3 Nov

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

40 PAGES

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2010

THULQIDA 26, 1431 AH

NO: 14899

Giants end 56-yr title drought by beating Texas

Qaeda demand spotlights Egypt fault line PAGE 14

PAGE 15

Assembly term off to fiery start Harsh accusations fly as MPs slam govt

By B Izzak

KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlSabah receives Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas at the airport yesterday. Seen at right is HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

The three along with HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah and other officials later held talks at the Bayan Palace. — KUNA

Greek bombs target Merkel, embassies ATHENS: Parcel bombs exploded at the Russian and Swiss embassies in Athens and devices sent to German Chancellor Angela Merkel and three other embassies were intercepted yesterday in concerted attacks linked to leftwing extremists. Two parcels containing explosives hidden inside hollowed-out books were destroyed in controlled explosions at Athens airport late yesterday as Greek police struggled to contain the attacks, first uncovered on Monday. But it remained unclear if similar packages had already left the country aboard planes. The device addressed to Merkel reached

her offices in Berlin before being intercepted, the chancellery said. It was delivered by courier company UPS. Germany’s Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said the parcel contained explosives and had been mailed from Greece on Sunday. The device was built in the same way as the bomb that burst into flames at the Swiss embassy in Athens earlier yesterday, he said. That parcel was left at the entrance to the Swiss embassy and ignited into flames when it was being examined by staff, the Swiss foreign ministry said.

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Saudi cashier fatwa has women peeved RIYADH: Saudi women activists expressed outrage and confusion yesterday at a new fatwa challenging a government initiative to allow women to work as cashiers in supermarkets and department stores. The fatwa, or Islamic religious ruling, issued on Sunday by the kingdom’s governing body of clerics, said the cashier jobs were not permissible because they resulted in the women mixing with unrelated men, which is prohibited under Saudi Arabia’s ultra-strict form of Islam.

Signed by the country’s grand mufti and six other top clerics, it contradicted a push by the government to create new

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jobs for women, who face high unemployment in the kingdom. According to figures reported in April, unemployment among Saudi women was 28.4 percent in 2009, up from 26.9 percent in 2008.

“The progressive women are all outraged,” said Fawzia Al-Bakr, a professor at Riyadh’s King Saud University. “It is not just about a woman working as a cashier... There are more than 60,000 women university graduates looking for jobs, so this is a big thing.” Reem Asaad, a Jeddah economics professor, called the fatwa an attack on efforts like her Continued on Page 14

KUWAIT: The first official session of the National Assembly’s new term began yesterday with a tirade of accusations from opposition MPs targeting the government and with a number of strong exchanges between MPs and ministers. The session to discuss the Amiri Address delivered last week by the prime minister began with opposition independent MP Adel Al-Saraawi lashing out at the government, specifically targeting the ruling family and deputy premier for economic affairs Sheikh Ahmad Fahd Al-Sabah and his brothers.

Saraawi, a frequent critic of Sheikh Ahmad and the government, charged that the cause for political turmoil the country witnessed in the previous term was not because of MPs but as a result of internal settlements within the ruling family at the expense of the law in the country. The lawmaker stressed these ruling family settlements will not build the country, and launched a scathing attack on Sheikh Ahmad and his brothers Sheikh Talal and Sheikh Athbi, alleging their appointments in key government posts was part of the ruling family’s internal settlements.

“These ruling family internal settlements were the cause behind distorting the political scene in the country in the past term,” said Saraawi, who alleged that the true government is led by Sheikh Ahmad and not by Prime Minister HH Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. “We have a government with two heads,” said Saraawi, who charged the government and Sheikh Ahmad of corruption. He also accused Oil Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah of failing to pick the right choice for the post of the chief executive officer of the Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC), and warned that “we have our options on this issue but we are still awaiting the minister’s reply to our questions”. The oil minister appointed Farouq Al-Zanki as KPC CEO despite stiff Continued on Page 14

SANAA: A Yemeni shopkeeper waits for customers at a market in old Sanaa yesterday. — AP

By Abdullah Al-Qattan KUWAIT: Interior Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Khaled AlSabah yesterday said Gulf states have strengthened enough to meet challenges and achieve stability and security, but called for more cooperation between the nations. He was speaking at the 29th meeting of GCC interior ministers in Kuwait at Bayan Palace yesterday.

Sheikh Jaber said the meeting was very important to achieve security and cooperation in the Gulf. He expressed hope that vital decisions that address the challenges faced by the region will be taken.

Sheikh Jaber said the region was witnessing an increasing rate of crimes and use of new methods to carry out terrorist acts, organized crime, trafficking and dealing with drugs. He cited the establishment of a center of criminal information which was designed to combat narcotics. He hoped collaboration would be further upgraded to realize a fully-

Sheikh Jaber Al-Sabah integrated security regime which would see completion of a project that will link interior ministries with a secured communication channel.

Sheikh Jaber underlined the importance of upgrading the security agreement, and said conflicts and terrorist plots in the region were accelerating, thus threatening “security and stability of our countries, which compel us to join hands, peoples and governments, to confront all attempts to undermine our security.”

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Etisalat-Zain deal still on: Dabdoub

DEARBORN, Michigan: Tahani Ahmed submits her ballot after voting at Lowrey School yesterday. American voters went to the polls for midterm elections yesterday. — AP (See Page 9)

Baghdad blasts kill 76 BAGHDAD: Rapid-fire bombings and mortar strikes in mostly Shiite neighborhoods of Baghdad killed 76 people and wounded nearly 200 yesterday, calling into question the ability of Iraqi security forces to protect the capital.

The blasts - at least 13 separate attacks - came just two days after gunmen in Baghdad held a Christian congregation hostage in a siege that ended with 58 people dead.

Yesterday morning, hundreds of Christians gathered at a downtown church to mourn their lost brethren. “They murdered us today and on Sunday, they killed our brother, the Christians,”

said Hussein Al-Saiedi, a 26-year-old resident of the Shiite slum of Sadr City where 21 people were killed in the most deadly incident of the day. He said he was talking to friends on a busy street, when the blast occurred. “We were just standing on the street when we heard a loud noise, and then saw smoke and pieces of cars, falling from the sky,” he said.

People were fleeing the site in panic, frantically calling the names of their relatives and friends. “They (the government) say the situation is under control.

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Awlaki charged in Yemen SANAA: Yemeni prosecutors yesterday accused radical cleric Anwar Al-Awlaki of links to Al-Qaeda and incitement to kill foreigners, days after parcel bombs sent to Chicago were traced to suspected jihadists in Yemen. The action marks the first time Yemen has brought charges against Awlaki and comes amid growing Western pressure on Sanaa to crack down on Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the local branch of Osama bin Laden’s extremist network.

Awlaki, who holds both Yemeni and US citizenship, and his relative, Othman Al-Awlaki, were both charged in absentia by a Sanaa court yesterday with “incitement to kill foreigners and members of security services.”

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Joint Gulf security cooperation urged

MAKKAH: A man stands watching the newly-opened Holy Sites metro light rail yesterday. The Chinese-built monorail project, will link Makkah with the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, and will operate for the first time during the haj this month at 35 percent capacity to ferry Saudi nationals who will take part in the upcoming annual pilgrimage. — AFP

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait’s (NBK) Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Dabdoub said yesterday that a deal to sell 46 percent of Zain’s share to UAE’s Emirates Telecommunications Corp, or Etisalat, was still on.

Dabdoub made his remarks during an interview with AlArabiya news channel, adding that the deal is going through a general inspection phase as a prelude to formal procurement procedures. CNBC Arabia said that the agreement would be initially signed within the coming 24 hours until examination procedures were concluded in six weeks’ time. Dabdoub also said NBK is on track to achieve its targeted development percent of 18 percent set for the end of this year, noting that the bank has already allocated additional provisions this year and would not need to set aside any more sums.

The sale of 46 percent of Zain Group is being led by Kharafi Group, Zain’s second largest shareholder. NBK is Etisalat’s financial advisor in this deal. The deal is valued

Ibrahim Dabdoub on the basis of 4.3 billion Zain shares outstanding, which at cur rent exchange rates makes the stake worth about $12.1 billion. The deal would give Etisalat majority control of Zain and extend its reach in the Middle East, where Zain operates in countries including Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Bahrain. Etisalat offers telecommunications services in 18 countries in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, counting more than 100 million customers. The seven emirates of the UAE make up about 86 percent of Etisalat’s sales. — Agencies

Retinal implant brightens future PARIS: German doctors yesterday announced a breakthrough in retinal implants, the fledgling technology that aims to restore sight in people cursed by a form of inherited blindness. Three patients fitted with the new device were able to see shapes and objects, and one was able to walk around a room by himself, approach people, read a clock face and distinguish between seven shades of grey.

The device “represents an unprecedented advance in electronic visual prostheses,” the Royal Society, Britain’s de-facto academy of sciences, said as one of its journals published the research. “(It) could eventually revolutionise the lives of up to 200,000 people worldwide who suffer from blindness as a result of retinitis pigmentosa.”

Retinitis pigmentosa is a degenerative disease in which light receptors in the retina,

on the back of the eyeball, gradually cease to function.

Over the past seven years, surgeons have pioneered electronic implants that are attached to the retina and are linked by wire to a small external camera that is mounted to a pair of spectacles. The camera picks up light and and sends the image in the form of an electrical signal, via a processor unit, to the implant. The implant then feeds the data to the optic nerve which leads from the eyeball to the brain.

The new device takes a step forward by capturing light that travels naturally through the eye’s lens.

Correctly known as a sub-retinal implant, it entails a microchip comprising some 1,500 light sensors that are attached underneath the retina, thus replacing some of the lost receptors.

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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

KISR and JCCP sign agreement

kuwait digest

Repercussions of privatization

By Waleed Al-Rujaib

T

he other day I learnt that 22 Kuwaiti supervisors employed at a local gas station company (Al-Oula) were laid off.

Even though I am not sure if the news was accurate, I will not be too surprised if it turned out to be true. Those countries that applied the recommendations put forward by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund saw millions of people lose their jobs as a result of privatization procedures undertaken. However, other countries enforce more regulations such as increased taxes, raising retirement age, and increasing services fee. It appears that such procedures are on their way of being implemented in Kuwait as well despite the country’s wealth.

The social problems that arise from the repercussions of privatization procedures can lead people to hold public protests. This stipulation could force governments to proceed with

repressive measures like banning protests and strikes in all forms. This has taken place in numerous places around the world, where governments have reacted vigorously against public protest.

Every day, more and more Kuwaiti young men and women are sacked from private companies. Alternative job opportunities do not exist.

At the same time, thousands of academic graduates join the labor market each year. They also fail to find jobs either in the public or private sectors which are in line with their academic qualifications. Capitalism always seeks to achieve more profit even if it is at the expense of people.

The quality of services and products is disregarded in favor of achieving more gain. This explains the deteriorating quality of power plants and other vital constructions in Kuwait. The experiences of other countries should be studied carefully so as to be able to ensure a better future for the country and its people. — Al-Rai

kuwait digest

Convicts can escape easily

By Dr Naji Al-Zaid

C

orruption and neglect is rampant in Kuwait. Whether intentional or unintentional, no one can deny the fact that fugitives charged with serious crimes have easily managed to escape from the country. Serious measures to place them under arrest appears non-existent. Former MP Jamal Al-Kandari who has been sentenced to two years in prison for committing financial crimes has fled to Lebanon right under the noses of state officials. While the government is aware of his present place of residence, no coordination with the authorities in Lebanon - with whom Kuwait already shares good ties - have been brought to Kuwait.

At the same time, news reports state that former undersecretary from the Communication Ministry, Hamid Khaja had fled to Iran, despite the fact that he was blacklisted after being found guilty in a forged check case and was sentenced

to 12 years in prison. How could this happen in a country which seeks to achieve safety, security and justice? How come strict measures are only taken against people that are stopped at airports for failing to pay cell phone bills? Why do officials take firm procedures against people who are eventually going to return from a vacation, and fail to do the same against convicts that flee the country after committing serious crimes?

Unfortunately, this happens in Kuwait because criminals have realized that law enforcement in Kuwait is weak. The government needs to explain how fugitives easily escape, and most importantly, they should answer why no procedures were taken to extradite them to Kuwait.

The government has damaged its integrity with its failure to act. Therefore, only they can restore their image. Elimination of lackadaisical procedures is essential so that the younger generations do not lose confidence in the country’s laws. — Al-Qabas

Kuwaiti becomes UN E-Content Award member KUWAIT: Secretary General of Kuwait E-Award at Kuwait Foundation for Advancement of Science (KFAS) Manar AlHashash has been chosen a member of the board for the UN E-Content Award.

Al-Hashash said that she was glad to be chosen for the position and would work on

means to bolster cooperation between the UN and KFAS. On the upcoming activities for the UN institute, Al-Hashash noted that a new event would be launched to promoting web content in mobile devices especially on the cell-phone spectrum.

On the local level, she noted

that KFAS would also be focusing on promoting similar events as a mean to bolster IT technology within the state.

The official thanked the Kuwaiti leadership for its unconditional support to back up her campaign to become a member of the board for the UN institute. — KUNA

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday received Venezuelan Ambassador to Kuwait Eloy Fernandez at Bayan Palace as he marks the end of his tenure in Kuwait. — KUNA

Small projects play ‘key’ role in boosting income Forum on small-scale projects on Nov 30 KUWAIT: The Kuwait Small Scale industries Development Company will organize a forum in cooperation with the Leaders Group for training and consultation titled ‘The Small Scale Projects Forum.’

The event will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, State Minister for Housing and Development on November 30, 2010. The idea is considered to be an unprecedented initiative in the country, as it aims to reinforce the role of small projects and increase their production and competitive capacities to improve their contribution to the total national income. This will help provide more job opportunities for Kuwaiti youth that work in the field of business.

“The company will introduce more than 30 ideas for small and medium investment projects,” said KSPDC General Manager Hassan Al-Qanaei. Moreover, Al-Qanaei explained that the company had agreed in 2007 to go ahead with the concept for financing such projects. No fees or interest will be levied on owners of these projects. The owners will be entitled to receive 60 percent of the project’s annual revenues which will

Hassan Al-Qanaei

Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad AlSabah enable them to have 100 percent ownership within five to eight years. Furthermore, AlQanaei said that the timing of the forum

comes as the country’s ongoing implementation of a mega development plan. It has been carefully chosen, given the fact that this plan aims to reinforce the role of the private sector in the country’s economy. He further acknowledged the support that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah has lent to encourage citizens to begin their own businesses.

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) and Japan Cooperation Center of Petroleum (JCCP) on Monday signed a deal on the manipulation of technology to upgrade Kuwait heavy crude oil here.

The deal is part of the KISRJCCP technical cooperation program on ‘Heavy Crude Oil Upgrading in Kuwait Using the Thermal Cracking Process,’ KISR Director General Dr Naji Al-Mutairi told reporters at the signing ceremony.

“The KISR-JCCP technical cooperation started in 1993; since then the two sides have been tied to 14 joint research projects and co-organized a similar number of symposia, conferences and workshops,” he explained, adding, “The technical cooperation between Kuwait and Japan has expanded to involve several other Japanese institutions such as the Kyushu University, and JX Nippon Oil and Energy Corporation.” The newly-signed deal aims to analyze the nature of Kuwait heavy crudes the upgrading of which will have additional significance to the country’s oil refining industry in the coming years, particularly in the area of distillation of gas oil and oil residues.

The project will be implemented at the Ratawi-Burgan oilfield, the Eocene facility in Wafra and the South Fawaris oilfields. “The upgrading of Kuwait heavy crude oil will be used to produce new fuels of higher quality,” Dr Al-Mutairi added.

On his part, JCCP’s Managing Director Morihiro Yoshida said that the center had spared no effort in promoting scientific research in and technical cooperation with the oil-producing countries. In May, 2010, a workshop was held at KISR’s Petroleum Research and Study Center (PRSC) with the emphasis being placed on the results of the joint JCCP-KISR technical cooperation ‘Heavy Crude Oil Upgrading in Kuwait Using the Thermal Cracking Process’ project. — KUNA

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

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kuwait digest

Stop emigration from Kuwait

By Mohammad Al-Muqatea

T

here are several reasons that drive people away from their home countries, including looking for better job or business opportunities, or running away from injustices they are subjected to back home.

In addition, some fugitives escape from their countries to avoid arrest. Others opt to migrate after losing hope. In Kuwait, we find that people talk about emigration, capital flight and even brain drain in spite of the opportunities available to gain easy profit and suitable jobs, in addition to safety, security, democracy and freedom.

At the same time, it is important to talk about the need for ‘citizens that place their personal interests over the public benefit.

They should change their behavior to become more responsible towards fulfilling their duties. What kind of citizens are we

talking about? There are some people in our society who do not commit fully to their job responsibilities. This ultimately affects the work quality of the entire enterprise. Meanwhile, there are people who are eager to obtain contracts and tenders illegally.

Also, there are parliament members who use their position as a tool to hurt the country’s interest. They introduce questions or grilling motions for the sole purpose of profiteering through political manipulation. There are also ministers or officials with influence, who enforce restrictions on people until they become fed up with the situation. Furthermore, there are many businessmen, intellectuals and activists who invest outside the country. They deprive the country of benefiting from the contributions of its own people.

We are in dire need of uniting for the country’s future. — Al-Qabas

kuwait digest

Can MoH’s situation be changed?

By Terki Al-Azmi

P

arliament members’ performance can easily be assessed. This can be done by observing their actions once they reach Parliament and evaluating their ability to fulfill promises that were made to voters during election. The situation, however, is slightly different when it comes to cabinet members.

Ministers’ performance can be assessed by observing the decisions and procedures made during their tenures. Based on the results of these procedures, whether positive or negative, their success rate can be estimated. Local dailies recently reported news about a visit paid by a team from the Ministry of Health led by Minister Dr Hilal Al-Sayer to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

An agreement was signed with the university’s hospital concerning the Mubarak AlKabeer Hospital in Kuwait. The strange part about the news was the fact that the Kuwaiti

delegation did not include any representative from the Kuwait University or its faculty of medicine. This is despite the fact that the ministry had signed an agreement with the Kuwait University on relocating the administration of the hospital to the university so that it can be ordained as a university hospital.

If anything, this indicates that either a clear mismanagement has been committed by the ministry, or that it simply honors the agreements signed with the university. The general performance of the health minister can be questioned since no serious improvement has been made to the country’s health sector ever since he has taken control.

Problems concerning overseas treatment has remained the same. MPs receive unclear or insufficient answers for questions they pose.

Hospitals and health centers are still plagued by misdiagnosis or neglect. I wonder if reforms in the country’s health sector can be achieved during the tenure of Dr Al-Sayer. — Al-Rai

Kuwaiti condemns attack on Iraq church KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Mohammad Al-Salem AlSabah condemned yesterday a recent terrorist attack on worshipers of the church of Our

Lady of Salvation that occurred in Karada district, central Baghdad on Sunday.

This came in a cable sent to Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, in which he reiterated Kuwait’s condemna-

tion of this horrific terrorist attack.

In his cable, the Kuwaiti minister also expressed deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished swift recovery to the wounded. — KUNA

Amir receives GCC officials KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received yesterday in the presence of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Interior Ministers of the GCC states who are holding their 29th meeting.

The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Sheikh

Jaber Al-Khaled Al-Sabah. The Amir also received, also in the presence of Sheikh Nawaf, Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs, Justice, Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Rashed Al-Hammad. Al-Hammad was accompanied by GCC Ministers of Justice who are holding their 22nd meeting in Kuwait. The meeting was attended by

GCC Secretary General Abdulrahman Al-Attiyah.

Sheikh Sabah also received Director General of the Public Institute for Social Security, Fahad Mezyed AlRajaan, accompanied by GCC Heads of retirement and social security bodies, on the occasion of holding their 10th meeting in Kuwait.

Development plan funding mechanism to be endorsed Multi-billion-dinar development plan ‘will benefit private sector’ KUWAIT: A senior government figure has hinted that the technical mechanism for funding the major national development plan would be approved following the Eid Al-Adha holiday, towards the end of November. The long-term development plan is designed to bring together the private and public sectors, and includes policies based on specific plans, Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al-Sabah said in a speech delivered during Kuwait’s second Financial Forum.

The multi-billion-dinar development plan will benefit the private sector in a drive to minimize the impacts of the global financial crisis and boost

Kuwait’s economic growth, said Sheikh Ahmad, who is also the Minister of State for Development and Minister of State for Housing.

He cautioned that the supervision and monitoring regime in Kuwait remains weak, making it “difficult for the state to implement its human development policies because they are complex.”

This problem will be addressed through the introduction of joint programs designed and supervised by experienced committees, he added.

Sheikh Ahmad said that 25 percent of the development plan has already been accomplished, despite delays in financial endorsements.

Sheikh Ahmad predicted better results in the upcoming six months, explaining that a total of 45 projects are scheduled to get underway during this period, of which 25 have already been referred to the National Assembly, or parliament for endorsement, with nine of these already approved. There are 14 major projects, including the Sheikh Jaber Bridge, Surra Hospital, a power station and four residential developments, he said, further noting that shares in 50 percent of the development plan projects would be offered for public subscription.

The plan is designed to turn Kuwait into a financial and commercial hub, he said, adding, “We have begun with

the economic diplomacy to achieve that and headed to East Asia, America and Europe with the blessings of His Highness the Amir to bring the plan to fruition.” The Kuwaiti minister said that the government would create lucrative investment opportunities and an investor-friendly environment with the participation of the private sector.

Articles of legislation related to privatization and BuildOperate-Transfer (BOT) contracts are also being modified towards achieving this objective.

Sheikh Ahmad said the government would establish five shareholding companies, three of which will not require public funding. One of these

three firms will deal with healthcare, another with electricity and the third with warehousing.

The minister also revealed that a study had already been conducted into ways of imposing business taxes and fees, as well as collecting revenue from investments to secure a steady income for the state. Potential taxes on individuals and companies will be discussed with the World Bank, he said.

Sheikh Ahmad said there was also a focus on supporting public shareholding companies, as well as manufacturing and recycling industries, as well as calling for supporting banks, which he asserted should be a major partner in development. — KUNA

4 M-commerce remains unviable option due to security reasons

By Nisreen Zahreddine KUWAIT: Globally, E-commerce and M-commerce are the new trends in purchasing and selling commodities. In Kuwait, however, M-Commerce has taken a backseat because of infrastructure that provides for the security of transactions.

According to Fouad Al-Abalani, Deputy General Manager at Wataniya Telecommunication Company, Wataniya had a project to start using M-commerce six years ago but conditions imposed by the Central Bank over the banking sector in Kuwait has made it impossible in terms of security requirements.

Globally, E-Commerce and M-Commerce are storming the business milieu. They are advanced business transactions that are growing rapidly all through the world. Facebook, Google, and Twitter are entering the e-commerce space nowadays through what is called ‘social shopping.’ For instance Facebook has a system that allows sellers to create and operate a retail storefront on Facebook. PayPal is an example of what is called P2P model or person to person shopping.

Western Europe is known to be one of the key regions for growth in global e-commerce.

Kuwait is following this new trend in business transactions of purchasing and selling. It, however, still has not made it in Mcommerce. But first what is Ecommerce and M-commerce?

Electronic commerce, commonly known as e-commerce or eCommerce, or e-business consists of the buying and selling of products or services over elec-

tronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks. The use of commerce is conducted in this way, spurring and drawing on innovations in electronic funds transfer, supply chain management, Internet marketing, online transaction processing, electronic data interchange (EDI), inventory management systems, and automated data collection systems. Modern electronic commerce typically uses the World Wide Web at least at some point in the transaction’s lifecycle, although it can encompass a wider range of technologies such as e-mail as well.

Electronic commerce that is conducted between businesses is referred to as business-tobusiness or B2B. B2B can be open to all interested parties (e.g. commodity exchange) or limited to specific, pre-qualified participants (private electronic market).

Electronic commerce that is conducted between businesses and consumers, on the other hand, is referred to as businessto-consumer or B2C. This is the type of electronic commerce conducted by companies such as Amazon.com. Online shopping is a form of electronic commerce where the buyer is directly online to the seller’s computer usually via the Internet. There is no intermediary service. If an intermediary is present, then the sale and purchase transaction is called electronic commerce such as eBay.com.

Mobile Commerce, also known as M-Commerce or m Commerce, is the ability to conduct commerce using a mobile device, such as a mobile phone,

a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a smart phone, or other emerging mobile equipment such as dash top mobile devices.

Mobile Commerce has been defined as follows: “Mobile Commerce is any transaction, involving the transfer of ownership or rights to use goods and services, which is initiated and/or completed by using mobile access to computermediated networks with the help of an electronic device.”

Al-Abalani explained that STK or SIM tool it is the tool needed to ensure security in Mcommerce transactions where people can conduct transactions fraud-free, Wataniya had such a tool, Al-Abalani said. The problem relies, in his opinion, that Kuwaiti banks are not all ready for such an updated trend (only NBK and Burgan Bank are ready), that’s why this function is not possible at this time. “We as operators benefit from this service, so are banks and customers,” he said.

Speaking about the PayPal system he explained that it is a portal by which anybody can buy certain products or services.

“But this requires opening an account in any bank outside Kuwait since it is not yet provided through Kuwaiti banks.”

Al-Abalani suggested that they start implementing M-commerce through K-net, the network that is connecting all banks in Kuwait since the system development of such a tool is not the same in all banks.

There were previous attempts made in Kuwait by Zain to address M-commerce but the market was not quite ready then for such a move and then the company stopped it.

New vegetable market receives first shipment KUWAIT: The recently opened ‘Al-Fardha’ vegetable market in Sulaibiya recently received its first official shipment of imported products via the customs department, signaling the end of the previous system under which shipments were sent directly to the main ‘Shabarah’ market in the area before being distributed to vendors. The new procedures will see the new vegetable market replacing the current vegetable market in Shuwaikh, and are expected to help in elimi-

nating the longstanding problems and violations there, reported Al-Rai. Saad Al-Mutairi, the customs department’s assistant supervisor for inspections, told reporters that the new market has an expanded capacity, allowing 150 vehicles to offload shipments of vegetables simultaneously at 32 gates, with 15 inspectors overseeing the inspection process.

Al-Mutairi stressed that all the necessary steps have been taken to facilitate the customs procedures.

NATIONAL

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Document forger arrested

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Municipality recently concluded a training program on delivering speeches at conferences and public events. At least 12 staff members attended the session. Nabeelah Al-Kandari, Training Supervisor at the Development and Training Department was present at the closing ceremony. It ended with each participant receiving a certificate from lecturer Dr Saleh Al-Baroud.

MCI orders lawbreaking firms to disclose data or face prosecution Ministry issues formal directives to 573 firms KUWAIT: Minister of Commerce and Industry Ahmad Al-Haroun has called on companies found to be acting illegally to quickly submit their financial statements to the ministry, warning that those who do not do so will face prosecution as a result. Al-Haroun warned these companies which fail to comply with the instructions that they were failing in their legal responsibilities and would be referred to the Public Prosecution Service under the relevant legislation.

Speaking at a press conference, Al-Haroun said that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) has issued licenses to 1,900 local firms. The ministry had issued formal directives to 573 of these firms ordering them to perform an annual audit two months ago, he explained. He added that while 60 of those firms had complied with this instruction, the MCI had been compelled to officially reissue directives ordering the remaining 513 companies to conduct an audit on Monday.

The minister also revealed that a large number of these companies had not submitted their financial

statements to the ministry as they are obliged to do for some years, warning that 33 of them are in “a critical condition,” especially after they lost over 75 percent of their capital. Eight of these 33 firms are listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE), he revealed, before adding that this status is irrelevant to the ministry’s attitude towards them, with all firms being treated according to the law.

He stated that the ministry would pay particularly close attention to those companies which have lost 75 percent of their capital through not reforming their financial status and raising their capital to a level that would allow them to continue their business activities.

Al-Haroun also called on stakeholders to attend their firms’ Annual General Meetings (AGMs) in order to hold the companies’ boards of directors to account and protect their investments. He added that the ministry should protect shareholders and the economy in general according to the laws governing this field.

He sent a clear unspoken message to the companies in

question, stating that Law No. 32 of 1969 which deals with corporate licensing gives the MCI the right to withdraw the licenses of those companies which act illegally. He also stressed the importance of the role played by the state’s auditing and accounting services and the necessity for businesses to shoulder their responsibilities and adhere to professional accounting standards.

“We work according to the law and we hope we will not reach the stage of liquidating any company,” the minister stressed, voicing hope that the firms in question would reform their status thereby ensuring their future wellbeing.

Asked about the role played by the ministry in the companies’ AGMs, Al-Haroun indicated that ministry officials observe the conduct of these meetings, recording what takes place and receiving complaints and objections from shareholders on points raised during the annual events, as well as using the AGMs to assess the firms’ credibility. — KUNA

in the news MoE: Questions raised KUWAIT: While the Education Ministry continues to draw up budgets to be spent on projects included in its education development plans, certain measures taken by officials have raised questions on preparations. This is because sums of money have been lost as a result of mismanagement.

Certain incidents have taken place in which projects were canceled based on recommendations put forward after funds were spent and the execution process got underway. For example, the ministry recently withdrew Arabic literature curriculums for the eleventh and twelfth grades from all schools one month after 31,000 textbooks were distributed. This incident has raised questions regarding the fate of the books, as well as the body responsible for the money that have been wasted over the failed project, reported Al-Qabas. As the warehouses department cannot be blamed for the error as it distributes books based on the order received from other departments at the ministry, officials within the ministry blamed the committees that are formed annually to assess text books.

Bedoon pilgrims KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs recently contacted Saudi Arabia’s Haj ministry. He urged them to expedite procedures taken on bedoon (stateless) pilgrims. This is so that visas and other documents can be finalized before the Haj season begins. These statements were made by the ‘Awqaf’ minister and Minister of Justice Rashid Al-Hammad. The Kuwaiti ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Hamad AlJaber Al-Sabah said that Saudi authorities have agreed to increase the quota of pilgrims allocated to Kuwait this year from 8,000 to 14,000 pilgrims.

The quota for bedoons has been increased to 1,250, reported AlQabas. Al-Hammad further explained that it is currently waiting for word from Saudi authorities on procedures concerning bedoon pilgrims, adding that the Saudis have already approved of the figures provided this year. Meanwhile, Al-Hammad also announced that the ministry would merge the Umrah division with the Ministry’s Haj Affairs Department, revealing its intention to provide the department’s employees with the authority to take direct legal action.

KUWAIT: Officials from the General Department of Migration Investigation arrested a Kuwaiti citizen for bringing 20 Asian maids into the country with forged documents, reported Al-Qabas. An investigation against the woman was launched when a citizen filed a complaint with authorities upon learning that a number of maids were registered in his wife’s name without their knowledge. While inspecting the wife’s sponsorship documents they discovered a forged marriage certificate indicating that the woman was married to a bedoon man. Authorities reported to the recruitment agency and arrested the Asian official working there. When questioned, he explained that a Kuwaiti woman is responsible for the recruitment and registration of maids and that she charges KD 600 for her services. Police apprehended the woman and learned that she forged official wedding certificates by switching her name with the name of another Kuwaiti woman who’s civil ID she stole. She explained that since Kuwaiti law allows Kuwaiti women to sponsor maids if they are married to a bedoon man she illegally registered maids under unsuspecting citizen’s names. It was also discovered that the suspect repeated the same crime with three other female citizens. She was referred to the proper authorities.

Fatal accident A Saudi toddler was killed after being struck by a public transportation bus in Taima, reported Al-Watan. The bus’ Asian driver tried to avoid hitting the three-year-old after he jumped suddenly into the street. Paramedics pronounced the child dead upon their arrival and the driver was held for questioning.

Misdiagno ses A citizen filed a lawsuit against the medical staff of Razi Hospital after they misdiagnosed his condition and caused it to worsen, reported Al-Watan. The citizen initially went to the hospital for treatment regarding a pain he had in his hand. He was diagnosed with a minor bruise and discharged from the hospital.

When his condition worsened he reported to the hospital and was given a similar diagnosis. When he reported to the hospital for the third time he was examined by a visiting British doctor who diagnosed him with a broken hand. A look at his previous x-rays indicated that the fracture had gotten worse over time and that he needed surgery to fix the injury. The citizen filed a case with the hospital’s investigator and with the Shuwaikh police station.

Se xual as sault An Egyptian man was charged with raping an Indonesian maid he hired to work in his apartment in Fahaheel, reported Al-Watan.

The culprit hired the maid from a local agency for the day, sexually assaulted her and then returned her to the agency. There, she informed the owner about the assault and the two filed a case with authorities.

Meanwhile, an unem-

ployed person was arrested for sexual assault, mugging and impersonating a police officer, reported Al-Rai. An investigation against the man was started when a Filipina woman filed a case against him at a Farwaniya police station. She informed police that her roommate was raped by a criminal who broke into their apartment and accused them of being in violation of residency laws. The culprit was eventually apprehended by authorities after he was caught using one of the victim’s cell phones. He was taken into custody after being identified by victims as their assaulter. When questioned, he admitted being responsible for nine other similar crimes and added that he carefully chose victims that were residency violators to ensure they would not report the assault.

D om es t ic a ss a ult An Imam working for the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs filed a case against his son-in-law for beating his pregnant daughter in an attempt to induce a miscarriage, reported Al-Rai. The man brought his daughter to Adan Hospital when she came to him after being assaulted by her husband.

She explained that she was beaten for becoming pregnant without consulting him first. When the father pressed charges he presented a medical report indicating that the woman sustained bruises in her abdominal area. The husband was held for questioning.

D ru g d e ale r n a bb ed A Bangladeshi man was arrested for being in possession of drugs with the intention to sell them, reported Al-Anba. The man was arrested by Mubarak AlKabeer investigators after he unknowingly sold marijuana to a police informant. An investigation revealed that the man was in possession of an additional forty bags of marijuana in his apartment.

He was referred to the proper authorities.

T hie v es he ld Ahmadi police arrested two Bangladeshi thieves accused of stealing sheep from animal farms in the southern part of the country and selling them, reported Al-Anba. An investigation was launched when one of the animal farm owners in Wafra reported that he had been robbed. The investigation led authorities to two suspects who were selling sheep at suspiciously low prices. The two were eventually busted while driving a half lorry loaded with stolen livestock. When questioned, they admitted to their crimes and were referred to the proper authorities.

Dr un k bus ted A drunk man was arrested after he asked a police officer in Hawally where he could go to find an apartment for a night full of illegal partying, reported Al-Anba. Realizing that the suspect was under the influence of alcohol, the officer placed him under arrest and referred him to the proper authorities.

Correction The British Ambassador to Kuwait, Frank Baker was misquoted in an interview published in Monday’s Kuwait Times, dated November 1, 2010. We wish to make it clear that while answering a number of questions about visas, Baker did not specify any particular nationalities when talking about individuals who break United Kingdom immigration laws.

MP hopes for parliament dissolution KUWAIT: A lawmaker recently criticized the Cabinet and its large development plan by describing it as a failure and “nothing but propaganda destined for failure,” reported AlQabas. The statements were made by MP Dr Waleed Al-Tabtabaei while participating in a seminar held by activist Dr Ahmad Al-Thaidy at his diwaniya in Sulaibikhat.

The Islamist MP explained that the plan will fail because “the government’s criteria for selecting officials is based on favoritism, not qualification.” He added that the Cabinet uses favoritism when carrying out public works, electricity, water, health and communications projects.

Al-Tabtabaei went so far as to describe the current parliament as being “abnormal in a way that is unprecedented in the history of parliamentary work in Kuwait.” He added that he hopes it is dissolved so that a new parliament can be elected. The Development and Reform Bloc (DRB) member also discussed issues adopted as priorities by the bloc, such as filing an interpellation against the Minister of Education Dr Moudhi Al-

Hmoud. Fellow DRB member, MP Dr Jamaan Al-Harbash also spoke at the seminar and asserted the importance of maintaining national unity to achieve development. He explained that the government cannot develop the country if they hurt its national unity.

The two MPs agreed that the only solution for financing the development plan is by adopting the proposed Development Bank plan; an Islamic bank established with a KD 1 billion capital that would provide the necessary funds to shareholding companies to carry out development projects. One MP, meanwhile, expressed his disagreement with the proposal, reported Al-Rai. MP Abdurrahman Al-Anjari explained that an economic feasibility study should be carried out before going ahead with such a project.

Al-Anjari made his comments during a separate press conference. He added that similar experiments have failed and referred to the Warba Bank as an example. “Time has proved the unfeasibility of the Warba Bank project,” he said.

Skepticism in the government’s ability to

implement the development plan, as well as calls for an early parliament election, were shared by another MP. MP Musallam AlBarrak expressed concern about the KD 37 billion allocated to the plan. He said he hopes the amount will not meet the same fate as the KD 5 billion that was stolen during the 1990 Iraqi Invasion. He told reporters that it is the government’s responsibility to make sure the funds are not wasted. “I fear that four years from now citizens will find that only 10 percent of the development plan was implemented,” the hard-line oppositionist parliamentarian said. He reiterated hopes for early parliamentary elections and said that it would allow citizens to reassess the development plan’s situation.

In other parliamentary developments, MP Marzouq Al-Ghanim asked the Minister of Awqaf and Social Affairs whether the General Director of the Public Authority for Youths and Sports (PAYS), Dr Fuad Al-Falah, issued a memorandum to the Fatwa and Legislation Department regarding the appeal being looked over by the cassation court.

NATIONAL Female MPs’ performance ‘disappointing’

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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti women have made notable achievements but still suffer from a limited amount of economic, political and social rights, limiting their ability to participate in the development of the country. This was the opinion shared at a seminar organized by a local daily, reported Al-Qabas. Participating in the seminar was MP Dr Maasoumah Al-Mubarak, former chief of the development project for the Sabah Al-Salem housing complex, Sheikha Bibi Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah and member of the Islamic Constitutional Movement’s political

office, Isra Al-Maatouq.

During the seminar, participants asserted that democracy cannot be fully realized unless women are allowed to participate in all fields and reach higher positions of authority. While they admitted that the Kuwaiti population is so far disappointed with the performance of the parliament’s four female MPs, AlMubarak indicated that there is still time for them to make the most of their positions.

They also asserted the historic role Kuwaiti women have played, working side by side with

their male counterparts to build the country.

The issue of providing Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaiti men with rights and privileges similar to those with Kuwaiti husbands was also discussed at the seminar.

Sheikha Bibi Al-Yousuf rejected the notion and said that women who choose to marry someone other than their compatriots should accept the consequences of such a decision.

MP Al-Mubarak however disagreed and said that Kuwaiti women should be given their rights regardless of who they marry.

in my view

Is democracy the solution?

By Fouad Al-Obaid

A

s we are set to begin a new parliamentary term, the question on the minds of many is whether this year will bring in muchawaited solutions to the numerous problems our country faces? Will democracy prove to be effective as a tool to enable our economy to develop, transform and diversify from its hydrocarbon-centric current standing towards a multiple source economic segmentation that blends high technology, innovation and manufacturing?

Ultimately, democracy comes to fill in the political gap according to which different candidates or political blockings/parties compete for the chance to carry out holistic societal vision. Usually, it comes with a strong economic root for countries in our contemporary world function amidst a grid of countries that depend on one another for goods and services. In such a context, I am yet to hear a clearly enunciated political economical program whose success and

failures can be measured! Though we have had a decade now of exceptional financial windfalls that have managed to prevent our economy at the macro-level to be affected by the succession of global economical crises that culminated last decade in the financial quasi-collapse of 2008. We have not been able to use the financial windfall to boost local innovation, creation of quality jobs, and worse we have not truly addressed the governmental shortcomings in a lucid manner; which is setting the pace for a new season of political bickering and fights. The various members of the local political elite will benefit from the situation.

Our country as a whole will suffer from inaction.

At a time when the challenges are growing and when the situation unless steered of its current collision course via men of state who shoulder responsibilities and realize the global implications of such feuds, we will face yet another year or more of unneeded bumps. What our country today needs is the rise of a new set of locals that are ambitious, a number of fellow citizens who realize that in order for our country to continue to prosper, new national initiatives need to be undertaken.

The latter sheds light on the members of

parliament who are elected by the people to serve the people and our state. The latter are unfortunately at a majority, interested in their own welfare which under normal times is not necessarily a bad thing. However, under the current circumstances, these have proven to be pitiful. When a majority of the members of Parliament fight battles based on religious ideologies that are of a time long gone, one needs to question the validity of them serving the nation or are they merely extending the religious rhetoric from the mosque to Abadallah Al-Salem Hall? If the latter is their desire, I believe that the state needs to safeguard its prerogative by ensuring that such debates are kept off the agenda in Parliament. The focus needs to be on issues of development, placed within the framework of priority setting.

It is also sad to see the lack of competent ministers able to tackle the challenges head on and to innovate their ministries within their tenure. It is necessary that competent people get placed in key government positions with adequate experience to lead the country in its upcoming stage. This is so as to achieve the vision laid by HH the Amir to transform Kuwait into an international financial hub. fouad@kuwaittimes.net

KAC board’s tenure extended KUWAIT: The Kuwait Airways Corporation’s (KAC) management board has had its term extended for an additional sixmonth period beginning retroactively from September 26, despite criticism from the airline’s workers’ union.

The decision to extend the board members’ term in office was officially endorsed by communications minister Dr. Mohammed Al-Busairi. The KAC management board consists of

CEO and Managing Director Hamad Al-Falah, Deputy Chairman Fawaz Al-Farah, and members Abdulwahab Boodai, Yousef Al-Humaidi, Jassem Zainel, Suleiman Al-Thufairi, Walid Al-Roudhan, Salah AlFawzan, and board secretary Farhan Al-Kandari.

Al-Farhan has confirmed that the board is continuing with the corporation’s privatization plan, asserting that the process, which is being implemented in coordina-

tion with the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) is being carried out in compliance with all the relevant legislation.

The decision to extend the management board’s term in office was criticized by the KAC union, which alleged that this was a way of approving the illegal actions perpetrated by board members, which it said were exposed by the State Audit Bureau (SAB) in recent reports, and allowing them to continue. Union head Hamad

Al-Merri also suggested that the extension to the board members’ period in office was approved in order to ensure that the airline’s privatization would be pushed through by March 1, 2011. The KAC workers’ union has raised a number of concerns over the privatization plans, reported AlQabas principally over the staff members’ rights and whether or not they will retain their financial privilege after the airline is turned into a shareholding firm.

Indonesians appeal for help after twin disasters

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: Dhani Putri Dwi Kusuma, in her early thirties, watches the news of the disaster-stricken area of her native Indonesia in despair. Her family lives under the slopes of Mount Merapi where the Mount Merapi volcano has reportedly killed more than 40 people. A nurse working in Kuwait, Dwi Kusuma says that her family was spared because they immediately moved to the city of Java following the news of the volcano’s imminent eruption in early October. “Scientists monitoring the volcano advised people living there to move away so we listened to them and moved to the city of Java,” she said. “My family was spared but I have some relatives and friends there who died.”

Dwi Kusuma is one of the thousands of Indonesians living in Kuwait who recently responded to a donation drive for the victims of the two disasters that struck Indonesia recently. The two disasters have reportedly killed more than 500 people, most of them victims of the tsunami. “We are collecting cash donations because it’s easier to send and can instantly help our compatri-

ots who were affected by the two disasters,” said Suli Hamdani, a representative of the Indonesian community in Kuwait. “Since we started last week we have collected KD565 just from our compatriots. The amount is increasing everyday because we have some representatives in each governorate collecting money from Indonesians.” According to Hamdani, the donations drive will last until November 16, the start of Eid Al-Adha.

Those interested in contributing to the drive and efforts being made by the Indonesian community here can coordinate directly with Indonesian authorities. They can also contact the Sheikh Abdullah AlNouri Society in Qadsiya - a local charity organization collecting donations for the Indonesian disasters. The contact number for the society is 2254-0270.

“We fully support the efforts being made by the Indonesian community in Kuwait,” said Afrian Asri, Third Secretary Consular of Information and Social Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy during an interview with the Kuwait Times yesterday. “There have been no instruction from our central

government to collect any cash but we welcome the community if they want to donate for the victims of the tsunami and the volcano.” The tsunami and volcano eruption was reportedly triggered by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake. Indonesia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire

and its 17,500 islands are littered with a series tectonic threats. An official source told the Kuwait Times that the Kuwait Red Crescent Society is waiting for a report on the magnitude of the disaster and will be ready to assist however they can.

KUWAIT: Rashid Al-Tabtabae (second left), the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Senegalese ambassador in Kuwait Abdou Lahad Mbacke (second right) launching the Autumn Perfumes Exhibition in Mishref. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

‘Exhibitions boost economic activity’ Special promotions, offers at Autumn Perfumes Exhibition

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: The annual exhibition on perfumes and make up has come to Kuwait again. The Kuwait International Fair Ground (KIF) is hosting the Autumn Perfumes Exhibition between November 2 and 13.

At least 122 participating companies are showcasing their newest products, “The large number of participating companies reflect the level of interest in the exhibition. This is due to the large number of visitors that flock to the perfumes exhibition. It is held twice a year, and this signifies its importance,” said Rashid AlTabtabae, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry during the launch of the Perfumes Exhibition yesterday.

The Autumn Perfumes Exhibition offers special promotions. “The participating companies offer discounts and special promotions. Most companies are offering products at discounted prices that even touches 50 percent. Others offer gift items with every purchase. In addition, many brands launched new products that are on display for the first time dur-

ing this exhibition,” added AlTabtabae. Apart from perfumes, the visitor can also find cosmetics and other beauty products.

Different skin care products are available such as the body care products, cosmetics, sun protection, hair accessories and hair care products, dental care products, nail care, beauty salons services, and even some electronics related to beauty care.

There are also participants from outside Kuwait such as Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and others, “We are glad to have international companies participating in this exhibition.

This gives the visitor a good opportunity to find a wide variety of international products under one roof. This exhibition is a mix of Arabian oriental and western fragrances,” noted AlTabtabae.

The visitor can see displays of the latest perfumes while visiting this place. I encourage people to come. The exhibition will also remind young people of the old traditional and oriental perfumes.

There are many booths that offer such types.

Also, perfumes are considered to be an essential consumer item, which is important for

KUWAIT: Rashid Al-Tabtabae and other top officials seen at the exhibition.

everybody. Also, such exhibitions boost economic activity,” he pointed out. Al-Tabtabae refused considering the timing of this exhibition bad because of the Haj season. “Don’t forget that Eid is near, and this is a great opportunity to buy gifts.

People like to wear new outfits as well as new perfumes. Also, pilgrims take perfumes with them while on a Haj trip. So the timing of this exhibition is perfect. They can choose the best for these occasions,” he concluded.

NATIONAL

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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Rotten food delivered to schools KUWAIT: A number of public schools reported that they received spoiled food from the catering supply companies used by the Ministry of Education to supply lunches to students, reported Al-Rai. According to official sources at the ministry, more than six cases of spoiled food were reported during the project’s second day. The source made their comments anonymously because they were not officially authorized to speak on the matter.

Ladies celebrate Melbourne Cup Day in Kuwait

Melbourne Cup Day fever hits Kuwait

By Wendy Clayton

While serious measures are expected to be taken against catering companies providing unfit meals, the source did not rule out the possibility of the project’s suspension if the problem escalates. The contracts that the ministry signed with local catering companies includes a clause indicating that meals will be tested by nutrition supervisors on a daily basis before they are distributed to schools. The source said they are concerned some supervisors

catering company. She said that they are prepared to take alternative actions should such incidents occur. She pointed out that, according to the project’s contracts, schools are allowed to contact alternative catering companies to provide the necessary meals at the expense of the original catering company. The school’s catering project costs the ministry a total of KD 59 million, which includes catering, transportation and the salaries of nutrition supervisors.

Kuwaiti activist slams ‘seriously deteriorating’ political situation Al-Saqer blasts lawmakers KUWAIT: A Kuwaiti political activist has slammed what he called the “seriously deteriorating” political situation in the country. Former MP and current chairman of the Arab and International Relations Council Mohammad Al-Saqer criticized MPs for thwarting the reestablishment of the parliamentary youth and sports committee while still endorsing other temporary committees such as those looking into ‘alien practices’ and the problems affecting Kuwait’s bedoon population. Speaking during the latest meeting of the Arab Media Forum in Dubai, Al-Saqer explained that he had refused to stand in recent elections in Kuwait due to the deterioration of the polit-

KUWAIT: The fever of ‘Fashions on the Field’ landed in Kuwait yesterday with the annual Australian ladies’ fashion luncheon organized by Australian fashionista Ondine Chadwick. It’s not just about the horses that draw the crowds on race day at Australia’s globally renowned Melbourne Cup, which took place yesterday afternoon.

The race to take out one of fashion’s biggest prize accolades also draws eager masses of people along to Flemington Race Course. Kuwait was no exception, with ladies arriving at the luncheon dressed for a summer’s day at the races,

may not have acted professionally. The second day of the project featured several cases in which meals arrived late or even short of the required amount.

This drew even more skepticism regarding the ministry’s ability to carry out the project, reported Al-Watan.

The Ministry of Education’s Undersecretary Assistant for Administrative Affairs, Aisha Al-Roudhan explained that such cases were addressed during the negotiation process with the

ical climate in the country. Whilst emphasizing his support of MPs’ right to file interpellation motions, he fiercely criticized the filing of arbitrary and unnecessary grilling motions, revealing that 50 such motions have been submitted in the 14 years since 1996 alone, compared to only five in the entire 33-year period preceding that.

Another Kuwaiti speaker at the forum, MP Dr Yousef Al-Zalzalah admitted that the current parliament may well have proved disappointing, especially given the high expectations of it, reported Al-Qabas. Al-Zalzalah put the blame for the problems firmly on fellow MPs, who he said had become insular and tribal, “representing certain tribes and

social groups rather than the entire population.” The MP also warned that according to a recent survey of Kuwaiti citizens conducted by the country’s State Security Department, national loyalty came fourth in citizens’ priorities behind tribe, social group and family respectively. On the recent turbulence over proposed legislation to introduce greater oversight of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Al-Zalzalah said that the significance of the KCCI’s role had never been underrated but the proposed legislation was intended to correctly define the business body’s status, which he said the KCCI itself had previously admitted is currently wrong.

Australian Ambassador’s wife Kathy Miles seen with guests at Melbourne Cup luncheon

Best Hat winner Sharon Benstead and Best Fashion on the Field Ondine Chadwick

including the ultimate accessory, the hat.

In attendance was the Australian Ambassador’s wife, Kathy Miles, who commented on the meaning of Melbourne Cup Day, “Melbourne Cup is a tradition especially for Melbourne people, but also for all Australians. It’s just a really special day where you get to dress-up, put your make-up on, put your hat on and go out with friends. It’s a really good day out.”

The atmosphere turned electric as the ladies drew their horse in the sweepstake and took their places to watch the 3200-meter race that stops a nation.

Following the race there was the traditional fashion parade for the best hat and best-dressed lady on the field.

“Being an Australian on cup day I feel like if I don’t celebrate I’m not celebrating one of the biggest things in my own culture. So recreating it for my fellow Aussies, Kiwis and friends here in Kuwait brings a little bit of home to Kuwait and just makes us feel so pumped and excited,” said Chadwick. The eventual winner of the 150th Melbourne Cup was six-year-old French horse Americain, giving trainer Alain de Royer Dupre his first Melbourne Cup win.

KUWAIT: The Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait, Memet Hilmi Dedeoglu, held a reception on Sunday at the Turkish Embassy to celebrate his country’s National Day. The event was attended by a large number of diplomats and other dignitaries. — Photos

by Yasser Al-Zayyat

in the news PAHW issues warnings KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) has issued official warnings to the owners of sites allocated for house construction who have failed to build homes there for a number of years to either complete the construction of their houses or face having the plots of land returned to public ownership for distribution to other citizens on the waiting list. The PAHW issued the notifications after officials toured a number of sites where numerous plots given to

citizens some years, and in some cases decades, ago remain vacant.

The head of the PAHW’s distribution and documentation department, Ibrahim Al-Qinae, explained that the plots in question were in a number of areas, including Adan and Naeem. He added that PAHW officials will also be touring other residential areas to check on the number of abandoned or unused sites and identify the owners. Al-Qinae reassured homeowners that authority officials will discuss the reasons for the sites remaining

unused and those behind the failure to build homes there with each owner before taking any further action.

Violations to be referred to the Attorney General The Minister of Information will file cases with the Attorney General on violations committed at the ministry. These were listed in an Audit Bureau report that was prepared as per the instructions received from the Parliament. According to the news report, the Bureau’s

report mentions funds paid to non-deserving officials in a public fund embezzlement case.

This is in addition to flouting the Civil Service Commission’s regulations. The issue related to accusations over administrative and financial violations committed at the ministry. This has troubled Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah.

Furthermore, the minister - who is also the country’s oil minister- will face a grilling motion that MP Dr Faisal Al-Duwaisan plans to initiate.

5 drug dealers, ex-cop nabbed

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Three Kuwaiti men, one of them a retired policeman, have been arrested along with a Syrian and an Egyptian, on charges of conspiring to sell three kilograms of hashish. An investigation was launched after Acting Undersecretary for Criminal Security and Director General of the General Department for Drugs Control (GDDC) Major General Sheikh Ahmad Al-Khalifa received a tip-off that an Egyptian expatriate was dealing in drugs. GDDC officers set up a sting operation, catching the accused man redhanded along with his Syrian accomplice as he sold an undercover officer KD 50 worth of hashish. On being arrested, the two men told officers that they had obtained the drugs from a Kuwaiti resident of Salmiya. On raiding the citizen’s home, officers found four ‘sticks’ of hashish. He in turn told officers about another Kuwaiti man, an unemployed former Ministry of Interior (MoI) employee who was dealing in drugs. On raiding this citizen’s home in Adeliya, GDDC officers discovered a half-kilogram of hashish already prepared for sale. This man

authorities that the drugs were left for him by a person he does not know inside a toilet behind the Palace of Justice.

KFSD meeting Director General of the Kuwait Fire Services Directorate, Major General Jassim Al-Mansouri, met with the Sports’ Committee’s chairman and board members on their premises.

Drug dealers pictured with the illicit drugs then told police about another citizen, a resident of Surra, from whom he had been buying his drugs. On raiding the fifth man’s home, GDDC officers found a further three kilograms of hashish.

