. In return, Hu welcomed Kim's position on the nuclear talks and nudged him on economic reform. "Economic development should be self-reliant and also cannot be separated from opening up and cooperation," Hu told Kim, according to the staterun Xinhua News Agency. "That is an essential route for keeping with the tide of the times and accelerating national development."

But don't expect any dramatic steps from Kim. Like a defiant company boss seeking help, he needs China but bristles at being a supplicant to the much richer neighbor, said John Park of the United States Institute of Peace in Washington. "It's like a government credit agency talking to a bailed out company that by all measures would otherwise be bankrupt," the former banker said. "Kim Jong-il needs the Chinese, because there's no other party out there ... But at the same time, if Kim is seen more and more as China's man in Pyongyang that puts a huge bull's eye on him." That tension is at the core of their relationship.

NUCLEAR TALKS But even if the two do want to resurrect the long-stalled nuclear talks, others are less keen, as emphasized by the Obama administration's new sanctions on Pyongyang this week.

Washington and its allies want North Korea to do more than just talk before they will go back to nuclear disarmament negotiations. Anyway, Kim for the moment is preoccupied by a congress in September that analysts believe will pave the way for his youngest son-who reportedly accompanied him on the China

SEOUL: A visitor points with an umbrella at a poster of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, painted by North Korean defector Sun Moo, at the Korea War Museum in Seoul, South Korea yesterday. The Obama administration expanded sanctions against North Korea on Monday by freezing assets of individuals, companies and organizations allegedly linked to support for Pyongyang's nuclear program.— AP trip-to emerge as the successor running the impoverished country, with its 24 million citizens and stockpile of nuclear bombs.

"North Korea is hard-up now and

has been hoping for more aid, and especially now he probably wants more food to ensure a good atmosphere for the congress," said Zhang Liangui, an expert on

North Korea at the Central Party School, an institute in Beijing.

"But North Korea's words and actions can differ," Zhang also said. "It might well be these

words (of Kim) are more a tactical expediency than a real breakthrough."

EYE TO EYE FOR NOW In May, Kim abruptly ended his previous visit to China, apparently unhappy that his demands for support were not met, said Shi Yinhong, a professor of International Security at Renmin University in Beijing. "To some extent, this latest visit was coming back kow-towing to China for support now that he's in even deeper need and needs a tolerable environment for the congress," said Shi. "I'd guess he made more reasonable demands this time, and China is worried about North Korea's stability, so the two sides saw eye to eye at least for now."

Hu gently pressed Kim to learn more from Beijing's reforms, and Kim said he was "deeply astonished" by the example of northeast China, where he was for his five-day stay. If Kim's record offers any clues, however, he is likely to seek greater distance from China and its expectations if the North's isolation eases, possibly through fresh nuclear disarmament talks, said Shi, the Beijing professor. "If Kim's days get better, he won't be so malleable," said Shi. — Reuters

analysis

Wednesday, september 1, 2010

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Tensions build as flood-hit Pakistanis flee to the hills

By Emmanuel Duparcq

O

n a hillside in flood-ravaged southern Pakistan, a famous Sufi burial site is crowded with families-their pilgrimage less about religious devotion than the simple matter of survival. With night about to fall, tensions rise at the makeshift camp, where hunger and anger are feeding a growing sense of anarchy as the flood victims look down from the black hills on their water-logged villages. Husain Mala, 25, from Sujawal, a city of 120,000 people about 50 kilometers away which has been lost for now to the floods, sits with a dozen other young men watching the traffic for signs of aid trucks bringing food.

For the month of Ramadan the hour before dusk, when the daily fast can be broken, is the most tense, as hunger pangs grow after a long day under a blazing sun. Tens of thousands of peasants displaced by the floods have fled to the rocky hillsides, some camped in shade amid mausoleums of chiseled stone, others grazing their flocks between the graves of thousands of Islamic Sufi saints.

They wait for 7:00 pm to come when they can join their families for iftar, the meal that breaks the Ramadan fast, but only a few fleeing the floods in haste were able to come with food supplies and aid handouts

NOWSHERA: Pakistani children who survived heavy flooding are covered with flies as they live in miserable conditions at a roadside in Nowshera near Pesharwar, Pakistan. — AP are scarce.

"We save the food and money we have for our children so they can survive," said Gulam Qadir, in his 50s, sweat pooling around the band of his purple turban. The bazaars in

the nearby city of Thatta are empty, since the authorities ordered the evacuation of its 300,000 inhabitants at the weekend, exacerbating the food crisis. An aid agency van stops in front of a small group of

women and children begging for supplies-a hand throws out a box filled with supplies and the vehicle sets off again immediately, escaping the dozens of people already starting to run down the hills in its direction.

Sometimes to prevent a fight erupting, charities en route to an official relief camp will hand over bags of flour, pulses, rice or sugar, though it is not enough for the starving young men who often try to cling to

the trucks. "They're treating us like animals. They just throw food boxes, without taking care of who gets it-so people fight between each other-or they don't give anything," said Husain. "Two or three of our people have broken legs or arms from falling from the trucks," he said. Despite the escalating tension, police said the situation was "under control" besides some "minor incidents".

But authorities say they are worried, and try to direct the displaced families to camps away from the floods that have wreaked most devastation in the southern province of Sindh where Makli lies.

"We've set up a relief camp for 40,000 people in Karachi, but no one turned up there yet," said Zulfiqar Mirza from the Sindh interior ministry, referring to the city that lies more than 100 kilometers from Makli. "We guarantee that they will get all the assistance they need there."

That won't convince Babur Salangi, 31, also from Sujawal, who like many others said he thinks that "there is no support in the camps." "I am grateful to the government because they saved our lives by sending trucks to take us," he said. "But how can I celebrate iftar?

Everything I have left is this," he said, pointing at the tatty green shirt covering his back. — AFP

Iraq hopefulness collided with reality

By Robert Burns

S

hortly after US troops captured Baghdad in April 2003, the US military's top officer made a prediction about the future of Saddam Hussein's elite Republican Guard that reflected the yawning gap between American hopes and Iraqi reality.

"They're history," Gen Richard Myers, then chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told an Associated Press reporter traveling with him from Washington to visit the war front. Myers was talking about US plans to disband Saddam's security apparatus, but his broader implication that Saddam loyalists were out of the picture and unable to prolong the war, proved badly wrong.

In Iraq, reality kept intruding on hope. And the gap between the two helps explain why it took so long to reach the end of US combat operations, and why the Iraq effort may yet falter.

Some today question whether President Barack Obama's hope, that Iraq will not unravel as US troops head for the exits, matches the reality of a country still in political turmoil.

Historians will sort out details of what went wrong in Iraq, but already it is possible to point to a key reason for the mismatch between US hopes and Iraqi reality: American troops and diplomats entered the country with little understanding of its ethnic and sectarian divisions and of the deep societal scars left by decades of repressive rule by Saddam.

That disconnect played a powerful role in altering what initially looked like a US rout into a long, maddening fight.

The shadowy and resilient Iraqi insurgency refused to bend to a tidy American vision for Iraq's future.

Thirteen days after Myers made his comment about the Republican Guard and the smaller Special Republican

Guard that served as Saddam's personal shield, the senior US civilian administrator then in Baghdad, Paul Bremer, issued a decree formally disbanding Saddam's military. Rather than go away, as Myers had predicted, Saddam's loyalists found new work. They helped organize and finance insurgent groups like the 1920 Revolution Brigades, which was active against US forces in Sunni-dominated parts of Iraq until it switched sides in 2007 to join the fight against Al-Qaeda.

In the first months of the war, the Pentagon brass dismissed the insurgents as "dead enders." In a July 2003 interview in Baghdad, Bremer said that while security was a problem in central Iraq, the shadowy fighters who were carrying out attacks on US troops would be stopped. "These attacks do not pose a strategic threat to the coalition," Bremer said. "These are small-scale, bitter-end attacks. We will pacify this region." In the early days of the war, confidence among US officials ran high, fed by a belief that Iraqis were eager to embrace the end of the Saddam era and take affairs into their own hands.

It was considered a foregone conclusion that with Baghdad under the control of the US-led coalition by April 9, and Saddam on the run, the war was headed for a quick conclusion. The Marines, in fact, who helped spearhead the ground assault on Baghdad and afterward spent a quiet summer in predominantly Shiite areas south of the capital, left Iraq in September. One small measure of American confidence was a desk ornament that Bremer carried with him aboard Myers's plane on his arrival in Baghdad on May 12. Its raised letters read, "Success Has a Thousand Fathers." Bremer, a veteran diplomat, was sent to put Iraq on track to democracy.

Upon landing in Baghdad, Bremer said: "We came to

overthrow a despotic regime.

That we have done. Now our job is to turn and help the Iraqi people regain control of their own destiny." But there already were signs of hope clashing with reality. On March 29, 2003, an orange-and-white Iraqi taxi stopped near a checkpoint manned by U.S. soldiers north of the holy city of Najaf. The driver gestured for help, then blew up his vehicle, killing himself and four sol-

diers from the Army's 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. It was the first successful suicide car bombing of a war in which such tactics would become a hallmark of the insurgency.

Richard Henson, who was the dead soldiers' platoon sergeant, recalls the attack vividly. He also remembers that four months later he told Paul Wolfowitz, the visiting deputy secretary of defense, about its emotional impact.

Wolfowitz, who was in Baghdad on a fact-finding tour, invited Henson's thoughts on the war but instead got a dose of ground-level realism. Henson praised American air power, then suddenly switched gears, describing the March 29 car bombing. "It was pretty emotional," Henson told Wolfowitz with an AP reporter present. Choking back tears, he added, "But my guys pulled together." —AP

Is the US scaling back in Iraq too early?

By Michael Christie

T

he US military formally ends combat operations in Iraq yesterday, closing what it hopes will have been the bloodiest and costliest chapters of the war launched 7-1/2 years ago by former President George W Bush. The milestone, marked by cuts in US troop numbers to below 50,000, allows President Barack Obama to fulfill a pledge to start ending the deeply unpopular war as his fellow Democrats seek to retain control of Congress in elections in November. Here are some questions and answers on how Iraq might fare as US troops depart: How stable is Iraq now?

Iraq is in a precarious state as it starts to chart its own path before a full US withdrawal by end-2011. Iraqi factions, split by years of bloodshed between majority Shiites and once dominant Sunnis, have yet to agree on a new government almost six months after an inconclusive election.

Insurgents tied to Al-Qaeda continue to launch frequent attacks, spreading an air of peril and sowing doubts about the imperfect democracy bestowed on Iraq by the US invaders. International oil firms are starting work on largescale oil projects that could transform Iraq into a wealthy country. But right now the economy outside the oil sector remains moribund, towering blast walls still line many rubble-strewn streets and most families sweat through the pounding Iraqi summer heat with only a few hours of public electricity. The fate of the disputed city of Kirkuk, which may spawn a war between the Arabs and Kurds who claim it, is unresolved.

Is US pulling out too early?

In the long run, outsiders cannot impose peace in Iraq. It

has to come from an accommodation between its factions.

At some point, US relations with Iraq have to be based on diplomacy and economics, rather than on the physical presence of tens of thousands of heavily armed American soldiers. Yet many fear the cut in US troop numbers is premature given the parlous state of Iraq's stability and security.

As Washington retreats, grievances between Shiites and Sunnis may erupt again, and revenge killings and a struggle for power may rekindle broader violence, although a return to the all-out sectarian slaughter of 2006/07 is unlikely.

Clashes between Iraq's Arab-led army and Kurdish peshmerga have often only been averted by US intervention.

The risks increase when US forces thin out. Political disillusionment may also take Iraq back down a path well-trodden in its own history and that of much of the Arab worldmilitary coups and dictatorships. But Iraq's warring communities may only come to terms if forced to deal with each other directly, without the United States acting as referee or interested party, many analysts say.

The US troop presence, for instance, has incubated the territorial ambitions of minority Kurds, long oppressed by Saddam Hussein. Without it, Kurds adopt may adopt more pragmatic positions over areas they deem historically theirs and which they want included in their semi-autonomous northern region. Majority Shiites, meanwhile, may become more accommodating of Sunni concerns once American forces leave and can no longer be counted on to help control any violent Sunni reaction. "Without the US, Iraqi political factions may be more willing to make hard compromises, because they will be more afraid of the backlash if they do not," said Juan Cole, a professor of Middle East history at Michigan University. — Reuters

Japan politics keeps US base dispute in limbo ByFrank Zeller

A

deadline to resolve the fate of a US airbase in Japan came and went yesterday with scant progress on the toxic dispute, which has already claimed one prime minister and threatens to undermine another. Washington and Tokyo started arguing over the Marine Corps base on Okinawa Island after the centre-left Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) came to power a year ago, ending a half-century of nearly unbroken conservative rule.

Yesterday marked the August 31 deadline by which both sides had aimed to come up with a workable plan to relocate the airbase within Okinawa-but news reports said so far Washington and Tokyo have only agreed to politely disagree. The base is located in the urban area of Futenma on the southern island of Okinawa, where residents have long complained about aircraft noise and the risk of accidents. Kyodo News reported that a joint working group had submitted a paper that mentions two options for a new coastal site at Henoko-with Japan proposing a single offshore runway, and the US favoring a larger, V-shaped runway.

The DPJ's first premier, Yukio Hatoyama, pledged to scrap a 2006 bilateral pact to relocate the base to Henoko and instead promised to move it off the island altogether. But in the following months Hatoyama flip-

TOKYO: Japan's Prime Minister and Japan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan President Naoto Kan (second from right) is greeted by the his party lawmakers prior to a press conference following his meeting with veteran lawmaker Ichiro Ozawa at the party headquarters yesterday. Kan announced his candidacy in an internal party election next month against 68-year-old Ozawa, a powerbroker in the party but unpopular with the public. — AP flopped on the issue as Washington ramped up pressure for the base to stay on Okinawa. Hatoyama, his approval ratings slumping, back-

tracked on his pledge in May and stepped down in June, taking Ichiro Ozawa, the DPJ's scandal-mired secretary general, with him. Both nations

reaffirmed in May they would move the base to Henoko as originally agreed, despite local opposition and concerns the offshore runways would

spoil a fragile marine ecosystem.

Under the deal, 8,000 US Marines are set to be moved to the American territory of Guam to ease the burden on Okinawa, which has hosted Japan's largest concentration of US troops since the end of World War II. Both countries are mindful of the electoral calendar on Okinawa, where a new governor will be chosen in November.

An anti-base candidate could block any offshore runway construction. In recent days another wild-card factor has emerged-a bid to oust Kan as party leader and premier by Ozawa, the veteran party powerbroker who was widely seen as Hatoyama's puppet master.

The Mainichi Shimbun daily said Sunday that while "Kan is sticking to the Japan-US joint statement, Mr Ozawa is cautious about a relocation to Henoko". "Futenma is expected to be an issue in the leadership race," it said.

However, Kan and Ozawa were expected to meet later yesterday, with speculation swirling about whether they will go head-to-head next month or reach a deal under which Ozawa would withdraw his candidacy.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a politics professor at Aoyama Gakuin University, predicted that, whatever happens within the DPJ, there will be little progress on Futenma until the Okinawa governor's election in November. "Domestic politics... inevitably plays a role in this issue," he said. — AFP

focus

India's economic reforms in limbo

By Sugita Katyal

W

ill India's government succeed in passing key pro-market bills that have been in limbo for years? Not in the near future, say analysts. With state elections around the corner, the Congress-led government may have lost a political window to push through crucial economic reforms because of fears of a backlash to sensitive decisions from voters already reeling from high prices. But while reforms may take longer to enact, the government is committed to making them happen, and investors, for now, are putting up with the slow pace to reap the dividends from a vast consumer market in Asia's thirdbiggest economy.

So far, the government's boldest pro-market move has been to ease state controls on fuel prices, but it has made little headway in opening up pension and insurance, or liberalizing the retail and financial sectors because of opposition protests.

"The general consensus is that there is a lack of momentum on passing any of these bills except for nuclear liability ... because Congress party is not very clear on direction," Pratap Bhanu Mehta, president of the Centre for Policy Research, said.

A victory last year freed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from his communist allies and raised hopes for reforms.

But progress has been patchy as the government stumbled from crisis to crisis. But even with this sluggish progress, India attracted nearly $35 billion in foreign direct investment in 2009, equivalent to 2.7 percent of its $1.29 trillion GDP. China's FDI totaled $95 billion in that year, or 1.9 percent of its $4.9 trillion GDP. As the current session of parliament nears its end on Aug 31, the government has only pushed through legislation on opening up the $150-billion nuclear power market crucial for the entry of firms such as USbased General Electric and Westinghouse Electric, a subsidiary of Japan's Toshiba Corp.

A bill to simplify archaic direct tax laws, a key piece of reform aimed at widening the tax net and increasing state revenues, may also be approved by parliament in this session. But several other reform bills are unlikely to make it through with

most of the session lost in the government defending itself against opposition attacks over issues like high prices. High prices were blamed for the ruling party's poor showing in local elections in the left bastion state of West Bengal. While inflation has since eased, food prices are still high, and party leaders will be wary of backing any measure that may further antagonize supporters.

LACK OF POLITICAL CONSENSUS Among the moves that may be delayed due to a lack of consensus are India's most ambitious indirect tax reform, the proposed nationwide GST, and a proposed food security bill. The GST proposal has been opposed by the Hindu-nationalist BJP and some states, who worry about the loss of their fiscal powers, and some analysts say this could delay the implementation of the reform beyond the targeted April 1, 2011. Some reforms do not need legislation and can be pushed through an executive order, such as opening up the retail sector which is on hold because of opposition pressure. The thorny issue of land acquisition for industrial purposes will also be on the backburner until the polls to avoid antagonizing farmers protesting over low compensation.

The Congress-led government has a slim majority in the lower house, but not in the upper house. The coalition is also composed of several small parties often suspicious of reforms, making the passage of bills subject to torturous negotiations. If not passed, the bills can be taken up in the winter session, around November, but the pending state polls from the end of the year could narrow the political window. State elections begin around November in eastern Bihar state followed by polls in the states of West Bengal and Kerala where the Congress party is trying to dislodge communist governments. There are six state elections over the next year.

SOME HEADWAY The government, nonetheless, has made headway in some areas: it has pledged to sell stakes in some 60 staterun firms and formed an experts panel to ease foreign investment in the financial sector. —Reuters

Japan running out of options as yen soars

By David Watkins

J

apan's unsuccessful efforts to curtail the strength of the yen illustrates that policy makers are fast running out of options to protect a fragile economy beset by deflation, analysts say. After calling an emergency meeting in response to government pressure, the Bank of Japan on Monday said it would expand a multi-billion-dollar loan scheme to boost liquidity, amid hopes it would take the heat out of the yen. Instead the Japanese unit has continued to rise, hammering the shares of exporters exposed to growing currency risk and sending the Nikkei stock index plunging 3.55 percent to a 16month low yesterday. "We have long believed that the recent trend of a high yen and falling shares would not change, even if the Bank of Japan tries to act," said Tetsuro Okada, advanced senior economist at Japan Research Institute.

"It has proven to be true.

There are not many effective options left." The yen, which last week hit 15-year highs versus the dollar, threatens the export sector crucial to Japan's growth by eroding repatriated profits. A recent government survey suggested that many companies in Japan were considering moving production overseas if the yen stayed high, casting a shadow over the nation's already slowing growth picture. It can also prolong a damaging deflationary cycle of falling consumer prices and purchases deferred in hope of further falls, by making imports cheaper.

But analysts question what authorities can do to control a currency whose strength is more a story of weakness elsewhere in the world. "The yen is rising because of deterioration in the global economy," said Okada.

Contrary to Japan's weakness, the yen is seen as a safe haven in

times of financial uncertainty as investors unwind risky positions in the dollar and euro on jitters over their respective economies' health. In a bid to combat the yen's strength, the Bank of Japan Monday announced its second loan expansion since March, offering 10 trillion yen ($118 billion) in six-month low interest loans in addition to 20 trillion yen from December's three-month loan scheme.

But analysts say the BoJ, which has kept rates at 0.1 percent since the height of the financial crisis, has little room to move. Years of Japanese economic stagnation sapped demand for loans from companies and consumers. "Financial institutions are already awash with cash and there is no evidence that banks are short of money to lend," noted Julian Jessop of London-based Capital Economics. "Instead, the weakness of bank credit reflects a lack of demand from firms and households." Despite crawling out of a severe year-long recession in 2009, Japan's fragile recovery remains beset by deflation, high public debt, weak domestic demand and softening exports.

All of which pose a challenge for Prime Minister Naoto Kan's government and its agenda focused on cutting the industrialized world's biggest public debt, at nearly 200 percent of GDP. Kan is also distracted by a battle to retain his job after the ruling Democratic Party of Japan's controversial former number two Ichiro Ozawa put forward his candidacy to lead the party, to be decided in a September 14 poll.

Japan remains under pressure, with weak gross domestic product growth of an annualized 0.4 percent in the second quarter pointing to a slowdown.

Consumer prices fell for a 17th month in July and household spending rose less than forecast, reports showed last week.—AFP

NEWS

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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

4 Israelis shot dead Continued from Page 1 occupation,” Sami Abu-Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman in Gaza, said before the claim of responsibility was issued.

The four Israelis were shot in their vehicle near Bani Naim, close to the flashpoint West Bank city of Hebron, which has seen violence for decades but has been quiet for some months. Israeli settlers live in a tiny enclave in the city amid Palestinian residents, under the close protection of Israeli army forces. The attack took place after dark on Highway 60, a busy route used by both Palestinians and Israeli settlers. The United States and its allies in the search for a Middle East peace treaty have urged all parties to refrain from any action that could disrupt the resumption of direct negotiations after a hiatus of 20 months.

Israelis and Palestinians alike have predicted that opponents of a peace deal would try to derail the talks through violence, as in the past.

State Department spokesman PJ

Crowley told reporters in Washington: “We ... are cognizant that there may well be actors in the region who are deliberately making these kinds of attacks in order to try to sabotage the process.”

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry urged “all parties not to allow the enemies of peace to derail the negotiations about to be launched”. “We condemn this murderous act and call for those responsible to be brought to justice,” he said in a statement.

Israeli army spokeswoman Leibovitch said: “Security was stable for the past few years and we hope this will not cause any deterioration.”

Hamas spokesman Aub-Zuhri said the attack was proof “of a failure of security coordination” between Israel and the Palestinians — a reference to the Westernbacked Palestinian Authority whose UStrained forces have been credited with suppressing armed militants in their territory.

The Israeli and Palestinian leaders, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and

President Mahmoud Abbas-were due to meet US President Barack Obama for dinner at the White House today and open formal talks on Sept 2 - their first direct negotiations after talks broke off in late 2008.

The Palestinians are split, with Hamas condemning the talks as a sell-out. Abu Ubaida, a spokesman for Hamas’s armed wing called the attack “a natural response to the crimes of the occupiers, an evidence of the presence of resistance despite of the war of liquidation.”

Speeches from loudspeakers at a mosque in the northern Gaza Strip celebrated news of the attack. Israeli Education Minister Gideon Saar, a close ally of Netanyahu, told Israel’s Channel 10 television that “no prize should go to the murderers” by putting off talks. “It is very regrettable how-not for the first time- against the background of diplomatic talks aiming to advance peace, the nearly automatic response of Palestinians was a terrorist attack on civilians,” Saar said. — Reuters

Iraq regains sovereignty Continued from Page 1

HERAT: Afghan beggars wait for food to be distributed outside a mosque in Herat, west of Kabul yesterday. — AP

5 US soldiers slain 22 die in 4 days as Afghan casualties mount KABUL: Five US soldiers were killed in Afghanistan yesterday, NATO said, as the number of Americans to die in the war in the past four days climbed to 22. Four soldiers were killed in eastern Afghanistan in a Taleban-style bomb attack, NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said. The fifth died in an insurgent attack in the south of the country, where the insurgency is at its fiercest, it said in a separate statement.

A spokesman confirmed to AFP that all the dead were Americans. The deaths bring to 485 the total number of foreign troops killed in the Afghan war this year, compared to 521 for all of 2009, according to an AFP tally based on that kept by the independent icasualties.org website.

The deaths come a day after eight NATO troops-seven of them American-were killed in bomb attacks in southern Afghanistan. The eighth soldier was a 20-year-old Estonian who died of his injuries on Monday after insurgents set off an improvised explosive device (IED) in Nad-e-Ali in Helmand province.

Estonia has a 160-strong contingent within the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, part of a troop deployment of almost 150,000 under NATO and US command. French military officials said yesterday that a soldier serving in Afghanistan was killed when the armored vehicle he was travelling in tumbled into

a ravine. The vehicle was carrying three French soldiers when it crashed Monday during an operation in the Uzbeen valley in the east of the country conducted with Afghan and US troops, military headquarters in Paris said in a statement.

France has 3,750 troops helping fight Taleban insurgents in Afghanistan in a conflict that has cost 47 French soldiers their lives. Canada lost its 152nd soldier of the Afghan war when a corporal died from injuries sustained from an IED on August 22. He died in hospital in Germany, the military said. With most of the boots on the ground, the United States is bearing the greatest burden however, losing 1,267 soldiers since the war began in late 2001. Altogether, the coalition has lost 2,053 soldiers in the war. The insurgency is at its most intense in the southern provinces of Kandahar and Helmand, but it has rapidly spread to other regions in the past year.

NATO is struggling to turn the tide on the Taleban but officials say that the arrival of 30,000 extra troops, as part of US President Barack Obama’s surge aimed at speeding an end to the war, is having an impact. The US commander of the Afghan war, General David Petraeus, acknowledged yesterday that the Taleban were expanding their footprint across the country even as foreign forces close in on their traditional southern strongholds.

A sharp rise in attacks on international troops showed the hardline Islamist mili-

tia were feeling threatened in their safe havens after almost nine years of war, he told reporters.

The overall strategy against the Taleban was reaching its “final stages,” he told three foreign media organizations including AFP, with the number of US and NATO troops set to peak at 150,000 in the coming days. Petraeus said the intensified fighting was a reflection of the militants’ desperation as the alliance poured in more resources. “Levels of attacks have gone up and that’s a manifestation of us increasing our resources substantially and taking away safe havens that the Taleban have been able to establish over the course of the last several years,” he said. “And when the enemy’s safe havens are threatened they fight back.”

The insurgency is concentrated in Kandahar and Helmand, which the Taleban consider their heartland, but is becoming increasingly intense along the eastern border with Pakistan. Northern provinces are also becoming more unstable, as NATO supply lines from Central Asia traverse the previously peaceful region, drawing insurgent fighters who, residents say, are becoming embedded in villages and districts. ISAF said that three employees of the Afghan Supreme Court were killed and several others wounded when a gunman opened fire on the mini-bus they were travelling in yesterday in Kabul. — AFP

Saudi to increase Egypt detains Shiites under emergency law army staff wages RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will raise wages for most of its army staff, a move that follows a surge in inflation and the kingdom’s first military engagement in almost 20 years against rebels in Yemen. At about $41 billion, military expenditure accounted for some 33 percent of the budget of the world’s top oil exporter last year, according to the finance ministry’s website.

A weekly cabinet meeting chaired by King Abdullah approved late on Monday a proposal to raise wages for all soldiers as well as senior officers such as generals and lieutenants. Defense Minister and also Crown Prince Sultan did not attend the cabinet meeting. The wage increase would be the second for the army since 2008 when Saudi Arabia offered state employees a 15 percent wage hike spread out over a three-year period.

The cabinet did not say when the raise would take effect and what was its percentage. The Defense Ministry’s spokesman General Ibrahim Al-Malek declined to comment. The desert kingdom does not provide statistics on its military forces.

Diplomats estimate various corps of the Saudi army to number a total of 175,000. The rise in wages is likely to at least match the 5.1 percent inflation rate of 2009, said John Sfakianakis, chief economist at Banque Saudi Fransi.

“Wage increases in general have not matched the rises in inflation over the past few years and barely covered inflationary rates of the past five years,” he said. Saudi inflation climbed to a 17-month high of 6.0 percent year-on-year in July, well above rates seen in other Gulf Arab countries fuelled by rising food and housing costs. Much of the army’s budget is spent on salaries but a surge in oil receipts in recent years has raised the amount of funds available for the military and catered for more purchases of equipment and weapons. —Reuters

CAIRO: An Egyptian rights group yesterday scoffed at a government pledge to limit use of its emergency law as an “illusion,” af ter the interior ministry ignored a court’s request to release seven Shiite Muslims.

The Shiites, in detention since mid-2009, have been charged with “forming a group trying to spread Shiite ideology that harms the Islamic religion.”

“Continuing the ‘revolving door’ policy with detainees proves the amendments to the emergency law are an illusion,” the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights said in a statement.

Parliament extended the law in May but pledged to restrict it to terrorism and narcotic cases.

The law allows for indefinite detentions and trials by emergency courts which rights groups say are unfair and harsh. Police arrested 12 Shiites in April and May 2009, five of whom have since been freed. The remaining seven are being held despite five court rulings ordering their release. “The interior ministry continues to dismiss court rulings and thinks it is above the law,” said Adel Ramadan, a lawyer representing the detained Shiites.

Shiism, the predominant branch of Islam in Iran and Iraq, has theological differences with Sunni Islam and its followers believe Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) should have been succeeded by his cousin Ali rather than his companion Abu Bakr.

Sunni-ruled Bahrain is mostly Shiite, as is the majority of Lebanon’s Muslims. Egypt’s government has already been accused of failing to keep its vow to limit use of the controversial law after it referred five men to an emergency court earlier this month over a street brawl in which guns were fired.

One of the accused men, Emad El-Kebir, had three years earlier won a court case against two policemen who sodomised him with a stick while filming the attack. The government defended the referral to the emergency court, saying the use of live gunfire in a street brawl terrorized passers-by. The emergency law, which gives police wide powers of arrest, suspends constitutional rights and curbs non-governmental political activity, was first imposed after Islamists assassinated president Anwar Sadat in 1981 and has been in place ever since. — AFP

Panel probes release of two drug dealers Continued from Page 1 a petition from their Kuwaiti sister. The National Assembly then decided to ask the interior and defense committee to probe the case. In another development, Islamist MP Mohammad Hayef yesterday sent a series of questions to Information and Oil

Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah AlSabah asking for details about local private television stations, magazines, newspapers and other media outlets.

He said his questions are based on what he called a rise in the number of TV stations and newspapers that are airing and publishing material which undermine

national unity and incite various forms of discord in the society. MP Hayef demanded the names of satellite stations, newspapers, magazines and advertisement publications and the names of their owners. He also demanded the names of foreign satellite stations which have offices in Kuwait and the names of their correspondents.

Amir urges nation to close ranks Continued from Page 1 stand up as one in the face of the mounting challenges pursuant to the teachings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). We feel great grief over the unprecedented disaster of the floods in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan which claimed thousands of lives and ren-

dered millions homeless.

Kuwait reacted promptly as usual in such humanitarian crises. It offered all possible assistances to Pakistan and raised funds for the victims of the floods with all citizens and residents in Kuwait hurrying to offer help. I’d like to thank all those who contributed to the success of the relief effort for Pakistan. In

these holy days we pay tribute to our late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah and the late Father Amir Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah as well as all our martyrs and deceased persons; may Almighty God have mercy on them all,” he concluded. — KUNA

from the war, launched by Bush with the stated aim of destroying Iraqi weapons of mass destruction. No such weapons were found. Almost a trillion dollars have been spent and more than 4,400 US soldiers and over 100,000 Iraqi civilians killed since the 2003 invasion.

Obama’s Democrats are battling to retain control of Congress in November elections and he faces other challenges-a worsening war in Afghanistan and storm clouds over the economy. Yesterday’s deadline was to some extent a symbolic one.

The 50,000 US soldiers staying on in Iraq for another 16 months are a formidable and heavily-armed force. Iraqi security forces have already been taking the lead since a bilateral security pact came into force in 2009. US soldiers pulled out of Iraqi towns and cities in June last year.

Nevertheless, Iraqis are apprehensive as US military might is scaled down, especially amid a political impasse six months after an inconclusive election. “We’ll be just fine, they’ll be just fine,” US Vice President Joe Biden said after flying into Baghdad on Monday to mark the end of combat operations and to urge Iraqi leaders to speed up

the formation of a new government.

“Notwithstanding what the national press says about increased violence, the truth is things are very much different.

Things are much safer,” Biden told Maliki yesterday before their meeting was closed to the media. Toppled dictator Saddam Hussein’s outlawed Baath party crowed that the US pullback was a result of “devastating” strikes against US troops by Iraqi resistance fighters.

“They withdrew dragging tails of failure and defeat, leaving by the same roads they used as invaders,” it said in a statement carried by Iraqi websites. “The end of the US combat mission in Iraq is a useless attempt to save face, if any is left.” US officials said Washington had a long-term commitment to Iraq, and the military pullback would allow diplomats to take the lead in building economic, cultural and educational ties. For that they need a new Iraqi government to be in place.

Violence has declined sharply since the peak in 2006/07 of the sectarian slaughter unleashed by the invasion, but a recent series of attacks has rung alarm bells. The animosity that led to carnage between majority Shiites and once dominant Sunnis has not healed, and a potentially explosive

dispute between Arabs and Kurds has not been resolved. More than 1.5 million Iraqis are still displaced after being driven from their homes by violence. Many live in squalor.

Many Iraqis had hoped the March 7 election would chart a path toward stability at a time when deals to develop the country’s vast oilfields hold the promise of prosperity.

Instead, the ballot could widen ethnic and sectarian rifts if the actual vote leader, expremier Iyad Allawi’s Sunni-backed crosssectarian Iraqiya alliance, is excluded from power by the major Shiite-led political factions. “I promise you the sectarian war will not return. We will not allow it. Iraqis will live as loving brothers,” Maliki said.

Suspected Sunni Islamist insurgents linked to Al-Qaeda have tried to exploit the political vacuum and declining US troop numbers with suicide bombings and assassinations. They have targeted security forces in particular. A suicide bomber killed 57 army recruits and soldiers on Aug 17 and more than 60 died on Aug 25 in attacks on police stations. Iraqis also fear that Shiite Iran will seek to fill any vacuum left by the US military, in competition with Sunni-led neighbors such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia. — Reuters

‘Prostitute Bruni deserves death’ Continued from Page 1 Kayhan said. Bruni, Sarkozy’s third wife, angered Kayhan by signing a petition along with several other French celebrities for the release of Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani, the 43-year-old mother of two whose sentence to death by stoning has generated an international outcry. Defending Mohammadi-Ashtiani in an open letter, Bruni vowed that France and her husband would not abandon her. She criticized the stoning sentence, saying: “Why shed your blood and deprive your children of their mother?

Because you have lived, because you have loved, because you’re a woman, and because you’re an Iranian? Everything within me refuses to accept this.” Human rights officials in the Iranian judiciary say Mohammadi-Ashtiani was sentenced to death for adultery in a case that also got her a 10-year jail term for participating in her husband’s murder.

Iran says it has yet to take a final deci-

sion on the stoning. France said the insults against Bruni were “unacceptable.” “The insults in the daily Kayhan and picked up by Iranian websites against several French figures, including Mrs Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, are unacceptable,” foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said. “We’re making this message known by normal diplomatic channels.”

Earlier this year, Sarkozy and BruniSarkozy were forced to deny unsourced Internet rumors that they had both had affairs. Prior to her marriage to the president, Bruni-Sarkozy made no secret of not being monogamous.

The Iranian foreign ministry, meanwhile, on Tuesday joined in criticism of the media attacks on Bruni. “Insulting officials of other countries and using indecent words is not endorsed by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said yesterday. “I hope the media will pay attention. The media can criticize the hostile policies of other countries, but by refraining from using

insulting words. This is not correct.”

Kayhan, whose managing director and chief editor is appointed by Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, launched a vitriolic attack on Bruni on Saturday. The newspaper made a blistering assault in a story headlined “French prostitutes enter the human rights uproar,” in which it criticized Bruni and French actress Isabelle Adjani for supporting Mohammadi-Ashtiani.

“Br uni, the singer and depraved actress who managed to break the Sarkozy family and marry the French president and who is said to have an affair with a singer, has said in S M’s (Sakineh Mohammadi) defense that the verdict is unfair,” Kayhan wrote. On Monday, the website www.inn.ir branded Br uni a “husband cheater.” “This promiscuous woman of Italian origin, due to her race and actions, is not popular among the French people,” the website of government-run Iran group of news outlets said. — AFP

ed the arrests, a claim not confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security.

ABC also said the pair was charged with “preparing a terrorist attack,” but US law enforcement officials told The New York Times that the men had not been charged and incident may have been a misunderstanding. The men boarded United Airlines flight 908 from Chicago, Illinois to Amsterdam despite apparently raising a slew of security concerns beginning in Birmingham, Alabama, where Soofi reportedly started his journey.

Airport screeners there stopped him because of his “bulky clothing.” But as no explosives were discovered, Soofi was cleared to fly to Chicago.

Several US media sources reported that he checked his luggage on a flight bound from Chicago for the Yemeni capital Sanaa, with scheduled stops in both Dulles International Airport-just outside Washington-and Dubai.

Reports said that officials at Dulles Airport, upon realizing that Soofi was not on the same plane as his bag, recalled the flight and removed the luggage. But The New York Times, which reported both men were US residents, said Soofi checked his bag onto a Yemen-bound flight from Birmingham, parting ways

with his luggage in Alabama and not Illinois.

CBS News said the men had no links to each other and investigations were focused solely on Soofi. The White House spokesman said officials were still piecing together exactly how events unfolded. “They went through some extra screening,” Gibbs said. “Their bags were pulled off of a flight because they were not on that flight. So obviously extra precautions were taken as some of these circumstances popped up, and now obviously the next step is getting some answers to why those curious circumstances happened in the first place,” he said. The Times quoted a man claiming to be Soofi’s cousin as saying his relative’s luggage contents were not surprising, as he had probably been taking electronic equipment and medication back home and had simply taped together items intended for the same recipient.

Dutch counterterrorism expert Edwin Bakker said it was possible the incident may have amounted to “a test of the counterterrorism measures in place” at Schiphol. “The fact that they did not take the same flight as their luggage is a good reason to interrogate them,” he added.

“It is very strange.” — AFP

me with your advice in private, and avoid advising me in public. Surely giving advice among the people is a kind of reproach, which I would rather not listen to. If you disobey and ignore my wish, don’t be saddened if you are not obeyed.

Mercy is required from a father to his children. This matter was previously discussed in the lesson (No. 18) on how we train our children.

The mercy of the father or mother toward her children has the greatest effect on their integrity, well-being and obedience. Self-praise and harshness only open the door to despair. The Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: ‘Kindness was never bestowed upon something except that it beautified it, and it was never removed from that thing

except that it made it ugly.’

O you who fast and cause hunger to your stomach, there are thousands of stomachs more awaiting a meal. Will there not arise from among you those who would feed them? O you who fast and cause thirst to your liver, there are thousands more who await a mouthful of water.

Will there not arise from among you those who would quench their thirst? O you who fast and wear the finest garments, there are naked people out there awaiting only a piece of cloth to cover their bodies.

Will there not then come forth from among you those who would clothe them? O Allah! We implore your extended mercy that will forgive our sins and erase our misdeeds and errors. — www.zawaj.com

2 held over terror plot Continued from Page 1 concealing “mock bombs” in their luggage in possible preparation for a future attack. “We’re going to do a vigorous investigation to see if we can match up any of the circumstances that were involved with any intelligence that we might have,” White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told CNN television.

“The intelligence community and law enforcement are busy looking through all of these events as we speak,” he said, adding neither of the men was on US surveillance lists. The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that “the items were not deemed to be dangerous in and of themselves” and a law enforcement official said the men “did not have prohibited items on their persons or their carry on luggage.”

“As far as we know, national security has not been endangered,” Judith Sluiter, a spokeswoman for the Dutch National Coordinator for Counterterrorism said.

Dutch officials were due to hold a news conference at 1400 GMT. ABC News, which first reported the incident, identified the men as Ahmed Mohamed Nasser al-Soofi, of Detroit, Michigan, and Hezam Al-Murisi. It said US officials had request-

Month of Mercy- II Continued from Page 1 those whom he is inviting with tenderness. That he should, moreover, clarify issues to them with concern. He should not hurt, defame people or even revile the disobedient in public. Allah advised Moses and Aaron to employ the following methods in their call to the tyrant Pharaoh: ‘But speak unto him in a mild manner, so that he might bethink himself or [at least] be filled with apprehension’ (20:44).

