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SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 SHABAN 10, 1438 AH No: 17219 N Korea accuses China homemade Wizards hold off CIA of plot to passenger jet Celtics as Green assassinate14 Kim aces15 first flight fuels44 Warriors win Saudi step to relax male guardianship welcomed Min 26º 150 Fils Women can access govt services without male consent Max 36º

BEIRUT: A move by Saudi Arabia to give women more control over their life choices by further relaxing a male guardian system was tentatively welcomed yesterday as another step for women in the conservative kingdom. Saudi Arabia is well known as one of the world’s most gender-segregated nations, where women live under the supervision of a male guardian, cannot drive, and in public must wear head-to-toe black garments. Women need approval from a man to travel, study and get some health treatments. However local media outlets reported this week that the king of Saudi Arabia has issued an order allowing women to benefit from government services such as education and healthcare without getting the consent of a male guardian. This means women could, in some circumstances, study and access hospital treatment, work in the public and private sector and represent themselves in court without consent of a male guardian, said Maha Akeel, a women’s rights campaigner and a director at Jeddah-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation. “Now at least it opens the door for discussion on the guardian system,” Akeel told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. “Women are inde- pendent and can take care of themselves.” This comes as the latest in a series of moves in Saudi Arabia to include women more in the workforce as the kingdom moves to diversify its economy and cut reliance on oil. The system of WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump, accompanied by GOP House members, speaks in the Rose Garden of the make guardianship, which requires women to obtain permission White House on Thursday after the House pushed through a healthcare bill. — AP (See Page 7) from a guardian - father, husband, or son - to travel, study or marry is an impediment to realizing women’s rights, say rights groups. “Male guardianship is un-Islamic and humiliating for Trump to visit Saudi Arabia, women,” said Akeel. “Some (men) take advantage of this male meet Gulf, Muslim leaders guardianship for their own benefit and abuse it.” — Reuters Shabaab militants WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Thursday “This historic summit is going to change the narrative in his first foreign trip as president will feature stops in Saudi the Islamic world and in the world,” he told reporters in Arabia, Israel and the Vatican, where he will meet with Pope Washington. Jubeir said Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia would kill US Navy SEAL Francis, an ambitious foray onto the world stage that will include a bilateral summit, a meeting with Arab Gulf leaders include meetings with NATO and a summit in Italy. Senior and another with leaders of Arab and Muslim countries. The in Somalia clash administration officials said Trump chose Saudi Arabia as his trip will inject Trump into the thorny quest for Middle East first stop to show his commitment to improving US relations peace, a prospect that has proven elusive for Trump’s pred- MOGADISHU: An American soldier was shot dead and two with the Muslim world. Trump will meet with Saudi Arabia’s ecessors. The announcement follows Trump’s meeting on others wounded in a night-time raid with Somali forces King Salman and other leaders where they are expected to against Shabaab militants in Somalia, the US military said yes- Wednesday with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and discuss efforts to defeat terrorism and discredit radical ide- terday. “On May 4, one US service member was killed during ologies, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity his optimistic pledge to mediate peace efforts between the an operation against Al-Shabaab near Barii, Somalia, approxi- to describe internal planning. Israelis and the Palestinians. mately 40 miles west of Mogadishu,” said a statement from Trump, joining religious leaders in the Rose Garden on Trump has sought to forge strong ties with Israel’s Prime the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), adding the US forces Thursday, said his first foreign trip would “begin with a truly Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the start of his presidency were “conducting an advise and assist mission alongside historic gathering in Saudi Arabia with leaders all across the in hopes of facilitating peace. The visit to Israel will reinforce members of the Somali National Army.” Muslim world”. “Saudi Arabia is the custodian of the two holi- that alliance, officials said. “Our task is not to dictate to oth- AFRICOM spokeswoman Robyn Mack told AFP that two US est sites in Islam and it is there that we will begin to construct ers how to live but to build a coalition of friends and part- soldiers were also wounded. “The service member was struck a new foundation of cooperation and support with our ners who share the goal of fighting terrorism and bringing by small arms fire while conducting an advise and assist mis- Muslim allies to combat extremism, terrorism and violence safety, opportunity and stability to the war-ravaged Middle sion alongside members of the Somalia National Army. Two other US service members were wounded in the incident,” she and to embrace a more just and hopeful future for young East,” Trump said. Muslims in their countries,” Trump said. said. Mack said the US casualty was the first US soldier killed The Palestinians want to create a state in the West Bank, “in combat action in Somalia” since 1993. In a statement, the The weeklong trip will mark the president’s first trip Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem, lands Israel captured in the abroad and come about six weeks after the US launched Shabaab said it had repelled the attack and claimed credit for 1967 Mideast war. Abbas noted that demand when he joined Tomahawk missiles against a Syrian air base in the aftermath killing the US soldier. Trump at the White House. But Netanyahu has rejected the of a chemical weapons attack in the war-ravaged country. A local resident, Moalim Muhidin, said two helicopters Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said Trump’s visit 1967 frontier as a baseline for border talks and ruled out par- were involved in the raid, firing missiles before landing to would send a clear message that the US harbors no ill will titioning Jerusalem where Palestinians hope to establish a unload soldiers, after which a heavy firefight broke out. Abdirisak Farah, a Somali military officer, told AFP that US and toward Muslim countries, which he said was a misconception capital. Netanyahu’s government has expanded settlements Somali commandoes were involved in the overnight raid spread by Iran and extremists like the Islamic State group. despite US efforts to curb the construction. — Agencies which targeted a Shabaab unit. — AFP LOCAL SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 Kuwait participates in ‘Arab Cultural Days’ in Hungary

VIENNA: Kuwait took part in the “Arab Cultural Days” in ence, arts, and humanitarian values, Kover said in his open- Budapest, Hungary for the second consecutive year along- ing speech. The Hungarian Speaker visited the Kuwaiti pavil- side 12 other Arab countries, Kuwaiti embassy in Hungary ion afterwards and met with Ambassador Hamad Burhama, said yesterday. The event was patronized by Speaker of the the embassy noted, adding that the Kuwaiti diplomat Hungarian National Assembly Laszlo Kover and Marie informed Kover about the latest updates on the two coun- Antoinette Sedin, Dean of Arab Diplomatic Corps and tries relations. Palestinian Ambassador to Hungary, and was attended by Burhama also showed Kover around and the pavilion’s senior Hungarian officials, heads of diplomatic missions, and contents, of which the Hungarian Speaker expressed great a large crowd, the embassy said in a statement. The Kuwaiti admiration, particularly towards the various Kuwaiti tradi- Liquor dealer nabbed pavilion at the event displayed several items and collections tional handcrafts and weavings. Meanwhile, several activi- from the Kuwaiti heritage such as paintings, food, sweets, ties took place at the Arab Cultural Days, which is organized By Hanan Al-Saadoun traditional clothes and historic prints. by the Council of Arab Ambassadors in Hungary, that con- It is important to hold such a cultural event regularly sisted of arts and crafts, folk music and dance, paintings and KUWAIT: A citizen was arrested for selling imported alco- each year due to its distinctive role in informing the sculpture, pottery making, traditional jewelry, and calligra- hol, said security sources. Case papers indicate that Hungarians about Arab history, art, music, and culture, in phy. There were also forums, symposiums, and lectures in detectives were tipped off concerning the suspect’s addition to highlighting the remarkable achievements of which both Arab and Hungarians discussed topics on Arab activity and he was later arrested. Bottles of alcohol were Arabs and Muslims throughout history in the fields of sci- history and culture. — KUNA found in his possession.

GCC nationals arrested Two GCC nationals were arrested in Sulaibiya for setting garbage containers on fire and multiple robberies. Natural and unnatural causes trigger fish deaths: KISR study

KUWAIT: A combination of natural and unnatural causes had tuated between 23.6 to 27.1 degrees, while salinity was at 43 triggered a recent rise in fish deaths, a Kuwait Institute for to 44 percent. Scientific Research (KISR) study found. In a statement issued to Meanwhile, the statement also pointed out that bacteria KUNA, KISR noted that around 1000,000 cubic meters of rancid are not one of the causes of the fish deaths and that the fish sewage has spilled into the bay of Kuwait, carrying with it high were in a state of sheer physical exhaustion, which ultimately concentrations of toxic pollutants. Moreover, the statement led to their deaths. The KISR study underscored that the spike added that KISR’s study has been backed up by research con- in fish deaths is the result of numerous factors, all of which ducted by the Environment Public Authority (EPA), which indi- have caused a reduction in the purity and quality of the cated that the waters of Kuwait Bay have been contaminated waters. The study also listed China, the United States, Italy, due to the sewage spill. On water temperatures at Kuwait Bay India and Kenya, amongst others, as countries that have also during the month of April, the statement showed that it fluc- witnessed a surge in fish deaths. — KUNA

Shopping mall fire A fire broke out yesterday on the roof of a Mangaf shop- ping mall. Security sources said that firemen rushed to the scene and managed to contain the fire and prevent- ed it from spreading to adjacent buildings. No casualties were reported. KFSD’s PR and Media Manager Brigadier Khalil Al-Amir said that the shopping mall was in viola- tion of safety conditions and that power was discon- nected in collaboration with MEW before the fire was extinguished.

Foodstuff stores Hawally Municipality Food Control teams inspected a number of foodstuff stores where they filed 127 cita- tions for working without health certificates, expired food items, dirty conditions and operating a facility prior to getting municipality license. The campaign also resulted in confiscating and destroying 941 kilograms of foul food items.

Buhara community MoI Undersecretary Lt General Mahmoud Al-Doussari received a delegation from the Buhara community in Kuwait recently. Lt General Mahmoud Al-Doussari said KUWAIT: A delegation from the Art Education Department at PAAET’s basic education faculty recently visited Sabah that all security measures are in place to ensure that all Al-Ahmed Marine Base. The delegation included the head of department Dr Farida Sha’ban, Dr Abdul Mohsen Al- communities practiced their religious rituals freely and Sayegh and a number of students. The delegation was received by Maj General Mohamemd Al-Yousif and they pre- safely in Kuwait. sented paintings painted by the visiting students as gift to the base. LOCAL SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

Photo of the day Crime Report Asians arrested for drugs

KUWAIT: An Asian man was arrested with 1.25 kg of ice and hashish. Security sources said after receiving tips about the sus- pect’s activities, he was ambushed and caught in Farwaniya. The sources added that on searching the suspect’s room, they found the drugs that he confessed to possessing for trading purposes. In another development, a citizen was arrested in Naseem in Jahra for using and possessing drugs, said security sources, noting that on being stopped at a routine checkpoint, the suspect seemed nervous. On searching his vehicle, detec- tives found drugs and a half-used joint of hashish.

Fighting in Mahboula Two Arab expats were arrested for fighting in Mahboula. Case papers indicate that a citizen reported seeing two people fight in a building yard. Rushing to the scene, detec- tives found an injured man and an assailant carrying a met- al baton he used in attacking him.

Citizen commits suicide Affected by a state of depression he had been suffering from for a while, a citizen committed suicide by jumping from the 11th floor balcony of a building in Shaab. Security sources said the man died instantly on impact. KUWAIT: Photo shows Amiri Diwan’s Arab Horse Center, also known as (Bait Al-Arab) - the official home of the Stray dog attack Arabian horse. The Arabian or Arab horse is a breed of horse that originated on the Arabian Peninsula. With a dis- An Asian child was attacked by a stray dog in Egaila. tinctive head shape and high tail carriage, the Arabian is one of the most easily recognizable horse breeds in the Security sources said the child was at the beach with his world. It is also one of the oldest breeds, with archaeological evidence of horses in the Middle East that resemble parents when he saw the dog and tried to play with it, but modern Arabians dating back 4,500 years. — KUNA the dog bit him. Hearing his screams, the parents managed to scare the dog away. The boy was rushed to hospital for Arab forum calls for concerted treatment. Police hunt conman A search is on for a Syrian who conned hundreds of singer Assi efforts to ensure food security Al-Hillani fans into purchasing tickets for a concert that was allegedly scheduled for April 6, then rescheduled to May 5. RABAT: Speakers at the Arab Forum on Sustainable the Sudan to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization Case papers indicate that the suspect had booked a booth at a Development highlighted the need of closer cooperation (FAO), urging revising the food production systems in the top hotel and published online and social media ads about the among the Arab countries and regional and international Arab countries. The Arab region requires common policy in concert. The sources added that the suspect collected over KD organizations to ensure food security in the Arab region. This the field of food production, particularly the agricultural sec- 20,000 before he disappeared. However, the hotel discovered goal is one of the top priorities set forth in the 2030 Agenda of tor in order to curb the growing poverty rate and end the the fraud and reported the matter, while fans still believed the Sustainable Development, Shatha Al-Gendi, an ILO official in food shortage, she said in a similar speech. concert would be held as scheduled. charge of the implementation of the agenda, said in a speech Meanwhile, Abbas Mohammad Awadh, Secretary-General to the gathering on Thursday. of Sudan’s National Council of Strategic Planning, said the Female citizen ‘insulted’ The Arab countries face numerous challenges in their agricultural development is the main pathway for food securi- A female citizen working in a Sabahiya court reported that quest for sustainable development; these require closer col- ty which requires integrating strategies. He added that the two female employees working under her insulted her dur- laboration to realize economic integration, food security and Arab region has the prerequisites for attaining the 17 ing working hours. A case was filed. eradication of poverty, she said. Al-Gendi noted that the eco- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda nomic approach, adopted by many Arab countries in the last for Sustainable Development, adopted by world leaders in decades, failed to create sufficient jobs. She suggested devel- September 2015 at an historic UN Summit. The forum, themed ‘Informer’ arrested oping an alternative approach to development and employ- “combating poverty and enhancing prosperity in Arab coun- An Egyptian MoI employee was arrested and referred to ment in collaboration with the ILO and other competent UN tries,” is organized by the United Nations Economic and Social deportation for acting as an informer, warning offices and agencies. Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in collaboration with companies about to be raided by residency detectives so that On her part, Amira Gornass, head of the Committee on the Arab League; it opened on Wednesday and will come to a they could hide any illegal laborers or employees. World Food Security (CFS) and Permanent Representative of close on Friday. — KUNA — Al-Rai and Al-Anbaa Kuwait signs the ‘Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters’

PARIS: Kuwait yesterday signed the Convention on Mutual global agreement on the Automatic Exchange of Financial Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters, during a ceremony Account that includes the Common Reporting Standard. The held at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and country has vowed to maintain sorcery of the information to be Development (OECD) headquarters in Paris. The Kuwaiti delega- exchanged, as the Convention plays a major role for the protec- tion was led by the country’s ambassador to France Sami tion of tax bases of the member states, which will effectively pre- Mohammad Al-Suleiman who signed the Convention. This is the vent international tax avoidance and evasion. first step for activating the Common Reporting Standard agree- Kuwait implemented the US Foreign Account Tax ment Kuwait signed in August 2016, the embassy said in a state- Compliance Act (FATCA) Agreement and successfully conduct- ment. The Convention was developed jointly by the OECD and ed the first exchange of information on US financial account. the Council of Europe in 1988 and amended in 2010. It is the The automatic exchange of information can provide timely most comprehensive multilateral instrument available for all data on non-compliance where tax has been evaded either on forms of tax co-operation to tackle tax evasion and avoidance, a an investment return or the underlying capital sum. It can top priority for all countries. help detect cases of non-compliance even where tax adminis- It is considered the legal framework regulating the Automatic trations have had no previous indications of non-compliance. Exchange of Information (AEOI) among the member states of the In addition, it has deterrent effects, increasing voluntary com- Global Forum on Transparency. Kuwait will start the exchange of pliance and encouraging taxpayers to report all relevant infor- Kuwaiti Ambassador to France, Sami Mohammad Al- information for tax purposes in September 2018 in line with the mation. — KUNA Suleiman is pictured during the ceremony. — KUNA LOCAL SATURDAY, MAY 6 , 2017

KFH records high turnout at Al-Babtain Electronics

KUWAIT: The promotion day of exclusive dis- fits and offers to its customers. Surprises and Moreover, customers entered a draw for their ATM card (Tamayyouz, Ruwwad, Nukhba counts Kuwait Finance House (KFH) organized benefits awaited KFH customers from the 4 the chance to win valuable prizes. They were and Awalawya). KFH invited customers via dif- to its Tamayyouz, Ruwwad, Nukhba and mentioned customer segments, of which cus- granted free valet parking, not to mention a ferent means of communication to benefit Awalawya customers in collaboration with Al- tomers were able to choose a 75, 79, 86 inch- KFH specialized team was accessible to cus- from the discounts on all electronics and elec- Babtain Electronics, witnessed high cus- es super UHD-4 K3D smart phone and borrow tomers to answer their queries and offer them trical products excluding smart phones and tomers’ turnout. Customers applauded the it for 3 days to experience its characteristics assistance. To avail these promotions that accessories. These offers and discounts affirm discounts that reached up to 30%. This affirms and features. This opportunity might be don’t include smart phones and their acces- KFH keenness to put customers on top of its KFH continuing policy to offer the best bene- unprecedented in the market. sories, customers were requested to show priorities. KIB sponsors 6th ‘My Ambition Defeats My Disability’ forum

KUWAIT: Kuwait International Bank (KIB) stated: “KIB is always keen on supporting ini- recently sponsored the 6th ‘My Ambition tiatives that engage all segments of the com- Defeats My Disability’ forum, which was munity. We devote considerable attention to organized by the Committee for Persons with supporting people with disabilities, as we Disabilities, belonging to the National Union believe that they are an integral part of the of Kuwaiti Students (NUKS), along with community who are known for their strong trainees from the Public Authority for Applied will and their drive to achieve and excel. We Education and Training (PAAET). The forum pride ourselves on being fully invested in the was held under the patronage of the Minister development of different segments in the of Higher Education, Dr Mohammed Al Fares, community.” Minister of Health, Dr Jamal Al-Harbi and Al Sarhan added that the very title of the Honorary Chairperson of Kuwait Disabled forum reflects the strength and will power of Sports Club (KDSC), Sheikha Sheikha Al- people with disabilities. He pointed out that Abdullah Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah, who also their ambition allows them to overcome any attended the event to lend her support. challenges their disabilities may impose, driv- The forum sought to shed light on the ing them to achieve great successes, break- rights of people with disabilities, as well as ing records in various areas throughout his- the need to strengthen the role of ministries tory, and advancing Kuwait’s standing both and government entities in responding to regionally and on a global scale. As part of Burgan Bank brings ‘Drinking the causes of disabilities and working to pre- the Bank’s social responsibility program, KIB vent them. The forum also worked to pro- pays special attention to people with disabili- Water Week’ to Kuwait mote scientific solutions in line with ongo- ties, as it believes in the importance of their ing national programs within the Kuwait role in supporting this segment. Accordingly, KUWAIT: Burgan Bank, one of the highest con- starting with its employees first. Leading by National Development Plan that are aimed KIB continues to support initiatives and activ- tributors to sustainability and progress, is cele- example, Burgan Bank takes pride in being a to meet the various challenges faced by peo- ities that serve this particular segment in the brating for the first time “Drinking Water Week”; catalyst for positive change across the board. ple with disabilities. community, empowering them to defeat a novel educational initiative aimed at raising More is to come as Burgan Bank rolls out more On this occasion, Fahad Al Sarhan, Team their disabilities and successfully achieve awareness on the crucial benefits of water to dynamic initiatives in the future. Leader of Corporate Communications at KIB, their goals in life. health and wellness. ‘Drinking Water Week’, a Launching ‘Drinking Water Week” in Kuwait globally celebrated event, takes place between reflects Burgan Bank’s commitment to shedding May 1 to 7 every year as the summer season light on new issues and bringing fresh thinking kicks off. Leading the way in corporate social and creativity to address topical societal chal- responsibility, Burgan Bank distributed bottled lenges that affect every member of the society. water to its employees to encourage them to As a dynamic and young financial institution, consume more water and promote healthy liv- Burgan Bank remains a pioneer by being among ing, based on its strong-held belief that advo- the first to attend to current challenges and pro- cating for CSR starts with its own employees viding solutions that will benefit future genera- and extends to the society as a whole. tions. Burgan Bank’s support of this initiative Drinking water, a small gesture with reward- falls under its dynamic full-fledged community ing personal and societal benefits, is essential to program entitled ‘ENGAGE’ - Together to be the maintaining a healthy body and mind. Water is change, which emphasizes on creating and sup- credited for boosting energy levels and produc- porting innovative initiatives that add value to tivity, encouraging weight loss, flushing out tox- every segment of the society. That is accom- ins from the body, embellishing the skin, plished by promoting social welfare through strengthening the immune system, preventing educational, cultural, social and health driven sickness and improving overall health. movements. Burgan Bank’s approach to This is one in a long series of activities ‘ENGAGE’ begins with a vital principle that as a Burgan Bank is undertaking as part of the Global leading Kuwaiti financial institution, its conduct Employee Health and Fitness Month to drive and policies should be aligned with the needs behavior change and foster a health-conscious and interests of the Kuwaiti society and the culture that benefits all segments of society, community overall. LOCAL SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

Kuwait Red Crescent Society and Qatar Red Crescent assist refugees. — KUNA photos Qatar, Kuwait assist refugees

DOHA: With the rise of natural disasters, ple by sending humanitarian convoys and launching humanitarian missions in 47 armed conflicts, famine and increasing num- setting up mobile clinics, he said. The two countries. QRC, which has called on the ber of refugees and displaced around the societies, he added, were also installing international community to help the people world, the collaboration of humanitarian insulators on tents housing more than in need, was also active in children vaccina- organizations to address these crises is 12,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Al- tion inside Syria, economic empowerment in urgently needed. Relief societies in the Hammadi commended the relief campaigns Palestine, drilling of water wells and pur- Arabian Gulf countries have been at the launched by the State of Kuwait, which chasing agricultural machines in Sudan, forefront of societies that offered assistant reached people all over the world. These Somalia and Niger, said Al-Hammadi. to millions of people affected by conflicts. campaigns, he said, culminated in the UN’s The Qatari Red Crescent is domestically Kuwait and Qatar Red Crescent Societies honoring of His Highness the Amir Sheikh responsible for ambulance services and have been joining hands to relief refugees Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as marine rescue, Hajj mission and rehabilita- and internally displaced, especially Syrians “Humanitarian Leader,” and Kuwait as a tion of prisoners, he said. It is also launching whether they were inside their country or in “Humanitarian Center.” development projects in health, education neighboring nations. Kuwait Red Crescent Al-Hammadi said QRC was established in and water sectors in other countries, noted Society (KRCS) is the key partner of Qatar 1978 to provide indiscriminate help to all Al-Hammadi, in addition to carrying out Red Crescent “in many relief projects,” Ali Al- people in need. QRC carries out local proj- heart surgeries for children in 12 countries: Hammadi, QRC Secretary General said. ects aimed at promoting social develop- Palestine, Nepal, Myanmar, Lebanon, Yemen, Officials in KRCS and QRC have shown ment, health awareness and providing med- Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Sudan, China, determination to jointly help the Syrian peo- ical services. The society also succeeded in Somalia, Mauritania and Niger. — KUNA QRC Secretary General Ali Al-Hammadi

SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 Algeria ruling coalition Influence of English N Korea accuses CIA of wins legislative elections 9 is fading: Juncker 11 plot to assassinate Kim 14

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump, accompanied by House GOP members, speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House on Thursday after the House pushed through a health care bill. — AP House passes Obamacare repeal

Trump savors win ● Hurdles await in Senate

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump extracted a much- campaigned relentlessly on the pledge to dismantle the 2010 Two Senate Republicans have already stated their opposition needed victory from Congress Thursday as Republicans narrow- reforms. “This bill delivers on the promises that we have made to the current plan. And others have expressed concern ly pushed through the House of Representatives a bill repealing to the American people,” Ryan told cheering Republicans, while because it rolls back the expansion of Medicaid, the public the landmark health reforms of his predecessor. The vote of Democrats shouted their disapproval. “A lot of us have been insurance program for the poor and the disabled. The rollback 217-213 could hardly have been closer in the Republican-con- waiting seven years to cast this vote” to kill off Obamacare, he could deny Medicaid coverage to millions of working poor. trolled chamber, highlighting the concerns of many in Trump’s added. “End this failed experiment.” “The current bill falls short,” Senate Republican Dean Heller party who fear the bill could bump millions of Americans off said. “We need assurances that people with pre-existing condi- their coverage and send costs skyrocketing. ‘Fight back’ tions will be protected.” While the vote brings Republicans one step closer to fulfilling An earlier version of the Republican plan collapsed in March the singular campaign pledge that has united the party in when party moderates and conservatives failed to get on board Pre-existing conditions? recent years - and helped Trump win the White House-the bill - dealing Trump one of the most stinging setbacks since he took Several Democrats, who warn that the measure cuts taxes by will need substantial revisions if it is to pass the Senate. Trump office. In extraordinary scenes on the House floor, lawmakers some $800 billion over a decade with most savings going to the nevertheless proclaimed victory over the Affordable Care Act, hurled jeers across the center aisle, taunting one another about wealthy, insisted the bill was dead on arrival in the Senate. and expressed optimism that the controversial new measure the controversial legislation. House Minority Leader Nancy Republican Lamar Alexander, chairman of the Senate Health will ultimately become law. Pelosi painted a bleak picture of looming health care chaos, and Committee, signalled that his chamber will draft its own legisla- “We’re going to get this passed through the Senate. I feel so said the vote could cost Republicans their majority in upcoming tion, “but will take the time to get it right”. House leaders won confident,” he declared in the White House Rose Garden, sur- elections. “You vote for this bill, you have walked the plank, over enough skeptical Republicans with an amendment that rounded by key Republican lawmakers like House Speaker Paul from moderate to radical,” she said. “You will glow in the dark” adds $8 billion over five years to help cover insurance costs for Ryan, who shepherded the bill to passage. It is a conservative from the toxic effect of the vote. One signal that health care will people with pre-existing conditions. Experts and health groups dream years in the making: ditching Barack Obama’s health care remain a political lightning rod came from Trump’s 2016 presi- ridiculed the amendment, saying it falls woefully short of the law, which Republicans blame for sending insurance premiums dential rival Hillary Clinton, who blasted the Republicans’ hundreds of billions of dollars likely needed to control health soaring while reducing options for millions. “shameful failure of policy & morality.” In a tweet, she urged costs for the sick under the new bill. An earlier budget office Democrats counter that Obamacare helped 20 million Democrats to “fight back on behalf of the millions of families estimate predicted that the Republican bill would leave 24 mil- Americans gain health coverage and saved thousands of lives that will be hurt by their actions.” lion fewer people insured by 2026 than under current law. No by barring insurers from denying policies to people with pre- Despite Trump’s confidence, the bill faces an uphill battle in new estimate was published prior to Thursday’s vote, although existing medical conditions. Republicans including Trump have the Senate, where Republicans hold a slender 52-48 majority. one is expected before the Senate considers the bill. — AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

What are the ‘de-escalation zones’ in Syria?