All those arrested have admitted to dealing in drugs and been referred to the Public Prosecution Department.

Arrest Guards at the Central Prison arrested a Bangladeshi expatriate sentenced to five years in prison for selling liquor, reported security sources. He was initially apprehended for swallowing capsules containing 20 grams of heroin and trying to smuggle them into the prison.

When questioned, he told

Cassa tion Court d ismis ses cas e The Court of Cassation has overruled the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor’s directive ordering the dismissal of Sheikh Talal Al-Fahad Al-Sabah from the post of Deputy Director General of the Public Authority of Youth and Sports (PAYS). The minister had justified the decision by citing Law No. 5 of 2007 which prohibits officials from occupying more than one post at a time since Sheikh Talal Al-Fahad was president of the Qadisiya Sports Club at the same time as holding his position with the PAYS. The Court of Cassation also ordered that Sheikh Talal AlFahad receive compensation of KD 5,001.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

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INTERNATIONAL

Ahmadinejad criticized by Iran Revolutionary Guards TEHRAN: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has come under unprecedented criticism from the Revolutionary Guards, the elite military force usually considered his staunch supporter. A harshly worded article in the Guards’ monthly magazine echoes criticism of Ahmadinejad from other parts of the Iranian establishment and shows attempts to mend rifts within the Islamic Republic’s ruling elite have yet to work.

Ahmadinejad and his close aides have faced criticism from lawmakers, the judiciary and some powerful clerics for saying parliament is no longer at the centre of affairs and promoting an “Iranian” rather than an “Islamic” school of thought. In an article entitled: “Is parliament at the centre of affairs or not?”, the magazine, Payam-e Enghelab (Message of the Revolution), asked: “Does being on top justify whatever action the government

thinks is right, disregarding the law?” Re-elected in June 2009, Ahmadinejad faced down huge demonstrations from an opposition movement which says the vote was rigged, something he denies. Divisions among the hardliners have become more apparent in the months since the protests were put down, through sometimes violent repression.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has its own navy, air force and command structure separate from the regular armed forces. Along with its voluntary militia, the Basij, it played a key role in quelling the post-election unrest which was the worst seen since the 1979 Islamic revolution. The rifts prompted Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to call for all branches of government to support the president whose government he has hailed as extremely successful. “National unity is very

important and must be strengthened with every passing day... and by that I am addressing both officials and ordinary people,” Khamenei said during his recent visit to the holy city of Qom. But Payam-e Enghelab’s criticisms were similar to those voiced by parliament, the judiciary and clerics. “Dealing with marginal and unnecessary issues by some politicians has become the country’s main issue,” the magazine said, referring to the controversy about the “Iranian” school of thought which many of Ahmadinejad’s fellow conservatives say smacks of secular nationalism.

“Adopting these kinds of stance has no benefit but creating separation and division in the Islamic Revolution front and casting doubt about fundamental stances,” it said. The harshest words were about Ahmadinejad’s remark about parliament’s reduced power, which some critics have said was a

contradiction of the stance of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini- the deeply revered late leader of the Islamic Revolution.

“The superficial interpretation of Imam Khomeini’s remarks and changing them in a way that meets a few people’s interests for a short time is an irreparable mistake,” it said.

Indignation about Ahmadinejad’s apparent disregard for parliament has pushed some former rivals within the legislature — in the hardliner “principlist” camp and more moderate “reformists”-closer together.

“The prominent figures of principlists and reformists have formed an unwritten alliance,” Ali Motahari, a prominent hardline MP who is an outspoken critic of Ahmadinejad, was quoted as saying by the reformist Sharq newspaper yesterday. The pressures on Ahmadinejad from within the hard-

line camp at home comes as Iran faces tighter economic sanctions aimed at curbing its nuclear program which some countries fear is aimed at making a bomb, something Tehran denies.

Iranians are also bracing themselves for the impact of Ahmadinejad’s cornerstone economic plan: slashing billions of dollars of subsidies for essentials like food and fuel. Economists outside Iran have said sudden hikes in prices of items like gasoline-likely to happen in the coming weeks- could reignite popular unrest. Politicians within the Islamic Republic have warned of “economic sedition” as opponents of the regime seek to stir trouble. Mirhossein Mousavi, the opposition leader who lost the 2009 election, said an increased police presence in recent days was a government attempt to intimidate anyone thinking of protesting. The police have said it is conducting a crackdown on crime. — Reuters

Palestinian PM opens East Jerusalem school Fayyad openly defies Israel after political spat J ERUSALEM: Pa lestinia n prime minister Sa la m Fa yya d vow ed yesterda y tha t ea st J erusa lem w ould be the capita l of a Pa lestinia n sta te a s he opened a refurbished school there follow ing a politica l spa t w ith Isra el. “This a rea is pa rt of J erusa lem a nd (ea st) J erusa lem is Pa lestinia n land occupied in 1967,” he told a round 200 loca l residents a nd officia ls w ho w ere a ttending the opening cere-

ROME: This file picture shows Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi (right) greeted by a supporter on arrival at the Grazioli Palace, his Roman residence. — AFP

Berlusconi says liking pretty girls ‘better than being gay’ Defends government record, says will serve out term ROME: Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi dismissed calls to resign yesterday over reports he helped a 17-year-old girl who attended parties at his house, saying it was “better to like beautiful girls than to be gay”. He refused to apologize for his fondness for young women and denied doing anything improper, after the case of the girl known as Ruby filled Italian newspapers last week and opposition lawmakers called for him to resign.

“As always, I work without interruption and if occasionally I happen to look a beautiful girl in the face, it’s better to like beautiful girls than to be gay,” he told a meeting at a motorcycle industry show in Milan. “You should be completely reassured about the government and about the fact that it’s a government that still has a majority that intends to govern until the end of its term,” he said.

Berlusconi, 74, has brushed off scandals over women and parties in the past but has been under unusual pressure since newspapers last week carried reports about the teenager who attended parties at his sumptuous villa at Arcore near Milan. The Corriere della Sera newspaper reported details of a phone call it said Berlusconi made to a Milan police chief on Ruby’s behalf when she was detained over a separate theft in May, raising questions of whether he improperly intervened.

Berlusconi says he helped Ruby, whose real name is reported

by Italian newspapers to be Karima El Mahroug, but he denies exerting any improper pressure on police officers. “This recent storm in the newspapers is a paper storm,” Berlusconi said. “You will see in the end that nothing else happened apart from an act of solidarity by the prime minister, which I would have been

ashamed not to do.” The teenager, who has since turned 18, has told newspapers she received 7,000 euros ($9,760) from Berlusconi after attending two parties. She has denied having sex with him.

Virtually dead Italian newspapers have begun speculating that the scandal could bring down Berlusconi’s fragile centre-right coalition. In a front-page editorial, business daily Il Sole 24 Ore wrote: “One point is certain. The Berlusconi government is paralyzed. Virtually dead, you could say, due to the loss of credibility by its leader.”

Berlusconi’s government is also under fire over strikes and protests in the southern city of Naples which have left more than 2,000 tons of rubbish uncollected on the streets. Berlusconi said the municipal authorities were to blame.

“You absolutely cannot, as some newspapers have done, make the government responsible and blame it for something which is the responsibility of local authorities,” he said. Berlusconi’s comments about homosexuality drew immediate condemnation from gay rights groups and were also criticized by Hollywood actress Julianne Moore, who was attending the Rome Film Festival to present “The Kids Are All Right”, a film about a lesbian couple raising their teenage children. “I think it’s unfortunate, archaic and idiotic,” she said, when asked for her reaction to Berlusconi’s comments. “To hint or to say that there is something wrong with homosexuality ... it’s unfortunate and it’s embarrassing when people continue to perpetrate these untruths,” she said. — Reuters

France, UK plan record military cooperation Allies to share nuclear research facilities LONDON/PARIS: Britain and France will launch a broad defense partnership yesterday that includes setting up a joint force and sharing equipment and nuclear missile research centers, a French government source said.

Treaties to be signed by French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister David Cameron at a meeting in London will pave the way for an unprecedented degree of military cooperation between the two neighbors.

The NATO allies, western Europe’s biggest defense spenders and its only nuclear powers, have a centuries-old history of military rivalry and, more recently, have differed sharply over issues such as the Iraq war. Their new partnership is driven by the desire to maintain cutting-edge military capabilities while at the same time reducing defense spending to rein in big budget deficits.

France and Britain will agree to set up a joint brigadesized army contingent with air and sea support, which could assemble as needed to take part in NATO, European Union, United Nations or bilateral operations, the French source said. British Defense Secretary Liam Fox confirmed the outlines of the agreement. “We’re talking about joint expeditionary forces with our forces in all three services working together to develop common practices, better interoperability, and to look to see where we get better common equipment,” Fox told BBC television.

“That makes perfect sense in a world where resources are tight, but our interests are increasingly common, but not always the same.” Cameron’s government announced two weeks ago it was cutting Britain’s 37 billion pound ($59.4 billion) defense budget by 8 percent in real terms over the next four years to help rein in a record peacetime budget deficit.

Cooperating on carriers France’s aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and a British carrier that is just being built will be made compatible so that each country could fly its planes off the other’s carrier. The ultimate aim is for the two countries to coordinate so that one carrier is at sea at all times. The two countries will agree to share nuclear warhead research and simulation centers, the source said. With nuclear missile tests banned, sophisticated laboratories permit both countries to test the safety of their warheads.

“This signifies that we have reached an unprecedented level of trust,” the French source said. “It’s this step taken in the nuclear domain that allows us to go further elsewhere.”

The source said London and Paris were negotiating with Airbus on a deal to maintain their future fleet of A400M military transport planes. The contract is expected to be signed at the end of 2011, he said.

France will look at using some of the spare capacity that Britain expects to have in military refueling planes once it takes delivery of 14 new Airbus tankers, the source said.

British legislators have criticized Britain’s 10 billion pound ($16 billion) contract to lease tankers from an EADS-led consortium as poor value for money-but allowing France some use of them could mitigate this. A top British military official has said it would make sense for the US Air Force also to choose EADS tankers, rather than ones made by US company Boeing. Britain and France will work together in developing technology for future generations of nuclear submarines, missiles, aerial drones, maritime anti-mine systems and military communications satellites, the source said. They will also seek to strengthen their cooperation in cyber security and the fight against terrorism. — Reuters

The spat erupted late last week after the Palestinian premier announced plans to inaugurate several renovation projects in two east Jerusalem neighborhoods, both of which lie on the West Bank side of Israel’s separation barrier, which snakes through the city. But one of the projects-a renovated road-is located in Anata neighborhood, part of which falls within the Israeli municipal boundaries of Jerusalem, an area which is considered off-limits for any official activity by the Palestinians. Following protests by rightwing groups, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered officials “not to let the Palestinian Authority conduct events and ceremonies in the municipal area of Jerusalem,” a statement from his office said late Monday.

Fayyad called off the visit to Anata but pushed ahead with the event in Dahiyat Al-Barid, which is located just outside the municipal boundaries and therefore of no interest to Israel. “We have already rehabilitated 14 schools in Jerusalem in less than four months as well as several roads, and we will continue to work towards our goal of establishing an independent state,” he said, speaking in the shadow of the huge separation barrier.

“Today we declare our victory and the victory of our projects against the occupation and the terrorism of the settlers,” he said in reference to rising tensions between locals and Jewish settlers living in the city’s eastern sector.

Meanwhile, the Anata opening ceremony went ahead with little fanfare, an AFP correspondent at the scene said.

Witnesses said Israeli border police had set up an impromptu checkpoint at the entrance to Anata and were only allowing locals to enter.

The move to bar Fayyad was welcomed by deputy parliamentary speaker Danny Danon. “We will not be silent and we will not close our eyes to any subversive activity demonstrating Palestinian sovereignty over Israeli territory, even if it is only a picture for the newspaper,” he said.

“Any Palestinian attempt to create facts on the ground will be met with an uncompromising response from Israel.”

Following Netanyahu’s directive, Interior Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch issued a warrant banning all Palestinian Authority officials from holding events “in Israeli territory without special permission” saying they would be stopped by police. Fayyad is himself a resident of occupied and annexed east Jerusalem, and lives in the neighborhood of Beit Hanina which lies close to both Anata and Dahiyat Al-Barid.

Israel seized Arab east Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed in a move not recognized by the international community. In 2002, it began building a massive separation barrier, most of which lies inside the West Bank, in a bid to prevent Palestinian attacks. In Jerusalem, some parts of the city’s eastern sector have been left on the West Bank side of the barrier, although the city council is legally required to provide services to residents there, including health, education, police and emergency services.

In practice, many of these areas receive little funding, and in several cases the Palestinian Authority has stepped in to fund the renovation of schools or the tarmacing of roads. Israel claims the whole of Jerusalem as its “eternal, indivisible capital” but the Palestinians want the eastern half of the city as the capital of their promised state. The status of Jerusalem is one of the most intractable issues of the Middle East conflict. — AFP

mony in the neighborhood of Da hiya t Al-Ba rid. “I t w ill be the ca pita l of our independent sta te.” His rema rks w ere ma de a fter I sra el ba rred him from ina ugura ting a nother renova tion project in the occupied a nd a nnexed ea stern ha lf of the city, in w ha t it sa id w a s a politica l ma neuver to exert Pa lestinia n sovereignty over a n a rea cla imed by I sra el.

AL-RAM: Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad is greeted by Palestinian students as he arrives for the opening of a refurbished school in the West Bank village yesterday. — AFP

Grieving Christians bury dead from Iraq church killings BAGHDAD: Grieving and fearful mourners in Baghdad were yesterday burying dozens of Christians, including two priests, killed during a hostage drama carried out

by Al-Qaeda gunmen that ended in a bloodbath. Tearful women in black were among dozens of people who gathered outside the morgue of the Saint Raphael hospital to accompany the bodies of fathers Taher Saadallah Boutros, 32, and Wassim Sabih, 23, to a memorial service. The priests were among 46 Christians killed during Sunday’s hostage drama during mass a Baghdad cathedral that ended in an assault by Iraqi forces backed by US troops.

Security forces escorted the funeral convoy to the Saint Joseph Chaldean church in Baghdad’s Karrada neighborhood as mourners held up portraits of the dead priests as well as Iraqi flags. They walked somberly behind two cars, one bearing the coffin of Father Boutros and the coffin of his brother Raed, who was also killed in Sunday’s carnage. The other car carried the coffin of Father Sabih.

“All the families of the victims are invited to this ceremony, but I don’t know yet how many will come,” said Monsignor Pius Kasha, the vicar of Iraq’s Syriac Catholic church, alluding to the ripples of fear the attack has sent through Iraq’s dwindling Christian community. He said that Boutrous, who was also known as Father Athir, would be laid to rest near Father Sabih.

“The two priests killed in the attacks were inseparable and they will be buried at a cemetery next to the Sayidat Al-Nejat cathedral,” where the Sunday evening’s attack took place.

The memorial service at Saint Joseph church was for all the victims of the bloodbath but not all of the dead were being buried yesterday at the same location.

Witnesses said that heavily armed militants burst into the church during Sunday mass and took about 80 worshippers hostage. The hostage drama ended with a raid

by Iraqi special forces, while the US military provided an advisory role.

Forty-six Christians were killed and 60 wounded, Iraqi officials have said, adding that seven members of the security forces also died. Survivors said the gunmen who stormed Sayidat Al-Nejat Catholic cathedral wore military uniforms and were armed with Kalashnikov rifles, grenades and suicide vests “Taher was praying and reading a passage from the Bible when the armed men arrived,” the uncle of Father Boutros said, relating what one of the survivors told him.

“He told them ‘kill me but let the worshippers go in peace’,” he said. A 24-year-old survivor, who gave his name only as Steven, said the gunmen told Father Boutros: “‘Convert to Islam because in any case you

will die,’ and then they shot him in the head.” The attack, claimed by an Al-Qaeda affiliate, was one of the deadliest against Iraqi Christians and provoked a wave of international condemnation. Many Christians have said the killings will speed up the mass exodus of Christians from Iraq. The number of Christians in Iraq numbered about 800,000 before the 2003 US-led invasion, but have falled to 500,000 since then. — AFP

BAGHDAD: The wife of Sameer AlKhoury, who was killed Sunday, clutches their wedding portrait taken over twenty years ago at a funeral mass for two slain priests and their parishioners yesterday. — AP

INTERNATIONAL

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

9

Obama, Democrats fear rout as US polls begin Vote ‘will have impact for decades’: Obama

WASHINGTON: US voters headed to the polls early yesterday in key elections widely expected to hand President Barack Obama’s Republican foes control of the House of Representatives and, with it, broad new powers to attack his agenda. Democrats feared heavy losses as well in the other congressional chamber, the Senate, but analysts forecast they would cling to a narrow majority, dividing

LAS VEGAS: First Lady Michelle Obama greets Senate Harry Reid of Nevada during a rally, Monday, Nov 1, 2010. — AP

Michelle Obama stumps up for crucial Democrat

LAS VEGAS: US First Lady Michelle Obama hit the campaign trail in Las Vegas Monday to back her husband’s key ally Harry Reid, the Senate majority leader battling to avoid humiliating defeat yesterday’s mid-term elections. Obama, by many measures the most popular Democrat in Washington, pleaded that defeating Reid would harm the administration’s ability to “restore that dream” of an America where minorities are empowered, the poor receive health care and the powerful are held accountable.

“No child’s future should be limited because of the neighborhood they were born in,” said Obama, appearing at a high school in a working-class suburb about 15 miles north of the Las Vegas Strip.

“We believe that if you get sick in America, you should be able to see a doctor. We believe that if you work hard, you should make a decent wage and have a secure retirement.

“We believe that if you fulfill your responsibilities every day you should be able to provide for your family, just like our folks did.” Reid trails Republican candidate Sharron Angle, a staunch Tea Party leader, by four points in the final poll taken of the race by the Las Vegas Review-

Journal last week.

His approval ratings have been below 40 percent for several years and he has struggled to impress the public with his record at time when his state has the worst unemployment and home foreclosure rates in the United States. The Reid campaign did see some hope, despite the polls, in the voter turnout so far. Nevadans were able to vote “early” between Oct 16-29, and by mail, and about 60 percent of those expected to vote in this election did so. As of Monday, more than 7,000 more Democrats than Republicans had voted out of more than 421,000 voters.

Yet there’s no telling for whom those voters cast their ballots, and polls predicted that Angle would receive an overwhelming share of ballots from the 15 percent of voters who are not affiliated with either party. Also, more Democrats may have already voted, but they are not doing so in the numbers they did when Nevada went to Obama in 2008. With that backdrop, Michelle Obama’s appearance with Reid was seen as important to excite party members to vote yesterday or help others get to the polls. “Can we do this? Yes, we can. Yes, we must,” Obama shouted. — AFP

Haiti scrambles to get ready for feared hurricane attack Forecast northward turn puts Haiti, Jamaica at risk PORT-AU-PRINCE: Government officials and aid partners in earthquake- and cholera-ravaged Haiti scrambled on Monday to prepare crowded quake survivor camps and coastal towns for a possible hit by a hurricane later this week. Tropical Storm Tomas, which is heading westward across the eastern Caribbean sea, is expected to turn north towards Haiti and Dominican Republic by the end of the week, and restrengthen as a hurricane, the US National Hurricane Center said.

Jamaica also could be impacted, although the precise track of the storm remained uncertain, the forecasters said. Tomas now threatens another humanitarian emergency for disasterprone Haiti, the Western Hemisphere’s poorest state.

Haiti suffered a devastating earthquake in January and is grappling with a cholera epidemic that has killed at least 330 people so far and sickened nearly 5,000 more. “This storm is approaching at a time when aid agencies in Haiti are already stretched to the limit,” said Nigel Fisher, the humanitarian coordinator for the United Nations in Haiti.

“The humanitarian challenges involved are among the most complex I’ve seen in my entire career,” Fisher added in a statement. As a Category 1 hurricane over the weekend, Tomas battered Barbados, St Lucia and St. Vincent in the

Windward Islands, ripping roofs off homes and knocking down trees and power lines.

Insurance experts were estimating damage-linked insurance payouts for the three islands would top $10 million. In St Lucia, the west coast tourist town of Soufriere, the area hardest hit by Tomas as it passed, was cut off by landslides blocking roads and accessible only by sea, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) said.

A NEMO spokesperson told Reuters emergency services were checking unconfirmed reports that at least five people, and possibly more, were killed in the Soufriere landslides. At 5 pm (2100 GMT) on Monday, Tomas was carrying top sustained winds of 45 miles per hour (75 kph), and was located about 65 miles (105 km) northeast of Aruba, moving westwards, the Miami-based hurricane center said. “Haiti or Jamaica are the most likely targets of Tomas,” hurricane expert Jeff Masters of private US forecaster Weather Underground wrote in his blog, citing computer forecast models. But he added weather conditions meant the exact track of Tomas remained uncertain, and the storm could still be in the Caribbean a week from now.

Camps seen vulnerable to wind, rain Haitian officials and aid workers are worried that the powerful winds and torrential

Young dad drives into LA home, kills baby LOS ANGELES: A young father deliberately slammed his pickup truck into the bedroom of his newborn daughter and her teen mother, killing both before witnesses rushed to free them from furniture and debris, police said Monday. The deadly crash came after Eduardo Villarreal, 21, got into an argument with the mother Sunday over custody of their 10-day-old baby at a family gathering, police said.

Villarreal grabbed the infant and ran down a street before another family member caught up to him and persuaded Villarreal to give her back. He said he was going to harm himself and the girl, then “he took off to get his mind right,” police Detective Joe Rios said.

Authorities said Villarreal returned moments later and aimed his speeding Cadillac Escalade at the house, hopped a curb and plowed into the bedroom. “He intentionally drove the vehicle into the house,” Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese said. Police did not release the names of the victims, but Eduardo Bonilla, the uncle of the young mother, identified her as Trudy Bonilla and the 10-day-old baby as Naomi. The uncle said he had spoken with several family members who had been home at the time and heard the argument involving Villarreal. “He was saying he was going to kill the daughter and the mom,” Eduardo Bonilla said while standing in a yard near the crash site. “They had argued before, but nothing like that.” After the crash, Villarreal told investigators he had meant to commit suicide but not hurt anyone else, Rios said. Police expected to book Villareal on murder charges later Monday. Trudy Bonilla’s other child, a 3-year-old who is unrelated to the driver, was in the room during the crash but was uninjured, the uncle said. — AP

rain associated with Tomas will menace more than 1.3 million homeless earthquake survivors living in tent and tarpaulin camps scattered across the hilly capital Port-au-Prince. In September, a powerful storm in the capital killed at least six people, injured 70 and destroyed or damaged the tent or tarpaulin homes of more than 10,000 families. Floods and mudslides in mid-October killed 10 more people.

UN agencies and aid groups are rushing emergency supplies of medicine, food and shelter materials to the camps and to the coastal towns of Les Cayes and Gonaives, which could be hit by storm surges and flooding.

“We need emergency shelter. We need water and sanitation supplies. And we need as much of it as possible in place before Hurricane Tomas hits,” Fisher said. With a full-scale evacuation of camps and threatened coastal communities deemed impossible, authorities urged those who could do so to seek more secure refuge in the homes of friends and family.

The United Nations said Haiti’s government had agreed to the United States sending the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima to support logistics operations, which the 12,000strong UN peacekeeping force in the country will also be assisting. The magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Haiti’s capital on Jan 12 killed up to 300,000 people and left 1.3 million homeless. — Reuters

Votes in several battleground states will go down to the wire with vote counting in some contests expected to take days, though experts forecast that there would be little doubt as to the overall winners and losers.

Republicans, energized by the ultra-conservative Tea Party movement, hoped their enthusiasm would carry them to victory, while Democrats aimed to stem the onslaught and defy opinion surveys with an aggressive get-out-the-vote drive. In an 11th-hour plea Monday, Obama warned that the vote “will have an impact for decades to come” and called upon demoralized Americans not to give up on his two-yearold campaign for change. He warned that Republicans would bring back the very policies he blamed for the 2008 economic meltdown that has left nearly one in 10 Americans still unemployed while many more have given up on finding work.

“The bottom line is this: We’re making progress, we’re moving in the right direction,” the president said in a radio interview. “If the other side is more enthusiastic, we could end up having problems moving this country forward.” Obama was notably targeting voters in the critical battleground states of Florida, Minnesota, Ohio and Pennsylvania as well as his birth state of Hawaii, the White House said.

But his own soaring win of 2008 seemed an age away with all 435 House seats, 37 of 100 Senate slots, and 37 of 50 governorships up for grabs yesterday. Republicans vowed to reverse Obama’s sweeping, signature health care overhaul and promised a budget crunch and tax cuts they said would slash the deficit, ignite growth and create jobs.

“We just can’t afford another two years like the past two,” Republican House Minority Leader John Boehner, who would all but certainly replace Democrat Nancy Pelosi as House speaker, said in an op-ed in Monday’s USA Today.

Boehner has led top Republicans in vowing “no compromise” with the White House on key issues, and the party’s leader in the Senate candidly declared last week that their number one goal would be to defeat Obama in 2012.

Obama has charged Republicans would hand power back to predatory health insurance companies and credit card and finance barons by repealing health care and Wall Street reforms that add up to an already full presidential legacy.

But in a sign of Democratic angst, party chairman Tim Kaine told ABC television Monday that Obama would start making “adjustments and corrections” over the next few weeks in the face of a reenergized opposition.

Polls and forecasters predicted Republicans will pick up anywhere between 45 and 70 seats in the House, more than the 39 they need to gain a majority, in a reversal of the huge losses they suffered in 2006 and 2008. —AFP

power in Washington and setting the stage for a superheated political war ahead of Obama’s 2012 reelection bid. After a bitter year-long campaign shaped by voter anger at the sour economy, election day kicked off with eight eastern states opening their voting booths in the pre-dawn chill at 6 am (1000 GMT), and would wrap up after midnight (0400 GMT) in remote Alaska and Hawaii.

WATERLOO: Three men cast their ballots on election day yesterday. — AP

Daunting tasks await Brazil’s president-elect Rousseff makes market-friendly move BRASILIA: Brazilian President-elect Dilma Rousseff named a market-friendly transition team on Monday as she prepares to take the helm of a booming economy that runs the risk of being tripped up by heavy government spending and an overvalued currency. Rousseff, who based her campaign on extending the legacy of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, won her first election on Sunday as Brazilians voted overwhelmingly for continuity.

After a bitter campaign in which she offered few specifics on her policy plans, Rousseff chose a seven-member transition team that draws heavily from the moderate wing of her left-leaning Workers’ Party, a close aide told Reuters. Chief among them is Antonio Palocci, a well-regarded former finance minister under Lula who is popular with Wall Street and is likely to take a prominent post in Rousseff’s administration, potentially chief of staff.

Others include Jose Eduardo Dutra, president of the Workers’ Party and a former chief executive of state oil giant Petrobras; Fernando Pimentel, a former mayor of Belo Horizonte; and Marco Aurelio Garcia, Lula’s foreign policy adviser. One of Rousseff’s first challenges when she takes office on New Year’s day will be to address Brazil’s hard-charging currency, which is trading near a two-year high and damaging exporters.

Danger of currency war In a series of interviews with TV networks, Rousseff said on Monday there was evidence the world was in a currency war

and it was up to multinational institutions to ensure that countries did not unfairly keep their currencies weak. “I start to devalue and another country starts to devalue and this blocks trade. ... It creates a trade war,” she said on TV Record.

At Lula’s suggestion, Rousseff will travel with the president to the G20 summit in South Korea on November 10-12, where the leaders of the world’s top economies will discuss global currency tensions.

Rousseff has stressed heavily since her election victory that she will run a prudent government, keeping a check on public spending and maintaining the stability of an economy that is among the world’s hottest emerging markets.

“We will not play around with inflation,” she said in one of a series of interviews with TV networks before taking off for several days to rest after an intense fourmonth campaign. “We will have a government that uses inflation targets in the same way that the Lula government did.”

Rousseff spent most of the day meeting with advisers and talking to foreign heads of state by telephone at her home in Brasilia. Financial markets reacted positively to her acceptance speech, in which she pledged to rein in government spending while maintaining the social welfare policies under Lula that lifted millions out of poverty. “Markets reacted well to her words, especially when she carefully spelled out the delicate issue of public expenses,” said Fernando Mendes, head of fixed-income trading at Lerosa Investimentos in Sao Paulo. —Reuters

Ohio teenager finds 3 bodies, thinks it’s a Halloween prank COLUMBUS: A 16-year-old boy thought he stumbled onto a Halloween prank when he found the bloodied bodies of his brother, mother and stepfather in his family’s home in northwest Ohio, authorities said Monday. His stepbrother, who authorities say has a history of mental health problems, was arrested in the slayings. Devon Griffin had spent the night out and returned home Sunday to change his clothes before church, authorities said. After returning from church, he discovered the bodies of his brother, Derek Griffin, 23; their mother, Susan Liske; and her husband, William Liske.

The teenager told authorities it looked like a joke from a Halloween party, Ottawa County Sheriff Bob Bratton said. But he soon realized the bodies weren’t decorations. He ran outside and called an aunt, who called police. “My nephew came home and there’s blood everywhere,” Griffin’s aunt told a police dispatcher.

Bratton said the Liskes and Derek Griffin suffered severe trauma to the head. It wasn’t immediately clear whether a gunshot or a blunt object killed them, Bratton said. Autopsies were being conducted.

William Liske’s 24-year-old son, also named William Liske, was arrested Sunday at the family’s cabin near Scio, some 170 miles (270 kilometers) away. He is due in court this week.

The Blade newspaper in Toledo reported that in 2004, the younger Liske was charged with assault and robbery after he allegedly hit his stepmother with a coffee cup and took her car keys. A plea of not guilty by reason of insanity was filed for him. The state later dropped the charges. The younger Liske had been living in a halfway house, Bratton said. Halfway houses are rehabilitation centers that aim to help people who have been in a hospital or prison prepare to re-enter the community. —AP

iNterNatioNal

10

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Malaysia could be Muslim ‘thought leader’: Clinton Clinton lauds ‘creative approach’ to Islamic finance

PUTRAJAYA: US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton (right) chats with former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad after a signing ceremony yesterday. —AP

Indonesia warns volcano ‘could erupt for months’ HARGOBINANGUN: Indonesia warned yesterday its most active volcano could continue erupting for months as 50,000 remained in temporary shelters and airlines cancelled flights over the disaster-hit nation. Searing grey fumes shot high into the sky and rolled down the slopes of the 2,914-metre (9616foot) Mount Merapi six times after dawn, spreading fear and panic as the government issued an alert telling airlines to avoid the skies over central Java.

“It could go on for weeks, even months,” government volcanologist Subandrio told AFP. Almost 40 people have been killed since Merapi began erupting last week. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono planned to visit the shelters today, his spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha said. “He will evaluate himself the handling of the Merapi victims by officials.

He also wants to receive reports on whether the local government has faced any obstacles there,” Pasha said. Seismic activity escalated dramatically last week at the volcano on the

densely populated island of Java, with increasing lava spurts and about 500 multi-phased volcanic earthquakes recorded.

But thousands defied an order to evacuate farmland on its fertile slopes, deciding instead to stay at their homes and tend their animals. Field coordinator Widi Sutikno, of the Sleman district on the southern slopes, said those in danger had all now left. “All of them have realized the danger of Merapi,” Sutikno said. He said that some of the people in makeshift camps had been suffering from cold and respiratory illness. “None of them suffer from any chronic illness so far,” Sutikno said.

Malaysia-based AirAsia said it had cancelled four flights linking Kuala Lumpur to Yogyakarta and nearby Solo, while Silk Air cancelled two flights between Singapore and Solo. “The flights... to Yogya and Solo have been cancelled only for November 2,” an AirAsia spokeswoman said, referring to four flights to and from the cities. The company

later said the flights would resume today. A statement from SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, said a flight from Singapore to Solo and its return leg were cancelled.

“Our next scheduled Singapore-Solo flight is tomorrow and we are closely monitoring the situation,” the statement said.

Meanwhile the distribution of aid continued to Indonesia’s Mentawai islands, where more than 400 people were killed by a tsunami last week, despite difficulty in reaching victims. “We’re working very hard to ensure that aid reaches every affected area, including remote ones,” West Sumatra provincial disaster management official Joskamatir said. “Sometimes relief dropped from the helicopters may get stuck on trees or fall into the sea, but we’re continuously sending them,” he said. Indonesia straddles major tectonic fault lines and is part of a region known as the “Ring of Fire” that circles the Pacific Ocean. —AFP

Japan recalls diplomat to Moscow over islands issue Japan PM Kan under pressure domestically, diplomatically TOKYO: Japan said yesterday it was recalling its ambassador to Moscow temporarily after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited a disputed island, raising the stakes in a territorial row. Japan’s Prime Minister Naoto Kan, struggling with a divided parliament and a fragile economy, has come under fire for what critics claim was his mishandling of a separate territorial feud with China, and is under pressure to look firm this time. “We have a territorial problem and that needs to be solved,” Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara told a news conference at which he announced the envoy’s temporary recall.

“But our basic policy of concluding a peace treaty with Russia and strengthening economic relations once that problem is settled remains unchanged,” he added.

Medvedev made a brief visit on Monday to one of four island outposts seized by Russia from Japan at the end of World War Two. Japan’s top government spokesman said earlier that leaders from Japan and Russia were still likely to hold talks at a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on Nov 13-14, although Maehara said nothing had been decided.

Strained relations between Japan and China have raised concerns about the fallout for business given deep economic ties between Asia’s top two economies. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last week urged both Beijing and Tokyo to be calm and offered to host trilateral talks to bring relations back

TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara speaks before press yesterday. —AFP to an even keel. “We believe such talks are in the interest of all three countries and we are confident that they would advance shared objectives,” said a US State Department official travelling with Clinton in Malaysia, speaking on condition he not be identified.

Kan support falling However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu dismissed the proposal yesterday as “a US idea”, adding that it was “totally wrong” to include the disputed islands in any US-

Japan defence agreements. “It must be pointed out that the Diaoyu islands are Chinese territory, and the dispute between China and Japan over them is one between the two countries,” he said in a statement on the Foreign Ministry’s website (www.mfa.gov.cn).

Sino-Japanese relations deteriorated sharply in September after Japan detained a Chinese trawler captain whose boat collided with Japanese patrol ships near the chain of disputed islands, called Senkaku

in Japan and Diaoyu in China.

Critics in Kan’s own party as well as the opposition accuse Kan of caving in to Chinese demands by allowing the release of the captain. That perception has contributed to a slide in his support ratings to around 40 percent after just five months in office.

The rainy and windswept islands disputed by Moscow and Tokyo are known as the Southern Kuriles in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan. They stretch from northeast of Japan’s main northern island of Hokkaido to Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. Tokyo’s demands for the return of the territory have weighed on relations with Moscow ever since World War Two, preventing the signing of a peace treaty.

Japanese Economic Minister Banri Kaieda expressed concern that the Japan-Russia row could affect commercial relations, though economists expect no substantial impact.

“Japan and Russia have deep ties when it comes to energy and natural resources development,” Kaieda told reporters after a cabinet meeting. “I’m worried about the impact on economic relations from the Russian president’s visit to the Northern Territories.” Japan’s trade flows with Russia are relatively small compared to those with China, now Japan’s biggest trade partner. Japan’s exports to Russia in 2009 were equivalent to about 2 percent of its exports to China. Its imports from Russia accounted for 1.6 percent of Japan’s total imports. —Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said yesterday that Muslim-majority Malaysia can be a global “thought leader”, praising the multicultural nation’s efforts to avoid religious rifts. On a visit to cultivate ties with the moderate country, Clinton told an Islamic university forum in Kuala Lumpur that Malaysia can be influential among both the world’s Muslims and the broader international community. “Malaysia, both by geography, (its) dynamism, the role that Islam plays, which is a role that is not divisive as it is in some parts of the world, has a real opportunity to be a thought leader in a number of significant areas,” she said.

She lauded Malaysia’s “creative approach” to Islamic finance and noted the presence of civil society group “Sisters in Islam”, which she said promotes the role of women within Islamic traditions. Malaysia’s population is dominated by Muslim Malays, living alongside large ethnic Chinese and Indian communities. After serious ethnic violence in 1969, great efforts have been made to avoid a repeat of the bloodshed. The chief US diplomat praised the Southeast Asian country’s efforts to boost the economy while protecting the environment and “creative ways’ to deal with deforestation.

Clinton made the remarks at the International Institute for Islamic Thought and Civilization, where she fielded questions about US foreign policy in a program broadcast on Malaysian television. When he took office in January 2009, President Barack Obama vowed to get US relations with the Muslim world on a fresh footing after the previous administration of George W Bush. Clinton also told students that the United States was working hard for a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, in response to an audience member’s comment that Muslims were frustrated with a sense that America was pro-Israel.

She said the United States was equally supportive of the Palestinians and Israelis, backing a secure Israel living alongside a Palestinian state.

“It is important for a country like Malaysia to support Palestinians in their statebuilding,” she added. Later, Clinton held talks with Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman. She was also due to meet Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is standing in for Prime Minister Najib Razak, who has chickenpox.

She also met Malaysian women leaders, including top bankers. Malaysia has positioned itself as a centre for Islamic finance, a booming trillion-dollar industry which follows religious laws prohibiting the payment and collection of interest. Malaysia is the fifth stop on an Asia tour that has taken Clinton to Guam, Vietnam, China and Cambodia. She is still to visit Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Australia and American Samoa.”Few countries have come as far in terms of our bilateral relationship as the one between the United States and Malaysia,” Clinton’s top diplomat for Asia, Kurt Campbell, said before the tour began.

He cited “enormous progress on a range of issues — (nuclear) proliferation issues, political coordination and strategic dialogue.”

Malaysia is also important as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, an organization the Obama administration is trying to reengage with after blaming the Bush administration for ignoring it. Relations with Washington were rocky when Malaysia was led by Mahathir Mohamad, who was known for his strident criticism of the West during his twodecade rule, which ended in 2003. The United States sometimes riled Malaysia with calls to expand democratic freedoms. —AFP

LAIZA: In this file photo, a young female recruit of the Kachin Independence Army, one of the country’s largest armed ethnic groups, participates in battle drills at a training camp in Myanmar. —AP

Myanmar’s ethnic minority group prepare for war, set to shun polls CHIANG MAI: As military-ruled Myanmar prepares for its first election in two decades, some of its powerful ethnic minority groups are preparing for war. Several are boycotting Sunday’s vote, which they see as a step toward shattering their long-held dream of semiautonomy under a federal system. The government in turn has canceled voting in 3,400 villages in ethnic areas, disenfranchising 1.5 million people. As tensions rise, both sides have been amassing forces, and some minor clashes have broken out. Should full-scale fighting erupt, a humanitarian crisis could ensue.

Relief groups anticipate a wave of refugees, swelling the 600,000 already in neighboring Thailand and Bangladesh. “We had high hopes to solve the problems by political means but we could not,” Lahpai Nawdin, head of the media arm of the Kachin ethnic group, said at a meeting of activists and others in this northern Thailand city last weekend. “That’s why we Kachin people are preparing for an inevitable civil war. We have to defend ourselves.” The military has run Myanmar since 1962, and the election is widely seen as a ploy to perpetuate its control under the guise of civilian rule.

Though the signs are ominous, experts also agree that neither side wants war. They add that China, the country’s most influential and closest ally, will try hard to prevent one. Myanmar, earlier known as Burma, is home to about two dozen minority groups, many of whom live in isolated and mountainous enclaves along the border with Thailand, China, India and Bangladesh. They make up 40 percent of the country’s 56 million

people. After years of off-and-on fighting that started in 1948, when Myanmar gained independence from Great Britain, the government reached cease-fire agreements with 17 groups beginning in 1989. A half dozen others continue to fight, including the Karen National Union and Shan State Army-South. Under the agreements, the cease-fire groups were given considerable political autonomy and allowed to maintain their armies. But in the run-up to the election, the ruling junta rammed through a “one nation, one army” constitution and ordered the ethnic groups to integrate their forces into a new Border Guard Force.

Several groups ignored deadlines to do so, including the two most powerful: the United Wa State Army, which has the largest force with an estimated 30,000 artillery-backed fighters, and the Kachin Independence Army. The Wa and Kachin have both stepped up military training, and some ethnic groups are forging military links.

Associated Press reporters met young recruits undergoing basic training in Kachin state in April, ready to join an 8,000-strong force fabled for its expertise in guerrilla warfare. Meanwhile, the government has purchased 50 Russian-made M24 helicopter gunships, which are often used in counterinsurgency operations, and withdrawn some civilian employees from potential war zones. Last month, government soldiers encircled a Kachin army checkpoint, while the Kachin surrounded two government liaison offices in one of a growing number of potentially dangerous incidents. —AP

N Korea set to give torpedo sample over warship sinking SEOUL: North Korea said yesterday it was ready to provide torpedo samples to back up its denial of responsibility for the deadly sinking of a South Korean warship. It said aluminum alloy fragments salvaged

by South Korea from the site of the sinking in March “prove, themselves, that the torpedo was not from the North”. North Korean torpedoes are “made of steel alloy material” not the aluminum alloy used in other countries, said the country’s top ruling body, the National Defense Commission. “(North Korea) is still willing to directly hand the steel alloy sample of Juche (self-reliance)based torpedo” to the United States and South Korea, it said in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.

The 1,200-tonne Cheonan was split into two on March 26 near the tense disputed border off the west coast, in one of the divided peninsula’s deadliest incidents in decades.

The incident plunged cross-border relations to their lowest point in years and sharply raised regional tensions.

The North, in a statement several thousand words long,

rejected as the “most hideous conspiratorial farce in history” the findings of a Seoul-led multinational probe. That inquiry in May concluded that a submarine-launched North Korean torpedo sank the corvette with the loss of 46 lives.

Investigators cited “overwhelming” evidence, including a partial torpedo motor and propeller said to have been dredged from the seabed. They said this matched a type which the North had previously offered for export. The South announced reprisals including a partial trade cut-off and staged several naval exercises as a warning to the North, some of them in conjunction with the United States.

In September the South reaffirmed the findings in a final report. Russia sent its own experts to Seoul for an independent investigation but has not made the results public. The North has demanded the right to send a high-level team to the South to inspect the evidence, including the torpedo part. The South has rejected the demand, saying the UN Command should handle the case as a serious breach of the armistice that ended the 1950-53 war. The

North, as it has done earlier, disputed the scientific findings of the multinational investigation.

It also cast doubt on the discovery of the torpedo motor and propeller. “It is nonsensical for them to claim that a civilian fishing boat appeared all of a sudden and netted the propelling body which dozens of warships equipped with sophisticated detecting devices failed to find out in at least 50 days,” the statement said. Citing what it called assertions by some experts, the North also claimed the warship could have broken into two after running aground on rocks. If the hull had been split by a torpedo, it said, the edges would not have been jagged and the hull would have had fragments embedded in it.

Some South Koreans have also been skeptical about the assertion that a North Korean torpedo sank the ship. Alternative theories have included a grounding and a stray mine.

The South’s defense ministry made no immediate comment on the North’s fresh claims.

The ministry, when releasing its final report, had said it was acting to dispel “groundless suspicions”. —AFP

China raises objection to US bid over disputed isles BEIJING: China rejected yesterday a US offer to broker three-way talks with Japan over disputed islands in the East China Sea, prompting Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to reiterate the proposal. Clinton’s offer, first made last week, thrust the US into a long-standing territorial disagreement that flared anew recently and has strained often uneasy relations between China and Japan, the world’s second and third largest economies.

The dispute over the islands remains an issue for China and Japan alone to deal with, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said in a statement. While he did not mention Clinton by name, Ma particularly savaged her suggestion that the US security treaty with Tokyo covers the islands - which China calls the Diaoyu and Japan the Senkaku. “The US side has repeatedly claimed that the US-Japan security treaty applies to the Diaoyu islands. This is very wrong. The US side should immediately correct this erroneous position,” said Ma’s statement, which was posted on the ministry’s website.

Undeterred by the criticism, Clinton told

reporters that Tokyo and Beijing need to discuss their differences. “The offer that I made to host a trilateral with both Japan and China that would facilitate dialogue stands,” Clinton said at a news conference with Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman in Putrajaya. Clinton repeated that Washington has no position on which country holds ultimate sovereignty over the islands but that US security obligations to Japan have been consistent for many decades.

The US-Japan defense alliance is nettlesome for Beijing, which has benefited from the stability the treaty has brought the region but also sees it as a tool for containing China. Also troubling to Beijing was that Clinton’s initial offer was made at a joint appearance with Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara, who is known for hawkish views on China. Clinton’s offer was the second time in four months that Washington has injected itself in a Chinese territorial dispute and angered Beijing by doing so. In July, Clinton said Washington had an interest in seeing Beijing peacefully settle claims over the South China Sea with Southeast Asian neighbors. —AP

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INTERNATIONAL

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Afghans protest problems with parliament elections ‘This was selection, not election’ KABUL: Severa l hundred people took to the streets of Kabul yesterday to protest problems w ith September’s pa rlia mentary poll, underscoring persistent concerns a bout the Afghan government’s ability to carry out elections.

Prelimina ry results were a nnounced la st month but final results have not yet

MUMBAI: An Indian school boy makes a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi as a photograph of US President Barack Obama is seen next to him at the Holy Name school yesterday. Students of this school are gearing up to celebrate Diwali festival with President Obama during his visit later this week. — AP

Indian Kashmir violence flares before Obama trip SRINAGAR: Indian troops shot dead six separatist militants in firefights across Kashmir, police said yesterday, raising concerns militants may have stepped up violence ahead of US President Barack Obama’s visit to India this week. Kashmiri militants have staged attacks across India in the past and officials voiced fears they could use violence during Obama’s visit to draw global attention to the region, where separatists have fought a two-decade-old revolt against India.

International focus on disputed Kashmir, claimed in full by both India and Pakistan but divided between them, has waned in recent years, with attention diverted by the war against Islamist militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Police said six Kashmiri militants had been killed since Monday in separate clashes, pointing also to efforts by militants to regroup amid popular street protests against New Delhi’s rule that have killed at least 110 people since June.

“Police were exclusively involved in dealing with law and order (protests) during past four months, and this gave militants a chance to regroup,” said Syed Ashaq Hussain Bukhari, a senior police official. “For this reason the number of encounters across the Valley has increased in past few weeks.” The protests since June have been the biggest since an armed revolt broke out in 1989 in Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region over which India and Pakistan have fought two wars.

The recent wave of street demonstrations waned after New Delhi relaxed security in Srinagar, Kashmir’s summer capital, freed some 50 protesters and announced compensation for families of the dead. It has also started a process of talks with Kashmiri leaders. But a separatist strike and a security lockdown have dragged on for more than four months. Most of those killed in the protests were hit by police bullets. — Reuters

NEW DELHI: Congress party President Sonia Gandhi (left) and her son Rahul Gandhi who is also Congress party general secretary, talk to each other during an All India Congress Committee or AICC meeting yesterday. — AP

India ruling party chief worries about high prices NEW DELHI: The powerful chief of India’s ruling Congress party called yesterday for more steps to control stubbornly high prices and promised more social programs that could rally voters in a season of crucial state elections. Sonia Gandhi’s statements come as Congress is trying to strengthen itself in politically key states to win a majority on its own in federal elections in 2014 and push through economic reforms that are being held up by coalition allies. But high inflation, led by food prices, is seen marring Congress’ revival in Bihar, where state elections are underway, and its fortunes in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, which go to polls between 2011 and 2012.

Voters in India, where more than 40 percent of the 1.2 billion people live under $1.25 a day, have in the past unseated governments for their inability to control prices. “The leaps in the stock market and the high rates of private investment do not reflect the problems that most Indians face in their lives. It is still a challenge to control inflation,” Gandhi told a meeting of party leaders. “Food prices have come down in recent weeks, but they have be brought down further.”

Headline inflation edged up to 8.62 percent in September and the central bank said yesterday

food prices were not softening as it had expected.

Asia’s third largest economy is seen growing at 8.5 percent in the year to March 2011 and the favorable prospects have fuelled a surge in the stock markets and in foreign inflows. The growth has allowed the government to fund expensive programs such as guaranteeing work to rural families, credited with the party’s improved showing in federal elections in 2009.

Congress hopes that voter anger will be blunted by a proposed law that gives cheap foodgrain to the poor. An advisory body headed by Gandhi has recommended that nearly 75 percent of India’s population be given cheap grain. But analysts say the costs could put pressure on plans to improve public finances and reduce the fiscal deficit. Gandhi said the government would amend its colonial-era land acquisition laws to give farmers better prices for handing over land for industrial and infrastructure projects. She also backed a proposal to give communities shares in mining projects, a move that has been resisted by industry. The new laws are seen as damping large-scale protests that have stalled plans of global majors like South Korean steelmaker Posco, but will raise business costs for firms. — Reuters

A number of candidates demanded investigations, which are still ongoing. There have been small, scattered protests since the Sept 18 election, with Afghans claiming their votes were not counted or protesting delays in naming the winners. The vote was supposed to be a way for the government to reaffirm its legitimacy after a badly flawed presidential election last year.

Criticism over President Hamid Karzai’s severely flawed reelection damaged relations between the president and his Western allies and the relationship has still not recovered.

More than 300 Afghans took part in yesterday’s demonstration.

“This was selection, not election,” said Siddiq Mansoor Ansari, who ran in eastern Nangarhar province. He said he had documented numerous instances of fraud before, during and after the polls. “We will continue our demonstrations all over the country. We will block roads if they don’t listen to us,” he said. Mohammed Daoud Sultanzoy, who ran in the southeastern Ghazni province said Afghans want “laws of this country to be upheld, not an election commission engineering an election to their own end.” “Election laws and the constitution of this country have been stepped on ... if we don’t take care of this problem Afghanistan will see a serious security problem,” he said.

Earlier, a bomb killed two coalition service members in volatile southern Afghanistan, according to a NATO statement Monday night. NATO did not provide further details or nationalities of those killed.

Afghan officials in southern Kandahar province said a suicide attack aimed at NATO troops in Zhari district on Monday evening killed one civilian. NATO said it was unaware of such an attack.

The bomber was on a motorbike, according to provincial spokesman Zelmai Ayubi.

District chief Abdul Karim Olasmal said one civilian was killed and one was wounded.

NATO and Afghan troops began a major operation to wrest back control of the south from the Taleban insurgency in July.

They have established some pockets of security but insurgents still carry out daily attacks and bombings. Analysts say the operation’s ultimate test of success will be whether it enables the Afghan government to establish its presence and win public support by providing services to the people. In a separate incident, a remotely piloted aircraft crashed in Behsud district in eastern Nangarhar Province yesterday.

NATO said it was not carrying any weapons and the crash was not believed to be the result of enemy activity. Drones are widely used in both Afghanistan and over the border with Pakistan for surveillance and to target insurgent leaders. Some of the strikes have also resulted in civilian casualties. President Barack Obama has significantly increased the use of the remote-controlled spy planes and recent months have seen a surge of drone attacks aimed at killing Taleban and Al-Qaeda militants taking shelter in Pakistan. — AP

Pak PM sees no chance of military coup ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s prime minister yesterday rejected calls by opposition politicians for midterm elections and said there was no chance of the country’s powerful army seizing power as it has often done in the past. The government of President Asif Ali Zardari is unpopular among many Pakistanis and is under pressure from the Supreme Court over corruption allegations.

It has been dogged by speculation and rumors that it is on its way out almost from the day it took office.

Zardari, the husband of slain former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, insists he will see out his five-year term until it ends in 2013. His supporters note that his party has a majority in parliament, meaning there

is no constitutional way of ending it early.

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said in parliament yesterday that the army was “pro-democracy” and would not impose martial law. He said those calling for the dissolution of parliament and fresh elections were trying to break up the country.

The army has seized power from civilian governments several times before in Pakistan’s turbulent history, but many commentators say it does not currently have the appetite to stage a coup. However, it remains a powerful political force that would have to endorse any move to get rid of Zardari. Zardari is head of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party, of which Gilani is also a member. Opposition spokesman

Sadiqul Farooq said the government had failed to improve the economy, restore peace and provide even basic facilities to the people. “The government will not survive.

You will see midterm elections soon,” he predicted. Despite Farooq’s remarks, opposition leader Nawaz Sharif has so far avoided directly calling for Zardari to step down or actively leading a campaign to destabilize the government. Many analyst say Sharif is well positioned to win the next elections but is no rush to take power, especially given the perilous state of the country. He may prefer to see the government limp along to 2013 and win those polls, untainted by charges of bringing down an elected government midterm. — AP

been esta blished. The country’s Electoral Complaints Commission has disca rded nearly a quarter of ballots ca st, citing fraud. The decision spa rked compla ints that the body w as ma nipulating results to ma ke sure favored ca ndida tes won.

KABUL: Former legislators and their supporters march during a protest against September’s parliamentary poll yesterday. — AP

Bangladeshi school girls learn karate for defense DHAKA: A district in northern Bangladesh has offered karate training to all female school and college pupils following a spate of suicides and killings due to bullying, officials said yesterday. Learning the Japanese martial art would make girls more able to protect themselves, said Bazlul Karim, head of Tangail district administration. “They need to be strong to tackle the menace of bullying,” he told AFP. Local police chief Mizanur Rahman said sports teachers and police instructors would run the program.

“The response from the girls and their

guardians has been very positive,” Rahman said, adding the police have also set up a 24hour “text-message hotline” for bullying victims to report abuse and receive specialized help. Since coming to power in December 2008 the Awami League government has launched a major crackdown on sexual harassment, particularly in schools, including stationing undercover police in playgrounds to arrest bullies.

The Tangail district’s measures follow the deaths of three people across Bangladesh this week in bullying-related

incidents, bringing the total number of deaths to 36 this year, according to police statistics. On Monday, a 15-year-old Hindu girl committed suicide after she was kidnapped by a stalker who locked her up and rubbed vermilion on her forehead a mark of marriage according to Hinduism. A 50-yearold woman died after stalkers drove a motorcycle over her when she protested the bullying of her daughter last Tuesday. A college teacher who intervened in a bullying incident was also brutally murdered last week. — AFP

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French unions lose, protest culture lives

By Brian Love

A

s France’s biggest labour protests since the mid-1990s fizzle out and union leaders count their losses, the scars left by the fierce battle over pension reform are likely to perpetuate an age-old tradition of unrest. President Nicolas Sarkozy won the battle when his bill to raise the minimum and full-pension retirement ages won final approval in parliament last week, causing a rapid falloff in strikes and protests after two months of upheaval. Besides any possible effects on Sarkozy’s reelection prospects, political analysts say the victory risks undermining mainstream labour leaders and a commitment to consensus-building on questions of fundamental reform in a country where “social dialogue” is an unfinished work.

