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THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 RABI AL-THANI 21, 1438 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Mubarak Demolitions Bollywood’s Egyptian Al-Kabeer port spark deadly Salman Khan football star to revitalize violence in Arab cleared in placed on ties with3 Iraq Israeli village7 arms40 case ‘terror’19 list MPs slam rising expat Min 09º Max 20º numbers, remittances High Tide 03:52 & 16:59 Assembly panel talks Iran, Trump with govt Low Tide 10:33 & 23:18 40 PAGES NO: 17115 150 FILS By B Izzak

KOC union holds sit-in against privatization KUWAIT: Lawmakers who had signed on a motion for a special debate on the rising numbers of expatriates in By Meshaal Al-Enezi the country yesterday demanded that the session be held on Feb 2. MPs Abdulkarim Al-Kandari, Riyadh Al- KUWAIT: The Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) labor union held a sit- Adasani, Mohammad Al-Dallal, Waleed Al-Tabtabaei and in yesterday evening at its headquarters in Ahmadi in protest Abdulwahab Al-Babtain signed the motion and said over statements made by Oil Minister Essam Al-Marzouq on pri- they want to debate the government’s failure in check- vatizing the oil sector. The protest was attended by some law- ing the number of expatriates in the country and halting makers and members of other labor syndicates, all of whom expressed total rejection of the government’s intentions to pri- visa trafficking. vatize the sector. The motion said that Kuwaiti citizens are concerned MPs Khaled Al-Otaibi, Nayef Al-Merdas and Faisal Al-Kandari that they have become a minority in their own country, stressed their support of the oil sector employees’ demands. especially as the government has failed to control the ris- They noted that being new to the post, the oil minister should ing number of expatriates. The lawmakers said they want comply with the demands or face a grilling. Rejecting any priva- the debate to focus on the implications of the large num- tization plans, the lawmakers argued the concept of privatiza- ber of expatriates on infrastructure, especially health, tion in Kuwait is different than that in other parts of the world, education, power and traffic services, which are already since oil is Kuwait’s only source of national income. They also in a bad shape. They want the debate to discuss the size warned that privatization will harm Kuwaiti oil sector employ- of remittances being sent out of the country by expatri- ees, including around 450 lab technicians and engineers. ates without any benefit to the state. The lawmakers In a program broadcast on Sunday, Marzouq told Sky News demanded to know the measures adopted by the gov- Arabia that Kuwait’s oil investment strategy had not been ernment in this effect. changed by falling oil prices. “We have a plan until 2020 to Meanwhile, MP Safaa Al-Hashem, who had called for a spend around $120 billion, and this has not changed because clampdown on expatriates and for making them pay we think the fall (of oil prices) was short-term, and these were charges for using roads, yesterday reiterated her call, say- long-term investments and will have big revenues for the econ- ing that Kuwait no longer needs expatriates as Kuwaiti omy.” Marzouq said he hoped oil prices would stay between $55 citizens can run the country. She did not elaborate. and $60 a barrel or move even higher if market fundamentals But a large number of writers, human rights defenders helped. and activists yesterday strongly criticized MPs for their On the privatization of the oil sector, Marzouq said there were some activities which could not be privatized such as discriminatory statements targeting expatriates and call- exploration and production, but areas related to oil services ing for deporting a large number of them. Director of could be privatized and Kuwait had a plan to do this in the com- KUWAIT: The Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) labor union holds a sit-in yesterday at its headquarters in Kuwait Human Rights Association Mohammad Al- ing two to three years. Ahmadi against the privatization of the oil sector. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Humaidi said that before MPs and the government start Continued on Page 13 LOCAL THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Gerhard Schroeder, in presence of the President of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ali Al-Ghanem. — Amiri Diwan and KUNA photos His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with members of Al-Marafi family. Amir receives former German Chancellor Company to provide free Wi-Fi around Kuwait

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Hamad Al-Sabah, and Deputy Prime at Bayan Palace yesterday former Chancellor Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh of the Federal Republic of Germany and Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah. Furthermore, His honorary President of the German Near and Highness the Crown Prince received Chief Middle East Association Gerhard Schroeder. of Kuwait National Security Bureau Sheikh President of the Kuwait Chamber of Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Ali In other news, His Highness the Prime Mohammed Thunayan Al-Ghanem and Minister received stockholders of a newly Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Sheikh Ali established water company. The company’s Jarrah Al-Sabah were present at the meet- stockholders shared their visions and future ing. The German official later met with His plans for diversifying water resources in the Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al- country. His Highness the Premier praised Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Speaker of the company for its strategic goals in ampli- the National Assembly Marzouq Al-Ghanem. fying water production in the country, advis- Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir ing them to follow high standards of water received Abdulfatah Mohammad Marafi, production. Sheikh Thamer Al-Sabah attend- Abdulelah Mohammad Marafi, Mohammad ed the meeting. Taqi Marafi, Yagoub Sadiq Marafi, Yosef His Highness the Prime Minister also Sadiq Marafi. The Marafi family dedicated a received Chairman of the Public Authority book entitled ‘Mohammad Rafie Hussein for Communications and Information Marafi: a man of business, politics, and Technology Salem Al-Uthaina, as the humanity.’ Wireless Mobile Data Company (WiMD) is In the meantime, His Highness the preparing to launch its free Wi-Fi service in Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- the country. The meeting discussed a Jaber Al-Sabah received Ghanem, His complete review of the WiMD’s plan to Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak, First provide free Wi-Fi service in all parts of the His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah meets with members of the Public Authority for Communications Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of country. — KUNA and Information Technology.

Kuwaiti Deputy FM Army chief meets British heads to Malaysia for OIC meeting envoy, GCC military official KUWAIT: Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Army’s Chief of Staff Lieutenant Al-Jarallah departed yes- General Mohammad Al-Khoder discussed yesterday with terday to Malaysia, Britain Ambassador to Kuwait Mathew Lodge and heading a Kuwaiti dele- Military Attache in the embassy Colonel Finlay Mclean gation for the issues of common interest. The two sides also tackled Organization of Islamic military topics and ways to boost bilateral ties between Cooperation’s (OIC) the two countries, Ministry of Defense Moral and emergency meeting Guidance Public Relation Office said in a statement. today. The meeting is Earlier, Khoder met with the GCC Military Affairs scheduled to discuss General Secretariat’s outgoing Assistant Director violations committed Brigadier Khalifa Hamid Al-Ka’abi. The ministry’s state- against Rohingya minor- ment added the meetings were attended by a number of ity of Myanmar. senior military officials. OIC’s Special Envoy Deputy Foreign Minister Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior for Myanmar Tan Sri Khaled Al-Jarallah Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah discussed Syed Hamid Albar said with Secretary General of the Arab Interior Ministers’ on Tuesday that “Malaysia proposed the meeting Council Dr Mohammed bin Ali Komen the main issues because of the urgency of the matter, and not because put on the agenda of the upcoming meeting of the we want to interfere in Myanmar’s internal affairs. The Arab ministers’ council. The Interior Ministry said in a main objective was to create protection for the ethnic statement that Sheikh Khaled received from Komen minority, whose rights as citizens have been denied, an invitation to attend the council’s meeting in Tunis he added. next March. The ongoing troubles in the Rakhine state had caused The statement noted that Sheikh Khaled was briefed thousands of Rohingya to flee Myanmar with reports of on the council’s secretary general’s efforts and Arab joint atrocities, including rape and murder. Whole villages are work throughout years. Komen, meanwhile, expressed said to have been burned to the ground, in some cases appreciation to Sheikh Khaled for the warm welcome he with the residents still in their houses. —KUNA received. Komen also praised Kuwait’s efforts and com- KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah meets with Secretary mitment to Arab cooperation in various fields.— KUNA General of the Arab Interior Ministers’ Council Dr Mohammed bin Ali Komen. — KUNA Bin Duaij fountain: Oldest, most iconic in Kuwait

KUWAIT: Bin Duaij fountain, which was established by charitable figure Abdulaziz Mohammad Al-Duaij in 1876, is considered the oldest and most iconic drinking fountain in the State of Kuwait. The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs was the body responsible for maintaining the fountain since 1966; however, this duty was transferred to the Kuwait Awqaf Public Foundation. — KUNA LOCAL THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 Unpaid workers go on strike 22 insured retired In my view women give birth at Clean Fuel Project’s site A point of view on the By Meshaal Al-Enezi ciates all its employees, but the allegations men- demographic imbalance at private hospitals tioned on social media and in a TV interview are com- KUWAIT: A number of contracted employees at the pletely untrue,” Essa said, explaining that the deduc- By Abdelmajeed Al-Shatti By A Saleh Clean Fuel Project’s site went on strike because of tion had not been made for disciplinary reasons but delayed payment of their salaries, according to their rather to recollect sums that the employee had KUWAIT: Director of the ‘Afia’ health insurance program at statements. Video footage went viral on social unlawfully received due to inaccurate data. “The com- tatements by Social Affairs Minister and State the Ministry of Health Dr Adnan Al-Rasheed announced that media showing expatriate workers staging a plainant was already met by deputy CEO for supple- Minister for Economic Affairs Hind Al-Subaih about 22 retired women had given birth in private hospitals under demonstration at a location in Ahmadi within the mentary services on Dec 22, 2016, and we explained Sthe imbalance in the population structure, and the program in its first three months. Rasheed added that the project’s construction site. Commenting on the the reason of the deduction and told him to pay back what was published on social media about the popula- total number of private hospital admissions using the system issue, Acting Director of the Public Authority for in installments if he wishes to do so,” Essa added. tion data and percentage of non-Kuwaiti residents since its inception was 4,441, and that 1,727 patients under- Manpower Abdullah Al-Motoutah said that a deci- reaching nearly 70 percent of the total population of 4.4 went surgeries, in addition to conducting 8,750 MRIs and CT sion was taken to suspend the workers’ employer Equal privileges million, drew many reactions. Most of them were nega- tive, although this imbalance has been present for a scans and 2,651 endoscopies. until he pays the overdue payments. He further indi- During a meeting with Oil Minister Essam Al- cated that authority inspector rushed to the scene Marzouq, the head of the Oil Ministry Employees long time and continuing for more than 60 years. Rasheed stressed the strict control of the mechanism used Kuwait’s population, according to the first census in in providing the service to beneficiaries in various private sec- immediately after seeing the videos online in order Syndicate Adel Al-Hojob stressed the rights of min- to investigate the matter, adding that the employer istry employee to get equal financial and administra- 1957, was nearly 206,000, and Kuwaitis made up 55 per- tor hospitals. He added that regular inspection tours were in cent of it. Then, with construction, development, eco- progress at all private hospitals and medical centers, in addi- was summoned there as well. tive privileges and incentives as the ones given to those working in the oil sector. “The ministry directly nomic growth and abundance of oil since Kuwait’s inde- tion to using an online link concerning Afia users. Rasheed Baseless allegations supervises the units working in oil and gas and the pendence, the population structure changed in favor of said Afia users can call the hotline 1811110 for any inquiries Separately, Kuwait National Petroleum Company’s state’s rights in them,” he explained, reminding that expats. Census numbers in 1965 said the percentage of about the system or to file complaints. (KNPC)s official spokesperson and deputy CEO for the Civil Service Commission (CSC) had stated that non-Kuwaitis was around 64 percent of the population supplementary services Bassem Al-Essa stressed that ministry employees could be treated equally as those then. Their numbers continued to rise until their per- New attorneys recent social media reports about a complaint filed working in the oil sector after amending article 3 of centage reached nearly 72 percent in 1985, as the cen- The Supreme Judiciary Council issued a decision forming a by one of the company’s employees is full of baseless the service law number 15/1975. “Therefore, we urge sus showed for that year. That percentage reached its special committee to interview new public prosecutor attor- allegations. Essa added that KNPC followed up the the minister to work on amending our legal status,” lowest in the few years that followed the Iraqi invasion neys headed by the Public Prosecutor General Chancellor employee’s complaint in which he claimed that the he stressed. Hojob added that the syndicate rejects of Kuwait. Dherar Al-Assousi. The committee will meet next week to set company deducted from his salary for revealing a privatizing the oil sector because it would lead to The demographic plan expects the Kuwaiti growth the conditions and set a date for a written exam. contractor’s violation of a contract signed with him to many problems, especially since Kuwait mainly relies rate to increase by 2.7 percent and this will lead to secure the company sites. “KNPC respects and appre- on oil as its source of national income. reducing the percentage of expats from 70 percent now to 68.7 percent, which is a small percentage without a doubt, but it prevents more deterioration of the situa- tion. I believe this is a realistic percentage although small, and I agree with what the economic affairs minis- ter said, that we need 15 years to reach to a 40 vs 60 per- cent ratio between Kuwaitis and others. When we look at the expat community, we find that it is characterized by a male majority at 67 percent of the total, and due to the nature of most expats’ work, we find that they have a low level of education, as the per- centage of those with intermediate education and low- er is 71 percent, because most expat laborers work in the construction, building and family service sectors, and this makes it difficult to replace them with Kuwaiti workers. Around five percent of expats are in violation of the residency law. Expats’ percentage reached 59 percent in 1995, then started to rise until we reached the current per- centage. Labor used in the various development proj- ects contributed to this increase, such as construction of roads, oil sector projects, hospitals, the opera house and bridges. The population balance and correcting the popula- tion structure was and still is the most notable of the goals of the various five-year development plans in Kuwait since we started preparing them. We, for exam- ple, find that one of the main goals of the five-year plan Horeca Kuwait attracted over 6,000 visitors: Anjeri 2010-2014 includes facing the population structure imbalance and increasing citizens’ proportion to 35 per- cent of total population, but this was not achieved and Exhibition area increased from to 6,000 square meters: Najia the state did not succeed as the numbers mentioned above indicate. The current plan 2015-2019 indicates KUWAIT: Leaders Group’s General Manager Information Minister and Minister of State the “absence of a clear vision of population policy” with- Nabila Al-Anjeri stressed that the 2017 for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud in one of the most current challenges in the field of Horeca Kuwait 2017 which concluded yes- Al-Sabah for patronizing the exhibition. She human development. terday achieved remarkable success and also thanked all participants, sponsors and The current plan aims, within other goals related to managed to attract over 6,000 visitors members of the cooking competition’s judg- human development, to reduce the growth rate of including experts, company owners, busi- ing panel. Anjeri also thanked Hospitality expats to 2.4 percent from 3.58 percent in 2014 as inte- nessmen and a large number of ambassa- Services Company; the main organizer of rior ministry data show. Realigning the population dors and diplomats. Horeca exhibitions around the Middle East, structure requires cooperation from all, as there are Anjeri added that such success high- for cooperating with Leaders Group in many suggested solutions that were repeated and lights the role that the public sector can organizing the 2017 Horeca Kuwait exhibi- approved in multiple development plans, most of play to activate commercial exchanges and tion. She stressed the need to give extra which did not see the light of day, so it is necessary to boost the economy, which would eventual- attention to touristic development in order reconsider the economic and social philosophy of the ly provide enough job opportunities, sup- to make Kuwait an important Middle state. Education should be developed and taken better port the government’s development plan Eastern touristic destination. care of, and graduates should be linked with require- and help it set short and medium term Meanwhile, head of Horeca supreme ments of the marketplace. strategies to diversify sources of national organizing committee Mohammed Najia Some took advantage of citizenship for welfare gains income. She added that sectors like highlighted the event’s development since by trading in residencies and commercial licenses. I tourism, hospitality, shipment and storage its inception in 2012, noting that the first hope that the state is serious about fighting residency should be taken as top priorities when con- exhibition was held over a total area of 1,500 trade, as it included it in its current five-year plan, and sidering such strategies. square meters, whereas the most recent that its method should not be the same as that of fight- Speaking during a special ceremony held event was held over an area of 6,000 square ing corruption at the municipality, and MPs should hold by the event’s organizing committee to hon- meters. He also noted that participating “Participants in the first cooking competi- agreement was made with sponsors to it accountable if it becomes lax in this regard. The spon- or participants in the international cooking companies increased from 30 on the maid- tion were 150, while over 300 took part this organize the Horeca event next year in the sorship system must be abolished and a more efficient competition, Anjeri also thanked the en exhibition to over 80 in 2017. year,” he added. Further, Najia said that an period of January 22-24, 2018. and less corrupt system should be found. The sponsor- ship system contributes to defects in the marketplace, distorts wages and harms Kuwait’s reputation. There must be seriousness in eradicating corruption and resolving the bedoon issue. Airport thief arrested We must change our lifestyle, because it is not realis- tic for us to rely on this number of expats in our homes By Hanan Al-Saadoun No injuries for raising our children and demand the state to correct the population structure. The miserable suggestions Jahra firefighters rushed to put out a tent such as imposing fees on expat transfers and others are KUWAIT: Farwaniya detectives arrested a fire in front of a house in the area yesterday. not beneficial and will create a black market and a sec- man responsible for multiple thefts commit- The fire was contained quickly to keep it ondary market that will be difficult to control, and the ted at Kuwait International Airport. from spreading. No injuries were reported. cost of implementing and supervising it will be higher Investigations led detectives to identify an than the benefit to be gained. Egyptian man who had several phones and Meeting Dealing with imbalance of the economic structure a tablet, in addition to cash with him at the Kuwait Fire Services Directorate’s Director with a ‘Trumpish’ suggestion and ‘populist’ laws and pro- time of his arrest. The man admitted that he General Lt Gen Khalid Al-Mikrad received cedures is not beneficial, and is economically, socially stole small bags and emptied them in the Vice President of Rosenbauer Fire Trucks and politically costly. Our need for expat labor will con- bathroom. He also told police about shops Company and CEO of Al-Kharafi Company tinue and in large numbers, because of the growing where he sold the stolen material, and led Musad Anwar. number of requests for housing and the living standard officers to items he had not sold yet. He was of Kuwaiti families, our dependence on expats for serv- sent to concerned authorities. ices in our daily life, and our need for various services provided by teachers, doctors and engineers. The need Passport renewal for expats is an economic, social and political necessity, The Interior Ministry’s Citizenship and and it is a must to deal with the population structure Passports Department will stop issuance of based on this principle. - Translated by Kuwait Times KUWAIT: Minister of Commerce and Industry Khaled Al-Roudan meets (the same article was published yesterday in Al-Jarida old Kuwaiti passports from Jan 19 to 21, with Kurdistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s Arabic daily). (KFCCI) President Dr Dara Al-Khayat and other officials. — KUNA 2017. It said it will not accept passport renewal applications from Thursday, Jan 19, as the information technology depart- Mubarak Al-Kabeer ment will carry out preliminary tests on issuing electronic passports, which Letters to Badrya port to rekindle ties requires a halt in the issuance of passports with Iraq: Minister during the test period. Madam, Unlicensed cafes I read your column in Kuwait Times. I’m an Indian and work here for only KD 100. We leave our countries KUWAIT: The Mubarak Al-Kabeer plans to facilitate the flow of goods Kuwait Municipality’s public relations department said its Hawally branch carried and spend a tough life here. We work hard day and port’s location will be instrumental between both nations, adding that night for our families. We feel very bad when someone in rejuvenating Kuwait’s economic the meeting will be a Launchpad out a campaign against unlicensed cafes in Hawally, resulting in the removal of 18 viola- talks to us rudely or behaves badly with us. Sometimes and commercial relations with Iraq, for greater bilateral investment we feel we are mere slaves and were born only to tions. Hawally branch Director Falah Al- Minister of Commerce and Industry opportunities. serve others. Khaled Al-Roudan said yesterday. Meanwhile, Khayat noted that Shimmari said the campaign was carried out But we are happy because this country provides us In a statement to the press after Kuwaiti companies willing to invest on the instructions of Municipality Director money for our families. I like it that you spread good meeting with Kurdistan Federation in the autonomous region will be General Ahmad Al-Manfouhi and direct fol- thoughts about expats in this country. of Chambers of Commerce and given special perks as it relates to low-up by Deputy Director General for Industry (KFCCI) President Dr Dara the customs process. The Iraqi offi- Hawally and Ahmadi Affairs Fahd Al-Otaibi. YA Al-Khayat, along with an accompa- cial also pointed out that the meet- nying delegation, Roudan said that ing tackled plans to bolster econom- Driver rescued Madam, economic ties with Iraq have been ic ties between the two Gulf neigh- Wafra Fire Center responded to an accident hit hard as a result of political bors. The Iraqi delegation is on an that trapped a health minister’s driver in the Thank you for your column ‘Easy Scapegoats’. upheaval in Baghdad. official visit to the country to exam- vehicle along with a doctor and two nurses. KUWAIT: This photo released by the Interior Moreover, he said that he dis- ine with Kuwaiti officials strategies Ministry yesterday shows phones and cash The driver was taken to hospital by a mede- Habib cussed with the Iraqi delegation for closer economic ties. — KUNA found with a thief who stole them from pas- An expat in Kuwait vac chopper. sengers at Kuwait International Airport. THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 LOCAL

Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al-Babtain and Interior Ministry inaugurates first licensing department In cooperation with General Traffic Department to provide car license plates

KUWAIT: Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al-Babtain Co, registered number plates for newly purchased vehicles purchase process including their related legal docu- ment will foresee all comprehensive requirements the authorized agent of Nissan, Infiniti and Renault from Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al-Babtain Co., and car mentation and operational needs.” needed to acquire newly registered number plates vehicles in the State of Kuwait, hosted yesterday dealerships in Kuwait at the Nissan Al-Rai showroom, Shalaby continued, “Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al- including allowing customers to pay fines and follow- high officials from Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior bearing in mind that this service exists in the Nissan Babtain is honored to offer this unique service in up on issues. (MOI), General Department of Citizenship & Travel Ahmadi showroom as well. Kuwait. This fruitful cooperation between the Ministry Established since 1948, Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al- Documents, General Department of Traffic, Commenting on the opening of the licensing of Interior, General Department of Traffic and Al- Babtain Co. continues to prove to be a company with Information System Directorate in celebration of department, Mohammed Shalaby, Chief Operating Babtain Group offers customers value added services best practices and total customer focus as it moves the opening of the first licensing department at the Officer at Al Babtain Group said, “Al-Babtain works dili- and ensures that their legal paperwork is handled with from strength to strength positioning itself as a market Nissan showroom in Al-Rai. gently to meet its customers’ needs by providing them utmost efficiency through our customer service team.” leader for introducing and sustaining partnerships The authorized licensing department is to deliver with the highest levels of services to ease their vehicle The customer service team at the licensing depart- across national levels.

The Interior Ministry’s Assistant Undersecretary of Citizenship and Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs, Director General of the General Saleh Al-Babtain, Chief Executive Officer of Al-Babtain Group Passports Affairs Major General Mazen Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah. Directorate of Traffic, Major General Fahd Salem Al-Shuwaie.

Retired Major General Yaqoub Mohammed Yaseen, General Director of the Director of General Department of Service Centers Major-General Adib Federation and car dealerships. Suwaidan.

— Photos by Joseph Shagra THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 LOCAL 27 diagnosed with colon cancer last year Early detection saves lives: Dr Hashash

By Abdellatif Sharaa fast food are among several reasons that lead to colon cancer, she said, KUWAIT: Head of Gastroenterology urging people who eat junk food fre- and Liver Unit at Al-Sabah Hospital Dr quently to switch to a healthier Wafaa Al-Hashash released a state- lifestyle. Dr Hashash said that the ment recently to spread awareness number of cases for people who were about the importance of early tests tested last year was 2,210, of which for the detection of colon cancer. She 533 cases (24.1 percent) tested posi- quoted international studies and tive for several diseases. Out of the researches which all recommend positive cases, the number of men undergoing examinations before the diagnosed with polyps was 279 (55 age of 50. percent) and women was 277 (45 per- Dr Hashash said colon cancer is cent). The cases that tested positive widespread in Gulf Cooperation for cancer include 18 men and nine Council (GCC) countries, including women, Dr Hashash said. She noted Kuwait. Unhealthy eating habits, that early detection tests are available including excessive consumption of at Health Ministry facilities. Dr Wafaa Al-Hashash

Zain announces seventh winner in ‘Pay Online and Win’ campaign

KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecom- draw, including iPhone 7, Touch every KD1 paid through Zain’s digital munications company in Kuwait, Hotspot LTE-A with free 1.5 TB Prepaid channels, including the company’s announced the winner of the seventh Internet line valid for 3 months, and website (pay.kw.zain.com) and Zain’s week of its ‘Pay Online and Win’ draw PlayStation 4 (1 TB). app available for iOS and Android. that saw a weekly postpaid winner of The final draw will be held on the Zain launched this exciting promo- four valuable prizes when paying their 22nd of January, where the grand tional campaign to reinforce its lead- bill using Zain’s website or app as well prize winner will receive iPhone 7, ership position and its pledge in offer- as a grand prize at the final draw that iPhone 7 Plus, Touch Hotspot LTE-A ing the best products and services to will be held next week. with free 1.5 TB Prepaid Internet line meet its customers’ personal and pro- Zain announced Khalid Mohamed valid for 3 months, and a PlayStation 4 fessional telecommunications needs, Yaseen Al-Yaseen winner of 4 valuable (1 TB). Postpaid customers will get who are considered Kuwait’s biggest prizes in the seventh week of the one chance to enter the final draw for family of subscribers. THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 From the Arabic press

Al-Qabas Crime Report Feeling seasick on the government’s ship Man jailed for

By Mohammad Al-Abdeljader forging documents ew authorities were established few years ago, KUWAIT: The criminal court sentenced a citizen to in a move that is contrary to the calls of merg- ing authorities and removing overlaps four years in jail but refrained from announcing its ver- N Minister dict on 16 others in a case in which they were all between state departments. The government has failed for over 25 years to merge any authorities or accused of forging Saudi school certificates and sub- move any sectors, saving perhaps for alleviating some mitting them to Kuwait’s education ministry for of the burdens on Kuwait Municipality and the accreditation. The education ministry had asked the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor in the form of the Saudi Embassy about several certificates claimed to be creation of the Public Authority for Manpower and issued by them, but contained false information. It Public Authority for the Disabled. However, the gov- sent the embassy a list containing names of the sus- ernment is yet to introduce laws to develop the func- pects involved. tional performance of its departments. With that in mind, trying to analyze this situation will leave us suf- fering from similar symptoms to those felt by some- Not responsible one suffering from sea sickness. I will mention here a number of newly established The criminal court released an Egyptian man and authorities, some of which I did not understand the lifted a travel ban order issued against him in a case in which he was accused of insulting His Highness Violations the Amir, the Kuwaiti judiciary and members of the

All of these new departments Al-Jarida Kuwaiti society. The court based its verdict on a Violations medical report which confirmed that he was not were established by the Violations responsible for his actions. A Kuwait University com- cabinet in recent years, mittee had decided the suspect was not responsible for his actions, despite the fact that a health min- when it is supposed to istry report issued earlier said that he was. merge and restructure Al-Anbaa state departments Gazing, silent violence Cybercrime purpose of, in an attempt to comprehend their role The public prosecution decided to jail a man for 21 and the purpose of their establishment. They include: By Salah Al-Sayer days for insulting the attorney general in state- • Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects. ments posted on his Twitter account. The court • Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport. f you give a Middle Eastern child a pen and paper and tic helpers or spouses despising one another. The same made its verdict after it received a statement from • Public Authority for Communications and ask him to draw a symbol for violence, he will proba- happens in schools where some pupils are subjected to the Interior Ministry department tasked with fight- Information Technology. Ibly draw a picture of a dead person, blood or a violence from teachers or their peers. We also practice ing cybercrimes. • General Authority to Take Care of the Printing and bomber bombing people, violence on streets with disre- Publication of Holy Quran. whereas a Western child will specting traffic rules. • Kuwait Drug and Food Control Administration. likely draw a dead insect or a Environmental violence is also • Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority. broken dish. The concept of vio- One of the forms of practiced by individuals and Physical assault There are departments in the state such as the lence and harming others in a governments. government performance’s follow up authority, tech- society that allows husbands to violence is gazing at One of the forms of violence A bedoon (stateless) woman was taken to a hospi- nical department for privatization, information tech- beat their wives differs from is gazing at each other and vio- tal in critical condition after being beaten by nology department, financial auditors’ department, that in Western societies where each other and lating their privacy, which is a unidentified persons in Riqqa. Police are waiting for and a number of authorities which most people never laws incriminate a husband for bad habit prevailing in our her condition to improve to question her. new about until differences between officials there having sex with his own wife violating their privacy societies. One can easily notice Meanwhle, a citizen sustained a stab wound in his started to come to surface, such as the case with the against her will and subjects that it does not exist in civilized arm during a fight with another citizen, who fled Public Anti-Corruption Authority. All of these new him to penal measures in that nations that have less forms of the scene. The injured man was taken to hospital by departments were established by the cabinet in case. In our minds, violence is associated with assault, violence among people and are ruled by laws. In these paramedics for treatment. Police are looking for the recent years, when it is supposed to merge and killing, blood, beating, sabotage and wars against ene- nations, benignant forms of violence prevail as violent suspect. Separately, an Indian deliveryman accused restructure state departments. I personally got sea mies and rivals. Any other concepts and practices of vio- sports such as rodeo and riding wild horses, violent two persons in an SUV of beating him in Fahd Al- sick while boarding the government’s ship as it strug- lence are absent to us. games such as rugby or American football, mountain bik- Ahmad and robbing his money and documents. gles to find safe grounds to dock on because of all of With the secrets they enclose, various forms of vio- ing, ice skating and most recently, games where players Investigations are underway. — Al-Rai its conflicting decisions. lence are being practiced within families in many houses jump some hurdles between skyscrapers. — Translated by Kuwait Times such as beating children, subduing and abusing domes- — Translated by Kuwait Times

Service office opened at Disabled Sports Club

By Abdellatif Sharaa families to process their transactions, he added. The office presents free printing KUWAIT: An office was opened at services and other services in support Kuwait Disabled Sports Club to finalize of all people with special needs in disabled citizens’ transactions instead of Kuwait. It is the fruit of partnership them going to the nearby citizen serv- between the Kuwait Disabled Sports ice office for the same purpose, Club and all bodies concerned with car- President Shafi Mohammad Al-Hajiri ing for people with special needs, announced. This was done to make it including the Public Authority for the easier for disabled citizens and their Disabled, Hajiri said. Shafi Al-Hajiri

Photo of the day

IBS honors 36 KFH employees

KUWAIT: Institute of Banking Studies (IBS) honored 36 comparison to all local banks and financial institu- employees from Kuwait Finance House (KFH) upon tions which confirms its keenness to hone the skills of their successful completion of the Professional its human resources and raise their qualifications for Certification Programs for the Year 2015-2016 in a the benefit of the bank and its clients. graduation ceremony held at Kuwait Chamber of Obtaining such certificates motivates other Commerce and Industry under patronage of Governor employees and contributes to improve capabilities to of the Central Bank of Kuwait Dr Mohammad Al-Hashel compete and prove success. KFH spares no efforts to amidst a large attendance of executive managers and arm its staff and equip them with all what they need HR and training managers from all local banks. to support their efforts for the sake of improving The certificates included Risk Management themselves scientifically and practically. Certificate (RMC), Certificate in Credit Management Professor Yaqoub Al-Refaei, the Director General of (CCM) and Advanced Certificate in Credit IBS applauded, in his speech in the graduation cere- Management (ACCM), Certified Bank Branch Manager mony, KFH’s significant role in improving the national (CBBM), and Certified Assistant Bank Branch Manager human capital which reflects the outstanding per- (CABBM). formance and contributes in achieving the compre- KUWAIT: A woman weaving wool at Sadu House. — KUNA photo KFH is among the first in number of graduates in hensive development in the country. THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

Serbia and Kosovo Fears of mass killings as IS advances on Syria’s Deir Ezzor declare war of words Page 8 Page 10

UMM AL-HIRAN: Bedouins cry following the destruction of houses yesterday in the Bedouin village of Umm Al-Hiran, which is not recognized by the Israeli government, near the southern city of Beersheba, in the Negev desert. — AFP Demolitions spark violence in Arab Israeli village

UMM AL-HEIRAN, Israel: Demolitions in an Arab Israeli vil- their way in and fired flares, lighting up the pre-dawn sky, lage activists say has been targeted by racist policies according to the activist, Isaac Kates Rose, who was there sparked violence yesterday, with a policeman killed and at the time. Shooting could later be heard and the sound of the man accused of attacking him shot dead. A prominent a car crashing, he said.At some point later, Odeh was Arab Israeli lawmaker was also wounded in the confronta- caught up in the confrontation and wounded, activists say. tion in Umm al-Heiran in southern Israel, where activists Five excavators were later seen entering the village, with have long sought to draw attention to what they call the demolitions beginning at around 11.15 am (0915 GMT). unjust practice of demolishing Arab homes. Police said the Security forces took up positions on rooftops and guarded man killed, a local resident, was active in the Israeli Islamic the area around the demolitions, keeping residents away. Movement and may have been influenced by the Islamic Residents gathered around the village’s mosque, with State organization a claim residents strongly denied, call- women wailing as the demolitions started. Israeli authori- ing him a respected teacher. ties regularly carry out demolitions of Bedouin homes they “A vehicle driven by a terrorist from the Islamic deem to have been built illegally. However, building per- Movement intended to strike a number officers and carry mits are extremely difficult to obtain, according to resi- out an attack,” police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said in a dents and activists, who say Jewish Israelis are given prefer- statement. “The officers responded and the terrorist was ential treatment. Umm al-Heiran has become particularly neutralized.” Later statements confirmed that the alleged symbolic, with residents having waged a years-long legal attacker was dead and that a 34-year-old policeman, Erez fight against demolition orders. Located in the Negev Levi, was also killed. Village activist Raed Abu al-Qiyan desert, the village is home to around 1,000 inhabitants named the driver as Yacoub Abu al-Qiyan, a member of his who mainly live in small, concrete buildings, relying on Bedouin clan. Residents said he was 47, the father of solar panels for electricity and raising livestock. around a dozen children and owned one of five buildings being demolished yesterday. “The Israeli narrative is a lie. Racist judgment? He was a revered school teacher,” he said. “He has no rela- In 2013, Israel’s cabinet approved the establishment of tions with the Islamic Movement. “He was in his car and two new Jewish communities in the Negev, Kesif and they shot at him from everywhere.” Injured lawmaker Hiran. In order to make way for the two new towns, the Ayman Odeh heads the Joint List, a coalition of mainly Bedouin village, which is unrecognized by the authorities, Arab parties and the third-largest bloc in parliament. One must first be removed. In 2015, Israel’s supreme court of his aides said he was wounded by police, with photo- approved the removal, saying that since the residents graphs that spread online showing him with a bloodied could theoretically live in the new towns, the move did not head. “They attacked the MP and other people-demonstra- constitute discrimination. tors-with stun grenades, tear gas directly in people’s faces,” The government says Umm al-Heiran’s residents are to Odeh’s aide, Anan Maalouf, told Israeli army radio. “There be moved to the nearby Bedouin village of Hura, which is was no car-ramming attack here. There were no clashes already home to some 300 families. “The Israeli Supreme here between the demonstrators and police.” Court’s decision to allow the state to proceed with its plan to demolish the village, which has existed for 60 years, in Pre-dawn confrontation order to establish a Jewish town called ‘Hiran’ over its ruins, One activist said residents had moved their cars to the is one of the most racist judgments that the Court has ever entrance of the village at around 5:00 am (0300 GMT) in a issued,” rights group Adalah, which has represented the vil- bid to block the demolition operation. Police then forced lagers in court, said in a statement yesterday.—AFP Mali car bomb kills 50 in fresh blow to peace

GAO, Mali: A suicide bombing targeting militia groups commit- losses. According to preliminary information, dozens of deaths ted to restoring peace in Mali left nearly 50 people dead yester- and dozens of injuries are reported among the 600 individuals day and struck a fresh blow at long-running efforts to stabilize hosted in the camp,” a statement said. The attack took place at the troubled north. The car bomb attack in Gao, the region’s 8.40 am (GMT) as the former rival groups “were due to soon biggest city, targeted a camp grouping former rebels and pro- leave on a joint patrol,” a MINUSMA source added. The powerful government militia who are signatories to a 2015 peace accord blast, which went off during a training session, ripped apart struck with the government. The attack occurred as former bodies, scattering limbs across the camp, a witness said. The rebels from the Tuareg-led CMA movement prepared to go on a vehicle used in the blast bore the logo of the unit coordinating joint patrol with pro-government militia members, under the the joint patrols, army spokesman Diarran Kone said. terms of the peace deal. Mali’s north fell under the control of Tuareg-led rebels and Fragile peace jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda in 2012. The Islamists side- The assailant “came to town alone to procure equipment and lined the rebels to take sole control. Although they were largely fit the vehicle out to commit a suicide attack,” a Malian security ousted by a French-led military operation in Jan2013, imple- source who asked not to be named said. There was no immedi- mentation of the peace accord has been piecemeal with insur- ate claim of responsibility but the camp is very close to Gao air- gents still active across large parts of the region. The joint port, a key transport hub which was closed briefly in late patrols, which also include regular Malian army troops, are sup- November following an attack blamed on jihadists. The car posed to help prepare for the reorganization of the army. bomb destroyed prefabricated hangars used by MINUSMA’s air- President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita ordered three days of craft and damage to the installations and debris on the runway national mourning following the attack, the worst in the country made the airport temporarily unusable. “The joint patrols were in recent years. Defense Minister Abdoulaye Idrissa Maiga was to the target,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault told fly to Gao later yesterday. The provisional toll is “47 dead and French media yesterday. “The political aim is to hamper the several injured”, said state TV broadcaster ORTM. Earlier, a hospi- peace process and reconciliation.” “Peace remains fragile,” he tal source in Gao said at least 40 people had died and 60 were added.France is considering a UN Security Council draft resolu- hurt. The UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA said dozens had tion that would set up a sanctions regime for Mali to target died and many more were hurt. “The explosion caused heavy opponents of the peace deal signed 19 months ago. — AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 Iran hostile to US involvement in Syria talks

TEHRAN: Iranian officials said yesterday Russia and Turkey-which have said the political initiatives in the Syrian crisis and ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said and military backers of Syria in the war, they were strongly opposed to the United new US administration of Donald Trump it is out of the question that they should that any expansion of participants “could while Turkey has supported rebel groups. States joining Syrian peace talks in should be represented in Astana on have a role in the Astana negotiations,” he increase the risk of failure”. The three countries are still discussing Kazakhstan next week, local media report- Monday. Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s said, according to the official IRNA news “Our policy is to not add other coun- which officials will travel to Astana, ed. “We are hostile to their presence and Supreme National Security Council which agency. Next week’s talks, which aim to tries at this stage,” he said. The talks come Ghasemi said, adding that other countries we have not invited them,” Foreign oversees international coordination on bring together representatives of the in the wake of President Bashar al-Assad’s could be included in later stages if the Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said late the Syrian war, confirmed yesterday that Syrian government and rebel groups, symbolic victory last month in retaking “first steps” are successful. “The meeting Tuesday, according to the Tasnim news Iran had refused to invite the US. mark the first time since the conflict Aleppo, Syria’s second city and a key rebel will not be at the ministerial level. It will agency. That goes against the position of “There is no reason for the United began in 2011 that the US has not been at stronghold through much of the war. Iran probably be at the deputy minister level,” the other two organizers of the talks- States to participate in the organizing of the centre of peace negotiations. Foreign and Russia have been the key diplomatic he said.—AFP Popular Sufi leader in Morocco dies aged 95

RABAT: The head of one of Morocco’s Mohammed’s birthday, and hear the ageing biggest Sufi orders, with tens of thousands Sufi leader preach. Before he died, he desig- of followers at home and abroad, died yes- nated his eldest son, Sidi Jamal, to succeed terday aged 95, an official and local media him, a spokesman for the brotherhood told said. Sheikh Sidi Hamza al-Qadiri al- the local press. His followers included Boutchichi had been the spiritual leader of French rapper Abd al Malik. Sufism is an off- the Qadiriya Boutchichiya order since 1972. shoot of mainstream Islam which focuses He died in the northwestern city of Oujda on meditation, inner purity and finding a and was to be buried in the nearby town of mystical pathway towards God. Madagh where he was born and his order is Sufis spend time studying the Koran, based, local media reported. Seen as a “liv- chanting and dancing to enter a spiritual ing master” by his followers and famed for trance. With hundreds of millions of fol- his wisdom and kindness, he was believed lowers across the world, Sufism has deep to be descended from the Prophet roots in popular culture in Morocco and Mohammed and belonged to a long line of across West Africa. Various Sufi orders are Sufi leaders. active in Turkey, the Middle East and Every year hundreds of thousands of pil- Central Asia. Followers of Salafist and grims came from across the world to Wahhabist interpretations of Islam see Madagh to celebrate Mawlid, the Prophet Sufism as heretical.—AFP Top commander announces liberation of east Mosul

BARTALLA, Iraq: Iraqi forces have fully retak- is a bit smaller but is home to the narrow en east Mosul from the Islamic State group, a streets of the Old City-impassable to most top commander said yesterday, three military vehicles-and to some of the city’s IDLIB: Syrians gather around a heavily damaged house following a reported airstrike that targeted the Idlib bus station yesterday.—AFP months after a huge offensive against the traditionally most dyed-in-the-wool jihadist jihadist bastion was launched. Elite forces neighborhoods. Brigadier General Yahya have in recent days entered the last neigh- Rasool also stressed that despite Sheghati’s borhoods on the eastern side of Mosul, on announcement, there would be more fight- Fears of mass killings as IS the left bank of the Tigris River that runs ing in east Mosul in the coming days. through the city. Speaking at a press confer- ence in Bartalla, a town east of Mosul, Staff Narrow streets advances on Syria’s Deir Ezzor General Talib al-Sheghati, who heads the “Sheghati is the head of CTS and he was Counter-Terrorism Service, announced “the talking about areas under CTS control. liberation... of the left bank”. There are some neighborhoods that are still Civilians terrified and anxious Sheghati added however that while the being liberated and that could take a few east of the city could be considered under days,” he said. All the bridges across the HASAKEH, Syria: As the Islamic State group tary rivals and civilians alike, including behead- the street because people are afraid of these government control, some work remained Tigris in Mosul have been either blown up closes in on Syria’s Deir Ezzor, residents said they ing, lighting them on fire, or launching rockets at shells, which spare no one,” the 45-year-old said. to be done to flush out the last holdout by IS or destroyed by coalition air strikes, are terrified of falling victim to the mass killings them from just meters away. She warned the humanitarian situation was get- jihadists. The “important lines and impor- which has made it very difficult for Iraqi for which the jihadists have become infamous. As the group advanced on ancient city ting increasingly dire, after the World Food tant areas are finished,” he said, adding that forces to resupply its fighters in the city’s Besieged by IS since early 2015, the govern- Palmyra in 2015, it killed dozens of civilians, Program said on Tuesday it could no longer carry “there is only a bit of the northern (front) east. It will also make it difficult for elite Iraqi ment-held third of Deir Ezzor city is home to an accusing them of being regime loyalists, then out air drops over the city because of the fight- remaining.” Yesterday’s announcement forces to attack the west bank without rede- estimated 100,000 people. Since Saturday, IS has staged mass executions of government troops in ing. “If the situation continues like this, hunger marks the end of a phase in the operation ploying to other fronts west of the river that steadily advanced in a fresh assault on the city, the city’s theatre. According to one activist will ravage us. The air drops were our only life- launched on Oct 17 to retake Mosul, Iraq’s have been largely static for weeks. sparking fears among residents of widespread group, IS has already begun executing Syrian line,” Umm Inas said. second city and the last major urban Interior ministry and federal police atrocities. “Civilians in the city are terrified and soldiers it took captive during the clashes in Deir The WFP has been dropping humanitarian stronghold IS has in the country. The offen- forces have held positions just south of anxious, afraid that IS will enter the city since Ezzor. IS executed 10 soldiers “by driving over aid into Deir Ezzor since April 2016, and the gov- sive, Iraq’s largest military operation in years Mosul airport, which lies on the southern they accuse us of being ‘regime thugs’,” said Abu them with tanks”, said Omar Abu Leila, an activist ernment-held area is the only place in Syria with tens of thousands of fighters involved, edge of the city and west of the Tigris, Nour, 51. from Deir Ezzor 24, which publishes news on the where the agency has permission for the drops. began with a focus on sparsely populated since November. Punching into densely He spoke by phone from inside the city, city.”If IS seizes regime-held neighborhoods, it In the past, government and Russian warplanes areas around Mosul. populated areas however and confronting roughly one kilometer from approaching IS could carry out massacres. This is a huge source have also delivered desperately needed humani- CTS entered the city proper in November intense resistance from IS in urban envi- forces. Deir Ezzor sits in the oil-rich eastern of concern for us,” he said. tarian aid to the city via air drops. A medical and encountered tougher than expected ronments is a type of operation which is province of the same name, most of which is source in the city told AFP more than 100 civil- resistance from IS, whose fighters launched left largely to CTS. The fighting inside controlled by IS. Abu Nour said that residents Hunger will ravage us ians had been wounded in the recent fighting, a huge number of suicide car bombs Mosul has been complicated by the con- were haunted by previous abductions and mass In its push for Deir Ezzor, the jihadist group and some were taken north to the Kurdish- against advancing Iraqi forces. The going tinued presence of much of its population, executions carried out by IS in the broader has launched salvos of rockets on the neighbor- majority city of Qamishli. “Some intractable cas- was tough for weeks but a fresh push coor- which did not or could not flee when Iraqi province. “The way they killed them is stuck in hoods it besieged. “Shells have rained down on es were flown to Qamishli because they need dinated with other federal forces and forces started advancing. According to the people’s minds here,” he said. IS is notorious for us for five days,” Umm Inas, another resident, special treatment that isn’t available in Deir backed by the US-led coalition was United Nations, around 150,000 people are using particularly gruesome methods to kill mili- said by phone. “There’s very little movement in Ezzor,” the source said.—AFP launched in December and yielded quick currently displaced as a result of the three- and decisive gains. The west bank of Mosul month-old offensive.—AFP Patience wears thin in Fallujah, six months after IS ouster

