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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 RABI ALTHANI 15, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net
IS burns captured Min 10º Max 25º High Tide Jordan pilot alive 13:23 Low Tide 07:07 & 18:42 40 PAGES NO: 16423 150 FILS Amman to execute female bomber • Amir condemns ‘despicable’ murder
from the editor’s desk Time to stand with Umm Al Dunya
By Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan
uring the recent visit of Egyptian Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab to Kuwait, he Dmet the editors-in-chief of local media, including myself, at Bayan Palace. Rather than a press conference, we had a friendly discussion about recent events, Kuwait-Egypt ties and oth- er matters of mutual concern. I came away from that meeting with a renewed sense of hope in the future of one of the Arab world’s oldest civi- lizations. The truth is that Egypt is the backbone of the Arab world. Its strength and stability are critical (Above) This still image made from video released by Islamic State group militants purportedly shows Jordanian pilot Lt Maaz Al-Kassasbeh standing in a cage just before being burned to death by his captors. for the entire region. I will not comment on (Left) Anwar Al-Tarawneh, the wife of Kassasbeh, holds a poster of him as she weeps during a protest in what happened during or in the aftermath of Amman earlier yesterday. — AP the Arab Spring except to say that as always, we are with the Egyptian people and we wish them BEIRUT/KUWAIT: The Islamic State group released a in shed in vain and... vengeance will be proportional to HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- stability, security and prosperity. We have not video yesterday purportedly showing the burning alive this catastrophe that has struck all Jordanians”. Jaber Al-Sabah strongly condemned the murder of forgotten the support and participation of of a Jordanian pilot, in the jihadists’ most brutal execu- State television said Kassasbeh had been killed Jan 3, Kassasbeh, saying this “terrorist and despicable” act was Egypt during Saddam’s invasion of Kuwait and tion yet of a foreign hostage. The highly produced 22- before IS offered to spare his life and free a Japanese unrelated to religions and traditions. In a cable to we continue to look upon Egypt as a friendly minute video released online showed images of a man journalist in return for the release of a female would-be Jordan’s King Abdullah, the Amir expressed Kuwait’s and brotherly nation. purported to be the pilot Maaz Al-Kassasbeh, who was suicide bomber on death row in Jordan. A security offi- “strong condemnation of this criminal act carried out by Egypt is also an important leader in regional captured in December, engulfed in flames inside a met- cial said the woman, Iraqi Sajida Al-Rishawi would be so-called Islamic State when it executed Jordanian pilot security concerns and a primary mediator in the al cage. executed at dawn today. “The death sentence will be Maaz Al-Kassasbeh, and the vicious way he was execut- Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Not to mention its Amman confirmed the death of the 26-year-old, carried out on a group of jihadists, starting with ed”. HH the Amir reaffirmed Kuwait’s rejection of all while the video’s authenticity has still not been verified, Rishawi, as well as Iraqi Al-Qaeda operative Ziad Karbuli forms of terrorism, and was joining hands with the importance in the Syria and Iraq issues. A stable and vowed an “earth-shattering” response. The military and others who attacked Jordan’s interests,” the security international community to eliminate it. Egypt will be able to play a bigger role in help- warned that “the blood of the martyr will not have been source said. Continued on Page 13 ing resolve these conflicts and reducing the threat posed by the self-proclaimed Islamic State (Daesh). In Kuwait, we believe that now is the time to Kharafi Group plans Egypt investments help Egypt rebuild its economy. To provide jobs KUWAIT: Egyptian Prime Minister munications. and income for the Egyptian people. We can see Ibrahim Mahlab met prominent Mahlab welcomed the offers, the possibilities of its future and know that this Kuwaiti businessman, Al-Kharafi pointing out that Egypt was cur- is a good time for Kuwaiti businessmen to take Group representative and Vice rently working on facilitating the advantage of the opportunity to do business in Chairman of Zain Telecommunic- attraction of new investments, the Arab world’s most populous nation and ation Co Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi solving years-long investor prob- grow together. during his visit to Kuwait. As part lems and support serious compa- of Kharafi’s plans to launch nies and investors. Highly com- During the conversation, Prime Minister investments in the new Egyptian mending the role played by the Mahlab noted that cooperation and ties administrative capital, the Al- late Nasser Mohammed Abdul between Kuwait and Egypt are long-standing Kharafi and Al-Mulla groups Mohsen Al-Kharafi in supporting and historical and many Kuwaitis have studied announced their intention to and encouraging Kuwaiti invest- in Egypt or joined the Egyptian army when it build a Mitsubishi automobile ments in Egypt over decades, fought against Israel. He also noted that the factory in Bani Swaif governorate Mahlab stressed Al-Kharafi group Egyptian government plans to pass new legisla- once the franchise is approved by was one of the most successful Mitsubishi Japan. Kharafi also investors in Egypt that provides tion to make Egypt more attractive to foreign announced Zain’s intention to job opportunities for over 80,000 investment, another step that will promote invest in Egypt, making use of Egyptian employees in its proj- KUWAIT: Egyptian Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab meets Al-Kharafi Group representative and Vice Kuwait-Egypt economic ties. their long experience in telecom- ects and factories in Egypt. Chairman of Zain Telecommunication Co Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi during his visit to Kuwait. HRW slams free speech crackdown ‘Mockingbird’ author Lee
By Nawara Fattahova HRW released a statement urging the The government has also revoked the citizen- to publish second novel Kuwaiti government to take urgent steps to ship of critics in three cases, leaving them KUWAIT: A crackdown on free speech was the amend national laws that officials are using to stateless. “The Kuwaiti authorities seem to NEW YORK: American author Harper suaded her to write a novel from the focus of a Human Rights Watch report crack down on free speech, and stop revoking think that it is not enough to use lengthy jail Lee is to publish a second novel, more point of view of a young Scout, set 20 released yesterday, as the watchdog accused citizenship to punish its critics and peaceful sentences to punish critical tweets and other than half a century after the release of years earlier. Kuwait of escalating punishments against opponents. Over the past year, officials have peaceful dissent,” said Houry. her much-loved classic “To Kill a The reclusive Lee, 88, who lives in her people critical of the government. In the 656- brought charges against a number of critics. Continued on Page 15 Mockingbird,” HarperCollins announced native Alabama, said she was “humbled page World Report 2015, its 25th edition, yesterday. “Go Set a Watchman” was and amazed” that the manuscript was to Human Rights Watch reviews human rights written in the 1950s and fea- be published after so many practices in more than 90 countries. The tures many of the same charac- years, not realizing it had sur- Kuwait report also shed light on the contin- ters as “Mockingbird.” It was vived. “In the mid-1950s, I ued problems of bedoons and the plight of recently rediscovered and will completed a novel called ‘Go be released on July 14, the pub- Set a Watchman.’ It features migrant workers among human rights issues lishing house said. Lee won the the character known as Scout that need to be improved in Kuwait. Pulitzer Prize for “To Kill a as an adult woman and I Nadim Houry, Deputy Middle East and Mockingbird” - a searing tale of thought it a pretty decent North Africa Director at HRW said that the racial injustice in the Great effort. “My editor, who was report this year focused on how governments Depression-era South that was Harper Lee taken by the flashbacks to are dealing with security challenges and published in July 1960. Scout’s childhood, persuaded instability. “What worries us most is the terror The novel - standard reading in me to write a novel from the point of and violation of human rights by groups like American classrooms for decades - has view of the young Scout. I was a first- IS and others. We also registered violations by been translated into more than 40 lan- time writer, so I did as I was told.” some governments dealing with these terror- guages and made into a film that won She said close friend and lawyer Tonja ist organizations. We are happy that there is three Oscars, including one for lead Carter had rediscovered the manuscript still some freedom in Kuwait and we hope actor Gregory Peck. “Go Set a and “after much thought and hesitation,” that more improvements will talk place next KUWAIT: (From left) Human Rights Watch’s Deputy Director of Middle East and North Watchman” was actually written earlier Lee shared it with a handful of people, year,” he said during a press conference yes- Africa division Nadim Houry, Director of Kuwait’s Human Rights Society Mohammad Al- then “Mockingbird” but was set aside who decided it should be published. terday at the headquarters of the Kuwait Humaidi and Yemen and Kuwait researcher with HRW, Belkis Wille hold a press confer- and presumed lost after Lee’s editor per- Continued on Page 15 Human Right Society (KHRS). ence yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat (FULL REPORT ON PAGE 6) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 LOCAL
Souk Mubarakiya is lit up for the national celebrations. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Mubarakiya Festival promotes social and national values
KUWAIT: Chairperson of the Kuwaiti Voluntary Work Center Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah said that Al- Mubarakiya festival will continue until the end of February, as it is attracting large numbers of youth. Sheikha Amthal, also secretary of the permanent commit- tee for celebrating festivals and national occasions, thanked His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for patronizing the event, in a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) yesterday. The festival, which kicked off on February 1st, aims to encourage social and national values in youth, while also working on developing the abilities and talents of this category of the society, she noted. The festival is divided into three time periods, allowing 88 youths to showcase their projects and products in each period, said Sheikha Amthal. She also added that this is the first exhibition of its kind in the Middle East, where participants are not charged Chairperson of the Kuwaiti Voluntary for any services. The festival, inaugurated Work Center Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad by Minister of Information and Minister Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, including perfumes, bakhoor (incense), includes various booths where Kuwaiti clothes, accessories, food items and oth- youths present products of their own, ers. — KUNA NBK organizes seminar on UK taxation changes
Fawzi Al Dajani
KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait latest developments and the outlook the best investment opportunities (NBK) will hold a seminar titled of the residential property market in and services. NBK continues to enjoy “London Residential Property: London. the widest banking presence with an Important Taxation changes and out- Fawzi Al Dajani, NBK London international network reaching 170 look” on Wednesday 11th of February, General Manager, said that the semi- branches worldwide. NBK’s interna- 2015. UK experts will discuss changes nar will provide NBK customers with tional presence spans many of the to the taxation of UK residential prop- an insight on these important topics. world’s leading financial centers erties for non-UK residents and the The seminar will be of particular inter- including London, Paris, Geneva, New outlook for the residential real estate est to customers who already own or York and Singapore, as well as China market in London. intend to buy residential property in (Shanghai). Meanwhile, regional cov- The seminar will host Robert UK. NBK London offer selective real erage extends to Lebanon, Jordan, Blower, a senior partner at the leading estate services which include assisting Iraq, Egypt, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the London Law Firm Charles Russell clients to identify and purchase prop- UAE, and Turkey. NBK continues to Speechlys LLP and Tom Bill Head of erties that meet their requirements, enjoy collectively the highest ratings London Residential Research at timely settlement of all periodic utility among all banks in the Middle East Knight Frank, one of the world leading bills, real estate financing, and estab- from the three international rating real estate firms. Robert Blower will lishing and managing offshore struc- agencies Moody’s, Fitch Ratings and present an overview of the recently tures that can own properties in the Standard and Poor’s. NBK was also announced tax changes related to res- UK. named among Global Finance’s list of idential property in the UK for non-UK With its large international net- the 50 safest banks in the world for resident owners. Bill will present the work, NBK provides customers with the ninth consecutive time. New power stations ‘98 percent complete’
By Faten Omar Touring the Subiya power station’s transport terminals, workstations and oil and water storage tanks yesterday, generators, where the work will stop in KUWAIT: Minister of Public Works and Ibrahim said water consumption dur- May and resume in November. Ibrahim Minister of Electricity and Water ing winter is less than that in summer pointed out that water production in Abdulaziz Al-Ibrahim announced that by 100 million imperial gallons, point- Kuwait is stable, praising the coopera- the new power stations in Subiya and ing to the need for cooperation to tion of residents. Assistant Unders-ecre- Al-Zour North will enter service this rationalize water consumption. “The Al- tary for the Subiya power and water month as scheduled, noting that the Zour North power plant will also pro- desalination plants Iyad Al-Falah said two stations are 98 percent complete. duce 230 megawatts by June,” he said, the ministry had signed a KD125 mil- He said an additional 4,200 million adding the ministry is continuing the lion contract with a local company for imperial gallons of water will boost the process of establishing new stations. the construction, operation and main- total water production, pointing out The minister noted dozens of con- tenance of the power plant to enhance that Kuwait is the first in the region in tracts are signed for the maintenance the electrical capacity of the network terms of water storage. of all distribution stations for homes, by 500 megawatts. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 LOCAL
KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday received Jordanian Ambassador to Kuwait Mohammad Al-Kayed who handed His Highness a letter from Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah. (Right) His Highness the Amir yesterday also received at Bayan Palace Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Kuwait Abdulaziz Al-Fayez who handed His Highness a let- ter from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud tackling brotherly relations between the two countries and the latest developments on the regional and international arenas. — KUNA Kuwait’s support to Egypt Kuwait, WHO mark World contributes to security: PM Cancer Day
Mahlab meets editors-in-chief KUWAIT: Kuwait will be marking the World Health Organization (WHO) and Union for International Cancer KUWAIT: Egypt’s Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab said Kuwait’s Ministry, has been focusing its coverage on the lives of peoples ready before the March 13 economic conference. Mahlab said Control’s (UICC) ‘World Cancer Day’ today as part of the support to Egypt contributed to boosting security and stability and civilizations. Egypt wanted to have an internationally-standard investment global rally against the deadly ailment. “Taking place in the region, noting that Cairo enjoyed solid relations with Mahlab highlighted the constructive meetings he had with law, and that the country established a mechanism that would under the tagline ‘Not Beyond Us’, ‘World Cancer Day’ Kuwait in all domains. Mahlab, during a meeting with editors-in- Parliament Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem and representatives of solve investment disputes. 2015 will take a positive and proactive approach to the chief of local newspapers and KUNA’s Deputy Director General the private sector. He added he also met Abdullatif Al-Hamad, Asked about the security situation in Egypt, Mahlab said the fight against cancer, highlighting that solutions do exist for Editorial Sector and Chief Editor Saad Ali, said his meetings Board Chairman and Director General of Kuwait-based Arab situation was stable and the government was determined to across the continuum of cancer, and that they are within with HH the Amir and senior Kuwaiti officials were successful. Fund for Economic and Social Development, Director General of confront anyone who wanted to undermine security. He our reach,” said a statement on the UICC’s World Cancer He said he conveyed a message from Egyptian President the Public Investment Authority Bader Al-Saad and Deputy accused the Muslim Brotherhood of attempting to destroy the Day website. “The campaign will explore how we can Abdelfattah Al-Sisi to HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic state. On the recent attack in north Sinai that killed and wound- implement what we already know in the areas of preven- Jaber Al-Sabah, as well as discussing ways of cementing bilateral Development Hesham Al-Wuqayyan. ed scores of Egyptian forces, Mahlab said the assault “is part of a tion, early detection, treatment and care, and in turn, relations and cooperation, as well as strengthening common He said he earlier with Ali Al-Ghanem, President of Kuwait terror episode that came from the borders and tunnels”. Mahlab, open up to the exciting prospect that we can impact the Arab action, reported KUNA. Mahlab praised Kuwait’s leading Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and KCCI members. He on the other hand, said a political solution was the only way to global cancer burden - for the better.” cultural role through its distinguished publications, citing Al- said the Egyptian government was keen on passing new legisla- end the conflict in Syria. He called on the Syrian regime to recon- Speaking on Kuwait’s efforts to tackle the disease, Araby magazine, which he described as a “cultural encyclopedia”. tions that would attract foreign investments. He said he briefed sider its policies vis-a-vis the conflict, which has killed hundreds Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for sup- He said the monthly magazine, published by the Information the KCCI members about a new investment law that would be of thousands of people. — KUNA portive medical services Dr Jamal Al-Harbi said that Kuwait was keen on battling cancer, noting that over 50 percent of cancer diseases could be avoided and treated, however, to do so, a thorough campaign must follow to spread awareness on cancer and means to defeat it. Kuwait is observing the World Cancer Day to showcase its commitment to the global efforts against cancer, said the official. A ministerial decree was issued last year making it imperative on part of physicians and doctors to report cancer cases to the authorities at the ministry. The step was taken to gather as much needed data on cancer to enable the state to find means to tackle the dis- ease. According to Health Ministry statistics, breast cancer is the prevailing type of cancer in Kuwait with 35.8 per- cent of 2,063 cases amongst women reported in 2012. Amongst men in Kuwait, colon and rectal cancer were frequently reported with a percentage of 14.3 while prostate cancer came second by 12.6 percent in 2012. Reports by the World Health Organization attributed 30 percent of cancer cases to eating disorders, lack of exer- cise, in addition to smoking and alcohol. Pollution also plays part in the spread of cancer in addition to viral infec- tions. — KUNA Kuwait and Spain celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties
KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah’s visit to the Spanish capital Madrid sets another milestone for the 50 years of diplomatic relations and cooperation between Kuwait and Spain. Kuwaiti-Spanish diplomatic ties began in 1964. KUWAIT: Egyptian Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab (center) chats with Kuwait Times Editor-in-Chief Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan, KUNA’s Deputy Director General for Editorial Kuwait took the diplomatic ties further with the opening of its Sector and Chief Editor Saad Ali and other editors-in-chief during a meeting on Monday, 2nd February 2015. Egypt’s Prime Minister and the accompanying delegation left embassy in Madrid in 1972, spelling the beginning of strong yesterday after a three-day official visit at an invitation by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamadl-Sabah. A — KUNA ties that will continue on for half a century. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah and former King of Spain Juan Carlos I, who abdicated the throne in favor of his son Felipe VI, have had long and strong relations which led former King Carlos to visit Kuwait KOC and General Electric during its 50th Independence Day and the 20th anniversary of Liberation. Spain’s stern stance with Kuwait against the Iraqi invasion in 1990 was another indication that relations between the two countries were strong during time of crises. Spain had provided logistics support for the forces involved in in research, training deal the operation to free Kuwait in 1991. On the other hand, Kuwaiti and Spanish relations within the economic and commercial domains have also flourished. Commercial exchange between Spain and Kuwait has Kuwait Oil Company, GE Oil & Gas ink MoU) increased substantially by 87 percent between 2003 and 2013. Kuwaiti exports to Spain have reached KD56 million while By Sara Ahmed (KIPRC) collaboration strategy and can be used to pro- Spanish exports to Kuwait have reached KD88 million. From mote cooperation in areas that address our collective 1979 till 2011, Kuwait and Spain had signed various accords FLORENCE, Italy: Kuwait Oil Company has inked an challenges and to support the acceleration of the and deals within the investment, transportation, culture and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with US-based learning curve in KOC in accordance with R&D/TM education, tourism, and diplomatic domains. GE Oil & Gas for research and development and special- Roadmap..” Kuwait energy companies have worked ized training programs. The announcement of the deal with GE since the 1970s. Just last week, GE Oil & Gas was made at GE’s annual meeting in Florence Italy, held warned that it would lay off around 300 workers at a All ports work from Feb 2-3. No details were provided on the timeline Texas subsidiary due to lower oil prices. for finalizing the MoU or of the projected costs of a Meanwhile KOC also recently received delivery of contract. the second of 14 Damen tugs. A Damen ASD 3213 class normally: KPA GE will work with KOC, a subsidiary of state petrole- tug, named KOC Shahem at Damen Galati facility in um corporation, the Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC), Romania. KOC has ordered nine ASD 3213 and five ASD KUWAIT: All the country’s ports are working normally “to collaborate in the state of Kuwait in research and 2810 tugs from the Netherlands-based Damen and meeting international safety and security criteria, development (R&D), develop cost-effective solutions Shipyards Group. The orders are part of an effort by Kuwait Ports Authority (KPA) said yesterday. In a press for the oil and gas sector and provide specialized train- KOC to strength its fleet of tugs to assist oil tankers at statement, the KPA quashed reports published by some ing programs for engineers to strengthen Kuwaiti near-shore loading terminals and new single point newspapers on Monday that the country’s ports could skilled talent,” according to a press statement from GE. moorings offshore Kuwait. shut down due to failure to fulfill safety and security The signing ceremony took place on the eve of the The design and build contract was signed in standards. “Such reports are untrue and baseless,” it said, opening of the 16th GE Oil & Gas Annual Meeting in September 2012. KOC’s long-term strategy involves pointing that the ports’ management didn’t receive any Florence. Hashem Hashem, CEO of KOC and Nizar Al- increasing the country’s export capacity with substan- official warning from concerned authorities in this Adsani, CEO of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation attend- tial investments being made in facilities, equipment, regard either inside or outside the country. International ed. research & development and human talent. The inspection teams pay periodical visits to Kuwaiti ports Hashem said: “As we go forward, realizing success Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries reports for checking and making recommendations, it noted. It will hinge on collaborating with local and international member state Kuwait increased oil production from even urged local newspapers to ensure accuracy so as institutions. For this, KOC approached GE Oil & Gas to November to December, the last full month for which not to publish reports that could undermine the ports’ achieve a collaborative partnership that comes in-line data are available, by 0.5 percent to around 2.7 million reputation. — KUNA with Kuwait International Petroleum Research Center’s barrels per day.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 LOCAL
In Brief 5 Kuwait pilots graduate Kuwait, Morocco boost ties WHO hails Kuwait ROME: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Italy Sheikh Ali Khaled RABAT: A positive atmosphere prevailed during the GENEVA: Director-General of the World Health Al-Jaber Al-Sabah attended the graduation ceremony preparatory meetings held ahead of the eighth Kuwaiti- Organization (WHO) Dr Margaret Chan stressed yester- of the first batch of Kuwaiti pilots at the largest Italian Moroccan higher committee meeting with both parties day that Kuwait’s decision to host the third donors’ air base in Lecce, southern Italy. The graduation, focusing on means to bolster ties in all possible conference for Syrians reflects its leading and humani- according to a statement by Kuwait’s embassy in Rome domains, said a Kuwaiti official late Monday. Speaking tarian role across the globe. During a meeting with is seen as complimenting Kuwait’s national celebrations to KUNA, member of the Kuwaiti delegation and Kuwait’s permanent delegate to the UN Ambassador and the ninth anniversary of His Highness the Amir Director of the Department of the Arab World at the Jamal Al-Ghunaim, Chan commended great contribu- Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s accession Foreign Ministry Ambassador Abdulhamid Al-Failakawi tions by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- to office, as well as the 50th anniversary of establishing said the committee’s meeting Tuesday, will focus on Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to carrying out WHO’s activi- diplomatic ties with Italy. bolstering ties. ties and programs. Saudi bans imports of Kuwait cows due to virus
KUWAIT: Saudi Arabia’s Agriculture 46 cases found in dairy cattle in and internal organs. It only affects Ministry issued a decision to impose Sulaibiya. Most of Kuwait’s dairy cattle and there is no evidence that a temporary ban on the import of farms are located there. the virus can affect humans. cattle from the State of Kuwait A follow up test conducted at the However it can be economically because of the lumpy skin disease, Central Veterinary and Research devastating for cattle ranchers and according to the Saudi Press Agency. Laboratory on 24 December 2014 dairies due to a high mortality rate The decision came from the renewal indicated positive and weekly follow and outbreaks due to high infection of a warning bulletin issued by the up tests are continuing. Lumpy skin rates. There is no specific antiviral World Organization for Animal disease (LSD) is a pox virus very treatment available for LSD-infected Health (OIE) about an outbreak of closely related to sheep and goat cattle. Two vaccines, however, lumpy skin disease in dairy cows in pox and is characterized by depres- Neethling and Kenya sheep and Sulaibiya. The outbreak was original- sion, fever and nodules of varying goat pox virus, have been used ly recorded in November 2014, with size on the skin, mucous membranes widely in Africa with success.
Arab World launches youth scientific research, Kuwait ranks well invention competition CAIRO: The Arab Science and Technology Foundation is organizing a competition for youth to relate their scientific research to the needs of Arab societies and economies. The competition includes inventions and researches in the field of desalination, renewable sources, agricul- on ‘misery index’ ture, health, information technology and means of aiding people with special needs, said the foundation’s deputy chairman Ghada Amer yesterday. Application forms to join the competition can be submitted from February 10th to March 30th for Arab youth of all nationalities, Misery Index Least miserable - Brunei, Switzerland, China, Taiwan, Japan she noted. Meanwhile, Amer said that the event will be named after 1. Venezuela- 106.03 56. Mauritius- 17.82 KUWAIT: Professor Farouk El-Baz, the famous Egyptian American space scien- Kuwait ranked among ranked the most miserable at ranks 95th, just three spots above 2. Argentina- 68 57. Estonia- 17.57 the ‘least miserable’ countries in 47th place, largely due to unem- Kuwait and four above Bahrain. tist who worked with NASA, creating a role model for all youth. 3. Syria- 63.9 58. Romania- 16.75 Winners of the first places will have a total of one million Egyptian the Middle East, coming in at a ployment. Qatar came in 82 and Data used for the index were 4. Ukraine- 51.8 59. Slovenia- 16.63 pound worth of prizes, while providing them with intellectual prop- respectable 92 out of 108 coun- Bahrain at 91 is deemed just a bit sourced from the World Bank, 5. Iran- 49.10 60. Slovakia- 16.43 erty rights and patents for the first 10 winning topics, she said. Once 6. Brazil- 42.79 tries. The lower the ranking, the more miserable than Kuwait. The Economic Intelligence Unit, the final results were announced, the foundation will work with both 61. Fiji- 16.03 7. Sao Tome 42.06 less miserable the living condi- United Arab Emirates wasn’t International Monetary Fund and winners and investors of the same field to discuss bringing their 62. Seychelles- 15.67 8. Serbia- 40.32 63. Poland- 15.54 tions in the country, according to included in the list (due to a lack the National Bureau of Labour inventions into markets. the US-based CATO Institute. of data). The five most miserable Statistics. The misery index score, Professor El-Baz on his part said that the competition, patronized by 9. Jamaica- 39.85 64. Sri Lanka- 15.27 Egyptian President Abdelfattah Al-Sisi, aims to develop the abilities of 10. South Africa- 39.16 65. Trinidad - 15.13 Ranked according to inflation, countries in the world at the end calculated by Johns Hopkins pro- Arab youth in contributing to their society’s development, without the 11. Sudan- 38.71 66. Vietnam- 15.02 unemployment and lending of 2014 are, in order: Venezuela, fessors Steve Hanke, Charles Jie need for western technologies. He noted that the Arab World has so 12. Macedonia- 36.53 67. Hungary- 14.94 rates, the countries of the world Argentina, Syria, Ukraine, and and Kevin Zhang, is simply the many resources that enables the countries to execute huge projects, 13. Kyrgyzstan- 35.17 68. Latvia- 14.94 are summed up according to Iran. The five least miserable are sum of the unemployment, lend- which will improve the lives of citizens and increase the income. The Arab 14. Belarus- 34.81 69. Morocco- 14.75 their levels of relative ‘miserable- Brunei, Switzerland, China, ing and inflation rates minus the Science and Technology Foundation is an independent non-profit, 15. Armenia- 34.45 70. Chile- 14.42 ness’. Taiwan, and Japan. Its interesting per cent change in real GDP per 16. Spain - 34.32 regional and international organization. The body was established by a 71. France- 14.17 In the GCC, Saudi Arabia to note that the United States capita. number of Arab and non-Arab scientists, along with representatives of 17. Palestinian T- 33.50 72. Lithuania- 13.96 different Arab and international scientific organizations. —KUNA 18. Egypt- 32.72 73. Ecuador- 13.72 19. Greece- 32.02 74. Ireland- 13.62 20. Cyprus- 31.55 75. Mexico- 13.18 In my view 21. Bosnia- 31.22 76. Malta- 12.73 22. Turkey- 29.72 77. El Salvador- 12.56 23. Mongolia- 29.25 78. Australia- 12.53 Custodian of the 24. Belize- 28.90 79. Belgium- 12.22 25. Uruguay- 28.37 Two Holy Mosques 26. Honduras- 28.07 80. Philippines- 12.21 27. Dominican- 27.98 81. Finland- 11.79 28. Barbados- 27.83 82. Qatar- 11.79 29. Paraguay- 27.01 83. Iceland - 11.66 30. Costa Rica- 26.87 84. New Zealand- 11.47 31. Croatia- 26.77 85. Israel- 11.16 By Abdullah Buwair 32. Kazakhstan- 26.33 86. United Kingdom- 11.03 33. Pakistan- 26.13 87. Denmark- 10.96 34. Nicaragua- 25.06 88. Czech Republic- 10.76 35. Georgia- 24.82 89. Canada- 10.62 36. Jordan- 23.59 90. Netherlands- 9.94 37. Azerbaijan- 23.32 91. Bahrain- 9.77 [email protected] 38. India- 23.14 92.Kuwait- 9.65 39. Cape Verge- 22.81 93. Panama- 9.39 40. Portugal- 22.53 audi Arabia is not like any other GCC state. Most 94. Hong Kong- 9.25 importantly, it includes the holy mosques. The 41. Albania- 21.60 S 42. Russia- 21.42 95. United States- 9.22 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King 96. Sweden- 9.01 Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz was crowned king, and his 43. Suriname- 20.68 97. Thailand- 7.94 brother Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz was appointed as 44. Bhutan- 20.63 98. Austria- 7.63 Crown Prince on the same day after the demise of 45. Algeria- 20.50 King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz. 46. Indonesia- 20.35 99. Germany- 7.62 The late King Abdullah visited many countries in 47. Saudi Arabia- 20.35 100.Singapore- 7.44 addition to Arab countries with the aim of cementing 48. Bangladesh- 20.12 101.Malaysia- 7.36 Saudi relations with all friendly countries and nations. 49. Peru- 20.09 102.Norway- 7.22 He also headed Saudi delegations to many GCC, Arab, 50. Colombia- 19.61 103.South Korea- 6.86 regional and international conferences including the 51. Moldova- 19.27 104.Japan- 6.18 Interfaith Dialogue Conference in Spain, which he 52. Bulgaria- 19.09 105.Taiwan- 5.91 presided. He also patronized a Middle East peace ini- 53. Bolivia- 18.38 106.China- 5.69 tiative he proposed towards the end of his tenure as 54. Myanmar- 18.37 107.Switzerland- 5.39 crown prince at the Arab Summit in Beirut in 2002, 55. Italy- 18.08 108.Brunei- 4.94 according to which Israel would withdraw from all Arab territories it occupied in 1967 including Golan Heights and Eastern Jerusalem in addition to return- Yousef joins ing displaced Palestinians to their home country in return for full Arab-Israeli normalization. May Allah have mercy on your soul, oh King ooredoo Abdullah, The nation has lost a very unique man who devoted his life to serve Islam, the Arab nation and KUWAIT: Ooredoo Kuwait, a member of the leading Saudi Arabia, which he wisely led to more progress and prosperity during his reign. King Abdullah’s life international communications company, ooredoo was rich and vivid with achievements. He had Group, announced yesterday that Yousef Khalid Al- approved Saudi Arabia joining WTO in 2005, expand- Shallal has joined as a Senior ed scholarships for study abroad, increased scholars’ Manager, Social Media, corporate salaries, invited Palestinian rivals from Fatah and social responsibility (CSR) and Hamas to meet in Makkah to settle their disputes and Sponsorship. Al-Shallal has more form a united Palestinian government, patronized a than 11 years of experience in dif- peace treaty between fighting Somali groups, expanded the holy mosque in Makkah northwards ferent establishments in the fields and the Prophet’s (PBUH) mosque eastwards, expand- of Marketing, Public Relations and ed the holy grounds in Mina, Muzdalifa and Mount Corporate Social Responsibility. Arafat and laid the cornerstones of projects worth Al-Shallal holds a Bachelor over SR 600 billion in Jeddah and Makkah. degree in Marketing and In addition, King Abdullah ordered to treat Yousef Khalid Advertising and a Master degree Palestinians injured in Gaza in Saudi hospitals and sent in Mass Communication and constant relief aid to the Strip after Israeli attacks as Al-Shallal well as launched a fundraising campaign all over Saudi Journalism from Murray State Arabia to support Palestinians in Gaza. In Kuwait, we University. His last position was a Manager for Marketing, will never forget his support and relentless efforts he Public Relations and Media at the Ministry of State for exerted jointly with HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Youth Affairs. Al-Shallal will play a major role in oversee- Ahmad Al-Sabah and other GCC leaders to reinforce ing ooredoo’s Social Media strategy and execution for all GCC relations and achieve more cooperation amongst relevant activities, managing and delivering effective them. So, we wish to express our heartfelt condo- Corporate Social Responsibilityand managing and deliv- lences to Saudi Arabia, new King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and the Saudi people on the very sad demise of ering effective Sponsorship programs that will lead to King Abdullah. May Allah rest his soul in peace! sustainable and effective communication with share- holders. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 LOCAL Kuwait promoting Asian drug dealer nabbed By Hanan Al-Saadoun
KUWAIT: Drugs Control General Department officers arrested an Asian interfaith dialogue with 40 gm of heroin, 10 gm of meth and 40 narcotic tables. He was arrest- ed in his home, and confessed the drugs were his. The suspect was sent World Interfaith Harmony Week to concerned authorities.
Smuggling attempt foiled KUWAIT: Political disputes have often had a dom of belief” and that “the state protects the Islam and Christianity such as “compassion, hon- A security source said that airport huge burden on relations between people of dif- freedom to engage in religious observances” esty and peace.” On her first invitation to a customs officers foiled an attempt by ferent faiths. While some people look at the dif- while abiding by public order and morals. Muslim country, she was pleased with discus- a Bangladeshi to smuggle 10,000 ferences, the tiny nation of Kuwait is taking huge The recipient of the UN Humanitarian Leader sions she had held with several Islamic institu- Tramadol tablets. He is being steps to remind us of the similarities. On World award His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh tions and charities in the country, including an processed. Interfaith Harmony Week, people of different Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His upcoming meeting with Kuwait’s Ministry of faiths sat together in an open-door discussion Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Undersecretary Dr Gas leak in Shuwaikh about the things that are different in religions - Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Adel Al-Falah. Shuwaikh industrial and hazardous the three monotheistic religions in particular. Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- “I learned a lot,” she said, referring to the material fire centers contained a minor Proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan in Hamad Al-Sabah have also encouraged this “wonderful, open and inclusive conversation”, gas leak in a Shuwaikh plant. The call 2010 and later unanimously adopted by the UN approach. “His Highness the Amir encourages she had held with officials from the Supreme came from a refrigeration and oxygen General Assembly, it is annually observed on the coexistence, tolerance and convergence, and Consultative Committee on the Implementation company and the leak was in the first week of February, and calls for Muslim and Kuwait is a nation that is welcoming to all. The of the Islamic Sharia Law, where she “learned so nitrous oxide unit. No injuries were Christian leaders to engage in a dialogue based Kuwaiti people are also a peaceful people,” much more about what that can work like in reported. on two common fundamental religious con- Ibrahim Al-Adsani, the Director of the AWARE ini- terms of peace and justice.” Rev. Lindsay also met cepts - the love of God, and the love of the tiative, told KUNA at the event. representatives of the Amana foundation, which neighbor. The discussion was a result of the In March 2010, His Highness the Crown Prince is a large Muslim Kuwaiti-based charity. “We dis- efforts of the Advocates for Western Arab sponsored a dialogue of cultures which centered cussed how all of us can work together - Enraged husband beats wife Relations (AWARE) Center, which is a Kuwaiti on discussions between Ministry of Awqaf and Muslims and Christians - to make a better world,” non-profit, non-governmental and non-political Islamic Affairs employees and representatives of she said. Also attending the discussions was KUWAIT: A dispute between a man and his wife Quran confiscated organization working for promoting positive, Japan. In his keynote speech, he said that Kuwait head of the Vatican mission to Kuwait, the ended in Salmiya police station, after the husband - Doha port customs officers foiled an constructive relations between Westerners and was committed to shedding light on the Islamic Apostolic Delegate to the Arabian Peninsula, who refused to hire a domestic helper - became attempt to smuggle in copies of the Holy Arabs by organizing social activities and infor- faith as a “means for peaceful coexistence and Archbishop Petar Rajic. “Kuwait has had diplo- enraged and beat his wife. He insisted that she cook Quran that are in violation of the Information mation services related to Arab and Islamic cul- cultural exchange.” He also stressed Islam’s focus matic relations with the Holy See for almost 48 and do the laundry, but she refused. The woman Ministry Law. Boxes that were supposed to con- ture. on the subject of dialogue with the other years now,” he said, “but even before that there complained against her husband, who is being tain tea were found to have the Qurans. The Ohio-based Rev Deborah Lindsay, one of the according to objective conditions and specific were Catholic communities here in the country summoned for questioning. copies were confiscated and legal procedures first American Christians to have publically goals and methods, a point which has also been that were small initially but grew over time.” have begun. rejected the proposed burning of the Holy encouraged by His Highness the Prime Minister Kuwait is home to the only Vatican mission in Fight over parking space Quran by Pastor Terry Jones in 2010, was key on many state visits he has undergone to foreign the Gulf, and it serves Kuwait as well as Bahrain, A fight broke out between neighbors over a Asians steal copper cables speaker at the interfaith discussion. This is not lands. Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. parking space in Salmiya, as three brothers ganged Security men at Burgan oil field arrested the first time that the Arab Gulf nation sheds At the discussion Rev. Deborah Lindsay com- Asked about how Catholic Christians are treated up against their neighbor and beat him, so he com- two Asians who stole copper cables from the light on the topic as the Kuwaiti leadership has mended such places as the diwaniyah (a gather- in Kuwait, “good,” he responded, “we have our plained to police and submitted a medical report. southern reservoirs of the field. The arrest was encouraged this on a local scale and at many ing place for locals young and old) as bringing places of worship and were able to coexist here Also, a citizen beat an Egyptian on a Hawally street made when the suspects’ vehicle was searched international events. For one, article 35 of the people of different Islamic sects together in alongside our Muslim brothers. We have no because of a traffic dispute. Both ended up at the and the 4-m long cables were found. Both were Kuwaiti constitution endorses “the absolute free- Kuwait, pointing out “shared values” between problems at all.” —KUNA police station. sent to detectives for questioning. CBK promotes ‘Base Account’ Human Rights Watch 2015 KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) announced its pres- ence at the 360 Mall to promote the ‘Your Prize...Your Choice’ offer presented to holders of the newly launched account ‘Base Account’. Report - Focus on Kuwait The account is exclusively made for youth who just started their careers. Commenting on this promotional offer, CBK’s Retail Banking he World Report 2015 is Human Rights Watch’s 25th annual who deliberately destroyed evidence of another nationality in General Manager Paul Daoud said that the newly launched account review of human rights practices around the globe. It sum- order to get the generous benefits that Kuwait provides to its citi- would grant its holders entry to six months monthly draw from Tmarizes key human rights issues in more than 90 countries zens. Members of the bedoon community frequently take to the January to June 2015. and territories worldwide. streets to protest the government’s failure to address their citizen- Daoud added that - for the first time, winners would be given three ship claims, despite government warnings that bedoon should free choice to select their prizes from a 2015 model Lexus IS 250; KD1000 monthly salary for a year or a luxury family trip to Dubai on a Kuwait government not gather in public. Article 12 of the 1979 Public Gatherings Law private jet, plus a superb stay in Atlantis Dubai Hotel. “Winners will be The government aggressively cracked down on free speech bars non-Kuwaitis from participating in public gatherings. At least announced monthly through the Marina FM, Diwaniya program start- throughout 2014, using provisions in the constitution, the nation- seven were arrested for taking part in protests in 2014. ing February 8”, he explained. Daoud added that the new account al security law, and other legislation to stifle political dissent. The holders and new recruits who transfer their salaries (KD750 to KD1999) ice for credit card holders and free access to selected Airport lounges authorities stripped 33 Kuwaitis of their nationality, including Women’s Rights to CBK would be granted the option to choose between two unique across the Middle East in addition to a free prepaid Visa Card and many three who appeared to have been targeted because they repre- In March and April 2014, the Justice Ministry prohibited card designs; get a free Titanium credit card; free Local concierge serv- discounts at several restaurants, shops and retail stores. sented opposition voices. women, but not men, from applying for legal researcher posts until the two-year evaluation of the first group of women admit- Freedom of Expression ted in 2013 is completed. A legal researcher post allows women The authorities used several laws to prosecute at least 13 peo- for the first time to become eligible, pending evaluation, for posts ple in 2014 for criticizing the government or institutions in blogs or as prosecutors, enabling them thereafter to pursue careers as on Twitter, Facebook, or other social media. These included the judges. In April 2014, a court struck down the Justice Ministry’s constitution and penal code, laws on printing and publishing, pub- order and 21 women have now been admitted. lic gatherings, and misuse of telephone communications, and the Women continue to face discrimination in many aspects of National Unity Law of 2013. Those accused faced charges such as their lives, and large legal gaps remain in protections for women. harming the honor of another person; insulting the emir or other Kuwait has no laws prohibiting domestic violence, sexual harass- public figures or the judiciary; insulting religion; planning or partici- ment, or marital rape. Legislation proposed in April to penalize pating in illegal gatherings; and misusing telephone communica- sexual harassment had still to be debated by November 2014. tions. Other charges included harming state security, inciting the Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis, unlike Kuwaiti men, can- government’s overthrow, and harming Kuwait’s relations with oth- not pass on their citizenship to their children or spouses. Kuwaiti er states. In 2014, courts convicted at least five of those charged, law also prevents a woman marrying a partner of her choice with- imposing prison sentences of up to five years and fines. out her father’s permission. The government took sweeping new powers to block content, deny access to the Internet, and revoke service providers’ licenses Migrant Workers without giving reasons under a new telecommunications law Recognizing the vulnerabilities of foreign migrant workers, adopted in May. The law imposes severe penalties on people who particularly domestic workers who are excluded from the Labor create or send “immoral” messages, and gives unspecified authori- Law or any other legal regime, in 2013 the authorities opened a ties the power to suspend communication services on national shelter for domestic workers who flee abusive employers. security grounds. Any communication service provider that “con- Inadequate staffing prevented the shelter from becoming fully tributes” to the dissemination of messages that violate these operational and providing in-house services. Designed to accom- vague standards can be punished. The law provides no opportu- modate up to 700 people, the shelter had 210 women residing nity for judicial review. The government adopted a new method there in September 2014. The shelter accepts victims on referral to penalize some critics. Between July and September, it revoked from a foreign embassy or international organization. Victims are the citizenship of 33 individuals, three apparently for political rea- not able to leave the shelter unescorted if they want to return to sons. The revocation process allows no room for appeal or review. the shelter. On July 21, a week after it demanded that authorities take action against people engaged in “acts aiming to undermine the Terrorism country’s security and stability, bringing harm to its institutions,” Extremist militant groups Jabhat Al-Nusra and the Islamic the cabinet stripped five Kuwaitis of their citizenship. One of the State, also known as ISIS, are responsible for systematic rights five, Ahmed Jabr Al-Shammari, owned media outlets that had abuses, including the intentional targeting and abduction of civil- defied a government ban. He tried to appeal the decision but the ians during military operations in Syria and Iraq in 2014. Media Kuwaiti court ruled that it had no jurisdiction over citizenship rev- reports indicate that ISIS members have included Kuwaiti nation- ocations. On August 11, the government said it had revoked the als, and that individual Kuwaitis have financed and supported ISIS citizenship of 10 more Kuwaitis, including Nabil al-Awadhi, a con- and Jabhat Al-Nusra military operations. servative cleric widely known for his TV talk shows. On September In August, Kuwait announced new measures to curb funding 29, a new round of revocations included Saad Al-Ajmi, the for extremists. These included banning all fundraising in mosques, spokesman for Musallam Al-Barrak, a leading opposition politi- requiring greater transparency from charities regarding the cian. sources and destinations of their donations, and obtaining The Law of Nationality, 15/1959, allows the authorities to receipts. On August 6, the US Treasury department sanctioned revoke the citizenship of any Kuwaiti, and their dependants, and three Kuwaitis for funding extremist militant groups in Syria and deport them under certain circumstances. For example the Iraq, by freezing any US-based assets and banning US citizens authorities can revoke a person’s citizenship if they consider it in from doing business with them. the “best interest” of the state or its external security, or if they have evidence that the person concerned has promoted princi- Key International Actors ples that undermine the country’s wellbeing. Citizenship can also The parliament debated whether Kuwait should become par- be revoked if it was obtained fraudulently or if a court convicts a ty to the 2012 Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) joint security agree- naturalized citizen of a crime related to honor or dishonesty with- ment in response to government pressure to ratify it. On April 3, in 15 years of becoming a Kuwaiti. the parliament’s foreign affairs committee rejected the agree- The government resorted to deportations to remove non-citi- ment, with a majority asserting that it violates Kuwait’s constitu- zens of whom it disapproved. In June, authorities deported an tion. The 20 provisions of GCC agreement could be used to sup- Egyptian imam and his wife and children after he denounced the press free expression and undermine privacy rights of citizens and 2014 Egyptian presidential election in a sermon that he delivered residents. in a Kuwait mosque. The authorities deported him and his family The United States, in its 2014 US State Department annual after the Religious Endowments Ministry issued regulations ban- Trafficking in Persons report, classified Kuwait as Tier 3-among the ning “interference in the domestic affairs of other countries” in ser- most problematic countries-for the eighth consecutive year. The mons. report cited Kuwait’s failure to prosecute trafficking offenders using the 2013 anti-trafficking law or other laws that address traf- Treatment of Minorities ficking crimes. It found that efforts to help abused workers were At least 105,702 bedoon residents of Kuwait remained state- not accompanied by any enforcement activities against the less. After an initial registration period for citizenship ended in employers from whom the workers had fled. It found also that 1960, authorities shifted bedoon citizenship claims to administra- Kuwaiti authorities failed to protect victims of trafficking. tive committees that for decades have avoided resolving the http://www.hrw.org/world-report/2015/country- claims. Authorities claim that many bedoon are “illegal residents” chapters/kuwait?page=1 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 in the arabic press
Al-Anbaa Al-Qabas Terrorism behind The role of the scenes civil society By Abdellatif Al-Duaij By Sami Abdullatif Al-Nisf n fully developed countries, which we usually call sophisti- Icated, the rule or the leadership of the society is by its civil n our last meeting with him, Egyptian and official establishments. This means the administration President Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi, who was earlier there is collective - they cooperate and complement each I other. Here, society’s civil or official establishments are not chief of military intelligence, told us the prob- lem was not the small terrorist groups - rather complete. For this we largely depend on individuals, and we those behind them! He mentioned the same in a wait for leaders and those who took over administration speech to the nation in the aftermath of the affairs to process the required jobs alone. So, with the power of the “sick” reality, and not necessarily a deliberate action by recent Sinai massacre. “We are closely watching anyone, individuals are apotheosized, their status is glorified and know those who helped you and will never and every achievement be it collective or individual is attrib- let them go,” he said, addressing the terrorists uted to them. Yet failure is overlooked by describing it as who carried out the attacks. This is, in fact, a very inevitable or the result of aggressive foreign factors, normally serious remark explaining much of what is imperialism, which is beyond the control of the gifted leader. regionally going on. Here in Kuwait, we have some democracy, so that means YouTube videos have shown armed terrorist we are in between. Some of us work hard in order to boost groups in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Yemen and Somalia the role of the civil establishments, while others work strong- with the possession of endless supply of modern ly towards destroying these establishments, cut down its weapons, artillery, anti-aircraft rockets capable of specialties and suffocate it. Abolishing the role of the soci- shooting down fighters and capturing their ety’s civil and official establishments requires or leads to pilots, tanks, transport vehicles and expensive strengthening the role of individuals, weakening civil estab- equipment everybody knows those terrorist lishments and reducing their contributions in administration organizations do not manufacture themselves. In and guidance. So these parties that are concerned with pre- addition, there is no logical explanation of how serving what is existing are working hard and insisting to wealthy those organizations are or knowing the lionize the leaders and give them miraculous roles and attrib- source of such wealth, because the mere posses- utes, or seek to glorify individuals, ideologies or even myths sion of oil does not get them all those funds. Oil in order to weaken the present and corner the future. needs to be drilled from fields and wells in the Apotheosizing and glorification does not include the liv- open desert, that can be easily destroyed by air ing only, but extends to the dead in clear and deliberate exaggeration of sadness to emphasize the magnitude of strikes, in addition to exporting and selling it and grief. The state’s establishments close down and schools handing over the revenues to organizations that close, happiness is banned and sadness is imposed with the are supposed to be internationally boycotted power of law, most often. In sophisticated countries that are and sanctioned! fully developed, leaders are seen off quietly with natural sub- Historically, plots were made to destroy and mission to fate. The leader like others lives and dies, and the defame the Palestinian cause through establish- policies he made and what he achieved or started to achieve ing many terrorist extreme groups like those of is a trust that is kept and continued to be built upon by the Abu Nidal, Abul Abbas, Ahmed Jibreel, Wadee state and civil society establishments. Haddad and Black September that suffocated the cause so much that it almost vanished. Similarly, Communist parties were destroyed by establishing extremist Communist organizations like Struggle Continues, Labor Power, Baader- Meinhof, Red Brigades, Black Panthers and Shining Path, which is exactly what is being done by spreading innumerable terrorist groups under Islamic names to do the same. Finally, no one should pay any attention to the extremely foolish warning aired by a silly person to investors and tourists coming to Egypt, made under different suspicious names such as ‘The Revolutionary Punishment Movement’ and ‘The Revolution Youth Leadership’, who had called millions to go out to demonstrate on Nov 28 and nobody responded to them. However, one historic question remains unanswered - about the hidden players’ moving pawns publicly known as IS, Al-Qaeda, Ansar Bayt Al-Maqdis, Dawn of Islam, etc to fund, arm and equip them to defame Islam, splinter Arab countries and trigger civil wars, destruction and massacres in them.