Francois Chereque, head of the traditionally moderate CFDT union, says the way the war was won had left its mark. Without constructive engagement by the two sides, the default option is more radical and less controlled union action, and with it the permanent risk that people take to the street to settle scores, a habit as old as the French revolution. “Don’t forget that we cut a king’s head off,” said Yves Boudot, a retired social services worker. “Ever since 1789, there have always been protests, barricades and even violence. And even before 1789, French peasants were at it with pitchforks.”

While it may sound somewhat of a cliche, said Guy Groux, a researcher at Paris’s Sciences Po University, that revolutionary legacy, compounded by bouts of popular anxiety over key issues such as pensions, represents a permanent, very French, problem. “It won’t vanish overnight. There is a radical element. It is a minority but it is carries considerable weight,” he says. Although very different from the student-led revolt of 1968 and less damaging than protests in 1995 over a pension reform plan, the latest wave of demonstrations illustrated the point.

National trade unions mobilised several million people no less than seven times for nationwide street marches accompanied by 24-hour stoppages in public services. As the pension bill progressed towards parliamentary approval, more militant union members broke ranks and called open-ended railway and oil refinery strikes, causing lasting fuel shortages that are now all but over as strikes end. Sarkozy refused to budge, despite opinion polls suggesting the industrial unrest had wide support, making the final outcome all the harder to swallow for labour leaders such as the CFDT’s Chereque, who told the newspaper Le Parisien: “The government has lost the battle for public support, which backed this action.

Traces remain when the way is forced.”

What amazed the outside world was the fact that a measure of austerity could cause such ructions in France, and next to no protest at all in other countries where people were being hit by deeper cuts as governments struggled to curb debts bloated by the 2008-2009 recession. In Ireland, fighting for its financial life, the government is raising taxes, slashing spending and axing jobs. There has scarcely been a whimper there because, as Killian Carroll, finance director at a Dublin convention centre, put it: “Austerity is the name of the game. If you want to fix it, you have to take the pain”.

Britain, too, is smarting after recession and a series of big bank bailouts, but for now there is little sign of insurrection over government cuts that make France’s cost-containment look tame. The newspaper Le Monde captured the contrast in a cartoon showing a Frenchman and an Englishman in their respective kitchens at home when a radio announcer breaks news of severe government cutbacks. “Time for a cup of tea,” says the Englishman. “Time for a Molotov cocktail (firebomb),” says his French counterpart.

France’s problem, according to Olivier Fillieule, researcher at the Lausanne Institute of Political and International Studies in Switzerland, is the scale of the divorce between voters and politicians who, once in office, have scant regard for dialogue. “Outside of election campaign time ... the dominant force is the incapacity to hear or see,” Fillieule told the news website Mediapart. “In France, this democratic deficit results in an absence of social dialogue.” Groux says two factors made things worse: French governments have failed since the mid1970s to keep unemployment below a relatively high 8 percent, and mainstream politicians are squeezed not only by a substantial vote for the extreme right but also for extreme left parties.

While Claude Bebear, founder of the French insurance group Axa, hailed Sarkozy’s policy on pensions, he, too, noted the risk for future reform. “He needs to remain on the offensive but he should also take a less aggressive approach ... It’s doable these days because the social partners are more open to dialogue,” he said in an interview in Le Monde on Saturday. Besides the need to nurture a more constructive partnership, whoever leads France also has to deal with the fact that many French people are uncomfortable with “Anglo-Saxon capitalism” and tend to shun the live-to-work philosophy.

That difference, and pride in it, runs deep at times, says former social services worker Boudot. “The Frenchman with the beret on his head and the baguette under his arm - it makes everybody laugh but he’s still there, and very present in people’s minds.” —Reuters

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Military reflex alone can’t quell Yemen militants

By Alistair Lyon

A

l-Qaeda militants in the mountains of Yemen posting bombs to America? Order more drone strikes or send in the Marines. If only it were that simple. The United States has no easy options in tackling the threat posed by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a Yemenbased outfit whose growing expertise may one day match its declared ambitions to harm the West and the Saudi monarchy next door. AQAP thrives in a poverty-stricken Muslim country with a weak, corrupt and unpopular government facing separatist violence in the south and a sporadic northern revolt that has displaced 350,000 people.

Last week’s parcel bomb plot only deepened Western security fears focused on Yemen after AQAP claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that Saudi Arabia’s security chief narrowly survived in August 2009 and an unsuccessful Christmas Day attack on a US-bound airliner. “Unfortunately, nearly a year on from the Christmas

Day attack, US policy towards Yemen is still lost in the desert,” said Greg Johnsen, a Yemen scholar at Princeton University. US President Barack Obama has increased funding for Yemen this year, providing $150 million in military assistance alone.

Unmanned American drone aircraft gather information about militants and have occasionally fired missiles at them, although neither Washington nor Sanaa is keen to admit this. Joint US-Yemeni security operations in the past year have failed to kill or capture AQAP’s top leadership. The muscular approach risks provoking a fierce backlash among Yemenis already deeply hostile to the US invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan and to Washington’s support for Israel.

“The United States is an incredibly difficult position in Yemen,” Johnsen said. “Obama realises the catastrophic consequences of an invasion, while at the same time the surgical approach supposed to target only AQAP figures has backfired in the past, leading to more recruits for the terrorist organisation.” Johnsen cited a December

strike that killed several women and children and a mistaken raid in May that killed five people, including a deputy provincial governor who had been mediating between the Yemeni government and militants.

Western powers aghast at Yemen’s drift towards state failure and its potential to destabilise the oil-rich Gulf region have recognised that the country needs more than military aid.

Yemen’s population of 23 million is multiplying fast, even as its oil revenue dwindles and its water runs out.

“Western governments are formally committed to a comprehensive approach, supporting political and economic reform to address Yemen’s underlying problems,” said Ginny Hill, of London’s Chatham House think tank, noting that donors had contributed to a new IMF programme for Sanaa this year. “However, there is a tendency for counter-terrorism objectives to dominate, particularly after high-profile security scares,” she added.

Western and Gulf Arab foreign ministers promised support for economic

reforms and development in Yemen at a London conference called in January after the Dec 25 “underwear bomber” attack. There is a limit to what outside help can achieve. Security threats in Yemen are complicating life for foreign diplomats and aid workers. Poor governance means Sanaa has spent only a fraction of the $4.7 billion pledged by donors in 2006.

“Some military response might be necessary, but it is not a long-term strategy,” said Pauline Baker, president of the Fund for Peace, a conflictprevention group based in Washington.

“Al-Qaeda and other extremists find fertile ground in states that can’t provide security and social services to their people. “There needs to be better governance, more social justice and stronger state institutions, showing there is an alternative to extremism,” Baker said, arguing that Yemen could otherwise become totally dysfunctional and “end up being another Somalia”.

Nearly a third of Yemen’s workforce is unemployed and more than 40 percent of its people subsist on less than $2 a day.

Yet, even if Yemen could meet more of its citizens’ needs, that would not necessarily eradicate AQAP’s global reach. “Radicalisation is spreading among individuals (in the West) who have never visited Sanaa but are nevertheless affected by English-language material uploaded by figures based in Yemen, like Anwar Al-Awlaki,” Hill said, referring to an American-born cleric who has urged Muslims in the West to carry out attacks. “Western counter-terrorism policies cannot plausibly succeed through containment strategies confined to Yemen.”

The United States and its allies by default must deal with President Ali Abdullah Saleh as they struggle to counter AQAP, whatever reservations they may have about a Yemeni leader who is primarily focused on the survival of his 32-year-old rule.

“The United States is paying the price for years of neglect and shortterm policies towards Yemen,” Johnsen said. “There are no good answers at the moment, because it hasn’t put in the time and effort to develop any.” —Reuters

US treads carefully as it ramps up Yemen role

By Phil Stewart

T

he Obama administration is looking for ways to increase pressure on AlQaeda militants in Yemen after the parcel bomb plot, US officials said, but its options are limited.

Analyst say Yemen’s weak central government faces colossal economic problems and fierce anti-American sentiment that complicate its partnership with Washington, and US officials have treaded lightly since the plot’s discovery last week.

Instead of calling for a greater crackdown, the Obama administration has publicly praised the quick response by Sanaa after two US-bound bombs sent in air cargo packages from Yemen were intercepted in Dubai and Britain.

“The fact is that the Yemeni government has done what we have asked it to do,” State Department spokesman P J Crowley said. But a statement from Yemen’s embassy in Washington over the weekend strongly asserted Yemen’s sovereignty and warned “foreign interference in our internal affairs is not welcome”. “Yemen will continue tracking Al-Qaeda operatives using our own fighter jets, our own equipment and our own military forces,” the English-language statement said.

Analysts cited domestic concerns that the plot, which officials say appears to be the work of Yemen-based Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, known as AQAP, could be used to justify greater US intervention. Too big of a US footprint could spark a

Yemenis stroll at a market in old Sanaa yesterday. —AP

backlash, helping Al-Qaeda recruiting and weakening Sanaa, they say. President Ali Abdullah Saleh is already grappling with secessionist unrest in the south and an uncertain cease-fire with northern Shiite rebels, and his security forces have also suffered big losses to Al-Qaeda.

“What makes this so difficult is that the government has very limited control over the country of Yemen,” said Rick Nelson, a former US counterterrorism official now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Then there are practical limitations of the US government, already stretched by the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and its sizable counterterrorism assistance to Pakistan. The United States has already ramped up counterterrorism assistance to Yemen to $155 million in fiscal year 2010 from just $4.6 million in 2006, a reflection of the growing threat seen from AQAP, identified as the most active AlQaeda branch outside of its traditional base in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Total US assistance, including civilian aid, approached $300 million in 2010, the State Department said, adding fiscal year 2011 assistance was seen “in the same ballpark”.

US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the Obama administration was eyeing a range of options to increase pressure on AQAP, which took credit for a failed attempt to blow up a US-bound airliner last Christmas. Crowley stressed that Washington was trying to bolster Yemen’s own, somewhat limited, capabilities

so it can “deal with violent extremists who are a threat to Yemen as well as a threat to the United States”. “Yemen has a limited governmental capacity and we have worked hard to improve its capabilities so that it can secure Yemen for its own people as well as for others,” he said.

Hank Crumpton, a former senior official at the CIA and the State Department, said options are limited by Yemen’s complex tribal politics, rough terrain and lack of infrastructure.

“Fundamentally, manhunting is hard and in those environments it’s even harder because your intelligence has not only got to be specific, but it has to be timely,” he said. AQAP is playing host to Anwar Al-Awlaki, a radical American Islamist preacher of Yemeni ancestry. US officials have said Washington has authorized the CIA to kill or capture Awlaki.

Although the Pentagon has refused to publicly discuss operational details in Yemen, it was eager on Monday to reject a media report saying the US was considering putting covert “hunter-killer” military teams in Yemen under CIA authority.

The Wall Street Journal said the proposal would allow greater US leeway to strike targets without the explicit blessing of the Yemeni government - a strategy that would surely spark an uproar in Yemen. “There is nobody in a leadership in the Defense Department who’s given any serious consideration to the proposal outlined in that article,” Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said. —Reuters

analysis

Wednesday, november 3, 2010

13

Rousseff’s Brazil will grow, but disappoint some

By Brian Winter

T

hings may never get much better than they are right now for Brazil or its new presidentelect, Dilma Rousseff. The former guerrilla leader coasted to an easy victory in Sunday’s election thanks to broad voter satisfaction with an economy booming at an annual pace of more than 7 percent. Yet even she has cautioned such growth can’t last.

Instead, Rousseff’s four-year term seems destined to be characterized by a more moderate expansion that will fulfill her goal of lifting millions more Brazilians out of poverty, but disappoint investors hoping for more China-esque rates of growth.

The two main constraints will be bottlenecks in Brazil’s infrastructure and Rousseff’s own reluctance to make major tax, fiscal or labor reforms that could substantially lower the socalled “Brazil cost” of doing business.

Rousseff and her advisers have told Reuters they simply don’t see the need for wholesale changes to an economy that has many things working in its favor-soaring consumer confidence, record-low unemployment, favorable demographics and an impending gusher of oil money from new offshore fields.

That conservative approach which one top aide described as “automatic pilot”-is partly a recognition that Rousseff will lack the political clout of her predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose own success was built more on maintaining economic policies than changing them. Yet she also risks her government being defined by the phrase: “Not as good as Lula.” “We have come to expect prosperity in Brazil now, but people have forgotten that it is not always easy to make the economy grow,” said Jose

Brazilian President elect Dilma Rousseff shakes hands with supporters after delivering a speech in celebration of her victory at a hotel in Brasilia on Oct 31, 2010. —AFP Gomes, who owns a small factory outside Sao Paulo that produces metal plates. “If growth slows, people won’t understand why (Rousseff) can’t make it go faster like Lula did,” Gomes said.

During the campaign, Rousseff seemed attuned to the risks of setting expectations too high for Wall Street or Brazilian voters, while also trying to leverage the economic boom and Lula’s support into victory. At a campaign speech in the southeastern city of Juiz de Fora in late September, the career economist laid out a plan for “keeping Brazil at 7 percent growth.”

Yet in a backstage interview immediately afterward with Reuters, she was

more cautious, saying growth could average closer to 5 percent during her presidency. “That might be more reasonable,” she said.

Even that more bearish level might be too optimistic. During Lula’s eight years in power, Brazil has averaged roughly 4 percent growth with a financial crisis during his first year and the global meltdown of 2008-09 outweighed by several years of rapid expansion. Yet that was with several tail winds working in Brazil’s favor, including soaring prices for its main commodities, a generally benign global backdrop, and pent-up demand following two decades of economic stag-

nation.

The torrid growth rate witnessed this year has largely been a product of expansive lending by Brazil’s staterun banks and an election-year spurt in budget spending - leaving behind a fiscal mess that Rousseff must now spend her crucial first weeks and months in office cleaning up. The global economy poses more obvious risks now. And even Brazil’s popularity among investors has become a double-edged sword as massive capital inflows have made the real currency the world’s most overvalued by some measures, damaging exporters.

Rousseff helped ease some con-

cerns by vowing in her victory speech on Sunday night to control budget spending and reduce Brazil’s tax burden, which at 34.4 percent of gross domestic product is far higher than its peers in the BRIC group of emerging nations that includes Russia, India and China. Yet that alone won’t be enough for Brazil’s economy to maintain the red-hot growth of Lula’s last year in power. “Potential growth should remain around 4 to 5 percent for the foreseeable future,” Capital Economics said in a report on Monday. “But in truth this is a missed opportunity.”

Echoing other investors, it said growth of 6 to 7 percent was possible if Rousseff committed to structural reforms that would allow public and private money to flow to more productive areas such as infrastructure and schools. Such investments will be particularly crucial as Brazil prepares to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, and as it strains to improve crowded ports and highways.

Rousseff has ruled out a major fiscal reform, saying it’s unnecessary with the economy growing and public accounts in what she sees as good shape. She has also refused to modify some of the world’s most restrictive labor laws, which would risk alienating trade unions, one of her key constituencies.

Instead, early signs are that Rousseff will press ahead with the same strategy that got her this far - a continuation of Lula’s policies, for better and for worse. “I recognize that we will have a tough task in taking our economic development to the next level,” she said on Sunday night, crediting “the genius of President Lula,” followed by local entrepreneurs, as the roots of “our new era of prosperity.” —Reuters

Pensions victory leaves Sarkozy in tight corner

By Catherine Bremer

P

resident Nicolas Sarkozy has proved his mettle in forcing through an unsavoury pension reform, but must now fight to win over a resentful electorate while sticking close to deficit-cutting goals. To the relief of financial markets and ratings agencies, Sarkozy has overcome costly fuel strikes and a long series of street protests to raise France’s retirement age by two years and close a wide pension shortfall.

By being one of the few presidents to overrule France’s influential trade unions, Sarkozy has boosted his standing within his centre-right UMP party ahead of the presidential election in 2012, when he hopes to win a second term.

The cost of his victory is that unions want something back, and so does a sullen public which, even before the pension battle, was deeply fed up with economic gloom, a lack of jobs and an impression that their president cares more about big business than ordinary people. Sarkozy has to appease unions and the public with small social reforms while keeping down spending, as ratings agencies keep a watchful eye on his pledge to more than halve the public deficit to 3 percent of gross domestic product by 2013. “Sarkozy has won a short-term political battle but the unions have won the ideological battle. The strikers have won the battle of the minds,” said political analyst Jacques Reland of the Global Policy Institute.

Unions are keen to start talking to employers about working conditions for youths and older people who are by far the most affected by unemployment.

Feeling worse off than ever after the pension reform, many middle-income centrists who backed Sarkozy in the 2007

election, liking his “work more to earn more” message, may turn their backs on him in 2012 as things are. “His challenge now is to try and reconquer the middle ground. He’s got a big hurdle, a big gap to fill,” said Reland. As refinery and port strikes that put a stranglehold on fuel supplies wound down on Friday, Sarkozy said he was reflecting on people’s concerns over welfare policy and would take initiatives “when the time came” to answer them.

Yet, if France’s largely consumerdriven growth fails to perk up in the months ahead, Sarkozy will need to look instead at making cuts, and that could be much harder in the post-pension showdown environment and in the middle of an election campaign. “If growth is at 2 percent next year and the deficit falls nicely toward the goal of 3 percent by 2013, then it’s not a big issue, but if growth disappoints, then there would be a need for corrective measures,” said Deutsche Bank economist Gilles Moec.

“Would those corrective measures be taken in such an environment? That’s where there’s a question mark.”

Deficit-cutting will be a central issue in the 2012 election campaign, when pensions may also come back to bite Sarkozy, as his law leaves the door open for a comprehensive review in 2013.

Even before street demonstrations over the pension reform, Sarkozy’s popularity ratings were at all-time lows.

Potential leftwing rivals in the 2012 election soared above Sarkozy in opinion polls as his flashy tastes and a political favours scandal involving his labour minister and billionaire heiress Liliane Bettencourt disgusted many in a country that frowns on the flaunting of wealth.

Polls rank him as one of the most

unpopular presidents in recent French history, with an approval rating that has dipped below 30 percent in some sur-

veys and seven out of 10 people in one recent poll saying they disapproved of him. Sarkozy is basing his rebound

strategy on a reshuffled cabinet that will put a fresh face on new debates over tax and social security. —Reuters

Firings affirm Zuma’s authority

by Tabelo Timse

P

resident Jacob Zuma has reasserted his authority by firing seven ministers in the biggest cabinet reshuffle in South Africa’s democratic history, after months of doubt about his leadership, analysts said. No president since the end of apartheid 16 years ago has overhauled his cabinet as extensively as Zuma did on Sunday, a move in sharp contrast to his predecessor Thabo Mbeki.

Mbeki notoriously refused to fire his health minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang who promoted garlic and beetroot to treats AIDS instead of anti-retroviral drugs. Even Nelson Mandela came under fire for refusing to fire his education minister Sibusiso Bhengu, blamed for shoddy results in the nation’s schools.

Political analyst Susan Booysen of the University of the Witwatersrand called the reshuffle a bold move by Zuma to shed his image as a weak leader. “Mbeki never had the guts to make changes. Instead he used cabinet posts as political insurance for allegiance,” she said. The South Afrian press hailed Zuma for his decisive action. “Zuma has finally broken with one frustrating aspect of South Africa’s 16 years of democracy: he has fired someone,” The Times newspaper said, while The Star said he had acted to deal with “non-performers.”

Among those axed was communications minister Siphiwe Nyanda, a former military boss and senior official in the ruling African National Congress, who sparked an outcry by firing his ministry’s director-general after she raised corruption allegations against him. Also sacked was Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya, minister for women, children and people with disabilities, who saw garnered scathing press reports of lavish parties and extensive travel while failing to establish a program for the newly created department.

In addition to pushing out under-performing ministers,

the reshuffle also aimed to soothe relations among the leftist allies in labour and the ANC Youth League who propelled Zuma’s rise to power in last year’s elections. “He was exercising his authority as president, showing the people that he fully understands their concerns over some non-performing ministries,” said Prince Mashele, analyst at the Institute for Security Studies, a think-tank in Pretoria. “The reshuffle also rewarded some people who had been loyal and supportive to Zuma. He did a delicate balancing act which involved keeping the alliance happy with certain appointment,” he added.

Among those promoted was former youth league firebrand Fikile Mbalula, credited with leading the campaign that saw Zuma elected ANC president in 2007. A deputy police minister, he now becomes sports minister. The promotion could quell the in-fighting between the party and its youth league, which has publicly challenged Zuma over issues like nationalisation of mines, but also Zuma’s personal relations with his multiple wives and children. The opposition Democratic Alliance welcomed the changes, calling the reshuffle a “positive indication of renewed focus on accountability.”

But while Zuma said the overhaul aimed to better government’s efforts to serve the poor, analysts questioned said the moves might not be enough to step up public services. “The real heavy-weight departments central to service delivery like education, health and crime did not feature in the lineup, said Booysen. “The reshuffle targeted soft ministries such as sports, communication, arts and culture. It almost looks like a draw out of a hat.” Mashele said the reshuffle would have only a limited impact on government’s ability to reduce poverty or create jobs in a country with 25 percent unemployment. “A mere reshuffle does not translate to effective governance,” he said. “The country needs people who are capable of driving change, not just party loyalists.”—AFP

Greek PM gambles with election threat

By Ingrid Melander

G

reek Prime Minister George Papandreou is making a risky play for support by threatening to call early general elections if disgruntled voters do not back his austerity policies in local polls this weekend. Election talk has forced Greek bond spreads wider and bank shares lower with investors fretting over risks of instability as the country scrambles to meet a tough year-end deadline set by the EU and the IMF to slash its budget deficit. Papandreou would likely lose his comfortable majority in a snap election, analysts say, and with major parties all down in opinion polls the most likely outcome would be a coalition or a slim majority, either of which would hurt the drive for reforms.

Polls have shown the ruling Socialists (PASOK) may lose the Nov 7 and 14 local and regional vote in key areas including the capital as Greeks show their opposition to the tax hikes, spending cuts and pension freezes PASOK proposes. “God forbid, the last thing we need is instability during this crisis,” said Theodore Couloumbis, vice-chair of Greek think-tank ELIAMEP. “I hope Mr Papandreou is doing this for tactical purposes to help his cause in this coming (local) election and that it’s not part of his strategy.”

Prime Minister of Greece George Papandreou runs in the 10 km race during the Athens Classic Marathon on Oct 31, 2010. —AFP Greece has made progress cutting its deficit but tax collection still lags and risks remain over local authorities and hospital spending. Investors also question if Greece can sustain its programme in the face of a bleak economic outlook. The 10-year Greek bond yield spread over German Bunds has risen to 838 bps from just above 700 bps on Oct 25, when Papandreou first hinted at the possibility of snap elections. Greek bank shares have also taken a hit, losing 13 percent

over the same period.

If he wins his bet and comes out stronger from the local elections usually of minor importance in Greece - Papandreou will have a stronger mandate to continue with unpopular belt-tightening agreed to stem a debt crisis which exploded after he came to power last year. But he is also risking antagonising voters, most of whom oppose early elections, analysts said.

In the streets of Athens, many said they were puzzled and talked of

“blackmail” - a word used by the conservative opposition party - whether they are PASOK supporters or not.

Papandreou has not specified what his benchmark for triggering elections would be and a government spokesman has said it was not possible to define a threshhold in percentages. “He blackmailed us, he certainly threatened us,” said 26-year old bar tender Spyros Klimis. “We were taken aback and he’s risking a lot,” he said, adding he would nevertheless vote for PASOK because he believes the country needs reforms. Support for PASOK candidates has slightly improved among core party voters after Papandreou’s comments but it is too early to estimate whether he would win his bet, said a Greek analyst who declined to be named.

In an interview over the weekend, Papandreou said he was not bluffing about the possibility of calling snap elections and needed support for policies meant to bring Greece’s deficit to under 3 percent of GDP by 2014 from over 15 percent last year. The opposition conservative New Democracy party, which has been saying for weeks that the local election would test PASOK policies, opposes the austerity plan agreed with the EU and the IMF in return for a 110 billion euro ($153.7 billion) bailout. “If our course so far starts to be doubted, if we show that we are losing resolve in the mid-

dle of the road and are being led to destabilisation, confidence in the country will be lost,” Papandreou told Sunday’s RealNews paper.

A PASOK politician, ousted from the party’s parliamentary group for voting against the EU/IMF plan in May, is seen winning the election for the Athens region, Greece’s biggest, in a sign of disappointment with both the ruling party and the opposition. A major financial daily, Imerisia, urged the government not to call elections even it fares poorly in the municipal vote to show EU and IMF inspectors, who are due to visit Greece on Nov 15, that it is serious about reforms.

“This is the only way to ensure the third installment of the EU/IMF loan and deliver a clear message to markets... it is the only way to avoid a return to our bankrupt past, to make a key step for the future,” it wrote in its editorial.

Officials at both the EU and the IMF have declined to comment. A German government spokesman has said Berlin, Europe’s main paymaster, was not worried about Papandreou’s hint on the possibility of general elections. “I don’t think this (snap general elections) will happen, I think both the government and the main opposition party are wise enough to know that this would not help the country at the current juncture,” said BNP Paribas analyst Ioannis Sokos. —Reuters

focus

Kurils trip will not hit economic links

By Maria Antonova

P

resident Dmitry Medvedev’s symbolic visit on Monday to the disputed Kuril Islands, claimed

by Japan, escalates diplomatic tensions but is unlikely to affect economic links with Japan, analysts said. The Kuril Islands, which lie north of Japan’s Hokkaido island, have been controlled by Moscow since they were seized by Soviet troops at the end of World War II, but Tokyo claims the southernmost four as Japanese territory.

Since 1945, no Russian leader had visited the islands.

Medvedev initially announced his intention in September, when he was prevented by bad weather. He also called the Kurils a “very important region of our country”. Despite a speedy response from Japan that a visit would “severely hurt ties,” he landed on one of the disputed four, Kunashir, on Monday for a brief visit lasting less than four hours, meeting residents and visiting local enterprises. “By going (to Kunashir), Medvedev showed that he is a strong leader and that Russia is not a country whose leader can take advice from abroad where to go and where not to go,” analyst Valery Kistanov told AFP. “If Japan had reacted calmly to Medvedev’s wish to visit the Kurils, it would not have led to tensions in relations,” said Kistanov, the head of the Centre for Japanese Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. “Action led to reaction,” said Kistanov, adding that if Medvedev had decided against the trip, it would have led to “loss of face” in Russia.

Medvedev is due to visit Yokohama, Japan, for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit on November 12 and meet Prime Minister Naoto Kan, who was elected in June.

Kan has already reiterated the “position that the four disputed islands belong to Japanese territory” and called Medvedev’s visit there “very regrettable”.

“Now tensions have definitely escalated,” Kistanov said, adding that they could either be dissipated by a face-to-face meeting between the countries’

leaders at the APEC summit, or escalate further if Japan refuses a meeting.

Russian and Japanese officials have repeatedly expressed frustration that the dispute has prevented relations reaching their full potential but summit meetings over the last years have failed to make any progress in the dispute. The Kurils issue is an “eternal irritant” to Japan, said Leonid Slutsky, deputy head of the Russian parliament’s committee on international affairs.

“Clearly, reaching a common denominator on this issue from the point of view of Tokyo can only be done by giving the Kuril islands back to Japan, but that is absolutely impossible because they are an integral part of Russian territory,” he told the Interfax news agency. “The president, without agreeing it with any state, can visit any corner of his country from Kaliningrad in the west to the Kurils and Chukotka in the east.”

Despite Japan’s stern rhetoric, Russia does not have very much at stake in terms of bilateral trade or investment from Japan, both of which remain very small, analysts said, however. “Russia has become more important to Japan than Japan to Russia,” said Ronald Nash, an analyst with Renaissance Capital investment group. “Russia is the main supplier of natural resources in Asia,” he said.

“There is a lot of competition in Asia for natural resources, so to that extent the importance of the relationship for Japan is probably greater than the relationship for Russia.”

“Japan has very few economic levers with Russia,” said Kistanov. “They need our energy resources, they will not stop importing them.” While Russia is developing ties with Japan, its chief objective on the Asian market is China, where it plans to strengthen its presence hugely, Nash said. “Japan is one of the two major drivers for economic growth in Asia. Of course it is important for Russia to keep good ties with Japan, but is it as important as with China? No,” he said. —AFP

Divided parliament adds to Kyrgyz woes

By Dmitry Solovyov

H

orse-trading in Kyrgyzstan’s fragmented parliament may take too long to form a strong government, raising the risk of still more instability in a year that saw a popular uprising and an outbreak of ethnic violence. Russia and the United States, which operate military air bases in Kyrgyzstan, as well as giant neighbour China stepping up its economic expansion - all have interests in the regionally and ethnically divided nation. The country’s Oct 10 election was billed as a crucial step towards an ambitious goal of creating the first parliamentary democracy in authoritarian post-Soviet Central Asia.

But with five parties winning seats and none winning a majority in the 120-member legislature, the approval of a new prime minister needed to bridge political and ethnic rifts may be hampered by clashes of regional and clan interests.

The nation of 5.4 million, lying on a drug trafficking route out of Afghanistan, is highly volatile after an April revolt which deposed President Kurmanbek Bakiyev and June’s ethnic clashes in the south when at least 400 people were killed. Adding to instability, some of the parties that failed to win seats in the election have held vocal protests, threatening the authorities with new upheavals.

The grip of Roza Otunbayeva’s caretaker government remains tenuous across the largely Muslim nation, especially in the south where abject poverty pushes some young people to embrace radicalism. Under new rules, parliament will be the country’s main decisionmaking body, assuming more power than the president. But the five parties in the new parliament each hold between 18 and 28 seats, so even a coali-

tion between two parties would not produce a majority to approve a strong premier.

The parties’ interests vary widely. Two of them want to reverse the reforms and restore the powers of the presidency.

Kyrgyzstan’s parliament must meet for its first session no later than 15 days after the publication of the final results of the election. Within a further 15 days, a parliamentary majority must put forward a candidate for prime minister.

Parliamentary factions will be given three attempts to form a governing coalition and approve a prime minister. If they fail to do so, Otunbayeva must dissolve the parliament.

A new election would then be held in two months, starting a new cycle of mud-slinging and heightened tension. The fate of the Manas US military airbase is likely to add to bickering among rival parties in the new parliament.

Susan Elliott, US deputy assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs, has said Washington would work with Kyrgyzstan’s new leaders and expected to reach agreement on its continued presence at the base.

Kyrgyzstan also wants Moscow to pay a much higher rent for four Russian military facilities there.

While Washington hails Bishkek’s plans to give power to parliament, Moscow remains a strong critic of this model, saying it would create factionalism as rival parties vie for power and leave southern Kyrgyzstan vulnerable to a power grab by ethnic extremists or Islamist militants.

Southern Kyrgyzstan shares the crowded and impoverished Fergana Valley with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, where state repression and poverty breed support for radicalism. This is watched with unease by giant neighbour China which needs Central Asian energy resources to fuel its fast growth. —Reuters

NEWS

14

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Saudi cashier fatwa has women peeved Continued from Page 1 campaign to create more jobs for women. “It’s an organised war to stop what we are trying to do,” she told AFP, adding that “we don’t know what will happen now.”

Objections also poured in from men and women on the Internet. “Another day, another misogynist fatwa,” Eman AlNafjan wrote on her popular website “Saudiwoman’s Weblog”. The fatwa was issued by the Committee on Scholarly Work and Ifta, the official issuer of fatwas, under the Council of Senior Scholars, the top Islamic authority, and signed by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh and the six other members of the fatwa committee. “It is not permissible for a woman to work in a place where they mix with men,” it said. “It is necessary to keep away from places where men congregate.

Women should look for decent work that

does not make it possible for them to attract men or be attracted by men.”

It was the committee’s first politically significant ruling since King Abdullah issued a decree giving the council sole authority to issue fatwas in August. The fatwa came months after several supermarkets and clothing stores began hiring women cashiers under the authorisation of the labour ministry. It appeared to be a challenge to an important government policy, in a country where the Islamic religious establishment carries huge political weight. “There is some sort of a clash now between the political society and the religious society, a clash over an important issue,” said Khalid Al-Dakhil, who teaches political sociology at King Saud University. “The government is now in a very difficult position,” he said.

Some questioned the fatwa, which did not cite Quranic literature for support as such rulings usually do. Like many, it was

written in response to a question, published with the ruling, asking specifically if women should work as cashiers in markets. But uncommonly there was no source of the question given, Asaad said.

Moreover, she said, “the answer to that question has been converted into a fatwa in record speed”. “It’s a planned thing... to hinder the progress of women.”

Dakhil said he expected the government would try to ignore the ruling. “This kind of fatwa is not binding to the government... It may slow the process but it will not stop it.” The clerics “don’t take into consideration the social and economic reality of society,” he said. A fatwa is not the same as a law passed and promulgated by the government, he added.

Nevertheless, it can be used as law in Saudi Arabia, which holds Islamic sharia law as its legal code. All judges in the country are Islamic clerics schooled in sharia. — AFP

Joint Gulf security cooperation urged Continued from Page 1

CAIRO: An Egyptian man walks in front of a Coptic church yesterday as Egypt refused to react to demands over two Coptic women rumoured to have converted to Islam made by an Al-Qaeda group in Iraq that claimed a deadly hostage-taking in a Baghdad church. — AFP

Qaeda demand for priests’ wives spotlights fault line CAIRO: A chilling message from an Iraqi AlQaeda group warning Egypt’s Coptic Christians to free two priests’ wives it says converted to Islam and are being held against their will has touched one of Egypt’s volatile fault lines. The Coptic Church, which usually supports the Egyptian government, says it does not feel threatened by the warning from Iraq, purportedly made by the group behind Sunday’s bloody hostage-taking at a Syrian Catholic church in Baghdad. “We feel secure; we are under the protection of God and the Egyptian security,” said church official Bishop Morcos.

Coptic activists say the message was a grim reminder of the perils of sectarian violence, which took the lives of six Coptic Christians in a southern Egyptian town in January. The message threatened to target all the region’s Christians if the women, Camilia Shehata and Wafa Constantine, were not released. “This is the first time we get threats from outside Egypt. This reflects the sequence of crises we are going through,” said Nagib Gibrail, a Coptic activist and human rights lawyer.

The warning from Iraq came as Islamist protests in Egypt demanding the release of

Shehata were dying down amid police restrictions. But the cases of Shehata and Constantine remain a third rail in Egypt’s politics. Both went missing for days Constantine in 2004, Shehata in July - and were brought back by police amid Coptic protests as rumours abounded that they had been forcibly converted to Islam. The church denied that either woman had become Muslim.

Shehata’s case renewed demands by the church to bring back a procedure, suspended after the Constantine controversy, in which a Copt who was rumoured to have fled and converted to Islam would be brought before a priest for guidance. “We hope these guidance sessions will return,” said Bishop Morcos.

“They provided transparency, and quelled such rumours.” The church says these sessions were voluntary, but security officials say police were involved in supervising the convert until the priest was done.

The dispute touches on a wider sense of alienation among the Copts, who face institutional discrimination amid an overwhelmingly Muslim culture. Copts make up to 10 percent of the country’s population of 80 million, but a Christian may not become president.

Yet the Coptic establishment views the ruling National Democratic Party as a bulwark against rising Islamism. Smothered by this tangle of sectarian considerations are the voices of the women. Neither Shehata nor Constantine have appeared publicly or spoken to the press.

Camilia Shehata was 25 when police escorted her back to her home to quell Coptic unrest. The government press reported that she left home after a marital dispute.

Islamists in Egypt do proselytise, but critics say the church, which is the arbiter on matters of marriage, might be pushing away some of its congregation because of the control it exercises. An Egyptian women’s rights activist says the church’s control has driven some Coptic women to convert to Islam - not out of conviction, but to escape an unhappy marriage. “There was a case I worked on when eleven women converted. Most of them were university graduates who were expected to marry their cousins,” said Nehad Abul Qumsan, head of the Egyptian Centre for Women’s Rights. “They didn’t convert because they were convinced of Islam, they did it as strategy, a form of protection,” she said. — AFP

Peanuts in pregnancy may result in allergy NEW YORK: The children of mothers who ate a lot of peanuts while pregnant may be at an increased risk of developing an allergy to the nut - and the more peanuts the mothers ate, the greater the chances, a study found. But it still is not yet clear if a mother’s consumption of peanuts can actually cause the serious and potentially fatal allergy that appears to be on the rise, currently affecting about 1 percent of children. Scott Sicherer of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City and a team of colleagues at five locations across the United States studied more than 500 infants between 3 and 15 months old who likely had a milk or egg allergy but no known peanut allergy. Most had not yet tried to eat peanuts.

The study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, found

that more than a quarter displayed a strong reaction in a peanut “sensitivity” test, with children of mothers who had consumed peanuts during pregnancy having nearly three times the odds of showing this potential indication of an allergy.

The more peanuts a woman ate while pregnant, the greater her child’s chance of a positive test - although consuming peanuts while breast-feeding did not appear to have a significant impact.

Sicherer and his team noted that the research did not show a clear cause and effect relationship, and that the children in the study only underwent blood tests for peanut sensitivity, which isn’t the same as an allergy diagnosis. His team is continuing to follow the children to determine what allergies might come and go. The lack of clarity on the issue has left many

women confused. “I have had mothers say they ate a lot of peanut and think they caused a peanut allergy, and I have had other mothers say they avoided and wonder why their child has an allergy,” Sicherer told Reuters Health in an email.

“I think that we unfortunately have to say that we do not yet know a certain answer.

But the good part of that conclusion is that mothers should not necessarily have a guilty feeling about their past diet decisions.”

Guidance on maternal peanut consumption has varied over the last decade.

The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a recommendation in 2000 that women consider avoiding peanuts during pregnancy and breastfeeding if one of the parents or a sibling had allergies, but withdrew it in 2008. — Reuters

Baghdad blasts kill 76 Continued from Page 1 Where is their control?” There was no immediate claim of responsibility. But the coordination of the blasts, the complexity of the operation and the predominantly Shiite targets point to Al-Qaeda-linked Sunni insurgents. Iraq has been plagued by conflict between Shiite and Sunni Muslim sects since the 2003 collapse of Saddam Hussein’s regime, which was dominated by the minority Sunnis. It was supplanted by a Shiite-dominated government that remains in power until today.

The bombings began at about 6:15 pm.

The assailants used booby-trapped cars, roadside bombs, mortars and at least one suicide bomber on a motorcycle. Though most of the neighborhoods hit were Shiite-dominated, a couple struck Sunni neighborhoods as well. The attacks stretched from one side of Baghdad to the other and were spread out over hours, indicating a high degree of coordination and complexity from an insurgency that just a few months ago US and Iraqi offi-

cials were saying was all but defeated.

The casualty information all came from police and hospital officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Earlier yesterday, hundreds of grieving Christians and other Iraqis packed a funeral service for members of the faith killed in the militant siege on a Baghdad church. The attack, which an Al-Qaedalinked group claimed it carried out, left 58 people dead and dozens wounded. The complex attack carried out Sunday evening on parishioners celebrating Mass at the Our Lady of Salvation church in an affluent Baghdad neighborhood emphasized the ease with which militants can still strike in Iraq and the particularly dangerous position that the country’s Christians occupy among Iraq’s sectarian structure.

Iraq’s top Catholic prelate, Chaldean Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly, urged the government to protect the nation’s Christian community and not let their promises just be ink on paper. “We are

gathered here in this sacred house to say farewell to our brothers who were just the day before yesterday exclaiming love and peace,” Delly told a weeping congregation at the Chaldean St Joseph Church in central Baghdad. In a show of force, Iraqi security forces flooded the streets around the church where black-clad parishioners mourned for the dead parishioners.

But as the security forces concentrated their efforts in the central Karradah neighborhood where the funeral took place, militants appeared to have spread out in a ring across the capital where the evening attacks took place just hours later. The immediate reaction from many Iraqis was frustration with the attacks that continue despite assurances that the city and country are safe. “Where is the government?” said Adnan Anbar, a 42year-old man from Sadr City who was crossing the street when the blast went off. “What are all these checkpoints about,” he said, referring to the hundreds of police and army checkpoints scattered all over Baghdad. — AP

Retinal implant brightens future Continued from Page 1 What the brain receives through the optic nerve is a tiny image comprising 38 pixels by 40 pixels - points of light that are each brighter or dimmer according to the light that falls on the chip.

“Three previously blind persons could locate bright objects on a dark table, two of whom could discern grating patterns,” according to the paper, published in the

journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. “One of these patients was able to correctly describe and name objects like a fork or knife on a table, geometric patterns, different fruits and discern shades of grey with only 15 percent contrast.

Without a training period, the regained visual functions enabled him to localise and approach persons in a room freely and to read large letters as complete words after several years of blindness.”

The implant was developed by a German company, Retinal Implant AG, alongside the Institute for Ophthalmic Research at the University of Tuebingen.

Lead researcher Eberhart Zrenner, a Tuebingen professor who co-founded Retinal Implant in 1996, said the pilot study was “proof-of-concept”, meaning that it showed how visual functions could be restored to help blind people in everyday life. -— AFP

Sheikh Jaber also commended Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates for thwarting terrorist attacks.

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz said that the region faces different challenges that can be difficult to overcome individually. “The reality of the situation should be accepted, understood and resolved wisely,” he said. “The first of these challenges is to maintain what we have achieved for our countries in terms of stability, security and development,” he said. “Our societies are being are being lured by strange ideologies. Unfortunately, some of our citizens have fallen prey to

them, and have performed lowly acts that do not befit a Muslim. These (acts) are intended to destroy our societies.

Unfortunately, these groups have performed acts of terrorism under the garb of Islam. Islam clearly disapproves of their acts. If they were real Muslims, they would have certainly not committed such misdeeds. We are all aware of the importance of cooperation and unity to face situations that compromise with our security and stability,” Prince Nayef said.

“The GCC countries complement each other religiously, politically and economically. These common characteristics form the basic pillars for the good start to a promising future for our countries and citi-

zens. We enjoy stability and security and therefore, need to develop our abilities and coordinate our efforts and strategic plans.

We also have to study the challenges that surround us carefully. We should deal with it in a professional manner until we achieve the goals as per the desires of our visionary leaders and the ambitions of our people. On this occasion, we hail the efforts made by Bahrain in foiling terrorist plots that were aimed at endangering the Bahraini people. We emphasize our support to our brothers in Bahrain and stand beside them. Finally, let us hope to conduct a successful meeting for a better future for the people of this area,” the Saudi minister said.

Greek bombs target Merkel, embassies Continued from Page 1 “The burst of flame occurred when employees were removing the external wrapping of the package,” the ministry said.

Police said in a statement that a second booby-trapped package exploded at the Russian embassy without causing injury, adding the package was already being treated with suspicion by staff. “A Greek organisation belonging to the antiestablishment movement is very likely” behind the attacks, Athens police spokesman Thanassis Kokkalakis told AFP. The explosions in both cases were reported to be small, and there were no injuries.

Police said a total of five parcel bombs had been discovered in the capital yesterday before the two were found at the airport. Controlled explosions were carried out by police on suspect packages addressed to the German, Chilean and Bulgarian embassies. Those packages were similar to four devices sent to embassies in the Greek capital that were intercepted on Monday, including one addressed to French President Nicolas

Sarkozy. The campaign comes ahead of local elections on Sunday and during a period of social malaise after deep austerity measures adopted by the Socialist government to battle an unprecedented debt crisis.

A Greek foreign ministry official said yesterday that embassy security had been strengthened and missions were warned to take extra vigilance when handling their correspondence. “We have taken additional security measures and all embassies have been notified since Monday to be vigilant over their correspondence,” foreign ministry spokesman Grigoris Delavekouras told AFP. “Things are under control.”

On Monday, a package addressed to the Mexican embassy ignited, burning the hand of a female worker in a courier company. The package intended for the Chilean embassy was destroyed outside the Greek parliament after the courier carrying it asked police stationed nearby to check it and explosives were detected inside, the police said. The parcel for the German embassy was destroyed by controlled explosion outside a courier company where the embassy had returned it

as suspect.

Police arrested two men suspected of links to a far-left group on Monday after the discovery of the first booby-trapped packages. The two men arrested on Monday, aged 22 and 24, were armed with handguns. One of them was also wearing a bulletproof jacket and a wig.

According to investigators, they have refused to identify themselves or to cooperate with the authorities. The 22-yearold had been wanted by police as a suspected member of Conspiracy of Fire Nuclei, a far-left group that appeared in 2008 and has carried out a wave of arson and minor bomb attacks on the offices and homes of politicians.

Attacks on government and police targets are commonplace in Greece and are usually attributed to leftwing extremists.

They are usually designed to avoid causing injury. Cars with diplomatic licence plates are also regularly targeted in latenight arson attacks blamed on anarchists.

Parcel bombs are rare but a similar device fatally injured the then police minister’s security chief in June after being smuggled into the heavily-guarded ministry building. — AFP

Assembly term off to fiery start Continued from Page 1 opposition from a number of MPs. Later MP Marzouk Al-Ghanem said what Saraawi said represents the positions of almost all members of the National Action Bloc. However, MP Salwa AlJassar issued a statement denying that this represents her. But government spokesman and communications minister Mohammad Al-Busairi denied Saraawi’s allegations and appealed for keeping the ruling family away from political feuds.

Tribal MP Khalaf Dumaitheer however strongly defended Sheikh Ahmad AlFahd, saying that he and around 80 percent of the house are happy with his performance and support him. Dumaitheer challenged Saraawi to grill Sheikh Ahmad if he believes he is corrupt but added that “Saraawi will not dare grill Sheikh Ahmad”. Islamist MP Jamaan Al-Harbash also blasted the government, holding it

responsible for promoting and spreading conflicts in the country and also for sponsoring corrupt media outlets which have been “actively spreading rifts in the Kuwaiti society”.

“The government is sponsoring conflicts and rifts and undermining national unity ... the government remained a spectator when a private channel was degrading people and went to the extent of attacking part of the ruling family,” Harbash said. He alleged that the government is shielding those who insult the dignity of the Kuwaiti people. Harbash said that a report was sent four days ago to the information minister stating that the licence of Scope TV is illegal, “but the minister is scared to carry out the law”.

The lawmaker declared that “even (former Iraqi dictator) Saddam Hussein failed to do what is happening in Kuwait today. The fire of rifts is engulfing this

country”. Harbash appealed to HH the Amir to intervene to “rescue this country from conflicts because the government is incapable”. The lawmaker said that an employee evaluation committee in the oil sector had classified employees into three categories A,B and C, with a recommendation that those in the last category be retired. But what happened was exactly the opposite as the oil minister picked the CEO of KPC from category C. “They are just destroying this country” cried Harbash.

Islamist MP Khaled Al-Sultan said that corruption in Kuwait has recently gained ground and expanded influence, adding that Kuwait is the scene of a struggle.

Veteran MP Ahamd Al-Saadoun said that the Popular Action Bloc will submit a draft law banning the government from building a nuclear plant because he does not trust the government to have full control over such plants.

Awlaki charged in Yemen Continued from Page 1 The charges arose during the trial of Hisham Mohammed Assem, a Yemeni, who was in the court to face charges of killing French energy contractor Jacques Spagnolo near Sanaa last month.

Prosecutors told the court, which specialises in terrorism cases, that Awlaki had corresponded with Assem for months, encouraging him to kill foreigners. All three men are accused of “forming an armed gang to carry out criminal acts and to target foreigners and security forces on behalf of AlQaeda.” Assem, who denied the charges, said he was tortured and asked for a lawyer. The trial was adjourned until Saturday.

Hours after the hearing, suspected AlQaeda militants attacked an oil pipeline run by the Korea National Oil Corporation in the southeastern Shabwa province controlled by Awlaki’s tribe. “Unknown militants placed a roadside bomb under the pipeline” in the town of Al-Shubaykah, 12 km east of the provincial capital Ataq, a security official told AFP, saying the attack bore the hallmarks of Al-Qaeda. The Korean firm said it had yet to substantiate reports that Al-Qaeda might have been behind the attack. No casualties were

reported, the company said, adding it had no information on the extent of damage.

The attack came just days after intercepted parcel bombs destined for Chicago synagogues were traced to Yemen, placing it in the spotlight. The parcels containing the explosive PETN hidden in ink toner cartridges were found to have been freighted from Sanaa on commercial airlines.

Washington believes the parcel bombs, uncovered on Thursday in Britain and Dubai en route to the United States, were the work of Saudi militant Ibrahim Hassan Al-Asiri, a suspected Al-Qaeda bombmaker. Awlaki has not immediately been linked to the parcel bombs but US officials have long accused the cleric of instigating “terrorism” from Yemen, where he is believed to be hiding in a remote area of Shabwa.

In the wake of the scare, countries including Britain and Germany tightened air security measures, with London banning freight from Yemen and Berlin extending its ban on air freight to cover passenger flights originating in Yemen.

Yemen reacted with surprise, saying yesterday it needed help not punishment.

Assem, a security guard with whom Awlaki allegedly corresponded, allegedly gunned down Spagnolo, a contractor working for energy group OMV, at the company’s com-

pound in Sanaa on October 6, the same day a British embassy car was targeted by a rocket attack that wounded one person.

In a May video posted on the Internet, Awlaki urged all Muslims serving in the US army to follow the example of Major Nidal Hasan, an army psychiatrist accused of killing 13 comrades at Fort Hood base in Texas last November. “What Nidal Hasan did was heroic... and I call on all Muslims serving in the US army to follow his path,” Awlaki said in a video posted on jihadist websites, the US monitoring group SITE reported. In the video, posted by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), he also defended Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the Nigerian student accused of the botched Christmas Day attack and said Sanaa is collaborating with Washington to attack Yemenis.

US Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Adviser John Brennan earlier this year accused Awlaki of instigating “terrorism”. “Mr Awlaki is a problem.

He’s clearly a part of Al-Qaeda in (the) Arabian Peninsula. He’s not just a cleric.

He is in fact trying to instigate terrorism,” he told CNN. In July, Washington placed Awlaki on its list of terrorism supporters, freezing his financial assets and banning any transactions with him. — AFP

SPORTS

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

ARLINGTON: San Francisco Giants’ Cody Ross kisses the championship trophy after Game 5 of baseball’s World Series against the Texas Rangers. — AP

15

ARLINGTON: San Francisco Giants Brian Wilson celebrates with Buster Posey (left) and Aubrey Huff (right) after winning the World Series in Game 5 of baseball’s World Series against the Texas Rangers. —AP

Giants end 56-year wait for World Series title

ARLINGTON: More than a half-century after moving to San Francisco, the Giants are taking the World Series trophy to the city by the Bay for the first time. Edgar Renteria broke a scoreless duel with a three-run homer in the seventh inning and San Francisco beat the Texas Rangers 3-1 in a tense Game 5 on Monday, taking the best-of-seven series 4-1.

The prize that eluded Giants greats Willie Mays and Barry Bonds for so long finally belongs to San Francisco, thanks to a band of self-described castoffs and misfits and their shaggy-haired pitching ace Tim Lincecum. “World Series champs, 2010.

Can you believe this?” pitcher Matt Cain said.

It was an overdue victory. Mays led the Giants to their previous crown in 1954, four years before they left the Polo Grounds in New York. After that, they never quite got it done despite the likes of baseball giants Bonds, Juan Marichal and Willie McCovey.

“This buried a lot of bones — ‘62, ‘89, 2002,” Giants general manager Brian Sabean said, ticking off losing Series appearances. “This group deserved it, faithful from the beginning. We’re proud and humbled by the achievement.”

In the Year of the Pitcher, the World Series proved the oldest adage in the game: Good pitching stops good hitting, every time. Lincecum and the team with the best ERA in the big leagues completely shut down Josh Hamilton and the club with the majors’ top batting average.

Texas managed just 29 hits in the five games. The Giants scored 29 runs, with Renteria hitting .412, leading all Series players with six RBIs and becoming the unanimous pick as series MVP. “They beat us soundly,” Rangers manager Ron Washington said. “They deserve it.” The Giants hit only .237 the entire post-

season, the lowest for a Series winner since the Dodgers in 1988. But they did enough to hand Texas pitcher Cliff Lee his first two career losses in the postseason after a 7-0 start.

“World championships are won with a good pitching staff and defense and we had that,” center fielder Aaron Rowand said.

“It takes a lot of luck for this to happen, too. You can have all the talent in the world.

Those Giants teams with Willie Mays and McCovey — they had four Hall of Famers on that team,” he said. “We had the talent on this team, especially on the pitching side, but we got lucky, too. It takes a little bit of both to win a World Series.”

Lincecum beat Lee for the second time in a week. He gave up three hits over eight innings and struck out 10. The two-time National League Cy Young award winner arrived at Rangers Ballpark wearing a bow tie, as if he was going to a party. He had one on the mound, for sure.

“Pretty collected. I was very poised out there. From the first inning on my adrenaline kind of just dissipated and I was able to calm down,” he said. Nelson Cruz homered in the bottom of the seventh, but that was all for Texas.

Closer Brian Wilson pitched a perfect ninth for a save, completing a surprising romp through the postseason for a pitchingrich team that waited until the final day to clinch a playoff spot.

Wilson struck out Cruz swinging to end it, turned toward center field and crossed his wrists in front of his chest as he does after all his saves.

Manager Bruce Bochy enjoys calling his Giants a ragtag bunch. Maybe Renteria, Cody Ross, Aubrey Huff and Freddy Sanchez fit that description. Cut loose by other clubs this season and before, they all wound up in San Francisco.

But the foundation of this team — for now, for the foreseeable future — is totally home grown, built on a deep, talented and young rotation, a rookie catcher with huge star potential in Buster Posey and their bearded closer.

“For us to win for our fans, it’s never been done there, and with all those great teams,” Bochy said. Bonds spent 15 years wearing the black and orange. “There is no city that deserves this championship more,” Bonds said in a statement.

“I grew up watching my dad and godfather as Giants, lived out my dream playing in the same uniform in front of the best fans in the world and I just witnessed the Giants winning the World Series. I am ecstatic for the team, the city and all the fans — you truly deserve it.”