FALLUJAH, Iraq: More than six months after nated by Shiite parties. Fallujah has long been of whose components have been accused of Iraqi forces retook Fallujah from the Islamic State known as a rebel city and over the past decade sectarian-motivated abuses against civilians. group, reconstruction is slow and the govern- and a half been a hub of opposition, first to United Nations human rights chief Zeid Raad Al ment risks alienating those residents who have occupying US-led forces and then to the Iraqi Hussein said in July that there was strong evi- returned to the city. “There are no members of government. dence that Ketaeb Hezbollah, one of the main the Daesh terrorist organization left in Fallujah,” In the winter of 2012-2013, protests spread militias that fought alongside security forces in the police chief, Colonel Jamal al-Jumaili, said, across Anbar province, in which Fallujah lies, the operation, carried out atrocities. using an Arabic acronym for IS. “Fallujah is a safe complaining that Iraq’s Sunni minority was Such allegations complicate the govern- city,” he insisted. Iraqi forces retook Fallujah, an being stigmatized by then prime minister Nuri ment’s efforts to win over the population, “a criti- emblematic jihadist bastion just 50 kilometers al-Maliki. In January 2014, rebels took control of cal step if it wishes to maintain a secure control (30 miles) west of Baghdad, in June 2016 with the city, which was eventually overrun by over the city in the long run,” Lamrani said. relative ease but that victory came at a hefty jihadists from what became known as the Hashed “leadership has increasingly exerted price. A large number of homes were destroyed Islamic State group. To retake Fallujah, Baghdad efforts recently to crack down on negative sec- by the fighting and several neighborhoods are relied on its regular forces but also on the tarianism, though such behavior unfortunately still off-limits to civilians due to the possible Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation), a para- continues to exist at some level in the lower presence of booby-traps planted by IS in their military organization dominated by Shiite militia ranks,” he said. retreat. groups with close ties to Iran. The analyst warned the same concern BARTALLA: A masked Iraqi counter-terrorism service member (CTS) poses for a pic- The Norwegian Refugee Council said last applied to Mosul, IS’s last major stronghold in ture in the town of Bartalla, east of Mosul, as they search for Islamic State (IS) group month that only about 10 percent of homes in Hashed presence Iraq. Three months into a huge operation, the fighters yesterday, during an ongoing military operation against the jihadists.—AFP Fallujah were inhabitable. “Nothing works here, The police chief insisted that “only the army head of Iraq’s special forces announced that there’s no water, no electricity and houses have and the police are present” inside the city. the eastern side of the city had been “liberat- been destroyed,” said Firas Mahmud, a 25-year- Hashed al-Shaabi forces hold positions in towns ed” but the other half is still fully under IS con- old who returned to Fallujah after IS was defeat- and rural areas around the city, he said. Some trol. Hashed forces have cleared vast, mostly Gambia’s Jammeh clings ed and is currently unemployed. Another man residents of the overwhelmingly Sunni area con- desert areas southwest of Mosul but not met on the street in Fallujah had the same griev- tinue to be afraid of the Hashed al-Shaabi, some entered the city.—AFP ances and complained of the lack of services and on as tourists flee jobs. “The authorities must do something,” said the young man, who gave his name as Mustafa. BANJUL, Gambia: Gambian President Yahya outcome of the vote and step aside, a call The Fallujah municipality defended its record Jammeh looked determined to cling to power backed by the UN Security Council, African but Mayor Issa al-Sayer mostly called for “the yesterday as his mandate came to an end, Union and others. help of the international community to allow while tourists packed onto planes in an exodus In Washington, the US State Department Fallujah residents to live in stability.” sparked by the country’s state of emergency. urged Jammeh to “peacefully hand over power” Jammeh said Tuesday the emergency measure to Barrow, but a military option is becoming Lack of funds was necessary due to interference of foreign more likely by the hour. A source at Nigeria’s Baghdad has promised to enable the speedy powers in the country’s Dec 1 election, which military HQ said a deployment to Senegal, return of Fallujah residents, who were all dis- the president of 22 years lost to opponent whose territory surrounds The Gambia, would placed during the reconquest of their city, but Adama Barrow. Barrow, who is currently shel- happen “very soon.” Under the Gambian consti- the government is cash-strapped. Prime Minister tering in neighboring Senegal, maintains his tution a state of emergency lasts up to 90 days Haider al-Abadi’s government “lacks or may lack inauguration will go ahead today on Gambian if the national assembly confirms it-which the the focus and resources to adequately budget soil, putting the country on a collision course. legislature did late Tuesday. for an adequate reconstruction effort,” said Omar Jammeh’s declaration immediately triggered Brian and Yvonne Souch, a couple from Lamrani, an analyst with the Stratfor think tank. travel advisory warnings by Britain and the Witney in southern England, said they were “Baghdad’s finances are already stretched with Netherlands, with around 1,000 British tourists unaware of the potential risk of flying to low energy prices and the costly demands of expected to leave on special flights on the country 10 days ago and felt tour com- war, and corruption and cronyism affect the Wednesday alone. “It’s because of the uncer- pany Thomas Cook should have kept them direction of the limited funds available,” he said. tainty and the likelihood an ECOWAS standby better informed. “We didn’t know anything The risk that observers were warning against force will have to be deployed,” a diplomatic until we came down for breakfast,” Brian before the operation to retake Fallujah even source said. The 15-nation Economic Souch said, sitting in shorts and sleeveless started is that unkept promises will fuel a sense FALLUJAH: Iraqi men walk past damaged buildings in a street in the city of Fallujah, that was Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) T-shirt in the lobby of a hotel in the Kololi among its Sunni residents that they are being recaptured from the Islamic State (IS) group about six months ago, as life starts to slowly has repeatedly urged Jammeh to respect the tourist strip.—AFP marginalized by the government, which is domi- return to the city.—AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 Obama commutes sentence of WikiLeaker Manning

WASHINGTON: US President Barack attempted to commit suicide twice. and then Russia in 2013 after revealing a WikiLeak’s pledge and Obama’s decision on help their presidential candidate Donald Obama on Tuesday slashed the sentence of Activists had argued her sentence is exces- highly classified global communications Manning. Trump. Among the others who received transgender army private Chelsea sive and point to the psychological frailty and internet surveillance system. He was Backlash commutations was Puerto Rican nationalist Manning, who had been sentenced to 35 of the transgender soldier. not on Obama’s list of commutations or Republicans expressed outrage at Oscar Lopez-Rivera, who has been in prison years behind bars for handing classified US “This move could quite literally save pardons, but did tweet his thanks. Obama’s decision. “This is just outrageous,” for more than three decades on terrorism documents to WikiLeaks. Obama pardoned Chelsea’s life,” said Chase Strangio of the “Let it be said here in earnest, with said House Speaker Paul Ryan. “Chelsea charges. Obama also pardoned James 64 people and commuted the sentences of American Civil Liberties Union. Still, good heart: Thanks, Obama.” WikiLeaks- Manning’s treachery put American lives at Cartwright, a former four-star general who 209 others-including 29-year-old Manning, Obama’s move is something of a surprise, which has been linked to last year’s elec- risk and exposed some of our nation’s most lied to the FBI about his discussions with who will now be released in May-in one of coming in the midst of a scandal over elec- tion hacks-claimed “victory” and thanked sensitive secrets.” “President Obama now journalists about Iran’s nuclear program. his final acts as president. Manning was tion-related hacking. Obama has imposed those who campaigned on Manning’s leaves in place a dangerous precedent that Another round of commutations is convicted in August 2013 of espionage and sanctions on Russian intelligence services behalf. “Your courage & determination those who compromise our national secu- expected on Thursday, officials suggested. other offenses, after admitting to the leak over the hack of Democratic party emails, made the impossible possible,” the group rity won’t be held accountable for their Many will look to see whether the new list of 700,000 sensitive military and diplomat- some of which were released via WikiLeaks. tweeted, citing founder Julian Assange. But crimes.” Republican Senator Tom Cotton, includes Bowe Bergdahl, a US Army ser- geant held captive for five years by the ic documents. there was no suggestion Assange-who is who is tipped as a possible future leader of The cache included military logs from Victory Taliban before his release in a prisoner holed up in the Ecuadoran embassy in the party, expressed fury at Obama’s deci- wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and cables In recent weeks the White House had sion, saying “we ought not treat a traitor swap. He is due to be court-martialed for London-would make good on a promise to offering sensitive-and often embarrassing- refused to be drawn on a possible commu- like a martyr.” desertion. Other names omitted Tuesday be extradited to the United States if ly bare knuckle-diplomatic assessments of tation or pardon. But spokesman Josh “I don’t understand why the president were General David Petraeus-who pleaded foreign leaders and world events. Then Earnest did attempt to paint a stark differ- Manning was freed. would feel special compassion for some- guilty to improperly sharing classified infor- Bradley Manning pleaded guilty and was ence between Manning-who went through “If Obama grants Manning clemency one who endangered the lives of our mation-and Obama’s ally Hillary Clinton. sentenced by military court martial. She the courts and admitted wrongdoing-and Assange will agree to US extradition troops, diplomats, intelligence officers, and There had been wild speculation that has since been held in an all-male prison, the likes of Edward Snowden. Snowden, a despite clear unconstitutionality of DoJ allies.” Republicans have been on the back Obama may choose to preemptively par- at times in solitary confinement, and has former NSA contractor, fled to Hong Kong case,” the group tweeted last week. White foot over Russian hacks that appeared to don her, forestalling any Trump-led prose- House officials dismissed any link between Trump: ‘I don’t like tweeting’

WASHINGTON: Donald Trump, whose ear- talk-no action or results. Sad!” ly-morning rants and policy pronounce- In the Fox interview, Trump continued ments on Twitter have left the world hang- his attack saying Lewis had never skipped ing on his every typed word, said he an inauguration, although the congress- doesn’t like using the social media platform man’s office later acknowledged he had in comments to air yesterday. “I don’t like missed George W Bush’s in 2001. “So he got tweeting,” Trump told Fox News’s “Fox & caught and it’s pretty bad. So let’s see what Friends” program.”I have other things I happens,” Trump said. Lewis is among a could be doing. But I get very dishonest growing list of Congress members, current- media, very dishonest press. And it’s my ly around 50, who have said they will boy- only way that I can counteract,” he said in cott Trump’s inauguration, which the presi- excerpts of the interview released late dent-elect has welcomed as a way to create Tuesday. Since winning the presidency in space for more spectators. “As far as other November, the Republican has exploited people not going, that’s OK, because we Twitter to make administrative announce- need seats so badly,” Trump said.”I hope ments, weigh in on foreign policy-and hurl they give me their tickets.” barbs at anyone who crosses him. A-list celebrities have also backed off in Asked if he would continue to use it as droves, leaving Trump struggling like none president, Trump said: “Yes.”Over the week- of his predecessors to find household end, the billionaire businessman became names as entertainment. “Many of the embroiled in his latest Twitter spat when he celebrities that are saying they’re not tangled with civil rights movement icon going, they were never invited. I don’t want Congressman John Lewis. The 76-year-old the celebrities, I want the people, and we said he would not attend Trump’s inaugura- have the biggest celebrities in the world tion on Friday, citing what he called Russian there,” Trump told Fox. He took a similar line interference in the election. “Congressman towards fashion designers, many of whom John Lewis should spend more time on fix- have declined to clothe his wife Melania or ing and helping his district, which is in hor- have discouraged others from dressing the CHICAGO: This file photo shows US President Barack Obama crying as he speaks during his farewell address in Chicago, Illinois.—AFP rible shape and falling apart (not to men- former model. Asked about Tom Ford’s tion crime infested) rather than falsely refusal, Trump said that his wife: “Never complaining about the election results,” asked Tom Ford, doesn’t like Tom Ford, Trump tweeted in response. “All talk, talk, doesn’t like his designs.”—AFP Trump needs to learn Trump supporters flock to how to cry from Obama Washington for inaugural ‘Squeezing out a tear would have an amazing effect’ WASHINGTON: Republican Linda Cools for a change, while at the same time it journeyed from Chicago to Washington to should be an interesting presidency,” Allen, PARIS: Donald Trump has one big lesson to Danger of faking it a politician’s undoing, James warned, particular- be a part of history: the upcoming inaugura- 47, said cautiously. “We’re all wondering learn from outgoing US President Barack They would take the loss of power “as a ly if they are seen as put on. She pointed to the tion of her favorite candidate Donald Trump what it’s going to be like” with an outsider at Obama-he needs to learn to be cool about cry- bereavement, or not being able to put their proj- former British prime minister Tony Blair whose to be the United States’ 45th president. “I’m the helm, he said. In other words, Trump is “a ing. “If he could squeeze one tear out during his ects into force.” Whatever the case, Friedman emotional openness was first seen as a breath of very excited. It’ll be wonderful to see a new hot mess,” Allen’s wife interjected. inauguration” on Friday, “people will turn around said he could not imagine Trump ever blubbing fresh air only to be later ridiculed. transition, a peaceful transition that does Republican skeptics have also arrived, hop- quite quickly their feelings towards him”, British publicly. “He’s someone from another genera- “Subliminally people are very good at spot- not happen globally,” the 50-year-old public ing their new commander in chief can dial behavioral expert Judi James said. “Clearly he is tion. Fifty years ago the attitude was ‘men do not ting real tears from fake ones. “When Tony Blair relations writer said as she shopped for back his confrontational rhetoric, heal a going to go swanning out there with his alpha cry’. He’s a hardened old cowboy.” Indeed, the blinked back the tears after the death of Princess Trump inauguration souvenirs just a stone’s divided nation and focus on leading the male feathers strutting, but if at the right president-elect has ridiculed those who cried at Diana... it created a huge moment of empathy, throw from the White House. Trump fans are world’s biggest economy. moment he could squeeze out a tear it would his election victory and was famously irked by a particularly as the British royal family were not converging on the nation’s capital ahead of “I’m trying to get on the bandwagon, but have an amazing effect on people,” said the crying baby at one of his rallies James, however, coming up with the tears. That bonded people Friday’s swearing in, keen to bear witness as it’s a challenge,” admitted Peter Kelly of New author of “The Body Language Bible.” “I think is convinced that he is capable of shedding a with Blair.”But he used the same technique a lot the political novice takes the reins of US York, as he took in the splendor of the there is quite an emotional guy in there some- tear in public. over the years, usually when he was put on the government-and eager to see his legions of American flag-draped lobby of the new where,” said added. Showing his emotions cer- “I think Trump could cry, but it would be spot. “We saw him do it too much, particularly critics proven wrong. Trump International Hotel blocks from the tainly worked for Obama, James argued. more to do with self-pity or even anger”, which over the war in Iraq. It looked like tears to order,” As authorities fenced off parts of the White House. “I want to hear him give a The president has wept at least 10 times on does not go down so well. But tears can also be she added.—AFP inaugural parade route and viewing area, speech of inclusiveness, and what America’s camera since he took office, most tellingly the weather was not obliging the city’s visi- importance in the world is, and not take an when tears poured down his cheeks last year tors Tuesday as rain drenched the US Capitol arrogant tone about it.” Outside the US when he talked about the toll gun violence was grounds and Washington Mall, where some Capitol, some Democratic visitors were taking on America. He wiped away another few Ex-US president George 800,000 people are expected to gather on refusing to let the election’s outcome ruin earlier this month when paying tribute to his Friday. But several visitors were already soak- their plans. wife Michelle and his teenage daughters in a ing up the patriotic spectacle that accompa- Angie Norton, who works in pharmaceu- H W Bush hospitalized farewell speech in Chicago. Tears are one of the nies the transfer of power every four years. ticals in northern California, joined her sister- most powerful weapons politicians have in Reconciliation should be the first order of in-law Eden Arnold, and Arnold’s two chil- WASHINGTON: Former US president George seemed frail in recent public appearances. business when Trump delivers his inaugural dren and mother for a major trip to their arsenals, James insisted. H W Bush has been hospitalized yet again in Bush is the patriarch of one of America’s most address, Cools said, acknowledging the divi- Washington. As Clinton supporters, instead And for Trump, “crying would be ideal” to Houston, local media reported yesterday. The prominent political dynasties and is father to sive campaign fight between Trump and of celebrating Trump’s rise they are set to allay the worries of a world fretting about what 92-year-old, who has seen his share of recent former US president George W Bush (2001- Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. join protests against a man that Norton his presidency will hold, she said. “I think so health incidents, had fallen ill but was in sta- 2009) and former Florida governor Jeb Bush, “I think it’s more of a coming together insists “instills hate.” “We came for Hillary many people are depending on Trump now that ble condition and “doing fine,” his chief of who was a Republican contender in the US than a coming apart,” she nodded, calling for Clinton’s inauguration and this other guy unmasking himself as quite a warm, well-mean- staff Jean Becker told the Houston Chronicle. presidential primary. Trump to temper his rhetoric. “We’d like him was elected,” Norton quipped. Her family ing character with values that he has been hid- The former president was admitted to In July 2015, the 41st president was treat- to reel it in a little bit.” It will be Cools’s first had been looking forward to seeing the first ing all this time” would go a long way. Houston Methodist Hospital and is expected ed in a Maine hospital after falling and break- inauguration, and she spent the day visiting woman ascend to the Oval Office. Instead, For her, Obama’s tears helped show his sin- to return home in several days, although the ing a bone in his neck. The previous the city’s monuments including the Lincoln they will witness the dawn of the Trump era. cerity, connected him with the public and reason for his hospitalization was not provid- December, he was admitted to Houston Memorial, where she admitted to turning “We did not want to cancel the trip,” Norton undercut his reputation as an intellectual. ed, according to local CBS affiliate KHOU. Methodist Hospital for breathing problems. emotional as she listened to a military band. insisted. “Everything was paid for.”—AFP The oldest of the four living former US Bush was treated at the same facility in “It reminds you how important what we Tears show empathy presidents, Bush, who served in office from November 2012 for bronchitis, spending have here is,” she said. Vasi Gaua and her “Tears help to bring him down from the 1989 to 1993, uses a wheelchair and has nearly two months in the hospital.—AFP husband traveled from San Bernardino, pedestal. He is a bit more of a New Man. You can California for the inauguration, and despite imagine him doing the shopping whereas up to the rain and frustrations with catching a city now the US presidency has been an alpha male tour bus they remained optimistic about preserve. And it is again (with Trump).” Obama’s Friday’s “historic moment.” comfort with big emotions was also evident “I was always a big fan” of Trump, she said. when he surprised his tearful vice president Joe “I like how he’s forward with people, tells it Biden with the highest US civilian honor last like it is.” Gaua, 35, helps with her family’s week as they prepared to leave office. Crying landscape business back home. But she and specialist Lauren Bylsma, an assistant professor her husband were spending the week in of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh, said Washington, thrilled that they snagged inau- it was clear that “Obama is a man that is comfort- guration tickets through their congressman. able expressing his emotions in public. Gaua recognized the divisions exposed dur- “In terms of character, we know that crying is ing the campaign, but suggested the com- associated with personality traits such as higher ing days be for healing, not protests. At least levels of empathy,” she said. Despite his hard man 50 US House Democrats have announced image, Russian leader Vladimir Putin has also they will not attend the inauguration. “I shed tears several times in public, mostly notably mean... he’s your president, what are you after winning back the presidency in 2012 going to do about it, if he’s not your presi- despite street protests he claimed were orches- dent?” she bristled. “You can always move.” trated by the West. Crying at the pain of others makes politicians particularly attractive, James Hot mess NEW YORK: Donald Trump Holds added. But psychologist Jean-Pierre Friedman Nick Allen, a remodeling business owner Meetings At Trump Tower Stephen insisted politicians well up more because they from Columbia, Missouri who voted for Miller, Donald Trump’s incoming senior are afraid of losing power. “Most of them are not HOUSTON: In this file photo, former President George H W Bush waves as he arrives at Trump, said he and his family were in town White House adviser for policy, arrives at the sensitive type. They cry the day they lose NRG Stadium before the NCAA Final Four tournament college basketball semifinal game for an FBI graduation ceremony, and stayed Trump Tower in New York City yester- power,” said the French psychoanalyst and author between Villanova and Oklahoma in Houston.—AP for the inauguration. “The country was due day.—AFP of two books on politician’s inner lives. INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 Reeling Italy hit by quake triple-punch

ROME: Three earthquakes hit central Italy not already closed due to snow in towns August and October last year. Nearly 300 “dramatic.” “The roads are impassable accustomed to dealing with earthquakes yesterday in a stinging triple-punch that and villages closer to the affected area people died in that 6.0 magnitude quake, because of the snow and we have hardly and the Amatrice disaster in particular led brought fresh terror to an area still reeling were also evacuated. most of them in or close to Amatrice, a any trucks available to clear them, some of to questions being asked as to why so many from deadly quakes last year and struggling Emergency services mobilized helicop- beauty spot which was packed with holi- them are broken down. We can’t fight a war buildings had not been upgraded to ensure to cope with heavy snowfall. Monitors said ters to check the impact of the quakes and day makers at the height of the summer with bows and arrows.” they did not pose a threat to life in the the first quake, which struck at 10.25 am the national civil protection agency was season. Two further quakes rattled the event of predictable tremors. (0925 GMT) was around 5.3 magnitude. A assessing the damage in villages closest to region in October, with the most powerful A vulnerable country Much of Italy’s land mass and some of second, some 50 minutes later, was put at 5.7 the epicenter. There were no immediate measuring 6.5 magnitude. As a result of last year’s quakes many res- its surrounding waters are prone to seismic magnitude by the European Mediterranean reports of building collapses but residents The latest quake came in the wake of 36 idents have been evacuated to temporary activity with the highest risk concentrated Seismological Centre (EMSC) and was quickly of the city of Aquila, where over 300 people hours of continuous snowfall in areas close accommodation outside the earthquake- along its mountainous central spine. Italy followed by a third, measured at 5.5. died in a 2009 earthquake, rushed into the to Amatrice and another badly-hit moun- prone zone. The last of 2016’s major quakes, straddles the Eurasian and African tec- The tremors were felt across the snow-covered streets in scenes of panic. tain town, Norcia. Amatrice mayor Sergio which struck on October 30, was the most tonic plates, making it vulnerable to seis- Abruzzo, Lazio and Marche regions and Pirozzi cursed his town’s bad luck. “I don’t powerful since a 6.9 magnitude one struck mic activity when they move. The worst also in Rome, over 100 kilometers away. Did we do something bad? know if we did something bad. That’s what near Naples in southern Italy in 1980, leav- disaster of recent times was the 1980 one Train services on some mainlines and the The epicenters of the quakes were pin- I have been asking since yesterday. We ing 3,000 people dead. The October quakes near Naples. The worst of the 20th Rome underground were suspended on pointed in an area close to Amatrice, the have got up to two meters of snow and did not directly result in any deaths but Century was in 1908 when an estimated safety grounds. The Italian foreign ministry mountain town devastated by the first of now another earthquake. What can I say? I thousands were left homeless and scores of 95,000 died in tidal waves following a building and some schools in the capital the earthquakes which struck the moun- have no words.” Stefano Petrucci, mayor of historic buildings suffered serious damage, quake centered in the waters between were evacuated. Those schools that were tainous centre of the country between nearby Accumoli, described the situation as much of it irreparable. Italy has long been mainland Italy and Sicily.—AFP Estonians join paramilitary forces to face Russia fears

NARVA, Estonia: A machine guns rattles as underestimated, Kiili said, as he congratulat- pale and exhausted teams of Estonian week- ed a troupe of volunteers exhausted after the end warriors struggle to climb a final obsta- two sleepless nights they spent marching cle: the wall of Narva Castle facing their coun- through snowy forests in the race. Many are try’s powerful neighbour Russia. The bullets former military conscripts, but more and fired on the snowy banks of the Narva river more ordinary Estonians and women, like separating Estonia from Russia are blanks, but Maadla or Sille Laks, are joining. A 30-year-old the steely determination of volunteers partic- cyber security expert from Tallinn, Laks said ipating in Utria Assault, the NATO member’s that she has spent around 400 hours in biggest annual military competition, is palpa- Kaitseliit basic training over three months. ble. Ruth Maadla, a waitress who spends her “It’s about doing something for my coun- weekends as a paramilitary volunteer, said try,” said the athletic public servant as she she would give her all to help defend the braved the freezing cold before dawn to small Baltic nation of 1.3 million people “if supervise one of the checkpoints in the anything ever happened”. competition. Sporting white winter camouflage gear, a While NATO’s collective defense clause is headlamp and a huge backpack, the 29-year- the bottom-line guarantee of Estonia’s securi- old who has just finished a brutal 90-kilome- ty, analysts acknowledge that paramilitaries tre (56-mile) marching race in bone-chilling do have a role to play. “In the worst case sce- subzero temperatures is in high-spirits, nario, Russia could advance very swiftly to despite being caked in mud and nursing take all of Estonia, but with its own resistance, painful blisters on her heels. Like other east Estonia could buy more time” for help to Europeans, Estonians were deeply disturbed arrive, said Kristi Raik, a senior Baltic security by Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and its researcher at the Finnish Institute of subsequent support for separatists in eastern International Affairs, stressing that any such Ukraine. US President-elect Donald Trump attack was unlikely at the moment. then raised more concerns with his campaign threat to think twice about defending NATO’s Under NATO’s wing BELGRADE: This file photo shows a man walking past a train bound for Kosovo at the main railway station in Belgrade. — AFP eastern allies. Moscow upped the ante in the Baltic These factors coupled with Kremlin sabre region late last year by deploying nuclear- rattling in the Baltic region-especially in its capable Iskander missiles into its Kaliningrad Serbia and Kosovo heavily militarized Kaliningrad exclave-have outpost bordering NATO member Lithuania triggered a paramilitary revival in eastern and Poland and sending two ships capable of European states that were under Moscow’s launching warheads to the Baltic Sea. thumb during the Soviet era. Part of the USSR The move came on the heels of NATO’s declare war of words until 1991, Estonia has seen its Kaitseliit vol- decision to deploy four multinational battal- unteer paramilitary force expand by 10 per- ions to eastern Europe, including a 1,100- cent over the last two years. strong rotational unit that will be stationed as of April at the Tapa military base, an hour’s ‘Serbia counts on the assistance of Russia’ Citizens with strong will drive from the Estonian capital Tallinn. Over With 16,000 members-up to 25,600 includ- the next few months, the United States will ing units for women and children the organi- also deploy part of a 3,500-troop armored PRISTINA: A propagandist train, a rising wall He accused the Kosovo government of sending Building a wall zation is seen as a crucial extension of the EU brigade to Estonia and Baltic neighbors Latvia and the ghosts of the late 1990s conflict: Serbia police units to the north to “provoke a wide- Relations have further deteriorated in the member’s modest military force comprising and Lithuania. and Kosovo are engaged in a disturbing war of ranging conflict”, alleging plans to blow up the town of Mitrovica in northern Kosovo, where 6,500 peacetime personnel, half of them con- They have all eyed Trump’s pro-Moscow symbols and words, unprecedented in recent tracks that were denied by Pristina. Serb authorities have started erecting a concrete scripts. While some paramilitary volunteers rhetoric with mounting unease. Ordered by years. “Kosovo is Serbia” said a message in 20 “We do not want war, but we will even send wall on the banks of the Ibar river. The wall’s con- play war games to hone skills like shooting or the outgoing Obama administration to rein- languages on the side of a train, painted in the the army if needed to protect Serbs from possi- struction, by a bridge that divides the town’s orienteering, others prefer more peaceful force NATO’s vulnerable eastern flank, the US colors of the Serbian flag, which left Belgrade on ble killings,” Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic Serb-dominated north and largely ethnic duty like wielding knitting needles to make brigade arrived in Poland last week as part of Saturday, destined for northern Kosovo. The told reporters on Saturday. Speaking to Western Albanian south, has angered Pristina, which says socks for war victims in eastern Ukraine. The one of the largest deployment of US forces in move was lambasted as a “deliberate provoca- diplomats the following day, Kosovo’s Foreign it is cementing the town’s divisions and must be Kaitseliit force has even attracted some vol- Europe since the Cold War, an operation that tion” by Kosovo’s President Hashim Thaci, who Minister Enver Hoxhaj said that Belgrade’s knocked down. But the mayor of North unteers who are ethnic Russian, part of Moscow angrily branded a security threat. suggested it was part of a plan to annex the actions towards Kosovo “show that Serbia wants Mitrovica, Goran Rakic, says the wall is simply Estonia’s largest minority accounting for While the advent of a Trump presidency adds Serb-populated north of his country. to ignite new conflicts.” Belgrade and Pristina practical and will protect pedestrians from traf- about a quarter of its population. an element of uncertainty to future US com- “Serbia counts on the assistance of Russia,” both aspire to join the European Union, and EU- fic. It is not up to Pristina to decide “what would Kaitseliit commander, Brigadier General mitment to defend vulnerable eastern said Thaci. A former Serbian province with a pre- brokered talks between the two sides since 2011 and what would not be built,” he warned. Meelis Kiili, describes the force he leads as “a European allies, Estonia’s paramilitary chief dominantly ethnic Albanian population, Kosovo have led to greater freedom of movement and Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa said that the very important element in deterrence” when remains confident about NATO’s resolve. “It’s unilaterally declared independence in 2008, a goods and improved police cooperation. issue of the wall “will be settled in accordance facing Russia.The role of “ordinary citizens not only Trump we are talking about, NATO decade after its Albanian insurgents fought the But nearly 20 years after the Kosovo war in with the law.” with a strong will to defend” must not be has 28 members,” Kiili said.—AFP forces of Belgrade’s late strongman Slobodan which 13,000 people were killed, progress has Serbian political analyst Aleksandar Popov Milosevic. Kosovo’s sovereignty has since been stalled. The disputes are accumulating: Kosovo’s said the renewed tensions could be explained by recognized by more than 100 countries, but not citizens were outraged at the Jan 4 arrest in domestic politics, with Serbia entering a cam- by Serbia and its traditional ally Russia. The train, France of former premier Ramush Haradinaj on paigning period ahead of presidential elections decorated inside with Serbian Orthodox reli- suspicion of war crimes, owing to an internation- in April. Kosovo remains a sensitive issue 18 gious imagery, supposedly represented the free- al arrest warrant issued by Belgrade. years after a NATO bombing campaign against dom of movement of Serb people-a crucial A former head of the insurgent Kosovo Serbia aimed at ending the war, and Popov said point in a normalization process between the Liberation Army (KLA), Haradinaj has been the ruling SNS party wanted to anticipate voters’ two sides that began back in 2011. released on bail but cannot leave France while criticisms over how they have handled Kosovo Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic an extradition request from Belgrade is exam- and relations with Europe. Belul Beqaj, a political eventually halted the train before it crossed the ined, which could take months. He has twice sciences professor in Kosovo, said Belgrade’s border but he also upped the pressure, saying before been tried and acquitted by the leaders had a habit of trying to distract voters he took the decision to “avoid a conflict and save International Criminal Tribunal for the former from internal problems by focusing on Kosovo lives” based on fears the train would be attacked. Yugoslavia (ICTY) at The Hague. ahead of elections. — AFP Jobless dad-of-six welcomes Finland’s basic income trial

HELSINKI: For just one hour of work, Juha Jarvinen nursing job, his modest unemployment benefits, Stimulate employment NARVA: Estonian volunteers participate in a military training during Utria Assault, had to fill out piles of paperwork only to see his and their child allowance benefits. The national confederation of employee unions, the NATO member’s biggest annual military competition in Narva. — AFP unemployment insurance docked. But with But they’ve had to do without extras, in a country SAK, says it fears a sale on labor. “We’re not in favor Finland’s universal basic income test, he’s hoping home to one of the most generous cradle-to-grave of labor markets where decent wages are not paid for a fresh start. As of Jan 1, a two-year experiment welfare states but where the cost of living is high. and employees’ living is partly financed by social East Timor to hold will see 2,000 unemployed Finns receive a monthly Designed as an incentive to help the unemployed security. In practice, that’d be a subsidy to the com- unconditional payment of 560 Euros ($590). If the get a foot back in the labor market, the universal panies,” SAK chairman Jarkko Eloranta says. Euro presidential poll in March test is successful, the plan will be rolled out nation- basic income experiment has received broad back- zone member Finland is slowly recovering from a wide, though the exact amount and conditions ing across Finland’s political spectrum. The public is three-year recession that ended in 2015, but its DILI, East Timor: East Timor will hold a by his nom de guerre “Lu Olo”-is seen as a remain vague at this stage. Finland’s pro-austerity, however more divided. Left-wing voters support the unemployment rate is still relatively high at 8.7 per- presidential election on March 20, an offi- stronger candidate. centre-right government wants to test whether the idea-some even say the amount is too low-while cent and, more worryingly, every third unemployed cial said yestersday, and Nobel Peace lau- Up to six candidates are expected to guaranteed income, perhaps somewhat counter those on the right see a risk of complacency. person has been out of work for over a year. — AFP reate Jose Ramos-Horta may try to make a compete in the first round in March, said intuitively, spurs the jobless to get off the couch comeback as head of state. It will be the Sarmento, although none has officially and find work. third presidential vote in the tiny half- declared their candidacy. No candidate is Jarvinen, a 37-year-old father of six, will receive island nation since it won independence expected to win the required 50 percent of the money no strings attached, in addition to his in 2002 following a brutal, 24-year occu- the vote on March 20, meaning a run-off will monthly child allowance benefits of 800 Euros. The pation by neighboring Indonesia. “The likely be held on April 20. Incumbent big difference compared to unemployment insur- president... issued a decree Tuesday which President Taur Matan Ruak is not expected to ance is that if he finds a job he is free to earn as stated that the first round of the presiden- stand. “Ruak has said he will not stand again much money as he can, and it won’t affect his uni- tial election will be held on March 20,” as president and is very widely expected to versal basic income. The Finnish Social Insurance Nelyo Isaac Sarmento, state secretary for run for parliament, with the intention of Institution (KELA) insists none of the test partici- social information, said. becoming prime minister,” said Damien pants will lose out financially during the experi- Ramos-Horta, who lived in exile during Kingsbury, an East Timor expert at Australia’s ment. Jarvinen is enthusiastic, convinced the guar- the years of occupation and was East Deakin University. anteed income will be a game-changer. Timor’s voice on the international stage, Nearly 750,000 Timorese are registered “Five years ago my business went bankrupt and was a major figure in the country’s politics voters, Sarmento said. The presidential poll ever since I’ve wanted to become an entrepreneur for a decade after independence serving sets the stage for parliamentary elections again,” he said. But each time he was tempted to as both prime minister and president. He expected in July, which are more important take odd jobs to make a little extra cash, there was lost his post as president in 2012 elections as they will decide who becomes prime no incentive for him to work since his unemploy- and vowed to step back from politics, but minister. During the Indonesian occupation ment insurance would have been reduced by the analysts say he is considering running in of East Timor, a poor country of 1.1 million same amount. Describing the period after his the March polls for the largely ceremonial people with an oil-dependent economy, bankruptcy as a “humiliation”, Jarvinen ended up post. However his likely rival Francisco around 183,000 people died from fighting, turning down small jobs, holding out instead for a Guterres-a former guerrilla fighter known starvation or disease.—AFP full-time job with a proper salary. His family has had to scrape by with his wife’s salary from her HELSINKI: This file photo shows a client entering the Employment Agency in Helsinki, Finland. — AFP THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 INTERNATIONAL

Pakistan will not free doctor who helped US find bin Laden

ISLAMABAD: A jailed Pakistani doctor believed to Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) confirm bin under our law he committed a crime and was facing any suggestion that members of the military or have helped the CIA hunt down al Qaeda leader Laden’s identity. the law.” In 2012, Afridi was sentenced to 33 years in intelligence services were complicit in hiding him. Osama bin Laden will be neither released nor hand- Afridi was arrested soon after the bin Laden raid prison after being convicted of being a member of Last May, Pakistan’s foreign ministry angrily criti- ed to the United States, Pakistan’s law minister has and charged with having ties to militant Islamists, militant group Lashkar-e-Islam. That conviction was cized US President-elect Donald Trump for saying told legislators, media reported yesterday. Dr Shakil which he denied. “The law is taking its course and overturned in 2013, but Afridi was then charged he could get Pakistan to free Afridi “within two min- Afridi, hailed as a hero by US officials, was arrested Afridi is having full opportunity of a fair trial,” the with murder, relating to the death of a patient eight utes.” Pakistan joined the US war on militancy after after US forces killed bin Laden in May 2011 in a Daily Times newspaper quoted Law Minister Zahid years earlier. He remains in jail awaiting trial. Many the Sept 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. But secret raid in a northern Pakistani town that Hamid as telling the upper house, in response to a Pakistanis were infuriated by the US raid to grab bin US officials often describe Islamabad as an unreli- plunged relations between the uneasy strategic lawmaker’s query about reports of a possible Laden in the military garrison town of Abbottabad, able partner that has sheltered the Afghan Taliban partners to a new low. Pakistan has accused the release. “Afridi worked against the law and our just a two-hour drive from Islamabad, the capital. leadership and demand tougher action against mil- doctor of running a fake vaccination campaign in national interest, and the Pakistan government has Pakistani officials describe bin Laden’s long pres- itant groups based along its border with which he collected DNA samples to help the US repeatedly been telling the United States that ence in Abbottabad as a security lapse and reject Afghanistan. —Reuters

OIC envoy calls for UN intervention to avoid genocide of Rohingya Muslims

KUALA LUMPUR: The United Nations is an internal matter. The military operations should intervene in Myanmar’s Rakhine were in response to attacks on security State to stop further escalation of violence posts near Myanmar’s border with against Rohingya Muslims and avoid anoth- Bangladesh that killed nine police officers. er genocide like in Cambodia and Rwanda, The Myanmar government has said that said the Organization of Islamic militants with overseas Islamist links were Cooperation’s special envoy to Myanmar. responsible. A Myanmar government The conflict which has left at least 86 dead spokesman said it will not attend the OIC and an estimated 66,000 people fleeing into meet as it is not an Islamic country, but that Bangladesh since it started on Oct 9, 2016, is it had already made its actions clear to no longer an internal issue but of interna- ASEAN members at their last meeting in tional concern, said Syed Hamid Albar, December, and that UN intervention would Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) only end up facing “unwanted resistance Special Envoy to Myanmar. from local people.” “So that’s why the inter- Syed Hamid said the OIC should seek UN national community should have a positive intervention. His comments come ahead of approach and understand widely our coun- a special OIC meeting called by Malaysia try’s conflict situation,” said Zaw Htay, a today to discuss measures to deal with the spokesman for the office of Myanmar conflict affecting the Rohingya minority, President Htin Kyaw. About 56,000 who are predominantly Muslim. “We don’t Rohingya now live in Muslim-majority want to see another genocide like in Malaysia having fled previous unrest in Cambodia or Rwanda,” Syed Hamid told Myanmar. Reuters in an interview ahead of the meet- Malaysia, which is Southeast Asia’s third- ing in Kuala Lumpur. “The international largest economy, broke the tradition of community just observed, and how many non-intervention by members of the people died? We have lessons from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations past, for us to learn from and see what we (ASEAN) by speaking out on the conflict, can do,” he said. The OIC represents 57 calling on the 10-member bloc to coordi- states and acts as the collective voice of the nate humanitarian aid and investigate Muslim world. alleged atrocities committed against the Refugees, residents and human rights ethnic group. Zaw Htay criticized Malaysia groups say Myanmar soldiers have commit- for its outspoken position on the conflict, ted summary executions, raped Rohingya saying the country should manage “its own women and burned homes since military political crisis” and “avoid encouraging operations started in the north of Rakhine extremism and violence” in Myanmar. “Our State on Oct 9. The government of predomi- new government is working seriously and nantly Buddhist Myanmar, led by Nobel carefully on the situation in Rakhine. We are INDIA: In this file photo, Bull tamers try to control a bull during an ancient heroic sporting event of the Tamils called Jallikattu, in Palamedu, Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, has working on a very complicated and tough about 575 kilometers south of Chennai, India. —AP denied the accusations, saying many of the problem with this internal conflict, so we reports are fabricated, and it insists the strife need time to prevent it happening again,” in Rakhine State, where many Rohingya live, Zaw Htay said. —Reuters Protests in southern Indian state over bull taming ban Demonstrators call to preserve culture

CHENNAI, India: A ban on a bull-taming festi- Police say the protests have remained parties in the state have also criticized the ban val, which has been blighted by allegations peaceful so far but have spread to large parts and want Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gov- that the beasts are doped with liquor and then of the state. Several popular Tamil film stars ernment to have it overturned. A government taunted with chili powder, triggered street have voiced their support for the demonstra- led by Modi’s predecessor did order a ban in protests in southern India yesterday. tors as has India’s leading spin bowler 2011 but it was effectively ignored until last Demonstrators, mostly students, thronged the Ravichandran Ashwin. Opposition and ruling year’s Supreme Court ruling. —AFP busy Marina Beach area in the city of Chennai to demand the lifting of the ban on the tradi- tional Jallikattu event which is held during the winter harvest festival. “We are protesting Two killed in clashes over land against the ban and demand that it should be immediately lifted. We are here in support of for power station in eastern India preserving the culture of Tamils,” Selva Kumar, KOLKATA, India: Two people were killed and week after days of protests by villagers who a student leader at the protest site, said. about a dozen wounded in eastern India when objected to the transmission towers over KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Anifah Aman speaks at a news confer- The protesters in Chennai, who began villagers protesting the takeover of their land their farmland and demanded more compen- ence, on the eve of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting to discuss gathering on Tuesday night, say they will for a power station clashed with police and sation. Government and company officials the Rohingya Muslims crisis, in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. —AFP camp out until the authorities announce that government officials in the latest instance of had said they would hold talks with the vil- the event will be allowed in future. India’s violence over land use in the country. lagers to resolve the situation. “Work on the Supreme Court outlawed Jallilkatu last year Hundreds of villagers blocked roads and project will not resume if the villagers do not after a plea by animal rights groups which Sri Lanka scuttles move to burned tyres on Tuesday in Bhangar in West want it,” said Mukul Roy, a member of the have long argued that the event-held every Bengal state to protest the construction of a state’s ruling Trinamool Congress party. year in different parts of Tamil Nadu state-is substation by state-owned Power Grid Conflicts related to land have risen in India as legitimize homosexuality cruel. Unlike in traditional Spanish bullfight- Corporation of India Ltd. Police fired tear gas demand for land for industrial and develop- ing, the animals are let loose into open fields and beat back crowds with batons. Two people ment projects has grown. COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s cabinet has reject- spokesman. “The government is against and young men then compete to subdue died of gunshot wounds, although the police Farmers reluctant to give up land have ed a proposal to end discrimination based homosexuality, but we will not prosecute them bare-handed. denied they had fired upon the protesters. stalled major projects, putting billions of dol- on sexual orientation because it could anyone for practicing it,” the minister said, Critics say organizers lace the bulls’ feed “The police showed restraint,” said Sunil lars of investment at risk, according to a recent legitimize homosexuality, which is illegal adding that the island’s conservative with liquor to make them less steady on their Chowdhury, the district police superintend- report. Several states have diluted laws to on the island, a government minister said Buddhist clergy was also opposed to the feet and chuck chili powder into their faces to ent. Several policemen were injured and their make land acquisitions easier for industrial and yesterday. Sri Lanka’s 1883 penal code, a provision. He said the proposed National throw them into a sudden frenzy as they are vehicles damaged by protesters, he said. An development projects as they try to boost legacy of its British colonial rulers, makes Human Rights Action Plan included a pro- released from a holding pen. The rights group investigation into the shootings is underway, growth and provide jobs. Last year, India’s top sex between men punishable by 12 years vision to remove “discrimination based on PETA has released footage it says shows bull he said. A protester, who asked not to be court said land acquired by West Bengal for a in jail, although the law is rarely enforced. sexual orientation”. “People could interpret farmers doping their animals ahead of the named for fear of retaliation, said shots were Tata Motors factory must be returned to farm- Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne said the this (rights plan) in their favor,” the minister event. But organizers of the festival insist the fired by the police and officials who support- ers after a decade-long battle during which the cabinet had refused to endorse a provision said, adding that the government did not animals suffer no harm and Jallilkatu is an ed the project. Local media reported political factory was moved to a different state. Mamata in a proposed human rights plan that want to create “social problems” by invit- established part of Tamil culture. Tensions factions opposed to the state chief minister Banerjee, who led protests against the Tata would have undermined the code. ing a challenge to the law. Following have been escalating for the last week after may have been to blame. land deal, was elected in 2011 to become the “There was a provision referring to the intense campaigning by a gay rights hundreds of people were detained by police Work on the substation, being built on state’s chief minister and has said her govern- sexual orientation of individuals and we group in 1995, the then government for allegedly organizing local Jallikatu con- about 6 hectares of land, was suspended last ment will not forcefully acquire land. —Reuters clearly said it was not acceptable,” said agreed to review the penal code that pro- tests in defiance of the court ban. Senaratne, who is also the government hibited sex between men. —AFP

