Missing Jet May Have Disintegrated Midair

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MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 JAMADA ALAWWAL 9, 1435 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Kuwait Bomber Afghanistan’s Real Madrid Housing kills 45 in powerful back on Conference Iraqi city vice president top after kicks off2 of Hilla8 Fahim11 dies Levante20 stroll Missing jet may have Max 27º Min 20º disintegrated midair High Tide 07:55 & 17:40 Low Tide Radar shows plane may have turned back 00:59 & 12:12 40 PAGES NO: 16100 150 FILS

KUALA LUMPUR: Officials investigating the disappearance of a Malaysia Airlines jetliner with 239 people on Assembly panel board suspect it may have disintegrated in mid-flight, a senior source said yesterday, as Vietnam reported a pos- wants answers sible sighting of wreckage from the plane. International police agency Interpol confirmed that at least two pass- over causeway ports recorded in its database as lost or stolen were used by passengers on the flight, raising suspicions of By B Izzak foul play. Nearly 48 hours after the last contact with Flight KUWAIT: The National Assembly’s public funds pro- MH370, mystery still surrounded its fate. Malaysia’s air tection committee yesterday gave the ministry of force chief said the Beijing-bound airliner may have public works one week to answer questions over turned back from its scheduled route before it vanished procedures adopted in awarding the Subbiya cause- from radar screens. “The fact that we are unable to find way project. Head of the committee MP Jamal Al- any debris so far appears to indicate that the aircraft is Omar said the panel discussed the multi-billion-dol- likely to have disintegrated at around 35,000 feet,” a lar contract with a team from the ministry of public source involved in the investigations in Malaysia told works and another from the Audit Bureau that Reuters. briefed the panel about the awarding of the contract If the plane had plunged intact from close to its of the causeway, known as Sheikh Jaber Causeway. cruising altitude, breaking up only on impact with the The bureau explained the administrative proce- water, search teams would have expected to find a fairly dures followed in the awarding process and their concentrated pattern of debris, said the source, speak- compliance to the country’s laws and regulations, ing on condition of anonymity because he was not Omar said. With regard to claims that the awarding authorised to discuss the investigation publicly. Asked process involved “suspicions”, the lawmakers said a about the possibility of an explosion, such as a bomb, number of questions were given to the ministry of the source said there was no evidence yet of foul play public works and it was given one week to answer and that the aircraft could have broken up due to them. The committee will prepare its report on the mechanical causes. issue after receiving the replies, he said. Dozens of military and civilian vessels have been Work has already started on the KD 738 million crisscrossing waters beneath the aircraft’s flight path, project to build the 36-km causeway to link Kuwait but have found no confirmed trace of the lost plane, City with Subbiya where a huge urban development although oil slicks have been reported in the sea south project is planned. MEDAN, Indonesia: Risman Siregar comforts his wife Erlina Panjaitan, parents of Firman Chandra Siregar, a of Vietnam and east of Malaysia. Late yesterday, the Civil Continued on Page 13 24-year-old passenger of Malaysia Airlines flight 370 that went missing on Saturday. — AP Continued on Page 13 Ashton on goodwill visit to Iran TEHRAN: EU foreign policy chief relative moderate who has the ear of Catherine Ashton said yesterday a final supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. accord on Iran’s nuclear program cannot The so-called P5+1 - UN Security Council Drought a be guaranteed, during a landmark visit permanent members Britain, China, that underscores a thaw in Tehran’s ties France, Russia and the United States plus threat to with the West. Ashton is in Tehran on an Germany - hopes to reach final agree- official visit that comes after Iran signed ment by July 20, when the initial pact is a preliminary deal in November with due to expire. food prices world powers under which it agreed to “This interim agreement is really curb its disputed nuclear activities in important but not as important as a AMMAN: The Middle East’s driest winter in several exchange for sanctions relief. comprehensive agreement (which is)... decades could pose a threat to global food prices, The breakthrough was made possible difficult, challenging, and there is no with local crops depleted and farmers’ livelihoods after last year’s election of Iranian guarantee that we will succeed,” Ashton blighted, UN experts and climatologists say. President Hassan Rouhani, viewed as a Continued on Page 13 Varying degrees of drought are hitting almost two thirds of the limited arable land across Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, the Palestinian territories and ABU DHABI: Egyptian Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayyeb (left) talks Iraq. “Going back to the last 100 years, I don’t think with UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahayan you can get a five-year span that’s been as dry,” said during the opening session of a two-day forum entitled ìPromoting Peace in Mohammad Raafi Hossain, a UN Food and Muslim Societiesî yesterday. — AFP Agriculture Organisation (FAO) environmental economist. The dry season has already hurt prospects for UAE backs Saudis with the cereal harvest in areas of Syria and to a lesser extent Iraq. Several of the countries under pressure Brotherhood blacklist are already significant buyers of grain from international markets. “When governments that are Saudis, Emiratis quit Qatari media responsible for importing basic foodstuffs have shortages in production, they will go to outside DUBAI/RIYADH: The United Arab on Friday. Those who join or support the markets, where the extra demand will no doubt Emirates has thrown its support behind groups could face five to 30 years in push global food prices higher,” said Nakd Khamis, neighboring Saudi Arabia’s decision to prison under the new Saudi policy. seed expert and consultant to the FAO. The label the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist The Gulf moves against the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) shows the region organization, increasing Gulf Arab pres- Brotherhood follow an Egyptian decision has not had such low rainfall since at least 1970. sure on the Islamist group. Saudi Arabia to label it a terrorist organization in This was part of the initial findings of a joint listed the 86-year-old Brotherhood along December. The move by the military- technical study on Drought Risk Management with several other groups, including Al- backed interim government in Cairo Continued on Page13 TEHRAN: Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani welcomes European Union’s foreign Qaeda affiliates, as terrorist organizations Continued on Page 13 policy chief Catherine Ashton yesterday. — AP in the news

Bahrainis could be US committed Oman businessman executed over blast to Gulf security jailed over bribes DUBAI: Four Shiites who “confessed” to taking part in ABU DHABI: The United States is committed to preserv- MUSCAT: A court in Oman yesterday sentenced a for- an attack that killed three policemen in Bahrain this ing security in the oil-rich Gulf region despite its growing mer executive of an engineering firm to a total of 15 month could face the death penalty if convicted, prose- energy independence, US Commerce Secretary Penny years in jail for five counts of bribery in exchange for cutors said yesterday. Death sentences are usually com- Pritzker said yesterday. “The United States and the UAE contracts from a state-owned oil company. The trial, muted to life imprisonment - 25 years - in the Gulf king- share a commitment to preserve security and stability part of a crackdown by the government on corrup- dom, which has been rocked by a Shiite-led uprising throughout the Gulf,” Pritzker told a business forum in tion in the Western-allied country, was the second against the Sunni Al-Khalifa dynasty since 2011. The Abu Dhabi. “That commitment will not change even as against former managing director of Galfar public prosecution service has ordered Sami Mirza the United States becomes more energy independent,” Engineering and Contracting, Mohammed Ali, who Ahmed Mushaima, Abbas Jamil Tahir Alsameea, Ali she said. Washington was interested in “making sure that was sentenced to three years in jail in January over Mohammed Jamil Taher Alsameea and Yusuf Ahmed oil markets throughout the world remain stable and well bribes made to Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). Mohammed Taher Alsameea “jailed on remand after supplied,” she added. Pritzker is leading a trade mission In the latest case, the prosecutor accused Ali, an being charged with establishing and joining a terrorist on a Gulf tour that will also take her to Saudi Arabia and Indian national, of giving bribes to PDO employees to group... (and) killing security personnel,” a statement Qatar. In October last year, oil production in the United facilitate the awarding of contracts to his firm. The said. The four, who have “confessed” their involvement States surpassed crude imports for the first time in nearly judge sentenced Ali to three years in jail for each of in the blast, are also accused of manufacturing and pos- two decades, helped mainly by production from newly the five counts of bribery and ordered the sentences sessing explosives to disturb “public security and for a tapped shale-based reserves. The shift has taken US ABU DHABI: US Commerce Secretary Penny to run consecutively, for a total of 15 years. The court terrorist purpose”, said the English-language statement. reliance on imported oil to less than 40 percent of Pritzker gives a speech during a business forum also ordered Ali to pay 1.774 million rials ($4.61 mil- The crimes could carry the death penalty and revoca- domestic consumption. yesterday. — AFP lion) in fines for the convictions. tion of citizenship, it said. MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 LOCAL Woman jailed for nudity By A Saleh

KUWAIT: The criminal court sentenced an expatriate woman to three years in jail after she was found guilty of breaking the state’s morality laws by post- ing nude pictures of herself online. The woman was identified and arrested following investigations carried out by morality department detectives, who followed up the case after she posted several nude photos on Twitter.

Traffic survey MP Kamel Al-Awadhi announced plans to start surveying Kuwaitis next week on recommendations to solve the traffic problem in Kuwait. Awadhi prepares to use the survey results as the basis of draft laws he plans to submit in order to address traffic jams and accidents, the lawmaker said yesterday. Awadhi had last week blamed the large number of vehicles on Kuwait roads, especially of expatriates, for the chronic traffic jams and accidents in the country. He quoted Interior Ministry KUWAIT: His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim and other officials at information that indicates that there are around 1.8 the Housing Conference. million registered vehicles in the country, and deemed the expatriate ownership of vehicles as Kuwait housing conference kicks off ‘highly questionable’. Children’s law The parliament’s women and family affairs com- KUWAIT: Under the auspices of His Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak an important conference on an issue of of national consensus is a transient issue mittee discussed discrimination against women in Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and senior officials. utmost importance and that the patron- that is above political, sectarian, ethnic, naturalization, employment and housing welfare Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and attendance of His The ceremony began with recitation of age of His Highness the Amir for this con- tribal and ideological differences. during its meeting yesterday, the committee Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown the Holy Quran and playing the national ference and the presence of His Highness Thirdly, the housing issue affects the announced. Unlike her male counterpart, a Kuwaiti Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- anthem. After that a documentary about the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince is an societal security and not an issue that falls woman cannot pass her citizenship to her children Sabah the Kuwait Housing Conference the housing problem was displayed. honor for us”. under the political proselytizing. or own a government house, while she falls behind kicked off yesterday morning. Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim, Al-Ghanim said that the housing issue He stressed the need for a political will Kuwaiti men in the line of employment at some His Highness the Deputy Amir and Under-Secretary-General of the United should have been resolved long time ago to resolve the housing crisis and this is state departments. “An agreement was reached to Crown Prince was welcomed at the event’s Nations and Executive Director of UN- and that everyone is to blame including what “we see on the ground at the time set up a roadmap in cooperation with representa- venue by National Assembly Speaker HABITAT Joan Clos and President of Kuwait the government, parliament, municipal being at all levels starting from the politi- tives of women societies in order to bring justice to Marzouq Al-Ghanim, Chairman of National Real Estate Union Tawfiq Ahmad Al-Jarrah council, media, political forces and civil cal leadership down to the ordinary citi- female citizens on the legal and social fields,” head Assembly’s Housing Affairs Committee delivered speeches on the conference top- society organizations. zen. of the committee Saleh Ashour said yesterday. Faisal Mohammed Al-Kandari and other ic. He added that the perplexing irony is He also urged the legislators to carry Meanwhile, Ashour announced that the panel parliamentary committee members. Al-Ghanim expressed thanks and grati- that the delay came at the expense of an out their responsibilities and address this agreed to prepare a children’s law “especially that The conference ceremony was also tude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh issue that is characterized by three major issue thoroughly, expressing the readiness Kuwait remains the only country in the region attended by former House Speaker Jassim Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for aspects. First, this issue is like a snow ball of the parliament to cooperate with the which lacks a law that provides protection for chil- Al-Khorafi, Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed patronizing this important conference. that becomes bigger and bigger and can- government in coming up with solutions dren.” Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness the “This is not a protocol ceremony, but is not be left unresolved. Secondly, this issue to this complex file. — KUNA Court upholds expatriate’s right for free treatment Top priority for children’s rights

KUWAIT: In a landmark ruling that serves human in Kuwait on Oct 14, 2010. The man demanded ment for his child, paid by the state. possible - to safe drinking water, nutritious food, “Therefore, constitutions around the world justice and provides hope for expatriates in need that the court overrules a decision by the Health The ruling was based on article 10 of the a clean and safe environment, and information are keen on protecting children’s rights, and on for expensive treatment in Kuwait, the Court of Ministry who refused to give his daughter regu- Kuwaiti constitution which stipulates that “The to help them stay healthy.” “Childhood is the top of that comes the right of treatment,” the First Instance ordered the Ministry of Health to lar prescriptions for the Cerezyme 400 medica- State cares for the young and protects them basis for the construction of families and soci- judgment reads. Expatriates in Kuwait are cov- provide full treatment free of charge for a Syrian tions that doctors prescribed for her condition. from exploitation and from moral, physical, and eties; whose development require childhood ered by medical insurance program that entitles child who was born with a rare disease. He added that the medication, which is taken spiritual neglect,” as well as article 24 of the care,” the court said in the written judgment. “As them for treatment at public medical facilities for The case was filed by a Syrian man living in by injection, costs KD 65,856 annually. UNICEF Convention on the Rights of the Child a result, nations give importance to childhood minimal fare. Certain medications and medical Kuwait, who said that his daughter was diag- The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, and which indicates that “Children have the right to care out of realization that a child is of maximum procedures have been made exclusive to Kuwaiti nosed with Gaucher’s disease after she was born ordered the Ministry of Health to provide treat- good quality health care - the best health care importance for his family and the whole nation.” patients in recent years, however. AIESEC’s leap to teach, explore programs

By Ben Garcia

KUWAIT: LEAP, a cultural and educational exchange program that enables youth to develop professionally and personally, is now in Kuwait. LEAP- Kuwait, founded by Mahmoud Mirza and Ayman Rasheed Al-Saleh (VP and Expansion Team Leader), has been operating since early 2013 under the umbrella of the Association for the International Exchange of Students in Economics and Commerce (AIESEC). The AIESEC, a non-profit, non-political and independent organization of students and youth, is widely known in the Gulf countries as LEAP. Saleh said the program aims to provide access to basic education to unprivileged communities so as to overcome illiteracy, promote tolerance, understanding between nations/regions and address cultural differences in addition to empowering youth on various issues including social, health and lifestyle. “LEAP means to us as a leap to teach others, leap to explore and leap to change. Through this program, we are helping the world to create a positive impact on society, develop leadership potential for the youth and brighter cross- cultural understanding,” he said. “In the program, we don’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, creed, religion, national, ethnic or social origin,” Saleh added. LEAP Kuwait has sent several students to other countries. “This program is a life-changing experience. We have one student right now under the ‘Leap to explore’ program in Turkey. Her objective is to explore and share Arabic culture. She will visit schools and explore the beauty of Turkish culture. When she comes back, she will share her experiences when she was there. She will not just stay there for a bit of touring, she will actually live with them, taste their food and experience their lifestyle for eight weeks, so, we are talking about a very well-planned experience,” Saleh said. KUWAIT: The Leap-Kuwait program. (Photos courtesy of AIESEC-Kuwait) “Another student traveled to China recently to teach students there for hoping for their support,” he added. easy and it’s online. After applying, in eight weeks. We have two students The program is open to Kuwaitis a week’s time they’ll be able to leave who are currently traveling to Poland 18-30 years old. “Most of our members for the program. We interview the stu- under the program. The Leap program and those who already underwent dents, and they sign an agreement. was possible through the support of and experienced the program were all We also require students to be bilin- international donors and big compa- happy to share their experiences with gual because they are travelling nies. In Kuwait, we introduced this to us and they are the one encouraging abroad and English is highly required, our government, and I hope they’ll be others to join. Most of them are stu- because that is how they are going to able to support us financially. They dents, some are new graduates who communicate.” AIESEC has been told us to provide the report of the want to explore and experience new empowering young people for the programs and requirements, so we are cultures,” Saleh said. “Application is past 64 years in about 124 countries. LOCAL MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 Kuwait Airways shooting suspect in police custody Ahmadi wedding celebration

KUWAIT: While Kuwait Airways denied approached the police and identified himself statement demonstrates the KAC’s failure to reports that one of its aircraft was targeted by as the person who had hosted the event. He follow up with procedures taken in these kind gunfire before touchdown Friday night, a then handed over the suspect to police, of situations in accordance with IATA regula- local daily reported yesterday that Ahmadi according to the sources. tions,” said sources quoted by Al-Rai yesterday. police arrested a man who fired the gunshots In the meantime, Al-Rai reported that the In other news, Al-Qabas reported yesterday during a wedding in the area at the time Interior Minister plans in response to the case that the contracts of Kuwait Airways’ deal with when the plane passed over it. to send an urgent request to the parliament Airbus include penalty clauses “which do not Police had headed to a wedding site in the to demand speeding up the process of dis- mention specific figures like the K-Dow deal,” area in response to an emergency call report- cussing a draft law that the ministry had pro- according to sources familiar with the deal. ing a shooting on Friday night. They noticed a posed and called for collecting unlicensed The sources who spoke on the condition of man firing shots from a weapon and moved weapons. anonymity explained that the penalty clauses to arrest him. The Kuwaiti man fled after see- pertain with technical issues such as fines that ing the police, and managed to drive away Penalty clause KAC would have to pay if it fails to receive the from the scene, according to security sources Despite the KAC’s official statement which new aircraft in time, or an obligation from quoted by Al-Rai yesterday. While police went indicates that the pilot informed the control Airbus to bear operational losses as well as in the suspect’s pursuit, he was able to escape tower at the Kuwait international Airport repair costs in case of flaws discovered in the after he stopped his car and ran away on foot. about “what appeared to be a shooting at a planes. Police were able to identify the man and considerable distance from the plane”, local But the contracts do not include a clause circulated his name to borders and patrol dailies published a photocopy of the police where the KAC would pay a penalty if the deal vehicles. Meanwhile, his family members report filed regarding the case which shows was canceled similar to the government’s deal KUWAIT: Crown Prince of Brunei Darussalam and Senior Minister in the Prime agreed to help police convince the suspect to that the captain said that the ‘heavy gunfire with Dow Chemical, the sources said. Minister’s Office Al-Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and his accompanying delegation turn himself in. On Saturday, a man was very close’ to the aircraft. “The official — Al-Rai & Al-Qabas arrived here yesterday on a visit to Kuwait where he is to hold talks with His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He was received by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al- Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, ministers, sheikhs and several state officials.

Chemistry conference focuses on oil industry, environment

KUWAIT: With a special focus on estab- port the government’s endeavors in less- lishing a green initiative in the petroleum ening the impact of the petroleum industry, the third edition of Kuwait industry on the environment. He also Conference of Chemistry (KCC) kicked off hoped setting up legislations to monitor here yesterday, under the patronage of environmental pollution and environ- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- mental remediation. Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. On his part, head of the higher organi- The conference entitled “Petroleum zation committee of the conference Industry and Environment” is taking Marzouq Al-Shammir noted that the place at the Regency Hotel from March 9 event gained importance because of the to 11 and is organized by Kuwait patronage of His Highness the Amir, who Chemical Society (KCS) together with is an avid supporter of science and scien- Kuwait University (KU), Kuwait Institute tists. Around 200 participants from all of Scientific Research (KISR) and Public over the world are expected to partake in Authority for Applied Education and the event. The conference will include Training (PAAET). three categories of speakers: Keynote In the opening speech, Minister of Oil Speakers or Plenary Speakers, Invited and Minister of State for National speakers, Oral speakers and poster pre- KUWAIT: Some of the participants of the Unified GCC Traffic Week. Assembly Affairs Dr Ali Al-Omair pointed senters. The conference will focus on a out that even though the oil industry has green initiative in petroleum industry, tremendous benefits on the economic, environmental impact and risk assess- GCC Traffic Week kicks off social and scientific aspects of the coun- ment, waste management of petroleum try, its ecological impacts are very detri- industry, environmental sustainability, KUWAIT: The Unified GCC Traffic Week is an opportunity mental. recent advances in petroleum refining to exchange traffic personnel visits among the GCC states Hence, he aspired that this conference processes and solutions for industrial and to utilize the latest technologies in finding solutions would reach an outcome that would sup- sustainability. —KUNA for traffic problems, Chief of traffic department said yesterday. In his speech at the launch of the GCC Traffic Week’s activities, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Illegal residents in custody Interior and General Director of the Traffic Department Maj Gen Abdulfattah Ali said that Kuwait Traffic Department is By Hanan Al-Saadoun • An Egyptian company representative studying setting up a radio station and a call center reported that unidentified robbers broke designed to tackle traffic issues and the public’s complaints KUWAIT: Hawally security forces raided his vehicle window and stole KD 2,300 in and inquiries. several places where 73 illegal residents cash and three passports. A case was He added that since the start of the Unified GCC Traffic Week 30 years ago, many technologies have been intro- and absconders were arrested, said secu- filed. duced to help in developing the performance of traffic and rity sources, noting two of the suspects • A female citizen accused her run- solving its problems. On his part, Traffic Director of had been running an illegal long-dis- away housemaid of stealing KD 1,200 in Mubarak Al-Khaber governorate Col Tawhid Al-Kandari said tance call center while five females were cash. that the goal of traffic officers is to organize the flow of arrested in a brothel. The campaign also • A citizen was arrested with 15 home- traffic for the safety of road users and not to punish them. resulted in arresting a citizen who was made liquor bottles, said security He said that delegations of the GCC countries toured driving under the effect of drugs and had sources. A case was filed and the suspect the country to check on traffic movement, and handed other drugs on him. was referred to relevant authorities. traffic awareness brochures to the public. — KUNA Kuwait probes causes of dolphin deaths

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Environment Public tion with other relevant bodies, are Authority (EPA) has launched a probe closely following up the issue. into the causes of dolphin deaths along The EPA teams are doing their best in Kuwaiti coasts in the past days. this regard in collaboration with the EPA’s Deputy Director General for Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs Technical Affairs and Acting Deputy and Fish Resources, the Interior Ministry’s Director-General for Environment Sector Coast Guard Department and Kuwait Mohammad Al-Enazi said that the dead Municipality, Al-Enazi said. He urged the dolphins were moved to secure places public not to heed unspecialized state- and a probe has been started to identify ments in this regard, adding that the EPA the causes of their death. will make official statements about any He added that the EPA, in coordina- developments later. —KUNA Championship for remote control airplanes

By Nawara Fattahova helicopter,” Meshari Halawah, Executive participant chooses the category according 8,000,” he added. “This is the first event of Director of the championship, told Kuwait to the airplane he has. So limbo for its kind to be held in Kuwait as we didn’t KUWIAT: A three-day fun event for the Times. instance depends on the skills of the partic- have a runway since 1999. Sheikha Fareeha whole family will be held from March 13 to Halawah also practices this hobby and ipant, and the plane is small and cheaper Al-Ahmad has donated one and we are 15 in Julaia. It’s the second Kuwait RC will be also participating with RC airplanes. than others (less than KD 200), while the organizing this championship,” concluded Championship for remote control airplanes, “I will be participating to encourage people price of a scale jet can reach more than KD Halawah. with world champions participating. About to participate, as many of my friends who 40 amateurs have registered to participate practice this hobby feel hesitant to partici- already, and registration is open till March pate as there will be international champi- 11 by sending letter T by SMS to mobile no. ons participating such as German champi- 66229692. The organizer will then contact on Daniel Brussow, Jamal Al-Mazroui, Fahd the applicant to come and register at the Al-Shamsi and others. International judge RC Academy in Dajeej. This championship Georges Sharalambous from Cyprus and is held under the patronage of Sheikha Kuwaiti judge Ali Qambar will be judging Fariha Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. according to the FAI rules,” he added. This hobby is spreading in Kuwait and The championship will kick off on more people are practicing it. “There are Thursday, March 13 at 4:00 pm. “The pro- even Kuwait champions participating gram will include entertaining activities for abroad such as Ali Al-Aryaan, who is ranked kids and different games. Also after sunset, second in the Arab world in the RC helicop- attendees can enjoy fireworks. ter category. During this championship, he Furthermore, there will be some traditional will present a show but won’t be compet- presentations that will be attended by ing as this category won’t be available as many VIPs. On the second day (Friday), the it’s dangerous due to the big size of the actual competition will take place from helicopter’s blades - each of them is about 9:00 am. Then the final ceremony will be one meter long. We have only allowed pro- held on Saturday,” explained Halawah. fessionals to present shows, including There are five categories of RC airplanes world champion Tareq Al-Saadi from the participating - aerobatic airplane, freestyle Ali Al-Aryaan with his helicopter. UAE will also present a show with his RC 3D, turbine jet, scale jet and the limpo. “The Meshari Halawh participating in one of the competitions. MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 LOCAL

kuwait digest aaa In my view Deportation of Martyrs the bedoons! memorial

By Nawaf Al-Badr Kids Allowance he government shares a ‘dream’ with some people in Raise Kuwait that the bedoons can be deported from the Parliament Tcountry. This desire was expressed through state- By Labeed Abdal ments we have been hearing since the creation of the first government body to handle the bedoon issue in 1993. Since that day, the government has been promoting the notion that bedoons originally belong to other countries, and that they should go back to their ancestors’ lands. Parliament Government The strange part is that no bedoon has ever been [email protected] deported. The government returned these days using the same tone, alleging that bedoon demonstrators belong to he Ministry of Information opened a memorial other countries and should be deported. But if the Al-Anbaa during the national holidays to commemorate demonstrators are indeed hiding their original passports, the memory of workers who fell as martyrs dur- shouldn’t they hide in their homes instead so that the gov- T ing the 1990/91 Iraqi invasion. It was a very important ernment - which claims to be aware of their original initiative to honor the memory of those who sacri- nationalities - does not arrest and deport them? Government ficed their lives while protecting the radio and televi- The recent developments happened over a year since sion building during the hardest period in Kuwait’s we launched a social media campaign in which we chal- history. lenged the government to deport bedoons who it claims I believe that Kuwait needs to set up a large have documents that prove their original citizenship. But memorial on the Gulf Road to commemorate martyrs the government failed to do anything, aside from declar- who fell while defending Kuwait in all fields, including possession of documents which they said prove that ing Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis who died side by side around 67,000 bedoons belong to other countries. while defending the country. The memorial would be The problem is that despite repeated allegations from a deceleration from all of us that our heroic martyrs the government during the past couple of years, no one has ever held the government accountable for failure to in my view take procedures against those it claims to have evidence The memory of those that convicts them. We, bedoon activists, know for sure that those allegations lack credibility, and wonder why Assault on basic rights heroes has never left their MPs have failed to take action against the government for failure to take procedures against people who allegedly By Rami G. Khouri families, friends, coworkers hide their passports. and all the Kuwaiti people During the recent demonstrations, activist Abdullah s there no limit to the assault on the basic rights and humanity “Barakat” is a new popular movement that opposes a fourth Atta Al-Enezi was arrested, which was not for the first of Arab citizens? The latest insult to common human decency Bouteflika candidacy, similar to the Kefaya movement in Egypt that ever since they sacrificed time. I was personally charged in previous cases he was Iand the struggle of hundreds of millions of Arabs for democratic opposed the intention of former President Hosni Mubarak to pass arrested in. But while he was always identified as ‘non- and accountable governance comes from Algeria, where President on the presidency to his son Gamal. Kefaya protests were always their lives for their country Kuwaiti’ in the previous cases, the Interior Ministry sud- Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced earlier this week that he would broken up, but they played a historic role in giving Egyptians the over 20 years ago. denly decided to refer to him as a Saudi national in the run for his fourth consecutive term as president. Not surprisingly, in courage to openly challenge the Mubarak regime by publicly recent case. central Algiers security forces arrested Thursday 40 people who protesting against perpetual Mubarak family rule. Enezi is registered at the Central Apparatus for Illegal were demonstrating in protest against Bouteflika’s announcement. A liberal who presented himself as a presidential candidate but will never be forgotten, and to provide a stage where A similar small protest last week met the safe fate at the hands of dropped out of the race in disgust after hearing of Bouteflika’s can- Residents, has a security ID, the 1965 census documents their memory can be celebrated during national the security services. didacy, said, “We are tired of this half-dead man and the thugs who in addition to Kuwaiti relatives. The same goes for occasions. Even though a state of emergency in the country was lifted in surround him. The political equation must change.” Abdulhakeem and Abdulnasser Al-Fadhli, who were The memory of those heroes has never left their 2011, public protests remain banned throughout the land. Another The spectacle of an ailing old man such as Bouteflika clinging to families, friends, coworkers and all the Kuwaiti people arrested on multiple occasions for their activity in the protest last week was similarly broken up. Then and again this power after 15 years as president is a sickening reminder of the sin- bedoon issue, while some media outlets claimed they ever since they sacrificed their lives for their country week, the brave Algerians who took to the streets to bring an end gle most debilitating legacy of the modern Arab state system that over 20 years ago. And we are assured that they enjoy were Iraqis and about to be deported. A propaganda has to military rule and the perpetual hold on power by ailing old men is now so directly challenged by its own citizens who are tired of high ranks in heaven as Allah Almighty has promised. suddenly started in order to distort the bedoons’ case, chanted slogans such as “Long live Algeria!” and “Free and demo- being treated like children with no rights. That would be the legacy The memorial would then serve as a reminder for and negatively affect those who demand their legitimate cratic Algeria!” of soldiers and families ruling entire countries for decades on end, the younger generations to know more about the suf- right of citizenship. It is strange that bedoons demand The police intervened forcefully against the protests, but the with neither the legitimacy that free elections confer nor the credi- fering of Kuwaiti families who faced all kinds of having their issue settled in court, but the government lessons of the past three years in the Arab world suggest that this bility or efficacy in governing that would result from participation, killings, torture and threats during the invasion, and continues to avoid that. latest attempt at perpetual incumbency by military-backed families accountability and transparency in the conduct of policymaking. witnessed how their children’s lives were put on the We are now in the time of freedoms, dignity and and cliques will not pass without more protests. Bouteflika, who is 77 years old, suffered a stroke in April 2013 line for the sake of Kuwait. The memorial would be a advancement. Bedoons today are different from the Even after the demonstrators were bundled into vans by securi- and spent months being treated in France. His rare public celebration for all those sacrifices that embody the time when they were unable to respond to false infor- ty forces, they continued to oppose Bouteflika’s candidacy by bang- appearance last Monday was necessary for him to submit his resistance of a nation in defense of its country, peo- mation and attempts to distort their image. We have a ing on the sides of the vehicles. One female protester cried out, candidacy papers in person for the April 17 presidential vote. He ple’s unity and commitment to their rulers at the relatively free media, and social networks that opened a “Fifty-two years - Barakat!” (That’s enough!), referring to the fact that then appeared on television to confirm his candidacy, marking darkest of times, and how the whole world gathered door for bedoons to expose the whole truth to the the Algerian military in one form or another has ruled the country the first time he spoke in public since returning from Paris eight in support for their cause. Kuwaiti people. —Al-Jarida for the past 52 years of its independence from France. months ago.

kuwait digest kuwait digest No respect for ‘Brotherhood’ human rights in the Gulf

By Abdullatif Al-Duaij By Osama Al-Shaheen t is actually of my concern that our friends in America irst of all, I would like to assert that I chose a mis- and the world have a realistic understanding of the situ- leading title for my article, in which I will discuss Iation in Kuwait, where the outer appearance does not Fthe history of the social reform societies in the reflect what actually is going on inside. Or in fact, the dark Arabian Gulf states. Those societies were falsely associ- reality is kept under glamorous appearances. It is common ated with and have been branded as ‘Muslim knowledge that Kuwait enjoys luxury, but one that is false. Brotherhood’ groups following the dominance of Exactly like how we have a democratic system, but in reali- Egyptian and Levant journalists in the media and press ty it is and has always been a tribal system that has nothing in the region for many years, bringing their own termi- to do with democracy outside of its name and appearance. nologies and political subdivisions with them. I agree with our American friends that we do not have The case is different in the Gulf region, where the prisoners of opinion, and that government persecution Muslim Brotherhood’s banner has never been publical- against citizens is almost nonexistent. But that does not ly raised, despite the presence of supportive atmos- mean that we should not reassert that general rights and pheres both on the official and popular scenes since freedoms are not respected at all here. The lack of arbitrari- the ‘40s and ‘50s of the past century. Social reform soci- ness or abuse does not mean that the government does eties were established as early as the beginning of not have other methods to ‘suppress’ or undemocratically sheikhdoms’ transformation into modern states. control citizens’ choices. Religious activists sought to work collectively and in an Our problem in Kuwait is that we do not have true organized manner that is different than the individual awareness about freedoms, as well as political and legal approach which dominated all aspects of life in the rights. This includes citizens, the government, and even past. political groups that claim knowledge and understanding. The ‘Social Reform Society’ in Bahrain was estab- That is why it is easy to violate rights in Kuwait. To be more lished in 1941, followed by the ‘Social Reform Society’ in honest and realistic, more violations are practiced by the Kuwait in 1952, and ‘Social Reform Societies’ in the people and politicians than by the government. United Arab Emirates from 1974. Those groups originat- It can also be said without hesitation or fear of making ed from the society and work for it. They are not affiliat- inaccurate statements that the opposition which erupted ed to any organization or movement. In Kuwait, the late against the government in the past few years where moti- Yousuf bin Essa Al-Qanaei chaired the first board of the vated by the directions of former prime minister Sheikh Social Reform Society. And in Bahrain, Sheikh Essa bin Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah’s cabinets towards reform, Mohammad Al-Khalifa is still the chairman of the soci- and adopting the necessary civil and developmental poli- ety’s board. Meanwhile, Sheikh Sultan bin Kayed Al- cies. Qassemi is considered the chairman of the reform call The opposition was not provoked by the multimillion- in the UAE. The three men mentioned above are well- dinar deposits case or graft suspicions as claimed. Those known for their character and honorable works. cases have unfortunately provided a ‘populist’ ground to Social reform societies, or the ‘Muslim Brotherhood’ move. But what truly ignited their movement is the cabi- as described by the local media, were often accused of net’s decision at the time to ban primary elections, stop being ‘too moderate’ for an Islamic group. The accusa- public violations on state properties, go ahead with devel- tions mostly came from hardline Salafists or liberals who opment plans and requirements to transform Kuwait into a felt angry by the societies’ competition in the political financial hub, and finally, amend the electoral law that and unionist fields. The false accusations continued for gave unfair advantage to tribal and religious groups. It is a years, until the media suddenly started accusing the ‘conservative’ opposition whose main objective is to main- societies of extremism, and even terrorism, after tain the current situations, not change them. Islamists gained success in the Arab Spring states. Human rights are being ignored, or actually violated The social reform societies never committed a single every day and publically. Yet, that fails to draw the atten- violent incident throughout their history in the Arabian tion or sympathy of anyone. The Interior Ministry occasion- Gulf. While its enemies continue to repeat lies in hope ally announces rewarding police who have openly and that people will eventually be convinced, the fact proudly violated constitutional rights of a Kuwaiti citizen remains that Gulf states have seen nothing from the or, in most cases, an expatriate. A few years ago, a police- societies’ call that goes against showing loyalty to Gulf man was rewarded because he grew suspicious of an nations and their leaders - to the point in which they expatriate woman’s behavior in the market, so he searched were sometimes accused of being ‘bought’ by their her and found jewelry she had just stolen from her governments. employer’s house! After explaining the loyalty and peaceful approach On the general level, the interior and information min- of societies that are falsely referred to as being affiliated istries do not need a law or constitution to practice restric- to the Muslim Brotherhood, we have to ask these questions on people. The minister in each ministry - who is tions: What is the reason behind incitement against always selected from the ruling family - makes decisions them? Have these atmospheres benefited anyone? according to citizens’ behavior and affairs. Police officers for Who benefits the most from creating troubles between example make arrests and inspection according to their Gulf rulers and the largest component in Gulf societies? mood, while the information ministry bans whatever it Once we find answers to these questions, we will find wants banned. —Al-Qabas the light that guides us out of this darkness. —Al-Rai MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 LOCAL

Firemen Festival at Sharq Market

By Hanan Al-Saadoun Mekrad, top firefighting commanders and titions and awareness activities with the aim ber of games that require as much stamina capital brigade won the first place in team firefighters from Kuwait Army, the National of acquainting the public with the job nature as that needed in real firefighting. The first competitions followed by KOC team in the KUWAIT: Under the auspices and in atten- Guards and KOC, KFSD recently concluded of firemen and the efforts they exert to save place winner was Abdul Aziz Jamal (the capi- second place. dance of Kuwait Fire Services Directorate the 12th Firemen Festival at the Sharq mar- lives. tal brigade) while Soud Al-Ammari (capital) Al-Ansari presented awards to the winners Director, Maj Gen Yousif Al-Ansari, his deputy ket. The festival also included the first came second and Abdul Rahman Al-Ali (KOC) and the organizing committee as well as for firefighting and training Brig Khaled Al- The festival included a number of compe- endurance competition that involves a num- came third in individual competitions. The thanked various sponsors. Tight security to face ‘terror threat’ ahead of Arab Summit Arab ministers discuss terrorism

KUWAIT: Kuwait raved up security measures in list the Muslim Brotherhood or Hezbollah as terror- preparation for the Arab Summit later this month ist groups was unlikely. Kuwait-Japan amid information about a terrorist plot that could Kuwait is not likely to take a similar decision to Friendship group simultaneously target the Gulf state. State security Saudi Arabia who announced last Friday that the and Border Security officers were put on high alert Muslim Brotherhood has officially been classified as arrives in Tokyo based on information about preparations of Al- a terrorist organization in the kingdom, according Qaeda and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant to government sources quoted by Al-Qabas. TOKYO: A delegation of the Kuwait-Japan to send members through the Iraqi border into The Islamic Constitutional Movement, strongly Parliamentary Friendship League arrived here Kuwait before the Arab League’s summit opens on considered the unannounced political extension of yesterday on a visit aimed at strengthening March 25, a local daily reported yesterday quoting the Muslim Brotherhood in Kuwait, said that they the bilateral ties in all domains, particularly the sources with knowledge of the case. were not concerned with Saudi Arabia’s decision. parliamentary cooperation between the two “Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister However, the group expressed regret that the friendly countries. Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khalid Al-Sabah is directly kingdom would take a similar decision against a During their stay, Kuwait National following up with security preparations,” said the ‘peaceful’ organization, according to General Assembly lawmakers led by MP Dr Khalil sources who spoke to Al-Qabas on the condition of Secretariat member Mubarak Al-Duwailah. Abdullah will hold talks with Japanese coun- anonymity. “There is no tolerance when it comes to Al-Duwailah, who is a former lawmaker, told Al- terparts and senior government officials and a national security or the safety of citizens and expa- Rai daily that a decision to criminalize the Muslim parliament speaker. The delegation is also triates.” Brotherhood in Kuwait is unlikely because the pan- scheduled to observe a session of the parlia- Meanwhile, Arab foreign ministers met in Cairo Arab organization ‘has no presence in Kuwait’. ment and make inspections of a medical insti- yesterday to discuss topics that include Algeria’s “The ICM announced in the past that it has no tute, transport facilities and a wind power sta- objection to giving Syria’s chair in the Arab League affiliations with any organization inside or outside tion. The group includes MPs Dr. Abdulrahman to the Syrian opposition. There has been reports Kuwait,” Al-Duwailah reiterated in response to alle- Al-Jeran, Adnan Abdulsamad, Faisal Al- that President of the National Coalition for Syrian gations about his group’s connection with the Dowaisan and Majed Al-Mutairi. Their visit Revolutionary and Opposition Forces Ahmad Jarba Muslim Brotherhood. came after the Japanese members of the could occupy Syria’s chair during the Arab Summit Social Reform Society President Hmoud Al- Kuwait-Japan Parliamentary Friendship in Kuwait, but Algeria has shown objection for legal Roumi refused to comment on the Saudi decision League visited Kuwait last month, in which reasons. when contacted by Al-Qabas. The charitable organ- both sides confirmed the two countries will The issue of terrorism is also scheduled to be ization has also repeatedly denied allegations of strengthen the friendly bilateral relations they discussed during the meeting, but sources quoted being connected to the Muslim Brotherhood in the have enjoyed for more than 50 years.—KUNA by Al-Qabas daily yesterday said that a decision to past. MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 LOCAL Face-veil leads three women to questioning Search for Jleeb harasser

KUWAIT: Three face-veiled women were nounced dead after he did not respond to treat- back to the hospital and put under tightened detained briefly after a jewelry shop owner in ment. While the body was taken for an autopsy, security after an identity check revealed his Salhiya suspected that they had plotted to com- the man’s son headed to the Abdullah Al-Salem criminal record. The reason why the man head- mit a robbery at his store. Police arrived at the police station and filed a case. Investigations are ed to the police station and claimed that his life scene in response to an emergency call made by ongoing to identify and summon the half lorry was threatened at the hospital was not speci- the owner, who had closed the shop’s doors with driver for questioning. fied in the report. the three women inside. The man told police that he had suspected the women’s behavior Woman harassed Fugitives nabbed since they entered the store, and decided to call Investigations are ongoing to arrest a man Two fugitives were arrested following a hot police when a female customer warned him that who harassed a female worker after he offered pursuit in Salmiya. Patrol police went in pursuit the three were likely thieves. The women were to drive her home. The suspect met the Asian of the suspects who ignored orders to pull over taken for questioning during which they were woman on her way out of a shop in Jleeb Al- and drove away. The two were forced to stop at asked about their potential involvement in rob- Shuyoukh after her shift had ended, and a roadblock and placed under arrest after beries committed by niqab-wearing thieves at offered to take her home. The woman agreed, showing strong resistance. A fingerprint identi- jewelry shops around Kuwait. The women, one as she trusted the Egyptian since he worked at ty check revealed that the suspects, a Kuwaiti Kuwaiti and two bedoon, were released after no a nearby store in the same mall where she and bedoon, are wanted for 12 criminal cases. evidence was found against them and after the worked. But according to her statements to Police found drugs, drug paraphernalia and shop owner decided not to press charges. local police, the man started harassing her on weapons inside their car. They were taken to the way, after which she opened the door the authorities for further action. Death after accident which forced him to stop, and she escaped. A senior citizen died two hours after he was Suicide attempt involved in a minor accident in Abdullah Al- ‘Patient’ arrested A man was hospitalized in a critical condi- Salem. The man, who was in his eighties, was Police are waiting for a man to be dis- tion after he attempted suicide, but his condi- reportedly driving in the area on Saturday when charged from Jahra Hospital in order to be tion was later stabilized. Family of the 29-year- his car collided with a half lorry. The two settled arrested and sent to serve a two-year in jail sen- old Kuwaiti had rushed him to Farwaniya the issue at the scene, and the truck driver even tence over a drug-related case. According to Hospital after finding him unconscious in his volunteered to drive the senior citizen to his the police report, the Kuwaiti man had man- room. A family member told doctors that he house, according to what old man told his family aged to escape from the hospital and went to found an empty bottle of medications near the later. But after a short while, the man was rushed the Naeem police station, where he told police man who was admitted in the intensive care by his son to Amiri Hospital after he complained that doctors were trying to kill him. The man, unit. The man was diagnosed with complica- of severe pain across his body. He was pro- who was wearing hospital clothes, was taken tions of medication overdose. A case was filed. ‘Pockets of Efficiency’ to help reduce size of bureaucracy

KUWAIT: Within its series of activities decisions. If performance indicators reveal nature of a capital investment, while yearly revenue is accumulated in a single domes- addressing the issue of reform in state that the agencies are failing, their manage- transfers are part of current expenditure. A tic government-controlled investment agencies, Kuwait Economic Society (KES) ment should be promptly replaced.” majority of governments in the world fund, many private companies might end held on Monday a lecture by Prof have very precarious financial situations up being government owned. As this is Giacomo Luciani of the Graduate Institute Cost of subsidies and simply cannot afford to devote a sig- not a desirable outcome, the government of International and Development Studies Autonomous “Pockets of Efficiency”, nificant share of their revenues to capital faces a difficulty in using oil revenue for in Geneva. The lecture addressed the pos- Prof Luciani noted, should charge the pub- expenditure; in contrast, some oil produc- providing capital to private enterprises (it sibility of reducing the size of government lic for their services. It is preferable to bring ing countries enjoy significant financial can offer concessional loans, but equity is bureaucracy in an oil producing country the cost of subsidies to the surface, so that room for maneuver and can engage in a also needed). This difficulty can be over- such as Kuwait by establishing it can be monitored and discussed. The strategy of systematically endowing come if oil revenue is used to establish autonomous “Pockets of Efficiency” within state can step in and pay for the citizen autonomous agencies to provide for spe- endowed autonomous “Pockets of the public sector. either in full or in part, but this task should cific services, and get them off the govern- Efficiency” which behave as institutional Prof Luciani started from the consider- be attributed to a different agency than ment’s current expenditure. In this way, investors. ation that “the local population and econ- the one delivering the service. For exam- the importance of capital expenditure is omy only benefit from oil revenue when ple, one or more agencies will be created increased and current expenditure is Autonomous agencies the government spends locally. Whether to offer scholarships to university students reduced, resulting in much greater budg- “Of course, there is the possibility that this results in a very large government sec- and pay for the tuition fees that universi- etary flexibility for the government. In the some of these autonomous agencies may tor depends on how the money is spent ties charge: in this way, the agency granti- face of oil price fluctuations, the pace of fail in their mission or lose their endow- exactly, but a tendency towards an over- ng the scholarship will be able to resist creation of endowments does not need to ment through ill-conceived placements. In grown and inefficient bureaucracy is excessive tuition fees charged by universi- be stable or necessarily increasing year any decentralized or market-based system inevitable.” a certain percentage of actors will fail. Prof Luciani pointed out that When market discipline is imposed, failure “Governments are always tempted to becomes visible early on and the manage- deliver services directly, i.e. entrusting a ment is replaced, or the agency/corpora- branch of the bureaucracy to do so. There tion is turned around, or sometimes it is is an assumption that this will guarantee declared bankrupt and liquidated,” said control and efficiency, while in fact the Prof Luciani, while stressing that “We KUWAIT: British Sport Relief Mile in progress. opposite is the case,” stressing that such should not be afraid of this: the same hap- governments should instead choose solu- pens also in bureaucratic and hierarchical tions of indirect provision of services to cit- systems, except that failure is more easily British Embassy izens by establishing “Pockets of covered up, and inefficiencies can persist Efficiency.” for very long times.” celebrates Sport Relief “Indirect provision,” he explained, According to the professor, a strategy “means that the government sets up an Prof Giacomo Luciani, and Head of KES Policy Committee Manaf Al-Hajeri of slimming down government through KUWAIT: British Ambassador Frank Baker Comic Relief UK, a charity which supports autonomous agency or corporation, a the creation of autonomous agencies started the Sport Relief Mile on Saturday poor and disadvantaged people in the UK ‘Pocket of Efficiency’ to deliver the service. ties, and a kind of “market” will be created. after year - which is normally the case with requires many more responsible and com- morning with over 100 people taking part and across the world’s poorest countries. Examples of services that can be entrusted He further explained: This “market” will current expenditure. He pointed out that petent administrators that a centralized, in a sponsored walk to raise money for Over the past decade, a staggering £195m to autonomous corporations are the provi- not be perfect as in some cases there may allocating a large share of oil revenue to hierarchical system: but after decades of Sport Relief and the Kuwait Red Crescent has been raised in the UK through Sport sion of electricity or postal services. Such be many providers competing with each the creation of endowments also corre- emphasizing education the oil producing Society, which will go to help support Relief and a lot of lives have been trans- activities can generate a profit and the cor- other (e.g. many universities or hospitals, sponds to the consideration that oil is a countries have today a significant pool of Syrian refugees in camps in Lebanon and formed as a result. Sport Relief has teamed porations may be partly or wholly priva- some of which may be private); but in oth- wasting asset and oil revenue is to a large young talent that is keen to assume greater Jordan. Sport Relief harnesses the power up with the Foreign and Commonwealth tized. Examples of services that are more er cases there will be just one monopolis- extent the proceeds of the sale of an asset responsibilities and should be put to test . and passion of sport to change lives for the Office to organise Sport Relief Miles all likely to be entrusted to non-profit making tic provider. Therefore, it may be necessary rather than net value added creation. Prof Giacomo Luciani is a renowned better. Participants found innovative ways around the world, to raise money for local agencies are universities or hospitals. In all to establish autonomous regulators that Therefore, oil revenue should be used for political economy scholar with extensive of doing the mile, dressing as Superman, charities which help vulnerable people liv- cases, autonomy is essential: the entities will protect the customer and guarantee investment rather than consumption work on developing countries, with an Batman and 007, as well as skipping the ing incredibly tough lives. The Sport Relief must have their own system of gover- the well-functioning of the market. expenditure. emphasis on the Middle East. Since 2012, mile and doing the mile 3-legged! Even Mile was the first of several fund raising nance and decision making and be sover- Just as corporations need equity to be According to Prof Luciani’s projection, he has been an Adjunct Professor at the Sparky the dog proudly wore his runner events organized by the British Embassy in eign in their budgetary, management and established, autonomous “Pockets of if a strategy of systematic creation of Graduate Institute of International and number to complete the mile in style! Kuwait taking place during the month of investment decisions. The state should Efficiency” should receive an endowment, endowed autonomous “Pockets of Development Studies, Geneva; Director of Sport Relief was launched in 2002 by March. dictate the mission of each agency, Prof. Luciani said, it is preferable for the Efficiency” is followed, the financial mar- the Executive Master in International Oil appoint fixed-term administrators and government to support these kets will be strengthened by the presence and Gas Leadership. Since 2010, he has monitor their performance through sys- autonomous agencies through the estab- of a significant number of institutional been Scientific Director of the Master in tematic benchmarking (e.g. Key lishment of an endowment rather than investors (the endowed “Pockets of International Energy, Paris School of Performance Indicators), but should not through yearly budgetary transfers. Efficiency”) that will facilitate raising capi- International Affairs, Sciences Po, Paris; he is interfere in day-to-day or even investment Establishing an endowment is in the tal for private enterprises. In contrast, if oil also a Princeton University Global Scholar. Kuwait seeks consensus on new climate change pact KUWAIT: A high-ranking Kuwaiti delegation will participate in a UN meeting in Bonn to negotiate a new climate change pact that will replace Kyoto protocol. The delegation includes representatives of the Environmental Public Authority (EPA), Ministry of Oil, Ministry of Electricity and Water, and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). He pointed out that the Kuwaiti delegation will try to coordinate with delegations of other developing countries to reach a compromise deal with the developed countries over this important issue. “Developed countries have been trying since 2008 to per- suade other countries to sign an unfair agreement on the Zain focused on enhancing, reduction of gas emissions,” Kuwaiti delegation member and head of the climate changes department at the EPA Sharif Al- motivating talents Khayyat said yesterday. He argued that the less developed countries seek to reach KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunica- results. As a responsible telecommunica- an agreement that takes into account the difference of devel- tions company in Kuwait, was the main tions company, Zain was keen in engaging ABK awards winners of oped and developing countries’ ability in taking required sponsor of Dave Ulrich’s seminar entitled its employees in this highly sought after measures to achieve the agreed upon rate of gas emissions ‘Talent: The Hidden Secret behind seminar supporting the company’s efforts National Day competition cuts. He also added developed countries will demand the Employee Motivation’. The seminar organ- of enhancing employees’ professional skills developed ones to provide them with financial and technical ized by Mawaarid Human Resources and motivating productivity. KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait celebrated brations.” Al-Baghli added, “We were pleased aid in order to put into effect the provisions of 2013 Warsaw Solutions, was held yesterday at the Salwa As a global HR thought leader and one National and Liberation days, in part by host- with the enthusiastic customer response agreement. Sabah Al-Ahmad Hall - Marina Hotel, where of the world’s top 50 business thinkers, ing a competition on Instagram via ABK’s through wonderful pictorial compositions. Bonn negotiations which will be held from March 10 to 14, Zain employees took part in the full- Dave Ulrich addressed ways of increasing official page @ABK_Kuwait. The winners The competition was divided into two parts; will mark the beginning of an intense year of conferences and fledged talent management seminar. an organization’s profits through employee were awarded valuable cash prizes. the first was based on images of celebratory summits designed to lead to a meaningful universal agree- Dave Ulrich, a renowned international motivation. Ali Al-Baghli, assistant PR manager at ABK, lights and decoration, and the second was a ment in Paris in late 2015. The week-long meeting of the Ad speaker, university professor, author, man- Zain puts its employees on top of its pri- stated, “We would like to congratulate the pictorial for kids in their national costumes. Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced agement coach, and human resources (HR) orities, and continues to find ways to devel- winners and thank all participants for inter- The holidays came to an end on this festive Action (ADP) will include work towards the new global climate guru spoke about talent management and op their skills and enhance their profes- acting with ABK, expressing their love for mood, and with the lucky winners being agreement, to enter into force from 2020, and work to find how it encourages an organization’s sional qualifications by involving them in Kuwait and joining in the National Day cele- announced.” ways to boost immediate, effective climate action. —KUNA employees in delivering outstanding high-caliber workshops and seminars. MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014