Renteria reprised his role of postseason star. His 11th-inning single ended Game 7 of the 1997 World Series, lifting Florida over Cleveland. He made the last out in the 2004 Series that finished Boston’s sweep of St. Louis. In this series he scored the goahead homer in Game 2 and the decisive long shot Monday.

“It was a tough year for me,” the oftinjured shortstop said. “I told myself to keep working hard and keep in shape because something is going to be good this year.” A team seemingly free of egos did everything right to take the lead in the seventh.

Ross, the surprising MVP of the NL championship series, stayed square and hit a leadoff single and Juan Uribe followed with another hit up the middle. That put a runner at second base for the first time in the game and brought up Huff, who led the Giants in home runs this year. So what did he do? He expertly put down the first sacrifice bunt of his career.

Renteria homered with two outs, and

that was enough. “This is ultimate high in baseball and I got to experience it my first year here,” Posey said. The Giants won their previous title when they played in New York. That’s where Mays raced back for perhaps the most famous catch of all time.

They moved West in 1958 and had tried ever since to escape a baseball Alcatraz _ the place where teams get stuck for decades as also-rans. The Red Sox and White Sox got free, not so the Cubs and Indians.

Exactly when these Giants turned into world beaters is hard to pinpoint. Trailing San Diego by 71/2 games in the NL West on July 4, they meandered in the wild-card race until the final weeks, winning the division and finishing 92-70. Come the playoffs, they became dangerous.

Cain had three postseason starts without giving up a run. Throw in Lincecum, the two-time Cy Young winner. Add Madison Bumgarner, the 21-year-old rookie who helped blank Texas in Game 4.

San Francisco posted a trio of one-run wins in the opening round that sent Atlanta manager Bobby Cox into retirement, then stopped the two-time defending NL champion Phillies in the championship series.

Those wins, like this, came on the road.

Texas became the latest Series newcomer to make a quick exit. Houston (2005) and Colorado (2007) got swept in their first appearances, Tampa Bay (2008) stuck around for just five games.

The American League champion Rangers became the first team since 1966 to get shut out twice in a World Series, with big hitters Hamilton, Vladimir Guerrero and Cruz left taking half-swings or flailing wildly. Hamilton, the probable AL MVP, went 2 for 20 with one RBI. “We just got cold at the wrong time with the bats,” he said. —AP

MVP winners ARLINGTON: List of Most Valuable Player (MVP) winners from Major League Baseball’s World Series.

2010 - Edgar Renteria (San Francisco Giants) 2009 - Hideki Matsui (New York Yankees) 2008 - Cole Hamels (Philadelphia Phillies) 2007 - Mike Lowell (Boston Red Sox) 2006 - David Eckstein (St Louis Cardinals) 2005 - Jermaine Dye (Chicago White Sox) 2004 - Manny Ramirez (Boston Red Sox) 2003 - Josh Beckett (Florida Marlins) 2002 - Troy Glaus (Anaheim Angels) 2001 - Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling (Arizona D’backs) 2000 - Derek Jeter (New York Yankees) 1999 - Mariano Rivera (New York Yankees) 1998 - Scott Brosius (New York Yankees) 1997 - Livan Hernandez (Florida Marlins) 1996 - John Wetteland (New York Yankees) 1995 - Tom Glavine (Atlanta Braves) 1994 - Not Held 1993 - Paul Molitor (Toronto Blue Jays) 1992 - Pat Borders (Toronto Blue Jays) 1991 - Jack Morris (Minnesota Twins) 1990 - Jose Rijo (Cincinnati Reds) 1989 - Dave Stewart (Oakland Athletics) 1988 - Orel Hershiser (Los Angeles Dodgers) 1987 - Frank Viola (Minnesota Twins) 1986 - Ray Knight (New York Mets) 1985 - Bret Saberhagen (Kansas City Royals) 1984 - Alan Trammell (Detroit Tigers) 1983 - Rick Dempsey (Baltimore Orioles) 1982 - Darrell Porter (St Louis Cardinals)

1981 - Ron Cey, Pedro Guerrero, Steve Yeager (LA Dodgers) 1980 - Mike Schmidt (Philadelphia Phillies) 1979 - Willie Stargell (Pittsburgh Pirates) 1978 - Bucky Dent (New York Yankees) 1977 - Reggie Jackson (New York Yankees) 1976 - Johnny Bench (Cincinnati Reds) 1975 - Pete Rose (Cincinnati Reds) 1974 - Rollie Fingers (Oakland Athletics) 1973 - Reggie Jackson (Oakland Athletics) 1972 - Gene Tenace (Oakland Athletics) 1971 - Roberto Clemente (Pittsburgh Pirates) 1970 - Brooks Robinson (Baltimore Orioles) 1969 - Donn Clendenon (New York Mets) 1968 - Mickey Lolich (Detroit Tigers) 1967 - Bob Gibson (St Louis Cardinals) 1966 - Frank Robinson (Baltimore Orioles) 1965 - Sandy Koufax (Los Angeles Dodgers) 1964 - Bob Gibson (St Louis Cardinals) 1963 - Sandy Koufax (Los Angeles Dodgers) 1962 - Ralph Terry (New York Yankees) 1961 - Whitey Ford (New York Yankees) 1960 - Bobby Richardson (New York Yankees) 1959 - Larry Sherry (Los Angeles Dodgers) 1958 - Bob Turley (New York Yankees) 1957 - Lew Burdette (Milwaukee Braves) 1956 - Don Larsen (New York Yankees) 1955 - Johnny Podres (Brooklyn Dodgers)

NHL results/standings

Russia, Brazil, US and Japan stay unbeaten

NHL results and standings on Monday.

NY Rangers 3, Chicago 2; Philadelphia 3, Carolina 2; Vancouver 3, New Jersey 0.

Western Conference Ea stern Conference Central Division Atla ntic Division Chicago 7 6 1 41 40 15 W L OTL GF GA PTS St. Louis 6 1 2 26 17 14 Philadelphia 7 4 1 37 29 15 Detroit 6 2 1 30 24 13 NY Rangers 6 4 1 34 32 13 Nashville 5 2 3 23 25 13 Pittsburgh 6 5 1 35 28 13 Columbus 6 4 0 24 29 12 NY Islanders 4 5 2 31 37 10 Northw est Division New Jersey 3 9 1 20 42 7 1 39 39 13 Colorado 6 4 Northea st Division Vancouver 5 3 2 27 24 12 Montreal 7 3 1 29 25 15 Calgary 6 5 0 33 34 12 Boston 6 2 0 24 11 12 Minnesota 4 4 2 26 27 10 Edmonton 3 4 2 28 33 8 Toronto 5 4 1 23 23 11 Pacific Division Ottawa 4 6 1 26 35 9 0 34 25 16 Los Angeles 8 3 Buffalo 3 7 2 30 38 8 Dallas 6 4 0 32 27 12 Southeast Division San Jose 5 3 1 29 25 11 Tampa Bay 7 2 1 35 30 15 Phoenix 3 4 3 23 29 9 Washington 7 4 0 34 25 14 Anaheim 4 7 1 29 42 9 Atlanta 5 4 2 36 40 12 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point Carolina 5 6 0 27 33 10 in the standings and are not included in the loss colFlorida 4 5 0 24 21 8 umn (L).

Rangers down Blackhawks NEW YORK: Brandon Dubinsky scored his second goal of the game from a power-play in the first minute of the third period to snap a tie and help the New York Rangers to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday.

Patrick Kane answered that goal to tie it at 2-2 at 6:08 of the third, but Erik Christensen put New York back on top just 28 seconds later. Dubinsky, who leads New York with seven goals, got the Rangers even 1-1 in the final minute of the first period. Both goals were set up by his linemates Ryan Callahan and Artem Anisimov. Henrik Lundqvist made 33 saves as the Rangers won their second straight and earned just their second home victory (2-3-1). Chicago’s Tomas Kopecky also scored and Marty Turco stopped 20 shots for the defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks.

At Philadelphia, Scott Hartnell scored two goals and Claude Giroux added one to lead Philadelphia over Carolina. Playing without center Danny Briere, who began a three-game suspension for a crosscheck on the Islanders’ Frans Nielson on Saturday, the Flyers won their fourth straight after losing four of five, and took over sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division. The Hurricanes have lost two of three. Hartnell’s first goal came at 12:29 of the first period. He scooped up a rebound of Jeff Carter’s shot, and, with his back to the net, flipped a shot past Justin Peters’ glove side. Carolina’s Patrick Dwyer

tied the game early in the second period when his wrist shot beat Sergei Bobrovsky, who was making his fourth straight start. At Vancouver, British Columbia, Raffi Torres and Ryan Kesler staked Vancouver to a two-goal lead, and Roberto Luongo made 30 saves in Vancouver’s victory over New Jersey. Henrik Sedin rounded out the scoring on a penalty shot with 6:17 left as the Canucks, playing their first game in six days, won their third straight and improved to 5-0-1 on home ice.

Martin Brodeur finished with 20 saves for the Devils, who are off to their worst start in 27 years at 3-9-1 and last in the NHL with just seven points.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia Flyers forward Daniel Briere has been suspended for three games for cross-checking an opponent during the final minute of a match at the weekend, the NHL said on Monday.

Briere, who is tied for the team lead in goals, cross-checked New York Islanders forward Frans Nielsen during Philadelphia’s 6-1 victory on Saturday. After winning a face-off against Nielsen, Briere delivered a cross-check to his face that knocked the Islanders player to the ice and sparked a melee. Considered a repeat offender by the NHL, Briere will miss Monday’s game against Carolina, Thursday’s game against the New York Rangers and Saturday’s game against the Islanders. Briere received a major penalty and a game misconduct for the offence. — Reuters

PHILADELPHIA: Flyers’ Dan Carcillo is checked from behind by Carolina Hurricanes’ Tuomo Ruutu in the second period of an NHL hockey game. — AP

MATSUMOTO: Defending champion Russia stayed undefeated with a 25-18, 2517, 19-25, 25-22 win over South Korea at the women’s volleyball world championship yesterday.

Tatiana Kosheleva led Russia with 22 points while Liubov Shashkova added 17 in the Group D match.

Russia and South Korea had already qualified for the second round.

Olympic champion Brazil also improved to 4-0 in Group B with a 25-20, 25-18, 25-20 win over Puerto Rico in Hamamatsu.

The Czech Republic rallied to upset European champion Italy 25-27, 27-29, 25-23, 25-22, 17-15. Italy dropped to 3-1 while the Czech Republic improved to 2-2 in Group B. The United States overpowered Kazakhstan 25-17, 25-19, 25-19 to remain undefeated in Group C and post a 15th successive win.

Destinee Hooker and Logan Tom paced the Americans with 15 and 13 points respectively. Host Japan improved to 4-0 in Group A in Tokyo with a comfortable 25-9, 25-13, 258 win over Costa Rica, while Serbia stayed undefeated after eliminating African champion Algeria from second-round contention 25-15, 25-12, 25-21.

Poland, Germany, China and Turkey advanced to the second round, joining Russia, Brazil, the US, Italy, Japan, Serbia and South Korea. — AP

SPORTS

16

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Westwood takes No. 1 spot, but for how long?

SHANGHAI: The first encounter between Lee Westwood and Tiger Woods since they switched spots at the top of the world ranking was not exactly the momentous occasion some thought it might be.

A pair of photographers crouched into position on the far end of the range at Sheshan International, where Westwood was quietly hitting wedges and Woods was quickly approaching from the putting green.

“Westy ... Billy,” Woods called out to the new No. 1 and his caddie, Billy Foster. He never stopped walking. “Tiger,” Westwood responded, turning his head briefly before settling over his next shot.

They have been friends for as long as they have been on their respective tours, and the exchange was similar to countless others. The only difference was the pecking order in the world ranking, and even that comes with a dose of perspective.

Being No. 1 in the world is a big deal to Westwood, as it should be. On the home page of his website is a photo of him standing before a map of the world, cradling a globe and holding up the No. 1 sign.

“Whenever you can sit down and say, ‘I’m the best

in the world right now,’ it’s a dream that everybody holds,” he said. Losing the No. 1 ranking is not a big deal to Woods, nor should it be.

He had been at the top for a record 281 consecutive weeks. A year ago, it looked like he might be there for the rest of his career until his personal life and his golf game imploded. The only surprise for Woods is that it took this long for someone to replace him.

“To be No. 1 in the world, you have to win regularly,” Woods said. “And I haven’t done that lately.” All of that can change this week at the HSBC Champions, and not just between them.

The top of golf is so crowded at the moment that four players — Westwood, Woods, PGA champion Martin Kaymer and Masters champion Phil Mickelson — could get to No. 1 this week without even winning.

If Steve Stricker and Jim Furyk had come over to China for this World Golf Championship, they also would have had a shot at No. 1. It’s possible that the highest finisher among Westwood, Woods and Kaymer will go to No. 1 in the world, provided they’re in the top 20. Golf is no longer about birdies and bogeys these days. It requires a calculator.

To kick off the festivities this week, the latest version of the “Big Four” gathered on Shanghai’s riverfront and touched swords in a photo opportunity to depict what organizers hope will be an epic battle for No. 1. But that’s just this week.

All four players realize that this battle will continue after Shanghai and stretch into Singapore, Australia, Dubai, South Africa and California at tournaments they play the rest of the year.

This business of No. 1 isn’t likely to be settled anytime soon. “It could — to really, definitively know — take a year,” Hunter Mahan said. “We’re all waiting for Tiger to get back to where he has been. This year, he had some stuff to go through. But when he gets that straightened out, we expect him to be as good as ever.” That remains to be seen.

This is the 10th time in his career that Woods was replaced atop the world ranking. Historically, he doesn’t lose the No. 1 spot as much as he loans it out. But he has never been as unpredictable as he is now.

And while interest in America tends to peak when Woods is demolishing his competition, it becomes fascinating worldwide with four players whose ranking

average is separated by less than a half-point. “This could be very exciting for the game,” Westwood said.

The top spot changed hands 10 times between Seve Ballesteros and Greg Norman over a three-year period in the late 1980s. This is more reminiscent of 1997, when four players — Woods, Norman, Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie — were all in the hunt for No. 1 around the US Open at Congressional.

The first time Woods was No. 1, it lasted a week before he was replaced by Els, who was supplanted by Norman a week later, and then it went back to Woods.

It rotated among those three over the next year before Woods took over.

Woods, though, has been No. 1 for so long — all but 32 weeks since the 1999 PGA Championship — that to suddenly see so many other players in the mix has given many more belief that it can be done.

Consider the case of Westwood. Woods had a lead that was nearly triple in the world ranking a year ago, yet Westwood still managed to overtake him despite winning only twice, neither of them a major. He was consistently better than anyone else, with two runnerup finishes in the majors, a tie for fourth in The

Players Championship, nine top 10s and only one missed cut.

“It gives everyone hope,” Mahan said. “It’s been a long time since someone other than Tiger Woods has been ranked No. 1. Obviously, we all know it’s possible in a sense. It just takes good play, and some good luck.” The good luck in this case was Woods’ misfortunes, all of it his own doing.

The question now is how quickly he can put his game back together, and whether he can get back to the level he once was when Woods was winning nearly half of the tournaments he entered.

Even at No. 2 — and he could slip to No. 4 by the end of the week _ Woods still seems to be the one dictating the action. Westwood was asked Sunday evening if he still considered Woods’ his main rival, or if he thought the challenge more likely would come the growing pack of youngsters, either someone like Kaymer, Dustin Johnson or Rory McIlroy.

“I wouldn’t write Tiger off as quickly as that,” Westwood said. “I certainly wouldn’t. He’s proved that time and time again when he’s gone away and comes back.”—AP

Americain thunders to Melbourne Cup victory

MELBOURNE: French trainer Alain de Royer Dupre (right) watches as jockey Gerald Mosse kisses the winning trophy after the 150th running of the Melbourne Cup. — AP

MELBOURNE: French jockey Gerald Mosse celebrates on Americain after winning the 150th running of the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse. — AP

Germany, Britain win eights heats CAMBRIDGE: Germany and Britain won heats of the men’s eights to advance to today’s final of the most prestigious event at the world rowing championships on Lake Karapiro.

The German crew of Gregor Hauffe, Maximilian Reinelt, Kristof Wilke, Florian Mennigen, Richard Schmidt, Lukas Mueller, Toni Seiffert, Sebastian Schmidt and Martin Schnauer won its heat in 5 minutes, 24.62 seconds over New Zealand and China.

Germany is the defending world champion and has retained seven members of the crew that won gold at last year’s world championships in Poznan, Poland.

Britain’s Tom Broadway, James Clarke, Cameron Nichol, James Foad, Mohammad Sbihi, Gregory Searle, Tom Ransley, Daniel Rich and Phelan Hill set a time of 5 minutes, 25.34 seconds in winning its heat, beating Australia by 2.6 seconds.

Searle, 38, was a world champion for the first time 17 years ago and is competing at a world championships for the first time in nine years after ending a decade-long retirement.

The winning crews progress directly to today’s final, the last event of the championships, while the remaining crews head to repechages to decide the other finalists.

The United States and Canada won heats of the women’s eights, with the United States crew of Anna Goodale, Amanda Polk, Jamie Redman, Taylor Ritzel, Esther Lofgren, Eleanor Logan, Meghan Musnicki, Katherine Glessner and Mary Whipple posting the fastest time of 6 minutes, 0.52 seconds.

Britain was second, almost five seconds behind the Americans, but also advances to today’s final.

Canada won its heat in 6 minutes, 1.72 seconds, more than two seconds ahead of Romania. — AP

MELBOURNE: French raider Americain thundered home on a rainsoaked Flemington racecourse to win the $6 million Melbourne Cup yesterday, overhauling fading favourite So You Think in the final stages of the race that stops a nation.

Jockey Gerald Mosse held up his mount run until the last 200 metres before unleashing the six-year-old stallion, who charged from third to first and finished more than two lengths ahead of Maluckyday and So You Think.

As Mosse rode triumphantly back to the unsaddling enclosure, his tricoloured cap and stars and stripes silks splattered with mud, he raised his finger to celebrate a first victory for a Frenchtrained horse or jockey in the 3,200m race.

“In the last 200 metres I knew the race was done for me. I put faith in my horse and he came through,” Mosse told reporters. “This job is so easy when you’re in the best race on the best horse.”

On a dead track, with heavy rain falling only minutes before the start, Americain broke well from gate 12 in the 23-horse field for the 150th running of the race.

Americain was nowhere near the front for most of the gruelling race, Mosse tucking his mount in the middle of the field, keeping slightly wide to try and find firmer footing.

“French horses like a little bit more room. I did not want it too rough for him.

I just wanted him to relax,” Mosse added. Around the last turn and down the long Flemington straight a group of horses led by So You Think broke wide to make their dash for home.

“I did not want to give them too much room. I took my vision but did not want to rock home. I saw So You Think get clear and run and followed him,” Mosse said.

Mosse spurred on Americain with the whip but, as he passed So You Think, he knew he had the race won. “He was very, very strong over the last 250 metres and I knew I was going to catch him (So You Think).,” said Mosse. “The bigger the race the easier it is for him to win. He is a nice horse, smart, easy to ride.”

Americain is American-bred but trained in France by Alain de RoyerDupre. “He got nothing in America, he did not adapt to the American system.

But the first time I saw him run in France, I knew he was a great horse,” Royer-Dupre said.

Americain had been rested for the last few days, unlike most of the local challengers. “I am lucky he did not race three days ago. We don’t do that in Europe. He is a big solid horse, but he is a little bit sensitive,” Mosse added.

While French colors flew triumphantly over Flemington on Tuesday, the champagne was flowing for the two Australian owners of Americain, who bought the stallion for a mere $225,000.

Gerry Ryan, a leading caravan manufacturer in Australia, and his partner Kevin Bamford, bought Americain from the House of Chanel perfume kings Alain and Gerard Wertheimer.

“We bought him to run in the Melbourne Cup not to win the Melbourne Cup,” Ryan said. “It’s a dream come true. I will have to keep pinching myself.

“We sat down five years ago and said let’s try and find a runner for the Cup and our third time was lucky.” Many of the 110,200 who flocked to Flemington for the Cup celebrations were hoping for a 13th win for Australia’s octogenarian champion trainer Bart Cummings through favourite So You Think.

They had already had to contend with the wet weather that saw umbrellas sprouting like mushrooms on the lawn.

However, minutes before the start of the race, the rain stopped and so did Australia. Americain is the third European-trained horse to win the race after Ireland’s Dermot Weld saddled Vintage Crop to victory in 1993 and repeated the feat with Media Puzzle nine years later. — Reuters

Three days to go for Red Bull Flugtag KUWAIT: Dust off your sequined jumpsuits and grab your water wings, because Red Bull Flugtag is launching on the 5th of November in Kuwait. For months the teams have been preparing for the awaited day and now they have only few hours to transport their machines to the Flugtag site at the Marina Crescent.

On Thursday November 4th, the teams will be briefed on Friday’s schedule and will have a chance to look around the site and ask questions. Their aircrafts will also be put on display for the public to have a look at.

Meanwhile, work continues at the Marina Crescent where the launching ramp is being built. The launching ramp is 30m long and 10m wide. There will be a 1m safety net from each side. The height of the runway is 6 meters from sea level.

Have your boarding pass ready because Red Bull Flugtag is set to launch soon and one of the 30 teams will be the brave successor of Leonardo Da Vinci, Ibn Firnas and the Wright Brothers.

Since 1992, this event has made the tour of more than 35 countries worldwide and has become internationally renowned.

So what are the rules? All flying machines must be launched from a 6m high runway using human power only.

Flying machines can be built using any material from paper to titanium. Dimensions are important as a maximum wing span of 8 meters and maximum weight 180 Kg is allowed.

All competitors must be over 16 and wear life jackets and helmets.

During the event teams are judged on three criteria: distance, creativity and best performance.

1) Distance - The further you fly, the better.

2) Creativity - Incredible, over-the-top flying machines can score high.

3) Best performance - Teams must remember that they have 60 seconds to impress the jury and spectators before flying.

US concussion guide makes comeback to play tougher CHICAGO: New guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology say no US athlete who has had a concussion should be allowed to resume play until all symptoms have passed, revising earlier guidelines that allowed some athletes back on the field after just a week on the sidelines.

The new policy on treating concussions, released by the academy, follows studies that suggest even small blows to the head can have a big impact on brain health.

“We now understand that there are some really profoundly bad possible outcomes either from two hits in a row or a lot of hits over a lifetime,” said Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, who chairs the sports neurology section of the American Academy of Neurology.

“There is evidence these injuries are more significant than we thought previously,” Kutcher, a physician for the University of Michigan football team, said in a telephone interview.

The issue of concussions in sports has become a hot topic in the United States, in part due to violent hits by players in National Football League games. The NFL has taken new steps to protect its players from concussions, while sports teams at the college and high school level also have devoted more attention to the issue.

Kutcher is heading a push to revise guidelines for treating athletes with concussions issued in 1997, but he said the group is releasing preliminary recommendations now to help protect athletes. Earlier guidelines graded concussions based on whether they caused nausea, headaches or loss of consciousness or short-term memory. Athletes with mild concussions were let back on the practice field in a week. “Those things really don’t allow us to predict how long the injury is going to

last,” Kutcher said. Concussions have become an increasing concern among professional athletes. Earlier this month, the NFL said it would fine three players for dangerous hits-including helmet-to-helmet crashes-that violated player safety rules.

That has followed mounting evidence that repeated head injuries can damage the brain and even lead to early memory loss and dementia. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates Americans have 3 million concussions each year. Among those aged 15 to 24, sports are second only to car accidents as the leading cause of traumatic brain injury.

Under the new recommendations, Kutcher said athletes who have had a concussion will need to have a series of phased tests to make sure the brain is fully recovered.

Kutcher said estimates of the number of athletes who have had a concussion have been climbing in recent years, partly because more people are playing contact sports, young athletes are training more aggressively at an earlier age and doctors are more aggressive about diagnosing concussions, which 90 percent of the time do not involve loss of consciousness.

Often, concussions are not reported or caught. In a study by researchers at Purdue University in Indiana, a team fitted 21 players at a local high school with special helmets equipped with sensors that monitored impact.

They compared data from each player with brain scans and tests done before, during and after each season. And they shot video of each play to see how they were hit.

They identified 11 athletes who had been hit especially hard or repeatedly in the head. Of these, four were diagnosed with concussions. But an additional four had significant brain deficits that had not been diagnosed, they reported online in the Journal of Neurotrauma. — Reuters

SPORTS

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

17

No clear Super Bowl favorite midway through season INDIANAPOLIS: For the first time in years the NFL has reached the midway mark of the season with no clear Super Bowl favorite given a slew of early surprises that should produce an unpredictable dash for the playoffs.

Upsets have been one of the main themes during the first eight weeks of the NFL’s 16-game regular season as some heavy pre-season favorites stumbled while several sleepers stepped up and are in the playoff hunt.

After the upstart Kansas City Chiefs lost their first game of the season on Oct. 10, it left the NFL without a 4-0 team for the first time since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.

The Dallas Cowboys, who began the season hoping to become the first team to play

in their home stadium in the Super Bowl, are last in their division at 1-6 after a humiliating 35-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

“I’m very, very sorry to our fans,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said after the rout. “You should have better than this. You should be able to tell that I won’t rest until we’ve figured some things out.”

While Dallas may be the season’s biggest disappointment, the Chiefs could qualify as the biggest surprise with a 5-2 record that has them sitting atop the AFC West division. The Chiefs’ five wins are more than they won in any of the last three seasons, but honours for the NFL’s most improved team goes to the St. Louis Rams.

Winners of one game last season, the

Rams (4-4) used their top draft pick to grab quarterback Sam Bradford, who has helped restore the team’s pride and lifted them to second place in the NFC West behind the Seattle Seahawks (4-3).

The Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts and Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints were all tipped to be favourite for the championship game but none have lived up to the expectations.

After convincing Brett Favre to put off retirement and return for one more season, the Vikings believed they had all the pieces to challenge for the Super Bowl after falling one win short of playing in the title game last season. But the Vikings (2-5) have taken a beating and are tied for last place in

NBA results and standings on Monday. Chicago 110, Portland 98; Sacramento 111, Toronto 108; San Antonio 97, LA Clippers 88.

GB 1 1 2 1 1 2 0.5 1.5 2.5 3 0.5 0.5 1.5 1.5 0.5 1 2 3.5 1 1 1 3

CHICAGO: Bulls’ Omer Asik jams one in over Portland Trail Blazers’ LaMarcus Aldridge during the second half of an NBA basketball game. — AP

Bulls charge past Blazers CHICAGO: Luol Deng scored a careerhigh 40 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 110-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA on Monday. Deng scored 16 points in the first and third quarters and shot 14-of-19 from the floor in the game.

He passed his previous career best of 38 — also against the Blazers, in 2007 — with a 3-pointer from the corner with 5:48 to play. Chicago’s Derrick Rose, who entered the game as the NBA’s leading scorer, added 16 points and 12 assists.

The Trail Blazers entered the game 30, with all three of their victories coming

as a result of fourth quarter comebacks.

Portland outscored opponents 85-49 in the final quarters of its first three games, but were unable to mount a sustained rally against the Bulls.

Spurs 97, Clippers 88 In Los Angeles, San Antonio beat Los Angeles for the 17th straight time, dropping the Clippers to an 0-4 record. Tony Parker had 19 points and nine assists for the Spurs, while Richard Jefferson scored 18 points.

San Antonio’s reserves outscored their Clippers counterparts 25-0 before Al-

Farouq Aminu got the first points by the Los Angeles bench in the fourth quarter.

Eric Gordon had 23 points and a careerhigh 11 assists for the Clippers, who have won only one of their past 26 against the Spurs.

Kings 111, Raptors 108 In Sacramento, the hosts rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat Toronto. The Kings have won their past five home openers. Tyreke Evans scored 23 points and Beno Udrih added 17 for Sacramento.

Andrea Bargnani scored 28 points to lead the Raptors. — AP

Federer clears the air over Davis Cup pullout BASEL: Roger Federer has cleared the air with the Swiss tennis federation over his lastminute decision to pull out of the Davis Cup tie in Kazakhstan in September, the 16-times grand slam champion said on Monday.

Federer received rare criticism in his homeland when he withdrew two days before the tie. Switzerland went on to lose 5-0 and were condemned to the Europe/Africa group, effectively the competition’s second division.

“Criticism is okay but I think most of the people actually understood my decision,” Federer told Reuters after overcoming Alexandr Dolgopolov in the Swiss Indoors on Monday when the Ukrainian retired hurt.

“I don’t read that much press but I always try to be very transparent with my thoughts. “Kazakhstan was unfortunately not one I could do at the very end, I tried to keep it open as long as possible, but I always think of the long term. “I had a good conversation with the president of Swiss Tennis and all is under control.”

Federer has played 37 Davis Cup rubbers, although from 2005 to last year he only represented his country in the playoff round which decides whether they stay in the World Group.

The Kazakhstan tie came shortly after the U.S. Open, where Federer lost to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, but Swiss media said he should not have waited until

campaign following a shutout win on Sunday over the Jets (5-2), who had been flying high in the AFC East.

The boastful Jets, who have been blowing their own horn as Super Bowl contenders, had a sloppy performance against the visiting Packers that raised questions about the progress of young quarterback Mark Sanchez and an inconsistent offense.

If there is a team making a Super Bowl case for itself, it is the Jets’ division rival New England Patriots, who have five straight wins and lead the AFC East division at 6-1.

The return of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was expected to cement the Pittsburgh Steelers’ (5-2) status as a contender, but a 20-10 loss to the Saints

showed there is work to be done in a division that includes the Baltimore Ravens (52). The AFC South, meanwhile, is shaping up as a battle royale between Peyton Manning’s Indianapolis Colts (4-2), the Houston Texans (4-2), Tennessee Titans (5-3) and the surprising Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4).

After a dismal 1-2 start, the New York Giants (5-2) have flashed their post-season credentials reeling off four straight wins for top spot in the NFC East.

The Saints (5-3) win over the Steelers offered hope their rocky season might be leveling off in a tight race in the NFC South that includes the Atlanta Falcons (5-2) and another surprising team the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2). — Reuters

Colts claim revenge victory over Texans

NBA results/standings

Eastern Conference Atlantic Divis ion W L PCT New Jersey 2 1 .667 Boston 2 1 .667 NY Knicks 1 2 .333 Toronto 1 2 .333 Philadelphia 0 3 0 Central Division Indiana 2 1 .667 Chicago 2 1 .667 Milwaukee 1 2 .333 Cleveland 1 2 .333 Detroit 0 3 0 Southeast Division Atlanta 3 0 1.000 Miami 3 1 .750 Orlando 1 1 .500 Washington 0 2 0 Charlotte 0 3 0 Wes tern Conference Northwest Division Portland 3 1 .750 Oklahoma City 2 1 .667 Denver 2 1 .667 Utah 1 2 .333 Minnesota 1 2 .333 Pacific Division LA Lakers 3 0 1.000 Sacramento 3 1 .750 Golden State 2 1 .667 Phoenix 1 2 .333 LA Clippers 0 4 0 Sout hwest Division New Orleans 3 0 1.000 Memphis 2 1 .667 San Antonio 2 1 .667 Dallas 2 1 .667 Houston 0 3 0

the NFC North division with the Detroit Lions, a team that two seasons ago became the first to play an entire 16-game regular season without a win.

Favre extended his record run of 292 consecutive starts in a 28-18 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday, but it is hard to believe the 41-year-old can take much more punishment as he battles tendinitis in his elbow, a broken ankle and a blow to the chin that knocked him out of Sunday’s game.

But there is still hope in Minnesota as division rival Green Bay have also been unable to deliver on their pre-season hype and lead the NFC North with a modest 5-3 record. Green Bay has battled injuries but offered signs they are ready to hit their stride heading into the second half of the

the last minute before deciding.

Federer lost only four points on his serve as he won 6-4 5-2 in 51 minutes on Monday, the match prematurely ending after Dolgopolov hurt his ankle.

World number two Federer said the Ukrainian appeared more interested in shaking his hand than worrying about the injury. “I ask him if he needed water, a towel, if I could help

him out. “He wanted to shake my hand while he was lying down on the floor, I was saying ‘put on your shoe, let’s hope you’re okay, you can maybe walk out and then let’s shake hands, don’t rush yourself.’” Federer, once a ball boy at his hometown tournament, is aiming to win it for the fourth time, having lost to Djokovic in last year’s final.

“For me, it’s always one of the nicest parts of the sea-

son,” he said. “In terms of importance, everybody talks about the slams and everything but in terms of emotions, this is obviously very high up there, if not number one.

“I love this tournament, more than any other almost, and it’s always wonderful for me to come back here. I try to get good at not getting injury before because it’s happened twice before.” — Reuters

Switzerland’s Roger Federer

INDIANAPOLIS: Peyton Manning tossed two touchdown passes to help the Indianapolis Colts to a 30-17 revenge win over the Houston Texans Monday.

Manning completed 26 passes for 268-yards, including touchdowns to Jacob Tamme and Reggie Wayne, as the Colts avenged a season-opening loss to Houston and move top of the AFC South standings with a record of 5-2.

“They (Colts) don’t take things that happen to them lightly, they come back and play extremely hard,” said Colts coach Jim Caldwell, reflecting on his team’s opening loss.

“We need every single guy on our team, all 53 players plus the practise squad guys need to be ready. “It is something we expect. We expect them to be able to go in and perform just like the people they are replacing.”

Tamme, who had just six catches for 47 yards in three seasons with the Colts, doubled his career total by hauling in six passes for 64-yards and his first career touchdown.

Kelvin Hayden intercepted Texans quarterback Matt Schaub and returned it 25-yards for the Colts other touchdown while Adam Vinatieri contributed three field goals.

The Colts were missing a number of players including two of their top receivers, with Pro Bowl tight end Dallas Clark out for the season with a wrist injury and Austin Collie sidelined with a sore thumb.

Manning said the injuries required the experienced players to step up and the All-Pro quarterback did his part, leaving the safety of his pass protection to run for a rare first down and attempting to throw a block after a Pierre Garcon catch.

“Some guys really stepped up it was a great team effort,” Manning told reporters.

“Everybody is dealing with injuries and whoever is in there has to somehow find a way to do the job.

“It isn’t always going to be pretty or perfect but you just have to keep grinding and make some plays.” Backup receivers Tamme and Brody Eldridge both dropped passes on the Colts’ first possession but Tamme did redeem himself, hauling in two big catches, including a two-yard touchdown pass to cap off the Colt’s first scoring drive.

Indianapolis opened the second quarter with Hayden jumping in front of a Schaub pass and returning it 25-yards.

Neil Rackers connected on a 53-yard field goal to account for all the Texans first half scoring before Vinatieri answered with 48-yarder to send the Colts into the break up 17-3.

The Colts took the second half kickoff and marched 70yards for a touchdown with Manning capping the drive with a 15-yard strike to Wayne but Houston answered with Schaub finding Andre Johnson down the sideline for a 28-yard touchdown. Vinatieri added a 23-yard field goal but the Texans continued to battle, Arian Foster scampering for a five-run touchdown run to get Houston within 27-17. It was another productive night for Foster, who was a one-man wrecking crew for Houston in the season-opener scoring three touchdowns, as he picked up 102-yards on 15 carries.

However, that would be as close as the Texans would get as Vinatieri added a 36-yard field goal to close out the scoring. — Reuters

INDIANAPOLIS: Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney (left) strips the ball from Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub late in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Indianapolis. — AP

NFL standings American Football Conference AFC East W L T PF PA PCT New England 6 1 0 205 154 .857 NY Jets 5 2 0 159 110 .714 Miami 4 3 0 133 149 .571 Buffalo 0 7 0 131 211 0

Baltimore Pittsburgh Cleveland Cincinnati

Indianapolis Tennessee Houston Jacksonville

Kansas City Oakland San Diego Denver

5 5 2 2

AFC Nor th 2 0 149 2 0 147 5 0 118 5 0 146

5 5 4 4

AFC South 2 0 193 3 0 224 3 0 170 4 0 165

5 4 3 2

AFC West 2 0 163 4 0 212 5 0 210 6 0 154

129 102 142 163

142 150 197 226

122 168 174 223

National Football Conference NFC East NY Giants 5 2 0 175 153 .714 Philadelphia 4 3 0 172 157 .571 Washington 4 4 0 155 170 .500 Dallas 1 6 0 154 187 .143

Green Bay Chicago Minnesota Detroit

5 4 2 2

NFC Nor th 3 0 176 3 0 126 5 0 129 5 0 183

136 114 144 165

.625 .571 .286 .286

.714 .625 .571 .500

Atlanta Tampa Bay New Orleans Carolina

5 5 5 1

NFC South 2 0 169 2 0 136 3 0 167 6 0 85

133 163 148 150

.714 .714 .625 .143

.714 .500 .375 .250

Seattle St. Louis Arizona San Francisco

4 4 3 2

NFC West 3 0 123 4 0 140 4 0 133 6 0 137

140 141 198 178

.571 .500 .429 .250

.714 .714 .286 .286

18

SPORTS

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Karpin calls on Spartak to be brave against Chelsea

LONDON: Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic (right) and teammate Nicolas Anelka (left) take part in a training session at their training ground in Cobham. Chelsea will face Spartak Moscow in a Champions League Group F soccer match today. —AP

Shakhtar face perfect Arsenal KIEV: After three wins in its last three matches, Arsenal can secure a place in the last 16 of the Champions League by winning another today at Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Gunners, who won their last two Premier League matches and another in the League Cup, are perfect in the Champions League with a maximum nine points. They beat the Ukrainian champions 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium two weeks ago.

“We have a very technical team and that suits the Champions League, especially in the group stage, where we have technical superiority,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. “We feel that is our natural level. We have the confidence to beat teams, and that makes the difference.”

Arsenal have never won in Ukraine, losing on three of their four previous visits.

Wenger will have to do without captain Cesc Fabregas, who played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 win over West Ham but did not travel to Ukraine because of a hamstring injury. “It is a mixture of caution and his hamstring.

We cannot take the gamble,” Wenger said.

“He has a good chance to play on Sunday but tomorrow would be a risk.” Center back Thomas Vermaelen and striker Robin van Persie are still absent while midfielder Aaron Ramsey is not expected to return from a broken leg for at least another month.

But winger Theo Walcott is likely to start against Shakhtar after coming off the bench on Saturday and midfielder Jack Wilshire, who signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal on Monday, is available after suspension.

Shakhtar goes into the game following a 1-0 league win over rival Dnepr on Saturday. Brazilian midfielder Jadson missed that game with a foot injury, and Armenian midfielder Henrik Mkhitaryan is recovering from an infection. Both are back in light training and could play.

Playmaker Fernandinho is still out with a broken leg. In the group’s other game, Partizan Belgrade must beat Braga if it wants to retain a chance of capturing third place in the group and continue competing in Europe. Braga beat Partizan 2-0 at home, and a draw would be sufficient.

“Braga will probably play defensively, which means we have to take more risks and press them all over the pitch,” Partizan captain Mladen Krstajic said. “This is match point for us for remaining in Europe.”—AP

Milan need big-game mentality to stop Real MILAN: For a club with so much prestige, AC Milan are struggling to win the important matches and today’s Champions League visit of Real Madrid will be as big as it gets this season unless they sort out their problems.

The Group G clash between Europe’s two most successful clubs has all the ingredients of a classic encounter, most notably Real coach Jose Mourinho making his first return to the San Siro since leaving Inter Milan after securing the European Cup. Milan’s Ronaldinho, an old adversary of Real from his glittering spell at Barcelona, is also hoping to make a decisive comeback from injury and stop the visitors sealing their place in the last 16 with a first win at the famous stadium.

A long-term injury to former Milan man Kaka halts the fairytale but the second-placed hosts should still have hearts racing. Instead, Milan, seven-times winners, appear a bag of nerves.

First, Real completely steam-

rollered the Rossoneri in the first quarter of the Bernabeu group game with the red-hot Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil scoring within a minute to wrap up an easy 2-0 win two weeks’ ago.

Then they were beaten 2-1 at home on Saturday by old Serie A rivals Juventus, a team which are a long way from their former glory but still managed to find the extramotivation for a classic matchsomething injury-hit Milan seem to lack.

“At Madrid we deserved to lose, against Juve we didn’t but football is like that. We definitely have to analyse the reason we are losing big games,” said coach Massimiliano Allegri, a former Cagliari boss who is a novice at the very top level.

Even the possible return of Ronaldinho after missing two matches with a thigh problem will not be an immediate remedy. The Brazilian has lost his pace and half his tricks from his Barca days and was largely anonymous in the game at Real.

His replacement Robinho has done no better and is likely to make way even though Alexandre Pato has also looked off-color. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the pillar of Milan’s trident attack, at least broke one duck on Saturday when he scored against former club Juve for the first time after two years trying with Inter.

However, the Swede is notorious for not making an impact in European games although he did score against Auxerre and Ajax.

Mourinho will have prepared his troops for the threat as always and is expected to name Sergio Ramos in the only change to the Bernabeu lineup.

Centre back Ricardo Carvalho is targeting more than just a win for knockout round qualification with two games to spare. “It’s important for us to still be group leaders after our game in Milan.

Our goal is to secure the first position as soon as possible and that’s why it’s important to earn a good result there,” the Portuguese told a news conference. —Reuters

CLUJ: Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger warms up during his team’s offical training session in Cluj, Romania, a day before the match against CFR Cluj in the Champions League Group E. —AP

Bayern look for second round spot CLUJ: Bayern Munich can seal a spot in the second round of the Champions League and set a club record if it beats Cluj today.

A victory would strengthen the position of coach Louis van Gaal after heavy criticism from club president Uli Hoeness. Bayern’s injury list seems to be growing by the day and Van Gaal will have to rely on second-string players to win its fourth straight Group E match. Bayern has never before won its first four group matches.

Bayern won the home match against Cluj 3-2 with the help of two own-goals by the Romanian club. “We have to be alert,” Bayern defender Philipp Lahm said.

“We saw how dangerous they can be if we are not 100 percent concentrated.”

Striker Mario Gomez said the team was traveling to Cluj to win, but cautioned that “Cluj is a team that is often underrated.” Asked whether Cluj has any chance against Bayern, Argentine midfielder Juan Emmanuel Culio said, “of course.” “We must play, we must score and with some success we can win.

We had a lot of bad luck at the last match, with Roma, when we could have won,” Culio said. “Bayern is certainly the favorite in the group ... and it’s more than sure that it will come to Cluj to win, not just to visit.”

Bayern, last season’s runner-up, leads the group with nine points from three matches, while the other three clubs all have three points. In the other match,

FC Basel hosts Roma. Bayern has been winning in the Champions League but at home it sits 10 points behind Bundesliga leader Borussia Dortmund.

Club president Hoeness delivered a stinging attack on Van Gaal on live television on Sunday, describing the Dutch coach as someone who is difficult to talk to, who does not accept other people’s opinions and who makes poor choices in his team selection.

Bayern said Monday the club’s board and the coach would sit down together soon to discuss and resolve “current differences.” Franz Beckenbauer, Bayern’s honorary chairman, said Hoeness’ intention was most likely to “shake up the place a bit.”

Van Gaal has not responded publicly to Hoeness’ criticism, which also questioned the coach’s intention to write off several players who have proved valuable at the time when the top stars are injured.

The club’s chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who is mediating between the president and the coach, said Van Gaal was not pleased with Hoeness’ remarks. “The important thing, though, is that they stop talking about each other and start talking to each other,” Rummenigge said.

In addition to Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Miroslav Klose and captain Mark van Bommel, Bayern has also lost forward Ivica Olic for six months to a knee injury and defender Holger Badstuber also won’t play in Cluj because of a groin injury. —AP

LONDON: Spartak Moscow must shake off the fear factor and treat Chelsea as equals today if they are to stop the London club’s charge to the Champions League knockout round, coach Valery Karpin said.

Chelsea’s 2-0 victory in Moscow means Carlo Ancelotti’s team will guarantee a top-two berth in Group F with three points at their Stamford Bridge fortress.

“We played much better after the break than in the first half,” the former Russian international told reporters in reference to events in the Luzhniki Stadium where Yuri Zhirkov and Nicolas Anelka scored before halftime.

“We were too scared of our opponents, we had given them too much respect, but if we play them like we did in the second half in Luzhniki and like we played Zenit in the second half, then we have a chance,” he added.

Spartak, with six points to Chelsea’s nine after three matches, have posted back-toback domestic league wins since losing to the Premier League champions.

They beat Russian league leaders Zenit St Petersburg before a 2-1 victory over midtable Rostov at the weekend when Ireland winger Aiden McGeady scored a penalty in added time.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have continued their relentless accumulation of points in the Premier League and will eye today’s clash as an opportunity to simplify the demands on their players and allow Ancelotti the luxury of resting players in their two remaining group games.

Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Blackburn Rovers provided more evidence that free-scoring Chelsea are every bit as obdurate as they were when Jose Mourinho was in charge.

“We have a great team spirit in the dressing room.

We know we will lose matches but we never feel like we are beaten,” Chelsea keeper Petr Cech told the club’s website.

“We fight until the last second to try to get something out of the game. As a group we never give up.”

Chelsea have lost only one of their last 23 home Champions League matches, keeping 14 clean sheets in that sequence, and will have Didier Drogba available after he sat out the first three group games because of suspension and injury.

Frank Lampard is still not ready to return, although he could be back to face Liverpool next weekend, but in Zhirkov Chelsea have a player enjoying his best form since arriving from Spartak’s bitter rivals CSKA. “I think he needed last season to adapt to a new country,” Ancelotti said. “This season he hasn’t had a problem and he is being very good.”

Spartak will have to shackle Drogba without defenders Sergei Parshyvlyuk and Martin Stranzl but should carry more of a threat at the other end if Brazilian playmaker Alex shakes off a thigh injury that kept him out of the first meeting. “There’s a good chance that Alex could play against Chelsea,” Karpin told reporters. —Reuters

Matches on TV (Local Timings) UEFA Champions League Chelsea v Spartak 22:45 Aljazeera Sport + 5 Aljazeera Sport + 3 Aljazeera Sport 1 HD Auxerre v Ajax 22:45 Aljazeera Sport + 6 Shakhtar v Arsenal 22:45 Aljazeera Sport + 4 Aljazeera Sport 2 HD Basel v Roma 22:45 Aljazeera Sport + 9 Cluj v Bayern 22:45 Aljazeera Sport + 8 Zilina v Marseille 22:45 Aljazeera Sport + 2 Milan v Real Madrid 22:45 Aljazeera Sport + 1 Partizan v Braga 22:45 Aljazeera Sport + 7

DUBAI: South Africa’s Hashim Amla celebrates after completing a century, during their third one day international cricket match against Pakistan. —AP

S Africa defeat Pakistan DUBAI: Opener Hashim Amla hit a fighting century and paceman Morne Morkel took four wickets as South Africa pulled off a narrow two-run win over Pakistan in the third day-night international here yesterday.

South Africa, put into bat by Pakistan, owed it to the 27-year-old Amla who carried his bat through the innings with a resolute 119 and helped his team to a defendable 228-9 before surviving another scare by Pakistan who managed 226-9. It was the bearded right-hander’s sixth one-day hundred-his fifth this year-which brought South Africa back in the match after they struggled initially on a tricky Dubai Stadium pitch.

South Africa, who lost the second match in Abu Dhabi by one wicket after Abdul Razzaq’s incredible 72-ball 109 not out, this time negated Fawad Alam’s brilliant 59 not out which almost turned the tables again.

Rusty Theron kept his nerves to defend 12 runs in the last over as Pakistan lost two wickets and managed just nine runs.

Paceman Morne Morkel (4-47) had derailed Pakistan after opener

Imran Farhat (47) and Asad Shafiq (43) added 85 for the third wicket to put Pakistan on course for a win, chasing just over four an over.

Farhat, who hit only one boundary off 86 balls, and Shafiq helped Pakistan recover the early loss of opener Mohammad Hafeez (four) and Younis Khan (nought) with the total on 13.

But both Farhat-brought in in place of Misbah-ul-Haq as the only change and Shafiq were run out in sloppy manner to spoil the runchase. And when Shahid Afridi (seven) and Abdul Razzaq (12) fell, Pakistan had all but lost the match.

Alam then added 33 for the eight wicket with Wahab Riaz (21) to revive Pakistan’s hopes of an unlikely win but South Africa overcame last match jitters in the end.

Alam hit three boundaries off 67 balls.

South Africa were once again without their captain Graeme Smith who failed to fully recover from a hand injury sustained during his team’s eight wicket win in the first match at Abu Dhabi on Friday, but all-rounder Jacques Kallis was included after recovering from injury. It was Amla though who

anchored the South African innings with a patient knock. Amla put on a valuable 59-run fourth wicket stand with Jean-Paul Duminy (26) after Pakistani paceman Shoaib Akhtar put them on the back foot by dismissing Kallis (nought) and in-form Colin Ingram (four) early.

Amla, who has so far scored 986 runs in 13 one-day matches this year, held one end during his 126ball knock, hitting nine boundaries to carry his bat through the innings.

Pakistani spinners - Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Hafeez - also benefitted from the slow turn as they captured four wickets between them and never allowed South African batsman any room for free strokeplay.

Afridi had dangerous-looking AB de Villiers and Albie Morkel who both scored 19 each - during his 2-53 off ten overs, while Hafeez (2-34) accounted for Duminy and David Miller (6).

Amla added another valuable 38 with Johan Botha (15) before Akhtar dismissed Botha to finish with 3-39. Both teams play two Tests-one each in Dubai and Abu Dhabi-after the one-day series. —AFP

Scoreboard DUBAI: Scoreboard in the third day-night international between Pakistan and South Africa at the Dubai Stadium here yesterday: South Africa Hashim Amla not out 119 J. Kallis b Akhtar 0 C. Ingram c and b Akhtar 4 AB de Villiers st Haider b Afridi 19 JP Duminy c Haider b Hafeez 26 D. Miller b Hafeez 6 A. Morkel c Hafeez b Afridi 19 J. Botha b Akhtar 15 M. Morkel c Alam b Riaz 2 R. Theron run out 5 Extras: (lb1, nb1, w11) 13 Total: (for nine wickets) 228 Did not bat: L. Tsotsobe Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Kallis), 2-15 (Ingram), 3-57 (De Villiers), 4-116 (Duminy), 5-126 (Miller), 6-163 (A. Morkel), 7-201 (Botha), 8-211 (M. Morkel), 9Bowling: Akhtar 10-1-39-3 (1nb, 5w), Razzaq 5-1-190, Riaz 10-1-46-1 (2w), Ajmal 6-0-36-0, Afridi 10-053-2 (3w), Hafeez 9-0-34-2 (1w)

Pakistan: Farhat run out 47 Hafeez c Botha b Tsotsobe 4 Younis c Botha b M. Morkel 0 Shafiq run out 43 Afridi c de Villiers b M. Morkel 7 Fawad Alam not out 59 Razzaq c de Villiers b Kallis 12 Haider c Amla b M. Morkel 11 Wahab Riaz c de Villiers b M. Morkel 21 Ajmal c de Villiers b Theron 2 Shoaib Akhtar not out 1 Extras: (lb13, nb 1, w5) 19 Total: (for nine wickets) 226 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Hafeez), 2-13 (Younis), 3-98 (Farhat), 4-108 (Afridi), 5-121 (Shafiq), 6-148 (Razzaq), 7-176 (Haider), 8-209 (Riaz), 9-225 (Ajmal) Bowling: M. Morkel 10-1-47-4 (1w), Tsotsobe 10-128-1 (2w), Kallis 7-0-30-1 (1w), Theron 8-0-49-1 (1nb), Botha 10-0-42-0, Duminy 5-0-17-0 (1w)

LONDON: This is a Wednesday July 30, 2008 file photo of South Africa’s Makhaya Ntini as he celebrates his wicket of England’s Ian Bell. —AP

‘Ntini can say goodbye only in Proteas colors’

JOHANNESBURG: Fast bowler Makhaya Ntini will not be allowed to retire from international cricket without playing for his country one last time, Cricket South Africa said yesterday.

Ntini, the first black African to represent the Proteas and one of its most successful players ever, announced yesterday he was giving up international cricket. He has not appeared for South Africa since December 2009. But CSA chief executive Gerald Majola insisted the immensely popular Ntini “will say goodbye in Proteas colors” in a Twenty20 international against India early next year.

“Makhaya, what you’ve meant to South African cricket, we can’t let you retire outside the field,” an emotional Majola said. “The selectors understand that the team will be Makhaya plus others,” he added, explaining he had sought special permission from the team’s selection panel to pick Ntini for the farewell match at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Jan. 9.

CSA also hopes a record South African cricket crowd of 60,000 attends the game at one of the 2010

football World Cup stadiums.

Ntini has the second highest number of test wickets by a South African, and the team’s best test and one-day match figures.

Earlier, the 33-year-old Ntini said he was bowing out after 11 years in international cricket in a surprise announcement at the end of a media briefing to outline plans for the upcoming series between South Africa and India. “Today is the day that nobody ever wants to happen in their careers, when they say ‘it’s time for me to move on and say goodbye to cricket.’ I’m retiring from playing cricket for South Africa in all formats of the game ... it’s hard but there’s nothing we can do about it,” a smiling Ntini said.

“We have to tie our laces, dust off our jackets and see what the light of tomorrow will bring.” He said he would continue playing for his province. Ntini is one of South Africa’s best-ever fast bowlers, playing 101 tests and 173 ODIs. He took 390 test wickets for the Proteas, second only to Shaun Pollock’s 421, and 266 one-day wickets. —AP

SPORTS

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

19

Lyon denied as Benfica go for the knockout

LISBON: A double from Fabio Coentrao inspired Benfica to a 4-3 Champions League win over Lyon yesterday, relaunching the Portuguese side’s last 16 bid and ending Lyon’s hopes of acquiring the point they needed to make the knockout stage.

Champions League

TEL AVIV: Schalke’s Sergio Escudero (left) vies for the ball with Hapoel Tel Aviv’s Gil Vermouth during the UEFA Champions League Group B soccer match. —AP

Schalke play to a drab draw TEL AVIV: Hapoel Tel Aviv claimed its first point of the Champions League group stage yesterday with a 0-0 draw at home to Schalke.