Cambodian women rescued from sex slavery in Japan

PHNOM PENH: Seven Cambodian Tokyo awaiting repatriation today while women have been rescued from a restau- the seventh victim was sent home late rant in Japan where they were allegedly last month for health reasons. forced into sex work after a victim made Cambodian officials did not say if the a desperate Facebook plea for help, an Japanese restaurant owner was arrested official said yesterday. The women, who or faced any charges. Japan has long are in their 20s, were lured to work at the been a destination for women from restaurant in central Honshu island Southeast Asia seeking higher wages November with promise of high wages who often find themselves forced into by a Japanese owner who arranged visas sex work or indentured labor. and airfares for them, the Cambodian for- Last August the Philippines warned its eign ministry said in a statement “But citizens against illegally travelling to (he) threatened and forced the victims to Japan in search of work, saying they often have sex with guests at the restaurant risked being trafficked for sex or forced and did not pay them salaries,” the state- labor. Washington’s annual report on peo- ment said. ple trafficking says Japan remains a “desti- Cambodian foreign ministry nation, source and transit” country for spokesman Chum Sounry said the human trafficking despite a recent women were rescued in mid-December increase in prosecutions. “Traffickers after a victim wrote a plea for help on the strictly control the movement of victims Facebook page of the Cambodian using debt bondage, threats of violence embassy in Japan. Japanese authorities or deportation, blackmail, passport reten- in Gunma prefecture, west of Tokyo, were tion, and other coercive psychological then alerted. Six of the women are now methods,” the State Department’s 2016 LAHORE: A Pakistani vendor waits for customers at a street side stall during heavy fog in Lahore yesterday. —AFP staying at the Cambodian embassy in “Trafficking in Persons” report says. —AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

Indo police question Islamist leader as authorities warn over extremism

JAKARTA: Indonesian police yesterday head of the hard line Islamic damentalist or Wahabi thinking who brought against Rizieq in October last elections. “We see what happened with said they were investigating whether Defenders Front (FPI), a key organizer then target minorities,” he added, refer- year by Sukarno’s daughter, Sukmawati the Twitter accounts as a form of dis- the controversial leader of a hardline of recent rallies by hundreds of thou- ring to a puritanical strand of Islam Sukarnoputri. The cleric and his organi- crimination against the Muslim people,” Islamist group insulted the country’s sands of Muslims against Jakarta’s originating in Saudi Arabia. zation FPI also had their accounts on said Novel Bamukmin, head of the FPI’s secular state ideology, as concern governor, an ethnic Chinese Christian, Police in the province of West Java social network Twitter suspended this Jakarta chapter, which is calling for a grows over the clout of fundamentalist who is on trial over accusations that have been questioning Rizieq over week over what the company called boycott of Twitter. Late last year the FPI groups. National police chief Tito he insulted the Muslim holy book, the claims that he made defamatory com- violations of its rules. Twitter did not led some of Indonesia’s biggest rallies Karnavian has warned against creeping Quran. “We have started a formal ments in 2014 about one of Indonesia’s say how the group violated its rules, in nearly 20 years targeting the Jakarta Islamic extremism in the country of 250 investigation...We may name him a founding fathers, Sukarno, and ques- media reported. governor. There are concerns Purnama million, home to dozens of religious suspect soon,” said West Java police tioned the legitimacy of the state ideol- Rizieq and his followers have vowed has been unfairly targeted as he runs and ethnic groups, and where the vast spokesman Yusri Yunus. “Unfortunately, ogy Pancasila. If found guilty, he could to press their demand for Jakarta gov- for reelection next month and that the majority of citizens practice a moderate democracy is being misused by certain face up to four years in prison. Rizieq ernor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama to be government has not done enough to form of Islam. groups to limit other people’s free- has denied wrongdoing, according to jailed, with another rally set for Feb 11, protect the rights of religious and eth- Police are questioning Habib Rizieq, doms, for instance, by those with fun- media. Police said the complaint was just days before the Jakarta governor nic minorities.—Reuters

Philippine police murdered South Korean businessman

MANILA: Philippine police kidnapped and believed to be involved but had fled to murdered a South Korean businessman, Canada, and that there were South Korean then led his wife to believe he was alive for accomplices. Carlos did not elaborate on months to extort money from her, authori- the identities or actions of the South ties said yesterday. The killing is the latest Korean suspects. in a long series of criminal acts by the Philippine police force, regarded as one of Fake drug raid the nation’s most corrupt institutions, and Santa Isabel and his two colleagues has fuelled concerns about its role enforc- went to Ji’s house on the pretext of a drug ing President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly raid, according to Carlos. The abductors crime war. The man disappeared from his demanded from Ji’s wife a ransom of eight home in the northern city of Angeles in Oct million pesos on Oct 30, 12 days after he last year, and his wife initially paid a ransom was killed, according to the Philippine Daily of five million pesos ($100,000), national Inquirer newspaper, which first reported police spokesman Dionardo Carlos said. the news. It said that she paid five million However, the man was strangled to pesos ($100,000), but the kidnappers then death and burned to ashes in a crematori- demanded another 4.5 million pesos and um on the day he was abducted, the South continued to say he was alive. Korean foreign ministry said, citing a The case has drawn criticism from some Philippine government report. The crema- lawmakers and media in the Philippines as torium was owned by a former police offi- an example of corrupt policemen expand- cer, the foreign ministry said. The South ing their illegal activities after being given Korean government identified the man freedoms by Duterte to prosecute his war only by his surname of Ji and said he was in on drugs. Duterte has encouraged police to his 50’s. Philippine media said he was a kill drug traffickers and addicts, and vowed businessman who had been living in the to shield them from prosecution. Nearly MANILA: This photo shows Catholic Father Atilano Fajardo posing for a portrait at a church inside the Adamson University in Manila.—AFP Philippines since 2008 and had been work- 6,000 people have died in Duterte’s drug ing for a manpower company. South war since he took office in the middle of Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-Se last year. Carlos insisted, the abduction of Ji demanded answers after receiving a phone was not related to Duterte’s drug war, say- Philippine Church speaks call from Philippine Foreign Secretary ing the problem of kidnappings for ransom Perfecto Yasay to inform him of the murder. by corrupt police had existed for a long “Minister Yun, expressing grave shock time. “It turned out it was an old modus over the implication of Philippine police operandi where bad cops claim there is a out on drug killings officers in the case, asked that the drug raid and turn it into a kidnap for ran- Philippine government get to the bottom som,” Carlos said. of the case and bring those responsible to At least 167 policemen are under inves- justice,” a foreign ministry spokesman said. tigation for being involved in various mon- Church at forefront against extrajudicial killings Ricky Santa Isabel, one of the officers ey-making rackets, some of them under the accused of going to Ji’s house and abduct- cover of the drug war, Metro Manila police MANILA: People going to mass at one of the most tives of the slain into a watchdog group called killings will have on government policy remains ing him, surrendered this week, according chief Oscar Albayalde told reporters. The famous churches in the Philippine capital over Network Against Killings in the Philippines. Over uncertain. But it is taking heart from a fresh survey to Carlos, the police spokesman. He said police force was among the most corrupt Christmas were met by a disturbing sight: poster- the coming weeks, the Church also plans to train showing eight in 10 Filipinos now fear they or their another two officers who went with him to national agencies, according to a 2015 size pictures of Filipinos dying in pools of blood. widows and other female relatives of men killed in friends could be next to be killed. “When you speak the house, as well as their superior, were report from the national ombudsman. A The shock Baclaran church exhibit was part of a mainly slum communities to document the deaths to people on the ground, there is a lot of fear... under investigation. All four accused offi- 2013 survey by anti-graft watchdog campaign by one of the nation’s oldest and most so they can bring criminal charges against police. many people, especially the urban poor, feel that cers were from the Anti-Illegal Drugs Group Transparency International also found that powerful institutions to stop the killings under Church leaders take pains to emphasize they have anybody can be tagged and killed,” Manila bishop based at national police headquarters in the police force was perceived by Filipinos President Rodrigo Duterte’s war against drugs, not given up on Duterte and they are not cam- Broderick Pabillo said. Visitors at the Baclaran pho- Manila, according to Carlos. to be the Philippines’ most corrupt institu- which has claimed about 6,000 thousand lives. “The paigning against his rule, just the killings. “Prayer to exhibit who agreed to speak were generally hes- He said a retired police officer was also tion.—AFP Church right now is asserting its influence, that’s can move mountains. We believe that Duterte can itant to criticize the government but said they had why in the coming months the Church will be at the still change his position, so we need to pray,” seen enough. “What is happening is horrible. They forefront in leading against extrajudicial killings,” Fajardo said. should not be killing defenseless people,” said Jerome Secillano, public affairs chief for the Catholic What impact the Church campaign against the churchgoer Gina Loranza, 48.—AFP Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said. The Catholic Church, counting eight out of every 10 Filipinos among its flock, wants the Duterte pres- idency to succeed, but would be remiss in its moral Hong Kong leader slams obligation to protect life by keeping quiet, accord- ing to Secillano. “The drug war is not any more in accord with the legal processes, and the moral independence movement norms are being violated and so now is the time for the Church to speak up,” he said. Duterte was elect- HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s unpopular pro-Beijing reform and that a minority had resisted. ed in a landslide last year, after vowing on the cam- leader Leung Chun-ying faced protests yesterday as He said people must accept Beijing’s roadmap, paign trail to eradicate illegal drugs in society by he spoke out against the city’s independence which declared the public could vote for its leader, killing tens of thousands of people. movement in his final policy address. Leung will but only after nominees were vetted by an elec- Police have reported killing 2,250 drug suspects step down in July after a four-year term marked by tion committee. Currently that committee-which since Duterte assumed office, with 3,710 others anti-Beijing rallies as fears grow that Chinese is largely made up of special interest groups murdered by unknown suspects who at times have authorities are squeezing Hong Kong’s freedoms. skewed towards Beijing-selects the leader with no left signs at the crime scenes accusing their victims Frustration at lack of political reform has sparked public vote. The Beijing-backed reform plan was of being drug dealers or addicts. Duterte has made movements seeking self-determination or even dismissed as “fake democracy” by opponents and no apologies for the killings, saying he would be independence for the semi-autonomous city, voted down in the legislature by pro-democracy happy to “slaughter” three million drug addicts to angering Chinese authorities. lawmakers. stop the Philippines from descending into a Latin As he struggled to start his speech due to Amnesty International Hong Kong last week American-style narco state. heckling, some pro-democracy lawmakers held said human rights were at their worst since the city up signs depicting Leung as a monkey and calling was handed back to China by Britain in 1997, in the Popular crackdown him a “liar.” “As we benefit from the opportunities wake of the disappearance of five city booksellers While Duterte’s crackdown has been con- brought by the development of our country and known for publishing salacious titles about Chinese MANILA: The wife of a South Korean businessman, who was kidnapped and mur- demned by human rights activists and some the national policies in our favor, we must clearly leaders, and interference by Beijing in a range of dered by at least three police officers in the Philippines, arrives at the National Western governments for allegedly unleashing a recognize that Hong Kong is an inalienable part areas, from media to education. The government Bureau of Investigation (NBI) headquarters in Manila yesterday.—AFP wave of extrajudicial killings, the president has of our country,” Leung said in the annual address. has also been accused of a witch hunt after two retained huge support from Filipinos hoping his “This is both a legal fact and an internationally pro-independence lawmakers were forced to give strongman style will fix crime, corruption and other recognized political reality, leaving no room up their seats last year. Four more pro-democracy Thai south Muslims mourn intractable problems. With such support and also whatsoever for Hong Kong to become independ- legislators face a judicial review into whether they because of various intimidation tactics, few politi- ent or separate from the motherland in any man- should be disqualified. death of rebel spiritual leader cians or other influential people have spoken out. ner,” he added. However, Leung said the city still enjoyed a For months the Church, which played a leading role Residents must “safeguard national sovereign- high degree of autonomy and pledged his gov- in the ouster of dictator Ferdinand Marcos and cor- ty, security and territorial integrity”, said Leung, ernment would “uphold Hong Kong’s core values, BANGKOK: Muslims across Thailand’s pace. “He was a Yoda-like figure.. he had a rupt president Joseph Estrada, also held its tongue. who did not mention any plans for kick starting including human rights, liberty, democracy, the restive “Deep South” are mourning the mystique,” Pathan said, explaining that Church leaders said they wanted to give democratic reform in his speech, after a controver- rule of law and integrity.” Leung framed the city’s death of Sapae-ing Basor, the spiritual Sapea-ing’s profile grew through the 1980s Duterte, who won the May elections by 6.6 million sial Beijing-backed package was shelved following economic strategy within Beijing’s latest five-year leader of a near 13-year rebellion against and 90s as he “spoke up for Malay identity votes, a chance to implement his programs and massive protests in 2014. Joseph Cheng, a political plan and its One Belt, One Road initiative, which Bangkok’s rule that has claimed more than and refused to bow down to the Thai state.” make the Philippines a safer place. They had also scientist and pro-democracy activist, criticized calls for constructing vast rail and infrastructure 6,800 lives. Sapae-ing established a leading Thailand’s military elite have long been hoped to influence him quietly, holding a series of Leung for sidestepping “basic issues” including links connecting Chinese exporters to markets Islamic school and became a folkloric figure accused by the kingdom’s minority groups private meetings with Duterte and one of his top his “political suppression of the opposition.” across Eurasia. Around 100 protesters gathered for many Malay-Muslims in Thailand’s cul- of enforcing a centralized concept of aides, according to Manila priest Atilano Fajardo, Answering reporters’ questions, Leung said his outside the legislature, protesting over pension turally distinct far south despite being in “Thainess” at the expense of diversity. In who is now helping to lead the Church’s campaign government had worked hard to push political funds and workers’ rights.—AFP self-exile since 2004. The insurgency sees the Malay-speaking south, for example, against the killings. Meanwhile, some priests and separatist rebels carry out near-daily Thai language and script has been bishops, like ordinary people, were too scared to attacks on security forces and perceived enforced for decades, fuelling anger and speak out, according to Secillano. “Not too many collaborators with the Thai state, which col- resentment. Sapae-ing’s legend grew churches and people are actually keen on speaking onized the region over a century ago. across the unrest-hit southern states up against these killings because of fear,” he said. The majority of the dead are civilians in despite his relative silence in self-exile. a conflict that has seen both insurgents Zachary Abuza, a specialist on Southeast Campaign begins and Thailand’s military accused of rights Asian militant groups, said he had a galva- To start the pushback, Archbishop Socrates abuses. Sapae-ing, who was in his eighties, nizing role in the rebellion-although his Villegas, president of the bishops conference, issued died peacefully on Jan 10 across the Thai operational links with rebel foot soldiers a pastoral letter to his flock in October. “I am border in Malaysia where he had lived since are unknown. ashamed of the things I read about the Philippines fleeing treason charges. The school he “This is a movement with almost no in the international media and more ashamed of founded is believed to have incubated known leadership. He was as close as it what I hear from our leaders,” Villegas said then. “I many rank-and-file rebels. “He was a got... being on the run for 13 years gave can no longer give a word of condolence to the philosopher who played an important role him a bit of a Robin Hood status.” An end to bereaved families because I also need to be assured in education,” said a statement by the Mara the fighting remains distant despite peace even a bit that things will get better and not Patani, a group representing some rebel contacts. The armed insurgents, dominated become worse.” In a Christmas message, Manila factions in peace talks with the Thai junta, by the publicity-averse Barisan Revolusi Cardinal Luis Tagle, the country’s highest-ranking confirming his death. Nasional (BRN), want an amnesty for their Church official, lamented Filipinos losing their sense Mosques have been packed across the operatives and serious discussion on devo- of “hospitality”, in what was seen as a criticism of the south for special prayers since his death was lution, leading to independence. The Thai killings. “Why is there room for destroying lives but HONG KONG: Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying speaks at a press conference confirmed. Thailand-based security analyst junta remain coy on ceding powers and do minute space for saving them?” Tagle said. after delivering his final policy address to the Legislative Council in the Admiralty district Don Pathan said his schools became “pillars not believe the rebel groups they have Some churches around the Philippines have of Hong Kong yesterday.—AFP of Malay identity” drawing the ire of Thai command-and-control over the militant since put up banners denouncing extrajudicial authorities as the insurgency gathered foot soldiers.—AFP killings, while priests have helped to organize rela- NEWS THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

A man cleans snow from his car after heavy snowfall in the hilltown of Murree, some 58 km northeast of Islamabad, Pakistan yesterday. The mercury dropped to minus 2 degrees centigrade in some areas including Kalam, Swat, Upper Dir, Lower Dir and Chitral after heavy snowfall blocked roads during the harsh winter. — AP Earth breaks heat record in 2016 for third year in a row

MIAMI: Last year, the Earth sweltered under the hottest peratures for the entire year, NOAA found the data for reporters. A separate analysis by the US space agency NASA in 1998. Europe and Asia each saw their third hottest years on temperatures in modern times for the third year in a row, “2016 was the highest since record keeping began in 1880,” also found that 2016 was the hottest on record. The World record, while Australia marked its fourth warmest year since US scientists said yesterday, raising new concerns about said the announcement. The global average temperature Meteorological Organization in Geneva confirmed the US records began more than a century ago. Unusual spikes in the quickening pace of climate change. Temperatures last year was 1.69 Fahrenheit (0.94 Celsius) above the 20th findings, and noted that atmospheric concentrations of temperature were seen in Phalodi, India, which reached 51 C spiked to new national highs in parts of India, Kuwait and century average, and 0.07 degrees F (0.04 C) warmer than both carbon dioxide and methane reached new highs. on May 19 - marking India’s hottest temperature ever. Iran, while sea ice melted faster than ever in the fragile in 2015, the last record-setting year, according to NOAA. Dehloran, Iran hit 53 C on July 22, a new national record. Arctic, said the report by the National Oceanic and This was “not a huge margin to set a new record but it is Upward trend Meanwhile, Mitribah, Kuwait hit an all-time high of 54 C Atmospheric Administration. larger than the typical margin,” Deke Arndt, chief of NOAA The main reason for the rise is the burning of fossil fuels on July 21, which may be the highest temperature ever Taking a global average of the land and sea surface tem- global climate monitoring, said on a conference call with like oil and gas, which send carbon dioxide, methane and recorded in all of Asia, NOAA said. Planet-wide, the heat led other pollutants known as greenhouse gasses into the to more melting at the poles. In the Arctic, average annual atmosphere and warm the planet. The mounting toll of sea ice extent was approximately 10.2 million square kilo- industrialization on the Earth’s natural balance is increas- meters, the smallest annual average in the record, NOAA MPs slam rising expat numbers, remittances ingly apparent in the record books of recent decades. said. Antarctic annual sea ice extent was the second small- “Since the start of the 21st century, the annual global tem- est on record. Continued from Page 1 committee MP Ali Al-Deqbasi said the government perature record has been broken five times (2005, 2010, answered the panel’s questions about continuous Iranian 2014, 2015 and 2016),” said NOAA. Dangers issuing statements calling to expel expatriates, they provocations and acts of aggression against Kuwait and Another factor has been the Pacific Ocean warming Unusually hot years wreak havoc on the planet by should first hold to account those who brought them the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. trend of El Nino, which experts say exacerbates the planet’s increasing rainfall in some parts of the world while leading here, starting with the big ones. He said that during the meeting, the committee already rising warmth. El Nino comes and goes. The latest to drought in others, damaging crops. Fish and birds must expressed strong popular protest against Iranian prac- episode became particularly strong in 2015, and subsided Activist and former election candidate Aroub Al-Rifai migrate farther than ever to find suitable temperatures and wrote on her Twitter that it is wrong and shameful to look tices and called on the government for continued cau- about halfway through 2016. But El Nino was responsible for just a small fraction of last year’s warmth, according to habitats. Diseases can spread faster in the warming waters, down on expatriates when the problems associated with tion, but also for continuing dialogue in order to resolve sickening marine life and killing corals. Glaciers and polar them “were created by us”. Prominent economist the problems to ensure security amid the prevailing Peter Stott, acting director of Britain’s Met Office Hadley Center. “The main contributor to warming over the last 150 ice caps melt, accelerating sea level rise that will eventually Abdulmajeed Al-Shatti said in an article in Al-Jarida regional turmoil. Deqbasi expressed strong trust in the swallow many of the globe’s coastal communities, home to newspaper that it was not possible and not even helpful political leadership and its measures to safeguard years is human influence on climate from increasing green- house gases in the atmosphere,” he said. some one billion people. for the Kuwaiti economy to get rid of a large number of Kuwait’s security and sovereignty, and also supported the Experts say the only solution is to reduce our depend- expatriates at once, adding that this should be done foreign ministry’s efforts to protect Kuwait’s interests. This year is likely be cooler, but probably not by much, said Gavin Schmidt, director of NASA’s Goddard Institute ence on fossil fuels, in favor of Earth-friendly renewable gradually over two decades and more. Asked if any government fears were expressed over a for Space Studies in New York. “Because the long-term energy such as wind and solar. “Climate change is one of In another development, the National Assembly’s for- change in the US policy after Trump takes office tomor- trends are so clear, it is still going to be a top-five year in the great challenges of the twenty first century and shows eign relations committee yesterday discussed with row, Deqbasi said the committee received assurances our analysis. I’m pretty confident about that.” he told no signs of slowing down,” said Mark Maslin, professor of Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah from the government about Kuwait’s neutral position reporters. climatology at University College London. “The decar- regional and international developments, especially rela- and also heard about all possible scenarios of what could Last year, all of North America was the warmest since bonization of the global economy is the ultimate goal to tions with Iran and expected political changes after US happen in the United States. Deqbasi denied that the records began in 1910, breaking that region’s last record set prevent the worst effects of climate change.”— AFP President-Elect Donald Trump takes office. Head of the meeting discussed the Gulf security pact. THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 ANALYSIS

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Focus May’s Brexit: Going it alone, hoping for an EU trade deal

rime Minister Theresa May has finally outlined what Brexit really means for her: Britain going Pit alone, fully disentangled from the European Union while hoping the bloc will agree to a compre- hensive trade deal. Britain will exit the EU’s vast internal market for goods and services and will instead try for a “bold and ambitious” free trade agreement (FTA), rejecting the kind of arrangements some other European countries, such as Norway and Switzerland, have for trade with the world’s biggest economic region. In her speech on Tuesday, May called for a deal to be done within two years, emphasized cooperation with the bloc and called for a “phased-in” transition to Brexit. The value of the pound reversed recent losses Trump shakes postwar order, in blow to Europe and staged its biggest single-day rally against the US dollar since at least 1998. But there was a lukewarm urope must pull together or risk being sidelined as calls into question the European decision (to bolster trying to disband it, which I don’t think he wants to do.” reception from political leaders in EU countries, a Donald Trump signals the end of a postwar transat- NATO), EU member states will have to consider increasing “When it comes to deeds, I don’t think he will do anything reminder that agreeing the kind of trade deal May lantic partnership credited with keeping the peace strategic autonomy by reinforcing collective defense inside to destroy NATO, or for that matter, to destroy, if he could, wants will be an arduous - even painful - task. E for the past 70 years, analysts and officials say. Fears about the EU,” said analyst Felix Arteaga at the Elcano Royal the European Union. I trust him more than his words.” “Where is the give for all the take?” asked the the US president-elect’s isolationist stance became a reality Institute think-tank in Madrid. A key test would be if Trump Ian Lesser, vice president at the German Marshall Fund Czech Republic’s secretary of state for EU affairs, this week when Trump challenged basic assumptions goes over Europe’s heads to do a Ukraine deal with Russian of the United States in Brussels, said Trump’s comments Tomas Prouza, on Twitter. Ireland’s government said about the role of an “obsolete” NATO and backed the break- President Vladimir Putin, badly wrong footing the allies, should be treated seriously but not over-dramatically. His it was under no illusion about the scale of Brexit. May up of the European Union. The shock was palpable among analysts said. call, for example, for the allies to share more of the NATO outlined 12 negotiating priorities, including limiting countries that up to now have considered themselves spending burden reflected longstanding and well-known immigration, exiting jurisdiction of the European among Washington’s closest allies but now face a sobering Europe, US shared interests US concerns that had also been pushed by Obama, Lesser Court of Justice, and ending full membership of the new reality when the billionaire businessman is inaugurat- Other analysts say Trump may have been misunder- said. The bottom line was that the US and Europe have customs union that sets external tariffs for goods ed on Friday. stood or had talked too loosely. Professor Zbigniew shared interests and values binding them together. “The imported into the bloc. Aiming for a comprehensive Europe already faces a host of problems - Britain’s Lewicki, chairman of the Polish Institute of International US commitment to Europe was not a bargain deal; it was free trade agreement (FTA) means she can enter impending EU exit, a nasty standoff with Russia, and tur- Affairs, said: “I think he considers NATO obsolete in the driven by very important US interests and that remains the negotiations with an almost blank canvas, largely moil in the Middle East and North Africa driving terrorism sense of being ineffective fighting terrorism rather than case,” he said. — AFP free of politically unpopular compromises around and the worst migrant crisis since World War II. Against this freedom of movement or large payments into the backdrop, Europe could now have to take the difficult but EU’s budget. very costly steps required to provide security for itself after decades of sheltering under the US security umbrella. “If EU Comeback Queen? Hillary FTA chance leaders fail to pull together and speak up much more loud- But the process of agreeing an FTA is fraught with ly than before, they risk being sidelined,” said analysts risk. May has said she wants to agree Britain’s future Stefan Lehne and Heather Grabbe, writing for Carnegie rumors won’t go away relationship with the EU within two years, followed Europe. “To the extent that Washington engages with by a period of implementation. Free trade deals usu- Europe at all, it will likely deal with countries individually. he prospect of a Hillary Clinton comeback after her hoped to shatter the ultimate glass ceiling and become ally take far longer than two years to agree - Canada’s When a leader opposes his agenda, Trump’s government shock loss to Donald Trump could hardly be less the first female commander-in-chief of the world’s most FTA with the EU will have taken seven years by the may well seek to play off one European against another.” Tcertain, but in New York where she is revered, plen- powerful democracy. While the Democrat lost the crucial time it is expected to come into force. “(The) pro- ty of people dream of her running for mayor. Her public Electoral College by 232 to 306, she won the popular longed uncertainty over forming agreements will Europe its own master appearances since the election have been largely con- vote by more than 2.7 million ballots - more than any present a significant challenge to the economy and European leaders reacted with shock at Trump’s com- fined to walks in the woods close to her Chappaqua white man as her supporters delight in pointing out. one from which consumers cannot be called upon to ments. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whom Trump home, where she is photographed in minimal makeup Confidante Neera Tanden told CNN that Clinton buy our way out,” said Jagjit Chadha, director of said had made a “catastrophic decision” to let in a million by neighbors mourning her defeat and repelled by the would never run for office again, but several media out- Britain’s National Institute of Economic and Social refugees, insisted that “we Europeans have our fate in our president-elect. lets have reported on rumors and speculation that she’s The 69-year-old former secretary of state otherwise been asked to consider a run for New York mayor this Research. own hands.” Her foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier emerged to present pop star Katy Perry with an award at November. The job would put her in charge of Trump’s Consumer spending has been a main driver of said there was “astonishment” in the EU. French President a UNICEF ball and has been photographed at smart hometown, but the fact that the current incumbent - Bill Britain’s economy recently, with other sources of Francois Hollande meanwhile insisted Europe “has no need restaurants such as the Polo Bar, dining with fashion de Blasio - once managed her New York senate campaign growth like trade and investment lagging. Getting for outside advice to tell it what it has to do”. France and Germany have led recent efforts to create designer Ralph Lauren who custom-made the pantsuit in and is running again, makes the prospect reportedly rid of barriers to trade in services, the dominant sec- which she conceded defeat to Trump. Then there was more unlikely. tor in Britain’s economy, is also likely to be hard, an EU defence plan, based on coordination and shared weapons procurement in order to cut costs and boost also a December meeting with donors at which the New although those backing Brexit argue barriers already York Times said that she blamed her loss on Russian Trump’s hometown foe exist within the EU. And the deeper the trade agree- integration. EU foreign affairs head Federica Mogherini has in turn formulated a global strategy based on the idea President Vladimir Putin and the late-hour FBI interven- But as the rumors have spread, Clinton has done ment, the more EU regulation Britain would have to tion over her email scandal. nothing to give them credence or to shoot them down. abide by, according to the Centre for European the bloc should achieve “strategic autonomy,” coupled with increased cooperation with NATO. NATO groups 22 of In a city where nearly 80 percent of the electorate vot- Even tabloid the New York Post, which was hostile to Reform think tank. ed for her, Clinton can forget that she polarized the elec- Clinton the presidential candidate, urged her to run Supporters of the FTA option argue this would the EU’s 28 member states and many of those, led by Britain but including several former Soviet satellites in the torate and the millions of Americans who consider her against the left-leaning mayor it opposes. “Secretary allow Britain to trade with the EU largely as before the incarnation of an abhorrent political class. On Jan 8, Clinton, we’d love to see you run for mayor. New York while also leaving it free to agree trade deals directly east, believe that the US-led alliance - not Brussels - is the only real collective defense option against a more she got a standing ovation on Broadway when she City needs you,” it wrote on Jan 6. It listed her attrib- with other countries such as the United States, its attended the last night of The Color Purple - in stark con- utes and work ethic, and implied it would not be diffi- biggest individual export partner, and emerging assertive Russia. On that basis, President Barack Obama won NATO lead- trast to Vice President-elect Mike Pence who was booed cult for Clinton to become a city resident and build ties markets such as Brazil and India. Brexit supporters ers’ backing for the biggest military build-up since the end and lectured when he went to Hamilton in November. to city neighborhoods. “While it’s not the glass ceiling also point to Britain’s large goods deficit with the EU of the Cold War in response to Russia’s Ukraine intervention On Friday she will attend Trump’s inauguration - her she hoped to break, New York has never had a woman - a record 8.59 billion pounds in November 2016. and annexation of Crimea. But what if NATO under Trump first major appearance in months - when cameras will be mayor. Isn’t it past time for that to change?” finished They say the bloc could not afford to cut it off. is not so willing to come to their aid? “If President Trump watching for the slightest reaction from the woman who the editorial. — AFP Nuclear option May seems to see this as a bargaining chip, stating in her speech that no deal is better than a bad deal - effectively acknowledging that Britain could resort to Gitmo, the infamous jail Obama could not shut World Trade Organization rules, which set upper lim- its on tariffs countries can impose. In such a scenario, Britain would face barriers on services, particularly in espite a flurry of last-minute releases from transfer and another 26 remain in legal limbo - the so- security facilities erected to replace them at a cost of mil- highly regulated sectors such as finance. That would Guantanamo Bay, President Barack Obama is set to called “forever prisoners” who have not been charged with lions of dollars. be a “very dangerous path”, according to J P Morgan Dfail in his eight-year quest to close the infamous anything but are deemed too dangerous to release. The Obama repeatedly said the controversial prison served economist Malcolm Barr. military detention center. One of his first acts as president other 10, including the alleged plotters of the Sept 11, as a “recruitment tool” for terrorist organizations and was a “One might expect a successful negotiating strat- in 2009 was to issue an executive order to shut the contro- 2001 attacks, are going through a glacially slow military waste of money - it currently costs about $7 million to keep versial jail within a year, but it is clear it will remain open prosecution at Guantanamo. They are due in a each detainee there per year. He has laid the blame for egy to have ambitious objectives and a credible fall- when he leaves office tomorrow. “I don’t anticipate that we Guantanamo military court next week for yet another pre- Guantanamo’s continued use squarely at lawmakers’ feet. “I back position. May certainly has the former. But we will succeed in that goal of closing the prison, but it’s not trial hearing. have not been able to close the darn thing because of the doubt the prime minister has the latter,” he said in a for a lack of trying,” White House press secretary Josh congressional restrictions that have been placed on us,” he note to clients. Tellingly, just as May was setting out Earnest told his final media briefing on Tuesday. Jihadi ‘recruitment tool’ said last year. her pitch for an internationalist Britain built on coop- Obama’s successor, President-elect Donald Trump, has Obama struggled to find a solution to the vexed ques- eration, her finance minister Philip Hammond told vowed not just to keep Guantanamo open, but to boost tion of what to do with the forever detainees, and it is ‘For the duration’ parliament that Britain could get tough if a compre- the number of terror suspects housed there - even raising uncertain they could be convicted in a civilian court. The Countries receiving former detainees must give guaran- hensive FTA with the EU is not forthcoming, and the prospect of US citizens being sent to the facility. “We’re outgoing president had tried to transfer many detainees tees they will be monitored and participate in rehabilita- slash business taxes in retaliation. “If we don’t (get a gonna load it up with some bad dudes, believe me, we’re abroad and bring the most high-value ones to the United tion programs. Six former Guantanamo inmates were reset- sensible Brexit deal) the people of this country are gonna load it up,” Trump said while campaigning last year. States, but funding was blocked by Republicans and even tled in Uruguay in 2014, but the men floundered in the not simply going to lie down and accept that they He separately said “it would be fine” if US terror suspects some in his own Democratic party pushed back against Spanish-speaking nation and one went on hunger strike to will be poorer,” Hammond said. “We will do whatever were sent there for trial. closure plans. demand being sent elsewhere. “They are rebuilding their it takes to maintain our competitiveness and protect On Monday, 10 former detainees - eight Yemenis and An oft-cited reason for keeping Guantanamo open is lives in Uruguay, but among the six, at least five are strug- our standard of living.” — Reuters two Afghans - were sent to Oman, bringing the remaining the recidivism rate. About 30 percent of detainees released gling,” Christian Mirza, who heads the case for the Uruguay Guantanamo population to 45, down from 242 when are suspected or confirmed to have re-engaged against US government, told AFP. Obama took office. Several more have been cleared for interests, though the rate dropped sharply among those Retired general James Mattis, who is set to become transfer, and a US official told AFP to expect a “handful” released under Obama. Guantanamo first opened in early Trump’s defense secretary, last week said America retains All articles appearing on these pages are the more by tomorrow - despite Trump’s call this month for “no 2002, hastily erected on a grassy hillside on America’s naval the legal right to capture enemy combatants and hold personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait Times further releases”. But dozens of inmates will remain in base in Cuba, where detainees would be out of the reach them as prisoners “for the duration of a war.” “Long-term takes no responsibility for views expressed indefinite detention on day one of the Trump presidency. of federal US courts. detention is appropriate when an unprivileged enemy bel- therein. Kuwait Times invites readers to voice “President Obama’s legacy on Guantanamo isn’t just The men arrived in orange jumpsuits, shackled and ligerent poses a continuing significant threat to the securi- their opinions. Please send submissions via about those he transfers, it’s also about those he leaves blindfolded - and sometimes were trundled around the ty of the United States,” he told lawmakers last week. But email to: [email protected] or via snail behind,” Elizabeth Beavers, a senior campaigner with outdoor prison camp on gurneys that looked like giant how many new inmates will actually end up in mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. The editor Amnesty International USA, told AFP. “There is a risk that wheelbarrows. Some had been kidnapped by foes in Guantanamo is tough to predict. Obama widely expanded reserves the right to edit any submission as the prison could become permanent, with those remaining Afghanistan and sold to the Americans for a bounty, often the use of drones in counterterrorism operations and if US necessary. at risk of torture or other ill-treatment.” on the basis of slim or made-up evidence. The cages they agencies have solid intelligence on a terror suspect, they Of the 45 men still at Guantanamo, nine are cleared for were held in have long since been shut and modern, high- now tend to simply send a drone to kill him. — AFP THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 SPORTS

Berdych pulls out British sprinters seriously Kenya recalls Injera for of Davis Cup tie injured in Spain accident Wellington world series

LONDON: British sprinters James Ellington and Nigel Levine NAIROBI: Kenya has made five changes to their team for the third round of PRAGUE: Tomas Berdych became the latest player to pull out of Czech have been seriously injured in a road traffic accident in the HSBC sevens world series in Wellington with top try scorer Collins Injera Republic’s first-round Davis Cup tie in Australia on March 3-5, he announced Tenerife, British Athletics said yesterday. The incident, which rejoining the side. Injera, who holds the all-time record of 235 tries, was one after making it through to the third round of the Australian Open yes- occurred on Tuesday evening, left both in hospital with leg of two key players who were dropped for the two opening rounds in Dubai terday. The 31-year-old world number 10 beat Ryan Harrison to and Cape Town following a bonus payment dispute with the Kenya Rugby set up a third-round clash in Melbourne with Roger Federer and pelvic injuries. “Regretfully we can confirm that James Ellington and Nigel Levine have sustained injuries following Union (KRU) late last year. The dispute had a big impact on the team’s overall and said he needed some rest and wanted to focus on his preparation, but head coach Innocent Simiyu is happy the ATP season. Czech Davis Cup captain Jaroslav Navratil has a road accident in Tenerife on Tuesday evening,” a statement said. “Both athletes are receiving medical treatment and are team is back at full strength for the 16-team world series. already had to discount world number 86 Adam Pavlasek “We didn’t have enough build-up for the first two rounds over a wrist injury and 118th-ranked Lukas Rosol, coming conscious and stable. British Athletics medical staff are with the athletes and liaising with hospital staff over their treat- but we are happy the long break has given us enough back from an Achilles tendon injury. World number 53 Jiri time to train together as a team,” he said. “We are happy Vesely is expected to lead the Czech team, paired with ment.” An update on their conditions is expected later. Levine, who specialises in the 400m, competed at the to have Injera back in the squad. He has trained very 102nd-ranked veteran Radek Stepanek. Navratil is likely to hard and we hope his tries will help us consolidate our also call up 154th-ranked Jan Satral and 238th- London 2012 Olympics and was part of the British squad that won relay gold at the 2014 European Championships in position in the series.” Kenya, holders of the Singapore ranked Zdenek Kolar for their Davis Cup Sevens title, is currently placed tenth with 17 points Zurich. Ellington made the British team at last year’s Rio debut. “This is reality. I am still talking to after two rounds. South Africa head the standings Olympics where he finished fifth in his 100m heat. He also players who might go and I will announce on 41 points with England two points behind took part in the London Olympics where he was eliminated the team next week,” Navratil told the in second place. Defending champions Fiji Czech news agency CTK. —AFP in the 200m heats. — Reuters are third with 32 points. — AFP

The three winners of Red Bull CPD 2016. First place - Nissan Drifts to podium dominance in storming Red Bull season finale. Nissan drifts to podium dominance in storming Red Bull season finale

DUBAI: Nissan has once again demonstrat- recent Red Bull championship final were all tinued to set new standards in perform- in second and Tarek Al Shaihani achieving launched our NISMO models in the region ed its legendary motorsport prowess, with driving Nissans says all anyone needs to ance that has been bred at the world’s third in a formidable array of talent from and being part of the Red Bull Car Park the three podium finishers at the Red Bull know about how in tune we are, and have most demanding motorsport events and across the Middle East. Drift 2016. We would like to congratulate Car Park Drift Final 2016 all driving Nissan always been, with the unique demands of venues. all of the drivers who participated in this Silvia sports cars. competitors, from drifters to endurance At the Red Bull Car Park Drift Final 2016, EXCITING EVENT year’s event and we look forward to more “This company’s heritage when it comes racers and everything in between.” which concluded on 9 December, a trio of “We would like to congratulate Haitham excitement in 2017.” to motorsport is the envy of the world,” Nissan has been at the cutting edge of Omani competition drivers took the top Al Hadidy,” adds Fadi Ghosn, Chief Rear-wheel drive Nissan cars have says Samir Cherfan, Managing Director of world motorsport for eight decades, being three places, with Haitham Al Hadidy tak- Marketing Officer at Nissan Middle East,”for proved to be ideal for drifting competi- Nissan Middle East. “And as the motorsport involved at every level, from grass roots ing the crown as ‘King of Drift’. Just 18- taking the crown at Red Bull Car Park Drift tions and, in December 2014, Nissan scene continues to evolve, so do we. To be amateurs to Formula 1. The company’s years old, Al Hadidy’s performance was Final. At Nissan Middle East, motorsport is Middle East set a new Guinness World successful at drifting at this level, which is vehicles have proved ideal for use in many remarkable, especially as this was his first in our DNA and we are proud to be the Record for the longest twin vehicle drift. To absolutely top tier, a driver needs a car applications due to their intelligent design, time competing at a professional level. He partners of such an exciting event. This has achieve that feat, two Nissan 370Zs were that’s completely controllable. rugged engineering and inherent reliabili- scored 390 points to take first place, with been a particularly exciting year for Nissan drifted together on track, without stop- “That the three podium finishers in the ty, and Nissan’s own NISMO brand has con- previous champion, Ali Al Balushi coming in the high performance space, having ping, for a distance of 28.52 kilometres.