He also says: ‘Call you [all mankind] unto thy Sustainer’s path with wisdom and goodly exhortation, And argue with them in the most kindly manner’ (16:125). The eminent jurist and Islamic scholar, Imam al Shafe’e wrote: Support

15

SPORTS

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

MLB results/standings Major League Baseball results on Monday: NY Yankees 11, Oakland 5; Chicago White Sox 10, Cleveland 6 (11 innings); Tampa Bay 6, Toronto 2; Atlanta 9, NY Mets 3; Cincinnati 5, Milwaukee 4 (10 innings); Chicago Cubs 14, Pittsburgh 2; Houston 3, St. Louis 0; Texas 3, Kansas City 0; Washington 9, Florida 3; Arizona 7, San Diego 2; LA Angels 5, Seattle 3; LA Dodgers 3, Philadelphia 0; Colorado 2, San Francisco 1.

American League Eastern Division W L PCT NY Yankees 81 50 .618 Tampa Bay 81 50 .618 Boston 74 57 .565 Toronto 68 63 .519 Baltimore 48 83 .366 Central Division Minnesota 75 56 .573 Chicago White Sox 71 60 4 Detroit 65 66 .496 Kansas City 55 76 .420 Cleveland 53 78 .405 Western Division Texas 74 57 .565 Oakland 65 65 .500 LA Angels 64 68 .485 Seattle 51 80 .389 Nationa l Lea gue Eastern Division Atlanta 76 55 .580 Philadelphia 73 58 .557 Florida 65 65 .500 NY Mets 65 66 .496 Washington 57 75 .432 Central Division Cincinnati 76 55 .580 St Louis 69 60 .535 Milwaukee 62 69 .473 Houston 60 71 .458 Chicago Cubs 56 76 .424 Pittsburgh 43 88 .328 Western Division San Diego 76 54 .585 San Francisco 72 60 .545 Colorado 69 61 .531 LA Dodgers 68 64 .515 Arizona 53 79 .402

GB 7 13 33 .542 10 20 22 8.5 10.5 23 3 10.5 11 19.5 6 14 16 20.5 33 5 7 9 24

ATLANTA: Braves’ Jason Heyward (22) scores on a Martin Prado base hit as New York Mets catcher Josh Thole waits for the ball in the sixth inning of a baseball game. — AP

Dodgers blank Phillies, Reds edge Brewers LOS ANGELES: Hiroki Kuroda took a no-hitter into the eighth inning and Rod Barajas homered in his home debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-0 Monday night.

Kuroda walked Jayson Werth in the eighth before Raul Ibanez reached on a fielder’s choice groundout.

Shane Victorino, hitless in seven career at-bats against Kuroda, hit a clean line-drive single to right field on Kuroda’s 97th pitch of the game to break up the no-hitter. Kuroda hit Werth with a pitch in the second and walked Carlos Ruiz in the sixth.

The 35-year-old right-hander from Japan beat Roy Halladay, who tossed a perfect game against Florida on May 29, winning 1-0. Kuroda (10-11) struck out seven in 7 2-3 innings for his second straight win.

Halladay (16-10) allowed three runs and 10 hits in seven innings, struck out four and walked one. It was the fourth time he gave up 10 or more hits this season, and the most since he allowed 13 at Cincinnati on June 30.

Reds 5, Brewers 4 At Cincinnati, Jay Bruce singled off Trevor Hoffman with two outs in the 10th inning as the Reds rallied for a narrow victory over the Milwaukee Brewers and extended their National League Central lead to a season-high six games.

The Reds are pulling away from second-place St. Louis, which lost at Houston 3-0. The six-game lead is Cincinnati biggest since 1995, the last time the Reds reached the playoffs. Hoffman (2-7) walked Ryan Hanigan to open the 10th. Pinch-runner Brandon Phillips stopped at second on Chris Heisey’s two-out single. Bruce, who led off the Reds’ first with a homer, then singled through the hole at shortstop to end it. Francisco Cordero (5-4) gave up a single in the 10th.

Astros 3, Cardinals 0 At Houston, J.A. Happ threw a two-hitter, and rookie Brett Wallace had a career-high three hits and drove in a run to help the Houston beat struggling St. Louis. It was another tough loss for the Cardinals, who have dropped six of seven and

entered the day five games behind Cincinnati in the NL Central race. Happ earned his fourth complete game and third shutout of his career. The Astros acquired the 27-year-old in the deal that sent Roy Oswalt to the Phillies last month. Happ (5-2), who hadn’t gone longer than 6 1-3 innings this season, struck out four and walked one.

Braves 9, Mets 3 At Atlanta, Jason Heyward homered and drove in four runs, and Martin Prado drove in three runs as NL East-leading Atlanta downed New York.

Heyward had four hits, including a three-run homer off Pat Misch in the second inning. He has five homers in August after hitting only one in June and July, when he was slowed by a thumb injury.

Jair Jurrjens (6-4) gave up six hits and matched his career high with six walks, but his eight strikeouts helped him limit the Mets to three runs in 5 23 innings.

Cubs 14, Pirates 2 At Chicago, Carlos Zambrano allowed one

unearned run in 5 1-3 innings and hit a two-run homer to lead Chicago past Pittsburgh.

Aramis Ramirez was 2 for 3 with four RBIs to help Mike Quade win his first game at Wrigley Field as manager and improve to 5-2 since taking over for Lou Piniella on Aug. 23.

The Cubs scored seven times on seven hits in the fourth and were 7 for 7 to start the inning. They brought 11 batters to the plate in the inning to knock out Pirates starter Paul Maholm (7-13). Zambrano (6-6) struck out seven and pitched around four walks.

Rockies 2, Giants 1 At San Francisco, Carlos Gonzalez hit a tying triple with no outs in the ninth and scored on second baseman Freddy Sanchez’s second throwing error of the game. The Giants squandered a key chance to gain ground on the first-place San Diego Padres in the NL West and the Phillies in the wild-card race after both those teams lost. Instead, San Francisco still sits five games back in the division and 11/2 games behind Philadelphia. Giants starter Jonathan

White Sox pound Indians CLEVELAND: Brent Lillibridge atoned for a costly error in the ninth inning by hitting a two-out homer in the 11th as the Chicago White Sox beat the Cleveland Indians 10-6 on Monday. The win came just hours after Chicago officially claimed Manny Ramirez off waivers.

Lillibridge entered in the seventh, when second baseman Gordon Beckham left after being hit on the right hand with a pitch. In the ninth, Lillibridge bare-handed a high hopper but threw past first, helping the Indians tie it at 6.

He came up in the 10th with one homer in 58 at-bats and in a 2 for 27 rut before connecting off Rafael Perez (4-1). Alex Rios homered, drove in four runs and had five of Chicago’s 21 hits as the White Sox won for just the sixth time in 15 games. Scott Linebrink (2-1) pitched two scoreless innings for the White Sox, who added Ramirez to help get them back to October.

Rays 6, Blue Jays 2 At St. Petersburg, Florida, Carlos Pena homered and drove in four runs and Wade Davis won his sixth straight decision as Tampa Bay beat Toronto. Pena made it 5-1 with a three-run homer off Brett Cecil (11-7) in the third.

Davis (11-9) allowed two runs and six hits in 7 2-3 innings. The right-hander has the longest winning streak by a rookie in franchise history. He had shared with Jeff Niemann (2008) and Victor Zambrano (2001).

Chad Qualls replaced Davis with two on and two outs in the eighth and struck out Jose Bautista, who leads the majors with 42 home runs.

Aaron Hill hit his 20th homer of the season for the Blue Jays.

Yankees 11, Athletics 5 At New York, Robinson Cano, Mark Teixeira as New York punished Trevor Cahill for the second time this season, emphatically ending the All-Star’s run of pitching excellence in a win over Oakland.

Marcus Thames hit a three-run

Nationals 9, Marlins 3 At Miami, Adam Dunn and Ryan Zimmerman each hit three-run home runs to lead Washington to victory in a game that started three hours late due to rain. Jason Marquis (1-7) won his first game in nearly a year, pitching 5 2-3 innings and giving up three runs. Hanley Ramirez and Brett Hayes homered for the Marlins.

Zimmerman’s three-run blast off Alex Sanabia (3-2) in the third inning hit off the facing of the upperdeck in left field knocking out a light panel on the out-of-town scoreboard. His 25th homer gave the Nationals a 4-1 lead. Dunn’s three-run shot off Brian Sanches — his 33rd — extended the Nationals advantage to 8-3 in the seventh. He also hit an RBI double. — AP

Death overshadows best finish for Spies

shot to extend his home run streak and New York (81-50) got back-toback long balls from Teixeira and Cano to move a season-best 31 games over .500. Nick Swisher added three hits and three RBIs, including a two-run double in the first inning that helped the Yankees erase a 3-0 deficit.

Still, they couldn’t shake Tampa Bay atop the AL East. The Yankees and Rays, who beat Toronto 6-2, remained tied for first place for the eighth straight day. Cahill was touched up for six runs by New York in six innings of a 6-1 loss at home July 6, when Alex Rodriguez hit a grand slam and a solo homer off the right-hander.

Rangers 3, Royals 0 At Kansas City, Missouri, CJ Wilson allowed two hits over 7 2-3 innings as Texas blanked Kansas City. Wilson (14-5) improved to 7-0 in nine starts since the All-Star break. It is the most victories in the majors in that span, one ahead of Minnesota’s Francisco Liriano (60).

Wilson allowed only a scratch hit to Willie Bloomquist until the eighth inning, when Jai Miller singled to center. The left-hander, who had a complete-game win over the Royals in May, struck out six and walked four.

Angels 5, Mariners 3 At Seattle, Bobby Abreu, Hideki Matsui, and Peter Bourjos all homered in the sixth inning for the visitors. Ervin Santana (14-9) allowed two runs and eight hits in 7 2-3 innings to win for the sixth time in eight decisions.

Kevin Jepsen got the final out in the eighth and Fernando Rodney worked the ninth to earn his seventh save in 10 opportunities. It was his first save since June 18. David Pauley (2-6) gave up all three Angels homers to make it 4-0.

Bourjos’ homer ended a 31inning drought for the Angels. The club record was 33, set in 1963 and matched in 2004. — AP

Sanchez carried a shutout bid into the ninth then gave way to All-Star closer Brian Wilson (3-2) after a leadoff walk to Dexter Fowler. Rafael Betancourt (5-1) pitched the eighth for the win, then Huston Street finished for his 13th save in 17 chances.

Rockie starter Jorge De La Rosa struck out nine to match his season high.

NEW YORK: Yankees’ Jorge Posada follows through on an RBI single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox. — AP

INDIANAPOLIS: American Ben Spies had a bittersweet taste in his mouth after finishing second in the Indianapolis MotoGP just hours after a 13-year-old had become the youngest rider to die in a crash at the venue.

In a race sanctioned by the US Grand Prix Racers Union, Peter Lenz fell off his bike and landed on the track during a warmup lap at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday.

The American teenager tried to get up but was then struck by a 12-year-old rider. Lenz was given medical treatment trackside and died hours later in hospital.

“I was riding my heart out for him (Lenz),” Spies told reporters after finishing second in the main event behind Spaniard Dani Pedrosa, the American’s best finish in his first full season in MotoGP. “It definitely did put a damper before the race but, when the green flag goes, you’ve got to look straight ahead and hope it will give me some motivation out there.

“You try to put the stuff out of your head as much as you can but ... he had been injured just over a year ago and I sent some stuff to him when he was in the hospital.”

Lenz, who began racing aged just five, was sidelined for the second half of last year after breaking several bones in a crash at Portland International Raceway.

His death on Sunday came as a devastating blow for twice former superbike world champion Colin Edwards, who knew the young rider and his father very well.

“I was shattered after I heard the news,” said Edwards, who retired from the Indianapolis MotoGP after 17 laps because of tyre trouble.

“I have known Peter for a while and am good friends with him and his dad. They were in and out of my motorhome this weekend and when I heard the news my heart ached. In the end, I decided to race. I knew it was what I had to do.”

The death of Lenz, the first at the famous ‘brickyard’ circuit since IndyCar driver Tony Renna was killed during testing in Oct. 2003, is certain to spark debate over whether young riders should be competing at such venues.

Spies, the 2009 superbike world champion who began riding in the 125cc class aged 12, had no doubts.

“It’s a normal racetrack and racing incidents happen,” the 26-year-old said. “From what I understand, it was a pure racing accident.

“The fact is, it’s going to happen again at some point to somebody and we hate it, but we know what’s going on when we put a helmet on. We know what can happen.” —Reuters

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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Charlotte might host PGA Championship RALEIGH: Since Quail Hollow Club returned to the PGA Tour in 2003, big-name golfers from Tiger Woods to Phil Mickelson have said the Charlotte course could be the site for a major championship.

That will come in 2017 when it will host the PGA Championship, the final major of each pro season. A state government official with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Monday that the PGA of America will make a formal announcement late yesterday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity so as not to preempt the official announcement.

Quail Hollow’s difficult but fair old-style layout has drawn one of the top non-major fields of the year. Tiger Woods, who won there in 2007, chose Charlotte as his first non-major tournament after he missed much of the beginning of this season when his extramarital affairs were exposed. While Woods missed the cut, he said a year earlier that Quail Hollow would be a good spot for a U.S. Open or PGA Championship.

“You add rough, make it a par-70 and there you go,” he said. Added Geoff Ogilvy during last May’s event: “It’s a course that feels a step above, challenge-wise. ... I think if we all turned up here and had a US Open or PGA (Championship), it would feel like a normal US Open or a PGA. It does feel like a major kind of place.” Gov. Beverly Perdue, Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx and club president Johnny Harris all are expected at Tuesday’s announcement, a public relations firm said. Quail Hollow’s first major will be part of a busy time for the Carolinas hosting golf’s biggest events.

The 2012 PGA Championship will be at Kiawah Island, South Carolina. In 2014 Pinehurst, North Carolina’s famed No. 2 course will host the men’s and women’s US Opens in consecutive weeks.

Harris said in May he was interested in Quail Hollow hosting a big event, whether it was a PGA Championship or Ryder Cup. PGA officials have made numerous trips to the course as they decided on the tournament in 2017, the earliest year in which the course hadn’t been picked.

Quail Hollow will have a slightly different look because the calendar year’s last major is in August. The warm, late-summer date will mean the course will be entirely played on Bermuda grass. The May PGA Tour event is played on over seeded rye.

That would mean what’s now called the Wells Fargo Championship continues past the bank’s title sponsor deal of 2014, it likely wouldn’t be held at Quail Hollow in 2017 so officials can prepare for the PGA. The course will also likely make other changes — some in response to Mickelson’s criticism earlier this year. While he’s said the course is major-worthy, Mickelson was critical of the 12th and 18th greens. Harris has said he would consider tweaks to both.

Getting picked for the PGA Championship is a coup for the private club and the city of Charlotte, a banking city hit hard by the financial crisis. It’s expected to being in thousands of visitors and pump millions of dollars into the economy. Next year’s PGA Championship will be held at Atlanta Athletic Club.—AP

WINNIPEG: Michelle Wie tees off on the third hole during the final round of the Canadian Women’s Open golf tournament in this file photo. —AP

Canadian victory could lead to Wie’s revival LOS ANGELES: Michelle Wie served notice she could finally be on track to fulfil the rich potential she displayed in her early teens by clinching her second LPGA career title at the Canadian Women’s Open.

The 20-year-old Hawaiian completed a wire-to-wire victory at St. Charles Country Club in Winnipeg on Sunday, giving seasoned Tour campaigner Suzann Pettersen a timely reminder of her talent.

“She’s a great player,” Norwegian Pettersen told reporters after Wie had held off a high-quality field to triumph by three shots.

“I’m surprised she’s not up there more often because she’s a great ball striker.

When she gets her game together, she’s tough to beat.”

Wie claimed her breakthrough win on the US circuit at the Lorena Ochoa Invitational in Mexico last November and she was delighted to follow that up in Canada at the weekend.

“It feels awesome,” a beaming Wie said after being sprayed with champagne by her good friend and fellow professional Christina Kim. “It feels absolutely fantastic.

“It’s been a long time since November. I haven’t been playing as well as I wanted to the last couple of months, and this makes me more motivated for the rest of the season.”

Blessed with abundant talent, KoreanAmerican Wie turned professional at 15 under a mountain of expectation after signing endorsement deals believed to be worth

$10 million a year.

She joined the paid ranks in 2005 as golf’s richest female and one of the highest paid athletes in women’s sport. Swede Annika Sorenstam, the world number one at the time, earned around $6 million a year in endorsements.

Surprisingly, it took another four years before Wie finally visited the winner’s circle, a trying period as she battled injuries, putting woes and criticism from many of her peers for her sporadic attempts to make the cut on the men’s PGA Tour.

Golf’s most trumpeted teenager since Tiger Woods, she came under intense media scrutiny as she strived to land a first tournament victory since the 2003 U.S. women’s amateur public links title aged 13.

Wallabies seek consistency to compete with top teams DURBAN: Australia need to find some consistency in their game if they want to start winning regularly against top-flight opposition, Wallabies’ assistant coach Jim Williams said yesterday.

The Australians lost their Tri-Nations clash 44-31 against South Africa in Pretoria last Saturday despite holding a 21-7 lead early in the first half.

In the second half, the Wallabies were left to rue a succession of set-piece failures and an inability to finish off scoring opportunities but Williams refused to blame the loss on any particular aspect of the team’s performance.

“I suppose it’s not down to one thing, it’s the ability to play well on the day,” Williams told reporters. “It’s about getting consistency; we’ve worked hard on preparation this week to ensure we address problems from last weekend and are nice and positive for this Saturday.”

Williams added that Australia’s problems in the setpiece, especially lineouts, were something that would be worked on in the build-up to Australia’s clash with South Africa in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

“If you break it down, there were four lineouts lost and it came down to technique with throwing on a couple of times and the options that we took inside their 22. It’s just a matter of taking the right options and make sure we stick to our plan.”

Williams’ fellow assistant coach Richard Graham echoed his colleague’s sentiments about the team needing to find consistency in their game. “The thing with any performance is to be consistent over a period of time,” Graham explained.

“It’s a young group and the more times we are put in situations like we were at the week-

end then I think you’ll see us consistently becoming better in those aspects,” he said.

Meanwhile, South Africa coach Peter de Villiers yesterday made one change to his starting line-up for Saturday’s Tri-Nations test against Australia in Bloemfontein.

Lock Danie Rossouw, who has been struggling with a hip injury, returns to the starting XV after two weeks on the bench, swapping with Flip van der Merwe, the 25-year-old who impressed in his first TriNations starts over the last fortnight.

De Villiers also made one injury-enforced change on the bench, with Gio Aplon replacing Bath flyhalf Butch James who injured his shoulder when making a thumping tackle in last weekend’s 44-31 win over the Wallabies in Pretoria.

The match is the Springboks’ last in this year’s Tri-Nations, with New Zealand having already clinched the title. Some critics have suggested De Villiers should rest his senior players for Saturday’s match.

“I wasn’t tempted to make more changes, all our focus is on this one game and we can only take our future planning from there afterwards,” De Villiers told a news conference on Tuesday.

The coach said he was still keeping a close eye on other players, especially hooker Bismarck du Plessis and loosehead prop Tendai Mtawarira.

Du Plessis recently returned from a neck injury, while Zimbabwe-born Mtawarira has not played a test this year after a controversy over his eligibility to play for South Africa.

“Both will be back at the end of the year and in top form. It’s good to have competition in the team,” De Villiers said. —Reuters

With her parents always in close attendance, Wie appeared to be micro-managed as one of the game’s most marketable figures without ever justifying all the hype by winning.

To her credit, though, she earned her Tour card in late 2008 the hard way, at qualifying school, and was then selected for the 2009 Solheim Cup where she produced redhot form on her debut in the biennial competition.

The youngest player on either side, she revelled in the team atmosphere and won 31/2points from a possible four as the US beat Europe 16-12 in Sugar Grove, Illinois.

“For anybody who’s said Michelle Wie can’t play under pressure, I think they were proven wrong,” U.S. captain Beth Daniel

said. “She did everything, and more than we asked of her. She was like walking on air.”

Invigorated and inspired by her Solheim Cup experience, Wie went on to record three top-four finishes in her next five LPGA Tour starts, including her win in Mexico.

Despite mixing her student life at Stanford University with a burgeoning career on the LPGA circuit, Wie appears to have finally struck the right balance in her approach to the game.

She appears to be enjoying golf once again and maturing- both on and off the course. The lofty golfing predictions made of Wie when she dazzled onlookers in her very early teens now seem to be attainable for the tall Hawaiian. —-Reuters

Galthie looks to claim Toulouse scalp

Danie Rossouw (front) in action in this file photo

PARIS: Former France captain Fabien Galthie suffered heartbreaking defeats in his former coaching post with Stade Francais at the hands of Toulouse but late yesterday his present club Montpellier will be looking to continue their strong start to the Top 14 campaign and beat the European champions.

Some eyebrows were raised when 41-year-old Galthie — who lost a European Cup final and French championship semi-final when Stade coach to Toulouse — ended his two year hiatus at club level and agreed to coach Montpellier alongside Eric Bechu.

However, with successive victories against Racing-Metro and then even more impressively away at 2009 champions Perpignan - their first home defeat since September 2008 - it is a gamble that is paying immediate dividends.

The season is young but Montpellier could make themselves into serious contenders should they first see off leaders Toulouse - who won a bruising encounter over Stade Francais at the weekend - and then champions Clermont next Sunday. Victory for Montpellier would see them leapfrog Toulouse and possibly even go top should Clermont lose to Racing-Metro but the hosts French international backrow forward Fulgence Ouedraogo says it will be difficult to prepare well for the clash.

“It will be difficult for us,” conceded Ouedraogo, who will return to the starting line-up along with fellow France international Francois Trinh-Duc as Galthie makes swinging changes from the 16-6 win over Perpignan. “We have to try and recuperate as best we can and iron out some mistakes we made. The win over Perpignan has done wonders for morale but we have insufficient time to prepare for the match with Toulouse,” added the 24-yearold Burkina Faso born star.

Clermont have recovered well after Perpignan gained a measure of revenge for their defeat in last season’s Top 14 final — the first time Clermont won the domestic title on their 11th championship final appearance — by beating them in the opening match of this campaign. —AFP

Shooter Hussa Al-Zayed seen in a file photo

Osaimi lauds Hussa’s achievement KUWAIT: Kuwaiti shooter Hussa Al-Zayed, despite all adversity was able to score 391 points out of 400 in the preliminaries of the Youth Olympic in Singapore, and scored 492.7 out of 500 in the finals, securing 8th place among participants.

Hussa did not train or prepare well for the tournament as she is currently studying engineering in Colorado, USA, and did not participate in any sort of tournament for one complete year.

Kuwait Shooting Sports Club secretary General Obeid Al-Osaimi lauded the achievement, as an unprecedented, for a shooter who did not participate in any local or international tournaments,

since she went to university, and did not shoot for a long time.

He said Hussa should be proud because she is the only female Arab shooter who participated in the finals, despite the extensive preparations the Arab shooters made before the events.

Al-Osaimi thanked the technical apparatus which exerted great efforts with the shooter during her short stay in Kuwait, enabling her to reach this major standard.

He said the KSSC and shooting community are very happy with this achievement, and looking for more as there are many promising shooters available.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Football star’s hair insured for $1m

American football star Troy Polamalu LOS ANGELES: American football star Troy Polamalu has a price on his head-with an anti-dandruff shampoo brand taking out a $1 million insurance policy on his trademark mane of black ringlets.

Head & Shoulders said on Monday it had taken a $1 million Lloyd’s of London policy on the locks of Pittsburgh Steelers’ Polamalu, the Super Bowl-winning safety.

Polamalu, 29, who was born in the United States but is of Samoan descent, says he has not cut his year since 2000. He has been a spokesman for the Procter & Gamble Co <PG.N> brand for two years.

“They’ve created the first ever insurance policy to protect his iconic mane for the entire NFL season,” Procter & Gamble said in a statement.

Polamalu, a fivetimes Pro Bowl selection, suffered some injuries last year but is back in the game and expected to be the backbone of his side’s defense this season.

His hair has come under attack on the field before, with Larry Johnson of the Chiefs tackling Polamalu by the hair in a 2006 game, but no details were given of exactly what damage to his hair would trigger a claim on the insurance policy.

Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals released wide receiver Antonio Bryant before he could make an appearance, opting to put their faith in the experienced hands of Terrell Owens.

Cincinnati had

agreed a four-year deal worth $28 million with Bryant in March, according to local media, but a knee injury kept him out of the team’s pre-season games and the Bengals confirmed his release on their website (bengals.com) on Sunday.

Bryant was initially chosen by the team over Owens after both players worked out in March, however, Bryant’s inability to recover from injury, and the signing of Owens in July, led to the team going back on their original decision.

A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens, 36, made 55 catches for the Buffalo Bills last season. Cincinnati will open their regular season on Sept. 12 at the New England Patriots.

Meanwhile, Kansas City rookie linebacker Cameron Sheffield was released from hospital Saturday after injurying his neck in a helmet-tohelment tackle in an NFL pre-season game.

The Chiefs said in a statement Saturday that Sheffield has movement in all of his extremities.

Sheffield, who is competing for a job as a backup, was hurt on Friday night when his helmet made contact with Mike Bell’s helmet as Sheffield took down the Philadelpia running back near the Chiefs’ sideline.

Trainers and coaches tended to Sheffield on the field for several minutes before his body was immobilized and he was lifted onto a cart.

Sheffield was conscious and talking to team officials as he was taken from the field.

—Agencies

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SPORTS

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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Gatlin gets first real test of comeback ROVERETO: Former Olympic 100-meter champion Justin Gatlin is looking forward to the first serious test of his return from a four-year doping ban.

In yesterday’s Palio della Quercia meet, the American will face three runners who have beaten the 10-second mark this season: Johan Blake (9.89) and Mario Forsythe (9.95) of Jamaica and Ryan Bailey (9.88) of the United States. Bailey and Forsythe set their times in Sunday’s Rieti Grand Prix.

Gatlin has posted victories at three minor meets in Estonia and Finland since being cleared to compete again, although his fastest time was 10.17.

“When you have a race like this here, where you have guys coming off running 9.8’s and keep having season’s bests after every race you don’t really look for a time, you just try to go out there and compete with them and the time will come,” Gatlin said in an interview with The Associated Press on Monday.

“I don’t want to bog my mind down with too much. I’m just going to worry about technically running a good race and giving some good competition.” Gatlin won gold in the 100 at the 2004 Athens Olympics in 9.85, then tested positive in April 2006 for excessive testosterone.

He used to command expensive appearance fees, but meet director Luigo D’Onofrio said the only money Gatlin will take home here is a small prize if he finishes in the top six, just like most other entrants. The first-place prize is euro 1,800 ($2,285). “We wouldn’t have accepted anything else,” D’Onofrio said.

“If he wants to race under the same conditions of everyone else — just for the prize money — I have no problem. Gatlin is a great person. Of course he did something he shouldn’t have, but he paid the price for it.”

Gatlin is just happy to have the chance of earning any money at all.

“Well, when you go from four years of not making anything to making something here and there, it’s a good thing,” he said.

“The faster you run and the better you compete, the more doors open — that’s how track and field is.”

Gatlin now trains under speed technician Loren Seagrave, who once worked with former world record-holder Donovan Bailey, and Seagrave’s associate Rana Rieder.

During his glory years, he was coached by Trevor Graham, who was given a lifetime ban by the US Anti-Doping Agency for his role in helping athletes obtain performanceenhancing drugs.

Graham also coached Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery, who were both tainted by doping. “It’s been a tough transition,” Gatlin said. “My running style is a little different, I’m not as strong as I wish to be upper body and I still have some aches and pains in my quads and things like that, but hopefully this is just a prelude for me to go out there and run even better next year.”

After Rovereto, Gatlin will hop on a train to a meet in Padua.

These minor meets are quite a change from the jet-set circuit where Gatlin used to compete _ in all the major cities.

“I feel like I’m backpacking through

Europe,” he said. “It makes me feel like a rookie all over again, which is not a bad thing.

I think anybody would give an arm or a leg to start their career over again.” The long-term goals for Gatlin start with next year’s US trials, where he hopes to qualify for the American team at the world championships in Daegu, South Korea. Then, of course, there’s the 2012 London Olympics.

“I think I’ve always been a championship-style runner,” he said. “I think that coming back at this point in time has given me a running start into these championship years to come.” —AP

Tributes paid as former Tour winner Fignon dies

ISTANBUL: USA’s Rudy Gay puts up a shot as Brazil’s Alex Garcia defends during the preliminary round of the World Basketball Championship. —AP

US survives test, edge Brazil ISTANBUL: The United States survived its first tough test at the world championships, edging Brazil 70-68 on Monday when Leandro Barbosa’s shot rattled out at the buzzer.

Kevin Durant scored 27 points and Chauncey Billups added 15 for the Americans (3-0), who essentially clinched Group B with the victory.

But this was further proof that a world title won’t come easily for this young US team — if it comes at all.

After the Americans trailed most of the first 21/2 quarters, Lamar Odom’s dunk with 7:14 left put them ahead 64-62. But they couldn’t build on the lead during a tense final few minutes, and Brazil had two chances to send the game to overtime.

Following a miss by Billups, Brazil got the ball and Marcelo Huertas was fouled on a drive to the basket with 3.5 seconds remaining. He missed the first free throw and then the second

intentionally, tracking it down in the corner and firing it underneath to Barbosa, who put up a shot over Kevin Love, only to have it bounce off the back and front of the rim.

Barbosa finished with 14 points after a strong start for Brazil (2-1). Marcus Vinicius scored 16, and Tiago Splitter had 13 while battling foul trouble in the second half. Also in Group B, Iran (1-2) earned its first victory ever at the world championship by beating Tunisia

ANKARA: Ivory Coast’s Mouloukou Diabate jumps for the ball during their World Basketball Championship preliminary round match against Russia. — AP

(0-3) behind 23 points and 13 rebounds from Hamed Haddadi of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Uros Slokar and Jaka Lakovic scored 15 points each, and Slovenia (2-1) beat Croatia 9184 in the first game of the day in Istanbul.

Croatia (1-2) shot 55 percent from 3-point range but was only 15 of 26 from the foul line.

With NBA big men Nene, Anderson Varejao and Splitter, Brazil was considered one of the teams with enough size to topple the undersized Americans. Nene had to pull out with an injury and Varejao sat out again while continuing to rest a sprained right ankle, so the Brazilians turned to a speed game to lead for much of the game.

They just couldn’t finish the upset, leaving the Americans needing only a victory over Iran or Tunisia, the bottom two teams in Group B, or another Brazil loss to earn the top seed from the group and three full days off before meeting the No. 4 seed from Group A on Sept. 6.

The Americans have plenty to work on before worrying about that, after needing a huge night from Durant and 31 minutes from Billups, the old man of the team at 33, to pull this one out.

Brazil is coached by Ruben Magnano, who guided Argentina to victories over the U.S. in the 2002 worlds and 2004 Olympics, when the Argentines won gold. He nearly authored another upset.

U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski used his reserves liberally in the first two games, but gave much longer runs to the starters Monday after the backups were ineffective during their first stints.

In Group A in Kayseri, Luis Scola scored 32 points to help Argentina beat Angola 91-70, essentially securing its place in the second round.

Scola scored 17 of Argentina’s 23 points in the first quarter as the South Americans built a three-point lead. The Houston Rockets power forward finished the first half with 21 points as Argentina (3-0) took a 45-32 lead into the break.

Joaquim Gomes had 16 for Angola (1-2). Patty Mills scored 16 points as Australia (2-1) cruised to a 78-43 victory over cold-shooting Germany, which may have been tired after a double-overtime victory over Serbia a day earlier.

Germany (1-2) scored the first basket before watching Australia go on a 12-0 run. The lead reached 22 before Australia took a 38-20 lead into halftime. Germany shot 27 percent from the field in the first half and 26 percent for the game.

Serbia (2-1) rebounded from the loss to the Germans with a 112-69 victory over Jordan (03). Dusko Savanovic and Marko Keselj each scored 21 points as Serbia shot 71.7 percent from the field. —AP

PARIS: Tributes were paid yesterday to former two-time Tour de France winner Laurent Fignon who died following a battle with cancer.

The French rider, who had been suffering from cancer of the digestive system, passed away in the Pitie-Salpetriere hospital in Paris at the age of 50 years.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy hailed “an extraordinary and exceptional champion who will forever go down in the history of the Tour de France, in French cycling.”

Fignon won the Tour de France in 1983 and 1984, and was runner-up in 1989 when he lost by just eight seconds, the smallest margin in the history of the race, to American Greg LeMond.

LeMond remembered “one of the greater champions, who was recognised more for his loss in the (1989) Tour de France than his first two victories”.

“It’s a really sad day. I see him as one of the great riders who was hampered by injuries. He had a very, very big talent-much more than anyone recognised,” LeMond told France 24 television. “We were also team-mates, competitors, but also friends,” said the three-time Tour de France champion. “The saddest thing for me is that for the rest of his career he said he won two Tours de France, when in reality we both could have won that race.”

Seven-time Tour winner Lance Armstrong, himself a survivor of testicular cancer, hailed a “legendary cyclist”.

“Just woke to the news that Laurent Fignon has passed on. He was a dear friend and a legendary cyclist.

We will miss you, Laurent,” the American wrote via social networking site Twitter.

Compatriot Bernard Hinault, a five-time Tour winner, said he was “deeply moved” by the death of his former team-mate Fignon.

“He was a fighter, he fought for victory as I did, but

we always had an honest rivalry. There again (faced with illness) he fought but he did not win,” Hinault told AFP. “I only have good memories of him. Even if he was a combative rival on the bike, we shared a lot of good times.

I always saw him happy with a joie de vivre even in the toughest of times.”

Fignon made his professional debut in 1982 in Hinault’s Renault team, helping his team-mate win the Tour of Italy in 1982 and Tour of Spain in 1983. Fignon (1983, 1984) and Hinault (1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1985) were the last two French winners of the Tour de France.

Fignon achieved 76 victories during his career, which was later overshadowed by positive tests for illegal substances twice in the late 1980s.

In his autobiography, ‘We Were Young and Carefree’, Fignon admitted taking amphetamines and cortisone but did not establish a direct link with his cancer.

“In those days everyone was doing it,” he explained in the book. “But it is impossible to know to what extent doping harms you. “Whether those who lived through 1998, when a lot of extreme things happened, will get cancer after 10 or 20 years, I really can’t say.”

His first victory in the world’s most famous cycling race in 1983 was helped by the fall of the yellow jersey rider Pascal Simon, but he showed the win was no fluke by going on to win five stages and the race the following year.

He showed his skill in all categories-the classics and the road races-winning the prestigious Milan-Sanremo twice before finally claiming the Tour of Italy in 1989, five years after finishing runner-up. A consultant with France Television, he commentated on the Tour de France in 2009 and 2010 despite the treatment he was receiving. —AFP

FRANCE: In this July 11, 1989 file photo, French rider Laurent Fignon (left) and American rider Greg LeMond, ascend a pass during the 10th stage of the Tour de France cycling race in the Pyrenees Mountains near Luchon. — AP

Senchenko stops Navarro DONETSK: Vyacheslav Senchenko retained his WBA welterweight belt Monday night with a unanimous decision over Charlie Jose Navarro.

The unbeaten Senchenko rocked Navarro on a number of occasions with straight rights to keep the energetic Venezuelan challenger at bay and improve to 31-0 with 20 knockouts. Navarro lost for the fourth time in 22 fights.

Senchenko tried to keep Navarro at distance with his strong left jab, often following up with straight rights. He connected well at the end of the fourth and fifth rounds to rock Navarro, after the Venezuelan had opened up a small cut on his opponent’s nose.

Senchenko stunned him again in the seventh with a powerful counter right, but the challenger kept firing rapid combinations.

The quicker Navarro was frequently able to close in and landed blows in a number of flurries, but was unable to do sufficient damage to the Ukrainian.

Senchenko scored again in the 11th with a straight right that knocked his opponent backwards, and the champion hung on despite a final charge by Navarro. The judges scored the fight 116-113, 115-113 and 115-113. —AP

SPORTS

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

19

Gentleman’s game can’t hide the stink now NEW YORK: A sad day for cricket?

Quite the opposite. Damning allegations that Pakistan players took money to fix matches and play poorly could be great for the sport if they can be proved.

That is because match-fixing, shady people and shady money in cricket are boils that have long needed lancing. This could be the time.

If just a fraction of the extremely serious claims by British tabloid News of the World holds up to police scrutiny, cricket authorities will, one hopes, be forced to clean up.

Pakistan captain Salman Butt said his players gave only their very best against England. We will believe that

only if and when someone in a police uniform says there was a legitimate and legal reason why News of the World apparently filmed businessman Mazhar Majeed taking piles of cash and promising in return that bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir would deliver noballs at precise moments in the final test against England, which they did.

If the subterfuge was as bad as it looks, then Pakistan — the whole team, not just some players — must be banned from international cricket.

That is nothing personal against Pakistan as a country but because this isn’t the first stain on its cricket.

Pakistan players and cricket officials

have used up their nine lives.

If the latest allegations are proved, then only when Pakistan demonstrates genuine and concrete measures to stamp out corruption should it be welcomed back.

Bleeding hearts will argue, rightly, that Pakistan cricket and its passionate fans will suffer and that youngsters on dusty pitches in Islamabad and elsewhere will forsake the sport if the team is collectively punished.

Banishment would also look very cruel in the wake of the mammoth deadly floods washing through Pakistan, akin to kicking a nation when it is down.

But not being resolute and not taking harsh punitive action would condemn Pakistan players and cricket administrators to making the same mistakes repeatedly. This has been a blight on Pakistan cricket for years, says former team captain Rameez Raja, writing in the Daily Telegraph of London. Action is long overdue.

“Administrators have ignored the truth,” he wrote. “In 1994, I was on a tour to Sri Lanka when there was a lot of match-fixing going on and did not play a single match. That was because I was not in on the scheme.

The manager, Intikhab Alam, told me so afterwards. He sent a report to

the Pakistan Cricket Board but nothing happened. The board was frightened of dealing with the big names involved and because of that, matchfixing never died. The problem was not uprooted and we are seeing the results.”

But nor should this be seen as Pakistan’s problem alone. Matchfixing allegations are symptomatic of the wider way in which cricket has gone giddy over money. It lives on the moth-bitten old notion that it is a gentleman’s game when the truth is really that it is no different from other sports that have also sold some or all of their soul for piles of cash.

Promoter Allen Stanford, now

accused of massive fraud, was allowed to show off a clear plastic chest of the stuff — bricks of US$10,000 in $50 bills — at Lord’s, the London home of cricket, in 2008.

Claims of corruption and financial irregularities have cast a stink over the rich Indian Premier League, too.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that players are getting greedy and that some are willing to take sordid short cuts to get their hands on the loot.

Suspicions of match-fixing are one thing. Hard, solid evidence is quite another. It is rare for fixers to be captured on video, as News of the World claims happened here. If the

tabloid’s surreptitiously shot footage is everything it appears to be, then we should rejoice that apparent crooks acting in cahoots with gambling syndicates appear for once to have been caught red-handed.

But we should also worry why tabloid reporters, not cricket’s guardians, exposed this alleged scam. The international governing body of cricket, the ICC, has had an anti-corruption unit in place since 2000, when the sport’s reputation was in tatters over match-fixing.

What has the unit been up to? This sting makes the ICC’s investigators look like they have been asleep on the job. —AP

No suspensions over betting probe: PCB

MADRID: Atletico de Madrid’s Simao Sabrosa from Portugal (bottom) duels for the ball with Sporting’s Roberto Canella Suarez during their Spanish League soccer match. —AP

Atletico crush Sporting 4-0

MADRID: Diego Forlan showed he has maintained his World Cup form by scoring twice to help give Atletico Madrid a 4-0 win against Sporting Gijon in their Spanish league opener Monday.

