THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 JAMADA ALAWWAL 28, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net ‘Chicken feet’ Sabah, Kharafi Ukraine peace Barca ease protesters families plan creaks past City to resume celebrate as Ukraine, despite work today3 wedding6 Russia10 spar Hart20 heroics Kuwait Prosecution ends Min 18º Max 23º audio-video controversy High Tide 10:40 & 22:15 Constitutional court says demos need permission Low Tide 03:55 & 16:00 40 PAGES NO: 16464 150 FILS By B Izzak 21 die in Tunisia museum attack KUWAIT: The public prosecutor yesterday said it will not press charges against former prime minister Sheikh TUNIS: Kalashnikov-wielding gunmen killed at least Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and former 21 foreign tourists in a brazen attack yesterday on assembly speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi in the coup plot Tunisia’s national museum before being killed in a and corruption case. police assault, officials said. Polish, Italian, German The case, brought forward by Sheikh Ahmad Al- and Spanish tourists were among the dead, Prime Fahad Al-Sabah, a year ago alleges that Sheikh Nasser Minister Habib Essid said, adding that two gunmen and Khorafi had plotted to overthrow the government, had been killed. A Tunisian national and a policeman were involved in contacts with a foreign intelligence service, money laundering and stealing public funds. were also reported dead. Sheikh Ahmad had presented videotapes allegedly Essid said the gunmen, dressed in military uni- showing the two former senior officials plotting against forms, opened fire on the tourists as they were disem- the government and conducting a huge corruption barking from a bus and chased them inside the muse- scam. um. Health Minister Said Aidi told reporters that 38 But public prosecutor Dherar Al-Assoussi said that others had been wounded in the attack, including cit- after almost a year of investigations and examination, it izens of France, South Africa, Poland, Italy and Japan. was found that the allegations were not supported by The attack appeared to be the worst on foreigners in evidence. He said in a statement that the criminal evi- Tunisia since an Al-Qaeda suicide bombing on a syna- dence department of the interior ministry said after gogue killed 14 Germans, two French and five examining the videotapes that they were not authentic Tunisians on the island of Djerba in 2002. and had been tampered with. Accordingly, the public Some officials, including French Prime Minister prosecutor decided to shelve the case and not press any Manuel Valls, had said hostages were taken at the charges against the former officials. museum but this was not confirmed by Tunisian During investigations, the public prosecutor ques- authorities. There was no immediate claim of respon- tioned Sheikh Nasser and Khorafi, who categorically sibility for the attack but Tunisia the birthplace of the denied the charges. The prosecutor also heard the testi- Arab Spring revolutionary movement-has struggled mony of former foreign minister Sheikh Mohammad Al- to tackle a rise in attacks from Islamist extremists. TUNIS: Tourists are evacuated from the site of an attack carried out by two gunmen at Tunis’ famed Bardo Sabah, editor of Al-Watan newspaper Sheikh Khalifa Ali Continued from Page 13 Museum yesterday.— AFP Al-Athbi Al-Sabah and Sheikh Ahmad himself. Continued on Page 13 Al-Jassar appointed Kuwait arrests electricity minister opposition figure KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received yesterday in KUWAIT: Kuwaiti secret police arrested the leader of an opposi- Bayan Palace, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh tion youth group early yesterday following a complaint from the Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Saudi embassy, the interior ministry and activists said. Al-Sabah and His Highness Civil Democratic Movement leader Tareq al-Mutairi was the Prime Minister Sheikh detained after he ignored a summons by the public prosecutor’s Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- office over a complaint by the Saudi embassy, the interior min- istry said on its Twitter account. It gave no details of the Saudi Hamad Al-Sabah who pre- complaint. sented Ahmad Khaled The CDM accused the authorities of kidnapping its leader and Ahmad Al-Jassar, who said it would hold them responsible for his safety. It said on swore in as the new Twitter that Mutairi was detained by armed men in civilian dress Minister of Public Works, as he was returning from a meeting of opposition groups. Minister of Electricity and The CDM has campaigned for wide-ranging reform in the Gulf Ahmad Al-Jassar Water. emirate with governments drawn from the elected parliament The swearing-in cere- rather than the ruling family. mony was attended by Deputy Minister of Amiri On Friday, Kuwait arrested the leader of the Islamist Ummah Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah, Director of Party, Hakem Al-Mutairi, for allegedly insulting neighboring His Highness the Amir’s Bureau Ahmad Fahad Al- Saudi Arabia on television. He was released on Sunday after Fahad and Head of Amiri Protocol Sheikh Khaled Al- questioning by prosecutors. In recent months, the government Abdullah Al-Sabah Al-Nasser Al-Sabah. His Highness has cracked down on online criticism of its Gulf Arab and the Amir had issued an Amiri Decree appointing Al- Egyptian allies. Authorities have detained several activists and Jassar to the senior post. — KUNA former lawmakers for alleged insults to Egyptian, Saudi or United Arab Emirates leaders. — AFP India bans recruitment of nurses by private agents

By Sajeev K Peter KUWAIT: The India government has issued an order yesterday Blast kills three banning overseas recruitment of nurses by private agencies stating that only an authorized government agency can con- duct nursing recruitments. The order becomes effective from Iraqis near April 30, 2015. According to the government order, nursing recruitments to Kuwait border a foreign country from India can be done only through a gov- BASRA: Three Iraqis were killed yesterday when a ernment agency from respective states. From Kerala, NORKA Roots and Overseas Development and Employment Promotion booby-trapped truck exploded in Iraq near the bor- Council (ODEPC) will be entrusted with the job. Currently, der with Kuwait, Kuwaiti news agency KUNA recruitments to Saudi Arabia are done through ODEPC. reported. The new decision by the India government is expected to The agency quoted Talib Al-Hosuna, a local Iraqi put an end to large-scale corruption and cheating by private official saying that five other people were wounded recruiting agents who recruit nurses from India to various for- in the explosion at a garage near the main road eign countries including Kuwait after taking huge sums as about 12 km (7.5 miles) north of the Safwan border bribes and commission. Several reports had appeared in local crossing with Kuwait. Police sources in Iraq said the and Indian media recently that agents in Kuwait in collusion with their counterparts in India allegedly take huge sums from victims were civilians who died in an explosion candidates ranging from KD 5,000 to KD 12,000 for nursing jobs from a truck trailer parked in a rest area some 10 in Kuwait. Many of the nurses reportedly lost their job after km north of the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr. working in Kuwait for a few months. Iraqi authorities have been enforcing height- “Ever since the issue surfaced, we were trying to persuade ened security measures at the port, where no large the Overseas Indian Affairs Ministry in India so that these illegal vehicles are allowed in or out, the police sources recruitments would come to an end,” Indian Ambassador Sunil said. A witness said the explosion occurred in the Jain told Kuwait Times yesterday. morning aboard a trailer truck with license plates The Indian embassy in Kuwait had pressured the Indian gov- ernment to put an end to this malpractice while the Kerala gov- from Anbar province in western Iraq, where mili- ernment requested the center to appoint a nodal government tants from the Islamic State operate. agency to conduct overseas recruitment of nurses from India in The witness, who identified himself as Abu Ziad, order to avoid large-scale corruption and cheating. said he was eating breakfast with other drivers at the “It is a very good decision by the India government. It will rest area when a driver pulled in, disconnected the benefit both sides in Kuwait and India. We hope that from now trailer and drove away. “We heard a loud explosion, on these women don’t pay a single penny to get a job in Kuwait thought it was a tanker that exploded, then saw it and recruitments will become transparent and corruption-free,” was a trailer that blew up,” Abu Ziad said. —Reuters Jain added. THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 LOCAL

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace yesterday HH the KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace yesterday their Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Royal Highness Princess Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck, Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, Princess Dechen Yangzom Al-Sabah. HH the Prime Minister presented Ahmad Khaled Ahmad Al-Jassar, who swore in as the new Minister of Public Wangchuck and Princess Kesang Choden Wangchuck of the Kingdom of Bhutan, on the occasion of their visit to country. Works, Minister of Electricity and Water. — KUNA photos

Al Tamimi & Company, Crown Prince urges KU graduates KDIPA host joint seminar in Dubai to double effort in Kuwait’s service

DUBAI: Well-received Presentation on Kuwait’s New KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- New programs tific researches aimed at utilizing available resources. Hajji Direct Investment Law Al Tamimi and Company, the Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah called on fresh Kuwait University Meanwhile, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher called on the graduates to show dedication in their service of largest law firm in the Middle East, along with the (KU) graduates Tuesday to double effort in their services of Education Dr Bader Al-Essa, in a speech welcoming HH the Kuwait, as well as contributing to the building and develop- Kuwait Direct Investment Promotions Authority (“KDI- Kuwait and contribute to its development and prosperity. Crown Prince, said KU has established new academic pro- ment of the country. PA”), the relevant governmental authority whose main “Your role has begun ... to be the faithful sons of their grams, developed the vitality of research and changed the function is to attract and encourage foreign and local beloved country, exerting utmost efforts with science, approach of teaching to achieve maximum benefit for teach- Return the favor direct investment in Kuwait, organized and held a knowledge and the strength of youth in order to achieve ers, students and society. Dalal Al-Matrouk, in a speech on behalf of graduates, said it seminar in Dubai this month at the prestigious progress and be a solid shield of national unity,” HH Sheikh KU, he added, was carrying out a comprehensive develop- was time for the graduates to return the favor to their country Jumeriah Emirates Towers to highlight the recent land- Nawaf said in a speech to graduates of academic year 2013- ment process in order to achieve scientific and academic which provided all means of comfort and services in order to mark changes in the State of Kuwait regarding direct 14 in a ceremony held at the stadium of KU Campus in excellence, as well as boosting human resources to improve participate in the development of Kuwait. The graduates, she investment law. Shuwaikh. productivity and community service. said, were committed to exert every possible effort for the A large audience of representatives of well-known HH Sheikh Nawaf, who conveyed congratulations of HH The university, said Essa, was creating suitable atmos- service and development “of our beloved nation.” multi-national companies based in Dubai had an the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, told pheres for students to boost spirit of competitiveness and The graduation ceremony was attended by Parliament opportunity to hear about the developments in the fresh graduates they were the real wealth of their country. develop their skills. The minister urged the graduates to be Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim, Former speaker Jassem Al- State of Kuwait that have made it substantially easier He called for providing jobs for the graduates to pave way committed to preserving interests of Kuwait. Kharafi, senior sheikhs, HH Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al- for them and other global companies to do business for their “positive contribution” to the construction of the KU’s Acting Rector Dr Hayat Al-Hajji said Kuwait University Ahmad Al-Sabah, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber there. Specifically, Law 116 of 2013 Promulgating the country. The graduates, he added, “are the catalyst of social was contributing to civilized and social progress of the society. Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Direct Investment Law allows foreign companies to development and progress, and the foundation of its securi- KU is helping in construction of human beings to be able to Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and apply for an investment license to establish a 100 per- ty and stability ... under wise leadership of HH the Amir.” build their nation, she added. KU has been carrying out scien- families of the graduates. — KUNA cent foreign owned commercial entity; a branch of a foreign company licensed to operate within Kuwait or a representative office whose main purpose is limited to the study of markets and production. In addition, the aforementioned new law also offers other incen- tives and exemptions, such as tax and customs exemp- tions, in order to encourage more direct investment into Kuwait.

Investment license Alex Saleh, Partner and Head of Office for Al Tamimi and Company in Kuwait, presented a detailed discus- sion on the various investment entities allowed to obtain an investment license to own 100 percent of the capital of a company in Kuwait, the rules and pro- cedures for the submission and registration of the application process to obtain an investment license, and the various incentives and exemptions offered to approved applicants under the Direct Investment Law. Saleh also discussed the different sectors which are not eligible for an investment license set out in the recently issued Negative List. Alex Saleh, who first arrived to Kuwait in 1994, com- mented that, “these new changes to the direct foreign KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf investment laws, as already implemented, are a game Education Dr Bader Al-Essa, Kuwait University staff and graduates in a group photo during the ceremony. — KUNA photos Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah delivers his changer with respect to how the foreign global com- panies will perceive Kuwait from an investment stand- point. I sincerely believe you have seen and will see a renewed interest by these multi-nationals towards Ghiras forum discusses ‘Positivity improves investing in Kuwait.” productivity, lifespan’ Direct investment media’s role on drugs KDIPA representatives, Sheikh Abdullah Al Sabah, KUWAIT: A leading social activist called for adopt- Head of Licensing and Investment Registry and Amr By Faten Omar Dr Ahmed Al-Shatti, Director General of social challenges such as poverty, ing positive approach in performing deeds and Wageeh, Senior Legal Counsel, presented at the semi- Ghiras said. unemployment, ignorance and lack of dealing with other persons affirming individuals nar and provided an overview on the goals and servic- KUWAIT: The Ghiras Project forum titled Shatti added the forum joined hands security and political stability in the with such an attitude tend to be much more pro- es of KDIPA to promote and support direct investment ‘The role of modern in media in preven- with the media to display the role of the region,” Shatti said. She also stressed the ductive as compared with those of negative vibes. by both local and foreign investors in order to meet tion of drugs in youth’ opened yesterday media in the war against drugs as an importance of the role of social media in Positivity enhances productivity by 31 percent the objectives of Kuwait’s development plan to trans- at the National Library of Kuwait, in col- essential partner in any community. He raising awareness among the youth. and increases person’s lifespan, said Sheikha Intisar form Kuwait into a world class financial and commer- laboration with the Ministry of called for the media to put its efforts to Dr. Imad Salamah, General Director Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Chairperson of Al-Nuwair cial center. Information and the Mentor Arabia resolve this problem. He also pointed of the Arab Research and Development Positive Initiative, during a ceremony held late on They also responded to incoming questions from Organization. The forum will last for two out that the drug addicts files reached Center, showed a presentation on Tuesday marking the proclamation of the Kuwaiti the audience on several issues including the One- days. 18,000 in Addiction Treatment Center. young people in the age between 15 to Social Services Society. Veterans in the sector were Stop-Shop, the Negative List, KDIPA’s Economic Zones, “The use of drug has become the 35 years following social media daily, honored during the ceremony. KDIPA engagement with all key stakeholders, and their biggest issue in Kuwait that has an Promoting awareness that makes them know about drugs Sheikha Intisar urged insight on principal-agent issue. effect on decision makers in politics and Thoria Ismail, Executive Director of types, and gave them the opportunity for promoting positive val- Sheikh Abdullah stated that “the on-shore compa- on families in a negative way socially, the Mentor Arabia Organization, said to be aware of the dangers of drug use. ues in the Kuwaiti society nies that these foreign entities will establish in Kuwait physically, psychologically and econom- the organization seeks to promote During the opening of the forum, Ghiras noting that such an will be treated as a Kuwait companies in every regard ically,” said Faisal Al- Mutlqem, Acting awareness through the implementation signed a cooperation agreement with approach minimizes per- and will receive the same benefits as such.” Undersecretary at the Ministry of of effective programs that target all seg- the Fund for Fighting and Treating son’s depression and cre- Amr Wageeh stated that “Reducing cost of doing Information, who spoke on behalf of the ments of the society. “Latest studies, Addiction in Egypt. Ghiras honored the ates motivation for greater business and services efficiency are KDIPA’s concern. sponsor of the forum, Minister of facts and reports indicate the growing sponsors and participants in the forum productivity and interac- Kuwait is fostering a competitive environment and Information and Minister of Youth phenomenon of drug use among young sessions and workshops. tion with the others. KDIPA is here to make this happen.” Affairs Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah. He people rapidly in light of the many Aware of the necessity Al Tamimi and Company’s Kuwait office is led by pointed out that a number of studies to implant such values Partner and Head of Office, Alex Saleh and operates have shown that drug addicts in the among the people, the through its joint venture with Yaqoub Yousef Al Arab world have reached those as low United Nations launched, Munayae. Al Tamimi and Company was established in as 12-year olds. on March 20, 2013, the KUWAIT: Sheikha Intisar 1989 and is the largest regional law firm, with fourteen International Day of Al-Sabah speaks during fully-owned offices or through partners in Bahrain, Kuwait on drugs Happiness. On the same the ceremony. — Photo Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and “The level of awareness among day, Kuwait witnessed the by Yasser Al-Zayyat the United Arab Emirates and employs over 600 staff young people about the drug does not launch of Al-Nuwair initia- and over 320 lawyers. exceed 31 percent. Kuwait Law No. tive to serve common purposes. 74/1983 states a fierce fight against The Kuwaiti association organizes various activi- drugs. The country has established pub- ties designed to encourage citizens namely the lic administration to combat the drug in youth adopt positive values. It executes practical 2006. Kuwait’s war against drug formu- programs at schools “to sow seeds of positivity and lated the slogan ‘Ghiras is the answer’ as encourage good behaviors among boys and girls,” a media awareness activity. The media said Sheikha Intisar. Up to 26,000 persons have tak- plays a big role in drawing the attention en part in 14 events, organized by the initiative. of the community to the danger of For her part, Aisha Al-Bahar, the chairperson of drugs abuse and how to prevent them social services’ pioneers, said social services is one through real actions,” said Mutlqem. of the oldest services provided by the Ministry of “The forum aims to highlight the Education, “for this sector is a main factor for devel- importance of the media as a tool for an opment and plays a role in development of human effective way in the prevention of drug resources.” Mohammad Al-Duwaihi, a representa- in the youth and how to create a net- tive of the society, said social services in Kuwait work of journalists experienced in the KUWAIT: Ghiras honors Faisal Al-Mutlqem, the Acting Undersecretary of the date back to half a century ago. — KUNA prevention of drug and drug awareness,” Ministry of Information. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 LOCAL

Housing Minister Yasser Abul speaks with Colonel Khalil Al-Amir, KFSD Public Relations and Information Director, at the site.

Firefighters searching for workers under the rubble. The construction site pictured after the collapse. One dead, four injured in mosque collapse

By Hanan Al-Saadoun Wuqayan, Director General of Housing Care construction in Salmiya last Saturday killed they asked her to get into the patrol car. She Several violators arrested Authority visited the site. Colonel Khalil Al- two workers and injured three others. was detained at the police station. In similar Police in Ahmadi arrested two persons KUWAIT: One man died and four others Amir, KFSD Public Relations and Information news, an Egyptian man was arrested for with 169 large liquor bottles, two others were injured when the roof of a mosque Director, expressed regret over the accident Man, woman insult police insulting an officer and attempting to hit with 50 pills and a liquor bottle and a minor under construction collapsed in Sabah Al- and stressed on the lack of safety and secu- Two policemen reported that a woman him. The officer reported that he stopped who was caught driving without a license. Ahmad. Rescue squads found four workers rity measures. This is the second incident of they stopped in Salmiya for being drunk the Egyptian for driving recklessly and upon In other news, 36 wanted persons were under the rubble. Housing Minister Yasser its kind that happens in Kuwait within a insulted them by using indecent words and asking for the driving license he refused and arrested, 8 persons without IDs. The sus- Abul, accompanied by Eng Bader Al- week, after a collapse at a building under threatened to kick them out of service when insulted the officer. pects were sent to concerned authorities. News ‘Chicken feet’ protesters in brief to resume work today Dashti slams

By Ben Garcia duties and responsibilities if they Farwaniya to ask for free chicken will be okay. We have many thank Jassar’s selection have no food in their stomachs? feet from any of the fresh chicken to offer to people who helped us a KUWAIT: Dozens of Filipino labor They agreed to pay the two weeks shops in order to survive. Their lot especially Kuwait Times, and all By A Saleh workers who went on strike two too, but starting today all Pinoy conditions sparked what Filipinos the Filipino organizations who weeks ago over unpaid salaries workers must report to their job call ‘bayanihan’ - meaning com- donated and offered food. We will KUWAIT: MP Abdul Hameed Dashti did not like the selec- are due to return to work today site,” he added. munity, shared work and a spirit of never forget,” he beamed. tion of Ahmad Al-Jassar as the new Minister after intervention by the cooperation. After the Kuwait The Filipinos are employed as of Electricity and Water and Minister of Philippines embassy. The local Salary nonpayment Times report, the Philippine foremen, electricians, pipe fitters, Public Works. “As soon as I heard about employer has to send the unpaid As the Kuwait Times reported Embassy delivered the men some plumbers, AC technicians and appointing MEW’s undersecretary, who salaries to their bank accounts no earlier last week, there are about food and basic needs. Then vari- welders. was the assistant of the former minister, as later than April 15. The manage- 200 laborers, 100 of them from the ous Filipino community organiza- Workers are paid between KD minister to ensure the continuation of the ment also promised to send their Philippines, went on strike to tions also offered to help out even 120 to KD 300. Non-payment of same policies, I only had one things to say: salaries on a monthly basis by no protest against nonpayment of until today. salaries, along with ill treatment, Wow!” Dashti said. later than the 15th of every their salaries for three months. The “We are going back to work harsh living conditions, and mis- month. men have been forced to beg for tomorrow,” conformed Marvin, treatment are common com- Speaking with the Kuwait food and alms in order to survive who was acting as group’s plaints of migrant workers in Co-education ban law Times, Cesar Chavez, Philippine’s after months of not being paid. spokesperson. “They promised in Kuwait. Labor strikes however are MP Abdul Rahman Al-Jeeran rejected MP Nabil Al- Labor AttachÈ to Kuwait said, the Cesar Chavez They have suffered from repeated front of our labor attachÈ that illegal and those striking can face Fadhl’s intention to question the constitutionality of management of the local compa- periods of hunger, going days everything will be delivered jail time, fines or deportation. the law banning co-education in ny headed by General Manager concerns and the company said without enough food and in some according to what we have agreed Meanwhile dozens of Indian various educational facilities by filing Engineer Emad Salama met with they are now fixing the facilities; cases, roaming around Khaitan or upon. So we hope that everything workers in the company, who a case at the constitutional court. the embassy’s Philippine Overseas it’s all recorded by us in the stopped working together with “Something needs to be done to labor Office (POLO) together with embassy so we are fully aware that the Filipinos, will not resume protect our values and traditions four representatives from the pro- everything we discussed about work. According to one Indian from the kind of co-education taking testers. They agreed in front of the will be addressed by the compa- worker who spoke with the place nowadays,” Jeeran was quoted labor attache that the company ny’s management. In exchange to Kuwait Times on condition of as saying pointing out that Islamic will comply with the law and pay the agreement, I already directed anonymity, said that the 60-70 Sharia detests such practices. He also argued that back salaries. all the Filipino workers to resume Indian workers are now willing to Fadhl had no direct authority to file such a case. “The complaints filed upon our their duties by today, or risk be deported if the company office by more than 100 Filipino deduction if they didn’t show up,” insists. “We are fed up with the Chavez pointed out. workers are not limited to delayed promises of the company. We are 4,000 bedoons The two-week protest of the salaries and some unlawful salary about 100 Indian workers, but MP Askar Al-Enezi proposed a bill suggest- workers will be paid as well. “We deductions but also concerning only 30 or 40 among us received ing granting 4,000 bedoons (stateless) reiterated that the work stoppage their accommodations and facili- the salary, the rest are not receiv- Kuwaiti citizenship on an annual basis, of our workers is not a strike, they ties. They have no AC in Wafra ing any; so we are willing to be especially for the descendants of martyrs will not be considered as strike accommodations and they have deported if the company does and those who fought in Kuwaiti wars because they have stopped work- incomplete facilities such as bath- not provide the full amount without having to annually issue a special ing because of the lack of food. rooms and kitchen. During our (three-month salary) we are wait- law or decree about it every year. meeting we discussed all their How can these people perform ing,” he said. CORRECTION Kuwait gets two million GCC tourists every year KUWAIT: “Kuwait attracts around two million Gulf LG’s monthly report stressed that GCC tourism could be Domestic tourism Cooperation Council (GCC) tourists every year with an used as a nucleus to develop local tourism and commercial- Further, the report called for developing touristic and annual increase of five percent, espe- ly revive many sectors. The report added that the current recreational facilities to attract more tourists as well as citi- cially during vacations and short holi- 3,000 hotel apartments (with over 5,000 rooms) should be zens to spend tier vacations in Kuwait instead of flocking days,” said Nabila Al-Anjeri, General increased because the majority of GCC tourists prefer stay- abroad during holidays and vacations. “This will help shift Manager of Leaders Group Company ing in them and that some tourists have to be listed on the millions they spend abroad inwards,” stressed the for Consultancy and Development waiting lists in special occasions. report, pointing out that Kuwait’s location at the center of (LG). “Visitors come to Kuwait for vari- The report also stressed that despite the bad condition the Middle East is unique. In addition, the report called for ous purposes such as business, exhi- of touristic infrastructure, many GCC tourists still prefer more focus on ‘transit-tourism,’ especially since huge num- bitions, conferences and family visits. Kuwait as a touristic destination. According to the report, bers of Bahrainis go on pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia or Iraq Their needs must be met because Saudi nationals form over 88 percent of the two million visi- through Kuwait and since those numbers are annually they are the only ones who managed tors, constituting 1.7 million visitors, who come to Kuwait increasing. “Border exits need to be developed and more to adapt to the situations in Kuwait by land mainly for family and in-law relations. Eight percent rest houses and cafeterias should be built on the way for Nabila Al-Anjeri despite current restrictions here,” of the visitors come from Bahrain while those coming from those pilgrims. This will encourage more small and medium Anjeri said. UAE, Oman and Qatar are less in numbers. project,” the report underlined. ‘Minister resigned Burgan Bank sponsors KUWAIT: Kuwait Times incorrectly identified Mariam Ali, Chief Commercial Officer of Zain Kuwait (right), as Chief Executive Officer before statements’ art competition expo in an article titled ‘Zain launches office 365 to corporate customers’ that appeared on March 18th issue. We deeply regret the error. KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced that it will be stems from its firm belief that art enriches the By Meshaal Al-Enezi sponsoring the ‘Universities Art Competition’ quality of life in our community and in youth. exhibition for the second consecutive year, held During the event, visitors will be welcomed KUWAIT: Minister of Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammed Al-Abdullah Al under the theme of ‘The Power of Life’. The to the open exhibition over the course of two Kuwait condemns remarks Sabah said that former Minister of Electricity and Water Abdul Aziz Al- event, which will take place at the C Club, is days where they can view the students’ art work Ibrahim had verbally resigned before the national anniversary celebra- organized by ALARGAN International Real Estate and also purchase their favorite pieces. The art against Saudi Arabia tions before his official written resignation on Sunday. “This means he Company in collaboration with the United competition is open to all students to participate resigned before responding to a press question about MPs receiving Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and and showcase their creative skills and in turn, money,” he said, adding the government has not set aside the issue. KUWAIT: The Foreign Ministry yesterday emphatically condemned recent state- the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters have a chance to win brilliant prizes. Sharing a ments by Sweden’s Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom against the Kingdom of (NCCAL). It will be attended by University deans, similar objective, the UNDP will be jointly sup- School students protest prominent society figures, as well as a group of porting the competition entitled ‘Power of Life Saudi Arabia. “The remarks by the Foreign Minister of Sweden are considered a A number of students from a government high school in Fahaheel blatant interference in the internal and sovereign affairs of the Kingdom and fine artists. from Generation to Generation’ to advocate for demonstrated outside the school in protest against the school director’s Every year, Burgan Bank hosts community the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), encroachment upon its judicial system, something which contradicts rules of the decision to expel them for leaving school before the school day ended. international law regarding non-interference in countries’ domestic affairs, as events that aim at giving back to the community while the NCCAL is looking to encourage local The students argued that this expulsion would deprive them of their and those in need. In 2014, the first edition of youth to explore their creativity and talents. well as diplomatic norms that state that the sovereignty of countries must be right to sit for the third period exams starting today. Notably, the school respected,” an official source at the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The the ‘Universities Art Competition’ exhibition wit- The bank’s dedication to promoting a more administration had to call the police who urged the students to leave in nessed vast participation by university students prosperous Kuwait arises from its own commit- source reiterated Kuwait’s support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing order to avoid legal accountability. that “interference in the internal affairs of any GCC member state is deemed and was overwhelmingly successful. The bank’s ment to developing youth to realize their ambi- interference in the affairs of all other member states”. — KUNA keenness to support the exhibition once again tions and supporting the community as a whole. THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 LOCAL ITC Promotions adds ‘Imperial Gallery’

By Nawara Fattahova the GCC Summit, when we received business in 1885, and today he would an order to make gifts for the partici- be very proud to see how we com- KUWAIT: The launch of the new pants that reflect our culture and the pleted the pewter designing and imperial line of high end and luxury idea of the summit,” he explained. craftsmanship,” Yue said. gifts ‘Imperial Collection Gallery’ is an addition to the ITC Promotions’ busi- The Royal Selangor 250 craftsmen ness, which is the leading promotion- The Royal Selangor’s products, Royal Selangor has over 250 al gift supplier in Kuwait. “We started joined the Gallery in 2013, adds a lot craftsmen in Kuala Lumpur who are this business in 1993 focusing on dif- of variety to the Imperial Collection. producing wonderful work of art ferent areas, all in the field of gifts. At “The category of this business wasn’t each day. “We entered to interesting first, we were commissioned for fast covered properly in our business. The projects including making trophies food restaurants like MacDonald’s originality of these products and the for international events, and we will and KFC, before expanding to other handicrafts is very accurate. They are be working on the F1 next month in areas including the insurance and Malaysia. Many of our designs are investment companies, banks, hospi- contemporary and many times we KUWAIT: Ambassador of Pakistan to Kuwait Mohammad Aslam Khan met with Kuwait Times Editor-in-Chief Abd tals, and hotels,” Sheham Shehadeh, take inspiration from culture,” he stat- Al-Rahman Al-Alyan recently, and they discussed matters of mutual concern. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat CEO of ITC Promotions told the ed. Kuwait Times. “We try to be different, and we Pewter designs have succeeded. We are the only “Pewter is an alloy of tin, to which Jahra Road Development company in the Middle East in the a small amount of copper and anti- field of promotional gifts in terms of mony is added for strength. At 95%, stock and varieties. We have the Royal Selangor’s tin content is the Project sees progress exclusive manufacturing rights for highest international standard for some companies as we own the stan- pewter. Its versatility and warmth is dard specifications. For instance, we further enhanced by casting, which KUWAIT: The Ministry of Public Works of columns have been constructed. roads and 8.0 km of ramps), 0.62 km are manufacturing the toys for KFC results in high quality pewter. All announces that great progress has We have manufactured 6,000 bridge of depressed road, 2 roundabout not only for Kuwait but the Middle Royal Selangor pewter is lead-free been achieved on the Jahra Road segments in the precast yard, as well bridges and 10 pedestrian bridges. East as well,” Shehadeh added. and food safe,” Yue explained. Development Project since the begin- as installing 4604 bridge segments. The at-grade road works include 3.4 ning of 2015, and the project is now We are confident that our progress on km of mainline Jahra Road, 1.0 km of ITC for more deals Expansion reaching an advanced stage. The main the project will ease traffic in the link roads and 15.1 km of service “We are working on basketball Top-notch quality is the main line of the second phase, which com- country in the near future,” added roads. The Jahra Road project also (NBA) now. We buy the exclusive standard for Imperial Collection mences at the UN roundabout and Boudastour. includes major utility works, such as rights of the mother companies in reflected on the large range of prod- ends at the hospitals complex, is near- This mega project is one of the 3.5 km of storm water box culverts, 33 Europe or the US and then manufac- KUWAIT: Sheham Shehadeh, CEO of ucts, made from premium quality ing completion. largest elevated road projects in the km of water lines relocation, 8.0 km of ture it in one of our offices in China ITC Promotions, speaking to Kuwait materials that have unique designs Earlier this year, a key detour was world. It involves the construction of sanitary sewer relocation, 51 km of or India. We then export it to the Times. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat and arty decorations. Imperial announced in the Shuwaikh area, 17.7 km of segmental viaducts (7.3 km electric cables relocation, and 12 km Middle East countries. Before we also Collection provides unique products between the Ghazali road and the of mainline Jahra Road, 2.4 km of link of communication ducts. had the wrestling WWB before, so we very well known in their industry. We of high quality, including porcelain Airport road, which diverts traffic could see the same items in all ME send our staff to their factory to be goods, leather goods, silk scarves, through the city’s back roads, easing countries,” stressed Shehadeh. trained there to see the process. They glassware, original writing instru- the progress of construction in the have unique products and there are ments, key chains and diverse busi- area. ITC Promotions no competitors for them,” concluded ness accessories collections based on Yasser Boudastour, Project “We have especially noticed this Shehadeh. Kuwait’s tradition and culture. Engineer, Jahra Road Development during our participation in an exhibi- Chen Tien Yue, Executive Director Project, commented: “We are pleased tion held in Dubai, where we noticed of Royal Selangor spoke about their Future plans with the progress being made on the the uniqueness of our products com- manufacturing and history. “We have ITC Promotions has services and Jahra Road Development Project. paring to other participants, who to capture the essence of the occa- activities that are distributed across Earlier this year, we have opened two were only providing promotional sion. We translate what the compa- several subsidiaries namely ITC ramps in phase two of the project - gifts of companies. None of them nies aim to share with their friends or Promotions, Event Mania, Imperial the ramps connect the fourth ring had promotional gifts for restaurants partners into a product, so it Collection as well as Zgert, a new road and the Granada area in both or food industry. They also didn’t becomes very special. The pewter is company that is being established. directions. Also, the phase two main- have the VVIP line like our Imperial the main material we use in produc- “We are planning much more line nearing completion and will be Collection,” he pointed out. ing our items, especially in keeping activities and expansion. We are opened later this year. Finishing works Imperial Collection is a leading food or flowers fresh for much longer planning to launch an office in Dubai in the final stage include the addition supplier of unique souvenirs and lux- period,” he noted. this year. Furthermore we are plan- of concrete barriers, and a paint coat- urious gift items. “We thought of this “We have stores in China and ning to produce a theatre activity, a ing which is resistant to weather con- idea, as we received orders from cus- Australia and we are expanding to play, for children that will be present- ditions.” tomers for gifts for important people new markets. We are the fourth gen- ed during the Eid, in addition to oth- “The construction works is ongo- such as King Charles. So we thought eration branding business, and we er shows before the end of this year. ing in full swing: 3908 piles have been of the luxury historical gift items, and are celebrating the 130th anniversary We will soon produce a TV ad for a installed, 362 columns, and 296 head we have some unique items. We this year. This is my first visit to popular company,” concluded faced this challenge last year with Kuwait. My grandfather started the Shehadeh.

