TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 JAMADA ALTHANI 4, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Situation in Ted Cruz, Egypt, Ethiopia Ex-tennis star Yemen ‘very heavy on faith, and Sudan sign Bob Hewitt dangerous’: launches White accord over guilty of rape Jarallah3 House bid7 Nile13 waters in18 South Africa Police break up protest Min 09º Max 29º by opposition activists High Tide 02:20 & 14:25 MoI warns citizens to abide by gatherings law Low Tide 08:35 & 21:20 40 PAGES NO: 16469 150 FILS KUWAIT: Kuwaiti riot police dispersed hundreds of opposition protesters who rallied yesterday to demand Amir, Cabinet hail the release of political prisoners and press for demo- cratic reforms in state. More than 500 activists gathered fair judicial system outside the National Assembly for the third week in a row after authorities jailed opposition leader and for- mer lawmaker Musallam Al-Barrak for insulting HH the Amir. The previous two gatherings were peaceful and passed off without police interference. But as a few dozen protesters marched towards par- liament yesterday, police used batons to beat activists, forcing them to disperse. Kuwait National Committee for Monitoring Violations, a private rights group, said on Twitter that several protesters were hurt and others were arrested. Rights activist Nawaf Al-Hendal said the protesters included women and former members of parliament. He said at least a dozen people were arrest- ed in the melee. Earlier in the day, the interior ministry had warned protesters to abide by a law that regulates rallies, affirm- ing its keenness on maintaining the country’s security. In a press statement, the ministry emphasized its KUWAIT: Policemen disperse opposition protesters during a demonstration out- Continued on Page 13 side the National Assembly yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (right) meets Deputy Chairman of Kuwait’s Supreme Judicial Council and the Cassation Court and President of the Constitutional Court Judge Yousef Al- Mutawa at Bayan Palace yesterday. — KUNA MP files to grill commerce minister KUWAIT: HH the Amir reaffirmed con- gent work in dealing with various cas- By B Izzak shareholders to call for a general the minister if half of the elected law- fidence in and support of the Kuwaiti es, especially those affecting the assembly meeting of the firm. makers support the motion. judiciary at Bayan Palace yesterday. “I sanctity of public money,” HH Sheikh KUWAIT: MP Roudhan Al-Roudhan Assembly speaker Marzouk Al- The issue with the company would like to personally express, as Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday filed a request to grill Ghanem said he received the grilling began last year when a group of well as on behalf of the Kuwaiti peo- said. Commerce and Industry Minister and listed it on the agenda of the shareholders filed a complaint to the ple, confidence and pride in the coun- “We praise their application of jus- Abdulmohsen Al-Mudej over alleged Assembly session of April 7. The min- Assembly’s complaints committee try’s fair judicial system, which is tice, equality and rule of law to pro- violations regarding a local invest- ister can accept to be grilled or can that the board of directors of the known for its integrity and neutrality, tect the safety and stability of our ment company. Roudhan claimed in request the Assembly to delay the company illegally rejected repeated and to protect it from any humilia- country and the rights and dignity of his first-ever grilling request that the debate for two weeks or more. The requests to convene a general tions or doubts in its sacred task. We its citizens through abiding by the law minister has assisted the board of debate could lead to a no-confi- assembly meeting to elect a new would also like to applaud the efforts and the constitution, as the judicial directors of a local investment com- dence motion if 10 MPs agree to sign board whose term had ended in of the judicial workforces for their dili- Continued on Page 13 pany to dodge repeated demands by it. This could lead to the dismissal of Continued on Page 13 Abdulmohsen Al-Mudej Sultan Qaboos back in Oman Amir welcomes return • Omanis rejoice MUSCAT: Sultan Qaboos of Oman flew home Oman was an isolated country living on the yesterday after spending more than eight margins of the modern world with little or no months in Germany for medical treatment infrastructure. Qaboos has since transformed that was completely successful, state televi- his Gulf sultanate - which sits atop proven gas sion reported. Qaboos returned after “having reserves of 660 million cu m - into a modern completed medical treatment in Germany state. But his prolonged absence for treat- whose results were crowned as a total suc- ment stirred fears over succession. In Oct cess,” the television announced. Footage 2011, Qaboos, who has no children or broth- showed the 74-year-old sultan walking unaid- ers, amended the process of choosing his suc- ed from a royal aircraft and then along a red cessor. The sultan, whose closest relatives are carpet before being driven away. cousins, appointed five top officials to a coun- HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al- cil that would be involved in confirming the Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable to new sultan in case of any royal family dispute. Sultan Qaboos welcoming his safe return to Oman’s population is estimated at around his country. Kuwait and its people are sharing four million. Nearly 1.8 million of them are for- the joy of the Omani people on the occasion eigners - mostly Asians. In 2011, the usually of Sultan Qaboos’ return, the Amir said in his sleepy sultanate was caught up in the Arab SINGAPORE: People pay their respects at the tribute area at Singapore General cable, and wished the Omani leader contin- Spring protest movement that touched much Hospital following the death of former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew (seen on ues his leadership of the country towards of the region. Two civilians died in demonstra- poster) yesterday. — AFP (See Page 12) more development and prosperity. tions demanding political and economic In his last public address, Qaboos reforms, shaking the government and leading appeared on television in November to tell his Qaboos to implement a series of reforms and nation that he would miss the 44th anniver- to arrest scores of activists. In an effort to pla- Singapore in mourning sary of his inauguration and national day, say- cate protesters, Qaboos announced the cre- ing his treatment was giving “good results”. ation of 50,000 new jobs, a monthly Scores of people took to social media net- allowance for registered job seekers and a as founding father dies works to celebrate the return of Qaboos, who higher minimum wage for nationals working is the longest serving leader in the Middle in the private sector. He also reshuffled his SINGAPORE: Singapore was plunged turned a tiny territory lacking natural East and the only one many Omanis have cabinet. into mourning and world leaders united resources into a world player in finance, ever had. The sultanate derives 79 percent of its in tribute yesterday after the death of trading, high-tech industries and ship- “For eight months, Omanis have been revenues from oil, of which it produces only Lee Kuan Yew, the iron-fisted politician ping - all the while exerting a tight politi- praying that their leader would recover,” said about one million barrels per day. The non- who transformed a colonial backwater cal grip long decried by rights campaign- one post on Twitter using the Arabic hashtag OPEC member has projected a budget into a world financial centre. His son, ers. Lee’s blend of economic reform allied “Good news: Qaboos has returned”. “This deficit this year of $6.47 billion, representing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, issued a with political authoritarianism was of leader deserves all this love. He has devoted 8.0 percent of gross domestic product. statement before dawn announcing the particular appeal to communist China as himself, his time and efforts to Oman,” said Unlike other Gulf monarchies, Oman enjoys passing of his 91-year-old father at it opened up in the early 1980s. another. State television played celebratory good relations with Iran, which allowed it to Singapore General Hospital following a President Xi Jinping praised Lee as an MUSCAT: Sultan Qaboos of Oman walks down from music and replayed footage of the sultan’s play a key mediating role between the West long illness. “He fought for our independ- “old friend of the Chinese people” and his airplane after landing in the capital yesterday. - plane landing in Muscat. and Tehran, mainly over Iran’s disputed ence, built a nation where there was said he was “widely respected by the AFP When Qaboos took the reins of power, nuclear program. — Agencies none, and made us proud to be international community as a strategist Singaporeans. We won’t see another like and a statesman”. him,” he said in an emotional TV address. Tearful mother Sharon Tan, 39, and Local media reported that more than her five-year-old son Ryan Mackay were Saudi king invites Iraqi PM 11,000 people turned up at the main among the first to arrive outside the gate of the Istana state complex to get Istana. “I brought Ryan here to share an GHDAD: Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al- Iraqi President Fuad Masoum visited cooperation of all the sons of the Iraqi peo- condolence cards - with many leaving important part of Singapore’s history to Abadi received an invitation from King Saudi, and Riyadh announced in January ple and by volunteers from the sons of the flowers - as a private family wake began him and also to help him understand Salman to visit Saudi Arabia, as relations that it would reopen an embassy in Iraq for areas,” Abadi told Salman, according to a inside the former British colonial head- why mummy is so sad,” she said. Lee, between the two nations improve, the pre- the first time in more than two decades. The statement released Sunday night. Abadi also quarters. Lee’s coffin will be transported whose health rapidly worsened after his mier’s office said. Ties between Baghdad and invitation came during a phone call with the said that there is a strategy to hand over tomorrow atop a ceremonial gun car- wife of 63 years, Kwa Geok Choo, died in Riyadh have become steadily better since king in which Abadi sought to emphasize Sunni Arab-majority areas retaken from IS to riage to Parliament House, where it will 2010, was in hospital for nearly seven Abadi took office last year after reaching a the cross-sectarian nature of Baghdad’s bat- the local police. While there are Sunni tribes- lie in state for the public to pay respects weeks with severe pneumonia. Despite low ebb under his predecessor Nouri Al- tle against the Islamic State jihadist group, men and volunteer fighters battling IS, most until his state funeral and cremation on growing anticipation of his death, sales Maliki, who accused Saudi Arabia of backing which led an offensive that overran large of the security forces and allied paramili- Sunday. manager June Tay Mae Sann, 37, said “it militants in Iraq while it criticized him as sec- parts of Iraq last June. taries fighting the jihadists are from Iraq’s US President Barack Obama, who was still very different when it hap- tarian. Victories over IS “were realized with the Shiite majority. — Agencies called Lee “a true giant of history”, led for- pened”. eign leaders in hailing the man who Continued on Page 13 LOCAL TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets for- KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah mer president of Serbia Boris Tadic, as HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed meets Central Bank of Kuwait’s Governor Mohammad Al-Hashel. meets Central Bank of Kuwait’s Governor Mohammad Al-Hashel. Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah looks on. — KUNA photos Amir, Crown Prince receive CBK Governor

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Mohammad Yousef Al-Hashel, the Governor of Rodriques, as well as HH Sheikh Nasser Al- Al-Sabah attended both meetings. In other news, ister of Singapore. HH the Crown Prince and HH Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Crown the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK). Mohammed Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and for- HH the Amir addressed a cable of condolences to the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Meanwhile, HH the Amir received the outgo- mer president of Serbia Boris Tadic. Deputy Tony Tan Keng Yam, President of Singapore, on Hamad Al-Sabah addressed cables of similar con- Sabah received at Bayan Palace yesterday ing Jamaican Ambassador to Kuwait Audley Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah the death of Lee Kuan Yew, the former prime min- tent to the president of Singapore. — KUNA Cabinet welcomes new power minister

KUWAIT: Ministers welcomed the recent appoint- ment of new Minister of Public Works and Minister of Electricity and Water Ahmad Al-Jassar, wishing him best of luck in his new post. This came during the cabinet’s weekly meeting at Bayan Palace yes- terday, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The minister replied by thanking HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the cabi- net for trusting him and vowing to do his best to achieve the interest of the nation and citizens. The cabinet then reviewed a recent letter sent to HH KUWAIT: His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah speaks at the event, as the Amir by former US President Bill Clinton, invit- French Ambassador Christian Nakhle looks on. — KUNA ing him to attend the first meeting of his world ini- tiative for Middle East and North Africa due in Morocco’s Marrakech City. Sheikh Nasser addresses The ministers also discussed a recent letter to HH the Prime Minister from his Armenian coun- Francophonie Day ceremony terpart Hovik Abrahamyan, thanking him for warm welcome and hospitality during his recent KUWAIT: Celebrating the International seminated terror, wreaked destruction and visit to Kuwait and inviting HH Sheikh Jaber Al- Francophonie Day recalls solemn human murder and forced their barbaric concepts on Mubarak to visit Armenia. meanings and elevated civilized concepts, the regions they control, attacking religious Afterwards, the cabinet was apprised of a let- besides reinforcing values of toleration and a and ethnic minorities, he told the ceremony. ter received by HH the Prime Minister from former spirit of brotherhood and cooperation among Moreover, they have destroyed antiquities Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Seniora, appreciat- various cultures, HH Sheikh Nasser Al- of the areas they have seized “out of belief ing Kuwait’s relentless support for Lebanon and Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah said. that such criminal acts would change history, urging closer cooperative ties in various fields. HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed made or forge it, how impossible,” he said. However, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah chairs the cabi- the statement in French during a ceremony the region, with its deeply rooted cultural and GCC interior ministers net’s meeting yesterday. — KUNA marking the International Francophonie Day, human heritage dating back to thousands of Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister and Industry, in addition to other draft decrees on for shifting Ghalib Mohammad Jassim Al-Osaimi held Sunday night at the residence of France’s years is capable of defeating terrorism, he Sheikh Mohammad Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah cooperation agreements with some world coun- Al-Otaibi from the Ministry of Higher Education to ambassador to Kuwait Christian Nakhle. stressed. HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed then presented a briefing on the outcomes of a tries. These include a higher education and scien- the post of Assistant Director General of the Sheikhs, Ministers, ambassadors and senior also underlined the State of Kuwait’s keen- recent meeting of GCC interior ministers in tific research agreement with Hungary and a Kuwait Arts Academy, with the title of a ministry state officials attended the event. ness to embrace “cultures and arts in the Riyadh, especially regarding the current situation memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Assistant Undersecretary. These grand values and concepts are bad- region” relying not only on the basic factors of in Yemen and relevant threats to regional security Kenya for establishing a joint higher committee. Two others were approved for appointing ly needed amid the “deteriorating situation in wealth and a confirmed desire but also on an and stability. Then, the cabinet reviewed and There were also two decrees for tourist coopera- Yusuf Ali Mubarak Al-Najjar in the Ministry of the Middle East” as the region is exposed to “a “advanced people who have been open to approved a draft decree on offering amnesties tion with Kenya and Tanzania, and an education Education, with the title of an Assistant fierce attack by terrorist groups targeting its others’ cultures for long years.” He referred to and reducing freedom-restricting penalties for cooperation agreement with the UAE besides a Undersecretary, and Jamal Al-Jlawi a Director formation, integrity, culture and ancient her- the recently opened French Language and inmates on the occasion of Kuwait’s 54th National health one with the UK. They were all referred to General of the Public Authority for Industry, also itage,” he added. Cultures Department at the Kuwait University Day. It referred it to HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- HH the Amir. as an Undersecretary. Then the ministers dis- These groups have destabilized peace, dis- in cooperation with the Sorbonne. — KUNA Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for final approval. The cussed issues on the agenda of the National meeting also approved a draft decree for giving Officials’ appointment Assembly, and reports on the current Arab and more control power to the Ministry of Commerce The cabinet further approved a draft decree international political developments. — KUNA Third phase of Zain Great Idea Program concludes

Trips to Google, LinkedIn, other tech giants’ headquarters

KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunications company in Kuwait, announced the conclusion of the third phase of the Zain Great Idea program that recently took place at Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and witnessed the Accelerator Program with Mind The Bridge foundation. The third phase, which continued for three weeks, is considered one of the most important CBK sponsors phases of the entire program that witnessed its third edition this year. The trip to Silicon Valley saw the 12 qualified projects undergo an extensive youth conference training program that involved the expertise of some of the world’s top technology giants in prepa- KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait Kuwait and Youth Role’ was also held. ration for the program’s upcoming final phase. This (CBK) provided diamond sponsorship for Dr Mohammed Ameen, CBK’s Human initiative comes under Zain’s Corporate Social the Banks and Youth Conference, which Resources Director, stressed that CBK was Responsibility and Sustainability umbrellas, and in was held recently by Tamkeen Company at keen on taking part in similar exhibitions line with the company’s vision to further develop the Free Trade Zones. and forums “which link between employers and promote the skills and capabilities of ambitious included the secrets of marketing products and class educational institutions featuring facilitators Several local banks participated in an and ambitious Kuwaiti youth seeking job youth in Kuwait, ultimately contributing to the services, creating strategies and visions, financial from Harvard University, Stanford University, IE exhibition organized as part of the confer- opportunities in the private sector, namely progress of national economy. management, teamwork skills, as well as technical Business School, and the MIT Enterprise Forum. ence. A symposium titled ‘Banks Future in in the banking sector.” The third phase of the ZGI Program commenced areas that concern technology-related projects. This year’s program is focused on technology- with a number of introductory workshops and lec- It is worth noting that Zain recently concluded related projects that provide creative technical solu- tures with Mind The Bridge, whose main role was to the second phase, ZGI Boot Camp, which saw the tions such as mobile applications and interactive guide and mentor each of the participants through- participants taking part in extensive workshops and websites that provide both commercial and social out their stay at San Francisco. A number of training training sessions for two weeks that helped them entrepreneurship services, due to Zain’s belief that activities were specifically selected as part of the shape their projects up to international standards. the technology continues to enrich the lives of soci- program to develop their projects and provide The Boot Camp program was facilitated by world- eties around the world. innovative insights with the expertise of the world’s top technology companies. Zain, in partnership with Brilliant Lab, selected Mind The Bridge to organize and mentor the third phase’s educational program for a number of rea- sons, of which was it being based in Silicon Valley, the international capital of technology and startup businesses, which made the process of visiting the world’s top international experts more convenient.

Tech giants The informative visits Zain arranged for the par- ticipants included the tech giant Google, as well as famous social media platform LinkedIn. In addition, the visits included many other key players in the tech industry like Autodesk, Mashape, Do, Frog Designs, as well as interactive visits to the MANAMA: Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Issa Al-Khalifa received a letter from His Highness Computer History Museum and many other institu- the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait related to bilateral rela- tions. Participants benefited from the training activ- tions, political developments on the regional and international scales and issues of mutu- ities and acquired a great number of skills that al importance. The message was delivered by Bahrain’s Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, helped them refine their projects in line with inter- Kuwaiti Ambassador Sheikh Azzam Al-Sabah on Sunday. — KUNA national standards. Many of the topics covered TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 LOCAL

Burgan Bank supports AUK’s GCC ministers discussed Yemen’s Gulf Studies symposium ‘very dangerous’ situation: Jarallah KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced its lat- to knowledge-based development in the est contribution to the 2015 Gulf Studies region. The contribution to the ‘Gulf Symposium organized by the Center for Studies Symposium’ falls in line with the Peninsula Shield’s involvement not discussed Gulf Studies at the American University bank’s belief in working on mutual cor- of Kuwait (AUK). The bi-annual event, porate citizenship projects and helping which was organized for the second time to add value to the field of Gulf academ- KUWAIT: The GCC ministerial meeting held in and themed ‘Knowledge-Based ic studies. Riyadh last Saturday tackled ‘the very dangerous Development in the Gulf’, was held from In addition to the large public conditions in Yemen,’ a senior Kuwaiti Foreign 13-15 March at the university’s campus. turnout, the event’s high academic cal- Ministry official affirmed yesterday. The three-day symposium brought iber brought forth innovative scholarly It was normal for the GCC officials to address together leading scholars from Kuwait, discussions on the Gulf, raised new the Yemeni crisis, considering that the country the Gulf, Middle East, Europe, and the research collaborations between top borders two member States of the Council, United States to present original qualita- local and international scholars, while Oman and Saudi Arabia, Undersecretary Khalid tive research as well as personal experi- helping to shape the research agenda on Suleiman Al-Jarallah said. He was speaking to ences to address key questions related the Gulf region. journalists after opening a joint training course held by the Foreign Ministry with the Qatari Human Rights Committee. It is also normal for the GCC leaders to hold talks at the security level to discuss latest devel- opments in Yemen, “where the recent develop- ments have been quite dangerous,” he said. Yemen borders two States of the GCC, thus it has special location and status in the eyes of the GCC countries, he stressed.

Peninsula Shield Asked whether the GCC joint military force, the Peninsula Shield, would intervene in Yemen, the undersecretary said, “I cannot say whether the force will or will not intervene in Yemen. The conditions in Yemen were tackled at various lev- KUWAIT: Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Khalid Al-Jarallah speaking to reporters on the side- els.” lines of the event. — KUNA Jarallah alluded to the fresh UN Security Arab Summit said, hoping the event would see positive results Council statement, urging the Houthis to with- Regarding topics of the Arab Summit that is and enough pledges to ease the suffering of draw from Sana’a and resume national dialogue due in Cairo in end of this month, Jarallah said Syrians. as well as re-activate the Gulf Initiative. Kuwait will forward a report concerning the The event, held under the patronage of His “Therefore, we have bases for tackling the summit it hosted last March. The summit’s agen- Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Yemeni situation and we believe that these da deals with security issues, joint Arab action Jaber Al-Sabah, is set to include over 78 coun- grounds must be adhered to.” and overhauling the Arab League, he added. As tries and over 40 international organizations. The In response to a wide-spread belief that there to Syria’s vacant seat, he said this issue “was not number of pledges in the first conference held in Ooredoo sponsors is no point for holding dialogue in shadow of the discussed.” Kuwait in January 2013 totaled $1.5 billion, with Houthis’ control of key installations in the coun- Kuwait donating $300 million. The second con- Ideal Mother Award 2015 try, he said that the situation in Yemen is not set- Donors’ conference ference in 2014 collected $2.4 billion, with $500 tled yet; rather it is turmoil. “There is a legitimate Jarallah said during the course’s inauguration million presented by Kuwait. There are currently president and credible huge demonstrations that Kuwait has fully completed preparations for about 12.2 homeless, relocated and refugee KUWAIT: As part of its corporate social Society for the Ideal Family, Sheikha Fariha expressing support for him,” he said, adding that the third donors’ conference for Syria, which the Syrians inside and outside of Syria, living in responsibility program, and in alignment Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. there is also “rejection of the Houthis’ hegemony country is hosting on March 31st. Many coun- severe conditions since the outbreak of the civil with its community outreach initiatives, Commenting on participating in this ini- on Yemen, demands for normalcy restoration.” tries will participate in the conference, Jarallah war on March 15, 2011. — KUNA Ooredoo Kuwait, a proud member of the tiative, Ooredoo General Manager and CEO international Ooredoo Group, announced Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani said: “We its support to the 2015 Ideal Mother Award. believe in the great role that the organizers The winners were announced in a ceremo- of the award at the Kuwait Society for the Ideal Family play in recognizing the efforts of striving hardworking mothers. We at Ooredoo support women and recognize the great role they play in this society. Through this important sponsorship we are highlighting our efforts in promoting the empowerment of women which reflect our values at Ooredoo, to care and connect with all members of society.”

The winners for this year are: * Kuwaiti Mothers: • Fatima Nasser Yaqoub • Samiah Shaher Sultan Al-Doussari • Fatima Ibrahim Hussein Al-Moussawi • Latifa Saleh Mohammed Al-Mukaimi

* Non-Kuwaiti Mothers Photo exhibits displayed during the inaugural ceremony at the National Library yesterday. • Fat’hiya bint Mohammed Al-Fazzani - Saudi Arabia • Mouza bint Musbeh bint Hamad - Oman • Nadia Hussein Ayoub - Egypt WFP holds photo exhibit Ooredoo General Manager and CEO Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani The award organizers follow specific cri- teria for selecting winners, which include on Kuwait aid to Syrians ny held on Saturday, commemorating among other things their ability to stand Mother’s Day, in Al-Dasma Theatre, under tribulations, their commitment to the the patronage of the Minister of Youth teachings of Islamic tradition, their ability By Ben Garcia and Agencies particularly children and displaced persons,” Affairs Sheikh Sulaiman Sabah Al-Salem Al- to steer away from deviations, and their Jarallah said. The senior diplomat said that the Sabah and the president of the Kuwait involvement in civic duties and services. KUWAIT: Kuwait has provided almost one billion photo exhibition sheds lights on the tragic situa- US dollars in humanitarian assistance to Syria, tion of Syrian people, especially children due to and to show its appreciation, the United Nations the four-year conflict. World Food Programme (WFP) organized a photo The Media Committee of the third pledging exhibition at the National Library in Kuwait City. conference had announced that it will be organiz- “We have gathered here today to present docu- ing a variety of events aimed at shedding more ments and pictures of the activities of the people light on plight of Syrians inside their countries and who are recipients of Kuwaiti aid - the Syrian peo- in neighboring nations. ple. They are the proof of where Kuwaiti money is The committee will be holding exhibitions in going every single day,” said Muhannad Hadi, the Media Center of the March 31 donors’ confer- Regional Emergency Coordinator for Syria and ence, also known as Kuwait III, as well as in shop- Neighboring Countries, during the opening of ping malls with the aim of highlighting contribu- the exhibit yesterday. tions of charitable societies and UN agencies to The exhibit will continue for a few days to show alleviate suffering of some 12.5 million Syrian peo- to the people of Kuwait where their humanitarian ple, said Mohammad bin Redha, in charge of the assistance is heading. “With the help of Kuwait, we events that are set to be held on sidelines of the were able to mobilize and continue our mission to conference. The exhibitions would be held in the Marina Syrian refugees, especially inside Syria and dis- Mall, Sulayyel Al-Jahra, 360 Mall and the Gate placed people who are now in the refugee camps Mall, said Bin Redha, who is also a member in the in neighboring countries. We are providing food to Muhannad Hadi media committee. An exhibition of photos will be six million people. They are in the border areas and held at the Avenues Mall, displaying career of HH some of them are in neighboring countries. We are will host 78 countries and more than 40 interna- the Amir on the occasion of UN’s honoring of the very grateful to the people of Kuwait and to His tional organizations. Kuwaiti Amir as a Humanitarian Leader and Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Kuwait as a Humanitarian Center, he told Kuwait Sabah for continuously providing us with assis- Alleviating the suffering News Agency (KUNA). Palestinian Industries tance to help Syrian refugees,” Hadi added. Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Bin Redha added that another exhibition would Khaled Al-Jarallah inaugurated the exhibition be held displaying drawings of Syrian refugee chil- Humanitarian leader yesterday, and underscored HH the Amir’s eager- dren. Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Fair starts April 8 HH the Amir was recently named as a humani- ness to help alleviate the suffering of the civil Development (KFAED), he added, would display tarian leader for his unwavering support for the conflict-traumatized Syrian people. “Through his photos at the media center about its role in help- KUWAIT: Ambassador of the State of Palestine addition to the industry of olive wood. Syrian people and humanitarian assistance sent various initiatives and contributions, HH the Amir ing the Syrian people, either those internally dis- to Kuwait, Rami Tahboub, has announced that The Fair will also include Palestinian tradi- throughout the world. “There are many people dis- is keen on easing the suffering of Syrian people, placed or refugees. the second Palestinian Industries Fair in the tional craft industry and the industry of placed because of civil wars and they all need your State of Kuwait will be launched on April 8th Palestinian heritage and Palestinian antique assistance to help them survive. We encourage 2015, for a period of four days. The Fair will be gallery Fair. Ambassador Tahboub also stated everyone to visit the National Library and see for held at Mishref Fairgrounds. that the Fair has become an annual tradition themselves how we are distributing the food and KRCS seeks excellence where the first one was held last year and was humanitarian assistance we get from Kuwait. We considered the most successful Palestinian Industries Fair to be held outside the State of are really thankful indeed,” he said. at all humanitarian levels Palestine in the history of Palestinian Fairs. Besides efforts and aid from the government, Ambassador Tahboub stressed that this several private and non-governmental organiza- KUWAIT: Kuwait Red Crescent Society will con- tims of floods in Bonsia-Herzegovina and Serbia Fair would not have reached this level of suc- tions from Kuwait like the Red Crescent Society and tinue its humanitarian role by helping all the respectively, Sayer said. cess without the great and unlimited support the Islamic Charity Organization are providing needy people in different parts of the world He added that the society provided food, by the State of Kuwait particularly Ministry of assistance to the displaced people of Syria. Kuwait amidst difficult humanitarian challenges, KRCS blankets, tents, household equipment and an Foreign Affairs, represented by the Protocol is also set to host the third International Pledging Board Chairman Dr Helal Al-Sayer said Sunday. ambulance for the Sudanese people, while offer- Department, the Ministry of Interior, repre- Conference on March 31 after hosting the first and Sayer was speaking during KRCS General ing 10,000 food boxes, 10, 000 plastic covers and sented by Undersecretary of the Ministry of and second meetings in 2014 and 2013, all aimed Assembly meeting of fiscal year 2014. He said it 5,000 household equipment. Interior, the General Directorate of at helping the 12.3 million Syrian people displaced was crucially important to boost capabilities for a KRCS was also active in Yemen and provided Immigration and Passports, the Chamber of by the conflict in Syria. new year in which people in need would be full medical equipment and medications for the eld- Commerce and Industry of Kuwait, and Kuwait of hope that they get aid as quick as possible. erly, and livestock, Sayer noted. He said the soci- Municipality, which have all facilitated and still Total commitment KRCS offered food supplies, clothes, medical ety was doing its utmost efforts to help the are the access of all goods and companies rep- Manuel Gomez Acebo, Director of Africa, Arab equipment and two ambulances for the Syrian refugees in neighboring countries. resentatives to the State of Kuwait. All thanks Palestinian Ambassador Maghreb and the Middle East Department, said Palestinian people. KRCS, in cooperation with the Public Awqaf Rami Tahboub and gratitude to the State of Kuwait led by His Kuwait’s role is proof of its total commitment to its Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- In Somalia, the society carried out construc- Endowment and philanthropists, was also help- humanitarian values, which are integral parts of its tion projects, drilled 25 wells, built six schools ing needy families inside Kuwait, he said, as well Ambassador Tahboub added that 60 com- Sabah, to HH the Crown Prince and to HH the foreign policy. He said Kuwait has shown leader- panies and factories from Palestine will partici- Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- and 16 eating rooms for orphans, offered one as taking part in social occasions. KRCS has since ship in humanitarian work worldwide. Kuwait has pate in the Fair. Stone and marble sectors, Sabah for their everlasting and unlimited sup- ambulance and provided breakfast meals for its establishment in 1966 sought to be a major food, agricultural, chemical, cosmetic, clothes port to the State of Palestine and to the already donated $800 million - $500 million in the Muslims during Ramadhan, he said. component of the humanitarian work of Kuwait and shoes, leather and plastic industries, in Palestinian people on all levels. second pledging conference and $300 million dur- KRCS build 172 and 25 housing units for vic- and the Arab world. — KUNA ing the first one. In the third conference, Kuwait TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 LOCAL

In Brief Buyabes released Social service Khafji festival

KUWAIT: The Criminal Court released Hamed KUWAIT: Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Fawaz Al-Khalid KUWAIT: A team from the Kuwait Journalists Buyabes, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Shaab newspaper, on a Al-Hamad Al-Sabah met a delegation from the Ali Association (KJA), led by board member Duhairan KD 200 bail yesterday. Buyabes spent three weeks in Sabah Al-Salem Co-op Society yesterday to discuss Aba Al-Khail, participated in a festival held recently jail after he was found guilty on offending the Crown social service projects that the co-op can fund in the in Khafji, Saudi Arabia. The KJA had received an Prince of Dubai Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al area. official invitation from the Saudi Commission for Maktoum on Twitter. — Al-Aan Tourism and Antiquities to participate in the event.

Photo of the day

KUWAIT: Two workers climb the stairs at a bridge under construction at the Jahra Road Development Project. The Ministry of Public Works announced last week that the works in the project have achieved ‘great progress’ as the main line of the road’s second phase, which commences at the UN roundabout and ends at the hospitals complex, is near completion. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

KUWAIT: Minister of OIC Secretary General IIFA Chairman Dr Saleh IIFA Secretary General Dr Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Iyad Ameen Madani Bin Humaid Ahmad Ba-Bakr Yaqoub Al-Sane makes his —KUNA photos speech at the session International Islamic Fiqh Academy conference convenes KUWAIT: Under auspices of His ber of vital issues which are of com- Royal Court Sheikh, spoke highly of Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- mon interest for the nation. HH the Amir for sponsoring the event, Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Minister of “The IIFA, an affiliate of the saying “his kind patronage gives a Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Yaqoub Al- Organization of Islamic Cooperation strong support for us to serve the Sane opened the 22nd session of the (OIC), is a prestigious reference point Muslim nation.” The conferees will dis- conference of the International for Islamic jurisprudence at present cuss, inter alia, political, legal, social Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) on which was able to find responses to a and economic issues as well as sub- Sunday. lot of contemporary issues,” Sane jects relating to medicines, foodstuffs Sane, also Minister of Justice, said added. and beverages with a view to finding in his inaugural speech that the legal controls on them from the per- Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs is Challenging situations spective of Islamic jurisprudence, he keen on hosting such intellectual Iyad Ameen Madani, OIC Secretary revealed. meetings that materialize the close General, said meanwhile that the cur- Dr Ahmad Ba-Bakr, IIFA Secretary relationship among the Arab and rent conference takes place at a time General, said the scientific revolution, Muslim nations. “The current confer- when the Muslim world faces chal- and the accelerated developments on ence is scheduled to discuss the latest lenging situations and needs advice the industrial, political and media are- developments in the Muslim world as from credible scholars. The OIC sum- nas as well as the complicated inter- well as a number of scholarly Islamic mits reaffirmed the status of the IIFA national relations resulted in radical issues,” he said. “It will debate up to 30 as the main credible jurist reference changes in the concepts governing subjects ranging from political, eco- for the Islamic nation, he said in a the contemporary world. nomic and social fields to medical speech read on his behalf by his advi- He added that the conference will ones, with a view to defining the legal sor Ahmad Al-Basit. He noted that the developed common views on the frameworks governing them,” Sane holy city of Jerusalem is under a fero- agenda topics which include the noted. cious Zionist onslaught that aims to spread of extremist ideology, the The minister highlighted the role blur its Arab and Islamic identity. The democratic rights from the Islamic of Sharia (Islamic law) and Fiqh OIC chief urged Muslims to visit the perspective, the women’s right to sen- (Islamic jurisprudence) in finding city in order to reach out to its Arab ior posts and the rights of people with viable solutions to the problems of residents and support their right to special needs. The four-day confer- the contemporary societies. “The their homeland. ence gathered some 150 experts and Muslim world is looking to jurists and Dr Saleh Bin Humaid, IIFA senior jurists from 148 Muslim coun- scholars to provide advices on a num- Chairman and advisor to the Saudi tries. —KUNA KAPF works to achieve social development, family stability KUWAIT: The Kuwait Awqaf Public ation with the relevant official and pri- and amendments required from the leg- Foundation (KAPF) is keen on achieving vate bodies concerned with the issue. islative power, in addition to the legal social development and family stability, The three-day forum’s workshops status of detainees. Other topics include Secretary General Abdulmohsen Al- will cover various social, security and the role of security bodies to curb family Kharafi said yesterday. legislative and legal axes, Kharafi said. violence and the role by families and This is being sought through the Discussions will include the relation schools to counter the phenomenon. projects of the KAPF’s Waqf Fund for between violence and the social and Theses aim at reviewing existing Scientific and Social Development, personal traits, and the impact of social laws on discrimination and violence and Kharafi told the 11th annual forum and psychological structure and expert- providing constructive proposals and organized by the KAPF and the College ise on reducing family weakness, he educational and legal solutions as well of Social sciences, Kuwait University, on said. Participants will also address legis- as spreading awareness on the negative “Health and society: contemporary lations on providing protection for indi- health impacts of family violence on issues.” He referred to the KAPF’s cooper- viduals, failure to counter social violence individuals, Kharafi said.— KUNA TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 LOCAL Crimes report Detained man died of alcohol poisoning

By Meshaal Al-Enezi Power restored financial and administrative reports. The general assem- The Ministry of Electricity and Water announced that bly also agreed to appoint Bashar Al-Sayegh as secre- KUWAIT: Following up the death of an Indian man inside a power was reconnected to some areas in Mubarak Al- tary general and formed the executive office to include police patrol car, the forensic reports revealed that the man was Kabeer after conducting maintenance operations yes- Adel Al-Fauzan, Hamed Al-Eiban, Soud Al-Enezi, Khalid heavily intoxicated and had an increase in his heart pulse rate, terday. Al-Mutairi, Dheya Al-Khars, Khalid Al-Mutawa, Mesha’el which led to his death, informed interior ministry sources said. Al-Obaid and Ali Khajah. The reports also indicate that the man was not assaulted in any Al-Salam Palace form. On responding to a report about a drunk man in Nugra, Responding to an inquiry filed by Municipal Council KISR, ministry ink deal an ambulance was dispatched to the site where the man member Fahd Al-Sane concerning renovating and In the presence of Ministry of Communications’ Man arrested on liquor received first aid before he was handed over to policemen, who repairing Al-Salam Palace, the Municipality stressed Undersecretary Hameed Al-Qattan and Kuwait Institute escorted him to the police station in a police car. Arriving at the that the palace was already included in the Jaber Al- for Scientific Research’s (KISR) Director Dr Naji Al- trade suspicions station, policemen found that the man had died. Ahmed cultural project and accordingly a repair license Mutairi, the ministry yesterday signed an agreement was issued. with KISR to conduct a study on the environmental By Hanan Al-Saadoun Police offender sentenced effect of deepening the water passage between Ras Al- A female citizen was yesterday sentenced to 9 months in General assembly Ardh and Failaka. According to the project’s blueprints, KUWAIT: Police responded to an emergency call reporting prison with labor for slandering a police officer on duty, said The National Democratic Alliance yesterday held its the project will be concluded in 17 months with a total that a number of men were selling liquor in Qurain. A security sources. general assembly in which it discussed the alliance’s cost of KD 50,000. patrol was sent to the area, and found a vehicle matching the descriptions provided in the emergency call. The vehi- cle’s driver attempted to escape after witnessing the police car, but the officers managed to stop him. The officers found 552 bottles inside the car, and sent them for testing to confirm whether or not they contained alcoholic drinks. The suspect was referred to the proper authorities for fur- ther action.

Death rumors Legendary Kuwaiti football player Fathi Kameel filed a case against a number of Twitter account users who spread rumors about his death recently. Investigations are ongoing to identify the suspect and face them with the charges.

In my view Symbol of Dasman Diabetes Institute organizes Symposium

world peace KUWAIT: Dasman Diabetes Institute, which was founded by Institute for Medical Specializations (KIMS). Dr Terki also has healthcare professionals from different academic and med- Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, held a a clinic at Dasman Diabetes Institute. ical backgrounds from Kuwait University, Ministry of Health symposium yesterday titled “Diabetes and Obstructive The symposium included various specific topics such as; and the private medical/health sector, who commented on Sleep Apnea in Adults: New Updates from Kuwait”. The sym- Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea risk and its associa- the high quality talks at the symposium. posium addressed the relationship between obstructive tion with Diabetes among working population in Kuwait: A Holding such symposiums and conferences stems from sleep apnea and Diabetes, with the participation of fifth cross-sectional study, Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy, the mission of Dasman Diabetes Institute which is “To pre- By Labeed Abdal year students from Kuwait medical school, a visiting profes- Biomarkers in Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Obstructive Sleep vent, control and mitigate the impact of diabetes and relat- sor from Holland, Dr Nico De Vries, one of the pioneers of Apnea and Bariatric Surgery, Neuromodulation and ed conditions in Kuwait through effective programs of what is called sleep surgery, and also Dr Abdulmohsen Al Obstructive Sleep Apnea and other related subjects. research, training, education, and health promotion and Terki, Chairman of the ENT post graduate training at Kuwait The symposium was well attended by more than 120 thereby improve quality of life in the population”.

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he recurring actions committed by Jewish settlers of destroying olive trees in the West Bank is a bla- Ttant attack not only on the environment, but also against world peace that the olive branch is a symbol of. A similar incident happened recently near Hebron, where Jewish settlers destroyed 35 hectares of olive trees that were planted by villagers with help from for- eign activists. Fighting efforts to plant the tree of peace reflects a premeditated intention to stand against any constructive and peaceful efforts. It also carries implica- tions of violating international norms and the United Nations’ plans of coexistence. On the other hand, the Palestinians’ commitment to plant the trees again after they are destroyed reflects their determination towards

The world needs to call a

spade a spade, especially KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality carried out a campaign in Hawally recently, which resulted in removing 12 abandoned cars, and issuing 15 citations for illegal with Israel’s insistence to use of pavements and open squares for commercial purposes without a license. —By Hanan Al-Saadoun ignoring UN resolutions, and the fact that the Palestinian people have chosen the path of peace and negotiations.

taking the road to peace, as supported by the interna- tional community. The situation in Palestine requires efforts from the international community to stop the elements and caus- es of hostility and force Israel to abide by United Nations resolutions. There are many incidents, including during election campaigns, that saw Israel intentionally violate The Health Ministry’s Emergency Medical Services international regulations and deal carelessly with them. Department participated in a drill at the military The world needs to call a spade a spade, especially airport, which was carried out as part of the ongo- with Israel’s insistence to ignoring UN resolutions, and ing 2015 Eagle Resolve exercise. Dr Jamal Al-Harbi, the fact that the Palestinian people have chosen the the Health Ministry’s Assistant Undersecretary for path of peace and negotiations, which must be bal- Medical Support Services’ Affairs, attended the anced and fair. For that goal, international efforts are drill. —By Hanan Al-Saadoun required to strengthen the Palestinian stance in order to help Palestinians protect their existence in face of the Israeli schemes that ignore the basic principles of inter- Kuwait, Nepal ink $17 national peace and security. million loan agreement KUWAIT: A loan agreement was signed in Kathmandu yesterday between Nepal and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), whereby the latter will make a loan amount- ing to KD 5 million (equivalent to about $17 million). The loan will be used in the financing of the irrigation project in the country’s Eastern and Central Regions. The agreement was inked by Undersecretary of Nepal’s Ministry of Finance Madhu Kumar Marasini and KFAED Deputy Director General Hamad Al-Omar, in the presence of KFAED Regional Manager for East South Asia and Pacific Countries Waleed Al-Bahar. The project aims at contributing to the socio-economic development in the Central and Eastern Development Regions of Nepal and the country in general through rehabilitating and extending existing Farmer Managed Irrigation Systems (FMISs), said a statement by KFAED yesterday. The project aims also to secure adequate irrigation water, and henceforth, increase and sustain agricultural production for approxi- mately 7,600 hectares of agricultural land, thus contributing towards poverty reduction for the project area inhabitants in addition to con- tributing to national food security, it noted. The project comprises the civil engineering works required for improving the irrigation infrastructure of approximately 50 FMISs through rehabilitation and concrete lining of approximately 340 kilo- meters of irrigation canals; construction of approximately 2,050 weirs, intake structures and small hydraulic structures, in addition to all complementary work; improving the irrigation systems manage- ment, and improving the agricultural practices, it pointed out. Moreover, the project includes institutional support and consultancy services, it said, adding the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.—KUNA TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 From the Arabic press

Al-Rai ALTERNATIVES Al-Jarida Social communications Kout By Abdelaziz Al-Kandari

e are living in an era of social communications, By Ali Mahmoud Khajah Was an individual sits in a small room yet he is in contact with the rest of the world through smart devices. Many families are suffering from their o many mistakes have been committed children’s addiction to these devices, which negatively Sthroughout our 60-year-long oil-rich years affect their studying. As the families are the first nuclei in that even if we take the mistakes in each raising children, it is necessary for this upbringing to be sector individually, I would need more than an sound and right, because it will affect the children’s psy- article to discuss them. The state has not devel- chology without a doubt, and the opposite is also cor- oped either in politics, architecture, health, edu- rect. The suitable psychological environment must be cation, culture, sports, industry, media or even provided to children so that they grow up normally, and tourism. The only development achieved was in this is not less important than other important and nec- level of corruption that is easily noticeable essary needs, because presence of children at home everywhere. without providing a suitable psychological environment will have an adverse effect on their future. Everything is temporary in this country; even I found a study on the Internet by a psychiatric insti- the things that were marked by long-sighted- tute in US on more than 100 American families that have ness on inception or establishment were devas- children with ages that vary between three and five tated or deformed by the state. Take the Sabah years, and indications show that there is a link between medical zone as a good example of this. It was the personality of a troublesome child who is hyperac- originally established to act as a promising tive and the ever-angry mother. nucleus for an integrated health city, but ended The family relation is an intimate one between spous- up stacked with various activities by the state es and children. The mother provides warmth and love that built educational facilities, commercial to girls, and the father to boys, and these are integrated Al-Jarida companies and military facilities and garages, and exchangeable roles, yet in case one of the two sides slack in their duties, then this will leave its effects on chil- which all turned that once-promising nucleus dren, cause family breakups and an absence of values into an ugly place. and the spirit of forgiveness, especially in this era, the The same applies to the Entertainment City that was a promising start of an international era of technology, advancement, social communications Al-Qabas that led to the addiction of many children and parents amusement city in terms of area and location alike to these devices, which led to the breakup of the near the coast and away from urbanism. intimate family relations. Jumping into the wrong wagon Nowadays, it is still nothing but a place where We face a new generation that is different from previ- someone who used to be a child in the 1980s ous ones, a generation that is addicted to social media, can reminisce about old memories with a slight which is something that may lead to adverse results, to a By Abdellatif Al-Duaij change. point that we find out that the introvert person may form friendships through these devices, and this may However, I do not wish to cry over spilt milk ome patriotic or democratic activists, who did not ing - a huge difference between the authority’s corrup- as much as I wish to sip whatever milk is still left lead to having this person staying away from performing get involved in political action, jumped into the tion and its failure. While quick thinking about the situa- his duties. What we see nowadays in the form of prob- S in the cup as long we still have some wealth, wrong wagon and sided with backward groups tion in the country confirms that the responsibility of lems with children such as the appearance of unwanted who are active today, or they followed in their footsteps corruption is general and the groups of backwardness because we can still think of a solution and this images and clips is a natural result of losing compassion and repeated their slogans and platforms. which some people joined are the largest part of the is what I am suggesting in this article. What if and serious, effective dialogue by fathers towards chil- The authority marginalized the national democratic problem and not saviors as claimed. concerned officials in various fields from both dren and not knowing their requirements and various faction throughout the past four decades, while at the After the flagrant growth of the religious-tribal Kuwait and other countries meet to diagnose needs, and this makes the son look outside to satisfy this same time giving the groups of civilization-regression expansion, the national democratic powers are required and mark the mistakes we committed over the compassion and here is where the danger lies. groups a free hand, or giving them everything. This today to deepen and instill national issues, enlighten past decades?! We need to scientifically There is another reform of staying away from parents, favoritism by the authority frustrated some patriots and democratic offers and confront the general corruption approach them regardless of personal concerns which is leaving children who are below the adolescent imposed the feeling of ineptness and inferiority, leading which has engulfed the country. or interests, then set a schedule to report back age in the care of drivers, and they go with them with- them to attempt to compensate it or get rid of it by any Now, with the risks of a continued oil price drop, it is out any supervision, while the father is preoccupied with without holding any official accountable for means and at any price, so they chose to follow the train hoped that the responsible political powers be frank anything - we just need to mark the mistakes. his mobile phone, and when he gets home, he does not of backwardness instead of halting it, or even changing with people and expose the real danger that threatens separate himself from social media, and if he leaves its path. the country - the danger of the one million Kuwaitis who The following phase is more important home, he does not return until late after spending hours Cooperating with backward groups is not a danger- were created by welfare spending, not the danger of because I am not talking about solving the cur- in diwaniyas chatting. ous problem, though I am confident that the regime and two or three construction contractors. rent problems as they are. We actually live on As for the mother, she is busy with receptions, latest government are more merciful and politically closer to The real corruption is in the way of distributing only ten percent of Kuwait’s total area, which fashion news, caring for her appearance and not what is those seeking the general national interest than those wealth and not who distributes it. The oil wealth at pres- means that we can still build nine big states in inside and what she wears is worth thousands of dinars, groups. Yet there is a difference between cooperation ent is gifts and grants and favoring some people over Kuwait’s remaining area, but this is not what I yet carries all bad manners of grudges, hate and envy, and joining, while maintaining the attributes and the others, and it is required to change it into work rewards am after, of course. My aspirations are limited to and thinking about defeating the other side. Yes, they national democratic sense, and giving up all this com- and compensations for the efforts and rights of produc- are fathers and mothers, but suspended or ‘half parents.’ allocating five percent of Kuwaiti desert area to pletely and staying behind the groups of backwardness. tive people, and not an ownership for the lucky ones build a new modern Kuwait under the name of Children are entrusted with us, and Allah Almighty will There is a big difference between cooperation and join- who were granted nationalities. ask us about them. Al-Kout, for instance, one that should be totally independent with its own infrastructure and facilities where we can avoid previous mistakes. News Doing this, we will have positively learned from our mistakes and given new hopes of In brief revival. We should do so while we still have the potentials to, especially financial ones. So Iranian embassy sues writers instead of squandering money on grants abroad KUWAIT: A few days after the public prosecutor issued a and wage increases domestically, we should warrant to summon Al-Qabas daily writer Ahmed Al-Sarraf invest in such a project before Kuwait becomes for writing an article about the Iranian revolution, informed a story told about a state that once used to be sources said that the Iranian Embassy in Kuwait had also rich but did not utilize its wealth. filed complaints against 11 other writers for publishing 30 articles in the local press on Iran-related issues. The sources Notably, this five percent area will be enough added that the complaints currently investigated by the to accommodate almost as much of the current public prosecutor are based on allegations of violating population including citizens and expats, which Kuwait’s publication and press law. The sources highlighted means prospective solutions to many problems that the public prosecution had contacted the concerned such as housing, employment and infrastruc- newspapers pending interrogating the writers who live in ture capacity. This is just an idea that I believe is Kuwait, Iraq and London, including some Iranians living in feasible! foreign countries. —Al-Jarida