Jose Manuel Jurado and Simao Sabrosa added goals for Atletico, last season’s Europa Cup winner which took the league lead on goal difference.

Jurado connected with his right foot on a poor clearance by Sporting midfielder Diego Castro and shot powerfully into the top left corner of goal in the 11th minute.

Atletico was playing at home to a cheering, almost capacity crowd at the Vicente Calderon Stadium three days after beating Inter Milan 2-0 to win the European Super

Cup for the first time.

Sporting goalkeeper Juan Pablo Colinas athletically saved a high ball at full stretch in the 24th minute as his team visibly struggled against a sharp-looking and motivated Atletico.

Sergio Aguero then beat four defenders before he toe-poked a soft ball which bounced off a defender across the goalmouth to land in front of Forlan, who swiftly slotted the ball into goal in the 39th minute. Five minutes later Jose Antonio Reyes ran up the right wing and crossed a low pass which Forlan shot just wide right.

Aguero nearly added a third in the 58th minute when he wrong-footed Sporting’s defense to shoot toward the top right of

goal, but Colinas punched out at full stretch.

Forlan, who won the Golden Ball in South Africa after leading Uruguay to the semifinals, scored his second in the 63rd, before Simao Sabrosa hit Atletico’s fourth goal in injury time. Colinas was also forced to save two shots by Aguero in injury time.

In other weekend matches it was Barcelona 3, Racing Santander 0; Athletic Bilbao 1, Hercules 0; Valencia 3, Malaga 1; Sevilla 4, Levante 1; Espanyol 3, Getafe 1 and Real Sociedad 1, Villarreal 0. Mallorca held Real Madrid to a 0-0 draw, Deportivo La Coruna drew 0-0 against Zaragoza 0 and Osasuna was held to the same score by Almeria.—AP

Injuries pile up the problems for Capello LONDON: Fabio Capello’s preparations for England’s opening Euro 2012 qualifiers suffered a blow yesterday as Peter Crouch, Phil Jagielka and his two back-up goalkeepers all missed training due to injuries.

Capello is desperate to make a positive start to the Euro 2012 campaign after England’s woeful efforts at the World Cup, but the Italian is already being hampered by injuries ahead of Friday’s clash against Bulgaria at Wembley and the trip to Switzerland next Tuesday.

Tottenham striker Crouch was forced to miss training at Arsenal’s London Colney centre due to a back problem, while Everton defender Jagielka was sidelined with an ankle injury suffered while playing in his club’s defeat at Aston Villa on Sunday.

As if that wasn’t worrying enough for Capello, the England coach was also without Birmingham goalkeeper Ben Foster and West Brom keeper Scott Carson for the opening training session.

Foster has a knee injury, while Carson is troubled by a back problem.

Manchester City’s Joe Hart is set to be Capello’s number one in the qualifers but England were forced to ask Arsenal to supply one of their youngsters, 19-year-old reserve keeper James Shea, to ensure the squad had two goalkeepers to train with.

However, the Football Association suggested there were unlikely to be any call-ups to cover for the injuries yesterday.

If Jagielka fails to recover in time for Friday’s match, Capello will have to rethink his defensive plans as it was thought the former Sheffield United player would partner Michael Dawson at the heart of

LONDON: England soccer team players Carlton Cole (left), Ashley Cole (second left), Joe Hart (second right) and James Shae (right) during an England training session. England will play Bulgaria in a European Championship qualifying match at Wembley on Friday. —AP England’s defence.

Matthew Upson, who played poorly at the World Cup, Joleon Lescott or Gary Cahill would compete for the vacant

defensive spot.

Crouch’s injury would also rob Capello of an attacking option if he can’t return to full fitness in time, but the Italian

named five strikers in his squad so he will still be able to choose from Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Carlton Cole and Darren Bent. —AFP

TAUNTON: Pakistan’s cricket board said yesterday it would not suspend players accused in a betting scam while the claims are investigated, as British authorities arrested three people over the scandal.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has promised “prompt and decisive action” if the allegations made by a British Sunday newspaper are proven.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has summoned the players at the centre of the claims to a meeting in London yesterday, but said it would not suspend any player while police continue to investigate.

Customs officials in Britain said they had arrested and bailed two men and a woman from London on Sunday as part of an investigation into money laundering. A source confirmed the arrests were linked to the cricket row.

A spokesman for the PCB said that until the various investigations were completed, it would not act against the players.

“Chairman Ijaz Butt just told me that since there is a case going on with the Scotland Yard we are not going to suspend any player,” he told AFP. “He further said that this is only an allegation so far. There is still no charge or proof on that account. So at this stage there will be no action taken.”

The News of the World alleges that a middleman took 150,000 pounds (185,000 euros, 230,000 dollars) to arrange for Pakistani players to deliberately bowl no-balls in the final Test match against England in London last week.

The information would be of enormous value to the spot-betting industry, where money is wagered on specific incidents in matches.

The beleaguered Pakistan team was training for the rest of the tour on Tuesday in Taunton, southwest England.

But three of the players named in the allegations-Test team captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif-have been summoned to a meeting with top Pakistani officials in London on Wednesday.

Team manager Yawar Saeed said they would meet with Ijaz Butt and the Pakistani high commissioner (ambassador) to Britain, Wajid Shamsul Hasan.

It appears increasingly likely the three players will play no part in the rest of the tour, which comprises Twenty20 matches and a series of one-day internationals against England.

Pakistan begin their preparations for the matches with a practice game against English county Somerset on Thursday, before the first Twenty20 fixture against England in Cardiff on Sunday.

Reporters were barred from the County Ground in Taunton on the request of the Pakistan team, Somerset Chief Executive Richard Gould said, telling AFP: “I think in these particular circumstances, we understand.”

The Daily Telegraph newspaper said the ICC had informally asked Pakistan for the named players to be dropped from the squad.

Citing ICC sources, other reports claimed that the same players had been under investigation for months by their anticorruption unit.

The world of cricket has reacted with shock and dismay to claims that huge sums of money had changed hands in alleged fixing schemes at international level, linked to shadowy betting rings. —AFP

LAHORE: Pakistani cricket fans bring effigy of Pakistani cricket players to burn during a protest to condemn Pakistani cricket players for their alleged involvement in match fixing. —AP

Liverpool get Konchesky, Birmingham land Hleb LONDON: Liverpool signed defender Paul Konchesky from Fulham for an undisclosed fee, while Birmingham made a surprise swoop for Barcelona midfielder Alexander Hleb on the final day of the transfer window.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson had been keen to land leftback Konchesky from his former club since taking over at Anfield in the close-season and he finally got his man on a four-year contract once Finnish striker Lauri Dalla Valle and Swedish winger Alex Kacaniklic agreed their moves in the opposite direction.

That deal and Birmingham’s loan move for Hleb took centre-stage as Premier League clubs try to beat the 1800BST (1700GMT) deadline for registering new signings.

Hleb’s capture represents something of a coup for Birmingham boss Alex McLeish as the former Arsenal player made a good impression on his last spell in the Premier League. McLeish admitted he initially didn’t believe he would be able to sign Belarus winger Hleb.

McLeish, who also landed Czech Republic defender Martin Jiranek from Spartak Moscow for an undisclosed fee, said: “Hleb is a top quality player. Over the past year or so we have talked about him but with no real belief we could get him.

“We decided to give it a try and towards the end of the window we found out it might be possible.” The final hours of the transfer window traditionally spark a frenzy of wheeling and dealing by Premier League managers, but there was little big spending for much of Tuesday.

With less than three hours to go until the window shuts, total spending on transfers by English top-flight clubs since the end of last season is expected to total around 330 million pounds (508 million dollars).

The figure is down 25 percent on last year and the lowest sum since 2006, when the 263 million pounds (405 million dollars) was spent.

Tottenham signed Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa on a season-long loan from Spartak Moscow and were also linked with a late bid for Liverpool’s Dutch winger Ryan Babel.

Pletikosa, 31, joins the Premier League club as cover for first-choice Heurelho Gomes, who suffered a groin injury during his team’s Champions League play-off win over Young Boys last week.

Manchester United’s England Under-21 midfielder Tom Cleverley joined Wigan on a seasonlong loan. Wolves bolstered their attacking options by signing veteran striker Marcus Bent, 32, on a four-month loan deal

from local rivals Birmingham.

Bolton signed Benfica forward Rodrigo Moreno on a season-long loan, subject to the player receiving international clearance.

The Brazil-born Spain Under-19 international only joined the Portuguese club last month on a fiveyear deal from Real Madrid.

Blackpool signed highly-rated young Wycombe winger Matt Phillips from the League Two club for an initial fee of 325,000 pounds (499,000 dollars).

The 19-year-old impressed for England’s Under-19s in the recent European finals and has joined Ian Holloway’s promoted side in a deal that could eventually cost the Seasiders close to 700,000 pounds (one million dollars).

“Matty has been on our radar for some time,” Holloway said. “He did well in the European Under-19 tournament for England and has played almost 80 league games for Wycombe. I can’t wait for him to get involved in our system.”

Stoke re-signed Senegal midfielder Salif Diao, 33, on a two-year contract after releasing the former Liverpool star at the end of last season.

Sunderland hope to splash out 12 million pounds (18.4 million dollars) on Rennes’ Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan. —AFP

www.kuwaittimes.net

NEW YORK: Andy Roddick of the United States returns a shot to Stephane Robert of France during the first round of the US Open tennis tournament.

—AP

Federer cruises as Soderling struggles NEW YORK: Roger Federer coasted into the second round of the US Open on Monday while the highestranked obstacle in his path to the semi-finals, Robin Soderling, struggled against a Grand Slam debutante.

World number two Federer, seeking his 17th Grand Slam title and seventh consecutive trip to the US Open final, defeated Argentina’s 96th-ranked Brian Dabul 6-1, 6-4, 6-2, in a match to be remembered for an amazing Federer shot.

The Swiss star smashed a fantastic between-the-legs shot in the Arthur Ashe Stadium night feature, a winner similar to a spectacular one he made last year against Novak Djokovic in last year’s US Open semi-finals.

“I’ve only hit a few in my life,”

Federer told the crowd that gave him a standing ovation. “To do it twice at the US Open center court... it’s amazing to share this moment with you guys. Thanks for the ovation. I love it.”

Swedish fifth seed Soderling squandered four match points in the third set before outlasting 214th-ranked Austrian qualifier Andreas Haider-Maurer 7-5, 6-3, 67 (2/7), 5-7, 6-4 after three hours and 52 minutes.

Soderling beat Federer in a French Open quarter-final, ending the Swiss star’s run of 23 consecutive Grand Slam semi-finals, and the two are on a US Open quarterfinal collision course if form holds.

Federer hit his between-thelegs, back-to-the-net running forehand winner from behind the base-

line in the ninth game of the second set, raising his arms and smiling after blasting the winner past Dabul, who stared and shrugged.

“I thought I was a bit late,” Federer said. “I had to give it one last push to get there and then I thought ‘I think I can do this one again.’”

Federer, whose run of five US Open titles in a row was ended last year by Juan Martin Del Potro, won for the 41st time in 42 US Open matches. He next faces Andreas Beck, who beat fellow German Michael Berrer 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 6-1.

Also advancing on day one of the year’s last Slam were Russian sixth seed Nikolay Davydenko, who beat American Michael Russell 6-4, 6-1, 6-3, and US ninth seed Andy Roddick, who ousted France’s

Stephane Robert 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.

World number one Rafael Nadal, the eight-time Grand Slam champion from Spain trying to complete a career Grand Slam by winning his first US Open, plays his first match Tuesday night against Russian Teymuraz Gabashvili.

Haider-Maurer, a 23-year-old who fired 34 aces past the first top10 foe of his career, nearly made Soderling pay for not finishing him early in the afternoon heat. “It was a tough match in tough conditions,” Soderling said. “It’s better to win it in five than lose it in five.”

Soderling fell behind 4-1 but won six of the last seven games in the first set and seized a 4-1 edge en route to taking the second set as well.

Haider-Maurer saved four

match points in the third set and jumped to a 6-1 lead in the tiebreak to force a fourth set. When Soderling netted a forehand smash to surrender a break and the fourth set, he was pushed to the brink.

“Definitely I had a strong chance,” Haider-Maurer said.

Soderling broke in the fifth game of the final set and served out for the triumph, although HaiderMaurer hit 58 winners to Soderling’s 44 and made 65 unforced errors to 74 by the Swede, who felt fine despite the endurance test.

“I feel pretty good physically. I had almost four good hours of practice. That wasn’t so bad,” Soderling said. “I can play better.

I’ve played worse.”

Next in Soderling’s path to his

first Grand Slam semi-final is American Taylor Dent, who ousted Colombian Alejandro Falla 6-4, 7-5, 6-1. “I think I’ve showed that I can go very deep in every Grand Slam,” Soderling said. “But you’ve to play well. I can’t just go on court and not fight and not play well. Then you will lose.”

Davydenko, whose best US Open runs came in 2006 and 2007 when he lost to Federer in the semi-finals, will next face Frenchman Richard Gasquet, who defeated Germany’s Simon Greul 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

Davydenko was sidelined for three months after breaking his lef t wrist last March and has struggled since.

“Before my injury I felt much more confidence and much

Winning starts for Kim and Venus at US Open NEW YORK: Defending champion and second seed Kim Clijsters survived a second-set wobble to reach the second round of the US Open on Monday by defeating Greta Arn of Hungary 6-0, 7-5.

There were wins also for third seed Venus Williams, fifth seed Samantha Stosur of Australia and the woman who beat her in the French Open final, sixth seed Francesca Schiavone of Italy.

But former world number one Dinara Safina suffered more heartache as she attempts to return to her best form after a crippling back injury.

A year on from her stunning win at Flushing Meadows when she stepped out of retirement and motherhood to lift her second US Open crown, Clijsters was again in a dominant mood on the Arthur Ashe Stadium Court.

She sped through a one-sided first set in just 18 minutes, but allowed the 30year-old Arn, ranked 104th in the world, to play her way back into the match with two breaks of serve for a 4-0 lead in the second set.

Whether it was over-confidence after the first set romp, lethargy brought on by the sultry conditions, or the lingering effects of the right thigh injury that hampered her in Montreal, Clijsters looked suddenly very uncomfortable.

She battled back to 4-3 down, but Arn served for the set two games later only to be broken by a resurgent Clijsters. The

Belgian held for a 6-5 lead and then broke Arn again to move through in 62 minutes.

The 27-year-old Belgian second seed will next play 19-year-old Australian qualifier Sally Peers, who impressed in a 6-1, 60 win over Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada.

“I felt I was hitting the ball well, but I lost my position and footing a bit on court at the start of the second set and wasn’t aggressive enough and she started going forward a little more with some risks and put the pressure on me,” Clijsters said.

“I just tried to change a few little things just with myself - take smaller steps amd make sure those feet keep moving.” There was a reasonably comfortable winning start for top American hope Venus Williams.

But there were signs in her 6-4, 6-1 defeat of Italy’s Roberta Vinci that the 30year-old third seed, who carries US hopes with sister Serena out injured, is still feeling some pain from the left knee injury that has sidelined her since Wimbledon.

“I was doing pretty good until I landed on my leg on a swing volley,” she said.

“She didn’t make a lot of errors so I was very happy to get through after not playing forever. “I have a lot of shoes to fill with just one Williams here.”

Surprise French Open champion Schiavone coasted past Japan’s Ayumi Morita 6-1, 6-0 in just 58 minutes. The 30year-old Italian played the tennis of her lifetime to win in Paris in June, but since

stronger,” Davydenko said. “I don’t feel like I’m a top 10 player now.”

Roddick, who won on his 28th birthday, next meets Serbian Janko Tipsarevic. “I’m barely older than I was yesterday,” Roddick said.

Kei Nishikori advanced when Kazak rival Evgeny Korolev retired with a right elbow injury with the 147th-ranked Japanese qualifier ahead 7-6 (7/0), 5-2.

Nishikori next faces Croatian 11th seed Marin Cilic.

France’s 109th-ranked PaulHenri Mathieu, a possible thirdround foe of Federer, ousted Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt 6-3, 64, 5-7, 4-6, 6-1. It was the earliest exit for the 2001 US Open champion in 11 Flushing Meadows appearances. —AFP

Australia beat Japan, Dutch hammer India

NEW YORK: Kim Clijsters of Belgium returns a shot to Greta Arn of Hungary during the first round of the US Open tennis tournament. Clijsters won the match 6-0, 7-5. —AP then she has struggled to reproduce that kind of form and intensity.

That was only normal, she insisted.

“When you try to reach in the top of the mountain, then you can’t go more up. So you have to go down and come back up again,” Schiavone said.

“I think I am doing this one. And when it’s time to come back up again, I will do it.

I’m working to do it.” Stosur, who has been struggling with a right arm injury, dropped the first set against Russia’s Elena Vesnina before finding her best form at last in a second-set tie-break and then powering away in the decider.

“To get through the first round of a tournament that you’ve never really done great in is pretty pleasing. I got better and better as the match moved on,” she said. “I felt good going into the tie-break as I felt I was playing better then I sort of rolled through the third.” Among others to go through early on were Russia’s Elena Dementieva, the runner-up here in 2004, when she also reached the final of the French Open. The 12th seed had too much firepower for Olga Govortsova of Belarus, winning 6-1, 6-2.

Elena Baltacha meanwhile gave a much needed boost to British tennis by

defeating Petra Martic of Croatia, who beat her at Wimbledon, 6-2, 6-2, while American Melanie Oudin, a huge crowd favourite here last year when she reached the quarter-finals, ousted Olga Savchuk of Ukraine 6-3, 6-0.

There was disappointment, though, for the struggling Safina, the top seed a year ago who is now on the comeback trail after being out for three months following the recurrence of a a bad back injury. The tall Russian put on a battling display against Slovak veteran Daniela Hantuchova, but bowed out 63, 6-4. —AFP

ROSARIO: Australia were made to work hard for a 2-1 victory over Japan in their opening Pool A match at the women’s World Cup on Monday.

Germany also had their work cut out to beat New Zealand 2-0 but Olympic and world champions Netherlands swept past India 7-1 on the second day of the tournament in Rosario.

A penalty corner after 14 minutes led to Cobie McGurk’s opening goal for twice world champions Australia but possession kept changing hands in a tight match. Captain Madonna Blyth put the Australians two up when she scored from open play with eight minutes remaining, but Japan bounced back within a minute with a goal by Kaori Chiba to keep the tension to the end.

Maartje Paumen scored the second hat-trick of the tournament in the second half against India after Argentina’s Luciana Aymar had hit three in her team’s 5-2 win over South Africa in Pool B on Sunday. The Dutch quickly went ahead with Marilyn Agliotti’s volley but India hit back in the 24th minute through Rani Rampal. Parity was short-lived, though, as goals from Ellen Hoog and Kim Lammers gave Netherlands a 3-1 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Paumen scored from two penalty corners either side of a penalty stroke and Lammers hit her second from the top of the circle.

Germany took a quarter of an hour to break down New Zealand’s resistance with a fine goal by Celine Wilde who tipped the ball in off the right post from open play. Two minutes later Tina Bachmann increased the Germans’ lead from a penalty corner but that was the only one out of eight they converted. New Zealand exerted increasing pressure during a scoreless second half in which Anita Punt came closest when her shot hit the post in the 52nd minute with no-one near enough to take the rebound. —Reuters

KOC signs MOU on environment development

22

NBK named one of world's 50 safest banks 2010

23

India economy logs best performance since 2007

25

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

www.kuwaittimes.net

Double-dip fears hit world stocks LONDON: World stocks fell yesterday in markets dominated by concerns the US economy is sliding back into recession, prompting further flows into safe-haven assets.

The yen - favored for carry trades at times of economic stress - hovered back near 15year high against the dollar after investors brushed off Japan's attempt to weaken the currency, the Swiss franc soared against the euro and dollar, and yields on benchmark German government bonds hit record lows.

Meanwhile, US stocks opened lower yesterday as housing data failed to counter pessimism about the economy, while energy shares fell alongside the price of oil. The Dow Jones industrial average slipped 34.44 points, or 0.34 percent, to 9,975.29. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index fell 3.75 points, or 0.36 percent, to 1,045.17. The Nasdaq Composite Index gave up 9.31 points, or 0.44 percent, at 2,110.66.

Mounting US economic concerns are likely to draw investors away from riskier assets and push up the yen, keeping pressure on Japan to intervene directly in currency markets for the first time in more than six years.

Crude prices, seen as a proxy for world economic growth, also came under pressure, extending losses so far in August to 6.5 percent and staying on track for their biggest monthly decline since May. World stocks measured by the MSCI All-Country World Index lost 0.7 percent. The index is down 4.1 percent in August and was headed towards its worst monthly performance in three months.

Tokyo's Nikkei average shed 3.6 percent, its worst daily drop in three months, after the Bank of Japan's move the day before to boost cheap loans to commercial banks failed to curb the yen's strength.

US stock index futures eased 0.3 to 0.4 percent, indicating a weaker start for Wall Street ahead of the minutes of the Federal Reserve's last meeting on Aug 10. On Monday, US shares fell 1.4 to 1.6 percent. In Europe, the FTSEurofirst 300 index dropped 1 percent and the Thomson Reuters Peripheral Euro-zone Countries Index fell 0.7 percent.

"We've have had a string of weak numbers, and now even second-tier economic data can have a big impact on the market," said Joost Van Leenders, investment specialist allocation and strategy at BNP Paribas Investment Partners in Amsterdam.

"We're still 'underweight' equities because of the economic outlook. We've been expecting a slowdown in the second half of the year with the boom from inventories and stimulus spending fading, and it has actually been a bit worse than we had anticipated." The VDAX-NEW volatility index, Europe's main barometer of investor anxiety, rose 2.7 percent. The higher the volatility index, the lower investors' appetite for risk.

The dollar was down 0.2 percent at 84.42 yen, not far from its 15-year low of 83.58 hit last week. The US currency fell 2.4 percent against the Japanese currency this month after sliding 2.2 percent in July. "Japan's ministry of finance is sending signals that is willing to intervene but clearly people remember its struggle with intervention a few years ago," said Simon Derrick, head of currency research at Bank of New York Mellon.

"If they don't intervene when the yen is at 84, when will they do it? Once its goes to all time lows? I think their resolve of staying away from intervention will be tested."

Japanese Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda repeated yesterday that the government would take decisive action on currencies- usually seen as code for intervention-when necessary, but reaction in the market was limited. The yen has gained more than 9 percent versus the greenback so far this year.

The euro fell to an all-time low against the Swiss franc, which also hovered close to a seven-month high against the dollar. —Reuters

Yen near 15-yr high • Wall Street falters

US consumer confidence inches up in August

NEW YORK: Christian Sanfilippo, Jr, (left), and Dwayne Branker, with Barclays Capital, monitor the stock price of Harley Davidson at the New York Stock Exchange. Stocks continued their slide yesterday as investors prepare for more disappointing news about the economy.—AP

Qatar seen as safe haven as index hits 3-month high MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS DUBAI: Qatar's index edged up to a three-month high yesterday, outperforming most Middle East markets as investors bet the country can best weather any shocks to the world economy.

Masraf Al-Rayan climbed 1.4 percent, while Qatar Electricity and Water and Qatar Telecom (Qtel) rose 1 and 0.6 percent respectively, with the latter pair seen as attractive dividend plays. Qatar's index gained for the 11th session in 12, rising 0.1 percent to its highest finish since May 18.

"Qatar offers lower risk than other Gulf countries, so if you want safety you should shift your investments into Qatar," said Robert Pramberger, acting head of asset management at Doha-based investment company The First Investor.

"When international markets are wobbly, like now, investors want to minimize risk and that has helped Qatar to outperform." Qatar is lower risk, Pramberger said, because its wealth is tied to longterm gas contracts. The country's gross domestic product is forecast to grow 16.1 percent in 2010, according to a Reuters poll of analysts. World stocks fell as worries the US was sliding back into recession prompted flows into safe-haven assets.

Dubai's index declined for a fifth session in six, with the bourse's lack of diversification and uncertainty over its dominant property sector spurring further selling.

Union Properties fell 1.1 percent to a 10-year low and builder Arabtec lost 1.2 percent. "The problem with Dubai is the lack of diversification - it's hard for investors to find stocks that aren't correlated," said Hesham Tuffaha, Bakheet Investment Group head of research.

"Real estate dominates Dubai and this impacts index movements - even if a stock isn't related to real estate, it is likely to follow index moves."Dubai house prices have fallen about 55 percent from 2008 peaks as over-supply and a liquidity crunch sent valuations tumbling, while government-owned developer Nakheel and parent Dubai World are negotiating with creditors to restructure multibillion dollar debts.

Egypt's Orascom Telecom fell 1.5 percent to 5.29 pounds ($0.90), with investors little moved by a news report that the Algerian government was near to buying the firm's Djezzy unit.

Algeria blocked Orascom from selling the lucrative operator to South Africa's MTN in April, hurting the Egyptian firm's share price. In May, Orascom said it would enter talks to sell the unit to the government, but progress has been slow. "No rumors will affect the stock-investors are tired of hearing false rumors back and forth," said Amr El Feky of Cairo Capital Securities, adding he expects the stock to trade between 5.1 and 5.6 pounds until an official announcement on Djezzy.

Saudi Arabia's index reversed early losses to end higher as Riyad Bank climbed 4.6 percent and Samba Financial Group added 2.9 percent.

"There's no news to push these stocks higher and so it looks like some share price manipulation to boost portfolio valuations at the end of the month," said a Riyadh-based trader who asked not to be identified. — Reuters

Mumbai's tiffin carriers get English, computer lessons MUMBAI: Mumbai's famous army of lunchbox delivery men, whose fans include business leaders and royalty, are being given the chance to upgrade their skills for the first time in their 120-year history.

Courses in English and computer skills are to be offered to the 5,000 or so "dabbawallahs" who criss-cross the city every day delivering home-cooked meals to hungry office workers, the Press Trust of India news agency reported.

The vice-chancellor of Yashwantrao Chavan Open University, R Krishnakumar, was quoted as saying yesterday that the courses, which will run near the dabbawallahs' central Mumbai base, will allow them to "improve their lot".

Most of the delivery men, who are often barefoot and cut distinctive figures on Mumbai's streets in their white cotton uniforms and Nehru caps, are school

MUMBAI: Indian Dabbawallas or lunch-box deliverymen attend a laughter therapy session to beat stress in Mumbai. Mumbai's famous army of lunchbox delivery men, whose fans include business leaders and royalty, are being given the chance to upgrade their skills for the first time in their 120-year history. — AFP dropouts who speak only the local language Marathi or Hindi.

A lack of formal education,

English or computer skills has not hindered their ability to deliver a near flawless service to at

least 200,000 people every day, winning them plaudits around the world. Forbes magazine once awarded them a "six sigma" rating, meaning that they have an error rate as low as one per one million deliveries, putting them alongside some of the top businesses in the world.

The tiffin (lunch) deliverers have attributed their success to effective time management and responding to customer feedback. Fans of the dabbawallahs, who use trains, handcarts and bicycles to deliver the steel tiffin boxes using a complex colour-coded system and 10-digit alpha-numeric code, include the Virgin Group tycoon Richard Branson. Britain's Prince Charles, who met the delivery men on a visit to India, also invited two dabbawallahs to his wedding to his second wife, Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005 after they sent the couple a wedding present. — AFP

MEININGEN: A worker leaves his working place during the reconstruction of the historical steam express locomotive number 18 201, in the Meiningen Steam Locomotive Works (Dampflokwerk Meiningen), a division of Germany's national railway Deutsche Bahn AG, in Meiningen, central Germany yesterday.—AP

NEW YORK: Americans' confidence in the economy improved slightly in August, but the mood is still gloomy amid job worries, according to a monthly survey. The Conference Board said yesterday that its Consumer Confidence Index improved slightly to 53.5, up from a revised 51.0 in July. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters had expected 50.5. The improvement comes after two straight months of declines.

It takes a reading of 90 or more to indicate a healthy economy -- a level not reached since the recession began in December 2007. The index -- which measures how Americans feel about business conditions, the job market and the next six months -- had been recovering fitfully since hitting an all-time low of 25.3 in February 2009. But August's reading suggests that American confidence hasn't improved from a year ago, a bad sign for the economy and for retailers. Economists watch confidence closely because consumer spending accounts for about 70 percent of US economic activity and is critical to a strong rebound. But worries are rising the economy is growing too slowly to support sustained job growth, and some are concerned it could fall back into a recession.

The slight improvement in August's Consumer Confidence Index was boosted by shoppers' improved outlook over the next six months. That gauge rose to 72.5 from 67.5. The other, which measures how consumers feel now about the economy, decreased to 24.9 from 26.4. "Expectations about future business and labor market conditions have brightened somewhat, but overall, consumers remain apprehensive about the future," said Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center in a statement.

New figures issued Friday show the economy is weaker than expected, and the outlook for the rest of the year is looking bleaker. The Commerce Department reported that gross domestic product grew at a 1.6 percent rate in the April-to-June period. The initial estimate was 2.4 percent, and even that was anemic. Meanwhile, home sales are plunging, and consumers are saving more and spending less as the unemployment rate remains stuck at almost 10 percent.

Last week, the National Association of Realtors said sales of previously occupied homes in the US fell 27 percent in July, the weakest showing in 15 years. It marked the largest monthly drop in the four decades that records have been kept. Meanwhile, the Commerce Department reported that sales of new homes fell 12.4 percent in July from a month earlier. July's pace was the slowest in at least 47 years.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said in a speech at the Fed's annual conference Friday that while he sees the economy improving next year, the central bank remains ready to take extra steps to stimulate the economy if necessary, including buying more debt securities to keep interest rates low.

Economists will closely watch Friday's reading on job figures for August, but they're bracing for more bad news. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters expect overall nonfarm payrolls to drop 100,000 jobs in August, dragged down by government cutbacks on the state and local level.

Private employers were expected to add 54,000 jobs, which would mark the fourth straight month of tepid gains for that sector. Given the scenario, the unemployment rate is slated to tick up to 9.6 percent from 9.5 percent. Against this background, consumers are waiting for the best deals and buying fashions that they can wear right away for the fall season. And stores don't expect shoppers to start spending anytime soon.

The Conference Board survey, based on a random survey mailed to 5,000 households from Aug. 1 to Aug. 24, showed shoppers remain worried about jobs. Those saying jobs are "hard to get" increased to 45.7 percent from 45.1 percent, while those claiming jobs are "plentiful" declined to 3.8 percent from 4.4 percent. Those expecting more jobs in the months ahead increased to 14.6 percent from 14.2 percent, while those anticipating fewer jobs decreased to 19.4 percent from 20.9 percent. — AP

BUSINESS

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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

MOU with KNFPS a starting point: Al-Rushaid

KOC signs agreement on environment development

KUWAIT: KOC Chairman and Managing Director Sami Al-Rushaid and General Secretary of Kuwait National Focal Point Symposium Khalid Al-Modhaf sign the MOU. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) signed with the secretariat of the central committee for environment development projects (Kuwait National Focal Point Symposium) a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to stress cooperation in developing that environment that was harmed during the war.

KOC Chairman and Managing Director Sami AlRushaid said yesterday that the MOU was a starting point for more cooperation with the committee in a major project, which is dealing with environmental damage caused by the blowing up of oil wells.

On his part General Secretary of Kuwait National Focal Point Symposium Khalid Al-Modhaf said that the committee represents Kuwait at the United Nations Compensations Commission (UNCC) and supervises environmental

remediation projects.

The MOU would stress relations with KOC, which is a major partner in executing the committee’s duties, he highlighted. Meanwhile, KOC Deputy Chairman and Deputy Managing Director Mohammad Hussein said that great challenges will be awaiting the participants in the mission to continue the company’s efforts.

Needed teams will be formed soon, he added. The project of remediating the Kuwaiti environments was among the demands of the UNCC. According the MOU, the two sides will cooperation in several fields like the formation of joint technical teams for planning and general supervision, coordination with concerned bodies, and the assessment of environmental information. —KUNA

Enhanced HTC Sense unveiled in Mideast

NEW DUBAI: Jan Kaiser, General Manager, Ibn Batutta Gate Hotel Dubai looks through a model of the 60-metre high Ibn Battuta Gate - set to be a Dubai landmark. He said that the 396-room hotel will welcome first guests from late this month and will be open to the public on October 1.

Countdown on for opening of Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel NEW DUBAI: Dubai’s newest five-star hotel is confirmed as on track to open to the public on October 1, according to the property’s general manager, Jan Kaiser.

He indicated that the 396-room Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel will actually start hosting guests from mid September, including Tim Mackintosh-Smith, the author of a three-book series depicting the travels of the hotel’s namesake.

“The hotel is cleverly inspired by the journeys of the 14th century Arabian explorer, Ibn Battuta and Tim’s visit to Dubai could not have been better timed.

Indeed, it is perfect that Tim will be one of our first guests. It is almost like having Ibn Battuta himself pay us a visit!” Kaiser said.

The destination hotel is located in the area that Kaiser and his team are calling ‘New Dubai’- adjacent to the Ibn Battuta Mall and the iconic Ibn Battuta Gate, which at 60 metres high is said to be larger than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

“There is quite an interesting design journey going on in the hotel, from the

tastefully themed Battuta Suites to our mammoth lobby which spans 90x30 metres in length and height, respectively.

“We have named the hotel lobby AlBahou, or Grand Hall. It is huge yet inviting and has numerous signature photo opportunities for visitors, including 88 huge eastern-style lanterns dangling elegantly into the wonderful lobby space that is best described as ‘the hub on the house’.”

Kaiser said that Al Bahou is also the gateway to the hotel’s equally iconic restaurants and bars.

“Like the 29 Battuta Suites, the interiors and menus of our six signature outlets elegantly reflect Ibn Battuta’s trial,” he concluded.

Mackintosh-Smith will be in Dubai to support next year’s Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and to launch Landfalls, the third book on the travel log of the explorer. There is a scheduled storytelling and book signing (on September 28) at Magrudy’s bookshop in Ibn Battuta Mall, next to the hotel.

New Android Smartphone HTC Desire DUBAI: HTC Corporation, a global designer of smartphones, has announced that it is introducing the HTC Desire in the Middle East. The HTC Desire features an enhanced HTC Sense experience that takes Android to the next level.

HTC Desire HTC Desire is the best way to visually experience news, friends, photos, favorite places and everything else that is important on a mobile phone. With one of the most advanced displays available on a phone today, HTC Desire is designed with a large 3.7-inch Ultra bright display to enhance and maximize content, whether it is pictures and videos, browsing the web or checking on friends’ status updates.

HTC Desire is powered by a one gigahertz Snapdragon processor and is Adobe?

Flash? 10.1 ready. The HTC Desire also includes an optical joystick.

HTC Sense HTC Sense is a user experience focused on putting people at the centre by making phones work in a more simple and natural way. This experience revolves around three fundamental principles that were developed by observing and listening to how people live and communicate.

HTC desire

HTC Desire-Brown These core tenets of Make It Mine, Stay Close and Discover the Unexpected continue to be the key to the new HTC Sense experience.

The new HTC Sense experience continues to focus on improving user interactions with the most important people.

This begins with a new HTC application and widget called HTC Friend Stream that

seamlessly aggregates all social communication including Facebook and Twitter into one organized flow of updates. This simple aggregation makes it easier than ever to focus on what friends are doing as well as to view the images and links that they share. In addition to Friend Stream, people can be organized into specific social circles, such as groups of friends,

colleagues or any other way that makes sense.

The new HTC Sense experience also introduces broad improvements to applications including the browser, email client and others. In addition, the new version of HTC Sense includes a new newsreader application and widget, as well as a new seven-screen ‘Leap’ thumbnail view for quick and easy access to specific screens.

Arabic applications available in the device include Quran, Prayer time with Qibla Direction, Dictionary and a Hijri calendar.

Mohamed Kais Zribi, Regional Manager of HTC Middle East and North Africa said, “The HTC Desire further strengthens our premium selection of mobile phones in the Middle East and helps increase our share of the region’s smartphone market. The HTC Desire delivers an intuitive user experience with its power and customisable nature, while offering a distinctly attractive design that reinforces HTC’s reputation as a leader in innovation and creativity.”

Availability The HTC Desire will be broadly available at a retail price of AED 2299 by the end of August 2010.

ADNOC to offer 2m tons of condensate DUBAI: State-run Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) is seeking to sell around 2 million barrels of condensate because of planned maintenance in October and November, an industry source said.

“The condensate will come from Uweinate, Thamama and Asab (gas fields) and this is because of the maintenance going on,” said the source, who wished not be identified.

ADNOC, the main producer for OPEC-member the United Arab Emirates,

operates two condensate splitters with a total capacity of 280,000 barrels per day (bpd) at the Ruwais refinery.

Maintenance of each splitter will take around 20 days, a source at the refinery said.

ADNOC has made no official comment on the planned maintenance.

Uweinate produces 12,000 bpd of condensate, Thamama produces 217,000 bpd and Asab produces 50,000 bpd.

“So far there hasn’t been

a final sale because we are waiting for the right price,” said the source.

Earlier this month, traders told Reuters ADNOC had offered to sell 200,000-300,000 barrels of Uweinate condensate. The offers helped put pressure on the Middle East condensate market. Also this month, Qatar’s Tasweeq failed to award a term tender to sell one or two 500,000-barrel cargoes of condensate per month between October 2010 and September 2011. —Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES Commercial Bank of Kuwait US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian Dollar Australian DLR Indian rupees Sri Lanka Rupee UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi riyals Omani riyals Philippine peso Egyptian pounds US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian dollars Danish Kroner Swedish Kroner Australian dlr Hong Kong dlr Singapore dlr Japanese yen Indian Rs/KD Sri Lanka rupee Pakistan rupee Bangladesh taka UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi Riyal/KD Omani riyals Philippine Peso US Dollar Sterling pounds Swiss Francs Saudi Riyals

.283000 .4441000 .3610000 .2790000 .2690000 .2530000 .0045000 .0020000 .0780450 .7603700 .4020000 .0750000 .7454100 .0045000 .0500000 CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES .2877000 .4433950 .3636970 .2812830 .2709630 .0488350 .0386680 .2558360 .0369710 .2120040 .0034150 .0061530 .0025570 .0033740 .0041690 .0783680 .7635140 .4068850 .0767690 .7487140 .0063930 TRANSFER CHEQUES RATES .2898000 .4465260 .2832750 .0772580

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Japanese Yen Indian Rupees

ASIAN COUNTRIES 3.451 6.148

.2930000 .451000 .3690000 .2870000 .2780000 .2610000 .0075000 .0035000 .0788290 .7680120 .4180000 .0790000 .7529020 .0072000 .0580000 .2898000 .4465260 .3662660 .2832750 .2728820 .0491810 .0389420 .2576430 .0372330 .2135050 .0034390 .0061970 .0025750 .0033980 .0041990 .0788680 .7683820 .4097670 .0772580 .7534880 .0064380

Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash

3.370 2.560 3.850 213.540 37.155 4.160 6.373 9.237 0.296 0.310 GCC COUNTRIES Saudi Riyal 77.106 Qatari Riyal 79.447 Omani Riyal 751.220 Bahraini Dinar 767.980 UAE Dirham 78.740 ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 53.400 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 50.691 Yemen Riyal 1.376 Tunisian Dinar 194.500 Jordanian Dinar 408.320 Lebanese Lira 194.000 Syrian Lier 6.175 Morocco Dirham 33.453 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 289.030 Euro 367.940 Sterling Pound 447.270 Canadian dollar 274.090 Turkish lire 189.550 Swiss Franc 284.480 Australian dollar 257.530 US Dollar Buying 287.845 GOLD 20 Gram 240.000 10 Gram 122.000 5 Gram 64.000

Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash

SELL CASH 261.600 768.390 4.360 276.200 567.400 14.100 50.300 167.800 52.940 369.600

SELL DRAFT 260.100 768.390 4.160 274.700

214.500 50.692 368.100

Hongkong dollar Indian rupees Indonesia Iranian tuman Iraqi dinar Japanese yen Jordanian dinar Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Morocco dirham Nepalese Rupees New Zealand dollar Nigeria Norwegian krone Omani Riyal Pakistani rupees Philippine peso Qatari riyal Saudi riyal Singapore dollar South Africa Sri Lankan rupees Sterling pound Swedish krona Swiss franc Syrian pound Thai bhat Tunisian dollar UAE dirham U.S. dollars Yemeni Riyal 10 Tola Sterling Pound US Dollar

37.840 6.380 0.035 0.273 0.252 3.530 409.870 0.196 93.850 46.100 4.520 206.800 1.969 47.000 750.560 3.510 6.610 79.910 77.150 214.500 41.950 2.750 450.700 40.000 284.300 6.300 9.540 198.263 78.840 289.300 1.310 GOLD 1,338.830 TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 448.700 288.900

37.690 6.145 0.035

408.420 0.195 93.850 3.860 205.300

288.850 281.996 452.335 372.290 279.022 707.989 764.553 78.622 79.319 76.995 407.606 50.764 6.201 3.377

2.569 4.171 6.413 3.380 9.088 6.301 3.873

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. Currency

750.380 3.380 6.380 79.480 77.150 214.500 41.950 2.561 448.700 282.800 6.300 9.410 78.740 288.900

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Cyprus Pound Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees

Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees

Rate per 1000 (Tran)

Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Nepali rupee Yemeni Riyal Jordanian Dinars Syrian Pounds Euro Candaian Dollars

3.385 6.160 2.570 4.165 6.420 78.740 77.250 768.000 50.680 452.000 0.00003280 3.890 1.550 410.300 5.750 371.100 277.900

Al Mulla Exchange Currency US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen Indian Rupee Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupee Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso Pakistan Rupee Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal *Rates are subject to change

Transfer rate 288.600 368.000 446.000 273.350 3.450 6.160 50.720 2.563 4.153 6.372 3.375 768.000 78.600 77.000

BUSINESS

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

23

Global Finance names NBK one of world’s 50 safest banks 2010 The only Arab and ME bank in the list KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuw ait (NBK) has been named, for the third consecutive time, one of the w orld’s safest ba nks in 2010 by the lea ding US-based Globa l Fina nce. NBK, w hich has been ranked 38 in the list, is the first and only Middle East and Arab bank to be enlisted

Samsung Noor offers variety of applications during holy Ramadan KUWAIT: Samsung mobile owners can now celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan with Samsung Noor, a fully-fledged section of the Samsung Apps Store aimed at providing a great variety of Islamic applications to help users make the best out of Ramadan.