Al-Anbaa What about corruption and arms deals?
By Dr Bader Al-Daihani
hile talking about how to handle the pre- Wdicted deficit and excessively focusing on social subsidies and salaries, namely those of small employees and retirees, both the govern- ment and its financial advisor - the International Monetary Fund - have been avoiding discussing or even referring to certain expenses despite their sig- nificance in handling the financial deficit, such as expenses of huge arms deals and those resulting from political and institutional corruption. The arms race and facilities related to it have been draining GCC states’ budgets, as a single huge deal costs what equals funds spent on necessary social needs for years to come, taking into consideration that social expenditure is part of a state’s public expenditure as well as the fact that the sole benefici- aries of such deals are weapons manufacturers, their local agents and some senior bureaucrats who get huge commissions for facilitating signing the con- tracts. According to an Al-Shall report on Sept 28, 2013, Kuwait’s military spending in 2012 was $6.021 billion (KD 1.686 billion), with an annual increase of about 10.2 percent. In addition, one can talk about political corruption forever. Examples of abuse of powers and public positions to achieve personal gains and illegal wealth made by using public funds in profiteering, political deals and custom-tailored tenders are endless, not to mention the billions-worth foreign transfers and bank deposits, the high cost the state budget endures as a result of giving away state property and lands very cheaply on long-term contracts in very significant spots like the seafront extending along the Kuwaiti coast from north to south, Shuwaikh industrial area and Al-Rai (that all of a sudden and by powers of influential people turned into an invest- ment and commercial area) and agricultural land holdings and ranches that are mainly being allocated for political reasons for long periods and contracts without changing the lease value to match that of the market. (Some of those lands still cost the same per square meter in rent since the 1960s!) Therefore, treatment of the predicted deficit must be comprehensive, radical and fair because ignoring the huge arms deals about which we never have enough details about why we need them and politi- cal and institutional corruption issues that have been draining public funds, while at the same time pursu- ing a few dinars in the pockets of small employees and people with limited and small incomes would mean the continuation of extreme social bias in man- aging the state budget. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 Austria’s first anti-Islam protest Hardline Hindus become Modi’s inside opposition draws extremists Page 12 Page 10
GAZA CITY: This photo shows a Palestinian father of 19-month-old Anwar Saad, at their family home. For the Saads, the summer’s war in Gaza came into their home when they say an Israeli tank shell crashed through the wall of their house. Shrapnel wounded all of the Saad family, most seriously Anwar. — AP Israel wants UN to drop war probe Reports claimed to be anti-Israel
JERUSALEM: Israel called yesterday for a UN immediate effect,” he wrote. Council president than against Iran, Syria and North Korea com- announced that it would not cooperate with mostly soldiers. The rights council vowed in inquiry into its 50-day war in Gaza last summer Joachim Ruecker accepted the resignation, bined.” Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman Schabas’s investigation because of the “obses- August that both Israel and Hamas would be to be shelved as its chairman quit over Israeli saying that “in this way even an appearance of said Schabas’s resignation would make little sive hostility against Israel of this commission “subjected to a thorough investigation. accusations of conflict of interest. Canadian conflict of interest is avoided, thus preserving difference to the inquiry’s outcome. “It won’t and the words of its president against Israel ”Hamas welcomed the inquiry but Israel has international law expert William Schabas ten- the integrity of the process,” spokesman change the committee’s report’s conclusions, and its leaders.” Gomez said the commission, repeatedly complained to UN chief Ban Ki- dered his resignation on Monday after Israel Rolando Gomez said. But Israeli Prime which were biased in advance in accordance which is scheduled to present its findings to moon that it is one-sided. Israel has accused complained that he had prepared a legal opin- Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seized on with the body that formed the committee, the council next month, was in “the final Hamas of firing rockets from densely populat- ion for the Palestine Liberation Organization in Schabas’s departure to demand the abandon- whose sole purpose is attacking and harming phase of collecting evidence” and could name ed civilian areas during the war and from UN October 2012, the United Nations said. In his ment of the whole investigation, charging that Israel,” he said. a new chairman as early as yesterday. schools, and the army released videos it says resignation letter, Schabas strongly denied the rights council was an “anti-Israel body”. He said the council president had stressed proves such claims. that he was in any way beholden to the PLO “After the resignation of the committee Stormy relations “the need to remain focused on the substan- The UN itself condemned Gaza militants but said he was reluctantly stepping down to chairman who was biased against Israel, the Israel has long had stormy relations with tive work of the commission in the interest of for storing rockets in a school early in the avoid the inquiry into the July-August conflict- report that was written at the behest of the council. In January 2012, it became the first the victims and their families on both sides.” conflict. Israeli shelling hit several UN commissioned by the UN Human Rights UN Human Rights Council-an anti-Israel body, country to refuse to attend a periodic review The Gaza conflict ended with a truce between schools sheltering displaced Palestinians, Council-being compromised in any away. the decisions of which prove it has nothing to of its human rights record. And two months Israel and the territory’s Islamist de facto killing scores of people. Israel claimed mili- “Under the circumstances and with great do with human rights-needs to be shelved,” later, it cut all ties with the council over its rulers Hamas on August 26 after the deaths of tants had directed rocket fire from nearby regret, I believe the important work of the Netanyahu said. “This is the same council that plans to probe how Jewish settlements were more than 2,140 Palestinians, most of them them, but its strikes were denounced by the commission is best served if I resign with in 2014 made more decisions against Israel harming Palestinian rights. In November, it civilians, and 73 people on the Israeli side, world body. — AFP Al-Jazeera reporter forsakes citizenship
CAIRO: Al-Jazeera journalist Mohamed week ago” giving up his Egyptian citizen- Last month, the three men’s convictions Fahmy has renounced his Egyptian citizen- ship, a relative of Fahmy said on condition were overturned by an appeal court which ship, his family said yesterday, in a bid to fol- of anonymity. “It was very hard for him ordered a retrial but kept them in custody. low his Australian colleague Peter Greste in because he is a proud Egyptian who comes After his release, Greste, who is currently being released from a Cairo jail. Fahmy’s sur- from a family of military servicemen.” An resting in Cyprus before heading home to render of his Egyptian passport is a neces- Egyptian official following the case said: Australia, expressed hope that his two col- sary first step for him to be released and “The final legal procedures for his deporta- leagues would be released soon. “This is a deported as a foreign national under a tion are being completed.” He said Fahmy’s massive step forward. I just hope that Egypt decree issued by President Abdel Fattah Al- renunciation of citizenship had already keeps going down this path with the oth- Sisi in November. He also has Canadian citi- been finalised. ers,” he said in an Al-Jazeera interview. zenship. Greste said he felt a “real mix of emotions The news came after Canadian Foreign ‘Incredible angst’ boiling inside” upon hearing the unexpect- Minister John Baird said that Fahmy’s Soon after Greste’s release, Fahmy’s ed news that he was to be released because release was “imminent” following the free- fiancee, Marwa Omara, said: “We are it meant leaving behind “my brothers” ing of Greste on Sunday. The two men were expecting Mohamed to be released in the Fahmy and Mohamed. CAIRO: A file picture taken on June 23, 2014 shows Al-Jazeera news channel’s Egyptian- arrested in December 2013 along with coming days.” Egyptian police arrested the “I feel incredible angst about my col- Canadian Mohamed Fahmy gesturing as he listens to the verdict inside the defendants Egyptian producer Baher Mohamed, and three journalists at the peak of a diplomat- leagues, leaving them behind,” he said. cage.— AFP later sentenced to up to 10 years in prison ic row between Cairo and Qatar, which “Amidst all this relief, I still feel a sense of on charges of aiding the blacklisted Muslim owns Al-Jazeera. The broadcaster had been concern. If it’s appropriate for me to be free, released as he has no second passport. “I acquittal on appeal. Amnesty International Brotherhood. critical of the deadly crackdown on Morsi’s it’s right for all of them to be freed.” Al- can’t say I am confident, no. I just don’t said Greste’s release should not divert atten- Their jailing sparked a global outcry and Muslim Brotherhood following the Islamist Jazeera has vowed to pursue the campaign know, honestly. Are we going to keep on tion from the continuing imprisonment of proved a public relations nightmare for Sisi, leader’s overthrow. Qatar has since moved to free both Fahmy and producer fighting it? Absolutely-we are not going to Fahmy and Mohamed. “All three men are who has cracked down on Islamists since to mend ties with Egypt, and Al-Jazeera Mohamed. But the channel’s head of news- leave him there,” she said. facing trumped up charges and were forced toppling President Mohamed Morsi in July has closed its Arabic-language Egyptian gathering, Heather Allan, admitted she was Mohamed’s family has pinned their to endure a farcical trial marred by irregular- 2013. “He signed the papers more than a affiliate which backed the Brotherhood. not confident that Mohamed would be hopes on a presidential pardon or his ities,” the rights group said. — AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 INTERNATIONAL IS putting its labels on Syrian food aid UN food program ‘extremely concerned’
GENEVA: The United Nations food Images still circulating on Twitter last August 5. At the time, its cross- agency expressed alarm over images yesterday showed people, including line convoy delivered 1,700 food circulating on social media showing children, gathered around and pick- rations, or enough to feed 8,500 peo- its food aid being distributed from ing up boxes of food aid marked with ple for one month, it said. boxes bearing the logo of the Islamic the black and white flag of the IS “WFP has learned that in State group. The World Food Program jihadist group, which controls large September 2014, ISIS raided Syrian said it was “extremely concerned” over swaths of territory in war-ravaged Red Crescent (SARC) warehouses in the images, and that it was trying to Syria and neighboring Iraq. In one Dayr Hafr where undistributed food verify the authenticity of the photo- photograph, a young man is shown rations may have been stored,” the graphs and determine where they carrying a box that appears to have agency said, using an alternate were taken. the familiar light blue UN wreath logo acronym for the jihadist group. “All “WFP condemns this manipulation barely hidden behind a shabby print areas controlled by ISIS are security of desperately needed food aid inside of the IS flag. hot spots, which severely limits the Syria,” Muhannad Hadi, the agency’s It is not the first time the brutal ability to monitor food distributions,” emergency coordinator for the Syrian group has been accused of seizing aid it pointed out. WFP has been operat- crisis, said in a statement late Monday. that enters its turf as part of its strate- ing in Syria since the country’s “We urge all parties to the conflict to gy of controlling the populations on bloody civil war erupted nearly four respect humanitarian principles and territories it has taken. WFP said the years ago. It is currently delivering allow humanitarian workers including photographs seemed to have been aid to more than four million people our partners to deliver food to the taken in Dayr Hafr, in eastern rural each month inside Syria and to 1.8 most vulnerable and hungry families,” Aleppo governorate, which it has million refugees in neighboring he added. been unable to reach with aid since countries. — AFP Bombs defused at Egypt airport HAVANA: In this hand-out picture from the official Cuban website www.cubadebate.cu shows Randy Garcia Perdomo (left), the leader of a students’ union, speaking with former Cuban President Fidel Castro during a visit to CAIRO: A roadside bomb near crackdown on Islamists in the wake a bystander. The bystander later died Castro’s residence. — AP Egypt’s second largest city of the ouster of Islamist President of his wounds, the officials said. Alexandria killed a bystander and Mohammed Morsi in 2013. Reflecting In Cairo, officials said a bomb was Cuba publishes first photos injured two others yesterday, while the increased public fear and aware- planted in the Cairo International authorities defused two more explo- ness, a popular smartphone applica- Airport arrival hall of the terminal sives at Cairo International Airport, tion designed to provide information hosting EgyptAir. Another was plant- of Fidel Castro in 5 months officials said. The latest reports are on traffic jams started a new service ed near a police patrol location in the part of recent spike in small bombs last week titled “Where is the bomb” airport’s parking lot. Both were HAVANA: Cuba has published the first than three hours in the former leader’s some diseases, including diabetes, being planted around Egypt. Many of to alert commuters of reports of defused. The officials said the bombs photos of Fidel Castro in more than five house after an event celebrating the with the production of natural foods; the devices have been so-called roadside explosives. appeared to be controlled remotely months, showing the 88-year-old for- 70th anniversary of Castro starting his about Cuba’s relations with Africa, from flash-bang grenades, designed to Yesterday’s roadside bombing was by mobile phone. Airport officials said mer leader engaged in what appears studies at the University of Havana. The its contribution to those countries’ sow panic but cause minimal dam- a rare incident of a civilian killed by flights were not affected. In another to be a lively conversation with a uni- student leader says Castro said that he independence to the end of apartheid age or casualties. The larger and these rudimentary explosives. The incident, a flash-bang grenade plant- versity student. Nearly two dozen is keeping abreast of the news and per- and the current contribution of Cuban deadlier bombs have been targeted officials said the bomb was targeting ed inside an electrical box in an open- images were published virtually simul- forming daily exercises, and he doctors to the fight against Ebola,” almost exclusively at members of the a police patrol driving in the beach- air commercial arcade in downtown taneously on the websites of Cuba’s engaged Perdomo in a wide-ranging Perdomo wrote. Egyptian police and army. front town of Agamy, on the western Cairo exploded, panicking passers-by, main state media outlets around mid- discussion of topics including interna- Castro did not issue a public state- There are rarely individual claims outskirts of Alexandria. The bomb but causing no injuries. The officials night Monday. In them, Castro is seat- tional politics, agriculture, astronomy, ment for nearly a month after the of responsibility, but Islamic militant went off, apparently detonated spoke on condition of anonymity ed and discussing current events with and even Namibia’s donation of ani- announcement that Cuba and the US groups have vowed to target police remotely, as the vehicles moved - because they were not authorized to the head of the main Cuban student mals to Cuba’s National Zoo. were moving to re-establish full diplo- and military troops to avenge their injuring a street peddler, his son and speak to journalists. — AP union. A first-person account by stu- Perdomo says the two men dis- matic relations. Castro’s public appear- dent leader Randy Perdomo Garcia cussed the release of three Cuban ances and statements have become says the meeting took place on Jan 23. intelligence agents as part of the Dec increasingly infrequent since he The photos are the first images of 17 declaration by Cuba and the United stepped down from duties as president French soldiers stabbed the revolutionary leader since a set of States that they would move to re- after a serious illness in 2006 and hand- photos came out in August showing establish full diplomatic relations. The ed over leadership to his younger him talking with Venezuelan President photos show Castro examining a news- brother Raul. His unusually lengthy in front of Jewish center Nicolas Maduro. Perdomo says in a paper report on their release. “I’m silence after the Dec 17 announcement lengthy article accompanying the pho- about to go but he continues a conver- sparked intense speculation about his tos that he and Castro met for more sation about new ways of fighting health. — AP PARIS: An attacker with a knife hidden in his bag deployed around the country to protect sensitive loca- attacked three soldiers on an anti-terror patrol in front tions, including major shopping areas, synagogues, of a Jewish community center in southern France yes- mosques and transit hubs. Yesterday, French authorities terday, two police officials said. Sarah Baron, a police arrested seven men and a woman suspected of involve- union official in the city of Nice, said the attacker was ment in a network to send fighters to join Islamic detained after the attack near the Galeries Lafayette extremists in Syria. Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve department store. Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi said the said those arrested in the Paris and Lyon areas are not attacker had an identity card with the name Moussa suspected of links to the Jan 7-9 attacks. Police are try- Coulibaly. ing to thwart new violence and find possible accom- The surname, which is relatively common for families plices to three radical Islamic gunmen who attacked a of Malian descent, is the same as that of the man who kosher grocery and newspaper Charlie Hebdo. The men seized hostages in a kosher supermarket in Paris and claimed allegiance to extremists in the Mideast. gunned down a policewoman last month. Another Three of those arrested yesterday had traveled to police official said the attacker pulled a knife at least 20 Syria and returned in December 2014, a French official centimeters long out of a bag and set upon one of the said, though it was unclear whether they joined the soldiers, injuring him in the chin. He then swiped two Islamic State group or another group. other soldiers’ one in the cheek, the other in the forearm The network began sending French fighters to Syria - before being apprehended by riot police stationed in May 2013, and at least one of them was killed there, near the building, which houses the city’s Jewish com- the official said. Other members of the network are still munity center. in Syria. The group did not appear to be involved in any A manager at the center, who did not want to be particular plot, or linked to any other networks already identified because she was afraid, confirmed soldiers broken up in France in recent months, said the official, posted in front of the building were attacked. She said it who was not authorized to be publicly identified dis- happened around lunchtime and no one was inside the cussing security matters. office. The attacker aged about 30, had a record of theft France has seen hundreds of homegrown radicals and violence, the official said on condition of anonymity join extremists abroad, most linked to the Islamic State because the investigation was ongoing. His motive was group in Syria and Iraq. Cazeneuve said recent atrocities not yet clear, the official added. by the Islamic State group - including the killing of a Japanese hostage - “only strengthen the government’s High alert determination to fight terrorism every day and every Mayor Estrosi told BFM television that a possible hour.” French authorities have come under criticism for accomplice had been detained. France has been on being overzealous in cracking down on potential high alert since the attacks in the Paris region by three threats since the attacks, arresting dozens for com- Islamic extremists that left 20 people dead, including ments seen as defending terrorism and notably ques- the gunmen. More than 10,000 soldiers have been tioning an 8-year-old boy. —AP
SINJAR: An Iraqi man inspects the remains of members of the Yazidi minority killed by the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group after Kurdish forces discovered a mass grave. A peshmerga lieutenant colonel said the grave con- taining the remains of about 25 people was found during a search. —AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 INTERNATIONAL
Colorado plunges into gun debate with GOP looming
DENVER: Colorado Republicans notched shooting rampage, which touched off the zines and another that expanded back- allowing anyone over 21 who can legally round ammunition limit. Even if the their biggest victory yet against gun-con- fight over gun laws, gets underway. ground-check requirements. But it came at possess a gun to carry a concealed firearm repeals did pass, Democratic Gov John trol measures they have tried in vain to Lawmakers have wrestled over gun control great political cost. Two Democratic state without a permit, except on school Hickenlooper would be likely to veto them. block for the last two years. The GOP took in Congress and in state legislatures across senators were recalled over their support grounds. On the same day those two The testimony ran long Monday, but advantage of its new Senate majority to the US since President Barack Obama and for the restrictions, and a third resigned as Republican bills advanced, a Democratic echoed the emotions that have previous push through a repeal of expanded back- other Democratic leaders led the call for a campaign to oust her was mounting. The committee axed five other GOP gun bills. gun debates in Colorado so raw. ground-check requirements on private new restrictions after the 2012 theater minor victory Monday for repealing the Republicans said before the session started Lawmakers heard from relatives of peo- and online gun sales. shooting and another mass shooting expanded background checks gave that they hoped Democrats would recon- ple killed the 2012 theater shooting, as But the victory likely will be fleeting. months later at a Connecticut elementary Republicans a chance to flex some muscle sider the 2013 gun controls. well as other victims of mass shootings. The repeal, which cleared its first commit- school. Dozens were killed and wounded against a 2013 law they have always hated. Democrats in the House didn’t talk Jane Dougherty, whose sister was killed in tee Monday and appears headed toward in the attacks. much during a marathon hearing that ran the attack at Sandy Hook Elementary in approval by the full Senate, faces certain Colorado, with Democrats in control of Dysfunctional law late into the night. They simply voted Newtown, Connecticut, was among those death in the House. Democrats control both chambers of state government and “This is a very dysfunctional” law, said down all five proposals, including a bill who spoke in favor of the expanded back- that chamber. The GOP effort comes as the the governor’s office, was one of the only Republican Sen Kent Lambert, the bill’s almost identical to Lambert’s background- ground checks, saying they would help death penalty trial against the man states to pass changes, including a meas- sponsor. The GOP committee also check repeal. Another bill rejected by stop “the senseless slaughter of a family accused in the suburban Denver Theater ure limiting the size of ammunition maga- approved another Republican gun effort: Democrats would have repealed a 15- member.” —AP Austria’s first anti-Islam protest draws extremists Protesters outnumbered by their opponents
VIENNA: Protesters, including a the first rally of its kind in Austria. similar rallies in Germany. has attracted as many as 25,000 few extremists flashing Hitler But the gathering drew only about Originating in Dresden last year, people to marches in that eastern salutes, demonstrated Monday 250 people, far short of the tens of PEGIDA, or Patriotic Europeans German city and smaller crowds against perceived “Islamization” in thousands who have marched in against the Islamization of the West, elsewhere in Germany. Organizers in Vienna also call their protest PEGI- DA. They sought to temper expecta- tions of a huge turnout before their rally saying they only expected a few hundred participants. MEXICO CITY: Photo shows relatives and protestors carry pictures of some of Both in Germany and Austria, the 43 students who went missing from a rural teachers college in Guerrero organizers have insisted that the state, during a march. —AP marches are not anti-Muslim. While there have been no reports of Nazi symbols or gestures at German UN committee questions PEGIDA protests, at least two demonstrators in Vienna were seen Mexico on lost students raising their hand in the Hitler salute. The protesters were out- MEXICO CITY: Mexico has made a priority of According to the latest official figures, numbered by their opponents. passing laws against forced disappearances there are 23,271 people missing or not locat- About 5,000 demonstrators carrying and perfecting a database to track missing ed in Mexico, of which 621 are being sought anti-PEGIDA slogans marched people, the country’s permanent representa- by the federal Attorney General’s Office’s through downtown Vienna, while tive to the UN in Geneva said Monday. Search Unit. The numbers were provided by several hundred activists blocked Mexico’s delegation faced the first of two the office’s general prosecutor for human the PEGIDA demonstrators, stop- days of questions from the UN Committee on rights, Eliana Garcia, on Jan 19 to a forum in ping them from marching. Enforced Disappearances, which is monitor- the Chamber of Deputies. About 1,200 police, many in riot ing implementation of the 2006 International According to Mexico’s attorney general, gear, were on duty. They detained Convention for the Protection of all Persons the students from a rural teacher college in several masked or drunk PEGIDA from Enforced Disappearance. Ayotzinapa were detained by police in the demonstrators but reported no vio- The meeting came at a difficult time for city of Iguala and then handed over to the lence. The Green Party criticized the Mexico, with the September disappearance Guerreros Unidos gang, which killed them, PEGIDA marchers, but Heinz- of 43 college students at the hands of local burned the remains and disposed of the ash- Christian Strache, of the right-wing police having captured the world’s attention. es in a river. DNA evidence has confirmed the Freedom Party, warned against VIENNA: Counter-demonstrators gesture and stand together against sympathizers of right-wing Family members of some of the missing stu- identity of only one of the students, leaving “defaming” what he called a serious dents were present as committee members the victims’ families skeptical of the govern- populist movement PEGIDA at the city center. —AP civil rights movement. —AP asked Mexican officials about the case’s inves- ment’s account. tigation. The Mexican delegation told the UN “The causes of this (the student disappear- committee that the investigation is contin- ances) I believe have little to do with the insti- ues. Juan Manuel Gomez Robledo, Venezuela prez lashes out tutional framework and more to do with the Mexico’s undersecretary for multilateral temporary situation that some parts of the affairs and human rights, told the commit- country find themselves in, specifically the tee that “the forced disappearance of the at Biden amid growing crisis state of Guerrero,” Mexican Ambassador students from Ayotzinapa makes it clear, Jorge Lomonaco said in an interview after the once again, that we must continue paying meeting. Still, he said passage of a law put attention to the problems associated with CARACAS: As Venezuela’s economic crisis Maduro on Monday responded calling the Caribbean leaders who rely on Venezuela for forward in late November that lays out the poverty, exclusion and corruption, to con- deepens, President Nicolas Maduro has new sanctions as “vulgar” and “offensive.” subsidized oil supplies at a conference on charges and penalties for forced disappear- front organized crime and the violence that stepped up accusations of plots against his Maduro’s popularity has plummeted to 20 per- energy security. As Maduro prepared to leave ances would be a “fundamental tool.” goes along with it.” —AP leftist government, lashing out most recently cent over the past year, as the oil-rich coun- Caracas for a meeting with Latin American at US Vice President Joe Biden. Just ten days try’s many woes-dire shortages, a shrinking leaders in Costa Rica, he charged that a “ter- ago Maduro had fondly referred to Biden as economy, and high crime-have grown worse. rorist group” had gone to the Central “comrade,” but the Venezuelan leader was Signs that the government feels under siege American country to “try to threaten me.” livid. have become more pronounced with the On his return Friday, he went on television At a rally with several thousand supporters, plunge in the price of oil, the mainstay of the to say that at the meeting various unidentified Maduro angrily accused Biden of going Venezuelan economy. Maduro spent 19 days presidents had warned him that the United behind his back in talks with regional leaders out of the country in January, seeking to shore States was plotting against him, and “to watch “to announce the overthrow of my govern- up oil prices and attract investments in visits out for Biden.”“In Washington, they met with all ment.” State Department spokeswoman Jen to the Middle East, Russia and China, with lit- the governments of the Caribbean and told Psaki said the allegations were “baseless and tle to show for his efforts. them that the government of Venezuela was false,” and an attempt to distract from what’s His brief stays in Venezuela, meanwhile, going to be overthrown.” “Vice President Biden, taking place inside the country. have been punctuated by angry denuncia- look me in the eyes: Is this what you want for “The Venezuelan government should focus tions of plans for “a coup d’etat,” “psychological relations with Latin America and the on the legitimate grievances of its people, warfare,” “ambush,” “plotting” and “economic Caribbean?”The week before Maduro lashed which include repeated violations of the free- war.” “Maximum alert!” Maduro warned his fol- out against a visit by ex-presidents of dom of speech and assembly, as well as due lowers. “A plan for a bloody coup d’etat has Colombia, Mexico and Chile who were blocked process under the law,” she said. Psaki also been put into motion and we must unite pop- from visiting jailed opposition leader Leopoldo announced that the United States has ular forces and the military to defeat any coup Lopez. Maduro said the three-Felipe Calderon imposed visa restrictions on more current and scenario.” of Mexico, Sebastian Pinera of Chile, and DONETSK: Ukrainian soldiers assist another soldier, wounded during clashes former Venezuelan officials who it deems to Andres Pastrana- were coming “to support an with pro-Russian separatists on a stretcher out of an ambulance at the hospital have engaged in human rights abuses and Comrade Biden extreme right group that is calling for a bloody in the Ukrainian-controlled town of Artemivsk. Pro-Russian separatists vowed “acts of public corruption.” The officials were The attacks against the US vice president coup d’etat.” “If a coup d’etat were to occur you to mobilize up to 100,000 fighters for their latest east Ukraine offensive. —AFP not identified. began on Friday, four days after Biden wooed would be stained with blood,” he said. —AFP Italy’s new president condemns corruption Russian mom held
ROME: Italy’s new president assumed office aimed at making governments more stable. Lending some lightness to the courtyard’s red- for treason released yesterday with a ringing call to the nation to Then Mattarella took an open-top car to the carpet ceremony was Briciola (“Crumb”), the root out organized crime and corruption presidential Quirinale Palace. There, the presi- perky mascot dog of the Carabinieri’s mounted MOSCOW: A mother of seven accused of denies any role in fighting in eastern Ukraine devouring public resources and solve a pro- dent strode solemnly past an honor picket. police corps. —AP spying for Ukraine was released from cus- between pro-Russian insurgents and tracted economic crisis depriving young peo- tody in Russia yesterday following public Ukrainian government forces that has killed ple of their future. Sergio Mattarella, whose eld- outrage. Even though Svetlana Davydova more than 5,300 people since April. When er brother, Piersanti Mattarella, was slain while was freed, charges against her are still pend- the Ukrainian army captured several Russian governor of Sicily by the Mafia in 1980, ing. Her youngest child is a 2-month-old paratroopers in eastern Ukraine last summer, denounced the “alarming” spread of the Mafia baby whom she was breastfeeding. the Kremlin insisted the soldiers got lost. from its southern base to northern cities. Davydova, 37, was arrested Jan 21 at her Dmitry Gudkov, an opposition lawmaker in The 73-year-old head of state likened organ- home in the town of Vyazma, west of the lower house of parliament, argued that ized crime to “a pervasive cancer that destroys Moscow. The Federal Security Service, the Davydova couldn’t disclose any secrets hopes ... and tramples rights.” Premier Matteo main KGB successor, had detained her on because she didn’t have access to any, and Renzi’s government has appointed a special charges of treason that carry a prison sen- also because the Kremlin insists that Russian anti-corruption fighter. “Corruption has reached tence of up to 20 years. troops haven’t been involved in the conflict. an unacceptable level,” said Mattarella, who Investigators haven’t revealed details of “If all that is just rumors, conjectures and was serving as a constitutional court justice the accusations, but media reports said fantasies, then it turns out that Mrs. Davydova when lawmakers elected him to the nation’s Davydova called the Ukrainian Embassy after is charged for spreading rumors,” he told the highest office Saturday. “It devours resources she had overheard a serviceman on a bus AP. “This is the height of idiocy and an that could be devoted to the citizens. It saying he and his comrades were preparing absolute lawlessness of our law enforcement impedes the proper carrying out of market for a trip and decided he was talking about system.” Nearly 30,000 people have signed an rules” and “penalizes the honest and capable.” being sent to Ukraine. Davydova has turned online petition in support of Davydova, and Corruption is blamed for discouraging busi- down a lawyer provided by the state and activists picketed the FSB’s headquarters in ness startups and foreign investment. Italy’s repudiated her initial testimony to investiga- Moscow. Russian children rights ombudsman economy has been mired in economic crisis tors after hiring new lawyers. Pavel Astakhov said he had petitioned since 2008. Mattarella said the prolonged Her husband, Anatoly Gorlov, attributed Moscow City Court to release her. slump “has wounded the social fabric of our her release to a wave of public anger that fol- “Despite the gravity of the crime, this one country,” created new poverty and “robbed the lowed Davydova’s arrest, which rights circumstance can’t justify keeping a mother future from our young women and men.” defenders and opposition activists of many children behind bars,” he said. Gorlov He told Italy’s oft-squabbling political class denounced as absurd. “I think it happened said he had been called in for questioning by that national unity can “restore a horizon of thanks to a clear stance taken by the civil senior regional secret service officers, but had hope to the country.” In his inauguration ROME: Newly elected Italian President Sergio Mattarella, (center), flanked by Lower society and because of a strong support by refused to testify against his wife. “I don’t speech to Parliament, he also pledged to use independent media,” Gorlov told AP. think she’s guilty of treason,” he said. “I think his seven-year term to encourage government- Chamber President Laura Boldrini (left) and vice-president of Italian Senate Valeria Despite mounting evidence, Moscow it’s a totally political persecution.” —AP backed reforms, including new electoral laws Fedeli (right) delivers his speech during his swearing-in ceremony. —AP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Australia mall blast kills two
PERTH: An explosion in an electrical trans- ing around, obviously not OK. I gave him a former room at a shopping centre in the good helping hand, as much as I could. west Australian city of Perth has left two “They were really burnt badly.” men dead and two others badly burnt, Another witness Harry Barugh said he authorities said yesterday. Western thought at first a car had exploded. “But it Australia police said a 30-year-old man was a lot worse than that, it was the worst died at the scene while three other men sight I have ever seen in my entire life,” he were taken to Royal Perth Hospital with told the Australian Broadcasting serious injuries. Corporation. “It was just ‘whoosh’ and “Tragically, one of the three men taken then there were these guys just coming to hospital has since passed away,” police out and hitting the deck and then ripping said in a statement. Witnesses spoke of their gear off.” A woman who suffered their horror at seeing the men, thought to smoke inhalation was also taken to hospi- be working in an area near the electrical tal while several other people were treat- transformer, come running out after the ed for shock and smoke inhalation at the morning explosion. “I came driving in and scene at the Galleria shopping centre in saw three people come running out... they the Perth suburb of Morely. Fire and were on fire,” Jonathan McDonagh told emergency services cordoned off the area Australian Associated Press, saying he with investigations into what caused the tried to help the injured, taking off his blast under way. “We believe that they shirt and using it to put out the flames. “I possibly were workers who were working had the radio on and didn’t hear the bang, within that transformer area of the shop- but I saw a puff of smoke. “One fella was ping centre,” police inspector Rob dead on the ground. I saw another mov- Harrison said. —AFP Web portal chastised for spreading rumors
BEIJING: AMMAN: A Jordanian child lights a candle by a picture of two slain Japanese hostages Haruna Yukawa, right and Kenji Goto during a candle vig- One of China’s biggest Internet private networks, or VPNs, which allow il in support of Japan. — AP portals has been accused of “rumor-mon- Internet users in China to scale the coun- gering” and other offences by Communist try’s vast censorship apparatus, known as authorities as Beijing furthers its online the Great Firewall. clampdown. In a statement posted on its website late Monday, the Cyberspace ‘Corrective measures’ Hostage crisis highlights Administration of China (CAC) said that The CAC said that Internet authorities in authorities met with representatives of Beijing have also recently called in the Netease to discuss “problems” in the com- heads of other top Chinese Internet firms, Japan’s limited options pany’s operations. including Sina, Sohu and Baidu, and urged The Internet firm, whose offerings them to “take corrective measures”. “Some include online games, education and email websites take a lax attitude towards con- services, was accused of “illegally republish- tent published for the sake of profit and Nations struggling to handle the rise of terrorism ing news and information, spreading sometimes spread pornography, vulgar pornography, rumor-mongering and other content and bad information, which has TOKYO: issues”. No details were provided on the disrupted the orderly flow of online infor- The killing of two Japanese taken War II, to a strictly self-defense role and Yukawa and Mr Goto had been already taken alleged violations. But Netease has its ori- mation and damaged the public interest,” hostage by the Islamic State group has vio- would be unable to stage a rescue attempt. captive by the Islamic State group. Were you gins in the freewheeling southern province the CAC statement said. lently driven home the high stakes Japan A video over the weekend showing the aware that such a speech may have been of Guangdong, and users say that the com- In an editorial yesterday, the state-run faces and limited options it can muster in beheading of journalist Kenji Goto, purport- risky for the two hostages?” Koike asked. Abe ments sections on its news stories are less Global Times newspaper lashed out against such circumstances. It also offers a glimpse edly from the Islamic State militants, carried rejects those misgivings and says he took the strictly censored than those of other firms. “speculative reports” in Chinese media, say- into how Japan is struggling to handle the chilling threats to single out Japanese any- hostages’ plight into account when making A Netease official said that the company ing some rumors circulated on social net- rising menace of terrorism. Until this crisis, where as targets. his speech. “It is most important to support would work to “actively spread positive working sites have proved to be “malicious- Japan had not become directly embroiled in Addressing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a the countries that are taking in refugees and energy and provide news services in strict ly cooked up”. The editorial came after the the fight against the militants, who now con- man resembling a militant seen in other fighting at the frontline. It is only natural to accordance with the law”, according to the Southern Weekly newspaper apologized trol about a third of both Syria and neighbor- beheading videos by the Islamic State group show our solidarity to those countries,” Abe statement. for including “false information” in a report ing Iraq in a self-declared caliphate. Tokyo’s says, “because of your reckless decision to said. “Japan has made non-military contribu- The move appears to be the latest effort that Anbang Insurance Group, a prominent backing for US -led air strikes against the take part in an unwinnable war, this knife will tions in the area, and it was our responsibility by the Communist Party to exert control Chinese company, had benefited from its Islamic State group is confined to financial not only slaughter Kenji, but will also carry to show Japan’s commitment in that direc- over China’s online space. Beijing maintains ties to a powerful political family. and humanitarian aid for refugees and other on and cause carnage wherever your people tion in a firm message in the Middle East,” he a tight grip on information, with the media “The media should remain cautious non-military support for countries affected are found. So let the nightmare for Japan said. controlled by the government and social when reporting on the anti-corruption by the conflict. begin.” Abe has made security a top priority Abe already has sought and won a reinter- networks subject to heavy censorship. campaign,” the Global Times wrote, refer- That proved no hindrance for the jihadis, of his administration. He ordered greater vig- pretation of the constitution by his Cabinet Hundreds of bloggers and journalists have ring to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s and Japan is re-examining its response to the ilance at airports and at Japanese facilities allowing defense of an ally, such as the US, in much-publicized anti-graft sweep. since 2013 been rounded up in a govern- threat, both abroad and at home, mindful also overseas, such as embassies and schools. The limited conditions under a concept known as ment-backed campaign against “Internet “Genuine supporters need to stay in step” of Tokyo’s preparations for the 2020 Olympic government already was considering send- “collective self-defense.” Japan’s aid may help rumors”. Last October, China’s top court with the Communist Party, the paper announced that it was putting pressure on added. “The Central Commission for Games. Government spokesman Yoshihide ing troops for overseas rescues. discourage refugees from becoming recruits Internet service providers to provide the Discipline Inspection has the final say on Suga said yesterday that the government con- In parliament yesterday, opposition law- of the Islamic State group, but Abe should personal details of Web users suspected of who has a problem and for what reasons,” vened a meeting on counterterrorism to makers questioned Abe over the crisis. Akira have used more caution, said Koichiro “rights violations”. And in recent weeks, the paper wrote, referring to the party’s review the situation. Koike, an opposition Japan Communist Party Tanaka, chief Middle East analyst at the authorities have cracked down on virtual internal watchdog. — AFP “During the Tokyo Olympics and lawmaker, demanded to know if Abe was Institute of Energy and Economics in Tokyo. Paralympics, there will be many visitors from mindful of the plight of the two hostages Nationalists in Japan might try to use the overseas and needless to say, we will imple- when he announced $200 million in humani- hostage crisis as a pretext for a stronger mili- ment full-scale measures to prepare,” Suga tarian aid to nations fighting the militants. tary, said Stephen Nagy, a professor of poli- Timor leaders begin said. Japan’s options for trying to free the The announcement came just days before tics at International Christian University in hostages were limited. Tokyo lacks a strong the release of a $200 million ransom demand Tokyo. But he notes that the US has lost sev- diplomatic presence in the region and has a for Goto and for the other hostage, gun afi- eral citizens to the Islamic State group over talks on new govt very small corps of Arab experts - only about cionado and adventurer Haruna Yukawa. the past months “and has been incapable of 30 people in this case, the foreign minister, Since the ransom message addressed Abe rescuing them. And they have apparently the DILI: East Timor’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao is meeting the president this week to Fumio Kishida, told parliament. and demanded the same amount for the most sophisticated military in the world and discuss a possible government restructuring, sending perhaps the strongest signal yet hostages, some critics contend he should not experience in such rescues.” For Japan, and that the independence hero wants to step down. Gusmao, 68, a guerrilla leader who Nightmare for Japan have directly mentioned the Islamic State possibly the rest of Asia, a more urgent issue helped end Indonesian rule in 2002, has hinted for more than a year that he would resign It is unclear whether paying ransom group in announcing the aid. is the possibility Islamic State extremists may to let a younger generation lead a nation that ranks among the world’s poorest, despite its would have been an option. Moreover, the be more likely to target their citizens, using abundant gas resources. “From the signals we can read, I think it looks right now that the military is confined by the constitution, Risks and mistakes them as pawns in Middle East regional poli- prime minister is more serious then ever about stepping down,” said Cillian Nolan, deputy drafted by US occupying forces after World “You made that speech knowing that Mr. tics, Nagy says. — AP director of a Jakarta-based think-tank, the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict. The Sydney Morning Herald reported last week that Gusmao had informed colleagues he would step down within days. The government on Monday said the two leaders would meet throughout this week on a possible new government, but did not comment on Gusmao’s polit- ical future. “Prime Minister Gusmao has foreshadowed a major restructuring of the government for some time,” a government spokesman said in a statement. “He said the objective of the change is to produce an executive that is efficient and effective.” Gusmao became prime minister in May 2007 after serv- ing as the country’s first post-independence president for five years. Experts say front runners to replace Gusmao include former health minister Rui Araujo and state minis- ter Agio Pereira. It was not clear what role, if any, former president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jose Ramos-Horta would play in a new government. East Timor has struggled to develop economically since independence. Despite gas production worth billions of dollars, around half of the country’s population of 1.2 million lives in poverty, the World Bank says. East Timor is trying to develop more of its natural resources to boost employment and government revenue. It is in talks with Australia’s Woodside Petroleum to resolve a decades-long row over the Greater Sunrise project, which remains undeveloped 40 years after the gas fields were dis- covered. —Reuters
DILI: East Timor’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao (cen- ter) chats with Foreign Minister Jose Luis Guteres (sec- ond right). —AFP INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 Hardline Hindus become Modi’s inside opposition Rebellious lawmakers a test for PM
RISHIKESH: In an ashram near the Ganges river feet of Maharaj, who wears light brown socks particularly acute for Modi, because he and in the Himalayan foothills, Indian priest-turned- with sandals, an orange turban, gold-framed his party are ideologically rooted in Hindutva, politician Sakshi Maharaj mimes rowing a boat Dolce and Gabbana glasses and a chunky gold- or Hinduness, a concept sometimes defined in to illustrate what will happen if Prime Minister colored watch. With a self-proclaimed following strident opposition to Muslims and Christians. Narendra Modi’s government ignores Hindu of 10 million people, Maharaj, a four-time mem- Modi himself has consistently denied accusa- nationalist demands. “Modi will have to be a ber of parliament, draws support through a net- tions that, as chief minister of Gujarat, he did boatman: one oar must focus on the economy work of dozens of ashrams and colleges. not do enough to prevent riots in which more and the other must concentrate on the Hindu “I am aware that I am a powerful man,” than 1,000 people died, most of them agenda,” says Maharaj, clad in saffron robes and Maharaj says. “I can make or break the govern- Muslims. A Supreme Court inquiry found no sitting cross-legged on a bed. ment.” Maharaj is charged by police with rioting evidence to prosecute him. He twirls his bejeweled fingers in the air, explaining that otherwise the boat will spin in circles. The Hindu priest, who has been charged NEW DELHI: Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters gesture during an election rally with rioting and inciting communal violence, is addressed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra. — AFP the embodiment of hardline religious elements in Modi’s party whose strident behavior is drag- ging on the government’s economic reform BJP faces possible agenda.