Workers complain expired visas KUWAIT: Several employees at a private company Crime which has government contracts filed a complaint against the company because it is refusing to renew Report their visas after working for three years, claiming that government contracts have not been renewed so far. Some of them said that the company is paying salaries Weapon trader arrested and providing accommodation, but visas have expired, and whenever they ask the company about it, officials KUWAIT: The weapons collecting task force sent a citizen advise them to stay away from police and keep clear of who works in the oil sector to the public prosecution for checkpoints to avoid being deported. —Al-Qabas trading in weapons, becoming the first person to face strict punishment stipulated in the new law related to weapons collection. A security source said information was received Environment police about a person who had a quantity of weapons and traded KUWAIT: Following the recent formation of an ‘environmental in them without a license. Detectives found that he kept police’ force, a new environmental detectives force has been the weapons at home and some in his car. A warrant was formed, said Interior Ministry assistant undersecretary for gen- obtained and his house was raided where the weapons eral security Maj Gen Abdul Fattah Al-Ali, noting that the envi- were found, and he was arrested. ronmental police department will include five sections - sur- veillance and environmental inspection (with a force in plain- clothes), technical section, marine environment monitoring ‘Sheikh’ refuses to cooperate police, operations section and backup services section. Ali “I am not moving from here... I am a sheikh,” a mem- added that a director was yet to be determined. Ali explained ber of the ruling family told a traffic detective on duty. that the environmental police force would include 120 officers The detective said that he asked a driver of a luxury car and non-commissioned officers who would work on putting for his ID in Abdullah Al-Salem, but a person inter- the environmental violations law into practice, including arti- vened and asked about what was going on. The driver cle 13 that states that anyone caught exporting hazardous then made some insulting comments. The sheikh gave wastes would be fined by up to KD 200,000 and sentenced to his license to uniformed men, and investigations are 3 years in prison. Ali added that the environmental police underway. would also be concerned with violations such as dumping sewage water on land or in the sea, dredging the seabed to Search for armed suspect get gravel and dumping used oils in sewers, for which viola- Capital detectives are investigating a complaint from a tors would be fined up to KD 10,000. — Al-Anbaa student in which she said a person pulled a weapon against pedestrians near a PAAET institute, and gave police Fake certificates his car’s license plate number. Detectives found that the KUWAIT: The ‘healthy handicapped’ and ‘healthy psychi- car is registered in the name of a female citizen, and inves- atric patients’ are two faces of a coin characterized with tigations are still on. squandering of public funds, the least of which is shirking from work with the claim of illness. Thousands of healthy people who have become handicapped by wasta did not Rowdy party get a chance to enjoy their advantages after reports A party in a Salmiya building ended with everyone were published in the past years, but what about 60,000 drunk and fighting with sharp objects and empty bot- patients who have a psychiatric hospital card? Is it real tles. Neighbors called police because of the distur- or exceptional circumstances led to this astronomical bance, who came and knocked at the door, but no one number, or does wasta have its own magic and efficacy answered. The prosecution gave a warrant and the flat to get the card and its advantages. MP Khalil Al-Saleh was stormed. Two brothers and a girl were found with said there are more than 60,000 Kuwaitis who have a five liquor bottles. psychiatric hospital card, and the majority of those - tens of thousands of them - lead a normal life, so it is necessary to discuss the issue to stop those who take Liquor possession advantage of the card to escape from cases, and a ‘pro- Hawally security arrested a citizen with imported liquor. posal that I spoke about several times is ready and will Policemen manning a checkpoint noticed a driver who did be submitted soon’. —Al-Rai not have any ID, and when he came out of his car, six bot- tles were found. — Al-Rai TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 Pakistan holds first national day parade Afghan president thanks US troops at Pentagon in seven years Page 9 Page 11

VIRGINIA: US Sen Ted Cruz (R-TX) speaks to a crowd gathered at Liberty University to announce his presidential candidacy. — AFP photos Cruz launches 2016 race with White House bid A fierce critic of Obama’s administration

WASHINGTON: US Senator Ted Cruz from the hardline tion and re-establish our leadership in the world.” Republican establishment. Trade commission. In 2003 he returned to Texas and Republican right announced yesterday he will run for The Texas senator, who has Cuban heritage, also John McCain, the 2008 Republican presidential can- was appointed solicitor general, where he served for president, the first major candidate to officially declare a released a version of the video in Spanish in a bid to didate, once derided Cruz and two other Tea Party law- five years. Cruz ran for Senate in 2011 with support from 2016 White House bid. “I’m running for president and I corner the support of Latinos-America’s largest minority makers as “wacko birds on the right.” The criticism has the Tea Party-anti-government, anti-tax, and pro-life hope to earn your support!” Cruz posted on Twitter, fir- group. His advisors told US media he will aim to raise rarely fazed Cruz. “I don’t work for the party bosses in and pro-gun conservatives who thrive in politically con- ing the starting gun on what is expected to be a crowd- between $40 million and $50 million for his campaign, Washington. I work for the people of Texas. And I fight servative Texas. ed Republican nomination race. The 44-year-old Tea and will rely on support from his ultra-conservative and for them,” Cruz said in a 2013 interview. A Texas-raised, He defeated the establishment Republican candi- Party favorite has been a US Senator in Texas since 2012, libertarian Tea Party base that voted him in as senator in Harvard-educated lawyer with a Cuban father and an date, then steamrolled his Democratic opponent in the and is a fierce critic of US President Barack Obama’s 2012. Although the first to officially declare his presi- American mother, Cruz was born in Canada. Although 2012 election. Cruz may have a Hispanic last name and administration. He has raised hackles in his own party in dential bid, other Republicans, including former Florida he was entitled to US citizenship at birth, his foreign enjoyed plenty of support in Hispanic-heavy Texas recent years when he helped push the US government governor Jeb Bush, Wisconsin governor Scott Walker birthplace could become a point of contention during when he was elected, but he is a staunch opponent of into shutdown over budget fights, and for opposing and Senators Rand Paul and Marco Rubio have signaled his campaign for president-a job restricted to natural- immigration reform, a key issue in the Hispanic commu- Republican leaders on a series of issues. they too could join the race. Retired neurosurgeon Ben born citizens. nity. He responded to Obama’s executive action on In a 30-second video posted on Twitter yesterday, Carson and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee Cruz joined George W Bush’s legal team to argue the immigration by urging fellow lawmakers to do all they Cruz said it was time to “restore” America, and called on are also potential candidates seeking the populist con- 2000 Florida presidential recount. He later served under could to block the measure, branding it “an illegal young conservatives to support him. “It’s a time for truth, servative vote. At the Conservative Political Action Bush in the Justice Department and the US Federal amnesty.” — AFP a time to rise to the challenge, just as Americans have Conference (CPAC) last month, Cruz told the crowd: always done,” he said in the video. “I believe in America “2016 looks like it’s going to be a crowded race.” and her people, and I believe we can stand up and restore our promise. “It’s going to take a new generation ‘Wacko on the right’ of courageous conservatives to make America great On his website, Cruz is described as “a passionate again and I’m ready to stand with you to lead the fight.” fighter for limited government, economic growth and Cruz is expected to appear later yesterday at the the Constitution.” A CPAC straw poll conducted in Christian Liberty University in Virginia, where he could February put Cruz in third place as the party’s pick for flesh out his leadership ambitions. He followed his president, behind Walker and Paul, a Kentucky sena- Twitter video announcement with a longer one posted tor. Bush, the son and brother of former presidents, on YouTube, stressing his immigrant roots and his faith came in fifth. Cruz’s forthright conservatism and in God, and promising, with the help of supporters to uncompromising positions have often earned him “stand up and restore our promise, honor the constitu- condemnation from leading figures within the

VIRGINIA: US Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and his wife Heidi wave to the crowd. TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Israel’s Netanyahu wins clear majority to form next govt

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister potential partner’s battle for portfolios and said will be a coalition with his rightwing he is formally presented with the official opposition: the Zionist Union (24 seats), the Benjamin Netanyahu is to be tasked with prestige. Backing for Netanyahu to stay in Likud party’s “natural allies”-the hardline results of the election on Wednesday Joint List (13) which groups Israel’s main forming the next coalition government this the post came during two days of talks rightwing and ultra-Orthodox factions. evening. He is then expected to task Arab parties, the centrist Yesh Atid (11) and week after winning yesterday a clear major- between President Reuven Rivlin and repre- Both Netanyahu and Isaac Herzog, leader of Netanyahu with forming the next govern- the leftwing Meretz party (5). Meanwhile, ity of support from newly elected MPs. sentatives of the 10 parties elected to parlia- the centre-left Zionist Union-which came a ment, after which formal coalition negotia- one of Israel’s top singers who is also a Netanyahu’s surprise victory in last week’s ment who told him whom they would rec- distant second with 24 seats-have ruled out tions can begin. peace activist was verbally harassed as an snap election has paved the way for the ommend as prime minister. Six factions, joining forces in a unity government. Netanyahu will have four weeks to com- “enemy of Israel” by suspected rightwing likely emergence of a new rightwing reli- comprising 67 MPs, threw their support Besides Likud, which won 30 seats, his new plete the task, although Rivlin can extend thugs after returning from a trip to Italy. gious government that may complicate behind Netanyahu, presidential spokesman government is expected to include the far- the deadline by another 14 days if neces- The incident involving Achinoam Nini- efforts to resurrect the peace process and Jason Pearlman told AFP as Rivlin wrapped right Jewish Home (eight), Yisrael Beitenu sary. Throughout the election campaign, known overseas as Noa-came just days pose further challenges for Israel’s troubled up talks with the hardline anti-Arab Yisrael (six), ultra-Orthodox parties Shas (seven) Kulanu’s Kahlon had held his cards close to after another singer was attacked at his ties with Washington. Beitenu. and United Torah Judaism (six), and the his chest, hedging his bets as most polls home in central Israel by a man who tried The Israeli leader is expected to be for- In Israel, it is not necessarily the leader newly formed centre-right Kulanu party of predicted a win for the Zionist Union. to push him and called him “a traitor and a mally handed the task of building a coali- of the largest party who forms the next Likud defector Moshe Kahlon (10). But after Netanyahu’s decisive victory, leftist”. Both attacks came after a year in tion government tomorrow after securing government and becomes premier, but the Kahlon threw his support behind which there was a notable increase in racist the backing of a solid majority of MPs in the one who can form a working coalition, Presidential mandate Netanyahu, in a move formalised in talks discourse in Israel, which was also reflected 120-seat Knesset, or parliament. There will preferably with a majority of at least 61. All Following two days of consultations, with Rivlin yesterday. Netanyahu has prom- in the election campaign, leading to con- then follow several weeks of hard-fought six parties are expected to form part of his Rivlin is due to formally name the chose ised Kahlon the powerful finance portfolio. cerns about increasing polarization within coalition horse trading as Netanyahu’s next government, which Netanyahu has candidate-but this can only happen after Four parties are expected to enter the society. —AFP Syria Kurds yet to be fully embraced by US

BEIRUT: For four months, Syrian Kurdish fighters the battle for Kobane, they even fought alongside a battled the Islamic State group in the rubble-strewn small contingent of mainstream Syrian rebels streets of Kobane as US aircraft pounded the against the Islamic State group - a rare instance of extremists from the skies, a joint effort that ulti- cooperation that could provide a model for the mately expelled the militants from the town and future. But the government still maintains small gar- marked their bloodiest defeat in Syria since the air risons in Kurdish-controlled areas, leading many in campaign began in September. the Syrian opposition to accuse the Kurds of work- The Kurds earned praise from the Pentagon, ing with Damascus - charges the Kurds deny. For which said they had demonstrated the importance the US, the YPG has proven a willing and capable of having “a reliable, willing, capable partner on the partner, but not one worth damaging Washington’s ground.” And yet, two months later, Syria’s Kurds relationship with Turkey. remain largely on the outside looking in on the US- led coalition’s campaign against the Islamic State Turkish concerns group. Unlike Syrian rebels, they are not included in One American military officer said the US is not a new US-training program. And unlike their committed to partnering with the Syrian Kurds, Kurdish brethren in Iraq, they have not been tapped but also does not rule out future cooperation to receive American weapons. Instead, the Syrian depending on circumstances and taking into Kurds’ relationship with the US remains loose and account their human rights record and Turkish ad hoc, at the mercy of Washington’s relationship government concerns. The officer spoke on condi- with Turkey - a NATO ally that has a long and tion of anonymity because he was not authorized fraught relationship with its own Kurdish minority to brief the media. “I think that’s one of the main and is deeply suspicious of Syria’s Kurds. For now, problems for the YPG still: Turkish-US relations are Kurdish leaders say their ties with the US are limited more important than YPG-US relations,” said to sporadic coordination on coalition airstrikes. The Wladimir van Wilgenburg, a Middle East analyst at Kurds, who are led by the Kurdish Democratic Party the Jamestown Foundation. That dynamic is (PYD) and its armed wing known as the YPG, wel- unlikely to change anytime soon, if ever. come the help, but want more. Turkey is a strategically located country of 70 million people with a lot to offer in the fight against No co-operation the Islamic State group. It has clamped down on its “The YPG for more than two years has proven it border with Syria to stem the tide of foreign fight- SANAA: This picture shows the US aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) being underway behind the guided-missile cruiser USS is the most effective force in Syria fighting terrorism ers, and is set to host a new program with the US to train up to 4,000 mainstream Syrian rebels. Ankara Leyte Gulf (CG 55) during a transit of the Strait of Bab El-Mandeb. —AFP and especially ISIS,” said chief YPG spokesman Redur Khalil, using an alternative name for the Islamic is wary of the Syrian Kurds and the YPG, which it State group. “But until now, the YPG has not been believes is affiliated with the Kurdish PKK move- supplied with any weapons, contrary to other forces ment in southeast Turkey that has waged a 30-year in Iraq, which the coalition is arming.” On the battle- insurgency. But Turkish President Recep Tayyip Houthi advance increases fields of Syria, the YPG gives the Americans “coordi- Erdogan is now pursuing peace talks with the PKK, nates and information about the whereabouts” of and there are signs of warmer relations with the Islamic State militants, he said, but the cooperation Syrian Kurds. with the coalition doesn’t extend beyond that. “We A senior Turkish official said the atmosphere is fear over key waterway don’t plan military operations together,” he better. He pointed to last month’s operation that said.Khalil said that even the air support is erratic. saw hundreds of Turkish troops smoothly travel He said US airstrikes perfectly complemented a YPG through YPG-controlled territory in Syria to evacu- assault last month that captured the IS-held town of ate soldiers guarding an Ottoman tomb located on ‘Vital corridor of world’s maritime trade’ Tel Hamees in Syria’s Hassakeh province. But Kurdish the Euphrates River. Turkey’s main concern now is forces defending the predominantly Kurdish town that the Syrian Kurds make a clean break with ADEN: As they advance south, Yemen’s Iran- From Mocha, a coastal road of around 100 passes through the strait,” he told reporters in of Ras Al-Ayn on the Turkish border from a large IS Assad’s government and unite with mainstream linked Huthi militiamen are moving within kilometers leads to Bab Al-Mandab. Aden. “The national security of Yemen is closely offensive saw no US airstrikes for five days. The rebels, which doesn’t seem to be happening yet, striking distance of the strategic Bab Al- If the militia does make a move to take con- linked to the security of the Red Sea, the Gulf coalition often shrugs off the inconsistent coopera- the official said on condition of anonymity because Mandab strait, a vital corridor through which trol the strait, experts say, Yemen’s crisis could and Bab Al-Mandab.” tion, Khalil said, by saying “there are military opera- he wasn’t authorized to brief the media. much of the world’s maritime trade passes. quickly become a global problem. The Huthis Israel has also raised concerns, with Prime tions in Iraq, and they are busy there.” Syria’s Kurds are aware of the influence Only about 30 kilometers across at its narrow- have been closely linked with Iran, which Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning of an YPG fighters hunkered down on the front lines Turkey wields over their relationship with est point, the strait separates the Arabian already overlooks another maritime choke- Iranian threat to the strait in a speech to the US say they pay for the absence of air support in blood. Washington. Saleh Muslim, the president of the Peninsula from East Africa and links the Red Sea point, the Strait of Hormuz linking the Gulf with Congress earlier this month. “It affects us a lot,” said Hussein Kochar, a local YPG PYD, appealed to the US to “listen to us with their with the Gulf of Aden. the Arabian Sea. If the militia takes control of “Backed by Iran, Huthis are seizing control of leader in Ras al-Ayn. “With the airstrikes, it would be own ears and see us through their own eyes, not Nearly 40 percent of global maritime trade is Bab Al-Mandab, “Iran would be the main win- Yemen, threatening the strategic straits at the much easier and we would suffer fewer casualties.” through those of others” - a clear reference to estimated to pass through the strait, much of it ner,” said Bassem Al-Hakimi, a Yemeni political mouth of the Red Sea. Along with the Straits of Syria’s Kurds have performed a high-wire act of sorts Ankara. Despite those obstacles, Muslim on its way to and from the Suez Canal. As expert. Hormuz, that would give Iran a second choke- in their country’s civil war. They have carved out an expressed optimism that the limited relationship Yemen’s Shiite Huthi militiamen have moved point on the world’s oil supply,” he said. But autonomous zone in predominantly Kurdish areas could grow and develop. “If you deal with each south after seizing the capital Sanaa last year, 38% of maritime trade some experts are skeptical about any danger to since President Bashar Assad’s forces largely with- other, you get stronger over time,” he told The concern has been growing about their inten- He said such a move would give Tehran an the strait posed by the Huthi advance. “The drew from them in 2012, and have reached out to Associated Press. “I think maybe in the future we tions for Bab Al-Mandab. The militia on Sunday additional “card to play in the negotiations over whole thing is a total red herring,” said Richard Christians and some Arabs to help govern them. In can have very tight relations.” —AP took control of the airport in the key central its nuclear program” with world powers. There Dalton, a former British ambassador to Iran and city of Taez, tightening the noose on President is no doubt that the seizure of coastal areas on associate fellow at the Chatham House think Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi in his refuge in the the strait would raise international concern. tank. southern city of Aden only about 180 kilome- Both the United States and France maintain a Dalton said there was no reason to believe ters away. Hadi fled to Aden after escaping military presence on the other side of the strait that Tehran-whose links with the Huthis he said house arrest in Sanaa last month, and the coun- in Djibouti, and for Egypt the strait is of crucial have been exaggerated-would want to compli- try has increasingly been divided between the importance. cate shipping through the strait. “The Iranians Huthi-controlled north and presidential loyal- Egypt’s ambassador to Yemen, Youssef Al- are pro-free passage and they play by the rules. ists in the south. Security sources say Huthi Sharqawi, warned recently that threats to Bab They want to be respected so it is unlikely that forces have been dispatched from Taez to the Al-Mandab would be a “red line” for Cairo. either Iran or the Huthi movement would seek port of Mocha, some 80 kilometers to the west. “More than 38 percent of global maritime trade to disrupt shipping there,” he added. —AFP Egypt honors woman who dressed as man to work

CAIRO: An Egyptian woman who says she had to dress as a man to get work has been hailed as an “exemplary working mother” by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. Sisa Abu Daooh, 65, showed up on Sunday at the presidential palace to receive an award from Sisi and a cash prize of 50,000 KOBANE: Fighters from Kurdish popular defense units YPJ (women) and pounds, wearing a male robe and turban, a day YPG (men) gather during a short break before heading out to fight for new after Egypt marked Mother’s Day. The money, the positions. —AP equivalent of about $6,500 (6,000 euros) is a large sum in the conservative rural south where she lives. Abu Daooh told AFP she first started dressing Saudi says Iran shouldn’t get as a man in the city of Luxor 43 years ago after her husband died and she was left to tend to her ‘undeserved’ nuclear deals daughter alone. “I cut my hair and wore a man’s robe and turban, and a man’s shoes to get a job. It RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince the program “does not turn into a was hard to get opportunities as a woman,” she Saud Al-Faisal said yesterday that Iran, nuclear weapon that could pose a threat said. Abu Daooh worked as a brick maker and which is negotiating with world powers to the region and the world, especially in field hand, and then when her health worsened on its nuclear program, should not get view of Iran’s aggressive politics in the took up shoe shining. “undeserved deals”. “It is impossible that region”. The minister also accused Tehran “It was hard (to dress as a man), but without it Iran should get undeserved deals,” Prince of “continued meddling in the affairs of men would have hassled me and stopped me Saud said at a joint news conference Arab countries and attempts to stoke from working, and maybe even assaulted me.” with visiting British Foreign Secretary sectarian conflicts in the region”. Despite now having become famous, she says she Philip Hammond. Iran and six world Iran and Saudi Arabia, the foremost will continue to work in men’s clothes. “I will work powers are in negotiations to clinch a Shiite and Sunni Muslim powers in the dressed in a man’s robe until I die,” she said. long-sought deal aimed at putting a Middle East, have had troubled relations Women in Egypt are legally equal to men, and nuclear bomb out of reach for the coun- in recent years after taking different many are employed outside the house, but advo- try in exchange for easing sanctions on sides in the Syrian civil war. Tehran has cates say the country still has a long way to go in its economy. Tehran denies wanting backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad CAIRO: Photo shows Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi (right) handing Sisa Abu advancing their participation in politics and the nuclear weapons. while Riyadh supported Sunni rebels try- Daooh, the motherhood award, at the presidential palace. —AFP economy. —AFP Prince Saud called for guarantees that ing to topple him. —AFP INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 Top court hears free speech dispute over license plates

WASHINGTON: The US Supreme Court is allies, including the American Civil Liberties weighing a free-speech challenge to Texas’ Union, anti-abortion groups, Americans refusal to issue a license plate bearing the United for Separation of Church and State, Civil War-era Confederate battle flag, an civil libertarian Nat Hentoff and conserva- image that some Southerners see as part of tive satirist PJ O’Rourke. their heritage but many view as a symbol “In a free society, offensive speech of slavery and repression. Specialty plates should not just be tolerated, its regular are big business in Texas, where drivers presence should be celebrated as a symbol spent $17.6 million last year to choose from of democratic health - however odorous among more than 350 messages the state the products of a democracy may be,” allows. The Texas Department of Motor Hentoff, O’Rourke and others said in a brief Vehicles says nearly 877,000 vehicles backing the group. The case could be among more than 19 million cars, pickup important for how the Supreme Court trucks and motorcycles registered in Texas determines whether the speech at issue carry a specialty plate. belongs to private individuals or the gov- But a state motor vehicle board turned ernment. Texas’ main argument to the down a request by the Texas division of the Supreme Court is that the license plate is Sons of Confederate Veterans for a license not like a bumper sticker slapped on the plate with its logo bearing the battle flag, car by its driver. Instead, the state said similar to plates issued by eight other license plates are government property, states that were members of the and so what appears on them is not private Confederacy, as well as Maryland. The jus- individuals’ speech but the governments. tices are hearing arguments yesterday over The First Amendment applies when gov- whether the state violated the group’s ernments try to regulate the speech of oth- rights under the First Amendment to the ers, but not when governments are doing US Constitution. the talking. Even if the court disagrees that Texas commemorates the Confederacy license plates are government speech, the in many ways, but it says that putting the state said its rejection of the Sons of battle flag on license plates would offend Confederate Veterans license plate was not many Texans who believe the flag is a discriminatory. The motor vehicle board racially charged symbol of repression. The had not approved a plate denigrating the same image is etched on a century-old Civil Confederacy or the battle flag so it could War monument on the grounds of the state not be accused of giving voice to one view- Capitol in Austin. The First Amendment dis- point while suppressing another, the state pute has brought together some unlikely said. — AP WASHINGTON: Defense Secretary Ash Carter applauds at (left) as Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani shakes hands with Secretary of State John Kerry at the Pentagon. — AP Alaska police probe if human Afghan president thanks remains tied to missing family

ANCHORAGE: Authorities are investigating appeared to be human remains, police said US troops at Pentagon the discovery of human remains found in a statement. Responding officers found along an Alaskan trail less than two miles remains and items reported missing from from the home of a missing family. Kenai the home of Rebecca Adams, 23, and her Police said Sunday that the remains found boyfriend, Brandon Jividen, 38. They were ‘We are going to put our house in order’ a day earlier might be connected to the dis- last seen May 27, the day after Memorial Day. appearance last May of the four family Also missing were Adams’ children, WASHINGTON: Afghanistan’s president kicked and Secretary of State John Kerry. Later in the after that, the US would only maintain an members. Michelle Hundley, 6, and Jaracca Hundley, off his Washington visit yesterday by thanking week Ghani is to meet with President Barack embassy-based security force in Kabul of per- Kenai police with help from the FBI led a 3. The family dog also disappeared. Police US troops and taxpayers for their sacrifices in Obama at the White House and address a joint haps 1,000 troops. Ghani needs a firm commit- massive search effort when the family went said it would take time to positively identify nearly 14 years of war. He pledged that his meeting of Congress. Carter praised Ghani as a ment of American support in his fight against missing. The searches turned up no clues. the remains and complete the investiga- impoverished country will not remain a burden committed leader who knows that “Afghanistan’s the Taliban and other insurgent groups, includ- Relatives said at the time it appeared the tion at the scene. FBI officials Sunday were to the West. “We do not now ask what the United future is ultimately for the Afghans to grab hold ing an Islamic State affiliate, which he fears is family had left without packing. Their two traveling to Kenai. The department plans a States can do for us,” Ashraf Ghani said in of and for Afghans to decide.” finding a foothold in Afghanistan. With that in vehicles remained parked outside their briefing on the case at noon yesterday. remarks meant to bolster the Obama administra- mind, Ghani proclaimed at the Pentagon cere- apartment and their rent for June had not Kenai is a city of 7,100 about 65 miles tion’s conviction that Ghani is a reliable partner Reliable, appreciative mony yesterday that the US is supporting the been paid. southwest of Anchorage at the mouth of worth supporting over the long term. “We want Those themes emphasized by Carter and winning side. On Saturday, a person driving down a the Kenai River, Alaska’s most popular sport to say what Afghanistan will do for itself and for Ghani-that Kabul’s new leaders are more reliable “We die. But we will never be defeated,” Ghani west Kenai trail spotted clothing and what fishing attraction. — AP the world,” he added. “And that means we are and appreciative of US assistance, and that the said. “Terrorism is a threat. It’s evil. But we the going to put our house in order.” US alone cannot solve Afghanistan’s problems- people of Afghanistan are willing to speak truth Ghani and his chief executive, Abdullah are central to the administration’s approach to to terror by saying no, you will never overwhelm Abdullah, were welcomed by Defense Secretary carrying out President Barack Obama’s pledge to us, you will never subdue us. We are going to Ash Carter at a ceremony in the Pentagon’s cen- end the war. Obama has promised to remove overcome.” “And in this endeavor our partnership ter courtyard. It was a poignant setting for the the remaining US troops from Afghanistan by with the United States is foundational because start of Ghani’s visit. On Sept 11, 2001, terrorists the end of his presidency. But deficiencies in the we will be the first line of defense for freedom hijacked an American Airlines jetliner and flew it Afghan security forces, heavy casualties in the globally,” he added. into the Pentagon, killing all aboard and 125 ranks of the Afghan army and police, a fragile Ghani’s relationship with Washington stands people in the building. The US responded to the new government and fears that Islamic State in stark contrast to that of his predecessor, attacks on Washington and New York’s World fighters could gain a foothold in Afghanistan Hamid Karzai, whose antagonism toward the US Trade Center by invading Afghanistan a month have combined to persuade Obama to slow the culminated in a refusal to sign security agree- later, beginning the longest war in American his- withdrawal. ments with Washington and NATO before leav- tory. Instead of trimming the current US force of ing office last year. Ghani signed the pacts within Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah were later 9,800 to 5,500 by the end of this year, US officials days of becoming president in September, and headed to the Camp David presidential retreat in say the administration now might keep many of has since enjoyed a close relationship with Maryland for closed door meetings with Carter them there well into 2016. Obama has said that American diplomats and military leaders. — AFP Bush used executive power aggressively as governor ANCHORAGE: A Kenai police officer walks down a trail leading to a temporary camp where police and FBI personnel are working to identify remains of what is believed to be a family who have been missing for nearly 10 months. — AP TALLAHASSEE: Jeb Bush ended tions. Bush embraced the ministers and students. It never- the final say over appointments Florida’s affirmative action pro- changes and, with the backing of theless blindsided many lawmak- to the state panels that nominate grams in 1999 with a flourish, a GOP-controlled Legislature, ers and black leaders. Bush judges. That belief soon surfaced issuing an executive order that he asserted himself in ways agreed to hold three public hear- in the case of Terri Schiavo. No tornadoes reported said would “transcend the tired Tallahassee had not seen before. ings on his effort and delay its Doctors said the severely brain- debate” about racial preferences. implementation, and later said damaged woman was in a “persis- Some lawmakers grumbled The Godfather his only regret was not taking tent vegetative state,” and a anywhere across US about the first-year governor Earning the nickname “Veto more time to explain the pro- judge’s ruling that her husband making such a move without Corleone,” a pun on the main gram. could remove her feeding tube TULSA: With only about two-dozen reported earlier this week that since the consulting them, and two black character in “The Godfather,” he had withstood years of court twisters recorded so far this year during a beginning of the year, it has issued only legislators staged a 25-hour sit-in cut a record number of legislators’ Dodging the system challenges. Bush, a devout period when 100 or more are typical, the four tornado watches and no severe thun- at his office to protest. Bush local projects from the state “I had a sense of urgency that Catholic, sided with Schiavo’s par- US appears to be in a tornado drought as derstorm watches - less than 10 percent of refused to budge. budget and demanded lawmak- others don’t share,” he said in his ents, who disputed the diagnosis cool, stable air prevents the ingredients of the average 52 tornado watches issued by “We’re doing the people’s work ers clear special spending with final month in office. “You kind of and said their daughter, also a the violent storms from coming together, mid-March. The center hasn’t issued a and I’m not going to let anybody, him in advance. Before the end of have to downshift to where peo- Catholic, would not want to be meteorologists said Friday. No tornadoes watch in March, something that’s never for any reason, stop us from a blistering first year in which he ple are sometimes.” Bush was less taken off life support. have been reported so far in March, when happened in its record of watches dating to doing that,” he said. Lawmakers won legislation to overhaul edu- patient with the courts, seeking Bush signed legislation in 2003 tornado season often begins ramping up 1970, said Greg Carbin, warning coordina- would have to get used to it. Bush cation, limit lawsuits and cut $1 to sidestep a number of rulings that gave him the authority to for parts of the country. The last time the tion meteorologist for NOAA’s Storm that struck down his goals. After a order the woman’s feeding tube US had no twisters in March was nearly 50 Prediction Center. was an aggressive chief executive billion in taxes, Bush signed his years ago, according to figures from the “Every day that goes by is quite remark- throughout his tenure as Florida executive order on affirmative Florida judge rejected a Bush- reinserted, but the state Supreme National Oceanic and Atmospheric able (because) we’re normally seeing very governor, pushing the limits of action. A Tampa Tribune cartoon backed law requiring minors to Court struck down that law as Administration’s Storm Prediction Center in active day-to-day weather somewhere in executive authority, bristling at depicted him as the Tasmanian notify their parents before get- unconstitutional. Bush was Norman. the country,” Carbin said. “Four watches is legislative oversight and willing Devil zigzagging through traffic. ting an abortion, the governor unapologetic. Floridians “may not Forecasters at the prediction center also unprecedented.” Even in tornado- to work around the courts. Kristy Campbell, Bush’s spokes- and the Legislature supported a agree with everything we’re prone Oklahoma, the dominant weather “He doesn’t shy away from the woman, says Bush “worked to ballot measure to carve out an doing,” he said as he prepared to pattern of cold, stable air that prevents a fact that he had a big agenda, make government more account- exception in the state constitu- leave office in 2007. “But there is tornado’s ingredients from coming togeth- and if there was a way to move it able to Floridians, and Floridians tion. Voters approved the change. stuff being done here. People like er means the state is again starting storm along quicker, he would find it,” responded favorably to his Frustrated by what he saw as their government to be focused season in sluggish fashion, a repeat of the said Cory Tilley, a Republican con- approach.” judicial activism, Bush also on their issues, and they want it year before, said state climatologist Gary sultant who served as Bush’s The Legislature successfully pushed for a law that gave him to be activist.” —AP McManus. deputy chief of staff during his sued Bush for interpreting his “We haven’t had the prime conditions first term. But as Bush draws clos- veto power too broadly, but it here in Tornado Alley because the predom- er to launching his campaign for ultimately gave Bush most of inant weather pattern doesn’t lend itself to president in 2016, he’s aggres- what he wanted. “We were drink- severe weather,” McManus said. “Not only sively criticizing President Barack ing out of a fire hose and we are we not seeing the tornadoes, we’re not Obama’s own use of executive thought he had a lot of good seeing the supercell storm systems that power, accusing him of “tram- common sense, a lot of great spawn these tornadoes.” Adam Houston, pling on the Constitution.” ideas,” said John Thrasher, the for- associate professor of atmospheric science mer Florida House speaker. at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, cau- “I think the next president is tioned that with spring just starting, so too likely to undo much of the execu- “When you have great ideas and is the peak time for tornadoes, and condi- tive orders, particularly the ones you work closely with somebody, tions are likely to change. For example, it where there was no constitution- it’s easy to give them a little extra was May when twisters raked the al authority to do these executive authority.” Oklahoma City suburbs of Moore and El orders,” Bush said last week in Bush took the step to change Reno during a two-week period in 2013, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. affirmative action in university killing dozens of people and injuring hun- Until Bush’s election in 1998, the admissions and state contracting dreds more. “January and February are not governor’s office in Florida had in part to head off a prospective active months, so (the tornado drought) little relative power. But that ballot measure he thought was hasn’t been particularly surprising,” he said. same year, voters shrank the size more divisive. But before he did MOORE, Oklahoma: This May 21, 2013 “If we’re having this conversation in June, of the state’s independently elect- so, he consulted with the Clinton file aerial photo shows the remains of then there would be something substantial ed cabinet and gave the governor administration and small groups MIAMI: In this March 28, 2005, file photo, then-Florida Gov Jeb Bush houses abter a tornado. — AP here.”—AP control over education and elec- of African-American legislators, speaks to reporters about the Terry Schiavo case. — AP INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

France’s conservatives, far-right wins local polls

PARIS: France’s right celebrated yester- round vote in 43 of 101 “departments”, failing”. “When we have to choose day after a conservative alliance and the which have power over local issues such between a Republican candidate and far-right National Front took top spots in as schools and welfare.”I said very clearly the National Front, we must not hesi- weekend local polls, dealing President — 20 percent would be a good result, 25 tate,” he said. Le Pen has depicted this Francois Hollande and his Socialists a percent is a triumph,” she told BFMTV strategy as a campaign of “hate” by the new blow ahead of the 2017 presidential yesterday. mainstream against her party. She election. In a key test ahead of the presi- But her party will struggle to find remained bullish about the initial results, dential vote, an alliance lead by former allies when voters return for run-off elec- pointing to the fact they were higher president Nicolas Sarkozy took first place tions on March 29. “There will be no local than the party’s victorious tally in last with 32.5 percent of the vote, while the or national deal with the leaders of the year’s European parliamentary polls. National Front (FN) of Marine Le Pen FN,” Sarkozy declared immediately after “This massive vote for the National came second with 25.4 percent. the initial figures were released. Socialist Front that is taking root in election after The Socialists trailed in third with an Prime Minister Manuel Valls tried to put election shows that the French want to estimated 22 percent, the latest haemor- a positive spin on his party’s results, say- rediscover their freedom,” she said. The rhage of support for the party since ing it had “resisted better than expected” FN has enjoyed a run of strong results in Hollande, who has failed to address dou- and calling for left-wing parties to unite recent votes, winning control of 11 town ble-digit unemployment in the euro- ahead of the second-round run-offs. halls last year as well as its European poll zone’s second-largest economy, took victory. Le Pen is hoping this momen- charge in 2012. The result was a surprise, ‘Hate’ campaign against FN tum will carry forward to a successful with opinion polls ahead of the vote pre- The mainstream parties have closed run at the presidency in 2017. CARPENTRAS: French far-right Front National party’s MP Marion Marechal-Le dicting victory for Le Pen’s anti-EU and ranks against the FN in recent weeks, Her party has capitalized on anger Pen (center), general secretary of the FN’s Vaucluse department Federation, anti-immigration FN that has been rid- with the Socialists calling on voters to over France’s lackluster economy, as well arrives to give a speech following the anouncement of results for the first round ing a wave of voter dissatisfaction over back either left or right in the second as the politically explosive issues of of the French departementales elections. — AFP the stagnant economy and issues sur- round to keep the far right from power. immigration and the integration of Islam rounding immigration. Sarkozy has refused to play the game, into French society after the Paris attacks in Paris in January, when he was France’s left-wing parties. “The right Sarkozy described the vote as a “mas- calling on his supporters to abstain in Islamist attacks. But it has also benefited credited with rallying the country. was united in 1,200 or 1,300 cantons, sive shift” back to a “reunited” right-wing. areas where his UMP has been knocked from Hollande’s disastrous popularity Government spokesman Stephane Le while the left was united in barely 400 Le Pen called the results a “very big suc- out. ratings, which have returned to record Foll preferred to blame Sunday’s poor or 430 — that was the big difference,” cess”, with her party leading the first- Valls called that “a moral and political lows after a slight hike after the jihadist showing on a lack of unity among he said. —AFP

France faces ‘unprecedented’ terror threat, says officials

PARIS: The threat of a jihadist attack in jihadist networks in Paris, and one had France has reached a level “without prece- travelled to Yemen for training back in dent” and new attacks are inevitable, 2011, but they had gradually fallen off the according to top counter-terrorism offi- radar of security services after laying low cials. “The threat is permanent,” said one for several years. high-level official in the defense ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Not Deadly competition one day goes by without an alert, the dis- Officials also fear that competition covery of a network trying to send people between militant groups may drive them to Syria or Iraq, or an intervention (by the to ever-more brutal acts. “Al-Qaeda needs security services). to restore its prestige and will try to com- “The number of targets has exploded. pete with IS with complex and major There are two or three thousand, maybe actions,” said the official. He highlighted four thousand, people identified or sus- the threat from an Al-Qaeda sub-group pected of evil intentions.” Nor are they all known as Khorasan, which is still thought amateurs, the source added-many are to be planning a major airline attack. highly educated. “They are pros, not drop- One of Khorasan’s key members is a outs,” he said. Defense ministry specialists French explosives expert, David Drugeon, say the jihadists “use the best encryption who is thought to have survived an and concealment techniques” and that attempted assassination by a US drone security services are “playing catch-up”. strike last year. That compares with the “Every time we get our hands on a net- more conventional military threat posed work, we see they are each using seven or by IS, the official said, “which is in the eight SIM cards, changing them constantly. process of training commandos and send- And the most cunning don’t go near ing them onto our territory with high-qual- phones at all-they use messengers.” ity equipment”. The biggest concerns relate to the esti- Since the attacks in Paris in January mated 200 individuals who have returned that left 17 dead, France has been on from training or fighting in areas held by the highest possible alert with thou- the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. sands of police and troops deployed at “They have lost all inhibitions about vio- sensitive sites, such as media headquar- lence,” said another top counter-terrorism ters and synagogues. But counter-ter- official, also speaking on condition of rorism officials say this will do little to anonymity. Security services place them prevent an attack. Unveiling new sur- under the tightest possible surveillance, veillance laws on Thursday, Prime but resources are limited and the authori- Minister Manuel Valls said the jihadist ties are also painfully aware that militants threat was “constantly evolving,” ema- SEVILLA: President of regional government of Andalusia and Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) candidate Susana Diaz (center) celebrates winning may wait years before acting. nating as much from groups based after the closing of polls. — AFP That was the case with the Kouachi abroad as from individuals present on brothers who carried out the attack on French soil. “The problem is not to know Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine in if there will be a new attack,” said Valls. January. They had long-standing links to “It is to know when and where.” — AFP Spain govt under assault Key figures to watch after Andalusia collapse in Nigeria’s election Transforming Spain’s political landscape LAGOS: Africa’s most populous country fourth shot at the presidency since and top economy, Nigeria, holds general democracy was restored in 1999, and has MADRID: Spain’s government is fighting off a right daily El Mundo called it a “fiasco” for the PP was initially boosted by Syriza’s election victory elections this Saturday-the fifth since civil- tried to position himself as Nigeria’s top two-pronged assault from new protest parties of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, summing up in Greece in January, but has been given pause ian rule was restored in 1999. Here are five anti-corruption crusader. Buhari, 72, after it collapsed in a key regional election the view of most of the Spanish press. Foreign for thought by the ongoing squabbles between key figures whose actions could shape the insists he will win this time, refusing to ahead of this year’s national polls. The vote in Minister Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo said the the Greek party and European powers over the outcome of the vote and its aftermath. even discuss the prospect of another the poor southern Andalusia region was a key results in Andalusia were “infinitely worse than country’s crippling debt. defeat. If Jonathan is declared the winner, test for surging left-wing party Podemos, which expected”. Podemos won less votes than it had hoped, Goodluck Jonathan Buhari’s actions could prove crucial in hopes to emulate its Greek ally Syriza and win Rajoy had campaigned hard in person in but political scientist Jose Fernandez-Albertos Nigeria’s 57-year-old leader is seeking a avoiding widespread post-election power nationally by campaigning against crisis Andalusia in the first electoral clash of a year of Spain’s state research institute CSIC said its second term after a tumultuous five years unrest. Experts say the predominantly austerity measures. that will see local and regional polls in May and achievement in Andalusia was still “not at all plagued by the dramatic rise in strength Muslim north is a tinderbox that may But it also saw the entry into the political are- a general election around November. Catalonia bad”. “If a year ago someone had said that today of Boko Haram Islamists and a widely criti- explode if Buhari, the region’s favorite na of another party that is helping to transform will also hold a regional vote in September, a party called Podemos would win 15 percent of cized job performance. Critics say he has son, is perceived as having been cheated Spain’s political landscape-the centre-right focused on demands for independence. Rajoy the vote and another called Ciudadanos would failed to tackle corruption or improve out of an electoral win. Buhari’s moves as Ciudadanos. The main opposition Socialists won touted Spain’s gradual recovery from several win nine percent, that would have sounded infrastructure, especially electricity supply, the results come in will therefore be the contest overall with 35.4 percent of the years of recession-but that line apparently did mad, an enormous tsunami,” he said. but Jonathan still has supporters, particu- closely watched. vote, keeping control of the region they have not work in Andalusia, a region which still has Analysts said Ciudadanos likely poached larly in the mainly Christian south of the governed since 1982 — but the results were an unemployment rate of 34 percent. some votes from the PP as well as from more religiously divided nation. Nigerians have Abubakar Shekau marked by the performance of the other three “We take on board these results with great moderate protest voters that might otherwise never seen power change hands through Boko Haram’s leader, a wanted criminal contenders. humility,” said one of the PP’s spokesmen, Pablo have gone to Podemos. Ciudadanos was the ballot since independence from who is suspected of orchestrating crimes Casado. “Governing always takes its toll.” The founded in 2006 as an anti-independence par- Britain in 1960 but Jonathan has repeated- against humanity, has vowed to disrupt Lesson in humility Socialists’ triumphant leader Susana Diaz said it ty in the Catalonia region but has expanded ly vowed to respect the will of the voters. the polls, which the Islamist group views Spain’s governing Popular Party (PP) lost 17 was “a lesson for all the political parties”. nationwide in recent months, shaking up a If the election tilts in the opposition’s as “un-Islamic”. That sinister pledge may seats in the regional assembly with 26.7 percent Podemos’s lead candidate in Andalusia, Teresa political world dominated for decades by the favor, all eyes will be on the president to turn out to be empty bluster but given of the vote, while Podemos and Ciudadanos Rodriguez, said the party was profiting from a Socialists and PP. “There were many disillu- see if he keeps that promise. Boko Haram’s proven ability to sow chaos won their first parliamentary seats on Spanish “general loss of trust in the two-party forces”. sioned PP voters, fed up with the government’s across northern Nigeria, the possibility soil. They won 14.8 and 9.2 percent of the vote policies, austerity and the crisis, but previously Muhammadu Buhari exists of widespread attacks, including respectively. “The PP is the one with a very seri- Ongoing squabbles they had no alternatives,” said Fernandez- The former military ruler is taking his bombings, on polling day. —AFP ous problem. This could be the beginning of a Podemos erupted into Spanish politics last Albertos. “That gave the PP a safety net. But debacle,” said Fernando Alvarez, a professor of May when it won seats in the European now it has disappeared,” with the emergence constitutional law at Seville University. Centre- Parliament just four months after its founding. It of Ciudadanos, he said. —AFP Uganda closes madrassas over training extremists

KAMPALA: Five madrassas in Uganda have been central region while two of them are in the east. the US over his alleged role in violence there. shut down over allegations they are training stu- Uganda’s Daily Monitor newspaper report- Ugandan authorities have been warning of the dents to become extremists, a Ugandan police ed yesterday that a senior Ugandan Muslim growing threat of home-grown Islamic extremism official said yesterday. A Muslim leader denied the leader, Kassim Nakibinge, had criticized the that stems in part from Uganda’s military involve- allegations. The Islamic schools targeted for clo- police’s actions, saying Islamic schools are ment in Somalia, where Ugandan forces are part sure have been training children to become fight- being unfairly targeted by the authorities. He of an African Union force fighting Al-Shabab ers in a rebel group opposed to Uganda’s govern- reportedly accused the police of “hiding extremists. At least five Ugandans are currently on ment, Patrick Onyango, a spokesman for police in behind security to close our (madrassas).” trial for their alleged roles in the July 2010 bomb- the Ugandan capital of Kampala, said. “They are Local police link the madrassas to the Allied ings in Kampala that killed more than 70 people brainwashing the children, training them to Democratic Forces, a Congo-based armed who were watching the 2010 soccer World Cup become recruits in a rebel group,” he said. “The group whose fugitive Ugandan leader is want- final on TV. Although responsibility for that attack plan is that when they reach the right age they ed by Interpol over terror allegations. Jamil was claimed by Al-Shabab, Ugandan officials say ROME: A police officer gestures during a demonstration of asylum-seeking immi- will be taken to become rebels.” He said three of Mukulu, who is widely believed to be hiding in some Ugandans were recruited to direct that grants in Italy’s capital yesterday. — AFP the schools ordered shut are located in Uganda’s eastern Congo, has also been sanctioned by attack.—AP INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 Sri Lanka’s new leader heads to China after winding ties