KUWAIT: Zeeba Rafiq and her husband Nael Al-Seef with Pakistani Ambassador to Kuwait Mohammad Khan at the book signing event. (Inset) Head of the KJA delegation Adnan Al-Rashed speaking during the event. — Photos by Joseph Shagra New book examines Jinnah’s achievements and challenges

By Faten Omar homeland. This thing can’t be tion, Adnan Al-Rashed praised understood by anyone, except Rafiq’s achievement. “When you KUWAIT: Journalist and well known those who suffered from racism, read the chapter about Jinnah’s per- author Zeeba Rafiq launched her Mohammad Jinnah made their sonal life in this book you will latest book, ‘In the Footsteps of dream become a reality by founding understand how his personal life Jinnah’ at the Kuwait Journalists a new Pakistan to live with dignity,” effected the founding of Pakistan, Association yesterday evening. The Rafiq said. “Pakistan today is not as it and it is great step to know more book examines the leadership and was and this is why we need to about Pakistan’s history.” legacy of Pakistan’s founder, remind ourselves of the past, Rafiq is a journalist, novelist and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It has been because we treat minorities as they writer. She is a member of the published in both Arabic and were in the past.” Kuwait Journalists Association (KJA) English and provides readers a his- and the International Federation of toric account of the founding of Special event Journalism (IFJ). Rafiq is also an aes- Pakistan and a critical examination Several officials, dignitaries and thetic beauty specialist, nutritionist of the challenges Jinnah faced. ambassadors attended the event and trainer. She was born and raised “I wrote about this great person including Ambassador of Pakistan in Kuwait, and did not visit Pakistan to make the world remember and to Kuwait Mohammad Aslam Khan until she was 18 years old. She said know who is Mohammad Jinnah so I and Ambassador of the Republic of that she has always been proud of wrote my book in Arabic Language, Tajikistan to Kuwait ZabidAllah being Pakistani but loved growing to make my Arab audience know Zbidov. up in Kuwait. about him, my aim is to make peo- “I’m pleased to be here in this She has written nine books ple know him as a humanitarian special event to dedicate this book including the first publication on character” Rafiq said during a press and honor Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan in Arabic, “Arth Abi al conference at the book signing. the founder of Pakistan and Tahira” which was adapted by the “When I read about the suffering Embrace his legacy, the great leader Government of Pakistan. She is also of minorities in the past, I knew why with his loveable personality” said the founder and chairperson of we had to have an independent Khan. The head of the KJA delega- Iqbal Society Kuwait. LOCAL THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 Citizens warned of buying agricultural lands in Britain

LONDON: Kuwait Embassy in hundreds of documents for ratifi- guiding citizens claiming that London has reiterated its warning cation of purchased agricultural these plots of lands will become to citizens against purchasing lands, First Secretary Mishaal Al- of commercial and investment agricultural lands in Britain that Mudhaf said. He said a number of use in near future,” he added. companies tried to sell for hous- real estate companies in Kuwait Mudhaf called on the Kuwaiti ing or investment purposes. and abroad have recently been citizens not to buy these lots This is the second warning offering land plots for sale for which are not suitable for hous- during one week for Kuwaiti citi- commercial and investment pur- ing or investment and to be care- zens, the embassy said in a state- poses, noting that these lots ful and verify the legal aspects of ment adding the embassy were agricultural lands. “These these deals before purchasing received over the past few days, real estate companies are mis- any land. —KUNA Warba Bank honors prominent employees

KUWAIT: Keeping on its tradition of for the performance of employees all sectors; in addition to further appreciating the employees funda- and their achievements which are enhancing its role and position in the mental role in Bank growth and suc- reflected in the Bank’s results local and regional market alike. cess, Warba Bank held its annual gath- through focusing on customers’ During the event, a short video ering at Arraya Hall where “Excellence requirements and the applying the on the Bank’s journey and its Award” was presented to prominent best marketing plans for the prod- achievements was presented. The employees from various groups and ucts we offer.” event is marked by full reliance on departments in recognition of their the internal experience of Warba exceptional efforts and hard work in Outstanding performance Bank staff, where a number of achieving the highest performance Jassar extended his congratula- employees worked on preparing levels in line with quality standards tions to the honored employees for and developing the video and other which are strictly their outstanding per- activities of the event. This endorses adopted by the Warba formance and achieving the Bank’s authentic principle that Bank that follows an the objectives of the the key investment is our human approach for enhanc- duties assigned to them. capital, something Warba Bank is ing its position among Their performance very proud of. Islamic local banks. emphasizes employees’ On this occasion, continuous support to Appreciation certificate Jassar Dakheel Al- the Bank. He also pointed Towards the end of the evening, Jassar, Vice Chairman out the added value they appreciation certificates were distrib- and Chief Executive represent through their uted to awarded employees and Officer of Warba Bank, work on enhancing the memorable photos were taken in an said: “Warba Bank is work environment and atmosphere filled with love and always keen on encour- performance efficiency exchange of congratulations on the aging and expressing Jassar Al-Jassar thus raising staff morale ongoing success of the Bank and its appreciation for its and firing competition. employees. A number of entertain- employees for their efforts, enhancing Jassar continued: “We continue ment episodes, general questions, their dedication towards achieving to hire high skilled people, in partic- and completions draws on valuable more positive results which are added ular Kuwaiti talents, who are consid- prizes were held. to Warba achievements record. These ered one of the pillars on which the Warba Bank has recently added positive results, due to Allah’s bless- Bank’s growth strategy and policy is to its record the Best Call Centre ings and employees endeavors, are established.” Award 2014 from Banker Middle demonstrated in the considerable Jassar concluded: “We thank all East Magazine for providing banking growth at all the Bank’s levels with Warba Bank employees and appreci- products and services in Kuwait by notable growth in the Bank’s opera- ate their efforts. We encourage them CPI FINANCIAL. This prestigious tional revenue and the financial port- to continue their hard work to devel- award is a further indication of the folio.” op their skills and abilities for achiev- successes that the Bank has attained Jassar added: “This Excellence ing best practices which will further due to the expertise and efficiency Award is an appreciation by the Bank develop the Bank’s performance in of its employees. THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 Local6 Sabah, Kharafi

(From left) Former parliament speaker Jassem Al-Kharafi, Amiri Diwan Advisor Dr Abdullah Al-Maatouq, Parliament Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim, the groom Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (From left) The groom Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Chairman Ali Thunayan Al-Ghanim and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah are seen Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Chairman Ali Thu- during the marriage ceremony. nayan Al-Ghanim and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah greets His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah at the wedding.

he wedding of Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to the daughter of Lu’ay Jassem Al-Kharafi was held recently. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, HH TSheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, senior sheikhs, officials and other digni- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah with the groom, his grandson, Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. taries attended the wedding.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Farwaniya Governor Sheikh Faisal Al-Hmoud Al-Malik Al-Sabah Al-Sabah is seen with former minister and former Central Bank of Kuwait gov- Asaad Al-Banwan greets the father of the bride. greets the father of the bride. ernor Sheikh Salem Al-Abdulaziz Al-Sabah.

KT WHAT'S ON.indd 4 3/18/15 9:49 PM THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 Local7 families celebrate wedding

Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah with His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah. Parliament Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim with His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah.

Marzouq Al-Kharafi greets the father of the bride. The groom Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah with a number of guests.

Bader Al-Kharafi, Vice President of MA Kharafi Group greets the father of the bride. Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Sheikh Sabah Nasser Sabah Al- Ahmad Al-Sabah are seen during the wedding.

The groom Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and his father Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah are seen with Sheikh Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah greets the father of the bride. First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled guests. Al-Sabah greets the father of the bride.

KT WHAT'S ON.indd 5 3/18/15 9:49 PM THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 Pakistan death row convict’s brother Malaysia opposition party faces collapse over Islamic law push tells of torture Page 12 Page 11

MOSCOW: Demonstrators with Russian flags gather for a concert marking the one year anniversary of the annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula, outside the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, yesterday. In the back- ground, the Kremlin, at left, and St. Basil’s Cathedral, right. —AP (See Page 10) Netanyahu surges to victory Abbas ready to work with any govt that supports Palestinian statehood

JERUSALEM: Benjamin Netanyahu swept to little illusion the vote would bring about any would spur them to accelerate their already- Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat of the International Crisis Group. “He has congratulated the premier on winning a a stunning election victory yesterday, secur- fundamental change, they said the prospect advanced diplomatic campaign for state- pledged to “speed up, pursue and intensify” never quite admitted that publicly but on third consecutive term, and a fourth overall. ing a third straight term for an Israeli leader of yet another Netanyahu government hood. all diplomatic efforts, including an imminent several occasions he has done so in private.” Netanyahu will form a new government who has deepened tensions with the move to lodge a complaint against Israel for EU foreign affairs head Federica “within two to three weeks,” his party said, Palestinians and infuriated key ally alleged war crimes at the International Mogherini called for a fresh start in Israeli- adding that he had already spoken overnight Washington. Criminal Court in The Hague. Palestinian relations. with rightwing and religious party leaders After a close-fought campaign, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas is “It’s time to turn the page,” she said in a whose support he will need to form a coali- Netanyahu’s rightwing Likud party con- ready to work with any Israeli government statement. “More than ever, bold leadership tion. Under Israeli law, the final election founded expectations and won 30 of the 120 that supports Palestinian statehood, his is required from all to reach a comprehen- results must be published within eight days seats in parliament, against 24 for rivals the spokesman said. “It doesn’t matter to us who sive, stable and viable settlement of a conflict of the vote, but a spokesman for the Central centre-left Zionist Union. the next prime minister of Israel is, what we that has already deprived too many genera- Elections Committee told AFP they were It was a victory that Netanyahu himself expect from this government is to recognise tions of peace and security.” Zionist Union expected on Thursday afternoon. President described as “against all the odds”, proving the two-state solution,” Nabil Abu Rudeina leader Isaac Herzog had pledged to resume Reuven Rivlin then has seven days to entrust him once again to be Israel’s master of politi- said in a statement. talks with the Palestinians in a bid to end the a party leader-almost certainly Netanyahu- cal brinkmanship. In a symbolic visit to the In a last-minute campaign appeal to the conflict. with the job of forming the next govern- Western Wall, the holiest site for Jewish Israeli far-right, Netanyahu had ruled out the Netanyahu had argued he was the only ment. Under Israel’s electoral system, the prayer, Netanyahu gave thanks for his reelec- establishment of a Palestinian state if reelect- one capable of protecting Israel from an prime minister is not the leader of the party tion. “I am moved by the weight of the ed, effectively reneging on his 2009 endorse- Iranian nuclear threat, but Tehran dismissed that gains most seats but whoever can build responsibility the people of Israel have ment of a two-state solution. He also his victory, saying the other Israeli political a coalition commanding a majority of at least placed on my shoulders,” he said. pledged to build thousands of homes for parties were no different. 61 seats in parliament. “I appreciate this decision, of the citizens Jewish settlers in Arab east Jerusalem-which “They all have an aggressive nature and Netanyahu is likely to favour a narrow of Israel, to elect me and my partners.” But Israel seized in the 1967 Six-Day War-to pre- all are the same to us and partners in atroci- rightwing coalition but for that he will need the prospect of a new term for the hawkish vent future concessions to the Palestinians. ties against Palestinians, in plotting against the support of kingmaker Moshe Kahlon, a premier, who lurched further to the right JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits, yes- But experts said he could row back from Muslim nations and neglecting their rights,” Likud defector whose newly formed centre- during the campaign, is likely to cast a long terday, the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem following his party Likud’s his hardline positions. “I put much more said foreign ministry spokeswoman Marzieh right Kulanu party won 10 seats. shadow over Israel’s shattered relationship stock in his actual behaviour and we know Afkham. The Joint List, which groups the main with the Palestinians and its strained ties victory in Israel’s general election. Netanyahu vowed to ensure the that he has agreed on numerous occasions Arab parties, made a strong showing with 14 with the US administration. “welfare and security” of Israelis, after his rightwing Likud party to negotiate with the Palestinians on the A stunning turnaround seats, making it the third-largest alliance in Although the Palestinians had harboured won a surprise general election victory. —AFP basis of the 1967 borders,” said Nathan Thrall In Tel Aviv, Herzog conceded defeat and parliament. —AFP UAE recalls envoy to Sweden Syria downed US drone

STOCKHOLM: The United Arab Emirates has “There are a lot of questions around what hap- recalled its ambassador to Sweden, a Swedish gov- pens now and there’s a certain amount of concern over ‘spying’ fears ernment source with knowledge of the matter among business leaders... When the (Enterprise) said yesterday, a week after Saudi Arabia made the Minister Mikael Damberg saw this he decided to DAMASCUS: Syria’s military said yesterday it The US military confirmed losing com- consider them an attack on Syria if they same move. organise a meeting so they can ask questions.” downed an American drone over suspicions munication with a Predator drone over Syria went ahead without government consent. The source did not say why the UAE had with- The meeting was reportedly scheduled for it was spying, in what would be its first on Tuesday and said it was looking into After the first raids on September 23, drawn its envoy or provide other details. Last week today. Wallstroem is also expected to attend. attack on an aircraft in the US-led coalition claims the aircraft was shot down. At about Damascus said it was notified ahead of time, the UAE’s larger neighbour Saudia Arabia recalled Sweden’s relations with Saudi Arabia hit an all- battling jihadists. A military source, speaking 1740 GMT, “US military controllers lost con- though Washington has ruled out actively its own envoy to Stockholm after branding time low last month after Wallstroem described to AFP on condition of anonymity, said the tact with a US MQ-1 Predator unarmed cooperating with Assad’s government on Swedish criticism of its human rights record as the Gulf state as a “dictatorship” that violates drone was not immediately identified as remotely piloted aircraft operating over the attacks. Syrian Foreign Minister Walid “interference in its internal affairs”. women’s rights and whips bloggers. being American but was shot down as a northwest Syria”, a US defence official said in Muallem said last year that Washington had The Swedish Foreign Ministry declined to com- The Swedish foreign minister later came under hostile aircraft. an email. “At this time, we have no informa- pledged its raids would not hit the Syrian ment yesterday on the UAE envoy, referring ques- fire from the League’s members for her criticism of “As soon as it entered Syrian air space, we tion to corroborate press reports that the air- army, though he added that Damascus was tions to Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom’s Saudi Arabia’s human rights record in the Swedish considered it to be gathering security and craft was shot down. We are looking into the sceptical of the commitment. spokesman who was not immediately available for parliament, which they viewed as an affront to military information on Syria’s territory,” the incident and will provide more details when “Do we trust this commitment? For now, comment. Sharia law. source in Damascus said. “The aircraft available.” we realise that President Barack Obama, for Sweden’s government said yesterday it would Swedish business leaders had warned the gov- entered areas where Daesh is not present,” If confirmed, the incident would be the domestic reasons, wants to avoid war with hold urgent talks with business leaders to discuss ernment that ending its 10-year-long military he added, using the Arabic acronym for the first time Syrian forces have attacked a US Syria,” he told Lebanon’s Al-Akhbar newspa- concerns over trade with Gulf countries following cooperation with Saudi Arabia-Sweden’s third Islamic State (IS) jihadist group. aircraft since the international coalition per. “But we do not know how Obama will a deepening diplomatic row with Saudi Arabia and largest non-Western destination for arms sales- Syrian state media reported late Tuesday began its raids against IS in Syria in act under mounting pressure.” criticism from the Arab League. could have far-reaching consequences. Some of that air defences had targeted a US surveil- September. The Syrian Observatory for Human “We’ve invited company leaders who have busi- them openly questioned the government’s han- lance aircraft over Latakia province, a coastal Damascus is not participating in the Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said the ness in the Gulf region to a meeting because of dling of the issue. stronghold of President Bashar al-Assad. coalition’s strikes, although its own aircraft drone was shot down in Al-Maqata, a village the fact that Sweden ended its military coopera- “If you make an enemy of the Arab League it Without specifying a location or timing also target IS, but has so far refrained from near the provincial capital of Latakia. “There tion agreement with Saudia Arabia,” a spokes- can cause very major damage,” Leif Johansson, for the incident, state media published a taking action against the foreign planes are no opposition fighters or jihadist groups woman for the Enterprise Ministry, Ann Wolgers chairman of telecoms group Ericsson, told busi- series of close-up photos showing what they involved in the operations. anywhere in that area, but there is a large told AFP. ness daily Dagens Industri. —AFP said was the mangled wreckage of a small It has been critical of the coalition, warn- presence of regime forces,” said Observatory aircraft. ing before the strikes began that it would head Rami Abdel Rahman. —AFP THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Air Force vet pleads not guilty to federal terrorism charges

NEW YORK: A US Air Force veteran and ing to provide material support to a ter- which was recovered from his computer. potential witnesses in Turkey, Egypt and from a co-worker at American Airlines former airplane mechanic charged with rorist group and obstructing justice. He “Victory or martyr.” elsewhere. Pugh has been living overseas who said Pugh expressed sympathy for attempting to join the Islamic State group was stopped at a Turkish airport in for the past year and a half, most recently Osama bin Laden, according to court in Syria pleaded not guilty yesterday to January carrying a laptop containing Evidence in Egypt, the court papers show. papers. The airline said he left in early terrorism charges. A bearded Tairod information on Turkey-Syria border cross- The computer, as well as thumb drive Pugh served in the Air Force from 1986 2000 after a few months at American. In Nathan Webster Pugh, wearing prison- ing points as well as 180 jihadist propa- data-storage devices and other recovered to 1990 and was trained in installing and 2002, an associate of Pugh’s again told the issued khaki pants and a blue short- ganda videos, including one featuring an equipment, appeared to have been inten- maintaining aircraft engines and naviga- FBI that Pugh was interested in traveling sleeved shirt, repeated his full name Islamic State prisoner beheading, accord- tionally destroyed to deny investigators tion and weapons systems. The airman to Chechnya to wage war, the indictment when asked but said nothing else before ing to an indictment. access, the indictment said. first class was first assigned in July 1987 to said. Judge Nicholas Garaufis in a New York In a letter addressed to a woman Garaufis scheduled a May 8 status con- the Woodbridge Air Base in England and Pugh was stopped by Turkish authori- federal courthouse. His attorney, Michael investigators believe is Pugh’s Egyptian ference to review prosecutors’ evidence then to the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base ties on Jan. 10, and returned to the U.S. K. Schneider, entered the guilty plea on wife, Pugh declared: “I will use the talents and discuss any possible plea negotia- in Arizona in July 1989, the Air Force said. five days later by way of Egypt. He told his behalf. He declined to address and skills given to me by Allah to estab- tions. Schneider said in court he would After leaving the air force, he worked as investigators he was in Turkey on vaca- reporters after the brief court appearance. lish and defend the Islamic States,” accord- need time for his own forensic expert to an avionics specialist and mechanic for tion and to look for a job and had no Pugh, 47, of Neptune, New Jersey, was ing to court papers. “There is only two review the data seized by federal authori- companies in the Middle East and U.S. intention of crossing into Syria, the indicted Tuesday on charges of attempt- possible outcomes for me,” said the letter, ties and to coordinate interviews with The FBI got a 2001 tip about Pugh indictment said. —AP

Boston bombing trial to focus on investigators’ findings

BOSTON: The jury in the Boston Marathon intentionally smashed. bombing trial is expected yesterday to Defense lawyers are seeking to portray hear more technical evidence on the inves- Tsarnaev’s brother, 26-year-old Tamerlan, tigation that followed the deadly blasts as the driving force behind the attacks, and the chaotic days afterward. arguing that Dzhokhar followed him out of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 21, is charged with a sense of subservience. Proving that point killing three people and injuring 264 with a could persuade the jury to sentence the pair of homemade bombs at the race’s younger brother to life in prison without crowded finish line on April 15, 2013, and possibility of parole, rather than death. with fatally shooting a university police The elder Tsarnaev died following a officer three days later. gunfight with police in Watertown early on His lawyers opened the trial early this April 19, 2013. Dzhokhar briefly escaped month by saying they largely accepted after that fight, and was found hiding in a prosecutors’ account of the defendants’ boat after a daylong lockdown of much of actions, but left in place his “not guilty” the greater Boston area. plea, leaving it to the federal government Stephen Silva, a high school friend of to prove its case. Tsarnaev’s whom federal prosecutors con- FBI Special Agent Jessica Ulmer on tend loaned Tsarnaev the gun used in the Tuesday testified that agents found blood shooting, testified under cross examina- on a vehicle, a garage door and inside a tion by the defense that Tsarnaev did not private home’s bathroom near the want him to meet Tamerlan, whom Silva Watertown, Massachusetts, backyard said Tsarnaev described as “very strict, very where Tsarnaev was arrested, suggesting opinionated.” that the defendant picked his way Tsarnaev left a note in the boat that through the sleepy neighborhood while suggested the attack was an act of retribu- seeking a hiding spot. tion for U.S. military campaigns in Muslim- Ulmer also showed jurors two dam- dominated countries. The bombing killed aged iPhones recovered outside a resi- restaurant manager Krystle Campbell, 29, dence near where Tsarnaev was arrested, graduate student Lingzi Lu, 23, and 8-year- one of which appeared to have been old Martin Richard. —Reuters Rousseff unveils

anti-graft plan NEW YORK: A protester demonstrates in front of the Mexican consulate in New York, yesterday. Protesters were trying to bring attention to the 43 students who vanished in Mexico last year and the government’s response to the disappearances. —AP BRASLIA: Brazilian President Dilma ing corrupt officials do not walk away Rousseff announced a package of anti-cor- unpunished. ruption measures yesterday as she sought to Hundreds of thousands of Brazilians took battle back from a devastating scandal at to the streets Sunday to vent their frustra- Missouri executes man for state oil giant Petrobras that has ensnared tion with Rousseff, who has presided over an her party. economic slowdown, rising inflation and the “We are a government that does not tol- $3.8-billion kickbacks scandal at Petrobras. killing sheriff’s deputy erate corruption and we have the duty and The left-wing leader’s approval rating obligation to fight impunity and corruption,” has plunged to a dismal 13 percent, accord- she said in the wake of massive protests ing to a poll published yesterday. Rousseff, against her administration. who took office in 2011, narrowly won re- Oldest death row inmate The proposal includes a series of meas- election to a new four-year term in ures aimed at fighting corruption and ensur- October. —AFP BONNE TERRE: Missouri’s oldest death row inmate psychiatric evaluations over the past decade concluded hol abuse and violent outbursts. The lethal injection, was executed Tuesday for the 1996 shooting death of that the inmate didn’t understand the significance of Clayton’s attorneys said, was “sure or very likely to a sheriff’s deputy, after the US Supreme Court and the his scheduled execution or the reasons for it, making cause excruciating or tortuous pain and needless suf- governor declined to spare the 74-year-old whose him ineligible to be put to death under state and feder- fering” in light of his dementia. attorneys said he had a diminished mental capacity al law. “If Missouri proceeds with its scheduled execution because of a sawmill accident decades ago. In their 11th-hour appeals, Clayton’s attorneys of Mr. Clayton, it will be conducting an unregulated Cecil Clayton was put to death by injection after argued that his deteriorating mental health left him experiment on a human subject, as there are no stud- Gov. Jay Nixon denied a clemency request and the convinced his conviction was a plot against him and ies that support (the prison system’s) use of Missouri’s nation’s high court turned aside appeals claiming that God would rescue him from a death sentence at lethal injection protocol on an individual suffering Clayton was mentally incompetent. The Missouri the last minute, “after which time he will travel the from severe brain damage,” the appeals on Clayton’s Supreme Court, in a 4-3 ruling, already had declined country playing the piano and preaching the gospel.” behalf argued. to intervene, with the court’s majority concluding last Clayton’s claims of mental incompetence mirrored weekend there was no evidence Clayton - despite his Violent outbursts those of Ricky Ray Rector, who was executed in 1992 brain injury - wasn’t capable of understanding his cir- Clayton was convicted of gunning down in Arkansas for the shooting death 11 years earlier of a cumstances. The US Supreme Court was also divided, Christopher Castetter, a sheriff’s deputy in rural south- police officer. Rector was 40 when he was put to with four judges saying they would have granted a west Missouri’s Barry County. Castetter was 29 and a death, having failed to sway then-Gov. Bill Clinton - stay. father of three when he went to a home near Cassville campaigning for what at the time later became his The claim of diminished mental capacity stemmed on Thanksgiving Eve 1996 to check on a suspicious first presidential term - that he was left brain-dam- from a 1972 sawmill accident that Clayton’s attorneys vehicle report. Authorities said Clayton shot Castetter aged by a self-inflicted bullet wound prior to his BRASILIA: Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff, speaks during a ceremony to argued cost him about 8 percent of his brain, includ- once in the forehead while the deputy was in his car, arrest. introduce an anti-corruption package to Congress in the wake of mass ing one-fifth of the frontal lobe portion governing which was found against a tree, its engine racing and The execution was Missouri’s second this year after protests calling for an end to graft and her impeachment, at the Planalto impulse control and judgment. wheels spinning. the state’s record 10 in 2014. It was also the first Presidential Palace, in Brasilia, Brazil, yesterday. —AP Combined with his reported IQ of 71 and reading Clayton’s brother had testified that the sawmill Missouri carried out in the evening after decades of skills of a fourth-grader, Clayton’s attorneys insisted accident led to Clayton’s breakup from his wife, alco- having them just after midnight. —AP Alleged ‘ivory kingpin’ gets bail in landmark Kenya case

MOMBASA: A court in Kenya yesterday dealing in elephant tusks weighing more someone accused of orchestrating the killing granted bail to the suspected ringleader of an than two tonnes-equivalent to at least 114 of some of the world’s most iconic wildlife is ivory smuggling gang on medical grounds, slaughtered elephants and worth an estimat- allowed to walk free.” He said it now prompting angry protests from conservation- ed $4.5 million (4.2 million euros). “remained to be seen” whether the laws writ- ists. Prosecutors allege he is a key player in the ten on paper will be “carried through in the Kenyan national Feisal Mohammed Ali, organised crime network stretching from real world”. who figured on an Interpol list of the nine African parks to Asian markets. Ali has denied A recent five-year study of wildlife cases most wanted suspects linked to crimes all charges. before Kenyan courts, carried out by Wildlife against the environment, was arrested by The haul was discovered by Kenyan police Direct, found that only seven percent of international police agents in Tanzania in in June when they raided a car dealership in those convicted of offences against ele- December after fleeing Kenya and extradited Mombasa, after which Ali fled to Tanzania. phants and rhinos actually went to jail, to face charges in the port city of Mombasa. Conservationists reacted angrily to despite the crimes carrying a maximum ten- Releasing Ali on a 10 million shilling (102,000 Wednesday’s ruling, saying it undermined a year sentence. euro) bond, Magistrate Justus Kituku said he case seen as a test of Kenya’s willingness and Already the Ali case has been mired in con- did not believe the suspect would try to flee ability to prosecute wildlife crimes. troversy after a fleet of vehicles, due to be again. presented as evidence, disappeared while “The court hopes the accused has learnt ‘Sad day for Kenya’ under police guard. Save the Elephants esti- his lesson,” said Kituku. “The world is a global Paula Kahumbu, chief executive of conser- mates an average of 33,000 elephants have village. You can run but you cannot hide.” vation organisation Wildlife Direct, said the been lost across Africa to poachers each year The judge’s decision came after defence decision to grant bail was “ridiculous”. “The between 2010 and 2012. Experts say that lawyers successfully argued that their client 10 million shilling bond is a fraction of the international criminal gangs control the trade, required medical treatment for diabetes that value of the ivory seized,” she said. “This is a pushing Africa’s elephants towards extinc- could not be provided while in custody. very, very bad sign that Kenya’s landmark tion. A joint UN Environment Programme and Kituku ordered Ali to hand over his passport case is being compromised.” “It’s very Interpol study in 2013 said the illegal trade is and report to detectives weekly. depressing” said Frank Pope of Save the worth up to $188 million. The next hearing in He is charged with possession of and Elephants. “It’s a sad day for Kenya when Ali’s case is due on March 24. —AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 France’s far-right sparks hope and fear ahead of election

NOYON: “She’s my queen!” gushes Ribemont. “Everyone is suffering here. tightening borders and cracking down “I’m not racist-I don’t give a damn Patricia, waiting for the arrival of Marine When you suffer, you want a radical solu- on radical Islam resonates. ‘Not toothless illiterates’ who can live here,” says Monique, a 40- Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right tion.” The Picardy countryside is a pictur- But Le Pen spends most of her time But many view the FN’s rise with hor- something FN voter in Ribemont. “But National Front. “Marine represents every- esque but barren stretch of territory with playing up her status as a political out- ror. Some are waiting outside the Noyon we help foreigners a lot and that means thing the people of France want. I don’t little to offer its young people, making it sider, a victim of the establishment-a community hall to greet Le Pen with the French have to pay.” know what to say-she’s wonderful, mag- an ideal recruiting ground for the FN message that plays particularly well with shouts of “fascist”. “Even if she hides it The irony is that neither side of the nificent.” which is polling over 40 percent across those voters who feel left behind by behind her beautiful blonde hair, there debate knows exactly what to expect The excited 60-year-old is standing much of the region. social and economic changes. are neo-Nazi ideas underneath,” said one should Le Pen carry the momentum outside a community centre in the non- “People have the feeling they are “It’s as if the only policy of the UMP of the protesters, 47-year-old Pierre, who through to victory at the presidential descript little town of Noyon deep in the being left behind by globalisation,” said and the Socialists is to oppose the declined to give his last name. election in 2017. northern plains of Picardy. Vincent Rousseau, a 26-year-old English National Front,” she says. “That’s not “After she’s kicked out the immi- One Noyon protester points to local As France heads into local elections teacher standing for the FN in Ribemont. going to reduce unemployment. grants, it’s us who will be next-the peo- FN governments that “armed police offi- this weekend, Le Pen boasts the sort of Even the Socialist mayor, Michel “All they say is ‘vote for me because ple who think.” The FN’s focus on immi- cers and pulled left-wing newspapers adulation of which the political main- Potelet, admits that people “feel aban- the other one is not nice’. It’s puerile, and gration is what still worries many, from libraries”, and fears much worse stream-the ruling Socialists and the doned, maybe even a little rejected” by also reveals that the political class has despite Le Pen’s concerted efforts to rid should it win national power. Le Pen’s right-wing opposition UMP-can only the mainstream parties, and see the FN run out of steam.” On this point, at least, the party of the overt racism that often supporters also think the FN’s true plans dream. The political momentum is firmly as a “last resort”. Le Pen has the widespread agreement of characterised it under her father, Jean- have yet to be revealed but in a good behind the National Front (FN) whose political analysts. Marie Le Pen, until he stepped down as way. “She has a programme but she isn’t anti-immigration and anti-EU platform Political outsiders “What model of society do the UMP leader in 2011. revealing it now,” says Patricia. “And with saw it take first place in European elec- Le Pen-simply “Marine” to her sup- and Socialists offer? Practically none,” Yet, the belief that immigration is a good reason because they are all steal- tions and win control of 11 town halls porters —- appears at the Noyon town says Virginie Martin, head of the left- legitimate economic concern-equally ing her ideas. last year. hall and launches into a familiar spiel. leaning Think Tank Different in Paris. promoted by many mainstream politi- “We are not stupid at the FN. We are It is again topping polls ahead of With the French economy in prolonged “People want a model, a grand narra- cians-makes it easy for the FN to bat not toothless illiterates like they say we Sunday’s vote. “People talk about noth- stagnation and many fearful over the tive, and right now the only one people away the “fascist” jibes as just another are. We are proud to be French, and our ing but the FN,” says Patrick Vasseur, a relentless news of jihadists in their midst, are hearing comes from Marine Le Pen attempt to malign the party and ignore Marine Le Pen is everything to us-she’s newsagent in the nearby village of her talk of quitting the European Union, and the FN,” she adds. the real concerns of voters. our future.” —AFP