Hindu agenda state poll defeat In recent months, Maharaj has created uproar by describing Mahatma Gandhi’s Hindu nation- NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister eign investment. The BJP’s campaign has alist assassin as a patriot, saying Hindu women Narendra Modi is facing his first state elec- been marked by infighting with party should give birth to four children to ensure the tion defeat since taking charge last year, workers frustrated that Kiran Bedi, the first religion survives and by calling for Hindus who opinion polls show a result that would woman officer in the Indian Police Service, convert to Islam and Christianity to be given the dent his chances of consolidating power was appointed as the party’s chief minis- death penalty. For the first time since the elec- needed to speed up an economic recovery. terial candidate - even though she wasn’t tion last year, some lawmakers in Modi’s The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has a party member until three weeks ago. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are rebelling against ordered scores of its top national and state India’s most powerful Hindu group, the his focus on mending the economy and gover- leaders to campaign for this weekend’s Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh, which is nance at the expense of promoting Hinduism. high-profile election to the Delhi assembly also the ideological parent of the BJP, said This is testing the authority of a leader who cap- where a small anti-corruption party is yesterday the party was struggling in tured power to a degree not seen since Indira threatening to stop its momentum. Delhi and criticized Bedi, saying she was But even the appointment of Finance unpopular. The Aam Aadmi, an anti-cor- Gandhi ruled India more than three decades Minister Arun Jaitley to oversee the cam- ruption party, is on course to win ago. paign while he is writing this month’s fed- between 36 and 41 of the 70 seats in the Hardline Hindu politicians impatient with eral budget may not be enough. “This is Delhi assembly, according to three opin- Modi’s refusal to champion their cause are the first time that we may see Modi’s ion polls published this week. The BJP is beginning to advance their own agendas. Maharaj, for example, wants to make it illegal for NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Delhi momentum stopped and that will be a on course to win between 27 and 32 seats chief ministerial candidate Kiran Bedi during a public rally. — AFP shock,” said Satish Misra, a political analyst and the Congress party, which has domi- Hindus to change religions and seeks the death at the Observer Research Foundation. nated politics over the last century, will penalty for slaughtering cows, an animal revered “Despite putting every last drop of energy win between two and seven seats, its by Hindus. Protests erupted at the most recent and inciting a mob after helping tear down a The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the into this campaign, it looks like the BJP is worst-ever performance in the city, the parliamentary session over a campaign by hard- 16th-century mosque in Ayodhya in 1992, an powerful ideological wing of the BJP, sup- heading for defeat.” polls show. The vote will take place on liners to convert Muslims and Christians to event sparking riots in which around 2,000 peo- ports lawmakers like Maharaj who are work- Feb 7 and the results will be announced Hinduism, torpedoing key foreign investment ple died. He admits being present at the demoli- ing to make India a Hindu nation, said a sen- Promise of jobs three days later. BJP spokesman legislation that the opposition had earlier tion but says he could not stop the crowds. In ior RSS official who asked not to be named. Modi needs to win most of the state Sudhanshu Mittal dismissed reports that agreed to pass. Modi had to use executive India, trials can take decades because of a short- “We will support them because it is all for a elections over the next four years to gain the party was getting nervous about a orders to drive policy, but they are seen as a age of judges. Hindu cause,” he said. There was no evi- control of both houses of parliament to likely defeat. “Who said we are in panic? stopgap measure that cannot replace reforms Modi will have a clearer idea of whether radi- dence to suggest that the RSS was actively deliver on his promise of jobs and eco- We will deploy all the resources at our needed to address India’s slowing economic cals elements are alienating voters when the BJP involved in pushing the hardliners’ agenda, nomic growth. The upper house, where his command. This is Delhi. Ministers and par- growth. fights elections in New Delhi. Also this month, however. party is in a minority, is frustrating his liament members live here. Why should “Modi has a major problem with these the government must present the budget and Modi’s ties with radical Hindus “can be best efforts to pass laws related to tax and for- they not campaign?” — Reuters extremist elements,” said S Chandrasekharan, try to enact three emergency decrees in parlia- described as a game of chess,” said director of the South Asia Analysis Group in New ment. In December, Modi told lawmakers their Ramchandra Guha, one of India’s leading histo- Delhi. “If he can’t bring them under control they behaviour was hurting the party and warned rians. “Both sides are on board when it comes are going to sap the energy needed to carry out them not to cross the Lakshman Rekha, a forbid- to establishing the Hindu supremacist agenda, reforms.” In a sign the world is watching, US den line in Hindu mythology, according to party but they want to follow a different strategy to President Barack Obama warned on a recent vis- officials briefed on the meeting. “The message is achieve it.” Maharaj says most Indians, includ- it that India’s success depended on it not splin- loud and clear: there is no room for any diver- ing Modi, privately share his views, and he will tering along religious lines. sion from the economy,” said GVL Narasimha continue promoting Hindu supremacy. “The Rao, a spokesman for the BJP. only difference is he is refined and maybe we ‘I am a powerful man’ are crass,” Maharaj says of Modi. “We may have At the spiritual retreat, or ashram, elderly dis- Game of chess to fine-tune the message but the message will ciples with long grey beards bend to kiss the The battle for the government’s direction is remain the same.” — Reuters
US lifts US-India nuclear deal to secrecy on be finalized within year aid to NEW DELHI/WASHINGTON: A “breakthrough ty on the operator, said one senior US official. Afghan army understanding” to open India’s nuclear power New Delhi also proposed setting up an insurance sector to US firms reached during President pool with a liability cap of 15 billion rupees ($244 WASHINGTON: The US military has Barack Obama’s visit to New Delhi last month million). The state-run Nuclear Power Corporation performed another U-turn and will could be finalized this year, Indian officials say. of India would pay premiums to cover its liability. DHAKA: A Bangladeshi resident who suffered burn injuries after a petrol bomb attack on publicly release information about The Jan 25 announcement by Obama and Indian Suppliers would take out separate insurance a bus is treated by a doctor at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital. — AFP its aid for Afghan forces, after com- Prime Minister Narendra Modi followed six weeks against their secondary liability - which could not ing under criticism for declaring the of intensive talks, but few details were released exceed that of the operator - at a “fraction” of the data top secret, officials said beyond a framework based on India’s acceptance cost. India must still ratify the International Seven burnt to death Monday. The commander of US and of the principle that plant operators should bear Atomic Energy Agency’s Convention on NATO troops in Afghanistan, General after bus firebombed John Campbell, had classified details primary liability in the event of a nuclear disaster. Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear of the assistance program for Afghan Significant work remains on the fine print of a Damage (CSC), which requires signatories to DHAKA: Anti-government protesters fire- a friend in flames. I doused the fire but his security forces, saying the data could deal aimed at unlocking projects worth tens of channel liability to the operator and offers access bombed a bus full of sleeping passengers in condition is critical,” one survivor told private be exploited by Taliban insurgents. billions of dollars that have been stuck the draw- to relief funds. eastern Bangladesh yesterday, killing seven in Ekattur TV. His move drew complaints from a US ing board for years. India wants to nearly treble its “We would be looking at how quickly we can spiraling political unrest aimed at toppling Up to 15 people were also slightly injured government watchdog, the Special installed nuclear capacity, which would make it ratify the CSC - this is part of our assurance to the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Several passen- after they jumped from the vehicle’s win- Inspector General for Afghanistan the world’s second biggest market after China. suppliers, along with the insurance pool,” said an gers were also critically injured in the attack dows, trying to escape the blaze, the police Reconstruction (SIGAR), which in Chauddagram town blamed on activists chief added. Police inspector Mahfuzur US officials say details of an insurance scheme Indian member of the contact group, set up by accused the Pentagon last week of to protect suppliers from crippling lawsuits need Obama and Modi at a Washington summit last from the main opposition Bangladesh Rahman said authorities suspected BNP depriving American taxpayers of to be thrashed out and India still has to ratify a UN year. The US official said Washington expects the Nationalist Party (BNP) led by two-time for- activists were behind the petrol bomb. Raids vital information about the $65 bil- mer premier Khaleda Zia. were carried out on local villages near the lion program to bolster the Afghan nuclear convention. Indian officials do not rule out Indians to ratify with the IAEA in the near future, The deaths brought the number of people location of the attack, but no arrests were army and police. But Campbell soft- completing the process this year. “We are commit- along with documentation “stating what their law killed in the month-long protests to 53 — made. ened his stance on Monday. His ted to moving ahead on all implementation issues intends” on the issue of liability, which should most of them victims of firebomb attacks on In another attack yesterday, four people headquarters in Kabul has declassi- at an early date,” said Syed Akbaruddin, chief offer further reassurance to US firms. buses and lorries-as opposition activists try to suffered burn injuries after a petrol bomb was spokesman at India’s Ministry of External Affairs. enforce a transport blockade. “Seven passen- thrown at a moving train outside Dhaka, fied most of the information that has gers were burnt to death in the bus after the police said. Hundreds of people have been been withheld, while only keeping “There are no policy hurdles left.” A question of detail petrol bomb was thrown at 4am” district injured since the protests started, while local secret those details related to the General Electric and Westinghouse, a unit of The US industry would have preferred the police chief Tuttul Chakrabarty told AFP by media say more than 850 vehicles have been combat readiness of Afghan Japan’s Toshiba, were fully briefed on the meet- issue to be settled by amending the liability law, phone. torched or damaged and inter-city transport National Security Forces (ANSF) ings of a nuclear “contact group” that hammered something considered politically impossible for units, officials said. “Five of the passengers are fighting for services have ground to a halt. Security forces out the nuclear compromise in London, say Modi to achieve at the moment. “We want to see The US military mission in their life as 40-80 percent of their bodies were have launched a nationwide crackdown-but sources with direct knowledge of the talks. all the detail before we say: ‘Yes, it works for us’,” burnt. They have been shifted to a hospital in the arrest of more than 10,000 opposition Afghanistan “has since gone back and Bringing them into the mix was crucial because Westinghouse President and CEO Daniel the capital,” he said. Authorities have stepped supporters appears to have done little to separated data releasable to the pub- up the pressure on 69-year-old Zia, who has quell the unrest. lic from classified ANSF readiness data the prospect of huge lawsuits, like those against Roderick, who joined Obama’s delegation, told been holed up in her office since January 3, in Zia denies her BNP and its Islamist allies based on the SIGAR’s request to Union Carbide over the 1984 Bhopal gas disaster, Reuters. a bid to halt the violence. Zia called the are responsible for the firebombings and release more information to the pub- has until now kept US and other foreign firms on That note of caution, however, masks the protests early last month, urging supporters have demanded the release of opposition lic,” a military officer said. “General the sidelines. extent to which negotiators engaged with the to enforce a nationwide blockade of roads, officials and leaders detained over the vio- Campbell has not changed his posi- India and the United States signed a landmark industry to address fears that it could end up on railways and waterways to force Hasina to call lence. Hasina has accused her bitter rival Zia tion in regard to the importance of agreement to cooperate on nuclear power back the hook in a disaster on the scale of the 2011 a fresh election. The BNP and its allies boy- of trying to trigger “anarchy”, and authorities protecting ANSF readiness data, in 2008. Yet an expected bonanza never material- reactor blasts at Tepco’s plant in Fukushima, cotted the last poll in January 2014 on the ordered the probe on Monday against the which remains classified,” the officer ized because India later passed a law that would Japan. “For the first time, we had a comprehen- grounds that they believed the result would opposition leader into allegations of murder said. The US military mission “is fully expose reactor makers to liability if there was an sive inventory of concerns,” said the Indian nego- be rigged. Authorities on Monday ordered a made by a pro-government activist. committed” to cooperating with the probe into allegations of murder against Zia Zia was charged last week over lesser inspector general, he said. For six accident. The liability issue has become a tiator. Westinghouse has been granted land in over the deadly protests, while one of her crimes of “abetting” and “instigating” the fire- years, the Pentagon has publicly metaphor for the unrealized potential of the bilat- Modi’s home state of Gujarat to build six reactors, closest aides, a media magnate, was arrested. bombings. Police also arrested on Monday reported a range of data to the eral business relationship and a question mark while GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy is eyeing a simi- one of Zia’s key aides, Mosaddek Ali Falu, the inspector general about US aid to against Modi’s “Make in India” mantra. lar project in Andhra Pradesh. The liability road- ‘People burning in bus’ owner of the country’s leading television Afghan forces and the state of the block has prevented commercial talks from start- Survivors of yesterday’s attack said the station, over an arson attack in central country’s troubled police and army. bus was packed with local tourists returning Dhaka. Western countries including the EU, ‘Not incompatible’ ing on the projects, with a combined capacity of overnight from the resort town of Cox’s the impoverished nation’s biggest export The information has provided an As the days counted down to Obama’s visit, 10,000 megawatts. India has 21 nuclear reactors Bazaar to the capital Dhaka. “I woke up hear- destination, has urged Hasina’s government important measure for assessing the Indian officials persuaded their US counterparts with an installed capacity of 21,300 MW. It plans ing loud cries and saw people burning in the and the opposition to hold talks to resolve progress of the Afghan forces and the that their law was “not incompatible” with inter- to launch construction of 40,000 MW of capacity effect of Western assistance. — AFP bus. I jumped through the window and found the crisis. — AFP national standards that place the burden of liabili- in the next decade. — AP
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 ANALYSIS
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Focus Politics of religion shifting ahead of Nigeria vote
By Ben Simon and Aderogba Obisesan
ess than two weeks from national polls, Nigeria’s ruling Lparty is facing unprecedented shifts in the politics of reli- gion that could spell trouble for the incumbent, President Goodluck Jonathan. While he may still be the favourite on Feb 14, experts said two key factors could remove his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from power for the first time since the end of military rule in 1999. First, opposition leader Muhammadu Buhari, a northern Muslim, has gained surprising traction in the mostly Christian south, despite sustained PDP efforts to paint him as a religious extremist. The PDP could also suffer a historically lopsided defeat in the Muslim-majority Greece shakes Europe’s political kaleidoscope north, where the party has previously drawn considerable sup- port, even when a Christian was at the top of the ticket. By Paul Taylor in 2010. Greece is also probably the country where credibility from Syriza’s victory, especially if the new and-neck in opinion polls that suggest neither is the traditional political class has been most discred- Athens government is able to negotiate some debt likely to win an overall majority. That could make for ‘Surpassing Religion’ y catapulting to power an improbable ited by corruption scandals and tax avoidance, relief and an easing of austerity. an unstable government dependent on one or pos- Buhari, a former army general who led a military govern- Balliance of the hard left and nationalist far nepotism and fiddled statistics. Spain’s two main- However, Tsipras’ alliance with the hard right sibly two smaller parties for its survival. If Prime ment for 20 months from Dec 1983, is hardly the dream candi- right, Greece has shaken up Europe’s political stream parties that have alternated in power since Independent Greeks has jarred with leftists in Minister David Cameron’s Conservatives come out date for many in the south, experts said. Some southerners kaleidoscope and may have signalled the end of an the fall of fascism have also been tarnished by a southern Europe - it would hard to imagine France’s on top, expect two years of uncertainty and market have an entrenched antipathy towards Muslims from the Hausa era of centrist consensus. With eight general elec- string of sleaze affairs. They are seen by many anti-capitalist Left Party led by Jean-Luc Melenchon jitters ahead of his promised referendum on ethnic group, members of which plundered the country as mili- tions due in the European Union this year, as well as Spaniards as sharing the blame for the collapse of a teaming up with Marine Le Pen’s National Front. The whether Britain stays in the EU. With the centrist tary rulers through much of the 1980s and 1990s. PDP efforts to regional votes, the earthquake in Athens may be a property bubble that triggered tough austerity prospect of months of confrontation between Liberal Democrats facing big losses after five years brand Buhari as an extremist devoted to Islamic law have also harbinger of other shocks to come. Expect the measures. Athens and Brussels amid potential financial insta- of coalition with the Conservatives, potential king- been successful, said John Campbell, a former US ambassador unexpected in 2015 from Britain to Finland and As in Greece, one young Spaniard in two is out bility may deter Spanish voters from risking a vote makers range from the anti-immigrant UK to Nigeria, now with the Council on Foreign Relations. “It is Denmark to Spain as voters who have endured five of work. That has fuelled the rise of the year-old for Podemos by the time the election comes Independence Party, which wants to take Britain grossly unfair. I know him. He is not an extremist but these years of economic crisis, falling real incomes and utopian left-wing Podemos (Yes We Can) party, led around in December, or drive the PP and the PSOE out of the EU, to the Scottish National Party, which things resonate,” he told AFP. welfare cuts vent their anger, anxiety or apathy at by charismatic young academic Pablo Iglesias. It to form a German-style grand coalition govern- has gained ground since narrowly losing a referen- Buhari, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) party, is the ballot boxes. leads both Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s conserva- ment. Another country where anti-establishment dum on independence last year. Veteran political making his fourth run at the presidency and has been billed as Mainstream centre-right and centre-left parties tive Popular Party (PP) and the opposition Socialists radicals could upset the applecart is Britain, which scientist David Butler, the father of British opinion Nigeria’s chief anti-corruption crusader, helping him attract that have dominated European politics since the (PSOE) in opinion polls. Iglesias, 36, who is close to votes on May 7. The governing Conservatives and polling, says he has not seen a more uncertain elec- nationwide support. Analyst Jibrin Ibrahim agreed that for the end of World War Two are bleeding support to pop- Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, 40, may gain the opposition centre-left Labour party are neck- tion since 1945. —Reuters first time in religiously divided Nigeria, governance could be ulists at both ends of the spectrum, and to maver- “surpassing religion” as a campaign issue. “The issue of religion icks like Italian comic-turned-politician Beppe Grillo. is very present in all our elections and will be in this one,” said In many countries, voters feel the established par- Obama joins ally list on Greek austerity relief Ibrahim, from the Centre for Democracy and Development in ties offer no real alternative. Many are keen to pun- Abuja. “What I think is new about these elections is that it is ish a ruling “caste” perceived as out of touch with By Aurelia End required under Greece’s bailout would be “difficult” to achieve. really about the failures of Jonathan. There are voters in the ordinary people’s concerns, and as helping them- south who don’t particularly like Buhari but they have been selves rather than their electors. reece’s new leftwing government can boast some high-profile allies, Greek Breather a ‘Boost’ for Europe extremely disappointed with the last four years and that could What unites many of the new forces is hostility from Nobel economics laureates to US President Barack Obama, in “There is increasing awareness that a new development logic would not shift support to Buhari.” to the EU and to policies of austerity driven from G its controversial drive against austerity in Europe. Prime Minister only give a breather to Greece’s asphyxiating society but also give an Jonathan has been heavily criticised for his apparent failure Brussels and Berlin. “We’ve reached the end of a 30- Alexis Tsipras says Greece’s economy will never truly recover from a six-year important boost to the European economy,” Tsipras said in Nicosia on to reduce graft in Africa’s most populous country and top econ- year cycle of liberal individualism and wealth accu- recession that has caused a “humanitarian crisis” in the country without Monday as he began a three-day tour of European capitals to muster sup- omy, where billions of dollars in public money have been mulation that began with Ronald Reagan and growth stimulus and another cut to its massive debt. Upon taking power port for Greece’s cause. Tsipras, a 40-year-old former communist, has also stolen, especially in the oil sector. Boko Haram’s brutal uprising Margaret Thatcher,” former British Europe minister last week, the new government halted key privatisations and said it would booked meetings with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, French has also worsened each year under Jonathan’s watch, with Denis MacShane said in an interview. “We’re in for at no longer accept fiscal audits from the “troika”, a staff team dispatched by its President Francois Hollande and European Commission President Jean- more than 13,000 people killed since 2009. least half a decade of turbulence and uncertainty in EU/ECB/IMF creditors. Claude Juncker this week. Europe.” MacShane, whose latest book “Brexit: how Germany, which has borne the bulk of Greece’s multi-billion-euro Ahead of seeing Tsipras, Renzi on Monday acknowledged in a radio Rotation in ‘Disarray’ Britain will leave Europe” is due out in February, says bailout, was quick to rule out another debt cut after a 2012 operation interview that Italy would like to see a shift from austerity to growth and The PDP has won all four presidential elections since 1999 the last such period of flux was in the 1970s, when a slashed Athens’ obligations to private creditors by about Ä100 billion ($113 investment. But he said that “prudence” and “responsibility” were required with support from both the north and the south, which it post-war consensus on the welfare state, a mixed billion). But three days before the Greek election on Jan 25, 18 prominent in the talks with Greece. Portugal and Finland have already expressed secured through an unwritten power-sharing agreement with- economy with a big government role and collective economists including Nobel prize-winners Joseph Stiglitz and Christopher opposition to further debt relief for Athens. Greece already has a moratori- in the party. Power brokers in both regions “were comfortable bargaining crumbled, at least in Britain and the Pissarides said it was a time for Greece to be granted “a fresh start”. um on repaying the EFSF European bailout fund, which holds around 140 using the PDP as a venue through which they would arrive at a United States. Whether anti-establishment out- In a joint article in the Financial Times, they called for a cut in Greek debt billion out of its total debt of more than Ä315 billion. rough consensus” because it was understood that each side siders will win power anywhere other than Greece now held by European states, a moratorium on interest payment and funds Xavier Timbeau of the French Economic Observatory (OFCE) is opposed would get its turn in charge, Campbell said. The 2010 death in remains to be seen. But they seem set to make gov- to finance reforms in Greece. A few days later, US Nobel laureate Paul to Tsipras’ idea of holding a European conference on Greece’s debt, noting office of Jonathan’s predecessor, Hausa-Muslim Umaru Musa ernment more awkward and less stable every- Krugman noted that demanding Athens create a budget surplus of 4.5 per- that debt-ridden EU peers such as Portugal and Spain would naturally raise Yar’Adua “put that agreement in disarray”, analyst Idiyat Hassan where. “In hindsight, the governments we have had cent of output is akin to “extracting blood from a stone”. Greece would need similar demands. Instead, he sees a better solution in cutting Greece’s inter- wrote on the African Arguments blog. in Europe since 2011 may have been as good as it to dedicate its entire annual wealth for two years to repay a debt that est payments, which he says account for 4.5 to 5.0 percent of national out- Jonathan’s rise from the vice-presidency and his refusal to gets,” said Tina Fordham, chief global political ana- stands at around 175 percent of national output. put. “Eliminating these payments for several years would enable (the gov- stand aside for a northerner in 2011 caused initial cracks in the lyst at US bank Citi. “The outlook everywhere is for Over the weekend, Obama weighed in on the debate, telling CNN: ernment) to address the humanitarian crisis it justly speaks of,” he told AFP. PDP’s national alliance. His insistence on running for a second weaker governments with significant unpre- “You cannot keep on squeezing countries that are in the midst of The deflationary cycle in which Greece has been caught for nearly a year term in 2015 split the party, with the north emerging as “the dictable, untested non-mainstream components.” depression.” “At some point, there has to be a growth strategy in order is another burden as it increases the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio. Thomas great losers” of the once dominant PDP coalition, Campbell said. Greeks have suffered higher unemployment, for them to pay off their debts to eliminate some of their deficits,” Piketty, author of the bestseller “Capital in the Twenty-First Century”, recent- Several key northern politicians have quit the PDP and joined deeper poverty and more social dislocation than Obama said in a message many saw as aimed at Germany. Even the ly argued that without inflation, “one would need 50 or 60 years to repay the APC over the last two years, including Rabiu Kwankwaso, any other Europeans since they became the first International Monetary Fund admitted in June that the surplus 200 percent of output”. —AFP governor of the north’s most populous state, Kano, which has euro zone country to seek an international bailout five million registered voters. Jonathan beat Buhari by roughly 10 million votes in 2011, winning roughly eight million in the north and the religiously divided central states. If Jonathan’s sup- port in the north collapses and Buhari makes inroads in the south, analysts said the president could lose. Buhari is helped by Obama challenges GOP with budget the fact that he is leading a united opposition, unlike in 2011 when rival candidates peeled off more than three million votes. By David Espo House in 2011 “hurt, rather than though, Obama proposes hundreds er programs such as a National Park government bureaucracy,” House Looking Past Religion helped, the economy,” his budget of billions in cuts to Medicare Service Centennial Initiative. Speaker John Boehner said in a Some argue that parties spend too much effort striving for ith higher taxes on the says, although it fails to mention providers on one side of the ledger, statement that also said the presi- Irritants ethno-religious balance, noting that the most popular presi- Wwealthy and billions in that Obama once negotiated seri- and nearly $500 billion in new high- dent wants to “impose new taxes dential ticket since independence in 1960 - the 1993 campaign new spending, US ously if unsuccessfully with Speaker way and bridge construction, free Further irritants to Republicans and more spending without a of the Social Democratic Party - contained two Muslims. President Barack Obama’s no-bal- John Boehner over billions of dollars community college for two years are embedded in the administra- responsible plan to honestly Moshood Abiola and running mate Baba Gana Kingibe were ance budget lays down an auda- in savings to Social Security and and other, tion’s tax-and-spending plan, address the big challenges facing easily on track to win the polls before military ruler Ibrahim cious challenge to Republicans who Medicare. The word “austerity” small- including steps to fight climate our country.” Babangida nullified the vote.Many commentators were clam- swept to full control of Congress last appears seven times in a 17-page change that they have ridiculed and Republicans have passed a 10- ouring for popular Lagos state governor Babatunde Fashola, a fall and now claim a mandate to introduction, none of them favor- the continued existence of the year balanced budget through the Muslim, to head the APC ticket in 2015, but the party decided it eliminate deficits over the next able and usually attributed to healthcare plan the GOP has vowed House each year since they took needed a Hausa candidate to defeat Jonathan. For Dapo decade. Make that the second Republicans and described as to uproot. By Obama’s reckoning, power in 2011. The Senate, now Thomas, political scientist at Lagos State University, the empha- audacious challenge in the past mindless or needless. this all adds up to persistent under GOP control, intends to do sis on a candidate’s religion and tribe has “driven merit to the three weeks - coming after a State Now, Obama and budget say, deficits, estimated at $687 bil- the same thing, according Sen Mike backseat”. —AFP of the Union address in which those days are over. To make the lion in 2025 despite what the Enzi, chairman of the budget panel. Obama threatened to veto point, he called for about $1.5 administration predicts will In a statement, he and Rep Tom Republican legislative priorities and trillion in tax hikes, mostly on be relatively strong econom- Price of Georgia, head of the House demanded lawmakers enact his wealthy corporations and ic growth and low unem- Budget Committee, said Obama is own. individuals as well as smokers. ployment. advocating more spending, more All articles appearing on these Then, as now, his objective was Enacting new immigration Obama is at pains to say taxes and more debt. “...That pages are the personal opinion of in part to help Democrats in policies like the ones approved that’s not so bad after much approach will yield less opportunity the writers. Kuwait Times takes no Congress recover from their election in the Democratic-controlled higher deficits in recent years. for the middle class and a crushing drubbing, and in part to position Senate last year is estimated to “The key test of fiscal sustain- burden of debt that threatens both responsibility for views expressed them and his party as the champion raise another $500 million in ability is whether debt is stable our future prosperity and our therein. Kuwait Times invites read- of the middle class in advance of higher tax revenue over a or declining as a share of the national security.” If they succeed in ers to voice their opinions. Please the 2016 campaign. To do that, he decade, as immigrants freed from economy,” he says in his budget agreeing on a balance budget plan, tars Republicans as apostles of a the threat of deportation enter the message. “The budget meets that House and Senate Republicans will send submissions via email to: opin- “mindless austerity” that has set workforce. test.” That may be fine for Obama be obliged to pass separate legisla- [email protected] or via snail back the economic recovery and Spending is roughly flat: $50.3 and Democrats in Congress, but tion to make it happen, deep mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. was woven into a recent history that trillion over a decade in the presi- Republicans are betting their politi- spending cuts included. Judging The editor reserves the right to edit includes a partial government shut- dent’s budget, compared with $50.4 cal election gains on a different test from his State of the Union speech down and flirtation with default. the Office of Management and entirely. “Our budget will balance, and his budget, Obama will be wait- any submission as necessary. Policies adopted after Budget calculates would otherwise and it will help promote job cre- ing. With a veto pen and a talk Republicans took control of the be spent. Within those totals, ation and higher wages, not more about the perils of austerity. —AP NEWS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015
Strollers walk through the snowy landscape of the Stillachtal valley near Oberstdorf in southern Germany yesterday. — AFP Gulf banks underwrite Hezb faces hard choices fighting Israel, Sunnis region’s aviation boom BEIRUT: Hezbollah’s ambitions are spreading Hezbollah’s taste for foreign adventurism is far beyond its Lebanon home as the militant weakening its appetite for fighting Israel. In Shiite movement appears increasingly bent his speech Friday, Nasrallah said Israel had DUBAI: Cash-rich Gulf banks are becoming huge; Emirates has about $107.5 billion worth and received a guarantee from the French on taking on Sunni foes across the Middle incorrectly thought that “Hezbollah is busy, bigger players in the region’s aviation boom, of aircraft on order from Boeing and Airbus export credit agency for its floating-rate capi- East. It has sent thousands of its fighters into confused, weak and drained. ... The resistance helping carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways over the coming few years. The order books tal market bond. However, it recently began Syria and senior military advisers to Iraq, is in full health, readiness, awareness, profes- and Etihad Airways to fund their fleet expan- for Qatar and Etihad are about $57.7 billion drawing more funding from local banks. helped Shiite rebels rise to power in Yemen sionalism and courage.” sion. Figures from European planemaker and $28.59 billion respectively at list price. At the same time, some funding options and threatened Bahrain over its abuse of the It is part of a complex equation for Airbus show that 47 percent of its aircraft “Liquidity was good [in 2014], the local and are less readily available than they were in Shiite majority. But the regional aspirations Hezbollah: On the one hand, many Lebanese deals in the Middle East in the first 11 months regional banks participated very strongly, cer- previous years. Export credit - once a cost- also are taking a heavy toll and threatening resent the group for embroiling their vulner- of last year were funded by local banks, up tainly as far as airlines from region were con- effective mainstay for the big three Gulf carri- to undermine Hezbollah’s support at home. able country in ruinous wars with Israel. But from 17 percent for 2013 as a whole. Flush cerned,” Ricky Thirion, group treasurer of ers - has been pushed towards market rates as The group has suffered significant casualties, on the other, all shades of Muslim opinion there is talk of becoming overstretched, and see the Jewish state as a common enemy with huge cash deposits estimated by Reuters Etihad, said at a conference in Dublin. “But a result of changes to international financing judging by the events of recent days, even a that Hezbollah forced, in 2000, to end an 18- at $1.15 trillion, Gulf banks have the firepower they also spread their wings and started offer- rules. Globally, funding from some interna- vague sense that the appetite for fighting year occupation in south Lebanon. In that to be increasingly competitive in aviation ing transactions outside our region, which is tional banks has also been less abundant the Israelis is waning. sense even Sunnis, who along with lending markets. good to see.” since the 2009 global financial crisis, although In the recent confrontation, Israel struck Christians and Shiites make a third of the It gives the region’s carriers access to cheap National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), for a number have made a return to the market. first, purportedly destroying a Hezbollah unit country’s population each, could see capital while posing a threat to the domi- example, says it is exploring aviation deals French banks’ contribution to commercial near the frontline of the Israeli-occupied Hezbollah as a protector. nance of global banks and aircraft lessors with Asia Pacific rim airlines across multiple bank debt financing for airplane deliveries is Golan Heights. Among the seven dead on But that was then. Today, many increas- which have thrived on the accelerated growth financing structures. “We see indeed that expected to be around 10 percent in 2015, Jan 18 were an Iranian general, a top ingly look to Sunni-majority powers as Saudi of the Gulf aviation industry. Long-standing banks in the Middle East are playing an nearly half the level of 2009, according to Hezbollah commander and the son of anoth- Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt critics of the Gulf’s state-owned carriers, increasingly important role in aircraft financ- Boeing. The proportion of funding from er former commander in chief. A heavy as their true backers. “Increasingly, including some North American and ing, in line with the region’s growing influence German banks will also be lower over the Hezbollah retaliation appeared inevitable. Hezbollah’s leadership perceives itself as a European legacy airlines, may feel such in air traffic worldwide,” said Yann Ballet, head same time period. Yet when it came last Wednesday, Shiite Arab regional actor, placing its com- financing from local lenders - many of whom of project and structured finance at Airbus. Munawar Noorani, London-based managing Hezbollah’s revenge was relatively modest: mitment to the Palestinian cause on par with are also partly or fully state-owned - offers an Airlines traditionally relied more on leasing director of Aviation and Industrials for Europe, Two Israeli soldiers dead, seven wounded. its mission as a defender of Shiite political unfair advantage. But Gulf lenders and airlines firms, export credit agencies, international Middle East and Africa at Citi, expects however The choice of location - a disputed piece of and religious rights in the Arab region,” said alike say deals are done only on a commercial banks and capital markets or just cash for that new monetary policies in Japan and land excluded from a UN resolution that end- Randa Slim, a director at the Washington- basis. their financing needs. But as their order books Europe could allow greater and more competi- ed the 2006 war between Hezbollah and based Middle East Institute. “The conse- Israel - suggested to some that Hezbollah’s quence for Lebanon is that at some point the After years of piling lending into the have swollen, carriers have widened their tive lending from banks. “There is a lot of liquid- mind remains focused on more distant Shiite underpinnings of Hezbollah’s regional region’s volatile property sector, local bankers sources of financing in order to secure com- ity available from which particularly the three fronts. role will clash with the interests and see aircraft financing as a way to diversify risk petitive rates and diversify risks. Dubai’s flag major Gulf airlines are benefiting - this has Hezbollah leader, Sheikh Hassan demands of its non-Shiite, mainly Sunni into an asset class where the likely pitfalls are carrier Emirates has been tapping US capital allowed the local and regional banks to grow Nasrallah, seemed to allude to criticism that compatriots.” — AP smaller. Opportunities for further funding are markets through equipment trust certificates their aviation portfolios,” he said. — Reuters
HRW slams free speech crackdown ‘Mockingbird’ author Lee to publish... Continued from Page 1 Al-Shammari, owner of several media outlets that had Continued from Page 1 she is forced to grapple with personal and political defied a government ban to publish a story; Abdullah issues as she tries to understand his attitude toward “Now they are also twisting the entire concept of cit- Al-Barghash, a former opposition leader in parliament; “I am humbled and amazed that this will now be society, and her own feelings about the place where she izenship to strip critics of their nationality rights.” Nabil Al-Awadhi, a conservative cleric widely known for published after all these years,” she said in a statement. was born and spent her childhood. “This is a remark- Belkis Wille, in-charge of the Kuwait file at HRW, his TV talk shows; and Saad Al-Ajmi, the spokesman for Lee, who rarely speaks to the media, said in the past able literary event,” said Jonathan Burnham, Harper appreciated having the opportunity to hold the confer- Musallam Al-Barrak, a leading opposition politician. All that she never wrote a follow-up to “To Kill A publisher and senior vice president. “The existence of ence to release the HRW report in Kuwait. “This oppor- four told Human Rights Watch that they believed their Mockingbird” because she feared she could never equal ‘Go Set a Watchman’ was unknown until recently, and its tunity is not available in neighboring countries such as citizenship was stripped for criticizing the government its success. HarperCollins said it was “thrilled” to be pub- discovery is an extraordinary gift to the many readers Bahrain for instance, yet freedom of speech dramatical- and that the revocation had left them stateless. The lishing the new novel. Michael Morrison, the president and fans of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’,” he added. “Reading ly dropped in 2014 compared to the past, when Kuwait revocation process does not allow appeal or review. of the publishing house, said it was a “brilliant book”. “I in many ways like a sequel to Harper Lee’s classic novel, was the first in the region in this field. The Kuwaiti gov- Mohammed Al-Hamidi, Director of the KHRS, said love ‘Go Set a Watchman,’ and know that this master- it is a compelling and ultimately moving narrative about ernment aggressively cracked down on free speech that the most serious issue of human rights violation in piece will be revered for generations to come,” he said. a father and a daughter’s relationship, and the life of a throughout 2014, using provisions of the constitution Kuwait is the bedoon (stateless) issue. “Although the In the novel, Scout returns to Maycomb, Alabama small Alabama town living through the racial tensions and penal code, laws on printing and publishing, pub- government has many times announced they will defi- from New York to visit her father, Atticus Finch, where of the 1950s.” — AFP lic gatherings and misuse of telecommunications, as nitely resolve this issue, it hasn’t been done. For some of well as the national unity law of 2013,” she stated. them, it’s getting worse, especially children that are not The government put into effect a new telecommu- provided an education. They also have many other seri- IS burns captured Jordan pilot alive nications law in May that imposes severe penalties on ous problems such as unemployment, housing and people who create or send “immoral” messages, and freedom of speech. Reports on deporting the bedoons Continued from Page 1 ground. The video also showed footage of the after- gives unspecified authorities the power to suspend are not correct, as some of them were sentenced to math of air strikes, with people trying to remove civil- communication services on national security grounds. imprisonment followed by deportation, but they were The Amir extended deepest condolences to King ians from debris. It then shows Kassasbeh dressed in an Any communication service provider that “con- never deported and are still in the prison,” he pointed Abdullah, the Jordanian people and Kassasbeh’s family. orange jumpsuit and surrounded by armed and masked tributes” to the dissemination of messages that vio- out. At a tribal meeting place where the pilot’s relatives IS fighters in camouflage. late these vague standards can be punished. The law During 2014, Kuwait’s bedoons, more than 105,000 have waited for weeks for word on his fate, chants It cuts to him standing inside the cage and apparent- provides no opportunity for judicial review, the HRW people historically not considered citizens, protested against King Abdullah erupted and some family mem- ly soaked in petrol before a masked jihadist uses a torch statement said. their stateless status, with at least seven arrested. The bers wept. An uncle shouted in Arabic: “I received a to light a trail of flame that runs to the cage and burns As 2015 began, the government took further action 1979 public gatherings law bars non-Kuwaitis from par- phone call from the chief of staff saying God bless his him alive. The man is set ablaze and kneels to the against its critics. The recent actions, reported by ticipating in public gatherings. On Jan 29, Abdelhakim soul.” The king cut short a visit to the United States to ground. Fighters then pour debris, including broken human rights sources, include the arrest of a former Al-Fadhli, a bedoon human rights activist, was sen- return home. US President Barack Obama immediately masonry, over the cage which a bulldozer then flattens, lawmaker, Saleh Al-Mulla on Jan 6 for insulting HH the tenced to one year in prison followed by deportation denounced the purported killing. “Should in fact this with the body still inside. The video showed a desert Amir and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi in for participation in a protest in 2014. Human Rights video be authentic, it’s just one more indication of the setting similar to previous videos of killings. The video tweets; a warrant against Nawaf Al-Hindal, a human Watch has urged the government to create a timely viciousness (and) barbarity of this organisation,” Obama threatened other purported Jordanian pilots by name. rights activist, on Jan 27 while he was out of the coun- and transparent mechanism to review bedoon citizen- said. He said it would “redouble the vigilance and deter- Shiraz Maher, from the International Centre for the try over tweets about Saudi Arabia’s late King Abdullah; ship claims that incorporates international human mination on the part of the global coalition to make Study of Radicalisation at King’s College London, the arrest on Jan 28 of another activist, Mohammed Al- rights standards. sure” the IS group is “ultimately defeated”. described the footage as “simply the most horrific, dis- Ajmi for insulting King Abdullah on Twitter; and a five- The Justice Ministry took steps to block women from Kassasbeh, a 26-year-old first lieutenant in the gusting thing I have seen from Islamic State in the last year sentence for Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi, another activist, applying for legal researcher posts until the two-year Jordanian air force, was captured on Dec 24 after his F- two years”. “They clearly want to make a real point. This on Jan 29 for insulting HH the Amir on Twitter. evaluation of the first group of women admitted in 16 jet crashed while on a mission over northern Syria as is the first individual whom they have captured who has Over the past year, Kuwaiti authorities have stripped 2013 is completed. Under the program, women can part of the US-led coalition campaign against the been directly involved with the Western coalition in at least 33 people of citizenship for various reasons, eventually pursue careers as judges. In April, a court jihadists. The video released yesterday shows footage of fighting IS. It is different from the aid workers... This is an including some government critics for “acts aiming to struck down the Justice Ministry’s veto, opening the Kassasbeh sitting at a table discussing coalition opera- act of belligerence. Every time you think they cannot undermine the country’s security and stability, bringing way for 21 women to gain admission to legal tions against IS, with flags from the various Western and commit anything worse - they open up another trap- harm to its institutions”. Among them were Ahmed Jabr researcher posts by November. Arab countries in the alliance projected in the back- door.” — Agencies p16 2_Layout 1 2/3/15 9:01 PM Page 1
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 SPORTS
Rivals ready for Hamilton Italy scrap training camp Stormers coach to quit LONDON: Nico Rosberg says he has sharpened his knives for the new Formula MILAN: Italy have called off next week’s training camp after get- CAPE TOWN: Stormers coach Allister Coetzee will leave the South African Super One season and is ready to take on champion Mercedes team mate Lewis ting a lukewarm reaction to a request for clubs to release their Rugby side at the end of the season to take up a coaching post with Japanese Hamilton and anyone else who fancies their title chances. The German, runner- players. team Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers. up last year as Hamilton collected his second crown, told the official “In view of the response we’ve had we’ve decided not to go Western Province director of rugby Gert Smal said they had unsuccessfully formula1.com website that he felt stronger than ever and was sure the new ahead with the training camp which was at risk of not being useful tried to persuade Coetzee to sign a new contract. Mercedes was better. Asked whether he already had his metaphorical knives to either the national team or the clubs,” said coach Antonio Conte “We tried our best to keep Allister. Not only is he a fantastic coach but we “sharpened” for the season, Rosberg said he had started doing that as soon as in an Italian federation statement. have a great relationship-on and off the field,” Smal said in a statement on “But I hope that from now on we manage to work together to the last campaign ended in Abu Dhabi. Tuesday. “I am very sad to be losing him, but I can understand that he is seeking find a solution to help make the national team a reference point in “For now it is Lewis-and whoever else wants to have a go at the knife,” he a new challenge.” The Stormers open their Super Rugby cam- added with a laugh when asked about the main target. The two our football.” paign against the Bulls in Pretoria on Feb. 14. After losing Mercedes team mates, who have known and raced against Conte, appointed in the wake of Italy’s first-round exit at the the Super 14 final to the Bulls in Soweto in 2010, Coetzee each other from boyhood, had a tense relationship last sea- 2014 World Cup in Brazil, complained last month that he was not son as they battled for the title. spending enough time with his players. coached the Stormers to successive South African confer- Rosberg expected more of the same. “We have a rela- He has visited all 20 Serie A clubs in a bid to improve co-opera- ence titles in the extended Super 15 in 2011 and 2012. In tionship that goes up and down-and it will continue to go tion with the national side, which predecessor Cesare Prandelli the latter tournament the team also topped the overall up and down,” he said. “It is an intense battle between us complained had lost prestige. standings, the only South African side to achieve that feat. and that will not change any time soon. The training camp was due to be held from Feb. 9-11 although At domestic Currie Cup level, Cape Town-based Western “Last year’s experience helps,” he added of this year’s the dates are not part of the international calendar and clubs were Province won two titles under Coetzee’s leader- challenge. “It’s that ‘been there, done that’ kind under no obligation to release players. Italy are unbeaten under ship-in 2012 and 2014 — and have contested of thing. —Reuters Conte with five wins and a draw since the World Cup.—Reuters four finals in the past five seasons. —Reuters Red Bull air race back with new stops in Russia, Japan, Hungary JAPAN: The eight-race 2015 Red Bull Air September 26/27 and then the season Race World Championship will feature two finale on October 17/18 in Las Vegas. new stops in Japan and Russia along with a “We’re always making efforts to bring return to Budapest, Hungary. The world’s the sport to our fans and we’re delighted fastest motorsport series will also be back that we can now officially announce that at five popular locations in 2015 with stops Red Bull Air Race will visit 2015 two new in Abu Dhabi (UAE), Ascot (GBR), Spielberg countries. We will race in Japan and Russia, (AUT), Fort Worth and Las Vegas (USA). countries full of enthusiastic motorsport The new Red Bull Air Race World and aviation fans and once again Hungary, Championship season in 2015 will feature where the Red Bull Air Race has a great fan- eight stops spanning the globe that base,” said Erich Wolf, General Manager of includes five of the most popular locations Red Bull Air Race GmbH. The Red Bull Air from the riveting 2014 season, organizers Race World Championship sees the world’s of the world’s fastest motorsport series best pilots put to the test in a pure motor- announced on November 26 in Chiba, sport competition, combining speed, preci- Japan. The sport’s eighth season kicks off sion and skill. The pilots use the fastest, on February 13/14 with the traditional most agile and lightweight racing planes to opener in Abu Dhabi and will include first- navigate a predefined, low-level aerial race- ever races in Japan, with a stop in Chiba on track of air-filled pylons (Air Gates) with the May 16/17. The championship then moves aim of finishing in the fastest time possible, to another new country Russia, with an incurring as few penalties as possible. eagerly awaited stop in the sports-focused city of Sochi on May 30/31. Budapest, 2015 Race Calendar: Hungary - which hosted seven races 1. Abu Dhabi, UAE (13/14 February) between 2003 and 2009 - will be back on 2. Chiba, Japan (16/17 May) the calendar with a stop on July 4/5. 3. Sochi, Russia* (30 /31 May) The second half of the 2015 Red Bull Air 4. Budapest, Hungary (4/5 July) Race World Championship season starts on 5. Ascot, Great Britain (15/16 August) August 15/16 in Ascot, Great Britain, before 6. Spielberg, Austria (5/6 September) it makes a triumphant return to Spielberg, 7. Fort Worth, Texas, United States (26/27 Austria on September 5/6. The 2015 season September) concludes with two stops in the United 8. Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (17/18 States - a return to Fort Worth in Texas on October)
ANAHEIM: In this image provided by Disneyland, New England Patriots players Julian Edelman (right) and Malcolm Butler join Mickey Mouse as they celebrated their team’s Super Bowl XLIX championship victory over the Seattle Seahawks at Disneyland park. —AP Backlash over Super Bowl child death ad