BEIRUT: After six years of conflict in Syria, government posts to monitor and secure access. Senior Russian mil- carried out air strikes within Syria, including Russia and backers Russia and Iran and rebel supporter Turkey itary commander Sergei Rudskoi said Friday that some a US-led coalition battling IS. A Russian diplomat con- have signed a deal to create four “de-escalation zones” 2.67 million civilians and 41,500 rebels are in areas cov- firmed Friday that the terms would prevent the coali- in the country. Here are some questions and answers ered by the plan. Syria expert Fabrice Balanche said it tion from carrying out strikes in the zones. The deal about the deal and the planned zones: would cover around 20 percent of the non-desert terri- calls for “rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian tory of the country. access” in the areas in question, as well as measures to What are ‘de-escalation zones?’ restore basic infrastructure and allow the “safe and vol- The zones are four areas located across eight of What’s the timescale? untary return” of displaced people and refugees. Syria’s 14 provinces. The first includes Idlib in the north- The memorandum agreed during talks in Astana Access to the areas will be controlled via security west, which is controlled by a coalition of Islamists and does not specify a start date for the implementation of zones complete with checkpoints and observation jihadists including a former Al-Qaeda affiliate, along the zones, but calls on the signatories to form a joint posts. The deal calls for security to be “ensured by the with neighboring Latakia, Hama and Aleppo, each of working group within two weeks. The group will then forces of the guarantors by consensus,” adding that which have rebel-held areas. The second is in the north “take steps to complete by 4 June 2017 the preparation “third parties might be deployed.” of central Homs province, where rebels hold a stretch of the maps of the de-escalation areas and security of territory, with the third covering the Eastern Ghouta zones and to separate the armed opposition groups What chance of success? area, a rebel stronghold outside the capital Damascus. from the terrorist groups.” The document defines “ter- The deal builds on a ceasefire agreed between Russia The fourth zone covers southern Syria, particularly rorist groups” as IS, the former Al-Qaeda affiliate previ- and Turkey last December that reduced violence for a Daraa and Quneitra province, which both have large ously known as Al-Nusra Front, as well as groups or period but gradually fell apart. This proposal is significant- rebel-held areas, though a jihadist faction close to the individuals affiliated with them. Once established, the ly more ambitious, involving the deployment of forces Islamic State group is also present in Quneitra. The zones will be in place for an initial period of six months, from the guarantor countries and seeking to ground all zones do not cover the three areas held entirely by the but may be extended. warplanes. But it also calls for the continued fight against government, Damascus city, Tartus and Sweida, or IS and former Al-Qaeda affiliate Fateh Al-Sham Front, areas in the northeast held by IS or a Kurdish-Arab How will it look on the ground? which could pose challenges. In Idlib province in particu- alliance fighting the jihadist group. Government forces and rebels who have signed lar, Fateh Al-Sham is a leading and powerful component Along the lines of the “de-escalation zones” will be onto the deal will agree to halt all hostilities, including of the opposition forces controlling the region, and a key “security zones” with checkpoints and observation the use of warplanes, in the zones. Several forces have ally for other rebel groups against the regime. — AFP

Cartoonists ‘first victims’ of curbs on press: Report

PARIS: Ten countries including Russia, Turkey and India have been condemned for censoring, locking up or threatening cartoonists in a new report published yes- terday. The Cartooning for Peace group said cartoonists were increasingly becoming the victims of repressive crackdowns on free speech. The watchdog’s first annual global report also documents attacks on freedom of expression in Kenya, Venezuela, Egypt, Malaysia, Jordan, Ecuador and Burkina Faso. Its founder, the French cartoonist Plantu - who set up the group a decade ago with former United Nations chief Kofi Annan - told AFP that his peers were in danger across the globe. Cartoonists were the canary in the MOSUL: Displaced Iraqis from the Al-Haramat neighborhood north of Mosul react after leaving their home as Iraqi forces mineshaft, he said, “often the first to be threatened” by advance towards the area during the ongoing offensive to retake Mosul from Islamic State (IS) group fighters yesterday. — AFP authoritarian governments. “Finally for the last few days we in Europe are worrying about what has been hap- pening in Venezuela,” added Plantu, whose work Iraqi forces gain foothold appears on Page One of the French daily Le Monde. “For six years we have been trying to defend the car- toonist Rayma,” who was first targeted by Hugo Chavez in Mosul after new push and has since fled to Florida after being threatened by his successor, President Nicolas Maduro. The report also highlights the case of Turkish cartoonist Musa Kart, who Drone footage shows scant IS defenses in north has been jailed since October with colleagues from the liberal daily Cumhuriyet on accusations of “collusion HULAYLA, Iraq: Iraqi forces pushed further into Mosul from the Mosul where streets are blocked by anti-tank barriers and vehi- with a terrorist organization”. north on the second day of a new push to speed up the nearly cles. US Army Lieutenant Colonel James Browning, the partnered The newspaper incurred the wrath of Turkish seven-month attempt to dislodge Islamic State, commanders adviser to the 9th, said the militants had tried to keep some President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for running a story said yesterday. Islamic State tried to block the troops’ northerly streets open in order to use suicide car bombs. Islamic State was about a shipment of arms intercepted at the Syrian bor- advance into their de facto Iraqi capital with suicide car bombs probably expecting the attack, he said, “but they can’t defend der, allegedly bound for Islamic extremists. The report and sniper fire, Brigadier General Walid Khalifa, deputy com- everywhere”. Only two months ago, the militants would be firing was also highly critical of Malaysia’s Sedition Act, which mander of the 9th brigade, told Reuters in Hulayla, west of 200 rockets or mortars at Iraqi forces in Mosul on any given day, it said has been used to try to silence journalists. It said Musherfa. His troops had killed about 30 militants, destroyed five Browning said, but in the past two days it dropped to about 30. the Malaysian cartoonist Zunar has been subject to near- car bombs before they could be used against them, he said. “When you open up more fronts it becomes harder for (Islamic ly a decade of persecution, travel bans and harassment US air support has proved vital for spotting suicide car bombs State) to be able to defend. There are certainly some challenges. for his work criticizing official corruption. and for avoiding targets where civilians are trapped. Brigadier There are defenses in place,” he told Reuters. “Whether their cartoons concern politics, the econo- General Yahya Rasool, a spokesman for the joint operations com- my, sports or religion, cartoonists are confronted with mand, told Reuters the militants “didn’t have time to make barri- White Flag the same threats as journalists who cover sensitive sub- ers, the advance since yesterday has been good”. An army state- Islamic State had taken up positions in the homes of civilians jects,” the group said in a statement. Cartoonists are ment said the Second Musherfa district as well as the Church and in Musherfa, said one man who came out of Mosul carrying his always on the front line, it said, the victims of “censor- Mikhail’s Monastery area had been retaken. handicapped son. “They knocked on our door but we did not ship, attacks, imprisonment, exile, disappearances and, The US-backed Iraqi forces’ new foothold aims to open escape open it. When the army came we raised the white flag,” he said. in the worst cases, even murder.” Last week the press routes for the hundreds of thousands of civilians trapped behind He was among several dozen people walking out of Musherfa freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders warned Islamic State lines and, in turn, help troops’ progress. Rasool said with the full beard that Islamic State makes men grow in places that the media has never been as threatened as it is now, Iraqi forces rescued 1,000 families on Thursday. Footage taken by where it holds power. The 9th Armoured Division and the Interior undermined by increased surveillance and the rise of a drone operated by the Iraqi 9th Armoured Division over the Ministry’s Rapid Response units are aiming for the Tigris river authoritarian leaders across the globe. — AFP northwestern suburb of Musherfa and seen by Reuters, showed bank to complete their encirclement of the Islamic State-held Old the militants had scant defenses there, unlike in other parts of City centre. — Reuters INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

Anger brews in Morocco’s neglected Rif region

AL-HOCEIMA, Morocco: In Morocco’s neglected Rif Hirak al-Shaabi, or “Popular Movement”. “For six region, where outrage erupted last year over the months we have been resisting... And we will resist gruesome death of a fishmonger, calls for justice until they respond to our demands for the economic have evolved into a grassroots movement demand- and social development of our region,” he says. ing jobs and hospitals. Mouhcine Fikri, 31, was crushed in a rubbish truck in October in the northern ‘No money, no work’ city of Al-Hoceima as he tried to protest against the With its apartment blocks hugging the mountain seizure and destruction of swordfish, which were not and its main square overlooking the blue allowed to be caught at that time of year. Mediterranean Sea, Al-Hoceima would seem like a His death in the Rif - an ethnically Berber region normal seaside city if it were not for the heavy pres- long marginalized and at the heart of a 2011 protest ence of policemen in plain clothes and uniform. movement for reform - briefly sparked protests Weekend protests are common in this city of 60,000 nationwide and added to long-standing grievances inhabitants, with police immediately moving in to in his hometown. “We’re the sons of the poor, simple contain the demonstrators and prevent them from people who have taken to the street to say no to AL-HOCEIMA: Moroccan activist Nasser Zefzafi marching to the city center. tyranny. We’re not asking for anything exceptional - gestures during an interview in this northern city With the exception of a high school student just the rehabilitation of our devastated region,” says on April 28, 2017. — AFP protest in late March, all demonstrations have been activist Nasser Zefzafi. peaceful. The demands are always the same: Jobs, Broadcasting passionate speeches online in the the Rif. “The martyrdom of Mouhcine Fikri, which was roads, universities, hospitals and investment. Long local Tarifit dialect from his home or the street, the the consequence of years of the same state policy, excluded from state development plans and with lit- unemployed 39-year-old has become the face of the was the last straw. The trial was a farce, the judge- tle agricultural produce, the Rif region is economical- new movement demanding economic inclusion for ment shameful,” says Zefzafi, the leader of the Al- ly devastated. —AFP Algeria ruling coalition wins legislative elections Islamist, secular parties disappointed

ALGIERS: Algerian President Abdelaziz tions in 1990. Abdelrrazak Makri, who Political stagnation Bouteflika’s party and its coalition ally heads the Movement for the Society of Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal even have won a clear majority in parliamen- Peace (MSP) which has links to the told an all-female audience in the eastern tary elections, the interior ministry said Muslim Brotherhood, complained to AFP city of Setif to wake their husbands early, yesterday of a vote marred by a low of “election fraud”. “I am disappointed refuse them coffee and “drag” them to turnout. Bouteflika’s National Liberation with this election,” said Makri, whose MSP voting booths. “If they resist, hit them Front (FLN) won 164 of the national ran a joint list with the Front for Change. with a stick,” he said. But many voters JOHANNESBURG: South African former presidents (from assembly’s 462 seats amid public disillu- “For political observers, there are no were disillusioned by a scandal involving left) Frederik de Klerk, Kgalema Motlanthe and Thabo sionment over a tepid economy and alle- surprises,” analyst Rachid Tlemcani told candidates accused of paying to have Mbeki pose during the National Foundations Dialogue ini- gations of political corruption. The FLN, AFP. “The ruling parties take the top two their names added to party lists. Voters tiative yesterday. — AFP which has dominated the North African places and the Islamists are on the bot- have also been put off by perceived stag- nation’s politics since its 1962 independ- tom step of the podium.” The official nation in the political system and specu- ence from France, lost a quarter of the results will be announced by the consti- lation over the health of the 80-year-old Ex-presidents call president, who has rarely been seen in public since a 2013 stroke. for action to heal Bouteflika voted from a wheelchair at a polling booth in Algiers on Thursday in ‘sick’ South Africa his first appearance before the interna- tional media since he was sworn in for a JOHANNESBURG: Three former South African presidents for fourth term in April 2014. Many Algerians the first time issued a joint call for action Friday to end the pay little attention to parliamentary elec- nation’s “worsening” political crisis, the latest campaign tar- tions in a opaque system dominated by geting President Jacob Zuma. In an unprecedented move, the the office of the president. “It’s normal to country’s living former heads of state - Thabo Mbeki, F W de vote for the president, but I don’t see the Klerk and Kgalema Motlanthe, joined by former deputy presi- interest in MPs,” said Mourad, a 45-year- dent Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka - announced a national dia- old engineer. logue to try to end the “destructive” crisis. Algeria weathered the 2011 Arab “Practically it is impossible for anyone in our country to Spring uprisings with massive spending argue against this reality of national sickness in our politics, on wages and subsidies that depleted in our economy,” Mbeki said on launching the national government coffers. But a 2014 slump in talks, which were jointly sponsored by the three leaders’ crude oil prices forced the government to foundations under the heading “Reclaiming the South raise taxes and mothball many public Africa of our dreams”. projects. Today, in a country of 40 million Calls have intensified in recent months for Zuma to step where half the population is under 30, down following a mounting series of scandals. “Our country is ALGIERS: Algerian Interior and Territorial Collectivities Minister one young person in three is unem- immersed in a general and worsening crisis,” Mbeki said. “So it Noureddine Bedoui announces the results of the country’s legislative elec- ployed. Tlemcani said the chasm is that the rose our people planted, as represented by the vic- tions in Algiers yesterday. — AFP between the elite and young people had tory of 1994, is indeed sick,” Mbeki added, referring to the year broadened in recent years. “People are that marked the end of apartheid. De Klerk, the last apartheid seats it won in 2012, according to prelimi- tutional council after any appeals. The disappointed by the previous legislature, president, said the country “is in the grip of the most serious nary results from Thursday’s vote ministry said turnout was 38 percent, which has done nothing,” he said. challenges that have confronted it since the establishment of announced by Interior Minister down from just over 43 percent in the Meanwhile secular parties such as the our non-racial constitutional democracy 23 years ago”. Nourredine Bedoui. 2012 election. Polling was marked by Front of Socialist Forces (FFS), Algeria’s Squarely blaming Zuma for the crisis, de Klerk said “the But the FLN preserved its majority voter disillusionment over what many oldest opposition group, issued a post- core problem is that our president is not carrying out his thanks to its ally, the Rally for National see as broken government promises on election statement criticizing the results. duties in terms of ... the constitution.” Zuma is facing a slew of Democracy (RND), which won 97 seats, the economy and a political system “The biggest winner of this election is corruption allegations and an ongoing crisis over a controver- up from 70 in the last election. Two oppo- tainted by graft. Officials spent weeks absenteeism, followed by blank voting sial cabinet shake-up in which he removed a respected sition Islamist lists won a total of 67 seats, before the vote trying to drum up papers,” the statement said, adding that finance minister. The reshuffle caused the rand currency to seven more than five years ago when enthusiasm among electors, launching a the result will “make more fragile” a coun- tank and the country’s sovereign credit rating was downgrad- they recorded their worst ever results campaign dubbed “Samaa sawtek” (“Let try already reeling from a plethora of ed to “junk status” by two global agencies Standard & Poor’s since Algeria first held multi-party elec- your voice be heard”). problems. — AFP and Fitch. —AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

Migrant rescues, deaths as NGOs cry foul

CATANIA, Italy: Rescuers in the Libya. NGOs have fiercely denied yesterday morning, five of whom were ing European Border Agency Frontex Mediterranean raced yesterday to the claims of collusion with smugglers young women of African origin aged had intelligence of contact between aid of more than 20 migrant dinghies made by Sicilian prosecutor Carmelo between 16 and 35. “We think they NGOs and smugglers. in distress as the debate in Italy over Zuccaro, who has suggested they are were in the water for around a week, A Frontex spokesperson in Warsaw privately-funded aid ships intensified worsening Europe’s worst migrant cri- we can’t be more specific because of said Frontex had never accused the and the death toll at sea ticked steadily sis since World War II - but also admit- the advanced state of decomposition NGOs. “They want more resources, the upwards. “There are over 20 boats in ted he has no proof. “We are under of the bodies,” MSF nurse Elena resources should be used to save difficulty off Libya and an already political attack, probably because we Zandanel, 33, told AFP. The furore has those risking their lives at sea,” said tense situation has worsened with are giving a voice to those we save at been stoked by the populist Five Star Trainiti. “Frontex has said there is no people in the water,” said Mathilde sea, and pointing the finger at Europe Movement and anti-immigrant proof linking us to traffickers, as has Auvillain, communicator officer for for its failure to respond” to the crisis, Northern League, whose leader (anti-smuggling operation) EU Navfor SOS Mediterranee. said MSF search and rescue coordina- Matteo Salvini said this week that the med and the (Sicilian) prosecutor of Charities Doctors Without Borders tor Michele Trainiti. rescues were little more than “a finan- Siracusa”, he said. (MSF) and Save the Children were tak- cial and commercial operation”. He also rubbished Zuccaro’s sug- ing part in a senate meeting in a bid to ‘Never too soon’ Zuccaro appealed Wednesday for gestion the NGO boats were interven- clear the air after weeks of speculation The MFS boat Vos Prudence disem- more resources to expand his investi- ing to rescue people before they need- over whether some of the rescue ves- barked six bodies recovered from the gation, including intercepting the ed help. “There’s never a ‘too soon’ sels may have links to traffickers in Mediterranean in the port of Catania satellite calls made by traffickers, say- when you speak of rescues.—AFP

Eiffel stunt exposes security concerns

PARIS: Security was stepped up at the Eiffel Tower yesterday ahead of tomorrow’s presidential election in France after Greenpeace activists scaled the Paris landmark and hung out a big political banner. The early morning escapade in which activists used mountaineering helmets, ropes and shackles prompted the Paris police chief to call an emergency meeting where the new security measures were decided. Separately, police officers arrested a “radicalized” man near a military airbase near the town of Evreux northwest of the French capital in an incident that judicial sources said was related to a counter-terrorist inquiry. Security chiefs, after attacks by Islamist militants, have already announced extra police for patrolling key areas on voting day on Sunday when a centrist politician meets a veteran from the far-right after a turbulent and at times angry campaign. More than 230 people have been killed in such attacks in Paris and other parts of France in the past two-and-a-half years. Just three days before a first round of voting on April 23, a policeman was shot dead in central Paris by a gunman in an attack claimed by Islamic state. A dozen activists from the Greenpeace advocacy group were arrested on Friday after RODEZ, France: French independent centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with supporters as climbing the north face of the vast metal-latticed Eiffel Tower, he campaigns in southern France yesterday. — AP one of the world’s most visited sites, to hang a banner carry- ing the French national motto, “Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite” (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity). “Above and beyond the motives, this publicity stunt, in the Macron stretches lead as current climate, exposes faults in the security arrangements at the Eiffel Tower,” police prefect Michel Delpuech said. Paris City Hall issued a statement after an emergency meeting to campaign enters final day say sniffer-dog patrols would be more than doubled, and video-monitoring around the area improved. As tension mounted ahead of Sunday’s vote, police arrested a man pre- Poll puts abstention rate at a quarter of voters dawn when he returned to his car parked near a military air- base in Evreux, judicial sources said. PARIS: Centrist French presidential candi- corous final televised debate between the Reims, northern France, where French At least three in four of 47 million voters are set to go to date Emmanuel Macron extended his lead two contenders on Wednesday, which the kings were crowned in the Middle Ages. polling stations throughout the day on Sunday to cast a ballot in the polls over his far-right rival Marine Le centrist was judged by French viewers to Macron was already looking ahead to in a contest where centrist Emmanuel Macron is tipped to Pen yesterday, the final day of a tumul- have won, according to two surveys. being in power, telling RTL radio he had beat National Front leader Marine Le Pen. —Reuters tuous election campaign that has turned Macron’s strong showing in the debate, decided who would be his prime minister if the country’s politics upside down. The and another poll this week showing his En he wins. He did not reveal a name, saying election is seen as the most important in Marche! (Onwards!) movement likely to he would only announce the make-up of France for decades with two diametrically emerge as the biggest party in June leg- his government after he took office. opposed views of Europe and France’s islative elections, have lifted the mood The anti-immigration, anti-EU Le Pen place in the world at stake. The National among investors worried about the was not giving up. “My goal is to win this Front’s Le Pen would close borders and upheaval a Le Pen victory could cause. The presidential election,” she said on RTL quit the euro currency, while independent gap between French and German 10-year radio. “I think that we can win.” Le Pen was Macron, who has never held elected office, government borrowing costs hit a new six- criticized by some pundits for her aggres- wants closer European cooperation and an month low on Friday. sive approach to Wednesday’s presidential open economy. The candidates of France’s European shares eased after a week of debate, seeing this as a setback to her two mainstream parties were both elimi- gains that were partly driven by easing attempts to rid the party of the fringe, nated in the first round on April 23. political worries in France. “Despite that extremist image it acquired under the Four new polls showed Macron on track almost nobody expects a surprise, mean- nearly 40-year leadership of her father, to win 62 percent of the votes in the sec- ing Macron is the overwhelming favourite Jean-Marie. Defending her forceful stance, ond round compared to 38 percent for Le to win and become the new French presi- Le Pen told RTL: “My words are only the Pen, his best score in a voting survey by a dent, traders seem to favour (taking) a bit echo of the social violence that is going to major polling organisation since nine other of money off the table,” said City of explode in this country. “People talk about candidates were eliminated in the first London Markets trader Markus Huber. my aggressiveness, but the terrible aggres- PARIS: Police officers stand by after Greenpeace activists round on April 23. A fifth poll showed him Le Pen was booed by several dozen siveness is that of Mr. Macron’s plan ... unveiled a banner reading “liberty, equality, fraternity” on 61.5 percent. Pollsters said Macron had protesters, including some holding Macron which is a plan for social deconstruction on Eiffel Tower early yesterday.— AFP been boosted by his performance in a ran- posters, as she visited the cathedral in and deregulation,” she said. —Reuters INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

Narcos in south Spain increasingly brazen

ALGECIRAS, Spain: Attacks on police, comings and goings of narcos said unloading drugs in broad daylight... boats loaded with Moroccan hashish Drug traffickers in southern Spain are “come all the time” to unload on beach- operating in an increasingly brazen es. And narcos have the process well manner that has authorities worried. organized. “There is always a team of “There is a sense of total impunity,” men, some to collect the drug pack- said Juan Franco, mayor of La Linea de ages, others to transport it by car, still la Concepcion, a poor city on Spain’s others to stand guard,” he said, refusing southern tip that looks out onto the to give his name for fear of retaliation. huge rock of Gibraltar. In this 63,000- Once that is done, the drug traffickers strong city bordering the British over- - most of whom are Spanish and locals - seas territory, “the final straw” came on do not hesitate to challenge police to April 16, according to Raul Zambrana make sure their wares arrive safely at of the AEGC association which repre- their hiding places. Paco Mena, head of sents members of the Guardia Civil the Alternativas anti-drugs association, police force. ALGECIRAS, Spain: This photo taken on April 27, 2017 shows protestors said “they use three cars: one at the front Zambrana whipped out his mobile clapping during a demonstration called for residents of the area and police to give warnings, the other that carries phone and showed a video of masked forces to gather and demand more resources to fight drug trafficking and the drugs and a third to charge” at police men unloading a cargo of hashish in tobacco smuggling. — AFP cars if necessary. Jose Cobo, spokesman broad daylight in the fishing port of La for the AEGC, confirmed the process, Linea while close to 100 people nearby after year, and given the government ‘David against Goliath’ adding that narco boats even target threw stones at police trying to stop hasn’t done anything, they think it’s an A young man who works some 80 police crafts - a dangerous situation that them. “They’ve been unloading drugs acquired right and a way of life,” km away in the coastal village of Zahara has the Guardia Civil condemning a lack day after day, month after month, year Zambrana said. de los Atunes and has witnessed the of resources. — AFP

Influence of English is fading: Juncker

FLORENCE, Italy: European Commission President Jean- Claude Juncker took a swipe at Britain on Friday, saying he would not give a speech in English because the language was becoming less significant following Brexit. “Slowly but surely English is losing importance in Europe,” Juncker told a confer- ence in Florence before switching into French and drawing applause from his audience of EU officials, local leaders and Italian students. Juncker, who hails from Luxembourg, speaks several European languages fluently and regularly uses English at international gatherings. He said he also wanted to speak French to be better understood in France ahead of Sunday’s final presidential election round. The conference, on the state of the European Union, comes at a time of tensions between Brussels and London ahead of formal negotiations over Britain’s withdrawal from the 28-nation bloc. Juncker said Britain’s decision to leave was “a tragedy”. “We will negotiate fairly with our British friends, but let’s not forget that the EU is not abandoning the United Kingdom. It ST ALBANS, England: Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron stands with local Parliamentary Candidate Daisy Cooper is the other way around. And that will make a difference in as he speaks about the local elections yesterday. — AP the years ahead.” Speaking in English, the European Commission’s chief Brexit negotiator, Frenchman Michel Barnier, said a priority in the talks would be to guarantee rights for some 3.2 million EU citi- British PM boosted by zens living in Britain and for some 1.2 million Britons living in EU member states. local election results He said protecting these rights was “a moral duty”. “Nevertheless we can be certain that Brexit will inevitably entail a number of neg- Tories gain at expense of Labour, UKIP ative consequences. This is not a question of ‘punishment’. These LONDON: Theresa May’s Conservatives performed strongly in tion.” Brussels was quick to dismiss the claims, with EU presi- negative consequences simply British local elections, early results showed yesterday, handing dent Donald Tusk on Thursday cautioning against letting follow logically from the choice the prime minister a boost ahead of next month’s Brexit-dom- “emotions get out of hand” before formal negotiations are made by the British people.” inated parliamentary polls. First results showed the governing due to begin after Britain’s June vote. Jean-Claude Juncker Conservatives making solid gains, dealing a blow to the main No Secrecy opposition Labour Party and all but wiping out the anti-EU, Emotions ‘out of hand’ British Prime Minister Theresa May said this year that she anti-mass immigration UK Independence Party (UKIP). But May’s hardened rhetoric appeared have translated into had offered to guarantee the rights of EU citizens in Britain Voters across England, Scotland and Wales went to the local votes. At 1000 GMT and with more than a quarter of the immediately but that this idea had been rejected. Barnier polls Thursday to choose nearly 5,000 new local councillors, in 88 local authorities declared, the Conservatives had control of denied that others were to blame for the ongoing uncertainty. the shadow of campaigning for the snap June 8 general elec- 636 seats, a net gain of 179. Labour had 466 seats - a net loss “The only cause of uncertainty is Brexit,” he said. He also dis- tion and a bitter debate over Britain’s departure from the of 137 - while the smaller, pro-EU Liberal Democrats, who had missed suggestions in London that the talks should be largely European Union. While local issues are usually the main influ- been hoping to pick up some momentum ahead of June’s secret. “I will do everything in my power to ensure that infor- ence in such polls, May’s decision last month to call an early parliamentary election, had 167 seats, a net loss of 23. mation on the negotiations is made public so that an informed general election ensured her own record and Brexit would be Meanwhile, with results still coming in, UKIP had lost all 42 debate can take place,” he said. In a sign of growing friction on voters’ minds. seats they were defending, falling “victim to its own success”, and frustration, May accused EU politicians and officials on The prime minister says she offers the most stable leader- according to party leader Paul Nuttall. Nuttall, who is hoping Wednesday of seeking to sway the outcome of a June 8 ship to take Britain through two years of tough Brexit negotia- to secure a seat in parliament next month, put the party’s national election in Britain by issuing threats over Brexit. A tions, and she took aim at Brussels on the eve of the local elec- electoral woes down to the Conservatives’ tough stance on German newspaper at the weekend gave a damning account tions. Speaking outside her Downing Street office, May Brexit. “If the price of Britain leaving the EU is a Tory advance of a dinner last week between May and Juncker, reporting that accused Brussels of toughening its stance in statements after taking up this patriotic cause, then it is a price UKIP is he had told May that Brexit could not be a success. — Reuters “deliberately timed to affect the result of the general elec- prepared to pay,” he said in a statement. — AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

Unrest grips Venezuela as students rally

CARACAS: A student leader was shot urged to wear white, a traditional show dead as protests raged on in the streets of defiance against what organizers of Venezuela Thursday in the latest have branded a repressive government. spasm of anger aimed at removing President Nicolas Maduro from power. Students clash with cops Crowds of students clashed with riot The student leader killed Thursday police firing tear gas in the mounting was at a meeting in the northern state of crisis in this oil-rich country saddled Anzoategui when “one of those present with shortages of food, medicine and approached him and shot him several other basics. The leftist Maduro’s oppo- times before fleeing on a motorbike,” nents accuse him of trying to strength- the prosecutor’s office said in a state- en his grip on power and delay elec- ment. It did not say whether the killing tions by launching legal proceedings to was directly linked to the protests. But it overhaul the constitution. came amid high tension as students The latest toll provided by prosecu- pushed on with a wave of street rallies. tors on Thursday said 35 people have Crowds of them marched in Caracas, been killed in just over a month of some clashing with riot police who CARACAS: An injured opposition activist is assisted after clashes with riot protests against Maduro, whose oppo- blocked their way and fired tear gas. police at the Central University of Venezuela during a protest against the nents blame him for Venezuela’s dire Hooded youths responded by throwing government of Nicolas Maduro on Thursday. — AFP economic mess. News of the latest Molotov cocktails and stones. The pros- deaths - up from a toll of 33 earlier ecutors said a policeman died from a stores, set fire to cars and clashed with basic foodstuffs and barricading hous- Thursday -0 came as organizers gunshot wound during a protest police Thursday night. At least five peo- ing developments to keep looters out. announced a women’s march for today. Wednesday in the western city of ple were injured, one of them seriously, The local chamber of commerce said at Protesters at the women’s rally, to take Carabobo. In the northern industrial news reports said. The reports said peo- least 70 stores have been raided since place in downtown Caracas, were city of Valencia, protesters looted ple in Valencia had begun hoarding Tuesday. — AFP Trump meets Turnbull, NY protesters greet Trump on says spat ‘worked out’ first visit home US leader happy to travel Down Under NEW YORK: US President Donald Trump returned to his hometown on Thursday for the first time since taking office, as NEW YORK: many New Yorkers took to the streets to protest the politics of Donald Trump and the man who built his name and fortune in the city. The presi- Australia’s Malcolm Turnbull met for a dential motorcade passed hundreds of demonstrators as it patch-things-up summit in New York arrived at the decommissioned aircraft carrier Intrepid in the Thursday, with the US president saying early evening for a meeting with Australian Prime Minister an earlier telephone spat was “all Malcolm Turnbull hours after it was originally scheduled. worked out”. Trump claimed a bad-tem- Before leaving Washington, Trump held a hastily arranged pered call with the Australian prime White House celebration with fellow Republicans from the US minister early in his White House tenure House of Representatives who narrowly passed a healthcare had been “fake news” that was a “big bill that would repeal and replace the 2010 Affordable Care exaggeration” by the media. Trump Act, commonly known as Obamacare. If anything, Trump’s reportedly exploded and cut short the role in efforts to scrap the signature domestic achievement of call when he was told about a Barack his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, further incensed Obama-era deal to move refugees from the protesters. Among those on the street were members of Australia to America. the New York State Nurses Association, who chanted: “What The president took to Twitter after- do we want? Health care! When do we want it? Now!” ward to label the agreement as “dumb,” Demonstrators from the Working Families Party spent rattling a decades-old alliance. “It’s all much of the afternoon rallying and marching near the Intrepid, worked out. It’s been worked out for a now a floating museum on Manhattan’s West Side, banging long time,” Trump said, as the pair, pans, chanting: “Not my president” and carrying signs includ- dressing in black tie, smiled and ing one that read: “This village doesn’t want its idiot back!” Rob swapped legislative war stories. “We Adkins, 33, a professional musician from Brooklyn who is had a great telephone call. You guys insured through Obamacare, said he was alarmed by the exaggerated that call. That was a big NEW YORK: US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Trump-backed Republican healthcare plan that passed the exaggeration. We’re not babies,” Trump House. “It could cost me my health insurance,” he said, echoing said, reverting to his favored tactic of Turnbull shake hands during their meeting aboard the USS Intrepid, a decom- missioned aircraft carrier docked in the Hudson River, on Thursday. — AP the sentiments of several other protesters. The demonstra- media-bashing. “We get along great. tions, which included other groups throughout Manhattan, We have a fantastic relationship, I love were reminiscent of the weeks after Trump’s Nov 8 election Australia, I always have,” Trump said as nents, shouted slogans as his motor- great places. It’s one of the most beau- when frequent protests took place outside his home in the the pair met for the first time. cade passed. tiful places on Earth. I have so many Fifth Avenue tower that bears his name. — Reuters Turnbull said that “we can put the friends there. I’ll be there. We’ll be refugee deal behind you and move on.” Fence-mending there - absolutely we’ll be there.” The Trump and Turnbull gathered in New The crisis over North Korea’s nuclear advent of Trump has invigorated a York, hoping to steady the long-stand- and weapons programs and a fence- debate over Australia’s place in the ing alliance after relations soured at a mending trip by Vice President Mike world and whether its future lies with time of growing tensions in the Asia- Pence to Sydney appears to have eased an unpredictable United States, or a Pacific. The two leaders convened on a tension between the United States and closer relationship with China, its top decommissioned aircraft carrier, the Australia. After meeting Turnbull, Pence trading partner. Intrepid, in New York, to mark the 75th said the United States would take the Several former senior Australian Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral refugees but added it “doesn’t mean we diplomats have also urged Canberra to Sea. The World War II fight against admire the agreement”. Turnbull, like rethink ties with the US in light of Japanese forces forged an alliance that Trump a businessman-turned-politician, China’s rise. The icy start was cooled has seen Australia pitch in alongside has said he is “delighted” to meet with further by Washington’s withdrawal the United States in every major conflict the US leader and affirm the relationship. from a trans-Pacific trade agreement since. Trump’s first return to his home- Trump, for his part, said he would that would have given Australian busi- NEW YORK: Protesters shout slogans during a demonstra- town since becoming president was be happy to travel Down Under. “Oh nesses greater access to the US and key tion against US President Donald Trump near the USS marked by protests. Hundreds of oppo- that will happen. It’s one of the great, regional markets. — AFP Intrepid on Thursday. — AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

India court upholds death Afghan-Pakistan border gunfight penalty in gang rape case kills 8 civilians NEW DELHI: India’s top court yesterday upheld the death QUETTA: Pakistani and Afghan officials accused each oth- sentences of four men convicted for the fatal 2012 gang rape er of killing civilians yesterday after gunfire erupted near a of a Delhi student, an attack that triggered global outrage major border crossing where Pakistani census officials and national soul-searching about the treatment of women. were carrying out a count, exacerbating tensions between The Supreme Court said the 23-year-old woman had suffered the neighbors. At least eight civilians were killed, accord- a “devastating hour of darkness” as it rejected an appeal ing to officials - seven on the Pakistani side, and one on the against the death penalty, which was handed down in 2013. Afghan side - and dozens wounded before the fighting “If at all a case warrants the death sentence it is this case,” near the Chaman border crossing subsided late yesterday said Judge R Bhanumati. afternoon, officials said. Jyoti Singh, a physiotherapy student, was raped and left for Samim Khpalwak, spokesman for the governor of dead by a gang of five men and a teenager after she boarded a Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar province, said the private bus while going home from the cinema with a male Pakistani census officials had strayed on to the Afghan side friend. She died of grievous internal injuries 13 days later. The of the border and were attempting to count people living brutality of the attack, during which she was penetrated with there. The census enumerators are being accompanied by an iron bar, triggered what the judges on Friday described as a security forces as they carry out the count. Kandahar police “tsunami of shock” in the Indian capital. chief Abdul Raziq said one civilian was killed and up to 17 Thousands took to the streets to demand the government Afghan troops wounded, adding he had asked his men to tackle the threat to women and urge the harshest punishment hold fire - unless Pakistani forces begin shooting again. for Singh’s attackers. Four men were convicted in September NEW DELHI: Asha Devi and Badri Singh, mother and father But Pakistan’s military and Foreign Office maintained 2013 for murder, gang rape, theft, conspiracy and “unnatural respectively, of the victim of the fatal 2012 gang rape on a they had told Afghan authorities where they would be in acts” after a seven-month trial in a fast-track court. At their sen- moving bus, speak on their mobile phones as they arrive advance, saying that “indiscriminate” fire had killed seven tencing, Judge Yogesh Khanna said the case fell into the “rarest at the Supreme Court complex yesterday. — AP Pakistani civilians and wounded 33 more, including four of rare category” which justifies capital punishment in India. A paramilitary border police. “Pakistan reserves the right to fifth man, the suspected ringleader, was found dead in jail in a men should be shown leniency in view of their young age and fully respond if Afghanistan fails to take measures to stop suspected suicide, while the 17-year-old was sentenced to poor backgrounds. Media reports said a round of applause this provocation,” a foreign office spokesman told a regu- three years in a detention centre and has since been released. went up in court as the judgement was read out yesterday at lar press briefing in Islamabad. “This is a historic decision and will set an example for the the end of an appeal hearing that began last year. The two nations are divided by the “Durand Line”, a courts in dealing with criminals,” Singh’s father Badrinath told Women’s rights activist Ranjana Kumari called it a “historic 2,400-km frontier drawn by the British in 1896 and disput- AFP outside the court. He said he and his wife would urge the judgement”. “This is a historic message to all the people, the ed by Kabul, which does not officially recognize it as an president, who has the power to commute a death sentence, to criminal mindset who wrong women, who inflict violence on international border. Ethnic Pashtuns living along the bor- reject any mercy petitions and ensure they were hanged “as women, to know that if you do something like this you will be der have traditionally paid it little heed, with villages strad- soon as possible to conclude the process of justice”. also paying for it by the severest punishment that exists in our dling the frontier that have mosques and houses with one laws of the land,” she said on Indian news channel NDTV. The Round of applause door in Pakistan and another in Afghanistan. Yesterday’s accused - low-paid migrants to New Delhi - brutally assaulted gunfight prompted Pakistani authorities to shut down the Lawyers for the four said they would file a review petition - Singh behind tinted windows for 45 minutes, penetrating her Chaman gate-which leads from Pakistan’s southwestern the next stage in the appeals process. “We are sure the court with an iron bar. Her injuries were so severe that she died nearly Balochistan province into Kandahar, and is one of only two will change its decision once we appeal and justice will be a fortnight later in a Singapore hospital. She had only briefly major crossing points - and summon the Afghan Charge delivered to the poor,” said A P Singh, which represents three of regained consciousness, telling family and friends of her desire d’Affairs in Islamabad in protest. — AFP the four, outside the court. The defense had argued that the to see her attackers burn to death. —AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