Italy kickbacks scandal deepens as wiretaps embarrass minister

ROME: A kickbacks scandal threatening to “Lupi’s man.” Prime Minister Matteo Renzi destabilise the Italian government deep- was widely reported to have told Lupi to ened yesterday as a minister was accused resign to restrict the damage the case is of using his influence to get his son a job doing to the government’s credibility. But then lying about it. Transport and commentators say the centre-left premier Infrastructure Minister Maurizio Lupi was cannot simply sack Lupi because he is a already resisting pressure to resign over leading member of the New Centre Right revelations that one of the businessmen (NCD), the junior partner in a governing arrested in the case had given his son, Luca coalition dominated by Renzi’s Democratic Lupi, a 10,000-euro Rolex watch. Party (PD). With tough parliamentary tests Examining magistrates suspect that the looming over reforms of the legislature and same businessman, Stefano Perotti, organ- the electoral system, Renzi can ill-afford to ised a job for the recently-graduated son at lose the backing of the smaller party. an engineering firm run by his brother-in- law, at the request of the minister. Lupi on Contracts worth 25bn Tuesday denied making any such request, Lupi was due to make a statement later saying he had never sought favours for his in the day to the Chamber of Deputies, children and that to do so “would have where opposition parties have tabled a no- been a grave error and, I presume, a crime.” confidence motion aimed at forcing him to It emerged yesterday that wiretap evi- resign. dence in the case includes a recording of Incalza, his associate Sandro Pacella, Lupi calling a senior official in his ministry Perotti and Cavallo were all arrested on in June 2014 and telling him: “You must Monday on suspicion of systematically rig- come and meet my son.” ging more than 25 billion euros worth of Further wiretaps indicate that the offi- tenders for major public works. cial, Ettore Incalza, asked Perotti to arrange The judges claim that the organised cor- things and, by the end of the month, Luca ruption allowed the men to skim off Lupi had his job, media reports said. around one percent of the value of con- Incalza, who was arrested on Monday, tracts for high-speed rail links, new metro was the top official in charge of major pub- lines in Rome and Milan and other huge MOSCOW: Russia’s President Vladimir Putin (C), Russian pop singer Larisa Dolina (2ndL) and Crimean parliament speaker Vladimir lic works in Lupi’s ministry until the end of projects. The scandal is the biggest of its Konstantinov (R) sing the Russian national anthem as they take part in a rally and a concert by the Kremlin Wall in central Moscow yesterday, last year, when he left to become a consult- kind since the “tangentopoli” cases of the to mark one year since Russia’s President Vladimir Putin signed off on the annexation of Crimea in a epochal shift that ruptured ties with ant. The minister has described Perotti as a early 1990s. Ukraine and the West. — AFP family friend and the wiretaps suggest he That episode led to the indictment of was also close to another businessman, half the country’s lawmakers but, two Francesco Cavallo, who has also been decades later, Italy is still struggling to arrested in the kickbacks case. Several shake off a reputation for corruption that Putin fetes Crimea takeover recordings reveal that Cavallo regularly economists say has cost the country bil- introduced himself to business contacts as lions in lost investment. — AFP in front of huge supporters Nigeria’s first female ‘It means a lot to us, it was always ours after all’

presidential candidate MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin yes- smoking with his friends near Saint Basil’s uniforms. In Crimea, people were given a day off terday triumphantly joined tens of thousands of Cathedral. While some Russians celebrated hav- work to enjoy concerts and firework displays. LAGOS: The two main candidates for the capital Abuja. “They made us understand supporters to mark one year since his takeover ing recovered Crimea, Amnesty International “For us Crimeans this is a celebration of our governorship of Nigeria’s Lagos state took to that one, politics is dirty; two, politics is not of Crimea, a seismic shift that shattered ties with accused the region’s pro-Kremlin authorities of long-awaited return home,” the Moscow-backed the stage, making a flurry of promises to the for women; three, they brought out the vio- Ukraine and the West. Putin appeared on stage an “unrelenting campaign of intimidation to Aksyonov said in a statement. all-female audience at the select lent nature of politics. “Those were the things in front of a flag-waving crowd at a celebratory silence dissent” under Russia’s rule. “Russia protected our legitimate right to Cosmopolitan Women’s Club. The men even they put before us and women became scep- concert by the walls of the Kremlin to make an “Since Russia annexed Crimea, the de facto choose for ourselves unity with our historical pledged a 35 percent quota of women in the tical. They became afraid and didn’t believe impassioned justification for seizing the Black authorities are using a vast array of bully boy motherland.” Putin claims he was forced to take state government and initiatives on girls’ edu- they will be able to participate.” Two women Sea peninsula in a move that sent his poll ratings tactics to crack down on dissent; a spate of over Crimea-home to Russia’s key Black Sea cation. in Jonathan’s cabinet have nevertheless soaring. “We understood that in terms of Crimea abductions between March and September Fleet-to protect ethnic Russians in the wake of But when Remi Sonaiya-the first woman bucked the trend of women’s participation in it was not a matter of just some territory, howev- have prompted many vocal critics to leave the the ouster of Ukraine’s Kremlin-backed president running for president in Nigeria’s history-took the cut-throat world of Nigerian politics. er strategically important it is,” Putin told the region,” John Dalhuisen, Amnesty International’s Viktor Yanukovych. To many Russians, it was the floor she did so to a round of applause Former World Bank executive Ngozi Okonjo- crowd. “It was a matter of millions of Russian Director for Europe and Central Asia, said. considered justified payback for Soviet leader that lasted several minutes. Iweala is finance minister and Diezani Alison- people, our compatriots, who needed our help “Those remaining face a range of harassment Nikita Khrushchev handing the region to “We have done enough of cheerleading,” Madueke is oil minister as well as the first and support,” he said, before joining in a rendi- from authorities determined to silence their Ukraine in 1954 in what was then a largely sym- tion of the national anthem. opponents,” he said in a statement. bolic move since Ukraine and Russia were both she told some of Nigeria’s most influential woman to hold the rotating presidency of the The concert in Moscow-estimated to have part of the USSR. The move sent relations with businesswomen and company executives at oil cartel OPEC. drawn 110,000 people by local police-was the ‘Return home’ Kiev and the West into a tailspin that has seen the meeting on women’s participation in poli- Elsewhere, strong-willed women such as culmination of days of highly-choreographed Putin signed a treaty claiming the Black Sea sanctions batter the Russian economy and Arunma Oteh headed the Securities and nationwide festivities to mark the anniversary. region of Crimea as Russian territory with Crimea placed under an effective economic Exchange Commission (SEC), cracking down Despite condemnation from the West and Crimean prime minister Sergei Aksyonov two blockade by Ukraine. A pro-Russian rebellion- on corruption that has long blighted Nigeria. Kiev that the radical redrawing of Europe’s bor- days after more than 97 percent of Crimeans which the West says has been orchestrated by ders amounted to an illegal land grab, people at voted in favour of joining Russia in a disputed Moscow-quickly also engulfed part of Ukraine’s Shoestring budget the event echoed the belief of many Russian referendum on March 16, 2014. industrial east, sparking a nearly year-long con- Sonaiya, a 60-year-old former French pro- that the annexation had corrected a historical The poll-unrecognised by the international flict that has claimed over 6,000 lives. fessor in Ile-Ife in southwestern Osun state, injustice. “It means a lot to us, it was always ours community-was held under the eyes of elite Ukraine and the United States have said that has not been discouraged by the challenge. after all. Our grandparents shed their blood for Russian troops who had swarmed key sites they will never accept the annexation of Crimea She and her party KOWA decided to prove it,” said Alexei, 39, a security guard who stood across Crimea two weeks earlier in unmarked by Russia. —AFP that it was possible to campaign without a wealthy “godfather” or a private jet in a coun- try where male politicians spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on huge public rallies Sierra Leone leader sacks vice president and gifts for supporters. “Politics has a bad Remi Sonaiya name in Nigeria. Even recently a governor FREETOWN: Sierra Leone leader Ernest Bai Muslim, inventing a university degree from the nation to tread cautiously bearing in mind that tics. “Women cannot keep on being cheer- said that you could not be in politics (unless) Koroma has sacked his vice-president, he US, attempting to start up a breakaway party the country cannot afford to go back to those leaders in this country.” There may be many you’re a liar,” she told AFP in an interview at a announced, in a bid to turn the page on a politi- and keeping “over 100 groups of thugs to dark days of our recent past and that stability women at the head of businesses in Africa’s Lagos hotel. With a small budget of donations cal crisis that raised fears over the country’s sta- unleash violence against party people in the and security of the state are of prime impor- most populous nation and leading economy from supporters and a reduced campaign bility. Kono district”. tance,” the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone Witnesses described how heavily-armed men said last week. but as in the rest of the continent, politics team, Sonaiya has been travelling across Samuel Sam-Sumana’s dismissal comes almost two weeks after he was expelled from entered his hilltop home in Freetown while he The sacking comes after a groundswell of remains for the most part a man’s world. Nigeria in economy class on commercial the governing All People’s Congress (APC) and was away on Saturday and disarmed his security anger directed at Sam-Sumana in recent days Sonaiya is hoping to change all that, fol- flights like a common citizen. went into hiding, claiming he was in danger and guards, leaving with bundles of files. among activists in his home district. lowing the example of presidents such as On the road, she puts across the values of asking the United States to grant him asylum. He denied all charges and fled into hiding, Francis Bondo, the chairman of the Kono Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf or Malawi’s her party-”honesty, truth, diligence, hard “I have taken note of the decision of the claiming he feared for his life and applying to branch of the APC, called for Sam-Sumana’s Joyce Banda, to break through the glass ceil- work, transparency”-to voters on the street. APC,” Koroma said in a statement read out inter- the US Embassy in Freetown for asylum, accord- “immediate resignation” on Tuesday in front of a ing to high office. With 10,000 to 15,000 members, KOWA is a mittently on state radio overnight Tuesday to ing to his aides. large delegation of his local members who had In reality, she has no chance of beating the featherweight compared with the heavy- Wednesday. “The public will recall, and I have The government has repeatedly dismissed travelled en masse to Freetown. two main candidates-President Goodluck weight electoral juggernaut behind Jonathan also taken note of the fact that... Alhaji Samuel claims that the vice president is in any danger, APC secretary-general Osman Yansaneh Jonathan and ex-military ruler Muhammadu and his main rival Buhari. Sam-Sumana sought asylum from a foreign claiming his fears for his life were “ludicrous”. called on Sam-Sumana to hand over his party Buhari-but she has brought, for reformers, a embassy, demonstrating a willingness to aban- membership card and other documents. ‘Break the jinx’ welcomed fresh voice to the campaign. don his duties and office as vice president of our ‘Dark days’ “Nobody is above the constitution of the All Whatever the final result on March 28, for beloved republic.” The 52-year-old’s expulsion came a few days People’s Congress and the party will discipline the businesswomen of the Cosmopolitan Exception to the rule Koroma said he was relieving Sam-Sumana after he had put himself in quarantine due to anyone who flouts (rules) in the party,” he said. Women’s Club Sonaiya deserves praise for According to a 2012 report from the “of the duties and from the office of vice presi- the death of one of his bodyguards from Ebola. Opinion was more nuanced on the streets of British Council, just nine percent of candi- bringing a different voice to the political dent of Sierra Leone with immediate effect”. The action against him has been presented Freetown as news of the Sam-Sumana’s sacking dates at the last Nigerian general election in debate. “Most women see politics as the dirty The president said he was in talks with his as part of a wider crackdown on “anti-party spread early yesterday. 2011 were women. The situation has hardly game in Nigeria. The good women need to party to “shortly” find a replacement for Sam- activities” which saw expulsions, reprimands “Yes, he deserves to go and the president improved this year, with a presidential and come out,” said businesswoman Amodugbe Sumana, his running mate in his successful 2007 and fines for several other senior members. acted right. Now the APC can get on with the parliamentary vote scheduled for March 28 Okanlawon. For Ifendu, whose NGO supports and 2012 presidential campaigns. But religious leaders have warned that the task of nation building,” said textile trader Abu followed by governorship and state assembly young female politicians and campaigns for a The APC announced on March 6 it had “strained relationship” between the Sam- Sillah. polls two weeks later. quota to make it easier for women to win kicked out Sam-Sumana for fomenting violence Sumana and Koroma threatened the stability of But taxi driver Alimamy Konteh said Sam- “They (the men) set the rules,” said Ebere elected positions, there is still a way to go in his home district of Kono, deceit, fraud and a country still recovering from its ruinous 1991- Sumana’s record of success “should have made Ifendu, who runs the non-governmental before a woman can govern Africa’s most threatening key party officials. 2002 civil war. the president show a bit of leniency and forgive organisation Women in Politics Forum in the populous country.—AFP He was accused of lying about being a “We are calling on the authorities of the him”. —AFP THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Bangladesh court indicts 8 in killing of atheist blogger

DHAKA: A court in Bangladesh’s capital yesterday Bangla Team, and six students at North South Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation of 160 million en students to murder Haider in sermons in which he indicted a leader of a hard-line Islamist group and University who earlier confessed involvement in the people, but there have been a series of similar said all atheist bloggers should be killed to protect seven students in the hacking death of an atheist killing. A seventh student said to have planned the attacks in recent years blamed on militants. Islam. Haider had criticized the Prophet Muhammad blogger two years ago. attack is in hiding. All of the students were suspend- Avijit Roy, a Bangladeshi-American atheist who and Islam in his blog. He was also a leading cam- The Metropolitan Sessions court issued the indict- ed by the university after their arrests. wrote against Islamic radicalism, was hacked to paigner for banning the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami par- ments after accepting the police investigation into Despite their earlier confessions, Rahmani and the death about two weeks ago on the campus of Dhaka ty, which opposed Bangladesh’s independence from the killing of blogger Ahmed Rajib Haider in front of six students pleaded not guilty on Wednesday. The University. Roy’s wife was also injured. A suspect has Pakistan in 1971. Police said the student who his house in Dhaka’s Mirpur area. The indictments judge set April 21 for the start of the trial, and the been arrested and investigators say Islamist radical allegedly planned the attack is a member of Jamaat- mean a trial will begin for Mufti Jasimuddin seventh student will be tried in absentia. groups were responsible for the attack.In their inves- e-Islami’s student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir. The Rahmani, head of the Ansarullah Islamic extremism has made few inroads in tigation report, police said Rahmani incited the sev- party has denied involvement in the killing. — AP Pakistan kills 34 militants

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military said it children have also died. killed 34 militants yesterday in air strikes on Air strikes, artillery, mortars and ground a tribal region near the Afghan border as troops have all been used to take back ter- part of a major offensive against insurgents ritory. Also yesterday, a polio worker was that began last year. shot dead in the tribal district of Bajaur, The Taleban and Lashkar-e-Islam mili- underscoring the continuing violence tant groups are based in Khyber, one of against vaccination teams as Pakistan tries seven autonomous tribal districts along to eradicate the crippling childhood dis- Pakistan’s western border, which became a ease that is endemic in only two other hideout for Islamist militants following the countries-Nigeria and Afghanistan. US-led invasion of neighbouring “A polio worker was shot dead while Afghanistan in 2001. another sustained injuries when they were “In precise aerial strikes in Tirah, Khyber fired upon while administering polio drops region, 34 terrorists were killed today,” the in Khamangra neighbourhood of Nawagai military said in a statement. The strikes area in Bajaur tribal district,” local adminis- coincided with the appointment of the tration official Fayaz-ul-Haq Sherpao told country’s new air chief Sohail Aman, who AFP. The attack was confirmed by another will today take over from his predecessor senior administration official, Sohail Ahmed Tahir Rafiq Butt upon completion of his Khan. It brings to 78 the number killed in three-year tenure. attacks on immunisation teams since The military began its latest offensive in December 2012. Khyber in October 2014, four months after Taleban militants have long claimed the a similar operation in the North Waziristan polio vaccination drive is a front for espi- district which was triggered by a bloody onage or a conspiracy to sterilise Muslims. Taleban attack on Karachi airport that sank They intensified their strikes after the CIA faltering peace talks. recruited a doctor to carry out a fake immu- Both conflict zones are off-limits to jour- nisation drive to help track down Al-Qaeda nalists, making it difficult to verify the num- chief Osama Bin Laden. ber and identity of those killed. Rights Last year the number of polio cases activists are wary of the death tolls given recorded in Pakistan soared to 306, the ISLAMABAD: Members of Pakistani civil society hold placards as they take part in a protest against the execution of teenager Shafqat Hussain, by the military and say many women and highest in 14 years. — AFP in Islamabad yesterday. An anti-terrorism court in Karachi gave instructions to hang Shafqat Hussain, convicted of killing a seven-year-old boy in 2004, today. — AFP Pakistan death row convict’s brother tells of torture ‘Burnt by cigarettes, subjected to electric shocks’

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan hanged nine death row Yet lawyers for Shafqat Hussain say he was insurgency. convicts yesterday, media said, as the brother of just 14 in 2004 when he was tortured into con- Fatima Bhutto, the niece of assassinated for- a man charged as a child with murder and due fessing to the killing of a child. He is due to be mer prime minister Benazir Bhutto, has taken up to be hanged this week told of his months of hanged today. Shafqat Hussain’s cause. torture at age 14 to extract a confession. “There was no moment of reflection, no intro- Yesterday’s hangings bring the number of Ordeal spection, only a knee-jerk call for vengeance,” executions in the past two days to 21, and to 48 “He was burnt by cigarettes, subjected to Fatima Bhutto said in the New York Times of the since an unofficial moratorium on capital pun- electric shocks,” his brother, Manzoor, told lifting of the moratorium. “In Pakistan, blood will ishment was lifted in December. Twelve were Reuters. “Police kept a 14-year-old boy in cus- always have blood.” executed on Tuesday. tody for four months and 14 days (before Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had However, the Interior Ministry said it did not extracting a statement). No one can imagine promised an investigation into Shafqat Hussain’s know the exact number of planned executions. what he must have gone through. age, but his lawyers say neither they nor the “The ministry does not have consolidated data “And we are going through this ordeal family were contacted. after the lifting of the moratorium as new cases because we are poor. If Shafqat had a name like “We are going to the Ministry of Interior include all types, including terrorism,” a Sharif or Zardari, he would be roaming freely.” again today,” Shahab Siddiqui, from Justice spokesman said in a text message. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif lifted the mora- Project Pakistan, the legal aid group represent- DHAKA: In this Feb. 16, 2013 file photo, Bangladeshi mourners carry the coffin con- The death sentence cannot be used against a torium on Dec. 17, a day after Pakistani Taleban ing Shafqat Hussain, told Reuters. taining the body of blogger Ahmed Rajib Haider for funeral in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A defendant under the age of 18 when the crime gunmen attacked a school and killed 134 pupils “We are bringing evidence (including a birth court in Bangladesh’s capital yesterday, indicted Mufti Jasimuddin Rahmani, head of was committed. Testimony obtained by torture and 19 adults. The killings put pressure on the certificate) and want to ask what else do they the hard-line Islamist group Ansarullah Bangla Team, and seven students in the is also inadmissible. government to do more to tackle the Islamist need.” — Reuters hacking death of the atheist blogger two years ago. — AP Vietnam calls for ‘self restraint in disputed South China Sea

SYDNEY: Vietnam and Australia called China Sea. “We agreed ... (to) exercise “We hope the relevant countries in yesterday for “self-restraint” in the self-restraint and refrain from actions the region can come together with South China Sea and warned against that may escalate the tension in the China,” Hong Lei said in a regular brief- the unilateral use of force, an obvious region, including the use of force to ing. “We hope that countries outside reference to China’s increasingly unilaterally change the status quo,” the region maintain a neutral position, aggressive presence that has stirred Dung said. particularly on the issue of sovereignty.” concerns across the disputed region. China claims about 90 percent of Last week, China expressed its anger Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen the South China Sea, displaying its at the Vietnamese head of the Tan Dung met Australian counterpart reach on official maps with a so-called Association of Southeast Asian Nations Tony Abbott in Canberra, where they nine-dash dotted line that stretches (ASEAN) for comments he made on the will sign a deal on issues including deep into the maritime heart of disputed South China Sea, rejecting security and climate change. Southeast Asia. Chinese claims based on the nine-dash Vietnam and other wary Southeast Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, line. Asian countries have complained about Brunei and Taiwan also have claims to Australia and China sealed a land- China’s controversial policy of land parts of the potentially energy-rich mark free trade agreement in reclamation on disputed isles in the waters that are crossed by key global November that would significantly South China Sea. Beijing in turn has shipping lanes. expand ties between them. China is said it is not seeking to overturn inter- Beijing is committed to working Australia’s largest trading partner. KOLKATA: Christian nuns and priests participate in an all-religion silent rally protesting the rape of an elderly nun national order. toward regional stability, a Chinese Dung said Australia and Vietnam were at a convent in Ranaghat, in Kolkata, India, yesterday. A nun in her 70s was gang-raped by a group of bandits Dung told the Australian parliament Foreign Ministry spokesman said on also committed to working together when she tried to prevent them from committing a robbery in the Convent of Jesus and Mary School in West there was an imperative need to draw Wednesday, when asked about the closely and deepening their friend- Bengal state’s Nadia district, according to police. — AP up a code of conduct for the South statement. ship. — Reuters India cardinal meets nun after rape, urges justice

KOLKATA: The head of the Catholic church in India demanded and ransacked the premises. Although police have launched a swift justice yesterday for an elderly nun who was raped during a gang-rape inquiry, officers say only one person sexually assaulted robbery at a convent, amid growing anger at the lack of arrests the nun, who needed surgery after the attack but is expected to over the attack. be shortly released from hospital. While police have taken several people in for questioning, no Detectives have released CCTV footage showing the faces of one has been formally arrested over the incident in West Bengal several members of the gang, fuelling frustration that charges on Friday, which has again highlighted the frightening levels of have not been forthcoming. sexual violence in India. Protests were held in West Bengal and also in the capital New After visiting the victim in hospital as well as the convent Delhi on Tuesday. Banerjee, who is the state’s top official, was where she was attacked, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis voiced frustra- confronted by hundreds of protesters late Monday when she vis- tion at the lack of progress in the investigation. ited the victim. “I would like to request the authorities to ensure justice is Deputy police superintendent Ajoy Prasad told AFP yesterday done,” said Cleemis, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference the nun had recorded her statement, and also confirmed that a of India. hunt for multiple offenders was still under way. “The sisters have forgiven but justice (should) be made visible “According to our preliminary investigation there were about and such acts should not happen again,” he told reporters in the eight people who broke into the convent,” he told AFP. town of Ranaghat. “I understand that the process has begun... Derek O’Brien, a lawmaker and one of Banerjee’s senior lieu- but I’d like to request the chief minister (Mamata Banerjee) to tenants, said everything possible was being done to arrest the adopt a faster approach and ensure justice is meted out at the perpetrators. “We are in close touch with the nuns, all the church PESHAWAR: Relatives and residents carry the coffin of Pakistani lawyer Samiullah Afridi, killed an attack by mili- earliest.” authorities and a CID (top crime investigation agency) probe was tants in Peshawar yesterday. A former lawyer of a Pakistani doctor who helped the CIA in the hunt for Osama bin The nun, who is in her 70s, was attacked around midnight ordered five days back,” he told NDTV. “We are doing all it takes to Laden was shot dead in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday, officials said. — AFP when a gang of robbers broke into the convent near Ranaghat arrest those people.” — AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

Taiwan youth mark anniversary of occupy parliament movement

TAIPEI: Youth groups in Taiwan are marking the tions with China, which have improved during Ma’s China,” said Ross Feingold, senior adviser with U.S.- Parliament has not ratified the trade deal, irking anniversary of a movement that occupied the island’s term but remain tense because of Beijing’s desire to based consultancy firm D.C. International Advisory. “If China as well as Ma’s government. Additional young parliament and scuttled the ratification of a trade pact have the island unify with the mainland. Beijing has an agreement is on the table, somebody is going to Taiwanese joined protesters outside the gates of parlia- with China, Taiwan’s biggest trading partner and erst- claimed Taiwan since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s, criticize it.” ment to question whether Taiwan should continue eco- while political foe. but Taiwanese prize their democratic self-rule. The Nationalists’ chief opposition, the Democratic nomic ties with China as long as the two sides are polit- A rally outside parliament Wednesday evening fol- Relations between Taipei and Beijing have changed Progressive Party, advocates more restraint in negotiat- ically at odds. They named their movement after the lowed by an overnight event Sunday will draw new little since last year’s protests, with no new deals ing with China, playing to the ideals of the Sunflower sunflower, saying they were looking into the light of attention to what has become known as the Sunflower reached between the two sides, chilling Taiwan’s eco- Movement protesters. Taiwan’s problems. Movement, which handed Taiwanese President Ma nomic expansion. Ma’s government has kept quiet on On the night of March 17, 2014, several hundred A civilian group called the Economic Democracy Ying-jeou his toughest crisis since taking office in 2008. China since the local election losses as the party gears people, apparently led by university students, entered Union prepared for a concert and speeches Stung by the occupy movement and tens of thou- up for the January 2016 presidential election, which the parliament’s normally guarded assembly hall in Wednesday. Member Chien Nien-you said the group sands of sympathy protesters, Ma’s Nationalist Party may be decided in part by voters who want more dis- central Taipei to stop a proposed fast-track ratification wants more public oversight over deals between lost nine local elections in November, prompting him tance from China. of a Taiwan-China service trade liberalization pact. The Taiwan and China and more flexibility in the constitu- to resign as party head. “The government people are cautious because pact was signed in 2013 and would open markets to tion for introducing legislation, so that “everyday peo- Protests last year also dealt a blow to Taiwan’s rela- there’s so much that could go wrong when it comes to 144 sectors, including finance. ple’s ideas can get heard.”— AP Myanmar ‘midnight inspections’ remnants of military rule

YANGON: The knock at the door of her family’s dismantle the law. The group says the law “repre- home came without warning in the dead of sents a systematic and nationwide breach of pri- night, just as it always did during Myanmar’s vacy” that has been used to obstruct public long era of military rule. Outside, a group of gov- gatherings and stymie political activists, some of ernment officials announced they had come to whom have sometimes been refused permis- verify who was living there, citing a law that sion to host guests for training workshops. empowers the state to enter private homes any “It’s a remnant of authoritarian rule that’s still time they wish. When the woman opened the being used to control the population,” Fortify’s door, they hauled her son away. executive director Matthew Smith told The Such intrusions, known here as “midnight Associated Press. He said he fears that as inspections,” have declined dramatically since Myanmar moves toward elections expected lat- Myanmar’s army ceded some power in 2011 and er this year, “we’re going to see this implement- opened the country as never before. But the law ed more and more.” that facilitates them is still on the books and Although the local administrators who being employed to suppress dissent. It’s just one enforce the law are elected, they report to and facet of the massive power the military contin- must be approved by the Home Affairs Ministry, ues to wield here despite the country’s much- a portfolio overseen by the army. The home touted transition from junta rule. affairs minister, Lt. Gen. Ko Ko, was accused in a “They knocked on the door saying they Harvard study last year of bearing responsibility needed to conduct a midnight inspection, but for the execution, torture and enslavement of when we opened it, they took my son,” the dis- civilians during his time as a military command- traught mother said of the 1 a.m. visit last week. er. The government says the law is aimed at The woman spoke on condition of anonymity ensuring peace and security. Parliament mem- KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian Muslim man reads the Quran while the other prays at a mosque in downtown Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday. — AP because she feared both for her safety and that ber Thein Nyunt said the law is essential in a of her son. Several of those detained recently country still wracked by rebel fighting and eth- had been deemed sympathetic to students nic tensions. Malaysia opposition party faces whose protests against a new education law “It’s too early to speak of abolishing it. You were brutally crushed by police this month. The can’t look at it solely from a human-rights per- night the woman’s son was taken into custody, spective. We need stability first,” he said. But he collapse over Islamic law push The Associated Press documented three other added, “We need to ensure the law is used to inspections that ended with student activists protect, rather than oppress.” being detained. Changing the law is not a priority for opposi- DAP to meet next week to reassess its participation in coalition The legislation allowing “midnight inspec- tion parties, which are more focused on amend- tions,” known as the “Ward or Village Tract ing the nation’s charter, in part to ease the mili- KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian Muslim party yes- with the federal constitution, but PAS’s leadership more progressive party factions. Administration Law,” has been on Myanmar’s tary’s hold on power. At present, soldiers are terday launched a push for harsh Islamic criminal plans to submit a bill soon in the national parlia- “It looks bad on the surface for Pakatan Rakyat,” books for nearly a century, since British colonial guaranteed 25 percent of parliament seats and punishments in a state it governs, threatening to ment seeking a federal law change to allow it. said Ibrahim Suffian, head of independent polling times. It was adopted by successive military jun- the army commanders hold the “right to take tear apart an opposition political alliance which In response, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) firm Merdeka Center. tas, which used it to monitor political opponents over and exercise state sovereign power” if an had soared to the brink of power. said it would meet next week to reassess its partici- But he said the alliance could weather the and restricting their movements, helping smoth- emergency is deemed to threaten the union. The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party’s (PAS) action in pation in the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (People’s storm, particularly if hudud is eventually scuttled er pro-democracy uprisings in 1988 and 2007. Smith also said many people are so habituat- the northeastern state of Kelantan drew a strong Pact) coalition. on constitutional grounds, and if progressives are The law requires families to obtain permis- ed to submitting to the midnight-inspections rebuke from one of its partners in Malaysia’s three- “The DAP protests vehemently the action of able to assert some control in PAS party elections sion from the state to host guests in their own law that they don’t even consider it intrusive, or party opposition alliance, which said it had been Kelantan PAS that has defied (the coalition’s wishes in June. homes, in some cases every three days, regard- a violation of human rights. Home inspections “stabbed in the back” by PAS and would review its and)... is tantamount to an act of provocation to “Being practical politicians I get a sense they less of how long the visitors are staying. People typically include community representatives of participation in the coalition. break up Pakatan Rakyat,” the party’s national won’t immediately work toward disbanding the who rent their homes are also considered the government, police, army and intelligence The opposition partnership has attracted a organising secretary Anthony Loke Siew Fook said coalition,” he said. The fracas, however, is seen as “guests,” as are squatters who have built services, even firefighters. The Myanmar Red swelling tide of votes in recent elections, winning in an emailed statement. heightening voter doubts over whether the frac- dwellings on land they don’t own. In the impov- Cross also has taken part, though last month 52 percent of ballots cast in 2013 polls, though it PAS officials say hudud in Kelantan, a rural state tious alliance could be trusted with national gov- erished Yangon neighborhood of Dala, residents announced it would no longer allow staff to par- failed to take parliament from Malaysia’s authori- in Malaysia’s northern Islamic heartland, would ernment. say administrators drive around on rickshaws ticipate. In the Dala neighborhood, several resi- tarian regime. apply only to Muslims. Muslims make up around Besides PAS and the DAP, which represents equipped with speakers reminding people to dents interviewed said that although they had But a stepped-up PAS campaign for the Islamic two-thirds of Malaysia’s diverse population of Malaysia’s large Chinese minority, the opposition register guests or “face charges according to the not experienced “midnight inspections” for near- penalties-known as hudud in Kelantan has torn about 30 million. coalition also includes the moderate, multi-racial law.” Violations are punishable by seven-day jail ly a year, they were still required to register open festering divisions in the coalition just as it party of Anwar Ibrahim. terms and fines of about $50. guests with the township administrator. struggles to hold together following the jailing last Islamist power struggle Anwar was jailed last month for five years on a The law gives administrators the right to Dala resident Htwe Yi said most people were month of its overall leader, Anwar Ibrahim. Malaysia practises a relatively tolerant brand of sodomy conviction, a major blow that removes the examine “the places needed” to ensure compli- used to the process. When a 17-year-old relative Over its partner’s objections, PAS moved in the Islam, but conservative attitudes have gained opposition’s best-known figure. He has dubbed the ance, paving the way for “midnight inspections.” came to stay with her recently, she had to send Kelantan state assembly yesterday to update and ground in recent years, fuelled by intensified jock- case a conspiracy to thwart the opposition’s This grants local officials “almost boundless him to the township administrator’s office to get strengthen a 1993 law setting out hudud, which eying between PAS and the ruling United Malays momentum. UMNO, which controls the federal par- authority” over their subjects, according to the permission first. For three weeks, her family levies penalties include amputation of limbs for National Organisation (UMNO) for the key Muslim liament, has helped stir the opposition discord by Bangkok-based advocacy group Fortify Rights, had to register the boy every three days, until theft and flogging for offences such as consuming vote. Analysts said the hudud bid reflects an effort supporting PAS’s move, but it remains unclear which is releasing a report called “Midnight authorities relaxed the requirement to each alcohol. by PAS’s conservative leadership to underline its whether it would back the required federal law Intrusions” Thursday urging the government to week.—AP The law has never been enforced as it conflicts Islamist credentials amid a power struggle with change.— AFP Singapore’s founding leader ‘critically ill’

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s founding prime minister Iron-fisted rule Many said they hoped he would live long Lee Kuan Yew is “critically ill” and his condition is Lee modernised Singapore’s economy but rights enough to witness Singapore’s 50th anniversary of worsening further while on life support in hospital, advocates have criticised the British-trained lawyer independence on August 9, an event known as the government said yesterday. for his iron-fisted rule, which has seen political “SG50”. The 91-year-old, widely credited with transform- opponents jailed or driven to bankruptcy through It gained self-rule from colonial ruler Britain in ing Singapore from an economic backwater into costly libel suits. 1959 and became a republic in 1965 after a brief and one of Asia’s wealthiest economies, has been receiv- Singapore strictly controls freedom of speech stormy union with Malaysia. ing treatment for severe pneumonia in the intensive and assembly and, while it has become more liberal “My prayer to Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Hang on. Please care unit at Singapore General Hospital since in recent years, still uses corporal punishment for be around to celebrate SG50 with the nation,” wrote February 5. crimes considered relatively minor elsewhere, such reader Elena Wee Meng Gek. “Mr. Lee Kuan Yew remains critically ill in the ICU as spraying graffiti. Netizen Sangeetha Prasad wrote: “I just don’t and has deteriorated further,” said a statement from A longtime fitness buff, Lee has visibly slowed want him to suffer so much! the office of his son, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. since his wife of 63 years, Kwa Geok Choo, died in It is really so heart wrenching! If only love could On Tuesday, the government said his condition had 2010. heal!” Others were resigned that he may not recover. worsened due to an infection, for which he was giv- In a book published in 2013, the Asian elder “No matter what the outcome is, most important en antibiotics, and doctors were closely monitoring statesman said he felt weaker by the day and want- is that Mr Lee Kuan Yew does not suffer. My prayers his condition. ed a quick death. Prime Minister Lee posted the lat- to him,” wrote reader Jessie Seah. The senior Lee has been breathing with the help est update on his father on his Facebook page and of “mechanical ventilation,” a form of life support, was immediately inundated with expressions of Vigil at hospital according to previous government statements. support, prayers and wishes for the patriarch’s recov- Crowds began to gather at the hospital following NIKININI: In this Tuesday, March 17, 2014, photo provided by UNICEF Pacific, a Family in the ery. the latest bulletin, according to an AFP reporter on Nikinini community sits surrounded by their belongings in the aftermath of Cyclone Pam. the scene. One of his grandsons was also seen enter- When Cyclone Pam ripped across the tiny South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, there were ing and leaving the hospital. “It will be sad when he fearsits monstrous winds could kill thousands. But as aid workers finally reached the archipel- dies. He has his flaws but (he) has achieved a lot for ago’s hard-hit outer islands yesterday, it appeared that residents’ familiarity with disasters and this country,” teaching assistant Imad Alatas, 33, said careful planning had spared the lives of most. — AP at the hospital. Civil servant Asyraf Jalil, 26, said: “He is a good Aid starts flowing to Vanuatu man and I’ve always seen him as the father of mod- ern Singapore.” Lee served as prime minister from as remote islands plead for help 1959 until he stepped down in 1990 in favour of his TANNA: Aid began arriving in some of cyclone- more bananas, fruit, anything. Pam took every- deputy Goh Chok Tong. Goh in turn handed the hit Vanuatu’s worst affected islands yesterday thing,” said Philemon Mansale, the head of a reins to Lee Hsien Loong in 2004. but others remain isolated, with flights over the large family from Mele village outside the capital The People’s Action Party (PAP), which was co- Pacific nation showing desperate villagers Port Vila on the main island of Efate. The south- founded by the elder Lee, has won every election spelling out the letter “H” for help. ern islands of Tanna and Erromango bore the full since 1959 and currently holds 80 of the 87 seats in Relief agencies are battling logistical chal- brunt of the cyclone when it barreled in late parliament. Lee is still an MP for the port district of lenges in the sprawling archipelago with a lack Friday, and Oxfam, the UN and CARE Australia Tanjong Pagar, but retired from advisory roles in of landing strips and deep water ports ham- said assessments showed widespread devasta- government in 2011. pering their efforts to reach distant islands and tion with entire villages destroyed. He had previously held the special cabinet posi- get a better grip on the full scale of the disas- “In Tanna at Lenakel, the provincial capital, 70 tions of senior minister and later “minister mentor” ter. Vanuatu Prime Minister Joe Natuman, who percent of houses are damaged,” CARE’s Tom after stepping down as premier. travelled to hard-hit Tanna island on Perry told AFP from Port Vila. The whole town- In a newspaper column in 2011, Lee’s physician Wednesday on a New Zealand C-130 Hercules, ship of Waesisi on Tanna’s northeast coast was daughter Lee Wei Ling revealed that he had been said “it’ll be at least a week or two” before the “inundated with water... and 100 percent dam- battling a neurological disease that makes it difficult full impact of Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam is aged”. An AFP photographer on Tanna said the for him to walk. Lee’s last high-profile public appear- known. land was stripped bare of coconut trees, wells ance was in November, when despite requiring The UN Office for the Coordination of were swamped by landslides and doctors at the assistance to walk and stand, he momentarily got to Humanitarian Affairs revised its death toll down island’s hospital worked on patients while wad- his feet to receive a standing ovation at the 60th to 11 from 24 but said it was expected to rise, ing through mud-covered floors. SINGAPORE: Lee Yi Peng (front L), son of Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong arrives at anniversary of the founding of the PAP. Lee Hsien while the Vanuatu government puts the toll at “I’ve never seen nothing like it, just the noise Singapore General Hospital in Singapore yesterday, where the country’s founding prime minister Loong, 63, was himself discharged from hospital on seven. Aid groups continued to paint a bleak and the destruction,” said Australian tourist Lee Kuan Yew has been in the intensive care unit since February 5, receiving treatment for severe February 18 after undergoing surgery for prostate picture, warning of large-scale property destruc- Andrew Brooks, who felt the cyclone’s fury as he pneumonia. Lee is “critically ill” and his condition is worsening further while on life support in hos- cancer. His doctor has said he should make a full tion and shortages of food and clean water. sheltered in a makeshift evacuation centre in a pital, the government said yesterday. — AFP recovery. — AFP “The yams are rotting in the mud. There’s no school on Tanna.—AFP NEWS THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