WASHINGTON: A major US insurance company happy ‘Hollywood’ endings” to their ads. A US judge refused on Monday to accept a found itself on the defensive Monday after its Sentiment140.com, which tracks how con- proposed settlement between the National sobering Super Bowl ad about children who die sumers feel about brands on social media, Football League and thousands of retired play- in preventable accidents triggered a social reported 53 percent negative sentiment for ers over concussions, saying changes were need- media backlash. Nationwide on Monday, compared to a 72 per- ed before she would approve it. Nationwide Mutual Insurance said it wanted cent positive feeling for Budweiser. During a 4- Ruling one day after the Super Bowl, US to raise awareness about accidental childhood 1/2 hour period Sunday that included the game District Judge Anita Brody in Philadelphia said deaths, which experts say occur about once itself, Nationwide was mentioned more than the accord should expand payment eligibility for every hour in the United States. 126,100 times on Twitter, second only to some players and families. “I couldn’t grow up because I died from an Budweiser, added Brandwatch.com, a social Among the changes she wants is an assur- accident,” says a young boy in the ad, after media monitoring firm. ance that retired players who died of the brain regretting he will never be able to ride a bike, Nationwide could take comfort, however, in disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy after get married or travel the world. the likes of a tech consultant who tweeted on she granted preliminary approval of the accord Haunting images follow-of an overflowing Monday: “I will have to admit I checked the cabi- last July 7 should be covered. The NFL had bathtub, cleaning solvents under a kitchen sink, nets, doors and children after that commercial.” agreed to pay $4 million each to families of for- and a large flat-screen television that fell onto “This ad really makes you think about how mer players who died from CTE before July 7, the floor. precious life is,” read another comment on the but nothing to those diagnosed afterward. “The number one cause of childhood death is website of Adweek, a trade journal. “It was a dar- Brody also said the settlement should pro- preventable accidents,” stated the gloomy 45- ing move.” vide for some credit for play in the World League second ad that promoted the Twitter hashtag In a statement, Nationwide defended the of American Football, the NFL Europe League #makesafehappen. commercial, which stood out dramatically from and the NFL Europa League, and allow for test- The Centers for Disease Control and a raft of father-friendly “dad-vertising” that fea- ing of more players “regardless of funding limita- Prevention say a “staggering” 9,000 American tured prominently among this year’s Super Bowl tions” in the agreement. children die every year from unintentional spots. The judge said the modifications would injuries-or about 25 a day. “enhance the fairness, reasonableness, and ade- Nationwide’s commercial rivaled a sentimen- CONVERSATION quacy” of the settlement. “We will work with the tal horse-and-puppy Budweiser spot as the “The sole purpose of this message was to National Football League to promptly address most-mentioned ad on social media, but not in start a conversation, not sell insurance,” said the the issues raised in Judge Brody’s order, and the way it might have hoped. Ohio-based mutual, which is among the 100 remain confident this settlement will receive “Unnecessary,” “ugly manipulation for profit” biggest companies in the United States. final approval,” said Christopher Seeger, co-lead and “just a punch in the gut for parents that Virtually forgotten was Nationwide’s other counsel for the retired player plaintiffs. have lost their child” were some of the com- Super Bowl ad-a humorous take on customer Brody ordered lawyers for the NFL and the ments seen on Twitter about the insurance ad. service featuring an “invisible” Mindy Kaling hit- players by Feb. 13 to propose amending the set- Others joked at Nationwide’s expense.”I won’t ting on actor Matt Damon in a restaurant. tlement to address her concerns, or explain why watch Katy Perry because I died in a depressing Cable news channel CNN, which had exclu- they cannot. Nationwide commercial,” quipped one tweet, sive access to the making of the child death ad, “We intend promptly to discuss with class referring to the pop diva’s half-time show. described Nationwide executives hoping the counsel the points addressed in the order and Johns Hopkins University marketing lecturer spot would upend “normal Super Bowl advertis- continue to have a high degree of confidence Superstar 80s Vintage Keith Quesenberry said Nationwide fumbled by ing.” that this settlement - which has been accepted trying to raise an important social issue at the “In 60 seconds, we can probably bring more by more than 99 percent of retirees - will receive Deluxe - SS 15 very moment when Americans were in a collec- attention and awareness and action around this final approval and provide important and gener- tive party mood. issue than we have in 60 years,” said Ogilvy and ous benefits to retirees and their families,” the Mather president Adam Tucker, whose firm cre- NFL said in a statement. tarting a year of tributes to the shoe accents - tonal laces and rubber shell-toe, “Most consumers want to support serious ated the ad. Brody had granted preliminary approval for that started a movement, adidas side panel perforations and contrast heel- causes, but there is a time and place,” S Quesenberry, an expert on Super Bowl advertis- More than 70 advertisers paid a reported $4.5 the settlement in July after the NFL agreed to Originals presents the iconic Superstar tab and jagged suede 3-stripes in navy, red, million per 30 seconds of air time to appear dur- remove a $765 million cap on payments. Most model in its original form for the Vintage green and black. Finally, the shoe’s signa- ing, told AFP. ing the Super Bowl, the annual American foot- of the 20,000 former players involved in the Deluxe Pack. ture gold tongue emblem completes the “They don’t want to be brought down in the ball championship that is viewed by 115 million class-action lawsuit back the deal, which pro- In a remake of the iconic model, the pack picture, celebrating the global legacy of the middle of their celebration,” he said, adding that, Americans. vides payments of up to $5 million to those features a premium boot leather construc- Superstar, a shoe with unparalleled status according to his research, viewers “generally like tion across the upper with all of the original from the courts to the corners. Boston delay Super Bowl parade
BOSTON: Boston will delay until Wednesday its Thousands of fans are expected to turn out dents in Boston public schools for a second parade to celebrate the New England Patriots’ to see players including star quarterback Tom straight day, reflecting the severity of the storm. Super Bowl victory, after Mayor Marty Walsh Brady and Malcolm Butler, the rookie who The cold, however, was not enough to deter decided on Monday to push the event back a snagged a last-minute interception to secure dozens of fans from waiting outside of the day because of a snowstorm pounding the city. Sunday’s victory over the Seattle Seahawks. team’s home field, Gillette Stadium in the The city had intended to host the parade on The team will tour the city in World War Two- Boston suburb of Foxborough, for the returning Tuesday. But heavy snowfall is expected to last era amphibious trucks known as “duck boats” in champions on Monday night. until about midnight, dropping as much as 14 what has become a tradition for Boston’s cham- Images published by the team on Twitter inches (36 cm), while temperatures on Tuesday pionship clubs. showed head coach Bill Belichick waving to the are expected to drop as low as 15 F (-9 C). Fans are calling Sunday night’s game one of throngs braving the weather and defensive end “Due to today’s bad weather and the worsen- the best Super Bowls ever, with the Patriots Chandler Jones posing for pictures. ing forecast tonight, the New England Patriots clinching their fourth championship after a “Saw all of those @Patriots fans out there and the city of Boston have made the mutual heart-stopping sequence of plays in the game’s standing in the cold at Gillette just now! I had to decision to postpone the victory parade until final minutes. come show love! Love all of you guys!” Jones Wednesday,” Walsh said in a statement. Walsh also canceled Tuesday classes for stu- tweeted.—Reuters p17 2_Layout 1 2/3/15 8:58 PM Page 1
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 SPORTS Emotions to run high for Indo-Pak tie in Adelaide
NEW DELHI: Cricket is just a game, but over the Kashmir region they both clave in Delhi on Monday. less nights. “The dressing room atmos- roast us and fans would pelt stones at try telling that to the 22 players who will claim, clash on a cricket ground. “It completely locks out 1.3 billion phere is always tense,” said the feisty off- our house,” said the 34-year-old. walk out for the India v Pakistan World Pakistan, champions in 1992, have nev- people. The tension is unbearable and spinner who could not make the cut for His team mate from the 2011 squad, Cup match in Adelaide on Feb 15. er beaten twice winners India at a World the players’ effort level doubles. We this year’s World Cup. Piyush Chawla, said the pressure does The Pool B contest was sold out in 20 Cup. could never beat India in World Cup but, “Much before the dressing room, you not come from the team management. minutes and no other team in world Many of their fans would not mind God willing, that would soon happen,” think about it in your hotel room. Before “It comes from elsewhere. Even family sport will be under as much pressure as their team crashing out from the World said the quick known as the ‘Rawalpindi last World Cup’s match in Mohali, I could members and friends remind us it’s a the two that day with 1.3 billion unfor- Cup early, providing they beat their Express’. not sleep the night before, thinking match against Pakistan,” said the 26- giving cricket-crazy fans following the neighbors. The rivalry assuming the A veteran of many such contests, what if we lose. year-old leg-spinner. contest ball by ball. Emotions run high Orwellian concept of serious sport - war Harbhajan Singh was part of the even- “Fortunately we won the next day “Fielding in the deep, you often hear every time the south Asian neighbours, minus shooting. “For many, it’s bigger tual champion Indian team who beat and again I could not sleep, this time the crowd behind warning you ‘better who have fought three wars since inde- than World Cup,” former Pakistan speed- Pakistan in the 2011 semi-final at because I was so overjoyed. “A defeat win this match or it won’t be easy to get pendence and share frosty relations ster Shoaib Akhtar told a cricket con- Mohali, a contest that gave him sleep- against Pakistan means media would out of the stadium’.” —Reuters
Minnows better prepared to cause World Cup upsets MUMBAI: International Cricket Council their first win over a test-playing nation (ICC) Chief Executive David Richardson last year. predicted an open World Cup yester- The ICC arranged a familiarisation day, saying the associate members are tour of Australia for them last year dur- well prepared to upset major teams in ing which they played matches against the tournament. Four second-tier local sides to gain much-needed expe- nations-Afghanistan, Ireland, United rience of the conditions Down Under. Arab Emirates and Scotland-will join The governing body also appointed the 10 full members for the 11th edi- Dav Whatmore, who coached Sri Lanka to their 1996 World Cup win, to help the four minnows prepare for the tourna- ment in Australia and New Zealand. “The associates and the way they are prepared for this tournament, any other country will be silly to take them light- ly,” Richardson told Reuters in a tele- phone interview. “If they do, there’s a real chance of an upset being caused. They will be the underdogs in most of the matches but a surprise or two can impact the group standings. “If you are South Africa, they will want to make sure they finish top of the group because they would want to avoid a difficult quarter final. Any upset will have profound effect on the tour- nament,” said the former Proteas stumper-batsman. The 14 teams have been divided into two groups for the World Cup with four teams from each pool advancing to the knock-out stages. The 55-year-old Richardson is confi- dent the upcoming tournament would NAPIER: New Zealand celebrate winning the ANZ ODI trophy after winning both ODI’s against Pakistan after the second one-day international eclipse all the earlier editions and the cricket match. —AFP new playing conditions would further lift the standard of the game. Two new balls and an extra fielder Pakistan punished as inside the circle during the non-power- play overs will be used for the first time in a World Cup which, Richardson hopes, will also encourage attacking cricket. Black Caps run riot “The use of two new balls will give the seam bowlers a chance and the fielding restrictions changed the one- NAPIER: New Zealand flayed Pakistan’s attack on Ehsan Adil fared little better against the New eight overs. The 24-year old finally fell for 112 to day game quite considerably,” said the way to a crushing 119-run win during the Zealanders, taking one wicket but going for 8.5 Irfan but Ross Taylor then stepped into club a Richardson. second one-day international in Napier yester- an over. Mohammad Irfan was the sole bowler 70-ball century in his 150th one-day internation- “It’s much more attacking and there day. The win means the Black Caps take the who appeared remotely threatening, finishing al, smashing Bhatti onto the roof of the stands. are many more boundaries scored. The series 2-0 and maintain momentum ahead of with two for 52. With Pakistan’s front-line attack Taylor appeared in danger of remaining this month’s World Cup, while Pakistan look in failing , captain ul-Haq was forced to call on his stranded in the 90s in the final over, but a six and old days of trying to contain batsmen disarray after two poor displays. part-timers. a four in the final two balls took him to 102. and bowl dot balls is becoming very The New Zealanders ran riot after winning But Younis Khan, Haris Sohail and Ahmed Pakistan’s openers Mohammad Hafeez and difficult and the only way of containing the toss and electing to bat, ending their innings Shehzad had no answers, taking only one wicket Shehzad made an excellent start chasing down scoring is to attack and try and get at 369 for five, their highest ever score against between them at the cost of 93 runs. the mammoth total, notching half centuries at a wickets. Pakistan. little over a run a ball. “So we are seeing a far less of those Kane Williamson top-scored with 112, Ross AGGRESSIVE START Shehzad went for 52 dancing down the wick- predictable games where it follows a Taylor finished 102 not out with a boundary off McCullum set the tone for the hosts with a et to attack spinner Nathan McCullum but hol- pattern.” the last ball and opener Martin Guptill also con- typically aggressive cameo of 31 before Guptill ing out to the man on the boundary. It also means there were no clear tributed 76. and Williamson brought up New Zealand’s 100 Younis Khan could only manage 11 as the run favorites this time for Richardson. In contrast, Pakistan medium pacer Bilawal off 18.2 overs. rate steadily crept higher, reaching almost 9.6 at “What is great about this event is that Bhatti recorded the worst bowling figures in the They both cruised to half centuries, with New the half-way mark. Hafeez (86) and dangerman probably for the first time ever, with country’s ODI history, leaking 93 runs off his ten Zealand on 152 at the half-way mark. Williamson Shahid Afridi (11) both went as they lashed out due respect to the other teams, at least overs without taking a wicket. stepped on the gas after Guptill was dismissed trying to lift the pace and when ul-Haq departed six of the teams realistically have a Bhatti was far from the only underperformer for 76, moving from 63 to 100 in the space of on 45 it was all over. —AFP PERTH: Australian Mitch Marsh chance of winning the tournament,” he and captain Misbah ul-Haq said his team needed acknowledges the crowd in this file pho- said. to make huge improvements for the World Cup. to. —AFP SCOREBOARD “That’s never been the case. There “We’re nowhere near our best. We need to tion of the tournament from Feb. 14- have always been one or two really improve a lot in virtually everything, we need to improve our batting and bowling, and especially NAPIER, New Zealand: Complete scoreboard in the second and final one-day international between New March 29. strong favourites going into the event. Zealand and Pakistan at McLean Park in Napier yesterday: While Ireland stunned Pakistan and Yes there have been surprises from time the death bowling.” His New Zealand counterpart Brendon England at the 2007 and 2011 World to time but in this case on their day any New Zealand Y. Khan c Southee b N.McCullum 11 McCullum was thrilled at his side’s form ahead of M. Guptill c Bhatti b Shehzad 76 M. ul-Haq c Taylor b Southee 45 Cups respectively, minnows of the teams can beat any other the tournament, where they are looming as a Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh in team.”—Reuters B. McCullum b Afridi 31 S. Afridi c Elliott b Vettori 11 dark horse. K. Williamson c Sohail b Irfan 112 U. Akmal b Milne 4 “We’ve got to be happy with where we’re at,” R. Taylor not out 102 H. Sohail c B.McCullum b Milne 6 he said. “We’ve played, I guess, a couple of per- G. Elliott c Sohail b Adil 28 S Ahmed b McCullum b Elliott 13 fect games. The challenge for us now is to main- L. Ronchi c Ahmed b Irfan 0 B. Bhatti c Guptill b Southee 9 tain that freshness and momentum we’ve built N. McCullum not out 9 E. Adil c Ronchi b Boult 1 up.” The 369 total was the Black Caps’ fifth high- Extras (w5, lb6) 11 M. Irfan not out 0 est in one-day history, surpassed only by scores Total (5 wickets, 50 overs) 369 Extras (w6, lb2, nb1) 9 against second-tier nations Zimbabwe and Fall of wickets: 1-43 (B. McCullum), 2-171 (Guptill), 3- Total (all out, 43.1 overs) 250 Canada. 250 (Williamson), 4-322 (Elliott), 5-340 (Ronchi) Fall of wickets: 1-111 (Shehzad), 2-130 (Khan), 3-173 Pakistan’s batsmen could only manage 250 in Bowling: Irfan 10-0-52-2, Bhatti 10-0-93-0, Afridi 10- (Hafeez), 4-187 (Afridi), 5-194 (Akmal), 6-206 (Sohail), reply before they were bowled out in 43.1 overs, 0-57-1, Adil 8-0-68-1, Sohail 6-0-47-0, Khan 2-0-17-0, 7-227 (Ahmed), 8-248 (Bhatti), 9-250 (ul-Haq), 10- although they were chasing the game after a Shehzad 4-0-29-1 250 (Adil) dismal bowling effort. Pakistan Bowling: Southee 8-0-52-2, Boult 8.1-0-35-1, Vettori Only Wahab Riaz in 2013 has conceded as M. Hafeez c Milne b Elliott 86 10-0-41-1, Milne 8-0-52-2, N.McCullum 5-0-33-2, many runs as Bhatti in 10 overs, but he at least A. Shehzad c Milne b N.McCullum 55 Elliott 4-0-35-2. took two wickets against South Africa. Sohail gives Pakistan mountain of muscle
KARACHI: From throwing rocks down moun- Gul. But it hasn’t been an easy ride for the well- Playing for Sui Southern Gas Corporation, tains and training by swimming across rivers and built Khan. As a youngster, dreaming of making Khan took an astonishing 65 wickets in his debut streams in Pakistan’s troubled north-west, a name for himself, Khan used to throw stones first-class season in 2007, with eight five-wicket unheralded pace bowler Sohail Khan has come a down the hills in Malakand agency-the moun- hauls. long way. tainous tribal area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa If that was not enough he recorded the best The 30-year-old was a surprise inclusion in province-to build muscle to bowl fast. match figures in a first-class game in Pakistan Pakistan’s 15-man squad for the World Cup as he Deprived of basic cricket facilities, Khan ini- with 16-189, which broke the long-standing was not considered amongst the favorites until tially played with a tennis ball. “I grew up with a record of Fazal Mahmood who once took 15-76. the morning of the announcement. desire to make my name in cricket,” Khan told That was enough to give Khan a place in the But former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif AFP. “We did not have any facility to play the national team in the one-day series against described Khan as “gate crashing” his way into game like a ground or a gym so someone told Zimbabwe and Bangladesh at home in 2008. contention after a string of impressive perform- me that if I throw stones over a distance I could A return of four wickets in three matches was- ances in domestic cricket. build my muscle to bowl fast.” Routine swims in n’t enough to cement his place and in the next “He has gate-crashed into the World Cup the streams and rivers in the tribal area helped three years he managed to play three more one- squad,” said Latif, credited for grooming the raw further build the body. dayers, two Tests and three Twenty20s, the last talent of Khan in his domestic team, Port Qasim. A relative then told Khan to try his luck in in Zimbabwe in 2011. “His recent performances forced the selectors Karachi where he was spotted in a talent hunt It seemed he would be lost to the game, but to give him a chance and I am confident he will programme before he landed in the safe hands Khan’s hard work finally paid off. “I never got dis- make his mark in the World Cup.” Khan took 64 of Latif who honed the tribal talent in his acade- heartened,” said Khan. “I am now in the World wickets in Pakistan’s domestic season last year my. “I owe a great deal to Latif,” said Khan. “He Cup and want to make an impression, be it Virat and got ten wickets in a one-day event-an told me how to use the new ball and how to use Kohli (of India) or (Australia’s) David Warner, I impressive show which forced him into the different tricks as a fast bowler. What I am today want to bowl fast and take wickets for my PERTH: England batsman Stuart Broad ducks a bouncer in this file photo. —AFP World Cup squad at the expense of unfit Umar is because of him.” team.”—AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 SPORTS Billericay not Brazil on minds of German team
BERLIN: While Germany were plotting and Australian media’s attention. continent. “Germans tend to see cricket fied on residency and nine out of the 14 the national side who hails from Sydney their path to the famed Maracana and With England on the verge of a 2-0 as either a variation of baseball or the in the 2014 squad held German pass- and doubles as the DCB’s press officer. football’s World Cup in Brazil last summer, lead during the Lord’s Test, the German clichÈd image of it played on English vil- ports. Having played schoolboy cricket for the country’s cricketers were toiling in team tweeted: “If you fancy a competitive lage greens. With a Scottish coach and a Pakistani New South Wales, Leslie wrote the book the humble English town of Billericay. game we are only an hour’s flight from “That will only really change if cricket director of sport, the national team’s “Batting for Berlin” about his experiences Most Germans regard cricket as a London” to the Australians. is televised here and they see how excit- expertise comes from outside Germany. of playing in the capital after finishing quaint English sport which takes days to “Things went a bit mad. We made it ing it can be.” All sports finish a poor sec- Cricket in Germany is played in two for- studying. play or assume it is a variation of base- onto the BBC’s Test Match Special and ond to football in soccer-mad Germany, mats with 39 teams spread over six “Twenty20 cricket is the way forward ball. While the top cricket nations pre- were interviewed on Australian televi- but figures show cricket is growing. regional divisions in the 50-over in Germany, so we have the best players pare to battle it out for the World Cup in sion,” Brian Mantle, the general manager The DCB’s development work has paid Bundesliga alongside a club competition in colourful uniforms on the best surfaces Australia and New Zealand later this of the German Cricket Federation (DCB), off with 2,085 adults and 885 juniors now playing Twenty20 cricket. showing the Germans what cricket is month, minnows Germany will prepare told AFP. “The British media started wor- playing the sport, up from 1,020 adults An elite three-team Twenty20 compe- really about,” he said. their bid to climb out of Europe’s Division rying about what would happen if and 200 children just four years ago. tition is planned for May and June fol- Mantle hopes German cricket can Three when the new season starts in Germany ever got good at cricket, but Mantle says 90 percent of cricketers in lowed by friendly internationals against eventually returns to it’s pre-WWII levels April. the German media hardly picked it up.” Germany are expats and the DCB’s goal is Denmark to prepare for the Division III when there were 30 teams in Berlin A poor showing in last June’s Division But as Mantle explains, getting to build on the 10 percent of born-and- tournament which will take place in alone, with many football teams across Two tournament in Essex saw Germany Germans interested in cricket presents bred Germans currently playing cricket 2016. The idea is to try and present the Germany having also had a cricket sec- lose all five matches, including a one-run several challenges. “Our aim isn’t to quali- by developing the youth game. colourful side of cricket to curious tion. “It was wiped out after the war, the defeat to neighbours Austria, which led fy for a future Twenty20 World Cup, but The national team includes players Germans with fast-paced action. “If you British military reintroduced it during the to their relegation. to win promotion to Europe’s Division from Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and speak to Germans about cricket, they occupation and was played by Indians It was a far cry from their cheeky chal- Two, then go up to Division One in 2017,” India, but German is the team’s language. want to know why both teams wear and Sri Lankans in the 1960s before the lenge to the Australian team during the said Mantle, an Englishman who has They are either second-generation immi- white and why matches take five days,” DCB was established 26 years ago,” 2013 Ashes series which grabbed the UK brought his passion for cricket to the grants born in the country or have quali- said Andre Leslie, a top order batsman for explained Mantle.—AFP
SPAIN: Felipe Nasr of Brazil and Sauber F1 drives during the 2015 Formula One Testing at the Circuito de Jerez. —AP Nasr fastest, McLaren toils
SPAIN: Brazilian rookie Felipe Nasr mate Sebastian Vettel in the SF15-T, but just six laps apiece behind them early in prix last season as Ricciardo has been upstaged former world champions Kimi couldn’t match the pace set by the German the day. Alonso was able to log 32 laps on restricted to just 83 laps over two days in Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso as he on the opening two days as he was Tuesday morning, albeit 14 seconds off the Jerez. Olympic changes went fastest on the third day of pre-season 0.205sec behind Nasr in his 92 laps. pace set by Nasr. Red Bull’s unreliability is even more testing in Jerez. Double world champions Mercedes con- Yet, worse was to come as cooling pres- alarming as another rookie Carlos Sainz won’t affect Nasr’s Sauber C34 car has been an early tinued to prioritise mileage over speed as sure problem in the power unit prevented gave the Spanish fans more to see than the season hit and his best time of 1min 21.545 Nico Rosberg racked up 151 laps to add to any running after lunch to once again leave home hero Alonso as he completed 136 track and field in 108 laps was enough to end Ferrari’s his world record 157 lap effort on day one. them as the team with the least amount of laps for their junior team Toro Rosso. dominance on the leaderboard from the Rosberg could even have managed mileage on the day. There were also encouraging signs for BERLIN: Athletics will retain its prominent position despite opening couple of days. more, but his W06 had to be towed back to The Spaniard will now have to wait until Lotus on just their second day of testing changes to the Olympic programme that could see fewer However, technical problems persisted the garage after stopping on the track mid- the second test in Barcelona later this having arrived late in Jerez as Pastor events but more sports, IAAF presidential candidate Sergey for McLaren and Red Bull as Alonso and way through the day. month to get back in the Mp4-30 as Button Maldonado clocked up 96 laps. Felipe Bubka said yesterday. Daniel Ricciardo were at the back of the McLaren looked to have put a disap- will take over for today’s final day in Jerez. Massa was overshadowed by compatriot The Ukrainian, who won a pole vault gold medal in the grid both in time and laps completed. pointing opening couple of days during Barcelona will also be a big test for the Nasr, but did enough for fourth fastest in Games, six consecutive world championships and set 35 world Raikkonen took over from new team- which Alonso and Jenson Button managed only non-Mercedes driver to win a grand the Williams FW37. —AFP records, is taking on Britain’s Sebastian Coe in a race to become the head of the International Association of Athletics Federations. Fellow IAAF vice-president Coe, a double 1,500 Oilers end losing streak NHL results/standings metres Olympic champion and chief organiser of the London 2012 Games, announced his candidacy late last year. The elec- SAN JOSE: Jordan Eberle scored twice in reg- man Willie Mitchell and bounded past sur- NY Rangers 6, Florida 3; Calgary 5, Winnipeg 2; Edmonton 5, San Jose 4 (So). tion is set for August. Bubka said planned changes to the Olympics, allowing ulation and Rob Klinkhammer scored in the prised goalie Roberto Luongo. Zuccarello Western Conference Montreal 32 14 3 130 111 67 13th round of the shootout to help the made it 5-3 with 4:02 left. more sports at the expense of some events and disciplines of Pacific Division Detroit 29 12 9 149 129 67 Edmonton Oilers end a 15-game losing streak Carl Hagelin was stopped by Luongo on a existing competitions, would not affect athletics. WLOTLGFGAPTS in California by beating the San Jose Sharks 5- penalty shot with 3:19 remaining to keep it a Boston 27 16 7 134 124 61 “We are very proud to be the number one sport of the Anaheim 32 12 6 147 134 70 4 on Monday. two-goal game, but Nash scored into an Florida 21 17 10 118 138 52 Olympics and we have a strong position within the move- San Jose 27 17 7 143 140 61 Justin Schultz tied the game with 2:37 empty net at 18:07. Aleksander Barkov, Dave Ottawa 20 19 9 136 136 49 ment,” the 51-year-old told Reuters in an interview. Calgary 28 20 3 149 131 59 “The IOC looks to make the programme attractive and I am remaining and Derek Roy also scored for the Bolland and Brandon Pirri had goals for the Toronto 22 25 4 144 156 48 Vancouver 27 18 3 131 124 57 confident athletics will keep its strong position,” said Bubka Oilers, who last won in the Golden State on Panthers. Buffalo 14 33 3 94 179 31 April 1, 2012, when they beat Anaheim 2-1. Los Angeles 21 16 12 134 132 54 who is also an International Olympic Committee member. Metropolitan Division Viktor Fasth made 33 saves, robbing Joe FLAMES 5, JETS 2 Arizona 18 26 6 116 170 42 International federations have been jostling for position Pavelski of a potential hat trick in the closing Brandon Bollig and Raphael Diaz scored Edmonton 14 28 9 120 170 37 NY Islanders 32 16 1 158 139 65 since the changes were voted in late last year, with some IOC seconds of regulation and stopping 12 of 13 their first goals of the season as the Calgary Central Division Pittsburgh 28 14 8 145 129 64 members also proposing the scrapping of athletics competi- shots in the shootout. Scott Hannan and Matt Flames beat the Winnipeg Jets. Nashville 32 11 6 149 115 70 NY Rangers 29 15 4 145 115 62 tions including the triple jump. “I think we will keep 47 events with 2,000 athletes. We will be in the same position as before Tennyson also scored for the Sharks, who had With a one-goal lead heading into the St. Louis 32 13 4 160 120 68 Washington 25 15 10 147 129 60 Chicago 31 17 2 155 115 64 but we need to look closely and cooperate,” Bubka said. a three-game winning streak snapped. third period, the Flames struck on the power Philadelphia 22 22 7 140 151 51 play at 4:24, making it 3-1 when Diaz let a Winnipeg 26 18 8 144 137 60 However, with a shortage of recognisable personalities, an New Jersey 19 22 9 113 138 47 ageing audience, a continuing struggle to attract interest in RANGERS 6, PANTHERS 3 rocket go from the blue line that found the Dallas 23 19 7 157 159 53 the United States and the dark shadow of doping, athletics Dan Boyle scored a deflected goal 8:10 top corner. Bollig made it 4-1 at 7:23, convert- Colorado 21 18 11 131 141 53 Columbus 21 24 3 120 151 45 has its work cut out. into the third period, and Rick Nash and Mats ing a pass from Joe Colborne for his first goal Minnesota 23 20 6 135 140 52 Carolina 17 26 6 105 129 40 Zuccarello added insurance late as the New in 61 games. David Jones, Mason Raymond Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point Eastern Conference STRONGER FEDERATIONS and Sean Monahan also scored for Calgary. York Rangers beat the Florida Panthers. Atlantic Division in the standings and are not included in the loss Much of his presidential manifesto is based on coopera- Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little had the goals Boyle flipped a shot from the left point Tampa Bay 32 15 4 166 133 68 column (L). tion, with the Ukrainian Olympic Committee president and that hit the stick of veteran Florida defense- for Winnipeg.—AP successful businessman wanting to empower national federa- tions to maximise reach and profit with the help of the IAAF. “More decentralisation and make continental associations Zain participates in wrap-up of RoadRush 5 in Bahrain stronger,” he said of his plans. “When we make strong national federations we can be very powerful and very successful.” Bubka also wants to boost the fight against doping, with KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunications athletics once more in the spotlight after recent revelations company in Kuwait, announced the conclusion of its regarding the use of banned substances by Russian competi- main sponsorship of the 5th edition of RoadRush, a tors. The Ukrainian great, who unsuccessfully ran for the IOC unique motorsport activity, which was targeted presidency in 2013, said an extraordinary meeting of all stake- exclusively at women and was recently concluded at holders, from athletes to broadcasters, would be needed to Bahrain International Circuit. review all aspects of the sport and come up “with a road map”. Zain’s sponsorship of this unique racing competi- Bubka said it was positive for the sport that both candi- tion is in line with the company’s core commitment dates were former top athletes. “I think it is good because you to all constituents of the Kuwaiti society, including have a very good background for athletes. It means you have encouraging and inspiring women to participate in different kinds of experience and knowledge.—Reuters sport activities. The motorsport races provided an ideal opportunity for women to showcase their tal- ents in an exciting series of events that involved sev- eral thrilling activities that took place in Kuwait and Bahrain. RoadRush concluded with a final race that was held at Bahrain International Circuit in front of enthusiastic supporters alongside many distin- guished female social media figures. Professional female participants enjoyed an expe- rience that was considered a real test of their poten- tial in the field of motorsports. RoadRush featured a number of activities that were related to car racing which the participants enjoyed. Events included a karting race that was held at Kuwait’s SIRBB Circuit, and the holding of ‘RoadRush School’, which educated young people on driving safely and provided them with the necessary training for them to compete in similar motorsports events in the future. Sergei Bubka WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 SPORTS
English clubs hit spending record despite sluggish sales
LONDON: England’s Premier League Business Group at Deloitte who have ($39.7 million) for Colombian winger searching for something to talk about. The reluctance of club managers to clubs spent a record 950 million pounds been monitoring the spending of clubs Juan Cuadrado from Italian club City’s biggest move came when they part with players at such a delicate ($1.43 billion) on the August and for the last two decades, said: “Given the Fiorentina. The Cuadrado deal was part- signed Ivory Coast striker Wilfried Bony phase of the season has also become an January transfers this season even record level of spending seen in the funded by the English club’s sale of from Swansea City earlier for 25 million increasing factor in the mid-season win- though spending in the winter window summer, it is not entirely surprising that Andre Schurrle to German side pounds ($37.6 million) while Manchester dow. Speaking to the BBC, former Hull matched last year’s figure of 130 million, we haven’t seen a new record for the Wolfsburg for 22 million pounds. United’s only arrival of note was former City chairman Paul Duffen explained the according to accountancy firm Deloitte. January window.” But the last-minute shopping spree Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes on a free lack of January activity. “Getting players Despite clubs’ “relative restraint” in The biggest spenders were champi- often associated with the closing of the transfer. out in the market, there are problems January, the total spending in 2014-15 ons Manchester City, league leaders January transfer window failed to mate- UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules have such as liquidity. Clubs don’t have it, surpassed the 2013-14 record of 760 mil- Chelsea and Champions League peren- rialise as Europe’s top clubs largely kept made it less likely that clubs sign players apart from Chelsea today,” he said. lion pounds, Deloitte said. nials Arsenal, who between them their powder dry. without first off-loading some of their “There is the danger in January for a The amount spent in January was far accounted for around half of the total, The lack of trading was unusually squad, stalling the usual merry-go- player that if it goes wrong, it could less than the 225 million pounds record according to the firm. The window end- light, leaving presenters of Sky Sports round. Transfers of players from the harm their career. “They could find they for the winter established in January ed on Monday more with a whimper News’ much-hyped deadline day cover- Premier League to other European go on loan at a club who get relegated 2011. than a bang with the biggest deal of the age programme, who bizarrely all wear leagues is also hindered by the huge and end up in a worse situation than Dan Jones, partner in the Sports day being Chelsea’s 35 million euros yellow ties for the day, desperately salaries. they were.”—Reuters Redknapp quits as QPR boss
LONDON: Harry Redknapp resigned as Head of football operations Les manager of Premier League strugglers Ferdinand, the former QPR striker, has tak- Queens Park Rangers yesterday, saying his en temporary charge ahead of this impending knee surgery would otherwise Saturday’s league match at home to dent the club’s battle to stay in the English Southampton as Fernandes seeks a perma- top flight. nent replacement for Redknapp. However, his announcement came just a “Sadly, I need immediate surgery on my day after QPR chairman Tony Fernandes knee which is going to stop me from doing tweeted there would be “no more cheque my job in the coming weeks,” said book” at the relegation-threatened west Redknapp, who arrived at Loftus Road in London club as the January transfer win- November 2012, in a club statement. dow closed Monday. “It means I won’t be able to be out on Veteran English manager, Redknapp, 67, the training pitch every day, and if I can’t had repeatedly said he had the full support give 100 percent I feel it’s better for some- of Malaysian businessman Fernandes, the one else to take over the reins.” founder of the AirAsia budget airline, amid Redknapp insisted there has been no reports his position was in jeopardy with falling out with the Rangers chairman, QPR currently second-bottom in the table. adding: “My relationship with Tony Fernandes has been one of the highlights of my footballing career and I wish the club every success. “I am confident they will sur- vive in the Premier League this year. BATA: Ivory Coast’s players take part in a training session in Bikuy stadium in Bata. Ivory Coast will face RC Congo in a semi-final African Cup of Nations match today.—AFP FANTASTIC TIME “I have had such a fantastic time at QPR. I would like to thank the Board, the players and all my staff, and especially the support- Only Cup will satisfy ers who have been absolutely fantastic to me since I arrived at the club for their tremendous support.” Renowned for his dealings in the trans- ambitious Ivory Coast fer market, former West Ham, Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur manager Redknapp had long argued he needed to BATA: Coach Herve Renard warned yesterday Kolo-are the only men in the Elephants’ squad team spirit is very high.” DRC coach Florent do significant business in the latest transfer that only the Africa Cup of Nations’ title would who featured in the 2006 Cup of Nations final. Ibenge maintained his team would not be intim- window if QPR, who’ve won just five league now satisfy the growing ambitions of his new- That penalty shoot-out defeat to Egypt in idated. games so far this season, are to beat the look Ivory Coast. Cairo and the dramatic loss to Zambia in the “We won’t have any complex against Ivory drop. But Fernandes called a halt on The Elephants, winners of the competition in 2012 final in Libreville are as close as the Ivorians Coast and their big names - Gervinho, Yaya Monday’s final day of the January transfer 1992, will tackle DR Congo today for a place in have come to winning the continental crown for Toure,” he said. “We respect them. They have window when he tweeted: “No more this weekend’s final. And Renard, who led the first time since 1992. “We now have a differ- great careers overseas but on the day it will be cheque book. We have good players. Zambia to the 2012 African trophy at the ent style from the Ivory Coast of the past,” said 11 Congolese against 11 Ivorians,” said Ibenge. Bought all the players manager asked for in expense of the Ivory Coast, said his side has Renard. “We have some new players, some of The Leopards defeated the Ivorians in summer. Our players not mercenaries. blossomed in the past few weeks. whom you only got to know at this competition. Abidjan in the qualifiers, but Ibenge said he will Good guys.” Despite those comments, “A few weeks ago, we were just the under- But they worked hard during the preparations. not read too much into that result. Fernandes said Tuesday he was parting on dogs. But in football, a lot of things happen so “We now have a balance of hard workers and tal- “This will be a different match as no two “good terms” with Redknapp as he accept- fast,” said Renard, who took over as coach in July ented players. This is perfect for the Ivory Coast.” matches are ever the same. This is a new game ed the manager’s resignation. 2014. “When we started this tournament, all the and a new opponent,” he said. “I would like to take this opportunity to teams were at par. We’re now one of four DANGEROUS OFFENSIVELY “It was great to win in Abidjan, it was good thank Harry for everything he has done for remaining teams and the best position is No. 1. Renard’s team will face a DRC team who for the fans and history. But Ivory Coast have QPR during his time in charge,” said “I’m only interested in winning (the cup), any stunned them 4-3 in a qualifying match in changed a lot since then especially in the centre Fernandes in QPR’s statement. “We part on other thing I won’t be satisfied with,” he said at a Abidjan in October and the Frenchman praised of defence where Kolo Toure has returned, and good terms and I would personally like to media briefing at the Estadio de Bata. the attacking play of his opponents. they are no longer conceding many goals. “It will wish him all the best for the future.” The 46-year-old Frenchman also admitted the “They are very dangerous offensively and fast be tough for us because they are a better team QPR, with only Leicester below them in style of the Ivory Coast has changed from previ- on the wings. (Dieumerci) Mbokani is a powerful than they were during the qualifiers. “But we will the table, are one point shy of safety and a ous tournaments. With the great Didier Drogba striker, who is good in the air and keeps the ball,” play and we want to win. Not many expected us favourable result against Southampton, and Didier Zokora having retired since last year’s he remarked. “They have been used to playing to reach this stage and they are already happy another of Redknapp’s former clubs, could World Cup in Brazil, the Toure brothers-Yaya and together as the base is TP Mazembe and their for us.”—AFP see them climb out of the bottom three. Last month an already turbulent season for QPR took an extraordinary twist when Redknapp claimed a club ‘mole’ was trying Rodgers mulls changes to force his departure from Loftus Road. Redknapp also turned on his players in public, accusing Adel Taarabt of being “about three stone overweight” following for Bolton FA Cup replay the 3-2 home loss to Liverpool. The Morocco midfielder then posed for BOLTON: Liverpool manager Brendan Steven Gerrard’s next appearance for same way in that they will have the bulk of pictures to prove his fitness a day later, Rodgers has hinted he will make changes for Liverpool will be his 700th for the club, but possession,” Lennon said. “But I think we will before Fernandes publicly demanded the today’s FA Cup fourth-round replay at second- Rodgers would not reveal whether that will be able to create more at home. Certainly the pair call a truce. tier Bolton Wanderers, but still expects his be at Bolton or against Everton at Goodison first game was more about limiting Liverpool Among those linked with replacing side to progress. Park. Bolton performed admirably at Anfield to the least possible chances and maybe hit- Redknapp on a full-time basis were former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood, who Neil Lennon’s Bolton earned a replay at the to force the replay, but their performance was ting them on the counter-attack. Macron Stadium after battling to a 0-0 draw based on a solid defence. With Liverpool old “But the problem we had on the counter- LONDON: In this file picture taken on worked with Ferdinand and QPR first-team November 22, 2014, Queens Park coach Chris Ramsey at White Hart Lane, at Anfield on January 24. Liverpool have lost boy Emile Heskey, 37, partnering Eidur attack was we had Heskey and Gudjohnsen, Rangers’ English manager Harry and ex-England manager Glenn Hoodle, only once in their last 12 matches and that Gudjohnsen, 36, up front, Bolton’s ability to so we weren’t blessed with blistering pace! Redknapp reacts during the English who joined Rangers’ backroom team in was the extra-time defeat by Chelsea in the counter-attack was limited and Lennon hopes “We might just change up the personnel a lit- Premier League football match. —AFP August.—AFP League Cup semi-finals last week. to cause more problems in the replay. tle bit to give us a little bit more impetus in With the Merseyside Derby against Everton “I think the game will be pretty much the terms of pace in attacking areas.” —AFP on the horizon on Saturday, as well as Europa Barca president charged with League fixtures with Besiktas later in the month, Rodgers is keen to protect his players tax fraud in Neymar case from an intense workload. But he remains ful- ly focused on reaching the fifth round of the MADRID: A Spanish judge charged the involved in the player’s transfer process FA Cup, where Crystal Palace lie in wait. president of FC Barcelona, Josep Maria were conducted with no intent whatsoever “When you have so many games, you have to Bartomeu, yesterday with tax fraud linked to breach the law in any way,” the club said. plan forward and look at that,” Rodgers said. to the signing of Brazilian star Neymar. According to the Spanish tax authorities, “I always believe the next game is very Judge Pablo Ruz at the National Court in Barcelona owe 12 million euros in tax on important and I always pick a team I believe Madrid ordered Bartomeu in a written rul- the Neymar deal, which would see the can win the game. It will be a tough game for ing to appear before him on February 13 as overall cost of the operation rise to 94.8 us, as we saw at Anfield. a suspect over alleged tax evasion worth million euros. “We’ve got a big month coming up. We 2.85 million euros ($3.26 million). “It must Rosell resigned as president over the want to continue in the cup competitions as be investigated whether the sum of affair just over a year ago when a complaint well as keep the momentum going in the 2,845,700 euros was defrauded from the brought by one of the club’s members for league. “We’ve got a good squad of players public treasury by FC Barcelona and its cur- misappropriation of funds was taken to who I trust and believe in and where I need to rent leaders, with Josep Maria Bartomeu as court. change and rotate, I’ll do that. The objective is president,” the judge wrote. In his testimony before a judge on the still the same-to get three points or to get The summons followed a call by public case in July 2014, Rosell insisted that through to the next round.” Since the initial prosecutors on Monday for Bartomeu and Neymar cost the club 57 million euros, 17 meeting with Bolton, the Reds have wel- the club as a whole to be tried on the tax of which went to his former club Santos comed key striker Daniel Sturridge back after fraud allegations relating to the 2013 sign- and 40 million paid to N&N, a company ing. FC Barcelona reacted to that request owned by the player’s father. injury and the England international scored as with “surprise, indignation and total dis- However, following Rosell’s resignation, a substitute against West Ham United on agreement”, in a statement on Tuesday Barcelona also confirmed a number of extra Saturday. ahead of the judge’s summons. agreements including a 10 million euro It was Sturridge’s first Liverpool appear- The judge will now question Bartomeu signing bonus for the player and scouting ance since August last year and Rodgers says and later decide whether he should stand and collaborative agreements between the he will work carefully to integrate the 25-year- trial. The prosecutor alleges that the club two clubs taking the total to 86.2 million old back into the team. and its former president Sandro Rosell paid euros. “He’s still a bit of time off starting,” the more for Neymar than the 57 million euros In February of last year, the club Northern Irishman said. “You saw in the peri- that they declared to he Spanish taxman. announced that they had made a voluntary od when he came on, he was still getting They believe the figure was 82.7 million payment of 13.5 million euros to the used to the surroundings again in the 25 min- euros divided into separate contracts that Spanish tax authorities regarding the trans- utes or so he had on the pitch, so it’s just secured the signing. “All of the actions fer. —AFP about bedding him back in.” LONDON: Liverpool players celebrate in this file photo. —AFP Pakistan punished Redknapp quits as Black Caps as QPR boss run riot17 19 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015
Billericay not Brazil on minds of German team Page 18
NEW ORLEANS: Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) loses the ball as he drives to the basket between New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Gordon (10) and guard Tyreke Evans (1) in the second half of an NBA basketball game. — AP Hawks fall to Pelicans
NEW ORLEANS: The Atlanta Hawks’ club- Orlando Magic without the injured Kevin Brandon Knight was ruled out before the of-14 shooting, but had the first and last final 1:35 to beat the Phoenix Suns for the record 19-game winning streak was Durant. Westbrook, an All-Star point guard, game with a sore right quadriceps muscle, field goals by Dallas along with two free seventh straight time. snapped Monday night in a 115-100 loss to had 25 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds. Milwaukee lost another body when guard throws with 17 seconds left to help hold off Marc Gasol blocked Markieff Morris’ shot the New Orleans Pelicans. Durant sat out with a sprained big toe on his O.J. Mayo was ejected after picking up a a comeback try by Minnesota. at the finish to preserve the victory. The Anthony Davis had 29 points and 13 left foot. He has played in just 22 games this double technical at 4:07 of the second. Rubio, sidelined since severely spraining Grizzlies, who won their seventh in a row rebounds to help New Orleans win for the season, having missed time earlier in the Jonas Valanciunas had 12 points and 13 his left ankle Nov. 7, had 10 points on 4-of-9 overall and 11th in the last 12 games, sixth time in seven games, a stint which season with a sprained right ankle and a rebounds, DeMar DeRozan scored 16 and shooting with four assists in 21 minutes. scored the final eight points after Isaiah includes victories over several contending broken bone in his right foot. Victor Oladipo Lou Williams 12 for the Raptors, who had Thomas’ 3-pointer put Phoenix up 101-94 squads including Dallas and the Los Angeles scored 22 points and Nikola Vucevic scored won six straight overall. GRIZZLIES 102, SUNS 101 with 1:49 to play. Thomas scored all 24 of Clippers. Jeff Teague scored 21 for Atlanta, 20 points for the Magic, who lost their ninth Jeff Green converted a three-point play his points in the second half, 16 in the but the Hawks fell behind by double digits in straight. NETS 102, CLIPPERS 100 with 4.5 seconds to play as the Memphis fourth quarter. Mike Conley led Memphis the first quarter and failed to even tie it. Jarrett Jack made a tiebreaking jumper Grizzlies rallied from seven down in the with 23 points. — AP Eric Gordon scored 20 points for New HORNETS 92, WIZARDS 88 with 1.3 seconds left, and the Brooklyn Nets Orleans, while Tyreke Evans scored 15 points Al Jefferson had 18 points and 12 used a late rally to beat the Los Angeles and tied a season high with 12 assists for the rebounds Monday night, leading the Clippers. NBA results/standings fourth time in five games. Charlotte Hornets past the Washington The Nets ended a seven-game home los- Cleveland 97, Philadelphia 84; Charlotte 92, Washington 88; Brooklyn 102, LA Clippers 100; Milwaukee 82, Wizards. ing streak by erasing a nine-point deficit in Toronto 75; New Orleans 115, Atlanta 100; Oklahoma City 104, Orlando 97; Dallas 100, Minnesota 94; Memphis CAVALIERS 97, 76ERS 84 Michael Kidd-Gilchrist added 13 points the final 1:35, getting two 3-pointers from 102, Phoenix 101. Kyrie Irving scored 24 points, LeBron and 13 rebounds, Brian Roberts scored 18 Alan Anderson - one a four-point play - one Eastern Conference Western Conference James added 18 points and 11 assists, and points, and Gerald Henderson put in 17 for from Joe Johnson and another from Deron Atlantic Division Northwest Division the Cleveland Cavaliers staggered to their the Hornets, who have won six of eight. They Williams in his return from an 11-game W L PCT GB Portland 32 16 .667 - 11th straight win. went 10-4 in January despite losing Kemba absence. Toronto 33 16 .673 - Oklahoma City 24 24 .500 8 The winning streak is Cleveland’s longest Walker to a knee injury that will keep him After Chris Paul’s layup tied it at 100 with Brooklyn 19 28 .404 13 Denver 19 29 .396 13 since reeling off 13 in a row - a franchise sidelined at least six more weeks. 8.6 seconds to go, Jack lofted a jumper over Boston 16 30 .34815.5 Utah 17 30 .36214.5 NY Knicks 10 38 .20822.5 Minnesota 8 40 .167 24 record - in 2010, the last season of James’ John Wall, who continues to battle a 6-foot-11 center DeAndre Jordan. Brook Philadelphia 10 39 .204 23 first stint with the club. The Cavs had trouble sprained right ankle and migraine like Lopez scored 24 points and Johnson had 22 Pacific Division putting away the young Philadelphia Sixers, headaches, scored 16 points with 10 assists for the Nets, who snapped an overall four- Central Division Golden State 37 8 .822 - who did all they could to stay close but don’t for the Wizards, who have dropped three game skid and won at home for the first Chicago 30 19 .612 - LA Clippers 33 16 .673 6 have the firepower to keep up with Irving, straight. Bradley Beal led Washington with time since beating Sacramento on Dec. 29. Cleveland 30 20 .600 0.5 Phoenix 28 22 .56011.5 James and one of the NBA’s hottest teams. 18 points and a season-high 11 rebounds. Milwaukee 26 22 .542 3.5 Sacramento 17 29 .37020.5 Detroit 18 30 .37511.5 LA Lakers 13 35 .27125.5 Atlanta entered the week on a 19-game win MAVERICKS 100, TIMBERWOLVES 94 Indiana 17 32 .347 13 streak. Jerami Grant and Robert Covington BUCKS 82, RAPTORS 75 Monta Ellis scored 23 points and the Southwest Division scored 18 apiece for the Sixers. Khris Middleton scored 25 points, Giannis Dallas Mavericks won their first game with- Southeast Division Memphis 36 12 .750 - Antetokounmpo had 12 points and 12 out injured point guard Rajon Rondo, beat- Atlanta 40 9 .816 - Houston 33 15 .688 3 THUNDER 104, MAGIC 97 rebounds, and the short-handed Milwaukee ing Minnesota in the first game in nearly Washington 31 18 .633 9 Dallas 33 17 .660 4 Russell Westbrook’s second triple-double Bucks snapped a six-game losing streak three months for Timberwolves point guard Miami 21 26 .447 18 San Antonio 30 18 .625 6 Charlotte 21 27 .43818.5 New Orleans 26 22 .542 10 of the season and 10th of his career helped against the Toronto Raptors. Ricky Rubio. JJ Barea had 10 points while Orlando 15 36 .294 26 the Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Reduced to nine players when guard starting in Rondo’s place. Barea was only 4- American ski fans hope for Vonn-derful start