First place winner of Red Bull CPD 2016. Second place winner. Third place winner. Porte nabs Tour Europe announces changes to second stage with Ryder Cup qualifying system bold breakaway ABU DHABI: Europe’s team for the we’re going to have the 12 best well for three or four months coming ADELAIDE: Tasmanian Richie Porte buried his demons from 2018 Ryder Cup in France will have European players representing us in into it.” two years ago by demolishing his rivals and clinching the sec- an extra captain’s pick and is set to France,” European captain Thomas “I don’t think you can, at any time ond stage of the Tour Down Under in Adelaide yesterday. contain more in-form players follow- Bjorn said. It was felt by some that in sports, take away from guys that Porte, who made a costly tactical error on the same stage in ing a revamp of the qualifying sys- are in form.” While keen to have the 2015 that foiled his chances of winning the Tour, made a deci- tem in the wake of a big loss to the best players at his disposal, Bjorn also sive move with two kilometres (1.24 miles) remaining in a gru- United States last year. was wary of preserving the standing elling 148.5-kilometre stage through the Adelaide Hills. The aim is clear: To give captain of the European Tour in the face of Movistar’s Gorka Izaguirre went with the BMC Racing rider, Thomas Bjorn the best possible team competition from the lucrative PGA but the Spaniard did not have the legs to stay with Porte who to regain the cup. Jolted by Europe’s Tour. As a result, the rule that a player won the stage in three hours, 46 minutes and six seconds. 17-11 loss in Hazeltine, Europe must be a member of the European Porte, who has three times fallen short of winning the overall announced changes yesterday that Tour to be eligible for the Ryder Cup standings at the Tour, signalled his intentions by pulling away see the number of captain’s selec- was retained. That ruled out US- and Izaguirre was left to battle it out with Colombia’s Esteban tions increased from three to four, based Englishman Paul Casey from Chaves for the second spot. while more points will be earned at getting in the 2016 team, as he was Izaguirre won that duel in the end, finishing 16 seconds events in the latter stages of qualify- refusing to join the European Tour for behind Porte, with Chaves at his rear wheel as they crossed ing to ensure that in-form players family reasons. the line. Porte’s BMC team-mate and 2015 Tour Down Under have a better chance of making the Thomas Bjorn Also, from 2018 onward, players winner, Rohan Dennis, finished fourth. team. A third change to the qualifica- cannot be a future Ryder Cup captain The riders were spared the searing heat of the opening tion process will see no Ryder Cup Europe did not field its best team at or vice-captain if they decline mem- day, when the route was shortened due to the brutal condi- qualifying points on offer at tourna- Hazeltine because of restrictions with bership of the European Tour or fail tions and Caleb Ewan prevailed. ments staged on the PGA Tour in the the qualifying system. Alex Noren, for to fulfil the minimum obligation of It was a satisfying win for Porte, who finished fifth in last same weeks as the European Tour’s example, was the hottest player in playing at least four events on tour year’s Tour de France, but had not raced since breaking his newly introduced Rolex Series - a Europe in the second half of 2016 but each season. “I think we’ve got a shoulder in a crash at the Rio Olympics in August. group of eight events that will have his wins in July and September came good balance,” British Open champi- “I’ve got good climbing legs and I didn’t want to wait enhanced status and prize money. too late to get him in Darren Clarke’s on Henrik Stenson said of the around,” said Porte. “I have got a good gap on general classifi- The changes were approved late side. “From my own experience,” changes. cation. There’s some stressful days coming up, so we won’t be Tuesday at a meeting of the Bjorn said, “when you make all your On whether being European counting our chickens until they hatch.” It was Porte’s first win ADELAIDE: Australian cyclist Richie Porte from Team European Tour’s tournament commit- points in November and December should be enough to be eligible for since stage five at last year’s Tour Down Under. Germany’s BMC stands on the podium after winning the second tee in Abu Dhabi, where the Abu the year before, it can be quite the European team, Stenson added: “I Jasha Sutterlin was the first rider to break away and, at one, stage of the Tour Down Under cycling race from Stirling Dhabi HSBC Championship is being daunting to play in the Ryder Cup think the ask of being a member is point led by close to five minutes.— AFP to Paracombe yesterday. —AFP played this week. “I’m confident that when you haven’t played particularly not that hard.— AP THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 SPORTS Bekele sets 02:01:30 marathon career target

DUBAI: Triple Olympic track champion 5,000 metres, is making an attempt at told reporters he believes he can run expects a better time than in Berlin. ner who can break the world record this Kenenisa Bekele, the second-fastest the world record this Friday at the Dubai “around 2:01:30” before retiring. To run 2:01:30 Bekele said he would week on top of the 200,000 dollar first marathon runner in history, said yester- Marathon. He ran two hours, three min- The last time Bekele competed in the need to change his training programme. place prize money. Bekele, who is also day he can shave around 90 seconds off utes and three seconds when winning Dubai Marathon was in 2015 when an “The way you prepare yourself is very due to run the London Marathon in April , the current world record over the classic Berlin last September, six seconds out- injury forced him to pull out mid-race. different. You need nutrition groups and the Ethiopian told reporters he would put 26.2 mile distance before he retires. side Dennis Kimetto’s world record of “I am fully confident. My preparation facilities have to be perfect,” he said, his hand up for selection for the Tokyo Ethiopian Bekele, widely regarded as 2:02:57 set on the same course in 2014. is going well. I am healthy enough,” he adding that he had not changed his Olympics in 2020 if he was fit. Bekele was the greatest distance runner of all time The 34-year-old, who said he is eye- said on the sidelines of a press confer- preparations since Berlin. Dubai is offer- left out of the Ethiopian team for last and world record holder over 10,000 and ing “just the world record” this week, ence ahead of Friday’s race. He said he ing a bonus 250,000 dollars to any run- year’s Rio Games. — Reuters Rugby player suspended for ‘leak’ to brother

LONDON: Family members meeting up on Neither of the brothers played in the New Year’s Eve is routine and unlikely to match. Luke was an unused replacement rouse suspicions - unless you are brothers and Tom was not included in Sale’s match- on rival sports teams playing the next day. day squad. Sale Sharks, a northern English rugby Bristol thinks the investigation is pre- team, said Tuesday it had suspended posterous. “Tom Arscott and Luke Arscott winger Tom Arscott after accusing him of met on New Year’s Eve at the team hotel, leaking information to the opposition. That which is not unusual, for family living in dif- team, Bristol, featured Tom’s brother Luke ferent parts of the country to meet up,” in the squad on New Year’s Day and beat Bristol head coach Mark Tainton said. Sale 24-23 in the Premiership. “We’re more than happy for them to Tom Arscott used to play alongside Luke meet up beforehand and have a conversa- at Bristol until 2010 and Sale is suggesting tion.” Unlike brother Tom, Luke Arscott con- he had split loyalties, making a complaint tinues to have the backing of his team. to the Rugby Football Union. “Following the conversation between the “If you do your own analysis, you proba- brothers, nothing was said or passed to the bly don’t need the information, because Bristol coaches of any sporting value, nor teams do the same most weeks,” Sale direc- did it change the strategy in which we tor of rugby Steve Diamond said. “But in approached the game in any way, shape or the same breath, I think there’s an element form,” Tainton said. of trust you need, and loyalty.” “As a club, we are entirely confident we When signing a sports contract, have not acted in a way that is against the Diamond stressed that “information is spirit and values of rugby. We are disap- sacrosanct to the team’s performance and pointed in how this episode has been han- that can’t be discussed, certainly with dled so publicly, especially considering opposition teams.” there has been no contact from Sale Sharks Even during small talk with the family. to date.” — AP

Scotland coach Cotter names squad for final campaign

EDINBURGH: Vern Cotter is hoping selectors feared losing Townsend to a for- Scotland can give him a memorable final eign club, after the former international COLUMBUS: Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho, center, of Finland, scores between Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, Six Nations campaign before the New built up a good reputation in charge of left, of Russia, and defenseman David Savard during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Tuesday. —AP Zealander coach steps aside for home- Glasgow Warriors. Cotter, who will take grown talent Gregor Townsend. Cotter, charge of Top 14 outfit Montpellier next who has turned Scotland round both in term, has recalled centre Matt Scott, who Dubinsky scores twice as terms of morale and performance levels has won his place back after being left out from the demoralised unit he took over in of last November Tests with 12 tries in 18 2014, named a 37-man squad for the tour- appearances for his English club Gloucester nament which kicks off with a daunting this season. Blue Jackets beat Canes home match with Ireland at Murrayfield on Scott is no rookie with 36 caps to his February 4. name but Cotter has named an uncapped Scrum-half and points kicker Greig scrummaging duo in New Zealand-born COLUMBUS: Brandon Dubinsky ended a 17- Riemsdyk also scored. Kyle Okposo, Evander goalie Pekka Rinne and in with 7:32 left for his Laidlaw-who is heading to 54-year-old prop Simon Berghan, 26, and 25-year-old game scoring drought with two goals while Kane and William Carrier each scored for Buffalo. 10th goal of the season and first in nine games. Cotter’s old club Top 14 giants Clermont backrow forward Cornell du Preez, who Boone Jenner had a goal and an assist as the Robin Lehner and Anders Nilsson allowed four The shutout was the second of the season for next season-retains the captaincy and will was born in South Africa. Berghan, who Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Carolina goals combined on 32 shots. Miller and the 38th of his career. Vancouver continue his half-back partnership with fly- joined Edinburgh in 2013, is eligible to rep- Hurricanes 4-1 on Tuesday night. Lukas Sedlak snapped a four-game losing streak that included half Finn Russell. “We now prepare to enter resent Scotland through his grandfather also scored for Columbus while Ryan Murray and the Six Nations and face our first opposi- whilst du Preez became eligible to repre- Cam Atkinson had a pair of assists each. All-Star NHL results/standings tion, Ireland, at home next month who are sent Scotland last year after completing Sergei Bobrovsky returned after missing the past now ranked highly in the world, and three years of residency in the country. three games because of illness and made 24 deservedly so, after wins over New “It’s a well-balanced and exciting group saves. The Blue Jackets got their third win in sev- NY Rangers 3, New Jersey 2 (SO); Chicago 4, San Jose 1; Ottawa 6, NY Islanders 2; Columbus 4, Vancouver 3 (OT); Winnipeg 4, Colorado 1; Boston 1, Los Angeles 0. Zealand, Australia and South Africa, so it’s a that have played a lot of rugby together, en games since ending a 16-game winning tough start,” said Cotter. know each other well and are ambitious to streak and pulled even with Washington atop Western Conference Ottawa 18 11 3 82 85 39 “I think the addition of bonus-points will do well in a Scotland jersey,” said Cotter. the unforgiving Metropolitan Division. Sebastian Central Division Boston 17 13 3 78 79 37 Aho scored for the Hurricanes, who ended a probably open up the games a little more “I think if we get our mind-set right we WLOTLGFGAPTS Tampa Bay 15 14 3 91 91 33 and I think that’s a good thing. I think we’ll can be competitive and push for wins in four-game winning streak. Cam Ward was pulled Chicago 22 8 4 98 80 48 Florida 14 13 5 77 87 33 see a little more play and perhaps a few every game in this campaign. “When you after allowing four goals on 19 shots, and Alex Minnesota 18 8 4 89 60 40 Detroit 14 14 4 78 89 32 more risks in the game, which is exciting.” look down the list of names from Greig Nedeljkovic stopped all 17 shots in his first NHL St. Louis 17 11 4 91 93 38 Despite his positive impact, Cotter’s con- Laidlaw as captain, a solid looking group appearance. Winnipeg 15 16 3 90 100 33 Toronto 12 11 7 85 91 31 Dallas 13 14 6 84 101 32 tract was not renewed principally because that’s been together for a while.” — AFP Buffalo 12 11 7 66 7931 STARS 7, RANGERS 6 Nashville 13 12 5 87 88 31 Metropolitan Division Colorado 11 18 1 65 97 23 NY Rangers 23 10 1 113 75 47 Patrick Sharp scored twice while Jamie Benn Pacific Division and Patrick Eaves had a goal and two assists each San Jose 19 12 1 80 72 39 Pittsburgh 20 7 5 109 90 45 as Dallas held on for a wild victory over New York. Anaheim 16 11 5 91 90 37 Columbus 20 5 4 98 61 44 Cody Eakin had a goal and an assist while Edmonton 16 12 5 97 90 37 Washington 19 8 3 81 66 41 Antoine Roussel and Adam Cracknell also scored Los Angeles 16 13 2 79 78 34 Philadelphia 19 11 3 106 100 41 Calgary 16 15 2 85 96 34 as the Stars won for the third time in nine games. Carolina 13 11 7 82 87 33 Radek Faksa and Lauri Korpikoski each had two Vancouver 13 16 3 80 100 29 Arizona 11 15 5 70 97 27 New Jersey 12 12 7 74 93 31 assists. Derek Stepan had two goals and an assist NY Islanders 11 14 6 81 99 28 while Mika Zibanejad also scored twice and Pavel Eastern Conference Atlantic Division Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the Buchnevich had a goal and two assists for the Montreal 20 7 4 96 69 44 Rangers. Chris Kreider had a goal and an assist standings and are not included in the loss column (L) while Mats Zuccarello had three assists and Rick Nash had two helpers. Antti Niemi made 22 saves FLAMES 5, PANTHERS 2 three straight defeats where the Canucks earned on 28 shots for Dallas before being replaced in Mikael Backlund scored twice in a 13-second a point (0-1-3). The victory was Miller’s 353rd, the third period by Kari Lehtonen, who finished span in the second period to break a 2-all tie as moving him into a tie with Evgeni Nabokov for with 12 saves. Calgary beat Florida. Backlund also had an assist 20th on the career list. — AP for his fourth three-point effort in the last 17 DEVILS 4, WILD 3 games. Mark Giordano had a goal and two Beau Bennett scored with 2:17 remaining to assists, and Kris Versteeg and Sean Monahan lift New Jersey over Minnesota in an unexpected also scored. Vincent Trocheck had both goals for victory. Pavel Zacha, Adam Henrique and Kyle Florida to continue his red-hot scoring. The Palmieri also scored for New Jersey, which went Panthers leading scorer has nine points (five 3-0 on its four-game road trip. Cory Schneider goals, four assists) during a five-game point made 32 saves. Jared Spurgeon, Jason Zucker streak. EDINBURGH: In this Sunday, March 13, 2016 file photo, France’s head coach Guy and Erik Haula scored for Minnesota, which had Noves looks on ahead of their Six Nations rugby union international match at won 17 of its previous 20 games. Devan Dubnyk SENATORS 6, BLUES 4 Murrayfield stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland. France coach Guy Noves has selected four stopped 22 shots for the Wild. Bennett scored his Mike Hoffman and Mark Stone each scored uncapped players and recalled center Yann David for his Six Nations squad ahead of third of the season and first in eight games after twice to lead Ottawa over St. Louis. Jean-Gabriel the opening game away to defending champion and Grand Slam winner England on Blake Coleman sent a centering pass to him after Pageau and Bobby Ryan also scored for the Feb. 4. Lock Arthur Iturria, prop Mohamed Boughanmi, backrower Fabien Sanconnie falling down in the corner. Senators, who won their fourth straight at and fullback Geoffrey Palis are the newcomers.— AP Scottrade Center for the first time in team histo- BLACKHAWKS 6, AVALANCHE 4 ry. Mike Condon made 19 saves. Paul Stastny, Vinnie Hinostroza scored twice in the third Kevin Shattenkirk, Alexander Steen and Patrik period, including the go-ahead goal with 11:49 Berglund scored for the Blues, who had their Thomson in late surge to catch remaining, as Chicago rallied for a win over two-game winning streak snapped. Carter Colorado. Tanner Kero had two goals and Nick Hutton made 18 saves. Vendee Globe leader Le Cleac’h Schmaltz and Brent Seabrook also scored for Chicago, which snapped a two-game losing DUCKS 2, LIGHTNING 1, OT LES SABLES D’OLONNE: Briton Alex “He’s always pushed through the prob- streak. The Blackhawks switched around their Rickard Rakell scored a power-play goal off a Thomson made a late surge to catch race lems, he’s so determined. I believe one hun- line combinations, breaking up the Jonathan faceoff 54 seconds into overtime as Anaheim leader Armel Le Cleac’h of France yesterday dred per cent he can win this race. He can Toews Marian Hossa tandem in an effort to spark beat Tampa Bay for its seventh win in nine as both sailors edged close to the finish of pull it out of the bag, it’s amazing the the offense. It certainly worked with Hinostroza, games. Rakell ripped a vicious shot past Ben the solo round-the-world Vendee Globe things he’s done in his life where he has Kero and Hossa combining for eight points. Bishop for the 19th goal of his standout season race. About 100,000 fans are expected to come out on top. I have no doubt he could Hossa had three assists. Matt Duchene had two for the first-place Ducks, who earned a point for greet them today after more than 73 days win this race.” goals and Blake Comeau and Matt Nieto also the 12th time in 13 games. Captain Ryan Getzlaf of racing. Thomson is 34.75 nautical miles Dino Dimeo, author of “Vendee Globe, scored for the last-place Avalanche. also scored his first goal at Honda Center this behind Le Cleac’h, who is hoping to win the Adventurers of the Great South”, season and John Gibson made 27 saves. Valtteri the event for the first time after two sec- believes Thomson is facing an almost MAPLE LEAFS 4, SABRES 3 Filppula scored and Bishop made 19 saves for ond-place finishes in the last two races in impossible task. “Le Cleac’h should pull it Auston Matthews, Leo Komarov and Matt the Lightning, who followed up a 2-1 win at Los 2009 and 2013. off but Thomson is taking all the risks,” he Martin each scored in a nine-minute span in the Angeles on Monday with another strong defen- Le Cleac’h, aboard Banque Populaire, is told Reuters. second period as Toronto rallied to beat Buffalo sive game. on course to cross the finish line around “Of course he could change tack before for its 10th win in 13 games. Toronto came back 1700 GMT on Thursday, about three hours Le Cleac’h but he would then finish after trailing 2-0 through 20 minutes, getting its CANUCKS 1, PREDATORS 0 NEW YORK: Mats Zuccarello #36 of the New ahead of Thomson’s Hugo Boss, but a late upwind. Le Cleac’h must be very tense as first victory this season when behind after one Henrik Sedin scored in the third period for his York Rangers and Cody Eakin #20 of the upset is still possible. the closer you get to land there will be period. It wasn’t all rosy for the Leafs, though. Top 999th NHL point while Ryan Miller made 30 Dallas Stars get tangled up during the first “I’m so excited but so stressed, my heart many fishing boats, ferries on the way but defenseman Morgan Rielly left after the first peri- saves as Vancouver beat Nashville. With the period at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday is racing. I’m getting very emotional,” Sarah he knows this area by heart and he’s not od with a lower-body injury. Frederik Andersen teams playing a tight, close-checking game, in New York City. —AFP Thomson, Alex’s twin sister, told Reuters. one to make mistakes.—Reuters made 24 saves for Toronto and James van Sedin fired the rebound of Luca Sbisa’s shot off THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 SPORTS

Neck injury forces Australia’s Lynn out of ODI series

ADELAIDE: Australia batsman Chris debut in the first game of the series Pakistan. “He’ll have a couple of weeks of Hadlee one-day series. Lehmann added batters at the top so he’ll get his Lynn has been told to rest for several against Pakistan before being released no cricket ... he’s got to calm down the that Peter Handscomb, who has chance there. “It’s bad luck for Chris weeks due to a persistent neck injury to visit a specialist in Brisbane on neck because it’s quite aggravated. impressed as a test batsman since mak- Lynn ... the number four spot is there and was ruled out of the squad for the Tuesday, where he was advised to rest “He’ll start his rehab now and he ing his debut in November, would make and Peter has done a really good job in rest of their one-day series against for several weeks, Australia coach Darren won’t be doing too much strenuous his ODI debut against Pakistan today. the test matches so he gets a crack at Pakistan and the Chappell-Hadlee series Lehmann said. stuff before he hopefully gets back for “He’s done really well so this is a good it.” Rookie pace bowler Billy Stanlake against New Zealand. “He’s been playing through a lot of the Sri Lankan series.” reward for a good summer,” Lehmann will also replace Mitchell Starc for the The 26-year-old has been troubled by pain even during the (Big Bash) and he’s Australia host Sri Lanka for three said of Handscomb, who has scored two game at the WACA, with the series a bulging disc in his neck for some time got to the stage where he can’t function Twenty20 internationals in late February centuries and two half centuries in his locked at 1-1 after Pakistan won the and was using medication to control the anymore,” Lehmann told reporters in after travelling to New Zealand for the seven test innings. second game in Melbourne on Sunday pain. He made his one-day international Perth ahead of their third ODI against three return matches in the Chappell- “Obviously we want four quality by six wickets. —Reuters

Mushfiqur Bangladesh blow, N Zealand eye rankings rise

CHRISTCHURCH: Bangladesh captain “It is not just because the batsman was Mushfiqur Rahim is unlikely to play in the carted off to hospital. It has been concern- second Test against New Zealand in ing me for some time,” Lees told the New Christchurch tomorroa, denting the Zealand Herald. tourists’ hopes of avoiding defeat in the “The umpires are a wee bit lenient. The two-Test series. New Zealand will overtake guy at square leg has to be more switched Pakistan and move to fifth in the world Test on. It is sort of getting out of control.” team rankings should they complete a 2-0 Cairns, who suffered a fractured skull Test sweep following their dramatic victory when felled by Pakistan quick bowler earlier this week in Wellington’s first Test. Wasim Akram in 1985, said short-pitched Mushfiqur was concussed after being hit deliveries were part of a bowler’s armoury. on the head by a short-pitched delivery “When you think about... the number of and rushed to hospital yesterday, but deaths caused by this delivery, Hughes’ Bangladesh officials said Wednesday it was tragic ending is the only one I’ve ever heard a hairline thumb fracture that would keep of,” he told Fairfax Media. him sidelined. “Do you hear people wanting to ban the “His finger injury is worse,” team physio- use of cars, motorbikes, bikes because of therapist Dean Conway told reporters. “The fatalities? No you don’t. But lessons must hairline crack that has been found is new. be learnt from these tragedies, and this is He will need to give more time for this why they’ve got tougher on the design of injury.” There was no confirmation that the helmet.” Mushfiqur would sit out, but he has been While Bangladesh posted several bat- advised by doctors not to rush back after ting records in the first Test, including the being hit on the back of the helmet by a unwelcome title of scoring the highest first Tim Southee bouncer. innings total of 595 in a losing effort, they Conway said that the Bangladesh skip- have had little success in their first overseas per “may need three to four weeks to tour in more than two years. return.” His injury, which came with memo- Captain Kane Williamson guided the ries still fresh of Australian Phil Hughes side home in Wellington with an undefeat- being killed in Sydney just over two years ed 104. His 15th century put him one ago, has again put the spotlight on the use behind Ross Taylor who in turn is one of the short-pitched delivery as a fast-bowl- behind the New Zealand record of 17 held ing tactic. by the late Martin Crowe. Coach Mike Hesson said the race BOUNCER FEARS between Williamson and Taylor to overtake Opinion is divided with two former New Crowe can only be good for New Zealand. Zealand internationals, Warren Lees and “I hope they not only go past (Crowe’s) Lance Cairns, joining the debate yesterday record but they keep going toe-for-toe for on opposite sides. a while.” he said. ROUEN: Saudi Arabia’s pivot Mahdi Alsalem (C) passes the ball during the 25th IHF Men’s World Championship 2017 Group C handball match Former wicketkeeper Lees said the use New Zealand swept Bangladesh 3-0 in Saudi Arabia vs Hungary yesterday at the Kindarena in Rouen. — AFP of the bouncer had gone too far and both the preceding one-day and Twenty20 umpires needed to get tough. series. —AFP Germany, Qatar surge Packers-Falcons NFC matchup expected to produce big offense into last 16 at Worlds FLOWERY BRANCH: The high-scoring at the film and go over it and make sure we offenses of the Atlanta Falcons and Green prevent as much as we can of those guys PARIS: Germany and Qatar battled into the higher quality against Belarus tomorrow.” already through to the last 16 so the battle in Bay Packers appear poised to provide a giving up explosive plays.” knock-out round of the World Handball Qatar stunned Group D rivals Argentina in the western city of Nantes was for top spot in memorable send-off for the Georgia Dome The Falcons advanced with a 36-20 divi- Championships with pool-phase wins over Paris in a low-scoring affair and the Qataris Group A. Adrien Dipanda and Kentin Mahe in Sunday’s NFC championship game. sional playoff win over Seattle last week. Saudi Arabia 38-24 and Argentina 21-17 can thank their goalkeeper Danijel Saric for starred for the the French, who have won The Falcons led the NFL in scoring. Even Green Bay’s offense also rolled in a 34-31 so, they know it won’t be easy to keep up win over Dallas. respectively on Tuesday as holders France his 14 saves. three of the last four world titles, scoring 15 with the scoring pace set by quarterback Despite the unimpressive season totals, beat Russia 35-24 to take pole position in It means neither regional rivals Bahrain goals between them, ensuring the top spot Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Atlanta allowed fewer than 20 points in their group. nor the Argentines can catch them in the which gives the titleholders a more “It’s obvious they’ve got a stud at quar- four of its last six regular-season games. But For European champions Germany it was standings. Tunisia could have secured a last- favourable path to the semi-finals. terback,” Falcons left tackle Jake Matthews none of those games were against Rodgers. a third win from three games in Group C and 16 spot too in Group B but for a late collapse “We’ve shown that we were very strong said Tuesday. “We’ve played a lot of great The Falcons have faced Russell Wilson, they even partially rested their star winger after they let slip a 28-23 lead in the last five on both sides of the court tonight, against a teams with great players at quarterback... Cam Newton and Drew Brees in their past Uwe Gensheimer, who nevertheless racked minutes as Slovenia fought back to force a Russian team that was to be taken very seri- Whatever it takes, we just have to put up as three games. Asked who compares with up four goals in 30 minutes in Rouen and thrilling 28-28 draw. That means Macedonia ously,” said France’s Nedim Remili. many points as we need to.” Rodgers, Falcons linebacker De’Vondre oversaw a first half where the result was are also through to the next round without “Now that the first spot’s secured, we’re Matthews said the weekly message from Campbell had a quick answer. “Nobody. It’s wrapped up with the score 21-13 at the throwing a further ball, while Tunisia have going to stay as focused as possible in order offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is “I just that simple,” Campbell said. “The things break. “It was difficult to keep the concentra- been overtaken by Iceland, who beat Angola not to lose the confidence we’ve gathered.” don’t know if we’re going to have to win 6- that he can do, it’s just amazing to see. tion high in this game, but this was quite 33-19, with one more group game to play. Also in Group A, Norway beat Brazil 39-26 3 or 40-37.” There’s no one I can compare him to.” normal after we had a similar match against In Group B top spot will be played thanks to seven goals from Sander Sagosen, Of those alternatives, 40-37 appears to The Falcons are led by MVP candidate Chile,” said Germany coach Dagur between Spain and Slovenia today. The four with both teams already through to the be the more likely target, in part because Matt Ryan, the All-Pro who ranked second Sigurdsson. top teams out of six in each group advance knock-out round. Poland edged Japan 26-25 the Atlanta and Green Bay defenses don’t in the NFL in yards passing and TD passes. “Now we have to step up and show a to the next round. France and Russia are with both teams already eliminated. — AFP dominate the statistics like their offensive Atlanta’s offense featured depth, as Ryan counterparts. The game will be the Falcons’ threw scoring passes to a record 13 players farewell to the Georgia Dome, which will during the season, and balance with run- be demolished in the offseason. The ning back Devonta Freeman and Tevin Falcons will move into the $1.5 billion Coleman. Handscomb to make ODI Mercedes-Benz Stadium next season. Atlanta’s offense provides nice support The Falcons and Packers finished the for its defense, but cornerback Jalen Collins regular season ranked 28th and 31st, insisted Tuesday he doesn’t want to have to respectively, in pass defense. The Falcons rely on that strength. debut against Pakistan allowed 25.4 points per game to rank 27th, “You don’t go in the game thinking only a few spots below the Packers (24.2) at you’re going to give up hundreds of yards 21st. Atlanta led the NFL with 33.8 points and a bunch of points,” Collins said. “We’re per game. looking forward to trying to limit the points SYDNEY: Middle-order batsman Green Bay linebacker Nick Perry said the as best we can and give our offense an Peter Handscomb will make his goal will be to prevent big plays. opportunity to put points on the board.” limited overs debut for Australia “They are very explosive,” Perry said. Falcons cornerback Robert Alford said against Pakistan in the third one- “When we look at the film, we have to expectations for a high-scoring game gives day international in Perth today. make sure we don’t give up those explosive the defense reason “to have a chip on our Handscomb replaces the plays. Everything lives off that. They are shoulders.” Added Alford: “We’re all going injured Mitchell Marsh after a good at what they do. We are going to look to have something to prove. I love it.” — AP highly successful introduction to Test cricket in which the 25-year- old scored two centuries and two fifties in his first four appearances in the recent series against South Africa and Pakistan. “He’s done really well, he’s been outstanding. So good reward for a good summer,” Australian coach Darren Lehmann told reporters yyester- day. “Obviously we want four quality batters going at the top so he’ll get his chance there. “He played a one-day style innings for us in the Sydney Test, so he’s got all the shots and he’s quite innovative,” Lehmann said. Fast bowler Billy Stanlake comes in for Mitchell Starc, who is being rested. Chris Lynn, who missed Sunday’s loss because of a neck injury, will be out for the remain- der of the five-match series which is tied at 1-1, Lehman said. Australia: Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Travis Head, GREEN BAY: In this Dec. 8, 2014, file photo, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) talks to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers after an NFL football game in Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade, Green Bay, Wis. The Packers and Falcons play in the NFC Championship on Sunday, James Faulkner, Pat Cummins, Josh Jan. 22, 2017, in Atlanta. — AP Hazlewood, Billy Stanlake. —AFP Peter Handscomb THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 SPORTS Pricey foreign players wear out China welcome

SHANGHAI: China is cracking down on FOREIGN INVASION highest-earning footballer in the world- more than three per match for the com- to be broadly supportive of the new the use of pricey foreign players by its Hoping to fan interest in Chinese foot- even more than compatriot Lionel ing 2017 season, which starts in March. curbs, with hopes that more money will domestic league teams just as sides are ball-and in some cases please Xi top Messi and Portugal star Cristiano flow into developing the skill level of gearing up for the coming season. Here’s teams sought to outdo each other with Ronaldo. STEMMING THE FLOW Chinese players. China’s national team is how it happened: foreign player signings, especially in the Since the sports ministry’s edict, only currently ranked a lowly 81st in the past few years. THE CRACKDOWN one major foreign signing has taken world, just behind Saint Kitts and Nevis GETTING THE BALL ROLLING Last month Chelsea’s Brazilian mid- Facing slowing economic growth, place: Tianjin TEDA snagged Chelsea’s with its population of around 50,000 The Chinese domestic league had fielder Oscar confirmed a record-break- China’s government had already been Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel for people compared with China’s 1.3 billion. been steadily growing by the time ing move to Shanghai SIPG worth a trying to stem capital flight and what it about 8.5 million euros, according to Sports industry insiders, meanwhile, President Xi Jinping took office in 2012 reported 60 million euros (around $63 describes as reckless spending and, in transfermarketweb.com. Shu Yuhui, the have said the astronomical sums had and increasing attention was paid to past million) — the fifth time in a year the that context, the stunning transfer price chairman of Super League side Tianjin become divorced from business sense comments he had made declaring his Asian football transfer record was bro- tags were practically inviting a crack- Quanjian, told state media this week the and needed to be reined in. vision of China becoming a football ken. Brazilians Hulk and Alex Teixeira, down. On January 6, the sports ministry clampdown had scuppered his team’s But some fans have complained the superpower. The focus on his remarks is Argentina’s Carlos Tevez and others warned it would take action against plans to buy Chelsea’s Spanish striker official heavy-handedness will prevent widely cited as encouraging lavish have also been lured to China for eye- teams that shell out “irrational” sums. Diego Costa and a host of other Europe- domestic footballers learning from top spending on foreign talent by the big watering sums. Tevez, for example, is This week the Chinese Football based stars. foreign talent and forcing fans to endure businesses that own Chinese Super headed to Shanghai Shenhua for a Association went a step further, cutting boring play as they await the emergence League teams as well as ramped-up reported 38 million euros per season, the number of foreign players that top- MIXED REACTIONS of the hoped-for Chinese football “super- investment in grassroots development. which would make the 32-year-old the flight teams could field from four to no The Chinese public and fans appear power”. —AFP Trouble in paradise, Guam players threaten strike

TOKYO: Guam’s footballers could go on Cunliffe said no formal offer materialised strike after the palm-fringed Pacific island before the January 9 deadline to withdraw voted to withdraw its national side from from the Asian Cup qualifiers. the final round of Asian Cup qualifiers. The Guam Football Association have ‘LOOKING FOR EXCUSES’ blamed the bombshell decision made late “They were basically looking for every last month on “financial constraints” but excuse for why it couldn’t work,” said long-serving captain Jason Cunliffe Cunliffe, still clinging to the hope of a dra- slammed the move, telling AFP the players matic late reversal before the January 23 may respond by downing tools. draw. “Having your national team play in “Absolutely we are considering not play- the region’s biggest tournament should be ing,” the 33-year-old forward said in a tele- what you strive for, not pulling out the one phone interview. time you actually have the chance to quali- “Obviously with the blatant disrespect fy.” Lai was not immediately available for that they’ve shown us, that’s definitely comment. However, in a press release he something we’re considering. “It’s a joke, it claimed Guam could not afford the esti- came completely out of the blue,” added mated $1.2 million it would cost to com- Cunliffe, the tiny nation’s record goalscorer. pete in the Asian Cup qualifiers and would “The players are devastated. People who focus on investing in youth and grassroots know nothing about the game are making football. Cunliffe fumed: “Youth develop- the big decisions for Guam football.” ment and investing in your full national Once the whipping boys of Asian foot- team, which is the pinnacle of international ball, the tiny honeymoon island struck a football, shouldn’t be mutually exclusive.” blow for the underdog by reaching the Several senior Guam players now look final round of Asian Cup qualifiers last year. set to be denied the opportunity of playing More famous for its sun-kissed beaches in another major tournament. and coral reefs, Guam’s giant-killing antics “We went out and asked guys like A.J. under their former English coach Gary (DeLaGarza) to take a chance and help us White saw them finish fourth in their group grow the game in Guam,” said Cunliffe. in the second round of Asia’s World Cup “Then you literally pull the rug out from qualifiers. Guam, with a population of just under them, guys who gave up any chance 170,000 and ranked 182nd in the world, of playing for the United States,” he added. consistently punched above their weight, “He’s 29 and you’re telling him the next big beating Turkmenistan and India, a country tournament you could qualify for would be of 1.2 billion. the 2022 World Cup-I’m embarrassed.” MIAMI: Miami Heat forward James Johnson, left, drives past Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza during the first half of an NBA basketball Cunliffe revealed that senior players had Cunliffe admits his stance could spell the game, Tuesday, in Miami. — AP approached former United States forward end of his international career. Landon Donovan about coaching the team “I would not be surprised,” he said. “But to help generate extra sponsorship rev- I’ll bite that bullet. If I don’t speak up then it enue. But despite meeting Guam football won’t change-even if it takes us going on Miami beat Rockets, chief Richard Lai for emergency talks, strike.” —AFP Senegal have last Raptors stun Nets

eight place in sight MIAMI: Goran Dragic had 21 points and eight NUGGETS 127, LAKERS 121 1:40, sending Los Angeles to its fifth consecu- assists while Wayne Ellington scored 18 off the Nikola Jokic had 29 points and 15 rebounds tive defeat. Will Barton added 26 points and FRANCEVILLE: Sadio Mane-inspired Senegal have produced victories and Senegal were the bench as the Miami Heat overcame another triple- as Denver withstood a furious late rally by Los eight assists to help the Nuggets win their will become the first qualifiers for the 2017 only side to win by more than one goal. double from James Harden to beat the Houston Angeles. Denver led by 19 late in the third third straight. Kenneth Faried had 20 points Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals if they However, Mane acknowledged that Tunisia Rockets 109-103 on Tuesday night. Dion Waiters quarter only to see the Lakers close to 120-119 and seven rebounds. Lou Williams scored 24 defeat upstarts Zimbabwe in Franceville were wasteful and had a shot that possibly scored 17 and Tyler Johnson had 16 while James with under two minutes to play. Wilson points and Nick Young had 22 for the strug- today. Senegal enter the match with three crossed the goal-line ruled out by the referee. Johnson added 15 for the Heat. Hassan Whiteside Chandler responded with a dunk for the gling Lakers, who have won just five of their points, Algeria and Zimbabwe have one each “We made a great start,” said the star who fin- finished with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Harden Nuggets and scored five points in the final last 26 games. —AP and Tunisia none. The northern African neigh- ished third behind winner Riyad Mahrez of had 40 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for the bours meet in the first match of a double- Algeria and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Rockets (32-12), his 13th triple-double of the sea- header in southeastern Gabon. Gabon in the 2016 African Footballer of the son. He shot 12 for 30 from the field and got his NBA results/standings Qualifying with a game to spare would Year poll. “But we have won nothing yet. The triple-double with an assist to Montrezl Harrell make a welcome change for the Teranga Lions history of this competition is littered with with 12.6 seconds left, an uncontested dunk with Dallas 99, Chicago 98; Toronto 119, Brooklyn 109; Miami 109, Houston 103. after two disastrous recent Cup of Nations teams who achieved great results at the start the Heat simply waiting for the clock to run out. Eastern Conference Western Conference campaigns. Ranked among the favourites only to be eliminated long before the final. An 8-0 run midway through the fourth quarter put Atlantic Division Northwest Division when Gabon co-hosted the 2012 tournament, “It is crucial that we take this tournament Miami up for good in a game that was back-and- W L PCT GB Utah 27 16 .628 - Senegal fell to Zambia, co-hosts Equatorial one match at a time. Right now our focus is forth for 42 minutes. Toronto 28 13 .683 - Oklahoma City 25 18 .581 2 Guinea and Libya and made a humiliating ear- solely on Zimbabwe, who are a good team.” Boston 26 15 .634 2 Denver 17 23 .425 8.5 ly exit. Three years later they returned to Considered lightweights before the group RAPTORS 119, NETS 109 NY Knicks 18 24 .429 10.5 Portland 18 25 .419 9 Equatorial Guinea and after beating Ghana, kicked off because of their lowly 30th ranking DeMar DeRozan had 36 points and 11 Philadelphia 13 26 .333 14 Minnesota 14 28 .333 12.5 Brooklyn 8 33 .195 20 rebounds while Cory Joseph scored a career- Pacific Division drew with South Africa and lost to Algeria to in Africa and rare Cup of Nations appearances, Central Division Golden State 35 6 .854 - once again bow out after the first round. Zimbabwe surprisingly held Algeria 2-2 in a high 33 as Toronto beat free-falling Brooklyn. Cleveland 29 11 .725 - Coach and former national team star Aliou thriller. It could have been even better for the Toronto won its fourth straight game and Indiana 21 19 .525 8 LA Clippers 29 14 .674 7 Cisse is convinced Senegal will not commit Warriors as they rallied from conceding an extended Brooklyn’s losing streak to 11 in a row. Milwaukee 20 20 .500 9 Sacramento 16 24 .400 18.5 the same mistakes this time. early goal to take a lead they held for 53 min- The Nets have not won since Dec. 26. Terrence Chicago 21 22 .488 9.5 LA Lakers 15 31 .326 22.5 utes until Mahrez salvaged a point with his Ross added 15 points for the Raptors, who Detroit 19 24 .442 11.5 Phoenix 13 28 .317 22 THRILLER second goal. For coach Callisto Pasuwa, one of opened the game with an 11-0 run but fell Southeast Division Southwest Division “Perhaps we were overconfident in previ- four locals among the 16 coaches at the Cup behind after the first quarter. Brook Lopez had Atlanta 24 17 .585 - San Antonio 32 9 .780 - ous campaigns and believed the media hype of Nations, the result vindicated his long-held 28 points for the Nets. Washington 21 19 .525 2.5 Houston 32 12 .727 1.5 Charlotte 20 21 .488 4 Memphis 25 18 .581 8 about being among the favourites,” he told belief that Zimbabwean footballers can match Orlando 17 26 .395 8 reporters in this remote city. “I believe there is the best in Africa. MAVERICKS 99, BULLS 98 New Orleans 16 26 .381 16.5 Miami 12 30 .286 12.5 Dallas 14 27 .341 18 more humility within the squad now-a realisa- “I hope that by holding an Algerian team Wesley Matthews made a go-ahead 3-pointer tion that we are just one of many contenders containing Mahrez and several other stars, we from the wing with 12 seconds left as Dallas to become African champions. “We are good can get rid of an inferiority complex we some- beat Chicago for its first three-game winning enough to go all the way and bring the trophy times possess,” he told reporters. streak of the season. Six players scored in double to Senegal for the first time, but many difficult A concern for Pasuwa is the fitness of star figures for the Mavericks, including all five matches lie ahead.” Beating Tunisia 2-0 last Belgium-based striker Knowledge Musona, starters. Harrison Barnes had 20 points, Seth Xabi Alonso to Sunday through goals from Liverpool attacker who retired injured early against Algeria. Curry added 18 and Dirk Nowitzki finished with Mane and Kara Mbodj within the first 30 min- Should Senegal defeat Zimbabwe, 2004 10 points and 10 rebounds. Dallas trailed 98-96 utes was a promising start for Cisse and his champions Tunisia will be eliminated if they after Jimmy Butler made a long jumper over squad. Only three of the eight first-round lose to Algeria, who have also won the com- Matthews with 23 seconds left but Mavericks retire in June matches played so far across the four groups petition once. —AFP coach Rick Carlisle decided against a timeout and Deron Williams drove into the lane before kicking out to Matthews for the 3. Chicago had BERLIN: Spanish World Cup winner and dou- country, including the 2010 World Cup and one last chance but Dwyane Wade missed a ble European champion Xabi Alonso is set to the 2008 and 2012 European champi- potential game-winning jumper from the corner retire at the end of the season when his onships with Spain, making 114 internation- on his 35th birthday as time expired. Butler fin- Bayern Munich contract expires, a report in al appearances. ished with 24 points, 12 assists and nine Germany said. Leaders Bayern kick off the He retired from international duty in rebounds for the Bulls, who had won two in a second half of the Bundesliga season at August 2014. He has won the Champions row. Robin Lopez scored 21, and Wade had 17 Freiburg on Friday in their bid for a fifth league twice with two different clubs. He on 8-for-21 shooting. straight German league title with the 35-year- started out at Real Sociedad and joined old Alonso poised to end his playing career in Liverpool in 2004 after being named Spanish SPURS 122, TIMBERWOLVES 114 June. It would mean the German giants player of the year in 2003. Kawhi Leonard had 34 points as San Antonio could lose significant experience for next sea- He was part of the Liverpool side which overcame a strong start by Minnesota. Leonard’s son with club captain and ex-Germany skip- famously won the 2005 Champions League fourth straight 30-point game helped him per Philipp Lahm also reportedly considering title in a penalty shoot-out, coming back from become the first San Antonio player to score 950 points in the first half of a season since Tim retiring in June to take over as Bayern’s team 3-0 down against AC Milan in Istanbul. Duncan in 2003. Coming off a career-high 38 on manager. According to Sport Bild, Alonso has After five years and 143 English Premier Saturday against Phoenix in Mexico City, already told club bosses he does not want to League appearances with Liverpool, Alonso Leonard was 12 for 17 from the field. LaMarcus sign a contract extension. joined Real Madrid in 2009. He again won Aldridge added 29 points on 12-for-20 shooting, Having joined Bayern for the 2014/15 sea- the Champions League in 2014 when cur- spoiling Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau’s 59th son, Alonso is bidding to finish with a third rent Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti steered birthday. San Antonio had difficulty with straight German league title with Munich cur- Real to a 4-1 win over Atletico Madrid before LIBREVILLE: Gabon supporters cheer for their team ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Minnesota’s explosive starting lineup. Karl- rently three points clear in the table. Alonso transferred to Germany for the Nations group A football match between Gabon and Burkina Faso at the Stade de Anthony Towns had 27 points and 16 rebounds, Alonso has won 16 titles for clubs and 2014/15 season. — AFP l’Amitie Sino-Gabonaise in Libreville yesterday. — AFP and Ricky Rubio added 21 points and 14 assists. THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 SPORTS

Sporting Gijon part with coach after four straight defeats

BARCELONA: Sporting Gijon parted with Abelardo Fernandez, that he will tion in signing the agreement to depart His first job in management was in flight status on the final day of the last company with coach Abelardo leave his role as coach of the first team,” the club, which will always be his home. charge of the club’s reserve side in 2008, campaign. His impact has waned in his Fernandez by mutual consent on the club said in a statement. The club wishes him every luck in the a role he reassumed in 2012 until taking third season in charge, however, with his Tuesday following a downward spiral of “The decision has been taken after future.” over the first team in 2014. side winning just three of 18 league results that has left them in the relega- analying the team’s situation and results. Fernandez, a native of Gijon, had Despite being subject to a transfer games. They have lost their last four tion zone. “Real Sporting wishes to show its grati- strong ties to the club, having come ban due to the club’s financial problems, league encounters to leave them 18th in “After a meeting between the club’s tude for the commitment, effort and through the academy and played as a Abelardo led Sporting back to La Liga the standings on 12 points, four below board of directors today Real Sporting professionalism of “Pitu” Abelardo while centre back for them for five years until after a three-year absence in his first full 17th-placed Valencia, who also have a have decided, by mutual agreement in charge of the team and for his disposi- joining Barcelona in 1994. season. They secured their status top game in hand. — Reuters

Cameroon have not asked for ban on Liverpool’s Matip

LIBREVILLE: Cameroon have not asked Andre Onana - one of the eight who decid- FIFA to stop defender Joel Matip playing for ed not to play for Cameroon at the tourna- Liverpool during the African Nations Cup ment - on Sunday in a 3-1 win at PEC but they have not given the Premier Zwolle in the Dutch championship. League club the green light to field the Cameroonian officials, speaking to player either, Cameroonian officials said Reuters on condition of anonymity, said it yesterday. would up to FIFA to decide if any action They are unlikely to give clearance should be taken but Cameroon had “moved because that would cause an outcry in on” from the matter. Cameroon where eight players turned Matip was called up for the finals down call ups for the finals in Gabon, despite having not played for the African soccer sources told Reuters. Indomitable Lions since last year’s World The Cameroon Football Federation Cup in Brazil. (FECAFOOT) has made no official comment “Liverpool have subsequently repeated- on the issue, while Liverpool are consulting ly sought, as a matter of urgency, clarity their lawyers before deciding whether to from FIFA in this regard,” the club said. play him. “It is Liverpool’s view that the player Soccer’s world governing body FIFA told should be available for club football during the Merseyside club to make up their own the period of the competition and (we)will minds on whether Matip could play, saying continue to work for a speedy and unam- on Monday it had directed Liverpool to “the biguous resolution.” applicable provisions” of the regulations. Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said Matip was left out of the squad for he would seek advice from the club’s Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw at lawyers before using Matip. Manchester United and yesterday’s FA Cup “As you can imagine, we are in a lot of third-round replay away to fourth-tier talks. We’ve done transfers quicker than Plymouth Argyle because world governing this. It’s already long term but now it’s get- body FIFA had not confirmed he was eligi- ting really tense on our side,” he told British ble. West Bromwich Albion took the same media. “We’ve tried everything but at the precaution with fullback Allan Nyom for end I have to make the decision. Of course I Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Tottenham have to ask (Liverpool’s lawyers) but the Hotspur. decision is for me to make. I could put him However, Ajax Amsterdam used keeper in the lineup.” —Reuters PORT-GENTIL: Egypt’s goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shenawy punches the ball away from the goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group D foot- Egyptian football star ball match between Mali and Egypt in Port-Gentil yesterday. —AFP placed on ‘terror’ list Egypt held on Cup CAIRO: Egypt has added Mohamed notably the travel ban.” Aboutrika-one of the most successful African footballers of his generation-to ASSET FREEZE its terror watch list on suspicions he The freeze on Aboutrika’s assets is still of Nations return financed the banned Muslim in force, despite two court orders that it Brotherhood, his lawyer said Tuesday. be lifted, Osman added. The Brotherhood was outlawed in In an interview with state-run Al- PORT-GENTIL: Essam El Hadary became the This was always going to be a big test for left was met by a flying header from Marwan 2013, months after the army overthrew Ahram newspaper in May 2015, oldest player ever to appear at the Africa Cup of them against a Malian side who may as well Mohsen, but Mali’s goalkeeper Oumar Sissoko Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, who Aboutrika denied that his company-or Nations as Egypt drew 0-0 with Mali on their have been playing at home. produced a superb reaction stop to turn the ball hailed from the movement. any of his partners-had ever funded the return to the tournament on Tuesday. The 44- The large Malian community in Port-Gentil-an over. —AFP A court official said Tuesday that Islamist movement. Aboutrika is current- year-old goalkeeper came off the bench in the oil-rich seaport perched on Gabon’s western tip- Aboutrika was one of more than 1,500 ly in Qatar working as a commentator for first half to replace the injured Ahmed El turned out to give their side colourful and vocif- people, including Morsi and other BeIN sports channel, Osman told AFP Shennawy and beat the old mark set by compa- erous backing and made up most of the crowd Muslim Brotherhood members behind yesterday. The footballer’s fans took to triot Hossam Hassan, who was 39 when he of 12,600. Mali might have won an early penalty Matches on TV bars, who were added to the watch list social media to express their anger at the played at the 2006 Cup of Nations. Otherwise, when Moussa Marega was bundled over by Ali (Local Timings) last week. ruling, tweeting with the Arabic hashtag the Pharaohs’ return to Africa’s biggest stage Gabr in the box but South African referee Daniel after a seven-year absence proved to be some- Bennett waved play on. El Shennawy then In 2015 a government committee #Aboutrika_is_not_a_terrorist. SPAIN COPA DEL REY froze the assets of the former player for Former Egypt international and thing of an anti-climax with neither side creating touched a Lassana Coulibaly header around the many chances on a terrible playing surface in post before having to be replaced in the 25th Atletico de Madrid v Eibar 21:15 Cairo-based club Al Ahly and Egypt’s Tottenham Hotspur striker Ahmed Port-Gentil. The result means Ghana are in con- minute by El Hadary, who celebrated his 44th beIN SPORTS 1 HD national team, two years after he retired. Hossam, “Mido”, called on authorities to trol of Group D following their 1-0 win against birthday on Sunday. Real Sociedad v Barcelona 23:15 According to an anti-terror law clarify if they had evidence Aboutrika Uganda earlier in the day at the same venue. The veteran did not have much to do and it beIN SPORTS 3 HD imposed in 2015 by President Abdel was linked to terrorism. Ghana meet Mali next on Saturday while Egypt was Egypt who had the best opportunities from Fattah al-Sisi, anyone on the country’s “Until that time we will all keep face Uganda later the same day. “It was a very then on, Tarek Hamed setting up Arsenal mid- ITALIAN CUP terror list is subject to a travel ban, with defending him and I will continue to sup- difficult game. In the second half we played bet- fielder Mohamed Elneny for a first-time effort AS Roma v UC Sampdoria 23:00 their passport and assets liable to be port him,” he tweeted. “I doubt a man of ter but our players were very tired towards the that went narrowly over. Some Malian fans per- beIN SPORTS frozen. Aboutrika helped deliver repeat- his character could do anything against end,” said Egypt’s Argentine coach Hector Cuper. formed their evening prayer in the stadium con- ed victories for Egypt in the African Cup Egypt.” Television presenter Wael al- “We would be much happier of course if we course at half time before returning to witness a AFRICAN NATIONS CUP and played on winning Al Ahly teams in Ibrashy said that “instead of being put on had won but this will not really change too stodgy second period. Egypt could have Algeria v Tunisia 19:00 the African Champions League. He pub- a list of glory, of champions, he has been much what we need to do in our coming games.” opened the scoring on the counterattack in the licly endorsed Morsi’s presidential bid in put on a list of terrorists.” Egypt had not been seen at a Cup of Nations 54th minute, pouncing on a fresh-air swipe by beIN SPORTS 2012. Morsi went on to become Egypt’s Since Morsi’s overthrow, a police since winning a record seventh title, and third in Sambou Yatabare at the other end of the field. Senegal v Zimbabwe 22:00 first democratically elected president, crackdown against the Brotherhood has a row, in 2010. Mahmoud Abdel-Moneim’s cross from the beIN SPORTS only for the army, prompted by large left hundreds dead and thousands jailed. protests against the Islamist, to oust him Militants, mainly Islamic State group one year later and crack down on his jihadists in the Sinai Peninsula, have supporters. killed hundreds of policemen and sol- FIFA’s van Basten reveals radical vision Aboutrika’s lawyer Mohamed Osman diers in attacks. said that the court’s decision to add him The Brotherhood, which espoused BERLIN: Time penalties instead of yellow cards, nical areas, ranging from football technology side rule in field hockey and there were no to the terror watch list was “contrary to change through elections, denies it is no off-side rule and more substitutions: leg- innovation to refereeing. problems.” If that is revolutionary, van Basten is the law”, saying the retired player “has involved in the violence, but analysts endary ex-striker Marco van Basten, FIFA’s tech- However, any of the far-reaching changes he also concerned at how some teams have not been convicted or formally notified believe that segments of the group have nical director, has a radical vision of football’s wants would need to be ratified by the execu- become experts at slowing the game down in of any of the charges against him.” turned to attacking police. Aboutrika future. “We must keep looking for ways to tive committee of world football’s governing the dying stages when they are narrowly “We will appeal this decision,” he said, retired in 2013, and the 38-year-old has improve the game, to make it more honest, body. If he gets his way, he would dump the ahead. “We’re discussing how to make the time adding that “if he is added to the list since avoided expressing his political more dynamic, more interesting, so that what off-side rule. “Football currently resembles more effective in the last 10 minutes,” he said, there will be many legal consequences, views publicly. —AFP we offer is attractive enough,” the 52-year-old handball where nine players, plus the goal- adding that he wants to see the number of Dutchman told German magazine Sport Bild. keeper, pack the penalty area and (the defence) competitive matches reduced to protect the “There are lots of variations which need to be is like a wall,” he said. “They abolished the off- game’s top stars. — AFP tested in the coming years.” Van Basten, who became FIFA’s technical director last October, has a string of revolutionary suggestions, some of which he hopes could be in place for the expanded 48-team World Cup in 2026 — and some of which would be hugely controversial. He wants to see football copy rugby union, where only the captain can directly address the referee and a yellow card means a player is tem- porarily sent off. “A yellow card (in football) against an oppos- ing player doesn’t currently give the attacking team much,” said van Basten. “One idea is to replace the yellow card with a time penalty of five or 10 minutes. That would frighten teams. “It is hard to play 10 against 11, let alone with eight or nine. We’re also thinking about allowing more than three substitutions during games. “Last month I met (Manchester City coach) Pep Guardiola, who asked, ‘Why aren’t six substitutions possible?’” Van Basten also wants to introduce a “shoot- out” where a player has eight seconds to beat the goalkeeper-to replace extra time and tradi- tional penalty kicks. “Each team would have five attempts. The referee whistles, then the player runs at the goalkeeper from 25 metres out,” he said. “The goalkeeper can’t leave his area and if he parries, DOHA: This file photo taken on May 17, 2013 shows Baniyas’ Egyptian striker it’s over. It would be spectacular for the specta- AMSTERDAM: In this Friday, May 20, 2016 file photo, Dutch former soccer star Marco van Mohamed Aboutrika controling the ball during their GCC Champions League first leg tors and more interesting for a player. “In a Basten is seated in front of the logo of the Dutch soccer association KNVB during a presenta- final football match against Al-Khor in Doha. Egyptian court has added former foot- penalty shoot-out, it is over for the taker in a tion of video referee assistance in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Former AC Milan and Netherlands ball star Mohamed Aboutrika to the a0uthorities’ terror list, his lawyer said yester- second.” Former AC Milan, Ajax and Netherlands forward Marco van Basten is using his role as technical director at FIFA to propose a series of day, based on suspicions he financed the banned Muslim Brotherhood. — AFP goal machine van Basten is head of FIFA’s tech- changes to soccer to stir a debate. — AP Dubinsky scores Egyptian football twice as Blue star placed on Jackets16 beat Canes ‘terror’19 list THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