Suicide bomber North Koreans vote in parliament ‘election’ kills 45 in Iraq

Page 10 Page 8 What happened to Malaysia Airlines? Absence of any distress signal raises eyebrows KUALA LUMPUR: The sudden disappearance Saturday Q: How likely is human error in this case? terrorist-but this is all very speculative,” Ravi said. The ter- (stolen passports) — criminals and terrorists,” he said. of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 — with no distress call The MH370 case may drawn comparisons with the ror theory’s credibility is hurt by the fact that-so far-no However, Shukor said the sheer volume of travelers mov- or other signs of trouble-has ignited intense specula- crash in 2009 of an Air France into the Atlantic Ocean, claim of responsibility has surfaced. “What’s the motive? ing through airports likely means not all forgeries can be tion over what happened to the jet and its 239 passen- which killed more than 200 people. An investigation said If they didn’t bring any weapons, it is extremely difficult caught. “To blame Malaysian authorities for this is proba- gers. Following are some of the scenarios being mulled speed sensors failed, causing the Airbus jet to stall and to get into the cockpit,” said Shukor Yusof, aviation ana- bly unfair-they have to get it right all the time and over by regional authorities, investigators and industry lose altitude. But it also said pilots failed to react correct- lyst with Standard & Poor’s. He also noted that stolen potential hijackers just have to get through once,” he experts. ly, losing control of the jet. Soejatman said despite all the passports do not necessarily equate to terrorism. Large said. safety features on modern aircraft, well-trained pilots numbers of illegal workers, as well as criminal syndi- Q: Is mechanical or structural failure likely? taking proper action in an emergency also is essential. “If cates, are known to move between Malaysia and neigh- Q: Could violent turbulence or bad weather have Sudden, accidental structural failures leading to the crew is not on the ball, they quickly lose control of boring countries such as Thailand. The two suspect pass- brought down the plane? explosions or a sudden loss of cabin pressure are con- the situation,” he said. ports were reportedly stolen in Thailand. This possibility is being widely discounted as all indi- sidered extremely unlikely in today’s passenger aircraft. cations are that the weather was fine in the area where This is especially so with the Boeing 777-200 model, Q: Was it an attempted hijacking or terror attack? Q: Is lax security at Kuala Lumpur International contact with MH370 was lost. which has one of the best safety records of any jet. This specter has loomed after authorities said at least Airport (KLIA) to blame? “From a crack, there can be a whole structure break- two passengers had boarded with stolen passports. The modern facility does not have a history of known Q: Could it have run out of fuel? down that allows for no response. But in the last two to Malaysian officials also said yesterday radar data indicat- security breaches. But Rohan Gunaratna, a terrorism Malaysia Airlines has said the plane was fuelled for at three decades there have been next to nil such inci- ed the pilot may have inexplicably tried to turn back to expert at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, least eight hours of flight. The Kuala Lumpur-Beijing dents,” said Ravi Madavaram, an aviation analyst with Kuala Lumpur. Analysts said the absence of any distress said the passport issue could indicate a “glaring flaw” in route lasts six hours. Aircraft typically carry two hours’ Frost & Sullivan. Indonesia-based aviation analyst Gerry signal raises eyebrows, as it could indicate an event so the airport’s immigration clearance. He noted that worth of fuel on top of what is needed. Adds Ravi: “If Soejatman said based on the MH370 plane’s mainte- sudden that the crew could not respond. “There was not Interpol maintains a database of stolen passports that there was a fuel loss, the pilot would have enough time nance records, “there is nothing that would jump even time for the pilot or crew to raise an alarm. It could should have raised red flags at the immigration counter. to call for distress signal, and to turn around and glide straight out of the page”. have happened due to a deliberate act-by a pilot or a “There are two categories of people who use these back to land.” — AFP

Jet’s disappearance among rarest of aviation disasters KUALA LUMPUR: The sudden disappearance of a Malaysia Airlines jetliner with 239 people aboard represents one of the rarest kinds of aviation disaster, and the mystery is compounded by uncertainty about which country’s jurisdiction the plane came down in. Take-off and, in particular, final approach and landing are the most inherently hazardous parts of a flight, and the periods when most accidents occur. Saturday’s red-eye flight, by contrast, vanished at cruising altitude in clear skies en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. No distress signal appears to have been sent, no wreckage has been found and no aircraft malfunction has been identified. But it has been more than 24 hours since the plane went missing and Malaysia Airlines said it was “fearing the worst”. Based on the last contact with the pilots, the Boeing 777- 200ER is presumed to have crashed off the coast of Vietnam. Two passengers aboard were possibly travelling under stolen passports, raising questions about foul play, but no group has claimed responsibility. “Aircraft do not crash while en route like this,” said Paul Hayes, Director of Safety at Flightglobal Ascend, a British- based aviation consultancy. “It is an extremely unusual event.” Only one other recent disaster was similar: the loss of Air France Flight 447, which crashed in the Atlantic Ocean in 2009 en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris.

Legal limbo The incident is likely to rekindle a debate about whether black box flight recorders should be replaced with satellite-based systems capable of sending back telemetry in real time. Such systems exist, but have so far been ruled out on the basis of cost and logis- tics. In the meantime, it is unclear who will take the lead in unrav- eling what happened to the Malaysian airliner. Under International Civil Aviation Organization rules, the government of the territory where the crash occurred typically has jurisdiction over the wreckage and leads the investigation. So it is likely no authority can take charge until the wreckage is found. In this case, it is likely to be Vietnam. But if the plane went down in international waters, then Malaysia would to have control, and the United States would be involved because the plane was US-built. The lead investigator could ask the United States or another country with deep investigative abilities to take a larger role. But release of information and findings about the crash would likely remain under the control of the lead investigator nation. US regulators would have “no ability to release factual information as it would if a crash happened in the US”, said Kelly Nantel, a spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board, which investigates U.S. crashes. “All of our work would be in support of the lead agency.”

Rare mystery Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappeared about an hour into a scheduled flight to Beijing, with theories ranging from a sudden stall, an incident on board which caused a complete electrical failure to some kind of freak accident. The 11-year-old Boeing took off at 12.40 a.m. (1640 GMT Friday) from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and was last heard from at 1:30 a.m., according to the airline. The plane last had contact with air traffic controllers 120 nauti- cal miles off the east coast of the Malaysian town of Kota Bharu. Flight tracking website flightaware.com showed the plane flew northeast over Malaysia after take-off and climbed to an altitude of 35,000 feet. A massive search operation was under way in the seas between Malaysia and the southern tip of Vietnam, centred on the area where the plane last made contact. Pilots and aviation experts said an explosion on board appeared to be the likely cause of the disaster. The plane was at cruising altitude, the safest phase of flight, and likely would have been on autopilot. “It was either an explosion, lightning strike or severe decompression,” said a former Malaysia Airlines pilot. “The 777 can fly after a lightning strike and even severe decompression. But with an explosion, there is no chance. It is over.” An extreme, sudden loss of cabin pressure could have caused an explosive decompression and broken the plane apart, said John Goglia, a former board member of the National Transportation Safety Board. Such a decompression can be caused by corrosion or metal fatigue in the airframe.

Echoes of Air France disaster The disaster is most similar to the mysterious disappearance of Air France Flight 447, which killed all 228 people on board. Investigations were unable to conclusively come up with a reason for the crash of the Airbus A330 until the plane’s black boxes - its flight and voice data recorders - were recovered from the bottom of the ocean two years later. That recovery is likely to help investigators of the Malaysia Airlines crash. “Recovering wreckage in the ocean is always problematic, but the industry has learned a lot from the Air France crash,” said Hayes, of Flightglobal Ascend. — Reuters MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Israeli army unloads ‘Iran weapons ship’

EILAT: The Israeli army was yesterday two Israeli warships. ence today to display the seized weapon- he said at the start of his weekly cabinet tional community to maintain crippling unloading a ship which it intercepted in The military said it was carrying an ry. Iran has flatly denied any involvement meeting. Netanyahu also criticized EU economic sanctions on Iran over its the Red Sea allegedly transporting arms Iranian shipment of M-302 rockets des- with the shipment, which the Israeli army foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, nuclear drive. World powers have eased from Iran to Gaza and escorted to the tined for the Gaza Strip which is con- said was carrying missiles capable of who was in Tehran the same day for top- the sanctions on Iran as part of a land- port of Eilat. An AFP correspondent said trolled by the Palestinian Islamist move- striking anywhere in the Jewish state. level meetings. “I’d like to ask her if she mark interim deal struck in November, dozens of containers from the ment Hamas. The army chief, Lieutenant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked her Iranian hosts about the under which Tehran undertook to curb its Panamanian-flagged Klos-C were being General Benny Gantz, said: “Each one of said the seizure of the ship served “to weapon delivery to the terror groups, nuclear activities for six months. The unloaded and transferred on trucks to a these rockets poses a threat to the safety thwart the arrival of lethal weapons to and if she didn’t ask, why not?” he said. United States, other Western powers and nearby navy base. Naval commandos of the citizens of Israel - each bullet and Gaza terror groups, and to expose the “Nobody has the right to ignore the true, Israel have long suspected Iran of using seized the vessel on Wednesday in the each rocket that was discovered had an true face of Iran which was behind it.” murderous actions of the Iranian regime,” its nuclear energy program as a cover for Red Sea between Eritrea and Sudan, and Israeli address.” “Iran denies involvement, it is brazenly he added. developing atomic weapons, a charge it was escorted into Eilat on Saturday by The military is to hold a news confer- lying. We will show evidence tomorrow,” Israel has been pressing the interna- denied by the Islamic republic. —AFP Suicide bomber kills 45 at busy Iraq checkpoint Al-Qaeda behind attack?

HILLA: A suicide bomber driving a of Anbar bordering Syria. No one standing behind the suicide attack were using cutting equipment to minibus packed with explosives killed claimed responsibility for yesterday’s today and since the breakout of break into the blackened vehicles at least 45 people and wounded 157 attack, but the deputy chairman of fighting in Anbar, al Qaeda has and lift out the bodies, the police yesterday in the southern Iraqi city of Hilla provincial council, Aqeel Al- stepped up attacks in Hilla,” Rubaie officer said. Hilla, police and medical sources said. Rubaie, accused Al-Qaeda of being told Reuters. “We can’t separate “A policeman thought the The attacker approached a main behind the bombing. today’s attack from Anbar’s fight.” minibus was suspicious and he asked the driver to pull over for a check, but the vehicle exploded,” the officer said. Bombings and other attacks killed almost 8,000 civilians in Iraq in 2013, the deadliest year since 2008. Violence has not abated MOMBASA: Samburu men wait to sell traditional crafts to tourists on in the early months of 2014. Bamburi beach in the coastal city of Mombasa. —AFP Relatives of the casualties lined up outside the Hilla morgue to claim the bodies of their loved ones. Kenya tourism suffers Inside, family members cried and wept as they struggled to recognize the bodies. amid security scares “I want to keep my son’s shoes forever, I loved him so much, they MOMBASA: On a golden beach near the High park fees broke my heart,” said Um Muthanna, coastal city of Mombasa, the mood among Tourism is crucial part of Kenya’s economy: who identified the charred body of locals whose livelihoods depend on foreign according to the most recent figures from 2011, her son, Muthanna Abdul Hussein, a sun-seekers is gloomy as Kenya’s neighbors are the sector directly or indirectly accounted for 14 cameraman for state television, from stealing away price-conscious tourists. “Business percent of gross domestic product and roughly his shoes and socks. Muthanna was is bad. There are not many tourists, I haven’t 700,000 jobs, or 12 percent of the workforce. For killed along with a second camera- sold anything for two weeks,” complained Tomas Garcia Hertz of Vintage Africa, a Kenyan man from Iraqiya state television, Kazungu, a 27-year-old who touts boat excur- tour operator offering safari and beach pack- Khalid Abid. sions and souvenirs on the golden sands of ages, the country has failed to adapt to a pun- The death toll rose as some of the Nyali beach. ishing international business climate. “The over- wounded died in hospital and more The beach is full of Kenyans, but few foreign- all economic situation in our overseas market is bodies were discovered at the bomb ers. At the Nyali International Beach Hotel, a not the best. In a way we tend to forget that the site, police said. In a separate inci- 170-room luxury facility, a handful of tourists economic crisis is still very much alive and many dent, on the border of Anbar are at the bar while a couple are sunbathing people around the world are scared about their province and western Baghdad, a beside the pool, but the hotel is evidently not jobs,” he said. group of gunmen attacked an army busy. “For the last three years it’s been very low,” But he said costs and overheads in Kenya check point in the Sunni area of Abu admitted Tsuma Ndune, a 38-year-old kitesurf have continued to rise-such as a sales tax rise Ghraib, killing four soldiers, police instructor who works further down the beach. and hikes in national park entry fees-and that and medical sources said. He said business was roughly a third of what it competition was tough, especially Tanzania BAGHDAD: Iraqi security forces and onlookers gather yesterday at the site of a suicide bombing. —AFP In northern Iraq, three North Oil had been during Kenya’s better days. where the Serengeti reserve and island of Company employees were killed and In Mombasa, a local cooperative making Zanzibar are cheaper alternatives to the Masai checkpoint at a northern entrance to Rubaie said the local government The scene of the attack was strewn seven wounded when gunmen in a handicrafts, Akamba, has also seen its turnover Mara and Mombasa’s beaches. “Clients world- the largely Shiite Muslim city and det- had received tips that Al-Qaeda-affil- with debris from the checkpoint, car fired at a bus ferrying NOC halved since 2007, the year when Kenya-once wide are definitely price sensitive, and when onated the minibus, a police officer iates hiding in farmland north of and the shells of burnt out cars lit- employees near Tuz Khurmatu, close seen as a beacon of stability in East Africa-took a you’re offering them a safari adventure in said on condition of anonymity. At Hilla were plotting a strike. He said tered the road. to the oil-rich province of Kirkuk, turn for the worse and erupted into violence fol- Tanzania for much less money than Kenya then least 50 cars were set ablaze with pas- the violence was a spillover from “I was sitting inside my kiosk according to a police official. ISIL mili- lowing disputed elections. “Most tourists have it obviously becomes a major criteria.” sengers trapped inside and part of fighting in neighboring Anbar, when suddenly a horrible blast tants and other armed groups linked gone since 2007 and the election unrest, busi- Park entry fees in Tanzania are now lower the checkpoint complex was where the Shiite-led government threw me outside and hurled my to the fight in Anbar have been carry- ness just hasn’t been the same,” said Akamba’s than in Kenya — 60 dollars per person per day destroyed, the officer said. has been battling the al Qaeda fac- groceries up in the air. I saw cars set ing out attacks in northern Iraq as director Jackson Mwaniki, adding that the glob- for the Serengeti compared to 80 dollars for the Sunni Islamist insurgents linked tion the Islamic State of Iraq and the ablaze with people burning inside,” they try to divert government troops al financial crisis had combined to provide a Masai Mara, which is just across the border. “If to Al-Qaeda have been regaining Levant (ISIL) around the cities of said Abu Nawar, owner of a from Anbar and exploit openings perfect storm for Kenyan tourism. you look at a family of four who wish to stay in ground in Iraq over the past year, Ramadi and Fallujah. “We have evi- makeshift kiosk made of palm tree made by the concentration of securi- “Most of the tourists that are coming to the park, you’re talking about a huge amount of particularly in the western province dence that al Qaeda terrorists are leaves near the checkpoint. Police ty forces in the west. —Reuters Kenya are saying that they have been hit... the money even though you haven’t yet even trav- purchasing power to them has also gone down,” elled to the country, you haven’t stayed any- he said. The post-election violence of 2007 to where, you haven’t eaten, you haven’t been 2008 resulted in a 30 percent drop in tourism transported,” he said. New law drives Uganda’s over the following year before recovering three Hertz also complained the Kenyan govern- years later, according to official figures. But busi- ment appeared oblivious to the troubles in the ness dropped in 2012 and appears to have con- tourism sector. “One would think that the gov- tinued its downward trend-amid security fears ernment is very much aware that this Kenya gays deeper into shadows linked to the war in Somalia and kidnappings destination needs a lot of support. I think they along the coastline by Somali gunmen, fears of have just lost contact with reality on the ground renewed political violence during the 2013 elec- and nobody is taking any measures to correct KAMPALA: With a World Bank scholarship and Kampala,” the men shouted, Karungi told Reuters “There’s now an attempt at social imperialism, tions and the Westgate shopping centre attack that,” he said. “Kenya is making things difficult... top grades in the first year of her master’s degree when recounting the incident. to impose social values,” he said at the signing later in the year. to sell Kenya as a destination”. —AFP in agriculture, 27-year-old Cleo Kambugu should Passing the law has come at a cost for before foreign media. “We’re sorry to see that be well on the road to her goal of an academic Uganda. The World Bank and donors - Sweden, you (the West) live the way you live, but we keep career in Uganda. Instead, she’s working out how Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands - have quiet about it.” Gays had hoped for a different to leave after the passing of a law that toughens withheld aid or loans worth more than $118 mil- outcome during the years of haggling between prison sentences for homosexuality and a tabloid lion. Uganda’s currency has tumbled on fears of parliament and president over the bill. Geoffrey Peace deal with Palestinians campaign to “out” gays. “There is totally no hope further cuts to this vital source of hard currency. Ogwaro, a gay activist, said Museveni had been right now,” said Kambugu, still legally a man Investors are nervous. his “hero” for stalling the bill since it first emerged to take one year: Netanyahu despite a sex change in the last year that is not in 2009. recognized by Uganda, a nation that now has “Destroying our society” “Suddenly he’s my villain,” added Ogwaro, a JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Benjamin Arab-Israeli wars, any right of return. “The some of the toughest anti-gay laws on a conti- The United States, a big donor, has called the 41-year-old man who was married and lived a Netanyahu said any peace deal with the nature of Israel is something that should nent where 37 states ban homosexuality. legislation “atrocious” and compared it to anti- double life for years because he feared the con- Palestinians would take at least another be defined by Israelis, not Palestinians,” She worries about her safety on the streets Semitic laws in Nazi Germany and apartheid in sequences of “coming out” in Uganda. The chorus year to negotiate should both sides Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat after the newspaper Red Pepper slapped her pic- South Africa. It says it is reviewing ties. But of anti-gay voices is not restricted to parliament. accept US-proposed principles to keep said on Israeli Army Radio yesterday. ture on its front page under the headline “How Museveni, a 69-year-old former rebel fighter, Influential pastors, who draw thousands to talks going. In an Israel Radio interview Erekat said Palestinians expected we became homos”. The paper said such articles seems to have his gaze trained closer to home. Sunday services, often openly denounce homo- broadcast yesterday, Netanyahu reiterat- Israel to complete on March 28 the were in the public interest. Rights groups say it Despite Western opprobrium, the popular law sexual acts. ed that he regarded guidelines that US release of the final batch of 104 simply encourages people to take the law into could help shore up support before a 2016 elec- Secretary of State John Kerry is drafting Palestinian prisoners it agreed to free as their own hands. The bill, signed into law by tion. Though he has not said he wants to extend Gagged for a future deal as an “American docu- part of peace efforts. “And then the nego- President Yoweri Museveni on Feb 24, has forced his 28-year rule, he is expected to run. The huge stage at Kampala’s Watoto church is ment of American positions”. tiations are supposed to continue until embattled gays deeper into the shadows, by Only two MPs in the 260-seat parliament pub- one place where the message is delivered in Such a definition could give April 29,” he said, referring to the end of threatening life in jail for “aggravated homosexu- licly criticized the bill. “If you are a homo and you spectacular style, with smoke machines, disco Netanyahu leeway to register reserva- the nine-month negotiating period origi- ality” and a seven-year term for “aiding and abet- are destroying our society, you should be lights and the throbbing beat of a gospel choir. tions that could discourage staunch sup- nally envisaged by Kerry. ting homosexuality”. stopped,” said lawmaker David Bahati, author of On a Sunday in March, during one of five packed porters of Jewish settlement in occupied Reiterating another core Palestinian The United States has condemned the law the bill that had initially sought the death penal- services held that day to fit in the crowds, land where Palestinians want to make demand, Erekat said Israel must recog- and other donors have withheld aid. Some forty for those considered the worst offenders when Canadian pastor Gary Skinner told worshippers eign investors are quietly reviewing plans. But it he introduced it in 2009. not to “sexually sin against their own bodies”. their state from bolting his coalition. “I nize a Palestinian state along the lines has broad backing from politicians and the pub- Uganda officials have also brushed off The church has hosted Scott Lively, president think (the Kerry document)... is a possible that existed before the 1967 Middle East lic, while many popular churches preach against Western criticism, saying threats to cut aid are of the Abiding Truth Ministries and prominent path toward moving the talks forward. It war, in which Israeli forces captured the gay sex. Fearing the worst, members of the gay tantamount to blackmail. Uganda will instead anti-gay campaigner. Gays say US evangelical will take us at least a year to exhaust West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip. community retreated. For weeks, Kambugu has turn to China, Russia or India for loans or invest- churches have encouraged Uganda’s anti-gay these negotiations but I can’t say that the Israel has said a return to those bound- stayed in her flat where she lives with her ment, as that support won’t come with strings, clerics. “The West says it’s a human right. Africa Palestinians will accept this document, aries would leave it with indefensible bor- boyfriend. Her curtains are drawn and she rarely they say. Homosexuality has been banned in says it’s a human vice,” Martin Ssempa, a fire- and I also have not seen it yet,” he said. ders. But Netanyahu, in an interview goes out. Uganda since independence in 1962 from colo- brand Ugandan pastor with links to US evangeli- Netanyahu gave the interview on broadcast on Friday on Israel’s Channel “I can’t even open my windows,” she said, her nial power Britain, which at that time also had cal groups, told Reuters. Ssempa said he will Thursday in Los Angeles, before flying Two television, said his government breast implants, red lipstick and long hair belying laws under which gays could be prosecuted. But launch mobile “rehabilitation” clinics for gays back to Israel after a US visit that included would give up “some settlements” in the her legal gender. “I don’t walk anymore, I drive. I Museveni still procrastinated about toughening across Uganda, a nation with 34.5 million people. White House talks with President Barack occupied West Bank to help secure a don’t want to overstep the little security I have.” the law. As he delayed, officials assured Western Those with a different message can barely be Obama. Palestinian President Mahmoud peace agreement. Many gay Ugandans are now torn about what to allies that it would be buried. heard. Former Church of Uganda Bishop Abbas is due to see Obama on March 17 He said, however, that he would limit do next: stay in Uganda and risk going to jail or An official at the US embassy in Kampala told Christopher Senyonjo, the country’s only openly to discuss the so-called “framework deal” as much as he could the number of seek asylum abroad. Reuters that senior Ugandan officials repeatedly pro-gay clergyman, delivers his sermons in the aimed at salvaging the faltering negotia- enclaves removed. Palestinians say settle- Some have already chosen to go. Julian assured the US ambassador Scott DeLisi they cramped garage of a small house on the edge of tions, which began in July with a target ments that dot much of the West Bank Onziema Pepe, spokesperson for Sexual would “manage” the bill but urged the US and the capital. Kicked out of the church for pro-gay date of April for a final agreement. landscape would bar them from estab- Minorities Uganda (SMUG), said more than 20 other donors not to make a fuss so it could be views and stripped of his pension after nearly Abbas has rejected a core Netanyahu lishing a contiguous state, a goal of the gays had fled since the parliament first passed quietly scrapped. But when Museveni first sug- half a century of service, Senyonjo said the law demand - recognition of Israel as a Jewish peace talks. The settlements built on land the bill on Dec 20, sending it to the president for gested he planned to sign the law on Feb 14, it has silenced voices who support gays. “We are state. Palestinians fear such a condition Israel seized in 1967 are deemed illegal in his signature. Gays report being harassed - one drew a swift response from US. President Barack gagged,” Senyonjo said inside his simple office. “I was even beaten. Beyonce Karungi, a transgen- Obama, who declared any such move a “step think people will not speak out unless they are will deny Palestinian refugees, who fled international law and condemned by der activist, was punched and kicked by a mob in backward” for Uganda. About a week after those ready to sacrifice themselves, and not many peo- or were forced to flee their homes in most governments. —Reuters January. “We’re going to chase you out of comments, Museveni inked the law. ple will do that.” —Reuters MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 INTERNATIONAL WikiLeaks’ Assange hints at more leaks

AUSTIN: Fugitive WikiLeaks founder in Austin, Texas. National Security Agency’s surveillance the tech community around issues of extradition to Sweden over a sexual Julian Assange, speaking over Skype Assange’s hour-long remote appear- activities seriously. online privacy, surveillance and security, assault charge, which he has said would from the Ecuadorean embassy in ance was spiked with technical glitches. “We know what happens when the even as Internet giants like Google and be merely a first step in efforts to move London, said his living situation is a bit As the audio cut out, he sometimes government is serious,” he said. Facebook reap billions in advertising him to the US to face charges over pub- like prison - with a more lenient visitor asked audience members to raise their “Someone is fired, someone is forced to revenue from collecting information lishing hundreds of thousands of secret policy. He also hinted that new leaks are hands if they could hear him. Benjamin resign, someone is prosecuted, an inves- about their users. government documents. Asked if he was coming from WikiLeaks, though he gave Palmer, the co-founder of marketing firm tigation (is launched), a budget is cut. “Now that the Internet has merged afraid, Assange said he is, like any nor- no specifics on what these might be. The Barbarian Group who interviewed None of that has happened in the last with human society and human society mal person. “Only a fool has no fear. Assange, who has been confined to the Assange, at one point resorted to texting eight months since the Edward has merged with the Internet, the laws Courage is seeing fear,” he said, and pro- embassy since June 2012, discussed his questions. Looking well-groomed in Snowden revelations.” of the Internet become the laws of soci- ceeding anyway. Journalist Glenn government surveillance, journalism and a white shirt, scarf and a black blazer, Assange’s appearance at this five-day ety,” Assange said, adding that the NSA’s Greenwald, who has reported extensive- the situation in Ukraine on Saturday in a Assange blasted President Barack conference - which will host Snowden in “penetration of the Internet” has led to a ly about Snowden and the NSA’s surveil- streaming-video interview beamed to an Obama’s administration, saying it was a similar remote interview today from “military occupation” of civilian space. lance efforts, also will appear at the festi- audience of 3,500 attendees of the not taking fellow secrets leaker Edward Russia which granted him temporary Assange has taken asylum at the val today. Unlike Assange and Snowden, South By Southwest Interactive festival Snowden’s revelations about the asylum - signal the growing concern in Ecuadorean embassy in London to avoid though, he’ll be there in person. —AP Spain on Islamist alert, one decade after train bombings

MADRID: A decade since the deadly Al- Qaeda-inspired train bombings in Madrid, Spain stands on alert against growing numbers of Islamist “lone wolves” willing to launch fresh attacks, officials say. The ranks of young radical Islamists in Spain have swelled, recruited for jihad-or holy war-not in mosques but in Internet chat rooms and private houses, officials and experts say. Spanish courts sentenced 18 people for the bombings that killed 191 people on commuter trains heading for Madrid’s Atocha station on March 11, 2004. The Spanish anti-terrorist service’s level of alert has since remained at “a likely risk of attack”, junior security minister Francisco Martinez told AFP. “That has not changed... but the number of jihadists has grown,” he added. “Especially in certain areas, radicaliza- ALCALA DE HENARES: A victim of the Madrid train bombings, Eloy Moran, pos- tion has increased.” A study by the Royal es outside Madrid’s Alcala de Henares railway station beside the commemora- Elcano Institute, a Spanish research tive sculpture for the victims of the March 11, 2004 terror attacks. — AFP body, said 84 Islamists, all young men, homes,” he said. This recent breed of “Many of the people arrested then BERLIN: Demonstrators hold a banner reading in German “Stop Putin” in front of the Brandenburg Gate during were convicted for attack plots in Spain extremists is marshalled not so much by were freed for lack of proof,” Jordan a solidarity demonstration for the Ukraine against the buildup of Russia’s military presence in Crimea yester- between 1996 and 2012, or died in rela- Islamic clerics as by seasoned warriors, added. “The courts and the police are day. —AFP tion to such attacks. “charismatic individuals who have much more cautious now.” In recent Those who died were the seven chief fought in Afghanistan, Bosnia or years, however, police have arrested suspects of the Madrid bombings, who Chechnya”, he said. several suspects that Spain’s interior ‘Will not budge 1 cm from committed suicide weeks afterwards. ministry has identified as a new breed of The convicts also included those seized ‘Lone wolves’ “lone wolf”, self-radicalized online. That in a failed plot in Barcelona in 2008. The number of people arrested as was the profile attributed to Mohamed Ukraine land’: PM Arseniy Most of these Islamists were first-gener- suspected terrorists fell considerably Merah, who killed seven people in ation immigrants from Algeria, Morocco after the year following the Madrid southern France in 2012. Authorities or Pakistan. Increasingly, such suspects attacks. “After March 11, Spain was in a said he had visited the Spanish region of Russian forces tighten grip on Crimea are being radicalized on the fringes of state of shock and judges were ready to Catalonia five years earlier. Suspected the Islamic world, not in the closely- authorize actions at the slightest indica- Islamists arrested in the first few years SIMFEROPOL: Russian forces tightened mer Russian territory that is home to Chancellor Angela Merkel and British watched mosques, said Fernando tion,” said Javier Jordan, a security after the Madrid attacks, up to 2009, their grip on Crimea yesterday despite a Russia’s Black Sea fleet and has an eth- Prime Minister David Cameron yester- Reinares, a security specialist at the expert at Granada University. Of the 500 “were more structured, in groups and in US warning to Moscow that annexing nic Russian majority. In Sevastopol, sev- day, Putin said steps taken by authori- institute. suspected Islamic extremists arrested cells, but in the past few years a profile the southern Ukrainian region would eral hundred people held a meeting ties in Crimea were “based on interna- “They tend to gather in small, mar- between 1995 and 2014, only 78 have of isolated figures has emerged”, said close the door to diplomacy in a tense demanding that Crimea become part of tional law and aimed at guaranteeing ginal places of worship and in private been convicted. Martinez.— AFP East-West standoff. Street violence Russia, chanting: “Moscow is our capi- the legitimate interests of the peninsu- flared in Sevastopol, home to Russia’s tal”. Across town at a monument to la’s population,” the Kremlin said. At a Black Sea Fleet, when pro-Russian Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko, vio- rally in the eastern city of Donetsk, activists and Cossacks beat and kicked a lence flared at a meeting to commemo- home to many Russian speakers, presi- group of Ukrainians at a meeting. rate the 200th anniversary of his birth, dential candidate Vitaly Klitschko, a for- Russian forces’ seizure of the Black Sea when pro-Russian activists and mer boxing champion, said Ukraine peninsula has been bloodless but ten- Cossacks attacked a small group of should not allowed to split apart amid sions are mounting following the deci- Ukrainians guarding the event and the bloodshed. sion by pro-Russian groups that have police had to intervene. Footage from “The main task is to preserve the sta- taken over the regional parliament to the event showed a group of men vio- bility and independence of our country,” make Crimea part of Russia. lently kicking one of the Ukrainians as he said. The worst face-off with Moscow The operation to seize Crimea began he lay on the ground and a Cossack since the Cold War has left the West within days of Ukraine’s pro-Russian repeatedly hit him with a long black scrambling for a response, especially President Viktor Yanukovich’s flight from leather whip. since the region’s pro-Russia leadership the country last month. Yanukovich was In Simferopol, Crimea’s main city, declared Crimea part of Russia last week toppled after three months of demon- pro- and anti-Russian groups held rival and announced a March 16 referendum strations against a decision to spurn a rallies. Several hundred opponents of to confirm it. US Secretary of State John free trade deal with the European Union Russian-backed plans for Crimea to Kerry, speaking to Russia’s foreign minis- for closer ties with Russia. Ukrainian secede gathered, carrying blue and yel- ter for the fourth day in a row, told Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk will vis- low balloons the colour of the Sergei Lavrov on Saturday that Russia it Washington this week for talks, a Ukrainian flag. The crowd sang the should exercise restraint. “He made clear White House official said. national anthem, twice, and an that continued military escalation and “This is our land,” Arseniy Yatsenyuk Orthodox Priest led prayers and a provocation in Crimea or elsewhere in told a crowd gathered at the Kiev stat- hymn. Vladimir Kirichenko, 58, an engi- Ukraine, along with steps to annex ue to writer and nationalist Taras neer, opposed the regional parliament’s Crimea to Russia, would close any avail- Shevchenko. “Our fathers and grandfa- plans for a vote this month on Crimea able space for diplomacy, and he urged thers have spilled their blood for this joining Russia. “I don’t call this a referen- utmost restraint,” a US official said. land. And we won’t budge a single cen- dum. It asks two practically identical timeter from Ukrainian land. Let Russia questions: Are you for the secession of Shots fired and its president know this.” “We’re one Ukraine or are you for the secession of A spokeswoman for the country, one family and we’re here Ukraine? So why would I go and vote?” Organization for Security and together with our kobzar (bard) Taras,” Cooperation in Europe said military said acting President Oleksandr Soviet songs monitors from the pan-Europe watch- Turchynov. Around 2,000 Russian supporters dog had on Saturday been prevented A choir sang, and people laid bou- gathered in Lenin Square, where there for the third time in as many days from quets at the monument to the son of is a statue of the Soviet state founder, entering Crimea. Shots were fired to peasant serfs who is considered the clapping along to nostalgic Soviet era turn back the mission of more than 40 father of modern Ukrainian literature songs being sung from the stage. unarmed observers, who have been and is a national hero. In the latest Alexander Liganov, 25 and jobless, said: invited by Kiev but lack permission armed action, Russians took over a “We have always been Russian, not from Crimea’s pro-Russian authorities to Ukrainian border post on the western Ukrainian. We support Putin.” President cross the isthmus to the peninsula. No edge of Crimea at around 6 am (0400) Vladimir Putin declared a week ago that one was hurt. Moscow denies that the GMT, trapping about 15 personnel Russia had the right to invade Ukraine Russian-speaking troops in Crimea are inside, a border guard spokesman said, to protect Russian citizens, and his par- under its command, an assertion revising an earlier figure of 30. liament has voted to change the law to Washington dismisses as “Putin’s fic- The spokesman, Oleh Slobodyan, make it easier to annex territory inhab- tion”. Although they wear no insignia, said Russian forces now controlled 11 ited by Russian speakers. the troops drive vehicles with Russian border guard posts across Crimea, a for- Speaking by telephone to German military plates.—Reuters Cyprus unable to mourn its missing 40 years after war NICOSIA: In the 40 years since Marios detained, never to return. “Every day it’s very hard.” Kouloumas saw his father led away by you read in the newspaper about Cyprus’ lost citizens vanished dur- Turkish soldiers he has been unable to missing persons, every day you have ing communal fighting that broke out mourn him, even though he knows to call somebody to ask about what in 1964, which culminated in a Turkish he’s dead. His father is one of hun- happened.” His mother’s modest invasion ten years later after a coup dreds of Greek and Turkish Cypriots house is filled with old pictures and, in engineered by Greece’s military dicta- who disappeared during a decade of keeping with local tradition, three torship aimed at reunifying the island. unrest and whose fate remains an children in the family are named There are 2,000 missing out of a popu- open wound across this divided Nicolas after the grandfather they will lation of less than a million and they Mediterranean island. The two sides never know. Kouloumas is certain his remain an obstacle to efforts to reuni- relaunched peace talks aimed at father is dead-a piece of the man’s fy the island, a third of which is still reunifying Cyprus last month after a skull was found in the bottom of a controlled by Turkey. The Committee two-year hiatus. But several previous well in 2010 — but the rest of the on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP), a rounds have failed, in part because of body has never been recovered, so he joint initiative, has exhumed around still-raw emotions on both sides of the has not been laid to rest in accor- 1,000 bodies since 2006 and identified UN-patrolled Green Line. dance with Orthodox Christianity. half of them. “It would take 10 years to “When you have someone missing, “The relationship with dead people is finish the majority” of cases, says Paul- every day it’s an empty seat at the very important for us,” Kouloumas Henri Arni, the UN representative to table,” says Kouloumas, who was 10 says. “Every Saturday we go to the the committee, which operates based years old when he watched his father cemetery to light candles, bring flow- on an agreed amnesty for perpetra- and five other villagers being ers. If you have no one to talk to there, tors.—AFP MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Pre-St Patrick’s bash erupts into chaos, 73 arrested

AMHERST: A pre-St Patrick’s Day cele- have ever had with drunkenness and Police from the city and university Gundersen said. None of the officers Amherst resident Raul Colon was col- bration near the flagship campus of the unruliness,” Gundersen told The and state troopers in riot gear con- were seriously injured. Police say lecting bottles and cans around the University of Massachusetts spiraled out Republican in Springfield. “It is extremely verged on a crowd of about 4,000 peo- charges included inciting to riot, failing scene of the mayhem Saturday night of control, pitting police in riot gear upsetting. It is very dangerous.” UMass ple at an apartment complex shortly to disperse, disorderly conduct, liquor and told the Gazette that the day’s against thousands of drunken and denounced the “unruly behavior” after noon. Authorities said people on law violations and assault and battery on events looked like “a revolution, like in unruly revelers at the annual “Blarney Saturday, and spokesman Ed the property were destroying things, officers. Some of those arrested had the countries that have revolutions Blowout.” More than 70 people were Blaguszewski said students who were and as officers began to disperse the been released on bail by early Sunday, between the students and the govern- arrested and four officers were injured in arrested will be reviewed under the crowd, they were pelted with glass bot- police said, while others were held, ment.” Gundersen said numerous partici- the clashes. school’s code of conduct and sanctions tles, beer cans and snowballs. After qui- depending on charges. pants in the revelry were also injured. Authorities spent most of Saturday could include suspension or expulsion. eting the disturbance at the apartment The university had warned students Other colleges across the country have trying to disperse several large gather- The size and scope of the gatherings complex, several thousand people last week that police would have an gone on high alert around St. Patrick’s ings around the UMass campus for the have led to violence and fights, injuries, assembled near a frat house. That gath- increased presence around town Day to deal with alcohol-fueled stu- party traditionally held the Saturday severe alcohol intoxication, sexual ering became dangerous and out of Saturday, especially after several people dents. At Penn State, the school paid before spring break, Amherst police said. assaults, excessive noise, property dam- control, officials said, and when officers were arrested at last year’s Blarney licensed liquor establishments to stay The partying carried into yesterday, and age and violence toward police and tried to clear the crowd, they again were Blowout. Letters were also sent directly closed this month during the unofficial Amherst police Cap. Jennifer Gundersen community members, police said. Most attacked with bottles, rocks, cans and to students disciplined in the last year drinking holiday known as State Patty’s said police were busy with numerous of the arrests came at an off-campus snowballs. for alcohol-related misconduct. Amherst Day for the second year in a row. State reports of fights, noise and highly intoxi- apartment complex, where large crowds Pepper spray was used to disperse Capt. Christopher Pronovost described College, Pa, police Chief Tom King said cated individuals and had made 73 began gathering Saturday morning for the crowd because of the size and the day as “mayhem.” “This can’t be in the strategy, along with a fraternity ban arrests. the event, which was established by bars “assaultive behavior,” police said. Three any way, shape or form be characterized on parties, helped lead to a 75 percent Gundersen called the daylong party- to allow the students to celebrate the officers were hurt when they were hit by as a party,” he told the Daily Hampshire decrease in arrests and citations this year ing “extremely disturbing and unsafe.” holiday before their spring break begins bottles, and one was injured while Gazette. “This is destruction of property compared to 2011 - the fake holiday’s “Perhaps one of the worst scenes we this week. attempting to make an arrest, (and) assaultive behavior.” heyday. — AP North Koreans vote in parliament ‘election’ N Koreans cast votes, but govt decides for whom