BEAVER CREEK: American ski queen Lindsey Vonn will onship crown to her Olympic title. be the headliner and gold medal favorite when the The field will also include the last three world cham- alpine world championships open with the women’s pions in the event, Vonn taking the gold in 2009 with Super-G lte yesterday. Austrian Elisabeth Goergl the winner in 2011 and With the worlds back at the posh Colorado resorts of Slovenia’s Tina Maze in 2013. Vail and Beaver Creek for the first time in 16 years, While Vonn has plenty of World Cup crystal and a American ski fans will have reason to cheer as Vonn, world championship gold to show for her work in the who last month became the most successful women’s discipline, the Super-G has not always been kind to the skier of all time with 64 career World Cup wins, looks to 30-year-old American. add to a sparkling resume on home snow. The spotlight At the 2013 championships in Schladming, Vonn left is unlikely to stray far from Vonn during two weeks of the course on a stretcher dangling beneath a helicop- racing, prompting the skier to keep a low profile in the ter after a devastating high speed crash left her with buildup to her first event on the Raptor racecourse. shredded knee ligaments, a broken leg and her racing “Windy out there today for the first downhill training future in doubt. run but still had fun,” tweeted Vonn on Monday. When Vonn pushes out of the start hut late yester- “Looking forward to the super-g race tomorrow!!” day on to a Raptor course described as one of the Vonn has been in sizzling form after topping the steepest in the sport, it will be her first race at the podium at the last two World Cup Super-Gs in St. worlds since the Schladming crash put her on the side- Moritz and Cortina, crossing just ahead of Austrian rival lines for almost two seasons, costing her a chance to BEAVER CREEK: Lindsey Vonn of the United States practices during the Ladies’ Downhill Training on the Anna Fenninger, who will bid to add the world champi- race at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. — Reuters Raptor course of the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. — AFP BP cuts investment as sliding oil hits profit
Page 22 Business TalkTalk puts cost savings on hold WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 Page 24 Australia’s RBA cuts India keeps interest rates on unchanged rates to record low Page 26 Page 23
ATHENS: A Friday, Jan 30, 2015 file photo showing Greece’s Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis, right, reaching out to shake hands with Dutch Finance Minister and Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem, following a joint news con- ference after their meeting at the Finance Ministry in Athens. — AP Greeks head to Rome with new proposals International markets sniff debt deal
ROME: Greece yesterday sought to add Italy brought EU divisions on austerity policies to a rescue loans, and the other would be “perpet- growth-first approach to the bloc’s economic Commission and European Central Bank” — to its supporters in a fight to secure easier head. In Athens, the government, which was ual bonds” that would replace Greek bonds policy. “I believe it is crucial to send a clear as lacking legal status, and blames Germany terms on the country’s massive debt after buoyed at the weekend by public backing for owned by the European Central Bank. message: we want to move the discussion on for driving the tough austerity programmes unveiling new proposals to end a stand-off its cause by US President Barack Obama, The approach would avoid creditors hav- economic policy from austerity and rigour his hard-left government has pledged to end. with international lenders. Greek Finance denied there had been a climbdown from ing to take a ‘haircut’ on the Greek debt, an towards growth and investment,” Renzi said He has however reassured markets by ruling Minister Yanis Varoufakis told international election promises. outcome that is fiercely opposed by several on Monday, while stressing the need for “pru- out a unilateral default on any of the debts to financiers in London on Monday that the left- “If we need to use euphemism and the EU countries led by Germany. dence and responsibility” from all involved. the EU, European Central Bank and the IMF. In ist-dominated government in Athens would tools of financial mechanisms to get Greece It would also be politically hard to stomach Greece’s debt is worth 1.75 times the coun- contrast to Germany’s tough stance, France be making proposals for “a menu of debt out of its debt-slavery, we will do it,” its for the likes of Ireland, which was forced to tries entire annual economic output. Severe and other EU states have advocated fresh swaps” that would avoid the need for any of spokesman said. “The Greek public debt will stick to a painful programme of spending cuts spending cuts mean the government now thinking to resolve the dispute and Greece is the country’s 315-billion-euro mountain of be sustainable, the prospect of real growth as a condition of its own bailout in the after- raises substantially more in taxes than it pays arguably in a strong negotiating position foreign debt to be written off. The proposal, will open and the Greek people will breathe at math of the 2007 financial crisis. Varoufakis to fund services, but that surplus is more than because of the chaos that could ensue if that made public in an interview in the Financial last.” was to hold talks in Rome with his Italian wiped out by the cost of servicing the debt. does not happen. Times, was interpreted by markets as a sign of counterpart Pier Carlo Padoan while Prime US President Barack Obama on Sunday European Commission President Jean- flexibility and a boost to hopes for a negotiat- Haircuts avoided? Minister Alexis Tsipras flew in from Cyprus to appeared to side with Greece by warning of Claude Juncker said yesterday the EU was ed resolution of a crisis that Britain described The government said the mechanisms for meet with his Italian colleague Matteo Renzi. the dangers of “squeezing” an economy ready to “rearrange some of our policies,” but Monday as the biggest current threat to the this to happen could include the “smart debt The debt swaps proposal was expected to already gripped by painful recession. warned Tsipras he also had to be ready to global economy. engineering,” outlined by Varoufakis in meet- get a sympathetic hearing from Renzi, who is compromise. The Athens bourse added more than six ings with bankers in London. well-placed to broker an end to the con- Default ruled out “It’s not just one EU member that has percent in early trading and stock markets This would involve the issuing of two new frontation as he has the ear of German Tsipras has dismissed the “troika” system expressed a democratic choice, there are oth- across Europe powered ahead on hopes of a types of bonds. One would be linked to nomi- Chancellor Angela Merkel but is in the camp monitoring Greece’s economy-the er public opinions too,” Juncker told the negotiated settlement of a dispute that has nal economic growth to refinance European of those in the EU who want a more flexible, International Monetary Fund, European European Parliament. — AFP US factory orders drop to 3.4%
WASHINGTON: Orders to US factories was up 1.1 percent, and the overall the October-December quarter, a dropped for a fifth consecutive month transportation category fell 9.1 per- sharp slowdown from 5 percent in December, while a key category cent. growth in the third quarter. that signals business investment plans Orders for all durable goods fell 3.3 Economists believe that the slow- fell for a fourth straight month. percent, a slight revision from a pre- down will be temporary, and growth Factory orders declined 3.4 percent liminary report last week which had will accelerate this year as consumer in December after a 1.7 percent drop durable goods falling 3.4 percent in spending remains strong, reflecting in November, the Commerce December. solid hiring and a big drop in gas Department reported yesterday. It Demand for nondurable goods prices which is giving households was the biggest drop since a 10 per- such as paper, chemicals and food fell more money to spend on other items. cent plunge in August and marked 3.4 percent in December after a 1.2 The hope is that the gain in con- the fifth straight month that orders percent decline in November. sumer spending will be enough to off- have fallen. Many categories showed weakness set a drag from the global economy, Demand in a key category that in December with demand for pri- reflecting spreading weakness in serves as a proxy for business invest- mary metals such as steel down 1.9 many key export markets and a rising ment plans edged down 0.1 percent percent, while orders for machinery value of the dollar, which makes U.S. after bigger declines in the previous dropped 3.2 percent. In the machin- goods less competitive overseas. three months. The stronger US dollar ery category, orders for oil drilling The expectation now is that the and global weakness have hurt equipment were down 7.9 percent, a overall US economy will grow at a rate American exports, but economists are decline that may reflect the big above 3 percent for all of 2015, given still optimistic that surging domestic plunge in recent months in oil prices. the country the best annual growth in demand will result in a rebound in Various oil companies have reported a decade. factory orders this year. plans to cut back on exploration. Factory production in November The weakness in December was The government reported that the surpassed its pre-recession peak, led by a 55.5 percent plunge in overall economy, as measured by the according to data from the Federal RENTON: In this Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014 photo, a worker kneels on an engine of a Boeing 737-800 airplane being demand in the volatile category of gross domestic product, grew by at a Reserve, helped by healthy gains at assembled, at Boeing’s 737 facility in Renton, Wash. The Commerce Department reported yesterday drop in facto- commercial aircraft. Demand for autos moderate 2.6 percent annual rate in auto plants. — AP ry orders. — AP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 BUSINESS Turkey central bank defies pressure for snap rate cut PM Ahmet welcomes drop in inflation
ISTANBUL: Turkey’s central bank yesterday “Inflation indicators continue to improve in Bulut, tweeted: “There has been a decrease (in defied pressure from President Recep Tayyip recent months owing to the implementation of inflation) so there should not be any excuse” for Erdogan to consider a snap rate cut, after a slow- cautious monetary and liquidity policies,” it said. not cutting. down in January inflation turned out to be less “The Monetary Policy Committee will assess the At the other end of the spectrum, Deputy sharp that expected. inflation outlook in detail at the regular meeting Prime Minister Ali Babacan is believed to back With elections looming on the horizon, which will be held on February 24,” it said. the central bank’s policies. But he rarely com- Erdogan and his allies have over the last weeks ments on the issue in public. lambasted central bank Governor Erdem Basci ‘No excuse’ The Turkish lira gained 0.99 percent in value for failing to radically lower interest rates to Erdogan had troubled markets by pushing for after the central bank’s decision to trade at 2.41 stimulate faltering growth. aggressive rate cuts at a time when inflation is lira to the dollar. LONDON: A file picture taken in London on February 1, 2011, shows the BP Basci had indicated the bank would make an still relatively high in Turkey, telling the bank it With legislative elections looming in June, it logo at a petrol station. BP yesterday, became the latest energy giant to say unscheduled cut this week if January inflation was “failing to get the message”. is unlikely the government will let up at all in its it would slash investment this year as tumbling oil prices cut into the group’s data had shown a sharp slowing. But in the Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci, a close ally pressure on the nominally independent central profits. —AFP event, data released by the state statistics office of Erdogan, rapped the bank on the knuckles for bank for cuts. “The central bank is likely to come showed January inflation was 1.1 percent from failing to take the chance to cut rates, claiming under further pressure from the government to December and 7.24 percent from January 2014. that markets had been ready and even happy lower rates,” the London-based Capital BP cuts investment as The annual rate was down on the figure for about the idea. Economics consultancy said in a note to clients. 2014 as a whole of 8.17 percent but higher than “It would have been much better if the mon- “There’s a good chance that the central bank the sub-7 percent rate expected by some ana- etary policy committee had convened, it should will still lower interest rates at its scheduled sliding oil hits profit lysts. A year ago, the bank aggressively raised have moved towards cutting rates; markets had meeting later this month,” it added. key rates to avert a major economic crisis follow- warmed to this idea and had been looking for- The central bank in January cut its main inter- LONDON: BP yesterday became the latest billion from $23.45 billion in 2013 but the ing a steep drop in the value of the the lira. ward to it,” Turkish media quoted him as saying. est rate for the first time in six months but the 50 energy giant to say it would slash invest- figure was skewed by a huge one-off gain But the high interest rates are seen as having Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu welcomed basis points cut was slammed by the govern- ment this year as tumbling oil prices cut the previous year earned from the sale of contributed to a slowdown in Turkey’s economic the drop in inflation but was more circumspect ment as insufficient. into the group’s profits. its interest in joint venture TNK-BP to performance after years of strong growth that in calling for rate cuts. While there has been a fall in energy prices, British company BP said spending in Russia’s Rosneft. had underpinned the government’s popularity. “I want to emphasise that this is a reflection Capital Economics warned that core inflation 2015 was expected to total about $20 bil- Energy giants are slashing spending and The cental bank indicated in a statement on of positive developments in our economy. remains “extremely high” due to price pressures lion (17.6 billion euros), down from a previ- cutting jobs following a plunge in oil prices its website that there would be no unscheduled However, we strongly believe that the interest stemming from “a lack of spare capacity in the ous guidance of $24-26 billion. since June. meeting to decide a cut and monetary policy rates will be gradually lowered in the coming economy.” Turkey’s economy is under the spot- “We have now entered a new and chal- BP last week said it was freezing global would be considered at the next scheduled months,” he told a meeting of the ruling party. light this year as Ankara holds the presidency of lenging phase of low oil prices through the salaries following the sharp drop and meeting in three weeks. A top economic advisor to Erdogan, Yigit the G20 top world economies. —AFP near and medium term,” BP chief executive recently announced it was axing 300 jobs Bob Dudley said in a group earnings state- in the North Sea. In December, it took a ment. restructuring charge totalling about $1.0 “Our focus must now be on resetting BP: billion in an overhaul of the business. Opec oil output rises in Jan managing and rebalancing our capital pro- Rival Royal Dutch Shell last week gramme and cost base for the new reality unveiled plans to slash spending by more of lower prices while always maintaining than $15 billion after posting lower annual safe, reliable and efficient operations.” profits on tumbling oil prices. And US as key members stand firm BP said underlying replacement cost groups Chevron and ConocoPhillips have profit-a measure of earnings watched by cut drilling budgets. the market-dropped almost 10 percent to World oil prices have lost as much as 60 LONDON: Opec’s oil supply has 30.37 million barrels per day (bpd) in egy and said prices may have Steady $12.1 billion in 2014 compared with a year percent of their value since June, largely risen this month due to more January, up from a revised 30.24 mil- reached a floor, despite oversupply. OPEC’s other West African pro- earlier. owing to a surge in global reserves boosted Angolan exports and steady to high- lion bpd in December, according to Other Opec delegates have since ducer, Nigeria, also managed to BP booked a $3.6-billion net charge in by robust US production from shale rock. er output in Saudi Arabia and other the survey based on shipping data echoed this message. boost exports, the survey showed, the fourth quarter, which it said reflected The problem was exacerbated in Gulf producers, a Reuters survey and information from sources at oil “Prices are stabilising,” said a del- although the increase was “the impact of the near-term lower oil price November after the OPEC oil cartel said it showed, a sign key members are companies, Opec and consultants. egate from a Gulf producer. “But the restrained by outages of the environment, revisions to reserves and oth- would maintain output levels. The 12- standing firm in refusing to prop up At the Nov. 27 meeting, Opec world economy is not very strong Forcados and Nembe Creek er factors”. As a result it reported a replace- nation group, which pumps about 30 per- prices. retained its output target of 30 mil- and stocks are too high.” pipelines. ment cost loss of $969 million for the final cent of the world’s oil, is bidding to keep The Organization of the lion bpd, sending oil prices to a four- The largest boost this month has Smaller increases have come three months of last year. market share faced with a surge in US out- Petroleum Exporting Countries at a year low close to $71 a barrel. Crude come from Angola, which pumped from Kuwait, Qatar and the United BP’s annual net profit tumbled to $3.78 put. —AFP November meeting decided to since fell to a near six-year low of 1.80 million bpd and exported Arab Emirates. focus on market share rather than $45.19 on Jan. 13 and was trading about 57 cargoes, up 160,000 bpd Output in top Opec exporter cutting output, despite concerns above $49 on Friday. from December. Output would have Saudi Arabia has been flat to slight- from members such as Iran and OPEC Secretary General Abdulla been higher without some cargo ly higher, sources said. Saudi Venezuela about falling oil revenue. al-Badri, speaking in London on delays, including of new crude Aramco Chief Executive Khalid al- Supply from Opec has averaged Monday, defended the no-cut strat- Sangos. Falih said yesterday production was currently at 9.8 million bpd, although it was unclear if that was the daily rate or the January aver- age. “Steady is what I’m seeing,” said an industry source who tracks Saudi supply. “Exports are a bit lower and this is most likely offset by slightly higher refinery runs.” The largest reduction this month has come from Iraq, where southern oil exports slipped from December’s record high and flows from north- ern Iraq also declined, according to loading data and an industry source. Exports are likely to hit new records in coming months, techni- cal problems and weather delays permitting. A loading programme schedules record southern exports in February. OPEC’s other country with a notable decline in output this MADRID: Spanish Bank Santander’s President Ana Botin speaks during a month is Libya, where ports and oil- press conference announcing the company’s 2014 results yesterday in CHARLOTTE: In this Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015 photo, new homes under construction are shown for fields have been shut due to fight- Madrid. The eurozone’s biggest bank, Santander of Spain, said today its sale in Charlotte, N.C. Real estate data provider CoreLogic reports on December home prices, ing and supply fell further in profits surged by nearly 40 percent in 2014, led by its activity in Britain and yesterday. —AP January to 350,000 bpd. —Reuters Brazil. —AFP EXCHANGE RATES
Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.565 Sierra Leone 0.000066 0.000072 Nepalese Rupees 3.980 Singapore Dollar 0.215066 0.221066 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 82.205 South African Rand 0.019577 0.028077 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001879 0.002459 Japanese Yen 2.527 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 47.700 Taiwan 0.009235 0.009415 Indian Rupees 4.798 Australian Dollar 219.49 216.49 Thai Bhat 10.005 Pakistani Rupees 2.918 Canadian Dollar 236.45 237.45 Turkish Lira 121.335 Thai Baht 0.008738 0.009288 Srilankan Rupees 2.217 Swiss Franc 326.46 324.46 Arab Nepali Rupees 3.002 Euro 337.06 338.06 Singapore Dollar 219.200 US Dollar 296.00 299.00 Bahrain Exchange Company Bahraini Dinar 0.778890 0.785890 Hongkong Dollar 38.133 Sterling Pound 448.76 451.76 Egyptian Pound 0.035705 0.038805 Japanese Yen 2.56 2.58 Iranian Riyal 0.000082 0.000083 Bangladesh Taka 3.793 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Bangladesh Taka 3.797 4.067 Iraqi Dinar 0.000196 0.000256 Philippine Peso 6.706 Europe Thai Baht 9.101 Indian Rupee 4.781 5.081 Jordanian Dinar 0.413015 0.420515 Belgian Franc 0.007704 0.008704 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.219 2.654 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Nepali Rupee 2.982 3.517 British Pound 0.437061 0.446061 Lebanese Pound 0.000145 0.000245 Pakistani Rupee 2.927 2.790 Czech Korune 0.004026 0.016026 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021908 0.045908 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 80.43 80.90 Danish Krone 0.040894 0.045894 Nigerian Naira 0.001205 0.001840 Saudi Riyal 78.811 Bahraini Dinar 785.62 787.69 Euro 0.329235 0.337235 Omani Riyal 0.762032 0.767712 Qatari Riyal 81.270 Egyptian Pound 38.93 39.53 Norwegian Krone 0.034537 0.039737 Qatar Riyal 0.080511 0.081724 Omani Riyal 768.650 Jordanian Dinar 420.58 426.23 Romanian Leu 0.075994 0.075994 Saudi Riyal 0.078217 0.078917 Bahraini Dinar 785.700 Omani Riyal 767.63 774.93 Slovakia 0.008695 0.018695 Syrian Pound 0.001754 0.001974 UAE Dirham 80.561 Qatari Riyal 81.51 82.06 Swedish Krona 0.031485 0.036485 Tunisian Dinar 0.149653 0.157653 Saudi Riyal 78.85 79.25 Swiss Franc 0.311956 0.322156 Turkish Lira 0.122236 0.129236 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.122500 0.129500 UAE Dirhams 0.079527 0.080676 Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.065 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Yemeni Riyal 0.001335 0.001415 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 38.822 Australasia Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.381 Australian Dollar 0.218059 0.229559 Tunisian Dinar 153.610 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate New Zealand Dollar 0.206666 0.216166 Al Mulla Exchange Jordanian Dinar 417.130 US Dollar 295.750 America Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.985 Canadian Dollar 234.575 Canadian Dollar 0.228719 0.237219 Syrian Lira 2.108 Sterling Pound 446.970 US Dollars 0.291600 0.296300 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 31.291 Euro 335.350 US Dollars Mint 0.292100 0.296300 US Dollar 294.250 Swiss Frank 272.710 Euro 348.000 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Bahrain Dinar 786.690 Asia Pound Sterlng 448.650 US Dollar Transfer 295.700 UAE Dirhams 80.895 Bangladesh Taka 0.003497 0.004097 Canadian Dollar 247.700 Euro 336.800 Qatari Riyals 82.060 Chinese Yuan 0.046081 0.049581 Indian Rupee 4.738 Sterling Pound 445.692 Saudi Riyals 79.060 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036041 0.038791 Egyptian Pound 41.135 Canadian dollar 234.870 Jordanian Dinar 417.445 Indian Rupee 0.004450 0.004851 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.222 Turkish lira 121.540 Egyptian Pound 38.786 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Swiss Franc 321.410 Bangladesh Taka 3.770 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.219 Japanese Yen 0.002440 0.002620 Australian Dollar 231.090 Philippines Peso 6.590 Indian Rupees 4.785 Kenyan Shilling 0.003214 0.003214 US Dollar Buying 294.500 Pakistan Rupee 2.928 Pakistani Rupees 2.926 Korean Won 0.000258 0.000273 Bahraini Dinar 783.450 GOLD Bangladesh Taka 3.795 Malaysian Ringgit 0.078633 0.084633 UAE Dirham 80.150 Philippines Pesso 6.688 20 gram 238.100 Nepalese Rupee 0.003023 0.003193 Saudi Riyal 78.600 Cyprus pound 725.940 10 gram 121.740 Pakistan Rupee 0.002691 0.002971 *Rates are subject to change 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 3.515 Philippine Peso 0.006556 0.006836 BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 Gold rises as risk appetite lifts commodities
LONDON: Gold rose yesterday, recovering some Commodities benefited from a rise in the risk January to post their strongest month in in Canada, Russia, Singapore and Denmark. of the previous session’s losses, as a heightened appetite, as European stocks were lifted by hopes three years, though expectations for a US “Gold is benefiting from the RBA’s rate cut, a appetite for risk in wider markets boosted com- of an agreement on the Greek debt standoff. interest rate rise later in the year kept a lid on step that will accelerate the global depreciation modities, and as markets mulled the timing of a Benchmark Brent crude oil rose 3.2 percent, while gains. race of currencies,” Commerzbank said in a note potential US rate rise after some downbeat eco- copper was up 3 percent. The metal remains sensitive to US data, as on Tuesday. “Other central banks will probably fol- nomic data. Fresh inflows were seen into gold- “The move higher here is much more reflective traders try to anticipate when the Federal Reserve low suit and also cut their interest rates... As a backed exchange-traded funds on Monday, with of moves elsewhere in the commodities sector as will raise rates. Downbeat reports on US con- result, gold will be more attractive as a store of holdings of the largest, New York-listed SPDR a whole, rather than a gold-related move,” Simon sumer spending and factory activity helped gold value and alternative currency, a view evidently Gold Shares, climbing to their highest since Weeks, head of precious metals at the Bank of pare losses on Monday, and non-farm payrolls shared by ETF investors.” Among other precious October at 24.65 million ounces. Nova Scotia, said. “This often happens in the short numbers on Friday will be closely watched. metals, silver was up 2.4 percent at $17.61 an Spot gold was up 0.5 percent at $1,281.10 an term, gold moves as a commodity rather than a Gold picked up some support from news the ounce. Platinum was up 0.7 percent at $1,232 an ounce at 1100 GMT, while U.S. gold futures for April currency.” Australian central bank had cut rates, analysts ounce, while palladium was up 1.2 percent at delivery were up $5.10 an ounce at $1,282.00. Gold prices rose more than 8 percent in said, following policy easing moves by authorities $793 an ounce. — Reuters Energy firms lifted by oil rise, Sydney surges on rate cut Ausralain dollar slump after cut in interest rates
HONG KONG: Oil prices rose again yesterday, ment. The news sent the Australian dollar tum- Keppel Corp rose 1.49 percent to Sg$8.85 extending a recent rally and providing support bling to 76.59 US cents from around 80 cents while DBS Bank dipped 0.91 percent to to regional energy stocks, while Sydney pow- before the announcement. Sg$19.54. ered higher and the Aussie dollar slumped after The crude rally also helped Wall Street, where Jakarta ended up 0.29 percent, or 15.48 Australia’s central bank cut interest rates to investors ignored data indicating the US manu- points, to 5,291.72. Matahari Department record lows. facturing sector slowed in January. Store rose 1.30 percent to 15,600 rupiah, The euro edged down as investors keep tabs The Dow rallied 1.14 percent, the S&P 500 while cigarette maker Gudang Garam fell on a tour of Europe by Greece’s new leaders jumped 1.30 percent and the Nasdaq added 2.24 percent to 56,975 rupiah. aimed at ramping up support for a renegotia- 0.89 percent. Bangkok closed up 1.25 percent, or 19.84 tion of its massive bailout. On forex markets the euro bought $1.1336 points, to 1,602.54. Oil company PTT Crude enjoyed a boost after data showed the and 132.90 yen against $1.1343 and 133.43 yen. Exploration and Production gained 7.11 per- recent slump in prices has led to a decline in the Greece’s new far-left government is looking cent to close at 120.50 baht and Bank of number of rigs actively drilling. US benchmark for support from European governments and Ayudhya rose 4.10 percent to 69.75 baht. New Global Tower. West Texas Intermediate for March delivery rose investors in its bid to renegotiate its 240-billion- Mumbai fell 0.42 percent, or 122.13 60 cents to $50.17 while Brent crude for March euro bailout. points, to end at 29,000.14 points. Axis Bank Global inaugurates rose 76 cents to $55.51. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Finance dropped 4.95 percent to 586.50 rupees, The rises will come as welcome relief for mar- Minister Yanis Varoufakis hope to win support while Sesa Sterlite rose 6.23 percent to kets after prices for the black gold slumped from Rome in talks yesterday, following encour- 210.55 rupees. its office in DIFC more than 50 percent from its June 2014 peak aging remarks from Prime Minister Matteo Renzi Taipei rose 0.66 percent, or 61.74 points, owing to a global glut and a strong dollar. who said Europe must abandon austerity. to 9,448.73. Taiwan Semiconductor KUWAIT: Global Investment House “Our regional presence, track record Energy firms were the main winners from the But there is strong opposition from Germany, Manufacturing Co. gained 1.4 percent to (Global) announced yesterday the inau- and vast experience coupled with mar- rises. Hong Kong-listed Sinopec added 1.81 per- while British finance minister George Osborne Tw$144.5 while smartphone maker HTC was guration of its new premises in Dubai ket and industry knowledge will provide cent and CNOOC gained 3.50 percent. In Sydney, warned Monday: “It’s clear that the standoff 0.32 percent higher at Tw$158.5. International Financial Center (DIFC). us with a competitive edge to compete Woodside closed 3.00 percent higher and between Greece and the eurozone is fast Wellington added 0.44 percent, or 25.26 On this occasion, a reception was held on Investment Banking mandates.” Al- Santos surged 2.63 percent. Inpex in Tokyo end- becoming the biggest risk to the global econo- points, to 5,781.95. Spark gained 0.90 per- in Dubai on Wednesday the 28th of Ghunaim added. ed 6.89 percent higher. my.” The dollar was at 117.28 yen Tuesday, com- cent to end at NZ$3.37, Genesis Energy put January 2015 and attended by officials, Al-Ghunaim concluded by thanking “There’s a sense of security expanding among pared with 117.64 yen in New York Monday. on 2.00 percent to NZ$2.29 and Fletcher businessmen and executives in addition DFSA for their support and expressed her investors” as oil climbs, Toshihiko Matsuno, chief Gold fetched $1,281.71 an ounce, against Building advanced 0.24 percent to NZ$8.47. to the company’s board of directors and appreciation to DIFC which has success- strategist at SMBC Friend Securities Co. in Tokyo, $1,274.22 on Monday. Manila closed 0.23 percent lower, giv- management. fully established itself as one of the lead- told Bloomberg News. ing up 17.56 points to 7,613.15. Alliance Global Investment House DIFC ing financial centers within only a “The rise in prices has helped doubts about In other markets Global Group fell 0.59 percent to 25.35 Limited is a fully owned subsidiary of decade. the global economic slowdown recede, and Singapore closed down 0.45 percent, or pesos but Security Bank Corp. rose 1.73 Global Investment House and regulated eased worry over default risk and downgrade 15.33 points, to 3,408.02. Oil rig maker percent to 152.60 pesos. — AFP by Dubai Financial Services Authority. It risks for both countries and companies.” offers advisory services and arranges credit or deals in investments in shares, New China easing talk debentures, warrants, certificates, Sydney surged 1.46 percent, or 82.03 points, options, units, futures, structured prod- to 5,707.37 — its highest since May 2008 — but ucts, credit facilities and rights under a Tokyo sank 1.27 percent, or 222.19 points, to long-term insurance contract. close at 17,335.85 owing to a pick-up in the yen Maha Al-Ghunaim, Vice Chairman & against the dollar. Group CEO commented “Global DIFC Hong Kong added 0.29 percent, or 70.04 marks a milestone in the future of Global points, to 24,554.78 and Shanghai rallied 2.45 as it strengthens our presence in one of percent, or 76.61 points, to end at 3,204.91. the major capital markets in the region Shanghai’s gains “could be on expectations of and provides us access to a wide invest- some policy easing” after weak manufacturing ment banking transactions.” figures from China on Sunday and Monday, A lot is happening today in the United Audrey Goh, a Singapore-based investment Arab Emirates on the investment bank- strategist at Standard Chartered, told ing front including stock listings, IPOs, Bloomberg News. “I won’t be surprised to see restructuring, mergers & acquisitions, more easing measures,” she said. bonds and sukuk issuance among others. Seoul ended flat, dipping 0.72 points to Recent issuances have clearly demon- 1,951.96. strated that there exists an appetite for Sydney rallied after the Reserve Bank of big ticket offerings and that the level of Australia cut interest rates to 2.25 percent as it liquidity to support such offerings was looks to kickstart the economy in the face of also present in the market. Maha Al-Ghunaim falling commodity prices and rising unemploy-
SYDNEY: A man and a woman walk past the Reserve Bank of Australia in Sydney, yesterday. Sharp expects loss as TV, Australia’s central bank cut its benchmark interest rate to a record low of 2.25 percent yesterday in smartphone business slump a bid to jolt an economy weighed down by falling commodity prices. — AP
TOKYO: Japanese consumer electronics giant local media, including the leading Nikkei busi- ting measures, undertake a review of unprof- Australia’s RBA cuts Sharp yesterday reversed its fiscal year profit ness daily, said Sharp’s top executives would itable businesses, and further streamline head forecast, warning that it would instead lose take pay cuts of as much as 55 percent over office”, Sharp said. The company had swung about $256 million, as a slump in its television the losses-a common act of atonement in back to profit in the fiscal year to March 2014 rates to record low and smartphone screens businesses dented Japan’s business world. after two years of huge losses, thanks to growth. “We revised the previously announced stronger sales and cost-cutting. SYDNEY: Australia’s central bank cut its cash rate Lower dollar needed The maker of Aquos brand electronics said forecast as we anticipate worsening profits,” it now expects to book a 30 billion yen short- Sharp said in a statement yesterday. It also ‘Critical period’ to an all-time trough of 2.25 percent yesterday, It was the RBA’s first easing since August fall in the year to March, after earlier predict- pointed to “greater-than-expected changes in Sharp, along with Sony and Panasonic, has breaking an 18-month hiatus on stimulus as it 2013 and marked a sharp turnaround from its ing a profit of the same amount, while sales (the) business environment, such as rapid been undergoing a painful restructuring to seeks to spur a sluggish economy while keeping previous meeting in December when it had sig- would come in at 2.9 trillion yen. fluctuations in exchange rates and a price move past years of losses that were largely downward pressure on the local dollar. nalled a period of stability for policy. Osaka-based Sharp-which lost 7.2 billion decline in small- and medium-size LCD busi- tied to huge losses in its TV unit as lower-cost The currency duly sank more than a full U.S. The move was partly aimed at offsetting yen in the nine months to December-had ness”. Sharp-a key Apple supplier that is a rivals overseas pose a heavy challenge. cent after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) painful price declines for many of Australia’s warned earlier that its full-year earnings leader in screens for smartphones and However, a sharply weaker yen has partly ended its first policy meeting of the year by resource exports which are hurting both compa- would miss previous forecasts owing to a tablets-also pointed to weakness in its energy offset the decline as it inflates the value of announcing the quarter point cut. ny profits and mining investment. “deterioration” in sales at home and fierce unit, where sales tumbled because of slump- repatriated overseas income. “Overall, the Bank’s assessment is that output The situation has been made all the tougher competition in the liquid crystal display busi- ing demand for solar cells. In the nine months to December, Sharp growth will probably remain a little below trend by a protracted slowdown in China, Australia’s ness. The disappointing reversal comes as In response, “we will take drastic cost-cut- said operating income tumbled 37.1 percent for somewhat longer, and the rate of unemploy- biggest export market. while sales slipped 3.1 percent from a year ment peak a little higher, than earlier expected,” The move was given extra urgency by the earlier. “Despite the weak yen, Sharp is still said RBA Governor Glenn Stevens in a brief state- recent rush to ease by other central banks meant struggling, especially in the smartphone sec- ment. “This action is expected to add some fur- the RBA had to follow suit if only to stop its cur- tor,” said Mito Securities analyst Keita ther support to demand, so as to foster sustain- rency from rising to uncompetitive levels. Wakabayashi. able growth and inflation outcomes consistent Indeed, Stevens cautioned that “a lower “It’s wrestling with severe price competi- with the target.” exchange rate is likely to be needed to achieve tion from Chinese and South Korean competi- Markets had been leaning toward a cut this balanced growth in the economy.” The local dollar tors so it has to cut costs even more to sur- week, though only 9 of 29 analysts in a Reuters obliged by falling over a cent to $0.7670. vive. The company is a still in a critical period.” poll had tipped a move. Interbank futures The outlook for domestic inflation had also By contrast, Panasonic said Tuesday it was still on track to book a 140 billion yen annual jumped on the news while pricing in a near 50-50 moderated as petrol prices plunged and wage profit, as it moves away from the struggling probability of a further move to 2.00 percent at growth stayed stuck at decade lows. Core infla- television business. the next policy meeting in March. tion is now expected to hold near the floor of the Rival Sony-which is expecting a huge 240 Yields on 10-year government debt had RBA’s 2-3 percent target band for much of this billion yen full-year loss-is to publish partial already been trading below the cash rate and year. results on Wednesday. The company earlier dropped further to a record low of 2.36 percent, An added wrinkle is political uncertainty as announced it would delay the release of its while Australian stocks hit their highest since speculation swirls around the future of Prime full quarterly earnings report after a cyberat- 2008. Minister Tony Abbott. tack damaged the computer network at its “It’s very clear their assessment of the outlook A bruising voter backlash in state elections Hollywood film unit. for activity is weaker,” said Su-Lin Ong, a senior and a slump in his personal approval ratings has The firm said its Sony Pictures economist at RBC Capital Markets, adding that sparked chatter of a party revolt against his lead- Entertainment would not have time to put the RBA was now likely to trim forecasts for ership. TOKYO: Japan’s electronics giant Sharp president Kozo Takahashi is surrounded by together financial statements after the attack, growth and inflation in its quarterly statement on Australia’s benchmark S&P/ASX 200 share reporters after he announced the third quarter finanacial result in Tokyo yesterday. which was linked to its controversial North monetary policy due out on Feb. 6. “We have index surged to its highest level in almost seven Sharp reversed its fiscal year profit forecast, warning that it would instead lose Korea satire “The Interview” and has been rates at 2 percent and the risk is that it heads low- years after the RBA cut. The index extended gains, about 256 million USD, largely owing to a slump in its television business. — AFP widely blamed on Pyongyang. — AFP er,” said Ong. “We are stuck in this sub-par period adding 1.2 percent to an intra-day peak of 5,692.7 of growth for a long time.” points, its highest since May 2008. — Reuters WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 BUSINESS Tesco clears payouts for ex- boss Clarke, ex-CFO
LONDON: British retailer Tesco has cleared pay- investigation into Tesco’s accounting practices in investigate the accounting issue which relates to outs for former chief executive Phil Clarke and the wake of the supermarket’s 263-million- Tesco’s booking of commercial income from sup- ex-finance chief Laurie McIlwee after its legal pound profit overstatement. pliers. TalkTalk puts cost team advised there was no basis for continuing Tesco said it was contractually committed to Tesco said if new information came to light to withhold the payments. make the payments unless it could legally estab- which changed its current assessment it would Tesco said on Tuesday it had agreed to pay lish a case of gross misconduct. pursue recovery of the payments, together with savings on hold Clarke almost 1.22 million pounds ($1.83 million) “The company has taken legal advice and has damages. Last year Britain’s biggest supermarket and McIlwee 970,880 pounds under their sepa- concluded that it does not have the basis for issued four profit warnings, sending its shares to ration agreements. Clarke’s 40-year Tesco career, continuing to withhold the payments,” it said. a 14-year low. LONDON: British broadband supplier from either consolidation, or from remedies three and a half as CEO, ended when he was “Accordingly, the board considers that Dave Lewis, who succeeded Clarke as CEO, is TalkTalk said a focus on improving cus- arising due to consolidation elsewhere will sacked last July. McIlwee, chief financial officer defending costly claims for the payments would fighting back with a plan to slash costs and sell tomer service across its mobile, television likely support the stock,” they said. from 2009, resigned in April last year. not be in the company’s best interests.” assets to fund lower prices and mend the firm’s and fibre products had delayed its cost-sav- The telecoms market is about to see the The payments had been suspended due to an Britain’s Serious Fraud Office is continuing to finances. —Reuters ing programme, hitting its full-year earn- biggest change for years, with broadband ings forecast. leader BT poised to buy the country’s The group said it had recorded its biggest mobile operator EE. strongest ever combined take-up of Pay-TV group Sky is also moving into mobile, TV and superfast fibre broadband mobile through a deal with Telefonica’s O2. in the third quarter, delivering a 4.2 percent In turn, Hutchison, owner of the Three net- rise in revenue, but costs were not falling as work, is in talks to buy O2. fast as expected. Harding said TalkTalk was content to sit “The customer experience is improving, out market consolidation. “Clearly there is a and you see that with churn at 1.3 percent real market for a value-for-money provider being the lowest we’ve reported, but the of quad play (fixed line, broadband, mobile associated cost savings are taking longer to and TV),” she said. come out,” Chief Executive Dido Harding But regulators should question BT’s said yesterday. The miss on savings was ownership of Openreach, its division that about 10 to 15 million pounds, she said, provides access to its network for competi- while the company would also take a 3 to 4 tors, she said. “I’ve said publicly they should million pound loss on its newly acquired look at whether Openreach should be sep- blinkbox video service. arate, and the consolidation adds fuel to Analysts had predicted on average earn- that,” she said. ings for the year to end-March of 267 mil- She said she would also be looking for a lion pounds ($400 million). Its shares, which better deal from its mobile partner if fell more than 4 percent early on Tuesday, Telefonica sells O2.”There are sure to be were trading down 1.2 percent at 314.3 some economies of scale and I’d be looking pence at 1003 GMT. Analysts at Citi said the to see better terms from them,” she said. market would be disappointed with anoth- TalkTalk posted revenue of 449 million er cut in guidance; the company said in pounds in the third quarter, and said November it would spend more than it 50,000 people had taken mobile, 115,000 planned on acquiring subscribers. TV and 88,000 fibre, while its broadband “However, TalkTalk’s potential to benefit base rose by 15,000. —Reuters WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 BUSINESS GCC equity markets see mixed performance during January
KAMCO GCC Markets Monthly Report
KUWAIT: GCC equity markets saw mixed per- declined by almost a fifth in terms of total val- Capital on the back of strong results. in the GCC during January-15 on the back of points primarily due to a 4.9% decline in formance during January-15 as the oil over- ue traded which stood at SAR 162.4 Bn. Total Meanwhile, the Insurance and Consumer profit taking after the exchange recorded the share prices of Aluminum Bahrain (ALBH) to hang that affected markets across the GCC in volume traded declined by 12.9% to 6.7 Bn Staples indices gained 2.0% and 1.9%, respec- best returns for full year 2014. Investors pri- BHD 0.490 per share. The decline primarily on recent months was offset by positive earnings traded shares primarily due to lesser number tively, as key stocks in the sector (Agthia marily targeted large-cap stocks which result- the back of the news that the Bahrain gov- season, especially in Saudi Arabia. The aggre- of trading days during January-15 (20 days) as +1.6%, Asmak +24.9%, Emirates Insurance ed in a 386.15 points or 3.1% decline in the QE ernment has decided to increase natural gas gate net profits of Saudi-listed companies compared to December-15 (23 days). Average +2.9%) posted positive monthly returns. On 20 Index whereas the Qatar All Share Index prices for the corporate sector. The move recorded 3.2% increase in 2014 powered by daily volume remained almost flat at 336 Mn the other hand, the Real Estate Index plunged declined by 2.8%. The markets tried to recover comes as the government seeks ways to save strong earnings improvement in the banking traded shares whereas average daily value by almost 6.3% as all the three real estate during the last week of the month, but failed money amid declining oil prices that has sector. traded fell from SAR 8.8 Bn to SAR 8.1 Bn. stocks declined during the month. to breach the 12,000 mark and closed at affected Bahrain’s state finances as energy After months of weakness, market senti- Alinma Bank, which reported monthly return The Banking index declined by 1.2% dur- 11,899.63 points. The decline in market capi- subsidies are a major drain on the govern- ments turned slightly positive with some of 6.9% during the month, topped the value ing the month in spite of reporting strong talization was even steeper at 4.1% to close ment’s budget. According to the announce- investors believing that the markets are over- chart with trades valued at SAR 16.3 Bn dur- profitability improvement for the sector. Total the month at QAR 648.8 Bn. ment, the price of natural gas sold to industri- sold making valuations attractive. Moreover, ing the month and came second on the vol- FY-14 profits for 10 out of the 14 listed bank The steepest decline was recorded in the al users will be unified and raised gradually with stabilizing oil prices during the second ume chart with a monthly volume of 803 Mn on ADX increased by 16.3% to AED 17.1 Bn. top three sectors by market-cap, Banks & from April 1. The price of natural gas sold to half of January-15, retail investors have start- shares. Shares in the bank recorded strong The strongest percentage profit improvement Financial Services, Industrials and Telecom, companies will increase by 25 cents per mil- ed focusing on factors other than oil. This led whereas Real Estate, Transportation and lion British thermal units (mmBtu) from April to positive monthly returns in 3 out of the 7 Consumer Goods & Services indices recorded 1 as indicated by Bahrain Petroleum Co. to equity markets led by Saudi Arabia that marginal gains during the month. The Banks & ALBH. The price will then rise 25 cents on gained 6.5% followed by Oman and Kuwait. Financial Services Index (which accounted for April 1 each year until it reaches $4 per Total value traded in the GCC equity mar- 33.5% of the total value traded during the mmBtu by April 1, 2021. The cost of natural kets slid by 20.7% to USD 55.7 Bn as com- month) lost 2.7% during the month as some gas used to generate energy for industrial pared to USD 70.2 Bn during December-14. of the key banking stocks recorded negative projects will also rise. The average monthly value traded during returns. QNB shares declined by 7% to QAR Monthly trading activity remained bleak 2014 stood at USD 66.4 Bn. The share of 198 after the company missed Q4-14 earn- with both value and value traded declining Tadawul increased from 77% to 78% of total ings. The company reported a 3.3% rise in Q4- by more than 50%. Total value traded stood value traded in the GCC during the month at 14 net profit that reached QAR 2.45 Bn where- at BHD 3.5 Mn as compared to BHD 8.5 Mn in the cost of a decline in UAE’s share from 12% as full year 2014 earnings increased by 10.3% the previous month, resulting in average dai- in December-14 to 10% in January-15. to QAR 10.5 Bn. The bank, which is also a ly traded value of BHD 0.2 Mn as compared to On the economic front, the oil weakness barometer of lending trend in the Qatari BHD 0.4 Mn in the previous month. Likewise, prompted the IMF to slash growth estimates economy, recorded a year-on-year decline in total monthly volume declined by 54.5% to for the GCC economies by 1 percentage point lending for the second consecutive quarter 14.3 Mn shares as compared to 29.0 Mn to 3.4% for 2015, although the agency high- possibly due to delays in major infrastructure shares during December-14. Average daily lighted that healthy financial buffers would projects. Meanwhile, the overall banking sec- volume declined from 1.4 Mn shares to 0.8 help to provide the necessary cushion to tor has seen an increase in full year profits Mn shares in January-15. The number of absorb the impact of deficits in government with 6 out of the 8 listed banks reporting a transaction also slid to 626 from 1,065 trans- budgets. The IMF also said that GCC’s oil 11.2% increase in net profit. actions in the previous month. The monthly export earnings are expected to fall by USD buying activity after it reported recorded was recorded by Bank of Fujairah with profits The industrials index (25.6% of total traded decliners chart included Investcorp Bank and 300 Bn. This was also highlighted when Saudi strong growth in total assets during 2014. In up by 28.6%. Major banks including ADCB, value for January-15) slipped 5.8% dragged Al Salam Bank that lost 10.0% and 7.6%, Arabia, Kuwait and Oman predicted budget percentage terms, the bank achieved 28.6% NBAD and ADIB also recorded profit growth in down by Industries Qatar that fell by 11.2% respectively. Ahli United Bank topped the liq- deficits for the next fiscal year budgets where- increase in total assets in 2014 which stood at excess of 18%. On a positive note, according during the month. Shares in the company uidity chart with trades worth BHD 1 Mn. as Dubai presented a balanced budget. SAR 80.8 Bn, as compared to SAR 63 Bn to MEED, the CEO of ADX said that the plunged by almost 10% after the company recorded in 2013. exchange is in discussion with MSCI to proposed a cash dividend of 7-riyal-per-share Muscat Securities Market KSE’s performance The full year 2014 results published by include four more companies to the MSCI for 2014 as compared to 11 riyals in 2013. In MSM recorded the second-best perform- KSE recorded marginal gains during Saudi-listed companies also contributed to Emerging Markets Index before mid-2015. He the telecom sector, both the listed telcos ance in the GCC after Saudi Arabia, with the January-15 on the back of positive perform- the positive optimism in the market. Total also added that foreign investments in the recorded share price declines due to a general benchmark MSM 30 index up by almost 3.4% ance in heavy-weight stocks. The KSE-15 profit increased by 3.2% to SAR 113.9 Bn dur- ADX-listed securities has increased to AED 3.5 weakness in the telecom sector resulting in a to 6,558.46 points during January-15. The index recorded monthly gains of 1.2% on the ing 2014 as compared to SAR 110.4 Bn in Bn during 2014. Meanwhile, during the 7.7% fall in the telecom index. index bounced back after three consecutive back of mid to high single digit monthly gains 2013. Earnings growth was led by the banking month Moody’s said that Abu Dhabi’s assets In line with the rest of the GCC markets, months of decline although the overall trad- recorded by KFH, Boubyan Bank, and Gulf sector which reported a strong 10.2% comfortably cover its debt level and its size- trading activity in Qatar also slipped during ing activity remained bleak in the new year. Bank that was partially offset by steep month- increase in full year 2014 profits which stood able stock of foreign assets will help cushion January-15. Total volume fell by 43.3% to Total volume traded declined by 31% to ly declines recorded by Boubyan at SAR 41.5 Bn as compared to SAR 37.6 Bn the impact of lower oil prices. However, the 207.9 Mn shares as compared to 366.6 Mn 343.6 Mn shares as compared to 497.7 Mn Petrochemicals and Burgan Bank. Meanwhile, during 2013. Banque Saudi Fransi reported decline in oil price could result in slow eco- shares in the previous month. The value of shares resulting in average daily volume of the KSE Weighted index increased by 0.7% the strong yearly profitability improvement at nomic growth in 2015. shares traded also declined to QAR QAR 10.2 18.1 Mn shares as compared to 21.6 Mn during the month. On the economic front, the 46.1% to report FY-2014 profits of SAR 3.5 Bn. Bn as compared to QAR 16.6 Bn during the shares during December-14. Total value trad- Kuwait government slashed spending and However, Bank Al Jazira and Al Rajhi Bank Dubai Financial Market previous month. Consequently, the average ed declined by 41.6% to OMR 96.0 Mn as forecasted a deficit of KWD 8.23 Bn (USD 27.8 recorded decline in full year profitability to The significant improvement in announced daily volume and value fell to 10.4 Mn shares compared to OMR 158.1 Mn. Consequently, Bn) in its draft budget for the fiscal year the tune of 12.1% and 8.1%, respectively. The results for FY-14 could not provide the and QAR 508 Mn as compared to 16.7 Mn average daily volumes for the month 2015/16. Planned spending is budgeted at Kingdom’s largest bank, newly-listed NCB, required push to the Dubai stock market as shares and QAR 753.4 Mn during the previous declined to OMR 5.1 Mn as compared to OMR KWD 19.07 Bn (USD 64.6 Bn), a decline of reported profit growth of 10.2% to reach SAR the DFM General Index declined for the fifth month. Market breadth was equal weighted 6.9 Mn during December-14. The number of 17.8% from the planned spending in 2014/15. 8.7 Bn representing 21.6% of total banking straight month, although the temporary mar- between advancers and losers that included transaction also slid by 20% to 23,927 from Total revenues are projected at KWD 12.05 Bn, profitability. On the other hand, total corpo- ket rebound at the beginning of the month 21 companies each. 29,868 transactions in the previous month. down from KWD 20.07 Bn originally expected rate profitability took a hit from the Telecom provided some hope of revival. Nevertheless, Among the major traded stocks were the Omanis accounted for 79.6% of total value of for the current year. sector that reported a steep profit decline of the decline was significantly small at 2.6% as heavyweights Barwa Real Estate (+5.1%), purchase transactions and 73.6% of total val- In terms of sectoral performance, the 29.5% during 2014 to reach SAR 9.9 Bn. The compared to the previous three months. The Industries Qatar (-11.2%) and QNB (-7.0%). ue of sale transactions, a slight decline from heavyweight Banking index increased by decline was solely due to 96.3% plunge in index rebounded by mid-month to reach the Barwa Real Estate was also among the top previous month. The market capitalization 1.2%, due to strong returns recorded by a 2014 profits for Mobily. 3,900 mark; however, it fell sharply during the advancers of the month backed by a number increased by 3.1% to OMR 8.0 Bn (USD 20.7 majority of the banks. The price surge in In terms of sector performance, except for second half of the month, ending in the red positive news flow from the company that Bn) as compared to OMR 7.7 Bn (USD 20.1 Bn) Boubyan Bank came on the back of strong the Telecom & IT index, all the other indices by the end of the month. The decline in total included sale of two plots for QAR 5.3 Bn and at the end of December-14. results reported by the bank, with total FY-14 closed the month with a positive monthly market capitalization as compared to the DFM completion of acquisition of Lusail Golf The monthly gainers list expanded during profits up by 110.6% to KWD 28.2 Mn. The return. The Hotel & Toursim index recorded General Index was marginal at 0.9% due to Development Company. Other major gainers January-15 and included 28 companies as bank also reported strong operating metrics 16.4% monthly return as the companies in the the listing of Damac Properties, which pushed included Medicare Group and Qatar Industrial compared to 17 stocks in the previous with total assets up by 21% to KWD 2.7 Bn sector reported double digit monthly returns up the total market capitalization. The proper- Manufacturing Co. Major decliners included month. Al Sharqia Inv. Holding topped the while the operating income increased by 17% led by Al-Hokair Group for Tourism and Dev. ties firm surged on the first trading day, but it Doha Insurance which declined by 10.3% dur- gainers chart with a monthly return of 45.4% to reach KWD 78 Mn. NBK, which declined by Co. with a monthly return of 25.4% despite failed to sustain the momentum and ended ing the month due to a fall in Q4-14 earnings. as the company posted 8% increase in full 1.1% during the month, also reported a 9.9% reporting an almost flat full year earnings. the month as the second-worst performing year 2014 profits. Other noticeable gainers increase in FY-14 net profits which stood at Major gainers included Al Alamiya Co-op stock with a monthly decline of 35.8%. Other BHB Sector Performance included Gulf International Chemicals (GICI) KWD 261.8 Mn led by strong fee business and Insurance and Alujain Corp. with scanty traded major decliners included Union Properties Bahrain Bourse continued to decline dur- and United Power with monthly returns of operating income. The bank also reported value in the stock whereas on the losers side, that declined by 11.6% after the firm reported ing January-15 as it slid 0.2% to 1,424.37 27.0% and 24.9%, respectively. GICI posted a strong growth in total assets and loans and Mobily topped the chart with a decline of a 45% drop in FY-14 profits to AED 858.6 Mn points amid a mostly calm trading trend dur- strong 55.0% increase in net profits for FY-14 advances. Other noticeable index gainers more than 16%. Alinma Bank was the most liq- due to higher provisions. ing the month. The decline in market capital- that reached OMR 0.39 Mn whereas United included the Consumer Services and uid stock in the market with traded value of The limited investor interest in the market ization was recorded at 0.4% ending at BHD Power posted a 34% increase in net profits Industrial indices with gains in excess of 2%. SAR 16.3 Bn followed by Saudi Arabian Mining resulted in lower monthly volumes and value 8.1 Bn (USD 21.4 Bn). However, the market that reached OMR 1.02 Mn. In the consumer services sector, Jazeera and Dar Al Arkan Real Estate with trades val- traded. Total monthly volume declined by breadth was favorable with saw higher num- The losers chart included Al Anwar Airways (+5.7%), a key beneficiary from the ued at SAR 9.8 Bn and SAR 9.7 Bn, respectively. 