28 Oct

RI PT IO N BS C SU THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF

40 PAGES

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2010

THULQIDA 20, 1431 AH

Clashes as Israeli extremists demonstrate in Arab town

US expert claims ex-child soldier ‘full of rage’

OK Go turns 12 dogs and a goat into YouTube stars

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conspiracy theories

Beam me up

By Badr ya Dar wish

A

liens are back. Sorry guys. It’s vice versa. I mean to say the anti-aliens are back. As you all know, parliament was inaugurated two days ago. The first week they are all busy forming committees. There are around 10 committees so far. The Financial and Economic Affairs Committee; the Complaints and Petitions Committee (I myself have a lot of complaints and I hope they receive me but I will give them space until they start their proper sessions); Education Committee (God bless those who are in it); Legal and Legislative Committee (God help them as this year many serious matters are on especially after the Scope TV affair); Interior and Defense Committee; Foreign Affairs Committee, Public Utilities Committee (this is where the most fun and action is); Health and Social Affairs and L abor Committee (it is worth to stop and take deep breath on that one); Public Funds Protection Committee (it is worth ten stops at this point) and last but not least comes the Fighting Alien Practices Committee.

The sports committee was scrapped but a few MPs claimed that the vote was passed when they went for prayers, so the vote needs to be done again sometime next week. The matter was taken lightly as if nobody cares for sports. The most interesting issue is the Alien Practices Committee which is there to safeguard the nation. This year we all thought that this committee will be scrapped from the list of committees.

But to our surprise, it is back to stay.

I like the name: Alien Practices.

Mentioning aliens takes me back to the Star Trek series and to Captain Kirk saying: “Beam me up, Scotty!”. When you hear the name you imagine that people have just landed from outer space and they have brought with them their alien practices.

Where are we living? Is Kuwait part of the Earth or have we been shuttled while I was sleeping. Don’t Kuwaitis travel, watch TV and mix with foreigners? Don’t we have Internet and aren’t we one of the most travelling nations in the world. Most of our boys and girls study abroad and we have a lot of expats since the independence of Kuwait in 1961. We are a mini United Nations. So what are the alien practices, for God’s sake?

Have a nice day guys!

Controversy over rejection of sports panel

By B Izzak KUWAIT: The National Assembly’s rejection to form a temporary committee for youth and sports has resulted in a number of remarks, especially from liberal MPs and lawmakers who were outside the chamber when the voting took place. During its inaugural session on Tuesday, the Assembly rejected the formation of the youth and sports committee by 29 votes against 25 with the abstention of Speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi. Liberal MP Saleh Al-Mulla, who was a member of the committee in the previous term, squarely blamed the government for conspiring against the committee in light of the long-standing dispute over sports in the country.

“It was a horrible message sent by the government,” said Mulla. He however reiterated that the grilling of the prime minister for failure to apply the sports laws will go ahead as planned. The youth and sports committee was the only temporary panel that was rejected by the Assembly among around 10 temporary panels. Several MPs however were outside the chamber when the voting took place and some had hinted that the absence was deliberate. A number of them however denied that it was the case.

MP Saifi Al-Saifi said that he had never and will never desist from voting on any issue, including the request to form the youth and sports committee. He added that he was at prayers when the voting suddenly took place, saying that he had always supported the panel and that he and other MPs will resubmit a request to form the committee again. MP Waleed Al-Tabtabaei also said he was praying when the voting took place, recalling that he was among those who signed the request to form the panel. He said members of the Reform and Development Bloc, in which he is a member, have voted in favour of the request.

MP Falah Al-Sawwagh also said he was praying at the time of voting and that he had signed the request like his colleagues.

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Arsenal cruise into League Cup last eight PAGE 20

Laden warns France Qaeda chief slams Paris over veil ban, Afghan war

KINAHREJO, Indonesia: A villager walks past a buffalo killed by the eruption of Mount Merapi in Yogyakarta yesterday. — AP

Hundreds dead as twin disasters hit Indonesia Kuwait condoles loss of lives MENTAWAI ISLANDS, Indonesia: Helicopters with emergency supplies finally landed yesterday on the remote Indonesian islands slammed by a tsunami that killed more than 300 people, while elsewhere in the archipelago the toll from a volcanic eruption rose to 30, including the mountain’s spiritual caretaker. Indonesia is prone to such disasters, and it installed a tsunami warning system after a catastrophic wave killed hundreds of thousands of people in 2004. An official said yesterday, however, that the system stopped working a month ago because of poor maintenance.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono cut short a state visit to Vietnam to deal with the dual disasters that struck Indonesia in one 24-hour period, straining the country’s ability to respond. The first aerial surveys

of the region hit by the three-meter tsunami revealed huge swaths of land underwater and the crumbled rubble of homes torn apart by the wave. One house lay tilted, resting on the edge of its red roof, with tires and slabs of concrete piled up on the surrounding sand.

HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of condolences to Yudhoyono over the loss of lives. HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad AlAhmad Al-Sabah sent similar cables.

Two days after an undersea earthquake spawned the killer wave, the casualty count was still rising as rescuers landed for the first time on the Mentawai island Continued on Page 14

DUBAI: Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin L aden warned France yesterday that its planned ban on the veil in public places and its involvement in the war in Afghanistan justified violence against its nationals. In an audio recording aired by AlJazeera television, bin Laden said last month’s kidnapping of seven foreigners, five of them French, in the Sahara desert in northern Niger was a warning. Bin Laden, in the message directed to the French people, said he wanted to set out “the reasons for threatening your security and taking your people as prisoners.”

“How could you take part in occupying our countries and support the Americans in killing our children and women, and then expect to live in peace and security?” he asked. “It is very simple as you kill, you will be killed, as you take hostages, you will be taken hostages, and as you compromise our security, we will compromise your security,” he said in the message, which lasted 1 minute 55 seconds.

Responding to the message, French Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux said France is under “real” terror threat which needs “total vigilance”. “We do know that the (terrorist) threat is real and vigilance must be total,” Hortefeux told a National Assembly meeting in Paris.

“As far as we know, these statements can only justify maintaining our response to the terrorist threat,” said Hortefeux.

“Supposing they’re authentic they would be part of various threats that have been made against our country and our nationals, abroad and in France,” he added.

The Al-Qaeda leader also warned the French government to pull its troops out of Afghanistan. “The way to protect your security is to bring your tyranny against our nation to an end, most importantly to withdraw from the damned war of (former US president George W) Bush in Afghanistan,” he said in the message, the authenticity of Continued on Page 14

Poland gives ‘victim’ status to Qaeda Saudi WARSAW: Ten years ago this month, Al-Qaeda terrorists drove an explosives-laden boat into the USS Cole Navy destroyer as it was refueling in Yemen, killing American 17 sailors.

But the man suspected of engineering that attack still hasn’t been brought to trial. Polish prosecutors are looking at him as a victim as they investigate a now-shuttered secret CIA prison that operated in Poland where he was subjected to harsh interrogation techniques, according to former US intelligence officials and publicly available documents.

The chief prosecutor in the case, Jerzy Mierzewski, said yesterday that Abd Al-Rahim Al-Nashiri has received the status of victim, a move that allows the detainee’s lawyers to participate in the larger investigation by reviewing evidence and calling witnesses. Just as significantly, legal experts said the move shows that Polish investigators recognize the validity of Al-Nashiri’s claims, a boost to his cause that comes as US courts have refused to allow cases involving rendition to move forward for national security reasons.

“The prosecutor has clearly recognized the seriousness of Al-Nashiri’s

claims, and we hope he will continue to press forward with this investigation,” said Amrit Singh, senior legal officer with the Open Society Justice Initiative. “The individuals responsible for the torture and abuse endured by rendition victims on Polish soil must be held accountable.” Polish officials in power when the prison was in operation, early in the presidency George W Bush, still deny its existence, but Al-Nashiri’s victim status weakens their position - and it raises the prospect that some of them could eventually be charged with abuse of power.

The investigation in Warsaw was launched by the Polish government two years ago in reaction to massive pressure from the European Union and the Council of Europe, a human rights group. Both organizations have said that evidence points to the complicity of Poland as well as Romania in the clandestine US program, and they have urged both ex-communist nations to clarify their roles.

According to a motion that AlNashiri’s lawyers filed in Poland last month, they are seeking testimony from former CIA directors, including Continued on Page 14

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RAK ruler Sheikh Saqr passes away Amir sends condolences RAS AL-KHAIMAH: The ruler of Ras Al-Khaimah, an emirate in the United Arab Emirates federation, died yesterday, but analysts expected no impact on the country’s stability despite a spat over the succession.

Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al-Qassimi, believed to have been in his late 90s, ruled the northern emirate of Ras AlKhaimah for more than 60 years, dating back to before the UAE’s inception in 1971.

He had been in hospital for several months and his funeral took place after afternoon prayers. His 54-yearold son and crown prince, Sheikh Saud, has been named as the new ruler, the state news agency WAM reported, and the Supreme Council, made up of the rulers of the UAE’s seven emirates, offered him their “full support”.

HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-

Sheikh Saqr Al-Qassimi Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of condolences to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahayyan on the passing away of Sheikh Saqr.

The Amir sent a similar cable to Sheikh Saud. HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Continued on Page 14

Former Argentine prez Kirchner dies Amir sends condolences BUENOS AIRES: Former Argentine President Nestor Kirchner, the current president Cristina Fernandez’s husband and a leading contender to succeed her in next year’s election, died from a heart attack yesterday.

Kirchner, 60, was credited by many Argentines with putting South America’s No. 2 economy back on its feet after a devastating 2001/02 economic crisis, but critics reviled his combative style and interventionist economic policies. “It was a sudden death,” Kirchner’s doctor, Luis Buonomo, told Reuters after the former president died in the Patagonian tourist city of El Calafate, where he and Fernandez have a weekend home. His death raises uncertainty about the government’s strategy for next year’s election, and might encourage Fernandez to seek a second consecutive term. Kirchner was still a popular leader when he left the presidency but his approval ratings have since fallen sharply and his wife has emerged as the more

Nestor Kirchner popular of the two.

HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday sent a cable of condolences to Fernandez over the death of her husband. HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser AlMohammad Al-Ahmad AlSabah sent similar cables.

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Beirut boom prices many Lebanese out

TEHRAN: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (left) and his Bolivian counterpart Evo Morales warm up prior to a friendly futsal match on Tuesday. — AP (See Page 20)

BEIRUT: Beirut used to conjure up images of clear skies, sparkling sea and red-roofed Ottoman-era houses, but cranes and new buildings now puncture its Mediterranean skyline and the cacophony of bulldozers has shattered the idyll. All over Beirut, developers are spending hundreds of millions of dollars building luxury flats for high-income Lebanese, and prices are soaring, especially in the central district widely dubbed Solidere after the company that rebuilt it from the ruins of the 1975-1990 civil war.

While analysts insist no property bubble is looming, price rises are forcing middle income Lebanese out of a capital city some refused to leave even in the midst of war and unrest. “I’m frustrated. It’s going to be a while before I can afford something and I’ll have to get a loan and pay for it for a long time,” said Labib Ghulumiyyah, a 35-year-old doctor, who has been trying to buy an apartment for two years. “With all the problems in Beirut, I’d still rather be here.”

A 2010 report by property consultants Cushman and Wakefield said Beirut was the 30th most expensive retail rental city in the world, up three places from last year, and the most expensive compared to 10 cities in the Arab world. Retail rents in Beirut’s Solidere area stood at $2,063 per square metre, ahead of Luxembourg, Stockholm and Tel Aviv. In Beirut’s central district, a mixture of restored period properties and new buildings, property sells for anything from $7,000 to $13,000 a square metre. Other prime Beirut neighbourhoods see prices in the range of $4,000 per square metre, several real estate experts have said.

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NATIONAL

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Europe acknowledges GCC economic, political power BRUSSELS: Europe is now acknowledging that the sixmember Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is not merely an

economic power but also an important political player in the region, according to Kuwait’s ambassador to the EU, Nabeela

Al-Mulla. “The realization comes late in the day but is better late than never about the importance of the GCC,” she

said in an interview. Pointing to the first-ever public hearing on EU-GCC relations, hosted by the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday evening, Ambassador Al-Mulla said “It is timely and very good.” “The Europeans realize that the GCC countries are not only a steady economic power; just three or four years ago we were under scrutiny and under attack because of our sovereign wealth funds. As they are saying now, our sovereign wealth funds are no longer a threat, but it is a trend for the future so they are welcoming us as an economic power,” she said.

“The second thing they are realizing more and more is the political goals of the GCC in resolving conflicts,” said the Kuwaiti ambassador referring to the Arab initiative by Saudi Arabia, the initiative by Qatar in Darfur, the forthcoming meeting organized by Kuwait on East Sudan and the efforts to resolve issues in the region such as piracy, Afghanistan, Yemen.

“They realize there is a power there that has really not been tapped. So they are asking themselves, where is the EU in relation to this anchor of power in the region,” she added. AlMulla said the chairman of the European Parliament’s (EP) foreign affairs committee, Gabriele Albertini, had sent an invitation to Kuwait deputy prime minister and foreign minister Dr Sheikh Mohammad to address the public hearing as Kuwait is the current holder of the GCC-Presidency.

The minister was unable to attend, however, as the timing of the hearing coincided with the opening of the Kuwait National Assembly. “His Excellency looks forward to addressing the European Parliament at some time in the future,” she said.

GCC Secretary General Abdulrahman Al-Attiyah was also invited to attend the hearing, but prior GCC-related commitments meant that he was also unable to attend. —KUNA

KUWAIT: A delegation from United States’ Coast Guards led by Lt Colonel Stephen Browning was received at the Sabah Al-Ahmad Naval Base.

US delegation visits Kuwaiti Coast Guards KUWAIT: A delegation from the US Coast Guards, led by Commander Stephen Browning, yesterday visited the Kuwaiti Coast Guards at Sabah Al-Ahmad Marine Base. During their trip, the American delegation learnt more about one of the Coast Guards’ boats and its functions in Kuwait’s territorial waters, as well as touring the diving department and rescue units.

The delegation also visited the technical workshops in the specialist training center facilities (swimming pools). SubLieutenant Majed Al-Shukri escorted the delegates during their visit, with the American delegation praising the efficiency of the Kuwait Coast Guard’s senior administrators and their readiness for any danger. — KUNA

in the news Rai media listed in stock market KUWAIT: Al-Rai Media Group recently announced that it will be listed in the Kuwait Stock Exchange, to become the first media company to offers its shares for trading at the bourse. The group publishes Al-Rai daily, which is one of the most popular newspapers in Kuwait, in addition to running Al-Rai TV, a notable private television channel in the Gulf and Arab region.

Furthermore, the company owns a media production company, as well as a top commercial printing company, in addition to an advertisement agency. The CEO of the group, Jassem Boodai asserted that his company’s commitment to transparency standards sets new criteria for the practices of independent media institutions in the Arab World, reported Al-Rai., Yousuf Al-Jalahmah, Deputy CEO and Editor-In-Chief of Al-Rai daily said that the trust established with the audience has encouraged the creation of the media group, adding that its foray into the stock market is a great chance to invest in a company that conducts operational activities.

Awqa f investment TUNIS: Kuwait’s General Secretariat of Awqaf stressed importance on wide-ranging development noting that Awqaf investment has become a reality in the Islamic economy world.

The Kuwaiti secretariat highlighted its own experience in this regard to the Tunisian side, as a program which can be adopted globally, as part of its contribution to spreading the culture of Waqf and increasing awareness due to Kuwait’s role as the sole coordinator of this issue in the Islamic world. Director of Media and Development in Awqaf General Secretariat Hamad Al-Mair noted in remarks during the Kuwaiti delegation participation in the Kuwaiti-Tunisian friendship fair, that Kuwait has been playing the liaison role in this realm since 1997. The Kuwaiti official asserted importance of Kuwait’s leading role in preserving Awqaf investment and assets.

Ara b cultura l ministers meet DOHA: The 17th Meeting of the Arab culture ministers began yesterday with the discussion of the Kuwaiti working paper on modernizing the comprehensive plan of the Arab culture. Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry Abdullah Al-Attiyah said in his opening address of the meeting that the conference’s agenda shows the relentless efforts for developing the Arab culture and providing necessary legislations and conditions for elevating “our culture among others in a changeable world that is fraught with challenges.”

NATIONAL

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Speculations mount over NA sports committee decision Under-the-table deal?

KUWAIT: After parliamentarians who oppose the government failed to achieve their objective of reforming the temporary parliamentary youth and sports committee during Tuesday’s opening session of the new parliamentary term, insiders have suggested that their reason for their focusing on this committee in particular was an under-the-table deal between a senior cabinet member and the leader of this group of MPs. Prior to the beginning of the new parliamentary term, the cabinet had announced its intention to vote against the reestablishment of previous temporary committees, primarily because it viewed these committees as obstructive and prone to introducing obstacles to progress in the development process.

While this was not enough to prevent the majority of the other temporary committees from being reestablished, however, the cabinet was still able to thwart the reinstitution of the temporary youth and sports committee.

During the previous parliamentary term, members of this committee had made their intentions clear concerning their wish to file a grilling motion against His Highness the Prime Minister

Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah over what they see as the government’s failure to resolve the long-standing problems plaguing Kuwait’s sports sector.

The committee members were reportedly hoping that, through reestablishing the committee, they would be able to resume their activities in order to introduce the interpellation motion in the early stages of the new parliamentary term.

Observers at the inaugural session noted that senior oppositionist MP Ahmad AlSaadoun was successful in his applications for membership of all the committees with which he stood for membership after receiving a noteworthy degree of support from some cabinet members.

This development led to some speculation that the veteran MP had made an unofficial deal with the cabinet giving him the additional leverage needed to maintain his membership of the financial and economic committees in return for backing off from interpellation threats concerning the sports issue.

Some suggest that the cabinet member most likely to have offered such support to Al-Saadoun is the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of

Housing and Development Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad AlSabah, who had been active behind the scenes in attempting to prevent the sports issue from being used to further escalate political tensions.

The news that the temporary youth and sports committee is not to be reestablished will be a blow to the previous committee members who were preparing a grilling motion over the issue, who now find themselves forced to look into alternative options.

Al-Saadoun was able to gather 24 votes to secure his seat on the temporary finance committee, following a surge in support which observers suggest “could not have been achieved without intervention from the cabinet.”

The veteran parliamentarian, who was keen to retain his seat in order to continue with his work lobbying for a controversial new bill to change the administrative rules governing the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which has been vigorously opposed by the cabinet, especially following claims of questionable methods being used in the bill’s preparation.

While the cabinet appears to have taken an early advantage over MPs concerning the sports issue, it is still facing

conflict with the parliament over the KCCI bill and several other issues. The return of Islamist MPs’ dominance over the education committee looks likely to see an escalation of tensions with education minister Dr Moudhi AlHumoud, who also comes in for heavy criticism from the committee’s reelected liberal member Aseel Al-Awadhi.

Another issue likely to see further governmental-parliamentary conflict is the interior minister’s controversial recent decision to release two convicted Iranian drug dealers, reported Al-Rai, with three of the minister’s harshest critics, Shuwaib AlMuwaizri, Salem Al-Namlan and Mubarak Al-Saifi, winning places on the parliamentary interior and defense committee.

Even before the reopening of parliament, the committee had found the minister, Sheikh Jaber Al-Khalid AlSabah, to be at fault over the drug dealers’ release, with the only dissent coming from pro-cabinet committee head Askar Al-Enezi.

At present, the three newly-appointed members are said to be maneuvering, however, to replace Al-Enezi with Al-Muwaizri, which would see the highly critical report upheld.

Road paved for Zain deal KUWAIT: Efforts to resolve problems regarding the potential Zain deal have been successful so far, reported AlQabas. It was reported that a semiagreement was reached to abstain from making any decisions to stall the purchase of 46% of the company’s shares by Etisalat, a UAE based company.

The Kuwait Stock Exchange recently rejected a bid made by the Securities

Holding Group to acquire five percent of Zain’s shares, an attempt to foil the major deal. According to official sources, following the rejection there appears to be no more serious obstacles in the way of a final deal.

Meanwhile, the same sources revealed that the National Investment Company - the firm through which the Kharafi Group led the sale of the consor-

tium - made an offer to the Securities Group to join the consortium; a step that could indicate the completion of the deal’s procedures. It’s also believed that the Kuwait Clearing Company will play a significant role in the deal as it will be entitled to come up with a mechanism for gathering shares of major stockholders to enter into the deal for organizational purposes.

MAIA: Bedoons may be unable to perform Haj KUWAIT: There is a strong possibility that those Bedoon (stateless) residents of Kuwait wishing to perform the Haj pilgrimage this year will be unable to do so, according to a Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs (MAIA) insider.

The unnamed ministry official’s admission came as Bedoon residents, who submitted their applications to perform the sacred pilgrimage and obtained the official papers they were told were necessary some time ago, expressed concern at the official bodies’ failure to finalize their documentation as most pilgrimage organizers put their final touches to their plans.

With just over two weeks to go until the Haj period begins, the MAIA has failed to address the problems preventing Bedoon residents from performing the pilgrimage, with even the difficulties concerning their visas not yet resolved with Saudi authorities.

The MAIA insider admitted that the problems facing Bedoons wishing to perform the pilgrim-

age may be insurmountable, leaving them unable to take part in the annual event as every Muslim is instructed to do at least once in their lives if they are able to do so. The official added that if this proves to be the case, it will cause problems not only for the disappointed would-be pilgrims, but for the official agencies which had given them assurances that the issues would be resolved in time for them to perform the pilgrimage.

Before even applying to perform the pilgrimage, Bedoon residents wishing to do so were required to obtain ‘Article 17’ temporary passports, valid for only six months, which can only be used for performing Haj, reported Al-Qabas.

The Ministry of Interior’s (MoI) General Department of Citizenship and Passports had urged Bedoons wishing to perform Haj to ensure beforehand that these passports were valid for at least six months to ensure that they could perform the pilgrimage without any problems.

in the news Reha b project for the juvenile delinquents KUWAIT: A special project for juvenile care and social rehabilitation is currently being reviewed by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. This will be held in cooperation with several governmental bodies such as the information, interior, education and social affairs and labor, including charitable and non-governmental organizations. The program, which costs KD220,000 will be executed in two phases over a three year period. The first phase will allow juveniles to be integrated with schools so that they can continue with studies. Coordination can be achieved with NGOs that allow social role to be reinforced, reported Al-Qabas.

The second phase will feature rehabilitation and care services to treat juveniles who display criminal behavior. Media campaigns will be used to spread awareness against this phenomenon.

29th Sharja h book fa ir SHARJAH: Kuwaiti participants in the 29th Sharjah international book-fair lauded

yesterday the event, calling it one of the most excellent book-fairs in the region.

Official at Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) Khaled AlRubai’an said that KFAS was very keen on partaking in the event due to its important role in bolstering cultural relations between Kuwait and the UAE, adding that the foundation had several publications showcased during the event. On her part, Fatima Al-Saultan, an official of the Center for Research and Studies on Kuwait (CRSK), said that the center had participated in the event on a number of occasions due to its regional and international importance, affirming that CRSK always made it important to partake in the book fair. Also speaking about the event, Nadiya Ali from the Kuwait University’s (KU) Scientific Publication Council revealed that they have provided the news publications within the scientific field, affirming that the Sharjah event was ideal to showcase such works. The Sharjah international book fair opened yesterday and will last till November sixth.

Educa tional a ssessment study KUWAIT: A recent study has found that high graduation rates among high school graduates does not necessarily serve as an indicator of a successful educational system. It suggested that the educational system be assessed based on broad parameters. The study conducted by members of the Research and Educational Development Department said that the current educational sector should be reconsidered so that comprehensive improvements be made to the curriculum, teaching methods as well as assessment criteria.

The study then stated that these standards are being observed by evaluating the success of the local educational sector, rather than by graduation rates’ statistics, reported Al-Qabas.

According to the report, many high school graduates have failed to achieve similar results when taking international tests such as the TIMSS and PIRLS. Their weak educational level was evident.

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NATIONAL

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Regional conference tackles corruption

EPA denies backing down over Green Line debate New training program for inspectors KUWAIT: The Environment Public Authority (EPA) has rejected charges that senior officials with the authority backed down from a public debate with the non-governmental Green Line Environment Group (GLEG).

GLEG head Khalid Al-Hajri recently suggested that the EPA had backed down after initially challenging the NGO to a televised debate on environmental issues.

This allegation was denied, however, in a press release issued by the state body, which asserted that neither the EPA Director General Dr Saleh AlMoudhi nor his deputy Ali Al-Haider or any other EPA official had been asked to take part in any such debate in the first place.

Meanwhile, a senior EPA official said yesterday that Kuwait has made great strides in the fields of water and energy and of waste treatment. Speaking on the sidelines of the third conference for water, energy and waste management, Safaa Ali Abdulmoneim, the director of the EPA’s

microbial testing section, said that these efforts are an extension of Kuwait’s interest in intellectual and scientific exchange with other Arab countries for protecting the environment and their citizens alike. She added that the EPA is enthusiastic about participating in the conference, with the event, which is focusing this year on “The Environmental Impact on Health,’ in order to familiarize itself with the experience of Syria and other Arab countries in this field, especially those which share similar environmental conditions to Kuwait in many respects.

The conference’s agenda is packed with topics that focus on the impact of environmental pollution on general health, Abdulmoneim explained, noting that this focus is an approach followed by EPA as a control agency in Kuwait, in order to keep up to date with the latest developments in the field of environmental treatment methods in general and water treatment in particular.

“We in Kuwait are inter-

ested in such issues in order to avert any environmental catastrophe or any negative health impact on the citizens or residents of the State of Kuwait,” she asserted.

In other news, the EPA has announced a new training program for its inspectors, to be run under the aegis of Dr Al-Moudhi. The program will see the inspectors trained in monitoring industrial facilities and in the legal procedures to be taken in penalizing those firms violating the country’s environmental legislation.

The course is intended to remove some of the current ambiguity in the organization of the inspectors’ working processes, particularly concerning the steps to be taken in pursuing legal action against companies.

This follows the introduction of new regulations which allow inspectors to directly file legal cases with the Public Prosecution Service against those firms contravening the environmental protection regulations. — Agencies

CAIRO: Brigadier Mohammad Hashem Al-Sabr, the manager of the MoI’s security media department speaking at the ‘Scientific Seminar on Utilizing the Internet in Financing E-Terrorism’ in Cairo. — AP

AMMAN: The regional conference has kicked off in the Jordanian capital on establishing strategic partnerships in the Arab region for countering corruption under the sponsorship of the governance management program in the Arab countries subsidiary of UN Development Program. The conference mulls the mechanisms of boosting the good governance in the Arab countries and Kuwait is represented by an official and popular delegation including the First Attorney General in the Ministry of Justice Bader AlMasaad and director of the international relations Zakaria Al-Ansari.

The delegation also includes director of the audit department supervising the third sector of state ministries and agencies at the State Audit Bureau Essam Al-Roumi, chairman of the Kuwait Transparency Society (KTS) Dr Salah Al-Ghazali, the KTC Treasurer Salah AlHameidi, Assistant professor at the University of Kuwait Dr Faisal Al-Fahad.

Al-Masaad said in a statement to KUNA that Kuwait is

keen to take part in the international and regional events and is eager to boost its efforts in fighting corruption and to strengthen the values of transparency and integrity in the country. He added that his participation is important for introducing new legislations to the Kuwaiti national laws in line with the UN Convention against Corruption, making clear that the conference is an opportunity for exchanging expertise and getting acquainted with the Arab and world experience in this field.

Al-Masaad asserted the importance of the Kuwaiti experience in the field of fighting corruption, saying that “it forms a model at the Arab and international levels.” He concluded by saying that the conference is an opportunity for all conferees in order to put into effect the recommendations to expedite the issue of new legislations in the field of fighting corruption in what comes in line with the international criteria, noting that corruption is a world affair and that addressing it needs to be an international effort. — KUNA

CCTV saves the accused KUWAIT: The Court of Appeal has approved a First Degree Court verdict finding a Kuwaiti man innocent of drug-smuggling charges against him. The man had been accused of smuggling a large amount of drugs from Iran by boat, reported Al-Anba, but CCTV camera footage from a local bank proved that he was withdrawing money from an ATM there at the time when detectives claimed to have discovered him stepping ashore from the vessel used to smuggle the drugs. The court dismissed the case, finding the accused man innocent of all charges.

Fighting e-crime is ‘a collective effort’ KUWAIT: National security bodies are unable to fight ‘eterrorism’ on their own and need the support and assistance of all other sectors of society in order to be able to do so, said a senior Ministry of Interior official yesterday.

Speaking at the ‘Scientific Seminar on Utilizing the Internet in Financing ETerrorism,’ which is currently taking place in Cairo,

Brigadier Mohammad Hashem Al-Sabr, the manager of the MoI’s security media department, said that the support of all other sectors in society, including families, educational and religious bodies, the media, NGOs, the manufacturing sector and legislators, is essential in tackling e-terrorism, as is regional and international cooperation.

This is more particularly the

case since the world has become a true global village with the advent of the IT revolution and rapidly advancing modern technology, he added.

Al-Sabr stressed that Kuwait has come a long way in combating online crime, adding that the MoI’s criminal security department has established a specialist unit dealing specifically with crime in this area.

Impersonator nabbed A Palestinian was arrested for impersonating a police officer and stealing money from individuals, reported Al-Anba. The man was arrested after authorities spotted him stopping and harassing an Asian worker in Fahaheel. While he initially managed to escape from police, authorities were able to identify him and discovered that he was an unemployed expatriate. After he was apprehended by authorities and questioned about his crimes he admitted to stealing the police uniform from a local dry cleaner. He was held by authorities and identified by many of his victims.

Fatal accident A man was killed in an accident on Abdaly Road after he lost control of his vehicle, reported Al-Watan. The body of the 40year-old Egyptian was found ejected from his vehicle after it rolled over several times. An investigation was launched to determine the cause of the accident.

Servicemen -DUI Farwaniya police arrested two servicemen - one who works with the Ministry of Interior and the other for the National Guards for being intoxicated, reported Al-Watan. They were pulled over by authorities for driving recklessly and found to be in possession of a bottle of liquor, handcuffs and a loaded handgun. They were referred to the proper authorities.

Burglar in custody A thief responsible for several home robberies in Adan and Qusour was arrested by Adan investigators, reported Al-Watan.

While investigating one of the incidents, detectives spotted the culprit running from a house with

a laptop in his possession. They were arrested and police identified him as an Asian man working as a janitor for a building in Fahaheel. When questioned by authorities, the suspect admitted to being responsible for the robberies and was referred to the proper authorities.

Brothels busted Farwaniya investigators arrest 16 prostitutes in an operation that led to the discovery of ten brothels in the area, reported Al-Rai. Authorities also arrested 45 men of different nationalities.

A warrant was issued after an investigation confirmed the illegal activities. Among those arrested was a current member of the National Guards who was also wanted for a previous offense. All those arrested were referred to the proper authorities.

Contraband dealer held An Arab perfumer was arrested for selling drugs and banned sexual performance enhancing medications, reported Al-Rai. A trap was set for the man by authorities after they confirmed his illegal activity. He was apprehended by authorities after he sold the illegal drugs to a police informant in Mubarak Al-Kabeer.

He was referred to the public prosecutor.

Scammer arrested Hawally investigators arrested an Arab man accused of scamming several thousands of dollars out of citizens and residents, reported Al-Rai. The suspect would convince his victims to enter into joint projects with him and then disappear after they provided him with their share of the money. He was also accused of hacking into a local bank’s website and transferring KD 13,000 into his own bank account.

Following months worth of investigations, authorities trapped the suspect in his office in Hawally and placed him under arrest.

Juvenile thief A Kuwaiti juvenile was arrested by police after he was caught smashing a car window with a steel rod, reported Al-Anba.

Police chased the youth for five minutes but eventually apprehend him. When the 14-year-old was questioned about his crime he admitted to being responsible for seven previous cases of car theft. He was referred to the proper authorities.

‘Kidnappers’ released on bail

By Hanan Al -S aadoun KUWAIT: The Public Prosecution Department released two bedoons who were accused of kidnapping a Kuwaiti female student outside a college, attempting to rape and threaten her. The men were released on KD 100 bail each.

Compensa tion pa id The Civil Court ordered that the Al-Adalah TV channel pay a compensation of KD 10,000 to MP Marzouq AlGhanim. Program presenter Jaafar Mohammad had reportedly spoken disparagingly of Al-Ghanim.

Citizen injured A 16-year-old Kuwaiti sustained a head injury in a fight that took place outside a

Kuwait City polyclinic yesterday morning. He was admitted to Amiri hospital.

Fire Services meeting The periodical meeting of the fire fighting sector was held on the Fire Services Directorate’s premises. The meeting was chaired by Major General Jassim Ali AlMansouri and the deputy director general for firefighting and human resources development, Brigadier Yousuf Al-Ansari. Also attending the meeting were governorate directors and the heads of various fire fighting centers. At the meeting they discussed ways to improve firefighters’ efficiency and addressed some of the obstacles firefighters face while carrying out their duties.

NATIONAL

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Kuwait reaffirms commitment to boycott of Israeli products An effective weapon in the face of aggression DAMASCUS: A senior Kuwaiti customs official has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the Arab League’s boycott of Israel as an effective weapon in the face of the aggressive policies and crimes systematically pursued by the Jewish state against the Palestinian people. “The State of Kuwait is keen on regular participation in the meetings of the Arab League’s Central Boycott Office,” said Walid Khalid Al-Sabej, the Director of Kuwait’s Customs Southern Ports Directorate.

“The office plays a crucial role in curbing Israel’s attempts to infiltrate its products into the Arab countries,” said Al-Sabej, who is also the general supervisor of the Kuwait General Administration of Customs’ (KGAC) boycott office.

He made the statements on the sidelines of the 85th meeting of the liaison officers of the national branches of the Central Boycott

Office, which opened here earlier in the day with representatives of 15 of the league’s 21 member states attending.

“The KGAC spares no effort in countering the Israeli product-smuggling bids, “he said, underlining the importance of expanding the scope of economic boycott of Israel. “In recent times, Israel has escalated its aggressions and atrocities against the Palestinian people and its violations of the sanctities of the Islamic sites in Palestine,” Al-Sabej pointed out.

On the agenda of the boycott office’s current meeting, he said it includes 12 topics, foremost among which is the ban on those companies which deal with Israel.

“The topics also include the enforcement of measures to lift the ban on the previously blacklisted companies which responded for the boycotting of the Jewish state,” he revealed, adding

that the meeting will explore possible ways of tightening the boycott as well as the ultimatums for those who trade with Israel. Al-Sabej thanked Syria for hosting the current meeting and coordinating the economic boycott measures.

Inaugurating the meeting, the league’s Assistant Secretary General Mohammad Subeih said it has become a must for every Arab or Muslim person to boycott Israeli products and remain vigilant concerning Israel’s numerous attempts to smuggle its products into Arab and Muslim nations.

“The current gathering aims to send a crucial message; it’s a peaceful message at a time when the Palestinian people undergo mounting hardships due to the Israelis’ fascist policies,” he underscored.

Subeih cited as evidence of Israel’s fascism its plans to evacuate Israel’s Arab population, stated by the

country’s hard-line foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly in New York in late September.

“Israel is moving from the right to the extreme right,” said Subeih, noting that the planned forced evacuation is tantamount to a crime against humanity. Subeih criticized Europe for remaining silent at the ongoing “most horrible fascist atrocities” against the Palestinian people.

On his part, the commissioner of the Central Boycott Office Mohammad Tayeb Bu-Salaah said the regular convention of the meeting evidenced to the Arab countries’ resolve to realize the targets of boycott through all possible means. Bu-Salaah urged the delegates to work towards more effective measures to practically demonstrate the collective will and peaceful aspirations of the Arab nation. — KUNA

kuwait digest

Cabinet and temporary committees

By Nassi r Al -Abdal y t is still unclear why the Cabinet is putting in concerted efforts to re-constitute the Parliament’s temporary committees, despite claiming that these panels obstruct the path towards progress in the development plan’s implementation.

There are speculations about something else that could be more serious, which, the Cabinet working hard to hide.

Prior to the start of the Parliament’s new term, the Cabinet’s official spokesman the Minister of Communication and State Minister of Parliament Affairs, Dr Mohammad Al-Busairi, announced the

I

Cabinet’s intention to back up the temporary committees.

At the same time, several MPs hinted that a ‘secret’ agreement was reached to cancel the panels.

In his statement, Dr Al-Busairi said that the ministers’ work is seriously hampered when they are invited to attend committee meetings.

In the previous term, nine permanent and temporary committees were formed, in addition to four investigation committees and five joint panels. However, the Cabinet’s official spokesman failed to note that the ministers can assign any official from their respective ministries, to participate in these meetings on his

behalf.

Speculations continue behind the real reason as to why the Cabinet (and procabinet MPs) opposed temporary committees. Is it really because they see them as a waste of time and effort?

These need to be removed so that the focus can be placed on major issues, or is it that these panels usually raise certain topics that places the Cabinet in uncomfortable situations? Only time will tell.

Sooner or later, the truth behind the Cabinet’s step will be revealed. After all, members of the Cabinet that could not agree with the amendments made to the Cabinet’s regulations list met the same fate. — Al-Qabas

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NATIONAL

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Dar Al-Fouad Hospital opens in Kuwait

By Nisreen Zahreddine KUWAIT: Dar Al-Fouad celebrated the grand opening of their first hospital in Kuwait at a ceremony at the Radisson SAS on Monday night where most of the hospital’s board of directors were present.

Deputy chairman and managing director, Dr Hisham Al-Khouli, spoke about Dar AlFouad’s experience in medical care and their presence in Kuwait. “We chose Kuwait as our first place to expand considering that

over 3,000 Kuwaiti patients are treated in our hospital in Egypt,” he said.

“This, in addition to the fact that the Kuwait Real Estate Consortium is one of the hospital’s owner companies.” Al-Khouli explained that their partnership with the Cleveland International Clinic in the US and the Royal Free hospital in London allows them to provide the highest medical care to Dar Al-Fouad patients. He mentioned that the hospital has a seven year strategy which includes opening branches in Alexandria, Egypt; Khartoum, Sudan and Benghazi,

Libya. Since its establishment in 1999, the Dar Al-Fouad Hospital has provided medical care at the highest international standard by offering first rate medical services.

The hospital’s main objective is to ensure the highest level of health care and safety for their patients. Dar Al-Fouad is a joint venture between a number of Egyptian, Arab and international companies.

Investors include the Egyptian Ahly Bank, Misr Bank, National Insurance Company of Egypt, Saudi Economic and Development Company (SEDCO), Kuwait Public

Investment Authority, Arab Moltaqa Investment Company (one of the Dallah Saudi companies), the Ahmed Hassan Fitaihi Company (KSA) in addition to investments from international corporations such as the Cleveland Clinic, the International Finance Corporation (one of the World Bank groups) and the Cypress Dalantell Company.

In 2005, the Dar Al-Fouad was the first hospital in Egypt and Africa, the seventh in Middle East and the 59th in the world, to acquire the Joint Commission International

Accreditation and was reaccredited in 2008.

The hospital in Egypt receives more than 21,000 Arab patients from 18 Arab countries, including 3,000 Kuwaitis and more than 6,000 patients from 56 other countries including the USA, Germany, France, the UK and Italy.

The Dar Al-Fouad Clinic in Kuwait will be the first project of Dar Al-Fouad HBR Medical - Closed Joint Kuwaiti Company and was established under a medical and technical cooperation agreement with the Royal Free Hospital in London.

Pakistan observes ‘Black Day’

The clinic has a fertility center, founded in cooperation with the biggest fertility center in London under the supervision of Dr Mohammed Al-Taranissi. Additionally, the Dar Al-Fouad clinic houses a plastic surgery center that employs Lebanese plastic surgeons from the United Cosmetic Doctors of Beirut. The center also hosts a number of medical specialties in cardiology, oncology, the digestive system, diabetes, dermatology, laser treatment, gynecology and obstetrics, pediatrics, general surgery, dentistry, nutrition, rheumatology and rehabilitation.

in the news

By Ben Garcia

Income, facilities taxes in two years KUWAIT: Following an uproar over suggestions that the government may introduce income tax, a local paper has reportedly obtained a copy of the draft law containing the ‘government’s vision discussed in the relevant ministerial committees.’ It details the proposals on imposing and collecting income taxes and the use of state facilities. An official told Al-Watan that the government is seriously considering implementing the

plan. Commercial companies and private establishments that operate in Kuwait may be taxed as a means of permanent revenue collection.

This will raise total non-petroleum revenues to four percent. Further, they explained that the government had already discussed the significance of taxes when compared to current fees levied. “The comprehensive tax law will be passed in two years’ time,” they said.

KRCS provides tents to Pakistan KUWAIT: The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) recently provided the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) as well as the Red Crescent Society in Pakistan with 3,500 tents. These will be distributed to the victims affected by floods. The Kuwaiti ambassador to

Pakistan, Nawaf Al-Enizi was present during the event. The head of the KRCS’s team in Pakistan, Musaed Al-Rashid handed over the relevant documents to both the head of the ICRC’s delegation to Pakistan, and the secretary general of Pakistan’s Red Crescent Society.

KUWAIT: Yesterday Pakistanis around the world observed what they call ‘Black Day’ - a day when the people of Pakistan express their support for and solidarity with the people of Kashmir for what they term the ‘illegal occupation of their land by India.’ In Kuwait dozens gathered at the Pakistani embassy in Jabriya to support the people of Kashmir. The event was led by Iftikar Aziz, the Pakistani Ambassador to Kuwait, and other highranking embassy officials. A video was shown depicting Indian troops committing various acts of brutality, as well as giving the background/history of the long-running disputed region of ‘occupied Kashmir.’

The video showed various protests by Kashmiri people against Indian occupation and the intermittent intervention of Indian troops which usually end up bloody and traumatic. In the most recent video shown, it was claimed that in 2010 alone, (in a period of barely three months in summer) 65 Kahsmiri teenagers, both male and female, died while thousands were injured as a result of Indian troops’ incursions. Ambassador Aziz said that the date of October 27 every year is important, not just for the families and members of those martyred Kashmiris but for Pakistan as a whole so as to express condemnation of numerous brutal acts against civilians in Kashmir.

There is conflicting information about the Kashmir conflict. According to some, the core of the conflict is a territorial dispute over Kashmir, the furthest northwestern region of South Asia.

The parties to the dispute are India, Pakistan, China, and the people of Kashmir. India claims the entire former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir and presently administers approximately 43 percent of the region including most of Jammu, Kashmir Valley, Ladakh and the Siachen Glacier, according to Wikipedia. India’s claim is contested

by Pakistan which controls approximately 37 percent of Kashmir, mainly Azad Kashmir and the northern areas of Gilgit and Baltistan.

Meanwhile, China controls 20 percent of Kashmir, including Aksai Chin which it occupied following the brief Sino-Indian War of 1962 and the Trans-Karakoram Tract, also known as the Shaksam Valley, which was ceded to it by Pakistan in 1963. “This day was the date when Indian troops invaded Kashmir in 1947, in total disregard of the Indian Independence Act and the Partition Plan,” said Ambassador Aziz. According to the ambassador, the Indian Independence Act and

Iftikar Aziz, Pakistani Ambassador Partition Plan of 1947 stated that the Indian British Colony would be divided into two sovereign states - India with Hindu-majority areas, and Pakistan, with the Muslim majority areas of the Western provinces, and East Bengal.

Aziz said that India’s Hindu ruler then destroyed the future of the Kashmiri people by announcing the region’s accession under a controversial accession document. “Right from day one of illegal occupation Kashmir did not accept India’s illegal occupation and started an armed struggle which forced Indians to approach the UN Security Council to seek the help of the world body to settle the dispute,” he added. Ambassador Aziz told the crowd attending the event at the embassy that India had made a promise before the UN to resolve the dispute and provide the people of Kashmir with their basic right of self-determination, but had subsequently backed down from its commitments.

To secure their own right of self-determination, Kashmiri people then launched a massive uprising in 1989, but Indian troops allegedly killed over 80,000 Kashmiris. “The Indian government has always accused Pakistan of interference in Kashmir. However all neutral observers are of the view that the Kashmiri Independence movement is entirely indigenous and is the result of oppressive policies adopted by Indian governments,” he said. The ambassador concluded by saying that Pakistan will always provide moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people and their struggle for independence.

Ambassador Al-Rashid poses with members of the ICRC team

‘Great opportunities’ for Islamic finance in aviation and shipping KUWAIT: There are tremendous opportunities available for Islamic finance in the aviation and shipping industries, according to a report issued by Kuwait Finance House Research Limited (KFHR) Company, a subsidiary of Kuwait Finance House (KFH). The report brings attention to the fact that financing deals drawn up in compliance with the provisions of Islamic Sharia have contributed to the growth of the area’s aviation and shipping sectors.

This growth was achieved

through huge financing deals concluded over the last few years and has introduced benefits to these sectors, it said. The report indicated that the Islamic finance facilities extended to the aviation and shipping industries will grow rapidly in the near term due to the increasing demand for Islamic finance in general, and the ongoing growth expected in those sectors driven by signs of positive economic recovery in the region and opportunities arising in these vital sectors, as well as increased demand for their

services. The report, which addresses in detail the issues relevant to the Islamic finance industry, aviation and shipping, suggests that the aviation sector which is witnessing strong growth in demand between its emergence from a recession crisis period in 2003 and the peak of demand in 2007, seems to be poised for further recovery, offering several key factors to support this belief. This level is therefore supported by rapid development of aviation sector in emerging markets, a boom in low-cost carriers, and the replacement of less efficient aircraft.

The overall volume of Shariacompliant deals reached $1.882 billion between August 2006 and August 2010 through various Islamic financing structures. The report indicated that in light of this growing demand, more than 1,000 additional aircraft are expected to be delivered from 2010 onwards. Consequently, it said, this will see more aircraft financing required in months ahead. It also suggested that this new boom would give rise to funding shortfalls estimated at between $7 billion and $15 billion, which could mean that Islamic financing could be used to plug this funding gap since aircraft financing fits properly into Shariah-compliant assetbased financing. — KUNA

TEXAS: The team members pose with the award.

KOC information team wins World Oil Journal’s award Kuwait Oil Company garners new achievement KUWAIT: The exploration and production information team from Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has won the award of World Oil Journal. The team received the award in the category of ‘Best innovative system for oil data management solutions. ‘ It was the subject of the electronic gateway project ‘Sahala’ used by the Company in its business. The Company’s representatives received the award at a ceremony held in Huston, Texas on 14th October this year. This award is highly estimated on the level of oil and gas industry. Major world companies participate in this award.

It is awarded in appreciation of the innovative ideas and works and leading projects that con-

tribute to the technological development and promotion of progress in this industry.

Kuwait Oil Company has introduced Sahala program to replace other programs that no longer fulfill the Company’s requirements. The new application contributes to the provision of high quality information within a much shorter time.

This system is called ‘Sahala,’ in view of its several benefits to the users of exploration and production databases, thereby, accelerating timely decisionmaking through many studies and analysis of different information available in many databases. ‘Sahala’ program is deemed to be the main gateway for all exploration and produc-

tion information to access all the user’s needs of integrated data, relate to each other.

These present them in the form of text reports or locate the same on the site maps connected to the GIS database. The winning of this first award reflects the importance paid by oil companies to their data related to their exploration, and the contribution of this information in terms of setting proper and immediate solutions for their problems, in addition to setting future plans.

Furthermore, it manifests the role of Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) as a major oil company with distinguished footprint on the map of oil business in the world.

Ca na dian court supports KAC compensation pla n KUWAIT: A Canadian court has reportedly supported the Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC) compensation claim for aircraft destroyed during the 1990-91 Iraqi invasion and occupation, approving the seizure of a number of Iraqi aircraft in lieu of repayment. A KAC insider told AlAnba that the court had agreed with the argument presented by the Kuwaiti plaintiffs, adding that the airline is currently awaiting the court’s official announcement of its final verdict in the case.

The airline official said that the Iraqi government had already deposited $78 million as a bond, with this sum representing the value of the three Iraqi planes being kept at a Canadian airport. Once the final verdict is announced, he said, it is believed that this money will be handed over to KAC in partial compensation for its losses during the period of the invasion and occupation.

MEW tenders approved The Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) has finished preparing the necessary documents to place tenders for four new projects through the Central Tenders Committee (CTC).

According to sources, the CTC has agreed on new projects that aim to reinforce the performance of its facilities and networks, and enhance longevity. The projects include maintenance works at the ministry’s warehouses, through which repair work should be conducted for hydraulic supporters and all electronic and manual doors.

Furthermore, the projects also include laying of underground cables in Al-Shuaibah, as well as erecting street light posts, reported Al-Rai. Meanwhile, the MEW has issued a decision, based on recommendations made from the general secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council, to postpone a convention of ministries of electricity of the Gulf States. This is so that some officials can participate in this year’s Hajj.

Construction in Jaber Al-Ahmad Progress regarding the Jaber Al-Ahmad residential project has featured a five percent increase, indicating that the project could be finished ahead of schedule, reported Al-Rai. The progress was confirmed by the acting general manager of the Public Authority for Housing Welfare, Faisal AlKhalaf, while speaking to reporters following a tour he conducted across the project’s location. He was accompanied by engineer team leader, Badr Al-Wuqaiyan. The area’s construction process is divided into three areas; a part for house constructions, another for roads constructions and a third for the construction of residential units where citizens can build their future homes. During the tour, Al-Khalaf noted that three major companies are carrying out these projects, and mentioned that the level of progress indicates that they are showing a strong commitment to their work.

Al-Khalaf added that many of the concerns of complaints expressed by the contractors have been completely addressed. He noted that similar visits to the Sabah AlAhmad area’s project will be conducted soon.

Orphans’ assets cared for Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Public Authority for Orphan Affairs, Dr Fouad Al-Omar said that Kuwait has always followed Islamic rule when caring for orphan properties.

He added that the authority provides several services for those in its care, such as investing their money according to Islamic law, supervising their real estate, updating their portfolios, and buying and selling shares according to an orphan’s interests. Al-Omar said the authority concentrates on the principles of social group work and encourages an orphan’s relatives to work with the authority to take care of the orphan by protecting their money.

MoE meets with Haw ally school administra tors The Ministry of Education’s (MoE) Elementary School Supervisor, Laila Al-Shareef, and the Public Services Supervisor, Fatima Behbahani organized an extensive meeting for assistant managers and administrative staff of elementary schools in the Hawally educational sector. The meeting included detailed explanations of the lunch service programs that will be applied to all elementary schools by the end of October, reported Al-Anba. It was explained that caterers will distribute meals under the supervision of the school’s administration to ensure that meals have been properly distributed.

Administrators will have the responsibility of caring for students with specific dietary needs. Al-Shareef concentrated on the need to provide special storage units and tables for catering companies. She also instructed administrators to take random samples of the meals to ensure that it meets daily food program requirements to guarantee the safety of those meals.

Osteoporosis Center An osteoporosis center, currently being built inside the Maternity Hospital, will soon be completed, announced the Hospital’s Manager Dr Muna Abdulsamad. The center, named the Batul Al-Ayban Osteoporosis Center will provide diagnosis, in addition to treatment services.

Following the end of the building process, the center will be equipped with hightech equipment before it is officially opened. “The center will help address the increasing spread of osteoporosis locally,” Dr Abdulsamad said, while noting that the condition has been affecting people of younger ages as well. She further revealed that the hospital will undergo several other renovation work, including an opening a section for pre-mature infants.

The X-ray sector will be opened with the acquisition of MRI and CT scan devices, reported Al-Qabas.

Separately, a joint committee between the Ministry of Health and the Kuwait Association for the Care of Children in Hospitals (KACCH) will be formed in order to place a work protocol and other necessary requirements to inaugurate the ‘Bayt Abdullah’ Children’s Hospitl which provides care to children that suffer from life-threatening conditions.

Dear citizens and residents, Make sure that children are seated safely in the car’s backseat.

With compliments from the Interior Ministry’s Security Media Department.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

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INTERNATIONAL

Clashes as Israeli extremists demonstrate in Arab town Hundreds of riot police fire tear gas, stun grenades

UMM EL-FAHM: Masked Israeli Arab youths pose with ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from the radical Neturei Karta anti-Zionist sect during clashes with Israeli riot police, not seen, in the northern Israeli town of Umm el-Fahm yesterday. — AP

Arab-Israeli rights activist admits spying for Hezbollah JERUSALEM: A prominent Arab-Israeli human rights activist was convicted yesterday of spying for Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia, a statement from the Israeli justice ministry said. In a plea bargain submitted to the Haifa district court, Ameer Makhoul “confessed to and was convicted of... espionage and aggravated espionage,” the statement said. He also pleaded guilty to charges of “contact with a foreign agent and conspiracy to aid the enemy in time of war.”

The state dropped a charge of assisting the enemy in time of war. The ministry said prosecutors were seeking a 10-year prison term while the defence sought a maximum of seven years. He will be sentenced in December. According to the revised charge sheet, a copy of which was provided by the justice ministry, Makhoul met Hassan Janna, a Lebanese-born Hezbollah recruiter living in Jordan, during a trip there “around the year 2004.”

The two remained in touch and in 2008 Makhoul agreed to help Hezbollah against Israel, it said. Later that year, the document says, he met another Hezbollah agent in Copenhagen who installed a communications program on Makhoul’s laptop computer through which he could send messages to the organization. It said Makhoul subsequently filed reports on the location of installations of the Shin Bet and Mossad-Israel’s domestic and foreign intelligence

agencies-an army base and the Rafael military industries.

Makhoul provided details on access and security arrangements at the Shin Bet headquarters in the northern port of Haifa, it added. Makhoul, whose brother Issa is a former ArabIsraeli lawmaker, heads Ittijah (the Union of Arab CommunityBased Associations), a group based in Haifa that fights discrimination against Israeli-Arabs.

He was arrested in early May, shortly after fellow Israeli-Arab activist Omar Saeed was detained over similar allegations.

Charges against Saeed were reduced in a plea bargain and he was freed in September after serving a seven-month jail term.

Details about the case were initially subjected to a gag order.

When it was lifted the ArabIsraeli watchdog Adalah said the men’s arrest and questioning were conducted “in gross violation of their fundamental rights to due process.”

“The illegal methods employed against Ameer Makhoul during the initial days of his interrogation include protracted sleep deprivation and continuous interrogation, while being shackled tightly to an undersized chair that was bolted to the floor to prevent it from moving,” Adalah said in July.

Saeed was interrogated for prolonged stretches of time and allowed little sleep, and neither man was allowed to see a lawyer for about two weeks after being arrested, it said. — AFP

Egypt regime aims to rig vote: Brotherhood CAIRO: The leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s largest opposition movement, accused the regime of monopolizing power through vote rigging and vowed to rally Egyptians to prevent fraud in upcoming parliamentary elections.