WASHINGTON: Britain’s Prince Charles leaves the historic 16-sided barn following a demonstration as he tours the Pioneer Farm at George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Mount Vernon, Virginia, yesterday. — AFP Concerns grow Saudi may Kuwait Prosecution ends audio-video... Continued from Page 1 constitution does not require permits to stage public gatherings. try to match ‘nuclear Iran’ The national assembly held an emergency debate on The issue came to limelight after police forcibly dis- the issue and a number of opposition groups had called persed opposition demonstrations and gatherings RIYADH: Fears that Shiite Iran will remain a potential “Seeing how costly this has been for Iran, however, I for an international investigation into the issue. which were held without prior permits. A number of nuclear threat under a mooted international deal have expect the kingdom will think twice about going down In a related development, the constitutional court activists were arrested and referred to court for break- raised concerns that Tehran’s Sunni rival Saudi Arabia such a route.” The oil-rich region is already looking to yesterday rejected a challenge against a number of arti- ing the law. could seek its own atomic capability. diversify its energy sources with nuclear power. The first cles in the public gatherings law and insisted that The national assembly interior and defense commit- As the March 31 deadline for talks between Tehran of four reactors being built for the United Arab Emirates organizing gatherings and demonstrations require prior tee meanwhile yesterday approved a draft law for com- and world powers approaches, an influential Saudi by a South Korea-led consortium is to come online in permits. pulsory military service that is expected to be debated prince has suggested his country will respond in kind if 2017. The court, whose rulings are final, said that although by the national assembly next week. a final deal leaves open the possibility of a nuclear Iran. Saudi Arabia, the Arab world’s largest economy, this the constitution emphasizes freedoms of speech and The bill reintroduces compulsory military service on Saudi Prince Turki Al-Faisal warned this month that a month signed a preliminary deal for technical and other association but such freedoms need to be organized by Kuwaitis after a break of more than three decades. The deal between Tehran and the so-called P5+1 powers nuclear cooperation with South Korea. Still, experts said the law without which the situation will become chaot- financial and economic affairs committee also complet- (Britain, France, China, Russia, the United States plus that even if Arab Gulf states develop atomic energy, ic. ed discussing amendments to the capital markets law Germany) could spark a nuclear race in the region. they would be a long way from possessing nuclear The ruling is a major disappointment for the opposi- which are expected to be debated by the national “I’ve always said whatever comes out of these talks, weapons. tion groups who had disputed the government that the assembly next week. we will want the same,” Prince Turki, the kingdom’s for- With most lacking technology for nuclear enrich- mer intelligence chief and ex-envoy to Washington, told ment, if they wanted to quickly acquire weapons-grade the BBC. material they would have to buy it, said Anthony 21 die in Tunisia museum attack “So if Iran has the ability to enrich uranium to what- Cordesman of the Centre for Strategic and International Continued from Page 1 Increasing radicalization ever level, it’s not just Saudi Arabia that’s going to ask Studies in Washington. An army offensive against the jihadists, who are linked to for that. “The whole world will be an open door to go Interior ministry spokesman Mohamed Ali Aroui told Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, has been underway since that route without any inhibition, and that’s my main ‘Jeopardizing’ ties with US reporters that “two or more terrorists armed with 2012 but the ground and air campaign has failed to eliminate objection to this P5+1 process,” he said. “Then the only way they could turn it into weapons, Kalashnikovs” had targeted the Bardo National Museum next them. The country is also fighting against the radicalization of Negotiators are trying this week in Switzerland to given their technology base, would be to have access to to the Tunisian parliament. Muslim youth, with authorities saying as many as 3,000 reach a deal over Iran’s nuclear program, which Tehran the weapons designs of a country like Pakistan,” he said. Aroui said about 100 tourists had been inside the museum Tunisians have gone to Iraq, Syria and neighboring Libya to at the time of the attack. He said “anti-terrorist units” had fight in jihadist ranks, including with the Islamic State group. insists is peaceful but which world powers fear will give Asaad Al-Shamlan, a political science professor at entered the museum but refused to confirm reports of a Some 500 are now believed to have returned to Tunisia. the Islamic republic a nuclear weapon. Riyadh’s Institute of Diplomatic Studies, said he sees no hostage taking. Essebsi said the government’s “top priority” is “providing Under a landmark November 2013 interim deal, basis for “speculation” that Riyadh is pursuing nuclear In Brussels, Valls said he condemned “this terrorist attack in security and the battle against terrorism” after it took office Tehran stopped expanding its nuclear activities in power as a way of countering Iran. “I don’t think it’s the strongest terms”, adding that there had been a “hostage last month following Tunisia’s first free elections. Tunisia return for minor relief from sanctions which have crip- geared towards that,” he said, adding that the economic taking”. French President Francois Hollande also expressed his kicked off the Arab Spring with its overthrow of Ben Ali and, pled its economy. case for nuclear power is forceful in a country which country’s “solidarity” with Tunisia, a former French colony. despite the continued unrest, has taken pride in forming a consumes much of its own petroleum resources for President Beji Caid Essebsi was to make a public statement stable and democratic government. Regional rivals electricity. Still, he said a nuclear deal that leaves Iran to the nation, spokesman Moez Sinaoui told AFP. The Bardo The country is hoping to rebuild its once-burgeoning Tehran and the international group are still far apart with “latent capability”-the potential to quickly develop National Museum, a famed repository of ancient artefacts, is tourism industry, which is struggling to recover from the on key issues including the future size of Iran’s capacity nuclear weapons from a peaceful program-would raise next door to Tunisia’s parliament, where work was suspended effects of the 2011 revolution. Tourist arrivals dropped by for uranium enrichment, a process which can make concerns among Gulf countries. during the attack. three percent last year. The Bardo museum, renowned for its nuclear fuel but also the ingredients for a bomb. As the “One of the options is for the GCC countries to try to An Islamist lawmaker, Monia Brahim, told AFP that gun- exceptional collection of ancient mosaics, is a significant fire from the initial assault prompted parliamentary commit- draw and opened a new wing in 2012 following a major deadline nears, Washington appears to have aban- acquire at least an equal capacity for such latent capa- tees to suspend their meetings as lawmakers were ordered facelift. It boasts objects from prehistory, the Phoenician peri- doned demands that Iran completely dismantle its bility,” Shamlan said, referring to the six-nation Gulf to assemble in the main chamber. “There was enormous pan- od and Punic and Numidian times, as well as Roman, nuclear activities, raising fears in the Gulf, where Saudi Cooperation Council. ic,” another lawmaker, Sayida Ounissi, wrote on Twitter, say- Christian and Islamic artifacts. Arabia has long vied with Iran for regional influence. But politically that would be far from simple. “It’s very ing the attack took place during hearings on Tunisia’s anti- Its curator had described it as “the flagship” of Tunisia’s “There is a concern that Saudi Arabia and perhaps easy to say ‘Oh, let’s go for a latent capability’,” Shamlan terrorism law. Tunisia has seen an upsurge in Islamist extrem- heritage. Housed in a former palace dating from the 19th other states in the region may now seek similar capabili- said. “But I think that has to be addressed within the ism since the 2011 revolution that ousted longtime strong- century, the museum greeted hundreds of thousands of visi- ties” to Iran’s, said Mark Fitzpatrick, director of the non- framework of the strategic relationship with the West, man Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Dozens of police and military tors every year before the revolution. In 2011 the number proliferation and disarmament program at the London- how to address this question without jeopardizing the personnel have been killed or wounded in attacks blamed dropped to about 100,000 but attendance had been recover- based International Institute for Strategic Studies. close relationship with United States.” — AFP on Islamist militants. ing. — AFP THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Focus Poll result boosts Palestinian resolve to oppose Israel

By Nasser Abu Bakr

he reelection of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has ruled out a Palestinian state Ton his watch, has only strengthened the resolve of Palestinians to battle Israel on the world stage. After Netanyahu’s Likud took a comfortable lead over its centre-left rival, the Zionist Union, in Tuesday’s election, the Palestinian leadership slammed Israelis for choosing “occupation and settlements” over peace. “Israel chose the path of racism, occupation and settle- ment building, and did not choose the path of negotia- tions and partnership between us,” senior Palestine Liberation Organization official Yasser Abed Rabbo said. The Palestinians, he warned, would intensify efforts to sue Israel for alleged war crimes and other violations on occupied territory through the International Criminal Court (ICC). Israel likely headed toward isolation Netanyahu on Monday, a day before the vote, vowed there would be no Palestinian state if he were reelected, and pledged to ramp up Jewish settlement By Dan Perry territory may soon become inseparable from Israel proper. Parties on the left would trade the land for peace and building on Palestinian territory to ensure that. “We will Combined with the Jews in occupied and annexed east allow the creation of a Palestinian state. They also argue continue to build in Jerusalem... and in the face of all enjamin Netanyahu’s apparent reelection puts Israel Jerusalem, there are some 600,000 Jews living on occupied that the lands are a liability because with their millions of the (international) pressure, we will persist and contin- on a course toward ever deeper confrontation with land. Palestinians their incorporation would destroy Israel as a ue to develop our eternal capital,” he said. For the Bthe world. To govern, his Likud Party would need to In recent days, Netanyahu has said that he would not Jewish-majority state. The right emphasizes the lands’ Palestinians, his victory makes their course of action depend on ultranationalists - a recipe for neither stability allow the creation of a Palestinian state if elected. The strategic value and biblical symbolism and pushes con- clear. “Netanyahu has buried the two-state solution,” nor bold moves toward Mideast peace. A period of some Palestinians have already said they would take their case stantly for settling them with Jews. Its success in this chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat said. horse-trading looms. With Likud as well as rightist and reli- against Israel to war crimes tribunals and other internation- endeavor has, paradoxically, put the country on a path “There is no partner for peace in Israel. gious allies, Netanyahu still only commands 57 out of 120 al bodies. A campaign to boycott Israel seems poised to toward being a place where Jews are no longer a strong “We say clearly that we will go to the International parliament seats. He must woo Moshe Kahlon, a relative gain traction. Netanyahu’s relations with the US adminis- majority. Criminal Court in The Hague and we will speed up, pur- newcomer to the big leagues of Israeli politics. Breaking tration of President Barack Obama are frosty at best. The issue is Israel’s existential dilemma, central to the sue and intensify” all diplomatic efforts, he added. away from Netanyahu’s nationalist Likud two years ago world’s interest and fundamental to determining the coun- after a falling out with the premier, he adopted a vaguely Frosty relations try’s ultimate character. But after decades of failure and dis- ‘Extremism and violence’ centrist platform and flirted with Isaac Herzog’s more mod- International isolation looms. Netanyahu knows the appointment accompanied by periods of violence, Israelis In December, the Palestinians submitted a UN erate Zionist Union. If he is non-aligned as he claims, then complications of all this and may try to draw in Herzog, to have despaired of peace and politicians increasingly Security Council resolution-which was voted down-call- he holds the balance of power between Israel’s traditional give his government a more moderate character. But he address the Palestinian matter with evasion, mendacity or has promised, in his final appeals to his base, not to do this doubletalk. ing for an end to Israel’s occupation of the West Bank right and left blocs, each with just under half of parliament. It is widely thought that it would be too awkward for - and Herzog would probably demand a rotation in the The Zionist Union is a rebranding of Israel’s once vener- within two years. In January, they joined the ICC, where the former Likud figure to crown the opposition unless premier’s post as his price. able Labor Party, which led the country for three decades they plan to take action as early as next month. Herzog’s party enjoyed a cushion of several seats over Kahlon seems to dislike Netanyahu intensely, and he after its founding but last won an election in 1999. That Netanyahu’s government retaliated by freezing hun- Likud. Polls had suggested that would happen, but the certainly has the power to crown Herzog, a mild-mannered brought to power its then-leader Ehud Barak, who became dreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues due for actual vote count on Wednesday showed the opposite: lawyer and scion of a venerable family of Zionist founders. the first prime minister to offer the Palestinians a state, on transfer to the Palestinian Authority (PA), souring Likud was ahead by 30-24 seats. Kahlon’s platform is moderate, as are top lieutenants in his most of the occupied territories. No deal was struck and a already tense relations. If Kahlon does go with Netanyahu, it would give the party, and despite his Likud roots he has supported the violent Palestinian uprising erupted, leaving Labor in Under Netanyahu, Israel continued to build settle- hard-liner a fourth term that, if completed, would make idea of peace talks. It is not inconceivable that the left’s shambles ever since. ments on Palestinian territory during US-brokered him Israel’s longest-serving leader, on par with the nation’s desire to unseat Netanyahu extends to offering Kahlon a Meanwhile, the political system has fragmented in ways peace talks in 2012-13, ultimately causing their col- founder David Ben Gurion. That would not bode well for rotation as prime minister. that align with Israel’s internal divisions. So there are par- lapse. prospects of peace with the Palestinians or a rapproche- The issue has defined Israeli politics ever since the 1967 ties for Russian immigrants, Sephardic Jews, different types The Palestinians say their moves on the international ment between Israel and the region, which seems tantaliz- Middle East war, which cemented Israel as a regional pow- of religious Jews, secular and progressive citizens, the arena are the only chance to force change, doubting ingly close in an era in which many of the neighboring er but saddled it with occupied territories including the European-oriented middle class, and a new union of Israeli after decades of conflict and round upon round of Arab nations fear jihadi extremism far more than they Palestinian-populated West Bank and Gaza Strip. Israel Arab parties that individually are nationalist, Islamic or failed talks that direct negotiations can work. oppose Israel. withdrew from Gaza in 2005, but to many the territory, run socialist. Only one thing seems certain: Pressure to over- “Netanyahu is liable to plunge the whole region into Under Netanyahu, Israel has deepened its hold on the by Hamas militants and blockaded on all side by Israel and haul the electoral system that has yielded such chaos will more extremism and violence,” PLO member Hanan West Bank, adding Jewish settlers to the point where the Egypt, remains part of the equation. grow. —AP Ashrawi said in a statement. Erakat said that under Netanyahu and “the most extremist rightwing government... we don’t have a partner in Israel. Assyrians struggle in Lebanon after fleeing IS “So the international community must stand shoul- der to shoulder with us to expedite our efforts toward ... By Layal Abou Rahal Hasakeh, which are both under Kurdish his diocese. “Our people have experi- Waiting for asylum defining our relations with Israel.” Israel’s chief ally, the and Syrian government control. enced a great tragedy in Syria,” he added Many of those receiving aid could not United States, has opposed what it calls “unilateral” aiting in an aid line outside with a sigh, saying that many of the new yet imagine a return to villages where efforts towards achieving Palestinian statehood. Lebanon’s capital Beirut, ‘A great tragedy’ arrivals were traumatized. they say IS fighters blew up churches and But much of the international community has sup- WAssyrian Christian Francie Yaacoub and her family went to “They are depressed. Some of them looted homes. But staying in Lebanon is ported previous Palestinian efforts at the UN-including Yaacoub remembers the well-stocked Hasakeh city first, then travelled on to have chronic illnesses. Their lives are diffi- not easy. a successful bid to gain non-member observer status in home she left behind in Syria as she fled Damascus before finally arriving in Sid cult,” he said. Authorities granted fleeing Assyrians 2012. The Israelis, including Netanyahu, are aware of advancing Islamic State group jihadists. Al-Boushriyeh, east of Beirut. “How can we be comfortable, living a special exception to tight new restric- this. Already yesterday, a Likud MP and close confidant “We left behind a house full of every- Around 300 Assyrian refugees have on aid?” asked 50-year-old Simaan, who tions on Syrian refugees imposed at the of the prime minister told public radio that if the PA thing. Why do we now have to stand at arrived in the district since the beginning fled his village Tal Hormuz. He railed beginning of this year. An influx of more “changes its attitude,” it would “find the Likud’s out- the church door?” she asked quietly as of March, and many lined up on Tuesday against what he called international than 1.1 million Syrian refugees into stretched hand for a resumption of dialogue”. she waited to receive aid at the Assyrian afternoon at the local Assyrian diocese to indifference to the plight of Assyrians Lebanon has tested the country’s diocese of Sid Al-Boushriyeh. receive aid distributed by the In Defence under attack by IS in Syria and neighbor- resources and the patience of its four ‘No more masks’ She is one of hundreds of Assyrian Of Christians (IDC) group. ing Iraq. “The whole world, from the UN million citizens. It is unclear whether the Palestinians would accept Christians who have arrived in Lebanon “The villages of Khabur are empty to the United States and Russia, is overtures from Netanyahu’s Israel. For now, their posi- Yaacoub’s family, and the five other tion has hardened, and Palestinian officials have sug- in recent weeks after IS jihadists stormed now, there is no one left except some responsible,” he said angrily. refugees living with them, are struggling gested there is no going back, saying Netanyahu has their villages in Syria’s northeastern fighters,” lamented Chorbishop Yatron “They (IS) have destroyed our whole to pay monthly rent of around $500 for showed his true colours. province of Hasakeh. Members of Koliana, as he oversaw the distribution at civilization... and the world is watching.” their home, with little left over for food. “No more masks. #Netanyahu kills the two states Lebanon’s Assyrian community, many of IDC representative Alexei Moukarzel, solution and Israel is officially an #Apartheid state,” them related to those who fled Hasakeh, overseeing the distribution of thousands Palestinian legislator Mustafa Barghouti said on his are doing their best to welcome the new of food baskets and hundreds of mat- Twitter account. Palestinian journalist Daoud Kuttab refugees, but the displacement has left tresses, criticized a lack of international commented: “The Israeli elections forced Netanyahu to them traumatized. attention. “The world is not paying reveal his real position.” But on the Palestinian street, Yaacoub, in her fifties, now lives in a enough attention to these groups who there is a feeling that at least they know where they small house with her son, husband and have been forcibly displaced,” he said. stand with a fourth term for Netanyahu. five other Assyrian refugees. Her family The Assyrians are an ancient Christian A Zionist Union win would more likely have meant a fled their village, Tal Nasri, during a terri- community, present in the region for resumption of peace talks, which have seemed fying IS bombardment last week. thousands of years, and Koliana and the doomed to fail at almost every turn. —AFP “We left in our pyjamas. My son Assyrian church are determined to walked barefoot, we left without our ensure the minority continues to be rep- shoes on,” she said. resented in the region. “I urge the “The shells were falling all around us... Assyrians now in Lebanon... to keep alive All articles appearing on these We had to flee because the safety of your the hope of returning to Khabur, because pages are the personal opinion of children is the most important thing.” Khabur is our land, and is where our Yaacoub’s family was not alone-thou- ancestors and martyrs are buried,” the writers. Kuwait Times takes no sands of Assyrians have been forced to Koliana told AFP. responsibility for views expressed abandon their villages along Hasakeh’s But many Assyrians fleeing Syria, like therein. Kuwait Times invites read- Khabur river since IS jihadists began an the Christians displaced from Iraq before ers to voice their opinions. Please attack there in February. them, are now seeking to leave the send submissions via email to: opin- The group has seized at least 11 of the region altogether. One man at the dio- 33 Assyrian villages in the region, and cese, who refused to give his name and [email protected] or via snail kidnapped more than 200 members of spoke in a barely audible whisper, mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. the ancient Christian sect, which num- BEIRUT: Assyrian Christians, who fled advancing Islamic State group acknowledged that he had no plans to The editor reserves the right to edit bered around 30,000 in Syria before the jihadists in the Syrian province of Hasakeh, receive humanitarian aid sup- stay. any submission as necessary. war. Many residents fled to the city of plies outside the Assyrian diocese of Sid Al-Boushriyeh, on the outskirts of “I’m waiting to get asylum in Australia Qamishli, or the provincial capital the Lebanese capital Beirut, on Tuesday. —AFP with my family.” —AFP THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 SPORTS

Police arrest Parma boss Russia’s doping claims row Trott gets England recall ROME: Italian police said yesterday they had arrested the chairman of MOSCOW: IAAF treasurer Valentin Balakhnichev says Russia LONDON: Jonathan Trott was yesterday named in the England Test squad for the first time beleaguered soccer club Parma and 21 others on charges including has received signals from international sports bodies that it since having to withdraw from the 2013-14 Ashes series with a stress-related condition. embezzlement and money laundering. could be cleared of allegations of systematic doping. The South Africa-born batsman, 34, was recalled by the England and Wales Cricket Giampiero Manenti, whose club faces a bankruptcy hearing today, is A documentary broadcast on German television in Board (ECB) as part of a 16-man party for a three-Test tour of the West Indies starting next accused of investing illicit funds, as part of a probe that has led to dozens December accused Russia’s athletics federation - then head- month. “Jonathan Trott produced some outstanding performances for Warwickshire last of raids across the country. ed by Balakhnichev - the sports ministry, and anti-doping summer, scoring five centuries, and also made an unbeaten double-hundred during the The club was not immediately available for comment. A police source authorities of carrying out an organized doping program. recent successful England Lions tour,” said national selector James Whitaker in a statement. said the public accounts department of Italy’s Treasury was among the That documentary, based chiefly on testimony from for- “He is a player of proven international pedigree, and we are delighted to welcome him sites raided. The Treasury was not immediately available for comment. mer Russian anti-doping official Vitaly Stepanov and his wife back into the squad.” All-rounder Ben Stokes was also included, along with the uncapped Prosecutor Michele Prestipino Giarrita said the case related to a Yulia, an athlete, led to investigations from the IAAF and the trio of Durham fast bowler Mark Wood, Yorkshire spinner Adil Rashid and Yorkshire opening group of suspected information fraudsters and money laun- batsman Adam Lyth. derers who had moved millions of euros from a Swiss bank World Anti-Doping Agency, which are ongoing. “The IAAF investigation isn’t even finished yet, but col- Captain Alastair Cook returns as well, having been left out of the 50-over using cloned credit cards. The suspicion is that the group squad for the ongoing Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where “made available to Manenti a sum of around 4.5 million leagues in international organizations are supporting us, and they adhere to the opinion that there was no truth in England crashed out in the first round. Lyth is likely to compete with Trott for euros ($4.78 million) through a system which you could call the right to open the batting alongside Cook after Sam Robson was dropped. banal but was certainly simple”, Prestipino told a news con- the Stepanovs’ statements,” Balakhnichev told the Tass agency. Trott flew home from Brisbane 16 months ago and had to abort an attempt- ference in Rome. ed return to first-class cricket last year before flourishing with Warwickshire Balakhnichev also criticized the whistleblower, Stepanov, A new law passed last year that defined a crime of in the second half of the 2014 season. It earned him a call-up for the second- for what he said was “anti-Russian propaganda.” investing ill-gotten gains in other business concerns - string England Lions’ tour of South Africa and he impressed as captain on his Balakhnichev voluntarily suspended himself from his duties known as “autoriciclaggio” - has been used for the return to his native country, scoring an unbeaten double-century against first time in this case, Prestipino said.—Reuters as IAAF treasurer and council member for the duration of South Africa A in Paarl.—AFP the investigation by its ethics commission.—AP Global race sets sail

AUCKLAND: Volvo Ocean Race’s six-strong Fisher, the British navigator for current fleet finally set sail for ItajaÌ, Brazil, yester- leaders Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. day after Cyclone Pam kept it waiting in “It’s going to be the first time the whole port nearly three more days than planned. fleet sees a lot of wind for an extended Organisers and skippers agreed to delay period and it might shuffle the pack. Sunday’s planned start for the fifth leg until Keeping in one piece all the way to the Wednesday 0900 local time (2000 Tuesday Horn is important, because that’s where GMT), because of the threat of the weather the race will be won and lost.” system that killed at least 11 people in The boats are expected to arrive in ItajaÌ Vanuatu. The boats will now escape any around April 7. China’s Dongfeng Race serious threat from the weather but still Team were the first crew to exit Auckland’s face a treacherous 6,776-nautical mile waters. stage through the Southern Ocean, around Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, headed by Cape Horn and into the Atlantic to ItajaÌ in British skipper Ian Walker, lead the stand- south-eastern Brazil. ings after four legs with Dongfeng Race In the last race in 2011-12, five of the six Team level on eight points but with an infe- competing boats suffered serious damage rior record in the in-port series which is the and only four completed the leg. tie-breaker. Conditions are likely to be the toughest in Team Brunel (Netherlands) are on 14 the nine-month race so far with waves points ahead of Team Alvimedica around Cape Horn on the southern tip of (Turkey/U.S, 16 points), MAPFRE (Spain, 18) Chile sometimes reaching 30 metres (100 and Team SCA (Sweden, 24). feet). The team with the lowest points tally Many see the leg as a key staging post in will win the nine leg, 38,739 nautical mile the overall race. “There’s nowhere else on race that visits 11 ports and is scheduled to earth where you can do so much fast finish on June 27 in Gothenburg in downwind sailing for so long,” said Simon Sweden. —Reuters Masoe relishing tougher Super League challenge

LEEDS: Mose Masoe is used to winning to again playing alongside Atelea Vea - the with St Helens but the former Sydney former Melbourne Storm second row who Roosters forward insists Super League life is has impressed since his winter switch from much tougher this time around. Masoe relegated London Broncos. arrived at Langtree Park last year and swift- “When we won our second game he SAN JOSE: Corey Crawford No. 50 of the Chicago Blackhawksmakes a save on a shot in this file photo. —AFP ly helped the Saints to a first Super League said he had doubled his wins in Super title in almost a decade. League - that was quite funny,” said Masoe. This season has kicked off in a similar “He has brought something different to the vein - five wins from five leaving them top table, which has been good.” Islanders fall to Blackhawks of the pile at this stage, following a hard- Elsewhere, Ken Sio is hoping to prolong fought 30-20 victory at Widnes Vikings last his hot streak this weekend when Hull KR CHICAGO: Jonathan Toews scored twice and confirmed after the officials gathered to discuss assists, and Ladd also had an assist for Winnipeg weekend. visit Widnes. A hat-trick against Catalans assisted on both of Marian Hossa’s goals to lead it. Niklas Svedberg had 23 saves for Boston. Loui (35-23-12), which began a three-game homes- However, the 25-year-old New Zealand- Dragons last time out took the former the Chicago Blackhawks past the slumping New Eriksson scored for Boston 9:55 into the game. tand. Joe Pavelski scored twice and Joe Thornton born Samoan international believes the Paramatta Eels flyer to six tries already this York Islanders 4-1 on Tuesday night. assisted on both for the Sharks (34-28-8), who slimmed down competition - following last Super League season. Toews recorded his first four-point game this SENATORS 2, HURRICANES 1 started a seven-game road trip. Ondrej Pavelec season’s double relegation - had added a The 24-year-old credits Aussie half-back season as the Blackhawks won their third Mark Stone scored the winning goal 4:46 into made 38 saves for the Jets in his first consecutive competitive edge. duo Albert Kelly and Terry Campese for straight and improved to 7-1-1 since Feb. 24 overtime, and Andrew Hammond became the starts since late November. San Jose’s Antti And with Warrington Wolves - fresh from much of his success. “We have so many when leading scorer Patrick Kane broke his col- second goalie in NHL history to allow two goals Niemi started his sixth straight game, but was beating high-flying Leeds Rhinos - the visi- quality players in the team like Terry and larbone against Florida. or fewer in each of his first 12 starts as Ottawa replaced by Alex Stalock after allowing three tors on Thursday, Masoe admits St Helens Albert,” he said. New York’s Nikolay Kulemin scored at 5:29 of edged Hurricanes. Hammond (11-0-1) matched goals on eight shots. need to step up another gear. “They are two very good halves and third period to end Corey Crawford’s shutout the record set by Boston’s Frank Brimsek, who “Widnes are always strong at home so they are always going to create chances for bid, but the Islanders lost their season-worst also went 12 consecutive games in 1938 without BLUES 4, FLAMES 0 going in at half-time I think the boys were me and the rest of the team. It’s great to fourth straight. giving up more than two goals. Alex Steen scored two goals and Brian Elliott quite worried, but we just stuck to our play alongside them. Although Crawford made 38 saves, he wasn’t Hammond made 35 saves to outduel made 25 saves to lead St. Louis over Calgary. Jori game plan,” he said. “We dug in deep (against Catalans) tested heavily by the goal-starved Islanders. Carolina’s Anton Khudobin, who stopped 31 Lehtera and David Backes also scored for St. “It’s nice to be on top but we are playing when we were behind. We are going to New York has scored only one goal in each of its shots but lost for the first time in six career Louis, which won for the fifth time in six games Warrington and they beat Leeds so it’s have to continue to dig deep at Widnes on four consecutive losses. appearances against Ottawa. and moved into sole possession of first place in going to be a tough one. They are one of Sunday because they are also a good The Islanders are five points behind the Elias Lindholm gave Carolina a 1-0 lead in the the Central Division - one point ahead on the teams that are always fighting for tro- team.” Atlantic Division-leading New York Rangers, who first period with his 15th goal. Patrick Wiercioch Nashville. phies and it’s always a tough game - it’s Salford owner Dr Marwan Koukash have played four fewer games. Michal Neuvirth tied it in the second for Ottawa with his second. The Blues are in a three-way tie for first over- going to be a cracker. “They like to play fast believes his side are in capable hands made 26 saves in place of injured No. 1 goalie The Senators are 12-1-1 since a 6-3 home loss to all in the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks and New and they like to try and get through you as ahead of a trip to Castleford Tigers on Jaroslav Halak. the Hurricanes on Feb. 16. York Rangers. Jonas Hiller made 22 saves to fall a team. We are kind of similar styles. Friday, after bringing in Australia coach Tim to 21-18-4 for Calgary, which tumbled out of a “It’s been a lot tougher than last year. Sheens in an advisory capacity with the CANADIENS 3, PANTHERS 2 WILD 3, PREDATORS 2 Western Conference playoff spot after Winnipeg Everyone is trying to fight for the top eight Red Devils. PK Subban scored the last of Montreal’s three Matt Dumba scored 22 seconds into overtime beat San Jose. spots and having the champions label on “It has been great to have had someone second-period goals as the Canadiens held on to to give Minnesota a win over Nashville. Charlie you, everyone is trying to beat you. We of this stature helping us,” he said. “I do beat Florida. Jacob De La Rose had a goal and an Coyle had the other two goals for Minnesota, CANUCKS 4, FLYERS 1 have had five tough games and it is going wish I had done it last year. “Tim is a great assist, and Alexei Emelin also scored for the which won for the third time in four games. Alexandre Burrows scored a pair of goals 17 to be another one today.” person and everyone has loved him being Canadiens. Dustin Tokarski made 41 saves in his Roman Josi scored both goals for the seconds apart in the third period, and Vancouver Australian scrum-half Luke Walsh is still here. We have played well while he has first start in six games and earned his second Predators, who have lost three of four and five beat Philadelphia. Burrows, back after missing a not ready to return from an ankle problem been here. Maybe it is the Tim Sheens win in seven starts. Brandon Pirri and Aleksander straight at home. Just after overtime began, win Saturday over Toronto because of a groin on Thursday, but Masoe is looking forward effect.” —AFP Barkov scored for the Panthers. Zach Parise left a drop pass for Dumba at the top injury, broke a 1-1 tie at 6:44. Dan Ellis stopped 22 shots in his sixth of the right circle, where he ripped a slap shot Fans barely had a chance to sit when Burrows straight start. The Canadiens won for just the past goalie Pekka Rinne. scored his second of the night and 14th of the third time in nine games, but they remain atop season off a rebound of Daniel Sedin’s shot at the Atlantic Division with 95 points. The JETS 5, SHARKS 2 7:01. Sedin assisted on each goal by Burrows. Panthers lost their second straight after winning Blake Wheeler scored two goals and added Alexander Edler added a goal and an assist, and three consecutively. an assist to help Winnipeg top San Jose. The Jets Radim Vrbata scored into an empty net for the built a 3-0 lead in the first period on goals by Canucks, who moved three points ahead of DEVILS 2, PENGUINS 0 Adam Lowry, Mark Scheifele and Andrew Ladd. Calgary for second place in the Pacific Division. Cory Schneider made 35 saves in earning his Wheeler scored his first of the game in the sec- Eddie Lack made 27 saves. Michael Raffl had the fifth shutout of the season, and New Jersey sent ond period and another in the third. lone goal for Philadelphia, and Steve Mason Pittsburgh to its third straight loss. Scheifele and Drew Stafford had a pair of stopped 31 shots. —AP Jacob Josefson scored in the second period for the Devils, who are 9-3-2 in their last 14 games to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. Adam Henrique iced the game with an empty- NHL results/standings net goal with 49 seconds to go. The shutout loss was the second in three games for the Penguins, New Jersey 2, Pittsburgh 0; Ottawa 2, Carolina 1 (OT); Montreal 3, Florida 2; Buffalo 2, Boston 1 (SO); Minnesota 3, who have scored only one goal in that span. This Nashville 2 (OT); Winnipeg 5, San Jose 2; Chicago 4, NY Islanders 1; St. Louis 4, Calgary 0; Vancouver 4, Philadelphia 1. was their second straight game without star for- ward Evgeni Malkin, who has a lower-body Western Conference Tampa Bay 43 21 7 230 184 93 injury. Sidney Crosby missed the first game in Pacific Division Detroit 38 19 11 200 183 87 that stretch after being unable to play following W L OTL GF GA PTS Boston 36 23 11 185 177 83 warmups. Pittsburgh’s Thomas Greiss made 17 Anaheim 44 20 7 208 195 95 Ottawa 34 24 11 196 181 79 saves. Vancouver 40 25 4 197 185 84 Los Angeles 34 22 13 186 172 81 Florida 31 25 14 172 195 76 SABRES 2, BRUINS 1 Calgary 38 27 5 205 185 81 Toronto 27 38 6 188 226 60 Anders Lindback made seven of his 44 saves San Jose 34 28 8 195 198 76 Buffalo 20 43 7 134 235 47 in overtime, then shut out Boston for three Arizona 21 41 8 145 231 50 Metropolitan Division Edmonton 19 39 12 164 239 50 NY Rangers 44 17 7 207 158 95 rounds of the shootout as Buffalo rallied to win. Central Division NY Islanders 43 25 4 222 203 90 Lindback stopped Torey Krug on Boston’s last St. Louis 45 20 5 218 170 95 chance in the shootout, clinching his first victory Nashville 43 21 8 205 176 94 Pittsburgh 39 21 10 196 175 88 as a starter this season. Lindback was 0-10-2 as a Chicago 42 21 6 202 158 90 Washington 38 23 10 209 175 86 starter with Dallas and the Sabres, who acquired Minnesota 39 24 7 199 175 85 Philadelphia 29 28 15 187 206 73 him on Feb. 11. Rasmus Ristolainen scored Winnipeg 35 23 12 196 188 82 New Jersey 30 29 11 160 179 71 Buffalo’s only goal early in the third period to tie Colorado 32 26 11 184 193 75 Columbus 30 35 4 180 218 64 Dallas 32 28 10 218 229 74 it, and the Sabres earned their first victory over Carolina 26 34 9 162 189 61 Boston this season. Eastern Conference Atlantic Division Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the Tyler Ennis had the only goal in the shootout, Montreal 44 20 7 187 159 95 standings and are not included in the loss column (L). Mose Masoe in action in this file photo. putting a wrist shot under the crossbar that was THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 SPORTS