UN investigator angers Philippines with visit MANILA: The United Nations’ special caught off guard by Callamard’s trip, murdered another 1,847 people in rapporteur on extrajudicial killings con- adding it would lodge a protest with the drug-related incidents, while 5,691 oth- demned Friday the use of violence to United Nations because she had not er violent deaths are under investiga- combat illegal drugs, as she made an organized the visit through official chan- tion. The government said 35 police offi- unofficial visit to the Philippines that nels. “(In) not contacting our govern- cers and three soldiers have also been angered President Rodrigo Duterte. ment in advance of this visit, she has killed while prosecuting the drug war. In Agnes Callamard had since last year sent a clear signal that she is not inter- a major report on the drug war in wanted to travel to the Philippines to ested in getting an objective perspective February, Amnesty International investigate Duterte’s drug war, which on the issues that are the focus of her accused police of shooting defenseless has claimed thousands of lives and led responsibility,” presidential spokesman people, paying assassins to murder to warnings he may be orchestrating a Ernesto Abella said in a statement. But addicts and stealing from those they crime against humanity. In a speech at a Callamard insisted she had informed killed. Duterte has at times called for state-run Manila university, Callamard Manila of her trip in advance. The gov- drug addicts as well as traffickers to be warned of the many pitfalls of govern- ernment replied “acknowledging killed, and vowed to pardon police if ments globally adopting violent (receipt) of my letter and reacting to the they are found guilty of murder for pros- responses to illegal drugs, and said she information about my upcoming aca- MANILA: Agnes Callamard, the UN ecuting the drug war. But Duterte also had been watching events in the demic trip,” she said in a statement. special rapporteur on extrajudicial repeatedly states that he has not Philippines closely. killings, gestures as she addresses a encouraged police to break the law, and “The ‘war on drugs’ does not work,” Duterte demand narcotics forum at a state-run uni- he is not doing anything illegal by call- she said. Callamard praised people in Duterte last year invited Callamard versity yesterday. — AFP ing for people to be killed. the Philippines who had spoken out to visit the Philippines to investigate Callamard’s visit came as the against Duterte’s drug war. “I have fol- the killings, but set strict conditions The United Nations emphasized yester- Philippines was preparing to defend lowed testimonies of the relatives of including a demand that she have a day that as the special rapporteur on the drug war at a UN Human Rights victims, I have seen the brave work of public debate with him on the drug extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary exe- Council hearing in Geneva on Monday. civil society actors, lawyers, human war. Callamard refused to come under cutions, Callamard is an unpaid consult- The hearing is part of a periodic review rights defenders, academics, senators,” those conditions. She told reporters on ant, and not an employee of the world that all member countries must be sub- she said. “I have heard debates Friday that she did not travel to the body. Duterte was elected last year jected to. “The Philippines welcomes between politicians, explanations by Philippines to conduct a UN investiga- largely on a law-and-order platform in the... session as an opportunity to high- government officials, and indeed I have tion - she said she was merely taking which he promised to eradicate illegal light the country’s significant and sus- watched footage too of police and mili- part in the academic forum in a private drugs in the Philippines by killing tens tained achievements in upholding, pro- tary men - and all saying there are other capacity. However, she did meet with of thousands of people. Since then, moting and protecting the human ways, better ways, other options and various human rights campaigners and police have reported killing 2,692 peo- rights of every Filipino,” Senator Alan better options.” lawyers while in the Philippines, includ- ple in anti-drug operations. Peter Cayetano, a co-leader of the dele- The government said it had been ing some who organized the forum. They say unspecified parties have gation, said in a statement. — AFP

N Korea accuses CIA of 3rd Turk arrested in Malaysia for plot to assassinate Kim security reasons KUALA LUMPUR: A third Turkish national has been arrest- Biochemical weapon was to be used ed in Malaysia, his lawyer said yesterday, after two others were taken into custody this week on suspicion of funding SEOUL: North Korea yesterday accused the Islamic State group. Turkish academic Ismet Ozcelik the CIA and Seoul’s intelligence services was arrested Thursday, his lawyer Rosli Dahlan told AFP, of conspiring to assassinate the isolated adding that no official reasons were provided by authori- country’s leader Kim Jong-Un with a bio- ties. Local media reported national police chief Khalid Abu chemical weapon, amid heightened ten- Bakar as saying the Turk was arrested because he posed a sions in the region. In a statement the threat to national security. No further details were given. powerful ministry of state security, said it However, Turkey’s state-run news agency said Ismet, had foiled a “vicious plot” by a “hideous along with the two other Turks arrested this week, were terrorists’ group” to attack the North’s linked to a US-based preacher accused of organizing a “supreme leadership”. The accusations failed coup last year. Ismet was initially arrested in come with the US and North trading December for allegedly assaulting an immigration official threats over the latter’s nuclear and mis- but freed on bail in January. On Tuesday, two Turkish sile programs, and as Washington consid- nationals Turgay Karaman and Ihsan Aslan were arrested ers whether to re-designate Pyongyang under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act, which as a state sponsor of terrorism. allows police to detain them for 28 days, in a move that That follows the killing of Kim’s raised concerns about Malaysia acting on possible pressure estranged half-brother Kim Jong-Nam by from Ankara. two women using the banned nerve But Malaysia’s deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid agent VX at Kuala Lumpur international Hamidi said Thursday that the country’s anti-terrorism airport. Both Malaysia and South Korea police unit had been investigating the two men, along have blamed the North for the assassina- North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un inspects the defense detachment on Jangjae tion, which retorts that the accusations with a number of others, for “spreading, influencing and Islet and the Hero Defense Detachment on Mu Islet located in the southern- funding” IS activities. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s are an attempt to smear it. The security most part of the waters off the southwest front. — AFP ministry statement, carried on the government has detained or sacked tens of thousands of North’s official Korea Central News over its own population that is ingrained ing name, Xu Guanghai of the Qingdao people under a state of emergency imposed after last Agency (KCNA), said the CIA and the at every level of society, where open dis- Nazca Trade Co. year’s failed coup. The crackdown focuses on alleged South’s intelligence had suborned, sent is unknown. Checks on China’s National supporters of preacher Fethullah Gulen, blamed for the bribed and blackmailed a North Korean The CIA told its agent Kim it had Enterprise Credit Information system failed putsch. citizen named only as Kim to carry out access to radioactive and “nano poison- show that a company of that name was Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights the attack. ous” substances whose lethal results formed on March 7 this year, with a Xu Watch, criticized local authorities for a lack of transparency. Possible locations included the mau- would appear only after six to 12 Guanghai named as its legal representa- “The Malaysian government has an obligation... to explain soleum where Kim Jong-Un’s father and months, the statement said. Kim - tive, and business areas including what is going on,” he told AFP. Police chief Khalid denied grandfather - the North’s founder - lie in described as “human scum” - received “chemical products”. No details were claims that the authorities were acting on Turkey’s request. state, or a military parade. Such an oper- payments totalling at least $740,000 and given in the ministry statement of how “We have our own laws to protect national security. We ation would be extremely difficult to pre- was given satellite transceivers and oth- the supposed plot was uncovered, or of have the right to determine who we want to arrest and pare and carry out successfully. The er materials and equipment, it said. He Kim’s fate. But in a potential sign of an detain,” he was quoted as saying in the Malay Mail Online. North’s leader is surrounded by tight had multiple contacts with South internal purge, it said that the ministry “Anyone who threatens our national security is not wel- security at all times, and Pyongyang Korean intelligence personnel, and an will “ferret out and mercilessly destroy comed here.” —AFP maintains a gigantic surveillance system accomplice who had a Chinese-sound- the terrorists”. — AFP Oil prices drop as OPEC Jazeera Airways announces US job growth rebounds, 16 19 unemployment rate 4.4% 20 Businessloses control of narrative Q1 2017 financial results SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 China FM skips economic summit with Japan,17 Korea

SHANGHAI: Crew members wave after completing the maiden flight of China’s home-grown C919 passenger jet at Pudong International Airport in Shanghai yesterday.—AFP China enters dog-fight with Boeing, Airbus First ‘Made-in-China’ passenger flight completes maiden flight SHANGHAI: China’s home-grown C919 passen- ahead in terms of sales, technical know-how and Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), relies on maiden passenger flight in June last year. ger jet completed its long-delayed maiden order books. And the C919, whose test flight was overseas technology from firms including Then there is also the daunting task of sell- flight yesterday, a major first step for Beijing as pushed back at least twice since 2014 due to General Electric, France’s Safran, Honeywell ing the jet in a global market dominated by it looks to raise its profile in the global aviation production issues, may need years of tests to get International Inc and United Technologies Corp Boeing and Airbus. “Aviation is a complex mar- market and boost high-tech manufacturing at certified in China, as well as in the United States subsidiary Goodrich. China Eastern Airlines is the ket and you need experience over a long time. home. Under overcast skies, the white, green and Europe. On Friday, the C919 flew north over launch customer for the plane, which COMAC Boeing has 100 years, Airbus has over 40 years,” and blue aircraft, with “C919” emblazoned on the Yangtze River delta, carried out manoeuvres says has 570 orders from 23 customers. said Sinolink Securities analyst Si Jingzhe, its tail, touched down at Shanghai’s internation- and then returned south along the coast before adding COMAC still lagged far behind in terms al airport after an 80-minute flight to cheers landing, according to aircraft tracker Hardship, struggle of supply chain know-how. from thousands of dignitaries, aviation workers Flightradar24. State media said the plane flew at Conceived in 2008, China wants the C919 to China is aware the path won’t be easy. On a and enthusiasts. around 3,000 metres and at speeds of 290-300 eventually take market share from Boeing and media visit on Thursday to COMAC’s C919 The jet is a symbol of China’s ambitions to kilometres (180-186 miles) per hour. Airbus in the lucrative narrow-body market assembly plant less than 10 kilometres from the muscle into a global jet market estimated to be The crew of five pilots and engineers, all which accounts for more than 50 percent of the airport, large red banners could be seen in giant worth $2 trillion over the next two decades, as wearing orange jump suits and aviators, were aircraft in service worldwide. For a TIMELINE on hangars calling for long-term “hardship”, “dedi- well as of Beijing’s broader “Made in China applauded as they disembarked. The plane, the C919, click “Every year we spend billions on cation” and “struggle” to meet the firm’s goals. 2025” plan to spur home-made products, from which can carry 158-168 passengers, had no buying planes,” a COMAC promotional video China is pushing for recognition globally of medicines to robots. passenger seats installed for the maiden flight. showed President Xi Jinping saying during a its certification by European and US regulators “Seeing the C919 take off into the sky made A letter from China’s ministerial cabinet, read site visit. He added China should become more as without their certification, it would only be me quite emotional. This is a moment we have out after the plane landed, said the successful self-reliant. able to sell the jet to a handful of countries that waited to see for a very long time,” Wang flight marked a “major breakthrough” and mile- However, the jet likely faces a lengthy jour- accept its certification standards. But Beijing is Mingfeng, 42, who witnessed the maiden flight stone for China’s passenger jet industry. The ney from first flight to commercial usage. already looking beyond the C919, with plans to at the Shanghai airport, told Reuters. “I believe industry ministry said in a statement the flight China’s first home-made jet, the regional ARJ- develop a wide-body long-haul jet with Russia. that in the not too distant future, we will be went smoothly and that all the systems func- 21, received its type certification in December In November COMAC and its partner United neck-and-neck with Boeing and Airbus.” At the tioned properly. 2014, six years after its first flight and more than Aircraft Corp said they have started the hunt to moment, though, Boeing and Airbus remain far The C919, made by state-owned Commercial 12 years after it was conceived. It made its find suppliers. — Reuters BUSINESS SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 Oil prices decline as OPEC loses control of narrative Early rebalancing of crude market looks hard

LONDON: Oil traders have finally given ing long positions in both flat prices ish position equivalent to 643 million up on an early rebalancing of the crude and calendar spreads. barrels on April 25. market, with flat prices and calendar The initial results from the under- The continued fall in prices since spreads plunging to the lowest level standing were positive for both sides, then, and the rout on Thursday, suggest since OPEC’s agreement was with hedge funds establishing a record the draw down has continued, though announced. OPEC has lost control of the bullish position in crude by the middle the full extent will not be revealed until oil market narrative, after successfully of February and futures prices rallying. the new position is published over the ABK announces shaping it in an informal alliance with Brent’s flat price rose by around $10 next 10 days. Falling prices and the con- hedge funds in the last part of 2016 and per barrel, or more than 20 percent, and firmed break down through previous winners of ‘Double the first few months of 2017. the market structure swung from con- support levels around $50 also likely Controlling the narrative provides an tango into backwardation. But flat prices encouraged fresh short selling by Your Salary’ draws important source of short-term influ- and spreads have been progressively hedge funds pursuing momentum- ence over prices (“Narrative economics”, softening since the second half of based strategies. KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) held its ‘Double Your Presidential Address to the American February (“Hedge fund confidence in Turnover in front-month Brent Salary’ weekly draw on 18th April, 2017 and 25th April 2017 at Economic Association, Shiller, 2017). OPEC starts to fray”, Reuters, April 20). futures hit a record 542 million barrels the Bank’s Head Office in the presence of a representative Senior OPEC and non-OPEC officials Global crude inventories have not on Thursday which is consistent with from the Ministry of Commerce, announcing the names of the have dropped strong hints that current fallen as fast as OPEC or the hedge funds heavy long liquidation and fresh short winners. The promotion includes weekly draws, with two win- production cuts will be extended for a anticipated, putting the understanding sales as well as lots of short-term com- ners per draw. The campaign will run until 27th June, 2017. further six months, but oil traders seem under pressure. Market expectations for puter-driven trading activity. The winners are: increasingly sceptical about the effec- a normalisation of crude stockpiles have The liquidation of so many specula- ● Devi Lal Naryan Ji Banchal, Andalus Branch tiveness of prolonging the curbs until been pushed back from the first half of tive long positions and establishment ● Nagendra Sreenivasa Murthy, Andalus Branch the end of 2017. 2017 to the second half or even into of fresh short ones should eventually ● Tareq Anwar Taha Owaidhah, Jabriya Branch Brent prices for the futures contract 2018. The gradual weakening of both flat help stabilize crude prices. From a ● Batel Abdullah Mohammad AlHarbi, Salwa Branch nearest delivery closed at $48.38 per prices and calendar spreads in recent positioning perspective, the balance of New customers who transfer their salary to ABK receive barrel on Thursday, the lowest since weeks has inflicted substantial losses for risks for oil prices now looks more even KD 300 and will automatically be entered into the weekly Nov. 29, the day before OPEC’s last many bullish hedge fund managers. than it has for some time, given the draws to double their salaries. Existing customers who are meeting. Brent calendar spreads for the In the last two to three weeks, many squaring up of the large hedge fund already transferring their salary to ABK are entered into a six months from July 2017 to January bullish hedge funds seem to have finally overall long position. separate draw. 2018 fell to $1.19 contango, which was given up waiting for a short-term turn- The outlook may even have become also the lowest since Nov 29. around and decided to cut their losses . slightly positive given the large number The informal understanding on Hedge funds cut their overall bullish of short positions likely to be have been EU to cut Greece 2017 market rebalancing between OPEC position in futures and options linked to established in recent days which will and some of the most important Brent and WTI by 139 million barrels in have to be bought back at some point. growth forecast to 2% hedge funds reached late last year the week to April 25, according to posi- Oil prices may bounce on their own. But finally unravelled this week. OPEC tioning data published by regulators if they do not, the challenge OPEC and BRUSSELS: The European Commission will revise down its committed to implement credible and and exchanges. non-OPEC producers heading into growth forecast for Greece this year to around 2 percent transparent production cuts and to The draw down was among the another meeting on May 25 is how to from a previous 2.7 percent, an EU official said yesterday. reduce global crude stocks while largest on record but still left the hedge wrest control of the narrative back from The revision-which brings the Commission closer to hedge funds responded by establish- funds with a relatively large overall bull- the short-sellers. — Reuters International Monetary Fund projections-is likely to increase pressure on Greek lawmakers to adopt a reform deal reached at staff level with eurozone lenders this week. Greece’s parliament must approve it before euro zone finance ministers release a new tranche of bailout funds. The Commission will release its new forecasts on EU countries’ growth and macro-economic performances next week, as part of a regular assessment of the European Union economy conducted three times a year by the EU executive. The official said the downward revision was mostly due to uncertainty caused by delays in concluding a new review of Greek reforms under a 86-billion-euro ($94.3 bil- lion) bailout program, the third since 2010. Talks with lenders had dragged on for months before an agreement on Tuesday. Greece needs new financial aid to pay debts due in July. If euro zone ministers reached a political deal on May 22 on the reforms, it will still take about a month to dis- burse the funds, the official said. This makes the May meeting nearly a last-resort chance to avoid a Greek default on its debts. The implementation of the agreed reforms on tax hikes, pensions, labour and energy mar- SEPANG: Plane spotters take photographs of an AirAsia A320 airbus as it prepares to land at the Kuala Lumpur kets, could also allow lenders to agree debt relief meas- International Airport 2 (KLIA 2) in Sepang yesterday.—AFP ures for Greece to be applied after the end of the bailout program in 2018. This could also pave the way for the International Monetary Fund to fund the Greek bailout India passes new law to tackle bad debt program with the EU. It has been reluctant so far, believ- ing Greece’s debt situation to be unsustainable without a NEW DELHI: India yesterday gave have reached unacceptably high levels year in March when beer and airline debt-relief program. greater powers to the central bank to and urgent measures are required for tycoon Vijay Mallya fled to the UK to Despite the revision of 2017 growth, which is still to be intervene in cases of bad loans, seeking their resolution.” India remains the avoid paying nearly $1 billion in loans finalized, the official said the Greek economy was perform- to tackle a mountain of debt that experts world’s fastest-growing major economy, that he owed banks. According to Credit ing well and had reached last year a primary surplus, say is holding back the economy. The but its banks are saddled with some of Suisse, some 12 trillion rupees ($185 bil- before debt servicing costs, well above targets. Greece’s move authorises the Reserve Bank of the highest levels of bad debt in the lion) have soured, the bulk of it at pub- headline deficit was also expected to remain well below India to order banks to take specific emerging markets according to the lic-sector banks. the threshold of 3 percent of gross domestic product in measures to deal with bad debts under International Monetary Fund. The 10 largest corporates in the coming years, which will allow the EU commission in May the provisions of the existing bankruptcy That means banks are stretched too country are also the most burdened to abrogate the disciplinary procedure against Athens for laws. In its executive order, it said the thin to lend for fresh investments. The with debt and owe a collective 7.5 tril- its previously excessive deficit, the official said. — Reuters “stressed assets in the banking system problem received national attention last lion rupees. — AFP BUSINESS SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 Chinese home prices surge

HONG KONG: China’s sky-high apartment prices and its foot- loose generation of millennials are fuelling demand for rental apartments, driving investment by foreign private equity funds and Chinese real estate developers. The country has been very much a home-owner’s market since opening up to the outside world in the 1980s and its home ownership ratio is now one of the highest in the world at about 90 percent. But that is beginning to change as home price gains far outpace income growth, making the prospects of buying a home an increasingly distant dream for many young Chinese. Newer generations of tech-savvy workers also want to be able to move quickly without being tied down by a property if a better job opportunity opens up in another city. A typical two- bedroom new home in Beijing costs around 6 million yuan ($870,000), about 69 times the average per capita disposable income in the city, much higher than the ratio of less than 25 times for New York City. It is a similar tale in many of the largest Chinese cities, such as Shanghai and Shenzhen. US pri- vate equity firm Warburg Pincus is among the foreign investors who have taken note. It has invested $500 million with China’s Avic Trust in so-called “white-collar apartment” manager Mofang, which started its business in 2010 and now operates 30,000 rental units across the country. Another rental apartment platform, Mogoroom, has attracted investment from South Korean venture capital firm KTB Network. Also Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC, the largest apartment manager in the United States, says it is looking for opportunities in major Chinese cities. YOKOHAMA: (From L to R) World Bank regional Vice President Victoria Kwakwa, Japan’s Vice Finance Minister Minoru Chinese developers China Vanke and Longfor Properties Kihara, Cambodia’s Secretary of State Vongsey Vissoth, Laos’ Finance Minister Somdy Douangdy and Myanmar’s Union are betting big on the so-called youth apartment market, Minister for Planning and Finance U Kyaw Win pose after exchanging signing documents prior to the Asian which is aimed primarily at 20-40 year-olds. Vanke aims to Development Bank’s annual meeting in Yokohama yesterday.—AFP add 150,000 rental units to the market in the coming two years, while Longfor is looking at growing by 15,000 units each year. Targeting young professionals means landlords China FM skips economic can’t charge high rents. Developers, such as Vanke and Longfor, are mostly leasing or buying under-utilized assets such as hotels, offices and warehouses and redeveloping them into rental units as the returns are much higher than if summit with Japan, Korea they bought land and built a new development. Vanke said in this model, gross profit margin for their rental Absence due to emergency conference on markets apartments is in the 20-30 percent range, up to 10 percentage points higher than its overall property development business YOKOHAMA: Chinese Finance Minister cuss their economic cooperation, growth and development, which con- in 2016.Still, the industry is in the early ramp-up investment Xiao Jie skipped a trilateral conference Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said tribute to productivity improvements stages in China and the profits are yet to flow into accounts in with his Japanese and South Korean earlier yesterday. and job creations,” the finance leaders a meaningful way. And there may be plenty more rental counterparts yesterday to attend an An official in the news department of and central bank governors of the three development to come. Realtor Lianjia Real Estate forecasts emergency domestic meeting, a senior China’s Ministry of Finance confirmed nations said in a communique issued that the sector will almost triple to $420.5 billion in annual Japanese finance ministry official said. to Reuters that Xiao had missed the tri- after their meeting. rental payments by 2025. The Japanese official told reporters at a lateral meeting, which took place yes- “We will resist all forms of protec- ministry press briefing that Xiao’s terday morning, but that he had depart- tionism,” the communique said, keep- Common space absence was not related to any diplo- ed for Japan in the afternoon. The min- ing a line that was removed - under When David Chen, 29, relocated a year ago to an advertising matic matters, adding that Xiao was istry official did not say why Xiao missed pressure from Washington - from a G20 company in the southern city of Shenzhen - one of the country’s expected to attend the Japan-China the meeting. communique in March when the most expensive property markets - he decided a “youth apart- finance dialogue in Japan scheduled for Officials at South Korea’s finance group’s finance leaders met in ment” was his best bet for housing. Many youth apartments fea- today. He did not elaborate on the ministry could not be reached for com- Germany. The talks came amid escalat- ture a “co-living” theme with a common space where tenants nature of the minister’s emergency ment yesterday. ing tensions in North Korea, which can socialize after work. They also have live-in managers who meeting. The Chinese-minister’s non- moderated some of the optimism poli- organize weekly events such as movie nights, cooking parties, attendance came as commodity prices Resisting protectionism cymakers held over Asia’s economic and field trips. “I was new to the city and didn’t have many took a beating, and Chinese stocks fell The trilateral meeting was held on outlook. While the meeting’s commu- friends, so I thought living with other young people would be to three-month lows as concerns about the sidelines of the Asian Development nique said Asian economies were more fun. I like to party,” said Chen, who pays 2,800 yuan a tighter financial regulations weighed on Bank’s annual gathering in Yokohama, expected to maintain “relatively robust month, or around 20 percent of his salary, for an apartment banking shares. eastern Japan. China’s increasing pres- growth,” it warned remaining down- operated by China Vanke, the country’s No. 2 developer by sales. At the trilateral meeting, the finance ence in infrastructure finance and the side risks meant policymakers would His en-suite room is around 25 square metres. It fits a double- leaders agreed to resist all forms of pro- threat that poses to Japan’s economic require all necessary tools to achieve sized bed and small wardrobe, but has no kitchen. — Reuters tectionism, taking a stronger stand influence in the area are expected to be strong growth. than G20 major economies against the a topic of debate at the conference. A China has positioned itself as a sup- protectionist policies advocated by US Japanese Ministry of Finance official porter of free trade in the wake of President Donald Trump. The senior said the Chinese delegation was repre- Trump’s calls to put America’s interest Japanese finance official said he did sented by its deputy finance minister first and pull out of multilateral trade not see any diplomatic implications and a senior official from the Chinese agreements. from Xiao’s absence, saying the minis- central bank at the trilateral summit Japan has taken a more accom- ter was likely to arrive in Yokohama where finance officials from the three modative stance toward Washington’s yesterday evening. countries met and pledged to resist argument that trade must not just be “I don’t think this is rude,” the official protectionism. free but fair. China’s economy showed said, when asked about Xiao’s absence. In an attempt to reduce the region’s signs of slowing in April as authorities “I heard an emergency meeting was vulnerability to dollar swings, Japan step up their battle to cool the over- called and the Chinese finance minister also proposed forming $40 billion in heated property sector and slow credit had to attend,” he said. “We can under- bilateral currency swap arrangements growth to rein in financial risks. stand the situation. We don’t see any with Southeast Asian nations that Analysts have predicted China’s BEIJING: China’s sky-high apartment prices and its foot- deeper diplomatic meaning to this.” would allow it to provide yen funds in economy would slowly lose steam in loose generation of millennials are fuelling demand for Xiao will join a bilateral Japan-China times of financial stress. coming months after a strong first quar- rental apartments, driving investment by foreign private finance dialogue scheduled for today, in “We agree that trade is one of the ter, when it expanded by a faster-than- equity funds and Chinese real estate developers. which the two sides are expected to dis- most important engines of economic expected 6.9 percent. — Reuters BUSINESS SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

China seeks up to 85% stake in strategic port in Myanmar YANGON: China is looking to take a proposed taking a 70-85 percent stake sial $3.6 billion Myitsone dam project Myanmar’s western Rakhine State. stake of up to 85 percent in a strategi- in the $7.3 billion deep sea port, in Myanmar, but would be looking in CITIC was awarded the lead role in cally important sea port in Myanmar, according to negotiating documents return for concessions on other strate- both initiatives in 2015. according to documents reviewed by seen by Reuters and three people gic opportunities in the Southeast Beijing-based CITIC, China’s biggest Reuters, in a move that could heighten familiar with the talks between the Asian nation - including the Bay of and oldest financial conglomerate, did tensions over China’s growing eco- Chinese state-owned conglomerate Bengal port. Kyauk Pyu is important for not respond to several requests for com- nomic clout in the country. and Myanmar’s civilian government. China because the port is the entry ment on Friday. China’s Foreign Ministry Beijing has been pushing for prefer- The size of the proposed Chinese stake point for a Chinese oil and gas pipeline did not immediately respond to a faxed ential access to the deep sea port of is substantially larger than the 50/50 joint which gives it an alternative route for request for comment. Negotiations Kyauk Pyu on the Bay of Bengal, as part venture proposed by Myanmar late last energy imports from the Middle East between Myanmar and CITIC, which of its ambitious “One Belt, One Road” year, an offer rejected by CITIC, said two that avoids the Malacca Straits, a ship- sources said were set to start next infrastructure investment plan to people involved in the talks. ping chokepoint. week in the country’s commercial hub deepen its links with economies Well-placed sources told Reuters The port is part of two projects, Yangon, come amid a Chinese diplo- throughout Asia and beyond. A con- last month that China had signalled it which also include an industrial park, matic push to forge better ties with its sortium led by China’s CITIC Group has was willing to abandon the controver- to develop a special economic zone in resource-rich neighbor. — Reuters