Despite producing a number of scoring opportunities, last season’s Israeli champions were unable to get the ball past Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

The result leaves Hapoel rooted at bottom of Group B, while Schalke is second with seven points - two behind Lyon. But it means coach Eli Guttman’s team has at least gone one better than last year’s Israeli representative, Maccabi Haifa, which became the first team to finish the group stage with zero goals and zero points.

Schalke was in control for much of the first half, although the hosts also came close to scoring on more than one occasion, notably with a shot from Eran Zahavi which drew a save in the 30th minute, and went on to control the second half.

“We didn’t win the match because we missed our chances,” Guttman said. “At this level, you need to make the most of your opportunities. We played organized soccer, moved the ball well and created opportunities. I’m proud of my players.” The visitors put on the pressure from the kickoff, but Hapoel weathered the opening pressure and regained its composure as the game opened up.

Striker Toto Tamuz produced a stinging shot from outside the box to test Neuer in the 18th minute, but the Germany keeper parried the ball away.

Zahavi had a clear chance to put the home side in front just before the half hour mark when Ben Sahar headed down to him just a few meters out from the goal, but Neuer dived well and managed to push his shot away for a corner.

Schalke troubled Hapoel goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama on more than one occasion in the final minutes of the first half, with the Nigerian saving well from a Raul header in the 40th minute and then tipping a long range effort from Jose

Manuel Jurado over the bar in the 44th.

The home side built some real momentum in the second half and began pushing forward. On 58 minutes Salim Toama skipped into the box and sent in a superb cross, but Tamuz’s effort was stopped practically on the goalline by a harried Schalke defense.

Ten minutes later Neuer had to dive full length to stop substitute Yossi Shivhon from scoring with a glancing header.

The visitors had their chances as the game drew to a close, and Christoph Metzelder headed wide from a corner with three minutes left. —AP

SPAIN: Valencia’s Juan Manuel Mata (left) duels for the ball with Glasgow Rangers Steven Davis from Northern Ireland (right) during their Champions League soccer match at Mestalla stadium. —AP

Soldado’s brace sink Rangers MADRID: Spain forward Roberto Soldado scored a brace as Valencia defeated Rangers 3-0 at the Mestalla Stadium yesterday to boost their chances of reaching the knockout stage of the Champions League.

Soldado, a 10-million-euro summer signing from Getafe, scored his first Champions League goals for Valencia on 32 and 69 minutes with Tino Costa adding a late third to inflict a first defeat of the season on Walter Smith’s side.

“I am happy with the goals and an important Champions League win for us,” said Soldado. “This (playing in the Champions League) is one of the big reasons I signed for Valencia.

“We knew all about the spirit of Rangers and that it would be difficult to score against them, however, I got the rebound from the corner for the important first goal and we built on that.”

Valencia leapfrog Rangers into second place on seven points, three behind group C leaders Manchester United.

Rangers have five points and Bursaspor have zero.

Rangers had never won a European match in Spain and the defeat to Valencia extended that woe and their record on Spanish soil is nine defeats

and two draws from 11 visits.

Valencia’s captain and veteran goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez, 39, was back between the sticks after recovering from illness and coach Unai Emery fielded an attacking line-up of two wingers and two forwards.

Rangers were relieved to see US international midfielder Maurice Edu shrug off a knock to start and Scotland international midfielder Lee McCulloch was also back after missing the first clash between the two sides through injury.

Valencia had been struggling of late with one point from nine in the league and their fans booed the team off after a 1-1 home draw with Real Zaragoza on Saturday.

With three minutes on the clock Valencia had their first sight on goal with David Albelda’s pass finding Juan Mata but the Spanish international’s shot from an acute angle was blocked by Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

Rangers responded by going agonisingly close to scoring in the ninth minute with Steven Naismith cutting inside off the left flank before smashing a right-footed shot against the post.

Minutes later McGregor, making his

200th appearance for Rangers, pulled off a fine save to deny Mata who looked certain to score after a neat cut-back from Aritz Aduriz.

Valencia got the breakthrough they wanted on 32 minutes as Rangers failed to clear a corner. The ball fell to Soldado, whose scuffed shot crept past McGregor and the defender on the post.

It was Valencia’s first Champions League home goal of the season-having lost 1-0 to Manchester United in their other group match at the Mestalla.

The second arrived in the 69th minute with the ex-Real Madrid forward exchanging passes with Mata before cutting his shot across McGregor who got a hand to the shot but couldn’t keep it out.

Naismith hit the post for the second time with a header in the closing minutes but Valencia added a third through Costa two minutes from time and sealed an important victory that puts them within sight of qualification to the knockout stage.

Valencia’s next match is at Bursaspor, who were beaten 3-0 by United yesterday, on November 24 while Rangers host Manchester United at Ibrox Stadium. —AFP

Brazilian Alan Kardec opened the scoring for Benfica after 20 minutes, with Portuguese international Coentrao grabbing the first of his two goals just after the half hour.

Javi Garcia lit up the Stadium of Light to give the hosts a 3-0 lead at the interval, and a fourth came from Coentrao on 67 minutes.

Such is Lyon’s precarious predicament at home that some Lyon fans unfurled a banner calling on coach Claude Puel to resign. But was allowed to take heart from a second-half fightback which saw his side come from 4-0 down to score three times in the final 20 minutes.

Lyon’s opener came courtesy of Yoann Gourcuff on 75 minutes, with Bafetembi Gomis and Maxime Gonalon reducing arrears on 85 and 90+6 minutes respectively.

“We showed a certain naivety in allowing them to go 4-0 up,” admitted Puel, who last week got the thumbs up from owner JeanMichel Aulas in retaining his post after a sticky opening to the league campaign.

“However, I really liked the way we showed character in keeping our nerve and sticking to our gameplan and coming back as we did. It showed real team spirit.”

Kardec, who came into the match in form after scoring in the league on Friday, rose above the Lyon defenders to head home from Carlos Martins’ freekick in the 20th minute.

The visitors-who had the ball in the net early on from Jimmy Briand but it was ruled out for offside-had already been warned as Coentrao had broken free down the left but with just Lloris to beat he fired well over.

Veteran Lyon defender Jerome Reveillere saved his side from going 2-0 down with a timely intervention in the penalty area before turning creator as he motored down the right flank and crossed to Briand, whose spectacular overhead kick went over the bar.

However, a terrible lapse by first Miralem Pjanic and then Dejan Lovren in the 32nd minute allowed the hosts to break with a four to two advantage and Coentrao rifled home Martins’ perfect cross to give the French side a huge task to get back into the match.

Any possibility of Lyon rescuing even the point that they needed to progress to the knockout stage disappeared in the 42nd minute as Garcia stole in unmarked to head past Lloris from a corner.

And Martins and Coentrao combined delightfully in the 67th minute to leave Lyon and coach Puel scratching their heads in astonishment.

However, the hosts took their foot off the pedal and nearly paid for it dearly as the visitors took full advantage of their lacksadaisical attitude.

Gourcuff reduced arrears with a first-time shot from just inside the area, and then Gomis tapped home at the far post.

Gonalon scored Lyon’s third in the last minute of time added on. —AFP

LISBON: Benfica’s Alan Kardec, from Brazil, celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Lyon during their Champions League Group B soccer match. —AP

Panathinaikos hold Rubin in Champions League KAZAN: Rubin Kazan and Panathinaikos played out a second straight 0-0 draw in the Champions League yesterday, leaving both sides with an uphill task to qualify for the next round.

Two weeks after the two sides finished goalless in Greece, Rubin dominated its home game but failed to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities.

The result left Rubin, which is yet to win a match, in third place in Group D with three points from four games.

Panathinaikos remains last with two, and midfielder Costas Katsouranis admitted qualification for the knockout round was unrealistic.

“It’s more realistic to hope for third place in the group,” Katsouranis said. “There are no miracles in football. The rewards come from playing well and sometimes a little bit of luck.” Panathinaikos

has a home game against Barcelona and a trip to FC Copenhagen to come.

“For sure, things are now very difficult for us. But we can’t give up until all the games are over,” Panathinaikos coach Nikos Nioplias said. “We could have lost tonight and we could have won, so I guess the result was fair.

“There’s no point in crying about results that you get or don’t get. I think we played the best we could with the available players.” Rubin striker Sergei Kornilenko cut in from the right flank and into the box and had a shot from a narrow angle blocked

by Alexandros Tzorvas in the 15th minute.

Two minutes later, unmarked Alan Kasaev failed to connect with a cross from the right after a quick free kick. Rubin had its best chances late in the first half

when Tzorvas blocked Kornilenko’s header in the 40th.

A minute later Kornilenko missed the target after Kasaev’s cross from the right.

Simao’s drive from outside the box in the 44th was one of the few times the visitors threatened in the first half, but Rubin was back on the front foot after the break.

Tzorvas blocked Kornilenko’s left-footed shot in the 60th and a minute later, Carlos Eduardo provided a neat pass for Aleksandr Ryazantsev just six yards out but he failed to control the ball.

Tzorvas made another save in the 84th, when a free kick from the left hit Obafemi Martins on the shoulder just two yards from goal.

Rubin midfielder Gokdeniz Karadeniz and Panathinaikos striker Djibril Cisse came close to scoring a late winner in the final minutes. —AP

KAZAN: Rubin’s Alan Kasaev (left) challenges for the ball with Panathinaikos’ Loukas Vyntra (right) during their Champions League Group D Soccer match. —AP

www.kuwaittimes.net

United rout Bursaspor BURSA: Manchester United virtually assured themselves of a place in the Champions League knockout rounds here yesterday with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Turkish side Bursaspor.

Second half goals from Scottish midfielder Darren Fletcher, Gabriel Obertan and Bebe sealed victor y for United, who now lead Group C by three points from Valencia with two games remaining.

Champions League

LONDON: Inter Milan’s Wesley Sneijder (left) and Tottenham Hotspur’s Luka Modric battle for the ball during their Champions League Group A soccer match at Tottenham’s White Hart Lane Stadium. —AP

Spurs defeat Euro champs Inter LONDON: Tottenham enjoyed one of the most memorable nights in the club’s history as Gareth Bale inspired a 3-1 win over holders Inter Milan in the Champions League yesterday.

Harry Redknapp’s side tore into the European champions at White Hart Lane and, although Rafael van der Vaart, Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko got the goals, it was Bale who took centre-stage with a truely spell-binding display.

Van der Vaart opened the scoring early on before Wales winger Bale, continuing his emergence as one of Europe’s brightest young talents, produced superb runs to set up goals for Crouch and Pavlyuchenko after the interval.

Samuel Eto’o had briefly sent pulses racing when he made it 2-1 in the closing stages, but Rafael Benitez’s team would have been flattered by a draw.

For supporters raised on sepia-tinted tales of the ‘glory, glory nights’ when Tottenham took on Europe’s best in the 1960s, this was a dream come true.

The Premier League club are now top of Group A - ahead of Inter on goal difference and look well set to reach the knockout stages.

Redknapp had spent the last few days in increasingly combative mood as he stewed over Nani’s controversial goal for Manchester

United against his side on Saturday.

But the Spurs boss received some good news in the lead-up to kick-off as the English Football Association confirmed he would not be punished for his comments about referee Mark Clattenburg, who had awarded that bizarre Nani goal.

Spurs had looked a bundle of nerves against Inter two weeks ago, yet there was no sign of any stage-fright this time.

It was Tottenham who set the tempo, with Bale - scorer of a brilliant hat-trick in that 4-3 defeat in the San Siro - tormenting Inter right-back Maicon with a pair of incisive surges.

Spurs’ pressure was rewarded in the 18th minute when van der Vaart extended his record of scoring in every game at White Hart Lane since his transfer deadline day move from Real Madrid.

Luka Modric deserved the lions’ share of the credit for the goal as the Croatian worked space for an astute reverse pass that caught the Inter defence flat-footed and allowed van der Vaart to smash his shot past Luca Castellazzi.

The White Hart Lane faithful were at fever pitch now and Crouch should have increased Tottenham’s lead when Bale burst clear of Maicon again and lifted a perfect cross to the far post, where the England striker wastefully miscued his effort wide.

It took a superb save from Carlo Cudicini, deputising for the suspended Heurelho Gomes, to preserve Tottenham’s lead as he lept to his left to push over Wesley Sneijder’s free-kick.

Tottenham’s momentum could have been stalled when Van der Vaart, so influential in the first half, was forced to come off with a hamstring problem at half-time.

Yet they continued to cause Inter problems and Bale hooked an overhead kick narrowly wide after Castellazzi could only half clear with a weak punch.

Castellazzi did better soon after as he tipped over Crouch’s header from Alan Hutton’s cross as Spurs counter-attacked with pace and purpose.

Benitez had insisted before the match that Bale was not unstoppable, but Inter had no answer to the 21-year-old and he set up the second goal in the 61st minute.

Another blistering run left Obiora Nwankwo for dead and Bale’s low cross was perfectly-weighted for Crouch to tap-in his fifth goal of the season.

Eto’o reduced the deficit in the 80th minute as he cut inside Hutton and drilled a powerful shot past Cudicini. But Bale deservedly had the last word as he sprinted clear down the left and teed up substitute Pavlyuchenko to slide home the killer third goal in the 89th minute. —AFP

DENMARK: Copenhagen’s Zdenek Pospech (left) and Christian Bolanos take on Barcelona’s Andrés Iniesta during the Champions League match. —AP

Barca held by defiant Danes COPENHAGEN: A Claudemir strike saw Copenhagen draw 1-1 with Barcelona and it means that the winners of Champions League Group D will be decided in the final two matches.

Barcelona travelled to Denmark with the intention of securing qualification for the next round but they found it difficult against a battling Copenhagen, a point behind them.

Lionel Messi gave the visitors the lead but it was short lived as Claudemir equalised from the next attack. The Catalan side came into the game on the back of an emphatic 5-0 win over Sevilla domestically which keeps them a point behind leaders Real Madrid.

Coach Pep Guardiola sent-out a slightly more defensive formation with Seydou Keita coming into the side for striker Pedro Rodriguez and Andres Iniesta moving into attack.

Barcelona, who were beaten in the semi-final by Inter Milan last season, struggled when Copenhagen came to the Nou Camp a fortnight ago although they finally came through the game 2-0 and endured a similarly difficult evening here.

Copenhagen are dominating their

domestic league and started the return leg with the same high intensity as in Spain where a double from star man Messi made the difference although Dame N’Doye hit the post and Dani Alves cleared another chance off the line.

The Barca centre-halves Carlos Puyol and Gerard Pique have looked uneasy when put under pressure at times and the latter’s poor clearance fell to Brazilian Claudemir after a few minutes and he hit a powerful drive from 30 yards which clipped the top of the cross bar.

The visitors were being harried and found it difficult to maintain possession but a delightful pass from Iniesta gave Villa Barca’s first real chance of the game after 20 minutes. The Spain international, who scored a brace at the weekend, saw his shot from wide on the right tipped onto the post by the keeper.

William Kvist went close with a strike from distance but Barcelona’s midfield cogs were beginning to find their groove as Sergio Busquets was denied by a point blank save from the keeper.

The goal came on the half hour mark when a Busquet’s cross was headed on

by Keita and although Mathias Jorgensen

got to the ball ahead of Villa it fell to the unstoppable Messi who clipped the ball home.

However, they had barely finished their celebrations when the Danes drew level. Full-back Oscar Wendt’s cross was parried into the path of Claudemir who fired back across the keeper into the corner.

Messi had been practically innocuous in the early stages but he became more and more involved as the game took its shape with Barcelona bossing the midfield and Copenhagen a constant danger on the break down the wings.

Messi hit the post in first-half stoppage time and Iniesta coming inside Zdenek Pospech had a shot blocked well by the keeper.

It was an exciting game between two different models of football but for Copenhagen too often the crosses from the wings were wayward and they could not commit men forward.

Copenhagen finished strongly but it was substitute Pedro who went closest to getting the winner for Barcelona in stoppage time when his shot came back off the upright. —AFP

Fletcher put United on course for the win after rifling a low finish past Dimitar Ivankov in the 48th minute at the Bursa Ataturk Stadium.

Obertan then doubled the lead with a superb second on 73 minutes, latching on to a pass from Park Ji-Sung near the edge of the area before thundering an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.

Four minutes later new Por tuguese signing Bebe bagged his second goal for the club in the space of a week, poking the ball past Ivankov after an exquisite reverse pass by the evergreen Paul Scholes.

While the victor y puts United on the brink of qualification, needing only a point from Rangers in their next match to go through, the defeat condemned Bursaspor to a first round exit.

The Turks, playing in the tournament for the first time, are on course to be the worst performing side in Champions League history, still goal-less and pointless after four matches. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said Fletcher’s goal early in the second half had proved decisive.

“From that point on we were basically in control of the match,” Ferguson told Sky Sports. “They had a couple of half chances and you can never be sure. But the second goal killed the match.”

Ferguson also lavished praise on goalscorer Obertan, the young French striker signed in 2009. “He’s developing ver y well and getting much stronger now. He’s a real good talent. His goal tonight showed that-fantastic strike,” Ferguson said.

Fletcher meanwhile said United would now seek to wrap up qualification as quickly as possible. “We’re in a great position now with two games to go-the quicker you qualify the better so we’ll try to do that,” Fletcher said.

“We felt that if we could get the first one we could control the game from there and it would open up for us and it went to plan.”

“You don’t want to go behind in a game like this because it will be very difficult for you. You don’t want to give the team any confidence. So you try to take possession of the ball and quieten the crowd.”

A low-key first half saw Bursaspor dominate possession although United’s defence remained in control for the most part.

The Turkish champions wasted a glorious chance to take the lead on 22 minutes, when a poor backpass by Patrice Evra let in Sercan Yildirim who released Volkan Sen only for the midfielder to see his shot saved.

United, forced to shuffle personnel when Nani limped off with a groin injury midway through the half, had the ball in the net after 39 minutes when Scholes burst into the box following some neat interplay with Park.

But the veteran midfielder’s goal was disallowed after Ger man referee Wolfgang Stark spotted Scholes had controlled the ball with his arm.

While the match was level at half-time United always looked capable of raising their game, and they did so to lethal effect early in the second half.

A sweeping passing move saw Michael Carrick pick out Fletcher, who controlled with one touch and blasted into the bottom corner.

Bursaspor wilted visibly thereaf ter and goals from Obertan and Bebe were no less than United’s dominance deserved. —AFP

TURKEY: Manchester United’s Gabriel Obertan (left) and Darren Fletcher celebrate after their goal against Bursaspor during their Group C Champions League soccer match at Ataturk Stadium. —AP

Late goals delight Twente BREMEN: Twente Enschede snatched a 2-0 win at Werder Bremen in Champions League Group A yesterday, scoring twice in the last nine minutes after the Germans were reduced to 10 men.

Nacer Chadli’s deflected shot gave the Dutch club the lead in the 81st minute, six minutes after Bremen captain Torsten Frings was sent off. Luuk de Jong then sealed the win with six minutes to go.

Bremen dominated until Frings’s red card, wasting a dozen clear chances and hitting the post through Hugo Almeida.

The win gives Twente five points from four games while the Germans are bottom on two.

Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur lead the way on seven points. Bremen had only themselves to blame for their defeat after dominating for much of the game.

The hosts, knocked out of the German Cup and beaten 3-2 at home by Nuremberg in the

Bundesliga in the past week, were desperate for their first Champions League win of the season.

Wesley twice threatened with long-range efforts before Twente showed why they won the Dutch league last season by launching a series of lightning quick counter-attacks that left Bremen’s defence dazed and confused.

De Jong came close with a header in the 15th minute and striker Marc Janko twice failed to convert from point-blank range, on one occasion tripping over the ball.

Bremen responded and Claudio Pizarro rattled the post six minutes before the break.

The Germans dominated the second half, wasting chance after chance before Frings was sent off.

Chadli took full advantage of the extra space as his shot took a wicked deflection to beat keeper Sebastian Mielitz. De Jong then made sure of victory. —Reuters

GERMANY: Twente’s Marc Janko (left) and Bremen’s Per Mertesacker challenge for the ball during the Champions League Group A soccer match. —AP

Champions League standings Champions League group stage standings yesterday: Group A Tottenham Inter Milan FC Twente Werder Bremen

4 4 4 4

2 2 1 0

1 1 2 2

1 1 1 2

12 11 6 3

8 8 7 9

7 7 5 2

Group C Man United Valencia Glasgow Rangers Bursaspor

4 4 4 4

3 2 1 0

1 1 2 0

0 1 1 4

5 8 2 0

0 2 4 9

10 7 5 0

Group B Lyon Schalke 04 Benfica Hapoel Tel-Aviv

4 4 4 4

3 2 2 0

0 1 0 1

1 1 2 3

9 5 6 2

5 2 7 8

9 7 6 1

Group D Barcelona FC Copenhagen Rubin Kazan Panathinaikos

4 4 4 4

2 2 0 0

2 1 3 2

0 1 1 2

9 4 1 1

3 3 2 7

8 7 3 2

WIBC to discuss growth paradigms for Islamic finance

First Gulf Bank inaugurates new metro station

22

MasterCard posts profit jump of 15%

23

25

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

www.kuwaittimes.net

Saudi’s Naimi shifts up to $70-$90 price range Qatar says $70-$80 range comfortable for now SINGAPORE: Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia on Monday shifted upwards from a price it ha s backed for around tw o years, sa ying oil at betw een $70 and $90 a barrel wa s comforta ble for consumers. Until now, Sa udi Oil Minister Ali Al-Na imi ha d said the ideal range for producers and consumers was $70-$80 a barrel, either side of the $75 identified by the kingdom in November 2008. “Consumers are looking for oil prices around $70, but hopefully less than $90,” Saudi Oil Minister Ali Al-Naimi said in comments following a speech in Singapore. “There’s a lmost a n anchor now for the price.” In response to Naimi’s comments, oil prices ra llied and hit a session high of $83.86 a ba rrel.

Saudi Oil Minister Ali Al-Naimi

Bookbuilding trend ushers in new era for Gulf IPOs DUBAI: Gulf Arab companies seeking a listing on regional exchanges are seen opting for bookbuilding rather than floating shares at a fixed price, to squeeze out more value as initial public offerings (IPOs) pick up.

Bookbuilding is relatively untested in the Gulf but, with at least three new issues in the spotlight, it is becoming a preferred option. Regional regulators are also coming on board.

“The book-build process for IPOs in the Gulf is here to stay,” Nasdaq Dubai Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Singer said at a conference in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 25. “Companies won’t leave as much value on the table as in the past. Family companies will float more through the book-build process ... we’re entering a new era for capital markets in the Gulf.”

Floating shares at a fixed nominal price has sometimes created a mismatch between value and pricing in the region.

The Gulf IPO market remained shut for months as trading on regional exchanges dwindled and volatility prevailed.

The first IPO of international significance from the region in nearly two years, of Omani telecoms company Nawras <NWRS.OM> in October, was the first via bookbuilding in the sultanate.

Its shares surged 5.4 percent on its market debut on Monday, as retail investors tried to buy into the stock after showing little interest during the subscription period due to lack of familiarity with the bookbuilding process.

Nawras Chief Executive Ross Cormack told Reuters that retail investors made up just 27 percent of subscribers to the IPO while institutions covered the rest. Usually retail investors are more active in the region than institutions.

“The process gave us the opportunity to meet a huge number of investors face to face,” Cormack said.”The issue is getting people used to the new approach to doing an IPO.” Other IPOs expected this year include United Arab Emirates retailer Axiom Telecom and Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), a unit of sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat, both through a bookbuild.

“It will take some getting used to but the trend is positive and one that keeps us in tandem with global markets. It’s a more transparent and efficient process,” Abdul Kadir Hussain, chief executive of asset manager Mashreq Capital, said.

“The issue about institutional investors is key, not just for equity markets but also debt markets. There i s a n e e d f o r m o re p ro f e s s i o n a l l y managed money flowing into the region.” — Reuters

For much of this year, international benchmark US crude had largely stuck to the $70-$80 range but has broken above the top of that bracket in the past month, led higher by a weak US dollar, which makes dollar-denominated commodities relatively cheap.

Naimi described the oil price environment as still “very decent”. “We’re in a very comfortable zone. I believe this zone should continue for some time. I would not predict for how long,” he said.

“If I can be audacious, I would say producers, consumers and companies are all happy with this price.” Further price direction could largely depend on the outcome of a meeting which was held yesterday and today of the US Federal Reserve, which is expected to opt for further quantitative easing.

In the past, Saudi Arabia has voiced concern at market moves unrelated to oil fundamentals of supply and demand.

At the height of the oil market rally in 2008, when prices peaked at a record of nearly $150 in July, Naimi told a meeting in Saudi Arabia the kingdom would pump more oil if there were demand for it.

On Monday, he said incremental demand would be met. “Demand is driven by need, and if there is need for additional supplies, it will be provided,” he said.

Other OPEC ministers from the core Gulf producing region have also said they are broadly happy with market conditions. Qatari Oil Minister Abdullah Al-Attiyah said before Naimi’s remarks that $70-$80 a barrel was “very comfortable for consumers and producers for the time being”.

Attiyah also said it was difficult to predict the producer group’s supply policy for 2011 because of uncertainty about the global economy. OPEC next meets in Quito in December after agreeing to hold output steady at a conference in October.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has made no formal change to output policy since December 2008, when it announced record output curbs of 4.2 million barrels per day in response to global recession and a slump in demand for oil.

The depth of that supply cut left plenty of room for informal adjustments, and OPEC’s output discipline has slipped as the oil price has rallied. — Reuters

Aldar plunges after CEO quits, most markets fall DUBAI: Aldar Properties tumbled to a seven-week low yesterday after the developer’s chief executive resigned, weighing on Abu Dhabi’s index.

Most Middle East markets fell, tracking hesitant global bourses as investors await a US Federal Reserve meeting, which is expected to launch a fresh bout of quantitative easing.

Aldar fell 6.2 percent to 2.40 dirhams, its lowest finish since Sept. 15 and biggest decline since Aug. 8. The firm’s chief execu-

“We maintain our view that there is significant shareholder dilution risk as Aldar may raise equity and/or roll over any of the outstanding convertible bonds at a lower conversion price, which would also be dilutive,” added Abbas.

Aldar is forecast to report a third-quarter loss of 231 million dirhams ($62.9 million), in what would be its fourth straight quarterly loss. Abu Dhabi’s measure fell 1.4 percent, its biggest drop since June 1, while property stocks also sent Dubai’s index tumbling.

MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS tive John Bullough has retired, a spokesman said on Monday.

“The news came at a time when investors are awaiting Aldar’s financing plan, expected to be announced soon, and triggered a kneejerk reaction in the markets today.” said Jad Abbas, EFG-Hermes real estate analyst.

Aldar previously said it would unveil a financing plan to ease stresses on its balance sheet and support its capital expenditures, with an estimated 14 billion dirhams of debt maturing in 2011.

Deyaar dropped 4.5 percent and Emaar Properties slid 3.1 percent.

Dubai’s benchmark fell 2.2 percent to 1,742 points, its biggest drop for five months.

“We have been waiting for a correction and as long as the index holds above 1,670 it’s a healthy move,” said Musa Haddad, head of MENA equity desk at National Bank of Abu Dhabi.

“The market has more upside potential, so any panic selling will be a good opportunity to buy at lower levels. Dubai will find it dif-

ficult to break above 1,800, so it needs to correct to able to get more momentum to go higher.”

Kuwaiti telecom operator Zain hit a threeweek high before ending flat. The stock has been buoyant since local media said on Monday the chairman of affiliate Zain Saudi was in town for talks.

Zain holds a 25 percent in Zain Saudi, complicating a 46 percent stake sale to Emirates Telecommunications Corp (Etisalat), which has its own Saudi affiliate, Etihad Etisalat (Mobily). So traders are speculating that the chairman’s visit could help ease the deal through, traders say.

Zain Saudi rose 1.9 percent and Mobily added 0.5 percent. Saudi petrochemical stocks were mixed, but the sector index is up 9 percent since Oct. 16.

“It’s all about petrochemicals and this started with SABIC’s results,” says a Riyadhbased analyst who asked not to be identified.

“Petrochemical stocks are cheap - when US markets and oil rose, we didn’t participate, so something had to give and we now seem to be on a catch-up play.” Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) reported a 46 percent rise in third-quarter profit last month, beating forecasts. — Reuters

NEW YORK: Teisuke Kitayama (center), President and Representative Director of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, waves for photos after he rang the opening bell of New York Stock Exchange on Monday, celebrating the company’s listing on the NYSE. Joining Kitayama is Duncan L Niederauer (right), CEO and a Director of NYSE Euronext. — AP

Sultan Bin Saeed Al-Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy.

UAE set to host largest brainstorming session KUWAIT: The Summit on the Global Agenda to be held in Dubai from November 29 to December 1, 2010 presents a unique opportunity for social, political and business leaders across the world to benchmark key developmental issues against global realities, according to Sultan Bin Saeed Al-Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy.

Al-Mansouri and Sami Dhaen Al Qamzi, Director General of the Dubai Economic Department, will co-chair the Summit with Andre Schneider, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the World Economic Forum.

“The UAE is honored to host the world’s foremost minds who will meet at the Summit in Dubai to discuss compelling global issues that have far-reaching consequences for the whole of humanity. By setting the platform for these powerful interactive sessions, the UAE is excited to encourage further dialogue for global prosperity,” Al-Mansouri said.

“In line with the directions of our leadership, we aim to make the best use of this global event by bringing into discussions some of the most important topics that concern the UAE and other countries of the region as this will enrich the debate and con-

tribute to finding solutions for various global issues,” added Al-Mansouri.

During the three-day Summit, more than 700 global leaders from academia, business, government and society will engage in interactive workshops to set priorities to improve the state of the world and identify the latest trends, risks and innovative solutions to address the world’s challenges.

The outcomes of the Summit will be integrated into the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2011 in Davos-Klosters for further discussion and action.

Al-Mansouri pointed that UAE is currently witnessing a remarkable growth in vital economic sectors such as tourism, aviation, hospitality, transport and logistics. He stressed that the advanced infrastructure is promoting the development of a knowledge based economy and helping to achieve sustainable development in many sectors.

The Summit on the Global Agenda will discuss over 70 topics including education, humanitarian assistance, institution building, climate change, transportation, sustainable energy, healthcare, food security, water security, migration, poverty and social entrepreneurship, among others.

Moody’s upgrades Dubai’s DP World outlook to positive DUBAI: Ratings agency Moody’s yesterday upgraded the outlook for Dubai’s port operator DP World from stable to positive after the global firm reported substantial recovery in container trade.

Moody’s Investors Service said that it affirmed DP World’s Ba1 issuer rating and the Ba1 rating for DP World sukuk (Islamic bonds), while it changed the rating outlook from stable to positive.

The change was in response to the solid operating performance this year by the world’s fourth biggest port operator, in addition to the company’s intention to refinance during 2011 a three-billion-dollar syndicated revolving credit facility that matures in October 2012, Moody’s said.

The agency also cited a recent agreement between DP World’s parent firm, Dubai World, and its creditors, to reschedule some $24.9 billion

of debt, saying it was “achieved without any impact on DP World’s financial or operational profile”.

“The outlook change to positive for DP World reflects Moody’s view that the improving fundamentals for port operators-with increasing volumes of global trade flows, especially in emerging markets-are likely to remain favorable over the medium term,” said Martin Kohlhase, assistant vice president of Moody’s Corporate Finance Group in Dubai.

DP World said last month that its global container volumes in the third quarter of this year were back to the peak levels registered in 2008. The government-controlled company which is partly listed in Dubai said its 50 operating terminals handled 13 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent container units) in the third quarter of 2010, up 14 percent from the corresponding period last year. — AFP

Abu Dhabi’s Aabar to sell Atlantia stake for $448m DUBAI: Abu Dhabi state-owned Aabar Investments is to sell its 3.3 percent stake in Italy’s Atlantia for $448 million to an unnamed buyer, a preliminary bond prospectus said.

Aabar, majority-owned by Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Corporation (IPIC), bought the stake in Atlantia for 250 million euros from Italian bank UniCredit in December 2008.

Aabar officials were not immediately available for comment. IPIC, which owns 86.2 percent of Aabar, is on a fixed income roadshow for a potential bond sale.

“Completion of the (Atlantia) sale is expected shortly subject to closing conditions,” IPIC’s bond prospectus said. The document also showed IPIC had sold its entire 70 percent stake in Hyundai Oilbank for $1.95 billion.

In July, a South Korean court ordered IPIC to comply with an international ruling to sell its controlling stake in Hyundai Oilbank-Korea’s smallest crude oil refiner with a capacity of 390,000 barrels per day-to Hyundai Heavy.

Aabar converted to a private joint stock company in August after delisting from the Abu Dhabi bourse. It reported a second-quarter loss of $376 million.

The firm, the largest shareholder in German automaker Daimler, acquired a

32 percent stake in Virgin Galactic in 2009 for $272 million which was completed this year. It has committed to invest another $98 million to develop the business, the prospectus said.

In June, Aabar bought a 4.99 percent stake in UniCredit, which at that time was worth about $2.5 billion.

IPIC PROFITS FALL IPIC’s net profit for the six months to end-June fell 86 percent to $414 million from $2.92 billion in the same period last year, the bond prospectus said. Profit before tax from from continuing operations was $267 million in the six months ended 30 June 2010, compared with $2.63 billion in the previous year, a decrease of 89.9 percent.

IPIC said it incurred losses on derivative and non-derivative financial instruments totalling about $1.45 billion during the period, mainly relating to the investment in Daimler.

Abu Dhabi-controlled IPIC was established in 1984 with a mandate to invest globally in energy and energy related industries. At the end of June 30, its total assets were $48.2 billion the bond prospectus said. Total debt as at June 30 was $20.3 billion, of which long term debt constituted $15 billion and short term debt made up the rest. — Reuters

22

business

Wednesday, november 3, 2010

WIBC to discuss new growth paradigms for Islamic finance 17th annual conference to attract over 1,200 industry leaders BAHRAIN: As t he global I sla mic finance industry enters t he next phase of gr owth, more than 1,20 0 industry leaders, senior decision-makers and key regulators from over 50 countries are set to gather at the 17th Annua l World Islamic Banking Conference (WI BC 201 0). Hosted with the official support of the Central Bank of Bahrain, WIBC 2010 will be held at t he Gulf International Convention Centre, Gulf Hot el from the 22nd to 24t h of November 2010 in t he Kingdom of Bahr ain.

Rasheed M Al-Maraj, Governor CBB at last year’s WIBC.

New Samsung LED, multi-display monitors to be unveiled at GITEX DUBAI: Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd, the worldwide leader of display products, will reveal its new line of 31 Series LED Monitors and MD (multi-display) monitors at GITEX 2010, establishing new standards for high-definition LED viewing and multi-display viewing. Both Samsung LED monitors and MD monitors set new standards in imaging excellence delivering Samsung’s commitment to quality and innovation to its consumers.

MD multi-display monitors These unique MD Monitors, which will be displayed in the Microsoft stand at GITEX, give PCs the ability to seamlessly connect up to six ultra high definition displays in a variety of portrait and landscape configurations giving viewers a stunning new perspective on their PC experience.

Multi-display brings Samsung closer to delivering true eye-definition experiences, where the display of a virtual environment is so detailed that it seems optically real to the human eye. By using AMD’s ATI Eyefinity technology, it is now possible to power displays with a combined theoretical resolution of 268 megapixels, roughly equivalent to the resolution of a 90 degree arc of what the human eye sees. For reference, today’s average 19 inch LCD display typically has an image quality of only slightly more than 1 megapixel.

Samsung MD monitors expand game and virtual world environments to the largest ever experienced, allowing gamers to experience richer visual effects. Samsung MD monitors also come with an ATI Radeon HD5000 series graphic card. For entertainment, education, and productivity applications, Samsung MD monitors practically obso-

lete scrolling through vast desktop real estate that puts more information and stunning detail at users’ fingertips.

Samsung is the first to bring MD monitors to the market. Working closely with AMD, Samsung introduced ultra-thin bezel monitors and compatible stands that can easily be tiled to create an even more immersive and virtually seamless AMD’s ATI Eyefinity experience. The ultra-thin bezels enable customers to create their own scalable display matrix.

“Samsung’s MD monitors combined with AMD’s ATI Eyefinity technology give PC users a virtually seamless canvas on which to enjoy the latest games, entertainment and productivity applications.” said Anupam Birla, Business Head - Visual Display Unit at Samsung Gulf Electronics. “Samsung has worked determinedly to provide consumers with

high-quality monitors that deliver both superb image quality and amazing design and ergonomics, and with our latest line of ultra-thin bezel displays, we’re bringing the best of both worlds to bear for a phenomenal computing experience using PCs with AMD’s ATI Eyefinity technology,” 31 Series monitors Samsung 31 Series LED monitors are affordable units providing the latest innovations in a variety of sizes making it easier for consumers to switch from LCD to LED technologies. The newly announced 19 mm slim monitor has a low power consumption saving approximately 40% more than a conventional monitor. The series come in sizes varying from 18.5”, 20”, 21.5”, in a classy wave pattern back cover and high glossy black cabinet for a unique high-quality finish.

The theme for this year’s WIBC, “Building a new growth paradigm Islamic banking and the new global financial landscape”, reflects the future outlook that leading Islamic finance institutions are now adopting as they seek to successfully compete in the new business environment.

Discussions at WIBC 2010 will emphasize strategies for ensuring a healthy recovery and rebuilding sustainable growth trajectories for the Islamic finance industry in the new global financial landscape.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Abdul-Kareem Abu Al-Nasr, Chief Executive Officer of the National Commercial Bank (NCB) said, “This year’s WIBC comes at a crucial time for the international industry as Islamic financial institutions seek to further advance their successful achievements in the new global financial landscape.

NCB has been a strong supporter of the WIBC for many years and the Group is delighted to join WIBC 2010 as Platinum Strategic Partners, highlighting our long history of innovation in Islamic finance.”

Discussions at WIBC 2010 will emphasize strategies for ensuring a healthy recovery and sustaining growth trajectories for the Islamic finance industry in the new global financial landscape. “The new, improved and upgraded format of this year’s WIBC goes beyond the ‘conference basics’; not only providing meaningful new research insights but also tackling the big picture industry-changing scenarios through a combination of high-profile plenary sessions and more intimate groupings enabling greater interaction,” said David McLean, Managing Director of WIBC 2010.

Speaking and providing regulatory perspectives on strengthening the industry foundations at the inaugural keynote session of this year’s conference will be Rasheed M Al-Maraj, Governor, Central Bank of Bahrain; Abdul Qadeer Fitrat, Governor, Central Bank of Afghanistan; and Khaled Mohammed Al-Aboodi, Chief Executive Officer & General Manager, The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector, the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IDB), Saudi Arabia.

A highlight of WIBC 2010 will be the new innovative Power Debate led by internationally respected CEOs and industry leaders on the new strategies vital to the success of Islamic finance in the new global financial landscape. This dynamic power debate will feature Tirad Mahmoud, Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB); Hussain AlQemzi, Group Chief Executive Officer, Noor Islamic Bank & Noor Investment Group; Samad Sirohey, Chief Executive Officer, Citi Islamic Investment Bank; Ibrahim Hassan, Chief Executive Officer, Maybank Islamic; and Dr Salah Addeen Abdulqader Saeed, General Manager Credit & Risk Management, Bahrain Islamic Bank.

Ahmed Al Arbeed, CEO, Dana Gas

Dana Gas CEO calls for active role of private sector in energy ABU DHABI: Dana Gas, the Middle East’s first and largest regional private sector Natural Gas Company, is taking part in the 14th Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), held from 1 - 4 November. In a keynote address during the Executive Plenary Session titled ‘Delivering Energy in the Low Carbon Era: Challenges and Opportunities, Ahmed Al Arbeed, CEO, Dana Gas, stressed the importance of a more active role on behalf of the private sector, which would ultimately benefit the region as a whole.

In his speech Al Arbeed called for a concrete adaptation across the region to meet increasing demand for Gas, given the fact that it sits on roughly 45 percent of the world’s proved reserves of gas, and only provides 19 percent of the global gas supply.

“MENA countries will

need to priorities gas-sector investments, following the lead of countries like Qatar and Egypt, if the region as a whole is to do its part to meet the global energy challenge and to capture an appropriate share of the emerging global gas market,” Al Arbeed said.

The energy sector in the Middle East has remained largely in the public domain since the string of nationalizations in the 1970s. Dana Gas, which was established in 2005, was the first private company involved in the Natural Gas sector and serves as a prime example of how a private company can provide unsurpassed quality of service to governments seeking to tap into their Natural Gas resources.

In his closing remarks, Al Arbeed lauded the flexibility and ability of the private sector in the energy industry to perform under a range of circumstances, which will ultimately gather results in terms of increased efficiency

and higher levels of output: “The private sector has a lot to offer. It is highly efficient, fast moving, entrepreneurial and innovative: it has to be, to compete Internationally for capital.”

Dana Gas’ participation at the event was strong, having exhibited amongst 1,500 companies and organizations from over 56 countries. The presence of Dana Gas at one of the region’s most important energy exhibitions and conferences underscores its presence and role as the largest regional private sector natural gas company.

ADIPEC is a leading energy industry conference in the UAE and across the Middle East, with leading national and international companies, energy industry professionals, commentators, government officials and industry players participating in the event. ADIPEC 2010 is expected to host over 45,000 industry participants from over 90 countries.

ADNOC ups Oct Murban OSP to 6-month high of $81.50 SINGAPORE: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) raised the October retroactive selling price of its benchmark Murban crude by $5.60 per barrel to $81.50, the highest in six months, the company said yesterday.

The increase is also the biggest in six months. Strong crack spreads for naphtha and middle distillates, coupled with expected peak demand season for heating oil during winter, have boosted demand for all grades of crude in recent months.

The September official selling price (OSP) for

Murban was $75.90. October Murban was set at a $1.28 a barrel premium to the October average for Dubai, which stood at $80.22 a barrel, up 50 cents from the September premium.

The hike was slightly higher than expected by traders, although it was in line with spot December Murban cargoes which traded at around 50-cent premium a barrel to ADNOC. Saudi Arabia will release its December OSPs soon and hikes are expected for lighter crude grades on firm naphtha and gas oil cracks. — 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

.2770000 .4470000 .3880000 .2800000 .2740000 .2770000 .0062950 .0020000 .0760270 .7407080 .3900000 .0720000 .7261310 .0045000 .0480000

.2860000 .4570000 .3950000 .2900000 .2830000 .2850000 .0074170 .0035000 .0767910 .7481520 .4100000 .0770000 .7334290 .0072000 .0570000

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

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES .2800500 .4495360 .3899840 .2825650 .2767290 .0523010 .0419120 .2792380 .0361240 .2172280 .0034760 .0063290 .0025170 .0032750 .0040010 .0762660 .7430350 .3961100 .0747100 .7279700 .0065890

.2821500 .4529070 .3929080 .2846840 .2788040 .0526930 .0422270 .2813320 .0363950 .2188570 .0035020 .0063760 .0025360 .0033000 .0040310 .0768380 .7486070 .3990810 .0752700 .7334290 .0066390

US Dollar Sterling pounds Swiss Francs Saudi Riyals

TRANSFER CHEQUES RATES .2821500 .4523600 .2871290 .0752080

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Japanese Yen 3.508 Indian Rupees 6.334 Pakistani Rupees 3.274

Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash

2.515 3.973 218.700 36.307 3.984 6.574 9.430 0.267 0.310 GCC COUNTRIES 75.065 77.345 731.330 747.660 76.656

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Egyptian Pound - Cash Egyptian Pound - Transfer Yemen Riyal Tunisian Dinar Jordanian Dinar Lebanese Lira Syrian Lier Morocco Dirham

ARAB COUNTRIES 51.550 48.700 1.321 203.160 397.510 188.200 6.157 35.394

EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 281.380 Euro 393.090 Sterling Pound 453.020 Canadian dollar 279.510 Turkish lire 197.820 Swiss Franc 285.090 Australian dollar 280.540 US Dollar Buying 279.985 GOLD 260.000 131.000 68.500

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

SELL CASH 284.200 748.100 4.260 281.200 552.500 14.100 53.400 187.800 51.000 396.000

36.940 6.480 0.033 0.264 0.246 3.590 399.480 0.190 93.000 47.200 4.410 219.700 1.913 48.800 730.690 3.400 6.680 77.810 75.110 219.580 42.840 2.880 456.000 42.700 287.900 6.200 9.720 198.263 76.760 281.700 1.350

10 Tola

GOLD 1,437.000

Sterling Pound US Dollar

36.790 6.335 0.032

397.600 0.189 93.000 3.960 218.200 730.510 3.285 6.585 77.380 75.110 219.560 42.840 2.515 454.000 286.400 6.200 9.610 76.660 281.300

SELL DRAFT 282.700 748.100 3.983 279.700

219.600 48.719 394.500

US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Cyprus Pound Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees

Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees

281.100 277.220 452.059 395.503 285.582 688.963 744.006 76.511 77.190 74.920 396.654 48.693 6.343 3.277

2.515 4.001 6.522 3.490 9.397 6.132 3.943

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. Currency 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

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 454.000 281.300

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

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

Rate per 1000 (Tran) 281.250 3.290 6.340 2.525 3.995 6.610 76.645 75.195 747.600 48.695 456.900 0.00003280 4.025 1.550 399.500 5.750 397.400 283.600

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

280.900 395.000 452.000 279.000 3.490 6.335 48.690 2.514 3.978 6.565 3.281 746.750 76.560 75.000

business

Wednesday, november 3, 2010

23

Development plan could stimulate property sector KUWAIT: Local real estate firms are predicting that Kuwaiti homeowners should see a rise in property values on the back of the government’s $105bn 2010-14 development plan.

According to a report by Emaar Alahlia, house prices in Kuwait should see a boost going forward once the state’s multibillion-dollar spending program is implemented.

Targeting investment in a range of projects including public works and a new refinery, the plan should act as a stimulus for the wider economy, with the real estate sector no exception.

This will be welcome news for developers and investors. While several factors made 2010 a challenging year for the sector - including a lending drought, a freeze on private sector residential sales and weak con-

sumer confidence - there were signs as early as mid-summer that buyers were returning to the market.

The number of total sales leapt by 113 percent in the second quarter of the year compared to the same period of 2009. Residential sales, which represent the bulk of the market, saw an even greater increase of 144.5 percent. Overall property sales value during the second quarter came in at KD596.87m, well up on KD280.8m for the March-June period one year earlier. The only segment to falter was the commercial sector, where sales fell by 41 percent compared to 2009.

While this was certainly a good sign for the industry, as well as an indicator of burgeoning investor and buyer confidence, the headline sales

Oxford Business Group report figures were somewhat misleading.

Although the volume rose, the value of transactions remained modest in comparison to pre-crisis levels, with the total value of property sales falling by 30 percent from May to June 2010.

Indeed, the triple-digit year-onyear increases registered in the second quarter of 2010 have to be viewed in the context of the significant declines recorded in 2009.

Compared to pre-crisis levels, many indicators suggest that there is some way to go before a full recovery will be under way.

The number of loans for real estate fell to 134 in June 2010, com-

pared to a monthly figure of 447 in late 2008. This was followed by a drop in real estate sales in July, with 415 transactions recorded at the Ministry of Justice’s Real Estate Registration and Authentication Department, down some 42 percent month-on-month.

According to a report by National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), however, the July decline may have been a one-off, “driven by an unusually large seasonal effect, with activity falling away as the summer travel season began.

The timing of the travel season might have shifted this year, with Kuwaitis holidaying earlier than usual in order to return before

Ramadan.”

While figures have not yet returned to 2008 levels, they are largely moving in the right direction, and the signs of recovery are likely to encourage investors. “Activity through most of 2009 was unusually weak. However, at their current levels sales volumes are well above the average of 608 transactions per month seen during the pre-crisis era between 2003 and 2008,” an NBK spokesman told the local press in late August.

Challenges facing the real estate sector going forward include a lack of available land for development - over 90 percent of land remains in the

hands of the state - and legislation that bars private companies from offering mortgages or owning and trading residential property or land, with the latter policy a holdover from the oil price spike-driven inflation of early 2008. There have been recent attempts to address these issues, and a proposal to allow non-Kuwaitis to purchase and own the rights to flats and apartments was submitted to parliament last year.

In spite of these challenges, the longer-term outlook for the property market looks bright. At present there is a substantial undersupply of units in the residential segment, a situation exacerbated by the shortage of available land, and with more than half of nationals under the age of 25, there will be a need for many

more apartments and villas in the years to come. In addition, given generous government incentives upon marriage, nationals are eligible for a loan of KD70,000 to finance the construction of a house - and per capita income levels topping $54,000 according to the World Bank, there should be plenty of money to finance the new home purchases.

With plans to turn the Arab state into a commercial trading centre, as set out in the government’s Vision 2030, the real estate sector should become a priority over the coming years. Backed up by strong fundamentals and the state’s multibilliondollar spending program, returns look set to be solid for investors in the Kuwaiti property market.

— Oxford Business Group

NBK MONEY MARKET BRIEF

Credit growth recovery hinges on govt spending Kuwait money supply seen stabilizing

First Gulf Bank inaugurates its new Metro Station on Sheikh Zayed road ABU DHABI: Following the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) recently; First Gulf Bank has inaugurated today its new metro station in the presence of Andre Sayegh, CEO of FGB and other seniors from the bank. The metro station is located on Sheikh Zayed Road and is in close proximity to the Bank’s Branch offices.

This partnership with RTA is a testament of FGB’s unwavering support to being part of DUBAI METRO, a cornerstone of the Road and Transport Authority’s (RTA)

vision for an integrated public transport system in Dubai, whilst playing an active & constructive role in encouraging practices that develop and enhance sustainable transportation.

Andre Sayegh, CEO of FGB, commented: “Today, we celebrate our partnership with one of the world’s most advanced Metro systems. We are delighted to support RTA’s efforts to improve the daily experience of commuting around the city of Dubai. It is our profound wish to help spread the message of getting into the habit of using public transportation, and we are

delighted to hear that the number of commuters using the Metro is growing daily”.

Abdulwahed Juma, Head of Corporate Affairs of FGB added: “This is another step towards becoming part of Dubai’s sustainable future and we are thrilled that this station will be a constant incentive to be part of an environmentally sensitive community”.

The FGB station features four FGB ATM machines to enhance the passengers’ convenience and holds plans in the future to showcase more banking facilities within the station.

Zain Kuwait launches free Apps for iPhone and iPad KUWAIT: Zain, the leading mobile services provider in Kuwait, has joined the global app family and launched ‘Zain KW’, an application for the iPhone and the iPad. The company is the first mobile company to launch in Kuwait this type of app on Apple’s electronic outlet, where it is now amazingly the most popular free download in Kuwait, being only released last week.

Customers can now view their personal accounts and pay invoices as well as transfer credit. They also have access to details of all Zain branches in Kuwait and will be kept abreast of the latest offers and products launched by the company.

Zain Kuwait marketing director Basel Manasrah said: “Zain KW” is a reflection of the company’s commitment to keep up-to-date with the latest trends. We simply could not have ignored the smart phone revolution, one that has changed the way we live. Hence we want to provide our customers that are iPhone and iPad users with an electronic bridge for easy

access to Zain services and offers.”

He reiterated that Zain is committed to providing the best services to meet the expectations of its customers.

“Communication technology will remain in continuous change and it is Zain’s commitment to its customers that we will be part of change whenever it happens.”

KUWAIT: Money supply M2 expanded KD 62 million month on month (m/m), or 0.2%, recording its second monthly increase, after a series of declines this year between March and July. Earlier in the year, money supply weakness was likely related to slower economic activity. At the time, expectations about the government’s 5-year development were Credit to residents grew KD 19 million m/m, or 0.1%, following a 0.2% increase in the previous month. Year on year (y/y), credit growth remains weak, and has fallen to 1.1% in September from 2.1% the previous month. However, the average 3 months annualized growth figure has finally risen above negative territory, where it had lingered for the past three months. Although this is not a remarkable sign of improvement, it does point to returning stability or to a bottom, awaiting a more enduring recovery once government spending starts rolling out.

Lending to the trade sector led the increase in September, rising KD 32 million m/m, followed by lending to the construction and real estate sectors. Personal lending was mixed as household/consumer lending rose KD 26 million, but was partially offset by a KD 15 million drop in lending for the purchase of securities. Meanwhile, lending to non-bank financial institutions was down KD 43 million.

Incidentally, the trade sector saw the fastest growth in credit in the third quarter as well, rising 2.6% quarter on quarter (q/q) or KD 59 million. Otherwise, personal facilities were the only other sector to grow significantly in the quarter, posting a 1.2% increase or KD 97 million, two thirds of which was growth in the household/consumer sector. Meanwhile, credit to non-bank financial institutions saw the largest decline at 2.5% or KD 71 mn. All other sectors were either flat or slightly down.

Private resident deposits were up KD 54 million m/m in September, following an increase of KD 186 million in August. This has pushed y/y growth to 2.6% in September from 2.4% the previous month, a slight improvement.

Meanwhile, resident deposits growth was offset by a KD 168 million drop m/m in non-resident deposits. Non-resident deposits remain flat y/y. Meanwhile, interest rates paid on KD deposits have been falling steadily since 2008, especially following the crisis and the resulting weak growth in bank assets. However, the trend appears to have come to an end, as rates have reached new record lows in the previous month. Accordingly, average rates offered on KD private deposits for the 1-month and 3-month KD deposits were unchanged in September at 1.03 and 1.20, respectively, while the 6month and 12-month rates rose 1 bp to 1.44 and 1.72, respectively.

Banks’ liquid assets (net of interbank deposits) fell KD 113 million m/m, primarily on a drop in bank deposits with the Central Bank of Kuwait. Nonetheless, despite the small drop in September, our liquid assets to total assets ratio remains well above the levels of the previous two years and interbank rates have remained almost flat for the past 9 months, a sign that banks maintain a solid liquidity profile.

The NBK report concluded: Since August, the dinar has appreciated 2.7% against the dollar, on the back of the dollar’s weakness against major world currencies.

Nonetheless, the dollar had suffered heavy losses, and the slight appreciation of the dinar against the dollar did not avert a further weakening of the dinar against major world currencies, specifically the euro. Accordingly, the dinar lost another 8% vis-a-vis the Euro during the same period.

more subdued. Since then, things seem to have improved. The seasonal lethargy that hit in June-July, and which is usually characterized by large outflows, has now subsided. Renewed commitment, by the government, to faster execution of large projects has recently generated some cautious optimism.