28.2% to 8.9 Bn shares as compared to 12.3 Bn ber of advancers at 13 companies as com- Ceramic Tiles with a monthly decline 10.4% decline in oil prices, announced plans to sell shares in the previous month. Total value trad- pared to 6 companies that declined during although the company posted 15.5% 15 aircrafts during the month. On the losers ADX Sector Performance ed also declined by 34.1% to AED 15.3 Bn as the month. Prices of 21 stocks remain increase in net profits for 2014. Ahli Bank and side, the basic materials index plunged by ADX General Index continued to decline compared to 23.2 Bn during December-14. unchanged. Port Services Corp. also featured on the losers 7.5% due to its strong correlation with the oil during January-15 with a loss of 1.6% despite Trading continued to be dominated by the The overall sectoral index performance chart with monthly declines of 8.6% and prices, whereas the insurance index declined seeing some positive signs of revival after the Real Estate sector which garnered 64% of appeared positive wherein except for the 8.5%, respectively. In terms of value traded, by 3%. oil prices slowed the pace of their decline total value traded or AED 9.7 Bn worth of Commercial Banks and Industrials indices, Bank Muscat topped the chart with OMR 18.0 Trading activity plunged during the month prompting investors to take positions in what trades followed by the Banking sector which rest of the indices ended with a positive Mn worth of shares traded during the month, due to lesser number of trading days. Total is believed to be an oversold market. The accounted for 17.1% or AED 2.6 Bn in traded monthly return. The strongest performance followed by Al Anwar Holding and Oman volume traded declined by 5.3% to 5.5 Bn index touched a monthly end-of-day high of value. was recorded in the Insurance index that Telecom with OMR 14.5 Mn and OMR 6.9 Mn shares as compared to 5.8 Bn shares during 4,567.25 points but lost the momentum in On the sectoral front, except for the gained 2.9% on the back of an 11.1% worth of trading in the shares. December-14. However, average daily trading subsequent trading sessions. Total market Transportation and Services indices, rest of monthly return recorded by Bahrain In terms of sectoral performance, all the volume increased from 251.4 Mn shares to capitalization also declined at a similar pace the sectors posted negative monthly returns. National Holding Co., also topping the gain- sectors ended in the green during the month. 286.8 Mn shares. Total value traded saw an to AED 455.5 Bn. The focus of the market has The Industrial Index ended flat during the ers chart for the month. The Hotels & Monthly performance was led by the even steeper decline of 26.9% to KWD 501.5 shifted from oil price decline to Q4 results. month. The 7.9% surge in the Transportation Tourism Index also recorded a monthly gain Financial Index that gained 4.0% followed by Mn as compared to KWD 688.8 Mn during the This prompted investors to remain on the Index was led by 10.7% and 5.5% monthly of 2.4% on the back of a 9.1% monthly gain the Industrial and Services Indices, each gain- previous month resulting in average daily val- sidelines resulting in poor trading activity returns recorded by Air Arabia and Aramex recorded by Bahrain Tourism Co. (BTC) and ing 1.9%. Key stocks within the Financial ue traded of KWD 26.4 Mn in January-15 as during the month. Total volume traded more shares, respectively. Air Arabia, which stands 2.4%increase in prices of Gulf Hotels Group index that gained during the month included compared to KWD 29.9 Mn in December-14. than halved to 1.8 Bn shares as compared to to benefit from the decline in oil prices, shares. The spike in the share prices of these Bank Muscat, NBO and HSBC Bank Oman with The market breadth was slightly skewed more than 5 Bn shares traded during the pre- announced expansion in its operating base. two companies was led by Gulf Hotels a monthly returns of 3.8%, 13.3% and 2.8%, towards losers that included 85 companies as vious month. Total value traded declined by On the decliners side, the Financial & Group’s expression of intent to acquire BTC. respectively. Bank Muscat posted a 7.2% compared to 75 gainers. 51.3% to AED 4.2 Bn as compared to AED 8.7 Investment Services Index dropped by 6.8% The company has submitted an initial non- increase in net profit which stood at OMR The monthly gainers list was topped by Al Bn during December-14. The average volume primarily due to a more than 40% decline in binding letter of intent to the board of BTC 163.2 Mn. The bank also proposed 45% divi- Mudon Intol Real Estate that jumped by traded also declined from 247 Mn shares in shares of International Financial Advisors expressing its potential interest in acquiring dend for the year 2014, split into 25% cash 64.7% on the back of consecutive gains on a December-14 to merely 92 Mn shares during although the trades were very minimal in the 100% of BTC’s shares, which has a market dividends, 5% as bonus shares and 15% in number of trading days with monthly trades January-15 whereas total value traded stock. Large-cap decliners in the sector capitalization of BHD 17.3 Mn, through a the form of mandatory convertible bonds. valued at KWD 6.1 Mn. Newly-listed Viva declined from AED 414 Mn to AED 212 Mn in included DFM and Dubai Investment that possible share-swap offer. The proposed As an exception to the overall GCC market, topped the value chart with KWD 51.5 Mn January-15. declined by 5.5% and 8.4%, respectively. acquisition would be positive for both the telecom stocks in the Services sector posted worth of trades followed by Zain and KFH that Top gainers and losers for the month pri- The FY-14 earnings announcement was companies as it would lead to operational positive monthly performance during garnered trades valued at KWD 50.8 Mn and marily included stocks for which the monthly largely dominated by the banking sector with synergies and efficiencies. There was no fur- January-15. Shares in Ooredoo increased by KWD 28.1 Mn, respectively. value traded was minimal. However, key 3 out of the 12 banks reporting a 52% surge in ther information on the value of the transac- 9.5% whereas Omantel shares increased by stocks in the gainers list for January-15 includ- profits. Emirates NBD, whose shares were up tion. 3.2% during the month. Ooredoo shares were Saudi stock exchange ed Waha Capital that recorded a monthly by 1.35% during the month, reported record The Industrials index slid by 4.7% to 792 up due to a 14.4% increase in net profit. After four consecutive months of negative return of 12.8%, whereas on the losers side, earnings for Q4-14 as well as FY-14 on the monthly returns, sentiments for the Saudi Aldar Properties, which was also the top stock back of increase in non-interest income. The stock exchange turned positive with the TASI by value traded, recorded a monthly decline bank reported 57.8% increase in net profits ending the first month of 2015 in the green of 10.6% garnering trades in excess of AED 1.1 for the full year that reached AED 5.1 Bn, despite the continued weakness in oil prices. Bn. The stock lost almost 13% at the begin- whereas Q4-14 profits increase by an even The index rebounded by 6.5% to close the ning of the month due to the negative senti- stronger 82% to AED 1.2 Bn. Meanwhile, month at 8,878.54 points, falling short of the ments but gained some lost points after the Mashreq Bank also posted strong earnings 9,000 mark which investors expected to be company announced that it would repay the with 33% increase in FY-14 net profits that achievable after the index touched a monthly remaining AED 1 Bn loan out of the AED 4 Bn reached AED 2.4 Bn. Q4-14 profits also peak of 8,912.5 points on 28th January 2015. loan before the end of this month by using improved by 28% to AED 644.3 Mn. The bank The market remained volatile during the scheduled cash payments from the govern- cited strong operating income for the month as the weakness from December-14 ment after selling assets. The most active by increase in profits. continued till the first week of January-15 led value list also included FGB and Eshraq In a regulatory development, the CEO of by budget announcement by the Saudi gov- Properties with trades valued at AED 744.4 the Securities and Commodities Authority ernment that highlighted continued spend- Mn and AED 486.1 Mn, respectively. The real (SCA) said that the body is considering reduc- ing despite suffering oil revenue declines, but estate and banking sectors continued to ing the grace period that corporates will have thereafter the index has broadly seen a posi- account for the lion’s share of total value trad- to disclose their annual financial results to 45 tive trend. As a positive development for the ed, accounting for 42% and 36% of total mar- calendar days from 90 days and quarterly stock market, the new ruler of Saudi Arabia ket, respectively. results would have to be disclosed within 30 reassured that the Tadawul exchange is on On the sectoral front, the Investment & days instead of 45 days. track to open to foreigners in the first half of Financial Services index gained a strong the year. 12.8% during the month on the back of an QE Sector Performance Meanwhile, monthly trading activity equal monthly return reported by Waha Qatar exchange saw the steepest decline WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 BUSINESS Gulf Bank’s clients get exclusive benefits at Six Senses Spa KUWAIT: Gulf Bank in partner- Gulf Bank Visa Infinite, World access to the Symphony Style five-star Symphony Style Hotel treatments, specialist and result- ship with Six Senses Spa at MasterCard, MasterCard Hotel swimming pool and unlim- and features 13 treatment driven therapies, and personal- Symphony Style Hotel in Kuwait, Platinum, and Visa Platinum a ited access to Six Senses Spa rooms including two hammams, ized wellness programs and launched a new and exclusive variety of exciting benefits, scheduled group classes, as well separate areas for men and activities. promotion for the Bank’s Priority including: complimentary fitness as savings on treatments, per- ladies, and a celebration room Gulf Bank continuously seeks Banking Clients, which is valid till assessment and personal train- sonalized wellness packages, vis- including salon, pedicure and ways in which it can differenti- 31st Jan 2016. ing sessions, no joining fee, an iting practitioners’ sessions, retail manicure areas. 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Customers can of financial products and bank- helps guests reconnect with also visit one of Gulf Bank’s 59 ing services. themselves, others and the branches, or call the Customer Six Senses Spa is located on world around them through an Contact Center on 1805805 for the second floor of the stylish extensive range of signature assistance and guidance. Qualitynet announces Mohammed Al-Nusif as the new CEO
KUWAIT: Qualitynet, Kuwait’s #1 provider outlook made him a natural choice for the of Internet, Data and ICT Solutions, challenging position. announced yesterday that Mohammed Mohammed Al-Nusif has been at the Nizar Al-Nusif will be the new CEO, follow- forefront of Qualitynet since joining the ing the ex-CEO Engr. Waleed Al-Qallaf’s company. After graduating from the Kuwait new assignment at the University, he started with Qualitynet’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority Sales team, a career that would give him 14 (TRA) here in Kuwait. Shaikh Hamad Bin years of invaluable experience. A strategist Abdulla Al-Khalifa, Chairman of the Board and result-oriented optimist, he was award- of Directors at Batelco (majority stakehold- ed a membership to the Young Arab er-Qualitynet), announced that Al-Nusif Leaders, an organization of Arab Individuals who are recognized for having demonstrated the power of action in their own lives and have reached unprecedent- ed levels of success for their age. Quickly growing through the ranks, Al-Nusif was entrusted with the responsibility of head- ing the Corporate & Business Services seg- ment. Under his leadership, the company grew rapidly, implementing massive proj- ects around the country and expanding its regional and international network through strategic alliances with the biggest names in the Industry. He was soon assigned to the role of the Deputy CEO, continuing to be a major force in maintain- ing Qualitynet’s leading position in the Telecom Industry. A Board Member on New CEO Mohammed Al-Nusif many regional and International organiza- tions, Al-Nusif is also an active member in was the Board favourite for the position, the Arab Regional ISPs & DSPs Association Al Sayer Group Holding signs citing his leadership qualities and strategic (ARISPA). partnership agreement with GORD
KUWAIT: Al Sayer Group Holding (ASG) India keeps interest recently held an official signing ceremony to announce their new partnership with Gulf rates on unchanged Organization for Research and Development (GORD) one of the biggest research and MUMBAI: India’s central bank kept interest target by the start of 2016. development organization in the region. The rates unchanged yesterday, three weeks “It looks like growth will be assuming Gulf Organization for Research and after announcing an unscheduled cut, sig- greater significance hereon for the RBI and Development which is based in Qatar has nalling that it wants to wait for the govern- inflation is unlikely to demand the single- developed a new rating system for Green ment’s annual budget before any further minded focus it did earlier,” said Shubhada Building named Global Sustainability easing. Rao, chief economist with YES Bank. Assessment System GSAS. After a meeting in the financial capital The previous left-leaning government Reflecting Al-Sayer Group Holding’s com- Mumbai, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) struggled in recent years to keep the fiscal mitment towards environment friendly initia- said the benchmark repo rate, at which it deficit under control, partly because of tives backed by strong support of the Group lends to commercial banks, would stay at India’s massive subsidies bill and a sluggish Management. The Corporate Sustainability & 7.75 percent. economy. Responsibility department in cooperation RBI governor Raghuram Rajan said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who with Construction department will adopt this bank was awaiting further signs of slowing stormed to power in May last year, pledged system to be used for all upcoming buildings. inflation along with “high-quality fiscal con- to revive the flagging economy by attract- The signing ceremony on 19th January solidation”, with the government’s budget ing more foreign investors and bolstering 2015 was witnessed by Dr. Yousef Alhorr, due to be delivered on February 28. manufacturing. GORD’s Founding Chairman and Mubarak Al- “We are looking for further cues on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, however, Sayer, Al-Sayer Group Executive Director and progress of disinflation. And on the fiscal has promised to keep the fiscal deficit at front we have the budget coming up. So 4.1 percent of GDP in the current financial the CEO of the Automobile Group. This official those are the important developments we year and push it even lower in coming signing ceremony came after two days of a would pay attention to,” Rajan told years. Modi’s right-wing government has training where 21 engineers from Al Sayer reporters. introduced a series of reforms and vowed Group business units. Consultancy offices and Most economists had predicted yester- last month to banish India’s reputation as a sister companies participated to share this day’s rate would remain on hold after the tough place to do business. knowledge. RBI surprised investors with a 25 basis He also told US President Barack Obama Being a pioneer group in the region Al points cut on January 15, citing in part during a visit to New Delhi, along with Sayer Group Holding is exploring newer tech- cooling inflation from falling global oil American CEOs, that he would ease off on nologies and systems to strengthen their prices. It was the first reduction in 20 taxes and encourage innovation. position as a market leader. months. The government surprised analysts on The top management of ASH would like to The RBI has been under pressure from Friday when it announced the economy thank representatives of GORD and all the government and business leaders to had accelerated to 6.9 percent in 2014, participants for their sincere interest and par- reduce rates to increase lending and help after revising GDP data using a new ticipation. kickstart Asia’s third-largest economy, but method that brought India closer to inter- Rajan’s priority has been to bring inflation national standards. under control. India had been struggling through the Consumer prices rose five percent year- worst slowdown in years, growing at 4.7 Jazeera Airways releases on-year in December, well within the RBI’s percent in 2014, according to the previous- target of a maximum six percent by next ly reported figures. January. Reaction to the rate decision was largely Dec operational performance The RBI, which on Tuesday also kept the muted, with the Bombay Stock Exchange’s cash reserve ratio unchanged at 4.0 per- benchmark Sensex index declining 0.22 KUWAIT: Jazeera Airways released 2014, in comparison to the same cent, said inflation was likely to remain on percent to 29,058.29 points. —AFP its December 2014 Operational month of the previous year. Performance Report today, which Flown passengers also shows a 10% increase in total increased on routes serving Egypt, flown passengers from December increasing by 19% from December 2013, and an on-time performance 2013 despite of Jazeera Airways of 95%. The increase in December serving five Egyptian cities during follows the announced increase in the month, compared to six cities number of passengers in the previ- in December 2013. The decrease in ous month. number of cities served follows the Jazeera Airways issues its temporary closure of Assiut Operational Performance Report International Airport for renova- on both a monthly and yearly tions since June 2014. basis. The Report is based on offi- The airline had registered an cial figures and statistics from increase as well in the month of Kuwait’s Directorate General for November 2014, despite the tem- Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airline’s porary closure of Assiut on-time performance is based on International Airport. Flown pas- its reporting, in comparison to sengers increased by 10% in results by the independent US- November 2014, in comparison to based OTP tracker, Flight Stats. November 2013. Jazeera Airways saw an 18% On routes serving the Gulf cities increase in flown passengers from of Dubai, Bahrain, Jeddah and December 2013 on routes serving Riyadh, Jazeera Airways saw a11% Istanbul, Beirut and Amman. The increase in flown passengers, com- increase was driven by an increase pared to December 2013. Routes MUMBAI: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Raghuram Rajan listens to a question in demand on the route serving serving gulf cities has seen a paral- during a news conference at the RBI headquarters in Mumbai yesterday. India’s cen- Amman, and the introduction of lel growth in the previous month tral bank kept interest rates unchanged on February 3, three weeks after announc- winter flights to Istanbul this year. of November 2014, with a 9% ing an unscheduled cut, signalling that it wants to wait for the government’s annual The airline saw a 7% increase in increase in flown passengers from budget before easing further. — AFP flown passengers in November November 2013. technology WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015
Heady days for tech sector 15 years after bubble burst
NEW YORK: Fifteen years after the bursting of the Thirty-eight tech companies entered the bil- music group Spotify at $7 billion. These invest- tor, still has not returned to its record high of 5,100 dot-com bubble, the tech sector is flying high lion-dollar club clast year, including 25 in the US, ments come in the wake of Facebook’s $22 billion hit in March of 2000. again, with record amounts of cash pouring in, and according to the research group CB Insights which deal to buy the messaging service WhatsApp. Michael Stiller, tech analyst with Nasdaq’s renewed fears about inflated valuations. tracks venture capital. “The valuations are way out of line,” said Roger Advisory Services unit, said the tech sector “gener- A survey by the EY (formerly Ernst & Young) Part of the euphoria around the sector also Kay at Endpoint Technologies Associates. ally is still considerably cheaper than in 1999” and group counted 3,512 mergers or acquisitions in comes from giants like Apple, which broke all Still, Kay noted that “the mood is different that the companies have more realistic business the tech sector in 2014, for a total value of $237.6 records with an $18-billion profit in the past quar- because people do remember 2000. In 2000 they models. “It’s a totally different environment,” Stiller billion, the highest figure since 2000. ter, and Chinese online group Alibaba, which really thought it would never end, and it was sort told AFP. The report said the outlook for deals in 2015 raised a record $25 billion in its initial public offer- of pure bubble euphoria. This time euphoria is “We now have three billion people online ver- remains “robust.” There are no signs the trend is ing. The consultancy PwC said 2014 was the “best tempered with a bit of cynicism.” sus 400 million in 2000, a 7.5-fold increase. So slowing. “Tech investment bankers have told us year of the decade for global technology IPOs.” many of the ideas that were conceived in 2000 are that their pipelines are fuller than they’ve been in ‘Reality-based’ now feasible as the market is eight times as big rel- years, while corporate development executives A question of value The EY report says however that this time, val- ative to 15 years ago.” Stiller noted that while some indicated they expect to be even busier shopping The key question for investors in the sector is ues are grounded in reality. tech companies look expensive, these companies this year,” said Brenon Daly, analyst at 451 whether the sky-high valuations are indications of “Unlike 2000, it was no bubble,” the report said. have become more mature, and are getting real Research. innovative companies with tremendous growth “Despite the occasional ‘moonshot’ from a handful revenues and profits. The 451 Research report suggests more deal- prospects or mere speculation. of deep-pocketed buyers, the vast majority of “Large cap tech companies are flush with cash making is coming in hot segments such as mobile Uber’s investment valued the ride-sharing serv- deals were measured in reality-based multiples of and it flows down to other parts of the sector,” he tech, security and cloud computing. Startups like ice at $41 billion; home-sharing service Airbnb’s good-old-fashioned revenue, profit or cash flow.” said. “Real earnings from tech companies are actu- Uber and Snapchat meanwhile have seen their val- worth is estimated at $10 billion, a similar level to Some analysts point out that the Nasdaq stock ally in the books, not just metrics like eyeballs and ues soar with new capital inflows. that of Snapchat and Dropbox; and streaming market index, seen as an indicator of the tech sec- page views.” — AFP EMC reports full-year 2014 financial results
DUBAI: EMC Corporation yesterday report- Fourth-quarter ed fourth-quarter and full-year 2014 finan- • EMC Information Infrastructure busi- cial results. Record fourth-quarter consoli- ness fourth-quarter and full-year 2014 dated revenue was $7 billion, up 5% year revenue were each up 2% year over over year. year. Information Storage revenue in Full-year 2014 revenue was $24.4 billion, the fourth quarter grew 3% year over an increase of 5% year over year. The com- year and 2% for the full year. Emerging pany closed 2014 with $14.7 billion in cash Storage revenue in the fourth quarter and investments. Joe Tucci, Chairman and grew 40% year over year and 52% for CEO, said, “EMC demonstrated solid per- the full-year 2014, achieving $2.3 billion formance in the fourth quarter and over in revenue over the course of 2014, the course of 2014. Our strategy is working with notably strong growth for EMC well despite a challenging and rapidly XtremIO, EMC ViPR, EMC Isilon and EMC changing IT environment. The company ScaleIO. Within this, EMC XtremIO stands at the forefront of our industry with bookings more than doubled to nearly a leading portfolio of solutions and services $300 million in the fourth quarter com- to help customers optimize their existing pared with the previous quarter, there- infrastructures and build new ones that by securing a commanding lead over take advantage of opportunities created by the all-flash array market segment. cloud, mobile, social and Big Data. We enter Unified and Backup and Recovery rev- 2015 financially strong and well positioned enue grew in the fourth quarter and to continue capturing greater market was up 4% for the full-year 2014. Within share.” this, EMC VNX systems continue to do well, adding approximately 2,000 new customers in the fourth quarter, with the vast majority being new to EMC storage. RSA fourth-quarter revenue grew 4% year over year and grew 5% for 2014. Converged infrastructure offerings from VCE and VSPEX contin- ued to drive revenue growth in the fourth quarter, with VCE adding a record number of new customers in the quarter. SAN FRANCISCO: The Apple logo is seen in this September 11, 2012 file photo at the Yerba Buena Center for Arts in San Francisco. — AFP • VMware continued its rapid growth tra- jectory with fourth-quarter and full- year 2014 revenue within EMC each up Apple turning closed Arizona 16% year over year as customers con- tinue investing in software-defined data center, hybrid cloud solutions and facility into data center end-user computing. • Pivotal grew fourth-quarter revenue 18% and full-year 2014 revenue 27% Apple lawyers accuse GT of making false statements year over year, and remains the fastest growing of EMC’s federated businesses, PHOENIX: Apple said Monday it will invest $2 bil- posed cuts to schools, universities and the state bragged that the plant would be a major boost to Joe Tucci benefiting from customers leveraging lion over 10 years to open a data center in the commerce authority’s incentive funds may hamper the Arizona economy. the portfolio to build third platform Phoenix suburb of Mesa that will be the company’s efforts to attract business. Then-Gov. Brewer had hailed Apple’s decision to Zane Rowe, EMC CFO, said, “EMC is applications that are transforming their fifth in the US and serve as a control facility for its “Economic development isn’t just having a low- open the plant in Mesa in November 2013, calling establishing a solid foundation for the business. global networks. tax climate,” said Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson. it a sign that the Arizona’s efforts to provide a pro- future, while also delivering near-term The announcement comes four months after an “Economic development means you have the peo- business climate were paying off. The state has cut growth as we transform our business. Global highlights earlier Apple plan for the 1.3 million-square-foot ple who are trained properly to actually be able to business taxes and created several incentives Thanks to the unified team effort, in 2014 EMC’s consolidated fourth-quarter rev- facility it bought in 2013 failed. The tech giant had do the jobs that you’re encouraging companies to designed to lure new manufacturing businesses in EMC grew revenue and EPS, gained share, enue from North America grew 6% year a deal with Merrimack, New Hampshire-based GT come here and take advantage of.” the past several years. increased our dividend and accelerated our over year, and within this revenue from Advanced to use the plant to make sapphire glass GT’s October bankruptcy and ensuing effort to Apple’s data centers provide the computer mus- buyback program - returning $3.9 billion to the United States was up 7% year over for its products, but the company declared bank- shut down the factory marked a surprising turn cle for the company’s iCloud, ITunes, Siri and other shareholders. Our strong operational year. Revenue from EMC’s Europe, Middle ruptcy in October after production issues devel- after state, local and business leaders previously products. — AP results were impacted by currency fluctua- East and Africa region grew 6% year over oped. GT openly accused Apple of using a “classic tions and EMC’s investments in high- year, Asia Pacific and Japan grew 2% year bait-and-switch strategy” with a deal that he called growth businesses. While we expect these over year and Latin America grew 8% year “massively one-sided.” Jack Ma defends Alibaba amid row factors to continue to impact 2015 results, over year. Revenue from the BRIC +13 Apple lawyers accused GT of making false state- we remain focused on driving growth for markets grew 7% year over year in the ments about the deal, among other allegations. HONG KONG: Alibaba founder Jack Ma has share sale before an IPO in 2016, Bloomberg EMC” fourth quarter. After the GT failure, Apple said it would work to defended his company’s reputation after author- reported, citing sources familiar with the compa- find another use for the plant. It also has been ities accused it of allowing “illegal” actions on its ny. working to help more than 600 GT employees who multi-billion-dollar online shopping platform, Ma said Monday it was “still a bit early” to lost their jobs. saying he does not want it to be seen as a hub reveal detailed plans for the company known as “This multi-billion dollar project is one of the for fake products. Ant Financial, but indicated that a listing for this largest investments we’ve ever made, and when The Chinese billionaire spoke out after a year was off the cards. A separate Chinese completed it will add over 600 engineering and powerful Beijing regulator delivered an unusual wealth survey-magazine Hurun Report’s Global construction jobs to the more than one million dressing down of the prominent company, pub- Rich List 2015 — said Ma had been surpassed by jobs Apple has already created in the US,” Apple lishing a survey saying only about a third of solar energy tycoon Li Hejun as China’s richest said in a statement. “Like all Apple data centers, it products sampled from Alibaba’s consumer-to- man, with a fortune of $26 billion. Hurun put will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy, consumer marketplace Taobao were genuine. Ma’s wealth at $24.5 billion. Ma and Hong Kong much of which will come from a new local solar “We don’t want (to be) misunderstood by the tycoon Li Ka-shing have been vying for the title farm.” world that we are not transparent. We don’t of the richest man in Asia in the past couple of An Apple spokesman said construction on the want (to be) misunderstood by the world that months, with Li losing the title in December new data center should start late next year, if not Taobao is a platform for selling fake products,” after holding it since 2012. — AFP earlier. GT is storing advanced furnaces it planned Ma said late Monday on a visit to Hong Kong. to use in its Apple venture at the plant while the In rare public criticism of a domestic firm, the furnaces are being liquidated, delaying the imme- State Administration for Industry & Commerce diate use of the plant. (SAIC) last week accused Alibaba of allowing “illegal operations” to flourish on its websites, and told its executives to “overcome arrogance.” New solar power The SAIC, charged with maintaining market Apple company expects 150 permanent work- order in China, took aim at Taobao-which is esti- ers at the site, in addition to construction crews mated to hold more than 90 percent of the TOKYO: A Sony employee (R) talks about the company’s skin analysis system called and contractors. Apple also has committed to domestic market-as well as Tmall.com, a busi- “BeautyExplorer” during a press preview at their headquarters in Tokyo yesterday. — AFP building and financing 70 megawatts of new solar ness-to-consumer platform. power generation, enough to power more than Ma said Monday that the company is listen- 14,500 homes. ing to regulators and pushing for change, Sony sells US-based Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, who took office adding that the e-commerce giant has sent 400 last month, said the quick work to seal the deal people to jail for selling fake products. with Apple showed that Arizona is the best state in “Doing business anywhere with any regulato- online game unit the country to work and do business and works ry (bodies) you will have a problem, you have to quickly to makes deals happen. talk, communicate, listen, change and push. This TOKYO: Japan’s Sony has sold its online gam- company can develop games for mobile “Apple is exactly the kind of high-tech innova- is what we are doing,” Ma said. ing unit to a US investment firm, in a move devices and non-Sony consoles, such as tive company we want in the state of Arizona and The comments come after Ma met on Friday that should free it to make titles for consoles Microsoft’s Xbox, it said. we showed them that Arizona is the place to be,” with SAIC director Zhang Mao, which could sig- other than PlaySation. EverQuest competes with the popular Ducey said. nal a de-escalation of the dispute. New York investment management firm World Of Warcraft title. Sony has been He declined to say what additional incentives Alibaba is often described as the Chinese ver- Columbus Nova has acquired Sony Online offloading a string of assets, including its lap- Apple was offered beyond a large package offered sion of eBay, but it surpassed the US company in Entertainment (SOE), maker of the popular 3D top business and Manhattan headquarters, in by previous Gov. Jan Brewer in 2013 and a $5 mil- China more than a decade ago, essentially forc- HONG KONG: This photo taken on February 2, fantasy multiplayer game EverQuest, the a bid to claw back to steady profitability after lion tax credit for building solar generation the ing it to retreat in the Chinese market. 2015 shows Chinese billionaire and Alibaba companies said in a statement on Monday. years of massive losses. Founded in 2000, Legislature passed last year. Ma, a former English teacher, regained the founder Jack Ma speaking during a forum in The deal-financial terms were not dis- New York-based Columbus Nova manages Ducey was joined at a press conference title of Asia’s richest man with the anticipated Hong Kong. Ma has defended his company’s closed-will see the former Sony unit operate more than $15 billion in assets, through its announcing the deal by Republican House and listing of his firm’s Zhejiang Ant Small and Micro reputation after authorities accused it of as an independent game development studio own funds and affiliated portfolio companies, Senate leaders, who touted the agreement. Financial Services Group, worth $50 billion, allowing “illegal” actions on its multi-billion- under the name Daybreak Game Company. according to the statement from the compa- according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index dollar online shopping platform, saying he Columbus Nova, based in New York, already ny. In 2010, it bought Harmonix Music Proposed cuts Tuesday. does not want it to be seen as a hub for fake owns the maker of the music video game Systems, maker of Rock Band and Dance Minority Democrats who watched the press The financial services firm is mulling a private products. — AFP Rock Band. The move will mean the renamed Central, from Viacom. — AFP conference said they worried that Ducey’s pro- HEALTH & SCIENCE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 Britain votes on allowing world’s first three-parent IVF babies Critics say will lead to ‘designer baby eugenics’
LONDON: Britain yesterday could become the muscular dystrophy. Mitochondrial DNA is sepa- campaign groups including the US United first country to allow a “three-parent” IVF tech- rate from DNA found in the cell nucleus and Mitochondrial Disease Foundation described nique which doctors say will prevent some does not affect human characteristics such as the condition as “unimaginably cruel”. “It strips inherited incurable diseases but which critics hair or eye colour, appearance or personality our children of the skills they have learned, see as a step towards creating designer babies. traits. inflicts pain that cannot be managed and tires The treatment is known as “three-parent” in vitro their organs one by one until their little bodies fertilization (IVF) because the babies, born from ‘Unimaginably cruel’ cannot go on any more,” they wrote. Critics say genetically modified embryos, would have DNA International charities, advocacy groups the technique will lead to the creation of geneti- from a mother, a father and from a female donor. and scientists urged Britain to pass laws to cally modified “designer babies”. It is designed to help families with mitochondri- allow the treatment, saying it brought a “first Members of parliament have been given a al diseases, incurable conditions passed down glimmer of hope” for some families of having a free vote on the proposed new laws after their the maternal line that affect around one in 6,500 baby who could live without suffering. “A vote debate later yesterday. Lawmaker Jacob Rees- children worldwide. in favor of these regulations will enable Mogg said he would vote against. Parliament will vote on the technique, called progress in life-saving treatments and give “At the moment there is a very clear bound- mitochondrial donation, later yesterday. It hope to hundreds of families in the UK and ary that babies cannot be genetically altered, would be a medical world first for Britain but is internationally,” said Aisling Burnand, chief and once you’ve decided that they can, even for AKRON, Ohio:In this Wednesday, Jan 21, 2015 photo, Brittney Lykes, center, and her fiercely disputed by some religious groups and executive of the Association of Medical a small number of genes, you have done some- children, Faith, 8, left, and Cherish, 4, pose for a photo at their home. — AP other critics. The process involves intervening in Research Charities. thing very profound,” he told BBC radio. David the fertilization process to remove mitochon- “No medical advance is without risk. King, director of a pro-choice campaign group, dria, which act as tiny energy-generating batter- However, the robust scientific evidence, positive Human Genetics Alert, urged others to follow Pregnant smokers persuaded ies inside cells, and which, if faulty, can cause ethical opinion and broad public support for Rees-Mogg’s example to protect “everyone from inherited conditions such as fatal heart prob- these regulations mean the time is now right.” In the eugenic designer baby future that will follow to quit with free diapers lems, liver failure, brain disorders, blindness and an open letter to lawmakers, 11 international from this.” — Reuters
AKRON, Ohio: Pregnant smokers in one ful - a significant incentive for the Akron northeast Ohio county can get free dia- woman, who already has two children. pers in exchange for permanently kick- “I don’t want any harm done to them Key dates in ing the habit through a new health pro- or my other ones I have here,” said Lykes, gram. Summit County’s Baby & Me- 24. “You have to think about the babies.” Tobacco Free program aims to reduce Lykes said she used to smoke half a pack embryonic premature births and infant mortality, as each day or two but has cut back to one studies have linked smoking during cigarette a day and is hopeful about quit- research pregnancy to preterm labor and health ting before the twins come. problems for infants, the Akron Beacon The local program has a budget of PARIS: Journal reported. about $61,000. It is funded through a Britain’s House of Commons votes yester- The program’s incentive could be state grant and modeled after the Baby & day on allowing the use of donated DNA to create worth hundreds of dollars per mother. Me-Tobacco Free program launched in so-called “three-parent” babies to overcome mito- Pregnant smokers can earn a $25 vouch- Jamestown, New York, 14 years ago. That chondrial diseases-disorders handed down along er each month for one year if they quit program’s creator and director, Laurie the maternal line. The technology, still at laborato- smoking, attend at least four support Adams, said it provides positive messag- ry level, has sparked fierce debate, pitting experts group sessions and prove they’re smoke- ing to help moms feel supported during who say it will lead to healthier children against free by passing monthly carbon monox- the challenge of going smoke-free. opponents of the potential for “designer” babies. Cost of having diabetes has ide tests after their children are born. “We’re getting these moms to quit dur- Here are landmarks in embryonic research for Participant Brittney Lykes is expecting ing the course of pregnancy, but we’re tackling infertility and hereditary disease: doubled in two decades twins this summer, so she could get keeping them quit, which is the toughest • 1978: The first human, Louise Brown, is born twice as many vouchers if she is success- part,” Adams said. — AP NEW YORK: ER expenses grew as a result of rising prices, from in-vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF entails fertil- The cost of managing diabetes has more than doubled in the past 20 years, they write in the journal Diabetes Care. The izing an egg with sperm in a lab dish, and a new analysis says. The average diabetes US is not alone in facing this issue. “A growing implanting the early-stage embryo in the patient now spends $2,790 more per year trend of increased spending on anti-diabetic uterus. than they did in 1987 - and more than half prescription medications has also been • 1989: First pre-implantation genetic diagnosis the additional spending is for medications. observed in other developed countries,” Zhou (PGD), screening embryos for cystic fibrosis. “People need to be mindful about the sub- said in an email. • 1990s: Sickle-cell anaemia, Tay-Sachs disease stantial increase in the cost of diabetes, Tim Dall, a managing director with IHS Life and Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy join the which has been partially fueled by the rising Sciences who studies the economic side of prices of newer drugs,” said Xiaohui Zhou, a diabetes care but was not involved in this list of severe inherited disorders detectable by health economist at the Centers for Disease research, said the American Diabetes PGD. The technology is now used to screen for Control and Prevention (CDC) who led the Association has previously found that “a large over 250 genetic conditions, according to study. portion of diabetes-related costs are associat- Britain’s Human Fertilization and Embryology Zhou and colleagues compared National ed with the complications of diabetes rather Authority (HFEA). Medical Expenditure Survey data from 1987, than with treating diabetes itself.” • 2000: First “savior sibling,” a child born to 2000-2001 and 2010-2011. The 1987 survey, Zhou noted that new drugs and devices donate healthy cells to a sibling with a fatal involving 22,538 people, showed that diabet- are constantly emerging and “patients now ics spent $2,588 per person more on health- receive a more complicated treatment regi- disease. The first case is a child who tested care than people without diabetes. In 2000 men than the past.” Some newer drugs are negative for Fanconi anaemia, the disease its and 2010, with more people responding eight to 10 times the cost of older drugs such sibling was born with. (roughly 39,000 each time), the extra spend- as sulfonylureas, Zhou said. Dall feels that • 2010: British scientists create a lab-dish ing by diabetics rose to $4,205 and $5,378, while costs may be great, the benefits of new embryo whose mitochondrial DNA comes respectively. developments are also substantial. “The aver- from a donor. The rest of its DNA comes from When the researchers accounted for fac- age medical cost to treat people with dia- its biological mother and father. Mitochondria tors like age, race, obesity and type of care, 55 betes has been increasing over time, but percent of spending by diabetic patients was patients are getting better care and living are tiny components, comprising some three on prescription medication, 24 percent was longer,” he told Reuters Health by email. dozen genes that provide a cell with energy. for inpatient visits, 15 percent was for outpa- Flaws can lead to deafness, heart failure, blind- tient visits and 6 percent went toward ER vis- Growing trend ness and other problems. its and other expenses. The researchers also However, he said, if a certain regimen is • 2013: Birth of Connor, the first baby to be asked whether costs were higher because working well for a patient, there may not be a born after all its chromosomes were screened people used health services more, or because need to upgrade. Zhou and Dall say more for abnormalities, the goal being to select the the price of the service had risen. The answer: effort needs to be put toward diabetes pre- India’s brides hire langurs both. Patients now use more medication, and vention and not merely management of the healthiest embryo for implantation. the costs of the drugs have also risen. disease. “This growing trend of diabetes cost • 2015: Vote in British parliament on whether to is simply unsustainable. Besides the efforts to to halt monkey business approve embryos that include donated mito- Developed countries bend the treatment cost, the efforts to reduce chondrial DNA. — AFP The increased cost of outpatient visits was the number of future diabetes patients are NEW DELHI: Wedding rings-check. Brass attacking people for food. mainly due to more visits, and inpatient and imperative,” Zhou said. — AP band-check. Large, aggressive monkeys- Agra, home to the Taj Mahal which check. Anxious brides wanting the per- attracts huge numbers of tourists, has fect wedding day are leaving nothing to seen monkey numbers increase in recent Dog undergoes chance in the Indian city of Agra, hiring years, in part because devout Hindus large monkeys and their handlers to believe feeding them is auspicious. With surgery after eating keep pesky smaller ones at bay. Grey lan- weddings increasingly held outdoors, gurs are becoming increasingly common many brides in Agra have already faced a parts of calf-high boots at outdoor weddings to ward off their simian scare, the Times of India reported. natural enemy rhesus monkeys which Amita Singh was quoted as saying she PHILADELPHIA: Veterinarians say a dog is recovering are known to gatecrash and wreak hav- was shocked to find a group of uninvited after surgery to remove parts of a pair of calf-high oc, an official said yesterday. monkeys chattering away on her wed- leather boots the animal had eaten. The Veterinary “The langur-handlers are much in ding day. Specialty and Emergency Center in Philadelphia says demand during the winter wedding sea- “I was so scared that I fell off my chair,” the 4-year-old mixed breed named Vince ate parts of son,” Ram Avtaar, an official in the city’s the daily quoted the 29-year-old as say- both boots on Friday. Specialists say the volume con- municipal corporation, told AFP by ing. “My make-up and dress were com- sumed was so large that the dog’s stomach was unable phone. “They usually charge up to 3,000 pletely spoilt.” She hired a langur and to pass the material into the small intestines, so the pet rupees ($48) if booked in advance but handler for her reception, held on a sepa- underwent surgery Saturday. the rates can go up to Rs 10,000 ($160) in rate day for Hindu weddings. Agra resi- Specialists say surgery or endoscopy is often needed case of an emergency when monkeys dent Deepesh Gupta, who attended a when dogs eat something they shouldn’t, since it can have already entered a venue.” Though wedding at which the groom was obstruct the digestive tract and perforate the intestines. revered in the majority Hindu nation, attacked by monkeys, said he recently If pets are experiencing vomiting, lethargy or lack of monkeys are a major menace in many hired three langurs which were posi- Photo provided by the Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center in appetite, it may be a sign a foreign object is present, cities, trashing gardens, office and resi- tioned strategically during his daughter’s Philadelphia shows an X-ray of a 4-year-old mixed breed male dog named Vince, and the animals should be taken to a veterinarian as dential rooftops and even viciously marriage. — AFP who ate parts of a pair of calf-high leather boots.—AP soon as possible.—AP Transgender kids aren’t confused about their identities
NEW YORK: Transgender youngsters identify as much When the researchers looked to see if the transgen- around gender aren’t as fixed as we like to think they and Policies in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at with their genders as do non-transgender children, a der children’s responses mirrored those of non-trans- are - particularly for kids,” he said, adding that parents Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. Eaton said new study says. The findings indicate that transgender gender kids - known as cisgender children - they found should approach gender from a place of curiosity. “Ask a he and his fellow researchers are continuing to enroll children are not confused or delayed in their under- that transgender boys’ responses mirrored cisgender lot of questions and reserve judgment.” transgender children and their families for research. standing of gender, as some have suggested, write the boys’ answers. Transgender girls responded the same as “The one thing that’s incredibly clear in the literature They hope to check in with these children throughout researchers in Psychological Science. “People didn’t cisgender girls. “I think the study speaks to the fact that is that parental acceptance is the primary mediator for their lives to keep learning from them. know how to conceptualize these kids and their experi- this isn’t something that’s created or just made up for bad or good outcomes,” he said. The new study is an “Unfortunately the trajectory of trans-adult lives are ences,” said Nicholas Eaton, the study’s senior author attention or for any other purpose than an authentic example of research in an area where it’s needed, said not always positive,” he said, adding that they have an from Stony Brook University in New York. “People in the sense of self,” said Dr. Aron Janssen, director of the NYU Dr. Barbara Warren, who wasn’t involved in the new increased risk of suicide and unemployment. “These scientific community, the society at large and the media Langone Medical Center’s Gender and Sexuality Service study but is an expert on lesbian, gay, bisexual and kids are saying from a very young age that they’re trans didn’t know how to talk about these kids.” in New York City. transgender health. She said past research is mostly and their parents are supporting that. Studying these Eaton and his colleagues questioned 32 transgender based on accounts of people’s experiences. kids . . . over time can be very informative.” Janssen said children, ages five to 12, who all came from supportive A place of curiosity he hopes doctors are now seeing more transgender homes and had not yet entered puberty. The children Janssen, who wasn’t involved with the new study, Increased risk of suicide people when they’re younger, instead of later in life were asked different types of questions that have been said young children should be able to explore their gen- “We have a lot more evidence now that supports when it may be more difficult to transition. “Whatever shown in other studies to be measures of implicit gen- der identities, which don’t need to fall into set defini- that the folks with gender dysphoria show something gender a child chooses should not be a barrier in their der identity. tions of cisgender or transgender. “The cognitions that’s inborn,” said Warren, director of LGBT Programs lives,” he said. — Reuters HEALTH & SCIENCE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 Austerity drove up Greek suicides by a third
PARIS: Suicides in Greece surged by a third 11,505 people were considered to have taken Pennsylvania, said the findings threw up two enacted and perhaps even to consider less after the country implemented an austerity their own lives — 9,079 men and 2,426 women. key conclusions. One was about the impact of drastic policies that achieve similar goals,” he program in June 2011, health investigators said The graph was then matched against 12 big austerity on mental health and the need to said. The study, published online in BMJ Open, on Monday. After the measures were passed, economic events over the three decades. help vulnerable people in the eye of an eco- is the first attempt to chart suicides in Greece the number of suicides leapt by 35.7 percent Monthly suicides fell when the news was nomic storm. But another was about communi- on a monthly, decade-spanning scale and to compared to preceding months, they said. The good: for instance, when the euro was cation. There was a 30-percent surge, albeit a correlate them to big economic events. increase was sustained for the rest of 2011 and launched in Greece in January 2002, a sharp temporary one, in male suicides in April and Men-the traditional breadwinners in Greek reached an all-time peak in 2012, the final year but short-lived fall of 27.1 percent occurred May 2012 after a pensioner killed himself in society-bore the brunt, although the number covered by the study. Delving into anecdotal among men. The monthly tally began to climb Athens’ main square in response to the austeri- of suicides among women rose dramatically evidence that the toll of suicides had risen, in October 2008 at the time of the financial cri- ty. from June 2011, it found. The austerity package researchers in the US and Greece looked at sis, rising by 13 percent among men. It then The event was massively and sometimes was narrowly passed amid violent demonstra- data for self-inflicted deaths over a 30-year shot up further in 2011 when the government emotionally covered by the media. “We found tions outside the Greek parliament and strikes span, from January 1, 1983 to December 2012. pushed through the austerity package to that perhaps it is the economic policies them- that halted most public service. Media “specu- They looked at official figures provided by secure an international bailout for Greece’s selves, but also the public messaging of these lations” in Greece had put the rise in austerity- the Hellenic Statistical Authority as well as economy. policies (by the government and the press) that linked suicides at “anywhere from 17 percent to “potentially misclassified” suicides. These were are both driving the changes in suicide,” Branas 40 percent,” the paper said. A 2013 study found deaths that were probably suicides but had Austerity and messaging said in an email exchange with AFP. An impor- that in Spain, there was an eight-percent been categorized as accidents, possibly Lead author Charles Branas, a professor of tant task “is to think about different, less omi- increase in suicides following the start of the because of religious taboo. During the 30 years, epidemiology at the University of nous messaging when austerity policies are financial crisis there in 2008.—AFP Contributions of Mexican scientists are recognized
MEXICO CITY: Mexican scientists of the and in Evolution. Hypothesis in National Institute of Respiratory Diseases Pathogenesis and Therapy Implications” “Ismael Cos o Villegas” (INER) received an made possible to know some mechanisms award from the American Thoracic Society that led to a better understanding of the (ATS), in recognition of the contributions disease. As a result, the treatment was made by their research on the treatment of modified. It used to be based on strong pulmonary fibrosis, the most lethal and anti- inflammatories and immunosuppres- aggressive illness affecting lungs. sant medication that did not prove to be Specialists led by Dr Moises Selman Lama efficient in stopping the disease and pro- became the first non American scientists to voked severe secondary effects on receive this award, positioning themselves patients. among the most outstanding groups in the Dr Selman Lama said that these studies world to study this medical condition. led to treatment modifications as well as to Among their most important contribu- the allocation of resources from Health tions is a study developed in association Institutes of the United States, given that with the National Autonomous University they did not finance research projects that of Mexico (UNAM) on idiopathic cystic considered the disease an inflammatory fibrosis. The findings allowed to conclude process. Based on this work, clinical tests that it is not a chronic inflammatory illness, were made with other types of substances as it had been assured half a century ago. to treat this disease, which yield the The research paper published under the authorization of the Food and Drug title “Idiopa thic Lung Fibrosis: Prevailing Administration of the United States.