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s new president marines were allowed to dock at Colombo heads to Beijing this week for talks with port last year when Rajapakse was still in China’s leadership, seeking to smooth ruf- power. fled feathers after scuttling Chinese-funded Beijing has been accused of seeking to projects and seeking stronger ties with develop facilities around the Indian Ocean regional rival India. Maithripala Sirisena in a “string of pearls” strategy to counter the swept to power in January, ending a rise of rival India and secure its own eco- decade of rule by Mahinda Rajapakse, nomic interests. Indian Prime Minister whose close alliance with Beijing had irked Narendra Modi visited Sri Lanka and other the island’s traditional close ally India. Indian Ocean nations in March in a bid to Sirisena has moved to wind back Beijing’s counter that influence, and reassert Delhi’s influence, which became the strategically traditional role in the region. located island’s biggest foreign financier Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Mangala and enjoyed significant political and even Samaraweera, who visited Beijing a month military influence under Rajapakse. after Sirisena came to power, has said the Sirisena has unnerved China by sus- new administration will not allow Chinese pending a $1.4 billion “port city” project in submarines in Colombo. Colombo is also Colombo that India considered a security seeking to renegotiate huge loans given by risk, and ordering a review of other Beijing- China for projects at rates as high as 8 per- financed projects and loans amid allega- cent, Sri Lanka Finance Minister Ravi tions of corruption.Experts say the presi- Karunanayake told reporters recently. dent will be seeking a divorce of sorts from China had emerged as Sri Lanka’s China during the three-day state visit start- biggest single financier, accounting for ing Wednesday, while trying not to upset about 40 percent of some $2.03 billion in the economic giant. Sirisena will hold talks foreign money spent on infrastructure proj- with Chinese President Xi Jinping along ects in 2013, according to the latest Central with other members of the leadership, Bank of Sri Lanka report. China was also Colombo said. one of the few countries to defend Sri “The former government allowed China Lanka’s human rights record under a free run in Sri Lanka,” Sri Lankan political Rajapakse, who angered Western nations ISLAMABAD: Pakistani commandos from the Special Services Group take part in the Pakistan National Day parade. — AP commentator Victor Ivan told AFP. for refusing to cooperate with an interna- “President Sirisena wants to maintain a nor- tional probe into allegations of war crimes mal relationship that will not irritate India.” on the island. The visit is about “bringing balance in Sri In contrast, the new government has Pakistan holds first national Lanka’s engagement with two Asian rivals”, won support from the West for its P Sahadevan, professor of South Asian attempts at reconciliation between ethnic studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in minority Tamils and majority Sinhalese, as day parade in seven years Delhi, told AFP. well as moves to ensure accountability for crimes committed during the separatist Shifting influence war. With Western backing and support Mobile networks disabled to prevent attacks Sirisena made India-rather than China- from Delhi, the government has secured his first foreign trip after winning the more time to address allegations that ISLAMABAD: Pakistan yesterday held its first January elections, seeking to rebuild ties troops under Rajapakse’s command killed national day military parade for seven years, a with Delhi damaged by tensions over up to 40,000 Tamil civilians while defeat- display of pageantry aimed at showing the Beijing’s influence on the island. Delhi was ing Tamil rebels in the finale of the war country has the upper hand in the fight against reportedly furious after Chinese sub- that ended in 2009. —AFP the Taliban. Mobile phone networks in the capi- tal were disabled to thwart potential bomb attacks, some roads were closed to the public Myanmar students seize political and much of the city was under heavy guard for the event. freedom on campus and in streets The annual Pakistan Day parade was last held in 2008 before authorities abandoned it because YANGON: Every morning Su Wai Phyo wakes that gave birth to the 1988 protests. Fellow of fears it could be targeted as Taliban militants before dawn to do something that was until student Ko Ko Aung, 28, marvels at freedoms increased their attacks on the military. The mili- recently banned in Myanmar: study politics. out of reach just four years ago. “We were tary says the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is The 23-year-old is one of a handful of stu- very afraid of the military government at the on the rack now thanks to an offensive waged dents taking part in a new political science time,” he says. “We think everywhere there are against militant strongholds since June last year, diploma for postgraduates at the University spies, that’s why we didn’t talk about politics.” allowing the display of martial pomp to be of Yangon-a course that would have been Professor Chaw Chaw Sein, head of the restarted. The event, presided over by President unthinkable under Myanmar’s brutal junta. international relations department that runs Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani fighter jet flies during the Pakistan National Day parade. — AP “Young people need to understand poli- the course, says her students’ burn with an and army chief General Raheel Sharif, was held China. Nuclear-capable Nasr and Shaheen mis- meet with President of Pakistan Mamnoon tics,” she enthuses after a recent early morn- appetite to learn the subject. “We can talk and on a parade ground in leafy Islamabad. siles, which have a range of up to 1,500 kilome- Hussain and Prime Minister Sharif on ways to ing class. “They need to know about those discuss, not only about politics around the The event comes just over three months after ters, and Babur cruise missiles, were also parad- further enhance bilateral cooperation in various who are ruling us-whether those in power are world but also the political changes and poli- TTP gunmen massacred more than 150 people, ed. India hosted US President Barack Obama as fields including energy, investment, trade, doing good things for us or doing bad things.” tics in Myanmar,” she says. The academic most of them children, at a school in the north- guest of honor at its own Republic Day parade defense and manpower, the Foreign Ministry She will be among millions of new voters able proudly describes herself as one of the “88 western city of Peshawar, an atrocity that in January, warming ties between Washington said in a release. to choose who governs them for the first time generation”. But when that movement was shocked even conflict-weary Pakistan. President and New Delhi, Pakistan’s arch-rival. Indian Regional and global issues of mutual interest in decades when Myanmar goes to the polls crushed she decided to work within the sys- Hussain paid tribute to soldiers fighting militants Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he and concern will also be discussed, it said, later this year. tem. in the restive northwest, calling them his sons had written to his counterpart Sharif to congrat- expecting the Qatari Amir’s visit to provide It is a decision she will exercise amid a and pledging to go to the front line to hug them. ulate him yesterday. fresh impetus to bilateral relations. Earlier in huge flowering of public political discussion Dark days “I also salute the innocent martyrs of the 2010, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani had after harsh military rule gave way to a quasi- For years, teaching international relations Army Public School Peshawar, who by sacrificing Qatar Amir pays a visit visited Pakistan as the then Crown Prince of civilian reformist government in 2011. But involved little more than studying the their lives made it clear to the enemy that this Meanwhile, Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Qatar to offer financial assistance for the peo- while Myanmar’s turnaround initially won “Burmese Path to Socialism” espoused by the nation cannot be defeated,” the president said. Hamad Al Thani arrived in Islamabad yesterday ple affected by that year’s massive flood disas- widespread praise, prompting a flood of for- country’s secretive and paranoid military Both modern and more traditional elements of for a two-day visit to Pakistan at the invitation ter. The two nations are also expected to final- eign investment, there are fears it is now rulers. But Chaw Chaw Sein believes a gradual Pakistan’s military arsenal were on display, from of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Sharif, along ize a 15-year, multibillion-dollar deal to ship backsliding on key reforms. transition towards democracy is the right nuclear-capable missiles and the new home- with senior ministers, received the visiting dig- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to Pakistan during Those fears were heightened earlier this route for Myanmar-fearful of the chaos that made armed Burraq drone to a camel-mounted nitary who was accompanied by a high-level the Amir’s visit. Earlier this month, Pakistan month when police violently cracked down could be unleashed if full freedoms were musical band. There were fly-pasts by the air delegation including Cabinet Ministers, managed to secure a USD-21-billion long-term on student-led protesters calling for educa- granted overnight. “Although (the) interna- force, including some dizzying aerobatic dis- Chairman of Qatar Airways and senior govern- contract from Qatar to supply LNG at a highly tion reform, arresting at least 130 and spark- tional community are criticizing that this is plays by JF-17 Thunder fighters, which are local- ment officials. attractive price in order to reduce the cost of ing international condemnation. Myanmar’s just a semi-democracy, a semi-civilian govern- ly produced in cooperation with close ally During his stay here, the Qatari Amir will power generation. — Agencies former military rulers are historically suspi- ment, we have to take lessons from the Soviet cious of students, who have been at the fore- Union’s disintegration,” she says. “Gradual front of several major uprisings, including a change is better for our political culture.” mass 1988 demonstration that ended in a But many young people feel change bloody military assault and saw the rise of needs to come quicker. In a rickety wooden Afghan protesters demand Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition. The months of building in downtown Yangon before the lat- student rallies have rattled the current gov- est crackdown, activists from the All Burma ernment, fearful that the demonstrations Student Federation Union met to strum gui- justice for brutal mob killing could spiral into a wider destabilising protest tars, play with the union’s dog “Lucky” and movement ahead of elections expected in plan their protests. The students say a 2014 November. education law curbs academic freedom and KABUL: Hundreds of Afghans protested in Kabul the road outside the mosque and marched his first state visit to the United States. Before want it altered to include free and compulso- yesterday to demand justice for a woman who along the riverside route, starting from where his departure, he called the killing of Flowering freedoms ry schooling until children reach their early was killed by a mob outside one of the capital’s the attack began. Many women in the crowd Farkhunda a “heinous attack,” and ordered an The violent scenes in the town of teens, permission to form unions, and teach- most famous mosques after she was falsely wore masks of Farkhunda’s battered and blood- investigation. Ghani’s wife, Rula, who has spo- Letpadan, where students were charged by ing in ethnic minority languages. being accused of burning a Quran. The woman, ied face, which has appeared widely on social ken up on women’s rights, has yet to make a baton-wielding security forces after they tried “What we are demanding is autonomous a 27-year-old religious scholar named media. They carried a banner accusing the gov- public statement disappointing some rights to break through police lines, is far removed universities, universities that are independent Farkhunda, was beaten, pushed from a roof, run ernment of broking promises to end corruption activists including film director Sahraa Karimi. from the leafy confines of the University of of the government,” says Min Thawe Thit, a over by a car and set alight before her body was and bring rule of law to Afghanistan. Palwasha, “This is typical of the women in positions of Yangon where optimism and political dis- leader in the All Burma Student Federation thrown in the Kabul River last Thursday. Senior who described herself as a social activist, said: influence in Afghanistan -talking talking no course abounds for the first time in years. Union who has since been arrested. “We don’t police officials have since maintained that the “We demand that the government ensure that action. How can they be our representatives,” Once celebrated as one of Asia’s leading want top-down policies imposed, we want Quran-burning allegations that prompted the all those involved are arrested and that they face Karimi said. More demonstrations are planned universities, it was shuttered for much of the decisions to be made from the bottom up,” he attack were false. an open trial so that justice is implemented and throughout the week to maintain pressure on last two decades by the junta, its colonial-era adds. Nicholas Farrelly, a Myanmar expert at She was buried amid a huge public outcry on they become an example for others.” the authorities to ensure that women’s consti- buildings languishing in fields of long grass. It the Australian National University, says the Sunday, her coffin carried by women’s activists Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, who took tutional rights to equality and protection from was reopened in late 2013 as part of govern- latest crop of student protesters have come who defied the tradition of men-only pallbearers office in September voicing support for violence are respected at every level of society, ment attempts to overhaul an education sys- to age during “a very significant and abrupt and funerals. Protesters who gathered near the women’s rights, is currently in Washington on activists said. — AP tem that calcified under army rule. “If I had set of transformations in Myanmar society”. Shah Doshamshera mosque yesterday demand- tried to study political science before 2011, But they are also political ingÈnues compared ed the government prosecute all those responsi- my parents would be worried about me to their forebears from the ‘88 generation. ble for the death of Farkhunda, who like many going to prison,” Su Wai Phyo says. “[They] don’t always appreciate just how dark Afghans used only one name. Instead, every weekday before heading to the darkest of the years in Myanmar were,” he Officials said that 13 people have been arrest- her job at a local NGO, she attends two hours says. Neither generation wants the dark days ed, and 13 policemen based in the area of the of lectures and seminars on the same campus to return. —AFP mosque have been suspended amid allegations they stood by and did nothing to stop the attack. One policeman who was present during the attack said the police were overwhelmed by the size of the crowd, which grew throughout the attack.

Misunderstanding leads to death Sayed Habid Shah said that Farkhunda and a fortune teller at the small shrine next to the mosque began arguing, when the fortune teller accused her of burning the Quran. “She said I am a Muslim and Muslims do not burn the Quran,” Shah said. “As more people gathered, the police were trying to push them away, but it got out of control. “The people pulled her into a corner of the yard and beat her with sticks, and one man took a large stone and dropped it on her. That was the end,” Shah said. Farkhunda’s body was then dragged 300 meters along the road in front of the mosque and thrown into the river, he said. Social activists on yesterday planted a pine tree on the riverbank spot where Farkhunda’s body was set alight. KABUL: Young women wear masks and hold graphic pictures of a 27 year-old woman, YANGON: This picture taken on March 19, 2015 shows university students revising The demonstrators, many of them members Farkhunda, who was beaten to death by a mob, during a protest by the Solidarity Party of their lessons prior to an examination at the University of Yangon. — AFP of the Solidarity Party of Afghanistan, blocked Afghanistan at the site of the attack. — AP INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

‘I’m responsible, says grieving father of Australian IS bomber

SYDNEY: The heartbroken father of an addressed and I feel totally responsible after losing contact during a messy Australian schoolboy believed to have for that. “I should have been there for divorce, said he struggled to reconcile died while carrying out a suicide bomb- him and he obviously needed help-and the son he knew with the images of the ing for Islamic State said yesterday he as a parent I wasn’t able to do that.” pale and skinny teen in IS propaganda. felt “totally responsible” for failing to see “He was recruited online and I knew that his son needed help. Melbourne ‘I’ve gone Muslim’ nothing of this. I knew nothing of his teen Jake Bilardi, 18, is believed to have Jake, a talented student, had been radicalization,” John Bilardi said. “To see carried out the attack in Iraq earlier this brought up an atheist but converted to him sitting there with that gun... I just month, after allegedly ditching plans for Islam, reportedly shortly after the death couldn’t believe that was my son. “It’s attacks on home soil. of his mother. “Just out of the blue he hard to process this. But that wasn’t him. Speaking to the media for the first said: ‘I’ve gone Muslim’,” his father told 60 He was just a shy, lonely young man. time since his son’s death, John Bilardi Minutes. A blog widely attributed to How he got to this I cannot even start to said Jake had been “a prize, a trophy” to Jake Bilardi explains the teen’s switch try and explain.” The family was strug- the jihadists who “used him for their own from suburban schoolboy in comfort- gling to come to terms with the situa- cause”. “I would just like everyone to able Melbourne to violent jihadist ready tion, made harder by the fact they had know that the buck stops here with me. to sacrifice his life for the cause. no body to mourn over, he added. The He was my son,” he told Nine Network’s The writer says he developed a “com- Australian government has increasingly 60 Minutes program late Sunday. “I knew plete hatred and opposition to the entire been sounding the alarm about radical- there was something not right with his system Australia and the majority of the ized citizens, with about 90 thought to behavior, he had psychological or men- world was based upon”. But John Bilardi, be fighting with the Islamic State group Photo shows Jake Bilardi (center) in an IS propaganda video. tal issues that should have been who had recently reconnected with Jake in Iraq and Syria.—AFP Japan orders halt to US military base relocation TOKYO: The governor of the southern studying the suspension order, but that Japanese island of Okinawa ordered a the survey should proceed regardless of Defense Ministry branch to suspend all the governor’s order. He criticized Onaga work at the site where a key US military air for one-sidedly changing the concession base is to be relocated, in a growing con- that Okinawa had made under its previous frontation between the island and the cen- leadership. “I don’t see any reason why we tral government. Gov Takeshi Onaga told a should halt the operation,” Suga said. “This news conference yesterday that a concrete is a law-abiding nation. It is extremely anchor thrown into the sea for a drilling regrettable that (Onaga) submitted the survey of the reef at the designated site is document (ordering the suspension) at believed have damaged coral. It was his this stage.” first specific action to interfere with the The Futenma base now is in a densely relocation since taking office four months populated part of the island, and the trans- ago after winning an election over a pred- fer is intended to address safety and nui- ecessor whose approval of the plan had sance concerns of the population. But allowed the Defense Bureau to begin many people on Okinawa want Futenma preparing the site known as Henoko for moved completely off the island. eventual transfer of the US Marine Corps Opponents also say the construction Air Station Futenma. would endanger the coral reef, tropical fish Onaga said the use of concrete blocks and other marine life. The underwater was not part of the initial approval and was drilling, which had been halted ahead of unauthorized. He said the prefecture the November election in an apparent needs to conduct its independent survey attempt by Tokyo to avoid controversy, to assess the damage, and demanded the resumed earlier this month, to prepare for Defense Bureau stop all activity related to the land reclamation needed to build an the relocation within one week, or revoke airstrip over the water from Camp Scwab, HONG KONG: Journalists gather in front of a picture of late Singapore founder Lee Kuan Yew and the ‘Book-of-Condolences’ at its consulate- the license for the drilling work, which another American military base. general. — AP could put the entire relocation on hold. The Futenma relocation to Henoko is The central government’s effort to gain part of a broader realignment of the US Okinawa’s understanding is “insufficient,” military presence in Okinawa, home to he said. “I urge the Defense Bureau to take about half of 50,000 American troops World hails Singapore’s Lee as the order seriously and take a responsible based in Japan under a bilateral security step.” treaty. The relocation plan, agreed upon in 1996, has been delayed as previous plans a sage and shrewd statesman Halt the operation had failed. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s It was not immediately clear whether government has repeatedly said the plan is his order would be observed. Chief crucial to Japan’s military alliance with the ‘We mourn the passing of a giant of our region’ Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a US amid China’s military rise and North news conference that officials are currently Korea’s nuclear ambitions. —AFP SINGAPORE: The United States and China yes- that he told Deng: “Whatever we have done, you Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called terday led global acclaim for Lee Kuan Yew, the can do better because we are the descendants Lee “one of the greatest leaders of modern times Singaporean statesman whose shrewd and of the landless peasants of south China. “You that Asia has ever produced” and said: “He was sometimes caustic views on world affairs were have the scholars, you have the scientists and highly revered all over the world.” Prime Minister Philippine trial of much sought by his fellow leaders. But as trib- you have the specialists. Whatever we do, you David Cameron noted that Lee was “sometimes a utes poured in for the former prime minister, will do better.” As they opened China up after critical” friend of Britain but stressed his “place in who died in hospital aged 91 after a long illness, 1978, Deng and his Communist colleagues cast a history is assured, as a leader and as one of the US Marine begins foreign rights campaigners said it was now time keen eye on Lee’s model of rule-marrying eco- modern world’s foremost statesmen”. India’s for Singapore to relax his authoritarian legacy. nomic liberalization with rigid political control. reformist Prime Minister Narendra Modi also Lee is credited with transforming Singapore President Xi Jinping praised Lee as an “old friend reflected on Lee’s legacy, tweeting: “A far-sighted MANILA: The murder trial of a US Marine to the journalists at the court in the north- from a sleepy British imperial outpost into one of of the Chinese people” and said he was “widely statesman & a lion among leaders, Mr Lee Kuan accused of killing a transgender woman in ern port city of Olongapo yesterday. A the world’s wealthiest societies as leader from respected by the international community as a Yew’s life teaches valuable lessons to everyone.” the Philippines began yesterday, after the spokesman for the US embassy in Manila 1959 to 1990. “He was a true giant of history who strategist and a statesman”. One lesson that Lee sought to impart was deliv- victim’s family angrily rejected his plea bar- declined to comment on the case. will be remembered for generations to come as ered in a sharp-tongued warning in 1980, when gain offer. Private First Class Joseph Scott Laude, also known as Jeffrey, was found the father of modern Singapore and as one of ‘A lion among leaders’ he said that Australians risked becoming “the Pemberton appeared in court dressed in a naked with strangle marks on her neck in a the great strategists of Asian affairs,” US After the British withdrew, Lee created mod- poor white trash of Asia” unless they opened up black suit and dark tie for the start of the cheap motel room at Olongapo city’s red President Barack Obama said. Lee’s views “were ern Singapore out of a short-lived and stormy their economy. “Our region owes much to Lee trial, five months after he allegedly mur- light district in October last year, according hugely important in helping me formulate our political union with Malaysia. Their ties remained Kuan Yew,” Australian Prime Minister Tony dered Jennifer Laude in a red-light district to a police autopsy report. Pemberton, who policy of rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific”, Obama turbulent down the years. But in mourning Lee, Abbott said, adding that “today we mourn the hotel. had just finished training exercises said in a statement. During his rule, Lee posi- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak lauded his passing of a giant of our region”. Prosecutor Emilie Fe de los Santos told between US and Philippine marines near tioned Singapore as a key plank of America’s “determination in developing Singapore from a In recognition of his outsized standing on reporters that Pemberton’s lawyers had Olongapo, checked into the motel with regional security architecture. And in a Forbes new nation to the modern and dynamic city we the international stage, Lee was sometimes spo- made an offer to settle the case, but no Laude, aged 26, shortly after meeting her interview in 2011, he rejected the notion that see today”. ken of as a potential UN secretary-general. Ban agreement was reached yesterday so the at a bar, prosecutors said. The prosecution’s Washington was doomed to “second-rate status”. Encomiums came too from Singapore’s other Ki-moon, who holds the job today, called him a trial began. De los Santos gave no details first witness, a bellboy, testified yesterday He cited America’s track record of economic neighbors, which Lee was instrumental in “legendary figure in Asia”. Rights groups, how- about the plea bargain offer. But Laude’s that he saw Pemberton at the motel on the innovation, its willingness to attract foreign tal- grouping as the Association of Southeast Asia ever, expressed hope that Lee’s death would relatives said they had received a letter night Laude was killed. ent and the fact that English is the world lingua Nations in 1967, as a bulwark against commu- open the door to greater freedoms in from the US Marines offering 21 million However the proceedings were closed franca-all strengths he exploited in Singapore’s nism and to promote development. Lee’s politi- Singapore, where opposition leaders say they pesos ($468,000) in exchange for their to the media, and scant details were only own rise. But Lee was also an early proponent of cal vision was forged in World War II, when Japan have long suffered legal and political harass- approval to lower the charge from murder initially available via de los Santos. She said the view that China would become a force to be routed British and Australian troops to occupy ment. “Lee Kuan Yew’s tremendous role in to homicide. that, although Laude’s family rejected the reckoned with, recounting in one of his books a Singapore. He studied law at Cambridge Singapore’s economic development is beyond “No amount of money could pay for the plea bargain offer, it could be revived and meeting with newly emerged paramount leader University in the years after, returning home doubt, but it also came at a significant cost for years I spent raising my child,” Julita introduced “anytime” during the trial. But Deng Xiaoping in 1978. Lee, the ethnic-Chinese convinced that Asians must be masters of their human rights,” said Phil Robertson of Human Cabillan, mother of Jennifer Laude, told lawyers for Laude’s family accused de los leader of a largely ethnic-Chinese nation, wrote own destiny. Rights Watch. — AFP reporters. “What they did to my child was Santos of promoting the plea bargain, and gruesome. Just because we are poor separately filed a request with the justice doesn’t mean we can’t fight for justice.” department yesterday asking for her to be Pemberton, aged 19 at the time of the replaced. Laude’s death re-ignited the long- killing, would face 40 years in jail if found simmering anti-US sentiment in the Indonesia anti-terror police guilty of murder. The maximum penalty for Philippines, a former American colony that homicide in the Philippines is 20 years in still allows a significant American military jail. Pemberton’s lawyers avoided speaking presence via joint training exercises. — AFP arrests alleged IS recruiters

JAKARTA: Indonesian anti-terror police have arrest- including nine mobile phones, eight million rupiah further steps to stop the flow of fighters. Indonesia ed five men who allegedly arranged for a group of ($600) and $5,300 in US dollars. The 16 recently has waged a crackdown on Islamic militant groups mostly women and children to try and enter Syria arrested are still in detention in Turkey. for more than a decade following attacks on to join the Islamic State (IS) group, an official said. Jakarta has already banned support for IS, which Western targets, including the 2002 Bali bombings The 11 children, four women and one man, controls vast swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, that killed 202 people. The campaign has been detained in the Turkish border town of Gaziantep, although experts have called on authorities to take credited with weakening key networks. — AFP are the latest example of Indonesians heading to battlegrounds in the Middle East. Fears have been growing about the influence of IS in Indonesia, which is the world’s most populous HK man who cooked Muslim-majority nation and has long struggled with Islamic militancy. Hundreds of Indonesians are parents jailed for life feared to have joined the jihadists. In a series of raids in and around Jakarta at the weekend, elite HONG KONG: A Hong Kong man who killed, charges. Sitting in the defendant’s dock, anti-terror police rounded up the five men, who are dismembered, salted and cooked his parents Chau, who wore a loose-fitting grey suit, suspected of helping the 16 people who were was sent to prison for life yesterday after looked impassive as the sentence was passed recently caught. being found guilty of double murder. The down. Stuart-Moore handed Chau an addi- The men are accused of involvement in “coach- conviction of Henry Chau, 31, on Friday con- tional nine years and four months in jail for ing, guidance, and recruitment of sympathisers of IS cluded a gruesome case that shocked the city two separate charges of preventing the lawful to depart to Iraq and Syria... and the collection and in 2013 when the severed heads of Chau’s burials of his parents, which he admitted ear- distribution of funds for the activities of IS volun- elderly parents were found stuffed into two lier. The sentences will be served concurrent- teers in Indonesia,” said national police spokesman refrigerators. ly, he said. Rikwanto, who goes by one name, late Sunday. Four During the 20-day trial at the city’s high Stuart-Moore described Chau as “narcissis- were charged specifically with helping arrange doc- court, the jury heard how Chau had dismem- tic” and “preoccupied with fantasies for suc- uments for the group to depart for Turkey, as well as bered his elderly parents before salting, cook- cess”. He said: “In practice, you have no feel- previously helping another 21 Indonesians who ing and packing their body parts into lunch- ings for other people”, adding he was a “highly went to join IS. boxes “like barbecued pork”. “Your sentence dangerous individual”. A friend who was earli- One of the suspects faced a separate charge of on Count 1 and Count 2 is that you go to er accused of being involved in the killings urging people to join IS on his website, as well as prison for life,” judge Michael Stuart-Moore was found not guilty Friday. Both had pleaded creating and uploading a video online of children told Chau, referring to the double murder not guilty to the murder charges.—AFP OLONGAPO: Protesters rally near the court building in the Philippine city of being trained by the jihadists. Police did not name Olongapo, some two hours outside Manila. — AFP any of the suspects. They also confiscated items NEWS TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Singapore in mourning as founding...

Continued from Page 1 ing political opponents and driving his critics to self- imposed exile or financial ruin as a result of costly libel Lee served as prime minister from 1959, when Britain suits. granted self-rule, to 1990. He led Singapore to inde- Singapore strictly controls freedom of speech and pendence in 1965 after a brief and stormy union with assembly. While it has become more liberal in recent Malaysia. Singapore now has one of the world’s highest years, it still uses corporal and capital punishment and per capita incomes and its residents enjoy near-universal ranks 150th in the annual press freedom ranking of home ownership, low crime rates and first-class infra- Reporters Without Borders - below Russia and structure. The opposition Workers’ Party, whose leaders Zimbabwe among others. Phil Robertson, deputy Asia were among those harried for years by Lee, joined the director of Human Rights Watch, acknowledged Lee’s rest of the nation of 5.5 million in mourning him. economic legacy but said “it also came at a significant On the diplomatic front, Lee’s counsel was often cost for human rights”. He said it may now be time for a sought by Western leaders, particularly on China as national “conversation” on greater political liberalisa- well as on more volatile neighbours in Southeast Asia. tion. In a sign that things may not change soon, the “Lee Kuan Yew gave Singapore an international profile government yesterday designated Singapore’s only completely disproportionate to the country’s size,” free-speech zone, known as Speakers’ Corner, as a place political analyst Derek da Cunha told AFP. But the for honouring Lee. Permits for protests and other gath- Cambridge-educated lawyer was also criticised for jail- erings will not be granted in the meantime. — AFP

MP files to grill commerce minister Continued from Page 1 istrative irregularities. The minister managed to get the support of the Assembly. Meanwhile, head of the priori- 2009, Roudhan said. The case was discussed in the ty issues committee MP Youssef Al-Zalzalah said the committee in the presence of the minister or his repre- Assembly will debate today amendments to the Capital sentatives and the minister agreed that a meeting Markets Authority law, military service draft law and KHARTOUM: Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi (left), Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir (center) and should be held. The lawmaker said the ministry was others, saying there is parliamentary understanding Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn shake hands during a meeting in the Sudanese capital yes- urged to use its powers in forcing the board to call for towards them. terday. — AFP the meeting. Separately, Mudej said the corporate law is still under Under the law, 10 percent of shareholders can also examination and its final wording may be ready in 18 demand the general assembly to meet, Roudhan said. months. Mudej, in statement to reporters on sidelines of He added that when 10 percent of small investors a conference on combating money laundering and ter- Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan approached the board of directors to meet, the board rorism funding, indicated that both the ministries of refused under a variety of illegal reasons. The investors finance and commerce have been involved in drafting then lodged an official complaint at the ministry of the corporate law bill, which would be submitted to the commerce and industry, demanding that the ministry Assembly. Mudej indicated that the involved strategists sign Nile dam deal use its powers to enforce the meeting. have not reached a final decision on taxes that would The ministry ordered the company board to meet be imposed on the companies. KHARTOUM: Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan yesterday said the project to construct the 1,780-m-long and 145- and announcements were published that the meeting In exchange for the fees that will be levied on com- agreed a preliminary deal on a controversial dam project m high dam will cost more than $4 billion. will be held on March 1. But, just a week after the panies, there will be a package of privileges and servic- that Cairo feared would reduce its share of vital waters Before the agreement, the dam sparked a dispute announcements, the ministry scrapped the call in a bid es that the government will offer to the corporations, he from the Nile. The leaders of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan between Ethiopia and Egypt, which use the river in differ- to protect the board members, said Roudhan, and said. On the issue of amending the capital market law, all gathered in Khartoum to sign the agreement of prin- ent ways. “For Egypt, the Nile is its only water supply and vowed he will provide more details during the debate he indicated that all proposals forwarded by MPs in this ciples on Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam project. “I thus underpins the very existence of the country, provid- of the grilling. The lawmaker accused the ministry of respect were being examined. Elaborating in his confirm the construction of the Renaissance Dam will ing water for its cities, industries and farms, as well as commerce of providing cover for the board of directors. address to the conferees, the minister noted that Kuwait not cause any damage to our three states and especially generating hydropower,” said Dale Whittington of the This will be the second grilling against the commerce had endorsed law number 106 (2013) on combating to the Egyptian people,” Ethiopian Prime Minister University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Whereas for minister following the first grilling which was debated money laundering and terrorism financing. The money Hailemariam Desalegn said at the signing ceremony. Addis Ababa, “it provides the opportunity to develop about three months ago. It was submitted by MP laundering department at the ministry organizes this Egypt, heavily reliant for millennia on the Nile for agri- financially attractive hydropower projects to fuel its eco- Abdullah Al-Turaiji over a variety of financial and admin- conference every year. culture and drinking water, feared that the Grand nomic development,” the professor of environmental sci- Renaissance Dam would decrease its water supply. ences and engineering said. However, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi said yes- Ethiopia had said that the project would not adversely Amir, Cabinet hail fair judicial system terday that “this is a framework agreement and it will be affect Egypt’s share of the precious waters, but its plans completed”. “We have chosen cooperation, and to trust still raised tensions with Cairo. Bashir said at the ceremo- Continued from Page 1 Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, one another for the sake of development.” Sisi said the ny yesterday that the preliminary deal would “reflect pos- the Cabinet appreciated members of the judiciary and final accord will “achieve benefits and development for itively on the security” of the region. Sudan, Ethiopia and authority will always be the shelter for all people their hard efforts to reinforce justice, equality and the Ethiopia without harming Egypt and Sudan’s interests”. Egypt’s foreign ministers agreed to the basis of the deal who need it,” the Amir said. Sheikh Sabah was speaking rule of law, said Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sudan’s President Omar Al-Bashir hailed the deal as signed yesterday after hours of talks in Khartoum. during a meeting with the Deputy Chairman of the Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah. The meeting “historic”. The agreement is made up of 10 principles, Egypt believes its “historic rights” to the Nile are guar- Supreme Judicial Council and the Cassation Court and reviewed the condemnation by Mutawa of offences Egypt’s Water Resources Minister Hussam Al-Maghazi told anteed by treaties from 1929 and 1959 which grant it 87 President of the Constitutional Court Judge Yousef Al- through social media targeting the reputation and AFP. The countries agreed on the “fair use of waters and percent of the river’s flow and the power to veto Mutawa and chairmen of Arab constitutional courts impartiality of judiciary members and judicial stability, not to damage the interests of other states by using the upstream projects. But Nile Basin countries, including and councils participating in the Union of Arab Sheikh Mohammad added. The judiciary and its devot- waters”. They also agreed to establish “a mechanism for Ethiopia, signed another deal in 2010 allowing them to Constitutional Courts and Councils (UACCC) meeting in ed members have always been a source of pride, the solving disputes as they occur”, Maghazi said. He gave no work on river projects without Cairo’s agreement. In Kuwait. Cabinet stressed. details as to when the final agreement would be signed. protest, Egypt withdrew from the Nile Basin Initiative Mutawa thanked HH the Amir for his great trust in In comments published in Al-Jarida daily yesterday, Sudan’s deputy water resources minister, Saif al-Din (NBI), a forum to discuss management and development the judicial power. “Thank you for this great confidence Mutawa said an anti-judiciary campaign on various Hamed, said the signing of the agreement “will not stop of the region’s resources, but later resumed participation. which Your Highness expresses at different events. This social media networks aimed to defame the judiciary. the current construction and building” of the dam in Neither Sudan nor Egypt has signed the 2010 Nile Basin trust increases our responsibility and makes us more “Those behind it are hollow and we will face them with Ethiopia. Ethiopia began diverting the Blue Nile in May deal, however. Sudan, like Egypt, relies on Nile resources steadfast to forge ahead with our noble message to the law,” he warned, noting that the campaign would 2013 to build the 6,000 MW dam, which will be Africa’s but has said it does not expect to be affected by promote justice,” Mutawa said in a speech during the end in vain. “This campaign is but part of a chain only largest when completed in 2017. Ethiopian officials have Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance project. — AFP Amir’s reception. He added that Kuwaiti courts and Allah knows where it will end,” he said, noting that judges are eager to secure justice and guarantee the those behind it could not achieve what they want rule of law. except by questioning the judiciary’s integrity, because Police break up protest by opposition... Mutawa also pointed out that the UACCC is making it is not directed towards any particular person but tar- strides in materializing its objectives. The four-day gets the judiciary as a whole with the aim of undermin- Continued from Page 1 strations law. Public gatherings are generally allowed in event is attended by representatives of 14 Arab consti- ing public trust in judges’ rulings in general by spread- Kuwait, provided activists obtain a permit from the com- tutional courts and councils and the Venice ing rumors about their reputations and financial disclo- confidence in citizens’ awareness and keenness on petent authorities. Commission, which is an advisory body of the Council sures. the country’s safety, security and stability out of belief in The opposition has stepped up its demands for the of Europe, composed of independent experts in the “The judiciary will never tolerate destroying the the necessity of respecting the law and recent decisions dissolution of the parliament and government and the field of constitutional law. The Venice Commission rep- state’s pillars,” he added, noting that if the slanderous by the constitutional court regarding public gatherings. scrapping of a controversial electoral law. Since tens of resentatives in the biennial meeting exchange their campaign launchers had political reasons for doing so, The constitutional court had earlier said that organiz- thousands took to the streets in 2012, authorities have expertise with the conferees and update them with the the judiciary would not be dragged in political conflicts ing public gatherings and demonstrations should fall cracked down on the opposition. Dozens have been latest in constitutional law and practices, he said. and would always remain the savior of justice. within the framework of freedom and discipline, guaran- tried and handed heavy jail terms. The crackdown, which The Cabinet yesterday also rejected any potential Responding to a question about rumors swirling about tee the safety of citizens and residents and go in harmo- has also seen several opposition figures stripped of their offence or calling into question Kuwait’s “fair and him, Mutawa said that all statements and identified ny with relevant terms and measures, mainly necessary citizenship, has been condemned by rights groups, who impartial judiciary” or its members. During its weekly accounts involved would be tracked down and held permits. The court on Wednesday overruled a case have called for reforms to stop people being jailed for meeting at Bayan Palace, chaired by HH the Prime legally accountable. — Agencies regarding constitutional grounds of the public demon- exercising free speech. — Agencies TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Issues East’s bid to control Libya oil may fail

By Ulf Laessing

ibya’s official government, operating out of hotels in the east after being driven from the capital, is unlikely Lto succeed in plans announced last week to divert the country’s oil export income away from Tripoli. Control over oil is at the heart of a struggle between two rival govern- ments who are fighting for territory in the North African OPEC state four years after the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi. Both sides field armies of fighters whose salaries are paid with export revenues collected by the National Oil Company (NOC), which continues to operate out of Tripoli and sell oil abroad even though the capital is in the hands of a faction whose legitimacy is not recognised by the inter- national buyers. Last week, the internationally recognised government, which runs an eastern rump state since fleeing the capital last year, said it wanted all oil exports to be paid for through How Obama secretly cut Cuba deal a new state oil firm it is setting up in the east. But analysts, oil insiders and Libyan businessmen said the eastern firm - By Warren Strobel, Matt was not taking a real electoral risk,” said Dan Restrepo, then Americans close to the process said. Vidal could not be reached for also called NOC - is unlikely to persuade buyers that it is the Spetalnick and David Adams Obama’s top Latin America adviser. comment. The meetings began in June 2013 with familiar Cuban legitimate owner of Africa’s largest oil reserves, as long as Six months later, Obama was validated by an unexpectedly harangues about the embargo and other perceived wrongs. the original NOC is still operating in the capital. “Oil con- he December breakthrough that upended a half-century of high 35 percent of the Cuban-American vote, and in 2012 he won Rhodes used his relative youth to volley back. “Part of the point was tracts... are signed with the (Tripoli) NOC and paid into cen- US-Cuba enmity has been portrayed as the fruit of 18 48 percent - a record for a Democrat. With his final election over, ‘Look I wasn’t even born when this policy was put in place. We tral bank accounts,” said Mattia Toaldo, policy fellow at the months of secret diplomacy. But Reuters interviews with Obama instructed aides in December 2012 to make Cuba a priority want to hear and talk about the future’,” said Rhodes, 37. European Council on Foreign Relations. “I don’t think that T more than a dozen people with direct knowledge of the process and “see how far we could push the envelope,” recalled Ben materially the ...(eastern) government could change that reveal a longer, painstakingly cautious quest by US President Rhodes, a Deputy National Security Advisor who has played a cen- ‘The Cubans Were Dug In’ without modifying these contracts,” he said. “It’d have to Barack Obama and veteran Cuba specialists to forge the historic tral role in shaping Cuba policy. Helping pave the way was an early Obama’s people-to-people Cuba strategy was complicated by assure to the companies that it is in fact in control, which is rapprochement. 2013 visit to Miami by Obama’s top Latin American adviser Ricardo one person in particular: Alan Phillip Gross. The US government not the case.” As now-overt US-Cuban negotiations continue this month, Zuniga. As a young specialist at the State Department he had con- had sent Gross, a USAID contractor, on risky missions to deliver Introducing a new payment system would mean break- Reuters also has uncovered new details of how talks began and tributed to a 2001 National Intelligence Estimate that, according to communications equipment to Cuba’s Jewish community. His Dec ing up the central bank, which has processed oil exports how they stalled in late 2013 during secret sessions in Canada. another former senior official who worked on it, marked the first 2009 arrest put Obama’s planned “new beginning” with Cuba on though accounts used by buyers for decades, and which is Senior administration officials and others also revealed how both such internal assessment that the economic embargo of Cuba had hold. The secret talks were almost derailed by Havana’s steadfast the only source of hard currency for the importers who countries sidelined their foreign policy bureaucracies and how failed. He met a representative of the anti-Castro Cuban American demand that Obama swap the “Cuban Three”, a cell of Cuban spies feed Libya’s 6 million people. The bank is one of the last Obama sought the Vatican’s blessing to pacify opponents. National Foundation, and young Cuban-Americans who, accord- convicted in Miami but considered heroes in Havana, for Gross. institutions largely left untouched by the power struggle, Obama’s opening to Havana could help restore Washington’s ing to one person present, helped confirm the waning influence of Obama refused a straight trade because Washington denied paying public salaries across the country, including those of influence in Latin America and give him a much-needed foreign older Cuban exiles who have traditionally supported the half-cen- Gross was a spy and the covert diplomacy stalled as 2013 ended. the armed groups on the state payroll who are fighting on policy success. But the stop-and-start way the outreach unfolded, tury-old embargo. Even as Obama and Castro shook hands at the Johannesburg both sides in the civil war. with deep mistrust on both sides, illustrates the obstacles But the White House wasn’t certain. “I don’t think we ever memorial service for South African leader Nelson Mandela, the sit- Washington and Havana face to achieving a lasting detente. reached a point where we thought we wouldn’t have to worry uation behind the scenes did not look very hopeful. “The Cubans Oil Maps in Tripoli Obama was not the first Democratic president to reach out to about the reaction in Miami,” a senior US official said. The White were dug in. And we did kind of get stuck on this,” Rhodes said. Libya has slid into chaos four years after the war that Cuba, but his attempt took advantage of - and carefully judged - a House quietly proposed back-channel talks to the Cubans in April Rhodes and Zuniga spent more than 70 hours negotiating ousted Gaddafi. Various rebel groups that opposed the dic- generational shift among Cuban-Americans that greatly reduced 2013, after getting notice that Havana would be receptive, senior with the Cubans, mostly at Canadian government facilities in tator were put on the public payroll after his downfall and the political risks. US officials said. Obama at first froze out the State Department in Ottawa. By late spring 2014, Gross’ friends and family grew have refused to disarm. They have divided into two main In a May 2008 speech to the conservative Cuban-American part due to concern that “vested interests” there were bent on per- alarmed over his physical and psychological state. The White factions, which have battled for control of the capital and National Foundation in Miami, Obama set out a new policy allow- petuating a confrontational approach, said a former senior US offi- House and the Cubans knew that if he died in prison, repairing state institutions. Islamist fighters, some proclaiming alle- ing greater travel and remittances to Cuba for Cuban-Americans, cial. Secretary of State John Kerry was informed of the talks only relations would be left to another generation. With Gross’ mother, giance to Islamic State, have also taken root in some areas though he added he would keep the embargo in place as lever- after it appeared they might be fruitful, officials said. Evelyn, dying of lung cancer, the US government and his legal during the ensuing chaos. The United Nations is hosting age. “Obama understood that the policy changes he was propos- Cuban President Raul Castro operated secretly too. Josefina team launched an effort to convince the Cubans to grant him a talks in Morocco to try to resolve the conflict. The talks were ing in 2008 were popular in the Cuban-American community so he Vidal, head of US affairs at Cuba’s foreign ministry, was cut out, two furlough to see her. —Reuters extended after a deadline for a preliminary deal was missed on Sunday. Doubts about ownership of oil and insecurity in ports have crippled Libya’s exports, which have shrunk to less than 500,000 barrels per day, a third of pre-2011 levels, Is Israel democratic? Not so clear hurting both sides, which depend overwhelmingly on state revenues. Although Prime Minister Abdullah Al-Thinni, now operating in the east, claims the authority to assert control By Dan Perry But critics increasingly consider it a little too con- the liberal Haaretz daily, echoing the rising stridency down his rule. over oil exports, those involved in the trade say it would be venient: Israel builds towns by the score in these that has taken root among liberals in the days since The Palestinian issue was almost absent from the all but impossible for him to do so. Thousands of docu- s Israel a democracy? The answer is not so non-annexed lands - communities which have the vote. campaign. Decades of failed peace talks have left ments, contracts, maps and geological sheets are stored in straightforward, and it increasingly matters given bestowed an oddly controversial aspect upon the Besides the West Bank, that “bi-national future” many Israeli voters skeptical and hostile; dovish Tripoli at headquarters of the NOC and its subsidiaries, the diplomatic fallout over hardliner Benjamin once-innocent term “settlements”. Through an would include three other Arab populations: Gaza’s politicians seem unsure of what they can sell, and where hundreds of employees work. Thinni has appointed I Netanyahu’s reelection last week. The displeasure amendment to the electoral law, Israel allows the nearly 2 million Palestinians have been ruled by nationalists don’t dwell on the messy situation a new head for his new NOC in the east. But no proper felt in some quarters over his win has placed front settlers who live in these places to vote in its elec- Hamas militants for most of the period since Israel much either. But Netanyahu, trailing in the last cam- building exists yet to house it in Benghazi, the main eastern and center the world community’s unwritten obliga- tions even though it otherwise has no provision for withdrew settlers and troops in 2005. Many feel they paign days, put it front and center nonetheless, city which is now a war zone between Islamist militants and tion to accept the results of a truly democratic vote. absentee balloting. Several top Cabinet figures, are still occupied: Israel controls the airspace and sea declaring that no Palestinian state would arise on his his forces. His cabinet has been working out of hotels in It is a basic tenet of the modern order which has sur- including Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, are access and together with Egypt blockades them by watch because the region was too dangerous and Bayda, a town 1,200 km east of Tripoli. They produce docu- vived the occasional awkward election result - as in this extraordinary fashion not technically resi- land. Israel’s not-unfounded fear is that Hamas, if the West Bank too strategically valuable. He has ments but have little control over ministry staff based in well as recent decades’ emergence of some less- dents of Israel. allowed, would arm itself to the teeth. Already the since tried to reverse himself - but trouble brews Tripoli. than-pristine democracies around the globe. sides have fought three wars. with the world community, not only because of his For Israel, the argument is especially piquant, ‘Bi-National Future’ Israel annexed East Jerusalem, and its approxi- words but also his actions over the years. Unauthorised Sales because its claim to be the only true democracy in And Israel holds undeniable power over the lives mately 200,000 Arabs can have voting rights if they Both main sides say they are committed to ensuring the Middle East has been key to its branding and its of West Bank’s Palestinians, despite their ostensive choose. Most have rejected it - whether out of soli- Status Quo that Libya exports oil only through lawful channels, and vitally important claim on US military, diplomatic A centrist coalition remains technically possible, that rogue armed groups must not be able to arrange their and financial support. Israel’s elections, from cam- but the talk for the moment is of a nationalist one own unofficial sales. A UN panel recommended in February paign rules to vote counts, are indeed not suspect. with Netanyahu’s “natural allies” - and that promises that an international monitoring force be established to But with the occupation of the West Bank grinding a deepening of Israel’s hold on the land and a per- prevent unauthorised exports. By unveiling a mechanism on toward the half-century mark, and with petuation of the status quo. Under this arrange- for the east to assert control over all oil sales, Thinni may be Netanyahu’s election-day suggestion that no ment, the vast majority of West Bank Palestinians trying to persuade rogue commanders in the east not to go change is imminent, hard questions arise. live in islands of autonomy run collectively by it alone. Republican Sen John McCain reflected the tradi- President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Ibrahim Jathran, commander of an armed force who tional appreciation of Israel when he advised Authority. The PA has full self-rule only in about 5 controls four eastern ports, tried last year to sell oil on his President Barack Obama to “get over it” - a reference percent of West Bank land, centered on the urban own, but now proclaims at least nominal loyalty to Thinni’s to reports that the United States was reassessing areas where most Palestinians live. Another quarter government. Citing ship tracking data, oil traders said a relations with Israel in the wake of the result. McCain of the land is under joint rule. Israel fully controls the tanker appeared to have tried to lift crude at one of the told CNN that “there was a free and fair democratic rest, containing the settlements, much of the natural eastern ports under Jathran’s control this month. Jathran election” in Israel - “the only nation in the region that resources and open land. denies this. He has threatened to call for secession for the will have such a thing.” Israel controls all entry and exit from the territo- east should the faction now controlling Tripoli win interna- But among Israelis themselves, there is increas- ry, whether with Jordan or Israel proper. It also con- tional recognition. —Reuters ing angst over the fact that their country of 8 million trols the airspace, most water supplies and travel people also controls some 2.5 million West Bank between the main urban areas. Checkpoints are set Palestinians who have no voting rights for its parlia- up at will - though less frequently than in the past - ment. If the 2 million Palestinians of Gaza - a territory manned by soldiers whose decisions leave ordinary All articles appearing on these dominated indirectly by Israel - were added to the people with little practical recourse. It prevents the pages are the personal opinion of equation, then together with the 2 million Arab citi- Palestinians from setting up an army and can limit the writers. Kuwait Times takes no zens of “Israel proper” the Holy Land would be home In this March 17, 2015 photo, a Palestinian woman scuffles with Israeli bor- the import of weapons or anything else. to a population of some 12 million, equally divided der policemen as they clear a protest on land that was confiscated by Israel It also controls roughly $1.5 billion in tax rev- responsibility for views expressed between Arabs and Jews. enues that it collects on behalf of the Palestinians, for Jewish settlements near the West Bank town of Abu Dis. —AP therein. Kuwait Times invites read- Of the Arabs, only a third have voting rights. over a third of the PA’s budget. Israel occasionally ers to voice their opinions. Please These are the “Israeli Arabs” who live in the areas autonomy. In just one example, Palestinians with darity with the idea of Palestine or for fear of future withholds these sums when it considers a punish- that became Israel in the 1948-49 war, which estab- great fanfare built a new city in their territory - only retribution. Israel’s Arab citizens are increasingly ment to be due. The arrangement is a relic of the send submissions via email to: opin- lished the country’s borders. Israel occupied the for it to remain uninhabited in part because Israel integrated and can point to success stories like Salim 1990s interim accords, which were meant to be suc- [email protected] or via snail West Bank and Gaza in 1967 but Israel never has prevented the building of access roads and oth- Jubran, the supreme court judge who presided over ceeded by a final agreement by 1999. That never mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. annexed them, both for fear of world reaction and er infrastructure. The supposedly temporary the election. But they also claim discrimination in a happened, though two Israeli governments more due to concerns about millions more Palestinians arrangement shows no sign of a change - at least variety of ways - and are currently seething over amenable than Netanyahu’s made far-reaching The editor reserves the right to edit gaining the vote. Israelis argue that since the areas not one initiated by Israel. “Israel is galloping toward Netanyahu’s election day efforts to fire up his offers to the Palestinians for a state in all of Gaza and any submission as necessary. are not formally part of Israel, the goings-on therein an anti-democratic, bi-national future saturated with nationalist base with warnings that Arabs citizens more than 90 percent of the West Bank, with a do not undermine the democracy claim. hatred and racism,” wrote columnist Ravit Hecht in “are streaming to the polls” in an effort to bring foothold in Jerusalem. —AP TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 SPORTS