The free-to-download Samsung Noor applications gives users of Samsung mobiles, such as the Galaxy S and Wave, access to many custom-developed regional applications, including a Hijri calendar and Prayer times in over 400 different cities.

“While we live in a very multicultural country, Samsung takes pride in providing its growing customer base with a variety of applications catered to their wants and needs,” said Sandeep Saihgal, general manager of mobile phones at Samsung Gulf Electronics.

“Ramadan is a very special month for people of all faiths and our Samsung Noor applications will help enlighten and enrich people during this holy month.”

In addition to the “Hijri Calendar” and “Prayer Times”, Samsung Noor includes the only “Mobile Quran” that is Al-Azhar certified, comprehensive explanations for the origins and benefits of Prayers, Tasbeehs and Sunnas using the “Al-Doaa”, “Al-Sebha” and “Al-Sunna” applications.

Users with online access through Wi-Fi or 3G can also use the Galaxy S and Wave’s built-in RSS Reader with the “Al-Bayan” application, a regional and Islamic RSS feed that keeps users updated with the latest Islamic and regional news.

“In addition to the Islamic application, Samsung also developed a Ramadan-specific application, called ‘Ramadaniat’, which provides full descriptions of Ramadan activities like Seyam and Taraweeh, amongst many others,” explained Saihgal. Additional applications

that are part of the Samsung Noor package include “Hajj and Umra”, which provides a daily Hajj guide and explanations of rituals and deeds, “Tazkerah”, a notification service of when to recite Zikr and the benefits of each Zikr, “Zakaty”, the interactive Zakah calculator accompanied by explanations and asnad, and “99 Names”, a beautiful graphic representation of the 99 Divine names with explanations of their meaning.

“Samsung has developed these applications with the aim of catering to the spiritual needs of our growing customer base well beyond the holy month of Ramadan, helping them sustain a healthy spiritual life that they can pay forward to family, friends and colleagues,” continued Saihgal.

The Android(tm) -powered Galaxy S incorporates a 4inchSuper AMOLED screen and a 1 GHz application processor that enables vibrant HD videos and rich augmented reality content through a variety of best-in-class services and technologies.

Samsung Wave is based on Samsung’s new, open smartphone platform, bada, and is the cornerstone of the company’s commitment to ‘smartphone democratization.’ The bada platform enables applications to fully utilize the powerful Wave hardware by providing various APIs for interactivity including UI elements, 3D Graphics, Flash, multipoint-touch, sensors and motion support.

Users of the full range of Samsung smartphones - including the Galaxy S, Wave, Galaxy 550, Champ and more - can download Samsung Noor applications directly onto their handsets through the built-in Samsung Apps Store. Users of the bada-powered Wave also have the option of transferring apps from their computer onto their handset. More information on Samsung Noor and Islamic applications can be found at http://www.samsungapps.com/ .

Introducing the world’s safest banks list, Global Finance said: “Bank stability and safety are still high on corporate and investor agendas. The sovereign debt crisis in Europe and renewed concerns about the global economic outlook are once again putting the spotlight on bank safety. Banks that cleaned up their balance sheets and strengthened their capital positions were the biggest gainers. Many of the big name banks that lost their safest bank ranking during the credit crunch are still absent from the list”.

Global Finance indicated that NBK was among the few banks that succeeded in achieving growth in both profits and shareholders equity, in addition to retaining the highest longterm credit ratings amongst all banks in emerging markets despite the adverse conditions prevailing in Kuwait and the Middle East region. Thanks to its conservative approach to risk management, NBK also succeeded in enhancing both the solidness of capital base and the quality of its assets.

Consequently, this enabled

NBK to retain the customers’ confidence and become the first and only Arab bank that maintains an advanced ranking amongst the top-50 safest banks of the world.

“Banks that have strengthened their liquidity positions and the quality and quantity of their capital are recognized in these rankings,” says Global Finance publisher Joseph D Giarraputo. “More than even, customers around the world are viewing long-term creditworthiness as the key feature of banks with which they do business.”

The new list of the World’s 50 Safest Banks 2010: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

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Caisse des Depots et Consignations (CDC) (France) Bank Nederlands Gemeenten (BNG) (Netherlands) Zuercher Kantonalbank (Switzerland) Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank (Germany) Rabobank Group (Netherlands) Landeskreditbank Baden-Wuerttemberg- Foerderbank (Germany) Nederlandse waterschapsbank (Germany) KfW (Germany) NRW Bank (Germany) Royal Bank of Canada (Canada) National Australia Bank (Australia) Westpac Banking Corporation (Australia) Commonwealth Bank of Australia (Australia) Banco Santander (Spain) Toronto-Dominion Bank (Canada) Australia & New Zealand Banking Group (Australia) ASB Bank (New Zealand) BNP Paribas (France) HSBC Holdings plc (United Kingdom) Credit Agricole (France) Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) (Spain) Scotiabank (Canada) DBS Bank (Singapore) Banco Espanol de Credito S A (Banesto) (Spain) Caisse centrale Desjardins (Canada) Credit Suisse (Switzerland) Nordea (Sweden) la Caixa (Spain) Svenska Handelsbanken (Sweden) BNY Mellon (United States) Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp (Singapore) United Overseas Bank (Singapore) Pohjola Bank (Finland) Barclays Bank (United Kingdom)

MEXICO CITY: New Mexican bills bearing denominations of five hundred pesos are presented at the Banco de Mexico, in Mexico City on Monday. The new bills have images of Mexican artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahalo. — AFP

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Intesa Sanpaolo (Italy) BMO Financial Group (Canada) CIBC (Canada) National Bank Of Kuwait (Kuwait) Deutsche Bank (Germany) J P Morgan Chase (United States) Lloyds Banking Group (United Kingdom) Societe Generale (France) Wells Fargo (United States) Banque Federative du Credit Mutuel (BFCM) (France) Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg (Germany) Credit Industriel et Commercial (CIC) (France) Nationwide Building Society (United Kingdom) US Bancorp (United States) Landesbank Hessen-Thueringen Girozentrale (Germany) Shizuoka Bank (Japan)

UK July mortgage lending falls to 4-month low

Algeria to start valuing Orascom unit soon ALGIERS: A commission chosen by Algeria will start evaluating next month how much Algeria should pay to acquire the local unit of Egyptian operator Orascom Telecom, an Algerian newspaper reported yesterday.

Orascom Telecom and its shareholders are eager to see signs of progress after months of deadlock over the future of the unit — the company’s biggest single source of revenue-that has been weighing on its share price. El Khabar newspaper, quoting an unnamed senior government source, said the commission is to be headed by an Algerian financial expert, will start work in the second week of September, and will report its findings within two months.

The newspaper identified the head of the commission as Haji Ali Mohammad, who it said was head of a private Algerian financial services firm. It said he would be working with other financial specialists, but did not identify them of say whether they were Algerians or foreigners. An official with the Algerian finance ministry, which has been closely involved in the Orascom Telecom case, declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.The future of Orascom Telecom’s Algerian unit, which trades under the name Djezzy, has been in doubt for nearly a year. — Reuters

among the safest w orld’s safest banks. NBK has mainta ined its la st year’s position, surpassing major interna tional ba nks such as Deutsche Bank, J PMorga n Chase, Lloyds Ba nking Group, Societe General and Wells Fargo.

BEIJING: Two delivery men take a rest on a street in Beijing yesterday.

Thirty years after opening its doors to the outside world, China has enjoyed spectacular economic growth. — AFP

Taiwan rejects Hong Kong group’s bid for AIG unit TAIPEI: Taiwanese authorities yesterday rejected a Hong Kong consortium’s bid to buy ailing US insurance giant American International Group’s Taiwan unit Nan Shan Life.

The application by Hong Kong-based China Strategic Holdings and Primus Financial Holdings “has failed to get the approval of the responsible authorities,” the Investment Commission said in a statement.

Rejection of the bid came as a blow to AIG, once the world’s largest insurer, which has been selling assets to pay back US government loans since its rescue from collapse during the 2008 financial crisis.

“AIG is disappointed by the Investment Commission’s decision concerning the sale of Nan Shan.... AIG is conferring with the Primus Nan Shan consortium as to appealing this decision,” the US insurer said in a statement.

The Hong Kong bidder is allowed to file an appeal within 30 days but analysts were not optimistic on the prospects for

the deal. “Even if China Strategic Holdings and Primus Financial Holdings appeal, the odds of success are slim,” said Mars Hsu of Grand Cathay Securities.

Officials with the Financial Supervisory Commission-the regulators that oversee Taiwan’s insurance industrysaid the Hong Kong consortium was short of experience to manage an insurer.

They also charged that the consortium had failed to provide a long-term management commitment, allegations flatly rejected by AIG. “AIG believes that its additional accommodations of regulatory requests, including a seven-year lockup mechanism agreed to by the Primus Nan Shan consortium and a $325 million escrow agreement agreed to by AIG, demonstrate clear support for ... incontrovertible commitment to the long-term health and prosperity of Nan Shan.”

The Hong Kong consortium agreed to acquire Nan Shan Life

from AIG for $2.15 billion in October last year, but the deal has been in limbo since November when China Strategic announced a plan to sell a 30 percent stake in Nan Shan to Taipei-based Chinatrust Financial Holding Co. Rumors also surfaced late last year that Chinese capital was involved in the deal-claims that the consortium has repeatedly denied. Fan Liang-tung, executive secretary of the Investment Commission, said: “The decision has nothing to do with concerns that some shareholders of the consortium have Chinese capital.”

Taiwan has partially lifted a decade-old ban on Chinese investment amid improving ties after President Ma Ying-jeou took office in 2008 on a Chinafriendly platform.

However, the government still imposes various restrictions in key sectors such as finance, flat-panel technology and telecommunications as it seeks to keep control of its economy. —AFP

LONDON: Net lending to British households unexpectedly fell to a four-month low last month after a sharp decline in mortgage lending, reinforcing economists’ concerns that tight credit conditions may hamper future growth.

While there was a small rise in the number of mortgages approved and a separate survey showed an unexpected rise in consumer confidence, analysts said it was not enough to stop continued housing market weakness, with knock-on effects for consumer spending.

“Housing is going nowhere fast, and when disposable incomes are going to be under pressure, it is not going to help the consumer do anything apart from pedestrian spending growth,” said BNP Paribas economist Alan Clarke.

The Bank of England reported that net mortgage lending fell to 86 million pounds ($132.5 million) in July from 518 million pounds in June-a four-month low and a sharp contrast to the rise to 700 million that economists had expected.

The fall in net mortgage lending was split roughly equally between a decline in new lending and an increase in repayments by existing borrowers.

Record-low Bank of England interest rates make it cheap for many existing mortgage-holders to pay more than the contractual minimum on their home loans, while banks impose tougher conditions on new borrowers than before the credit crunch.

There was a small, unexpected, increase in the number of mortgages approved, a leading indicator for housing market activity. But it remains less than half boom-time levels and nearly 20 percent below a 21-month peak reached in November.

Some 48,722 home purchase mortgages were approved in July- better than last week’s industry figures had suggested and up on June’s 48,562 but well below the 59,117 recorded in November.

House prices fell by around a fifth between late 2007 and early 2009, and have since recovered by around 10 percent, before flattening with growing evidence of renewed falls.

Many economists are worried that Britain’s economy may slow sharply next year, due to weakening growth in export markets and looming cuts of around a quarter to the budgets of most government departments. A relative bright spot was unsecured lending to con-

sumers, which rose by 173 million pounds last month versus economists’ forecasts for it to remain little changed on the month.

This followed a surprise strengthening in the monthly GfK/NOP consumer confidence survey released earlier yesterday, after households’ pessimism about the economic outlook eased somewhat.

However, as with mortgage approvals the consumer lending data was weak compared with earlier credit growth, and was below the average for the first half of the year.

Moreover, the increase was not enough to offset the largerthan-expected decline in net mortgage lending and pushed total net lending for July down to 258 million pounds from 460 million, its lowest since March.

Separate figures showed the BOE’s preferred money supply gauge-M4 excluding intermediate other financial corporations — was unchanged on the month, the weakest reading since January.

While aggregate monthly M4 growth was up 0.4 percent, its strongest reading since October last year, annual M4 growth slowed further to 2.3 percent, its weakest since the data series started in July 1983. — Reuters

Russia grows 4.0% as economy rebounds MOSCOW: Russia’s economy grew 4.0 percent in the first half of the year, continuing its recovery from the global crisis, but this was slightly below official forecasts, data showed yesterday.

The figures from the state statistics office were below mid-July estimates for growth of 4.2 percent in the first half, according to the economic development ministry.

The data showed industrial output up 9.6 percent in the January-July period compared with a year earlier as the country recovered from a severe slowdown sparked by the global economic crisis.

This year, the economy has been hit by the worst drought in decades, with many industrial companies shutting shop or cutting shifts as wildfires raged in western Russia, engulfing Moscow in a hazardous smog.

Economic Development Deputy Minister Andrei Klepach said earlier this month that the drought would cut at least 0.7-0.8 percentage points from 2010 growth as Russian harvests were hurt by the extreme temperatures.

The drought has destroyed one quarter of Russia’s crops, leading the government to slap a blanket ban on grain exports. —AFP

BUSINESS

24

KSE stocks remain buoyant

KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) ended yesterday’s session on a higher note, with gains posted in a variety of sectors. The rally was bolstered after KUNA announced that H H the Amir Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was due to address the nation on the last 10 days of Ramadan at 900 pm.

Global General Index (GGI) closed 0.23 points down (0.11 percent) during the day at 201.62 point as the Market capitalization was up for the day reaching KD33.33mn. On the other side, Kuwait Stock Exchange Price Index managed to close up adding a 22.10 point (0.33 percent) to its value and closed at 6,688.60 point.

Market breadth During the session, 117 companies were traded. Market breadth was skewed towards decliners as 27 equities retreated versus 41 that advanced, while 144 stocks remained unchanged during the trading session.

Trading activities ended on a negative note yesterday as volume of shares traded on the exchange decreased by 8.57 percent to reach 133.47mn shares, and value of shares traded decreased by 13.51 percent to stand at KD24.98mn.

The Real Estate Sector was the volume leader yesterday, accounting for 41.73 percent of total shares and the Banking Sector was the value leader, with 30.83 percent of total traded value.

Jeezan Holding Company was the volume leader yesterday, with a total traded volume of 33.84mn shares. Mobile Telecommunication Co. (ZAIN) was the value leader, with a total traded value of KD4.35mn.

In terms of top gainers, Gulf Glass Manufacturing Co was the biggest gainer for the day, adding 9.09 percent and closed at KD0.600. On the other hand,

GLOBAL DAILY MARKET REPORT

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

US oil falls below $74, heads for monthly loss US crude stocks seen rising LONDON: US crude oil fell below $74 a barrel yesterday and was heading for its first monthly decline since May, pressured by bulging stockpiles and concern about the strength of economic growth and future demand.

Crude oil stocks in the United States, the world’s largest consumer, were expected to rise for a second week. Total petroleum inventories are already at the highest since at least 1990 according to government data.

“Oil is on the back foot again after making a recovery attempt late last week that failed at $75,” said Carsten Fritsch, analyst at Commerzbank. “Fundamentals are still looking bearish with fragile demand in the US and record high stockpiles.”

US crude for October delivery fell 87 cents to $73.83 a barrel by 1159 GMT, falling for a second day. Brent crude for October declined 53 cents to $76.07.

Crude in New York is on track to fall almost 7 percent this month, after rising in July and June. Brent is at an atypical premium to US crude as weak supply and demand fundamentals pressure the US benchmark.

Concern about the pace of economic recovery also weighed on European equities, following on from losses in Asia. Stock index futures pointed to a lower open for Wall Street.

Gloomy reports on US gross domestic product and housing last week raised fears the

Kuwait Hotels Co was the biggest decliner, dropping by 4.13 percent and closed at KD0.232.

Sector-w ise The advance was broadbased with 7 out of 8 sectors closing in positive territory.

Insurance stocks spearheaded advancers, clocking 1.47% in sector gains with only one change being monitored in the sector on the Gulf Insurance Company’s share price. The

scrip ended the day up by 5.38 percent.

Real Estate stocks inched higher by 0.44 percent.

Mabanee Company and Alargan International Real Estate Co added 2.67 & 4.49 percent respectively.

On the down side, The only drop was recorded by Global Investment Sector Index, which shed 0.41 percent, Al-Qurain Holding Co. was the biggest loser in the sector ended the day down by 2.50 percent.

On the other hand, Global’s special indices closed in mixed note Global Islamic Index ended the day up by 0.53 percent.

Oil news The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $73.05 a barrel on Monday, compared with $72.36 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

HAYAT Communications Co (HAYATCOM) has signed an agreement worth $16.5mn with

Nokia Siemens to install networks in Basra, South Iraq for a giant telecom operator.

The deal will last almost eight months. Gulf North Africa Holding Co (GNAHC) has sold its equity in Qatar-based Barwa Al Khor to an investment firm at a par value totaling KD1.4mn. The seller recorded neither gains nor losses from the deal that will be recorded in Q3-10 financial statements. The deal will boost the company’s liquidity.

economy could be at risk of another downturn, which would weigh on oil demand.

Data from Japan, the world’s third-largest oil consumer, yesterday showed total oil product sales rose more than expected in July, but August manufacturing activity expanded at the slowest pace in more than a year.

Yesterday sees the release of US macroeconomic indicators including the S&P Case/Shiller Home Price Index and the Federal Open Market Committee’s minutes from its meeting of Aug. 10. Weekly US oil inventory data will be released beginning with a report from the American Petroleum Institute at 4:30 pm.

The average of 10 forecasts in a Reuters poll called for a 1.3-million-barrel increase in US crude stocks in the week to Aug. 27, with eight analysts expecting an increase.

The US government’s Energy Information Administration revised down US oil demand in June, but consumption was still at the highest since October 2008.

There remained no immediate threat yesterday of disruption to US Gulf oil and gas output due to storms.

Three storm systems in the Atlantic basin were expected to steer clear of key oil and gas-producing areas in the Gulf of Mexico, the US National Hurricane Center said on Monday. — Reuters

Sri Lanka set to import gas oil from UAE firm DUBAI: Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Petroleum Corp (Ceypetco) is expected to sign a deal to import 720,000 tons of gas oil for a year from a UAE-based firm, industry sources said yesterday.

The UAE’s Al-Ain International Petroleum Derivatives Trader LLC gets its products from Russia, Egypt and Iran as they are cheaper than in parts of the Middle East, the sources said.

A Russian producer would possibly supply AlAin if the deal goes through, they added. They declined to name the company involved and Al-Ain, a family-owned company based in Al-Ain, declined comment.

The cargoes of 0.25 percent sulphur gas oil, for delivery beginning in September and continuing to August next year were offered at $4 a barrel below Singapore quotes, traders said.

Asian gas oil cracks sank for a second straight session on Monday to a more than one-week low, while its front-month contango reached its widest in a week as demand remained tepid in the face of rising supplies.

Gas oil differentials in the Middle East region have dropped, weighed down by cancelled cargoes from Pakistan because of the country’s devastating floods, traders said. — Reuters

business

Wednesday, september 1, 2010

25

China prods erratic N Korea on economic reform BEIJING: China has pressed North Korea to speed up economic reforms in a summit encounter that underscored Beijing’s concerns about its impoverished and wayward ally, experts said yesterday.

Many analysts said North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il’s five-day tour of northeast China-which ended Monday-was aimed at conferring legitimacy on an eventual handover of power to his youngest son. But for China, reviving the North’s moribund economy also appears para-

mount at a time when it is trying to coax Kim back to nuclear disarmament talks and put a lid on regional tensions that risk perilous instability on its border.

“For China, the most important thing is to step up economic cooperation with North Korea,” Jin Jingyi, a Korea expert at Peking University, told AFP after the visit, during which Kim held talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

“The political aspects are too sensitive, especially for South Korea and

the United States. China doesn’t want to see another Cold War in northeast Asia, so right now China thinks it is more important to focus on economic cooperation.”

The North Korean leader rarely travels abroad but it was his second visit to China-Pyongyang’s sole ally and economic lifeline-this year. In May, he visited facilities in and around the Chinese ports of Dalian and Tianjin. During a visit to Pyongyang last October, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao proposed the

development of a China-North Korean “economic belt”.

Chinese state media said a meeting in Changchun on Friday between Kim and Hu focused in large part on economic issues, with Hu again stressing that China was “ready to grow trade and economic cooperation” with Pyongyang.

The Chinese leader reminded Kim that Beijing’s stunning economic rise over the past three decades would not have been possible “without cooperating with the outside

world”, the Xinhua news agency said. Xu Tiebing, a professor of international relations at the Communication University of China, told AFP: “China has actually all along tried to push North Korea toward economic reform, but the effect of this is not so clear.”

Beijing may have “lost hope” as Pyongyang had yet to transform China’s advice on reform into concrete action, but would continue to push the North to open up its Stalinist economy, Xu said.

North Korea has in fact ignored its Chinese patrons and taken the opposite course of late, clamping down on putative private markets after a disastrous currency reform last November.

South Korean analysts see even less scope for any economic reform that could loosen the North Korean communist party’s iron grip on power, heading into a pivotal meeting next month that could anoint Kim’s son as his heir apparent.

Nevertheless, Chinese media

flagged up footage of Kim visiting industrial sites and inspecting highspeed trains during his mysteryshrouded tour of several cities.

“This points to North Korea having a strong interest in opening up and developing its economy,” the state-run Global Times said in an editorial.

“It is hard to imagine that any country wants to stay poor and isolated. The international community should not marginalize North Korea out of prejudice.”—AFP

Country returns to boom levels as GDP grows at 8.8%

India economy logs best performance since 2007 SEOUL: A visitor walks past images of North Korean banknotes on display at the Korea War Museum in Seoul yesterday. —AP

Pakistan 2009/10 budget deficit above IMF target KARACHI: Pakistan’s budget deficit for the fiscal year 2009/10 (July-June) swelled to 6.3 percent of GDP, wider than the targeted shortfall agreed with the IMF of 5.1 percent, Finance Ministry figures showed yesterday.

The deficit in fiscal 2008/09 was 5.2 percent.

“This will keep pressure on the central bank to keep a tight monetary policy and it is also not good for sovereign ratings,” said Asif Qureshi, director at Invisor Securities.

The government had planned to reduce the deficit to 4 percent in 2010/11, but analysts expect the shortfall to be bigger because of the cost of relief and rebuilding related to the massive flooding in the country.

“The fiscal deficit will widen considerably to nearly double the programmed amount ...on

account of higher spending and cyclically lower revenue collection,” said Moody’s Investor Service.

Pakistan is fighting a Taleban insurgency in the northwest that, coupled with political uncertainty, economic difficulties and chronic power shortages, has put the economy under stress.

Pakistani and International Monetary Fund (IMF) officials are meeting in Washington to review the approval of the sixth tranche of an $11 billion loan and to try and work out the impact to the economy from the floods. They said they would review all options.

On the brink of default, Pakistan turned to the IMF in November 2008 for the loan to help put the economy back on track. It received a fifth tranche of $1.13 billion in May. —Reuters

NEW DELHI: India’s economy grew 8.8 percent in the fiscal first quarter, its a 9.7 percent leap in services and an 8.9 percent jump in construction, official best performance since 2007, data showed yesterday as the country returned figures showed. India’s impressive numbers came as the outlook for many to boom levels last seen before the financial crisis. The expansion between developed economies is deteriorating and fears mount that solid growth rates April and June was led by a 12.4 percent year-on-year surge in manufacturing, in emerging Asia could falter.

“India is flying,” said HSBC economist Frederic Neumann, noting the economy showed no signs of a double-dip slowdown.

The last time Asia’s thirdlargest economy grew at a faster pace was in the final three months of 2007, when it expanded 9.7 percent.

The South Asian country, home to 1.2 billion people, is the world’s second-fastest growing major economy, slightly behind regional rival China, which logged growth of 10.3 percent in the same threemonth period.

Both countries have been unwinding huge stimulus spending put in place in the wake of the global financial crisis. India’s economy was also boosted by better farm output that expanded 2.8 percent, according to the data which was in line with forecasts.

But economists warned India had probably posted its strongest growth figures for the fiscal year to March 2011 after recent data pointed to a deceleration in industrial output with NEW DELHI: An Indian train passes an under-construction bridge in New Delhi yesterday. India’s economy exports to key developed markets sagging. grew 8.8 percent in the fiscal first quarter, its best performance since 2007, data showed, as the country returned “The figure of 8.8 percent to expansion levels seen before the financial crisis. —AFP was probably the best performance we’re going to see this year,” Shubhada Rao, chief economist at India’s Yes Bank, told AFP. Still, economists forecast India will post full-year growth to March 2011 of around 8.5 percent-enviable compared with anaemic levels of advanced economies.

The figures for the first quarter marked an acceleration comterly growth in the second quarThe adjusted rate used by McKeown noted.

FRANKFURT: The German pared to the previous quarter, “While unemployment is still ter of 2010 thanks to strong unemployment rate was stable in economists was also 7.6 percent when growth was clocked at 8.6 August at 7.6 percent of the in August, but the corresponding rising elsewhere in the euro- exports and a pick-up in domesworkforce, official figures showed number of unemployed declined zone, the German labor market tic consumption underpinned by percent. “We would be suryesterday as the number of peo- by 17,000 people, the federal has been particularly resilient, improving job prospects. prised if world trends worsen to German Economy Minister thanks initially to the ple seeking work edged slightly labor office said. the extent that India’s prospects That was slightly below a Government’s ‘Kurzarbeit’ sub- said in July that the number of lower to 3.188 million people. are severely impacted,” said “The clear rebound of the forecast decline of 20,000 com- sidy scheme, but perhaps now unemployed could soon fall London-based Capital Markets German economy continues to piled by Dow Jones Newswires, reflecting the underlying eco- below three million. economist Kevin Grice.

“The impressive perfortranslate positively onto the jobs but nonetheless showed contin- nomic recovery,” McKeown India’s still inward-looking market,” a labor agency state- ued improvement as firms rehire said. The German government mance of the labor market can economy is mainly driven by ment said. The fall from an unad- to meet stronger foreign and had subsidized shorter working only become a real success story domestic demand, with exports justed figure of 3.192 million, the domestic demand. It was the hours to help companies make it if it eventually leads to a pick-up accounting for less than 20 perfigure used as a public reference, 14th monthly decline in a row though the global economic in private consumption,” ING cent of gross domestic product. meant the jobless rate was and left the unemployment rate downturn, but most companies senior economist Carsten Senior government economunchanged from July as Europe’s at close to a two-year low point, have now put staff back on full- Brzeski said. “All ingredients ic advisor Montek Singh are in place for this to happen biggest economy powers out of Capital Economics senior time hours.

Ahluwalia forecast growth now.” —AFP Germany posted record quarEuropean economist Jennifer its worst post-war recession. would be “slightly better” than the 8.5 percent for the year projected by the government.

Declining manufacturing output would be offset by a strong farm performance, helped by a bountiful monsoon, he said. The economy expanded MOSCOW: Lukoil, Russia’s sec7.4 percent last year. ond-largest oil producer, said At the same time, econoyesterday its second-quarter net mists suggested the central profit dropped 16 percent from a year ago to $1.9 billion due to a bank, which has hiked rates four rise in export duties and cost times since the start of the year inflation. Sales rose to $25.8 bilto curb inflation, may pause in lion from $20.1 billion a year earits monetary tightening-the lier, driven by higher oil prices. most aggressive in the AsiaOil production remained flat at Pacific region-in the face of the 24 million tons while total oil and shaky global outlook. gas output advanced 2 percent in “While there’s a growing January-June compared to a year sense of confidence about the ago. The total production growth broad-based nature of growth, was driven by an advance in softer global growth puts a Lukoil’s gas projects in question mark over the timing Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, of the next rate hike,” said Yes analysts at Swiss bank UBS said Bank’s Rao. in a note. US oil company Industry bodies pushed for ConocoPhillips announced in the central bank to take a goJuly that it is planning to sell its slow approach.

20 percent stake in the Russian “With renewed pessimism oil producer. Lukoil said at the on the extent of the recovery of time that it would be willing to developed economies, the econbuy some of the stake. omy needs to depend on domesThe company’s management, tic drivers for growth” and that however, has since sent conflictrequires a “low interest rate CHONGQING: Investors look at a stock price monitor at a private securities com- ing signals about how much the environment”, said Chandrajit pany yesterday in Chongqing, China. China’s stock benchmark retreated as Asian company would be willing to buy. Several top managers Banerjee, director-general of markets sank yesterday as a strong yen pummeled Japanese shares and pessimism spoke in favor of the wider ownthe Confederation of Indian about the US economy intensified. —AP ership of the stock. —AP Industry. —AFP

German unemployment rate is stable at 7.6%

BEIJING: A woman sells wallets on a walkover in Beijing yesterday. Thirty years after opening its doors to the outside world, China has enjoyed spectacular economic growth and already claimed the titles of world’s top exporter, auto market and steelmaker but in a country of 1.3 billion people where the social safety net remains unreliable. —AFP

Seadrill sees growth, M&A after Q2 beat OSLO: Norway’s Seadrill Ltd, the world’s number two deepwater oil rig group, is ready to throw its weight around now that the Gulf of Mexico oil spill has made life harder for smaller players.

“We see the current market volatility as a good opportunity to look for investment opportunities,” the group controlled by shipping tycoon John Fredriksen said yesterday while reporting forecast-beating quarterly results.

Seadrill said the world’s worst offshore oil spill from British oil major BP’s Macondo well in the Gulf of Mexico increased the emphasis on operational experience, making it more challenging for new rig operators.

“The board is of the opinion that this could open up for further consolidation of the ultradeepwater rig market,” Seadrill said. The offshore oil drilling sector has long been seen as

ripe for takeovers, and conditions created by the oil spill should accelerate deals.

Most drillers smaller than the US “big three”-Transocean Ltd, Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc and Noble Corp- could be targets, investment bankers say.

Ingolf Gillesdal, an analyst at Nordea Markets, said Seadrill is better suited than most to weather the market setback from April’s deepwater blowout in the Gulf.

“They should be better positioned now within the segment than before the spill because of their newer equipment and size,” he said. “They have an average fleet age of four to five years, versus 18 to 20 years by the competition,” said Gillesdal, referring to competitors such as Transocean and Pride.

Seadrill said third-quarter results would likely show good growth after a bigger-thanexpected rise in second-quarter earnings. Its third-quarter per-

formance will be enhanced by four new rigs entering service and by a high fleet utilization rate.

“All our deepwater floaters have secured employment throughout 2011, something that insulates us against any near-term volatility in this market segment,” it said.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) in the three months to the end of June rose to $493 million from $438 million a year earlier, beating the $471 million average estimate in a Reuters poll of analysts.

Its shares fell 1.1 percent to 145.3 crowns by 1033 GMT, while Oslo’s benchmark index fell 1.3 percent.

One trader said the quarter was somewhat flattered by the inclusion of one full month of results from acquired company Scorpion Offshore, but earnings were still better than expected. —Reuters

Lukoil’s Q2 profit drops 16% to $1.9bn on costs

26

BUSINESS

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Turkmens, Afghans struggle to realize pipeline dream ASHGABAT: Plans for a pipeline to deliver natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India are picking up steam but the decade-long dream still risks never leaving the drawing board.

The Turkmenistan-AfghanistanPakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline has featured prominently in recent talks among regional leaders eager to jumpstart the faltering project for reasons of economics or security.

But with spiraling violence in Afghanistan, one of the world’s most opaque regimes in Turkmenistan and miserable Pakistan-India relations,

analysts remain skeptical that anyone can succeed in raising the pipeline off the desert floor.

Recent noises from Ashgabat, which may lack the volume to fill the pipeline, are at best wishful thinking, said Evan Feigenbaum, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and ex-assistant deputy US secretary of state.

“Their roadshows periodically include every pipeline idea under the sun, so in theory they’d like to do lots of things. In reality, they probably can’t and almost certainly won’t,” he told AFP by email in response to writ-

ten questions.

That, he added, is even before any discussion of Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s increasingly-embattled government in Kabul or the thorny issue of India-Pakistan relations. “(I) sense that the US puts this on the agenda with Karzai now and again to keep the Afghans happy,” he said.

“I just don’t see this in the cards, even in Ashgabat.”

But with Turkmenistan desperate to diversify its export routes following a punishing gas row with Russia last year-and with Afghanistan, Pakistan and India hungry for energy-

all cards appear to be on the table again.

“What is being done on this project fits into the framework strategy for getting Turkmen gas to world markets and in this sense, it is normal,” said Valery Nesterov, an energy analyst with Russian investment bank Troika Dialog.

TAPI was first floated by the governments of Turkmenistan and Pakistan in embryonic form as the Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline in 1995 at the height of the Afghan civil war that followed the withdrawal of the Soviet Army in 1989.

A host of western energy firms spent the next six years negotiating with anyone they could find-including Afghanistan’s Taliban governmentbefore NATO forces invaded Afghanistan in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Finally, in 2002 the concerned governments agreed to build a 1,700kilometre (1,060-mile) pipeline to deliver Turkmen gas to Pakistan and India via Afghanistan but the project stalled because of the raging Taliban insurgency.

The pipeline aims to transport over 30 billion cubic metres of gas

annually from the Dauletabad gas fields in southeast Turkmenistan, creating a potentially massive windfall for Afghanistan in the form of transit fees.

Despite receiving financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the project has been held up by a number of problems, not least of them the security along the proposed route inside Afghanistan.

The pipeline’s route would take it straight through the region’s most turbulent locales, including conflicttorn Helmand and Kandahar provinces in Afghanistan as well as

Quetta in Pakistan, where tribal unrest is common.

But there are growing signs that these governments are eager to push ahead with TAPI in the hopes the potentially enormous rewards outweigh the very real obstacles in its path.

Last week Turkmen President President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov and his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai agreed in telephone talks to meet at September’s UN General Assembly in New York to unstick the lagging project. —AFP

EU, G20 asked to draft common rules

France kicks off drive to rein in commodities derivatives PARIS: France launched an onslaught to tame the operation of commodity derivatives trading, calling on the European Union and the Group of 20 yesterday to take urgent steps to draft common rules. Three French ministers warned they

would make the initiative a priority at a November meeting of the G20 in a bid to prevent trading in financial instruments from distorting prices for underlying raw materials such as oil and farm products.

They said in a document sent to EU Internal Market and Services Commissioner Michel Barnier: “It is essential that Europe commit fully to regulation of these markets and that it do so now.

“We feel it is desirable that a European initiative first define common principles for the regulation of derivatives of all raw materials and assimilated products.”

This could take the form of “legislation defining regulation of trading of commodity derivatives and assimilated products.” In an accompanying argument, they laid out concerns that trading in derivatives could cause sharp distortion and volatility in the prices of raw materials such as food and oil.

Barnier said he “shares fully” French concerns, telling AFP he believes that commodity derivatives trading needs to be controlled “at a European level and a world level”.

A former French foreign and agriculture minister, Barnier said he would next month put forward proposals to member TOKYO: A man walks past an electronic share price board in Tokyo yesterday. The headline Nikkei index at states and the European parliathe Tokyo Stock Exchange dropped 325.20 points to 8,824.06, its lowest close since April 2009. —AFP ment to tackle the “sometimes brutal” evolution of prices in commodities markets.

France is a leading exporter of agricultural products and has a big international food-processing sector. It is also a big importer of oil and gas.

Derivatives are virtual financial instruments based on underlying physical goods and play a vital role in financial markets, “Japan is giving investors the impres- rise continues to be the slowdown of the TOKYO: Tokyo shares plunged 3.55 perfor example in enabling compacent yesterday, hitting a fresh 16-month sion that it’s running out of options to US economy,” Yano said. nies and traders to hedge or Market players may pressure Japanese low as worries over a persistently strong counter market weakness,” Kenichi insure against risk. But when Hirano, strategist at Tachibana Securities, financial authorities to step into the forex yen hit exporters, brokers said. big flows of money take posimarket to sell down the yen, even without The headline Nikkei index at the Tokyo told Dow Jones Newswires. tions on such markets the price Japanese authorities have attempted, help from other major countries, dealers Stock Exchange dropped 325.20 points to of the underlying physical prod8,824.06, its lowest close since April 2009. but failed, to contain the yen’s steady said. uct can become highly volatile.

Many analysts however consider the The Topix index of all first-section shares appreciation, which hurts exporters by The three French ministers, fell 2.96 percent, or 24.54 points, to making their products relatively more prospect of unilateral intervention to be Christine Lagarde for finance, expensive overseas while making imports ineffective. Asian bourses, including 804.67.

Jean-Louis Borloo for energy Tokyo, faced heavy selling pressure from The heavy losses wiped out Monday’s cheaper, fuelling deflation. and Bruno Le Maire for agriculA strong yen also reduces the value of nagging slowdown fears in the US econogains made before the Bank of Japan ture, stressed that “France announced an expansion of its monetary overseas earnings of Japanese firms when my, which pushed US shares 1.39 percent takes the deployment of a easing program and the government gave a repatriated into the Japanese unit. A sell- lower Monday. Japanese exporters framework for effective regulabroad outline of its fresh stimulus plans. off in exporters’ shares may continue dropped. Electronics giant Sony fell 3.66 tion of all financial markets Yesterday the yen surged to 84.05 to the through autumn until the US economy percent to 2,368 yen and leading automakvery seriously, and will make dollar, up from 85.36 yen Monday after- shows some signs of recovery, said er Toyota Motor lost 2.38 percent to this a priority during its presinoon shortly after the BOJ announcement Masayoshi Yano, senior market analyst at 2,860. Engineering firm Toshiba dropped dency of the G20 (developed 4.35 percent to 395. Machinery maker on its actions aimed at lowering the value Meiwa Securities. and developing countries) “The biggest cause behind the yen’s Fanuc dropped 4.65 percent. —AFP of the Japanese currency. starting in November.”

And they noted that France had recently called for “improvements to European regulation of trade in commodity derivatives and assimilated goods” at the European level.