The fundamentalist Brotherhood is the top rival to the ruling party of President Hosni Mubarak heading into next month’s vote. Many in Egypt fear it will see the same widespread violence that plagued the last parliamentary elections, in 2005, when police and government-backed vigilantes closed stopped people from voting and clashed with rivals.

The 2005 vote saw widespread fraud, mainly in favor of the ruling party, according to rights groups. Still, the Brotherhood seized a fifth of parliament’s seats, surprising the government. Egyptian officials have vowed not to allow a repeat of that strong showing. In an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday evening, the Brotherhood’s leader,

Mohammed Badie, said government efforts to prevent it from contesting the election had already started.

Around 200 of the group’s activists have been arrested in recent weeks, and the movement says its candidates’ posters and billboards have been torn down. “They want exclusive dominance over elections and power forever,” Badie said, referring to the ruling National Democratic Party. He said a decision following the 2005 vote to end supervision of polling stations by judges, who have in the past reported fraud, “shows the intention to rig the vote and cover it up.” But the 67-year-old Badie, who holds the title of “general guide” of the Brotherhood, said the Egyptian public will no longer put up with vote rigging, and that the Brotherhood would rally as many voters as possible to prevent election employees from filling out ballots , one of the key ways rigging took place in past elections, before judicial supervision was instituted. — AP

UMM AL-FAHM: Israeli police and stone-throwing Arabs clashed in northern Israel yesterday as a group of extreme right-wing Israelis tried to march through the Arab Israeli town of Umm alFahm. Hundreds of police clad in riot gear fired tear gas and stun grenades to disperse angry Arab youths, many with scarves wrapped around their faces, who burned tyres and hurled stones in protest ahead of an extremist rally in their town.

Tensions were high as around 20 Israeli demonstrators from a group called “Our Land of Israel” turned up for a march calling for a ban on the radical wing of the Israeli Islamic Movement, which is led by the firebrand preacher Sheikh Raed Salah. “Death to terrorists!” they shouted, waving banners reading: “Make the Islamic Movement illegal,” and “Death to Raed Salah,” although they were prevented from marching by police who hemmed them in with three coaches, an AFP correspondent at the scene said.

Police said they arrested 10 Arab Israelis for stone throwing during the clashes, which also saw two Arab Israeli MPs injured. Hanin Zuabi, a deputy with the left-wing Arab nationalist party Balad, sustained injuries to her back and neck after being hit by a stun grenade, party leader Jamal Zakhalka said. MP Afu Agbaria, who is a member of the communist Hadash party, was also taken to hospital after a tear gas canister slammed

into his leg, an AFP correspondent said.

The controversial march roughly coincides with the 20th anniversary of the assassination of Rabbi Meir Kahane, a right-wing extremist who routinely referred to Arabs as “dogs” and called for their expulsion from Israel. “The Islamic Movement is part of the international Islamic jihad,” said MP Michael Ben Ari, who accused it of having ties to the Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Ahead of the march, Arab municipal officials and dozens of counter-protesters waving Palestinian flags gathered in the town, AFP correspondents said, as police deployed in force to prevent clashes. “Free Palestine!” residents shouted as they waved Palestinian flags from the rooftops.

“With our blood, with our souls, we sacrifice for you, Palestine!” Police spokesman Mickey Rosenfeld said several hundred police, including undercover units, were deployed in and around the town to prevent clashes.

“We have deployed large numbers in the vicinity of Umm al-Fahm and mobilised special units to maintain calm during a demonstration by Jewish activists,” he told AFP ahead of the march, which was given the green light by Israel’s supreme court. Agbaria, an MP from the communist Hadash party, said the march was “provocation against the people of Umm al-Fahm and the Arab minority.”

“They are attacking the legitimacy of the Arab presence in the country in coordination with the right-wing extremists in the government.” Others were more blunt. “We will not allow them to enter Umm al-Fahm. If they pass, it will be over our dead bodies,” Ahmad Buwerat, 75, said ahead of the march.

“We have Jews come here every day to visit the market and drink coffee, and they are welcome,” he said. “But these demonstrators are fascists and racists and Nazis.” Kahane, an American-born rabbi and political leader, was shot dead by an Arab gunman in Manhattan in November 1990, and his Kach movement was outlawed by Israel in 1994 for inciting racism. Israeli Arab political leaders fear, however, that his controversial ideas are gaining new currency under Israel’s predominantly right-wing coalition government.

Earlier this month Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lent his support for a bill that would require all new citizens to swear allegiance to Israel as a “Jewish and democratic state.” Arab citizens, who make up 20 percent of the population, have called the bill racist and said it aims to delegitimise their presence. Israel’s 1.3 million Arab citizens are Palestinians who remained in the country following the creation of the Jewish state in 1948, along with their descendants. — AFP

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INTERNATIONAL

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Pope’s Legion delegate warns of ‘shipwreck’ VATICAN CITY: The papal official running the disgraced Legionaries of Christ has warned that the conservative order faces “certain shipwreck” unless its superiors and members work together to change course following revelations that their founder led a double life. Archbishop Velasio De Paolis also warned in a letter to the Legion that it will take three years or more to reform the order, dashing the hopes of Legion superiors who had wanted a quickfix turnaround.

Pope Benedict XVI named De Paolis to take charge of the Legion after an eight-month Vatican investigation determined it needed to be thoroughly “purified” to purge it of the influence of its late founder, the Rev. Marciel Maciel. Maciel founded the Legion in 1941 in Mexico and it became one of the wealthiest and fastest growing orders in the Catholic Church. Pope John Paul II admired the Legion for its orthodoxy and ability to attract priests and money despite long-standing allegations that Maciel was a pedophile and drug addict.

The Legion revealed in February 2009 that Maciel had fathered a child; it later admitted that decades-old accusations that he had sexually abused seminarians were true and that he had fathered at least two other children. The revelations have thrown the Legion into chaos, in part because its members had revered Maciel as a living saint, and prompted questions about what the current leadership knew about his misdeeds and when.

Over the past year, several prominent Legion priests

have left the order to become diocesan priests and dozens of consecrated members of the Legion’s lay branch, Regnum Christi, have quit. Several have spoken about the deception and spiritual manipulation they say they endured in a cult-like movement that until recently had the unquestioning blessing of Rome.

De Paolis wrote a letter to current Legion priests and consecrated members last week, telling them that the process of reform was under way now that his team of canon lawyers and experts was in place. He hinted at a power play with the current Legion leadership, detailing what they are supposed to be doing to help the Legion renew itself rather than digging in and resisting change.

“If we are united and respectful of each other as we move forward the journey will be swift and sure, but it will be certain shipwreck to let ourselves get caught up in the desire to win out and impose our own ideas,” he warned.

Veteran Vatican watcher Sandro Magister has written that the Legion’s vicar general Luis Garza Medina declined De Paolis’ request to give up some of his duties last month.

Benedict recently announced De Paolis would be made a cardinal next month, giving him that much more authority. At the same time, De Paolis noted that the superiors had an “extremely important” job to implement the necessary changes despite lingering distrust among the rank and file about what they may or may not have known about Maciel. “I ardently invite you to set aside all suspicion and distrust, and work concretely and positively for the good

of the Legion, without lingering still on the past or feeding divisions,” he wrote.

For the first time, De Paolis hinted at how the Legion would deal with Maciel’s victims, saying a commission would likely be formed to “approach those who in some way put forward claims against the Legion.” Another commission would look into financial matters; some reports estimate the Legion’s assets at §25 billion.

Already, one of Maciel’s Mexican-born sons has filed a lawsuit against the Legion alleging his father sexually abused him; he had previously asked the Legion for $26 million to keep quiet.

De Paolis acknowledged the toll the scandal has taken, noting that some priests have left for dioceses, ordinations are down and that other current Legion priests have “let themselves get caught in this whirlpool of public opinion and have desisted in their efforts to promote vocations.”

In its criticism of Maciel, the Vatican said the Legion needed to review how authority was exercised to ensure it respected the consciences of its members amid charges that superiors had unchecked ability to manipulate underlings.

The Vatican also said the order’s essential spirit _ what makes it unique from other orders _ had to be redefined.

Despite such fundamental problems, De Paolis noted the Legion had been approved by the church and could be a vital new force in Benedict’s new effort to revive the faith in an increasingly secular Europe. — AP

Romania’s government faces no-confidence vote 30,000 demonstrated in Bucharest

BUCHAREST: Demonstrators bring down protective fences during a protest against austerity measures in Bucharest, Romania yesterday. — AP

Kenyan foreign minister quits over embassy scandal NAIROBI: Kenya’s foreign minister said yesterday he is resigning to allow investigations into allegations of a multimillion dollar scandal involving five Kenyan embassies in Africa, Europe and Asia.

Moses Wetangula’s announcement came less than an hour before parliament was to continue debate on a committee report that investigated the sale or purchase of Kenyan embassies, land and other property in Belgium, Egypt, Japan, Nigeria and Pakistan.

The committee said Wetangula deliberately misinformed them about the transactions and called for him to step aside. The report’s most serious allegation is that Kenya paid too much money for land to build a new embassy in Tokyo. It claims Kenya lost more than 1.1 billion shillings ($14.2 million) in the transaction.

“I want to tell Kenyans with a clear conscience that this afternoon I have made the personal decision to step aside from my responsibility and appointment as minister of foreign affairs,” Wetangula said in a televised statement shortly after his most senior bureaucrat resigned. During Tuesday’s debate on the committee report, Wetangula denied any personal wrongdoing in the incident. But he

NAIROBI: In this file photo taken Thursday, July 8, 2010 Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula is seen during an interview with The Associated Press in Nairobi, Kenya. Wetangula quit his Cabinet post yesterday. — AP acknowledged that the report contained information he was not aware of, including allegations that embassy officials in Tokyo withdrew hundreds of millions of Japanese yen in cash to pay for the land, some-

thing that is unusual in government transactions.

“I cannot and I will not condone any malpractices, condone any corruption. I will be the first to fire the first shot,” Wetangula said. An ally

of Wetangula moved a motion Tuesday to have parliament delete the sections of the report that claimed Wetangula misinformed them and should resign, arguing, like Wetangula had done earlier, that the minister had no hand in the transactions.

“The long and short of this is the minister does not participate in transactions,” Wetangula said Tuesday. “The minister does not procure, the minister does not sign checks.” L ater parliament adopted the report without amending it. On Tuesday, backbenchers had been hostile during the debate. But once news of the resignations filtered through yesterday, the mood changed. Lawmakers were more conciliatory and government members were no longer defensive, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and some Cabinet ministers speaking in support of the report.

The report’s recommendations are not binding on the government. But the government’s anti-graft agency has already begun its own investigation into the affair.

Corruption is a common foe in Kenya. The country ranked 154 out of 178 nations on a corruption index released by Transparency International this week. — AP

BUCHAREST: Romania’s Parliament began debating a motion of no-confidence against the government yesterday, as about 30,000 people demonstrated in Bucharest against the nation’s wage cuts and austerity measures.

A group of angry protesters briefly scuffled with anti-riot police outside the Parliament building during the debate, but no injuries were immediately reported. The protesters marched through Bucharest in chilly weather, blocking traffic and shouting: “Down with the government!” They included public workers whose salaries have been cut by the government such as teachers, medical staff and policemen, and some private sector employees.

The no-confidence vote and the public uproar came as International Monetary Fund employees were visiting Romania to review the country’s ailing economy. Romania took a €20 billion ($27.8 billion) loan from the IMF, the European Union and the World Bank last year when its economy shrank by 7.1 percent. In return, Romania pledged to cut spending and the government took harsh measures, slashing public sector wages by one-fourth and increasing sales tax from 19 percent to 24 percent.

Carpenter George Vieru, 22, said he traveled to Bucharest from the eastern city of Iasi yesterday “to stand by the others who have been affected.”

Vasilica Cristea, 43, who works for an energy company, said was protesting in support of teachers, policemen and other public workers suffering what she called “abusive measures.” Policeman Catalin Marinescu, 35, said he came from southern Romania to protest the salary cuts, planned layoffs and a proposal to increase the retirement age of Romanians.

The opposition Social Democrats and Liberals said they filed the no-confidence motion to oppose the centrist government’s harsh measures designed to combat Romania’s economic crisis. They will need 236 votes to topple the government. The opposition parties have 212 votes but hope some lawmakers from the governing coalition will switch sides in the secret ballot. Victor Ponta, the leader of the Social Democrats, has claimed they need to persuade only a few more lawmakers to oust the government.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Emil Boc asked the legislators to reject the no-confidence motion, saying opposition proposals would further weaken the economy. Boc said that he understands people’s discontent, but he added they “must understand that the government did what it had to limit the effects of the crisis and to pull the country out of recession.” The opposition said it would scrap the reduction in public wages and renegotiate Romania’s commitments to the IMF, the EU and the World Bank. — AP

MUNICH: Accused Nazi death camp guard John Demjanjuk sits in a wheelchair as he arrives in a courtroom in Munich in this Tuesday June 8, 2010 file photo. German judges admitted as evidence yesterday statements made to Soviet authorities by a nowdeceased guard at the Nazis’ Sobibor death camp . — AP

Court rejects bid to bar testimony on Demjanjuk MUNICH: German judges heard a deceased Sobibor guard’s statements made to Soviet authorities that he remembers John Demjanjuk from the Nazi death camp yesterday despite defense objections.

The Demjanjuk, 90, a retired Ohio autoworker, is standing trial on 28,060 counts of accessory to murder, for allegedly having been a guard at the camp in occupied Poland. He denies ever having been a guard anywhere. In the summarized statements from a 1949 KGB interrogation, Ignat Danilchenko said he remembered Demjanjuk from the death camp.

“He wore a German Waffen SS uniform, he carried German weapons, he took part in the guarding of Jewish civilians, and he brought them to the gas chamber,” Danilchenko said, according to the summary. Doubt has been case on the statements _ some of which have already come up in the current trial _ in the past. U.S. investigators have said they contain numerous factual errors.

And in March, German historian Dieter Pohl, who was called as an expert witness, said the statements should be treated with the “highest caution” because they came from a KGB interrogation. He testified that it

appeared Danilchenko was telling the KGB what interrogators wanted to hear. Presiding Judge Ralph Alt rejected objections from defense attorney Ulrich Busch, who argued that the statements could have been made under torture, or the summaries faked.

Alt referred to a previous ruling that the court would read the statements into the record and then decide on their credibility.

For the second day in a row, the trial opened late because of Demjanjuk’s health. Alt ordered Demjanjuk brought in from the prison hospital where he is being held after he did not show up on time. Court doctor Albrecht Stein told the court that Demjanjuk complained of pain and said he did not want to attend.

But Stein said he had examined Demjanjuk twice and given him another electrocardiogram, and found him fit for trial. All this week Demjanjuk’s attorney has argued that Demjanjuk is in serious pain and can no longer concentrate on the proceedings, but Stein has declared him able to go on.

Demjanjuk suffers from a number of medical problems, and since his trial began last November a dozen sessions have been canceled due to health problems. — AP

Rwanda says it will charge ‘Hotel Rwanda’ manager KIGALI: The Rwandan hotel manager portrayed by Don Cheadle in the movie “Hotel Rwanda” could face charges by Rwandan authorities over allegations the man sent money to opposition commanders, Rwanda’s top prosecutor said.

But the former manager, Paul Rusesabagina, told The Associated Press yesterday that he hasn’t sent any money to Rwanda in years, and that the government is launching a smear campaign against him because he has opposed President Paul Kagame in the past.

Rwanda’s top prosecutor, Martin Ngoga, said Rusesabagina helped finance what he described as terrorist activities in Rwanda by helping fund commanders with the FDLR, or Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda. No formal charges have yet been filed.

Ngoga said he is asking US officials for assistance in gathering evidence. Some of the financial transactions he alleges were criminal originated in San Antonio, Texas.

Rusesabagina has a house in Texas but said he has never sent money to Burundi or Tanzania as is alleged by Ngoga. “Those who want to continue considering him as a hero can go on,” Ngoga told a news conference late Tuesday. “We consider him a serious criminal suspect who has been financing FDLR and we are challenging whoever speaks on his behalf

to tell us whether he never sent money to these FDLR commanders we have in custody.” After his story was publicized in “Hotel Rwanda,” Rusesabagina was hailed as a hero around the world. Former US President George W. Bush gave him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005, the highest civilian honor in the US However, the government of Rwanda did not view him as a hero after Rusesabagina began criticizing the regime of Kagame, who has since called Rusesabagina a “manufactured hero,” according to Terry George, the director of “Hotel Rwanda.” Rusesabagina, 56, who was released from a hospital operation last week to find that his home in Brussels, Belgium had been broken into and documents stolen, says he has done nothing wrong.

“It is the latest step in a campaign against me by the Rwandan government that has included public insults, lies and physical harassment,” Rusesabagina said. “My foundation is advocating for a truth, justice and reconciliation process to try to foster sustainable peace in Rwanda ... but anyone who opposes Kagame inside or outside the country is treated with this kind of harassment.” More than 500,000 Rwandans, mostly ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus, were killed in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. Kagame, an ethnic Tutsi, has tried to downplay the role of ethnicity in postgenocide Rwanda, and people in the country

rarely refer to themselves as Hutu or Tutsi and can face charges for speaking publicly about ethnicity. Human rights groups accuse Kagame’s regime of iron-fisted control and of silencing opposition politicians and media outlets. Human rights groups and other critics decried the arrest of several opposition figures in the lead-up to Rwanda’s August president election, and noted that several others were killed or attacked under suspicious circumstances.

The potential charges against Rusesabagina appear to be intertwined with those against Victoire Ingabire, a Hutu opposition politician who was jailed earlier this month on charges of forming a terrorist group.

Ingabire earlier this year sought representation by Peter Erlinder, a US lawyer who was jailed by Rwandan authorities for about three weeks when he arrived in Rwanda in May to meet with Ingabire. Erlinder was welcomed back to the US in July by Rusesabagina, and the two appeared together on a news program.

“The Kagame regime is beginning to show signs of desperation and lashing out in all directions,” Erlinder said yesterday, adding that the Rwandan government has been working toward charges against Rusesabagina for some time. “He’s already been declared persona non grata by Kagame several years ago,” Erlinder said. — AP

INTERNATIONAL

Thursday, October 28, 2010

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Ex-child soldier Khadr highly dangerous: Expert US NAVAL BASE AT GUANTANAMO BAY: Canadian former child soldier Omar Khadr is a “highly dangerous” militant, a US military tribunal heard Tuesday as it sought a sentence in his war crimes trial. The 24-yearold, who is being tried at Guantanamo Bay, pleaded guilty Monday to war crimes against US forces in a plea deal that will see him avoid a life sentence and possibly return to Canada.

Seven members of the military panel were to determine the sentence to be imposed against Khadr, in a hearing that could last up to four days. Khadr, the last Western detainee at Guantanamo, was arrested by US forces in Afghanistan at age 15. After years of declaring his innocence, he finally admitted to killing a US soldier with a grenade in 2002 during a firefight in Afghanistan, conspiring with Al-Qaeda and

24-year-old pleaded guilty to war crimes against US forces building roadside bombs. Among the evidence heard on Tuesday, jurors watched a video of a US Humvee military vehicle being exploded by a homemade roadside bomb, an improvised explosive device (IED) of the sort Khadr is said to have built and deployed against American troops.

“The Humvee didn’t fare too well,” said an FBI explosives weapons expert who took the stand. A somberly dressed Khadr listened, stone-faced, as witnesses went through a long list of allegations, including his father’s close ties with Al-Qaeda supreme Osama bin Laden, or the militant training he received voluntarily to kill US troops and attack Jews.

An FBI interrogator testified that when confronted with having killed a US soldier, Khadr was not remorseful but “was happy with it.” At the other side of the room, the wife of that soldier-sergeant first class Christopher Speer-sobbed loudly. “He is highly dangerous,” forensic psychiatrist Michael Welner told the jury after spending just two days evaluating the tall, bearded prisoner in June and watching videos of his family found online.

“He believes that he shouldn’t be here for a day, a minute... He is deeply resentful of it and bitter.” Welner described Khadr as a slick, English-speaking “rock star” of Guantanamo who has grown more devout

during his lengthy stay at the prison camp, chosen by his fellow inmates to lead prayers.

The US government says Khadr was the lone survivor of a US bombardment of a compound in eastern Afghanistan, and rose from the rubble to throw a grenade that killed Speer, before being shot twice in the back by US troops. Details of Khadr’s plea deal have not yet been disclosed, but press reports and rights groups say he will serve another year at Guantanamo before returning to his native Canada to serve out a seven-year term. The sentence reportedly does not include the eight years Khadr has already spent behind bars at the controversial US naval base where 174 “war on terror” detainees remain.

Experts and human rights activists said the deal would spare the US government the potential embarrassment of a full trial. “The government gets the big propaganda victory because they’re able to say now that this guy admitted that he did all these horrible things,” said law professor David Glazier of Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. “They’re able to say that they convicted this terrorist.” Yale University law professor Eugene Fidell said Khadr “would probably have promised them anything simply to get out” after years spent behind bars.

Glazier noted that Khadr had to admit he killed two Afghan soldiers, even though the US government had no evidence of those

killings and had no plans to discuss them at the trial. “The practical reality of Guantanamo seems to be that the only sure way that a detainee can get released is to plead guilty of something with an assurance that they finish their sentence in their own country,” he added. Human rights activists also argued that the Obama administration had got what it wanted out of the case.

“Khadr’s plea deal means that the United States will be spared the embarrassment of trying a child soldier in a tribunal that most of the world sees as illegitimate,” the American Civil Liberties Union said in a statement. The United States will also avoid “possibly embarrassing details of torture against Khadr, or be subject to endless rounds of appeals that would challenge the constitutionality of the charges,” added Human Rights First. — AFP

Humor helps Chileans deal with miner crisis SAN JOSE MINE: Minutes after a team of rescuers hoisted 33 miners to safety, President Sebastian Pinera hugged the men and gave them a thanks very much a la Chilena — one with a punch line. Pinera told the rescuers that he wanted them to be the ones “who rescue us all on Judgment Day.” The rescuers, who had pulled off a harrowing, first-of-a-kind operation to pluck the miners from the depths of nearly half a mile (0.8 kilometer) cracked up.

If it seemed to a foreigner a strange moment for a joke, Chileans did not flinch. Heck, most of them probably enjoyed a good chuckle.

Humor is all but the unofficial national sport in this Andean nation.

The saga of the trapped miners, which began when a mine collapsed Aug. 5, was no different. From top officials to the families of the miners, the jokes were a con-

stant, even when it was far from clear that the men could be rescued. There were endless jests surrounding the double meaning of the word mine, which in Spanish is “mina.” In Chilean slang, “mina” also means woman, a translation similar to English’s “babe” or “chick.”

“No doubt, these guys had never spent so much time with a mina” roared a DJ on a radio station in Copiapo, the nearest town to the San Jose mine, a few days before the Oct. 13 rescue began. “Or so much time underneath a mina,” shot back a co-host.

“You have a Jay Leno and David Letterman in every Chilean,” said Patricio Navia, a professor at New York University who is himself a native of the world’s longest nation, a factoid sometimes made into jokes related to male prowess. “Every Chilean could have his own talk show.” Like any collective

sense of humor or national identity, Chile’s is no doubt a reflection of its past: colonized

by Spaniards from southern Spain, a region known for its sense of showmanship, and later home to British and German immigrants, people more known for dry wit. Add to that indigenous groups who survived colonization and isolation _ Chile is enclosed by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Andes mountains on the other _ and the result is a deep sense of solidarity that includes a constant need for humor.

“If we had needed people to pull up the miners, all 16 million Chileans would have been there pulling,” said Mario Kreutzberger, who is known as Don Francisco and is one of Latin America’s most famous personalities. “That solidarity is part of the Chilean sense of humor.” During a time of crisis, humor becomes a lifeline, a way to keep people from cry-

ing and to recognize that irony, sarcasm and double-entendres are part of not just life’s joys, but also its pains.

In early September, the Chilean government brought in a team of NASA scientists to help plan the rescue. Health Minister Jaime Manalich told journalists that a team from Chile’s space program had met with the NASA visitors. He paused, looked across the room for effect, and said: “You know, Chile does have a space program.” The comment provoked a ruckus of laughter, and lightened the mood of an otherwise serious discussion.

Family members of the miners, who lived in anguish for months not knowing if they would see their loved ones again, also found ways to laugh while living in tents at the mine.

Maria Segovia, sister of trapped miner Dario Segovia, was particularly playful. She would sometimes grab a metal

pole and pretend to do strip tease with a mocking erotic face, or take a Chilean flag and run around the campfire yelling as if Chile had just won the World Cup. Her endless energy lifted the spirits of those around her. “You have to laugh,” she said in early September. “There is just so much here we can’t control.”

The miners found humor in their situation, too. In several videos, the men could be seen laughing and making playful signs behind each other’s heads. Manalich, the health minister, said the men shared “dirty jokes” with families through letters sent through small bore holes. Some were so raunchy that Manalich declined to share them with reporters. One of the biggest sources of humor came after the visit of former rugby players from Uruguay who after a 1972 plane crash survived months of isolation in the snow-covered Andes.

VALPARAISO: Rescued miner Mario Sepulveda gestures during a ceremony to honor the 33 miners who were rescued from the San Jose mine at the National Congress in Valparaiso, Chile, Tuesday. — AP While they waited 72 days to be rescued, to stay alive they were forced to eat the flesh of others who had died.

Their story inspired the book and movie “Alive.” That flesheating survivors came to give a boost to miners who had almost no food for two weeks (from the Aug. 5 collapse until

Aug. 23, when they were found alive) was not lost on Chileans.

Spam messages with jokes about what the miners were eating raced around the Internet. One of the most memorable involved a supposed note from the miners: “We ate the Bolivian.” Among the 33 trapped miners was one

Bolivian, and given the sometimes tense Chilean-Bolivian relations, the joke had a political edge. “Just wait another week, and there will be thousands more jokes about the miners,” said Kreutzberger.

“They’ll even take old jokes and just adapt them to the mine.”— AP

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INTERNATIONAL

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Cambodian PM says no third Khmer Rouge trial PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen told UN chief Ban Kimoon yesterday that a second Khmer Rouge war crimes trial due to start early next year would be the last. Hun Sen “clearly affirmed that case three is not allowed”, Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters after Ban met with the premier.

“We have to think about peace in Cambodia,” he said.In its first trial the UNbacked court in July sentenced former Khmer Rouge prison chief Duch, whose real

name is Kaing Guek Eav, to 30 years in jail for overseeing the deaths of 15,000 people in the late 1970s. Last month the court indicted four top regime leaders for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in connection with the deaths of up to two million people from starvation, overwork and execution between 1975 and 1979.

The accused in the second trial are “Brother Number Two” Nuon Chea, former foreign minister Ieng Sary, his wife and exsocial affairs minister Ieng Thirith, and for-

mer head of state Khieu Samphan. The court is also investigating whether to open a third case against other former Khmer Rouge cadres, but has faced political interference. Cambodian and international prosecutors have openly disagreed on whether the court should pursue more suspects. Hun Sen was once a mid-level Khmer Rouge member himself before turning against the movement.

He has repeatedly warned that further prosecutions at the court could destabilize

Cambodia, saying he would prefer to see the court fail than indict more suspects. Hor Namhong said Hun Sen told Ban during the meeting that the court would achieve a “successful prosecution” by the end of its second trial but would suffer a “failure” if it prosecuted more cadres from the brutal regime. Cambodian government spokesman Khieu Kanharith explained that the prosecution of the third case would be “a mistake” because the would-be defendants were not senior leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Ban for his part told Hun Sen that Cambodia should “respect the independence of the court and to fully cooperate with it”, according to a UN statement. The UN chief visited the court, officially known as the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), where he praised the staff for the “victory” in the first trial against Duch. He assured staff that the UN was working to secure more funds to support the cash-strapped tribunal. Ban said it was fundamentally important that “we

insist on accountability for those shocking crimes”. A spokesman for the court said it “does not seek permission or endorsement from anyone” but follows legal process.

Hun Sen also asked Ban to close the UN human rights office in Phnom Penh and remove its representative. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and envoy Christophe Peschoux had stayed in Cambodia too long and “never worked with the government”, said government spokesman Khieu Kanharith. — AFP

N Korea demands massive food aid from South Korea Demand for 500,000 tons of rice, 300,000 tons of fertilizer made SEOUL: North Korea yesterday dema nded ma ssive food a id from South Korea in return for concessions over a progra m to reunite fa milies sepa rated by w ar six deca des a go, a Seoul official said. The dema nd for 500,000 tons of

rice a nd 300,000 tons of fertilizer wa s ma de when the tw o sides met in the North’s city of Kaesong to discuss reunions, media pool reports from Kaesong quoted the officia l a s saying.

HOECHANG: In a handout picture released by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency yesterday, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il (C) stands at the head of a delegation including his son Kim Jong-Un (2nd L) keeping a minute’s silence at the cemetery of fallen fighters of the Chinese People’s Volunteers in Hoechang County. — AFP

Myanmar under pressure to act on poll ‘credibility deficit’ HANOI: Military-run Myanmar came under pressure from its neighbors yesterday to address what Indonesia said was a “credibility deficit” surrounding its November 7 elections.

Myanmar Foreign Minister Nyan Win will face questions over the much-criticized poll when he sits down with his Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) counterparts for dinner yesterday.

“There is a perception of a credibility deficit but it’s not too late, we think, to try to address that,” Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa told reporters in Hanoi. “But I wouldn’t want to belittle the kind of efforts that we need to make.”The ballot is the country’s first in two decades but has been dismissed by critics as a sham designed to entrench military rule in Myanmar.

The nation’s iconic opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is under house arrest-a measure which is due to end days after the election-and will not take part in the ballot.

Western governments as well as United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon have repeatedly said the vote will not be credible unless Suu Kyi and other opponents are freed.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo said the issue would also be taken up by ASEAN leaders at their summit today. “As I understand, Myanmar will be giving the latest briefing on

the forthcoming activities,” he said. Asked how hopeful ASEAN was that the elections would be credible, he replied: “We will see.” And on a push for Myanmar to permit foreign observers to supervise the voting, he said that was “not the point”.

“The point is, will there be credible elections if Aung San Suu Kyi and the others are not part of it? It’s not the observers, it’s the participation of all.” Although ASEAN makes decisions by consensus and maintains a principle of non-interference in its members’ affairs, Myanmar

has been a source of embarrassment for the 10-nation bloc’s more democratic members.Indonesia has previously raised the prospect of sending foreign “visitors” to monitor the elections.

“But I think the Myanmar authorities have been quite clear in saying they are not open to this idea so we’ll see what they say at this meeting,” Natalegawa said. He said outsiders could offer assistance and support but they needed a positive response from Myanmar, whose authorities “have their own thoughts and views on

how the elections should be carried out.” Ban arrives in Hanoi yesterday ahead of Friday talks with ASEAN leaders. The UN chief has expressed his growing “frustration” with the Myanmar junta in recent weeks and called on ASEAN to be more aggressive with its pariah neighbor or risk tarnishing their own democratic credentials. Southeast Asian lawmakers savaged the election plans and urged the region’s leaders to refuse to recognize the flawed process and put it at the top of the summit’s agenda. — AFP

HANOI: Myanmar’s Prime Minister Thein Sein, center, walks past Vietnamese military honor guards upon his arrival at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, Vietnam yesterday. — AP

A one-off meeting for families divided by the 1950-1953 war will start Saturday at the jointly run Mount Kumgang resort on the North’s east coast and will last six days. It will link 100 people from each side with long-lost family members. But Seoul wants to hold the emotional events nine times a year because many elderly people die before realizing their dream of such a meeting.

“North Korean delegates linked the issue of separated families and the aid, indicating that they could make concessions if rice and fertilizer aid are given,” the unidentified official was quoted as saying.

The South Koreans replied that this request should be discussed between the two governments rather than Red Cross officials, who are in charge of the reunion program.

There was no agreement but the two sides will meet again on November 25. “At the next round of talks, we will be able to discuss both issues at one sitting-the reunions and humanitarian projects including rice and fertilizer aid to the North,” the official said.

The South supplied its hungry neighbor with some 400,000 tons of rice and 300,000 tons of fertilizer annually until a conservative government came to power in Seoul in 2008, linking major aid to nuclear disarmament. In Seoul the minister in charge of crossborder relations lashed out at the North for what he termed its intransigence. Unification Minister Hyun In-Taek told a forum that North Korea had refused to take “even a single step forward” since a South Korean warship sank in March with the loss of 46 lives.

The South accuses the North of torpedoing the Cheonan corvette. The incident, for which the North denies responsibility, plunged relations to their lowest point in years. “North Korea still denies responsibility for the Cheonan incident and it continues to drag its feet on humanitarian issues,” Hyun said. “Even as the North says it will return to the six-party talks, there is no sign of it taking any concrete steps toward denuclearisation.”

The North has said it is willing in principle to return to the long-stalled six-party nuclear disarmament talks. But Seoul and the United States say it must first improve cross-border ties and show a commitment to disarmament. Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) later yesterday accused the South of having “no intention to settle the issue of the reunion of separated families and relatives”, threatening to shelve any reunion program and blaming Seoul for the slow pace of the discussions.

It made no mention of any food or fertilizer aid. About 20,800 Koreans have been brought together briefly since the reunion program began in earnest in 2000. But more than 80,000 people in the South alone are still waiting for their turn. The North has suggested three to four reunions a year.

But in addition to the aid request, it links the issue to a resumption of commercial cross-border tours to Mount Kumgang.

The tours once earned the impoverished North millions of dollars a year. South Korea suspended them in July 2008 after a North Korean soldier shot dead a Seoul housewife who had strayed into a military off-limits zone. It says it will not resume them until the North allows an on-site investigation into the shooting and gives firm safety guarantees. — AFP

BANGKOK: Thai people stay at their flooded home near the Chao Phraya River, in Bangkok yesterday. The death toll from the flooding in Thailand has climbed up to nearly 60 people. — AP

2 weeks of flooding in Thailand kills 57 people BANGKOK: Heavy downpours that caused rivers to burst around Thailand have killed 57 people in nearly two weeks of flooding that officials are calling the worst in decades, authorities said yesterday. The flooding has affected more than 3 million people in 36 of Thailand’s 76 provinces, government medical and disaster agencies said. The floods have eased in a third of those provinces.

More than 4 million sandbags were used to erect walls this week in Bangkok along stretches of the Chao Phraya River, which has swelled with runoffs from upper provinces that officials feared could inundate the capital. So far, flooding in Bangkok has been minimal but riverside residents were warned to be on alert through Friday, after which current high-tide levels were expected to subside. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva warned, however, that new risks loom.

“We have to keep an eye on the situation closely,” Abhisit said yesterday, adding that tidal

levels were expected to rise again early next month. “The worrying period will return in the beginning of next month. The supervision must continue.” Last week, Abhisit said the flooding was the country’s worst in 40 or 50 years due to heavy rains that dumped larger-than-normal amounts of water into dams and reservoirs and aggressive housing and business development that has affected natural drainage channels.

The Cabinet on Tuesday allocated 283 million baht ($9.42 million) to purchase boats, mobile toilets, sandbags, tents and other equipment to assist flood victims. About 600,000 households that suffered flooding for more than one week would be given initial relief funds of 5,000 baht ($170). The Public Health Ministry has ordered 55,100 sets of mobile toilets in the flooded areas.

The toilets vary from cardboard box toilets to floating toilets and toilets improvised from chairs and plastic bags. — AP

Malaysia arrests Indonesian militant suspect KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has arrested a suspected Indonesian militant who fled here after his training camp was raided by Indonesian authorities early this year, police said yesterday. Taufiq Marzuki, also known as Sulaiman Tarmizi, was detained Sept. 29 under the Internal Security Act, which allows for indefinite detention without trial, national deputy police chief Hussin Ismail said in a statement. Hussin did not say where Marzuki, 29, was arrested or explain why the

arrest was not announced sooner.

Marzuki was believed to be a member of a group wanting to establish an Islamic state in Indonesia’s Aceh province on Sumatra island, which is separated from peninsular Malaysia by a waterway. Marzuki escaped to Malaysia after Indonesian officials raided his paramilitary camp in Aceh in March, the statement said, adding that his arrest followed the exchange of intelligence between authorities in the two

countries. Over the past decade, authorities in Muslimmajority Malaysia have detained more than 100 Islamic militant suspects without trial.

Most have been released in stages after officials said they had renounced extremist beliefs.

Some of them were Indonesians who were eventually deported. Indonesia, which has the world’s biggest Muslim population, has been engaged in a long battle against militant extremist groups. — AP

Japan-China of boat collisions video submitted to parliament TOKYO: Video footage of collisions between Chinese and Japanese boats near a disputed island chain was submitted to Japan’s parliament yesterday, threatening to inflame the row between the Asian giants. Parliamentarians were due to debate if and when the video, filmed by the coastguard and submitted by prosecutors, will be shown to legislators.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan watched the sixminute video together with his right-hand man, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku, who however declined to share details of the footage with journalists. The developments come amid the worst row in years between Beijing and Tokyo, and as Kan and his Chinese counterpart, Wen Jiabao, prepared to head to a regional summit where they may meet this week.

The video footage was taken seven weeks ago

by Japan’s coastguard in the tense incident that

started the diplomatic row near the disputed East China Sea island chain known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. Japan’s coastguard in the early hours of September 8 arrested the Chinese captain of a fishing boat which had collided with two Japanese coastguard vessels in a high-speed pursuit. The skipper was held on suspicion he had rammed the patrol boats on purpose but Japan released him weeks later, following a barrage of protests and reprimands from China which called the arrest invalid and illegal. The prosecutors office of Naha in Japan’s far-southwestern Okinawa prefecture handed the sealed video footage to the lower house upon a request by parliament, a Diet official said. According to Japanese media reports, the footage is said to prove that the Chinese boat was responsible for the collisionsóbut government officials also fear its release could further inflame the row with China. — AFP

Thailand opposition urges world court to probe Bangkok violence BANGKOK: Thailand’s “Red Shirt” anti-government movement has urged the International Criminal Court to investigate possible crimes against humanity by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s government. The petition argues that the country’s political and military leadership are “criminally liable” for actions taken during two months of mass opposition protests in April and May that left more than 90 people dead, mainly civilians.

The Red Shirts, many of whom support fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, accuse the government of a “massive cover-up”, according to details posted on the website of Thaksin’s Canadian lawyer Robert Amsterdam.

He said his firm was involved in the filing of the “preliminary report” at the Hague-based ICC this week. Thailand’s government said it was aware of the complaint, but does not believe it will be taken up by the court.

“I have been informed by the ministry of foreign affairs about the case,” said government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn. “But as I understand it this is not within the scope of the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction,” he added. The two-month rally by the Reds attracted up to 100,000 people demanding immediate elections, but was broken up by the army in a deadly assault on the sprawling protest camp in the heart of the capital. — AFP

11

INTERNATIONAL

Thursday, October 28, 2010

65 killed in wedding roof collapse in Afghanistan KABUL: A roof collapsed yesterday during a wedding in a remote area in northern Afghanistan, killing 65 people, nearly all women and children, said police. Most of the dead were women celebrating the wedding on the top floor of a mud brick house packed with guests, said Jawad Bashart, spokesman of the Baghlan

provincial police. Only one adult male was killed.

He added that 12 children were among the dead and another 40 people were wounded at the wedding which took place in the remote Jelga district. Women and men traditionally have separate celebrations at weddings. “This is a very tragic

incident,” said provincial Governor Abdul Majid. He said an exact death toll was difficult to establish because of conflicting reports and the remoteness of the area.

“In those remote areas, the economy is not so good. People don’t build such strong houses as they do in the city,” he said. Dr Salim Rasouli, the provincial

health chief, said that the incident happened in the afternoon but that the district was very far and the road was unsafe to travel at night. “I can’t remember such a major tragic incident,” he said, in his 10 years working as a health official in the province.

He said the police had sent some four

wheel drive vehicles to the region to assist. “Unfortunately it is a very remote area. We don’t have any access. The nearest clinic is in the neighboring district,” he said. Rasouli said he had heard six women had been brought to the hospital in the next district over for treatment by their families after a torturous drive of

several hours. In some places, the road was so bad the injured had to be transferred to more sturdy vehicles. Houses in rural Afghanistan are traditionally built with mud bricks and wooden beams.

Access to health care is also poor, with few clinics or hospitals and mostly unpaved roads. — AP

Suspected US missile strikes kill 7 in Pakistan Strikes nearly 12 hours apart

KABUL: Afghan policemen sort out weapons recently confiscated from disbanded private security companies in Herat, west of Kabul, Afghanistan yesterday. — AP

Karzai makes concession over security firm ban KABUL: Afghan President Hamid Karzai offered a small concession over the timing of a ban on private security firms, which strained ties with Washington, but some aid groups said yesterday the ban would not affect them much. Karzai has stressed his commitment to a decree disbanding private security companies, spurring concern in Washington that aid work in Afghanistan may already be starting to suffer over security fears, but yesterday said the original December deadline could be extended up to two months.

Some US-funded development companies have said they have started scaling back projects. On Saturday, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called Karzai to recommend a joint plan to replace the guard firms gradually rather than enforce a ban that could threaten millions of dollars in aid work.

The Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief (ACBAR), an umbrella group for non-government organisations (NGOs) in Afghanistan, said the ban would not affect aid work by its members because most operated without armed protection.

“There is a big distinction between NGOs and development companies that rely on private companies to provide security,” ACBAR Director Laurent Saillard told Reuters. “Aid delivered by NGOs will not suffer with this ban, but aid delivered by these development companies will suffer.”

Profit-oriented development companies almost always employ armed security guards, usually supplied by security contractors. Such security firms have become a point of friction because some have been involved in high-profile shootings and other incidents. ACBAR said there are some 2,000 Afghan and 360 foreign NGOs in Afghanistan, with only around six using private security firms, mainly to provide unarmed guards at offices and homes.

Karzai issued a decree in August banning all private security contractors in Afghanistan, with an exception for those guarding embassies, military installations, diplomatic residences and the transport of diplomatic personnel, straining ties with Washington. A statement issued by Karzai’s office yesterday said a committee had been formed

that will prepare a timetable for disbandment of the firms to be submitted by Nov. 15. Firms would then have a maximum 90 days to tie up their operations, it said.

The new timeline recognizes “the importance of maintaining the continuous delivery of critical development projects and programs funded by the international community”, it said. “Following the completion of the plan’s implementation, the government of Afghanistan will assume responsibility for providing necessary security for development and reconstruction projects,” the statement said.

A brief flurry of statements seeking to show unity between the Afghan government and its Western backers quickly followed. Staffan de Mistura, the top U.N. envoy in Afghanistan, said in a statement on behalf of the international community and NATO-led forces it supported Karzai’s decision to ban the firms and called on all countries to respond within the set timeframe.

“There has never been disagreement on the decree itself, it’s the implementation of the decree ... and that’s what we’ll be working on very hard together right now with the government of Afghanistan,” US Ambassador Karl Eikenberry told reporters. ACBAR’s Saillard said some smaller Afghan NGOs which receive funding through private development contractors may be affected because of the ban but said most planned to continue their work.

He said many private development companies used the military model of delivering aid and often arrived in an area right after a military operation, which made them a target for insurgents. “It’s a complete mess in this country. All the lines have been blurred-between military aid and NGOs and between NGOs and private contractors,” he said.

Saillard said the perception of NGOs by armed groups was slowly changing but that abductions and attacks were still taking place. The casualty rate for NGO staff as a result of insurgent attacks jumped 29 percent this year on last year, he said.The spike was largely because 10 aid workers, including eight foreigners, were killed in northeastern Afghanistan this year.— Reuters

SRINAGAR: An Indian paramilitary soldier stands guard outside the office of United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) in Srinagar, India yesterday. — AP

India accuses Pakistan of shooting in Kashmir SRINAGAR: India yesterday accused the Pakistan army of firing rockets and mortars on half a dozen Indian army positions in a second violation of their cease-fire agreement in Kashmir this week. There were no casualties on the Indian side, said Lt. Col. Biplab Nath, an Indian army spokesman. Indian soldiers fired back on Pakistani positions in Poonch sector, he said.

“It was an unprovoked firing, a brazen ceasefire violation,” Nath said. Pakistani officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Officials earlier said one Indian soldier was

killed when Pakistani soldiers fired machine guns and rockets on an Indian military post late Sunday night in the same sector, 110 miles (180 kilometers) southwest of Srinagar, the region’s main city.

India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir since they gained independence from Britain in 1947, but their forces have observed a cease-fire there since November 2003. There have been occasional incidents of shooting by the two sides. India also accuses Pakistan of helping Islamic militants cross from its portion of Kashmir to the Indian side, which Pakistan denies. — AP

PESHAWAR: Suspected US drones fired missiles at a house and a vehicle in a militant-infested area of northwestern Pakistan near the Afghan border yesterday, killing seven people, intelligence officials said.

The strikes were nearly 12 hours apart in the North Waziristan tribal area. They were the latest attacks in an intensifying campaign by the US to use unmanned aircraft in Pakistan to wage war against militants who regularly target foreign troops in Afghanistan. There have now been at least 19 suspected US missile strikes in Pakistan this month, many of them in North Waziristan. There were 21 such attacks in September, nearly double the previous monthly record.

The first strike occurred at about 3:30 am when a drone fired a missile at a house in the Spin Wam area, killing three people, said the intelligence officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

The second attack took place around 2:45 pm when a drone fired a missile at a vehicle in the Datta Khel area, killing four suspected foreign militants, the officials said. Two were Arab and two were Western, they said. No additional information about the suspected militants was provided.

But many US drone strikes in recent months have targeted fighters linked to the Haqqani network, which military officials have declared the most dangerous militant group in Afghanistan.

The US refuses to publicly acknowledge that it carries out drone attacks in Pakistan, but officials have said privately that the covert CIA-run program has killed several high-level Taliban and Al-QaEda commanders.

Pakistani officials often publicly criticize the strikes as a violation of the country’s sovereignty, but the government is widely believed to provide intelligence information for the attacks and allow drones to take off from a base inside Pakistan.

One of the suspected reasons the US has increased drone strikes in Pakistan is that the country’s government refuses to launch an offensive against militants in North Waziristan.

Pakistan’s army says it can’t launch such an offensive now because it is stretched thin by other operations along the Afghan border. But many analysts believe it is reluctant to target Taliban militants with whom it has historical ties and could be useful allies once foreign troops withdraw from Afghanistan.

Many of the militants in North Waziristan are also more focused on attacking NATO and US forces in Afghanistan rather than targets within Pakistan, so they are viewed as less of a threat by the government.

However, the Pakistani military has aggressively targeted militants who have declared war on the Pakistani state. The militants have fought back by attacking the country’s security forces, civilians and anti-Taliban militias the government has helped set up in an effort to combat militancy.

A bomb planted on a motorcycle exploded yesterday as a member of one of these militias drove up to a market in the village of Qamberkhel in the Khyber tribal region, wounding the militiaman and five other people in the vehicle, said local government administrator Riaz Khan. Malik Amal Gul and the five others were rushed to a hospital in the nearby city of Peshawar, said Khan. Also yesterday, a bomb apparently targeting a police patrol in Pakistan’s southwest Baluchistan province killed two civilians and wounded 9 other people, including four police officers, said Hamid Shakeel, chief of police in the provincial capital, Quetta. — AP

PESHAWAR: Volunteers off load an injured person from an ambulance at a local hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan yesterday. — AP

OpiniOn

12

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Beirut, Tel Aviv battle it out for pink dollars

By Benjamin Peim

C

all it the newest Arab-Israeli conflict.

Two Mediterranean hotspots, each boasting a trendy nightlife, warm climate and carefree attitude, are vying for the pink dollars of the world’s gay tourists. Tel Aviv, Israel’s cultural and business capital, has already earned its place as a must-go destination for globe-trotting gays, and now Beirut is making its pitch, too. “Western travelers come to us to feel the Arabian spirit,” Bertho Makso, Lebanon’s first and perhaps best-known gay travel operator, told The Media Line. “And Arabs have come to feel more comfortable.”

The global gay tourism industry is a booming, billion-dollar industry. With higher than average disposable income, and into shopping and culture, gay tourists are a desirable market. Last year, the economic impact of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered travelers was about $63 billion in the US alone, according to a study from Community Marketing Inc, a San Francisco-based market research firm.

Beirut and Tel Aviv are less than 200 km apart on the Mediterranean coast, but two-city package tours for gays are not going to be offered anytime soon. Israel and Lebanon are officially at war. In 2006, Israel and Hezbollah, the Shiite fundamentalist organization based in Lebanon, fought a one-month war that left hundreds dead. Tel Aviv has the advantage of being in a country where the laws are favorable and homosexuality is widely accepted.

In Lebanon, homosexuality is officially illegal, even if the law is seldom enforced.

“We’re not talking about an actively homophobic state,” said Rasha Moumneh, a researcher for the Middle East and North Africa for Human Rights Watch. “They’re not going out and just arresting gay men.” Known as the Paris of the Middle East until the country’s devastating 19751990 civil war, Beirut is home to posh gay-friendly nightclubs, glitzy bars and restaurants. Many report that Beirut has become much more tolerant of gay culture and nightlife over the last 10 years. The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association held a symposium in the city for the first time earlier this month.

Makso, 29, launched his LebTour travel agency in 2005. By night, he escorts visitors to Beirut’s gay clubs and bars; by day, he leads them around the country to learn about its history and culture. In the five years Makso has been operating LebTour, he says his client base has grown five-fold to over 500 gay tourists a year, mainly from Europe but increasingly

from the US as well. He says also runs gay-themed tours to Syria and Jordan, bringing tourists to gay bars in Damascus, and Amman, without difficulty.

“Last year I took them there [to Amman’s gay bar] and we were also invited to a private party with the whole community,” he said.

“These places exist, but they’re not publicized.”

But Moumneh, of Human Rights Watch, said Beirut isn’t as tolerant towards gays as some make it out to be. Lebanese gays with enough money enjoy a margin of freedom, she said, but it is restricted to men. Those from working class and poor backgrounds face discrimination and many times are not accepted by their families. “Once you leave that bubble it’s a very different situation,” Moumneh said.

“The tourism industry is painting a very rosy picture, but it’s very small and narrow.”

Makso acknowledges Beirut isn’t New York or London, and he warns his clients to avoid certain behaviors. “I explain to them certain things they shouldn’t do, like showing public affection and taking pictures of political figures,” he said. “In general there’s no problem, but this is not the West.”

A little ways down the Mediterranean coast, Tel Aviv’s gay tourism industry is taking off, as well. The city is internationally known for its gay nightlife and carefree attitude.

Thousands of gay tourists flock to the city every year, said Yaniv Poria, professor in the Department of Hotel and Hospitality at Israel’s Ben-Gurion University and an expert on the subject.

Although the country is not immune to homophobia either, as exemplified by the shooting last year at a gay community center in Tel Aviv that left two dead and at least 15 others wounded, Poria said Israel has a very positive image among the global gay and lesbian community. “This is considered the hotspot for the Middle East,” he said. “In no other country, can gays walk publicly and be out.”

The Tel Aviv Tourism Association recently launched a campaign to market the city to gay communities around the world in a campaign called “Tel Aviv Gay Vibe.” Last year, the city in conjunction with the Israeli Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Association distributed gaythemed maps of the city around Europe. Not only are they drawn to the Israeli city’s gay beaches and renowned nightlife, they also come to Israel for its history. “They’re not coming only to Tel Aviv to have a good time,” Poria said.

“They’re coming and they’re interested in seeing the holy places and local sites and learning about the local people.” —Media Line

All articles appearing on these pages are the personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait Times takes no responsibility for views expressed therein. Kuwait Times invites readers to voice their opinions. Please send submissions via email to: opinion@kuwaittimes.net or via snail mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. The editor reserves the right to edit any submission as necessary.

Singapore bourse bid stings Aussie prestige

By Sid Astbury

H

ow deliciously awkward it would be for the Singapore government if the tables were turned and the Australian Securities Exchange Ltd (ASX) put in a bid for control of the island republic’s only stock exchange. It is almost inconceivable that the ASX could raise the billions needed to buy up Singapore Exchange Ltd and so such imaginings are academic. “Australia relies on massive Asian savings. We live beyond our means,” said shareholder activist Stephen Mayne. He notes that the Singapore government already owns chunks of corporate Australia worth about 30 billion Australian dollars (US$29 billion) - a sum higher than the value of the commercial assets held by the Australian government itself.

If the Singapore Exchange were successful in its friendly 8.4-billionAustralian-dollar takeover bid for the ASX, Singapore’s holdings in Australia would top 50 billion Australian dollars and include the nation’s secondbiggest telephone company and the exchange it is listed on. It is not a done deal. Holding out hoops to jump through will be the Foreign Investment Review Board, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the Reserve Bank, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission as well as the government and parliament itself.

Parliament, in which neither of the major parties has a majority, could prove the stumbling block. “We shouldn’t see it simply as a purchase of another company,” Greens leader Bob Brown said, vowing to oppose the takeover. “To put that into Singaporean hands isn’t a thing that should be undertaken lightly.” The

objectors include ultranationalists who fret at any perceived loss of sovereignty as well as more reasoned commentators who see the thick-walleted Singapore Exchange out to crush a competitor in the regional funds management business.

The bid is certainly a blow to the ambitions of Sydney to vie with Hong Kong and Singapore as an Asia-Pacific money-go-round. Agreeing would be tantamount to accepting that Sydney had dropped out of the race. A genuine worry is that Singapore ownership will see money managers shift to Singapore to be closest to the action.

There are fears that primary listings will also shift. Those backing the deal see it as the first push in an AsiaPacific consolidation that will see lots of other mergers.

“It’s fine to be nostalgic, to talk about holding on to the farm, but the ASX can’t stand still,” said former ASX chief Maurice Newman. He agrees with Singapore Exchange chief executive Magnus Bocker, who warned that second-tier bourses in the region like Singapore and Sydney could be trampled by exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai unless they too put on muscle. “This is a question of not just creating new opportunities but staying relevant in rapidly changing markets,” Bocker said.

His view that the takeover should be about survivability rather than sovereignty was backed up by ASX chief Rob Elstone, who said combining to become the world’s fifth-largest exchange was the primary goal rather than one exchange cancelling out the other or just cost-saving.

While some in Australia railed against foreign domination, voices in Hong Kong and Tokyo corroborate the storyline from Bocker and Elstone.

Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) chief

Atsushi Saito worried that the merger would flag off a race to consolidate. “If Japan becomes isolated on the international stage, that’s not good,” Saito told London’s Financial Times. “There are many options. There could be a

combination of TSE and others on an international basis.”