SEOUL: North Koreans voted yesterday in a pre- status to Mount Paektu and, according to the Policy clues determined election for a rubber-stamp parlia- North’s official propaganda, Kim Jong-Il was “The list of names can also point to what, if ment-an exercise that doubles as a national born on its slopes. TV footage showed hundreds any, generational changes have been made and head count and may offer clues to power shifts of soldiers queuing up at a polling station in what policy directions Kim Jong-Un might be in Pyongyang. The vote to elect representatives constituency number 111 and dancing in unison favoring,” Yang said. In the absence of any com- for the Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA) was on the street to festive music. peting candidates, voters are simply required to taking place as scheduled, the state-run KCNA Portraits of Kim’s late father and grandfather mark “yes” next to the name on the ballot sheet. news agency said, adding that voter turnout was were hung on the wall behind the ballot box. “Let us all cast ‘yes’ votes,” said one of many elec- a whopping 91 percent as of 2.00 pm (0500 Soldiers deeply bowed to the portraits after cast- tion banners that state TV showed being put up GMT). Those who are ill or infirm and cannot ing their votes. “I gave the vote, the evidence of in the capital Pyongyang. And they do. The offi- travel to polling stations are casting votes at spe- my loyalty, to our supreme leader comrade,” one cial turnout at the last election in 2009 was put cial “mobile ballot boxes,” it added. soldier said in a TV interview. Elections are nor- at 99.98 percent of registered voters, with 100 ONAGAWA: Yasuo Takamatsu (right) is seen next to his instructors as he sits on the “Overjoyed” voters rushed to polling stations mally held every five years to the SPA, which percent voting for the approved candidate in edge of a boat after diving in the ice-cold sea water.— AFP across the country from early in the morning, it only meets once or twice a year, mostly for a each seat. For the North Korean authorities, the claimed, adding many danced and played music day-long session, to rubber-stamp budgets or vote effectively doubles as a census, as election on the street in praise of the leader, Kim Jong- other decisions made by the ruling Workers’ officials visit every home in the country to Japan widower dives tsunami Un. The North’s state TV showed hundreds of Party. ensure all registered voters are present and cor- people across the country clad in brightly-col- The last session in April 2013 adopted a spe- rect. “At any other point in the year, family mem- waters to bring wife home ored traditional dresses dancing in circle on the cial ordinance formalizing the country’s position bers of missing persons can get away with lying street. as a nuclear weapons state-a status that both or bribing surveillance agents, saying that the ONAGAWA: Yasuo Takamatsu, 57, grunts with than 800 people were lost in the small fishing State-run media have in recent weeks South Korea and the United States have vowed person they are looking for is trading in another the effort of hoisting a scuba diving tank onto town of Onagawa alone, of whom more than stepped up propaganda to promote the elec- not to recognize. The real interest for outside district’s market,” said New Focus International, a his back, as he prepares to step into the cold 250 are still missing, including Takamatsu’s tion, with a number of poems produced to cele- observers is the final list of candidates or win- defector-run website dedicated to North Korean waters off Japan’s tsunami-ravaged coast to wife, Yuko, then 47. Minutes after the 9.0 brate voting under titles including “The Billows ners-both lists being identical. news. look for the body of his wife, one of thou- magnitude earthquake, Yuko and a dozen of of Emotion and Happiness” and “We Go To Many top Korean officials are members of the “But it is during an election period that a North sands still missing three years on. A swell lifts her colleagues at the local bank went up to Polling Station.” Apart from the physical casting parliament, and the election is an opportunity to Korean individual’s escape to China or South the wooden boat as he tugs on an over-sized the rooftop of the building, aware that a of votes, there is nothing democratic about the see if any established names are absent. It Korea becomes exposed,” it said. Kim Jong-Un has rubber dry-suit that will protect him from the tsunami was rushing ashore. ballot. The results are a foregone conclusion, comes at a time of heightened speculation over ramped up border security in an effort to curb chill when he sinks into the murky, March- with only one approved candidate standing for the stability of Kim’s regime. Kim has already defections, but more than 1,500 made it to South grey Pacific Ocean, just days before the ‘I felt my knees buckling’ each of the 687 districts. overseen sweeping changes within the North’s Korea last year via China. Ahn Chan-Il, a former anniversary of the disaster. It was from there that she sent her last text It was the first election to the SPA under the ruling elite the most dramatic example being defector who heads the World Institute for North “She was a gentle and kind person,” said message to her husband. “It was about the leadership of Kim, who took over the reins of the execution of his powerful uncle and political Korea Studies in Seoul, said the crackdown was Takamatsu. “She would always be next to me, time the tsunami went over the dock of power on the death of his father, Kim Jong-Il, in mentor Jang Song-Thaek in December on undermining the accuracy of the census, with physically and mentally. I miss her, I miss the Onagawa. I think the water reached the December 2011. And like his father before him, charges of treason and corruption. “It’s a chance many local officials not daring to report people big part of me that was her.” Takamatsu, a bus rooftop a few minutes later,” Takamatsu said. “I Kim stood as a candidate-in constituency num- to see who might be tagged for key roles under missing from their neighborhood. “Otherwise, driver by trade, was never a natural candidate was not too worried after the quake because ber 111, Mount Paektu. Kim Jong-Un,” said professor Yang Moo-Jin of the they would find themselves in trouble as it’s their for learning to scuba dive and was worried he she was with her colleagues at the bank, Koreans have traditionally attributed divine University for North Korean Studies. responsibility,” Ahn told AFP.—AFP would not be able to do it. But he feels driven although it bothered me that I couldn’t con- to the water when he thinks about the last tact her,” he said. time he heard from his wife Yuko, before the Takamatsu was with his mother-in-law at a nearly 20-metre (66-foot) wave engulfed her. hospital in the next town when the sea came Ex-guerrilla In a text message sent at 3:21 pm, half an ashore. He was not allowed to go back into hour after a huge undersea earthquake shook the wrecked town, which was by then a leader ahead Japan on Friday, March 11, 2011 and seething, bobbing mass of buildings, fishing unleashed a towering tsunami that travelled boats and cars, where pools of gasoline with the speed of a jet plane towards the burned on the surface of the water. When the in El Salvador Japanese coast, Yuko said simply: “I want to barriers were lifted the next day, he rushed to go home”. “That was the last message from Onagawa’s hospital, which sits on a hilltop, as run-off vote her,” he said. “I feel terrible thinking she is still the designated evacuation site where hun- out there. I want to bring her home as soon as dreds had fled soon after the huge quake. SAN SALVADOR: A former guerrilla commander was possible,” he said. It was there that he learned the bank favored to win El Salvador’s presidential run-off vote yes- Weeks later, while scouring the area, bank employees had been swept away. “I felt my terday and be tasked with cutting rampant crime and workers found Yuko’s mobile phone and knees buckling. I felt nothing in my body.” poverty in the Central American country. Pre-election polls handed it back to Takamatsu. He dried it off Three years after the disaster, Japan is not show Salvador Sanchez Ceren from the Farabundo Marti and fired it up to see that she had written a officially prepared to give up the search for its National Liberation Front (FMLN) — which fought US- text message he had never received, at missing. Police, coastguard officers and vol- backed governments in a bitter 1979-92 civil war-comfort- almost exactly the time the water was unteers have mobilized in their thousands to ably ahead of San Salvador Mayor Norman Quijano of the thought to have reached the roof of the bank. comb muddy areas around the mouths of right-wing Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA). “‘Tsunami huge’. That was all she wrote in the rivers or to scour the seabed. Search squads The conservatives were in power for two decades until very last one,” he said. Within minutes of the still recover some human remains. Among 2009, when Salvadorans elected their first leftist govern- tsunami striking, communities were turned to the searchers is Takamatsu’s instructor, ment and former journalist Mauricio Funes from the FMLN matchwood, and whole families had Masayoshi Takahashi, who leads volunteer CARACAS: A policeman shoots teargas during a protest against the government of became president. Sanchez Ceren, 69, is a teacher by pro- drowned. When the waves subsided and the divers to look for the missing and clean the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. —AFP fession and the country’s current vice president. He is also water rushed back out to sea, it took homes, ocean floor. a former education minister, and was one of five top guer- cars and the bodies of thousands of the peo- Takahashi said he was happy to help his rilla commanders during the civil war. The FMLN fell just ple it had killed. Officially, more than 15,800 novice student and is keen to ensure he can Venezuelans bang pots, shy of an outright victory in the first round on February 2, are known to have died in the disaster, learn to dive safely. “During underwater but polls now give Sanchez Ceren an advantage of Japan’s worst peacetime loss of life. Another search, unlike leisure diving, we have to dive between 10 and 18 points. 2,636 are listed as missing. No-one thinks in unclear water and there is also the risk of pans to protest president they will ever turn up alive, but for the getting trapped in the wreckage,” he said. “I ‘Flores factor’ bereaved, it is important to be able to find want him to relax and look around carefully in CARACAS: Armed with cooking pots in a rally was bound for the Food Ministry but Since the first round, Quijano, 67, sought a badly need- their bodies and finally lay them to rest. More water. He has a clear object to find.—AFP potent symbol of Venezuela’s chronic food protesters were prevented from making it ed boost in public opinion by softening his language shortages, several thousand people took to that far by the presence of armed men on against the street gangs, known in Central America as the streets of Caracas Saturday in the latest motorcycles, whom the opposition accuse of “maras.” Quijano is also seeking to capitalize on unrest in Tens of thousands stage rally against President Nicolas Maduro. The being pro-government paramilitaries. Venezuela, where there have been mass protests against protests, which fell on International Women’s Protests were also held in several other cities leftist President Nicolas Maduro and his handling of the Day, consisted mostly of women who noisily including Maracaibo, San Cristobal, Valencia, economy. “Here, we are still in time to shine with our own anti-nuke rally in Tokyo clanged their cookware to show discontent at Puerto Ordaz and Porlamar. Local television light,” one campaign ad says. “El Salvador will not be anoth- TOKYO: Tens of thousands of citizens turned 2011, that prompted killer tsunami that scarce basic goods and a violent crime crisis did not broadcast any images of the marches. er Venezuela,” it adds, with footage of street protests in out for an anti-nuclear rally in Tokyo yester- swept the northern Pacific coastline. The nat- they say has embittered daily life. “There is Venezuela. day, as the nation prepares to mark the third ural disasters killed 15,884 people and left nothing, nothing, nothing!” read a placard ‘Right to protest’ But Quijano suffers from links to his former campaign carried by one protester fed up with stores At least 20 people have died and 300 oth- anniversary of the Fukushima disaster. 2,636 people still unaccounted for. Huge adviser, ex-president Francisco Flores, who is being probed that regularly run out of provisions as simple ers wounded since protests first erupted, giv- over the whereabouts of $10 million donated by Taiwan Demonstrators congregated at Hibiya Park, waves swamped cooling systems of the and crucial as toilet paper-despite the ing Maduro his biggest test since succeeding during his 1999-2004 government. ARENA removed Flores close to central government buildings, Fukushima plant, which went through reac- nation’s vast oil wealth. The rally was called by late leader and leftist icon Hugo Chavez from his job two weeks ago but the controversy has dam- before marching around the national parlia- tor meltdowns and explosions that spewed the country’s most prominent opposition almost a year ago. Hours before the latest aged Quijano’s campaign. ment. They gathered to voice their anger at radioactive materials to the vast farm region. leader, two-time presidential election runner- march, Capriles charged on Twitter that the nuclear industry and the government of The plant remains volatile and engineers up Henrique Capriles, who lost to Maduro by Maduro wanted to obstruct the demonstra- Gang truce Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has called say it will take four decades to dismantle the a whisker in the April 2013 election. tion. “Our people have the right to protest After the civil war El Salvador found itself facing vio- for resumption of nuclear reactors to power crippled reactors. Protesters in Tokyo “We are marching over shortages that this and we will do it in peace,” he said. The lence from the street gangs, which control whole neigh- the world’s third largest economy. stressed that Japan can live without nuclear government has left us with,” Capriles told embattled president later initiated an invita- borhoods and run drug distribution and extortion rackets. “I felt it’s important that we continue to power as it has done so for many months AFP as he accompanied his supporters for tion for opposition and student leaders to sit Homicides were running at 14 per day until a truce was raise our voice whenever possible,” said while all of the nation’s 50 commercial about 500 meters along the heavily-guarded down with him for talks Wednesday. But so reached between the two main gangs in March 2012, Yasuro Kawai, a 66-year-old businessman nuclear reactors have remained offline due route. “They are turning their backs on the far, they have spurned him twice on previous which helped to halve the murder rate. But extortion and from Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo. “Today, to tense public opposition to restarting problems.” For more than a month, demon- offers of dialogue. other crimes persist. The maras are believed to number there is no electricity flowing in Japan that is them. In a light-hearted approach to get strators have complained about chronic “Once again, I invite student and opposi- about 60,000, 10,000 of whom are behind bars. shortages of food staples such as bread, sug- tion leaders... to meet with the president. We made at nuclear plants. If we continue this their message heard, musicians performed Sanchez Ceren wants to rehabilitate ex-gang members, ar, milk and butter. can talk face to face,” Maduro said in remarks zero nuclear status and if we make efforts to using electricity generated by huge solar but said he would fight those who refuse to give up street Venezuelans are also seething over the carried on state television. “I’ll be waiting at life. Quijano now talks about keeping children out of the promote renewable energy and invest in panels at the park, while dozens of mer- country’s runaway crime and murder rate, Miraflores (presidential palace). So who is gangs and rehabilitating those who have already joined energy saving technology, I think it’s possible chants promoted products made in the high inflation of 56 percent and the arrests of afraid of dialogue?” Venezuela’s protest move- them. Whoever wins and takes office on June 1 will face a to live without nuclear,” Kawai said. tsunami-hit region. The rally featured stars protesters. “I can’t find milk, butter, diapers, ment has been marked by regular clashes shaky economy. Forty percent of El Salvador’s six million This week, Japan will mark the anniver- like composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, who played flour, sugar or rice,” said Alexandra Fernandez, between security forces and radical protest- people live in poverty, and the country relies heavily on sary of the deadly 9.0-magnitude earthquake music he created three years ago to mourn a 39-year-old Caracas housewife. “I can’t go ers. There are also dozens of claims of police remittances sent by Salvadorans living abroad, mostly in that hit the northern region on March 11, for the victims of the disasters.—AFP out in the street because it’s just not safe.” The abuse.—AFP the United States.—AFP MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 INTERNATIONAL From Afghan warlord to VP: Fahim dies in Kabul Fahim ‘good and trusted partner’ of UN

KABUL: Afghan Vice-President great mujahid (holy warrior)”. power struggles that have under- Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim, Three days of national mourn- mined efforts to develop the war- formerly one of the country’s most ing will begin today, with the torn and impoverished country. Militant splinter groups feared warlords, died of natural national flag flying at half-mast causes yesterday after a turbulent across the country in the middle of ‘Blood on his hands’ life that reflected the country’s election campaigning before Fahim returned as senior vice- threaten Pak peace talks recent past. Fahim, a leader of the polling day on April 5. Fahim president in the 2009 election as Tajik ethnic minority, was senior served as an influential but brutal Karzai sought to broaden his sup- ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has hailed tinue our suicide attacks and armed independent FATA think tank vice-president under President intelligence officer under iconic port base in a policy that was progress in peace talks with the struggle in Pakistan until enforce- researching Pakistan’s restive tribal Hamid Karzai, who will step down rebel commander Ahmad Shah widely seen as appeasing some of country’s main Taleban faction, but ment of sharia,” Asad Mansoor, the area, said he was doubtful about the at elections next month as US-led Massoud, fighting against the most violent men in Afghanistan. attacks claimed by mysterious splin- group’s spokesman, said in the new “splinter” groups. “To me they combat forces pull out of Soviet occupation in 1980s and At the time, the Human Watch ter factions are threatening to statement. “As we belong to are all the same. I don’t see any dif- Afghanistan after 13 years of fight- against the Taleban’s 1996-2001 Rights group described Fahim as undermine the process. The Pakistan’s cities so we will directly ference between Ansar-ul Tehreek-e-Taleban Pakistan (TTP) hit and carry (out) attacks inside Mujahideen, between Ahrar-ul-Hind ing the Taleban. Fahim, who sur- regime. Massoud was killed by an “one of the most notorious war- declared a one-month ceasefire last cities.” and between TTP. They are the same vived at least two assassination Al-Qaeda bomb two days before lords in the country, with the weekend, but that was swiftly fol- The statement described the TTP residing in the same places, sharing attempts, died from complications the 9/11 attacks in the United blood of many Afghans on his lowed by a major attack in as “brothers” but said the group was the same premises,” he told AFP. caused by diabetes and heart States in 2001. hands”. Islamabad and a bloody roadside going its own way and would not be Defence analyst Saad problems, according to officials The Taleban were then ousted in The Essential Field Guide to bombing targeting security forces- bound by the umbrella faction’s Muhammad agreed, saying an who declined to be named. a US-led operation for sheltering Afghanistan released this year said both claimed by dissident groups. orders. Mansoor said Ahrar-ul-Hind attack of the complexity of Aged 56, Fahim was accused of Al-Qaeda and Fahim emerged as a he was accused of being “a semi- Less than 48 hours after the TTP was led by Maulana Umar Qasmi, Monday’s strike on the courts, being a ruthless strongman who leading figure in Afghan politics literate, self-appointed field mar- announced its ceasefire, a gun and though several sources in militant involving several assailants armed shal, and one of the principal suicide bomb assault on an groups said they had not heard this with guns, grenades and suicide obstacles to Afghan unity because Islamabad court complex on name before. vests, suggested an experienced, of his alleged ruthless threats, Monday left 12 dead, the first attack Few details have emerged about well-resourced outfit. “All the suicide beatings and general thuggery”. in the heavily guarded capital since the group, though one militant factories are located in North But the United Nations struck a dif- 2011. It was disowned by the TTP source said many of its members Waziristan and these suicide facto- ferent note yesterday, saying that central command but claimed by a were based in eastern Afghanistan. ries are run jointly by TTP and the Fahim had been “a good and trust- group calling itself Ahrar-ul-Hind, A militant source in North Waziristan Haqqani network,” he told AFP. “How ed partner” of the UN mission in while Wednesday’s roadside bomb- tribal district said Ahrar-ul-Hind was can the TTP deny these suicide Afghanistan. ing in the northwest that killed six largely composed of Punjabi bombers came from North Fahim was famous for his love paramilitary troops was claimed by Taleban, hailing from Pakistan’s rich- Waziristan? They are the same. TTP of “buzkashi”, the rough and huge- another renegade faction, Ansar-ul- est and most populous province. is the umbrella organization.” ly popular Afghan sport in which Mujahideen. Talks aimed at ending Several eyewitnesses to Security analyst Mehmood Shah, a the TTP’s seven-year insurgency Monday’s attack in Islamabad retired brigadier and former chief of horse-riders wrestle over a head- resumed on Wednesday despite reported hearing the militants security for the tribal areas, shared less dead calf and try to drop the those blows, and on Thursday the speaking Punjabi to one another. It the skepticism. “This is a typical animal into a chalk circle. He government announced it was set- is not yet clear how much traction Taleban style, that they launch an became extremely wealthy and ting up a new committee to acceler- Ahrar-ul-Hind is getting among attack but issue a denial,” he said. used his cash to maintain a large ate the process. But the attacks have Pakistan’s myriad militant factions, Mehsud said the hardline stance stable of buzkashi horses, a move raised fears that the militant move- but one commander in the north- against talks could be fuelled by for- that helped him retain loyal sup- ment is splintering dangerously- west told AFP the group had been in eign fighters including Al-Qaeda port in the Panjshir valley where though several analysts said they touch with four or five outfits. The and Uzbek militants in the tribal dis- he was raised and where the sport suspected the “new” factions were commander said the group had also tricts-known officially as the is closely followed. simply the TTP operating under contacted the remnants of a faction Federally Administered Tribal Areas He also owned extensive prop- another guise. formerly led by Badar Mansoor, the (FATA) — worried a peace deal head of the Pakistan chapter of Al- might close down their boltholes. KABUL: In this file photo, Afghanistan’s Vice-President Field Marshal erty in the capital Kabul, which he ‘Suicide attacks until sharia’ Qaeda who was killed in a US drone “They are the ones who have an Mohammed Qasim attends a press conference. — AP was often accused of obtaining through extortion or corruption. According to militant and gov- strike in February 2012. interest in spoiling the peace in this maintained his own militia forces, during the international military He had not publicly backed any ernment sources, Ahrar-ul-Hind- region, because a peaceful FATA but he also received American sup- and civilian intervention that is candidate in the election and his ”freedom fighters of India”, referring Taleban cover? might not be very convenient to port as Afghanistan struggled for now winding down. With strong death is likely to have a limited to the sub-continent as a whole-was More than 110 people have been stay here,” Mehsud said. stability following the fall of the backing from Washington, Fahim impact on the vote to choose a formed early last month by TTP killed in militant attacks since Prime The militant commander in the Taleban regime in 2001. “With was appointed to the key position successor to Karzai, who is consti- fighters opposed to peace talks. A Minister Nawaz Sharif announced northwest said that aside from extreme sorrow, Marshal of defense minister in 2002, where tutionally barred from standing for written statement from the group talks with the TTP in late January. As strategic or ideological considera- sent to Pakistani media on February a result, some observers have sug- tions, for many militants a peace Mohammad Qasim Fahim, the first he was criticized for appointing a third term in office. Candidates 9 and seen by AFP said it will not gested that the TTP is either unable accord would also have a financial vice-president of Afghanistan, mainly Tajik senior officers and fail- including Zalmai Rassoul and take part in peace talks and will car- to control the various militant impact. “Some of the militant passed away due to an illness,” the ing to build a representative Ashraf Ghani were among those to ry on attacking Pakistani cities, even groups carrying out attacks in groups are involved in kidnapping presidential palace said in a state- national army. He also served as a pay their respects at Fahim’s if the government and TTP reach a Pakistan or insincere-using talks as for ransom and they are earning mil- ment. It said that President Karzai vice-president from 2002-2004, but house, where his body was laid out peace deal. cover to regroup and rearm. lions of rupees. How can they afford expressed his deep condolences was removed by Karzai from both wrapped in an embroidered gold “It is our resolve that we will con- Saifullah Mehsud, who runs the a peace accord?” he said.— AFP over the “loss” of “a patriot and a jobs in 2004 in one of the many robe. — AFP India ready to challenge US for election-spending record

NEW DELHI: Indian politicians are er transparency advocates say the 7 million rupees ($114,000) on cam- expected to spend around $5 billion main contenders have built up large paigns for a parliament seat but the on campaigning for elections next war chests. real cost of winning is about 10 times month - a sum second only to the “This election spending largesse that, thanks to spending on rallies, most expensive US presidential cam- will help to boost Indian consump- fuel and media campaigns that often paign of all time - in a splurge that tion expenditure over the second include payments for coverage. could give India’s floundering econo- quarter of 2014, but this will be a Indian politicians regularly bribe vot- my a temporary boost. India’s cam- temporary spike,” said Rajiv Biswas, ers with cash payouts or alcohol to paign spend, which can include cash the Asia-Pacific chief economist at secure their support. Recent state stuffed in envelopes as well as multi- IHS Global Insight. India’s projected elections have seen innovations such million-dollar ad campaigns, has campaign spending is only rivaled by as getting money to voters via been estimated at 300 billion rupees the $7 billion spent by candidates, mobile phone credit and envelopes ($4.9 billion) by the Centre for Media parties and support groups in the of cash delivered in morning papers. Studies, which tracks spending. 2012 US presidential race, the world’s In the last three years, election That is triple the expenditure the most expensive, according to data authorities seized from politicians a centre said was spent on electioneer- provided by the US election commis- total of about $32.65 million in the ing in the last national poll in 2009 - sion. form of concealed cash, some if it partly a reflection of a high-octane Spending on previous Indian elec- stashed in helicopters, milk trucks campaign by pro-business opposi- tions have benefited a wide range of and even funeral vans, a former election candidate for prime minister, businesses, from media groups and tion commissioner said. Narendra Modi, who started nation- advertisers that rake in campaign-ad The dates for the month-long wide rallies and advertising last year. revenues to consumer-based firms election starting on April 7 were “They started much before, and they that capitalize indirectly on the over- announced last week, with polls are also focusing on states where all jump in spending, such as motor- staggered in nine stages to help they are traditionally not strong. They bike manufacturers and brewers like security forces prevent polling booth are leaving no area untouched,” said United Spirits. India’s advertising fraud. Despite evidence of vote-buy- N Bhaskara Rao, chairman of the industry expects to see an $800 mil- ing, India’s elections are now largely Centre for Media Studies. lion injection during the election sea- seen as free and fair on polling day. The campaign spending for this son, according to an outlook by the However, chief election commission- election could give a boost to the country’s largest local agency, er VS Sampath said on Wednesday economy, which has been heading Madison Media. That should benefit he was worried about “money pow- for its longest slump since the 1980s. media firms, such as DB Corp, which er” - heavy spending and the use of Economists have forecast a second owns the high-circulation Hindi lan- illegal funds to influence the out- year of growth below 5 percent in guage daily Dainik Bhaskar. come. The Centre for Media Studies’ the financial year ending this month. spending projections are based on Candidate and party funding in India Cash hidden in newspapers analyses of rising costs in local and is opaque and the source of much of Much of India’s campaign spend state elections in the past five years. the spending is hard to ascertain, but will remain in its thriving black econ- It also surveys voters on prevalence the Centre for Media Studies and oth- omy. Rules allow candidates to spend of bribes. —Reuters

SILIGURI: An Indian laborer sifts colored powder, known as ‘gulal’, to be used during the forthcoming spring festival of Holi, inside a factory at Fulbari village on the outskirts of Siliguri yesterday. Holi, the popular Hindu spring festival of colors is observed in India on March 16 this year. — AFP

NEWS MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014

Drought a threat to food prices UAE backs Saudis with Brotherhood... Continued from Page 1 be released UN-commissioned study says drought in Iraq Continued from Page 1 will persist, increasing in severity from 2017 to 2026, undertaken by several UN agencies, including the FAO, increasing further the dependence on foreign food comes amid a crackdown on the UNDP and UNESCO, that would be formally published lat- imports by one of the top grains importers in the world. group following its July ouster of the er this month, Hossain said. Water and agriculture author- The UN study extracts say Turkey, where much of Iraq and country’s first elected president, the ities, alongside specialist UN agencies, have begun Syria’s water resources originate, has cut the volume of Islamist Mohamed Morsi. Cairo based preparing plans to officially declare a state of drought water flowing into the Euphrates and Tigris rivers by dam its accusation mainly on a series of that spreads beyond the Eastern Middle East to Morocco construction to meet their own growing domestic needs. deadly bomb attacks that it says the and as far south as Yemen, climatologists and officials say. A poor rain season in Syria has already hit its 2014 Brotherhood orchestrated. The Drought is becoming more severe in parts of the wheat outlook in the main rain-fed areas in the north east- Brotherhood denies the accusations. Eastern Mediterranean and Iraq, while Syria, having seen ern parts of the country, which should be ready for har- several droughts in recent decades, is again being hit vest in June and July, Syrian agriculturalists say. Experts Egyptian authorities have produced hard, said Mohamad Khawlie, a natural resources expert say that even if late heavy rain comes in March, this will little evidence showing a direct with Planinc, an international consultancy focused on not save the rain-fed cereal harvest, which farmers are Brotherhood link that is open to pub- geospatial studies in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) already resigned to relegating to animal fodder. “When lic scrutiny, and most of the attacks region. In Jordan, among the 10 countries facing the there is delay in rains, then the cereals will eventually wilt. have been claimed by a Sinai-based worst water shortages globally, Hazem Al-Nasser, minister Annual growth has not been achieved for the rain to come militant group. of water and irrigation, told Reuters precipitation levels and continue maturity of the stalks,” Asmar said. The Western-allied UAE, a seven- were the lowest since records began 60 years ago. Even Crop production in the conflict-torn country that once state federation that includes the after an exceptionally heavy snow storm that hit the boasted bumper wheat seasons is expected to decline cosmopolitan business hub of Dubai, region in mid-December, the kingdom’s dams are still further. Syria’s wheat production is now pinned on the said it will cooperate with Saudi ABU DHABI: People attend a two-day forum entitled ‘Promoting Peace only 42 percent full, down from 80 percent last year, offi- irrigated sown areas that depend on the Euphrates and Arabia to tackle “those terrorist in Muslim Societies’ yesterday. — AFP groups through liquidating all forms cials say. underground water, which before 2011 accounted for no er of top-flight European football, Twitter Saturday their resignation In Lebanon, where climate change has stripped its more than 40 percent of total annual production. The of material and moral support”. “The significant step taken by (Saudi they said yesterday. Saudi columnist from BeIn, without giving any rea- mountain slopes of the snow needed to recharge ground- drought and war could slash Syria’s total wheat output to Samar Al-Mogren, who writes for Al- sons. Emirati football pundit Sultan water basins, rain is “way below the average”, said Beirut- less than a third of its pre-crisis harvest of around 3.5 mil- Arabia) in this critical moment requires concerted efforts and joint Arab Qatari daily, tweeted yesterday Rashed said he would stop contribut- based ecosystem and livelihoods consultant Fady Asmar, lion tonnes to just over a million tonnes in 2014. that the “Saudi ministry of culture ing to BeIn, while analyst Hassan Al- who works with UN agencies. He said the stress on water Agricultural experts say the most favourable estimates for collective work to address the security and stability challenges that and information has decided to end Jassmi said he would no longer resources from prodigal usage was exacerbated by the last year’s harvest did not exceed 2 million tonnes. the collaboration of Saudi writers appear on both BeIn and Alkass, presence of nearly a million registered refugees since the Drought that peaked in severity during 2008 and 2009 threaten the destiny of the Arab and Muslim nation,” the UAE said in a with Qatari newspapers”. She said another Qatari sports channel. Syrian civil war began in 2011. Only Israel will not face but persisted into 2010 was blamed by some experts in that two other Saudi writers, Saleh Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the two acute problems, helped by its long-term investment in Syria for the soaring food prices that aggravated social statement carried by official news agency WAM late Saturday. Al-Shehi and Ahmed bin Rashed Al- largest Arab economies, have desalination plants and pioneering water management tensions and in turn triggered the 2011 uprising against Saeed, had also stopped writing for increasingly clamped down on the techniques. President Bashar Al-Assad. “Prior to the protests, food The Saudi terrorist designation also blacklisted Al-Qaeda’s branch in Qatari newspapers based on the min- Brotherhood in the wake of the Arab In Iraq and Syria, where most of the country is too arid costs were soaring. In fact, because of these food costs, istry’s orders. Another writer, Spring uprisings. They along with for agriculture, civil conflict and lack of water storage the protests were instigated, so this was brought on by Yemen and its former affiliate in Iraq, the Syrian Al-Nusra Front, Hezbollah Muhanna Al-Hubail, had received the tiny kingdom of Bahrain last facilities will add to the hardship of rural communities drought and lack of planning,” said FAO’s Hossain. similar orders from the ministry, said week withdrew their ambassadors dependent on crop cultivation and livestock. UN-based Economic hardship was aggravated by faltering public within the kingdom and Yemen’s Shiite Houthis. The Brotherhood con- Mogren. from nearby Qatar to protest what field studies show that over 30 percent of households in subsidy schemes that once efficiently distributed sub- Separately, Emirati commentators they saw as its failure to uphold a Iraq, Syria and to a lesser extent the Palestinian territories sidised fertilisers and seeds to millions of drought-hit demned the Saudi move against it Friday as a “complete departure from and analysts announced they had deal to stop interfering in other and Jordan, are connected with agriculture. “Crop pro- farmers in both Syria and Iraq, agro-economists add. quit BeIn Sports, which exclusively nations’ politics and supporting duction is going down because of drought, and so in Middle-Eastern experts predict more frequent drought the past relationship” with the king- broadcasts matches from the English organizations that threaten the these agro-pastoral economies you are looking at many, cycles in coming years, accompanied by delayed winter dom and insisted that it does not Premier League and the Spanish La Gulf’s stability. Analysts say the many lives that are now affected,” Hossain said. rainy seasons that damage fruits by promoting premature interfere in matters of other nations. Liga to millions of football fans across move in large part reflects Qatar’s In Iraq, which once boasted the largest tracts of fertile flowering and prevent cereal crops growing to full matu- Meanwhile, Saudi and Emirati the Middle East. Ali Saeed Al Kaabi support for the Brotherhood and its arable land in the region, it is only three years since the rity. “The climate change cycles are now shorter, which pundits have quit major media out- and Fares Awad announced on supporters. — Agencies last major cycle of drought ended, which covered more means ... we will eventually have less rain and more fre- lets in Qatar, including the broadcast- than 73 percent of the country. Extracts from a soon-to- quent droughts,” Fady Asmar said. — Reuters Ashton on goodwill visit to Iran Missing jet may have disintegrated midair Continued from Page 1 Tehran as a “goodwill gesture from the EU”, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised it yesterday. “I’d like to Continued from Page 1 told a joint news conference in Tehran with Iranian Foreign ask her if she asked her Iranian hosts about the weapon deliv- Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. ery to the terror groups, and if she didn’t ask, why not?” he Aviation Authority of Vietnam said The trip is the first to Iran by a European Union foreign said in reference to a ship the Israeli military intercepted on its website that a Vietnamese navy affairs chief since 2008, thanks to the November deal that has allegedly transporting arms from Iran to Gaza. Israel’s plane had spotted an object in the sea raised hopes for diplomacy to resolve the nuclear issue. The Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz said: “I would expect suspected of being part of the plane, next high-level talks are scheduled in Vienna on March 17 and Catherine Ashton to cancel or at least postpone her visit to but that it was too dark to be certain. will be followed by more rounds until July. On a visit which Tehran... At this time to go and speak with the Iranians as if Search planes were set to return to winds up on Monday and has drawn criticism from Israel, nothing happened, is something that should be avoided.” investigate the suspected debris at day- Ashton, who leads the P5+1’s engagement with Iran, also met In his talks with Ashton, Rouhani, quoted by Iran’s ISNA break. with Rouhani as well as other senior officials. news agency, called for closer ties with the EU, notably in the “The outcome so far is there is no Zarif, for his part, said Iran held up its end of the bargain energy and trade sectors. The two parties could also “cooper- sign of the aircraft,” Malaysian civil avia- and it was up to the other side to finalise the accord. “Iran is ate in the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking, tion chief Azharuddin Abdul Rahman determined to reach an agreement. We have shown good Afghanistan, Iraq or also Syria,” he said. The issue of human said. “On the possibility of hijack, we are faith and political will. We have done our part,” Zarif said. Zarif rights was another item on Ashton’s agenda, despite the not ruling out any possibility,” he told said such an agreement would need to “respect the rights of potential to upset Iranian hardliners, sources said. Ashton said reporters. The Malaysian authorities said Iranian people and serve national interest without ambigui- she held talks with Zarif “about the potential of human rights they were widening the search to cover ties.” The minister expressed confidence a deal was within dialogue in the future” and said she was “proud” to have met vast swathes of sea around Malaysia reach by July. on Saturday night with local women activists on the occasion and off Vietnam, and were investigating Ashton’s visit has been billed by one European diplomat in of International Women’s Day. — AFP at least two passengers who were using false identity documents. The passenger manifest issued by PHUKET: Italian Luigi Maraldi, whose stolen passport was used by a Assembly panel wants answers over... the airline included the names of two passenger boarding a missing Malaysian airliner, shows his passport as Europeans - Austrian Christian Kozel he reports himself to Thai police Lt Gen Panya Mamen (right) at Phuket Continued from Page 1 Abdullah Al-Tameemi said. and Italian Luigi Maraldi - who, accord- police station yesterday. — AP The Assembly is scheduled to debate soon a law calling to ing to their foreign ministries, were not The distance between Kuwait City and Subbiya now is naturalize at least 4,000 bedoons along with their families in on the plane. Both had apparently had of it to stop people crossing borders on Secretary General Ronald Noble said in around 120 km. In the past few months, the Assembly has 2014 amid opposition from the government. The bedoons their passports stolen in Thailand during false papers. The global police organisa- a statement. In a sign that Malaysia’s air- ordered investigations into a number of mega projects and agency also told the committee that between 1986 and the past two years. The BBC reported tion confirmed that Kozel’s and port controls may have been breached, contracts over allegations of violations in the awarding 2013, as many as 87,279 bedoons had legalized their status that the men falsely using their pass- Maraldi’s passports had both been Prime Minister Najib Razak said security process. Probes were ordered in the Al-Zour power plant and by producing their original nationality or other nationalities, ports had purchased tickets together added to the database after their theft procedures were being reviewed. a deal by Kuwait Airways to purchase 25 Airbus planes. thus dropping their claims to Kuwaiti citizenship. The govern- and were due to fly on to Europe from in 2012 and 2013 respectively. But it Malaysian Transport Minister In another development, the government agency for ment says that only 35,000 of the estimated 110,000 Beijing, meaning they did not have to said no country had consulted the data- Hishamuddin Hussein said authorities stateless people or bedoons told the Assembly’s bedoons bedoons qualify for consideration for naturalization while the apply for a Chinese visa and undergo base to check either of them since the were also checking the identities of two committee yesterday that it has already submitted to the rest must produce their original nationalities. Bedoons insist further checks. An employee at a travel time they were stolen. other passengers. He said help was also government several lists to be considered for naturaliza- they have a clear right to Kuwaiti citizenship. agency in Pattaya, in Thailand, told “Whilst it is too soon to speculate being sought from the U.S. Federal tion. The agency told the panel that it had sent three long The legal and legislative committee meanwhile refused a Reuters the two had purchased the tick- about any connection between these Bureau of Investigation (FBI). However, lists in 2012 and a fourth list containing 504 names in request by the public prosecution to lift the immunity of ets there. stolen passports and the missing plane, an attack was only one of the possibili- September last year. The agency is planning to send anoth- Minister of Communications Essa Al-Kandari, who is an elect- Interpol maintains a vast database of it is clearly of great concern that any ties being investigated. “We are looking er list shortly of a number of children of divorced Kuwaiti ed MP. The request was sent to allow the prosecution to inter- more than 40 million lost and stolen passenger was able to board an interna- at all possibilities,” he said. “We cannot women and widows whose spouses were foreigners, in rogate Kandari over a lawsuit. The committee however travel documents, and has long urged tional flight using a stolen passport list- jump the gun. Our focus now is to find addition to bedoons employed as servicemen and employ- approved another request to lift the immunity of MP Nabeel member countries to make greater use ed in Interpol’s databases,” Interpol the plane.” — Reuters ees of oil companies, head of the bedoons committee MP Al-Fadhl for the same reason. MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 ANALYSIS

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Issues Crimean Tatars wary of Russia referendum

By Bertrand De Saisset ictims of Stalin’s mass deportations in 1944, Crimea’s Tatar Muslim minority look warily on Vnext week’s referendum on joining Russia, which could well bring the crisis on the tense peninsula to new heights. At the Great Mosque in Bakhchysaray, near the southern tip of the Black Sea region, the local Tatar representative Akhtem Chiygoz describes the March 16 vote as “illegal”. The referendum is meant to confirm Thursday’s decision by Crimea’s pro-Moscow parliament to become part of the Russian Federation, but the authorities in Kiev have deemed it “illegitimate”. Just Reps gain momentum in close Senate fight before prayer, Chiygoz urges about 100 faithful in the nearly 500-year-old mosque to keep calm and By John Whitesides That leaves Republicans needing to win at That was the case in 2010, when the rise of Lynn Land, a former Michigan secretary of state, not “give in to provocations”. Rushing by, the young least three of the seven closely contested races the Tea Party movement carried dozens of are now in a tight battle. imam adds quickly “we are for peace, that’s all”. ight months before the Nov 4 elections, for seats now held by Democrats, while holding Republicans to victory and sent a new genera- In Colorado, what had looked like a smooth Over the past week, pro-Russian forces have Republicans have expanded the number of off Grimes and Nunn in Kentucky and Georgia. If tion of compromise-resistant conservatives to path to reelection for Democratic Senator Mark gradually taken control over the rugged peninsula Ecompetitive races for US Senate seats and either of them wins in November, the task for Washington. “Too often, when there’s not a presi- Udall got much tougher last week when of two million people. While the move has been have a growing chance of gaining control of that Republicans will be more difficult. “It’s moving a dential election we don’t think it’s sexy, we don’t Republican Representative Cory Gardner greeted by Crimea’s Russian-speaking majority, it chamber and stalling Democratic President little in the Republican direction,” said Larry think it’s interesting,” Obama said this week at a announced he would take on Udall. In Iowa, has drawn a less than enthusiastic response from Barack Obama’s second-term agenda. Public dis- Sabato of the University of Virginia. His Crystal Democratic National Committee dinner in Democratic Senator Tom Harkin’s retirement has the minority Tatars. “There is no extremist rhetoric in satisfaction with the president, concerns about Ball website rates the Senate as a toss-up. Boston. “Because the electorate has changed, we given Republicans hope of picking up that seat. our community,” says Dilaver, 33, in response to his healthcare overhaul and a sluggish economy, “Republicans will pick up Senate seats, probably get walloped. It’s happened before and it could Representative Bruce Braley will be the Democratic comments about radical elements in the popula- and a series of retirements by key Democratic three or four. The question is, will they get that happen again if we do not fight on behalf of the nominee; the state’s Republican establishment tion. senators in conservative states have made a wave in October that carries them to the six they things we care about.” appears to be lining up behind state Senator Joni “The only real threat is Russia, where there is no rugged year for Democrats even more so, ana- need?” Ernst in a crowded primary field. lysts and strategists in both parties say. Retirements Hurt Democrats In another boost to Republican efforts, for- freedom of speech.” Eskender, an elderly man in the Republicans, who are widely expected to Concern at the White House Democrats have faced an uphill battle in mer GOP National Committee chairman Ed crowd, is equally outspoken: “We will not take part retain control of the US House of Representatives, If Republicans were to control the Senate and Senate races from the start of the political cycle. Gillespie jumped into the race against Virginia in the referendum, it’s organised by Russian sepa- need a net gain of six seats to take back the 100- the House for the last two years of Obama’s presi- Of the 35 Senate seats up for election, 21 are Democratic Senator Mark Warner, a former gov- ratists.” But if a choice is to be made between annex- member Senate. Recent polling indicates they dency, virtually any legislation or nomination he held by Democrats and 14 by Republicans, so ernor. Gillespie is a long shot to defeat Warner, ation and a full blown conflict, joining Russia “will have big leads in three states - Montana, South sought from Congress would probably be frozen Democrats have more seats to defend. Beyond who is perhaps Virginia’s most popular politician still be less awful than war,” he admits. Reports that Dakota and West Virginia - where longtime in place. Republicans also would be likely to that, those Democrats include Mark Begich of and has been endorsed by a former rival, retired panicked Tatars are fleeing Crimea amid Russia’s Democratic senators have retired or will retire in press the Senate to join the House in trying to Alaska, Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Mary Landrieu of Republican senator John Warner. But Gillespie’s tightening grip are mere “rumours”, says Eskender. January. dismantle the Affordable Care Act, known as Louisiana and Kay Hagan in North Carolina, who presence and fundraising prowess mean that A few hundred internal refugees have indeed left Although the primary season is just starting Obamacare. Although Obama could veto any bill represent conservative states where Obama and Mark Warner’s reelection might not be as easy as the peninsula in recent days and found refuge in and the candidates in many races are not set, from Congress that targets it, a Republican Obamacare are particularly unpopular. it once seemed. western Ukraine, including the city of Lviv, many of polls suggest Republicans have boosted their takeover of the Senate would put him on The top challengers to all four have raised sig- Jennifer Duffy, a Senate analyst at the non- them Tatars. But this represents a small fraction of odds of gaining additional Senate seats by defense for the balance of his tenure. nificant campaign cash, and outside advocacy partisan Cook Political Report, put Republican the minority’s population of 240,000-300,000 - or becoming competitive in politically divided There have been signs that Obama’s adminis- groups such as Americans for Prosperity, funded chances of a Senate takeover at 40 percent but 12-15 percent of Crimea’s two million. states such as Michigan and Colorado, where a tration is increasingly concerned about the 2014 by billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch, said that could jump past 50 percent by year ago they were given little chance of win- elections. This week’s decision by the White already have spent millions of dollars on ads November. “The Republicans are competitive in A Vulnerable Community ning. Senate races in those states and five others House to extend the time insurers can offer attacking the senators for backing Obamacare. places I didn’t think they would be, but they still Tatars have had a long and tortuous relationship now represented by Democrats - Alaska, health plans that do not meet minimum require- Republican candidates are heavy favorites to have some challenges,” she said, citing the with Russia. Bakhchysaray was the former capital of Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana and North Carolina - ments under Obamacare was seen by some as capture the seats of retiring Democrats Jay potential for divisive Republican primaries in the Crimean Khanate, a powerful Tatar state have been close in early voter surveys. an effort to protect Democrats from having to Rockefeller in West Virginia and Tim Johnson in Georgia, North Carolina and Iowa that could between the 15th and 18th century, but when Democrats have a chance to pick up explain a new wave of policy cancellations dur- South Dakota, two other states in which Obama’s leave the party with weakened, ultraconservative Republican-held seats in two states: Kentucky, ing the final days of the fall campaign. ratings are poor. candidates who might have difficulty winning. Moscow defeated the Tatars allied with the Ottoman where Senate Republican Leader Mitch Obama has promised to help Democratic In Montana, Democrat John Walsh recently In Georgia, Nunn could face either Phil Empire in the late 1700s, Crimea fell to Russia. Soviet McConnell is expected to dispatch a Tea Party- candidates any way he can, but told Senate was appointed to fill the Senate seat vacated by Gingrey or Paul Broun, Tea Party favorites in the leader Nikita Khrushchev handed the region back to backed challenger in the primary but would face Democrats last month that he would not be Max Baucus, the new US ambassador to China. House with a history of inflammatory comments Ukraine in 1954. “It’s my home, my ancestors were a tough fight against Democrat Alison Grimes in offended if those in conservative states do not Walsh is up for election in November and is run- on the campaign trail. Democrats are hoping for born here. We won’t leave, even if they come and kill November; and Georgia, where Michelle Nunn, want his help. The president has acknowledged ning far behind Republican Steve Daines in early a repeat of 2010 and 2012, when Tea Party candi- us,” says Rustem Mamutov, whose grandfather was daughter of former Democratic senator Sam the difficulty of getting Democrats to vote in polling. Democrats also could be stung by the dates won Republican primaries but blew deported by Stalin in 1944 and died in the train tak- Nunn, will face the winner of a crowded November. The electorate at midterm is typically retirement of Michigan Senator Carl Levin, which winnable races by committing gaffes that helped ing him to central Asia. Mamutov himself only Republican primary in a race to replace retiring smaller, older and whiter than in presidential has put that state in play. Democratic Democrats paint the entire party as outside the returned from Uzbekistan after the collapse of the Republican Saxby Chambliss. election years, factors that favor Republicans. Representative Gary Peters and Republican Terri nation’s political mainstream. —Reuters Soviet Union at age 48. Speaking to AFP in Crimea’s capital Simferopol, Nariman Dzhelalov, vice-president of the Tatar assembly - the Mejlis - warns that Russian-speaking Census risk or reward for Rohingyas? Crimeans could well “behave like conquerors towards us,” if the peninsula becomes reattached to By Kelly McNamara Mint, a 58-year-old retired police- erations in Myanmar. according to a recent study by the national planning. UNFPA’s Moscow. OSCE High Commissioner for Human man and de facto local leader, But they can still identify them- International Crisis Group (ICG), Myanmar chief Janet Jackson said Rights Astrid Thors, who visited Crimea this week, n the desolate camps of western speaking his behalf. But it ended in selves as Rohingya in the census - which added that controversial sec- most ethnic armed groups - apart also expressed concern for the Tatar community. Myanmar many homeless violence. Eindarit was badly there is a box for “other” with space tions on religion and ethnicity from Kachin rebels near the Chinese Muslims are determined to wounded, losing most of his teeth. to write any group or name they should be dropped in favour of a border - had accepted the census. “Crimean Tatars have taken a different position to I assert their identity as Rohingya The attack left him requiring strap- wish to be identified as, which focus on key demographic data. It She told AFP that efforts are under the majority population, which increases their vul- after years of persecution, in a cen- ping to his jaw. “He was cut with some see as a breakthrough in said the results, many of which will way to ensure everyone is counted nerability,” she said, describing “a growing climate of sus some fear will spark further tur- knives on his head and hands and their efforts to assert their identity. be released before Myanmar holds in Rakhine “sensitively and with fear” between ethnic groups in the region. moil. Myanmar’s first census in 30 beaten with a pipe,” Hla Mint said, Many of Rakhine’s Muslim popula- its first national polls since the end calm”, adding the survey would not Most Tatars seem to want their region to remain years - which starts at the end of blaming the clash on local human be linked to citizenship. part of Ukraine, with the prospect of later joining March with United Nations help - traffickers. The UN aims to find census-tak- the European Union. On the Russian-speaking will provide new data on the coun- ers among Rakhine’s Muslim popu- Crimean side, opinions are split. “We are friends with try, until now relying on figures Suspicion Runs Deep lation to ease inter-communal mis- the Tatars, they’re our brothers,” says Vladimir, a for- from a flawed population tally in The incident adds weight to trust. But divisions fester and in mer army officer, now member of one of those self- 1983. But observers warn that con- observers’ fears that the census is Sittwe, Buddhist politicians defence groups seeking Crimea’s attachment to troversy over rigid official defini- stirring up new divisions in the expressed deep animosity towards Russia. In front of the regional government building tions of ethnicity and entrenched already combustible state. “I think their Muslim former neighbours. in Simferopol, where unarmed pro-Russian forces mistrust of authorities after this is going to create a huge mess. “There is no such thing as the still stand guard, an elderly woman wanders around decades of junta rule risk damag- Everyone is extremely worried this Rohingya ethnicity... it is just a term. looking panicked: She has heard that Tatars plan to ing the country’s fragile peace is going to erupt into a new stage Ethnic Rakhines know their inten- topple the statue of Lenin that dominates the efforts and further inflaming reli- of violence,” said Chris Lewa, of the tion. It is a political aim,” said Shwe square. She says she will do everything she can to gious tensions after waves of anti- Arakan Project, which campaigns Maung, a senior member of the stop them, but asks not to be named. “Otherwise Muslim violence. for Rohingya rights. Myanmar’s Rakhine Nationalities Development they’ll kill me, you understand,” she says. —AFP Questions of identity go to the 800,000 Rohingya - who are state- Party. very heart of divisions in Rakhine less, and considered by the UN to The ICG said the previous census State, where long-held animosity be one of the world’s most perse- was believed to have deliberately between Buddhist and Muslim cuted minorities - face restrictions under-reported the size of communities erupted into blood- that hamper their ability to travel, Mynamar’s Muslim population, at All articles appearing on these shed two years ago, leaving scores work, access health and education Displaced Muslims wait outside a humanitarian centre for aid four rather than 10 percent. pages are the personal opinion of dead and displacing 140,000 peo- and even to marry. at a camp on the outskirt of Sittwe in Rakhine state in west- Consequently, this census could ple - mainly among the stateless Many Rohingya are deeply dis- ern Myanmar on Feb 26, 2014. —AFP show a misleading “three-fold the writers. Kuwait Times takes no Rohingya. Violence has already trustful of the government - which increase” in the Muslim population, responsibility for views expressed flared in the camps on the outskirts maintains that most in the commu- tion were listed as Bengali in the of junta rule, had “direct political “a potentially dangerous call to therein. Kuwait Times invites read- of the state capital Sittwe as anxi- nity are illegal immigrants from last census. “We are labelled ramifications” because the country arms” for extremists in the Buddhist- eties over the possible impact of neighbouring Bangladesh and fear ‘Bengali, Bengali’ all the time. has some constituencies carved out majority nation, the study said. For ers to voice their opinions. Please the census run high. it could use its census findings to Evidence that we were born here, along ethnic minority lines accord- Muslims trapped between risking send submissions via email to: opin- Eindarit, 36, lay beaten and somehow extinguish their poten- that we have been staying here, is ing to population size. defiantly identifying themselves as [email protected] or via snail bandaged in a wooden shack fol- tial citizenship claims. The survey crucial to us,” Hla Mint told AFP. But the government and United Rohingya and the ongoing precari- mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. lowing an effort to prevent dozens form does not have a dedicated Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) ousness of statelessness, the path of fellow Rohingya from fleeing box for Rohingya, who are not one Census Fraught With Risk have rejected those suggestions. ahead is fraught with uncertainty, The editor reserves the right to edit Myanmar by boat. “He asked them of the country’s 135 official ethnic The census “risks inflaming ten- They say information on ethnicity is said Rohingya politician Kyaw Min. any submission as necessary. not to leave because we have to minorities - despite the fact many sions at a critical moment” in needed as part of efforts to provide “The future is very dark, gloomy - take part in the census,” said Hla can trace their ancestry back gen- Myanmar’s democratic transition, a crucial snapshot of the country for very dangerous,” he said. —AFP MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 SPORTS