After long wait, Illinois to issue medical Doctors confirm screen marijuana licenses ILLINOIS: Illinois will begin issuing fied on Quinn’s preliminary list of time affects teens’ sleep licenses to grow and distribute med- recipients. ical marijuana 18 months after a law “Any applicant that was recom- PARIS: was signed legalizing it, Governor mended for disqualification will be Parents have long suspected it, but in under 30 minutes. The study also confirmed rhythm, the day-night system that tells our Bruce Rauner’s general counsel said in fully informed of the basis for that now doctors have proof: the more time what many parents of a sleepy teen have brain when we should sleep and when we a statement on Monday. Former decision (and) given an opportunity teenagers spend on computers or mobile experienced already-using an electronic should wake up. Democratic Governor Pat Quinn, who to respond,” Rauner’s General phones, the less they sleep-especially if the device in the hour before bedtime badly There could also be muscle pains, tension supported medical marijuana, left Counsel Jason Barclay said in the gadget is used just before bedtime. The evi- affects both onset of sleep and its duration. or headaches, for instance from playing a office in January without issuing statement. dence is so strong, the experts said, that In particular, teens who used a computer game for too long. The media content, too, licenses for growth and distribution, Marla Levi, 51, a multiple sclerosis health watchdogs should overhaul guidelines or mobile phone in the last hour were 52 and may play a role by causing “increased psy- leaving it to Rauner, a Republican, patient of Buffalo Grove, Illinois who’s for electronic device use by youngsters. The 48 percent likelier to take more than 60 min- chophysiological arousal”-which means the who asked for a review of the selec- been waiting for legal medical mari- team carried out an investigation among utes to fall asleep. They were also 53 and 35 mind is spinning just as it should be slowing tion process. juana, said she hopes the right candi- nearly 10,000 people aged 16 to 19 in percent likelier to lose out on two or more down for the night. “The recommendations Quinn’s administration had pre- dates get licenses. “I hope they put Hordaland county, western Norway, in 2012, hours of sleep. Somewhat smaller risks of for healthy media use given to parents and pared lists of possible recipients based patients first, and not money,” she they reported in the journal BMJ Opened yes- delayed or shortened sleep were observed adolescents need updating, and age specific on scoring of applications. But said. Several months could still go by terday. The teens were questioned about their among youngsters who used an MP3 player, guidelines regarding the quantity and timing Rauner’s team’s review concluded that before medical marijuana is sold in sleeping patterns, how long they looked at a tablet, game console or TV in the final hour of electronic media use should be developed,” some applicants had been disquali- Illinois. Winners must put up a bond, screen outside of school hours and the type of before bedtime. the study said. fied without clear procedures, giving pay license fees and register agents. gadget they used. The current recommendation by the rise to legal liabilities. As a result, Also, any marijuana sold in the state The respondents said they needed But why? American Academy of Pediatrics set down in Rauner issued on Monday a list of must be grown in the state, which between eight and nine hours’ sleep on aver- The researchers, led by Mari Hysing at a 2004 is to not have a TV in the bedroom. “It growers and dispensary operators takes at least 4-1/2 months. Illinois is age to feel rested. Those with screen time of regional centre for child health in the city of seems, however, that there may be other elec- who will receive permits and licenses one of 23 states along with the District more than four hours per day were three-and- Bergen, point to several possible explana- tronic devices exerting the same negative in many areas of the state, with some of Columbia that permit medical mari- a-half times likelier to sleep fewer than five tions. One is quite simple: that teenagers are influence on sleep, such as PCs and mobile gaps that will be filled in after review juana. Illinois’ trial program expires in hours at night, the probe found. They also getting to bed later-screen time eats into phones,” said the study. “The results confirm of applications that had been disquali- 2017. — Reuters were 49 percent likelier to need more than 60 sleep time. Another idea is that the bright recommendations for restricting media use in minutes to fall asleep. Adults normally nod off light from devices interferes with circadian general.”— AFP WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015
Holiday Inn Salmiya grabs 15 awards at Horeca Kuwait
oliday Inn Salmiya won 15 awards in ten different Hculinary competitions that were held during the Horeca Kuwait 2015 exhibition for Hospitality and Food companies as they were competing with a number of talented chefs and participants and evaluated by inter- national referees. The event was attended by the leading hotels, food companies and suppliers. Holiday Inn Salmiya chefs were able to achieve 4 golden medals in 4 different competitions awarded to Chef Hussein Al Sayed the Executive Sous Chef and Chef Moumina Al Akoum in the ‘Arabic Mezzah’ live cooking competition from the basket; Chef Ranga Gayan in the Wedding Cake competi- tion; Chef Nuan Sanjeewa in the Novelty Cake competi- tion and Chef Prashanta Magar in the Cold Fish Platter Competition. Also the team of Chefs was able to achieve another 4 silver medals -2 of them awarded to Chef Nuan Sanjeewa in the Wedding Cake competition and Fruits & Vegetables Carving Competition; Chef Ranga Gayan in Novelty Cake AUK participates in the Environmental Competition and Chef Sampath Priyashantha in the Six Course Set Dinner menu. Another 6 bronze medals were awarded to Chef Sampath Priyashantha in the cold fish Public Speaking Competition in Dubai platter competition; Chef Ranga Gayan in the Plated Dessert competition; Chef Raja Sollaiappan in the Bread he American University of Kuwait The other AUK team delivered a speech Finance, showed the audience what dam- throughout the entire process of research, creation Competition; Chef Sujeewa Kannangara in Sushi (AUK) participated in the under the category “Who is Responsible for ages wasting food can cause to the environ- outlining, writing, and performing the Live Station; Chef Indika Upul Appuhamellage and Chef T Environmental Public Speaking Food Wastage?” Bhavneet Sahni, a senior ment. They did so by using a magician’s speech. We really had to work hard at reign- Crishan Shanilka in the Live cold Sandwich-Making Competition in Dubai, UAE for the second who is pursuing double majors in Finance theme as a tool to bring their points across in ing in all her ideas as she wanted to continu- Competition. consecutive year. The competition was and Accounting, and Maryam Mofied, a jun- an educational, yet entertaining manner. ally make the speech more and more cre- The management of the Holiday Inn Salmiya celebrat- organized by the Emirates Environmental ior pursuing double major in Economics and “Sahni showed overwhelming creativity ative,” said Waite. ed with all their talented chefs this great achievement Group (EEG), and five students from AUK, Omar Al-Faresi, who is seeking a degree in which in turn reflects the reasons behind the hotel stand- accompanied by their coach, Lisa Waite, Communications & Media, provided support ing out in hospitality and outside catering fields. For all instructor in AUK’s Intensive English for the teams. He produced a video for the types of events, corporate or small family gatherings its Program, attended and delivered two pre- “Who is Responsible for Food Wastage?” catered with passion by a dedicated team who’s keen to sentations at the competition; one of which presentation, and also provided technical deliver an unforgettable experience to all the hotel valu- won the first runner-up prize in its category. support for both AUK presentations. EEG is able guests. “Mission Possible” was one of the two pre- known for their diligence in protecting the sentations from AUK to deliver at the compe- environment through the means of educa- tition. AUK students Shaza Wattar, an tion, action programs and community What’s On - Submission Guidelines International Relations major, and Rateb involvement. EEG is viewed as one of the Shehadeh, a Marketing and most prestigious environmental groups Communications & Media double major, within the Middle East and prides itself on its All photos submitted for What’s On earned the first runner-up prize in the “Green environmental achievements. AUK was the Economy” category; a category that had 18 only institute from Kuwait to attend the com- should be minimum 200dpi. participating colleges. The team identified petition, which saw competitors from several Articles must be in plain text and countries that are successful in implement- institutes across the GCC, as well as Egypt should include name and phone ing green economic measures, and offered and Yemen. solutions to help solve the looming environ- The American University of Kuwait (AUK) numbers. Articles and photos that mental problems in the GCC. is an independent, private, equal opportuni- fail to meet these requirements will Shaza explained that the long hours her ty, and co-educational liberal arts institution team spent in preparing for the competition of higher education. The educational, cultur- not be published. was exciting. “Besides the absolute joy that al and administrative structure, methods and this competition brought my team and I, it standards of AUK are based on the American Please send them to was an honor to represent AUK and show model of higher learning. The language of [email protected] other universities that with our team work instruction is English. More information on and hard effort, AUK is a great institution to the American University of Kuwait can be be reckoned with,” she said. EEG Team with Professor Lisa Waite found atwww.auk.edu.kw Idukki Association Kuwait conducts Fest 2015
dukki Association celebrated its working-report on association’s acti- dent Jaison Kaliyanil. A souvenir for Iannual family gathering “IDUKKI vates was presented by the General the auspicious occasion was released FEST 2015” at Cambridge School, Secretary Biju Anto. Other dignitaries by the chief guest and the Deputy Mangaf. Association President Jaison from various associations, business Chief of Mission. Kaliyanil chaired the public meeting. groups and other communities were Appreciation mementos for mem- FEST General Convener Benny also present. bers’ children those who are complet- Perikilath welcomed the attendees. Association’s contribution of INR ed Classes X and XII in Kuwait were The Member of Idukki Parliament 50,005 for the Prime Minister’s also distributed. Association Treasurer constituency and Patron of the asso- Jammu and Kashmir Relief Fund was Mathew Areeparambil expressed vote ciation Advocate Joice George was handed over to Goldar, the Deputy of thanks. Malayalam cine-artist Tini the chief guest and inaugurated the Chief of Mission by the chief guest Tom and comedian Shaijo Adimali function by lighting the traditional Joice George. In addition to that, dis- were the stars of the program. Various lamp. The Deputy Chief of Mission, tribution of assistance to underprivi- cultural programs by the members Embassy of India to Kuwait Shubashis leged individuals from homeland and professional artists from Kuwait Goldar was the Guest of Honor and through “Karunya Nidhi” was handed were also performed to entertain the delivered his key note address. A over to the chief guest by the presi- audience. NSS celebrates Mannam Jayanthi
air Service Society (NSS), Kuwait cel- Jayanti Gold Medals and Mannam Nebrated Mannam Jayanthi for the Puruskarams for outstanding academic per- 14th consecutive year on 16th formances for students of Class XII and X January 2015, at Ramada Hotel, Riggae. TP were also presented by TP Sreenivasan. The Sreenivasan IFS, former diplomat and cur- celebrations went on with cultural extrava- rently serving as Director National ganza, commenced with the classical/semi Museums and Director of NSS Civil classical/group dances of Sarayu Mohan, Academe inaugurated the public meeting. versatile dancer and actress, musical show The meeting was presided over by KP by Sithara. Suraj Venjaranmood, Reji Manikantan, Presedent Nair Service Society, Ramapuram team presented the comedy Kuwait. Malayil Moosa Koya, Sunil Menon, stage show. Suraj team member Vinod, a Varghese Puthukulangara, Shrimathy Nidhy renowned juggler mesmerized the audi- Suneesh delivered the facilitation speech- ence by his performance. Santosh Kumar, es. A souvenir was released on the occasion General Secretary, Nair Service Society of the Jayanthi celebrations by Sunil Menon (NSS), Kuwait delivered the welcome by giving first copy to Jaya Prasad. speech and Gunaprasad, Treasurer, ren- In the annual award ceremony, Mannam dered the vote of thanks. WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015
TEC, MCI take part in Foreign Exhibitions EC has been taking part on foreign touristic exhibitions along with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Tourism sector. Represented by its marketing manager Ala’ Abul, TEC recently took part in the 19th Mediterranean Sea international Exhibition (EMITT 19) in Istanbul, Turkey (January 22-25). Also, TEC’s PR and Media Manager Sager Al-Ghanim recently took part in the International Tourism Fair T(FITUR 2015) in Spain (from January 28 till February 1st, 2015), where he was also received by Kuwait’s ambassador to Spain Suliamna Al-Harbi.
Movenpick Hotel Kuwait reopens after renovations
ovenpick Hotel Kuwait has reno- General Manager Hassan Hassanain 12 top Canadian Mvated all its 100 rooms, providing said “The continuing developments at a contemporary look for today’s Movenpick Hotel Kuwait are regarded as universities to savvy business travelers and families. The high priority since the hotel is commit- four-month makeover has transformed ted to supporting the country as it strives visit Kuwait the rooms into even more comfortable, to stay internationally competitive and stylish and technologically advanced liv- productive. Movenpick is delighted to welve of Canada’s elite universities are coming ing spaces that elegantly combine sophis- invest in renovations and expansion Tto Kuwait, on Monday 9 February 2015, to hold tication and functionality. The curtains and plans to help boost the economy and an information session on Canada as a destina- carpets, using luxurious fabrics in rich vibrancy of the local community”. “Our tion for higher education. The delegation is led by tones, and walls with vibrant colors cast a contemporary designed guest rooms Daralyn Auldof Trent University, and assisted by warm and inviting atmosphere. With love- feature a comfortable space of 42 Jennifer Peterman of McGill University. The group’s ly views of the garden and lagoon around square meters and this transformation visit to Kuwait is part of a larger initiative which will take them to Jordan Qatar, Oman, and the United the hotel, each room is equipped with brought fresh energy to the property Arab Emirates. The tour is being organized by the state-of-the-art technology, which now and has given the rooms a contemporary Canadian Higher Education Committee under the includes LCD TV and high-speed LAN and style with understated elegance,” said aegis of Council of International Schools (CIS). It is Wi-Fi connections. Communications Manager Elsayed Elasy. Council’s twelfth consecutive Canadian tour to visit Kuwait. The tour is of special interest to senior secondary Musicians gather for 1st Red Bull Music Academy Kuwait Session students who exhibit strong academic standing, as well as to their parents. The schedule includes school or the first time ever in Kuwait, thirty During the two day sessions hosted by The talks continued on the second day at Academy (London). Omar Offendum is a visits, information sessions, and opportunities to Fyoung local artists gathered under one Kuwaiti artist Zahed Sultan and moderated Sadu House which included a very interest- Syrian-American Hip-Hop artist - born in interact with school guidance counselors. “The roof at Sadu House, Sharq to collabo- by Jackson Allers, the participants listened to ing group collaboration session by musical Saudi Arabia, raised in Washington DC and Middle East is a key destination for undergraduate rate and participate in the first Red Bull Music lectures by musical luminaries who shared composer Nawaf Gheraibah who shared living in Los Angeles. He has been featured student recruitment for Canadian universities,” said Academy Kuwait session. The purpose of the their career experiences in music as well as a techniques on how to conduct a well com- on several major news outlets (Aljazeera / PBS Tour Director Daralyn Auld of Trent University. academy was to gather musicians, com- conducted a series of educational workshops posed drum circle by using traditional instru- / LA Times / Rolling Stone / VICE / NY Times / “Students from Kuwait and the broader region are posers, producers and vocalists and give and live demos. The first day of the academy ments from around the world. The academy The European), toured the world to promote sought for their academic strengths and their rich them the opportunity to experience work- was concluded with live shows at the Red featured lecturers from different musical his ground-breaking music. contributions to student life on Canadian university shops, talks and collaborations with Bull Music Academy’s Kuwait Rising Arab backgrounds such as: Omar Offendum, Bei Zeid Hamdan is a Lebanese music com- campuses. In turn, increasing numbers of students International and some of the regions most music festival which took place at the new Ru, Zeid Hamdan and Hassan Hujairi. Some of poser and producer. He plays guitar, bass, from the region are making Canada their first choice talented guest speakers who flew in to DIA location in Yarmouk at which the the local upcoming and talented participants some keys and also sings. He is the music pro- for study. Kuwaiti students are drawn to our universi- Kuwait especially for these sessions held over International and regional guests performed who took part included Basil Al Hadi, Hussa ducer behind some of the most successful ties’ common attributes of international reputations two days. in an electric show. Al Humaidhi, Tarek Kabbani, Adel Al Qattan, bands on the Lebanese and regional alterna- for academic excellence, opportunities for experien- Mohammed Al Owaisi, Carol Souki and Amin tive scene and also attended the global Red tial learning, state of the art resources, and safe, cul- Fari to name but a few. Bull Music Academy in Melbourne. turally diverse, friendly campuses. Canada’s study Bei Ru is a Los Nawaf Gheraibah is a permit policies allow students to gain relevant work Angeles-based multi- musical composer who genre music enjoys breaking cultural experience during and after their studies.” Auld said. producer/composer/DJ boundaries through Each year, tour organizers work to strengthen known for his uncon- music. His music is an existing relationships with secondary schools in the ventional use of Middle expression of his rich city they visit, and also expand outreach to new Eastern melodies and multicultural influences. regions. The 2015 tour includes visits to nearly 40 rhythms combined with A postgraduate stu- schools in six cities, public outreach events in Abu heavy drums, electron- dent from the Dhabi and Kuwait, and a counselor workshop in ics, and live instrumen- University of Dubai. The tour is particularly proud to acknowledge tation. In the fall of Southampton, UK and the strong support of the Canadian Embassy col- 2010, Bei Ru released is currently employed leagues in the region. Her Excellency, Martine his debut album, ‘Little Armenia (L.A.)’ which at the Higher Institute of Musical Arts, Moreau, Ambassador of Canada to the State of received much critical acclaim and support Kuwait. The Red Bull Music Academy is a Kuwait will be joining the event to welcome students. from artists and listeners alike. world-travelling series of music workshops Staff from the local Visa Application Centre (VAC) will Hasan Hujairi is a composer, sound artist, and festivals, it’s a platform for those who be on hand to help answer questions about applying and independent researcher from Bahrain make a difference in today’s musical land- for a study permit. based in Seoul, South Korea. His performanc- scape. The Academy began back in 1998, es and installations build on his interest in and has been traversing the globe since: Why Canada? Historiography and Ethnomusicology, which from Berlin to Cape Town, Sao Paulo, Canadian universities are engaged internationally he presented in different venues across the Barcelona, London, Toronto, New York, Tokyo as leaders in education through teaching, research world. Hasan participated in art residencies in and beyond. In 2015, the Academy is being and partnerships. Undergraduate education in the Korean National University of Arts (Seoul), held in Paris, France. For more information Canada is a hybrid of US and UK styles offering STEIM (Amsterdam), and the Red Bull Music visit www.redbull.com breadth of program options, flexibility in choice and a degree that is recognized world-wide. Students choose Canada because a strong education and a positive international experience is the foundation for their exciting and successful futures. The quality, affordability, and research opportunities are key fac- tors in this decision. University campuses across Canada offer multicultural environments, beautiful spaces and friendly people. As a leader in business, finance, political diplomacy, arts and culture and technology - Canada’s education system is at the core of its success and its graduates are players on the world stage.
Classifieds
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015
TUITION Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY Training for CMA (IMA- (29/01/2015 TO 04/02/2015) USA). Location: Khaitan. Contact: 55435333. (C 4918) SHARQIA-1 TAKEN 3 11:30 AM 3-2-2015 BLACKHAT 11:30 AM NO SAT AVENUES-5 AMERICAN SNIPER 2:00 PM SONG OF THE SEA 12:00 PM BLACKHAT 1:00 PM BLACKHAT 4:30 PM SAT BLACKHAT 3:45 PM FOR SALE AMERICAN SNIPER 7:00 PM SONG OF THE SEA 2:00 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 6:30 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 9:30 PM TAKEN 3 4:00 PM BLACKHAT 9:00 PM BLACKHAT 12:05 AM SONG OF THE SEA 6:15 PM NO MON Household equipment for TAKEN 3 8:15 PM Special Show “UNBROKEN “ 9:00 PM sale. Contact: 99519280 / SHARQIA-2 TAKEN 3 10:30 PM MON 23713145. (C 4917) SONG OF THE SEA 11:30 AM TAKEN 3 12:45 AM AMERICAN SNIPER 11:45 PM SAT 3-2-2015 TAKEN 3 1:00 PM FANAR-5 AVENUES-6 NO FRI + SAT SELMA 12:30 PM BLACKHAT 12:00 PM Vacancy SONG OF THE SEA 1:30 PM SELMA 3:00 PM BLACKHAT 2:45 PM SITUATION WANTED FRI + SAT CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 5:30 PM BLACKHAT 5:30 PM SONG OF THE SEA 3:30 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 7:45 PM BLACKHAT 8:15 PM SONG OF THE SEA 5:30 PM SELMA 10:00 PM BLACKHAT 11:00 PM 12 years experienced pro- TAKEN 3 7:30 PM SELMA 12:30 AM fessional looking for senior TAKEN 3 9:45 PM AVENUES-7 position in finance / TAKEN 3 12:15 AM MARINA-1 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 1:00 PM accounts. Qualification: CFA BLACKHAT 12:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 3:15 PM SHARQIA-3 BLACKHAT 3:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 5:15 PM Level1/CMA (IMA (IMA- ROBOT OVERLORDS 11:30 AM ROBOT OVERLORDS 5:45 PM STILL ALICE 7:45 PM USA), BCom. Contact: Administrative Assistant BLACKHAT 1:30 PM BLACKHAT 7:45 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:00 PM 60320220. (C 49020) ROBOT OVERLORDS 4:00 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 10:15 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 12:15 AM 4-2-2015 ROBOT OVERLORDS 6:00 PM BLACKHAT 12:15 AM Qualification ROBOT OVERLORDS 8:00 PM AVENUES-8 Sri Lankan lady, well expe- Excellent command of written and spoken BLACKHAT 10:00 PM MARINA-2 MORTDECAI 12:00 PM rienced cook, looking for a English and Arabic ROBOT OVERLORDS 12:30 AM TAKEN 3 12:45 PM MORTDECAI 2:15 PM job. Tel: 65905887. (C 4915) ROBOT OVERLORDS 3:00 PM THE BOOK OF LIFE 4:30 PM MUHALAB-1 TAKEN 3 5:00 PM HAWAIZAADA - HINDI 6:45 PM Requirement ROBOT OVERLORDS 12:45 PM TAKEN 3 7:15 PM MORTDECAI 9:45 PM CHANGE OF NAME University degree in International Relations or BLACKHAT 3:00 PM TAKEN 3 9:45 PM MORTDECAI 12:05 AM ROBOT OVERLORDS 5:30 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 12:15 AM Political Science BLACKHAT 7:30 PM AVENUES-9 I, Makela Suresh (old ROBOT OVERLORDS 10:00 PM MARINA-3 SELMA 12:30 PM name) holder of Indian CVs must be delivered at West Mishref, BLACKHAT 12:15 AM SONG OF THE SEA 11:30 AM SONG OF THE SEA 3:00 PM Passort No: F4198356, SAT SONG OF THE SEA 5:15 PM Mubarak Abdullah Al-Jaber MUHALAB-2 SELMA 1:00 PM SONG OF THE SEA 7:30 PM Gundampalli (V), Mallapur AMERICAN SNIPER 11:30 AM NO FRI + SAT BLACKHAT 9:45 PM (M), Karimnagar Dist (A.P) Area, Block 1, Street 116, Villa 47 SELMA 2:00 PM SONG OF THE SEA 1:30 PM BLACKHAT 12:30 AM changed my name as (From 9:30am to 1:00pm) AMERICAN SNIPER 4:30 PM FRI + SAT SELMA 7:00 PM SONG OF THE SEA 3:30 PM AVENUES-10 Makela Shirish Kumar. AMERICAN SNIPER 9:30 PM SONG OF THE SEA 5:30 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 12:15 PM (C 4921) Last date to submit CV:February 12, 2015 AMERICAN SNIPER 12:05 AM AMERICAN SNIPER 7:30 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 2:30 PM 4-2-2014 AMERICAN SNIPER 10:00 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 4:45 PM MUHALAB-3 AMERICAN SNIPER 12:30 AM ROBOT OVERLORDS 7:00 PM TAKEN 3 11:30 AM ROBOT OVERLORDS 9:15 PM SONG OF THE SEA 1:45 PM AVENUES-1 ROBOT OVERLORDS 11:30 PM No: 16423 SONG OF THE SEA 3:45 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 11:45 AM TAKEN 3 5:45 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 2:15 PM AVENUES-11 TAKEN 3 8:00 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 4:45 PM TAKEN 3 - DOLBY ATMOS 12:30 PM TAKEN 3 10:15 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 7:15 PM TAKEN 3 - DOLBY ATMOS 3:00 PM TAKEN 3 12:30 AM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 9:45 PM TAKEN 3 - DOLBY ATMOS 5:30 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 12:15 AM TAKEN 3 - DOLBY ATMOS 8:00 PM FANAR-1 TAKEN 3 - DOLBY ATMOS 10:30 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 1:00 PM AVENUES-2 TAKEN 3 - DOLBY ATMOS 1:00 AM MORTDECAI 3:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 11:30 AM ROBOT OVERLORDS 5:00 PM DAVID OYELOWO, CARMEN EJOGO 1:45 PM 360º- 1 MORTDECAI 7:00 PM SELMA 4:30 PM BLACKHAT 1:00 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 9:00 PM SELMA 7:15 PM BLACKHAT 3:45 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 11:00 PM SELMA 10:00 PM BLACKHAT 6:30 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 1:00 AM SELMA 12:45 AM BLACKHAT 9:15 PM BLACKHAT 12:05 AM FANAR-2 AVENUES-3 AMERICAN SNIPER 11:30 AM AMERICAN SNIPER 1:15 PM 360º- 2 AMERICAN SNIPER 2:00 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 3:45 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 12:45 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 4:30 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 6:15 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 3:15 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 7:00 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 8:45 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 5:45 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 9:45 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 11:15 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 8:15 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 12:15 AM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 10:45 PM AVENUES-4 ROBOT OVERLORDS 1:15 AM FANAR-3 TAKEN 3 11:30 AM ROBOT OVERLORDS 11:45 AM TAKEN 3 2:00 PM 360º- 3 BLACKHAT 1:45 PM TAKEN 3 4:30 PM SONG OF THE SEA 11:45 AM BLACKHAT 4:15 PM TAKEN 3 7:00 PM SONG OF THE SEA 2:00 PM BLACKHAT 6:45 PM NO THU SONG OF THE SEA 4:15 PM BLACKHAT 9:15 PM Special Show “THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 “ 7:00 PM SONG OF THE SEA 6:30 PM BLACKHAT 11:45 PM THU SONG OF THE SEA 8:45 PM TAKEN 3 9:30 PM BLACKHAT 11:00 PM FANAR-4 TAKEN 3 12:05 AM
Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)
Arrival Flights on Wednesday 4/2/2015 IRC 526 Mashhad 13:30 Departure Flights on Wednesday 4/2/2015 IRC 527 Mashhad 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 382 Delhi 13:45 Airlines Flt Route Time CLX 792 Hanoi 14:45 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 KAC 1786 Jeddah 14:00 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 UAL 981 IAD 00:55 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 MSC 407 HRG 14:20 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 MSC 408 HRG 15:20 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 SYR 342 Damascus 02:25 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 SYR 342 Damascus/Latakia 15:30 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 SYR 341 Latakia/KAC 14:30 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 IZG 4168 Mashhad 15:35 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 SVA 503 Jeddah/Madinah 15:45 SYR 341 Latakia/KAC 01:25 IZG 4167 Mashhad 14:35 MSC 404 Sohag 03:30 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 RJD 135 Abu Dhabi 14:55 KAC 381 Delhi 03:40 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 RJD 136 Abu Dhabi 16:05 OMA 645 Muscat 15:25 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 KAC 501 Beirut 16:15 MSC 403 Sohag 02:30 OMA 646 Muscat 16:25 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:40 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 KNE 463 Madinah 16:30 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 KNE 462 Madinah 15:45 OMA 644 Muscat 04:25 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 KAC 741 Dammam 17:00 RJA 648 Amman 03:05 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 CEB 7695 Manila 04:40 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 CEB 7694 Manila 03:10 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 KAC 545 Alexandria 17:30 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:25 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 JZR 357 Mashhad 16:30 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 RJA 649 Amman 07:05 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 GFA 048 Bahrain 07:10 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 GFA 944 Bahrain 18:35 GFA 048 Istanbul 06:25 IRM 1180 Mashhad 17:35 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 BAW 157 London 06:40 GFA 944 LCA 17:50 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 IRM 1187 Tehran 18:45 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 KAC 1785 Jeddah 08:30 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 BAW 156 London 08:45 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 KAC 204 Lahore 07:45 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 ETH 3718 LGG 18:30 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 JZR 552 Alexandria 19:30 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 JZR 483 Istanbul 18:40 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:50 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 JZR 482 Istanbul 10:00 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 KAC 117 New York 10:05 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 KAC 344 Chennai 08:45 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 KAC 284 Dhaka 08:50 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 JZR 356 Mashhad 10:30 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 KAC 175 Frankfurt/Geneva 10:40 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 GFA 943 LCA 11:00 DLH 636 Dammam 21:35 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:40 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:45 GFA 943 Bahrain 10:15 KAC 102 New York/London 19:55 IRM 1181 Mashhad 11:30 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 IRM 1186 Tehran 10:20 KAC 742 Dammam 20:00 IRA 664 Shiraz 11:40 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 IRA 665 Shiraz 10:40 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:15 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 KAC 103 London 12:20 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:15 ETD 919 Abu Dhabi 20:30 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 ETD 920 Dubai 22:25 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 MSR 606 Luxor 20:45 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 DLH 636 Frankfurt 20:50 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 ETH 3718 Addis Ababa 22:30 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 IRM 1188 Mashhad 11:45 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 IAW 158 Al Najaf 13:05 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 IAW 157 Al Najaf 12:05 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 IRM 1189 Mashhad 13:10 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 MRJ 4815 Mashhad 12:55 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 JZR 502 Luxor 23:05 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 MRJ 4814 Mashhad 14:10 KAC 415 Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur 23:25 CLX 792 Luxembourg 13:15 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION 34 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 stars
CROSSWORD 805 STAR TRACK
Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22)
There are some powerful energies spilling into your life in erratic ways. The You have a clear and inquisitive mind. Working or discussing ideas with co- actions today will have long-term effects. You are able to adapt when it comes to working in workers can be most rewarding. You enjoy working in partnerships or group activities. The groups or teamwork and that is most of your activity for today. You may be asked to man- ability to communicate with superiors or describe what you see is important to any group. age or take the lead in a few parts of the work because it touches on your very own expert- You understand people well enough to be able to lift their spirits or change their mind ise. Expect a sense of support and goodwill from those around you. Someone that you regarding most any subject. Besides keeping the peace, you have good practical job-related thought would not stand up for you will surprise you. Emotions run deep, especially with ideas. Mental stimulation from others is key for you right now. It’s a good idea to make every members of the opposite sex. You may decide to make a gift for your close friend’s special effort to cooperate and compromise at this time. A current project should be a great success. day instead of purchasing a gift. You feel proud to be able to show off your talent. This is an Today will be both pleasant and fun. Doing just about anything with friends or family this excellent time to be with loved ones-at work or play. afternoon will bring much joy.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
The accent today is on sociability. This should be one of those nice days when Your efficiency in the workplace may have been hampered by your heavy everything goes well-great for business transactions as well as for social get-togethers with schedule. Your physical energy is really high as well. Make it a point to take your breaks. If lighthearted conversation. Any past tensions are easily adjusted at this time. You could be you simply cannot get away from that desk, try jogging before breakfast, or schedule in a most persuasive with others and eloquent in communication-people listen. This situation is a game of handball at lunch. Work off the stress or you could wind up feeling frustrated. Say natural for self-expression and lends itself to your particular ideas. Though you may prefer to what you mean and mean what you say-keep it simple-at work and home. Pay particular be around old friends, you certainly will not close the door on making new ones today. attention to the political happenings in the workplace-they could have a big influence on However you deal with people-interacting one-on-one, leading a group towards a common your job performance. Your own requirements may appear to separate you from where the goal, convincing others in a sales or public relations effort-you will be a winner. rest of the gang is headed. This is of short duration. By helping someone else, you know your own life is lifted. You enjoy helping others.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) There could be difficulties at the workplace today. You may have to keep look- Others notice that you have an ability to sort out the difficult and come up ing at the calendar to tell what day it is or check the time. Your day is quickly with helpful results. Some people are harder to help and you may find this day is better for ACROSS moving along and there are many things to do. This is a time to be watchful in order to steer 4. Naked freshwater or marine or parasitic proto- working by yourself as much as possible, not to avoid issues but to allow a calm to ensue. clear of any problems before they begin. When the day is moving fast it is easy to overlook a 1. A diagrammatic representation of the earth's zoa that form temporary pseudopods for feeding This energy will soon pass. Tomorrow will bring a more upbeat type of energy and you will detail. Working in a team effort should prove successful-maintain low tones. You may be sin- surface (or part of it). and locomotion. find opportunities to insert a kind word here and there that will be helpful to any co-worker gled out to perform a certain job this afternoon. Your directional abilities are good. Although 4. Grant credentials to. 5. A cavity in the mesoderm of an embryo that or disgruntled customer. This is also an excellent time to complete past projects and organize there may be an air of seriousness to issues at work, you encourage others in the progress 12. Hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gives rise in humans to the pleural cavity and your workspace. This afternoon there is a space of quiet time. A friend may talk you into that is made. Besides being creative and affectionate, you are very sociable. A social opportu- beginning an exercise class or joining a sports team; both are positive and healthy projects. gland (trade name Pitressin) and also by nerve pericardial cavity and peritoneal cavity. nity presents itself this evening. endings in the hypothalamus. 6. Being ten more than one hundred. 15. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in 7. (computer science) A kind of computer archi- Turkey). tecture that has a relatively small set of computer Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 16. A Mexican (or person of Mexican descent) liv- instructions that it can perform. Cancer (June 21-July 22) ing in the United States. 8. Electronic warfare undertaken to prevent or 17. An undergarment worn by women to sup- reduce an enemy's effective use of the electro- You may be in a serious and practical mood today. Hypothetical ideas are not Ambitious schemes and the pursuit of success and status take on a high priority for you just now. You enjoy knowing about the real value of something and how and where it now. This brings a focus on the practical: the successful and the sensible. The meek may port their breasts. magnetic spectrum. belongs. This is a period when you take your work more seriously than usual. A lot of energy inherit the earth, but the shrewd will collect the rent. Too much focus and dedication to one 18. (Old Testament) The second wife of Jacob 9. The lower house of the parliament of the goes into getting things scheduled and organized. You will be good at polishing details, thing can cause burnout . . . Consider taking the earliest opportunity to get outside and enjoy and mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Republic of Ireland. whether as part of a project or part of an organization. You know instinctively what needs to some fresh air! Work will seem easier and you will feel more relaxed once you engage in some 19. Inflict a heavy blow on, with the hand, a tool, 10. The Palestinian uprising (beginning in 1987) be done to make something work. The broad picture can wait another day. There may be sort of health-related activity-particularly on a regular basis. A good massage shared with a or a weapon. against the Israeli occupation of the West Bank instances when you will have to give a full accounting of your labors, particularly to superiors loved one can be a fantastic diversion later this evening. You may enjoy taking on a new 20. Someone who is morally reprehensible. and Gaza Strip. or those interested in buying your wares. Go gently into the evening. study of art, poetry, religion or some occult subject. 21. A constellation in the southern hemisphere 11. Leather covering the toe of a boot or shoe near Telescopium and Norma. and reinforcing or decorating it. 22. Greenish-yellow pear. 12. The elementary stages of any subject (usually Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 24. A salt deposit that animals regularly lick. plural). 26. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali 13. Any of numerous low-growing cushion-form- Your intellect is sharp, making it a good day for study or work. You may, how- You have a relentless drive to get at the heart of things. A customer may be earth group. ing plants of the genus Draba having rosette- ever, feel that you are giving more than you are receiving where your work is concerned. It having some problems with the company for which you work but you can be most successful 29. King of Saudi Arabia from 1964 to 1975 forming leaves and terminal racemes of small may be time for an employee review or simply a review of your goals. If you are turning in an at neutralizing a situation. All will be satisfied because of your determination to equalize a dif- (1906-1975). flowers with scapose or leafy stems. employee review, consider writing a report of your accomplishments and your goals and last . ficult situation. Your relentless pursuit of anything hidden or secret makes you a good 30. Wife of Ramachandra. 14. Relating to the deepest parts of the ocean . . Ideas of how you can improve the company. At home, you will find this a good time to researcher or investigator. Emotionally, you are also hot stuff-rushing into areas and handling subject matters that others would dismiss. You are gaining a positive reputation in the work- 33. A member of an Indian people formerly living (below 6000 meters). entertain family members and friends in a social setting, perhaps in your own home. Possibly, there will be an impromptu gathering of co-workers. Additionally, it is favorable to make ing world-keep on, keeping on, as the saying goes. If you are single, there will be several along the Gulf coast of Louisiana and Texas. 23. A space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or plans now for spring cleaning, repairs, plantings, with perhaps, the help of relatives. opportunities to begin a new, hot relationship soon. You will intuitively know the right person. 36. How long something has existed. on a train or airplane). 38. Of a tire. 25. Deciduous South African tree having large 39. A Kwa language spoken in Ghana and the odd-pinnate leaves and profuse fragrant orange- Ivory Coast. yellow flowers. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 43. One of the contractile organs of the body. 27. An official prosecutor for a judicial district. 46. A small cake leavened with yeast. 28. A clique that seeks power usually through You are very expressive and sociable. Your personal magnetism is most To you dreamers of impossible dreams, you just might make them come true 47. The basic unit of money in Bangladesh. intrigue. dynamic and you are good at getting people to listen to you and to follow your lead. This is today. Do not let your high spirits get too far ahead of the discipline and attention to detail 48. A detachment used for security or reconnais- 31. A large waterfall on the border between also a good time to work on a project of a large or complicated manner. You might want to necessary to make any dream a reality. Your mental faculties are in high gear, making you sance. Argentina and Brazil. take this opportunity to ask for a raise. You are apt to enjoy considerable success at work and readily receptive to all thoughts that impinge on you. It’s best to rely on facts rather than feel- 49. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of 32. Of the nature of or undergoing an experi- you may be looking for ways to expand your experiences. Teaching, counseling or consulting ings during this time, especially when an expensive mistake might be the outcome. This after- an organism. ment. is a possibility for you, particularly if you were looking for part-time work. You may feel a noon you may discover communication problems with friends and loved ones. If you have renewed interest in art, literature and nature. Creative or artistic activities are successful. Your faith in yourself and have surrounded yourself with good people, you will be unaffected by 51. Of a light yellowish-brown color n 1. 34. The lowest brass wind instrument. physical desires can be very strong, particularly if you are unattached. There is a need for a this period. It is good that you do not put any person on a pedestal. Tonight is for music: danc- 52. The azimuth of a celestial body is the angle 35. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a mate or enhanced communication. ing, listening, creating or playing. between the vertical plane containing it and the skewer usually with vegetables. plane of the meridian. 37. English lexicographer remembered for his 53. The address of a web page on the world wide Italian and English dictionary (1553-1625). WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution web. 40. An Arab country on the peninsula of Qatar. 54. Jordan's port. 41. Jordan's port. 56. The social event at which the ceremony of 42. Indian religious leader who founded Sikhism marriage is performed. (1469-1538). 60. A republic in the Middle East in western Asia. 44. A wooden or metal staff that fits under the 61. Ratio of the hypotenuse to the opposite side. armpit and reaches to the ground. 63. Not only so, but. 45. A republic in southeastern Europe on the 66. Green algae common in freshwater lakes of southern part of the Balkan peninsula. limestone districts. 50. A state in midwestern United States. 68. An amino acid that is found in the central 55. The last imperial dynasty of China (from 1644 nervous system. to 1912) which was overthrown by revolutionar- 72. Belonging to or on behalf of a specified per- ies. son (especially yourself). 57. A public lecturer at certain universities. 76. The month following February and preceding 58. Division of a group into opposing factions. April. 59. A city of northern Poland near the mouth of 77. Electronic equipment that provides visual the Vistula River on a gulf of the Baltic Sea. images of varying electrical quantities. 62. Of or relating to or involving an area. 78. The state of having rejected your religious 64. A republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties beliefs or your political party or a cause (often in comprising the island of Ireland. favor of opposing beliefs or causes). 65. Small buffalo of the Celebes having small 79. A plant hormone promoting elongation of straight horns. stems and roots. 67. (prefix) In front of or before in space. 80. Large brownish-green New Zealand parrot. 69. Type genus of the Amiidae. 81. A skullcap worn by religious Jews (especially 70. Any of numerous local fertility and nature at prayer). deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples. 82. A white linen liturgical vestment with sleeves. 71. An Arabic speaking person who lives in Arabia or North Africa. DOWN 73. A column of light (as from a beacon). 1. God of death. 74. A federal agency established to coordinate 2. Any culture medium that uses agar as the programs aimed at reducing pollution and pro- gelling agent. tecting the environment. 3. Large burrowing rodent of South and Central 75. The organ of sight (`peeper' is an informal America. term for `eye').