Monetary Indicators Exchange Rates (Fils per foreign currency)

Spending in next Qatar budget to match 2010/11 DOHA: Qatari government spending in the next financial year will at least match the $32 billion budgeted for 2010/11, and the Gulf country’s economic growth will accelerate next year, its finance minister said yesterday.

“Next year’s budget will be no less than this year’s,” Finance Minister Youssef Kamal told an investment forum. “Forty percent of the budget through 2016 will be allocated for infrastructure projects,” he added.

Qatar, the world’s top liquefied natural gas exporter, boosted spending by 25 percent to 117.9 billion riyals ($32.4 billion) for the financial year from April 2010, earmarking the increase for infrastructure and gas facilities development.

It projects a budget surplus of 9.7 billion for the current year, helped by a rebound in oil prices.

The country’s sovereign wealth fund is one of the world’s biggest investors.

Kamal also said the country’s debts were not more than 30 percent of gross domestic product, in line with International Monetary Fund forecasts for government debt of 27.2 percent of GDP this year, decreasing from 36.7 percent in 2009.

The IMF said in January that Qatar’s rising external debt needed to be monitored following a series of debt issues.

Qatar’s economy is seen outperforming its fellow Gulf Arab crude producers, mainly due to gas output expansion and

government infrastructure spending, and Kamal said growth would quicken further.

“The economy has grown 16 percent this year, and if prices stay stable in the $70 range, we expect it will grow 21 percent in 2011,” he said.

Kamal, whose 2010 prediction echoes remarks by the country’s central bank governor earlier this week, also said Qatar’s economy is expected to expand at a minimum rate of 9 percent after 2016.

Analysts polled by Reuters forecast the hydrocarbon-reliant economy to grow 15.5 percent this year and 12.8 percent in 2011, up from 8.7 percent in 2009. —Reuters

24

BUSINESS GLOBAL DAILY MARKET REPORT

KSE equities pare losses KUWAIT: Kuwait’s equities regained what it lost previously gaining upward momentum by the end of yesterday’s session robustly boosted by blue chips. Banking, Industrial and real estate sectors witnessed noticeable gains. We can say that the earnings news lifted market indices yestreday.

On the economic front, Minister of Commerce and Industry Ahmad Al-Haroun called the violating companies to swiftly submit their financial statements to the ministry. He also warned these companies of being fell under the legal liability and being referred to the prosecution in case of running counter to the laws applied in this respect. Al-Haroun said in a press conference that the Ministry of Commerce issued licenses for 1,900 firms and sent invitations two months ago for 573 of them to hold their general assemblies, then re-sent invitations yesterday for 513 companies to hold their general assemblies.

Global General Index (GGI) closed 2.46 points up (1.12 percent), at 222.88 point as the Market capitalization increased reaching KD36.1mn. On the other hand, Kuwait Stock Exchange Price Index closed in the green zone adding 48 points (0.68 percent) from its value and closed at 7,129.3 point.

Market breadth During the session, 129 companies were traded. Market breadth was skewed towards advancers as 60 equities advanced versus 28 that retreated.

Trading activities ended on a positive note. Volume of shares traded on the exchange increased by 33.40 percent to reach 529.89mn shares, the value of shares traded increased by 57.70 percent to stand at KD86.60mn.

The Investment Sector was the volume leader yesterday,

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

ADGAS to supply Abu Dhabi over 1bn scfd gas in 2013 ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Gas Liquefaction Company Ltd (ADGAS) will supply Abu Dhabi over 1 billion scfd of gas after commissioning of the Integrated Gas Development (IGD) project in late 2013, a senior company official said yesterday.

Demand for electricity in Abu Dhabi, the largest emirate in the seven-member UAE federation, is increasing at up to 11 percent year on year. Water and electricity demand is rocketing as the world’s thirdlargest oil exporter builds infrastructure and industry to diversify away from dependence on petrodollars.

“We will give an additional 1 billion scfd to Abu Dhabi by 2013, as we are playing our role in the national energy strate-

gy,” Bader Almohamadi, senior vice president, technical at ADGAS told Reuters in an interview at an industry event.

“Since last month, ADGAS has been supplying 211 standard cubic feet per day (scfpd) of gas to Abu Dhabi,” he added.

The 211 scfd of gas available is from the Offshore Associated Gas (OAG) project that was commissioned last month.

Gas produced offshore at Das Island is transported via a pipeline to a receiving and processing facility onshore at Habshan, he said.

ADGAS has always been a net exporter of liquefied natural gas, exporting all its output mainly to Japan and other markets. It produces 7.5 million tons per year (1.1 billion scf) of gas.

“It means additional gas for Abu Dhabi coming from offshore to be utilized onshore,” Almohamadi said, adding this was the first time ADGAS was supplying gas domestically.

Abu Dhabi receives gas mainly from GASCO and Qatari gas via a subsea pipeline for its domestic consumption.

Demand for natural gas has been rising in the United Arab Emirates for domestic as well as commercial purposes. Plans are also under way to replace two ageing LNG trains before 2018, Almohamadi said.

ADGAS currently has three LNG trains.

The UAE holds some 214 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas with gas consumption at around 4 billion scfd.

—Reuters

Abu Dhabi firm plans $10bn spend to boost oil output accounting for 36.48 percent of total shares and the Investment Sector was the value leader, with 26.14 percent of total traded value.

Company-wise, Al-Safwa Holding Group was the volume leader, with a total traded volume of 33.44mn shares changing hands. Kuwait Finance House was the value leader, with a total traded value of KD8.44mn.

In terms of top gainers, Kuwait Resorts Company was the biggest gainer for the day, adding 10.0 percent and closed at KD0.055. On the other hand, Alrai Media Group Company came in as the biggest decliner, dropping by 8.33 percent and closed at KD0.110.

Sector-wise Sector-wise, all of the eight indices ended the day in green.

Real Estate stocks spearheaded advancers, clocking 1.85 percent in sector gains. Mabanee Company was the sector’s major gainer, as it soared by 4.71 percent to reach KD0.890. First Dubai For Real Estate Development Co was the biggest gainer in the sector adding 7.35 percent to close at KD0.0365.

Industrial sector added 1.80 percent compared to the previous closing. National Industries Group (Holding) Co. rose by 2.67 percent. Also, among the sector’s gainers were Gulf Cables &

Electrical Industries Co. (+3.88 percent) and Boubyan Petrochemical Co. (+1.82 percent).

Global Banking Index went up by 1.69 percent. Among the sector’s gainers were: National Bank of Kuwait whish rose by 2.99 percent closing at KD1.380 and Kuwait Finance House which closed at KD1.220 adding 1.67 percent.

Oil news Kuwaiti crude oil price increased by $0.97 to $78.50 per barrel (pb) on Monday compared to $77.53 pb of Friday’s transactions, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) said on

Tuesday. This boost of the crude oil price came as the US dollar rate increased after China announced the growth of its industrial sector during the month of October with the highest rate in six months and high manufacturing index during the same month.

Corporate news Updating its previous announcement dated June 09, 2010, Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) declares that Combined Group Contracting Co (CGC) has signed a contract worth KD3,095,000 to construct and maintain rain channels in AlBadaa area over 540 days.

ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (ADMA-OPCO), majority-owned by Abu Dhabi’s state oil firm, plans to spend at least $10 billion developing two offshore fields to boost the firm’s crude output 60 percent by 2017, its chief executive said yesterday.

ADMA-OPCO, which is 60-percent owned by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC), produces about 550,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) with a rise expected to 600,000 bpd early in 2011.

“By 2017, we will produce 970,000 bpd and the expected investment for the two new fields is $10 billion,” Ali Rashid Al-Jarwan told Reuters in an interview at an industry event. “This is part of Abu Dhabi’s overall plans to increase production capacity, both onshore and offshore.”

ADMA-OPCO is developing two offshore oil fields-Umm al Lulu and Nasr-with the first phase expected to add 50,000 bpd. Full phase development would add another 200,000 bpd, Jarwan said.

France’s Technip has completed front end engineering and design (FEED) for the first

phase while Flour Corp won the FEED contract for the full phase development. Jarwan said technical and commercial bids for the project are expected in the coming months.

ADMA-OPCO’s oil and gas production comes from two major fields, Umm Shaif and Lower Zakum, which Jarwan said would add another 120,000 bpds.

“Within three years, we will be increasing production capacity to 700,000 bpd while executing an additional 120,000 bpd from the lower Zakum field,” he said. ADMA-OPCO is also in the final commissioning stage of the Umm Al Shaif gas injection project, which will boost output by 50,000 bpd from early next year, he said.

OPEC member Abu Dhabi is investing heavily in the energy sector to boost crude oil capacity.

ADMA-OPCO’s other stakeholders are BP which has 14.33 percent, Total with 13.67 percent and Japan Oil Development Co (Jodco), which owns 12 percent. Jodco is owned by INPEX. —Reuters

business

Wednesday, november 3, 2010

25

KSE indices record gains in October KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) managed to end October in the green zone, as both market indices recorded gains. The market price index ended the month with an increase amounted to 1.13%, while the weighted index advanced with 1.76% compared to September. The weighted index enhanced its annual gains to 22.93%, while the price index managed to overstep the 7,000 points psychological barrier joining the weighted index in the annual gainers list with growth amounted to 0.84%. Moreover, different factors affected the market in October, as the listed company results was the main player in the market, many of KSE traders were waiting conservatively for the listed companies 9 months results. Despite of that, the positive results from the Banks sector, which were announced in the last week of October, had affirmative effect on the market, although the majority of the listed companies didn’t announce its 9 months results.

On the other hand, the market was affected by the news of possible sale for mobile telecommunications company “Zain” stocks. The traders kept an eye during the month on the development of the deal, which had a positive influence on the market, especially in the last week of the month, whereas some news appeared with regards to an understanding between Zain main shareholders on a mechanism to collect the required number of stocks needed to complete the deal.

In addition, the news about the development plan financing mechanism had a significant effect on the market. The traders follow the news about it with great concern. Most of the news were about governmental discussions on how to finance the plan, and the expected role for banks in it. Last week of October, the ministry of finance said that the government perspective for the plan financing will be introduced to the Kuwaiti parliament within two weeks.

BAYAN INVESTMENT MONTHLY REPORT

Main indices The price index closed the month at 7,063.9 points, gaining 78.9 points, a percentage of 1.13% compared to September’s closing. On the other hand, KSE’s weighted index ended October’s activity at 474.21 points, after increasing by 8.2 points, at a percentage of 1.76%.

Five of KSE’s sectors ended October in the red zone, while the other three recorded increases. The Non Kuwaiti sector headed the losers list as its index declined by 1.31% to end the month’s activity at 7,168.1 points. The Food sector was second on the

losers’ list, which index declined by 0.50%, closing at 4,736.7 points, followed by the Insurance sector, as its index closed at 2,692.1 points at a loss of 0.49%. The Industry sector was the least declining as its index closed at 5,732.3 points with a 0.21% decrease.

On the other hand, last month’s highest gainer was the Banks sector, achieving 7.41% growth rate as its index closed at 11,515.6 points. Whereas, in the second place, the Real Estate sector’s index closed at 2,390.0 points recording 4% increase. The Investment sector came in third as its index achieved 1.93% growth, ending the week at 5,179.2 points.

Total Market The total number of deals executed during the month increased by 47.51% to 115,070 deals. In addition, total trading value grew by 26.26% to KD 1.21 billion, while trade volume increased by 52.93% to 6.87 billion shares.

Gainers and losers During October, 92 declines and 78 advances were recorded compared to end of previous month’s prices.

Furthermore, prices of 14 stocks closed unchanged among 184 stocks participating to the month’s trades out of the 212 listed securities in the regular market.

Market sectors The Investment sector dominated total trade volume during the month with 2.32 billion shares changing hands, representing 33.81% of the total market trading volume. The Real Estate sector was second in terms of trading volume as the sector’s traded shares were 26.02% of October’s total trading volume, with a total of 1.79 billion shares.

On the other hand, the Banks sector’s stocks where the highest traded in terms of value; with a turnover of KD 432.64 million or 35.63% of last month’s total market trading value. The Investment sector took the second place as the sector’s October turnover of KD 265.92 million represented 21.90% of the total market trading value.

The share of Abyaar Real Estate Development Company dominated the first place in terms of shares volume with a total of 456.16 million shares; followed in the second place by Jeezan Holding Company with 349.32 million shares changing hands. The third position in the list was for Investors Holding Group Company with a volume of 331.52 million shares.

Burgan Bank was the heaviest traded company in terms of value, with a total turnover of KD 114.29 million dominating the top place in this list, followed by Mobile Telecommunications Company which turnover totaled to around KD 113.63 million. Finally the third position was for Kuwait Finance House with a turnover of KD 102.93 million.

Top gainers Hits Telecom Holding Company share was the month’s top gainer with an increase of 64% in its share price ending October at 82 Fils up from 50 Fils in September. The second place in the list was for jeezan Holding Company closing at 71 Fils up from 49 Fils, an increase of 44.90%. Finally, Mena Real Estate Company ranked third with a 43.53% increase in its share price which ended the month at 61 Fils.

Top losers The share of Kuwait Finance & Investment Company was the top loser during October with a drop of 50%, closing at 35.5 Fils down from its September closing of 71 Fils. Housing Finance Company ranked second in this list with its share closing at 106 Fils, a 29.33% drop compared to the previous month’s closing at 150 Fils. The third place was for Nafais Holding Company as its share price declined by 28.57% to close at 30 Fils.

Market Capitalization The total market capitalization of Kuwait Stock Exchange recorded 2.34% increase to reach KD 34.13 billion by the end of October, some KD 0.78 billion raise compared to past September. And when compared to 2009 year end, KSE total market capitalization is 16.79% higher than the value back then, which amounted to KD 29.22 billion. — www.bayaninvest.com

Firm eyes Indonesia CBM exploratory drilling

Exxon doubles gas supplies; eyes strong Asia demand SINGAPORE: Exxon Mobil Corp expects strong dem a nd in Asia Pa cific to a bsorb fresh ga s supplies a fter doubling third-qua rter output from a year a go on production from new liquefied na tura l ga s (LNG) trains in Qa ta r, a senior executive sa id yesterda y. How ever, unconventiona l ga s

MOSCOW: Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (right) and auto alliance Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn meet in the Novo-Ogaryovo residence yesterday outside Moscow. Putin offered Renault-Nissan the chance to buy a controlling stake in Russian carmaker AvtoVAZ, Ghosn said yesterday, the RIA-Novosti news agency reported. — AFP

Food prices near 2008 levels, supply stronger MILAN: World food prices have come close to the 2007/08 crisis levels after a spike in October but global supplies are stronger now and cereal prices remain well below critical levels, the UN’s food agency economist said yesterday.

The Food and Agriculture Organization’s Food Price Index hit the highest level in 27 months in October averaging at 197.1 points, powered by a surge in sugar prices and unexpectedly strong rises in cereals and vegetable oils prices, the FAO said.

“In terms of price levels internationally I think the situation is certainly getting closer to the levels that we had seen (in 2007/2008),” the FAO economist Abdolreza Abbassian told Reuters in a telephone interview.

“Food instability which we were threatened (with) in 2007/08 is so far absent,” he said.

The FAO’s Cereal Price Index which includes prices of main food staples including wheat, rice and corn, climbed to the highest level since September 2008 but still remained well below peaks seen for most of that year, according to FAO data.

The cereal and overall food supply situation in many producing and importing countries, especially in Africa, has improved since the 2007/08 crisis which triggered food riots in developing countries, Abbassian said. “We did not have riots because of

sugar or soybeans or meat and dairy in 2008, we had riots because of wheat and rice, and those elements so far are fairly balanced,” he said. But increasing food price volatility was alarming and could threaten future food security, Abbassian said.

He said markets expected tightening of global wheat supplies in 2011/12 because no big increases in new plantings have emerged in Russia while in other major producers in North America and Europe wheat would have to compete for land with other profitable crops such as corn, barley and soybean.

However, the International Grains Council has forecast, that wheat plantings will rise in 2011/12.

“Higher market prices are expected to boost global wheat plantings in 2011/12, with the total harvested area projected to rise by around 3 percent,” the IGC said in a monthly market report last week.

The IGC saw an increase in wheat area in the European Union and North America.

In Russia, a drop in winter wheat plantings was seen after this year’s severe drought but the impact on harvested area was expected to be partially offset by higher spring wheat plantings and lower abandonment of damaged crops. Abbassian said sharp wheat price volatility in the last few months has been confusing for farmers and would affect their planting decisions. — Reuters

MORELAND HILLS: Clorox bleach bottles are posed for a photo in Moreland Hills, Ohio. Clorox said yesterday its first-quarter net income jumped 37.6 percent on a gain from the sale of its auto-care business. But revenue slipped because of shoppers are still shying away from purchases. — AP

“In my mind, we can’t get gas fast enough as an industry because of the demand out there,” Linda DuCharme, Vice President at ExxonMobil Gas and Power Marketing Co told Reuters at the Singapore Energy Week.

In Asia’s developing countries, total energy demand will double in the next 20 years while natural gas demand will grow by 125 percent, she said.

ExxonMobil’s available gas supplies for sales have risen to 12 billion cubic feet (339.8 million cu meters) per day in the third quarter, up from 8 billion cubic feet per day in the same quarter last year.

Supplies from Asia Pacific and the Middle East are around 5 billion cubic feet per day, DuCharme said.

Producers are eyeing Asia to provide homes for new capacity as the world struggles to absorb supplies with many developed economies still in recovery mode.

Qatari oil minister Abdullah Al-Attiyah said that demand and supply could become balanced in three years but the International Energy Agency (IEA) says the oversupply could last a decade.

Between 2009 and 2010, ExxonMobil and Qatar

LSE’s Turquoise crashes for second time in month LONDON: The London Stock Exchange’s trading system Turquoise crashed for the second time in less than month, just as it plans to transfer its main trading platform over to Turquoise’s new technology.

Turquoise, which trades the largest European stocks including those listed in France, Germany and the Netherlands, was down for two hours before it said in an email at 1037 GMT that the system was back up and running.

A spokesman for the LSE Group confirmed that Turquoise had resumed trading, but declined to comment further. The exchange said it was investigating the incident and would provide a report to customers in “due course”.

The glitch is the second at Turquoise in less than a month after a problem with a network card forced the exchange to shut the system for over an hour on Oct 5.

Last month’s problem came just two days after Turquoise had moved across to a new technology platform, supplied by the LSE-owned software supplier MillenniumIT. It is using the Turquoise switch as a dry run for the subsequent migration of the LSE’s main UK order book Sets to MillenniumIT, slated for this month.

LSE chief executive Xavier Rolet is keen to migrate Sets to Millennium to make the order book faster and, therefore, more attractive to high-frequency trading firms that generate huge volumes of trades. However, some of the LSE’s largest investment banks clients asked it to postpone the move of the far larger Sets trading book after the Oct. 5 glitch, arguing a repeat of the problem on a bigger scale would be far more serious.

“Today’s Turquoise problem will only add to the case for a delay,” said one head of trading at a large European investment bank, asking not to be named.

The exchange was set to announce its decision about the timing of the Sets switch this week, a source close to the exchange have said.

Yesterday, the LSE’s pan-European equity trading platform had opened on time at 0800 GMT, according to clients, but the operator in two emails said it was investigating an issue and that it had halted its order books. — Reuters

in Asia w ill ta k e longer to develop unlik e in the United Sta tes due to the la ck of pipeline infra structure, even a s ExxonMobil prepa res to sta r t ex plora t or y drilling in c oa lbed m eth a n e (CB M) bloc k s in Indonesia .

Petroleum started up four 7.8 million ton-per-year (tpy) LNG trains. The US energy major also has stakes in two LNG projects in Australia and Papua New Guinea with total output of 21.6 million tpy and will be completed in 2014.

Besides the large emerging economies of China and India, Southeast Asia also holds huge potential for gas consumption, DuCharme said.

“Pipeline gas is very much a potential for a lot of countries in Southeast Asia,” DuCharme said, adding that the company is actively exploring for resources in countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia.

In Indonesia, ExxonMobil has signed agreements with state utility Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) and fertilizer producer PT Petrokimia Gresik (PKG), for evaluating gas sales from the Cepu block in Java which has 2-3 trillion cubic feet of proven and potential natural gas reserves.

Exxon Mobil said in January it expected peak crude oil production of 165,000 barrels per day (bpd) from its Cepu block to be delayed until the end of 2013.

The company expects to start exploratory drilling in coalbed methane blocks in South Kalimantan in six months using technology it acquired after buying shale gas producer XTO Energy Inc last year, DuCharme said.

But the lack of pipeline infrastructure means that unconventional gas would not be coming online as quickly as it did in the US, she added.

Local media had reported that PLN was targeting to use gas from the Kalimantan CBM blocks to fire an 8megawatt power plant by end-2011. ExxonMobil operates the blocks with local partner PT Sugico Graha. In Singapore, ExxonMobil is looking at importing its own gas in the long term for its power plants, DuCharme said.

ExxonMobil operates a 140-megawatt cogeneration plant, which currently uses imported pipeline gas. It is building another 220-megawatt unit to supply electricity to the Jurong Island oil and petrochemical hub.

“We’re a big consumer of gas here,” DuCharme said. “In the long term, we love to have the opportunity to look at supplying ourselves.” — Reuters

MasterCard posts Q2 profit jump of 15% NEW YORK: MasterCard Inc yesterday said increased use of credit and debit cards overseas helped lift its third-quarter profit by 15 percent. The payments processor recorded a net income of $518 million, or $3.94 per share for the three months ended Sept. 30, compared with $452 million, or $3.45 per share, in the year-ago quarter.

Revenue rose 5 percent to $1.43 billion, from $1.36 billion last year. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters, on average, were expecting profit of $3.54 per share, on revenue of $1.41 billion.

Purchases on credit and charge cards in the US dipped 0.7 percent, to $132 billion. Domestic debit card purchases dropped 5 percent, to $108 billion.

Fading credit card sales in the US were was offset by a surge in spending with both types of cards worldwide. Credit and charge card purchases jumped 9 percent globally to $317 billion. Debit card use shot up 29 percent to $128 billion.

Overall, spending with MasterCard branded cards rose 8 percent to $685 billion.

Weak spending in the US reflects the ongoing skittishness of consumers who are worried about jobs, even though MasterCard struck new deals with several banks that boosted the number of cards in use bearing the MasterCard logo to 1.6 billion.

The deals, particularly with Sovereign Bank and Chevy Chase Bank, recently bought by Capital One, are part of MasterCard’s push into the debit card network. It still lags behind rival Visa Inc. Debit has overtaken credit in both the number of purchases and dollar spent on the cards in the past few years, picking up steam as consumers have tried to reduce debt amid economic uncertainty.

MasterCard, based in Purchase, New York, said deals the with banks for new and renewed agreements to distribute its cards offset gains from price increases for processing transactions.

In premarket electronic trading, Mastercard shares leaped $9, or 3.8 percent, to $247.99. — AP

NEW YORK: Signs for a Citibank banking card, top, a MasterCard credit card, center, and Maestro, bottom, are displayed, in New York. — AP

BUSINESS

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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

BP ups spill cost estimate by $8bn, profits dive LONDON: BP lifted its estimate of the likely cost of its Gulf of Mexico oil spill to $40 billion yesterday, denting profits, but its underlying performance beat all expectations on higher refining margins and a lower tax rate.

BP, the world’s biggest non-government controlled oil company by production last year, said delays in capping its blown-out well prompted the increased charge for ending the leak, cleaning up the damage and compensating those affected.

The charge, up by $7.7 billion, pushed third-quarter replacement cost profit, which strips out unrealized gains or losses related to changes in the value of fuel inventories, down 63 percent to $1.8 billion.

Stripping out one-offs, including the oil spill costs, the underlying results rose 18 percent, compared to the same period in 2009, to $5.53 billion, well ahead of an average forecast $4.60 billion from a Reuters poll

of seven analysts.

Underlying net result was boosted by a drop in BP’s effective tax rate to 25 percent from 29 percent in the same period last year and analyst forecasts of around 30 percent.

The better-than-expected results, and comments that the oil giant plans to consider reinstating its dividend in 2011 — something it had only hinted at previously-lifted BP shares.

These rose 1.9 percent to 432 pence at 0956 GMT, against a 0.6 percent rise in the STOXX Europe 600 Oil and Gas index.

“I think with regards to BP, a lot of the uncertainty is out of the way, and it is slowly but surely getting back to business,” Manoj Ladwa, senior trader at ETX Capital, said.

However, some analysts said the result was not a harbinger of better things as the tax rate would likely

revert towards normal levels and BP itself said it would be hard to repeat the strong profits from the refining unit.

“The underlying beat is therefore of low quality,” Oswald Clint, oil analyst at Bernstein said in a research note.

Most rivals benefited more from the 12 percent rise in crude prices in the quarter, compared to a year earlier, the 29 percent hike in US natural gas prices and the doubling in British gas prices.

Royal Dutch Shell Plc reported an 88 percent rise in underlying third-quarter net profit and Exxon Mobil, the largest western oil major by market value, reported a 55 percent rise in net income.

Higher output in the quarter also helped lift BP’s peers but the London-based oil company said its production fell 4 percent, compared to July to Sept. 2009, to 3.76 million barrels of oil equivalent per day

(boepd), due partly to dislocation related to the oil spill.

Analysts had expected BP to register an extra charge related to the oil spill in the third quarter, after delays in capping the well for good, but most had predicted a figure of around $2-3 billion.

The final cost of the oil spill could be far larger, or smaller, than the $40 billion charge BP has taken.

Anadarko Petroleum and Japan’s Mitsui own 35 percent of the blown out well and they are contractually obliged to share the costs. However, they are claiming that this obligation is void because BP was grossly negligent.

Accounting rules require BP to ignore any recoverable payments that are not certain so it is possible that the partners do, in the end, pay up to 35 percent of the total cost.

However, if gross negligence is proven, then BP

will face the entire $40 billion bill alone, and will face additional federal fines. Analysts at JP Morgan said if gross negligence is found, the final cost to BP could be $69 billion.

BP shares are down 34 percent since before the spill, representing a loss in market capitalisation of over $60 billion.

BP said it would consider whether to reinstate its dividend payments-cancelled in the wake of the oil spill after a political outcry in the United States-in early 2011.

Gordon Gray at Collins Stewart said he expected the dividend to be reinstated for the fourth quarter, at half the previous level, or 7 cents/share. Emphasizing the optimistic tone in the results statement, BP said that the strength of its cash flows would allow it to raise its 2011 capital expenditure budget above the $18 billion it previously indicated. — Reuters

German strength again offsets weaker bloc members

Euro-zone manufacturing growth picks up in October

NEW YORK: Shoppers pass the Prada store on New York’s Fifth Avenue. Americans slowed their spending in September to the weakest pace in three months and their incomes fell by the largest amount in 14 months. — AP

Lloyds expects good 2010 results as margins improve LONDON: Lloyds, Britain’s biggest retail bank which was part-nationalized during the credit crisis, said it was set for decent 2010 results as bad debts fall and margins continue to improve.

“We continue to expect the group to deliver a good financial performance for the full year,” the bank said in a third quarter trading update yesterday.

Lloyds, Europe’s fourth biggest bank by market value, kicked off the third quarter updates from Britain’s major banks, with Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays and HSBC due to follow suit later this month. It said losses from problem loans were “expected to fall moderately” in the second half, in line with its recent guidance, and that margins should show a modest improvement.

It added that its capital ratios were strong and slightly higher than those reported at the half-year stage, when Lloyds reported a Tier 1 core capital ratio of 9.0 percent.

Lloyds shares were up 0.6 percent at 70 pence by 0835 GMT, with the European bank index down 0.4 percent as a capital increase by Spain’s BBVA put pressure on the sector’s shares..

“We do not see this interim management statement as a catalyst to push the shares to break out of its current trading range, but neither do we see it as falling below recent lows of 68 pence, which we would reiterate as a good level to build up positions ahead of the next leg of the story,” brokerage Matrix said in a research note.

Banks around the world have posted mixed third quarter results, with large profits at the likes of JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs contrasting with losses at Deutsche Bank and Bank of America.

Lloyds did not disclose specific profit figures for the third quarter, but outgoing Chief Executive Eric Daniels said the bank remained profitable during the quarter, following on from its interim pre-tax profit of 1.6 billion pounds.

Daniels is due to step down next year and he said the company’s hunt for his successor was continuing “apace”. Lloyds is 41 percent state-owned after a bailout by the UK government which had engineered a rescue takeover of troubled rival HBOS. As a result of the bailout, regulators have ordered Lloyds to dispose of billions of pounds worth of assets. Lloyds aims to shrink its 1 trillion pound balance sheet by a third by winding down or selling unwanted businesses, which includes a plan to sell 600 branches in Britain.

Daniels said the closely-watched UK retail branch sale was unlikely to occur in 2010.

“If I were to give you the best view, we have 58 days left for this year. That would probably speak for itself,” he told Reuters. The British taxpayer acquired its stake in Lloyds at a price of around 63 pence and the government hopes to sell the stake at some point.

However, an inquiry into banks kicked off by Britain’s new government is expected to take a year and analysts do not expect any sale of the state’s stakes in Lloyds or Royal Bank of Scotland until that inquiry has been completed. — Reuters

India hikes rates for 6th time to tame inflation MUMBAI: India’s central bank raised benchmark interest rates yesterday by a quarter percentage point, its sixth this year aimed at curbing stubborn inflation in the booming economy.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) increased the main repo rate-at which it lends to commercial banksto 6.25 percent. The reverse repo rate-which it pays to banks for deposits-was increased to 5.25 percent. The monetary tightening came as Australia’s central bank lifted rates by a quarter point to 4.75 percent in a surprise move Tuesday, warning the economy faced a “large expansionary shock” triggered by a mining boom.

The rate hikes by India and Australia focused attention on the growing divergence between the fast-expanding Asia-Pacific region and Europe and the United States where recovery is faltering, analysts said. “The interest rate increases occur amid positive signals about the prospect of Asian economies against persistent sluggishness in advanced economies in Europe and the US,” said Matt Robinson, senior econo-

mist at Moody’s Analytics.

China last month made its first rate rise in three years to curb inflation and spiralling property prices.

South Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia have also begun raising borrowing costs, among other emerging nations.

After its latest increase, India’s Reserve Bank which along with Australia has been the most aggressive in the Asia-Pacific region in clamping down on inflation, said it expected to be able to keep rates on hold for some time.

“Based purely on current growth and inflation trends, the Reserve Bank believes that the likelihood of further rate actions in the immediate future is relatively low,” RBI governor D. Subbarao said.

In an effort to dampen rising property prices, the bank also announced tighter lending rules for commercial banks making so-called “teaser” loans. Finance Secretary Ashok Chawla called the rate move an “extremely sound and sensible decision” designed to cool inflationary expectations.—AFP

MUMBAI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) head office is pictured in Mumbai yesterday. —AFP

LONDON: Euro-zone manufacturers boosted their output in October at a faster pace than previously estimated, a business survey showed yesterday, with Spain and Ireland both recovering while Greece continued to struggle.

The Markit Eurozone Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose to 54.6 in October, revised up from the earlier estimate of 54.1 and comfortably higher than the final reading of 53.7 for September.

The survey showed factories across the currency area hired staff at the quickest rate since March 2008 last month. But worryingly for policymakers, there was still a growing divergence among member states’ recovery rates.

Germany once again led the upturn, with growth accelerating, and while Spain saw a return to positive territory France’s factory upswing moderated as output slowed to a 14-month low.

Greek manufacturing stayed firmly in the grip of recession, with the pace of contraction accelerating as output, jobs and new orders fell but Ireland saw a modest return to growth.

Financial markets were little moved by the numbers.

“It is welcome news to see euro zone manufacturing picking up in October and the sector looks like it can make a decent contribution to GDP growth in the fourth quarter,” said Howard Archer at IHS Global Insight.

“The concern is that going forward it will be held back by inventory corrections drawing to a close in some countries, slower global growth and domestic demand being limited in most euro zone countries by tighter fiscal policy increasingly kicking in.”

While still firmly above the 50 mark that divides growth from contraction, the headline reading is still some way off April’s post-recession high of 57.6.

Manufacturers reported improved output last month and they took on staff at the fastest rate in around 2-1/2 years, the survey of about 2,000 companies showed.

But euro zone unemployment is still running at more than 10 percent and any optimism over manufacturing may also be tempered by surveys on the services sector on Thursday, expected to confirm a picture of slowing growth.

A Reuters poll of economists published last month showed the 16-nation euro zone economy growing 1.6 percent in 2010, before slowing to 1.4 percent next year as countries step up budget austerity measures.

The uneven economic recovery will force the European Central Bank to keep interest rates on hold at their record low of 1.0 percent until fourth quarter of next year, a Reuters poll last week predicted.

The manufacturing output sub-index saw a strong upward revision to 54.7 from the flash reading of 53.8, up from September’s final number of 54.0. The jobs subindex rose to 52.2 from 51.5 in September. — Reuters

SYDNEY: A businessman passes by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) building in Sydney yesterday. — AFP

Australia in surprise rate rise to 4.75% SYDNEY: Australia’s central bank lifted interest rates in a surprise move yesterday, ending a six-month freeze, as it warned the economy faced a “large expansionary shock” triggered by the mining boom.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) defied widespread expectations it would leave borrowing costs on hold by boosting the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.75 percent. The move sent the local dollar soaring to near-parity with the greenback.

“At today’s meeting, the board concluded that the balance of risks had shifted to the point where an early, modest tightening of monetary policy was prudent,” bank Governor Glenn Stevens said in a statement. Most economists had expected rates in resource-rich Australia, the only major Western country to avoid recession during the financial crisis, to stay on hold for a sixth consecutive month following recent benign inflation data.

Figures last week showed annual inflation was running at a lower-than-expected 2.8 percent-with underlying inflation up 2.4 percent for the year, squarely within the RBA’s 2.0 to 3.0 percent comfort zone.

But Stevens said despite evidence that prices were moderating, there were still concerns that inflation would rise again. “The economy is now subject to a large expansionary shock from the high terms of trade and has relatively modest amounts of spare capacity,” he said.

“Looking ahead, notwithstanding recent good results on inflation, the risk of inflation rising again over the medium term remains.” The Australian dollar, which benefits from higher interest rates as those of the United States and Europe sit at historic lows, surged on the announcement, rising to 99.80 US cents. The stock market also closed higher with the benchmark S&P/ASX200 adding 2.9 points, or 0.06 percent, to 4,701.4.

Australia led the Western world in lifting rates following the global financial crisis, raising them off 49-year lows with six rapid hikes between October 2009 and May. The RBA is now among several central banks in Asia Pacific to move recently, following China’s decision late last month to make its first interest rate rise in three years and Singapore’s tightening of monetary policy. India’s central bank also raised benchmark interest rates by a quarter percentage point yesterday-its sixth hike since the start of the year to curb stubborn inflation in the country’s booming economy. The Australian economy is riding a once-ina-century mining and resources boom driven by enormous demand for raw materials such as iron ore and coal from Asia, including rapidly industrialising China.

CommSec equities economist Savanth Sebastian said the RBA was showing optimism about the economy, and “trying to be ahead of the game” as wages are set to pick up and unemployment remains at a low 5.1 percent. — AFP

HONG KONG: People walk past a sign for AIA group limited in Hong Kong. AIA, the Asian unit of troubled US insurer AIG, has raised $20.5 billion in a Hong Kong share sale that was the world’s third-biggest initial public offering, a spokeswoman said yesterday. — AFP

AIA says IPO raised $20.5 billion HONG KONG: The Asian unit of troubled US insurer AIG has raised $20.5 billion in a Hong Kong share sale, making it the world’s third-biggest initial public offering, a spokeswoman said yesterday.

Some of the cash from AIA’s huge IPO will go towards helping its parent pay off a $182 billion bailout it received from the US taxpayer at the height of the global financial crisis.

AIG said on Monday it had also raised $16.2 billion by selling unit American Life Insurance Company (ALICO) to MetLife Inc. The repayment of the huge sums handed out to troubled US companies is a priority for the embattled Obama

administration, which is facing voter anger at mid-term elections yesterday in the United States.

AIG was forced to look at floating AIA in Hong Kong after the collapse in June of a proposed $35.5-billion sale to British insurer Prudential.

AIA raised $17.8 billion in the sale last month but said at the time the IPO could top $20 billion if certain options were exercised.

The IPO “raised 20.51 billion US dollars after the exercise of the greenshoe option, which brings the total number of shares offered to about 8.08 billion,” an AIA spokeswoman told AFP yesterday.

Peter Lai, sales director at DBS

Vickers in Hong Kong, said: “Many institutional investors had to buy shares (after the IPO) as the portion of shares set aside for them was quite small.”

In July, Agricultural Bank of China claimed title to the world’s biggest IPO with a monster $22.1 billion offering, beating the previous record set by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, which raised $21.9 billion in 2006.

AIA shares soared 17 percent on their debut Friday, closing at 23.05 Hong Kong dollars compared with a 19.68 dollar IPO price. The shares closed down 1.7 percent at 22.6 dollars yesterday. — Reuters

TECHNOLOGY

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

HOUSTON: This July 28, 2009 picture provided by NASA shows two Robonaut 2 robots in Houston. — AP

27

HOUSTON: File photo provided by NASA shows NASA astronaut Michael Barratt, STS-133 mission specialist, shakes hands with Robonaut 2 during a news conference in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. — AP

Robot’s space debut ‘giant leap for tinmankind’ CAPE CANAVERAL: Space is about to get its first humanoid from planet Earth. Robonaut 2 — affectionately known as R2 — is hitching a one-way ride to the International Space Station this week aboard the final flight of space shuttle Discovery. It’s the first humanoid robot ever bound for space, a $2.5 million mechanical and electrical marvel that NASA hopes one day will assist flesh-and-bone astronauts in orbit.

Imagine, its creators say, a future where Robonaut could take over space station cleaning duties; spend hours outside in the extreme heat and cold, patiently holding tools for spacewalking astronauts; and handle emergencies like toxic leaks or fires.

Why, Robonaut’s descendants could even scout out asteroids, Mars and other worlds in the decades ahead, paving the way for humans. The adventure begins Wednesday afternoon, with the planned final launch of Discovery and Robonaut’s six human crewmates.

Mission managers gave the green light Monday for the new launch date; shuttle gas leaks had to be repaired before the countdown could begin and forced a twoday delay.

“While it might be just a single step for this robot, it’s really a giant leap forward for tinmankind,” said Rob Ambrose, acting chief of Johnson Space Center’s automation, robotics and simulation division in Houston. For now, R2 — a collaboration between NASA and General Motors-exists only from the waist up. It measures 3 feet 4 inches (1 meter) tall and weighs 330 pounds. Each arm is 2 feet (0.6 meters) 8 inches (20 centimeters) long.

Legs are still in the works. But, oh, what an upper body: perfectly toned arms and hands with palms, a robotic rarity, along with broad shoulders and a washboard stomach. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hollywood’s cyborg Terminator, would be proud. Watch Robonaut lifting a 20-pound (9-kilogram) dumbbell, and “you can kind of feel the burn,” Ambrose said, showing a video at a recent news conference. Unlike people who tend to cheat, “this robot will really do what the physical trainers tell you to do, which is to do the bicep curls nice and slow,” he said. Made of aluminum and nickel-plated carbon fiber, the torso and arms are padded to protect Robonaut and the astronauts, all the way

down to the five fingers on each hand.

No metal, bony-looking fingers for this robot. R2’s eyes are where they should be: in its gold-colored head. Four visible light cameras are located behind the robot’s visor, and an infrared camera is in its mouth for depth perception. But its brain is in its stomach; engineers had nowhere else to put the computerized gray matter. A backpack holds a power system for plugging R2 into the space station. On an asteroid or Mars, the backpack would contain batteries.

The joints are filled with springs forgive, and more than 350 electrical sensors are scattered throughout, allowing R2 to sense even a feather with its fingertips.

NASA began working on its first dexterous robot-the landlubbing Robonaut 1 — in 1997. Lacking money, the project ceased in 2006. General Motors stepped in with the intention of improving car manufacturing and better protecting workers. Early this year, the much speedier R2 was unveiled.

NASA made room for the robot on one of its last few shuttle flights. It is Discovery’s 39th mission and the next-to-last shuttle flight for NASA, although an

additional trip may be added next year. R2 is boxed up and stowed away for launch. Its identical twin-identical on the outside, anyway-is at Kennedy Space Center, posing for pictures and awaiting liftoff. “I’m not even a little nervous; NERVES OF ALUMINUM!!!” R2 said last week in a Twitter update under AstroRobonaut. (A NASA public relations woman and Robonaut team member are serving as ghost tweeters.)

The robot will remain tucked away at the space station until late December-a nice Christmas present for the station’s six inhabitants, Ambrose figures. While the space station already has Canadian and Japanese robotic arms-resembling cranes-human operators are needed. Once given orders, R2 can carry out preprogrammed tasks by itself.

First will come a series of tests to see how Robonaut operates in weightlessness atop a fixed pedestal. Legs will be needed before Robonaut can tackle indoor chores like wiping handrails or vacuuming air filters. NASA hopes to send up legs in late 2011, followed a year later by torso and computer enhance-

ments enabling the robot to venture out on spacewalks.

The objective is to help astronauts, not replace them, NASA stresses. Humans have been living continuously on the space station for 10 years-the actual record-setting anniversary was yesterday-and the wish is for 10 more. The beauty of Robonaut, officials say, is its strong yet safe and trustworthy enough to work right next to humans. It’s also serenely mute, more WALL-E than R2-D2 of “Star Wars” fame.

Discovery’s astronaut-physician, Michael Barratt, would have loved to pawn off toilet cleaning while living at the space station last year. As appealing as Robonaut is, he cautions “it will be a long time” before the robot can do a job as quickly and efficiently as a space station human. Robonaut’s strength, Barratt said, will be emergencies. “Going into a toxic atmosphere to throw a switch or close a valve,” he explained. And, in a final salute, going down with the ship. R2 will be on board when the space station stops operating sometime after 2020 and NASA sends it hurtling toward a grave in the Pacific. — AP

Yahoo! and Samsung expand Internet TV territory SAN FRANCISCO: Yahoo! and Samsung yesterday raised their bet that television viewers want to easily link to websites such as Facebook without having the entire Web crammed into TV sets. The faded Internet star and the South Korean consumer electronics giant announced they will sell Yahoo! Connected TV sets in 26 more countries in Europe.

That raises to 39 the number of countries where Samsung sells television sets embedded with Yahoo! software “widgets” that let users connect over the Internet to favorite websites.

Yahoo! and Samsung launched their Connected TV partnership at a major Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in early 2009. Yahoo! is building on its strategy as Google weighs into the arena with Logitech boxes or Sony televisions that merge broadcast, cable, and online content. “We don’t think people want the whole Web browser experience crammed in a TV,” said Yahoo! senior director of Connect TV marketing Russ Schafer. “It is a best-of-the-Web not allof-the-Web comparison; which is similar to how people consume television,” Schafer said.

While cable television services typically offer hundreds of channels, research indicates that households stick with no more than 15 favorites and essentially ignore the rest, according to Schafer. Yahoo! believes that similar behavior will play out on Internet-connected televisions, with people staying faithful to online locales such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter instead of sifting through thousands of websites.

“Feedback tells us we have the right kind of solution,” Schafer said.

Samsung Electronics, the world’s largest maker of memory chips and flat-screen televisions, on Friday posted a record third-quarter net profit of 3.98 billion dollars, a 17 percent rise year-on-year. Sony, Vizio, Toshiba, and LG Electronics are among the heavyweights that make televisions embedded with Yahoo! software widgets. This year, Yahoo! began making alliances with computer chip makers with a goal of getting Connected TV software built into DVD players and other entertainment content delivery devices.

Schafer said to expect a number of competitively priced Blu-ray or set-top boxes featuring Yahoo! television widgets at the Consumer Electronics Show set to take place in Las Vegas in January. Yahoo! is distinguishing itself from the Internet television offerings by rivals Apple and Google.

“Apple TV, at one end of the spectrum has a very simple interface, limited offerings but deep content that is very connected to other devices in the Apple ecosystem,” Schafer said.

“Google, on the other side, wants to take the PC experience in the browser and put it in the TV. We fit right in the middle.” The Mountain View, California-based Google unveiled Google TV in May in San Francisco. Developed in partnership with Sony, Logitech and Intel, Google TV allows users to mesh television viewing with surfing the Web. Google TV, which is powered by Google’s Android software and Chrome Web browser, can be accessed using the Sony TVs or set-top boxes from Logitech that route Web content to existing TV sets.

A number of electronics manufacturers offer Web-enabled televisions or digital set-top boxes. “People can’t even go through 120 channels on cable,” Schafer said. “Do you think they will go through 120,000 websites? People want video and social networking.” Apple chief executive Steve Jobs unveiled a second-generation Apple TV in September at an event in San Francisco. The Apple TV price was cut to 99 dollars from the 229 dollars charged for its predecessor.

Apple released the first version of its digital media receiver that routes TV show and movies from computers to HD TVs in 2007 but it never really caught on with the public. Apple TV owners can rent HD movies or television shows from the Cupertino, California, company’s iTunes online shop. The Sunnyvale, California-based Yahoo! has its software widgets in televisions in more than 130 countries. — AFP

BERLIN: Oberstaufen touristic chief of Bianca Keybach rides a trike equipped with Google Street View cameras in a park in Oberstaufen in Bavaria, southern Germany yesterday, the day on which US Internet giant Google put online its first images from Germany as part of its Street View navigation service.—AFP

BERLIN: Theo Palecek looks at a laptop showing pictures of a street taken by Google Street View in Oberstaufen in Bavaria, southern Germany yesterday. — AFP

Google launches Street View in Germany BERLIN: Following months of controversy over privacy, US Internet giant Google put its first images from Germany online yesterday as part of its Street View navigation service. Street View users were able to see the rolling hills, tree-lined streets and quaint wooden houses of the tiny town of Oberstaufen in Bavaria, south Germany.

In contrast to the fevered debate leading up to the service’s launch, the town, which relies heavily on tourism, welcomed its introduction, even bak-

ing a cake to mark the arrival.

“For tourists, it can only be an advantage if they can already get detailed information about their holiday on the Internet before they book,” said Andrea Presser, from the town’s tourism office. Street View, available in around 20 countries, allows users to “walk” through towns and cities using photos taken by specially-equipped vehicles. But it ran into fierce opposition in Germany, both from privacy campaigners and

Nokia Siemens reports mobile network contract in Afghanistan HELSINKI: Finnish-German telecom equipment maker Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) said yesterday it would upgrade and expand a wireless network in Afghanistan, where the number of mobile subscribers has gone from zero to 17 million in eight years.

“Afghanistan’s current mobile penetration is around 57 percent.

This shows the great strides the country has taken since 2002 when there were no phones in the country,” NSN said in a statement.

The company said it had signed a deal with Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC) for a non-disclosed amount to help “modernize and expand” the operator’s second generation GSM-GPRS network, especially in rural areas.

AWCC is one of five operators in Afghanistan. The others are Afghan Telecom, Roshan, Etisalat and MTN, according to the Afghanistan Telecommunication Operators’ Social Association (ATOSA), which was created in April.

Nonetheless, “there remains a

clear opportunity to expand into the underserved parts of the country and reach a larger segment of the rural population,” NSN said.

According to ATOSA, the telecom sector has swelled to become Afghanistan’s top tax payer, pumping 500 million dollars (360 million euros) into state coffers since the fall of the Taliban at the end of 2001, amounting to about 10 percent of the war-torn country’s domestic budget revenues. Taliban insurgents often target telecommunications networks in an attempt to block communications, and NATO forces stationed in the country also sometimes cut lines at night to hinder Taliban fighters from communicating.

No wireless networks existed in Afghanistan during the years of Taleban rule, from 1996 to 2001, but since then mobile phones have in many places become the sole means of communication in the mountainous country, where fixed line networks have never made it beyond the large towns. — AFP

some politicians.

Although Germans are avid users of Street View images from other countries, the planned roll-out here caused alarm in a country particularly sensitive to privacy concerns due to the gross abuses under the Nazi and communist regimes.

As a special concession to these concerns, Google allowed people to “opt out” of the service, promising to pixelate their house. The firm announced on October 21 that nearly a quarter of

a million Germans had done this.

Some houses in Oberstaufen were indeed blurred. Google plans to roll out the service for Germany’s 20 largest cities later this year, including Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich and Hamburg. The US firm also offered used a “little tour of Germany” taking in six important sites in the country, including the office of Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin and football team Bayern Munich’s stadium. — AFP

Technical trouble delays California rocket launch CALIFORNIA : Officials say the launch of an earth-observation satellite from California’s Central Coast has been postponed for the third time. Vandenberg Air Force Base spokesman Jeremy Eggers says the Delta II rocket scheduled for takeoff from the base Monday night was attempted again yesterday night.

A statement from the United Launch Alliance says the lat-

est delay came when mission managers found an insufficient flow of gaseous nitrogen to help keep critical components in the rocket’s engine compartment warm. Similar problems forced scrubbed launches both Friday and Sunday. The payload is the last part of a four-satellite system called COSMOSkyMed that uses radar to create images for defense and scientific purposes, mainly in the Mediterranean region. — AP

Google sues US government, says bid terms favor Microsoft WASHINGTON: Google has filed suit against the US government claiming the terms for a large Department of the Interior contract favor rival Microsoft. The lawsuit was filed by Google and Onix Networking Corp, a reseller of Google products, in the US Court of Federal Claims on Friday. Google argues that the terms of the bid for an email, calendar and document collaboration system for some 88,000 Interior Department employees implicitly rule out a Google product and favor one from software giant Microsoft.

The company is promoting its Internet-

based suite of office tools, Google Apps, for the contract over Microsoft’s solution.

It said it was told there would be a “full and open competition” for the contract but the bid request “specified that only the Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite-Federal could be proposed.”

Google said it was bringing suit on the grounds “that such specification is unduly restrictive of competition” and in violation of US law. The Internet giant said it was told its product was “not compliant with (Interior Department) security requirements,” but that is not the case. Google

announced in September that three million businesses and more than 30 million people are using Google Apps, which are hosted on the Internet “cloud” as services on demand.

Google Apps include products or services such as Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Docs and are seen as the Mountain View, California company’s challenge to Microsoft’s popular Office software. The Wall Street Journal said the Department of the Interior contract is estimated to be worth 58 million dollars over five years. — AFP

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HEALTH & SCIENCE

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

HEALTH & SCIENCE

29

Brain energy crisis may spark Parkinson’s WASHINGTON: Parkinson’s disease may stem from an energy crisis in the brain, years before symptoms appear. If the research pans out, it points to a possible new approach for Parkinson’s: Giving a boost to a key power switch inside brain cells in hopes of slowing the disease’s inevitable march instead of just treating symptoms. “This is an extremely important and interesting observation that opens up new therapeutic targets,” says Dr Flint Beal of New York’s Weill Cornell Medical College, who wasn’t involved with the new study. Beal said scientists already are planning first-stage tests to see if a drug now used for diabetes might help Parkinson’s, too, by targeting

one of the implicated energy genes.

At issue are little power factories inside cells, called mitochondria. Increasingly, scientists suspect that malfunctioning mitochondria play some role in a list of degenerative brain diseases. After all, brain cells are energy hogs, making up about 2 percent of body weight yet consuming about 20 percent of the body’s energy.

So a power drain could trigger some serious long-term consequences. “It could be a root cause” of Parkinson’s, says Dr Clemens Scherzer of Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard University.

About 5 million people worldwide, and 1.5 million in

the US, have Parkinson’s, characterized by increasingly severe tremors and periodically stiff or frozen limbs.

Patients gradually lose brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical key to the circuitry that controls muscle movement. There is no cure, although dopamine-boosting medication and an implanted device called deep brain stimulation can help some symptoms.

No one knows what causes Parkinson’s. To find genetic clues, Scherzer gathered an international team of researchers to comb studies of more than 300 samples of brain tissue - from diagnosed Parkinson’s patients, from symptom-free people whose

brains showed early Parkinson’s damage was brewing, and from people whose brains appeared normal. They even used a laser beam to cut out individual dopamine-producing neurons in the most ravaged brain region, the substantia nigra, and examine gene activity. The team found 10 sets of genes that work at abnormally low levels in Parkinson’s patients, genes that turned out to play various roles in the mitochondria’s energy production, Scherzer recently reported in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Especially compelling, the genes also were sluggish in people with presymptomatic, simmering Parkinson’s.

And all the gene sets are controlled by what Scherzer calls a master regulator gene named PGC-1alpha - responsible for activating many other genes that maintain and repair those mitochondrial power factories. So might revving up PGC-1alpha in turn boost underperforming mitochondrial genes and protect the brain?

To see, the researchers tested dopamine-producing neurons from rats that were treated in ways known to cause Parkinson’s-like damage. Sure enough, boosting the power switch prevented that damage.

This genetic evidence supports years of tantalizing hints that mitochondria are culprits in Parkinson’s, says Dr Timothy Greenamyre of the

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He ticks off the clues: A rare, inherited form of Parkinson’s is caused by a mutated gene involved with mitochondrial function. A pesticide named rotenone that can kill dopamine cells and trigger Parkinson’s symptoms in animals also is toxic to mitochondria. So is another Parkinson’s-triggering chemical named MPTP. Now with Scherzer’s study, “it’s going to be harder and harder for people to think that mitochondria are just a late player or an incidental player in Parkinson’s disease,” Greenamyre says.

The crux of all that complicated neurogenetics: A diabetes drug named Actos is among the compounds known

to activate part of that PGC1alpha pathway, and Weill Cornell’s Beal says it’s poised for an initial small trial in Parkinson’s.

Separately, a nutrient named Coenzyme Q10 is believed important in mitochondrial energy production, and Beal is leading a study to see if high doses might help Parkinson’s. Results are due in 2012. But Scherzer issues a caution: The average Parkinson’s patient has lost about 70 percent of his or her dopamine-producing neurons by the time of diagnosis. So if blocking a brain energy drain is going to do any good, scientists may have to find ways to spot brewing Parkinson’s much earlier. “I don’t think you can turn back the clock,” he says. —AP

WHATʼS ON IN KUWAIT

30

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Entertainment City to host girl scouts days he Entertainment City will welcome a team from the Kuwaiti Girl Scouts TSociety on November 5, 2010 as well as

Football coaching The Premier GOAL Academy in association with Everton FC completed the first five-week coaching courses of the season at the weekend. Pictured are players from the Friday morning coaching course held at Shaab Park after receiving their certificates and medals. A new five week course commences from Friday, November 5.