A breakdown of yesterday’s TOKYO: Japan’s factory output Ministry of Economy, Trade pausing temporarily in part,” The ministers listed specifiunexpectedly rose in July for and Industry’s monthly report the ministry said in a cautious data also reveals some worrically such instruments based the first time in two months as released yesterday. The read- assessment. The latest figures, some details. Transport equipon oil, gas, metals, agricultural companies bolstered production ing beat Kyodo news agency’s however, did little to ease con- ment, which makes up 17 perproduce and carbon quotas. By of machinery, chemicals and average market forecast for a cerns about a strong yen and cent of overall production, has way of example, they said that slowing growth in key markets fallen for three straight months. paper despite signs of a slowing 0.3 percent decline. the amount of trade carried out “Industrial production con- like China and the US The trend indicates that global economy. Factory proin instruments for the future duction climbed 0.3 percent tinues to show an upward Exporters like Toyota Motor automakers are already scaling delivery of oil amounted to 35 from June, according to the movement although it has been Corp and Sony Corp are anxious back production before the govtimes the volume of contracts about the currency’s strength, ernment’s subsidies for ecofor the physical delivery of oil. which hit a fresh 15-year high friendly cars expire at the end “As things now stand, a peragainst the dollar last week. of September, said Junko centage of raw materials derivEvery one yen rise against the Nishioka, chief economist at atives (commercial futures conSecurities Japan. dollar saps 30 billion yen from RBS tracts) as well as major particiToyota’s annual operating prof- “Deterioration of business senpants in these markets (notably timent is likely to cast a dark it, the automaker has said. commodity traders) are simply Japan’s economy barely shadow on corporate activity,” not covered by European finangrew in the second quarter, and she said. The economy mincial regulation.” Action to policymakers are now scram- istry said surveyed companies ensure “transparency” of inforbling to protect a faltering expect output to rise 1.6 permation, and on understanding recovery. But financial markets cent in August and 0.2 percent the forces driving the way and economists were under- in September. Shipments fell prices are formed on the marwhelmed by both the central 0.1 percent, while inventory kets, was needed. They also bank’s modest efforts Monday retreated 0.5 percent. said that more should be known In a separate report, the to ease monetary policy and the about how agricultural markets government’s new 920 billion ministry said retail sales in July and related derivatives markets yen ($10.9 billion) stimulus rose 3.9 percent from a year affected each other. earlier.

Gains stemmed largely package.

Stocks tumbled in GERMANY: The headquarters of German media They acknowledged that from unusually hot weather, response, with the Nikkei 225 company Bertelsmann is photographed in Gueterloh, commodity derivatives, designed stock average down 266.31 which drove demand for cold western Germany. Media group Bertelsmann AG says points, or 2.9 percent, at drinks and products. originally as hedging instruit made a net profit for the first half as advertising 8,882.95. The dollar fell to ments, “also play a key role in Sales at large-scale retail markets improved and cost-cutting efforts kicked in. 84.23 yen from 84.54 yen late outlets, including department price discovery and in shaping expectations of price formation stores, fell 0.9 percent. —AP Monday in New York.

The company is raising its full-year outlook. —AP for raw materials.” —AFP

Japanese shares plunge 3.55% to 16-month low

TOKYO: Japan Airlines staff tend passengers at a JAL counter at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport yesterday. —AP

JAL unveils rehab plan TOKYO: After a two-month delay, struggling Japan Airlines announced yesterday details of a rehabilitation plan that will see thousands of job cuts as well as route closures and a debt waiver.

In January the flagship carrier went under owing 26 billion dollars in one of Japan’s biggest-ever corporate failures, but has continued flying while it goes through a painful state-led restructuring process.

JAL, which delisted from Tokyo’s stock exchange in February, submitted yesterday to a Tokyo court its rehabilitation plan, including a debt waiver worth 521.5 billion yen ($6.2 billion) and the loss of over 16,000 positions.

“JAL has caused tremendous nuisance to its shareholders and creditors,” said chairman Kazuo Inamori. “I believe the rehabilitation plans submitted today mark the start of JAL’s revival,” he told a press conference.

The Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corp. (ETIC), which is charged with leading the restructuring process, said in a statement that it would inject 350 billion yen into the JAL group, subject to court approval of the plan.

The carrier said it will cut 10 international routes and 39 domestic services by the end of fiscal 2012, in revised figures. It added it was looking into the possibility of launching a low-cost carrier. “We will make a decision after studying the idea,” JAL president Masaru Onishi said.

The group plans to reduce the number of old aircraft by retiring them early and will streamline its fleet by introducing mid-sized

and small planes.

JAL said it would achieve personnel cuts by encouraging early retirement and selling subsidiaries, reducing staffing numbers to 32,600 at the end of fiscal 2010 from 48,714 at the end of fiscal 2009.

“We must strive to implement schemes in the plan steadily and post figures that would even exceed targets,” said Inamori of JAL’s plans to return to profit in the coming years.

JAL aims to post a 64.1 billion yen operating profit in the year to March 2011, which it forecast to rise to 117.5 billion yen in the year to March 2013.

“The number of passengers is increasing and cargo business is robust,” said ETIC trustee Hideo Seto when asked how the fast return to profit could be achieved amid the current business environment.

Seto added the re-listing of JAL shares would be an option “around March 2012.”

The government asked charismatic entrepreneur Inamori, founder of high-tech company Kyocera and an ordained Buddhist monk, to turn around the former state-run company.

The ailing carrier delayed submitting its restructuring program to the court by two months until the end of August to give it more time to refine cost-reduction measures.

The company has been negotiating with its creditors for fresh financial support under the program, having faced pressure to speed up its plan to return to health. Since filing for bankruptcy, JAL has been eclipsed by All Nippon Airways as the top Japanese carrier in terms of passenger volume and cargo. —AFP

Japan factory output rises 0.3% in July

PARIS: View of the Carrefour headquarters outside Paris yesterday. French retailer Carrefour SA said that it made a net profit of euro 82 million ($104 million) in the first half of 2010 after what CEO Lars Olfsson called “significant” market share gains in its home market of France. —AP

Carrefour reports market share gains in France PARIS: French retailer Carrefour SA said yesterday that it made a net profit of 82 million euros ($104 million) in the first half after what CEO Lars Olofsson called “significant” market share gains in its home market of France.

The result compares with a net loss of 58 million euros in the same period a year earlier.

Olofsson said Carrefour “turned in a good performance” and that he is “confident of achieving our 2010 objectives.”

“Carrefour has also consolidated its positions in its priority markets through acquisitions and partnerships and taken radical operating decisions to restore

profitability in underperforming markets,” he said in a statement.

The world’s second-largest retailer behind Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Tuesday it booked oneoff charges of 384 million euros in the six month period, mostly from restructuring.

Since Olofsson took over last year, Carrefour has sought to gain market share in France, which accounts for 40 percent of sales, by slashing prices, promoting the brand, introducing a discount range and accelerating the conversion of stores to the Carrefour banner. An improved price image helped like-for-like market share in France increase by 80 basis points since the

beginning of the year under the Carrefour banner, the company said.

In Belgium, where Carrefour is closing or selling stores and laying off workers, the company has signed an agreement with unions that willl help relaunch the company “on a redefined and sound footing.”

Carrefour also said it wants to improve the performance of its hypermarkets in Brazil and strengthen its position in China.

Revenue in the first half rose 6 percent to 43.73 billion euros.

From continuing operations, Carrefour reported a net profit of 67 million euros in the first half compared with a net loss of 48 million euros a year earlier. —AP

technology

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

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Japan resort a hot spot for men with virtual girlfriends ATAMI: Long a favourite of lovers and honeymooners, a Japanese beach town with fading sparkle has found a new tourism niche in the wired age by drawing young men and their virtual girlfriends. One recent sweltering summer's day, a tour bus from Tokyo pulled up at a sun-kissed beach at Atami, a Pacific coast resort southwest of the metropolis, and disgorged more than a dozen excited, iPhone-clutching young men.

The determined youngsters, paying scant attention to the bikini-clad girls frolicking on the sand, instead headed straight for a bronze statue that depicts Kanichi and Omiya, a couple from an old love story set in Atami.

The focus of the men's attention-and of their smartphone cameras-was a tiny black and white square, a two-dimensional barcode that, thanks to "augmented reality" (AR) software, brought to life the object of their desire.

"Look, it's like I'm in a snapshot with her," said Shu Watanabe, 23, as he showed off his iPhone display, featuring himself next to the image of a doe-eyed cartoon character named Rinko, a smiling high school girl.

Rinko may only be digital, but try telling that to Watanabe or the legions of other fans of "Love Plus", a dating sim or simulation game that is played on handheld Nintendo DS consoles and also

boasts AR applications for iPhones.

Its creators, Konami Digital Entertainment, have long thrilled young men obsessed with high-tech, manga and anime, known as "otaku", by letting them chase virtual girls in the alternative universe of their digital dreams.

The hit videogame made headlines when a 27-year-old Japanese man known only as "Sal 9000" staged a tuxedo wedding late last year, which was watched by thousands online, with his favourite cartoon girl, Nene Anegasaki.

But in the latest edition, game makers have gone a step further and teamed up with the very real city of Atami, an onsen or hot spring town 100 kilometres (60 miles) southwest of the Japanese capital. They have selected 13 romantic locations which can be overlaid with images of Rinko or her teenage friends Manaka and Nene, who have all swapped their usual sailor-style school uniforms for casual summer wear.

Local souvenir shops in the resort town have caught on and capitalised on the love-struck new clientele, selling Love Plus-themed souvenirs, from goodluck charms to steamed buns and fish sausages.

The local Ohnoya hotel even offers traditional rooms to the unusual couples, which feature two sets of futon beds and another barcode panel that allows the

men to visualise their girlfriends in a flattering summer kimono.

Love Plus, released only on the Japanese market, has become the country's most popular dating game since its release last September, selling nearly 430,000 copies, according to research firm Enterbrain.

The secret is that the dating game goes a step beyond the genre's usual boy-meets-girl script and asks players to build long-term relationships.

"In conventional love games, you went up stages to make a virtual girl fall in love with you, so that she would accept you as a boyfriend or express her love for you," said Konami spokesman Kunio Ishihara.

"But players of Love Plus are in a scenario where they are a high school boy who is already dating one of the virtual girls. The goal is to see how good you can be to her and to build a relationship."

Love Plus is an open-ended "communication game" with basic voice recognition software and a screen clock that keeps real time to make players feel like they are really sharing their life with a girlfriend, Ishihara said.

That means that the girl can get moody when neglected by a player who is not sufficiently committed, and that she demands attention when she feels unwell. If players want to go on a sum-

mer trip with their girlfriends, they have to convince her and plan ahead through virtual communication, Ishihara said.

The fans milling about town clearly enjoyed the challenge.

"With earlier love simulation games, we only scored girls, as bad as that sounds, and that was it," said Naoyuki Sakazaki, aged in his 40s, after taking iPhone shots before the bronze statue in Atami.

"Love Plus is fun because the relationship continues forever."

The popularity of Love Plus has been a welcome shot in the arm for Atami, which has seen visitors decline some 40 percent since its 1970s heyday.

More than 200 Love Plus fans have stayed at the Ohnoya hotel alone, while well over 2,000 have visited the resort town for the campaign, which kicked off on July 10 and runs until the end of August.

Young men have come from as far as South Korea and Taiwan, say locals.

Atami's business association was at first hesitant and puzzled by the story line, in which a high school girl spends a night at a resort hotel with a man.

"Some people were opposed to taking part in this campaign, saying the game is immoral," said association member Saiki Ota. "We also didn't expect it would sell that much."—AP

TOKYO: A a man stands next to a tiny black and white panel to have his picture taken and displayed including the animated image of a girl through an iPhone application at the famous spot of Kanichi and Omiya in Atami, southwest of Tokyo.— AFP

BlackBerry users relieved as shutdown averted

Google, Skype under scanner in India security crackdown NEW DELHI: BlackBerry may have won a reprieve but Google and Skype were squarely in the firing line yesterday as India's security agencies widened their crackdown on telecom firms. India's 1.1 million BlackBerry users heaved a sigh of relief after the government Monday gave the smartphone's manufacturer a two-month window to provide a permanent solution to avert a ban on its corporate message services. Security forces in India,

CALIFORNIA: This file photo taken April 9, 2010, shows a Google sign at Google headquarters in Mountain View, Calif. Google Inc. will be able to continue posting content from The Associated Press under a new licensing deal the two companies announced Monday, after months of sometimes thorny negotiations.— AP

Google, AP strike new deal on Web licensing rights SAN FRANCISCO: Google Inc. has retained the right to publish content from The Associated Press under a new licensing deal that thaws the sometimes-frosty relationship between the two companies.

The multiyear agreement announced Monday has two key components: an undisclosed payment for the rights to AP's content, and a data-sharing arrangement aimed at helping the news cooperative make more money across the Internet. The contract's financial terms and duration weren't disclosed.

The Google deal is part of AP's effort to bring in more revenue from the Web as less money comes in from newspapers and broadcasters hard hit by an advertising slump. As part of that process, AP renewed its licensing agreement with Yahoo Inc. earlier this year and is trying to strike a new deal with Microsoft Corp.

Citing confidentiality clauses in their new contract, officials from the AP and Google declined to provide many specifics other than confirming that there will be greater collaboration than in their first licensing agreement struck in 2006.

"We think this is a good deal for both sides," said Jane Seagrave, AP's chief revenue officer. "We have had a long relationship with Google and are pleased we were able to work out our differences."

As the Internet's dominant search engine, Google theoretically could provide the AP with more insights about the types of information and images people are looking for in the minutes, hours and days after a major news story breaks. Google also could help AP develop more ways to ensure its content is more likely to be highlighted by search engines. The AP, founded in 1846, already has been trying to get a better grasp of how its material is consumed on computers and mobile devices through a tracking system called a "news registry." That technology has worked well since it was unveiled last month, Seagrave said. Google conceivably could also develop new ways to showcase the AP's content within the news section of its website. That's something Google already has tried to do with more than 90 publications partici-

pating in an experiment called "Fast Flip." That feature tries to replicate on the computer screen the look and feel of leafing through a newspaper or magazine. Google shares ad revenue with the publishers in Fast Flip.

Although they have had a licensing agreement since 2006, Google and AP still have had an uneasy relationship. AP executives have publicly complained that the news cooperative wasn't being adequately compensated for its material, partly because Google's search engine pointed to websites that the AP said had pirated its content.

Google, in turn, insisted that it was adhering to all international copyright laws as it tried to help Web surfers find pertinent information.

Besides the AP, Google also licenses news content from Agence France-Presse, UK Press Association, Canadian Press and seven members of the European Pressphoto Agencies. Under these licensing agreements, Google publishes entire stories from the AP and other outlets in the news section of its website.

That's a departure from Google's usual practice of just showing snippets from stories posted on thousands of other websites. Google maintains those excerpts qualify as "fair use" under copyright laws, exempting the company from having to pay any licensing fees to most Web publishers.

Some media executives, such as News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch, have blasted Google for the practice, arguing that Google is profiting from the work of others. Google contends it is helping newspapers by driving more traffic to its website.

Unlike newspapers and broadcasters, the AP doesn't try to draw traffic to stories on its own website. Rather, the AP licenses its content to other media, which sell their own advertising in print, on the airwaves and on the Internet. But advertising in other media, especially print, has been crumbling in recent years, prompting the AP to reduce the fees it charges US newspapers and broadcasters. Squeezed by those concessions, the AP's revenue fell nearly 10 percent to $676 million last year and management anticipates another drop this year. —AP

Apple iPad tablet supply catching up to demand SAN FRANCISCO: Apple yesterday promised that US orders for its iPad tablet computers would ship within 24 hours, in a sign that supply of the hot-selling devices was catching up to demand.

The online Apple Store indicated that any of the six iPad models would be shipped, free of charge, within 24 hours of an order being placed.

People have snapped up millions of iPads since the gadgets launched in the United States and wait times for the devices at times stretched into weeks.

The shortened wait has prompted debate over whether Apple's beefed-up production was paying off or if demand for iPads was waning.

Apple could provide some perspective on iPad

sales during a special event to take place in San Francisco on Wednesday, but the California company's iPod line is expected to be the main focus of the gathering.

The iPad went on sale in the United States on April 3 and Apple sold more than three million in 80 days.

The iPad allows users to watch video, listen to music, play games, surf the Web or read electronic books. The cheapest iPad costs 499 dollars (US) while the top model is priced at 829 dollars.

Apple has released the iPad in more than a dozen countries, and China Unicom is expected to start selling Apple's iPad in the world's largest Internet market in mid to late-September. — AFP

"If a company is providing telecom services in India then all communications must be available to Indian security services," a spokesman for the home ministry told AFP. "If Google or Skype have a component that is not accessible, that will not be possible," he said, asking not to be named in line with standard government procedure in India. "The message is the same for everybody."

Home ministry sources have said in the past that Skype, which uses Voice-Over-InternetProtocol (VOIP) technology that sends calls over the Internet, poses a difficulty for the domestic intelligence services.

The Press Trust of India news agency reported that notices would be sent to Skype and fellow US Internet giant Google from yesterday.

"All of them will be asked to comply with the directive or else they will have to close down their networks," a senior official was quoted as saying.

India is also targeting "virtual private networks", which give employees secure access to their company networks when they are working out of the office.

A spokesman for Google, Gaurav Bhaskar, told AFP the company was yet to receive a notice.

"Once we receive it we will be in a better position to comment on what they are looking for," he said, adding that he expected the concern to be the Gmail service.

Skype was unavailable for comment.

The maker of the BlackBerry, Canada's Research in Motion (RIM), has proposed setting up a server in India through which its heavily encrypted corporate messaging service can be routed.

RIM's proposals for "lawful access" to its messages would be "operationalised immediately" and their feasibility assessed, the home ministry said Monday.

A RIM official told AFP the company had not compromised its public commitment to make no special deals with governments.

Analysts note other securityconscious nations such as China and Russia appear to be satisfied that their intelligence agencies have sufficient access to BlackBerry communications although the arrangements between RIM and these countries are not known.

BlackBerry has also been facing a threatened October 11 ban by the United Arab Emirates and has been negotiating with Saudi Arabia on security issues.

For the Indian government, a ban on BlackBerry services, used widely by India's elite, could have caused serious communication problems with the Commonwealth Games due to take place in New Delhi in just over a month.—AFP

battling insurgencies ranging from Kashmir in the northwest to the farflung northeast, are insisting that telecom groups give them the capability to monitor their data. Skype, the Internet phone service, and Google, which uses powerful encryption technology for its Gmail email service, are expected to be among the next wave of firms to come under New Delhi's scanner.

AHMADABAD: In this photo taken on Friday Aug. 27, 2010, a man chats on his mobile as he walks past the hoarding of BlackBerry mobile in Ahmadabad, India. India's 1.1 million BlackBerry users heaved a sigh of relief after the government Monday gave the smartphone's manufacturer a two-month window to provide a permanent solution to avert a ban on its corporate message services. — AP

HP to pay $55m in kickbacks case WASHINGTON: HewlettPackard has agreed to pay 55 million dollars to settle claims the US computer giant defrauded the US government, the Justice Department announced Monday.

The settlement resolves allegations that HP paid kickbacks to systems integrator companies in return for recommendations that US agencies buy HP products, the department said in a statement.

It also resolves claims that a 2002 contract between HP and the General Services Administration, the US government's chief procurement body, was defectively priced because HP provided incomplete information to the GSA. The 2002 contract involved sales of computer equipment and software to federal agencies by the California-based company, the world's largest computer maker.

"Contractors must deal fairly with the government when doing business with federal agencies," US assistant attorney general Tony West said.

"As this case demonstrates, we will take action against those who seek to taint the government procurement process with illegal kickbacks," West said.

HP said on August 2 it had negotiated a deal with US prosecutors to settle the case but did not disclose the amount of the settlement.

PALO ALTO: The entrance of Hewlett-Packard (HP) headquarters in Palo Alto, California is shown in this August 20, 2005 file photo. The board of directors of Hewlett-Packard has authorized spending up to 10 billion dollars to buy back stock in the US computer giant, whose share price has slumped since chief executive Mark Hurd abruptly resigned this month."We expect to repurchase at least three billion dollars worth of our shares in our fiscal fourth quarter," which ends in October, HP chief financial officer and interim chief executive Cathie Lesjak said in a statement August 30, 2010. — AFP Earlier Monday, HP announced it had been awarded a contract worth up to 800 million dollars to supply computing equipment to the US Air Force.

HP also announced Monday its board of directors has authorized spending up to 10 billion dollars to buy back stock in the company, whose share price has slumped since chief executive

Mark Hurd abruptly resigned this month.

HP is currently waging a battle with US computer maker Dell for data storage firm 3PAR. HP on Friday said it would increase its offer for 3PAR to two billion dollars or 30 dollars per share in cash, up 11 percent from Dell's 27 dollars per share offer. HP's share price has shed

approximately 15 percent since Hurd's surprise resignation on August 6 in the wake of a sexual harassment charge that uncovered subterfuge with company expenses. HP shares gained 1.47 percent to 38.56 dollars on Wall Street on Monday but were down 0.13 percent at 38.51 dollars in after-hours trading. — AFP

HEALTH & SCIENCE

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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Is genetically altered fish Okay WASHINGTON: US health officials are set to rule on whether a fastergrowing, genetically engineered fish is safe to eat in a decision that could deliver the first altered animal food to consumers’ dinner plates.

The fish, made by Aqua Bounty Technologies Inc, is manipulated to grow twice as fast as traditional Atlantic salmon, something the company says could boost the nation’s fish sector and reduce pressure on the environment.

But consumer advocates and food safety experts are worried that splicing and dicing fish genes may have the opposite effect, leading to more industrial farming and potential escapes into the wild. Side effects from eating such fish are also unknown, with little data to show it is safe, they say.

“They’re basically putting the fish on permanent growth hormone so it grows faster ... so they can sell bigger fish faster,” said Jaydee Hanson, a pol-

icy analyst for the nonprofit Center for Food Safety.

It also raises questions about the industrialization of the nation’s food supply at a time when consumersexasperated by massive egg and other food recalls-are growing increasingly concerned and seeking more locally produced meals.

The small Massachusetts-based biotechnology company is seeking Food and Drug Administration approval to sell its salmon, called AquAdvantage, to fish farmers nationwide. If given the green light, the salmon could be followed by the company’s engineered trout and tilapia.

Other scientists are also developing altered pigs and cows for food. The United States already allows genetically modified plants.

On Sept. 19, the FDA kicks off a three-day meeting to discuss whether to approve the salmon. Outside advisers will weigh available data and offer

advice, although the FDA will later make the final call.

“This is an Atlantic salmon in every measurable way,” said Aqua Bounty Chief Executive Ronald Stotish.

“When you look at the fish, it’s impossible to see the difference.”

Whether consumers accept such genetic tinkering could make or break the biotech, which has staked its future on the technology since filing for US approval in 1995. In 2009, it saw a $4.8 million net loss after restructuring in 2008 to preserve cash and focus on completing FDA’s approval process.

The company has seen its shares rise 75 percent this year in the run-up to the FDA’s decision to a year high of 10.50 British pounds ($16).

Stotish said the company has analyzed its salmon and found no differences that warrant any kind of special labeling. Using technology developed by Canadian researchers,

AquAdvantage grows to full size in less than 250 days compared with about 400 days for a traditional Atlantic salmon, according to the biotech.

But some groups say little is known about hazards-such as allergies or potential digestive problems. And they have criticized the FDA for not releasing any data. The agency has said it hopes to make data public by Friday but that by law it does not have to release it until two days before the meeting.

Aqua Bounty has submitted all the FDA-required data, Stotish said, but has done no animal or human clinical trials. It has, however, conducted several taste tests, and Stotish says people like it just fine.

An FDA biotech official, who asked not to be named because Aqua Bounty’s bid is pending, said testing whole foods’ impact on animals would be impossible because of the massive amounts they would have to be fed.

“I’ve eaten the fish, and it tastes great,” said Stotish, whom the company promoted to the top slot in 2008 to try to push approval worldwide, except in Europe where it would face a certain cultural backlash.

Stotish, who trained in biochemistry, has a long history serving in research and development roles at companies focusing on genetics and livestock health products.

Until the early 1800s, US Atlantic salmon was abundant in the rivers of the country’s Northeast.

But pollution and overfishing took their toll, and despite restoration efforts, much of the Atlantic salmon consumed in the United States is imported. In 2009, the nation spent nearly $1.4 billion buying from Chile, Canada, Norway and elsewhere.

Aqua Bounty says its fish can help reduce the pressure on wild salmon populations and curb costly imports.

“We’re not saying if they approve our

salmon we’re going to feed the world,” Stotish told Reuters, but “there’s a general consensus that overfishing is a fact of life.”

Farming fish is already a controversial endeavor, with critics concerned about the methods used and commercial feed.

Food & Water Watch’s fish program director, Marianne Cufone, said food supply issues are a concern, “but there are better ways to produce fish in the United States.” Her group and others also worry the salmon may escape and harm other fish. Even if the salmon wins FDA approval, it is not clear how soon US consumers would see it on store shelves.

Few fish farmers in the United States cultivate salmon, according to Stotish, who hopes farmers will convert their facilities to try the altered salmon.

September’s salmon meeting marks just the second time the FDA

has publicly considered a genetically engineered animal.

Last year, the agency approved GTC Biotherapeutics Inc’s modified goats used to produce its anticlotting drug Atryn for patients with a rare inherited disorder.

Other engineered food animals could be on the way.

Canadian researchers are seeking FDA approval for their Enviropig with more environmentally friendly manure. Hematech Inc, part of Kirin Holdings Co Ltd’s Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co, is also developing “mad cow” disease-resistant cattle.

Center for Food Safety’s Hanson said such animals are the exact opposite of what U.S. consumers want.

“All of these are not to make our food healthier ... All of these are to make it profitable for companies to grow animals in less-healthy conditions, more industrial conditions,” he said. —Reuters

EPA rejects request but may consider new information

US grapples with bedbugs, misuse of pesticides and others making “unrealistic promises of effectiveness or low cost.”

Bedbugs, infesting US households on a scale unseen in more than a half-century, have become largely resistant to common pesticides. As a result, some homeowners and exterminators are turning to more hazardous chemicals that can harm the central nervous system, irritate the skin and eyes or even cause cancer.

Ohio authorities, struggling against widespread infestations in Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton and other cities, are pleading with EPA to approve the indoor use of the pesticide propoxur, which the agency considers a probable carcinogen and banned for in-home use in 2007. About 25 other states are supporting Ohio’s request for an emergency exemption.

The EPA rejected the request in June but said it would consider new information on it. An agency spokesman, Dale Kemery, said the EPA has pledged to find new, potent chemicals to kill bedbugs, which can cause itchy, red bites that can become infected if scratched. In the meantime, authorities around the country have blamed house fires on people misusing all sorts of highly flammable garden and lawn chemicals to fight bedbugs.

Experts also warn that some hardware products — bug bombs, cedar oil and other natural oils — claim to be lethal but merely cause the bugs to scatter out of sight and hide in cracks in walls and floors.

A pest control company in New Jersey was accused in July of applying chemicals not approved for indoor use throughout 70 homes and apartments units, even spraying mattresses and children’s toys. No illnesses were reported. In Cincinnati, an unlicensed applicator saturated an apartment complex in June with an agricultural pesticide typically used on golf courses. Seven tenants got sick and were treated at the hospital. The property was quarantined, and all tenants were forced to move. Authorities are pursuing criminal charges.

“When you see the anguish that bedbugs cause these people, it’s understandable why they might COLUMBUS: In this Aug. 25, 2010 photo, Delores Stewart points out stains on her grandson’s take things into their own hands, and some of it is sheets made by bed bugs, in Columbus, Ohio. A resurgence of bedbugs across the US has home- very dangerous,” said Michael Potter, an entomolowners and apartment dwellers taking desperate measures to eradicate the tenacious bloodsuck- ogist at the University of Kentucky and one of the country’s leading bedbug experts. Bedbugs, a ers, with some relying on dangerous outdoor pesticides and fly-by-night exterminators. —AP common household pest for centuries, all but vanished in the 1940s and ‘50s with the widespread use of DDT. But DDT was banned in 1972 as too toxic to wildlife, especially birds. Since then, the bugs have developed resistance to chemicals that replaced DDT. Also, exterminators have fewer weapons in their arsenal than they did just a few years ago because of a 1996 Clinton-era law that requires older pesticides to be re-evaluated based on more stringent health standards. The re-evaluations led to the restrictions on propoxur and other pesti“To see that was awesome.”

LONG BEACH: The lesson begins on nature to get some pleasure and enjoycides.

The surfers and their coaches the beach with a youngster lying on a ment, and that’s what surfing is all Though propoxur is still used in pet collars, it is surfboard more than twice her size. about,” says Harvey Weisenberg, 50- aren’t the only ones benefiting. banned for use in homes because of the risk of nau“The adults that come just to see After some brief orientation, the child, year veteran lifeguard in Long Beach, sea, dizziness and blurred vision in children. joined by a world-class surfing coach, is who has a 52-year-old developmentally are moved, they have a different Steven Bradbury, director of the EPA’s pesticide soon paddling about 30 yards (30 disabled son. Weisenberg, also a state insight as to kids with disabilities program, said the problem is that children crawl on lawmaker, is one of the local founders immediately,” says Mary Tatem, direcmeters) into the ocean. the floor and put their fingers in their mouths.

As a modest wave appears, the of a program now called “Surf for All,” tor of Pupil Personnel Services in the Critics in the pest control industry say that the coach and his student begin paddling which allows those who never Long Beach school system. Special federal government is overreacting and that profuriously toward shore. In an instant, dreamed of surfing the opportunity to needs children from the school system fessional applicators can work with families to prethe coach eases away from the board “hang 10.” The group recently enter- have participated in a summer surfing vent children from being exposed to harmful levels and implores his charge to “pop up,” tained participants in the Wounded program for several years, she said. of the chemical, which is more commonly used outand stand on the board. A shriek Warriors program, which assists veter- And the students? “They feel empowside against roaches and crickets.

“It’s a knockout explodes from excited parents on the ans injured in the wars in Iraq and ered because they’re doing something pesticide, vastly superior to anything else for bedwhat feels to them to be on their own.” beach who scream with glee as the Afghanistan. bugs,” said Andrew Christman, president of Ohio “The feeling of riding a wave is Dr. Andrew Adesman, chief of developnewcomer stands and rides her first Exterminating Co., which is on pace to treat about wave to shore. “I knew what I was nothing like anything else,” says Cliff mental and behavioral pediatrics at the 3,000 bedbug infestations in 2010, up from an averdoing! exclaims 14-year-old Meghan Skudin, who like his brother, Will, is a Steven & Alexandra Cohen Children’s age of two in 2006.

Fink, who is vision-impaired. “I was professional world-class surfer; both Medical Center, notes there have been Christman said other in-home pesticides aren’t able to stand up on that board and I felt are stars of the surfing magazines. other types of novel approaches in as lethal as propoxur, requiring several treatments the wind through my hair and the “You feel weightless; it’s an amazing dealing with children with autism, such that can push extermination costs to $500 or water came over my head a few times. feeling to be rising above the waves.” as swimming with dolphins, but he $1,500, depending on the size of a home.

It was just amazing.” Learning to surf Cliff Skudin, who has a master’s warns surfing “is not a breakthrough in Marion Ehrich, a toxicologist at the Virginiais a rite of passage for teens in seaside degree in physical education, is anoth- therapy.” He also sees few pitfalls.

Maryland Regional College of Veterinary “I don’t see any worries about safecommunities around the world. But in er Surf for All founder. The program Medicine, said the EPA is showing appropriate recent years in communities from started with five autistic surfers in ty; there appears to be adequate onecaution.

She said other scientists who have studied Long Beach, New York, to San Diego 2002, but now boasts more than 1,800 on-one supervision,” he said. “This is the bedbug problem are not eager to see propoxur certainly something that parents can and Hawaii, children with disabilities alumni. released in homes.

“Smiles on the kids’ faces and encourage and support. Anything you ranging from near-blindness to autism “Propoxur is not a silver bullet, and given time, have been joining the fun, amazing cheers from the parents is all I need,” can do to show kids a good time, that’s bedbugs would likely become resistant to it, too,” their parents, their counselors and Cliff Skudin said when asked to explain wonderful.” Another Surf for All said Lyn Garling, an entomologist at Penn State themselves by hopping up on surf- why he became involved. “It’s a differ- founder, Jim Mulvaney, explains the University.

Experts say it is going to take a comconcept began about a decade ago in ent feeling that they’ve never had.” boards and riding the waves. prehensive public health campaign — public-serHe recalls working with an autistic California, where noted surf champ and Such programs have been around vice announcements, travel tips and perhaps even for about a decade. No one suggests child several years ago who had never instructor Izzy Paskowitz began taxpayer-funded extermination programs for public there are therapeutic cures amid the spoken. After riding a wave with putting autistic children on surfboards housing — to reduce the bedbug problem. People waves, but the surge in self-confidence Skudin, the child arrived back on the in a program called “Surfer’s Healing.” can get bedbugs by visiting infested homes or Now surf schools in many locations is easily evident. “It’s a thrill of feeling beach. “He said, ‘More, more, I want hotels, where the vermin hide in mattresses, pilyourself in a situation where you have more.’ And the family was just com- include instruction for disabled chillows and curtains.

—AP dren and adults. —AP control and you are working with pletely shocked.”

COLUMBUS: A resurgence of bedbugs across the US has homeowners and apartment dwellers taking desperate measures to eradicate the tenacious bloodsuckers, with some relying on dangerous outdoor pesticides and exterminators. The problem has gotten so bad that the Environmental Protection Agency warned this month against the indoor use of chemicals meant for the outside. The agency also warned of an increase in pest control companies

ROCKVILLE: CVS employee Mambo Muntanga, left, receives a flu shot from nurse practitioner Susan Brown, Friday, in Rockville, Md. It’s flu-shot season again, and for the first time health authorities are urging nearly everyone to get vaccinated - and people 65 or older even can choose to try a new high-dose version. —AP

China court accepts first HIV discrimination suit BEIJING: A Chinese man has filed a lawsuit alleging he was denied a job because he is HIV-positive, in what state media yesterday called the nation’s first such discrimination case.

The plaintiff, whose identity was not revealed, filed the suit against the education department of Anqing city in the eastern province of Anhui, the China Daily reported.

The lawsuit alleges city officials denied the plaintiff, a recent college graduate, a teaching job after a medical screening revealed he had HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The screening was held after he had already passed written tests and interviews, the report said.

A court in the city accepted the case on Monday, it said. The plaintiff is seeking to be given the job but is not asking for any monetary compensation.

AIDS has long had a heavy stigma attached to it in China, with sufferers forced to hide their condition, but there have been recent signs that atti-

tudes are changing.

The government has started talking more openly about HIV prevention and control in China, though people with HIV/AIDS still encounter huge discrimination in employment, education and healthcare.

China says that at least 740,000 people are living with HIV but campaigners say the actual figure could be far higher.

The head of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibe, warned last year that 50 million people in the country were at risk of contracting the AIDS virus, mainly through unprotected sex or the sharing of needles.

Despite signs of openness, the hassling of some independent campaigners and organisations has nevertheless continued.

High-profile activist Wan Yanhai, whose group helped uncover a major tainted blood-selling scandal in the 1990s, fled to the United States with his family earlier this year because he said he feared for his safety. —AFP

Surf lessons open new vistas for disabled kids

BROWNSBERG NATURE PARK: In this photo taken Aug 13, 2010, Gray-winged Trumpeters are seen in Brownsberg Nature Park, about 80 miles south of Paramaribo, Suriname. Thanks to record gold prices, hundreds of small-scale mining operations are proliferating along the northeastern shoulder of South America, tearing up trees and poisoning creeks with mercury. —AP

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

health & Science

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Rodents, other contamination found at two egg farms WASHINGTON: Food and Drug Administration investigators have found rodents, seeping manure and even maggots at the Iowa egg farms believed to be responsible for as many as 1,500 cases of salmonella poisoning.

FDA officials released their initial observations of the investigations at Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms on Monday. The two farms recalled more than half a billion eggs after salmonella illnesses were linked to their products earlier this month.

The reports released by the FDA show many different possible sources of contamination at both farms, including rodent, bug and wild bird infestation, uncontained manure, holes in walls and other problems that could have caused the outbreak. Positive samples of salmonella linked to the outbreak have been found at both farms. Officials said they still cannot speculate on how the eggs were contaminated. But they said the farms not only violated their own standards but also new egg rules put in place this summer.

Among the observations of the

investigators: -- Live rodents and mice in laying houses at both farms; -- Structural damage and holes in many locations at both farms, allowing wildlife access; -- Escaped chickens tracking manure through the houses; -- Employees not changing clothing properly when moving from one location to another and not sanitizing equipment properly; -- "Live flies too numerous to count" on egg belts, in the feed, on the eggs themselves at Wright County Egg; -- Dead and live maggots "too numerous to count" on the manure pit floor in one location at Wright County Egg; -- Manure piled four to eight feet high in five locations at Wright County Egg, leaning against and pushing open doors that allowed wildlife to enter the laying houses; -- Nonchicken feathers in a laying house and wild birds flying in and out of two facilities at Wright County Egg; -- Manure seeping through the foundation to the outside of laying

houses in 13 locations at Wright County Egg; -- Rusted holes in feed bins and birds flying over the feed bins at Wright County Egg; In a statement, unidentified officials of Wright County Egg said they are working "around the clock" to address FDA's concerns and some have already been fixed. "To date, the vast majority of the concerns identified in the FDA report already have been addressed through repairs or other corrective measures," the company said in the statement. "We anticipate the expeditious completion of nearly all remaining items by mid-September."

Hillandale Farms released a similar statement, saying some of the issues had already been identified by the company. Animal feces and access to wildlife are normally the main concern of investigators looking for causes of an outbreak, as illnesses such as salmonella originate from feces. Michael Taylor, the FDA's deputy commissioner for foods, said in a briefing for reporters Monday that the agency cannot say how these conditions compare

to other egg farms around the country but he believes they are "significant deviations from what is expected." The agency has not traditionally inspected egg farms until there has been a problem. The FDA has said it has not inspected either of the two Iowa farms, even though the owners of Wright County Egg have a long history of health, safety, environmental and immigration violations. The FDA will now inspect all of the nation's largest farms by the end of next year, the Obama administration announced last week.

No deaths have been reported due to the outbreak, but the number of illnesses, which can be life-threatening, especially to those with weakened immune systems, is expected to increase. The CDC has said this is the largest outbreak of this strain of salmonella since the start of the agency's surveillance of outbreaks in the late 1970s. For every case reported, there may be 30 that are unreported. Thoroughly cooking eggs can kill the bacteria. But health officials are recommending people throw away or return the recalled eggs. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;AP

LONDON: In this Aug. 24, 2010 file photo, eggs with the British Lion mark are shown in London. The Lion Quality Code of Practice was launched in 1998 in Britain. The Lion marking the mark indicates that the eggs were produced according to a code of practice that requires vaccination against salmonella. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AP

WHAT’S ON IN KUWAIT

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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Ramadan & the holy Quran

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he fasting in Ramadan has not only been declared as an act of worship and devotion and a means to nourish piety but has also been characterized as an act of gratefulness to God for His great bounty of true guidance in the form of the Quran. In fact, the best way of expressing gratitude for someone’s bounty or benevolence is to prepare oneself, to the best of one’s ability, to achieve the purpose for which that bounty has been bestowed. The Quran has been revealed so that we may know the way that leads to God’s good pleasure, follow that way ourselves and direct

the world along it. Fasting is an excellent means by which to prepare ourselves for shouldering this task. Hence fasting during the month of the revelation of the Quran is more than an act of worship and more than an excellent course of moral training; it is also an appropriate form for the expression of our thankfulness to God for the bounty of the Quran.

Ramadan is the month in which the holy Quran (final revelation from Allah SWA) was sent down, this Book is a perfect guidance for mankind and consists of clear teachings which show the right way and are

a criterion of truth and falsehood. As mentioned in the Holy Quran, “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who were before you, in order that you may learn taqwa(piety) (2:183)”.