Advocates of the splicing point out that the proposal comes ahead of ASX losing its monopoly. In May a rival bourse, Nomura-backed Chi-X,

is expected to be operating in Sydney. The choice for both Australia and Singapore is to be content with domestic business or try for a share of the regional and even global action. —dpa

East and West: Partners in justice

By Radhia Al-Mutawakel

I

n 2008, the American organisation Human Rights Watch (HRW) reached out to me as a legal rights activist and asked me to help facilitate their mission in Yemen. They wanted to address human rights violations in Yemen, particularly the status of civilians displaced by the war in Yemen’s northern Sa’ada district, where government forces have fought an armed group, known as the Houthis, since 2004.

Despite the fact that I am a legal rights activist, I fell into the trap of suspicion and stereotyping: I considered everything American to be part of a political conspiracy that really has nothing to do with people’s rights and freedoms. It took a fair amount of thought and a persistent desire to improve the human rights situation in my country to overcome my suspicion. I decided, cautiously, to accept their offer. I began to work for them through the Yemeni organisation Hewar (dialogue, in Arabic) on a trial basis.

It has now been about three years since I began working with HRW. I have watched this organisation operate through its dedicated and meticulous researchers in Yemen. The results of their efforts were a number of reports, three of which addressed the bloody war in Sa’ada. They also successfully created public awareness in Yemen about a number of terms that were absent from Yemeni lexicon, such as “civilians”, “displaced” and “enforced disappearance”.

Through these reports, HRW managed to pressure, professionally and with great care, the relevant foreign and local parties to stop human suffering and allow the release of prisoners, based on the framework of the Yemeni Constitution, and national and international law. One important report in 2008, “Disappearances and Arbitrary Arrests in the Armed Conflict with Houthi Rebels in Yemen”, combined with the work of local Yemeni non-governmental organisations, led to the freeing of more than 50 detainees imprisoned illegally during the war in Sa’ada.

There is no doubt that without the interaction and out-

standing performance by local civil society organisations working on human rights in Yemen, HRW would not have been able to perform its role. Indeed, Kenneth Roth, Executive Director of HRW, has said: “Yemen has some of the Arab world’s most accomplished, independent and professional human rights activists.”

My experience with HRW has helped me rethink the way that I look at the relationship between the East and the West, and made me think more deeply about the best way to build bridges between them. Coexistence can only take place through working jointly towards a life of respect, justice and fairness for all. Certainly, culture and ideology play a role amongst the contradictions and tensions that sometimes mar relations between Muslims and the West. Accordingly, many groups focus on building bridges through literature, art, music and other intellectual and cultural means, which I respect. But we should not ignore the fact that we are attempting to build bridges between two communities whose relations have also been riddled with issues pertaining to rights, freedoms, security, justice and equality.

Ignoring this fact while attempting to build bridges of understanding between Muslims and the West will only create bridges that can collapse at any moment. In order for these bridge-building attempts to achieve their goal, Western and Muslim communities should work to find strong common ground. For instance, they should partner in the human rights field where they can together ensure justice and equality.

Right now, this is difficult to achieve at the government level, which is why nations aspiring for change should make use of civil society. My personal experience with human rights work in Yemen made me believe that civil society is the best way to create real change and to create solid common ground between communities in the Muslim world and the West.

NOTE: Radhia Al-Mutawakel is a human rights activist and the Director of Hewar Organization for Democratic Development in Yemen —CGNews

Kosovo pays diplomatic price for domestic dispute

By Ismet Hajdari

A

political crisis sparked by the president’s resignation is undermining Kosovo’s hopes of wider international recognition and threatens to damage EU-brokered talks with Serbia, according to analysts.

A month on from Fatmir Sejdiu’s surprise resignation after a court ban on him being both president of Kosovo and of his party, the reverberations of a domestic dispute are having far wider diplomatic ramifications. “We have had to pay an international price for the political crisis. The process of recognition has stopped,” said the author and journalist Migjen Kelmendi, who runs the private broadcaster Rrokum TV. “The world is waiting to see if we can manage ourselves.”

The breakaway Serb province pulled off a diplomatic coup in July when the International Court of Justice, the UN’s highest court, issued a non-binding opinion its 2008

independence declaration did not violate international law. It had been hoped by Pristina that the ruling would prompt more countries to acknowledge its independence, following in the footsteps of the United States and all but five of the 27 countries that make up the European Union. In fact only Honduras and the tiny Pacific island nation of Kiribati have since been persuaded to grant diplomatic recognition to Kosovo as politicians in Kosovo focus their energies on domestic politics.

Following Sejdiu’s move, his Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) party fuelled the political instability by pulling out of the coalition government, leaving half of the cabinet’s posts empty, including the post of foreign minister. Jakup Krasniqi, the speaker of parliament who is now interim president, has called early elections for February 13 in a bid to resolve the deadlock. But now even February’s parliamentary polls may have to be brought for-

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton meets Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci in the capital Pristina, in this Oct 13, 2010 photo. —AP ward as opposition parties try to organise a vote of no-confidence against the minority government lead by Prime Minister Hashim Thaci.

The coalition of Sejdiu’s LDK with Thaci’s Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) was always a mar-

riage of convenience, driven as much by common enmity towards the main opposition leader Ramush Haradinaj.

With Haradinaj currently awaiting a retrial at a UN court in The Hague on war crimes charges, analysts say the LDK and PDK

are both keen to take advantage of his absense by having early elections.

Halil Matoshi, a Pristina-based political analyst, said the politicians’ concentration on domestic politics had been to the detriment of the fledgling state’s bigger goals. “They are only following their parties, clients, and personal interests,” said Matoshi. “Their behaviour is leading the country towards snap elections, which could damage and even ruin the interests of the new state.”

Kelmendi agreed that Kosovo’s rulers had taken their eye of the diplomatic ball.

The crisis could hardly come at a more delicate time as Pristina which is due to resume EU-brokered talks with its former Serbian rulers in a bid to normalise relations. The agreement to hold the talks, albeit at a yet unspecified date, came shortly before the political crisis erupted in September. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, speaking on a visit to Pristina earlier this

month, pressed Kosovo, to start the talks with Serbia as soon as possible, regardless of the approach of elections. “Even though there will be elections here ... we believe that it is in Kosovo’s interest for this dialogue to begin and to conclude in as expeditious a manner as possible,” Clinton said after meeting Thaci.

However Kelmendi said that his domestic political woes would inevitably weaken Thaci’s hand in the talks. “Only a credible government can talk with Belgrade about opening the door between the two sides,” Kelmendi said.

Belul Beqaj, another prominent analyst and media advisor, said it was not surprising that Kosovo should be caught up in a political deadlock given that crisis had norm a ever since Serbia’s defeat in the 1999 war. “The parties were well aware of what they were doing when they triggered the crisis,” said Beqaj. “Crisis has become a way of life in Kosovo politics.” —AFP

analysis

Thursday, October 28, 2010

13

France may face ‘Thatcher moment’ on EU budget

By Yves Clarisse

N

early three decades after British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher famously told Europe “I want my money back”, President Nicolas Sarkozy faces a similar financial predicament as France crawls, cash-strapped, out of recession. The European Union’s budget, the money the 27 countries pool to fund EU policies and institutions, could take a significant hit now and for years to come as a result.

Unlike the Iron Lady, Sarkozy is probably not set to demand a chunky rebate on his country’s contribution to the EU central coffers. But he is under intense pressure to find ways to save money. “It is an unacceptable position for us in the Thatcher-like sense of the term,” said a high-ranking French diplomat. “It is not about playing Madame Thatcher but we simply cannot keep paying so much.”

Negotiations have yet to start, but the European Commission set the ball rolling with proposals this month on the long-term requirements of the EU budget, covering the seven and perhaps 10 years from the end of 2013. Last time around in 2004-5, six big net contributors to the common budget - Germany, Britain, France, Austria, Sweden and the Netherlands - signed a joint letter demanding that EU spending be capped at 1 percent of the bloc’s economic output. Just over 40 percent of that goes to agriculture, the only entirely common European spending program. About 35 percent goes to aid to poor regions of Europe and the rest is mostly split among research, development aid, humanitarian assistance and administration.

This time, French officials say overall spending must be curbed in line with national budget savings which member states are being forced to make. They see scope to shave money off regional funds by dropping aid to poorer regions of richer member states, such as Corsica or eastern Germany, as well

as cutting back scatter-gun funding of research projects. But not, of course, on farm subsidies, of which the French remain the largest beneficiaries.

Paris’ position, exacerbated by the legacy of who pays the British rebate that Thatcher secured in 1984, is understandable, says Jorge Nunez Ferrer, a policy analyst at the Brussels-based Centre for European Policy Studies.

Horsetrading over what is called in EU jargon the financial perspective is going to be “incredibly difficult”, says Nunez Ferrer.

The timing was already delicate, given the global recession that has blown a such a large hole in public finances that governments Europe-wide are desperate to cut costs and under intense financial market pressure to do so.

The French government has also faced strikes over a planned pension reform but says it will not affect the French government’s 2010 growth forecast.

The budget battle also coincides with the run-up to the 2012 French presidential election, giving Sarkozy an incentive to play to domestic constituencies such as farmers. France’s net payment into the EU budget, the difference between the Ä21 billion it contributes and the Ä14 billion it gets back, mostly in farm subsidies, amounts to some Ä7 billion a year.

That shortfall might look small for an economy worth close to 2 trillion euros, but it is far from negligible for a government that has spent the last few months agonising over how to raise an extra 10 billion euros in revenue in 2011. France’s net contribution is roughly the same as that of Germany, a larger economy. Among the larger countries of the EU, only Italy bears a similar burden. While Britain’s input is roughly on par, it

gets an annual rebate cheque that has recently

reached as much as Ä5.5 billion under the deal Thatcher secured in 1984.

France pays almost a third of what it calls that “British cheque”.

If the overall budget has to shrink, it might be tempting to assume that farm aid would be the first victim, but those wanting deep cuts in this area would be wrong to see the European Commissionas an ally in the debate. In Aug

Obama seeking votes among unemployed

By David Espo conomy is destiny for the Democrats and President Barack Obama, who began his campaign week in Rhode Island, where unemployment is measured at 11.5 percent. He has stops planned in Pennsylvania (at 9 percent), Illinois (9.9 percent) and Ohio (10 percent) before Election Day next Tuesday. Just as striking as the jobless figures is the calculation that those are among the states where the president might make a difference in the final days of the campaign, perhaps helping salvage a handful of key races for the beleaguered Democrats. He won those four states and their 70 electoral votes in 2008, some handily, some not, and will need them again in his re-election campaign in 2012. On a one-day trip to the smallest US state on Monday, Obama presented a pair of arguments to voters still making up their minds.

The first asserts that the Republicans drove the economy into the proverbial ditch over the eight years of the Bush administration and now offer a return trip to the wreckage. The second, more forward-looking, says that due to policies his administration and Democrats in Congress put into place - no thanks to the Republicans - improvement is in the air. “It needs somebody work, needs a tune-up. But it’s pointing in the right direction.

The engine is turning and it’s ready to go,” he said at a fundraiser in Rhode Island, where joblessness is fourth highest in the US. Earlier, Obama described a factory he had just toured in the same upbeat terms in which he wants voters to view the overall economy. “Like most small businesses, American Cord and Webbing has gone through some tough times in the past few years,” he said. “Early in 2009, they lost customers and had to lay off some workers. ... And then invested in new products and pursued new customers. And over the past year, they’ve hired back all the workers they had to lay off. And today business is going well.”

Ascendant Republicans seem content to let Obama try to explain the past and peer into the economic future.

They focus on the present in the form of a question - Where are the jobs? - first asked months ago

by Rep John Boehner, the Ohioan in line to become speaker of the House if his party wins control.

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US President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks at the Providence Convention Center during a rally for congressional candidate and Mayor David Cicilline in Providence, Rhode Island, Oct 25, 2010. —AFP In fact, there is no disputing that Republicans opposed, slowed and obstructed legislation that Obama sought and Democrats passed. Call it crass political opportunism, as Obama does, or principled disagreement, as Republicans do, the result was the same. Trench warfare gripped Congress for nearly two years amid high unemployment and a wave of home foreclosures, bank failures and personal bankruptcies. And now comes a political campaign in which the economy is the central issue.

The partisan lines firmed up quickly after the 2008 elections.

In the House, nary a Republican voted for the $814 billion economic stimulus bill that passed in Feb 2009. In the Senate, the Republicans sent a signal of opposition, erecting a 60-vote requirement that Obama and the Democrats were able to overcome only with the help of three renegade Republicans.

Republicans attacked the bill as unnecessary federal spending, choosing to overlook that it included $400 tax cuts for most individuals and $800 for couples.

“The bill that was about jobs, jobs, jobs has turned into a bill that’s about spending, spending, spending,” Boehner said moments before it passed the House, contemptuously letting a copy of the 1,071-page measure fall to the floor.

Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele spoke scathingly of a bill that expanded unemployment benefits, food stamps and

other programs designed to ease the impact of the worst recession since the 1930s. “The Democrat plan focuses on putting Americans on the public dole,” he said.

The stage set, Republicans and Democrats played out their roles on the big items that followed - the health care bill, a measure to regulate Wall Street, small business legislation and more. Each time a bill passed over strong opposition, Obama and Democrats hailed their triumphs, Republicans called it more big government spending. Joblessness rose, impervious to political argument.

Republican critics claimed cause and effect, which is easy to argue and all but impossible politically to refute. Democrats said that they had inherited an economy in worse shape than even they expected and that without their policies, unemployment would be even higher. “In the six months before I took office, we lost 4 million jobs in America,” Obama said at a fundraising event on Monday.

“We lost 750,000 the month I took office, 600,000 the month after that, 600,000 the month after that.” To sign the stimulus bill 21 months ago, the president went to Denver, Colorado. “I don’t want to pretend that today marks the end of our economic troubles,” he said. “But today does mark the beginning of the end.” At the time he spoke, unemployment stood at 7.6 percent. In the months since, it has risen by nearly one-third. —AP

2009, a leaked draft of the EU executive’s thoughts on the next long-

term budget called for a “major refocusing of EU spending” away from agriculture towards new priorities such as economic growth, jobs and climate change. A much more toneddown version published last week has given officials in the agriculture department cause for hope. “Perhaps there will be a natural decrease of the share of the CAP in the overall budget, but I would not predict big changes for the budget, and expect something symbolic, a reduction of a few billion euros perhaps,” said an official who declined to be identified.

Another logical solution might seem obvious: scrap the British rebate. But British Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservatives, senior partners in a coalition that took office in mid-year and announced plans for drastic cutbacks to dig the country out of debt, have even less reason to give up what Thatcher won. “Politically, David Cameron cannot be reasonable on this,” says Nunez Ferrer. “He won the elections on a deficit-reduction platform.” If Britain refuses, it is entirely conceivable that other big bankroller countries will also adopt the Thatcher doctrine, which would make the EU’s next budget “mission impossible”.

“Everyone wants to pay as little as possible given the current budgetary situation,” said Andre Sapir, researcher at another Brussels-based think tank, Bruegel. It is not inconceivable that France could end up leading just such a Thatcher-like battle before the 2012 election. But analysts such as Nunez Ferrer say the more likely scenario is that the EU’s richest countries will wage a battle to limit the overall budget, which was worth about Ä140 billion in 2010. —Reuters

focus

India arms race offers prizes for presidents

By Pratap Chakravarty rms-hungry India is expected to hand out a raft of military deals worth billions of dollars during an upcoming rush of presidential visits from the United States, France and Russia. The biggest-ticket item is the scheduled signing of an estimated $30 billion stealth fighter co-production agreement when Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visits in late December. Medvedev’s trip will follow those of President Barack Obama and President Nicolas Sarkozy, both of whom will be pushing existing US and French tenders for lucrative military contracts.

Fuelling India’s drive into the international arms market are growing concerns over China’s military strength and its expanding sphere of regional influence.

“China would like to have a foothold in South Asia and we have to reflect on this reality,” Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh warned in September. “There is a new assertiveness among the Chinese. It is difficult to tell which way it will go. So it’s important to be prepared,” Singh said. India and China fought a brief but bloody war in 1962 and border disputes remain unresolved despite many rounds of talks and improved economic ties.

“China is becoming more of an issue in India,” said Siemon Wezeman, analyst from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. “The word ‘threat’ is now repeatedly used when officials talk about China, and Indian military strength along the disputed India-China border has been significantly increased, as has that of the Indian navy,” Wezeman told AFP. The staggered visits by the presidents of three top military powers come as India’s defence sector is about to embark on what global consultancy firm KPMG

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described as “one of the largest procurement cycles in the world.”

Between now and 2016, India is expected to spend $112 billion on capital defence acquisitions, which will in turn create opportunities for domestic industry worth 30 billion dollars, KPMG said in a report published last week. “These visits are driven by the opportunity of profiteering,” said Alex Neill, an analyst with Britain’s Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) thinktank. “There is a global financial depression and the US and Russian interests in selling to the Indian military sector are driven by the commercial opportunity available,” Neill said.

Wezeman, however, sounded a note of caution, citing India’s notorious reputation for arms deals that can take years to come to fruition. “Indian procurement is a slow process, and while Indian officials keep saying that decisions are close, often massive delays occur,” he added. US firms are hoping to pick up $10-12 billion in contracts or assurances during Obama’s trip in early November, including India’s purchase of 10 Boeing military transport planes for around 5.8 billion dollars.

European aerospace giant EADS, which makes the Eurofighter, is competing with five other aeronautical firms from the US, Russia, France and Sweden to sell 126 fighter jets to India for 12 billion dollars next year. “President Sarkozy’s visit (in December) will definitely help European companies which are doing business here,” MarieAgnes Veve, CEO of the Indian arm of EADS unit Eurocopter, told AFP in New Delhi. EADS is looking to sell 197 helicopters worth $600 million to India, while France hopes to clinch a 2.1-billion dollar deal to upgrade India’s Mirage-2000 jets. —AFP

NEWS

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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Beirut boom prices many Lebanese out Continued from Page 1 Lebanon’s Central Bank Governor, Riad Salameh, said the sector was worth $10 billion a year in sales and projects.

That may seem small compared to even single developments in the oil-exporting Gulf, but is a lot of money for Lebanon. To put the numbers in perspective, Lebanon’s government budgeted total spending of $12 billion for 2010. Demand in Beirut has been driven up by Lebanon’s large community of expatriates, who are either returning or want a foothold in the city though they do not live there full time.

Wealthy Gulf Arabs and Lebanese who are buying flats as an investment for their children have also pushed up prices.

Analysts and real estate experts insist however that this is not a property bubble in the making because the buyers are endusers, not speculators, and many are either paying in cash or borrowing amounts they can afford. “I don’t believe there’s a bubble in the market. It’s true that prices have risen significantly, but they emanated from a low base so prices today are more in line with regional and international benchmarks,” Marwan Barakat, Head of Group Research at Lebanon’s Bank Audi, told Reuters.

Salameh, the central bank governor, said Lebanon’s property sector was not overleveraged so he did not expect a price crash. “The credit linked to the real estate sector does not exceed 8 percent of the total balance sheets of our banks. Usually you have negative effects on real estate

prices when there is high debt attached to that sector,” he told Reuters. “We expect prices to level after this big increase and historically we have seen this pattern in Lebanon, where you have a quick rise, and then a levelling and then another rise.”

Only a dramatic deterioration in security could hit demand for property, but even that does not seem to faze developers who are breaking ground on projects across Beirut. Indeed, Lebanon’s resilience has translated into an average of 8 percent growth for the last three years, driven by strong consumer confidence. Property prices have risen 30 percent each year since 2007, Barakat said, impressive for any city let alone one that has seen dozens of bombings, weeks of protests, days of deadly clashes and a war with Israel in the last five years alone.

House prices fell only 2.3 percent during the a 34-day war Israel fought with Hezbollah in 2006, according to a Dec 2009 Global Property Guide, and residential property prices in central Beirut rose 40.7 percent in the second quarter of 2009.

But in a 2010 report, the guide warned that Beirut properties were becoming too expensive. “Lebanon is now overvalued, in our opinion,” it said.

There are now more than 20 developments under construction in the prized area of central Beirut. One is the $500 million Beirut Terraces project, developed by Benchmark, where the asking price for an apartment starts at $7,200 a square metre and reaches $12,500 a square metre for the penthouse, with delivery in 2014.

Beirut Terraces, which boasts an “open air sparkling marina coastline” and “lush suspended gardens” has been 30 percent sold off-plan - a trend that is growing and that helps developers finance construction without resorting to too much borrowing.

Zina Dajani, Benchmark’s managing director, admits the market for luxury properties is smaller than that for more affordable homes, but says demand for high-end real estate remains strong enough to justify such projects. “Those who are looking for a deal are not the clients we are looking for,” Dajani said. “In Beirut, prices have been raised enough not to allow you to cater to the midincome level.” Bank Audi’s June 2010 research says real estate sales grew 19.5 percent a year between 2004 and 2009, and more than doubled in the first five months of this year.

But despite Lebanon’s resilience to political upheaval, tensions have grown in recent months amid reports that an international tribunal could indict Hezbollah members in the 2005 assassination of Rafiq Al-Hariri, the former prime minister who was the driving force behind Solidere. Sectarian rhetoric has grown and some politicians have even warned of a return to civil war. Anthony El-Khoury who is developing the $250 million District//S in Solidere said there is still demand but that political worries make it difficult to conclude sales. “The political factor is the biggest risk to the market, for us as a developer, this is how we see it,” he said. — Reuters

RAK ruler Sheikh Saqr passes away Continued from Page 1

LONDON: Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani holds an Arsenal football shirt bearing his name and signed by all the first team players as he stands next to Lord Mayor of London Nick Anstee at the Guildhall in the City of London yesterday. The emir is on a state visit to Britain. — AFP

Former Argentine prez Kirchner dies Continued from Page 1 The news shocked Argentines, who by law were staying at home yesterday to be counted. Kirchner’s supporters planned a mass gathering yesterday night outside the Casa Rosada, Argentina’s presidential palace. Already, dozens of Argentines showed up in the Plaza de Mayo before the palace, standing silently in mourning.

“There will be a demonstration to honor Kirchner and to show Cristina that we’re with her, supporting her,” said the leader of the Evita Movement, Emilio Persico.

“In these days we’ll be demonstrating in the streets that we are millions who will replace Kirchner.” After an intimate ceremony in Calafate, his body was being flown to Buenos Aires to lay in state in the Congress.

Kirchner started his political career in the Patagonian province of Santa Cruz, where he was governor for many years, and he was elected president as a virtual unknown in 2003 on the ashes of the economic meltdown. A member of the dominant Peronist party, he quickly built strong alliances and oversaw a strong economic recovery that won him solid backing. He would almost certainly have won a second term in 2007 but instead chose to make way for his wife. At the capital’s pink presidential palace, the blue-and-white national flag was flying at half mast yesterday and supporters tied roses and messages of support to the railings, some reading “Thank you Nestor.”

“It’s very sad. Although we didn’t support his policies, we didn’t want it to end like this, I think the whole country will feel the same way,” said psychologist Diana Arazi in downtown Buenos Aires, which was unusually quiet on Wednesday due to a national holiday called to conduct a census.

Critics branded Kirchner’s tough political style and strongly worded attacks on big business, journalists and political rivals as authoritarian. When farmers rebelled over a tax hike on soy exports in 2008, he accused them of plotting a coup and told supporters to boycott companies that hiked prices. He increased state control over the economy and nationalized several companies. Kirchner focused on cementing political alliances at home to shore up his administration and that of his wife, but he was secretary general of South America’s regional grouping Unasur and had close links with fellow L atin American lef tists such as Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, who called his death “a huge loss”.

Chavez declared three days of national mourning and leaders including US President Barack Obama and Chilean President Sebastian Pinera sent messages of condolence. Felipe Sola, an Argentine lawmaker who split from the government to join the ranks of a dissident Peronist party wing, called his rival Kirchner “a formidable fighter”. “I’ve criticized him and I’ve defended him, but I’ve always admired his ability and recog-

nized him as a unique politician,” Sola said.

Kirchner also won praise for his efforts to bring military leaders to trial for human rights crimes committed during the nation’s 1976-1983 dictatorship, in which as many as 30,000 people were killed in a crackdown on leftist dissent.

When his wife succeeded him, many commentators compared the power couple to another husband-and-wife political dynasty to dominate Argentine politics former President Gen Juan Domingo Peron and his famous wife Evita.

Although he never formally confirmed his candidacy, Kirchner was widely expected to run at the next presidential election in Oct 2011, but concerns over his health increased after he underwent arterial procedures in February and September.

His wife’s government said Kirchner was rushed to hospital in the early hours of yesterday after suffering an apparent heart attack. Fernandez was with him when he was taken ill. Investors disliked Kirchner’s unorthodox economic policies, such as price controls and export freezes to curb inflation. Those policies have largely continued during his wife’s administration, and Argentine financial assets abroad rallied on news of his death. “For Argentina, as a credit and a country that is the recipient of investors’ money, there is no better scenario than having Kirchner out of the political arena,” said Roberto Sanchez-Dahl, an emerging market debt manager. — Agencies

Hundreds dead as twin disasters hit Indonesia Continued from Page 1 chain, which was closest to the epicenter and the worst hit. Bad weather had kept them away previously. The first cargo plane loaded with 16 tons of tents, medicine, food and clothes arrived yesterday afternoon, said disaster official Ade Edward. Four helicopters also landed in Sikakap, a town on North Pagai island, which will be the center of relief operations. “Finally we have a break in the weather,” said Edward, putting the number of people killed by the wave so far at 311. “We have a chance now to look for more than 400 still missing.” He said the searches would take place by helicopter.

The 7.7-magnitude quake struck late Monday just 20 km beneath the ocean floor on the same fault line along Sumatra island’s coast that caused a 2004 quake and monster Indian Ocean tsunami that killed 230,000 people in a dozen countries. The tsunami warning system installed after that disaster - which includes a series of buoys that detect sudden changes in water level and send alerts - began experiencing problems in 2009, said Fauzi, the head of the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency. As a result, he said, not a single siren sounded after Monday’s tsunami. It was unclear if a warning would have made a difference, since the islands worst affected

were so close to the epicenter that the tsunami would have reached them within minutes. The group that set up the system, the Germany-Indonesia agency Tsunami Early Warning System (GITEWS), could not be reached late yesterday.

About 1,300 km to the east in central Java, meanwhile, disaster officials were scouring the slopes of Indonesia’s most volatile volcano for survivors after it was rocked by an eruption Tuesday that killed at least 30 people, including an 83-yearold man who had refused to abandon his ceremonial post as caretaker of the mountain’s spirits. Seventeen others have been hospitalized, most with burns and respiratory problems. Maridjan - entrusted by a highly respected late king to watch over the volcano - has for years led ceremonies in which rice and flowers were thrown into the crater to appease the mountain.

“We found his body,” said Suseno, a rescue worker, amid reports that he was kneeling face-down on the floor, a typical Islamic prayer position, when he died.

More than 36,000 people have been evacuated from the mountain, according to the Indonesian Red Cross. Authorities warned those who fled Merapi’s wrath not to return during Wednesday’s lull in volcanic activity, but some villagers were desperate to check on crops and possessions left behind. In several areas, every-

thing - from the thinnest tree branches to chairs and tables inside homes - was caked with ash that looked like powdery snow.

The Tuesday night blast eased pressure that had been building up behind a lava dome perched on the crater. But experts warned the dome could still collapse, causing an avalanche of the blistering gas and debris trapped beneath it. “It’s a little calmer today,” said Surono, the chief of Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation. “No hot clouds, no rumbling. But a lot of energy is pent up back there. There’s no telling what’s next.” Both the quake and the volcanic eruption happened along Indonesia’s portion of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a series of fault lines that are prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity stretching from the Western Hemisphere through Japan and Southeast Asia.

Tsunami disaster officials, meanwhile, were still trying to get to more than a dozen villages on the Mentawais - a popular surfer’s destination that is usually reachable only by a 12-hour boat ride. But they were preparing for the worst yesterday. Officials say hundreds of wooden and bamboo homes were washed away in more than 20 villages, displacing more than 20,000 people. Many were seeking shelter in makeshift emergency camps or with family and friends. — AP

Controversy over rejection of sports panel Continued from Page 1 He stressed he will resubmit a new request to form the panel. The issue highlights severe divisions between a number of MPs, spearheaded by MP Marzouk AlGhanem, and members of the ruling family, topped by Sheikh Talal Al-Fahd Al-Sabah over the implementation of the sports laws.

In the meantime, several committee elected their office bearers. The financial and economic affairs committee elected MP Youssef Al-Zalzalah as its chairman and MP Abdulrahman Al-Anjari as its rapporteur, the same officials as in the previous term. The Legal and Legislative Committee elected MP Hussein Al-Huraiti as its head and MP Maasouma Al-Mubarak as its rapporteur. The women’s affairs pan-

el elected MP Mubarak as its chairperson and MP Salwa Al-Jassar as the rapporteur.

Speaking after his election, MP Anjari said he will ask for a report by the finance committee on the draft law of the chamber of commerce and industry to be sent back to the panel for revision. Liberal MPs are upset that the bill was hurriedly approved by the committee when three of the sevenmember panel were absent.

and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent similar cables.

Sheikh Saud has effectively led Ras AlKhaimah, the closest emirate geographically to Iran, since his older half-brother Sheikh Khalid was deposed as crown prince by decree in 2003. Saud was deemed “more suitable to implementing the interests of the UAE and its people”, a local official told Reuters in June.

Sheikh Khalid has campaigned for several years to regain the leadership. Most analysts believe he is unlikely to win power, but some said his quest - and his popularity in the emirate - could complicate the transition. In a video posted on his website yesterday, Sheikh Khalid said he had a legal right to rule Ras Al-Khaimah. “In the coming days and weeks I will be meeting with my family and friends and members of the Supreme Council, rulers of the emirates, outlining my agenda for the first hundred days of my lawful leadership pursuing legal implementation of my father’s vision for RAK,” he said in the video.

Sheikh Khalid did not attend his father’s funeral, a source close to the sheikh’s entourage said. Three cousins asked him to attend alone, but he said he wanted to go with security and other supporters, according to the source. Hundreds of people, among them Dubai ruler and UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al-Maktoum, gathered at the Sheikh Zayed mosque for Sheikh Saqr’s funeral. It was guarded by police with M-4 and M-16 assault rifles, with a military helicopter circling overhead. Blue and white camouflagepainted vehicles, some carrying heavy machine guns, were deployed at a roundabout not far from the mosque.

In a rare show of force by the UAE military, at least two dozen federal army and police vehicles, some with machineguns and water cannon, were stationed around Sheikh Khalid’s palace and dozens of sol-

diers deployed on foot in the surrounding streets. The palace entrance was blocked by barbed wire and sandbags and guarded by a group of armed men in traditional white robes. “I don’t think they expect any clashes but Khalid does have his supporters and the authorities will want to avoid a repeat of the situation in 2003 when there were some riots from people who opposed the decision (to appoint Saud),” said UAE blogger Ahmed Mansour, who comes from Ras Al-Khaimah.

Yousef Obaid Al-Nuaimi, a member of the UAE’s Federal National Council, told Reuters the succession process had been smooth. “The country’s leadership supported this transfer (of power) which took place smoothly. There are no problems,” he said. Emirati politics professor Abdulkhaleq Abdulla also said he did not expect any complications at a federal level. “I don’t foresee any real problems, I think the issue has been settled. The authorities in Abu Dhabi and at a federation level will not allow any sign of friction or instability,” he said.

Sheikh Khalid spent several years abroad before recently returning to the UAE, but stayed in the neighbouring emirate of Sharjah. He returned to his Ras AlKhaimah palace yesterday, a source close to him said. Ras Al-Khaimah, one of the poorer emirates of the UAE, sits on the Strait of Hormuz, through which 40 percent of the world’s seaborne oil passes. The emirate’s economy is based on industries like cement, pharmaceuticals and glass, and it is building a regional manufacturing and shipping hub.

Its gross domestic product accounts for 1.5 percent of the UAE’s economy.

Riad Kahwaji, head of the Dubai-based think-tank INEGMA, said Sheikh Khalid’s bid for the throne would amount to little more than a “media campaign” only if he gets the consent of UAE leaders. Kahwaji said Sheikh Khalid has in the past claimed to have met top Emirati officials in a bid to reclaim the throne, but no pictures or official statements ever emerged from the sup-

posed meetings. “If the tribal leaders in Ras Al-Khaimah and the rest of the UAE support the current crown prince as a ruler, then the situation will not escalate,” Kahwaji said. “Until now we have not heard any voices in Ras Al-Khaimah calling for the return of Sheikh Khalid.”

Pro-Western Sheikh Khaled accuses his brother of turning the emirate into a “rogue state” that Iran uses to circumvent UN sanctions. In yesterday’s message, he said: “I have watched with growing concern as Ras Al-Khaimah has recently strayed from my father’s lifelong mission of always putting the people first.” Sheikh Khaled had some time ago employed US firm Mercury Public Affairs to support his efforts to return to power. Mercury has claimed in a report that there are numerous small companies with close ties to Iran in Ras AlKhaimah’s free trade zone, which are used to bypass sanctions. The report also alleges that Iranian agents are deployed in the emirate.

But Kahwaji says the allegations are groundless. “There were international bodies which came here to investigate this matter but they found nothing,” he said.

“There is no concrete proof of cooperation with Iran.” Since becoming crown prince, the US-educated Sheikh Saud has steered the development of important ceramics, pharmaceutical, and cement industries in Ras Al-Khaimah, which is poor in natural resources and unlike some of the wealthier emirates, boasts no oil reserves. Portraits of the crown prince, the fourth son of Sheikh Saqr, adorn the streets of the emirate of some 250,000 people, along with banners proclaiming fidelity to him.

The UAE federal government announced an official mourning period of a week with flags at half mast at government ministries and institutions. Ras AlKhaimah local government offices will be closed for a week and those in the emirates of Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman and Umm AlQuwain will be closed for three days from today. — Agencies

the group.

The message broadcast by Al-Jazeera was accompanied by a still photo of bin L aden and a blurred picture of what appears to be policemen pulling off a woman’s veil to reveal her hair. The AlQaeda leader, who is believed hiding out in remote mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan, highlighted the French parliament’s passing of a law last month banning the wearing of a full-face veil in public. The ban, which will come into force early next year if it is not overturned by senior judges, triggered criticism in some Muslim countries, with Islamic authorities in Asia warning that it could spark a violent backlash. “As you wrongly have decided that you have the right to ban Muslim women from wearing the veil, is it not our right to drive out your conquerors by killing them?” bin Laden asked.

Paris-based expert on Middle Eastern Islamist groups, Dominique Thomas, told AFP that the message was also a “bless-

ing” to the Al-Qaeda jihadists who carried out the kidnappings. “By sending this message to France, bin Laden also sends a message to ... militants to thank them for the kidnapping,” Thomas told AFP. “It’s like a blessing. In his message, bin Laden is saying: France undermines the values of Islam, so we injure its interests,” said the French expert. “Today there is a real stigma against France, considered by AlQaeda as one of the major enemies of Islam and the ummah (Islamic nation), along with the United States and Israel,” he said.

The last message from the elusive AlQaeda chief was in early October, when he issued a call for aid to flood victims in Pakistan. Bin Laden’s whereabouts are unknown, but in August, the US commander in Afghanistan, General David Petraeus, said he is “far buried” in the remote mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan and that capturing him remains a key task. — AFP

Laden warns France Continued from Page 1 which could not immediately be verified. The seven hostages - five French nationals, a Togolese and a Madagascan were seized in a Niger uranium-mining town on the night of Sept 15 to Sept 16.

They are believed by intelligence agents in countries concerned to be held in an area of the Sahara desert in neighbouring Mali.

“The kidnapping of your experts in Niger... is in retaliation for the tyranny you practice against our Muslim nation,” bin Laden said of the abductions, which have been claimed by Al-Qaeda’s North African branch. On September 30, Al-Qaeda’s North African branch posted a photograph and audio recordings of the seven hostages, who were mostly working for the French nuclear group Areva and its subcontractors. The French government has indicated it is willing to talk to the kidnappers, but has received no contact from

Poland gives ‘victim’ status to Qaeda Saudi Continued from Page 1 George Tenet, who was in charge of the agency when the Polish site operated, as well as John McLaughlin, Porter Goss and Michael Hayden. They also want testimony from two former US ambassadors to Poland and from the pilots of the various flights that ferried the suspects in and out of Poland. It’s unclear how likely any of them are to testify. Former US intelligence officials have said the spy agency operated the site, code-named “Quartz”, in northern Poland from Dec 2002 to the fall of 2003. Human rights activists and lawyers for Al-Nashiri say their client was tortured in Poland and denied a fair trial for nine years.

Al-Nashiri’s lawyers believe he hasn’t been tried yet because he was subjected to waterboarding and other harsh interro-

gation techniques in Poland and Thailand, making any evidence obtained at the black sites problematic to introduce in a court of law. Former US intelligence officials have told the AP that Al-Nashiri was captured in Dubai in Nov 2002 and taken first to a secret CIA prison in Afghanistan known as the Salt Pit. After a brief stay, he was flown to a CIA prison in Thailand and then transported to Poland on Dec 5, 2002, along with accused terrorist Abu Zubayda, the former officials said.

According to the former intelligence officials and an internal CIA special review of the program, Al-Nashiri was subjected to harsh interrogation methods. They say that an agency officer named Albert revved a bitless power drill near AlNashiri’s while he was naked and hooded in the Polish prison. The CIA officer also took an unloaded semiautomatic handgun

to the cell where Al-Nashiri was shackled and racked the weapon’s ammunition chamber once or twice next to his head, according to the review. The US officials spoke about the prison and Al-Nashiri’s case on condition of anonymity because details of the secret program remain classified. The details of where the incidents took place and who was involved were first reported by the AP in September.

According to the former officials and flight records, Al-Nashiri was moved from Poland to Rabat, Morocco, on June 6, 2003, and then moved repeatedly to and from CIA sites in Guantanamo, Rabat and Romania until he was finally returned to Guantanamo in September 2006. Al-Nashiri’s case is in limbo as the White House decides whether to prosecute him in a US military or a federal civilian court. — AP

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NHL results/standings NHL results and standings on Tuesday.

Toronto 3, Florida 1; Philadelphia 6, Buffalo 3; Ottawa 5, Phoenix 2; Calgary 5, Edmonton 4 (SO); Anaheim 5, Dallas 2; Vancouver 4, Colorado 3 (OT).

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L OTL GF GA PTS Pittsburgh 5 3 1 27 20 11 NY Islanders 4 2 2 26 23 10 NY Rangers 4 2 1 22 20 9 Philadelphia 4 4 1 25 24 9 New Jersey 2 6 1 15 30 5 Northeast Division Toronto 5 2 1 23 19 11 Montreal 5 2 1 20 18 11 Boston 4 2 0 18 11 8 Ottawa 3 5 1 21 28 7 Buffalo 3 6 1 27 30 7 Southeast Division Tampa Bay 5 2 1 27 27 11 Washington 5 3 0 23 21 10 Carolina 4 3 0 21 21 8 Atlanta 3 4 1 23 29 7 Florida 3 4 0 18 15 6 Western Conference Central Division Nashville 5 0 3 21 17 13 Detroit 5 1 1 23 18 11 Chicago 5 4 1 29 28 11 St Louis 4 1 2 19 14 10 Columbus 5 3 0 20 22 10 Northwest Division Calgary 6 3 0 26 21 12 Vancouver 4 3 2 24 24 10 Colorado 4 4 1 28 33 9 Minnesota 3 3 2 23 23 8 Edmonton 2 4 1 19 26 5 Pacific Division Los Angeles 6 2 0 25 19 12 Dallas 5 3 0 26 22 10 Anaheim 4 5 1 26 35 9 San Jose 3 3 1 19 21 7 Phoenix 2 3 3 19 24 7 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the standings and are not included in the loss column (L).

DALLAS: Jonas Hiller No. 1 of the Anaheim Ducks stops Adam Burish No. 16 of the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. —AFP

Ryan leads Ducks over Stars DALLAS: Bobby Ryan scored twice as the Anaheim Ducks beat the Dallas Stars 5-2 in the NHL on Tuesday. Jonas Hiller made 35 saves for Anaheim, while Teemu Selanne scored his 611th NHL goal, breaking a tie with Bobby Hull to assume sole possession of 15th place on the all-time list.

Selanne also had an assist to give him 801 points with the Ducks.

Corey Perry also scored, and enforcer George Parros notched a rare goal as Anaheim wrapped up a 2-2 road trip. Loui Eriksson and Brian Sutherby scored for the Stars, who have managed only two goals in two games.

Canucks 4, Avalanche 3 In Vancouver, Mason Raymond scored on a lucky bounce 28 seconds into overtime and Vancouver recovered from blowing a late lead to beat Colorado.

Peter Schaefer’s first goal in 2 1/2 years put Vancouver ahead five minutes into the third period, but Colorado’s Matt Duchene tied it with 1:33 left in regulation.

Vancouver’s Jeff Tambellini also scored for the second straight game since being moved up to the top line, and Ryan Kesler added a power-play goal for the Canucks, who are unbeaten in five games at home, David Jones and Daniel

Winnik also had goals for the Avalanche, which dropped its third straight. It also lost No. 1 goalie Craig Anderson to a knee injury during the pregame warmup.

Colorado’s John-Michael Liles set the NHL record for defenseman by notching at least one assist in each of the first nine games.

Maple Leafs 3, Panthers 1 In Toronto, the hosts beat Florida, with enforcer Colton Orr scoring the winning goal after knocking over goalie Scott Clemmensen.

The teams were locked in a tight-checking game until Orr netted the decisive goal with 8:58 left.

After slamming into Clemmensen, Orr tipped a shot from linemate Tim Brent into the wide open net. Clemmensen argued his case with the referee to no avail. Tyler Bozak and Phil Kessel also scored for the Maple Leafs. Dennis Wideman had the sole goal for Florida.

Flyers 6, Sabres 3 In Philadelphia, the home team survived a third-period flurry to beat Buffalo. Jeff Carter scored a goal and had two assists, while

Westwood, Kaymer set to unseat Woods

PARIS: Tiger Woods is wifeless, titleless and this weekend will no longer be golf world number one after a record 281 weeks at the top.

That honour instead will fall to either Englishman Lee Westwood or young German Martin Kaymer, who is the in-form golfer of the moment having won three straight European Tour tournaments including the final major of the season the PGA Championship in the United States. Westwood, who has yet to win a major but who was runner-up in both the Masters and the British Open this year, could even become number one without hitting a shot in anger if Kaymer fails to finish in the top two at the Andalucia Masters which gets underway today.

Kaymer, though, will face a classy field that includes Northern Ireland’s Ryder Cup hero and US Open champion Graeme McDowell, who is keen also to edge the German in the Race to Dubai standings.

Indeed 25-year-old Kaymer to ensure he takes number one and become the second German to top the rankings - Bernhard Langer was top for three weeks - has to either finish on his own in second or share second with just one player.

Whether it is Westwood or Kaymer they will be the fifth player to displace the American, but the first since Woods went back to the top replacing Fiji’s Vijay Singh in June 2005.

Woods, who had one of his better Ryder Cups in October winning two matches with Steve Stricker before crushing Francesco Molinari four and three in the singles, is resigned to losing his number one status but believes things are on the upturn.

“I am more at peace now,” Woods said last week. “I think that I come from a much better place, much more grounded place than I ever have before.

“All in all it was a long, frustrating year, but in the end it turned out that everything’s headed in a positive direction now,” added the father of two, whose divorce from former Swedish model Elin Nordegren in late August is reported to have cost him anywhere between 100 million and 500 million dollars.

While Woods’ fortunes have plummeted,

both Kaymer and Westwood have taken full advantage. Kaymer, who had a respectable Ryder Cup debut returning 2 1/2 points only blotting his copybook with a six and four thrashing by Dustin Johnson in the singles, has admitted that what he has achieved in such a short space of time is beginning to affect him.

“To have done what I have done in such a short time in only five years of being a professional is quite amazing,” he said last week.

“It takes a while to come to terms with the fact that you are a proven winner. For me its not normal to have done what I’ve done so far, especially this year,” added the modest German.

To many golf fans, though, Westwood would, for the moment, appear to have more right to the throne than Kaymer after years of outstanding performances.

The 37-year-old was sidelined for six weeks with a calf muscle injury but showed his class in again leading from the front at the Ryder Cup. He formed a strong partnership with Kaymer, yielding 1 1/2 points from their two matches, only losing his singles match to Steve Stricker.

The Englishman, who pledged his loyalty to the European Tour just after the Ryder Cup, would also be a popular number one with Kaymer. “I see him (Westwood) as a role model, one of the very best golfers we have in Europe and he is also such a nice guy,” Kaymer said after winning the last of his three tournaments the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Westwood has again been forced to rest because of his troublesome calf, though, he intends to play in Shanghai next week where Woods is also due to compete.

However, the 20-times winner on the European Tour made it clear when he played at the Dunhill where he would place being number one on his achievements. “I think it would be the greatest thing I’ve ever done, without a doubt,” he said.

“I think everybody would like to be able to say they were the best player in the world — anybody who plays professional sport. “We all know how much work goes into it and to have the accolade of looking at a list and seeing number one against your name means a lot.” —AFP

Danny Briere and Claude Giroux each added a goal and an assist for Philadelphia. Nikolay Zherdev, Darroll Powe and Andreas Nodl also scored for the Flyers.

Buffalo’s Thomas Vanek scored in the first period, and Tyler Myers and Steve Montador added goals in the third for the Sabres.

Flames 5, Oilers 4 In Calgary, the hosts made it five wins in six games by beating Edmonton in a shootout. Brendan Morrison scored two goals and Alex Tanguay netted the shootout winner for Calgary.

The Flames looked to be in

control when they built a 4-1 late in the second period, but the Oilers forced overtime with a furious comeback.

Miikka Kiprusoff stopped Ales Hemsky, Jordan Eberle and Dustin Penner in the shootout to secure the Flames’ third straight win. Jay Bouwmeester and Curtis Glencross also scored regulation goals for Calgary.

Kurtis Foster, Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi and Tom Gilbert had goals for the Oilers, who are winless in their past five.

Senators 5, Coyotes 2 In Ottawa, Alex Kovalev com-

bined with Erik Karlsson for the fastest two goals in Ottawa history, leading the Senators past Phoenix.

Karlsson and Kovalev scored 9 seconds apart in the first period to break the previous team record by 1 second. Karlsson’s goal was still being announced when Kovalev made it 2-0, breaking a modern franchise record set 15 years earlier.

Kovalev scored twice and added an assist, while Chris Kelly also netted for Ottawa. Sami Lepisto and Keith Yandle got goals for Phoenix, which has lost three in a row. —AP

Finnish former ski chiefs charged in doping action

Lee Westwood of England

HELSINKI: A Finnish prosecutor charged a cross-country skier and three former ski officials with fraud yesterday in a 1998 doping scandal.

Prosecutor Mikko Jaatinen said the men are suspected of giving false information during an investigation into claims of widespread doping in Finnish cross-country skiing during the 1990s.

The suspects are former top skier Jari Rasanen and Finnish Ski Association officials Antti Leppavuori, Jari Piirainen and Pekka Vahasoyrinki. All have denied the charges. If found guilty, they face maximum prison sentences of four years.

Police opened an investigation into the doping claims in April 2008 when Finnish Channel Four TV reported that the ski body had covered up “an organized and systematic use of banned substances” by Finnish skiers in the 1990s. It did not name a source.

Two months later, former ski coach Kari-Pekka Kyro repeated earlier allegations that there had been systematic doping among Finnish skiers and that Piirainen, who had been the ski organization’s secretary-general, and other trainers knew about it.

Earlier this year, former Olympic cross-country champion Mika Myllyla, who was involved in Finland’s largest doping scandal in 2001 in Lahti, admitted using the banned blood-booster EPO. He told Channel Four he admitted using the endurance-enhancing drug during questioning last year by officers of the National Bureau of Investigation. He gave no other details.

Myllyla, who has not competed since a two-year doping ban ended in 2003, was one of six Finnish cross-country skiers who tested positive for banned substances at the Lahti world championships.

The skiers tested positive for HES, a banned plasma expander, forfeiting four medals, including the men’s team gold in the 4x10kilometer relay and the women’s silver in the 4x5-kilometer relay.

The charges read yesterday relate to a 1998 story by the Finnish news agency STT which accused world champion Rasanen of buying growth hormones supposedly stolen from a hospital in Sweden. The news agency also claimed that Finnish ski officials planned to buy large amounts of the performance-enhancing substances.

The writer of the STT report, Johanna Aatsalo-Sallinen, and editor-in-chief at the time Kari Vaisanen were sued for libel. They resigned when the case went to court. The court found them guilty, but an appeals court in 2000 revoked their sentences.

The Helsinki Court of Appeal quashed a 40-day suspended jail sentence for Vaisanen and instead ordered him to be fined $1,950. It threw out a 30-day suspended sentence for Aatsalo-Sallinen and fined her $915. It also ordered that Rasanen be paid $18,500 in damages, down from $50,000 ordered by a lower court.

The trial against Rasanen, Leppavuori, Piirainen and Vahasoyrinki will open in the Helsinki District Court at a date yet to be set. —AP

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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Giants face dominant Lee in World Series

SAN FRANCISCO: Texas Rangers’ Cliff Lee stands in front of teammates as he gets ready to throw during practice for Game 1 of baseball’s World Series against the San Francisco Giants. —AP

SAN FRANCISCO: Texas Rangers’ Josh Hamilton goes after a fly ball during practice for Game 1 of baseball’s World Series against the San Francisco Giants. —AP

SAN FRANCISCO: Workers paint the field at AT&T Park before practice for Game 1 of baseball’s World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Texas Rangers. —AP

Huge thefts reported from C’wealth Games venues NEW DELHI: Officials have reported thefts from the main Commonwealth Games stadium and athletes’ village, police said yesterday, as authorities were investigating allegations of corruption and construction delays that marred the event.

Police said computers, mobile phones and modems have been stolen from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, while three sound barriers went missing from the complex that housed nearly 7,000 athletes during the Oct. 3-14 games.

The reports of looting add more trouble to an already clouded legacy for the games, which India had hoped would showcase its growing economic power and help shed its old cliches of poverty and illiteracy.

Instead, its image was battered by chaotic last-minute efforts to get ready for the event. And as the games

ended, the federal government ordered a three-month investigation into allegations of corruption and mismanagement, while newspapers have run daily stories alleging millions of dollars were pocketed by organizing committee officials.

The newest thefts, reported by the organizing committee this week, appeared to be inside jobs possibly by workers dismantling equipment, as police have been blocking outsiders from entering the areas, New Delhi police officer KC Dwivedi said. The Times of India said the barriers had been imported from Germany at a cost of nearly 30 million rupees ($660,000).

Organizing committee spokesman Lalit Bhanot was not immediately available for comment Wednesday.

Thousands of promotional banners — depicting the games’ smiling cartoon tiger mascot — have also disappeared from

sites across the Indian capital.

Meanwhile, the New Delhi High Court has allowed a government agency to collect 900 million rupees ($20 million) in damages from Dubai-based real estate company EmaarMGF for not completing the project on time.

The amount represents half the total bank guarantee for the contract with the Delhi Development Authority to build more than 1,000 apartments, dining and training facilities and several temporary recreational rooms in the athletes’ village.

Emaar-MGF has blamed government agencies for the delay in laying pipelines and building roads at the village.

The Commonwealth Games — an Olympic-style competition held every four years for former British colonies — brought together nearly 7,000 athletes and officials from 71 countries and territories. —AP

SAN FRANCISCO: The World Series gets underway late yesterday, when the San Francisco Giants will become the latest team faced with the challenge of taking on the supposedly unbeatable Texas Rangers pitcher Cliff Lee. Lee has been flawless in career postseason games, boasting a 7-0 record with a miserly earned run average of 1.26. He went 3-0 this year in the American League playoffs, striking out 34 and walking just one.

His superb strikeout-to-walk ratio has prompted many to suggest the best strategy is to hit the first strike he throws, rather than risk falling behind in the count. “People love to talk about Cliff throwing strikes but it’s not like he’s just gunning balls down the middle of the plate,” Texas third baseman Michael Young said.

“There’s a big difference between throwing strikes and throwing quality strike after quality strike.” A win over the Giants will tie Lee for the best start in postseason history — Orlando

Hernandez won his first eight decisions.

Lee has been equally perfect against the Giants — three starts, three wins and a 1.13 ERA. He last faced them in 2009 in his first start after being traded from Cleveland to Philadelphia, and won comfortably.

“Weather and clubhouse and the bullpens” are different, he said.

“Once you get on the mound, it’s 60 feet, 6 inches and you’ve still got a professional hitter in there trying to do damage off of you. To me, that doesn’t really matter that much.”

Whether its superstition or just being comfortable, Lee doesn’t like to change his cap, glove or cleats during the season. Sometimes he has to — he’s been traded four times in his career, most recently from Seattle to Texas this year.

Lee found himself with mixed emotions watching Philadelphia, where he won twice in the World Series last year, play San Francisco in the

National League Championship Series.

He was friendly with many of his former Phillies teammates, but admitted “I didn’t mind seeing them get beat because they got rid of me.” His fellow Texas pitchers are the current beneficiaries from Lee’s presence.

“I’ve become more like Cliff in my preparation since he’s been here,” starter C.J. Wilson said. “I watch what he does through an order, and if they don’t adapt he doesn’t have to.

Whereas I used to get into trouble before, where I would adapt maybe before the hitters showed me an adjustment, and I would basically turn into their strengths. But Cliff trusts his strengths to the degree that he doesn’t think he has to do anything different from game to game.”

Several of the Giants have faced Lee many times. Juan Uribe is 11 for 37 (.297) with two homers against him. Jose Guillen is 9 for 25 (.360) with two homers. Aaron Rowand is 7

for 25 (.280) with four doubles and a home run. Aubrey Huff is 5 for 19 (.263).

Then there’s Cody Ross, who had played a handful of games in the majors and had only two career hits when he faced Cleveland’s Lee in 2003. Ross struck out looking his first time up, but in his next at-bat, launched the first grand slam ever allowed by Lee. Both Ross and Lee have come quite a way since then. They haven’t faced each other since, either. Ross promises his team will be ready for baseball’s No. 1 postseason ace, having already solved the supposedly unbeatable Roy Halladay of Philadelphia in the NLCS opener.

“It was the Halladay show a week ago after he threw the no-hitter against the Reds,” Ross said. “We’re not surprising anybody, believe me.

Everybody knows how good our pitching staff is. But we prefer for everyone to talk about everybody else.” —AP

F1 supremo Ecclestone at 80 eyes another decade

LONDON: Red Bull and the evercheeky Sebastian Vettel presented Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone with a walking frame, equipped with steering wheel and front wing, as an 80th birthday gift last weekend.