December 3, 2010. Celebrations will be held to honor Arab and Kuwaiti girl scouts on the afore-mentioned dates. At least 5,000 girl scouts will participate in this event.

The announcement was recently made by Anwar Al-Nisf, Director of Activities and Operations Department at the Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC). He asserted that the decision to host scoutsí activities comes as part of the companyís commitment to upholding social responsibilities.

Furthermore, Al-Nisf clarified that visits to the Entertainment City in the morning during these two days will be exclusive to participating members, as well as scouts from

KNES shines at regional competition

Y BSK student attends World Economic Forum taff and students at The British S School of Kuwait extend best wishes to Head Girl Yara Al-Wazir

‘Natyalaya Festival 2010’

Warba opens new branch arba Insurance opened the LIC (Intl) Extension counter at Imad Centre, Sharq to enhance the services to the Indian community. The office was inaugurated by Geetha Prabhatkar, Senior employee of LIC International unit at Kuwait in the presence of G Rajasekar, AGM, Warba, Abdul Wahid, Manager (LIC), Tulsar Pandya, Manager (LIC), Ramesh, Manager, LIC HFL and marketing officers.

W

e the Natyalaya Nritha Kala W Kshethram are pleased to inform that the 11th anniversary celebrations of our dance institution, Natyalaya Nritha Kala Kshethram is scheduled to be held at Carmel School in Khaitan on Friday, November 19, 2010 at 4 pm.

The renowned Kathakali artist Kalamandalam Rajesh Kumar will be the special guest in this year’s anniversary celebrations.

Kalamandalam V Rajesh Kumar is a very popular artist having completed a six-year diploma in First Class in Kathakali from Kerala Kalamandalam.

He has got 15 years experience in Kathakali and 20 years experience in Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattom, Kuchippudi and folk dance. He has performed under the able guidance and teaching of Kalamandalam Leelamma.

Currently, he is studying for a degree in Bharathanatyam (BFA) at Kalaikaveri College, Trichi, Tamil Nadu. He was awarded with the title ‘Kalaprathibha’ during the 2000 Keralothsavam. He has also participated in the North and

South Zone National Festival held in 2005/2006 and in the closing ceremony of the 2006 Commonwealth games in Australia. Besides, he has been also participating regularly in all the tourist and development program every year.

Our special guest Kalamandalam Rajesh Kumar will be performing Poothanmoksham, Kirmiravadham (Lalitha), Uthraswayamvaram (Bhanu mathi) and Fusion with Natyalaya Krishna Prakash.

Bharathanatyam, Mohinlyattam, Kuchupidi, Keralanadanam and Group Dance by Natyalaya Prakash, Shajan and Students of Natyalava: Natyalaya Prakash is the founder and guru of the

Kuwait and other Gulf and Arab countries.

He further explained that the City will welcome visitors as normal in the afternoon which starts from 2:00 pm until 10:00 pm.

Babes in the Wood

ear 11 students of Kuwait National English School took part in the Regional INJAZ Young Entrepreneurs Competition held in the beautiful city of Marrakech in Morocco between October 23-26, 2010. It was indeed a great achievement as our school was selected to participate in the event, having reached sixth position in the competition held in Kuwait in July 2010. The students presented the company they had set up for the “Battle of the Best”. They had an enjoyable tour and we are proud of them for excelling in this competition. This will hopefully be an encouragement for the students to try their best and work hard to excel at next year’s competition. The students who took part are: Abdulrahman Al-Aqqad, Fahed Al-Dhafiri, Ibrahim Al-Attar, and Dhari Meshar Al-Shimmary.

on the occasion of her participation in the World Economic Forum for the Middle East and North Africa which is taking place in Marrakesh Morocco. Yara is the sole representative from the Gulf taking part in this prestigious event and will be one of twelve participants from universities in the Middle East and the North Africa (MENA) who have been invited to present papers. Her paper will cover aspects of the economics of sustainability with particular reference to education. She is the youngest participant at this event and the fact that a member of the BSK Sixth Form has been selected to join university undergraduates indicates the high level of course work which she is taking.

The participants will engage in training on gender equality in education with particular reference to the Middle East. Last year Yara was awarded the prestigious Global Citizen nomination from the British Council and has participated in a number of conferences in the UK, Switzerland, Lebanon and Jordan.

These include the Arab Youth Advocacy Awareness summits in Beirut and Amman as well as the World Climate Conference in Geneva. She will take her A Level examinations later this academic year and has already been offered a provisional place at Edinburgh University to study Philosophy, Politics and Ethics.

Anwar Al-Nisf

Natyalaya Nritha Kala Kshethram and has been the head of the institution for the past 11 years. He has been supported

by Shajan the assistant guru.

During these years he has successfully brought famous artists like Sharmila Biswas (Odissi), Debashree Bhatacharya (Kathak), Kaberi Sen (Odissi), Shashwati Garai (Odissi), Ritusri Chaudhuri (Kathak), and Sanjenbam Karuna Devi (Manipuri) from India in order to perform in the Natyalaya Festival in Kuwait and also in some of the GCC countries.

ow that the curtain has come down on Mad Musicals 6, everyone is eagerly N awaiting the opening night of KLT’s pantomime which, in their 60th anniversary year, will be a new adaptation of the traditional tale “Babes in the Wood”.

Promising all the usual musical moments, madness, slapstick and audience participation, it is the perfect start to the holiday season, fun for all the family and SURE to be another KLT sell-out success.

Featuring an all-star KLT cast with a creative mix of “old-timers” (who, between them, have trodden the boards of the Ahmadi stage on countless occasions over the last decade and beyond) and new faces (who have joined either first time for Panto 2010, or for recent productions of Mamma Mia! and Mad Musicals 6) the show is already shapingup to be another memorable seasonal spectacular.

In fact, two of KLT’s newest faces will be playing the roles of principal boy and girl (Liz Young as Robin Hood and Sara Al-Kandery as Maid Marion). Comedy comes from last year’s Uglies with Harven Danelian taking on another Dame role as Nanny Pepper, and Tim Waddell as Tom Tom the comic. Other fabulous characters to enjoy in the show include Gobsprite (Kristen Falcioni), the Babes themselves (Lauren and Eliot Bunce), Ursula Sourdough (Sharon Williams), The Sheriff of Nottingham (Nevil Hampton), and Matt Aston and Kirsty McDonagh as comedy duo Gurge and Tate, as well as an all-singing, all-dancing ensemble.

Rehearsals are underway and progressing well under the direction of Meryl Bunce, who has authored a truly entertaining script. Additional expert support is being provided by Mike Hassan (musical direction), Lisa Bowdery (choreography) and Tim Wadell (comedic arrangements). The show opens at the theatre on Thursday, December 2 at 7:30 pm with further performances on December 3, 4, 8, 9 and 10.

(Matinee performances will be held at 2:30 pm on December 3, 4, 10 but there is no evening performance on the December 4).

KKK’s Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations EMBASSY OF ARGENTINA The Embassy will open a condolence book as follows: On Sunday, 31/10/2010, From 09:00 Am - 16:00 For the Diplomatic Corps and International Organizations Members accredited o the State of Kuwait and Kuwaiti Authorities. From Monday, 01/11/2010 until Thursday, 04/11/2010, From 09:00 am - 16:00 for the Argentinean community. The Embassy of the Argentine Republic in the State of Kuwait, at the meantime to thank this prestigious Newspaper and avails itself this opportunity to renew to the Kuwait Times the assurances of its highest consideration.

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).

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Kuwait will remain closed from Friday, 12 November to Saturday, 20 November on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. The embassy will re-open on Sunday, 21 November.

EMBASSY OF BRITAIN The Consular Section at the British Embassy would like to announce that it

will open on Saturday 30 October 2010, 10:00 - 12:00 to provide notar y services such as driving license attestations, legalizing seals or signatures and to allow British nationals time to go through our LOCATE registration process.

Collection of the notary services submitted on 30 October Saturday will be on 31 October 2010, 0900 - 1200. Please note that this will only be for 30 October and Consular Staff will not answer any visa enquiries.

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 ser vices 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

EMBASSY OF KENYA

The Embassy of India has further revamped and improved its Legal Advice Clinic at the Indian Workers Welfare Center, and made the free service available to Indian nationals on all five working days, i.e. from Sunday to Thursday every week. Kuwaiti lawyers would be available at the Legal Advice Clinic daily from Monday to Thursday, while Indian lawyers would be available on Sundays.

Following are the free welfare services provided at the Indian Workers Welfare Center located at the Embassy of India: [i] 24x7 Helpline for Domestic Workers: Accessible by toll free telephone no. 25674163 from anywhere in Kuwait, it provides information and advice exclusively to Indian domestic sector workers (Visa No. 20) as regards their grievances, immigration and other matters. [ii] Help Desk: It offers guidance to Indian nationals on routine immigration, employment, legal, and other issues (Embassy premises; 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4.30 PM, Sunday to Thursday); (iii) Labour Complaints Desk: It registers labor complaints and provides grievance redressal service to Indian workers (Embassy premises; 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4.30 PM, Sunday to Thursday); (iv) Shelters: For female and male domestic workers in distress; (v) Legal Advice Clinic: Provides free legal advice to Indian nationals (Embassy premises; Kuwaiti lawyers 3 PM to 5 PM, Monday to Thursday; Indian lawyers 2 PM to 4 PM on Sunday); and (vi) Attestation of Work Contracts: Private sector worker (Visa No. 18) contracts are accepted at the Embassy; 9 AM to 1 PM; Sunday to Thursday; Domestic sector worker (Visa No. 20) contracts are accepted at Kuwait Union of Domestic Labor Offices (KUDLO), Hawally, Al-Othman Street, Kurd Roundabout, Al-Abraj Complex, Office No 9, Mezzanine Floor; 9 AM to 9 PM, Saturday to Thursday; 5 PM to 9 PM on Friday.

The Embassy of 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 globally-experienced 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 REPUBLI C The Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Kuwait would like to announce to the public that due to technical rea-

sons, 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 nonimmigrant 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.

uwait Kannada Koota, a K premier cultural association in its 26th year of existence, is all set to stage its showcase event of the calendar - the Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations.

KKK cordially invites the koota members and kannadigas residing in Kuwait to the program 3 - 9 pm on November 12, 2010 at Dr Kamal Al-Rayes Auditorium of American International School. The event will be graced by the Indian Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Ajai Malhotra, as the Chief Guest. Captain Ganesh Karnik, Deputy Chairman NRI forum Government of Karnataka will be the Guest of Honor.

The 500th anniversary of coronation of the great king Krishnadevaraya, who ruled the erstwhile Vijayanagara Empire, a part of which is now Karnataka, has been celebrated in Karnataka with a lot of pomp and splendor. The rule of Krishnadevaraya was hailed as the Golden Era of prosperity and glory. As a tribute to the great ruler, KKK would like to recreate the glory of the Vijayanagara’s emperor in a unique and colorful manner. Over hundred Koota children will participate alongside seniors in a cultural bonanza that promises to enthrall and mesmerize the audience by taking it back to the era of Krishnadevaraya and the rich culture, social and economical prowess of the Vijayanagar Empire, through a garland of dance and drama. The celebration is not only a tribute to the great emperor but also an attempt to inspire one and all in the audience.

The other attraction of the evening will be a performance from the world renowned entertainer Uday Jadugar, a gifted and multifaceted personality of the highest caliber. He is among India’s finest exponents of Shadow Play and a children’s favorite.

He is a master ventriloquist, a versatile actor, an ace photographer and author of several books on conjure, jokes, Sudoku and personality development.

Uday Jadugar has already conducted over 8,000 shows both in India and abroad. His shows bear the unmistakable stamp of world class entertainment and appeals to people of all ages, languages and religions. He will be assisted by his co-artist Arun Kumar Dutt. For more information about Kuwait Kannada Koota, please visit www.kuwaitkannadakoota.org.

Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

WHATʼS ON IN KUWAIT

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The Khandelwals are pictured with the South African ambassador and his wife.

31

The Australian ambassador is seen with his spouse and the hostess.

— Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

The lavish buffet is seen.

The Khandelwals are seen with the Canadian ambassador and his spouse.

The Khandelwals are pictured with the Greek ambassador and his spouse.

The Netherlands and Vatican ambassadors are seen with the Khandelwals.

All the spouses of various diplomats come together for a picture.

Gori Khandelwal is seen with the Myanmar ambassador and spouse.

The US ambassador is seen with the Khandelwals.

Farewell dinner for South African Ambassador ori Khandelwal, a well-renowned Indian in Kuwait, hosted a farewell dinner in honor of the outgoing South African Ambassador Ashraf Y Suliman on October 27, 2010 to mark the end of five years of G his service. The function was held at his residence in Salwa. The ambassador was accompanied by his wife. A very large gathering of ambassadors and other dignitaries attended the function and enjoyed a lavish buffet.

Dr K J Yesudas to present Carnatic classical concert uch to the delight of Carnatic music connoisseurs in Kuwait, Padmabhushan Dr K J Yesudas will present a live classical concert titled ‘Gandharva Ganam’ on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at the American International School, Maidan Hawally. Dr Yesudas is presenting a musical program in Kuwait after a gap of eight years.

Venkataraman Potti of Udupi, the organizer of the mega event, told a press conference that the concert will be a memorable event for hundreds of ‘Dasettan’ fans in Kuwait who were eagerly waiting for a live concert by the ‘King of Carnatic Music’ as he is better known worldwide.

Winner of scores of accolades including the prestigious Padmabhushan and Padmashree awards, Kattassery Joseph Yesudas is better known as ‘Gana Gandharvan’. After recording over 40,000 songs and scoring seven national awards for the best playback singer, he is still enchanting music lovers the world over. Dr Yesudas sings Indian classical music, devotional and popular songs. He has recorded thousands of songs in many Indian languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati, Oriya, Marathi, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tulu, Malay, Russian, Arabic, Latin and English through his long career.

Over the last few decades, Dr Yesudas has assumed the role of a cultural ambassador of India during his numerous performances abroad, promoting both Carnatic and film music. He has played a major role in popularizing Indian music and spreading Indian culture abroad.

Suresh Krishna, who was also present at the press conference said that the concert of Dr Yesudas is organized by Udupi with a view to promoting Carnatic classical music in Kuwait. “There are a large number of ardent Carnatic music lovers in Kuwait.

And this will be the right opportunity for

M

them to listen to one of the greatest classical vocalists,” he added. Dr Yesudas will be supported by veteran artist Thiruvaroor Bakthavalsalam on Mridangam, Nagai Murali on Violin and Thripunithura Radhakrishnan on Ghatam.

Filipino Badminton Committee he Filipino Badminton Committee is inviting all badminton enthusiast to 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.

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Soorya festival 2010 oorya Kuwait Chapter, in association with UAE Exchange Centre is all set to stage “Soorya Fest 2010, on Thursday, 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, 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

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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, 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 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.

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

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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.

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 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

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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.

Arpan Kuwait to present ‘Tune & Taste-2010’ rpan Kuwait will present ‘Tune & Taste2010’-a festival of food, music and heritage-to mark 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 6.30pm.

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.

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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 unique program ‘Tune & Taste -2010’.

For details and participation in cooking competitions, email to: arpankwt@yahoo.com TIES Center announces Winter schedule IES Center announces its schedule of Winter Arabic Courses which will extend from October 29, 2010 through December 23, 2010. The courses are offered with the following options: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 The Arabic courses at TIES Center are designed according to the students’ needs and requirements. These courses are intended for all expatriates who wish to learn the Arabic language and culture.

Upon completion of these courses the student will have a) Confidence in conducting basic Arabic communication (speaking, reading & writing) b) A basis for developing Arabic as a second language c) A better understanding of Arabic Culture d) Ability to interact with their classmates and learn about their background and culture For more information please contact us on 97144138 or visit our website www.tiescenter.net.

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TV PROGRAMS

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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Orbit / Showtime Listings

00:00 Ellen de Generes 01:00 GMA Live Repeat 03:00 Without a Trace 04:00 Warehouse 13 05:00 Drop Dead Diva 06:00 GMA Live Repeat 08:00 Big Love 09:00 Dollhouse 10:00 Ellen de Generes 11:00 Drop Dead Diva 12:00 Warehouse 13 13:00 Without a Trace 14:00 GMA Live 16:00 Big Love 17:00 Dollhouse 18:00 Ellen de Generes 19:00 Without a Trace 20:00 In Plain Sight 21:00 Supernatural 22:00 Dollhouse 23:00 Nip/Tuck

00:50 The Heart Of A Lioness 01:45 Untamed And Uncut 02:40 Maneaters 03:35 Rogue Nature With Dave Salmoni 04:30 Animal Cops Houston 05:25 The Heart Of A Lioness 06:20 Untamed And Uncut 07:10 Wildlife SOS 07:35 Rspca: On The Frontline 08:00 Austin Stevens Adventures 08:50 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 09:40 Project Puppy 10:05 Project Puppy 10:35 Animal Battlegrounds 11:00 Rogue Nature With Dave Salmoni 11:55 Gorilla School 12:20 Rspca: On The Frontline 12:50 Animal Precinct 13:45 Vet On The Loose 14:10 Pet Rescue 14:40 Animal Cops Phoenix 15:35 Wildlife SOS 16:00 Rspca: On The Frontline 16:30 Cats 101 17:25 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 18:20 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 19:15 Venom Hunter With Donald Schultz 20:10 Shark Bait Beach 21:10 Cats 101 22:05 Venom Hunter With Donald Schultz 23:00 Escape To Chimp Eden 23:25 Escape To Chimp Eden 23:55 Animal Cops Phoenix

01:15 Jack Dee 02:00 Holby City 03:00 Eastenders 03:30 Doctors 04:00 Green Green Grass 04:35 The Roly Mo Show 04:50 Fimbles 05:10 Penelope K, By The Way 05:20 Tellytales 05:30 Me Too 05:50 Balamory 06:10 The Roly Mo Show 06:25 Tellytales 06:35 Penelope K, By The Way 06:50 Fimbles 07:10 Me Too 07:30 Balamory 07:50 Tellytales 08:00 Penelope K, By The Way 08:10 Fimbles 08:30 Me Too 08:55 Balamory 09:15 Penelope K, By The Way 09:25 Tellytales 09:35 Fimbles 09:55 Me Too 10:15 Balamory 10:40 Green Green Grass 11:10 Last Of The Summer Wine 11:40 The Weakest Link 12:25 Doctor Who 13:10 Doctors 13:40 Eastenders 14:10 Holby City 15:10 Last Of The Summer Wine 16:40 Doctor Who 17:25 The Weakest Link 18:10 Doctors 18:40 Eastenders 19:10 Holby City 20:10 Doctor Who 21:00 The Weakest Link 21:45 Doctors 22:15 Eastenders 22:45 Holby City 23:45 Mutual Friends

03:10 The Home Show 04:00 Cash In The Attic 04:45 Fantasy Homes In The City 05:35 Indian Food Made Easy 06:00 Rhodes Across China 06:50 Living In The Sun 08:10 Antiques Roadshow 09:00 What Not To Wear 09:50 Antiques Roadshow 10:40 Hidden Potential 11:05 Cash In The Attic USA 11:30 Twiggy’s Frock Exchange 12:20 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 13:10 Cash In The Attic 13:55 Come Dine With Me 14:45 What Not To Wear 15:35 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 16:25 Twiggy’s Frock Exchange 17:15 Bargain Hunt 18:00 Cash In The Attic USA 18:25 Cash In The Attic USA 18:50 Daily Cooks Challenge 19:20 Daily Cooks Challenge 19:50 Come Dine With Me 20:40 Masterchef: The Professionals 21:30 Glamour Puds 22:00 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 22:50 Superhomes 23:40 The Restaurant UK

00:00 The Garfield Show 00:25 The Scooby Doo Show 00:50 Wacky Races 01:15 Dastardly And Muttley 01:40 Help! It’s The Hair Bear Bunch 02:05 Popeye 02:30 The Perils Of Penelope Pitstop 02:55 Scooby-Doo And Scrappy-Doo 03:20 Looney Tunes 03:45 The Flintstones 04:10 The Jetsons 04:35 Top Cat 05:00 Tom And Jerry 05:25 Popeye Classics 05:50 Scooby Doo Where Are You! 06:15 Tom And Jerry Kids 06:40 A Pup Named Scooby-Doo 07:05 Yogi’s Treasure Hunt 07:30 Droopy And Dripple 08:00 Tom And Jerry 08:25 Looney Tunes 08:55 The Flintstones 09:20 The Jetsons 09:45 Tom And Jerry Kids 10:10 The Garfield Show 10:35 Duck Dodgers 11:00 The Scooby Doo Show 11:30 Wacky Races 12:00 Dastardly And Muttley 12:25 King Arthur’s Disasters 12:50 Help! It’s The Hair Bear Bunch 13:15 A Pup Named Scooby-Doo 13:40 Popeye 14:05 Scooby Doo Where Are You! 14:30 Top Cat 14:55 Hong Kong Phooey 15:20 Duck Dodgers 15:45 The Jetsons 16:10 The Flintstones 16:35 Looney Tunes 17:00 Tom And Jerry 17:20 Top Cat 17:45 Wacky Races 18:00 Dastardly And Muttley 18:30 The Scooby Doo Show 19:00 Johnny Bravo 19:30 Dexter’s Laboratory 20:00 Looney Tunes 20:20 Duck Dodgers 20:45 The Garfield Show 21:10 The Flintstones 21:35 The Jetsons 22:00 Yogi’s Treasure Hunt 22:25 Tom And Jerry 22:50 The Scooby Doo Show 23:15 Droopy And Dripple 23:40 Top Cat

00:15 Out Of Jimmy’s Head 00:40 Chowder 01:05 Cow And Chicken 01:30 Cramp Twins 01:55 George Of The Jungle 02:20 Adrenalini Brothers 02:45 Eliot Kid 03:10 Ed, Edd N Eddy 03:35 Ben 10: Alien Force 04:00 The Powerpuff Girls 04:15 Foster’s Home For Imaginary

Friends 04:40 The Secret Saturdays 05:05 Codename: Kids Next Door 05:30 Ben 10 05:55 Best ED 06:20 Samurai Jack 06:45 Cramp Twins 07:10 Eliot Kid 07:35 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 08:00 Codename: Kids Next Door 08:25 Chowder 08:50 Best ED 09:15 Chop Socky Chooks 09:40 Ben 10: Alien Force 10:05 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 10:30 Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes 10:55 Eliot Kid 11:20 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 11:30 Squirrel Boy 11:55 Robotboy 12:20 Camp Lazlo 12:45 The Powerpuff Girls 13:10 Class Of 3000 13:35 Ed, Edd N Eddy 14:00 Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends 14:25 Codename: Kids Next Door 14:50 Ben 10 15:15 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 15:40 Squirrel Boy 16:05 Eliot Kid 16:35 Casper’s Scare School 17:00 Skunk Fu! 17:25 Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes 17:50 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 18:15 The Secret Saturdays 18:40 Ben 10: Alien Force 19:05 Hero 108 19:30 Chop Socky Chooks 20:00 Best ED 20:25 Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends 20:50 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 21:05 The Powerpuff Girls 21:30 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 21:45 Ben 10: Alien Force 22:10 Ed, Edd N Eddy 22:35 Robotboy 23:00 Camp Lazlo 23:25 Samurai Jack 23:50 Megas Xlr

01:00 Dad Savage-PG15 03:00 Primo Basilio-18 05:00 Punch-Drunk Love-18 07:00 The Dust Factory-PG15 09:00 The Good Heart-PG15 11:00 Martian Child-PG 13:00 Annie-FAM 15:15 Last Mimzy-PG 17:00 A Shine Of Rainbows-PG15 19:00 Four Extraordinary Women-PG15 21:00 My Own Private Idaho-PG15 23:00 Croupier-18

00:00 Backstory 00:30 World Sport 01:00 World Report 02:00 World Report 03:00 World Business Today 04:00 The Situation Room 05:00 Anderson Cooper 360 06:00 World Sport 06:30 World View 07:00 World Report 07:30 Backstory 08:00 World Report 09:00 World Report 10:00 World Business Today 11:00 World Report 11:30 Inside Africa 12:00 Larry King Live 13:00 World Report 13:30 World Sport 14:00 World Report 14:30 World’s Untold Stories 15:00 World Report 16:00 World Business Today 17:00 International Desk 18:00 The Brief 18:30 World Sport 19:00 Prism 19:30 World’s Untold Stories 20:00 International Desk 21:00 Quest Means Business 22:00 World One 23:00 Connect The World With Becky Anderson

00:40 Overhaulin’ 01:35 Dirty Jobs 02:30 Dual Survival 03:25 Extreme Engineering 04:20 Mythbusters 05:15 How Stuff’s Made 05:40 How Do They Do It? 06:05 Dirty Jobs 07:00 Fifth Gear 07:25 Extreme Engineering 08:15 Chop Shop 09:10 Mythbusters 10:05 Ultimate Survival 10:55 Overhaulin’ 11:50 The Gadget Show 12:20 How Stuff’s Made 12:45 How Do They Do It? 13:15 Mythbusters 14:10 Miami Ink 15:05 Ultimate Survival 16:00 Dirty Jobs 16:55 Overhaulin’ 17:50 Mythbusters 18:45 Cake Boss 19:10 Border Security 19:40 The Gadget Show 20:05 How Do They Do It? 20:35 How Stuff’s Made 21:00 Miami Ink 21:55 La Ink 22:50 Police Women Of Broward County 23:45 I Escaped Death

00:40 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 01:30 The Gadget Show 01:55 Kings Of Construction 02:45 Mega World 03:35 Superships 04:25 How Does That Work?

04:50 Catch It Keep It 05:45 Robocar 06:40 Weird Connections 07:10 Nextworld 08:00 Junkyard Mega-Wars 09:00 Ten Ways 10:00 Mega World 10:55 Stunt Junkies 11:20 The Gadget Show 11:50 Nextworld 12:45 How Does That Work?

13:15 Catch It Keep It 14:10 Weird Connections 14:35 Mega World 15:30 Superships 16:25 The Gadget Show 16:55 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 17:50 Kings Of Construction 18:45 Brainiac 19:40 Mean Green Machines 20:05 Mean Green Machines 20:30 Ecopolis 21:20 How It’s Made 21:45 The Gadget Show 22:10 Nasa’s Greatest Missions 23:00 Mean Green Machines 23:25 Mean Green Machines 23:50 Ecopolis

06:00 K9 Adventures 06:25 American Dragon 06:50 Kid Vs Kat 07:15 Phineas & Ferb 07:40 Phineas & Ferb 08:05 Kick Buttowski 08:30 Pokemon 09:00 Zeke & Luther 09:25 Zeke & Luther 09:50 I’m In The Band 10:15 The Super Hero Squad Show 10:40 Suite Life On Deck 11:05 Suite Life On Deck 11:30 Aaron Stone 12:00 Phineas & Ferb 12:30 Phineas & Ferb 13:00 Kid Vs Kat 13:30 Kid Vs Kat 14:00 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 14:25 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 14:50 Zeke & Luther 15:15 The Super Hero Squad Show 15:45 Kick Buttowski 16:15 I’m In The Band 16:40 Suite Life On Deck 17:05 Zeke & Luther 17:30 Zeke & Luther 17:55 Phineas & Ferb 18:20 Phineas & Ferb 18:45 Kick Buttowski 19:10 Pokemon 19:35 American Dragon 20:00 Aaron Stone 20:30 Kid Vs Kat 21:00 Phineas & Ferb 21:25 I’m In The Band 21:55 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 22:20 Shreducation

00:15 Pretty Wild 00:40 Dr 90210 01:30 Wildest TV Show Moments 01:55 Reality Hell 02:20 THS 03:15 25 Most Stylish 04:10 Sexiest 05:05 Battle Of The Hollywood Hotties 05:30 Streets Of Hollywood 06:00 THS 07:45 Behind The Scenes 08:10 Behind The Scenes 08:35 E! News 09:00 The Daily 10 09:25 Giuliana And Bill 09:50 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 10:15 THS 11:05 E!es 12:00 E! News 12:25 The Daily 10 12:50 Behind The Scenes 13:15 Pretty Wild 13:40 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 14:05 Kendra 14:30 THS 15:25 E!es 16:15 Behind The Scenes 16:40 Behind The Scenes 17:10 Holly’s World 17:35 Fashion Police 18:00 E! News 18:25 The Daily 10 18:50 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 19:15 Pretty Wild 19:40 Married Away: Italian Wedding 20:30 Kendra 20:55 Chelsea Lately 21:20 Giuliana And Bill 21:45 Giuliana And Bill 22:10 E! News 22:35 The Daily 10 23:00 Chelsea Lately 23:25 Kendra 23:50 Kourtney And Khloe Take Miami

Defiance on Show Movies

00:00 Extreme Sports 2010 00:50 Fim World Motocross Mx1 = Mx2 01:40 Man’s Work 02:30 Eds Up 03:20 Extreme Sports 2010 04:10 Fantasy Factory 05:00 Fim World Motocross Mx1 = Mx2

05:50 Man’s Work 06:40 Eds Up 07:05 Eds Up 07:30 I-Ex 09:00 Ride Guide Snow 2009 09:50 Winter X Games 12 11:30 Ifmxf 2009 11:55 Summer Dew Tour 2010 12:45 Fantasy Factory 13:35 Extreme Sports 2010 14:25 Man’s Work 15:15 Eds Up 16:05 Summer Dew Tour 2010 16:55 Fantasy Factory 17:45 Ride Guide Snow 2009 18:35 Winter X Games 12 20:15 Ifmxf 2009 20:40 Extreme Sports 2010 21:30 Fantasy Factory 22:20 Summer Dew Tour 2010 23:10 Eds Up

00:00 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 01:00 Chopped 02:00 30 Minute Meals 02:30 Tyler’s Ultimate 03:00 Iron Chef America 04:00 Barefoot Contessa 04:30 Unwrapped 05:00 Chopped 06:00 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 06:30 Guys Big Bite 07:00 Food Network Challenge 08:00 Paula’s Best Dishes 08:25 Good Deal with Dave Lieberman 08:50 Guys Big Bite 09:15 Barefoot Contessa 09:40 Everyday Italian 10:05 30 Minute Meals 10:30 Tyler’s Ultimate 11:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 11:30 Barefoot Contessa 12:00 Unwrapped 12:30 Paula’s Party 13:30 Guys Big Bite 14:00 Good Deal with Dave Lieberman 14:30 Paula’s Best Dishes 15:00 Barefoot Contessa 15:30 Everyday Italian 16:00 30 Minute Meals 16:30 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 17:00 Iron Chef America 18:00 Barefoot Contessa 18:30 Unwrapped 19:00 Paula’s Best Dishes 19:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 20:00 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 20:30 Good Deal with Dave Lieberman 21:00 Iron Chef America 22:00 Barefoot Contessa 22:30 Everyday Italian 23:00 Chopped

Mirrors on Super Movies 01:00 Golf Central International 01:30 Golf Channel - TBA 02:00 Asian Tour Iskandar Johor Open 02:30 MLB: World Series Game 5, Teams TBA (if necessary) 03:00 NHL San Jose Sharks at Minnesota Wild 05:30 Pac-10 Football 08:30 Champions Tour AT&T Championship Final Rd. San Antonio, TX 11:00 MLB: World Series Game 5, Teams TBA (if necessary) 14:00 LPGA Tour: LPGA Hana Bank Championship Rd. 1 16:00 Big 12 Football 19:00 MLB: World Series Game 5, Teams TBA (if necessary) 22:00 Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour 23:00 Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour

00:40 Dr G: Medical Examiner 01:30 Ghost Lab 02:20 A Haunting 03:10 Ripped From The Headlines 04:05 FBI Case Files 05:00 Forensic Detectives 05:55 Crime Scene Psychics 06:20 Dr G: Medical Examiner 07:10 Real Emergency Calls 08:00 Diagnosis: Unknown 08:50 Real Emergency Calls 09:40 Forensic Detectives 10:30 Guilty Or Innocent?

11:20 Disappeared 12:10 FBI Files 13:00 Ghost Lab 13:50 Undercover 14:40 Diagnosis: Unknown 15:30 Real Emergency Calls 16:20 Disappeared 17:10 Forensic Detectives 18:00 Guilty Or Innocent?

18:50 FBI Files 19:40 Diagnosis: Unknown 20:30 Real Emergency Calls 21:20 Ghost Lab 22:10 Undercover 23:00 True Crime Scene 23:50 Solved

00:00 New Adventures Of Ocean Girl 00:25 Sabrina The Animated Series 00:50 Sonic Underground 01:15 Fat Dog Mendoza 01:40 Tales From The Cryptkeeper 02:00 New Adventures Of Ocean Girl Marathon 07:00 Dennis The Menace 07:25 Beverly Hills Teen Club 07:45 Pelswick 08:10 Jass Time 08:12 Boo And Me 08:15 Fat Dog Mendoza 08:40 The Fairly Oddparents 09:05 The Beach Crew 09:10 Cyberchase 09:35 Birdz 10:00 The Beach Crew 10:05 Heathcliff 10:30 Ned’s Newt 10:55 New Adventures Of Madeline 11:20 Rupert 11:45 Babar 12:10 Max And Ruby 12:30 Corduroy 12:55 Rupert 13:20 New Adventures Of Madeline 13:45 Ned’s Newt 14:10 Corduroy 14:35 Max And Ruby 15:00 Babar 15:25 Rupert 15:50 Ned’s Newt 16:15 Beverly Hills Teen Club 16:40 Sabrina The Animated Series 17:05 The Beach Crew 17:10 Boo And Me 17:15 New Adventures Of Ocean Girl 17:40 Dino Squad 18:05 The Future Is Wild 18:30 Rescue Heroes 18:50 Even Stevens 19:15 The Beach Crew 19:20 Boo And Me 19:25 Dennis The Menace 19:35 Fat Dog Mendoza 20:00 Sonic Underground 20:20 Dino Squad 20:45 The Future Is Wild 21:10 Rescue Heroes 21:30 Ace Lightning 22:00 Even Stevens 22:25 Sabrina The Animated Series 22:50 Tales From The Cryptkeeper 23:10 Rescue Heroes 23:35 Ace Lightning

01:15 Triumph Of The Spirit 03:15 Badlanders 04:40 Heat 06:20 The Donor 07:55 Brannigan 09:45 Captive Hearts 11:25 Return Of A Man Called Horse 13:30 Rich Kids 15:05 Star For Two 16:40 Untamed Heart 18:20 The 70’s 20:15 Garbo Talks 22:00 Chato’s Land 23:40 Breakheart Pass

00:00 Kath and Kim 00:30 The Simpsons 01:00 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Global Edition) 01:30 Colbert Report Global 02:00 Best Late night with Jimmy Fallon 03:00 Monday night Stand Up 04:00 South park 04:30 Cougar Town 05:00 Cougar Town 05:30 Everybody loves Raymond 06:00 Frasier 06:30 The Drew Carey Show 07:00 Best of Late night with Jimmy Fallon 08:00 The Simpsons 08:30 Everybody loves Raymond 09:00 Frasier 09:30 The Drew Carey Show 10:00 Will & Grace 10:30 Better off Ted 11:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 11:30 Frasier 12:00 Best of Tonight Show with Jay Leno 13:00 The Simpsons 13:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 14:00 Frasier 14:30 Kath & Kim 15:00 Better Off Ted 15:30 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Global Edition) 16:00 Colbert Report Global 16:30 The Drew Carey Show 17:00 Late night with Jimmy Fallon 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Will & Grace 19:00 The Office 19:30 Kath & Kim 20:00 Tonight Show with Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 Boondocks 22:30 Free Radio 23:00 South park 23:30 The Office

00:00 Sex And Breakfast-18 02:00 Inkheart-PG 04:00 Barbarossa-PG15 06:15 Prisoner-PG15 08:00 Virtuality-PG15 10:00 Max And Co.-PG 12:00 Inkheart-PG 14:00 500 Days Of Summer-PG15 16:00 Virtuality-PG15 17:45 Defiance-PG15 20:00 Observe And Report-18 22:00 500 Days Of Summer-PG15

01:00 Hancock-PG15 03:00 The Yards-PG15 05:00 Planet Of The Apes-PG15 07:00 Wushu Warrior-PG15 09:00 Redbelt-PG15 10:45 The Abyss (Extended Version)PG15 13:30 Thor: Hammer Of The Gods-PG15 15:00 Redbelt-PG15 17:00 Heaven’s Fall-PG15 18:50 Donnie Brasco-PG15 21:00 The Marine 2-PG15 23:00 Screamers: The Hunting-18

00:00 Sabrina-PG 02:15 Mama’s Boy-PG15 04:00 Slap Shots 3-PG15 06:00 Crush-PG15 08:00 Mr. Troop Mom-PG

10:00 I.Q.-PG 12:00 Santa Baby 2-PG15 13:30 Adventures Of Power-PG15 15:30 Sabrina-PG 18:00 Martha Meet Frank, Daniel And Lawrence-PG15 20:00 The Broken Hearts Club-PG 22:00 Go-18

00:00 Scruff In Halloween-FAM 02:00 Harriet The Spy-PG 04:00 Velveteen Rabbit-FAM 06:00 Sunshine Barry And The Disco Worms-PG 08:00 Pocahontas III: The Journey In Time-PG 10:00 Velveteen Rabbit-FAM 12:00 Scruff A Christmas Tale-FAM 14:00 Harriet The Spy-PG 16:00 The Legend Of The Sea-FAM 18:00 Scooby-Doo! And The Samurai Sword-FAM 20:00 Robin Hood: The Invincible KnightFAM 22:00 Scruff A Christmas Tale-FAM

00:00 CSI: Miami 01:00 Desperate Housewives 02:00 Martha Stewart 03:00 Mercy 04:00 The View 05:00 What’s Good For you 06:00 Emmerdale 06:30 Coronation Street 07:00 Mercy 08:00 Martha Stewart 09:00 What’s Good For you 10:00 Mercy 11:00 The View 12:00 Emmerdale 12:30 Coronation Street 13:00 Martha Stewart 14:00 CSI: Miami 15:00 Desperate Housewives 16:00 What’s Good For you 17:00 The View 18:00 Emmerdale 18:30 Coronation Street 19:00 Ugly Betty 20:00 Ugly Betty 21:00 Mercy 22:00 The View 23:00 What’s Good For you

00:00 Goals On Monday 01:00 European PGA Tour Highlights 02:00 Rugby League 4 Nations 04:00 World Match Racing Tour Highlights 05:00 Aviva Premiership 07:00 Goals On Monday 08:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 08:30 Futbol Mundial 09:00 ICC Cricket World 09:30 Currie Cup 11:30 Scottish Premier League Highlights 12:00 Goals On Monday 13:00 Aviva Premiership 15:00 European PGA Tour Highlights 16:00 Goals On Monday 17:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 17:30 Scottish Premier League 19:30 Goals On Monday 20:30 Brazil League Highlights 21:00 Futbol Mundial 21:30 World Sport 22:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 22:30 Live Scottish League Cup

07:00 European PGA Tour 11:30 Triathlon 12:30 World Sport 13:00 Scottish Premier League 15:00 International Rugby Union 17:00 Futbol Mundial 17:30 The Ryder Cup Official Film 19:00 European PGA Tour Highlights 20:00 Rugby League Four Nations 22:00 ICC Cricket World 22:30 European PGA Tour Highlights 23:30 Triathlon

00:45 Mirrors-18 03:00 April Showers-PG15 05:00 Ice Castles-PG15 07:00 Sticks And Stones-PG 09:00 Sunshine Cleaning-PG15 11:00 Forever Strong-PG 13:00 Take The Lead-PG 15:00 Capitalism: A Love Story-PG15 17:15 Sunshine Cleaning-PG15 19:00 Accidents Happen-PG15 21:00 Inconceivable-PG15 23:00 Boy A-18

00:40 Engineering Disasters 01:30 Ancient Discoveries 02:20 Mega Disasters 03:10 Mountbatten: Death of a Royal 04:00 Life After People 04:55 The Universe 05:50 Ax Men 06:40 Engineering Disasters 07:30 Ancient Discoveries 08:20 Mega Disasters 09:10 Mountbatten: Death of a Royal 10:00 Life After People 10:55 The Universe 11:50 Ax Men 12:40 Engineering Disasters 13:30 Ancient Discoveries 14:20 Mega Disasters 15:10 Mountbatten: Death of a Royal 16:00 Life After People 16:55 The Universe 17:50 Ax Men 18:40 Engineering Disasters 19:30 Ancient Discoveries 20:20 Mega Disasters 21:10 Mountbatten: Death of a Royal 22:00 Soldiers’ Stories 23:50 World War II: Lost Films

01:15 California Suite 02:55 The Killer Elite 05:00 Nicholas And Alexandra 08:00 Casablanca 09:40 American Friends 11:15 Marty 12:45 Meet Me In St. Louis 14:35 Nicholas And Alexandra 17:35 All The Fine Young Cannibals 19:30 High Society 21:15 Desert Bloom 23:00 The Glass Bottom Boat

00:00 Inside Luxury Travel-Varun Sharma 01:00 Planet Food 02:00 Hollywood And Vines 02:30 Travel Today 03:00 Working Holiday 04:00 Globe Trekker 05:00 Inside Luxury Travel-Varun Sharma 06:00 Chef Abroad 06:30 Flavours Of Spain 07:00 Globe Trekker 08:00 Rudy Maxa’s World 08:30 Top Travel 09:00 Travel 360 10:00 Chef Abroad 10:30 Floyd On Africa 11:00 Surfari 11:30 Skier’s World 12:00 Globe Trekker 13:00 Planet Food 14:00 Flavours Of Spain 14:30 Top Travel 15:00 Travel 360 16:00 Globe Trekker 17:00 Rudy Maxa’s World 17:30 Chef Abroad 18:00 Flavours Of Spain 18:30 Floyd On Africa 19:00 Globe Trekker 20:00 Essential 20:30 Skier’s World 21:00 Down The Line 22:00 Word Travels 22:30 Culture Shock 23:00 Globe Trekker

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

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ACCOMMODATION Sharing accommodation available in Abbassiya for one or two working ladies in a new C-A/C flat with Keralite family. Contact: 66013882. (C 2832)

MATRIMONIAL Proposals invited, for a 28y.o. (172 cm) Nair professional boy working as a Graphic Designer in a reputable firm in Kuwait, from Nair girls aged below 25 based either here in Kuwait or in India. Please contact email: rajeshkwtimes@gmail.com

Sharing accommodation in Sharq near Amiri hospital C-A/C, 2 bathroom, 3 bedrooms, kitchen, big hall, neat flat, preferred Indian family or two working ladies sharing with Keralite Christian family.

Call: 99849490. (C 2821) Mahboula room for rent in a flat, with A/C, kitchen and other facilities for a Christian couple or bachelor near ABC tower. Contact: 66216713/ 65135094.

(C 2822) 3-11-2010 C-A/C room available with a small Indian family for an executive Indian bachelor at Amman street Salmiya.

Call: 99408202. (C 2829) Room with attached toilet available in a 2 room, 2 toilet, C-A/C flat at Abbassiya to share with a Sri Lankan couple. Call: 66552905.

(C 2824) Sharing accommodation available in Abbassiya, new building, separate bathroom and balcony, decent executive bachelors preferred, near Kalabhavan building & UI School. Call: 97208351.

(C 2828) Independent room with

separate bath is available for a non-smoking Keralite executive bachelor or married couple in a very spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath C-A/C apartment in Farwaniya (facing Sixth Ring Road).

Contact: 66629551.

(C 2830)

lent condition, golden color, ready for checking, price KD 2000 (negotiable). Call: 55859325. (C 2817) 31-10-2010

One room is available for decent working ladies or small family with small Indian family at Farwaniya opp big jamiya from Nov 2010. Call: 99051353. (C 2827) 2-11-2010

Half lorry delivery van, Toyota Dyna diesel, 2004 model, Citroen Jumper diesel.

Ph: 66052331. (C 2814) 30-10-2010

FOR SALE Fridge KD 35, Sony Video camera no-TRV-330 KD 40, still camera Olympus KD 15. Contact: 66013882.

(C 2833) 3-11-2010 2001 Nissan Pathfinder full option (sunroof - wood decoration - Zenon - CD) excel-

Mitsubishi Canter half lorry 2007, 85000 km. Call: 97231605. (C 2811)

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 SITUATION VACANT

Maid wanted urgently. A decent housemaid is needed for a family in Mangaf.

Please call 66729068.

3-11-2010

Seeking suitable alliance for a Marthomite girl (5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;5 tall, good looking), 25 years old, BSc (N), hailing from Mallappally (Pathanamthitta dist) working in a private hospital in Kuwait, from parents of God fearing, good looking and professionally qualified Christian grooms.

Email: mathewthomas102@gmail.com (C 2825)

NRI Marthoma parents invite proposals for their daughter 25/163, fair, B/B in Kuwait, B.E Computer Engineering employed in Bangalore. From parents of God fearing, good looking, well employed boys, brought up outside Kerala, belonging to Marthoma/CSI/Orthodox family. Respond with recent photograph and bio-data.

Email: mathewj23@gmail.com (C 2831) 2-11-2010 Proposals invited from employed Ezhava PG boys above 30 yrs for an Ezhava girl, 29 yrs, Chathayam,

MBA, M.Phil, currently employed as faculty. Please respond to jaykrishna76@gmail.com (C 2818) 1-11-2010 SITUATION WANTED

Well experienced in office work, import/export, business correspondence seeking part time job morning or evening. Call: 66513057.

(C 2823) Young Indian storekeeper having 12 years experience and computer knowledge seeks immediate employment. Contact: 55424472.

(C 2826) 2-11-2010 Brilliant young B.Com graduate passed in first class knowing Peachtree and Tally having 2 years working experience in India seeking suitable job as Accountant. Tel: 97333492 / 65179245. (C 2819) 1-11-2010

FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION 161

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

In case you are not travelling, your proper cancellation of bookings will help other passengers to use seats Arrival Flights on Wednesday 03/11/2010 Airlines Flt Route Wataniya Airways 188 Bahrain Wataniya Airways 305 Cairo Wataniya Airways 434 Bahrain Wataniya Airways 408 Beirut Gulf Air 211 Bahrain Turkish 772 Istanbul Wataniya Airways 322 Sharm El Sheikh Egypt Air 614 Cairo Jazeera 267 Beirut DHL 370 Bahrain Emirates 853 Dubai Fly Dubai 051 Dubai Etihad 305 Abu Dhabi Qatari 138 Doha Kuwait 802 Cairo Air Arabia Egypt 553 Alexandria Falcon 201 Dubai Jazeera 503 Luxor Kuwait 412 Manila/Bangkok Jazeera 527 Alexandria British 157 London Jazeera 529 Assiut Kuwait 382 Delhi Kuwait 302 Mumbai Fly Dubai 053 Dubai Kuwait 676 Dubai Kuwait 352 Cochin Kuwait 284 Dhaka Kuwait 344 Chennai Kuwait 362 Colombo Emirates 855 Dubai Arabia 121 Sharjah Qatari 132 Doha Iran Air 603 Shiraz Jazeera 425 Bahrain Etihad 301 Abu Dhabi Iran Aseman 6791 Mashad Falcon 203 Dubai Gulf Air 213 Bahrain Wataniya Airways 182 Bahrain Middle East 404 Beirut Wataniya Airways 102 Dubai Jazeera 165 Dubai Saudi 9352 Jeddah Mahan Air 5066 Mashad Egypt Air 610 Cairo Saudia 9503 Jeddah Kuwait 672 Dubai Oman Air 645 Muscat Saudia 508 Riyadh Wataniya Airways 432 Damascus United 982 Washington DC Dulles Jordanian 800 Amman Egypt Air 621 Assiut Saudia 9505 Jeddah Wataniya Airways 4001 Cairo Fly Dubai 057 Dubai Wataniya Airways 422 Amman Kuwait 562 Amman Saudia 9354 Jeddah

Time 00:30 00:50 01:05 01:05 01:05 01:15 01:20 02:05 02:10 02:15 02:25 02:35 02:55 03:20 04:45 03:40 05:25 05:50 06:15 06:20 06:30 06:40 07:20 07:50 07:55 08:00 08:05 08:10 08:20 08:20 08:25 08:40 09:00 09:20 10:25 09:20 10:55 10:30 10:45 10:45 10:50 11:05 11:15 11:30 12:20 12:55 13:00 13:15 13:15 13:30 13:35 13:35 13:35 13:40 13:40 13:45 13:50 14:10 14:20 14:25

Saudia Kuwait Cargolux Nas Air Jazeera Qatari Kuwait Kuwait Nas Air Etihad Rovos Emirates Gulf Air Wataniya Airways Saudia Arabia Jazeera Jazeera Kuwait SriLankan Wataniya Airways Yemenia Kuwait Wataniya Airways Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Jazeera Jazeera Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Indian Wataniya Airways Fly Dubai Middle East Rovos Jet A/W Egypt Air Wataniya Airways Wataniya Airways DHL Gulf Air Jazeera Emirates Qatari United Jazeera Lufthansa Jazeera Jazeera Egypt Air Shaheen Air Kuwait India Express KLM Pakistan Wataniya Airways Egypt Air

500 552 792 745 525 134 546 544 703 303 061 857 215 402 510 125 239 493 774 227 304 824 166 106 502 542 786 618 523 177 614 774 674 102 575 202 061 402 081 572 618 642 404 372 217 459 859 136 981 449 636 185 429 612 441 548 393 0447 215 108 606

Jeddah Damascus Luxembourg Jeddah Alexandria Doha Alexandria Cairo Riyadh Abu Dhabi Baghdad Dubai Bahrain Beirut Riyadh Sharjah Amman Jeddah Riyadh Colombo/Dubai Cairo Sanaa/Doha Paris/Rome Dubai Beirut Cairo Jeddah Doha Alexandria Dubai Bahrain Riyadh Dubai New York/London Chennai/Goa Jeddah Dubai Beirut Baghdad Mumbai Alexandria Vienna Beirut Bahrain Bahrain Damascus Dubai Doha Bahrain Doha Frankfurt Dubai Bahrain Cairo Lahore/Karachi Luxor Kozhikode/Cochin Amsterdam/Bahrain Karachi Dubai Luxor

14:30 14:35 14:50 14:55 15:00 15:05 15:30 15:30 15:45 16:50 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:15 17:20 17:40 17:40 17:40 17:45 18:00 18:35 18:40 18:40 18:45 18:50 18:50 18:55 18:55 19:00 19:05 19:20 19:25 19:20 19:25 19:30 19:45 20:05 20:20 20:30 20:30 20:35 20:45 20:50 21:00 21:05 21:15 21:15 21:35 21:55 22:30 22:30 22:40 22:45 22:55 23:00 23:10 23:10 23:10 23:55 23:55 23:15

Departure Flights on Wednesday 03/11/2010 Airlines Flt Route Jazeera 528 Assiut India Express 390 Mangalore/Kozhikode Indian 994 Mumbai/Chennai Lufthansa 637 Frankfurt Pakistan 206 Lahore Turkish 773 Istanbul Middle East 407 Beirut Egypt Air 615 Cairo DHL 371 Bahrain Fly Dubai 052 Dubai Emirates 854 Dubai Etihad 306 Abu Dhabi Air Arabia Egypt 554 Alexandria Qatari 139 Doha Wataniya Airways 101 Dubai Wataniya Airways 4002 Cairo Jazeera 164 Dubai Jazeera 442 Bahrain Gulf Air 212 Bahrain Wataniya Airways 181 Bahrain Jazeera 524 Alexandria Wataniya Airways 431 Damascus British 156 London Kuwait 545 Alexandria Fly Dubai 054 Dubai Kuwait 543 Cairo Kuwait 177 Frankfurt/Geneva Kuwait 671 Dubai Kuwait 117 New York Kuwait 551 Damascus Wataniya Airways 421 Amman Kuwait 561 Amman Arabia 122 Sharjah Emirates 856 Dubai Wataniya Airways 641 Vienna Qatari 133 Doha Etihad 302 Abu Dhabi Iran Air 602 Shiraz Iran Aseman 6792 Mashad Gulf Air 214 Baghdad Wataniya Airways 401 Beirut Falcon 204 Baghdad Wataniya Airways 303 Cairo Middle East 405 Beirut Rovos 062 Najaf/Baghdad Kuwait 541 Cairo Jazeera 522 Alexandria Jazeera 238 Amman Jazeera 492 Jeddah Kuwait 103 London Kuwait 501 Beirut Saudia 2052 Jeddah Mahan Air 5065 Mashad Egypt Air 611 Cairo Oman Air 646 Muscat Jordanian 801 Amman Wataniya Airways 105 Dubai Saudia 6503 Jeddah

Time 00:05 00:25 00:50 00:50 01:10 02:15 02:55 03:05 03:15 03:20 03:45 04:00 04:20 05:00 06:50 07:00 07:05 07:30 07:45 07:50 08:00 08:10 08:25 08:35 08:40 08:45 08:55 09:00 10:00 09:10 09:10 09:15 09:20 09:40 09:45 10:00 10:05 10:20 11:55 11:35 11:35 11:45 11:50 11:50 12:00 12:00 12:00 12:10 12:15 12:30 13:00 13:30 13:40 13:55 14:15 14:30 14:30 14:30

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

Wataniya Airways Fly Dubai Egypt Air Saudia United Jazeera Saudia Wataniya Airways Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Nas Air Saudia Jazeera Saudia Kuwait Qatari Cargolux Kuwait Nas Air Rovos Bahrain Air Etihad Gulf Air Wataniya Airways Emirates Arabia Jazeera Saudia Jazeera Srilankan Wataniya Airways Wataniya Airways Yemenia Jazeera Kuwait Jazeera Kuwait Fly Dubai Kuwait Middle East Jet A/W Wataniya Airways Egypt Air Gulf Air Kuwait DHL Kuwait Emirates Jazeera Falcon Qatari Kuwait Kuwait Jazeera United Jazeera Kuwait Egypt Air

201 058 622 509 982 176 6505 403 673 617 547 746 501 458 2054 773 135 792 613 704 082 345 304 216 306 858 126 184 511 448 228 407 107 824 428 283 266 361 062 331 403 571 187 619 218 801 373 675 860 612 102 137 203 301 526 981 502 415 613

Jeddah Dubai Assiut Medinah Bahrain Dubai Jeddah Beirut Dubai Doha Sharm El Sheikh/Luxor Jeddah Jeddah Damascus Jeddah Riyadh Doha Hong Kong Bahrain Medinah Baghdad Bahrain Abu Dhabi Bahrain Cairo Dubai Sharjah Dubai Riyadh Doha Dubai/Colombo Beirut Dubai Sanaa Bahrain Dhaka Beirut Colombo Dubai Trivandrum Beirut Mumbai Bahrain Alexandria Bahrain Cairo Bahrain Dubai Dubai Lahore Bahrain Doha Lahore Mumbai Alexandria Washington DC Dulles Luxor Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta Cairo

14:35 14:35 14:40 14:45 14:50 14:55 15:00 15:10 15:10 13:35 15:40 15:45 15:45 15:50 16:00 16:05 16:20 16:20 16:20 16:35 17:00 17:25 17:35 18:05 18:05 18:05 18:20 18:30 18:35 18:50 19:10 19:25 19:40 19:40 19:50 20:00 20:10 20:20 20:50 21:00 21:20 21:30 21:35 21:35 21:55 22:00 22:00 22:10 22:25 22:25 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:45 23:20 23:40 23:40 23:50 23:55

SPECTRUM

34

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Calvin

CROSSWORD 129

Aries (March 21-April 19) Rash decisions can be

an open door to big mistakes—take your time. You become more practical and conscientious than usual today. You may find yourself sorting through drawers and looking in files for some lost object. Stop and take a deep breath, exhale and then think back on the time you last saw the missing object and you should be able to find it. Job requirements may slow you down for a while, but remember this is only short term. You could find you are required to take a class or attend lectures on a technical level. You may surprise yourself by learning enough to become a high-paid consultant—keep an open mind. You may decide to teach the young person in your family a password so that they will know the right person is picking them up after school.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Some idea for an article is

buzzing around in your head and it would really work as a good article for your local paper. Become known as a good freelance writer and the media industry will be contacting you. Do this as a whim for a while and you will soon find yourself with a nice little income. You may find a backlog of work is waiting for your attention in your own workplace today. At the noon break, be sure you take it—exercise, meditation or just a slow walk may help to refurbish your energies for the afternoon. This afternoon, exchanging information takes on significance. Emotional security, a sense of belonging and nurturing are issues that are felt instinctively. You are nurtured when you agree to help a neighbor.