Man’s most fundamental need is’religion’, the need to recognize and worship the Almighty with all His Most Beautiful Names and attributes, and to obey His laws; those manifest in the universe and those revealed through his prophets. The Holy Quran addresses the intellect as well as man’s other inner faculties. It directs man

to consider the universe and functioning in order to learn its true nature and purposes as the creation and thus to learn the attributes of its Single Creator and his own duties as a creature.

As the standard bearers of the truth, the Muslims have the responsibility to guide the mankind from darkness to light as mentioned in the Holy Quran,”You are the best of the nations raised up for (the benefit of) men; you enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and believe in Allah.”

At the brink of new millennium, the world is grappling with various problems

such as decline in moral values, ethics, human relationship etc. therefore the Quran can provide the foundation to the development of the various areas of human endeavors. Indeed the primary objective of the Quran is to attain a peaceful means of communication and resolution of conflicts.

The time when the Quran was revealed it intends to change the discourse of the human history to a new paradigm. This paradigm gives priority to understand human relations, aims& objectives of human race.

Therefore the need of the hour is to take upagain the message of Quran that will

address the underlying issues and permanently transform our perspectives, instead of the thinking the relations based on the concept of the so called ‘clash of civilizations’.

Let this month of holy Ramadan shall become the venue to discuss the issues of reaffirming our faith in fundamental human equality, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of nations large and small, and to promote social progress, therefore thisvery message of Quran should be translated at every arena of human endeavor.

IMA Youth Wing concludes Quran campaign with iftar

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MA Youth Wing in coordination with Masjid Al-Kabir hosted an Iftar Program. Huge gathering was witnessed, with renowned scholars from Kuwait and India present on the occasion.

The key note speech was delivered by Sheikh Inamullah Islahi on the topic “Is it not necessary to read the Quran with understanding?”

Speaking on the occasion he said: “Allah has revealed the holy Quran for the guidance of entire mankind. It is a mercy for mankind. Reading, understanding, implementing and imparting its message is obligatory on all Muslims. If the glorious Quran is implemented, it will bring much needed peace and happiness in our lives”.

Muhammad Ali, Public Relation Officer of communities section at Masjid Al-Kabir, also spoke on the occasion. He explained the importance of Ramadan and the blessings it has for mankind to the audience.

Other scholars present on the occasion also delivered speeches on different topics. IMA Vice-President Masood Shahab delivered inaugural

speech. The program was concluded by the Dua of Sheikh Taher Madani.

This event also marked the culmination of Quran Campaign that was carried out under the patronage of Ministry of Awkaf [Idarat-ul-Masajid] and in coordination with Masjid Kabir, from the first day of Ramadan till the 10th. Campaign titled ‘Is it not necessary to read the Quran with

understanding?’, was held under different zones of IMA Youth Wing where programs were arranged after the Friday Prayers and Isha Prayers with small speeches on the topic and CDs, Books in English and Urdu Language were distributed to spread the awareness of reading Quran with Understanding and applying the knowledge in day to day life.

Ramadan: Month of charity and generosity Fayaz Hassan he month of fasting has come!

The month of generosity has come! Ramadan, the blessed and honorable month has come.

O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation [Quran]. If you remember this statement from Noble Quran you will understand how necessary the fasting isprescribed towe Muslims as this is also the third pillar and religious obligation of Islam.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar with so many significance as it is the month that the Noble Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This isthe month where we learn to self-control andattain the complete devotion to Allah. This is also the month of opportunity to strengthen our bond with our Creator by involving our self in serving the humanity. Weall have the aim to be nearer to Allah and this month is an opportunity for us to achieve that.

Imaams Al-Bukhari and Muslim reported that Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, had said “The Prophet was most generous of people, and he used to be the most generous in Ramadan. Generosity and giving are the attributes that Allah likes for Muslims to have.

The Ramadan is the month of giving and mercy. whoever is merciful and generous in Ramadan, Allah will be even more Merciful and generous, and will bestow upon him countless bounties and blessings.

An important component of the spir-

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Eight day Lent and annual convention

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ight day lent and Annual Convention of the St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Maha Edavaka will be held from 1st to 7th of September 2010.

Rev. Fr. Kurien Daniel, Sabha Managing Committee Member and Head of the department of Syriac at the Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta will lead the convention.

Perunnal service will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 from 5:30 pm at the National Evangelical Church.

itual reflection during Ramadan is charity. During Ramadan, people go out of their way to share their blessings by donating food, clothing and money to needy individuals or families. This is the month where spirit of generosity reach every hearts and every household. Ramadanalso brings all of us the comfort, joy and positivity in heart, speech and action.

Ramadan raises awareness about the true meaning of hunger and poverty.

Most importantly, during this very special month, we have to make out our time to pray for others -our family, our loved ones, for those who are ill, those who live in fear, those who go hungry, and for those who walk in darkness.

Zakat Al-Fitr was declared by the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) as a perquisite for the acceptance of fasting. It is meant to bolster the relationship between all the members

of the society to alleviate the pain of the poor, to cultivate the sense of brotherhood and solidarity in the hearts of the Muslims.

Zakat Al-Fitr is obligatory upon every (capable) Muslim, whether male or female. The head of the household must pay this amount on behalf of his/her own self and dependents like parents, their spouse, children and even servants. Some jurists also allow paying cash to the poor and needy.

The Zakat (Islamic Alms Fee)which derived from the word Zaka means to increase, purify isdistributed to the less fortunate section of the society in a prescribed legitimate manner every yearand the unique allotment of 2.5 percentage makes it one of the most viable practice.

The virtue of paying Zakat in Ramadan will be multiple in thisspecial month. Zakah not only purify the property of the donor but also purifies their heart from selfishness and greed for wealth.

The following verses from the Holy Qura’n gives all of us the opportunity to overtly see and understand the innumerable blessings attained in this special Month of Charity and Generosity.

“Those who spend their wealth by night and day, in secret and in public, shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve” (Quran 2:274).

“By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give freely from that which you love. And whatever you give, Allah knows it well” (Quran 3:92).

Some of the locations where the campaign was carried out are as under:

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Fahaheel Zone Hilal Otaibi Mosque Badar al Huti Mosque Abdullah Ajeel Mangaf Shuaiba Camp Mosque Radhan Mosuqe in Fintas -

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Salmiya Zone Yazeed bin Haris Mosque Hayya Ibrahim Mosque Nasser Al Khanna Mosque Khaitan Zone Osman Mosque Abu Rafie Mosque, Abbasiya Othman Mosque in Kuwait City (next to the Kuwaiti Parliament)

Rev. KJ Mathew in Kuwait

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ev.K.J.Mathew [Assistant Superintendent A.G.Malayalam District Council and Registrar Bethel Bible College punalur] arrived in Kuwait to speech the word of God In Assemblies of GOD Church Kuwait convention Athmamari 2010 will be held on September 1 ,2 & 3 [Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 7pm to 9.30pm] at National Evngelical Church, Kuwait and

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special meeting on September 3 Friday at 9.45am to 12.1 5 noon at NECK Church Hall of Peace.

We invite all of you to Come, Rejoice & Be Blessed, A.G. Church choir will sing beautiful songs. For more information please contact Phone; Pr. P.K.Johnson 241 34598, 97586988, Free transportation Abbassiya 66224075, 9931 5687, Salmiya 94050826, 97771 905, Riggae 66194178, FahaheelMangaf 94438347, 66073914.

handa Paulose, 85, with her family including her great grandson Jaden, 4 months, during their Onam celebrations which also marked the meeting of four generations in Riggae, Kuwait. Keralites all over the world celebrated Onam, the harvest festival, last week.

WHAT’S ON IN KUWAIT

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

31 Embassy information

Announcements Sept 17 Onam Fest 2010: ‘Vanithavedi Kuwait’ a leading women’s association will be celebrating Onam on Friday, Sept 17, 2010, from 9 am - 6 pm at the Indian Community School, Khaitan Branch, the program named as ‘OnamFest 2010’ will have the public meeting followed by various cultural programs. The traditional Onasadya will be served. For the successful conduct of Onam Fest 2010, a program committee has been formed. Dr Vasanthy Nair (general convenor), Valsamma George, Dr Mary (Joint Convenors), Prasanna Ramabhadran (Arts convenor), Tolly Prakash (Food convenor), Shiny Ajith (Raffle convenor), Sumathy Babu (Souvenir convenor), Valsa Sam (Publicity convenor), Syamala Narayanan, (Reception convenor), Sharlette Albert (Volunteer captain). For more details, contact: 24342807, 66428433, 66596625, 24331598.

EMbASSy OF US The United States Department of State announces the increase in various visa fees to ensure sufficient resources to cover the increasing cost of processing nonimmigrant visas (NIVs). US law requires the Department to recover the cost of processing non-immigrant visas through the collection of the application fees. The increased fees are to take effect June 4, 2010. Under the new rule, applicants for all visas that are not petition-based, including B1/B2 tourist and business visitor visas and all student and exchange-visitor visas, will pay a fee of $140. Applicants for petitionbased visas will pay an application fee of $150, as each of the below categories requires a review of extensive documentation and a more in-depth interview of the applicant than other categories, such as tourists.

These categories include: H visa for temporary workers and trainees L visa for intra-company transferees O visa for aliens with extraordinary ability P visa for athletes, artists and entertainers Q visa for international cultural exchange visitors R visa for religious occupations The application fee for K visas for fiance(e)s of US citizens will be $350. The fee for E visas for treaty-traders and treaty-investors will be $390.

Theater & Music All level music classes: ‘Treasure of Talents’ (est in 1992) music education program invites all level music classes on piano, theory of music, vocal, flute.

Academic Level teachers help prepare for international exams, children concerts, yearly ‘Treasure of Talents’ Festival and music competitions. Contact Prof Cezary, Tel. 25320427, 66549009 of Ms Yasmeene Berlitz Institute Tel: 22542212. 22512533 or email: treasureoftalents@yahoo.com treasureoftalents@hotmail.com ✦✦✦ Call to classical music lovers: Are you a lover of music? Would you like to promote the traditional Indian classical music in Kuwait? If your answer is in the affirmative, please write ton more details to music_karnatic@yahoo.co. in (that is, music underscore karnatic) with your contact details or call 7978286.

SEPT 24 NSS Onam: Nair Service Society (NSS), Kuwait will celebrate Onam on Sept 24, at Cambridge School, Mangaf. South Indian film star and acclaimed dancer Lakshmi Gopalaswamy will perform during the function. Ajai Malhotra, Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, will be the chief guest at the Onam celebration on September 24, which will be followed by a full day variety entertainment program depicting the rich heritage and art forms of Kerala. Muraleekrishnan P, President of Nair Service Society, Kuwait (NSS Kuwait) will preside over the function.The Ona-Sadhya (Onam Feast) will be served in the traditional Kerala style on banana leaf on September 24. Nair Service Society (NSS) Kuwait, is one of the largest Socio-Cultural Organization in Kuwait formed in year 2001 and now has more than 3000 Indians as members. For more information, contact Anish Nair, NSS Kuwait 9969-1431.

Oct 14 Tulukoota Kuwait announces its “Decennial Parba “on October 14th & 15th.

2010 at American International School Hawally. We invite all Tulukoota Kuwait members to join us for fun filled and exciting events planned to celebrate the milestones throughout Tulukoota Kuwait’s 10 years journey. 14th October Rasamanjari musical show by Star performer Anuradha Bhatt, Prakash Mahadevan Naveen Koppa & others, Vismaya Jadoo by Mega Magic Star Ganesh Kudroli & troupe. Dr. Mohan Alva Cultural Performances & King of Comedy Navin D Padil presents tulu drama “ Paniyerla aath Panande Budiyerla aath” This is a fun tilled evening for entire family!

Join us for a great time. For more information call : Swarna C Shetty - 99006934; Pascal Pinto - 9953 1557; Sathya Narayan 66585077: Suresh Salian - 99161228; Chandrahasa Shetty - 55941955.

OCT 21 Rendezvous 2010: The Kuwait Chapter of the St. Aloysius College Alumni Association (SACAA KUWAIT) have announced that “Rendezvous” their hallmark event will be conducted on 21st October at Asia Asia Restaurant, Souk Al Watiya, Kuwait City from 8 pm onwards. This year, SACAA Kuwait celebrates five years of its existence in Kuwait. SACAA-Kuwait has been synonymous with various fund raising initiatives through which they consistently supported various needs of their Alma Mater and its students back in Mangalore, India.

Through Rendezvous-2010, SACAA-Kuwait intends to help generate funds for the Poor Students Fund of St. Aloysius institutions where numerous needy students look forward to assistance to subsidize their costs.

SACAA Kuwait calls upon all Aloysians, their families and also like minded people to join this noble cause and help make life a little better for those needy students back home. For entry passes and further information, kindly contact - 66731828, 66746425, 66181041, 94093275, 66699857, 66091962.

OCT 29 Onathanima tug of war: Thanima is conducting its annual Onam celebrations along with its celebrated tug of war competitions on October 29 at Central School compound, Abbasiya. Cultural procession, concert and other attractive cultural items will add glitter to the evening function in which many prominent personalities are expected to be present. Those teams wishing to participate in the tug of war competition, please contact 99865499 / 97253653 / 66071276 / 99703872.

Nov 17 Trend setter Udupi Restaurant, Kuwait proudly presents “ Gandharva Ganam” a live carnatic classical concert by living legend & maestro Padmabooshan Dr. K.J.Yesudas with his troupe on 17th Nov. 2010 at American International School, Kuwait. Sri. Nagai Murali on violin, Sri. Bakthavalsalam on Mridangam and Sri. Thripunithura Radhakrishnan on Ghatam.

For more details, please contact 66752462 or 66784867.

EMBASSY OF INDIA

Mariyam Elizabeth Jacob OVBS star 2010

T

his year The Orthodox Vacation Bible School (OVBS 2010) conducted by Kuwait St. Gregorious Orthodox Maha Edavaka is ended with a grand closing ceremony. Over 600 students participated in the program held from August 12th to 26th in National Evangelical Church and Mariyam Elizabeth Jacob is elected as OVBS Star 2010 followed by Erics Anna Mathew as the 1st runner up. Also section primary 3 lead by Reena Renji and Neena Renji, wins the best class award of this year.

The closing ceremony is presided

by Edavaka Vicar, Rev. Fr, Jose Mathew. Then an arts program was conducted by students from various classes followed by a song fest lead

by Jessy Jaison.

Edavaka Asst. Vicar, Rev. Fr. Gorege C. Varghese, OVBS Director Rev. Fr. Giby K. Paul, Superintendent K.V. George, Sunday School Head Master Kurien Varghese, Trusty Oomen Kurien were also present.

The Welcome address was delivered by Deputy Superintendent Samkutty George.

The closing ceremony meeting concluded with the vote of thanks by Edavaka Secretary Prasad Cherian.

EMbASSy OF bANGLADESH The Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Kuwait will follow the following office hours during the holy month of Ramadan. Sunday to Thursday: 09:00 - 3:00 pm. Friday and Saturday: Weekly holidays.

Toastmasters Club announcement

D

o you want to overcome your fear of speaking in public? Do you want to sharpen your presentation skills? Do you want to develop leadership skills? Do you wish to attend job interviews with confidence?

All of these can be achieved for a nominal fee with unlimited opportunities to practice and develop at the new Toastmasters Club (affiliated to

Toastmasters International USA), being chartered in Salmiya. If you want to be part of your own chartered club, join us at Bayan Restaurant, Salmiya (next to Red Tag) at 7:45 pm on Friday, September 3, 2010. For free registration contact Vishwanath at 67735024 visragmal@yahoo.com or Xavier at 99850173 Xaviermuthu@hotmail.com

Sports Filipino Badminton Committee is inviting all badminton enthusiast to join its 19th badminton tournament dubbed as the Ambassador Shulan Primavera Cup. Interested may register on Friday at Jawhara Saleh Private School, located at Riggae right beside the Ramada Hotel. The gym is open from 8 am until 5pm. For more details, contact Pres. Nelson Lacson 97796294, VP Garry Calub -66237872 or Dr. Chie Umandap at 97197268 ✦✦✦ FAST Shoot: Filipino Action Shooting Team (FAST) officials, with the support of Gen. Ahmmed Al Saleem would like to invite everyone to their Fun Shoot every Tuesday from 17:00-

21:00 hours. For details contact: Butch Alinea 99816563, Danny San Juan 99540595 Carlos Gutierrez 97270371 and FAST Adviser Manny Cornelio 66737298. ✦✦✦ FPSC Fun Shoot session: The Filipino Practical Shooting Club (FPSC) is inviting its members and non-members who are gun sports enthusiast to join us every Thursday at 17:00 hours to 21:00 hours (5 pm to 9 pm) for a fun shoot in practical shooting target continues FPSC will hold a sanction tournament for the Philippine Practical Shooting Association (PPSA) as a requirement for the club affiliation for the year 20l0. All FPSC/PPSA mem-

bers are obliged to participate in these disciplines. For particulars, please call the following officers: Tony 66600481, Eric 99570689, Jovi 66742419, Rommel 66850748, Dadz 66634012, Sunny 99545917, Joseph 99517467, Ramon 97433824, Ramir 99629631. ✦✦✦ Football referees coaching classes: Football referee coaching class for new recruits and refresher classes for active members will be conducted by the Indian Football Referees’ Association (IFRA) Kuwait from today at the Indian English Academy School (Don Bosco Salmiya from 9:30 am onwards).

Audio visual aids will be used to

The Embassy of India has further revamped and improved its Legal Advice Clinic at the Indian Workers Welfare Center, and made the free service available to Indian nationals on all five working days, i.e. from Sunday to Thursday every week. Kuwaiti lawyers would be available at the Legal Advice Clinic daily from Monday to Thursday, while Indian lawyers would be available on Sundays.

Following are the free welfare services provided at the Indian Workers Welfare Center located at the Embassy of India: [i] 24x7 Helpline for Domestic Workers: Accessible by toll free telephone no. 25674163 from anywhere in Kuwait, it provides information and advice exclusively to Indian domestic sector workers (Visa No. 20) as regards their grievances, immigration and other matters. [ii] Help Desk: It offers guidance to Indian nationals on routine immigration, employment, legal, and other issues (Embassy premises; 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4.30 PM, Sunday to Thursday); (iii) Labour Complaints Desk: It registers labor complaints and provides grievance redressal service to Indian workers (Embassy premises; 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4.30 PM, Sunday to Thursday); (iv) Shelters: For female and male domestic workers in distress; (v) Legal Advice Clinic: Provides free legal advice to Indian nationals (Embassy premises; Kuwaiti lawyers 3 PM to 5 PM, Monday to Thursday; Indian lawyers 2 PM to 4 PM on Sunday); and (vi) Attestation of Work Contracts: Private sector worker (Visa No. 18) contracts are accepted at the Embassy; 9 AM to 1 PM; Sunday to Thursday; Domestic sector worker (Visa No. 20) contracts are accepted at Kuwait Union of Domestic Labor Offices (KUDLO), Hawally, Al-Othman Street, Kurd Roundabout, Al-Abraj Complex, Office No 9, Mezzanine Floor; 9 AM to 9 PM, Saturday to Thursday; 5 PM to 9 PM on Friday.

The Embassy of India will remain closed on August 23 and September 2, 2010 on account of ‘Onam’ and ‘Janmashtami’ respectively.

enhance the understanding of the laws of the game better. All new candidates desiring to qualify as football referees are requested to contact Sarto Baptista on tel 25611621 (after 6pm), Junifer Rodrigues on tel 25633261 (after 5 pm) and also C O John on 66274017 (Mangaf/Fahaheel/Ahmadi area) for more information. ✦✦✦ Kuwait Netball Association games: The Kuwait Netball Association games are played on Tuesday evenings between 7:00 pm and 8:30 pm. To register or for more information email: kuwaitnetball@hotmail.com. New players are always welcome.

EMBASSY OF turkEY The Embassy of the Republic of Turkey announces that Turkish language course will restart at the Embassy’s Tourism, Culture and Information Office 4 October 2010. The lessons will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. For further details and registration please contact. * The Embassy at Tel: 22531785 (only from 9 am to 3 pm) * Or fill the application form on http://kuweyt.befscnet.net and send it to the e-mail: Turkish_embassy_Kuwait@hotmail.com EMbASSy OF THAiLAND All foreigners who apply for Tourist Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies and the Royal Thai Consulate General worldwide, including eligible foreigners who apply for Visa on arrival at designated checkpoints, will be exempted from tourist visa fees until 31 March 2011. Such arrangement is for Tourist Visa only.

TV PROGRAMS

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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Orbit / Showtime Listings 06:05 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 07:10 The Restaurant Uk 08:00 Living In The Sun 08:50 Bargain Hunt 09:35 Hidden Potential 09:55 James Martin’s Champagne 10:20 James Martin’s Champagne 10:45 Coastal Kitchen 11:10 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 11:55 10 Years Younger 12:40 Come Dine With Me 13:30 Cash In The Attic 14:15 Living In The Sun 15:05 Bargain Hunt 15:50 James Martin’s Champagne 16:15 Coastal Kitchen 16:35 Cash In The Attic 17:20 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 18:05 10 Years Younger 18:55 Come Dine With Me 19:40 Boys’ Weekend 20:05 The Hairy Bakers 20:35 Glamour Puds 21:00 The Home Show 21:50 Cash In The Attic 22:35 Come Dine With Me 23:25 The Restaurant Uk

03:00 Flash Forward 04:00 Dawson’s Creek 05:00 Inside the Actors Studio 06:00 The Closer 07:00 The Unit 08:00 Dawson’s Creek 09:00 Criminal Minds 10:00 Flash Forward 11:00 In Plain Sight 12:00 The Closer 13:00 Criminal Minds 14:00 Flash Forward 15:00 Dawson’s Creek 16:00 House 17:00 Supernatural 18:00 The Unit 19:00 The Closer 20:00 Lie to Me 21:00 Law & Order 22:00 Criminal Minds 23:00 Grey’s Anatomy

03:30 Untamed & Uncut 04:25 Cats 101 05:20 Animal Battlegrounds 05:45 Monkey Life 06:10 SSPCA: On the Wildside 06:35 Night 07:00 Animal Crackers 07:25 Meerkat Manor 07:50 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 08:45 Cats 101 09:35 Animal Battlegrounds 10:00 Bull Shark: World’s Deadliest Shark...

10:55 Monkey Life 11:20 Night 11:50 Miami Animal Police 12:45 Vet on the Loose 13:10 Pet Rescue 13:40 Animal Cops Philadelphia 14:35 Wildlife SOS 15:00 SSPCA: On the Wildside 15:30 Deadly Waters 16:25 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 17:20 Cats of Claw Hill 17:45 Britain’s Worst Pet 18:15 Planet Earth 19:10 Polar Bears: Living on Thin Ice 20:10 Animal Cops Houston 21:05 Shark After Dark 22:00 Planet Earth 22:55 Animal Cops Philadelphia 23:50 Untamed & Uncut

03:00 Coast 04:00 Mastermind 2006 04:30 Gigglebiz 04:45 Tweenies 05:05 Tellytales 05:15 Tikkabilla 05:45 Gigglebiz 06:00 Tweenies 06:20 Tellytales 06:30 Tikkabilla 07:00 Gigglebiz 07:15 Teletubbies 07:40 Tellytales 07:50 Tikkabilla 08:20 Gigglebiz 08:35 Teletubbies 09:00 Tikkabilla 09:30 Mastermind 2006 10:00 Coast 11:00 Last Of The Summer Wine 12:00 The Weakest Link 12:45 Eastenders 13:15 Doctors 13:45 Mastermind 2006 14:15 Coast 15:15 Last Of The Summer Wine 16:15 The Weakest Link 17:00 Doctors 17:30 Eastenders 18:00 Home Again 18:30 Home Again 19:00 A Thing Called Love 20:00 The Weakest Link 20:45 Doctors 21:15 Eastenders 21:45 Lead Balloon 22:15 Lead Balloon 22:45 Casualty 23:35 Casualty

03:15 Come Dine With Me 04:00 The Restaurant Uk 04:50 Hidden Potential 05:15 10 Years Younger

03:00 In The Loop-18 04:45 Mr. Holland’s Opus-PG 07:00 Nights In Rodanthe-PG15 09:00 The Sun Also Rises-PG15 11:00 Farrah’s Story-PG 12:30 The Sting-PG15 15:00 Quid Pro Quo-PG15 16:45 Fireproof-PG 18:45 The Bridges Of Madison CountyPG15 21:00 Missing-PG15 23:00 9th Company-18

03:00 Worst-Case Scenario 03:25 Mega Machines 4 04:20 Mythbusters 05:15 How Does it Work?

05:40 How Machines Work 06:05 Dirty Jobs 07:00 Mean Machines: Transatlantic Challenge 07:25 Mega Machines 08:15 Street Customs 2008 09:10 Mythbusters 10:05 Ultimate Survival 11:00 Worst-Case Scenario 11:30 Worst-Case Scenario 11:55 Border Security 12:25 How Does it Work?

12:50 How Machines Work 13:20 Mythbusters 14:15 Miami Ink 15:10 Ultimate Survival 16:05 Dirty Jobs 17:00 Overhaulin’ 17:55 Mythbusters 18:50 Cake Boss 19:15 Border Security 19:40 The Gadget Show 20:05 How Does it Work?

20:35 How Machines Work 21:00 Moments of Terror 21:55 Wreckreation Nation 22:50 Mythbusters 23:45 MacIntyre: World’s Toughest Towns

03:00 Beyond Tomorrow 03:50 Thunder Races 04:45 How Stuff’s Made 05:10 Weird Connections 05:40 Stunt Junkies 06:10 Building the Future 07:00 Thunder Races 08:00 The World’s Strangest UFO Stories 09:00 Build It Bigger: Rebuilding Greensburg 09:55 Build It Bigger: Rebuilding Greensburg 10:50 Ultimate Power Builders 14:30 Discovery Project Earth 16:20 How Stuff’s Made 16:50 Junkyard Mega-Wars 17:45 Brainiac 18:40 How It’s Made 19:30 Engineered 20:20 How It’s Made 21:10 Kings of Construction 22:00 How It’s Made 22:50 Engineered

06:00 K9 Adventures 06:25 American Dragon

06:50 Kid Vs Kat 07:15 Phineas And Ferb 07:40 Phineas And Ferb 08:05 Kick Buttowski 08:30 Pokemon 09:00 Zeke And Luther 09:25 Zeke And Luther 09:50 I’m In The Band 10:15 Phineas And Ferb 10:40 Suite Life On Deck 11:05 Suite Life On Deck 11:30 Phil Of The Future 12:00 Phineas And Ferb 12:30 Phineas And Ferb 13:00 Kid Vs Kat 13:30 Kid Vs Kat 14:00 The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody 14:25 The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody 14:50 Zeke And Luther 15:15 The Super Hero Squad Show 15:45 Kick Buttowski 16:15 I’m In The Band 16:40 Suite Life On Deck 17:05 Zeke And Luther 17:30 Zeke And Luther 17:55 Phineas And Ferb 18:20 Phineas And Ferb 18:45 Kick Buttowski 19:10 Pokemon 19:35 American Dragon 20:00 Aaron Stone 20:30 Kid Vs Kat 21:00 Phineas And Ferb 21:25 I’m In The Band 21:55 The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody 22:20 Shreducation 22:30 Programmes Start At 6:00am KSA

03:15 25 Most Stylish 04:10 Sexiest 05:05 Battle of the Hollywood Hotties 05:30 Streets of Hollywood 06:00 E! Investigates 07:45 Behind the Scenes 08:10 Behind the Scenes 08:35 E! News 09:00 The Daily 10 09:25 Denise Richards: It’s Complicated 09:50 Leave It To Lamas 10:15 THS 12:00 E! News 12:25 The Daily 10 12:50 Behind the Scenes 13:15 Pretty Wild 13:40 Keeping Up with the Kardashians 14:05 Kendra 14:30 Dr 90210 15:25 THS 16:15 Behind the Scenes 16:40 Behind the Scenes 17:10 Giuliana & Bill 17:35 Giuliana & Bill 18:00 E! News 18:25 The Daily 10 18:50 Keeping Up with the Kardashians 19:15 Pretty Wild 19:40 Fashion Police 20:30 Kendra 20:55 Chelsea Lately 21:20 Kourtney & Khlo√© Take Miami 21:45 Kourtney & Khlo√© Take Miami 22:10 E! News 22:35 The Daily 10 23:00 Fashion Police

03:00 Fight Girls 04:00 Man’s Work 05:00 Iex 07:00 Sony Ericsson B-boy...

08:00 Asian X Games 2009 08:30 Saab Salomon Mountain X-race 10:00 Sacred Ride 11:00 Cape Epic 12:00 Man’s Work 13:00 Fia European Drag Racing 2008 14:00 Sony Ericsson B-boy...

15:00 Cape Epic 15:30 Cape Epic 16:00 Man’s Work 17:00 Asian X Games 2009 17:30 Saab Salomon Mountain X-race 19:00 Sacred Ride 20:00 Man’s Work 21:00 Cape Epic 21:30 Cape Epic 22:00 Fight Girls 23:00 Fim World Motocross Mx3 Championships...

23:30 Fim World Motocross Mx3 Championships...

03:00 Barefoot Contessa 03:30 Everyday Italian 04:00 Food Network Challenge 05:00 Throwdown With Bobby Flay

05:30 Guys Big Bite 06:00 Iron Chef America 07:00 30 Minute Meals 07:25 Good Deal with Dave Lieberman 07:50 Guys Big Bite 08:15 Barefoot Contessa 08:40 Everyday Italian 09:05 30 Minute Meals 09:30 Tyler’s Ultimate 10:00 Guys Big Bite 10:30 Barefoot Contessa 11:00 Everyday Italian 11:30 Food Network Challenge 12:30 30 Minute Meals 13:00 Good Deal with Dave Lieberman 13:30 Guys Big Bite 14:00 Barefoot Contessa 14:30 Everyday Italian 15:00 30 Minute Meals 15:30 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 16:00 Iron Chef America 17:00 Barefoot Contessa 17:30 Everyday Italian 18:00 30 Minute Meals 18:30 Guys Big Bite 19:00 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 19:30 Good Deal with Dave Lieberman 20:00 Chopped 21:00 Barefoot Contessa 21:30 Everyday Italian 22:00 Food Network Challenge 23:00 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 23:30 Guys Big Bite

03:05 Solved 04:00 Forensic Detectives 04:55 Crime Scene Psychics 05:20 Dr G: Medical Examiner 06:10 Real Emergency Calls 06:35 Real Emergency Calls 07:00 Forensic Detectives 07:50 FBI Files 08:40 Final Days of an Icon 09:30 Solved 10:20 Forensic Detectives 11:10 FBI Files 12:00 Real Emergency Calls 12:25 Real Emergency Calls 12:50 Undercover 13:40 Fugitive Strike Force 14:30 Forensic Detectives 15:20 FBI Files 16:10 Final Days of an Icon 17:00 Solved 17:50 Forensic Detectives 18:40 FBI Files 19:30 Real Emergency Calls 19:55 Real Emergency Calls 20:20 Undercover 21:10 Fugitive Strike Force 22:00 I Almost Got Away With It 22:50 Murder Shift 23:40 Dr G: Medical Examiner

06:00 Max and Ruby 06:25 Rupert 06:45 Rolie Polie Olie 07:15 Corduroy 07:35 Boo and Me 07:40 Babar 08:05 Babar 08:30 Ned’s Newt 08:55 Ned’s Newt 09:20 New Adventures of Madeline 09:45 Heathcliff 10:05 George Shrinks 10:35 Fat Dog Mendoza 11:00 Sonic Underground 11:20 Sonic Underground 11:45 Beverly Hills Teen Club 12:10 Sabrina The Animated Series 12:35 New Adventures of Ocean Girl 13:00 Groove Squad Cheerleaders 14:15 Dennis The Menace 14:40 Birdz 15:05 Heathcliff 15:30 Fat Dog Mendoza 15:50 Boo and Me 15:55 Birdz 16:20 Sabrina The Animated Series 16:45 New Adventures of Ocean Girl 17:10 The Future is Wild 17:35 Rescue Heroes 18:00 Dino Squad 18:20 Boo and Me 18:25 Ace Lightning 19:00 The Future is Wild 19:20 New Adventures of Ocean Girl 19:50 Sabrina The Animated Series 20:15 Rescue Heroes 20:35 Ace Lightning 21:00 The Future is Wild 21:25 New Adventures of Ocean Girl 21:50 Dino Squad 22:15 Rescue Heroes 22:40 Ace Lightning 23:05 Tales from the Cryptkeeper 23:25 Sabrina The Animated Series 23:50 Sonic Underground

04:45 Staying Together 06:15 The Limbic Region 07:50 Hawaii 10:30 A Home Of Our Own 12:15 Return Of A Man Called Horse 14:20 Boy, Did I Get A Wrong Number!

16:00 Cornbread, Earl And Me 17:35 The Knack And How To Get It 19:00 10:30 P.M. Summer 20:25 Diary Of A Madman 22:00 L.A. Bounty 23:25 In The Heat Of The Night

Hellboy Ii: The Golden Army on Show Movies

03:00 The Powerpuff Girls 03:15 Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends 03:40 The Secret Saturdays 04:05 Codename: Kids Next Door 04:30 Ben 10 04:55 Best ED 05:20 Samurai Jack 05:45 Cramp Twins 06:10 Eliot Kid 06:35 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 07:00 Codename: Kids Next Door 07:25 Chowder 07:50 Best ED 08:15 Chop Socky Chooks 08:40 Ben 10: Alien Force 09:05 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 09:30 Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes 09:55 Eliot Kid 10:20 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 10:30 Squirrel Boy 10:55 Robotboy 11:20 Camp Lazlo 11:45 The Powerpuff Girls 12:10 Class Of 3000 12:35 Ed, Edd N Eddy 13:00 Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends 13:25 Codename: Kids Next Door 13:50 Ben 10 14:15 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 14:40 Squirrel Boy 15:05 Eliot Kid 15:35 Casper’s Scare School 16:00 Skunk Fu! 16:25 Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes 16:50 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 17:15 The Secret Saturdays

03:00 Party Down 03:30 That Mitchell and Webb Look 04:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 04:30 Late night with Jimmy Fallon 05:30 Just Shoot me!

06:00 Malcolm in the Middle 06:30 The Drew Carey Show 07:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 07:30 Frasier 08:00 Seinfeld 08:30 Just Shoot me!

09:00 Malcolm in the Middle 09:30 The Drew Carey Show 10:00 Will & Grace 10:30 The Office 11:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 11:30 Frasier 12:00 Late night with Jimmy Fallon 13:00 Seinfeld 13:30 Just Shoot me!

14:00 Malcolm in the Middle 14:30 Scrubs 15:00 The Office 15:30 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart 16:00 The Colbert Report 16:30 The Drew Carey Show 17:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 17:30 Frasier 18:00 Seinfeld 18:30 Will & Grace 19:00 The League 19:30 Rita Rocks 20:00 Late night with Jimmy Fallon 21:00 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 Cleveland Show 22:30 That Mitchell and Webb Look 23:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 23:30 The League

03:00 The Monique Show 04:00 The Tonight show with Jay Leno 05:00 GMA (repeat) 07:00 GMA Health 07:30 What’s the Buzz 08:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live!

09:00 Never Trust A skinny cook 09:30 Huey’s cooking adventures 10:00 The Martha Stewart Show 11:00 The View 12:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 13:00 The Martha Stewart Show 14:00 GMA Live 16:00 GMA Health 16:30 What’s the Buzz 17:00 Never Trust A skinny cook 17:30 Huey’s cooking adventures 18:00 Look A Like 18:30 Look A Like 19:00 The View 20:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 21:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live!

22:00 The Tonight show with Jay Leno 23:00 The Monique Show

Last Chance Harvey on Super Movies

07:00 Lazytown 07:25 Imagination Movers 07:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 08:15 Handy Manny 08:40 Jungle Junction 08:50 Special Agent Oso 09:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 09:25 Handy Manny 09:50 New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 10:15 Little Einsteins 10:40 Special Agent Oso 11:05 Imagination Movers 11:30 Lazytown 11:55 My Friends Tigger and Pooh 12:20 Handy Manny 12:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 13:10 Little Einsteins 14:00 Higglytown Heroes 14:25 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 14:50 Special Agent Oso 15:05 My Friends Tigger and Pooh 15:30 Imagination Movers 15:55 Little Einsteins 16:20 Handy Manny 16:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 17:10 New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 17:35 Special Agent Oso 17:45 Imagination Movers 18:10 Handy Manny 18:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 19:00 New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 19:25 Handy Manny 19:35 Special Agent Oso 19:50 Jungle Junction

04:00 Call Of The North-PG 06:00 Cassandra’s Dream-PG15 08:00 Hellboy Ii: The Golden Army-PG15 10:00 A Previous Engagement-PG15 12:00 12 Rounds-PG15 14:00 Shoot The Hero-PG15 16:00 Hellboy Ii: The Golden Army-PG15 18:00 Beneath The Blue-PG15 19:30 Body Of Lies-18 22:00 Ponyo On The Cliff By The SeaFAM

03:00 Eagle Eye-PG15 05:00 Hide-PG15 07:00 The Flash-PG 09:00 The Scorpion King 2: Rise Of A Warrior-PG15 11:00 Double Team-PG15 13:00 The Bodyguard 2-PG15 15:00 The Scorpion King 2: Rise Of A Warrior-PG15 17:00 Mercury Man-PG15 19:00 Wushu Warrior-PG15 21:00 The X Files-PG15 23:00 The Building-PG15

04:00 Mr. Troop Mom-PG 06:00 Cj7-PG 08:00 Tortilla Soup-PG15 10:00 Wag The Dog-PG 12:00 Adventures Of Power-PG15 14:00 A Plumm Summer-PG15 16:00 The Frighteners-PG15 18:00 I’m Not Rappaport-PG15 20:30 Friday After Next-18 22:30 Mo’ Money-18

04:00 Mamma Moo And Crow-FAM 06:00 Alexander The Great-FAM 08:00 Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything-PG 10:00 Mamma Moo And Crow-FAM 12:00 The Prince Of Dinosaurs-PG 14:00 The Wild Thornberrys Movie-PG 16:00 Scooby-doo ! And The Samurai Sword-FAM 18:00 The Gold Retrievers: Legend Of The Lost Tre-PG 20:00 Barbie Fairytopia Mermaidia-FAM 22:00 The Prince Of Dinosaurs-PG

03:00 Ghost Whisperer 04:00 8 Simple rules 04:30 Rita Rocks 05:00 Without a trace 06:00 Emmerdale 06:30 Coronation Street 07:00 Private Practice 08:00 8 Simple rules 08:30 Rita Rocks 09:00 Ghost Whisperer 10:00 Without a trace 11:00 Private Practice 12:00 Emmerdale 12:30 Coronation Street 13:00 8 Simple rules 13:30 Rita Rocks 14:00 Ugly Betty 15:00 Ugly Betty 16:00 Without a trace 17:00 Ghost Whisperer 18:00 Emmerdale 18:30 Coronation Street 19:00 Burn Notice 20:00 Cold Case 21:00 CSI Miami 22:00 Without a trace 23:00 Ghost Whisperer

04:00 Rugby Union ITM CUP 06:00 World Sport 06:30 Futbol Mundial 07:00 Scottish Premier League 09:00 AFL Premiership 11:30 World Pool Masters 12:30 Ladies European PGA Tour Highlights 13:30 AFL Highlights 14:30 ICC Cricket World 15:00 Brazil League Highlights 15:30 Triatholn 16:30 Sea Master 17:00 World Hockey 17:30 FEI Equestrain World 18:00 NRL Full Time 18:30 European PGA Tour Highlights 19:30 European Tour Weekly 20:00 Live Women’s Rubgy World Cup 22:15 Live Women’s Rubgy World Cup

03:00 Scottish Premier League 05:00 Rugby League Challenge Cup Final 07:00 World Pool Masters 08:00 World Sport 08:30 Ladies European Tour Highlights 09:30 ICC Cricket World 10:00 Scottish Premier League 12:00 Futbol Mundial 12:30 AFL Highlights 13:30 Rugby League Challenge Cup 15:30 World Match Racing Tour Highlights 16:30 Ladies European Tour Highlights 17:30 AFL Highlights 18:30 Triathlon 19:30 Brazil League Highlights 20:00 Goals On Monday 21:00 Futbol Mundial 21:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 22:00 AFL Highlights 23:00 World Match Racing Tour

03:00 UFC Unleashed 04:00 FIA GT1 World Championship 05:30 UFC All Access 06:00 UFC Unleashed 07:00 WWE Vintage Collection 08:00 Red Bull X-Fighters 09:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 10:00 V8 Supercars Championship Highlights 11:00 V8 Supercars Championship Highlights 12:00 UAE National Race Day 12:30 Planet Power Boats 13:00 FIA GT1 World Championship 14:30 V8 Supercars Championship Extra 16:30 UAE National Race Day 17:00 WWE Vintage Collection 18:00 WWE NXT 19:00 WWE SmackDown 21:00 UFC Wired 23:00 UFC Unleashed

03:00 Tennessee-PG15 05:00 Dr. Dolittle : Million Dollars MuttsPG 07:00 Taking A Chance On Love-PG15 09:00 April Showers-PG15 11:00 Last Chance Harvey-PG15 12:45 A Shine Of Rainbows-PG15 15:00 April Showers-PG15 17:15 Captain Drake-PG 19:00 Race To Witch Mountain-PG15 21:00 Staten Island-PG15 23:00 Changeling-PG15

04:00 The Screening Room 04:30 Blame It On Rio 06:10 The Screening Room 07:00 To Have And Have Not 08:40 The Screening Room 09:05 The Last Time I Saw Paris 11:00 The Big Sleep 12:50 Desert Bloom 14:35 The Golden Voyage Of Sinbad 16:20 A Man For All Seasons 18:20 Silk Stockings 20:15 Cat On A Hot Tin Roof 22:00 Brother John 23:35 The Man In The Moon

03:00 Last Voices Of World War I 03:55 The Christmas Truce 04:50 Battlefield Detectives 05:40 Battle Stations 06:30 The Korean War 07:20 Man Moment Machine 08:10 Ice Road Truckers 3 09:00 Last Voices Of World War I 09:55 The Christmas Truce 10:50 Battlefield Detectives 11:40 Battle Stations 12:30 The Korean War 13:20 Man Moment Machine 14:10 Ice Road Truckers 3 15:00 Last Voices Of World War I 15:55 The Christmas Truce 16:50 Battlefield Detectives 17:40 Battle Stations 18:30 The Korean War 19:20 Man Moment Machine 20:10 Ice Road Truckers 3 21:00 Pawn Stars 21:25 Pawn Stars 21:55 Nostradamus: 2012 23:40 Nostradamus Effect

03:00 Finding Genghis 03:30 Destination Extreme 04:00 Banged Up Abroad 05:00 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 05:30 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 06:30 Word Travels 07:00 Bondi Rescue 07:30 City Chase: Argentina 08:30 Graham’s World 09:00 Finding Genghis 09:30 Destination Extreme 10:00 Banged Up Abroad 11:00 Bondi Rescue 11:30 Banged Up Abroad 12:30 Cruise Ship Diaries 13:30 Banged Up Abroad 14:30 Banged Up Abroad 15:30 Destination Extreme 16:00 Long Way Down 17:00 Bondi Rescue 17:30 Banged Up Abroad 18:30 Cruise Ship Diaries 19:30 Banged Up Abroad 20:30 Banged Up Abroad 21:30 Destination Extreme 22:00 Long Way Down 23:00 Bondi Rescue 23:30 Banged Up Abroad

03:00 Split Ends 04:00 The Designers

04:30 Style Her Famous 05:00 Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane 05:30 Area 06:00 Dude, Where’s Your Style?