Buffet, investors facing more resolutions OMAHA, Neb: Before billionaire Warren Buffett takes the stage today to spend hours answering at his conglomer- ate’s annual meeting, his investors had to weigh questions about climate change and disclosing political contribu- tions. The type of measures Berkshire Hathaway share- holders face are becoming more common as groups push for change at companies both in the way they operate and in how they’re governed. This year Berkshire share- holders will vote on proposals requiring the sale of fossil fuel investments, a report disclos- ing details of political contri- butions and a report on its efforts to reduce methane emissions. Those three are part of a Warren Buffett record 470 proposals submit- ted to public companies this year, according to advocacy groups that track them. That’s WOLFSBURG: Herbert Diess (4th R), board member of German car maker Volkswagen and chairman of the board of man- up from 370 last year and the previous record of 433 in agement of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, and board members of the Volkswagen brand pose next to a 2015. Not all of those will make it to a vote because some Volkswagen Arteon Elegance car during a press conference yesterday in Wolfsburg.—AFP are disqualified and companies often respond after seeing proposals, prompting some to be withdrawn. Roughly 250 are scheduled to be voted on at annual meetings this Drop in diesel car demand puts spring. “We find that boards are increasingly willing to engage with investors,” said Sean Quinn, the head of US research for Institutional Shareholder Services that advises brakes on autos finance boom investors how to vote on these measures. The resolutions offer a tool for investors to force companies to address a Finance arms a growing part of carmakers’ earnings topic, and in the age of social media the measures are becoming more successful, said Andrew Behar, CEO of the LONDON/FRANKFURT: A plunge in they can either buy the car outright or increasingly reliant on their financing As You Sow advocacy group that tracks and supports such sales of diesel cars in Europe’s two return it to be sold second hand and use businesses. Operating profit at proposals. As You Sow is also backing 51 proposals this biggest markets is helping to drive the equity to take on a new car, beginning Volkswagen Financial Services leapt 10 year at various companies. down the value of used vehicles, posing the cycle of monthly payments again. percent to 2.1 billion euros ($2.3 billion) “Companies are really aware of their brand image,” a risk to the lucrative financing plans How much they can borrow depends last year, compared with group underly- Behar said. “There’s greater sensitivity now.” used by major automakers to sell mil- on what the finance company believes ing operating profit of 14.6 billion euros. Shareholder proposals generally face long odds, but lions of cars. After Volkswagen’s emis- the vehicle will be worth after the 24 or Residual values in Britain have fallen they can still lead to changes at companies even if the sions test cheating scandal, authorities 36-month period. If residual values fall around 3 percent over the past two vote totals don’t appear impressive. The odds of success across Europe are looking to raise taxes more than expected, customers will years, with diesel vehicles particularly are especially long at Berkshire if Buffett opposes a meas- on diesel vehicles that are more pollut- have less money to buy a new car - affected, and the trend has been seen in ure because he controls about one-third of the vote and ing than originally thought, and ban or potentially hitting demand for all new other European countries too, according he’s revered by many shareholders. restrict their use in some cities. vehicles, petrol as well as diesel. to some analysts. Leasing and finance Buffett and Berkshire’s board oppose all three share- That is starting to hit demand hard, “It’s a big potential problem if that contracts are both generally priced holder measures this year. The board argues that both the with new diesel car registrations in April carries on because it reduces the afford- using an assumption of stable residual proposed reports are unnecessary and selling off stocks dropping 19 percent in Germany and 27 ability of vehicles potentially quite sig- values. A sharp fall in used car prices tied to fossil fuels could hurt Berkshire’s investment percent in Britain, according to data this nificantly,” said Exane BNP Paribas ana- could trigger a spike in leasing prices, returns. But even if these measures fail, they let groups week. This is turn is beginning to weigh lyst Stuart Pearson. “The question is which could further dampen demand make a public statement about an issue they care about, on used car prices. With regulators also how fast those residuals go down. In the and increase defaults. and Berkshire’s meeting offers a prominent stage because looking to encourage a shift to cleaner US we’ve seen them come down almost According to Evercore ISI analysts, the it draws more than 30,000 people who want to listen to vehicles, there seems little prospect of a 20 percent now, so the UK may have cost for eight major European and US Buffett and his Vice Chairman Charlie Munger field ques- recovery soon. only just begun.” carmakers of a 5 percent cut in residual tions for most of today. The outlook is particularly uncertain values in Europe could reach a combined Tim Rinne with Nebraskans for Peace said the group’s in Britain, where car sales hit a record Sliding values 1.6 billion euros. The big three German members hope they’ll be able to change Buffett’s mind high last year fuelled by finance pack- The United States has seen a sharp carmakers would suffer the most, with because he could be powerful advocate for fighting cli- ages that now account for nearly 90 per- fall in residual values in recent years as Volkswagen taking a hit of more than 500 mate change, but they also appreciate the chance to cent of sales versus around a half ten demand - which recovered much more million euros to earnings, followed by BMW speak to the large crowd about divesting stocks linked to years ago, according to Exane BNP quickly than in Europe in the wake of and Daimler. BMW said on Wednesday it fossil fuels. Paribas analysts. Under the “personal con- the financial crisis - has stalled and expected a small fall in return on equity in “Everybody comes to Omaha because they want to tract plans,” customers pay a small deposit automakers have slashed prices to try to its financial services business this year, know what Warren thinks,” Rinne said. — AFP towards a new car and then make monthly shore it up. A similar fall in Europe although it would remain above its target payments for two to three years. After that, would hit carmakers that have become of 18 percent. — Reuters BUSINESS SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

Jazeera Airways announces Q1 2017 financial results

KUWAIT: Jazeera Airways yesterday Looking towards the rest of the year, announced its first quarter financial we are working to counter these exter- results, reporting operating revenues nal pressures through internal meas- of KD10.1 million and a net loss for ures. In the next quarter we will launch the quarter of KD0.9 million. our overhauled e-commerce platform Q1 2017 Highlights: that is tasked with generating ancillary ● Operating revenue: KD10.1 million, income and optimizing the booking down 15.3 percent from Q1 2016 and payment experience to further dif- ● Operating result: -KD1.0 million ferentiate our product. While our previ- ● Net result: -KD0.9 million ously announced game-changing ● Load factor: 72 percent, down 0.9 departure and arrival terminal is pro- percent from Q1 2016 gressing on track to accept its first trav- Jazeera Airways Chairman Marwan elers in Q1 2018”. Boodai said, “Our earnings for the quar- Established in 2005, Jazeera Airways ter were impacted by a continuing is a Kuwait Stock Exchange-listed com- slowing macroeconomy and that is pany serving popular destinations in impacting our sector’s yields. The fact the Middle East. The airline operates a that our load factor remained virtually fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft with two unchanged from the same time last class cabins comprising a Business year is a clear indication that demand Class and an Economy Class. Business for our product continues to be strong Class travelers get both an upgraded despite the macroeconomic pressures experience and exclusivity, starting free baggage allowance, and an exclu- baggage allowance of 40 kilograms and the extra capacity that continued with exclusive check-in lines, business sive on-board cabin. The airline’s and free on-board meals with a chang- to be dumped on our sectors. lounge access, up to 60 kilograms in Economy Class offers travelers free ing menu every month. Dollar stabilizes after US jobs data, oil prices firm

LONDON: The dollar recouped some of points. Economic strains in China, an general election. Across the Channel, its losses against the euro yesterday after expected hike in US interest rates-which French centrist Emmanuel Macron key US jobs data came in better than could make dollar-denominated oil sought to cement his frontrunner status expected, traders said. And after starting more expensive to holders of other cur- on the last day of campaigning for the the day on a weaker footing, Europe’s rencies and signs of slowing crude weekend’s election run-off after a bruis- main stock markets steadied as investors demand have contributed to the dive. ing and divisive race. hedged their bets ahead of France’s Shares in Asian oil companies had Pro-European Macron and far-right presidential election on Sunday. lost up to three percent in value by the anti-immigration candidate Marine Le Oil prices similarly steadied after slid- close yesterday. “Crude oil has suffered Pen have offered starkly different visions HONG KONG: A screen shows the world stock index with ing on renewed supply glut concerns. significantly overnight, with global for France during a campaign that has the reflection of a worker cleaning a window at the Hong “Today’s employment report should benchmark Brent crude falling below been closely watched around the world. Kong Stock Exchange yesterday. — AP have brushed aside any concerns about $50 a barrel and its US counterpart “Sunday’s French election has and will the health of the US labour market that below $45 for the first time since continue to drive investor sentiment Indonesian economic may have come up after the disappoint- November’s OPEC production cut agree- throughout Europe, with the prospect of ing payroll number last month,” said ment,” said Accendo Markets analyst pro-EU Macron pushing for stability rather growth picks up in Q1 UniCredit analyst Harm Bandholz. The Mike van Dulken. than the upheaval of Le Pen,” said Joshua jobs report “corroborates the Fed’s and There were also “rising concerns” Mahony, market analyst at IG trading JAKARTA: Indonesian growth accelerated slightly in the first our view that the growth slowdown in that OPEC members and non-members group. On the corporate front Friday, quarter on improving exports, official data showed yesterday, the first quarter was transitory,” the might not extend the deal later this British publisher Pearson sent its share but the outlook for the recovery in Southeast Asia’s top econ- expert said. month, the expert said. price rocketing after the group launched omy is subdued. But Oanda analyst Craig Erlam was a new cost-cutting plan and put its US President Joko Widodo came to power in 2014 on a pledge more cautious. “We’ve had another Possible US rate hikes? schoolbooks division up for sale. to boost growth to seven percent but his government has mixed jobs report from the US today The US Federal Reserve is expected In afternoon trade, Pearson shares struggled to lift rates in the country, which is rich in resources that will likely do nothing to either to lift borrowing costs next month but soared 11.5 percent to 733.5 pence on but has suffered from a slump in commodity prices. encourage or deter the Fed when it with oil price weakness returning, in London’s FTSE 100 index, which was The economy grew 5.01 percent year-on year in January- comes to deciding whether to raise turn reducing inflation concerns, policy- up 0.3 percent. Pearson, which has March, slightly up from the previous quarter’s 4.94 percent, interest rates next month,” he said. makers could be more reticent. issued a series of profit warnings in according to the statistics agency. Exports surged 20.8 per- Both main oil contracts tumbled by In Europe, the pound won support recent years, will seek to slash costs by cent on-year, and grew 1.33 percent from the previous three about two percent in Asia deals-follow- yesterday as it emerged the ruling £300 million ($387 million, 354 million months, said statistics agency chief Suhariyanto, who goes by ing losses of almost five percent on Conservative Party was set for a big win euros) on an annualised basis by the one name. Thursday-to record five-month low in local polls, just a month ahead of a end of 2019. — AFP The increase came on the back of a jump in the prices of some food exports, such as tea and shrimp, according to the statistics agency, while improving conditions in key destina- US stocks inch higher after jobs report tions such as China and the United States also helped. NEW YORK: US stocks are rising yesterday after the govern- economic growth over the first three months of the year However, consultancy Capital Economics said falling prices of ment said hiring bounced back in April. That suggests the because. Wages grew at a slower pace, however. coal and palm oil-key exports for the nation-were weighing economy should start growing faster in the next few months IBM gets buffet-ted: IBM fell after Warren Buffett said on growth. after a sluggish start to the year. IBM is slumping after bil- he’s sold about 25 million shares of the technology compa- “Looking ahead, with commodity prices likely to stay rela- lionaire investor Warren Buffett said he sold a large part of ny, about a third of the stake that his Berkshire Hathaway tively depressed and credit growth set to remain weak, we his stake in the company. company had owned. Buffett started buying IBM stock in expect growth to remain stuck at around five percent over the Keeping score: The Standard & Poor’s 500 index picked 2011. IBM faces stiff competition from companies including next couple of years,” Capital Economics’ Gareth Leather said. up 1 point, or 0.1 percent, to 2,391 as of 10 a.m. eastern time. Microsoft and Amazon, which have focused on cloud com- Growth in Indonesia has been stuck at around five percent The Nasdaq composite rose 5 points, or 0.1 percent, to 6,080. puting services. IBM reached an all-time high of $215 in early for the past three years, below the 5.8 percent average The Russell 2000 index of smaller-company stocks held 2013. It fell $3.92, or 2.5 percent, to $155.14 Friday. About a recorded over the past decade, according to the London- steady at 1,389. year ago the stock was worth less than $120 a share. based consultancy. The Dow Jones industrial average slumped 20 points, or Tiffany network:CBS announced a bigger profit and Authorities have been scrambling to boost growth, 0.1 percent, to 20,931 because of IBM’s loss. more revenue than analysts expected, and its stock gained unleashing a series of economic stimulus measures last year, JOBS: Employers in the United States added 211,000 jobs $1.15, or 1.8 percent, to $65. Media companies have strug- while the central bank cut the key interest rate six times. Full- in April, according to the Labor Department. That was a relief gled the last few days as investors worried about declining year growth ticked up to 5.02 percent in 2016 but undershot to investors who were concerned about slower hiring and cable ad revenue. — AP expectations in the final quarter. — AFP BUSINESS SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 BA-owner reports profits dive as weak sterling bites

LONDON: IAG, the parent group of British Airways and Spanish carrier Iberia, reported yesterday a 74-percent slump in first-quarter net profit, in large part owing to a weak pound. Profit after tax slid to 27 million euros ($30 million) in the first three months of the year from 104 million euros in the first quarter of 2016, IAG said in an earnings statement. “The impact of currency exchange was 32 million euros in the quarter due to the translation of sterling profit into euros,” said IAG chief executive Willie Walsh. Sterling slumped by about 15 percent in value last year, largely owing to Britain voting to exit the European Union, hurting IAG as it converts income from BA ticket sales into euros. IAG, which owns also Irish airline Aer Lingus, added Friday that first-quarter group revenue dropped nearly three percent to 4.9 billion euros owing to the Easter vacation period occurring in April this year, outside the reporting period. Operating profit before exceptional items however climbed almost ten percent to 170 million euros, aided by low oil costs. “This is a record performance in Q1, traditionally our weakest quarter,” said Walsh. IAG shares jumped 4.7 percent to 599 pence in reaction to the earnings update, in early trading on London’s benchmark FTSE 100 index which was flat overall. Analysts said IAG’s share price won support also from a fresh slide in oil prices. —AFP Gatemore says Menzies proposal

‘undervalues’ firm CYPRESS: In this July 26, 2005, file photo, job applicants leave the office of the Staffmark temp agency in Cypress, Calif.—AP LONDON: The biggest investor in UK mail delivery firm DX Group, Gatemore Capital Management, ratcheted up its opposition to a proposed reverse takeover of John Menzies’ distribution arm on Friday, saying it “grossly US job growth rebounds, undervalued” the firm. In a letter to the board of DX dated May 4 representing unemployment rate 4.4% 18 percent of shareholders, Gatemore, which owns 11 per- cent of DX, said it was confident that a majority of investors which voted would reject the deal. Citing an Nonfarm payrolls increase by 211,000 in April independent analysis of the deal, it also said it saw scope for a turnaround plan to boost DX’s shares. WASHINGTON: US job growth a “moderate” pace. The US central bank to 100,000 jobs per month to keep up DX Chairman Bob Holt said that the company had the rebounded sharply in April and the on Wednesday kept its benchmark with growth in the working-age popula- support of “key shareholders” to continue talking to unemployment rate dropped to 4.4 overnight interest rate, or federal funds tion. Job growth averaged 178,000 per Menzies and that its investors would have the opportunity percent, near a 10-year low, pointing to rate, unchanged and said it expected month in the first quarter. to vote on any firm offer that it made. “We continue to a tightening labor market that could labor market conditions would Construction payrolls rose 5,000 last believe that a potential combination of DX with John seal the case for an interest rate “strengthen somewhat further.” month and manufacturing employment increase next month despite moderate The Fed raised rates by a quarter of a advanced by 6,000 jobs. Leisure and Menzies’ distribution division offers strong benefits,” Holt wage growth. percentage point in March and has fore- hospitality payrolls jumped by 55,000 in said in an emailed statement. Nonfarm payrolls surged by 211,000 cast two more increases this year. Prices April. Professional and business services DX Group and Menzies announced in March that they jobs last month, the Labor Department of US government debt fell after the payrolls rose by 39,000. Healthcare and were in talks over a potential deal, a month after DX said yesterday, well above the monthly employment data while US stock index social assistance employment increased warned on profit, citing challenges in the courier market average of 185,000 this year and a jump futures rose. The US dollar initially by 36,800 jobs. and margin pressure in its freight unit. from the gain of 79,000 in March. The gained against a basket of currencies Retail payrolls gained 6,300 after two The proposal is for DX to buy Menzies’ distribution arm job gains were broad-based, with hefty before turning flat. straight months of declines. Retailers through a reverse takeover that will give Menzies’ share- increases in leisure and hospitality, Average hourly earnings rose seven including JC Penney Co Inc, Macy’s Inc holders a position in the enlarged company. DX would healthcare and social assistance as well cents, or 0.3 percent, last month, partly and Abercrombie & Fitch have pay about 60 million pounds cash and issue new shares to as business and professional services. because of a calendar quirk. While that announced thousands of layoffs as they Menzies equalling 80 percent of DX’s share capital, the The drop of one-tenth of a percentage lowered the year-on-year increase to 2.5 shift toward online sales and scale back companies said last month. point in the unemployment rate took it percent, the smallest since August 2016, on brick-and-mortar operations. to its lowest level since May 2007. The there are signs that wage growth is Government payrolls jumped 17,000 Gatemore said the current deal valued DX’s shares at decline reflected both an increase in hir- accelerating as labor market slack last month as an increase in hiring by 14-16 pence and it wanted to see significantly improved ing and people leaving the labor force. diminishes. local governments offset a decline in terms or for the deal to be scrapped. “With continued solid job growth, Average hourly earnings increased federal government employment. If DX were to split the 60 million pound cash payment the US economic expansion will contin- 2.6 percent in March. A government Other labor market measures also between Menzies and DX shareholders, DX shareholders ue throughout 2017. The Fed will raise report last week showed private sector showed strength last month. A broad would get around 30 pence per share in total, Gatemore the federal funds rate again in mid-June wages recorded their biggest gain in 10 measure of unemployment, which managing partner Liad Meidar told Reuters. “That starts to as the economy is approaching full years in the first quarter. includes people who want to work but be the beginning of a good deal,” he said. Any firm offer employment,” said Gus Faucher, chief have given up searching and those would require support from shareholders holding at least economist at PNC Financial in FULL EMPLOYMENT working part-time because they cannot 50 percent of DX’s issued share capital as per UK takeover Pittsburgh. With the labor market expected to hit find full-time employment, dropped rules. Three of Menzies’ top investors have called for the The rebound in hiring supports the a level consistent with full employment three-tenths of a percentage point to separation of its aviation and distribution units, following Federal Reserve’s contention that the this year, payroll gains could slow amid 8.6 percent, the lowest level since warnings over profit and revenue and executive depar- pedestrian 0.7 percent annualized eco- growing anecdotal evidence that firms November 2007. The employment-to- nomic growth pace in the first quarter are struggling to find qualified workers. population ratio rose one-tenth of per- tures. A spokesman for Menzies was not available for was likely “transitory,” and its optimism That could also push up wages. centage point to a fresh eight-year high immediate comment yesterday.—Reuters that economic activity would expand at The economy needs to create 75,000 of 60.2 percent. —Reuters Art inNewYork.—AFP Metropolitan Museumof Benefit atthe for theCostumeInstitute Cara Delevingnearrives SATURDAY, MAY 6 , 2017 www.kuwaittimes.net SEE PAGE 27 SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

he 37-year-old actor reprises his role as Peter Quill and his alter- Tego Star-Lord in the second installment of the Marvel Comics movie franchise, and has said he suffered a blow which “essential- ly knocked him out” when he was trying to perform his own stunts for the movie. He said: “It’s a really stunt-heavy movie, through the course of the whole film for everyone. We were suspended from wires, we did a whole bunch of stunts. I got my bell rung pretty, pretty good. One time I essentially got knocked out.” And the star - who has four-year-old son Jack with his wife Anna Faris - has now learned that it’s best to let the seasoned professionals carry out the stunts. He added during an appearance on ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers’ on Wednesday: “You always want to let the stunt people do them or their own version of it. Usually when you do it, it’s for your own ego and they let you do that. Then the stunt person comes in and does it and that’s what they use in the movie. So it’s just another way for us actors to feed our egos, because there aren’t enough.” Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez won’t be getting engaged soon hings are said to be going from Tstrength to strength for the cou- ple but they aren’t keen to move to the next stage of their rela- tionship for the sake of it. A source said: “Jennifer and Alex are madly in love. They are the real thing ... Marriage isn’t on Jennifer’s radar at the moment. She’s been married three times already. She has two beautiful kids who are the focus of her life. I think she’s at a point in her life where she doesn’t need a hus- band to feel like she’s in a committed, Kendall Jenner is happy with loving relationship. “Alex is a gentle- man and fortunately has a lot of free time right now to be the perfect her boyfriend A$AP Rocky boyfriend. He focuses all his energy and time into Jennifer, who always he 21-year-old model finally reported the pair also made “no has a million things going on. They Twent public with the ‘L$D’ hit- secret” of their romance last month balance each other well and have a maker when they were spotted whilst watching The Who perform at great time together. I don’t think she together at the Met Gala on Monday London’s Royal Albert Hall. A source needs another engagement ring or a following months of speculation of a said at the time: “Kendall and A$AP marriage certificate to be happy.” The romance between the pair, and whilst Rocky went to the Royal Albert Hall pair made their red carpet debut at sources claim it’s unlikely there will and made no secret of the fact they the Met Gala earlier this week and be a “public announcement” on the are a couple. There was a lot of touch- showed off how “super into each oth- matter, they say the brunette beauty ing going on. It wasn’t the behavior er they are”. The insider added to is enjoying her time with her beau. A of two people who are just friends. Entertainment Tonight: “Everyone source told ‘Entertainment Tonight’: Kendall seems very into him.” And the who saw them on Monday night “I don’t think you will be seeing them ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ could see how super into each other make a public announcement any- star is thought to have asked the 28- they are. They didn’t leave each oth- time soon, but there is something year-old rapper - whose real name is er’s side for a minute. Wherever going on there for sure. It’s been Rakim Mayers - to temporarily move Jennifer went, Alex followed. They going on for a while. Kendall is hap- in with her after having her home only had eyes for each other.” py.” The news comes after it was robbed in March. The Weekend has been given the seal of approval by Selena Gomez’s mother he ‘Starboy’ hitmaker - real name curbproductions, Mandy said: “Glowing, TAbel Tesfaye - is currently in a rela- smiling, looking health and equal love. tionship with the 24-year-old singer, Mama is happy XO (sic)” Meanwhile it was and after the pair attended the Met Gala previously claimed the ‘Hands To Myself’ together on Monday, Selena’s mother hitmaker - who was previously had a Mandy Teefy has said she is “happy” with volatile four-year relationship with Justin their blossoming romance. Abel, 27, post- Bieber - was impressed by how “mature” ed a picture of the pair at the event on his her new flame is. A source said: “She feels Instagram account on Tuesday, and very taken care of when she is with him, Mandy shared her thoughts in the form of and like he will have her back. He’s a little a comment shortly after. Posting the com- bit older and more mature and she likes ment from her account kicked2the- that about him. SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

Jay Z is on the music festival circuit; will perform at ACL

ikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder are expecting their first child. NThe actors announced Reed’s pregnancy in Instagram posts on Thursday that showed Somerhalder kissing his wife’s belly. Reed, who starred in the “Twilight” film series, wrote that her love for her unborn baby was the strongest feeling she had ever felt. Somerhalder, who stars on the television series “The Vampire Diaries,” wrote that he had never ay Z is in a festival state of mind. Austin City Limits experienced anything more powerful Jorganizers announced Thursday that the rapper will and beautiful. The posts did not perform at the festival in October. Jay Z will also per- reveal the sex of the child or Reed’s form during his Made in America festival in Philadelphia due date. Reed and Somerhalder mar- over Memorial Day weekend. The performances could ried in 2015.—AP mean the icon will release new music soon. Austin City Limits will take place at Zilker Park on Oct 6-8 and Oct 13- 15. Other performers across its eight stages include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chance the Rapper, the Killers, Gorillaz, Martin Garrix and the xx. Tickets go on sale Thursday. Jay Z’s Made in America festival, occurring in Philadelphia on Sept.2-3, will feature Solange, J. Cole, the Chainsmokers, Migos, Little Dragon and Kaskade. — AP

From left, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Quentin Tarantino and Reese Harry Potter play to open Witherspoon attend a ceremony honoring in New York in spring 2018 Hawn and Russell with stars on the Hollywood arry Potter and the Cursed Child,’ the smash-hit, award- Walk of Fame in Los ‘Hwinning London play about the fictional boy wizard as Angeles. — AP a grown father of three, will open in New York in spring 2018. The show will make its official Broadway debut on April 22 at the Lyric Theatre, currently under renovation in preparation for ctor Kurt Russell had his long-time partner and future, ever, this may be my only opportunity.” the North American premiere, producers of the London show Aactress Goldie Hawn almost in tears on Thursday as Witherspoon paid a tearful tribute to Hawn, calling the said on Thursday. Preview performances and casting will be the couple received dual stars on the Hollywood Academy Award winner a “legend” and “icon” who had announced in the coming months, and tickets for the New York Walk of Fame. “Goldie to you, I owe my wonderful life,” broken all sorts of barriers for women. production will go on sale in the fall, they added. said the 66-year-old as he paid an emotional tribute to his Hawn, who made her acting debut in 1967, received a The play, which first opened in London in July 2016, this year partner of 33 years. “Simply put Goldie, I cherish you. And best supporting Oscar in 1970 for her role in “Cactus won a record-breaking nine Olivier Awards, which honor the best all the stars in the sky or on the boulevard don’t hold a Flower” in which she portrays the suicidal girlfriend of a of the city’s West End. The English screenwriter and playwright candle to that. “There’s no one else I’d rather be next to dentist. She has starred in more than 30 films, the latest of Jack Thorne wrote the two-part production based on an original than Goldie Hawn.” which is kidnap comedy “Snatched,” which comes out in story co-written by Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling and the The celebrity couple were joined on the podium by theaters next week. Russell for his part started his acting play’s director John Tiffany. Set 19 years after the events of Hawn’s actress daughter, Kate Hudson, as well as Reese career at age 10, appearing in some of television’s most Rowling’s seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series, Witherspoon and Quentin Tarantino, who directed Russell storied shows including “Gilligan’s Island,” “Lost in Space” “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the play features Potter in a number of movies including “The Hateful Eight.” “Can and “Gunsmoke.” working at the Ministry of Magic. we just get married? We’ve never had a celebration like He has also starred in dozens of movies, the latest of He has now grown up, like many of his fans, and has three this before,” quipped the 71-year-old Hawn during the which is “Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2,” which opens in children with his wife Ginny Weasley, sister of his best friend Ron. rare double ceremony in Tinseltown. Hudson also joked theatres on Friday. The couple first met in 1968 on the set He still has his trademark round-rimmed glasses and the scar on that the event had a wedding-like atmosphere and said of “The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band,” but his head, a permanent reminder of his nemesis Lord Voldemort, she felt honored to speak about the couple’s work. didn’t date at the time because of their age difference. and must now help his youngest son Albus confront the family’s “I was slotted in to talk about my mother, but I have She was 21 at the time and he was 16. They reconnected dark past. The seven Harry Potter novels have sold more than 450 two parents and they’re both here,” she said. “I always years later in 1984 on the set of “Swing Shift” and have million copies worldwide since the first book hit bookstores in thought I’d be talking about them at a wedding or some- been together since, becoming one of Hollywood’s most 1997. The wizard’s adventures have been translated into 79 lan- thing. But since a wedding doesn’t seem to be in our near enduring couples. — AFP guages and eight films.—AFP SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

A man stands a door of the sculpture ‘Fat House’ by Austrian artist Erwin Wurm is seen in the Garden of the Upper Belvedere castle in Vienna, Austria. — AFP

he second weekend of the seven-day New Orleans Jazz and Heritage TFestival is kicking off with perform- ances by Widespread Panic, Darius Rucker and Corinne Bailey Rae. Thursday is often less crowded than the weekends and is a popular day for New Orleans-area residents to attend the festival. Widespread Panic, the jam band from Athens, Georgia, is clos- ing out the main stage. Rucker, who gained fame with Hootie and the Blowfish before pursuing a solo career as a country music performer, will close out the festival’s second-largest stage. Festival goers needed galoshes after heavy rains soaked the area overnight. But the weather is expected to be drier than last Sunday, when heavy storms soaked the area. And sunny skies are expected for the Eddie Cotton and the Mississippi The Cheyenne and 7th Ward Creole Hunters Mardi Gras Indians second line through Cotton Club perform. the crowd. last three days of the festival. —AP

Big Chief Monk Fans cheer as Boudreaux of the Widespread Golden Eagles Mardi Panic performs. Gras Indian tribe performs with the band Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars. SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

s a member of the country trio Pistol Annies, singer-songwriter Angaleena APresley often got questions about the lack of women on country radio, which she responded to with a safe sound bite about musical trends being cyclical and being hope- ful for change. But privately, she didn’t believe it. “Every time I would say those things, in my mind I would be going, ‘But it’s not cyclical. This is 10 years that we’ve had two or three females anywhere in the Top 10,’” Presley said. “But I was scared just like everybody else. And maybe it all started with the whole Dixie Chicks thing.” Presley is no longer holding back her opin- ions as shown on her bracing indictment of the music industry in her new solo album, “Wrangled,” released last month. Presley fol- lows a wave of outlaw female artists in Nashville, Tennessee - including Nikki Lane, Margo Price, Sunny Sweeney and more - who have built their own brands from the ground up and attracted a more diverse crowd of fans without the help of major label marketing budgets and country radio. The Kentucky-bred singer said the title song is both a metaphor about the obliga- tions of being a working mother, but also being silenced as a woman in the music industry. “It was a way to shed my skin of all that business,” Presley said. Other female country singers have also found success at rebelling against the music industry, but not always lasting careers. Gretchen Wilson won a Grammy for her catchy No. 1 single, “Redneck Woman,” and her 2004 debut album, “Here for the Party,” went multiplatinum. But fame and the indus- try moved on quickly after that and she left Sony Music after just three albums. One of In this combination photo, Margo Price, left, performs at the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas and Nikki Lane highest-selling female bands in America, the performs at the 2015 Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California. Dixie Chicks, were boycotted by country radio stations for speaking against the Iraq War and more fans from that trip than we may have then President George W. Bush in 2003. gotten doing anything else.” Although they recently toured together, Historically it was men who profited from they haven’t put out an album since 2006. In the outlaw moniker. In the 1970s, Waylon 2015, a radio consultant compared women Jennings, already a huge star in country to tomatoes in a salad in an argument that music, grew disillusioned with the Nashville radio stations should play female artists music bureaucracy and wanted to take more sparingly. Two years later, not much has control over his production. “Wanted! The changed: Only four women had songs on Outlaws,” featuring Jennings, Willie Nelson, Billboard’s year-end country airplay chart in Jennings’ wife Jessi Colter and Tompall Glaser 2016. “Frankly, there are laws in this country became country music’s first platinum record that are supposed to protect us from dis- in 1976. crimination for our race and sex and ethnici- Many other artists would be attached to ty,” Presley said. the outlaw movement, including Kris Originally from South Carolina, singer Kristofferson, Johnny Cash and Merle Nikki Lane found her way to Nashville Haggard, and fans included deadheads, hip- through both New York and Los Angeles and pies, bikers and avant-garde hipsters. Colter gave up a steady job to sing country music. was one of the few women at the center of A fashion entrepreneur, she runs her own the outlaw movement, which she chronicles vintage clothing boutique and appears in an in her new autobiography titled “An Outlaw ad campaign for the True Religion denim and a Lady,” released last month. Still she said brand. “It’s a trade-off,” said Lane, who co- that her husband never really took the label produced her album “Highway Queen,” seriously, but understood that it was a turning released in February. “Am I willing to let peo- point for country music. ple call the shots in exchange for being on “It was a time and a place and it will never the radio, or am I willing to live a different be again,” Colter said. “It’s been a good mar- life but do what I want?” keting thing. But it’s really just been overdone Lane’s biggest successes have come when and overused.” she collaborated outside her genre, such as Even Presley denounces the tag on her recording with the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach In this photo, song “Outlaw,” when she sings that she’s not or opening for Social Distortion. She has even singer and brave because “every fight I’ve ever fought crossed over to alternative radio. “It was like songwriter and rule I’ve ever broke is out of desperation.” 3,000 40-year-old dudes and a lot of them Angaleena “I do want to be rich and famous and success- have their arms crossed,” Lane said of the Presley poses ful and have gold records all hanging on my Social Distortion tour. “They are summing you in Nashville, walls,” Presley said. “It’s just that I don’t fit into up. But now coming out on the road, we got Tennessee. that formula for some reason.”—AP SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

A young fan dressed in a Stormtroopers Stormtrooper costume poses at the walk at the ‘Star Wars Day: May the 4th be with ‘StarWars Day: you’ festival at Gardens by the Bay May the 4th be in Singapore. — AFP photos with you’ festival.

Children stand next to a’Star’Wars character R2-D2 at the Fans dressed as Star Wars characters pose during a festival ‘Star’Wars Day: May the 4th be with you’ festival. marking Star Wars Day.