The billionaire Briton, who will be reaching his milestone on Thursday with plenty of energy but not much in the way of a celebration, saw the joke.

On current form, there is about as much chance of Ecclestone needing the present as there is of Ferrari making affordable family runabouts or Lewis Hamilton deciding to pack it in to become a parking attendant.

The former second-hand car salesman, who turned Formula One from a sport for oil-streaked ‘garagistes’ into a billion-dollar glamour business, has no intention of giving up his globe-trotting, deal-making lifestyle for an armchair and slippers any time in the next decade.

“Retire? Why? I need the money, I can’t afford to retire,” the master of the throwaway quip told Reuters at Sunday’s South Korean Grand Prix in Yeongam as he inspected the latest addition to his global circus.

“I don’t worry. Age is nothing.

People make me laugh when they talk about one year to the next year,” he added with a smile. “One day you’re one age and a day later you’re another age. It’s all nonsense.

“I’m like Obama, I like to move forward.” Ecclestone, a bespectacled Andy Warhol lookalike in pressed blue jeans and with the theme from the film ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ as his mobile ringtone, needs more money about as much as he needs the Zimmer frame.

As he has explained on countless occasions, it is a way of keeping the score more than anything, a means of measuring achievement rather than keeping the wolf at the door. In his London office, he has a sculpture of a pile of $100 bills.

By any standards, he has been a success-from selling buns at a markup to schoolmates to making his first fortune trading motorcycles in fuelstarved post-war Britain and then making a mint in Formula One. A natural dealmaker, with a softlyspoken manner that belies his Machiavellian streak, Ecclestone has a reputation for being uncompromising and almost obsessively neat, with the odd wisecrack thrown in.

One of the advantages of old age, he once suggested, was that the fear of life imprisonment was no longer what it was.

The sport, with a record 20-race calendar lined up for next season and new races on the horizon in India, Russia and the United States, can thank his magic touch for keeping the money pipeline flowing.

Job done, Ecclestone usually leaves the circuit as soon as the grid walk is over and the race started. The concern, ever present for manufacturers and other stake-holders, is what happens when he is no longer there at all?

Ecclestone, who got into hot water last year when he suggested Adolf Hitler was a man “who got things done”, is by his own admission a dictator-a man who does a deal on a handshake, has a fondness for the office shredder and an aversion to email and written contracts.

“I don’t think democracy is the way to run anything,” he said recent-

YEONGAM: Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone (second left) talks with Red Bull-Renault driver Mark Webber (left) of Australia, McLaren-Mercedes driver Jenson Button (second right) of Britain and Red Bull-Renault driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany as they pose for photographers before a press conference at the Korean International Circuit. —AFP ly. “Whether it’s a company or anything, you need someone who is going to turn the lights on and off.”

There is no obvious successor lined up for a ringmaster who went through a triple heart bypass in 1999 (“I recommend everybody has one,” he said later) and was more recently divorced from his Croatian wife Slavica, who towered above him, after 26 years together.

“He’s an extraordinary individual, when you think of an 80-year-old who is still rushing around in the way he is and the energy that he has,” McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh told Reuters.

“He intends to be here in 10 years’ time because this is his life, isn’t it?

“He will be here until sadly he will be incapacitated by some force of nature.

So that’s very clear,” added the Briton. “It’s a bit like some performers who just can’t stop and they’ve got to carry on and he’s one of those people.”

Whitmarsh said the lack of an heir apparent was not ideal but he also recognised it as a situation that was not going to change.

“Those of us who are still around, if we manage to survive, when he finally is no longer around will have to find a way to bring it together,” he said.

“But he is not capable of either choosing, grooming or trusting a successor, frankly.”

International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Jean Todt, another diminutive dynamo who replaced Ecclestone’s long-term ally Max Mosley last year, brushed off any concern from the governing body’s part.

“I must say it is extraordinary to see this guy, days before he is to be 80, how motivated, how switched on he can be,” he said after the two most powerful men in motorsport had met in the Yeongam paddock.

“I really wish to be in the same situation at his age. It’s fascinating.” The

Frenchman likened Ecclestone to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Berkshire Hathaway head Warren Buffett, two billionaires closely identified with firms that would also one day have to move into a new phase without them.

“Bernie is a very smart guy. He has sold his company to (private equity firm) CVC, and in fact the responsibility of the future of Formula One is more to CVC than to Bernie,” Todt said.

“It’s up to them. I’m sure Bernie will be a big contributor, but...Bernie is not the right guy, knowing him, to say who do you think it should be?

Because he doesn’t see any successor. he’s very happy, he’s fit, motivated, he loves it.

“CVC are very smart business people...the companies that are legendary are still living, making profits and innovations,” added the Frenchman.

“I am sure that Formula One has a very strong future.” —Reuters

FIFA studies England’s demand for Russian apology ZURICH: England’s complaint that 2018 World Cup bid rival Russia broke competition rules by criticizing London was being studied by FIFA yesterday, as Moscow’s most senior football official branded the move “absolutely primitive.”

FIFA said in a statement that the dispute is “currently pending” and it had contacted both countries’ bid committees.

England’s bid confirmed on Tuesday that it filed an official complaint last week about reported comments by Russian bid leader Alexey Sorokin that London has a high crime rate and youth drinking problem.

England demanded a formal apology as tensions rise approaching the scheduled Dec. 2 vote, which also involves Belgium-Netherlands and Spain-Portugal.

Sorokin refused, saying his comments in a Russian newspaper were mistranslated and that he would explain the

original statement if required.

Russia remained defiant yesterday, as a veteran of FIFA politics dismissed England’s case as destined to fail.

“There is no reason for Russia to fear sanctions. There won’t even be an investigation,” said Vyacheslav Koloskov, who spent 28 years on FIFA’s executive committee in two spells until stepping down in May 2009.

He was replaced on the 24-man panel by Russia’s sports minister Vitaly Mutko.

Koloskov, who joined the Russian bid committee in January as an international relations expert, spoke at FIFA headquarters where he helped conduct the draw for the Club World Cup. “It’s a comical situation. The English are afraid of how badly their bid is going,” Koloskov was quoted as saying by Russian website championat.ru. “Instead of talking about their own advantages and

merits, they try to disorient their rivals.”

Koloskov’s comments appeared to push the limits of FIFA’s rule that warns bidders not to attack other candidates.

FIFA has empowered its ethics committee to monitor bidders’ behavior in the two-year lobbying contest.

Candidates are also forbidden from offering inducements to the 24 voters on FIFA’s executive committee or making vote-trading deals.

The ethics panel is currently investigating two voters, four former executive members and two bidders for alleged corruption in the 2018 and 2022 contests. Chaired by lawyer and former Switzerland international player Claudio Sulser, the panel is expected to publish its findings on Nov. 17.

The 2022 World Cup hosting race is between the United States, Australia, Japan South Korea and Qatar. —AP

Thursday, October 28, 2010

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LeBron back where it ended for same old result BOSTON: LeBron James’ Miami Heat looked an awful lot like LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers. The Heat fizzled in the debut of their superstar threesome, scoring just nine points in their first quarter of the season and falling behind the Celtics by 15 points at halftime.

James took over in the second half, scoring 21 of his 31 points, but it wasn’t enough to keep Boston from handing him another disappointment.

With chants of “Over-rated!” raining down on the NBA’s alleged superteam, the Celtics closed out an 88-80 victory and reminded Miami that it’s not so easy to slap together three stars and learn to win right away.

James left Cleveland for Miami because he decided that he couldn’t win a championship without more help than the Cavaliers could give him. But even with Dwyane

Wade and Chris Bosh, he still needed more Tuesday.

In what was being called the most anticipated regular-season game in NBA history, the league’s newest superteam scored just nine points in the first quarter and lost 88-80 to Boston on Tuesday night. The nine points in the first was fewer than the much less-talented Heat scored in any quarter last season; same with James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, for that matter. It’s only one game, but it’s an early reminder that paper talent doesn’t always translate into a winning team, especially when superstars and their egos are involved.

Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen were able to do it in Boston from the start, winning their first eight games in 2007-08 and 29 of their first 32 en route to the franchise’s 17th NBA title.

“They sacrificed everything. They didn’t worry about points or rebounds, anything individual,” James said before the game.

“They just went out to compete as a team. I don’t think I have to score a lot for us to be in the game, because we have a lot of options.”

But Miami was having little success before James took over and scored 15 points in the third quarter. Wade finished with 13 points on 4-for-16 shooting, and Bosh had eight points, making 3-of-11 shots. It was James’ first time back at the new Boston Garden since the Celtics eliminated his Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals last spring, a second playoff loss in three years that helped convince him he could never be a champion in Cleveland. “I’m excited about this new start. I’m excited about this season. I’m excited about this team and this franchise,”

LOS ANGELES: The Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA championship trophy and rings are displayed during a ceremony before a basketball game against the Houston Rockets. — AP

Lakers reserves earn tense opening victory LOS ANGELES: The Los Angeles Lakers were indebted to bench players Shannon Brown and Steve Blake as they launched their NBA championship defense with a nail-biting 112-110 win over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday.

Brown knocked in four three-pointers and fellow guard Blake slotted three, the last of them with just 18.8 seconds left on the clock, as the Lakers came from 15 points behind.

The lead changed hands four times in the last minute of a gripping contest at the Staples Center before Blake’s final shot effectively sealed the win.

“We just didn’t seem to find traction until Shannon and Steve got in the ballgame and changed the context,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson told reporters. “It was a great effort by those two. They gave us a big rally.”

Kobe Bryant, though not at his best after having off-season surgery on his right knee, scored 27 points for the Lakers while Spanish forward Pau Gasol added a game-high 29 along with 11 rebounds. Brown ended up with 16 points and Blake with 10.

“We still have to get a feel for being back in the competition,” said Gasol. “By the third quarter, we finally settled down and understood what we needed to do to make things happen.”

Kevin Martin top-scored with 26 points and fellow guard Aaron Brooks contributed 24, including four threepointers, for the Rockets who led throughout the second and third quarters.

Yao Ming, who missed all of last season because of a fractured bone in his left foot, contributed 11 rebounds and nine points for Houston after playing only 23 minutes.

The evening began on a high note for the Lakers when last season’s team and coaching staff were presented with diamond-encrusted gold championship rings.

Veteran forward Ron Artest, who joined the team before last season, then urged the sellout crowd to look upwards as the 2009-10 NBA championship banner was unveiled in the Staples Center rafters, sparking frenzied applause. With the ceremony over, both teams displayed early-season rust but the Rockets, helped by three threepointers from Brooks, took advantage of poor Lakers defense to race into a 33-26 lead after the first quarter.

Los Angeles, initially struggling with their outside game, trailed by 15 when Brooks knocked in another threepointer late in the second period before a Bryant jumper and two free throws trimmed the deficit to 62-51 by halftime. Gasol and Bryant, finally gelling superbly on offense, sparked a rousing Lakers fightback in the third quarter which ended with guard Blake scoring two three-pointers for Houston’s lead to be cut to 82-77.

Two free throws by Matt Barnes levelled the score early in the fourth period before a Barnes drive for a layup put the Lakers ahead for the first time since the opening quarter.

Brown coolly knocked in a three-pointer to give the home team a 91-86 cushion before adding two more in a dizzying 21-second sequence to send the partisan crowd into a frenzy.

Leading 99-91, the Lakers inexplicably lost control at both ends of the court as the Rockets began to claw their way back to set up a thrilling finale.

“They’re the world champs and we knew it was going to be tough,” Houston coach Rick Adelman said. “I thought we responded pretty well. For about seven minutes, we just didn’t play the way we’re capable of and they got back in the game.”

Houston will visit the Golden State Warriors late yesterday while the Lakers are next in action against the Suns in Phoenix Friday. — Reuters

LOS ANGELES: Lakers guard Steve Blake (right) scores the winning basket over Houston Rockets guard Aaron Brooks during the second half of an NBA basketball game. —AP

James said before the game. “I’m excited to get it going in a city where (I’ve) struggled.”

The sold-out crowd — a single ticket in the luxury suites was listed at $18,824 a few hours before the game — booed James virtually every time he touched the ball and delighted in Miami’s early struggles. But that was no different than when James with the Cavaliers.

Returning to the building where his Cleveland career ended _ one round after Wade and the Heat were knocked out of the playoffs _ James avoided questions about the controversial summer in which he became the NBA’s biggest villain except to say, “It was pretty long.” “This is fun. This is the best time of the year,” he said. “I’m at a point where I’m looking forward to playing the games.” Under the banners for the Celtics’ 17 NBA championships — includ-

ing the 2008 one that was hung at James’ expense — the former Cleveland superstar sat in his Adidas warmups chatting with a Nike representative while reporters surrounded teammates Wade and Bosh following the morning shootaround.

When those scrums dispersed, nearly a dozen cameras sauntered over to take video of James, just sitting there. “I feel like a fish in a fish tank,” James said. “How fast can he swim?” Wade won the 2006 NBA title in Miami, but the Heat lost to the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs last season and the Cavaliers followed them out through the very same locker room doors.

Wade was disappointed but determined after the playoff loss, vowing that he would stay with the Heat only if he got some help.

Team president Pat Riley got him Bosh and James, along with a handful of role players who flocked to Miami for the chance to play

with the three stars. Now they’re back in the building where it all ended, and it all started.

Since signing with the Heat, James has become beloved in Miami. He remains a respected rival in Boston. But he’s still hated back in Ohio.

A radio host in Cleveland hired a witch doctor to try to jinx James and his attempt to win a title elsewhere. WMMS-FM broadcast the ceremony on Tuesday morning, claiming to use bones, blood and a James jersey to cast a curse on the twotime MVP. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said that the attention — neither good nor bad — wouldn’t affect his team. “We’re not running away from the attention, the expectations or the pressure,” he said. “We feel like we’re getting attacked on all sides, but once you step on the court, it all just goes away.”—AP

Celtics cool Heat

BOSTON: The Boston Celtics spoiled the opening act of LeBron James’ latest quest for a NBA title by defeating the Miami Heat 88-80 on Tuesday in a highly anticipated matchup of Eastern Conference powerhouses.

James, the two-time MVP who signed with the Heat as a free agent in the off-season after seven seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, scored 31 points but had eight turnovers in the season-opener for both teams.

“We all know Rome wasn’t built in one day, so it’s going to take time, and we understand that,” said James, who hit 10 of 21 shots but had trouble finding his rhythm from the outside. “We have to keep on making progress every day and just continue to get better.”

Boston held a comfortable 60-45 lead with three minutes left in the third quarter but James scored nine points during a 12-3 Miami run that cut the Celtics’ lead to 63-57.

Miami trimmed their deficit to 68-64 but a lay-in by Glen Davis and a three-pointer by Paul Pierce hiked the lead to 73-64.

James made a driving layup with 1:10 left to cut the Heat’s deficit to 83-80 but Ray Allen responded with a threepointer from the corner to hike the lead to 86-80 with 49 seconds remaining and send the crowd into a frenzy.

Miami guard Dwyane Wade, who missed most of the preseason with a hamstring injury, had an awful game, scoring 13 points on four of 16 shots with six turnovers.

Wade admitted he was “a little bit out of rhythm, of course” and appeared undaunted the Heat’s season opened with a loss.

“This is one of 82,” said Wade. “Sorry if everyone thought we were going to go 82-0. It just ain’t happening.”

The Celtics, who shot better and played with greater energy, were led by Allen, who finished with 20 points, and Pierce, who had 19.

“It was a fun game,” said Celtics coach Doc Rivers.

“They’re going to be a lot better when we see them again, and hopefully we are, as well.”

James and Chris Bosh, a free agent who also signed in the off-season with Miami, joined Wade with the hope of leading the franchise to its first title since 2006.

While James played well in spots, Wade and Bosh were nothing short of awful at a raucous, sold-out Boston Garden, shooting a combined seven of 27 from the floor.

“We just missed shots,” said Bosh, who scored eight points on three of 11 from the field. “Sometimes they go in, sometimes they don’t.”

Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo scored only four points but had 17 assists for the Eastern Conference champions, whose fans endlessly chanted “over-rated, overrated” at the Heat players.

Celtics forward Kevin Garnett said the Heat were not “polished” or had “the whole chemistry thing down”yet.

“In order for them to get better, they’re going to have to continue to go through rough days and dog days, and that’s part of it,” he said.

“Lord knows we went through ours, and we learned from it, and I’m pretty sure they’ll do the same.” Boston will visit the Cavaliers late yesterday, while the Heat will be in Philadelphia to face the 76ers. —Reuters

BOSTON: Celtics forward Paul Pierce (left) hits the floor as he fouls Miami Heat forward LeBron James during the second half of an NBA basketball game. The Celtics won 88-80. — AP

Bastareaud handed World Cup warning PARIS: Stade Francais’ talented but troubled centre Mathieu Bastareaud was warned yesterday by France coach Marc Lievremont that he has to work harder if he is to be certain of going to next year’s World Cup. Bastareaud showed his resilience by bouncing back from the shameful episode in New Zealand last year where he invented a story about being beaten up and subsequently was left out in the cold for last November’s tests before being recalled and starring in France’s Six Nations Grand Slam success.

Lievremont once again omitted the 22-year-old from his 31-man squad for the autumn tests against Fiji, Argentina and Australia, when he named it yesterday and he made no secret that the barrelchested youngster was firmly in his sights, though, he didn’t go so far as to name him.

“There are players whose natural ability is not in doubt and who we would be distraught not to have with us at the World Cup,” said Lievremont.

“But at the same time we think that they are not putting enough effort into their daily training,” added the 41-year-old former international flanker, who replaced Bernard Laporte after the 2007 World Cup. Lievremont, who was ridiculed early on as coach as he chopped and changed his first Six Nations squads, said that he had picked a squad which was a nice mix of older heads and younger talent.

“This squad, one year out from the World Cup, is made up of a majority of players who are certain to go to the World Cup, who have impressed both us and their club for the past three years,” said Lievremont, who was furious at the French side’s

meek surrender to the Argentinians on their summer tour when they lost 41-13 in Argentina.

“There are also several uncapped players who have a lot of potential.” The uncapped players are Perpignan prop Jerome Schuster, 25, and 23-yearold Bayonne winger Yoann Huget — who both make the squad for the first time — while Brive’s 28-year-old centre cum fly-half Fabrice Estebanez is called up for the second time, though, he is yet to play. Lievremont also named Dimitri Szarzewski in the squad, despite the fact he faces a potential ban after headbutting an opponent.

The Stade Francais hooker headbutted Toulon’s Jean-Philippe Genevois in a Top 14 match on Saturday and has been summoned to appear before the disciplinary commission of France’s National Rugby League (NRL) on November 8.

France face Fiji in Nantes on November 13 and meet Argentina in Montpellier on November 20 before tackling Australia at Stade de France in Paris on November 27.

Bastareaud is not the only high profile name to be missing from the squad. His Stade team-mate Julien Dupuy loses out at scrum-half to veteran Dimitri Yachvili, who will challenge Morgan Parra for number one spot.

The Toulouse trio of Vincent Clerc, David Skrela and Clement Poitrenaud also failed to get the nod, while Racing-Metro’s young fly-half Jonathan Wisniweski also missed out despite being widely tipped for a call-up.

Perpignan centre Maxime Mermoz and Racing back Benjamin Fall are both unavailable due to injury. The 23-man match-day squad and starting XV for the game with Fiji will be announced on November 9. — AFP

Smith to start against Broncos LONDON: Reserve quarterback Troy Smith will make his first NFL start since 2007 for the struggling San Francisco 49ers in Sunday’s game with the Denver Broncos in London.

Troy Smith will start for the injured Alex Smith, who will be sidelined for two to three weeks with a dislocated shoulder, the NFL team said on their website (www.49ers.com) yesterday.

“I think for where we are, I think Troy Smith gives us a good opportunity to win the game,” 49ers coach Mike Singletary said. The

49ers enter the game at Wembley Stadium with a 1-6 record. The Broncos are 2-5 after three consecutive losses.

Troy Smith’s last NFL start came on Dec. 30, 2007 with the Baltimore Ravens and he has not played with the 49ers this year. He was picked over number two quarterback David Carr, who filled in for Alex Smith after his injury last week.

“I would say that probably the number one thing I like about him (Troy Smith) ... is leadership,” Singletary said. “That is his ability to get everybody on the same page.” — Reuters

18

SPORTS

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Wozniacki in sight of ending year as No. 1

DOHA: Tennis player Vera Zvonareva of Russia plays against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on the second day of the WTA Championships in the Qatari capital Doha. —AFP

Jankovic crashes in Doha DOHA: Kim Clijsters returned from a sixweek break with a 6-2, 6-3 win over an ailing Jelena Jankovic in the group stage of the WTA Championships.

The fourth-ranked Clijsters has not played since winning the US Open in September because of a foot injury, but she won the first eight points without reply on her way to a comfortable win yesterday.

Jankovic said after her opening match — a defeat by Vera Zvonareva — that she was struggling with illness. The Serb took a 2-1 lead in the second set, but Clijsters came back to make it 4-2 before closing out the match when Jankovic double-faulted.

Meanwhile, Vera Zvonareva overcame Victoria Azarenka 7-6, 6-4 in a closely-fought match to claim her second win at the WTA Championships and move closer to the semifinals.

The No. 2-ranked Russian also kept alive her slim hopes of finishing the year as the top-ranked player, although a win for Caroline Wozniacki later yesterday would secure the 20-year-old Dane the No. 1 spot.

Zvonareva recovered from 2-0, 4-2 and 5-4 down in the first set, winning the tiebreaker with the help of an ace and several other big serves.

In the second set, she was behind 2-0 and 3-1 before winning 6-4 against a visibly frustrated Azarenka. Zvonareva must win her last match in the group stage and then make it to the final if she is to have any chance of toppling Wozniacki, who plays Sam Stosur late yesterday. After the group stage, the top two players from each group advance to the semifinals.

The hard-fought match between two good friends lasted over two hours and was easily the most entertaining in the tournament so far with several rallies of 10 shots or more.

Azarenka, who was coming off a victory in the Kremlin Cup, started out strongly helped by some superb forehands and erratic play on the part of Zvonareva.

Zvonareva struggled with her serve early on and was hitting too many balls into the net or long, prompting her at one point to kick the ground, mumble and cradle her racket. But Zvonareva got her game going late in the first set, hitting several aces and backhand winners down the line.

She leveled at 6-6 and then raced out to a 3-0 lead in the tiebreak and closed out the set with Azarenka netting. The second set started much the same with Azarenka the aggressor. But up 3-1, she let Zvonareva back in the match with several double faults and shots that sailed long. Helped by a strong backhand and improving serve, Zvonareva took the lead at 5-4 and closed it out when Azarenka hit a shot long. — AP

Becker sends Stakhovsky packing

DOHA: Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic reacts in a match against Kim Clijsters from Belgium during the Qatar WTA Tennis Championship. — AP

Courier to lead US Davis Cup team WASHINGTON: Four-time Grand Slam champion Jim Courier was hired yesterday by the US Tennis Association to lead the country’s Davis Cup team, replacing former captain Patrick McEnroe, who resigned last month. The USTA planned to introduce Courier at a news conference in New York yesterday.

McEnroe served as United States captain for 10 years, winning the 2007 Davis Cup to end the country’s 12-year drought.

Saying he wanted to dedicate time to his family and his other jobs, McEnroe abruptly announced during the US Open — where Courier was working as a television analyst — that he was stepping down. Within less than an hour of McEnroe’s departure being reported,

Courier said on TV that he would be interested in leading the team.

As a player, Courier helped the United States win the Davis Cup in 1992 and 1995, and he finished with a 16-10 record in singles, 1-0 in doubles.

Known for his big-cut groundstrokes and white baseball cap, Courier was No. 1 in the ATP rankings for 58 weeks in 1992-93. He won the French Open in 1991 and 1992, and the Australian Open in 1992 and 1993, and played in three other Grand Slam finals, part of a phenomenal generation of US tennis talent that also included Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Michael Chang.

The 40-year-old Courier retired from the professional tour in 2000 and was

elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005. On the day he resigned, McEnroe mentioned Courier and 1999 U.S. Open runner-up Todd Martin as clear candidates for the position. The USTA also considered 1996 Wimbledon runner-up MaliVai Washington.

Courier’s 2011 debut as Davis Cup captain will come in the first round at Chile on March 4-6. If the Americans win, they would face Spain or Belgium in the July 8-10 quarterfinals.

In McEnroe’s final series, the United States beat host Colombia 3-1 in September to remain in the World Group, the competition’s top tier. The Americans have won the Davis Cup a record 32 times. —AP

ST. PETERSBURG: Defending champion Sergiy Stakhovsky was eliminated from the St. Petersburg Open yesterday, losing to Benjamin Becker of Germany 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 in the first round.

The tournament later also lost fif th-seeded Viktor Troicki of Serbia, who went down 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 to German veteran Rainer Schuettler.

Stakhovsky saved a match point and broke Becker in the 12th game of the second set to stay in the match. But Becker never gave the second-seeded Ukrainian a chance in the third set, losing only six points on his serve. “It’s always difficult to come and defend your title,” said Stakhovsky.

“I could have won the match, but the chances I had, I didn’t use them properly and the match was over. I cannot say that I played badly but he left me no chances after a break in the third set.”

After trading sets with 33rdranked Troicki, who won his maiden title at the Kremlin Cup on Sunday, Schuettler turned the match his way in the third set. The former top-five player, currently ranked 103rd, saved five break points in the sixth game which lasted 8 minutes and 53 seconds.

The 34-year-old German then won three more games to wrap up the win after 2 hours and 10 minutes. Troicki said he felt tired after playing in singles and doubles finals in Moscow.

“I had some chances in the match but I didn’t play good,” said Troicki. “My game was defensive. I tried to be focused on my game but it didn’t work at some moments, while Schuettler played good, especially in the end of the match.”

Also yesterday, fourth-seeded Lu Yen-hsun of Taiwan beat Potito Starace of Italy 6-2, 6-2, while Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov, who ousted Stakhovsky in the second round of the Kremlin Cup last week, defeated Fabio Fognini of Italy 7-6 (5), 6-4. — AP

DOHA: World number one Caroline Wozniacki moved to within one win of the year-end top spot when she continued her 12-week hot streak at the WTA Championships here on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old Dane outplayed Elena Dementieva, the for mer Olympic champion from Russia, 6-1, 6-1, bringing her 31st win in 33 matches since the start of August, during which she has won five of her seven tournaments.

Once again Wozniacki’s rhythm, timing, and superb movement were again conspicuous as she overwhelmed the tournament’s most experienced player, one who has qualified for the season-end event ten times.

“Of course, now I’m the player to beat, you know, it’s just a nice feeling,” Wozniacki said. “It’s nice to know that I’ve done such good results that I’m the number one player in the world. That’s is a fantastic feeling.”

Her confidence was in evidence from the start, when she broke serve immediately, raced to a 3-0 lead, and signalled to Dementieva that most of the rallies could only be won by much graft.

Soon Dementieva was trying to use sudden drop shots to break up Wozniacki’s pattern of containment and mobility. But all three attempts failed in the seventh game, effectively gifting the favourite the first set.

Dementieva fought back well from 0-40 in the opening game in the second set, but it was the last time she looked likely to get back on terms.

Soon she was another break down, by which time her second serve — which ended with only an 18 percent success ratio - was already beginning to look vulnerable.

When Dementieva tried a gambler’s ploy by rushing the net at break point in the fifth game and was comfortably passed, putting her 1-4 down, the match was effectively over.

“It was a very nice start, definitely,” said Wozniacki. “I’m very happy to be through this first match. It’s always tough to start a new tournament, and against Elena, I have had many tough matches in the past. So it’s nice to get one like this.”

Earlier the only player capable of toppling Wozniacki from the top spot, Vera Zvonareva, also won well.

The Wimbledon and US Open finalist from Russia dropped only three games against Jelena Jankovic, the for mer world number one from Serbia, who looked well below par.

Jankovic, who has been suffering from sinus problems, sweated unusually heavily and, after battling hard in the seventh, eighth and ninth games but still losing the first set, ceased to present a serious challenge.

“I finished the match but had a really hard time,” Jankovic said.

“There were moments when I felt I was going to give up.” Later she had intravenous therapy, fluids being inserted straight into a vein.

“I had difficulty breathing, felt dizzy and tingling and didn’t have any power,” she added. Zvonareva however played well, making fewer and fewer mistakes as the match went on.

“But I still have to improve my consistency. That is the most important thing,” she concluded.

The 6-3, 6-0 win maintained Zvonareva’s outside chance of snatching the year-end world number one ranking after the finest season of her career. That though will require Wozniacki to lose Wednesday’s encounter against Samantha Stosur.

And even though the world number five from Australia won well by 6-4, 6-4 against French Open champion Francesca Schiavone-a win against Wozniacki does not look likely. — AFP

Suspended captain Salman Butt sure of exoneration LAHORE: Suspended Pakistan captain Salman Butt is “pretty sure” he’ll be cleared of spot-fixing charges when he appears at an Inter national Cricket Council hearing in Dubai this weekend.

He also hopes to play for Pakistan again, and perhaps even skipper the side.

The ICC code of conduct commission will hear appeals by Butt and Mohammad Amir against only their suspensions, and will not deal with the anticorruption charges.

The ICC suspended Butt, Amir and Mohammad Asif on Sept. 2 for “alleged irregular behavior” after British tabloid The News of the World accused them of accepting money from businessman Mazhar Majeed to bowl predetermined no-balls against England during the

fourth test at Lord’s. “I am pretty sure to be cleared,” Butt told The Associated Press yesterday.

“It has been annoying for me because these kind of allegations have not only brought defamation, but as well it is career-threatening.

“Such things do come in your life but you have to stand up and face them.”

Fast bowler Asif withdrew his appeal last week because if his suspension was lifted he would still not have been part of the Pakistan team playing South Africa in the United Arab Emirates.

Two years ago, Asif was deported from Dubai after a small amount of opium was found in his wallet and he was detained for 19 days. He’s not allowed to re-enter the UAE.

“There are a couple of issues which might have encouraged Asif to withdraw, but Asif could answer this question himself,” Butt said.

Butt defended his relationship with Majeed, saying Majeed was looking after his promotional work and there was no clause in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s code of conduct that players should infor m it about their agents. “He (Majeed) is not somebody who is an agent for me because he has been there even before I was there (playing international cricket),” Butt said.

“It is not part of PCB code (of conduct) that you have to tell them about the agents who work for the players’ marketing and the promotion stuff.” Butt said Majeed used to do promotional mar-

keting for him during tours.

“These are the people who deal with the marketing side of players and the promotional stuff and they also make money out of it,” he said. “This is what is being done in the sporting arena around the world and this is not something that came up with Salman Butt.”

Butt said he had not seen the full video

by The News of the World which showed Majeed counting bundles of money while negotiating a deal on no-balls.

“I do not want to comment on The News of the World because everybody knows what kind of paper it is,” he said.

“Everybody knows about its reputation across the world.” Butt said he didn’t believe the tabloid’s video was reliable, because he thinks Majeed “must have

made lots of claims ... clearly exaggerating things to show his authority.”

“I think he might have said a lot of things in that video because it was edited. So nobody knows what has gone wrong in that video,” Butt said.

The ICC last week asked the PCB to distance itself from the tainted players and should not assist them in fighting their suspensions.

“It is something which surprises me,” Butt said. “I am focusing on my hearing and after that I will find out why this has happened.” In the wake of the scandal, the PCB created a new code of conduct and made all players touring UAE sign it before leaving. The PCB also asked all players to furnish details of their agents and recommended play-

ers ask for the board’s clearance before hiring them.

Butt welcomed the move as “good for players and cricket organizations.” Butt took over as captain in July when Shahid Afridi stepped down from tests after losing the first test against Australia. Butt led Pakistan through the four-test series against England.

“I hope very soon this suspension will be over and I will be eligible to play for my country, which is my passion and foremost thing in life,” Butt said.

“I hope captaincy will come again some day. I cannot grab it. God gave me one chance and I hope I will get the other chance as well. I want to be remembered as a player who won games for Pakistan.”—AP

SPORTS

Thursday, October 28, 2010

19

Tackling is a lost art says hatchet man Storey LONDON: As a no-nonsense defender in the 1970s, former Arsenal hardman Peter Storey liked nothing better than leaving his mark on opponents - fairly or unfairly.

The modern-day defender, according to Storey, is not up to the job.

Storey, long since retired and living a blessedly relaxed life in the south of France after running into more than his fair share of troubles after quitting soccer, is scathing about those who now purport to fill his clogging, big boots.

“I think a lot of players today really don’t know how to tackle properly,” he told Reuters in a telephone interview.

“Most of the fulbacks today are good at going forward but not so good at defending. Even at international level, they’re converted wingers really.

“Tackling, and that ability to stay on your feet and pressurise a player, is a

dying art.” Invariably included on any list of 1970s hard men. He relished going up against some of the greatest players to have graced the game and Johan Cruyff and the entire Leeds United team under Don Revie can attest to what a hard and fiercely determined opponent Storey was.

“I really enjoyed those battles,” says Storey, a key member of Arsenal’s 1971 double-winning team, warming to his theme.

“I liked to get in and hit them hard early-you could still tackle from behind in those days and you knew if you flattened someone early on you would only get a warning from the ref.

“Sometimes it would be a hard, legitimate tackle, sometimes not legitimate but it was important to let the opponent know from the start that he was in for a long afternoon.”

In his recently published autobiography “True Storey - My Life and Crimes as a Football Hatchet Man”, the now 65year-old, who described the diving that mars the modern game as “pathetic”, said: “I didn’t feel any remorse or sympathy if I injured a rival. I went over the top a few times but I never broke anyone’s leg.

“It was a dirty job but someone had to do it and I did it well. Getting tight, closing opponents down and generally making their lives a misery.”

Apart from the obvious clampdown on wild tackles, Storey is frustrated by the disappearance of other aspects of defending. Like many others whose reputations have been warped by years of highly selective black and white replays, there was much more to Storey’s game than kicking people up in the air, as 19 England caps and 501 appearances for Arsenal

attest.

“I could play a bit and I enjoyed using the ball but I was good at defending and they sort of pushed me in that direction,” said Storey, whose template as a defensive midfielder now earns plaudits and fortunes for players such as Claude Makelele.

“When you’re young and desperate to hold on to a place in the team you do whatever is asked of you.” When Storey left the game in 1978 after a brief spell with Fulham he found that the traditional retirement routine of running a pub failed to reap the profits he expected. Short of money he strayed onto the wrong side of the law and served jail time for various misdemeanors including helping a counterfeiting gang, running a brothel and smuggling pornographic videos.

In comparison with the modern foot-

baller it seems extraordinary that one of the leading players of his day should be forced into such desperate measures but a basic wage of 100 pounds a week and a 10,000 pounds ($15,880) testimonial windfall did not go far and then, just as now, salary comparisons caused problems.

Storey said the internal strife caused by the arrival of World Cup winning midfielder Alan Ball from Everton for a thenclub record transfer of 220,000 in December 1971 was the beginning of the end for the Double-winning team.

“He was paid more than double anyone else in the team and it undermined it,” Storey said. “Players would go and see Bertie Mee and he would just say: “Alan Ball is a better player than you.’ So they would say: ‘maybe, but I’m a better player than X and I want more money than him.’

“It’s like a cancer, it spreads and caus-

es bad feeling. “Really we should have kicked on from ‘71. We were still a good team, we got to cup finals, finished second or third in the league but it gradually went downhill.”

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Storey has no involvement with Arsenal these days but says he still watches them closely. “They are not the same team without (Cesc) Fabregas,” he said. “He has that something extra and is very, very important.”

Asked if he enjoyed the delicate quickfire passing that the club have trademarked under Arsene Wenger, seemingly the antithesis of everything Storey stood for, he said: “They are good to watch and they are all comfortable on the ball.

“But I know what you are thinking and yes, it’s true, I think they are probably missing a mean streak.” — Reuters

Germany’s ’54 World Cup win could be drug-tainted — study

Ravi Bopara of England in action in this file photo

Bopara: Ashes pressure put me on the back foot DURBAN: England batsman Ravi Bopara, left out of the forthcoming Ashes, blames the pressure of last year’s series against Australia for stalling his test career.

The 25-year-old batsman seemed to have cemented his place in England’s middle-order on the back of three consecutive hundreds against the West Indies, the first coming away from home and the second two in England, during 2009.

However, he suffered a wretched time during the 2009 Ashes as he scored just 105 runs at an average of 15 in the first four matches before being dropped for the decisive fifth test that England went on to win to clinch the series. “I think I put a lot of pressure on myself when I went into that Ashes series,” Bopara told Reuters.

“Coming off the back of those three hundreds I was on a high and sometimes, once you have had a taste of success, you get too hungry for it and I guess I got a little bit too desperate for more,” he explained.

“I said to myself that I had to perform and I kept on going on at myself about it which meant that I put myself under (added) pressure.

“In hindsight it wasn’t the best thing to do. I should have just gone out and played like I did against the West Indies and not worried about anything.”

Bopara has failed to add to his 10 test caps since the summer of 2009 and he missed out on a place in England’s Ashes squad for the series in Australia which begins next month.

However, England’s selectors showed that the Essex batsman is still in their thoughts when he was awarded a contract last month.

Bopara, who fought his way back into England’s one-day team during the back end of their recent series against Pakistan, feels that his ability now to accept disappointment has made him a

better cricketer.

“You can never play freely if you are expecting too much of yourself. Any bowler is allowed to get you out and you are allowed to get out for nought. “What is important is that you try your best and just enjoy your cricket, like a kid would,” he said.

“That’s a mistake I made in the Ashes in 2009. I made it too important. At the end of the day cricket is just a game whether you are playing against Australia or against one of the minnows,” he added.

Bopara is currently spending his off-season with South African franchise, the KwaZulu-Natal Dolphins while last winter he spent some time playing for Auckland in New Zealand.

He explained that playing cricket away from the grind of the

county circuit has helped him to develop his game.

“In New Zealand and South Africa I’ve had a lot of time to find out a lot about myself, a lot about my cricket and a lot of time to practise my cricket. In county cricket you don’t really get the time to practise.

“You play a four-day game and then you play a one-dayer. You have a few days’ rest and then you are back into a game again so when do you get time for quality practice when you are up for it and mentally ready for it?”

He may not have been picked for the Ashes but Bopara will be keeping a close eye on proceedings in Australia. “It is quite even (between the two teams) but most Englishmen will say that it will be a 2-1 series to us,” he said. —Reuters

ICC hopes India will adopt to referral system soon MUMBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is hoping to convince India to adopt the Umpire Decision Review System as part of the world governing body’s push to make the practice a mandatory feature of all test series.

At present, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not believe the system that allows players to challenge and overturn umpires’ decisions is accurate enough and have opposed its use.

However, ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat has expressed confidence that India would soon agree to use the system when the BCCI fully understood its benefits.

“The majority of players across the world are convinced by the applications of the system and I am sure that in due course the BCCI will feel the same,” Lorgat told reporters yesterday.

“At the moment, they still have doubts about the system which we will certainly try and convince

them of,” he added.

“I am confident that the BCCI will join us on a visit to Australia to inspect the technical applications of the system and see the merits of it.

“We will try to convince them rather than instruct them.”

Speaking at a function to announce an ICC sponsorship deal, Lorgat said the governing body believed it was best to maintain the status quo of allowing the host board in a bilateral series to decide whether or not to use the review system.

“There were a lot of issues before we could make it mandatory. When there will be competing suppliers available with sufficient equipment, we can then consider making it mandatory,” he added.

India opted against the system in the recent two-test series against Australia, while South Africa are trying to convince the BCCI to let them use it when the Proteas host a three-test series in December. — Reuters

Qamar, Rasheed help AUBK beat CBK KUWAIT: AUB Kuwait registered yet again another convincing win over Commercial Bank of Kuwait in KBC sponsored cricket tournament played at KOC grounds.

After winning the toss AUBK Captain Mahmoud Bastaki elected to bat first. Saud Qamar and Jagath started AUBK innings in a very aggressive manner.

However, Jagath departed early on an individual score of 13 bowled by Satya. Ghayour joined Saud Qamar and showed his class by flicking and glancing anything pitched on his legs specially his sixes were a treat to watch.

On the other hand Saud Qamar was at his elegant best looking well set for his maiden hundred.

But in the process of accelerating the run rate lost his wicket on an individual score of 88. Ghayoor and Mohamed Rasheed remained

unbeaten on individual scores of 48 and 18 respectively. For CBK Satya claimed 2 wickets.

Commercial Bank of Kuwait started well with Nawaz who was very aggressive and showed his

power from the first ball. Abdul Rasheed’s accurate bowling was a bit difficult to handle and they kept loosing wickets at regular intervals.

Abdul Rasheed claimed the first 4 wickets to fall, an excellent short spell by Ludvico Machado who claimed 3 wkts and Saud, Aby George and M. Bastaki claimed one wicket each.

Commercial Bank was bowled out for 125 runs. Nawaz was top scorer with 40 runs, followed by Satya with 25 runs. Satya and Nawaz displayed an excellent allround performance for CBK. Brief Scores: (AUBK 171 for 2 in 20 overs. Saud Qamar 88, Ghayoor not out 48. Mohammed Rasheed not out 18 — Satya 2 wickets) CBK: 125 all out Nawaz 40, Satya 25. Abdul Rasheed 4 wickets, Machado 3 wickets).

BERLIN: West Germany’s 1954 World Cup-winning team, feted as the men who helped put a nation back on its feet after World War Two, may have been boosted by a secret doping programme, according to a new university study.

Germany upstaged red-hot favorites Hungary 3-2 in the final in Switzerland in a victory that became known as the “Miracle of Berne”, giving the war-weary nation cause at last for cheer.

“There are several strong indications that point to the injection of (methamphetamine) pervitin in some Germany players and not vitamin C as it was claimed,” sports historian and author Erik Eggers, who conducted the study as part of a team at Humboldt University in Berlin, told Reuters yesterday.

Pervitin was a known stimulant at the time and had also been distributed to German soldiers in World War Two. Team officials had said they had injected their players only with vitamin C during the tournament. No drugs tests were conducted a the time.

Eggers has been studying this case for some years and his report forms part of a wider project called ‘Doping in Germany’, launched by the country’s sports authorities to investigate its doping past.

“Pervitin was at that time widely used in many sports and amphetamines were said to be also used by South America players,” Eggers said.

“What is suspicious is that these injections to German players were distributed secretly and the only reason they became known was because those who got injected contracted jaundice.” Hungary had demolished the Germans 8-3 in the tournament’s group stage, making West Germany’s final win all the more surprising.

“The most important indication, though, is that vitamin C is not injected. This is very unusual. They could have just eaten an orange instead.”

German football federation (DFB) officials could not be immediately be reached for a comment.

German Olympic Sports Union (DOSB), the country’s umbrella sports organisation which launched the Doping in Germany project with other sports authorities, told Reuters they were aware of Eggers’ study.

“Keep in mind these are indications and not proof, “ a DOSB official told Reuters. Many Germans view the 1954 win as the springboard of the country’s remarkable soccer success in the World Cups-they have won three and been runners-up four times-and a key moment of renewed optimism in post-War Germany. —Reuters

United buy Stiles’ World Cup medal LONDON: Nobby Stiles’ 1966 World Cup winner’s medal was bought at auction by his former club Manchester United for 188,200 pounds ($297,700) yesterday.

United also paid 49,400 for their former midfielder’s 1968 European Cup winner’s medal and both medals will go on display at the club’s Old Trafford museum.

Stiles’s 1966 World Cup cap was sold for 35,287 at the auction in Edinburgh, the Manchester Evening News reported.

Stiles, 68, who suffered a mild stroke in June, had said that he planned to aution the medals and many other pieces of soccer memorabilia and give the proceeds to his three sons because he was unable to fairly distribute the items among them.

The previous record for an England winner’s medal from the 1966 Wembley final against West Germany was the 165,000 paid for Alan Ball’s in 2005. — Reuters

SPAIN: Real Madrid’s French forward Karim Benzema (left) stretches during a training session in this file photo. — AFP

Benzema under fire MADRID: Striker Karim Benzema is facing increased pressure after an unimpressive performance in Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey match.

Coach Jose Mourinho had said Tuesday’s game against third-tier Murcia was Benzema’s chance to prove himself, but the Frenchman managed no real scoring chances in the 0-0 first-leg draw and was substituted after 62 minutes.

While Mourinho did not point criticism specifically at Benzema, the Spanish press did. Newspaper Marca wrote “He’s Dead” while AS said “He didn’t take advantage of his opportunity.”

Benzema’s best opportunity was a shot from outside the area that sailed over the goal before he gave way for

regular striker Gonzalo Higuain. He failed to control his touches with little space to maneuver against a defensive Murcia team.

“The game was his for the taking and the Frenchman didn’t get involved — things don’t look good,” Marca wrote before adding in another inside headline written in French: “Benzema, c’est Fini” (Benzema, it’s Over). The Frenchman has struggled to adapt to the Spanish giant since arriving in a euro 35 million transfer from Lyon in 2009. “He’s got such great talent, we all know it, and I think are piling pressure on him that doesn’t exist,” teammate Marcelo said yesterday.

“We all go through good and bad spells. I have no doubt he will be a big help to us in the league.” Mourinho had

said that the game was the perfect moment for Benzema and the team’s fringe players to make their mark, saying that those who didn’t would be “dead” to him. But he wouldn’t say after the game whether Benzema had wasted his last chance. “I don’t want to make individual evaluations,” the Portuguese coach said. But Mourinho was happy with the Spanish league leader’s overall effort, even though it didn’t live up to its recent victories over AC Milan, Malaga, Racing Santander and Deportivo La Coruna — when Madrid outscored its opponents by a combined 18-3.

“I’m happy with the team. They wanted to win so any criticism that I have I reserve for those who don’t take the game seriously,” Mourinho said. “I cannot criticize my team.”—AP

Japan bank on technology for 2022 World Cup bid ZURICH: Japan’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup, including plans for holographic broadcasts of matches, may come across as gimmicky but it is not just about space-age technology, bid organisers said yesterday.

The Japanese say theirs is the only bid which addresses the way in which technology and sponsorship will change over the next 12 years, an issue they believe represents FIFA’s biggest dilemma in choosing hosts so far ahead.

“FIFA has got a very difficult decision because it is going to have to make judgments on what will happen in the years to come,” said Patrick Nally, who was instrumental in setting up Coca Cola’s sponsorship of the 1978 World Cup and is an adviser to the Japanese bid.

“I hope they are going to consider the implications of what they are going to do so far in advance.” FIFA is due to announce the winners on Dec. 2 with South Korea, Australia and United States the other candidates.

Nally said hosting future World Cups would involve far more than building stadiums, hotels and infrastructure, with one of FIFA’s biggest challenges likely to be finding an alternative to its traditional dependence on sponsorship and media rights.

Japan say their FIFA Hyper Application would do the hard work for the sport’s ruling body because it is capable of transmitting the World Cup via the Internet.

That would provide a new source of revenue derived from a huge increase in the worldwide audience which could reach one billion Internet users.

Yuichiro Nakajima, executive director of Japan’s bid committee, said: “Our bid is based on how football will evolve and football is going to have to embrace that change.

“This is a risk-free way for FIFA to take a bold step.......because they have a government backing them in this project,” he said.

The hyper application would include other services, including a dig-

ital ticketing system combining matches and public transport, an electronic money service, GPS navigation to venues, match commentaries and a real-time automatic translation system supporting 50 languages.

The action on the field will be captured by 200 mini cameras and 70 microphones in the stadium, creating 360 degree coverage of the pitch.

“Viewers would be able to choose a viewpoint, which could be from the centre circle, the goalkeeper’s position or the referee’s perspective,” said Nakajima, adding that the sound would even allow spectators to hear the players breathing.

“They can manipulate the perspective so that it would be very personal.” Nakajima said the technology would be used in each of FIFA’s 208 member countries. “You’re going to be watching it in person in near-life fashion,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re from a very wealthy country or one of the least developed nations in the world.” — Reuters

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No Bethlehem miracle as Palestinians rout priests BETHLEHEM: The priests may have been hoping for a miracle when they took on the Palestinian national football team in Bethlehem but they lost 9-1 in a rout of biblical proportions. After an heroic first half battling valiantly to fend off their hosts, the international lineup of Catholic priests in their yellow and blue strip managed to hold the home side to 00 at half-time in a charity match in the southern West Bank.

Decked out with Palestinian and Italian flags, alongside the white and gold of the Vatican, Bethlehem’s AlKhader stadium was packed with spectators - among them hundreds of excited children and a respectable showing of Franciscan monks in their trademark brown robes. Time after time through the tense first half, their God-fearing goalkeeper fended off the Palestinian attack, aided by providence - and the goal posts. But it was the second half that proved to be their undoing, as the red-shirted youngsters ran rings around them, putting goal after goal into the back of the net. “Football means everything here. Children, they love football. It keeps them out of violence, out of the intifada,” said Father Ibrahim Faltas, an Egyptianborn Franciscan who founded a football academy for young Palestinians.

“Through sport you can reach peace,” he told AFP. Among those cheering on the team was Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian Football Federation and the man widely credited with revitalising football in the occupied territories.

“The Christian world is with us and the international community got the message,” said Rajoub, referring to a recent Middle East synod convened

by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican which called for an end to the Israeli occupation. “It has a very positive impact. It means we are not alone.”

For the priests, some of them way past their footballing prime, the final whistle brings deliverance and a return to more conventional pastoral duties. —AFP

Arsenal demolish Newcastle LONDON: England winger Theo Walcott scored twice as Arsenal cruised into the quarter-finals of the League Cup yesterday with a 4-0 rout of Newcastle at St James Park.

Walcott’s brace, an own goal from Newcastle reserve keeper Tim Krul and a Nicklas Bendtner strike settled the tie for Arsene Wenger’s men, riding high after last weekend’s victory over Manchester City.

League Cup IRAN: A handout picture obtained from the Iranian President’s office shows Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad kicking the ball during a friendly soccer match with his Bolivian counterpart Evo Morales. —AFP

Ahmadinejad scores diplomatic goal TEHRAN: Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was on striking form when he met his Bolivian counterpart Evo Morales yesterday on the football pitch for a friendly with top Iranian players, local media said. The Iranian and Bolivian leaders, sporting T-shirts and shorts, played in the same team alongside Iran’s star midfielder Karim Bagheri, with both scoring in a match that was drawn 4-4 at the end of normal time.

But the presidential team triumphed 8-6 following a penalty shootout that saw Ahmadinejad driving home the last goal. Morales, who is a close ally of

the hardline Iranian president, arrived in Tehran on Sunday night for a three-day visit aimed at bolstering economic ties between the two countries and securing Iranian investment in Bolivia. It is his second visit to Iran in as many years, while Ahmadinejad travelled to Bolivia in 2007 for the first visit by an Iranian president.

Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez visited Tehran last week, while the Brazilian football team took on Iran in an international football friendly in Abu Dhabi on October 7, in which they cruised to a 3-0 victory. —AFP

Mainz dumped out of German Cup BERLIN: Bundesliga leaders Mainz crashed out of the German Cup yesterday when they suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at second division Alemannia Aachen in their secondround tie.

Thomas Tuchel’s Mainz have been a surprise package in the Bundesliga and enjoy a two-point lead after nine league games, but they suffered only their second defeat of the season at the hands of Aachen.

Goals either side of half-time by Aachen’s Benjamin Auer and Marco Hoeger put the hosts 2-0 up before Hungary striker Adam Szalai pulled one back for Mainz on 68 min-

utes, but the visitors left themselves with too much to do. Elsewhere, Hamburg striker Mladen Petric claimed an unusual hat-trick as his side crashed out 5-2 at the hands of fellow Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt after he scored for both sides.

Petric netted for Hamburg in the first-half to pull the scores back to 2-1 to Frankfurt after 23 minutes as the hosts took an early lead. But in a bizarre spell, he headed into his own net on 65 minutes and then scored his third goal of the game just a minute later with another header, but this time for Hamburg. —AFP

Wenger was left purring over the contribution of Walcott, scoring his first goals since returning from injury sustained on England duty last month.

“Walcott is more composed in front of goal this season.

His first touch is better. He is an intelligent boy and because of that he will always improve,” Wenger told Sky Sports 2.

“He was flying at the start of the season and now he is just coming back from injury.

You can see today that he is ready to go to another level.”

Both Arsenal and Newcastle made nine changes from the teams which scored impressive away victories in the Premier League last weekend.

Yet Wenger was still able to field a starting XI featuring no fewer than seven internationals-reflecting the Arsenal manager’s stated determination to end the Gunners’ fiveyear trophy drought this year.

Arsenal’s hunger was apparent from the outset, the visitors sweeping forward relentlessly in search of an early goal in the opening 10 minutes, with Walcott,

LONDON: Arsenal’s Theo Walcott (center) celebrates his goal with his teammates during their English League Cup fourth round soccer match against Newcastle United. — AP Bendtner and Carlos Vela all threatening. But Newcastle also could have taken the lead in the opening period, Nile Ranger missing a gilt-edged chance before Alan Smith saw a shot tipped onto the bar by Arsenal’s understudy keeper Wojciech Szczesny.

Arsenal went 1-0 up with a farcical own goal on the stroke of half-time, Krul inadvertently heading a clearance from Ryan Taylor into his own net.

Walcott made the game safe eight minutes into the second half, bursting clear to double Arsenal’s lead with a goal that drew protests from Newcastle, who complained that defender Mike Williamson had been fouled by Bendtner.

The goal knocked the stuff-

ing out of Newcastle and Arsenal gradually took control of the second half, Walcott and Bendtner scoring in the final 10 minutes to give the scoreline a lop-sided look.

At Upton Park, West Ham came from behind to defeat Stoke 3-1 in extra time after trailing for most of the match.

Trinidad and Tobago international Kenwyne Jones looked to have headed Stoke into the last eight after only six minutes, giving his team a 1-0 lead.

But Hammers skipper Scott Parker forced extra-time with an 84th-minute equaliser before Manuel da Costa put the home side ahead on 96 minutes. Substitute Victor Obinna completed the scoring

two minutes from time.

There was more extra-time drama at Villa Park, where Aston Villa overcame spirited resistance from Championship side Burnley to win 2-1.

Emile Heskey looked to have settled the contest when he put Villa 1-0 up in the 86th minute only for Clarke Carlisle to level three minutes later. Yet winger Stewart Downing rifled in a 20-yard effort to restore Villa’s lead on 96 minutes to break the deadlock. Villa were forced to endure a nervous finale after Marc Albrighton was sent off for a professional foul but Gerard Houllier’s men hung on for victory. The quarterfinal draw takes place on Saturday. — AFP

Theron stars in S Africa’s six-wkt win over Pakistan ABU DHABI: Rusty Theron took a career-best 4-27 to help a clinical South Africa upstage Pakistan by six wickets in the second Twenty20 international here yesterday to take the two match series 2-0.