Juanmi gets Spain call Totti hails Rossi’s role Milne out of World Cup MADRID: Spain have called up Malaga forward Juanmi as cover for the ROME: AS Roma showed they still have an appetite for the fight in a hard- AUCKLAND: New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne has been ruled out of the remain- injured Diego Costa for the Euro 2016 qualifier at home to Ukraine, the fought 1-0 win at Cesena, their first victory in over a month, in a match decided der of the cricket World Cup after suffering pain in his heel and has been replaced in by a goal from “capitan futuro” Daniele De Rossi. the squad by Matt Henry, the team said yesterday. Spanish federation (RFEF) said yesterday. The club’s “captain of the future” was praised by current skipper and Roma Brazil-born Costa, who missed Spain’s last two games due to injury, The 22-year-old had been suffering pain in his left heel for the last two weeks, stalwart Francesco Totti. “I’m proud of my team mates,” Totti, who missed the coach Mike Hesson said. While he was pain-free before the quarter-final against West scored in Chelsea’s 3-2 Premier League victory at Hull City on Sunday but game due to injury, wrote on his personal blog (http://www.francescototti.com). Indies, it had ‘flared up again’. “It’s to a point now where he wasn’t able to bowl so he’s had to come off with about 15 minutes left due to a hamstring injury. “Costa “But I especially embrace Daniele. His goal allowed us to win at a difficult unable to bowl and he’s in a lot of pain when he bowls,” Hesson told reporters at Eden will undergo tests on Monday in London and the results will be available to time for us and for him.” Roma have won only three games since the Christmas Park. “He’s fine walking in a straight line but unfortunately when he bowls it’s become Spain’s medical staff for their evaluation,” the RFEF said in a statement. break and a one-point gap on leaders Juventus has turned into a 14-point increasingly uncomfortable to a point where he’s unable to carry on.” Juanmi will compete for a place up front against Ukraine deficit which, with 10 league games remaining, has all but ended any realistic Milne’s injury has created a selection dilemma, with virtually the same side picked on Friday with Alvaro Morata of Juventus and Barcelona’s title hopes for Rudy Garcia’s men. “Finishing in second place is our goal,” mid- for all of New Zealand’s World Cup matches. Pedro. Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas was also named in fielder Radja Nainggolan told reporters. “We have 10 games left and we have to Hesson was loathe to confirm whether Henry, whose inclusion was yet to be rati- try to grab as many points as we can.” Holding on to second place, which guar- coach Vicente del Bosque’s squad And could be deployed as a fied by the governing International Cricket Council, would come into antees a spot in next season’s Champions League, will not be easy, however, the side as a ‘like-for-like’ pick. “Once we get to the ground tomorrow forward. With four matches played, Spain are second in with surging Lazio have narrowed the gap to one point after winning their sixth we’ll look at whoever is available in the squad and we’ll look at the Group C on nine points, three behind leaders Slovakia, who successive game against Verona. The outcome could be decided in the second- wicket again and we’ll pick what we deem to be the best squad beat them 2-1 in Zilina in October, and level with last fixture of the season when the Roman sides meet in the most anticipated tomorrow,” he said. Swing bowler Kyle Mills and left-armer Mitchell Ukraine. derby since the 2013 Coppa Italia final which Lazio won 1-0. McClenaghan are also available, though Mills often opens the bowl- They also play a friendly against the After being torn apart at home by Fiorentina in Thursday’s Europa League ing and it would be a difficult decision to split the new ball pairing Netherlands in Amsterdam on March 31, a repeat game Garcia had promised that he would make changes and only use players of Trent Boult and Tim Southee. Unlike Mills, McClenaghan of the 2010 World Cup final and the first time who were ready to battle. The French coach was true to his word against Cesena bowled in the tournament when he replaced Milne in the the teams will have met since Netherlands as 21-year old Salih Ucan was in the starting line-up for the first time this season final pool game against Bangladesh but he struggled for and was replaced by youth-team midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini. —Reuters line and length and was expensive. —Reuters Marquez the man to keep Honda happy

LONDON: Honda were way off the pace on their results. So I know who my rivals are and who I return to Formula One with McLaren but they have to keep a close eye on.” are sure to be on it in MotoGP when Marc Marquez starts his bid for a third successive THE PODIUM crown with Sunday’s season-opener in Qatar. Ducati’s Italian Andrea Dovizioso and team The 22-year-old Spaniard will be favorite again mate Andrea Iannone reckon they still have the in a gang of four main contenders that includes equipment to make life difficult for Marquez. compatriots Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa as “We go to Qatar to get on the podium,” well as 36-year-old Italian great Valentino Rossi. Dovizioso told the Gazzetta dello Sport. Injury- But the landscape looks different to last year, prone Pedrosa, 29, has been eclipsed by team when Marquez chalked up a record 13 wins for mate Marquez since the younger Spaniard’s sen- his Repsol Honda team, with the field looking sational debut and will want to show that closer and Ducati making a strong comeback. At Honda were right to renew his contract for two last week’s final test at Qatar’s floodlit Losail cir- more years. Double champion Lorenzo has cuit, the top 14 riders were separated by less trained hard after a disappointing 2014 and was than one second. While Lorenzo’s Yamaha team more comfortable on the Yamaha in testing. are looking to mount more of a challenge, “Overall the pre-season was good for us,” he Ducati have impressed with a Desmosedici GP15 said. “We have a good bike, especially compared bike that looks set to end the Italian manufac- to last year and we gained something with the turer’s five-year winless streak. Because of their new gearbox... we think we have a big margin to lack of recent success, and decision to switch improve while developing.” from factory to open category, Ducati have a Aprilia and Suzuki, the latter returning after a range of allowances including a softer tyre three-year MotoGP absence with rising Spanish option than the works Honda and Yamaha prospect Maverick Vinales making his debut, are teams. However they will lose those once they back with works teams. Australian Jack Miller, have chalked up three wins in a season. “At the arriving direct from Moto3 and billed as a star of end of the day, it’s clear that our rivals are the the future, will be a youngster to watch at Honda Yamaha riders and Dani-they are our rivals for LCR as he follows in the tracks of now-retired the championship,” Marquez, last year’s winner champion compatriot Casey Stoner. While in Qatar, told the motogp.com website. “At some Formula One was left with a shrunken starting specific point, the Ducati will be there at the grid of 15 cars at its Australian opener two weeks front but they have this ‘handicap’ of losing ago, the number of riders entered in the MotoGP some of their advantages if they get good class has now risen to 25. — Reuters

Marc Marquez in action in this file photo. TSC Together hosts cricket tournament

KUWAIT: As part of its Employee Mangaf Store received the runner-up prize. Engagement Programme, The Sultan Center Antoinette Sullivan, Director of Human NEW YORK: Anaheim Ducks’ Jakob Silfverberg (right) skates away as New York Rangers’ Chris Kreider reacts after scoring during the first period (TSC) recently established a Sports and Resources at TSC, commented on the 2015 of the NHL hockey game. — AP Social Committee - TSC Together. TSC Cricket Tournament, saying: “We are very Together, is managed by TSC employees pleased that so many teams took part in and aims at fostering team spirit, providing this competition and noted that TSC Rangers and Lightning excel employees with an opportunity to share Together members worked very hard to common activities and to generally have deliver a top-class event, for all TSC employ- some fun together, through organizing ees. As a company, we realize the impor- NEW YORK: Derek Stepan broke out of a seconds into overtime lifted the Detroit Red and bounced off goaltender Mike Smith’s employee chosen events. tance of maintaining an active and healthy long slump with two goals and an assist, and Wings over the St. Louis Blues. The teams back and in with 3:13 left to snap a tie for A recent event organized was a Cricket lifestyle. Equally important, however, is that the New York Rangers caught the Western reignited their old Western Conference rival- Vancouver. Tournament, where 16 teams competed these team events foster a sense of team Conference-leading Anaheim Ducks atop the ry, accumulating 36 penalty minutes in a A day after a stirring win in Los Angeles, against each other all striving to win the spirit and friendly rivalry, whilst strengthen- NHL standings with a 7-2 rout Sunday night. third period that included multiple skirmish- the Canucks had hit the post four previous Championship title. A series of highly com- ing relationships with colleagues, all in the Stepan, who had no points in his previous es on the ice. The Red Wings had a man times while Smith stopped 41 shots in a petitive games led to the Quarter Finals, spirit of fun. “ 12 games, scored a goal in each of the first advantage for the final 1:21 of regulation remarkable performance a day after inadver- Semi-Finals and Finals on the 14th of In addition to the Championship trophy, two periods as the Rangers found their miss- and the opening moments of overtime. tently banking a clearance pass off Brandon February. awards were given to Finance Department ing offense while playing the second of Abdelkader’s winner was just the second Sutter’s backside and into his own net. But Supporters filled the stands of the for the best-uniformed team, Sabir named back-to-back games. They snapped the power-play goal the Blues have allowed in 25 Edler’s goal on the power play helped the Khaitan Cricket Ground, as family and the best batsman, Fayas as best bowler and Ducks’ four-game winning streak as Anaheim chances over the past seven games. second-place Canucks move four points friends came together to support their Bheem named Man of the Tournament. TSC (46-21-7) began a five-game trip. The Red Wings’ Erik Cole tied it at 1 just 24 ahead of idle Calgary in the Pacific Division. teams. With six teams left in the quarter Together has a full Calendar of such team Chris Kreider, Carl Hagelin, JT Miller, seconds into the third period. Alexander Yannick Weber scored in the first period, finals, competing for two spots, Sultan sporting and social events planned in the Jesper Fast and Derick Brassard also scored Steen started the scoring for the Blues with a and Henrik Sedin added an empty-netter Telecom prevailed receiving the Cricket 2015, aimed at keeping Lifestyle and Fun for for New York. power-play goal at 9:38 of the second. with 1:09 left. Oliver Ekman-Larsson scored Tournament Championship trophy, while the employees, top of the agenda, at TSC. The Rangers (46-18-7), Ducks, and on an end-to-end play when he roofed the Montreal Canadiens all have 99 points, but CANUCKS 3, COYOTES 1 second rebound of his own shot in the first New York has played fewer games than both. Alexander Edler’s shot glanced off the post period for his 20th goal for Arizona. — AP Cam Talbot got off to a rare slow start, allow- ing two goals to Anaheim’s Corey Perry in the first period when the Ducks had 17 shots. He was perfect the rest of the way. NHL results/standings

LIGHTNING 5, BRUINS 3 Detroit 2, St. Louis 1 (OT); Tampa Bay 5, Boston 3; NY Rangers 7, Anaheim 2; Vancouver 3, Arizona 1. JT Brown and Anton Stralman scored 15 seconds apart soon after Tampa Bay captain Western Conference Tampa Bay 45 21 7 238 188 97 Steven Stamkos got into a fight, and the Pacific Division Detroit 39 21 11 204 190 89 Lightning stopped a 10-game losing streak W L OTL GF GA PTS Boston 36 25 12 193 190 84 against the Boston Bruins. Anaheim 46 21 7 216 206 99 Ottawa 36 24 11 207 188 83 Tampa Bay also got goals from Vladislav Vancouver 42 26 4 206 193 88 Florida 33 25 14 177 197 80 Calgary 39 27 6 211 189 84 Namestnikov, Jason Garrison and Ondrej Toronto 27 40 6 192 235 60 Palat. The Lightning’s last win over Boston Los Angeles 34 23 14 189 179 82 Buffalo 20 45 7 135 241 47 was on Mar. 13, 2012, a 6-1 victory. San Jose 35 29 8 199 201 78 Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara and Daniel Edmonton 20 39 13 172 247 53 Metropolitan Division Paille scored for the Bruins, who are 0-3-2 Arizona 21 44 8 149 242 50 NY Rangers 46 18 7 217 163 99 over their last five games and hold a one- Central Division NY Islanders 44 25 4 225 203 92 point lead over Ottawa for the final Eastern St. Louis 45 21 7 223 180 97 Pittsburgh 40 22 10 200 178 90 Conference playoff spot. The Senators have Nashville 44 21 8 208 176 96 Washington 39 24 10 212 180 88 played two fewer games. Chicago 43 22 6 203 162 92 Philadelphia 29 29 16 192 215 74 Less than a minute after Stamkos fought Minnesota 40 25 7 207 181 87 New Jersey 31 30 11 163 183 73 Boston’s Brad Marchand at 10:05 of the first, Winnipeg 37 23 12 201 189 86 Columbus 33 35 4 193 225 70 Colorado 33 26 12 191 198 78 Brown (10:47) and Stralman (11:02) beat Carolina 26 35 10 164 196 62 Tuukka Rask to put the Lightning up 3-1. Dallas 34 28 10 224 230 78 Eastern Conference Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one RED WINGS 2, BLUES 1 Atlantic Division point in the standings and are not included in Justin Abdelkader’s power-play goal 24 Montreal 46 20 7 193 159 99 the loss column (L). TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 SPORTS Six Nations sends out World Cup warning

PARIS: The frenzied finale to the Six As well as an established pool of Nations that saw Ireland defend their experienced players led by the magnifi- title on an unprecedented day of 27 tries cent Paul O’Connell, Schmidt also has in three games comes as a timely fine playmakers in Conor Murray and reminder to the southern hemisphere Jonathan Sexton, with Ian Madigan giants ahead of this year’s Rugby World increasingly looking like a superb option Cup. from the bench. Ireland, England and Wales were England also seem to have settled on pegged level atop the table and playing their half-back pairing in the revitalised for points in a thrilling climax to a tour- Ben Youngs and George Ford, whose tac- nament which also brought out the tical astuteness is partnered by his ability worst in Italy and wooden spoon winners to punch well above his weight. Scotland, and finally some French flair. Captain Chris Robshaw, who also skip- The Irish went on to defend their title pered his team to victory over Australia on points difference from the English in November, claimed that victory over and Welsh, the trio of countries all dis- France was a huge step towards making playing an attacking bite many critics Twickenham a real fortress come the argued had been lost in the increasingly World Cup. “We have won another tight, kick-dominated, defence-driven Twickenham game and we are building structures of professional rugby union. up a head of steam at the stadium going With just 180 days to go before the into the World Cup, which is a positive. World Cup, reigning champions New We are playing well at home,” he said. Zealand, Australia and South Africa will It is perhaps no coincidence that take note. Australia in particular will have Wales have also discovered their best watched England’s rip-roaring 55-35 vic- half-back duo in Rhys Webb and Dan tory over France and Wales’ 61-20 ham- Biggar, a stability that the ever-tinkering mering of a woeful Italy with wide-eyed Philippe Saint-Andre has failed to instil in interest. his France side. Wales coach Warren The Wallabies have been drawn in the Gatland has long insisted that he was same World Cup pool as hosts England training his team with the goal of peak- and Wales, as well as Fiji and Uruguay, ing for rugby union’s showcase global meaning they could also be playing for tournament, adding they would go to points difference in six months’ time to the World Cup “confident we can get out CHINA: This file picture taken on January 18, 2015 shows a skier walking past a billboard at the Yunding Ski Field in Chongli, near Zhangjiakou. ensure a top-two finish and progress to of that group and progress to the quar- An International Olympic Committee (IOC) team visits Beijing this week to assess its bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. — AFP the quarter-finals. Former Wales No 8 ter-finals”. “There is no fear about playing Eddie Butler, now a respected commen- England at Twickenham or Australia as tator, wrote in his Observer column that well because we know we will be in good Uphill race for China’s “at least the countries that have won the shape as long as everyone stays fit and Webb Ellis Cup six times have sat up”. clear of injuries,” Gatland said. As for the “Europe can play. With a crazy sense French, it is perhaps defending champi- of adventure. Never has such a day been ons New Zealand who will have kept the winter sports campaign seen in the Six Nations Championship. It closest eye out, notably at Les Bleus’ may change a great many things in con- game performance in their defeat by cussion-conscious rugby,” Butler gushed. England. BEIJING: Struggling for balance on the snow, reported, adding a “record” 96 teams involving encourage winter sports is also an attempt to Ireland, with Kiwi coach Joe Schmidt If you go by the formbook, money 10-year-old Gu Yutong is at the forefront of 1,500 children had registered with a local Beijing breed a new generation of top-level talent. bringing out the best of a classy all- would be put on Ireland topping Pool D, China’s efforts to lift its winter sports pedigree as league. If China does host the winter Games, Previously, officials tried to “create” star ath- round team, look best set for the World with France as runners-up to go on to it seeks to host the 2022 Winter Olympics. authorities will also have to contend with far letes in sports where there is little history in Cup, their sole defeat in the Six Nations play the All Blacks in the quarter-finals, “I really like skiing, because all young people shorter slopes than in the European Alps or China by plucking them from activities the coming away against an inspired Welsh bringing back queasy memories of 2007 like to try new sports,” said Gu, wearing rainbow- North America’s Rocky Mountains, much lower country dominates.Freestyle skier Han team. The Irish beat Australia and South for any New Zealander. rimmed ski goggles and holding a Chinese flag annual snowfall and a fraction of the resorts. Xiaopeng, the first man to win a Chinese winter Africa in November and the theme to the But Saint-Andre, who has used almost as her classmates played in the snow behind her. Questions have been also been raised over Games gold, and upcoming snowboarder Zhang victories and those in the Six Nations was 100 players since taking over after the An International Olympic Committee (IOC) transportation within the bid area-which Yiwei, had both excelled at gymnastics before controlling the game from the off and 2011 World Cup when France surprised team visits Beijing this week to assess its bid to stretches over 200 kilometres-as well as Beijing’s they were introduced to the slopes. defending their lead - something they everyone by reaching the final - and host the Games ahead of a July vote that the notorious pollution and China’s lack of top class Four years after short track speed skater Yang failed to do in Cardiff. Former Ireland almost winning-might need to stop tin- Chinese capital which hosted the spectacular winter sports infrastructure. Yang won China’s first women’s gold in 2002, captain Brian O’Driscoll argued, however, kering so much and pick a settled side. 2008 summer Games-is the favourite to win. A new high-speed train system is already Han clinched China’s landmark men’s gold at that the Irish missing out on a whitewash There is no doubt there is massive Beijing’s only challenger in the Olympic race is under construction to slash travel times Turin, a victory helped in no small part by the of their rivals was a good thing. strength in depth in France, but the the Kazakhstan city of Almaty after a string of between key Olympic sites, while officials have training of Canadian Dustin Wilson. Top Chinese “If we had won the Grand Slam there national team’s play looks too mechani- European candidates withdrew. But Chinese offi- promised to confront pollution and build stun- skiers look set to continue enjoying the services would have been an insane amount of cal with a lack of constancy in the per- cials are concerned that their lack of a winter ning facilities. of foreign coaches. Ma Shi, who runs a ski school pressure,” O’Driscoll said. “It gives us an sonnel stripping away much spontaneity sports tradition might hamper their chances. in Zhangjiakou, around 200 kilometres north of opportunity to slip in a fraction under as the team plays to textbook. The “300 Million People Winter Sports Plan” has TALENT DRIVE Beijing, where the nordic and freestyle skiing the radar.” With a ranking of third in the At the other end of the scale, Scotland been launched in response, to “enhance the In the past two decades, China has estab- events would be held, said: world, that prospect is hardly likely and Italy were nothing short of woeful in public acquaintance about and participation in lished itself as a powerhouse in mainstream “We are sending our athletes for training in ahead of a World Cup where they have the Six Nations, rudderless in defence winter sports”, according to the official Xinhua sports such as swimming. But ahead of last foreign countries such as New Zealand, Austria been drawn with Six Nations rivals and toothless on the front foot, albeit for news agency. year’s Sochi Games vice sports minister Yang and United States. “Once we have the advanced France and Italy, Canada and Romania. a few bright moments. — AFP “I didn’t know how to ski before, but I learnt Shuan acknowledged that it was only a “medi- training methods introduced from the foreign how to do it over the past few days and I had a um” ranked country in winter sports. countries we will be able to improve to their lev- great time,” said Gu, who is from Yanqing, the It won a respectable three gold medals at the el and challenge their monopoly,” he added. county slated to host the alpine skiing portion of last winter Games in Russia, following its “his- But foreign coaches themselves doubt the Games. Participation in skiing remains rela- toric breakthrough” with five in Vancouver in whether such goals can be fulfilled in time for tively low, with only 5 percent of people from 2010 — albeit in a few niche events, notably 2022. “Most Chinese skiers... see winter sports as Beijing-by far the biggest city with nearby speed skating. a new fashion,” said Italian Martina Merlet, who slopes-having tried the sport, according to the A third of the 98 events at Sochi are not spent six years in China as the first foreign ski People’s Daily newspaper. played competitively in China, Yang lamented, coach accredited by the country. Ice hockey is another sport to be given a and the country has virtually no bobsleigh infra- “Once they get to the resorts they might not boost. Schools have been given funding to rent structure, let alone a national team. find what is necessary to transform curiosity into commercial rinks, the China Daily newspaper As well as pushing numbers, the drive to a passion and lifestyle,” she cautioned. — AFP Alonso to race in Malaysia

LONDON: Fernando Alonso will race in Sunday’s Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix providing he passes final fitness tests at the Sepang circuit, his McLaren team said yester- day. The assessment, to be carried out by the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA), is scheduled for Thursday. Spanish media reported on Sunday that the double world champion, who spent time in the team’s simulator last week, had been cleared to travel to Malaysia after passing memory and reflex tests in England. Alonso suffered concussion after crashing in testing in Barcelona last month, missing the March 15 Australian season-opener. Malaysia is the second round of the season and Alonso’s EDINBURGH: Ireland’s captain Paul O’Connell holds the trophy as Ireland players cele- manager has said the final checks should be a brate at a presentation after the Six Nations international rugby union match between formality. “Since his Barcelona testing accident, Scotland and Ireland at Murrayfield in Edinburgh, Scotland on March 21, 2015. — AFP Fernando has followed a rigorous, specialised training programme, designed and closely monitored by leading sports scientists, to Every wins in Florida ensure his safe and timely return to racing,” Fernando Alonso in action in this file photo. McLaren said in a statement. FLORIDA: American Matt Every won his However, it was a slick downhill putt The team said Alonso had also spent time second consecutive Arnold Palmer on the 18th green that finally clinched with senior engineers, discussing the accident V-KOOL women’s team Invitational title when he sank a 15-foot the $1.134 million first prize, and a ticket and reviewing data and analysis. birdie putt at the final hole to beat to the Masters. “While there was nothing evident in the extensive car telemetry data, nor anything claims Top 5 spot in Gulfrun Henrik Stenson by one stroke in Florida “This guy in the crowd kept coughing abnormal in the subsequent reconstructions on Sunday. Every, who had not posted a ‘straight putt, straight putt’,” Every told and laboratory tests, Fernando recalls a sense top-25 finish since last June, had joked reporters. “I looked over it pretty hard of ‘heavy’ steering prior to the accident,” the 12-Hour Endurance Go Karting Race pre-tournament with Tiger Woods that and didn’t see anything. It was a great team said. “Consequently, the team has fitted he would win again on the Bay Hill putt to have under pressure too, because an additional sensor to the car, to increase our KUWAIT: V-KOOL(tm) women’s racing team the racing rules. course in Orlando where Woods has won I wasn’t going to come up short. data capture.” The Spaniard can expect a hard secured their place among the top 5 Go Well with encouragement & consistent eight times. Every struck form in time to “You’ll take a win however you get it weekend in sweltering Sepang, with McLaren, Karting teams at the recently held GulfRun’s guidance from their passionate team manager shoot a closing 66 and finish at 19-under- but it was cool to close one out like that.” who have not won a race since 2012, several 12-Hour Endurance race at the SIRBB Circuit - Mr. Mubarak Al Rumaidhi, the 3-member par 269, barely an hour’s drive from his Runner-up Stenson is 62-under for his seconds off the pace in Australia. here in Kuwait City. While the rules of engage- team of Sara Al Shaban, Fatima Abdulkareem hometown of Daytona Beach. past 21 rounds worldwide, but it was still Jenson Button finished last and was lapped ment changed from the previous 24-Hour & Dalal Al Jassem started off the race on a Stenson (70) rued what might have a stinging loss for the world number in Melbourne after the Briton and Danish team endurance race held in December 2014 where good combination of speed and lap timings been after bogeying the 15th hole and three, who led with four holes left. mate Kevin Magnussen qualified on the back the racing team debuted, the women showed that saw them complete the last 400 odd laps failing to birdie the easy par-five 16th. Australian Matt Jones (68) finished row. Alonso is returning to McLaren, the team that no matter what time or day, they were out of the 956 laps at the fifth place. Now The Swede missed a 20-foot birdie at the two strokes behind Every in third place, he drove for in 2007, after five years at Ferrari going to give their fellow teams (all men) a run that’s what we call sheer grit! last that would have earned a playoff, while American Morgan Hoffman (71) and at the start of a new Honda-powered era for their money. Exhausted and thrilled after having raced but will still go into next month’s Masters was fourth, four strokes back. for the former champions. Each Go Karting vehicle was allowed to for almost 6 hours, Sara Al Shaban (Miss Gulf as one of the in-form players after post- Hoffman made a great start to the The 33-year-old suffered temporary memo- stop only to refuel during which time a Run 2014) remarked that she was extremely ing his third straight top-four finish. final round and took the lead with five ry loss in his crash, with some reports suggest- change of team member was allowed. Now happy to have been part of this amazing race Every, 31, who is coached by Woods’ for- birdies in the first eight holes before a ing he had forgotten in the immediate after- imagine being on the race track for almost 2 and thanked V-KOOL(tm) Kuwait for their sup- mer instructor Sean Foley, won last year’s bogey at the par-four ninth. A double- math that he was a Formula One driver and hours (until the fuel tank would be empty) port and recognition to represent passionate event on the back of great putting, but bogey at the last, where he yanked his could not initially remember anything after pushing every cell of your body to stay women racers. What was more inspiring was focused and alert while navigating the turns the commitment of the team to take on more this time his long game paved the way to drive out-of-bounds, only compounded 1995. McLaren have played down those and ensuring that you’re complying with all of such races. his second PGA Tour victory. his misery. — Reuters reports. — Reuters TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Australia, India brace for verbal onslaught

SYDNEY: Rival captains Mahendra Singh Faulkner told reporters yesterday. “I think Dhoni of India and Michael Clarke of there is always sledging in the game. If Australia may have their hands full trying to there is not, you’ve got problems. It’s the keep frayed tempers in check during a nature of the game. It’s a semi-final. Cut potentially explosive World Cup semi-final throat. Neither team will be backing down.” on Thursday. The two teams have shared a Australian teammate Glenn Maxwell is tumultuous relationship both on and off certain that Warner, who squared up to the field in recent years and another flare- Rohit Sharma during the Test series telling up cannot be ruled out in front of a packed the batsman “to speak English”, will not get Sydney Cricket Ground. into trouble again. “He is fine,” the all- It was at the same venue in 2008 where rounder said. “He does not say much-any- the infamous ‘Monkeygate’ incident involv- more.” Allrounder Shane Watson will be ing Australian all-rounder Andrew another one under the radar of Sri Lankan Symonds and Indian spinner Harbhajan match referee Ranjan Madugalle, who fined Singh took place and almost saw a Test him 15 percent of his match fees for a heat- series being called off. ed exchange with Pakistan’s Wahab Riaz Harbhajan was suspended for three during tense moments of Friday’s quarter- matches for allegedly calling Symonds a final in Adelaide. “monkey”, but the ban was overturned ICC chief executive David Richardson when India threatened to walk out of the said before the tournament that match ref- tour, claiming the off-spinner was wrongly erees would come down hard on misbe- accused. The bad blood continued during haviour on the field and repeat offenders India’s Test and one-day series in Australia will be hit with bans. prior to the World Cup when heated on- But Maxwell is confident the involve- field exchanges led to several players being ment of Australian players in the Indian penalised. Premier League will help to keep the lid on- Three Indian players, Virat Kohli, Ishant even though that was not seen in the pre- Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, and ceding bilateral matches. Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell The belligerent batsman, who has Starc were charged for a breach of the turned out for Mumbai Indians, Delhi International Cricket Council’s Code of Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab in the IPL, Conduct. Australian opener David Warner said the glitzy Twenty20 tournament SYDNEY: Indian teammates stretch during a training session for their Cricket World Cup semifinal match in Sydney. India will play Australia in was the worst offender, having been helped him get closer to Indian players. Sydney on Thursday. — AP reported both in the Test and one-day “Personally, I get along with them really series, and was publicly told off by Cricket well,” he said. “Playing in the IPL, you get to Australia boss James Sutherland to “stop know a lot of them, spend time with them, looking for trouble.” Warner risks missing go to dinners with them and you start to New Zealand, South Africa the World Cup final should Australia qualify develop real friendships and you stay in if he is found guilty of a third breach of the touch with them as well. “It makes it hard Code of Conduct on Thursday. when you play against them because Australian all-rounder James Faulkner you’ve got to still have that fine line of eye end to years of pain predicted that the sledging will be fast and keeping it competitive on the field but furious at the SCG. they’re also your mates. “So you’ve got to AUCKLAND: New Zealand and South Africa It was the start of a build-up that has seen bowler Morne Morkel has 14. “There are going to be words said and continue trying to play as if you’re playing clash in the World Cup semi-finals at Auckland’s New Zealand hit form at the right time with wins Guptill, coming into form with back-to-back it’s going to be a really tough contest,” your worst enemy every time.”— AFP Eden Park today hoping to end years of pain and in their past nine games-they have never won 10 centuries is the second-highest run scorer with near-misses. in a row-while South Africa were beaten by 498, with de Villiers in fourth place, a further 81 Both sides, who between them have Pakistan in World Cup pool play. runs further back. At war in the appeared in nine semi-finals without reaching Their crunch showdown takes place at Eden Although the bookmakers have South Africa the final, have met expectations by making the Park, whose drop-in pitch and short boundaries as favourites, New Zealand have come out on last four. Lying in wait will be the winner of ought to favour batsmen, but where results top the last three times the teams have clashed Garden of Eden Thursday’s second semi-final in Sydney between show the 300 mark has been bettered only six at a World Cup. India, defending the title they won in 2011, and times in ODIs. However, the Black Caps were handed a set- AUCKLAND: Four years after it was meant to seven in the South African squad who will Australia, who lifted the three preceding World Between them, New Zealand and South back on Monday when fast bowler Adam Milne happen, two of the world’s most bitter sport- reappear at Eden Park, including de Plessis Cups. Africa provide half of the top 10 bowlers at this was ruled out of the tournament with a left heel ing rivals-New Zealand and South Africa will who has relished the prospect of a rematch. New Zealand have lost all six of their previous World Cup. Boult is the leading wicket-taker with injury. face off in a World Cup semi-final at Eden Park. “This time it will be the other way around. World Cup semi-finals, with South Africa falling 19 and is joined by fellow Kiwis Late call-up Matt Henry will duel with sea- “When South Africa plays New Zealand, We’ll be the team that’s on top, and we can do at the same hurdle on three occasions. But New Daniel Vettori and Tim Southee with 15 soned international Kyle Mills and Mitchell consider your country at war,” legendary the same to them,” he said ahead of the World Zealand coach Mike Hesson said he did not scalps, the same as Tahir, while South Africa fast McClenaghan to take Milne’s place. — AFP Springbok Boy Louw once said. His focus was Cup. expect either side to be weighed down by past rugby, but the passion will be no less in While South Africa started the World Cup failures. “I don’t think there’s any baggage with today’s cricket showdown at Eden Park which justifiably as one of the tournament anyone,” he insisted. “It’s a one-off game and serves as New Zealand’s rugby and cricket favourites, despite also wearing the chokers we’re all desperate to be at the big party and I’m fortress. tag from past failures, New Zealand were rat- sure we’ll both turn up. During the Rugby World Cup in 2011, the ed underdogs. “Two sides are playing good cricket and it’s All Blacks and Springboks were expected to But that has turned around after South going to be a heck of a show.” Their one com- meet in a semi-final at Eden Park, but Australia Africa lost to India and Pakistan in pool play mon opponent in the tournament has been the did not follow the script and knocked the while New Zealand captured the imagination West Indies, who South Africa clobbered in pool South Africans out in the quarters. But there is of the tournament with an unbeaten run to play by 257 runs after batting first and posting no spoiler in the Cricket World Cup and the their seventh semi-final, drawing packed sta- 408 for five. battle for a place in the final is set. Eden Park diums wherever they have played. When Tim New Zealand beat the West Indies by 143 has been the scene of some magnificent bat- Southee ripped apart England with 7-33, runs in a Wellington quarter-final on Saturday tles between New Zealand and South Africa Wellington”s Westpac Stadium echoed with after scoring 393 for six on the back of Martin over the years but rarely has one intoxicated unprecedented chants of “Sou-thee, Sou-thee” Guptill’s World Cup record 237 not out . the nation with such magnitude as this semi- which became. South Africa emerged from their quarter-final final. There have been calls in the news media “Mar-tin Gup-till” when the New Zealand against Sri Lanka with an overwhelming nine- for a public holiday so the nation can stop and opener smacked his record double century wicket victory as they moved to dispel talk they watch. Although New Zealand and South against the West Indies. South Africa mean- are “chokers”. Africa have both held rugby’s ultimate trophy while were made to feel most unwelcome by Afterwards, defiant Proteas skipper AB de neither has made a cricket World Cup final, the crowd when they turned up in Auckland Villiers said: “I think we like being called chokers. further spicing up a match already fuelled by to play Pakistan who won extreme support We’ll just keep that tag and move along, as long memories of a bitter quarter final at Dhaka in from a supposedly neutral New Zealand as we keep winning.” the 2011 tournament. horde. And the star batsman was adamant that, Such is the passion generated in New South Africa lost that match by 29 runs whatever else happened, his side would not Zealand by their cricketers’ unbeaten run while New Zealand’s one previous World Cup crack under pressure. “We are committed to the through the tournament that they have been outing at Eden Park was their cliffhanger one- fact that we’re not going to show any weakness,” elevated in the public eye from second best to wicket win over Australia. he said. Proteas leg-spinner Imran Tahir’s four for be on a par with the reigning rugby world South Africa have won 36 of the complet- 26 against Sri Lanka should raise a red flag for champion All Blacks. ed 56 ODIs between the two but the record at New Zealand’s talismanic opener and captain “I’ve never been compared to an All Black,” Eden Park is an even 3-3. New Zealand holds Brendon McCullum, whose swash-buckling rep- a stunned Trent Boult, the leading wicket-tak- the edge 4-2 in the six times they have utation carries a postscript that he is vulnerable er in the tournament, exclaimed. clashed at the World Cup including a 49-run to leggies. According to Kane Williamson there is only win in the spiteful Dhaka quarter-final. When New Zealand and South Africa met in a one difference in the intensity of New In rugby history, the All Blacks have won pre-tournament hit out, Trent Boult took five for Zealand’s rivalry with South Africa in cricket seven of their 10 Tests against the Springboks 51 in a 134-run win over a Proteas side without and rugby.”We’ve never tackled them on the at Eden Park but overall it drops to a 59 per- key figures Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn. cricket field,” he quipped. cent winning margin with the All Blacks claim- South Africa won an one-day international There may have been no tackling in the ing 51 of their 89 Tests against the Springboks. series 2-0 against New Zealand without Kane 2011 quarter-final but there were eyeball-to- At the World Cup, they have met three Williamson and Ross Taylor late last year, and eyeball confrontations which boiled over with times with South Africa winning twice includ- Hesson said that result was further skewed by New Zealand’s verbal spray targeted at Faf du ing the 1995 final which went to extra time South Africa being in full flight while New Plessis when AB de Villiers was run out. Du before Joel Stransky’s dropped goal put his Zealand were just gearing up for the season. Plessis shoved Kyle Mills, who had brought side ahead 15-12. “In September and October the pitches are drinks on to the field, de Villiers returned to If they manage to follow the blueprint for different, we’d come out of a winter, they’d come support his teammate and eventually the the 2015 Rugby World Cup, New Zealand and out of a campaign,” said Hesson. “They hit us AUCKLAND: The New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum (right) talks with coach Mike Hesson umpires had to separate them. There are six South Africa will meet in a semi-final at hard early and we didn’t respond well. We’re as they inspect the pitch during a training session ahead of their Cricket World Cup semifinal survivors from that New Zealand squad and Twickenham on October 24. — AFP more match-hardened now.” against South Africa. — AP Spinner Ashwin content playing second fiddle

SYDNEY: Ravichandran Ashwin may not be feat for a spinner in a format in which rules and with three maiden overs in India’s high-pressure India’s highest wicket-taker in the World Cup conditions favor batsmen so heavily. tournament opener against arch-rivals Pakistan. but the lanky off-spinner is not complaining. The 28-year-old from Chennai has also rel- Ashwin has controlled his turn, stuck to an Fast bowlers Mohammad Shami (17) and ished the challenge of bowling to the best bats- off-stump line and varied flight and pace to Umesh Yadav (14) have taken more wickets than men in the tournament, particularly in the pow- force batsmen into committing mistakes-a Ashwin as holders India, traditional spin power- erplays. “I think the batting powerplay is a very recipe his team would expect him to repeat on houses, have focused their attack on pace. good time to attack because you don’t give a lot Thursday against Australia. “Ashwin is someone I In five of their six group matches, the quick of singles and it is pretty much about bound- have always loved to have in my side,” captain men ensured the longest India had to wait for aries and wickets,” he said. Mahendra Singh Dhoni said after the win over their first wicket was the fifth over, allowing “I like to throw myself in the middle and try Ireland. “I have always pushed him to bowl in Ashwin and his fellow spinners the luxury of and see how much of an impact I can make in a the powerplays and difficult situations. He is dominating the middle overs. “As far as the spin- game against Chris Gayle or AB de Villiers. really confident about his bowling. He under- ner is concerned, when I come in, I’ve got that “I look to get them out in the middle because stands his bowling well. little bit more freedom,” Ashwin told reporters once you get them out the game is going to go “The good thing with him is he keeps ahead of the semi-final against Australia. your way.” Temperament-wise a pace bowler in a improving himself. Every time he is part of the In claiming 12 wickets, Ashwin has proved spinner’s disguise, Ashwin’s control of his craft series, he sees the challenges and accordingly more economical than the pacemen, no mean has been astounding, something he underlined improves,” Dhoni added. — Reuters AUSTRALIA: Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin prepares to bowl during a training session. — AFP TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 SPORTS Hewitt guilty of raping girls in South Africa JOHANNESBURG: Australian-born former tennis them during private tennis lessons when they were young girls and they were intimidated by him.”It is a during his career in the 1960s and 1970s and was Grand Slam champion Bob Hewitt was found guilty young girls. “Time did not erase the crimes. A guilty victory, yes. It has given me a little freedom to move named to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in yesterday in South Africa of raping and assaulting person should not go unpunished. The scales of jus- on with my life,” said Suellen Sheehan, a victim who 1992. But his name was removed from the hall of young girls he was coaching there in the early 1980s. tice tip against the accused,” Bam said. spoke out publicly about her experience and who fame in 2012, following sexual abuse allegations. Hewitt, 75, had pleaded not guilty to the two One woman testified that Hewitt had told her was present in court. Hewitt was born in Dubbo, Australia but has spent charges of rape and one of indecent assault, which “rape is enjoyable” as he assaulted her. One of his “Victory is a hard word to use because I don’t much of his life in South Africa. He has been sup- were brought against him by three women in 2013. victims said the former champion raped her in his think it is a game. “I just hope this gives hope to oth- ported throughout the trial by his wife Dalaille. The Judge Bert Bam at the South Gauteng High Court car before tennis practice in 1982, when she was 12- er victims [so they] can take something from this former champion has also been dogged by allega- outside Johannesburg described the evidence year-old. Another victim told the court he had and be as brave as we were, and confront danger tions of sexual abuse in the United States where he against Hewitt, best known as a doubles star, as touched her inappropriately 34 years ago and forced and take their perpetrators to task because ultimate- once lived. Rape cases dating back decades are rare “overwhelming”, the SAPA news agency reported. her to perform a sex act on him when she was 12 ly they will be believed,” she said. in South African courts. A date for sentencing has At the trial, his victims said that Hewitt assaulted and 13. The judge said Hewitt manipulated the Hewitt won numerous Grand Slam doubles titles not been set. — AFP

INDIAN WELLS: Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Roger Federer of Switzerland pose for photographers after the final on day fourteen of the BNP Paribas Open. — AFP Djokovic retains Indian Wells title

INDIAN WELLS: World number one Novak powerful, deep returns caused constant problems ment to hit every ball,” said Djokovic. Sharapova: My Russian Djokovic fought off a determined challenge from for his opponent. He dropped just four points on “Credit to Roger for fighting through. Showed Swiss great Roger Federer on Sunday to claim serve and after taking the opening set, it was hard again why he’s a competitor and champion, back-to-back titles at Indian Wells and celebrate to see how the 33-year-old Swiss could recover. somebody that never gives up. When we got to heritage is non-negotiable his 50th tournament win on the ATP Tour. But Federer, trailing 4-3, lifted his game to the third set obviously it was anybody’s game.” LONDON: Maria Sharapova’s life-changing The Serb made hard work of his 6-3 6-7(5) 6-2 break Djokovic, bringing the Californian crowd to Djokovic’s win moved him above coach Boris move from Siberia to Florida as a seven- victory in the BNP Paribas Open final, giving up their feet. Djokovic served for the championship Becker in terms of career ATP Tour wins and said year-old propelled her on a path to fame the second set after serving three double-faults, at 5-4 in the tiebreak but gave up two double- the milestone had given him an extra push. and fortune but she says she would never but he recovered to clinch a fourth trophy at faults, allowing Federer to force a third set that “It’s a great milestone. I don’t take anything turn her back on her mother country. Indian Wells following victories in 2008, 2011 and had looked an unlikely prospect. for granted. I believe that I have to earn every- It is sometimes easy to forget that five- 2014. Djokovic joins Federer as the only other World number one Djokovic stole an early thing that I do. “I always try to look for additional times grand slam champion Sharapova, the man to win the tournament four times. Enjoying a break and looked back in command at 2-0, but motivation, because that’s something that is world’s highest-paid female athlete, is actu- fine season that started with a fifth Australian Federer rallied again to break back. necessary, especially if you’re playing on the ally Russian until you witness her conduct a Open triumph, Djokovic thrashed semi-finalist Ultimately it was double-faults from the Swiss highest level.” Federer paid tribute to his oppo- post-match press conference in her native Andy Murray, the man he beat at Melbourne Park, that proved costly, allowing Djokovic to break nent’s staying power. “Novak did well to obvi- tongue. and showed the same ruthless efficiency in the again and then hold firm for victory. ously sustain the lead for most of the match,” he With $32 million in prize money alone, a opening set against Federer. “I thought overall it was a great match from said. “I think he found an extra gear in the end. It string of lucrative endorsements, her own The Serb broke in the fifth game and with his my side, very solid, great intensity, great commit- was tough.”— Reuters candy business and even a famous boyfriend she is the living embodiment of the American dream. Yet, Sharapova baulks Maria Sharapova Paterski wins Catalonia stage at the idea that she would want to trade ly simply the country, but the people, the her Russian passport for an American one, mentality and the toughness and that nev- as former Czech Martina Navratilova did er giving up attitude.” CALELLA: Poland’s Maciej Paterski won the first Paterski’s feat is all the more impressive as the no one in the peloton willing to take on the early in her glittering career. World number two Sharapova will not stage of the Tour of Catalonia yesterday as a CCC-Sprandi-Polkowice rider finished 22nd in brunt of the workload, they quickly built up an “I would have if I wanted to (change citi- have to venture too far from her adopted three-man breakaway left the peloton nearly the marathon 293km Milan-San Remo classic unassailable advantage of over 13 minutes. zenships) but it’s never been actually a home at the Miami Open which starts this three minutes behind. just 24 hours previously. Froome’s Team Sky then began to push the pace question in my family or in my team week. Should the tournament go according Paterski edged out France’s Pierre Rolland “I’ve come four times previously to the Tour of in the chasing pack and managed to at least whether I wanted to change citizenships,” to rankings she will play nemesis Serena and Belgian Bart de Clerq to claim the 185.2 kilo- Catalonia and been in a breakaway twice that minimise the damage which could give Rolland the Russian told CNBC in an interview to be Williams in the final. She beat the American metre stage around Calella in a time of 4hr got to the end, so I thought that today the same in particular, who finished fourth in last year’s screened on Wednesday. in the 2004 Wimbledon final and again a 33min 31sec. Former Tour de France winners thing could happen,” said Paterski. Giro d’Italia, a shot at winning the general classi- Sharapova, who won the Wimbledon few months later but lost the next 16, most Chris Froome and Alberto Contador were among “I didn’t believe I would be able to win, fication come Sunday’s final stage in Barcelona. title aged 17, still gives her all for Russia in recently in this year’s Australian Open final. the chasing pack that finished 2min 40sec though, as I was a bit tired from yesterday. I rode Up front it was De Clerq who made the first the Fed Cup and was a torch bearer at the But Sharapova said their rivalry still behind the leaders, however Froome squeezed the Milan-San Remo and didn’t get to the hotel break for the line, but he was quickly caught and Sochi Winter Olympics a year ago. burned strong. “She’s at the peak of her out a bonus one second advantage over until after 10pm.” The trio didn’t manage to form Paterski had just too much for Rolland in the She said her Russian heritage moulded career. I am now number two in the Contador in an intermediate sprint. a breakaway until 60km into the stage, but with final sprint. The race continues today. — AFP her instincts. “It is about the family environ- world,” she said. “I feel like we’re still driv- ment, it is about the rich culture,” the 27- en and hungry to be the best tennis play- year-old said. “Just life experiences that I ers. “I don’t think anyone in the tennis look back to and I know that for so many world believed that, in 10 years’ time, we years I was shaped into the individual I was would still be rivals. I think it’s an incredi- from those experiences. “And not necessari- ble story.” — Reuters Park banned for 18 months

LAUSANNE: South Korea’s four-time charges against a doctor for giving Park Olympic swimming medallist Park Tae- an injection without disclosing it con- hwan was banned for 18 months by tained the banned steroid testosterone. world swimming body FINA yesterday The swimming star dubbed “Marine for failing a dope test. Boy” blamed the injection-administered The 25-year-old tested positive for a last July-for a positive drug test on urine banned anabolic steroid at an out-of- samples he provided in September, prior competition control before the Asian to the Asian Games. Games on September 3 last year. Park-who has six Asian Games titles to The ban for his first doping violation his name-won 400m freestyle gold and will run until March 2, 2016 which will in 200m freestyle silver at the Beijing 2008 theory allow him to compete at the Rio Olympics, becoming South Korea’s first Olympics later that year, although he will Olympic swimming medallist. miss this year’s world championships in He also won silver in both events at Kazan, Russia from July 17 to August 2. the 2012 London Olympics, along with All Park’s results after September 3, 400m gold in the world championships 2014, have also been cancelled which in 2007 and 2011. means handing back his three bronze But Park, who began swimming aged medals, which he won at last year’s Asian five in a bid to control his asthma, has Games in Incheon, Korea. struggled to repeat that form and failed The positive test sent shock waves to win a title at his home Asian Games in through the sport in South Korea where September, competing in a pool that SPAIN: CCC Sprandi Polkowice’s rider Polish Maciej Paterski celebrates on podium after winning the first stage of the Tour of Catalonia prosecutors last month announced bore his name. —AFP cycling race. — AFP TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 SPORTS Blatter faces harshest critics at UEFA Congress