Early retirements over health may have ripple effect

NEW YORK: The NFL has endured a youth football around the country,” he The NFL asserts the game has “never brain disease. Last month Giants punter Steve tumultuous season dealing with domes- said about worries over the effects of been safer.” “We respect Chris Borland’s David Carter, executive director of Weatherford and former NFL receiver tic abuse cases, a murder trial and a head trauma from gridiron collisions. decision and wish him all the best. the Sports Business Institute in Sydney Rice, who retired last year at age probe into possible cheating, but it is a Borland’s surprise announcement on Playing any sport is a personal decision,” California, said he did not think 27 after numerous concussions, spate of early retirements that may have Monday followed the retirements of Jeff Miller, the NFL’s senior vice presi- Borland’s retirement would have a announced they were donating their the longest lasting impact. quarterback Jake Locker (26) and line- dent of health and safety policy, said in domino effect. brains after death for medical research. Chris Borland, a 24-year-old line- backers Jason Worilds (27) and Patrick a statement. “That is really unlikely, but I think Zimbalist predicts health concerns backer who led the San Francisco 49ers Willis (30). “By any measure, football has never we’ll see added pressure now on youth will have an impact. “This 24 year old in tackles as a rookie last season, “I just honestly want to do what’s been safer ... with rule changes, safer leagues, high schools and even college giving up his career is a dramatic state- became the fourth player in a week best for my health,” Borland, who met tackling techniques at all levels of foot- football,” said Carter. ment and something to be reckoned aged 30 or younger to retire, calling it with prominent concussion researchers ball, and better equipment, protocols “When the mother of a Pop Warner with,” he said. quits over concerns about the long- before making his decision, told ESPN. and medical care for players.” (Little League) player sees that, it gives “We’ll see more and more poor kids term effects of repetitive head trauma. “From what I’ve researched and what Miller said concussions in NFL games them something else to talk about over populate the game. Middle income kids “This is the most serious challenge I’ve experienced, I don’t think it’s worth were down 25 percent last year, contin- the dinner table.” will say, ‘I have a choice and I don’t want for the NFL in the short run and the long the risk.” uing a three-year trend. Yet the suicide NYU professor Robert Boland con- to take a chance of shortening my life.’ run,” Smith College economics professor The National Football League, mean- deaths of high-profile former players curred. “This is one more log on the pile “They’ll lose some of their fan base and sports business author Andrew while, awaits judicial approval over their Dave Duerson and Junior Seau, who will of arguments that this is not a safe over time but will hold on to a good Zimbalist told Reuters in a telephone settlement offer to a lawsuit brought by be inducted posthumously into the Hall game,” he said. “I bet (the NFL) wished chunk of it. ... gladiatorial contests are interview on Tuesday. “It’s being mani- former players that could cost the of Fame in August, shined a chilling that he had a change of heart or that he things humans have put up with and fested in lower participation rates in league $1 billion in damages. light on the effects of degenerative had not said it the way he did.” enjoyed for a long time.” —Reuters Mercedes fights for F1 title off the track

AUSTRALIA: The only thing that could thing considering some of his past advoca- keep Mercedes from running away with the cy for ideas like artificial rain and short-cut Formula One title again this year lies off the lanes. track, not on it. However, Ecclestone still has a lot of pull Last weekend’s season-opening race in to get things going his way, so Mercedes Australia showed what everyone had sus- team leader Toto Wolff will be aware he will pected; Mercedes’ dominance from 2014 have a fight on his hands for months to has not been eroded and may even have come to prevent the rules from being increased. changed in the middle of the season. Even before Lewis Hamilton led Nico It looms as a straight fight between the Rosberg to the checkered flag in yet anoth- power and influence of Horner and er one-two finish, the critics were out, Mateschitz on one side, and Mercedes on denouncing the race as boring and the sea- the other. The latter may have the edge giv- son ahead a fait accompli. en that Ferrari - the tiebreaker in all such The complaints were loudest from the disputes in F1 - has little appetite for a Red Bull team, which had a disappointing political fight at this stage. With Vettel fin- weekend in which its Renault engines had ishing third in his team debut and showing a slew of problems and local favorite Daniel more promise this season, rocking the boat Ricciardo finished sixth, unable to even seems to make little sense. catch the modest Sauber ahead of him. “Our job is to attack Mercedes on the With no chance of catching up to track,” Ferrari team principal Maurizio Mercedes on the track this season - even Arrivabene said, “not to change the rules.” allowing for engine upgrades which have While few regarded Red Bull’s post-race been re-introduced to the sport - Red Bull complaints as anything other than trying to sought to peg its rival back politically, urg- advance its own cause, there is validity in ing immediate but unspecified changes to the need to take steps to prevent the now- the rules to inhibit Mercedes. established pattern of one team utterly Red Bull even invoked the option of dominating a season. From the withdrawing from the sport altogether. “If Schumacher-era of Ferrari, to the Vettel-era NEW YORK: Kawhi Leonard No. 2 of the San Antonio Spurs and Langston Galloway No. 2 of the New York Knicks dive for the ball during their we are totally dissatisfied we could con- of Red Bull and now to the Hamilton-era of game at Madison Square Garden. —AFP template an F1 exit,” said Helmut Marko, Mercedes, the template is of a single team the on-track point-man for Red Bull owner cruising to the championship and sucking Dietrich Mateschitz. “The danger is there all the suspense out of the season. that Mr. Mateschitz loses his passion for F1.” Meanwhile, there may not be a German Knicks roll over Spurs It was a self-serving argument, promot- Grand Prix this season because plummet- ing precisely the kind of ad-hoc regulatory ing attendances are making it difficult for change that Red Bull decried when it was the owners of both the Hockenheim and NEW YORK: Alexey Shved scored 21 points Mo Williams had 18 points and eight assists. Beverley (12) also scored in double digits. the clear leader in the sport during the Nurburgring circuits. and made the key defensive play in overtime as time Sebastian Vettel won four straight There are serious problems that need the New York Knicks beat the San Antonio ROCKETS 107, MAGIC 94 PISTONS 105, GRIZZLIES 95 drivers’ championships. addressing when the country that pro- Spurs 104-100 in the NBA on Tuesday. Donatas Motiejunas scored 23 points and Reggie Jackson had 23 points and a career- However, it is also an argument that duced Schumacher, Vettel and Mercedes - Rookie Langston Galloway had a career-high the Rockets used a big run late in the fourth high 20 assists as the Pistons ended a 10-game must be taken seriously, given F1’s intense- with Red Bull just across the border in 22 points for the Knicks, who held the Spurs to quarter to break open a close game and beat skid with a comeback victory over the Grizzlies. ly political nature. Red Bull was even given Austria - cannot generate enough fan inter- just one basket in overtime to surprise the the Magic. A driving layup by Victor Oladipo The Pistons trailed by 15 at halftime, but the backing of the sport’s commercial est to put on a race. defending NBA champions. Lou Amundson fin- got the Magic within two points with about five Jackson dominated Beno Udrih, who was start- leader, Bernie Ecclestone, who publicly While the hierarchy of F1 considers that ished with 12 points and a career-high 17 minutes left before the Rockets used a 13-0 run, ing at point guard in place of injured Mike sympathized with the team’s complaints. predicament, the next round of the cham- rebounds while playing tough against Tim powered by three 3-pointers, to make it 107-92 Conley (ankle). Jackson had 11 points and 13 Ecclestone does not control the rules of pionship will be in Malaysia on March 29, Duncan. with less than a minute remaining. Harden, assists in the second half to pick up Detroit’s the sport - that role is controlled by govern- and few will be expecting anything other Tony Parker scored 21 points for the Spurs who is second in the NBA in scoring, went 4 for second 20-point, 20-assist game of the season. ing body FIA - and that is arguably a good than another Mercedes win. —AP and made their only basket in OT, 16 seconds 14, but made eight free throws to finish with 17 Jeff Green led Memphis with 21 points, into the period. They managed just two free points. Oladipo’s 29 points led the Magic, who while Marc Gasol had 17 points and 11 throws from there in losing for the second time have dropped four in a row. Along with rebounds before fouling out. Andre Drummond in nine games. Motiejunas and Harden, Trevor Ariza (17), Josh finished with 16 points and 16 rebounds for Smith (17), Corey Brewer (13) and Patrick Detroit. —AP PELICANS 85, BUCKS 84 Anthony Davis had 20 points and 12 rebounds as the Pelicans held off Milwaukee. NBA results/standings Davis, who shoots around 55 percent, hit only 6 of 18 shots, but made 8 of 9 free throws and hit Detroit 105, Memphis 95; NY Knicks 104, San Antonio 100 (OT); Houston 107, Orlando 94; New Orleans 85, a clutch 15-footer that gave New Orleans an 85- Milwaukee 84; LA Clippers 99, Charlotte 92. 82 lead with 1:07 left. Ilyasova and Giannis Antetokounmpo each Eastern Conference Western Conference scored 15 for Milwaukee, while Jerryd Bayless Atlantic Division Northwest Division W L PCT GB Portland 44 21 .677 - and John Henson each scored 14. Quincy Toronto 40 27 .597 - Oklahoma City 37 30 .552 8 Pondexter hit five 3-pointers and finished with Boston 30 36 .455 9.5 Utah 30 36 .455 14.5 18 points for New Orleans, while Omer Asik had Brooklyn 27 38 .415 12 Denver 26 42 .382 19.5 16 points and 11 rebounds. Philadelphia 15 52 .224 25 Minnesota 14 52 .212 30.5 NY Knicks 14 53 .209 26 Pacific Division CLIPPERS 99, HORNETS 92 Central Division Golden State 53 13 .803 - Cleveland 43 26 .623 - JJ Redick scored 23 points and Chris Paul LA Clippers 43 25 .632 11 Chicago 40 28 .588 2.5 had 20 points and eight assists as the Phoenix 35 33 .515 19 Milwaukee 34 33 .507 8 Clippers beat the Hornets. The Clippers led Sacramento 22 44 .333 31 Indiana 30 36 .455 11.5 63-41 with 10 minutes left in the third quar- Detroit 24 43 .358 18 LA Lakers 17 49 .258 36 ter. Charlotte rallied within a point in the Southeast Division Southwest Division final period. Blake Griffin had 19 points and Atlanta 53 14 .791 - Memphis 47 21 .691 - 11 rebounds for the Clippers, who were Washington 39 28 .582 14 Houston 45 22 .672 1.5 coming off back-to-back losses to Dallas and Miami 30 36 .455 22.5 Dallas 43 25 .632 4 Houston. DeAndre Jordan finished with 12 Charlotte 29 37 .439 23.5 San Antonio 41 25 .621 5 points and 14 boards. Al Jefferson led Orlando 21 48 .304 33 New Orleans 37 30 .552 9.5 Charlotte with 21 points and former Clipper New horse racing charge

LONDON: Britain will impose a new charge on bookmakers to broaden the funding for horse racing to include more online gambling firms, finance minister George Osborne said yester- day. Bookmakers support the sport through a levy on income on bets placed on races that has been imposed since the 1960s. It was worth around 82 million pounds ($120 million) in 2014 but many online betting companies do not have to con- tribute. The new charge to be called the “racing right” will “apply to all bookmakers wherever located, who take bets from British customers on British racing,” Britain’s Treasury said in its budget document. The move is the latest in a line of regulatory moves to hit the betting industry. Increased duty on fixed odds betting ter- minals in bookmakers’ high street shops and a new tax on online gambling have recently been introduced. “Today’s announcement is a welcome and tremendous boost for the tens of thousands of people across the country that derive their livelihoods from our sport,” the British Horseracing Authority said, adding it would look to have the right introduced as soon as possible. The news was greeted less enthusiastically by the Association of British Bookmakers, which called the proposal unworkable and said it would be mired in legal and other issues for years. “Our members already pay 10.75 percent of their gross profits from their UK horseracing business to rac- ing,” the ABB said. AUSTRALIA: Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team’s British driver Lewis Hamilton leads “Together with media rights and sponsorship, the transfer teammate German driver Nico Rosberg in this file photo during the Formula One from our members to racing is some 248 million pounds, an DUNEDIN: Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash throws batting practice to his team Australian Grand Prix. —AFP incredible amount that has to be enough,” it added.—Reuters before an exhibition baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays. —AP THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 SPORTS Pennetta stuns Sharapova

INDIAN WELLS: Maria Sharapova fell victim to an emotional Flavia Pennetta, who burst into tears before regaining her composure to stun the second seed 3-6 6-3 6-2 at the BNP Paribas Open on Tuesday. Italy’s Pennetta, the defending champion at Indian Wells, left the court momen- tarily after breaking down following her first set loss. “Sometimes woman have these moment. (I) just go and let everything out, screaming...” Pennetta told reporters. “I just breathe and just let it pass.” When the 15th seeded Pennetta returned she seized the momentum, going on to win 10 of the last 13 games to blaze past the two-time champion Sharapova and into the last eight. Sharapova said she was unaware of Pennetta’s emotional outburst and had struggles of her own, the Russian finishing with 42 unforced errors and 11 double faults. “Maybe I wasn’t playing my best tennis but I was competitive enough,” Sharapova said. “I just wasn’t able to step up in the key moments.” Earlier, top seed Serena Williams overcame a wobbly start to see off a determined Sloane Stephens 6-7(3) 6-2 6-2 and move into the last eight. Williams, playing her third match at Indian Wells after deciding to end a 14-year boycott of the event where she had suffered alleged racist abuse, enjoyed plenty of support but struggled early to find her form. Stephens, who reached INDIAN WELLS: Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts after defeating Andreas Seppi of the quarter-finals a year ago, looked ready to Italy, at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament. —AP return to the last eight after breaking Williams twice to open the match but in the end there was no denying the world number one as she Federer, Nadal advance extended her winning run to 14 matches. “I don’t feel like I need to come here and win INDIAN WELLS: Roger Federer earned a his top form as he raced to a 5-1 lead clos- the trophy,” Williams told reporters. “I feel like modicum of revenge against Andreas ing out the match in a tidy 80 minutes. this is more than I have ever imagined doing. I Seppi in a 6-3 6-4 triumph that advanced “It’s true that I had a few mistakes. I was never imagined even having an opportunity to the four-time champion to the fourth able to find solutions,” Nadal told reporters. come back. round of the BNP Paribas Open on Tuesday. “I’ve played a lot of good tournaments “I feel like I have been a champ here, and I’m Federer lost to the Italian at the Australian here, good results. really happy with every match that I win and Open in January but allowed no such “I am confident and I hope that tomor- every result. For me it’s all icing on the cake.” repeat as he lost just one service game and row I can play a good match.” Ninth seeded needed 82 minutes to beat Seppi and Czech Tomas Berdych had earlier kicked off DOMINANT TIEBREAK advance to fourth round. another sunny day of action with a straight- On another sun-bathed afternoon, Stephens Rafa Nadal also advanced with a sloppy forward 6-4 6-2 win over American Steve got the contest off to a bright start by charging triumph over American Donald Young 6-4 Johnson. 3-0 ahead. But Williams, who has not lost since 6-2. Nadal, a three-time champion at Indian Jack Sock, however, will carry the last year’s WTA Finals in Singapore, quickly got Wells, looked out of sorts in the opening American flag into the round of 16 after ral- her game in gear, sweeping through the next set slamming an easy overhead into the net lying past 15th seeded Spaniard Roberto four games before her opponent could again to give Young an early break and then later Bautista Agut 3-6 6-3 6-2. hold serve. Displaying plenty of grit of her own, double-faulting to hand over another. But France’s 13th seed Gilles Simon scored a Stephens dug in to force an opening set tiebreak the 47th ranked Young was no better at comfortable 6-2 7-5 victory over German that she dominated. Playing with a greater finding the target saving just two of eight qualifier Michael Berrer while Czech Lukas urgency, Williams broke Stephens to open the break points as a fist-pumping Nadal Rosol was a 6-4 6-7 (4) 7-6 (3) winner over second and would break her compatriot again walked off Stadium court at the Indian Dutchman Robin Haase, while Spain’s to go up 5-2 before serving out the set to level Wells Tennis Garden with the victory. While Tommy Robredo beat 11th seed Grigor the match. The third set followed a similar pat- the opening set was a comedy of unforced Dimitrov 6-4 1-6 7-5 in the final match to tern as Williams recorded the early break to errors the second saw Nadal flash some of end. —Reuters secure a 2-0 advantage. She broke again in the seventh game and held serve to close out a chal- lenging test in two hours, six minutes. In other matches, third seeded Romanian Lahoud urges for Simona Halep rolled past 14th seeded Czech Karolina Pliskova, while sixth seed Eugenie Bouchard blew a late lead and was upset by team work Lesya Tsurenko. There were also victories for 12th seeded Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro, who KUWAIT: Imad Lahoud, FIA- Middle East Attiyah - FIA Vice President- MENA, Lahoud beat Briton Heather Watson, and 18th seed and North Africa (MENA) General urged for positive results, continued coop- Jelena Jankovic, who prevailed in three sets over Coordinator stressed the presence of solid eration and communication between the Belinda Bencic. Switzerland’s Timea Bacsinzky INDIAN WELLS: Flavia Pennetta of Italy celebrates her win against Maria Sharapova of Russia, head of clubs and federations, among the and Germany’s Sabine Lisicki both won to com- after their match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament. —AP riders themselves and with the audience. plete the quarter-final line-up. —Reuters “MENA doors are open for all without exception and participation by all which makes us feeling comfortable and gives us a boost and for the future of motor sport in the region,” he said. Lahoud added that we have to be a model to be followed by others, as there are great challenge such as safety road pro- cedures, environment media and first aid etc. We have to deal with these concepts in a professional way and we have to consider the extra expenses at all levels. We are opti- mistic enough to translate these concepts into reality in favor of the people of the region. Imad Lahoud Emad Lahoud is now occupying the position of motorsport commission coordi- ground work that would not have existed nator ATCL and has now been appointed without the positive work as one team. by FIA as a general coordinator - MENA in In a recent meeting with Nasser Al Jan. 2015. On eve of NCAA tourney Ed O’Bannon to be paid LAS VEGAS: This year is different for Ed “It’s unfortunate it came down to having to O’Bannon, even if things have yet to really go to court but the rules are changing and change. For the first time he goes into people’s ways are changing nonetheless.” March Madness known more for being the O’Bannon didn’t set out to change the guy who upended big time college athlet- world of college athletics, though he end- ics than the player who led UCLA to the ed up doing just that. He was more con- national title in 1995. cerned with righting a wrong when he was For the first time he’ll also make some at a friend’s house and saw his image money off the NCAA Tournament, but being used in a video game as a member more on that later. Selling cars is still how of the UCLA team that won the national he makes his living, even if now he’s championship in his senior year. known as more than just someone who The player, like O’Bannon, was a lanky can get you a good deal on a Toyota. lefty who could score almost at will on the “I’m on the streets recognized as the inside. He had the same No. 31 uniform MERIBEL: Lindsey Vonn of the United States holds the alpine ski women’s World Cup downhill’s discipline trophy, at the World Cup finals.—AP guy who took on the system, which I love,” number and the same UCLA jersey. O’Bannon said. “This lawsuit meant so All that was missing was the name on much to a lot of people and will mean the back. That, of course, and a check from something to athletes in the future. I am the NCAA or the video game maker for use Another globe for Vonn truly honored to be in this position and be of his likeness in the game. known as that dude.” As the lead plaintiff for the suit MERIBEL: Lindsey Vonn crowned her return sea- in December, Vonn beat experienced Austrians Jansrud, who made the best of the soft snow NCAA attorneys will return to court demanding a cut of the profits for college son in style by adding a 66th World Cup victory Elisabeth Goergl, the 2011 world champion, who conditions to clinch the 10th World Cup win of Tuesday to challenge that dude, taking players, O’Bannon testified at the trial that and an 18th crystal globe to her peerless collec- finished 0.24 adrift, with 2007 World Cup cham- his career and the seventh this winter. their argument on the purity of ama- he viewed playing basketball at UCLA as tion in the downhill yesterday. pion Nicole Hosp third a further 0.06 seconds Already World Cup Super-G champion, the teurism in college athletics to the Ninth his job and only did enough at school to The American bagged her seventh downhill back. The battle for the women’s overall World Norwegian left nearest rival Hannes Reichelt Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. keep himself eligible. As a player who World Cup title in one minute and 29.87 sec- Cup between the last two winners of the big 94 points behind in the downhill standings They will try to convince a three-judge sometimes went hungry at night if practice onds, equalling another of Annemarie Moser- globe is tighter than ever. after the Austrian had to settle for 10th on the panel that a federal judge erred last year in went long and he didn’t have enough Proell’s records set in the 1970s. The 2013 World Cup champion Tina Maze was French piste hosting the World Cup finals. ruling that Division 1 basketball and foot- money in his pocket to buy KFC, he knows If Vonn also wins the Super-G trophy today, fourth, 0.40 off the pace, and is back on the “It can’t compare to a medal or winning ball players have a right to be paid for use firsthand how athletes got nothing but she would equal the record of 19 crystal globes heels of holder Anna Fenninger of Austria, who Kitzbuehel. They are only one-day joys. A globe of their images and likenesses. books and tuition while everyone around collected by Swede Ingemar Stenmark in the only managed eighth place and leads the crowns is the whole season”, he said. That it’s happening on the eve of the them made money. men’s World Cup. Slovenian by 12 points with three races left. The 100 points for victory lifted him to with- tournament that brings an embarrassment “It’s happening all the time and we’re of riches to the NCAA - some $800 million going to see it a million times this upcom- “I was injured for two years and to be back in “I have to stay focused on the races and not in 64 points overall behind three-times big this year alone - is mere coincidence. That ing month,” O’Bannon said. “We will see the World Cup and win another globe, it’s just on the points. I’ll give it my best and see what globe winner Marcel Hirscher, who will take the major colleges are already changing athlete likenesses being used ad nauseam amazing,” she said. “I won the downhill title happens,” said Fenninger, world champion in the part in Thursday’s Super-G to try and score the way they treat their athletes in the and the athletes themselves will get already and hopefully another one tomorrow. I Super-G and giant slalom, the next two events at points. wake of O’Bannon’s successful lawsuit isn’t. absolutely nothing out of it monetarily.” have a special cupboard at home for my trophies the finals on Thursday and Friday. Swiss 2010 Olympic champion Didier “I’m not stupid, I know the conferences That may change as soon as next sum- and it’s got room for 23 so it can take a few Defago, in his last World Cup downhill, bade a and universities are changing the rules mer, when US District Judge Claudia more.” JANSRUD TRIUMPHS splendid farewell to the discipline by taking now because they have to,” O’Bannon said. Wilken’s ruling will take full effect.—AP Back from a year off and two knee operations The men’s downhill title went to Kjetil second place, 0.24 behind Jansrud.—Reuters THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

SYDNEY: South Africa’s Dale Steyn (centre) celebrates with his teammates after taking the wicket of Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan (right) during their Cricket World Cup quarterfinal match. —AP South Africa storm into semis

SYDNEY: South Africa stormed into the World of 130 was not much. There were no demons on neighbours just three times in 28 meetings. Cup semi-finals yesterday with a nine-wicket this track. But we didn’t bat well. Maybe it was “Tomorrow will be a high-scoring match on a flat rout of Sri Lanka which brought the curtain nerves, we didn’t go for our shots and it’s easily pitch. We have to bowl well,” said skipper down on the ODI careers of Kumar Sangakkara our worst performance we have done in the Mushrafe Mortaza. and Mahela Jayawardene. Off-spinner JP World Cup and it happened to be in the quarter- Friday sees four-time champions Australia Duminy (3-29) took a hat-trick and leg-spinner final,” he said. Duminy said he was shocked to face 1992 winners Pakistan who suffered a major Imran Tahir claimed 4-26 as South Africa, who have become the first South African to take a setback Tuesday when giant fast bowler had never before won a World Cup knockout World Cup hat-trick. Mohammad Irfan was ruled out of the rest of the match, set up a clash against either New Zealand “I’ve never got close to a hat-trick so I’m pret- World Cup with a stress fracture of the pelvis. or West Indies for a place in the March 29 final. ty pleased with that performance. It was mainly Australia have called in former World Cup win- Chasing just 134 to win, the Proteas reached about keeping the runs down,” said Duminy, ning skipper Steve Waugh to give pep talks to their target in the 18th over with opener who dismissed Mathews and then, at the start of the squad. Quinton de Kock making an undefeated 78. his next over, got rid of Kulasekara and Tharindu “It was good to sit down over dinner with him Sangakkara, in his last one-day international Kaushal lbw for a golden duck on his one-day and just chat about cricket and World Cups,” appearance, top-scored for Sri Lanka with 45 as debut. opening batsman Aaron Finch revealed. his record-breaking run of four successive ODI After Kyle Abbott and Dale Steyn sent back “He’s obviously captained a winning one and hundreds came to an end. Together with Lahiru openers Kusal Perera and Tillakaratne Dilshan, it played in another one as well. There are not Thirimanne (41) he put on 65 for the third wick- was the turn of Pakistan-born spinner Tahir to many better-credentialed players to talk to et. Fellow veteran Jayawardene, who now quits strike, dismissing Thirimanne and Jayawardene. about it.” The winner of that Adelaide match will all international cricket, made only four before Man-of-the-match Tahir also got rid of Thisara face either India or Bangladesh for a place in the he became one of Tahir’s victims as 1996 cham- Perera (0) before wrapping up proceedings with final. The West Indies are sweating on the fitness pions Sri Lanka lost their last six wickets for just the wicket of Lasith Malinga. of star opener Chris Gayle who has been laid low SCOREBOARD 19 runs. Meanwhile, the build-up continues to the by a back injury ahead of their quarter-final South Africa skipper AB de Villiers, who lost other quarter-finals. Bangladesh insist they will against New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday. SYDNEY: Scoreboard in the World Cup quarter-final between South Africa and Sri Lanka at the Sydney the toss, said he feels his team can now go on have nothing to fear from defending champions Former captain Darren Sammy turned to box- Cricket Ground yesterday: and win an elusive first World Cup. India when they face off in front of around ing to illustrate his belief that the West Indies Sri Lanka Bowling: Steyn 7-2-18-1 (1w); Abbott 6-1-27-1 “I’m quietly confident. I’m always a positive 90,000 fans at the iconic Melbourne Cricket can shock favorites New Zealand. “I remember K. Perera c de Kock b Abbott 3 (1w); Morkel 7-1-27-1 (2nb, 2w); Duminy 9-1-29-3 kind of guy-I always believe in big things,” he Ground today. some guy called Buster Douglas beating Mike T. Dilshan c du Plessis b Steyn 0 (2w); Tahir 8.2-0-26-4 (1w). said. Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews admit- The odds are stacked against them, however, Tyson and it’s a case of that on Saturday,” said K. Sangakkara c Miller b Morkel 45 ted his team suffered severe stagefright. “A score as Bangladesh have beaten their illustrious Sammy. —AFP L. Thirimanne c and b Tahir 41 South Africa M. Jayawardene c du Plessis b Tahir 4 H. Amla c Kulasekara b Malinga 16 A. Mathews c du Plessis b Duminy 19 Q. de Kock not out 78 T. Perera c Rossouw b Tahir 0 F. du Plessis not out 21 N. Kulasekara c de Kock b Duminy 1 Extras (lb4, w12, nb3) 19 T. Kaushal lbw b Duminy 0 Total (1 wkt, 18 overs) 134 D. Chameera not out 2 Did not bat: R Rossouw, AB de Villiers, D Miller, JP L. Malinga c Miller b Tahir 3 Duminy, D Steyn, K Abbott, M Morkel, I Tahir Extras (b4, lb2, w7, nb2) 15 Fall of wickets: 1-40 (Amla) Total (all out, 37.2 overs) 133 Bowling: Malinga 6-0-43-1 (2nb, 3w); Dilshan 2-0- Fall of wickets: 1-3 (K Perera), 2-4 (Dilshan), 3-69 10-0; Kulasekara 1-0-13-0; Kaushal 6-0-25-0; (Thirimanne), 4-81 (Jayawardene), 5-114 Chameera 2-0-29-0 (1nb, 8w); T Perera 1-0-10-0 (Mathews), 6-115 (T Perera), 7-116 (Kulasekara), 8- (1w). 116 (Kaushal), 9-127 (Sangakkara), 10-133 (Malinga) Result: South Africa won by nine wickets. History of conflict for Australia and Pakistan

ADELAIDE: Pakistan and Australia go into go home” from Pakistan after controversial tomorrow’s World Cup quarter-final burdened umpiring forced the Australians to react by a history of tension, setting the stage for sharply. The most notorious incident between DHAKA: Bangladeshi cricket fans attend a rally as a show of support to their national team at the Dhaka University Campus yesterday. an explosive contest at the Adelaide Oval. the two nations came about on Australia’s Bangladesh play the World Cup quarterfinal match against India today. —AP Pakistan’s head coach Waqar Younis tour to Pakistan in 1994 when Shane Warne admits previous matches between the two and Tim May alleged then Pakistan captain teams have been hard-fought and he expect- Salim Malik offered them bribes to underper- ed another tough contest for a place in the form in the Karachi Test. Bangladesh to battle odds semi-finals. Mark Waugh also went on record to say “I won’t call Australia bitter rivals but there Malik had asked him to underperform in a is a fierce rivalry that should provide for a one-day match in Rawalpindi. The allegations and crowd against India high-intensity game,” Waqar, one of the forced the Pakistan government to conduct a game’s great fast bowling exponents, told judicial inquiry which heard testimonies from, MELBOURNE: Playing ‘fearless’ cricket has been Zealand’s quality attack was complemented by than any other result in recent decades. AFP. “We respect each other but do not give among others, the three players in Australia Bangladesh’s war-cry at the World Cup but courage another disciplined effort by the bowlers, underlin- India’s unexpected demise in the first round an inch on the field of play.” The hostilities before Malik and paceman Ataur Rehman alone will not be enough to upset India and their ing the strides they have made since being flayed caused financial carnage for broadcasters and the began in 1981 when Pakistani great Javed were banned for life. army of blue-clad fans at the Melbourne Cricket by Sri Lanka in their second completed pool match. tournament was subsequently re-jigged to ensure Miandad almost came to blows with Six top players, including Waqar, spin Ground where the teams play their quarter-final Captain Mortaza Mashrafe will need his rejuve- cricket’s most bankable team would be guaranteed Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee during a bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed and Waqar’s today. nated seamers to heap pressure on India’s powerful a minimum six matches. Test match in Perth. pace partner Wasim Akram, were fined. After a listless leadup to the tournament, reign- batting lineup early or it could be a long, noisy day Melbourne’s big Indian community and army of Lillee appeared to have deliberately Pakistan losing to Australia in a one-sided ing world champions India have turned into a jug- at the MCG. travelling fans will be in force at the MCG to cheer obstructed Miandad who was about to com- final of the 1999 World Cup held in England gernaut, winning all six of their pool matches and “We know that 95,000 people will come to the Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s team into an eighth plete a single and the volatile Pakistani also became the basis of another match-fix- drawing as much admiration for their bowling and ground and most of them will be Indian support- match, just as they were for the match against pushed the bowler and threatened to hit him ing inquiry by the Justice Karamat Bhandari fielding as their renowned batting prowess. ers, but as a professional cricketer I have to concen- South Africa. A crowd of 87,000 turned the venue with the bat. Lillee kicked Miandad before the commission, but all the players were Bangladesh, for all their chutzpah, will simply be trate on cricket so have to handle it,” Mashrafe told into a deafening cauldron for the Proteas, who umpires and fielders intervened to stop absolved of any wrongdoing. The 2003 World happy to be playing off for a semi-final, having nev- reporters on Wednesday. froze to be overwhelmed by 130 runs. things from getting out of control. Lillee was Cup also saw a bitter end to the match er previously made it to the knockout rounds. “Obviously, Bangladesh supporters will be there Bangladesh made their debut at the ground fined, but the incident led to acrimonious ver- between the two countries at Johannesburg. While the term ‘surprise package’ hardly credits so we cannot ask for equal but we’ll be fine.” against Sri Lanka earlier in the tournament and bal duels between the two teams for the rest Pakistan wicket-keeper Rashid Latif was the Tigers’ impressive tournament, Bangladesh Bangladesh have won only three one-day interna- were embarrassed by an abysmal fielding display. of the series. reported to the International Cricket Council were fortunate to take a point from a washed-out tionals in 28 against India but two have been at They arrive a far different team to the rabble Miandad remembered the incident as the (ICC) for a racial slur on his Australian counter- pool match against Australia and met an England major tournaments. The last was at the 2012 Asian that were thumped by 92 runs by the Sri Lankans, worst of his career. “It is hard to forget,” said part Adam Gilchrist. side with morale at rock-bottom. Cup, which followed a shock win at the 2007 World though, and have nothing to lose. Miandad. “We have that history of bitter Test ICC match referee Clive Lloyd conducted Perhaps more impressive than knocking out Cup. A defeat for India by their subcontinental neigh- matches but I suppose this is part and parcel an inquiry but Latif faced no action as evi- England was pushing New Zealand in the dead For a team whose place in the top tier has forev- bours, who they have long dictated to both on and of cricket.” It was Miandad who in 1988 sug- dence was inconclusive but it left a bad taste rubber loss. Batsman Mahmudullah’s second con- er been questioned, Bangladesh’s 2007 upset in the off the field, would be an unthinkable humiliation, gested Australia should “pack their bags and between the two set of players. —AFP secutive one-day international ton against New Caribbean did more to re-shape the tournament however.—Reuters THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 SPORTS Leverkusen nerves prove costly again