Hunt mulls Bremen future Widdop stars for Dragons Ogier leads Rally of Mexico BERLIN: Germany midfielder Aaron Hunt has admitted he is considering his SYDNEY: English international Gareth Widdop sparked St George LEON: World champion Sebastien Ogier built up a commanding lead in the Rally of Werder Bremen future despite being hailed for his good sportsmanship Illawarra Dragons to an emphatic 44-24 win over Wests Tigers in the Mexico on Saturday, winning five of the day’s special stages and finishing second in after refusing to accept a penalty decision. opening round of Australia’s National Rugby League yesterday. the remaining two. Hunt is a prime candidate for a FIFA Fair Play award after his refreshing Widdop had a hand in four of the Dragons’ seven tries and kicked Ogier took his Volkswagen into the day with a slender 26-second advantage honesty during Bremen’s 2-0 win over Nuremberg with both sides battling eight goals from eight attempts in an outstanding debut since over Nowegian Mads Ostberg, but Ostberg’s involvement came to an abrupt end switching from Melbourne Storm. to avoid the relegation places. With Bremen 2-0 up at Nuremberg on when he suffered a broken suspension in his Citroen. By the end of the day, Ogier It was the most points the Dragons have scored in a match since Saturday, the 27-year-old told referee Manuel Graefe to reverse his 75th- was a minute ahead of team-mate and world championship leader Jari-Matti they thumped Manly 48-18 in round 18 of the 2009 season. It’s been minute decision when he awarded Werder a spot-kick. Latvala of Finland. Hunt had fallen to the ground inside the area after a miserable five seasons for Parramatta fans, but the Eels’ long-suffering faithful were given hope of better things to come after watch- Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville was in third but was more than being challenged by Nuremberg’s Argentine defender ing their team brush aside the New Zealand Warriors 36-16 in late four-and-a-half minutes off the lead. With only Sunday to go, Javier Pinola, but insisted there had been no contact. yesterday’s other match. The Eels went into the new campaign on barring accidents Ogier looks almost certain to win the Graefe awarded a drop-ball instead. “Out of the back of successive wooden spoons and without a finals appear- race for the second year running.“We had a bit of a instinct, I wanted to provoke the penalty, but that ance since their memorable run to the 2009 grand final. scare on the 14th special, but we got away with it,” was wrong,” Hunt told Sky Sports. But it was the perfect start for new coach Brad Arthur whose side Ogier said. “I hit a rock which it was impossible to “I struggled with myself a bit (to say something), produced some exciting, free-flowing play at Parramatta Stadium avoid, but these things happen in rallying.” but we don’t want to win any games like that, even if and showed an organisation in defence that’s been sorely lacking in Ostberg’s challenge unravelled when his Citroen hit a we are in a relegation battle.” Hunt was rewarded for recent years. Jarryd Hayne has been the Eels’ go-to man ever since bank on the opening 30.33km stage and broke the rear left his honesty with a handshake from Pinola and earned he made his debut in 2006, but the NSW superstar looks to have suspension. He attempted to repair the damage but eventu- plenty of praise for his noble action. “I take my hat off some support this season. Will Hopoate, on debut, showed glimpses ally was forced to give up on his race hopes. to him,” said Pinola, while Nuremberg defender of the quality that earned him an NSW appearance in 2011 before “I took a sharp right-hand bend too fast and hit the embank- Mike Frantz added: “He showed why he’s their his two-year Mormon mission, while wingers Semi Radradra and Vai ment and broke the suspension,” a philosophical Ostberg captain”. —AFP Toutai both scored hat-tricks. —AFP explained. “It was all my own fault.” — AFP Neureuther leads German 1-2 finish at WCup slalom

KRANJSKA GORA: Felix Neureuther overcame a pre- the discipline with Armin Bittner. Olympic car crash to win a World Cup slalom yesterday, Two-time defending champion Hirscher went top of giving himself pole position in the fight for the season’s the overall standings with 1,050 points, edging Norway’s discipline title. Aksel Lund Svindal by just four points and setting up a Neureuther beat Fritz Dopfer for a German 1-2 finish, tense conclusion to the season at next week’s World Cup and overtook Marcel Hirscher on top of the slalom stand- finals in Lenzerheide, Switzerland. ings by five points with one race remaining. “Something has to change over the next few days,” said On his way to Munich airport for his flight to Sochi on Hirscher, who was hoping for a larger buffer. “I have to be Feb. 14, Neureuther suffered whiplash as he lost control of able to compete at the same level as Aksel again, other- his car on an icy road and hit the barrier. wise I am lost. (Fifth) is better than skiing out but this “I was in the best shape of my life when the car acci- result is not satisfying.” dent happened,” Neureuther said. “The whole body was Hirscher admitted he was feeling the pressure. He can hurting. I couldn’t ski at my top level at the Olympics. I was become only the fourth skier, and the first Austrian, to win very disappointed. That was the most difficult time of my the overall title three years in a row. life.” Starting as a medal contender, Neureuther came “I am just not racing as easily as I usually do,” Hirscher eighth in the GS and failed to finish his second run of the said. “This was all I could do, more was impossible. I have slalom at the Olympics. “The last couple of weeks have to admit that. What the other three showed on the hill was been brutal,” the German said. “But I kept on fighting and different class. How Felix took the steep part, that was the today is the reward for that. I came back and I am very best slalom skiing we’ve seen all season.” Dopfer reached proud of that.” his fourth career World Cup podium but was still waiting Neureuther finished in a two-run combined time of 1 for his first win. Like teammate Neureuther, Dopfer minute, 45.50 seconds to lead Dopfer by 0.59. Norwegian bounced back from a disappointing Olympics, where he teenager Henrik Kristoffersen took third, 0.79 back. came fourth in the slalom. Olympic champion Mario Matt of Austria, who led after “This is my medal,” said Dopfer. “My last few slaloms the first run, straddled a gate near the end of his final run have been really good and this is my reward.” Kristoffersen and failed to finish. continued his great run that started in January and saw Hirscher came 0.95 behind Neureuther in fifth. The him win his first World Cup race, an Olympic bronze DENVER: Goalie Ryan Miller No. 39 of the St. Louis Blues makes a save against Jamie McGinn No. 11 of the Austrian has 465 slalom points, just five behind medal, and two junior world titles. Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center. — AFP Neureuther on 470. Kristoffersen is third on 430. “It looks And Saturday, he earned his first career podium in GS. pretty good,” Neureuther said. “Henrik and Marcel are very “My main goal is for sure to get a better skier,” said the 19- Blues get past Avalanche close. It’s going to be exciting. We will all ski absolutely to year-old Norwegian, who was giving himself an outside our limits.” chance to grab the slalom title next week. “For sure, now Neureuther said that winning the slalom globe would it’s that close you want more.” DENVER: Ryan Miller stopped 26 shots, past Tampa Bay. Smith put an in-close shot BLUE JACKETS 1, PREDATORS 0 not make up for missing out on an Olympic medal. Ted Ligety, who won a record sixth giant slalom on the and David Backes broke up a scoreless between the pads of Ben Bishop. Bruins Artem Anisimov scored with 6:25 “Olympics are every four years,” he said. “An Olympic same course Saturday, was 2.04 back in 16th. Former over- game in the second period, helping the St. goalie Tuukka Rask caught a break on remaining in the third period and Sergei medal is something different, winning a globe means all champion Ivica Kostelic of Croatia, who won here last Louis Blues beat the Colorado Avalanche 2- Tampa Bay’s seventh shootout attempt Bobrovsky made 28 saves to lead you’re the best skier during the whole year.” year, finished 2.98 off the lead in 27th. Yesterday’s race was 1 Saturday in a Central Division showdown. when Richard Panik hit the post. Columbus over Nashville. It was It was Neureuther’s seventh career slalom win and he the last event before the World Cup finals start in Patrik Berglund added a pivotal insurance The Bruins got regulation goals from Bobrovsky’s third shutout of the season for now shares the German record for most World Cup wins in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, on Wednesday. — AP goal early in the third period, and the Blues Daniel Paille, Carl Soderberg and Johnny Columbus, which has won four of five. The won their fourth straight. Boychuk. Ondrej Palat, Mark Barberio and Predators have lost four in a row and sev- Colorado finally solved Miller midway Valtteri Filppula scored for the Lightning. en of eight. Pekka Rinne stopped 35 shots through the final period when P.A. Boston pulled even at 3 when Boychuk while making his third consecutive start Parenteau lifted a shot over him while he snapped a 20-game goal drought 8:11 into after being sidelined since late October was trying for his first shutout in nearly two the third. The Bruins have outscored their because of an infection in his hip. years. Miller is 4-0 since being acquired opponents 78-43 during the third period from Buffalo. Avalanche forward Nathan this season. MAPLE LEAFS 4, FLYERS 3 MacKinnon had his point streak snapped at Joffrey Lupul scored 2:21 into overtime 13 games. It is the NHL’s longest streak by DEVILS 5, HURRICANES 4 for Toronto, which squandered a third- an 18-year-old player. Tuomo Ruutu scored with 6:30 to play period lead but bounced back to beat St. Louis improved to a league-best 17- against his former teammates, and New Philadelphia. 0-1 in division games. The Blues have Jersey edged Carolina after squandering a Jake Gardiner and Nazem Kadri both outscored the Avs 13-5 in taking all three three-goal lead. had a goal in the game’s first four minutes, games in the season series. Adam Henrique added two more goals, and Mason Raymond scored the go-ahead and Travis Zajac and Damien Brunner had goal in the third period for Toronto. SENATORS 5, JETS 3 the others as the usually defensive-minded Jonathan Bernier made 28 saves for his Ales Hemsky had three assists in his Devils had another lax game in their own 24th victory. Kimmo Timonen scored second game with Ottawa, and the strug- end. Martin Brodeur made 29 saves. New twice for Philadelphia, and Braydon gling Senators held off Winnipeg. It was Jersey has given up 11 goals in two games. Coburn tied the game late to force over- Hemsky’s first points for the Senators since Jeff Skinner, Jay Harrison, Nathan Gerbe time. Steve Mason, who allowed two goals he was acquired on Wednesday from and Alexander Semin scored for Carolina, on the first four shots he faced, made 32 Edmonton. He was placed on Ottawa’s top which has lost seven of eight. Gerbe and saves overall. line. Milan Michalek scored the game’s first Semin tallied in the third period to make it goal during a power play with an assist 4-4. Ruutu was acquired by New Jersey STARS 4, WILD 3 from Hemsky and center Jason Spezza, from Carolina on Wednesday. Erik Cole scored on a breakaway with who had three assists. 4:49 to play, and the Dallas Stars rallied to Defensemen Jared Cowen and Eric CAPITALS 3, COYOTES 2 defeat the Minnesota Wild. Dallas goalie Gryba, and Kyle Turris and Mike Hoffman Troy Brouwer scored a power-play goal Kari Lehtonen was injured in a collision also scored for Ottawa, which had lost two off a rebound to cap a rally from a two-goal with the Wild’s Erik Haula at 6:37 of the straight and four of five. deficit in the third period as Washington third period. Newly acquired goalie Tim Turris’ goal was his 21st of season, and beat Phoenix. Thomas earned the win in his Stars debut Hoffman netted his first. Both players also After failing to score in the first 49 min- in relief. Haula was given a major penalty had an assist. Craig Anderson stopped 46 utes against Mike Smith (30 saves), for charging and was ejected. Tyler Seguin shots for the Senators. Bryan Little scored Washington tallied three times in a span of scored during the 5-minute power play to his 20th of the season, and Tobias Enstrom 5 minutes, 2 seconds. Karl Alzner started tie the game 3-3. Four minutes later, Cole and Dustin Byfuglien also had goals for the surge with a goal at 9:45. Just 32 sec- picked up a loose puck at center ice and Winnipeg, which has dropped three onds later, Brooks Laich tied it on a feed beat goalie Darcy Kuemper. straight (0-21). Ondrej Pavelec started in from Jason Chimera. It was a successful Jamie Benn and Alex Chiasson also goal but was replaced in the second period Washington debut for goalie Jaroslav scored for Dallas. Before the game, the by Al Montoya after giving up five goals on Halak, who made 31 saves. Halak, acquired Stars retired Mike Modano’s No. 9 in front 20 shots. from Buffalo on Wednesday, helped of a Dallas-record crowd of 19,109. Washington snap its three-game losing BRUINS 4, LIGHTNING 3 streak. Brandon McMillan and Radim CANUCKS 2, FLAMES 1 Reilly Smith scored the lone shootout Vrbata scored for Phoenix, with Keith Yannick Weber scored the go-ahead goal in the seventh round to lead Boston Yandle assisting on both. goal early in the third period, helping the Vancouver Canucks break a four-game losing streak with a win over the Calgary NHL results/standings Flames. Darren Archibald also scored for the struggling Canucks, who entered the game having lost 11 of their last 12. Brian Ottawa 5, Winnipeg 3; St. Louis 2, Colorado 1; Toronto 4, Philadelphia 3 (OT); McGrattan had the only goal for Calgary, Boston 4, Tampa Bay 3 (SO); New Jersey 5, Carolina 4; Washington 3, which had won its last two and three of its Phoenix 2; Columbus 1, Nashville 0; Dallas 4, Minnesota 3; Vancouver 2, last five. It was the first meeting between Calgary 1; San Jose 4, Montreal 0. the teams since a fierce line brawl broke out 2 seconds into a game on Jan. 18 that Western Conference Eastern Conference saw 150 penalty minutes assessed. Pacific Division Atlantic Division Boston 41 17 5 199 141 87 W L OTL GF GA PTS SHARKS 4, CANADIENS 0 Montreal 35 24 7 166 166 77 Anaheim 43 14 7 207 157 93 Toronto 34 23 8 193 198 76 Tommy Wingels scored two goals and San Jose 41 17 7 199 157 89 Tampa Bay 34 24 6 183 167 74 Antti Niemi made 27 saves to shut Montreal out for the second time this sea- Los Angeles 36 22 6 155 135 78 Detroit 29 21 13 171 176 71 Ottawa 28 25 11 182 209 67 son in the San Jose Sharks’ victory over the Phoenix 29 24 11 177 185 69 Florida 24 32 7 154 201 55 Canadiens. Matt Nieto also scored and Vancouver 29 27 10 153 174 68 Buffalo 19 36 8 127 186 46 Logan Couture had a goal and two assists Calgary 25 32 7 150 191 57 Metropolitan Division for the Sharks, who have won seven Edmonton 22 34 8 160 208 52 Pittsburgh 42 17 4 201 157 88 straight home games against Montreal since last losing here to the Canadiens in Central Division Philadelphia 33 24 7 183 188 73 NY Rangers 34 26 4 168 162 72 1999. Peter Budaj was knocked out after St. Louis 43 14 6 208 143 92 Columbus 33 26 5 186 178 71 allowing two goals in less than 22 minutes Chicago 37 13 14 221 171 88 Washington 30 25 10 191 197 70 as Montreal lost for the third time in four Colorado 41 18 5 196 170 87 New Jersey 28 24 13 161 167 69 games on a road trip to Arizona and Minnesota 34 22 7 156 154 75 Carolina 27 28 9 160 184 63 California. The Canadiens hope to have NY Islanders 24 33 9 181 224 57 Dallas 31 23 10 185 179 72 gold medal-winning goalie Carey Price Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth back from a lower-body injury on their Winnipeg 30 28 7 180 189 67 one point in the standings and are not upcoming homestand that begins Nashville 26 28 10 152 191 62 included in the loss column (L). Wednesday night against Boston. — AP MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 SPORTS

Knicks down Cavaliers to Photo of the day continue winning streak

CLEVELAND: Carmelo Anthony shook off a hor- rid shooting start and scored 26 points, leading the New York Knicks to their third straight victory, 107-97 over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night. Amare Stoudemire added 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Knicks, whose winning streak began after a seven-game slide and amid reports Phil Jackson may accept a job in New Yorkís front office. Anthony missed his first six shots, but found his touch in time to help the Knicks in their late- season run at the playoffs. J.R. Smith scored 17 and Tyson Chandler added 15 points and 11 boards for New York. Kyrie Irving had 30 points, eight assists and eight rebounds for the Cavs, who retired center Zydrunas Ilgauskasí No. 11 jersey at halftime.

JAZZ 104, 76ERS 92 Gordon Hayward scored 22 points, Alec Burks added 19 and Utah sent Philadelphia to its 16th consecutive loss. Derrick Favors contributed 15 points and 14 rebounds, Enes Kanter had 13 points and 10 boards, and Diante Garrett scored 11 points for the Jazz (22-41), who ended a five-game losing streak and completed a six-game road trip at 1-5. CLEVELAND: New York Knicksí Pablo Prigioni (9), from Argentina, and Cleveland Cavaliersí Tony Wroten scored a career-high 30 points Spencer Hawes (32) compete for a loose ball during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball for the Sixers (15-47), who hadnít dropped 16 in game. — AP a row since a franchise-worst 20 straight losses during the 1972-73 season, when they finished Washington opened a 71-43 lead in the sec- rebounds, Chris Paul added 19 points, including 9-73. The Sixers also lost their franchise-worst ond quarter, but the Bucks cut the deficit to a go-ahead layup in the final minute, and Los 13th straight home game. 104-101 on a pair of free throws by Ersan Angeles beat Atlanta for its season-high seventh Ilyasova with 2:13 to go. Beal then scored on a straight victory. GRIZZLIES 111, BOBCATS 89 driving layup and hit a baseline 3-pointer to The Pacific Division-leading Clippers got 13 Mike Conley scored 20 points, Zach give the Wizards a 109-101 lead with 2:01 left. points and 12 rebounds from DeAndre Jordan, Randolph added 16 and Memphis turned up Washington won for the eighth time in nine and 17 points from Matt Barnes on the eve of the offense in the second half to beat Charlotte. games. his 34th birthday. Los Angeles shot 53.2 percent Marc Gasol added 14 points and nine rebounds, John Wall, Washingtonís leading scorer at from the field, improving to 22-1 when shooting while Kosta Koufos had 11 of his 12 points in 19.9 points per game, was held to nine points 50 percent or better. the fourth quarter and grabbed 10 boards. and missed 10 of 14 shots. Trevor Ariza scored Griffin made 11 of 19 shots while extending A competitor performs at the Farm Jam in Winton, New Zealand on March 1, Al Jefferson scored 17 for Charlotte, shooting 17 of his 26 points in the first quarter. Brandon his career-best streak of games with 20 or more 2014 —www.redbullcontentpool.com just 7 of 17 from the field. Chris Douglas- Knight scored 25 points for Milwaukee (12-50), points to 22. Jamal Crawford had three points in Roberts finished with 15 points, his fourth the first NBA team to lose 50 games this season. 10 minutes off the bench after missing three straight game in double figures, but Kemba games with a left calf strain. DeMarre Carroll Walker had just 11 and 3-of-13 shooting. CLIPPERS 109, HAWKS 108 scored 19 points in Atlantaís 14th loss in 15 Li and Federer win as Charlotte shot 40 percent for the game. Blake Griffin had 27 points and eight games and sixth in a row. — AP Memphis broke the game open after halftime, outscoring Charlotte 59-45 in the final two Nadal survives scare quarters. NBA results/standings INDIAN WELLS: Top seed Rafa Nadal survived a Only five active players have won more tour- SPURS 121, MAGIC 112 scare from Radek Stepanek before winning his level hardcourt matches, headed by Roger Tony Parker scored 30 points, Manu Ginobili NY Knicks 107, Cleveland 97; Utah 104, Philadelphia 92; Memphis 111, Charlotte 89; San Antonio BNP Paribas Open second round match in three Federer (575). Seventh seed Federer dominated added 24 and San Antonio overcame a lethargic 121, Orlando 112; Washington 114, Milwaukee 107; LA Clippers 109, Atlanta 108. tight sets at Indian Wells on Saturday. the first set but was taken to a tie-break in the The Spaniard, in his first match as defending second before prevailing 6-2 7-6(5) against performance to beat Orlando. Eastern Conference Western Conference champion, was stretched to the limit before pre- French qualifier Paul-Henri Mathieu, while Swiss Kawhi Leonard added 17 points, Tiago Atlantic Division Northwest Division Splitter scored 14, Danny Green 12 and Tim vailing 2-6 6-4 7-5 in night match that lasted two compatriot and Australian Open champion W L PCT GB Oklahoma City 46 16 .742 - hours, 24 minutes in the California desert. Stanislas Wawrinka clinched a 6-3 7-5 win over Duncan had 11 points and 10 rebounds as the Toronto 34 26 .567 - Portland 42 20 .677 4 Spurs (46-16) extended their winning streak to Nadal served eight double faults and was Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic. Brooklyn 30 30 .500 4 Minnesota 31 30 .508 14.5 six games. broken three times, but he also broke his Czech Australian Lleyton Hewitt failed to notch his NY Knicks 24 40 .375 12 Denver 27 34 .443 18.5 opponent three times, including twice in the 600th career win when he was beaten by South Tobias Harris scored 23 points, Nikola Vucevic Boston 21 41 .339 14 final set. The pivotal moment came in the sixth African Kevin Anderson 7-6(5) 6-4. added 19 points and 13 rebounds, and Arron Utah 22 41 .349 24.5 Philadelphia 15 47 .242 20 Pacific Division game of the third set, when Nadal fended off The veteran Hewitt saved 10 of 11 break Afflalo had 17 points for Orlando (19-45). Central Division LA Clippers 44 20 .688 - three break points to hold serve. points but was unable to break the tall 17th Maurice Harkless added 12 points and 10 Indiana 46 16 .742 - Golden State 39 24 .619 4.5 Earlier, Briton Andy Murray recorded his seed’s powerful serve in the match. rebounds for the Magic, who were swept in the Chicago 34 28 .548 12 300th hardcourt victory when he beat There was high drama in another match as Phoenix 36 25 .590 6.5 season series. Detroit 24 38 .387 22 Stepanek’s compatriot Lukas Rosol in three sets. Colombian Alejandro Falla saved a match point Coming off the emotional high of a 111-87 Cleveland 24 40 .375 23 Sacramento 22 40 .355 21 Fifth seed Murray recovered from a slow start at 5-2 down in the third set to beat Polish 18th victory over Miami two nights earlier in an NBA Milwaukee 12 50 .194 34 LA Lakers 21 42 .333 22.5 to beat his Czech opponent 4-6 6-3 6-2 as the seed Jerzy Janowicz 6-3 2-6 7-6(5). Finals rematch, San Antonio appeared listless Southeast Division Southwest Division top seeds took to the courts for the first time On the women’s side, top seed Li Na beat against the Southeast Divisionís last-place team. Miami 43 16 .729 - San Antonio 46 16 .742 - after receiving first round byes. Chinese compatriot Zheng Jie 6-1 7-5. Australian Washington 33 29 .532 11.5 Houston 43 19 .694 3 “I got broken three times in a row the end of Open champion Li notched six breaks as Zheng WIZARDS 114, BUCKS 107 Charlotte 29 34 .460 16 Dallas 37 26 .587 9.5 the first set, beginning of the second,” Murray struggled on serve. Defending champion Maria Bradley Beal scored 12 of his 23 points in the Atlanta 26 35 .426 18 Memphis 36 26 .581 10 told reporters. “I just kind of kept going and Sharapova made short work of her first match, fourth quarter, helping Washington avoid blow- Orlando 19 45 .297 26.5 New Orleans 25 37 .403 21 found a way to win, which is always the most beating German Julia Goerges 6-1 6-4 in barely ing a 28-point lead and beat Milwaukee. important thing.” an hour. — Reuters

Cup finalist Boubyan cricket team Cup finalist KFH cricket team The Plate finalist Burgan cricket team KFH take on Boubyan in Cup final as KIB meet Burgan for Plate Kuwait Banks Club League - 2014

KUWAIT: Boubyan Bank and Kuwait Finance ance. A captain’s knock of 52 runs in 26 balls for his batting performance. In a well con- 16), Ashraf (3-9) & Sharma (2-8) bowled well the 19th over. Old warhorse, Rafat Khan, who House, two of the top notch teams in the by Faraaz Azizuddin made it possible for tested match which went till the last one for Burgan Bank Chasing a modest 100 runs, probably one of the senior most players in banking sector will clash in the final of KBC Boubyan Bank to reach its first final as they over, Burgan Bank dethroned last year’s Burgan opener Kunal Singh and one drop Kuwait cricketing fraternity bowled well to League 2014 sponsored by Kuwait Banks Club upset the applecart of National Bank of finalist Gulf Bank by 7 wickets in the KBC Dilip laid a solid 2nd wicket partnership of 66 take 2-10 in four overs. Kunal Singh was and organized by Kuwait Cricket. Both the Kuwait by a 52 runs victory in the second league-2014 Plate semi-final at Sulaibiya runs to take Burgan to the final not before declared Player of the Match for his batting teams aspire to give a fitting finale to win the semi-final played at Sulaibiya ground. ground. Gulf Bank, put into bat first were Gulf Bank gave their opponents a tough time display. prestigious KBC Trophy, exclusively tailored for Winning the toss and using the green shattered by some hostile fast bowling of by getting rid of their top three batsmen. A swashbuckling unbeaten 69 runs in just 33 bank teams affiliated to Kuwait Banks Club. topped wicket, Boubyan steadied the innings Dilip and Ashraf who gave Burgan a well Kunal Singh timed the cherry with balls by Nadeem with 4 towering sixes & 7 well In the first semi-final, Kuwait Finance with a 43 runs second wicket partnership deserving start. admirable skill and a firmly struck cover struck boundaries helped Kuwait International House showed the urgency to overwhelm between Aamir and Rifkas Ibrahim. Aamir not Nadeem, determined to stay at the wicket boundary was a treat to watch from this Bank to reach the KBC league Plate final as they Ahli United Bank by a margin of 49 runs to at his usual best survived a couple of chances launched a late attack to score 35 runs and young batsman. survived & finally prevailed over a spirited fight march into the final. KFH batting first piled a but scored a valuable 32 runs while the left with Bilal, Tariq and Rafat Khan managed to Dilip struck a useful 18 runs while Amit (12 back by Al- Ahli Bank of Kuwait . solid total of 156 runs for the loss of 8 wickets paw Rifkas contributed 22 runs. take the Gulf Bank total to 100 runs. Dilip (2- runs) and Anooj (15 runs) saw Burgan home in Inspired by a stylish and quickly paced 45 in their allotted 20 overs. Sailing at 86 for five in the 15th over, Faraaz runs scored by M. Ali, KIB never looked back In the forefront of the assault was opener suddenly blossomed to perfect his technical as they posted 186 runs on board in their stip- Zahid whose full scale aggression of scoring a adequacy to bat freely and stepped up the ulated 20 overs. brisk 30 runs and Irfan Bhatti’s solid 37 runs scoring rate by driving through the covers Sanal who played an anchor role scored 27 showed the dominance of KFH over the AUB and extra-cover for boundaries and then lift- runs for KIB rotated the strike by giving more bowlers. Sajid Kalam bowled well for AUB ing the cherry out of the ground for 3 huge strike to Nadeem who exhibited fine tech- capturing two for 19 and skipper Mahmoud sixes. Boubyan scored 146 runs in 20 overs for nique and with nimble foot work scored runs Bastaki and Abdul Rashid accounted for two the loss of 6 wickets. Ronald of NBK bowled at will. Farooq, Abhishek, Kishore & Davis cap- wickets each. well to account for 2 wickets for 24 runs. tured a wicket each for ABK. Chasing 156, AUB batsmen focused on get- Chasing a decent total, NBK opener Sony and Irfan gave ABK a flying start by ting rid of the hostile opening attack of KFH Shakhti gave them a positive start by scor- scoring 37 runs for the 1st wicket but once spearheaded by Nisar and Faraz. Nisar was in ing 24 runs in as many balls and as NBK the opening partnership was dislodged, the good form as he removed both the AUB seemed to be getting into the groove, ABK middle order batsmen could not with openers quickly. Diligent batting by Sajid Aamir the Boubyan all-rounder maintaining stand the bowling of M. Ali who took 3 quick Kalam who smashed a quick fire 36 runs a straight line of attack, and exploiting the wickets . Sony scored a brisk 17 runs to his enabled AUB to post 107 runs. movement of the pitch bowled well to run credit while Irfan fought a lone battle with a Mohammed Arif, the KFH spinner bowled through the NBK middle order to be the top pain staking 61 runs which had 8 handsomely extremely well to capture four wickets for 12 wicket taker (4-24). Ronald of NBK stood firm struck boundaries. runs to skittle the AUB batting line up as Nisar to score 18 runs but the rest of the batsmen Abhishek, in the middle order salvaged 2-11 and Fazal 2-15 provided the much need- withered away to some good bowling by some pride for ABK by taking the battle till ed back up to wrap the match in favor of KFH. Rifkas (2-13) Mazhar (2-21) & Faraaz (2-1) the end before being caught for a valuable 22 Mohammed Arif was declared Player of the and were all out for 94 runs. Faraaz deserv- runs. Nadeem of KIB was rightly declared Match for his wonderful bowling perform- ingly fetched the Player of the match award Plate finalist Kuwait International Bank Player of the match for his batting skills. MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 SPORTS Asamoah helps Juve to 14-point lead on Roma

MILAN: A first-half strike from Juventus and Stephan Lichsteiner threatening with winger Kwadwo Asamoah secured a 1-0 win early chances while defender Andrea Barzagli over Fiorentina and stretched the champions’ did well to block Alberto Aquilani’s strike for lead over nearest rivals Roma to 14 points the visitors. yesterday. Asamoah fired a first warning shot just Second-placed Roma, who have a game in before the half hour with a deflected effort hand, travel to Napoli later looking to reduce which forced Neto into a one-handed save, the arrears and stretch their six-point lead while from the resulting corner the over Rafael Benitez’s side. Ghanaian’s effort from a tight angle flashed But on this performance, Roma will have wide. to hope Juventus-who face Fiorentina home Just before the interval, Asamoah broke and away in the Europa League in the next 11 the deadlock when he cut inside from the left days-suffer a major slip-up on what looks like and showed some nice skill with his left foot a clear path towards a third consecutive scud- before firing a right-footed shot past Neto at etto. Frenchman Paul Pogba said Juve’s 14th the keeper’s far post with the help of a slight home win of the season had sent a message deflection. to their rivals. “It was a crucial match for us “The coach is always telling me I should and an even more important win in terms of cut in from the left and try shots with my the league title,” Pogba told Sky Sport. Juve right. I’ve never scored with my right foot coach Antonio Conte hailed his side’s per- before, never mind one as good as that,” said formance but admitted they breathed a sigh Asamoah. of relief when Ryder Matos’s header came Fiorentina came closest to levelling 10 back off Gianluigi Buffon’s crossbar in the minutes from time when Matos finished off a closing minutes. good move with a close-range header which “We played really well in the first half and bounced off Buffon’s crossbar. in the second things slowed down a little, Elsewhere, the battle for the league’s two also because players were tired from the mid- Europa League places moved up a notch, week international friendlies,” said Conte. with seven points now separating fourth- “We gifted Fiorentina a chance to level late placed Fiorentina from Lazio, in eighth. on but thankfully we resisted and came out of Inter remained fifth but a precious 1-0 win it pretty well.” Fiorentina had handed Juve at home to battling Torino thanks to Rodrigo their only defeat of the season, a 4-2 come- Palacio’s 30th minute header closed the gap back win in Florence last October, but had on Fiorentina to just a point. only one win in their last 21 visits to Turin. Parma’s 2-0 win over Verona reinforced Coach Vincenzo Montella admitted Juve sixth place but they remain one point adrift had set the agenda, and his side had failed to of Inter with a game in hand, while Verona sit adapt. “When you play against Juventus, a lot a further three points off the pace. GERMANY: Freiburgís Philipp Zulechner (left) challenges for the ball with Dortmund’s Kevin Grokreutz during the German First Division depends on how they set up,” he told Sky Lazio’s bid for a place in Europe was halted Bundesliga soccer match. — AP Sport. “We were better in the second half in a practically empty Olympic Stadium by a when we played higher up the park, but it shock 1-0 loss to Atalanta. Maxi Moralez wasn’t the game we had set out to play.” struck for Atalanta on the hour but Lazio were Claudio Marchisio stepped into Andrea Pirlo’s reduced to 10 men four minutes later when Veteran Kehl seals deep-lying midfield role as the Italy veteran he received a second booking, for simulation, served a one-match ban, while Carlos Tevez when he tumbled in the area. and Fernando Llorente, who have scored 26 Sampdoria, meanwhile, fought back from league goals between them, led the Ibrahima Mbaye’s first-half double for Livorno Bianconeri attack. to stun the visitors 4-2 which moved the Dortmund’s victory Juve started with plenty of intent, Tevez Genoese side up to 12th. — AFP

BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund consolidated sec- Having dropped just four points after 24 Hyppia’s Leverkusen face an uphill task on ond place in the Bundesliga yesterday with a 1-0 matches, Guardiola’s side have scored a record 72 Wednesday at Paris Saint-Germain where they win at relegation-threatened Freiburg as veteran times since the start of the season with just 11 need to overturn a 4-0 deficit from their captain Sebastian Kehl netted the winner. conceded. “We weren’t as dominant as in recent Champions League last-16 tie. Dortmund came to Freiburg without top-scor- matches,” said Guardiola. “Wolfsburg were very Schalke 04 are in fourth place, also with 44 er and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, who well organised and very aggressive. They caused points, after seeing off Hoffenheim 4-0 with has a knee strain, but still enjoyed their third us a lot of problems in the first half and at the Klaas-Jan Huntelaar hitting a hat-trick. straight win. start of the second. “But at the end of the day it It was a welcome result for Schalke, who had Jurgen Klopp’s side grabbed the winner on 58 was us who scored the goals we needed.” been routed 6-1 by Real Madrid and 5-1 at minutes when 34-year-old skipper Kehl curled Wolfsburg’s lead lasted just 10 minutes before Bayern in their last two outings. Huntelaar could home a 25-metre shot which gave Freiburg goal- Xherdan Shaqiri levelled.Thomas Mueller and for- have had four goals but missed a 31st-minute keeper Oliver Baumann little chance. mer Wolfsburg striker Mario Mandzukic both penalty with a lazy attempt at goal. In Saturday’s “I told him he’s a scumbag,” Baumann joked to scored twice in the second half. late game, Werder Bremen boosted their top- Sky Sports, while Kehl admitted he was “very, Mandzukic took over from Lewandowski as flight survival hopes with a 2-0 win at very happy” after his speculative shot dipped the league’s top-scorer with 16 league goals for Nuremberg. A second successive win for Robin under the bar. The result leaves Freiburg second the season. France’s Franck Ribery added to the Dutt’s team allowed them to climb two places from bottom while Dortmund are four-points scoreline to mark his return to action after a into 11th and eight points off the relegation clear in second, but remain 20 points behind run- month out through injury. zone. Werder midfielder Aaron Hunt is a candi- away leaders Bayern Munich. “Those were huge Bayer Leverkusen are third after a 1-1 draw at date for a FIFA Fair Play award after persuading points for us,” said Dortmund defender Mats Hanover in a game where their goalkeeper Bernd referee Manuel Graefe to overturn a second-half Hummels. “Only second place really counts for us Leno saved a Szabolcs Huszti penalty. Sami decision to award Bremen a penalty. — AFP now and that was a big, big step in the right direction.” Mainz 05 and Hertha Berlin later shared a German League results/standings point in a 1-1 draw as Colombia striker Adrian Ramos’s goal was cancelled out by Eric Choupo- TURIN: Juventus’ French midfielder Paul Labile Pogba fights for the ball during the Freiburg 0 Borussia Dortmund 1 (Kehl 58); Mainz 05 1 (Choupo-Moting 65-pen) Hertha Berlin 1 Moting’s second-half penalty for hosts Mainz. The (Ramos 51). Italian Serie A football match against Fiorentina in Alps stadium. — AFP result leaves both sides within three points of the top six. Played Saturday 82); Hanover 1 (Rudnevs 33) Bayer On Saturday, Pep Guardiola’s Bayern warmed Schalke 04 4 (Huntelaar 6, 28, 79, Chinedu Leverkusen 1 (Castro 28); VfL Wolfsburg 1 Italian League results/standings up for Tuesday’s Champions League last 16, sec- Obasi Ogbuke 55) Hoffenheim 0 Borussia (Naldo 17) Bayern Munich 6 (Shaqiri 26, ond-leg clash at home to Arsenal with a 6-1 Moenchengladbach 1 (Rafael 5) FC Augsburg Mueller 63, 78, Mandzukic 66, 80, Ribery 71); Juventus 1 (Asamoah 42) Fiorentina 0; Bologna 0 Sassuolo 0; Chievo 2 (Paloschi 5-pen, thrashing of Wolfsburg, scoring five goals in 17 2 (Hal. Altintop 35, Werner 81); VfB Stuttgart 2 Hamburg 1 (Calhanoglu 72-pen) Eintracht 90+3-pen) Genoa 1 (Gilardino 88); Inter Milan 1 (Palacio 30) Torino 0; Lazio 0 Atalanta 1 second-half minutes. (Maxim 30, Harnik 35) Eintracht Frankfurt 1 (Madlung 29); Nuremberg 0 (Moralez 60); Parma 2 (Biabiany 20, Schelotto 90+2) Verona 0; Sampdoria 4 (Krsticic 49, Braunschweig 2 (Hochscheidt 24, Bicakcic Werder Bremen 2 (Di Santo 40, Bargfrede 68). Ceccherini 53-og, Okaka 68, Gabbiadini 75) Livorno 2 (Mbaye 19, 27). BAYERN’S RECORDS Bayern racked up a record 16th consecutive German League table after yesterday evening’s match (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals Playing later Played Saturday against, points): Napoli v Roma Udinese 1 (Di Natale 67) AC Milan 0; Bundesliga win, breaking their own league best Catania 1 (Lodi 62) Cagliari 1 (Vecino 53). set in 2005, and have now gone 49 league matches without defeat. Bayern Munich 24 22 2 0 72 11 68 Hoffenheim 24 7 8 9 52 52 29 Dortmund 24 15 3 6 55 27 48 Werder Bremen 24 7 7 10 28 46 28 Italian Serie A table yesterday (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): With just 10 games left in the campaign, the European champions are virtually assured of Leverkusen 24 14 2 8 40 27 44 Hanover 96 24 7 5 12 31 43 26 Juventus 27 23 3 1 63 19 72 Genoa 27 9 8 10 31 34 35 defending their title after a sixth successive win Schalke 04 24 13 5 6 46 35 44 Frankfurt 24 6 8 10 27 40 26 Roma 25 17 7 1 49 11 58 Sampdoria 27 9 7 11 33 39 34 over the 2009 champions. Wolfsburg 24 12 3 9 41 38 39 Nuremberg 24 4 11 9 27 42 23 Napoli 26 15 7 4 51 29 52 Atalanta 27 10 4 13 28 38 34 Victory was the perfect tonic ahead of Augsburg 24 11 5 8 37 34 38 VfB Stuttgart 24 5 5 14 38 51 20 Fiorentina 27 13 6 8 45 30 45 Udinese 27 9 4 14 30 39 31 Tuesday’s clash with Bayern holding a 2-0 first leg Mainz 05 24 11 5 8 33 36 38 Hamburg 24 5 5 14 39 53 20 Inter Milan 27 11 11 5 44 29 44 Cagliari 27 6 11 10 27 36 29 lead. Naldo gave Wolfsburg a shock 17th-minute M’gladbach 24 10 6 8 41 31 36 Freiburg 24 4 7 13 22 45 19 Parma 26 11 10 5 41 29 43 Chievo 27 6 6 15 22 38 24 advantage before Bayern, heading for a 24th Hertha Berlin 24 10 6 8 35 28 36 Braunschweig 24 4 5 15 19 44 17 Verona 27 12 4 11 43 44 40 Bologna 27 4 11 12 22 41 23 national title, turned on the style. Lazio 27 10 8 9 34 35 38 Livorno 27 5 6 16 29 50 21 Torino 27 9 9 9 39 35 36 Catania 27 4 8 15 20 46 20 AC Milan 27 9 8 10 39 38 35 Sassuolo 27 4 6 17 25 55 18 Zimbabwe gold miners Rangers grab Cup lifeline GLASGOW: Rangers needed a controversial late responded with Templeton sending a header on survive Seychelles scare equaliser to claim a 1-1 draw with Albion Rovers to the roof of the net before Parry made a fine as the League Two minnows came close to a save to deny Daly whose header from a Lee Scottish Cup shock at Ibrox. Wallace free-kick looked to be seeking in. A sus- JOHANNESBURG: Zimbabweans How Mine ing a three-year CAF ban. Brazilian Cleiton Januario Franco scored in The part-timers had stunned the home fans tained period of pressure saw Rangers press for got a huge fright on the idyllic Indian Ocean The close shave in Seychelles was certainly each half for Fes, but it was an early second as Ciaran Donnelly fired them into a 13th- an equaliser just before the break. Templeton island of Seychelles this weekend before not the result of overconfidence as coach half own goal by Mohamed Bamaamar that minute lead in their quarter-final tie against the saw his fierce strike blocked as Rovers players reaching the last 16 of the CAF Confederation Philani ‘Beefy’ Ncube issued a stern pre-sec- settled the tie. Glasgow giants, who are unbeaten in all com- threw themselves in front of the ball before petitions since August 3 last year. Rangers piled Parry stopped Shiels’ shot on the line. Cup. ond leg warning. Leading 3-0 from the first leg, the blunder on the pressure in the second half but were left Rangers had a great chance to haul them- Leading 5-1 from the first leg of a first “Anything can happen in football,” he told brought Medeama level at 1-1 on the night frustrated by the resolute defending of a side selves level seconds after the restart. Fraser round qualifier, the gold miners who work his squad. “We scored five goals at home and and left the Moroccans needing to score at that sit seventh in Scotland’s bottom tier until Aird’s corner was headed down by Mohsni to close to second city Bulawayo must have Saint Michel can also score five goals at least four goals in 42 minutes. the 78th minute when Bilel Mohsni knocked McCulloch but the Rangers captain hooked his believed they were certain to progress. home.” Arriving late at an airport to collect a visit- Lee Wallace’s deep cross past Neil Parry to end shot wide. The frustrations of the home fans But Seychellois opponents Saint Michel Musharu is revelling in the Confederation ing team is among the favourite ploys of their hopes of a giant-killing. increased in the 50th minute when the ball United had other ideas and by half-time at Cup with his six-goal tally making him the African clubs desperate for a psychological However, the goal left the Rovers manage- broke to the unmarked Daly in the box but the home were leading 3-0 through a Jocelyn leading scorer this season, one ahead of advantage. Other ‘tricks’ include hotel power ment team incensed as they felt the French Irish striker somehow sliced his effort wide of Fenosoa brace and an Alex Nibourette goal. Malagasy Fenosoa. and water being deliberately switched off, defender had fouled the ‘keeper as he went to the target. Another goal in the second half and the The reward for the sharpshooter and his keys to training-ground entrances mysterious- claim the cross. The two sides will now have to The pressure continued to mount on the islanders would win the tie and match the team-mates is a second-round showdown ly disappearing, and prostitutes harassing do it all again in a replay at New Douglas Park Rovers goal with Daly’s next effort on target greatest comeback in the 11-year second-tier against 2009 semi-finalists Nigerians Bayelsa footballers. on March 18. Albion named the same side that but Parry made the save and the danger was knocked Scottish Premiership side Motherwell cleared before Nicky Law could pounce on the African club competition. United. Peter Ebimobowei scored midway Former African champions Tunisians Etoile earlier in the competition and they showed no rebound. Templeton thought he had finally Mount Cameroon wiped out a 5-1 away through the first half and Jafar Buhari 12 min- Sahel and Ivorians ASEC Mimosas progressed signs of being overawed by the occasion as made the breakthrough in the 63rd minute loss to South Africans Ajax Cape Town in a utes after half-time as Bayelsa defeated in contrasting fashion at home. they threatened the Rangers goal with under a after he sweetly connected with Richard 2008 qualifier by scoring five unanswered sec- Congo Brazzaville visitors Kondzo 2-0 follow- Etoile hammered Congo Brazzaville outfit minute on the clock. Forster’s cross but his shot clipped the top of ond-leg goals. ing a goalless first leg. CARA 3-0 to overtake a first-leg loss while Mark McGuigan thundered forward and the crossbar on its way over. Michael Dunlop There was one goal scored after the break, Defensively strong United face a How Mine ASEC were grateful for a two-goal first leg win found Liam Cusack at the edge of the box but was inches away from an own goal as he but it came from leading How marksman side that has averaged three goals a game in after being held 1-1 by Malians CO Bamako. Cammy Bell watched his first-time effort go turned Aird’s fiercely whipped in cross just Kudakwashe Musharu to leave Saint Michel 3- eliminating Zanzibaris Chuoni, and Saint Winston Kalengo netted to give Zambians wide. And it was part-timers Albion who round the post before Mohsni’s long-range 1 winners on the day but 6-4 losers overall. Michel. Zesco United a 1-0 win on the day and on stunned the home crowd in the 13th minute effort was tipped over the bar by Parry. The miners, promoted to top-flight Ghanaians Medeama, who took food and aggregate against Mozambicans Ferroviario when Donnelly grabbed the opener. Rangers boss Ally McCoist replaced Daly with Zimbabwean football only last year, are lucky water to Morocco to counter possible ‘dirty Beira. A late Mohammed Siela goal gave Lee McCulloch’s wayward defensive header Sebastien Faure in the 74th minute as he to be competing internationally. They lost the tricks’, progressed despite a 2-1 loss against Sudanese Al-Ahly Shendy a 1-0 home win from a corner fell to the Albion Rovers captain threw Mohsni forward and his decision was who fired past Bell from close range for his first vindicated three minutes later when the FA Cup final 3-0 to Highlanders, but secured a 2011 Confederation Cup winners Moghreb over AS Kigali, but the Rwandans clinched the goal of the season. Rangers immediately Frenchman grabbed the equaliser. — AFP passport to Africa as their opponents are serv- Fes. tie 5-4 on post-match penalties. — AFP MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 SPORTS

Sheikh Salman lauds Amir support to shooting

KUWAIT: Information Minister and facilities and requirements are avail- State Minister for Youth Affairs Sheikh able. The complex is now the attrac- Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud tion of the Olympic sport and organi- Al-Sabah said the support of HH the zation of several international champi- Amir to the sport of shooting is an onships as well as regional and local honor for shooting enthusiasts. Sheikh events. Training and officiating courses Salman was speaking during the are also being held at the complex opening ceremony of the third Amir under the supervision of international International Grand Prix on Saturday instructors from the ISSF. Otaibi Info Minister and Youth Affairs and HH the Amir’s represen- evening at Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad thanked Sheikh Salman for opening Chairman of Kuwait Shooting Union (KSU), Eng. Duaij tative, Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud receiving delegations Olympic Shooting Complex. the championship in which more than Al-Otaibi The opening ceremony included a 750 shooters are participating. patriotic operetta “In Love of Kuwait” On his part Director General of the with folkloric shows that were appreci- Public Authority for Youth and Sports ated by fans in attendance. The cere- Essam Jaafar said the opening ceremony included the showing of a docu- mony was fantastic and gained the mentary about the achievements of appreciation of all participating dele- Kuwait shooting in the Olympics and gations. He said PAYS will spare no other international events. effort in supporting the club, not only Sheikh Salman, who represented to ensure the success of this champi- the Amir in the opening ceremony, onship, but to take the organization said Kuwait’s organization of the annu- and technical levels to a unique status. al grand prix reflects the unlimited Asian Shooting Confederation’s Vice He said PAYS allocated a special budg- support Kuwait shooting enjoys from President, Baljit Singh Sethi et for the championship besides being HH the Amir, who effectively partici- keen on carrying out a comprehensive pated in boosting its status at both the Federations Duaij Al-Otaibi lauded the maintenance of Sheikh Sabah Al- continental and international levels support of the Amir to the sport of Ahmad Olympic Shooting Complex. and having shooters win Olympic and shooting in Asia and creating a special Secretary general of Kuwait and world medals. Sheikh Salman said he fund to develop the sport to realize Arab Shooting Federations Obaid Al- was honored to represent the Amir at the ambitions of its athletes, besides Osaimi said the Higher Organizing this championship that has an having an annual championship that Committee shouldered a huge burden unprecedented participation of more brings friends competing in a fair by emphasizing the capabilities than 50 countries and hoped that atmosphere. Kuwaitis possess in organizing sports Kuwait shooters win first places to Otaibi said the Amir’s contributions events. He said the committee passed hoist the flag of Kuwait high. to Kuwait shooting are many, includ- its first test with the outstanding Meanwhile, President of the Arab ing the construction of a unique opening ceremony as testified by all and Kuwait Shooting Sport Olympic sports complex, in which all participating delegations.

Chairman of the Egyptian and the African Archery Unions, Dr. Alaa Gabr presenting a Chairman of the Egyptian and the African Archery Unions, Chairman of Egypt’s Shooting Union, Hazem Hassan honoring sheikh Salman. trophy to Sheikh Salman. Dr. Alaa Gabr presenting a trophy to Eng. Duaij Al-Otaibi

Sheikh Salman is seen with guests during the opening ceremony. KSU deputy chairman, Mohammed Mustafa Karam with Al-Ossaimi MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 SPORTS

Kuwait’s international shooter, Abdullah AL-Rasheed

Egypt’s Shooting Union chairman, brigadier Hazem Hassan and his Sudanese counterpart, Maj. General Saif during a break.