VIENNA: FIFA president Sepp Blatter will come face to face with some of his harshest critics yesterday, most of whom will be voting to remove him from office when the Swiss stands for re-election in May. The 79-year-old is to address the 54-member nations of UEFA at their annual Congress knowing most of the delegates are backing the other three candidates: Jordanian Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, Dutchman Michael van Praag and Luis Figo of Portugal. Blatter will make a speech at the start of Congress in his role as FIFA chief but has rejected Thiago Silva an offer to address delegates as a presidential hopeful. He said he had no need to campaign as French stress his 40-year record at soccer’s governing body spoke for itself. Blatter may be right because, despite his organisation facing one crisis or anoth- er, he is the overwhelming favourite to win a fifth test for Brazil term of office in the election at the FIFA Congress in Zurich on May 29. But he will be under no illu- RIO DE JANEIRO: Nine months on from Tardelli had been earmarked as centre for- sions when he faces his fellow Europeans on their World Cup drubbing by Germany, ward despite his move to Chinese outfit Tuesday that not all of them believe he is fit to car- Dunga’s new look Brazil team remains a Shandong Luneng but injury means a call ry on as president. work in progress but a Thursday test at for Shakhtar Donetsk striker Luiz Adriano, “It will be very bad indeed if he continues,” Van the Stade de France may give an indica- top Champions League marksman this Praag told reporters on Monday. “I believe that if tion of how far they have moved on. season with nine goals. the present president of FIFA goes on we will keep If understandably Dunga has made the One face missing for now is young on having these things again and again and again. next World Cup in Russia his priority the attacking midfielder Felipe Anderson, “I’m of the opinion Mr Blatter is responsible for Selecao have two tests over the coming despite good form for Lazio. this and he will never be accepted by anyone in the SWITZERLAND: FIFA president Sepp Blatter holds a press conference at the FIFA headquarters months to build a platform in the shape Dunga has made Barcelona star world as the person to turn FIFA around,” added the in this file photo. — AFP of the Copa America in June and next Neymar skipper in place of Thiago Silva, 67-year-old chairman of the Dutch FA. body does not support extending video technolo- clear about that,” he said. summer’s Olympic Games in Rio. indicating that “we need new leaders and Although attention is to focus on Blatter at the gy to catch mistakes made by referees, he added. “We also have to protect the referees and “The World Cup qualifiers are our prior- he loves challenges. The more responsibil- start of Congress, UEFA will also be re-electing UEFA’s refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina respect the referees,” added the UEFA official. “It ity. Before then, we have two friendly ity he gets the more he will evolve.” Michel Platini as president for a third term. warned Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, must be something that lives in the actions of the matches to look forward to and then the Dunga has a lingering unhappy mem- The former France international was once an Juventus, Monaco, Paris Saint Germain, Porto and players. Copa America” starting June 11 in Chile, a ory of the Stade de France as Brazil head ally of the FIFA leader but the pair have drifted Real Madrid at a meeting on Friday. “We understand that there are tensions around country the Brazilians will face three days to the City of Light. He hoped to lift the apart and Platini is now endorsing Blatter’s oppo- The meeting at the UEFA headquarters at Nyon matches,” said Infantino. “But the respect for the after the French match at the Emirates World Cup there but instead Brazil nents. Among other elections on Tuesday is one for in Switzerland came the day after the ruling body referee is the basis for playing.” The English Premier Stadium in London. slumped to a Zinedine Zidane-inspired three UEFA representatives on FIFA’s executive banned Paris St-Germain’s Ivorian defender Serge League has been rocked by controversy over the The Copa will be Dunga’s first competi- France in the 1998 final. committee that will almost certainly see two critics Aurier for three European matches for “insulting mistaken sending-off of West Brom defender tive games since taking the helm of the Nine of the Brazilians likely to feature of Blatter voted on to the most powerful group in acts” towards the referee of the Champions League Gareth McAuley after just 89 seconds of their 1-0 five-time world champions for a second Thursday were in the squad humiliated by world football. match against Chelsea. Premier League defeat at Manchester City. His time following six friendly match victories. Germany in July. German FA chairman Wolfgang Niersbach will Aurier did not play in the March 11 match which teammate Matt Dawson committed the foul. His first spell ended with a 2010 World But “there is no point in embarking on be elected unopposed while England’s David Gill is ended in a 2-2 draw, but made disparaging com- Infantino said more technology was not the Cup quarter-final elimination to the wholesale changes-we have quality play- expected to win a seat reserved for the British vice- ments on Facebook about referee Bjorn Kuipers answer, although he felt there had to be more Netherlands but before that he did steer ers,” Dunga insists. He himself retains a presidency in a two-way battle against Trefor Lloyd over his dismissal of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. debate on the issue. “There would be no mistaken the squad to a Copa win in 2007 and the love-hate relationship with Brazilian Hughes of Wales. Incumbent Angel Maria Villar UEFA is concerned about the growing tendency identity if you had the additional assistant referees, Confederations Cup two years later. observers who regarded him as a player Llona of Spain will also be re-elected unopposed. of groups of players to surround referees after because they will see immediately what happens Against France, Dunga’s mean-looking and as a coach as more about functionali- Meanwhile, UEFA has warned all the Champions every controversial call. Infantino slammed what and can rectify all decisions,” he said. “But, for every- defence was to have had a decidedly ty than flair. League quarter-final teams to stop their players he called the “aggressive stance” of some players thing else, it’s very much a judgement question for Gallic flavour but Paris Saint-Germain “People talk to me about football-as- harassing referees, secretary general Gianni toward referees. “This is something that we don’t the referee - and has to remain with the referee as stars David Luiz and Marquinhos have art. But what does that mean? A great Infantino said yesterday. And Europe’s governing accept, that we cannot accept and we are very well in the future.— AFP both withdrawn through injury although save by a keeper is art. Winning posses- clubmate Thiago Silva and Monaco’s sion is also an art. “You won’t find a Pele Fabinho are included. on every street corner.” Corinthians centre back Gil and With seven goals in six games for Mancini reignites row over Arsenal’s central defender Gabriel Paulista Dunga, Neymar is the sole true standout meanwhile come into the squad. Paulista’s in the current squad. “Today, nobody call-up is his first and he will hope to fea- really stands out-Neymar excepted. It non-Italian born players ture in particular at his Emirates club disturbs people to see that happen with ground against the Chileans. Brazilian football,” Dunga conceded ear- MILAN: A debate over the eligibility of players born to While looking to bring on new names lier this month, aware the fans crave Italians living outside the country has been reignited Dunga has an evident soft spot for striker success delivered by artistes. The gener- after criticism of coach Antonio Conte’s decision to Robinho, 31 and now enjoying himself ation behind the current one does not draft South American-born players into the national once again at Santos after a loan move yet augur for greater things with the side. Palermo’s Argentinian-born midfielder Franco from AC Milan. under-20 side having missed a South Vazquez and Brazilian-born Sampdoria striker Eder Dunga maintains that “you have to American championships podium finish were among three new faces named by Conte in a 26- blend youth and experience.” Diego earlier this year. — AFP man squad for upcoming games against Bulgaria, and England. Their call-ups come as Italy look to rebuild after their disastrous exit from the first round of the World Cup for the second successive edition. Four sent off in But the choices did not sit well with everyone. Inter Milan coach Mancini told reporters in Rome on Monday: “If you play for Italy you should be Italian.” rain-hit Rio derby When reminded that Germany won the World Cup with players born to immigrant families, Mancini RIO DE JANEIRO: Torrential rain in Rio de minutes left on the clock, Paulinho replied: “But their players were born in Germany. Janeiro forced the referee to suspend the brought down Vasco’s Bernardo as he “I believe an Italian player deserves to play in the Flamengo-Vasco derby for almost an raced toward goal, sparking a brawl. national team, while those who are not born in Italy, hour on Sunday but the stoppage did The referee sent off both players, plus even if they have Italian family, shouldn’t have that not dampen passions, with four sent off Vasco’s Guinazu and Flamengo’s right. “We do so much to train young players and in at the end of an action-packed 2-1 win Anderson Pico. The win takes Flamengo the end we draft in some oriundi (players born to for Flamengo. above Vasco into third place in the Italian emigrants). It would be better to bring our own The game was halted midway Carioca state championship table. young players through. “But if these are the rules, Roberto Mancini Conte is free to apply them as he pleases. I have my through the first half, with the conditions Earlier in the day, league leaders Camoranesi was born and raised in Argentina but was notably being humbled by Costa Rica. own opinion.” Once the pride of Italy, the Azzurri have already having contributed to the open- Botafogo beat Cabofriense 1-0, while able to represent Italy through a great-grandparent Italy on Saturday face Euro 2016 qualifying Group struggled on the world stage in recent years and ing goal. With just over a quarter of an Fluminense and Tigres drew 1-1 on who emigrated to South America in 1873 from H rivals Bulgaria in Sofia looking for their fourth Group Mancini’s remarks have fuelled a decades-long debate Saturday night. In Sao Paulo, both Santos Potenza Picena. Ex-Inter, Juventus and Roma striker H win in five games. hour gone, the Vasco da Gama keeper about the role and influence of the ‘oriundi’. Pablo Daniel Osvaldo as well as AC Milan defender They currently sit joint top with Croatia after three Martin Silva tried to roll the ball to and Corinthians kept up their impressive Although the tradition has not always born fruit, Gabriel Palletta have followed suit. wins and a draw. Conte conceded his squad should defender Rodrigo and it got stuck in a starts to the season. Corinthians strug- Italy, and to a lesser extent Spain, has a long history of Osvaldo was born and raised in Argentina but “not be a fallback for players who can’t get into their puddle. Alecsandro reacted quickest and gled to beat Capivariano 3-2 but the win turning to foreigners whose ancestors emigrated from qualified through an Italian great-grandfather who own national teams.” But he ultimately defended his nipped in to slam the ball into the net. ensured they continued an unbeaten run Italy-if their footballing talents match requirements. emigrated in the 19th century. Buenos Aires-born decision: “I am not the first and will not be the last to Within minutes the rain had turned that started mid-January. Carlo Tavecchio, the president of Italy’s football Palletta even played alongside Lionel Messi and call up these oriundi. “At the last World Cup, 83 of the the rebuilt World Cup venue into an Santos, meanwhile, beat Audax 1-0 federation (FIGC), underlined the fact Italy won the Sergio Aguero at under-20 level for Argentina, but over 700 players were not native born. These are the unplayable swamp. The referee brought on Saturday to give new manager 2006 World Cup with the help of Argentine-born being born to Italian parents-and not having repre- rules. “I think we should get the best we can and you the players out again after a 50-minute Marcelo Fernandes his fifth win in five Mauro Camoranesi. “If I remember correctly there was sented Argentina at senior level-he easily became eli- should not expect any shortage of players who want break and Vasco quickly levelled through games. They have the best overall one of them (oriundi) in our team when we won the gible to play for the Azzurri. to get into the national team.” Gilberto. But Alecsandro netted a second record so far with 29 points in 11 2006 World Cup,” said Tavecchio. “But Conte has Palletta made his World Cup debut in Brazil, where If they haven’t made their debut by then, Vazquez absolute freedom to select whoever he wants to play. from the penalty spot after 52 minutes to games, while Corinthians have 26 and a the four-time World Cup winners-then coached by and Eder could do so three days later when Conte’s If a player has citizenship, he is eligible. He’s an Italian give Flamengo the winner. With nine game in hand. — Reuters Cesare Prandelli-returned home in disgrace after men host England in a friendly in Turin. —AFP citizen, so there’s no debate.” Former Juventus star Prosecutors seek prison term in Neymar affair

MADRID: Spanish prosecutors are request- including rivals Real Madrid, attempted to ing a prison sentence of two years and three hijack the deal. months for Barcelona president Josep Maria Ruz said the various contracts produced Bartomeu and seven for his predecessor, “were designed to cover or hide the fact Sandro Rosell, over the so-called Neymar that in reality they represented a higher affair, judicial sources said yesterday. cost for Barcelona” in order to “avoid or sig- The Madrid court is also calling for a fine nificantly reduce the money paid to the tax of 22.2 million euros ($24.1 million) against authorities”. Rosell resigned over the scan- the club over the transfer deal which has dal in January 2014 with his then vice-pres- been the subject of an anti-corruption ident Bartomeu taking charge. probe. The two men and the club are Shortly afterwards the club confirmed a charged with tax fraud and Rosell is also number of extra agreements including a accused of accounting irregularities over 10-million euro signing bonus for the play- his time in charge. er and scouting and collaborative agree- Following months of investigation, a ments between the two clubs had taken Spanish judge must now consider whether the cost of the total operation to 86.2 mil- the case should go to trial. The judge, Pablo lion euros. Ruz, said 10 days ago after completing his In February of last year, the club investigation that the two defendants were announced that they had made a voluntary suspected of three counts of tax fraud payment of 13.5 million euros to the worth a total of 13 million euros ($13.6 mil- Spanish tax authorities regarding the trans- lion), relating to the signing of the Brazilian fer. Bartomeu denied all responsibility striker in 2013. when he appeared before an examining The club has said it paid 57 million euros magistrate investigating the matter last overall to sign Neymar from Brazilian club month. However, prosecutors believe he Santos, but the judge suspects the real had full knowledge of the details involved amount was more than 83 million euros. in the transfer given his role as Rosell’s The cost of the deal rose steeply when right-hand man. Bartomeu’s involvement is Barca decided to bring forward an initial likely to damage his campaign to be elect- agreement signed in 2011 for the player to ed as president in club elections at the end move in 2014 by a year as other clubs, of the season. — AFP Barcelona’s Neymar protests in this file photo. Rangers and Djokovic retains Lightning excel Indian Wells title

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 15 18

Australia, India brace for verbal onslaught Page 17

LOS ANGELES: Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan (center) grabs a rebound against New Orleans Pelicans’ Alexis Ajinca (left) of France, and Dante Cunningham during the second half of an NBA basketball game. — AP Clippers win, Thunder cool Heat

LOS ANGELES: Blake Griffin scored 23 points, Chris Paul had reserve Manu Ginobili nursing a sprained right ankle, con- Reggie Jackson added 17 points, 11 assists and nine ignite a big rally for Denver. 23 points and 11 assists, and the Los Angeles Clippers put a tested nearly every Hawks shot and pass, but no Atlanta rebounds for the Pistons, who won for the third time in four Gallinari made 12 of 21 shots, including six 3-pointers, crimp in the New Orleans Pelicans’ playoff hopes with a 107- player looked more flustered than 12th-year guard Kyle games after a 10-game losing streak. for the Nuggets, who broke a three-game losing streak. 100 victory on Sunday. JJ Redick scored 20 points and Korver. Evan Turner had 23 points and Jae Crowder 19 for Boston, Nelson finished with 15 points, 13 during a 43-12 run over a DeAndre Jordan finished with 16 rebounds and 12 points, which lost its third straight. The Celtics are in a tight race for 10-minute span of the first half which gave the Nuggets a helping the Clippers win their fourth in a row. They convert- RAPTORS 106, KNICKS 89 the Eastern Conference’s eighth and final playoff spot. 63-37 lead. ed 18 Pelicans turnovers into 30 points and had a 25-6 DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points, Tyler Hansbrough Detroit snapped an eight-game road losing streak, send- Victor Oladipo led the Magic with 21 points and Nik advantage on second chance points. added a season-high 18 and the Toronto Raptors won for the ing Boston to just its second home loss in its last 11 games. Vucevic scored 20. Elfrid Payton, who on Friday night Anthony Davis led New Orleans with 26 points and third time in four games. The Pistons wiped out a deficit late in regulation, then became the first NBA rookie in 18 years to record two 12 rebounds in 39 minutes after missing two games Jonas Valanciunas had 17 points and 10 rebounds, Lou scored on their first two possessions of overtime and straight triple-doubles, finished with six points, eight with a sprained left ankle. Tyreke Evans was sidelined Williams scored 13 and Greivis Vasquez had 12. Lance opened with a 7-0 run. rebounds, eight assists and five turnovers. The Nuggets because of the same injury and was replaced in the Thomas scored 24 points and former Raptor Andrea broke an 11-game losing streak against Eastern Conference starting lineup by Norris Cole, who had 12 points before Bargnani had 16 for the Knicks, who dropped their third SUNS 98, MAVERICKS 92 opponents on the road. fouling out in the final minutes. straight and lost for the 10th time in 12 games. Archie Goodwin sank the go-ahead 3-pointer, Markieff KINGS 109, WIZARDS 86 Toronto point guard Kyle Lowry, who dressed but did not Morris added a critical jumper in the final 30 seconds and Rudy Gay scored 26 points and Sacramento led most of THUNDER 93, HEAT 75 play in Friday’s loss at Chicago, was inactive because of a sore Phoenix beat Dallas. the way in beating Washington for its second straight victo- Russell Westbrook had 12 points, 10 rebounds and 17 back suffered in a fall against Minnesota last Wednesday. Dallas rallied from a 17-point, third-quarter deficit and ry. DeMarcus Cousins had 20 points, seven rebounds and assists for his 10th triple-double of the season to lead Vasquez made his second straight start in Lowry’s place. was up 86-80 with 5 minutes to play. But the Mavericks five assists despite foul trouble. He had missed the previous Oklahoma City. New York guard Alexey Shved, who came in averaging went four minutes without scoring while the Suns climbed two games with a strained right calf. Enes Kanter had 27 points and 12 rebounds for the 22.0 points in his previous three games, suffered bruised ribs back into the lead. Sacramento stretched its lead to 20 points in the third Thunder, who have won three in a row. Rookie Mitch McGary in a collision with Toronto’s James Johnson in the first half Eric Bledsoe had 20 points, nine assists and six rebounds quarter and was never threatened from there in winning scored 14 points, and Anthony Morrow had 12. and was unable to return. Shane Larkin replaced Shved to for the Suns. Morris added 19 points and 13 rebounds. back-to-back games for the first time since late November. Kanter was expected to miss his second straight game start the third quarter. Shved finished with nine points in 17 Chandler Parsons scored 19 points and Amare Stoudemire Bradley Beal scored 19 points for the Wizards, but with an ankle injury. But he was cleared to play after morning minutes. The Knicks also lost rookie Travis Wear to a sore back 16 for Dallas, which has lost all three games against John Wall shot only 3 of 10 and had nine points and shootaround, and then got off to a fast start with 15 points in in the fourth. Phoenix this season. Monta Ellis was 4 for 22 from the field, eight assists. Washington has dropped 11 of 13 road the first quarter. including six straight misses down the stretch. games since beating the Lakers on Jan. 27. The Wizards The Heat had five players score in double figures. Hassan PISTONS 105, CELTICS 97 have lost two of three on a four-game trip that ends Whiteside had 13 points, all in the first half, and Goran Dragic, Andre Drummond had 18 points and 22 rebounds, NUGGETS 119, MAGIC 100 Monday against Golden State. Dwyane Wade and Mario Chalmers each scored 12. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored seven of his 27 points in Danilo Gallinari scored a career-high 40 points and for- overtime and Detroit beat Boston. mer Magic guard Jameer Nelson came off the bench to HORNETS 109, TIMBERWOLVES 98 CAVALIERS 108, BUCKS 90 Mo Williams scored 24 points, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and LeBron James scored 28 points and sparked a key second- Al Jefferson each added 18 and Charlotte moved into half run with an emphatic dunk to lead the Cavaliers. JR eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Smith added 23 points for Cleveland, which has won three in NBA results/standings Gerald Henderson added 17 points for the Hornets, who a row. Smith made three straight 3s to close out the Cavs’ Cleveland 108, Milwaukee 90; Oklahoma City 93, Miami 75; San Antonio 114, Atlanta 95; LA Clippers 107, New Orleans 100; Toronto 106, NY snapped a three-game skid. Gorgui Dieng led Minnesota decisive run that turned a six-point deficit into a 93-78 lead Knicks 89; Sacramento 109, Washington 86; Detroit 105, Boston 97 (OT); Denver 119, Orlando 100; Charlotte 109, Minnesota 98; Phoenix 98, with 16 points and Kevin Martin had 15 points and nine with 6:19 left in the game. Dallas 92; LA Lakers 101, Philadelphia 87. assists. His team down by 13 in the first half, Williams pro- Milwaukee has dropped six in a row. Giannis Eastern Conference WESTERN CONFERENCE vided a spark off the bench with his smooth shooting, just Antetokounmpo had 15 points and nine rebounds for the Atlantic Division NORTHWEST DIVISION as he did in many of his 41 games with the Timberwolves Bucks. The lanky forward muscled his way to the bucket W L PCT GB Portland 44 24 .647 - this season. Williams shot 10 for 16 from the floor in his first against James early in the game to help Milwaukee build an Toronto 42 28 .600 - Oklahoma City 40 30 .571 5 game at Target Center since the Wolves traded him to 11-point lead. Boston 30 39 .43511.5 Utah 31 38 .44913.5 Charlotte on Feb. 10. James had his way late. His dunk off an offensive rebound Brooklyn 29 39 .426 12 Denver 27 44 .38018.5 Philadelphia 17 53 .243 25 Minnesota 15 54 .21729.5 got the Cavs going. He finished 10 of 17 from the field and NY Knicks 14 56 .200 28 LAKERS 101, 76ERS 87 grabbed 10 boards. Jeremy Lin scored a season-high 29 points, and Los PACIFIC DIVISION CENTRAL DIVISION Angeles beat Philadelphia in the first meeting of the season SPURS 114, HAWKS 95 Cleveland 46 26 .639 - Golden State 56 13 .812 - between two of the NBA’s worst teams. LA Clippers 46 25 .648 11 Tiago Splitter scored a season-high 23 points, Kawhi Chicago 42 29 .592 3.5 Thomas Robinson had 14 points off the bench for the Phoenix 38 33 .535 19 Leonard added 20 points and the San Antonio Spurs won Milwaukee 34 36 .486 11 76ers, who shot just 36 percent and were outrebounded Indiana 30 39 .43514.5 Sacramento 24 45 .348 32 their third straight game. Detroit 26 44 .371 19 LA Lakers 18 50 .26537.5 52-39. Paul Millsap finished with 22 points and Dennis Schroder The 76ers, coming off home victories over the had 18 points for Eastern Conference-leading Atlanta, which SOUTHEAST DIVISION SOUTHWEST DIVISION Pistons and Knicks, haven’t won three in a row since a dropped its third in a row. Atlanta 53 17 .757 - Memphis 49 21 .700 - four-game stretch that began with a road win over the Boris Diaw scored 15 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, Washington 40 30 .571 13 Houston 46 23 .667 2.5 Lakers on Dec. 29, 2013. Philadelphia took a 75-74 lead and Danny Green added 15 for San Antonio, which never Miami 32 37 .46420.5 San Antonio 44 25 .638 4.5 into the fourth quarter but missed 12 of its next 13 Charlotte 30 38 .441 22 Dallas 44 27 .620 5.5 trailed and took its biggest lead at 26 early in the third. Orlando 22 50 .306 32 shots while Lin fueled a 20-4 run that gave the Lakers a The Spurs, playing their fourth straight game with key New Orleans 37 33 .529 12 94-79 cushion with 4:19 to play. — AP IMF praises Beijing’s efforts to boost regional investment

Page 23 Business Brazilian exports to Arab world hit $13.40bn in 2014 TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 Page 26 ChemChina to buy into Kuwait inflation drops to 2.8% in Jan Italian tire maker Pirelli Page 22 Page 25 Greek PM faces Merkel as debt fears mount Restore dialogue between Greece, creditors: Draghi BERLIN: The leaders of Greece and Germany euro-zone. met yesterday in Berlin with the radical-left As tensions have flared, bitter historical government in Athens warning it would be memories have resurfaced, with Tsipras’s gov- impossible to service its crushing debt with- ernment reviving reparation claims for the out fresh EU cash. Nazi occupation of Greece in World War II. After a weeks-long war of words between Kotzias told the German daily Sueddeutsche Europe’s paymaster and ailing Athens, Angela Zeitung after his talks with Steinmeier that a Merkel, 60, will welcome 40-year-old Greek Greco-German committee of experts could be Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on his first official set up to look into the thorny question. visit to Berlin with military honours at her However Steinmeier’s spokesman told imposing glass-and-steel chancellery. reporters yesterday that the working group Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert said would not focus on war reparations, reiterat- they would not negotiate on a settlement for ing that Berlin considered the matter “politi- Greece’s debt emergency as this was “not a cally and legally settled”. bilateral” issue but one for the euro-zone as a However Germany’s top-selling daily Bild, whole. which has repeatedly whipped up anti-Greek Rather, the meeting is intended to re- sentiment during the debt crisis, extended an establish trust after a corrosive exchange of olive branch ahead of the talks. recriminations that have left Berlin and It splashed the headline “Welcome to Athens resentful and wary. German Foreign Germany, Mr Tsipras!” on its front page in Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said after Greek and German and listed 50 reasons to talks with his Greek counterpart late Sunday love the Greeks including the fact that 1.6 mil- that both countries should focus on their lion Germans went on holiday in their country shared goal of keeping Greece in the 19- last year. Also trying to set a warmer tone for member euro-zone. the meeting were dozens of German-Greek “We must not allow the doubtlessly couples set to gather in front of the chan- weighty and difficult issues that we in Europe cellery for a kiss-in ahead of Tsipras’s arrival. need to resolve together to erode the strong Meanwhile, European Central Bank head foundation of German-Greek relations,” he Mario Draghi says the bank is ready to restore said after meeting Nikos Kotzias. But under- BERLIN: People stage a protest in front of the chancellery in Berlin prior to a meeting of the leaders of Greece and Germany yesterday. — AFP support for Greece’s banks if talks between lining the high stakes, Tsipras warned Merkel the Greek government and its creditors get that liquidity is tight and that political initia- extend its 240-billion euro ($260-billion) conservative economy minister Luis de in a letter that without EU help, Athens would back on track. tives must be taken.” bailout by four months in exchange for prom- Guindos told Monday’s Financial Times that have to choose between paying off loans and Draghi told EU lawmakers yesterday that ises of further reforms. At an EU summit last the fresh aid would not flow to Athens unless maintaining crucial social spending. the parties should “restore the policy dia- Turning the screw- week, Greece lobbied Brussels to release vital it pushes through all of its proposed reforms. Greek government spokesman Gabriel logue” so talks can could yield “a credible Tsipras has blamed Merkel’s insistence on funds left in the bailout package to help it This contradicts a statement by Tsipras that Sakellaridis confirmed a Financial Times report prospect” for a deal on more emergency tough austerity over the last five years for his make payments to creditors in the coming funds would begin to be disbursed as soon as about the missive dated March 15. “This is not aid. Greece and its creditors in the 19-coun- country’s “humanitarian crisis” of poverty and days, and avoid bankruptcy and a possible a new list of reforms is presented. Meanwhile a threat, it is reality,” Sakellaridis told Mega TV, try euro-zone have sparred over the condi- mass unemployment. Merkel, under pressure exit from the euro. German taxpayers have grown increasingly adding that Tsipras had sent a similar letter to tions Greece needs to fulfill to get more from her own conservatives at home, says Instead the EU offered two billion euros in frustrated with attacks from Greece, where French President Francois Hollande and help to avoid defaulting on its debts. Once a that if Greece wants more bailout loans, the unused development funds to Greece after both Merkel and her exacting finance minister European Commission chief Jean-Claude deal is in sight, Draghi said the ECB could biggest share of which is financed by Tsipras vowed to clarify reform pledges Wolfgang Schaeuble have been caricatured as Juncker. restore the ability for Greek banks to tap Germany, it must uphold its commitments on demanded by the country’s creditors. But that Nazis. “The letter said nothing less and nothing ECB credit using Greek government bonds reforms and spending cuts. money isn’t going into government coffers. A poll this month said more than half of more than what we have said since last week... as collateral. — Agencies Greece’s creditors agreed in February to Turning the screw another notch, Spain’s Germans believe Greece should leave the TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 BUSINESS Kuwait inflation drops to 2.8% in Jan News in brief NBK ECONOMIC REPORT Emirates sets guidance for $913m sukuk DUBAI: Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, has set initial price thoughts for a $913 million sukuk issue that will be guaranteed by Britain’s export credit agency and may price as early as tomorrow, a document from lead arrangers showed. The initial guidance for the senior unsecured ten-year sukuk issue is at around 100 basis points over midswaps, the document showed. The aver- age life of the bond - the average time before the princi- pal is expected to be repaid - is 5.37 years. Funds will be used partly to pre-fund the acquisition of four new Airbus A380-800 aircraft which are expected to be delivered in 2015, the document showed. It is the first time that the British export credit agency has guaranteed a sukuk issue. London is seeking to boost its position as a centre for Islamic finance. Emirates has picked Citigroup, HSBC, JP Morgan and National Bank of Abu Dhabi as the joint structuring agents, with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD and Standard Chartered also acting as joint lead managers, the document showed. KUWAIT: Inflation in the consumer price index (CPI) inflation rate at ease of late. continued to slow in January while core inflation Inflation slowed from3.0 percent year-on-year (y/y) Egyptian pound steady remained steady. The ease in headline inflation in December 2014 to 2.8 percent y/y in January 2015. on official market came on the back of a slowdown in most of the Core inflation was stable at 3.2 percent y/y. Against a CPI’s components, especially food. Food inflation projected backdrop of moderate inflation across CAIRO: Egypt’s central bank kept the pound steady at 7.53 slid further in January, as international food infla- most of the CPI’s components, overall inflation is pounds to the dollar at a foreign exchange auction yester- tion continued to decelerate. The relatively strong expected to firm up slightly in 2015 to average day, while the domestic currency strengthened slightly on dinar against major currencies with the exception around 3-3.5 percent. the black market. The central bank has kept the official of the US dollar has also helped keep the overall Inflation in the food price index slid from 2.6 per- exchange rate steady for more than a month after letting the pound weaken in an attempt to wipe out black-market trading. The bank said it offered $40 million at auction and sold $38.2 million at a cut-off price of 7.5301 pounds per dollar , unchanged from its last auction on Sunday. Black- market traders said volumes have fallen dramatically since the central bank allowed the pound to weaken and imposed a cap in February on the amount of dollars that can be deposited in banks. The limit discourages use of the black market because those who exchange dollars outside cent y/y in December 2014 to 1.4 percent y/y in official channels are deprived of a place to keep their funds. January 2015, as global food inflation saw a decline. With international food inflation expected to remain weak in the near to medium-term, upward inflation- ary pressures on local food inflation will remain limit- ed in the coming months. This should help keep the overall inflation rate in check. Inflation in housing services was unchanged at5.0 percent y/y in January.(Chart 3). Inflation in this com- ponent is only updated and reported once every quarter. The next update is due in March. Inflation in this sector is expected to gradually edge higher on healthy demand levels. We may see core inflation continue to rise gradually as a result. Inflation in the clothing & footwear segment wit- nessed a small rebound whilst inflation in furnishings & household maintenance steadied. Clothing & PARIS: PSA Peugeot Citroen group Chief Finance footwear prices rose by a mere 0.3 percent y/y in Officer Jean-Baptiste de Chatillon (right) listens January; furnishings & household maintenance infla- to Euronext Listing Europe head Marc Lefevre tion was steady at 3.5 percent y/y during the same (left) prior to attending a ceremony to ring the period. Inflation in the ‘other goods and services’ bell to open the markets at Euronext headquar- maintained its upward trend in January. Inflation in ters in Paris yesterday as the French carmaker re- this component, which includes prices of personal entered the Paris CAC 40 index. — AFP care products and jewelry and certain business charges, was a tick higher in January 2015, rising from 2.0 percent y/y in December to 2.1 percent y/y. Saudi’s ACWA, Mitsui win $630m Oman deal DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and Japan’s Mitsui & Co said yesterday they had won a contract from Oman’s govern- Sinopec expects long wait for return of $100 oil ment to build and operate a $630 million, 445 megawatt natu- ral gas-fired power plant at the city of Raysut. The contract was won along with Dhofar International Development and HONG KONG: Asia’s largest refiner, Sinopec Corp, said inventory losses at the company. some companies in Latin America, Fu said, without Investment Holding Co, which will take 10 percent of the proj- yesterday it expects prolonged weakness in global oil Sinopec said it will cut capital expenditure by 12 giving details. ect, Mitsui said in a statement. The Saudi and Japanese compa- prices, forcing it to cut spending and turn more cau- percent to 135.9 billion yuan ($22 billion) this year and Sinopec Corp’s parent Sinopec Group was China’s nies will each take 45 percent. The partners will sell electricity to tious about acquisitions. put more emphasis on investment in quality and effi- most acquisitive energy company between 2005 and Oman under a 15-year agreement with the new plant to be “This year’s oil prices won’t be high. It will take a ciency, like rival PetroChina and others in the sector. 2012, spending tens of billions of dollars buying over- operational in January 2018. As part of the deal, the consor- very, very long time for international crude prices to Sinopec has used almost all its high-cost crude inven- seas oilfields and producers. But, like PetroChina, tium will acquire Dhofar Generating Co, which owns and oper- ates an existing 273 MW gas-fired power plant. rise back to $100 a barrel,” its chairman Fu Chengyu tory, with its current inventory averaging about $50 a Sinopec has made few acquisitions in the last two told reporters at the company’s results briefing. barrel, Wang Xinhua, Sinopec’s chief financial officer years as Beijing pushes state firms to focus more on “Oil companies need to get used to operating and said. profitability and efficiency rather than expansion. UAE February inflation developing in a low oil price environment,” Fu said. Its inventory cost stood at about $78 at end-2014, Sinopec will list its retail arm, but there was no edges down to 3.6% ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates National Bureau of Statistics “We need to think more about cost reduction.” Fu said, adding that it would be positive for Sinopec’s timetable, Fu said, adding that there was disagree- released the following February consumer price data yesterday, Sinopec on Sunday posted its first quarterly loss refining business if crude prices stabilize at current lev- ment among the retail firm’s shareholders over the showing annual inflation edging down from its January level, which since becoming a public company in 2000, hit by a els. Benchmark Brent crude oil futures were trading at timing of a stock listing. Sinopec signed a deal last was the highest since March 2009. Housing and utility costs, which slide in global crude oil prices and flagging domestic around $54.80 yesterday. Fu said it was not time yet for year to sell a $17.5 billion stake in its the business, account for over 39 percent of consumer expenses, jumped 7.4 per- demand. Sinopec to make any major overseas acquisitions which includes 23,000 petrol stations across China, cent from a year earlier in February and rose 0.2 percent from the Like many other oil majors, Sinopec has been hurt because of oil price uncertainties. But opportunities marking the country’s biggest privatization push since previous month. Food and soft drink prices, which account for near- by a more than 50 percent fall in crude prices since may emerge if oil price weakness persists, which President Xi Jinping came to power about two years ly 14 percent of the basket, climbed 0.9 percent year-on-year and June, with analysts saying that the drop has resulted in would hurt cash flows of some producers - including ago. —Reuters 0.4 percent month-on-month. EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.590 Sierra Leone 0.000067 0.000073 Nepalese Rupees 4.000 Singapore Dollar 0.214859 0.220859 South African Rand 0.018933 0.027433 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 81.630 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001878 0.002458 Japanese Yen 2.505 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.900 Australian Dollar 232.44 Thai Bhat 10.175 Taiwan 0.009451 0.009631 Indian Rupees 4.826 Canadian Dollar 242.53 Turkish Lira 115.790 Thai Baht 0.008895 0.009445 Pakistani Rupees 2.946 Swiss Franc 313.01 Srilankan Rupees 2.246 Euro 329.22 Arab Nepali Rupees 3.013 US Dollar 300.50 Bahrain Exchange Company Bahraini Dinar 0.790090 0.798090 Singapore Dollar 218.800 Sterling Pound 450.11 Egyptian Pound 0.038995 0.042095 Hongkong Dollar 38.709 Japanese Yen 2.54 Iranian Riyal 0.000083 0.000084 Bangladesh Taka 3.859 Bangladesh Taka 3.858 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Iraqi Dinar 0.000190 0.000250 Philippine Peso 6.699 Indian Rupee 4.815 Europe Jordanian Dinar 0.419533 0.427033 Thai Baht 9.234 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.246 Belgian Franc 0.007831 0.008831 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Nepali Rupee 3.014 British Pound 0.441722 0.450722 Lebanese Pound 0.000150 0.000250 GCC COUNTRIES Pakistani Rupee 2.942 Czech Korune 0.003844 0.015844 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021475 0.045475 Saudi Riyal 80.112 UAE Dirhams 81.68 Danish Krone 0.039569 0.044569 Nigerian Naira 0.001234 0.001869 Qatari Riyal 82.534 Bahraini Dinar 797.59 Euro 0.318987 0.326987 Omani Riyal 0.773985 0.779665 Omani Riyal 780.510 Egyptian Pound 39.27 Norwegian Krone 0.033410 0.038610 Qatar Riyal 0.081774 0.082987 Bahraini Dinar 797.930 Jordanian Dinar 426.97 Romanian Leu 0.086141 0.086141 Saudi Riyal 0.079443 0.080143 UAE Dirham 81.803 Omani Riyal 779.32 Slovakia 0.008909 0.018909 Syrian Pound 0.001272 0.001492 Qatari Riyal 82.75 Swedish Krona 0.030929 0.035829 Tunisian Dinar 0.152684 0.160684 ARAB COUNTRIES Saudi Riyal 80.05 Swiss Franc 0.300183 0.310383 Turkish Lira 0.115919 0.122919 Egyptian Pound - Cash 41.425 Turkish Lira 0.115919 0.122919 UAE Dirhams 0.080779 0.081928 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 39.283 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Yemeni Riyal 0.001357 0.001437 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.402 Australasia Tunisian Dinar 155.600 Australian Dollar 0.226317 0.237817 Jordanian Dinar 424.030 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate New Zealand Dollar 0.222745 0.232245 Al Mulla Exchange Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.015 US Dollar 300.350 America Syrian Lira 2.141 Canadian Dollar 239.250 Canadian Dollar 0.233497 0.241997 Morocco Dirham 30.737 Sterling Pound 444.335 US Dollars 0.296200 0.300900 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Euro 321.480 US Dollars Mint 0.296700 0.300900 US Dollar 298.850 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 297.320 Euro 323.750 US Dollar Transfer 300.300 Bahrain Dinar 798.955 Asia Pound Sterlng 452.450 Euro 326.130 UAE Dirhams 82.150 Bangladesh Taka 0.003560 0.004160 Canadian Dollar 239.000 Sterling Pound 449.850 Qatari Riyals 83.325 Chinese Yuan 0.046901 0.050401 Indian Rupee 4.775 Canadian dollar 239.860 Saudi Riyals 80.275 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036633 0.039383 Egyptian Pound 39.150 Turkish lira 116.300 Jordanian Dinar 423.940 Indian Rupee 0.004539 0.004940 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.240 Swiss Franc 308.160 Egyptian Pound 39.288 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Bangladesh Taka 3.842 Japanese Yen 0.002422 0.002602 Australian Dollar 236.040 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.249 Philippines Peso 6.750 Kenyan Shilling 0.003315 0.003315 US Dollar Buying 299.100 Indian Rupees 4.805 Pakistan Rupee 2.942 Korean Won 0.000259 0.000274 Pakistani Rupees 2.943 Bahraini Dinar 795.750 Malaysian Ringgit 0.077858 0.083858 GOLD Bangladesh Taka 3.858 Nepalese Rupee 0.003041 0.003211 UAE Dirham 81.600 20 gram 237.250 Philippines Pesso 6.692 Pakistan Rupee 0.002766 0.003046 Saudi Riyal 79.800 10 gram 121.320 Cyprus pound 737.245 Philippine Peso 0.006691 0.006971 *Rates are subject to change 5 gram 61.350 Japanese Yen 3.485 TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 BUSINESS Competitive IMF praises Beijing’s efforts devaluations never work to boost regional investment By Hayder Tawfik China’s economic slowdown legitimate: Lagarde ow the European Central Bank has decided to devalue the euro against the US dollar so BEIJING: International Monetary Fund chief Christine Nevery other central banks in the world. Lagarde said yesterday that China’s economic slowdown is Competitive devaluation is a zero sum game, where legitimate and that Beijing can contribute to global prosper- there are no winners but lots of losers. At the end of ity. Speaking at the opening of the China Development the game, ordinary people are the ones who lose the Forum in Beijing, Lagarde praised Beijing for its work to most. These people have no ways to compensate build a legal system and address pollution. She said she wel- themselves for the loss of the purchasing power of comed Beijing’s efforts to boost investment outside China, the currency they hold. Others who are more sophis- referring to the new Beijing-led Asian Infrastructure ticated will always find ways to get compensated for Investment Bank. any loss in the value of the currency they own. Some She said China is “clearing the path to further engage- people say that a competitive devaluation is good for ment with the world through investment, trade and more the nation, well that can be truer assuming no one participation in the multilateral dialogue.” China established else devalues at the same time. the regional lending institution last year and put up most of The European Central Bank must be fully aware its initial $50 billion in capital with the goal to finance con- that all other nations are devaluing or have devalued struction of roads and other infrastructure. their currencies well before the European Central At the forum, Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli said envi- Bank has started. The devaluation of the euro will ronmental protection and sustainable development will be benefit most export-orientated economies in the Beijing’s priorities. Zhang said China “should always put the euro-zone. Germany is the second biggest exporter in environment and our ecological system at a prominent the world. Roughly 50 percent of its exports go out- place in our agenda.” He listed no-carbon development, side the euro-zone and the other 50 percent is within green development and sustainable development as China’s the euro-zone. Its exports outside the euro-zone will future path for economic growth. Lagarde made the com- benefit from a devalued Euro. However, as 50 percent ments as she wrapped up a five-day visit to China and after a of its exports go to the euro-zone, I cannot see how host of European countries announced their intention to this will be in its interest. sign up for the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Cheaper euro may help the tourists industry in Bank (AIIB). The moves by Britain, Germany, France, Italy and Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal but not much as others have caused consternation in the United States and they have far smaller export industries. Of course all Japan, which lead the World Bank and the Manila-based this assumes that their international competitors Asian Development Bank respectively. around the world do not devalue their currencies at the same time. However that has not been the case if Competition BEIJING: Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (second right) meets with International Monetary Fund (IMF) man- we take Japan as a case study. Some view the new bank as a competitor to the two insti- aging director Christine Lagarde (second left) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday. —AFP Japan is one of the biggest export orientated tutions. In a statement issued after she met Premier Li economies in the world and it has very competitive Keqiang, Lagarde hailed Beijing’s “impressive efforts” to Beijing touts the $50 billion institution as a tool to help Top Chinese leaders have said the economy is in a deli- industries. Over the past 2 1/2 years the Bank of reform in areas including combating corruption, controlling meet gaps in financing needs for regional development in cate transition from decades of double-digit annual growth Japan has devalued the Japanese Yen by more than pollution and “clearing the path to even more engagement Asia. But US officials have expressed caution amid worries to a new, slower and more sustainable model, a stage they 50 percent against the US$, and by 25 percent against with the world”. the institution could undermine the World Bank. have branded as the “new normal”. Lagarde referenced the the Euro. You would have thought this massive cur- World Bank Managing Director Sri Mulyani Indrawati has Lagarde also said the IMF welcomed Beijing’s longstand- phrase and offered praise for the structural reforms pledged rency devaluation would have boosted its exports. also hailed the AIIB, telling Xinhua: “Any new initiative that ing drive to include its yuan in the IMF’s basket of reserve by the ruling Communist Party at its top meeting in late Not at all. Japans’ export reached three year low as will mobilise funding in order to fill the infrastructure gap is currencies, adding: “We will work closely with the Chinese 2013. “This should lead to slower, safer, and more sustain- domestic recession continued. The main reasons for certainly welcome”. China has embraced the European authorities in this regard.” Lagarde’s visit comes amid mount- able growth-with a focus on innovation and entrepreneur- this disappointing result were the fierce competition eagerness to take part in the new body, with state media ing concern over slowing growth in the world’s second- ship-which will be good for China and its people, and good from the Chinese, Koreans and the Asian Tigers and claiming that the US risks being sidelined. largest economy. for the world,” Lagarde said. —Agencies the weak demand from Europe. A revaluation of the US dollar may not help China as much as its Asian competitors. Chinese currency is in effect tied to the rising US dollar through its quasi-peg, increasingly Oil falls under destroying its competitiveness. For China this cannot continue at a time when its economic growth is slow- $55 after Saudi ing down and deflation is hovering in the horizon. This is very bad news for its domestic economy and in sticks to its guns particular the depressed property market. China will have to resort to monetary reflation over time, and I LONDON: Oil prices fell further yesterday, with Brent drop- think this will include a devalued Chinese yuan. ping below $55 a barrel, after top exporter Saudi Arabia I believe all of this will end up in huge overseas said it would only consider cutting output if other produc- capital piling into the dollar and a massive capital ers outside OPEC did so too. The strengthening of the dol- flight from the euro-zone and the rest of the world. lar further weighed on prices. This will ultimately lead to much weaker economic Brent crude oil futures were trading at $54.70 a barrel at activities outside the US. Also and most alarmingly it 0933 GMT, down 62 cents. U.S. WTI crude was down 87 will create a massive deflationary wave which at some cents at $45.70 a barrel. Saudi Arabia reiterated its decision point will run out of control. —Dimah Capital to keep production unchanged and ride out a market slump, which has roughly halved prices since June. “We repeat that, as for prices, the market determines it,” Saudi oil minister Ali Al-Naimi said on Sunday, adding that Saudi Turkey expects new Arabia would only consider output cuts in cooperation with non-OPEC producers. Analysts at Barclays forecast delays in Airbus yesterday that if OPEC production held near current levels of near 30 million barrels per day (bpd), the market surplus A400M delivery would expand from 0.9 million bpd to 1.3 million bpd. Oil prices have see-sawed, weighed down by concerns ISTANBUL: Turkey is preparing for further delays in the delivery of of oversupply but boosted by swings in the strength of US two A400M military transport aircraft it ordered from Airbus Group, dollar ahead of the expected end of years of zero interest according to defense officials in Ankara. rate policy in the United States later this year. “In the past It signed a deal for 10 of the heavy cargo and troop carriers in 15 years, the global economy was defined by rising com- 2003 as part of a group of seven European NATO nations, expecting modity prices, zero interest rate policy, and a weak USD. its part of the order to be fulfilled by 2018. This cycle has now gone into reverse with a decelerating After four years of delays in Europe’s largest defense project, TOKYO: Pedestrians are reflected in the window of a securities firm showing the morning numbers of industrial economy in China and the rise of US shale,” Bank Turkey received two of the aircraft in 2014 and was due to receive the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Tokyo yesterday. Tokyo stocks rose 1.07 percent in the morning in line of America Merrill Lynch said in a report. two more this year. But officials told Reuters that the latest deliver- with a regional advance and following a surge on Wall Street. — AFP “A combination of a strong USD, higher interest rates ies are now likely to be late. Airbus will have to pay a penalty or and subdued growth may keep commodity prices in check offer services for the new delays, they said, without giving a new in 2015,” it added. China’s February crude oil imports from timeline. Iran fell 3.7 percent from a year ago to 2.04 million tons. “The penalty will depend on the number of days the deliveries Tax refund advances appeal to China boosted overall imports late last year, taking advan- are delayed, so the figure is not clear yet. Receiving products and tage of cheap oil to build its reserves, but storage tanks services from the company is also possible,” one of the officials more cash-strapped Americans could be reaching their limits, forcing a slowdown in said. orders. —Reuters Airbus Military is in the process of negotiating a new delivery WASHINGTON: Cash-strapped the information they need to make Still, he kept going each year until a schedule for the A400M but has not so far published a timetable. Americans anxious for tax refunds are tax-filing decisions, including use of friend suggested the Volunteer However, industry sources say its base production plan of 14 air- increasingly turning to payment refund anticipation checks. They said Income Tax Assistance program, an IRS craft for this year includes two for Turkey. “We are currently dis- advances, prepaid cards or other cost- the payment advances offer added program providing free tax prepara- For business, more cussing A400M production with all the customers and we will ly services when getting tax prepara- value, such as convenience. The tion services to low-income families. communicate further on that when the discussions are complete,” tion help, according to new federal Internal Revenue Service has been The IRS-certified tax preparer found a women in charge an Airbus Military spokesman said. Airbus clashed publicly with data raising concerns among regula- pushing Congress for new authority to filing error that had cost Washington Turkey over the A400M last year, saying it was Ankara that was tors about whether consumers are ful- regulate the $10.1 billion tax prepara- $1,000 in unused tax credits and means bigger profits delaying taking delivery of the first aircraft as a “bargaining” ly informed about the fees. tion industry after an appeals court helped him file an amended return. “It move. Regulators are looking to increase last year barred it from requiring tax was very upsetting,” Washington said. LONDON: When Rohini Anand took over diversity programs But several buyers, notably Germany, have grown increasing- oversight of preparers amid the rise in preparers to undergo background Four states - California, Maryland, at multinational catering company Sodexo in 2002, she had ly concerned about the latest round of delays, and analysts say “refund anticipation checks,” a type of checks and testing. New York and Oregon - require prepar- one goal: To prove that it pays for a company to have equal declarations about the troubled project have tended to reflect cash advance especially popular “It’s the wild, wild West,” said Nina ers to undergo training. The California numbers of male and female managers. Sodexo, which has tough negotiating positions on all sides. Turkey took part in a among low-income families who Olson, the IRS’ national taxpayer advo- attorney general’s office recently 419,000 employees in 80 countries, says she’s done just that. seven-nation, 3.5-billion-euro bailout in 2010 that was supposed receive the Earned Income Tax Credit, cate, describing the current state of requested information from H&R Block A companywide study last year found that units with equal to put an end to chronic delays and technical problems with the the government’s $65 billion cash the industry. She called the level of risk about its refund anticipation checks, numbers of men and women in management roles deliv- European transporter plane. But Airbus acknowledged last year benefit program. The advances are for abuse in pricing and quality of which range in cost from $34.95 to ered more profits more consistently than those dominated that it faced new delays and in February took a charge of 551 being marketed as a way to get fast service unprecedented. $59.95; at issue may be whether the by men. million euros ($618 million). Other European buyers - jointly rep- refunds or defer payment of tax prepa- fees may be subject to strict truth-in- “It has become embedded now. It’s not just me talking resented along with Turkey by defense procurement agency ration costs. Competency lending laws, the company said in about it anymore,” Anand says with “I told you so” satisfaction. OCCAR - include Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Luxembourg The Consumer Financial Protection The National Association of Tax financial filings. H&R Block empha- Evidence is growing that gender equity is not just political- and Spain. Malaysia has also agreed to buy the plane, which fits Bureau says some consumers have Professionals supports certification of sized that it was a request for informa- ly correct window-dressing, but good business. Yet while between the smaller Lockheed Martin C-130 and larger Boeing complaints about refund anticipation providers to ensure a minimum level tion, not a lawsuit. companies are trying to increase the number of women in C-17. —Reuters checks centered on advertising, quali- of competency. But the Institute for Consumer groups in Colorado executive positions, many are struggling because of a failure ty of service or fees. The bureau is Justice, which filed the lawsuit against and Ohio are pushing proposals to to adapt workplace conditions in a way that ensures qualified finalizing the first rules on prepaid IRS, says new licensing requirements require greater disclosure. In Ohio, a women do not drop off the corporate ladder. debit cards, including those for tax and other oversight aren’t the answer. federal court two years ago barred the The case for companies to act is compelling. In a survey refunds, that would require “easy to “We should do more to increase com- owner of Dayton-based Instant Tax last year of 366 companies, consultancy McKinsey & Co found understand” disclosures upfront about petition, not drive independent tax Service from doing business after find- that those whose leadership roles were most balanced costs and risks. preparers out of the market,” said Dan ing various abuses, including defraud- between men and women were more likely to report financial Refund anticipation checks rose to Alban, an attorney for the group. ing mostly low-income customers. returns above their national industry median. roughly 21.6 million in 2014, up 17 The average tax-preparation fee for “Taxpayers should have the ability to Companies with more balanced leadership do a better job percent from 2011, according to IRS 2014 returns is $273, up 11 percent research and compare prices,” says recruiting and retaining talented workers, reducing the costs data provided to The Associated Press. from two years ago, according to a sur- David Rothstein of Neighborhood associated with replacing top executives, McKinsey found. About half the purchasers are EITC vey by the National Society of Housing Services of Greater Cleveland. They also have stronger customer relations because manage- recipients; roughly 84 percent are low- Accountants. But there’s wide varia- In his budget proposal, President ment better reflects the diversity of society, and they tend to income, according to the data. tion, with fees of $400 or more, Barack Obama asked Congress to give make better business decisions because a wider array of view- Industry analysts project the payment according to the National Consumer IRS and the Treasury Department points is considered. Apple CEO Tim Cook, who came out as advances and their fees will become Law Center. explicit regulatory authority and to gay last year, told PBS it was important to hire people who more widespread as tax preparers seek Netran Washington, 40, a materials increase penalties for certain tax filing “complement you, because you want to build a puzzle.” to boost revenue. Currently, refund handler in Cleveland, says he’s been errors due to willful or reckless con- “You don’t want to stack Chiclets up and have everyone be ATHENS: Athenians read newspaper headlines in the same,” he said. While most big companies now have pro- central Athens yesterday. Alexis Tsipras visited anticipation checks and prepaid cards going to a neighborhood tax preparer duct. Legislation has been introduced make up 10 percent of industry giant for four years, eager for a fast refund. in the Senate, but prospects remain grams to increase gender diversity, many executives express Germany for the first time since becoming H&R Block’s revenue and more than 20 Washington readily agreed when uncertain in a GOP-controlled frustration these programs aren’t working. McKinsey found Greece’s prime minister and met Chancellor percent of Liberty Tax Service’s, asked if he preferred to pay for the tax Congress unhappy with the agency’s that 63 percent of the employers it surveyed had at least 20 Angela Merkel yesterday as his debt-ridden coun- according to earnings reports. preparation later. Washington says he investigations of the tea party and also initiatives to address gender equity, but women held less than try and its key creditor seek to halt a downward Both companies said they are com- was later surprised by a $500 fee that its role in implementing Obama’s a quarter of the top jobs in 92 percent of the companies. —AP spiral in relations. —AP mitted to providing consumers with included the cost of a cash advance. health care law. —AP BUSINESS TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 European stocks slip over fresh Greek worries