The 26-year-old Theron bowled with purpose as South Africa once again restricted the former World Twenty20 champions to a low score of 120-9 on a flat Abu Dhabi cricket Stadium for a second day in succession.

South Africa won the first match by the same margin on Tuesday.

Graeme Smith (38) and Colin Ingram (31) led the South African reply with Jean-Paul Duminy (19 not out) hitting the winning runs to complete the team’s chase with eight balls to spare.

Smith and Loots Bosman (11) gave South Africa a sound start of 38 before Bosman fell to Shahid Afridi. AB de Villiers and Smith took the score to 63 when Pakistan took two quick wickets.

Smith and De Villers fell in quick succession, but Duminy and Ingram added 41 for the fourth wicket, batting with guts and application as Pakistani spinners failed to extract any life out of the track. Ingram hit four boundaries and a six during his robust 17-ball innings.

Earlier, Theron (4-27) built on some early knocks by fellow fast bowler Lonwabo Tsotsobe (2-20) to stop Pakistan from posting a fighting total for a second day in succession.

Only Misbah-ul-Haq, who top scored with 27 in the first match, survived the effective South African bowling, with a resolute 38-ball 33, hitting two boundaries and a six.

It was Haq who gave Pakistan’s total some respectability through a 45-run sixth wicket stand with Abdul Razzaq (25) after Pakistan lost half of its side for a paltry 39 inside eight overs.

Tsotsobe, who took 3-16 to restrict Pakistan to 119 on Tuesday, once again removed both the openers Shahzaib Hasan (six) and Imran Farhat (nine) to give South Africa an ideal start after their opponents won the toss and elected to bat. —AFP

ABU DHABI: South Africa’s captain Johan Botha holds the trophy after beating Pakistan in the second Twenty20 international match at the Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium. — AFP

Scoreboard ABU DHABI: Complete scoreboard in the second and final Twenty20 match between Pakistan and South Africa at the Abu Dhabi Stadium here yesterday: Pakistan Shahzaib Hasan c Botha b Tsotsobe 6 Imran Farhat b Tsotsobe 9 Mohammad Hafeez b M Morkel 14 Misbah-ul-Haq c A. Morkel b Theron 33 Umar Akmal run out 5 Shahid Afridi c Smith b Theron 3 Abdul Razzaq c Theron b A. Morkel 25 Zulqarnain Haider b Theron 17 Umar Gul b Theron 0 Saeed Ajmal not out 1 Extras: (lb3, w4) 7 Total: (nine wkts, 20 overs) 120 Did not bat: Shoaib Akhtar Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Hasan), 2-29 (Hafeez), 3-29 (Farhat), 4-36 (Akmal), 5-39 (Afridi), 6-84 (Razzaq), 7-119 (Haq), 8-119 (Gul), 9-120 (Haider) Bowling: M. Morkel 4-0-31-1, Tsotsobe 4-0-202, A. Morkel 4-1-22-1 (1w), Botha 4-0-17-0

(2w), Theron 4-0-27-4 (1w) South Africa G. Smith st Haider b Ajmal 38 L. Bosman lbw b Afridi 11 AB de Villiers c Farhat b Afridi 11 J. Duminy not out 20 C. Ingram c Akmal b Akhtar 31 D. Miller not out 6 Extras: (lb2, w6) 8 Total: (four wkts, 18.4 overs) 125 Did not bat: A. Morkel, J. Botha, M. Morkel, R. Theron, L. Tsotsobe Fall of wickets: 1-38 (Bosman), 2-63 (De Villiers), 3-68 (Smith), 4-109 (Ingram) Bowling: Akhtar 4-0-36-1 (1w), Gul 3.4-0-32-0 (1w), Hafeez 4-0-19-1 (3w), Afridi 4-0-13-1, Ajmal 3-0-23-1 (1w) Overs: 18.4 Result: South Africa won by six wickets

Markaz ‘golden sponsor’ of Kuwait Financial Forum

Lulu starts Egypt operations

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NSC to open 60th branch at Egaila

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Burgan Bank posts KD79.6m operating profit for 9 months Operating income up 5.9% to KD 122.6m KUWAIT: Burgan Bank yesterday announced its Q3 results.

Operating profit stood at KD 79.6 million for the nine month period ending 30 September 2010, while operating income increased by 5.9% to KD 122.6 million compared to the same period last year. Net profit reached KD 3.8 million for the three months ended 30 September 2010 compared to a net loss of KD 8.7 million for the previous quarter.

The figures show an up-turn in profits af ter a marginal decline in profits in Q2, 2010 as the bank lowered its provisions charges by KD 13 million, a reduction of 46.7% compared to the previous quarter.

Despite the lower provision charges, Burgan Bank continues to follow a conservative provisioning policy. For the period ended 30 September, 2010 the bank had KD 33 million in unallocated precautionary general provisions available in its books which resulted in a provision coverage ratio of 74 %.

During the third quarter of the year the bank issued subor-

dinated notes worth $400 million to enhance its capital base.

While earlier this year the Bank successfully completed its KD 100.8 million rights issue. The proceeds from the capital increase are being utilized to further strengthen the bank’s business locally as well as capitalize on its expansion strategy which has primarily targeted high growth markets in the MENA region.

Commenting on the third quarter results, Burgan Bank Chairman Majed Essa Al-Ajeel said: “The improving economic landscape and the recent announcement by the Government about various development projects has had a very positive impact on the Kuwait market. At Burgan Bank we continue to remain prudent in our approach. We are optimistic that the positive economic landscape will help us in integrating our growth and give us the opportunity of improved profitability. On behalf of the Board, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for their continued confidence in the

Qatar deflation mildest in 2010 DOHA: Qatar’s consumer prices fell 0.9 percent on an annual basis in September, their mildest deflation so far this year, data showed yesterday, and analysts said the price decline seemed to be bottoming out.

Deflation in the world’s top liquefied natural gas exporter has been easing gradually over the past months, reaching an annualized 2.1 percent in August, as its hydrocarbon-based economy recovered from last year’s sharp slowdown.

Living costs in the cash-rich OPEC member remained flat from the previous month after August’s 0.1 percent monthon-month rise, as a food price jump was offset by a drop in transport costs, data from Qatar Statistics Authority showed.

“Deflation should now begin to bottom out, given that we are seeing two consecutive months of no deflationary trends,” said John Sfakianakis, chief economist at Banque Saudi Fransi.

“In coming months we might see a small reversal of deflationary trends, but the overall average for the year will be deflationary, because of the strong deflationary trends for the first half of the year,” he said.

The International Monetary Fund said in February that the extent of Qatari deflation might be overestimated as measurement of rents is skewed towards new contracts, which had witnessed sharp falls in rents at the beginning of the year. Qatar’s central bank cited continued deflation as one of the reasons behind a 50 basis point cut in its deposit rate in August.

Housing costs, which have the largest 32 percent weight in the overall basket, were stable month-on-month in September after a 0.4 percent dip in the previous month. Transport and communication prices fell 0.8 percent after a 0.3 percent rise in August, while food costs soared 1.5 percent in September after staying flat in the previous month.

Food prices usually rise during the holy month of Ramadan, which ended in mid-September, as families enjoy larger and more elaborate evening meals after daylight fasting.

“It’s clearly out of the question that we’ll always be in a deflationary position,” said Farah Ahmed Hersi, senior economist at Masraf Al Rayan in Doha. “The economy is now growing at a double-digit rate, and that generates a certain amount of inflation,” he said.

Qatar’s economy is seen largely outperforming fellow Gulf energy producers with expected growth of 15.5 percent this year, up from 8.7 percent in 2009, mainly due to expansion of its gas output and government infrastructure spending.

Analysts polled by Reuters expected average deflation of 1.7 percent in 2010, after consumer prices fell by 4.9 percent last year, the first full year of deflation since 1993. — Reuters

Burgan Bank Chairman Majed Essa Al-Ajeel bank and Burgan Bank staff for their continued support and commitment.”

By the third quarter 2010 Burgan has a healthy 20.9 %

capital adequacy ratio. The Bank is committed to sustaining positive growth in its market share within Kuwait and across key markets within the

MENA region.

Eduardo Eguren, CEO Burgan Bank said, “The increase in Q3 profits emphasizes that the bank is back on its growth trajectory. However, we continue to be prudent in our approach towards our investments, risk management and provisioning policies. We have taken a very strong provisionary measure which was pressurizing our bottom line and hence this had an impact on our profits. After the rights issue and the recent issuance of subordinated notes, we are looking at a capital adequacy ratio that will be above our competitors”.

Eguren added: “We are confident of a positive outlook in the remaining part of 2010 and will continue to strengthen our foundations to ensure progressive growth locally and in the MENA region”.

The third quarter results also include Burgan’s consolidated share of income from its regional banking subsidiaries Bank of Baghdad, Gulf Bank Algeria, Jordan Kuwait Bank and Tunis International Bank.

Arab stock markets must open up, says Jordan CEO Better transparency and disclosure needed BEIRUT: Arab governments should open up their stock markets and let them become public companies to give them greater flexibility to attract foreign investment, the chief executive of Jordan’s bourse told Reuters.

Many Arab exchanges are managed by governments which appoint the bourse chief and set legislation.

Analysts and brokers say that government ownership hinders transparency and competitiveness and reduces the quality of services.

Many governments also restrict foreign investment by imposing higher taxes on investments and profit and limiting foreign shareholdings in individual companies.

“Many Arab markets (were) formed by central banks or governments... The global trend (is) heading towards transforming the exchanges to public companies,” Jalil Tarif said in an interview on Tuesday.

“The purpose is to give the bourses more flexibility in taking decisions. (Then) decisions will be based on profit and loss in a frame-

work governed by legislation and supervision to ensure there will not be conflict of interest.”

“Finding an environment of more freedom in markets and flexibility definitely encourages investment and attracts foreign investors to deal on the exchange,” he said.

While many in the region acknowledge the need to reform markets, only few openly raise the issue of government control. Saudi Arabia, the biggest Arab bourse by far, is a closed market at the government’s direction, while the Abu Dhabi and Dubai bourses are partly government-owned and regulated

by Emirates Securities & Commodities, an arms-length state entity.

Heads of bourses in Kuwait, Egypt and Syria are also appointed by the government. Algeria’s bourse is state-owned.

Syria last year let foreigners own listed stocks but its nascent bourse did not attract a single non-resident investor because of regulations requiring brokers to gather meticulous information on them.

Tarif said government control allows only a fraction of the market to be available for dealers, traders and investors, while opening up the exchange would expand it and give it depth.

“When the free float is limited then the market will be exposed to any influence... even the slightest effect will relect negatively on the market.”

“The main job of the market is to fairly explore the price of securitiesso how do I explore the fair price of securities if there are obstacles before the market in flexibility, in supply and demand and in depth?”

Laws which bar foreign investment should also be amended, Tarif said. “Eliminating the state’s control would definitely reflect positively on the market but it must be accompanied with ... enhancing the level of disclosure and enhancing the level of transparency in the markets. “...What is important is that we remove barriers to the flow of investments, to the currency movements and to foreign ownership.” — Reuters

WEST DES MOINES: A sign stands in front of a new homes for sale in a West Des Moines, Iowa, neighborhood. Sales of new homes improved last month after the worst summer in nearly five decades, but not enough to lift the struggling economy. — AP

New US home sales rise 6.6% after dismal summer WASHINGTON: Sales of new US homes improved last month after the worst summer in nearly five decades, but not enough to lift the struggling economy. The Commerce Department says new home sales in September grew 6.6 percent from a month earlier to a seasonally adjusted annual sales pace of 307,000. Even with the increase, the past five months have been the worst for new home sales on records dating back to 1963. The sales figures were driven by a 61 percent monthly surge in the Midwest. Sales grew about 3 percent in the South and Northeast. They fell by nearly 10 percent in the West.

New home sales have risen 9 percent from the bottom in May but are still down 78 percent from their peak sales pace of nearly 1.4 million homes in July 2005. A healthy sales pace is around 800,000 new homes.

High unemployment, tight credit and uncertainty

about home prices have kept people from buying homes. Government tax credits propelled the market earlier in the year, but those expired in April.

The median sales price was $223,800. That was up 3.3 percent from a year earlier.

Builders are competing with millions of foreclosures and other distressed properties that show no signs of abating. They are unlikely to ramp up construction until those are cleared away and demand picks up. The number of unsold new homes on the market fell to 204,000, the lowest since July 1968. At the current sales pace, it would take about eight months to exhaust that supply, compared with a healthy level of about six months. The industry is suffering the fallout of a massive building boom, in which many homes were sold to speculators. They then resold the homes, often to borrowers who took out risky loans and defaulted. Those unsustainable boom times aren’t coming back. — AP

Orascom hits 19-month low on Vimplecom fears MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS

TOKYO: A mockup of Northrop Grumman’s Unmanned Aerial Reconnaissance System plane RQ-4 Global Hawk is on display during a press briefing of the plane at a public exhibition hall in Tokyo. Defense contractor Northrop Grumman Corp said yesterday its third-quarter net income edged up on contributions from its aerospace, electronics and technology businesses. — AP

DUBAI: Orascom Telecom (OT) plunged to a 19month low yesterday after comments by a Vimpelcom stakeholder cast doubts on the Russian company’s move to take over the Egyptian mobile operator.

Most Middle East market fell, tracking declines in oil and global stocks as investors fretted over the likely scale of a new US quantitative easing program. This should increase liquidity and weaken the dollar, boosting equity and commodity prices, but traders were worried it will be less aggressive than previously thought.

OT fell 5.4 percent to its lowest close since March 17, 2009. The company’s share prices prior to Jan 31, 2010 were re-adjusted because of an $800 million rights issue.

The chief executive of Norway’s Telenor, which owns a major stake in Vimpelcom, told Reuters the latter must clarify the deal to takeover OT before its board takes a final decision on the transaction.

Traders also cited a report that Algeria will not begin talks on nationalising Orascom’s local unit Djezzy until next year, adding to doubts about the Vimpelcom deal.

National Bank of Abu Dhabi fell 0.4 percent and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank rose by the same margin after reporting their third-quarter earnings.

“All banks are showing flat to negative loan

growth - their capital adequacy levels are very high and even increasing, which shows banks remain very cautious,” said Robert McKinnon, ASAS Capital chief investment officer. “In terms of capital efficiency, they are being very inefficient, which could indicate they feel there’s more risk in their loan book.”

NBAD reported near-flat profit growth to miss analysts’ forecasts, while ADCB’s quarterly profit surged, largely from increased trading and investment income.

“These trading profits are one-off and very hard to generate all the time,” said McKinnon. “Bank results are pretty much lacklustre.” In Kuwait, Kharafi-linked companies rose on expectations its consortium’s deal to sell a 46 percent stake in telecoms operator Zain would go through.

Zain was unchanged, but National Investments Co climbed 2.1 percent and Al-Mal Investment Co added 3.3 percent. Kharafi owns stakes in all three firms. On Tuesday, Kuwait’s bourse said it vetoed Securities Group’s bid to buy a 5 percent stake in Zain. Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) trimmed early-session losses, ending 0.5 percent lower after a Saudi newspaper quoted a government official as saying China would not impose anti-dumping duties on imports from Saudi Arabia. —Reuters

BUSINESS

22

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Markaz is ‘golden sponsor’ of second Kuwait Financial Forum Sheikh Nasser to patronize forum KUWAIT: Kuwait Financial Centre SAK (Markaz), one of the Middle East’s leading investment banking and asset management companies, announced that it is a golden sponsor of the Kuwait Financial Forum under the patronage of H H Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister of Kuwait. The forum will be held on the 31 October - 1 November 2010 at Sheraton Kuwait.

The Forum, which is organized by Al-Iktissad Wa Aamal Group in cooperation with The Central Bank of Kuwait and Kuwait Banking Association, will discuss the continuing repercussions of the international financial crisis and controversies about the nature and extent of the required financial and banking reforms and their implications for the Arab economies.

On this occasion, Mariam Al-Suwailem, Assistant Manager, Media & Communication Department, “Markaz” said “Following on the success of last year’s forum, and given the support it receives from major governmental institutions headed by Central Bank of Kuwait and

Mariam Al-Suwailem

Kuwait Banking Association, the forum is expected to attract the participation of heads and executive managers of most banks and financial institutions in the Arab world, as well international banks active in the region, Islamic banks, central bank governors, economists and banking experts.”

Al-Suwailem added “Main topics on the Forum’s agenda will include the near term prospects in the global economy, main issues and challenges in the Arab economies, Requirements and priorities for reforming the international financial system, Investment prospects and opportunities in Arab financial markets, Kuwaiti’s new economic development plan and its meanings for investment opportunities in the country.”

There will also be an exhibition featuring all the main sponsors, where “Markaz” team will be present to answer queries and provide all the information on the company, its products and services, and the promising investment opportunities.

Starwood increases long established lead in China KUWAIT: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc is lengthening its long established lead in China as one of the largest four and five star hotel operators here with 62 existing hotels and a pipeline of 86 new hotels.

Now through 2011, one in every three new Starwood hotels will open in China, including new brand flagships for eight of its nine brands.

China is now Starwood’s second largest hotel market in the world, behind only the United States. “China is one of the world’s fastest growing domestic and outbound travel markets,” said Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO of Starwood. “Demand continues to outpace supply in China, and there is still a long runway for growth especially when you consider that China has 171 cities with populations of more than one million, most of which do not yet have a major international branded hotel. It is not hard to imagine that we will ultimately have as many hotels in China as we do in the United States, which is more than 450.”

First Mover Advantage Key to Starwood’s Dominance in China Starwood’s first-mover advantage in China dates back to 1985 and the landmark debut of The Great Wall Sheraton Hotel in Beijing, which was the first international branded hotel in the People’s Republic of China.

Today, Starwood has a significantly larger footprint than its competitors, and the largest pipeline of new hotels in the four and five star category.

“Starwood’s long legacy in China gave us a considerable head start. Today, with more

than 30 years of experience in the market, longstanding native Chinese teams and valuable relationships with local owners and developers, this advantage continues to be meaningful,” said Miguel Ko, Chairman and President of Starwood’s Asia-Pacific Division, a Chinese native who began his career with Starwood in 1979.

China Provides Blueprint for Growth to Emerging Markets Around the Globe

hotels are an essential component of infrastructure growth, and other fast growing markets are following suit. As the world’s most global hotel company with the strongest presence in emerging markets, these trends work in our favor, and we could not be more bullish on our long-term prospects.”

Intra-China and Chinese Outbound Travel on the Rise “When we opened our first hotels in China, we were basi-

international tourist destination in the world. When they travel abroad, the Chinese will stay with the hotel brands they know from home, which underscores the significance of our growing footprint of flagship hotels in China and its halo effect on Starwood’s hotels around the world.”

Eight Out of Nine Starwood Brands Fly Flags in China ● With 31 existing hotels and another 34 in the pipeline,

Sheraton Qiandao Lake Resort in China.

According to van Paasschen, Starwood’s growth in China is illustrative of growth opportunities in other markets throughout Asia Pacific, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

“Many predict that more than 70% of the world’s growth over the next decade will come from emerging markets, which is consistent with Starwood’s skew towards development in these markets. China recognizes that

cally an outpost for Western travelers,” says Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood.

“Today, more than 50% of our guests in China are Chinese.

The Chinese are beginning to become a major global travel force as well, and by 2015 China will have 100 million outbound travelers, the largest in the world. For some perspective, that is more people than visit France each year, which is the number one

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts is the dominant upper upscale brand in China and leads Starwood’s growth here.

Sheraton’s heritage as the first international branded hotel in burgeoning urban locations continues today, as evidenced by new hotels planned in Jiangyin and Huzhou. ● Benefiting from Sheraton’s strong brand awareness, sister brand Four Points by Sheraton has 11

hotels and another 14 poised to open, primarily in growing second and third tier cities and tertiary markets. ● The Westin brand boasts a pipeline of 13 new hotels set to join its existing portfolio of eight award-winning properties including the Westin Shanghai and the Westin Guangzhou. ● Global powerhouse Le Meridien currently features hotels in Qingdao, Chongqing, Xiamen, Shanghai, Shimei Bay, Sheshan and Hong Kong with three additional hotels in the pipeline. ● St. Regis, Starwood’s ultra-luxury brand, has fast become a favorite for visiting heads of state and celebrities with flagships in Beijing and Shanghai and is poised to more than triple its presence with seven more hotels in its Chinese pipeline.

Next month, the brand will debut its first resort in China with the opening of The St. Regis Lhasa Resort. ● Also on the luxury front, China’s legendary The Astor Hotel in Tianjin made its debut as the first of four hotels to open within Starwood’s esteemed The Luxury Collection. ● Design-led W Hotels made its buzzworthy debut in China with the W Hong Kong in 2008 and next year will open its doors in Taipei and Guangzhou, with another three hotels in its pipeline. ● Starwood’s new Aloft brand, which offers style, design and high tech touches at an affordable price, opened one of its first hotels worldwide in Beijing in 2008, and continues to make inroads here with seven new hotels slated.

VIVA Kuwait attends Telecoms World Mideast Conference 2010 KUWAIT: VIVA Kuwait, represented by its CEO, Engineer Najeeb Al-Awadi attended the Telecoms World Middle East 2010 Conference, where key decision makers of the leading regional operators gathered to discuss their position, strategies and areas of future investments.

The conference that took place in, Dubai, United Arab Emirates between 4th and 7th of October 2010, hosted professionals related to fields of Internet and Intranet, Computers, Telecommunications, Computer Networks, Multimedia Technologies from the Middle East.

VIVA Kuwait CEO, Engineer Najeeb AlAwadi elaborated on the importance of making mobile broadband accessible to the mass market through compelling applications that benefit categories like social networking, application stores, mobile commerce, and socio-economic applications; In addition to meeting the demands of all society sectors “anywhere, anytime” while ensuring quality service and by providing affordable packages and services to

Engineer Najeeb Al-Awadi satisfy the needs of all society segments.

Among the speakers with VIVA Kuwait CEO, Engineer Najeeb Al-Awadi were Ahmed Nassif, Managing Director, Yahoo! Middle East, Philippe Vogeleer, Chief Strategy Officer, Orange, Jordan, and Charles-Henri Levaillant, Corporate Vice President, Strategy and Development, Vivendi.

Henkel Arabia ranks 2nd among 5 of most innovative companies in Saudi DUBAI: Henkel Arabia, one of the top names in the home & fabric care category and part of the Germany-based Fortune 500 Company Henkel, has been rated as one of the top innovative companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - a prestigious recognition among some of the top brands in the country.

Henkel Arabia was named in the Ebtikarana - the Saudi innovation list, an annual survey aimed at measuring the level of innovation readiness, practices and accomplishments of Saudi Arabian organisations across the main business sector.

Ebtikarana is a result of a strategic partnership between Al Eqtisadia, the leading Arabic business newspaper and Innovabia - Ebtikar Al Arabiya, based in Dubai Knowledge Village.

The Innovation list serves the market and the economy in general on the innovation space by helping management to look at innovation from the perspective of experts and comparing its status with other similar organizations from around the globe.

Henkel was recognized for its innovative strategy and leadership in consumer goods industry - for (1) its innovation culture, (2) world-class brands targeting local needs such as the Persil Abaya Shampoo, Persil Liquid Detergent for White Thobe and DAC Disinfectant as also (3) the various innovative marketing programs undertaken including the annual Arwa3 Abaya competition that is aired as part of MBC1 morning show.

“We are thrilled to be named among the most innovative organizations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is a major shot in the arm for Henkel Arabia to be recognized for the innovation culture that we so aggressively nurture in our organization,” said Memosh Khawaja, General Manager of Henkel Saudi Arabia. “To be recognized for our innovation in such a competitive landscape is especially gratifying as it validates the significant investment and progress we are making toward our goal of truly becoming a trusted consumer goods

provider and in making a measurable difference in our consumers’ lives.”

The innovation in Henkel products in the region can be gauged from the fact that its Persil Abaya Shampoo offers the perfect level of Abaya cleanliness, with its revolutionary German ‘black colour lock’ technology, which protects the blackness of the Abaya and keeps as good as new after every wash. The biggest Abaya shop retailer in KSA, BEDOON ESSM, even recommends using only Persil Abaya Shampoo on black Abayas.

Similarly, because of the unique German Opti-Brite technology from Henkel gives Persil liquid detergent for white thobes gives the brightest whiteness wash after wash compared to mixing ordinary powdered detergent and bleach.

Last but not least, is DAC disinfectant where it is an example of innovation in category creation by giving 24 hour germ protection to homes and DAC is now trusted by the Saudi German Hospital.

Kuwait offers naphtha for late November deliveries SINGAPORE: Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC) has offered 74,000 tons of naphtha for late November loading by tender, bringing its total spot exports next month to about 150,000 tons, traders said yesterday.

But the volumes so far are still lower than the 300,000 tons it sold for October loading, they added.

“They should have less going forward, as they managed to term up their barrels for December 2010-November 2011,” said a trader. KPC and other Gulf suppliers namely Saudi Aramco, ADNOC and Tasweeq were unable to get some of their customers to

accept high term premiums previously, and that had forced the refiners to sell the cargoes in the spot market.

KPC, however, fixed its latest term price for a 12-month period starting in December at a premium of $12.00-$13.00 a ton to Middle East spot quotes, sharply down from the $21.00 a ton premium FOB for supplies lifting August 2010-July 2011.

The refiner’s tender, which is for a 24,000-tonne light grade, and 50,000 tons for full-range naphtha for late November loading, is expected to be awarded today.

—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

.2770000 .4425000 .3860000 .2825000 .2715000 .2710000 .0045000 .0020000 .0762710 .7430830 .4020000 .0730000 .7284600 .0045000 .0480000 CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES .2809500 .4446690 .3882580 .2847460 .2738380 .0520580 .0415820 .2735410 .0362080 .2157680 .0034400 .0063490 .0025250 .0033050 .0040280 .0765330 .7456310 .3973550 .0749710 .7305130 .0065710 TRANSFER CHEQUES RATES .2830500 .4478130 .2867650 .0754500

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Japanese Yen Indian Rupees

ASIAN COUNTRIES 3.478 6.335

.2870000 .4520000 .3940000 .2940000 .2810000 .2780000 .0075000 .0035000 .0764620 .7505510 .4170000 .0770000 .7357820 .0072000 .0580000 .2830500 .4478130 .3910030 .2867650 .2757790 .0524270 .0418770 .2754750 .0364650 .2172980 .0034640 .0063940 .0025430 .0033280 .0040560 .0770210 .7503920 .4001730 .0754500 .7351770 .0066180

Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash

3.282 2.523 3.969 217.140 36.393 4.001 6.534 9.434 0.267 0.310 GCC COUNTRIES Saudi Riyal 75.305 Qatari Riyal 77.592 Omani Riyal 733.670 Bahraini Dinar 750.050 UAE Dirham 76.901 ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 51.650 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 48.898 Yemen Riyal 1.325 Tunisian Dinar 202.500 Jordanian Dinar 398.790 Lebanese Lira 188.800 Syrian Lier 6.176 Morocco Dirham 35.2854 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 282.280 Euro 391.800 Sterling Pound 448.540 Canadian dollar 276.470 Turkish lire 199.280 Swiss Franc 287.890 Australian dollar 274.800 US Dollar Buying 281.095 GOLD 20 Gram 260.000 10 Gram 130.000 5 Gram 67.000

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

SELL CASH 279.500 750.480 4.250 278.800 554.200 14.100 53.700 167.800 51.450 394.500

36.900 6.335 0.033

398.870 0.190 93.150 3.980 213.800

SELL DRAFT 278.000 750.480 4.000 277.300

218.300 48.918 393.000

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

282.100 278.695 447.442 392.219 285.756 691.418 746.658 76.783 77.465 75.195 398.067 49.015 6.342 3.288

Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees

2.523 4.016 6.524 3.450 9.396 6.154 3.960

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. Currency

732.840 3.295 6.540 77.630 75.350 218.320 43.200 2.522 449.000 288.800 6.200 9.640 76.900 282.200

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd

Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash

37.050 6.510 0.033 0.265 0.247 3.550 400.750 0.191 93.150 47.300 4.420 215.300 1.897 49.500 733.020 3.420 6.700 78.060 75.350 218.320 43.200 2.688 451.000 43.400 290.300 6.200 9.750 198.263 77.000 282.600 1.360 GOLD 1,413.110 TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 449.000 282.200

Rate per 1000 (Tran)

US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Nepali rupee Yemeni Riyal Jordanian Dinars Syrian Pounds Euro Candaian Dollars

282.150 3.300 6.355 2.535 4.000 6.565 76.890 75.435 749.900 48.895 452.300 0.00003280 4.025 1.550 400.700 5.750 395.800 280.800

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 281.800 392.000 448.350 276.000 3.470 6.340 48.885 2.522 3.985 6.522 3.290 748.500 76.800 75.250

business

Thursday, October 28, 2010

23

Firm reports $7.7m in net profit and $39.8m in revenues

Kuwait Energy announces Q3 financials and activities

Lulu starts Egypt operations First department store in Nasr City, Cairo CAIRO: The Middle-East’s leading hypermarket and supermarket chain has launched their operations in Egypt with the opening of its first store in Cairo.

Lulu Center, Nasr city was inaugurated by Egyptian Minister for Trade, Rachid Mohamed Rachid, in the presence of top government officials and dignitaries.

This is the 84th branch of Lulu group in the Middle-East.

Located in Nasr city, on the

Mustafa Nahas &Tairan Street Junction, Lulu Center is spread on 4 floors with separate sections for garments, electronics, home appliances, stationary, house-hold goods, gift, toys, and footwear among others.

Yusuffali MA, the Managing Director of Lulu Group said, “This is our first project in Egypt and we plan to invest more in the country. We will be opening five new hypermarkets

and shopping malls by the end of 2011. The shoppers can buy the latest products at the most competitive prices with best service”.

“Egypt is a very strong country and we see great potential for our future growth and we very confident of our success here and I thank the support of the Egyptian Government and officials for all their support and cooperation,” said Yusuffali.

OHIO: Whirlpool logo appears on the face of a refrigerator for sale at the Sears Grand store in Solon, Ohio. Whirlpool Corp.’s third-quarter net income dropped 9 percent yesterday, stung by a subsidiary’s antitrust plea agreements.—AP

Whirlpool and Electrolux buoyant but see volatility NEW YORK/STOCKHOLM: World-leading home appliances makers Whirlpool and Electrolux beat quarterly earnings forecasts yesterday, but said the market and economic outlook was volatile.

The two white-goods giants were battered by the global downturn but have been in recovery mode since cost cuts. Growth is coming from emerging markets, while consumers in developed key US and European markets remain cautious.

The outlook remains clouded by fears of a double-dip recession in the United States and the need for demand-dampening austerity measures in several European Union states.

“As we have previously noted, we continue to see a volatile and rapidly changing global economy, which we expect to continue in the near term,” Whirlpool Chief Executive and Chairman Jeff Fettig said. The company, which tops Electrolux in global sales with its own brand and the Maytag marque, reported adjusted third-quarter earnings per share of $2.22 versus a forecast $1.76. Sales came in at $4.52 billion, above the estimate of $4.49 billion.

“The actions we have put in place have allowed us to offset negative environmental factors and maintain our full-year adjusted earnings outlook,” he added.

Electrolux’s third-quarter adjusted operating profit of 1.98 billion crowns ($298 million) beat the average forecast of 1.64 billion crowns in a Reuters poll, but was down from 2.23 billion in the same period of 2009.

Sales fell 5 percent to 26.3 billion crowns, lagging the poll forecast of 27.1 billion.

Whirlpool’s Fettig said the company had, as expected, faced a challenging environment in the quarter, leading to a significant slowing in sales growth compared with the first half.

“Our ongoing focus on cost reductions, productivity and innovative product launches continues to enable us to adapt to changes in the macroeconomic environment,” he said.

Electrolux, which owns the Frigidaire,

Zanussi and AEG-Electrolux brands, got its main operating earnings boost from AsiaPacific, which accounted for more than 8 percent of group sales in the quarter.

It said market demand in southeast Asia and China was estimated “to have shown a considerable increase”. “The market continues to be volatile and different types of stimulus measures make the forecasting of developments difficult, not least in North America,” Chief Executive Hans Straberg said in a statement.

The operating margin over nine months was 6.1 percent which, he said, meant a 6 percent goal for the year was within reach.

Operating earnings in Europe, the Middle East and Africa- which generated nearly 40 percent of sales-were flat year on year.

Earnings in North America and Latin America fell.

Based on Tuesday’s closing prices, Electrolux stock has risen 3.3 percent this month, while Whirlpool has gained 4.8 percent. Electrolux shares were unchanged by 1044 GMT, having initially risen 3 percent.

Analysts said the market had later focused on the headwinds facing Electrolux, including raw materials costs. Straberg told Reuters in an interview that raw materials costs would rise 300 million crowns in the fourth quarter, year on year, and by 1.5 billion crowns in 2011.

Electrolux saw demand drop in the US market as customers brought forward purchases to the second quarter due to government-sponsored rebate programs.

An end to tax incentives in Brazil also meant demand had stagnated there, it said.

Though Latin America sales increased in the quarter, profits went down due to higher raw materials costs, price pressure and a poorer customer mix.

Sales in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region fell, mainly due to the fact German retailer Quelle went bankrupt at the end of 2009, it said. —Reuters

KUWAIT: Kuwait Energy Company, one of the fastest growing independent oil and gas exploration and production companies in the Middle East, yesterday announced its key financial and operational activity results for the third quarter 2010, reporting $7.7 million in net profit and $39.8 million in revenues, up 7.9% from the previous quarter and 48.5% compared to the corresponding period in 2009.

Exploration well BEAW-1X in Burg El Arab, Egypt encountered oil shows at the shallower Cretaceous levels and also at deeper Jurassic levels.

This well was drilled to a depth of 18,350 ft, which is the deepest well in the Western Desert, Egypt to date. During Q4 2010, the well will be production tested.

A second exploration well Balharak South 2X in Block 49, Yemen was spud on 11 August 2010. This is Kuwait Energy’s first operated exploration well in Yemen. The target depth of 7,708 ft is expected to be reached by mid November 2010.

Production increased marginally from the previous quarter due to increased production in Oman and Russia.

Production in Q4 2010 is expected to increase primarily due to a full quarter of production from Al Zahraa-3 in East Ras Qattara field in Egypt.

Kuwait Energy successfully drilled a total of ten development wells, nine in Oman and one in Al Zahraa3 in East Ras Qattara field during the third quarter of 2010. The Al Zahraa-3 well is currently producing approximately 2,200 bopd, gross.

Kuwait Energy entered into a Sales and Purchase Agreement with Beach Petroleum to partially divest a 22% interest in Abu Sennan and a 15% interest in Block 6, Egypt.

These divestments reduce Kuwait Energy’s exploration commitments and their finalization is subject to customary regulatory approvals including the Egyptian government approvals.

Outlook Kuwait Energy will start the six-month study in Q4 2010 as per the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Yemen Ministry of Oil and Minerals, addressing the potential development of natural gas reserves in Yemen and the optimization of the country’s natural gas resources for the benefit of its people.

Kuwait Energy was awarded on October 20th a 20-year term gas development contracts in Iraq’s Siba and Mansuriya gas fields. Kuwait Energy also operates in Egypt, Yemen, Oman, Ukraine, Latvia, Russia, and Pakistan and has been profitable since establishment in 2005.

Kuwait Energy’s proven and probable reserves at year end 2009 were 51.2 million barrels of oil equivalent.

Kuwait Energy is targeting an initial public offering (IPO) on the London and/or Kuwait stock markets within the next nine months, subject to market conditions.

Once listed, the Company will become one of the few publicly available investment opportunities directly connecting investors to the Middle East’s exploration and production sector.

MIDEAST MARKETS WEEKLY OUTLOOK

Egypt pound seen lower, Gulf stocks may move up CAIRO: Egypt’s pound is expected to face more selling pressure next week as foreign investors dump the currency ahead of upcoming elections, but the central bank may intervene to stop any sharp declines from fuelling inflation.

In the Gulf, where most currencies are pegged to the US dollar, stock markets had their best month in over a year in September and gains could extend through October if the US Federal Reserve announces a new round of economic stimulus.

Egypt’s pound had been attracting foreign investors for the past year; they bought treasury bills at higher yields than those offered in developed markets where economic growth remains sluggish and interest rates are at historic lows.

This trend has been reversed after a large sell-off of T-bills weakened the pound to 5.7740 to the dollar on Oct. 26, its lowest level in five years.

“We believe (the pound) will face further temporary downward pressure as the yield on three-month T-bills reverses its trend and some foreign investors continue to exit the T-bill market,” J P Morgan said in recent research note.

“We believe the central bank will likely accelerate its intervention in the foreign exchange market again especially if (the pound) weakens to 5.79 (against the dollar)”.

Some traders said the central bank might be buying dollars and letting the pound weaken to make Egypt’s exports more attractive. They also said the bank might be building reserves to cope with any market volatility before parliamen-

tary elections on Nov. 28 and presidential elections in 2011.

No one doubts President Hosni Mubarak’s ruling party will dominate both races, but the polls are being watched to see how much space is given to the opposition and, more crucially, whether the 82-year-old president seeks another term next year.

However, with inflation running at 11 percent, the Egyptian government is loath to let the currency fall too much before elections out of concern it could push up the price of imported goods, especially foodstuffs, even faster.

The Egyptian pound is also likely to pick up against the dollar as the fourth quarter progresses because widelyexpected quantitative easing measures (QE2) in the United States will accelerate capital flows to higher interest rate emerging markets, CI Capital Research said in a note on Tuesday.

“We believe the recent depreciation will be of a short-term nature-which should be intensified with the upcoming November elections,” it said.

“As QE2 materializes, more capital should flow into the economy which should shift such depreciation pattern.”

Analysts said the lower pound could boost the shares of some exporters listed on the Egyptian stock market, though investors will focus more on earnings.

Most Egyptian companies report their third quarter results in the first two weeks of November.

“The market will be looking at ... banks’ results in the early weeks of November. Expectations are high for bank loan growth,” Simon Kitchen, a

Egypt eyes private funds to fix sagging infrastructure CAIRO: Egypt has seen so many deadly road, rail, sea and other accidents over the last half decade that people have started to call the cabinet “Hakumat AlKawareth”-the government of disasters.

Over 1,000 died when a ferry caught fire in 2006, and a series of train crashes have killed dozens more. There was a fire at the upper house of parliament two years ago. And Egyptians sweated through widespread power cuts this summer.

Though the population has burgeoned to 78 million in the most populous Arab country, infrastructure spending has fallen as a proportion of national income in the past two decades.

Economists say Egypt’s overburdened transport and energy networks need billions of dollars in upgrades to allow the level of economic growth the country needs to create enough jobs for its fast-growing workforce.

Faced with steep budget deficits, the government has responded by trying to drum up private firms’ interest in rail, port, highway, energy and other projects.

Officials say this tactic could prove fruitful, but it is still largely untested.

“Obviously power brownouts, rising inflation, or the failure of goods to get to market is a drag on growth.

The question, of course, is how you finance it, because the government cannot,” Simon Kitchen, economist at investment bank EFG-Hermes, said.

A 2010 World Bank report said that if Egypt increased infrastructure spending from 5 percent to 8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), it would boost growth per capita by an additional 1.5 percent in 10 years and 3 percent in 30 years.

The report said infrastructure investment in Egypt was about 10 percent of GDP in 1983, nearly 12 percent in 1988 but dipped to about 5 percent in 2007, the latest figure available.

“Infrastructure investment has suffered a substantial decline,” the report’s authors wrote. “A developing country like Egypt cannot afford such stagnation.”

Egypt, with its sizeable domestic consumer market, offers plenty of attractions for investors. It is close to Europe, and sits at the top of Africa and the heart of the Middle East, giving it good access to markets. Even in the global crisis, growth stayed near 5 percent, helped by tax cuts and other reforms introduced since 2004.

Despite the changes, investors still face hurdles like a large and creaking bureaucracy. —Reuters

strategist with EFG-Hermes, said.

“Overall, the Egyptian market will continue to take a lead from global markets, though retail activity and rich valuations for blue-chips will mean that smaller cap names outperform.”

GULF MARKETS In the Gulf, stock markets including Dubai and Abu Dhabi have extended stellar gains from last month into October.

Gulf markets are seen benefitting from widely-expected US Federal Reserve plans to unveil a new round of “quantitative easing”, to pump more money into the economy.

Any such move could push the dollar lower, which in turn would raise the price of crude oil exports, which are priced in the greenback and on which most Gulf Arab countries depend.

“Focus continues to be on Fed comments ahead of the Nov. 3 FOMC meeting,” said Ajeev Gopinath, associate vice president for asset management at Gulf Baader Capital Markets in Muscat.

Earnings will drive markets for another week, with regional lenders and property-related stocks in the United Arab Emirates yet to announce their quarterly performance.

“Economic recovery is picking up with a stable crude price and fiscal surpluses. (Gulf) equities are well placed among frontier markets, with economic growth better than the developed world and lower than emerging markets,” Gopinath said. “This should drive institutional interest in the region, as we have gained more visibility in core earnings for the corporate sector after recent earnings announcements.” —Reuters

EMC establishes single node NAS performance record Outperforms competitors dual node offerings DUBAI: EMC Corporation, the world leader in information infrastructure solutions, yesterday announced a new NAS (network attached storage) benchmark highlighting the superior performance and scalability of its market leading EMC Celerra storage systems. The published SPECsfs2008 (Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation) testing data measures network file system performance.

The SPECsfs2008 —nfs.v3 results show an EMC Celerra VG8 NAS gateway-the industry’s first storage system to leverage cutting-edge 64 bit Intel Xeon 5600 processors technology for doubled performance-configured with a single active blade outperforming and handling a larger workload than the nearest NetApp system configured with two active NAS heads. The EMC Celerra modular architecture enables that performance to scale up to 8 blades, providing unmatched levels of performance and scalability.

Highlights: ● The Celerra VG8, built with Intel Xeon 5600 processors, was introduced in late August along with a smaller model, the EMC Celerra VG2. A single blade in the new Celerra systems is faster than two blades in competing solutions which translates to handling larger workloads faster-with fewer infrastructure requirements. ● The SPECsfs2008—nfs.V3 results show a single-blade EMC Celerra system outperforming twoblade competitive systems by 13%.

This enables customers to consolidate larger workloads onto Celerra

VG8 NAS heads-including VMware virtual machines-and scale them more efficiently than competing solutions.

EMC Celerra’s high availability architecture is designed to maintain performance during failure events with a hot standby X-Blade, an industry leading capability that allows customers to determine the level of protection they desire. The EMC approach allows customers to fully load the active X-Blades, delivering higher utilization rates.

“The new EMC Celerra systems are the first of their kind to leverage the latest 64 bit Intel Xeon 5600 processors and are ideal for VMware and other virtual environments because of the linear scalability which means performance stays high as the system grows,” said Peter Thayer, Senior Director, Product Marketing, EMC Unified Storage Division. “The combination of this processing power and advanced built-in features of Celerra make it the most advanced midrange storage system on the market and one that is helping customers on their journey to the private cloud by make their data centers more efficient and agile.”

SPEC is a non-profit organization that establishes, maintains and endorses standardized benchmarks to evaluate performance for the newest generation of computing systems. Its membership comprises more than 70 leading computer hardware and software vendors, educational institutions, research organizations, and government agencies worldwide.

24

BUSINESS GLOBAL DAILY MARKET REPORT

KSE stocks edge higher as buying interest grows KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) stocks continued their northward journey yesterday, buoyed by buying interest in most sectors. Kuwaiti stocks regrouped in late trading to end the session in the positive territory.

Global General Index (GGI) closed 0.27 points up (0.12 percent), at 221.42 point as the Market capitalization increased reaching KD35.86mn. On the other hand, Kuwait Stock Exchange Price Index closed in the green zone adding 23.20 points (0.33 percent) from its value and closed at 7,049.3 point.

Market breadth During the session, 121 companies were traded. Market breadth was skewed towards advancers as 54 equities advanced versus 27 that retreated. Trading activities ended on a positive note.

Volume of shares traded on the exchange increased by 15.41 percent to reach 381.97mn shares, the value of shares traded increased also by 43.93 percent to stand at KD65.47mn.

The Investment Sector was the volume leader, accounting for 35.35 percent of total shares traded, while the Banking Sector was the value leader, with 43.53 percent of total traded value.

Company-wise, Abyaar Real Estate Development Co was the volume leader, with a total traded volume of 62.32mn shares changing hands. Burgan Bank was the value leader, with a total traded value of KD8.24mn.

In terms of top gainers, Mena Real Estate Company was the biggest gainer for the day, adding 9.62 percent and closed at

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Abu Dhabi’s First Gulf Bank Q3 profit falls 9% ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi’s First Gulf Bank yesterday reported a 9-percent fall in third quarter profit due to lower revenues from subsidiaries, but beat analysts’ forecasts.

The lender, the secondlargest bank in the emirate by market value, made a profit of 849 million dirhams ($231.2 million) in the three months to Sept. 30, down from 930 million dirhams in the same period last year, it said in a statement.

Analysts polled by Reuters had estimated an average third quarter profit of 804.1 million dirhams.

“We will maintain our

focus on the core strength of the bank in corporate, retail and treasury activities,” Andre Sayegh, the bank’s chief executive said in the statement. “The overseas expansion, subsidiaries and associated companies will continue to present complementary support to our core businesses,” he said.

Core banking revenues contributed 98 percent towards total revenues, compared to 87 percent in the third quarter last year.

Revenues from subsidiaries and associates fell 86 percent to 31 million dirhams.

Impairments stood at 1.31 billion dirhams at the end of

September with 406 million dirhams booked in the third quarter alone, it said.

Loans and deposits grew at single digits with loans at 95.5 billion dirhams in September 2010 and deposits at 92.3 billion dirhams. In August, Citigroup downgraded the bank to “hold” from “buy,” citing sluggish business activity and continued impact from the restructuring at stateowned conglomerate Dubai World.

First Gulf Bank’s shares closed 1.2 percent lower in earlier trading yesterday. The results were released after the close of trading on Abu Dhabi’s bourse.—Reuters

UAE to add 213,000bpd of crude by 2012: Report KD0.057. On the other hand, Nafais Holding Co came in as the biggest decliner, dropping by 7.46 percent and closed at KD0.031.

Sector-wise Sector-wise, five out of eight indices went up yesterday led by Global Insurance index which gained 1.03 percent. Gulf Insurance Company was the only gainer in the sector adding 3.28 percent to close at KD0.630.

Global Investment sector followed, up by 0.96 percent to reach 117.46 points backed by gains witnessed in the Large cap stocks. some Kharafi-linked companies’ gain yesterday. Coast Investment

& Development Company & AlMal Investment Company rose 3.03 & 3.33 percent respectively.

On the decliners’ side, Global Banking Index lost 0.08 percent driven by National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) which lost 1.45 percent to close at KD1.360. Global Special Indices ended on a mixed note, Global Small Cap Index, which was unchanged. Global Islamic Index had the biggest gain of 0.41 percent backed by gains witnessed in the Islamic banks.

Oil news Kuwait’s crude oil exports to China skyrocketed 85.0 percent in September from a year earlier to

845,000 tons, equivalent to around 207,000 barrels per day (bpd), the latest government data showed.

Kuwait provided 3.6 percent of China’s total crude oil imports, compared with 2.7 percent in the same month of last year and 3.9 percent in August, according to data released from the General Administration of Customs.

Corporate news Kuwait’s budget surplus rose to KD5.43 billion ($19.31 billion) in the first six months of the fiscal year ending next March on higher than forecast oil revenue, while spending lagged behind, data showed on Tuesday. Revenue in

the world’s fourth-largest oil exporter stood at KD9.95 billion at the end of September, some 102 percent of the full-year plan, according to Reuters calculations based on data posted on the central bank’s website www.cbk.gov.kw The OPEC member’s oil revenue came in at 9.37 billion dinars and spending in the first six months to Sept. 30 came to KD4.52 billion, 28 percent of the yearly plan, the data showed. The surplus reached 4.63 billion dinars in the first five months of this fiscal year and KD4.99 billion in April-September of 2009.

DUBAI: Abu Dhabi’s National Oil Company (ADNOC) plans to add 213,000 barrels per day (bpd) to its crude production by 2012, chief executive of the company’s onshore operations unit ADCO said yesterday.

The United Arab Emirates has set an overall target to increase its oil production capacity to 3.5 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2018 from 2.7 million bpd.

“We hope to add 213,000 barrels a day by 2012, which will come from existing, new reser-

voirs and new fields,” Abdul Munim Saif AlKindy told Reuters in an emailed statement.

ADCO also has a longer term target to increase output by about 400,000 bpd to 1.8 million bpd over the next 10 years.

“The rest, some 200,000 barrels a day will come from increasing production from existing fields of Bab, Asab, Qusahwira and some smaller new fields which we plan to award related projects starting 2012,” he said. The UAE, together with Kuwait and Saudi

Arabia, is one of the OPEC countries with spare capacity that can be added to the oil market as required.

Spare capacity has increased after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed output reductions in December 2008, when the oil price was crashing after a record rally and as global recession took hold, stifling demand. As the oil price has recovered-to more than $80 now-compliance with agreed curbs has fallen. —Reuters

business

Thursday, October 28, 2010

NSC to open 60th branch at Egaila KUWAIT: As part of its investment and marketing plan designed to place NSC in the field’s front line, it announced the opening of its 60th branch in Kuwait in November at Awtad Mall-Egaila, next to Al-Bairaq Mall.

The branch is the biggest that covers an area of 4,000 square meters.

Omar Wazir Ahmad, Marketing manager at NSC declared that continuous expansions aims to reach clients through NSC branches network all over Kuwait especially with the great development that the area has been witnessing .

Wazir added that the competition gets harder and harder every year between many local and international companies that require continuous updates with the latest fashion lines. These provide the best deals and products that the clients seek.

Wazeer pointed out that the NSC has placed a series of goals to be achieved, in a specific well studied economic plan to fit the local market and clients’ needs from women’s fashion, children’s fashion, men’s fashion to cosmetic and perfume departments and shoes. This is in addition to home decor appliances plus sports equipment, especially as fierce competition exists in the international markets. Continuous development makes large-scale companies aim to attract more clients to create a sense of trust between them, and their clients who are more well-

Omar Wazir Ahmad educated than ever before.

Wazeer concluded that these continuous changes came at the request of loyal clients to open more and bigger showrooms that cater to all their needs under one roof, especially after awareness has been raised on the importance of taking up sport and working out for a healthier body and mind.

charge, Deutsche Bank posted a net profit of 1.1 billion euros in the three-month period, down from 1.4 billion in the third quarter of 2009. The bank reported net revenues of 5.0 billion euros including the charge and a pre-tax operating loss of 1.0 billion euros.

Without the charge, Deutsche Bank posted a pre-tax operating profit of 1.3 billion euros, the same amount as in the third quarter of 2009. A statement quoted chairman Josef Ackerman as saying: “The third quarter results again prove the robustness of our recalibrated business model despite the difficult ongoing macro-economic and market conditions.”

Deutsche Bank is buying Postbank to add a strong retail banking pole to its traditional investment bank activities.

Those still contributed the most to overall results however, with net revenues of 4.1 billion euros, which Deutsche Bank finance director Stefan Krause called “pretty remarkable” during a telephone press conference. Recent results by rivals like Credit Suisse, UBS and Goldman Sachs have disappointed markets. Other Deutsche Bank divisions helped overall earnings as well following the acquisitions of wealth manage-

ment firm Sal Oppenheim and parts of the Dutch bank ABN Amro last year.

“We are on the path to reaching good results in 2010,” Krause said, though he did not provide details.

Early this month, Deutsche Bank raised 10.2 billion euros, its biggest capital increase ever, to finance the Postbank takeover and reinforce core capital in view of proposals from international banking regulators. “Our retail banking operation is vastly increasing its footprint in Germany, which will balance our earnings towards an even more stable business,” Ackermann said.

The bank booked 362 million euros in loss provisions in the quarter, less than the 544 million euros recorded in the same period of 2009 but more than the 243 million euros seen in the second quarter of 2010.

It reported a Tier 1 capital ratio of 11.5 percent and a core Tier 1 ratio of 7.6 percent, and aims to meet so-called Basel III guidelines being drafted to ensure banks are not vulnerable to another financial crisis six years ahead of schedule. Deutsche Bank did not provide an outlook for the full year, but has already targetted a pre-tax profit of 10 billion euros in 2011. — AFP

FRANKFURT: The sun reflects in the headquarters of Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt, central Germany. Deutsche Bank AG, Germany’s biggest financial group, confirmed yesterday, a euro 1.2 billion ($1.7 billion) loss in the third quarter, due to costs associated with its planned takeover of retail lender Postbank AG. — AP

Elaf seeking Malaysian sharia banking license KUALA LUMPUR: Bahrain’s Elaf Bank has applied for a Malaysian Islamic banking license after securing six financing deals worth about $1.4 billion in the country and Indonesia, its chief executive said yesterday.

The license would enable Elaf to execute the deals and conduct other dollar-denominated Islamic banking business and the bank hopes to hear from the authorities on its applica-

Orders for US durable goods rise 3.3% in Sept Business spending proxy slips 0.6%

Deutsche Bank posts sharp loss linked to Postbank takeover FRANKFURT: The biggest German bank, Deutsche Bank, posted yesterday a steep thirdquarter loss linked to its purchase of Postbank, but said underlying operating results were stable.

Deutsche Bank reported a net loss of 1.2 billion euros ($1.66 billion) that included a one-off charge from its takeover of Postbank, a deal meant to broaden Deutsche Bank’s revenue base.

Analysts polled by Dow Jones Newswires had forecast a deeper net loss of 1.47 billion euros, and Deutsche Bank shares leapt higher in morning trading on the Frankfurt stock exchange.

They gained 2.11 percent to 42.06 euros, while the DAX index was 0.09 percent higher overall. The bank warned in September that it would incur a charge of 2.3 billion euros as part of a reevaluation of its holding in Postbank, which has Germany’s largest retail banking network.

The new calculation was required because Deutsche Bank has offered to buy all of the shares in Postbank in a bid to raise its stake from nearly 30 percent to more than 50 percent by the end of this year.

Excluding the Postbank

25

tion in the next two weeks, Jamil El Jaroudi said.

“It’ll be finding our steps into this country here,” El Jaroudi said on the sidelines of an Islamic banking forum in the Malaysian capital. “We have a couple of mandates here in Malaysia and in Indonesia which convinced us more and more that we would like to be in Southeast Asia.”

El Jaroudi said $1.2 billion of the deals Elaf had been mandat-

ed for were in Malaysia and $200 million in Indonesia.

“Indonesia is a huge market which is not very much tapped yet from the Islamic point of view and we believe the potential is fantastic there,” he said.