A young fan, right, holds the hand of Star Wars character Shadow Stormtrooper to celebrate the ‘Star Wars Fans dressed as Star Wars characters stand under the Beams of light representing light sabers are seen projected Day: May the 4th be with you’ festival. Supertree as they mark Star Wars Day. from the Supertree to mark Star Wars Day. SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

In this photograph, Afghan In this beauticians photograph, affix jewelry to an Afghan the hairstyle of beautician a bride ahead applies eye of her wedding make-up for a party at a client at a beauty parlor beauty parlour in Kabul. in Kabul. — AFP photos

he photos in the window promise much: disaster. “Look what they are doing in other Languorous, kohl-rimmed eyes and bright, salons!” Athena laments. Tbold nails-but once you enter the beauty parlors of Kabul, it becomes clear the images Making women feel pretty outside are pale reflections of the vibrant reality Hama, a doctor in a large maternity hospi- inside. After the Taliban regime was toppled in tal in the city, arrives with her daughter who is 2001, small oases of glamour began to flourish paying her first trip to the salon ahead of a in the Afghan capital-glittering feminine spaces cousin’s wedding. After the ministrations, in stark contrast to the dusty, dangerous, male- now adorned in false eyelashes, golden eye dominated streets outside. shadow, and with lips the color of petunias, In Kabul’s city centre they line entire streets, little Mariam-aged 16 — looks 30. Weddings their interiors protected from the male gaze by are a rare opportunity to go out, says her windows papered over with images of outra- mother, the pins in her hair scaffolding for her geous make-up and sophisticated hairstyles, heavy locks. their entrances barred by a screen or a simple With kidnappings and militant attacks on curtain. Once the thresholds to these sheltered the rise in Kabul Hama and her family, like boudoirs are crossed, veils and scarves are shed: many others, no longer frequent restaurants, girls emerge from the burqas to reveal leggings avoid large gatherings, and do not travel out- and necklines, scooped backs and even-in the side the city on roads infested with Taliban. summer-tank tops. Scraps of conversation So for weddings, she says, the sky is the limit. between women of all generations mingle with Some years ago a young researcher, Rima the sound of hairdryers and the smell of var- Kohli, looked at the effects of make-up on nishes and lotions. Afghan women after nearly four decades of In this photograph, an Afghan bride dressed in a traditional wedding gown sits as a war, including years of suffering under the beautician applies moisturizer ahead of her wedding party at a beauty parlor in Kabul. Add more, add more! Taliban’s misogynistic rule. “The families who bring their girls here, her curly chignon. Frequented by the wealthy their high heels. “Afghan women are now “Women suffered the worst psychological, they are happy that it’s just for girls, so... they and local celebrities, Henna is also the most very fashionable,” explains one customer. emotional and mental effects of this war,” she know it’s very safe,” says Athena Hashemi, expensive: the “special bride pack” is 9,000 Make-up that challenges traditional Afghan said. “So starting with small achievable steps, owner of the upmarket salon “Henna”. The afghanis ($136) and includes full body waxing notions of decency is favored: foundation like making them feel pretty, at least creates 32-year-old beauty, her long hair loose and (6,000 afghanis). Muzhda’s sister will marry caked on, eyes framed in false eyelashes and some positive energy and sets the stage to her face barely made up, opened her salon tonight, and the women of her family are gild- iridescent, bold powders. “They tell me, ‘Add work on deeper issues.” Yet, for the most con- two years ago after training in Dubai. She now ing themselves in make-up, manicures, blow- more! Add more!’” sighs Athena. A woman servative, beauty salons remain abomina- employs 17 aestheticians. “They are the best outs and henna. Most have already donned enters with her face blanked by white pow- tions. Athena has no illusions. “Even today, in town,” customer Muzhda asserts, a hair- their richly embroidered evening gowns-but der, like a sort of Afghan Pierrot, seeking help years later ... they can threaten us. We must dresser intent on the complex architecture of wait until the last moment before donning from the masters at Henna with her make-up remain prudent,” she says. — AFP

In this photograph, Afghan beautician Sadaf, left, 17, applies false nails at the start of a manicure for a wedding party guest at a beauty parlor in Kabul. In this photograph, Afghan beauticians tend to a client at a beauty parlor in Kabul. SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 Romanian Kitsch Museum opens in Bucharest museum showcasing Romanian kitsch But that’s the only reference to classical items has opened in the country’s art in this space devoted to kitsch. The stat- Acapital. The 215 exhibits include a flat- ue, a miniature copy of the 16th-century screen TV with flickering flames imitating an century sculpture, wears a gaudy gilt neck- open fireplace, a cushion that looks like a lace with a large US dollar pendant and one-euro coin, and of course a life-size stands on a sequined cloth, setting the tone Dracula, Romania’s national brand. The first for visitors to the Romanian Kitsch Museum. exhibit you see upon entering the museum Some objects are Romanian retro such as is a copy of Michelangeloís world-famous glass fish that adorned television sets in the statue of David. communist era.—AP

Porcelain decorations are pictured at the Kitsch Museum. — AP/ AFP photos

A glass fish is pictured at the Kitsch Museum.

In this photo Communist era milk bottles are on display along with a metal fish at the Kitsch Museum.

A plaster replica of Michelangeloís David A plaster Elvis is pictured at the Kitsch decorated with a golden dollar chain is Museum. pictured at the Kitsch Museum.

Flower lamps are pictured at the Kitsch Museum. A mannequin dressed in colorful outfits is pictured at the Kitsch Museum in Bucharest. SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

Porcelain decorations are pictured at the Kitsch Museum.

Jesus Christ representations on carpets are pictured at the Kitsch Museum.

A Mona Lisa replica is pictured at the Kitsch Museum.

In this photograph, a man walks by exhibits in the Gypsy kitsch section at the newly opened Bucharest Kitsch In this, photo museum owner Cristian Lica poses at the newly Museum. opened Bucharest Kitsch Museum, in Bucharest, Romania. TECHNOLOGY SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 Facebook stepping up its response to violent videos

NEW YORK: Facebook is stepping up its efforts to keep inap- propriate and often violent material - including recent high- profile videos of murders and suicides, hate speech and extremist propaganda - off of its site. On Wednesday, the world’s biggest social network said it plans to hire 3,000 more people to review videos and other posts after getting criti- cized for not responding quickly enough to murders shown on its service. The hires over the next year will be on top of the 4,500 people Facebook already tasks with identifying criminal and other questionable material for removal. CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote Wednesday that the company is “working to make these videos easier to report so we can take the right action sooner - whether that’s responding quickly when someone needs help or taking a post down.” Facebook, which had 18,770 employees at the end of March, would not say if the new hires would be contractors or full-time workers. David Fischer, the head of Facebook’s advertising business, said in an interview that the detection and removal of hate speech and content that promotes vio- lence or terrorism is an “ongoing priority” for the company, and the community operations teams are a “continued invest- ment.” Videos and posts that glorify violence are against Facebook’s rules, but Facebook has drawn criticism for responding slowly to such items, including video of a slaying MAINE: This Wednesday, April 14, 2016, file photo, shows a push-button landline telephone. —AP in Cleveland and the live-streamed killing of a baby in Thailand. The Thailand video was up for 24 hours before it was removed. In most cases, such material gets reviewed for possi- Americans hang up on landlines ble removal only if users complain. News reports and posts that condemn violence are allowed. This makes for a tricky balancing act for the company. Facebook does not want to as cellphone homes dominate act as a censor, as videos of violence, such as those document- ing police brutality or the horrors of war, can serve an impor- NEW YORK: Deborah Braswell, a universi- landlines, though landline users cited a or medical condition. He says cellphone tant purpose. ty administrator in Alabama, is a member number of reasons for hanging on in location accuracy is improving, but there’s of a dwindling group - people with a land- phone interviews and email exchanges still work to be done. Live stream challenges line phone at home. According to a US with The Associated Press. Policing live video streams is especially difficult, as viewers government study released Thursday, 50.8 Spam magnets don’t know what will happen. This rawness is part of their percent of homes and apartments had No choice in the matter In many households, the landline is a appeal. While the negative videos make headlines, they are only cellphone service in the latter half of Plenty of people would get rid of their honey trap for telemarketers. “We never just a tiny fraction of what users post every day. The good? 2016, the first time such households landlines if they could. It goes beyond use the landline, and the only calls I get on Families documenting a toddler’s first steps for faraway rela- attained a majority in the survey. Braswell complaints about cellular reception at it are from someone looking to sell me tives, journalists documenting news events, musicians per- and her family are part of the 45.9 percent home. Joe Krkoska, a supply chain direc- something,” says Matt Lawrence, a man- forming for their fans and people raising money for charities. that still have landline phones. The tor, needs a traditional copper wire for his agement consultant in O’Fallon, Missouri. “We don’t want to get rid of the positive aspects and bene- remaining households have no phone home security system in Zionsville, On the other hand, it’s comforting to have fits of live streaming,” said Benjamin Burroughs, a professor of service at all. Indiana. Getting rid of the line would a device just for calls - without “all of the emerging media at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. More than 39 percent of US house- require crews to drill holes in his home irritating bells and whistles of smart- Burroughs said that Facebook clearly knew live streams would holds - including Braswell’s - have both and put batteries in the bedroom. No phones,” says Brad Cooney, a Navy veteran help the company make money, as they keep users on landline and cellphone service. The land- thanks, he says. in Brandon, Mississippi. “I can shut the Facebook longer, making advertisers happy. If Facebook had- line comes in handy when someone mis- Chris Houchens, who works in sales (cell) phone off and still have a landline if n’t also considered the possibility that live streams of crime or places one of the seven cellphones kick- and marketing, says his phone company someone needs to call me.” violence would inevitably appear alongside the positive stuff, ing around her three-story house in a forces him to get a landline with internet “they weren’t doing a good enough job researching implica- Birmingham suburb. “You walk around service. There’s no cable TV alternative Phone nostalgia tions for societal harm,” Burroughs said. your house calling yourself to find it,” she where he lives in rural Smiths Grove, The landline harkens to an era in which says. It’s also useful when someone Kentucky. And those who could drop a number is tied to a family and not an Earnings results breaks or loses a cellphone and has to phone service might pay more after losing individual. You can call your parents’ Facebook also reported stronger-than-expected quarterly wait for a replacement. package discounts. Martin Axel, a retired home and not play favorites in choosing results on Wednesday, as has been its custom. The company hospital administrator in Seal Beach, Mom or Dad. Children can talk to earned $3.06 billion, or $1.04 per share, in the January-March The patterns California, says dropping the landline Grandma at once from separate phone period. That’s up from 76 percent from $1.74 billion, or 60 Renters and younger adults are more would increase his cable bill by more than extensions. “My parents had landlines, as cents per share, a year earlier. Analysts polled by FactSet likely to have just a cellphone, which $40 a month. did their parents,” says Axel, the landline were expecting earnings of 87 cents per share. Revenue grew researchers attribute to their mobility and user in Seal Beach. “It’s probably a habit. It 49 percent to $8.03 billion from $5.38 billion. Analysts comfort with newer technologies. The in- Emergencies just feels more comfortable to expected $7.83 billion. Facebook had 1.94 billion monthly person survey of 19,956 households was Traditional copper phone lines have me.”Cynthia Dibblee, a retired teacher in active users as of the end of March, up 17 percent from a year part of the Centers for Disease Control and their own power supply, so those land- Merced, California, has elderly parents earlier. Daily active users were 1.28 billion, on average, for the Prevention’s National Health Interview lines still work during blackouts. Internet- who “can’t remember our cell numbers month of March. Survey, which tracks landline use in order based phones through the cable or but know the landline by heart.” to assure representative samples in ongo- phone company aren’t true landlines, Funhouse mirror? ing health studies. The survey has a mar- although the CDC counts them that way. The future With a quarter of the world’s population on it, Facebook gin of error of plus or minus 1 percentage The internet modem for these phones US Telecom, a trade group for tradi- can serve as a mirror for humanity, amplifying both the good point. Cellphone-only home have other still needs power. Both kinds of landline tional phone companies, estimates that and the bad - the local fundraiser for a needy family and the commonalities. “Wireless-only adults are phones are more dependable for 911. true landlines - the copper kind - now con- murder-suicide in a faraway corner of the planet. But lately, it more likely to drink heavily, more likely to Even if you can’t give dispatchers your nect fewer than 20 percent of households. has gotten outsized attention for its role in the latter, whether smoke and be uninsured,” even after fac- home address, they would often have The group says companies have adapted that means allowing the spread of false news and govern- toring for age and income, says Stephen J. that already. Cellphones primarily use by offering other types of services, includ- ment propaganda or videos of horrific crimes. Blumberg, the study’s co-author (and a GPS for location, which means the dis- ing video and, for some, cellphones. Even Videos livestreaming murder or depicting kidnapping and landline user himself). “There certainly is patcher might know which building so, phone companies get new landline torture have made international headlines even when the something about giving up a landline that you’re in, but not the specific apartment. customers now and then. Shawn Fisch, a crimes themselves wouldn’t have, simply because they were appeals to the same people who may For that reason, Trey Forgety of the 37-year-old teacher in New York, got his on Facebook, visible to people who wouldn’t have seen them engage in risky behavior.” Why that’s so nonprofit National Emergency Number first landline after becoming a dad. When otherwise. will require further research. The survey Association recommends landlines for his son is old enough, he says, he’ll need doesn’t get into why people ditch or keep those who live alone and have a disability “an extra way to phone home.” — AP TECHNOLOGY SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

China creates a Wikipedia, but public cannot edit it

BEIJING: It’ll be free. It’ll be uniquely Chinese. It’ll be an online encyclopedia to rival Wikipedia - but without the participation of the public. And don’t expect entries on “Tiananmen Square 1989” or “Falun Gong spiritual group” to come up in your searches, either. Scholars and experts hand-picked by Beijing to work on the project say only they will be able to make entries - the latest example of the Chinese government’s efforts to control information available on the internet. The scholars say truth is their guiding light, and their edit- ing and review process is a rigorous one. If there is a differ- ence of opinion, a committee should figure it out, said Zhang Baichun, chief editor of the history of science and technology section. “Of course, science does not come from democratic votes, to convince others you will have to present the most convincing proof,” he told The Associated Press.

Public opinion The effort to compile 300,000 entries that span science, lit- erature, politics and history is being led by the ruling Communist Party’s Central Propaganda Department, which guides public opinion through instructions to China’s media, internet companies and publishing industry as well as over- seeing the education sector. It has instructed the Encyclopedia of China Publishing House, known for its offline Chinese Encyclopedia, to produce it. The ruling party has struggled to manage public opinion in the internet age, when citizens can comment on news and topics of outrage and post photos of protests on social media - at least until such messages are scrubbed away or rendered unsearchable by censors. China also regularly blocks overseas sites including Facebook and Twitter, and has periodically blocked Wikipedia’s English and Chinese versions. Currently, Denim promises the Chinese Wikipedia is inaccessible on the mainland.

Learn from experience Jiang Lijun, senior editor at the Encyclopedia of China new tech clothes Publishing House, said they had met with a team from San Francisco-based Wikipedia to learn from their experience. PARIS: A young man in a white t-shirt every single intersection. Through blue perature stable. American designer Cone China has had a private sector version of Wikipedia since pulls on a dark blue denim trucker jack- tooth sensors stitched into the jeans’ Denim for its part has blended its denims 2006, run by Baidu, the operator of the country’s most popu- et, tucks his smartphone in an inside waistband, the smart phone stays out of with technical textile fibers from equip- lar internet search engine. It has more than 14 million pocket and puts in-ear headphones in sight. “You put a destination into the pap ment used on motorcycles-this to better entries, and more than 6 million people have edited it, his right ear. He mounts a fixed-gear (and) sensors will vibrate right if you tout the sturdiness of its clothes. according to its website. bike with flat, slightly curved wide han- need to turn right, left if you need to turn But these companies recognize that Jiang said Thursday that they plan to have entries on politi- dlebars. Riding through the streets of left,” Spinal innovation director Romain there has to be more to “smart” jeans cal leaders, the history of the Communist Party, and subjects San Francisco, he occasionally taps or Spinal said. In 2015, the company from than just fashion sense and connected such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence and the European swipes his right hand over the left cuff the eastern French town of Mulhouse capabilities and that means making sure Union. The online Chinese Encyclopedia will focus primarily of his jacket, as the directions he’s listen- designed a bikini that tells women when they are environmentally friendly. “The on entries that are less likely to change as opposed to recent ing to continually pop up on the screen it’s time to apply more sun screen. The consumer demands greater traceability events, and with academic value, “while also trying to strike a of this advertisement. two-piece retails for 149 euros ($163) and and ecology, especially when it comes to balance between that, being timely and what people are It’s an ad from iconic US jeans maker comes with a small detachable ultraviolet denim because it is a product that is a bit searching for,” she said. She declined to comment on how Levi Strauss for Project Jacquard, an ini- sensor that, through a smart phone or controversial,” said Marion Foret, fashion events that are politically sensitive in China, like the Cultural tiative with Google that the companies tablet, sends a “sun screen alert” when products chief for Premiere Vision Paris, Revolution and the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, started two years ago for so-called the sunbather’s skin needs more protec- which organizes trade shows for the tex- would be treated. “smart” denim. The future of the popular tive cream. The detector is calibrated to tile and clothing sector, including the Qiao Mu, an independent media analyst in Beijing, said the fabric was the focus at a recent interna- the wearer’s skin type and how much of a denim show. Chinese Encyclopedia would be “quite different” from tional fashion fair in Paris-after all most tan she wants to get, and is “virtually Denim is a product “that doesn’t Wikipedia because of the need to toe the line on political believe the word denim derives from the devoid of any radiation,” Spinal said. The always carry the best reputation, so tex- taboos. “If it’s not blocked in China, the publisher must accept French “serge de Nimes”, a serge from Spinal jeans, made in France, cost 150 tile makers are forced to use more eco- censorship, either self-censorship or censored by authorities,” the city of Nimes. euros and also have email notification logical processes,” Foret added, such as he said. He said the encyclopedia would likely present a single, The fair featured many wearable inno- capabilities. “They will vibrate differently making denims with organic or traceable official version of sensitive historical events, and exclude items vations such as a waterproof jacket with depending on whether the message cotton, cleaning denims without water, like the Tiananmen crackdown and the outlawed Falun Gong sunscreen bands and a cable in the pock- received is from your family, your friends and using dyes that won’t pollute the spiritual group, which “never exist on the internet.”— AP et to recharge a cellphone, or jeans that or work, in a way that you won’t have to land. In keeping with that trend, Dutch keep your body temperature stable. constantly check your email on week- fashion designer Pauline van Wongen Once mainly the purview of athletic gear- ends or on vacation,” Spinal said. makes denims using fabrics from used with moisture-wicking shirts and trousers On their end, Google and Levi expect and already worn jeans. and then clothing that can track motion, to release their denim jacket sometime Others seek to keep consumers better heart rate, and body temperature-the this year, but it will come with a hefty informed like Pakistani manufacturer new trend for fashion designers is to take $350 price tag due in part to its special Artistic Fabric Mills which developed an everyday wear and transform it using interactive fabric that allows the jacket’s application to retrace the history of the new technologies. wearer to order various products online. jeans. But for some young fashion stu- This is clothing made from specially dents the future of jeans is not all about woven fabric with touch-screen control Environmental concerns technology. “Connecting jeans to a capabilities that can be designed in such Other international etch and fashion smartphone is not necessarily what we a way to visually stand out or go unno- companies have also jumped on the want to have,” said Aurelia Martin, who ticed depending on designers’ wishes. “smart” denim bandwagon. Using ther- studies fashion in Brussels. “There are French-based fashion company Spinal mo-regulated fabric and microfiber cloth problems that are a little more essential Design, for example, has created jeans popular in athletic wear, Brazilian textile in terms of production, the dye, the cot- BEIJING: A Chinese man walks by cabinets displaying that can give wearers with directions maker Vicugna Tex til has designed den- ton, the (jeans’) pretty weak longevity, Chinese encyclopedias at a book store. — AP without having to whip out the mobile at ims that will keep the wearer’s core tem- and the quality.”—AFP TV listings SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

00:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 19:30 Bizaardvark 09:00 Jake And The Never Land 13:45 Celebrity Style Story Witch 19:55 Bunkʼd Pirates 14:15 E! News: Daily Pop 01:40 Hank Zipzer 20:20 Elena Of Avalor 09:30 Sofia The First 15:10 Keeping Up With The 02:05 Binny And The Ghost 20:45 Disney The Lodge 10:00 The Lion Guard Kardashians 02:30 Binny And The Ghost 21:10 Girl Meets World 10:30 Mickey And The Roadster 16:10 Keeping Up With The 00:45 Bondi Vet 00:30 How Do They Do It? 02:55 Hank Zipzer 21:35 Thatʼs So Raven Racers Kardashians 01:40 Wildest Africa 00:55 Food Factory 03:15 The Hive 22:00 Shake It Up 11:00 PJ Masks 17:05 Hollywood Medium With Tyler 02:35 Tanked 01:20 Mythbusters 03:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 22:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 11:25 Goldie & Bear Henry 03:25 Untamed China With Nigel 02:10 Invisible Worlds Witch Witch 11:55 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 19:00 E! News Marven 03:00 Prototype This 04:10 Hank Zipzer 23:10 Hank Zipzer 12:20 Jake And The Never Land 20:00 Revenge Body With Khloe 04:15 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 03:48 Mythbusters 04:35 Binny And The Ghost Pirates Kardashian 05:02 Big Fish Man 04:36 How Do They Do It? 05:00 Binny And The Ghost 12:50 The Lion Guard 21:00 Fashion Police 05:49 Wildest Africa 05:00 Food Factory 05:25 Hank Zipzer 13:15 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 22:00 Keeping Up With The 06:36 Swamp Brothers 05:24 Mythbusters 05:45 The Hive 13:45 Doc McStuffins Kardashians 07:00 Swamp Brothers 06:12 Invisible Worlds 05:50 The 7D 14:10 Goldie & Bear 23:00 E! News 07:25 Animal Cops Houston 07:00 How Do They Do It? 06:00 Jessie 14:40 Mickey And The Roadster 08:15 Meet The Penguins 07:26 Food Factory 06:25 Jessie 00:00 Henry Hugglemonster Racers 08:40 Meet The Penguins 09:26 How Do They Do It? 06:50 Tsum Tsum Shorts 00:15 Calimero 15:05 PJ Masks 09:10 The Pool Master 11:26 Ecopolis 06:55 Austin & Ally 00:30 Art Attack 15:35 The Lion Guard 10:05 Treetop Cat Rescue 12:14 Ecopolis 07:20 Rolling With The Ronks 00:55 Zou 16:05 Miles From Tomorrow 13:02 Ecopolis 10:30 Treetop Cat Rescue 07:45 The Zhuzhus 01:05 Loopdidoo 16:35 Sofia The First 00:00 Brad Meltzerʼs Lost History 11:00 Wild Ones 13:50 Ecopolis 08:10 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 01:20 Henry Hugglemonster 17:35 Doc McStuffins 14:38 Invisible Worlds 01:00 Mud Men 11:25 Wild Ones And Cat Noir 01:35 Calimero 18:05 Jake And The Never Land 02:00 Americaʼs Book Of Secrets 11:55 Bondi Vet 15:26 Mythbusters 08:35 Elena Of Avalor 01:50 Zou Pirates 16:14 Mythbusters 02:50 Ancient Aliens 12:50 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 09:00 Stuck In The Middle 02:05 Art Attack 18:35 Sofia The First 03:40 Smartest Guy In The Room 13:45 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 17:02 Mythbusters 09:25 Disney The Lodge 02:30 The Hive 19:05 Goldie & Bear 17:50 Mythbusters 04:05 Smartest Guy In The Room 14:40 Cats 101 09:50 Bunkʼd 02:40 Loopdidoo 19:35 Goldie & Bear 04:30 The Universe 15:35 Cats 101 18:40 Mythbusters 10:15 Bizaardvark 02:55 Henry Hugglemonster 20:05 Sofia The First 19:30 How The Universe Works 05:20 Brad Meltzerʼs Lost History 16:30 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 10:40 The Suite Life Movie 03:10 Art Attack 20:35 Mickey And The Roadster 06:10 The Universe 17:25 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 20:20 Sport Science 12:20 Disney The Lodge 03:35 Loopdidoo Racers 21:10 Strip The Cosmos 07:00 Mud Men 18:20 Rugged Justice 12:45 Disney The Lodge 03:50 Calimero 21:00 Goldie & Bear 08:00 Americaʼs Book Of Secrets 19:15 Wildest Africa 22:00 Home Factory 13:10 Disney The Lodge 04:05 Art Attack 21:25 Jake And The Never Land 22:25 Home Factory 09:00 Ancient Aliens 20:10 Wild Animal Rescue 13:35 Disney The Lodge 04:30 Henry Hugglemonster Pirates 10:00 Smartest Guy In The Room 21:05 Pit Bulls & Parolees 22:50 Mythbusters 14:00 Disney The Lodge 04:45 Zou 21:50 Minnieʼs Bow-Toons 23:40 Prototype This 10:30 Smartest Guy In The Room 22:00 Rugged Justice 14:25 Jessie 05:00 Art Attack 22:00 Jake And The Never Land 11:00 The Universe 22:55 Tanked 14:50 Jessie 05:30 Henry Hugglemonster Pirates 12:00 Brad Meltzerʼs Lost History 23:50 Tanked 15:15 Austin & Ally 05:45 Loopdidoo 13:00 Mud Men 15:40 Austin & Ally 06:00 Zou 14:00 Americaʼs Book Of Secrets 16:05 Descendants Wicked World 06:15 Calimero 15:00 Ancient Aliens 16:10 Elena Of Avalor 06:30 Loopdidoo 16:00 Smartest Guy In The Room 16:35 Liv And Maddie 06:45 Henry Hugglemonster 16:30 Smartest Guy In The Room 17:00 Girl Meets World 07:00 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 17:00 The Universe 17:25 The Little Mermaid 07:30 Goldie & Bear 18:00 How 2 Win 00:00 Monster In My Family 00:00 Binny And The Ghost 00:25 Hank Zipzer 19:00 Star Darlings 08:00 Mickey And The Roadster 19:00 How 2 Win 01:00 My Haunted House Racers 06:00 Supa Strikas 00:45 The Hive 19:05 Stuck In The Middle 06:25 Supa Strikas 20:00 How 2 Win 02:00 Killer Kids 08:30 Doc McStuffins 21:00 How 2 Win 03:00 Deadly Wives 06:50 Marvelʼs Guardians Of The Galaxy 22:00 How 2 Win 04:00 Monster In My Family 23:00 How 2 Win 05:00 My Haunted House 07:15 Gravity Falls 06:00 My Crazy Ex 07:40 Walk The Prank 07:00 The First 48 08:05 Two More Eggs 08:00 Gangs Of Britain... 08:10 K.C. Undercover 09:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 08:35 Milo Murphyʼs Law 10:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 09:00 Supa Strikas 11:00 Crimes That Shook Australia 09:25 Supa Strikas 12:00 Crimes That Shook Australia 09:50 Supa Strikas 00:20 Search For The Lost Giants 13:00 The First 48 10:20 Supa Strikas 01:10 Leepu And Pitbull 14:00 The First 48 10:45 Supa Strikas 02:00 Ice Road Truckers 15:00 Monster In My Family 11:10 Supa Strikas 02:50 Pawn Stars UK 16:00 Monster In My Family 11:35 Supa Strikas 03:15 Pawn Stars UK 17:00 Evil Up Close 12:00 Hercules 03:40 Pawn Stars UK 18:00 Evil Up Close 13:30 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 04:05 Pawn Stars UK 19:00 Evil Up Close 13:45 Gamerʼs Guide To Pretty Much 04:30 Pawn Stars UK 20:00 The First 48 Everything 05:00 Leepu And Pitbull 21:00 Homicide Hunter 14:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 06:00 Storage Wars 22:00 They Took Our Child, We Got 14:15 Milo Murphyʼs Law 06:25 Storage Wars Her Back 14:40 K.C. Undercover 06:50 Pawn Stars South Africa 23:00 Leah Remini: Scientology And 15:05 Walk The Prank 07:15 Pawn Stars South Africa The Aftermath 15:30 Atomic Puppet 07:40 American Pickers 15:55 Lab Rats 08:30 Pawn Stars 16:25 Mech-X4 08:55 Pawn Stars South Africa 16:50 K.C. Undercover 09:20 Lost In Transmission 17:15 Gamerʼs Guide To Pretty Much 10:10 Leepu And Pitbull Everything 11:00 Shipping Wars 17:40 Mighty Med 11:25 Shipping Wars 00:30 Science Of The Movies 18:10 Star Wars Rebels 11:50 Ice Road Truckers 01:20 Battle Bots 18:35 The Return Of Jafar 12:40 Ax Men 02:10 Donʼt Blink 19:55 K.C. Undercover 13:30 Lost Worlds 02:35 Donʼt Blink 20:20 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 14:20 The Curse Of Oak Island 03:00 Destroyed In Seconds 20:45 Mighty Med 15:10 The Curse Of Oak Island 03:25 Destroyed In Seconds 21:10 Star Wars Rebels 16:00 Gold Hunters: Legend Of The 03:50 Donʼt Drive Here 21:40 Disney Mickey Mouse Superstition... 04:40 How Itʼs Made 21:45 Marvelʼs Guardians Of The 16:50 Big Easy Motors 05:05 How Itʼs Made Galaxy 17:15 Big Easy Motors 05:30 Strangest Weather On Earth 22:10 Ultimate Spider-Man 17:40 American Restoration 06:20 Mythbusters 22:35 Boyster 18:30 American Pickers 07:00 Doki 23:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am 19:20 American Pickers 07:25 Doki KSA 20:10 Forged In Fire 07:50 Kids vs Film 21:00 The Curse Of Oak Island 08:15 Kids vs Film 21:50 Mummies Alive 08:40 Bad Dog 22:40 Search For The Lost Giants 09:30 Bad Dog 23:30 American Restoration 10:20 Bad Dog 11:10 Bad Dog 00:05 Keeping Up With The 12:00 Bad Dog Kardashians 12:50 Mythbusters 01:50 E! News 13:40 Mythbusters 02:50 Celebrity Style Story 14:30 Mythbusters 03:20 Celebrity Style Story 15:20 Mythbusters 03:50 Botched By Nature 00:15 Charlie Luxtonʼs Homes By 16:10 Mythbusters 04:40 Botched By Nature The Sea 17:00 Redesign My Brain 05:30 Celebrity Style Story 01:10 Andy And Ben Eat Australia 17:50 Dogs: The Untold Story 06:00 Hollywood Medium With Tyler 01:40 Andy And Ben Eat Australia 18:40 Battle Bots Henry 02:05 Carnival Eats 19:30 React To That 06:55 E! News 02:35 My Restaurant In India 19:55 React To That 07:10 Hollywood Medium With Tyler 03:00 Chasing The Sun 20:20 Now Thatʼs Funny Henry 03:25 Chasing The Sun 21:10 The Carbonaro Effect 08:10 E! News: Daily Pop 03:55 Eat Street 21:35 The Carbonaro Effect 09:05 Botched 04:25 Eat Street 22:00 Destroyed In Seconds 09:55 Botched 04:50 A Model Adventure 22:25 Destroyed In Seconds 10:45 E! News 05:45 Places We Go 22:50 Destroyed In Seconds 11:00 Live From The Red Carpet 06:15 Around The World In 80 23:15 Destroyed In Seconds 12:25 Fashion Police Dishes 23:40 React To That UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL ON OSN MOVIES HD 13:15 E! News 07:10 Food Loverʼs Guide To The TV listings SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