Farah and her mother Syrian shooters We’am and Jeehan

Layal Asmaa AL-Adwani The championship PR and protocol team

Indian shooters Registration committee members Kuwait Radio coverage team

Eng. Khaled Al-Mansoor KSU’s IT manager Ayman Atef Ishraq and Estabro-Dashti Knicks down Veteran Kehl Cavaliers to seals Dortmund’s continue winning victory streak

MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 16 17

Asamoah helps Juve to 14-point lead on Roma Page 17

LONDON: Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero (left) is thwarted by Wigan’s Emmerson Boyce (centre) as Ivan Ramis looks on during their English FA Cup quarterfinal soccer match at the Etihad Stadium. — AP Wigan send City crashing

LONDON: Second-tier Wigan Athletic stunned Manchester took the lead. line block to thwart Dzeko, but Wigan held on by the skin honest-you want to avoid the big boys and I’m sure City in the FA Cup for the second season running with a A neat turn took Fortune past Demichelis on the Wigan of their teeth. Sheffield United will be thinking the same having drawn us.” shock 2-1 quarter-final victory at a disbelieving Etihad left and after the Argentine brought him down, Gomez Sheffield United continued their remarkable journey in Stadium yesterday. sent goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon the wrong way from the HULL, SHEFFIELD ADVANCE the FA Cup by upsetting second-tier Charlton 2-0 at City, newly crowned League Cup champions, were bid- penalty spot. Earlier, Hull City and giant-killers Sheffield United set up Bramall Lane. ding to avenge their 1-0 defeat in last season’s final, but City’s frustration was evident, with Nasri booked for an unlikely semi-final showdown after coming through Managed by Nigel Clough, son of legendary former instead it was the holders-managed by former City striker kicking the ball away, and Wigan extended their lead early their respective quarter-final ties. Nottingham Forest manager Brian, the Blades became the Uwe Rosler-who advanced to a last-four date with Arsenal. in the second half when Perch stole in front of Gael Clichy Hull defeated Premier League rivals Sunderland 3-0 at first team from the third tier to reach the last four since Jordi Gomez gave Wigan the lead with a 27th-minute to tuck in a low cross from James McArthur. the KC Stadium to reach the last four for the first time since Wycombe Wanderers in 2001. penalty after Martin Demichelis fouled Marc Antoine- City manager Manuel Pellegrini reacted by sending on 1930, while third-tier United overcame Charlton Athletic. “I’m just delighted for everybody that we’re going to Fortune and James Perch made it 2-0 within seconds of James Milner, David Silva and Edin Dzeko, and the latter Hull’s Sone Aluko saw a first-half penalty saved by Wembley, especially the players,” Clough, whose late father kick-off in the second half. came within a whisker of equalising in the 64th minute Sunderland goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, but three goals in never won the tournament, told BT Sport. “To win nine Samir Nasri pulled a goal back for City with 22 minutes with a header that hit the post. nine minutes from Curtis Davies, David Meyler and Matty games on the spin, they deserve an immense amount of remaining, but the Championship side-relegated within The hosts continued to push, though, and four minutes Fryatt in the second period gave the hosts victory. “I’ve just credit. We hope to play a lot more big games like this in days of last season’s final-withstood heavy pressure from later Nasri dragged them back into the tie with a left-foot seen the draw and it’s a great one,” said Hull manager Steve the future.” the hosts to record another famous FA Cup win. shot from outside the box that skidded into the bottom- Bruce, who twice won the trophy as a player with Having previously accounted for Premier League sides The Etihad was buoyant after City’s 3-1 win over right corner. Manchester United. Fulham and Aston Villa, as well as second-tier Forest, the Sunderland in last weekend’s League Cup final, but the City threw everything at Wigan in the closing stages, “Sheffield United have had a wonderful run and beaten Blades prevailed thanks to quick-fire goals from Ryan Flynn home fans were silenced in the 27th minute when Wigan with Emmerson Boyce producing an extraordinary goal- every team put in front of them. “But you have got to be and John Brayford mid-way through the second half. —AFP Real returns on top after Levante stroll

MADRID: Real Madrid returned to the low into the corner. top of La Liga with a comfortable 3-0 win Navas then had to be quick off his line Spanish League results/standings over Levante at the Santiago Bernabeu to smother efforts from Di Maria and Karim Espanyol 3 (Lopez 2, Colotto 21, Pizzi 58) Elche 1 (Fuentes 88- yesterday. Benzema as Madrid continued to press. og); Almeria 1 (Vidal 85) Sevilla 3 (Bacca 31, Carrico 51, Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring The pick of the saves from the Levante Gameiro 77); Real Madrid 3 (Ronaldo 11, Marcelo 49, Karabelas with his 38th goal of the season when he goalkeeper came in first-half stoppage 81-og) Levante 0. headed Angel di Maria’s corner low past time as he leapt to his right to turn Playing later Keylor Navas after just 11 minutes. Benzema’s header from close range onto Valencia v Athletic Bilbao Navas then kept his side in the game the post. with a string of fine saves, but there was Carlo Ancelotti’s men did eventually get Real Madrid 27 21 4 2 76 26 67 nothing the Costa Rican could do when the all-important second goal four min- Atletico 27 20 4 3 63 21 64 Ronaldo teed up Marcelo to curl in the utes after the restart when a lovely one- Barcelona 27 20 3 4 74 22 63 second four minutes after half-time. two between Ronaldo and Marcelo freed Bilbao 26 15 5 6 49 30 50 Levante were reduced to 10 men on 63 the Brazilian inside the area and he curled Villarreal 27 13 5 9 47 33 44 minutes when David Navarro was shown a the ball into the far corner on his weaker straight red card for a foul on Ronaldo. right foot. Sociedad 26 12 7 7 46 36 43 And the visitors’ miserable evening was Navas continued to frustrate Benzema Sevilla 27 11 8 8 47 42 41 summed up when Nikos Karabelas’ scored moments later as he turned away the Espanyol 27 10 6 11 32 33 36 a spectacular own goal nine minutes from Frenchman’s fiercely struck effort from the Levante 27 9 9 9 26 34 36 time to make it 3-0. edge of the box. Valencia 26 10 5 11 38 37 35 Victory means Real now lead second- Levante were reduced to 10 men just Celta Vigo 27 8 6 13 32 39 30 placed Atletico Madrid by three points after the hour mark when Navarro’s reck- with Barcelona a further point back in less challenge from behind on Ronaldo Granada 27 9 3 15 24 36 30 third. was deemed to be worthy of a straight red Elche 27 7 8 12 24 40 29 Seemingly buoyed by Barca’s latest set- card by referee Ignacio Iglesias Villanueva. Osasuna 26 8 5 13 24 39 29 back in losing to lowly Valladolid on The visitors then inflicted more damage Getafe 27 7 6 14 23 42 27 Saturday, Real started very brightly and upon themselves nine minutes from time Malaga 26 6 8 12 24 35 26 Ronaldo forced Navas into his first stop when Karabelas swept home Marcelo’s after five minutes with a nicely cushioned cross. However, there was just one Valladolid 27 5 11 11 29 44 26 volley that the ‘keeper collected at the sec- moment of worry for Real when right-back Almeria 27 7 5 15 26 49 26 ond attempt. Dani Carvajal collapsed to the turf in stop- Vallecano 26 7 2 17 26 59 23 The Portuguese wasn’t to be denied six page time under no pressure from a Real Betis 27 4 6 17 23 56 18 minutes later, though, as he rose highest to Levante player and had to be stretchered MADRID: Real’s Karin Benzema (center) tries to score between Real’s Sergio Ramos meet Di Maria’s cross and power his header from the field. — AFP (right) and Levante’s Mohamed Sissoko during a Spanish League soccer match. — AP EU aims for deal on tackling failing banks

Page 23 Air Arabia receives Business 6000th Airbus A320 as part of its fleet MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 Page 26 NBK holds general Angola faces arduous task to push agriculture growth assembly meeting Page 22 Page 25

KIEV: Ukrainian demonstrators gather for a mass anti-war rally in Independence Square in Kiev yesterday. Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an audacious bid to incorporate the Ukrainian region of Crimea into Russia within a matter of weeks. — AFP Dubai 2013 trade growth slows Trade with Iran rises 4%, tourist numbers up 10%

DUBAI: Dubai’s non-oil trade expanded 7.6 per- climbed 4.0 percent to 518 billion dirhams, ue of real estate transactions jumped 53 percent sharply. Merchandise trade between Dubai and cy. “Dubai’s bilateral trade with Iran goes in line cent last year, slowing from 13 percent growth while imports surged 10 percent to 811 billion to above 236 billion dirhams. Buoyed by a Iran plunged 31 percent to 25 billion dirhams in with international obligations,” the Dubai cus- in 2012, but the emirate’s trade with Iran stabi- dirhams. The emirate saw its economy pick up renewed inflow of money from abroad, Dubai’s 2012. But last year it rebounded slightly to toms authority said in an emailed reply to lized despite US economic sanctions, according strongly last year as tens of billions of dollars residential real estate prices climbed more than about 26 billion dirhams, representing 2 percent Reuters questions. “It is a normal trade covering to Dubai customs data released yesterday. The worth of new real estate projects were 20 percent last year and analysts estimate they of Dubai’s non-oil trade, Dubai customs told consumer goods, namely foodstuffs, car spare non-oil foreign trade of Dubai, one of seven announced following a 2008-2010 property may return to pre-crisis levels next year. Reuters. parts, electronics and carpets, given the geo- members of the United Arab Emirates, rose to market crash. Dubai has traditionally been a major trading Although the banking sanctions remain in graphical proximity between the two sides.” 1.329 trillion dirhams ($362 billion) in 2013. The Tourist numbers rose 10 percent to 11 mil- partner of Iran but that link has been hurt since place, Iranian traders say their activities have The vast majority of trade between Iran and emirate exports small amounts of oil and lion people last year, while new trade licences late 2011, when Washington imposed banking become easier since President Hassan Rouhani Gulf Arab states is routed through Dubai. imports natural gas. recorded an increase of 12 percent, the govern- sanctions over Tehran’s disputed nuclear pro- took office last August, reducing geopolitical Wooden boats, known as dhows, continue to Dubai’s non-oil exports and re-exports ment media office said yesterday. The total val- gram that forced Dubai to cut back business tensions and helping to stabilize the rial curren- carry some goods across the Gulf. —Reuters Fitch upgrade boosts Qatar may face higher costs Saudi, Dubai retreats of hiring foreign labor: IMF DUBAI: Qatar will likely face higher labor costs as a without details. result of publicity about deaths of migrant construction However, the large-scale nature of the program has workers building the infrastructure for the 2022 World led to implementation delays and cost overruns and MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS Cup soccer tournament, the International Monetary Qatar will continue facing the risk of cost escalation giv- Fund said. en its commitment to a compressed timetable ahead of DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s bourse rose to a 68-month high able housing, in an attempt to bring down real estate Britain’s Guardian newspaper reported in September the World Cup, it also said. in heavy trade yesterday after Fitch upgraded the prices in a heavily speculative market. Alawi said the that dozens of Nepali workers had died during the sum- country, while other regional share markets were nar- ministry was also pushing to release more land for mer in Qatar and that laborers were not given enough Economic outlook rowly mixed because of a lack of catalysts. Dubai’s development. food and water. Increasing government spending may push the fiscal trading volume fell to its lowest level since last August. “The potential increase in supply of land is putting Qatar, which has denied the Guardian’s findings, has balance into a deficit over the medium term when com- Credit rating agency Fitch raised Saudi Arabia’s long- pressure on prices of real estate and we are seeing early seen an increasing influx of foreigners, now estimated at bined with flat production of liquefied natural gas (LNG), term foreign and local currency issuer default ratings signs of money fleeing from land into stocks,” Alawi 1.8 million, with its population rising 10 percent in 2013. falling crude oil output from mature fields and lower to ‘AA’ from ‘AA-’, citing strong balance sheets and gov- said. “Working conditions of some construction workers and hydrocarbon prices. “The public debt ratio is expected to ernment efforts to combat unemployment and a domestic help have made global headlines and could fall, but the headline budget balance could ... turn into housing shortage, as well as the country’s labor market Dubai affect the availability and cost of hiring new workers in deficit over the medium term, while the current account reforms. Meanwhile, Dubai’s measure retreated 0.3 percent the future,” the Fund said after completing annual con- surplus could drop to 5 percent of GDP,” the IMF said. “The upgrade adds to the popularity of the market to 4,141 points, cutting its 2014 gains to 22.9 percent. sultations with Qatar. “This would hinder growth since The country’s fiscal surplus could shrink to 6.8 percent for foreign investors, which boosts the morale of local The market soared last year and early this year but has the success of Qatar’s current development model of GDP this year from an estimated 11.0 percent in 2013, investors,” said Abdullah Alawi, assistant general man- been trading in a 200-point range for the last three depends importantly on the ability to rapidly hire expa- and further to 4.2 percent in 2015, the IMF said, cutting ager and head of research at Aljazira Capital. Foreigners weeks, prompting investors to chase short-term gains triate workers,” it said. The gas-rich nation has planned to its October forecasts of 8.4 percent and 5.8 percent, can only invest indirectly in the Saudi market through in other markets. Some analysts say prices have spend some $140 billion in the run-up to the World Cup respectively. The government intends to reduce public instruments such as swaps, but their interest has been become overstretched in some small-caps, and a pull- on new infrastructure projects, including a metro, port debt over time from an estimated 33.1 percent of GDP in rising. Saudi Arabia’s measure advanced 1.1 percent to back now would be healthy for the uptrend to resume. and airport. 2013 by trimming foreign borrowings and domestic its highest level since July 2008, while trading volume Daily trading volume fell to its lowest level since Aug. Such large public investments entail a possibility of loans. It would continue issuing government securities jumped to its highest in almost two years. 13, another technical indicator suggesting a temporary overheating in the near term and low return and overca- to support bond market development. The Fund also Sentiment was positive almost across the board; the end to the market’s uptrend. pacity in the medium term, the IMF warned. “In particu- raised its forecast for Qatar’s economic growth to 5.9 banking index gained 1.0 percent, while the retail sec- “The volumes have dried out - there’s no fresh mon- lar, the extent to which public investment will durably percent this year and 7.1 percent in 2015, from 5.0 per- tor rose 2.3 percent and real estate shares jumped 2.7 ey in the market,” said Hisham Khairy, head of trading boost private sector productivity remains uncertainty,” it cent and 6.6 percent, respectively, in its October regional percent. Turnover in Saudi Arabia has surged in recent for the institutional desk at MENA Corp. said. outlook. Inflation should remain benign at 3.3 percent days, which could be partly because of an investment “There are more catalysts in Qatar and Egypt, and Certain big-ticket projects such as the metro, port, this year and 3.5 percent in 2015, the IMF said, less than shift from physical real estate to equities. The Ministry some investors have sold in the UAE (United Arab and airport have been scaled down or divided into phas- 4.0 percent forecast for both years in October, as a of Housing has launched massive projects for afford- Emirates) to chase volatility there.” — Reuters es to reduce the overcapacity risk, and the authorities decline in commodity prices will help reduce pressure are preparing a shortlist of critical projects, the Fund said from strong economic activity. — Reuters MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 BUSINESS

Dimah report Angola faces arduous task Why ECB ignoring the deflationary to push agriculture growth threat? By Hayder Tawfik Luanda under pressure to curb food imports ay be the answer is simpler than LUANDA: Oil-rich Angola aims to roll out measures to despite the country’s oil wealth. However importers fear director of the foreign trade ministry. It order to limit Mmost of us think. boost productivity in its agriculture sector and curb its the new customs duties will push up the cost of some the impact upon-and possible angry reaction from the In the past few months dependence on food imports, but there are concerns imported goods by a third, as well as the inflation rate poor, staples such as rice, milk powder, sugar, cooking there have been quite price hikes will harm the poor. New import duties for which currently stands at 7.8 percent. “This will lead to oil and others are exempt from the new duties. few warnings coming out selected products including fruits, vegetables, eggs and an increase in import costs of between 5 percent and 35 However economists warn that protectionist meas- from authoritative places drinks are set to enter into force in March. The govern- percent, which will have an impact on prices in general,” ures are not the best way to encourage domestic pro- such as the International ment hopes that the new levies will discourage imports said Federico Crespo, who operates an Angolan import duction in Angola. They argue that output will expand if Monetary Fund, the and prod domestic industries to diversify from oil. firm Oxbow. The dependence on imported goods is one production costs are lowered, and adequate energy and World Bank and the Before its independence in 1975, Angola was an agri- of the reasons why Angola’s capital Luanda is ranked water supplies are guaranteed. OECD but the ECB has decided not only to ignore cultural powerhouse known for its coffee and rubber among the most expensive cities in the world. Despite efforts over the past decade to rebuild infra- them but to take no actions to heed off the possi- production. But nearly three decades of civil war that structure destroyed by the war, Angola, sub-Sahara ble threat. At present, we think that its options left vast tracts of land littered with landmines robbed Develop local capacity Africa’s second-largest oil producer after Nigeria, has yet are limited. May be calls for further cuts in inter- the country of its farming prowess. However one local business association appears to to get its house in order. est at the time when its official rate is just 0.25 It left the southwestern African country heavily back the new import duties and suggests that if there Analysts also note that offering protection to a most- percent could be useless in their opinion. reliant on food imports, which account for 90 percent are any increases in consumer prices, they won’t last ly non-existent sector will likely benefit only a few long- We believe that recently the ECB has taken total food consumed. In the first nine months of last long. “This is because local entrepreneurs will invest and established companies, often owned by people who some comfort from few positive or encouraging year, Angola spent over $3.6 billion on imported food produce to meet the demand,” said Jose Severino, presi- have close links to those in political power. “The law will signs that the euro-zone economy is on the and drinks alone, according to the trade ministry. dent of the Association of Angolan Industrialists. protect the interests of companies that struggle to cope mend. Sometimes, we wonder if the there is any- Authorities now want to lessen that dependence and In imposing the new duties, Angolan authorities say with competition through the reduction of production thing in the ECB’s operational manual that encourage local production, which will hopefully even- they are not aiming at a blanket ban on imports but costs, that is to say, less dynamic and less efficient com- instructs it how to fight deflationary threat. tually lower food costs in the country where two thirds want to “gradually replace” them with local produce and panies,” warned Alves da Rocha, economic lecturer at Most central banks have the tools to fight of the population live on less than two dollars a day, “develop our productive capacity”, said Adriano Martins, the Catholic University of Angola. — AFP inflation but may be not in fighting or prevent- ing deflation. The ECB has proven its power and the tools to fight the breakup of the euro over the past two years so can it prove the same Venezuelans queue at markets when faced with possible deflation threat. The ECB’s insistence that the euro-zone is not vulnerable to deflation keeps pushing the value of the euro higher against the dollar and the San Cristobal could run out of bread by tomorrow Japanese yen. This may speed up the deflation threat further. SAN CRISTOBAL, Venezuela: Patricia Gamboa Critics say businesses are not given enough dol- The economic data collected by the ECB on arrived at a government-run supermarket in western lars by the government through its currency agency News the euro-zone might be the main reason why Venezuela at 2:00 am, six hours before doors to import enough goods. they are quite relaxed at present. However, the opened, to be first in line and buy whatever she Maduro blames smugglers who take advantage of in brief ECB should be forward looking when deciding could get her hands on. As dawn broke, about 200 Venezuela’s weak currency to sell food and gasoline on these data. people stood behind her outside the Bicentenario across the border in Colombia at a hefty profit. Either Kuwait trade surplus The peripheral economies in the euro-zone shop in San Cristobal, with numbers written on their way, for Venezuelans, the result is high prices and widens to $23bn in Q3 are still struggling and the strength of the euro is wrists with green markers to avoid arguments over empty store shelves. not going to help them at all. It is only the KUWAIT: Kuwait’s foreign trade surplus widened to who came first. Those lucky enough to find what they need at KD6.4 billion ($22.7 billion) in July-September from a German economy and to a lesser extent the One end of the street was blocked by one of the government-run stores will pay at regulated prices. revised 5.9 billion dinars in the previous quarter, data French economy that are doing better. Even here many barricades that demonstrators have built with At private markets, items can be three, four, even from the Central Statistical Bureau showed yesterday. the strength of the euro to the German manufac- trees across the city to protest, among other things, seven times more expensive. Life can be tough for Analysts polled by Reuters in January forecast Kuwait’s turing companies has not been helpful. Some the basic food shortage plaguing their oil-rich coun- those earning a minimum wage standing at 3,270 current account surplus would be 37.8 percent of gross latest company results from Germany have try. The empty store shelves are among the major bolivars per month — $519 at the official rate of 6.3 domestic product in 2014 and 35.0 percent in 2015. shown that the strength of the euro have been grievances fueling a wave of protests that have bolivars to the dollar. hurting their competitiveness. Also, any further spread to other cities and dogged President Nicolas San Cristobal residents say the normal price for Deyaar plans $245m turmoil between Russia and the Ukraine will Maduro for the past month. one kilogram of powdered milk is 30 bolivars, but it residential complex have a big impact on the German economy and Like in other parts of the country, flour, butter, can cost up to 250 bolivars in markets. This means DUBAI: Dubai property developer Deyaar Development with it the euro-zone. However, if we look at the cornmeal and cooking oil are hard to come buy in that at the official dollar exchange rate of 6.3 boli- said yesterday it planned to build a combined residential big picture, we can see that there is a clear this city where Venezuela’s protest movement vars to the dollar, the price jumps from $4.8 to $39.7. and hotel project in the emirate, its first entry into the downtrend in inflation and it is obvious that eco- emerged on February 4. Gamboa, the 58-year-old But there is a black market rate in Venezuela, which hospitality industry. The 900 million dirham ($245 mil- nomic growth and job creation are at very low customer with the number one scribbled on her has quadrupled over the past years from 20 to lion) project will comprise one residential tower and one and dangerous levels. wrist, did not have a shopping list to feed her family around 80 bolivars to the dollar. tower of serviced apartments, the company said. If we assume that inflation rate keeps falling of six. What was she hoping to buy, then? Other examples include flour: officially 6.5 boli- Construction is to start soon and be completed by the in the coming months or at least does not go up, “Whatever they have,” she said, echoing the senti- vars, market rate 30 bolivars. As for meat, one kilo- end of 2016 or early 2017. Asked how the project would what are the other options available to the ECB?I ment of everybody else reading, sipping coffee or gram should cost 60 bolivars, but shops demand up be funded, Deyaar’s chief executive Saeed Al-Qatami told believe that the options are very limited but not sitting on the sidewalk to pass the time. Residents to 250 bolivars. reporters: “Deyaar has the sources (of funding) so far and impossible. I believe that the ECB at present is we do have strong banking support.” He did not elabo- can only shop at Bicentenario on certain days, which rate. working on some sort of stimulus measures just are decided by the last numbers on their ID cards. More profitable than cocaine in case of deflation becomes a real threat. May Once in line, people agreed on the wrist number sys- The contraband business is well known in San be banks recapitalization could be a starting Oman bank lending tem to avoid trouble, but the shop also assigns them Cristobal, the capital of Tachira state, which borders growth picks up point. Other serious options similar to what the paper numbers. Across the city, even longer lines Colombia. Maduro appeared on state-run television Federal Reserve and the Bank of England intro- MUSCAT: Oman’s M2 money supply grew 10.9 percent stretched 200 meters (yards) deep at two private Friday, showing a milk carton that costs seven boli- year-on-year at the end of January, the fastest rate since duced are: quantitative easing ie buying euro- supermarkets. vars. He said it sells at 200 bolivars in Colombia. “It’s November 2012, up from 8.5 percent in the previous zone government bonds directly, a funding to a crime,” the socialist leader said, vowing to take eco- month, central bank data showed yesterday. Bank lend- the banks for direct lending to consumers and No bread by tomorrow nomic and police action. ing grew 6.6 percent in January, up from 6.0 percent in corporates, buying private sectors assets i.e. cor- Armando Mirando, vice president of the Tachira “You make more by selling milk than selling December, which was the slowest clip since June 2010. porate bonds and finally a negative deposit rates State Bakeries Association, said that San Cristobal cocaine today at the border.” Maduro said smugglers for banks depositing cash with the ECB. This is could run out of bread by tomorrow. He said trucks can gain 10 times more by selling fuel across the Barwa Bank names something was hinted at by the ECB in their pre- that normally deliver flour and butter have refused border. Gasoline in oil-rich Venezuela is cheap, cost- Subeai as acting CEO vious meetings. to come into the city for the past two weeks because ing less than $1 to fill a tank. DUBAI: Qatar’s Barwa Bank said yesterday it had I believe that these options have limited of the chaos caused by the barricades. But many residents of San Cristobal, an opposition appointed Khalid Yousef al-Subeai as acting chief impact on inflation and economic recovery. “We already had shortages before and now noth- stronghold, say corrupt government workers are executive officer, the latest example of local bankers Overall, the tools or options at the ECB’s disposal ing is arriving,” Mirando said after addressing a among those smuggling goods across the border. All being moved into top jobs in the Gulf Arab state. The are not suited or helpful to push up inflation in “peace conference” organized by the government to they want outside the Bicentenario is full shelves. appointment of Subeai, effective from yesterday, was the struggling countries and boosting lending to end the protests but shunned by the opposition as a “The government has us begging here,” said Carolina “a very clear statement as to our commitment to the real economy to increase economic growth. sham. Most shops and restaurants are closed in the Rodriguez, 35, customer number 187 at the end of Qatarization and the progression of Qatari talent at all But it is better for the ECB to use them rather city of 260,000 people. the line. levels throughout the organization,” according to a than wait and react when it faced with much The opposition blames the country’s economic “We spend our lives in line,” she said, “for the statement from the lender. Steve Troop, the previous deeper crises. — Dimah Capital troubles on the government’s price and foreign supermarket, to pay our cellphone bills, to pay for CEO, will become adviser to the chairman and the board of directors, the statement said. exchange controls, and super-inflation of 56 percent. the light or water.” — AFP

EXCHANGE RATES

Malaysian Ringgit 87.320 South African Rand 0.020547 0.029047 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Chinese Yuan Renminbi 46.515 Thai Bhat 9.725 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001865 0.002445 Turkish Lira 129.320 Taiwan 0.009193 0.009373 ASIAN COUNTRIES COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Thai Baht 0.008380 0.008930 Japanese Yen 2.732 Australian Dollar 259.90 256.90 Canadian Dollar 258.05 259.05 Indian Rupees 4.632 Arab Pakistani Rupees 2.729 Swiss Franc 326.35 324.35 Bahrain Exchange Company Euro 394.75 395.75 Bahraini Dinar 0.741820 0.749820 Srilankan Rupees 2.158 Egyptian Pound 0.036765 0.039865 Nepali Rupees 2.896 US Dollar 281.50 284.50 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Sterling Pound 475.13 478.13 Iranian Riyal 0.000078 0.000079 Singapore Dollar 223.180 Europe Japanese Yen 2.79 2.81 Iraqi Dinar 0.000181 0.000241 Hongkong Dollar 36.351 Belgian Franc 0.007331 0.008331 Bangladesh Taka 3.623 Bangladesh Taka 3.623 3.893 Jordanian Dinar 0.393659 0.401159 Indian Rupee 4.623 4.923 British Pound 0.465204 0.474204 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.0000000 1.0000000 Philippine Peso 6.355 Czech Korune 0.006013 0.018013 Thai Baht 8.754 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.158 2.593 Lebanese Pound 0.000138 0.000238 Danish Krone 0.048486 0.053486 Irani Riyal transfer 0.271 Nepali Rupee 2.888 3.423 Moroccan Dirhams 0.024310 0.048310 Irani Riyal cash 0.273 Pakistani Rupee 2.735 2.790 Euro 0.385724 0.393724 Nigerian Naira 0.001191 0.001826 UAE Dirhams 76.71 77.17 Norwegian Krone 0.043281 0.048481 Omani Riyal 0.726694 0.732374 GCC COUNTRIES Bahraini Dinar 749.24 751.31 Romanian Leu 0.081398 0.81398 Qatar Riyal 0.076776 0.077989 Saudi Riyal 75.257 Egyptian Pound 40.43 41.03 Slovakia 0.008064 0.018064 Saudi Riyal 0.074590 0.075290 Qatari Riyal 77.543 Jordanian Dinar 400.64 406.29 Swedish Krona 0.040203 0.045203 Syrian Pound 0.002161 0.002381 Omani Riyal 733.110 Omani Riyal 732.08 739.38 Swiss Franc 0.315233 0.325433 Tunisian Dinar 0.175674 0.183674 Bahraini Dinar 749.570 Qatari Riyal 77.74 78.29 Turkish Lira 0.125409 0.13209 Turkish Lira 0.125409 0.132409 Saudi Riyal 75.20 75.60 UAE Dirham 76.856 UAE Dirhams 0.075824 0.076973 Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001281 0.001361 ARAB COUNTRIES Australian Dollar 0.247652 0.259152 Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.250 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd New Zealand Dollar 0.232909 0.242409 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.089 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.318 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate America Tunisian Dinar 180.370 Al Mulla Exchange US Dollar 281.850 Canadian Dollar 0.249201 0.257701 Jordanian Dinar 398.530 Canadian Dollar 257.240 US Dollars 0.278000 0.282350 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.893 Sterling Pound 472.545 US Dollars Mint 0.278500 0.282350 CurrencyTransfer Rate (Per 1000) Syrian Lira 2.011 Euro 392.440 Morocco Dirham 35.709 Swiss Frank 321.555 Asia US Dollar 281.500 Bahrain Dinar 744.215 Euro 393.000 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Bangladesh Taka 0.003292 0.003892 UAE Dirhams 76.715 Pound Sterling 473.000 US Dollar Transfer 282.100 Chinese Yuan 0.044783 0.048283 Qatari Riyals 78.265 Canadian Dollar 256.000 Euro 394.940 Hong Kong Dollar 0.034286 0.037036 Saudi Riyals 76.030 Indian Rupee 4.617 Sterling Pound 475.200 Indian Rupee 0.004329 0.004730 Jordanian Dinar 397.210 Egyptian Pound 40.080 Canadian dollar 256.450 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Egyptian Pound 40.437 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.155 Turkish lira 127.970 Japanese Yen 0.002657 0.002837 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.157 Bangladesh Taka 3.627 Swiss Franc 714.180 Kenyan Shilling 0.003343 0.003343 Indian Rupees 4.617 Philippines Peso 6.342 Australian Dollar 258.250 Pakistani Rupees 2.738 Korean Won 0.000255 0.000270 Pakistan Rupee 2.740 US Dollar Buying 280.900 Bangladesh Taka 3.621 Malaysian Ringgit 0.082319 0.088319 Bahraini Dinar 749.600 Philippines Pesso 6.340 Nepalese Rupee 0.002841 0.003011 UAE Dirham 76.650 GOLD Cyprus pound 692.280 Pakistan Rupee 0.002457 0.002737 Saudi Riyal 75.200 20 Gram 240.000 Japanese Yen 3.725 Philippine Peso 0.006357 0.006637 10 Gram 121.000 Syrian Pound 2.955 Sierra Leone 0.000069 0.000075 5 Gram 62.500 *Rates are subject to change Nepalese Rupees 3.880 Singapore Dollar 0.219363 0.225363 MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 BUSINESS Carney faces grilling over forex scandal

LONDON: Mark Carney faces probably tee to investigate last week. Carney may to attend Tuesday’s hearing. Paul Fisher, More challenges coming? his toughest questioning so far as Bank also be asked to show how quickly he a member of the Monetary Policy The Canadian has already made his of England governor next week when responded to the first signs of the case Committee, was previously BoE’s head of mark on the BoE in ways beyond the for- lawmakers will seize on a foreign last year. foreign exchange and he chaired the ward guidance revamp of monetary poli- exchange scandal to press their demands Mark Garnier, a member of the Foreign Exchange Joint Standing cy. He has established a less hostile tone for tighter oversight of the central bank. Treasury Committee which will hear Committee, a forum for Bank officials towards bankers than his predecessor Carney arrived from Canada last July as Carney on Tuesday, said any perceptions and market players to discuss market Mervyn King and created the new post of an outsider with a mandate to shake up that the BoE was not tough enough on issues. chief operating officer to oversee an the 320 year-old institution, from mone- tackling problems could damage It was at a sub-group of that commit- internal Bank shake-up. tary policy to its relationship with the London’s reputation as a financial centre, tee that dealers raised concerns with BoE Consultants McKinsey are working on powerful banks of the City of London. A potentially weakening Britain’s hand in officials as early as July 2006 over ways to pursue that modernization drive group of influential members of parlia- European Union talks over financial attempts to move the market around the and its findings are expected soon. ment wants Carney to change the way reforms. time of daily benchmark fixings. Last Lawmakers hope that on the list will be the BoE polices itself too. Their long- “We will be asking the governor what week, when it announced the suspen- the BoE’s Court. standing frustrations with what they say steps he is taking to bring management sion of the unnamed official, the BoE John van Reenen, director of the is the Bank’s outdated governance sys- arrangements and committee structure Mark Carney stressed the importance of staff keeping Centre for Economic Performance at the tem broke out again last week when the up to the standards of the 21st century,” records and flagging concerns to man- London School of Economics, said a natu- BoE suspended an official amid an inter- Andrew Love, another member of the governor. agers. It also said it had found no evi- ral extension of Carney’s push to improve nal review into whether Bank staff turned Treasury Committee, said. “It’s lower down the pecking order dence that its staff colluded in any transparency at the Bank would be to a blind eye to possible manipulation of Former finance minister Alistair than you would be used to in the corpo- manipulation. Tomorrow’s meeting was bring more clarity to its internal supervi- key rates by foreign exchange traders. Darling said in 2011 that the governance rate sector,” he told the Evening Standard originally scheduled as a regular hearing sion. The meetings at which the BoE and arrangements were antiquated. “It is all newspaper last month. on monetary policy. Carney is likely to “He’s not as respectful of venerable traders discussed possible problems in to do with the governor being some sort The Sunday Telegraph newspaper face some criticism over the way the BoE British institutions as many people are, the market took place as far back as 2006, of Sun King around which the Court reported the Court’s oversight commit- scrambled to revamp its policy of sig- and from time to time you want to take a seven years before Carney’s arrival in revolves,” he said. tee may name a judge, academic or sen- nalling the likely path of interest rates cold, hard look at whether the existing London. The Court has since gained new over- ior financial industry executive to run its last month, after it misjudged the speed set of institutions really is fit for purpose But lawmakers are angry that the sight powers. But critics say it still lacks investigation. of the labor market’s recovery, leading to in a modern age,” he said. “He seems to Bank’s Court of Directors - its governing clout. Its chairman David Lees acknowl- There could also be tough questions questions about the value of the policy be a person who is prepared to make board - only asked its oversight commit- edges he plays second fiddle to the BoE for another BoE policymaker official due that Carney introduced. those kind of changes.” —Reuters EU aims for deal on tackling failing banks Governments, parliament still at odds BRUSSELS: European Union governments and show political will. We will stay there (in the meet- by 10 percent each year, so that the fund would be parliamentarians will try to reach a compromise ing) as long as it takes to find a solution,” one EU fully mutualized after a decade. this week on how to wind down failing banks, in official involved in the preparations for the talks In the meantime, if a euro-zone country does marathon talks intended to settle who decides to said. not have enough money accumulated from the close banks and who picks up the bill. A deal in the “It’s clear to all EU member states that if we contributions of its own banks to cover the costs of negotiations, set to span three days, would be the want to achieve an agreement there’s only one closing one, its government would have to come final step in a European banking union that would direction to go - to try to accommodate the parlia- up with the cash. If it cannot borrow that from the mean one supervisor for all euro-zone banks, one ment,” the official said. The problem is that markets, it could ask the euro zone bailout fund for set of rules to close or restructure those in trouble European governments and the European a loan. The parliament believes this would not and one common pot of money to pay for it. Parliament want different things. break the vicious circle of highly indebted govern- The banking union, and the thorough clean-up ments trying to rescue banks that are failing of banks’ books that will accompany it, is meant to Positions far apart because they lent to the government. LIANYUNGANG, China: A Chinese family shops for vegetables at a market in restore banks’ confidence in one another and EU finance ministers agreed in early December Parliamentarians therefore want all bank contri- Lianyungang, in eastern China’s Jiangsu province yesterday. China’s inflation boost lending to other businesses and households. that a decision on closing down a bank in the euro butions to the resolution fund to be fully available rate dropped to 2.0 percent year-on-year in February, down from 2.5 percent New lending has been throttled by banks’ zone would be taken by the board of the resolu- to all euro zone countries after three years, not 10. in January, the government said on March 9, prompting economists to warn efforts to raise capital and reduce the bad loans tion agency, but that decision must be signed into This could make it unnecessary for governments to that the risk of deflation was rising. —AFP that proliferated in the recession triggered by the law by the EU’s executive Commission and by all borrow at all, providing relief to battered public global financial crisis and deepened by the euro- the EU finance ministers. The European Parliament finances. Whether banks would therefore have to zone’s own sovereign debt crisis. Policymakers wants no involvement of EU finance ministers, pay in all the 55 billion more quickly as a result is China inflation falls agreed last year that the European Central Bank arguing it would politicize the process. Parliament another contentious issue. (ECB) will be the single supervisor for all euro-zone also wants the ECB - the supervisor of all banks to Finally, policymakers have to decide if they will banks and the ECB will take on its new responsibili- be the only institution that can declare a bank is allow the single resolution fund to borrow on the to 2.0% year-on-year ties from November. failing and that its fate has to be resolved. EU gov- market against the security of future contributions But talks on a single European agency to wind ernments want the single resolution agency board from banks if it is short of cash at any point, or if it BEIJING: China’s inflation rate dropped to rose by 2.6 percent in 2013, unchanged up or close failing banks, and on a single fund to and national authorities to have a say. should be allowed to borrow from the euro zone 2.0 percent year-on-year in February, from 2012 and well below the 3.5 percent back it up, have entered a crucial stage: EU govern- Governments and parliamentarians also dis- bailout fund or given government guarantees. down from 2.5 percent in January, the target set by the government in the ments, represented by finance ministers of the 28- agree on how quickly to build up the shared reso- Even though all these issues have been known government said yesterday. The consumer world’s second-biggest economy. Premier nation bloc, and the European Parliament must lution fund and how soon all the money in it since early December, there has been no progress price index (CPI) figure announced by the Li Keqiang set an unchanged inflation reach a deal next week. should be accessible to all countries. so far. “No major issue has been solved, because National Bureau of Statistics matched the goal for this year in a speech to China’s If they don’t, there won’t be enough time to The fund will be filled from contributions of all we will go for solving them all together,” the EU median forecast in a poll of 13 economists National People’s Congress last week. complete the legislative process for the resolution euro-zone banks and is to reach, eventually, official said. A deal is to be worked out over today by Dow Jones Newswires. The producer Inflation in China has slowed markedly mechanism before the last sitting of the current around 55 billion euros ($76 billion). Governments and tomorrow, when euro-zone and EU finance price index, which measures costs for since 2011, when annual CPI spiked to 5.4 parliament in mid-April. The key law would be want the fund to reach full capacity over 10 years ministers meet to amend their initial position goods at the factory gate, declined by 2.0 percent, and maintaining growth in the delayed by at least seven months, probably more. and agreed the amount of money that would be from December, and Wednesday when they will percent in February, more than January’s face of domestic and overseas economic “The ground is very well prepared, now we have to available to all euro zone countries would increase present the new stance to parliament. —Reuters 1.6 percent fall, the NBS also said. woes has since become a higher priority China’s CPI, a main gauge of inflation, for Beijing. —AFP Companies gear up for vote Hungarian PM trumpets harsh ‘workfare’ scheme on Scottish independence PUTNOK, Hungary: For Prime Minister 61, mayor since 1994 and a member of LONDON: Six months before Scotland ahead of the vote. A key issue in the additional registered companies to Nish said several key issues “remain Viktor Orban, Hungary’s rising employ- Orban’s party, said in Putnok town hall. votes in a referendum on whether to debate is the currency of an independ- operate outside Scotland, into which uncertain” in case of independence, ment rate is more evidence of his master- “Like many of the government’s poli- become independent from the rest of ent Scotland, with Edinburgh saying it we could transfer parts of our opera- including the currency and the financial ful economic stewardship and another cies, it’s unorthodox,” he said. “But it works, Britain, major companies are going would keep the pound sterling but tions if it was necessary to do so,” said services regulations of an independent reason to give him a new term in elections anyone can get a job here if they want public on their plans whatever the out- London saying that would not be possi- Standard Life chief executive David Scotland and its future within the on April 6. Under his watch, the number of one.” But economists say that Orban has come. Firms ranging from Royal Bank of ble. “We have started work to establish Nish. European Union. working Hungarians has soared to a two done little to fix Hungary’s underlying job Scotland to British Airways and Royal British state-rescued RBS said uncer- decade high. Inflation has also eased market malaise. Around 60 percent of new Dutch Shell are stating their positions tainty over Scottish independence sharply and the economy is growing. jobs created in Hungary in 2013 are from ahead of Scotland voting on whether to posed a financial risk. But critics say the drastic improvement the workfare scheme. Just 20 percent are end its 300-year-old union with “A vote in favour of Scottish inde- in employment numbers was driven by a private sector jobs, with the remainder in England. pendence would be likely to significant- harsh “workfare” scheme-welfare in the public sector. British PM David Cameron’s ly impact the Group’s credit ratings and exchange for work-that masks deeper “Orban’s policies have not actually led Conservatives, their coalition partners could also impact the fiscal, monetary, problems. Before Orban won a landslide to many new investors or open market the Liberal Democrats and the opposi- legal and regulatory landscape to election victory in 10-million-strong jobs,” said Adam Keszeg, a labour market tion Labor party have joined forces to which the Group is subject,” it said. campaign for a “no” vote. But First “Were Scotland to become inde- Hungary in 2010, just 55 percent of the analyst with Raiffeisen Bank. The opposi- Minister Alex Salmond’s governing pendent, it may also affect Scotland’s working-age population had a job, one of tion, which surveys indicate will have a Scottish National Party is in the “yes” status in the EU.” the worst rates in the European Union. But tough time beating Orban next month, camp and wants Scotland’s 5.3 million now, the rate is a much healthier 60 per- agrees. “He promised real jobs, but all we people to quit the UK. Scotland has Shell, BA at odds cent. got is public works,” Istvan Nyako from the enjoyed increased autonomy since a While Standard Life’s Nish said the “Who would have thought a few years Socialists said while canvassing in Putnok 1997 referendum on devolution but the company had a “long-standing policy of ago that this would be a country of market. “It gives poor people no choice, SNP now wants full independence. strict political neutrality”, the chief exec- increasing employment,” the right-wing and mayors exploit it to get dirty work Some companies have said they utive of oil giant Royal Dutch Shell dealt Orban, 50, triumphantly declared in a done on the cheap.” would be opposed to an independent a blow to the campaign for Scottish recent speech on the campaign trail. A worker in the workfare scheme takes Scotland, but the overriding sentiment independence. Ben van Beurden “Well, while it’s falling elsewhere in home 50,000 forints (160 euros, $200) per is one of concern about the uncertainty. explained this week that independence Europe, it’s rising here in Hungary.” month, compared to the 67,000 forints “The referendum in September is creat- would introduce greater uncertainty Promising to create a million jobs in 10 minimum wage. Rights groups have also ing uncertainty for our customers and into the North Sea oil industry, a crucial years and a “work-based society”, Orban complained that the workers are not enti- our business, which we have a responsi- source of income for Scotland and the cut the average benefit payment to tled to benefits like paid sick leave and bility to address,” said Katherine Garrett- Anglo-Dutch company. around 25 percent below the minimum holidays. Cox, chief executive of Scotland-based For similar reasons, van Beurden wage. He also slashed the amount of time “We work hard outside all day, clearing investment manager Alliance Trust. said he wanted Britons to vote to stay in people could claim benefits to three paths in winter, mending road surfaces in “Regardless of the outcome, it is crit- the European Union during a possible months from nine months-the shortest in summer, all for a poverty wage,” complains ical that we are able to provide continu- referendum on its membership in 2017. the EU-and made continued assistance red-faced Laszlo Hajdu, 57, a heavy-set for- ity of service and protection for their “Shell has a long history of involve- investments and savings. “To give them ment in the North Sea-and therefore in conditional on joining the workfare mer miner, shovelling snow a few blocks full confidence, we have started work to Scotland-and we continue to invest scheme. from the mayor’s office. But Zoltan Kovacs, establish additional companies regis- more than a billion pounds ($1.67 bil- The scheme has put 200,000 people in state secretary at the Ministry of Human tered in England, in order to provide lion, 1.21 billion euros) there every year,” casual work such as in hospitals and Resources, argued that public work is a operational flexibility and to comple- he said. schools, cleaning streets or doing agricul- temporary solution in unemployment ment our existing business in Scotland.” However, Willie Walsh, chief execu- tural work. blackspots. Also last week, financial services tive of British Airways owner IAG, has “The long-term aim is to get people- group Standard Life warned that it may declared that a ‘yes’ vote could be a Unorthodox but effective many of whom have not worked for many move some of its operations out of “positive development” and might lead In Putnok, a town of 8,000 people in years-back into real work,” he told AFP in his Scotland if it votes for independence. to the Scottish government abolishing Hungary’s rundown northeastern former Budapest office. “If the economy grows air passenger duty (APD). Michael industrial and mining heartland, mayor then we can pay more,” he says. “It’s a philo- RBS predicts major impact O’Leary, chief executive of Irish low-cost Barnabas Tamas is chuffed. “Not since the sophical shift, we want to get citizens active RBS added that there would likely airline Ryanair, added he supported the change from communism have so many again, paying into the system and getting be a “significant impact” if Scotland abolition of APD to boost traffic and people been working here,” a jovial Tamas, benefits in return”. —AFP chose to end its union with England, YANGON: A woman carries fish at a wholesale fish market in tourism, but has declined to enter the placing renewed pressure on Salmond Yangon yesterday. —AFP independence debate. —AFP BUSINESS MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 Abandoned Spanish villages given away for free

CORTEGADA, Spain: For sale: hamlet in “Something that would provide work to vil- lengthy economic downturn, which has sent deeds have been lost and can’t easily be bunch of ruins. But I would never be Spain. Needs work. Price: zero euros. Like lagers and local businesses,” he said. the jobless rate soaring to just over 26 per- found. “It also happens sometimes that able to buy something similar in thousands of abandoned villages in Spain, A The residents of A Barca left in the 1960s cent, has pushed more owners to put their owners themselves come to us and pro- England,” he said. “It is a very pretty Barca-with its 12 crumbling stone homes cov- when a dam was built, which flooded their properties up for sale. “We count as our clients pose putting their property up for sale,” region. People are very nice. There is a ered in moss and ivy-is seeking a new owner farmland. many writers, painters or rural tourism profes- said Adkinson, a former livestock breeder real quality of life,” he added. Britons are to bring it back to life. Local officials in Spain’s But most of Spain’s abandoned hamlets sionals,” said Canales. Mark Adkinson, the from Lancashire who has lived in Galicia among the foreigners who have shown verdant northwestern region of Galicia hope have been deserted by residents who moved British manager of a rival online portal called for nearly three decades. the most interest in buying Spain’s aban- to give away the hamlet, which is nestled in a to larger cities or better land for farming. galicianrustic.com, said his company had doned hamlets. hillside overlooking the Mino river near the Spain’s National Statistics Institute estimates identified 400 abandoned villages in the east- Foreign interest But Norwegians, Americans, Germans, Portuguese border. that there are around 2,900 empty villages ern part of Galicia alone. The abandoned villages are especially Russians and even Mexicans have also The successful applicant must present a across the country, according to Rafael When Adkinson, who is based 150 kilome- appealing to foreigners like Neil Christie, made purchases, said real estate agent development project for the village, which Canales, the manager of a website specializ- tres (90 miles) north of Cortegada, finds an a 60-year-old retired Briton who used to Jose Armando Rodil Lopez. “In general, dates back to the 15th century, that will pre- ing in the sale of deserted hamlets called empty village he starts searching for its own- work in television. He bought three stone once you cross the barrier of 80,000 serve all of its buildings. Several proposals aldeasabandonadas.com. ers. The task is sometimes difficult, even houses and a granary raised on rock pil- euros, the potential buyers are foreign- have already been made but Avelino Luis de Over half are in Galicia, a largely rural impossible. lars-typical in the northwest of Spain- ers,” he explained during a tour of the Francisco Martinez, the mayor of Cortegada, region that is home to the famous pilgrimage Often the owners of abandoned properties that make up the hamlet of Arrunada in hamlet of Pena Vella, also in the Asturias. the municipality that oversees A Barca, said site of Santiago de Compostela, and the moved away long ago and have not been Asturias for 45,000 euros ($62,000). The hamlet, which is on sale for 62,000 he would prefer a tourism project. neighboring region of Asturias. Spain’s heard from since. In other cases property Christie has spent the past four years euros, is made up of five stone houses restoring the main house, located amid with slate roofs surrounded by pine and green pastures some 30 kilometres south eucalyptus trees. “A family used to live of the Atlantic coat. He hopes to move in here. Some of them made knives, others at the end of the year. “I wanted to flee were carpenters and farmers,” said Rodil the stress of London. This was just a Lopez. — AFP

PONTENOVA, Spain: Neil Christie posing in his home at the abandoned village of Arrunada, close to Pontenova. Typically Spain’s abandoned hamlets were deserted by tenants who moved to larger cities or more fertile areas for work. — AFP A tale of 2 American employment surveys NEW YORK: The US economy added month’s unemployment rate. 175,000 jobs in February, a respectable In February, the household survey gain that nearly matched the average showed that 264,000 more Americans monthly increase for the past two began looking for work. But few imme- years. Yet the unemployment rate rose diately found jobs, so they were count- to 6.7 percent from 6.6 percent. Why ed as unemployed. The unemployment did the unemployment rate rise if the rate rose as a result. Unlike the payroll job gain was solid? survey, the household survey captures Because the government conducts farm workers, the self-employed and one survey to learn how many jobs people who work for new companies. It were created and another to determine also does a better job of capturing hir- the unemployment rate. The two sur- ing by small businesses. veys can sometimes produce differing But the household survey is more results. volatile from month to month. The One is called the payroll survey. It Labor Department surveys just 60,000 asks mostly large companies and gov- households, a small fraction of the ernment agencies how many people more than 100 million US households. they employed during the month. This By contrast, the payroll survey seeks survey produces the number of jobs information from 145,000 companies gained or lost. For February, the payroll and government agencies. They survey showed that companies and employ roughly one-third of non-farm government agencies added 175,000 employees. The employers send forms jobs. to the Labor Department or fill out The other is the household survey. online surveys, noting how many peo- Government workers ask whether the ple they employ. They also provide pay, adults in a household have a job. Those hours worked and other details. Most who don’t have a job are asked Americans focus more on the unem- whether they’re looking for one. If they ployment rate, which comes from the are, they’re considered unemployed. If household survey. But economists gen- they aren’t looking for a job, they’re not erally prefer the jobs figure from the considered part of the workforce and payroll survey. aren’t counted as unemployed. The Still, they note that the two surveys household survey produces each tend to even out over time. — AP Mentor women after maternity leave, says Morgan Stanley boss