“However we would be doing that most probably through Malaysia.” Elaf is as an Islamic investment bank with a paid-up capital of $200 million. — Reuters

WASHINGTON: Demand for long-lasting US manufactured goods, excluding aircraft, unexpectedly fell last month and a key gauge of business capital spending plans also eased, underscoring the economic recovery’s tepid pace.

The report from the Commerce Department yesterday was further evidence of cooling in the manufacturing sector and reinforced expectations in financial markets that the Federal Reserve would ease monetary policy further next week.

Overall orders for durable goods jumped by a more than expected 3.3 percent, the largest increase since January, lifted by a surge in aircraft bookings. They had dropped 1 percent in August and economists had expected a 2 percent increase in September.

However, orders excluding transportation fell 0.8 percent after increasing 1.9 percent in August as bookings for communications equipment dropped steeply, the department said. Economists, who track this core figure closely, had expected a 0.5 percent gain.

“It’s a very uninspiring report,” said Robbert Van Batenburg, head of global research at Louis Capital Markets in New York. “This will give reasons for those calling for a forceful quantitative easing next week.”

The U.S. central bank, which has already bought about $1.7 trillion worth of Treasury and mortgage-related debt, is expected to launch a second round of asset purchases next week to drive borrowing costs down further and stimulate spending.

The Fed’s decision will be announced a day after Tuesday’s congressional election, which is widely seen as a referendum on President Barack Obama’s performance on the economy. His Democratic Party is seen facing large losses.

US financial markets were little moved by the data as investors tried to gauge the magnitude of the widely anticipated second round of monetary stimulus.

Stocks on Wall Street were set to open lower, while prices for longer-dated US government debt traded down. The US dollar trimmed gains against the euro.

Manufacturing has been leading the economy’s recovery from the worst recession in seven decades, but the sector is showing increasing signs of fatigue, which could further slow growth.

Non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircraft, a closely watched proxy for business spending, slipped 0.6 percent in September after a 4.8 percent increase in August, the department said.

Markets had expected a 0.8 percent gain.

“Overall, these figures suggest that the industrial recovery is nearing an end.

Without it, the overall economy is going to struggle,” said Paul Dales, a US economist at Capital Economics in Toronto.

Last month, overall durable goods orders were boosted by a 105 percent surge in non-defense aircraft and parts, more than reversing a 30 percent plunge in August.

Boeing Co received 117 orders for aircraft in September, a huge jump from 10 bookings the prior month, according to information posted on the plane maker’s website.

Orders were also lifted by bookings for defense aircraft, which rose 30 percent, but motor vehicle and parts orders fell 0.4 percent. Orders for primary metals and computers and electronic products also fell.

The report also showed durable goods inventories rose for the ninth straight month in September.

Shipments, which go into the calculation of gross domestic product, were down for the second consecutive month. — Reuters

RENTON: A flashing red light indicates that power is turned on to Boeing Co. 737 airplane being built at the company’s assembly facility in Renton, Washington on Tuesday. Orders to US factories for bigticket manufactured goods increased last month by the largest amount in eight months as demand for commercial aircraft soared. — AP

Hong Kong luxury home prices top their 1997 peak HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s luxury home prices have topped their pre-Asian crisis peak, data showed yesterday, frustrating government efforts to cool one of the world’s most expensive real estate markets.

Average prices for homes of at least 100 square metres (1,100 square feet) are now 14 percent above what they fetched before the 1997 downturn, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) said.

The data comes amid fears of a property bubble in the densely populated city of seven million and has led some lawmakers to call for a resumption of a subsidized housing scheme due to concerns about the city’s growing income gap.

Government figures show average luxury home prices in

August were 142,249 Hong Kong dollars (18,300 dollars) per square metre, compared with around 122,500 dollars before the 1997 crisis.

Overall, home prices plunged about 60 percent during the Asian crisis, according to government data.

However, the cost of a home has soared more than 45 percent from their trough two years ago, prompting the government to hold about half a dozen sales in the past year to boost supply.

The sales sparked huge interest with Hong Kong’s richest tycoon, Li Ka-shing, snapping up two prime residential sites for about 7.61 billion Hong Kong dollars in August.

Analyst Xavier Wong warned that the city’s property market may already be in the “early stages” of a proper-

ty bubble with little sign of prices cooling down. “Luxury property prices will continue to rise by about 12 percent in the next (year),” Wong, director and head of research for Greater China at property consultancy Knight Frank, told AFP. Earlier this month, the city’s chief executive Donald Tsang outlined a fresh batch of measures aimed at cooling the property market, including halting automatic residency for rich property buyers.

The move is expected to affect wealthy mainland Chinese investors, who account for as much as half of luxury homes sales in Hong Kong, stoking claims that speculators are adding to the sharp price rise.

“In recent years, Hong Kong has seen a surge in mainland Chinese buying lux-

ury homes,” Buggle Lau, chief analyst at Hong Kong property broker Midland Holdings, told AFP. “This has created a situation where demand for luxury homes exceed supply.”

Pro-government lawmaker Raymond Ho called on the government to consider restarting the city’s subsidised housing scheme. “The middle and lower class are finding it more difficult to afford flats amid ever-increasing property prices,” he said.

Non-luxury flat prices have put home ownership out of reach for many Hong Kong residents, although they remain below their 1997 peak.

Opposition lawmaker Frederick Fung said: “For private developers, of course it’s the more money, the better...

They are not willing to help stabilize the market. — AFP

HONG KONG: A picture shows highrise buildings lining Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong yesterday.

Hong Kong’s luxury home prices have topped their pre-Asian financial crisis peak, official data showed, despite efforts to cool one of the world’s hottest real estate markets. — AFP

VW profit soars, warns slowdown in sight

WOLFSBURG: A Volkswagen Golf model being lifted past VW emblems on a production line at VolksWagen’s Wolfsburg plant. — AFP

FRANKFURT: Volkswagen, Europe’s biggest automaker, said yesterday its thirdquarter net profit soared more than 10-fold but warned of a slowdown in the final three months of the year.

The group reported a profit of 2.2 billion euros ($3.0 billion), reflecting strong demand and strict cost controls but did not raise its full-year outlook even though the targets are considered prudent by analysts.

“Increased demand for our models and our disciplined cost management led to these strong results, which have strengthened our sound financial base,” VW finance director Hans Dieter Poetsch said in a statement.

The results put VW among the top global automakers that have so far published quarterly results.

“Volkswagen is well ahead of its competitors” thanks in large part to an “excellent implantation in China,” LBBW auto analyst Frank Schwope said. That was reflected in its share price, which has gained around 59 percent this year, the best perfor-

mance by a German blue-chip stock.

After reporting nine-month results on Friday, VW said third-quarter sales jumped 18.4 percent to 30.7 billion euros, with operating profit soaring to 1.99 billion euros from 278 million euros a year earlier in the depths of the global slump. Looking ahead, VW warned the sharp rebound would ease however, saying growth “in the first nine months of 2010 will not continue as strongly in the fourth quarter.”

VW therefore maintained its full-year targets rather than raising them as many analysts had expected.

VW and its nine brands that include Audi, Bentley, Seat and Skoda, still expects to top last year’s unit sales of 6.3 million vehicles and an operating profit of 1.9 billion euros.

Sales by value should exceed 105.2 billion euros, more than the total annual output of countries such as Morocco or Bangladesh. The group sold 5.4 million vehicles in the first nine months of this year, and its operating profit already stands at 4.8 billion euros for the period. — AFP

26

BUSINESS

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Sarkozy nears victory on pension bill as unrest wanes PARIS: French President Nicolas Sarkozy moved closer to victory yesterday in his showdown with unions over pension reform, with strikes easing and street marches losing momentum.

Public transport was returning to normal, fuel was leaving depots at five oil refineries and garbage collectors in the southern port city of Marseille cleared heaps of maggotinfested rubbish after ending a twoweek walkout.

An unrelated month-old strike at

the Marseille oil port of Fos-Lavera may now become the government’s main focus as it is keeping the bulk of France’s refineries starved of crude oil, meaning they cannot restart operations.

Sarkozy has kept a low profile this week as his reform to make people work two years longer for their pensions comes close to becoming law. It has sparked some of Europe’s fiercest protests against deficit-cutting measures.

CGT union head Bernard Thibault

told the daily Liberation in an interview yesterday the battle over pension reform was not over. But he admitted that the goal of a new national day of protest today was not to beat turnout records.

“We can see that this week marks a change,” Labour Minister Erik Woerth, in charge of shepherding the pension bill through parliament, told Canal Plus television yesterday.

Sarkozy says his bill to raise the minimum and full retirement ages by two years to 62 and 67 is vital to rein

in a ballooning pension shortfall and safeguard the AAA credit rating that lets France service its debt at the lowest market rates.

Both houses of parliament have approved the bill and are now signing off on revisions to the text. Once the National Assembly approves the text on Wednesday, the law must be approved by the constitutional council, where a last-minute challenge by the opposition Socialists could mean a delay of a few days.

Petrol station shortages have

eased after the government cleared fuel depot blockades and ramped up fuel imports. Unions have called a fresh day of nationwide strikes and street marches on Thursday and another for Nov 6. But after only a few hundred students turned out for rallies on Tuesday, momentum for the protests appears weak.

The Fos-Lavera workers, who oppose the privatization of dock unloading operations there, have no plan to end their strike. Union representatives will sit down with man-

agement yesterday.

“We are waiting for a signal from management. We should have one today,” local CGT representive Pascal Galeote said. Around 60 oil tankers are moored offshore, waiting to unload.

Workers at an oil terminal at the northern port of Le Havre voted yesterday to continue for another day their strike against pension reform, which is keeping crude from reaching northern French refineries.

If the port strikes and street protests end, Sarkozy is expected to try to heal wounds with unions by discussing labour conditions for the young and old.

The aging of populations worldwide is forcing up retirement ages.

A study by national statistics institute INSEE published yesterday showed that by 2060 one in three French people will be over 60, compared with one in five today, and 200,000 could be over 100, up from 15,000 yesterday. —Reuters

ECB seen leaving rates untouched

Euro-zone credit growth still subdued, say analysts

SEOUL: South Korea’s automobiles and heavy equipments wait to be shipped to foreign countries at a port in Gunsan, South Korea. South Korea’s economic growth slowed sharply in the third quarter on weaker exports and manufacturing as prospects for the global recovery turn cloudy. —AP

S Korea’s economic growth slows sharply in third quarter SEOUL: South Korea’s economic growth slowed sharply in the third quarter on weaker exports and manufacturing as prospects for the global recovery turn cloudy.

The Bank of Korea said yesterday that South Korea’s gross domestic product expanded 0.7 percent in the three months through September, slowing from 1.4 percent growth in the previous quarter. It was the second straight quarter that growth slowed.

South Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy, rebounded strongly from the worldwide downturn of 2008-2009, boosted by low interest rates, government stimulus spending and a relatively weak currency that helped exports as overseas demand recovered.

But global growth is now waning after its initial rebound from the depths hit last year. The International Monetary Fund said this month that the world economy will slow to growth of 4.2 percent next year from an expected 4.8 percent this year.

The 0.7 percent quarter-on-quarter growth translates into annualized growth of 3 percent, according to Oh Suk-tae, regional head of research in South Korea at Standard Chartered First Bank Korea.

Overseas shipments and manufacturing, which have been key drivers of South Korea’s economic recovery, both slowed markedly in the third quarter.

Exports grew 1.9 percent, down from 7

percent in the second quarter, according to the central bank. Manufacturing, meanwhile, expanded 2 percent, more than halving from 5.2 percent.

“The bottom line is that the global economy is not fully recovered,” Standard Chartered First Bank Korea’s Oh said of the performance of export-reliant South Korea. In other categories, capital spending slowed, while agriculture, forestry and fisheries contracted amid bad weather that affected crops such as cabbage, the key ingredient in kimchi, South Korea’s national dish. On the positive side, growth in services and private spending both accelerated, while construction grew after contracting in the second quarter.

GDP expanded 4.5 percent from the same period last year, down from 7.2 percent in the previous three months, the central bank said.

Wednesday’s figures are preliminary and may be revised. The growth results were released before South Korean financial markets opened. The benchmark stock index fell, declining 0.5 percent to close at 1,909.54. The South Korean won declined 1 percent to 1,128 to the dollar, its lowest level in nearly a week.

Despite the slowdown, South Korea’s economy remains on track to grow about 6 percent in 2010, far stronger than the 0.2 percent expansion eked out in 2009. Its economy has now expanded for seven straight quarters.

The International

Monetary Fund last month raised its annual growth forecast for South Korea to 6.1 percent from 5.75 percent, but predicted the expansion would slow to 4.5 percent next year.

Oh, the economist, also said that growth for the year will come in at about 6 percent, but was more pessimistic for 2011, forecasting an expansion of around 4 percent amid the weak outlook for the world economy.

The Bank of Korea slashed its key interest rate to a record low 2 percent to combat the global downturn, but raised it to 2.25 percent in July amid the domestic economy’s solid growth prospects and worries about inflation.

Economists had largely expected another increase this month, but the central bank cited global exchange rate risks as a factor in deciding to keep the rate on hold. Kwon Goohoon, economist at Goldman Sachs in Seoul, said the central bank will likely raise the rate by a quarter percentage point at its next meeting on Nov 16, buoyed by Group of 20 finance chiefs last week agreeing to calm international currency tensions and reduce global current account imbalances.

“We expect the G20 summit to make further progress in reducing global uncertainties, paving the way for a rate hike,” he wrote yesterday, referring to a meeting of leaders from the group of leading rich and emerging countries set for Nov 11-12 in Seoul. —AP

SYDNEY: A sign points to a TV screen at the Sydney headquarters of the National Australia Bank in Australia yesterday. National Australia Bank, one of the country’s largest lenders, reported a 63 percent surge in full-year net profit to Australian dollars 4.2 billion ($4.19 billion), citing more loans to businesses and fewer bad debts. —AP

FRANKFURT: Lending to the euro-zone private sector grew at a steady pace of 1.2 percent in September from the equivalent amount last year, the European Central Bank said yesterday.

This meant that lending, a vital measure of the vigour of credit activity, grew at the same rate as in August, a bank spokesman said.

“In sum, the still subdued expansion (or even stagnation month/month) of credit aggregates - so far the major source for money production - suggests that the recovery of bank lending remains gradual for now,” Barclays Capital economist Thorsten Polleit said.

Commerzbank economist Michael Schubert added that “things have to improve much further, before ECB president Trichet - to use his own words - can declare victory.

“We stick to our forecast that the ECB will leave rates unchanged (at 1.0 percent) over a long time span,” Schubert concluded.

The ECB said that the euro-zone money supply, as measured by the so-called M3 indicator, grew by 1.0 percent in September, slightly less than the rate of 1.1 percent seen in August.

The ECB regards the M3 figure as the key guide to pressures likely to affect inflation in about 18 months’ time.

It has set a medium-term target for inflation of just under 2.0 percent. But owing to the depressive effects of the global economic crisis, the ECB has also been wary of growth of the money supply becoming too weak, which would raise concerns of deflation.

In Germany, the biggest euro-zone economy, credit hurdles diminished further in October, a survey by the Ifo economic research institute found.

Ifo said the number of German companies which reported restrictive access to credit declined to 27.6 percent of the roughly 4,000 firms polled, from 29 percent in September.

“Banks’ lending policies are supporting the economic upswing,” Ifo president Hans-Werner Sinn said, while a realignment of global capital flows meant that “German savings are now being deployed in Germany to a greater extent.”

ECB data for the 16nation euro-zone showed that loans to households grew by an average of 2.8 percent in September, with a sub-index of mortgage lending rising by 3.4 percent.

Loans to non-financial corporations were off by 0.6 percent meanwhile, an improvement on the August figure of minus 1.1 percent. —AFP

PARIS: Students shout slogans during a demonstration in front of the Senate in Paris on Tuesday. Nationwide protests and strikes over government plans to change the retirement age from 60 to 62 have disrupted French life. —AP

Ryanair to cancel 9 routes on German air tax plans FRANKFURT: Ryanair said it would cancel flights on nine routes from Frankfurt-Hahn airport in 2011 in response to Germany’s planned air passenger tax.

The German government, battling to find new ways of closing its budget gap, has announced plans to raise 1 billion euros ($1.40 billion) a year by taxing air passengers between 8 euros and 45 euros per flight.

German airlines’ association BDF has said it expects 10,000 jobs to shift abroad and German passenger volumes to drop by 5 million per year as a result of the tax. In 2009, 182 million passengers passed through German airports.

Ryanair’s move will cut the number of passengers Europe’s biggest low-cost carrier transports from Hahn by almost a quarter to 2.9 million and

affect about 1,000 jobs, Ryanair’s deputy chief said yesterday.

“We’re not closing our business in Hahn, we’re just saying that we have 1 million passengers there who are not willing to pay 8 euros more per ticket,” Michael Cawley told reporters.

Ryanair’s overall passenger traffic will remain unchanged because the three aircraft Ryanair is removing from Hahn will be based at one of the Irish carrier’s other airports, he said.

Hahn airport, mainly used by Ryanair, is a former US military air field about 100 kilometers west of Frankfurt. Other airlines including German flagship carrier Lufthansa’s unit Germanwings have said they may reconsider plans to expand their business in Europe’s biggest economy in the face of the planned tax.—Reuters

Dollar printing is feeding inflation in China: Minister BEIJING: Rampant issuance of dollars by the United States is saddling China with “imported inflation”, Chinese commerce minister Chen Deming was quoted as saying by state media yesterday.

“Given the current situation, companies have thought ahead and prepared for exchange rate fluctuations as well as an increase in labor costs,” Chen said, according to the state-run China Business News.

“But because the issuance of dollars is out of control, and international commodities prices are continuing to rise, China is confronted with imported inflation, which has created major uncertainties for businesses,” he said.

The comments came ahead of a meeting of the US Federal

Reserve next week at which the central bank is expected to announce additional stimulus measures.

While critics in the United States accuse China of artificially undervaluing its currency to give exporters an unfair advantage, Beijing says Washington is foisting its economic woes on the rest of the world by printing more money.

Beijing pledged in June to let the yuan trade more freely and the currency has since strengthened slightly, but US and European policymakers say it could be undervalued by as much as 40 percent.

At the weekend, Group of 20 finance ministers meeting in South Korea pledged to “refrain from competitive devaluation of currencies” and

aim for “more market-determined exchange rate systems”.

Jittery financial markets were looking for a strong stand from G20 members against beggar-thy-neighbour currency policies, in the leadup to a November 11-12 summit in Seoul.

Chinese Finance Minister Xie Xuren urged “major reserve currency countries to take responsible economic policies”, with the dollar sliding on expectations that the Federal Reserve would launch even bolder monetary easing.

China’s central bank yesterday set the central parity rate at 6.6912, weaker than the 6.6762 on Tuesday.

The yuan can trade up or down 0.5 percent from that mark. —AFP

Heathrow business travel growth cuts BAA losses Business travel to high growth destinations a driver LONDON: UK airport operator BAA said rising business traveller traffic helped shrink losses in the first nine months of 2010 and unveiled plans for a bond issue to refinance part of its 2 billion pounds ($3.2 billion) debt.

BAA, owned by Spanish infrastructure group Ferrovial, said its pretax loss for the nine months to the end of September narrowed by 75 percent to 192.6 million pounds as revenue rose 4.4 percent to 1.54 billion pounds.

The owner of London’s Heathrow said passenger traffic at the capital’s busiest airport jumped 4.4 percent to 19.5 million from July to September compared with a year ago and that it was bullish on its prospects for the remainder of the year.

“Although the UK economy is in a tough state, many parts of the globe are growing very fast so business travel to those places is buoyant, “ BAA’s Chief Executive Colin Matthews told reporters on a conference call.

“Heathrow is exposed to global business activity and that’s one reason why it’s been so strong but with UK spending cuts there will be less money in people’s pockets so no one is predicting an easy time in 2011.” BAA was last year hit by an impairment charge of 225 million pounds on the sale of Gatwick airport and an exceptional pension cost of 262

million pounds.

Global airlines have hiked their profit forecasts this year as recession fades and traffic rises.

Industry body IATA said it expected the industry to post a combined net profit of $8.9 billion, more than three times the previous forecast of $2.5 billion made in June.

BAA, which also owns London’s Stansted airport, said it hoped to raise between 250 and 325 million pounds through a bond issue to refinance the remainder of a 465.8 million pounds loan facility, which is due in 2011.

Shares in Ferrovial, which have jumped a fifth in the last three months, were 0.2 percent up at 8.05 euros by 0820 GMT, valuing the group at around 6 billion euros.

Ferrovial last week said it plans to sell a 10 percent stake in BAA to halve its debt pile.

Earlier this month BAA was told it would have to break up its network of British airports after the UK Court of Appeal overruled a previous decision in its favour.

BAA will have to dispose of Stansted airport, northeast of London, and either Edinburgh or Glasgow airports in Scotland within two years, after the court said an original ruling by the Competition Commission had not been influenced by bias. —Reuters

TECHNOLOGY

Thursday, October 28, 2010

27

OK Go turns 12 dogs and a goat into YouTube stars LOS ANGELES: OK Go has gone and done it: turned the band’s “White Knuckles” video into a dogfest of a YouTube sensation with a little help from a goat. The video received a million hits in a day after it debuted on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and was posted online Sept. 20.

Sure, the band is popular, but this time it owes a debt to Riot, Spike, Justice, Jury, Sequel, Zuni, Kash, Bunny, Peanut, Tin Tin, Kobie and Dazzle. And Ranger, a feisty goat who makes a cameo pulling at a leash in the 3 1/2 minutes of bouncy music, frantic stacking of plastic buckets and canine tricks.

Fame came faster for “White Knuckles” than OK Go’s Grammywinning “Here It Goes Again” treadmill video, which has over 50 million hits in five years, said Bobbie Gale, the band’s publicist.

Playing stagehands to the dogs are

the band’s Damian Kulash, Tim Nordwind, Dan Konopka and Andy Ross. Dressed in white from head to toe, they sing “White Knuckles” from their album “Of the Blue Colour of the Sky” as they twirl dogs in chairs and hoist them on planks, tables and into moveable cubby holes by twos and threes. The band did not want a bunch of stupid pet tricks or one amazing dog, but a lot of dogs doing basic things together, said Kulash, the guitarist and lead singer. “You take any two simple things and make them move in sync and suddenly they have personality.

Something comes out of it. There is a gut emotional response to having things moving that way,” he said.

OK Go should know.

The band’s goofy treadmill routine is one of the most watched videos ever. OK Go also has collected almost 20 million hits on a Rube Goldbergesque video featuring tum-

bling dominoes, nearly 5 million hits on its first one, a backyard dance, and over 3.5 million hits on January’s Notre Dame Marching Band swamp thing video. The animal video has been viewed by more than 6 million people so far. The backyard, treadmill and animal dances were choreographed by Trish Sie, Kulash’s sister.

She and the band won a best short form music video Grammy as codirectors of the treadmill piece. “We were in New York eating sushi and drinking sake at a restaurant across the street from Radio City Music Hall, getting ready to perform this thing (the treadmill dance) in front of Beyonce, Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera at MTV’s Video Music Awards, saying, ‘What has happened? What universe are we in?’ But it begged the question, what are we going to do now?” Sie said. That was the night they decided whatever it

was, it would involve dogs. When the time came, she said the dogs were the biggest challenge and the greatest reward. “Dogs don’t understand the concept of a beat or an eight-count. It’s all one big game to them,” Sie said.

For example, Kobie does a high five in the video, she said. “The problem was getting him to do it just once. He would run out and do it 20 times.”

They could not change his behavior, so they had to change their timing, she said. The blueprint was drawn up a year ago during two weeks spent around a table in a Los Angeles warehouse. The band and Sie met with Lauren Henry and Roland Sonnenburg of Talented Animals, playing with dogs and brainstorming.

They decided to shoot in Corvallis, Oregon, because Talented Animals has an office there, dogs and trainers were available and they had donated warehouse space. Kulash’s own pet, a

brown dog named Bunny, mixed it up with the four-pawed pros.

The dogs underwent two weeks of training. In the warehouse, humans used stuffed animals to rehearse.

They built tables and furniture, painted 2-inch-by-8-inch (5 centimeter-by20 centimeter) boards and practiced bucket building. The choreography included the trainers moving around the room to guide the dogs through each trick with hand or voice signals, clickers, toys and treats. On the first 48 tries, mistakes by dogs or humans stopped the work short. They got all the way through take 49, but they wanted to improve it so forged ahead to shoot 124 takes over four days.

Around the 50th try, the dogs were so used to their parts they sped up and trainers had to spend time correcting them. The group decided on take 72 for the video.

“Some takes felt more joyful and

less focused and stressed but I liked the stress. It communicated how difficult it was to do this. You could see the tension in the guys’ faces. The dogs look playful and carefree; they are having a good time. But the guys kind of look like overworked stagehands hauling stuff around to make the dogs look good,” Sie said.

The video reminds people to support animal rescue, and the band will do just that by donating net proceeds from website sales to the ASPCA’s Rural Rescue Dog Fund, set up to help smaller rescue operations and shelters around the country. The video can be bought for $2, $2,000 or $2 million at okgo.net.

Michael Barrett, senior director of grants management for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said the organization was grateful to the band for “showing younger generations that there’s

more than one way to help animals in their community.” Now that the video is a success, the dogs and trainers are all home, the band is on tour and getting ready to release another video (involving food and animation).

Sequel, a red and white Australian shepherd who was one of the stars, was Sie’s favorite because he most embodied the spirit of the video.

“He could go and go. He didn’t need to be given his cues. He picks up the bucket. Even when we’d be eating lunch, he’d be out there doing his part by himself with a big, happy, goofy grin on his face.” She also liked Ranger the goat and tried to bond.

“I spent time with him every day.

After 10 days, I was determined to make him love me,” she said. “He was polite but he wouldn’t bond with anybody. He was playing hard to get. He was enigmatic, inscrutable. I guess I was drawn to his mystique.” —AP

‘The worry is more about unemployment, not about political rhetoric’

India’s IT aims to soften image as Obama visits MUMBAI/SAN FRANCISCO: US President Barack Obama’s visit to India puts the spotlight on its $60 billion IT sector, which argues it is a creator of jobs in the United States and should not be blamed for high unemployment.

This screenshot shows the MySpace website page yesterday. MySpace, the online social hub that’s been fighting to stay relevant in the age of Facebook and Twitter, is overhauling its image and its website into an entertainment destination for its mostly younger audience. Starting yesterday and over the next month, MySpace will be relaunching its site to focus on giving users more ways to consume music, videos and celebrity gossip. —AP

‘New MySpace’ narrows focus to entertainment NEW YORK: MySpace, the online social hub that’s been fighting to stay relevant in the age of Facebook and Twitter, is overhauling its image and its website into an entertainment destination for its mostly younger audience. The socialnetworking pioneer, which was among the top Internet sites just a few years ago, now has its sights set decidedly lower.

Starting Wednesday and over the next month, MySpace will be relaunching its site to focus on giving users more ways to consume music, videos and celebrity gossip.

Entertainment has long been central to the MySpace experience, but over the years the site was also pulled in different directions as it dabbled in classifieds, job ads and even user reviews in a partnership with Citysearch as it pushed to become a social portal for the Web. It didn’t work out, and Facebook is now emerging as that portal. MySpace CEO Mike Jones said the relaunch “pulls us out of the social networking category” to become a social entertainment destination. So instead of connecting with long-lost friends and sharing baby photos, MySpace wants to be the place where people go to find out about new bands, chat about TV shows and make movie recommendations.

“The vision has definitely gotten a lot smaller in this redesign,” said Debra Aho Williamson, a senior analyst at

research firm eMarketer.

“When News Corp. bought MySpace it certainly didn’t envision this. I don’t think Rupert (Murdoch, News Corp.’s CEO) thought MySpace would be a small social entertainment website.” News Corp. bought MySpace for $580 million in 2005. For some perspective, that’s the same year YouTube launched. After a promising start, the site’s luster began to fade and advertisers, along with users, flocked to Facebook. EMarketer estimates that advertisers worldwide will spend about $347 million on MySpace this year, down from $470 million in 2009. The research firm estimates 2010 ad spending on Facebook to be around $1.3 billion, more than double $665 million a year earlier.

In the most recent quarter, the News Corp. segment responsible for MySpace lost $174 million, mostly due to lower search and advertising revenue. News Corp. reports fiscal first-quarter results on Nov. 1. If the relaunch is successful, MySpace may still become the cultural powerhouse MTV was in the 1990s, when its decision to play a new music video could turn a band’s fortunes overnight. Keeping with the age of the social Web, however, MySpace won’t be the only one deciding what’s cool.

The site will also make its most loyal users the curators in a feature that’s coming at a yet-

unspecified date.

“The MTV influence is really obvious,” Williamson said, adding that MySpace still has “pull with the audience it’s trying to reach - young people.”

There are big cosmetic changes too. Long criticized for cluttered, clunky home pages, MySpace is streamlining its design. It will show fewer ads, but place them more prominently. It also will have far fewer buttons and page templates. In a presentation, the company called it “cleaning up MySpace e-waste.” “If we are refurbishing a house, it’s starting from the ground up,” Jones said of the eight-month redesign process.

MySpace has long fallen behind Facebook in user numbers and estimated advertising revenue, in part because it never appealed to older users.

Its roughly 130 million users are mostly under 35, while Facebook’s fastest-growing user base is those over 35.

MySpace now says it’s not trying to compete with social networks like Facebook. “We’re working on refocusing the company (and) narrowing down what our product does,” Jones said. Jones is the last of a threeperson executive team that joined the company in April 2009. His former co-president Jason Hirschhorn, left in June and former CEO Owen Van Natta, once chief revenue officer of Facebook, left in February. —AP

Obama is expected to visit Mumbai, India’s financial hub and the centre of the 2008 militant attacks. US officials say much of the trip’s focus will be boosting trade that is expected to double in five years from the current level of $50 billion.

But it is a sign of the times that Obama is not expected to visit Bangalore, the country’s technology hub. Nor is he expected to visit Hyderabad, another Indian IT hotbed, where his predecessor, George W. Bush, stopped in a 2006 visit.

“It is a worry, there’s no question, but the worry is more about unemployment, not about the political rhetoric,” said Pramod Bhasin, chief executive of outsourcer Genpact Ltd. “We as an industry have to help create jobs in America and we have to communicate that much better than we’ve done in the past,” said Bhasin, whose firm employs about 2,000 in the United States and expects to double or triple that over the next two to three years. Threequarters of Genpact staff are in India.

Obama’s fellow Democrats are expected to take a drubbing

in the Nov. 2 balloting amid unemployment stuck near 10 percent.

In California, where the jobless rate tops 12 percent, Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer accuses her Republican rival Carly Fiorina of sending jobs abroad when she was chief of Hewlett-Packard.

Legislation that would end tax breaks for firms that create jobs and profits overseas was thwarted in the Senate, but a new rule raising the cost of certain visas to enter the United States, part of a border security bill, will cost Indian IT firms $200 million and sets an ominous precedent for the industry.

“It has nothing to do with immigration, but it has had an impact on the costs of IT services companies from India.

That is the kind of legislation that worries us,” said S Gopalakrishnan, CEO of sector bellwether Infosys Technologies Ltd. SUCCESS VICTIM India’s IT services industry, which generates 70 percent of its revenue from the United States and accounts for 5 percent of India’s economy, is a vic-

An increase in US visa fees, a ban on offshoring by the state of Ohio and the industry’s portrayal in campaign ads as a drain of US jobs has set a frosty tone ahead of Obama’s visit to India in early November.

tim of its own success.

Before the global economic downturn, the sector was growing by roughly one-third per year as companies across industries shipped commoditised work to India and elsewhere to cut costs.

US blue chips from Intel and Google to Cisco and Microsoft have substantial operations in India, which is increasingly a research hub for Silicon Valley.

IBM alone is believed to employ more than 70,000 in India, although it would not confirm that figure.

While China’s emergence as an industrial powerhouse has spawned U.S. backlash over lost manufacturing jobs and a weak currency that keeps exports cheap, India is associated with armies of young engineers and service staff working for onefifth to one-third the wages of American white collar workers.

For India, the IT boom has created a world-leading industry that has been culturally transformative in a tradition-rich country, employing two million people working in modern offices and buying cars and apartments.

Outsourcers say they enable

clients to innovate and compete, providing skills not readily available in the United States.

“There is a huge dearth of software engineers in the US, and a large part has been mitigated by offshore work,” said Aparup Sengupta, managing director and global chief executive of Aegis Ltd, an IT services firm owned by the Essar conglomerate.

The perception within the United States is often less benign.

In an episode of “Outsourced,” a new US comedy TV show, bricks are thrown through the window of an American call center that has transferred its work to India.

Indian IT industry players say they are not to blame for US job losses, and instead talk up creation of jobs both directly and indirectly in the United States.

“Job losses are not due to outsourcing. They’re due to subprime, they’re due to the financial mess, they’re due to lots of other things,” said Bhasin of Genpact, which this year bought an operation in Illinois from Walgreens as part of a deal to provide accounting services for

the drugstore chain.

Outsourcing work to a lowercost US site can save roughly 20-25 percent, while moving work to India saves 70 to 80 percent.

Last year, Infosys announced a plan to hire 1,000 employees in the United States and said it has made nearly 300 job offers since then. Of 122,000 Infosys staff, over 2,000 are US-based.

“We think there are perceptions and myths today, and these need to be corrected, because it’s not about jobs moving to India, its about our creating jobs there,” said Som Mittal, president of Nasscom, the trade body for the Indian tech sector.

Anti-outsourcing talk may cool after next week’s elections but could reemerge with greater intensity in the run-up to 2012, when Obama will be up for reelection.

“In February, no one is going to be talking about India,” said Derek Scissors, a research fellow in the Asian Studies Center at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank in Washington. “But what about 2012? That’s a different story.” —Reuters

Apple says white iPhone 4 delayed until spring SEATTLE: Apple says the elusive white iPhone 4 will remain out of reach until spring. Apple Inc.’s own “Apple Store” iPhone app lets people reserve products to pick up at local Apple stores. On Tuesday, bloggers posted screen shots of the app appearing to offer the option to reserve a white iPhone 4. By late afternoon, that option was no longer available. Trudy Muller, an Apple spokeswoman, says the company is sorry to disappoint customers with another delay. She did not give reasons for the delay, but Apple said in July that the white models are “more challenging to manufacture than we originally expected.”

Apple had hoped to make the phones available sometime late this year. The black version went on sale in June.

In Beijing, Apple yesterday launched online sales in China and made its App Store available in simplified Chinese, as the US technology giant expands aggressively in the world’s largest mobile market.

The firm opened two new retail shops in mainland China last month as it launched the iPhone 4. It now has two shops in Beijing and two more in Shanghai, with a total of 25 outlets expected by the end of next year.

The company’s coveted products, from the iPod to the iPad tablet computer, are also available from a number of authorised resellers in major cities-and widely in China’s unofficial “grey” market. Analysts said the introduction of new, easier ways for customers to access

products showed that the China market has become increasingly important to the California-based company.

“We are thrilled to open our newest online store in China,” Apple’s chief operating officer Tim Cook said in a statement.

“With personalised engraving, configure-toorder options and free shipping on everything, the Apple Store is a great destination for our customers in China.”

The launch of the App Store in simplified Chinese comes after Chinese users had complained that it was difficult to access content due to a lack of display in the local language.

Many users previously turned to websites that allow users to install pirated Chinese-language Applecompatible software applications for free. The Chineselanguage App Store will offer customers access to more than 300,000 applications as well as “localised featured apps and charts of the most popular paid and free apps in China”, the company said.

Analysts said the move signalled Apple’s seriousness about penetrating the world’s largest Internet and cell phone market.

“The growth pace of China’s smartphone market, Chinese users’ passion for Apple products and the great potential of the country’s smartphone and mobile Internet devices market” had all boosted the firm’s confidence, Wang Liusheng, an analyst with research firm Analysys International, told AFP. —AFP

Overhauled Yahoo! email makes its debut SUNNYVALE: An overhauled version of Yahoo! Mail was rolled out late Tuesday as the pioneering Internet firm sought to better integrate trends such as social networking.

A beta, or test, version of Yahoo! Mail has been streamlined for speed and designed to let people easily send or receive Facebook updates or Twitter messages directly from their inboxes.

“We re-architected the product from the ground up,” said Yahoo! vice president of product management communications Kakul Srivastava. “This is a major launch for us.” Along with being built to be “blindingly fast,” Yahoo! Mail pages were redesigned to reduce clutter and put “what is most important to you front and center,” she added.

For example, messages from people listed among a person’s contacts are given priority and raised to the tops of inboxes. Search tools were improved to make it easier to find pictures, videos or other information in email inboxes that provide unlimited storage space.

The email service was engineered to recognize Internet links to videos or photos, then automatically display thumbnail previews of images. Video from links to trusted venues such as YouTube can be played in Yahoo! Mail. A “What’s New” tab in Yahoo!

Mail lets users see or send Facebook updates or

Twitter “tweets.” Yahoo! would not discuss any financial terms associated with the collaborations.

“We understand people want to communicate through different types of mechanisms and we want to integrate that into Yahoo! Mail,” Srivastava said.

“People can communicate through SMS, microblogging, social networks.”

Yahoo! “doubled down” on spam fighting technology to filter out junk email.

The email service was also better tailored to mobile devices in a nod to the booming popularity of smartphones and tablet computers.

Yahoo! Mail reports have 273 million monthly users globally, and claims its ranks of users in the United States are double those of Google’s Gmail and Microsoft’s Hotmail.

People can opt into the beta version of Yahoo!

Mail at features.mail.yahoo.com, with feedback used to craft a final version that will become standard for all users.

The more social email service was among projects highlighted at a “Product Runway” at Yahoo!’s campus in Sunnyvale, California, in September.

The faded Internet search star has been redefining itself after forming an alliance with Microsoft to have Bing handle online queries at Yahoo! web pages. —AFP

28

HEALTH & SCIENCE

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Healthy life could prevent 23% of colon cancers LONDON: Getting people to eat a healthy diet, not smoke, cut down on alcohol and exercise more could prevent almost a quarter of the some 1.2 million cases of colon cancer diagnosed each year, scientists said yesterday.

Researchers from Denmark found that following recommendations on physical activity, waist circumference, smoking, alcohol intake and diet could reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer by as much as 23 percent.

“Our study reveals the useful public health message that even modest differences in lifestyle might have a substantial impact on colorectal cancer risk,” said Anne Tjonneland of the Institute of Cancer Epidemiology at the Danish Cancer Society, who led the study.

Colorectal cancer, often referred to as bowel or colon cancer, kills around half a million people each year worldwide.

Roche’s Xeloda and Sanofi-Aventis’ Eloxatine are among leading drugs licensed

for the treatment of the disease, which was diagnosed in 1.23 million people in 2008, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Tjonneland and colleagues studied data on 55,487 men and women aged between 50 and 64 who had not previously been diagnosed with cancer and followed them for almost 10 years.

Participants filled in lifestyle and diet questionnaires and the researchers created a healthy lifestyle index using health recom-

mendations from the World Health Organisation, World Cancer Research Fund and the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations.

These included not smoking, doing at least 30 minutes a day of physical activity, having no more than seven drinks a week for women and 14 drinks a week for men, having a waist circumference below 88 cm (35 inches) for women and 102 cm (40 inches) for men, and eating a healthy diet.

The results, published in the British Medical Journal, showed that during the fol-

low-up period, 678 people were diagnosed with bowel cancer.

After analysing how well the participants had kept to the five lifestyle tips, the researchers calculated that if all of them had followed even one extra guideline, around 13 percent of colon cancer cases could have been prevented. If all of them had followed all five, 23 percent of cases could have been avoided.

Previous studies have identified 14 gene variations that each increase the risk of

developing colorectal cancer by between 1.5 and 2 times, and a study published last month found how a single variant in a person’s genetic code can lead to the development of the disease.

But experts say a having good diet and healthy lifestyle are likely to play a far greater role in a person’s colon cancer risk.

Tjonneland said the findings emphasised the importance of continuing “vigorous efforts to convince people to follow the lifestyle recommendations.” — Reuters

Japan offers $2 billion

UN talks to save nature zero in on historic deal NAGOYA: Ministers from a round the w orld began yesterday a final push for a UN deal to protect na ture, urged by the World Bank to va lue the benefits of forests, oceans a nd rivers on economies and human w elfa re.

Senior officia ls from nea rly 200 countries ha ve ga thered in Na goya , J a pa n, to set new goals for 2020 to fight a nima l and pla nt extinctions

TOYOOKA: This photo taken on October 18, 2010 shows an oriental white stork picking bait from a rice paddy next to a stork park in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture. In 1985, Toyooka received six young storks from Ruassia’s Khabarovsk, and again tried artificial breeding. Having succeeded in hatching, the city in 2005 released them into the wild.

Now, nearly 50 storks live in the wild and 100 are kept in a public park in Toyooka. — AFP

Jerusalem hosts breast cancer race JERUSALEM: The holy city is decked out in pink for Israel’s first-ever race to support breast cancer awareness and research.

Five thousand participants are expected to run the four kilometer (2.5 mile) course Thursday through streets lined with pink banners and past Jerusalem’s Old City walls, which have been lit in pink.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Dallas-based organization sponsoring the

event, organizes similar races in 141 world cities. Founder Nancy Brinker is in Israel for the race. Organizers say breast cancer kills more Israeli women than any other disease.

Tamar Peretz, an oncologist at HadassahHebrew University Medical Center in Jerusalem, says the high rate appears to be connected to environment, lifestyle and to a lesser extent, genetics. — AP

MUMBAI: In this photograph taken on October 20, 2010 antibiotics are displayed at a chemist’s shop in Mumbai. Procedures on offer at private hospitals across the India now cover the gamut from cosmetic surgery and dental treatment to joint replacements and complex heart operations. Scientists have warned that a multi drug-resistant super-bug — New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) — poses a global threat and said there is an urgent need for an international surveillance system to track patients. — AFP

Beached humpback whale dies in Brazil RIO DE JANEIRO: A 25-ton humpback whale which beached itself near Rio de Janeiro this week, sparking desperate rescue attempts involving a tugboat, died yesterday, officials said.

Firemen said the animal succumbed at dawn, just before an operation to try to tow it out to sea using a vessel on loan from Brazil’s state-run oil company Petrobras.

It had gone aground on a beach in the town of Buzios, 180 kilometers (110 miles) from Rio on Monday. On Tuesday, dozens of tourists turned out to help firemen use rags to wet the skin of the 12-meter (40-foot) whale.

Brazil’s Hunchback Whale Institute said it was the 90th whale this year to have

beached itself in Brazil, a record. Last year, 30 such cases were registered. In 2007, there were 43.

Beached hunchbacks, which can weigh up to 40 tons, “are hard to move and suffer from elevated temperatures that can dehydrate them and cause burns,” the institute’s director, Milton Marcondes, said.

Outside of water, the weight of the whales can also press down on internal organs and make breathing difficult, he explained. Marcondes speculated that the beaching might have been caused by a seven to 10 percent increase in the hunchback whale population, or maybe from wounds from fishing nets, or illness, or climate change. — AFP

World Bank head Robert Zoellick, speaking at the start of a three-day session of mostly environment ministers, said finance ministers and businesses also needed to take note of the value that nature provides for food, medicines, tourism and industry.

“Productivity of the land and seas is diminishing, and with them the ecosystem services that are crucial for people to get out of poverty,” he said. “Endangered species are fading away forever before our very eyes.”

Envoys have been negotiating since last week for agreement on the new 2020 target and a 20-point strategic plan that aims to protect fish stocks, fight the loss and degradation of natural habitats and conserve larger land and marine areas.

But countries have been split on the level of ambition and have bickered over who will pay for the efforts.

Current funding for fighting biodiversity loss is about $3 billion a year but some developing nations say this should be increased 100-fold.

Japan, chair of the talks, offered $2 billion to developing countries over three years from 2010, but it was unclear if Europe would match the efforts.

The United States has not ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity and is taking part in the Oct 18-29 talks only as an observer.

“We haven’t really come here with a mindset of a pledging conference,” Karl Falkenberg, head of the European Commission’s environment department, told a news conference.

“Europe, over the last eight years, has spent 1 billion euros annually already.”

Poor countries have refused to sign up to 2020 conservation targets without more funding and agreement on a new UN protocol that would give them a fairer share of profits made by companies, such as pharmaceutical firms, from their genetic resources.

Developing countries could gain billions of dollars from the so-called access and benefit-sharing (ABS) protocol but envoys are divided over issues such as the scope of the pact and some businesses are worried about potential higher costs.

The plight of nature was highlighted in a study by more than 170 scientists showing that about a fifth of the world’s vertebrates are threatened with extinction.

They used data for 25,000 species from the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of threatened species.

Brazil stressed the need to seal a deal, urging compromise and flexibility.

“We are all tired of endless meetings which just postpone the solutions for the problems. We are also tired of decisions which are dissociated from real life,” Environment Miniser Izabella Teixeira told the meeting.

“In the last 10 days, we had time enough to see the difference that separate us.

We have now only three days to see what unites us.”

— Reuters

a fter they missed a goal for a “significant reduction” in losses of biologica l diversity by 2010. The meeting hopes to push governments and businesses to commit to sw eeping steps to protect ecosystems under threa t, such as forests tha t clean the a ir, insects that pollinate crops and coral reefs that nurture va lua ble fisheries.

NAGOYA: Japan’s Prime Minister Naoto Kan, seen on the screen and left on the stage, speaks at ministerial-level meeting of the UN Convention on Biodiversity in Nagoya, central Japan. — AP

Groups moving forward to develop AIDS gel FDA gives gel fast-track status WASHINGTON: Groups developing a gel to protect women from the AIDS virus say they are moving ahead to develop the product that was hailed as “groundbreaking” after a study on its effectiveness was released in July.The developers, who met last week with the US Food and Drug Administration, said the FDA informed them it would only require a limited amount of new information about the gel’s safety and efficacy before considering licensing the product.

The gel, containing Gilead Sciences AIDS drug tenofovir, reduced HIV infections in women by 39 percent over two and a half years in a trial in South Africa that was called “groundbreaking by the World Health Organisation.

The FDA would require more information on whether the gel works and is safe, but will help speed up the process, said Dr. Henry Gabelnick, executive director of CONRAD, one of the groups developing the gel.

“They gave it what is called fasttrack designation,” Gabelnick said in a telephone interview.

“That means you can report data on a rolling submission-you don’t have to wait and put everything together. Then they have six months to review the data.”

The need for such a gel is compelling-most infections with the AIDS virus are in Africa and most new cases are among women infected during sex with men. The human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS infects 33 million people globally and has killed 25 million. There is no vaccine and no cure.

Condoms can protect women and men but many African men

refuse to use them and often a married woman is trying to conceive a child but risks being infected by her husband. A gel, cream or drug-releasing ring called a microbicide could help protect against HIV while allowing a woman to get pregnant, and, if necessary, she could use the product without letting her partner know.

CONRAD, a division of the Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, was a partner with the Centre for Programme

Research for AIDS in South Africa (CAPRISA) and US-based Family Health International on the study.

Gilead has licensed tenofovir for use in the gel and researchers were stunned by the findings of the study, presented to an AIDS conference in Vienna in July. “We still have to get a final report from the CAPRISA study,” Gabelnick said. But in the meantime, a second study, called VOICE, is under way.

“We are trying to do things simultaneously to the extent that it could be done,” Gabelnick said. “We are working with partners in South Africa to establish an eventual manufacturing site and distribution network.”

VOICE, which stands for Vaginal and Oral Interventions to Control the Epidemic, is being run by the Microbicide Trials Network with U.S. government funding and aims to confirm the safety and efficacy of the gel. —Reuters

PARIS: US medecine Nobel laureate Stanley B. Prusiner arrives yesterday at the Paris appeal court, to attend the trial of French health officials charged with involuntary homicide in the death of more than 100 children infected with a human variant of mad-cow disease. The trial takes place 16 years after the first victim of their alleged negligence died. Doctors and administrators are accused of ignoring warning signs, and obscuring the dangers of administering growth hormones — collected from the pituitary glands of human cadavers — potentially infected with the disease. —AFP

HEALTH & SCIENCE More than 3,600 people infected New monkey found in Myanmar near China dam project Thursday, October 28, 2010

OSLO: A new type of snubnosed monkey has been found in a remote forested region of northern Myanmar which is under threat from logging and a Chinese dam project, scientists said yesterday.

They said hunters in Myanmar’s Kachin state said the long-tailed black monkey, with white-tufted ears and a white beard, could often be tracked in the rain because its upturned nostrils made it prone to sneezing when water dripped in.

“It’s new to science. It’s unusual to travel to a remote area and discover a monkey that looks unlike any other in the world,” Thomas Geissmann, lead author of the study at the University of Zurich-Irchel, told Reuters.

Studies of a carcass and four skulls showed the monkey differed from snub-nosed monkeys in China and Vietnam.

The experts had no photos of a live Myanmar monkey.

The scientists estimated

there were between 260 and 330 of the monkeys living in an area of about 270 sq km (100 sq miles) and believed the species to be critically endangered.

“The hunting pressure is likely to increase considerably in the next few years as new dam construction and logging roads invade” the monkeys’ habitat, they wrote in the American Journal of Primatology.

“The future of the snubnosed monkey lies in Chinese hands,” said Frank Momberg, of Fauna and Flora International and a co-author of the study. Monkeys were hunted for meat or fur and their body parts were used in traditional medicines in China.

He said China Power Investment Corp., leading the dam project further down the valley on a tributary of the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, had an economic interest in preserving the forested region where the monkeys live.

More roads and logging would cause erosion around the watershed that could clog up the new reservoir with silt, reducing power generation, he said. He praised China for carrying out a study of the dam’s possible effect on the environment.

The discovery of the snubnosed monkey contrasts with a rising trend of extinctions, caused by factors such as land clearance, expansion of cities, pollution and climate change.

A UN conference in Nagoya, Japan, this week is looking at ways to safeguard biological diversity after the world failed in a goal set in 2002 of a “significant reduction” in the pace of extinctions of animals and plants by 2010.

A separate study in the journal Science showed growing numbers of the world’s birds, mammals and amphibians had moved closer to extinction in recent decades. A fifth were classified as threatened. —Reuters

Diabetes, obesity rates on the rise LONDON: The number of people with diabetes in the UK has risen by around 5 percent in the past year, says a health charity.

Diabetes UK warns that failure to act could have serious implications for public health.

The disease, which is linked to an unhealthy diet and being overweight, can result in heart disease and strokes.

Data from GPs shows that one in 10 of the UK population is now obese.

In the UK, there are currently 2.8 million people diagnosed with diabetes, an increase of 150,000 during the last year.

The number of people registered as obese in the UK has risen by 265,000 to more than 5.5 million.

Around 10 percent of National Health spending goes on diabetes and its complications, says Diabetes UK.

The charity estimates that this equates to 9 billion pounds per year.

Simon O’Neill, director of care, information and advocacy at Diabetes UK, said he was shocked by the rise in diabetes and obesity rates.

“Many, but not all, people develop Type 2 diabetes because they are overweight or obese so we must keep up the mantra of ‘five fruit and veg a day’, encourage daily physical activity and warn of the potentially devastating consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle.”

Around 90 percent of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes, which is strongly linked to being overweight or obese, leading a sedentary lifestyle and eating unhealthily. Simon O’Neill says that this epidemic must be tackled without delay. —KUNA

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Cholera-hit Haiti warned to prepare for worst

PORT-AU-PRINCE: A cholera outbreak in Haiti which has left over 280 dead has yet to reach its peak, officials said yesterday, warning the deadly disease could hit the capital, teeming with squalid tent cities.

“I don’t think that it is contained. We cannot say it is contained,” Claire-Lise Chaignat, the World Health Organization’s cholera chief, told journalists, disputing reports from Haiti that the outbreak was tapering off.

“I think we haven’t reached the peak,” she said, recommending Haitian authorities prepare for the “worst case scenario”-the spread of the disease to the capital Port-au-Prince.

Some 1.3 million people displaced by a January earthquake are still crammed into thousands of makeshift camps dotted around the capital, and aid agencies have voiced fears that cholera could spread like wildfire in such conditions.

More than 3,600 people have been infected in the sudden cholera outbreak in the impoverished Caribbean nation since last week, and the WHO’s cholera experts remain mystified by the origins of the epidemic.

“We are very surprised to see the epidemic in Haiti. We have never found cholera there before,” Chaignat told journalists in Geneva.

The acute intestinal infection is caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria.

Although easily treated, it has a short incubation period of a few hours up to five days and causes acute watery diarrhea that can quickly lead to severe dehydration

L’ESTERE: Cuban doctors provide medical care to those infected with Cholera at the hospital in L’Estere. Haiti reported 25 more cholera deaths as officials warned the epidemic was not yet over, and aid groups fought to keep the disease out of the capital’s teeming refugee camps. With 284 known deaths and 3,612 infections, the first cholera outbreak in quake-hit Haiti in more than a century has stabilized in recent days but the situation is still grave. —AFP and death without treatment.

Haiti reported 25 more cholera deaths on Tuesday bringing the death toll to 284, with 3,612 reported infections.

In Arcahaie, a small coastal town south of the outbreak’s epicenter in the central Artibonite River region, Jacklin Anore, 24, lay on a bed in a darkened room of the Nicolas Armand hospital with a bucket by his side. Barely able to raise his head, hooked up on a rehydration drip, he intermittently spat into a rusted bed pan and whispered thanks to the nurse treating him.

Patients have died here, but as in the case in Saint-Marc further north where most of the ill have flocked, doctors said the number

of new cases was easing.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF), which has eight facilities open to cholera infections in Artibonite and around the capital, said that despite the fewer deaths the need for vigilance remains.

“The fact that we are seeing fewer severe cases is positive,” said Federica Nogarotto, the MSF field coordinator in Saint-Marc.

“It suggests that people are taking precautions and that there is a greater understanding in the community of the need to maintain strict hygiene and to seek medical assistance at the first sign of symptoms.”

So far, the Americas’ poorest country has managed to avoid the nightmare scenario of the epidem-

ic taking hold in the unsanitary tent cities that cling to the hilly slopes of Port-au-Prince.

Haitian officials said Monday they believed the outbreak had been contained and was limited to central areas near its believed source on the Artibonite River.

But worryingly for doctors, a number of the patients in Arcahaie said they had drunk only treated water before falling ill.

The treated water, albeit taken from the infected Artibonite River, is the main source of “clean” water for most of the population, and is put into small blue plastic bags carted around town and distributed by hand. Gabriel Thimote, director general of Haiti’s health department, has

said the water in the plastic bagswhich bear a label describing the contents as “purified”-may not be safe to drink.