PARIS: European shares slipped from multi-year Greece pegged back European stock markets tive versus bonds, but after such a rally people 50 percent of their earnings come from stock market listing. highs yesterday, as a new bout of worries con- yesterday. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is are tempted to just book some profits, especially outside the region. Major Asian markets mostly advanced cerning Greece led investors to book profits on set to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel in ahead of Tsipras’s visit to Berlin.” But after its recent strong rally, a stabi- yesterday following rallies on Wall Street the market’s solid start to 2015. Shares in Pirelli his first official visit to Berlin on Monday, amid a lization of the dollar following on more and in Europe, while the dollar continued to outperformed, rising 2.5 percent after China standoff between Athens and its creditors. The Weak euro support dovish tone from the US Federal Reserve is struggle after the Federal Reserve damp- National Chemical Corp agreed to buy the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index was down European stocks have been rallying strongly set to trigger a shift in market leadership, ened expectations for an early interest rate Italian tyre maker in a 7.1 billion euro ($7.66 bil- 0.9 percent at 1,597.29 points, having climbed since the start of the year-with Germany’s DAX JP Morgan strategists said. “Euro exporters rise. Tokyo ended 0.99 percent higher, lion) deal. 0.8 percent on Friday to hit a 7-1/2-year high of up by more than 20 percent, on track to record did very well, but are not attractively priced adding 194.14 points, to 19,754.36 while The acquisition, agreed with Pirelli sharehold- 1,613.80 points. Germany’s DAX, which hit a its best quarter in 12 years-as global investors anymore, and the bulk of the foreign Shanghai surged 1.95 percent, or 70.41 ers on Sunday, will see state-owned ChemChina record high of 1,2219.05 points last week, shed have bet that a weaker euro would boost the exchange support might be behind us,” the points, to 3,687.73 and Hong Kong added take over the world’s fifth-largest tyre maker and 1.4 percent to 11,868.20 points. region’s economy and corporate earnings. strategists wrote in a note, cutting the lux- 0.49 percent, or 119.27 points, to 24,494.51. one of the symbols of Italy’s manufacturing “There’s just no positive catalyst seen in the The euro has fallen by about 25 percent ury sector to ‘neutral’ from ‘overweight’ and Seoul was flat, dipping 0.65 points to industry. short term,” said Saxo Bank trader Andrea Tueni. against the dollar over the past year. This should reiterating a recommendation to take prof- 2,036.59 and Sydney eased 0.32 percent, or Traders said lingering uncertainty over “In relative terms, equities remain very attrac- give euro zone companies a major lift as roughly its on the auto sector. 19.4 points, to 5,956.1. With few catalysts to drive business early in the week, investors Asian stocks took their lead from their US counterparts Shares in Louis Vuitton owner LVMH who have been cheered by the Fed’s dovish dropped 2.5 percent and Christian Dior fell comments on rates. 3.1 percent. Renault and Daimler were While the central bank on Wednesday down by 2-2.5 percent. Deutsche Bank opened the door for a rise this year, it said shares edged up 0.7 percent after sources there were still weaknesses in the US econ- said the German bank’s retail operations omy, including low inflation and soft manu- will bear the brunt of its planned restructur- facturing. The news sent global shares soar- ing and will most likely be spun off in a ing and the dollar tumbling. — Agencies BUSINESS TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 Corporate reputation in GCC linked to a healthy bottom line: Survey

‘The Reputation Index’ probes value of corporate reputation

KUWAIT: Nearly four out of five strong reputation when facing a Sconaid McGeachin, President & senior executives across the UAE, crisis. CEO, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, consider Key report findings: Africa, Middle East & Turkey, states: their company’s corporate reputa- • In order to assess corporate “Senior decision makers across The tion as “extremely important” and reputation, senior decision makers Gulf clearly recognise how impor- this figure rises to 95 percent when stated customer feedback mecha- tant - and critical - a strong corpo- those who ranked it as “important” nisms and customer face-to-face rate reputation is in today’s highly were also included, according to a meetings as most useful competitive, highly transparent new report from global communi- • 84 percent of senior executives and fast moving business environ- cations consultancy Hill+Knowlton “agreed” with the statement that a ment. This is especially true as the Strategies (H+K). Eighty two per- strong reputation can help a com- eyes of the world are increasingly cent of those interviewed also said pany recover quickly in a crisis focused on the region thanks to that their company’s reputation • When asked which factor - oth- thriving business sectors and a was linked to their bottom line and er than financial performance - booming overall economy - and as overall business success. steered reputation, one factor we gear up to hosting the Expo H+K’s new report - The stood out clearly in all three mar- 2020 in Dubai. Reputation impacts Reputation Index - draws on kets: quality of management all elements of business, from SHORT PUMP: Patrons exit an Olive Garden Restaurant, a Darden restaurant brand, unique research undertaken in col- • Findings were generally con- recruitment to re-financing - and in Short Pump, Virginia. Olive Garden says its customers are opening up their wallets laboration with YouGov, the global sistent across the three Gulf mar- this is appreciated by senior execu- a little wider, a sign they may be willing to splurge as the economy improves. —AP opinion research firm. In addition kets - with just one small exception. tives. Nurturing a solid corporate Sconaid McGeachin to examining the importance that In Qatar, workplace culture and reputation is both an art and a sci- senior executives place on their media commentary were seen as ence and the key drivers of building related to corporate transparency US home sales rebound corporate reputation, it also looks significant in driving reputation a strong reputation were an inter- and ability to deliver on expecta- at the ways they assess their repu- (alongside quality of management esting element of the report find- tions.” The research involved 422 C- tation, the factors they feel drive and leadership) while in the UAE ings. Senior executives felt quality Suite senior executives across The slightly in February corporate reputation, who in a and Saudi Arabia these two factors of management and leadership Gulf - over half were UAE based, 42 company has the most influence on were seen as having less influence steer reputation significantly. Other percent were in Saudi Arabia and 6 WASHINGTON: US home sales picked up able homes on the market. reputation and the value of a Commenting on the report, still important factors flagged were percent were in Qatar. slightly in February but remain sluggish The real estate data firm Zillow reported due to tight inventories, affordability prob- last week that 16.9 percent of homeowners lems and nasty winter weather. owe more on their mortgage than their Sales of existing homes rose 1.2 percent homes are worth. In several metro areas last month to a seasonally adjusted annual including Philadelphia, Houston and rate of 4.88 million, a slight rebound after Boston, that rate actually increased from plunging in January, the National the levels in the third quarter of 2014. Association of Realtors said Monday. The Realtors reported yesterday that The real estate market has hibernated just 4.6 months of supply was listed for through the first two months of 2015. sale, compared to a full five months a year Strong job growth and relatively low mort- ago. That meager inventory has helped gage rates have failed to awaken buyers. push up sales prices, creating additional Meanwhile, relatively few homes are being affordability pressures despite strong listed for sale and builders are mostly cater- monthly job gains averaging more than ing to the wealthiest slivers of the market. 200,000 for the past year. Median home Sales are running below last year’s pace of prices increased 7.5 percent over the past 4.93 million, which represented a 3.1 per- 12 months to $202,600, almost quadruple cent drop from 2013. the pace of average hourly wage gains. Despite February’s uptick, buying activi- Sales to investors and for all-cash have ty appears to have been slow coming into also declined over the past year, while first- March because of a series of harsh winter time buyers have yet to return. First-timers storms. The weather last month shut down accounted for only 29 percent of home construction and hurt open houses, likely sales, compared to a historical average of putting a limit on buying activity this 40 percent. month. Nor have buyers responded much to the Housing starts plunged 17 percent in comparatively low mortgage rates. Average February, the Commerce Department 30-year fixed rates were 3.78 percent last reported last week. Buyer traffic also week, according to the mortgage giant slipped last month, according to the Freddie Mac. That average has plunged National Association of Home from a 52-week high of 4.41 percent, which Builders/Wells Fargo index. Mortgage should help to make housing more afford- applications slipped in March, according to able. the Mortgage Bankers Association. Because of tight credit, few potential Sales tumbled 6.5 percent last month in buyers have been able to take advantage the Northeast, which was hammered hard of the low rates. by snow, the Realtors said. Home-buying An Urban Institute index measuring was unchanged in the Midwest and credit availability found that lenders are increased in the South and West. taking fewer risks with mortgages, choos- The recent storms have led several ing buyers with high credit scores and pro- economists to expect a strong recovery in viding them routine mortgages, rather the coming spring months, when more than the exotic and opaque loans that MILAN: Pirelli Group CEO Marco Tronchetti Provera (right) speaks during the presentation of the Pirelli 2015 Calendar by Steven Meisel, buyers usually step up their search and sell- inflated the housing bubble and led to the unveiled in Milan, Italy. China’s biggest state-owned chemical company announced plans yesterday to acquire Italian tire manufacturer ers decide to list their properties. financial crisis. Pirelli.—AP Still, some homeowners are trapped by The restricted credit “has been, and mortgage debt, making it unprofitable for threatens to continue to be, a headwind for them to sell. Their negative equity is a lin- the housing recovery,” said Michelle Meyer, gering aftershock from the recession and a senior economist at Bank of America ChemChina to buy into housing bust, limiting the supply of avail- Merrill Lynch, in a client note. — AP ECB bought €26.3bn Italian tire maker Pirelli of bonds in 10 days $7.7bn deal latest Chinese acquisition in Italy

FRANKFURT: The European Central Bank Transactions (OMT) program, which similar- MILAN: China National Chemical Corp sition since China’s MMG Ltd led a consortium on the disposal of its steelcord business said yesterday it has bought 26.3 billion ly has the central bank purchase bonds, but (ChemChina) is to buy into Pirelli, the world’s last year to buy the huge Las Bambas copper announced last year, the stock could still rise to euros ($28.7 billion) worth of bonds under in this case to help euro-zone members fifth-largest tire maker, in a 7.1 billion-euro ($7.7 mine in Peru from Glencore. 16 euros before hitting the offer ceiling, accord- its controversial quantitative easing pro- forced to pay high rates to borrow in the billion) deal that will put the 143-year-old Italian Under the proposed deal ChemChina’s tyre ing to analyst estimates. Italian press reports gram within the first 10 days. At the same markets. “Our argument is that, like in the company in Chinese hands. The deal, agreed making unit, China National Tire & Rubber, will mentioned the possibility of a counterbid by a time, ECB President Mario Draghi told a case of OMT, the ECB is overstepping its with Pirelli’s top shareholders on Sunday, is the enter into a joint venture which will first buy the major European competitor like France’s hearing of the European Parliament’s mandate,” Degenhart said. latest in a series of takeovers made in Italy by 26.2 percent stake that Italian holding firm Michelin or Germany’s Continental, which would Committee on Economic and Monetary A group of eurosceptic politicians and cash-rich Chinese buyers, who can take advan- Camfin owns in Pirelli. The venture will then also push the share price higher, although ana- Affairs in Brussels that the central bank was academics in Germany argue that the OMT tage of a weak euro just as signs emerge that launch a mandatory takeover bid for the rest of lysts were skeptical. “on track” to meet its stated goal of a total program is tantamount to printing money Europe is coming out of economic stagnation. Pirelli, the companies said in a statement on “While a counterbid from Western tyre mak- 60 billion euros in bond purchases per to pay off government debt in crisis-hit The offer will be launched at 15 euros per Sunday. ers is unlikely (anti-trust issues, limited strategic month. countries. The same was true of QE, share, valuing the Italian group at 7.1 billion The bid will be launched by a vehicle con- appeal), this deal is nonetheless set to consider- Degenhart argued. “QE is a quantum leap, euros excluding net debt of almost 1 billion trolled by the Chinese state-owned group and ably shake up the sector,” Natixis said in a note. which essentially means countries’ debt is euros at the end of 2014. The ChemChina unit part-owned by Camfin investors, who include The agreement would give ChemChina being financed via the printing press,” he also envisages taking Pirelli private. Shares in Pirelli boss Marco Tronchetti Provera, Italian access to technology used in making premium said. Pirelli rose as much as 3.5 percent on Monday to banks UniCredit and Intesa Sanpaolo, and tires and could help China further develop its On January 22, the ECB announced a 15.76 euros - above the offer price, with some Russia’s Rosneft. automotive industry, while strengthening massive 1.14-trillion-euro bond purchase traders pointing to expectations that Rosneft bought a 50 percent stake in Camfin Pirelli’s position in competing against larger program, which will see 60 billion euros in ChemChina may have to lift its bid to win over a year ago, before the onset of the Russian eco- rivals such as Michelin and Continental which bonds per month bought for at least 18 shareholders. nomic crisis. The oil company will remain a Pirelli are looking for growth in Asia. months. The aim is to pump liquidity into “The success of the likely public offer at 15 investor after the buyout but it is unclear at this Camfin said on Sunday Pirelli’s less profitable the financial system so as to kick-start lend- euros cannot be taken for granted,” Banca Akros stage what its final stake will be. truck and industrial tyre business would be fold- ing and push up inflation, currently below said in a note. But if successful the deal will give The new Chinese owners will pick a new ed into ChemChina’s listed unit AEOLUS, allow- zero. state-owned ChemChina, led by acquisitive chairman while Tronchetti Provera, who started ing it to double its output. Previous Chinese In the case of OMT, the Constitutional chairman Ren Jianxin, access to technology to working in the tyre maker in 1986 after marrying acquisitions in Italy, the euro zone’s third-largest Court partially agreed with the plaintiffs, make premium tyres, which can be sold at high- a member of the Italian family that founded the economy, include stakes in power grid firms ruling last year that “there are important er margins, and give the Italian firm a boost in firm, will remain chief executive. Terna and Snam, turbine maker Ansaldo and lux- reasons to suggest that it goes beyond the the huge Chinese market. ury yacht maker Ferretti. ECB’s monetary policy mandate and The bid for Pirelli marks a return of China’s Counterbid Excluding the financial sector, Italy is the BRUSSELS: European Central Bank infringes on the powers of the member state-owned enterprises to global dealmaking As details of the deal were leaked before the second-biggest acquisition market for China Governor Mario Draghi arrives for an states and contravenes the ban on mone- following a hiatus caused by President Xi weekend, shares in Milan-listed Pirelli hit a 25- in Europe and fifth-largest worldwide, with 10 Economic Affairs Committee meeting at tary deficit financing.” Jinping’s anti-graft crackdown that targeted sev- year high on Friday at 15.81 euros. Some ana- deals completed since the start of 2014, the European Parliament in Brussels But the Constitutional Court referred the eral current and former senior officials at state lysts said that level prices expectations of an according to Thomson Reuters data. yesterday. Draghi presented the ECB’s case to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) companies. ordinary dividend of between 38-44 euro cents, Rothschild and ChemChina Finance Corp perspective on economic and monetary in Luxembourg before issuing its final rul- It would be China’s fifth-biggest outbound which the company has said will be paid before advised ChemChina. JP Morgan advised developments. —AP ing. The ECJ is expected to publish its own deal by a state-owned firm, according to the buyout deal. China National Tire & Rubber, while Lazard judgment later this year. But in January, Thomson Reuters data, and the first major acqui- If Pirelli decides to pay out a special dividend was the financial adviser to Camfin. —Reuters Meanwhile, three German businessmen one of its senior advisors, Advocate General are seeking to block the European Central Pedro Cruz Villalon, said in a legal opinion Bank’s controversial bond purchase pro- that the OMT program was “in principle” in Bundesbank sees ‘strong’ German growth in H1 2015 gram, arguing it oversteps the bank’s man- accordance with European law. date, their legal expert said. Even if the ECJ does give OMT the go- FRANKFURT: The German economy, Europe’s forces are foreign demand, private consump- room for spending hasn’t been fully utilised,” Christoph Degenhart, a professor in ahead, the German Constitutional Court is biggest, will notch up “strong” growth in the tion and, to a lesser extent, residential con- the Bundesbank continued. The German econ- constitutional law at Leipzig University, said not obliged to follow its argument and first half of 2015, driven by robust exports and struction,” the report said. omy grew by a stronger-than-expected 0.7 per- that entrepreneurs Heinrich Weiss, Patrick could still rule that the program does not buoyant consumer spending, the German cen- There were also signs of a pick-up in compa- cent in the fourth quarter of last year, shrug- Adenauer and Juergen Heraeus are seeking comply with the German constitution. tral bank or Bundesbank said yesterday. ny investment, the Bundesbank said. ging off the temporary lull in the preceding to challenge the ECB’s so-called “Our aim is that the Bundesbank (or “The German economy, following surprising- Consumer spending, which was already robust quarters. The 0.7-percent expansion in gross Quantitative Easing or QE program in the German central bank) cannot participate in ly strong growth at the end of 2014, should thanks to favorable labor market developments domestic product (GDP) in the final quarter of Germany’s highest court, the Constitutional the scheme. It’s about ensuring that the have continued to grow strongly in the first and strong wage increases, had received an 2014 lifted growth for the whole year to 1.6 Court. legal foundations of European Union are quarter of 2015,” the Bundesbank wrote in its additional boost in purchasing power from percent. The national statistics office Destatis Degenhart has already taken the ECB to adhered to. It is about ascertaining how far latest monthly report. falling energy prices, it argued. will publish a preliminary estimate of first-quar- court over previous unconventional policy the ECB’s mandate can be extended,” “For the second quarter, too, the robust eco- Furthermore, households had also increased ter gross domestic product (GDP) growth on measures such as the Outright Monetary Degenhart said. — AFP nomic uptrend will continue. The main driving their savings ratio “so that the additional real May 13. —AFP BUSINESS TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

A million times sheer driving pleasure One-millionth BMW 3 Series sedan produced at BMW South Africa’s Rosslyn plant

MUNICH/ROSSLYN: The one-millionth vehicle, a BMW 3 Series Sedan, rolled off the assembly line at BMW’s South African manufacturing plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, earlier this month. The production anniversary was celebrated during a visit by member of the Management Board of BMW AG responsible for production, Harald Kruger. “Globalization has been an inherent part of our corporate strategy for more than four decades. Established in 1973, plant Rosslyn was BMW Group’s first foreign plant and repre- sents a cornerstone of our global production network with presently 30 sites in 14 countries. To this day, the South African production site remains a vivid example of a success- ful market entry through local production,” said Kruger on the occasion of the anniversary. BMW cars made in South Africa are also successful on the international stage. Since its incep- tion, and before the establishment of a dedicated internation- al automobile industry, BMW South Africa has exported cars. In 2014, BMW 3 Series Sedan exports from Plant Rosslyn increased by over 17% which clearly solidified BMW South Africa’s position as the country’s leading exporter of premium vehicles. BMW South Africa directly and indirectly employs over 43,000 people: more than 3,700 associates at the plant and at the national sales organization, as well as over 3,700 dealership staff and some 36,000 first-tier supplier employees. In 2014, the more than 2,900 workers at the Rosslyn plant built 68,771 BMW 3 Series Sedans for the local and export markets. Arab countries import Brazilian products worth $13.40bn in 2014 Spacecraft and aircraft imports surge biggest at 7,231% DUBAI: Exports from Brazil to 2013’s $334 million to $369 bil- sustain this robust business cli- Arab countries grew significant- lion, while imports to Egypt mate with trade values reaching ly in 2014, demonstrating soared $2.31 billion over the greater heights.” robust bilateral trade relations. previous year’s $2.2 billion. The products imported by According to the most recent Michel Alaby, Secretary Arab countries from Brazil pri- figures released by the Arab- General and CEO of Arab- marily comprised aircrafts and Brazilian Chamber of Brazilian Chamber of spacecrafts, inorganic chemicals Commerce, the total value of Commerce, said: “The significant and rare earths, vehicles, iron products imported to the Arab growth in exports from Brazil to and steel products, food prod- World from the South American the Arab Nations is a sign of ucts, and machinery. While country touched $13.40 billion thriving business relations imports of inorganic chemicals last year. ‘Aircraft and spacecraft’ between the two regions. While and rare earths increased 188 emerged as the highlight of the Brazil has traditionally exported per cent from $146 million in imported products from Brazil products such as chemicals, 2013 to $421 million in 2014, to the region with a dramatic food products, machinery, and vehicle export grew 183 per Michel Alaby, Secretary General increase of 7,231 per cent from iron and steel products to the cent from $90 million to $256 and CEO of Arab-Brazilian Arab countries, 2014 witnessed million. Similarly, iron and steel $3 million in 2013 to $ 227 mil- Chamber of Commerce VIVA extends its global recharge lion in 2014. a remarkably high demand for products earned $207 million, The UAE registered a surge of aircraft and spacecraft. The followed by food products such and bring Arab and Brazilian service to include VIVA-Bahrain 9.96 per cent in imports of prod- Arab-Brazilian Chamber of as grains, seed and fruits at companies together. It has been KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing and enhance customers’ experience. ucts from Brazil to reach $2.84 Commerce has been a key play- $412 million, and machinery at in operation for more than 60 and most developed telecom operator, VIVA is the fastest-growing telecom billion in 2014 from $2.58 billion er in fostering bilateral relations $278 million. years, playing an active role in announced that it has extended its Global operator in Kuwait. Launched in in 2013, followed by the between Arab and Brazilian The Arab-Brazilian Chamber boosting economic, cultural and Recharge service to include VIVA Bahrain, December 2008, VIVA makes things Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) traders by facilitating lucrative of Commerce was established to tourism activities and facilitating allowing its customers to top-up their Possible for its customers by transforming at $2.54 billion. Qatar recorded opportunities for both parties. consolidate and expand partner- the flow of information between credit when travelling in Bahrain. The communication, information and enter- a gain of 10.59 per cent from We are upbeat that 2015 will ships, generate opportunities, Arabs and Brazilians. Global Recharge service already exists tainment experiences. The company has with Saudi Telecommunications Company rapidly established an unrivalled position (STC) through its SAWA top up cards. in the market through its customer centric Through this service, VIVA pre-paid cus- approach. VIVA’s quest is to be the mobile tomers roaming in Bahrain can recharge brand of choice in Kuwait by being trans- Gulf Bank participates in 19th through the use of recharge cards from parent, engaging, energetic and fulfilling. VIVA in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to VIVA continues to take a considerable recharge their credits as if they were in share of the market by offering an innova- Mideast Oil & Gas conference Kuwait. This service is also applicable for tive range of best value products, services VIVA Bahrain STC customers who are and content propositions; a state of the roaming in Kuwait. art, nationwide network and world-class Salma Al-Hajjaj keynote speaker during the event VIVA’s customers travelling to Bahrain service. VIVA offers internet speeds of or to Kuwait can buy recharge VIVA cards more than 100 Mbps, due to the imple- from any of VIVA’s points of sale, and mentation of the most advanced fourth KUWAIT: Gulf Bank announced that its coaching and the obligation that falls on cur- human capital at the forefront, focusing on recharge as it is described on the recharge generation (4G LTE) network in Kuwait General Manager - Human Resources, Salma rent leaders to develop future leaders, a task opening up opportunities for young Kuwaitis, card. VIVA will continue to offer its cus- resulting in superior coverage, perform- Al-Hajjaj was invited as a keynote speaker for that every successful leader should aspire to creating meaningful roles and opportunities tomers innovative services to facilitate ance and reliability. the Human Resources session: Bridging the leave a legacy behind. for Kuwait’s youth that allows them to build a Gap at the 19th Middle East Oil & Gas As one of Kuwait’s leading employers and career, and in doing so, to contribute to the Conference, themed ‘Energy Beyond Limits recruiters, Gulf Bank has always placed its country’s economic progress. Through Innovation and Collaboration’ and Gold steadies on weaker was under the patronage of Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa an event which took place dollar, post-Fed caution from 9 - 11 March at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre. LONDON: Gold steadied yesterday, following Market players’ consensus expectation for During her keynote speech, Al-Hajjaj high- a three-day rally that pushed it to its highest a US interest rate increase has shifted, with lighted the importance of human capital in in two weeks, as a weaker dollar and caution most of Wall Street’s top banks now expect- any organization, and the need for bridging from the Federal Reserve on the timing of a ing the central bank to hold off until at least the gap between the youth and the corporate possible hike in US interest rates generated September, a Reuters poll showed. “Last world by engaging with them through men- modest investor interest. Spot gold was week, the Fed was more dovish than expect- toring, getting involved with academia as well unchanged at $1,182.60 an ounce by 1107 ed, the dollar fell versus the euro ... and the as the government to create think tanks and GMT. It climbed to its highest since March 6 at market is now hedging towards a September forums to better understand their needs, aspi- $1,187.80 on Friday, as the dollar tumbled. rate cut rather than June,” Societe Generale rations and act on them accordingly in order European shares fell, also on caution analyst Robin Bhar said. to develop them into more productive ele- about whether Greece can reach agreement “But we think the dollar’s bullish trend will ments of the society. Organizations such as with creditors to secure fresh funds ahead of continue and this is a temporary pause we’ll Injaz and Loyac provide healthy environments a meeting between its prime minister and get more economic data this week, which will for the younger generation to prepare them Germany’s Angela Merkel. give us another view of the economy.” for the future and nurture their leadership Gold is usually seen as an insurance Gold had dipped to a four-month low capabilities. She stressed that HR profession- against risk in times of financial or economic before the Fed met last week as concerns als should work together is supporting more troubles when equities underperform. The mounted over higher US interest rates which of such organizations that reach out and con- dollar was down 0.4 percent against a basket could dent demand for non-interest bearing of leading currencies. It came under pressure bullion. Despite the modest gain in prices, nect with the youth and provide them oppor- after the Fed’s cautious stance on the health investor sentiment has not improved drasti- tunities to get real life exposure and experi- of economic recovery in the United States. cally.— Reuters ences. .. She shed light on the significance of technology TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 Techies snatching up more real estate in California

LOS ANGELES: Internet moguls like reports (http://lat.ms/1BYdMWD ). Los The Los Angeles-Long Beach region Markus Persson, the creator of ular, it’s very cheap,” he told the newspa- Amazon’s Jeff Bezos aren’t the only Angeles offers a growing tech scene, broke into the top five metro areas by “Minecraft,” topped them both when he per. “I have a yard with a pool and a techies snatching up real estate in warmer weather and more space for less venture capital investment for the first spent $70 million for a Beverly Hills man- beautiful home for less than what I Southern California. money. time in 2014. There were 171 deals total- sion fitted with a $200,000 candy room. would pay for an equivalent-sized condo While the mega rich from Silicon “We’ve seen an uptick in buyers from ing $2.05 billion, according to National But the purchases of the uber rich in San Francisco.” Valley have made headlines for their pur- the technology industry over the last Venture Capital Association. only tell half the tale. Entrepreneur and Real estate agent Tami Pardee says chases of extravagant Los Angeles several years - some moving to Los Some of the most high profile pur- investor Justin Yoshimura, 25, is one tech buyers from Silicon Valley make up homes, the city has become increasingly Angeles and some buying second chases in recent years include Bezos’ example: While he primarily lives in San about 10 percent of her current clients. appealing to a trove of angel investors homes here, as a kind of peaceful $24.5 million Beverly Hills compound. Francisco, he recently purchased a $2.04 Their budget, even at a smaller scale, is and startup entrepreneurs as well. retreat,” Charles Black, executive vice Sean Parker, co-founder of Napster and million three-bedroom, three-bath home high: anywhere from $2 million to $5 The new buyers are drawn to the city president of marketing and strategic an early leader at Facebook, purchased in Santa Monica that he now spends million for a home. “They’re buying sec- for a mix of personal, financial and work- development at Hilton & Hyland, told Ellen DeGeneres’ Holmby Hills mansion weekends in. ond homes - or third or fourth homes,” related reasons, the Los Angeles Times the Times. for $55 million. Swedish tech billionaire “Compared to San Francisco in partic- she said. “We’re seeing it a lot.” —AP Computer attack delays school assessment

COLORADO SPRINGS: Common Core Readiness for College and Careers, also testing for thousands of students had to known as PARCC. be delayed after computers were hacked Robert Curran, assistant superintend- at a Colorado school district, officials ent and chief information officer for the said. district, said the attack forced standard- School districts in New Jersey and ized testing to be postponed for an Florida reported similar problems in unknown number of students. recent weeks, as the new, computerized Students who started testing were assessment tests developed by several able to finish, but students waiting to states were administered. begin could not do so, Curran said. Colorado Springs School District 11, Testing was suspended and resched- which has more than 28,000 students, uled for a backup date at the individual was hacked on March 11, district officials schools. said. “We’re not sure where it came from or The attack involved a heavy increase why it happened,” Curran said. “We were in traffic from outside the school system never able to tell, and our Internet serv- that overloaded computers and shut ice provider wasn’t able to answer that down service across the district, the either.” Colorado Springs Gazette reported The district has worked to prevent (http://tinyurl.com/od6yz3l ). such a problem from occurring again, he The Common Core benchmarks said. He cited security reasons for not adopted by a majority of states around providing further details. the nation have come under fire in Students in other districts reported a recent years, largely from conservatives lag time in what they were seeing on the who decry them as a federal infringe- computer screen versus what they were ment on school policy. typing on the keyboard, and some stu- The standards were approved for dents were not familiar with the pro- implementation by individual states, grams. though the U.S. Department of “They were certainly issues we would Education encouraged their adoption not have experienced in the paper and ALBUQUERQUE: This March 2, 2015 file photo shows hundreds of Albuquerque High School students stage a walkout in through initiatives like Race to the Top. pencil world,” said Cheyenne Mountain Albuquerque, N.M. A legal challenge by a Washington-based testing company may halt a controversial assessment exam in New The Colorado tests involved the School District 12 superintendent Walt Mexico that has sparked school walkouts and anger from parents and teachers. —AP Partnership for the Assessment of Cooper. —AP Hundreds of stakes go up for university tech security Tech-savvy criminals seek to gain access to data

CEDAR FALLS: One year ago, after filing their tax returns, visibility more concentrated, we will be able to find times is if we can contact Shashi and ask him questions hundreds of University of Northern Iowa employees things more quickly. And if we know about a threat, we on these systems,” Forest wrote. “It would definitely save received error messages. Their taxes already had been can go more quickly and remedy it.” quite a bit of time, but we are not certain of what kind of filed, meaning someone else had done it for them in an contact, if any, you want us to have.” apparent attempt to fraudulently claim potential ‘New opportunities’ In response to questions around the need to lock refunds. ISU officials, in a recent proposal to implement IT- Kaparthi’s accounts, disable his access to servers and In the end, 270 UNI employees were affected by the related efficiency suggestions, raised the issue of securi- applications, and catalog applications he created, UNI apparent breach, and 1,644 of the university’s total ty and identified potential improvements aimed at spokesman Scott Ketelsen said that is not unusual. 1,800-plus employees took advantage of free credit avoiding extra costs and protecting the institution’s rep- “Changing account access levels is common practice monitoring - just in case their information had been utation and financial health. when an employee changes job responsibilities,” DIMONDALE: In this Jan 15, 2015 file photo, Michigan State Police Sgt. Matt Rogers compromised. “Although the (efficiency) study does not place a pri- Ketelsen said. State and federal law enforcement launched an ority on information security, ISU will incorporate a com- Kaparthi joined the UNI faculty in 1992 and remains a and Trooper Don Zinz bring the Aeryon SkyRanger in for a landing during a demon- investigation, which continues today. And UNI recently prehensive information security effort within our effi- tenured associate professor in the College of Business. stration of the MSP’s new Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) at the State Police train- extended free credit monitoring services for a second ciency and effectiveness plan,” according to the propos- Ketelsen did not provide a reason for Kaparthi’s depar- ing track in Dimondale, Mich. The Federal Aviation Administration has given year, bringing its total spent responding to the breach to al. ture from his role as chief information officer but said he Michigan State Police permission to use an aerial drone. —AP $126,261 to date, according to UNI spokesman Scott That effort will include encrypting all university- doesn’t believe the move was an administrative demo- Ketelsen. owned laptops and scanning campus systems for securi- tion. A year earlier, Kirkwood Community College spent ty vulnerabilities, among other strategies. “But I don’t know because the investigation is ongo- Farmers see drones upward of $500,000 after hackers gained access to eight Jim Kurtenbach, vice president and chief information ing,” Ketelsen said. “I don’t know who decided on the years of application data that might have included officer for ISU, said ensuring private information is secure change in position.” names, birth dates, contact information and Social is a job that’s never done. Kaparthi did not respond to requests from The in their future Security numbers for more than 125,000 people. “We are constantly examining how we conduct our Gazette for an interview. And two months after the UNI breach surfaced, Iowa security training protocols,” he said. “And every time In February 2014, upon discovering the potential tax State University discovered a hack affecting five depart- there is a high-profile breach .... We all learn as much as breach that affected 270 UNI employees and cost the DUBUQUE: Unmanned aerial vehicles, agriculture, he said. But until the FAA issues mental servers on campus that contained Social Security we can and examine our vulnerabilities.” institution $126,261 to date, Kaparthi was looped into famous for delivering lethal strikes on terror- formal rules governing commercial drone numbers of 29,780 students enrolled from 1995 to 2012. Public universities can be especially attractive to much of the discussion about how to respond, accord- ists, have yet to live up to their considerable use - which many expect later this year - With an ever-increasing amount of information potential hackers because they are, by nature, open ing to the emails obtained by The Gazette. promise for improving farm productivity. commercial operators are required to secure being stored electronically, including at public universi- enterprises inviting people to come both in person and “They have the potential to gather and a Section 333 exemption. ties, specialists are hustling to keep ahead of technolo- electronically to learn, Kurtenbach said. Risk assessment service process an unprecedented amount of data, Of 43 FAA exemptions granted as of gy-savvy criminals seeking to gain access to private data. “So we are always looking for new opportunities to As chief information officer at the time, Kaparthi was but that data must be actionable - it must March 10: 16 have been to businesses “As more and more of our important information do what we can do to keep data secure,” he said. “Just as consulted on matters including use of a risk assessment provide information that guides farmers to engaged in aerial filming - primarily for goes online, more and more people want to get at it,” all the hackers are trying to attack, we are trying to service, review of data files for a possible source of the specific actions that increase yields,” said movies and television 10 have been to com- said Steve Fleagle, University of Iowa chief information defend in new and different ways.” breach, investigation of recent phishing attempts, and John Deere robotics manager Stewart panies conducting aerial inspections of roofs, officer and director of information technology services. In a recent update to last year’s breach at UNI, offi- scans of file servers and work stations. Moorehead, the keynote speaker at a recent utility lines, flame stacks and bridges 6 have “The stakes go up.” cials indicated hacks are becoming more common - cit- Those initial efforts failed to identify a source of the conference in Dubuque titled Unmanned been to aerial photographers working pri- Iowa’s public universities each have policies and ing a recent CNN article reporting hackers exposed per- potential breach, which emerged when UNI employees Systems and Agriculture. marily for real estate agencies. practices around keeping electronic information secure, sonal information of about half the U.S. adults in the past started filing their taxes last winter and learned some- Although the industry is in its infancy and and Fleagle said those are ever evolving as technology 12 months. one else already filed for them. Presumably, hackers hobbled by the lack of specific government Uncontrolled weeds changes, criminal techniques shift and lessons are “While UNI is not alone in being victimized, the wanted to redirect potential refunds into fraudulent regulations, it has a bright future, according Although some analysts predict that farm learned. resolve of the IT and operating staff will continue to bank accounts, but Ketelsen said no UNI employees lost to Moorehead and other speakers at the applications eventually will make up 80 per- “It’s a good thing to talk to folks and know what’s strengthen systems and operations to protect personal money in the breach. March 4 conference in Dubuque. cent of commercial drone usage, only eight going on,” Fleagle said. “If they are seeing it, we better information,” according to Michael Hager, senior vice The investigation into the cause of the breach con- Drones - or unmanned aerial vehicles or exemptions have been granted to business- known what’s going on as well.” president for administration and financial services. tinues today, involving university departments and systems, as their adherents prefer to call es engaged in precision agriculture and ag- state and federal law enforcement, Senior Vice President them - are ideally suited for scouting crop related analysis of aerial images, including ‘Get it right every time’ In depth look for Administrative and Financial Services Michael Hager fields during the growing season, covering Pravia LLC, whose managing partner, Tim At the UI, an Information Security and Policy Office is Questions emerge around UNI administrator, tax wrote in a December letter to employees. hundreds of acres in the time a human Ray, spoke at the Dubuque conference. charged with keeping data safe by - among other things breach. Investigators identified two threats as problematic, observer could walk but a few. Ray said the exemption limits speed to 39 - educating users, sharing best practices, updating poli- Months after a suspected breach of private informa- according to Hager, including a computer server that “You can also see patterns from the air knots and altitude to 400 feet. Operators cies and coordinating incident responses. tion at University of Northern Iowa emerged, an investi- was “operating outside the established standards of that you can’t see from the ground,” said Brad may not fly within five miles of an airport Fleagle said the office’s recent modernization strate- gation into its cause still is ongoing. Information Technology Services and outside profes- Buchanan, owner of Cedar Rapids-based and must be able to see the drone at all gies have included moving servers to a physically secure In response to the breach first identified in February sional best practices.” Crop Tech Services, which started using times, he said. location and installing firewalls for those with sensitive 2014, UNI officials in September debated ways to secure “Because of this, the server had potential vulnerabili- drones last year to supplement its traditional “It’s not going to be the end-all. It’s just data. “institutional research servers,” including locking ties including allowing possible unauthorized access to crop-scouting services. another tool to help us get the job done The university also is decreasing the places it needs accounts belonging to Shashi Kaparthi, an associate pro- sensitive data,” Hager wrote in the letter. “Had this sever In addition to standard images and video, more efficiently, more effectively,” said to protect by reducing duplication of sensitive data. And fessor who served as the university’s chief information been operating with best practices established by ITS, cameras can capture enhanced images - Buchanan, whose Cedar Rapids company it now requires a “two-factor authentication” for staff officer until recently. the potential vulnerabilities would likely have been pre- infrared, thermal and NDVI (normalized dif- has been engaged in crop scouting for 30 wanting to access personal information. In a Sept. 10 email - which was among a collection of vented.” ference vegetation index) - that provide years. Aerial images, he said, can help pin- Among the policies being updated is one related to emails obtained by The Gazette - a UNI official updated In September, according to emails obtained by The insights into soil conditions and plant health. point storm damage, chemical misapplica- mobile devices. When possible, Fleagle said, employees administrators on actions taken to secure servers possi- Gazette, officials - including UNI President William Ruud “Right now, as the proposed rules stand, tions, areas of poor drainage and areas with are advised not to store sensitive data on phones, tablets bly related to the information breach, including remov- - shared concerns around the institutional research serv- the use of drones is very limited beyond cap- uncontrolled weeds. or the like. Those who do are required to encrypt their ing Kaparthi’s ability to log in and his access applications er, which was associated with Kaparthi in the emails. turing images,” said Chris Draper, director of From last year’s experience, Buchanan cit- devices, he said. as an administrator. “Is it secure? Has it been compromised? Is there sen- EMERGE, an entrepreneurial development ed as examples portions of interior fields “One of the things that is challenging is that we have “We cannot say that in developing the systems that sitive data on it?” interim ITS director Forest asked in a initiative at Simpson College in Indianola. damaged by wind storms and both the to get it right every time,” Fleagle said. “The bad guys there is not a ‘back door’ he has access to,” UNI’s Interim Sept. 15 email. The 55-pound weight limit, which pre- under- and over-application of fertilizer only have to get it right once.” Director of IT Services Kevan Forest wrote in the email. “It’s not secure,” Ken Connelly, associate director of cludes most chemical applications, and the caused by equipment and operator malfunc- Information technology is among the areas the “We have seen no evidence of this, but at this point can’t security and systems, replied, adding that staff were requirement that operators keep the drones tions. Board of Regents recently analyzed as part of an efficien- exclude it as a possibility.” improving security that would make it “tentatively in sight are among the chief limitations, said Although the company has not applied cy review of its public universities. None of the adopted Forest told administrators they also were changing secure.” Draper, a former employee of the Federal for a Section 333 exemption, it is able to fly recommendations specifically addressed information database passwords, cataloging applications Kaparthi Connelly said in email that although he hadn’t found Aviation Administration, the agency that reg- drones under a cooperative arrangement security, but Fleagle said improved efficiency could aid created, and documenting maintenance procedures any direct signs of infection, “I do, however, think that ulates drones. with Kirkwood Community College’s preci- the institutions in protecting data. “only Shashi or few others know,” according to the the chances of that machine being instrumental in the Once the rules have been well estab- sion ag program, which has been granted a “One of the things the efficiency review has done is emails. identity theft suffered by UNI faculty and staff are signif- lished, drones will play an expanded role in research license, he said. —AP provide more visibility into IT,” Fleagle said. “By having “One question which has been discussed several icant.” —AFP TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE Tenet to build presence in short-stay surgery centers DALLAS: Hospital chain Tenet ownership interests in 244 ambulatory cash to the investment firm Welsh, in a separate deal. In total, the hospital Shares of Tenet Healthcare Corp. Healthcare will spend more than $600 surgery centers, 16 short-stay surgical Carson, Anderson & Stowe and con- chain expects to raise $2.2 billion in climbed $2.88, or 5.8 percent, to million on separate deals to expand its hospitals and 20 imaging centers in 29 tribute 44 ambulatory surgery centers debt for these deals, mainly to refinance $52.50 in premarket trading Monday presence in short-stay surgery and grow states. Dallas-based Tenet will start off and 20 imaging centers for that deal. $1.5 billion in existing USPI debt. about two hours before the markets in the United Kingdom. owning slightly more than half the ven- Tenet also will spend about $215 mil- Tenet expects the deals to be com- open. The stock has slumped since Tenet said yesterday that it will form ture, which will maintain the USPI lion to buy Aspen Healthcare Ltd., which pleted by the third quarter. The hospi- closing 2014 at $50.67, but the price a joint venture with United Surgical brand. runs nine private hospitals and clinics in tal chain currently runs 80 hospitals has advanced more than 9 percent Partners International, or USPI, that has Tenet will pay about $425 million in the United Kingdom, from Welsh Carson and more than 200 outpatient centers. over the past year. —AP Time running out for wild elephants: Experts

KASANE: African elephants could be conflicts, social unrest, poor governance,” extinct in the wild within a few decades, Magosi said. experts warned yesterday at a major con- servation summit in Botswana that high- Ivory trading routes - lighted an alarming decline in numbers TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring due to poaching. group, said ivory trading routes showed The Africa Elephant Summit, held at a the flow from Kenya and Tanzania to tran- tourist resort in Kasane, gathered dele- sit countries including Malaysia, Vietnam gates from about 20 countries across and Philippines, before going on final mar- Europe, Africa and Asia, including China- kets in China and Thailand. which is accused of fuelling the illegal “Thailand is still a country of great con- poaching trade. cern,” Tom Milliken of TRAFFIC said. “This species could be extinct in our “(But) China is the most important lifetime if the current trend continues..., country that we are dealing with in the within one or two decades,” Dune Ives, sen- world with respect to illegal ivory trade.” ior researcher at Vulcan, a philanthropic The conference follows up a 2013 meet- organisation run by US billionaire Paul ing when 30 countries adopted a set of Allen, said. “In five years we may have lost urgent conservation measures, including a the opportunity to save this magnificent call to unite against poaching and for and iconic animal.” improved criminal prosecution. The conference heard latest figures On Wednesday, the Conference on from the International Union for Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) will also meet in Conservation of Nature, which reported Kasane to focus on the trafficking of all that the African elephant population had threatened species-an illegal trade worth dropped from 550,000 in 2006 to 470,000 $19 billion a year, according to the in 2013. International Fund for Animal Welfare. East Africa has seen the worst decline, Ivory is reportedly bought at $100 per from 150,000 to about 100,000. kilogramme ($45 per pound) from poach- “The overall objective of this meeting is ers, and sold for $2,100 in China. to secure commitments at the highest Julian Blanc, an elephant specialist for political level to effectively protect the ele- the Convention of International Trade in phants and significantly reduce the trends Endangered Species (CITES), said the link of killings of elephants,” said Elias Magosi, between poverty in Africa and poaching MONROVIA: In this photo taken on Friday, Feb. 27, 2015, Health workers carry the remains of a person that they suspect died from the Ebola from the Botswanan environment ministry. highlighted one way to tackle the illegal virus near the village of Gbah on the outskirts of Monrovia, Liberia. One year after the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak, “The current killing rate is unsustain- killing of elephants. “We have monitored a vaccine trials are under way in Liberia and Guinea. Sierra Leone will start a trial later this month. — AP able and the population of African ele- direct correlation between human infant phant is in danger.” Elephant hunting is mortality (a measure of poverty) at district often organised by international criminal level and levels of poaching,” he said. “In networks to supply the illegal ivory mar- places where there is high level of infant One year on, MSF slams ket, mainly in Asia, with some profits mortality and poverty, we monitored the thought to fund regional conflicts and mili- highest level of elephant poaching..., so tants. addressing poverty is a significant compo- “These syndicates take advantage of nent of elephant conservation.” —AFP global Ebola response Roll over Ebola: Measles More than 10,000 killed and 25,000 infected is the deadly new threat PARIS: Aid agency Doctors Without Borders and willingness to assume responsibility to withdrew from Liberia after the US doctor’s marked the first anniversary of Africa’s Ebola out- respond robustly were not,” the report said. infection, MSF faced a wrenching decision: MONROVIA: The people of Monrovia’s Borders-known by its French initials MSF- break yesterday with a report slamming the inter- Particularly in the early months, much of the abandon the country or take the risk of pushing Peace Island ghetto, refugees of civil war believes that of Monrovia’s myriad slums, national community’s slow response and detail- burden fell on MSF’s shoulders, but the organi- its over-stretched staff still further. who found themselves suddenly over- Peace Island faces the greatest risk. ing the “indescribable horror” faced by its staff. sation had only 40 staff with Ebola experience. “We couldn’t let (Liberia) sink further into whelmed and outmanoeuvred by the “We did a survey and we found out that More than 10,000 people have been killed “We couldn’t be everywhere at once, nor should hell,” said de le Vingne. “We would have to push deadly Ebola epidemic, are used to life measles is becoming a serious threat to the and nearly 25,000 infected since the Ebola epi- it be our role to single-handedly respond,” said beyond our threshold of risk, and we would under siege. Peace Island community... So we decided to demic was first identified in west Africa in March Brice de le Vingne, MSF director of operations. have to send coordinators without experience in Yet with Liberia emerging from the launch this campaign in response,” MSF 2014, mostly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra It was only when a US doctor and Spanish nurse Ebola, with only two days of intensive training.” worst outbreak in history a year to the day vaccination supervisor Denis Besdevant Leone. were diagnosed with Ebola that the world woke MSF built a 250-bed centre in Liberia’s capital since Ebola was first identified in west told AFP. MSF’s initial target is to get 700 But Doctors Without Borders-known best by up to the threat, MSF said. Monrovia, but even that was far from enough. Africa, the slum-dwellers are facing an even children aged nine months to five years its French initials MSF-said “months were wast- The WHO has acknowledged its response The centre able to open only 30 minutes each deadlier threat-the measles virus. into its makeshift community vaccination ed and lives were lost” because the UN’s World was slow and insufficient, but said “from the morning, filling beds vacated by deaths Experts say Liberia and its neighbours centre, says Besdevant, adding that 250 Health Organization, which is charged with start all of the levels of WHO... have been overnight. Guinea and Sierra Leone are ripe for an out- infants were seen on the first day of the leading on global health emergencies,and “pos- mobilised and very deeply engaged in the The report describes people dying on the break that could infect hundreds of thou- campaign last week. sesses the know-how to bring Ebola under con- response.” gravel outside the gates, and a father who sands, dwarfing the carnage wrought by Aid workers say convincing mothers, trol,” failed to respond quickly or adequately. It said an independent review is underway brought his daughter in the boot of his car, beg- Ebola. Death once again stalks impover- already deeply suspicious of Western The report accused the WHO’s Global Alert and will report back in May, and that the organi- ging MSF to take her in so as to not infect his ished communities like Peace Island, a healthcare, to hand over their children is and Outbreak Response Network of ignoring sation was planning to set up a rapid response other children at home, but who was turned cramped spit of land surrounded by one of the biggest challenges they face. desperate pleas for help from Liberia when it team “to deal with any outbreak at a moment’s away. “It was an indescribable horror,” said Rosa swamp where 30,000 people sought refuge “It is not an easy task. Most of the peo- met in June. “I remember emphasising that we notice.” Crestani, Ebola task force coordinator. behind the abandoned Ministry of Defence ple are saying that the government is try- had the chance to halt the epidemic in Liberia if MSF also blamed the governments of Guinea There were so many patients and so few after Liberia’s 1989-2003 civil wars. ing to bring Ebola back and that is why help was sent now,” said Marie-Christine Ferir, and Sierra Leone for refusing to admit to the employees that the staff had on average only By mid-March, coastal Liberia is already they are talking about a measles vaccine,” MSF emergency coordinator. scale of the epidemic and putting “needless one minute per patient. “This Ebola outbreak mercilessly hot and healthcare workers MSF’s Alfred Godfrey explains. “It was early in the outbreak and there was obstacles” in the path of MSF teams. has wrought an exceptionally heavy toll on sweat as they pass through the slum in a “We take our own time to explain to still time. The call for help was heard but no MSF’s staff, and particularly on our west African mini-truck, calling out to mothers via a them that the sickness that is killing the action was taken.” The WHO did not set up a One minute per patient colleagues,” the report said. loudspeaker to bring out their babies. kids after Ebola is measles. Some of them regional hub for coordinating the response until The crisis sparked the biggest training pro- “Not since the early days of HIV care have “I am happy to have the opportunity to agree but others don’t.” July, by which time a second wave of the epi- gramme in MSF history, which deployed 1,300 MSF staff sustained the loss of so many patients bring my child for the measles vaccine Measles causes fever and a rash, and demic had struck. “All the elements that led to international staff and 4,000 locals. It was ini- dying in our facilities and never in such an because in this community children are complications can include pneumonia, the outbreak’s resurgence in June were also tially focused on Guinea and Sierra Leone. intense short period of time,” the report con- dying,” Marie Bassa, 32, tells AFP after fatal brain swelling, blindness and hearing present in March, but the analysis, recognition However, when aid agency Samaritan’s Purse cluded. — AFP climbing down from the vehicle with her loss. nine-month-old baby. The government said on Friday a ‘I was afraid’ woman in Monrovia had tested positive for Outbreaks often follow humanitarian China eyes return of ‘stolen’ mummy Ebola, but the case was the first in the crises, as vaccination rates decline because country for more than a month and officials of violence, fear of infection and health sys- BEIJING: A Chinese province is seeking the Museum of Natural History in Budapest,” Drents and tries to build public support at home. said they were not concerned that it would tems that are overwhelmed with casualties. return of a 1,000-year-old mummified monk, said. In 2013 French billionaire Francois-Henri lead to a wider outbreak. The west African Ebola outbreak has saying it was stolen two decades ago before A spokeswoman for the Hungarian museum, Pinault returned two bronze fountainheads from Despite the setback, Liberia is consid- infected around 25,000 people. Crucially, resurfacing at an exhibition in Hungary, where it Monika Stefan Kiss, told the Hungarian news Beijing’s Old Summer Palace, whose auction in ered to be well on the road to recovery some 852 of those cases have been health- was suddenly withdrawn. agency MTI the owner did not explain the deci- 2009 outraged China. from an outbreak that brought the country care workers, 492 of whom have died. A Buddha statue containing a monk’s remains sion, but was “entitled to withdraw the loaned The monument was pillaged by British and to its knees, claiming more than 4,000 of Researchers estimate that measles was on display at the Mummy World Exhibition piece at any time”. French troops in 1860 during the Second Opium the 10,000 lives lost across west Africa. immunisations in the region-typically rang- at Budapest’s Hungarian Natural History The incident is the latest case of allegedly War, an event seen in China as a national humili- ing between 60 and 80 percent of children- Museum, which brings together 28 preserved stolen Chinese artefacts resurfacing abroad. ation at the hands of Western armies. Beijing ‘Serious threat’ had fallen by 75 percent because of the corpses from different cultures around the Beijing has made the return of such relics a pri- estimates that at least 1.5 million items were One consequence of the crisis has been Ebola crisis. world. It was removed from the show, which has ority as it flexes its growing international muscle looted at the time. —AFP a dramatic drop in measles vaccinations, As a result, 100,000 more children could been running since October, reports said at the with overburdened hospitals unable to get measles, in addition to the 127,000 cas- weekend-although details of its provenance keep up, leaving millions of children poten- es already anticipated among children who remained unclear. tially at risk, experts suggest. have not been vaccinated in Guinea, Sierra A spokesman for the province’s Cultural Relic Medical aid agency Doctors Without Leone and Liberia.—AFP Bureau told China’s official Xinhua news agency the statue is believed to have been stolen from a temple in Yangchun village. A mummy statue worshipped since the 12th century went missing from the temple in 1995, the bureau said. “When I saw the photo (of the Buddha statue) on the TV news, it immediately reminded me of our lost statue,” farmer Lin Yongtuan told the state-run China Daily newspa- per on Monday. A message on the Budapest museum’s web- site yesterday said that the statue “had been removed and sent back to the Netherlands due to the request of the loaning partner, the Drents Museum”. The Drents Museum said in an email to AFP that in 2013 it “received on loan from a private Dutch collector of Chinese art an early Buddhist relic-statue containing a mummy”. The loan had been for a travelling exhibition on mummies that was displayed at the museum FLORIDA: Participants take to the streets to raise awareness of the ongoing AIDS cri- from February until August of last year, it added. PRAGUE: Iva Tatounova, director of strategy at the Proton Therapy Clinic answers questions in sis at Florida AIDS Walk & Music Festival, on Sunday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The “Due to the recent media attention the owner a proton therapy treatment room where 5-year-old Ashya King was treated in Prague, Czech event, produced by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) raised over $1,000,000 to has now decided to withdraw his loan until fur- Republic, yesterday. His father Brett King told The Sun newspaper in an interview published provide services and support for Floridians living with HIV/AIDS.—AP ther notice from the exhibition at the National yesterday that his son has experienced a miracle recovery from his brain tumor. — AP TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE 12 whales die after Australia stranding