LONDON: For top Morgan Stanley finan- banker, considering careers in medicine cier Cecile Houlot-Hillary, every day and politics first. But after attending brings pressure in the form of complex business school she embarked on a bond deals, intense competition and career in investment banking at demands from high level clients. But, JPMorgan, rising from intern to manag- says the 17 year veteran of investment ing director during a 13-year stint. She banking, the most challenging part of moved to Morgan Stanley in 2010. Her her career so far has been navigating her proudest professional achievement to three spells of maternity leave. date, she says, was winning the mandate “It was clearly the crunch point - com- with her team to help the Bank of Ireland ing back and making sure I was still on return to money markets - raising 500 track and nothing was going to stop me.” million euros worth of bonds after the Her successful return to work was largely bank was locked out for two years in the down to the support of her managers, wake of an international bailout. “In this says French-born Houlot-Hillary, who job you have to be resilient, motivated believes such coaching is key for banks and quite passionate about what you are and their female employees. doing,” she says. “There’s a thrill to pitch- ing and knowing that you’re in a very Resilient and passionate competitive environment, sometimes The 39-year-old, co-head of debt capi- you lose and you feel very sick and tal markets for financial firms at Morgan sometimes you win and you feel super Stanley, is now a key player in the bank’s excited.” This same attitude is winning diversity program, which includes coach- Houlot-Hillary results in her role as “gen- ing for women returning to work after der champion” on Morgan Stanley’s having children. “Whether you call them Diversity Advisory Council: In 2014 27 mentors or sponsors, I think it’s helpful to percent of the people promoted globally get independent advice from senior peo- to managing director level at the bank ple, helpful to bounce ideas off someone were women. “Retaining employees with else, it’s helpful to have someone senior high potential is obviously a priority for who looks out for you,” she says. us,” she says. “Moreover, Morgan Stanley “It seems simple and obvious but it is sees diversity as an opportunity to better very important to have these processes.” serve our clients by bringing diverse per- Houlot-Hillary did not set out to be a spectives to the table.” — Reuters MON DAY, MARCH 10, 2014 BUSINESS NBK holds general assembly meeting At the helm of NBK: Isam Al-Sager ‘Group CEO and Shaikha Al-Bahar’ Deputy Group CEO KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) ue with its current strategy strengthen- 2010 and held several managerial posi- led the Group through good and bad financial crisis. NBK’s share of the total held its annual General Assembly meeting its leading position both locally and tions including the General Manager of times generating strong growth and banking sector profits increased from 32 ing yesterday at the bank’s headquarters. regionally, building on its strong reputa- Corporate Banking Group since 2003. returns for the shareholders. percent in 2007 to 45 percent in 2013. Nasser Musaed Al-Sayer, NBK’s Vice tion and long track record of solid per- Al-Bahar noted that NBK continues to Chairman, stated that NBK Group man- formance and remarkable achievements. Dabdoub’s contributions Strategic achievements enjoy collectively the highest ratings aged to deliver a strong set of results in Al-Sayer said that the appointment of Al-Sayer also commented on the deci- Isam Al-Sager, NBK’s Group Chief among all banks in the Middle East from 2013 notwithstanding the ongoing chal- Isam Al-Sager and Shaikha Al-Bahar is sion of Ibrahim Dabdoub to retire, step- Executive Officer highlighted that NBK is the three international rating agencies lenges in the corporate domestic market testimony to the stability of NBK’s man- ping down from his post as NBK Group progressively implementing its income Moody’s, Fitch Ratings and Standard and and the political instability in some of agement team and reflects the bank’s CEO. Al-Sayer extended his and the diversification strategy. “Our regional Poor’s. The Bank’s ratings are supported the regional markets. Al-Sayer highlight- successful succession planning. “The Board’s appreciation for Dabdoub’s con- and international strategy remains on by its high capitalization, prudent lend- ed that 2013 was a remarkable year on Board of Directors has confirmed its tribution to NBK’s success during his 30 track. We are focusing our efforts on the ing policies, and its disciplined approach the strategic level as NBK continued to to risk management, in addition to its strengthen its positioning in the local, highly recognized and very stable man- regional and international markets. agement team. “We have over the years NBK reported net profits of $844 mil- maintained the highest asset quality lion (KD 238.1 million) for the year 2013, indicators by regional and international up 6.5 percent excluding the exceptional standards, despite the ongoing econom- gains recognized in 2012 on the consoli- ic challenges,” Al-Bahar added. dation of Boubyan Bank. As of end of NBK is currently rated “Aa3” by 2013, NBK Group’s total assets reached Moody’s, “AA-” by Fitch Ratings and car- $66.0 billion (KD18.6 billion) up 12.8 per- ries an “A+” rating from Standard and cent compared to year-end 2012, while Poor’s. All NBK ratings have a stable out- total shareholders’ equity increased by look. 3.3 percent year on year to $8.4 billion Added to this, NBK was also named (KD 2.37 billion). among Global Finance’s list of the 50 The General Assembly endorsed the safest banks in the world for the eighth recommendation of NBK’s Board of consecutive time. Directors to distribute a cash dividend equivalent to 30 percent of the nominal Human Resources and CSR value of the share (30 fils per share) and NBK pioneered its corporate social bonus shares by 5 percent (5 shares for responsibility programs in 2013, main- every 100 shares) to shareholders on taining its position as the largest contrib- record at the time of the General utor to the Kuwait community in the pri- Assembly meeting. vate sector. Among the many valued CSR initiatives launched by the Bank was Strong performance a donation to establish a specialized cen- Al-Sayer stated that NBK Group ter for the treatment of leukemia in chil- achieved a strong performance in 2013 dren at the NBK Children’s Hospital. This thanks to the bank’s financial resilience, center is a first-of-its-kind in the region clear strategy, conservative culture, and NBK general assembly meeting in progress and the donation represents NBK’s long high professional standards. term commitment to the comprehensive Al-Sayer also confirmed that the complete confidence in Al-Sager and Al- years term as the Group CEO transform- GCC countries to leverage NBK’s strong development and continuity of the hos- domestic operating environment contin- Bahar and extended its full support for ing the bank into a well-established franchise there and to benefit from the pital, a pillar of the Bank’s CSR program. ued to improve and the overall outlook them to achieve the bank’s future ambi- regional institution. “On behalf of the strong economic outlook and the In 2013, as part of its commitment to is turning more positive. “We have start- tions and create value for its sharehold- Board, I would like to thank Mr. Ibrahim growth opportunities available. providing job opportunities to new ed witnessing some acceleration in the ers,” Al-Sayer added. Dabdoub for the passion, dedication and In 2013 NBK Group’s international graduates, NBK actively recruited skilled tendering, award and execution of some Prior to his appointment as the Group dynamism he brought to NBK since his banking profits grew by 9.5 percent year graduates and young nationals. NBK of the large projects as the government CEO, Al-Sager has been holding the posi- appointment as CEO and even earlier in on year confirming the strength of NBK’s hired more than 243 nationals and pro- proves determined to advance the exe- tion of NBK’s Deputy Group CEO since his different roles since joining the bank international operations. “Moreover, our vided 1,600 training and professional cution of the development plan.” 2010. He also held the position of NBK in 1961,” Al-Sayer commented. expansion into Islamic banking through development opportunities for staff dur- Kuwait CEO between 2008 and 2010 Dabdoub, on the other hand, the acquisition of 58.4 percent of ing 2013. “We believe that our people are NBK’s management after being appointed as NBK Kuwait expressed his gratitude and appreciation Boubyan Bank continues to pay off as our most valuable resource and to that The Board of Directors of NBK Group Deputy CEO in 1998. Prior to that, Al to all the members of the Board of Boubyan’s contribution to the group’s end we’ve implemented numerous pro- has appointed Isam Jasem Al-Sager as Sager held a range of managerial posi- Directors for their trust and support over profitability and balance sheet increases fessional development and training pro- NBK Group Chief Executive Officer, suc- tions as the General Manager of Retail the years for him and for all the execu- over time,” Al Sager added. grams while focusing recruiting efforts ceeding Ibrahim Shukri Dabdoub who and Wholesale Banking Group since tive management team. on hiring and training the country’s best decided to retire following the General 1992 and Head of Domestic Credit and Dabdoub has over the years served Highest profits and brightest minds,” Al-Bahar said. Assembly Meeting. The Board of Marketing in 1987. NBK unconditionally, devoting his life to Shaikha Al-Bahar, NBK Deputy Group NBK’s corporate social responsibility Directors has also appointed Shaikha Shaikha Al-Bahar was NBK’s Kuwait build a well-recognized organization, Chief Executive Officer stressed that NBK program for 2013 covered a range of Khaled Al-Bahar as the Deputy Group CEO, a position she has been holding both domestically and internationally, has been able to considerably increase education, environment, health, philan- CEO. 2010. Prior to that, Al-Bahar was NBK with total assets exceeding $66 billion. its share of the total banking sector prof- thropic, social and sports-related initia- Al-Sayer stressed that NBK will contin- Kuwait Deputy CEO between 2008 and During his years at NBK, Dabdoub has its in Kuwait throughout the global tives. IBM strike in China shows shifting labor landscape Workers unrest could pose threat to multinationals

SHANGHAI: A wildcat strike at an IBM factory in closure, merger or relocation of factories. In system QQ and other social media, one worker southern China illustrates how tectonic shifts November, hundreds of employees stopped told Reuters by telephone from Dongguan. under way in the country’s labor market are work at a Nokia factory in Dongguan, near In the IBM case, the workers had all read emboldening workers to take matters into their Shenzhen, complaining of changes following about prior strikes, including Nokia’s, and sus- own hands, raising risks for multinationals. More Nokia’s sale of its mobile phone business to US pected ahead of time that they might have to than 1,000 workers walked off the job last week software giant Microsoft Corp. Lawyer Duan is make a similar stand, said a 28-year-old worker at the factory in Shenzhen, bordering Hong seeking arbitration for a group of 70 Nokia work- surnamed Chen who has worked there for three Kong, after managers on March 3 announced ers who were laid off at the time. Last August, years. the terms of their transfer to new ownership 5,000 workers in eastern Shandong Province “We were basically prepared and expected in SACRAMENTO: Gas prices are displayed at a Shell station in Sacramento, California. under Chinese PC maker Lenovo Group Ltd. went on strike to protest Apollo Tyres Ltd’s pro- advance there wouldn’t be a good deal,” he said Starting 2015 California motorists will be hit in the pocketbook by the state’s green- Lenovo agreed in January to pay $2.3 billion posed $2.5 billion acquisition of US-based by telephone from Shenzhen. He declined to house gas reduction law AB32. — AP for International Business Machine’s low-end Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. The deal was eventual- allow his full name to be published out of con- server business. The strike, which continued ly scuttled and Cooper reported this month that cern he might face repercussions. In both cases into yesterday, fits a growing pattern of industri- the work stoppage in China had cut operating - and many others, experts say - the impetus for In Mexico, auto boom fuels al activism that has emerged as China’s econo- profit by $29 million in the third quarter. a strike was underpinned by the fact that the my has slowed. A worsening labor shortage has The labor shortage has pushed up wages, factory branch of the state-backed union was shifted the balance of power in labor relations, impelled employers to cast a wide net to find seen as a farce. Japanese culture mix while smartphones and social media have employees and enhance benefits to retain staff. Independent unions are banned in China. helped workers organize and made them more Workers have gained leverage. “Workers know The state-backed All-China Federation of Trade CELAYA, Mexico: Celaya, an industrial city in $800 million Honda factory in Celaya, a city of aware than ever of the changing environment, they have greater power,” said Geoffrey Crothall, Unions and its affiliates have a reputation for the heart of Mexico, now has a Japanese lan- half a million people. The company is also experts say. “Chinese workers, after being a China labor expert with China Labor Bulletin. being ineffectual and often siding with man- guage class where the teacher uses hon- building a $470 million transmissions plant. exploited for so long, are now more and more IBM said last week the terms offered to the agement. orifics, addressing her students as “Felipe-san” A week later, he returned to Guanajuato to aware of their rights and united. They have workers at the International System Technology “Because there’s no real channel of commu- or “Christian-san.” launch Mazda’s $770 million factory in more of an idea of collective action,” said labor Company factory in Shenzhen were “compara- nication at these workplaces just about the Across town, a hotel installed a special Salamanca, a half-hour drive west of Celaya. lawyer Duan Yi. ble in aggregate to what they currently are only thing the workers can do is go out on satellite dish on its rooftop to capture a A report by the advocacy group China Labor receiving” and severance packages would be strike and demand that management address Japanese TV channel while receptionists Learning Japanese Bulletin last month said it had staged 1,171 “equitable”. Lenovo has declined to comment. their grievances,” Crothall said. “In most cases greet visitors by saying “konnichiwa” (“hello”). With some 1,500 Japanese citizens now strikes and protests from the beginning of June the union plays no positive role and some- A central road is named Mexico-Japan living in Guanajuato, and the state govern- 2011 to the end of December 2013. Many work- Technology uniting workers times it’s even a negative role,” he said. Chen, a Avenue, and at the city’s entrance a giant bill- ment expecting 5,000 by 2016, many here are er protests during that time in Guangdong Technology has helped China’s workers. striking IBM factory worker, had stronger board reads, “Celaya is a good choice. trying to learn the ways of their visitors. province, a manufacturing hub where the IBM When the Nokia factory employees took to the words. “The union exists in name only. It’s use- Welcome Honda.” Fabiola Gorostieta Arevalo opened the server factory is situated, were sparked by the street, they organized through the online chat less,” he said. — Reuters The sign might as well have been: Jikokensan Japanese Academy with her sister Welcome, Japan. Celaya and other cities in Maria Guadalupe last September in a three- Mexico’s Guanajuato state are greeting with floor white house filled with pictures of open arms the arrival of Japanese car makers Mount Fuji. Devastated Serbia economy puts hope in reform Honda and Mazda, dozens of parts suppliers They have 25 students, ranging from and legions of expats. young children to university students, Honda LOZNICA, Serbia: The devastated March 16. The factory in the western tomers are scattered across the con- tion. Having started EU accession talks “It is changing the face of Celaya,” workers and other people interested in Viskoza factory in western Serbia was town of Loznica-a dozen gigantic pro- crete grounds. Weeds grow out of the in January, the government pushed Fernando Vera Noble, director of the city’s Japanese culture or looking to pad their once a proud symbol of Serbian indus- duction halls now ghostly empty-used paths and everything that could be through a stringent austerity package economic development department, told resumes. try. Today, its deserted complex resem- to employ 11,000 people and was the reused or sold-including windows, of privatization, subsidy cuts and tax AFP in his office in a glass tower building, on “The opening of the factory will bring bles a post-apocalyptic movie set-a economic mainstay of the region. taps and pipes-has been stolen. The increases in a bid to reduce spending the same floor as a Honda subsidiary. more interest in learning the language painful reminder of Serbia’s ailing Dishevelled boxes full of chemical bloody Balkan wars of the 1990s, fol- and get people back to work. Guanajuato is becoming a major hub for because people already see Japanese people economy ahead of early polls on products that never reached cus- lowed by international economic sanc- Unemployment has reached 20.1 the growing number of foreign car makers in the supermarket, in the street, so they want tions, halted production at the factory. percent in the country of 7.2 million. that are flocking to Mexico for its relatively to be closer to Japanese society,” Fabiola said. A bungled attempt to move it from Many more are stuck in the so-called low wages, proximity to the massive US mar- Upstairs, Maria Guadalupe was leading a class public to private hands hammered the “grey economy”, where salaries are ket and free trade deals with numerous of six students who were sitting in red and last nail into Viskoza’s coffin, leading it often delayed and there are no health nations. Mexico is now the eighth biggest car orange school desks. She asked “Christian- to bankruptcy and eventual closure in or retirement benefits. In some areas in producer in the world and the fourth san,” “Felipe-san” and the others to get up and 2005. An official of Serbia’s Privatization the underdeveloped south, the unem- exporter. Guanajuato stands out as a prime introduce themselves in Japanese. Agency, which is responsible for the ployment rate exceeds 50 percent, destination for Japanese firms. “I was always interested in the culture. factory, told AFP it is unlikely ever to be while those lucky enough to have a Japan is Guanajuato’s biggest investor, Unfortunately, there used to be few possibili- revived. The only part of the complex job struggle to survive on the average pouring $4 billion into the state and creating ties to find a school to learn the language,” that was successfully sold was the pow- salary of 350 euros ($480) a month. 25,000 jobs in the past seven years, helping to said Christian Duval, 32, a computer specialist er plant, which once supplied electrici- With such controversial reforms now fuel a rising middle class by paying the high- sporting a baseball hat. ty to the entire town. It was bought by to be implemented, the ruling Serbian est manufacturing wages, according to offi- Felipe Rivera, a 26-year-old Honda assem- a Belgrade-based company for one Progressive Party has called early par- cial figures. bly line worker, said learning the language million euros ($1.37 million) in 2007. liamentary elections on March 16, “The Japanese company boom was could help him move up in his career. “I’m “But it does not work. They owe us 22 hoping for a strong mandate to push sparked in 2011 with the Honda and Mazda interested in learning their way of thinking. At months in unpaid wages,” Radosav ahead with its pro-European austerity announcements,” said Hector Lopez work, you realize that they think differently Marjanovic, a worker in the plant, said. program. The weakness of the opposi- Santillana, the Guanajuato state secretary for than Latin Americans. Maybe by understand- Ivanko Jankovic, a former employee, points to the Yugoslav flag at the With many of Serbia’s 179 state-owned tion means it looks set for victory, but economic development. On February 21, ing their idiosyncrasies, it can help me work site of the devastated Viskoza factory, once a proud symbol of Serbian companies struggling, Viskoza is far the future of Serbia’s economy remains President Enrique Pena Nieto inaugurated the better with them,” he said.—AFP industry in Loznica, western Serbia.—AFP from the only site that needs rejuvena- uncertain.—AFP BUSINESS MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014

Joyalukkas Lifestyle Developers presents Gold Tower A premium residential project in Kochi

oyalukkas Lifestyle Developers is breaking new air-conditioning system installed in bedrooms, Jgrounds in the real estate landscape of Kochi, kitchen and living rooms. Kerala, with Gold Tower, a premium 3/4 BHK, 22- The Joyalukkas Group is a multi-billion dollar storied apartment block that has been designed with global conglomerate that has a commanding pres- inspiration drawn from the finest apartment and villa ence in over ten countries. With its Chairman Joy projects in Singapore and the Middle East. Gold Alukkas at the helm, the company has channeled its Tower will come up in Vazhakala, Kochi, at a prime interests into businesses as diverse as jewelery and location that is just a stone throw away from all con- textile retail, aviation and finance, and has struck veniences. gold with every venture. Gold Tower’s elevation, plans, state-of-the-art The Group has over 10 million customers and amenities, fixtures and fittings; all carry the stamp of employs over 6,000 people in the UK, the UAE, universal excellence. A team of internationally reput- Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, India, ed architects worked behind Gold Tower, giving it a Singapore and Malaysia. contemporary design and unmistakable opulence. The Joyalukkas business interests include, Some of the salient and unique features of Gold Jewelry, Fashion & Silks - Jolly Silks, Luxury Air Tower are: Charter - Joy Jets, Money Exchange - Joyalukkas * This high-rise will have FTTH (Fibre to the Home) Exchange, Malls - Mall of Joy, Electronics - Joyalukkas facility that provides hi-speed broadband and tele- Digital and most recently Realty - Joyalukkas Lifestyle vision connectivity through a single cable. Developers. With his visionary thinking, Alukkas * Solar energy is being used in a big way in an plans to scale the real estate peak with this pilot proj- attempt to ‘Go Green’. This is done to bring down the ect, ‘Gold Tower’ - a high-rise that is all set to raise the electricity consumption. LED lights in the common bar be it in construction, quality, design and style. areas in Gold Tower will be powered by solar energy. Alukkas’ vision it to make it “not just India’s best, but * The building has its own water purification plant the world’s best” lifestyle apartment tower. that will ensure that every kitchen sink has a purified of spaciousness. All French windows will have durability. The Group’s illustrious reputation guarantees that drinking water point. European-made, double-glazed glass windows. * All front doors will have German-made Video the ‘Gold Tower’ will deliver all that is promised to the * The floor-to-floor height of all rooms in the * Kitchen cabinets and accessories too, will be of Door Phone for additional security. customer; an apartment tower that is a class apart apartment is 3.3 meters, thus creating a unique sense premium European make that ensures style and * Fully air-conditioned lobby: Japanese made VRF from anything Kochi has seen to date.

Canon Europe appoints Air Arabia receives the 6000th Stefano Zenti as Head Airbus A320 as part of its fleet of emerging markets SHARJAH: Air Arabia, the first and largest low- DUBAI: Canon, world-leader in imaging cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, solutions, yesterday announced the yesterday announced that it has taken delivery appointment of Stefano Zenti as Head of of its 37th aircraft, the 6000th Airbus A320 made Emerging Markets Business Unit, with effect to date. The aircraft, which has been adorned from March 1. Zenti will report directly to with a commemorative 6000th logo, was Rokus van Iperen, President and CEO, Canon unveiled at a ceremony in Hamburg, Germany, Europe, Middle East and Africa. attended by senior officials from Air Arabia, “A strategic focus on developing our Airbus and CFM as well as the entire Airbus tech- business in emerging markets is essential nical team. to driving Canon’s future growth,” com- Air Arabia has now received 23 of the 44 A320 mented Rokus van Iperen. “Stefano will aircrafts ordered from Airbus in 2007, and once have a critical leadership role as we seek completed in 2016, the order will more than to maximise the potential of the Canon double the size of Air Arabia’s existing fleet. Adel brand across the region.” Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia said: Since joining Canon in 1983, Stefano “The delivery of our 37th aircraft marks a signifi- Zenti has gained broad operational experi- cant step in the development of our fleet expan- ence from both a headquarter and country sion strategy. We are proud to be in the process level, having previously held the roles of of creating the industry’s most modern fleet as Head of IT & Supply Chain Management of we look forward to receiving seven more air- Canon Europe, Managing Director of crafts this year. Air Arabia is committed to not Canon Central & Eastern Europe and, most only providing customers with the best value for recently, Managing Director of Canon Italy. Stefano Zenti money and most convenient flights, but these Zenti will be succeeded by Enrico Deluchi mation input, management and output. new aircrafts also ensure the highest quality of as the new Managing Director of Canon Its product range is divided between travel and comfort.” Italy. Canon is a world-leading innovator Business Solutions (developing IT prod- The latest A320 aircrafts come equipped with Arabia is the first carrier in the Middle East to fly ted with a world-class comfort seats offering high- and provider of imaging and information ucts, solutions and services for both the Shraklets, fuel saving large wing tip devices which these planes. The A320 Family is the world’s best- est seat pitch of any economy cabin across the technology solutions for individuals and office and professional print environ- reduce fuel burn and emissions by significantly selling and most modern single aisle aircraft globe and therefore, offering passengers extra leg businesses. Canon provides both indi- ments) and Consumer Imaging (photog- improving the aerodynamics of the aircraft. Air Family. All Air Arabia aircraft cabin interiors are fit- room to sit back and relax during their flight. vidual products and complete net- raphy, video and digital camera, Laser worked technology solutions for infor- and Inkjet printers). DHL Express Kuwait to sponsor Burgan Bank announces winners of Yawmi account ‘A Night of Dreams’ event KUWAIT: Driven by its commitment to support tal- where music knows neither time nor boundaries. KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yes- has been launched to provide a highly ents and appreciation to the impact of music in Every year, we present that which is unique, inspir- terday the names of the five lucky win- innovative offering along with a higher delivering cultural support, DHL Express is to spon- ing yet deeply entrenched in our society’s musical ners of its Yawmi account draw, each tak- frequency and incentive of winning for sor the ‘Une Nuit de Reves’ or ‘A Night of Dreams’ repertoire and psyche. For our 5th edition of Nuit ing home a prize of KD 5,000. everyone. Today, the Yawmi account is a orchestral event which will be held in Kuwait on the de Reves, we have prepared a program that fuses well understood product, where its pop- 16th of May 2014 with approximately 800 atten- Latin with Classics, combining old with new, merg- dees expected. ing Arabic and English and tunes that know no lan- The lucky winners for the daily draws ularity can be seen from the number of The concert is a true demonstration of art and guages” she continued “It took serious commit- took home a cash-prize of KD 5000 each, increasing account holders. music in its fifth edition; this year it is designed to ment from every member of our orchestra to pre- and they are: Burgan Bank encourages everyone to take the audience on a journey of classical music pare for this event. Working on a new program 1. Naima Salem Abdulaziz open a Yawmi account and/or increase infused with Latin mixes, where Salsa is incorporat- needs complete dedication, rehearsals that stretch 2. Abdulaziz Ibrahim Alhasson their deposit to maximize their chances ed into classical pieces with elegance and splendor. over a span of a full year only to intensify with every 3. Sanaa Abdulaziz Bin Naser to becoming a daily winner. The more “DHL Express is proud to sponsor the event and passing day till that long awaited moment when we 4. Loulwah Sami Almbailesh customers deposit, the higher the to have a hand at bringing it to our customers and finally stand and deliver to our passionate audience. 5. Lafi Teamah Alkhateeb chances they receive of winning the audience in Kuwait,” commented Omar Hariri - In our pursuit of the most refined, ours is a journey draw. Country Manager- “DHL Express always chooses to of commitment, dedication, passion and precision. partner with events and organizations that bring to This is why, when we look for partners, we look for With its new and enhanced features, Opening a Yawmi account is simple, life the brand attributes and all that we stand for. those who parallel our aims and aspirations. That is the Yawmi Account has become more customers are urged to visit their nearest This event is a demonstration of precision and why we are glad and honored to announce our convenient, easier, and faster for cus- Burgan Bank branch and receive all the excellence and it was put together with hard work partnership with DHL Express. “ tomers to benefit from. Now, customers details, or simply call the bank’s Call and dedication and that celebrates everything we On the same note, Hariri pointed to the similari- will be eligible to enter the draw after 48 Center at 1804080 where customer serv- work to achieve at DHL”. ty of the event with the commitment of DHL hours only from opening the account. ice representatives will be delighted to “Une Nuit De Reves” is a spectacular event and Express to accuracy and precision, he elaborated: Customers are also required to deposit assist with any questions on the Yawmi this year the organizers will attempt to mix “Accuracy and precision are very important key ele- KD 100 or equivalent only to enter the account or any of the bank’s products Beethoven’s 5th symphony with a Latin flare. The Lina Bakir ments in our business just like in an orchestra, it event is known to merge the old classics with the takes a lot of dedication and hard work to master a daily draw, and the coupon value to and services. Customers can also log on behind the acclaimed annual -Nuit de Reves- said: enter the draw stands at KD 10. to Burgan Bank’s www.burgan.com for new sounds which bring to life the love of Opera, piece of music and it takes the same kind of dedica- Jazz and blues in a twist that inspires excellence. “Every year, we introduce our audience to a differ- tion and hard work to deliver the Express service The newly designed Yawmi account further information. Lina Bakir, the organizer and brain master ent experience, transporting them to a world level that we do at DHL”. Putin takes economic gamble with Crimea swoop Al-Tijari announces MOSCOW: Russia is facing a prolonged period of low omy ministry, private sector capital outflows have most extreme scenarios. winners of Najma growth due to a failure to implement reform, is suffering already reached $17 billion so far this year alone. But Russia’s gas champion Gazprom upped the from disturbing capital flight and the ruble is coming These factors and general nerves over emerging mar- stakes in Friday by threatening Ukraine with a repeat of under sustained market pressure. kets have put the ruble under sustained pressure. the 2009 crisis over unpaid gas debts which saw much Account draw So is it really the best time for President Vladimir But on Monday it suffered an all out assault, falling to of Europe deprived of Russian gas supplies. Putin to launch an audacious bid to incorporate the record lows in value against the dollar and euro after “Russia’s bet on using the gas weapon is working,” KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait held the Al-Najma Account Ukrainian region of Crimea into Russia within a matter of Putin won approval from parliament for a de-facto inva- said daily business newspaper Vedomosti. Analysts at Daily draw yesterday. The draw was held under the supervision weeks? Economists say that the swoop on Crimea carries sion of Ukraine. In that single day, the central bank spent Citi said: “Despite sharp criticism of the Russian move, of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry represented by huge economic risks for Putin, who faces retaliation over $11 billion propping up its currency, some five there is clearly no appetite in Europe or the US for either Abdulaziz Ashkanani. from the West, increased pressure on the already- times more than any other intervention by the Russian a military confrontation with Moscow or meaningful The winners of the Najma daily draw are: embattled ruble and yet more hemorrhaging of foreign central bank in its history. economic sanctions.” Faiqa Yousef Bo Ghaith — KD 7,000, capital from jittery investors. The Russian strongman, “Capital flight, uncertainty and the higher interest Fatemah Fahad Al-Matrouk— KD 7,000, who has not ruled out standing for re-election in 2018, rates needed to support the ruble will take their toll on Europe to reduce dependence Amir Mohammad Bu Hamad— KD 7,000 has clearly put the political gain of grabbing Crimea Russia,” said economists at Berenberg Bank in London, The risk for Russia, at least on the currency markets, is Basharat Ali Mohammed — KD 7000, before the short-term health of the Russian economy in cutting their growth forecast for Russia to zero in 2014. cushioned by the fact the central bank still has immense Jalal Fahad Sulaiman — KD 7,000 the hope the damage will not be lasting. “Like the Soviet Union in the 1980s, Russia cannot afford forex reserves — which stood at $493.4 billion on But economists say such logic may be flawed and a cold war,” they said. It said while other top emerging February 21. The Russian central bank is run by Elvira The Commercial Bank of Kuwait announces the biggest daily Russia’s economic performance going forward will in markets were taking measures to reform, “Russia is in Nabiullina, a former economy minister who commands draw in Kuwait with the launch of the new Najma account. any case make a mockery of its status as a member of effect ejecting itself from the BRICS.” respect in the markets. Customers of the bank can now enjoy a KD 7,000 daily prize the BRICS group of top emerging markets along with The same could not be said however of Kremlin eco- which is the highest in the country and another 4 mega prizes Brazil, India, China and South Africa. No appetite for sanctions nomic aide Sergei Glazyev whose apocalyptic view of during the year worth KD 100,000 each on different occasions: Taken aback by the swiftness of Putin’s reaction to global economics as a fight to the death between Russia The National Day, Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha and on the 19th of June Russia can’t afford cold war Ukraine’s turmoil, the West is planning retaliation but and the West causes alarm. He blithely warned this week which is the date of the bank’s establishment. “The crisis in Ukraine has increased the risks to the Kremlin chief may be calculating that the bark is that Russia would “reduce to zero” its economic depend- With a minimum balance of KD 500, customers will be eligible Russia’s already weakening economy presented by cur- worse than the bite. The EU is beset by divisions, with ence on the United States and emerge the stronger for for the daily draw provided that the money is in the account one rency depreciation and capital flight,” analysts at ratings nations like Germany, Netherlands and Italy-which have it. But the Vedomosti warned that the crisis would only week prior to the daily draw or 2 months prior to the mega draw. In agency Fitch said. “Capital flight could accelerate, partic- the most economic interests in Russia-said to be oppos- make Europe more determined to look for other sources addition, for each KD 25 a customer can get one chance for winning ularly if the threat of economic and financial sanctions ing the toughest action. Former Soviet states like of gas, especially with the United States thinking of instead of KD 50. Commercial Bank of Kuwait takes this opportu- increased.” Russia’s growth was a measly 1.3 percent in Lithuania are much more hawkish. exporting LNG for the first time. “In the mid-term it is nity to congratulate all lucky winners and also extends apprecia- 2013, with its economy suffering from a longstanding Europe imports one third of its gas from Russia and going to be a task for Europe to reduce its dependence tion to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for their effective failure to implement reforms needed to wean it off an Moscow needs the hard currency from the energy sales on Russian gas,” it said. “But for now it has nothing to supervision of the draws which were conducted in an orderly addiction to oil and gas income. According to the econ- for its own budget so sheer self-interest could block the replace Gazprom with.” — AFP and organized manner. MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 technology

Travel industry taps into social networks via bloggers

BERLIN: Tourism companies are turning easier to create a buzz on the Internet, Beckmann, of specialist communication attracted thousands of readers, and in used by the partner company. Some to travel bloggers as a route into the vast via Twitter or Facebook, bloggers and agency Red Mod. 2012 she decided to leave her job and agree to place adverts on their blog too. global market of social network users, companies say. become a professional travel blogger —- But the role of the blogger and mutu- industry insiders say. In today’s world of real-time news ‘You don’t buy my opinion’ still a privilege for the very few-and con- al benefits of blogging for a travel com- At Berlin’s ITB tourism fair this week, and constant information, blogging, The guidelines on collaboration sultant. Today she says that 99 percent of pany can still be hard to define. bloggers and tourism professionals were where an individual writes online about between bloggers and the travel indus- her trips are down to partnerships with Sebastian Canaves, who is behind the brought together at a “speed dating” their own experience, offers an immedi- try still vary and have not been for- the travel industry but insists she retains off-the-path.com blog and works as a event to swap tips and further their acy that traditional media and guide malised-some bloggers plainly state her independence and always makes marketing consultant, grumbled about cooperation in a highly competitive sec- books cannot. when a trip is financed by a travel com- clear in her blog who has financed what. the avalanche of press releases he tor. Catharina Fischer, of the German Marion Schumacher, of the pany, while others do not. “Even if they (partners) invite you on receives despite not being a journalist. Tourism Office, said blogging opened up Moevenpick hotel chain, also pointed Angelika Schwaff, a former head of a trip, I make it very clear at the begin- Even if the contours of blogging an effective and inexpensive way “to out that a blog “is more subjective. It’s international communication for an air- ning in my letter of intent ‘you don’t buy remaining relatively fluid, however, generate content, do marketing on often a first-person account by the blog- line, launched her blog “Reisefreunde” my opinion’,” she told AFP. Yvonne Zagermann, of the blog justtrav- social networks, expand one’s presence, ger from their own experience.” (“Travelfriends”) because she was always But for travel-lovers, blogging is a elous.com, said much had changed in and all in different languages”. “Bloggers mostly post their blogs having to search back through business good way to fund their passion if they blogging in the last two years. “The blo- With the likelihood that a blogger will online before, during and after a trip” cards when asked for hotel or restaurant strike deals to get the travel or accom- gosphere as a whole has made great post YouTube videos or photos on which then remain on the Internet to be recommendations. modation costs covered or are paid to progress in its professionalisation,” she Instagram to illustrate their post, it is read time and again, explained Anja After around a year, her blog had provide photos or videos that can be said. —AFP World Wide Web turns 25 years old ‘The Web only half built, not worldwide yet’

SAN FRANCISCO: Twenty-five years ago, the the amount of information being hosted on portions in countries. World Wide Web was just an idea in a technical servers exploded. paper from an obscure, young computer scientist Freedom threatened at a European physics lab. Disrupting industries “You will never stop the teenage kid from That idea from Tim Berners-Lee at the CERN “At its birth, many of us were guilty of a lack of watching little snippets of cute cats,” Dempsey HANNOVER: Festival visitors walk through the booth of IBM at CeBIT 2014 at the con- lab in Switzerland, outlining a way to easily access imagination and just didn’t see what the Web said. “The trouble is you could limit the ability of vention center in Hannover yesterday. This year’s partner country is Great Britain at files on linked computers, paved the way for a would do to the future,” Gartner analyst Michael people to criticize the government or make a the CeBIT, one of the world’s largest computer fairs. —AP global phenomenon that has touched the lives of McGuire told AFP. tiered Internet in which it is harder for innovators, billions of people. He presented the paper on “The personal computer changed the way we critics, or human rights activists to reach a global March 12, 1989, which history has marked as the work, but is was the Web that disrupted and audience.” Threats to a Web based on equality German IT market eyes 2014 birthday of the Web. But the idea was so bold, it changed a lot of industries.” The ability to freely concern its creators, according to Weber. While almost didn’t happen. “There was a tremendous access files on the Web has shaken traditional the Web unified the Internet decades ago, there is growth but lags global pace amount of hubris in the project at the beginning,” business models in music, film, news and more. nothing “written in stone” saying it can’t fragment said Marc Weber, creator and curator of the “The Internet pushes power to the edges,” said anew, the historian reasoned. HANOVER: The German IT and communi- ing but “for many people will remain rather Internet history program at the Computer History Jim Dempsey, vice president for public policy at In the US, major Internet service providers cations sector is set to return to growth this the second or third device and will not Museum in Silicon Valley. “Tim Berners-Lee pro- the US-based Center for Democracy & have won the right to give some online traffic year driven by smartphones and tablet completely oust the PC and Notebook”, posed it out of the blue, unrequested.” At first, Technology. “Anybody can be a listener and any- preferential treatment, and governments have computers but still trail a booming global Kempf said. said Weber, the CERN colleagues “completely body can be a publisher on the same network; shown willingness to invade online privacy or market, an industry lobby said yesterday. Within the telecommunications branch, ignored the proposal.” there has never been anything like it.” restrain Web freedom. On the eve of the world’s biggest hi-tech Germany is eyeing only 0.4 percent growth A powerful underlying tenet of the Web is that A big battle for the shape of the Web could be fair, Germany’s BITKOM said sales in IT, with sinking revenues in data and other Web had rivals it is egalitarian and open, but those principles are the effect of billions more people getting online telecommunications and consumer elec- services, compared to 5.0 percent forecast The US military began studying the idea of under threat, according to Dempsey. It remains to with smartphones in parts of developing parts of tronics were due to increase 1.7 percent globally, the lobby said. connected computer networks in the 1950s, and be seen whether the Web is hobbled with regula- the world. “The Web is really only half built; it is this year after a fall of 0.5 percent in 2013. The US is expected to continue to boast in 1969 launched Arpanet, the forerunner to the tions and fragmented by governments walling off not worldwide yet,” Weber said. — AFP “The bottom line will see a plus again in the biggest share of the global IT and Internet. But the World Wide Web was just one of 2014 but we see a divergence within the telecommunications market at 27 percent, several ideas to connect the public. branch,” said BITKOM president Dieter with the European Union at 21 percent, Berners-Lee convinced CERN to adopt his sys- Kempf. according to BITKOM figures. tem, demonstrating its usefulness by compiling a Timeline of World Wide Web Europe’s top economy is set for sales in Brazil, Russia, India and China-known as lab phone book into an online index. the overall sector to reach 153.4 billion the BRIC nations-are set to grow the fastest, A key aspect of the design put forward by WASHINGTON: While some concepts of the Numbers, a private entity. euros ($212.8 billion) in 2014, with smart- with India leading the way, followed by Berners-Lee was that it worked across various Internet date back to the 1950s, the public- 2000: The Internet virus ILOVEYOU infects phones, tablets, software and services driv- China and Brazil. computer operating systems. And it offered the facing World Wide Web traces its history back millions of computers around the world, causing business, he said. The publication of the BITKOM fore- ability to click on links to access files hosted on 25 years. ing billions of dollars in damage and high- Globally, the IT and telecommunications casts is traditionally the first event of the computers located elsewhere. Here is a timeline: lighting the need for online security. Internet sector is expected to jump 4.5 percent this CeBIT high-tech fair which will be inaugu- The Web was not a winner out of the gate. March 12, 1989: British computer scientist fever drives the tech-dominated Nasdaq com- year compared to 2013, to nearly 3.0 trillion rated by Chancellor Angela Merkel and There were rival online services such as US-based Tim Berners-Lee circulates his “informational posite index to a record high of 5,048, ahead euros, the German lobby group has said. British Prime Minister David Cameron later CompuServe and France’s Minitel but they management proposal” at the European of the bursting of the dot-com bubble, erod- While the IT sector worldwide is set for yesterday. Britain is the CeBIT’s partner involved fees, while Berners-Lee’s system was organization CERN, laying the foundation for ing more than 75 percent of the Nasdaq value 3.8-percent growth, in Germany it will lag country this year at the five-day event, free. “It started as a real underdog; no one would the World Wide Web. He releases the code to by 2002. The index fails to reach 5,000 over slightly behind, weighed down by business focused on the theme of “datability”, the have predicted the system would have succeed- the public on Christmas Day 1990. the next 14 years. in desktop computers and laptops, BITKOM ability to use vast amounts of data quickly ed,” Weber said. The Gopher system owned by the 1993: Mosaic, the browser credited with 2001: Napster, a wildly popular music- said. Tablet computers however are boom- and responsibly. —AFP University of Minnesota was beating the Web in popularizing the Web with an intuitive inter- swapping service, is ordered shuttered by the the early 1990s. face, is developed by a team led by Marc US courts in a key ruling on online copyrights. Andreessen at the University of Illinois. Mosaic 2002: A denial of service knocks out eight Al Gore, White House help is the basis for the commercial browser of 13 root servers that allow for Internet con- Weber credited former US vice president Al Netscape in 1994. nections. Gore with helping the Web topple Gopher by get- 1994: China gets first Internet connection, 2005: The number of people connected to ting government agencies in Washington to use but filters content. the Internet tops one billion. the system. The White House launches its website, 2007: Estonia conducts the first online par- The launch of the Whitehouse.gov website www.whitehouse.gov; some users who enter liamentary election. was seen as a huge stamp of approval for the a .com address end up at a porn site. Launches 2012: Online commerce for 2012 tops $1 Web. In 1993, the Web system was released free include “David and Jerry’s Guide to the World trillion, according to private surveys. The social into the public, while those behind Gopher start- Wide Web,” the forerunner to Yahoo, and network Facebook reaches one billion mem- ed charging, according to Weber. “Most people Amazon.com. bers; A NASA probe checks in on Foursquare don’t realize that both the Web and the Internet 1995: Microsoft releases Internet Explorer, from Mars. A global telecom treaty is signed had competitors,” Weber said. touching off a “browser war” which eventually by 89 UN member states, with some countries “Had they lost the battles, we would still be will kill off Netscape. The online auction site claiming the US has too much control of the going online, but it could certainly be different, a eBay is launched. Internet. The United States and 55 other coun- lot more top-down control like the walled garden 1996: Finland’s Nokia launches first mobile tries reject the document, saying it could lead at Facebook.” Web competitors were online envi- phone with Internet connectivity. to government regulation of the Internet. NOVI SAD: Boban Melkus monitors players taking part in the virtual “Escape Room” 1998: Google begins operations, quickly 2013: Some 2.7 billion people worldwide game in Novi Sad, on January 31, 2014. — AFP ronments controlled by operators. Under the Berners-Lee model, people were free to publish growing into the leading search engine. The are connected to the Internet, around 40 what they wished on Internet-linked computers. US government hands over control of the percent of the world’s population. Chinese Saving planet goes from video Internet titans such as Google and Yahoo were Web domain system to the Internet overtakes English as the dominant lan- game to real-world craze built on helping people find pages of interest as Corporation for Assigned Names and guage. —AFP

NOVI SAD: It is the peak of the Cold War, a world from a nuclear catastrophe or rob a secret agent has launched nuclear weapons bank,” Melkus explains. He says players can Merkel, Cameron open world’s biggest high-tech fair and a small team of sleuths has one hour to get their money back if they are not satisfied, prevent the end of the world. The team has a but “so far, nobody has asked for it. BERLIN: The German and British leaders officially users still don’t know about securing their data zens’ data protection by building up European single clue: a coded message left in a type- “We even had a team from a computer opened the world’s biggest high-tech fair yester- with hard-to-crack and complex passwords, with communication networks that bypass US Internet writer by a secret agent. games company, but it was difficult for them day, amid global debate about data security fol- the most popular choices still being “password” giants. Sass pointed to the exponential growth of With 60 minutes ticking down on the large and they only just saved the world,” joked lowing revelations of mass US and British online and “123456”. global data, saying that the equivalent of all data electronic wall clock, they must unravel Nina. It attracts all ages-from 15 to 60 — but snooping. ever required by humans through to the year dozens of codes, clues and leads to discover fans of the former computer game in their Chancellor Angela Merkel joined fellow con- Data protection 2003 is now produced in 10 minutes worldwide. the keys that can stop the blast. 30s and 40s are the most common, she servative Prime Minister David Cameron to inau- At last year’s CeBIT opening, Merkel showed Against this backdrop, CeBIT organisers would “Escape Room”-the real-life adaptation of added. Zorica Ljubicic, a 53-year old clerk gurate the CeBIT in the northern German city of off her ultra-secure new smartphone, only to also explore the potential benefits of so-called a classic 1980s video game-is a new craze who had no experience with the virtual ver- Hanover, 10 days after her high-profile London learn months later that US intelligence had “big data” in fields such as medicine, traffic man- popping up around the world. Having already sion, came out beaming with satisfaction visit. Berlin and London have both been caught allegedly eavesdropped on her mobile phone agement and business. Britain-based analyst made its mark in London, Paris and Bangkok, after she and two friends averted the apoca- up in the surveillance scandal revealed by rogue conversations, as well as hoovering vast amounts Thomas Reuner, of Ovum’s IT Services, said the games are being organised in some unlikely lypse. US intelligence analyst Edward Snowden, but of online data and telephone records from aver- sector’s grappling with serious issues such as data spots around central Europe, including the “This was such good fun-everything was Russia’s brinkmanship over Ukraine may well be age citizens. security showed it had matured into handling its picturesque Danube city of Novi Sad in Serbia so exciting, we saved the world!” Her friend the main focus of their bilateral talks. Merkel has since raised the need to bolster citi- responsibilities.— AFP where it has reached the number three spot Zarko said their team skills were key to their Britain is the partner country at this year’s for “things to do” on travel website Trip success. “Next we will rob a bank,” she said. CeBIT, which opens its doors for a five-day run Advisor. today and is focused on the theme of “datability”, “This is a complex game that requires abil- Team-building the ability to use vast amounts of data quickly ity, intelligence, education and team work, The game was first transferred from the and responsibly. About 3,400 international much more than the online version,” said virtual to the real world in Asia, appearing in exhibitors will set up shop in the hangar-like halls Boban Melkus, a 36-year-old high school Bangkok under a variety of names including of the sprawling IT fair, where futuristic robots teacher who set up the game in Novi Sad. ClueQuest and HintHunt. and the fresh blood of 300 start-ups will mix with Melkus and his wife Nina began offering The Melkus couple first played it in cutting-edge computer technology. the game in December in a rented apartment. Budapest in Hungary, where it has seriously “What we’ve learned through the disclosures Teams pay 4,000 dinars (35 euros, $45) to play caught on, with over 40 companies organis- by Snowden is that this topic of ‘datability’ is of in one of two rooms that have been given a ing the game in more than 100 rooms around course closely tied up with the issue of security,” Cold War makeover. the city. The couple plans to take the game said Hartwig von Sass, spokesman for organisers next to the Serbian capital Belgrade, as well Deutsche Messe. ‘We saved the world’ as Geneva and Zurich in Switzerland. “We want this issue of data security at the There are old-fashioned telephones that It’s become a popular team-building event CeBIT because we think that ‘big data’ usage or act as “hotlines” to Berlin, Madrid, Athens; a for businesses-in contrast to the original ver- ‘datability’ cannot be discussed without the secu- decades-old typewriter, and walls plastered sion of the game which was a purely solo rity aspect,” he told reporters ahead of the event. with military maps and photos of Cold War- affair. “Here, you are nothing without a team,” Around 500 companies are exhibiting digital era leaders. Nina said. Building on this part of the busi- security solutions, he said, noting an IT industry The business was profitable from the very ness, the Meldeks have even engaged the trend towards protecting data through the use of HANDOVER: Screens are seen at the booth of the Datev company as preparations are under first day, even though they only put a small services of a psychologist to make a profile of objects such as armbands or rings, rather than way for the CeBIT technology trade fair in Hanover, central Germany. In 2014, Great Britain is ad on their Facebook page, said Melkus. each player based on their response to the passwords. partner country of the fair considered as the world’s biggest high-tech fair running from today “We have two rooms: players can save the puzzle. — AFP After all, he stressed, many German online till March 14. —AFP MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Boko Haram violence hits healthcare in Nigeria