Planet 07:35 The Game Chef 08:05 Restoration Man 09:00 Living Free With Kimi Werner 09:55 Chasing The Sun 00:02 Max & Ruby 10:20 Andy And Ben Eat Australia 00:26 Ben & Hollyʼs Little Kingdom 10:50 Fish Of The Day 00:46 The Day Henry Met 11:45 Whatʼs For Sale? 00:57 Blaze And The Monster 12:40 Andy And Ben Eat Australia Machines 13:35 Carnival Eats 01:20 Blaze And The Monster 14:00 My Restaurant In India Machines 14:30 Chasing The Sun 01:42 Zack & Quack 14:55 Chasing The Sun 02:13 Team Umizoomi 15:25 Glamour Puds 02:35 Olive The Ostrich 15:50 Croatiaʼs Finest 02:44 Paw Patrol 16:20 Around The World In 80 03:44 Shimmer And Shine Dishes 04:06 Shimmer And Shine 17:15 Lyndey Milan - Taste Of 04:29 Dora And Friends Australia 05:16 Blaze And The Monster 17:40 Saraʼs Australia Unveiled Machines 18:10 Food Loverʼs Guide To The 06:00 Rusty Rivets Planet 06:13 Paw Patrol 18:35 Food Loverʼs Guide To The 06:37 Dora The Explorer Planet 07:00 Zack & Quack 19:05 Chasing The Sun 07:22 Dora And Friends 19:30 Glamour Puds 07:45 Blaze And The Monster 20:00 Croatiaʼs Finest Machines 20:30 Lyndey Milan - Taste Of 08:07 Paw Patrol Australia 08:30 Shimmer And Shine 21:00 Around The World In 80 08:53 Dora The Explorer Dishes 09:16 The Day Henry Met 22:00 Saraʼs Australia Unveiled 09:21 Paw Patrol 22:25 Food Loverʼs Guide To The 09:44 Rusty Rivets Planet 09:57 Bubble Guppies 10:21 Fresh Beat Band Of Spies 10:43 Zack & Quack 10:54 Team Umizoomi 11:17 Shimmer And Shine 11:40 Louie 00:10 The Chase 11:47 Louie 01:00 Emmerdale I AM NUMBER FOUR ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 11:53 Olive The Ostrich 03:25 Coronation Street 12:02 Max & Ruby 05:30 Jekyll And Hyde 02:30 Itʼs Always Sunny In 12:26 Ben & Hollyʼs Little Kingdom 06:15 Shoot The Messenger 05:15 I Believe In Miracles 06:50 Sister Wives 12:47 The Day Henry Met Philadelphia 07:00 Alex Of Venice 07:40 Sister Wives 07:15 Itʼs Not Rocket Science 03:00 Black-ish 12:57 Blaze And The Monster 08:15 Guess This House 08:30 The Beat Beneath My Feet 08:30 Say Yes To The Dress Machines 03:30 Kevin Can Wait 10:00 Life Of A King 09:20 Randy To The Rescue 09:20 Broadchurch 04:00 Breaking In 13:20 Blaze And The Monster 10:15 Broadchurch 11:45 The Wave 10:10 Obsessive Compulsive Machines 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 01:30 I Am Number Four 13:30 Alex Of Venice Cleaners 11:10 The Moorside Jimmy Fallon 13:42 Zack & Quack 12:10 Come Date With Me Australia 03:30 Bad Company 15:00 The Theory Of Everything 11:00 Obsessive Compulsive 14:13 Team Umizoomi 05:30 Fresh Off The Boat 05:30 The Throwaways 17:00 Wuthering Heights Cleaners 12:40 Come Date With Me Australia 06:00 Til Death 14:35 Olive The Ostrich 13:10 Come Date With Me Australia 07:15 Insurgent 18:45 A Birderʼs Guide To Everything 11:50 Say Yes To The Dress: 14:44 Paw Patrol 06:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 09:15 I Am Number Four 20:15 99 Homes Bridesmaids 14:05 Come Date With Me Australia 07:30 Last Man Standing 15:44 Shimmer And Shine 14:35 Come Date With Me Australia 11:15 Bad Company 22:15 The Danish Girl 12:15 Say Yes To The Dress: 16:29 Dora And Friends 08:00 Breaking In 13:15 Beverly Hills Cop 3 Bridesmaids 15:00 Surprise Surprise 08:30 Black-ish 17:16 Blaze And The Monster 15:55 Jekyll And Hyde 15:00 Insurgent 13:55 Say Yes To The Dress Machines 09:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 Escape 14:45 Promzillas 16:50 Shoot The Messenger 10:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 18:00 Rusty Rivets 17:45 The Moorside 18:30 Tracers 15:35 My Big Fat Fabulous Life 18:13 Paw Patrol 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 20:15 Rise Of The Legend 16:00 My Big Fat Fabulous Life 18:45 Ginoʼs Italian Escape Jimmy Fallon 18:37 Dora The Explorer 19:15 Broadchurch 22:30 Wild Card 00:15 End Of Days 16:25 My Big Fat Fabulous Life 19:00 Zack & Quack 12:00 Til Death 16:50 My Big Fat Fabulous Life 20:10 Broadchurch 12:30 Breaking In 02:20 Goldfinger 19:21 Dora And Friends 21:00 Itʼs Not Rocket Science 04:10 Gridiron Gang 17:15 My Big Fat Fabulous Life 19:45 Blaze And The Monster 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:40 Oprah: Where Are They Now? 21:55 5 Star Family Reunion 14:00 Kevin Can Wait 06:20 Up Close And Personal Machines 22:50 Coronation Street 08:30 The Chronicles Of Narnia: 18:30 Oprahʼs Master Class 20:07 Dora The Explorer 14:30 Last Man Standing 19:20 Say Yes To The Dress 23:15 Coronation Street 15:00 Fresh Off The Boat Voyage Of The Dawn... 21:15 The Day Henry Met 23:40 Coronation Street 10:30 The Horse Whisperer 20:10 Are You Fitter Than A 21:26 Paw Patrol 15:30 The Mindy Project 00:15 Neighbors Pensioner? 16:00 The Mindy Project 02:00 Daddyʼs Home 13:30 Air Force One 21:48 Rusty Rivets 15:35 Reign Over Me 21:00 Oprah: Where Are They Now? 22:02 Blaze And The Monster 16:30 Til Death 03:45 Babyʼs Day Out 21:50 Oprahʼs Master Class 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 05:30 Lovesick 17:45 When A Man Loves A Woman Machines 20:00 Erin Brockovich 22:40 90 Days To Wed 22:24 Blaze And The Monster 18:00 Wrecked 07:00 The Final Girls 23:30 Diagnose Me 18:30 Life In Pieces 08:30 Take Care 22:15 Hustle And Flow Machines 19:00 Modern Family 10:00 Babyʼs Day Out 19:30 Modern Family 11:45 Lovesick 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 13:15 The Final Girls 00:20 Puma: Lion Of The Andes 14:45 Babe: Pig In The City 01:10 Animals Gone Wild Jimmy Fallon 21:00 The Mindy Project 16:30 Valentineʼs Day Compilations 18:45 The Duff 02:00 Bandits Of Selous 21:30 The Mindy Project 22:00 Quincy Jones: Burning The 20:30 Break Point 01:00 The Adventures Of Rocky And 02:50 Penguinpalooza 22:00 Stung Bullwinkle 03:45 Indiaʼs Wild Edens Light 23:00 Itʼs Always Sunny In 23:30 Screwed 02:45 Frog Kingdom 04:40 Man And The Wild 04:30 Egon And Donci 05:35 Wild Vietnam Philadelphia 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 06:00 Rugrats In Paris: The Movie 06:30 Monster Fish 07:30 Daddy Iʼm A Zombie 07:25 Monster Fish 09:00 Gladiators Of Rome 08:20 Extreme Animal Babies 10:45 Savva 09:15 How Human Are You? 12:30 The Adventures Of Rocky And 10:10 Ultimate Predators GPU Bullwinkle 11:05 Maneater Manhunt 01:00 The Borrowers 02:45 The Parent Trap 14:15 The Swan Princess: Pirate 12:00 Manta Mystery 00:00 Homeland Today, Princess Tomorrow 12:55 Operation Sumatran Rhino 05:00 Pirates Of The Caribbean: 01:00 Frequency Curse Of The Black Pearl 16:00 Gladiators Of Rome 13:50 Predator Patrol 02:00 Eyewitness 17:45 Garfield 14:45 Animal Superpowers 07:30 The Emperorʼs New Groove 03:00 Survivor: Game Changers 09:00 Meet The Robinsons 19:15 Thumbelina 15:40 Born Wild 04:00 Timeless 21:00 The Swan Princess: Pirate 16:35 Animal Fight Club 4.5 10:45 Pirates Of The Caribbean: 05:00 Good Morning America Curse Of The Black Pearl Today, Princess Tomorrow 17:30 Ultimate Predators GPU 07:00 The Chew 22:30 Daddy Iʼm A Zombie 18:25 Clan Of The Meerkat 13:15 Kronkʼs New Groove 08:00 The View 14:30 James And The Giant Peach 19:20 Animal Superpowers 09:00 The Art Of More 20:10 Born Wild 16:00 The Unbeatables 10:00 Timeless 17:45 The Secret Of The Magic 21:00 Animal Fight Club 4.5 11:00 Once Upon A Time 21:50 Ultimate Predators GPU Gourd 12:00 The Chew 19:15 Max Keebleʼs Big Move 22:40 Clan Of The Meerkat 13:00 The View 23:30 Manta Mystery 20:45 James And The Giant Peach 14:00 Survivor: Game Changers 22:15 The Secret Of The Magic 15:00 Live Good Morning America - Gourd 00:20 Extraordinary Pregnancies Weekend 23:45 Max Keebleʼs Big Move 01:10 The Undateables 16:00 The Art Of More 02:00 Married By Mum And Dad 17:00 Timeless 02:50 Monsters Inside Me 18:00 Once Upon A Time 03:35 Outdaughtered: Busby Quints 19:00 Greyʼs Anatomy 04:20 Toddlers & Tiaras 00:30 The Mindy Project 20:00 The Blacklist 05:10 Toddlers & Tiaras 01:00 The Mindy Project 21:00 Game Of Silence 00:00 Cobain 06:00 Sister Wives 01:30 One Mississippi 22:00 Supernatural 02:15 Alex Of Venice 06:25 Say Yes To The Dress: 02:00 One Mississippi 23:00 Bates Motel 03:45 The Beat Beneath My Feet Bridesmaids BABYʼS DAY OUT ON OSN MOVIES COMEDY HD WHAT’S ON SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

NSH honored with GCC Best CSR Award -2017

SH has been honoured with the GCC NSH Vice President received the award from It is a matter of pride that NSH was hon- the leading role in the welfare activities. In NBest CSR Award - 2017 (Gold Award) Chairman of American Society of Safety ored with the Best CSR Award - 2016 in the sidelines of the award ceremony, Sabu for the excellent employee welfare Engineers, Eng Fadhel Al-Ali and Youssef Al- Kuwait Level and; in GCC level this year. Sabu inaugurated the Green Mesh exhibition. activities and Corporate Social Qallaf, Kuwait Oil Company. Sabu was accom- appreciated the General Manager Harikumar, Project Manager PV Santhosh Kumar, Responsibilities. The award ceremony was panied by Dr Michael O Baili, Safety Director Project Managers and other managers for the Chandan, Hareesh, KR Mohan were among held at the Hilton Hotel on 2 May 2017. Sabu, and Tzonka. teamwork and HR Manager Pani J Anthony for those present. Soorya Festival mesmerizes audience

oorya Kuwait Chapter staged ‘Soorya India Festival 2016’ artistes. Later, the artistes were honored with gifts for their Son April 27, 2017 at the Salmiya Indian Model School, illustrious recitals. Renjith Pillai and Vijay Karayil presented Salmiya. Sibi US, Second Secretary (Labor), Indian the gifts. Soorya has been disseminating Indian art and cul- Embassy, inaugurated the festival by lighting the lamp, along ture through music and dance with its 19 chapters all over with Renjith Pillai, Vijay Karayil, President, and B.S. Pillai, the world. Soorya is committed to propagating the rich General Secretary. The embassy official appreciated Soorya Indian art and culture with the active support of chief patron Kuwait Chapter for its excellent efforts in promoting the rich Dr B.R. Shetty. Indian culture. General Secretary welcomed the audience. The program titled “Insight” was presented with three strong women characters in three solo dramas by three Bharatanatyam exponents Dr Janaki Rangarajan as Draupathi, Arupa Lahiry as Ahalia and Dakshina Vaidyanathan as Soorpanakha , was an excellent treat that mesmerized the audience of all age groups. The program started with the performance of Arupa Lahiry. A disciple of legendary Chennai-based dancer Chitra Viswesaran, she regaled the viewers as the danseuse show- cased effortless expressions and quick movement. She did her best in the abhinaya sequences to bring the character to life. Nandanamani Dr Janaki Rangarajan, presented excerpts from ‘Unraveled’, a new solo dance theatre production that explores the unseen layers of the iconic Draupati. Her preci- sion in dance, outstanding flexibility, graceful and convincing acting were all reflected in her recitals. The performance of Dakshina Vaidyanathan as Soorpanakha captivated the audi- ence with her brilliant movements. She did full justice to the lyrics and presented it with beauty and involvement. In total, the performance of all the artistes was eye-catching as it was clear from the standing ovation that the crowd gave to the WHAT’S ON SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

Indian Youth Society holds music show

xpect the Unexpected” that’s what cherished. Gill, the upcoming Bollywood singer and who were amazed and totally excited. This “EIndian Youth Society proved by hit- The event started up with the felicitation Gurinder Rai. The trio rocked the stage with was one of the first shows ever from an Indian ting a milestone in the history of of top sponsors and Indian Ambassador Sunil back to back hit numbers of Badshah be that at the Al-Shaheed Park Amphitheater which Indian entertainment in Kuwait. The Kuwait Jain and his wife who enthusiastically sup- the kaala Chashma, Tamma-Tamma, merci, added spice to the Badshah performance. IYS crowd experienced a lifetime experience at ported the event and appreciated the efforts abhi to party shuru huyi hai and many many has brought great artists like the comedy king the Amphitheater of Al-Shaheed Park where of Shabbir Qamar - President of IYS and his more and conquered the hearts of every indi- Kapil Sharma, Legendary singer Udit Narayan, the King of Rap “Badshah” captured the team for creating history. “We have a long vidual present in the park. The show was also Dance Deva Prabhu Deva, Dance master hearts with his live performance. An evening way to go and this is just a beginning,” says attended by many of Kuwaiti National fans of Terence Lewis, Geeta Kapoor, Altaf Raja, which glittered the Al-Shaheed Park with the Shabbir Qamar who thanked the sponsors, Badshah as well. Sughanda Mishra and Sabri brothers and torch lights of thousands of mobile phones audiences and his team member to accom- Prior commencing the show, the show looking forward to have some more great with tapping feet’s and dancing moves of the plish such an event. host Neeta Bhatkar and Shakir Shaikh went artist and great shows. audiences who just fumed the evening to be Badshah was accompanied with Aastha around and interviewed the Badshah fans HEALTH SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

PAYERNE: Initiator of the solar-powered stratospheric SolarStratos plane project Raphael PAYERNE: The SolarStratos solar-powered plane takes off during its first flight, with test Domjan (right) poses with test pilot Damian Hischier after the first test flight yesterday in pilot Damian Hischier on board in Payerne, western Switzerland.— AFP Payerne, western Switzerland. —AFP First test flight of stratospheric solar plane

PAYERNE: The first solar plane aimed at altitude,” the statement added. Eventually, square metres (237 square feet) of solar pan- an altitude of 25,000 meters will pose huge reaching the stratosphere made an initial low- the plane is expected to be able to fly at an els, which are meant to provide it with 24 technical and human challenges, SolarStratos altitude test flight over Switzerland yesterday. altitude of 25,000 metres (82,000 feet), an hours of autonomous flying time. The plane points out on its website. The SolarStratos, a super-light, sleek, white impossible feat using a propulsion-driven air- weighs just 450 kilos (992 pounds). Domjan, The plane and pilot will also be subject to two-seater aircraft with long wings covered craft. Swiss adventurer Raphael Domjan, who who in 2012 became the first person to sail temperatures as low as -70 degrees Celsius (- with solar panels, took off from Payerne at is behind the project, aims to take the plane around the world in a fully solar-powered 94 degrees Fahrenheit), it said. And for weight 8:00 am, according to an AFP photographer at on its first stratospheric flight next year. boat, is aiming to go on a five-hour mission reasons, the aircraft will not be pressurized, the airbase in western Switzerland. “The into the stratosphere: two hours up and forcing Domjan to wear a spacesuit, meaning maiden flight of the prototype ... went off Harness potential three hours back. he will not be able to get out of the plane without a hitch,” the SolarStratos team said in “We must continue to work hard to learn The stratosphere lies above Earth’s lowest using a parachute in the case of an emer- a statement. how to harness the potential of this solar- atmospheric layer, called the troposphere. At gency, SolarStratos said. The project comes Pilot Damian Hischier took the craft for a powered treasure,” he said yesterday. “We middle latitudes, the stratosphere runs from a after two of Domjan’s compatriots, Bertrand seven-minute test flight, reaching an altitude want to demonstrate that with current tech- lower boundary of about 10,000 meters to an Piccard and Andre Borschberg, completed the of 300 metres (nearly 1,000 feet), it said. “The nology, it is possible to go beyond what fos- upper boundary of about 50,000 meters. Until first-ever round-the-globe trip in a solar plane group will now study the test flight results sil fuels offer.” The SolarStratos is 8.5 meters now, reaching the stratosphere has required last July, in a bid to showcase the possibilities before scheduling a longer flight at higher long, with long wings covered with 22 large quantities of energy or helium. Reaching for the future of renewable energy.—AFP

Mysterious illness India solar power: A shot in in Liberia linked to the arm for health centers Poisoning; 12 died Health centers look for alternative ways to stay functional GENEVA: Evidence suggests a mysterious illness that has killed 12 people in Liberia is linked to food CHENNAI: For Dr Vinayak Salunke, To change that, a pilot project states that only a fifth of primary health or drink poisoning and is not a viral infection, the UN flashlights worth less than $10 each are launching this month in Tamil Nadu, centers meet Indian public health stan- said yesterday, confirming three new cases. The one of the most valuable assets at the Maharashtra and Haryana states aims dards, which includes having functional World Health Organization said that as of Vihamandra health centre in to set up replicable, cost-effective solar infrastructure for electricity. Wednesday the number of patients had risen to 28, Aurangabad in India’s western state of power plants at health centers - the with the sickness still unexplained although Ebola Maharashtra. With the clinic serving a first point of access to a doctor for rural The last mile and Lassa fever have been ruled out. Results from population of 48,000, Salunke must residents - and evaluate their impact Centres that are connected to the prepare for up to six hours of power on healthcare delivery. The Indian grid battle with an erratic, poor-quality ongoing tests at labs in the United States and cuts daily, rather like a surgeon scrub- Council of Medical Research and the power supply that puts at risk baby Europe are still pending, but WHO spokesman Tarik bing up for surgery. “We don’t have Council on Energy, Environment and deliveries, paediatric emergencies and Jaserevic told reporters in Geneva that “the overall power back-up, so the torch batteries Water (CEEW), a non-profit research cold storage of vaccines, campaigners risk of spread is low.” “These findings are indicative are vital. We check them every day,” he institute, are collaborating to light up say. Electricity access is also needed for of a point source of infection”, he added, explaining said. “We also monitor the temperature three centers and meet their essential clean water supplies, communication that the leading theory being investigated was of our refrigerator constantly to make operational requirements. “The aim... is services, mobile health applications “food, drink or water poisoning.” sure vaccines and drugs are safe. It’s to create resilient health systems in and retention of skilled staff, they add. The fact that the cases appeared tied to one become a way of life now.” rural India, benefiting primarily women “We came across instances where long funeral further suggested that an isolated poisoning The health centre is one of tens of and children,” said Soumya power cuts forced doctors to rush vac- was to blame. Liberia first started registering inci- thousands in India with little or no Swaminathan, director-general of the cines to another health centre 20-odd dents of the mystery sickness on April 23, triggering power supply that are now looking for medical research council. kilometers away, only to discover that alternative ways to stay functional. “Illnesses do not come based on the there was no electricity there either,” memories of the devastating West African Ebola epi- Across several states in India, govern- time electricity is available. Any time a said Aditya Ramji of the CEEW, which is demic that began in late 2013. WHO and medical ment health centers are gradually turn- patient comes, electricity should be collaborating with the government on charity Doctors Without Borders have said the warn- ing to solar energy for a reliable power available to enable quality health serv- the pilot project. “No power is making ing system put in place in Liberia after the Ebola cri- supply to store their vaccines, operate ices.” Nearly 35 million people in rural the last-mile delivery of health care sis prompted fast action following the recent deaths. infant warmers, sterilize equipment India relied on un-electrified primary extremely difficult,” he added. In many The unexplained illness was first seen in coastal and cut the time spent caring for health centers as of 2015, according to cases, diesel generators have become a Sinoe County and has since been registered in the patients. Up to now, solar has been government data. One in every two pri- lifeline for primary health centers, their capital Monrovia. It causes fever, vomiting, deployed at such facilities mostly on a mary health centers has no electricity constant hum the only assurance of headaches and diarrhoea.—AFP small scale, not as the main source of or suffers from power outages, sustained electricity to doctors and electricity. Swaminathan said. A 2016 CEEW report patients.—Reuters HEALTH SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 Obamacare rollback would dump Medicaid expansion, taxes

WASHINGTON: After months of internal coverage of about two months or more. the Medicaid expansion to continue until Jan no longer have to cover some Obamacare- discord, Republicans in the US House of Insurers won a provision they had long 1, 2020. After that date, expansion would end mandated essential health benefits, fulfilling Representatives on Thursday approved a sought: The ability to charge older and Medicaid funding would be capped on a a Republican promise to return more control bill to overhaul the Affordable Care Act, Americans up to five times more than per-person basis. State Medicaid plans would to the states.— Reuters known as Obamacare, which they have young people. Under Obamacare, they been attacking since it was enacted in could only charge up to three times more. 2010. Two attempts in recent weeks to pass an overhaul bill had collapsed in confusion, Tax but Republicans overcame their differences The bill would end in 2018 Obamacare’s in a 217-213 vote that will send the bill to income-based tax credits that help low- the Senate, where its outlook was uncer- income people buy insurance. These would tain. Obamacare brought health insurance be replaced with age-based tax credits coverage to millions of Americans. An early ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 per year that estimate by nonpartisan congressional would be capped at upper-income levels. researchers of the impact of the Republican While Obamacare’s credits gave more help rollback bill, known as the American Health to those with lower incomes, the Care Act, or AHCA, said it would leave 24 Republican plan would be largely age- million more Americans without insurance based. The Republican bill would abolish coverage by 2026. Here are the bill’s main most Obamacare taxes, including on med- provisions: ical devices, health insurance premiums, indoor tanning salons, prescription medica- Coverage tions and high-cost employer-provided The Republican plan would maintain insurance known as “Cadillac” plans. Those some of Obamacare’s most popular provi- taxes paid for Obamacare. Republicans sions. It would allow young adults to stay have not said how they would pay for the on their parents’ health plan until age 26. parts of the law they want to keep. The bill The bill would let states opt out of would also repeal the Obamacare financial Obamacare’s mandate that insurers charge penalty for the 2016 tax year for not pur- the same rates on sick and healthy people. chasing insurance, as well as a surtax on It would also allow states to opt out of investment income earned by upper- Obamacare’s requirement that insurers income Americans. It would repeal the cover 10 essential health benefits, such as mandate that larger employers must offer maternity care and prescription drug costs. insurance to their employees. The measure would provide states with $100 billion, largely to fund high-risk pools Medicaid to provide insurance to the sickest patients. Under Obamacare, more than 30 states, The bill also would provide $8 billion over including about a dozen Republican states, five years to help those with pre-existing expanded the Medicaid government health conditions pay for insurance. It would let insurance program for the poor. About half insurers mark up premiums by 30 percent of Obamacare enrollees obtained insurance KARLSRUHE, Germany: 31-year-old hippopotamus ‘Kathy’ widely opens her mouth to eat for those who have a lapse in insurance through the expansion. The bill would allow salad at the zoo in Karlsruhe, southwestern Germany yesterday. —AFP SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

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KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (04/05/2017 TO 10/05/2017)