SYDNEY: Twelve whales died yesterday south of Perth, Western Australia’s focussed on the rescue of four remaining other three are not swimming strongly mon in Australia, but scientists do not after stranding themselves against a Department of Parks and Wildlife said. whales that were stranded in the shal- and there is a chance they will also re- know why they happen. In 2009 a group rocky breakwater on Australia’s west The department’s nature conserva- lows, and they were pulled out to sea strand.” Williams said it was hoped that of long-finned pilot whales, which can coast, with experts working hard to save tion leader Kim Williams said 12 whales using a sling and boats,” he said in a the released whales would join another grow up to 6.5 metres (21 feet) in length, another four. The pod of long-finned had died, and six had been herded out statement. “Unfortunately one of these pod of 15 long-finned pilot whales stranded themselves in Hamelin Bay, pilot whales got into trouble in Bunbury to sea by small boats. whales has re-stranded and is being tak- which has been swimming in the area all south of Bunbury, with efforts to save harbour, 175 kilometres (110 miles) “This afternoon’s efforts have en out to deeper water again, while the day. Whale beachings are relatively com- most of them failing. —AFP Slum kids confront sexism as India grapples with abuse of women Indian girls, women face a barrage of threats

MUMBAI: Standing before a classroom packed day on unpaid work - a gap of 300 minutes, said introduce gender classes like those at the with teenagers, Yojana Salunke begins her week- the report - while working women earned on Shahaji Nagar Municipal School. ly one-hour lesson on a subject which many average $1,980 annually compared to men earn- Working with 12- to 14-year-olds in over experts say is crucial to helping India address ing $8,087. 12,000 schools, teachers use a range of activities one of its biggest challenges - gender inequality. During to a visit to India this month, from role play, games and group assignments to “Hands up all those girls who have to do International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief spark discussions about discrimination. housework before or after school?” Salunke asks, Christine Lagarde said the gender disparity in For example, the teens act out and discuss as every pig-tailed girl in the dilapidated state- the labour sector was a “huge missed opportuni- familiar scenes in their lives, such as when a run school classroom raises their hands. ty”. She cited a study putting India’s female par- daughter is given less food than her brother, or a WASHINGTON: In this March 23, 2010 file photo, President Barack Obama signs the “And how many boys help their mothers with ticipation at 33 percent of the workforce against husband beats his wife for not cooking his din- health care bill in the East Room of the White House in Washington. When President the chores?” she continues, looking around the a global average of 50 percent. ner, or a girl is harassed by boys in the street. Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act five years ago, he visualized a time room trying to spot the few boys who have lifted In the cramped one-roomed homes lining when the political hyperbole would be silenced and ordinary people would see that their hands. The mindset challenge the narrow lanes of Cheeta Camp’s slums where the health care law improved their lives. —AP The girls laugh and accuse the boys of being While activists have welcomed harsher pun- many of the students live, girls say the classes lazy, while the boys retort that there is no need ishments for gender crimes and moves to have boosted their confidence to speak out. to do domestic work as their mothers and sisters improve security, they stress authorities and “Before I never used to say anything when a Obama to announce do it all. A heated debate ensues. society must address inequality at a deeper level boy in the neighbourhood used to make nega- As India grapples to stem rising violence with adult attitudes and behaviour often shaped tive comments as I walked past on my way to against women, activists say classes like these - by childhood experiences. and from school. But after the classes, I confront- $240m new pledges for which confront traditional gender roles and “If today’s boys are taught to question gender ed him and told my mother and she went and challenge sexism amongst the youth - are key to abuse now, they are less likely to be violent spoke to him,” said 15-year-old Princy Dhananjay STEM education changing attitudes and curbing widespread when they become men tomorrow,” said Ravi Gupta, who wants to become a teacher. gender abuse. “The lessons are interesting. We Verma, Asia director at the International Center Researchers admit the two-year programme talk about how boys and girls are equal as for Research on Women (ICRW). may not be enough to turnaround deep-rooted WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama is scientists to stay on track and a $90 million human beings, but how we treat girls different- “And if girls are taught to speak out now, they views over the lower status of women, but say it highlighting private-sector efforts to campaign to expand STEM opportunities to ly,” said Shakir Parvez Shaikh, 15, a student at the will be less likely to endure it as adults.” may plant the seeds of change in the next gen- encourage more students from underrep- underrepresented youth, such as minorities Shahaji Nagar Municipal Hindi School in A survey by the UN Population Fund and the eration. resented groups to pursue education in sci- and girls. Mumbai’s Cheeta Camp area. ICRW last November found that six out of 10 Many students seem to agree. “If you look at ence, technology, engineering and math. More than 100 colleges and universities “For example, girls are not allowed to play Indian men admitted violence against their part- my grandfather and great grandfather, they nev- At the White House Science Fair yester- have committed to training 20,000 engi- cricket or watch as much television as boys ners, with men who experienced or witnessed er thought men and women were equal,” said dayv, Obama will announce more than neers, and a coalition of CEOs has promised because they have to do housework or because discrimination as children more likely to be abu- aspiring cricketer Shaikh Mohsin Mohammad $240 million in pledges to boost the study to expand high-quality STEM education it is not safe outside for them. I didn’t realise sive. Although not part of India’s formal educa- Anis, 15, who also lives in Cheeta Camp. of those fields, known as STEM. This year’s programs to additional 1.5 million students before ... I think it’s unfair.” tion curriculum, organisations such as the ICRW “But I have learnt this and now I will teach my fair is focused on diversity. this year. have been working with government schools in children about equality and that’s how things Obama will say the new commitments Obama launched “Educate to Innovate,” Barrage of threats states such as Maharashtra and Jharkhand to will change.” — Reuters have brought total financial and material his effort to encourage the study of sci- From female foeticide, child marriage and support for these programs to $1 billion. ence, technology, engineering and math, in dowry killings to rape and domestic violence, The pledges the president is announc- 2009. More than 35 student teams will Indian girls and women face a barrage of threats, ing include a $150 million philanthropic exhibit their projects at the White House say experts, largely because of age-old patriar- effort to encourage promising early-career Science Fair. —AP chal attitudes that view them as inferior to men. A massive wave of public protests after the fatal gang rape of a woman on a Delhi bus in Paris ends smog-fighting December 2012 jolted many in the world’s sec- ond most populous country out of apathy and forced the government to enact stiffer penalties traffic restriction on gender crimes. Since then, voracious reporting by the media, PARIS: French authorities announced yes- charge to take the sting out of the restric- campaigns by the government and programmes terday that emergency traffic-limitation tions, ferociously independent drivers in by civil society groups have brought greater measures to combat high pollution levels the capital rail against the measure, despite public awareness of women’s rights and in Paris would not be extended as forecasts it having been used only twice since 1997. emboldened victims to come forward and regis- showed the air was clearing. Similar emergency restrictions were last ter abuses. Paris authorities halved the number of implemented almost exactly a year ago-on There were 309,546 reports of crimes against cars on the road by banning all vehicles March 17 — during a particularly bad spike women in India in 2013, a 26.7 percent jump with licence plates ending in odd numbers in the pollution levels. from 2012, according to the National Crime after a prolonged spike in pollution last The Paris area is confronting an increas- Records Bureau, including rape, kidnap, sexual week. They were planning to ban cars with ingly troubling air pollution problem, harassment, trafficking, and cruelty by husbands even numbers on Tuesday, but the scheme caused by vehicles, heating and heavy and relatives. was halted following improving forecasts. industry, which generate tiny floating parti- But violence is not the only problem. Women “Due to the improving situation today cles that can penetrate deep into the lungs also face less visible forms of discrimination with and tomorrow, the alternative traffic (plan) and the blood system and can cause can- little say over their lives and lacking access to will not be renewed Tuesday,” announced cer. In Paris, authorities measure the con- finance, land, inheritance, education, employ- Ecology Minister Segolene Royal, who took centration of particulates with a diameter ment, healthcare and nutrition. time to salute “the good citizenship of of less than 10 microns-so-called PM10 — The World Economic Forum 2014 Global motorists who understood the necessity of in the air to determine pollution levels. The Gender Gap Index ranked India as 114 out of 142 this measure.” safe limit for PM10 is set at 80 micro- countries - based on how women fared against The Airparif monitoring agency said grammes per cubic metre (mcg/m3), with men when it came to economic participation IDAHO: This May 10, 2013 file photo shows genetically engineered potatoes growing in rows smog density was still near alert levels yes- levels in Paris Monday expected to be and opportunities, educational attainment and inside a J.R. Simplot greenhouse in southwestern Idaho. Potatoes that won’t bruise and apples terday, but rain forecast for today was somewhere between 40 and 55 mcg/m3. health and survival. that won’t brown are a step closer to grocery store aisles. The Food and Drug Administration expected to clear the air. The city’s alert level is fixed at 50 India had the biggest difference between on March 20, 2015, approved the genetically engineered foods as safe, saying they are as Though public transport is free of mcg/m3.—AFP women and men in average minutes spent per nutritious as their conventional counterparts. —AP WHAT’S ON TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Esam Mostafa - 1st winner Magdi Ali - 3rd winner Eman Ramadan - 6th winner Al Mulla International Exchange concludes Egyptian Customers Campaign Six Mitsubishi Lancer EX cars distributed

l Mulla International Exchange, the leading money Exchange branches that are located all over Kuwait. Joshi, International Exchange I would like to congratulate all cus- International Exchange Egyptian customers that seek an remittance company in Kuwait, concluded its latest further added “We consider the market of Egypt one of our tomers who participated in the draw,” he added, reiterating efficient and secured manner for their remittances. Al Mulla Apromotional campaign that was launched exclusive- core business segments from the perspective of money the company’s commitment to providing unique services International Exchange which was established in 2001 ly to its Egyptian customers, by announcing Iman remittance. The Egyptian community constitutes a major to its customers, as well as more promotions for customers. always assures providing outstanding services and seeks to Ramadan Hassan Ramadan as the final winner of the expatriate population and we had been contemplating for Al Mulla International Exchange had offered to deliver surpass expectations and satisfaction of its customers, it Mitsubishi Lancer EX prize. long to have something exclusive for them. This promotion the car to the winners or a person on their behalf in Egypt always strives to provide all its branches with the latest During the campaign that was launched in November gave them the chance to win a Lancer EX car whenever at their request, with all duties paid. technologies enhancing the experience of its customers 2014, there were six lucky winners, Essam Mohammad Ali they transfer money to their families in Egypt.” He added Mr. Joshi concluded by pointing out that this is the sec- and making innovation to remittances and money transfer Shahata, Abdulhameed Shahata, Majdi Ali Saieed, Ala’a Ali that the campaign is expected to be re-launched again in ond campaign dedicated from Al Mulla International solutions. There are plenty of unique services that include Al-Sayyed Madani, and Bassam Ali Mustafa. With regards to the near future. Exchange targeting its Egyptian customers, following the free insurance, loyalty points and programs, SMS confirma- the campaign General Manager, Rakesh Joshi expressed “Al Mulla International Exchange allocated six cash prize campaign, during which more than $130,000 tions on all transactions along with fast and secure transac- his happiness on the success of the promotion which Mitsubishi Lancer EX cars for this campaign, which were was distributed, promising its Egyptian customers with a tions from home or the office through the website encouraged the Egyptian customers to transfer money to given away during raffle draws conducted once every two new campaign soon. www.amxremit.com that are extended by Al Mulla their home town through any of Al Mulla International weeks. At the end of the campaign, on behalf of Al Mulla This promotion is another value addition for Al Mulla Exchange to its customers.

MMF Kuwait elects office-bearers alayali Media Forum (MMF) Kuwait, a plat- Mform for Malayali journalists working in Kuwait, elected its new office-bearers at an annual general body meeting held on Friday. Abdul Fattah Thayyil was elected as general convener while Muneer Ahmaed and Anwar Sadath Thalassery were elect- ed as conveners. Outgoing GC Sathar Kunnil presented the annual report while outgoing convener Jalin Triprayar pre- sented the financial report. Outgoing convener Anil Keloth Nambiar welcomed the members and new GC Thayyil pro- posed a vote of thanks.

Congratulations Kuwait National English School Primary Sports Day

uwait National English School Primary Department whilst enjoying the challenge of competing against their invaluable in all aspects of school and outside life. celebrated its annual Sports Day on March 9. The peers. The best pupils from each year group at Kuwait Kfocus was on Athletics, Benchball, Unihoc, Pupils at Kuwait National English School thoroughly National English School were selected for each activity Swimming and Football. enjoyed all activities and a good spirit of sportsmanship and presented with medals. The winning team, Activities tested the pupils’ skills, motor control, prevailed amongst all participants throughout the day. Cambridge, received a trophy for their team effort given vision, awareness, speed, dynamic balance etc. Overall, The values of success and failure are an invaluable lesson out by the School Director, Madame Chantal who con- the Sports Day was designed to get all pupils active experienced by all and the ability to deal with this is gratulated everyone for their contributions on the day.

ongratulations to Waddah Cand Faddia Nael who graduat- ed from Salmiya Indian Model School (SIMS) from LKG and UKG respectively. Best wished from parents, relatives and friends.

What’s On - Submission Guidelines

All photos submitted for What’s On should be minimum 200dpi. Articles must be in plain text and should include name and phone numbers. Articles and photos that fail to meet these requirements will not be published. Please send them to [email protected] WHAT’S ON TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Farewell to outgoing Jamaican envoy ean of the diplomatic core in Kuwait Abdou Lahad Mbacke held a dinner at Crowne Plaza hotel in honor of outgoing Jamaican Ambassador Audley Rodriques, and the regional commissioner of the ICRC Din Kuwait. A representative from the foreign ministry and ambassadors. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

ICSK Khaitan Awards ‘Khaitan Idol’

CSK Khaitan conducted the prestigious crowning cere- was the chief guest for the function. Shyju Mohandas, address, Das advised on the important roles of parents and the students through their dance performances. The colour- mony ‘Khaitan Idol’ on 10th March. It was hosted to honor Deputy General Manager of Lulu Exchange, Dr Vardhana teachers in the upbringing of children. He also stressed the ful cultural extravaganza showed the effort of teachers and Ithe tiny tots of ICSK Khaitan for their talent in studies as Rajesh Parent Representative to the board were also present importance of following a healthy life style for proper talent of students. Their efforts were highly applauded by well as co-curricular activities. on the occasion. Principal of ICSK Khaitan K.G. Shirsath wel- growth of children in this fast-paced world. the audience. The programme concluded with a humble K.N.S Das, General Manager of Lulu Exchange Kuwait, comed the gathering and felicitated the chief guest. In his Varied cultures of different countries were depictedby vote of thanks by Vice-Principal Dr Mary Issac. TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

15:05 How It’s Made Basics 01:00 Last Week Tonight With John Zissou-PG15 15:30 Invent It Rich 02:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Oliver 04:30 Surviving Christmas-PG15 16:20 Invent It Rich Basics 01:30 Girls 06:00 Austenland-PG15 17:10 How Do They Do It? 03:00 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 02:00 Silicon Valley 08:00 Jesus Henry Christ-PG15 17:35 How Do They Do It? 03:25 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 02:30 Web Therapy 10:00 Surviving Christmas-PG15 01:45 The Wild Life Of Tim 18:00 Through The Wormhole With 03:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 03:00 Hot In Cleveland 12:00 The Simpsons Movie-PG15 Faulkner Morgan Freeman 04:15 Chopped 03:30 Melissa & Joey 14:00 Maid In Manhattan-PG15 02:15 The Wild Life Of Tim 18:50 How It’s Made 05:05 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 16:00 Jesus Henry Christ-PG15 Faulkner 19:15 How It’s Made Coo Jimmy Fallon 18:00 She-Devil-PG15 02:40 Tanked 19:40 Food Factory 05:50 Siba’s Table 05:30 My Name Is Earl 20:00 Bringing Down The House 03:35 Secret Creatures Of Jao 20:05 Food Factory 06:10 Sweet Genius 06:00 Til Death 22:00 Knocked Up-18 04:00 Secret Creatures Of Jao 20:30 Game Changers 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 06:30 My Boys 04:25 The Wild Life Of Tim 20:55 Game Changers 07:25 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers Faulkner 21:20 Machines Of Glory 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 08:30 My Name Is Earl 04:50 The Wild Life Of Tim 22:10 How Do They Do It? 08:15 Chopped SA 09:00 Hot In Cleveland Faulkner 22:35 How Do They Do It? 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 09:30 Two And A Half Men 05:15 Treehouse Masters 23:00 Game Changers Basics 10:30 My Boys 01:00 Step Up Revolution-PG15 06:02 Call Of The Wildman 23:25 Game Changers 09:30 Farm Kings 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 03:00 Suspension Of Disbelief- 06:25 Call Of The Wildman 23:50 Machines Of Glory 10:20 Roadtrip With G. Garvin Jimmy Fallon PG15 06:49 Secret Creatures Of Jao 10:45 Easy Chinese 12:00 Til Death 05:00 Atlas Shrugged-PG15 07:12 Secret Creatures Of Jao 11:10 Reza’s African Kitchen 13:00 My Name Is Earl 07:00 Now You See Me-PG15 07:36 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife 11:35 The Big Eat... 13:30 My Boys 09:00 Robot & Frank-PG15 Warriors 12:00 Chopped 14:00 Melissa & Joey 11:00 Atlas Shrugged-PG15 08:00 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife 12:50 Siba’s Table 14:30 Two And A Half Men 13:00 Struck By Lightning-PG15 Warriors 15:00 Stolen Child-PG15 00:00 Violetta 13:15 Guy’s Big Bite 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 08:25 Too Cute! 13:40 Guy’s Big Bite Stewart 17:00 Robot & Frank-PG15 09:15 Secret Creatures Of Jao 00:45 The Hive 19:00 The Letter-PG15 00:50 Art Attack 14:05 Guy’s Grocery Games 16:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 09:45 Secret Creatures Of Jao 14:55 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Wilmore 21:00 The Invisible Woman-PG15 10:10 Call Of The Wildman 01:15 Art Attack 23:00 Killer Joe-18 01:40 Jungle Junction 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 16:30 Til Death 10:35 Call Of The Wildman 15:45 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 11:05 Gator Boys 01:50 Jungle Junction 02:05 Jungle Junction Coo 18:00 Hot In Cleveland 12:00 Too Cute! 16:35 Chopped SA 18:30 Melissa & Joey 12:55 Secret Creatures Of Jao 02:15 Jungle Junction 02:30 Violetta 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks The 19:00 The Simpsons 13:25 Secret Creatures Of Jao Riviera 19:30 Marry Me 03:10 The Hive 01:30 Bad Karma-18 13:50 Treehouse Masters 17:50 Guy’s Big Bite 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 03:20 Art Attack 03:00 Salinger-PG15 14:45 The Wild Life Of Tim 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Jimmy Fallon 03:45 Art Attack 05:15 I, Anna-PG15 Faulkner 18:40 Siba’s Table 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 04:10 Jungle Junction 06:45 Sense And Sensibility-PG 15:15 The Wild Life Of Tim 19:05 The Big Eat... Stewart 04:25 Jungle Junction 09:00 The Last Harbor-PG15 Faulkner 19:30 Chopped 21:30 The Nightly Show With Larry 04:35 Jungle Junction 10:45 The Armstrong Lie-PG15 15:40 Tanked 20:20 Guy’s Grocery Games Wilmore 04:45 Jungle Junction 12:45 Kon-Tiki-PG15 16:35 Secret Creatures Of Jao 21:10 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity 22:00 The League 05:00 Art Attack 14:45 Ray-PG15 17:05 Secret Creatures Of Jao Coo 22:30 Silicon Valley 05:25 Art Attack 17:15 The Last Harbor-PG15 17:30 Shark Girl 22:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:00 Web Therapy 05:50 Mouk 19:00 Not Fade Away-PG15 18:25 Treehouse Masters 22:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 06:00 Kim Possible 21:00 Grand Piano-PG15 19:20 Secret Life Of Pets 22:50 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 19:50 Secret Life Of Pets 06:25 Binny And The Ghost 23:00 Charlie Wilson’s War-18 06:50 Girl Meets World 23:15 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 20:15 Tanked 23:40 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 21:10 Queens Of The Savannah 07:15 H2O: Just Add Water 07:40 Jessie 22:05 Treehouse Masters 01:00 Helix 23:00 Secret Life Of Pets 08:05 Wizards Of Waverly Place 08:30 Austin & Ally 02:00 Game Of Thrones 01:00 A Case Of You-PG15 23:30 Secret Life Of Pets 03:00 Hemlock Grove 23:55 Shark Girl 08:55 Dog With A Blog 03:00 Lovestruck: The Musical- 09:20 Binny And The Ghost 04:00 Revenge PG15 09:45 Girl Meets World 00:40 Ade In Britain 05:00 Red Band Society 05:00 Saving Santa-PG 10:10 Liv And Maddie 01:30 Come Dine With Me Ireland 09:00 Red Band Society 07:00 The Magic Of Belle Isle 10:40 Finding Nemo 02:00 Emmerdale 10:00 Revenge 09:00 Won’t Back Down-PG15 12:15 Jessie 02:25 Emmerdale 12:00 Emmerdale 11:00 Quartet-PG15 12:40 Austin & Ally 02:55 Coronation Street 12:30 Coronation Street 13:00 Temptation: Confessions Of 13:05 Good Luck Charlie 03:25 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show A Marriage Counselor-PG15 NAKED SOLDIER ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 00:00 Beat My Build 13:30 I Didn’t Do It 04:20 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 16:00 Emmerdale 15:00 No Clue-PG15 04:00 Live ICC World Cup: Semi 08:00 Nightmare Next Door 07:35 Julius Jr. 00:50 Food Glorious Food 13:50 Cars Toons 05:15 Above Suspicion 16:30 Coronation Street 17:00 Won’t Back Down-PG15 Final 1 08:50 Fatal Encounters 07:45 Calimero 01:40 Come Dine With Me 13:55 Austin & Ally 06:10 Take On The Twisters 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 19:00 The Monuments Men-PG15 15:30 ICC Cricket 360 09:40 Murder Shift 08:00 Jungle Junction 02:25 Masterchef: The 14:20 H2O: Just Add Water 07:05 Come Dine With Me Ireland 19:00 Criminal Minds 21:00 Love Punch-PG15 16:00 ICC World Cup H/L: Semi 10:30 I Was Murdered 08:10 Zou Professionals 14:55 Liv And Maddie 07:30 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 21:00 The Voice 23:00 The Conjuring-18 Final 1 10:55 Stalked: Someone’s 08:25 Henry Hugglemonster 03:20 Antiques Roadshow 15:20 Binny And The Ghost 08:25 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 23:00 Hannibal Watching 08:35 Julius Jr. 04:10 Come Dine With Me 15:45 Girl Meets World 09:20 Coach Trip 11:20 Forensic Detectives 08:50 Calimero 04:40 Beat My Build 16:10 Violetta 09:45 Coach Trip 12:10 American Greed 09:00 Limon And Oli 05:25 Food Glorious Food 17:00 Gravity Falls 10:15 Above Suspicion 13:00 Disappeared 09:15 Jake And The Never Land 06:15 Come Dine With Me 17:25 Hank Zipzer 11:10 Emmerdale 13:50 On The Case With Paula Pirates 07:05 Masterchef: The 17:50 Binny And The Ghost 11:35 Emmerdale Zahn 09:40 Doc McStuffins Professionals 01:15 The Happets 18:15 Jessie 12:00 Coronation Street 14:40 Who On Earth Did I 10:05 Art Attack 08:00 Antiques Roadshow 02:45 Barbie And The Diamond 18:40 Austin & Ally 12:30 Ade In Britain 01:00 Good Morning America 00:45 Secret Eskimo Escape Marry? 10:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 08:50 Come Dine With Me Castle 19:05 H2O: Just Add Water 13:25 Take On The Twisters 03:00 Supernatural 01:35 Extreme Couponing 15:05 Who On Earth Did I 11:00 Sofia The First 09:15 Beat My Build 04:30 Barbie In The 12 Dancing 19:30 Violetta 14:20 Come Dine With Me Ireland 04:00 Defiance 02:00 Mob Wives Marry? 11:25 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 10:05 Bargain Hunt Princesses 20:20 Binny And The Ghost 14:45 Above Suspicion 05:00 Good Morning America 02:50 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 15:30 American Greed 11:50 Calimero 10:50 Come Dine With Me 06:00 Princess And The Pea 20:45 H2O: Just Add Water 15:35 Coach Trip 07:00 Emmerdale Bridesmaids 16:20 I Was Murdered 12:05 Jake And The Never Land 11:40 Masterchef: The 08:00 The Legend Of Sasquatch 21:10 Austin & Ally 16:00 Coach Trip 07:30 Coronation Street 03:15 Little People, Big World 16:45 Stalked: Someone’s Pirates Professionals 10:00 Barbie In The Nutcracker 21:35 Jessie 16:30 Arthur And George 10:00 Emmerdale 03:40 Super Saver Showdown Watching 12:30 Limon And Oli 12:30 Antiques Roadshow 11:30 Titeuf, Le Film 22:00 Gravity Falls 17:15 Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night 10:30 Coronation Street 04:30 Cake Boss 17:10 Murder Shift 12:40 Henry Hugglemonster 13:20 Come Dine With Me 13:00 Barbie And The Diamond 22:25 Sabrina: Secrets Of A Takeaway 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 05:00 Sister Wives 18:00 Disappeared 12:55 Handy Manny 13:45 Beat My Build Castle Teenage Witch 18:20 Take On The Twisters 12:00 Rake 06:00 17 Kids And Counting 18:50 Fatal Encounters 13:05 Justin Time 14:35 Bargain Hunt 14:30 Top Cat: The Movie 22:50 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 19:10 Coronation Street 13:00 Twisted 06:25 World’s Worst Mum 19:40 Forensic Detectives 13:20 Sofia The First 15:25 Come Dine With Me 16:00 Minuscule: Valley Of The Teenage Witch 19:35 Coach Trip 14:00 Live Good Morning America 07:15 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 20:30 On The Case With Paula 13:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 16:15 Masterchef: The Lost Ants 23:10 Wolfblood 20:00 Coach Trip 17:00 Rake Bridesmaids Zahn 14:10 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West Professionals 18:00 Barbie In The Nutcracker 23:35 Wolfblood 20:30 Arthur And George 18:00 Twisted 07:40 Little People, Big World 21:20 The Will: Family Secrets 14:35 Julius Jr. 17:10 Antiques Roadshow 20:00 Ernest & Celestine 21:15 Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night 19:00 Parenthood 08:05 Cake Boss Revealed 14:45 Jake And The Never Land 18:00 Come Dine With Me 22:00 Top Cat: The Movie Takeaway 20:00 Rake 08:30 Cake Boss 22:10 Who On Earth Did I Pirates 18:25 Beat My Build 23:30 Minuscule: Valley Of The 22:20 Coronation Street 22:00 Supernatural 08:55 Bakery Boss Marry? 15:15 Doc McStuffins 19:15 Beat My Build Lost Ants 22:50 Emmerdale 23:00 Defiance 09:45 Cake Boss 22:35 Who On Earth Did I 15:40 Limon And Oli 20:10 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 23:15 Emmerdale 10:10 Sister Wives Marry? 15:55 Zou Taylor 00:00 Christina Milian Turned Up 23:45 Above Suspicion 11:00 Super Saver Showdown 23:00 Devil In The Details 16:05 Justin Time 20:35 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 00:30 Christina Milian Turned Up 11:50 Bakery Boss 23:50 Deadly Sins 16:20 Sofia The First 21:00 Vacation Vacation Vacation 00:55 The Soup 12:40 World’s Worst Mum 16:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 21:25 Masterchef: The 01:25 Keeping Up With The 00:00 Lakeview Terrace-PG15 13:30 Oprah: Where Are They 17:15 Lilo & Stitch Professionals Kardashians 02:00 Vehicle 19-PG15 00:00 Lone Survivor Now? 17:40 Adventures Of The 21:55 Nigel Slater’s Simple 02:20 E! 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News 20:00 3 Days To Kill-PG15 07:00 Killer Shrew 18:00 40 Days And Nights 18:30 Super Saver Showdown 01:25 Calimero Pirates 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 22:00 A Single Shot-18 08:00 Wild Russia 20:00 A Common Man 19:20 Sneak Peek: Something 01:40 Henry Hugglemonster 20:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 09:00 Animal Intervention 21:45 Oblivion Borrowed, Something New 01:50 Zou 21:20 Minnie’s Bow-Toons 11:10 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 01:10 Gold Rush 10:00 Armageddon Outfitters 19:45 Jo Frost’s Family SOS 02:05 Mouk 21:25 Sofia The First 11:35 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 02:00 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 11:00 Mad Scientists 21:00 The Undateables 02:15 Jungle Junction 21:50 Adventures Of The 12:05 E! News 02:50 Alaska: The Last Frontier 11:30 Mad Scientists 21:50 Katie Hopkins: My Fat Story - 02:25 Art Attack Gummi Bears 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 07:00 Golfing World 03:40 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 12:00 Beyond Magic with DMC Part One 02:50 Julius Jr. 22:20 Chip n Dale Rescue 13:35 THS 19:00 Asian Tour Highlights Edition 13:00 Rescue Ink 22:40 Extreme Couponing 03:00 Calimero Rangers 14:30 Style Star 00:15 D-Tox-PG15 20:00 NRL Full Time 04:05 Garage Gold 14:00 Expedition Wild 23:05 Mob Wives 03:15 Henry Hugglemonster 22:45 Ducktales 15:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 02:00 Knuckle-PG15 22:00 Champions Tour Highlights 04:30 Storage Wars Canada 15:00 Apocalypse: The Second 23:55 The Undateables 03:25 Zou 23:15 Art Attack The Hamptons 05:00 How It’s Made World War 04:00 Appleseed: Alpha-PG15 03:40 Mouk 23:40 Limon And Oli 16:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 05:30 How It’s Made 16:00 World’s Toughest Fixes 06:00 R.I.P.D.-PG15 03:50 Jungle Junction 23:55 Henry Hugglemonster 06:00 Yukon Men The Hamptons 17:00 Air Crash Investigation 08:00 Marvel’s Hulk vs. Thor & 04:00 Art Attack 06:50 Fifth Gear 17:00 Giuliana & Bill 18:00 Breakout Wolverine-PG 03:00 Live WWE Raw 04:25 Julius Jr. 18:00 Christina Milian Turned Up 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 19:00 Apocalypse: The Second 10:00 A Common Man-PG15 07:00 NRL Premiership 04:35 Calimero 18:30 Christina Milian Turned Up World War 08:30 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 12:00 Stash House-PG15 10:00 Golfing World 00:40 Dates From Hell 04:50 Henry Hugglemonster 19:00 E!ES 20:00 World’s Toughest Fixes Edition 11:00 PGA Tour Highlights 01:05 Dates From Hell 05:00 Zou 21:00 Air Crash Investigation 14:00 R.I.P.D.-PG15 08:55 Garage Gold 14:00 WWE Bottomline 01:30 March To Justice 05:15 Mouk 22:00 Breakout 16:00 40 Days And Nights-PG15 09:20 Storage Wars Canada 15:00 WWE Raw 02:20 I Faked My Own Death 05:25 Jungle Junction 00:00 Programmes Start At 23:00 Mad Scientists 18:00 A Common Man-PG15 18:00 WWE Superstars 09:45 How It’s Made 03:10 True Crime With 05:35 Art Attack 7:00am KSA 10:10 How It’s Made 23:30 Mad Scientists 19:45 Oblivion-PG15 19:00 WWE Main Event 06:00 Julius Jr. Aphrodite Jones 07:00 Phineas And Ferb 10:35 Gold Rush 22:00 Naked Soldier-PG15 23:00 Asian Tour Highlights 06:10 Calimero 04:00 Extreme Forensics 07:25 Phineas And Ferb 11:25 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 04:45 Dates From Hell 06:25 Henry Hugglemonster 07:50 Supa Strikas 12:15 Alaska: The Last Frontier 00:05 Chopped SA 05:07 Dates From Hell 06:35 Zou 13:05 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 00:55 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 05:30 March To Justice 06:50 Mouk 08:15 The 7D Edition 01:20 Amazing Wedding Cakes 06:20 True CSI 07:00 Jungle Junction 08:40 Ultimate Spider-Man 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 03:00 ICC World Cup H/L: Quarter 13:30 Garage Gold 02:10 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 00:00 It’s A Disaster-PG15 07:10 American Greed 07:10 Art Attack 09:05 Lab Rats Stewart Final 4 13:55 Storage Wars Canada 02:00 The Life Aquatic With Steve 09:30 Kickin’ It 14:20 Yukon Men 09:55 Kickin’ It 15:10 Fifth Gear 10:20 Kickin’ It 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 16:50 How It’s Made 10:45 Kickin’ It 17:15 How It’s Made 11:10 Lab Rats 17:40 River Monsters (Best Of 11:35 Phineas And Ferb Series 1-5) 12:00 Pair Of Kings 18:30 The Island With Bear Grylls 12:25 Supa Strikas 19:20 Survive That! 12:50 Kickin’ It 20:10 Garage Gold 13:15 Motocrossed 20:35 Storage Wars Canada 14:55 Star Wars Rebels 21:00 The Island With Bear Grylls 21:50 Survive That! 15:20 Ultimate Spider-Man 22:40 Tethered 15:45 Phineas And Ferb 23:30 River Monsters (Best Of 16:10 Supa Strikas Series 1-5) 16:35 Pair Of Kings 17:00 Lab Rats 17:30 Mighty Med 17:55 Best Sports Ever 18:00 Kickin’ It 18:25 Phineas And Ferb 00:40 How It’s Made 18:50 The 7D 01:05 How It’s Made 19:20 Supa Strikas 01:30 Man vs The Universe 19:45 Kickin’ It 02:20 Through The Wormhole With 20:10 Kickin’ It Morgan Freeman 03:10 How Do They Do It? 20:35 Kickin’ It 03:35 How Do They Do It? 21:00 Kickin’ It 04:00 Food Factory 21:25 Lab Rats 04:24 Food Factory 21:50 Lego Marvel Super 04:48 Invent It Rich Heroes Maximum Overload 05:36 Invent It Rich 21:55 Ultimate Spider-Man: 06:24 Bang Goes The Theory Web Warriors 06:48 How Tech Works 22:20 Hulk And The Agents Of 07:12 Food Factory 07:36 How Do They Do It? S.M.A.S.H. 08:00 Bang Goes The Theory 22:45 Japaneezi Going Going 08:25 How Tech Works Gong 08:50 X-Machines 23:10 Pair Of Kings 09:40 Food Factory 23:35 Phineas And Ferb 10:05 How It’s Made NAT GEO CHANNEL HD 10:30 Invent It Rich 00:00 Wild Russia 11:20 Invent It Rich 01:00 Animal Intervention 12:10 How Do They Do It? 12:35 How Do They Do It? 02:00 Armageddon Outfitters 13:00 Bang Goes The Theory 03:00 Aftermath 13:25 How Tech Works 04:00 Money Meltdown 13:50 X-Machines 04:30 Money Meltdown 14:40 Food Factory OBLIVION ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 05:00 Alaska Wing Men Classifieds

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

MATRIMONIAL Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM NRI Marthoma parents THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY inviting proposals for their (19/03/2015 TO 25/03/2015) daughter, BSc nurse, 30 years old / 152 cms, work- SHARQIA-1 FANAR-5 ing in MOH Kuwait, prefer- CINDERELLA 1:15 PM THE GUNMAN 12:15 PM ence will be given to man- CINDERELLA 3:30 PM THE GUNMAN 2:45 PM CINDERELLA 5:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 5:00 PM agement and medical pro- CINDERELLA 8:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 7:30 PM fessionals. M4 Marry ID: CINDERELLA 10:15 PM THE GUNMAN 10:00 PM 2545008 / email: CINDERELLA 12:30 AM THE GUNMAN 12:15 AM [email protected] SHARQIA-2 MARINA-1 (C 4954) THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:00 PM CINDERELLA 12:30 PM 24-3-2015 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 2:30 PM CINDERELLA 3:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 5:00 PM CINDERELLA 5:30 PM Alliance invited for hand- THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 7:30 PM CINDERELLA 7:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 10:00 PM CINDERELLA 10:00 PM some, god-fearing, THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:45 AM CINDERELLA 12:15 AM Orthodox boy of reputed family in central Travancore, SHARQIA-3 MARINA-2 31/180, fair, BCom and MBA THE GUNMAN 12:15 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 12:45 PM (Finance), bank employee THE GUNMAN 2:30 PM THE GUNMAN 3:15 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 4:45 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 5:30 PM in Kuwait, from god-fearing, THE GUNMAN 7:15 PM THE GUNMAN 8:00 PM well-educated girl. RUN ALL NIGHT 9:45 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 10:15 PM Contact: THE GUNMAN 12:15 AM THE GUNMAN 12:45 AM [email protected] MUHALAB-1 MARINA-3 22-3-2015 CINDERELLA 12:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 11:45 AM CINDERELLA 3:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 2:15 PM CINDERELLA 5:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 4:45 PM SITUATION WANTED CINDERELLA 7:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 7:15 PM CINDERELLA 10:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 9:45 PM Accountant: Young & ACCOMMODATION RUN ALL NIGHT 12:30 AM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:30 AM dynamic B.Com graduate of Sharing accommodation MUHALAB-2 AVENUES-1 28-years (first class) having THE GUNMAN 1:00 PM THE GUNMAN 1:15 PM good accounts knowledge available in Salmiya near Al RUN ALL NIGHT 3:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 3:45 PM worked in India and last 5- Rashid hospital for an THE GUNMAN 5:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 6:15 PM years working in Kuwait Indian small family or RUN ALL NIGHT 8:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 8:45 PM knowing Microsoft office working lady. Separate THE GUNMAN 10:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:15 PM room and bathroom is THE GUNMAN 12:45 AM Tally and Peachtree AVENUES-2 Accounting Software. available in a good loca- MUHALAB-3 SUITE FRANCAISE 11:30 AM Having transferable visa tion. Available from March THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 11:30 AM SUITE FRANCAISE 1:45 PM looking for a job as 22nd onwards. Contact: THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 2:00 PM SUITE FRANCAISE 4:00 PM 99315825, 99838117. THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 4:30 PM SUITE FRANCAISE 6:15 PM Accountant, can join imme- THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 7:00 PM SUITE FRANCAISE 8:30 PM diately. Contact 50541464. (C 4953) THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 9:30 PM SUITE FRANCAISE 11:00 PM (C 4957) 21-3-2015 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:05 AM SUITE FRANCAISE 1:15 AM 24-3-2015 FANAR-1 AVENUES-3 SUITE FRANCAISE 1:00 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 12:45 PM SUITE FRANCAISE 3:15 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 3:15 PM CHANGE OF NAME RUN ALL NIGHT 5:45 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 5:45 PM SUITE FRANCAISE 8:15 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 8:15 PM 112 RUN ALL NIGHT 10:30 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 10:45 PM I, Yerraguntla Chandra RUN ALL NIGHT 1:00 AM RUN ALL NIGHT 1:00 AM Mohan holder of Indian Passport No. L0082323 FANAR-2 AVENUES-4 resided at Kodur, Kadapa CINDERELLA 12:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:00 PM AP India. Now would like to CINDERELLA 2:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 2:30 PM CINDERELLA 5:00 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 5:00 PM change my name CINDERELLA 7:15 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 7:30 PM Yerraguntla Chandra CINDERELLA 9:30 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 10:00 PM Mohan to Yerraguntla CINDERELLA 11:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:30 AM Chandra Mohan Reddy. FANAR-3 AVENUES-5 (C 4956) THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 11:45 AM CINDERELLA 12:30 PM 24-3-2015 THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 2:15 PM CINDERELLA 3:00 PM DEMONIC 4:45 PM Special Show “CINDERELLA” 3:00 PM I, Thiru Senthil THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 6:45 PM CINDERELLA 5:30 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 9:15 PM CINDERELLA 8:00 PM Venkatagalam, holder of Prayer timings THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 12:05 AM THE GUNMAN 10:30 PM Indian Passport No. THE GUNMAN 1:00 AM L2554748, native district Fajr: 04:30 FANAR-4 Thanjavur, No. 127 Shorook 05:49 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 12:45 PM AVENUES-6 Natarajapuram colony, 8th THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 3:15 PM CINDERELLA 11:30 AM Duhr: 11:55 THE GUNMAN 5:45 PM CINDERELLA 2:00 PM Str. Medical college road, THE GUNMAN 8:00 PM CINDERELLA 4:30 PM Thanjavur, 613007, hereby Asr: 15:23 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 10:15 PM CINDERELLA 7:00 PM change my name to THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:45 AM CINDERELLA 9:30 PM Muhammaed Shaliq. Maghrib: 18:01 CINDERELLA 12:05 AM (C 4952) Isha: 19:18 21-3-2015

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

Arrival Flights on Tuesday 24/3/2015 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 Departure Flights on Tuesday 24/3/2015 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 Airlines Flt Route Time GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 Airlines Flt Route Time QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 OMA 645 Muscat 15:25 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:40 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 PIA 206 Lahore 00:40 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:40 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:55 NIA 251 Alexandria 16:15 OMA 646 Muscat 16:25 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:15 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 KAC 741 Dammam 17:00 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 UAL 982 IAD 17:05 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 NIA 252 Alexandria 17:15 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 RJA 648 Amman 03:05 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 TAR 328 Tunis/Dubai 18:05 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 UAL 982 Bahrain 18:20 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 TAR 328 Tunis 18:55 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 BAW 157 London 06:40 RJA 649 Amman 07:05 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 KAC 416 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 06:45 AXB 393 Kozhikode 19:15 JZR 560 Sohag 07:10 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 678 Muscat/Abu Dhabi 19:25 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 AXB 393 Kozhikode 20:15 THY 6776 Istanbul 07:50 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 BAW 156 London 08:45 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:40 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 KAC 104 London 19:55 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 KAC 382 Delhi 08:15 KAC 742 Dammam 20:00 KAC 513 Tehran 08:55 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 THY 6776 Dubai 09:20 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 OMA 648 Muscat 21:05 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:30 OMA 647 Muscat 20:05 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 MSR 607 Luxor 21:05 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 GFA 047 Istanbul 21:15 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 GFA 047 Bahrain 20:30 KAC 101 London/New York 09:50 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 KAC 282 Dhaka 09:20 DLH 636 Frankfurt 20:50 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 DLH 636 Dammam 21:35 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 KAC 381 Delhi 22:00 IRA 675 Lar 10:40 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 IRA 674 Lar 11:40 KAC 203 Lahore 22:20 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 UAL 981 Bahrain 22:10 KAC 677 Abu Dhabi/Muscat 12:20 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 KLM 415 Amsterdam 22:15 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 KAC 514 Tehran 13:10 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 JZR 561 Sohag 13:45 PIA 239 Sialkot 22:35 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:45 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 KLM 415 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:15 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 PIA 240 Sialkot 23:35 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 CROSSWORD 851 STAR TRACK

Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22)

If you had a picture and a paragraph that gave a description of you, you You might like to ignore responsibilities and do some socializing, but the day might decide a change is needed. This is a great time to create new goals, short-term and may demand that you tend to business. You are most convincing and articulate in speech and long-term. A need to learn new things and to expand your horizon of knowledge takes communication; you encourage others to do their work. You have good self-expression that hold at this time. Successful people have a plan and this may be something you will con- lends itself to your particular ideas and thoughts. Outer circumstances tend to work in your sider-making plans and setting goals. This is a successful day at work. You may be sought favor. You may find that you are becoming good at organizational skills and you are able to after as just the person for a particular job and you look forward to diving into the work at reach new levels of self-discipline. Perhaps you are teaching a class or involved in giving a lec- hand. If you deal with groups, you will probably be advocating sweeping changes. You ture. This is a time during which events seem to arrange themselves to your advantage. You will soon be enjoying new people as you move in new directions. This is an expansive, cre- may receive some recognition or special attention regarding a particular skill or ability today. ative and even romantic phase.