KANO: Healthcare services have col- some 500 people killed in suspected The gruelling trek takes its toll, said which is also under emergency rule and remain, with hospitals in Maiduguri hav- lapsed in the northern part of Nigeria’s Islamist attacks since the start of the Modu Faltaye, a local chief in Wulgo, on suffering from Boko Haram attacks. ing to take the strain, despite staff short- Borno state as doctors, nurses and phar- year. the shores of Lake Chad.”By the time the One Borno immunisation official said ages. Two of the hospital’s three macists flee for their lives from brutal Worst hit by militant attacks are vil- sick reach the hospital (in Cameroon), childhood jabs were now only given in orthopaedic surgeons have quit, said violence unleashed by Islamist Boko lages in remote, rural areas near Borno’s they are in a worse state, which is why the state capital, Maiduguri, because doctor Kabiru Ibrahim. Haram militants. border with Cameroon, despite an we lose a lot of our sick,” he said. vaccinators were afraid to travel to many A number of senior specialists are Medical professionals say health serv- increased military presence in the state. “Naturally, the rate of maternal and parts of the state. either on leave of absence or sabbatical ices in the region have largely shut Hospitals and clinics have not infant mortality is bound to rise in the In Baga, a fishing village near Lake pending an end to the violence, he down, with mortality rates and vaccina- escaped raids, even after Nigeria’s gov- area as a result of complications arising Chad, a suspected cerebral fever has added. “Patients with special ailments tion programmes severely hit and pres- ernment imposed emergency rule on from poor transportation facilities to killed scores of people since December like HIV, diabetic and hypertensive sure heaped on the skeleton staff that Borno and two other northeastern states hospital,” added Babakura. last year but residents have been unable patients need to access drugs at regular remain. in May last year. Medical personnel have Nigeria is one of only three countries to seek treatment. “People are dying like intervals and those drugs can only be “The whole healthcare system in been kidnapped, either for ransom or to in the world-along with Afghanistan and fowls,” said local man Husseini Goni. found in Maiduguri,” said Ibrahim. northern Borno has collapsed and treat wounded fighters in Boko Haram’s Pakistan-where polio is endemic but vio- “But these types of patients are some- healthcare delivery is nil,” said Musa ranks, while pharmacies-mostly run by lence against immunisation workers Pressure on staff times denied the chance to come and Babakura, a surgeon at the University of Christians-have faced armed robberies have affected programmes. Difficulties in delivering drugs to vio- take their drugs due to Boko Haram car- Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). and looting. At least nine people were killed in lence-affected areas and the closure of rying out highway attacks.” Babakura said the situation was a February last year, when gunmen pharmacies have increased costs of med- Babakura said hospitals such as the “growing health crisis”, with the sick Vaccination programes attacked stormed two vaccination clinics in the ication by as much as 35 percent, local UMTH were now forced to provide treat- forced to trek vasts distances to receive The insecurity has forced local people northern city of Kano, hampering efforts people say. ment that would ordinarily be given at medical attention and vaccination pro- to cross into neighbouring Cameroon in to inoculate children against the virus. Hospital treatment in Cameroon is primary care level. “(Closures have) sub- grammes for children compromised. search of treatment, with pregnant In 2013, there were 53 recorded cases also more expensive than in Nigeria, stantially increased the patient burden Violence by Boko Haram militants has women and the infirm using donkeys of polio in Nigeria, the Global Polio according to doctors and nurses. But the on us, which makes us work longer hours raged since 2009, but has been particu- and auto-rickshaws to negotiate the dif- Eradication Initiative said. Just over half closure of healthcare facilities in rural that could compromise efficiency,” he larly ferocious in recent weeks, with ficult terrain. were in Borno and neighbouring Yobe, areas has added pressure on those who added. — AFP Stigma hinders efforts to combat leprosy in India ‘We face a thousand indignities every day’

TAHIRPUR: At first, Ashok Yadav ignored the patches of pink skin on his arm. But when pale sores erupted on his body and he lost sensation in his fingertips, a doctor issued the devastating diagnosis: Yadav had leprosy. “What followed was like a nightmare,” said Yadav, who has lived in Kasturba Gram, a leper colony outside New Delhi, since his diagnosis 30 years ago. “I lost my job. My parents felt I would spoil my sisters’ chances of getting married. My family felt it would be better if I left home.” The stigma of leprosy endures in India, even though the country has made great strides against the disease, which is neither highly contagious nor fatal. Now the number of new annu- Scientists find dinosaur that al cases has risen slightly after years of steady decline, and medical experts say the enormous was scourge of Jurassic Europe fear surrounding leprosy is hindering efforts to finally eliminate it. WASHINGTON: In Europe 150 million Savage lizard People continue to hide their diagnoses from years ago, this dude was the biggest, bad- Plant-eating dinosaurs living in the area families and loved ones out of fear they will be dest bully in town. Two scientists in included the huge, long-necked Lusotitan, ostracized. Employers regularly turn away peo- Portugal announced last week that they the armored, tank-like Dracopelta and the ple who have had the disease, even if they’ve have identified the largest carnivorous spiky-tailed Miragaia, Mateus added. been treated and cured. Many struggle to get dinosaur ever found in Europe, a 33-foot- The two scientists said this is the second driver’s licenses and other routine documents. long (10-meter-long) brute called species of the genus Torvosaurus. The other Even the disease-free children of leprosy Torvosaurus gurneyi that was the scourge one, Torvosaurus tanneri, lived at the same patients are shunned. NEW DELHI: In this Feb. 5, 2014 photo, Indian men suffering from leprosy sunbathe at a leper of its domain in the Jurassic Period. time in North America. It was known from “We face a thousand indignities every day,” colony in New Delhi, India. Although India has made great strides against leprosy over the “It was indeed better not to cross the the states of Colorado, Utah and Wyoming said Neelawati Devi, a longtime resident of years, the stigma of the disease is as intractable as ever, hindering efforts to eliminate the dis- way of this large, carnivorous dinosaur,” and was identified in 1979. Kasturba Gram. Some 10,000 people live there, ease entirely. — AP said paleontologist Christophe Hendrickx Its genus name, Torvosaurus, means including the children of leprosy patients. of Universidade Nova de Lisboa and Museu “savage lizard.” Its species name, gurneyi, leprosy. In 2005, India declared victory, with workers to 209 districts seen as high endemic da Lourinh„ in Portugal. honors James Gurney, the author and illus- Country-wide campaigns launched health authorities reporting less than one case areas in 16 states. But that won’t end the pain Torvosaurus gurneyi was an imposing trator of the popular “Dinotopia” book “Our children face taunts and slights when for every 10,000 people. But pockets of the and stigma that leprosy brings to patients and beast. It was bipedal, weighed four to five series. Torvosaurus gurneyi was not the they go to school,” said Devi, holding out her country continue to have problems with leprosy, their families. “Our children shouldn’t have the tons, had a skull almost 4 feet long (1.2 only meat-eating dinosaur in its neighbor- hands, the stubs of her fingers wrapped in gauze including in the central state of Chattisgarh, shadow of leprosy hanging over their lives,” said meters), boasted powerful jaws lined with hood. For example, there was a European bandages. “But we want them to get an educa- Maharashtra in western India and Bihar and West G. Venugopal, one of the elders at Kasturba blade-shaped teeth four inches (10 cm) species of the well-known North American tion and get jobs. Their future should not be Bengal in the east. Gram, as he sat outside his home under Delhi’s long, and may have been covered with an Jurassic predator Allosaurus, but the ruined.” According to the health ministry, during weak winter sun. early type of feather, Hendrickx said. Torvosaurus found in Portugal was larger. Public health centers across the country have 2012-2013 India detected 134,752 new cases of “They often face taunts in school. People are “Torvosaurus gurneyi was obviously a Torvosaurus gurneyi not only is the launched campaigns describing leprosy as the leprosy, slightly more than the 127,295 cases cruel. They will say: ‘Oh, this is the son of a leper.’ super predator feeding on large prey like largest known meat-eating dinosaur from world’s “least contagious communicable dis- reported a year earlier. India accounts for 58 per- Then the children say they don’t want to go to herbivorous dinosaurs,” Hendrickx said. Europe, but is the biggest land predator of ease.” Health workers are trying to spread the cent of newly diagnosed leprosy cases in the school and we have to push them,” he said. Remains of the new species were any kind ever found on the continent, they word that leprosy is not hereditary and does not world, according to the World Health Gopal, who has worked with leprosy patients unearthed in Portugal by an amateur fossil added. There were larger dinosaur carni- spread through normal contact. Organization. The disease also remains a prob- for more than 40 years, said the stigma persists hunter in 2003 in the rock cliffs of Lourinh„, vores elsewhere, however. Tyrannosaurus in But the deformities that are the hallmark of lem in Brazil, China, Indonesia and East Timor. “because it’s very difficult to change people’s a small town about 45 miles (72 km) north North America, Carcharodontosaurus and leprosy contribute to the fear surrounding the C.M. Agarwal, the health ministry official in attitude over a short period of time.” of Lisbon, Hendrickx said. He said fossilized Spinosaurus in North Africa and disease, a chronic bacterial infection that often charge of the country’s leprosy campaign, says “As things are, the fear of leprosy is so great embryos probably belonging to this Giganotosaurus in Argentina all were bigger, lies dormant for years before attacking the the rise in cases is the result of an intensified that people refuse to come forward for treat- species were identified last year in but appeared on Earth much later than body’s nerves and slowly causing numbness. campaign against leprosy, meaning health work- ment. This has had an adverse effect on the suc- Portugal. Torvosaurus, during the Cretaceous Period Hands and feet eventually claw inward and seri- ers are reporting cases that otherwise would cess of the leprosy program,” he said. Venugopal The findings were published in the jour- that followed the Jurassic Period. “This ani- ous injuries often go unnoticed because no pain have gone unnoticed. But some activists dis- has been working with non-governmental agen- nal PLOS ONE. At the time that Torvosaurus mal, Torvosaurus, was already a fossil for 80 is felt. Often fingers and toes are lost due to agree. They say that after India’s 2005 declara- cies to lobby the government to expand the dis- prowled the landscape, the region was a million years before the T. rex ever walked injuries and sores. Scientists believe it is spread tion, the leprosy program was merged with the ability allowances that some leprosy survivors lush river delta with abundant fresh water the Earth,” Mateus said. During the Jurassic through droplets from coughing or sneezing country’s public health scheme and scarce get. “They pay us a monthly allowance of 1,800 and vegetation. The area teemed with Period from about 200 million years ago to during prolonged contact with someone infect- resources were reassigned for other urgent caus- rupees ($29), which is a pittance,” he said. dinosaurs and flying reptiles known as 145 million years ago, carnivorous dinosaurs ed, but they are still not completely sure. es. They also say the problem might be worse The money does not even pay for the band- pterosaurs, primitive birds, crocodiles, tur- generally were medium-sized, with an aver- Also called Hansen’s disease, leprosy has than anyone realizes because of leprosy’s long ages that leprosy patients use every day on their tles and mouse-sized mammals, according age length of about 7 to 16 feet (2 to 5 been curable since the 1940s thanks to antibi- gestation period. “The incubation period can sores, said Uttam Kumar, another resident. to paleontologist Oct·vio Mateus, also of meters). Larger ones like Torvosaurus, otics, and the worst physical deformities can be stretch from five years to 15 before the first signs Like many others in Kasturba Gram, Kumar Universidade Nova de Lisboa and Museu Allosaurus and Saurophaganax arrived in avoided if it is caught in time. About 95 percent become detectable. And by then, many others was thrown out of his home because neighbors da Lourinha. the late Jurassic Period. —Reuters of people have a natural immunity. could become infected,” said P.K. Gopal of the objected to having a leprosy patient in their Worldwide, the number of new leprosy National Forum of Persons Affected by Leprosy, a midst. Kumar, whose bandaged feet are the only patients dropped from around 10 million in 1991 nongovernmental organization working with sign of his ailment, spent months on the road to around 230,000 last year as countries intensi- leprosy patients. before finding a refuge in the warren of one- Dazzling Chinese fossils fied efforts to fight the disease. In India, hospi- room tenements in Kasturba Gram. tals and clinics began treating patients with a Pain and stigma “Here we are all anonymous yet we are all fel- offer portal into the past combination of drugs that effectively kills The government is stepping up its fight low sufferers,” Kumar said. “Everyone has their mycobacterium leprae, the germ that causes against the disease, assigning additional health own sorrows, but our pain is the same.” — AP WASHINGTON: A spectacular array of beauti- Liaoning Province and nearby areas. It was an fully preserved fossils unearthed in northeast- inland region filled with trees, dotted with lakes ern China over the past two decades provides a and teeming with life 160 million years ago. unique portal on life 160 million years ago in The level of preservation has been excep- New Mowasat Hospital welcomes world the Jurassic Period, an international team of sci- tional, with only a handful of other places in the entists said this week. world offering fossils as good. pioneer gastroenterology consultant Among them are outlandish feathered dinosaurs, a quirky flying reptile, the earliest Soft tissue known gliding mammal, the earliest known Scientists count themselves lucky if even the KUWAIT: New Mowasat hospital is small bowel and colon diseases. Dr Video Capsule Endoscopy for small swimming mammal - and a salamander that hard parts of an animal like bones and teeth inviting Dr Marc Giovannini on a Omar added that New Mowasat bowel and colon are also currently turned up everywhere. become fossils. In the Daohugou Biota, many three-day visit to hospital from15 Hospital has a special unit for available at New Mowasat Hospital. Writing in the Journal of Vertebrate show soft tissue including feathers, fur, skin and, March, till 17 March, 2014. Digestive Endoscopy that provides all Recently, the hospital received the Paleontology, they said the plant and animal in some of salamanders, even delicate external Dr Giovannini is a gastroenterology diagnostic and therapeutic tech- first machine in Kuwait that examine fossils collectively represent a distinct ecological gills. The Jurassic is the second of three time consultant and head of the Digestive niques required to diagnose and treat the contraction of esophageal mus- grouping - or biota - of life forms that existed periods that make up the Mesozoic Era, some- Diseases Department & Chief of digestive diseases. These include cles and the propagation of food alongside one another. times called the Age of Dinosaurs. The Triassic Digestive Endoscopy unit at Institute endoscopic examinations of esopha- through it. The test is required for The fossil record of life on Earth is notorious- preceded it and the Cretaceous followed it. Paoli - Calmettes in Marseilles, France. gus, stomach and duodenum, endo- those with chronic reflux symptoms, ly spotty, with some spans of time remaining all The animals and plants of the Daohugou In addition, Dr Giovannini is a pio- scopic examinations of colon, endo- chronic cough especially after but unknown. That is not the case in what these Biota were found in the same part of China as a neer in the field of gastroscopy, scopic therapy for gut bleeding bariatric operations. scientists call the Daohugou Biota, named for a group of similarly amazing fossils that are 30 colonoscopy, and ERCP. He has alone lesions such as bleeding ulcers, vascu- The unit uses the latest technology village in the region the fossils have been found. million years younger, from the Cretaceous. puplished more than 200 articles in lar anomalies and bleeding varcies in disinfecting and sterilizing the “It is an unprecedentedly good window into Those later remains - including primitive birds these fields. using injection therapy, clips, loops, endoscopes and accessories through that particular place and time,” paleontologist and more feathered dinosaurs - comprise what On this occasion, Clinical Director band legation or APC. a fully automated machine. All proce- Corwin Sullivan of the Institute of Vertebrate is called the Jehol Biota. of Internal Medicine Department at “The unit also provides treatment dures are done under conscious seda- Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in Beijing, The Daohugou Biota includes the earliest the New Mowasat Hospital Dr to problems such as swallowing diffi- tion according to international proto- who led the research, said in a telephone inter- dinosaurs preserved with feathers. Some, like Mahmoud M Omar, stressed that Dr culty through dilation or inserting cols. Patients are fully monitored by Dr Marc Giovannini view. “It is a time when a lot of interesting things Epidendrosaurus and Epidexipteryx, are Giovannini’s visit is part of New stent (tube), extraction of foreign bod- well experienced staff through and allows sampling of areaes not accessi- are happening,” paleontologist David Hone of remarkably bird-like. Mowasat Hospital’s Visiting Doctors ies, placement of feeding tubes, after procedures. Dr Omar said that ble by other techniques. Recently, Dr Queen Mary University of London added in a Scientists say birds evolved from small, program carried out to offer various removal of polyps and performing Dr Giovannini one of the doctors who Giovannini has developed a new tech- telephone interview. “We’ve got feathered feathered meat-eating dinosaurs. The earliest treatments in the country including endoscopic examinations of biliary designed the new intervention ultra- nique of tissue characterization using dinosaurs. We’ve got weird mammals. We’ve got known bird is Archaeopteryx, from 150 million for pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts and and pancreatic system (ERCP) with sound endoscope, which allows diag- elastosonography for visualization of fish. We’ve got lizards. We’ve got all this wonder- years ago. Scientists are eager to find even earli- tumors, managing biliary obstruction removal of stones and worms or by- nosing pancreatic diseases, diseases tissue elasticity during usal EUS exam- ful, wonderful stuff.” er birds and think this might be an ideal place to through ERCP, treating gut obstruc- passing obstructions by placing of the bile and the early detection of ination. The fossils have been found in western look.—Reuters tion, stomach disorders as well as stents”, said Dr Omar. tumors of the digestive glands also MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE WHAT’S ON MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014

GUST organizes first Kuwait participation in World Yoga Day

he Gulf University for Science and Technology to a two hour yoga session devoted to human rights. The countries where human rights violations are a dominant inside Syria. (GUST) and Yoga Gives organized the first-ever session is held from 11am- 1pm, local time in each time issue. In more than 90 countries Oxfam works with partner TKuwait participation in World Yoga Day 2014 with zone, which leads to a 24-hour yoga marathon around the This year, WYD 2014, dedicated its efforts to support organizations to find practical, innovative ways for people over 17 people in attendance to support Oxfam world. Bringing people worldwide together to devote Oxfam’s humanitarian response for Syrian refugees. to lift themselves out of poverty and thrive. When disaster Deutschland’s humanitarian response for Syrian refugees. their practice to this important cause is a wonderful, spirit- Millions of people have fled violence in Syria and are in strikes, Oxfam saves lives and helps rebuild livelihoods. Every year on World Yoga Day (WYD), yoga teachers ed celebration of yoga. The aim of WYD is to bring as many desperate need of shelter, food and water. Oxfam is aim- Through campaigning, they support the poor to influence and schools around the world donate their time and space nations as possible together on this project, especially ing to reach the 650,000 refugees in Lebanon, Jordan and local and global decisions that affect them.

McDonald’s celebrates 20 years in Kuwait ‘20 Years of Smiles’ carnival

cDonald’s Kuwait hosted a two day carnival in celebration of its 20 2,500 employees. The two-day event was full of various acts and attractions, milestone events of McDonald’s20 years history in Kuwait. years anniversary. The “20 Years of Smiles” carnival was held at the as well as plenty of fun-filled activities that were enjoyed by the whole family. “It was truly a fun and exciting event, a memorable and enjoyable experi- MCorniche branch on the Arabian Gulf road on Friday 7th and Saturday The event was full of carnival themed acts ranging from aerialists, fire drum- ence for all those who came to share our celebration,” said Adel Fahmy, 8th of March. mers, glow in the dark robots and butterflies, stilt walkers, monocycles, jug- Marketing Manager at McDonald’s Kuwait. “We are overjoyed with our contin- To commemorate its 20 year anniversary in Kuwait, the “20 Years of Smiles” glers and ice sculptors. ued success in spreading joy in the community and bringing smiles to the carnival was held at McDonald’s first ever restaurant in Kuwait, the Corniche There was also a kite flying show showcasing the iconic McDonald’s charac- people of Kuwait. For 20 years, McDonald’s Kuwait has been proud to be a branch which opened in 1994. ters, in addition to balloon sculptors and face painting for all the children. An member of this community, and we look forward to continuing to do so for Today McDonald’s has 69 restaurants spread over the country and around eco-light display was also placed along the seaside exhibiting pictures of many years to come” WHAT’S ON MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014

Mommy’s Market

uwait’s first ever Mommy’s Market was held at the Lilly Center in Shuwaikh on Saturday, March 8. The event included shopping for moms, activities, fun and games for children and plenty of great food Kand live music. The next Mommy’s Market will be held March 22.

KAICO (Al Shaya & Al Sagar) holds Open Day for employees Celebrate Mother’s Day at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa elebrate Mother’s Day with the family receive a flower on arrival at the hotel’s din- at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & ing outlets. Afternoon tea in the Tea CSpa and enjoy a selection of special Lounge will be accompanied by live piano offers at the resort. Garden CafÈ, the hotel’s entertainment and personalized cakes can main venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner be ordered 24 hours in advance. buffets, will offer a complimentary meal for For pampering and relaxation the Talise mothers when they dine with five guests or spa is offering a 55 minute full body mas- more. A three course set menu will be pre- sage with a luxurious balancing facial tai- pared by the new Italian Chef Francesco lored to your mother’s skin type. Picaro in Olio, the hotel’s stunning beach- Ideally located in the secluded area of front restaurant. Alternatively, enjoy a four- Messilah along the shores of the Arabian course set menu in Pepper featuring the Gulf, the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & popular flame grilled masterpieces. Spa is a unique resort and a new destina- To help make the day extra special the tion where an unparalleled level of person- hotel’s lavish lobby will be decorated with alized services are offered and memorable floral arrangements and each mother will experiences are created.

n the occasion of Kuwait National and Liberation day, Kuwait Automotive Imports OCo WLL (Al Shaya & Al Sagar), a leading automotive and auto products distributor of brands such Greetings as Mazda, Peugeot, Eicher, BAW, Geely, Michelin, BF Goodrich, Mobil, held an open day for its employees on 28 Feb at Al Sahel Sports Club, Fahaheel. The celebration kicked off by a short welcome speech given by Ashish Tandon, General Manager of Al Shaya & Al Sagar, in which he thanked all the employees for their outstanding efforts and hard work during 2013. He emphasized on the key val- any happy returns ues of the company: one team - one voice, positive of the day to our word-of-mouth about KAICO outstanding products, Mdear Aseel Ahmed services and people, effective communication and who is celebrating her team work. birthday today. May Allah KAICO Open Day continued with sports activi- bless her with happy days ties like cricket, football and basketball, fun games and good health. Best and spot prizes. Children were entertained with wishes come from her par- games, magic show, face painting and colouring ents, relatives and friends. competition. Kuwaiti singer Mubarak and Indian singer Neelama enchanted the crowd with their beautiful performance of Hindi songs throughout the day. The talent show, showcasing the hidden talents of KAICO employees, boosted the mood of the audience and made them tap their feet to the beat of the songs. The event concluded with awards distribution, raffle draw and a sumptuous buffet lunch.

CRYcket 2014 South African Embassy tournament he SA Embassy in Kuwait would like to riends of CRY Club (FOCC) phies, medals and certificates inform all South African citizens that the SA will hold 17th CRY (Child from CRY-India will be given to TGeneral Elections 2014 will take place at the Rights & You) cricket tourna- each player. Experienced umpires SA Embassy, Villa No 3, House No 91, Street 1, Block F 10, Salwa, on Wednesday, 30 April 2014 from ment for children at the GC will control the games assisted by grounds at Fahaheel Sports Club official scorers. The teams will play 07h00 to 19h00 (and not on 7 May being voting day in SA). on Friday, 27th Mar 2014 from 6:30 in recognition of a much felt need South African citizens who are registered to vote and who intend to am to 6 pm. among less fortunate children in cast their ballots in Kuwait must notify the Independent Electoral The one day “CRYcket” tourna- the Indian subcontinent and will Commission (IEC) on-line of their intention to vote in Kuwait. ment participated by children carry the message of compassion This must be done by completing an on-line VEC 10 template, which under 14 (born on or after towards them. They will spread is available on www.elections.org.za . The completion of the on-line 01.01.2000), is a very popular awareness of the work done by VEC 10 templates must be done by midnight on 12 March 2014. Embassy staff cannot accept completed notification forms on behalf of Anil Keloth Jalin Triprayar Sathar Kunnil annual family event. The children CRY, an international organization, are grouped into teams in two age that believes that every child is the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) nor accept responsibility for the deliv- categories and play softball cricket entitled to basic rights of survival, ery of completed VEC 10 forms to the CEO. MMF holds annual while spectators, parents and well- protection, development, educa- It is important to note that on voting day, South African citizens wishers enjoy a carnival atmos- tion and participation. must have their original Green Bar-coded Identity Document / valid SA general meeting phere. 12 teams each are set to For details & game rules, visit Temporary Identity Certificate / Smartcard ID, as well as a valid SA participate in the Under-12 and the FOCC website Passport. If a person does not have these documents, then they will alayali Media Forum, (MMF) Kuwait, a forum for Malayali media persons in Under-14 divisions initially in four http://www.focckwt.org or con- not be allowed to vote. Kuwait, held its annual general body meeting on Friday. Sathar Kunnil represent- groups in round robin fashion tact: Kuwait City 22437684 Abu The following Embassy officials will be responsible for the electoral Ming ejalakam online publication was elected as General Convener while Anil leading to 4 winners who will Halifa: 66204295 Hawalli: process at the Embassy:- Ms. Lynette Van Der Walt, Charles Kekae. Keloth Nambiar (Amritha TV) and Jalin Triprayar (Jai Hind TV) were chosen as conveners. clash in the semifinals. The 7-over 99300257 Fahaheel: 99364073 The above-mentioned officials can be reached during working hours The meeting also ratified the executive committee members and members as permanent matches will be played simultane- Ahmadi: 23985216 / 99578073 at: 25617988 / 25618456 / 25630653. For further information about invitees to the forum. Ismayeel Payyoli, Muneer Ahmad, Hamsa Payyannoor and Salim ously on two playgrounds. Jleeb Shuyoukh - 97226589 elections and about the IEC in general, please visit Kottayil were inducted into MMF as new members. Apart from the winners’ tro- Salmiya: 66810338. www.elections.org.za TV PROGRAMS MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014

10:45 How Do They Do It? 09:30 Shake It Up 11:10 How It’s Made 09:55 Austin & Ally 11:35 Fast N’ Loud 10:15 A.N.T. Farm 12:25 Classic Car Rescue 10:40 Dog With A Blog Delta force for peace? US 00:00 My Family 13:15 Overhaulin’ 2013 11:05 Suite Life On Deck 00:30 Tough Guy Or Chicken? 14:05 Border Security 11:25 Jessie uses films as aid in Nigeria 01:20 Call The Midwife 14:30 Auction Kings 11:50 That’s So Raven 02:15 Stella 14:55 Dallas Car Sharks 12:15 Hannah Montana prominent director goes to Nigeria’s troubled oil- 03:00 New Tricks 15:20 Flying Wild Alaska 12:35 Hannah Montana 03:55 The Vicar Of Dibley 16:10 Fast N’ Loud producing region and recruits 21 youngsters with 13:00 The Suite Life Movie absolutely no film experience. He brings them to 04:25 My Family 17:00 Ultimate Survival 14:15 Jessie A 05:00 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 17:50 Wheeler Dealers 14:35 Dog With A Blog one of the country’s most expensive hotels for a 10-day 05:20 Balamory 18:40 You Have Been Warned 15:00 Good Luck Charlie filmmaking crash-course then flies them back home to 05:40 Nina And The Neurons 19:30 Sons Of Guns 15:25 Gravity Falls make movies about positive, non-violent change. 05:55 Little Prairie Dogs 20:20 How Do They Do It? 15:50 Austin & Ally Picking up the tab are US taxpayers-red carpet pre- 06:00 The Large Family 20:45 How It’s Made 16:10 Violetta mieres included. 06:15 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 21:10 Auction Kings 17:00 Dog With A Blog “This is pretty out there,” the US Consul General in 06:35 Balamory 21:35 Container Wars 17:20 Austin & Ally Nigeria’s economic capital Lagos, Jeffrey Hawkins, said of 06:50 Nina And The Neurons 22:00 Gold Rush 17:40 Gravity Falls a new TV program which chronicles the search for new 07:05 Little Prairie Dogs 22:50 Alaska Gold Diggers 18:10 Jessie moviemakers Dubbed “Dawn in the Creeks”, it aims to 07:15 The Large Family 23:40 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 18:30 Good Luck Charlie showcase Niger Delta role models “who did not win 07:30 Walk On The Wild Side 18:55 A.N.T. Farm (their) fame and respect with a gun”, said Hawkins. The 08:00 The Vicar Of Dibley 19:20 Violetta United States-as well as other countries and big oil firms- 08:30 Friday Night Dinner 20:05 Jessie is concerned that conflict could return to the Niger Delta, 08:50 2 Point 4 Children 20:30 Good Luck Charlie which churns out some two million barrels of oil day-the 09:20 Doctors 20:50 Dog With A Blog highest crude output in Africa and Nigeria’s lifeline. 09:50 Casualty 21:15 Gravity Falls Decades of corruption have long denied Delta resi- 10:40 Last Man Standing 00:40 Dark Matters 21:40 Shake It Up dents the benefits of oil revenue while oil-related pollu- 11:30 The Vicar Of Dibley 01:30 Bang Goes The Theory 22:00 Austin & Ally tion, including thousands of spills, has ravaged their 12:00 The Weakest Link 02:00 Food Factory 22:25 A.N.T. Farm environment. This volatile mix fuelled an insurgency that 12:45 2 Point 4 Children 02:25 How Tech Works 22:50 Good Luck Charlie 13:15 Friday Night Dinner 02:50 Through The Wormhole With saw scores of oil workers kidnapped and infrastructure 23:10 Wizards Of Waverly Place bombed-all tempered by a 2009 amnesty deal where, in 13:45 Walk On The Wild Side Morgan Freeman 23:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 14:15 Doctors 03:45 Through The Wormhole With effect, militant leaders got massive payouts to stand 14:45 Casualty Morgan Freeman down. Critics, however, say the payouts fostered the per- 15:35 Last Man Standing 04:35 Through The Wormhole With ception that wielding a weapon was the best way for the 16:25 The Weakest Link Morgan Freeman common man to get rich quick. 17:10 Eastenders 05:25 Through The Wormhole With 17:40 Doctors Morgan Freeman 00:00 Party On A return to violence? 18:10 Being Erica 06:15 Food Factory 00:30 The Spin Crowd The amnesty’s expiration in 2015, when Nigeria also 19:00 My Family 06:40 How Tech Works 01:25 Style Star elects a new president and parliament, has fed fears 19:30 Little Britain 07:05 Weird Connections 01:50 Style Star about a return to the bad old days. The poll, too, is 20:00 New Tricks 07:35 Weird Connections 02:20 E!ES expected to inflame tensions, notably in the Niger Delta 20:50 Spooks 08:00 Speed Junkie 03:15 Extreme Close-Up whose native son President Goodluck Jonathan will like- 21:40 The Vicar Of Dibley 08:50 Primal Connections 04:10 THS ly face a tough re-election bid. A prominent ex-militant 22:10 Call The Midwife 09:40 Food Factory 07:50 Style Star has already threatened to take up arms if the presidency 08:20 E! News 23:05 The Weakest Link 10:05 How Tech Works changes hands. With this in mind-and the failure of earli- 23:50 Eastenders 10:30 Test Case 09:15 Opening Act 10:15 Married To Jonas er NGO peace-building campaigns after funding dried 10:55 Bigger, Better, Faster, up-US diplomats “wanted to do something really glitzy,” Stronger 10:40 Chasing The Saturdays 11:10 Giuliana & Bill Hawkins told AFP. 11:25 Engineered So they turned to Nollywood, Nigeria’s hugely popu- 12:20 Thunder Races 12:05 E! News 13:05 Extreme Close-Up lar domestic film industry. First will come the television 00:00 Cash In The Attic 13:10 Through The Wormhole With reality show about the recruitment drive and the film Morgan Freeman 13:35 E!ES 00:45 The Hairy Bikers: Mums 14:30 Style Star academy. Once a student’s films are made, they will be Know Best 14:00 Building The Future 14:50 Bang Goes The Theory 15:00 Keeping Up With The shown during three days of US-sponsored premieres. 01:35 Come Dine With Me Kardashians Running the artistic side is Jeta Amata, an accomplished 02:25 Come Dine With Me: 15:20 Food Factory 15:45 How Tech Works 16:00 Keeping Up With The director and Niger Delta native now based in Los Supersized Kardashians Angeles. In a 10-day stay in the region, he found his stu- 04:00 Antiques Roadshow 16:10 Eco-Tech 17:00 Through The Wormhole With 17:00 The Drama Queen BEVERLY HILLS COP ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION dents at town hall meetings or stopping random people 04:55 Antiques Roadshow 18:00 E! News on the street. 05:45 Antiques Roadshow Morgan Freeman 19:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 17:55 Thunder Races 19:00 The E! True Hollywood Story 11:45 The Hobbit: An Unexpected 06:40 Antiques Roadshow 20:00 Keeping Up With The 20:30 Please Marry My Boy Journey-PG 07:35 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen 18:45 Engineered Is this a scam? Kardashians 21:25 Paul Ogrady: For The Love Of 14:45 Fun Size-PG15 Elina Emeseruome, a semi-employed interior decora- Notebook: London 19:35 Test Case Dogs 21:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 00:00 A Few Best Men-18 16:15 The Double-PG15 08:00 Cash In The Attic 20:00 Bigger, Better, Faster, 21:50 White Van Man tor, said she was getting her hair done at a roadside stall 21:30 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 02:00 2 Days In New York-18 18:00 The Guilt Trip-PG15 08:45 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds Stronger 22:20 Coronation Street in the town of Ozoro when Amata stopped to ask her 22:00 Hello Ross 04:00 The Runway-PG15 20:00 Clear History-PG15 09:30 Antiques Roadshow 20:30 Man-Made Marvels China 22:50 Emmerdale thoughts on the Delta’s future. Days later, the director, 21:20 Nyc: Inside Out 22:30 Party On 06:00 Spy Hard-PG15 39, called and told her she’d be going to Lagos to learn 10:25 Come Dine With Me: 23:00 E!ES Supersized 22:10 Food Factory 08:00 Never Been Kissed-PG15 scriptwriting. Her girlfriends were skeptical. “They were 12:00 The Hairy Bikers: Mums 22:35 How Tech Works 10:00 Today’s Special-PG15 like, ‘same old story, he’s trafficking ladies’,” said the 27- Know Best 23:00 Man-Made Marvels China 12:00 The Runway-PG15 03:00 Inside The PGA Tour year-old. But her doubts were eased when the film 12:50 Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen 23:50 Nyc: Inside Out 14:00 Dudley Do Right-PG 03:30 PGA Tour academy began on the manicured lawns of the plush 00:00 The Goodwin Games 16:00 Today’s Special-PG15 Secrets 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 06:30 Futbol Mundial Eko Hotel in Lagos. 13:20 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 18:00 Delirious-PG15 07:00 NRL Premiership 00:10 Paul Ogrady: For The Love Of Stewart Amata himself feels the Delta’s future is “dicey” and 14:05 Antiques Roadshow 20:00 The Big Year-PG 09:00 NRL Premiership Dogs 01:00 The Colbert Report said he heard multiple reports of militants mobilizing to 15:00 Homes Under The Hammer 22:00 A Few Best Men-18 11:00 Live NRL Premiership 00:35 House Gift 01:30 Saturday Night Live renew fighting. “I am concerned about the region but 15:55 Homes Under The Hammer 13:00 LV Cup 01:30 Emmerdale 02:30 Out There I’m hopeful about what I see in these guys,” he said of his 16:50 Bargain Hunt 15:00 Super Rugby 00:00 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 02:25 Coronation Street 04:00 Seinfeld students Like Hawkins, Amata acknowledged that a few 17:35 Cash In The Attic 17:00 Super Rugby 00:20 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 02:55 Celebrity Coach Trip 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring feel-good movies cannot undo decades of resentment 18:20 Antiques Roadshow 19:00 World Golf Championship 00:45 Jonas 03:25 Ant And Decs Saturday Night Jimmy Fallon and conflict. But he voiced faith that powerful stories 19:15 The Planners 01:05 Jonas Highlights Takeaway 05:30 Seinfeld 01:00 Flower Girl-PG15 told through film can help steer people away from mili- 20:10 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen 01:30 Suite Life On Deck 20:00 PGA Tour Highlights 04:45 Paul Ogrady: For The Love Of 06:00 The War At Home 03:00 Cheerful Weather For The tancy. Notebook: London 01:50 Suite Life On Deck 21:00 NRL Premiership Dogs 06:30 Arrested Development Wedding-PG15 20:35 Come Dine With Me 02:15 Wizards Of Waverly Place 23:00 LV Cup 05:15 Ade In Britain 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 05:00 Web Of Lies-PG15 Lure of violence 21:30 Come Dine With Me 02:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 06:10 House Gift 08:00 Seinfeld 07:00 Carnage-PG15 On day six at the academy, Amata’s students were 22:20 Antiques Roadshow 03:00 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 07:05 Celebrity Coach Trip 08:30 Seinfeld 09:00 Flower Girl-PG15 divided into groups of seven and tasked with producing 23:15 Bargain Hunt 03:20 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 07:30 Dancing On Ice 09:30 2 Broke Girls 11:00 Cheerful Weather For The a five-minute film by 5:00 pm. Playing the male lead in a 03:45 Jonas 09:20 Ade In Britain 10:00 Two And A Half Men Wedding-PG15 04:05 Jonas piece about a jaded wife competing for her husband’s 10:15 May The Best House Win 10:30 Arrested Development 13:00 The Chateau Meroux-PG15 04:30 Suite Life On Deck 01:00 Super Rugby affections with a younger woman was Joel Jumbo, a 32- 11:10 Emmerdale 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 14:45 Here-PG15 04:50 Suite Life On Deck 03:00 Dubai World Cup Carnival year-old who said he had served in both the army and 12:00 Coronation Street Jimmy Fallon 17:00 Matching Jack-PG15 05:15 Wizards Of Waverly Place 07:00 Trans World Sport been part of a militant group. Jumbo said he got noth- 12:30 House Gift 12:00 The War At Home 18:45 The Next Three Days-PG15 05:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 08:00 World Golf Championships ing from the amnesty, not even a place in job training 13:25 Ade In Britain 12:30 Seinfeld 21:00 Mud-PG15 00:05 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 06:00 Austin & Ally 14:30 Top 14 Highlights programs Nigeria insists are ongoing but many say have 00:55 Fast N’ Loud 14:20 May The Best House Win 13:00 Seinfeld 23:15 The Bang Bang Club-18 15:00 NRL Premiership 06:25 Dog With A Blog 13:30 Arrested Development achieved little. 07:00 You Have Been Warned 15:10 Holiday: Heaven On Earth 17:00 Futbol Mundial He was unemployed, “feeling aggressive and angry 06:45 Suite Life On Deck 15:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 14:30 2 Broke Girls 07:50 Robson’s New Extreme 07:10 A.N.T. Farm 17:30 NHL and ready to do anything”. Only days before meeting Fishing Challenge 16:30 Please Marry My Boy 15:00 Two And A Half Men 19:30 WWE This Week 07:35 Wolfblood 17:25 Paul Ogrady: For The Love Of 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Amata, he said, he was “about to go.. and meet some my 08:40 Fast N’ Loud 07:55 Gravity Falls 20:00 WWE SmackDown bad boys... militants”. Though still tense at the film 09:30 Border Security Dogs Stewart 22:00 World Golf Championships 08:20 That’s So Raven 17:50 White Van Man 16:00 The Colbert Report school, his frustration was more about his director who 09:55 Auction Kings 01:00 London-18 Highlights 08:45 Jessie 18:20 May The Best House Win 16:30 The War At Home showed no signs of getting the shoot done before the 10:20 Dallas Car Sharks 03:00 Firelight-18 23:00 Golfing World 09:05 Good Luck Charlie 19:10 Coronation Street 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers deadline. It contrasted to the quiet, understated per- 18:00 1600 Penn 05:00 Dark Horse-PG15 formance by Jumbo, who said he was just enjoying 18:30 1600 Penn 07:00 Love Will Keep Us Together- being around a “different kind of people”. — AFP 19:00 2 Broke Girls PG15 19:30 Trophy Wife 09:00 My Kid Could Paint That- PG15 20:00 Whitney 00:30 Asia Cup Highlights 11:00 Darling Companion-PG15 20:30 The Goodwin Games 01:30 ICC Under 19 World Cup 13:00 Last Dance-PG15 21:00 The Daily Show Global 2014 Highlights 15:00 Like Crazy-PG15 Edition 02:30 ICC Cricket 360 17:00 Darling Companion-PG15 21:30 The Colbert Report Global 03:00 Big Bash League Highlights 19:00 Regarding Henry-PG15 Edition 06:00 Asia Cup Highlights 21:00 The End Of The Affair-18 22:00 Girls 07:00 Big Bash League Highlights 23:00 Internal Affairs-18 22:30 Getting On 08:00 Big Bash League Highlights 23:00 Ja’mie: Private School Girl 09:00 Big Bash League Highlights 10:00 ICC Cricket 360 10:30 ICC Under 19 World Cup 2014 Highlights 01:00 Young Adult-PG15 11:30 ICC Under 19 World Cup 00:00 Warehouse 13 03:00 Oz The Great And Powerful- 2014 Highlights 01:00 Top Gear (UK) PG 12:30 ICC Under 19 World Cup 02:05 Supernatural 05:15 Phil Spector-PG15 2014 Highlights 03:00 World Without End 07:00 The Lucky One-PG15 13:30 Australia v England T20I 04:00 Franklin & Bash 09:00 What To Expect When You’re 16:30 ICC Cricket 360 05:00 Suits Expecting-PG15 17:00 New Zealand v India ODI 06:00 Warehouse 13 11:00 Chimpanzee-PG Highlights 07:00 Drop Dead Diva 13:00 Playdate-PG15 18:00 Big Bash League Highlights 08:00 Switched At Birth 15:00 Muhammad Ali’s Greatest 21:00 ICC Cricket 360 09:00 Top Gear (UK) Fight-PG15 21:30 Australia v England T20I 10:05 Suits 17:00 What To Expect When You’re 22:30 Australia v England T20I 11:00 Franklin & Bash Expecting-PG15 23:30 Australia v England T20I 12:00 Emmerdale 12:30 Coronation Street 14:00 Switched At Birth 15:00 Warehouse 13 16:00 Emmerdale 00:00 Haunted History 16:30 Coronation Street 01:00 Tommy & Oscar 01:00 Ancient Aliens 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 02:30 The Ugly Duckling And Me 02:00 Pawn Stars UK 18:00 Switched At Birth 04:15 Brave 03:00 Heroes Of War: Poland 19:00 Betrayal 06:00 Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups 04:00 Haunted History 20:00 Revenge 08:00 D’Fenders 05:00 Swamp People 21:00 The Blacklist 09:45Fred 2: Night Of The Living Fred 06:00 Pawn Stars UK 22:00 Strike Back 11:30 Winx 07:00 Ancient Aliens 23:00 World Without End 13:00 The Ugly Duckling And Me 08:00 Shipping Wars 14:45 Ploddy Police Car 08:30 Shipping Wars Belgian opera director 16:15 Eleanor’s Secret 09:00 Ancient Aliens 18:00Fred 2: Night Of The Living Fred 10:00 Storage Wars Texas Gerard Mortier dies aged 70 20:00 The Polar Express 10:30 Counting Cars 22:00 D’Fenders 11:00 Pawn Stars elgian Gerard Mortier, the avant-garde artistic direc- 23:30 Ploddy Police Car 11:30 Pawn Stars 00:00 Beverly Hills Cop-18 12:00 Storage Wars tor of Madrid’s Teatro Real opera house until 02:00 Body Count-PG15 12:30 Storage Wars BSeptember last year, has died after battling cancer, 04:00 The Blood Bond-PG15 13:00 Shipping Wars the culture ministry said Sunday. He was 70. Mortier, 06:00 Alien Tornado-PG15 13:30 Shipping Wars known for his risk-taking approach to scene work and keen 08:00 Meteor Storm-PG15 01:30 The Hobbit: An Unexpected 14:00 Ancient Aliens interest in 20th-century opera, commissioned an adapta- 10:00 Absolute Fear-PG15 Journey-PG 15:00 Heroes Of War: Poland tion of gay cowboy epic “Brokeback Mountain” for Teatro 12:00 XXX: The Next Level-PG15 04:30 Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Dog 16:00 Shipping Wars Real. The opera took six years to complete, and a clearly 14:00 Meteor Storm-PG15 Days-PG 16:30 Shipping Wars 16:00 The Fog-PG15 06:15 The Three Stooges-PG15 ailing Mortier attended its premiere in January. Mortier 17:00 Shipping Wars was general director of the Paris opera from 2004 and 18:00 XXX: The Next Level-PG15 08:00 The Double-PG15 17:30 Shipping Wars 20:00 Sudden Death-PG15 09:45 Charlie And The Chocolate 18:00 Pawn Stars 2009, and headed the prestigious Salzburg Festival from NEVER BEEN KISSED ON OSN COMEDY HD 22:00 Billy Bathgate-18 Factory-PG 18:30 Pawn Stars 1991 to 2001. — AFP Classifieds

MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (06/03/2014 TO 12/03/2014)

SHARQIA-1 NO SUN+TUE+WED 7:15 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 2:00 PM THU POMPEII (DIG) 4:15 PM MARINA-1 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 9:30 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 6:30 PM REASONABLE DOUBT (DIG) 1:30 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 11:45 PM REASONABLE DOUBT (DIG) 8:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 3:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED REASONABLE DOUBT (DIG) 10:45 PM REASONABLE DOUBT (DIG) :00 PM POMPEII (DIG) 12:45 AM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 8:00 PM 360º- 2 REASONABLE DOUBT (DIG) 10:15 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 2:15 PM SHARQIA-2 REASONABLE DOUBT (DIG) 12:30 AM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 4:45 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 12:30 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 7:15 PM MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (DIG-3D) 2:30 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 9:45 PM MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (DIG-3D) 4:30 PM MARINA-2 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 6:30 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 12:30 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:15 AM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 8:30 PM PATRICK (DIG) 2:30 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 10:30 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 4:30 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 12:30 AM POMPEII (DIG) 6:30 PM 360º- 3 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 8:45 PM WER (DIG) 2:30 PM SHARQIA-3 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 10:45 PM WER (DIG) 4:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 1:15 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 12:45 AM WER (DIG) 7:00 PM WER (DIG) 3:30 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED WER (DIG) 9:15 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 5:30 PM WER (DIG) 11:30 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 7:45 PM MARINA-3 WER (DIG) 10:00 PM MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (DIG-3D) 1:30 PM AL-KOUT.1 NON-STOP (DIG) 12:05 AM FRI 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 2:00 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 1:00 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 4:30 PM MUHALAB-1 MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (DIG-3D) 3:30 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 6:30 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 1:30 PM MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (DIG-3D) 5:30 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 8:45 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 3:30 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 7:30 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 10:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 5:30 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 9:45 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 12:45 AM ficial fur coat knee length, for iPod, printer HP photos- Insurance Corporation of 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 7:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 12:05 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 9:45 PM CHANGE OF NAME price KD 50 (both KD 90). mart, safe. Tel: 94400865. Pakistan, Gulf Zone is NO SUN+TUE+WED Tel: 66293005. (C 4656) reported to have been lost. AL-KOUT.2 MUHALAB-2 I, Aju Kurackuva Koshy POMPEII (DIG) 1:30 PM 10-3-2014 6-3-2014 Anyone finding the same or MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (DIG) 2:00 PM AVENUES-1 Mathew Indian Passport No POMPEII (DIG) 2:00 PM REASONABLE DOUBT (DIG) 3:45 PM claiming any interest in it MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (DIG) 4:00 PM H2014478 have changed Cooker Indesit gas 4 ring should communicate with WER (DIG) 6:00 PM POMPEII (DIG) 4:15 PM POMPEII (DIG) 5:45 PM REASONABLE DOUBT (DIG) 8:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 6:30 PM REASONABLE DOUBT (DIG) 8:00 PM my name to Aju Mathew. with oven, Linen box, iron- LOST State Life Office Kuwait Tel: REASONABLE DOUBT (DIG) 10:00 PM POMPEII (DIG) 8:45 PM REASONABLE DOUBT (DIG) 10:00 PM (C 4659) ing board, cloths hang rail 22452208. (C 4655) MUHALAB-3 Seats-419 12:30 PM POMPEII (DIG) 11:00 PM REASONABLE DOUBT (DIG) 12:05 AM 10-3-2014 with shelf, dining table and Original document Policy 4-3-2014 POMPEII (DIG-3D) 2:45 PM POMPEII (DIG) 1:15 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED 4 chairs, sofa 3 seats, office 633001470/633001464/633 NON-STOP (DIG) 5:00 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED Saravanan Subramaniyan desk, office chair, bookcase. 002341/633000763/633000 NON-STOP (DIG) 7:15 PM AL-KOUT.3 828 of Muhammad Afzal NON-STOP (DIG) 9:30 PM AVENUES-2 NON-STOP (DIG) 12:30 PM S/O Subramaniyan, holder Personal trainer CPS with 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 1:15 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 2:45 PM of Indian Passport No. heart monitor, dock station Mughal by the State Life FANAR-1 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 3:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 5:00 PM G9950267 born on 2nd NON-STOP (DIG) 1:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 6:15 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 7:15 PM March 1976 (native district NON-STOP (DIG) 4:00 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 8:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 9:30 PM Thiruvarur), residing at no. PATRICK (DIG) 6:15 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 11:15 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 11:45 PM 112/219, Mariamman Kovil No: 16100 NON-STOP (DIG) 8:15 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED NO SUN+TUE+WED NON-STOP (DIG) 10:30 PM street, Maruthanga - vali, NON-STOP (DIG) 12:45 AM AVENUES-3 BAIRAQ-1 Muthupet 614704. REASONABLE DOUBT (DIG) 2:30 PM MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (DIG-3D) 12:30 PM Thiruvarur District, has FANAR-2 REASONABLE DOUBT (DIG) 4:45 PM MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (DIG-3D) 2:30 PM embraced Islam shall 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 1:30 PM MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (DIG-3D) 4:30 PM KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 3:45 PM REASONABLE DOUBT (DIG) 7:00 PM henceforth be known as 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 6:30 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 5:45 PM REASONABLE DOUBT (DIG) 9:15 PM Sameer Mohamed. KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 8:15 PM REASONABLE DOUBT (DIG) 11:30 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 8:30 PM (C 4658) 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 10:30 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 10:15 PM 9-3-2014 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:30 AM AVENUES-4 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 12:30 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED NON-STOP (DIG) 1:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED NON-STOP (DIG) 4:00 PM I, Vijaykumar B. Painginkar FANAR-3 NON-STOP (DIG) 6:15 PM BAIRAQ-2 R/O Goa, India, holder of MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (DIG) 1:00 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 8:30 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 1:30 PM Passport No. F5608432 MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (DIG) 3:00 PM NO THU 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 3:30 PM reverted to Islam, do here- MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (DIG) 5:00 PM Special Show “300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG)” 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 5:30 PM by change my name to MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (DIG) 7:00 PM 8:30 PM MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (DIG) 7:30 PM WER (DIG) 9:00 PM THU 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 9:30 PM Yousef Vijaykumar WER (DIG) 11:00 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 10:45 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 11:30 PM Painginkar. (C 4657) WER (DIG) 1:00 AM NON-STOP (DIG) 1:00 AM 6-3-2014 NO SUN+TUE+WED NO SUN+TUE+WED BAIRAQ-3 NON-STOP (DIG) 1:15 PM FANAR-4 360º- 1 NON-STOP (DIG) 3:30 PM FOR SALE NON-STOP (DIG) 1:30 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 12:30 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 5:45 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 4:00 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 2:45 PM KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 8:00 PM Black long leather coat, 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 6:00 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 10:00 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 8:00 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 5:00 PM size M-L with removable 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 7:15 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 12:15 AM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 10:00 PM lining, made in Turkey, price 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D) 12:05 AM NO THU NO SUN+TUE+WED Special Show “300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE DIG-3D)” KD 55. Also new white arti-