SHARQIA-1 GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 10:00 PM BAAHUBALI 2: The Conclusion -Tamil 3:15 PM SOUKAR BARAH 11:45 AM FANAR-2 GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 12:45 AM BAAHUBALI 2: The Conclusion -Malayalam 6:30 PM SOUKAR BARAH 1:45 PM THE BOSS BABY 11:45 AM BAAHUBALI 2: The Conclusion -Tamil 9:45 PM SPARK: A SPACE TAIL 4:00 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 1:45 PM AVENUES-1 MONOLITH 1:00 AM THE BOSS BABY 6:00 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 4:15 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 11:30 AM SOUKAR BARAH 8:00 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 6:45 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 1:30 PM AL-KOUT.1 SOUKAR BARAH 10:00 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 9:30 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 3:30 PM THE BOSS BABY 11:30 AM SOUKAR BARAH 12:05 AM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 12:15 AM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 5:30 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 7:30 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 1:30 PM SHARQIA-2 FANAR-3 ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 9:30 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 4:00 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 11:30 AM SPARK: A SPACE TAIL 12:00 PM FREE FIRE 11:30 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 6:30 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 2:00 PM SPARK: A SPACE TAIL 2:00 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 9:00 PM BAAHUBALI 2: The Conclusion -Telugu 1:30 PM SPARK: A SPACE TAIL 4:00 PM AVENUES-2 GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 11:30 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 4:45 PM SPARK: A SPACE TAIL 6:00 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D-4DX 11:30 AM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 7:15 PM MONOLITH 8:00 PM THE BOSS BABY -3D-4DX 2:15 PM AL-KOUT.2 GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 9:45 PM MONOLITH 10:00 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D-4DX 4:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:45 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 12:30 AM MONOLITH 12:05 AM THE BOSS BABY -3D-4DX 7:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 3:15 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D-4DX 9:15 PM BAAHUBALI 2: The Conclusion -Telugu 2:45 PM SHARQIA-3 FANAR-4 GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D-4DX 12:05 AM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 12:15 PM SOUKAR BARAH 11:30 AM BAAHUBALI 2: The Conclusion -Telugu 6:00 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 2:15 PM SOUKAR BARAH 1:30 PM AVENUES-3 BAAHUBALI 2: The Conclusion -Telugu 9:15 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 4:15 PM BAAHUBALI 2: The Conclusion -Telugu 3:30 PM THE BOSS BABY 11:30 AM FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:30 AM BAAHUBALI 2: The Conclusion -Hindi 6:15 PM BAAHUBALI 2: The Conclusion -Hindi 3:30 PM NO SUN ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 9:30 PM NO FRI+SAT THE BOSS BABY 1:30 PM AL-KOUT.3 FAST & FURIOUS 8 11:30 PM BAAHUBALI 2: The Conclusion -Telugu 6:45 PM THE BOSS BABY 3:45 PM SOUKAR BARAH 12:00 PM BAAHUBALI 2: The Conclusion -Telugu 10:00 PM THE BOSS BABY 6:00 PM SOUKAR BARAH 2:00 PM MUHALAB-1 SOUKAR BARAH 1:15 AM THE BOSS BABY 8:15 PM THE BOSS BABY 4:00 PM BAAHUBALI 2: The Conclusion -Hindi 11:45 AM FAST & FURIOUS 8 10:30 PM THE BOSS BABY 6:00 PM BAAHUBALI 2: The Conclusion -Telugu 3:00 PM FANAR-5 MONOLITH 1:15 AM SOUKAR BARAH 8:00 PM BAAHUBALI 2: The Conclusion -Telugu 6:15 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 1:00 PM SOUKAR BARAH 10:00 PM BAAHUBALI 2: The Conclusion -Telugu 9:30 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 3:15 PM AVENUES-4 SOUKAR BARAH 12:05 AM FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:45 AM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 5:15 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 12:30 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 7:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 2:30 PM BAIRAQ-1 MUHALAB-2 ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 9:15 PM THE BOSS BABY 5:15 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 12:45 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 12:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 11:45 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 7:15 PM SPARK: A SPACE TAIL 2:45 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 3:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 9:15 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 5:45 PM BAAHUBALI 2: The Conclusion -Telugu 1:30 PM MARINA-1 FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:05 AM SPARK: A SPACE TAIL 4:45 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 12:00 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 8:15 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 6:45 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 2:00 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 11:00 PM 360º- 1 ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 8:45 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 4:00 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 11:30 AM FAST & FURIOUS 8 10:45 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 6:00 PM BAIRAQ-2 ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 8:00 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 2:15 PM THE BOSS BABY 12:00 PM MUHALAB-3 SOUKAR BARAH 10:00 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 5:00 PM THE BOSS BABY 2:00 PM SPARK: A SPACE TAIL 11:30 AM SOUKAR BARAH 12:05 AM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 7:45 PM THE BOSS BABY 4:00 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 1:30 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 10:30 PM THE BOSS BABY 6:00 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 4:00 PM MARINA-2 FREE FIRE 1:15 AM THE BOSS BABY 8:00 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 6:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:15 PM THE BOSS BABY 10:00 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 9:00 PM THE BOSS BABY 3:00 PM 360º- 2 FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:05 AM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 11:45 PM THE BOSS BABY 5:00 PM THE BOSS BABY 11:45 AM MONOLITH 1:45 PM THE BOSS BABY 7:00 PM BAIRAQ-3 THE BOSS BABY 3:45 PM FANAR-1 FAST & FURIOUS 8 9:00 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 11:30 AM SOUKAR BARAH 12:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 11:45 PM MONOLITH 6:00 PM SPARK: A SPACE TAIL 1:30 PM SOUKAR BARAH 2:30 PM MONOLITH 8:00 PM SPARK: A SPACE TAIL 3:30 PM THE BOSS BABY 4:30 PM MARINA-3 MONOLITH 10:00 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 5:30 PM THE BOSS BABY 6:30 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 11:45 AM MONOLITH 12:05 AM SOUKAR BARAH 8:30 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 2:15 PM SOUKAR BARAH 7:30 PM ROBO-DOG: AIRBORNE 9:30 PM SOUKAR BARAH 10:30 PM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 4:45 PM 360º- 3 SOUKAR BARAH 11:30 PM SOUKAR BARAH 12:30 AM GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 -3D 7:30 PM THE LOST CITY OF Z 12:15 PM information SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arrival Flights on Saturday 6/5/2017 KAC 542 Cairo 17:05 KAC 101 London 09:45 Airlines Flt Route Time IRA 669 Mashhad 17:10 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 KAC 541 Cairo 10:00 MSC 501 Alexandria 00:05 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:00 THY 772 Istanbul 00:10 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:35 KAC 617 Doha 10:15 JZR 553 Alexandria 00:15 JZR 177 Dubai 17:45 FDB 056 Dubai 10:25 SVA 514 Riyadh 00:25 SVA 500 Jeddah 18:00 KAC 153 Istanbul 10:30 KAC 786 Jeddah 00:30 QTR 1080 Doha 18:05 QTR 1071 Doha 10:35 CLX 852 Luxembourg 00:35 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 SVA 513 Riyadh 11:00 JZR 267 Beirut 00:35 CLX 856 Luxembourg 18:50 IRM 1189 Mashhad 11:10 KAC 102 London 00:55 UAE 875 Dubai 19:05 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 MSR 618 Alexandria 00:55 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 VIZ 201 TQD 12:00 DLH 635 Doha 01:00 KAC 744 Dammam 19:05 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:00 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:15 FDB 063 Dubai 19:10 RBG 554 Alexandria 12:10 JZR 539 Cairo 01:25 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:20 PAL 669 Manila 13:10 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 KAC 174 Munich 19:25 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 UAE 853 Dubai 01:40 KAC 154 Istanbul 19:30 JZR 176 Dubai 13:10 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 JAI 572 Delhi 19:35 MSC 402 Alexandria 13:30 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:50 KAC 674 Dubai 19:40 JZR 124 Bahrain 13:30 KKK 6506 Istanbul 01:55 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 THY 767 Istanbul 13:45 KLM 446 Bahrain 02:05 KAC 776 Riyadh 19:50 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 QTR 1086 Doha 02:05 KAC 620 Doha 19:50 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:15 OMA 647 Muscat 20:05 IAW 158 Al Najaf 14:25 KAC 418 Manila 02:50 KNE 381 Taif 20:10 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 OMA 643 Muscat 03:05 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:15 KNE 382 Taif 15:00 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:00 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 JZR 189 Dubai 20:25 FDB 060 Dubai 15:05 FDB 069 Dubai 03:15 QTR 1088 Doha 20:35 QTR 1079 Doha 15:15 KAC 382 Delhi 03:15 KAC 616 Bahrain 20:40 IRC 527 Mashhad 15:30 PGT 860 Istanbul 03:25 KAC 564 Amman 21:00 KAC 563 Amman 15:40 QTR 1076 Doha 03:40 KAC 168 Paris 21:05 KAC 775 Riyadh 15:50 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 04:15 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:10 JZR 188 Dubai 15:50 KAC 544 Cairo 04:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:15 KNE 530 Jeddah 15:55 KAC 358 Kochi 04:50 KLM 445 Amsterdam 21:15 KAC 619 Doha 16:00 KAC 784 Jeddah 05:00 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 KAC 743 Dammam 16:00 THY 770 Istanbul 05:05 FDB 8053 Dubai 21:25 KNE 684 Madinah 16:00 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 KAC 676 Dubai 21:35 JZR 529 Asyut 05:35 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:50 OMA 646 Muscat 16:10 KAC 362 Colombo 05:50 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 BAW 157 London 06:05 NIA 161 Cairo 22:10 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 KAC 204 Lahore 06:20 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:10 SAW 708 KAC 16:50 CLX 8675 Luxembourg 06:30 AIC 987 Chennai/Hyderabad 22:25 MSR 576 Sharm el-Sheikh 16:50 KAC 284 Dhaka 06:35 KNE 533 Jeddah 22:45 SVA 505 Madinah 16:55 KAC 206 Islamabad 06:40 JZR 241 Amman 22:55 FDK 802 Damascus 16:55 KAC 302 Mumbai 06:55 JZR 185 Dubai 22:55 RJA 641 Amman 16:55 JZR 503 Luxor 07:25 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:00 KAC 675 Dubai 17:00 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 MSC 405 Sohag 23:30 FDB 052 Dubai 17:05 KAC 384 Delhi 08:00 FDB 071 Dubai 23:35 KAC 503 Beirut 17:15 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:05 THY 764 Istanbul 23:45 JZR 266 Beirut 17:15 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 KNE 532 Jeddah 17:25 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 08:55 Departure Flights on Saturday 6/5/2017 QTR 1073 Doha 17:25 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 Airlines Flt Route Time JZR 552 Alexandria 17:25 QTR 1070 Doha 09:20 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 KAC 615 Bahrain 17:30 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:10 JZR 240 Amman 17:30 IRM 1188 Mashhad 09:55 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:30 KAC 361 Colombo 17:35 SVA 512 Riyadh 10:00 FDB 072 Dubai 00:30 KAC 357 Kochi 17:40 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 PIA 240 Sialkot 01:00 UAE 858 Dubai 17:40 PAL 668 Manila 11:00 MSC 502 Alexandria 01:05 KAC 381 Delhi 17:50 JZR 325 Al Najaf 11:10 JZR 502 Luxor 01:15 NIA 362 Alexandria 17:50 KAC 614 Bahrain 11:15 SVA 515 Riyadh 01:25 KAC 331 Trivandrum 17:55 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:30 THY 773 Istanbul 01:40 KAC 343 Chennai 18:00 JZR 165 Dubai 11:50 KAC 363 Colombo 01:55 KAC 283 Dhaka 18:00 MSC 401 Alexandria 12:30 MSR 619 Alexandria 01:55 JZR 512 Sharm el-Sheikh 18:00 JZR 239 Amman 12:40 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:00 KAC 774 Riyadh 12:45 CLX 853 Luxembourg 02:05 IRA 666 Esfahan 18:10 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 THY 766 Istanbul 12:50 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:35 JZR 184 Dubai 18:20 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:50 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 IAW 157 Al Najaf 13:25 THY 765 Istanbul 02:50 JZR 538 Cairo 18:35 KAC 662 Abu Dhabi 13:35 KKK 6505 Istanbul 02:55 KAC 785 Jeddah 18:45 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 KAC 351 Kochi 03:05 QTR 1081 Doha 19:15 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 UAE 854 Dubai 03:30 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 19:20 KNE 231 Riyadh 14:10 KLM 446 Amsterdam 03:30 SVA 501 Jeddah 19:30 KAC 364 Colombo 14:15 OMA 644 Muscat 04:05 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:15 QTR 1087 Doha 04:10 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 KAC 352 Kochi 14:20 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:10 FDB 064 Dubai 19:50 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:00 KAC 618 Doha 14:20 KAC 417 Manila 04:20 CLX 856 Hong Kong 20:20 KAC 512 Mashhad 14:25 PGT 861 Istanbul 04:25 FDB 058 Dubai 20:30 JZR 779 Jeddah 14:25 QTR 1077 Doha 05:35 UAE 876 Dubai 20:35 IRC 526 Mashhad 14:30 RJA 643 Amman 06:25 JAI 571 Delhi 20:35 KAC 540 el-Sheikh 14:35 THY 771 Istanbul 06:25 KAC 353 Bangalore 20:55 JZR 357 Mashhad 14:50 GFA 212 Bahrain 06:50 KAC 1543 Cairo 21:00 KAC 692 Muscat 14:55 KAC 173 Munich 06:55 DLH 634 Doha 21:00 KNE 529 Jeddah 14:55 FDB 070 Dubai 07:05 OMA 648 Muscat 21:05 KAC 788 Jeddah 14:55 KAC 167 Paris 07:15 KNE 232 Riyadh 21:10 KNE 683 Madinah 15:05 JZR 238 Amman 07:15 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:05 JZR 164 Dubai 07:15 KAC 301 Mumbai 21:40 KAC 562 Amman 15:10 JZR 324 Al Najaf 07:45 QTR 1089 Doha 21:45 OMA 645 Muscat 15:10 KAC 613 Bahrain 07:55 KAC 412 Bangkok 15:30 CLX 8675 Hong Kong 08:00 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 BAW 156 London 08:20 KAC 205 Islamabad 21:55 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:00 SAW 705 Damascus 15:50 KAC 773 Riyadh 08:35 KAC 155 Istanbul 22:15 RJA 640 Amman 16:00 KAC 511 Mashhad 08:35 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 FDK 801 Damascus 16:00 KAC 539 Sharm el-Sheikh 08:40 KLM 445 Bahrain 22:25 SVA 504 Madinah 16:00 JZR 778 Jeddah 08:50 FDB 8054 Dubai 22:25 MSR 575 Sharm el-Sheikh 16:10 KAC 661 Abu Dhabi 09:00 KAC 383 Delhi 22:35 FDB 051 Dubai 16:15 KAC 117 New York 09:00 UAE 860 Dubai 22:35 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 JZR 356 Mashhad 09:00 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:50 JZR 535 Cairo 16:20 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:15 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 JZR 125 Bahrain 16:25 KAC 671 Dubai 09:15 NIA 162 Cairo 23:10 KNE 531 Jeddah 16:35 KAC 691 Muscat 09:30 KAC 783 Jeddah 23:10 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:35 KAC 561 Amman 09:30 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 NIA 361 Alexandria 16:50 JZR 534 Cairo 09:30 KAC 411 Bangkok 23:35 KAC 118 New York 16:55 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 KNE 534 Jeddah 23:35 Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

DOWN WORDSEARCH PUZZLE 1. (archaic or Scottish) Faithful and true. CROSSWORD 1599 2. At or constituting a border or edge. 3. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum. 4. Small room on a ship or boat where people sleep. 5. Genus of poisonous plants of temperate regions of northern hemisphere. 6. A thrumming sound. 7. Any property detected by the olfactory system. 8. Payment due by the recipient on delivery. 9. Prevent from being included or considered or accepted. 10. Relating to minerals. 11. African tree having an exceedingly thick trunk and fruit that resembles a gourd and has an edible pulp called monkey bread. 12. Departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal. 13. (Irish) Chief god of the Tuatha De Danann. 14. Austrian writer (1881-1942). 22. A compartment in front of a motor vehicle where driver sits. 24. Small terrestrial lizard of warm regions of the Old World. 26. Above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent. 29. (botany) Of some seeds. 30. A state of abnormal softening of tissue. 32. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables. 34. The last imperial dynasty of China (from 1644 to 1912) which was overthrown by revolutionaries. 35. A genus of plants of the family Crassulaceae. 37. (of complexion) Blemished by imperfections of the skin. 38. Aroused to impatience or anger. 39. United States film maker (1897-1991). 41. Genus of perennial North American herbs with aromatic usually cormous roots. 48. An implement used to propel or steer a boat. 50. (archaic) A fitting reward. 53. Generic term for inflammatory conditions of the skin. ACROSS 54. A belt-shaped region in the heavens on either side to the ecliptic. 1. A zodiacal constellation in northern hemisphere between Cancer and Virgo. 58. Russian founder of the Bolsheviks and leader of the Russian Revolution and 4. An underground tunnel with recesses where bodies were buried (as in ancient first head of the USSR (1870-1924). Rome). 60. Mentally or physically infirm with age. 12. An edge tool used to cut and shape wood. 62. The biblical name for ancient Syria. 15. Automatic data processing by electronic means without the use of tabulating 64. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising solely the razorbill. cards or punched tapes. 65. Any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient 16. (medical) An absence of normal pigmentation especially in the skin (as in Semitic peoples. albinism) or in red blood cells. 66. A city in northern India. 17. The 23rd letter of the Hebrew alphabet. 68. A doctor's degree in education. 18. How long something has existed. 69. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth. Yesterday’s Solution 19. Napoleon defeated the Russians in a pitched battle at Borodino in 1812, but 70. A unit of absorbed ionizing radiation equal to 100 ergs per gram of irradiated irreparably weakened his army. material. 20. One of the five major classes of immunoglobulins. 72. The compass point that is midway between north and northeast. 21. A genus of fungi belonging to the family Boletaceae. 76. (astronomy) The angular distance of a celestial point measured westward 23. Italian operatic soprano (born in 1922). along the celestial equator from the zenith crossing. 25. Of the appetites and passions of the body. 27. Disparaging terms for the common people. 28. Young sheep. 31. Jordan's port. 33. A constellation in the southern hemisphere near Telescopium and Norma. Yesterdayʼs Solution 36. Made from residue of grapes or apples after pressing. 40. 1,000 millimes equal 1 dinar. 42. A unit of magnetomotive force equal to 0.7958 ampere-turns. 43. A sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue separating or binding together muscles and organs etc. 44. An inflammatory swelling or sore. 45. A large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere. 46. The branch of information science that deals with natural language informa- tion. 47. A polygon with 10 sides and 10 angles. 49. An independent ruler or chieftain (especially in Africa or Arabia). 51. A nearly horizontal passage from the surface into a mine. 52. An officer who acts as military assistant to a more senior officer. 55. Tropical starchy tuberous root. 56. (Akkadian) Mother and earth goddess in Gilgamish epic. 57. At or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other. 59. A soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal. 61. Perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements. 63. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad. 67. Conqueror of Gaul and master of Italy (100-44 BC). 71. A proteolytic enzyme secreted by the kidneys. 73. The act of slowing down or falling behind. 74. One of the five major classes of immunoglobulins. 75. Of or relating to or characteristic of the Bahama Islands or their inhabitants. 77. 4-wheeled motor vehicle. 78. An informal term for a father. 79. Resoluteness by virtue of being unyielding and inflexible. 80. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism. CHALLENGING MAZE Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution SPORTS SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 Machado leads Orioles to win

BOSTON: Manny Machado hit a long three- run shot for his third homer of the series and the Baltimore Orioles capped four tense days at Fenway Park with an 8-3 win over the Boston Red Sox on Thursday night. Machado hit a 466-foot drive over the Green Monster during a five-run fourth inning. Seth Smith had four of Baltimore’s 17 hits. In a four-game set marred by beanballs, brushbacks and racial rancor, the finale was a sedate affair decided in the fourth when the Orioles turned a two-run deficit into a 6-3 lead. Tyler Wilson (2-1) allowed three runs and six hits in six innings while making a spot start because scheduled pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez was forced to come out of the bullpen Wednesday. Boston right-hander Kyle Kendrick (0-1) made his season debut and allowed six runs and eight hits in four innings. Dustin Pedroia homered for the Red Sox- the first of the year for the 2008 AL MVP.

NATIONALS 4, DIAMONDBACKS 2 Max Scherzer struck out a season-high 11 to bounce back from his worst outing this season, helping Washington to the victory. Scherzer (4-2) allowed one run and two hits in seven innings. He also was 2 for 3 at the plate, driving in Washington’s first run with a sec- ond-inning infield single that pitcher Braden Shipley could not pick up with his bare hand. The NL Cy Young Award winner struck out the side in the fourth and the seventh, the only two innings he allowed a hit. He gave up Jake Lamb’s homer in the seventh. Matt Albers pitched the eighth, Joe Blanton gave up Paul Goldschmidt’s leadoff homer in the ninth and Enny Romero finished the four-hitter for his second major league save. Shipley (0-1) gave up three runs, five hits and six walks in four- plus innings.

RAYS 5, MARLINS 1 Tim Beckham homered twice for the sec- ond time in eight days, driving in four runs to lead Tampa Bay to the win. Matt Andriese (2- 1) struck out eight over seven innings to match his longest outing this season. Dee Gordon hit a run-scoring single off Chih-Wei Hu in the ninth before Alex Colome got the final out for his eighth save. The Rays won BOSTON: Zach Britton #53 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Boston Red Sox after defeating the Boston Red Sox 8-3 at three of four games to take the Citrus Series Fenway Park. — AFP between the intrastate rivals, winning twice allowed two earned runs or fewer in his first homered and drove in two runs, and Matt in the ninth for his fifth save in six tries, Sano’s before small crowds in Miami before return- six outings this season. Jose Abreu and Matt Szczur and Addison Russell hit run-scoring fourth strikeout of the afternoon. Kyle Gibson ing home to mostly-empty Tropicana Field on Davidson homered for Chicago, which fin- doubles as the Cubs extended their winning (0-4) gave up four runs, eight hits and three Wednesday and Thursday. Miami right-han- ished with 11 hits. Kansas City right-hander streak to three. Koji Uehara (1-2), Chicago’s walks in four innings. The Twins removed cen- der Dan Straily (1-2) allowed four runs and Ian Kennedy (0-3) surrendered five runs eighth pitcher, got three straight outs for the ter fielder Byron Buxton in the sixth inning three hits in five innings. before leaving with a strained right hamstring victory. Cameron Rupp and Maikel Franco after he collided with the wall while making a with one out in the fifth. The Royals said homered for Philadelphia, which has lost six catch. The A’s, who had scored two runs or BREWERS 5, CARDINALS 4 Kennedy will be evaluated Friday to deter- of seven, and Cesar Hernandez had four hits. fewer in six of their previous nine games, tied Jesus Aguilar’s first major league home mine the severity of the injury. Joely Rodriguez (1-1) got the loss. a season high with 14 hits. run broke a seventh-inning tie, sending the Brewers to the victory against banged-up RANGERS 10, ASTROS 4 REDS 4, PIRATES 2 ROCKIES 3, PADRES 2 Cardinals. Cardinals right fielder Stephen Joey Gallo homered and drove in three Joey Votto doubled twice, drove in two Ryan Hanigan’s RBI infield single in the Piscotty departed after the second inning runs, Rougned Odor and Elvis Andrus also runs and scored twice, leading Cincinnati to 11th inning lifted Colorado to the victory. with a strained right hamstring and center connected, and Texas stopped a four-game its fourth win in five games. Adam Duvall Hanigan, who also homered in his Rockies fielder Dexter Fowler came out following the slide. After twice giving up leads earlier in drove in Votto both times as the Reds debut, hit a grounder up the middle that Erick third with a strained right shoulder. the series, the Rangers went ahead 4-0 in the improved to 6-1 against the Pirates this year. Aybar fielded, but he was unable to flip the Milwaukee got its first series win at St. Louis first inning and used the bullpen to help Tim Adleman (1-1) pitched six innings of two- ball to Cory Spangenberg at second for a since April 28-30, 2014, ending a streak of 15 avoid a four-game sweep. AJ Griffin (3-0) run ball, and Raisel Iglesias got three outs for force. That allowed Ian Desmond to score. series losses and two splits. With the score 4- picked up the win, yielding one earned run his fifth save. Gift Ngoepe and Francisco Chad Qualls (1-0) pitched the 10th for the win. 4, Aguilar hit for Oliver Drake (2-0) and in five innings in his return from the disabled Cervelli each had RBI doubles for Pittsburgh, Greg Holland got three outs for his 12th save. homered against Matt Bowman (1-1) in his list after being sidelined by gout in his left which has dropped four of five. Ivan Nova (3- Brad Hand (0-1) took the loss. 100th career big league at-bat over four sea- ankle. Marwin Gonzalez homered in his fifth 3) gave up four runs and 10 hits in six innings. sons. Neftali Feliz pitched the ninth for his straight start for Houston. Joe Musgrove (1- MARINERS 11, ANGELS 3 eighth save. 3) allowed five runs, four earned, and five ATHLETICS 8, TWINS 5 Danny Valencia homered and had four hits in four innings. Jharel Cotton struck out nine in six innings hits, Ariel Miranda pitched seven strong WHITE SOX 8, ROYALS 3 and Ryon Healy hit his fourth home run, lead- innings and Seattle beat Los Angeles. Miranda Derek Holland struck out seven in 6 2/3 CUBS 5, PHILLIES 4 ing Oakland to the win. Cotton (3-3) gave up (3-2) settled in after a rocky second inning, innings, helping the White Sox earn a split of Albert Almora Jr doubled leading off the three runs and three hits, and Stephen Vogt giving up two runs, seven hits and a walk their four-game series against the Royals. 13th inning and scored on a throwing error by had two hits and two RBIs to help the A’s while striking out five for the game. Seattle Holland (3-2) was charged with two runs, one shortstop Freddy Galvis, giving the Cubs the avoid a three-game sweep. Santiago Casilla built a 6-2 lead in four innings against Alex earned, and three hits. The left-hander has win. Kris Bryant had four hits, Miguel Montero struck out Miguel Sano with the bases loaded Meyer (0-1). — AP SPORTS SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 Molinari leads in Wells Fargo, Johnson in hunt

WASHINGTON: Francesco Molinari birdied his final hole to grab the early lead at the Wells Fargo Championship as world number one Dustin Johnson had a solid round in his return from a back injury. Italy’s Molinari chipped in from the rough on No 18 for his eighth birdie of the day to open with a six-under 66 at the Eagle Point Golf Club in Wilmington, North Carolina. Sweden’s Alex Noren, and Americans JB Holmes, Grayson Murray and Brian Campbell were tied for second after shooting 67s. Ken Duke, Ben Martin and Northern Ireland’s Seamus Power fired four-under 68s and are two strokes back of Molinari. The 34-year-old Molinari is seeking his first victory on the US PGA Tour. This is his 99th start since turning pro in 2004. He has won four times on the European Tour including the Italian Open in 2006 and 2016. He also captured the 2010 WGC-HSBC Champions event in 2010 by beat- ing Lee Westwood by one stroke. Johnson shot a two-under 70 Thursday in a round that included four birdies, 12 pars and two bogeys. His best stretch was back-to-back birdies on his front nine which comprised the par-three 15th and the par-four 16th holes. On number 15, his 200-yard tee shot rolled down a slope towards the hole leaving him with a nine- foot putt for birdie. This is Johnson’s first tour- nament since withdrawing from the Masters after injuring his back on the eve of the first major of the season. He slipped and fell down a flight of stairs at a rental house in Augusta on the night before the tournament. The 32-year-old American, who defends his first major title at next NEW YORK: Referee Shane Heyer (55) tries to separate New York Rangers’ Chris Kreider (20) and Ottawa Senators’ Alex Burrows (14) month’s US Open, is aiming to stretch a win- as the remaining referees attempt to break up a fight during the third period of Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round ning streak that has seen him capture his past playoff series. — AP three PGA starts. “I thought I drove it nicely,” Johnson said. “Hit a lot of good iron shots. I’m happy with the way I played, for sure. “As far Rangers top Senators as physically, no issues,” he added. “That’s a good thing. I just need to get some rounds in, get some more reps, but I feel like the golf swing’s in good shape. “If I hit it 4-1 to tie series at 2-2 like I did today the next few days, then I’ll be right there on Sunday.” — AFP

NEW YORK: While New York stars Rick Nash and Chris Kreider receive hockey and that’s what he needs to do.” The game got physical in the playoff-level attention from Ottawa, Oscar Lindberg and Tanner Glass third period as the teams combined for 78 penalty minutes, with the Rally legend ‘Flying are providing an unexpected lift for the Rangers. Lindberg scored majority of that coming in the final minute. Lundqvist has stopped 48 two goals, Glass had two assists and the Rangers beat the Senators 4- of his past 50 shots after allowing six goals in the Senators’ double- Finn’ Makinen 1 on Thursday night to tie their Eastern Conference semifinal series at overtime win in Game 2. The Rangers have won four consecutive dies aged 79 two games apiece. “I think our line has been doing a really good job, home games this postseason. getting pucks back from the forecheck,” Lindberg said. “We had two STOCKHOLM: Finnish rally legend Timo good chances today and we were able to bear down.” Not a one-man show Makinen, known for his hat-tricks of inter- Kreider and Nick Holden also scored for the Rangers, and Henrik “I think it’s the last couple of games,” Lundqvist said. “It’s not a national victories, has died aged 79, local Lundqvist had 22 saves. Kyle Turris scored for Ottawa, and Craig one-man show here. It’s about four lines doing everything right and media said yesterday. Makinen, who was Anderson made 17 saves before being replaced by Mike Condon for that’s what you need this time of the year.” Lindberg scored both of nicknamed “The Flying Finn” of motor rally- the third period. Condon finished with nine stops. “They are a good the Rangers’ second-period goals. Glass blocked Ben Harpur’s shot ing among several other prominent Finnish hockey team. They came out and played their game to a T,” Anderson and Michael Grabner grabbed the loose puck and broke in with athletes, won the Rac Rally (now named said. “Had their fans and the momentum. We weren’t able to get any- Lindberg, who scored on a one-timer at 2:01. Glass also helped set up Wales Rally GB) three times in a row thing going.” Lindberg’s next goal. He outworked Senators defenseman Cody Ceci between 1973 and 1975, in a Ford Escort. for the puck behind the Ottawa net and sent it to the boards. J.T. Born in Helsinki on March 18, 1938, Star injured Miller grabbed the loose puck and passed to Lindberg at the point Makinen’s death was announced by his son Senators star defenseman Erik Karlsson also left the game after the for a 3-0 lead at 15:54. in a Facebook post late Thursday, Finnish second period with an injury. Karlsson played during the first round Kreider made it 4-0 with a power-play goal at 10:45 of the third. newspaper Ilta-Sanomat reported, without with two microfractures in one of his feet from blocking a shot late in Turris scored at 13:34, but the Senators had trouble generating sus- specifying the exact cause. the regular season. Coach Guy Boucher said he expects both tained pressure against Lundqvist and were sloppy with the puck at Makinen drove a Mini Cooper S in the Anderson and Karlsson to play in Game 5 on Saturday at Ottawa. times. “We’ve got to hit the net,” Boucher said. “Whenever we got 1960s when he won the Monte Carlo “We felt it was better for him to keep him off the ice in the (third) chances, we didn’t capitalize.” For the second consecutive game, the Rally (1965), followed by three consecu- period,” Boucher said of Karlsson. “He could’ve come back, but we Rangers controlled the first period. In Game 3, they scored the first tive victories between 1965-1967 in the just wanted to make sure. He has a lower-body injury.” Lindberg also two goals and outshot Ottawa 15-5. On Thursday, they outshot the 1000 Lakes Rally, now named Rally scored the Rangers’ final goal in their Game 3 win, with Glass picking Senators 11-7 and opened the scoring again. Finland. In the 1967 race, Makinen won up an assist. Glass, a forward who was scratched in the first two Holden led a breakout from the defensive zone and sent a pass to despite having to drive with his head half games of the series, has brought an edge to the team. “Look at these Kevin Hayes at center ice. Hayes passed back to Holden along the left stuck out of the Mini’s window because assists,” Glass said. “They are not exactly playmaking assists. They are wing and he broke in toward the net and beat Anderson with a wrist the leather stripes holding down the just kind of the gritty, grinding game I bring. Sometimes it ends up in shot that went over his right pad at 14:04. The Rangers have scored car’s bonnet broke. Makinen’s helmet the back of the net.” the first goal in each game of the series. “They played well at home was too big for him to stick his head out Rangers coach Alain Vigneault has appreciated the balanced scor- for their two games and we played at home for our two games and completely so he had to skid the car side- ing. “Definitely tonight Oscar’s line came up big for us with a couple we’ve got a series,” Boucher said. — AP ways to see the road. — AFP of big plays,” Vigneault said. “Tanner is just playing disciplined, smart SPORTS SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 Pressure mounting to name India squad

NEW DELHI: India is coming under increasing pressure to name a squad for the impending Champions Trophy, with Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid joining calls for the cricket board to quit stalling. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) missed an April deadline for announcing a team, and will hold a special meeting on Sunday to discuss a potential withdrawal from the 50-over international tournament. But the powerful BCCI is facing mounting criticism over its stalling tactics, which stem from a dispute with cricket’s global gov- erning body over changes to revenue sharing. Last month the International Cricket Council received a thumping mandate from its members to amend rules around revenue so that less money and power is held by cricket’s “Big Three”-England, India and Australia. India opposed the changes from the outset and has been hinting at withdrawing from the ICC Champions Trophy in protest, a move that would deal a huge blow to the eight-team tournament beginning in England on June 1. “We are of course unhappy with what India is getting in the latest revenue sharing plan, but to be honest a pull-out was always our last option,” a senior BCCI official told AFP on con- dition on anonymity. “Things will certainly be sorted in Sunday’s special general meeting, keeping our fingers crossed.” But their tactics have agitated a number of Indian cricketing greats including Dravid and Tendulkar, who told cricket website “cricinfo” they want the side to compete at the prestigious event. Meanwhile a panel of administrators appointed by India’s top court to oversee the scandal-ridden BCCI has urged the board to make a swift decision. “Please convene a meeting of BRIDGETOWN: Babar Azam (L) of Pakistan caught Shane Dowrich (C) bowled Alzarri Joseph (R) of West Indies during the the selection committee for selecting the squad immediately,” 5th and final day of the 2nd Test match between West Indies and Pakistan at Kensington Oval. —AFP the administrators told BCCI joint secretary Amitabh Choudhary in an email on Thursday. “The squad can then be submitted to the ICC without prejudice to BCCI’s legal rights.” Windies bowl out Pakistan The BCCI stands to lose $277 million revenue over the next eight years under the sweeping changes approved by ICC members. It reverses a much-criticized ICC decision in 2014 to for 81 to win second test relinquish more control to Australia, England and India, the world’s most powerful cricketing boards. — AFP BRIDGETOWN: West Indies fast bowler team collapsed in their second innings “You can easily say that it’s about Shannon Gabriel plundered five wickets to set Pakistan a modest target of 188 batting on a day-five pitch. We all Other teams ‘petrified’ as they scored a stunning victory by but he and his fellow pace battery did knew from the first day that it was bowling out Pakistan for 81 on the final not have many runs to play with. going to get worse, so that was the dif- of England, says Billings day of the second test in Barbados on “Using cutters and cross-seam deliv- ference,” he said. “First innings, we Thursday. Gabriel, bowling within him- eries was going to give us help on this should have got a bigger lead. And LONDON: England wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings has self with a focus on hitting line and pitch,” he said. “It was an important win finally, on the last day, West Indies returned home from the Indian Premier League (IPL) carry- length on a deteriorating pitch, took 5- we needed to keep the series alive. It bowled their heart out and we were ing with him the message that rivals are “petrified” of his 11 as the tourists crumbled in their sec- was important for us to show consisten- left with no answers. “Because of the team ahead of next month’s Champions Trophy on home ond innings against an impressive West cy and we were able to do that here.” height-all the bowlers are tall-it was a soil. England have undergone a major transformation in Indies pace attack at Kensington Oval in Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq lament- tailor-made pitch for them to keep hit- white-ball cricket since being unceremoniously dumped out Bridgetown. ed having to bat last but also heaped ting the deck hard and making the ball the 2015 World Cup during the group stage and have Captain Jason Holder claimed three praise on the West Indies bowlers. jump around.” —Reuters emerged as one of the favorites for the June 1-18 one-day wickets, while Alzarri Joseph picked up international tournament. the other two as the hosts won by 106 Billings said his interaction with players from other leading runs. Pakistan’s second innings score nations during IPL Twenty20 matches for the Delhi Daredevils matched the lowest test total at Women’s WC sees a convinced him of a new-found respect for his country’s limit- Kensington Oval set by India 20 years ed-overs prowess. “The best thing about the IPL is you share a ago. It was also their lowest score in the dressing room with these guys and previously in this country Caribbean and 10th lowest anywhere. jump in prize money we haven’t made one-day cricket a priority as such, but peo- Wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed top-scored ple are petrified of our side now,” Billings told British media. in Pakistan’s second innings with 23. The MUMBAI: The 2017 Women’s World England would be live on television “It was very interesting to hear what other internationals series, tied at 1-1, moves to Dominica for Cup will see a 10 times increase in while the remaining 21 matches will think of our side,” said Billings, who has been given an oppor- the deciding test starting on prize money to $2 million with every be live-streamed. The Decision Review tunity to impress in his wicket-keeping role in 50-over match- Wednesday, where West Indies will have ball of the tournament broadcast live, System will be used in the women’s es against Ireland on Friday and Sunday. “There is a buzz a spring in their step after their first the International Cricket Council (ICC) game for the first time and a drone around the reputation of the England team in white-ball crick- home test victory in two years. has said. The 2013 Women’s World camera as well as a Spidercam will be et... it’s amazing to think about that transition from two years “I think I was trying too hard and try- Cup in India, when Australia won its deployed for the July 23 final at Lord’s, ago.” The Kent player, who turns 26 next month, played eight ing to bowl too fast (in the first innings), sixth title by defeating West Indies in also firsts for the women’s game. matches for the Delhi franchise before flying home for the so I just made the decision to stay calm the final, had just $200,000 on offer as Cricket Australia welcomed the ICC’s two-match series against Ireland. One-day captain Eoin in the second innings,” man-of-the- prize money. decisions and said they were impor- Morgan has called the current squad the “most talented match Gabriel said at the victory presen- “The ICC Women’s World Cup is tant steps to promote the women’s group” he has played with and backed the decision to allow tation. “It did reverse a bit but I still had the pinnacle of the women’s game game. “This demonstrates a welcome, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler to continue their to put the ball in the right areas. It was and as such the players should be long-term commitment to the global participation in the IPL. an up-and-down fifth-day pitch, so we rewarded appropriately,” ICC Chief growth of the women’s game, and it “I think it’s the right decision, part of our development as a knew that all we had to do was put the Executive David Richardson said in a recognizes the opportunity presented side, to get as many players as possible playing in the biggest ball in the right areas.” statement. “Two million dollars is the by women’s sport,” CA Chief Executive and best tournaments in the world, albeit T20,” Morgan said. first step towards greater parity and James Sutherland said. “The development of 50-over cricket has got that much closer BEST HAUL recognition. The change will not hap- “We have seen huge interest in our to the T20 format. This year we’ve had more players at the Big The right-arm, fast-medium Gabriel, pen overnight but the women’s women cricketers here in Australia Bash (seven) and eight players at the IPL, which shows a lot of who took four wickets in the first game is crucial to the global growth through the two seasons of WBBL, strength. “To rub shoulders with some of the biggest and best innings, finished with match figures of of cricket.” and part of the success of this league names in the world and put in performances like Ben Stokes 9-92, easily his best haul in 25 career The ICC said 10 matches of the is that every game is available to fans did the other night (scoring a match-winning century for his tests. Holder hoped for the best after his June 24-July 23 tournament in through livestreaming.—Reuters Pune side) bodes well for our future development.” — Reuters SPORTS SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 Warriors beat Jazz to take 2-0 lead

OAKLAND: Now, the Golden State Warriors want Draymond Green to pack his 3-point shot for the altitude of Salt Lake City. Green showed Quin Snyder his hot hand and range up close, knocking down five 3-pointers and scoring 21 points before a brief knee scare late in the Golden State Warriors’ 115-104 victory over the Utah Jazz on Thursday night for a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinals. “We love that shot. It gives us a huge lift,” Stephen Curry said of Green’s perimeter touch. “Hopefully that jumper travels when we go to Utah because those shots will be open.” Kevin Durant added 25 points with 13 free throws, 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Curry had 23 points, seven assists and played smothering defense as Golden State stayed unblemished through six playoff games. Gordon Hayward overcame a poor Game 1 and slow start in this one to score 33 points, and Rudy Gobert had 16 points and 16 rebounds before fouling out for a Jazz team missing injured point guard George Hill. He was ruled out earlier in the day because of a sore left big toe. Game 3 is Saturday night in Salt Lake City. Green received chants of “Dray-mond!” when he headed for the locker room with 7:24 to play, then cheers when he returned at the 5:16 mark. He came up awkwardly after hitting the floor on a drive, then grabbed at his left knee - which the team said he “tweaked.” “I knew my knee was just locking up a little bit. I had it before,” he said.