SPAIN: Bayer Leverkusen failed once more goal, hopes of finally ending their losing to hold their nerve in a crucial game, going run in the round of 16 were ignited. out on penalties against Atletico Madrid in Roger Schmidt’s team have been play- the Champions League last 16. ing a good season in the Bundesliga, sitting Leverkusen, nicknamed ‘Neverkusen’ for in fourth place with their exciting brand of narrowly missing out on silverware over quick, counter-attacking football with the the years, last reached the quarter-finals of addition of Calhanoglu and Karim Bellarabi the competition in 2002 when they went all this season. the way to the final before losing to Real The Spanish champions, losing finalists Madrid. last season, were in no way spectacular in Not many favored Leverkusen to the first leg and were on the backfoot again advance but after their first leg 1-0 win in on Tuesday until they scored following Germany courtesy of Hakan Calhanoglu’s some sloppy defending midway through the first half. But Leverkusen failed to make posses- sion count and then missed three penalties Matches on TV in the shootout after the game ended 1-0 after extra time. (Local Timings) Their opponents were equally bad from the spot, missing two penalties themselves UEFA Europa League before striker Stefan Kiessling sent a wild effort over the crossbar with the Bundesliga side’s fifth penalty to send Dinamo v SSC Napoli 20:00 Atletico through. beIN SPORTS 1 HD “We were not courageous enough,” said beIN SPORTS 11 HD Leverkusen defender Gonzalo Castro. “You Kiev v Everton 21:00 could see that some of us were very sad and lost in their thoughts. But we worked beIN SPORTS 3 HD hard before we let in a stupid goal that beIN SPORTS 2 HD should normally not happen.” Roma v Fiorentina 21:00 Indicative of their lack of mental beIN SPORTS 1 HD strength was the weak penalty taken by Calhanoglu, by far the best Leverkusen AMSTERDAM: Ajax Amsterdam’s coach Frank de Boer (center) speaks to his team during a training session on the eve of the UEFA Europa beIN SPORTS 11 HD player this season and a hugely talented League round of 16 football match against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. —AFP Torino v Zenit 23:05 midfielder. beIN SPORTS 3 HD The 21-year-old Turkey international simply rolled the ball into the hands of beIN SPORTS 2 HD Roma hoping to save season keeper Jan Oblak, choking at the worst Sevilla v Villarreal 23:05 possible moment this season and crushing beIN SPORTS 1 HD Leverkusen’s dream of a successful Clash with Fiorentina in Europa League beIN SPORTS 11 HD European run after more than a decade. “Obviously being eliminated on penal- Besiktas v Club Brugge 23:05 ties has a bit to do with nerves,” said coach MILAN: At least one Italian team will reach the behind Schuerrle and is calling for patience, say- FORTRESS SEVILLA beIN SPORTS 3 HD Schmidt. “It would have been easier taking Europa League quarterfinals today, with Roma ing “it will come.” But Schuerrle got to play only Defending champion Sevilla will be looking beIN SPORTS 2 HD penalties in our own stadium.” hosting Fiorentina and looking for a distraction in the last few minutes in Sunday’s 3-0 win over to carry its Spanish league momentum into the from its domestic woes. Freiburg. match with Villarreal after beating Elche 3-0 on Ajax v Dnipro 23:05 “The fans’ noise maybe made my players a bit more nervous. Hakan should write off Roma had started the year battling with Many are recalling the difficult time Kevin de Sunday. beIN SPORTS 1 HD his penalty because the team put up a Juventus for the Serie A title but has fallen 14 Bruyne had after arriving in Wolfsburg, also from Sevilla, which has a 3-1 advantage from the beIN SPORTS 11 HD great fight.” points behind the defending champions after Chelsea. Now, he is one of the league’s most first leg against Villarreal, is fifth in the Spanish Inter v Wolfsburg 23:05 With Bayern Munich awaiting in the losing to Sampdoria 2-0. valuable players, with nine goals and 17 assists. league, one place above Villarreal. Sevilla has A crucial away goal in a 1-1 draw in Florence beIN SPORTS 3 HD German Cup quarter-finals and Schalke 04 won 10 and lost none of the 14 league games it in the league on Saturday, Leverkusen have in the Europa League gives Roma a slender WILL INEXPERIENCE TELL? has played at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan beIN SPORTS 2 HD enough big games ahead to make amends advantage in the second leg, but Fiorentina has Although Torino’s victory over Athletic Bilbao Stadium this season. for their European exit. —Reuters already defeated Roma in a knockout competi- in the last round made people sit up and take “When you’re winning games you can correct tion in the capital this season - 2-0 in the Italian note, it won’t be easy for the Italian team to go any errors you make in your game with more Cup quarterfinals. any further after losing to Zenit St. Petersburg 2- willingness and confidence,” said Sevilla forward Inter Milan, Torino and Napoli are the other 0 in the first leg. Torino is unbeaten in 10 Carlos Bacca, who has scored 40 goals for the ‘Snubbed’ Monaco Italian teams in the competition, with the latter European home games but Zenit has won all team since joining in 2013. “It is important to the only Serie A team to win its first leg - 3-1 three of its Europa League matches without con- make yourself strong at home, where you make over Dynamo Moscow. Here are some things to ceding since moving into the competition from others respect you.” had last laugh know about Thursday’s matches in the Europa the Champions League. League: The coaches on each side have very different levels of European experience. Zenit coach RESTRICTED CROWD PARIS: AS Monaco had the last laugh in “Arsenal thought they had qualified SCHUERRLE FLOP? Andre Villas-Boas won the Europa League with The second leg between Dynamo Kiev and their Champions League last 16 tie against already. I think we deserved it.” Having lost Andre Schuerrle arrived in Wolfsburg as a FC Porto in 2011 and has also managed Chelsea Everton will be played in front of a restricted Arsenal on Tuesday, the Ligue 1 side surviv- two influential players last summer, World Cup winner and the most expensive sign- and Tottenham in UEFA competition, while crowd after the Ukrainian club was punished for ing a shaky second leg performance to Monaco shifted to a more cautious ing in the club’s history at an estimated 32 mil- Giampiero Ventura is in his first campaign in crowd trouble at the Olympic Stadium in a previ- eliminate a team they felt had shown them approach this season. lion euros ($34 million). So far, he’s been largely a Europe - at the age of 67. ous round. little respect. Colombian stars James Rodriguez and flop. The German forward had a promising start “Our fans give us hope for Thursday’s match, Part of the stadium in Kiev will be closed for Monaco beat Arsenal 3-1 in London Radamel Falcao left for Real Madrid and with two assists in his first match after leaving with their support we can do it,” Torino defender the match, which Everton goes into with a 2-1 three weeks ago before losing 2-0 at Louis Manchester United respectively but Chelsea, but since then, his form has been dip- Pontus Jansson said. “You can recover from two lead. Everton has had a difficult season, but is II, results that saw them progress to the last Monaco instead relied on a steely defence ping. goals down. showing signs of improvement after following eight of the competition for the first time and a bunch of hungry youngsters to Schuerrle was pulled at halftime in the 3-1 “Before the return match against Athletic up the first-leg win over Dynamo by beating since 2004 on the away goals rule. remain competitive. win over Inter in the home leg, with Wolfsburg’s Bilbao everyone though it would be difficult for Newcastle 3-0 in the Premier League to move After the game, Monaco coach On Tuesday, Monaco’s back four had just game improving after his departure. us to go through, too, and we managed it, so we clear of relegation trouble. Dynamo is at the top Leonardo Jardim did not offer his hand to 18 Champions League appearances Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking said he is have to be optimistic.” of the Ukrainian league. —AP Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger, the between them but made up for their lack Portuguese saying the Frenchman had of experience with controlled aggression. done the same following the first leg at the “We’re always focused, we’re always Emirates. “I think it was disrespectful. Right aggressive. We don’t give up on anything. Mueller: Bayern are best team in last eight now we’re celebrating and we think Arsenal We play at 120 percent every game, and it did not show enough respect during the always pays off,” 25-year-old Aymen BERLIN: Bayern Munich will be the first leg,” Jardim said. Abdennour, who formed a central defen- team to beat when the draw for the “In the first leg when I wanted to thank sive partnership with 20-year-old Wallace, Champions League’s quarter-finals is Arsene and shake his hand... it’s true that told uefa.com. made tomorrow, according to their Arsene didn’t shake my hand. So, even While Arsenal inexplicably conceded a German international Thomas though Monaco did everything to make life late third goal at the Emirates, Monaco Mueller. comfortable for Arsenal, I decided not to defended with 10 men behind the ball in a Pep Guardiola’s Bayern threw thank him.” grandstand finish on Tuesday to preserve down a marker for their European Monaco conceded just one goal on the their away-goal advantage. “We have rivals when they hammered way to topping Group C and qualifying for young players in defence and some experi- Shakhtar Donetsk 7-0 in Munich last the last 16 but the club felt that Arsenal enced players, like Carvalho, who didn’t week in the last 16, second leg clash, had still underestimated them when they play,” Abdennour added. having been held to a 0-0 draw in were drawn to meet. “That means we have some real heavy- Ukraine. The 2013 European champi- “Arsenal were really happy to play weights in defence. We’re all young, apart ons are desperate to play in the June Monaco as we were supposed to be one of from (Ricardo) Carvalho. We’re a squad, and 6 final at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium the weakest teams. We qualified from pot we have achieved this together. I hope it and Mueller, who scored twice in the four,” Jardim said. will continue.”—Reuters Donetsk rout, said Bayern will be one of the top names out of the hat when the draw for the last eight is made in Nyon, Switzerland. “We were strong in the group phase and put down a marker in the last 16 which certainly made all the other teams sit up and take notice,” the 25-year-old striker told Sport Bild. “From what I have seen so far, we are the most superior team in the Champions League this season.” The quarter-finals will be played over GERMANY: Bayern Munich’s team celebrate after scoring during the German First Division in this file two legs on April 14/15 and 21/22 photo. —AFP with the teams drawn first out of the hat hosting the first match. Guardiola led Bayern to the German title and Cup double last Goulart fires Guangzhou clear season on his first season in charge, BEIJING: Tournament top-scorer finish on the rebound on 36 min- Guangzhou already eyeing the last but his side were sent crashing out Ricardo Goulart blasted a brace as utes, before Shoma Doi gave the 16 with three pool games to go. of the Champions League semi- 2013 winners Guangzhou visitors a shock lead after half-time. Elsewhere, Australian champi- finals after a 4-0 drubbing at home Evergrande beat Kashima Antlers But Guangzhou quickly ons Brisbane Roar had to scramble by eventual winners Real Madrid 4-3 to near a spot in the AFC equalised when Elkeson nodded in to rescue a point against Suwon after losing 1-0 in Spain. Champions League knock-out a carbon-copy of Goulart’s goal Bluewings in Group G despite Meanwhile, there was some good rounds yesterday. China’s record from another free-kick, before set- being two-up in the first 22 min- news for Bayern on Wednesday as signing kept up his phenomenal ting up his fellow Brazilian for the utes. In another thrilling match, wingers Arjen Robben and Franck strike rate with his fifth and sixth third. Brandon Borrello and Devante Clut Ribery trained with the side having goals in just three games as Fabio Goulart picked up the loose ball gave the hosts the two-goal cush- missed last Saturday’s 4-0 Cannavaro’s side went five points after Elkeson’s strong challenge, ion before the South Korean side Bundesliga win at Werder Bremen clear in Group H. and he surged into a gap between fought back with a brace from Seo with injury. Robben sat out the But Guangzhou needed the two defenders before firing in off Jung-Jin. Werder rout with a trapped nerve, Brazilian’s goals in a pulsating the upright with his lethal left foot. North Korean striker Jong Tae- but took part in team training, while match, which Kashima briefly led Substitute Zhao Xuri scrambled Se appeared to have secured a Ribery trained on his own after before succumbing to the Chinese Guangzhou’s fourth in injury time famous win on 71 minutes, before straining an ankle ligament in the champions’ superior firepower. before Gaku Shibasaki’s bullet Clut spared Brisbane’s blushes with Donetsk win. Both could now be fit Goulart opened the scoring header seconds later-but with no his equaliser with 10 minutes to go. for Sunday’s Bundesliga clash with with a looping header on nine min- time for Kashima to grab an In Group F, Theerathon third-placed Borussia utes, after losing his marker in a equaliser. Bunmathan levelled on 62 minutes Moenchengladbach with leaders free-kick routine straight off the Holders and group rivals as Thailand’s Buriram United held MONACO: Monaco’s Croatian goalkeeper Danijel Subasic celebrates in this Bayern 11 points clear of Wolsburg training field. Kashima hit back Western Sydney Wanderers drew 0- Japanese treble-winners Gamba file photo. —AFP at the top of the table.—AFP through Hiroyuki Takasaki’s close 0 with FC Seoul to leave Osaka 1-1 away. —AFP Another South Africa globe storm for17 Vonn into18 semis THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

Mercedes fights for F1 title off the track Page 16

SPAIN: Manchester City’s goalkeeper Joe Hart (center) and Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany (right) save against Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (left) during a Champions League round of 16 second leg, soccer match. — AP Barca ease past City despite Hart heroics

BARCELONA: An incredible performance potentially decisive clash in the Spanish title trolled the ball on his chest before lofting ued to flow at the other end as Suarez string tear that needed surgery. from Joe Hart wasn’t enough to prevent race on Sunday, but Luis Enrique’s men past Hart to register his first Champions blasted into the side-netting, whilst Hart Vermaelen got injured at last year’s Barcelona cruising into the quarter-finals of showed their minds were on the job in hand League goal. spread himself well twice to deny Messi. World Cup in Brazil, before he signed for the Champions League for the eighth con- from the off and should have been ahead Messi nearly had another brilliant assist Ter Stegen redeemed himself for his ear- Barca, prompting some to question why secutive season with a 1-0 win over after just six minutes. moments later when he fed Neymar, but lier error with his most significant save since the club completed the deal to sign the 29- Manchester City yesterday to seal a 3-1 Dani Alves robbed a sleeping Vincent the Brazilian was too unselfish and his cross joining from Borussia Monchengladbach by year-old from Arsenal. aggregate victory. Kompany on the edge of his own box and was nearly deflected into his own net by flying to his right to parry Aguero’s spot-kick In a message on his Facebook page, Ivan Rakitic scored the only goal of the fed Neymar, who had started to wheel away Bacary Sagna. after Javier Mascherano had been harshly Vermaelen said that he had recently started night after half an hour as he lofted home in celebration before his shot come back off Suarez was then inches away from put- adjudged to have upended his Argentine running again and urged Barcelona fans to from a majestic Lionel Messi pass. The the inside of the post and rebounded to ting the tie beyond all doubt as he latched international team-mate. be patient. “Everything is going according English champions had their chances in the safety. on to Neymar’s through ball and saw his However, it was Hart who shone once to plan, therefore I am right on schedule to second half, but any hopes of an historic Hart then produced the first in a string flick past Hart trickle on to the base of the more in the dying minutes as England’s get back in the squad in April,” he wrote. “I comeback were ended when Marc-Andre ter of fine saves to turn behind a fierce drive post a minute before the break. Barca con- number one somehow blocked Messi’s am looking forward to contributing to Stegen produced a stunning penalty save from Messi, but there was some encourage- tinued to press early in the second period thunderous strike from point-blank range Barca’s success this season. from Sergio Aguero 12 minutes from time. ment for City in the opening quarter, too, as as Hart was forced into saves from Jordi to prevent the four-time World Player of the “It’s a big step in my rehab starting run- However, it was his opposite number who Alves did just enough to deny James Milner Alba and Messi. However, the visitors Year once again moving in front of ning again. I am very happy to be outside was the star of the show as Hart time and a clear run on goal from Yaya Toure’s dan- were nearly handed a lifeline by Ter Cristiano Ronaldo in the fight to be the top again instead of staying inside in the gym again prevented Messi, Neymar and Luis gerous low cross. Stegen as he lost possession when trying scorer in Champions League history. all the time. It’s hard work but it’s worth it.” Suarez from piling on more agony for City. Barca did finally make the breakthrough to dribble past Aguero and was grateful to Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Belgium defend- Vermaelen said Barca had been fully Barca will now join La Liga rivals Real on the half hour as Messi mesmerised a the posse of Barca defenders that got back er Thomas Vermaelen is on track to return aware of the extent of his injury, which had Madrid and Atletico Madrid in Friday’s draw series of City defenders before lifting a to cover his open goal. As City pushed to to action next month after being unable to not initially been diagnosed in tests con- for the last eight. The Catalans face Real in a cross into the path of Rakitic, who con- get back into the tie, the chances contin- make his debut for the club due to a ham- ducted at the World Cup. —Agencies Tevez’s brace fires Heat stays on Qatar Juve into last eight despite winter WCup DOHA: FIFA’s decision to hold the 2022 Although human rights has dominat- DORTMUND: Goals by Carlos Tevez and and Bayer Leverkusen in exiting the World Cup in winter takes some heat off ed the Qatar World Cup debate-along Alvaro Morata fired Juventus into the Champions League at the last 16 phase leav- Qatar but the Gulf state still faces major with unresolved corruption allegations- Champions League’s quarter-finals and sealed ing Bayern Munich as Germany’s sole repre- challenges in the next seven years. there are other pressing issues. their emphatic 3-0 win at Borussia Dortmund sentative in the quarter-finals. The treatment of migrant workers and The 2022 World Cup will be the most yesterday. Dortmund’s task became that much harder just the question of whether the giant compact tournament ever, with most sta- Juve’s victory sealed a 5-1 win on aggregate with just three minutes gone when Tevez project can be delivered are worries for diums around the capital, Doha. Qatar is in the last 16 tie as Tevez and Morata, who had launched a fierce strike off his right foot football leaders. still to decide whether the games will be each scored in the 2-1 first-leg win, again did unmarked from 30 metres out. It powered past Football’s governing body meets in played in eight stadiums or a maximum the damage in Dortmund. goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller and left Zurich today and tomorrow to decide the of 12, with the lower figure looking most Tevez weighed in goals either side of Dortmund needing to score at least twice. definitive dates in November-December likely. A final decision will be made by Morata’s second-half effort. Just as he had With 15 minutes gone, defender Stephan 2022 for the tournament. Scorching sum- the end of the year, say organisers. Qatar done in Turin, the 31-year-old Tevez gave his Lichtsteiner forced Weidenfeller into another mer temperatures meant FIFA could not , with a population of 2.3 million, also side an early lead with a breath-taking strike to save as the Italian league leaders kept up the stick to traditional June-July matches. expects up to one million visitors for the catch out the Dortmund defence. The early pressure. Qatar said it was happy to have a tour- tournament which also be the most Argentinian then beat Dortmund’s off-side Allegri was forced into an early change on nament at any time. But it has other wor- expensive ever. trap with 20 minutes left to give Morata a sim- 27 minutes when defensive midfielder Paul GERMANY: Juventus’ Arturo Vidal (top) and ries. Longstanding concerns over condi- Brazil’s World Cup in 2014 cost an esti- ple tap-in to put the Old Lady in the last eight. Pogba came off clutching his hamstring made Dortmund’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan challenge tions for migrant workers in Qatar will be mated $20 billion. Qatar is spending $45 Tevez added his second and Juve’s third way for Italy’s Andrea Barzagli. for the ball during the Champions League raised at the Zurich meeting. FIFA’s presi- billion alone on building a city to host nine minutes later when he took Arturo Vidal’s Dortmund chased the game and dominat- round of 16 second leg soccer match. — AP dent Sepp Blatter on a visit to the Gulf the World Cup final, Lusail, some 15 kilo- earlier this week said “more must be metres (10 miles) north of Doha. pass and fired home to break Borussia hearts. ed possession, but Juve stood deep frustrating Morata again as the Spanish forward threat- done in Qatar” to protect workers. Rights The country has embarked on a $200 Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus simply had the hosts’ constant attacks as it remained 1-0 ened to add to his first-leg winning goal. It groups are unsatisfied by proposed billion spending splurge in the runup to too much experience for a Dortmund side at the break. Borussia boss Jurgen Klopp finally came on 70 minutes when Tevez reforms to pay, living conditions and the 2022, building a metro system for Doha, sprinted onto a ball over the Dortmund struggling with confidence issues after a dire brought on Oliver Kirch for injured left-back “kafala” labor system, which critics liken a new port and huge reservoirs. start to their Bundesliga season which had left Marcel Schmelzer at the start of the second defence, drew Weidenfeller and unselfishly to modern-day slavery. Although no one is doubting that them bottom of the table in February. half. Only a good save from Weidenfeller on 50 squared for Morata. Qatar is also set to more than double Qatar, buoyed by gas and oil money, Juventus also maintained their impressive minutes stopped Juve going 2-0 up when Tevez put the result beyond doubt when the number of migrant laborers in the can afford the World Cup, the scale of record at Dortmund with their fourth straight Tevez charged through the Dortmund he added his sixth Champions League goal of country to 2.5 million in the next five the vast projects lead some to ques- win at Borussia’s Westfalenstadion to go into defence, but the Borussia goalkeeper blocked the campaign 11 minutes from time with years as it embarks on huge infrastruc- tion whether the tiny Gulf state can Friday’s draw. Morata’s shot. another strike which gave Weidenfeller no ture projects. deliver. — AFP Dortmund, the 2013 finalists, join Schalke Just six minutes later Weidenfeller denied chance. — AFP US urges allies to think twice before joining China-led bank

Page 25 Global watchdog turns a bit Business more rosy on world economy THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 Page 26 Cathay Pacific net profit US Fed set to ditch ‘patient’ rate vow falls below expectation Page 24 Page 25

FRANKFURT: A protester wears an octopus hat during a protest on the opening day of the European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany yesterday. — AFP Injuries, arrests as anti-ECB rally turns violent Protesters, police clash near new European bank HQ

FRANKFURT: Anti-capitalist protesters clashed speech at the opening ceremony but said they parts of Europe. “Our protest is against the ECB, with riot police near the new headquarters of the were missing the point by blaming the ECB. as a member of the troika, that, despite the fact European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt yester- “European unity is being strained,” he said, that it is not democratically elected, hinders the day and set fire to barricades and cars, casting a according to an advance text. “People are going work of the Greek government. We want the aus- pall over the ceremonial opening of the billion- through very difficult times. There are some, like terity politics to end,” Ulrich Wilken, one of the euro skyscraper. Nearly 90 police were injured by many of the protesters outside today, who organizers, said. “We want a loud but peaceful stones and unidentified liquids hurled by a vio- believe the problem is that Europe is doing too protest,” he said. lent minority from within the thousands-strong little. “But the euro area is not a political union of Blockupy says it represents grass-roots critics protest, police said. Some protesters said they the sort where some countries permanently pay of supranational financial institutions including were injured when police used pepper spray. for others. It has always been understood that the “troika”: the ECB, the European Commission Seven police cars were set on fire, streets were countries have to be able to stand on their own and the International Monetary Fund, whose blocked by burning stacks of tyres and rubbish two feet - that each is responsible for its own inspectors monitor countries such as Greece and bins, and shops were damaged in the city centre. policies. The fact that some had to go through a Cyprus that have received international bailouts. Dark smoke billowed in front of the ECB towers difficult period of adjustment was therefore not a The ECB is also influential as a provider of finance and across central Frankfurt. Police used water choice that was imposed on them. It was a con- to the banks of struggling countries and has in cannon to try to make a path through the mass sequence of their past decisions.” recent weeks sanctioned a drip feed of extra of black-clad protesters to the entrance of the The protest organizers, a group called emergency finance to Greece’s lenders. Greek building, blocked off from the street by police Blockupy - named after the Occupy Wall Street Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis last week criti- barricades. Five people were detained and others movement in 2011 - estimated that about 10,000 cized ECB policy towards Athens as “asphyxiat- taken into custody for questioning. ECB President demonstrators were at the rally. Thousands came ing”, a criticism also made by the protest organiz- FRANKFURT: A Police car is burning on the opening day of the European Central Mario Draghi addressed the demonstrators in his into the German financial capital from other ers.— Reuters Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt am Main. — AFP ‘Save Our Sons’ throws a jobs UK pledges ‘prosperity’ lifeline to African-Americans in pre-election budget LONDON: Britain’s government vowed unveiled a tax on profits aimed at crack- FERGUSON: For years, Justin Williams has been Empowerment Center on West Florissant Avenue has averaged 17 percent, versus 5.8 percent for to move from austerity to prosperity in a ing down on multinationals that shift bouncing around from job to job, never holding that will also provide counseling on housing issues whites, according to Census Bureau data cited by the key pre-election budget yesterday, profits offshore. There were also perks down anything stable, feeling frustrated and “really as well as community mental health services. The St Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper. Save Our Sons is a describing the looming national vote as for pensioners, who will be allowed to down and out,” until ‘Save Our Sons’ threw him a life- lobby is to feature a mural in memory of Brown, tailored four-week program that teaches groups of a “critical choice” between chaos or eco- swap regular retirement incomes for line. Launched by the Urban League of Metropolitan whose death August 9 - in an altercation with a white 15 men each how to find a job, how to keep a job, nomic success. Finance Minister George cash lump sums. In reaction to slumping St Louis after the fatal police shooting of Michael police officer around the corner from the QuikTrip- how to score a promotion and how to network in Osborne also hiked his 2015 economic world oil prices, he cancelled a planned Brown, Save Our Sons is a program that aims to give touched off nationwide protests and soul-searching hopes of moving up to even better employment. growth forecast to 2.5 percent in the hike on fuel duty while announcing £1.3 young African-American men the skills they need to about race and policing in America today. “It is our Participants get to meet chief executives from St coalition’s final budget before May’s gen- billion (1.8 billion euros, $1.9 billion) of find a job and build a career in a competitive job goal to take it (the location) and turn it into a Louis area companies and hear how their own jour- eral election, up from a prior estimate of support for Britain’s North Sea oil indus- market in which the going has long been tough for phoenix rising from the ashes,” said Urban League neys up to the coveted corner office started at the 2.4 percent, and cut his deficit forecasts try. blacks. president Michael McMillan. “People will see it as St. bottom rungs of the career ladder, behind a cash reg- for the next three years. “This is a budget “I really need to take a chance,” the 36-year-old Louis moving in the right direction.” ister or in a parking lot. that takes Britain one more step on the No short term gimmicks native of the St. Louis suburb of Northwoods, who is Founded in 1918, the Urban League has been “I liken it to the first 30 days of having a job,” said road from austerity to prosperity,” added The centre-right Conservatives and mid-way through his month-long Save Our Sons helping African-Americans in the lower-income Jamie Dennis, a Save Our Sons instructor. “We’re very Chancellor of the Exchequer Osborne, a their junior coalition partners the Liberal training said. Williams sees himself one day in health northern half of St Louis County for years, but strict about attendance, punctuality, whether or not key member of Prime Minister David Democrats are hoping to capitalize on care, but “I really just want an opportunity just so I McMillan said women, not men, have tended to be performance is up to par.” The objective is for every Cameron’s Conservative party. their stewardship of the economy, which can run with it, see where I can go with it-and one the ones most willing to sign up for its jobs pro- participant to get a job. Since the program began in Gross domestic product (GDP) was has staged a solid recovery since it won thing Save Our Sons taught me is that it really grams. In the aftermath of Brown’s shooting, he said, January, about 70 percent have done so, and “we are expected to expand by 2.3 percent in power in 2010. Britain’s deficit was set to doesn’t matter where you start” on that quest for a “every single day when we were out on West still working with the remaining participants to help both 2016 and 2017, Osborne said. reach 4.0 percent of GDP in 2015/2016, big break. This week, the Urban League unveiled Florissant, we talked to young men and asked them them get placed,” said Herta Shikapwashya, the “Today, I report on a Britain that is grow- falling further until 2018/2019 when it bold plans to shift Save Our Sons into high gear with what they needed. They all said jobs.” Nationwide, Urban League’s vice president for workplace devel- ing, creating jobs and paying its way,” he was forecast to stand at a surplus of 0.2 a job training center to be constructed on the site of unemployment for African-American men in opment. Marcus Allen, 30, didn’t have to go far. After told lawmakers. “We took difficult deci- percent. “Five years ago the deficit was a QuikTrip gas station looted and set ablaze in a riot February stood at 10.4 percent, compared to 4.5 per- successfully completing the program, he got hired sions in the teeth of opposition and it out of control. Today as a share of the day after Brown’s death. cent for their white counterparts, after a Great by the Urban League itself to be a custodian at its worked-Britain is walking tall again.” In a national income it is down by more than Oklahoma-based QuikTrip is donating the land Recession peak of 19.3 percent in March 2010. branch in Jennings, a St Louis suburb next door to wide-ranging announcement, Osborne a half,” Osborne told lawmakers. — AFP for the $500,000 Ferguson Community But in St Louis County, from 2011 through 2013, it Ferguson. — AFP THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 BUSINESS China home prices fall Real estate stocks jump

HONG KONG: China’s average new home prices “Over the weekend, Premier Li Keqiang vowed Seasonal sales rebound fell at the fastest pace on record in February to support the economy if it continues to slide, Liu Jianwei, senior statistician at the NBS said from a year earlier, hurt by slower sales during so the worse the economic data, the sooner in a statement yesterday that sales in March will the Lunar New Year holidays, but developers and stimulus policies will be rolled out,” said Luo show a significant seasonal rebound from analysts expected prices to slowly recover - par- Wenbo, analyst at Qilu Securities. “Investors February’s Lunar New Year pause. Sales volume ticularly in top-tier cities. Average new home wouldn’t have been so bold if the Premier hadn’t in 40 major cities monitored by housing data prices in China’s 70 major cities dropped 5.7 per- made that promise.” company CREIS rose 51.6 percent in the first cent last month from a year ago, the sixth con- The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data week of March compared to the previous week, secutive fall, following January’s 5.1 percent showed new home prices in Beijing fell 0.2 per- while they rose around 23 percent in the second decline. cent between February and January, accelerat- week. Most of the rise came from first and sec- It was the biggest annual fall in the nation- ing from a 0.1 percent fall in January from ond-tier cities. wide survey which has been compiled since December, while Shanghai prices fell again by “Although the overall market eased in the 2011. The monthly fall in February from January 0.1 percent after stabilizing following eight beginning of the year, as policies loosen further was 0.4 percent, the same as in the previous straight month-on-month falls. Westpac Global and new launches pick up in March, the proper- month. The record fall coincided with news that Economics said in a report that home price con- ty market is expected to see a recovery,” said Chinese banks have extended Evergrande Real solidation was limited to tier 1 markets. consultancy China Real Estate Index System Estate Group 100 billion yuan ($16 billion) in “Outside the wealthier coastal cities, the (CREIS). Sino-Ocean Land also forecast a slight credit, as the slump in China’s key real estate sec- process of clearing excess inventory requires fur- rise in prices for top-tier cities in 2015 in an earn- tor extends to one of China’s biggest and most ther discounting at the new end, and lower ask- ing statement on Tuesday. Shanghai-based indebted property developers. ing prices in secondary markets.” “In short, there developer CIFI Holdings said last week it plans to Real estate stocks jumped in response to the are further signs of a bottoming in the tier 1 raise prices by 10 to 15 percent this year. China’s price news, with the Bank of Communications cities, while the rest of the country continues to central bank cut interest rates for the second expecting the government will take measures to struggle,” it said. Of the 70 major cities the NBS time in just over three months at the end of bolster the market, including lowering taxes and monitors, 66 posted a monthly decline, up from February, in an effort to support the economy loosening requirements for mortgage lending. January’s 64. and ward off deflation. —Reuters British Airways app set to be the first on new Apple Watch

KUWAIT: British Airways is set to be one iBeacon powered welcome messages. of the first companies to have a specially British Airways was one of the first airlines developed app on the new Apple Watch in the UK to utilize iBeacon technology in when it launches on April 24. There will its lounges and uses it to provide cus- be two elements to the app to make trav- tomers with useful and timely informa- el even easier for customers of the airline. tion as they pass through the airport. A The ‘glance’ screen which appears on the swipe of the ‘glance’ screen will open the Apple Watch face will display a summary BA app, designed to fit the Apple Watch of their flight including the departure screen and make it easy and quick to time, the flight status and a countdown to interact with. It will display a more a departure time. detailed summary of the customer’s next Customers will also benefit from timely flight, the flight number, route, departure check-in and airport gate notifications, time, flight status, a countdown to the and those using the lounges at departure time and the weather at the Heathrow’s Terminal 5 will receive destination. Japan firms heed PM’s call to boost salaries