Rumors were swirling in Haiti Tuesday that cholera-carrying Nepalese troops with the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) were the origin of the outbreak.

The mission rushed to deny the claims, insisting the mission “uses seven septic tanks” situated far away from the river.

Haiti’s more prosperous neighbor, the Dominican Republic-with which it shares the Caribbean island of Hispaniolahas meanwhile tightened border security to keep the disease at bay. —AFP

WHAT’S ON IN KUWAIT

30

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Arpan to present ‘Tune & Taste-2010’

Indian Community School holds self government day he Indian Community School, Senior Salmiya Tobserved the Self-

rpan Kuwait will present ‘Tune & TasteAitage-to 2010’-a festival of food, music and hermark the 11th anniversary of the association at the Indian Community School (Senior Girls), Salmiya on December 3. The celebration presenting a potpourri of cultural programs will start at 9.30 am and conclude at 6.30 pm. Rajkalesh, the versatile television anchor and the producer of popular TV show, “Taste of Kerala” and “Taste of Dubai” will supervise cookery shows and competitions as part of the celebration.

Rajkalesh, who presented stage and television shows in and outside India, will adjudge

the winners of the cooking competitions that will be held in major centers in Kuwait prior to the final on December 3. Also a magician, trained under world famous magician Gopinath Muthukad, Rajkalesh will mesmerize the audience with his spellbinding ‘Magic and illusions’ show.

The added attraction of the day-long celebration will be a musical extravaganza to be presented by well-known Idea Star singers Roshan, William Issac and Neelima along with upcoming playback singer Uma. Classical and folk dance performances, folk song presentations etc will add spices to the

Mariotsavam Daniel Camboni Catholic Parish, Sthet.Abbasiya organized 8th Mariotsavam, annual Marian Retreat in Malayalam, on 22nd Friday at Integrated Indian School Abbasiya. Through the previous years the event has become an important day in the calendar of the Catholic Church in Kuwait. The Key note speak-

er for this yearís retreat was Rev. Fr. Sabu Adimakkil, the assistant director of Faridabad Divine Retreat Center. Marian Talk started at 3.30 PM. The retreat was concluded at 9.30 PM with adoration. Bishop Camillo Ballin (The Vicar Apostolic of Kuwait), Msg. Rev. Fr. John Kallarackal (First Secretary - Apostolic Nunciature in Kuwait), Rev. Fr. Mathews Kunnel Purayidom OCD (Vicar General

unique program ‘Tune & Taste -2010’.

Arpan Kuwait, an association known for presenting unique programs with an emphasis on Indian culture and heritage, has conducted several remarkable programs such as ‘Utsav 2002’, ‘Nadam Venu Nadam 2003’ by playback singer Venugopal, Talent Search 2004, Kathakali in 2005, ‘Ragasandhya 2006’ by M Jayachandran and ‘Beyond Boundaries” by Australian composer Devissaro in 2008.

For details and participation in cooking competitions, email to: arpankwt@yahoo.com

Government Day on 14th October 2010. Students of the Senior Secondary Classes took the mantle of the regular teachers and engaged the classes from 5th to 10th. The student teachers handled the classes effectively making it interesting and informative to the young scholars. It gave an opportunity to the students to enjoy the uniqueness of this noble profession. Teachers were relieved from their regular classroom teaching and enjoyed some quality time together. The School Senate had arranged entertaining games for the teachers that were played with great enthusiasm. A commendable initiative was taken by the School Senate in planning, coordinating and executing the day’s programme which culminated in its success.

Taking up the responsibility of their teacher for a day will remain as an unforgettable experience in their school career.

IIS conducts ‘Sangam - Meeting of Minds’

of Kuwait) and Rev. Rev. Fr. Albert S Raj OCD (Vicar of Abbasiya Parish) addressed the gathering.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Palatty and Rev. Fr. George Kottappuram were the coordinators and Mr. Stephen Perera was the General convener of the organizing committee, which welcomed all the Catholics in Kuwait to share blessings of the day’s talks.

A

workshop was conducted to highlight the importance of mother-daughter relationship at India International School (IIS) on 14th October, 2010. Mothers of girl students from classes VIII to XII enthusiastically participated in the programme.

The resource person was Mrs Narinder Kaur, the Vice-Principal of IIS. After welcoming the gathering, she presented a movie clip which depicted the girl children

as a unique gift of Almighty.

Then she elaborated the importance of mother- daughter relationship more than anything else by talking on how they were important to a healthy society. She also advised the mothers how to provide emotional strength and security to teen-age girls by power point presentations.

Director, Moosa Koya and Principal, F.M.Basheer Ahmed, visited the venue

briefly and extended their moral support for the success of the workshop. Mrs Monalisa, Counsellor of the school, thanked the gathering for spending their valuable time at the workshop. Then the gathering dispersed by recollecting the message of Sangam, “Daughters are the happy memories of the past, joyful moments of the present and the hope of the future”.

Tasting event of Japanese jumbo pear EMBASSY OF BANGLADESH The Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Kuwait has taken up an initiative to update the database of Bangladesh nationals residing in the State of Kuwait. For inclusion in the database all the Bangladesh nationals are requested to collect the Registration Form from the Labour Wing of the Embassy.

The forms can also be collected sending request to bdoot@kems.net e-mail address.

The filled-in forms can also be submitted by hand, by email or by fax (number 24913204).

EMBASSY OF BRITAIN In order to improve the service to visa customers in Kuwait, UKBA has announced that they will pilot increased opening hours at their visa application centre in Kuwait City temporarily in the weeks before Eid Al-Adha. This will mean that the visa application centre in Kuwait City will be open on Saturday 30 October and Saturday 6 November between the hours of 0930 and 1630. HMA, Frank Baker said “We are always looking to improve our services and we recognize that it is not always convenient to attend during the working week. This pilot will allow customers increased access and choice of submission time. Simplifying the application process easier is a key aim for us and this is one of a number of steps that UKBA are exploring to improve customer service during peak periods. I also recommend that all visa applications are submitted online. By applying online, applicants will be able to make a specific appointment to visit the VAC at their convenience during opening hours and this will reduce the sub-

mission process time to less than 15 minutes.”

EMBASSY OF CANADA The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, AlMutawakel St., Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca.The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. Consular Services for Canadian Citizens are provided from 9:00 until 12:00 on Sunday through Wednesday.

Canada offers a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that Consular Officials can contact and assist Canadians in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform Canadians of a family emergency at home. The Embassy of Canada encourages all Canadian Citizens to register online through the Government of Canada Travel Website at www.voyage.gc.ca. The Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi provides visa and immigration services to residents of Kuwait. Individuals who are interested in visiting, working or immigrating to Canada are invited to visit the website of the Canadian Embassy to the UAE at www.UAE.gc.ca.

EMBASSY OF INDIA 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.

EMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to inform the general public that it will remain closed on Wednesday, October 20 on the occasin of Mashujaa Day (formally Kenyatta Day). Office operations will resume on Thursday, October 21.

EMBASSY OF THE NETHERLANDS The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands together with Holland Marine Equipment organize a Dutch maritime trade mission to the State of Kuwait the latest Dutch innovations in maritime products and services. The trade mission, which will take place on October 24, will bring 12 prominent Dutch companies to Kuwait.

These Dutch companies are globallyexperienced specialized in unique marine products and services and eager to develop strong business relations with prospective Kuwaiti firms.

The mission’s agenda will feature an arrangement for business meetings to enable Dutch and Kuwaiti firms to explore areas of interest and business opportunities.

This trade mission to Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf is a good and effective way for Kuwaiti companies to get acquainted with Dutch suppliers.

For further information on the participating companies and to register for a business to business meeting, contact Nidaa Al-Rajoudi (25312650 ext 205) or send an email to kweea@minbuza.nl.

EMBASSY OF SLOvAK REpuBLIC The Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Kuwait would like to announce to the public that due to technical reasons, the business hours will be only on Sundays and Tuesdays from 9 to 12. This will be effective starting October 24, 2010 until May 1, 2011.

EMBASSY OF THE 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 petition-based 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.

EMBASSY OF FRANCE The Embassy of France in Kuwait will be closed on November 1st and November 11th because of French holidays. The Embassy of France will be closed also On the 1st day of Eid Al Adha.

asting event of Japanese jumbo pear “Arao Nashi” will be held on TThursday, October 28, 2010 at 11 am at Kei Japanese Restaurant, Marina Mall, in cooperation with Embassy of Japan and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan.

Kei Japanese Restaurant, Marina Mall is selling various fruits made in the best region of Japan for fruit production, including peaches, grapes, persimmons, Japanese pears, strawberries, tangerines, melons and so on.

This time, they will start to sell Japanese jumbo pear “Arao- Nashi”.

According to their materials, this is the world’s biggest pear from Japan (up to 1.5 kg & 6 inches across per piece!), which has extraordinary texture and mouth-filling sweetness and flavor.

In addition, it also said that the pear is the chief of natural medicine, such as blood pressure reductions, to control sugar level in the blood, diuretic action, and effective in relieving fatigue, to help gastrointestinal activity, fever lowing action and antitussive effect and so on.

This event is a part of Japanese gover nment’s campaign called “Oishii Japan” (“Tasty Japan”, “Oishii” means “Tasty” or “Delicious” in Japanese) for promotion of Japanese foods export.

Japan produces best quality and different types of fruit in all seasons, meaning that all sorts of wonderful taste sensations can he experienced throughout the year. Improvements continue to be made to cultivation techniques, producing a steady stream of enhancements to flavor, shape and color. Japan’s beautiful, high-quality fruit

Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

Thursday, October 28, 2010

WHAT’S ON IN KUWAIT

31

hild is the father of man’ declares Wordsworth. There is so much of happiness ‘C and satisfaction to see children growing up and taking responsibilities and executing them successfully. ICSK Amman enjoyed that kind of happiness and jubilation on 14th October when the students of classes XI and XII took over the tall task of running the school for a day. It was an occasion that both the teachers and the children were looking forward to. The day started with a special assembly. The Principal complimented the ‘student-teachers’ on their smart and elegant turn out. After the assembly the programme started at the auditorium. The President of the

Amman senate, Sameer XII C made an excellent power point presentation. Meanwhile the student-teachers engaged classes according to the timetable. The power point was followed by a variety entertainment programme. The agenda included a quiz for the teachers, solo singing and group dance. The performances enthralled the audience. The show concluded with the Principal congratulating the Senate Advisors, the members and the student-teachers on a great day’s work.

The teachers were presented with mementoes and the day came to a close. The Self Government Day has once again proved the versatility of the members of the Amman family.

ISCK Khaitan celebrates Teachers’ Day Announcement OCT 28 olva feast: Colva United Centre - Kuwait invites all Colvenkars and wellwishers to attend Feast Mass at Holy Family Cathedral Kuwait - on 28th Oct 2010 at 6.30 pm.

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NOv 4 ankaar Arts silver celebration: Fankaar Arts is organizing an event on Thursday, 4th November 2010 at the Kuwait Medical Association Hall, Jabriya to celebrate its Silver Jubilee year. The evening will start with glimpses of past plays re-enacted by the group along with staging of an experimental play ‘Phir bhi Mumbai Meri Jaan’ and screening of a short film ‘Rishtey’.

Dance and singing performances will add variety to the entertainment. For further details and enquiries please call on 97585764 or email at fankaararts@hotmail.com

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he students of ICSK Khaitan celebrated Teachers’ Day as Self TGovernance day on 14 October in an enthusiastic manner. The students of classes XI and XII donned the role of teachers for the day, effectively carrying out the teachers’ duties with joy and diligence.

The president of the school senate took charge as principal and the vice-president as vice principal.

The day long program began with a cricket match between the Principal’s 8 comprising teachers and the Senate 8 comprising senior

students. With lots of cutting, pulling, sweeping, driving and hooking both the teams mesmerized the spectators with their cricketing abilities.

The cricket match was followed by a visual treat in the auditorium.

Brilliantly choreographed dances and gracefully rendered songs indeed reflected the love and gratitude rooted in the hearts of students for their teachers. The students also reeled out an array of entertainment programmes like musical chair, treasure hunt, bingo

and memory test to the delight of their beloved teachers. On this day students realized what it means to be a teacher and learned to appreciate the teachers’ valuable service in building the future. Dr S.Radhakrishnan, our revered former president was remembered with devotion.

Teachers mould the lives they influence because the lessons learned from teachers remain with the students throughout their life.

A Teacher Teaches Eternity.

Fancy dress competition at IIS was a fun filled and rollicking time for the Iwastchildren of class I. A fancy dress competition held on 21st October 2010 at India

DeC 3 erman Board of Oral Implantology: In cooperation with Kuwait Dental Association in its third year, and after graduating 33 dentists in the past two years from Kuwait and abroad. With Kuwait becoming the regional center for the German Board of Oral Implantology (GBOI) in the Gulf. We like to announce to all dentists in Kuwait and abroad that registration for the third batch 2010 - 2011 is being held at Kuwait Dental Association to begin study on December 3, 2010. There will be an orientation lecture on the German Board of Oral Implantology, which will be held at the Kuwait Dental Association (Official Assembly) Oct 27, at 8:30 pm.

International School. There were approximately 200 children dressed up in their best costumes of Sun, Moon, and Flowers to go with the topic of nature. It was as though all the Mothers Nature’s creations had landed up in IIS. The children were further more thrilled when they saw their Principal F.M. Basheer Ahmed, Vice Principal Mrs Narinder Kaur and the

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IFRA soccer eek four October 29, will be played between Don Bosco Oratory v/s Veterans United at 6:30am and Real Betalbatim v/s Indian at 8 am. All IFF-K

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Fankaar Arts silver celebration

November 18, 2010, at the American International School Auditorium, Maidan Hawalli, at 7 pm, according to officials.

Indian Ambassador Ajai Malhotra will inaugurate the festival aiming to promote international integration through Culture.

The concert “Sarod Duo”, the title itself tells about the combination of 2 - the renowned Sarod players Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan, the two sons and disciples of the Sarod Maestro Amjad Ali Khan,

matches are officiated by Indian Football Federation Association (IFRA) the only qualified football expatiate referee body registered in the entire Gulf. At the Federation website www.iff-kuwait.com you will find all live interviews and review updates.

Founder’s Day ll Algerians are invited for dinner to commemorate Founder’s Day on October 28, 2010 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (Al-Murjan Hall) at 7:30 pm. The event will feature a fancy dress competition for children up to 1st standard and drawing competition for children from 2nd standard to 8th standard. For the fancy dress competition, children are requested to come prepared from home and those participating in the drawing competition are requested to bring crayons/coloring pencils/sketch pens with them, paper sheets will be provided at the venue. For confirming your presence and for queries, please contact: Ikram on 97611788; Tariq Sibte on 99638779; Usman on 66629904; or Sabihuddin on 97210594.

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Filipino Badminton Committee he Filipino Badminton Committee is inviting all badminton enthusiast to

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pant. All this was a grant success due to the great support and encouragement offered by the coordinator Mrs Sophy. Hats off to the parents for all the innovative ideas and their tireless efforts. The motivation and the enthusiastic spirit of the teachers helped the children to perform confidently on the stage. It brought out the hidden talents of the children. This competition taught the students the great lesson of keeping nature clean and to take care of their mother Earth.

ankaar Arts, a local Hindi Theater Group, this year completes 25 years since its establishment in Kuwait in 1985. On this occasion, director Arif Kazi held a meeting with all members at the residence of Convener Naeem Ahmed, to discuss their upcoming event scheduled on 4th November 2010. The group is planning to stage a play ëPhir bhi Mumbai Meri Jaaní along with glimpses of past plays performed over the years. Dance and singing performances will accompany to ensure variety of entertainment.

Kuwait Chapter, in association Sstageoorya with UAE Exchange Centre is all set to “Soorya Fest 2010, on Thursday,

NOv 17 rend 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.

Onathanima 2010 hanima brings to you once again Onathanima 2010 on 29th October at 5 pm at Indian Central School, Abbasiya.

As always, Thanima is proud to announce to the Kuwait Malayalee multitudes the 6th National Tug-of-War contest for the coveted Sancelia Ever Rolling Gold Cup organized under the patronage of TWIF (Tug of War International Federation) for which 20 professional countrywide teams shall be vying. Along with the rough and tough hauling and heaving at either ends of the rope in the tug-of-war, we also have the most beautiful artists performing traditional and cultural art forms (including musical fusion & cultural procession) as part of the festival celebrations. Ajai Malhotra, Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, will inaugurate Onathanima and we would love to have you all there celebrating in a festive mood. So please accept our invitation and be there with your family & friends and make Onathanima a wonderful and memorable event for one and all.

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Headmaster Balasubramanian at their midst.

The grapes and the Mother Nature compelled the photographers to stop and grab a quick shot. The rainbow brought about all its seven colours spreading joy everywhere with butterflies flying around. The delectable king of fruits walked proudly up capturing the applause of the crowd. All the animals brought life to the nature with their sounds. The judges had a tough time finding the winners of the show.

They wanted to reward each and every partici-

Soorya festival 2010 along with Ustad Rashid Mustfa on Tabla, will be the first of its kind to be staged in Kuwait, officials added.

Initiated into the fine art of Sarod playing at a very tender age, Amaan Ali Khan began his public performances as early as eight. He is now considered as one the finest young Sarod players and has attained very special place for himself to all music enthusiasts. Ayaan Ali Khan, stepped into

the world of music at the age of eight, has been performing concerts worldwide ever since. Ayaan has won the hearts of music lovers both India and around the Globe.

Recipients of the MTV’s Lycra Award for the most stylish person in Music in 2006, both were honored recently by the Mayor of the City of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Acknowledged for his solo performances and accompaniment to vocalists,

join its 20th Badminton Tournament.

The event which is held for a cause will start on November 5 and will last until December 10 at the Kuwait Disabled Club, Hawally every Friday from 8 AM until 5 PM. The tournament will be a team event of 5 players. Each team must have Level 1 & 2 (Men’s), Level 1& 2 (Ladies’) and Level 3 (Ladies’). The deadline for submission of line up will be on October 15. Special prize will be given for Best Uniform, Best Team. For more information, call 97197268.

Academy also offers coaching courses in Salwa, Hawally, Mangaf, Sharq (Girls Only) and Freestyle courses (13-18 years) at Shaab Park on Mondays. For further details of any of the P.G.A. Courses contact; Mike Finn, Director of Football Tel.99981327(English), Baker Al- Nazer, Director of Administration Tel.66918666 (Arabic) or Daniel Christensen 99128010 or email; premier_fa_kuwait@yahoo.com.

Football For All he Premier Goal Academy in association with Everton F.C. launches its ‘Football For All’ program at Shaab Park in October 2010. Expert guidance from professional English F.A./UEFA coaching team. Coaching courses for 3-14 years are held on Fridays 09-11 and Saturdays 3pm to 5pm. Advanced coaching for Centre of Excellence players aged 8 to 18 years also takes place on Fridays and Saturdays plus Mondays (812 years), Tuesdays (12-14 years) and Wednesdays (14-18 years) from 5pm to 7pm. Regular fixtures against Kuwait Club teams and tournaments in the Gulf, USA and Europe are also available for selected players. The Premier Goal

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Kala Kuwait’s painting competition ala Kuwait, will hold a drawing and painting competition on Friday, November 5, 2010 at the Indian Community School, Khaithan Branch at 2 pm. The program will be conducted in four different age groups. Group A from LKG to 1st Standard, Group B from 2nd to 4th Standard, Group C from 5th to 8th Standard and Group D from 9th to 12th Standard. The media for Group A and B will be crayons while Group C and D are water colors. Crayons and water colors to be brought by the participants. Stamped drawing papers will be supplied by the organizers. Clay Modeling Competition also will be conducted for 7th to 11th Standard Students.

instrumentalist and dances Rashid Mustafa is a top grade artiste of the All India Radio and Doordarshan. Frequently featured at prestigious concerts in India and abroad Rashid Mustafa has been awarded the Thirakwa Award by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in 1984.

Playing Sarod, the most popular instrument in Hindustani (northern Indian) classical music along with Tabla creating a wide

Global Goans Convention 2010 to be held in Kuwait nnouncing at the press briefing in Goa yesterday, Hon. Commissioner of NRI Affairs (Cabinet Ranking) and former Minister of External Affairs, Government of India, Eduardo Faleiro stated ‘the next annual Global Goans Convention would be held in Kuwait on November 16 and 17, 2010 was being organised by the Goan Cultural Centre, Kuwait during which the Vishwa Konkani Sammelan too would be held along with a cultural programme with the involvement of Konkani speaking expatriate communities of Goa and elsewhere in India”. The annual Global Goans Convention 2010 will be held in the State of Kuwait in coordination with the Department of NRI Affairs, Government of Goa and the Embassy of India, Kuwait on November 16 & 17 and will be hosted by the Goan Cultural Centre at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kuwait. The Global Goans Convention 2010, whose theme this year is ‘The NRI Goan’, will, in its annual debates, present the NRI Goan community with an opportunity to discuss various issues pertaining to them in their countries of domicile as well as back home in Goa, and will mainly deal with issues related to their social, financial, investment and cultural

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variety of different sounds will be a special feast to all arts lovers of Kuwait.

As usual, the entry for the show will be restricted with invitations. For more details, please contact 97977317, 66250037, 99293929, 97278029 or contact at Sooryakuwait@yahoo.com Soorya India, led by versatile mastermind Soorya Krishnamurthy, is present in 18 countries. It has been propagating the art of India outside the country for the last 11 years with the active support of its Chief Patron Dr B.R. Shetty, Managing Director, NMC group of companies.

aspirations and development. It is expected that delegates and eminent speakers from over 10 countries will be participating in the convention this year.

“We are happy and proud to be associated with this prestigious event”, in a statement confirming the news on its website www.goanculturalcentrekuwait.com. “We are overwhelmed by the response to the press statement, GCC chairman, Carmo Santos remarked. Last year, Goan Cultural Centre had the largest delegation attending the Global Goans Convention held in Muscat, Oman, added Suresh Naik, GCC President and Advisor . It may be recalled that Carmo Santos was bestowed with the NRI Leadership Award at the hands of former Minister of NRI Affairs Valayar Ravi at a glittering ceremony in the presence of Goa’s Chief Minister, Digamber Kamat, in recognition of his efforts and dedication towards the Indian expatriate community. He was among a galaxy of Goan personalities chosen by Goa’s Department of NRI Affairs from Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Delhi. The Convention will be held in coordination with the Embassy of India at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Farwania. A special Brochure will be launched during the Convention.

TV PROGRAMS

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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Orbit / Showtime Listings 23:35 I, Videogame

00:00 Without a Trace 01:00 Warehouse 13 02:00 Drop Dead Diva 03:00 GMA Live RPT 05:00 Justified 06:00 Law & Order 07:00 The Ellen de Generes Show 08:00 Desperate Housewives 09:00 Defying Gravity 10:00 Without a Trace 11:00 Good Morning America Live 13:00 Justified 14:00 Law & Order 15:00 The Ellen de Generes Show 16:00 Without a Trace 17:00 One Tree Hill 18:00 Survivor 19:00 The Tudors 20:00 Nip/Tuck 21:00 The Ellen de Generes Show 22:00 GMA Live RPT

00:30 Animal Cops Philadelphia 01:25 Moon Bears Journey To Freedom 02:20 Untamed And Uncut 03:10 Wildlife SOS 03:35 Rspca: Have You Got What It Takes?

04:00 Max’s Big Tracks 04:50 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 05:40 Beverly Hills Groomer 06:05 Beverly Hills Groomer 06:35 Planet Wild 07:00 Earthquake: Panda Rescue 07:55 Gorilla School 08:20 Rspca: Have You Got What It Takes?

08:50 Miami Animal Police 09:45 Vet On The Loose 10:10 Pet Rescue 10:40 Animal Cops South Africa 11:35 Wildlife SOS 12:00 Rspca: On The Frontline 12:30 Dogs 101 13:25 Breed All About It 14:20 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 15:15 Snake Crusader With Bruce George 16:10 Seven Deadly Strikes 17:10 Dogs 101 18:05 Snake Crusader With Bruce George 19:00 Cell Dogs 19:55 Animal Cops South Africa 20:50 Seven Deadly Strikes 21:45 Untamed And Uncut 22:40 Snake Crusader With Bruce George 23:35 Cell Dogs

00:05 Green Green Grass 01:05 Tellytales 01:15 Penelope K, By The Way 01:25 Fimbles 01:45 Me Too 02:05 Balamory 02:25 Tellytales 02:35 Penelope K, By The Way 02:50 Fimbles 03:10 Me Too 03:30 Balamory 03:50 Tellytales 04:00 Penelope K, By The Way 04:12 Fimbles 04:35 Me Too 04:55 Balamory 05:15 Penelope K, By The Way 05:30 Tellytales 05:40 Fimbles 06:00 Me Too 06:20 Balamory 06:40 Green Green Grass 07:40 The Weakest Link 08:25 Heart & Soul 09:15 Doctors 09:45 Eastenders 10:15 Casualty 11:05 Green Green Grass 12:40 Heart & Soul 13:30 The Weakest Link 14:15 Doctors 14:45 Eastenders 15:15 Casualty 16:10 Heart & Soul 17:00 The Weakest Link 17:45 Doctors 18:15 Eastenders 18:45 Casualty 19:40 Coast 20:40 Manchild 21:10 The Weakest Link 21:55 Casualty 22:45 Eastenders 23:15 Doctors 23:45 Manchild

00:30 Come Dine With Me 01:20 Daily Cooks Challenge 02:15 10 Years Younger 03:05 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 04:10 Antiques Roadshow 05:00 What Not To Wear 05:50 Bargain Hunt 06:35 Hidden Potential 07:00 Cash In The Attic USA 07:20 Rick Stein’s Mediterranean Escapes 08:10 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 09:00 Cash In The Attic 09:45 Come Dine With Me 10:35 What Not To Wear 11:25 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 12:15 Rick Stein’s Mediterranean Escapes 13:05 Antiques Roadshow 14:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 14:30 Cash In The Attic USA 14:50 Daily Cooks Challenge 15:20 Daily Cooks Challenge 15:50 Come Dine With Me 16:40 MasterChef: The Professionals 17:10 Indian Food Made Easy 17:35 Ching’s Kitchen 18:00 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:50 Cash In The Attic 19:35 Come Dine With Me 20:20 MasterChef: The Professionals 21:15 What Not To Wear 22:05 Indian Food Made Easy 22:30 Ching’s Kitchen 22:55 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 23:45 Cash In The Attic

00:25 Extreme Engineering 01:20 Mythbusters 02:15 How It’s Made 02:40 How Do They Do It? 03:05 Dirty Jobs 04:00 Fifth Gear 04:25 Extreme Engineering 05:15 Chop Shop 06:10 Mythbusters 07:05 Ultimate Survival 08:00 Overhaulin’ 08:55 Border Security 09:25 How It’s Made 09:50 How Do They Do It? 10:20 Mythbusters 11:15 Miami Ink 12:10 Ultimate Survival 13:05 Dirty Jobs 14:00 Overhaulin’ 14:55 Mythbusters 15:50 Cake Boss 16:15 Border Security 16:40 The Gadget Show 17:05 How Do They Do It? 17:35 How Stuff’s Made 18:00 Ultimate Weapons 18:55 Miami Swat 19:50 Behind Bars 20:45 True CSI 21:40 Chop Shop 22:35 Dirty Jobs

00:25 How Stuff’s Made 00:50 Space Pioneer 01:45 Robocar 02:40 Weird Connections 03:10 What’s That About?

04:00 Junkyard Mega-Wars 05:00 Space Pioneer 06:00 The Future Of...

06:55 Stunt Junkies 07:20 The Gadget Show 07:50 Engineered 08:45 How Stuff’s Made 09:15 Scrapheap Challenge 10:10 Weird Connections 10:35 The Future Of...

11:30 2012 Apocalypse 12:25 The Gadget Show 12:55 Space Pioneer 13:50 Mega World 14:45 Brainiac 15:40 Catch It Keep It 16:30 Science Of The Movies 17:20 How It’s Made 17:45 The Gadget Show 18:10 How The Universe Works 19:00 Catch It Keep It 19:50 Science Of The Movies 20:40 How The Universe Works 21:30 The Gadget Show 21:55 Mega World 22:45 Catch It Keep It

00:15 Extreme Hollywood 01:10 Sexiest 02:05 Battle of the Hollywood Hotties 02:30 Streets of Hollywood 03:00 THS 04:45 Behind the Scenes 05:35 E! News 06:00 The Daily 10 06:25 Denise Richards: It’s Complicated 06:50 Kourtney & Khlo√© Take Miami 07:15 30 Most Outrageous Celebrity Feuds 09:00 E! News 09:25 The Daily 10 09:50 Behind the Scenes 10:15 Pretty Wild 10:40 Keeping Up with the Kardashians 11:05 Kendra 11:30 E!ES 12:25 THS 13:15 Behind the Scenes 14:10 The Spin Crowd 15:00 E! News 15:25 The Daily 10 15:50 Keeping Up with the Kardashians 16:15 Pretty Wild 16:40 THS 17:30 Kendra 17:55 Chelsea Lately 18:20 Keeping Up with the Kardashians 19:10 E! News 19:35 The Daily 10 20:00 Chelsea Lately 20:25 Kendra 20:50 Kourtney & Khlo√© Take Miami 21:15 Pretty Wild 21:40 Dr 90210 22:30 Wildest TV Show Moments 22:55 Reality Hell 23:20 THS

00:20 Mantracker 01:10 Fantasy Factory 02:00 Rebel Events 2009: Rock The Goldcoast 02:25 Rebel Events 2009: Extreme Playgrounds 02:50 Dr Danger 03:15 Man’s Work 03:40 Eds Up 04:30 I-Ex 06:00 Kiteboard Pro World Tour 2008 08:05 Freestyle.Ch 08:30 Uci Bmx Supercross World Cup 2008 08:55 Parcour 1 09:20 Bmx Masters 2010 09:45 Fantasy Factory 10:35 Mantracker 11:25 Man’s Work 12:15 Eds Up 13:05 Parcour 1 13:30 Bmx Masters 2010 13:55 Fantasy Factory 14:45 Kiteboard Pro World Tour 2008 16:50 Freestyle.Ch 17:15 Uci Bmx Supercross World Cup 2008 17:40 Mantracker 18:30 Fantasy Factory 19:20 Parcour 1 19:45 Bmx Masters 2010 20:10 Eds Up 21:00 Mantracker 21:50 Parcour 1 22:15 Bmx Masters 2010 22:40 Man’s Work 23:30 Eds Up

00:00 Barefoot Contessa 00:30 Unwrapped 01:00 Food Network Challenge 02:00 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 02:30 Guy’s Big Bite 03:00 Iron Chef America 04:00 Paula’s Best Dishes 04:25 Good Deal With Dave Lieberman 04:50 Guy’s Big Bite 05:15 Barefoot Contessa 05:40 Everyday Italian 06:05 30 Minute Meals 06:30 Tyler’s Ultimate 07:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 07:30 Barefoot Contessa 08:00 Unwrapped 08:30 Paula’s Party 09:30 Guy’s Big Bite 10:00 Good Deal With Dave Lieberman 10:30 Paula’s Best Dishes 11:00 Barefoot Contessa 11:30 Everyday Italian 12:00 30 Minute Meals 12:30 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 13:00 Iron Chef America

From Mexico With Love on Show Movies

14:00 Barefoot Contessa 14:30 Unwrapped 15:00 Paula’s Best Dishes 15:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 16:00 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 16:30 Good Deal With Dave Lieberman 17:00 Food Network Challenge 18:00 Barefoot Contessa 18:30 Everyday Italian 19:00 Unwrapped 20:00 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 20:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 21:00 Chopped 22:00 30 Minute Meals 22:30 Tyler’s Ultimate 23:00 Food Network Challenge

01:00 Sophie’s Choice-18 04:00 The Madness Of King George-PG 06:00 Brassed Off-PG15 08:00 The Brothers Bloom-PG15 10:00 Little Nicholas-PG 12:00 One True Thing-PG 14:15 The Memsahib-PG15 16:00 The Apostle-PG15 18:15 American Violet-PG15 20:00 Welcome To Sarajevo-18 22:00 La Personne Aux Deux PersonnesPG15 23:30 American Violet-PG15

00:05 Murder Shift 01:00 Forensic Detectives 01:55 Crime Scene Psychics 02:20 Dr G: Medical Examiner 03:10 Real Emergency Calls 04:00 Mystery Diagnosis 04:50 Real Emergency Calls 05:40 Forensic Detectives 06:30 On the Run 07:20 Extreme Forensics 08:10 FBI Files 09:00 Ghost Lab 09:50 On the Case with Paula Zahn 10:40 Mystery Diagnosis 11:30 Real Emergency Calls 12:20 Extreme Forensics 13:10 Forensic Detectives 14:00 On the Run 14:50 FBI Files 15:40 Mystery Diagnosis 16:30 Real Emergency Calls 17:20 Ghost Lab 18:10 On the Case with Paula Zahn

00:00 State of the Union 00:30 Free Radio 01:00 South park 01:30 Tonight Show with Jay Leno 02:30 Yes Dear 03:00 Frasier 03:30 The Drew Carey Show 04:00 Late night with Jimmy Fallon 05:00 Simpsons 05:30 Yes Dear 06:00 Frasier 06:30 The Drew Carey Show 07:00 Will & Grace 07:30 Modern family 08:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:30 Frasier 09:00 Tonight Show with Jay Leno 10:00 Simpsons 10:30 Yes Dear 11:00 Frasier 11:30 Modern family 12:00 Modern family 12:30 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart 13:00 The Colbert Report 13:30 The Drew Carey Show 14:00 Late night with Jimmy Fallon 15:00 Simpsons 15:30 Will & Grace 16:00 30 Rock 16:30 Til Death 17:00 Tonight Show with Jay Leno 18:00 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart 18:30 The Colbert Report 19:00 Hung 19:30 Holly wood residential 20:00 South Park 20:30 Parks & Recreation 21:00 Til Death 21:30 Simpsons 22:00 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart 22:30 The Colbert Report 23:00 Late night with Jimmy Fallon

04:00 Lazytown 04:25 Imagination Movers 04:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 05:15 Handy Manny 05:40 Jungle Junction 05:50 Special Agent Oso 06:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 06:25 Handy Manny 06:50 New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 07:15 Little Einsteins 07:40 Special Agent Oso 08:05 Imagination Movers 08:30 Lazytown 08:55 My Friends Tigger and Pooh 09:20 Handy Manny 09:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 10:10 Little Einsteins 10:35 JO JO’S CIRCUS 11:00 Higglytown Heroes 11:25 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 11:45 Special Agent Oso 12:05 My Friends Tigger and Pooh 12:30 Imagination Movers 12:55 Little Einsteins 13:20 Handy Manny 13:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 14:10 New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 14:35 Special Agent Oso 14:45 Imagination Movers 15:10 Handy Manny 15:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 16:00 New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 16:25 Handy Manny 16:40 Special Agent Oso 16:50 Jungle Junction

03:00 Dennis The Menace 03:25 Beverly Hills Teen Club 03:45 Pelswick 04:10 Boo and Me 04:15 The Fairly OddParents 05:05 The Beach Crew 05:10 Birdz 05:35 Birdz 06:00 The Beach Crew 06:05 Heathcliff 06:30 Ned’s Newt 06:55 New Adventures of Madeline 07:20 Rupert 07:45 Babar 08:10 Max and Ruby 08:30 Corduroy 08:55 Rupert 09:20 New Adventures of Madeline 09:45 Ned’s Newt 10:10 Corduroy 10:35 Max and Ruby 11:00 My Fair Madeline 12:15 Sabrina

13:05 The Beach Crew 13:10 Boo and Me 13:15 The Prince and the Pauper 14:50 Even Stevens 15:15 The Beach Crew 15:20 Boo and Me 15:30 Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers 16:00 Snow White and Richard of Albertville 17:30 Ace Lightning 18:00 Even Stevens 18:25 Sabrina The Animated Series 18:50 Tales from the Cryptkeeper 19:10 Rescue Heroes 19:35 Ace Lightning 20:00 New Adventures of Ocean Girl 20:25 Sabrina The Animated Series 20:50 Sonic Underground 21:15 Fat Dog Mendoza 21:40 Tales from the Cryptkeeper 22:00 The Future is Wild Marathon

02:30 Big Ten Women’s Volleyball Michigan State at Indiana 04:30 Golf Central International 05:00 PGA Tour: CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Rd. 1 MINES Resort City, Malaysia 08:00 MLB: World Series Game 1, Teams TBA 11:00 LPGA Tour: Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia Final Rd. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 13:00 European Tour Andalucia Masters Rd. 1 Sotogrande, Spain 16:00 MLB: World Series Game 1, Teams TBA 19:00 NFL Replay Teams TBA 20:30 The Golf Channel - TBA 22:00 Golf Central International 22:30 The Golf Channel - TBA 23:30 MLB: World Series Game 2, Teams TBA

00:00 The Powerpuff Girls 00:15 Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends 00:40 The Secret Saturdays 01:05 Codename: Kids Next Door 01:30 Ben 10 01:55 Best ED 02:20 Samurai Jack 02:45 Cramp Twins 03:10 Eliot Kid 03:35 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 04:00 Codename: Kids Next Door 04:25 Chowder 04:50 Best ED 05:15 Chop Socky Chooks 05:40 Ben 10: Alien Force 06:05 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 06:30 Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes 06:55 Eliot Kid 07:20 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 07:30 Squirrel Boy 07:55 Robotboy 08:20 Camp Lazlo 08:45 The Powerpuff Girls 09:10 Class Of 3000 09:35 Ed, Edd N Eddy 10:00 Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends 10:25 Codename: Kids Next Door 10:50 Ben 10 11:15 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 11:40 Squirrel Boy 12:05 Eliot Kid 12:35 Casper’s Scare School 13:00 Skunk Fu! 13:25 Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes 13:50 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 14:15 The Secret Saturdays 14:40 Ben 10: Alien Force 15:05 Hero 108 15:30 Total Drama World Tour 16:00 Best ED 16:25 Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends 16:50 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 17:05 The Powerpuff Girls 17:30 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 17:45 Ben 10: Alien Force 18:10 Ed, Edd N Eddy 18:35 Robotboy 19:00 Camp Lazlo 19:25 Samurai Jack 19:50 Megas Xlr 20:15 Out Of Jimmy’s Head 20:40 Chowder 21:05 Cow And Chicken 21:30 Cramp Twins 21:55 George Of The Jungle 22:20 Adrenalini Brothers 22:45 Eliot Kid

01:00 Gifted Hands-PG15 03:00 Ponyo -FAM 05:00 Swing Vote-PG15 07:00 Stevie-PG15 09:00 Ocean’s Thirteen-PG15 11:00 From Mexico With Love-PG15 13:00 Swing Vote-PG15 15:00 Hotel For Dogs-FAM 17:00 The House Bunny-18 19:00 The Taking Of Pelham 1 2 3-18 21:00 Battlestar Galactica: The Plan-18 23:00 Crimes Of The Past-PG15

00:00 Taken-18 01:45 Star Trek 10 : Nemesis-PG15 03:45 Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix-PG 06:00 Newton Boys-PG15 10:00 Panic Room-18 12:00 Newton Boys-PG15 14:00 Daylight-PG15 16:00 Smokin’ Aces-18 18:00 The Tripper-18 20:00 Psycho-18 22:00 Charlie Valentine-PG15

01:00 Baby Mama-PG 03:00 Kung Fu Panda-PG 05:00 Married To It-PG15 07:00 Who’s Your Caddy?-PG15 09:00 Meet The Applegates-PG15 11:00 Daddy Day Care-PG 13:00 Kingpin-PG15 15:00 Futurama: Bender’s Game-PG15 17:00 Working Girl-18 19:00 College-18 21:00 The Break-Up Artist-PG15 23:00 Futurama: Bender’s Game-PG15

01:00 Piper Penguin And His Fantastic Flying Machines-PG 03:00 Atom Nine Adventures-PG 05:00 Genghis Khan-PG 07:00 Piper Penguin And His Fantastic Flying Machines-PG

The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas on Super Movies 09:00 Legend Of The Titanic-FAM 11:00 Aliens In The Attic-FAM 13:00 Christopher’s Dream-FAM 15:00 G-Force-PG 17:00 Superman/Batman: Public EnemiesPG15 19:00 Legend Of The Titanic-FAM 21:00 Genghis Khan-PG 23:00 G-Force-PG

00:00 Lie To Me 01:00 The View 02:00 Look alike 02:30 Look alike 03:00 Emmerdale 03:30 Coronation Street 04:00 Lie To Me 05:00 Martha Stewart 06:00 Look alike 06:30 Look alike 07:00 Lie To Me 08:00 The View 09:00 Ugly Betty 14:00 The View 15:00 Emmerdale 15:30 Eat Your Self Sexy 16:00 My Own Worst Enemy 17:00 Happy Town 18:00 Lie To Me 19:00 The View 20:00 Look alike 21:00 Ugly Betty

01:00 Futbol Mundial 01:30 European Tour Weekly 02:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 03:00 Triatholn 04:00 Rugby League 4 Nations 06:00 Scottish Premier League 08:00 European Tour Weekly 08:30 World Pool Masters 09:30 ICC Cricket World 10:00 Scottish Premier League 12:00 Brazil League Highlights 12:30 Triatholn 13:30 Aviva Premiership 15:30 World Hockey 16:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 16:30 Brazil League Highlights 17:00 European Tour Weekly 17:30 World Sport 18:00 Futbol Mundial 18:30 Live Premier League Snooker 22:00 World Sport 22:30 Total Rugby 23:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 23:30 Futbol Mundial

01:00 European Tour Weekly 01:30 Scottish Premier League Highlights 02:00 Rugby League 4 Nations 04:00 World Pool Masters 05:00 Futbol Mundial 05:30 Brazil League Highlights 06:00 Sea Master 06:30 World Hockey 07:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 08:00 Rugby League 4 Nations 10:00 Sea Master 10:30 Triathlon 11:30 World Pool Masters 12:30 European Tour Weekly 13:00 Live PGA European Tour 16:00 Triathlon 17:00 Futbol Mundial 17:30 FEI Equestrian World 18:00 Total Rugby 18:30 Brazil League Highlights 19:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 19:30 PGA European Tour 23:00 Rugby League 4 Nations

00:00 UFC 121 Prelims 01:00 UFC 121 04:00 WWE Smackdown 06:00 WWE Bottom Line 07:00 FIA GT1 World Championship 08:30 UFC All Access 09:00 WWE Vintage Collection 10:00 WWE Bottom Line 11:00 UFC All Access 11:30 V8 Supercars Championship 12:30 Red Bull X-Fighters

14:00 UFC 121 17:00 WWE NXT 18:00 UFC The Ultimate Fighter 19:00 UFC Unleashed 20:00 UFC Unleashed 21:00 UFC The Ultimate Fighter 22:00 UFC 121

00:00 The Boy In The Striped PyjamasPG15 01:45 Australia-PG 04:30 Operating Instructions-PG15 06:00 Shorts-PG 08:00 Flirting Wth Flamenco-PG15 10:00 Journey To The Center Of The Earth-PG 12:00 For The Love Of Grace-PG 13:30 Shorts-PG 15:00 The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button-PG15 18:00 The Stepfather-18 20:00 The Ugly Truth-PG15 22:00 Miracle At St. Anna-18

01:00 The Screening Room 01:25 The Hospital 03:10 The Screening Room 04:00 Bachelor In Paradise 05:50 The Screening Room 06:15 Little Women 08:20 Anchors Aweigh 10:35 The Screening Room 11:00 Key Largo 12:40 Bite The Bullet 14:50 The Screening Room 15:15 Silk Stockings 17:15 The Screening Room 17:40 Bad Day At Black Rock 19:00 The Survivors 20:40 The Split 22:10 Edge Of The City 23:35 Cohen And Tate

00:00 Clash Of The Gods 00:55 Battles B.C. 01:50 Battle Stations 02:40 Declassified 03:30 Deep Sea Detectives 04:20 Extreme Trains 05:10 Cities Of The Underworld 06:00 Clash Of The Gods 06:55 Battles B.C. 07:50 Battle Stations 08:40 Declassified 09:30 Deep Sea Detectives 10:20 Extreme Trains 11:10 Cities Of The Underworld 12:00 Clash Of The Gods 12:55 Battles B.C. 13:50 Battle Stations 14:40 Declassified 15:30 Deep Sea Detectives 16:20 Extreme Trains 17:10 Cities Of The Underworld 18:00 Ancient Discoveries 18:55 Warriors 19:50 Monster Quest 20:40 Ice Road Truckers, 3 21:30 Modern Marvels 22:20 Mega Disasters 23:10 Life After People

00:00 Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

01:00 Model TV 01:30 The Designers 02:00 Style Her Famous 02:30 Area 03:00 How Do I Look?

04:00 Millennium Fashion: The Year In Fashion 05:00 My Celebrity Home 06:00 Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

07:00 Married Away 08:00 Peter Perfect 09:00 Ruby 10:00 Clean House 11:00 Clean House Comes Clean 11:30 Style Her Famous 12:00 Jerseylicious 13:00 Ruby 14:00 Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

16:00 Peter Perfect

17:00 Clean House 18:00 How Do I Look?

19:00 Home Wars 20:00 Jerseylicious 21:00 Jerseylicious 22:00 Model TV 22:30 Style Her Famous 23:00 How Do I Look?

00:15 Top New 00:17 Playlist 02:00 Legend 03:00 Playlist 04:15 Top Fashion 04:17 Playlist 05:00 Latina 10 05:45 Playlist 06:15 Top Gossip 06:17 Playlist 10:00 Urban Hit 10:45 Playlist 11:00 Trace Video Mix 12:00 Playlist 12:15 Top Money 12:17 Playlist 13:00 Rnb 10 13:45 Playlist 14:15 Monthly Top 14:17 Playlist 15:00 Urban Hit 15:45 Playlist 17:00 Sound System 10 17:45 Playlist 18:00 Guest Star 18:15 Playlist 19:15 Top Sexy 19:17 Playlist 21:15 Top Mobile 21:17 Playlist 22:00 Hit Us 22:50 Playlist 23:00 Urban Hit 23:45 Playlist

00:00 Travel 360 01:00 Planet Food 02:00 Globe Trekker 03:00 Inside Luxury Travel-Varun Sharma 04:00 Chef Abroad 04:30 Flavours Of Peru 05:00 Globe Trekker 06:00 Rudy Maxa’s World 06:30 Top Travel 07:00 Hollywood and Vines 07:30 The Thirsty Traveler 08:00 Chef Abroad 08:30 Floyd Uncorked 09:00 Surfari 09:30 Skier’s World 10:00 Globe Trekker 11:00 Planet Food 12:00 Flavours Of Peru 12:30 Top Travel 13:00 Hollywood and Vines 13:30 The Thirsty Traveler 14:00 Globe Trekker 15:00 Rudy Maxa’s World 15:30 Chef Abroad 16:00 Flavours Of Peru 16:30 Floyd Uncorked 17:00 Globe Trekker 18:00 Culinary Asia 19:00 World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides 20:00 Planet Sports 21:00 Globe Trekker 22:00 Inside Luxury Travel-Varun Sharma 23:00 Culinary Asia

00:05 Dead On Sight 01:40 War Party 03:20 A Dangerous Woman 05:00 The 60’s 07:05 Making Mr. Right 08:45 Late For Dinner 10:20 Bojangles 12:00 The Pink Panther Strikes Again 13:45 The World Of Henry Orient 15:30 Tennessee Nights 17:15 Rich In Love 19:00 Howling II: Your Sister Is A Werewolf 20:30 Dead Of Winter 22:10 The Object Of Beauty 23:50 Ulee’s Gold

Thursday, October 28, 2010

33

ACCOMMODATION Small room available for a decent bachelor till March 2011, for a reasonable rent.

Behind Hawally American Creativity School, close to Road No. 30 & AlMuththana Road. Please call: 97804854. (C 2809) 28-10-2010 Sharing accommodation available, near Amiri Hospital, Sharq. Bachelor or single family.

Contact: 55941621. (C 2804) 27-10-2010 Sharing accommodation available for an Indian executive bachelor in C-A/C room, attached bathroom, with Keralite family in Fahaheel, near Mangaf traffic signal. Contact: 99384160 (C 2801) Sharing accommodation available for one executive bachelor, near United Indian School, Abbassiya. One single room.

Contact: 94917087. (C 2803) 26-10-2010 Independent room available in a 2 B/R flat, for a single Pakistani executive in Khaitan, near National Bank. Rent KD 75 from 1st Nov. Call: 97982517.

(C 2790) Farwaniya room for rent in a flat, with A/C, satellite,

kitchen and other facilities for a couple or two working spinsters, buses convenient, super market, nearby contact: 97449272 / 66021273. (C 2791) Sharing accommodation for executive bachelor in C-A/C flat in Salmiya, Amman Street, with Mumbai Indian family. Contact: 99591311 / 65718627. (C 2792)q C-A/C room available for executive bachelor (Hindu) with small Goan Hindu family on Amman Street, Salmiya.

Contact: 99408202. (C 2793) 24-10-2010

MISCELLANEOUS Wanted used car or jeep.

Contact: 66546767.

(C 2805) 27-10-2010

FOR SALE Toyota Corolla 1.8 XLi, model 2006, color white, excellent condition, done 64000 km, installment possible, cash price KD 2550.

Contact: 99934965. ( C 2807) 28-10-2010 Toyota Corolla model 2009, green color, 1.8 engine, fog lamp, C.D, wooden interior, auto mirror, alloy rim, rear bumper, camera sensor, cash price KD 3850 (Nego-

tiable). Installment possible without guaranter. Tel: 55291820. (C 2789) 24-10-2010

CHANGE OF NAME I, Mohan Kumar Rama Krishna, holder of Indian Passport No. H1830457, has converted to Islam with the name of Syed Sulaiman.

(C 2806) 27-10-2010 I, Rajendran, (Hindu) holder Indian Passport No. E5239852, son of Sami Pillai has converted to Islam with the name of Abdur Rasheed on May 4th, 2009.

(C 2794) 25-10-2010

MATRIMONIAL

ham.robin@gmail.com (C 2795) Marthomite parents from Central Travancore invite suitable marriage proposals for their son 28/182 / wheatish B.E., M.B.A working in INFOSYS, India, from equally qualified working girls below 26 years Marthoma/C.S.I/Orthodox.

Please contact with profile to the Email: thomaskw8@yahoo.com TUITION Learn Holy Quran, in perfect way, private tuition available for elders and children, by Hafiz-E-Quran.

Contact: 66725950.

(C 2800) 26-10-2010 SITUATION VACANT

NRI parents from Central Travancore, seeking alliance for their daughter born and brought up in Kuwait, (24, fair, God fearing) B.Com, MBA (Finance) from parents of well employed and professionally qualified Marthomite Grooms having reputable family background. Please contact with profile to email: proposalkuwait@hotmail.com 26-10-2010

A driver with a new air-conditioned car to work for a family. Tel: 60699068 / 55788774. (C 2798)

27 yrs Christian (Orthodox) B Tech boy, working in Kuwait seeking alliance from girls working in Kuwait.

Please contact E-mail: abra-

Administrative assistant (Indian) BBA + MBA (Marketing & Finance) with experience in Business Administration and Marketing Management seeks

immediate job. Visa - 18 transferable.

Contact: 97865130. (C 2808) 28-10-2010 Accountant (Indian) well versed in all Accounts / Finance and Banking jobs, and capable of supporting business, seeks immediate job. Job seeker has sufficient experience in Kuwait in entire Accounts / Finance functions. Tel: 66126258.

(C 2797) I need job as sales executive, education is B.Com +

MBA (Marketing) with driving license. Ready to work hard, use of PR skills. I can join from 1st Nov. 2010.

Please Contact: 55355954 /

Required English speaking live-in maid / nanny. Please contact: 99824597.