Germany, Qatar surge into last 16 at Worlds Page 17

MELBOURNE: Germany’s Angelique Kerber eyes on the ball to make a forehand return to compatriot Carina Witthoeft during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday. — AP No cakewalk for birthday girl Kerber, Federer

MELBOURNE: Roger Federer was made to He wasn’t the only leading player chal- Kerber joined Venus Williams and down” form after he was broken three Klizan to beat Steve Johnson 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. work by 200th-ranked Noah Rubin at the lenged in the second round as Kerber, the Svetlana Kuznetsova in round three as the times by the 72nd-ranked Frenchman. In the women’s draw, 36-year-old Australian Open yesterday-and it was no cake- women’s top seed and defending champi- Grand Slam-winning veterans enjoyed “It was too much up and down, too Williams continued her smooth progress walk for birthday girl Angelique Kerber either. on, dropped a set against world number 89 smoother progress in sunny conditions on many service breaks for me, but it’s great when she beat qualifier Stefanie Voegele 6- In what could be ominous signs for Federer, Carina Witthoeft. day three. to win in straight sets,” said Nishikori, who 3, 6-2 to set up a meeting with China’s America’s Rubin kept him largely at bay in the Kerber ‘double-bagelled’ Witthoeft two had his serve broken three times by Duan Yingying. first set and broke in the third, before the 35- years ago at Wimbledon, but she was ‘ZERO, LIKE ZERO’ Chardy. “I don’t know anything about her. I have year-old won it 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3). extended by her fellow German in her 6-2, In the men’s draw, Japanese fifth seed Nishikori, who believes he is due a first never seen her play. Zero, like zero,” The 17th seed and 17-time Grand Slam 6-7 (3/7), 6-2 win. Kei Nishikori marched into the third round major win this year, next plays either Lukas Williams said of Duan. champion, feeling his way back from injury, The match ended on a light note as alongside former finalist Jo-Wilfried Llacko or Dudi Sela, with Berdych or Williams, the oldest player in the will face a much tougher assignment in the Kerber, who turned 29 yesterday, was treat- Tsonga, with both winning in straight sets. Federer awaiting in the fourth round. women’s draw, pulled out of the doubles third round against old rival Tomas Berdych. ed to a rendition of “Happy Birthday” by the Nishikori was extended to five sets in his France’s Tsonga, who is seeded 12th and competition with her sister Serena as a “That’s not an easy draw,” Federer said of Rod Laver Arena crowd. first-round win over Andrey Kuznetsov, but was runner-up to Novak Djokovic in 2008, precaution to rest a sore elbow. Berdych. “He’s beaten me at New York and “I was doing I think a lot of mistakes in he found the going a little easier in his 6-3, beat Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 to Russia’s Kuznetsova thrashed Australian he’s beaten me at Wimbledon too, and the the important moments. But at the end, I’m 6-4, 6-3 victory against Jeremy Chardy. go through. wildcard Jaimee Fourlis 6-2, 6-1 to set up a Olympics. “He would like to beat me here. happy that I won the match,” said the world However, he said he hadn’t completely Stan Wawrinka, the 2014 winner, recov- third-round clash with 31-year-old Serb Maybe he has already and I’ve forgotten.” number one. clicked into gear, complaining of “up and ered from his tetchy five-setter with Martin Jelena Jankovic. — AFP Kyrgios booed off court in new ‘tanking’ row

MELBOURNE: Bad boy Nick Kyrgios was booed off court best efforts” commonly known as tanking, during a and accused of giving up as he crashed out of the match in Shanghai, and has been seeing a psychologist. Australian Open second round in a stormy five-set defeat But yet again Kyrgios’ brittle temperament snapped to Andreas Seppi yesterday. In a madcap match, 14th during the third set as Seppi came storming back after seed Kyrgios looked in command with a two sets lead looking out for the count. Asked how he collapsed so before a familiar meltdown in the third set changed the spectacularly, Kyrgios told reporters: “Poor management, complexion of the contest. I guess. I think I didn’t have the best preparation. It’s on The 89th-ranked Seppi, who saved a match point, me. “I did a couple things in the off-season that I’m prob- advanced to a third-round match with Belgium’s Steve ably not going to do next time. My body’s not in good Darcis with a 1-6, 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 6-2, 10-8 win in three enough shape. You live and you learn.” Kyrgios was given hours, nine minutes. a warning for an audible obscenity by chair umpire Kyrgios was booed off the court by some of the fans, Carlos Ramos before he bounced his racquet angrily into while tennis great John McEnroe hit out at the brash the court after a break of service. youngster. “What I don’t understand, what I can’t accept, Ramos docked him a point penalty as Seppi served is when he stops trying. It’s a black eye for the sport,” out for the third set to turn the tide against the volatile McEnroe said during television match commentary. Australian. The 32-year-old Italian maintained his compo- Kyrgios said of McEnroe’s criticism: “My body was sore. sure and seized the advantage as Kyrgios suddenly I was hurting. I mean, John McEnroe. Good on him. Great switched off. Instead of regathering his composure, career. Good on him.” Kyrgios was also dismissive of the Kyrgios rushed through his service games giving away booing, saying: “Yes, obviously it’s not the greatest thing cheap points. to hear. 10-8 in the fifth, getting booed off, definitely not Unflappable Seppi quickly levelled the match and the best feeling.” While there was mixed feelings over took it into a fifth set after earlier looking headed for a Krygios’s stormy exit, Seppi was savouring a memorable straight-sets exit. Kyrgios rallied and held three break victory after losing in five sets to the Australian on the points at 4-3, only for Seppi to save them all and level as same court at the 2015 Australian Open. the home crowd exhorted every point from the “Maybe it was meant to be. It was a tough match and I Australian. Kyrgios held a match point at 8-7 but Seppi didn’t start well. I could not get the rhythm but I started saved with a magnificent deep forehand winner before to play better,” he said. “Last time I was two sets up and the Australian double-faulted on break point to give lost and I tried to do the same this time. Seppi his winning chance. I kept on fighting and did very well in the important Seppi brought up two match points at 9-8 and won moments at the end.” with an ace, dumping Kyrgios out of his home Grand MELBOURNE: Australia’s Nick Kyrgios hits a return against Italy’s Andreas Seppi during their men’s singles Kyrgios is making his return from a ban for “lack of Slam after two rounds. — AFP match on day three of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne yesterday. — AFP Sukuk market share to grow following 2016 Page 22

Concluding statement of Business 2016 Article IV Mission Page 24 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 Field to Ford: Vietnam’s Dollar recovers as pound falls back globalization winners Page 25 Page 23

LONDON: Construction cranes are pictured near Tower Bridge at sunrise. British business leaders welcomed Theresa May on her Brexit clarity Tuesday but insisted the UK prime minister must deliver on her pledge to secure access to the EU single market. — AFP Economy obstructs greater power for Erdogan Flagging economy could present unexpected roadblock

ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Turkish economy under the rule of the Justice whether the worsening economy would affect the greenback on Wednesday afternoon. Less motivations will be varied. “Concerning the Erdogan is closer to getting a power boost and Development Party (AKP), co-founded by Erdogan’s chances of winning the public vote than a month ago, it was 3.52 against the dol- change of constitution, liking or not the gov- after parliament’s first approval of a bill to Erdogan, since 2002. One of the main reasons for constitutional changes. Jean Marcou, pro- lar. The president attributed the dizzying fall of ernment is not the only factor. In these times, change the constitution, but the flagging for Erdogan and the AKP’s continued electoral fessor at Sciences Po Grenoble and associate the lira to interference in the markets with ele- the problems that Turkey has can end up in economy could present an unexpected road- success was this boom that followed the 2001 researcher at the French Institute of Anatolian ments he called “terrorists” aimed at “putting the rejection of the people,” Turan told AFP. block. The Turkish parliament approved late financial crisis. It even made itself known with Studies, said the current state of the economy Turkey on its knees”. The proposed changes, which would create Sunday, on first reading, a bill to create an a new lira that no longer had six extra zeros could affect the AKP’s voters. But he noted For Murat Yetkin, editor-in-chief of Hurriyet an executive presidency for the first time in executive presidency like in France or the introduced in 2005. that the government played the “security card” Daily News, it would be unlikely that the “eco- modern Turkey, are controversial and far- United States, but which critics fear will lead to From fast trains connecting big cities to to create fear among the Turkish public, sug- nomic difficulties of today will dramatically reaching. The president would have the power one-man rule. However, after a bloody 2016 new bridges, large hospitals to the develop- gesting safety and peace could play a bigger affect the result of the referendum” because to appoint and fire ministers, while the post of during which hundreds of people were killed ment of long-neglected central Turkish cities, role in people’s decision. the vote is about Erdogan. prime minister will be abolished for the first in multiple terror attacks and a failed coup last the AKP ploughed money into areas that had Marcou said Erdogan presented himself as “If the country goes to a referendum, it time in Turkey’s history. Instead, there would summer, the Turkish economy is losing not seen such rapid development. The consti- the leader to tackle the security troubles in the will not be about the government or its eco- be a vice president, or possibly several. momentum. Unemployment is increasing, tution plan has now gone to a second reading southeast where the state is fighting against nomic program. Many people will not even According to Jean-Francois Perouse, direc- inflation is rising, economic growth is slowing in the parliament on Wednesday where the 18 Kurdish rebels, to rid the Islamic State group consider it as a radical shift in Turkey’s tor of the French Institute of Anatolian Studies down and the Turkish lira is reaching record articles will again be debated one by one. If and battle against his former ally-turned-foe administrative system, but ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to in Istanbul, there still remained the belief that lows against the US dollar. approved again with 330 votes from the 550- Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen whose Erdogan’s leadership.” if the electorate does not support Erdogan, Investor confidence has fallen while seat parliament, it will go to a referendum, movement is blamed for the July 15 attempt- this would “jeopardize relative prosperity”. “It tourism has dramatically dropped with holi- expected this spring, for the people to decide. ed putsch. ‘Relative prosperity’ remains to be seen whether explanations pro- daymakers avoiding the country last year Erdogan has also repeatedly urged Turks to According to Ilter Turan, emeritus professor vided by Erdogan (on the economy) will con- because of the violence and political instabili- ‘A vote on Erdogan’s leadership’ change their foreign currency into lira to stim- of political science at Istanbul’s Bilgi University, vince people, and given the public’s state of ty. This is in stark contrast to the booming Questions were raised this week over ulate the currency which was at 3.78 against when the people decide on the changes, their mind, they can convince,” Perouse said. —AFP Saudi Electricity weighs on US auto workers staying Riyadh as Egypt pulls back

MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS resigned to uncertainty DUBAI: Shares in Saudi Electricity Co (SEC) premiums. But United Cooperative Assurance FLAT ROCK: Detroit, the once-thriving capital of illusioned. “Things have changed for the worse,” thing we do,” she said. “It if wasn’t for him, I’d be rid- weighed on Saudi Arabia’s stock market yes- jumped 4.6 percent after swinging to a net the US automobile industry, has seen most of its said Parker, who works in a plant building axles ing a bike.” terday after the company reported a wider net profit from a loss. In Cairo, the blue-chip index jobs move overseas, leaving the remaining workers and is still not entitled to employee benefits. “It’s The downhill slide for US auto workers began loss for the fourth quarter, while Egypt’s index pulled back 1.0 percent from an all-time high at the “Big Three” auto plants wondering about the declined for a lot of the employees.” after 2000 and gathered pace in 2009 with the pulled back as local traders booked gains in in heavy trade. However, foreign investors future. As the jobs have vanished so has the securi- The lack of certainty auto workers have in their near-collapse of the Big Three-Ford, GM and blue chips. remained net buyers of shares. ty and benefits they once offered that helped future is a persistent burden, and efforts by the Chrysler-during the global financial crisis. That The Saudi equities index edged down 0.3 make the American middle class the engine of the once-powerful United Auto Workers labor union to year, GM and Chrysler declared bankruptcy and percent as SEC slumped 3.4 percent after Global telecom world economy. stem the tide have borne little fruit. Parker says were taken over by the federal government as part posting a quarterly loss of 2.34 billion riyals Orascom Telecom, the most heavily traded When Janet Parker, 46, learned she would be that income from her husband’s job at a Fiat of a highly unpopular, $80 billion taxpayer-funded ($624 million), much worse than NCB Capital’s share, retreated 6.0 percent. Global Telecom hired by Ford, she was sure it meant the start of a Chrysler plant is what allows her to make ends bailout. Ford also laid off thousands of workers and forecast of a loss of 1.04 billion riyals. Holding dropped 3.1 percent after Russia’s worry-free working life. Eight years later, she is dis- meet. “I don’t make enough money to do every- shuttered factories. “Our plant was always working. SEC cited higher energy prices and operat- Vedomosti daily reported Vimpelcom wanted You could count on that,” said Michael Gilliken, a ing costs. National Industrialization (Tasnee) to swap its majority stake in Global Telecom team leader at a factory making the popular Ford lost 2.1 percent to 16.30 riyals after trading as for around 12 percent of its own shares F-150 pickup. But starting in 2005, overtime ended, much as 1.8 percent higher earlier in the ses- owned by Norway’s Telenor. the first warning sign. sion. The titanium dioxide producer swung to Qatar’s index pulled back 0.4 percent from a net profit of 123.4 million riyals in the fourth a five-month high hit on Tuesday, with Doha ‘You start to get frightened’ quarter from a net loss of 686.6 million riyals a Bank closing 0.8 percent lower after surging 6 One by one, such perks and benefits as free year earlier, citing an increase in sales volume percent on the previous day. But Masraf Al meals and training centers-which had convinced and a decline in non-core operating expenses. Rayan, which jumped 4.0 percent on Tuesday young generations in the region to forgo higher Advanced Petrochemical lost 0.2 percent after saying its board had recommended a education and follow in the footsteps of their par- despite reporting a 43.8 percent jump in higher dividend for 2016 despite an 8 percent ents-began to disappear. “It shocked us. We were fourth-quarter net profit. But Alinma Bank decline in fourth-quarter net profit, added a not prepared for that,” said Gilliken, a father of five added 2.8 percent after it made 390 million further 0.7 percent. who managed to save his job thanks to his seniori- riyals in the fourth quarter, a 1 percent rise, in Dubai’s index swung 0.6 percent higher, ty. “You are talking about selling the car, selling the line with analysts’ average forecast of 389 mil- gaining momentum in the final hour of trade house. You start to get frightened.” lion riyals. Analysts at Riyad Capital said the as investors bought shares that have under- Gilliken had to accept a freeze on pay raises and bank’s 4.1 percent deposit growth was performed this year. Emaar Properties a pay cut. While the 2008 crisis did force the Big “impressive given tighter market conditions climbed 1.3 percent and Dubai Financial Three to cut production, automation, competition earlier in the year”. Market added 1.5 percent. Banking shares from Asia and the free-trade pact linking the The largest medical insurer, BUPA Arabia, helped lift Abu Dhabi’s index 0.7 percent. United States, Canada and Mexico also put dents closed flat after reporting a 7.6 percent National Bank of Abu Dhabi added 1.4 percent in the domestic industry. “The trade agreements decline in fourth-quarter net profit, citing an and First Gulf Bank rose 1.5 percent; the two DETROIT: An art piece done by street artists Alexandre Farto, AKA Uhills & JR in the dPOP! space have caused wage suppression,” said Scott increase in net claims and lower gross written plan to merge this quarter. — Reuters in the basement of the Chrysler House. This piece was done in Detroit, the once-thriving capital Houldieson, a regional UAW executive and of the American automobile industry, has seen most of its jobs move overseas. — AFP employee at a Ford plant in Chicago. — AFP THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 BUSINESS Business euphoria over Trump gives way to caution, confusion Business community says they remain optimistic

WASHINGTON: Early optimism among busi- ness lobbyists and executives that Donald Trump’s election heralded better days has slow- ly given way to uncertainty as the president- elect fires off mixed and sometimes confusing messages on healthcare, taxes and trade. An initial euphoria in the business world fueled a powerful post-election stock rally. Some of that has frayed as questions arise over the nuts and bolts of Trump’s campaign promises, although many in the business community said they remain optimistic. Doubts deepened over the weekend as Trump declared he would replace President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare plan known as Obamacare with “insurance for every- body” - a goal far beyond Republican designs - and criticized a key component of a plan in Congress to overhaul corporate taxes. “It is fair to say that since the election, there has been mounting uncertainty about exactly what the specific policies are likely to be with regard to tax reform and replacing Obamacare,” a financial industry official said. Expectations for faster growth, tax reform and a quick repeal of Obamacare, officially WASHINGTON DC: The Capitol in Washington is seen at dawn yesterday as the city prepares known as the Affordable Care Act, have “given for Friday’s inauguration of Donald Trump as president. — AP way to ‘We are not really sure what he means by that’,” the official said. A veteran Republican hammer you 12 different ways, ask a lobbyist,” Many lobbyists and business officials said financial lobbyist said she is under constant said the financial services lobbyist, referring to they remain optimistic and cautioned against pressure from clients to predict what the new the Massachusetts senator who is a frequent reading too deeply into tweets or comments administration is planning, but she has no reli- critic of Wall Street. that Trump makes on policy. “If Obama or Bush able answers for them. Even Trump’s website sowed confusion about opined on a policy ... most of Washington his intentions. A promise to dismantle the Dodd- assumed that raising that question was a well- ‘Goat rodeo’ Frank regulatory reforms was removed at the vetted intentional decision to send a signal,” a In the sessions, Wall Street lobbyists were end of last year and has not been replaced. A senior US Chamber of Commerce official said. encouraged to talk fast: a giant television screen Trump spokesperson blamed a redesign, but Trump, by contrast, may simply be raising policy overhead counted down two minutes of allotted bank lobbyists are not so sure - other content issues because he has questions on them, the time. “It was a goat rodeo. We all got a couple made it through the redesign. chamber official said. minutes to speak. What can you really say in Some companies have been reassured by The same financial industry official who that time?” said another financial services lobby- Trump’s Cabinet nominees, who are seen as acknowledged the uncertain climate also said ist. “They wanted to check the box - ‘We’re listen- more predictable and supportive of the business he remains optimistic. “There were a lot of candi- ing to Wall Street’. But who even knows where establishment than the impulsive president- dates who were interviewed. There were names these transition people will be in a few days?” elect. Senator Jeff Sessions, Trump’s pick for floated out there and ... it was kind of a chaotic Lobbyists also have been alarmed that the attorney general, has deep differences on values process,” the official said, referring to the process transition team has not included them in prepa- with the technology sector, but is seen as an of picking candidates to fill Cabinet and other rations for confirmation hearings for many nomi- important Trump counterweight because he is a administration positions. “But overall, I think one nated Cabinet officials, including potential “deliberate decision-maker not prone to big dra- can make the observation that in making the Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin. “If you want matic mood swings,” a source at one major final selections, Trump has shown ... a very sur- someone to explain how Elizabeth Warren can Silicon Valley firm said. prising even-handedness.” — Reuters Sukuk market share to grow following 2016

Dubai/London: Sukuk issuance in laws in the past few years, including core markets rose by 26% in 2016 FITCH RATING Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait, and broadly maintained its share of which should gradually boost capital markets funding despite markets in 2016, down marginally reinforcing our view that the market issuance by creating a standardized large conventional bond issues by from 29% in 2015. We focus on share of sukuk will gradually rise. Oil structure and improving trans- Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, longer-term issuances because fre- exporters in the Middle East are also parency. Fitch Ratings says. We expect sukuk quently rolled-over short-term debt becoming an important source of The recent sovereign bond issuance to grow at a similar rate in can distort underlying trends. the flow of international bond and issues from the GCC region should 2017 and believe market share will The proportion would have been sukuk issuances, and that trend also help create a capital market rise as more sovereigns issue sukuk higher, but for the return of Saudi should continue. pricing benchmark and lower bank alongside conventional bonds. Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Qatar to the The decision on whether sover- liquidity could reduce the pricing New sukuk issuance with a sovereign bond market with com- eigns issue bonds or sukuk is driven gap between capital market fund- maturity over 18 months from the bined issuance of USD31.5bn. They by three main factors: the target ing and the bank loans on which core markets of the Gulf probably opted for bond financing investor and funding base, whether GCC corporates have traditionally Cooperation Council (GCC) region, to attract international investors. there is an existing sukuk structure relied. The biggest remaining road- Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey and However, seven of 10 key markets and Islamic finance strategy, and blocks to corporate issuance are the Pakistan rose to USD40bn in 2016 did issue sovereign sukuk in 2016 the needs and size of the Islamic development of debt-management from about USD32bn a year earlier. and other sovereigns in the GCC finance industry, because Islamic expertise and a change in the cor- This represented 28.5% of total region have indicated they could banks cannot invest in traditional porate culture to increase financial bond and sukuk issuance in these issue sukuk, or a mix, in the future, bonds. Outside core markets, and management transparency. issuance prospects are limited due GCC corporates that tap capital to a lack of standardization, which markets are more likely to issue makes structuring sukuk a more sukuk or a mixture of both, rather complex and time-consuming than only bonds to attract a wider process than a traditional bond. local and regional investor base. In addition, some corporates are limit- Dominant issuers ed to only sharia-compliant borrow- Sovereigns are likely to remain ing by their own rules or by their the dominant issuers, but bank desire to be included in Islamic issuance may also rise in some mar- investment funds and indexes. As a kets, driven by issuance to meet result, corporate capital markets regulatory capital requirements. activity is essential for sukuk to Basel III implications for liquidity are grow significantly in terms of pro- fairly significant in GCC countries as portion of total issuance. The main banks have a substantial contractu- risks to our forecast of continued al maturity mismatch between issuance growth are from economic medium-term lending and very or political upheaval that signifi- short-term customer deposits. cantly reduced investor demand, a Malaysian companies continue much faster than expected rise in to be the most active corporate US interest rates or a rapid recovery issuers. Several other key markets in oil prices that reduced the fund- have introduced or updated sukuk ing needs of key sovereigns.

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Swiss Franc 302.020 Japanese Yen 0.002609 0.002789 Australian Dollar 222.200 BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL US Dollar Buying 305.650 Kenyan Shilling 0.002941 0.002941 ASIAN COUNTRIES Korean Won 0.000250 0.000265 CURRENCY BUY SELL Japanese Yen 2.615 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.065051 0.071051 Europe Indian Rupees 4.510 20 Gram 238.24 Nepalese Rupee 0.003148 0.003318 Pakistani Rupees 2.934 British Pound 0.363456 0.373458 10 Gram 122.04 Pakistan Rupee 0.002764 0.003054 Srilankan Rupees 2.053 5 Gram 57.97 Czech Korune 0.004040 0.016040 Nepali Rupees 2.823 Philippine Peso 0.006049 0.006349 Danish Krone 0.039746 0.044746 Singapore Dollar 212.790 Sierra Leone 0.000038 0.000044 Euro 0. 320411 0.329411 Hongkong Dollar 39.563 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Singapore Dollar 0.209526 0.219526 Norwegian Krone 0.031915 0.037116 Bangladesh Taka 3.893 South African Rand 0.016525 0.025025 Philippine Peso 6.173 Romanian Leu 0.072257 0.072257 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001683 0.002263 Thai Baht 8.601 Slovakia 0.009185 0.019185 Malaysian Ringgit 223.230 US Dollar 306.000 Taiwan 0.009577 0.009757 Swedish Krona 0.030225 0.035225 Canadian Dolla 233.485 Thai Baht 0.008323 0.008873 GCC COUNTRIES Sterling Pound 369.790 Swiss Franc 0.297215 0.308215 Euro 326.395 Turkish Lira 0.077912 0.088212 Saudi Riyal 81.881 Arab Qatari Riyal 84.334 Swiss Frank 303.085 Bahrain Dinar 811.180 Bahraini Dinar 0.805763 0.814263 ani Riyal 797.427 Australasia Bahraini Dinar 815.330 UAE Dirhams 83.705 Egyptian Pound 0.013214 0.022467 Australian Dollar 0.221488 0.233468 UAE Dirham 83.599 Qatari Riyals 84.925 Iranian Riyal 0.000085 0.000086 New Zealand Dollar 0.212132 0.221632 Saudi Riyals 82.525 Iraqi Dinar 0.000181 0.000241 Jordanian Dinar 432.760 ARAB COUNTRIES Jordanian Dinar 0.426895 0.435895 Egyptian Pound - Cash 21.250 Egyptian Pound 16.619 America Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 16.073 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.043 Canadian Dollar 0.227747 0.236747 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.232 Indian Rupees 4.491 Lebanese Pound 0.000153 0.000253 Georgina Lari 0.138321 0.138321 Tunisian Dinar 133.590 Pakistani Rupees 2.919 Moroccan Dirhams 0.020163 0.044163 US Dollars 0.302150 0.306550 Jordanian Dinar 432.400 Bangladesh Taka 3.880 Nigerian Naira 0.000370 0.001006 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.046 US Dollars Mint 0.302650 0.306550 Philippines Pesso 6.139 Omani Riyal 0.789033 0.794713 Syrian Lira 2.188 Cyprus pound 168.040 Qatar Riyal 0.083308 0.084758 Morocco Dirham 30.839 Japanese Yen 3.680 Asia Saudi Riyal 0.080580 0.081880 Syrian Pound 2.430 Bangladesh Taka 0.003871 0.004255 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Nepalese Rupees 3.800 Syrian Pound 0.001299 0.001519 Chinese Yuan 0.042976 0.046476 US Dollar Transfer 306.850 Malaysian Ringgit 69.520 Tunisian Dinar 0.129308 0.137308 Euro 323.270 Hong Kong Dollar 0.037397 0.040147 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 44.855 Turkish Lira 0.077912 0.088212 Sterling Pound 379.270 Indian Rupee 0.002836 0.005511 Thai Bhat 9.615 UAE Dirhams 0.081956 0.083656 Canadian dollar 229.680 Turkish Lira 81.995 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Turkish lira 87.300 Yemeni Riyal 0.000996 0.001076 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 BUSINESS

Seoul court ponders arrest of Samsung de facto head

SEOUL: A South Korean court is consid- including the discontinuation of Galaxy ering whether to approve the arrest of Note 7 smartphones that tended to Samsung Electronics vice chairman Lee overheat or catch fire. Prosecutors Jae-yong, one of the country’s wealthi- requested Lee’s arrest for allegedly est business leaders, on charges of bribing Park and a confidante of hers, bribery and other offenses. Lee, the Choi Soon-sil, who is on trial for med- only son of Samsung’s chairman, did dling in state affairs. not speak to a crowd of reporters wait- Lee, 48, faces allegations of giving ing while arriving and leaving the Seoul bribes worth 43 billion won ($36 mil- Central District Court yesterday. After lion) to Choi and the president in hopes the four-hour hearing he was taken to a of winning government backing for a detention center near Seoul to await contentious Samsung merger in 2015. the court’s decision. Prosecutors also suspect Lee of embez- If Lee’s arrest is approved, prosecu- zlement and of lying under oath during tors can detain him for up to 21 days a parliamentary hearing last month. before formally charging him, said the Lee has been serving as the de facto court’s spokesman Shin Jae-hwan. The head of Samsung since his father suf- judge will announce a decision on the fered a heart attack in 2014. arrest warrant today, Shin said, though Prosecutors plan to summon Park, the exact timing was unclear. Samsung who is awaiting a court’s decision on is South Korea’s biggest family-con- whether to uphold her impeachment, trolled conglomerate, or chaebol, with to question her about the bribery alle- businesses encompassing consumer gations. A former health minister, Moon electronics, shipbuilding and life insur- Hyung-pyo, was indicted on Monday for HAI DUONG: This picture taken on January 11, 2017 shows a Vietnamese worker welding in the body shop at the Ford automotive plant in the ance. The company is the world’s pressuring pension fund officials to sup- northern province of Hai Duong. — AFP biggest maker of smartphones and port the Samsung merger. Prosecutors computer “memory” chips. say they believe Moon, who now heads The company had a challenging year the pension fund, acted on behalf of even before getting drawn into an Park, who ordered him to ensure the Field to Ford: Vietnam’s influence-peddling scandal that led to Samsung merger went smoothly. The the impeachment of President Park merger helped Lee increase his control Geun-hye. In 2016, Samsung over Samsung Electronics, South Korea’s Electronics had several product recalls, most valuable company. — AP globalization winners Vietnam’s free trade embrace is transforming lives

HAI DUONG: Nguyen Thi Thanh Loan grew up on own daughter, Ivanka, makes some items for her pace after the US scrapped a war-era trade embar- a small plot of land in rural Vietnam, with just clothing line in Vietnam. go in 1994. Exports now account for 90 percent of enough food to eat, few new clothes and no dis- Even if the sprawling Trans-Pacific Partnership GDP, while the average annual income has surged posable income. Today, she works in a Ford facto- (TPP) trade pact runs aground, Vietnam says it has from some $290 two decades ago to around ry assembling cars from Chinese, Thai, American no plans to close its doors on trade. “By going $2,100 today, according to the World Bank. and European parts, her children drink imported global, by going regional, Vietnam has clearly In Hai Duong the average Ford factory worker milk and Coca Cola and she holidays with her reaped the benefits of globalization,” World Bank can earn more than twice that although still a far family-winners of the globalization lottery. Vietnam Country Director Ousmane Dione told cry from the average American manufacturing “Before children didn’t have a lot of clothes or AFP, citing large reductions in poverty. wage of about $43,000. “Everything has food, but life improved after their parents got fac- changed,” said Nguyen Van Tuan, 48, a part-time tory jobs,” Loan, 36, told AFP at the Ford plant Farms to freeways chauffeur, who grew up in a house made of mud near Hanoi. A glance around Hai Duong, 50 kilometers and straw. Today Tuan is proud of his three- She is among millions whose lives have been from the capital, reveals why Vietnam has staked storey concrete home-built from $800 Ford paid transformed by Vietnam’s free trade embrace, a its future on free trade. Since Ford first opened its for his land 20 years ago. It sits on a paved road process that began in the 1980s and has hauled doors 20 years ago the area has morphed from an dotted with shops selling iPhones and Japanese the communist nation out of the penury of the agrarian backwater into an industrial zone pep- badminton rackets. His two kids have now post-war years. Vietnam now boasts one of pered with foreign-owned factories churning out moved to Taiwan, a country higher-up the manu- Southeast Asia’s fastest growing economies driv- electronics, clothing and machinery. facturing value chain. en by exports of cheaply made goods, from Nike Vegetable plots and fishing ponds have been shoes to Samsung phones. replaced by a four-lane highway for trucks carry- Centuries apart The progress is forecast to continue-albeit at ing goods for export. Held back by years of war For Ford, Vietnam’s abundance of cheap labor lower-than-expected growth rates-despite a vow and crippling Soviet-style policies, Vietnam has and expanding domestic market is a magnet-it SEOUL: Samsung Group’s heir-apparent Lee Jae-Yong (C) leaves for a waiting by US President-elect Donald Trump to dismantle boasted an annual GDP growth of over five per- sells cars locally to an upwardly mobile middle facility after attending a court hearing on whether he will be issued with an a massive Pacific Rim trade deal that Vietnam had cent for the past five years straight-though it class. Not that the wins of globalization are uni- arrest warrant at the Seoul Central District Court. — AFP hoped would bring a jobs bonanza. Yet Trump’s failed to reach its ambitious target last year. versal. Vietnam remains a tightly-controlled crusade to save American jobs he says are gob- The country first opened its economy to for- authoritarian regime, independent unions are bled up by cheap overseas labor, comes while his eign firms in the 1980s and investment gathered banned and dissent is swiftly muzzled. —AFP THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 BUSINESS Concluding statement of 2016 Article IV Mission

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s fiscal and external accounts tors, step up efforts to monitor deposit trends, have been adversely affected by the lower oil IMF REPORT ON KUWAIT and identify emerging pressures in corporate prices, and financing needs have emerged. and household balance sheets. Resilient nonoil activity and strong oversight Under this baseline scenario, the govern- encourages the authorities to step up tax reporting and accountability mechanisms. 20. A number of steps would help further by the Central Bank of Kuwait have kept the ment fiscal balance after transfers to the FGF administration reforms so as to implement 16. Borrowing and investment decisions strengthen financial sector resilience. The mis- financial sector sound. The key challenge for is projected to decline from about 171/2 per- the VAT as early as possible. In addition, the should be guided by a comprehensive asset- sion underscored that a formal framework for policymakers is to implement the govern- cent of GDP this year to some 13 percent of authorities are preparing a business profit tax liability management strategy that takes into operationalizing macro-prudential measures ment’s comprehensive six-pillar reform plan, GDP over the medium term, and cumulative reform that will apply to all enterprises. At a account macro-financial implications. The would help maintain appropriate coverage of which aims at promoting fiscal consolidation gross financing needs would amount to rate of 10 percent, it could raise an additional appropriate mix between the various bor- risks over time and the balance between pre- and boosting private sector growth, diversifi- about KD 35 billion over the next 6 years. 11/2 percent of GDP in revenue by 2020. Staff rowing and investment options should be empting the buildup of excessive risks and cation, and job creation for nationals. These are assumed to be covered by a contin- also supports the government’s plans to grad- guided by a systematic assessment of their alleviating possible liquidity shocks and pro- Notwithstanding large buffers that provide ued drawdown of assets in the GRF, measured ually adjust the price of government services. relative costs and benefits, including that of cyclicality in credit and asset markets. Reforms policy space to smooth the necessary adjust- amounts of domestic bond issuance to avoid 12. Further subsidy reform is critical. The maintaining liquid buffers as insurance to strengthen the insolvency regime are ongo- ment, policymakers have initiated important crowding out private sector investment, and government has taken important steps this against shocks. The macro-financial impact of ing in collaboration with the World Bank. fiscal reforms. some external borrowing. year to raise gasoline and utility prices. The these options should also be assessed care- Progress on this front, combined with judicial These should be sustained to gradually 7. This macro-fiscal environment is expect- mission encourages the authorities to move fully, taking into consideration the implica- reforms to introduce commercial courts and raise fiscal savings, focusing on further ration- ed to remain broadly supportive of financial ahead with their plans to further rationalize tions of building up debt and the impact of expedite enforcement, would help minimize alizing energy subsidies, containing the wage stability and credit growth. Growth enhanc- energy subsidies (estimated to have amount- borrowing on domestic liquidity, credit, and losses-given-default. While the CBK is well- bill and increasing nonoil revenue, which will ing capital expenditures will support bank ed to about 6 percent of GDP in 2015/16). central bank reserves. In this regard, coordi- equipped to deal with possible liquidity short- create space for higher growth-enhancing profitability and internal capital generation. Gradual implementation would help reduce nation with CBK will remain important. A bal- ages-as it applies five liquidity requirement capital outlays. Better aligning labor market While there are downside risks to asset quali- the inflationary impact and give time to busi- anced approach entailing domestic and instruments, including the liquidity coverage incentives, promoting higher productivity ty, loss absorption buffers are high. Credit nesses to adjust. Mitigating measures should external borrowing from diversified investors ratio and the net stable funding ratio-develop- through privatization and partnerships with growth has been robust, but the significant be designed so as to target the most vulnera- and drawdowns in GRF assets would help ing a liquidity forecasting framework would the private sector, and further efforts to contribution of installment loans that are ble households and promote energy efficien- maintain adequate buffers, take advantage of also help anticipate potential system-wide improve the business climate are key to secured by salary assignments mitigates con- cy. A well-designed communication strategy, the current favorable borrowing conditions, pressures. Sustaining efforts to streamline encourage diversification, private sector cerns of a build-up of financial risks. highlighting the budgetary costs and distor- and mitigate potential negative macro-finan- noncore bank activities where corporate struc- development and employment opportunities 8. However, Kuwait would remain signifi- tions generated by energy subsidies, as well cial implications. tures are complex would facilitate risk identifi- for nationals. The IMF team highly values the cantly exposed to a number of potential as their distributional impact and the planned 17. Continued progress toward strength- cation and effective supervision. candid and comprehensive discussions with external and domestic risks under the base- compensatory measures, would help build ening the institutional and legal frameworks 21. Strengthening the crisis management the Kuwaiti authorities. Staff would like to line scenario. The main risk to the outlook is a consensus for these reforms. for debt management and increased trans- framework would promote market discipline express its sincere gratitude to them for their further sustained drop in oil prices, which 13. The mission welcomes the authorities’ parency would help. The establishment of a and safeguard fiscal resources. A special reso- hospitality and excellent cooperation. would lead to larger deficits and financing intention to control the wage bill as part of high-level debt committee, backed by the lution regime for banks has not yet been put needs. Although the government’s strong the medium-term fiscal effort. The authorities’ creation of new debt management unit in place. A blanket guarantee covers all bank- Recent Macro-Financial Developments credit rating (AA) would enable it to tap inter- proposed wage reform is intended to help (DMU) at the ministry of finance, provides a ing system deposits. Consideration should be 1. Economic activity in the nonoil sector national markets, investors’ appetite for GCC simplify and harmonize the wage structure strong basis for coordination across all rele- given to establishing frameworks that allow has continued to expand, albeit at a slower bonds could decline in case of large regional and centralize wage policy decisions. In view vant government bodies. for least-cost and effective resolution in the pace, reflecting the impact of lower oil prices. financing needs. of the already high total government wage Further efforts are ongoing to clarify event of stress in the banking system. Non hydrocarbon growth slowed from 5 per- Kuwait would, therefore, be faced with the bill-including in comparison with peers-the responsibilities and improve institutional Formalizing arrangements between key regu- cent to an estimated 31/2 percent in 2015, as tradeoff of issuing more domestic debt, at reform should be designed in a way to ensure cooperation and fully operationalize the latory institutions would also help improve lower confidence weighed on consumption. the risk of squeezing domestic liquidity and that the overall wage bill does not rise further, DMU. It would also be important to put in crisis preparedness. The mission welcomes Notwithstanding an improvement in project crowding out private sector credit, or allow- and that any initial costs of moving to the place a medium-term debt strategy. The mis- the advanced arrangements for technical implementation under the five-year ing readily available buffers to run lower. new wage grid are offset by savings in sion welcomes the authorities’ intention to cooperation with the IMF in these areas. Development Plan, available indicators point Other risks include reform setbacks or slow allowances and bonuses. Moreover, to allow address legal hurdles that constrain the to a further modest softening in nonoil Development Plan implementation, which better control over future wage growth, the amounts and type of instruments that can be Private sector-led growth growth this year. However, with oil produc- could entail a larger fiscal deficit and slower reform should provide flexibility in setting issued, including Sukuk, hence helping 22. Creating jobs for a growing young tion recovering after three consecutive years growth. Heightened security risks could also wage increases. Over time, this would help broaden the investor base. Maintaining a national population will require addressing of decline, overall growth is on track to reach affect investor confidence and more volatile reduce the wage gap with the private sector, debt ceiling would, however, help maintain labor market inefficiencies and encouraging about 31/2 in 2016. Inflation, which has been global financial conditions could increase reduce nationals’ reservation wages, enhance fiscal discipline. private sector development and diversifica- hovering at around 3 percent, is set for an borrowing costs. The mission and the author- private sector competitiveness, and facilitate Improved disclosure of the government’s tion. Labor market and civil service reforms uptick to about 31/2 this year, reflecting the ities’ banking stress tests indicate that the diversification of the economy in a way that assets and liabilities, moving to more com- should aim at improving incentives for recent gasoline price increases. financial system is resilient to severe solvency maximizes the participation of nationals. The prehensive fiscal accounts, and improving nationals to take up jobs in the private sector, 2. The financial sector has remained sound and liquidity shocks, but a protracted period mission also encourages the authorities to timeliness of intra-year budgetary execution including by managing expectations about and credit conditions favorable. As of June of lower oil prices has the potential to limit employment growth, while promoting data would help strengthen investor confi- the limited future availability of public sector 2016, banks featured high capitalization (capi- increase liquidity and credit risks, exacerbate private sector job creation for nationals, and dence and reduce borrowing costs. jobs. Sustaining the recent efforts to stream- tal adequacy ratio of 17.9 percent), robust stock market volatility, and negatively affect communicate early on about its objectives to Promoting a deep and liquid government line public sector wages and benefits would profitability (return on assets of 1 percent), real estate prices. help reset expectations. debt market that facilitates private debt also contribute to making the private sector low nonperforming loans (ratio of 2.4 per- 14. Further streamlining other current issuance is important to foster capital market more attractive and encourage the hiring of cent), and high loan-loss provisioning (206 Policy Discussion spending will create space for higher growth- and private sector development. Introducing nationals by private-sector firms. Boosting the percent coverage). Bank liquidity has 9. A gradual but sustained fiscal effort is enhancing investment. Containing transfers regular auctions, communicating transpar- private sector demand for nationals’ labor will improved, supported by a recovery in deposits needed to reduce vulnerabilities and bring to enterprises and households and goods and ently, and developing secondary markets also require fostering an education system of government entities. Credit to the private government savings closer to levels consis- services would contribute to the adjustment would help in this regard. that reduces skill mismatches. sector has been increasing at a solid pace tent with intergenerational equity. Under the effort, while allowing for higher capital out- 18. The mission considers the peg to an 23. The mission welcomes the focus of the (about 63/4 percent year-over-year in mission’s baseline projections, rising gross lays. This would in turn mitigate the contrac- undisclosed basket appropriate, as it has pro- government’s six-pillar reform plan on privati- September 2016), driven mainly by install- government debt and large fiscal financing tionary impact of fiscal adjustment, provided vided an effective nominal anchor. The zation and PPPs. Building on stronger legal ment loans. Nevertheless, a few sectors to needs make the fiscal position more vulnera- it is accompanied by public investment man- authorities are fully committed to the current and institutional frameworks, the government which banks have sizable exposures have ble to shocks. In addition, the nonoil balance agement reforms to improve implementation exchange rate regime. The modest deprecia- aims at a greater use of these options to shown some weakening. The real estate sector is projected to diverge from levels consistent capacity and efficiency. In this regard, the mis- tion against the dollar since mid-2014 (7 per- enhance the role of the private sector in the is confronted with a further slowdown in the with intergenerational equity by some 20 per- sion welcomes the efforts underway to better cent) on account of having a basket rather economy and upgrade infrastructure. While volume and the value of sales. Nonfinancial cent of nonoil GDP by 2021, calling for a sig- prioritize projects through strengthened than dollar peg has been helpful during a the privatization program is still in its early corporate earnings have continued to deterio- nificant additional increase in fiscal saving. At appraisal processes, with emphasis on period of dollar strength. Staff’s external sec- stages, several Build-Operate-Transfer projects rate. Stock prices have registered broad-based the same time, large fiscal buffers and low encouraging diversification and employment tor assessment suggests a moderate current are in the pipeline. Continued progress toward declines since mid-2014 and have remained debt allow for a gradual approach to consoli- opportunities for nationals. Systematic ex- account gap, the bulk of which would be establishing clear timetables, advancing volatile. Banks’ exposure to Investment dation that supports growth and financial post evaluation and effective implementation closed by increasing fiscal savings as recom- preparatory work to strengthen underlying Companies has been reduced to 3 percent on sector stability. of the anti-corruption framework are also mended over the medium term. The mission assets, and promoting a transparent environ- average, but the latter are exposed to real 10. The mission recommends an adjust- important. notes that over the longer term, as the econo- ment that fosters competition and reduces estate and local and regional equities. ment path that will allow for achieving the 15. A medium-term fiscal framework is my diversifies, the benefits of greater hidden costs and contingent liabilities for the 3. Notwithstanding efforts to contain gov- intergenerational equity over a ten-year peri- needed to guide fiscal consolidation and exchange rate flexibility may increase. government will help stimulate private sector ernment spending, the fiscal and external od. This would entail reducing the govern- reduce implementation risks. The mission investment and boost productivity. accounts have deteriorated markedly. ment deficit (after transfer to the FGF) from a welcomes the ongoing efforts to strengthen Safeguarding financial stability 24. Further improving the business envi- Dwindling oil revenues have pushed the gov- projected 171/2 percent of GDP in 2015/16 to budget planning, including the move from 19. The CBK has been proactive in ronment is important to foster diversification. ernment’s fiscal balance-excluding invest- about 7 percent by 2021 and broadly elimi- the annual incremental budgets to medium- strengthening regulatory oversight and miti- Recent efforts include the opening of the ment income and after mandatory transfers nating this deficit by 2025. This proposed term budgets starting in FY2017/18 and the gating financial stability risks. Banks are under Kuwait Business Center, a one-stop window to the Future Generations Fund (FGF)-into a path, which strikes a balance between achiev- planned introduction of three-year expendi- Basel III regulations for capital, liquidity, and that will help streamline registration and large deficit of over 17 percent of GDP in ing necessary fiscal savings and mitigating ture ceilings. leverage. Macro-prudential measures-to pre- licensing procedures, and steps toward digi- 2015/16, generating significant financing the impact of adjustment on growth, can be These reforms should take place within the vent excessive debt build up by households talizing administrative procedures. Given the needs. Even when including investment achieved through a combination of the main context of a comprehensive medium-term and limit banks’ exposure to real estate and central role SMEs can play in economic diver- income and before transfers to the FGF, fiscal expenditure and revenue reforms included in framework, guided by an overarching long- equities-are being enforced to minimize sys- sification and job creation, a similar initiative surpluses have vanished. The underlying the government’s six-pillar reform plan. term fiscal policy objective (for example temic risks. A new corporate governance is planned for SMEs. The mission emphasized (non-oil) fiscal position has nevertheless 11. The mission supports the authorities’ based on intergenerational equity considera- framework has also recently been introduced. the need to sustain reforms to facilitate access improved over the past two years, reflecting a plan to raise nonhydrocarbon revenue as part tions) and setting a consistent path for an In light of the potential risks from a sustained to land and finance, reduce the burden of decline in the subsidy bill, non-recurrence of of the medium-term fiscal consolidation pro- intermediary target (a nonoil fiscal balance further decline in oil prices, and given high administrative procedures and excessive reg- one-off spending, and efforts to curtail cur- gram. This includes introducing a value- objective would help delink spending from oil loan concentrations, common exposures and ulations, and foster competition. It welcomed rent expenditure. The composition of govern- added tax (VAT) at a rate of 5 percent, as well revenue volatility). In this context, the mission interconnectedness of the financial system, the authorities’ intention to improve the func- ment expenditure has also improved in favor as raising excise tax on tobacco and sugary underscores the importance of developing a the CBK’s enhanced surveillance bodes well tioning of the National Fund for SMEs devel- of growth-enhancing capital spending. The drinks. These measures will be implemented top-down approach, strengthening budget for early identification of financial stability opment to free up resources for small busi- external current account surplus has also in the context of the regional GCC agreement processes-including by reducing the fragmen- risks. In particular, the mission welcomes the nesses. Consideration could be given to declined significantly, reaching 51/4 percent and could generate additional revenue in the tation of the investment budget-and expendi- ongoing initiatives to strengthen stress test- reviewing the hurdles to SMEs’ access to of GDP in 2015 and is set to fall further to 41/2 order of 13/4 percent of GDP. The mission ture control mechanisms, and developing ing techniques, develop early warning indica- finance, including the potential impact of the percent in 2016 cap on lending rate spreads. 4. Financing needs have thus far been met mainly by drawing down financial buffers, and the government has also started borrow- ing. The government deficit has been financed mainly through draw down of General Reserve Fund (GRF) assets. The issuance of domestic bonds has been stepped up this year, contributing to a net financing of about KD 1.4 billion year to date-over half the targeted amount for 2016/17. The govern- ment has also announced its intention to tap international capital markets to raise up to KD 2.9 billion.