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

You are coming into a creative and competitive phase, one in which you You could find yourself in charge or responsible for some project that you would want to be admired and appreciated for who you are and what you do. Today you will be have never thought you could handle months ago. You have made great progress regarding able to tackle tasks that require real discipline or organization. You may wonder why life your work, art or education-and it shows! You can direct projects into a forward motion with little does not just stay in a peaceful type of condition-think about it. You will find any challenges difficulty. This is a good time to tackle the difficult-your mood is all business. Your management will be an opportunity to rise above the challenge and succeed at your endeavors or proj- and directional abilities are in high focus. You have come to enjoy a challenge and you may take ects in more efficient or improved ways. You may have some serious or contemplative on a workaholic attitude at this time. This is a creative period and a time to take a chance with a moments. You will probably want to relax with friends this afternoon and may find yourself new product or action that will serve in the best interest of a client or customer. You may enjoy involved in a group game or sports activity. Your favorite hobby and a young child are the some fun interaction with friends or relatives this evening. You may also meet a new neighbor outlets for much of your energy this evening. tonight.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Today takes a leap forward when you make a discovery this morning. A period of You might decide this is the right time for planning or taking that trip you intellectual creativity has dawned in your life; you express yourself with enthusi- have been wanting. If you do not travel today you will make plans to travel in the near asm. Beating the odds through cleverness is appealing to those around you and this may lead to ACROSS 3. A notable achievement. future. There is a yearning to broaden your horizons; reach for the ultimate. Security is also an interest in all kinds of financial speculation. There is a sense of testing the limits in many areas 1. An informal term for a father. 4. Physically and mentally fatigued. on your mind and you may think that finances are the only answer to a secure feeling. One of your life just now. You could be most persuasive with others and successfully communicate 4. A language spoken by the Atakapa people 5. The act of adding a tinge of color. could have a feeling of security from finances and family, but the real sense of security your ideas. The situation is a natural for self-expression and lends itself to your particular of the Gulf coast of Louisiana and Texas. 6. A state in east central United States. comes from within your own spirit as well as practical planning. Difficult situations sudden- thoughts. A lover or child who is bright and articulate plays a big role in your life this afternoon; 12. An enclosed space. 7. Typical geese. ly become solved this afternoon. Just about anything you want to accomplish may be easi- pay attention. Enjoy a walk after dinner this evening and take along a friend. ly accomplished now. Budget as you shop; then you can save for that special vacation. 15. A sweetened beverage of diluted fruit 8. An independent agency of the United Encourage others to do the same. Home is fun tonight. juice. States government responsible for collecting 16. Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of and coordinating intelligence and counterin- Manitoba. telligence activities abroad in the national 17. An accountant certified by the state. interest. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 18. Make more intense, stronger, or more 9. Situated at an apex. marked. 10. A tricycle (usually propelled by pedalling). Good luck seems to follow you around this morning despite a co-worker’s nega- This is a lucrative time for you financially, but there are risks as well as rewards. Some 20. The main city of ancient Phoenicia. 11. A lizard of the family Agamidae. tive intentions. Check out the facts you hear today so that you can come to the right decisions for kind of healing process is at work in your life: you isolate what doesn’t work, eliminate it and go on 21. Inquire about. 12. Someone who works (or provides workers) yourself. True success is not found in the results of labor, but rather in the steps that are taken to from there. Real insight into your own inner workings or psychology could surface today and in a manageable form. You may be in the mood for insightful conversations or thoughts-working 22. Canadian writer (born in Sri Lanka in 1943). during a strike. achieve results. You may be receiving intuitive insights into your future just now. Today you can look at the big picture of how your goals are developing. As you think on important issues, try to through things in your mind. Engaging in social activities is not the best of ideas at this time. 24. Painter of the Florentine school. 13. (Akkadian) Father of the gods and consort avoid being insensitive to others. There may be a strong desire now to break the chains that hold Rather, look to close family and friends for emotional support. You may experience many situa- 26. A substance that promotes drying (e.g., of Tiamat. back any of your close relationships. Say the word “no” more often when travel offers from the tions during this time when a new way of thinking will cause you to look on all things with love, calcium oxide absorbs water and is used to 14. A block of solid substance (such as soap or working world are optional-there is a need for more dedicated time to a special relationship. appreciation and open-mindedness. Your may relax and enjoy a hobby this evening. remove moisture). wax). 27. Harsh or corrosive in tone. 19. A genus of Ploceidae. 28. A crystalline metallic element not found in 23. Showing your contempt by derision. nature. 25. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 30. A unit of force equal to the force that River. imparts an acceleration of 1 cm/sec/sec to a 29. An appetizer consisting usually of a thin This is a good working day-much will be accomplished. You may be able to This could be a difficult time to relax or remain calm as there are many things you feel you will want to accomplish. Tackle your goals with as much patience and mass of 1 gram. slice of bread or toast spread with caviar or express some of your futuristic ideas today. Innovative thoughts gather steam-you may find that eventually, your ideas will be accepted. Don’t be afraid of criticism-this is the fine-tuner that will confidence as you can muster. Community concerns may come to your attention this after- 31. A soft blackish-brown resinous exudate cheese or other savory food. create a successful end result to your ideas. You are way ahead of the competition, but do not for- noon and you demonstrate a great deal of understanding about the needs of others. You from various rockroses used in perfumes 32. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug get . . . You still need the support and encouragement from others to move forward with your are in a good position to work in groups and society in general. Perhaps the noise level is especially as a fixative. (trade name Nalfon) used in the treatment of ideas. There is an emphasis on close relationships and a preoccupation with ideas of fairness and too high in your neighborhood. You could create a proposal for improvement with sugges- 35. Type genus of the Ranidae. arthritis and other painful inflammatory disor- harmony this afternoon. There are some fun opportunities for your imagination and creativity to tions of tree plantings. Others value your ideas and follow your lead-expect a sense of sup- 37. Taken or to be taken at random. ders. take flight this evening. A social gathering tonight is a very important event; network. port from those around you. You listen well and your focus tonight is in understanding and 40. A quantity of no importance. 33. A member of the Finno-Ugric-speaking sharing with your loved ones. 41. The compass point midway between people living in eastern European Russia. northeast and east. 34. Large European marine food fish. 43. Any of several small ungulate mammals of 36. A desert in southern Israel. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) Africa and Asia with rodent-like incisors and 38. A public promotion of some product or feet with hooflike toes. service. In the workplace, you could find that you are appreciated or valued for your feel- Work goals take on priority this morning. You have a need to be respected 45. Ragout of game in a rich sauce. 39. A vigorous blow. ings or your ability to act and get things done. Higher education, publishing, broadcasting or and may feel emotionally charged over some issue in your life at this time. Patience will 46. Spoiled and covered with eggs and larvae 42. A heavy odorless colorless gas formed dur- advertising could play an unexpected role in setting new directions. You are becoming more guide you in the right direction. Someone may approach you today with a good invest- of flies. ing respiration and by the decomposition of focused in your goals. You are always improving your physical attractiveness and today may not ment possibility but you would be wise to move at your usual pace with regard to money- be much different. You have a routine and you do everything you can to stick to it. You influence slow. You look for simple and sure investments: no long shots. Your type of desired invest- 49. Tag the base runner to get him out. organic substances. others and may have to be a little patient for the next few days as a friend or neighbor wants to ment may include some sort of insurance package. You keep up the pace in the workplace 51. (British informal) An airless smoky smelly 44. A branch of the Tai languages. join you in your exercise program. This evening is an excellent time for some social activity with and look for ways in which to relax at home. You aim to have a place for everything and atmosphere. 47. Fleshy spore-bearing inner mass of e.g. a friends or a group meeting. Take a little time to count your blessings; all is good. everything in its place. This evening you may find yourself helping a child with his or her 52. German industrialist who was the first in puffball or stinkhorn. room as well as with homework. Germany to use an assembly line in manufac- 48. Not only so, but. turing automobiles (1871-1948). 50. A nonmetallic largely pentavalent heavy 53. Having or showing keen interest or volatile corrosive dark brown liquid element Yesterday’s Solution intense desire or impatient expectancy. belonging to the halogens. 56. A change from one state to the opposite 54. A silvery ductile metallic element found state. primarily in bauxite. 60. German organist and contrapuntist (1685- 55. Genus of tropical plants with creeping 1750). rootstocks and small umbellate flowers. 63. A percussion instrument consisting of a 57. The prejudice that members of one race pair of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually are intrinsically superior to members of other held between the thumb and fingers) that are races. made to click together (as by Spanish dancers) 58. Caught in European waters. in rhythm with the dance. 59. One of the evil spirits of traditional Jewish 66. A card recording an employee's starting and Christian belief. and quitting times each work day. 61. A city in central New York. 71. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth. 62. A unit of luminous flux equal to the 72. Make worse or less effective. amount of light given out through a solid 75. A Nilotic language. angle of 1 steradian by a point source of 1 76. Flower arrangement consisting of a circu- candela intensity radiating uniformly in all lar band of foliage or flowers for ornamental directions. purposes. 64. In bed. 77. Bowing in such a way that the bow 65. A sudden short attack. bounces lightly off the strings. 67. A theocratic republic in the Middle East in 79. Rare (usually fatal) brain disease (usually in western Asia. middle age) caused by an unidentified slow 68. United States writer (born in Poland) who virus. wrote in Yiddish (1880-1957). 80. A condition (mostly in boys) characterized 69. A Hindu prince or king in India. by behavioral and learning disorders. 70. (Roman mythology) A princess of Tyre 81. A resident of Montana. who was the founder and queen of Carthage. 82. 10 hao equal 1 dong. 73. A piece of jewelry that is pinned onto the wearer's garment. DOWN 74. A legal document codifying the result of 1. Panel forming the lower part of an interior deliberations of a committee or society or leg- wall when it is finished differently from the islative body. rest. 78. A hard gray lustrous metallic element that 2. Chief port of Yemen. is highly corrosion-resistant. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 information

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Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 LIFESTYLE36 TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 Gossip Fernandez-Versini says men do not ‘understand’ women

heryl Fernandez-Versini thinks men “don’t under- stand” women. The ‘Only Human’ hitmaker has, up Cuntil recently, always had a team of women around her because she finds them “empowering”. She said: “Up until recently, every single person on my team was female. I was surrounded by females and I found it very empower- ing. “It’s only us who know how each other feels. Men don’t understand it.” But despite her girl power stance, the 31- year-old singer had no problems gushing about her mar- riage to Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini, who she wed in a secret ceremony last July. She said: “I’m not an 18-year-old, I’m a 31-year-old woman and I know what I’m doing. He makes me happy, but he’s not the reason. I was happy beforehand - and if I hadn’t been happy, I wouldn’t have been open to the relationship.” Talking about her privacy, she added to the Daily Star on Sunday’s TV Extra magazine: “I don’t usually discuss my private life... My privacy is very intentional. There was no escape - I was stuck in that glare, in that bubble. It’s not healthy for anybody. I had no life. I was kept under surveillance. It was aggressive, it was dan- gerous and it was inhumane.”

Timbaland promotes quality music

imbaland wants to make music that will “break through the garbage”. The 43-year- old record producer is working with a number of young up-and-coming artists both Ton their own records and his own upcoming album ‘Opera Noir’. He said: “What I’m trying to find are these young people who have the same hunger and passion I once had and still have, and pass it on to the future. I feel I can be a mentor and help make new music that will break through some of the garbage. “When music starts to fall off the Jaden and Willow Smith path, with dumbness and flashiness, well, it’s my job to set a tone, a foun- dation. If you want quality music, come up on the Timbaland side of for Wireless Festival the street.” The ‘Carry Out’ hitmaker - who has worked with stars includ- ing Justin Timberlake, Kanye West harli XCX and Jaden and Willow Smith are among which is celebrating its 10th anniversary - include and Jay Z throughout his successful acts added to the New Look Wireless Festival line-up. Klingande, DJ Mustard, 3Lau, Shakka, Ows, Bad Rabbits, career - has also hinted at the influ- The ‘Boom Clap’ hitmaker will be joining the sibling Tove Styrke, Jacob Plant, Ady Suleiman, Nick Brewer, C ences of some of the new artists he’s duo at the three-day festival in London’s Finsbury Park in Damage, Tori Kelly, Jermain Jackman and Etta Bond. The working with. He explained to July, performing alongside previously announced headlin- latest update follows the announcement in February that Vanity Fair magazine: “I’ve got a ers Drake, Avicii, Kendrick Lamar, David Guetta and Nicki rapper A$AP Rocky would be performing at the central label partnership now with LA Reid. Minaj. A “special performance” from the children of actor London celebration, along with Belgian singer-songwriter I’m producing a 19-year-old girl Will Smith has been teased by festival organizers, following Stromae, rising star PARTYNEXTDOOR, drum and bass pro- named Tink, who’s going to change 14-year-old Willow’s breakout 2010 single ‘Whip My Hair’ ducer Netsky and 21-year-old ‘2 On’ hitmaker Tinashe. things back to the days of Lauryn and her older brother Jaden’s featuring slot on Justin Further stars scheduled to appear include Jessie J, Hill and Missy Elliott - girls who gave Bieber’s hit ‘Never Say Never’ in the same year. Clean Bandit Labrinth, Major Lazer, Mary J Blige, Nero, Childish Gambino you substance the way Biggie Smalls and Tupac did. “And a singer named V. Bozeman - collaborator Jess Glynne and ‘I Need’ singer Maverick Sabre and ‘Rather Be’ hitmakers Clean Bandit. and while I don’t like comparing people to other people, she’s going to give you that feel- will also perform at the popular event from July 3 - 5, as ing that Whitney Houston gave you.” well as Lethal Bizzle, Travi$ Scott, MNEK and Sinead Harnett. Other rising stars set to appear at the festival -

Gallagher considering Marling’s ‘undignified’ time away

aura Marling felt her time away from the music retirement from live industry was “undignified”. The singer/songwriter - Lwho has just released her fifth studio album ‘Short performances Movie’, her first in nearly two years - has insisted she had “little choice” in delaying her album release. She said: “I oel Gallagher is considering retirement from had little choice in the matter. It didn’t seem to want to playing live. The 47-year-old rocker admits happen. It was undignified - that’s exactly what it felt Ntouring has become harder as he’s aged, but like. “My music and my ability and my confidence in my insists his passion for making music remains strong. ability were a huge part of my persona. Because that’s The Manchester-born star told the April issue of such a grounding thing to be confidently doing what Loaded magazine: “Maybe I’ll retire from playing live, you are lucky enough to be good at. And I didn’t have it depends how long you can stay. Ten years from now that - for the first time ever. It was horrible.” With it I don’t think I’ll be getting on a bus - it’s undignified. being her first release in over 15 months, the 25-year- But I don’t think I’ll ever stop writing - as long as my old folk musician wanted to take control of the whole brain and bones last out. “I’ll just have to tailor the album and opted to co-produce it alongside her drum- touring. It’s not fun being on a bus for six weeks in mer Matt. She added to news.com.au: “I felt like it was a America. It’s fine when you’re young, but I’m almost 50.” little bit fragile and that I needed to protect it. When I Noel also confessed that he increasingly struggles to thought about producing it myself, it wasn’t that I cope with the party lifestyle of a musician. He shared: thought ‘I’m going to do all of this’ it was more that I knew “The worst thing for me about getting older is the hang- if I produced it myself I would work with these particular overs. Hangovers last for three or four days. “I haven’t got people no questions asked. “The string players are three of the stamina for three days at Glastonbury any more, my oldest friends, the engineer was a lovely friend of mine in although I did that last year and it was horrific. On the third a tiny studio that I love and my drummer Matt basically co-pro- day I get a bad back and all the rest of it, but on the whole, I duced with me. They were all just gentle, ego-less people. It’s hard think I’m doing all right.” You can read the full Noel interview in the to get all of those people in a room if there is someone else running April issue of Loaded, which is out on March 26. the show.”

Coyle’s new album to Alien ‘won’t interfere Lawrence and Cooper are sound like Grammar ‘work husband and wife’ adine Coyle’s new album will be “similar to the London Grammar with Prometheus’ ennifer Lawrence says she and Bradley Cooper are “work husband and wife”, but with sound”. The former Girls Aloud star is working on the follow up to “no intimate relationship”. The Hollywood duo have starred alongside each other in a Nher debut solo LP, 2010’s ‘Insatiable’, and has teased fans can expect eill Blomkamp insists the new ‘Alien’ movie won’t interfere with Jnumber of high-profile movies, including ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ and ‘American it to sound like the ‘Wasting My Young Years’ singing trio. She said: “I would the ‘Prometheus’ franchise. The 35-year-old director has been Hustle’, and speaking ahead of the release of their new movie ‘Serena’, Jennifer said she describe it as similar to the London Grammar sound. It’ll be a little different Nchosen to helm the much-anticipated new movie and has convinced her 40-year-old co-star to appear in the film. The Oscar-winning actress said: “I to what people expect.” The 29-year-old singer - who is dating former revealed he amended one aspect of his film to ensure it would not forced him to come onto [Serena]. I mean, any male role is going to make me think of American football player Jason Bell - revealed she has made speedy tread on the toes of ‘Prometheus 2’. He said: “I changed the one thing Bradley because in my opinion, he’s the best, and I love working with him.” However, when progress on her new music, having already recorded seven songs, with [Ridley Scott] felt was bumping Prometheus a little bit” What’s more, she was asked to reveal the secret to their successful on-screen relationship, Jennifer hopes of releasing the collection before the end of the year. She contin- the director confirmed he already has a title in mind for the new ‘Alien’ joked: “No intimate relationship!” Bradley - who will once again star alongside the 24-year- ued: “I am recording the album as we speak and I’m so, so excited about it. movie, but refused to reveal what it is because it might expose too old beauty in David O. Russell’s ‘Joy’ - said: “I respect her so much as a professional, as an I have about seven songs that I love. “I would love it to be released sooner many plot secrets. He explained to Empire magazine: “It’s kinda quite actor, I think she’s the rather than later but it will definitely be this bold, but it gives away too much if I say best there is.” The year.” The brunette beauty also confessed she the title.” However, it remains unclear release of ‘Serena’ is looking to release the album through a where the new film will sit in the context comes shortly after it “major label”, after her first LP performed poor- of the franchise. Blomkamp said: “Where was widely reported ly due to an exclusivity deal with supermarket it went after Aliens to me, as a fan, was that Bradley had split chain Tesco. Speaking to the Daily Star Sunday, wrong.” In an interview last month, the from his girlfriend Suki she said: “I would like to go with a major label director said he wanted the film to feel Waterhouse. The cou- this time around but I’m just concentrating on like the “genetic sibling of Aliens”. At the ple - who have been making the album at the moment.” The album time, Blomkamp said his film will disre- dating for approxi- update comes just three months after Nadine - gard ‘Alien 3’ and ‘Alien: Resurrection’ and mately two years - are who has 13-month-old daughter Ana?ya - con- will instead carry on from the James said to have parted fessed the album would tell details of her pri- Cameron-directed ‘Aliens’ in 1986. ways before the vate life, and has made her feel “vulnerable”. Blomkamp explained: “I want this film to Academy Awards in She said: “I’m really laying it all out there, feel like it’s literally the genetic sibling of January, which they which is scary. I’m making myself vulnerable.” Aliens. So it’s Alien, Aliens, and then this attended together. movie.” LIFESTYLE37 TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 Music & Movies ‘Game of Thrones’ to live stream premiere in San Francisco

he US premiere of the fifth season of “Game of Thrones” will be held at a palatial building in San Francisco, aptly Tsuited for the television show about a mythical kingdom. But the City by the Bay is also a leading tech hub and HBO plans to give “Game of Thrones” fans access to the red carpet event yesterday by streaming it live on the show’s Facebook page. Many of the series’ stars will attend the event at the War Memorial Opera House and answer fan questions sub- mitted via Facebook. Facebook viewers will also be treated to behind the scenes video features scenes from the new sea- son, HBO said. Visuals from the premiere will also be shared on Instagram. Cast members scheduled to attend include Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Maisie Williams and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. Based on the best-selling book series by George R.R. Martin, “Game of Thrones” is set in the war-torn continent of Westeros, a place where winter and summer can last for decades. The epic fantasy, which tells the story of warring kingdoms, includes stunning landscapes, lots of sex, plenty of sword fights and decapitations and fire-breathing dragons. By Friday, fans had already posted more than 300 questions for the cast on Facebook, ranging from what the actors would name their pet dragons to what characters will die next in the blood soaked epic fantasy. Michael McElhatton, who plays Roose Bolton, promised “shocks” for fans at the world premiere last week held at the historic Tower of London castle in England, but he and the rest of the cast revealed few details about the plot’s twists and turns. Season five premieres April 12 on HBO and on HBO Now, the networks’ streaming service, which will British singer Sting and US singer Paul Simon perform during their On Stage Together Tour 2015 in the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on March 22, 2015. —AFP launch that day on Apple TV.—AP

Outrage over assault on S African Arterton, Considine, Close to author who praised Rushdie star in ‘She Who Brings Gifts’ publisher yesterday condemned a attack,” Steve Connolly, managing direc- violent assault on one of its tor of Penguin Random House in South emma Arterton, Paddy Considine and writer-director Joss Whedon, who proclaimed it earth.” Will Clarke, co-CEO and chairman of Aauthors in South Africa after she Africa, said. Glenn Close are to star in “She Who to be: “Heartfelt, remorseless and painfully Altitude Film Entertainment, said, “‘She Who praised Salman Rushdie, whose work has “Have we reached such a state of GBrings Gifts,” which Altitude Film Sales human...as fresh as it is terrifying. A jewel.” Brings Gifts’ is a smart take on the sci-fi genre often been criticized for alleged blas- intolerance that we cannot listen to one has boarded. Pic is adapted by MR Carey from The screenplay for “She Who Brings Gifts” and with a humanity which will draw a young phemy against Islam. Zainub Priya Dala writer profess admiration for another his novel “The Girl with all the Gifts.” Colm appeared on the Brit List, which is a compendi- adult audience and those already aware of Mike was last week hit in the face with a brick without wanting to attack her with a McCarthy, helmer of British TV shows including um of stellar scripts by non-US writers, set up to Carey’s best-selling novel. With the great cast by knife-wielding assailants who called brick and a knife?” Rushdie used his “Peaky Blinders,” “Sherlock,” “Doctor Who” and complement the US Black List. Scripts that have that has come on board we have a highly com- her “Rushdie’s b**h” a day after she Twitter account to describe the attack on “The Tudors,” will direct the film, which is his first made the list include “The King’s Speech,” “My mercial film which can cut through to a broad expressed admiration for the Booker Dala as “appalling and disgraceful”. major feature. Week with Marilyn” and “The Best Exotic audience.” Prize-winning author at a writers’ forum. Rushdie spent a decade in hiding after Arterton, whose credits include “Tamara “We condemn completely the brutish Iranian spiritual leader Ayatollah Drewe” and “The Disappearance of Alice Creed,” Ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa in is starring in Marjane Satrapi’s “The Voices,” fol- 1989 calling for his death over his book lowing her West End musical stage debut in “The Satanic Verses”. “Made in Dagenham.” Considine was recently Dala was attacked in the southeast- seen in BAFTA-winning British pic “Pride,” and is ern city of Durban a day after she soon to be seen in “Macbeth” with Michael addressed a schools’ writing forum at Fassbender. Close is soon to be seen in Tim which she said she admired Rushdie’s Blake Nelson’s “Anesthesia,” and Bjorn Runge’s style of writing, prompting a walkout by “The Wife.” She just completed a starring run on a group of teachers and students. Dala Broadway in “A Delicate Balance.” told the local Sunday Times that one of “She Who Brings Gifts” is the story of Melanie, three attackers “held a knife to my throat a girl who is full of questions about the world. and called me ‘Rushdie’s b**h’, and hit Every morning, Melanie waits in her cell to be me with a brick.” Police said an investiga- collected for class. When they come for her, tion was under way and no arrests had Sergeant Parks keeps his gun pointing at her been made since the attack on while two of his people strap her into the Wednesday. wheelchair. She thinks they don’t like her. She Dala’s debut novel, “What About jokes that she won’t bite. But they don’t laugh. Meera”, published early this month, is a Melanie is a very special girl. The film is due to story of “one woman’s courageous jour- shoot in the UK May 2015 and is produced by ney to freedom,” according to Umuzi, an Camille Gatin, co-producer of James Marsh’s imprint of Penguin. Rushdie remains a “Shadow Dancer” and Ricky Gervais’ “Special hate figure for some Muslim hardliners, Correspondents,” co-starring Eric Bana, and who forced him to withdraw from a book Angus Lamont, producer of the Berlin festival in India in 2012 after death Competition jury award-winning “‘71,” directed threats. —AFP by Yann Demange. The feature has been devel- oped with the support of the BFI Film Fund. Carey first came to prominence within the world of comic books, writing the “Lucifer” series at DC BBC parks ‘Top Gear’ live shows Vertigo, “Hellblazer” for DC, “X-Men,” “Fantastic Four” and adapting Orson Scott Card’s “Ender’s Shadow” for Marvel, amongst other titles. He while it mulls Clarkson’s Fate also wrote “The Unwritten,” which has made the New York Times graphic novel bestseller list, and was awarded Comic Con’s Inkpot Award in 2012. he BBC has parked a series of live- week. In a speech at a charity auction on shows for its hit motoring show “Top Thursday, Clarkson suggested that his fate Original script Marigold Hotel.” Gatin said, “It’s hugely exciting Altitude Film Sales has recently announced TGear” as a result of the suspension of its was sealed. He spoke about going on a “last More recently, Carey has moved into prose to combine Mike Carey’s truly original script and new projects it is representing internationally, star presenter Jeremy Clarkson. The broad- lap” of the “Top Gear” test track before the “he fiction with thrillers such as “The Dead Sea Colm McCarthy’s dynamic yet sensitive style, including “Anthropoid,” to be directed by Sean caster’s commercial arm, BBC Worldwide, sack me.” But in his column in the Sunday Deception” (under the pseudonym of Adam with such a terrific cast.” Ellis, co-written by Ellis with Anthony Frewin, had been due to stage four shows in Norway, Times yesterday, Clarkson claimed his com- Blake), fantasy novels “The City of Silk and Steel” Lamont added, “Melanie’s story is a complete- and starring Jamie Dornan and Cillian Murphy; with a combined audience of almost 20,000, ments were “all meant in jest.” and “The House of War and Witness,” and the ly unique take on a much loved genre, seamless- and “Palio,” a documentary from Cosima on Friday March 27 and Saturday March 28, An online petition calling for the presen- Felix Castor novels. “The Girl With All the Gifts” is ly blending together a lonely child’s search for Spender, and co-produced by James Gay-Rees but they have now been postponed, with ter’s reinstatement has been signed by more his most recent novel, published in 2014 to criti- love and family with a terrifying journey where and John Hunt. —Reuters new dates yet to be announced. An event than one million people, but Clarkson said in cal acclaim and attracting many fans, including she controls the fate of the last adult humans on spokesman said: “‘Top Gear Live’ regrets to his column in the Sun newspaper on Saturday inform ticket holders for next week’s shows that resistance was futile. “Protest never in Stavanger, Norway, that we will be post- works. Because we are all plankton. And the poning all four performances, with resched- world is run by whales,” he wrote. “You can be uled dates for later this year to be confirmed a big and important plankton but that doesn’t White Othello speaks Sicilian within the next fortnight.” make a jot of difference if a whale has decided Clarkson was suspended after an allega- to eat you up. You can get a million other dialect in Rome production tion that he hit producer Oisin Tymon. A plankton to dress up and wave banners but report on the incident is due to be handed to Mr Whale won’t even notice.” —Reuters ctor and director Luigi Lo Cascio says he “stripped against her. Lo Cascio, a native of Sicily who has made the BBC’s director general Tony Hall this the flesh” from Shakespeare’s great tragedy films on social themes such as the 1978 kidnapping and AOthello for his new version, with a pared-down killing of former premier Aldo Moro by Red Brigades cast and a white-skinned Moor speaking Sicilian dialect. guerrillas, chose the Sicilian dialect because he found The production dispenses with sailors, officers, atten- standard Italian was not powerful enough to transmit dants, family members and the young lieutenant whose Shakespeare’s metaphors and wordplay. presumed love affair with Othello’s wife Desdemona “Dialect came to my aid, it is closer to feelings, to emo- leads the debased general to murder her under the influ- tions,” he told La Repubblica. “A spectator should be able ence of his devious ensign Iago. Only Othello, Iago and to be carried along even if they don’t understand every Desdemona remain, joined by a soldier of Lo Cascio’s letter.” Applause at Rome’s Quirino Theatre on Sunday invention who guides the story like the chorus in classical afternoon suggested the production was having the drama, and physically raises the curtain on one scene. desired effect on members of the audience who did not Iago, portrayed by Lo Cascio himself, Vincenzo Pirrotta’s speak the dialect of the island which has a population of Othello and the soldier Ludovico, played by Giovanni around 5 million. “At the beginning, I didn’t understand it Calcagno, all speak Sicilian dialect-a distinct language at all, but by the end you grasp the sense of the words,” with the same roots as Italian that can be impenetrable to said Franco Scorretti, 73. “Staging Shakespeare in Sicilian outsiders. dialect is a difficult and courageous experiment.” Playing Underlining her isolation, Desdemona, played by on the assumption that theatre-goers already know the Valentina Cenni, is the only character to speak Italian as story of the Machiavellian ensign who conspires to con- she daydreams about joining her husband at war, vince the general of his wife’s infidelity, Lo Cascio’s script unaware that Iago is poisoning her husband’s mind rearranges the timescale. —Reuters lifestyle TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 FASHION

Bollywood actress Madhu Shah. Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone.

Bollywood actress Sonakshi Lakme Sinha. Fashion Week

Sri Lankan Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez attends the grand finale of the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) summer/resort 2015 in Mumbai late on Models showcase creations by designer March 22, 2015. — AP/AFP photos Sonam and Parash Modi on the fourth day of the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW). Hilton gives up fizzy drinks

Indian designer Manish Malhotra Alba’s fashion risks

essica Alba will “wear anything”. According The 33-year-old star - who has Honor, six, Gwen Stefani to the ‘Sin City’ actress’ stylists, Emily and Haven, three, with her husband Cash JCurrent and Meritt Elliott, the brunette Warren - also counts on vibrant accessories to beauty isn’t afraid of being experimental with spice up any outfit. Meritt said: “She picks that Stefani launches her outfits and prefers to take fashion “risks” one accessory that makes you go, ‘Wow!’ We’re than stick to one look. Emily said: “The thing always looking for ways to make an outfit aris Hilton has slimmed down after giving up about Jessica is that she’ll wear anything. She more fun, and she [goes for the bold accesso- watch collection fizzy drinks. The 36-year-old TV personality doesn’t have to play the same part all the ry], even when she’s dressing herself. In that Pand DJ has confessed she feels more com- time.”One day she’ll wear a menswear-inspired respect, she’s a dream client.” Regardless of the wen Stefani has launched a col- fortable with her body after swapping high-calorie look, the next day she’ll wear something really type of look, Jessica insists all her clothes fit lection of watches. The 45-year- sodas for water in an effort to shift the pounds. She feminine. She’s willing to take a lot of risks, so perfectly or makes sure they can be altered to Gold singer is releasing the line of said: “I stopped drinking soda about a year ago. It for us, as stylists, it’s really fun!” Meritt agreed: suit her slender frame. Meritt told US Weekly: timepieces through her Harajuku just shrank my midsection almost overnight. “I “With Jessica, one minute we’re dressing her in “She’s very conscious of fit, so we’re always Lovers brand in collaboration with Q&Q. wanted to drink more water and also I just got designer clothing, the next minute we’re put- keeping that in mind - either it needs to fit The limited edition collection consists tired of it. “I used to like Coca-Cola, that was my top ting her in Topshop. She’s really open, and she very well or it needs to be able to be tailored of nine vibrant styles in various prints soda, because I liked the sweet flavor. I never drank looks incredible in a lot of different things.” to fit well.” — Bang Showbiz including stripes, polkadots and Diet Coke because I didn’t like the way it tasted.” houndstooth. The blonde beauty told The blonde beauty also found a way to up her daily WWD: “I couldn’t be happier with how intake of fruits and vegetables by blending them they turned out. They’re like little wear- into smoothies. She told the Daily Mail newspaper: Rihanna’s wasted wardrobe able pieces of pop art that are collecta- “I like green smoothies, they taste good and they ble. They look super modern while still make me feel more energetic. being playful and fun.” The unisex pieces - which are solar-powered and “I also like regular juices. I get a lot more vita- ihanna buys clothes she doesn’t think a lot about a person by their style. My style is can last three months off one full mins these days, more fruits too, more vegetables, she’ll wear. The 27-year-old singer loves very free. It’s fearless, it’s spontaneous and it’s charge - will retail at $50 each and will more protein, more salads.” Paris previously spoke to “challenge” herself with fashion by risky. It’s daring.” of her plans to ditch junk food for healthier R go on sale at Nordstrom.com and buying “weird” garments and coming up with Last week, Rihanna was unveiled as the new selected Nordstrom stores on April 5th. options, although she insists she never hits the interesting and creative ways to style them. face of Dior. The ‘Rude Boy’ hitmaker will star in Q&Q’s marketing manager, gym and prefers to spend time outdoors to get her She told Grazia magazine: “I love taking a the label’s upcoming Secret Garden campaign, Katsunobu Shimizu, is hoping the team exercise fix. She said: “I lost about five pounds just challenge. I tend to buy things that are weird which is entitled ‘Secret Service’, and has been up will help promote both brands glob- from staying away from the Drive-Thrus, I can feel and I think, ‘I would never wear this’. “I buy shot in both print and on film by photographer ally. She said: “Harajuku Lovers has an the difference especially when I’m in a bathing those things because the challenge is figur- Steven Klein at the Palace of Versailles. The incredibly loyal following. We believe suit.”I used to eat that way, but I decided to change ing out how to wear them.” The ‘We Found advert will be the fourth video released by the the collaboration will help introduce things this year. “I don’t think people expect to Love’ hitmaker loves to express herself with brand as part of their Secret Garden campaign. Q&Q to a new audience and bring hear this, but I grew up a tomboy. I would always her fashion choices and enjoys being “free The three previous installments have all fea- attention to both brands on a global play ice hockey, go skiing when I could. I would and fearless” with her wardrobe. She added: “I tured models, including Daria Strokus, Melissa level.” Gwen also has her own clothing surf, ride bikes, swim. I love to work out outside. I feel fashion is another way to tell people who Stasiuk and Xiao Wen Ju, walking through the label L.A.M.B, which she launched in have always been very active. “I have never been a you are.”It’s another way to tell people who palace’s decorative gardens, situated on the 2004. — Bang Showbiz gym person, it’s not me.” — Bang Showbiz you feel, without saying a word. “You can tell outskirts of Paris. — Bang Showbiz lifestyle TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 FEATURES

A home in Waimanalo, Hawaii once used for the filming of the 1980s television show “Magnum, P.I.”. — AP Hawaii’s ‘Magnum, P.I.’ home sold to Obama’s close friend sprawling beachfront home used in the film- any partners or co-investors in the deal. ter lived in the house on “Magnum P.I.” It was ing of the 1980s television show “Magnum, The 3-acre property is in Waimanalo, next to the known as “Robin’s Nest” on the show. AP.I.” has sold for $8.7 million to a close friend town of Kailua where the Obama family has spent Nesbitt is a Chicago businessman who served as of President Barack Obama. An attorney for Marty the winter holidays in recent years. White House treasurer for Obama’s first presidential run. He is the Nesbitt said Thursday that his client bought the spokesman Josh Earnest said Friday that Obama chairman of the Barack Obama Foundation, which property. Seth Madorsky says Nesbitt didn’t have was not behind the purchase. Tom Selleck’s charac- will build the president’s future library — AP Concrete gains ground Spring decor trends: as decorative material A modern mix with he Pantheon. The Panama Canal. The Hoover Dam. When you think of con- Tcrete, you might imagine great feats of engineering, or at least highway over- a dash of Marsala passes and other sturdy, stolid structures. But concrete has become a stylish medium pring is a favorite transitional time for lovers of predicting that we’ll be seeing Deco-inspired furniture in the home, thanks to interior designers home decor. Shaking out the rugs and washing and accessories for fall 2015 and spring 2016, viewed and artisans. Sthe windows after a long winter feels satisfying, through the sleek aperture of midcentury modern.” “Concrete is such an amazing and and then there’s the prospect of perhaps replacing The sophisticated style’s got legs in both traditional cheap material. I can get an 80-pound bag some old, shabby furnishings with fresh new pieces. and contemporary dÈcor, so there are lots of ways to from Home Depot and turn it into tables, Spring’s also when we start to see the decor trends incorporate it. Ethan Allen has the Shelton sofa with vases and planters without using power A Concrete Chic coffee table’s top is that will find their way home both figuratively and lit- high, curvy arms, the Atwood chair with two swoop- tools,” says Boston-based designer Ben erally through summer and fall. For 2015, these trends ing sides, and a chic little nickel-plated side table. Oyeda, who offers instructions for several finished with a lacquer to protect it and give it a weathered metal look. include a firm embrace of midcentury modern; Urban Outfitters has a vintage-style velvet chaise and projects on his website. emerging Art Deco; strong textures; organic modern fainting couch available in of-the-moment hues. Oyeda uses Lego blocks to make the (a blend of rustic and contemporary); and a color molds for his tables; his pendant fixtures palette centered on sophisticated pastels. start with plastic bottles. “Working with Motifs from the Far East, Morocco and India remain concrete has changed the way I see waste,” strong, but now there are more Greek and South he says. “Every plastic bottle or box has the American elements, including Hellenic patterns, blues potential to be used as a mold for making paired with crisp whites, native motifs, and colorful, a concrete object.” woven textiles and baskets. Ikat and chevron, work- Eric Boyd of Charlotte, North Carolina, horse prints for the past few years, are being edged makes creative countertops by mixing aside by medallion and tile patterns, bold preppy In this photo provided by Target, Nate Berkus concrete with other materials. Aggregate stripes, and new twists on damask, geometrics, color has designed a spring collection for Target additions such as recycled glass or semi- This photo shows a dining table block and watercolor prints. Kate Spade has collabo- Photo provided by Target, Nate Berkus has that includes Deco-style accessories like this precious stones give the concrete a terraz- with a weathered teak base that rated on a new collection with West Elm, for instance, designed a spring collection for Target that gold side table. The pieces have a chic mod- zo look, and he hones the slabs to empha- supports a honed concrete top. that includes chairs and bedding in fun, sophisticated includes Deco-style accessories like this ern look that works well with contemporary size their geologic characteristics. He has graphics, florals and spatter prints. The other news is faceted bowl. or midcentury decor. — AP photos used shells, mother of pearl, tiger’s eye or that designers are mixing things up, so an antique bands of copper to create one-of-a-kind Bentwood chair can be paired with a glossy red desk, slabs for homes and stores. for instance, or a rustic flat-weave rug can sit in front of Color and texture For one client, his team took inspiration a 19th century marble mantel, or a farmhouse table A heady blend of plum, wine and burgundy, from the home’s location: “The (kitchen) can be placed under an ornate glass chandelier. Marsala is Pantone’s color of the year, and while it’s island has a topographic feature which “Design pros have always known it’s the combination likely to be more prevalent come autumn, you can was taken from a map of their property. of finishes that give a room style - it takes the sleek jump on the trend now by adding dashes of the hue. There are also various pebbles from the with the matte; textured with flat; and a mix of paint- Overstock’s Presley throw pillow comes in a strik- property, and a few fossils that were inlaid ed, wood, ceramic and metallic finishes for a room to ing deep-red-and-white houndstooth print. The as well,” he says. look ‘done,’” says Elaine Griffin, a New York-based Calantha wall mirror features a lacquered frame Danish designer Doreen Westphal uses This photo provided by Restoration designer. carved in a floral design. And Safavieh’s Palmer fine Belgian lace to make patterns and Hardware shows a Malay table. Now, thanks to home-design TV shows and social ottoman pairs cream-and-red, windowpane-printed molds for concrete curtains, vases and media, we’re all becoming more knowledgeable dec- cotton with nickel rivets for a versatile little bench. tables. There’s a yin-yang tension that orators. Mass-market retailers are not only offering Look for color used in dramatic ways: a navy lac- emerges from the interplay of the delicate more products that straddle styles, they’re doing a quered cabinet (at CB2), or a glossy burgundy vanity lace motifs and the sturdy concrete. better job of showing us how to use them. In-store (Hastings Tile & Bath’s Made collection). Black is back, AllModern’s got an affordable collec- displays and free design advice help shoppers envi- in a sexy bowfront chest at Wisteria, on walls (Noir is tion of rustic, modern, concrete side and sion how pieces can work at home. “We’ve become Pratt & Lambert’s color of the year) and in Pottery coffee tables with wooden bases. Also here semi-pros at DIY dÈcor,” says Griffin. Feeling confi- Barn’s new Stinson bedroom furniture with curly, is Montreal-based CDI International’s col- dent and inspired? Let’s look at some of what spring’s barley-twist details. Griffin predicts that kitchens Photo provided by lection of midcentury modern-style coffee got in store. with a lot of black - mixed with lighter woods or Target, Nate Berkus This photo provided by Restoration table and stools with oak legs. white - will be hot this year. has designed a spring Hardware shows a ping pong table Furniture styles Sophisticated pastels - what Griffin calls the collection for Target Land of Nod’s Mixed that is a new spring addition to Moroccan style Griffin sees midcentury modern becoming even “Jordan almond’ hues - grace textiles, case goods and that includes Deco- Media table lamps their outdoor collection. West Elm has the little Mesa side table more entrenched in the dÈcor landscape. The pieces even lamps, with mint green and blush pink being the style accessories like come in a spring’s cast in a composite concrete that relieves And the retailer’s Malay cast-concrete are comfier than the originals because of modern con- dominant colors. Wisteria has a collection of sleek, this gold and white newest pastels: teal some of the weight of the solid material. coffee table resembles a chunk of sun- struction methods and materials. “The new shapes are contemporary, sea-foam green acrylic desks and wall hanging. and pink. Brass-finished steel legs hold a can- bleached driftwood; like the dining table the love children between midcentury modern’s twig- tables with a waterfall edge. Textured linens, silks and tilevered concrete top in an industrial-chic above, it would work indoors or out. giness and the traditional overstuffed look. They’re so cottons in tone-on-tone or colorful embroidered elegant jewelry for a room. Nate Berkus’ new collec- console. Crate & Barrel’s Mason Parson’s- A concrete game table would make a fresh-looking that they’re irresistible,” she says. prints, embossed fabrics, leathers, and luxe velvets will tion for Target features geometric metallic motifs on style coffee, side and console tables are substantial permanent fixture for outdoor West Elm’s Peggy collection of trim, tailored sofas grace drapery, upholstery and rugs. pillows and an interesting piece of wall art. Faceted made of concrete embedded with an entertaining. Add the Laguna fiber-cast and loveseats feature nubby cayenne or pebble-gray We were introduced to warm metallics last year; lamps and bath accessories come in white and aggregate that adds interest. The retailer concrete fire pit, a sleek coffee table-size upholstery tucked under slim, pecan-stained legs. The this year, we’ll get to know them better. Lighting and brushed gold. “I gravitate toward pieces that feel archi- has introduced the curvy new Morocco piece with glass panels and a contempo- Crosby collection puts a tufted cushion on a trimmed- accessories are being rendered in brass, copper and tectural,” Berkus says. He mixed “beachy touches” of concrete dining table this spring, for rary vibe. If the look of concrete intrigues down wingback that’s especially smart in armchair rose gold. color for a vibe he considers “‘70s modernism.” Pierced indoors or out. you but you’re not prepared to deal with and sectional versions. Urban Outfitters’ Sterling sofa At the modern end of the spectrum, powder-coat- metal lampshades could only be found at high-design Restoration Hardware’s got a honed the material itself, consider wallpaper pho- and Dagmar chair fit the vibe, as does the Draper ed metal is showing up in pastels and bright colors, in ateliers a year ago, but now Ikea’s Nymo collection concrete table top on a wood base crafted toprinted to look like raw concrete slabs; media cabinet, which resembles a retro hi-fi console. fun wire lounge chairs at Land of Nod, file cabinets at comes in black or white with copper interiors. Lighter from British timbers; the juxtaposition of some even come with graffiti, if you’re Griffin says Art Deco will really start to emerge this CB2 and steel baskets with birch handles at Ikea. woods reflect both midcentury and farmhouse mod- materials makes for a striking piece. after an edgier look. —AP year. “We’re seeing its first wave now in the new linear, Bernhardt’s new collection includes a brass-clad dress- ern aesthetics; look for light oak and pine, maple, wal- jazz-inspired graphics and block prints,” she says. “I’m er and several gold or silver side tables and benches - nut, acorn and beech. — AP Hawaii’s ‘Magnum, P.I.’ home sold to Obama’s close friend

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 39

Dancers from Ailey II performPinball a scene from “breakthrough” during the New York season dress rehearsal before openingparadise night at the Joyce Theater in New York. Ailey II is the junior ensemble of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. — AFP lives on in Budapest basement

listening signs, flashing lights and non- kle fills the air-even hosts a tiny workshop stop tinkling lure scores of tourists in where repairmen, collectors themselves, GBudapest to Europe’s largest pinball rebuild flipper games. During the communist museum, where a passionate collector is bent era, Hungary was more open than its East bloc on reviving the once-popular pastime. In the neighbors so pinball games-an example of basement of a nondescript apartment house, Western products so admired by many of Balazs Palfi displays a unique collection of over those stuck behind the Iron Curtain-made 140 working machines that has turned into their way more readily into this country of 10 pilgrimage site for pinball enthusiasts. “Video million. “Flippers were allowed into the coun- games cannot replace them,” insisted the 42- try even earlier than Coca-Cola so they year-old Hungarian on a busy Saturday in his became cult items and the attraction museum. “Since the 1990s, pinball machines remained for generations to come,” said Palfi, have disappeared from most bars. But there is who estimates that hundreds of thousands of now a renaissance of pinball culture. Hungarians still played daily in the 1990s. “From bars and pubs, the pinball scene Of the 20,000-odd machines at work in the moved to museums and collectors,” he told mid-90s, Palfi estimates that barely 300 can be AFP. Launched less than a year ago, Palfi’s found in pubs and cafes today, casualties of museum became a quick success. Open to the slot machines-more lucrative for bar owners, public five days a week, it has become a top tougher regulations and other new distrac- attraction in Hungary’s capital, according to tions. “This could be seen as nostalgia, but it the popular travel website Tripadvisor. Most isn’t for me,” he said of his desire to revive pin- machines are usually available, and visitors are ball culture. “I still feel the same as I did 30 encouraged to play as long as they want for an years ago with every ball, trying to make the eight euro ($9) entrance fee. On busy weeks most of it.” — AFP an average 400 people show up, losing them- selves in the maze of games and mesmerized for hours. More than half of the visitors are for- eigners.

‘A retro thing’ “We don’t have them anymore in England, it is a retro thing,” enthused one visitor who identified herself as Kim. A Canadian tourist Visitors play in the ‘Pinball Museum’, so called ‘Flipper Galery’. — AFP photos shrieked with delight, saying: “Oh my God, I have not played ‘The Simpsons’ since I was a cave-like setting. “Mesevonat” (Tale Train) and is on display at back then.” He said the price of a pinball kid!” The oldest piece in the collection dates A handful of arcade games, such as “Space the museum. Each item is neatly labeled, just machine can range from 500 euros ($530) up back to 1871, when the ball had to make its Invaders” or “Mortal Kombat” are also available. like in a real museum, with its production date, to 10,000 euros ($10,613) for rarities-such as way though dozens of pins on a wooden Only a fifth of the machines were bought in the name of the manufacturer, the designer, an ACDC limited version or “Medieval board. Flashing vintage machines from the Hungary. The rest Palfi located and shipped the artist and number of units produced. Madness”-depending on the title, production 1980s and 1990s feature popular rock bands from 16 different countries, including the The soft-spoken Palfi started to collect pin- year and popularity of the game. New ones like Guns N’ Roses and ACDC or movies like United States, Belgium and France. Hungary ball games six years ago on an auction web- usually cost about 4,000 euros ($4,200). “Indiana Jones” or “Star Wars”. Horror and itself never produced pinball machines. The site. He loved the games as a kid and played a space themes notably are in vogue, with only known game in Hungarian was adapted lot during his university years studying eco- Not nostalgia An emblem of Hungarian ‘Pinball Museum’ tourists and hipsters flocking to the noisy from a Spanish game and is called nomics, saying with a smile: “I had a lot of time The museum-where only the machines’ tin- is printed on T-shirt.

Owner of the ‘Pinball Museum’, Hungarian collector Balazs Palfi plays with a Visitors play in the ‘Pinball Museum’, so called ‘Flipper Galery’. pinball machine.