TOKYO: Major firms yesterday about 1.14 percent above current ‘Promising’ which have announced wage announced pay rises for workers pay. Toyota employees would Pay rises have taken on an hikes so far do not represent the after sustained pressure from the also get an average bonus worth extra significance since a sales typical firm,” said Marcel government in its attempt to 6.8 months of their base wage-a tax increase in April last year Thieliant, an economist on Japan push up prices in long-deflation- common pay structure in Japan. dented the economy’s frail recov- at Singapore-based Capital ary Japan. Prime Minister Shinzo The firm now expects to book a ery. The rise-Japan’s first in 17 Economics. “The median base Abe’s drive to get Japan economi- record 2.13 trillion yen ($18.1 bil- years-slammed the brakes on pay hike last year fell well short cally ship-shape with a mix of lion) net profit in the fiscal year to consumer spending, plunging of the hikes at the ‘first movers’, easy money and fiscal largesse March. the economy into recession and and we think that this will remain has born some fruit since its Last year the Corolla and Prius throwing Abe’s growth-boosting the case this year.” launch two years ago, in the form hybrid maker gave the first wage program into question. The Under Abe’s economic drive, of soaring stock prices and a rise in six years. Japan’s second- plunge in the value of the yen, the Bank of Japan has set an falling currency. But stagnant largest automaker Nissan agreed while helping exporters, reduced inflation target of 2.0 percent by salaries have been one of the to give an even bigger raise of spending power at home next year. But a growing number main missing links in the “virtu- 5,000 yen a month, and a bonus because it made imports more of economists have cast doubt ous circle” of growth that the pre- worth 5.7 months of employees’ expensive. Official data have on the chances of the BoJ reach- mier’s signature “Abenomics” plan base wage, the company said. shown that Japanese household ing its target without further envisages. “We’ve had thorough discussions spending in 2014 declined at its expanding an already enormous With deals from some of on the very difficult challenge of fastest pace in eight years, under- monetary easing scheme, Japan’s biggest employers becoming more competitive... scoring how badly clobbered the launched two years ago. “Overall, announced yesterday following while contributing to sustaining a average person felt. this year’s shunto shows that the the annual labor talks-known as good economic cycle,” Toyota Observers said the wage set- tight labor market has indeed “shunto”, or the “spring offensive”- managing officer Tatsuro Ueda tlements looked “promising” but resulted in a stronger rise in base it appeared the prime minister told reporters. Major electronics the question now would be pay than last year,” Thieliant said. was at least partially getting his firms, such as Panasonic and whether the thousands of small- “But wage growth will likely still way. The world’s biggest Toshiba, agreed to give a unified er companies that make up a fall short of the levels required to automaker Toyota said it would wage rise of 3,000 yen a month, huge chunk of Japan’s economy lift inflation towards the Bank of raise employees’ pay by an aver- bigger than last year’s 2,000 yen. would follow suit. “It is important Japan’s 2.0 percent inflation tar- age of 4,000 yen ($33) a month- to note that the ‘first movers’ get.”—AFP EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.590 Sierra Leone 0.000067 0.000073 Nepalese Rupees 3.995 Singapore Dollar 0.213424 0.219424 South African Rand 0.018305 0.026805 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 82.080 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001881 0.002461 Japanese Yen 2.479 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.450 Taiwan 0.009404 0.009584 Indian Rupees 4.788 Australian Dollar 226.64 Thai Bhat 10.110 Pakistani Rupees 2.957 Canadian Dollar 239.39 Turkish Lira 114.525 Thai Baht 0.008842 0.009392 Srilankan Rupees 2.252 Swiss Franc 304.40 Nepali Rupees 3.006 Euro 322.12 Arab Singapore Dollar 217.660 US Dollar 300.95 Bahrain Exchange Company Bahraini Dinar 0.791283 0.799283 Hongkong Dollar 38.750 Sterling Pound 447.75 Egyptian Pound 0.038457 0.041557 Japanese Yen 2.52 Iranian Riyal 0.000083 0.000085 Bangladesh Taka 3.867 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Philippine Peso 6.798 Bangladesh Taka 3.863 Iraqi Dinar 0.000190 0.000250 Thai Baht 9.182 Indian Rupee 4.795 Europe Jordanian Dinar 0.420171 0.427671 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.251 Belgian Franc 0.007843 0.008843 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Nepali Rupee 2.999 British Pound 0.436994 0.445994 Lebanese Pound 0.000150 0.000250 Pakistani Rupee 2.957 Czech Korune 0.003712 0.015712 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021525 0.045525 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 81.81 Danish Krone 0.038697 0.043697 Nigerian Naira 0.001236 0.001871 Saudi Riyal 80.272 Bahraini Dinar 798.79 Euro 0.314613 0.322613 Omani Riyal 0.775154 0.780834 Qatari Riyal 82.699 Egyptian Pound 39.33 Norwegian Krone 0.032173 0.037373 Qatar Riyal 0.081897 0.083110 Omani Riyal 782.070 Jordanian Dinar 427.61 Romanian Leu 0.086271 0.086271 Saudi Riyal 0.079563 0.080263 Bahraini Dinar 799.520 Omani Riyal 780.49 Slovakia 0.008930 0.018930 Syrian Pound 0.001274 0.001494 UAE Dirham 81.967 Qatari Riyal 82.88 Swedish Krona 0.030636 0.035636 Tunisian Dinar 0.149665 0.157665 Saudi Riyal 80.17 Swiss Franc 0.294050 0.304250 Turkish Lira 0.114251 0.121251 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.114251 0.121251 UAE Dirhams 0.080902 0.082051 Egyptian Pound - Cash 41.450 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Yemeni Riyal 0.001359 0.001439 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 39.362 Australasia Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.405 Australian Dollar 0.220758 0.232258 Tunisian Dinar 152.350 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate New Zealand Dollar 0.213277 0.222777 Al Mulla Exchange Jordanian Dinar 424.880 US Dollar 300.700 America Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.019 Canadian Dollar 237.355 Canadian Dollar 0.229634 0.238134 Syrian Lira 2.146 Sterling Pound 444.850 US Dollars 0.296650 0.301350 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 30.090 Euro 319.300 US Dollars Mint 0.297150 0.301350 US Dollar 298.850 Swiss Frank 302.760 Euro 323.750 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Bahrain Dinar 799.890 Asia Pound Sterlng 452.450 US Dollar Transfer 300.900 UAE Dirhams 82.245 Bangladesh Taka 0.003566 0.004166 Canadian Dollar 239.000 Euro 318.860 Qatari Riyals 83.420 Chinese Yuan 0.046624 0.050124 Indian Rupee 4.775 Sterling Pound 446.780 Saudi Riyals 80.365 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036691 0.039441 Egyptian Pound 39.150 Canadian dollar 237.250 Jordanian Dinar 424.430 Indian Rupee 0.004501 0.004902 Turkish lira 114.060 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.240 Egyptian Pound 39.333 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Swiss Franc 300.900 Bangladesh Taka 3.842 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.253 Japanese Yen 0.002395 0.002575 Australian Dollar 232.900 Philippines Peso 6.750 Indian Rupees 4.796 US Dollar Buying 299.700 Kenyan Shilling 0.003320 0.003320 Pakistan Rupee 2.942 Pakistani Rupees 2.955 Korean Won 0.000257 0.000272 Bahraini Dinar 795.750 Bangladesh Taka 3.864 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.077869 0.083869 UAE Dirham 81.600 Philippines Pesso 6.721 20 gram 238.100 Nepalese Rupee 0.003038 0.003208 Saudi Riyal 79.800 Cyprus pound 738.105 Pakistan Rupee 0.002771 0.003051 10 gram 121.740 *Rates are subject to change 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 3.475 Philippine Peso 0.006701 0.006981

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 BUSINESS Dollar trades flat, euro edges up US Fed set to ditch ‘patient’ rate vow

LONDON: European shares followed Asian stocks we get that and a measured message on the dollar’s percent to a 15-year high on expectations of econom- 1.9 percent. The dollar, which has risen more at $1.0607. The dollar was barely changed at higher yesterday and the dollar held steady before a impact on inflation then, given the slight retracement ic recovery and higher shareholder returns. than 20 percent against major currencies over 121.30 yen. Federal Reserve meeting that’s expected to lay the we have seen in the first half of this week, I think the Chinese stocks rose for a sixth successive session the past year in anticipation of higher US rates, Sterling was flat at $1.4746 before closely groundwork for the first increase in US interest rates in dollar will do well,” said Michael Sneyd, a currency in anticipation of fresh government stimulus. The held steady before the Fed announcement, due watched wage and unemployment data and nearly a decade. The Fed is widely expected to strategist with BNP Paribas in London. The pan- CSI300 index of the largest listed companies in at 1800 GMT, and a news conference by Fed finance minister George Osborne’s last national remove the word “patient” from its statement on the European FTSEurofirst 300 stocks index rose 0.2 per- Shanghai and Shenzhen rose 2.4 percent. China’s Chair Janet Yellen 30 minutes later. budget before parliamentary elections on May timing of its first hike since 2006, possibly paving the cent at 1,587.40 points, led by Spanish fashion giant average new home prices fell at their fastest pace on While the trajectory of US rates is clear, some 7. Political uncertainty pushed the pound to a way for policy tightening as early as June. Inditex, which reported a rise in 2014 profit. Earlier, record last month, data showed yesterday. MSCI’s analysts say recent weak economic data may five-year low against the dollar on Friday. “Our base case is that they will remove ‘patience’. If shares rose across Asia. Tokyo’s Nikkei index rose 0.6 main index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose delay any move beyond June. “The impact from Depending on the outcome, the election could the dollar’s rally already represents a form of trigger a referendum on whether Britain will tightening, so the Fed is in no rush to raise inter- stay in the European Union. est rates,” said Philippe Ithurbide, head of research, analysis and strategy at Amundi. The Bund auction first increase might not come until after German government bond yields fell before September, he said. Against a basket of its an auction of 10-year debt expected to meet peers, the US currency was down less than 0.1 strong demand, amid concern the ECB’s bond- percent. US Treasury yields edged down after buying will lead to a scarcity of top-rated debt. falling in New York on Tuesday following weak Ten-year yields fell 1.8 basis points to 0.266 per- housing starts data. Ten-year yields were last at cent. Brent crude oil edged down towards $53 a 2.05 percent, compared with 2.06 percent in barrel after a forecast that US crude stockpiles New York. would reach record highs, maintaining a global The euro, which fell to a 12-year low last supply glut. Brent last traded at $53.46. Gold lift- week as the European Central Bank began a 1 ed off four-month lows, with market participants trillion-euro bond-buying program designed to cautious before the Fed announcement. Spot boost growth and inflation, was up 0.1 percent gold last traded at $1,147.10 an ounce. —Reuters

NAJAF: An Iraqi woman sews a military uniform at a factory in the Shiite shrine city of Najaf, in central Iraq. The factory, which employees some 1,700 workers, produces military fatigues and flak jackets for Iraqi popular mobi- lization fighters that back up the government forces in the battle against Islamic State (IS) group jihadists. —AFP Oil falls below $53

LONDON: Brent oil prices fell below (EIA). “Whether the API data is right or $53 a barrel yesterday on oversupply wrong, it is still about market expecta- concerns as industry data indicated US tions or missed expectations,” said Ben crude stocks had hit a new record high. LeBrun, a market analyst at Sydney’s US crude inventories rose by 10.5 mil- OptionsXpress. The expiry of the Brent lion barrels to 450 million barrels in the contract on Monday and the West week to March 13, American Petroleum Texas Intermediate forward contract Institute (API) figures showed on on March 20 “is adding a bit of fuel, Tuesday. Analysts had expected a 3.8- adding to volatility in the market”, million-barrel increase. LeBrun said. Brent for May delivery was down 62 Traders yesterday are also watching cents at $52.89 per barrel by 1058 GMT for the US Federal Reserve to outline after ending the previous session up 7 monetary policy objectives including cents. US crude for April delivery fell regarding interest rates. “If US interest $1.25 to $42.21 per barrel, after hitting rate hikes would be pushed back, this a six-year low of $42.05 earlier in the would likely cause the dollar to weak- session. Crude stocks at the Cushing, en, however, only in the short run,” Oklahoma delivery hub rose by 3 mil- Singapore’s Phillip Futures said in a lion barrels, the API said. “That’s a big research note. Global oversupply con- build, especially given the rate of inven- cerns have been spurred by factors tory increases we’ve seen recently,” said including US output levels, some Dominic Haywood, oil analyst at Energy recovery in Libya’s production and the Aspects. “If we continue at this pace, potential for a boost in Iran’s exports there’s definitely potential to see stor- should Western sanctions be lifted. age hitting tank tops at Cushing in April There could also be more downward or May.” pressure on prices as China pauses its Official inventory data will be issued build-up of strategic reserves and yesterday by the US government’s Asian refineries slow imports ahead of Energy Information Administration spring maintenance.—Reuters Gold near 4-month low

LONDON: Gold steadied above a more action. “The removal of the word than four-month low yesterday as “patient” from the FOMC’s (Federal Open investors remained cautious pending the Market Committee) guidance may initial- conclusion of a Federal Reserve meeting ly pressure gold prices, especially if it that may stoke expectations for a mid- helps to further boost the dollar,” HSBC year hike in US interest rates. US Fed offi- said in a note. Gold, a non-interest yield- cials started a two-day policy meeting on ing asset, has dropped 3 percent since Tuesday. Markets have largely priced in the start of the year on expectations for a that they will drop the word “patient” US rate hike. While the US economy has from their forward guidance on interest been strengthening as evidenced by a rates, potentially paving the way for their firming labor market, the housing sector first rate hike since 2006 in June. remained weak, suggesting the Fed is “The timing of the first US rate hike is unlikely to engage in an aggressive hik- a driving factor for the gold market at ing cycle after an initial rate increase. the moment,” Julius Baer head of com- Data on Tuesday showed US housing modity research Norbert Ruecker said. starts plunged to their lowest level in a “We have a bearish view, especially year in February. Holdings in the SPDR longer term, as the global economy is Gold Trust, the world’s largest gold- incrementally improving and growth backed exchange-traded fund, dropped risks are reduced, which means that 0.4 percent to 747.98 tons on Tuesday. there are simply fewer reasons to buy Platinum was unchanged at $1,092.35 gold as a safe haven.” Spot gold was up an ounce, having fallen to its lowest 0.2 percent at $1,150.60 an ounce by since May 2009 at $1,084.50 an ounce 1043 GMT, a tad above its lowest since on Tuesday. The metal has fallen more Nov 7 at $1,142.86, hit on Tuesday. than 8 percent since the start of the The dollar was little changed against a year and was trading at a discount of basket of currencies, while European about $56 an ounce to gold - the widest shares rose. HSBC said US inflation data spread since March 2013. Silver was up may not be strong enough to prompt a 0.1 percent at $15.54 an ounce, while rate hike in June, and policymakers could palladium rose 0.5 percent to $766.70 wait until September before taking any an ounce.—Reuters BUSINESS THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

Slippery slope? Heated debate in Uganda over super crops

WAKISO: With his half-acre banana plantation, of plentiful crops, resistant to drought and disease. approves and I benefit. My confidence is in the gov- tends on its Internet site. “Little is known about them Charles Semakula can put his family’s favorite food on Their opponents insist that the long-term health risks ernment,” he said. from a health perspective... They have severe social the table every day. Green cooking bananas, or and environmental impacts are not known, and warn impact, threatening traditional food cultures and the matooke, are a feature of almost every main course that global corporations behind GMO foods exercise ‘A neo-colonial conspiracy’ livelihoods of small-scale farmers.” Despite strong for 38-year-old Semakula, his wife and four children, undue influence over governments and farmers. With Others however are skeptical. “It’s a neo-colonial opposition, Tushemereirwe expects the bill to sail while sweet yellow ones make for pudding. Matooke his banana crop under threat, Semakula is among conspiracy to make the developing world more through Uganda’s parliament and claims that GMOs is a national staple in Uganda, and many say a meal those who want Uganda’s parliament to pass a con- dependent on food and seeds from rich governments have the backing of President Yoweri Museveni, in isn’t a meal without it. tentious bill permitting the use of GMO crops in the and corporations,” said Edie Mukiibi, 28, who grows 12 public and in private. “The last time I personally “When I spend a week without eating matooke, I hope it will deliver disease-resistant bananas. different varieties of banana on his farm in Mukono, in talked to Museveni he said: ‘You continue with sci- don’t feel good,” said Semakula, who lives and farms Supporters of the GMO bill argue that the crops are central Uganda. Opponents of GMOs argue that they ence. When you need a law, I’ll give it to you’,” said 16 kilometers outside the capital Kampala. “It’s rare both safe and vital for the health of Ugandans. threaten the sustainability of farming in Africa with Tushemereirwe. not to find it regardless of what part of the country “We are interested in solving a problem,” said accompanying restrictions that remove farmers’ right Mukiibi agrees that it is a matter of when, not if, the you’re in.” But in recent years a deadly bacterial dis- Professor Wilberforce Tushemereirwe, director of to choose their own crops and seeds. “Real nutrition is law is passed and promises to step up his opposition. ease, known as “banana wilt”, has had a devastating research at the National Agricultural Research when you have diversity of crops in your garden to “We will intensify the campaign to preserve our biodi- impact, driving some farmers to abandon their Laboratories. Uganda has been conducting trials of choose from, not having only one crop everywhere,” versity, as well as educating consumers about the beloved crop altogether. It has also sparked a disease-resistant GMO bananas since 2007. In 2010 said Mukiibi, who is also a vice-president of the problems around GMOs,” he said, adding that farmers Ugandan version of the global row over genetically government scientists expanded the range of tests to Ugandan branch of the global organization Slow need to be advised by “independent bodies” and not modified (GMO) foods. Across the world, heated include rice, maize, cassava and sweet potatoes. But Food International, which rejects GMOs and advo- just government-backed institutions. “We cannot just debate surrounds the development and use of new for Semakula, it is all about the banana, while his faith cates “good, clean and fair food.” sit and see our rights to choose our planting materials, foods whose DNA has been manipulated to incorpo- in the government is total. “Vaccines and drugs come “GMOs are unreliable from a scientific point of seasonal cropping and local seed preservation rate traits not found naturally. into the country. I don’t need to know where they view, inefficient in economic terms and environmen- hijacked by a few individuals and corporations who Backers claim that engineered strains offer a future came from, how they process them. Government tally unsustainable,” the Italy-based network con- want to own all the seeds on earth.”— AFP

Air India’s new A320 launched in Kuwait

KUWAIT: In yet another milestone run on domestic sector, the aircraft was achieved by Air India Kuwait, a brand new finally deployed to Kuwait. aircraft A320 has been deployed on the Country Manager, Air India, Ajay Sinha Kuwait sector with effect from 16th March said that the 180 seater all-economy- 2015. All passengers boarding the flight class aircraft is fitted with latest light from Kuwait were pleasantly surprised on weight seats, and has Wing Sharklets entering a brand new aircraft. Each passen- which will further save on fuel. These air- ger was welcomed with sweets and greet- craft are also fitted with latest Wireless ed by the ground staff of Air India. Quick Access Recorder which enables From now on, passengers flying to and automated wireless transfer of recorded from Kuwait will enjoy the comfort of trav- flight data from the aircraft through GSM eling on a brand new flight fully equipped network directly to Airlines Flight Safety with the latest state-of-the-art technology. and Engineering department for Flight Air India took the delivery of new A320 Data Analysis. Air India urges customers from Airbus Manufacturing facility at to fly with us to enjoy the comfort of the Hamburg, Germany on 04th February 2015. new aircraft and wishes you a Happy After mandatory checks and familiarization Journey.

KAILI: People use buckets to gather catfish spilled on a road in the city of Kaili in southwest China’s Guizhou province. A total of 6,800 kilos (14,991 lbs) of catfish were dumped onto the roadway when the door of a cargo truck accidentally opened on Tuesday afternoon. According to Chinese media, fire- fighters and local residents were able to collect most of the fish in about two hours. — AP US urges allies to think twice before joining China-led bank Bank could spread Chinese ‘soft power’ in Asia

BERLIN: The United States has urged countries to ministers of Germany, France and Italy said they and influence as countries question the United think twice before signing up to a new China-led would work to ensure the new institution “follows States’ commitment to international institutions. Cathay Pacific net profit Asian development bank that Washington sees as the best standards and practices in terms of gov- “It’s not an accident that emerging economies are a rival to the World Bank, after Germany, France ernance, safeguards, debt and procurement poli- looking at other places because they are frustrat- falls below expectations and Italy followed Britain in saying they would cies.” ed that, frankly, the United States has stalled a join. The concerted move by US allies to partici- In a short statement, China’s Ministry of very mild and reasonable set of reforms in the IMF,” HONG KONG: Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay The firm’s shares fell 0.6 percent when the pate in Beijing’s flagship economic outreach proj- Finance said it welcomed the decision and hoped Lew said. Pacific’s net profit for 2014 rose more than 20 Hong Kong bourse closed, at HK$16.94. The ect is a diplomatic blow to the United States and to receive written confirmation soon. “If all goes Some Republicans have complained the percent but failed to meet analysts’ expecta- benchmark Hang Seng Index was up 0.91 per- its efforts to counter the fast-growing economic smoothly, France, Italy and Germany could formal- changes would cost too much at a time tions, results showed yesterday, with the airline cent. and diplomatic influence of China. ly become founding members of the AIIB two Washington is running big budget deficits. The hit by losses on fuel hedging. Cathay, whose Europe’s participation reflects the eagerness to weeks after,” it said. Luxembourg’s Finance Ministry reforms have also ran afoul of a growing isolation- shares dipped on the news, insisted that overall New routes partner with China’s economy, the world’s second also confirmed the country, a big financial centre, ist trend among the party’s influential Tea Party demand was strong and its outlook was posi- Passenger numbers for Cathay Pacific and largest, and comes amid prickly trade negotiations has applied to be a founding member of the $50 wing. China said earlier this year a total of 26 coun- tive, after reporting a slow start to 2014, affect- its short-haul subsidiary Dragonair increased between Brussels and Washington. European billion AIIB. The AIIB was launched in Beijing last tries had been included as AIIB founder members, ed by high fuel prices and weakness in the air 5.5 percent to 31.6 million in 2014, with capaci- Union and Asian governments are frustrated that year to spur investment in Asia in transport, ener- mostly from Asia and the Middle East. It plans to cargo market. Net profit for last year stood at ty boosted by new routes to Doha, Manchester the US Congress has held up a reform of voting gy, telecommunications and other infrastructure. finalize the articles of agreement by the end of the HK$3.15 billion ($406 million), 20.2 percent and Newark. Cathay is set to launch further rights in the International Monetary Fund that It was seen as a rival to the Western-dominated year. China’s state-owned Xinhua news agency higher than the previous year’s figure of $2.62 new routes to Zurich, Boston and Dusseldorf would give China and other emerging powers World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. said South Korea and Switzerland were also con- billion, it said in a filing to the Hong Kong stock this year. The airline also said it was investing more say in global economic governance. China has said it will use the best practices of sidering joining. Chinese Foreign Ministry exchange. heavily in its fleet, with 16 new aircraft deliv- Washington insists it has not actively discouraged those institutions. spokesman Hong Lei would not comment on But the figure fell short of expectations, ered in 2014, nine more set to arrive this year countries from joining the new bank, but it has which countries had applied, and repeated that with a survey of 16 analysts by Bloomberg and a total of 79 on order for delivery up to questioned whether the Asian Infrastructure Not an accident the bank would be “open, inclusive, transparent News forecasting a profit of $3.49 billion. 2024. “How to drive yield improvement (the Investment Bank (AIIB) will have sufficient stan- The World Bank is traditionally run by a US and responsible.” Cathay shares closed down 0.59 percent at amount of revenue per passenger) alongside dards of governance and environmental and nominee and Washington also has the most influ- Washington says it sees a role for the AIIB given HK$16.94. “For the full year, passenger demand significant capacity addition is a tall order,” avia- social safeguards. ence at the IMF. The United States and Japan are Asia’s immense infrastructure needs and regards it was reasonably firm, with high demand during tion analyst Daniel Tsang at Aspire Aviation “I hope before the final commitments are the dominant members of the Asian as a potential partner for established institutions the peak summer and Christmas periods,” said. He said the results had missed analysts’ made anyone who lends their name to this organi- Development Bank (ADB). The planned reforms at like the ADB. But its strategy of questioning the Cathay chairman John Slosar said in the filing. targets “partially because of the fuel hedging zation will make sure that the governance is the IMF would double the fund’s resources and AIIB’s standards has drawn criticism from some “Our business benefited from lower fuel prices program” but did not see them as a slowdown. appropriate,” Treasury Secretary Jack Lew told US hand more voting power to countries such as the observers, who say the administration should in the fourth quarter, but this was partially off- “The 2013 results were off a very low base in lawmakers. German Finance Minister Wolfgang BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South have been more accepting of the new bank or set by fuel hedging losses,” Slosar said, adding 2012, so that really distorted the year-over-year Schaeuble announced at a joint news conference Africa. The adjustment of shares and voting rights offered alternatives within existing institutions. “If that cargo demand started to improve in the changes,” he added. with visiting Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai that was brokered by Britain at a Group of 20 summit you try to fight the rising power’s peaceful ascent summer of 2014. Slosar said the results were In 2013 the carrier’s net profit more than Germany, Europe’s biggest economy and a major in 2010, and European countries ratified it long you sow big problems in the future,” said Fred nevertheless “encouraging”. tripled on a rise in Chinese travelers and fuel trade partner of Beijing, would be a founding ago. Bergsten, a former top international affairs official “While we face growing competition in our cost savings. The latest results come a day after member of the AIIB. Lew told lawmakers that the US delay in ratify- at the US Treasury and currently a fellow at the passenger business... overall demand remains the Hong Kong government announced a plan In a joint statement, the foreign and finance ing the agreement was undermining its credibility Peterson Institute in Washington. — Reuters strong and the outlook is positive,” he said. Fuel to build a third runway at the city’s internation- in particular accounted for 39.2 percent of total al airport, which will cost HK$141.5 billion and operating costs, compared to 39.0 percent in is expected to be completed by 2023. Cathay 2013, the statement said. “Although oil prices Pacific said in a statement it welcomed the S Korean businessmen meet with have come down, they will not have been able decision and believes it is necessary to main- to benefit in full because they are obliged to tain Hong Kong’s competitiveness as a premier pay the oil contracts at higher prices,” Geoffrey aviation hub. A record 3.3 billion passengers North over industrial park row Cheng, Bocom International’s head of trans- boarded planes last year worldwide, a jump of portation and industrial research, told 170 million from 2013, the International Air SEOUL: A group of 14 South Korean business- Chung told reporters after he returned tion through military means. Kaesong busi- Bloomberg before the results were released. Transport Association said in February. — AFP men held talks with North Korean officials from Kaesong that his group expressed con- nessmen say the North’s anger at the planned yesterday on how to resolve an escalating row cern that the wage row was eroding investors’ launches is behind the row over wages. The over wages for workers at the Kaesong joint trust, Yonhap said. The companies are in a South insists the activists have a democratic industrial zone. Pyongyang last month dilemma as the South Korean government right to send the leaflets, but has appealed for announced it would raise the basic salary of has made it clear that they will be penalized if restraint to avoid overly provoking the North. some 54,000 North Korean workers employed they yield to pressure from the North. The In October last year North Korean border across 125 South Korean firms in the complex North’s proposal would increase the average guards attempted to shoot down some bal- as of the end of last year. The South rejected amount the South pays for each worker- loons, triggering a brief exchange of heavy the idea, citing an existing agreement that including allowances, welfare and overtime- machine-gun fire between the two sides. any wage rise had to be agreed by a joint from $155 to $164 monthly. Local residents living near the launch sites committee overseeing the management of have complained that the activists are putting the park. Anti-Pyongyang leaflets their lives at risk by making them potential It offered talks to discuss the issue but the Separately, a row over the launch of anti- targets for North Korean retaliation. Kaesong North refused, saying it had no need to con- Pyongyang leaflets from the South has cast a businessmen downplayed their concerns that sult with the South and a “legitimate and nor- shadow over the park’s fate. The leaflets are there might be a repeat of a 2013 crisis when mal” right to amend working conditions in scheduled to be sent by propaganda balloon the North effectively closed down the park for Kaesong, which lies in the North just over the on around Thursday, March 26, to mark the five months following a surge in military ten- border. The businessmen, led by Chung Ki- five-year anniversary of the sinking of a South sions. Many of the firms, manufacturers of Sup, head of the council of South Korean Korean warship in 2010, with the loss of 46 low-priced household goods, are still reeling firms operating in Kaesong, had a rare two- sailors, which the South blamed on the North. from financial losses from the shutdown, esti- hour meeting with North Korean officials, South Korean activists say they will also mated to be up to $1 billion. The zone, a rare Yonhap news agency reported. But North sneak copies of satirical Hollywood movie symbol of cross-border cooperation, had pre- HONG KONG: People watch as a Cathay Pacific Airbus A330 passenger aircraft pre- Korean officials reportedly refused to receive “The Interview” across the border, in defiance viously been spared the fallout from erup- pares to land at Hong Kong’s international airport. — AFP a protest letter carried by the businessmen. of North Korea’s repeated threats of retalia- tions in ties between the two Koreas.— AFP BUSINESS THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

First Equity Partners acquires majority 67% stake in WHS

KUWAIT: FEP Egypt Direct Investment and economic investment conference in Sharm El- underpinned by the economic reforms laid out direct investment in the country, as part of an Asset Management, an affiliate of First Equity Sheikh, Egypt - entitled Egypt the Future - at the recent Egypt the Future conference - the investment plan that varies between heavy Partners (FEP), a leading private equity manag- which took place from 13-15 March 2015. The country has a large market and many promis- industries, financial services, and small and er in the MENA region, has acquired a majority aim of the conference was to increase Egypt’s ing investment opportunities. WHS will medium projects. share in White House Securities (WHS). With attractiveness as a destination for foreign become FEP’s financial arm in Egypt and an As a private equity manager with $3 billion the acquisition of 67 per cent of WHS, which investment by detailing the country’s economic important portal into the country”. in Assets Under Management, FEP specializes lists small and medium companies on the reform plan, laying out its strategies for invigor- Saudi Arabia is the largest investor into the in turning around underachieving or distressed NILEX (Nile Stock Exchange), FEP reaffirmed its ating key economic sectors, working with part- Egyptian market - with $7-8 billion invested in assets into high performance businesses that position as one of the largest private equity ners to develop new infrastructure, and pre- heavy industries, tourism and real estate - fol- generate attractive investor returns over a firms from the GCC region investing in Egypt - senting opportunities to local, regional and lowed by Kuwait and the UAE. The combined competitive time frame. The group operates in managing investments worth a total of $1 bil- global investors. $35 billion worth of projects total investment of the three countries into the private equity, enterprise development, lion in the country. The group is headquartered were presented at the investment conference. Egypt exceeds $20 billion. That figure is set to corporate finance, business advisory and merg- Qais Al Maskati, in the Kingdom of Bahrain, with offices also Qais Al Maskati, Board Member and grow rapidly: at the Sharm El-Sheikh confer- ers & acquisitions sectors, focusing on buyouts, Board Member and based in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Managing Director of First Equity Partners, said: ence, the UAE committed more than $70 billion growth capital and distressed turnarounds. Managing Director Kuwait, Iraq, Morocco, Egypt and the United “This deal is another important milestone in of investment into Egypt’s market over the next Launched in 2011, FEP has subsidiaries in Steel, of First Equity Kingdom. FEP’s investment strategy in Egypt. Our vision ten years. FEP, which opened its offices in Egypt Building Material, Energy, Trading, SMEs and Partners The two companies participated in a major of the market over the long term is positive, three years ago, is in the midst of expanding its Real Estate. Global watchdog turns a bit more rosy on world economy Oil, cheap money fuel global growth outlook: OECD