Macro-financial Outlook and Risks 5. Growth is expected to gain momentum over the medium term, supported by infra- structure investment. A continued improve- ment in project implementation under the Kuwait Development Plan will support a grad- ual recovery in real nonoil GDP growth to about 31/2 percent in 2017 and 4 percent thereafter. Hydrocarbon output is set to increase by 2 percent annually, consistent with investment in the sector. Overall, real GDP growth would reach about 3 percent over the medium term. Inflation is expected to tem- porarily increase to 41/2 percent in 2017, reflecting energy prices increases in 2016-17, before easing gradually. Higher hydrocarbon exports will lift the current account surplus above 10 percent of GDP by 2021. 6. Kuwait’s fiscal position is projected to improve modestly, but financing needs after transfers to the FGF will remain large. The mis- sion’s baseline scenario assumes oil prices will gradually recover to some $60 by 2021. It takes into account the fiscal impact of the measures recently enacted (increase in gaso- line prices and legislated electricity and water price reform) but does not factor in the gov- ernment’s planned fiscal reforms that have not yet been implemented. THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 business Dollar recovers as pound falls back

LONDON: The dollar recovered against its major House, a joint venture with German media com- of a possible currency war. “locking oneself in a dark room. Wind and parliament vote on the deal. “May’s peers yesterday after taking a battering the pre- pany Bertelsmann. “The rising anxiety and The sell-off marked a sharp turnaround for rain may be kept outside, but so is light announcement that both houses of parlia- vious day, while the pound fell back having uncertainty ahead of Donald Trump’s inaugura- the US unit, which has been surging since and air”. ment will vote on the final Brexit deal is surged on the UK’s Brexit plans. European stock tion this coming Friday has exposed the green- Trump’s November election on expectations his positive for the pound, as the process, at a markets were largely steady around midday fol- back to heavy losses,” said FXTM Research ana- big-spending, tax-cutting plans will fan inflation ‘Brexit vote positive’ minimum, should ensure that the most lowing gains for Asian indices. “The FTSE 100 has lyst Lukman Otunuga. and force a Federal Reserve rate hike. Trump’s In European trade yesterday the dollar severe outcomes are avoided,” said Oanda given up early gains despite the pound continu- “With optimism slowly fading over the series comments came days before he takes the oath was up on the yen, euro and pound but trader Stephen Innes. ing to pull back from yesterday’s strong rally, the of interest rate hikes under Trump and the lack of office tomorrow, with market-watchers hop- struggled against higher-yielding units Sterling shot up three percent-its index hindered by a Pearson profits warning and of clarity provided on the proposed fiscal stimu- ing his speech will provide some detail on his including South Korea’s won, the Australian biggest gain since 2008 — to more than weakness among miners and financials,” said lus measures weighing on sentiment, the dollar plans for the US economy as well as his inten- dollar and Malaysian ringgit. The pound fell $1.24 following her remarks, having Mike van Dulken, head of research at Accendo may find itself vulnerable to further losses,” he tions on the global trade front. on profit-taking during a volatile week for plunged below $1.20 Monday as news Markets. added. The greenback plunged Tuesday follow- On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping the currency. Having plunged Monday to emerged of her plans. “There is nothing like Shares in UK publisher Pearson plunged up ing comments from the US president-elect in an warned at the World Economic Forum in Davos October lows against the greenback on clarity to turn around a market,” said to 28 percent after it issued a profit warning and interview that it was too strong and that a weak against protectionism, alluding to Trump’s plans worries about Britain’s plans for a clean McKenna. In Asia yesterday, Hong Kong ral- said it would sell holdings in Penguin Random Chinese yuan was “killing us”, fuelling concerns to tear up global trade deals, saying it was like break from the European Union, it bounced lied 1.1 percent, boosted by a flood of back sharply Tuesday. mainland Chinese investors picking up This was after British Prime Minister stocks considered cheap compared with Theresa May set out her plan to leave the those north of the border, while a pick-up customs union and single market in a so- in the yuan eased fears about the mainland called “hard Brexit”, and promised to let economy. — AFP

TOKYO: A woman walks past an electronic stock board showing world market index- es at a securities firm. — AP China growth slides to new 26-year low

BEIJING: China’s growth slipped to its The forecast is within the government’s tar- slowest rate in more than a quarter of a get of 6.5-7.0 percent. Official figures are century in 2016, an AFP survey has fore- released Friday. cast, as analysts see mounting risks for the “For China’s economy to transform world’s number two economy with Donald from investment-led to consumption-led Trump heading for the White House. While without relying too much on credit, a the Asian giant is a key engine of the global slowdown is necessary,” said Claire Huang economy, affecting businesses and of Societe Generale. While there are con- employment across the planet, its leaders cerns growth will slow further, Chinese are trying to shift from reliance on exports President Xi Jinping is looking to claim the and infrastructure investment as a growth mantle of global economic leadership driver to consumer spending. many expect an increasingly protectionist But the transition has proved bumpy, Trump to give up. with the crucial manufacturing sector On Tuesday Xi pushed the cause of struggling in the face of sagging global globalization during his debut at the World demand for the nation’s products and Economic Forum in Davos, warning protec- excess industrial capacity left over from an tionism was akin to “locking oneself in a infrastructure boom. Added to that is a dark room”. While the median projection volatile yuan, large-scale capital flight and for 2017 in AFP’s survey came in at 6.5 per- a mounting concerns about a rapid surge cent, two of those questioned warned it in debt levels after Beijing flooded the mar- could drop as low as 6.0 percent. ket with credit to maintain growth in the face of a sluggish global economy. Reforms still needed And now Beijing has another headache A cooling real-estate sector will be “the with Trump threatening massive tariffs on largest drag”, Brian Jackson of IHS told AFP, Chinese goods over what he sees as unfair noting expectations of a “fairly painful” cycli- trade practices and calling it a currency cal downturn in the housing market. China manipulator. The economy expanded 6.7 last month ended a major annual economic percent last year, according to the median meeting with promises to liberalise invest- projection in an AFP survey of 23 econo- ment in state-owned sectors, control real mists. That compares with 6.9 percent in estate speculation and improve the “flexibili- 2015 and is the weakest since 1990, a year ty” of the yuan. But Societe Generale’s after the bloody Tiananmen Square crack- Huang warned further slowing could test down isolated the country internationally. Beijing’s commitment to reform. —AFP

BEIJING: In this Wednesday, Nov 9, 2016, file photo, a Chinese man reacts near a board showing the Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index at a brokerage. — AP Citigroup fourth quarter beat analysts’ forecasts

NEW YORK: Financial giant Citigroup a year earlier. Bond trading, one of Citi’s reported a 7 percent rise in fourth quarter specialties reported a 36 percent rise in profits yesterday, helped by a strong per- revenue. formance in the bank’s trading business, a Citi’s global consumer banking busi- theme that has repeated itself with all the ness, which includes its retail bank and major Wall Street banks this quarter. The credit card business, had net income of New York-based company said it earned $1.27 billion, down 7 percent from a year $3.57 billion in the fourth quarter, or $1.14 earlier. While Citi said the business was per share, compared with $3.34 billion, or helped by the acquisition of the Costco $1.02 per share, in the same period a year credit card business, other parts of the earlier. The results were slightly above ana- firm’s business saw declines. Citi has been lysts’ estimates of $1.12 per share. trying to close or relocate branches to cut Like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley expenses. The US bank posted revenue of and other banks with significant trading $20.29 billion in the period. Its adjusted operations, Citi’s trading desks did very revenue was $17.01 billion, which missed well in the quarter. All the major Wall Street forecasts. Three analysts surveyed Street banks benefited from a broad mar- by Zacks expected $17.05 billion. ket rally that occurred after the US presi- Citigroup’s stock has decreased almost 2 dential election. Citi’s institutional clients percent since the beginning of the year, group, which includes the firm’s invest- while the Standard & Poor’s 500 index has ment bank and trading, reported net climbed slightly more than 1 percent. The income of $2.47 billion in the quarter com- stock has risen 29 percent in the last 12 pared with $1.26 billion in the same period months. — AP THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 BUSINESS

Qatar airways extends its popular travel festival for two more days DOHA: Qatar Airways has extended its book with Accor Hotels at Thousands of customers from across the popular Travel Festival with exceptional AccorHotels.com will receive exclusive globe have eagerly searched for the discounts continuing for people travel- offers on accommodation. Visa card magic travel dates, with over 200 hun- ling together, special companion fares holders can also avail up to 15 per cent dred zero-fare ‘golden’ tickets being and kids fly free. further off flights at the time of booking. found so far. The extended promotional period Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Qatar Airways Holidays is also pro- covers flights on board the airline’s Officer, Dr. Hugh Dunleavy, said: “I’m viding an extension to its fantastic deals World’s Best Business Class and really excited to be able to extend our on hotels and accommodation across a Economy Class, on flights across its best-ever Travel Festival by an additional number of the airline’s 150 destinations. global network of more than 150 places two days. The Travel Festival has, as Double Qmiles can also be earned on until 15 December 2017. expected, been very popular and so far flights booked by Privilege Club mem- Exceptional deals can be found on we have given away more than 200 bers. Passengers taking advantage of flights to London from KWD 111, per Golden Tickets and 500 prizes through Qatar Airways’ extended Travel Festival person, Geneva from KWD 137, per per- our social media channels. are encouraged to turn two holidays son, and New York from KWD, 234 per This extension encourages our travel- into one by planning a stopover in person. World-travelers are encouraged ers to seize the opportunity on excep- Doha, with a new transit visa scheme to visit qatarairways.com or contact tional deals to incredible destinations offering visitors a free transit visa for up their nearest Qatar Airways sales agent across our global network. With the to 96 hours on your way to or from your to book. Qatar Airways has partnered Qatar Airways Travel Festival the world final destination. Combine a quick visit with Accor Hotels and leading payments can take advantage of further discounts to Doha, with its historic sites and five- technology company Visa, to give pas- from our main partners’ Accor Hotels This year’s online Golden Ticket offer where travelers could uncover clues to star shopping and resorts, with a dream sengers discounts on accommodation and Visa and have a chance to win fur- has again created a hive of activity on access further discounts and even claim holiday - only available to Qatar Airways as part of the festival. Travelers who ther great prizes.” Qatar Airways’ social media channels $0 fare tickets to dream destinations. passengers. Target lowers profit and sales outlook

NEW YORK: Target cut its fourth-quarter health will decline 1 percent to 1.5 percent in profit and sales outlook after the discounter the quarter, compared to guidance of down 1 says it had sluggish holiday sales and traffic in percent to up 1 percent. For the November its stores that offset a surging online business. and December period, total sales dropped 4.9 Its shares fell nearly 4 percent in premarket percent, reflecting the impact of the trading and shares of several other major December 2015 sales of Target’s pharmacy retailers such as Kohl’s and Macy’s also fell. and clinic business. The disappointing holiday season is a setback In a statement, Target CEO Brian Cornell for Target, which like many other retailers is said that while he was pleased with Black trying to reinvent itself to be more nimble in Friday sales, online sales growth of more 40 a changing landscape where online leader percent and continued strength in key “signa- Amazon.com is setting the rules. ture” categories like clothing and home, the Target stepped up its value messages, results were offset by early season weakness ramped up its holiday marketing and show- and disappointing traffic sales trends in the cased new homegrown brands like a chil- stores. The company said the weak spots dren’s clothing line called Cat & Jack. were electronics and entertainment, where Apparently, it wasn’t enough to draw shop- the key sales measure declined in the high pers to its stores, and that underscores the single digit range and food and essentials, challenges for the industry. A string of retail- both of which saw the figure decline in the ers including Kohl’s and Macy’s recently low- low single-digit range. ered their outlooks after weak holiday sales Target says costs associated with shifting despite their aggressive marketing and mer- its efforts to online services and a highly pro- chandising efforts. motional competitive environment hurt Target said yesterday that revenue at fourth-quarter margins. Target now expects stores opened at least a year were down 1.3 adjusted earnings per share to be $1.45 to percent for the November and December $1.55, compared with an earlier guidance of Al-Sayer takes top honor: Litmus period. The company, based in Minneapolis, $1.55 to $1.75. Analysts were expecting $1.65 now says the key barometer for a retailer’s per share, according to FactSet. — AP wins at Arab Media Forum Awards HSBC will likely switch Recognition for efforts in unique and creative advertising

jobs to France on Brexit KUWAIT: Litmus Advertising, Kuwait Information and Minister of State for Litmus has been recognized at the awards, follow- based creative agency and one of Youth Affairs. The event was attend- ing its success with both Toyota and Lexus in LONDON: HSBC bank would likely switch to about 20 percent of revenue earned by the Al-Sayer Group Holding ed by the Information Ministry 2015. This recognition is backed by their contin- 1,000 jobs to Paris from London, with Britain HSBC’s investment bank division in London, Companies recently won first Undersecretary Tareq Al Mizrim ued development, which now benefits from an planning to leave the EU single market under Gulliver added. He was speaking Tuesday, place in the print category for its and the Undersecretary of New affiliation with MENACOM headquartered in Brexit, chief executive Stuart Gulliver told shortly after British Prime Minister Theresa work on Toyota at the 2016 Arab Media at the Ministry of Dubai. Litmus advertising works with different Bloomberg Television. Speaking from the May said Britain would pull out of the Media Forum Creativity Awards Information Youssef Mustafa along business groups of Al-Sayer including Toyota, World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort European single market to control EU immi- which was conducted under the with distinguished media mem- Lexus, Bahrah Trading Company as well as with Davos, Gulliver said in an interview that gration, as she unveiled plans for a clean patronage of Sheikh Salman Al- bers and celebrities from Kuwait. other clients such as Caribou Coffee, McDonalds “about 1,000 jobs which are carrying out break from Brussels for the first time. Homoud Al-Sabah, Minister of This is the second year in row and Gulf Insurance Group. activities which are covered by European leg- At the same time however, May stressed islation... would probably need, in our case, to the need for the greatest possible access to go to France”. the market with Britain as an outsider. The UK Malabar Gold & Diamonds announces While Gulliver had in the past already hint- financial sector has long feared the loss of ed at such a switch of investment banking “passporting” rights-which allows EU mem- jobs, his comments appeared more precise as ber states to trade across national borders. major Dh335mn retail expansion plans he suggested France would take precedence That provides a crucial gateway for compa- over other EU nations. “We bought Credit nies to access the rest of the bloc. Lobby Commercial de France in 2002, so we have a group the British Bankers’ Association cau- DUBAI: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the full service universal bank in France. And so tioned in October that international lenders world’s largest gold and diamond jewellery retailer, for us, it’s France.” with operations in the UK are ready to trans- announces a major investment amounting Dh335 Activities covered by European financial fer some of their activities out of the country million (US$91.28 million) in expansion plans of its regulation that would need to move equate from early 2017. — AFP retail network. The plan will see an addition of 24 stores in three months, from January 2017 to March 2017 period, taking the number of total out- Goldman Sachs results beat lets to 185 by the end of March 2017, up from 161 as of yesterday. Out of the 24 new outlets, 9 will be in the UAE, estimates, helped by trading 7 in India, 5 in Saudi Arabia, 2 in Bahrain and 1 in Kuwait. Of these, 7 outlets will be opened yester- NEW YORK: Goldman Sachs reported ed to the bank’s dealings during the hous- day, taking the number of total outlets to 168, fourth-quarter earnings that beat analysts’ ing bubble and financial crisis. including 82 in India and86 internationally. The forecasts yesterday as the bank recovered The results beat analysts’ expectations expansion will add more than 1,000 professionals from a difficult quarter a year earlier. of $4.76 per share. “After a challenging first to the group’s existing manpower strength of Results were particularly strong at half, the firm performed well for the 9,000 and cross the 10,000 employee mark by Goldman’s trading desks in the last three remainder of the year as the operating March this year. months of the year. environment improved,” CEO Lloyd The move marks a major investment in expan- The New York-based investment bank Blankfein said in a statement. Like Morgan sion at a time when many gold and jewellery retail- earned $2.35 billion, or $5.08 a share, com- Stanley, which reported its results on ers have struggled to manage their existing opera- pared with $765 million, or $1.27 per share, Tuesday, Goldman had a strong quarter in tions due to challenging global economic environ- the transaction value remained almost flat - which flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading diver- in the same period a year earlier. Last year’s its trading operations, benefiting from a ment. Despite the tough market conditions result- means the number of customers have grown”. sified Indian business conglomerate. The group results included a $5 billion legal settle- market rally following the U.S. presidential ed by lower demand, higher price of gold and “Data from our own sales across the network shows owned by over 1,700 investors was ranked among ment with the Department of Justice relat- election. — AP demonetization process in India, Malabar Gold & that we have acquired more customers last year - the top 5 jewellery retailers globally. Established in Diamonds has decided to push ahead with expan- who purchased from us for the first time - that 1993 in the Indian state of Kerala, Malabar Gold & sion, which demonstrates it confidence in the compensated for the lower average purchase Diamonds today has a strong retail network of over Boursa Kuwait: Official growth of market in future. transaction value”, Mr Shamlal revealed. 161 outlets spread across nine countries. Malabar “This is one of our single largest vertical expansion “I believe the current market conditions are best Gold & Diamonds had earlier announced donating 5 drives. The expansion at a crucial time reflects our suited for buyers as the price of gold is expected to percent of its profits in CSR activities aimed at sup- member in the ICMA renewed confidence and strong commitment to the rise. This year, we expect consumers to be less cau- porting the societies across five key areas: Gulf, India and Far East markets,” Mr. MP Ahammed, tious and buy more - a trend that will lift consump- Education, Women Empowerment, Healthcare and KUWAIT: Boursa Kuwait is proud to international community with access to a Chairman of Malabar Group, said. ”Investment in tion”, he added. Malabar Gold & Diamonds is the Research, Housing and Environment. announce that it has been accorded the pool of expert professional market knowl- downturn market requires courage and strong risk official membership to join the edge will keep us regularly informed of appetite. Our latest expansion demonstrates our International Capital Market Association trends and developments in the industry long-term vision and a sustainable business develop- Mastercard helps expand (ICMA) on 1 January 2017. Commenting on that can only be beneficial to our national ment roadmap that we can manage mostly with our this occasion, Boursa Kuwait Vice Chairman economy. In addition to that, Boursa own resources”. “The expansion is aimed at serving financial inclusion in Pakistan by Kuwait will contribute to an efficient dia- more communities and nationalities, especially peo- logue with the regulators and the ple from the Philippines, African Arab communities, optimizing National ID cards exchange members alike.” ICMA is an inter- the Levant as well as the Western countries. The national membership association which extended network will help us acquire a greater cus- KUWAIT: Mastercard, a leading technology com- the issuance of National ID cards, passports or currently has over 500 members located in tomer base”. He added. pany in the global payments industry, any other document provisioned by NADRA approximately 60 countries. The ICMA The price of gold has risen in almost every announced a strategic collaboration with Technologies. The announcement was made seeks to promote resilient and well-func- major world economy during 2016, suggesting Pakistan’s NADRA Technologies to optimize during Mastercard’s participation in the World tioning international debt capital markets. that the dark days are over and good times are National ID cards with electronic payments func- Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2017, taking It is worth noting that the ICMA works coming back. The gold price is almost 10 percent tionality. The move will allow Pakistani citizens to place from 17-20 January in Davos, Switzerland. to help build trust in the industry by pro- higher today than what it had been 12 months carry out financial transactions and receive gov- “This is a huge step forward in our efforts to moting internationally accepted standards ago. Abdul Salam KP, Group Executive Director of ernment disbursements by utilizing the unique expand financial inclusion in Pakistan,” said of market practice through the develop- Malabar Group said that consumers were cautious 13-digit identification number of their identity Khalid Elgibali, Division President, MENA, ment of appropriate, industry accepted, last year “Retail activities are a reflection of the con- card. Citizens will also be able to use their Mastercard: “As the nature of personal and busi- guidelines, rules, recommendations and sumer sentiment. Due to the market conditions, National ID to send and receive domestic and ness transactions becomes more sophisticated, and CEO, Khaled Abdulrazzaq Al Khaled standard documentation, to maintain and consumers exercised caution. However things are international remittances, eliminating the Mastercard is dedicated to pioneering solutions said in a press statement that: “Joining the enhance the framework of cross border looking brighter as we started the New Year with a requirement to physically visit a bank branch or that enable payments in a swift, convenient and ICMA is a major step for Boursa Kuwait. This issuing, trading and investing in debt lot of positive indications,” he added. The current currency exchange house to meet their money reliable manner. We are excited to partner with puts us on the international map as con- instruments. It also brings all segments of price of gold jewellery is ideal for buyers, company transfer needs. NADRA Technologies to turn the National ID card tributors to the capital market as a whole the industry together both the buy side officials say. Shamlal Ahamed MP, Managing Under the terms of the agreement, into a singular touch point for payments and and as active participants in shaping the and sell side, and encourages the issuance Director - International Operations of Malabar Gold Mastercard will also use its next-generation pay- remittances, and thus open up avenues that future of the Kuwaiti market through dia- of financial regulations which promote the & Diamonds’ says, “Due to the market conditions, ment processing technologies to process all minimize handling of cash in favor ofa more logues on the international best practices.” resilience, efficiency and cost effectiveness consumers on an average purchased less gold. online payments made by Pakistani citizens for secure electronic payment method.” Mr Al Khaled added: “To be part of an of international debt capital markets. However, although the average ticket size was low, technology THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

Audiobooks see boom in For driverless cars, a moral digital, multitasking age dilemma: Who lives or dies?

NEW YORK: Curling up with a paperback commute is often what triggers someone may be a forgotten luxury for many to try an audiobook and to experience it Human choice in machine hands thanks to today's busy lifestyles, but lis- for the first time and then they find other tening to a book on the go, while shop- places where they can listen." When BOSTON: Imagine you're behind the wheel when your brakes fail. ping or jogging, is fast becoming the new audiobooks became available in digital As you speed toward a crowded crosswalk, you're confronted with norm. Gone are the cumbersome cassette format, people started using them during an impossible choice: veer right and mow down a large group of sets that could cost three times as much other activities-when out shopping or elderly people, or veer left into a woman pushing a stroller. Now as an old-fashioned book and often fea- jogging, performing household tasks or imagine you're riding in the back of a self-driving car. How would tured only excerpts to cut down on costs. crafting. it decide? Now, audiobooks are just a click away Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are and can be uploaded onto a smartphone 'Lose myself' asking people worldwide how they think a robot car should han- for the same, if not lower, price as the For thriller author John Hart, gyms dle such life-or-death decisions. Their goal is not just for better print edition. Mary Beth Roche, president and shops are not necessarily the best algorithms and ethical tenets to guide autonomous vehicles, but and publisher of Macmillan Audio, says place to enjoy a book. "But if it's a quite to understand what it will take for society to accept the vehicles their reader feedback suggests many use contemplative type of environment, and use them. Their findings present a dilemma for car makers audiobooks as a "multitasking tool," a way driving or working in a quiet manner, it's and governments eager to introduce self-driving vehicles on the to "consume books when their eyes are probably a great way to experience promise that they'll be safer than human-controlled cars. People busy." For others-whose work lives may these books," he said. "Driving your car prefer a self-driving car to act in the greater good, sacrificing its involve long stretches at the screen-they on a long trip I find for instance an passenger if it can save a crowd of pedestrians. They just don't are a way to unplug. audiobook is every bit as satisfying as want to get into that car. "It's sort of nice to sit back, and relax sitting in a quiet room and reading and "There is a real risk that if we don't understand those psycho- and have a story told to you," said Roche. in fact it can even become more so com- logical barriers and address them through regulation and public Some 35,574 audiobook titles were pletely immersive. I'd lose myself in the outreach, we may undermine the entire enterprise," said Iyad released in the United States in 2015, experience." Rahwan, an associate professor at the MIT Media Lab. "People will according to the Audio Publishers The audio rights for Hart's first book say they're not comfortable with this. lt would stifle what I think Association, an eight-fold increase over were sold to Recorded Books. After that, will be a very good thing for humanity." five years. That year, sales of books read his publisher Macmillan sought to retain After publishing research last year surveying US residents, out loud reached $1.77 billion, an annual control of the audiobook as well as the Rahwan and colleagues at the University of Toulouse in France jump of 20 percent. print rights. Anthony Goff, senior vice and the University of California, Irvine, are now expanding their Cisco reveals the current According to the Author Earnings president at Hachette Book Group, noted surveys and looking at how responses vary in different countries. website, Amazon largely dominates the that authors today have a much keener They are also using a website created by MIT researchers called state of Digital market-even more so than for the print interest than before in the audiobook ver- the Moral Machine , which allows people to play the role of judg- book industry-with around 119,000 sion of their works, sometimes suggest- ing who lives or dies. A jaywalking person or several dogs riding in audiobooks sold per day in January 2016. ing readers or offering to do the reading the driverless car? A pregnant woman or a homeless man? Transformation in Retail At the core of its earnings is industry themselves. leader Audible, which Amazon bought in Most celebrities who recently pub- Broad differences KWUAIT: Cisco analysts are hailing 2016 as gies that enable existing capabilities 2008. The tech and retail giant also offers lished autobiographical works in the Preliminary, unpublished research based on millions of the best year for holiday sales growth since and processes, IT agility and operational subscription deals, including one book United States also provided recordings of responses from more than 160 countries shows broad differences 2005. However, this growth is not coming efficiency. per month for $14.95. Most major pub- the volumes, including Bruce between East and West. More prominent in the United States and from the traditional brick and mortar chan- • Retailers are missing a $187 billion lishers now have dedicated audiobook Springsteen, Carrie Fisher and Bernie Europe are judgments that reflect the utilitarian principle of mini- nel. Instead, Internet shoppers saved the opportunity by not prioritizing invest- teams. Sanders. On average, audiobooks account mizing total harm over all else, Rahwan said. The thought experi- holiday season by setting new records for ments in Employee Productivity. for 10 percent of sales of the print version, ment is familiar to ethicists, who have grappled with such dilem- online sales during Black Friday, Cyber These technologies and use cases A favorite in the car said Roche. But the figure is greater for mas since British philosopher Philippa Foot in the 1960s present- Monday and Bounceback Tuesday. This has deliver the greatest value from digiti- In the United States, audiobooks have some genres, such as science fiction, fan- ed a similar question about a runaway trolley . But it's too unrealis- huge implications for the industry and for zation by increasing associate efficien- long been serious business-simply tasy and especially self-help works. Roche tic for some focused on how the vehicles act in ordinary situa- retailers' 2017 technology plans. cy, optimizing the checkout and because Americans on average spend so estimates that at least 1,000 copies of a tions. Just 5 miles from MIT's Media Lab in Cambridge, the first The multi-channel shopper is fueling a improving worker collaboration. much time in their cars. "What we found given audiobook must be sold in order to self-driving car to roll out on Massachusetts public roads began wave of digital disruption that threatens to Prioritizing investments in these areas out is that's a way for consumers to make start making a profit. That's because they testing this month in Boston's Seaport District. put nearly half of retailer leaders out of busi- not only improves operational pro- that time in traffic, quality time," said can be expensive to produce. "We still "We approach the problem from a bit more of a practical, engi- ness if they don't transform themselves digi- ductivity and associate effectiveness, Roche. "Even way back when it was the count on print to lead the charge, but I do neering perspective," said NuTonomy CEO Karl Iagnemma, whose tally. A new research report released today but also contribute to improved shop- cassette and then the CD, the number believe that audio sales are helping to Cambridge-based company has also piloted self-driving taxis in by Cisco, "Reinventing Retail: Cisco Reveals per experiences and increased loyalty. one place that people listen is in the car. expand the market and finding new fans Singapore. Iagnemma said the study's moral dilemmas are "van- How Stores Can Surge Ahead on the Digital Just 6 percent of retailers' investment We do find that a long car trip or a long for our authors," said Goff. — AFP ishingly rare." Designing a safe vehicle, not a "sophisticated ethical Transformation Journey" reveals that priorities are focused on Employee creature," is the focus of his engineering team as they tweak the despite the risks, retailers around the world Productivity use cases, despite the software that guides their electric Renault Zoe past Boston snow- are moving too slowly when it comes to dig- fact that Cisco estimates that these banks. "When a driverless car looks out on the world, it's not able ital transformation and may not be invest- use cases deliver the greatest return to distinguish the age of a pedestrian or the number of occupants ing in the right places. The holiday season's on investment for retailers. in a car," Iagnemma said. "Even if we wanted to imbue an choppy sales report and the recent closing autonomous vehicle with an ethical engine, we don't have the of big box stores is just the beginning. technical capability today to do so." Focusing too much on the stark "trolley problem" risks marginalizing the study of how best Brick and mortar stores to address self-driving ethics, said Noah Goodall, a scientist at the "The shakeup caused by digital disrup- Virginia Transportation Research Council. Engineers already pro- tion is already underway with many major gram cars to make moral choices, such as when they slow down retailers announcing the closure of hun- and leave space after detecting a bicyclist. "All these cars do risk dreds of their brick and mortar stores in management. It just doesn't look like a trolley problem," Goodall recent months, in order to better compete said. Rahwan agrees with self-driving enthusiasts that freeing in a landscape where physical and digital vehicles from human error could save many lives. —AP channels are increasingly converging," said Mike Weston, Vice President, Cisco Middle East. "Yet, there remains a tremendous opportunity, with the potential for retailers California finishes to generate more than $506 billion in value that can be achieved through digital trans- final safety review of formation. Retailers need to make more progress in digitizing their workforce and wells after blowout their core operations in order to execute on Mike Weston - Vice President the innovative customer experiences they Cisco Middle East LOS ANGELES: A California natural gas storage facility where a want to deliver, and to position themselves for success in the new retail landscape." • Retailers are not investing enough in JAKARTA: In this Friday, Jan 13, 2017, photo, a customer looks at a used tape recorder at a flea blowout spewed methane for nearly four months has completed In an effort to help retailers achieve digi- the areas that create competitive differ- market on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia. The waste from discarded electronic gadgets a safety review required to resume operations, though it might tal transformation, Cisco previously released entiation and new revenue streams. and appliances has increased by two-thirds in East Asia over five years, posing a growing never return to full capacity, state officials said yesterday. a "A Roadmap to Digital Value in the Retail Only 29 percent of retailers' investment threat to health and the environment unless proper disposal becomes the norm. — AP The Southern California Gas Co facility at Aliso Canyon has been crippled more than a year since the blowout discovered in Industry," which guides retailers through priorities are currently focused on the October 2015 drove 8,000 families from their Los Angeles homes three phases: (1)Enable digital capabilities, "Differentiate" phase and only 22 per- Clocks failed onboard and led to mass complaints of nosebleeds, nausea, headaches (2)Differentiate their brand through new cent in the "Define" phase, the second and other maladies. Fewer than a third of the 113 wells at the digital capabilities, and (3)Define new busi- and third phases of the roadmap, aging former oil field have passed rigorous inspections ordered ness models through digital disruption. respectively. These are the more navigation satellites after the blowout. The remaining ones have been taken out of To understand the progress retailers advanced phases of the roadmap, have made on that roadmap and in execut- where retailers can differentiate their PARIS: The European Space Agency Two of the failed clocks were on a single satel- service and must pass state-mandated tests within a year or be permanently sealed. ing on their own digital transformation jour- brand based on unique digital capabili- announced yesterday there were "failed" clocks lite. "So far, the operational ability is not affect- neys, Cisco has spent the past 10 months ties and services, or define new busi- onboard some of the 18 navigation satellites it ed," said Woerner. "However, we are not blind... The state could sign off as soon as next month to allow use of the approved wells to store more gas, though the company facilitating in-depth workshops with more ness models and revenue streams has launched for Galileo, Europe's beleaguered If this failure has some systematic reason we than 200 retail executives from North and through digital disruption. These find- rival to America's GPS. So far, the problem has have to be careful." would be restricted to about a third of the facility's storage capaci- ty, the Department of Conservation said. While the facility has a South America and regions of Europe, rep- ings indicate that most retailers have not affected operation of the system, which The cause is being investigated, and ESA resenting brick-and-mortar retailers, e-com- not made enough progress when it announced early, initial service in December, has yet to decide how to proceed with future capacity of 83 billion cubic feet, the state has set a storage limit of 29 billion cubic feet - about double the amount of natural gas merce, apparel manufacturers, food service comes to digital transformation and ESA Director General Jan Woerner told journal- satellite launches, said Woerner. Galileo will and other segments of retail. The new may be at risk of being out-performed ists in Paris, adding it was "a sensitive issue". ultimately comprise 30 operational satellites. that remains in caverns more than a mile underground. The state said the maximum safe capacity is 65 billion cubic feet, far below report reveals where they are on their jour- by faster moving, more innovative retail "Unfortunately we have right now the situ- "We have to look into... whether we find finally ney to digital transformation, where they ventures. ation that we have failed rubidium clocks as some systematic root cause and to change it, the full capacity. "At this point in time, there's no information that would indi- are currently prioritizing their digital tech- Some sub-segments of the retail indus- well as failed hydrogen maser clocks"-nine in or whether we have to just go on" and rely on nology investments and what they may not try are making more progress on their path total, Woerner said. He was referring to the the backup clocks, Woerner said. cate that returning to that whole capacity of the 83 billion cubic feet would ever be needed," said Edward Randolph of the know about the flaws in their digitization to digital transformation than others. New two types of atomic clock used for Galileo-two According to ESA, Galileo boasts the most strategies. York-based apparel manufacturers and gar- rubidium and two hydrogen maser clocks per accurate atomic clocks ever used for geo- California Public Utilities Commission. SoCalGas did not respond specifically to questions about the reduced capacity, saying in a ment industry retailers have placed 58 per- satellite. Each satellite needs only one working localization. Similar to traditional clocks rely- Key Highlights: cent of their digital investment priorities clock for the system to function, the rest are ing on the tick of a pendulum, atomic clocks statement that it was reviewing the additional guidelines. Aliso Canyon is the largest natural gas storage site in the West • Retailers are stuck in the early phase of within the Differentiate and Define phases backup. Three rubidium and six hydrogen also count regular oscillations, in this case the digital roadmap.Retailers' digital of the roadmap, compared with just 39 per- maser clocks are not working, said Woerner. switches between energy states of atoms and is considered critical to the Los Angeles area for home heat- ing and to power gas-fired electricity plants during energy spikes. investment priorities remain concen- cent from the brick-and-mortar retailers, "We don't know whether we can revitalize stimulated by heat or light. The project has trated in the earliest, "Enable" phase of department stores and food service retailers them, it's much too early for that," he added. already experienced many setbacks, taking 17 However, blackouts predicted without the facility in full operation have not occurred, and many nearby residents want it perma- the roadmap (49 percent), which is that Cisco spoke with in the southern region None of the 18 satellites launched to date years and more than triple the original budget focused on more mature IT technolo- of the US. have been declared inoperative as a result. to going live in December. — AFP nently shut down after enduring the stench, ailments and frustra- tion after the blowout.—AP Doctor offices that look like Apple stores

SAN FRANCISCO: After a relative suffered a heart attack a few especially because its membership fee isn't cheap, said Paul ing store spans 3,500 square feet, enough to accommodate six have few health issues. Justin Shaffer, 34, fits that demographic. years ago, Silicon Valley entrepreneur Adrian Aoun got an unset- Ginsburg, a health-policy expert at the University of Southern exam rooms and a team of doctors. The office should be able to He thinks Forward has been worth its monthly fee since he joined tling look at a health-care system that he diagnosed as an ineffi- California. "Primary care is a very small part of the cost for what accommodate 12,000 patients in total before turning people the service last year during its testing phase. "I wouldn't necessari- cient and outdated mess. health insurance covers," Ginsburg said. "So, even after paying away. Additional Forward offices are planned in other major U.S. ly say it feels like a tech-heavy experience. I would say it just feels Now he believes he has a remedy. It's called Forward, a health- nearly $2,000 a year, you are still going to have to buy health cities, although Aoun won't say where they will be located or like a better experience," Shaffer said after picking up a scale at management service that charges a $149 per month - roughly insurance to cover everything else." But Aoun is convinced his when they may open. Forward's office to help monitor his weight. $1,800 a year - to tend to all of its patients' primary-care needs. high-tech approach can start to make things better. And not just with attentive doctoring, either; Forward plans to Testing concerns The AI will see you now deploy body scanners, sensors, giant touch-screen monitors, High tech primary medicine While Forward's concept of technology-driven preventative Forward hopes to provide more hands-on attention from pri- infrared devices and other high-tech gizmos that could make a Forward's patients can view all their medical information on a care may make sense, experts like Ginsburg worry that its empha- mary-care doctors freed from paperwork and other bureaucratic doctor's appointment feel more like a trip to an Apple store. mobile app they can use to message a "care team" available sis on health-monitoring sensors could prompt doctors to run frustrations, while backing them up with sophisticated algorithms "Doctors are super smart, but they are set up for failure in so many around the clock. All blood and DNA tests are done at Forward's unnecessary tests that do little to improve patient health. "The that analyze the digital data stockpiled about its patients. ways," Aoun says. "We haven't built the tools that they need to offices instead of being farmed out; the company says patients notion of scanning people who don't have a problem has been It's an example of artificial intelligence, the ability of comput- operate in modern life. No one wants to go to the doctor's office will be able to review the results in a matter of minutes instead of very solidly dismissed by the medical profession for a while," ers to learn from the data that they collect. Artificial intelligence, today. We want to change that." days later. Ginsburg said. or AI, is an Aoun specialty. He sold an AI startup called Wavvi to People with longer term issues such as obesity, high blood Studies have shown that the best way to remain healthy is to Google for about $30 million in 2013 and then stayed on for a Not quite all-you-can-eat pressure or skin problems will go home with sensors that can eat right, exercise and get plenty of sleep, added R. Adams couple years to help work on some of the technology that now Forward will still refer patients to outside specialists when its transmit data back to Forward. Its computers will then alert doc- Dudley, director of the Center for Healthcare Value at the powers Google's voice-controlled assistant. But Dudley doubts primary-care doctors can't deal with certain health problems; tors if any troubling trends surface, allowing them to be University of California, San Francisco. "Sensoring people all up Forward's AI will be very effective unless it's able to build a large same goes for hospital admissions. And there are bound to be addressed before they become more serious. isn't going to change any of that," Dudley said. But Dudley network of offices that attracts millions of patients. "A human health insurance headaches that Forward isn't attempting to Forward's attempt at a medical makeover began Tuesday with believes Forward has the potential to be very profitable if its focus brain can learn faster than a machine unless the machine has a address. That means Forward is unlikely to become a cure-all, the opening of its first office in San Francisco. The converted cloth- on technology appeals primarily to younger people who typically massive database to analyze," Dudley said. — AP THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE Global warming could steal postcard-perfect days