(C 2799) 26-10-2010 SITUATION WANTED

FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION 161

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

In case you are not travelling, your proper cancellation of bookings will help other passengers to use seats Airlines Jordanian Wataniya Airways Wataniya Airways Gulf Air Wataniya Airways Bangladesh Turkish Ethiopian Egypt Air Jazeera DHL Emirates Fly Dubai Etihad Qatari Kuwait Falcon Jazeera Kuwait Jazeera British Jazeera Jazeera Kuwait Iran Air Kuwait Fly Dubai Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Emirates Arabia Qatari Etihad Gulf Air Wataniya Airways Middle East Wataniya Airways Jazeera Syrian Air Kuwait Gulf Air Wataniya Airways Egypt Air Jazeera Kuwait United Jordanian Wataniya Airways Egypt Air Fly Dubai Jazeera Wataniya Airways Jazeera Jazeera Saudia Kuwait Nas Air

Arrival Flights on Thursday 28/10/2010 Flt Route 802 Amman 188 Bahrain 305 Cairo 211 Bahrain 408 Beirut 045 Dhaka/Bahrain 772 Istanbul 620 Addis Ababa 614 Cairo 267 Beirut 370 Bahrain 853 Dubai 051 Dubai 305 Abu Dhabi 138 Doha 802 Cairo 201 Dubai 503 Luxor 412 Manila/Bangkok 527 Alexandria 157 London 529 Assiut 613 Lahore 204 Lahore 605 Isfahan 302 Mumbai 053 Dubai 332 Trivandrum 676 Dubai 284 Dhaka 362 Colombo 855 Dubai 121 Sharjah 132 Doha 301 Abu Dhabi 213 Bahrain 182 Bahrain 404 Beirut 102 Dubai 447 Doha 341 Damascus 772 Riyadh 219 Bahrain 422 Amman 610 Cairo 457 Damascus 672 Dubai 982 Washington DC Dulles 800 Amman 432 Damascus 621 Assiut 057 Dubai 257 Beirut 332 Alexandria 257 Beirut 125 Bahrain 500 Jeddah 552 Damascus 745 Jeddah

Time 00:05 00:30 00:50 01:05 01:05 01:05 01:15 01:45 02:05 02:10 02:15 02:25 02:35 02:55 03:25 04:45 05:25 05:30 06:15 06:20 06:30 06:40 07:05 07:10 07:45 07:50 07:55 07:55 08:00 08:10 08:20 08:25 08:40 09:00 09:25 10:45 10:45 10:50 11:05 11:20 12:05 12:10 12:50 12:50 12:55 13:10 13:15 13:35 13:35 13:35 13:40 13:50 14:05 14:05 14:05 14:10 14:30 14:35 14:55

Qatari Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Mihin Etihad Emirates Gulf Air Wataniya Airways Saudia Kuwait Iran Air Arabia Jazeera Jazeera Srilankan Wataniya Airways Kuwait Wataniya Airways Rovos Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Wataniya Airways Jazeera Air Arabia Egypt Kuwait Kuwait Bahrain Air Jazeera Singapore Kuwait Fly Dubai Jazeera Jazeera Oman Air Middle East Wataniya Airways Rovos KLM Jet A/W Egypt Air Wataniya Airways Jazeera DHL Gulf Air Emirates Kuwait Qatari United Indian Jazeera Lufthansa Jazeera Egypt Air Bangladesh India Express Egypt Air Pakistan Wataniya Airways

134 546 678 118 403 303 857 215 402 510 562 617 125 493 129 227 304 104 106 093 502 542 618 786 202 177 555 674 614 344 433 458 774 061 459 433 647 402 612 081 0445 572 618 404 183 372 217 859 178 136 981 981 429 636 185 612 043 389 606 205 108

Doha Alexandria Muscat/Abu Dhabi New York Colombo/Dubai Abu Dhabi Dubai Bahrain Beirut Riyadh Amman Ahwaz Sharjah Jeddah Bahrain Colombo/Dubai Cairo London Dubai Kandahar/Dubai Beirut Cairo Doha Jeddah Jeddah Dubai Alexandria Dubai Bahrain Bahrain Mashad Singapore/Abu Dhabi Riyadh Dubai Damascus Mashad Muscat Beirut Sabiha Baghdad Amsterdam Mumbai Alexandria Beirut Dubai Bahrain Bahrain Dubai Geneva/Frankfurt Doha Bahrain Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad Bahrain Frankfurt Dubai Cairo Dhaka Kozhikode/Mangalore Luxor Lahore Dubai

15:05 15:30 15:35 16:15 16:40 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:15 17:20 17:30 17:40 17:40 17:40 17:55 18:00 18:35 18:35 18:45 18:45 18:50 18:50 18:55 18:55 18:55 19:05 19:15 19:20 19:20 19:25 19:40 19:25 19:25 20:05 20:10 19:40 20:15 20:20 20:20 20:30 20:40 20:30 21:30 20:50 21:00 21:00 21:05 21:15 21:20 21:35 21:55 22:05 22:10 22:30 22:40 22:55 23:00 23:10 23:15 23:55 23:55

Departure Flights on Thursday 28/10/2010 Airlines Flt Route Jazeera 528 Assiut Shaheen Air 442 Lahore Egypt Air 607 Luxor India Express 394 Cochin/Kozhikode KLM 0447 Amsterdam Indian 576 Goa/Chennai Lufthansa 637 Frankfurt Pakistan 216 Karachi Turkish 773 Istanbul Bangladesh 046 Dhaka Ethiopian 620 Bahrain/Addis Ababa Egypt Air 615 Cairo DHL 371 Bahrain Fly Dubai 052 Dubai Emirates 854 Dubai Etihad 306 Abu Dhabi Qatari 139 Doha Wataniya Airways 101 Dubai Jordanian 803 Amman Jazeera 331 Alexandria Jazeera 446 Doha Gulf Air 212 Bahrain Jazeera 456 Damascus Wataniya Airways 421 Amman Wataniya Airways 181 Bahrain Rovos 094 Dubai/Kandahar Jazeera 256 Beirut Wataniya Airways 431 Damascus British 156 London Kuwait 545 Alexandria Fly Dubai 054 Dubai Iran Air 606 Mashad Kuwait 677 Abu Dhabi/Muscat Kuwait 671 Dubai Kuwait 771 Riyadh Kuwait 551 Damascus Arabia 122 Sharjah Kuwait 101 London/New York Emirates 856 Dubai Qatari 133 Doha Etihad 302 Abu Dhabi Jazeera 124 Bahrain Gulf Air 214 Bahrain Wataniya Airways 401 Beirut Kuwait 165 Rome/Paris Middle East 405 Beirut Wataniya Airways 303 Cairo Kuwait 541 Cairo Wataniya Airways 611 Sabiha Jazeera 492 Jeddah Kuwait 561 Amman Kuwait 501 Beirut Syrian Air 342 Damascus Kuwait 785 Jeddah Wataniya Airways 201 Jeddah Egypt Air 611 Cairo Jazeera 432 Mashad Jazeera 458 Damascus Wataniya Airways 105 Dubai Jordanian 801 Amman Fly Dubai 058 Dubai

Time 00:05 00:10 00:15 00:25 00:30 00:50 00:50 01:10 02:15 02:15 02:30 03:05 03:15 03:20 03:45 04:00 05:00 06:50 07:00 07:30 07:40 07:45 07:45 07:50 07:50 08:00 08:05 08:10 08:25 08:35 08:40 08:45 08:45 09:00 08:55 09:10 09:20 09:30 09:40 10:00 10:10 11:15 11:35 11:35 11:45 11:50 11:50 12:00 12:05 12:15 12:25 13:00 13:05 13:30 13:45 13:55 14:00 14:00 14:30 14:30 14:35

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

Egypt Air Jazeera United Jazeera Jazeera Kuwait Wataniya Airways Kuwait Kuwait Nas Air Saudia Kuwait Qatari Kuwait Rovos Etihad Mihin Gulf Air Emirates Wataniya Airways Kuwait Arabia Jazeera Saudia Iran Air Kuwait SriLankan Jazeera Wataniya Airways Wataniya Airways Wataniya Airways Air Arabia Egypt Kuwait Jazeera Bahrain Air Jazeera Kuwait Jazeera Fly Dubai Singapore Wataniya Airways Kuwait Oman Air Middle East Jet A/W Egypt Air Wataniya Airways KLM Gulf Air DHL Kuwait Emirates Falcon Qatari Kuwait Kuwait Jazeera Jazeera United Kuwait Kuwait Egypt Air

622 458 982 176 128 673 403 673 617 746 505 773 135 613 082 304 404 216 858 306 543 126 184 511 616 285 228 428 407 433 107 556 283 266 345 240 361 512 062 457 321 351 648 403 571 619 187 0445 218 373 675 860 102 137 301 205 526 502 981 411 415 613

Assiut Damascus Bahrain Dubai Bahrain Dubai Beirut Dubai Doha Jeddah Jeddah Riyadh Doha Bahrain Baghdad Abu Dhabi Dubai/Colombo Bahrain Dubai Cairo Cairo Sharjah Dubai Riyadh Ahwaz Chittagong Dubai/Colombo Bahrain Beirut Damascus Dubai Alexandria Dhaka Beirut Bahrain Amman Colombo Sharm El Sheikh Dubai Abu Dhabi/Singapore Sharm El Sheikh Cochin Muscat Beirut Mumbai Alexandria Bahrain Bahrain/Amsterdam Bahrain Bahrain Dubai Dubai Bahrain Doha Mumbai Islamabad Alexandria Luxor Washington DC Dulles Bangkok/Manila Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta Cairo

14:40 14:45 14:50 14:55 15:00 15:10 15:10 15:10 15:35 15:45 16:00 16:05 16:20 16:20 17:00 17:35 17:40 18:05 18:05 18:05 18:10 18:20 18:30 18:35 18:40 18:45 19:10 19:10 19:25 19:30 19:40 19:55 20:15 20:10 20:10 20:20 20:20 20:20 20:50 20:55 21:00 21:05 21:15 21:20 21:30 22:30 21:35 21:40 21:55 22:00 22:10 22:25 22:30 22:35 22:45 22:55 23:20 23:30 23:40 23:40 23:50 23:55

SPECTRUM

34

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Calvin

CROSSWORD 123

Aries (March 21-April 19) Your thinking is quite

clear and natural just now. Ideas are flowing and come with ease. In some circumstances, you may be tempted to chat a little longer than you should.

Decisions and new beginnings are possible at this time. Any group activity will have much success.

This is a good day that should find everything running smoothly. Working with—rather than against—the flow should be easy to do. You may spend part of the afternoon rounding up a group of your friends or family together to conduct a large garage sale, auction or bazaar for this coming weekend. This will be successful if you make your plans now. Rewarding days make up for all the stress that comes with the challenging days. You enjoy the benefits of your hard work.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a good time to step

back and reevaluate your goals. This may take some time. Keep notes during the day about what you think you can accomplish or learn in different areas of business. These notes will help you to form your goals and plans. Perhaps it is time to look at ways in which you can step up the corporate ladder. Although you shy away from challenges, you cannot escape facing a few of them. Challenges are what helps us grow, learn about others and ourselves and improve our problem-solving skills—today will show off your problem-solving skills. A friend or neighbor may demand more of your time this afternoon. You might be sitting with a child to help out a neighbor. Some form of laughter is in order tonight.

Pooch Cafe

ACROSS 1. The smallest multiple that is exactly divisible by every member of a set of numbers.

4. A region of Malaysia in northeastern Borneo.

9. Clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion.

13. American prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942).

14. Jordan's port.

15. A barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports.

16. 10 hao equal 1 dong.

17. True mosses.

18. Type genus of the family Arcidae.

19. Reveal the true nature of.

21. One of the bottle-shaped pins used in bowling.

23. Situated in or facing or moving toward the east.

25. A yellow trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group.

26. A Japanese cheer of enthusiasm or triumph.

28. A light touch or stroke.

29. American novelist (1909-1955).

30. Being one hundred more than three hundred.

35. A heavy brittle metallic element of the platinum group.

37. The cry made by sheep.

40. A white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light.

42. Thick heavy expensive material with a raised pattern.

46. An Oscan-speaking member of an ancient people of Campania.

47. Australian clover fern.

50. An honorary arts degree.

53. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

54. Sluggish tailless Australian arboreal marsupial with gray furry ears and coat.

57. Large burrowing rodent of South and Central America.

58. The 21st letter of the Greek alphabet.

59. Aimlessly drifting.

61. A workplace for the conduct of scientific research.

62. Take in solid food.

63. Form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case.

64. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

DOWN 1. A Loloish language.

2. Group of people related by blood or marriage.

3. From 13 million to 25 million years ago.

4. Small turnover of Indian origin filled with vegetables or meat and fried and served hot.

5. Relating to or consisting of or being in water.

6. Derive or receive pleasure from.

7. The elementary stages of any subject (usually plural).

8. A republic in the West Indies on the western part of the island of Hispaniola.

9. The father of your father or mother.

10. An association of people to promote the welfare of senior citizens.

11. A toxic protein extracted from castor beans.

12. Lacking either stimulating or irritating characteristics.

20. Be idle.

22. Tropical starchy tuberous root.

24. One thousand periods per second.

27. A city in northern India.

31. A logarithmic unit of sound intensity.

32. Gymnastic apparatus consisting of two parallel wooden bars supported on uprights.

33. (informal) Roused to anger.

34. The compass point that is one point east (clockwise) of due north.

36. An island of central Hawaii (between Maui and Oahu).

38. A loss of will power.

39. Hard fiber used in making coarse twine.

40. A toxic protein extracted from castor beans.

41. Someone who is morally reprehensible.

43. South American wood sorrel cultivated for its edible tubers.

44. The lean flesh of a fish that is often farmed.

45. Brightly colored venomous but nonaggressive snake of southeastern Asia and Malay peninsula.

48. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

49. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

51. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike.

52. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

55. Not divisible by two.

56. (nautical, aeronautical) Situated at or toward the stern or tail.

60. A brittle silver-white metalloid element that is related to selenium and sulfur.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Obtaining and exchanging information takes on more emotional significance for you now. Being more involved with co-workers and business partners help you to understand how to interact with your working family and to better understand the needs of your business partners. This can be a very positive thing by helping to increase production and support as well as sharing or respecting the goals of each other. Knowing more about each other’s long-term goals will be helpful in sharing information and guidance. A visitor in your home this afternoon may compliment you on your tastes or belongings. You are in a mood of selfenjoyment and can appreciate your own better qualities. You may see value in or feel love for an older person or someone in authority.

Non Sequitur

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Put a closure on any old business or personal concerns today. Events make it easy for you to be original, have breakthroughs and find new solutions to old problems. You may find yourself able to put your ideas into practice. Independence originality and eccentricity are present now. Your home environment, friends and surroundings in general receive attention and encouragement at this time.

Your work or career is in real harmony with the rest of your life. Laughter and a lighthearted frame of mind will lift your spirit. The purchase of a new pet may call for finding a veterinarian. If you are looking for a veterinarian, look for one like you would look for a family doctor, get referrals; you will be happy you did.

Leo (July 23-August 22) You have an opportunity to encourage your mate this morning. Perhaps a new job is in the making. In the workplace you concentrate on the challenging ideas. Your problem-solving abilities are in fine shape and difficult problems have easy answers with your insight. This afternoon you may find a personal situation has new beginnings—a fresh start, perhaps the establishment of new and positive habit patterns. Spend some time this afternoon to pay bills and adjust your budget to a more reasonable level. Financial investments may also need some review. You can expect the lines of communication to be open. Social situations this evening are favorable.

Zits

Virgo (August 23-September 22) You may find that your thoughts run counter to what is going on around you at this time. There could be a lack of support or respect for what you think. Picture where the other personís thinking might originate from and take a step back. A lot of mental tension can be eliminated with your insight. Progress in some project is commendable and by the end of the day you will probably feel you have accomplished more than your usual day of work. This afternoon you enjoy working in the yard or just enjoy a long walk. Thinking things through from different angles is beneficial at this time. You may be learning to break out of old mental patterns that could be destructive—you teach through your actions.

Libra (September 23-October 22) Your creative abilities are at the ready today and whatever you decide to do will have your own personal signature.

Others are impressed by your quick results and your accomplishments—particularly in such a short notice.

Co-workers or higher-ups may have good news because of your endeavors today. You will find the likelihood of a raise or some other means that will increase your standard of living. This afternoon a meeting with friends may produce big plans for a future get-together; perhaps a cooking contest or sports event or hunting expedition. Whatever the case, the plans are perfect for great camaraderie. Life just keeps getting better as you find ways to relate to the people that mean a lot to you. There is a deepening of relationships now.

Mother Goose and Grimm

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) This has been a

productive time in that you are ready to move forward with your goals and eliminate any slow-downs that create that feeling of moving backward. Do something this afternoon that makes someone smile. Perhaps you have experienced the results of volunteer work in a worthy area. This is an investment of your time that is meaningful to everyone—a win-win situation.

Look around; there may be an opportunity within the workplace to perform this generosity. Good deeds are contagious; before long you could have a whole group helping others. Take advantage of this evening by making some future plans. If others are busy, take this opportunity to play! Busy yourself with one of the many hobbies you have. Do not push issues.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Your attitude is positive and with a lot of enthusiasm. You are ready to explore all kinds of new horizons. Professionally speaking, you are in a good place. Take some time this Wednesday to make your plans for this upcoming weekend. Enjoy getting away from your regular routine. Travel, education and other ways to stretch your horizons open new doors of opportunity. Religious, philosophical and cultural matters are likely to have special appeal for you.

There is support and recognition from family and friends. You feel comfortable in your home and surroundings and it seems to meet your needs. There is some open time this evening to express yourself creatively; perhaps some poetry. A new hobby could bring you hours of fun.

Yesterdayʼs Solution

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Today is

a good time to request a loan. You are entering a phase of emotional directness and impulsiveness that may be marked by forceful and powerful feelings.

Your inner resources and emotions are accented.

Expect a sense of support and good will from those around you. You may have new thoughts and sudden insights and will likely receive an unexpected boost in the way you think, speak or write.

Communications are accented and connections of all kinds, news, etc., are furthered, often at the expense of tradition and established order.

Friendships and involvement in group activities play a more important part in your life now. Satisfaction comes from accomplishing things in cooperation with others.

Yesterdayʼs Solution

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Consider the needs of others as you work on your financial plans. Losing sight of the practical and mundane can make you very artistic, but might not be so good for the bankbook. There is a need for caution and practicality on the material and financial level. Use your influence when it comes to teaching others what you have learned—especially the young people in your life. If you need any professional advice, today and tomorrow will be the best days to seek your answers. You will find this afternoon begins a rather social time. Visiting after work with co-workers or friends can be a great deal of fun. Tonight you may enjoy a long conversation with a distant friend, writing a letter or making a special phone call.

INTERNATIONAL CALLS Kuwait Qatar Abu Dhabi Dubai Raas Al Khayma Al-Shareqa Muscat Jordan Bahrain Riyadh Makkah - Jeddah Cairo Alexandria Beirut Damascus Allepo

00965 00974 009712 009714 009717 009716 00968 009626 00973 009661 009662 00202 00203 009611 0096311 0096321

Tunisia Rabat Washington New York Paris London Madrid Zurich Geneva Monaco Rome Bangkok Hong Kong Pakistan Taiwan Bonn

0021610 002127 001212 001718 00331 004471 00341 00411 004122 0033 00396 00662 00852 0092 00886 0049228

Word Sleuth Solution

Pisces (February 19-March 20) Today morning will bring with it good luck and positive opportunities. If you are not learning and adhering to better nutrition, today and tomorrow are good times to begin. You are a very eager person and you may be encouraged to push beyond your strengths or be inclined to tax yourself. This may be why there is an interest in nutrition awareness. You may be especially dynamic and assertive just now. There is a lot of energy and drive available to accomplish whatever you want. Expect a sense of support and good will from those around you. Talking with a friend this evening may give you new investment ideas. Family members need attention and a face-to-face chat can become a renewal of support and information.

INFORMATION

Thursday, October 28, 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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SPECTRUM

36

Berry and Martinez moving in together

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Hurley rides an elephant lizabeth Hurley has been on an elephant ride in India. The actress-and-model is currently on vacation in the country and decided to treat herself and her eight-year-old son Damian to a trip on an elephant on Tuesday . Hurley - who is married to Indian businessman husband Arun Nayar - posted a pic of the experience on her twitter page with the accompanying caption: “Damian & I going for a ride, Jaipur style!” The brunette beauty - who landed in the country on Saturday - has also been finding other ways to get close to elephants while

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Lohan’s dad to visit her

in India. She added in another tweet: “Oh wow, at an amazing camp called Dera Amer. Watching Elephant Polo and eating the most delicious snacks.” But elephants aren’t the only animal Hurley has fallen in love with while in India. The 45-year-old star is keen to introduce camels and indigenous Indian goats to her farm in Gloucestershire, South West England. She added in other twitter posts: “I love the goats on the streets here - really pretty, with very long, lop ears. Want them for my farm .

Loving the glamorous Rajasthani dressed up camels, very chic in red and gold. (sic)”

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hotels.” Olivier is currently living in Halle’s secluded Beverly Hills mansion, but the actress - who has a twoyear-old daughter Nahla with exboyfriend Gabriel Aubry - is keen to spend more time in her lover’s native France. The source added: “Since they both need to be in Hollywood for work, it made sense for Olivier to move in sooner rather than later.

And they love the privacy of her place, although Halle says she can’t wait to get to know Paris better.

They are definitely not taking things slowly.”

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Minogue’s marriage debt

annii Minogue’s first husband left her in “a lot of debt”. The singer-turned-reality show judge has revealed how her union with actor Julian McMahon back in 1994 - when she was in her early 20s - left her in huge financial problems after she became the main earner in the relationship and was left sup-

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porting them both. She explained on BBC Radio 2: “I was not only broke, I was in debt, a lot of debt. I had been very good with my finances up until the point where I got married. I was living in London and working in London. My fiance and then husband was living and working in America, but he had only just started working there and I was financing both of our living costs in both countries at 22. London and New York are expensive cities, we had nice things. And then every two weeks I flew back and forth, so that I could see him, get back to work, earn some more money, get back there again.” The 39-year-old TV beauty - who gave birth to her first child, son Ethan, with partner Kris Smith back in July - had hoped Julian would eventually help her out financially, but their money problems escalated and they divorced less than two years later. She explained: “It was tight to keep that all going. Obviously I thought that once his career takes off and he’s doing well, he’d put some money into the pot. But that was a silly thought wasn’t it! Anyway, you’re young and you’re silly and I only blame myself for that. But what do you do when you’re in love with someone, you want to be with them, he’s got a chance of having a career there, I’m trying to keep things going in London. You do your best at the time.” Dannii’s financial worries are now in the past and she is hoping to never be in that situation again. She added: “I’m just trying not to stuff it up again. Hopefully I learnt the first time.”

Gibson set to speak out el Gibson is to give an interview about allegedly abusing Oksana Grigorieva.

The 54-year-old actor - who was heard calling his former girlfriend with bad words and saying he wants to “bury her” in a rose garden in audio tapes leaked earlier this yearhas reportedly agreed to give his side of the story as he is concerned his career will be ruined because of the allegations, though he has yet to make a decision about who he will speak to. A source told gossip website PopEater: “Since the second the tapes were released, every media outlet has been contacting Mel’s people asking for an interview.

“Now, after months of silence, Mel has finally realized if he doesn’t say something really soon it might be too late. The days of burying his head in the sand hoping this whole

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ugly mess goes away are over.” It is not the first time Mel has given an interview following a potentially career-destroying incident - he previously sat down with Diana Sawyer in 2006 after making anti-Semitic remarks after being arrested for driving under the influence - but the

indsay Lohan is reportedly planning to allow her father to visit her in rehab. The ‘Machete’ actress - who is undergoing treatment for drug abuse at the Betty Ford Clinic in California - is hoping that by granting Michael’s visitation requests she will be able to stop his repeated public pleas for her to allow him to see her. A source close to Lindsay and her mother Dina - who both agreed Michael should be banned from seeing her - said: “It’s gotten to the point where Lindsay told Dina, ‘Mommy, maybe I should just let him see me because then he’ll go away and he’ll stop. “Dina knows she needs to slowly build a truce here because it’s all got to stop. But they’ve given him so many chances.” However, the 24year-old star is said to have grown infuriated with Michael again after he was pictured attending reality TV star Tila Tequila’s recent 29th birthday party, despite promising to stay out of the spotlight. The source added to

response was not good and he is intent on picking a better outlet. A friend of Mel’s said: “Mel did an interview with Diane Sawyer after his anti-Semitic remarks several years ago, and that didn’t go so well for him. Now, with the stakes even higher, everyone thinks it would be better for a man to sit opposite another man to discuss everything that has been going on lately. I suppose the first choice would be Matt Lauer from the ‘Today’ show. It’s certainly not going to be Oprah after she almost got Oksana to tell all.” It was previously claimed that Oksana - who has 11-month-old daughter Lucia with Mel - was planning to give an interview about her relationship with the actor to Oprah Winfrey, but the proposal was later abandoned in case it affected the former couple’s ongoing custody battle.

Rihanna’s sign from God

alle Berry and Olivier Martinez are moving in together. The couple - who have been dating since September after meeting on the set of ‘Dark Tide’ - have given one another keys to their respective apartments so they don’t have to spend any time apart. A source told LOOK magazine: “These two are so in love, they want to spend as much time together as possible. They hate being apart, even for one night if they can help it. They want to be home together, as neither of them particularly likes meeting in

ihanna feels her abuse at the hands of Chris Brown was a sign from God. The ‘Russian Roulette’ hitmaker - who was assaulted by her then-boyfriend in February 2009 - says she needed a “wake-up call” to make her realize their three-year relationship was not working out. She said: “God has a crazy way of working, and sometimes when stuff happens you feel like, ‘What did I do to deserve this?’

Why was it backfiring on me?’ “But I needed that wake-up call in my life. I needed a turning point, and that’s what God was giving to me.” Rihanna - who is now dating baseball star Matt Kemp

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RadarOnline.com: “Lindsay does know about her dad going to Tila’s birthday bash. She does hear things even though she’s in rehab.

“How would you feel if this was your dad? She’s humiliated. “Her feeling is, how dare Michael say he wants to make closure when he does something like that?

He preaches ‘people, places, things’ but his actions are a total contradiction. He says he wants to mend fences, and then he goes to this girl’s birthday.” It was recently claimed that Michael was planning to get drunk just so he could check himself into the rehab clinic to meet with his daughter. The showbiz patriarch intended to show up at the Los Angeles facility and if the actress refused to see him, he would get drunk, go back to the centre whilst intoxicated and cause a scene, and was even prepared to stage his own arrest to try and get close to his daughter. Lindsay who voluntarily entered the facility last month - was told by a court last week that she must stay in rehab until January 3. —Bang Showbiz

Justin Bieber feels powerful T

- admits it wasn’t easy to end her relationship with the ‘Run It’ singer, but is happier than ever now he is no longer in her life. She told Britain’s Marie Claire magazine: “I remember I was in New York at the Trump Hotel and I woke up and I just knew I was over it.

It was a different day. I felt different. I didn’t feel lonely. I felt like I wanted to get up and be in the world. That was a great, great feeling. “I feel like I smile for real this time. The smiles come from inside, and it exudes in everything I do. People feel my energy is different.

When I smile they can tell that it’s pure bliss and not just a cover up.”

he 16-year-old singer who was recently honored at Variety magazine’s 4th Annual Power of Youth event in Los Angeles - is delighted that he is able to use his celebrity status to help other people.

Speaking at the event, he told US TV show ‘Extra’: “I think that I’m pretty powerful, I guess. “I think that being powerful you have to do something good with that power.

We’re helping build schools, we’ve already built fifteen with the charity Pencils for Promise. We just like the fact that young people can help out young people.” The teenage star has also laughed off reports he is dating Jasmine Villegas, who starred in his ‘Baby’ music video, insisting he will always be honest about his personal life. When asked about his love life, Justin said: “I think that whatever happens, happens, y’know.

I’m not scared to tell the truth. No, I’m not dating anyone at the moment.” Justin is also excited about his forthcoming book ‘First Step 2 Forever’, because it gives him the opportunity to properly express himself. He added: “It’s not really an autobiography. I just wrote this book about my journey so far, it’s called ‘First Step 2 Forever’, meaning like this is only the beginning, there is so much more to come. “I’m really excited I got the opportunity to write a book and express my feelings about what’s going on.”

SPECTRUM

Thursday, October 28, 2010

37

Music & Movies

Senegal’s ‘living treasure’ drummer and his family orchestra

By Laurence Boutreux

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hen he was a child of 10, Doudou Ndiaye Rose “got sidetracked” on his way to school in Senegal by the beating of a tam-tam. Now at 80, the renowned drummer is at peace knowing his children and grandchildren will uphold the tradition.

One of his sons, Moustapha Ndiaye, led an ensemble at Paris’ Cite de la Musique

gift. “I never wanted to play blindly! I met the elders so that they could teach me the very precise language of drums that everybody recognised then: how to announce a bush fire, that a snake has bitten someone and what kind of snake, that a woman who has just got married has gone to the conjugal home and that the husband is happy with her.”

When the elders noted that Doudou had managed to

Actress Rosario Dawson arrives on the red carpet for the premiere of the film ‘Unstoppable’ in which she plays a lead role, at the Regency Village Theater in Los Angeles yesterday. —AFP

Cameraman sues Sacha Baron Cohen over ‘Bruno’ spat

By Anthony McCartney

Composer and band leader Doudou Ndiaye Rose holds a stick as he plays traditional Sabar drums with his band on October 14, 2010 in Dakar. — AFP (Music Centre) this week in a festival on “Senegal: Myths and Realities”.

Though Doudou’s music was a featured theme, the master stayed in Dakar for health reasons.

Doudou has performed with such greats as Miles Davis, the Rolling Stones and percussionists in Japan, and been declared a “living human treasure” by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. But one of his biggest delights is remembering the sounds of his Dakar childhood. “I was born on July 28, 1930, in the middle of the Plateau district. Every day, the tamtams played for marriages, baptisms and circumcisions.

Whenever I left the house, the sounds distracted me.

It’s as if they said, ‘Doudou, don’t go to school, you must come and play the tamtam’.”

Mamadou, usually known as Doudou, was born into the griot caste of musicians and story-tellers, guardians of the cultural heritage. But his father, an accountant, did not want his son to be a musician. When Doudou defied him, they went for seven years without shaking hands. Doudou was working as a plumber when he met Mada Seck, who worked at the cargo port and “knew all the secrets of percussion”.

“I was in his group and when he left one day, for Ivory Coast, he told me, ‘Here are my instruments, here are my charms, you can replace me’.” But Doudou wanted to travel deep into his west African country to learn “seriously” about his

learn “more than 100 different rhythms”, they bestowed on him the title of “chief drum major”. A large portrait of Senegal’s first president Leopold Sedar Senghor looks down over the living room of the master drummer Senghor chose in 1960 to produce an African version of the national anthem. Beside this hangs UNESCO’s “living human treasure” citation.

Despite his fame, Doudou is known in town simply as “Tonton” or “Uncle”, the man with “four wives and at least 15 girls and 15 boys” who heads a family orchestra.

For 50-year-old Moustapha, who teaches percussion at Paris’ Cite de la Musique, Doudou has always been “a generous father but a little strict when it comes to percussion. If you couldn’t follow, you would feel a little tap of a stick on the head.”

Nowadays, the master’s grandchildren often come to rehearse on the rooftop terrace of Doudou’s first wife before their ensemble, “Les Roseaux”, heads abroad to give concerts. T he smell of goatskin that covers drums wafts out from a small room stacked with dozens of the instruments, including a tiny model for one of the youngest, fouryear-old Papi.

“I thank the Good Lord,” says Doudou, relaxing in the traditional “boubou” or ample robe. “My children have learned the language of percussion well. I can even no longer play and just listen to them.” — AFP

Indian unknown, 17, cast as lead in Life of Pi film

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17-year-old Indian student with no acting experience has beaten off 3,000 other young hopefuls to play the lead role in the film of Yann Martel’s hit book Life of Pi. Suraj Sharma, whose parents are both mathematicians in Delhi, was picked by director Ang Lee after a months-long search during which thousands of people auditioned for the part, a press release from Fox studios said Tuesday. “Casting the sixteen-yearold Pi was particularly challenging,” said Lee, who directed Oscar-winning “Brokeback Mountain” as well as “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”

“We searched throughout India for a young man who had the innocence to capture our attention, the depth of character to break our hearts and the physicality needed to embody Pi on his journey,” he said. Lee said Sharma had shown he could convey emotion just through his eyes and had natural ability that was “a rare treasure”. —AFP

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cameraman sued Sacha Baron Cohen on Tuesday, claiming his civil rights were violated when he was roughed up by a film crew shooting the comedian in character as “Bruno” during a gay marriage rally.

Mike Skiff, a self-described gay journalist, sued Baron Cohen and others involved in the 2009 film “Bruno” for more than $25,000 in damages for alleged physical and emotional pain and suffering.

His lawsuit claims he was shoved, pulled and threatened with wooden signs as he filmed the comedian in charac-

ter as gay Austrian fashion journalist Bruno. The lawsuit said Skiff recognized Baron Cohen during the pro-gay marriage rally in downtown Los Angeles in Nov 2, 2008, and began filming him.

Footage posted on YouTube

by Skiff’s company, Third Rail Media, showed the actorcomedian standing among anti-gay marriage protesters who had also assembled in the streets. A man is heard shouting, “I know that’s Bruno-I can get as much as I want,” before being harangued by the crew. One portion of the video shows Skiff pulled away from Baron Cohen before police intervene.

Charlie Sheen taken to New York hospital after hotel episode

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ctor Charlie Sheen was taken to a New York hospital for what his publicist said Tuesday was an “allergic reaction,” but which local media said was due to a drunken episode at a hotel. “What we are able to determine is that Charlie had an adverse allergic reaction to some medication and was taken to the hospital,” Sheen’s publicist Stan Rosenfield told AFP. Later, Rosenfield said Sheen “has been discharged from a hospital in NY and is returning to LA (Los Angeles) today.

Everything else is speculation.”

People and other entertainment magazines said the 45-year-old star, who is one of the best-paid TV actors, was hospitalized af ter causing serious damage to his room at the Plaza Hotel, where police him This Jan 28, 2009 file found drunk, naked photo shows Charlie and in the Sheen in Los company of a Angeles. —AP woman. Police responded to complaints about a drunken individual at the hotel, People said, adding that the actor was removed from the premises “for alcohol abuse and psychological evaluation.”

Sheen in August pleaded guilty to an assault charge arising from a violent Christmas Day altercation with his wife Brooke Mueller while vacationing at Aspen, Colorado, but avoided jail under a deal with prosecutors. The star of sitcoms “Two and a Half Men” and “Spin City” was sentenced to probation and ordered to undergo 36 hours of anger management counseling. Media reports said Sheen on Tuesday was one week shy of ending his probation. After the Christmas incident, the star of “Platoon” and “Wall Street” and his wife went into rehabilitation.

Sheen had several run-ins with the law in the 1990s in cases related to drugs, domestic violence and prostitution. He has also been accused of assaulting his ex-wife actress Denise Richards, a former James Bond girl. — AFP

An e-mail sent to Baron Cohen’s publicist, Matt Labov, was not immediately returned. Skiff also claimed the actions of the “Bruno” crew violated his civil rights and that their appearance at the rally was intended solely to create conflict for the film.

Baron Cohen’s in-your-face comedy has provoked several lawsuits since his 2006 film, “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan,” became a smash hit, but courts have sided with the comedian.

“Bruno” also has sparked its share of legal wrangling. In June 2009, Richelle Olson

In this July 7, 2009 file photo, actor Sacha Baron Cohen dressed as his character Bruno leaves a taping of ‘The Late Show with David Letterman’ in New York. —AP

sued, claiming she suffered brain injuries when Baron Cohen caused her to fall after a confrontation at a charity bingo tournament in L ancaster, California. The case is on hold while the woman’s attorney appeals a court ruling.

In December, a Palestinian shopkeeper from Bethlehem on the West Bank portrayed as a terrorist in “Bruno” sued Baron Cohen and others for libel and slander. The shopkeeper and father is identified in the film as a member of the militant Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade. He is seeking $110 million, and the case remains pending in a Washington, DC court. — AP

‘Hobbit’ films to be made in New Zealand

By Ray Lilley

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wo $500 million “Hobbit” movies will be made in New Zealand as originally planned, Prime Minister John Key said yesterday, after two days of crisis talks with Hollywood studio executives. Senior executives from Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema won an agreement for a change in labor law and bigger tax breaks to keep the project in New Zealand after a dispute over pay and conditions for actors threw the production into turmoil last week.

The studios had warned that unless the threat of labor action was removed, production of the two movies would be moved to another country. The dispute became a nation-

al issue in New Zealand, which received a huge boost to its tourism and film-making industries after “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy was made here. Hundreds of people marched in several cities Monday to show their support for keeping production in New Zealand.

“The Hobbit” is J.R.R. Tolkien’s prequel to “The Lord of the Rings.”

Key says the package includes an extra tax break of NZ$20 million ($15 million) for the studios, on top of $45 million already pledged by the government.

A labor law change will be put to Parliament today “to ensure New Zealand law in this area is settled to give producers like Warner Bros the confidence they need to produce their

Hearing set for Jackson doctor, father loses appeal

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ttorneys in Michael Jackson’s death received two key rulings on Tuesday when a judge kept in place a January criminal hearing for a doctor who supplied the pop star’s medications, while his father lost a challenge to the estate. A Los Angeles judge kept a Jan 4 start date for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for Dr Conrad Murray to stand trial on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s death.

The “Thriller” singer died in June 2009 from an overdose of prescription drugs, principally the powerful anesthetic propofol.

Murray has admitted giving Jackson propofol as a sleep aid, but has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter. In a separate matter in the 2nd District Court of Appeal, a three-judge panel unanimously ruled the singer’s father, Joe Jackson, was not entitled to a court hearing to challenge the status of two men now in charge of Jackson’s multimillion dollar estate.

At stake for Joe Jackson, 81, was a chance to participate in revenues earned by his son’s estate. Forbes magazine on Monday named Michael Jackson the topearning celebrity of the year with revenues of $275 million pouring in from record sales, licensing and other business deals.

According to his will, Michael Jackson’s estate benefits his three children, his mother and various charities. The estate is currently overseen by Los Angeles attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain. —Reuters

movies in New Zealand,” he said.

The change — which applies only to the film industry — ensures actors and others will be hired as contract workers, a method often used by production companies, not as employees.

The union had wanted local actors and other production workers to be hired as full-fledged employees on union contracts.

New Zealand will also contribute $7.5 million to help with marketing costs of the two films. “It’s good to have the uncertainty (surrounding the movies) over and to have everyone now full steam ahead on producing these two movies,” Key told reporters after two days of intensive talks in the capital, Wellington.

Economists have said the overall val-

ue of producing the films in New Zealand would add up to 2 billion New Zealand dollars ($1.5 billion) to the local economy — nearly 2 percent of annual gross domestic production.

The crisis over production of the two movies unfolded after New Zealand Actors’ Equity imposed an international “no work” boycott on the project last month after director Peter Jackson refused to hold talks on wages and conditions for local actors.

The US-based Screen Actors Guild and British actors joined the boycott. But last week, New Zealand Actors’ Equity called off their boycotts and pledged to refrain from industrial action during production. —AP

Rahman, Tendulkar nominated for ‘The Asian awards 2010’

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chievement and excellence among South Asians from around the world will be celebrated as The Asian Awards 2010, in partnership with Lebara, are going to be held in London on Oct 26. The awards in partnership with Lebara, which will be held at at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane London, will see a number of popular guests like Yash Chopra - Filmmaker, Sachin Tendulkar, AR Rahman along with Vijay Mallya Owner of United Breweries, Kingfisher Airlines and Force India F1 team, Gurinder Chadha - Director of Bend It Like Beckham, Sir Richard Stagg - High Commissioner to the UK and Lord Sebastian Coe Olympic gold medalist and Chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games.

Also lending his support in the judging panel is Lord Alan Sugar. With leading figures in business, film, sport and politics giving their full support to the inaugural Asian Awards 2010, make this prestigious celebration of international South Asian excellence one of the most important awards ceremonies to launch this year.

Caroline Jackson Levy, managing director of UBM Awards, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the incredible response to the Asian Awards- it is quite simply an honour to have the support of some of the world’s greatest achievers.” The nominees and winners are individuals who parallel the achievements of great and iconic figures of the past; world-changers whose creativity touches enrich and inspire us in our daily lives.

Legendary playback singer and songwriter Sonu Niigaam has also confirmed that he will couple his personal appearance at the awards with a rare live performance. Amitabh Bachchan will also receive a lifetime achievement award.

Indian musician AR Rahman smiles as he receives the award for Outstanding Achievement in Music at The Asian Awards at Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London, on Tuesday. —AP Also as we reported earlier, there is also the coveted Lebara People’s Choice Award. Nominated in that category are AR Rahman, Amitabh Bachchan, Jay Sean, Lata Mangeshkar, Sachin Tendulkar and Shah Rukh Khan. — www.liveindia.com

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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Fashion

ʼ70s look largely mirrors modern tastes and times

By Samantha Critchell new 1970s-style fashion muse, who means business during the day but can disco the night away, dominated the recent runway trends in the world’s fashion capitals. Gone from the spring 2011 collections previewed in New York, London, Paris and Milan, Italy, was the aggressive, tough woman designers had sent out to do battle with the recession.

But, it seems, the fashion world is not quite ready to embrace a full, floaty free spirit, either. The vision falls somewhere in between, which is the way most people live and dress.

Starting this season, a movement is afoot toward high-waisted, trouser-style pants, bow blouses and longer hemlines. The fabric moves away from the body instead of cinching it. Still, you can find skinny jeans and a short biker jacket if you want them. That will be a harder task in the coming months, and fashion insiders say women are ready for the change. With the looser silhouettes, white and tropical-hue colors, and a relaxed vibe, designers were showing both an optimistic attitude and a willingness to invest in design instead of gimmicks, they say.

“This comes after many seasons of maximalizm and decoration, but no one wants to go back to ‘90s minimalism,” says Stefano Tonchi, editor-in-chief of W magazine.

“This is romantic minimalism.” He adds: “When you look at fashion the last 20 years, there’s a lot of backward movement. You can’t find too many meanings in why you’re going back-last year was the ‘80sbut, in the end, this season has a contemporary attitude to simplify and take away the ornamentalizm and give freedom and romance to clothes.” Catherine Moellering, executive vice president of the Tobe Report, a fashion retail trend consultancy, sees a little more purpose to the historical reference, though.

“What was happening in society then is similar to many of the global issues we’re facing right now: It was a difficult economy, we were involved in an unpopular war, there were environmental issues,” Moellering observes.

But when it came to the clothes of that era, women were happy with their choices, she says, and the spring outfits that came down the runway have potential to appeal to a large audience.

In addition to the trousers, she expects shirt-dresses, trenches, kaftans, printed scarves and floppy hats all to score well at retail. And, says Tonchi, can’t you just imagine the racks of long skirts like H&M and similar stores? Shoppers, in fact, do not have to wait for that to incorporate the trend into their existing wardrobe. Color registers very quickly with consumers, Moellering says, so start wearing anything in tangerine, purple or orchid pink.

It does not matter whether the

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This Tuesday, Sept 14, 2010 file photo shows the Badgley Mischka spring 2011 collection modeled during Fashion Week in New York.

This Sept 16, 2010 file photo shows the spring 2011 collection of Ralph Lauren modeled during Fashion Week in New York.

wearer is too young to remember Lauren Hutton, Ali McGraw or Bianca Jagger in their style heydays, she adds. There are plenty of teens and 20-somethings who know their fashion iconography.

Certainly, Yves Saint Laurent’s peasant collection was on the mind of many designers, which is familiar and relatable, and does not have too strong of an urban voice, which can be a turnoff to some, says Tonchi. From an editorial perspective, the look is eye candy because it is sexy and colorful and lends itself to dramatic makeup and accessories, he says.

Strip away those things, however, and you will find that the ‘70s influence already is on the street every day, says Bridget Foley, executive editor of Women’s Wear Daily. It is the ethos of the modern wardrobe, she explains.

“When you see various retro things coming and going, the one with the greatest legs is the reference to the ‘70s,” Foley says, noting that even the hippie looks so strongly associated with the 1960s actually went mainstream in the following decade. (The ‘70s working girl-disco style was not totally original, borrowing from the 1920s and ‘30s.) “You take away the overinterpretation in hair and makeup, and those clothes make a lot of sense,” she says. “They are clean, wearable and pretty.”—AP

This Sept 14, 2010 file photo shows the Badgley Mischka spring 2011 collection modeled during Fashion Week in New York.

This Wednesday, Oct 6, 2010 file photo shows the spring-summer 2011 collection of Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab modeled in Paris. — AP photos

Mercedes-Benz D Fashion Show

Mexican designer Francisco Arce of ‘Love is Back’ with his models during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Mexico City yesterday. —AFP

Models wear creations of Mexican designer Alejandra Quesada at the Mercedes-Benz DFashion show in Mexico City.

This Sunday, Sept 12, 2010 file photo shows the Derek Lam spring 2011 collection modeled during Fashion Week in New York.

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Thursday, October 28, 2010

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Fashion

Crystal Renn is no longer afraid of exercise he stunning model - who suffered from an eating disorder and became addicted to working out for up to eight hours a day when she was a teenager - was worried she would become obsessed by it again but has now got it under control and feels good about herself. The

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24-year-old beauty - who has gone from a US size 12 to a US size 8-10 told NY Magazine: “In the past, I avoided exercise because it brought back terrible feelings.

I wasn’t ready. And I was scared that maybe I was going to be addicted again. That’s a fear that goes

through your mind, whenever you’re getting over an addiction or a disease like anorexia, yeah, I absolutely was worried.

“But then I guess you could say my life changed in a really drastic way. For one, there was a split-up that I went through that was very

difficult, and I thought, ‘You know what? I need to be in a good place. I need to find me again.’

“Crystal says she has now found a balance in her life and although she is enjoying exercise, it won’t take over her again. She said: “This is just how my body is now. It’s been

China Fashion Week

Crystal Renn

Hearing set for Hong Kong model’s US drug charge Nevada judge has set a preliminary hearing for a fashion model from Hong Kong who was arrested on a drug charge at the Burning Man counterculture festival over the Labor Day weekend in early September. Pershing County Deputy District Attorney Bryce Shields says Rosemary Vandenbroucke will not have to appear at the Feb 9 hearing in Lovelock, which will determine whether there is enough evidence for trial.

The 28-year-old model also faces three misdemeanor charges related to crashing a rented motor home into Reno’s landmark arch the day after her arrest at the desert festival 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of the city. That trial is set for Dec 8 in Reno Municipal Court.

Her Reno lawyer, Tammy Riggs, says she maintains her innocence. —AP

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Models wear fashion of military theme at a show entitled ‘Tyre-Toy-Fashion Zhang Wei Collection’ during China Fashion Week in Beijing, China yesterday. — AP

Models present creations from the Chinese fashion house Eachway Zhao Huizhou’s spring-summer 2011 collection during China Fashion Week in Beijing. The biannual fashion event highlights the latest designs by domestic and international designers. —AFP

strange, actually, because it’s not something I’ve been trying to do. I think I probably have a good relationship with the exercise that I do. I’m taking care. I’m just in a really good place. I do hiking. I do yoga, but nothing crazy, just in my house. It brings me peace.” — Bang Showbiz

www.kuwaittimes.net

Indian farmers seek fame and fortune through Bhangra beat

By Rupam Jain Nair s Balbir Jagga drives a tractor around his farm in northwestern India, he dreams that the fields he tills will propel him to international music stardom.

Jagga, like thousands of other amateur singers in Punjab state, sees Bhangra music as a route out of rural life-and he is saving all his income, and even selling off a small plot of land, to make his debut music video and album. “For years, I have been a mundane farmer, buying seeds, waiting for the rains, harvesting crops, season after season,” said Jagga at his farm in Pathankot, 150 miles from Punjab’s state capital Chandigarh.

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Sister of British singer Mel B, Danielle Brown and her daughter Mimi poes with two Flitter Fairies on sale at Hamleys toy shop in London, yesterday.

Hamleys reveal Tuesday the Flitter Fairies is to be a best seller girl’s toy this Christmas.

—AP

Indian Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi poses during the shooting of a video for his new Punjabi album ‘Jassi Back with Bang’ on the outskirts of Pathankot. — AFP “But in the evenings, I am a super Bhangra music star, recording songs for my album and planning a video shoot,” he added with a smile. Jagga, 30, is one of many Punjabi villagers trying to repeat the success of Jasbir Jassi, Mika Singh and other big names as Bhangra dance music has become a major international music trend over the last 15 years.

He has penned more than a dozen songs in Gurumuki script used to write the Punjabi language and now he hopes his music video will be the next step to stardom. Jagga admits that he is taking a big gamble investing all his savings in the video, which will cost more than 10,000 dollars. “You may laugh at my venture but for the people of Punjab, music is the biggest high and I am addicted to it,” he said.

Bhangra originally began with Sikh farmers like Jagga singing folk songs to celebrate the arrival of the harvest season, before developing into popular music. It spread across India via Bollywood, where actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan have often danced to its energetic beat, and has gained popularity in many other countries where Indians have emigrated.

Today it often symbolizes the extrovert, party-loving side of south Asian culture and attracts an international audience with dance competitions and radio stations in Britain, the United States and Canada. “Bhangra is an integral part of Punjab’s everyday life,” one of Jagga’s heroes, Jasbir Jassi, told AFP. “We are crazy for our music and we have made the world go crazy for it too.” In Punjab itself, at least 45 channels play nonstop Bhangra music-often with videos from amateur singers hoping to make it big.

The singers’ telephone numbers are flashed on the bottom of the screen to allow viewers-or perhaps even professional agents-to book them for weddings and other festivities. “I have decided to get out of my Punjabi attire, wear a three-piece suit and shoot the music video in my village,” said Jagga. “My songs portray my love for Punjab.” Industry experts and owners of recording studios estimate that more than 10,000 Punjabi music albums are produced every year. “It is a mad race among farmers, students and even housewives to establish themselves as a singer. Everybody here wants to be signing autographs for fans,” said Ramandeep Singh, manager at Josh, a 24-hour music channel in Chandigarh.

Singh says many artists currently ruling the Bhangra scene in India such as Satinder Sartaj were once farmers. “Some clicked and became stars, but most have been forgotten and faded away,” he said. Singh is now producing an album which will feature 12 farmers singing about the struggle and distress of amateur performers who cannot break into the glamour world they crave. Deepak Bali, owner of Plasma Records production company, admitted that the music industry has given a false hope to many Punjabis. “All the hype and over-exposure surrounding the billion dollar market has the potential to kill the craze for Bhangra,” he said. “The quality talent has gone missing. Every village seems to boast three singers and four lyricists.”

But the dream lives on for many, including Sukhdev Kaur, a housewife and a mother of two who is due to release her album “Adventure Meri Life” (My Life Is An Adventure) next year. She sold her gold jewellery to produce the album, on which she sings love duets with her neighbor’s son.

“My husband is a farmer, he refused to help me so I decided to sell the gold,” she said.

“We are farmers but that does not mean we cannot be Bhangra stars.” — AFP

TV host Jon Stewart named most influential man of 2010 alk show host Jon Stewart was crowned the most influential man of 2010 yesterday, heading a list of 49 men who all swayed public opinion and were described as rule-breakers to some degree in a time of recession.

Stewart, who will host US President Barack Obama on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” this week before holding a “Rally to Restore Sanity” at the weekend, claimed the No 1 spot in an annual survey of about 500,000 readers of AskMen (http://www.askmen.com), a men’s lifestyle website.

He was followed by Microsoft’s Bill Gates while Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of social networking site Facebook, came in third place. Apple cofounder and chief executive officer Steve Jobs came fourth. “We noticed the rulebreaking trend because it spans a lot of industries,” James Bassil, editor-in-chief of AskMen, told Reuters. He said this extended to people like musician Kanye

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West who ranked fifth, and actor James Franco at seventh, who proved he was more than just a movie star by enrolling in graduate programs and writing a book.

Number 48 on the list was Steven Slater, the JetBlue flight attendant who stormed off his job with some profanities and a dramatic exit down an inflated emergency chute, winning widespread admiration. This month Slater, 38, pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal mischief and was ordered to undergo a yearlong mental health program and receive alcohol and substance abuse counseling.

“In the list last year we were looking more at guys who were players in the industry or were perceived as players, like (US Federal Reserve Chairman) Ben Bernanke,” said Bassil.

“Guys are open to the idea of rejecting the status quo in some ways.

They’ve kind of come to more admire these dudes who took it upon themselves to break out on their own and dis-

Jon Stewart cover success on their own terms.” Last year’s list was headed by the character Don Draper from the Emmy-winning drama “Mad Men” who is played by

actor Jon Hamm, followed by track star Usain Bolt. This attitude in 2010 could well be due to the recession and lagging recovery, Bassil added.

“The terms that were dictated to us previously were terms such as ‘work hard’ and ‘show up on time’ and everything will be okay. That’s all been kind of proven to be a failure,” he said. One notable absence this year was professional golfer Tiger Woods, whose private life unraveled after allegations of infidelity late last year set off a months-long sex scandal. He eventually confessed to infidelity and was divorced from his wife, Elin Nordgren, in August.

By contrast, talk show host David Letterman came in at 39 despite his onair revelations about his affairs followed by an apology to his wife. “Guys obviously preferred David Letterman’s response which was to be frank and sincere and ‘fess up in the most public form possible rather than the route that Tiger Woods took, which was to try to hide it until it blew up in his face,” Bassil said. US President Barack Obama fell to 21st place from the top five last year. —Reuters

Rene Redzepi: Capturing time and place in cooking

By Amy Serafin o cook like the world’s best chef you might try his recipe for snails, which instructs the reader to feed them lettuce for a couple of days, put them in a pan of water, and bring it to a boil, “making sure that the snails don’t escape.” It’s not your typical cookbook entry. But Rene Redzepi is hardly your typical cook. At age 32, he is the chef of the moment, ever since his Copenhagen restaurant, Noma, grabbed first place on Restaurant Magazine’s list of the

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world’s 50 best restaurants last spring.

He stole the spotlight from perennial “it” restaurant elBulli in Spain and established with surprising suddenness the supremacy of a movement known as neo-Nordic cuisine.

When Noma opened seven years ago, Nordic gastronomy was an oxymoron. Danish colleagues mocked Redzepi for his pledge to use indigenous ingredients in a region where very little grows, and where haute cuisine was either French or Italian.

But Redzepi stubbornly resisted, foraging for wild herbs and experi-

Two paintings from the collection of US actress Demi Moore, “Frere et Soeur” by William Bouguerau (L) and “Mere et ses Enfants” by Alfred Steven, are on display during a press preview at Sotheby’s in New York, yesterday.

The two paintings will be part of Sotheby’s 19th Century European Art sale scheduled on November 4, 2010. —AFP

menting with Icelandic cheese and Norwegian razor clams. Yet he felt he was still cooking in a style borrowed from the places he had trained, including elBulli and Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry.

Redzepi’s culinary epiphany came while he was hunting for musk-ox in Greenland, the temperature a frigid 55 below zero. “It was healthy to take time out and think, ‘Why I am doing these things?”‘ he said. “Suddenly I could put a word to it, that the main thing people should experience is a sense of time and place.” Now, every dish he creates is a microcosm of its origins, a little piece of nature on a plate.

At Noma, you might eat a pot of raw radishes in a malt and hazelnut soil. A quail egg smoked in hay.

Horseradish snow.

Birchwood meringue. And, of course, those snails, alongside the same moss they inhabit in the wild. His pure, contemporary style has struck a chord-his 12-seat restaurant receives 4,000 reservation requests a day. Last month, Redzepi released a much-anticipated cookbook, “Noma: Time and Place in Nordic Cuisine” (Phaidon), with a book tour that took him around the globe.

The book features 200 photos, portraits of farmers, a diary from the early days, and recipes (though the average cook might be overwhelmed by the prospect of tracking down sea buckthorn or chasing snails). “It’s not really about, ‘I’m going to go home and cook a five-course meal from Noma,”‘ admits Redzepi. “You can read about people, discover a region, a restaurant, a philosophy.” And a cuisine that goes well beyond Danish pastries. —AP

Costumes actors, promoting the Halloween premiere of the AMC television series “The Walking Dead”, shamble along the Brooklyn Bridge while posing for pictures in New York, yesterday. — AP

Mexico aims to build record-setting burrito ore than 3,000 people will roll up a 2.7-kilometer (1.7-mile) burrito next month in Mexico, hoping to break the last Guinness World Records-setting megamorsel by 700 meters (yards). “Fifty-four restaurants and more than 3,000 people, including cooks and gastronomy students” will prepare the 30-centimeter (12-inch) -wide wrap on November 3, National Chamber of Spicy Food Restaurant Industry president Lorena Hinojosa told reporters.

The current record-holding burrito was made in 2000 in eastern Reynosa, on the US border. It stretched two kilometers (1.25

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miles) from end to end. Hinojosa said the rival burrito will take 12 hours to make, starting at midnight, and will pack three tons of fish, two tons of corn flour, half a ton of beans, 200 kilograms (450 pounds) of butter and 200 kilograms of salt.

Once finished and measured for the record book, the burrito will be sliced up and served to 27,000 awaiting people in the Baja California capital La Paz at no charge, she added. One of Mexico’s traditional fares, the burrito was first put together during the Mexican revolution (1910-1920) in Ciudad Juarez, across the border from El Paso, Texas. — AFP