ALL-STAR FORWARD Snyder made it clear when the series began he won’t be alienating Green again by daring him to let it fly from long range - or saying anything that could be perceived as a slight. Five months after the Jazz coach commented about allowing the emotional Golden State star to shoot from way out, Snyder said before the game he had learned his lesson about fueling the All-Star forward. Green has been fueling himself just fine, and his team- mates, too - delivering on the offensive side this game after establishing the Warriors’ defensive intensity during the first five playoff games. All his 3s were in the first half as the Warriors led wire to wire again. Golden State’s six straight vic- tories to begin a postseason are a franchise record. WASHINGTON: Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4), center, passes between Washington Wizards forward Markieff Green also had seven rebounds, six assists, four steals and Morris (5) and guard John Wall (2) during the first half of a second-round NBA playoff series. — AP another block to bring his six-game playoff total to 20. The Jazz will have to hope more of their shots start falling once back home. Hayward began 1 for 5 but bounced back to Wizards beat Celtics 116-89 in shoot 11 of 21 after going 4 for 15 in Game 1. “We play with attitude when we get down. We have to do it from the begin- ning,” Gobert said. “I think we need to play angry from the technical foul-filled Game 3 first minute.” Warriors coach Steve Kerr missed his fourth straight game WASHINGTON: Eight technical fouls, ‘PLAYED HARD’ against bigger opponents. Hard fouls as he deals with symptoms stemming from complications after three ejections and a whole lot of bad Boston coach Brad Stevens took a were part of the first two games of the two back surgeries following the 2015 championship run. Kerr blood later, the Washington Wizards page from Rasheed Wallace’s “Both series, but nothing like Game 3, as won’t travel with the team to Utah as he seeks answers in his and Boston Celtics have themselves a teams played hard” playbook, repeat- Celtics center Al Horford described the healing and goes to medical appointments. Mike Brown and a series. Tensions boiled over in a con- ing that the Wizards “played well” over Wizards play as “the way that they junk veteran coaching staff are leading the way. —AP tentious, technical foul-filled Game 3 and over. That was also his response to the game up a little bit.” Thursday night as the Wizards rode the physical nature of the game that Players and coaches on each side another hot start to a 116-89 victory that included technicals for him and criticized officials for not having con- cut their series deficit to 2-1. Wizards coach Scott Brooks, and the trol of the game and letting it get out Washington built a big lead for the third fourth-quarter ejections of reserves of hand, and the result was more than consecutive game, holding and extend- Terry Rozier and Brandon Jennings. a few post-whistle extracurriculars. “I ing it this time as the score and the Oubre created the most fireworks guess just two teams that really don’t physical play got out of hand. with his outburst, leaping up from the like each other,” Wall said. “We’re two Washington’s Kelly Oubre Jr. was ground to bowl over Olynyk in the sec- teams that’s trying to compete and try- tossed out for charging and knocking ond quarter, leading to a flagrant 2 ing to win this series.” over Kelly Olynyk after a hard offensive foul and ejection. foul, each coach got a technical foul and Though Wall hopes it’s a learning TIP-INS the hatred that built up during the regu- experience for a young player, Oubre Celtics: Horford led the team with lar season captured the spotlight more could be facing a suspension for his 16 points. ... Guard Avery Bradley than John Wall continuing to torment actions with a crucial Game 4 looming scored seven points after reporting the Celtics or the Wizards finding a solu- Sunday. “We can’t respond that way,” soreness Wednesday from a hip point- tion for Isaiah Thomas. “I guess that’s Brooks said. “When you keep getting er in Game 2. ... Jae Crowder has scored playoff basketball,” said Thomas, who hit in the head, you might respond 10-plus points in a playoff career-high was held to 13 points after scoring 53 in that way and I think that’s what he did. four consecutive games. He finished Game 2. “We don’t like them and they I’m not saying that that was the right with 14. ... Gerald Green started in don’t like us.” thing to do. We have to focus on play- place of Amir Johnson after not play- Wall led the Wizards with 24 points ing basketball.” ing in Game 2 and had eight points. as he, Otto Porter and Bojan Bogdanovic The Wizards were by far the better Wizards: Bogdanovic made four of keyed a 22-0 first-quarter run that made basketball team on Thursday, shooting the seven 3-pointers he attempted. ... it 34-12. Unlike in Games 1 and 2, when 46.7 percent thanks to 19 points each Center Marcin Gortat had 13 points Washington let 16-0 and 16-8 leads slip from Porter and Bogdanovic. They and 16 rebounds, saying he has to OAKLAND: Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry, left, away, the defense was there on Thomas locked down defensively on Thomas, dominate in the paint if the Celtics go looks to pass as Utah Jazz’s Gordon Hayward defends dur- and the rest of his teammates to limit who never got into a rhythm and was small. ... Outscored Boston 56-28 in ing the first half in Game 2 of an NBA basketball second- the Celtics to 35.1 percent shooting. on the wrong end of some post-ups the paint. — AP round playoff series. — AP SPORTS SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

Marathon runners target audacious 2-hour barrier MONZA: Three elite runners backed respects it is the distance running the right course and a lot of organisa- ners are perfectly equipped and want- by a small army of scientists will today equivalent of attempting to put a tion,” Hoogkamer said in the study ing to run something that has never attempt an audacious assault on the man on the Moon, requiring the sort published by the journal Sports been run before.” boundaries of the possible by trying of evolutionary leap against the clock Medicine. Preparations for the sub-two-hour to run a marathon in less than two that is usually only achieved over Slicing roughly three minutes off attempt have been encouraging. At a hours. Reigning Olympic marathon decades. But increasingly scientists the marathon world record requires a test event in Monza, Kipchoge com- champion Eliud Kipchoge from Kenya, are convinced that the sub-two-hour perfect alignment of human physiolo- pleted a half-marathon on the circuit Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa and Eritrea’s marathon is achievable. gy, state-of-the-art equipment and in a time of 59min 17sec. Even if the Zersenay Tadese will aim to complete “People have been thinking about perfect conditions. Nike-backed runners are successful the classic marathon distance of 26.2 the magical sub-two-hour marathon Kipchoge, Desisa and Tadese were their time will not be regarded as a miles (42.195 kilometres) in 1hr 59min for a long time,” said Wouter selected by Nike after an exhaustive formal world record by track and 59 sec or faster on a fixed loop at the Hoogkamer, lead researcher of a analysis of their physical make-up and field’s governing body, the IAAF, as it Monza National Autodrome racing cir- study recently published by the technique. “We have spent a long will not take place in officially sanc- cuit in Italy. University of Colorado, Boulder. time exploring many dimensions of tioned race conditions. Nike is In their pursuit of sporting immor- Hoogkamer’s team set out a series of their performance, like the maximum unfazed by this. tality the trio will need to set a fero- mathematical calculations demon- oxygen an athlete can consume; the “The course will be IAAF ratified cious pace of 4min 34sec per mile- strating how an elite marathon runner critical speed, or threshold an athlete and will meet to all marathon course seven seconds quicker than the pace could break the two-hour barrier. is capable of maintaining; and the requirements including independent- of the existing world record of 2:02:57 “Our calculations show that a sub- energy required; to their economy of ly measured course distance, start ver- set by Dennis Kimetto of Kenya at the two-hour marathon time could hap- running,” a spokeswoman for Nike sus finish location and course eleva- 2014 Berlin Marathon. In many pen right now, but it would require told AFP. “We know that these run- tion,” a spokeswoman said. —AFP Jennings will skip AVP tour

NEW YORK: Five-time Olympian Kerri Walsh Jennings is look- ing for a new partner - and a new beach volleyball tour - after rejecting an exclusivity agreement with the AVP that would have locked her into the circuit through the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo. In her first public comments since breaking with the biggest, richest and longest-running domestic tour, Walsh Jennings told The Associated Press on Thursday that the deal lacked the vision to grow the game and was “a death sentence for our sport.” Among her complaints: an eight-stop circuit, with what she called minimal growth in prize money or the number of events, dooming athletes to live with their par- ents or take full-time jobs to support themselves. “We’re being kept in a small little fishbowl,” Walsh Jennings told the AP. “I know our sport deserves more. We’ve been told we’re small, and we believe it.” AVP owner Donald Sun declined to respond to the comments. But when Walsh Jennings missed the deadline to sign before this week’s sea- son-opening Huntington Beach (California) Open, he told the AP: “I respect her decisions, and I wish her well.” The decision to opt out of the AVP tour also means Walsh Jennings will split with April Ross, her partner in Rio de Janeiro when they won the Olympic bronze medal. Walsh Jennings won three straight gold medals with Misty May-Treanor, who retired after the London Games.

DIFFERENT VISION Walsh Jennings and Ross could continue to pair up on the PARIS: In this file photo taken on November 3, 2016 shows Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacting during his third round ten- international tour, where teams earn points to qualify for the 2020 Games, but that would mean maintaining separate part- nis match at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 indoor tournament. — AP nerships domestically and abroad. Ross’ decision to sign the deal means she couldn’t play in the competing National Djokovic splits with coaches Volleyball League, which lists four 2017 events on its website. “April and I are finished. We’re not competing together any- more,” Walsh Jennings said. “We had a very candid conversa- in bid to end declining form tion. I know we’re both very comfortable where we’re at. I just have a different vision for the future.” BELGRADE: Novak Djokovic said yester- need for a change and had “mutually over two weeks away. Vajda, who has With its party atmosphere dropped into picturesque back- day that he had parted ways with his agreed” with Vajda, fitness coach been a major influence, said he felt like drops like London’s Horse Guards Parade and Rio’s training team, including long-time Gebhard Phil Gritsch and physiotherapist he had spent a “whole lifetime” with Copacabana Beach, beach volleyball emerges every four years as the darling of the Olympics. (The bikinis don’t hurt with the coach Marian Vajda, as he attempts to Miljan Amanovic to end their partnership. Djokovic. “Novak can do so much more TV audience, either.) But the sport’s efforts to establish a sta- arrest an alarming slide in form in the and I am sure he will,” the departing ble U.S. tour have left it running in the sand. past year. The former world number one ‘THE RIGHT PERSON’ head coach said. “I am convinced that Beach volleyball athletes have quarreled with USA believes that this “shock therapy” will The move follows a split late last year he will remain at the top of tennis for Volleyball, arguing that the national governing body’s efforts help him return to the top of the game with coach Boris Becker after three years many years and that he will bring a lot were skewed toward the indoor game. The AVP twice after a wretched run of results. “I am a working together. The 12-time Grand of joy to all the tennis fans around the declared bankruptcy, and since emerging from the second hunter and my biggest goal is to find Slam champion said he was thinking of world with his victories.” reorganization it has found itself in competition with the NVL, the winning spark on the court again,” appointing a new head coach but did Gritsch describe Djokovic as “a cham- even though all agree that one, stable tour would be best for Djokovic, 29, said in a lengthy statement not want to rush the decision. “I want to pion and a warrior and the sky is the limit the sport. And, when the NCAA considered adding beach vol- on his website. find a way to come back to the top for him”. Djokovic had expressed frustra- leyball to its list of sanctioned programs, among the oppo- The Serb, who was knocked off top stronger and more resilient,” he said. “I tion about his game after his Monte nents were indoor volleyball coaches who were afraid of los- spot last November by Andy Murray, have so much faith in this process and Carlo disappointment, saying he was ing their top athletes to the sandier, sexier side of the sport. joined his rival at the exit of the Monte that’s why I will take time to find the “doing everything that I can to play Walsh Jennings, who has been at the forefront of many of Carlo Masters after losing to Belgian right person who I can connect with well”. He said then that he would not these fights, said her goal remains to do what’s best for her David Goffin 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 last month. In professionally.” add to his schedule and would try to sport. As its most visible and marketable athlete, at least in the January, Djokovic’s Australian Open title For now he said he would be on tour stick with the Madrid and Rome Masters United States, she is able to make a living by relying on defense ended in a shock second-round alone with the support of his family and events this month to complete his Grand endorsement deals others don’t have. — AFP exit. The statement said Djokovic felt the management, with the French Open just Slam preparations for Paris. — AFP SPORTS SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

Sunderland wants me: Moyes LONDON: David Moyes has revealed Sunderland future on Friday. “I don’t know what you mean by League, I know the requirements, but we’ve only owner Ellis Short wants him to remain in charge at ‘decision’. I’ve got a four-year contract so I don’t had initial talks. “We plan to meet again in the next the Stadium of Light despite his club’s relegation know what you’re talking about ‘a decision’.” While couple of weeks. We were deflated, I wouldn’t say it from the Premier League. Moyes criticized Short’s he has been backed by Short, former Manchester was an uplifting kind of meeting. “We weren’t there failure to back him in the transfer market in January United boss Moyes hinted he wants to hear more for that, we were there to talk business and none of and it was suggested Sunderland’s slide into the about the club’s ambitions for next season before us were happy because we’re disappointed we got Championship would trigger the Scot’s dismissal. committing to the battle to win promotion. relegated.” But Moyes, who is also unpopular with Sunderland “I’ll know more come the end of the season, Several key Sunderland players are likely to be supporters due to his cautious tactics, has spoken to once we see exactly what we’re able to deal with, sold before next season, with top scorer Jermain American businessman Short and Sunderland chief what we can work with, then we’ll know exactly Defoe among the leading candidates. “We can only executive Martin Bain and the Black Cats boss insists what we can do,” he said. “Right from the start we lose the ones who are out of contract. Jordan he has their full support. said it looked like there was a rebuilding job to be Pickford is in contract so there’s nothing to say we’ll “Ellis and the board want me to stay,” Moyes said done. Hopefully we can get that going. “I know lose Jordan,” Moyes said. “Jermain Defoe has a when asked if there had been a decision on his what needs to be done to get back in the Premier clause in his contract so that’s possible.” — AFP

Jesus returns to fire Matches on TV (Local Timings)

City’s top-four push English Premier League Manchester City v Crystal Palace 14:30 beIN SPORTS MANCHESTER: Gabriel Jesus’s return Burnley v West Bromwich Albion 17:00 has come at a good time for Manchester beIN SPORTS City as they seek to move closer to Bournemouth v Stoke City 17:00 Champions League qualification by beIN SPORTS beating Crystal Palace at home today. Hull City v Sunderland 17:00 The Brazil striker, 20, has made two beIN SPORTS appearances since recovering from a Leicester City v Watford 17:00 broken foot sustained at Bournemouth beIN SPORTS in February. Swansea City v Everton 19:30 Having seen a goal disallowed in a 0- beIN SPORTS 0 draw against Manchester United, he grabbed a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough last weekend after Spanish League Primera being promoted from the bench to the Sporting Gijon v Las Palmas 14:00 starting line-up. With Sergio Aguero beIN SPORTS HD 3 struggling to recover from a groin prob- Atletico de Madrid v Eibar 17:15 lem, there is every chance that Jesus will beIN SPORTS HD 3 start again on Saturday as City look to Barcelona v Villarreal 19:30 consolidate their top-four position. beIN SPORTS HD 3 They are just one point clear of fifth- Granada v Real Madrid 21:45 place Manchester United, who visit out- beIN SPORTS HD 3 of-form Arsenal on Sunday, and manag- Gabriel Jesus er Pep Guardiola knows there is little Italian Calcio League room for error with only four league has been one of City’s most consistent TOP-HALF AIM Napoli v Cagliari Calcio 19:00 matches to play. Guardiola’s season has performers this season and appears to “Finish strongly now and we give beIN SPORTS hit trouble lately, with those two league be ready for a comeback, having joined ourselves something to look forward Juventus v Torino 21:45 draws following an FA Cup semi-final in with full training on Thursday. It has to next season because you want to beIN SPORTS defeat against Arsenal at Wembley. been a tough first year in England for be in four competitions,” Kompany Indeed, City have won just two of their Guardiola, who will finish a season with- said. “Sometimes exceptional seasons German Bundesliga last eight matches in all competitions. out a trophy for the first time in his are built on seasons like this. The Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim 16:30 The manager, though, has been lifted coaching career. But whatever the next mood’s not great because we are at beIN SPORTS by the prospect of David Silva’s return few weeks bring for City, captain that time in the season where we need Eintracht Frankfurt 16:30 from a knee injury sustained during the Vincent Kompany believes the club are to win games and it didn’t happen on beIN SPORTS Wembley defeat. The Spain playmaker heading in the right direction. Sunday (at Boro). “Now it’s a case of Bayern Munich v Darmstadt 16:30 having to finish the last four games beIN SPORTS HD 5 Players deserve privacy really strongly. Borussia Monchengladbach v Augsburg 16:30 There is not one single doubt in our beIN SPORTS over mental health: Klopp minds that we’ll get the job done.” Ingolstadt v Leverkusen 16:30 Palace manager Sam Allardyce admit- beIN SPORTS ted his side’s heavy schedule caught up Hertha Berlin v Leipzig 19:30 LONDON: Jurgen Klopp strongly we should) keep all these kind of with them when they lost 2-0 at home beIN SPORTS HD 5 believes players should be allowed to issues as private as possible. Give the to Burnley last weekend, leaving them deal with health issues in private, say- people the privacy they need-stop on 38 points. Allardyce believes his side French League ing of the glare of publicity focused on talking about it, stop asking about it. will avoid getting drawn back into the Everton’s Aaron Lennon: “I really hate “If it is not a football player the only bottom three, although he has conced- Paris Saint-Germain v Bastia 18:00 it.” Lennon has been in the spotlight advantage is that no one asks about it, ed the Eagles need one more victory to beIN SPORTS after the former England winger was so it is easy to come back when you erase any lingering relegation fears. Guingamp v Dijon 21:00 detained under the Mental Health Act feel better. “In football or in the public Recent successes at Chelsea and beIN SPORTS on Sunday. His club say Lennon is suf- eye everyone is interested and I don’t Liverpool, and the home win against Lorient v Angers 21:00 fering from a stress-related illness, but like it. “It is like watching a car acci- Arsenal, mean Allardyce’s side will head beIN SPORTS Klopp does not believe it is fair to an dent-instead of helping you only to the Etihad Stadium hopeful of get- Toulouse v Caen 21:00 individual’s recovery to have their watch or take your smartphone out, ting something from the game. beIN SPORTS medical problems openly debated. and I really hate it. “I am sure Everton Anything less, and the manager admits Nancy Lorraine v Monaco 21:00 “Whatever I could say about it are doing everything they can to keep the pressure could build ahead of the beIN SPORTS doesn’t help, it is only another head- it as private as possible and that is following weekend’s visit of Hull City, Lille v Metz 21:00 line,” the Liverpool manager said on their job and everything will be good beIN SPORTS yesterday. “What I really think is (that in the end.” — AFP currently positioned four points behind the south London club. — AFP SPORTS SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

Five things to look out for in La Liga

MADRID: With just three full rounds of fixtures to come before the end of the season, plenty can be settled at both ends of the La Liga table this weekend. Take a look at five things to look out for.

ADAMS LAMB TO THE SLAUGHTER Tony Adams’s attempted rescue mission at Granada could- n’t have gone much worse as the Andalusians were relegated last weekend after losing all four of the former Arsenal cap- tain’s games in charge. Ending that run and salvaging some pride will be a mighty task this weekend as Real Madrid visit Los C·rmenes looking to tighten their grip on the title race.

RONALDO TO BE RESTED However, if there is something to give Granada hope it is the fact Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to build on his nine goals in his last five games this weekend.The Portuguese scored a hat-trick to put Real on course for next month’s Champions League final with a 3-0 semi-final, first leg drubbing of Atletico Madrid in midweek. Yet, part of the reason for his fine form at this stage of the season is due to Zinedine Zidane leaving him out for a series of easier fixtures. Ronaldo hasn’t even been included for any of Madrid’s last three away games at Leganes, Sporting Gijon and Deportivo La Coruna. Real, though, have a perfect record of eight wins from eight in games Ronaldo has missed in La Liga this season. MONACO: Juventus’ forward from Argentina Gonzalo Higuain reacts after scoring a second goal during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg football match Monaco vs Juventus at the Stade Louis II stadium. — AFP RELEGATION SETTLED? The bottom three, cut adrift for the vast majority of the season, have fallen like dominoes in the past few weeks. Khedira ice cool as Osasuna were first to go before Granada followed suit. And Sporting Gijon could be next this weekend to end the relega- tion battle if they fail to beat Las Palmas and Leganes get a result when they host Real Betis. Juve sight scudetto LAST BUMP IN BARCA’S ROAD To have any chance of beating Madrid to the title, ALGHERO: Cool-headed midfielder Sami “We’ll be ready for the derby on Chelsea, is battling Roma striker Edin Barcelona will almost certainly have to win their remaining Khedira has called for focus as treble- Saturday,” Allegri said after Wednesday’s Dzeko for the coveted ‘Capocanoniere’ three games. However, they face one of the form teams in the chasing Juventus seek to wrap up a win. “I have a squad that permits me to top scorer’s award. league on Saturday in a Villarreal side that have won five of record Serie A title with a derby win over make a few changes.” Yet the 49-year-old Both are tied at the top on 25 goals, their last six visit the Catalan capital.Congolese striker Cedric Torino. A Juventus win on Saturday, cou- coach is unlikely to change a potent with Mauro Icardi (Inter Milan) on 24 and Bakambu is the man to watch for Villarreal having recovered pled with a Roma defeat at Europa attacking line featuring Higuain, Mario Higuain still in contention, a year after tri- his stellar form of last season with six goals in his last five League-chasing AC Milan on Sunday, Mandzukic, Juan Cuadrado and Paulo umphing thanks to a new Serie A record games. Should they see of Villarreal, Barca will be confident of would take the champions’ lead over the Dybala. Torino coach Sinisa Mihajlovic of 36 goals, on 23 so far this season. at least taking the title to the final day with the easier tasks of capital side to 12 points with three was in attendance to see Juventus tri- Roma travel to the San Siro days after Las Palmas and Eibar to come. games to play. But securing a record umph in Monaco, and Allegri added: “I sporting director Monchi inadvertantly sixth consecutive scudetto, says Khedira, don’t know what he thought. The derby is confirmed that club icon Francesco Totti, SEVILLA TO HANG ON is just one step on a road that he hopes an important fixture, but it’s more impor- 40, would retire at the end of the season Sevilla have had a disastrous final few months to the sea- will see Juventus claim an unprecedent- tant to us because it gives us the chances before taking up a management role. It son as they crashed out of the Champions League to Leicester ed club treble, seven years after Jose to edge even closer to the scudetto.” remains to be seen how the Giallorossi City, have slumped in La Liga, seen long-time sporting direc- Mourinho achieved the feat with Inter react on the pitch, but with Milan desper- tor Monchi leave for Roma and look set to lose coach Jorge Milan, in 2010. GOLDEN BOOT RACE ately needing a win to boost their Europa Sampaoli to the Argentine national team. Despite all that, The 32-times Italian champions face Although the odds are stacked in League qualifying hopes Luciano they could seal their prime objective for the season this week- Lazio in the Italian Cup final next month favor of Juventus, who have beaten Spalletti’s visitors can ill afford to drop end by guaranteeing a top four finish and a return to the and, after a 2-0 win over Monaco in the Torino three times in succession since a points. Napoli, only one point behind in Champions League. They hold a five-point lead over Villarreal first leg of their Champions League semi- rare defeat at the end of the 2015 season, third place, will move into the league’s and will be uncatchable should they see of Real Sociedad on final, look to have one foot in the Cardiff Torino fans can realistically dream of an second automatic Champions League Friday and the Yellow Submarine don’t emerge victorious final. Germany midfielder Khedira, who upset. Striker Andrea Belotti, a reported qualifying spot with a win at home to from the Camp Nou. — AFP sat Wednesday’s win due to suspension, target for Manchester United and Cagliari on Saturday. — AFP insisted there is still plenty of work to do. “The fans have a dream, which is the same as ours,” Khedira said Thursday. “But we are not dreamers, and if we want FIFA lifts Messi to go all the way we still have a lot of hard work ahead of us. “The derby is a four-game ban kind of match-point for us. If we win at home, even though Roma still have to ZURICH: FIFA yesterday overturned “Despite the fact that the FIFA Appeal play the next day, we will be closer to Barcelona star Lionel Messi’s four- Committee considered Lionel Messi’s one of our objectives. game ban from international matches behavior as reproachable” it conclud- “Then we want to win the Italian Cup imposed for swearing at an assistant ed “the evidence available was not against Lazio, a great side that we’ve referee, saying there was not enough sufficient” to justify a four-game ban. already beaten twice (this season) and evidence to support the stiff punish- In March the striker was found guilty who we want to beat again.” After seeing ment. The U-turn is a major boost to of “having directed insulting words at Gonzalo Higuain hit a brace at the Stade Argentina’s hopes of reaching next an assistant referee” in a World Cup Louis II, coach Massimiliano Allegri is set year’s World Cup in Russia, with the qualifier against Chile which to make several changes for the visit of South Americans struggling in region- Argentina won 1-0 thanks to a penalty Torino. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, al qualifying. FIFA said its appeal com- from the Barcelona hitman. Argentine MADRID: Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano who made a string of fine saves to thwart mittee sided with a challenge filed on football chief Armando Perez conced- Ronaldo smiles as he gestures during a training session at the French league leaders, could make Messi’s behalf by the Argentine ed that Messi “made a mistake”, but Valdebebas training ground in Madrid on May 5, 2017, on way for number two Norberto Neto, with Football Association and lifted “the argued that FIFA’s sanction was dis- the eve of the Spanish League match football match Allegri also likely to tinker with his four- sanctions imposed on him as a result”. proportionate. — AFP Granada CF vs Real Madrid CF. — AFP man defence. Wizards beat Celtics 116-89 in Game 3 SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 SportsSports 44

VIGO: Manchester United’s forward Marcus Rashford (R) celebrates with his teammate Ecuadorian defender Antonio Valencia after scoring during their UEFA Europa League semi final first leg football match RC Celta de Vigo vs Manchester United FC at the Balaidos stadium. — AFP Rashford edges United towards Europa final

VIGO: Marcus Rashford’s stunning free-kick 23 minutes from difficult, so I cannot be happier with the players and their Armenian. And Alvarez was called into action again moments time put Manchester United on the brink of reaching the work.” Celta, by contrast, failed to rise to the challenge of their later to parry Lingard’s imprecise shot after he had been Europa League final with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Celta Vigo first ever European semi-final, but they did have the first big played in by Rashford’s through ball. Celta’s top scorer Iago on Thursday. Celta goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez kept the chance just 10 minutes in. Aspas was anonymous before the break, but started the sec- Spaniards in the tie before half-time with a string of saves to Nemanja Radoja’s cross picked out the unmarked Daniel ond-half brightly and saw flicked header float just wide. deny Rashford, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Jese Lingard. However, Wass, but the Dane miscued his header horribly wide with Pione Sisto was then denied by a fine save from Sergio he was wrong-footed by Rashford’s free-kick as United took a just Sergio Romero to beat. Thereafter, it fell on Alvarez to Romero as the Dane’s deflected shot threatened to loop over giant step towards reaching the final in Stockholm on May 24. keep Celta in the tie. And he refused to give up hope of mak- the Argentine. Celta’s greater attacking intent was offering And United manager Jose Mourinho hailed his wonder kid ing the final. “Nothing is impossible,” said Alvarez. “We have United more space on the counter-attack and Rashford didn’t who has stepped up in the absence of top scorer Zlatan to recover as soon as possible and go there to show we are a make the most of one promising opening after skipping past Ibrahimovic due to cruciate ligament damage. “He’s a 19-year- brave team.” Gustavo Cabral. old kid in love with football,” said Mourinho. “He works, he’s However, the 19-year-old showed his class moments later mature and what matters is not his age but his quality.” CLASS APART as he won a free-kick on the edge of the area and then picked Rashford’s 11th goal of the season was just reward for United’s His best stop came on 21 minutes when Rashford took aim himself up to curl home a wonderful effort into the far corner. superiority as they close in on not just the prestige of winning from just outside the box and his shot was curling into the top Aspas had Celta’s best chance to respond but fired wide when the Europa League for the first time, but also the prize of guar- corner only for Alvarez’s fingertips to turn the ball behind. Paul Jonny’s cross was fired into him at an awkward height. Celta anteed Champions League football next season it would bring. Pogba was making his return after missing United’s last two have already overcome losing the first leg 1-0 at home on their “In the first-half Sergio had a couple of very important saves outings, and the world’s most expensive player looked a class run to the last four with a 2-0 win at Shakhtar Donetsk in the and the way we started the game and controlled the game in apart in midfield. A powerful run from the Frenchman teed up last 32. But the Galicians need lightning to strike twice at Old the first half I think we deserved a better result,” added Mkhitaryan for the visitors best chance of the first 45 minutes. Trafford on May 11 as United look set for their first European Mourinho. “But the opponent was difficult, the stadium was However, Alvarez rushed from his line to block from the final since 2011. — AFP