WASHINGTON: Global warming is going cold. It’s not too hot. It’s not too humid.” For days; Atlanta, 12; Chicago, 9; Denver and Los Angeles, which already has a lot of nice It’s not just fewer nice days to enjoy. to steal away some of those postcard-per- the past three decades, the world has aver- New York, 6; and Dallas, 1. The biggest los- weather, gets six extra by the end of the Fewer mild days will also harm agricultural fect weather days in the future, according aged 74 mild days a year. But by 2035 that ers will be the tropics and nearly all of century. The scientists didn’t specifically production and allow disease carrying to a first-of-its-kind projection of nice will shrink to 70 and then 64 by the last two Africa, eastern South America, South Asia focus on whether the loss of mild days has insects to thrive more in more places, said weather. On average, Earth will have 10 decades of the century, according to the and northern Australia. Rio de Janeiro, on already started globally, but they did see it University of Georgia meteorology profes- fewer days of mild and mostly dry weather study, published yesterday in the journal average, will see 40 mild days disappear. happening in much of Africa and South sor Marshall Shepherd. Stanford University by the end of the century, the researchers Climatic Change. Mild weather was defined America, Van der Wiel said. Climate scien- climate scientist Chris Field, who led an estimate. Some places will get more days as between 68 and 86 degrees with low Extreme conditions tists usually focus on extreme weather - international study of extreme weather, perfect for picnics or outdoor weddings, humidity and no more than a trace of rain. Miami will lose its only mild summer day record heat, tropical cyclones, droughts, questioned the purpose of the study: while other places will lose a lot. Rio de Any change depends on where you live and nearly a month of spring and fall mild floods - and how they could get worse as “Extreme conditions are the sharp end of Janeiro, Miami and much of Africa are big and the time of year. For example, on aver- days by 2100. “The changes are more dra- the world warms. Kapnick said she wanted the climate stick. It is in the extremes losers, while Europe and Seattle will gain age, the US will lose nine mild summer matic in parts of the developing world, to look at nice weather because her friends when things break and damage occurs.” nicer weather. days by the end of the century, although where you have high concentrations of kept asking her what day to choose for National Center for Atmospheric Research “It’s the type of weather where you can most is gained back with more mild days in populations,” said NOAA climate scientist good wedding weather. The team used a scientist Gerald Meehl, who also studies go outside and do something fun,” said the winter, spring and fall. The report esti- and co-author Sarah Kapnick. Other places, middle ground scenario for global warming extreme weather, said a decrease in mild study lead author Karin van der Wiel, a mates that Washington, Chicago, New York especially northern developed ones, will - not worst-case runaway carbon pollution weather may not quite have the economic meteorology researcher at Princeton and Dallas will lose two weeks of pleasant gain some of what the tropics lost. England and not dramatic cuts in emissions of heat- and health costs but there are other fac- University and the National Oceanic and summer weather but some is gained back. and northern Europe are big winners. trapping gases - and ran different comput- tors such as tourism “or simple human Atmospheric Administration. “It’s not too On average, Washington loses 13 mild Seattle should pick up nine mild days and er simulations to see what would happen. enjoyment.”—AP

China tells local meteorological bureaus to stop smog alerts

BEIJING: China is suspending local meteoro- smog alerts, topping out at red when logical bureaus from issuing smog alerts, severe pollution is likely to last more than media reported yesterday, raising suspicions 72 hours. The notice sets off a series of the government is attempting to suppress emergency measures, ranging from taking information about the country’s air pollution cars off the road to closing heavily pollut- as public anger over the issue grows. ing factories. China’s Meteorological Administration Local authorities have long hesitated to notified local bureaus Tuesday to “immedi- issue the notices over fears that they will ately stop issuing smog alerts”, according to harm economic performance, even when a photo of a notice posted on China’s pollution levels are literally off the charts. In Twitter-like social media platform Weibo. late 2015, China issued its first ever red Instead, the local departments can issue alert in response to public anger over the alerts for “fog” when visibility is less than 10 government’s reluctance to take action km, according to the notice. after a wave of suffocating smog hit the The notice was issued because local country’s northeast. In the past, local and “meteorological bureaus and the environ- national authorities have issued contradic- mental protection administration often dis- tory, confusing alerts, one ordering facto- agree when they issue smog-related infor- ries and schools to be closed and one not. mation,” a representative from the China Bad air is a source of enduring public anger Meteorological Administration told the in China, which has seen fast economic Chinese website The Paper. “A joint alerting growth in recent decades but at the cost of mechanism will be formulated to consult widespread environmental problems. how to and who should issue alerts for In recent weeks, parents in particular smog,” the representative said. One single have expressed outrage over the miasma department will now be responsible for that regularly affect hundreds of millions issuing smog alerts, The Paper reported. and has led to high levels of lung cancer, The reports met with stinging criticism demanding that schools be equipped from online commentators who have long with air purifiers. Earlier this month, many doubted the credibility of official data on took to social media to express their DAMASCUS: Syrian Lamis al-Haffar (left), 82-year-old general manager of Dar al-Saada retirement home, moves with the help of a walker at the air pollution. “Before, they cheated us sepa- anger about the thick smog that choked home, in the Syrian capital Damascus. — AFP photos rately, and now, they are going to cheat us Beijing for over a week around the New together,” one person said on Weibo. “Even Year but found their articles quickly delet- though they are working on a unified alert ed, a move that only increased their frus- At Syria retirement home, standard, they should not stop the existing tration. “When people are gagged, the sky alert system,” another replied. The Chinese will be blue,” said one sarcasm-laced government has a color-coded system of Weibo comment.—AFP elderly left behind by war Basi, world’s oldest ‘Feels humiliated by her solitude’ panda, turns 37

DAMASCUS: Alone in her room at an over- for old people. “I came here because my house in our house. Here the service is excellent, the BEIJING: Basi, the oldest giant panda living small amount of bamboo leaves, state broad- crowded retirement home in Damascus, Naz was destroyed and my children were each dis- place is warm, but today I feel humiliated by my in captivity, celebrated her 37th birthday yes- caster CCTV said. Basi has high blood pres- Ashiti thumbs through photographs of her placed to a different country,” says Ashiti, a mem- solitude,” she said. “I didn’t expect to spend the terday wearing a crown and getting a special sure and needed cataract surgery several daughters overseas, her eyes lingering on fea- ber of a well-off family that owned land near the rest of my life looking at photos of my children birthday cake. Tourists eagerly snapped pho- years ago, but overall she was in good health, tures she has not seen in years. Sending aging capital. Her three daughters now live in Jordan, and lamenting over them.” tos as Basi, whose age is equivalent to 140 CCTV said. Although the International Union family members to a retirement home was once Germany and Iraqi Kurdistan, but Ashiti stayed in human years, slurped a soup of maize flour for the Conservation of Nature downgraded unthinkable for most Syrians, but almost six Damascus after she was forced to flee the rebel- Bed as refuge and eggs from a cake-shaped bowl at the the giant panda’s status to “vulnerable” from years of war and displacement have left many held town of Douma under government siege Residents at Dar al-Saada pay a monthly fee Fuzhou Giant Panda Research Centre in “endangered” in September last year, the with little choice. As the conflict has claimed the since 2012. of $120 for meals, care and a bed in a room with southern China. species still relies on conservation programs, lives of young people, or forced them to escape Every day, Ashiti reads or writes in her diary, two other people, equipped with a television, a The panda can only be fed liquids and a conservationists say. — Reuters abroad, their parents have been consigned to waiting for her children to call. She watches her small table and an electric heater. Metal railings increasingly oversubscribed care homes. small television set in her room whenever there are mounted on the walls for support, and there Ashiti, 85, is one of the 140 elderly Syrians is electricity, hoping to hear good news about are lifts so the elderly can skip the stairs. Of the being cared for at Dar al-Saada (Home of her home in Douma or the countries where her complex’s four floors, one is reserved for resi- Happiness) — one of the capital’s biggest homes children are living. “We were living with dignity dents who cannot afford to pay for their accom- modation. The home was already nearing capac- ity before war broke out in Syria in 2011, but would only receive requests for a bed there once or twice a month. But since the eruption of Syria’s war-which has displaced millions and killed at least 310,000 — elderly Syrians without families are flocking to Dar al-Saada. New requests come in daily, says 82-year-old general manager Lamis al-Haffar, who helped found the charity that runs the home 25 years ago. Despite her own advanced age, Haffar shuffles around on her walker and oversees all the home’s operations-down to the amount of salt in the stew. “Because of the prob- lems in Syria, many young people were forced to flee and leave their parents, who stayed on their own and weren’t able to provide for themselves,” Haffar says. Out of seven old people’s homes in CHINA: Giant panda Basi sniffs a birthday cake prepared by her keepers at Fuzhou Damascus, three are private and four are govern- Panda World in Fuzhou, east China’s Fujian province yesterday. — AFP ment-run. “Every time there is a new empty bed I feel sad and happy at the same time I know someone has died and left us, but I’m happy Study forecasts balmier because that bed will be a refuge for someone in a tough place, who hasn’t found anywhere to England, hotter Mumbai DAMASCUS: Naz Ashiti, a Syrian woman from the rebel-held town of Douma, sits in her room sleep,” says Haffar. “Getting a bed here has at the Dar al-Saada (Home of Happiness) retirement home, in the Syrian capital Damascus. become a final dream for many old people in PARIS: Northern Europe, Canada and Russia extended heat waves, also could significant- that situation.” will enjoy balmier winters by century’s end ly affect public health,” said a statement. Of even as the average number of mild days per some 40 representative cities picked by the Separated by death, siege year declines worldwide, a climate study researchers, the biggest loser by far is Lima- Iraqi hospital offers The home in the Mazzeh district west of said yesterday. Using models based on mid- which will be robbed of 114 mild days per Damascus welcomes visitors, but few of its elder- range global warming projections, American year from about 326 today. Dakar will lose aerobics for female ly residents there are called on by their children. researchers calculated there will be 10 fewer 57 of its 171 annual mild days and Mumbai Hassania, 75, keeps a small box of sweets to dis- days of mild weather per year globally by 44 — more than half its current 82 days. tribute to occasional visitors and her fellow resi- 2100. But there will be large regional differ- Miami will be stripped of 28 of its 97 annual cancer patients dents. She lost her son Ahmed in 2012, when he ences, said a team from the National Ocean fair weather days. was killed in an explosion near Damascus, and and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) SULAIMANIYA, Iraq: Three days per week, a health,” Abdullah said. still asks her friends to pray for him. “I depended group of women gather at a sport center in The aerobic sessions began four years ago and Princeton University. “The largest Economic risk on Ahmed for everything. I never thought there the Iraqi Kurdish city of Sulaimaniya for aer- after an agreement between the hospital and decreases are found in the tropics and sub- The biggest winner on the list is London would come a day when he would die and leave obic classes. The aim of the sessions is not a local gym owner, Farah Mawared. The aim tropics whereas the mid-latitudes are pro- with a gain 24 days from 69 per year today, me all alone,” Hassania says. Nearby, Hamida al- to lose weight and build stamina, but to was to provide physical training for cancer jected to have a small increase,” they wrote followed by Amsterdam, Puerto Montt in Haddad fiddles with her prayer beads, her hands reduce the harmful effects of radiotherapy patients who completed chemotherapy treat- in the journal Climatic Change. Chile and Melbourne with 19 each, and and chemotherapy and to ease cancer-relat- ment. Since then, about 120 women have tak- shaking uncontrollably as she recites the Quran Today, the world enjoys 74 days of mild Kathmandu in Nepal with 18. In the shorter ed fatigue. The exercises are part of a reha- en part in the classes, according to Mawared under her breath. weather per year on average-about 20 per- term, the global annual average will be four bilitation program for female cancer and Shwan Ali Tawfeeq, who works as a hema- Haddad has gone two years without seeing cent of the total. Global warming’s biggest fewer mild weather days by 2035, said the patients at Hiwa Cancer Hospital, the only tologist-oncologist at the hospital. “Sport is her children, who live in their besieged home- winners will be Canada and large parts of team. Most climate modeling forecasts entail specialized cancer facility in northern Iraq’s very important in improving the psychological town of Madaya, about 40 kilometers from the United States, northern Europe, parts of dire warnings of a rise in extreme weather Kurdistan region. condition of the patients as many of them Damascus. “I was sick at home and my son China and Russia, the South American events such as hurricanes, heat waves, All the women involved have undergone experience anxiety, fear and depression,” brought me to hospital in Damascus two days region of Patagonia, Tasmania and New droughts and floods. The latest study is the painful cancer treatments and some have had Tawfeeq said. before they closed the road,” the 85-year-old Zealand, the study found. “In some of these first to look at something that affects vastly breasts removed. Most have suffered from One patient, who gave her name as says. “When I wanted to go home, the road was areas, mild weather will drop during increas- more people: mild weather, its authors said. tiredness and psychological distress due to the Kulthum, said her right breast was removed closed and I was forced to sleep in the street ingly hot and humid summers but become “Extreme weather is difficult to relate to disease. “I had both of my breasts removed,” after she was diagnosed with cancer about until a young man brought me to Dar Al-Saada.” more plentiful in fall, winter and spring as because it may happen only once in your life- said 66-year-old cancer patient Nisreen five years ago. She was subjected to several With heartbreak in her eyes, she stares out of the winters warm and the shoulder seasons last time,” said Princeton researcher Karin van der Abdullah, who has attended the three hour- chemotherapy doses, she said, and underwent window, trying to avoid the gaze of those longer,” said a statement. Wiel. Mild weather is described in the study as long classes each week for the last three laser photo-radiation. “A friend told me about around her. “The war pushed me away from my Africa, Asia and Latin America will be “pleasant”, neither too hot, too cold, too humid months. She says the workouts have helped this center,” said Kulthum. “She advised me to children and grandchildren, and I feel I will die deprived of most mild days, with some or too rainy. Fewer balmy days could mean her feel much better. “I wish that all the go and so I did ... I really benefited a lot from before the road opens and I see them again,” she regions losing 15 to 50 days per year. “The losses for tourism, sport participation and out- patients would come here to improve their these exercises.” — Reuters adds. “Death with my children is better than life loss of mild weather days, especially during door activities such as picnics, music festivals away from them.” — AFP summer when they can serve to break up and weddings, said the team. — AFP THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE States argue in court for more say over endangered species DENVER: A battle over how to save might sue the agency. would wrongly give them veto power endangered wolves in the Southwest Fish and Wildlife decided to release over measures to save a federally pro- moves to a federal appeals court yester- more wolves anyway, citing an urgent tected species. Reintroducing wolves is day as judges hear arguments on whether need to expand the wild population to always contentious because they some- states can block the federal government prevent inbreeding. New Mexico officials times attack domestic livestock as well as from reintroducing wildlife within their went to court, and a federal judge in game animals prized by hunters. Last borders. The Interior Department is asking New Mexico issued an order last year year, the Interior Department’s internal the Denver-based 10th Circuit Court of blocking further releases while the dis- watchdog said the Fish and Wildlife Appeals to overturn a preliminary injunc- pute is resolved. The Interior Department Service had not fulfilled its obligation to tion that bars the department from releas- appealed to the 10th Circuit. Appeals remove Mexican gray wolves that preyed ing more captive-bred Mexican gray court judges generally take weeks or on pets and cattle. wolves into the wild in New Mexico with- months to issue a ruling after hearing The Mexican wolf program has had out that state’s approval. oral arguments. Even if the court sides other problems, including multiple failed It’s the latest skirmish in the federal with the government, it’s not clear attempts to update the original 1982 government’s long and troubled effort whether president-elect Donald Trump’s recovery plan. Fish and Wildlife has to restore the rare wolves to part of their administration will continue to fight agreed to produce a new plan this year original range under the Endangered after he takes office. to settle a lawsuit filed by conservation Species Act. It comes as the future of the New Mexico state attorneys contend groups. New Mexico officials also com- law is in question, with Congress and the the Endangered Species Act and federal plain that federal officials tripled the tar- White House in the control of rules require the Fish and Wildlife Service get number of wolves in the wild - from Republicans who generally see it as an to cooperate with the state and not about 100 to 300 - without sufficient jus- impediment to jobs and economic release more wolves without state per- NEW MEXICO: In this undated file photo provided by the US Fish and Wildlife tification. Only about 100 Mexican gray development. New Mexico has multiple mission. They also made a states’ rights Service, a Mexican gray wolf leaves cover at the Sevilleta National Wildlife wolves live in the wild. They nearly disap- complaints about the Mexican gray wolf argument, saying states have the pri- Refuge, Socorro County, New Mexico. — AP peared in the 1970s, and the federal gov- program, and in 2015 it refused to issue mary responsibility to manage wildlife. the state, if necessary, to save a species. Failed attempts ernment added them to the endangered a permit to the US Fish and Wildlife Eighteen other states filed a friend-of- The preliminary injunction against more A coalition of environmental groups, species list in 1976. The US Fish and Service - part of the Interior Department the-court brief siding with New Mexico. releases “threatens the survival in the led by Defenders of Wildlife, intervened Wildlife Service began reintroducing - to release more of the predators in the Interior Department lawyers argue the wild of a protected species,” they said in on the Interior Department’s side. They them in New Mexico and Arizona start- state. New Mexico also announced it law allows the department to go around written arguments. argue that the state’s legal interpretation ing in 1998. — AP Drugmakers in Davos shift focus to chronic diseases of poor

DAVOS, Switzerland: Two decades after they nets. Today, however, the healthcare burden were spurred into action to tackle AIDS in is shifting as deaths from these conditions Africa, global drug makers said yesterday they decline and people in increasingly urbanized would invest $50 million over three years to populations succumb to diseases such as can- fight cancer and other non-communicable cer, diabetes, and heart and lung disorders diseases in poor countries. Twenty-two com- fuelled by Western lifestyles. panies, including Pfizer, Merck , Novartis, Such non-communicable diseases (NCDs) Roche, Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline, will con- are responsible for nearly 70 percent of all tribute funds and expertise to the project, deaths worldwide and almost three quarters which is backed by the World Bank. of them occur in low- and middle-income The so-called Access Accelerated initiative countries, according to the World Health was announced at the World Economic Organization. Forum in Davos and aims to improve both Severin Schwan, the chief executive of treatment and prevention. In the past, the Roche, the world’s largest maker of cancer focus of healthcare in poorer parts of the drugs, said his company and others were world has been on fighting infectious dis- already implementing preferential pricing for eases, whether through vaccinations, drug the developing world but cost was only one programs or the roll-out of anti-malarial bed obstacle. — Reuters With drought looming,

Sri Lanka tries something new DAVOS: Members of the new Hydrogen Council pose for a picture during the launch of the Hydrogen Council in Davos. — AFP

COLOMBO: With rainfall in many areas just Chandrapala said. According to the a third of that last year and many water Meteorological Department, in some dis- Firms push hydrogen as reservoirs far below normal levels, Sri tricts rainfall has been 30 to 40 percent of Lankans have begun holding traditional normal levels. Some of these districts are ceremonies to invoke rain - some with the also among the country’s largest agriculture participation of President Maithripala producers. top green energy source Sirisena. But this time, national officials are also doing something new to prepare for Less rice, less power what many fear could be the worst drought The lack of rainfall severely affected pad- in decades: Developing plans, in advance, dy rice production in the last growing sea- ‘Challenge to expand its use onto a mass scale’ to deal with it. son. According to the Disaster Management Those include everything from allowing Center (DMC) only around 300,000 hectares DAVOS, Switzerland: Over a dozen leading gy transition.” In particular, the firms will share data you don’t know what to do with, you electrolyze communities to take only drinking water out of a possible 800,000 were cultivated, European and Asian firms have teamed up to pro- and research to make hydrogen technologies prof- water, this makes hydrogen, which is a gas you can from drying reservoirs to removing taxes on largely because of a lack of irrigation water. mote the use of hydrogen as a clean fuel and cut the itable, as well working on international standards to put in the natural gas network,” Total’s chief executive imported rice and looking for alternatives Reservoirs that will provide water for the production of harmful gasses that lead to global help speed their adoption. They will also try to con- Patrick Pouyanne said. This not only makes use of the to hydropower to maintain the national next growing season, which starts in March, warming. Convened on the sidelines of the World vince governments to support the technology, surplus electricity, but it also makes investment in electric grid. “The change came about need to be at least half filled by that time to Economic Forum, the first Hydrogen Council brought another indispensable condition for its success. “At solar and wind projects more profitable. “We’ve mas- because we were able to predict the onset support a normal harvest. But DMC officials together 13 firms, among them top carmakers BMW, the early stage, unless we have strong government tered the technology, but the challenge now is to of the drought well in advance and with and Chandrapala said the country’s main Daimler, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota as well as lead- support, this transformation” into a decarbonizes expand its use onto a mass scale,” said Pouyanne. detailed information,” said Lalith reservoirs were currently less than a third full. ing industrial gas companies Air Liquide and Linde. society “is impossible”. Chandrapala, the head of Sri Lanka’s “It nothing like I have ever seen before,” Others at the gathering late Tuesday included energy We can do it Meteorological Department. The country said Ranjith Punyawardena, an agro-clima- firms Alstom, Engie, Shell and Total as well as mining Energy storage solution Bringing down costs will play an important role. has had clear signs since last October that tologist at the Department of Agriculture. company AngloAmerican. Those participating in the Hydrogen Council “If we manage to reduce costs all along the produc- drought was coming, officials say. The lack of water is likely both to hurt agri- Scientists have long pursued the use of electric insist the applications for hydrogen go beyond fuel tion chain, then hydrogen will become a solution for During 2016, Sri Lanka had only one culture and cut into supplies of vital fuel cells for cars that use hydrogen-the lightest ele- cells for cars. One of the major challenges for renew- moving energy where it is needed,” said Engie’s chief period of exceptionally high rainfall, with hydropower. Already, as a result of drought, ment with the atomic number 1 — as the byproduct able energy technologies such as solar and wind is Didier Holleaux. One area that still needs work is some areas receiving over 300 mm of rain in the country is getting 80 percent of its elec- of its combustion is water and not gases that cause storing the energy produced if it can’t be used imme- improving the efficiency of electrolysers, which split three days, leading to flooding and land- tricity from coal and oil and only 11 percent climate change. Air Liquide’s chief executive Benoit diately. Besides building expensive mega-batteries, water into hydrogen and oxygen, as well as reducing slides. Apart from that, rain was less than from hydropower. Normally, at this time of Potier described the council as “key leaders of the current options include pumping water up to reser- the cost of them through mass production. Bertrand normal almost all year. “We have a rainfall year, the country would get at least 40 per- energy transport and industry sector joining forces voirs to produce hydro power when energy is need- Piccard, the Swiss pilot who last year flew around the deficit and it is likely to stay that way until cent of its electricity from hydropower, to express a common vision of the key role hydrogen ed. Fuel cell technology, used in reverse, could help world in an aircraft powered only by the sun, was the next monsoon” in June and July, according to the electricity board. — Reuters will play in the future to bring a solution to the ener- resolve this problem. “If you take this solar electricity enthusiastic about the technology. — AFP WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

Bacolod Chk-n-BBQ House celebrates grand opening

acolod Chk-n-BBQ House was founded by an ing great food experience giving enjoyable and lasting enterprising couple who started the business in memories to customers. The original recipes which was B2004 after years of working in the food manufac- passed on for two generations now is still the original turing and fast-food restaurant industry. The famous recipe and cooking process that has remained true to its food chain had its origins in the Philippines' City of origins and taste. Aside from the popular chicken Smiles, Bacolod city back in the early 70s. It was an inasal, Bacolod Chk n BBQ House serves other popular instant hit among the Negrenses (as people from the Ilonggo dishes such as La Paz Batchoy, Pancit Molo, Negros province are called) and this spurned the iconic Kansi and Kadyos Baboy Langka. Other equally popu- Bacolod Chicken Inasal of which it is popularly known lar Filipino dishes are the pork and chicken sisig, Kare now. The taste is a unique blend of spices punctuated Kare, Sinigang na Bangus, Pinakbet and Gising gising to by the sweet spicy aroma of the coconut vinegar where name a few. the meat has been tenderized after hours of marinating With a strong foothold in the local market with in it. Grilled to the right crispiness and juiciness over branches in the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao region, charcoal, the taste is as uniquely Filipino unlike any oth- the brand has since expanded to the Middle East, with er typical chicken barbeque out there. Best eaten with branches in UAE, Qatar, Muscut, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia bare hands and dipped in a combination of cane vine- and now in Kuwait. The first outlet in Kuwait is located gar, soy sauce, lime fruit and chili peppers, chicken in Fahaheel, in al Haur complex, which is conveniently inasal is the perfect combination with garlic rice baste located within the heart of shopping area Fahaheel. in annatto oil (chicken oil to many). The Ambassador of Philippines Renato Pedro O Villa Bacolod Chk-n-BBQ House is a Filipinos themed, mid- graced the occasion and cut the ribbon on Thursday dle price range casual dining restaurant chain that seeks 12th of January 2017, thereafter declaring the store to become a Filipino restaurant institution known not open. While enjoying the food and distinct taste of the only for its authentic tasting chicken inasal and tradi- Bacolod style cuisine, Renato had all praise for the tional Filipino dishes but also for its penchant of provid- decor, the atmosphere and the set-up of the restaurant.

Nespresso upbeat Nespresso adds new flavored about Kuwait market coffee to professional range By Faten Omar ince 1996, Nespresso has provided business-to-business KUWAIT: Nespresso is introducing two new coffees aromas, boasting intense aromatic profiles. The cof- solutions, designed to meet the needs of some of the to enable its professional customers to cater to con- fees have an intensity of seven which instills a Smost discerning hosts in the world's foremost hotels and sumer demand for flavored coffee out of home. The strong profile of flavor forming a delicious crema. restaurants as well as those of business customers. Today, the two coffees — Espresso Caramel and Espresso Nespresso recommends the Espresso cup size to business-to-business team at Nespresso provides a range of Vanilla — will form a permanent line of flavored enjoy the coffee at its best. products and services to professional customers in more than coffee, extending the professional range to a total "The hospitality industry is always seeking new 64 countries worldwide. The business solutions offered by of 13 varieties. ways to delight their customers with exceptional Nespresso focus on various business channels, mainly offices, Research by Symrise in 2015 found that millenni- coffee experiences. With this in mind, we have Horeca and travel, providing services and solutions to answer al coffee consumers now demand a variety of fla- developed two new flavored coffees, which can be the specific needs of its customers in each sector. vored coffee and that 56% are open to trying new enjoyed alone or combined with milk to create unique flavors if they are offered by their favorite interesting recipes for today's coffee connoisseurs. brands. Following the success of the coffees in the We continuously innovate to provide only the most Nespresso Original Line range for the in-home mar- delectable Grands Crus, giving our restaurant and ket, Nespresso is making them available to profes- hotel customers the opportunity to create the per- sional customers across the hotel, restaurant, busi- fect coffee moment each time," said Reto Bruegger, ness and office sectors so they can help consumers Head of B2B at Nestle Nespresso. The Espresso enjoy their favorite aromas out of the home. Caramel and Espresso Vanilla Caramel are now The Espresso Caramel and Espresso Vanilla are available to all professional Nespresso customers in based on Espresso Forte and balanced with natural Kuwait.

Kuwait Times spoke with Manuel Sancho, Business Development Manager of Nespresso Middle East, Africa & Caribbean (MEAC), to learn more about their participation in the Horeca exhibition and the new flavors that were launched. Because of the high-demand from customers, "Nespresso decided to launch new espresso flavors, with the sweetness of espresso caramel and the stunningly silky flavors of espresso vanilla," Sancho said. "Nespresso is participating for the fourth time in Horeca due to the success of the previous ones. In this exhibition, we can find new customers specialized in hospitality, restaurants and hotel business that are interested in the coffee market," he said, adding that the exhibition is also giving the company the opportunity to meet its customers in person. "The Kuwaiti market is a very interesting market for us. Most of our busi- ness is from hotels, and we are growing nicely. We are happy about our business in Kuwait," he said. Sancho pointed out that the business-to-business sector is getting more important not only in Kuwait, but world-wide. "We compete in both the business-to-consumer and business- to-business segments, allowing consumers to enjoy our high- est quality coffees at home and to recreate these perfect cof- fee moments wherever they may be," he told Kuwait Times. He affirmed that the hospitality industry is seeking new ways to make customers satisfied with exceptional coffee experiences. The ongoing innovations by Nespresso in the business-to- business sector continue to set the standard for customer care and provide a level of value-added service unmatched in the industry. At the end of the interview, Sancho assured that he would like to listen to customer feedback about new suggest- — Photos by Joseph Shagra ed flavors. WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

Upshot Company organizes exhibition

he first press conference to at Kuwait International Fairground. It will announce an exhibition to be organ- include many activities and contests. It will Tized by Upshot Company was held also include raffle draws for valuable by Sheikh Duaij Al-Khalifa at Kuwait Plaza prizes. Hotel recently in the presence of media The CEO of Upshot Company thanked and showbiz personalities, including actor Sheikh Duaij Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah for his and director Jamil Al-Qahtani from Saudi support of the exhibition and presented Arabia, actress Baraa from Bahrain and him with a memento. Meanwhile Sheikh actor Khadeeja Al-Shaye from Kuwait. A Duaij Al-Khalifa lauded the event and concert and a performance for youth skills called on Kuwaitis to support the exhibi- were displayed during the conference, fea- tion by attending and participating in its turing participants from all Gulf activities. The exhibition will include 129 Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The booths, and competitions for cash prizes exhibition is set to take place in April 2017 of up to $7,000. Children's physical fitness a major concern for parents: Fantasy World

ith the rise of technologi- as the gateway to many diseases concerns. That is why it has provid- explore the great outdoors." cal advancements, there such as type 2 diabetes and other ed many solutions that answer the In parallel, Burhan Abdul Malik Whas been a shift in trends. conditions". Hence advised that needs of both parents and children Kazi, Fantasy World's Marketing Kids now entertain themselves "parents should encourage their alike. Specialist said: "We have a wide through smartphones and tabs by children to adopt a more physically- Speaking on the outdoor prod- range of high quality products playing games and watching videos active lifestyle as it contributes to ucts Harvey Dulku, Fantasy World's brought from different parts of the for countless hours. This is a major one's wellness." She further advised Retail Director said: "We understand world in our outdoors and sports concern for parents as it involves no to get exposed to the direct sun- that children's health is very impor- section. We have the high quality physical activity, which idles them light to synthesize vitamin D, and to tant. As it improves their physical Eastern Jungle Gym (exclusively as they spend a substantial amount cut down fatty and junk food. and emotional capabilities, and available only at Fantasy World) val- of time on their device. However, today's kids are not helps them to become more inde- ue for money Plum Activity Gym Before technology became very engaged in physical activity but pendent. Now is a great time to sets. We have wide range of popular amongst all age groups, instead sit and gaze for many hours spend outdoors and enjoy the Trampolines and Inflatable bounc- children used to go outside and on their smartphones and tabs; pleasant weather. We understand ers that come in different attractive play, discovering the environment hence many health problems rise parents continuously strive to find shapes and sizes for children to around them as a means of enter- amongst the children. It becomes a ways to improve their kid's physical jump all day long, it's really amazing tainment. Outdoor play helps chil- challenge for parents today to fitness, and for that reason we are to find the amount of calories chil- dren develop their physical fitness, encourage their children to exercise always on the look for the latest dren burn while jumping, laughing having a very healthy lifestyle, thus and stay fit. Fantasy World acknowl- outdoor products that encourage and having fun in them. Fantasy obesity and diabetes amongst kids edged this problem and offers a kids to play outdoors." Fantasy World also offers traditional garden was very uncommon. Additionally, wide array of outdoor play toys and World is known for having the lat- games and life sized toys that can children's physical fitness develops products that aid children's physical est, best and trendiest toys in be enjoyed in gardens, so your chil- their confidence and self-esteem development and well-being as the Kuwait and that it never compro- dren will now be playing the same and helps develop their mental brand believes that kids truly mises on the quality of the toys it snakes and ladders or ludo but not health. According to researcher's deserve the best. Fantasy World offers. The stores are known to be in their app but physically in your physical activity helps calm kids caters to every child's desire but the ultimate hub for outdoor play backyard or garden. Kids health is down thus they become more also understands genuine parental products that encourage kids to not only a major concern for older attentive and focused in the class- kids but also for those in the early room. years of life which is why we at Dr Ebaa Al-Ozairi, Chief Medical Fantasy World has a wide assort- Officer, Consultant Diabetologist ment of high quality outdoor prod- Endocrinologist and Clinical ucts from renowned brands like Nutritionist at Dasman Diabetes 'Little Tikes' and 'Kiddieland' for the Institute, stated recently that: early years." "Parents should take advantage of Customers are invited to visit any the weather these days to urge of Fantasy World's stores in Kuwait their children to opt for the games to explore and experience new toys that require movement such as available at Al-Rai, Bustan Mall, The cycling, running, playing football Avenues and Souq Sharq. Voice any and get involved in other creative inquiries and concerns by visiting outdoor activities. These activities Fantasy World's social media plat- have a positive impact on their forms on Facebook (fantasyworld- health, especially since obesity in toyskuwait), Instagram (fantasy- children is on the rise." Dr Ozairi worldtoys) and YouTube (fantasy- stressed that obesity is considered world Kuwait).

Tajikistan introduces new Belgian band regales audience

electronic visa By Faten Omar Belgium to Kuwait, said the Belgium Embassy was glad to see so released four albums so far and performed in major clubs and many people attend the concert after the hard work that went festivals in Belgium, Holland, France, Germany and Eastern processing he Embassy of Belgium, in collaboration with the in organizing it. "This concert would not be complete without Europe, but this was their first show in the region. National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, organized the hard work of Secretary General of the National Council for Detaille said a variety of events will be held to mark Ta concert by popular Belgian band Ansatz Der Maschine, Culture, Arts and Letters Ali Al-Youha and his team," he said. Belgian Day, including an exhibition by Belgian artist which performed on Tuesday at the Abdulhussain The concert was successful, with a large enthusiastic crowd Frederik Jassogne from Jan 23 to 25 at Hamra Mall and Abdulredha Theater in Salmiya. singing along. The performance combined electronics with Belgian Culinary Days at Crowne Plaza Hotel with chef During his opening speech, Andy Detaille, Ambassador of acoustic violins, drums, guitars and voices. The band has Jerone Vanandroye from Jan 25 to 27.

he Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan said a new elec- Ttronic system of visa processing and issuance for foreign nationals and stateless persons will be introduced at diplomatic missions and consular offices of the Republic of Tajikistan overseas and the Main Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan from Jan 1, 2017. The new system's objec- tive is to simplify the Tajik visa processing procedures and it is another step in the introduction of electronic public services. Foreign nationals and stateless persons need to submit the necessary documents to obtain a Tajik visa at the diplomatic mis- sions and consulates of Tajikistan overseas and to extend their visas at the Main Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan at www.visa.gov. tj. Depending on the results of pre-assess- ment, consular officers may invite appli- cants via email for necessary processing procedures. It should be outlined that a Tajik visa to be issued in the country's airports upon arrival will also be processed via the web- site of www.visa.gov.tj. As a result of pre- assessment, the system sends visa confir- mation to applicants, which needs to be presented before departure and in consular offices at airports as a supporting docu- ment to obtain a Tajik visa. With a view to prevent any misunder- standing, the new electronic system for Tajik visa processing is not associated with the Tajik e-Visa System. The Tajik e-Visa is processed at www.evisa.tj. It is a single- entry visa issued for a period of 90 days, but its holder can stay in Tajikistan not more than 45 days starting from the arrival date. e-Visa is not subject to extension except in force-majeure situations. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 TV PROGRAMS

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My Dad Says 14:30 Bamse And The City Of 12:00 K9 Cops 05:30 Henry Hugglemonster Thieves 10:00 The Kitchen 10:45 Supa Strikas 21:00 Americaʼs Greatest Prison 12:55 The Lakeshore Killers 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 05:45 Zou 16:00 Tom And Jerry: Spy Quest Breaks 13:50 Killer Shots 18:00 New Girl 18:00 Gladiators Of Rome 22:40 Hunting Hitler 14:45 Ultimate Animals 18:30 Cooper Barrettʼs Guide To 20:00 Bolts And Blip 23:30 American Pickers 15:40 Sea Of Hope Surviving 16:35 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 19:00 Son Of Zorn 22:00 Bamse And The City Of 17:30 Rescue Ink 19:30 The Mindy Project Thieves 18:25 Worldʼs Weirdest (2015) 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 19:20 Ultimate Animals Jimmy Fallon 20:10 Sea Of Hope 21:00 Happy Endings 21:00 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 21:50 Rescue Ink 00:10 The Chase 22:40 Worldʼs Weirdest (2015) 01:00 Emmerdale 23:30 Sharks In The City 01:30 Coronation Street 00:45 Charlotteʼs Web 02:00 Coronation Street 02:30 Strange Magic 04:30 The Lone Ranger 02:30 Come Dine With Me Couples 01:00 Before I Disappear 07:00 My Girl 2 03:25 Jericho 03:00 Wildlike 09:00 The Land Before Time: 04:15 Shetland 05:00 Donʼt Wake Mommy 05:15 Agatha Christieʼs Partners In Journey Of The Brave 07:00 The Reckoning 10:45 The Lone Ranger Crime 09:00 Selma 13:15 Santa Claws 06:10 Donʼt Tell The Bride 00:10 Cesarʼs Recruit: Asia 11:15 Before I Disappear 15:00 Capture The Flag 07:10 Come Dine With Me Couples 00:35 Desperate Hours 13:00 Wildlike 17:00 The Chronicles Of Narnia: 08:00 Jericho 01:00 Sea Of Hope 15:00 Cas & Dylan Voyage Of The Dawn... 09:00 Shetland 02:00 Reagan: The Assassination 16:45 Selma 19:00 Peter Pan 10:00 Agatha Christieʼs Partners In Attempt 19:00 Enter Nowhere 21:00 Mousehunt Crime 02:55 Facing... 21:00 Dying Of The Light 23:00 Capture The Flag 10:55 Donʼt Tell The Bride 03:50 Cesarʼs Recruit: Asia 23:00 The Bronx Bull 11:55 Come Dine With Me Couples 12:45 Emmerdale 13:15 Coronation Street 14:10 Donʼt Tell The Bride 15:10 Come Dine With Me Couples 16:00 The Jonathan Ross Show 16:55 The Jonathan Ross Show 17:50 Agatha Christieʼs Partners In Crime 18:45 Emmerdale 19:15 Coronation Street 20:10 Come Dine With Me Couples 21:00 The Jonathan Ross Show 22:50 Emmerdale ALIEN OUTPOST ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 23:15 Coronation Street 12:50 Ultimate Survival 11:00 The Pioneer Woman 06:00 Art Attack 11:10 Counterfeit Cat 13:40 How Itʼs Made 12:00 Sibaʼs Table 06:30 Henry Hugglemonster 11:35 Pair Of Kings 14:05 How Itʼs Made 13:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 06:45 Loopdidoo 12:30 Future-Worm! 14:30 Storm Chasers 14:00 Chopped 07:00 Zou 12:55 Lab Rats 15:15 Mythbusters 15:00 The Kitchen 07:15 Calimero 13:45 Atomic Puppet 00:10 My Restaurant In India 16:00 Doki 16:00 Valerieʼs Home Cooking 07:30 Loopdidoo 14:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 01:00 Arianaʼs Persian Kitchen 16:20 Dick ʻnʼ Dom Go Wild 17:00 Chopped 07:45 Henry Hugglemonster 14:15 Marvelʼs Avengers: Ultron 01:25 A Is For Apple 16:45 Do You Know? 18:00 Iron Chef America 08:00 Minnieʼs Bow-Toons Revolution 01:50 Lee Chanʼs World Food Tour 17:00 Space Voyages 19:00 Sibaʼs Table: Fast Feasts 08:05 PJ Masks 14:40 Gamerʼs Guide To Pretty 02:15 Food School 20:00 Private Chef Much Everything 17:50 NASAʼs Unexplained Files 08:15 Goldie & Bear 02:40 Whatʼs For Sale? 21:00 Rev Runʼs Sunday Suppers 15:05 Lab Rats Elite Force 18:40 Nextworld 08:30 Jake And The Never Land 03:05 Whatʼs For Sale? 22:00 Iron Chef America 15:30 Disney Cookabout 19:30 How Itʼs Made Pirates 03:30 John Torodeʼs Malaysian 19:55 How Itʼs Made 08:45 Miles From Tomorrow 15:55 Danger Mouse 16:25 K.C. Undercover Adventure 20:20 Mythbusters 08:55 The Lion Guard 04:20 My Restaurant In India 21:10 Space Voyages 09:20 Doc McStuffins 16:50 Future-Worm! 17:15 Gravity Falls 04:45 Grandmaʼs Boy 22:00 NASAʼs Unexplained Files 09:35 Goldie & Bear 05:35 Miguelʼs Tropical Kitchen 17:40 Lab Rats: Bionic Island 22:50 What Happened Next? 09:50 Sheriff Callieʼs Wild West 06:00 Charlie Luxtonʼs Homes By 18:05 Disney Mickey Mouse 23:15 What Happened Next? 00:40 Mythbusters 10:00 PJ Masks The Sea 18:10 Supa Strikas 23:40 Ultimate Survival 01:30 How Do They Do It? 10:15 Jake And The Never Land 06:50 Arianaʼs Persian Kitchen 19:00 Atomic Puppet 01:55 Food Factory Pirates 07:15 A Is For Apple 02:20 How Things Work 10:30 Minnieʼs Bow-Toons 19:25 Gamerʼs Guide To Pretty 07:40 Lee Chanʼs World Food Tour 03:10 Joe Rogan Questions 10:35 Sofia The First Much Everything 08:05 Food School Everything 11:00 Sofia The First 19:55 K.C. Undercover 08:30 Whatʼs For Sale? 04:00 Prototype This 11:30 Doc McStuffins 20:20 Counterfeit Cat 09:20 John Torodeʼs Malaysian 04:48 Mythbusters 11:55 Doc McStuffins 20:45 Mighty Med Adventure 00:20 Wheeler Dealers: Trading Up 05:36 How Things Work 12:20 Sheriff Callieʼs Wild West 21:10 Pickle And Peanut 10:10 My Restaurant In India 01:10 Blowing Up History 06:24 Joe Rogan Questions 12:50 Sheriff Callieʼs Wild West 21:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 10:35 Grandmaʼs Boy 02:00 Mega Shippers Everything 13:15 Gummi Bears 21:45 Marvelʼs Avengers: Ultron 11:00 Miguelʼs Feasts 02:50 Impossible Engineering 07:12 How Do They Do It? 13:40 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Revolution 11:25 Miguelʼs Tropical Kitchen 03:40 Fast Nʼ Loud 07:36 Food Factory 14:35 Jake And The Never Land 22:10 Ultimate Spider-Man 11:50 Charlie Luxtonʼs Homes By 04:30 The Liquidator 08:00 How Do They Do It? Pirates 22:35 Boyster The Sea 05:00 How Do They Do It? 08:26 Joe Rogan Questions 15:30 Little Mermaid 12:40 Arianaʼs Persian Kitchen 05:30 How Do They Do It? Everything 15:55 Unbungalievable 13:05 A Is For Apple 06:00 Deadliest Catch 09:14 Mythbusters 16:00 Miles From Tomorrow 13:35 Lee Chanʼs World Food Tour 06:50 Wheeler Dealers: Trading Up 10:02 Prototype This 16:30 Jake And The Never Land 14:00 Food School 07:40 Fast Nʼ Loud 10:50 How Do They Do It? Pirates 14:30 Whatʼs For Sale? 08:30 What On Earth? 11:14 Food Factory 16:55 The Lion Guard 15:25 John Torodeʼs Malaysian 09:20 The Liquidator 11:38 How Things Work 17:20 Goldie & Bear 00:20 Time Team Adventure 09:45 How Do They Do It? 12:26 Mythbusters 17:50 PJ Masks 01:10 Counting Cars 16:20 My Restaurant In India 10:10 How Do They Do It? 13:14 Joe Rogan Questions 18:15 Sofia The First 01:35 Car Hunters 16:45 Grandmaʼs Boy 10:35 Blowing Up History Everything 18:40 Doc McStuffins 02:00 Forged In Fire 17:40 Miguelʼs Tropical Kitchen 11:25 Mega Shippers 14:02 How Do They Do It? 19:05 Jake And The Never Land 02:50 Storage Wars 18:10 Charlie Luxtonʼs Homes By 12:15 Impossible Engineering 14:26 Food Factory Pirates 03:15 American Pickers The Sea 13:05 How Do They Do It? 14:50 Prototype This 19:30 Little Mermaid 04:05 Pawn Stars 19:05 Whatʼs For Sale? 13:30 The Liquidator 15:38 How Things Work 20:00 Miles From Tomorrow 04:30 Pawn Stars 19:30 John Torodeʼs Malaysian 13:55 The Liquidator 16:26 Joe Rogan Questions 20:30 Miles From Tomorrow 05:00 Mountain Men Adventure 14:20 Alaska: The Last Frontier Everything 21:00 Unbungalievable 06:00 Big Rig Bounty Hunters 20:25 My Restaurant In India 15:10 What On Earth? 17:14 Mythbusters 21:05 Goldie & Bear 06:25 Big Rig Bounty Hunters 20:50 Grandmaʼs Boy 16:00 Deadliest Catch 18:02 Prototype This 21:35 Miles From Tomorrow 06:50 Shipping Wars 21:15 Grandmaʼs Boy SHANGHAI NOON ON OSN MOVIES COMEDY Classifieds

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (19/01/2017 TO 25/01/2017)