Pooch Cafe

ACROSS 1. An internationally recognized distress signal in radio code.

4. A river that rises in northern Colombia and flows generally eastward to the Orinoco in central Venezuela.

10. A groove or furrow (especially one in soft earth caused by wheels).

13. A user interface in which you type commands instead of choosing them from a menu or selecting an icon.

14. Used at the dining table.

15. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

16. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism.

17. Naked freshwater or marine or parasitic protozoa that form temporary pseudopods for feeding and locomotion.

18. Not in good physical or mental health.

19. Obvious and dull.

21. A group of related languages spoken in a valley of southern Ethiopia.

23. A soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal.

24. Remote city of Kazakhstan that (ostensibly for security reasons) was made the capital in 1998.

26. Brightly colored tropical freshwater fishes.

29. God of the earth.

32. An internal representation of the world.

34. Small smooth-haired breed of African origin having a tightly curled tail and the inability to bark.

37. A unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters.

38. A nucleic acid that transmits genetic information from DNA to the cytoplasm.

39. Make uniform.

40. A landlocked republic in central Africa.

43. A constellation in the southern hemisphere near Telescopium and Norma.

44. Light informal conversation for social occasions.

45. Disability of walking due to crippling of the legs or feet.

47. Used as a Hindi courtesy title.

52. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group.

55. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

59. God of death.

61. A serve that strikes the net before falling into the receiver's court.

62. Hungarian choreographer who developed Labanotation (1879-1958).

63. The Tibeto-Burman language spoken in the Dali region of Yunnan.

64. An agency of the United Nations affiliated with the World Bank.

65. God of wealth and love.

66. Type genus of the family Arcidae.

DOWN 1. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike.

2. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm used in India for writing paper.

3. A city of central China.

4. An alloy of mercury with another metal (usually silver) used by dentists to fill cavities in teeth.

5. A recurring sleep state during which dreaming occurs.

6. A kind of heavy jacket (`windcheater' is a British term).

7. The act of using.

8. Alternatively, a member of the family Nymphaeaceae.

9. The mission in San Antonio where in 1836 Mexican forces under Santa Anna besieged and massacred American rebels who were fighting to make Texas independent of Mexico.

10. An Indian side dish of yogurt and chopped cucumbers and spices.

11. Large sweet juicy hybrid between tangerine and grapefruit having a thick wrinkled skin.

12. A fine grained mineral having a soft soapy feel and consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate.

20. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

22. Of time long past.

25. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables.

27. A very light brown.

28. (Greek mythology) The Titaness who was mother of Helios and Selene and Eos in ancient mythology.

30. Slightly open.

31. The capital and chief port of Qatar.

33. An Arabic speaking person who lives in Arabia or North Africa.

35. Coils of worsted yarn.

36. A less than average tide occurring at the first and third quarters of the moon.

41. Sexually transmitted urethritis (usually caused by chlamydia).

42. An official prosecutor for a judicial district.

46. Arboreal snake of central and southern Africa whose bite is often fatal.

48. In bed.

49. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

50. A small cake leavened with yeast.

51. An unforeseen obstacle.

53. In or relating to or obtained from urine.

54. Large burrowing rodent of South and Central America.

56. A white linen liturgical vestment with sleeves.

57. The longer of the two telegraphic signals used in Morse code.

58. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods.

60. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) You are a very forceful speaker when the subject is a favorite of yours. You can communicate with great enthusiasm. There are opportunities to speak to small and large groups today.

This could be in a lecture, work meeting, teaching, etc.

Words just flow out and are always followed by an emotional impact that brings them home to your listeners. You have no trouble putting your feelings into words; in fact, you may have to exercise some control over your tongue, for you are quick to say things and everything you communicate packs a wallop. You may be sought after for your advice and counsel regarding emotional issues; careful. You help others see truth and there will be a new understanding. A social event this evening is enjoyed by all.

Non Sequitur

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Your inner selfconfidence may be lacking—you could try to overcome this by defensive aggressiveness. You probably wish you had more of the self-assurance your fiery acquaintances have. This is a good time to buckle down and concentrate on your work. Your organizational abilities and sense of responsibility will be what guides you and proves you successful. Confidence will soon come. Your career is becoming more of a solid path. You enjoy and value your own life situation today. You feel especially kind toward a friend or loved one.

Company in your own home this evening may bring many complements your way. You enjoy entertaining friends. Conversations between friends equal a form of comfort and cheerfulness.

Leo (July 23-August 22) You are normally pretty good at handling change and risk because you hate being slowed by details. Slow down anyway, you could be missing something in your overall plan. You are excellent at building strategy. Stop and plot your options. If you need to prepare a plan, it is time to ask for help. The sheer abundance of your energy combined with your high-octane adrenaline can get in your way. Writing things down will force you to slow and think before acting. A news article has your full attention this afternoon. Tryouts for a local play or a part in a movie may interest you. Now is a good time to spread your wings! You may be in the mood for deep and penetrating conversations or thoughts with a loved one this evening.

Zits

Virgo (August 23-September 22) People in need come to your attention this morning and you want to gather them together so as to help their plight. You encourage financial donations or contributions and may find people to help you distribute items that are sent to you. Co-workers volunteer to help you. You have a desire to move toward the more challenging issues in the workplace. Law, politics, education, travel and religion are some of the areas where you seem motivated to take the lead. You are in a good position to communicate concerning groups and society in general. Emotional security, a sense of belonging and nurturing, turns your attention to the home front this afternoon. Making phone calls, writing letters and making plans for this coming weekend holds your interest for now.

Libra (September 23-October 22) A new sense of self, a more assertive personal style and a more dynamic approach to life are the hallmarks of the cycle that begin for you now. Doubts fade into the background and reserve is more and more outdated. This is an excellent time to sway others to your way of thinking. Slow your pace a bit and you will find that you will have accomplished much more than you thought possible by day’s end. Your life is a passionate life. Strong attachments make for hot times and you are fiercely loyal, if not sometimes possessive. Secretive, you are not at all superficial but you always get to the heart of things. This is good for business and politics. You have a sense for power, wealth and passion. Plan a quiet evening in order to restore your energies.

Mother Goose and Grimm

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You are not easily

swayed by other folk’s opinion, especially today. You could be involved in an exciting play of conversation. You see no problem in expressing yourself vociferously in almost any situation.

Before you speak, be wise and make sure your opinion is really requested, especially in the work world. Family, home, relatives and real estate play a big part in your life this evening. A keen interest in what makes things tick and who or what pulls the strings is the hallmark of the mental cycle that begins now. Figuring out ways to make your nest egg grow can be a preoccupation this evening. If there are children in your family, you want to make sure the schoolwork is up-to-date and understood. You are feeling frisky and friendly this evening.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You are feeling good and in top mental condition today to become involved in any sort of debate, problem solving or improvement oriented conversation this morning. This could mean an early morning appointment or that the facts are in and you are ready to act. You can really get your thoughts and ideas across—good communication. Something very important that you have been pushing toward for a long time is now within your reach. There is a feeling that anything is possible if you set your sights high enough. Today is a day to plan for the future and look at the big picture. As you think on important issues, try to avoid being insensitive to others. There is an opportunity for a new understanding. There is optimism and faith at the deepest emotional levels.

Yesterday’s Solution

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) This is

a time when ideas and thoughts of all kinds will be most important. Your mind could be quite clear and natural. Ideas are flowing and come with ease. You have a knack for putting the feelings of a group into words and may serve as a teacher or spokesperson.

If you have ever considered a vocation in teaching, now may be the time to do something about it. You might even consider volunteering to teach an adult reading class. You may be able to encourage a friend to join you in this venture. Humanitarian efforts can affect your work and life-path.

You have an opportunity to take control and become more disciplined.

Friends, group projects and community affairs are subjects of importance around the dinner table this evening.

Yesterday’s Solution

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You do a lot of research and communicate with a lot of people, including other companies, in order to keep up-to-date on the product that you sell or that the company for which you work produces. This concentrated effort goes into creating a new job identity for yourself as well as learning as much as you possibly can about whatever product you are selling. You may uncover some interesting information today—however, much thought needs to go into whether you should disclose this information.

Good practical job-related thoughts and ideas are available to you today.

The ability to communicate with superiors is at a high. Your timing should be perfect for just about any project you want to attempt; whether at work or at home.

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) Looking back upon childhood today, you might remember an older person telling you that you can do anything you set your mind to do and this is just that sort of day; most anything can be accomplished.

Major relationships, especially financial ones, are in a positive upswing. This is a good day for moneymaking ventures. Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to think through major decisions. There may be little time to see friends or family but you may find yourself enjoying a long conversation, writing a letter or making a special phone call. Expressing yourself with flair means a lot to you. You will want to enjoy yourself this evening. You are just as witty with your loved ones as you are with the people from work. Enjoy your evening.

INFORMATION

Wednesday, November 3, 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

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36

SPECTRUM

he former Guns N’ Roses rocker - real name Saul Hudson - has changed his mind about ending his marriage to wife Perla Ferrar, despite filing papers in Los Angeles County Superior Court in August citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason behind the split. The guitarist has now filed a request for dismissal of the divorce, gossip website TMZ reports. Slash and Perla have been married for nine years

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and have two sons together, London Emilio, eight and sixyear-old Cash Anthony. The guitarist - who had listed the date of separation as July 15 2010 - originally requested joint physical and legal custody of the two boys and said he was willing to pay spousal support. The split was said to be “extremely acrimonious”. This is Slash’s second marriage after splitting from first wife Renee Suran in 1997 after a five-year union. Slash - who is renowned for his rock ‘n’ roll

he singer and new husband Russell Brand flew to the Soneva Fushi resort in the Maldives after their Indian wedding last month but plans for a romantic holiday were reportedly spoilt after the ‘Firework’ hitmaker was treated with medication that left her too exhausted to consummate the marriage. According to Australia’s Grazia magazine, Katy - who had imposed a one-month sex ban before tying the knot - fell foul of the insect almost immediately after arriving at the £8000-a-night resort and was left with a rash on her legs, forcing her to seek medical advice.

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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

lifestyle - had credited marriage to Perla and fatherhood as having a calming influence on his when he recently revealed he no longer drinks or takes drugs. The 45-year-old musician said: “I quit doing drugs. But because I’m a habitual kinda guy, if I quit doing drugs, then I drink. And then if I quit drinking, I do drugs - forever. So I quit doing drugs this one time, and I decided not to drink too. It’s been four years.

And I really don’t miss it.”

Russell, 35, had previously told guests at the couple’s lavish ceremony at the luxury Aman-i-Khas resort in Rajasthan, India that he couldn’t wait to break the sex ban with his 25-year-old bride.

Referring to the ancient Indian sex guide, he joked he would spend the next few days “taking Katy through the Kama Sutra”. Friends had revealed that the couple were looking forward to some quality time alone. A friend of the pair added: “Where they’re going is out of the way and they can just relax on the beach, enjoy each other’s company and get massages with no other distractions.”

Lutz and McCord split nnalynne, star of ‘90210’ and the ‘Twilight’ actor have decided to end their romance and the pair have already spotted Annalynne getting close to another man over Halloween weekend.

A source told LifeandStylemag.com: “AnnaLynne was getting cosy with model-and-actor Aaron O’Connell while at Veuve Clicquot’s Yelloween at LAVO in Las Vegas. “They were holding hands and flirting all night. They looked cute together.” Meanwhile, Kellan was on the other side of the US partying separately at the Borgata casino and hotel over Halloween weekend. A source said he “definitely seemed like a bachelor”. The 25-year-old hunk - who plays Emmett

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aniel Radcliffe admits he was “in bits” and in tears when the last Harry Potter movie wrapped. The actor who has played the boy wizard in every film in the series since he was just 11 finished shooting the final scenes for ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II’ in June and was an emotional wreck when he was saying his goodbyes to his cast mates and the crew. He said: “We were all in bits. I’ve never seen Rupert Grint cry in my life but it was really emotional. When I saw him cry, it made me cry more. It’s come to stand for my childhood, which I’ve said goodbye to. That innocent small boy has gone.” Although he and his two main costars Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have grown up together, Daniel doesn’t believe the trio have changed that much as people. The 21-year-old star added to Britain’s OK! magazine: “Rupert has obviously got a much bigger car collection than when we started! Obviously, Rupert and myself have both changed through the series, because at the beginning, Rupert was really, really

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Cullen in the ‘Twilight’ series - is also set to be away from Los Angeles based AnnLynne for the next several months as he films ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn’. The couple have had a turbulent relationship from the start, after they were initially spotted kissing on Valentine’s Day in New York in 2009. The pair denied they were an item for most of the last year, before Annalynn - who has also starred in ‘Nip/Tuck’ - admitted in September they were together. A source added: “They just weren’t compatible, so they are taking a break. AnnaLynne seemed really happy over the weekend. I’m not sure Kellan was the right person for her.”

Watson ‘felt sick’ when told of riches

chatty, you couldn’t shut him up. He’s got quieter as the series has gone on, and while he’s got quieter I’ve got louder! “Physically, me and Rupert look totally different, whereas Emma, I think, kind of almost looks exactly the same as when she started, in terms of her face.

Other than that it’s kind of hard to say how we’ve changed, other than just the fact we’ve grown up.”

arry Potter” actress Emma Watson said that for years she had no idea how much money she w as earning from her role as Hermione Granger in the hit movie franchise, and that she felt sick w hen she finally realized.

Watson, 20, told the British edition of Vogue magazine’s December issue that she w as 17 or 18 years old w hen she had a “money conversation” w ith her father. “By the third or fourth film, the money w as starting to get ... serious. I had no idea. I felt sick, very emotional. It w as a real shock,” the actress told Vogue in the interview .

Until then, she had been living on an allow ance of about 50 pounds ($80) a week. She took a money management course and she now has an estimated fortune of about 20 mil-

“H

lion pounds. Watson, w ho is currently a student at Brow n university in the United States, is pictured on the front cover of British Vogue sporting her new pixie-style short haircut. The magazine hits new sstands in Britain on Thursday. She said she cut her hair after she finished shooting the final tw o movies in the “Harry Potter” series.

“For the nine years I w as on ‘Harry Potter’ I w as contractually obliged not to cut my hair, not to tan,” she said. “All the normal things girls do, I couldn’t. So w hen I got the chance to change my appearance, this is w hat I did.” The seventh film, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow s: Part 1” opens in Britain, the United States and much of the w orld on Nov 19. The final movie w ill be released in J uly 2011. iley Cyrus has reportedly split from Liam Hemsworth - again.

The ‘Hannah Montana’ star and the Australian actor - who rekindled their romance in September following a brief separation - reportedly called time on their 18-month relationship a few weeks ago. A source insists the couple are “not together” anymore following photos which emerged at the weekend of Liam, 20, getting close to model Yolanda Vendy. The source added to gossip website HollywoodLife.com: “If Liam and Yolanda were hooking up it wasn’t cheating.” Liam - who has spent the previous month in

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ihanna will “never ever forgive” herself for missing Katy Perry’s wedding. The ‘Only Girl in the World’ singer is admits she is wracked with guilt for missing her close pal’s nuptials to Russell Brand in India last month due to work commitments. She told KIIS-FM DJ Ryan Seacrest: “I will never ever forgive myself for that, it was a crazy time, it was a crazy week, I’m switching management. There was no phone service in India and very little-to-no internet service, so it would have been a little irresponsible of me. I’m sad that I missed it.” Although she didn’t attend the wedding, Rihanna recently revealed she got the newlyweds an amazing present, saying: “I got her a

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really, really cool gift. But I’ll let her tell you about that!”

Sources had claimed Katy and Russell had reserved Rihanna a room at the Aman-i-Khas resort in Rajasthan, India, in the hope she would make it. One said: “It was always sort of up in the air that she would go anyway, and Katy knew that.

They saved her a room just in case, but they always knew it would be nearly impossible for her to make it as she’s still finishing the album and it’s out in a few weeks. Rih was in the studio all weekend.” Last month, Rihanna announced she had signed a deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation management team.

She said at the time: “I’m so excited to take this next step in my career.”

his native Australia, while Miley has been working in Los Angeles - was seen whispering with Yolanda at a private table in Sydney’s Eve nightclub on Friday with onlookers claiming he definitely “looked single”.

One club insider said: “He is definitely back on the market after splitting with Miley.”

When asked if she was friends with the actor, Yolanda told Australia’s Daily Telegraph newspaper: “If that’s what you want to call it.” Liam has refused to be drawn on the break-up reports, only saying that Miley was working in the US while he spent time with friends at home.

— Bang Showbiz

SPECTRUM

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

37

Fashion

This photo courtesy of WWD/Giovanni Giannoni shows a model on the runway in a dress from the John Galliano for Dior collection during Christian Dior’s fall 2010 haute couture show at Musee Rodin in Paris.

This 1972 photo courtesy of WWD/Scherman Pierre shows designer Oscar de la Renta, right, with three models wearing looks from Oscar de la Renta’s fall 1972 collection on the sidewalk outside his home in New York. — AP photos

This book cover released by WWD shows the cover of “WWD: 100 Years, 100 Designers,” by Bridget Foley, Laurie Sprague and Carolyn Eckert. The new book digs through 100 years of hemlines to decide who has really shaped fashion.

By ERIC WILSON omen’s Wear Daily, the quippy and quirky trade paper of the garment industry, marked its centennial with a commemorative magazine out Monday that traces the evolution of fashion and also of its own coverage of fashion. For the cover, its editors came up with a pretty novel approach to illustrating 100 years of putting out a paper: a montage of notable designers, celebrities and socialites assembled as if they were the audience of a runway show. Yves Saint Laurent, Coco Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, Ralph Lauren and Jackie Kennedy are in the front row; Andy Warhol, Claude Montana and Cindy Crawford are all the way in the back, so you can’t imagine that anyone will be complaining too much about their placement (as long as they were included).

Bridget Foley, the executive editor of WWD, has observed the comings and goings of designers long enough to have a sharp perspective on the changing nature of fashion journalism, which she shared in a Q&A.

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How do you go about summarizing 100 years of WWD’s history in a magazine?

Well, it’s not a history book. What we wanted to do was represent some of the key issues and motifs of the industry that had been important within the past 100 years. It is a highly subjective distillation of 100 years, and that is what made it fun. There were certain things that were very obvious, and some people who would be at the top of the list to anyone who ever made a shirt.

For example, our first writing about Coco Chanel was in 1918.

That makes the house of Chanel very important in this industry for the better part of WWD’s 100 years. The entire issue was done, literally, by turning pages. Someone, or some-ones, flipped through every single issue.

How did you identify what was important, versus what wound up on the cutting-room floor?

It was very difficult. There were, at the end of the day, some emotional calls. For example, Stephen Sprouse had a very finite moment, but it was a big important and emotional moment, so we felt he should be included. And there were always people the paper was obsessed with. The biggest one was Jackie Kennedy.

She was an obsession of WWD and John Fairchild when she was a senator’s wife, when she was a first lady, when she was Mrs. Onassis, when she was a widow, all the way through the end of her life. Ali MacGraw was a mini-obsession for quite some time.

She was a major fashion icon in the 1970s, but I think her importance to the issue escalated because of the way the paper covered her.

As a critic, what kind of changes have you seen in the how fashion has been covered over the years?

Early on, we covered fashion in its minutiae. We covered the inset of a sleeve and gave highly detailed information. I think that the progress has been more to put clothes in a breezier context.

Absolutely, John Fairchild revolutionized this paper by making designers celebrities, but what surprised me was that there were designers who were treated as celebrities even before that. Poiret was the first designer the paper covered.

Do you think with the Internet and social media that you are beginning to cover fashion differently today?

We’re covering everything faster, obviously. In Europe, just a few years ago, we used to look forward to Friday nights. We’d be off because we didn’t have a paper on Saturdays, but now we have a Web site. Our roles are changing because anyone who has a computer can weigh in. Anyone can have a blog, and we see designers and executives paying attention to that direct consumer feedback. In terms of reviewing collections, they go at a faster pace, but I try to personally take the same approach, to see each collection in its own context, to be honest but not cavalier.

Does writing faster change what you write?

When you are writing reviews, it has always been pretty fast.

You don’t have a lot of time to let a collection sink in. In a perfect world, it would be great to see the show, then see the clothes in the showroom, but a show is the designer’s chosen way to put his or her statement out there. What I write is largely an emotional response, but that is what fashion is, an emotional response. But a different question: Are we in competition with bloggers? Absolutely. I’d like to think that knowledge of what you are writing about is still considered important. I’d like to think that some bed of knowledge about a designer and the history of the house remain important. I think we are starting to feel a little backlash toward the whole immediacy of things. The person who really saw this was Tom Ford. [Mr. Ford showed his spring collection to only 100 editors and allowed no photographs to be released.] Everyone who was at his show knew it was such a moment, because we get bored, and so we like the opposite thing. Part of it was that people who cover fashion used to feel special. And so you felt special again, and there’s something to be said for that.

From time to time, your critics have said that Women’s Wear has lost its bite. Do you think the paper has changed its tone?

Of course the tone of the paper has changed. It’s 100 years old.

But I don’t think the paper has lost its bite. We still are critical when we feel we should be critical. We still try to deliver stories with wit, but not everything calls for that. People remember the extremes of anything. The industry has changed. We are a serious newspaper that covers a serious global industry. But things are different today. Things are more controlled. The publicists to celebrities have changed a lot of things. We once had a picture of Judy Garland in her dressing room shot by Tony Palmieri, a staff photographer.

That would not happen today with anyone, not even a “Gossip Girl,” let alone Judy Garland.In Hollywood, everyone is so afraid of being trashed. Everyone dresses not for the biggest event one can imagine, but for a mass television audience.

That may be good for the houses to have their brands radiate across the globe, but I don’t think it’s really good for fashion.

I am dying for someone to show up on a red carpet in one of Raf Simons’s T-shirts and skirts with a peplum. I mean, how gorgeous?

Do you ever second-guess your reviews, if you came out with a different opinion than Suzy Menkes or Cathy Horyn?

Not so much if I differ from Suzy or Cathy, but sometimes, I go back.

I always read the last couple of reviews before a show, or when I am researching something, and I would rather not say the example, but I read something recently that I thought was too mean. At the time, I thought it was great, but this went on too long. That is most likely to happen when you have such an emotional response, either positive or negative. But I am pretty confident in my own opinion.

I’ll take a bet on that one not happening. What do you think will be the future of WWD? Can fashion be covered the same way online?

Obviously digital continues to be increasingly important. I remember when we started the Web site, we said the Web site will never scoop the paper. Well, that lasted 10 minutes. At the end of the day, the way I look at it, and I’m no techie whiz, it’s a delivery system. For a long, long time, the paper was the fastest delivery system. Then television was the fastest delivery system. We have to continue to embrace the possibilities.

— www.runway.blogs.nytimes.com

Donatella Versace

Were there any surprises you learned by looking back at the history?

One of the things that interested me most was uncovering certain themes, sometimes small, but themes that have remained con-

stant in fashion. In the 1920s, there was a funny story, or one meant to be funny, of someone wanting to have a funeral for color because all women wanted to wear was black. We think of that as a modern thing, like we think of the rise of covering young fashion. But we certainly covered flappers and wannabe flappers, and the overall marketing to that group. Then there are stories, here and there, about politically correct ways to refer to large sizes. One was about “chubettes.” Another said, “Don’t call them fat; call them not small or not thin,” or something like that.

onatella Versace likes her models to be “real men”. Male model Paul Sculfor feels the fashion industry is heavily influenced by music, and agrees with the designer that masculine looking men sell clothes better. He told Vogue.com: “When I went for my first casting with Donatella she said to me ‘I want real men to do my campaigns.’ “I think music has a lot to do with which models are seen as in fashion. If you look at the 90s, when skinny male models were really in, the music was Nirvana and Oasis - and models looked like the boys that were in those bands. Music’s changing and so is modeling. I think having really skinny guys keeps a lot of people out of the market. You want an image that will really sell clothes.”

Paul - who has previously dated A-list actress beauties Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Aniston - is normally confident surrounded by beautiful women, but says he was so taken aback by the way Naomi Campbell introduced him to Christy Turlington he had to make an excuse and leave.

He added: “All the models I’ve worked with are lovely in their own ways but I think Christy Turlington is stunning. “I was on a shoot with her and Naomi and I told her how gorgeous I thought she was and she said ‘I’d better introduce you then. “She went straight up to Christy and said ‘This is Paul, he thinks you’re pretty’ then walked off! I was so embarrassed I can’t tell you. I didn’t really know what to say so I sort of said I needed the loo and ran off.” Paul has recently turned his hand to acting, and his debut film ‘Di Di Hollywood’ is out now. — Bang Showbiz

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Models present creations from a cashmere collection by Chinese fashion house Mihuang Qigang during China Fashion Week in Beijing. The bi-annual fashion event highlights the latest designs by domestic and international designers. —AFP

SPECTRUM

38

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Music

Aldean blends country and rock on new CD

In this album cover provided by Broken Bow records, Jason Aldean’s “My Kinda Party” is shown. — AP ith his fourth album, “My Kinda Party,” Jason Aldean stands at the forefront of a movement combining country themes with hard-rock chords. This time out, he branches out into country rap too, on a cover of “Dirt Road Anthem,” previously recorded by co-writers Colt Ford and Brantley Gilbert.

To balance his rocking sound, Aldean ties his songs to country music with stories about southern boys making noise to blow off steam - usually in a rural field with speakers stacked on the tailgate of a pickup truck, as Aldean describes in the title song.

A rare platinum-selling country act on an independent label, Aldean may rap about “swervin’ like I’m George Jones,” but his 21st century version of country music takes its sonic cues from rock acts like Nickelback and its rap flow from Uncle Kracker. Aldean realizes that, in the modern South, blue-collar kids are as likely to party to JayZ and Metallica as they are to Hank Williams Jr. and Brad Paisley.

Even Aldean’s ballads take a roughneck’s point of view, as in “I Ain’t Ready To Quit,” about enjoying his vices and his lover too much to give either up. The focus, however, is on reflecting and celebrating life in dirt-road America.

More than ever, Aldean succeeds at bringing alive a demographic rarely seen or heard in the media - and he does so with a fresh sound that steers clear of lyrical cliches. —AP

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La Vida Loca: Ricky Martin autobiography hits the shelves icky Martin released a longawaited autobiography yesterday, telling of his rise from a Puerto Rican boy band to international stardom and his tricky decision in March to come out as gay. “Yo” (Me) provides glimpses of Martin’s childhood, describes his musical

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start as a member of “Menudo” in the 1980s, his crossover to English in the later 1990’s and his emergence as a pop icon, his publisher said.

Published both in English and in Spanish, it also talks about 38-yearold Martin’s decision to father twins

Rapper T.I. reports to US federal prison again

by a surrogate mother and his philanthropic work as a UNICEF ambassador and through the Ricky Martin Foundation.

“I hope you enjoy it,” Martin tweeted Monday. “I’ve had to tie loose ends that I never put together and work hard recalling memories I

had already erased from my mind. It wasn’t easy, but once I got going I realized the incredible scarring process that had begun, which I now want to share.”

Martin has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide over a two decade solo career since he crossed

Demi Lovato enters rehab for abuse issues een singer/actress Demi Lovato, an independent-minded Disney starlet who has battled eating disorders and self-mutilation, has pulled out of a tour to enter a rehab facility, a spokeswoman said Monday.

Lovato, 18, is getting “medical treatment for emotional and physical issues she has dealt with for some time,” a spokeswoman said in a statement. “Demi has a long history of battling these issues.

She was bullied in school, has fought through eating disorders, and has struggled with cutting.”

Lovato had been on a Latin American tour with fellow Disney pop heroes the Jonas Brothers before canceling her remaining commitments during the weekend. She dated middle sibling Joe Jonas earlier this year. The Texan native got her big break as the star of

the 2008 Disney Channel TV movie “Camp Rock,” playing a working-class girl who falls for Joe Jonas’ arrogant rockstar character. A sequel came out two months ago.

She released her debut album later in 2008 — “Don’t Forget” peaked at No 2 on the US pop chart-and her own Disney Channel series, “Sonny with a Chance,” premiered in early 2009. Her follow-up album, “Here We Go Again,” topped the chart in July 2009. Lovato co-wrote a song about her estranged father, “For the Love of the Daughter,” but it was dropped from the album at the last minute. She collaborated on two other tracks with singer/guitarist John Mayer.

Despite her business links with the Disney starmaking machine, whose other creations include Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez and Hilary

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he rapper T.I. has reported for a second time to a federal prison to serve time for a weapons violation.

The 30-year-old T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, showed up shortly before noon at the gates of the Forrest City low-security prison, traveling in an entourage of two black Chevrolet suburbans.

Harris served about seven months in the Arkansas prison in 2009 before he was released last December on probation. Last month, a federal judge sentenced him to serve another 11 months in prison for breaking his federal probation after he was arrested on Sept 1 in Los Angeles on drug charges. Prosecutors in Los Angeles say they won’t file a felony drug charge against the rapper. —AP

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Swift to launch own perfume line ountry music star Taylor Swift has teamed up with Elizabeth Arden to create her own line of perfume and fragrance products. Elizabeth Arden, makers of designer perfumes for fashion line Juicy Couture and celebrities such as Britney Spears and Elizabeth Taylor, said on Monday the first fragrance will be launched in late 2011.

Swift, 20, will be personally involved in all aspects of product development, packaging and advertising. There is no name as yet for the new line. The announcement comes a week after the Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Swift released her third album “Speak Now” to good reviews. Her previous album “Fearless” propelled a 10-month tour and was the biggest selling album of 2009.

“I have always loved how fragrance can shape a memory, the way certain scents remind you of events and people that are imprinted in your thoughts,” Swift said in a statement. Elizabeth Arden executive vice president Ronald Rolleston called Swift a “role model who inspires her fan base every day.” — Reuters

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that has netted him five Grammy awards. He records and performs mostly in Spanish, but has a huge crossover following in English thanks largely to his 1999 smash hit “Livin’ La Vida Loca” and his charttopping “She Bangs” the following year. — AFP

Duff, Lovato has tried to distance herself from the frenzied, bubblegum pop purveyed by her peers and beloved by her fans.

She told Reuters last year that she refuses to lip-synch, even if it makes her sound bad. “I’ve had really bad shows, but at least people know that I’m not lip-synching. And that’s more important to me ... It’s definitely not gonna be a Britney Spearstype show.”

But what she really wanted to do was ditch the obligatory razzle-dazzle and sharpen her skills as a serious singer-songwriter. “I want to get to the point where one day I don’t have to have anything but a rug and a microphone stand on stage and still be able to sell out places like Madison Square Garden, like Bruce Springsteen does,” she said. — Reuters

Ozawa honored by Vienna Philharmonic C

onductor Seiji Ozawa, recovering from cancer, yesterday became the first Japanese to be made an honorary member of the prestigious Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

As the orchestra toured Japan, its chairman Clemens Hellsberg handed the 75year-old maestro a certificate of honorary membership in a ceremony at Tokyo’s Suntory Hall.

“As a token of our love for Mr Ozawa, we present you with this honor,” Hellsberg said. “We wish that this honor will help you, the maestro, get better as much as possible.”

Ozawa-who was musical director of parent organization the Vienna State Opera for eight years until last June-appeared on the verge of tears onstage and said he had learned much from the

orchestra.

“I really like you ver y much and until I die I’d like to be with you as a friend,” Ozawa said in English. He was diaxgnosed with oesophageal cancer in January and returned to the stage briefly, conducting a Japanese orchestra, in September after surgery and several months of treatment.

“I intend to come back little by little but I know I’m causing trouble to many people because I take leave from time to time,” Ozawa told reporters after the ceremony. “I’m really happy with what I got today because it came from my fellows.”

The 168-year-old orchestra has granted honorar y membership to 50 people, including conductors such as Wilhelm Fur twangler, Leonard Bernstein and Lorin Maazel. — AFP

Japanese maestro Seiji Ozawa receives a certificate of honorary membership of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra from its chairman Clemens Hellsberg at a Tokyo music hall yesterday. — AFP

Bieber won’t wear his namesake nail polish ustin Bieber’s music has inspired a collection of nail polish, but the 16-year-old singer says he won’t be wearing any of the Bieber-riffic shades. “It’s not really my nail polish line. Like, I think it’s weird to think about that,” he said at a recent event to promote his autobiography, “First Step 2 Forever: My Story.” Bieber says the nail polish from Nicole

by OPI, which is set to hit stores next month, is inspired by his hit songs.

“Like, there’s names like named af ter my music,” he said. “I don’t know,” he said. “It’s like a really weird concept.”

The collection, called One Less Lonely Girl, is set to include a bright red shade called OMB! and a glittery polish named Step 2 the Beat of My Heart.

Members of Bieber’s team chimed in to add that the impetus for the nail polish line was OPI’s willingness to donate to Pencils of Promise, a school-building organization Bieber has supported before.

“So do you want me to say that?” Bieber asked, then turned to a reporter and said, “Yeah, a portion of it goes to charity, so that’s always good.”—AFP

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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

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Movies

Hollywood hit makers head to India

By Phil Hazlewood ndia is experiencing a surge in interest as a location for foreign film-makers amid hopes that the presence of overseas productions will boost the home-grown industry. The information and broadcasting ministry said that it has cleared 11 projects this year and has nine more in various stages of approval while in 2009 24 films were given the green light. “We have given permission for more than 100 movies in the last three to four years,” said DP Reddy, the joint secretary (films) at the department. “It’s primarily because we have a lot of good locales where shooting can take place and we have the technical competence. The services are pretty competitive. It makes a lot of sense to come,” he told AFP. India has been an enticing location for foreign film-makers for almost as long as cinema has existed. In the 1920s, the German director Franz Osten made a series of black-and-white silent films inspired by India’s many religions and rich history. Richard Attenborough’s epic “Gandhi” (1982) was largely shot in India and brought the country to a worldwide audience. More recently, major films such as the James Bond thriller “Octopussy” (1983), “The Bourne Supremacy” (2004) and “A Mighty Heart” (2007) have all used Indian locations.

This year’s “Eat Pray Love”, starring Julia Roberts, was the first high-profile film since “Slumdog Millionaire” to come to India on location. Some film industry watchers have attributed the surge in interest in India to the runaway success of “Slumdog” at the 2009 Oscars. But Reddy said India was already attracting interest even before the British-made film came out. The official said that film-makers were coming from all over the world, with recent permission given to studios behind the latest film in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise and the big screen adaptation of the novel “Life of Pi”.

Other films in the pipeline include “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” starring British actress Judy Dench and directed by John Madden, whose previous credits include “Shakespeare in Love” and “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”.

Meenakshi Shedde, a Mumbaibased film critic and film festival consultant, said India’s age-old combination of spirituality and sexuality, its people, their attitudes and exotic landscapes remained a fascination for film-makers. But she also said it was part of a wider trend for Hollywood to try to capture new audiences, as Western markets reach saturation point.

“It’s just a straight-forward business proposition... they’re trying to tap the Indian market,” she said.

Analysts accept that India’s potential is huge. Last year, some three billion cinema tickets were sold in India, compared with 1.5 billion in the United States, according to a Crisil media and entertainment report last September. In 2009, nearly 60 Hollywood films were released, earning a combined revenue of 85.5 million dollars, consultants KPMG said.

Dubbing into local languages is becoming more accepted, although the revenue potential for Hollywood films is lower than in developed countries because of cheap ticket prices, they added.

“The last 12 months have seen a dramatic growth of Hollywood in India” with US films’ share of theatrical revenues now at about 10 percent, said Vijay Singh, chief executive of Fox Star Studios.

New audiences are also being exposed to Hollywood films through the burgeoning satellite television sector, which show both the original English and dubbed versions, he added. Shedde said Hollywood may have a more difficult time penetrating the Indian market, even with the inclusion of familiar locations, actors and themes. “Most national cinemas are destroyed by Hollywood,” she said.

“But in India, after all the Tom Cruises and Steven Spielbergs, dubbing into at least three to four languages and with all their marketing clout, they still have less than 10 percent of our market.” A foreign presence could be beneficial, including for the home-grown industry, which last year saw overall revenues slump by 14 percent to 89.3 billion rupees (two billion dollars).

“It should force Bollywood to raise the ante and strengthen their storytelling,” said Singh. “It (foreign filmmaking in India) is going to help,” added Reddy. “I think the trend will continue with the success of some of these films. That will give a fillip to the industry.” — AFP

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File picture shows Hollywood veteran Ben Kingsley, who played the role of Mohandas Gandhi in the film ‘Gandhi’, poses with his wife Daniela Lavender in front of the historic Taj Mahal monument in Agra. —AFP

Films tell story of WWII elephant rescue in Burma

By Sylvia Hui ritish tea planter Gyles Mackrell organized one of the most remarkable rescue missions during World War II-by using elephants when nothing else would do. Now researchers have released new information that tells, for the first time, the full story of Mackrell’s successful effort to use the animals to evacuate hundreds of desperate Burmese refugees stranded by a rainswollen river. On Monday, Britain’s Cambridge University put online a video shot by Mackrell, which together with his diaries and other documents brings to life a feat that with time had faded from public memory.

The material explains how Mackrell, who spent most of his life working as a planter for a tea company in British India, came to the aid of masses of people desperate to escape Burma as the Japanese army advanced. Through his work, he had access to ele-

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phants-the only safe way to cross the roiling Dapha river at the Indian border. Tens of thousands of the refugees-many sick and starving-had trekked for hundreds of miles through dense jungle in the hope of reaching the Indian border.

But by May 1942, those who made it to the border were trapped by monsoons that had turned the Dapha into a torrent. Mackrell’s diaries show that he collected some elephants to travel to the river soon after receiving a call for help from a group of refugees on June 4, 1942. His party rode the elephants for about 100 miles (160 kilometers) before finally reaching the river bank-only to find themselves helpless as they saw that fierce flood waters had trapping Burmese soldiers on river islands.

“On reaching the bank on a big tusker I discovered a number of men on an island surrounded by high and very fierce water,” Mackrell, aged 53 at the time, wrote in his diary. “They signaled

In this photo released by Cambridge University captured from a film shot at an unknown location in 1942 by Gyles Mackrell, who organized the rescue mission of hundreds of Burmese refugees into British India by elephants, refugees cross a river. — AP

Troubled actor Charlie Sheen files for divorce roubled US actor Charlie Sheen filed for divorce from his wife of two years Monday, days after being taken to hospital following a reported drunken incident in New York. The star of sitcoms “Two and a Half Men” and “Spin City” filed papers at Los Angeles Superior Court to divorce Brooke Mueller, whom he wed in May 2008 but split from on Christmas Day 2009 when

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Actor Charlie Sheen gives a speech before Television producer and writer Chuck Lorre unveiled his star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in Los Angeles in this March 12, 2009 file photo. — AFP

arrested for allegedly assaulting her. Sheen, 45, and Mueller, 33, have twin sons Bob and Max, born in March 2009.

The couple have a pre-nuptial agreement, according to court papers. Television station Extra TV reported that an agreement signed in May gives Mueller 750,000 dollars (540,000 euros) as a one-time payment, plus 55,000 (40,000 euros) a month in child support. She would get primary custody of the children, with Sheen having visiting rights, it reported.

The divorce proceedings came after Sheen was taken to hospital last week following what his publicist said was an “allergic reaction,” but which local media said was due to a drunken episode in a New York hotel. People and other entertainment magazines said the star, one of the best-paid TV actors, was hospitalized after causing serious damage to his room at the Plaza Hotel, where police found him drunk, naked and in the company of a woman. Mueller told Extra TV in an interview to be screened Monday: “He’s kinda free to do whatever he wants to do,” adding, “Charlie and I don’t live together anymore. He’s not cheating on me. We’re separated.” Sheen in August pleaded guilty to an assault charge arising from a violent Christmas Day altercation with his wife while vacationing at Aspen, Colorado, but avoided jail under a deal with prosecutors. 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

wildly and made signs to show us they were starving. I made several attempts to get over but it was utterly impossible.” The video shows Mackrell’s elephants flailing against the power of the river, up to their eyes in water and struggling to move forward. Mackrell and his men were about to give up when, the next morning, the waters retreated briefly and he saw an opportunity for his elephants to transport the men to safety.

“Rungdot, a Kampti elephant was the first to be ready and ... by 7 am he was back in camp with the first three refugees,” he wrote on June 10, 1942. “The others came in a few at a time and by midday we had the whole 68.” In the weeks that followed, Mackrell and his colleagues set up camp by the Dapha and helped 200 people cross the river.

His exploits were reported in the British press at the timeMackrell was dubbed “The Elephant Man” — but it wasn’t

(From left) Actors Diane Ladd, Bruce Dern, and Laura Dern pose after all received stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, Monday. —AP

Dern-Ladd family honored with Walk of Fame stars t was a family affair Monday for Laura Dern, her father Bruce Dern and mother Diane Ladd. The acting dynasty was honored during a ceremony along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking the first time three stars were dedicated to family members at the same time.

The pink terrazzo stars were unveiled alongside each other outside the W Hotel Hollywood along Hollywood Boulevard. “I ask the universe that these three stars right here-when I’m dead and gone or if I’m still alive-that whoever comes and looks at it or stands on it, may the energy of the three of our lives permeate into their foundation and help each and every one fulfill their destiny with joy and love, as I wish for you,” the 74-year-old Ladd told the crowd.

Laura Dern, who has starred in such films as “Jurassic Park” and “October Sky” was born in 1967 to Bruce Dern and Ladd, who were married for nine years and have both remarried. It’s not the first time the family has made Hollywood history. Laura Dern and Ladd both

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received Oscar nominations in 1992 for their roles in “Rambling Rose,” the first time a mother and daughter had nods together. Ladd has also received Oscar nominations for “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” and “Wild at Heart,” while Bruce Dern was nominated for “Coming Home.”

“To put it into sports parlance, because I’m a big sports person, my feeling is that all of you that were connected with this got together and said, ‘Oh, Bruce Dern, he could play,”‘ the 74year-old character actor told the crowd. Laura Dern said her husband, musician Ben Harper, who filed for divorce from the 43-year-old actress last month after nearly five years of marriage, originated the idea of the family being honored. It meant “the world to me and my parents and our children.” she said. Mark Ruffalo, who costarred with Laura Dern in “We Don’t Live Here Anymore,” joked the three-star ceremony was like a “religious experience” and called the family “the father, the daughter and the holy spirit.”—AP

until his family donated the video, his diaries and other accounts by some of those rescued to Cambridge University that the story could be told in full. “Without the help of Mackrell and others like him, hundreds of people fleeing the Japanese advance would quite simply never have made it,” said Kevin Greenbank, an archivist at Cambridge’s Center of South Asian Studies. The donated collection of material will give researchers a new opportunity to study the rescue efforts organized by Mackrell and others like him who helped saved many people during the summer of 1942, Greenbank said.

Annamaria Motrescu, a research associate at the center, said Mackrell was embarrassed by the attention at the time but his story deserves new prominence now.

“It’s a remarkable story of courage, spirit and ingenuity that took place at a time when no one was sure what the consequences of the war in the Far East would be. It deserves to be remembered.”— AP

Cruise on ‘Mission’ outside tallest spire

ctor Tom Cruise has literally reached a pinnacle of his career in Dubai-dangling from the world’s tallest building. Cruise was spotted tethered to a line near the top of the nearly halfmile-high (828-meter-high) Burj Khalifa during stunt filming for the latest installment of the “Misssion: Impossible” series.

Local media reports yesterday included photos of the black-clad Cruise as he was striding over the front of the glass-and-steel spire on Monday. The new film, “Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol” will prominently feature scenes from Dubai as well as Moscow and Vancouver. It’s scheduled for release in December 2011. — AP

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www.kuwaittimes.net

VIP check-in for dead Singaporeans

By Philip Lim unerals are normally sombre affairs but at the Nirvana Memorial Garden in Singapore mourners could be forgiven for thinking they had strayed into a luxury hotel with a mystical Asian theme. The self-proclaimed “six star” columbarium, where families can store the ashes of their loved ones for a fee, offers a modern and lavish twist to the ancient tradition of honoring the dead.

At a recent ceremony in a dark, cavernous auditorium, a deep male voice intoned in Mandarin: “I will live on happily in your image and always remember you.” Green and red laser beams shot out from the foreheads of three 10metre (33-foot) tall gold-plated Buddhas as soothing chants and ambient music played from cinema-quality loudspeakers.

Suddenly, a beam of pure white light from above illuminated the main attraction: an urn containing the ashes of a recently cremated person, sitting on a revolving pedestal shaped like a lotus flower. The 13,000 square-meter (139,931 square-foot) centre is the biggest and most ambitious project by Malaysia-based columbarium operator Nirvana. From the “check-in” to the long-term stay, the company, which operates smaller projects in Indonesia, Cambodia, Taiwan and Vietnam, consciously replicates the feel of a top hotel. “Actually it’s not for the dead people, it’s more for the live people,” said Phang Siang Yang, Nirvana’s country head in Singapore, a largely ethnic Chinese society with a rich but rapidly ageing population.

“We encourage the next generation to always come and visit and pray,” he said, adding that it was important that descendants of the dead “won’t feel that this is an eerie or scary place.” Entering the lobby of one of the centre’s two blocks, one is greeted by a giant gold-plated Buddha statue towering over a water feature. Cream-colored leather sofas are arranged in accordance with “feng shui”- the Chinese belief that positions of objects directly affect fortune.

Inside the complex, gold-plated niches, Buddha statues and ancestral tablets await the ashes of the departed in fully air-conditioned “suites” complete with carpeted floors and sofas. As in hotels, customers are issued magnetic swipe cards which openelectronic doors and switch on lights designed to produce a soft, warm glow.

The services do not come cheap. Charges range from a one-off fee of 2,880 US dollars for an “economy” suite with a single niche to 167,380 dollars for a “royal” suite that can house an entire family’s ashes. Revenues now stand at about 1.5 million dollars per month, barely a year and a half after it started full-scale operations, said Jessie Ong, marketing manager for Nirvana in Singapore. To date, roughly 50 percent of the columbarium’s 7,518 niche lots have been taken up.

A third block will be completed in the next phase of development. “We’re still seeing the potential,” Phang said. “I think within another few years’ time, the aging population will reach about 20 percent.” Because of its low birth rate, close to nine percent of Singapore’s population was aged 65 years and older last year, with the proportion expected to rise to 20 percent by 2030, according to official statistics. Phang also wants to promote Nirvana Singapore as a tourist attraction and plans to furnish a mini-gallery with Buddhist relics. A landscaped garden decorated with stone tablets engraved with early forms of Chinese calligraphy and a temple with an elaborate lighting display are also in the works. “This is our vision, that this place becomes a tourist attraction and temple,” Phang said with a smile. — AFP

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A man passes a wallpaper piece displaying portraits of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and French artist Marcel Duchamp entitled ‘Zugzwang’ from the German artist Rudolf Herz at the exhibition ‘Covering the wall, Contemporary wallpapers’ at the museum of MUDAC in Lausanne, Switzerland, yesterday. —AP

Jackson’s mom to talk on ‘Oprah’ next week K

In this photo taken Oct 9, 2010 and provided by Harpo Productions Inc, talk-show host Oprah Winfrey, left, is seen with the Jacksons, during an interview with Katherine Jackson, second from left, mother of the late pop star Michael Jackson, in a taping of ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ in Encino, Calf.

Looking on are Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, and Michael’s three children from left, Prince, Paris and Blanket.

(From left) Megan Fairchild and Andrew Veyette, principal dancers of the New York City Ballet, perform ‘Stars and Stripes’, choreographed by George Balanchine at the Mella Theatre during the 22nd International Ballet Festival in Havana, Cuba, Monday. — AP

Sotheby’s kicks off big NY art auction season otheby’s was set to kick off the autumn art auctions season in New York with a sale of impressionist paintings reflecting surging demand and an increasingly global market. The worldwide economic downturn has dampened the seasonal face-off between Sotheby’s and rival Christie’s for the past two years, but signs point to the return of big spenders and an ever-more international clientele.

Connor Jordan, head of impressionist and modern art at Christie’s, said the global super-rich generally want the same toys: a Ferrari, a racehorse, a house on the Cote d’Azurand fine art. “Picasso, Monet, Renoir are on the wishlist,” he said. If US and European buyers used to be the heavy hitters, they are now increasingly joined by the Chinese, followed by other Asian, Russian, Middle Eastern and Latin American collectors. “People’s lifestyles get closer: they buy boats, they drink French Bordeaux,” said David Norman, Sotheby’s director of impressionist and modern art.

“Mainland Chinese in their 40s to 50s make money and aggressively buy Asian art, but a part of them become more international and want to be diversified,” Norman said.

Sotheby’s sent a wide smattering of European art to Beijing last week to help Chinese collectors and the public get acquainted. “For the first time, we brought European art

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there: 20 pictures by modern masters, not auction material. Five Picassos from different decades, four (Marc) Chagalls, some Monet, some (Edgar) Degas,” Norman added.

The auctions started with Sotheby’s yesterday, featuring Amedeo Modigliani’s “Nu assis sur un divan (La Belle Romaine),” with an estimate in excess of 40 million dollars, as well as works by Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet and Henri Matisse. Today, it’s Christie’s turn, with works

by Matisse, Joan Miro, Picasso and Georges Seurat among the highlights. The auction house estimates sales exceeding 200 million dollars. A Cubist composition by Juan Gris is estimated at 18 to 25 million dollars alone.

The following week, attention shifts to modern and contemporary art, starting with Sotheby’s on November 9. A Mark Rothko abstract painting absent from the market for four decades could lead the sale, with an estimate of 20 to 30 million dollars.

On November 10, Christie’s will feature what it hopes will be 240 million dollars worth of sales led

by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Jeff Koons, Gerhard Richter and Rothko.

Robert Manley, head of contemporary art at Christie’s, said the good times are back for art.

“It’s amazing what a year can make. The estimate sale has quadrupled in one year,” he said. —AFP

atherine Jackson will discuss the death of her son, pop superstar Michael Jackson, in an interview with TV host Oprah Winfrey. Harpo Productions said Monday that Winfrey’s interview with Jackson’s mother will air Nov 8 on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, and his three children will also appear during a backyard visit taped for the episode.

Winfrey and Katherine Jackson filmed the interview at the family’s home in California.

The Chicago-based production company says Katherine Jackson talks about the day her son died and reflects on his life as a childhood star. Michael Jackson died unexpectedly in June 2009. He gave an interview to Winfrey in 1993 in which he first disclosed suffering from the skin condition vitiligo. —AP

Exhibition brings ancient book of the dead to life

Katherine Jackson with Oprah Winfrey. —AP photos

Day of the Dead elebration

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A man dressed like a skeleton as representation of the dead is pictured in Mexico city, yesterday. Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead on November 1 and 2 in connection with the Catholic holy days of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. — AFP

The coffin of Pasenhor, an influential member of the Libyan Meshwesh tribe, around the 22nd dynasty (725 BC) which is inscribed with various spells from the Book of the Dead, is seen at the British Museum in London, yesterday. — AP new exhibition brings to life the Book of the Dead, the ancient Egyptian guide to navigating the afterlife. The British Museum show explains that the book is not a single volume, but a series of spells and illustrations inked onto papyrus scrolls.

The scrolls were designed to help the departed overcome obstacles in the netherworld, including fires, snakes and ravenous beasts.

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The exhibition brings together treasures from the museum’s collection of Egyptian artifacts, including fragile papyrus scrolls that are rarely shown in public. Curator John Taylor said Tuesday that the exhibition shows the ancient Egyptians were not obsessed with death, but with life, which they hoped would continue in the spirit world. The exhibition runs Thursday to March 6. — AP

Dancers perform the typical Andean ‘Scissor Dance’ as hired musicians play by a grave while thousands of Peruvians take advantage of the national holiday of All Saints to visit graves at the Nueva Esperanza (New Hope) cemetery in the populous district of Villa Maria del Triunfo on the southern skirts of Lima. —AP