07:00 Style Star 07:30 Dress My Nest 08:00 My Celebrity Home 09:00 Whose Wedding Is it Anyway?

10:00 Married Away 11:00 Peter Perfect 12:00 How Do I Look?

13:00 Clean House 14:00 Clean House Comes Clean 14:30 Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane 15:00 Dr 90210 16:00 Peter Perfect 17:00 Fashion Police 18:00 Jerseylicious 19:00 Split Ends 20:00 Clean House: Search For The Messiest...

21:00 How Do I Look?

22:00 Tacky House 23:00 Fashion Police

03:15 Top Mobile 03:17 Playlist 05:00 Focus 06:00 Playlist 07:15 Top New 07:17 Playlist 08:00 Hit Us 08:50 Playlist 09:15 Top Fashion 09:17 Playlist 13:00 Urban Hit 13:45 Playlist 15:15 Top Gossip 15:17 Playlist 16:00 Sound System 10 16:45 Playlist 17:15 Top Money 17:17 Playlist 18:00 Urban Hit 18:45 Guest Star 19:00 Playlist 20:00 Rnb 10 20:45 Playlist 21:00 Legend 22:00 Playlist 22:15 Monthly Top 22:17 Playlist

03:00 Word Travels 03:30 Culture Shock 04:00 Globe Trekker 05:00 Julian and Camilla’s World Odyssey 06:00 Planet Food 07:00 Globe Trekker 08:00 Essential 08:30 Distant Shores 09:00 Working Holiday 10:00 Planet Food 11:00 Riding Eastern Europe 11:30 Essential 12:00 Globe Trekker 13:00 Taste Takes Off 13:30 The Thirsty Traveler 14:00 Entrada 14:30 Distant Shores 15:00 Working Holiday 16:00 Globe Trekker 17:00 Travel Oz 17:30 Taste Takes Off 18:00 Planet Food 19:00 Globe Trekker 20:00 Hollywood and Vines 20:30 Chef Abroad 21:00 Culinary Asia 22:00 Planet Food 23:00 Globe Trekker

07:00 Breakfast Club 08:30 100% Mtv 11:00 (P) 10 Biggest  Tracks Right Now 12:00 Nothing But Hits 13:00 Music Mix 14:00 Anthems 15:00 100% Mtv 15:30 Teen Cribs 16:00 (P) The Hills Final Season 16:30 My Super Sweet 16   17:00 Room Raiders   17:30 Pimp My Ride 18:00 Made 19:00 Teen Cribs

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

33 ACCOMMODATION Khaitan - sharing room / bed space available for decent Indian bachelor in CA/C new building, beside main road and bus stop, near police station round about. Contact: 97523316 / 24745162. (C 2635) 1-9-2010 Sharing accommodation for executive bachelor, families or ladies with 2 BH and CA/C apartment. (Indians Only) Ph: 66625901 / 24716975. (C 2629) 31-8-2010

Contact: 66332653. (C 2621) Sharing accommodation available for a decent working lady in Abbassiya with Keralite family. Cont: 66013882. (C 2625)

Single room available for an Indian family or a bachelor at Salmiya, Amman street, opp. Al-Rashid hospital.

Furnished sharing room available with all facilities in a D / B, Window A/C, apartment near Garden Circle (Salmiya). Rent KD 80 only.

Interested please contact:

99787621. (C 2623) Sharing accommodation available for single decent bachelor, non smoking, to share with family. Opposite to Al-Rashid hospital, Shara Amman, Salmiya. Tel: 25651678. Mob: 66232356 / 65717906. (C 2626) 29-8-2010 Sharing accommodation

available in a C-A/C flat for decent family or working ladies in Jabriya, area-10, near Jabriya Indian School.

Please call Mob: 99300513.

(C 2616) Sharing accommodation available with Keralite family for Keralite couples or bachelors. C-A/C flat, near Indian Community School Salmiya.

Contact: 66884620.

FOR SALE

Flight Schedule Arrival Flights on Wednesday 01/09/2010 Gulf Air Turkish Air Arabia Egypt Egypt Air DHL Emirates Etihad Qatari Kuwait Falcon Jazeera Kuwait Jazeera British Jazeera Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Emirates Arabia Qatari Iran Air Etihad Falcon Gulf Air Middle East Alnaser Jazeera Mahan Air Egypt Air Kuwait Oman Air Saudia United Jordanian Egypt Air Wataniya Airways Fly Dubai Jazeera Wataniya Airways Kuwait Saudia Kuwait Cargolux Nas Air Qatari Kuwait Kuwait Nas Air Etihad Rovos Emirates Gulf Air Jazeera Wataniya Airways Saudia Jazeera Arabia Jazeera Jazeera Kuwait SriLankan Wataniya Airways Yemenia Kuwait Wataniya Airways Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Jazeera Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Indian Wataniya Airways Wataniya Airways Jazeera Fly Dubai Middle East Rovos Jet A/W DHL Gulf Air Emirates Qatari United Jazeera Lufthansa Jazeera Jazeera Egypt Air Shaheen Air Kuwait India Express KLM Egytair

211 Bahrain 772 Istanbul 551 Alexandria 614 Cairo 370 Bahrain 853 Dubai 305 Abu Dhabi 138 Doha 802 Cairo 201 Dubai 503 Luxor 412 Manila/Bangkok 527 Alexandria 157 London 529 Assiut 382 Delhi 302 Mumbai 676 Dubai 352 Cochin 284 Dhaka 344 Chennai 362 Colombo 855 Dubai 121 Sharjah 132 Doha 603 Shiraz 301 Abu Dhabi 203 Dubai 213 Bahrain 404 Beirut 711 Baghdad/Najaf 165 Dubai 5066 Mashad 610 Cairo 672 Dubai 645 Muscat 508 Riyadh 982 Washington DC Dulles 800 Amman 621 Assiut 4001 Cairo 057 Dubai 257 Beirut 422 Amman 562 Amman 500 Jeddah 552 Damascus 792 Luxembourg 745 Jeddah 134 Doha 546 Alexandria 544 Cairo 701 Riyadh 303 Abu Dhabi 061 Baghdad 857 Dubai 215 Bahrain 635 Aleppo 402 Beirut 510 Riyadh 457 Damascus 125 Sharjah 239 Amman 493 Jeddah 774 Riyadh 227 Colombo/Dubai 304 Cairo 824 Sanaa/Doha 166 Paris/Rome 106 Dubai 502 Beirut 542 Cairo 786 Jeddah 618 Doha 497 Riyadh 614 Bahrain 674 Dubai 102 New York/London 575 Chennai/Goa 202 Jeddah 3056 Jeddah 481 Sabiha 061 Dubai 402 Beirut 081 Baghdad 572 Mumbai 372 Bahrain 217 Bahrain 859 Dubai 136 Doha 981 Bahrain 313 Bahrain 636 Frankfurt 449 Doha 185 Dubai 612 Cairo 441 Lahore/Karachi 548 Luxor 393 Kozhikode/Cochin 0447 Amsterdam/Bahrain 606 Luxor

Departure Flights on Wednesday 01/09/2010 01:05 01:15 02:00 02:05 02:15 02:25 02:55 03:20 04:45 05:25 05:50 06:15 06:20 06:30 06:40 07:20 07:50 08:00 08:05 08:10 08:20 08:20 08:25 08:40 09:00 09:20 09:20 10:30 10:45 10:50 10:55 11:15 12:20 12:55 13:15 13:15 13:30 13:35 13:35 13:40 13:45 13:50 14:05 14:10 14:20 14:30 14:35 14:50 14:55 15:05 15:30 15:30 15:45 16:50 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:20 17:15 17:20 17:35 17:40 17:40 17:40 17:45 18:00 18:35 18:40 18:40 18:45 18:50 18:50 18:55 18:55 19:00 19:20 19:20 19:25 19:30 19:45 19:50 20:00 20:05 20:20 20:30 20:30 21:00 21:05 21:15 21:35 21:55 22:10 22:30 22:30 22:40 22:55 23:00 23:10 23:10 23:10 23:15

Jazeera India Express Indian Lufthansa Pakistan Turkish Air Arabia Egypt Egypt Air DHL Emirates Etihad Qatari Wataniya Airways Jazeera Gulf Air Jazeera British Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Arabia Emirates Qatari Etihad Iran Air Gulf Air Wataniya Airways Falcon Wataniya Airways Middle East Rovos Jazeera Kuwait Jazeera Jazeera Alnaser Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Mahan Air Egypt Air Oman Air Jordanian Wataniya Airways Kuwait Wataniya Airways Fly Dubai Egypt Air Saudia United Wataniya Ariways Kuwait Kuwait Nas Air Saudia Jazeera Qatari Cargolux Kuwait Nas Air Rovos Kuwait Etihad Gulf Air Emirates Arabia Jazeera Saudia Jazeera Jazeera SriLankan Yemenia Kuwait Kuwait Fly Dubai Kuwait Middle East Jet A/W Gulf Air Kuwait DHL Kuwait Emirates Jazeera Falcon Qatari Kuwait Kuwait Jazeera United Jazeera Kuwait Egypt Air

528 Assiut 390 Mangalore/Kozhikode 994 Mumbai/Chennai 637 Frankfurt 206 Lahore 773 Istanbul 552 Alexandria 615 Cairo 371 Bahrain 854 Dubai 306 Abu Dhabi 139 Doha 4002 Cairo 164 Dubai 212 Bahrain 256 Beirut 156 London 545 Alexandria 543 Cairo 177 Frankfurt/Geneva 671 Dubai 117 New York 551 Damascus 561 Amman 122 Sharjah 856 Dubai 133 Doha 302 Abu Dhabi 602 Shiraz 214 Baghdad 401 Beirut 204 Baghdad 303 Cairo 405 Beirut 062 Najaf/Baghdad 456 Damascus 541 Cairo 238 Amman 492 Jeddah 712 Najaf/Baghdad 103 London 501 Beirut 785 Jeddah 5065 Mashad 611 Cairo 646 Muscat 801 Amman 105 Dubai 773 Riyadh 201 Jeddah 058 Dubai 622 Assiut 509 Medinah 982 Bahrain 3055 Jeddah 673 Dubai 617 Doha 746 Jeddah 501 Jeddah 496 Riyadh 135 Doha 792 Hong Kong 613 Bahrain 704 Medinah 082 Baghdad 547 Luxor 304 Abu Dhabi 216 Bahrain 858 Dubai 126 Sharjah 184 Dubai 511 Riyadh 448 Doha 312 Bahrain 228 Dubai/Colombo 824 Sanaa 283 Dhaka 361 Colombo 062 Dubai 331 Trivandrum 403 Beirut 571 Mumbai 218 Bahrain 801 Cairo 373 Bahrain 675 Dubai 860 Dubai 612 Lahore 102 Bahrain 137 Doha 203 Lahore 301 Mumbai 526 Alexandria 981 Washington DC Dulles 502 Luxor 415 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 613 Cairo

FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION 161

00:05 00:25 00:50 00:50 01:10 02:15 02:40 03:05 03:15 03:45 04:00 05:00 07:00 07:05 07:45 08:05 08:25 08:35 08:45 08:55 09:00 09:05 09:10 09:15 09:20 09:40 10:00 10:05 10:20 11:35 11:35 11:45 11:50 11:50 12:00 12:05 12:00 12:10 12:15 12:15 12:30 13:00 13:30 13:40 13:55 14:15 14:30 14:30 14:30 14:35 14:35 14:40 14:45 14:50 14:40 15:10 13:35 15:45 15:45 15:35 16:20 16:20 16:20 16:35 17:00 17:25 17:35 18:05 18:05 18:20 18:30 18:35 18:50 19:10 19:10 19:40 20:00 20:20 20:50 21:00 21:20 21:30 21:55 22:00 22:00 22:10 22:25 22:25 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:45 23:20 23:40 23:40 23:50 23:55

Toyota Echo 2005, golden color in excellent condition, factory painting, used by a lady. Price KD 1,600.

Please call: 60973490.

(C2633) 1-9-2010 2006 Toyota Corolla 1.8 color white, done 65,000 km, excellent condition, price KD 2,450. Cont: 94973026.

(C 2628) 30-8-2010 All items in a well furnished unit A/C, flat in Farwaniya for sale with, 4 bedrooms, big hall, 2 bathrooms, kitchen. Please contact: 66047733. (C 2617) Household furniture for sale, fridge, cooking range, pressure cooker-cutlery items, big cupboard, single beds, dressing table, side tables, TV with stand, sofa set, VCR, computer with table + printer etc. all items 2yrs old sparingly used.

Contact Tel: 66764062.

(C 2615) 27-8-2010 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan dark green van for sale, run 221000 km, very good condition. Call: 99162920.

(C 2612)

Mall, behind gold souk. Mob: 97207112. (C 2608)

BABySITTING Baby sitting available at Salmiya, Amman street, opposite Al-Rashid hospital.

Tel: 65515717. (C 2622) 29-8-2010 SITUATION WANTED

I need job as part time accountant, 4 years experience in Kuwait, B.com + MBA, good financial reporting skills, valid driving license also. Please call: 55355954. (C 2624) 29-8-2010 A postgraduate Indian female, worked as PA/Admin Coordinator and Exec Secretary, more than 30 yrs of experience in Kuwait, interested in oneshift job or part-time job instantly. Also, capable of setting up office and handling projects for fresh businessmen.

Contact 94470318 or ambilivarma@rocketmail.com 24-8-2010

SITUATION VACANT

2009 Toyota Corolla 1.8 color sky blue, C.D, ELE. folding mirror, wood dÈcor and sensor, excellent condition, 44000 km, Price KD 3850. Contact: 66211779. (C 2613) 26-8-2010

Required driver, cook and maid to work in Kuwaiti home. Tel: 22450617 / 22450618. (C 2627) 30-8-2010

Household furniture etc, plus 2003 Kia Sportage car, Salmiya, Block 7, Al-Dumna Street, Bldg. 26, near Marina

Required a driver for a house. Tel: 99627325.

(C 2614) 26-8-2010

CHANGE OF NAME I, Govind Bahadur, holder of Indian passport No. G7938083 hereby change my name to Govind Bahadur Rana. (C 2634) 1-9-2010 I, Abbas Hajji Ali Shahab Shahida, daughter of Mohamed Ghouse Shahab, born 02-09-1966, in Chennai district, TN, residing at No: 3/64, North Avenue Road, Muthamizh Nagar, Kodungaiyur, Chennai 600118, Passport F8462504, change my name to “Mohamed Ghouse Shahab Shahida”. (C 2620) 29-8-2010 I Jaswinder Singh, s/o Lal Singh (India), passport No: H2612727, have changed my name as Jaswinder Singh Boparai. (C 2618) 27-8-2010

MATRIMONIAL Mangalorean RC parents invite proposals for their daughter MBBS, MD working MOH, 28 yrs, 5`3” from RC bachelor doctors, CA, Engineers, Accountants,

Postgraduates. Contact: dellrose6@gmail.com (C 2630) 1-9-2010 Mangalorean RC parents invite proposals for their daughter MBBS, MD working MDH, 28 yrs, 5`3” from RC bachelor doctors, CA, Engineers, Accountants, Postgraduates. Contact: dellrose6@gmail.com (C 2630) Parents from Ernakulam Dist. invite proposals for daughter 26/154, Optometrist working in MOH, Kuwait (Vacation in October) from qualified Marthoma / Orthodox / Jacobite boys preferably working in Kuwait. Cont: Email: babu.bhavan@gmail.com (C 2631) Proposals invited for well educated (B-Tech with MBA) Nair girl 25 years, 160cm, 54kg, slim, fair and working in Kuwait, from handsome Nair boys well educated Engineers with MS/MBA, Age 27-30 preferably working in Kuwait or abroad with good family background.

Contact: cpvgdeepam@hotmail.com (C 2632) 31-8-2010

34

SPECTRUM

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Calvin

CROSSWORD 69

Aries (March 21-April 19) Much of your time today is geared toward work. Later today, you may be performing or attending a performance of some sort.

If you are performing, there will be time for pictures or to purchase new clothing for the eveningís celebration. For now however, the importance of your completing an ongoing task is high on the list of accomplishments. You take an active interest in psychology, different cultures and history. You can find support from all sides when it comes to any sort of mental activity--writing, speaking and all forms of communication. You have high ideals and an ability to enchant others with your words and images. Your presence has a way of easing things and helping those around you. A sick friend feels better after your visit.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You express yourself deliberately and do not waste your words. You have a natural sense of organization and come across as disciplined and careful, perhaps a little too sober at times. Today will bring opportunities to loosen up and enjoy yourself, the day and your surroundings.

Teaching, making your own special contribution or helping someone progress and achieve is a positive happening. Being with your loved ones or favored friend this afternoon is rewarding, fun and inspiring. There are quick answers, great wit and an excess of insights. This afternoon revolves around a variety of social gatherings; the joy of interacting with others is in high gear. The perfect escape from the ordinary should be merged into your life more often.

Pooch Cafe

ACROSS 1. Strong dark beer brewed in the fall and aged through the winter for spring consumption.

5. (Sumerian) Sun god.

9. The 4th planet from the sun.

13. A dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain.

14. An independent agency of the United States government responsible for aviation and spaceflight.

15. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum.

16. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike.

17. An Arabic speaking person who lives in Arabia or North Africa.

18. An informal term for a father.

19. A soft blackish-brown resinous exudate from various rockroses used in perfumes especially as a fixative.

21. The square of a body of any size of type.

22. Exceptionally bad or displeasing.

30. A detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work.

32. Gull family.

35. Having undesirable or negative qualities.

38. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan River.

40. A woman of refinement.

41. A bag filled with sand.

46. On a ship, train, plane or other vehicle.

47. Long green edible beaked pods of the okra plant.

51. Division of a usually pinnately divided leaf.

55. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

56. In the Roman calendar.

58. A master's degree in fine arts.

59. A piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments.

60. The capital and largest city of Yemen.

61. A unit of pressure.

DOWN 1. A city in northwestern Switzerland.

2. English scholastic philosopher and assumed author of Occam's Razor (12851349).

3. Of or relating to or characteristic of the Republic of Chad or its people or language.

4. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables.

5. Relatively small fast-moving sloth.

6. Covered with paving material.

7. North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

8. Light informal conversation for social occasions.

9. (statistics) Relating to or constituting the most frequent value in a distribution.

10. South American armadillo with three bands of bony plates.

11. Make anew.

12. The act of scanning.

20. A soft yellow malleable ductile (trivalent and univalent) metallic element.

23. Marked by extreme lack of restraint or control.

24. A federal agency established to regulate the release of new foods and healthrelated products.

25. A doctor's degree in education.

26. A former agency (from 1946 to 1974) that was responsible for research into atomic energy and its peacetime uses in the United States.

27. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind.

28. Type genus of the Ranidae.

29. A signal transmitted along a narrow path.

31. An informal term for a father.

33. Avatar of Vishnu.

34. A state in the Rocky Mountains.

36. A native-born Israeli.

37. The month following July and preceding September.

39. A city of northern Poland near the mouth of the Vistula River on a gulf of the Baltic Sea. 42. Dwell (archaic).

43. The fifth of the seven canonical hours.

44. A public promotion of some product or service.

45. An Indian tree of the family Combretaceae that is a source of timber and gum.

48. God of love and erotic desire.

49. A flat float (usually made of logs or planks) that can be used for transport or as a platform for swimmers.

50. The biblical name for ancient Syria.

52. A constellation in the southern hemisphere near Telescopium and Norma.

53. Imperial dynasty that ruled China (most of the time) from 206 BC to 221 and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy.

54. The cry made by sheep.

57. A very poisonous metallic element that has three allotropic forms.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Again, you may find yourself in a group activity. This most probably could be within a conference meeting in the workplace. You can demonstrate great understanding and sensitivity to the needs of others just now and are in a good position to communicate. Lovers, children and other people or things dear to your heart are emphasized this afternoon. Being appreciated and admired for your gifts and talents are powerful needs. Taking chances, perhaps reaching out to make friends with those who seem distant, whether it is with some activity, people, entertainment, etc., can bring big rewards. You could discover yourself through creativity and self-expression. This recent increased confidence may be a key to career opportunities.

Non Sequitur

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Your finished work will be well received; keep up your good work and do not slack . . . you will be most pleased with the results. A little research has brought you to some interesting insights . . . think of what more research could do. This afternoon you may find yourself relaxing with neighbors or sibling. You handle words and tell stories with consummate skill and others love to hear you speak or entertain. You read stories from Aesopís Fables to young people this afternoon. Things change and people move--you may want to get it all on videotape or perhaps just a tape recorder for all to enjoy. Creative ideas are plentiful--perhaps a progressive backyard barbecue, swim party, sports competition, etc. You will enjoy good communication all day long.

Leo (July 23-August 22) The pull to change or to try new things may challenge the work area this morning.

Perhaps a meeting can occur that will give everyone an opportunity to present their own ideas of how they might or might-not want things changed. This will certainly cut down on arguments and may even allow you more freedom. Family, home and security seem just about ideal to you and you may decide to stop and purchase an item or two for your home or to enhance your flower garden.

You may decide to begin some work or planning on landscaping, constructing a hothouse or planning a fall garden this evening; you have plenty of ideas. You are very imaginative with your home and domestic setup. A sense of community pervades your family life.

Zits

Virgo

(August 23-September 22) You appear comfortable with yourself today. Everything seems to be working together--you may find yourself able to communicate well. You have a natural sense for communicating with others, especially those younger than yourself. Teaching, lecturing or making presentations tends to show off your showmanship in grand ways. This is a time for imagination and creativity; you can be spellbinding. You are successful in your endeavors, particularly today. You have great insight into matters of personal freedom. You come up with brilliant ways to help others express themselves. You could be helping with babysitting this evening. You relax with children in activities that may include sports, acting, singing, etc.

Libra (September 23-October 22) You may be able to enjoy and value your own life situation today. You are very much involved with all that is traditional, but with this special twist. You are a revolutionary when it comes to the domestic scene and have some very special insights into home, family and surroundings. You will be giving your home surroundings much scrutiny today. You may want to do some repairs--or in some way, conceal what is present. One way to do this is in window treatment or interesting paint patterns on your walls. This type of change holds your interest now. You like unconventional friends and are a nonconformist yourself. You have friends that may enjoy helping you today--in turn, you want to help them. You enjoy sharing new techniques.

Mother Goose and Grimm

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You find yourself in a very practical mood--working with, instead of against, yourself. Security is very important and you may find that you are most interested in checking out ways in which to secure your possessions or your business, if you have your own business. There is a promise of company or plans for a dinner party soon.

This may have you interested in spending some extra time in a special section of the grocery store. You set out to purchase all the ingredients necessary for a superlative meal. You are also interested in growing things, perhaps herbs and may take the opportunity to pick up some information on preferred plants for a little garden. You provide peaceful surroundings. It would be fun to have a small pot of herbs for each dinner guest.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You have a special way with the older people in the work place as well as within the family setting. As a teacher, you may find yourself spending quite a bit of time teaching music, sewing or any of the creative arts. An inner vision coupled with the ability to see the big picture often finds you working as a go-between with others. You are very giving, accommodating and even flattering in relationships, able to adjust to any situation. Reflective, tactful, you are able to please others. Above all, you are forever charming and gracious as well as a bit mysterious. With all of this going for you, you are able to pick and choose a love relationship of your desire and not just whoever comes along. Be prepared for romance this evening.

Yesterday?s Solution

Yester

Yesterday?s Solution

To

INTERNATIONAL CALLS Kuwait Qatar Abu Dhabi Dubai Raas Al Khayma Al-Shareqa Muscat Jordan Bahrain Riyadh Makkah - Jeddah Cairo

00965 00974 009712 009714 009717 009716 00968 009626 00973 009661 009662 00202

Alexandria Beirut Damascus Allepo Tunisia Rabat Washington New York Paris London Madrid Zurich

00203 009611 0096311 0096321 0021610 002127 001212 001718 00331 004471 00341 00411

Word Sleuth Solution

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) You may be planning a large get-together with the press or a big sales promotion and hiring people to advance your business or your career. You are on the right track but do consider saving a little research money for another promotion in about a month. This way, the word not only gets around but sticks in the mind of those who will support you.

This may be political, show business or a new business; whatever the case, you will find success. If you have not done this type of advertisement before now, you might call or request a council with someone that has done this type of advertising and retain some expert advice. There may be prizes, food choices, decorations, etc. You can then take the ideas and organize the best part.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Join in the teamwork and group spirit today. There are opportunities to learn about your working mates in a team support type of situation. Working together to bring about some venture has resulted in a positive outcome and there is time later today to celebrate and praise each other. A clever person you are . . . taking the opportunity to show your work or ideas to others is a good idea but it is important not to reveal too many details; keeping your name to your work. Higher-ups are watching you and they will be interested in what you have to offer. You may reach new levels in understanding about life today. The eveningís energies are more toward relaxation and appreciation. This may mean a walk or bicycle ride through the park.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) A feeling of restlessness this morning may lead you to list the variety of things you want to accomplish now. Some political issues may come to your attention but most of all you just want to complete your work so you can make some phone calls for a future get-together with friends. This afternoon your activities center on finishing up old business and list making. Your many responsibilities around the home front may keep you away from those who offer you a much-needed relaxation this afternoon. There are errands to run and people to see. Soon enough however, you will be able to spend some quiet time with a loved one(s). Use the fresh fruits in the stores now for after dinner desert treats, perhaps a tart.

INFORMATION

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

35 FIRE BRIGADE Operation Room 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 Al-Jahra 25610011 Al-Salmiya 25616368

Ministry of Interior website: www.moi.gov.kw

For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 HOSPITALS Sabah Hospital

24812000

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

Adan Hospital

23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital

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

24874330/9 CLINICS

Roudha

22517733

Adhaliya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Keifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Al-Khadissiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

Al-Shaab

22518752

Al-Kibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Kibla

22451082

Al-Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

25388462

Mishref

25381200

W.Hawally

22630786

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Al-Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

4892674

Al-Omariya

4719048

N.Kheitan

4710044

Rabiya

4732263

Fintas

3900322

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988 AIRLINES

PHARMACIES ON 24 HRS DUTY GOVERNORATE Ahmadi

PHARMACY Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

ADDRESS Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

PHONE 23915883 23715414 23726558

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Hawally

Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy

Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B

25726265 25647075 22625999 22564549 25340559 25326554

EMERGENCY 112

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists: Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea Dr. Masoma Habeeb Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy Dr. Mohsen Abel Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly

25622444 25752222 25321171 25739999 25757700 25732223 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-Awadi22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Plastic Surgeons: Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272

22434064 22435865 22544200 22547133 22515277 22616662 25714406 22530801

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari Dr. Abdel Quttainah

22617700 25625030/60

Family Doctor: Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581

Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.

Zahra Qabazard Sohail Qamar Snaa Maaroof Pradip Gujare Zacharias Mathew

25710444 22621099 25713514 23713100 24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians: Dr Adrian Harbe 23729596/23729581 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 General Surgeons:

Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148

(2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

25655535 Dentists:

Dr Anil Thomas

3729596/3729581

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

22641071/2

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

Neurologists:

Paediatricians: Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300

Rheumatologists: Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Internist, Chest & Heart: DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Tel: 25339667 Dr. Farida Al-Habib MD, PH.D, FACC Consultant Cardiologist Tel: 2611555-2622555 Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

Internists, Chest & Heart: Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3

Physiotherapists & VD: Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288

25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Endocrinologist: Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari

25658888

Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr

25329924

Psychologists/Psychotherapists Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa, Ph.D. 2290-1677 Susannah-Joy Schuilenberg, M.A. 2290-1677 William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677

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Eminem worries he will embarrass his girls

Slash to divorce wife of nine years Angelina Jolie became a man

T

he 35-year-old actress donned a masculine disguise in scenes for her new action movie ‘Salt’ and couldn’t resist taking the costume home to play a prank on now eight-year-old Maddox, the eldest of her six children. She said: “I loved doing it, it was the weirdest feeling. I came in and said, ‘Somebody go get Mad, and tell him that there’s a man downstairs.’ He loves the military.

‘There’s a military man that he’s met with mom once and he should come down and meet him again.’ “And he came in and just like any seven year old, he was so almost bored, having to come meet this man, and he said, ‘Hi.’ I just put

my hand out, and he said, ‘Hi’, trying to be really polite but really not interested. “Then I said, in my own voice, ‘Hi honey.’ And he said, ‘Mom?’ And then I said, ‘I get so crazed,’ and he sat and watched me peel the whole thing off and laughed about it, but was definitely like, ‘Don’t do that again.’ “ Angelina also revealed partner Brad Pitt was set for a cameo role in ‘Salt’ - but had to stay at home and look after their children on the day filming was scheduled. She added to Teen Hollywood: “We almost had him as the motorcycle guy in ‘Salt’. There’s a guy I knock off his motorcycle and take it and speed off somewhere. We wanted to have Brad on the bike. But, he was with the kids that day, so we couldn’t work it out.” In the film, Angelina plays Evelyn Salt, a woman accused of being a sleeper agent, who is on the run to try and clear her name.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

T

T

he former Guns N’ Roses rocker - real name Saul Hudson filed papers in Los Angeles County Superior Court last week citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason behind the split from Perla Ferrar. The couple married in October 2001 and have two sons together, London Emilio, eight and six-year-old Cash Anthony. The guitarist who has listed the date of separation as July 15 2010 - is requesting joint physical and legal custody of the two boys and is willing to pay spousal support.

According to gossip website TMZ.com, the split is “extremely acrimonious”.

This is Slash’s second marriage after splitting from first wife Renee Suran in 1997 after a fiveyear union. It seemed fatherhood and marriage to Perla had a calming influence on Slash - who is renowned for his rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle .

out” of enemies to target. He explained to Spin magazine: “I was trapped in my head. I’d spent most of my career going against the grain. And suddenly, I started running out of enemies. “I started to become that cliche - my own worst enemy.” The Detroit-born star also revealed he sometimes goes back to the poverty-stricken neighborhood where he grew up to remind himself of how far he has come in life. He said: “It may sound corny, but I’ll go by and try to remember how things were when I was in those houses. “I’ll go back and remember, like, how life was back then. How much of a struggle it was. As time goes by, you might get content and forget things.”

he ‘We Made You’ hitmaker - who raises his 14-year-old child Hailie, 17-year-old adopted niece Alaina and former wife Kim’s seven-year-old girl Whitney - admits it is growing increasingly different to show his love for the trio as they get older.

He said: “It’s a catch-22: I want to, as a father, express my love for my girls, but I don’t want to go too far with it, where it becomes a hindrance in their lives. When they were younger... it was easier.” The 37-year-old star - whose records have infamously mocked other people in the public eye - has previously battled an addiction to prescription drugs and admits his problems started when he “ran

T

he ‘Shrek’ actress has reportedly bought a sprawling three-acre mansion in a private gated community in Beverly Hills, California. The 5,000 sq ft single storey English cottage-style property comes with six-and-a-half bathrooms, a large open plan living room with two seating areas and a dining room. The grounds include a detached three bedroom guesthouse, a tennis court and swimming pool with hot tub. The Hollywood mansion was once owned by actress Candice Bergen, 64, and many famous faces live nearby. Cameron’s new neighbors include newlyweds Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, Jessica Simpson and Madonna’s manager Guy Oseary. The 37-year-old actress - who is rumored to be dating baseball star Alex Rodriguez - also owns a $1.35million house nearby. Despite her new purchase, Cameron recently revealed that she wants to move away from Hollywood to live on a farm. She said: “I’ve always been on the move so what I’d love to do is spend a whole year in one place, on a farm.

“I’d get to raise my own crops and livestock, and for once just see how life is cultivated.”

Cameron Diaz splashes out on a $10 million home

Julia Roberts wanted to be a vet T

he ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ actress used to dream of spending her life helping animals, but fell into acting because all her family work in the business. Julia - whose brother Eric Roberts and sister Lisa Roberts Gillan are actors and whose parents, Betty Lou and Walter Roberts, were at one-time actors and playwrights said: “I wanted to be a vet. I love animals, but then I discovered how hard science can be. My parents and siblings are all actors, so I grew up around it.” Although she loves her career, the 42-year-old star admits she doesn’t think acting is a very difficult skill to master. She explained: “It’s a great way to observe human behaviour and how people react to things. It’s like grown-up pretend. My daughter does it all day, I just get paid for it.” As well as showing an interest in animals, Julia is also passionate about the environment. She told Stylist magazine: “It’s probably my greatest concern, besides my babies. My husband and I spend most of the year away from Hollywood in California, where we support Heal The Bay, a non-profit organisation dedicated to keeping Southern California’s coastal waters clean. I also drive a biodiesel car and we compost everything. It’s a big commitment with three kids, but there’s so much valuable waste, you sort of have to.”

Stewart vows eighth child will be his last

T

he ‘Maggie May’ rocker - who announced earlier this month he and 39-year-old wife Penny Lancaster are expecting their second baby together - is delighted to be extending his family further but admits he worries about the cost of supporting all his kids. Rod - who has six children from four previous relationships, as well as four-year-old Alistair with Penny - said: “I’m very happy but it will be the last. I can’t have any more kids, otherwise I’ll be touring until I’m 90.” Rod who found out about the pregnancy when he and Penny were celebrating their third wedding anniversary in Italy three months ago - has broken the news to his other children and says they are thrilled that he and the blonde beauty are finally adding to their family. He told Australia’s ‘Channel 9 News’ program: “They’ve known for a couple of years we’ve been trying for a baby and they’re delighted.” Although they don’t know the sex of the baby, the ‘Sailing’ hitmaker said if it is a boy he will follow his tradition of giving him “a Celtic name”. The 65-year-old star also promised fans will get a glimpse of the youngster when he is performing live. He said: “I might bring them out on stage

once or twice, I wouldn’t want to exploit him or her though. “It’s good for the kids to see where their daddy works.” Rod’s other children are Kimberley, 30, and

Sean, 29, with his by first wife Alana Hamilton. He also has Ruby, 23, by model Kelly Emberg and Renee, 18, and Liam, 15, by his second wife Rachel Hunter. His eldest daughter, Sarah, 46, was born when he was 19 and was brought up in a children’s home until she was four, before being adopted. — Bangshowbiz

Wednesday, Sptember 1, 2010

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37

Ageing philanthropist is Pakistan’s Mother Teresa

By Chris Brummitt

T

he aging man in mud-splattered, frayed clothes has barely lowered his body onto the sidewalk when the money starts piling up. Heeding his call for donations for flood victims, Pakistanis of all classes rush to hand over cash to Abdul Sattar Edhi, whose years of dedication to the poor have made him a national icon. He thanks each donor, some of whom ask to have their photo taken next to him. Four hours later, the crowd remains - and the equivalent of $15,000 is overflowing from a pink basket in front of him. Edhi has been helping the destitute and sick for more than 60 years, filling the hole left by a state that has largely neglected the welfare of its citizens. Part Mother Teresa, part Gandhi, with a touch of Marx, he is the face of humanitarianism in Pakistan.

Funded by donations from fellow citizens, his 250 centers across the country take in orphans, the mentally ill, unwanted newborns, drug addicts, the homeless, the sick and the aged. His fleet of ambulances picks up victims of terrorist bombings, gang shootings, car accidents and natural disasters. Pakistan’s corr uption-riddled gover nment acknowledges Edhi and other charities do the work that in other nations the state performs. The country has no national health service, insurance program or welfare

system, and few state-run orphanages or old people’s homes.

The foundation offers an alternative to charitable work performed by hardline Islamist groups in Pakistan, some with alleged links to terrorism. The spread of these organizations has triggered concerns in the West, including their work in the aftermath of this summer’s floods.

Edhi is a devout Muslim, but critical of Islamic clerics in general, not just extremists. He says they focus on ritual, preaching hellfire and defending the faith against imagined enemies, rather than helping the poor which he says should be the cornerstone of all faiths. The 80-something Edhi - he and his children disagree on his exact age - lives with his wife, herself a charity worker, in a tiny room in one of his welfare centers in Karachi, a bustling port city. His bed is a one-inch thick mattress on a piece of wood. “I am a beggar for the poor,” he says, stained teeth showing in a wide smile, eyes sparkling after a week touring flood-hit areas. “Serving humanity is the biggest jihad. It is the real thing.”

Edhi deals with birth and death, and almost everything in between.

Just above his bedroom, a maternity ward and an orphanage are home to 18 children, many of them abandoned by their mothers in cradles left outside his centers. They wear hand-me-downs from the city’s rich.