SHARQIA-1 BALLERINA 1:30 PM AVENUES-1 AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:30 PM BALLERINA 3:30 PM SURF’S UP 2: WAVEMANIA 11:30 AM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 2:30 PM BALLERINA 5:30 PM THE GREAT WALL 1:30 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 4:30 PM A MONSTER CALLS 7:30 PM SURF’S UP 2: WAVEMANIA 1:30 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 6:30 PM PATRIOTS DAY 9:45 PM A MONSTER CALLS 3:45 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 8:30 PM PATRIOTS DAY 12:30 AM PATRIOTS DAY 6:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 10:30 PM A MONSTER CALLS 8:45 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:30 AM FANAR-2 THE GREAT WALL 11:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:45 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 1:15 AM SHARQIA-2 AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 2:45 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 1:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 4:45 PM AVENUES-2 F2525309, Civil ID No xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 3:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 6:45 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE -3D -4DX 12:15 PM CHANGE OF NAME 272020116835, has xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 5:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 8:45 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE -3D -4DX 2:15 PM changed my name to xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 7:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 10:45 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE -3D -4DX 4:15 PM M.A. Nijam S/o Abdul Alam Mohammad Aslam here- AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:45 AM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 9:00 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE -3D -4DX 6:15 PM holder of Indian Passport inafter in all my dealings xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 11:00 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE -3D -4DX 8:15 PM No. G1276440, Civil ID No. and documents. (C 5257) xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 1:00 AM FANAR-3 xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE -3D -4DX 10:15 PM 18-1-2017 DANGAL -Hindi 12:30 PM 278041804378 has xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE -3D -4DX 12:15 AM SHARQIA-3 THE GREAT WALL 4:00 PM changed my name to Nijam BALLERINA 12:00 PM DANGAL -Hindi 6:15 PM Mohamed Meeran, here- AVENUES-3 ACCOMMODATION DANGAL -Hindi 2:00 PM DANGAL -Hindi 9:30 PM inafter in all my dealings BALLERINA 5:15 PM THE GREAT WALL 12:45 AM PATRIOTS DAY 1:00 PM THE GREAT WALL 1:30 PM and documents I will be Sharing accommodation THE GREAT WALL 7:15 PM known by name of Nijam FANAR-4 PATRIOTS DAY 4:00 PM for Filipino Bachelor ONLY PATRIOTS DAY 9:30 PM Mohamed Meeran. (C5258) PATRIOTS DAY 12:15 AM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 12:15 PM KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 4:00 PM near Big Jamiya Farwaniya. KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 6:45 PM 19-1-2017 xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 2:15 PM Available already, Contact MUHALAB-1 xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 4:15 PM PATRIOTS DAY 9:45 PM DANGAL -Hindi 11:45 AM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 6:15 PM PATRIOTS DAY 12:30 AM I, Mohammad Salim S/o 66826412 or 97512782 BALLERINA 3:00 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 8:15 PM Azizul Haque, Passport No 19-1-2017 BALLERINA 5:00 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 10:15 PM 360º- 1 BALLERINA 2:00 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 12:15 AM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:00 PM KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 4:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 2:00 PM KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 7:00 PM MARINA-1 AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 4:00 PM 112 DANGAL -Hindi 9:45 PM THE GREAT WALL 11:45 AM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 6:00 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 1:00 AM BALLERINA 2:30 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 8:00 PM MOANA 4:45 PM NO FRI Automated enquiry about THE GREAT WALL 7:00 PM MUHALAB-2 Special Show “xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE” 8:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:00 PM PATRIOTS DAY 9:15 PM FRI the Civil ID card is AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 2:00 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 12:05 AM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 10:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 4:00 PM BALLERINA 4:00 PM MARINA-2 AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:05 AM 1889988 AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 6:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 8:00 PM AL ATR — -Kuwaiti Film 2:00 PM 360º- 2 AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 10:00 PM BALLERINA 4:00 PM DANGAL -Hindi 1:45 PM PRAYER TIMINGS AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:05 AM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 6:00 PM DANGAL -Hindi 5:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 8:00 PM DANGAL -Hindi 8:15 PM Fajr: 05:20 MUHALAB-3 AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 10:00 PM DANGAL -Hindi 11:30 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 12:15 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:05 AM Shorook 06:43 xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 2:15 PM 360º- 3 xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 4:15 PM MARINA-3 THE BYE BYE MAN 11:45 AM Duhr: 11:59 xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 6:15 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 12:45 PM SURF’S UP 2: WAVEMANIA 2:00 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 8:15 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 2:45 PM SING 4:15 PM Asr: 14:55 xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 10:15 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 4:45 PM THE BYE BYE MAN 6:30 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 12:15 AM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 6:45 PM THE BYE BYE MAN 8:45 PM Maghrib: 17:15 xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 8:45 PM THE BYE BYE MAN 11:00 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 10:45 PM FANAR-1 THE BYE BYE MAN 1:15 AM Isha: 18:36 AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 11:30 AM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 12:45 AM

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arrival Flights on Thursday 19/1/2017 KAC 788 Jeddah 13:45 Departure Flights on Thursday 19/1/2017 KAC 155 Istanbul 13:50 Airlines Flt Route Time FEG 931 Alexandria 13:55 Airlines Flt Route Time MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:20 KNE 231 Riyadh 13:55 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 FDB 076 Dubai 14:05 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 PIA 240 Sialkot 00:40 AXB 394 Kozhikode 14:10 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:15 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 KAC 102 London 00:55 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:50 KAC 561 Amman 14:20 THY 772 Istanbul 00:55 KAC 692 Muscat 14:30 BBC 044 Dhaka 01:30 KAC 521 Al Najaf 14:45 MSC 411 Asyut 01:00 KAC 414 Bangkok 14:35 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:35 KNE 382 Taif 14:50 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:40 MSC 412 Asyut 01:55 BON 102 Sarajevo 14:55 QTR 1086 Doha 01:15 KAC 542 Cairo 14:45 KAC 417 Manila 02:00 FEG 932 Alexandria 14:55 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 KAC 672 Dubai 14:50 THY 773 Istanbul 02:25 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 DLH 635 Doha 01:55 KNE 529 Jeddah 14:55 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 FDB 060 Dubai 15:10 PGT 858 Istanbul 02:00 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:15 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:55 KAC 785 Jeddah 15:15 AXB 395 Kozhikode 02:00 OMA 645 Muscat 15:35 AXB 396 Kozhikode 02:55 PAL 669 Manila 15:20 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 02:05 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 03:05 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:25 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:50 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:35 QTR 1079 Doha 15:40 UAE 853 Dubai 02:30 KAC 154 Istanbul 15:55 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 JZR 188 Dubai 15:40 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 SAW 705 Damascus 16:00 KKK 6505 Istanbul 03:55 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 KKK 6506 Istanbul 02:55 KNE 531 Jeddah 16:05 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 KNE 530 Jeddah 15:55 FDB 069 Dubai 03:05 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KAC 283 Dhaka 16:15 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:10 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 JZR 779 Jeddah 16:10 KAC 167 Paris 04:25 KAC 357 Kochi 16:20 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 QTR 1072 Doha 16:10 QTR 1077 Doha 04:40 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:30 QTR 1076 Doha 03:30 FDB 051 Dubai 16:25 LMU 511 Cairo 05:00 OMA 646 Muscat 16:35 KAC 546 Cairo 03:55 KAC 662 Abu Dhabi 16:35 MSC 502 Alexandria 05:05 SAW 706 Damascus 16:55 LMU 510 Cairo 04:00 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 QTR 1087 Doha 05:50 KNE 532 Jeddah 16:55 MSC 501 Alexandria 04:05 JZR 787 Riyadh 17:00 FEG 954 Asyut 06:00 KAC 675 Dubai 17:00 KAC 418 Manila 04:25 KAC 118 New York 17:00 JZR 560 Sohag 06:05 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 ETD 9891 BRU 04:30 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 DHX 173 Bahrain 06:20 JZR 240 Amman 17:15 KAC 284 Dhaka 04:55 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 FDB 052 Dubai 17:25 FEG 933 Sohag 05:00 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:45 ETD 9891 Abu Dhabi 06:30 KAC 615 Bahrain 17:35 JZR 503 Luxor 05:10 NIA 251 Alexandria 17:55 THY 771 Istanbul 06:50 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 JZR 529 Asyut 05:15 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 KAC 153 Istanbul 06:50 KAC 343 Chennai 17:40 KAC 354 BLR 05:20 FDB 063 Dubai 18:10 KAC 165 Rome 06:55 UAE 858 Cairo 17:45 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:20 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 KAC 332 Trivandrum 05:45 KAC 522 Al Najaf 18:25 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 KAC 331 Trivandrum 18:00 THY 770 Istanbul 05:55 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 JZR 238 Amman 07:10 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 364 Colombo 06:05 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 KAC 353 BLR 18:15 KAC 206 Islamabad 06:20 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:25 KAC 541 Cairo 07:15 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 06:25 KAC 502 Beirut 19:30 KAC 773 Riyadh 07:30 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 BAW 157 London 06:40 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 KAC 787 Jeddah 07:45 NIA 252 Alexandria 18:55 PAL 668 Manila/Dubai 07:00 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:55 FDB 064 Dubai 19:05 KAC 204 Lahore 07:15 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 KAC 563 Amman 08:00 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:15 FDB 5061 Dubai 07:15 KAC 166 Rome 19:55 KAC 411 Bangkok 08:20 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 KAC 168 Paris 19:55 BAW 156 London 08:40 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 QTR 8511 Doha 08:00 KNE 381 Taif 19:55 KAC 173 Munich 08:50 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 562 Amman 20:00 FDB 054 Dubai 08:55 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:05 KAC 743 Dammam 09:00 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 KAC 382 Delhi 08:45 KAC 691 Muscat 09:00 KAC 383 Delhi 20:30 OMA 647 Muscat 20:10 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:00 KAC 117 New York 09:00 FDB 058 Dubai 20:35 JZR 189 Dubai 20:15 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:05 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 KAC 361 Colombo 20:35 QTR 1088 Doha 20:35 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 KAC 101 London 09:35 KAC 775 Riyadh 20:45 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:45 KAC 352 Kochi 09:10 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 KNE 232 Riyadh 20:55 FDB 5053 Dubai 20:50 QTR 1070 Doha 09:30 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:05 KAC 616 Bahrain 20:50 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 QTR 8512 Doha 10:00 OMA 648 Muscat 21:10 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:55 IRA 673 Ahwaz 10:10 IRA 668 Mashhad 10:00 KAC 619 Doha 21:20 AVV 653 Sohag 10:10 KAC 786 Jeddah 21:15 KAC 671 Dubai 10:05 QTR 1089 Doha 21:35 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:10 DLH 634 Doha 21:35 SYR 341 Damascus 11:00 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 JZR 778 Jeddah 10:30 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 KAC 774 Riyadh 11:05 ALK 229 Colombo 21:25 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 FDB 5054 Dubai 21:50 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 QTR 1071 Doha 10:40 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:55 MSC 403 Asyut 11:15 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 AVV 654 Asyut 11:10 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:00 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 KAC 676 Dubai 21:45 IRA 672 Ahwaz 11:10 KAC 351 Kochi 22:00 FDK 801 Damascus 11:45 KAC 174 Munich 22:00 KAC 501 Beirut 11:15 KAC 783 Jeddah 22:10 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 KAC 744 Dammam 12:10 KLM 417 Amsterdam 22:05 RBG 554 Alexandria 11:55 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 FEG 953 Asyut 12:35 JZR 125 Bahrain 22:05 SYR 342 Damascus 12:00 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 KAC 661 Dhabi 12:05 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 JZR 561 Sohag 12:40 NIA 151 Cairo 22:10 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:05 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:45 JZR 239 Amman 12:45 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 MSC 404 Asyut 12:15 KAC 1543 Cairo 22:45 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 AIC 981 Chennai/Ahmedabad 22:25 FDK 802 Damascus 12:45 KAC 381 Delhi 22:45 FDB 075 Dubai 12:50 JZR 241 Amman 22:45 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 FEG 934 Sohag 13:35 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:05 AXB 393 Kozhikode 13:10 KAC 156 Istanbul 23:25 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 BON 101 Sarajevo 13:30 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:45 NIA 152 Cairo 23:10 KAC 564 Amman 13:40 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:50 stars34 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

CROSSWORD 1495 STAR TRACK

Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22) The work that you do or the job that you perform may be more meaning- Business is underway as usual today but foresight is important and you ful to you at this time. You feel a love of law and order and have a sense of appreciation may want to be more attentive to the possibilities of change. Pure technological knowl- for responsibility and duty. Things that may have once been viewed as problems or edge is no longer appreciated as it once was. Learning about new things and not being obstacles are merely used for the valuable lessons that they represent. Your viewpoint afraid to take on new challenges will be the open door for new opportunities in the work may be maturing in many ways. Certainly those around you could notice a remarkable field. Opportunities prevail and you may find yourself wanting and able to do almost any- change in your attitude about many things. The good life, and all that is fine and luxuri- thing. Today and tomorrow, you may be successful in getting a loan, getting an exten- ous, may be what you value for now. You could enjoy making your own way and finding sion on a payment or having travel opportunities, and then enjoying quiet evenings at solutions to the many challenges you may encounter. Things just seem to be working home. The universe points to your taking the lead in whatever you decide to do. Set clear together for your benefit. The competition of late is no longer a problem; relax. priorities to help eliminate the clutter in your mind and on your desk.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

This is a good time to consolidate and organize your affairs or rearrange You will earn a good living and you will slowly build up a sound base for your living situation. You could be seen by others as just the person to be put in charge financial security as you go along your steady pace. Review your options for investments of some project requiring a conservative mind. You are able to see through to the truth and get guidance on which way to go with this endeavor. Your talents and capabilities of most situations and can ignore some difficulties that would upset or disturb most. are many. Did you know itonly you can deprive yourself of anything. Do not fight this You happily go about your own business and complete whatever you set out to accom- understanding, for it is truly the beginning of many bright sunshiny days. You are inven- plish. Marriage and other close relationships keep you active and expressive. You look tive, original and high tech. Power becomes a compelling idea, perhaps even an aphro- forward to time with your loved ones and can make all sorts of fun plans. You easily pro- disiac-and you have a stronger than usual supply of it now. Use it, do not abuse it-or you mote harmony in the interaction between people. You may be able to enjoy and value might find that it is a two-edged sword! It is easy for you to attract love and money this your own life situation today. Good luck follows you all day long. evening. You could inherit something of great value.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Clear decisions affecting others could be made in the workplace now. If you need to seek professional advice, today and the next day are excel- Ideas and thoughts will take on a clear understanding. You may be very lent times to seek help. Business seems to be affected by absolutely noth- articulate in communicating. Think about it; you could run your own radio show about ing for the next few days. This is a time for ideas and thinking. After you put some final ACROSS DOWN changes on a business plan, you may see an increase in business, but generally, the flow 1. The part of the nervous system of verte- 1. By bad luck. the subject matter that is your expertise. This may mean a radio show helping people with computers, home care, health care, job issues, finance, budgeting, etc. Community of money stays about the same. At least the tendency is not a downward spiral! Be care- brates that controls involuntary actions of 2. Kamarupan languages spoken in north- ful of your own expenses-something you thought you wanted today may hold no inter- eastern India and western Burma. issues are in the air and a round table discussion can become heated but fun. Perhaps the smooth muscles and heart and glands. the kids in the neighborhood want a community park and exercise or play equipment. est for you tomorrow. Any ongoing problem with a member of the family or a loved one 3. A fraudulent business scheme. 4. A sheath for a sword or dagger or bayo- This may take several meetings before everyone can agree or money issues can be tack- will be solved today. A good book or movie is appreciated this evening. A busy day in the 4. An ice containing milk. net. led. This evening is good for a romantic book or movie. work world calls for a little fantasy to help you relax later this evening. 12. Consisting of or made of wood of the 5. Engraving or carving in low relief on a oak tree. stone (as in a brooch or ring). 15. Resinlike substance secreted by certain 6. Someone who engages in arbitrage (who lac insects. purchases securities in one market for Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 16. Genus of slender often treelike spiny immediate resale in another in the hope of Make sure your expectations are realistic. Any area of improvement or cacti with solitary showy nocturnal white or profiting from the price differential). You treat a difficult person kindly and you may be surprised at the positive change can take place now through some form of discipline. Discipline for response from this person in the future. This is not a person that is always pink flowers. 7. The part of the face above the eyes. 8. A digestive juice secreted by the liver and you may mean the opportunity to stay focused with few interruptions-your thoughts or rude, just a person that may not be thoughtful. You know where you stand with this per- 17. A user interface in which you type com- someone else’s. This may prove to be a good mind-training session, particularly if you son and always get an honest answer. Before much time passes, you may have a new mands instead of choosing them from a stored in the gallbladder. 9. Of or relating to or characteristic of Asia or can keep your own mind focused. As for others, you cannot control their interruptions friend. Lean and mean is a structured environment you may be looking forward to when menu or selecting an icon. the peoples of Asia or their languages or except to tell them you are heavily into your work and you will get back to them soon. it comes to business, yours or that of the business for which you work. Kind is good but 18. Title for a civil or military leader (espe- culture. This afternoon is a good time to have your car checked with, perhaps, an oil change. A honest is better. Now it is time to introduce a gentle kindness along with an organized cially in Turkey). 10. In a dangerously risky manner. happy home life and a successful career are the goals you hold dear. Fun times are ahead work environment. This is the beginning of new goals for you in this workplace, perhaps 19. An insertion into a calendar. 11. A barrier constructed to contain the flow this evening with friends-big plans are in the makings for a big get-together soon. your own secret goals for success. 20. A compartment in front of a motor vehi- or water or to keep out the sea. cle where driver sits. 12. English scholastic philosopher and 21. A river in western Europe that rises in assumed author of Occam's Razor (1285- Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) northern France and flows generally east 1349). You should find this a time of good fortune. Many opportunities are avail- into Belgium where it joins the Neuse at 13. (botany) Of or relating to the axil. Today is one of your best days this month. You may find yourself in a Namur. remembering type of mood-thinking about old relationships, past vacations, past able for you to create a little good fortune. It is easy to see which path is the one to take. 14. Ulcerated chilblain on the heel. Opportunities proliferate and you may find yourself ready to expand your knowledge or 23. Having little physical or spiritual 22. A percussion instrument consisting of a reunions, etc. You may be easily persuaded to skip school, work or some other obliga- tion. If you can insert some creative license into your daily routine, you will find that your help others to do the same. Taking on added risks can bring big rewards. The close person- strength. pair of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usu- al ties that you have with others could be very important to you at this time, particularly 25. A slender double-reed instrument. ally held between the thumb and fingers) tasks become more exciting. An outside event could shed light on some issues now-in a good way. A boost of encouragement will come your way this evening and harmony will marriage and other partnerships. These are all associations that could contribute to your 26. Mild form of diabetes mellitus that that are made to click together (as by success and happiness and could teach you some very significant lessons in the process. prevail. Family and home are in a flux for the positive. New habits, new friends and a new develops gradually in adults. Spanish dancers) in rhythm with the dance. Nostalgia and domesticity will be strong now and could help you in some new understand- you will find you looking forward to the goals of the future. This could mean some great 27. Wild ox of the Malay Archipelago. 24. A river in northern Italy that flows south- ings about how much you need security and a feeling of attachment. ideas on profession or travel or yearned for education. 34. Afflicted with or marked by anxious east into the Adriatic Sea. uneasiness or trouble or grief. 28. Spaced apart. 37. A percussion instrument consisting of a 29. An important question that is in dispute metal plate that is struck with a soft-headed and must be settled. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) drumstick. 30. A cord that is drawn through eyelets or 39. A girl or young woman who is unmar- around hooks in order to draw together two You are a hero to many people as you go gently through your day. You You will need to act quickly and decisively to capture all the good opportu- ried. edges (as of a shoe or garment). are learning to ease up on any negative feelings, realizing that you are part of the whole. nities that flow your way today. Growth, happiness and prosperity are yours. You will soon 31. The law enforcement agency in the Most of all, you are learning to accept the differences in people, along with the desire to find that money will no longer be the sole yardstick you use with which to measure your 40. A sheet or band of fibrous connective success. Your sense of responsibility is so well developed that you end up managing most tissue separating or binding together mus- Justice Department. guide others through example-which is truly, the only way. There is a feeling today of 32. Of or at or relating to an anode. having less fear and more confidence in your own choices. This afternoon you busy situations that you become involved with now. You are disciplined, work hard and are cles and organs etc. yourself with new projects and time to achieve more than you had imagined you could. good at getting others to work with and for you. Essentials are what count. Others may 42. A hospital unit staffed and equipped to 33. Refuse to acknowledge. 35. Someone who is morally reprehensible. A satisfaction at the end of your day reflects in the way you interact with your family and think you are more educated than you are, for you tend to assume an authoritarian stance. provide intensive care. You may even enjoy the thought of having authority and probably treat authority, the eld- 36. Related to or located at the back. friends. With a fresh new year ahead you may decide to order a horoscope reading that 43. A Mid-Atlantic state. will help you understand the flow of energies and the possibilities of choices. erly and your teachers with great respect. 44. The 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet. 38. A member of the Siouan people formerly living in the Missouri river valley in NE 45. A rapid bustling commotion. Nebraska. 46. Fig tree of India noted for great size and 41. Portuguese explorer who in 1488 was Wordsearch Puzzle Yesterday’s Solution longevity. the first European to get round the Cape of 51. Essential oil or perfume obtained from Good Hope (thus establishing a sea route flowers. from the Atlantic to Asia) (1450-1500). 53. A public promotion of some product or 47. Large burrowing rodent of South and service. Central America. 54. Type genus of the Anatidae. 48. Release from a clasp. 56. A river that rises in central Germany and 49. The syllable naming the sixth (submedi- flows north to join the Elbe River. ant) note of a major or minor scale in 58. Being one hundred more than two hun- solmization. dred. 50. The elementary stages of any subject 61. Obvious and dull. (usually plural). 64. The type of environment in which an 52. A landlocked mountainous republic in organism or group normally lives or occurs. southeast central Asia north of Afghanistan. 69. American prizefighter who won the 55. Conforming to truth. world heavyweight championship three 57. (Jungian psychology) The inner self (not times (born in 1942). the external persona) that is in touch with 70. An ascocarp having the spore-bearing the unconscious. layer of cells (the hymenium) on a broad 59. An African river that flows northwest disklike receptacle. into Lake Chad. 74. Jordan's port. 60. A white metallic element that burns with 75. The smallest multiple that is exactly a brilliant light. divisible by every member of a set of num- 62. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising bers. solely the razorbill. 76. A cut of pork ribs with much of the meat 63. (Greek mythology) Daughter of Zeus trimmed off. and Demeter. 78. A logarithmic unit of sound intensity 65. A small cake leavened with yeast. equal to 10 decibels. 66. A sock with a separation for the big toe. 79. A plant hormone promoting elongation 67. In bed. of stems and roots. 68. The basic unit of money in Western Samoa. 80. Low stingless nettle of Central and South 71. A health resort near a spring or at the America having velvety brownish-green seaside. toothed leaves and clusters of small green 72. Airtight sealed metal container for food flowers. or drink or paint etc.. 81. An agency of the United Nations affiliat- 73. The 13th letter of the Hebrew alphabet. ed with the World Bank. 77. Being nine more than ninety.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 information

For labor-related inquiries and complaints: INTERNATIONAL Call MSAL hotline 128 CALLS

Afghanistan 0093 Lithuania 00370 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Luxembourg 00352 Algeria 00213 Macau 00853 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Macedonia 00389 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Angola 00244 Madagascar 00261 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Anguilla 001264 Majorca 0034 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malawi 00265 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Malaysia 0060 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Maldives 00960 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Mali 00223 Austria 0043 Malta 00356 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Azerbaijan 00994 Marshall Islands 00692 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Adaliya 22517144 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Kaifan 24849807 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Shuwaikh 24814507 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Nuzha 22526804 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Qadsiya 22515088 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Dasmah 22532265 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Shaab 22518752 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Sharq 22465401 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Jabriya 25316254 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Bayan 25388462 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominica 001767 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Sabah 24810221 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 New Jahra 24575755 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 South Jahra 24775066 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tome 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 North Jleeb 24311795 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Hungary 0036 Togo 00228 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam India 0091 Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Head, Division of Cardiology Internists, Chest & Heart Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Zambia 00260 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lesotho 00266 lifestyle THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

FEATURES

Al-Jothen launches The One & Only Original 'Brazilian Blowout'

l-Jothen continues to acquire the best of the renowned wide, Brazilian Blowout is the global leader in this sector Also, more treasure from the Brazilian Blowout was international brands and welcomes Brazilian Blowout and is ranked as the number one hair smoothing treatment unveiled, as it is not just about straightening, but a whole lot Ato its portfolio; the number one hair smoothing treat- in the world. more. With the introduction of their new range of products ment in the world by a long shot! The treatment originated in Brazil with the use of called the Brazilian Bond Builder (abbreviated to b3), they for- Al-Jothen has always been at the helm of the beauty indus- indigenous ingredients like acai berry and annatto seed. ay into the hair color industry with a whole new perspective. try in the region for the past 25 years. Its Silver Jubilee year is The liquid keratin formula in the Brazilian Blowout creates a The best part of this one-step treatment is that it can be used marked by unveiling one of most celebrated niche brands in protective layer around all strands of hair, shielding it with any hair color formulation and it requires no added time the hair care industry, The One & Only Original 'Brazilian against external damage and reducing the frizz by sealing to the color service. The b3 uses a specifically engineered co- Blowout'. The event was hosted at the picturesque Movenpick the cuticle. The end result was straight, more hydrated and polymer technology which not only prevents hair damage Hotel with a calm sea in the background yesterday. The launch 'ready for heat styling' hair. during the color services but also helps in longer color reten- was graced by the very beautiful Yalda Golsharifi, one of the Brazilian Blowout in comparison to other keratin treat- tion and liveliness of the hair. attending opinion leaders favored in the professional industry ments is more flexible as it can be tailored to specific hair Yalda Golsharifi was engaged in a one-on-one Snapchat whom in turn has appraised its results from a salon owner per- types. Moreover, after any Brazilian Blowout treatment, one interaction with the lead educators from the United States. spective in front of a 100 attending salons. The event was then can go back to normal routine like swimming, exercising, put- The fun and details of the event was not restricted to the carried forward by the Lead Hair Stylists & Educators from ting their hair into a ponytail and so on, without any restric- attendants inside the hall. Yalda had 'interactively snapped' Brazilian Blowout USA. tions. The Brazilian Blowout 3-step smoothing treatment live her chat with the educator and much more on her social Technicians, managers and salon owners from top demonstration was followed by Brazilian Blowout's fastest media account. The event was also covered on social media salons across Kuwait were present along with the media to moving, record hitting and quickest hair treatment for split platforms of Al-Jothen and was well attended by the media for witness the launch and the ease with which messy, frizzy ends. This treatment is everyone's favorite and was extremely a full event coverage. hair was turned into sleek straight hair, that anyone would interactive! It is a 5- minute in-salon one-step treatment that pride. Straight hair being the basic trend and need world- magically eliminates split ends. Red Hot Chili Peppers to head new Lollapalooza Paris

he Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Weeknd Femme and IAM, one of the formative French and the Pixies will play the inaugural hip-hop acts. Lollapalooza was launched in Tupac TParis edition of Lollapalooza as the the early 1990s by Jane's Addiction frontman longstanding US alternative culture festival Perry Farrell during the US boom of alterna- expands. Lollapalooza will take place on July tive music, with the festival conceived as a 22-23 at the Longchamp Racecourse in the traveling festival that would explore non- west of the French capital, the Parisian gov- mainstream music and culture. ernment announced in November. Unveiling After criticism that the festival was becom- the lineup on Tuesday, promoter Live Nation ing increasingly commodified, Lollapalooza said the headliners would include veteran Los shut down but re-emerged as in 2005 as an Long-awaited Angeles alternative band Red Hot Chili annual event with a regular venue of Chicago. Peppers, fellow US rockers Imagine Dragons The festival has since expanded to Latin and R&B sensation The Weeknd. America, with versions in Argentina, Brazil Tupac biopic set Other performers will include indie rock and Chile, as well as Europe starting with a icons the Pixies, the sultry baroque singer 2015 edition in Berlin. The Paris edition comes Lana Del Rey and Liam Gallagher, the volatile as the Western world sees a surge of music for 2017 release former frontman of Oasis. Lollapalooza Paris festivals, which increasingly are seen by will also have a share of French artists includ- artists as a vital source of revenue as tradi- long-awaited biopic on slain rap legend Tupac Shakur ing DJ Snake, the producer who has won vast tional recording sales sag. — AFP is set for release in mid-2017, the film production com- success on the US dance music scene. Other Apany said Tuesday. "All Eyez On Me," named after the French acts include psychedelic rockers La In this March 20, 2015 file photo, film director Roman Polanski gestures dur- title of one of Tupac's albums, will come out in US theaters on ing a debate at the Paris Book Fair in Paris. — AP June 16, which would have been the rapper's 46th birthday, Summit Entertainment said. The movie project was announced nearly six years ago with previous participants to include John Singleton, a director closely linked with hip-hop culture whose previous films included 1993's "Poetic Justice," Polanski to preside over French a drama starring Tupac and Janet Jackson. But the film underwent a series of personnel changes and missed a goal of release in time for the 20th anniversary of Tupac's still murky 1996 killing in Las Vegas. "All Eyez on Me" cinema awards ceremony was ultimately led by veteran music video director Benny Boom. Tupac will be played by little-known actor Demetrius ilmmaker Roman Polanski will 2014 for his film Venus in Furs. Alain Shipp, Jr, whose father was a producer for Tupac. While Shipp preside over this year's Cesars Terzian, the president of the academy, has no major acting credits, a trailer for "All Eyez on Me" FAwards ceremony, the French said Polanski is an "insatiable esthete showed that he has a startling physical resemblance to Tupac, equivalent of the Oscars. The Academy reinventing his art and works over the who was slender with an expressive, mustachioed face. of Arts and Techniques of cinema said years." Polanski is wanted in the US in a "Why I took on this role is to give people a side of him that yesterday the 83-year-old Polanski is case involving sex with a minor that has they never had. To really get a great understanding of him and expected to deliver the opening and been hanging over him for almost 40 his life, and why things ended up the way they did," Shipp told closing speeches during the Feb. 24 years. He won the best-director hip-hop magazine XXL last year. Tupac, who died at age 25, ceremony in Paris. Academy Award for "The Pianist" in remains one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, retain- Polanski, who lives in France, won 2003. — AP ing a global following for his emotionally intense lyricism and eight Cesars over the course of his theatrical flair. "All Eyez On Me" will come out two years after career, including for best director in the box-office success of "Straight Outta Compton," the biopic US band Red Hot Chili Peppers perform at the orange stage at Roskilde festival in of another major Southern California hip-hop outfit, gangsta Roskilde. — AFP rappers N.W.A. — AFP

Review In 'The Founder' backstabbing with fries on the side

etchup, mustard, two pickles. In John Lee Hancock's the opening scenes, Kroc, struggling to eke out a living on take a bite out of McDonald's. It's less a full meal than a "The Founder," about Ray Kroc and the making of the road, faithfully listens to Norman Vincent Pearle's "The drive-thru order. KMcDonald's, the ingredients for success are ruthlessly Power of Positive Thinking." "Persistence, determination simple. When Kroc (Michael Keaton), a struggling traveling alone are all powerful," Kroc absorbs. Step-by-step salesmen selling milkshake mixers, first beelines to San Hancock's film stays laser-focused on Kroc, and with Bernardino, California, in 1954 to get a look at Dick (Nick 'big picture' the naturally appealing Keaton playing him, our sympa- Offerman) and Mac (John Carroll Lynch) McDonald's burger "The Founder" is a quintessentially post-war American thies initially slide toward him. But unease steadily creeps joint, he stands agog at the counter. Moments after he story about a self-made man largely made by others. Kroc, in, especially as Kroc, while espousing the virtues of fami- orders, Kroc is handed his burger and fries in a bag, but he who died in 1984, fashioned himself as the "big picture" ly, callously jettisons his quietly steadfast wife (Laura might as well have been flame-grilled by lightning. "But I visionary to the McDonald brothers' enterprise. Though Dern) for another man's (Linda Cardellini). The bad taste just ordered," he stutters. Kroc quickly recognizes the revo- McDonald's had by 1954 already sold 21 franchises, Kroc's of day-old McNuggets begins to form in our mouths as lutionary power of the McDonalds' restaurant and becomes zeal for expansion was compulsive and it turned him into our hero turns villain, and a successful one at that. Keaton its franchise-driver and the pre-eminent proselytizer of an a billionaire. The McDonald brothers quickly realize, as chomps on the role, a Willy Loman who strikes it rich. Like empire built on burgers. The arches, an invention of Dick's Dick says, that they've let a wolf in the hen house. They Bryan Cranston on just like its other innovations, will spread "from sea to shin- begin fighting over issues that in their world are of mas- "Breaking Bad," we can see the wheels turning behind ing sea," Kroc vows. As a gathering place for families, it will sive importance, like milkshakes. Defending his high stan- his eyes in his step-by-step drive for power, albeit selling a be "the new American church, open seven days a week," he dards, Dick warns of "crass commercialism" infecting the slightly healthier product than Walter White peddled. The says. franchise, and somewhere, Ronald McDonald chokes on a frightful thing about "The Founder," though, is that for all "It requires a certain kind of mind to see the beauty in a Big Mac. Kroc's back-stabbing and double-crossing, he's right. hamburger bun," wrote David Halberstam of the minds But Kroc outmaneuvers them and eventually takes Remorseless brutality, just like fresh buns, turns out to be behind McDonalds in "The Fifties." Of course, the genius control of the company, leaving the run-over McDonalds a necessary ingredient in business. Would you like fries behind McDonald's lied largely with Dick McDonald, who to stare blankly at the yellow-and-red Frankenstein with that? "The Founder," a Weinstein Co release, is rated engineered the "speedee service system" of its assembly they've created. "I'm national," a swelling Kroc declares. PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of line-like kitchen, designed its layout and focused its tiny "You're local." Yet if there's any tragedy in "The Founder," America for "brief strong language." Running time: 115 menu. But the ironically titled "The Founder" is not about it's not in the fate of the McDonald brothers but in Kroc's minutes. Three stars out of four. MPAA Definition of PG-13: him. It's about Kroc, a hard-drinking, slightly shifty Illinois success. The film is penned by Robert D Siegel, whose Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inap- salesman who took the idea of the McDonalds and spread "The Wrestler" and "Big Fan" also reflected the dark under- propriate for children under 13. — AP it around the world through sheer (and sometimes bellies of American dreams. But "The Founder," like its This image released by The Weinstein Company shows Michael unscrupulous) force of will and savvy standardization. In subject, is a little mechanical and a little too timid to really Keaton, center, in a scene from, "The Founder." — AP THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 lifestyle

FASHION

Armani as furry wrapper-in-chief for Milan menswear season

here have been lots of warm fuzzies on the Milan warm the arms and wrap across the chest. Armani opt- runway this season: shaggy fur, furry footwear, ed for a generous variety, from fine knits in prints or Tthick knits, big gloves, droopy caps, face-framing contrast colors for sunny days when an overcoat might neck-warmers. All useful for hunkering down in turbu- be too much, to chunkier furry versions. lent times. Four days of menswear previews for next The designer also brought back the tie and three- winter and fall at Milan Fashion Week ended Tuesday piece dressing for day, in soothing charcoals with a dark with a focus on soft tailoring and comfortable looks. velvet double-breasted vest for a dandy look, finished Blazers tended to be long, and paired with loose-fit- with a narrow-brimmed Trilby hat. Masculinity was pro- ting trousers. Overcoats, if not furry, had fur collars. jected in geometric patterns including triangular blocks Shoes had big soles with fresh detailing like rubberized on zip-up hoodies and softer alpaca pullovers. Hiking studs or built-in socks, but most of all tufts of adorable boots completed many looks and bags included fur. There was a nostalgic return to homey knitted satchels and doctor bags. gloves and caps. Designers also opted for a rough look For truly cold days, there were large hooded coats with half-finished accents, big embroidery and some and shaggy furs. deconstruction. Bags were big, ready for a quick get- away. Colors tended toward deeper urban shades of Milan welcomes a new generation gray and black, with flashes of white, and some design- Giorgio Armani continued a recent tradition of invit- ers opted for color blocks. Some highlights from the ing up-and-coming designers to preview their collec- final day of Milan Fashion Week, which included pre- tions in his theater. He has helped launched the likes of views by three Asian designers supported by the Stella Jean, Andrea Pompilio and Au Jour Le Jour in National Italian Fashion Chamber: recent seasons. This round, the choices were all Asian designers, which the head of the Italian fashion cham- Armani is wrapper-in-chief ber, Carlo Capasa, said was deliberate. "We wanted to Giorgio Armani was the first among wrappers this give a sign of internationality, " Capasa said. "Milan menswear season. Armani defined the silhouette of his Fashion Week is an open week. We wanted to capture easy tailored looks with a novelty: sleeve scarves that the energy from wherever it comes."

Models present creations for fashion house Giorgio Armani during the Men’s Fall-Winter 2017-2018 fashion week in Milan. — AP/AFP photos lifestyle THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

FASHION

Silhouette plays for Yoshio Kubo Yoshio Kubo's manifesto was spare on the page: "I always focus on new details for outfits. I try to see outfits from different angles. I make a story for each season, which people never imagine." The US-trained designer, who has based his eponymous yoshiokubo line in Tokyo, gave the collection an East-meet-West feel, playing with layers and volumes and deconstructing familiar codes. "I destroy the silhouette," Kubo said backstage. The looks would suit any self-respecting rocker. Kimono-style jackets are paired with drop-crotch trousers, while Western blazers are deconstructed by unzipping the shoulders, letting them slouch down shawl-like. Patchworks of white bandana patterns on black leather had a tattoo effect, reflected also in the temporary tattoos on some models' necks. The 42-year-old Japanese designer worked as an assistant designer for haute couture house Robert Denes in New York after graduating from Philadelphia University's school of textile and science.

Bucolic storybook looks for Moto Guo Malaysian designer Moto Guo was the first to concede that the Armani theater was not used to such "crazy" looks. A winter rawness in Milan The 26-year-old designer's collection looked like it walked The Chinese label Consistence is keeping it raw for fash- out of a 1960s grammar school reader, with graphic lines, ionable men next winter and fall. Designers Fang Fang and exaggerated details and soft shades alternating with garish Tien Lu base their brand in London, and their motto is bal- patterns. The show was built around the bucolic fashion ancing the casual and the formal. The designers played story of a Japanese boy, depicted as a fanciful documen- with deconstruction. Suits featured what appeared to be a tary about his life with an American voiceover. tailor's basting stitching, and sewn-in pockets were exter- "You see how he styles himself, what is his wardrobe," nal, not internal. White shirts incorporated dark jacket the designer said backstage. "Sometimes you understand. sleeves, and rough frenetic stitching on shirts and blazers Sometimes you have to guess." Exaggerated proportions suggested a seamstress had let herself go to a rock music defined the collection, including a huge rounded tie with soundtrack. zigzag detailing, jackets with mismatched external pockets Jackets were missing lapels, which turned up, on their and felt beanies in primary colors, some with propellers. own, as scarves. Belted straps worked as apulets or trailed The final look featured a jacket with stiff, oversized arms off arms and backs. A sporty two-tone fur sweatshirt and that appeared fashioned from striped mattress pads. bomber jacket ensured the label's luxury credentials. — AP

Models present creations for fashion house Miaoran during the Men's Fall-Winter 2017-2018 fashion week. lifestyle THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

FASHION

Models present creations for fashion house Dsquared2 during the Men's Fall-Winter 2017-2018 fashion week.

Models present creations for fashion house Moschino during the Men’s Fall-Winter 2017-2018 fashion week in Milan. Armani as furry wrapper-in-chieffor Milan menswear season

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 37

Aerial view taken yesterday with a drone shows the Marienburg Castle near Pattensen, northern Germany, standing amidst a snow-covered forest. — AFP Italy toasts its real-life Sherlock Holmes Vogue Knitting Live

ith his Sherlock Holmes-style penchant for using multi- The case was closed, prompting D'Annunzio, once he became ple disguises to help crack his cases, Giuseppe Dosi was aware of the deception, to denounce Dosi as a "dirty cop." What Wno ordinary policeman. And nearly 36 years after his the writer did not know was that the officer had also used his time death, Italians are still discovering the secrets of the "artist detec- in his house to make copies of some of the poet's private corre- tive". Dosi, who was born in 1891, abandoned his dreams of a spondence-racy love letters to his mistress only recently identified career on the stage as a young man. After two years treading the as historical documents for the insight they offer into the life of boards however, he never lost his relish for the challenge of taking D'Annunzio. In 1927 Dosi became involved in a famous miscar- on a new role. A priest, a banker, a German doctor and a Czech riage of justice case centred on a series of murders and rapes of army officer with a pronounced limp were just some of the parts young girls in Rome. Under pressure to find a culprit, the authori- the Rome-born officer played in the course of a long career. ties pinned the blame on a photographer, Gino Girolimoni, feed- And like Arthur Conan Doyle's eccentric creation, Holmes, the ing incriminating details to the press that led to the suspect being Italian was not opposed to a little cross-dressing, if he felt posing dubbed the Monster of Rome. as a woman would help him get his man. Interest in Dosi has been spurred by a new biography, written by a serving police chief, a Investigator for Allied forces documentary about his life and by some of the detective's profes- Dosi was not convinced and managed to get the investigation sional archives being placed online. "He had a type of postcard reopened, putting together a case against a British clergyman printed for friends and colleagues which showed him in 17 differ- who may have been the actual culprit but was able to skip the ent disguises corresponding to the different identities he country before his arrest. In an Italy then under fascist rule, this assumed in the course of 17 different investigations," said Alessia kind of independent thinking did not go down well, although Glielmi, an archivist at Rome's Historical Museum of the Liberation Dosi was far from being an active resistant to dictator Benito who is an expert on Dosi. "As well as the disguised characters, he Mussolini's authoritarian rule. Towards the end of the 1930s he had four fully-formed identities he used with all the necessary began to think of leaving the police and wrote a memoir which papers and back story to support them," Glielmi told AFP. revealed numerous details of his investigations as well as treating his bosses to some stinging criticism. Mysterious balcony fall That was to prove a final straw for his superiors. Suspended After his entry into the police force, Dosi's bosses quickly found from the police, Dosi was imprisoned in Rome in 1939 and then ways of making use of his talent for imitation, trusting him with transferred to an asylum for the mentally ill, where he languished sensitive missions in Italy and abroad. One early one involved infil- for 17 months until his release in January 1941. After three years trating a group of Swiss-based Italian anarchists who were, it was confined to a desk job, another noteworthy episode got him back A giant reproduction of Claude Monet's Woman with a Parasol, produced by Citemomes, knitters from around feared, plotting to assassinate the then king, Vittorio Emanuele III. in the investigative saddle. In June 1944, as Allied forces were Europe who knitted 100,000 squares to make this all-knit version of the iconic panting is on display at Vogue In 1922, when the poet and politician Gabriele D'Annunzio fell entering the Italian capital, an angry mob attacked a former Knitting Live!, a conference of knitters and crocheters in New York. — AFP from his balcony in mysterious circumstances, it was Dosi who German prison, freeing the prisoners and then setting it ablaze. was put in charge of the delicate investigation. With the help of a young German soldier, Dosi went into the "That involved one of his best disguises," said Glielmi, burning building and recovered a huge stock of documents that describing how the detective adopted the persona of Karel were to prove vital for subsequent prosecutions of Italians, who Kradokwill, an exiled Czech who spoke Italian with a thick had collaborated with the Nazis. Dosi handed the papers over to German accent and trailed one ostensibly semi-paralysed leg Allied commanders and got taken on as a special investigator for Indian court acquits actor behind him as a result of a war wound. By going undercover in two years. In 1946 he returned to the ranks of the Italian police, ris- this way, Dosi was able to establish that D'Annunzio's balcony ing to the grade of commissioner before his retirement, 10 years mishap was down to a row with his combustible mistress rather later. He died, aged 89, in 1981.-AFP Salman Khan of using illegal arms than any political plot against him. op Bollywood star Salman Khan was acquitted by a court yesterday on a charge of using unlicensed Tweapons while hunting for rare blackbucks in a western India wildlife preserve 18 years ago. Khan, 51, was present as Chief Judicial Magistrate Dalpat Singh Rajpurohit announced his acquittal in Jodhpur, a city in Rajasthan state. His attorney, Hastimal Saraswat, said the magistrate dismissed the charge against Khan for lack of evidence. If convicted, he would have faced up to seven years in prison. The prosecution argued that the license for a revolver and a rifle allegedly used by Khan had expired in 1998. As Khan's fans cheered his acquittal, he tweeted: "Thank you for all the support and good wishes." The Indian court sys- tem is notoriously slow, and it often takes years and even decades for cases to go to trial. Apart from the illegal weapons case, police filed three poaching cases against Khan during the shooting of one of his films in Jodhpur in 1998. He was convicted by a lower court and sentenced to jail terms of one and five years in two cases. But the actor challenged the ver- dict in a higher court, which said there was no evidence to suggest that the pellets recovered from the animals were fired Bollywood actor Salman Khan arrives at his home in from Khan's gun. He is still facing trial in a third case of alleged Mumbai, India. poaching of two rare blackbucks. Khan, who has starred in more than 90 Hindi-language intoxicated in 2002 and running over five men sleeping on a films, has had other brushes with the law. In 2014, the sidewalk in Mumbai, killing one of them. The government of Mumbai High Court acquitted the actor in a drunken-driving, Maharashtra state, of which Mumbai is the capital, has chal- hit-and-run case from more than a decade ago. The judges lenged his acquittal in the Supreme Court. — AP A priest, a banker, a German doctor and a Czech army officer with a pronounced limp were just some of the parts found that prosecutors had failed to prove charges of culpa- played by Italian detective Giuseppe Dosi. — AFP ble homicide, in which they accused Khan of driving while