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

Arrival Flights on Monday 10/3/2014 QTR 1078 Doha 13:55 Departure Flights on Monday 10/3/2014 QTR 1079 Doha 14:55 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 672 Dubai 14:00 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 673 Dubai 15:05 BBC 043 Dhaka 00:05 KAC 546 Alexandria 14:05 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:20 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 UAL 981 IAD 00:55 KAC 741 Dammam 15:20 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:35 PIA 206 Lahore 01:05 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:30 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 KAC 617 Doha 15:30 QTR 1084 Doha 00:55 KNE 460 Riyadh 15:55 BBC 044 Dhaka 01:45 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:30 OMA 645 Muscat 15:55 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:10 KNE 481 Taif 16:40 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:10 KAC 118 New York 16:35 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 OMA 646 Muscat 16:55 THY 764 Istanbul 02:15 UAE 857 Dubai 16:40 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:20 JZR 238 Amman 16:55 AFG 416 Jeddah 02:20 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 AFG 416 Kabul 03:30 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:35 JZR 267 Beirut 02:30 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:50 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:00 UAE 858 Dubai 17:50 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 02:45 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 JZR 538 Cairo 17:50 JAI 576 Kochi/Abu Dhabi 02:50 ABY 127 Sharjah 17:25 QTR 1085 Doha 04:15 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 FDB 068 Dubai 04:40 ABY 128 Sharjah 18:05 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 MPH 093 Amsterdam 17:50 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 FDB 067 Dubai 04:00 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 KAC 542 Cairo 18:05 JAI 575 Abu Dhabi/Kochi 06:45 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 RBG 553 Alexandria 18:15 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 JZR 266 Beirut 18:50 FDB 069 Dubai 05:50 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 THY 765 Istanbul 07:05 RBG 554 Alexandria 18:55 JZR 503 Luxor 05:50 KAC 742 Dammam 18:20 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 BAW 157 London 06:40 MSC 405 Sohag 18:30 KAC 545 Alexandria 07:15 MPH 093 Dubai/Hong Kong 19:20 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 06:45 QTR 1080 Doha 18:40 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 FDB 064 Dubai 19:25 KAC 206 Islamabad 07:40 KAC 774 Riyadh 18:45 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 MSC 402 Alexandria 19:30 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 FDB 063 Dubai 18:45 BAW 156 London 08:45 QTR 1081 Doha 19:40 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:55 KAC 618 Doha 19:00 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 KAC 382 Delhi 07:55 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 KAC 671 Dubai 09:30 FDB 062 Dubai 20:45 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 OMA 648 Muscat 20:55 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 KAC 104 London 19:35 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 KAC 331 Trivandrum 20:55 KAC 284 Dhaka 08:50 OMA 647 Muscat 19:55 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:05 ABY 120 Sharjah 21:00 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 FDB 061 Dubai 20:05 FDB 056 Dubai 10:20 KAC 361 Colombo 21:00 MSR 5508 Beirut 09:05 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:10 QTR 1071 Doha 10:55 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:10 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 ABY 129 Sharjah 20:20 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 KAC 351 Kochi 21:10 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 AXB 489 Kochi/Mangalore 20:35 KAC 541 Cairo 11:30 DLH 636 Dammam 21:35 KAC 352 Kochi 09:50 DLH 636 Frankfurt 20:55 MSC 406 Sohag 11:50 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 QTR 1070 Doha 09:55 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:50 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 MSC 404 Asyut 12:15 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 KAC 344 Chennai 10:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:35 KAC 103 London 12:20 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:20 MSC 401 Alexandria 10:50 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:25 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:30 MSC 403 Asyut 11:15 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 IRC 6522 Lamerd 12:45 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 KNE 480 Taif 21:45 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:35 IRC 6521 Lamerd 11:45 FDB 059 Dubai 22:00 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 FDB 060 Dubai 22:40 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 QTR 1074 Doha 22:00 SYR 342 Damascus 13:30 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 SYR 341 Damascus 12:30 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 JZR 239 Amman 22:20 MSR 580 Sohag 13:50 MSR 5509 Cairo 23:05 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:30 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 QTR 1075 Doha 23:10 MSR 579 Sohag 13:05 PIA 205 Lahore/Peshawar 23:05 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 JZR 502 Luxor 23:30 FDB 057 Dubai 13:50 JZR 185 Dubai 23:20 FDB 058 Dubai 14:30 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:55

DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014

STAR TRACK CROSSWORD 482

Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22) This is not perhaps a good time for you to try out new things or break away You are held to your promises today. In the future, be very careful what you from the old routine. It is the routine of things that provides you with that promise. You will find this a great time to be with others, particularly if you all-is-right-with-the-world feeling. There is a bit of time to tend to chores and visit with the are on some planning committee. After lunch you may enjoy some time to yourself in the people in your religious group and then you are off skating, bicycling, visiting with friends out-of-doors. Perhaps you will enjoy the results of a vegetable garden soon. It may also be or checking out the garage sales this afternoon. Emotions may be a little tense for the next time to start talking about a camping trip with friends or family members. You may decide couple of days but you can minimize the impact of problems with the positive side of your to go ahead and set a date for your visit to a nearby lake or resort. This is a healing day- attitude. Our capacity to be happy and useful cannot truly be hampered by external con- much interaction with good communication is available. Forgiveness, compassion and ditions. Communication with a loved one is improved today and you volunteer to do the understanding come naturally when you look at life from an eternal perspective. Someone in your near environment requires a listening ear tonight. cooking for the family or a loved one this evening.

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

Your management and directional abilities are in high focus. You do not Your comprehension of issues is broadened today. An article or the view- enjoy gossip or nosy neighbors and may have to practice some gentle aggressiveness point of someone near you helps you to adopt more tolerance of dissenting when it concerns interruptions involving gossip. You value what is aboveboard and views-a new viewpoint perhaps. Communicating and getting your message across to oth- straightforward and have a particular aversion to what is secret, intense and private. ers is at a high just now. This is a time where you will enjoy good relations with family members and the financial position may improve because of your association with a rela- Events may make it easy for you to be original, have breakthroughs and find new solutions tive. You have a natural sense for communicating with others, especially those younger to old problems. Careful-you may not have patience with those that slow or distract you. than yourself. Perhaps some of your young friends will help you with a garden this year. Today is made up of mending clothes, repairing things around the house and working in Financial opportunities come through friends now. You may feel that you can give to oth- the garden. Exercising and enjoying the company of your friends this afternoon, you can ers with regard to charities and friends more generously now. wind down and recognize this day as a successful one.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You may be playing the role of healer, teacher or critic this morning. You There are some long-range and long-distance matters in business this month that may grab your attention. You are able to sit back and see things will receive good news surrounding some recent request of a family mem- from a different perspective. Although you may not be at work, it is certainly on your mind. ACROSS 3. Gone by. ber. Subjects of a spiritual or psychic nature have your attention and may set your imagi- A group of friends gather this afternoon to talk about vacations and adventures and per- 1. Showing or causing joy and pleasure. 4. A disease of plants characterized by the nation zooming into some fantastic storyline or art expression. You may want to leave the haps show off some new type of equipment. Plans can be made with a small group in usual projects behind just now and expand your knowledge on the spiritual or psychic. mind. Movies, books and all forms of escape could prove most enjoyable this evening. A 5. A fatal disease of sheep characterized by gradual dying of the young shoots starting at You love life and you love being involved in the living of it. It is not often that you aban- chronic itching and loss of muscular control the tips and progressing to the larger branch- shared interest in travel or cultural events may offer new energy in your love life for the don your work or project and have fun just to have fun, but when you do, you are whole- rest of this month. It may be time to cash in on some of your overtime or at least enjoy a and progressive degeneration of the central es. hearted about it. You have a chance to help a wayward child this evening who just simply few days off for relaxation. This is the perfect time to build up your love relationship. nervous system. 5. Bony flesh of herring-like fish usually wants attention . . . But then . . . You want attention as well. 12. The compass point midway between caught during their migration to fresh water south and southeast. for spawning. 15. East Indian cereal grass whose seed yield a 6. A ductile gray metallic element of the lan- somewhat bitter flour, a staple in the Orient. thanide series. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 16. The apparent surface of the imaginary 7. Deeply moved. You are in a rare mood of self-enjoyment and can appreciate your own bet- You may set out to accomplish certain things today, but find that interrup- sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be 8. Evergreen Indian shrub with vivid yellow tions easily occur. If you cannot avoid the distractions, see them as ways to projected. ter qualities. You may see value in or feel love or respect for an older person flowers whose bark is used in tanning. or someone in authority. If your career progress has not been up to par, you may be doing relax as well as a way to move with the flow of energies. Exercise care for a few more days 17. A tight-fitting headdress. 9. A tricycle (usually propelled by pedalling). a little self-talk today to encourage yourself to become more deliberate and better organ- with regard to excessive spending. Special sales and advertising can keep you a bit frus- 18. Naked freshwater or marine or parasitic 10. An encroachment or intrusion. ized for this next week at work. General good feelings and a sense of support and harmo- trated. New neighbors announce themselves. You may find a great opportunity to do protozoa that form temporary pseudopods 11. The compass point midway between east ny make this a happy time. This is a great day to plant flowers, or just to work in the yard. some sort of trade with them that will continue to work out very well in the future. Close Your interest in club affiliations may be reduced-they may have lost some of their appeal. personal ties to the young people in your life may create opportunities for emotional for feeding and locomotion. and southeast. growth. You have a loving attitude in your contact with loved ones, all day long. Perhaps a 20. `Father' is a term of address for priests in You may busy yourself for a while this afternoon with the animals that give you so much 12. The skin that covers the top of the head. joy. Bingo games could provide you with a fun and prosperous evening. night out for dinner brings a pleasant ending to the day’s activities. some churches (especially Roman or 13. A region of Malaysia in northeastern Orthodox Catholic). Borneo. 21. A dark-skinned member of a race of peo- 14. (possibly Roman) Goddess of horses and ple living in Australia when Europeans arrived. mules and asses. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 22. In the Arabian Nights a hero who tells of 19. A popular vacation spot in the Canadian Camping, fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities fill your thoughts the fantastic adventures he had in his voy- Rockies. People might call you a social butterfly. You are happy most of the time but today. You and a friend decide to plan a trip and perhaps spend a great deal especially with pleasant people and in beautiful places. You may spend a ages. 24. (classical architecture) A molding for a cor- of time on the internet or going through maps and reviewing old camping sites. You enjoy little time in meditation just to help you remember past appreciations. You are brave to anything out-of-doors and feel the urge to go looking in places unknown. Teaching, learn- 23. The cardinal number that is the sum of nice. deal with people that seem to be consumed by frustrations but your preference is to be one and one and one. ing, communicating and social contacts have a way of outlining new directions in your life. 26. One of the two main branches of orthodox surrounded by beautiful places. There may be a doll exhibit or some special fun activity There is much activity and involvement with communication issues. This could include 25. A formal expression of praise. Islam. you will want to treat yourself to today-take pictures. You may be sought after for your tutoring, lecturing, teaching, etc. Being on the go and keeping a finger to the winds of 27. A genus of herbs and shrubs belonging to 28. A white soft metallic element that tarnish- advice and counsel regarding a friend’s very personal matter this afternoon. You will be change make you feel in touch. You will enjoy some meaningful time with young people the family Euphorbiaceae. able to handle some very sensitive material. You are a good listener and usually the listen- this evening-perhaps your own children. You feel in balance with life. es readily. ing and concern is all that is needed. Enjoy a nature walk later today. 29. A radioactive transuranic element. 32. Having an owner. 30. A woman of refinement. 33. Artifact made by weaving or felting or 31. Any of various plants of the genus knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic Saxifraga. fibers. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 36. A city in northwestern Syria. 34. Excessively fat. 40. A pointed tool for marking surfaces or for 35. 16 ounces. You could be most persuasive with others today. In a religious or commu- You will find this a beautiful day . . . One filled with granted wishes, surprise gifts and visits from people that you have not seen for some time. The ener- punching small holes. 37. Italian film actress (born in 1934). nity setting, people listen to what you have to say. Your passion to make a project or les- 41. A small cake leavened with yeast. son successfully understood is all-consuming and may be very worthy of a strong spirit gies surrounding you are quite positive, although there is some thread of awareness to 38. Either of two large African antelopes of communicate carefully and listen with attentiveness. You are charming and are apprecia- 45. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm such as yours. This afternoon, weather permitting, you may enjoy a bit of yard work. You the genus Taurotragus having short spirally may even find that a friend or neighbor may suggest a joint garden. This is a great time to tive of others. Because you enjoy life and live life with a happy countenance most of the used in India for writing paper. twisted horns in both sexes. plant or begin a garden. A need to enjoy family members, laugh and talk about current time, you also influence others to be enthusiastic and optimistic. People will follow in your 46. A short sleep (usually not in bed). 39. (British) An abbreviation of pantomime. events in general will bring about a nice completion to everyone’s day. Communicating footsteps and young people will want to confide in you. This brings us to consider a pro- fession or volunteer work where you can be helpful and perhaps, teach, guide or tutor oth- 49. Of or relating to the island of Sumatra or 42. The residue that remains when something thoughts and experiences with the family helps you share a mutual concern and gives you the opportunity to help others. ers. Many friends want to help you celebrate. Happy birthday! its inhabitants. is burned. 52. Any monosaccharide sugar containing 43. A metric unit of length equal to 100 four atoms of carbon per molecule. meters. 54. A unit of power equal to 746 watts. 44. Artifact made by weaving or felting or Challenging Mazes Yesterday’s Solution 55. Small dark geese that breed in the north knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic and migrate southward. fibers. 56. Sticking fast n. 47. Alloy of copper and tin and zinc. 58. Type genus of the Hirundinidae. 48. A sandal attached to the foot by a thong 60. Being one more than one. over the toes. 61. A state in midwestern United States. 50. A state of violent disturbance and disorder 62. Armor plate that protects the chest. (as in politics or social conditions generally). 63. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. 51. Worthy of trust or belief. 67. A variety of bridge in which tricks made in 53. A town in north central Oklahoma. excess of the contract are scored toward 57. A landlocked mountainous republic in game. southeast central Asia north of Afghanistan. 71. Indian tree having fragrant nocturnal 59. Large herbivorous tropical American arbo- white flowers and yielding a reddish wood real lizards with a spiny crest along the back. used for planking. 73. An island in Indonesia south of Borneo. 64. Any of a group of Indic languages spoken 75. God of the Underworld. in Kashmir and eastern Afghanistan and 76. A self-funded retirement plan that allows northern Pakistan. you to contribute a limited yearly sum toward 65. An Indian nursemaid who looks after chil- your retirement. dren. 77. A person being ordained. 66. A city in northern India. 80. Apparent power to perceive things that 68. The United Nations agency concerned are not present to the senses. with atomic energy. 81. Hormone secreted by the posterior pitu- 69. A city in the Asian part of Russia. itary gland (trade name Pitressin) and also by 70. Chevrotain somewhat larger than the kan- nerve endings in the hypothalamus. chil. 82. Display excessive cordiality (towards). 72. An elegantly dressed man (often with 83. A Kwa language spoken by the Yoruba affected manners). people in southwestern Nigeria. 74. The part of the nervous system of verte- brates that controls involuntary actions of the smooth muscles and heart and glands. DOWN 1. Understanding of the nature or meaning or 78. The district occupied entirely by the city of quality or magnitude of something. Washington. 2. (folklore) A corpse that rises at night to 79. A person forced to flee from home or drink the blood of the living. country.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 information

For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 Al-Madeena 22418714 Al-Shuhada 22545171 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Al-Shuwaikh 24810598 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Al-Nuzha 22545171 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Sabhan 24742838 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Al-Helaly 22434853 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Al-Faiha 22545051 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967

Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Al-Farwaniya 24711433 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Al-Sulaibikhat 24316983 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Al-Fahaheel 23927002 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh 24316983 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Ahmadi 23980088 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Al-Mangaf 23711183 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Al-Shuaiba 23262845 Rawda 22517733

Adaliya 22517144 Al-Jahra 25610011 Khaldiya 24848075 Al-Salmiya 25616368 Kaifan 24849807 Shamiya 24848913 INTERNATIONAL Shuwaikh 24814507 CALLS Abdullah Salem 22549134

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Scherzinger prefers shoulders to cleavage icole Scherzinger thinks ‘shoulders are sexier than cleavage’. The 35-year-old singer prefers to wear outfits which are N“open across the top”, and while she admitted to wearing boob-boosting bras, she insisted “everybody” can achieved a similar look. She told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper’s TV Extra magazine: “You see me wearing dresses that are open across the top. That area shows grace because it’s dainty, but it also shows strength. “I think shoulders are sexier than cleavage. Everybody can have cleavage with the bras we have today. I do use those bras - absolutely. They can give you confidence.” The former Pussycat Doll believes in herself by “staying in shape”, but explained it is all in her mind. She added: “Staying in shape is where I get my power from. It keeps my temple strong. Physically it helps because you feel more confident in your clothes and how you hold yourself, but it’s a mental for me. “If I don’t work out I actually look more slender as I don’t have as much definition ... Once you embrace your size and your style - and you wear clothes that make you feel confident and take care of yourself from within - you will look and feel better on the outside.”

Arthur slams his debut album

ames Arthur has blasted his debut album. The ‘You’re Nobody’ hitmaker was less than impressed with his self-titled record, insisting Jhe wasn’t given enough freedom artistically and bosses behind the LP were more motivated by “money”. Speaking on Polish TV show ‘Interia’ he claimed: “I have people telling me what I can and can’t do, what music I can and can’t make. People who aren’t artists don’t think about creativity and art, they think about money. “When you find fame or you get signed to a record label, it’s not what you imagined - because Bale is to become a dad again you imagined they would have 100 per cent trust or faith in you as an hristian Bale is to become a father again. The 40-year-old actor and his wife Sibi artist. Unfortunately that’s not really the case - it’s what sells.” The singer Blazic are reportedly expecting their second child after the brunette beauty was found success after winning TV talent show ‘The X Factor’ in 2012, but he spotted with a blossoming baby bump at the Oscar awards, held in Los Angeles, last has attacked Simon Cowell’s program for producing “puppets” and C “karaoke singers”. He said: “Having watched ‘X Factor’ over the years, week, according to E! News. The ‘American Hustle’ star remained tight-lipped about possibly becoming a dad again at the glamorous event, but was spotted pointing at his wife’s they just haven’t got it right. The male winners haven’t been believable. stomach when he bumped into a friend. Christian already has eight-year-old daughter They look like puppets, they sound like puppets. “I happen to agree with Emmeline with Sibi and previously gushed how being a father is “the best thing ever”. He a lot of people who say it’s like karaoke. I’ve done it myself watching the said in 2012: “Nothing can prepare you for fatherhood. It’s the best thing ever. “I don’t want show over the years and saying, ‘I’ve seen better down my local pub’. to leave my daughter’s side for one second.” Meanwhile, the hunky star, who married his “Unfortunately, there’s a load of karaoke singers in the world and all they beau in 2000, never planned to tie the knot after watching his loved ones go through a can do is make them look like good karaoke singers.” bitter divorce when he was younger. He explained previously: “I never planned to marry. Everyone was divorced in my family so I didn’t have very healthy ideas about marriage. Then I met Sibi and suddenly it seemed a fantastic idea.” Winehouse planned for a future with Fielder

my Winehouse wanted to raise Blake Fielder- Civil’s baby. The late singer was reportedly so Akeen to have children that she sent texts claiming she wanted to be involved in her ex-husband’s life, according to his mother Georgette Civil. She told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: “Amy said, ‘We’ll take the baby and raise him as our own’. “Blake sent texts back saying it was a great idea. I couldn’t believe what I was reading - they both lived in a dream world.” She also revealed how the ‘Back To Black’ singer - who died from accidentally alcohol pointing in July 2011 - was con- stantly planning “for her future” with her ex-husband, and even tried to visit him in jail day before she passed away. Georgette said: “Amy had so many plans for her Butlerstill looking for ‘the one’ future with Blake. He was in jail and they were divorced erard Butler is still waiting for “the one”. The ‘Olympus Has Fallen’ actor admitted he is “sadly” single, but she wrote to him and still longed for them to have a explaining while he has “met a lot of princesses”, he hasn’t found someone he wants to spend the baby. “The day before she died she had phoned the rest of his life with yet. Speaking to the Mail on Sunday newspaper, he said: “I have not met the prison, trying to arrange a visit.” Despite the couple’s G one princess yet. “That doesn’t mean I have not met a lot of princesses along the way, but not the one and problems, Georgette “couldn’t accept” that her son was only yet. “Or maybe I have and she might come back into my life at some point. You should never rule out suffering, and its trained her own relationship with his anything. But am I seeing the one now? The answer, sadly, is no.” The 44-year-old star also admitted he father Giles. She admitted: “I felt so guilty for Blake’s would love to have children in the future, but conceded building a long-term relationship can be difficult problems that I couldn’t accept they were so bad. “I in the acting industry. He added: “I do want kids. For now I have four nieces. I often wonder what it would made excuse after excuse until Giles had enough. Still I be like to share a movie with my kids. “It does make me think ... It’s harder to be in a relationship in this couldn’t accept Blake had done anything wrong.” industry. It’s partly my own fault, and partly the nature of the beast. “It’s hard when you are leaving all the time. I’m not in Australia. Who wants to put up with that? But who says life has to be just one relationship? Maybe it’s meant to have many short relationships?” Adele approached for another Bond song dele is keeping James Bond bosses in the dark over whether she’ll record the next theme Asong. The global superstar recorded the title track for 2012 movie ‘Skyfall’, and while many behind the scenes of the upcoming 24th film in the British spy saga are keen for her to sing the next song, she’s refusing to commit just yet. An insider at studio MGM told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: “The chiefs here have made their feelings known to Adele that they want her back for the next film. “Daniel has also made it clear he loved Adele and wants her back but she has not responded, which is making them sweat.” If Adele accepted the offer, she would become the first singer to record more than one Bond theme since Shirley Bassey, who performed ‘Goldfinger’, Edwards says accepting Malik’s ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ and ‘Moonraker’. She could have competition though, with British rockers Biffy Clyro throwing their name in the hat and admitting proposal was a ‘no-brainer’ they would “love” to write a track for one of 007’s errie Edwards says accepting Zayn Malik’s proposal was a “no-brainer”. The Little Mix singer got engaged adventures. Frontman Simon Neil recently said: “Biffy to the One Direction heart throb seven months ago and, despite only being 20 she doesn’t feel like she’s for Bond, yes - I will follow you to the ends of the rushing into anything too serious. She told The Sun on Sunday newspaper’s Fabulous magazine: “It was a earth, sir. I’d love that. “I think we’ve got a couple of P songs in our back catalogue that could have suited no-brainer! “I think you know yourself when the time’s right and when you’re with the right person ... My parents were engaged when they were really young and I’m old-school. “I’m not a typical girl that’s partying all the but that is most songwriters’ dream, isn’t it, to write time. I just want to be with someone and let that be it.” However, the couple’s hectic schedules mean plans for for Bond? “You get given the key it has to be in, I their wedding haven’t began yet, and Perrie admitted she doesn’t want to “go into it half-arsed” and rush her believe, and certain motifs ... It’s such a dramatic wedding with the ‘Story of My Life’ hitmaker. She added: “Everyone’s like, ‘Have you planned the hen night? theme that I think it would really suit us.” Have you planned this and that?’ “But we’ve been so busy, I I haven’t. We want to do it properly.” LIFESTYLE37 MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 Gossip Wahlberg changes diet ark Wahlberg has given up bread and pasta. The 42-year-old star bulked up for his role in M‘Transformers: Age of Extinction’ but wanted to slim down again after for his next role in ‘The Gambler’, and initially cut out food completely. He said: “I began with a liquid diet. Then I completely changed my training program and gave up bread and pasta. Now I’m eating small portions of protein throughout the day and jumping rope a lot. Everyone is trying to get me to stay thin now.” Mark - who has children Ella, 10, Michael, seven, Brendan, five, and Grace, four, with wife Rhea Durham - is a disciplined person, which he believes is one of the reasons for his phenomenal success. He told People magazine: “I’m just disciplined. I have an appreciation for the fact that I’m in a unique situation to be able to do all the things I want to do. I don’t take it for granted, and I don’t know how long it will last, so I’ve got to be on my A game. Today we had a 4.40 am call time, so I got up at 1am.”

Dunham eying Drew Barrymore is craving noodles he ‘Whip It’ actress - who is seven months pregnant with her second daughter with husband Will Kopelman - can’t Lamar for ‘Girls’ stop eating Chinese treats, even though the cuisine doesn’t always agree with her. When asked about her cravings, she replied: “I mean, other than everything? Chinese food, All I want is pan fried noodles with that gelatinous sauce. T ena Dunham wants Kendrick Lamar to You swell up like a puffer fish afterward, but they’re so good!” Drew says her 17-month-old daughter, Olive, is also excited appear on ‘Girls’. The actress and writer about meeting her sister. She said in an interview with Us Weekly magazine: “She points at my stomach and she goes, is desperate for the ‘Swimming Pools’ ‘baby’. She’s really smart.” Drew grew up in the spotlight and has learned much about fame and the pressures of L rapper to appear on her show and she’s Hollywood, and she’s determined to instill self-confidence in her daughters after accepting herself “changed her life”. She already got an idea of an “inappropriate” sto- added: “I want to teach them how insecurity is not an option. One day, I just decided I am what I am and that’s enough. It ryline he could be involved in. She said: “If I changed my life.” could ever get any rapper, right now I’m going to go with Kendrick Lamar. I would want him for something inappropriate. I’d say to him, ‘I’m in a relationship, but I want Marc Anthony fights you to know that I connect with you on a visual level.’ “He would make a nice addition child support rise to our cast. He’s really busy though.” Lena, 27, is dating Fun. Guitarist Jack Antonoff in real arc Anthony is refusing to give his ex-wife a life, but doesn’t have any plans for him to rise in child support. The 45-year-old singer appear on the show. She told America’s OK! Mis fighting against Dayanara Torres after she magazine: “He’s pretty comfortable. He demanded he increases his monthly payments from knows he’s too well behaved to be very inter- $13,000 to $113,000 for his sons Cristian, 13, and esting on the show.” Lena also had advice Ryan, 10. Dayanara, who divorced Marc in 2004, she’d like to give to her younger self. She claims her children have a lavish lifestyle when said: “Relax and stop trying so hard, because they’re with their father, but live in relative poverty it’s gonna be OK. You can’t force other peo- when they’re with her. The 39-year-old actress ple to like you. You have to ride the wave, allegedly wants the extra cash to pay for house staff and chill.” and the opportunity to take her boys on a vacation. However, Marc believes the increase in funds would “spoil them rotten” and claims too much money could turn them into drug addicts. According to TMZ.com, Marc reportedly hired a psychologist to write a letter to the judge highlighting all the prob- Ellie Gouldingcouldn’t trust men lems that could arise from children living in Los Angeles, whose parents have large amounts of money in the entertainment industry. In the legal docu- llie Goulding never used to be able to ments, which leaked to the website, the psychologist trust her boyfriends. The ‘Burn’ hitmaker argued that children who grow up with unlimited Eadmits she had insecurities when it came funds “become high-risk for illicit drugs, alcohol and to dating the opposite sex because she feared a fast-paced lifestyle that they are not emotionally they would abandon her, like her father did capable of handling”. After splitting from Dayanara, when she was a youngster. She is quoted by the Marc went on to marry Jennifer Lopez, whom he has Daily Mirror as saying: “I did find it hard to trust six-year-old twins Emme and Maximillian with, people when my dad left. Particularly men. “I before he filed for divorce in April 2012. He then have got over that now but I thought if I had a went on to date Topshop heiress Chloe Green, but boyfriend I would wonder why they were being the pair reportedly split up last month after their so nice to me.” The 27-year-old singer, who hectic schedules put a strain on their relationship. grew up on a council estate in Hertfordshire with her brother and two sisters, could never understand why her dad walked out on her, but insists she isn’t interested in finding out any more. She explained: “We used to see each other every other weekend and then once a month, and then never. “When I first stopped Neeson refused Bond seeing him I can’t remember why and it has been too long now. I don’t know what he’s like now.” The blonde beauty recorded her heart- role for marriage break and anger in a diary when she was younger, which she then translated into lyrics iam Neeson refused to play James Bond because he wanted when she developed a passion for music. She Natasha Richardson to marry him. The 61-year-old actor said: “I used to be angry and bitter. I did not claims he was “heavily courted” for the iconic 007 role 19 L think he cared. “But I became peaceful with it. If years ago, but he turned down the opportunity because his then- I spent the rest of my life being bitter I would girlfriend said she wouldn’t tie the knot if he played the spy. He never get on with anything. “Song writing is a told the Hull Daily Mail newspaper: “I was heavily courted, let’s form of therapy, I think.” put it that way, and I’m sure some other actors were too. “It was about 18 or 19 years ago and my wife-to-be said, ‘If you play James Bond we’re not getting married!’ And I had to take that on board, because I did want to marry her.” The couple became husband and wife in 1994 and went on to have sons Miche?l, 18, and Daniel, 17, before Natasha tragically died following a skiing accident in Montreal, Canada, in March 2009. The ‘Non-Stop’ star recalled the first time he set eyes on Natasha after they met on the set of 1981’s ‘Excalibur’, and compared their chemistry to iconic dance partners Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. He said previously: “She was a radiant beauty. Yeah, cascading hair. I remember. There was-that was very, very attractive. “I’d never had that kind of an explosive chemistry situation with an actor, or actress. “She and I were like Astaire and Rogers. We had just this wonderful kind of dance, free dance on stage every night, you know?” Meanwhile, Liam has been in an on/off relationship with PR executive Freya St Johnston since 2010.

Bryan Ferry divorced his wife

he 68-year-old singer ended his two-year marriage with Amanda Sheppard, 31, yesterday at a court hearing in London after District Judge TGibson granted the couple a decree nisi. The pair, who tied the knot on the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2011, now have to wait for a decree absolute, which is usually issued six weeks later, before their marriage can be formally over. Amanda reportedly filed for divorce from the former Roxy Music star following his continuous unreasonable behavior, and also confirmed she was no longer living with him at their home in West Sussex. A source told the Express Ke$ha changes her name newspaper: “Amanda hoped they could sort things out between themselves and keep it low-profile. But Bryan’s behavior towards her means that she no e$ha has changed her name following her recent stint in rehab. The ‘Timber’ hitmaker finished her treatment for longer thinks this is an option. “He has acted like a child. She packed up her an eating disorder at the Timberline Knolls centre earlier this week, and has now decided to drop the dollar sign things and he made a point that she couldn’t take some basic items.” However, Kfrom her Twitter handle. The 27-year-old singer, who took an extended absence from the social networking site Bryan’s publicist has since released a statement claiming the former lovers while she sought treatment, posted a picture yesterday of her playing in the sand, wearing a jumper with the caption, remain on “good terms”. He said: “With great sadness, Amanda and Bryan have ‘I’m A Survivor’ emblazoned on it. The ‘Tik Tok’ hitmaker spent two months at the facility near Chicago after admitting decided to go their separate ways. “They remain on extremely good terms she was suffering with bulimia and anorexia, but she claimed on Thursday she was feeling “healthy” again. She tweet- and wish each other only the best going forwards. “They would each be ed: “Happy to be back! Feeling healthy & working on tons of new music, I can’t thank my fans enough for all the love & extremely grateful if their privacy in regard to this matter could be respected.” support u have given me. (sic)” She later added: “Life is beautiful. I’m so blessed to have u all. (sic)”. However, the pur- Bryan was previously married to Lucy Helmore, whom he has four children ple-haired beauty recently postponed her upcoming ‘Warrior’ world tour, which would see her perform in Hammond, with, and also famously dated former model Jerry Hall before she left him for Indiana, on March 15 and Green Bay, Wisconsin, on April 13, following doctor’s orders to overcome her issues before Sir Mick Jagger. —Bang Showbiz focusing on her career again. lifestyle MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 FEATURE Mobile, Alabama:

Children play in a park near the Cathedral Basilica of A home in the Oakleigh historic district of Mobile, the Immaculate Conception. Alabama.

obile is that “other” city on the northern tourists annually. But the bayside town drips with Bayou La Batre Gulf Coast, the one that sometimes gets Old South charm and has plenty of things to do, Less than 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Mlost between the beaches of the Florida some of the best of which don’t cost a dime. downtown Mobile, Bayou La Batre is men- Panhandle and the nonstop party of New With a quaint downtown that’s situated on tioned in the movie “Forrest Gump” as the Orleans. Local promoters call it “secretly awe- Mobile Bay and framed by huge oak trees with hometown of character “Bubba” Blue. In real some.” No, Mobile doesn’t draw millions of gnarly braches, Mobile and the surrounding life, the town of 2,600 is a major seafood pro- area offer visitors a variety of free activities. cessing center. It’s also a photographer’s dream with a drawbridge, small boatyards, Fort Conde and a large fleet of colorful shrimping The city’s welcome center, Fort Conde is a trawlers. — AP red-brick recreation of the French fort that protected Mobile for a century until 1820, when the original was demolished to clear land. Exhibits explore life in colonial Mobile and include artifacts from Indians and early European settlers who shaped the area.

Cathedral Basilica of the immaculate conception Consecrated in 1850 before the Civil War, the basilica is the home of the oldest Roman Catholic parish on the Gulf Coast. With twin bell towers, stained-glass windows, a vaulted ceiling and columns adorned with gold leaf, the church fronts Cathedral Plaza, a shady spot for an afternoon rest along Dauphin Street, Mobile’s low-key answer to Bourbon Street. This 2012 photo shows a home with ornate ironwork fencing and a balcony in Mobile, Downtown streets are lined with homes Alabama. and businesses with balconies and fences made of lacy-patterned ironwork. past waterfront mansions in nearby Fairhope. areas in Mobile, the Oakleigh district is within Gawk at the USS Alabama, a World War II battle- walking distance of downtown hotels and fea- Mobile Bay ship. Mobile Bay is 32 miles long (52 kilometers) tures scores of homes dating back to the Fish for flounder. Cast a net for mullet. Kayak and empties directly into the Gulf of Mexico. 1800s and early 1900s. Neighbors mingle on in the marshes. Watch pelicans glide over the shady front porches and stroll along sidewalks Pelicans are perched atop a piling in Mobile water. Sit on a park bench while a 1,000-foot- Oakleigh Garden District cracked by the roots of huge live oaks and One of seven nationally recognized historic magnolia trees. Shrimp boats float beside docks in Bayou Bay at Mobile, Ala. long (300-meter-long) freighter glides past. Stroll La Batre, Ala. Christie’s aims to boost market, tap rich with first India sale

hristie’s hopes to help revive the Indian art scene this week with its first auction Cin the country, where the market is yet to return to the heady days enjoyed before a crash five years ago. The international auction house is bringing 83 lots spanning a century of Indian art under the hammer, including works by modern master M.F. Husain and national treasures Rabindranath Tagore and Amrita Sher-Gil. Held at Mumbai’s grand Taj Mahal Palace hotel and expected to attract the country’s growing band of super-rich, the auction is part of Christie’s strategy to tap into the rising clout of Asian buyers, following its first sale in China in September. Photo shows artist Meera Mukherjee’s ‘Untitled’ sculpture on display. “The market has evolved very well, the con- 2011. His “Mahishasura”, depicting the Hindu recent years “you haven’t seen major works noisseurship. People are looking very discern- goddess Durga fighting a buffalo demon, is the coming out of India, which perhaps is to do ingly at what are the best works,” said Hugo top lot at Thursday’s auction, with a $1.2 to with the amount of money in the market,” he Weihe, international director of Asian Art at $1.5 million estimate. The total sale, much of said. “But it’s given the artists time to study, Christie’s. “People want the best and they’re which has been sourced from the collection of look around and work out what they want to willing to pay the price.” Some have questioned late gallery owners Kekoo and Khorshed do perhaps more intensively than when the the timing of the sale, given the recent sharp Gandhy, is expected to raise $6 to $8 million. markets were very alive.” slowdown in India’s economy and a difficult “We hope to exceed the high estimate hand- Singh said he could also see a newfound few years for the art scene since the global A staff member speaks on his phone as he stands in front of Manjit Bawa’s ‘Untitled somely,” Weihe said. Yet the optimism and excitement stirring in the market, which has economic crisis sent prices tumbling in 2008. (Gaja Lakshmi)’ during a media preview ahead of Christie’s first auction in India, in glamour surrounding a Christie’s sale may not given the Delhi Art Gallery, where he curates, But Christie’s, which has had an office in the Mumbai. —AFP photos be telling of the wider Indian market. the confidence to recently open a major financial hub Mumbai for two decades, said it has seen four-fold growth in Indian buyers at Analysis firm ArtTactic said confidence in branch in Mumbai. Despite its ups and downs, its international auctions. the Indian art market was down 13.6 percent in the Indian art market remains in its infancy A sale on home turf cuts down transporta- the six months to November, amid economic next to that of China, where the Christie’s sale tion issues and import taxes, as well as putting woes and a decline in the rupee, after a steady of international works in September raised $25 a focus on India’s rich artistic heritage. “The sale 18-month increase in positive sentiment. Priya million. Those in the art world say much more is entirely sourced in India, for India. It’s a shot Jhaveri, who runs the Jhaveri Contemporary needs to be done to make the subject accessi- in the arm to get people excited,” Weihe told gallery in Mumbai, said the collector base may ble, with a better art curriculum at Indian AFP. While contemporary artists were badly hit have grown but remained “very small”, with schools, greater philanthropy and more exhibi- by the crash, experts say works by modern galleries still forced to offer discounts. “All tions at public institutions. masters, such as those in the Bombay around people are being very price conscious, But things are starting to improve, says Progressive Artists’ Group formed in 1947, had they want to know where a young artist will be curator Susan Hapgood, who left New York for managed to hold up well. The 1983 painting in 10 or 20 years. They’re collecting less on India and set up the non-profit Mumbai Art “Saurashtra” by Syed Haider Raza sold for instinct and more with caution,” she said. Room in 2011 to promote appreciation of con- almost 2.4 million pounds ($3.6 million) at In the boom years before 2008, a global temporary art. Christie’s in London in 2010, setting a record curiosity in India and young Indian artists saw “The art scene is changing from elitist and for a modern Indian work. their recognition and prices soar, before com- rarefied to something more populist, which is a A canvas by Tyeb Mehta, another top mem- ing down with a bump in the financial crisis, hugely welcome sign and which bodes well for Photo shows Tyeb Mehta’s ‘Falling Figure’ and Ram Kumar’s ‘Benaras’ are displayed. ber of the Progressives, fetched $3.24 million in explained veteran art critic Kishore Singh. In future sales of art,” she said. — AFP

A visitor looks at Jitish Kallat’s ‘R.S.V.P. (Respondez s’il vous plait)’. A visitor looks at Bhupen Khakhar’s ‘Untitled’ painting. Staff are seen discussing the positioning of cctv cameras at the gallery in front of the Unknown Artist’s ‘Untitled (MURART - Prisoners of War)’. lifestyle MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 FASHION Drew Barrymore Don’t overdo wedding look

rew Barrymore says brides should colors, and insists they should tone down look naturally beautiful on their wed- the “cuckoo factor”. She said: “I appreciate Dding day. The 39-year-old actress some women who are like, ‘I really want to thinks women will regret their big day’s change my hair color for that day,’ but it’s make-up and hair choices years after the not the time to play around. “If you are momentous occasion if they over-do it and thinking of doing something bold like a nail, Miranda Kerr end up not looking like themselves. She pick a shade that has powders and greys explained to People magazine: “That day is and neutrals in it so it tones down the ‘cuck- so surreal and important and long-lasting oo factor.’ I think wedding days and ‘cuckoo Kerr becomes for people, I think the biggest mistake you factor’ are not a good combination.” can make is to overdo it. “Look like yourself Drew contemplated having “dark lips” on your wedding day - don’t go with crazy when she wed Will Kopelman in 2012 and is the new face of spiral curls and some heavy foundation and glad she decided against it in the end. She look back at that picture and be like, ‘Whoa, added: “I tried to do a dark lip on my own Wonderbra that doesn’t look like me.’ wedding day, and I just wasn’t feeling it. I It should be you but the most enhanced, went very natural. It took me 10 minutes to do beautiful natural version of yourself.” Drew my hair and I wore very little make-up, and I’m iranda Kerr has become the new face of thinks brides shouldn’t use their wedding glad I did. I’m all for bold, but I just find that’s Wonderbra. The Australian beauty has been day to experiment with different styles and not the day for it.” —Bang Showbiz Munveiled as the cleavage-enhancing lingerie brand’s new spokesmodel , just one year after her contract with Victoria’s Secret ended. The 30-year-old model shows off her lithe limbs and toned stomach in the new campaign shots, following in the footsteps of Eva Herzigova, who appeared in Wonderbra’s iconic ‘Hello Boys’ ads in the 90s. The campaign was named the most iconic advert ever, but the underwear brand ModaLisboa have shied away from using famous models in recent years. Last April, Miranda cited her desire to focus on rais- Fashion Week ing her son Flynn, three, as the reason for hanging up her Angel wings after six years in the inner circle of Victoria’s Secret models. She admitted: “I realized I needed to prioritize my time. I’m just not in a position to commit to a full contract at this time. It’s three months at bare minimum.” Miranda can add Wonderbra to the long list of lucra- tive gigs she has landed in recent months, including Swarovski, H&M and Reebok. The sexy star also has her own line of natural skincare products called Kora Organics. — Bang Showbiz Adams likes to ‘feel womanly’ on red carpets Amy Adams Amy

my Adams likes her red carpet dresses to make her “feel womanly”. The ‘American Hustle’ star Ahas stunned in a number of gorgeous gowns during awards season this year and claims there are a handful of designers - including Antonio Berardi, Roland Mouret and Victoria Beckham - she turns to when looking for the perfect dress. She said: “There are certain designers who I refer to as zip-ons, design- Luis Buchinho ers who I have zipped on many times. “I like to feel supported and all those designers I just mentioned have some internal structure that accentuates, rather than squishes. I want something that makes me feel womanly.” The 39-year-old actress - who missed out on the Academy Award for Best Actress at the Oscars last Sunday - also admitted he’s become more comfortable with walking the red-carpet now that she’s done Lidija Kolovrat it so many times. She told British VOGUE magazine: “I’ve relaxed a bit more over time ... I don’t like that it’s become a sport, and that every aspect of you is picked apart, but I like working with designers to create a look. “By the end of the process, you feel like an extension of their creation, so you step onto the red carpet thinking that, rather than it all being about you.” — Bang Showbiz Bale is to become a dad again

MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014 36

Members of the Salgueiro samba school, runner-up of the 2014 Rio Carnival, perform during the Champions’ parade of the carnival’s victorious samba schools, at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday.—AFP

even years in the making and costing nearly The last remaining print of India’s first “talkie”, the itage gems, such as the once-famed Bombay Talkies $20 million, the first Indian film museum is set 1931 film “Alam Ara” (The Light of the World), was studio, have been left to deteriorate in recent Sto open in the home of Bollywood, more than destroyed in a fire in 2003. “Many things have been decades. 100 years after the country’s celebrated movie lost. We have only one percent of early silent films But a few projects have sprung up celebrating industry was born. The government-funded left. Therefore this is not a museum of collections the city’s movie history in recent years. In 2012 a National Museum of Indian Cinema, set in an ele- but a museum of information, interaction and edu- “Walk of the Stars” was set up on a seaside prome- gant 19th century heritage bungalow in south cation through a sensory experience,” said Gangar. nade in the style of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, with Indian visitors walk past a kiosk selling guided tours. Mumbai, traces Indian cinema’s history from the Procuring original memorabilia was also a chal- handprints and signatures of various leading actors. black-and-white silent era to its musical modern lenge for the museum, say its creators. “We didn’t Ahead of the industry’s centenary last year, a blockbusters. get much, but we got a few things through dona- Mumbai artist also began painting giant murals of “It’s about time India had its own film museum. tions and purchases. Many things have previously classic film posters on the walls of the street. We have archives, but not a museum and today a been amassed by private collectors,” said Kumar. museum can become vibrant because of technolo- “This museum will be more educational.” Via a touch Bollywood tours gy and interactivity,” said curator Amrit Gangar as he screen panel, visitors can watch clips from the few It seems authorities may now also be recognizing gave AFP a preview tour. Spread across two floors of remaining silent films such as “Prem Sanyas” (The the potential for Bollywood to bring in tourism rev- the 6,000 square foot building, the museum show- Light of Asia, 1925) and “Prapancha Pash” (Throw of enue-not only through the museum, but also cases original artefacts, memorabilia, recordings and Dice, 1929). through movie tours of the city. Tourism officials of film-making tools. Visitors can see an original paint- Among the moving pictures featured is “Raja Maharashtra state, of which Mumbai is the capital, ed poster for the 1957 epic “Mother India” and listen Harishchandra”, the first all-Indian feature film have recently begun offering “Bollywood Tours”, to songs by K.L. Saigal, considered the first superstar brought to the silver screen in Mumbai on May 3, including drives past the homes of the stars and vis- of Hindi film. 1913. A tale from the Hindu epic book its to Film City’s studios and costume galleries. The The idea is to celebrate not just Hindi-language “Mahabharata”, the film quickly became a hit despite higher-end tours, for 3,250 rupees (52 dollars), offer Bollywood, but also the films made in the various its female characters being played by men at a time a chance to glimpse the liveliness and chaos of a regions and languages across India, a country that when women acting was widely frowned upon. shooting set with lights, reflectors, cranes and heavi- produces nearly 1,500 movies a year. “All the film- Kumar said the museum would take visitors ly made-up actors hastily taking position. making centres of India have been represented,” said “through the journey of Indian cinema, from pre- While tourists are more likely to spot a TV actor, Anil Kumar, head of marketing at the government’s cinema to the silent era to talkies to songs, the stu- with some luck visitors might even catch a glimpse German visitor Nadine Piolot tours a film set at Film City in Mumbai. Films Division, who said the museum was ready and dio system, new wave and digital.” Unlike of a recognizable Bollywood star. “The idea of the would open within the next few weeks. Hollywood, a physical place in Los Angeles, the term tours is to give a peek into Film City and its various Bollywood is a nickname for the Hindi-language film locations and also how Bollywood functions,” said ‘Many things lost’ industry that is largely centred on Mumbai, formerly Manoj Gursahani, chairman of TravelMartIndia oper- The curators of the project were faced with big known as Bombay. Much of the studio action now ating the tours.—AFP gaps in the country’s rich cinema heritage-many of happens in a “Film City” complex in the city’s north- India’s early films, for example, were not preserved. or in picturesque foreign locations-while old her-

An Indian guide photographs Russian tourists inside a studio set.

Australian tourist Rebecka and members of her family watch a live shoot Photo shows Indian staff decorate a tour van adorned with posters bearing the image of Bollywood film stars used for guided tours at Film City in on a Bollywood film set in Mumbai. Mumbai.—AFP photos