Yesterday’s Solution
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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 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 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 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 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 Nuzha 22526804 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Qadsiya 22515088 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 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 Jabriya 25316254 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Bayan 25388462 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 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 North Jleeb 24311795 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 PRIVATE CLINICS Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 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. Salem soso 22618787 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Head, Division of Cardiology Internists, Chest & Heart Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 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 36 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 LIFESTYLE The Mao theFeatures merrier: China boom for leader lookalikes
e has little interest in politics tive safety of shows and films in line satisfied” with his performance, Xu “In order to avoid spending a lot of Hand is no socialist fanatic, but with the Communist Party’s approved said. The more fortunate actors get money only to have a program cen- Xu Ruilin spends every free version of history. starring screen roles, but most mimics sored, everyone’s making so-called moment practicing how to speak, “Actors and directors told me for are relegated, like their hip-gyrating historical shows because they have write, walk and think like Mao Zedong. years I should play Chairman Mao, but Elvis brethren, to playing to smaller less restrictions and there’s less risk.” The 58-year-old has an eerie resem- mostly I ignored them,” said Xu, who audiences, renting themselves out for blance to the founding father of spent most of his career in the theatre. corporate events, weddings and birth- Soviet import Communist China, and is one of scores “But these days there are so many days. “Company tours always start with The special actor concept was of lookalike Chinese actors in ever opportunities to play Mao.” Even out of a rousing speech and then I’m treated largely an import from the Soviet increasing demand as production of character, Xu has the Great like a visiting dignitary, like the real Union, beginning in the late 1970s in historical propaganda television Helmsman’s hair and features. At work, Mao, during a tour,” said Xu, days after the wake of Mao’s death and initially shows and films goes into overdrive. he completes the transformation with an appearance at a battery factory. limited to one or two actors con- Known as “texing yanyuan”-”special a signature artificial chin mole, a grey stantly reprising their roles. It has type of actors”-each one portrays a Mao suit-the trousers hiked far above ‘We Are Party Members’ expanded in tandem with the media particular departed leader in voice, the navel-and by chain-smoking ciga- The vast majority of Chinese televi- landscape and been a boon for Guo looks and style, akin to Elvis imperson- rettes. He is constantly working on his sion historical dramas centre on the Weihua, who could be a twin of ators for famous Communists. As well Hunan dialect, the provincial inflected country’s recent past, often set during Zhou Enlai, but drives a Mercedes as Mao, their alter egos include his Chinese of Mao’s home, and the Japan’s 20th-century invasion and and sips lattes at Starbucks. “I used right hand man Zhou Enlai, economic leader’s particular style of calligraphy, occupation, and with Communist to play other parts, but now there’s reformer Deng Xiaoping and a host of still used for the masthead of the rul- Party cadres always the heroes. They too many projects with Zhou Enlai I 58-year-old Chinese actor Xu Ruilin , who has an eerie resemblance to other top brass. Since President Xi ing party’s mouthpiece newspaper the have seen a marked increase since Xi almost always play him,” said Guo, the founding father of Communist China, Mao Zedong, applying make- Jinping came to power in 2012 and People’s Daily. took power, accounting for roughly 44 52. “He has already gone into my up at his home in Liaocheng, China’s Shandong province. —AFP photos launched a crackdown on dissent, Even Mao Xinyu, Mao’s corpulent percent of all Chinese shows produced bone marrow, when I’m standing in China’s broadcast censors have nar- grandson and a major general in the in 2013, according to statistics from front of a camera, I am Zhou Enlai.” recent recruits. “The newcomers they haven’t read Mao’s writings,” rowed what is deemed acceptable, People’s Liberation Army, has given the State Administration of Press, After appearing as Zhou in more that play Mao Zedong these days, he said. “So how can they play him sending producers flocking to the rela- him his blessing, saying he was “very Publication, Radio, Film and Television than 70 television series and films, they haven’t read Mao’s biography, well?”—AFP (SAPPRFT), the most recent available. Guo would like to diversify but is Most of the entries on one SAPPRFT thoroughly typecast. “For Chinese list of 127 “recommended television people of a certain age, we have a programs for broadcast” leaked by saying,” he said. “Mao Zedong and Chinese media last year were propa- Zhou Enlai, these two great men, ganda pieces, with titles including were sent by God.” In 1942, Mao him- “Deng Xiaoping at History’s self said that art must “serve the Crossroads”, “Zhu De, a Founding masses” and decried bourgeois liter- Father” and “We Are Party Members”. ature and art, adding that works Plot lines in other shows are also sub- attacking the Communist Party ject to the censors’ whim, which has should be severely criticized and seen time travel, one-night stands, the repudiated. use of sex in espionage, and women President Xi takes a similar line. falling in love with more than one man In October he said artists should all banned as subjects, along with spread “Chinese values” and not be wordplay and puns. “slaves” to the market, nor “go “Restrictions placed on most pro- astray while answering the ques- grams make them very difficult to pro- tion of whom to serve”. It is a ques- duce, but anyone is completely free to tion that even the lookalike actors make anti-Japanese or historical should be asking themselves, shows,” Zhu Dake, a professor at according to Professor Zhu, Xu Ruilin posing for a photo at his home in Liaocheng. Shanghai’s Tongji University, told AFP. bemoaning the abilities of some Xu Ruilin posing in front of a picture of Mao at his home in Liaocheng.
Heart warming choice of Jewelry designs at Joyalukkas for In Somalia, Mogadishu Valentine’s Day celebration he world’s favorite jeweler has specially created a wide range of playground means kids can have fun Texquisite designs for Valentine’s Day celebration. The collection by master craftsmen to make the day of love special for women will be sold under Joyalukkas Be Mine Collection. Each exquisite piece is a choice of pendants and bracelets, crafted in 18K yellow and white gold and encrusted with the finest diamonds. Essentially inspired by the symbol of love, the Be Mine Valentine Collection offers an interesting variation in every design. Of special mention here is a heart-shaped pendant that features different looks on the front and the back. It opens up midway to reveal a smaller pendant with the inscription ‘I LOVE YOU’. This stunning collection has already started creating a buzz among the lovebirds. “I’ve pre- booked a pendant set for my sweetheart and plan to gift her on Valentine’s Day”, says Sam. With attractive prices starting from KD 45, the collection also features fantastic designs in pearls. “At Joyalukkas, we believe in creating designs that appeal to every taste and with Valentine’s Day Somali children play on swings at the Mogadishu Guest House. A Somali mother walks with her children, one carrying a plastic toy being such a special occasion for gun, towards an area with children’s toys to play. —AP Photos everyone, the Be Mine Valentine Collection has a wide selection of omali kids just want to have fun. a day, Salad said. designs to suit every taste and SThey climb on a jungle gym, ride But playing doesn’t come cheap. budget”, says John Paul Joy bikes, splash in a swimming pool The hotel charges $2 for each child’s Alukkas, Executive Director, and laugh - a scene normal in many one hour entertainment service, a Joyalukkas Group. parts of the world, but new in price only very few can afford. About Mogadishu where decades of bloody 43 percent of the population lives battles have kept children indoors, below $1 a day, and 73 percent below their parents hiding them from vio- $2 per day, according a 2012 study by lence. the World Bank. The Mogadishu Guest House Security concerns, however, still ‘House of Cards’ Season 3 opened a children’s playground prevail. The children get patted down recently in hopes of reshaping the before entering the hotel to play. lives of children in a city where stabili- Weeks ago a suicide car bomber blew premieres on OSN Play at the ty is increasing after the ouster of Al- himself up at the gate of another hotel Shabab militants from the capital and which was being used by a delegation surrounding towns. of Turkish officials in Somalia’s capital, “It’s sort of a strange business, but killing three Somalis and shattering same time as it airs in the US helps to reshape our children’s windows. lifestyle,” says Salim Salad, the manag- “Regardless the challenges, our city SN, the region’s leading pay-TV network, is releasing the full er of the hotel that invested in a play- has dramatically improved, peace will Onew season of House of Cards on its award-winning digital ground, basketball court, gym and prevail,” said Abukar Abdulle, a 46- platform, OSN Play, on February 28, at the same time as its US children’s toys. Parents like Sadiya year-old father of four at the hotel’s release. Muhummed say this helps their chil- playground. “Such things would have Golden Globe winners Kevin Spacey (Frank Underwood) and dren grow in an atmosphere free of been unthinkable three years ago.” On Robin Wright (Claire Underwood) return in Season 3, which follows guns. a recent day, beaming parents the disappearance of Doug Stamper and a possible scandal that “A much needed service, our chil- watched as their children splashed could destroy Frank Underwood’s new office. dren can have fun finally,” said the water on each other in a swimming For those who missed the first two seasons, OSN Play will have Somali-American who returned to pool, while others peddled bicycles. Mogadishu with her three children five They never stop laughing and smiling, both of them available as box sets for six weeks from February 6 until A Somali boy watches his friend descend on a slide at the Mogadishu Guest the end of March. Fans of the show will be able to watch all three sea- months ago from the US Weekends a rare sight in a place that has known sons in one-go at their convenience. are especially busy, with about 60 kids war for so long. —AP House. Emad Marcos, OSN’s SVP for Strategy, Affiliate Channels and Digital said: “We are committed to bringing our viewers the best TV series and movies on platforms of their choice. OSN Play assures an ‘anytime, anywhere’ television experience for OSN subscribers, who can access the online platform for free. We will continue to bring such much-awaited series and movies at the same time as their telecast in the US to ensure that our subscribers are indeed at the forefront in gaining access to the world’s most-loved and popular content.” OSN Play is a catch-up service offering sub- scribers the flexibility to watch what they want anytime, anywhere and features seven live streaming channels and thousands of hours of movies, series, news, sports and kids shows. Somali children play on swings at the Mogadishu Guest House. A Somali child rides on a motorized model fighter jet bearing the initials of the United Arab Emirates, at a playground at the Mogadishu Guest House. 37 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 LIFESTYLE
Music & Movies Rap mogul ‘Suge’ Knight charged with murder ap mogul Marion “Suge” Knight was charged Monday with murder Rand attempted murder over a hit-and-run that left one man dead and another in the hospital, prosecutors said. The 49-year-old rap- per, who could face life in prison if convicted, is due to be arraigned in court today over last week’s incident. Knight also faces two hit-and-run charges, while his $2 million bail was revoked because he was deemed a possible flight risk, could intimidate witnesses and has a criminal past, offi- cials said. Witnesses told the LA County Sheriff’s department that Knight, co- founder of Death Row Records, first argued with the men, then allegedly used a red pick-up truck to strike them-backing into one, then running over both. The apparent argument began on the set of “Straight Outta Compton,” a movie about File photo shows presenter Kevin Hart poses in the press room at the pioneering rap group NWA. 72nd annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Knight was arrested after being interviewed by homicide detec- Beverly Hills. tives within hours of the inci- dent. One of the victims was declared dead at the hospital. The second survived but no Hart, Minaj details on his condition were released. Knight’s lawyer said last week that the rapper was attacked by a number of men to headline BET and had accidentally run over the victims while trying to escape, according to the LA Times. “Mr Knight was attacked Experience in June by a group of men while he was in his vehicle. They were beating This August 2008, file photo provid- him, threatening to kill him and evin Hart and Nicki Minaj will headline the events leading to the BET ed by the Las Vegas Metropolitan attempting to drag him outside KAwards. The network announced yesterday that Hart will perform at the Police Department, shows former of the vehicle,” attorney James Staples Center in Los Angeles on June 25 as part of the three-day “BET hip-hop music mogul Marion Blatt told the LA Times. Experience.” Minaj will headline on June 26 and Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube, with File photo shows Nicki Minaj arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at “special guests,” will perform on June 27. The 2015 BET Awards will take place June “Suge” Knight. —AP “He made an effort to The Forum, in Inglewood, Calif. —AP photos escape, he was in fear for his life. 28 at the Staples Center. Tickets for “BET Experience” go on sale Feb 20. —AP And that’s exactly what he did.” On Monday the sheriff’s department said his bail was revoked because he was “a possible flight risk,” also citing “possible witness intimidation issues and a criminal past” as factors. Knight co-founded Death Row along with hip-hop music king Dr. Dre in the early 1990s. The label launched stars such as Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur but col- lapsed in 1996 when Knight was jailed for violating a 1992 probation order Bentley expresses admiration for awards rival Lambert by beating up a rival in Las Vegas. He again served a 10-month jail stint in 2003 after getting into a fight outside a Hollywood nightclub. Last year, he ierks Bentley says there Dwon’t be any hard feel- ings if childhood friend Miranda Lambert takes home the Grammy Award for best Whitney Houston’s country album on Sunday. Bentley and Lambert are both nominated in the category. Lambert won a Grammy in daughter ‘fighting for life’ 2010, but Bentley is still wait- ing for his first win. The singers obbi Kristina Brown, the daughter of late singing legend Whitney toured together and collabo- BHouston, was fighting for her life Monday after she was pulled rated on music early in their unconscious from a bathtub over the weekend, her family said. The careers, and Bentley says his 21-year-old’s husband and a friend found her non-responsive in the bath- feelings toward Lambert tub of her home near Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday in an incident with haven’t changed over the eerie echoes of her mother’s years. drowning in a Los Angeles tub He says that if Lambert’s in 2012. “Bobbi Kristina is fight- name is called on Feb. 8, he’ll ing for her life and is surround- be one of the first to stand up ed by immediate family,” the and applaud her. Bentley says, Houston family said in a state- “A win for her is a win for every- ment provided to US media. one.” In other awards show There has been no official news, the 39-year-old singer word of Brown’s condition, but received seven nominations at several US media outlets includ- the Academy of Country Music ing CNN and the TMZ.com Awards announced last week. entertainment news site have His is the second most nomi- Dierks Bentley arrives at cited family sources as saying nated act, a notch behind In this Feb 10, 2013 file photo, Miranda Lambert, left, and Dierks Bentley perform the Super Bowl XLIX red she was in a medically induced Lambert, who earned eight at the 55th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. —AP photos coma. “We are asking you to carpet on Sunday. nods. —AP honor our request for privacy during this difficult time,” the family statement added. “Thank you for your prayers, well wish- es, and we greatly appreciate your continued support.” Whitney Houston died in February 2012 when she was found in a bathtub at the ‘Jupiter Ascending’ filmmakers Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles on the eve of the music In this Aug 16, 2012, file photo, industry’s annual Grammy Bobbi Kristina Brown attends the Awards show. Coroners con- unfazed by negativity Los Angeles premiere of “Sparkle” cluded she died by accidental at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in drowning, with cocaine use and t seems as though nothing can come between for the Wachowskis, anyway - that recalls space edly walked out, has raised questions whether the Los Angeles. —AP heart disease as contributing factors. —AFP Ithe Wachowskis. When the filmmaker siblings are sagas like “Star Wars” and “Dune,” as well as last year’s film will become a $175 million black hole for dis- asked what incites the biggest spats between the “Guardians of the Galaxy.” It also marks the first origi- tributor Warner Bros. Lana likened the reshuffling of brother- sister duo best known for writing and nal, non-adapted film that the 49-year-old sister and “Jupiter Ascending” to the studio’s shifting of directing “The Matrix” trilogy, Andy and Lana 47-year-old-brother have written and directed since “Gravity” in 2013. “The summer is built around famil- French director Annaud Wachowski provide a non-verbal response: They they said goodbye to “The Matrix” trilogy in 2003. iarity,” said Lana. “Many cultural critics who shape sweetly clasp each other’s hands and tap their con- “There’s directors like John Ford and Christopher awareness for films are obsessed with sequels and trasting noggins - Lana’s fuchsia-hued dreadlocks, derivative material. They wildly crave it. That kind of says he had freedom Andy’s wrapped-up bald head - together. environment is hostile to originality. It only makes “It’s all just love,” said Lana. “Is that too good to be space for derivative material and rejects originality. I making China film believed?” The Wachowskis are equally unflappable think Warner Bros was uncomfortable with that when it comes to criticisms of their recent work. environment.” rench director Jean-Jacques Annaud, who fell out of favor in China after They’re undaunted by the weak box office for their Fportraying Chinese troops invading Tibet, said he had “incredible free- 2012 time-bending drama “Cloud Atlas” and their Cultural obsession dom” to turn best-selling novel “Wolf Totem” into a movie at the invitation hyper 2008 cartoon adaptation “Speed Racer,” and For the Wachowskis, “Jupiter Ascending” isn’t just of Chinese producers. Annaud said he did not yield to censors’ requests to alter they’re impervious to the torrent of pessimism another sci-fi flick. It’s also an opportunity to stand scenes but made the film as he wanted to in China, where movies need swirling around their forthcoming space opera up for fresh material at a time when studios are approval from government regulators. “I think being your own censor is very “Jupiter Ascending,” out Friday. “I’ve gotten a thicker keener to greenlight sequels, reboots and adapta- bad, so I did the screenplay very freely,” he told The Associated Press yesterday. skin when it comes to Internet searches on our art,” tions. (Andy called the possibility of returning to Set in the 1960s during the Cultural Revolution, “Wolf Totem” tells the said Andy matter-of-factly. “The Matrix” a “particularly repelling idea in these semi-autobiographical story of a student sent from the city to the Inner “Jupiter Ascending” centers on a toilet-scrubbing times.”) It’s yet another subject where the duo is Mongolian steppes for re-education. He lives with the nomads, devel- earthling (played by Mila Kunis) and her rocket- united. “The cultural obsession with equating a ops a respect for freedom and nature and becomes fascinated with the boosted alien bodyguard (Channing Tatum). The movie’s success to its box office is incredibly damn- wolves. But then a government official pair becomes caught up in an epic case of inter- From the cast, actor Channing Tatum and ing to this industry,” said Andy. “It’s pushing the orders all the wolves in the area to be galactic sibling rivalry, with Eddie Redmayne, actress Mila Kunis pose on arrival for the industry more and more to making pure product, killed. Many were surprised the book Tuppence Middleton and Douglas Boothand por- Los Angeles Premiere of the film “Jupiter which is another reason why you constantly have “Wolf Totem” was approved by the cen- traying a royal space dynasty with nasty plans for Ascending” in Hollywood, California. —AFP reboots. It’s McDonald’s. People know what they’re sors because it was seen by some as a humanity. “I like things that are different,” said Kunis, going to sit down and watch. Inherently, it’s critique of Communist rule. The author, who plays titular character, Jupiter Jones. “You have Nolan who find a tone and stick with it throughout unhealthy for your brain.” whose pen name was Jiang Rong, was to do things because you want to do them, not their careers,” said Lana. “We’re not like that. We’re Whatever happens with “Jupiter Ascending,” the eventually revealed to be Lu Jiamin, a because someone else wants you to. If it fails, it always looking for the range of what we see in life. siblings are deep into work on their next ambitious veteran activist who narrowly escaped a doesn’t matter. I did it because I wanted to work That creates a tension between us and our audience project: a mind-bending drama about eight mental- death sentence during the Cultural with the Wachowskis. If it doesn’t do well, at the end because they don’t know what to expect. It makes ly and emotionally linked strangers called “Sense8” Revolution and later served prison time of the day, I still got to work with great people, and I people excited, but it can also make for frustrated that was filmed entirely on location in cities like San for taking part in the 1989 pro-democ- learned a lot.” consumers.” Francisco, Reykjav’k, London, Berlin, Nairobi and racy protests in Tiananmen Square, The delay of “Jupiter Ascending” from a July to Mumbai. For that project, the Wachowskis won’t Surprise screening French film director which were brutally stopped by the mil- February release, as well as a surprise screening at have to worry about box office tallies. “Sense8” is a Jean-Jacques Annaud itary. —AP The result is a mostly straightforward sci-fi romp - Sundance where some audience members report- streaming Netflix series. —AP lifestyle WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015
Features
A waitress poses with fish and chips at Poppies fish and A man walks past the front of Poppies fish and chip restau- A chef poses with a plate of fish and chips. A waitress poses with a cone of fish and chips. chip restaurant in east London. — AFP photos rant. Fish and chips, Britain’s comfort food, goes hip slab of battered fish on top of a heap of chips doused in deep-fried, while the chips are cut thicker than French fries. The salt and vinegar has long been one of Britain’s favorite fish itself is traditionally cod or haddock although some shops Adinners-but now it is getting a reboot. A new wave of fish now serve a range of fish including rock and coley, helping cod and chip restaurants is winning fans across London, while some stocks to recover. Fish and chips is sometimes served with of the capital’s most exclusive eateries have the humble dish on mushy peas-a soupy reduction of dried peas with sugar and salt- their menus. The makeover for a meal which is nearly 200 years or scraps of leftover batter from the deep-fat fryer. Most Britons old comes despite the enduring popularity in Britain of fast still buy their fish and chips at no-nonsense takeaway shops foods such as curries, kebabs and burgers. Organisers of Britain’s where any mention of fennel salad would be snorted at as pre- annual National Fish and Chip Awards boast of 10,500 “chippies” tentious. around the country, saying some £1.2 billion are spent on the Last month, Britain’s best fish and chip shop was named as dish annually. Frankie’s in the Shetland Isles, off the northeast coast of The organizers stressed the nutritional value, saying it was Scotland-about as far from London both geographically and cul- high in protein and contains vitamins while insisting that little turally as anywhere in the country. John Gold, the shop’s manag- saturated fat gets into the dish due to the speed of the frying. At er, attributes his success to the freshness of his fish rather than Poppies, which has branches in the fashionable London districts any fleeting fashion. of Camden and Shoreditch, staff dress in retro 1950s uniforms A waitress serves plates of fish and chips. A general view shows the staff at work behind the coun- “The fish is from the North Sea. It just comes off the doorstep, while live bands, or the jukebox, serenade eat-in diners but the ters of Poppies fish and chip restaurant. you can’t get any fresher,” he said. He hailed fish and chips as a recipe is strictly no-fuss. The menu emphasizes sustainably- dish which crosses class and geographic divides and is “part of caught fish, locally sourced from Billingsgate Market in east ple only eat the inside.” At other new generation fish and chip takeaway. J. Sheekey, a celebrity hangout in the heart of theatre- British culture.” “Everybody loves fish and chips, everybody can London. restaurants in London, the fish is served in beer batter, fine land, serves haddock and chips for £18.25. tell you a story when they first had their fish and chips in the Owner Pat Newland, who has been serving fish and chips for wines and craft beers are served with food, while diners can days when it used to be wrapped up in newspapers,” he said. over 50 years, said that, when it comes to the food, there are no order side dishes such as fennel and dill salad. ‘Part of British culture’ “Even Prince Charles.”— AFP gimmicks. “There is no secret, no magic tricks-you have to do the Fish and chips also grace the menus of some of the capital’s For a traditional fish and chips, the fish is dipped in a thick, job properly,” he added. “It is definitely a healthy meal-some peo- top restaurants, often costing several times the price of a regular tempura-like batter made from flour, eggs and milk before being
Humble snack goes gourmet in Spain’s tapas revolution
ong taken for granted as a mere Among Arola’s tapas creations are bar snack, Spain’s humble tapas Portobello mushroom carpaccio mari- Lhas graduated from the neigh- nated in white truffle oil, chicken borhood cafe to the realm of haute wings with kimchi sauce, and his own cuisine. Inspired by its simplicity and take on a Spanish classic, patatas versatility, top Michelin-starred chefs bravas-potatoes in spicy sauce. are taking on the traditional finger- food to whet the appetite, or making a Propping up the bar meal of it with tapas-only restaurants. The essence of tapas, Spaniards say, “Tapas used to be considered some- is above all in the way they are eaten: thing common and almost second- with the fingers, standing up and shar- rate,” says Angel Moreton, head of the ing, going from bar to bar to try as Tapas are displayed to the Mercado de San Miguel (The Market of San Tapas are displayed to the Mercado de San Miguel (The Market of San Miguel) in International School of Gastronomy in many as you can. In Madrid’s trendy Miguel). Madrid . — AFP photos Valladolid. San Miguel food market, locals and “But in recent years there has been tourists stand elbow to elbow, tapas in a boom and now we are seeing some one hand and a glass of drink in the real marvels.” His school holds an annu- other. “Eating tapas is all about the Three Michelin stars for al tapas competition for visiting chefs atmosphere,” says Maripaz Sanchez, a from a dozen countries. The rise of retired secretary of 72, sharing a table tapas was part of the Spanish food rev- in the market with her sister and two ‘Ledoyen’ chef, Alpine restaurant olution of the late 1990s, driven by leg- young strangers. endary Catalan chef Ferran Adria and “We have made many friends this wo French restaurants tasted the ultimate acco- cited for his skill with sauces. He has perfected an his prize-winning eatery El Bulli, which way,” says her sister, Merche, 74. lade in top-level gastronomy on Monday, win- “extraction” technique for sauces, resulting in an ultra- closed in 2011. Adria and his brother Nearby, US tourist Clare Dreyer, 33, Tning three coveted Michelin stars in the guide’s pure jus with an intense flavor. “We found a Yannick Albert opened a tapas restaurant in leans at a bar with her fiance, Jared 2015 edition. “La Bouitte” in the French Alps, run by Alleno at the top of his game,” said Ellis. Barcelona, which still serves El Bulli Hendee, 36, in rapture at the range of father-and-son team Rene and Maxime Meilleur and “The techniques have been mastered in an treats such as tomato tartare, cod with gourmet tapas. “This is an experience Yannick Alleno’s Parisian restaurant “Ledoyen” joined extraordinary fashion. The concentration and explo- avocado or octopus and squid crisps. all on its own,” says Dreyer. “We’re A cook prepares tapas in the kitchen of the restaurant the pantheon of top eateries in the self-styled home sion of flavor are quite simply remarkable,” he added. Other chefs have followed their going to have tapas at our wedding of the spanish chef, Sergi Arola Gastro, Vi Cool. of gastronomy. Rene, 64, and Maxime, 39, were He singled out for special praise a souffle of smoked lead in opening bars exclusively for reception.” awarded the industry’s top prize for their “extraordi- eel with a watercress reduction and a brioche of pike tapas, bringing gourmet nibbles to the nary” skills with fish, said Michael Ellis, director of with celery extract. While the champagne corks were street at affordable prices. “That has School for tapas international guides for Michelin. popping there, others were left crying into their soup been the great revolution in Spanish The boom has caught on, with “cre- The food Bible hailed the Alpine chalet restaurant, as they were demoted to “mere” two-star status. The cooking over recent years,” said ative tapas” workshops-such as the located at an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), as “Arnsbourg” in eastern France was relegated from Moreton. “You find such creativity now sell-out one at the De Olla y Sarten “generous, authentic and full of emotion.” The fishy three stars to two following the departure of chef even in small neighborhood bars.” cooking school in Madrid. In class, jour- delights on the menu include trout, scallops and Jean-Georges Klein. nalist Marta Morales, 31, learns to crawfish, while meat eaters can tuck into frogs’ legs And “La Cote Saint-Jacques”, in central France, had Chicken in kimchi sauce make filo pastry stuffed with spinach with black garlic and watercress, duck foie gras esca- a star removed due to a “lack of consistency in certain The word tapa means “lid”, and the and miniature baskets of parmesan lope, sweetbreads and venison. But such three-star dishes.” The 2015 guide crowned 26 three-star restau- culinary term is thought to date to the cheese with corn salad and salmon. cuisine does not come cheap. A three-course “sur- rants in France, one fewer than last year. Worldwide, Middle Ages. Some say it stems from a “Since you have to prepare more prise” menu will set you back 115 euros ($130), while there are 111. practice of laying slices of meat over recipes than in a normal menu, you an eight-course banquet weighs in at 225 euros. There were 80 two-star restaurants (seven of the mouths of cups to keep dust and end up with more ideas and you can which were new) and 503 one-star restaurants (37 of flies out of the drink. Others claim an experiment more,” she says. Top chef ‘Explosion of flavor’ them making the grade for the first time). In total, old law obliged drinkers to take a Arola revels in the spreading trend. Away from the snowy mountains, “Ledoyen”, near there are now 609 Michelin-starred restaurants in snack with their drink to curb drunken- “There is a risk,” he warns, however. the capital’s famed Champs Elysees, retained its France. The criterion for winning three stars is that the ness, and the “lids” were plates of food “That they start serving tapas in fast three-star status but with a new chef, the 46-year-old restaurant must serve up “exceptional cuisine, worth a placed atop of drink jars for that pur- food restaurants and it ends up getting People taste tapas to the Mercado de San Miguel. Alleno, at the pass. Alleno, who already won three special journey.” The three previous editions of the pose. Either way, to this day tapas are discredited.”— AFP stars in 2007 for his work at Le Meurice in Paris, was guide crowned one new three-starred chef each and served free with drinks in Spanish bars: none in 2011. often a simple slice of bread topped Last year, the most coveted accolade in gastrono- with mortadella, cheese, tortilla or my went to Arnaud Lallement, of the family-run whatever else is to hand. L’Assiette Champenoise near Reims in northeastern Their versatility encourages creativ- France. The new guide was unveiled at the French for- ity, says Sergi Arola, a Spanish chef eign ministry, which is determined to maintain the with two Michelin stars. “A tapa is not country’s reputation as the top destination for food- intended necessarily as a starter nor as ies. Last week, an American food critic threw salt in a main course, nor a dessert,” he said. Michelin’s sauce by declaring that most of the top Paris listings were not worth their exorbitant prices. Meg Zimbeck, who runs Paris By Mouth, a respect- ed online review site that also provides foodie tours to English-speaking visitors, backed up her argument with research: four months of anonymous dining in all Paris restaurants boasting two or three Michelin stars. What she found, after booking into 16 restau- rants under false names and paying a total 7,150 euros for the meals, was that Michelin’s recommenda- tions didn’t always deliver. — AFP
Newly named three-star chefs, from left, Rene and Maxime Meilleur of the restaurant La Bouitte in the French Alps, and Yannick Alleno of the Pavillon Ledoyen restaurant in Paris, pose on February 2, 2015 after the launch of Sausage tapas are displayed in a bar at the San Miguel market. the 2015 Michelin Guide at the French Foreign Ministry in Paris. — AFP lifestyle WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015
Features
In this photo taken Thursday, Jan 29, 2015, an exhibit on the costumes of Star Wars is on display at Seattle’s EMP Museum. — AP photos C-3PO, left, and R2-D2 costumes are displayed. Obi Wan, Chewbacca, Vader and gang reunite for new exhibit
he creators of a new traveling exhibit on the costumes of ment. The displays also talk about cultural influences from Because the costumes for the second trilogy of films - the Star Wars are hoping to gather geeks, fashionistas and Africa to Asia. Quotes from actors talk about the way the cos- prequels - were so much more elaborate and interesting, the Tmovie fans together to discuss how clothing helps set tumes made them feel, from Carrie Fisher’s experience in what exhibit shares many more of them, including several walls of the scene. But mostly, the exhibit that opened this past week- she called the bikini from hell, to the power the Sith lords felt clothing worn by Queen Amidala and her attendants. end at Seattle’s EMP Museum is an opportunity to see 60 origi- in their getups. Gloomy lighting and music from the films per- But the highlights of the exhibit for most people will be the nal costumes from the six Star Wars movies in one room - from meates the exhibit space. old ones, including the two droids, which were costumes Princess Leia’s slave bikini to Queen Amidala’s wedding dress, “The costumes help the characters really come to life,” said worn by people, not puppets as some assume. Most of the which has not been part of any previous public display. Laela French, the Lucas Museum’s senior manager of exhibits puppets and computer-generated creatures are not repre- The exhibit, “Rebel, Jedi, Princess, Queen: Star Wars and the and collections. She talked about the visual clues the cos- sented. Yoda is present, but slightly hidden. Power of Costume,” was created by the Smithsonian tumes offer, such as the way Anakin Skywalker’s Jedi robes There are no hints of the new movie, scheduled to come Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the Lucas Museum darken as he gets older and closer to becoming Darth Vader. out at the end of 2015. Some gift shop highlights: Chewbacca of Narrative Arts, and will be traveling across the United States Most people don’t notice that Luke Skywalker’s robes also slippers, storm trooper knit cap and a travel T-shirt that says through 2020. The exhibit is scheduled to be in Seattle darkened through his trio of films, showing the mix of light “Welcome to Tatooine.” Those who haven’t seen the six movies through early October and the creators have not yet and dark in his character as well, French said. in some time may want to refresh their memories before announced the next stops. going to see the exhibit. — AP A stormtrooper costume is displayed with Darth Vader The exhibit designers want people to know this is a rare Life-size figurines behind. opportunity to see the costumes up close and personal, with- Star Wars experts may not learn anything new, but a lot of out Plexiglas in the way. But be warned, the alarm system will people probably don’t know that the lights in Queen loudly rebuke anyone who leans in too close. Amidala’s dramatic red throne room gown were powered by a car battery that had to be worn underneath the heavy cos- Gloomy lighting and music tume during filming of “The Phantom Menace.” Among the Photography is allowed, but no flash, tripods or selfie other display descriptions: Amidala’s wedding dress was made sticks. The Darth Vader costume is set off on its own, perfectly partly out of an Italian lace bedspread; and Chewbacca’s fur is arranged for selfies. Videos of filmmaker George Lucas, cos- a combination of Yak hair and mohair. The costumes are dis- tume designers and star Natalie Portman, along with the played on faceless manikins instead of life-size figurines to put descriptions under the costumes share a wealth of insider the emphasis on the clothes and not the characters, French information about costume construction and idea develop- said.
A Sith robe and lightsaber are displayed as part of an Sith robes and lightsabers are displayed. exhibit.
A yak hair and mohair costume of the Wookiee Chewbacca Senate and Trade Federation robes are displayed. A Sith robe and lightsaber are displayed as part of an is displayed. exhibit.
Anakin Skywalker’s Jedi robe and the wedding gown of The emblem of a Naboo starfighter pilot is seen on the Queen Amidala’s throne room gown, left, and Obi-Wan Princess Leia’s slave bikini, right, and her Boushh disguise his bride, Padme Amidala, are displayed. belt of a Padme Amidala costume. Kenobi’s costume. are displayed.
The Senate gown of Queen Amidala, center, is seen with handmaiden gowns A stormtrooper costume is displayed in view of Chewbacca and military uni- Project director Saul Drake stands-in where visitors are likely to want their on display. forms. photo taken in front of a Darth Vader costume. Obi Wan, Chewbacca, Vader and gang reunite39 for new exhibit WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015
In this Saturday, Jan 31, 2015 photo, a reveler performs during the Banda de Ipanema carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Hundreds of thousands of merrymakers are beginning to take to the streets in open-air ‘blocos’ parties in anticipation of Rio’s over-the-top world famous festival. Rio’s Carnival officially begins Feb 13. — AP Pakistan’s cross-dressing men dance despite fear
y day, 27-year-old Waseem Akram sells mobile phone man who simply enjoys dancing and need money to have a accessories from an alleyway shop in an old neighbor- better life and being a woman is the way,” he tells The Bhood of this Pakistani city. But by night, Akram stands Associated Press in Rawalpindi, just outside of Pakistan’s capi- before a mirror, shaving away his beard and picking through tal, Islamabad. Others proudly identify as transgendered, mascara and rouge to become Rani, a female wedding party though they can feel people’s stares. dancer “Life is so hard, one job is not enough to help me and “I am a very shy man. Eyes always follow me when I walk my family,” Akram says, the bachelor’s voice taking on Rani’s out of the apartment that I share with a few friends who share Pakistani Waseem Akram, 27, applies makeup on his higher register. “Being a dancer at weddings, parties and pri- the same job like mine (as) dancers,” says Bakhtawar Ijaz, 43, face as he prepares himself for a party at a friend’s vate events ... helps me to earn much more money than work- preparing to meet clients to design women’s clothes. “Being place in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. — AP photos ing in a shop.” with them is like being with a family. When I am surrounded Across conservative Pakistan, where Islamic extremists by them, I feel safe, respected and empowered.” Amjad This combination of two images taken between Friday, launch near-daily attacks and many follow a strict interpreta- Mahmoud, a 44-year-old tailor, proudly identifies as transgen- Jan 9, 2015 and Saturday, Jan 10, 2015, shows tion of their Muslim faith, male cross-dressers and the trans- dered. “The only thing that I can’t do as a woman is conceive Pakistani Waseem Akram posing for a picture in gendered face a challenge of balancing two identities. Some babies” Amjad says. — AP Rawalpindi, Pakistan. left their villages for the anonymity of a big city, fearing the reactions of their families while still concealing their identity from neighbors and co-workers. Male and female roles are clearly defined in Pakistan, and transgender people often face harassment and abuse. One role where they are tolerated is as dancers at weddings and other celebrations at which men and women are strictly seg- regated. In between the dancing and showers of rupee notes, they must fend off groping from drunken guests. Waseem Akram applies makeup on his face using natu- They can also be seen begging for money in the streets, ral light due to a power cut, as he prepares himself for a wearing female dress and makeup. Many earn money by party at a friend’s place in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. blessing newborn babies, which reflects a widespread belief in Pakistan and other South Asian nations that God answers the prayers of someone born underprivileged. A 2011 Supreme Court ruling allows the transgendered to get national identity cards recognizing them as neither male nor female and allowing them to vote. Transgendered politi- cians also have run for office. In Punjabi, they’re known as “hijra.” Estimates suggest thousands of “hijra” live among Bakhtawar Ijaz, 43, applies makeup on his face under Pakistan’s 180 million people. For Akram though, being Rani the light of a lamp due to a power cut, as he prepares This combination of two images taken between means simply cross-dressing. “I am not transgendered. I am a himself to go out, at his place in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Thursday, Jan 8, 2015 and Friday, Jan 9, 2015, shows Pakistani Bakhtawar Ijaz, 43, posing for a picture in an alley of a neighborhood in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Waseem Akram shaves his beard as he prepares him- self for a party.
This combination of two images taken on Thursday, Jan In this Monday, Jan 12, 2015 photo, pictures of Pakistani transgender people are spread on the ground of an Waseem Akram dances during a private party in 15, 2015, shows Pakistani Riasat Hussain, 19, posing apartment shared by a group of dancers in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Rawalpindi, Pakistan. for a picture at a friendís place in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.