Edhi’s wife, Bilquis, tries to get the

children adopted, but few Pakistanis want to take girls or older children, she says. On a recent afternoon, the kids shouted out English nursery rhymes and danced. They then sat cross-legged on the floor, drinking tea from plastic mugs and eating spicy pastries and sticky sweets that an anonymous benefactor had dropped off. The home was clean and bright, with plenty of toys and loving staff. But there was no place to play outside, and the roar of motorbikes from the lanes below

In this photo, humanitarian leader Abdul Sattar Edhi, kisses an orphan child living in one of his charity centers in Karachi, Pakistan. — AP

was a constant backdrop.

Across town, workers at the Edhi morgue were dealing with latest influx of bodies. They receive around 25 a day, half of which are never claimed - the city’s unloved and unknown. Working quickly but carefully, they cut the clothes from the bodies, lather them with a bar of soap from head to toe, rinse them with water from a jug, then wrap them in a white sheet. The bodies are bussed across town, prayed over

and buried in unmarked graves. The body of American journalist Daniel Pearl, killed by Al-Qaeda terrorists in Karachi in 2002, was picked up by an Edhi ambulance and taken to the morgue, the largest in the city of 14 million people.

The morgue is attached to a hospital for the homeless, a dispensary, a shelter for boys and women and children, even a wedding hall for the marriages arranged for children who have been looked after by the foundation.

The smell of baking bread from an oven that churns out 9,000 loaves a day fills the air. “The poor can come here and get a solution to all their problems,” says Ejal Hassan Zaidi, who had accompanied a neighbor to the morgue to collect the body of his 3-year-old daughter, killed in a hit-and-run incident hours earlier. “From the cradle to the grave.”

Born in what is now India, Edhi and his parents moved to Pakistan in 1947 when that country was created as a Muslim state at the end of British colonial rule. The family was quite well off - his father was a traveling salesman - and socially progressive. In his biography, Edhi credits his mother for setting him on a humanitarian path. She urged him to give half his pocket money to someone poor ever y day and rebuked him if he didn’t. “‘You have a selfish heart, one that has nothing to give,”‘ he

remembers her saying. “‘What kind of human being are you? Look at the greed in your eyes. Already you have started robbing the poor. How much more will you rob from them in your lifetime?” When she was dying, he looked after her, bathing her emaciated body and washing and braiding her hair - experiences that would also shape his life. “The first night she spent in the grave, I dedicated my life to the ser vice of mankind,” he says. Edhi started small. In 1951, he bought an eightfoot-square shop in a slum neighborhood in Karachi that he converted into a dispensary. Seven years later he bought a van that he used as an ambulance, writing “Poor Man’s Van” on both sides.

He became intimately involved in the business of caring for the sick and dying. He would drive the ambulance to the scene of an accident to pick up the bodies, administer injections during a flu outbreak and travel across the country to help after earthquakes and other natural disasters.

Edhi’s record of round-the-clock service and frugal lifestyle attracted donations, and he soon had a fleet of 14 ambulances. In the 1980s and 90s, he opened centers and ambulance services throughout the country. He donated $200,000 to relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina, and his workers have also helped out in disasters in Asia and the Middle East. —AP

Art exhibition Picture shows a farm house converted to a rural inn in the picturesque Serbian village of Cerevic north of Belgrade.

With tourism heavyweights like Croatia and Montenegro with the Adriatic coast next door landlocked Serbia is turning to rural tourism. — AFP

A

Serbia plays nature card to woo tourists

By Jovan Matic

A

Glass with class

little over two years ago Ljuba Simic packed in his job driving trucks for a local cement factory for a new life-as a pioneer of rural tourism in Serbia’s lush Fruska Gora region. “I told myself it would be good to profit from what we have: the Danube river, the Fruska Gora hills and their pristine nature,” the dynamic 51-year old told AFP. Together with a business partner he turned a traditional Vojvodina farmhouse into a rural inn in the picturesque village of Cerevic, on the north side of Fruska Gora where the hills meet the banks of the Danube.

With tourism heavyweights Croatia and Montenegro and their sun-kissed Adriatic coast just next door, landlocked Serbia is bidding to turn its vast, unspoilt countryside into an asset for green tourism. The industry is still a fledgling: last year revenues from tourism made up barely 2.5 percent of Serbia’s gross domestic product, according to the econ-

omy ministry. But spurred on by the success of countries like Hungary, Bulgaria or Romania, Serbia has high hopes for the sector, and its trade and tourism ministry aims to establish a viable market for nature tourism by 2015.

Guests staying at Simic’s inn, which opened in 2008 with 40 beds, can go hiking, visit the area’s famous Orthodox monasteries, take a boat trip on the river or simply relax with a drink in the farmhouse’s calm gardens. Octogenarian Ratko Tatalovic came to Cerevic to beat the summer heat in Serbia’s capital Belgrade. “The beauty of our country deserves to be highlighted, and this kind of tourism is an excellent way to do it,” he said.

Jagoda Jovicevic, of the government’s tourism organisation TOS, says “the state is actively supporting the development of rural tourism and has been giving subsidies and loans with favourable conditions for four years now.” She says the country is managing to transform its lack of industrial development into an

economic advantage. “We are turning something around that used to be considered a failing.” Simic is now one of around 4,000 people working in the growing sector, which so far counts some 5,000 tourist beds.

The economic downturn gave rural tourism an added boost, since many young people were forced to move back from the big cities to their native villages-where tourism suddenly seemed a way out, Jovicevic said. “They used what they had at their disposal. The houseswhich do often have to be refurbishedand the untouched natural beauty that surrounds them,” she said.

In Indjija, a town some 40 kilometers (24 miles) outside Belgrade, the transformation kicked off almost a decade ago, after many people got laid off in the big cities in the 1990s and returned home. A handful of the returnees saw the potential of the town, close to the capital and the Fruska Gora park, and turned a dozen of old farms known as Salasi into restaurants and guest housing, making

the town and its surroundings a popular weekend outing from Belgrade.

But despite the government’s efforts to promote tourism, there is still plenty to be done in terms of “infrastructure and educating people who work in the tourism sector,” Jovicevic added. Serbia also has something of an image problem.

Despite the fact most of it was untouched by the 1990s wars, many foreigners still have images of the 1999 NATO bombing campaign against Serbia in mind when they think of the country.

In addition, economic development was stunted by years of sanctions over Belgrade’s key role in backing Serb fighters in the bloody wars in Bosnia and Croatia-sanctions that were only lifted after the fall of strongman Slobodan Milosevic in 2000.

But Serbia is determined to market itself as a hub for southeastern Europe, boasting untamed nature and famed Balkans hospitality. Its latest tourism slogan is “Life in the rhythm of the heartbeat”. —AFP

A serie of vases are exhibited at the Archimede Seguso glassmaking factory on the Venice island of Murano on August 29, 2010.

Archimede Seguso, who died in 1999, was a leading figure in the world of contemporary glass-making.

— AFP photos

n exhibition of the works of Kondalraj, a well known artist residing in Kuwait, was held in Parvathi Hall, Chennai, from 9-07-2010 to 18-07-2010. The exhibits ranged from nature, historical events and famous personalities to social evils and contemporary arts scene. The exhibition was inaugurated by Minister of Information, Parithi Elamvazhuthi of Tamil Nadu Government and attended by dignitaries like Gunasekaran, Sankari Narayanan MLA and famous artists of Tamil Nadu like Maniam Selvan, Arasu, Maruthi, T R Anna

Pillai and friends from India and Kuwait.

The minister released a book of line drawings of Tamil Scholars that was the work of Kondalraj. Iraianbu IAS, Thiruvalluvar, Ex Deputy director of Art and Culture department, Bharatanatyam Exponent Dr Padma Subramaniam and S V Shekar MLA are but only a few dignitaries who visited the exhibition apart from hundreds of the general public every day. The invaluable contribution and help of Sethu, the founder of ‘Valaikuda Vanampadigal’ made the exhibition a grand success.

Rowling gives millions for MS research

“H

arry Potter” author J K Rowling has donated 10 million pounds ($15.5 million) to set up a new clinic to carry out research into multiple sclerosis (MS), the disease which killed her mother. The clinic, based at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, will be named after Rowling’s mother Anne and the author said she hoped it would become a world centre for excellence into neurological conditions. “I have just turned 45, the age at which my mother, Anne, died of complications related to her MS,” Rowling said in a statement yesterday.

“I know that she would rather have had her name on this clinic than on any statue, flower garden or commemorative plaque, so this donation is on her behalf, too; and in gratitude for everything she gave me in her far-tooshort life.” The donation is the largest made by the author, whose wealth is estimated at more than 500 million pounds thanks to the global success of the seven boy wizard books, and the biggest single donation the university

has received. “This exceptionally generous donation will provide great help in the worldwide effort to improve treatments for multiple sclerosis,” said Professor Timothy O’Shea, Principal of the University of Edinburgh.

The Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic follows the setting up of the Centre for Multiple Sclerosis Research at Rowling’s home town of Edinburgh which she also supported.

The new centre will also look into other degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Huntingdon’s disease, which like MS are progressive and incurable. There are around 100,000 MS sufferers in Britain, while Scotland has one of the highest rates in the world. “I cannot think of anything more important, or of more lasting value, than to help the university attract world-class minds in the field on neuroregeneration, to build on its long and illustrious history of medical research and, ultimately, to seek a cure for a very Scottish disease,” Rowling said. — Reuters

Glass animals are exhibited at the Archimede Seguso glassmaking Factory.

SPECTRUM

38

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Robust TV ad market expected through 2010

By Anthony Crupi

D

Russian fans of Michael Jackson dance celebrating the 52nd birthday of the late legendary King of Pop music, at Dvortsovaya (Palace) Square in St.Petersburg, Sunday, Aug 30, 2010. — AP

Bristol Palin, Hasselhoff join ‘Dancing With Stars’ B

ristol Palin, daughter of conservative powerbroker Sarah Palin, will test her dance moves against former “Baywatch” star David Hasselhoff and R&B singer Brandy in the new season of “Dancing with the Stars.”

The lineup for the 11th season of the TV dancing contest, set to premiere on Sept.

20, will also include crooner Michael Bolton, “Jersey Shore” reality TV star Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, and “Dirty Dancing” actress Jennifer Grey.

Palin, 19, a single mom, is following in the reality TV footsteps of her former fiance, Levi Johnston, whose small-screen adventures involve running for political office in Alaska-and whose off-screen adventures have put him at odds with her mother.

She said she hoped her mother, the former Alaska governor and US vice presidential candidate, would be on hand to watch her pair up with a professional dancer on the ballroom floor and compete against other celebrity/dancer couples.

“She’s excited for me. She knows this is going to be hard work,” Palin said as the lineup for the show was announced on ABC on Monday.

Since giving birth to a son Tripp in December 2008, Palin has featured in entertainment shows, magazines, and made her acting debut on a US TV show centered around teenage pregnancy.

Her ex- fiance has appeared in “Playgirl” and on various TV shows. “Dancing with the Stars” was the secondbiggest show on TV last season, behind “American Idol,”

Baldwin says ‘30 Rock’ Emmy run couldn’t last

By Nekesa Mumbi Moody

A

lec Ba ldw in is philosophical about the end of “30 Rock’”s three-year run as best comedy at the Emmys. The NBC show lost its lock on the category Sunday as “Modern Family” won best comedy series. Baldwin also saw his two-year streak as outstanding actor in a comedy series come to an end. He lost to Jim Parsons of CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory.”

“Nothing can last forever.

We knew that eventually we’d have to watch someone else pick up the Emmy; this is the year it happened,” said Baldwin, who was at an event for the opening of the US Open tennis tournament in New York City.

“We’ve been Alec Baldwin very lucky, and I can’t complain. I’m a big Jim Parsons fan.” He can’t say the same for ABC’s “Modern Family” - but that’s not because he has any ill will toward it.

“I’ve never watched ‘Modern Family,”‘ he admitted. However, he blames that on the flights he takes. Baldwin said he watches most of his sitcoms on airplanes, and the flights he takes only show NBC and CBS shows.

“I used to see ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ on the plane; I’ve watched every damn episode,” he said with a laugh. Baldwin is a longtime fan of tennis. He was at Arthur Ashe Stadium as the US Open marked its first night with a celebration honoring tennis great Martina Navratilova and current player James Blake, among others. — AP

averaging 20 million viewers.

Reigning champ is Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole

Scherzinger who teamed with dancer Derek Hough.

For the 11th season, Palin

will be joined by a host of well-known names, including Hasselhoff, who quit his job

as a judge on “America’s Got Talent” earlier this year after four years and a public strug-

In this photo provided

by ABC, the new lineup of stars (from left) Brandy, David Hasselhoff, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Warner, Margaret Cho, Kyle Massey, Audrina Patridge, Rick Fox, Florence Henderson, co-host Brooke Burke, Bristol Palin, and host Tom Bergeron, pose for a photo in Hollywood, California, Monday, Aug 31, 2010. — AP

gle with alcohol abuse. From the reality TV world, Sorrentino will enhance his growing profile along with actress Audrina Patridge from “The Hills.”

Fans of the TV family sitcom “The Brady Brunch” will be able to watch actress and TV talk show host Florence Anderson, 76, who played mom Carol Brady in the popular 1970s show. Grey said at the announcement she doubted she would have an advantage from her dance training opposite the late Patrick Swayze in the 1987 film. “I’m 50. It’s been a lot of years since then,” she said. Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner, retired basketball player Rick Fox, comedian Margaret Cho and teen US actor Kyle Massey from Disney show “Cory in the House” completed the lineup. — Reuters

‘Takers’ takes winning box office top spot C

rime action flick “Takers” narrowly beat out “The Last Exorcism” to take the North American box office top spot this weekend, earning just 145,000 dollars more, final figures showed Monday. The new release, starring Hayden Christensen, singers Chris Brown and T I, and Idris Elba, earned 20.5 million dollars in US and Canadian theaters this weekend, according to figures from industry tracker Exhibitor

Relations.

That was enough to catapult the flick, which follows the exploits of a group of professional thieves on one last job, over runner-up “The Last Exorcism.” The gruesome documentary-style horror movie led the pack in preliminary figures out early Sunday, but the final figures showed the new release earning 20.3 million in box office receipts, just enough to push it back to number two.

The movie, directed by Daniel Stamm and co-produced by Eli Roth, a director known for his bloody thrillers, follows a disillusioned minister supposedly filming his last exorcism for a documentary. At number three was “The Expendables,” Sylvester Stallone’s film about a group of weathered mercenaries out to topple a South American dictator, which earned 9.5 million dollars in its third week in theaters. Down one spot to number four

was “Eat, Pray, Love,” Ryan Murphy’s adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert’s novel about a divorcee’s jaunt to Italy, Indonesia and India, starring Julia Roberts. It earned 6.8 million dollars in its third week of release. Staying put at number five was “The Other Guys,” the latest Will Ferrell slapstick comedy, about two mismatched police officers paired on a high-profile crime investigation. It earned 6.2 million dollars. —AFP

Latin Music Fest Yandel, of the Puerto Rico’s duo Wisin and Yandel, performs at the Latin Music Festival in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Sunday Aug 29, 2010.

— AP photos

(Left) Puerto Rico’s Luis Fonsi performs.

(Right) Samo, of Mexico’s Camila, performs.

espite economic indicators that suggest the recovery might be losing momentum, media buyers and network executives are confident that the TV advertising marketplace will remain robust through year’s end. After that, it’s anyone’s guess. In the waning hours of an “upfront” advertising market thatsaw clients commit to about $18 million in national broadcast and cable inventory for the upcoming TV season during the spring, buyers had intimated that spot rates (aka “scatter”) would begin to dry up during the third and fourth quarters. This has not been the case, however, as pricing continues to come in at about 20 percent above upfront levels.

On the broadcast side of the ledger, ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and the CW are facing another arduous autumn battle as cable continues to make raids on primetime, and coveted younger viewers are lured from the tube by the digital pied piper. Last season, only Fox managed to grow its share of adults 18-49; in the aggregate, cable now enjoys a 2-to-1 lead in share.

Sports and politics alone should keep the networks humming through December, said Joel Hollander, founder of 264 Echo Place Partners. “Football is the closest thing there is to bulletproof,” said Hollander, former chairman and CEO of CBS Network Radio and GM of New York sports-radio leader WFAN-AM. “There’s going to be a ton of political money starting now, and it’ll all just pile up as November approaches.” How robust is the football marketplace? With a little less than two weeks to go before kicking off its 51st season of NFL coverage, CBS’ Sunday broadcasts are about 90 percent sold through the playoffs. At the same time, the network is close to selling off the last piece of its SEC college schedule.

“At this time last year, we were going into the season with a lot of inventory on our hands,” CBS Sports executive vp sales and marketing John Bogusz said. “This year, the market has moved earlier, and volume is way up.” Automotive dollars had a big hand in the rush on NFL avails. “Last year, we knew Chrysler wasn’t coming in; Toyota wasn’t on CBS; and we weren’t sure where we stood with GM, although they eventually did come in for a fair amount,” Bogusz said. “All three are already back this season, as is Ford, which has always been a consistent spender.”

Telecom also has been active at CBS, Fox and ESPN as AT&T, Sprint and Verizon have ramped up respective commitments to pro and college football. The insurance category has secured a good deal of airtime, and other endemics including beer, quick-service restaurants and movies also are spending freely. All told, Bogusz said CBS is on track to sell a record amount of advertising for its NFL games, a projection shared by other pro football outlets.

After putting up record deliveries last season, ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” is just about sold out. The sports network’s college football games also are selling well, according to Ed Erhardt, president of ESPN customer marketing and sales. “Yes, the auto market returning has been a big deal, but there’s also the fact that live events have become more crucial in the minds of the advertising community,” he said.

ESPN’s first preseason “MNF” telecast Aug 16 drew 5.6 million viewers, 3.1 million of whom were in the adults 1849 demographic. To put that in perspective, the exhibition game between the Giants and Jets outdelivered every regularseason baseball telecast this season on broadcast and cable.

Looking at the bigger picture, though clients might begin retreating if the economy takes another dive, the near term looks promising for TV. “It’s still the most cost-effective buy to support a brand, and brands are increasingly important as we go through these economic cycles,” said Howard Bass, a senior partner at Ernst & Young. “The marketplace is relatively strong, and a big part of that is thanks to the sophistication and innovation of the agencies putting together the buys.” — Reuters

SPECTRUM

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

39

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt (left) and his wife Manyatta host an Iftar party in Mumbai late August 30, 2010. — AFP

A visitor looks at pictures by filmmaker Stanley Kubrick during the ‘Stanley Kubrick, Photographer Fotografo 1945-1950’ exhibition at the Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti on August 28, 2010 in Venice. Over 200 photographs are on show until November 14, many of them unpublished and printed from the original negatives, shot by Kubrick from 1945 to 1950 when, at the age of only 17, he was hired by the American magazine Look. —AFP

Venice film festival kicks off today ing for his youth, Ozon has tapped mature talent in veteran French actors Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Depardieu in his comedy “Potiche”. A total of 24 films will be in competition for this year’s Golden Lion with the late addition of “Essential Killing” by Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski, about a member of the Taleban (Vincent Gallo) captured by Americans and transferred to Europe for interrogation.

Gallo, of New York, is already present in the festival lineup as the director of the in-competition “Promises Written on Water,” a sombre tale about a girl with a terminal illness. A “surprise” candidate is to be announced on Sunday.

Meanwhile, organizers fear that Iranian authorities were unlikely to

List of films selected for 2010 Venice film festival

F

ollowing is a list of the films that will compete in the Venice film festival starting today. A 24th “surprise” entry will be announced on Sunday.

“Black Swan” by Darren Aronofsky (US) “La Pecora Nera” (Black Sheep) by Ascanio Celestini (Italy) “Somewhere” by Sofia Coppola (US) “Happy Few” by Antony Cordier (France) “The Solitude of Prime Numbers” by Saverio Costanzo (Italy) “Ovsyanki” (Silent Souls) by Aleksei Fedorchenko (Russia) “Promises Written in Water” by Vincent Gallo (US) “Road to Nowhere” by Monte Hellman (US) “A Sad Trumpet Ballad” by Alex de la Iglesia (Spain/France) “Black Venus” by Abdellatif Kechiche (France) “Post Mortem” by Pablo Larrain (Chile/Mexico/Germany) “Barney’s Version” by Richard J Lewis (Canada/Italy) “Noi Credevamo” (We Believed) by Mario Martone (ItalyFrance) “La Passione” (The Passion) by Carlo Mazzacurati (Italy) “13 Assassins” by Miike Takashi (Japan/Britain) “Potiche” by Francois Ozon (France) “Meek’s Cutoff” by Kelly Reichardt (US) “Essential Killing” by Jerzy Skolimowski (Poland) “Miral” by Julian Schnabel (US/France/Italy/Israel) “Noruwei no mori” (“Norwegian Wood”) by Tran Anh Hung (Japan) “Attenberg” by Athina Rachel Tsangari (Greece) “Detective Dee and the Mystery of Phantom Flame” by Hark Tsui (China) “Drei” (Three) by Tom Tykwer (Germany) — AFP

US director and president of the jury of the Venice Film Festival Quentin Tarantino (left) waves next to 67th Venice Film Festival director Marco Muller, upon his arrival at the Venice Lido yesterday. — AFP

J

Phantom Flame” by Tsui Hark. The event will screen 79 full-length world premieres from 34 countries including a work from the Dominican Republic for the first time, about its neighbor Haiti.

Quentin Tarantino heads the jury, which will also include fellow directors Arnaud Desplechin of France, Guiller mo Ar riaga of Mexico and Italian Gabriele Salvatores. They will choose winners for the Golden Lion for best film, Volpi Cups for best actor and actress, and a special jury prize, among other awards. It will be the 67th edition of the Mostra, which began in 1932 in the lagoon city and now has a budget of 12 million euros (15.7 million dollars), including seven million from the Italian government. — AFP

‘The American’ has a distinctly European air

By Roger Moore

C

risp, compact and cryptic, “The American” is a standard-issue hit-man thriller tailor made for George Clooney.

Filmed not too far from his Italian home, anchored firmly to his performance and his star presence, it works its way past “formula” by the manner in which it builds its suspense. The film, directed by Anton Corbijn (“Control”), makes brilliant uses of its rural Italian silences as well as its gun-barrel silencers. Its quiet is its most unnerving ingredient.

We meet Jack (Clooney) in snowy Sweden, sharing a rustic idyll with a tall, thin lady friend.

Within moments, shots ring out and there’s blood on the snow.

And Jack is on the run. As a character (from a Martin Booth novel), Jack is a man of few words.

He is proficient, but not Jason Bourne superhuman. He knows his trade and in odd, private moments, he betrays the way it has made him paranoid, given him a lifetime of guilt. When he lays low in Italy, his control agent (Johan Leysen) sends him off to the boondocks with a warning:

In this film publicity image released by Focus Features, George Clooney is shown in a scene from, “The American.” — AP

“Don’t make any friends, Jack.

You used to know that.”

Their terse exchanges give away no warmth, little history and almost no trust. “I’ve got a

‘Texas Chainsaw’ director shoots ‘Titans’ sequel onathan Liebesman (“The Texas Chainsaw Masacre: The Beginning”) has signed a deal to direct a sequel to “Clash of the Titans.” Liebesman had been in contention to nab the gig since early June, with negotiations stretching through the summer. Money was a factor, as was the hurdle of overcoming the negative perception of this year’s initial

September 11, including Saverio Costanzo’s adaptation of the bestselling Paolo Giordano novel “The Solitude of Prime Numbers”.

Among the three French candidates is “Black Venus” by Tunisian-born Abdellatif Kechiche, whose “The Secret of the Grain” won the special jury prize in Venice in 2007.

“Black Venus” relates the story of a southern African slave of Dutch farmers who was exhibited as a freak show attraction in Europe in the early 19th century, forced to gyrate her large buttocks.

Only three Asian films are in competition at the world’s oldest film festival. Two are from Japan: “13 Assassins” by Miike Takashi and “Norwegian Wood” by Tran Anh Hung; and one from China, “Detective Dee and the Mystery of

Review

Film director Andrucha Waddington (left) poses with actresses Leonor Watling, (second left) Pilar Lopez de Ayala, (third left) and actor Alberto Ammann with during a photocall in Madrid yesterday before the premiere of the movie Lope. The film is about the life of the Spanish 16th century poet and playwright Lope De Vega. — AP

By Borys Kit

allow prominent filmmaker Jafar Panahi to travel to Venice for the screening of his short film “The Accordion” today.

Expressing their “solidarity” with Panahi, who won the Golden Lion here in 2000 for “The Circle,” they said in a statement: “We hope that in the coming days we will receive comforting news.” Panahi is likely to be represented at the screening by his colleague Mazdak Taebi, the statement said. Besides Aronofsky and Coppola, three other US directors are in the running for the Golden Lion: Kelly Reichardt with “Meek’s Cutoff ”, Julian Schnabel with “Miral” star ring Willem Dafoe and Monte Hellman with “Road to Nowhere”.

Italy has four films in competition at the event running through

installment. The movie, a remake of the 1981 original, became a worldwide hit for Warner Bros and financier Legendary Pictures, grossing more than $491 million, although it garnered many negative reviews.

The studio is hoping to right the wrongs, shooting it in 3D (as opposed to have it added during postproduction, as with the first movie). Sam Worthington and Gemma Arterton are among the

actors expected to return for the second installment. Executives settled on Liebesman after seeing footage of “Battle: Los Angeles,” the director’s upcoming “Black Hawk Down”-style alien-invasion movie, which showed he could handle large-scale action and intense visual effects. The footage also impressed at Comic-Con, where is stood out from forthcoming wave of alien-invasion flicks. — Reuters

job for you, custom fit.” “I’ll think about it.” Jack poses as a photographer, covers his tracks and keeps his guard when, as the guy the townsfolk quickly call “The

American,” he is sought out by a chatty, elderly priest (Paolo Bonacelli). But don’t expect any confessions here.

Clooney carries this with little

dialogue. The camera often sits on his shoulder and follows him through the empty streets. He’s alert, and this manner of moviemaking makes us alert, too.

We expect violence - noisy jolts.

So does he. We become as jumpy as Jack must be. He is a man, though, and he has to eat, after sizing up the waiter or the couple at the next table. He joylessly enjoys the pleasures of a lovely local prostitute (Violante Placido).

And despite his best efforts to blend in, we know trouble is going to come looking for him.

It sometimes seems the movies are overrun with hit-men.

The standard way of portraying them is people who feel little, collect their cash, do their dirty work and try to get out with that “one last job.” There’s a bit of that sort of melodrama in “The American.” Clooney’s moments suggesting that Jack has regrets and fears are interesting, but the film is very much caught up in the tradecraft - the effort it takes to be “off the grid.” But that lack of humor and switched-off humanity reminds you that anybody who looked like Clooney, with an American accent and an evasive answer to his means of support, would stand out a lot more in a town where “accidents” happen than this “American” seems to. —MCT

‘Twilight’ star Lautner challenged to push-up duel

By Matthew Belloni

T

he owner of an RV dealership recently sued by Taylor Lautner for allegedly failing to deliver a customized rig on time has issued a unique challenge to the “Twilight” star: push up or shut up. Brent McMahon, owner of the Irvine, Calif-based McMahon’s RV, held a press conference Monday to challenge the buffed-up Lautner to settle his lawsuit with a pushup contest. That’s right, whoever can do the most push-ups wins-or at least gets some money donated to charity.

Lautner sued McMahon’s last week for not delivering a $300,000 customized rig in time for the shoot of his new movie “Abduction.” Lautner claims his dad, Dan Lautner, negotiated for McMahon’s to refurbish a 2006 Affinity Country Coach RV by June but the dealership failed to meet the deadline.

McMahon and attorney Adam Obeid say the L autners and their lawyers demanded $40,000 before filing the lawsuit. But they have a better idea. If Lautner shows up and wins the push-up contest, McMahon will pay him and his

Taylor Lautner

T

he Venice film festival kicks off today with a spotlight on the new generation of filmmakers as 41-year-old US director Darren Aronofsky raises the curtain with “Black Swan.” The psychological thriller by Aronofsky, who won in Venice in 2008 with “The Wrestler” starring Mickey Rourke, is set in the cutthroat New York ballet world. Other under 50s in the competition are Oscar-winner Sofia Coppola, 39, of the United States and 43-year-old Francois Ozon of France.

Coppola, who won a best screenplay Oscar for “L ost in Translation” (2003), offers a dramatic comedy “Somewhere,” set in Hollywood and produced by her serial Oscar-winning father Francis Ford Coppola. Perhaps compensat-

Shark Kid Entertainment the $40,000 to settle the case. If McMahon wins, he’ll donate the $40,000 to Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Not a bad stunt-if Lautner has a good sense of humor and shows up.

“We’re taking a negative and making it into a positive to benefit the sick children at Children’s Hospital of Orange County,” McMahon said at the press conference. He says he has other sponsors

willing to chip in if Lautner appears. How would McMahon fare against the superbuff “Twilight” heartthrob? “He works out regularly,” Obeid said. “But he’s a 47year-old man. He’s no Taylor Lautner.”

Lautner lawyer Robert Barta turned down the push-up contest, but welcomed a contribution to charity: “McMahon’s RV’s response to our client’s legitimate claim further demonstrates the lack of professionalism that Mr. McMahon, his company and his employees have exhibited from the outset, and that compelled the filing of this lawsuit in the first place,” Barta said in a statement.

“This suit is not about a ‘customized’ RV, it is about McMahon’s RV’s refusal to deliver the vehicle in the safe, drivable condition that was promised, as every purchaser has the right to expect. A cursory review of McMahon’s RV’s record with the Better Business Bureau shows that this is a repeated pattern of conduct; Mr Lautner just happens to be a high profile customer that is holding them accountable. Indeed, Mr McMahon, through his attorney, has already apologized to the Lautners for his and his company’s conduct. —Reuters

www.kuwaittimes.net

US farm produces emerald

An Afghan girl reads the holy Quran at a mosque in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Muslims across the world refrain from eating, drinking and smoking from dawn to dusk during Ramadan. — AP

This undated handout photo provided shows the Carolina Emperor emerald mined by Terry Ledford and Renn Adams in Hiddenite, NC, prior to any cutting. —AP

By Emery P Dalesio

A

Lohan talks trial, talent, drug use in Vanity Fair

Iran’s animal man shares home with snakes, crocs F

ilming with animals can be frightening for actors but a man living in a tiny apartment in Tehran with his crocodile, three snakes, an eagle and a miniature monkey says he can help. “There are many actors and actresses who are afraid of animals. I try to help them overcome their fears and communicate with animals,” says Amir Rahbari, a 37-year-old professional trainer who chooses to live among his animals.

In a cramped 20-square-metre (215 sq ft) flat in a tower block in the north of the Iranian capital, Rahbari holds two big pythons around his neck, explaining that, to him, they are family. “These animals are my children, my family, they made me famous and helped me to convey my thoughts and my job in the

world.” Rahbari has worked on movies and television projects, teaching actors that their fear of animals is not instinctive but something they learned as children learn from their parents. He says he can cure actors’ animal phobias in less than 30 minutes. Due to his lifestyle, and the problems it causes with neighbors, he has to move home two or three times a year.

But Rahbari likes sharing a small space with his reptiles and other creatures. “I can see my animals more when I live in a small apartment, we are together when I am eating or sleeping but living in a big apartment prevent us from being together all the time.”

Keeping animals as pets is not common in Iran, so Rahbari is aware that his set-up is

highly unusual.

“I don’t want to bother my neighbors. I have a garden outside Tehran where I keep my dogs and wolves. They are all talented and most of them have taken part in different movies.” He firmly believes that animals are not for show and is uncomfortable with the fashion among affluent Iranian youth to keep dogs as a status symbol, despite Islamic law banning humans from living in close proximity with dogs. “Keeping them requires special conditions. It should not turn into fashion.”

Pointing to Melissa, his 3-metre (10-ft) yellow python curled in her basket, he added: “They go on hunger strike and put and end to their lives if they are not comfortable with the place they live in.” —Reuters

Taiwan eyes China’s fashion market

By Annie Huang

Westerners,” said Gioia Pan, one of the few Taiwanese designers with stores in China.

Pan mainly sells custom-made clothing to well-heeled Chinese consumers but believes the vast market across the Taiwan Strait offers something for everyone.

“There are more than a dozen levels of consumers in China,” she said. “Everything from casual wear to top-end products could sell well.

Unlike the Taiwanese, many Chinese pick up the dresses they like and don’t wait for big discounts.” She said the time may be opportune for a big China move by Taiwanese designers, because many Chinese designers are still studying in the West, and are three to five years from making an impact in their home market. The view is echoed by Fang Tong, a saleswoman from Hongdu Group, one of the Chinese firms attending the Taipei Fashion Week.

“The Taiwanese designers may do well on the mainland,” Fang said. “Their clothes - priced much lower than the top Western designer houses - may fit the Chinese even better.” Currently, fabrics account for the biggest export item of Taiwan’s textile industry, and many fabric makers are ramping up production with tariffs expected to drop from 17 percent to zero in two years. A spokeswoman for Ho Yu Textile Company, who would only give her surname Cho, said the lowering of tariffs means it is now economic for the company to export fabrics to China. —AP

O

In this magazine cover released by Vanity Fair, actress Lindsay lohan is shown on the cover of the October 2010 issue of Vanity Fair. — AP

I

n the upcoming issue of Vanity Fair, Lindsay Lohan admits making mistakes in the past and “dabbling in certain things.” But in a July interview with the magazine before the 24-year-old actress served 14 days in jail followed by 23 days of inpatient rehab, she defended her actions, saying she was young and curious and was associating with the wrong people.

“So many people around me would say they cared for the wrong reasons,” Lohan said. “A lot of people were pulling from me, taking from me and not giving.

I had a lot of people that were there for me for, you know, the party.” Lohan says she used to get her news from tabloids, which she now calls “scary and sad.” “I would look up to those girls ... the Britneys and whatever,” she said.

“And I would be like, I want to be like that.”

Despite everything, Lohan is confident in her acting abilities and future: “I don’t care what anyone says. I know that I’m a damn good actress.” She says she’ll do whatever it takes to fix her party-girl image.

“I want my career back,” she said. “I want the respect that I had when I was doing great movies.

And if that takes not going out to a club at night, then so be it. It’s not fun anyway.” She also addresses issues with her father, Michael Lohan, saying, “I think my biggest focus for myself is learning how to continue to get through the trauma that my father has caused in my life.” Lohan talks about the mixed signals of seeing her father in court crying over her but then speaking to the media afterward.

Nancy Jo Sales, who wrote the article, says Lohan got emotional when talking about her younger sister Ali’s presence in the courtroom.

Lohan described seeing her sister cry as heartbreaking.

Lohan has a busy schedule ahead of her. She’s required to comply with outpatient rehab, which includes two psychotherapy, two behavior therapy and five 12-step sessions a week. Her next movie, “Machete,” directed by Robert Rodriguez, hits theaters on Sept 3. She also has an apparel line, 6126, for which she designs clothes and signs off on decisions. The October issue of “Vanity Fair” hits newsstands in New York and Los Angeles on Thursday and nationwide on Sept 7. — AP

nce known around the world for its cheap garment exports, Taiwan is now seeking to leverage a new opening to the China market to make its mark on the Asian fashion stage.

While several Taiwanese designers have been recognized for their work internationally, government officials say the lack of a homegrown high-end design industry is holding them back.

But that could soon change, they say. A trade deal signed in June will make the Chinese market more open to the Taiwanese, slashing tariffs on goods including apparel and punishing mainland copycats of Taiwanese designs. The deal is part of President Ma Ying-jeou’s overall effort to reduce tensions with China, and build a more cooperative relationship across the 100mile-(160-kilometer-) wide Taiwan Strait 61 years after the island and the mainland split amid civil war.

Vice Economics Minister Huang Chung-chiu said lower tariffs are good news for the island’s fashion industry, but only if it learned to change its focus from mass production to market innovation.

“The era of mass producing textile goods is gone,” he said. “We are now counting on creative designers ... instead of engineers who have little knowledge about what consumers want.” Taiwan was once a dominant force in world textile production, but its ranking has slipped to No. 6 after many of its big players shifted operations to China in the 1990s to take advantage of lower labor costs. Taiwan’s textile exports totaled $9.4 billion in 2009, a 40 percent decline from the heyday of 1997. China is the island’s largest market, taking 22 percent of the 2009 exports. The weight of the China market was evident at the annual Taipei Fashion Week show opened last week in a downtown exhibition hall. Several Chinese department store operators were in attendance, and Huang

In this photo, a visitor views designs by Taipei native Chia Wenlan, founder and designer of Twinkle

by Wenlan in New York during the “Taipei in Style” fashion fair in Taipei, Taiwan. — AP said they are expected to make big purchases.

China levies a heavy 17 percent duty on all imported clothing.

Taiwanese garment makers say the impending tariff cuts could help their access to the mainland mar-

ket, particularly because Chinese appear to have a keen interest in things coming from the self-ruled island Beijing still claims its own.

“Because of our shared culture, Taiwanese designers can cater to the needs of Chinese better than

The company is supplying fabrics to luggage makers in China for exporting the finished goods to Europe and the US Among the highlights at the fashion week show was the vibrant knitwear and readyto-wear dresses created by Taipei native Chia Wenlan, founder and designer of Twinkle by Wenlan in New York, and recipient of Tokyo’s prestigious Onward Kashiyama

n emerald so large it’s being compared with the crown jewels of Russian empress Catherine the Great was pulled from a pit near corn rows at a North Carolina farm. The nearly 65-carat emerald its finders are marketing by the name Carolina Emperor was pulled from a farm once so well known among treasure hunters that the owners charged $3 a day to shovel for small samples of the green stones. After the gem was cut and re-cut, the finished product was about one-fifth the weight of the original find, making it slightly larger than a US quarter and about as heavy as an AA battery.

The emerald compares in size and quality to one surrounded by diamonds in a brooch once owned by Catherine the Great, who was empress in the 18th century, that Christie’s auction house in New York sold in April for $1.65 million, said C R “Cap” Beesley, a New York gemologist who examined the stone. While big, uncut crystals and even notable gem-quality emeralds have come from the community 50 miles northwest of Charlotte called Hiddenite, there has never been one so big it’s worthy of an imperial treasury, Beesley said. “It is the largest cut emerald ever to be found in North America,” Beesley said in a telephone interview from Myanmar, an Asian country rich in precious gems. The discovery is a rarity for emeralds found not in the rich veins of South America and Asia but in North America, said Robert Simon, owner of Windsor Jewelers in Winston-Salem.

“Most of the stones that have come out have not been gem-quality that I would mount in jewelry,” said Simon, who was part owner of a 7.85-carat, dime-sized emerald found in the same community in 1998 that has since been set in jewelry and sold to a private owner. Terry Ledford, 53, found the roughly 2-inchsquare chunk rimmed with spots of iron a year ago on a 200-acre farm owned by business partner Renn Adams, 90, and his siblings. The rural community of Hiddenite is named for a paler stone that resembles emerald.

“It was so dark in color that holding it up to the sun you couldn’t even get the light to come through it,” a quality that ensured an intense green hue once the stone was cut with facets that allowed light into the gem’s core, Ledford said.

The North Carolina stone was cut to imitate the royal emerald, Ledford said. A museum and some private collectors interested in buying the emerald have been in contact, Ledford said.

Modeling an empress’s emerald is likely to have less influence on the North Carolina stone’s sale price than its clarity, color and cut, said Douglas Hucker, CEO of the American Gem Trade Association, a Dallas, Texas-based trade association for dealers in colored gems. “A 65-carat cut emerald from North Carolina is a big, big stone,” he said.

But “once an emerald is cut, it’s subject to the same type of market conditions that any emerald would be.” Emeralds are part of North Carolina’s mineral claim to fame, though other places in the US also are rich in gems.

Maine mines have yielded aquamarine and amethyst, Montana bears sapphires, Idaho is known for star garnets, and Arkansas has diamonds.

It’s not fully known why small, subterranean cavities containing emeralds formed in central North Carolina, said geologist Michael Wise of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, who has studied the underground world around Hiddenite for years. Emeralds are produced where a superheated fluid carrying the element beryllium migrated through rocks that contain chromium, Wise said.

“This doesn’t happen frequently,” Wise said. “The conditions have to be just right to make an emerald. ... It happens to be the case at this particular place.” Adams said decades ago when his parents owned the farm, they allowed anyone with a shovel to dig for emeralds on the property for $3 a day. —AP