PARIS: Cheap oil and money have lifted the my, which it said has helped improve financial The OECD said China’s growth is slowing to euro-zone out of lethargy, the OECD said yester- conditions. With the Federal Reserve meeting the government’s target of 7.0 percent, as it day, but it warned investment was lacking to yesterday and economists on the lookout for sig- trimmed its forecast by 0.1 point to that level achieve rapid world growth and expressed con- nals that it could begin raising interest rates while the 2016 outlook was left untouched. cerns about China. “Growth prospects in the within months, the OECD said it should wait. “Policymakers face a significant challenge major economies look slightly better” than when “Lower oil prices and the appreciation of the dol- between meeting growth targets while also pur- it made its previous forecasts in November, the lar make it appropriate for the Federal Reserve to suing the stated goal of rebalancing the econo- OECD said. It raised its forecast for global growth wait longer to raise policy interest rates,” said the my toward domestic demand and at the same this year by a tenth of a percentage point to 4.0 OECD. The dollar has been quickly rising in value time ensuring that financial risks are managed,” percent and its outlook for 2016 by two tenths of as the Fed nears raising interest rates and the it warned. Meanwhile the OECD now expects a percentage point to 4.3 percent. ECB has eased monetary policy, which could India to overtake China as the fastest-growing Nevertheless, the OECD noted that “the near- slow US exports and growth. The OECD held its major economy, hiking its forecast by 1.7 points term outlook remains for moderate, rather than forecasts for US growth steady at 3.1 percent this to 7.7 percent growth in 2015, although part of rapid, world GDP growth,” pointing out that “real year and 3.0 percent in 2016. the change was due to new data. The 2016 fore- investment remains sluggish, and labor is not yet cast was raised to 8.0 percent. fully engaged.” The OECD, a policy analysis body India heads the pack Commodity exporters, like Canada and Brazil, made up of 34 countries with advanced Meanwhile growth is “getting back on track” saw their growth outlooks cut as oil prices have economies, said the effects of “lower oil prices in Japan, said the OECD, which lifted its 2015 fallen. Brazil’s forecast was chopped by 2.0 Kuwait public spending remains and the effects of monetary policy easing are forecast by 0.2 points to 1.0 percent growth and points to a contraction of 0.5 percent this year, driving the overall improvement in the outlook.” the 2016 outlook by 0.4 points to 1.4 percent. as a tight monetary policy has also crimped solid amid lower oil revenues Nowhere was this more evident than in the While lower fuel prices mean it will take longer growth. Despite growing risks of ultra-low inter- euro-zone, where the OECD raised its 2015 to return to safe inflation levels, it will support est rates laying the groundwork for a new crisis, KUWAIT: Government spending remained sol- 26%and was at KD 2.1 billion fytd. growth forecast by 0.3 points to 1.4 percent this demand, said the OECD as it pointed to higher the OECD said central banks should continue id ten months into the fiscal year of 2014/15 Capital expenditures have been historically year and by the same magnitude to 2.0 percent wages as being a key part to a sustainable recov- their easy money policies although govern- (FY14/15) even as revenues fell. Government higher for the most part of FY14/15, on the in 2016. The European Central Bank’s launching ery. “A key requirement for reaching a new equi- ments need to act to ensure the recoveries are spending was up12.6%year-on-year (y/y) and back of greater progress on the project execu- of a 1.14 euro ($1.2 billion) bond buying program librium with satisfactory demand growth and balanced and create jobs. “...the failure of mone- stood at KD 11.9 billion fiscal-year-to-date (fytd) tion front. Capital spending expanded by a sol- this month was the main reason for the improve- inflation close to the official target is a signifi- tary easing alone to spur strong growth in fixed in January. Both current and capital spending id 29% to KD 1.1 billion fytd in January. At 46% ment in the outlook in the euro-zone, it said. cant rise in average nominal wages, making the investment, with instead booms in financial witnessed healthy gains. Revenues growth con- of the full-year budget, it remains higher than investments, imply that policy makers cannot tinued to trend downwards on the back of low- the 5-year average of 41%. Although “vehicles The OECD noted that monetary conditions upcoming annual wage bargaining round a criti- er oil prices. & equipment” spending, one of capital spend- have been eased in recent months in countries cal period,” said the OECD, which also urged fur- rely exclusively on monetary policy,” the OECD The government’s interim surplus was at KD ing’s major components declined by 4.3% in accounting for roughly half of the global econo- ther structural reforms. said.—AFP 10.4 billion, considerably lower than the KD January, it was more than offset by the robust 16.0 billion surplus witnessed during the same 32% growth rate penciled in by the “projects, period a year ago. At this rate, the government maintenance & land purchases” component. surplus is forecast to log in a smaller surplus of Government revenues remained on a 75 teams qualify for next Markaz named approximately KD 4.1 billion for the full downward trajectory in January as oil prices FY14/15 ending in March 2015.This would be continued to slide. Total revenues fell by 16% to the smallest surplus in six years. However, at KD 22.4 billion fytd, as oil revenues continued round of MITEF Arab ‘Best Asset around 8.7% of GDP it remains large by global to decline. But at 111% of the full-year budget, standards. total revenues are still higher than the conser- Startup competition Manager in Current spending expanded by 11.2% in vative budget estimates. Oil revenues declined January and came in at KD 10.9 billion by 17.3% y/y in January, due to a drop in oil fytd.”Miscellaneous expenditures & transfers”, prices and a smaller decline in oil production. KUWAIT: The MIT Enterprise Forum of the young entrepreneurs in the Arab world: Kuwait 2014’ which include military salaries and transfers to In the ten months to January, Kuwait’s export Pan Arab region, in partnership with Zain “Now in its eighth year, the MIT Enterprise the social security fund, rose by 8.9% to KD 5.7 crude (KEC) price averaged$88per barrel, 14% Group and Abdul Latif Jameel Community Forum Arab Startup Competition receives a KUWAIT: Kuwait Financial Centre ‘Markaz’ billion fytd. Wages & salaries grew by 6.7% to lower than the corresponding period a year Initiatives(ALJCI) , announced that a total of great number of applications from impres- announced winning the “Best Asset Manager KD 3.0billion fytd; the smaller component of ago. Production fell by3%and averaged 2.86 75 teams from 15 countries have qualified sive young individuals and teams from Arab in Kuwait - 2014” award by EMEA Finance spending “goods & services” was up by a strong million barrels per day. for the next round of the prestigious MIT countries. Awards, which is specialized in the financial Enterprise Forum (MITEF) Arab Startup com- The interest in the competition demon- and banking sectors. The award’s judges petition, with the final winners ceremony strates the enthusiasm and entrepreneurial selected Markaz based on the company’s per- now confirmed to be held at the Symphony spirit of the youth across the region and, formance and diversity of its product offerings; Style Hotel, Kuwait on 20 April 2015. with the support from initiatives such as its innovation in creating new investment Earlier this year, Zain Group, a leading this, this generation is being giving the products; its high level of corporate gover- mobile telecom innovator in 8 markets opportunity to help themselves in securing nance; and its sustainable growth in market across Middle East and Africa, detailed its fulfilling employment opportunities. ALJCI’s share, assets under management and client partnership joining founding partner Abdul goal is ultimately to reduce unemployment base. Latif Jameel Community Initiatives in the in the region and, thanks to our partner- In light of this achieve- eighth edition of this year’s competition ships with organizations and institutions ment, Ghazi Al-Osaimi, that received an outstanding 4,275 individ- such as MIT, we are heading in the right Vice President of MENA ual and team applications from 21 Arab direction.” Equities Department at countries. The three tracks that entrants Following the coaching period the teams Markaz said: “We would applied for are: Ideas, Startups, and Social will undergo in the forthcoming weeks, all like to thank EMEA Finance Entrepreneurship. participants are then set to convene in for granting Markaz the The remaining 75 teams will now be Kuwait on 15 April, 2015 for a four-day ‘Best Asset Manager in assigned coaches to work closely with each intensive training session in order to receive Kuwait’ award. This of them in order to achieve specific deliver- further instruction on startups from trainers achievement is a testa- Ghazi Al-Osaimi, ables in the track they are participating in. from Silicon Valley. The sessions will also ment of our team’s effort Vice President — The national origins of the groups with cor- extend to additional coaching and network- to achieve our investment responding number of semi-finalists who ing sessions with the business community MENA Equities Department repre- objectives by offering ver- made it to second-round include Algeria (1), in Kuwait, as well as regional and interna- satile products and con- Malabar Gold & Diamonds opens Bahrain (2), Egypt (15), Iraq (2), Jordan (7), tional participants. senting Markaz at Global Investors stantly improve our ability Kuwait (5), Lebanon (7), Morocco (8), On the evening of 19 April, 10 finalists its 8th showroom in Saudi Arabia Awards in Dubai. to appropriately allocate Palestine (3), Qatar (2), Saudi Arabia (5), will be announced from each track, while on our assets based on well- JUBAIL: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the leading their old ornaments to the latest collection of Sudan (1), Syria (1), Tunisia (2), and UAE (14). the 20th the short-listed teams will be researched policies that jewelry retailer aims to further boost its pres- Malabar Gold & Diamonds without any loss. Any Hala Fadel, Chair of the board of MITEF offered an opportunity to pitch their ideas guarantees achieving the best possible returns ence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by open- 22 ct old gold ornaments can be exchanged Pan Arab commented, “Our new partnership to a panel of investors and successful entre- amidst a highly volatile investment climate.” ing their latest outlet in Jubail. This elegant with the latest Malabar Gold & Diamonds with Zain helped us achieve real break- preneurs, before the ultimate winners are He added: “Markaz ability to reap presti- showroom launched in Lulu Hypermarket, designs by paying only making charges ensur- throughs in terms of applications from selected. Three teams from each track will gious awards year after year is a result of our Jubail was jointly inaugurated by HRH Prince ing they don’t lose any value on the rate of gold. Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq Jordan, Saudi Arabia be declared winners during the final awards prudent risk management policies amidst the Saud Bin Abdulla bin Abdul Aziz and Yusuff Ali The focus of the jewelry chain has always and Sudan, while with our founding partner ceremony on 20 April, which will coincide current circumstances in both local and inter- M A, Managing Director - Lulu Group in the been on providing a wide range of choice for ALJCI, we continued to drive more appli- with the official opening of the eighth MIT national markets, in addition to our commit- presence of HE Badr Bin Mohammed Al- customers who seek excellent value in jewelry. cants from across the Arab region with a Pan Arab Conference organized by MIT Arab ment towards achieving the best results for Otaishan - Governor of Jubail; Dr PA Ibrahim Haji But their true strength is the shopping experi- record participation of over 12,000 entre- Alumni Association and MITEF Pan Arab. our investors by backing up our investment - Co Chairman, Malabar Group; Shamlal ence, with appealing stores staffed by friendly preneurs.” Commenting on the achievement Each of the Ideas, Startups, and Social decision with well-rounded research and Ahamed MP - Managing Director International and knowledgeable jewelry consultants who of the teams to have qualified for the next Entrepreneurship tracks will award the first investing in quality assets. It is also a result of Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Abdul are trained to help the customers in their pur- stage, Zain Group CEO, Scott Gegenheimer three ranked winners with cash prizes in our constant revision of our risk policy to Salam KP, Group Executive Director, Malabar chasing decisions. Malabar Gold & Diamonds said, “I congratulate all the semi-finalists for addition to a lot of other benefits including: ensure its compatibility with the rapidly Group, Gaffoor Edakkuni - Regional Director, started its international operations in the year showing how progressive and dynamic top tier training, mentorship, coaching, changing investment environment.” Malabar Gold & Diamonds, KSA, other officials 2008 with the opening of a single outlet in their startup ideas are. It is clear that today’s media exposure, and great networking and personalities from media on 15 March 2015. Sharjah. Today, the group operates 52 stores Markaz’s track record in asset management innovators are tomorrow’s differentiators, opportunities. Their outlet in Jubail displays intricately across the Middle East and Far East markets. in Kuwait and the GCC extends back to almost Widely known as MIT, the Massachusetts designed international collection of classic as Due to the exponential growth of cus- and much of the region’s future develop- three decades. In 1983, the company started well as contemporary jewelry dexterously craft- tomers in the region, the company is planning ment will be driven by young people in Institute of Technology is recognized for offering portfolio management services in the ed in gold, diamond and platinum at attractive to come up with more showrooms in UAE, technology, so Zain is especially proud to be being one of the leading universities in the Kuwaiti Market and in 1999, it entered the prices. The astounding creation of Malabar Gold Oman, Qatar, KSA and Bahrain within the next fostering the growth of this com- world, earning a reputation as a fund management field with the launch of the & Diamonds’ branded jewelry including Ethnix - two months. They are also all set to expand petition.” key player in the advancement of first Kuwaiti equities fund, “Mumtaz Fund”, and Handcrafted Designer Jewelry, Era - Uncut their presence in the Far East market by open- Gegenheimer continued, “This the digital age.MIT focuses on since then has produced and managed sever- Diamond Jewelry, Mine - Diamonds Unlimited, ing its first outlet in Malaysia next month. The partnership with MIT Enterprise better equipping students with al ward winning funds. Markaz was also Divine- Indian Heritage Jewelry, Precia - group also adheres to customer friendly poli- Forum offers Zain a prime oppor- the right tools to transform tech- named “Best Asset Manager in 2014” by Global Precious Gem Jewelry and Starlet - Kids Jewelry cies to ensure that the customers are given the tunity to capitalize on the most nological ideas into successful Investor for the fifth year. In addition, Markaz is also available in this showroom. best service and value for money. The jewelry promising innovative ideas in the businesses across many academ- was named “Best Investment Bank in Kuwait in As a part of their inaugural offers, customers chain also offers life time free repair and main- regional digital space with the ic fields. Founded in 2005, the 2014” by Global Finance and Euromoney. who purchase diamond jewelry worth SAR tenance service for all its products. In Saudi ultimate aim of investing in or MIT Enterprise Forum (MITEF) of Markaz received these awards for its profes- 5,000 will get 1 gm gold coin free and for every Arabia, the jewelry chain operates showrooms partnering with these entities to the Pan Arab Region is one of the sional skills in executing many successful purchase of gold jewelry worth SAR 3,000, they at Al Khobar, Riyadh - 3 showrooms (Murabbah, offer our customers unique life- 28 worldwide chapters of the transactions for its clients in the fields of credit will get a free gold coin. This offer is valid until Batha & Khurais Road), Dammam, Jeddah and enriching services.” Fady Jameel, MITEF Global, an avid promoter markets, equities, merge and acquisitions 31 March 2015 at their outlet in Jubail only. The Makkah. Their latest outlet in Jubail is the President of ALJCI International, of innovation worldwide, engag- along with offering financial consultancy serv- group also offers ‘Zero Deduction Exchange’ group’s 129th outlet globally, 49th in the ices. commented on the importance Scott Gegenheimer ing aspiring entrepreneurs in scheme through which customers can update Middle East and 8th in the country. of such initiatives in nurturing mentorship and networking. technology THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

TED Prize winner wishes for archive of human wisdom

VANCOUVER: StoryCorps founder Dave said before going on stage to announce group’s StoryBooths in Atlanta, Chicago or Uploading wisdom team at TED, which makes transcripts of Isay on Tuesday unveiled a wish to use his wish at TED. “That would be the ulti- San Francisco, but donations are sought. StoryCorps went from few people online talks available in many languages. smartphone applications to archive the mate dream.” The application lets people Those involved in interviews, which are showing up at the first lone booth in The video of Isay’s wish presentation at spoken wisdom of humanity. As this year’s record interviews with those whose life limited to 40 minutes, get copies of Manhattan to it now being hard to the conference is slated to be posted at TED Prize winner, his wish came with the stories they wish to preserve. The applica- recordings on compact discs. StoryCorps reserve time in booths. The applications ted.com on March 25. “On the tenth promise of help from accomplished and tion suggests questions and gives the also has a mobile recording team. released on Tuesday were meant to anniversary of the TED Prize, it feels influential “tedsters” gathered here for a options of uploading interviews online or Excerpts of stories have made their way open the longtime US-only project to appropriate to honor the core of what we conference devoted to “ideas worth just keeping them on smartphones. onto National Public Radio as well as into the rest of the world. “You find a quiet stand for: shared ideas and the power of spreading.” The prize came with an unfet- books. “It is the single largest collection of room, hold out the cell phone, do an storytelling,” said TED curator Chris tered wish and a million dollars, all of Voices of ancestors voices ever gathered,” Isay said. interview with a loved one anywhere in Anderson. which Isay said has already been spent Brooklyn-based nonprofit StoryCorps Inspirations for the project include oral the world, and then hit a button and it “Dave Isay has created a remarkable building a StoryCorps application for has recorded some 65,000 conversation- histories recorded as part of a US Works uploads it,” Isay said. “So, the big wish is instrument for recording the human smartphones along with a website and style chats involving more than 100,000 Progress Administration effort in the after- to upload the collective wisdom of experience.” The TED community back-end system to handle the floodgates people in the United States since former math of the Great Depression and the humanity.” Uploaded interviews will includes scientists, celebrities, politi- it will likely open. public radio documentary maker Isay Pulitzer Prize winning author Studs immediately be made available at cians, artists, and entrepreneurs. Since Free StoryCorps applications tailored founded the project in 2003. Copies are Terkel.”Some people have called it therapy StoryCorps.me website. being born in California in 1984, the for mobile devices powered by Apple or archived in the US Library of Congress to in a booth, but that is not what this is Only US interviews will be filed away gathering has grown into a global Android software became available on serve as an oral history told through the about,” Isay said. “You can have a conversa- in the Library of Congress, but StoryCorps forum for heady “ideas worth spread- Tuesday. “I would love to see people go stories of people’s lives. tion with someone who matters to you is interested in similar partnerships with ing.” TED has won a worldwide follow- into nursing homes, hospitals, even pris- Those interested in recording inter- and hundreds of years from now your archives in other countries. StoryCorps ing for trademark “talks” during which ons and use this app to give voice to peo- views with friends, loved ones or family great-great grand kids will hear it and application is only in English but the non- the accomplished speakers deliver ple who feel their lives don’t matter,” Isay members can do so for free at one of the understand where they came from.” profit plans to work with the translation thought-sparking presentations. —AFP ‘Terminator’ robot inspires 3D printer

VANCOUVER: A terrifying killer liquid metal nesses powers of light and oxygen in a robot from a blockbuster “Terminator” sci- printer that brings designed objects quickly ence fiction film has inspired what was her- into existence from small reservoirs of elas- alded here as a revolution in 3D printing. tic material with sophisticated Chemist Joseph DeSimone was at the pres- properties.”We have a reservoir that holds tigious TED Conference on Tuesday with a the puddle like the T-1000,” DeSimone said new-kind of 3D printer that let creations rise as he demonstrated CLIP on stage at TED. from pools of molten liquid in much the Printing finished parts at speeds com- way the dreaded T-1000 robot from the sec- petitive with current manufacturing ond “Terminator” film rose from a silvery processes is “a game changer,” he said. puddle. Current 3D printers rely on spraying layer “We were inspired by the Terminator 2 upon layer of material, slowly building scene for the T-1000,” DeSimone said. “Why objects over the course of many hours. The couldn’t you have an object rise out of a time taken by such printers’ means it is not puddle in real time with essentially no feasible to use resins that change chemical- waste?” DeSimone and co-inventors devel- ly before the printing is finished. “3D print- oped a technology they call Continuous ing is actually a misnomer; it is actually 2D Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) that har- printing over and over again,” DeSimone said. “There are mushrooms that grow faster than 3D printed parts.” CLIP is 25 to 100 times faster than traditional 3D printers, and uses synthetic resins with mechanical properties strong enough to make them finished parts, according to DeSimone. He saw the technology transforming manufac- turing from cars, planes, and turbines to dental or surgical implants customized to patients during procedures in medical clin- AHMEDABAD: An Indian soldier stands alongside Solar Impulse 2, the world’s only solar powered aircraft, before it takes off from ics. CLIP is aimed at commercial manufac- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. —AFP turing operations. Prototypes are being tested by an auto company; an athletic apparel maker, a Hollywood design studio Solar pilots flies into and an academic research lab, according to DeSimone. “We can now use chemistries that no one else has been able to tackle, and that gives rise to great properties,” India red tape issue DeSimone said. “I don’t know if we will have the T-1000. We are not there yet.” DeSimone AUSTIN: Google X’s Captain of and his co-inventors have set up shop in Team frustrated by delays over paperwork Moonshots Astro Teller gives a Silicon Valley and will be ramping up for keynote during the SXSW Interactive production within a year, but had yet to determine a price for CLIP printers. —AFP AHMEDABAD: A pilot who is trying to make perate to get all the stamps and we still have delays n cumbersome paperwork...Red tape Festival. —AP history by flying a solar-powered plane around stamps missing.” Piccard’s team must arrive in and petty officialdom are stalling progress,” she the world launched an angry attack on Indian Varanasi ahead of Solar Impulse 2 to coordi- wrote on Twitter. bureaucracy yesterday after a lengthy hold-up nate its landing scheduled for around 1530 The team behind Solar Impulse 2, which has in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state. GMT. The team posted pictures on Twitter of more than 17,000 solar cells built into its wings, Google’s secret projects, Bertrand Piccard, one of the two Swiss pilots of themselves at the airport looking anxious and hopes to promote green energy with the cir- Solar Impulse 2, said he and his team had been miserable, before finally getting the go-ahead cumnavigation attempt. Ridiculed by the avia- frustrated by delays over paperwork in to leave hours later. Another picture shows a tion industry when it was first unveiled, the gender bias at SXSW fest Ahmedabad city in the western state of Gujarat. smiling Piccard holding up his passport with venture has since been hailed by UN chief Ban The plane landed in Ahmedabad last stamps in it. Ki-moon. Muscat was the first of 12 planned AUSTIN: Music flooded into the streets Gender bias in tech around Austin’s convention center as South The lack of gender diversity in tech Tuesday from the Omani capital Muscat after Piccard’s comments risk embarrassing Modi, stops on the plane’s journey around the world by Southwest’s music festival kicked off and received a jolt of attention after a talk on completing an initial sea crossing in its epic bid who has vowed to cut bureaucratic red tape in from Abu Dhabi, with a total flight time of the interactive portion wrapped up. The Monday between Aspen Institute CEO to become the first plane to fly around the promised reforms to revive India’s economy around 25 days spread over five months. The head of Google’s (X) division talked about Walter Isaacson, US Chief Technology world solely powered by the sun. The single- after storming to power at general elections sea legs pose the greatest challenge for the testing driverless cars and delivery drones, Officer (and former Googler) Megan Smith seater had been due to leave on Sunday for a last May. Modi, who was the chief minister of Solar Impulse team as any loss of power over gender bias in tech was a hot topic and and Google Executive Chairman Eric short flight to the Hindu holy city of Varanasi Gujarat before becoming premier, wants to the water would leave the pilot no alternative event-goers checked out the latest prod- Schmidt. The subject of the talk was “How before heading onto neighboring Myanmar. attract more foreign companies who have long but to bail out and await rescue by boat. ucts and companies on the trade show Innovation Happens” but topics ranged But the plane, flown by co-pilot Andre complained of encountering bureaucratic The longest single leg will see one of them floor. Here are some highlights as South by from immigration policy, getting top tech Borschberg, could only leave yesterday morn- nightmares in India. Modi supporters have fly solo non-stop for five days and nights across Southwest Interactive draws to a close. talent to work in the government, and con- ing after delays blamed on bad weather, while often touted Gujarat’s business-friendly policies the Pacific from Nanjing, China, to Hawaii-a dis- nectivity deserts, or areas where it’s hard Piccard’s support team remained stuck at as a model for success which should be repli- tance of 8,500 kilometers. The plane’s maiden Ahmedabad airport hours after takeoff. “The cated nationally. leg last Monday took co-pilot Andre Borschberg Google X for people to get online. Schmidt talked Some of Google’s most secretive proj- over Smith several times. During the Q&A delay is (because of) of administration, papers, 13 hours and two minutes, while Piccard’s flight ects like Google Glass and driverless cars conducted via Twitter, a listener pointed stamps,” Piccard told reporters at Ahmedabad Stalling progress to Ahmedabad of 1,468 kilometers was hailed have come out of its five-year-old (X) divi- out how often Schmidt had interrupted airport. Kiran Mazumadar Shaw, chief of Indian as the longest point-to-point distance flown by sion, so attendees flooded in Tuesday to Smith - and the audience applauded. The “I’m not here to accuse anybody. I just say biotechnology company Biocon, took a swipe a solar-powered plane. Borschberg, the CEO hear Astro Teller, head of the division, talk panel had earlier discussed Ada Lovelace, that since the last five days we are trying to get at Modi’s government following the pilot’s and co-founder of Solar Impluse, set the previ- about how the most ambitious projects Lord Byron’s daughter, who wrote the first- all the stamps and every day (they) say tomor- tirade. “Hope (the government) heard the solar ous record when he flew 1,386 kilometers require a lot of failure before succeeding. ever computer algorithm but isn’t well row,” said Piccard. “Since five days we are des- plane’s pilot commenting on bureaucratic across the United States. —AFP Testing products in the real world is key, he known as one of the founders of technolo- said. The company drives thousands of gy. (Her story is described in Isaacson’s miles on city streets every day to test how book “The Innovators”). Smith said it’s cru- E-signature, mobile tools in Adobe subscription service its driverless cars function in every imagi- cial to make women aware of women’s role nable situation. “Nothing beats going out in developing technology. “Diversity makes NEW YORK: Adobe, the company behind the ubiq- subscription package aimed at helping individuals Document Cloud comes as people have more into the real world and seeing if what a better products,” said Smith. “It’s debilitat- uitous PDF format for documents, is touting elec- and businesses manage their documents. Tuesday’s options for creating their own PDF documents. simulator says will work is actually possi- ing to not know technical women have tronic-signature and mobile capabilities in a new announcement of Acrobat DC and Adobe Besides free or cheap software available from third ble,” he said. Working on creating been part of history from the beginning.” parties, many browsers including Google’s Chrome unmanned delivery drones, Teller’s team now come with that capability built-in. came up with a type of vehicle that sits Tech down south Before, people had to buy Adobe’s Acrobat soft- upright and launches vertically, but there The two 24-year old founders of Yik ware for hundreds of dollars. (The company’s were some problems with it (Teller didn’t Yak, a messaging app wildly popular with Acrobat Reader is free, but can be used only to read say exactly what). Google co-founder college students, are proud to be based in PDF documents, not create them.) Adobe, which is Sergey Brin gave the team five months to Atlanta. Tyler Droll and Brooks Buffington based in San Jose, California, said the new tools go be able to make deliveries by drone. They told an audience on Monday that they beyond the basic features available elsewhere. did it successfully in Queensland, Australia, have no plans to leave for more well- Its e-signature features will, for instance, let par- but decided to go in a different direction known tech hubs like Silicon Valley or ents easily fill out school permission slips. One app with the drone project. Still, having the New York. lets people photograph a paper form with a deadline helped the process advance, he “We’re hometown heroes, we love mobile device. The app converts that to Adobe’s said, and predicted there will be news Atlanta, that’s where our families are from,” Portable Document Format and lets the user fill about the drones later this year. Droll said. There’s plenty of tech talent out and sign the form electronically. Adobe said Teller also discussed Google’s most there too, added Buffington. “Not every small businesses will be able sign contracts with- high-profile failure, Google Glass, the wear- single engineer comes from California, a lot out needing to print and mail documents. New able device which Google shuttered in of them are from the East Coast,” mobile apps will let people create and edit PDF January after it received a tepid response Buffington said. Billionaire investor Steve documents on the go, and online storage will be from users. The problem with Glass wasn’t Case, co-founder of AOL, wants to support available so people can access the latest versions the device itself but the way they present- tech companies in smaller cities too. On wherever they are. ed it to the public, he said. “We encouraged Monday Case said he’ll lead a bus tour The desktop app is also getting an update, includ- too much attention for the program,” he across cities including Raleigh-Durham, ing e-signature features formerly sold separately as said. “We wanted to say to the world this is North Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina EchoSign. The new tools are expected to launch an early prototype that we think is really and Atlanta dubbed “The Rise of the Rest” within the next month. Prices are expected to start at exciting. But we also did things that and hold pitch competitions for tech com- NEW YORK: This product image provided by Adobe shows the Fill & Sign app. The about $13 a month. People will be able to buy encouraged people to think of this as a fin- panies. He plans to invest $500,000 in the app, one of the tools featured in Adobe’s release of Acrobat DC and Adobe Document Acrobat DC for a one-time fee that’s expected to start ished product.” winners. —AP Cloud tools, lets you photograph a paper form and converts that to PDF for you to fill at $299 ($139 for upgrades), but that excludes online out and sign from your mobile device. —AP storage and some of the mobile features. —AP HEALTH & SCIENCE THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 Breastfeeding leads Revamped environmental to higher IQ: study

PARIS: People breastfed as infants have higher intelli- gence scores in adulthood, and higher earnings, accord- law raises hope in China ing to a study published Wednesday that tracked the development of 3,500 newborns over 30 years. And, crit- ically, the socioeconomic status of mothers appeared to have little impact on breastfeeding results, according to Reforms appear to be making a difference a paper published by The Lancet medical journal. “The effect of breastfeeding on brain development BEIJING: People in China who want to take industries to mental lawsuits, with requirements including at least five and child intelligence is well established,” lead author task for fouling their surroundings have been rushing to years of experience in environmental public interest activi- Bernardo Lessa Horta of the Federal University of Pelotas file complaints and lawsuits this year in a test of legal ties and registration with the government. About 700 in Brazil said in a statement. What has been less clear, is reforms that toughen environmental penalties and make groups qualify under the law, according to a report by the whether the effects persist into adulthood, and whether clear that many public-interest groups have the right to All-China Environment Federation, a quasi-governmental a mother’s socioeconomic status or education level sue. coalition that has filed two lawsuits this year. played a bigger role in the outcome of previous studies Environmental watchdogs say people have filed hun- The law allows authorities to impose fines for each day than her choice to breastfeed or not. dreds of complaints with local governments under the violations occur, rather than one-time fines, and requires “Our study provides the first evidence that prolonged breastfeeding not only increases intelligence until at new law launched in January, taking advantage of officials to encourage “self-governing grass-roots organiza- least the age of 30 years but also has an impact both at requirements that authorities respond to environmental tions,” volunteers and others to help publicize and enforce an individual and societal level by improving education- complaints or risk having the cases be bumped up to environmental laws. The country has also launched a spe- al attainment and earning ability,” said Horta.”What is higher levels of government. State media reports say at cial environmental branch of its Supreme People’s Court to unique about this study is the fact that, in the popula- least one complaint resulted in immediate action, when hear high-level cases and help oversee a network of lower- tion we studied, breastfeeding was not more common authorities in eastern Shandong province shut down the level environmental tribunals. among highly educated, high-income women, but was coal furnace of a rubber factory that had bothered neigh- “In the previous law, it was a development-based evenly distributed by social class.” Horta and a team ana- bors. approach, and now the purpose is to construct an ecologi- lyzed data from another study of children born in Environmental groups also have filed six lawsuits that cal civilization,” said Ran Ran, an international studies assis- Pelotas in 1982. Information on breastfeeding was com- have been accepted by Chinese courts, compared with tant professor at Renmin University in Beijing. “It’s a more pared to IQ test results at the average age of 30 years, as one allowed during the same period last year. The new cas- balanced approach.” Despite the new tools, the reforms well as the educational achievement and income of es deal with everything from deforestation to illegal don’t address a central contradiction in China’s largely 3,493 participants. dumping by chemical plants, according to Zhang Boju, state-controlled economy: that the governments being executive director of the nonprofit group Friends of asked to punish polluters are often the same ones that Magnitude of benefits Nature, which wrote two of the lawsuits. With a 300,000 own the companies doing the polluting, said Benjamin van “The researchers divided these subjects into five yuan grant from Chinese e-commerce powerhouse Rooij, a professor of US-China business and law at the groups based on the length of time they were breastfed Alibaba, Friends of Nature has set up a special fund to help University of California at Irvine. “The laws are not going to as infants, controlling for 10 social and biological vari- other groups prepare their own lawsuits. be a force to push for a green agenda or to even deal with ables that might contribute to the IQ increase including the widespread violation of laws that still exist,” Van Rooij family income at birth, parental schooling, genomic Notorious pollution said. “So for me, you need more than a change in law. You ancestry, maternal smoking during pregnancy, maternal age, birth weight, and delivery type,” said the statement. In a country where officials often act above the law need political change.” “While the study showed increased adult intelligence, while willfully ignoring whole swaths of regulations, many Local groups, however, are hopeful. Friends of Nature longer schooling, and higher adult earnings at all dura- Chinese fed up with environmental neglect say the said that only one of the four lawsuits they had filed before tion levels of breastfeeding, the longer a child was reforms appear to be making a difference. Still, experts say, the reforms took effect was accepted over the past five breastfed for (up to 12 months), the greater the magni- their success will depend on the continued receptiveness years, compared to the two filed later and accepted in the of the courts and local officials under pressure to curb the first two months of this year. Compared to legal systems in tude of the benefits.” An individual breastfed for at least BEIJING: A bicyclist wearing a face masks rides country’s notorious pollution problems. “The law brought the US or Europe, Chinese courts accept fewer lawsuits in a year as a baby gained a full four IQ points, had 0.9 years through Tsinghua University. — AP more schooling, and an income of 341 Brazilian Reals (98 predictability to the process, where before there was no general, and plaintiffs are often put off by paying high euros, $104) higher per month at the age of 30, com- certainty about what we could do,” Zhang said. “We plan to soil. They’ve acknowledged that the country’s pollution legal fees. Ada Kong, a senior campaigner with the envi- pared to those breastfed for less than one month, the do more cases and we’re helping other environmental woes are not only a central source of social instability but, ronmental group Greenpeace in China, said she’s already study found. groups do that as well.” with China the world’s biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, seen an attitude change this year among local officials “The likely mechanism underlying the beneficial Over the past three decades, Chinese leaders have pri- also a linchpin in the global effort to avoid catastrophic cli- who have in the past been largely hostile to most Chinese effects of breast milk on intelligence is the presence of oritized economic development over environmental pro- mate change. citizens or groups calling out polluters. long-chain saturated fatty acids (DHAs) found in breast tections - and watched China’s skies fill with toxic haze During China’s annual legislative sessions, which end Just days into the new year, Greenpeace filed a com- milk, which are essential for brain development,” said while an estimated 55 percent of its groundwater became Sunday, China’s new environment minister, Chen Lijing, plaint with a city in the northeastern province of Liaoning Horta. “Our finding that predominant breastfeeding is unsafe for human use. Public worries about China’s pollu- has said the government is committed to making full use about wastewater discharged by a zinc smelter. After positively related to IQ in adulthood also suggests that tion woes were recently highlighted with the release of an of the reforms, and will commit itself to putting into effect stalling for a few weeks, the city began checking back reg- the amount of milk consumed plays a role.” In a com- online documentary called “Under the Dome” that detailed environmental protections and inspections. ularly with Greenpeace to give progress reports, Kong said. ment also carried by The Lancet, Erik Mortensen of the the health and social costs of Chinese environmental Recently, the city said the wastewater problem had been University of Copenhagen said the findings had impor- degradation. It received hundreds of millions of views in Paper tiger resolved. Kong said her group has yet to verify that claim, tant public health implications. “However, these findings need to be corroborated by future studies designed to just a few days, before Chinese censors removed it from “A new law can’t become a paper tiger,” Chen said but added that officials’ attitudes have “changed to focus on long-term effects and important life outcomes streaming sites. March 7 in Beijing. “We want to let it become a weapon become more helpful.” “I think it’s the law and the govern- associated with breastfeeding.” — AFP Over the past year, Chinese leaders have repeated that with steel teeth.” Among its provisions, the revised law ment,” she said. “They’re paying more attention to this they are serious about cleaning up China’s air, water and specifies what kind of social organizations can file environ- now.” — AP Seeking the dark: Eclipse junkies go to the Arctic

OSLO: Die-hard eclipse junkies from around the world are fall to -20 Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit) at this time of year in the tun- expected to brave polar bears and frostbite in the Arctic dra, where roaming polar bears pose a real threat to people. In tomorrow to savor three minutes of total darkness when the the past four decades, there have been five deadly polar bear moon totally blocks the sun. The Norwegian archipelago of attacks in the archipelago. Nowadays, people must either carry Svalbard, located 1,300 kilometers from the North Pole, is a rifle or be accompanied by an armed guide if they want to along with the Faroe Islands the only place the total eclipse will leave inhabited areas. be visible. Elsewhere only a partial eclipse will be seen at best. “In the past few months, there have been several bears Svalbard’s population will almost double for the eclipse, as close to and even in Longyearbyen. The danger (of an attack) 1,500 to 2,000 visitors are expected to fly in to watch the phe- exists even if the chances are small,” Brunvoll says. The threat nomenon that has fascinated mankind since the beginning of does not seem to have dissuaded tourists though, with some time. The total eclipse, the only one this year, is expected to already arriving from as far away as Japan, Australia and the begin in Svalbard at 11:11 am (1011 GMT). United States. The Faroe Islands, a Danish autonomous territo- Agnese Zalcmane, a 30-year-old IT employee from Latvia ry located north of Britain and home to 50,000 people, is also who already has four eclipses under her belt, is one of those expecting a surge of more than 8,000 eclipse tourists, accord- who has made the trip to Svalbard, along with seven friends. “I ing to tourism officials. love the feeling. It’s so strange. The sun is there but it’s not US astronomer Victoria Sahami, a tour leader for the Sirius there. There’s a ring around it, the diamond ring that looks Travel agency specialized in astronomic tourism, said the phe- PALMIRA: View of a cougar at the state environmental agency, department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia, before amazing. There are no words to describe it,” says Zalcmane, nomenon is primarily attracting “die-hard eclipse chasers”. “I being returned to its natural habitat. — AFP who has already travelled to Siberia, China, Australia and Kenya think that this is probably because of the location, the time of to follow her passion. year, and the weather prospects,” she explains. “Such consider- An eclipse is something “you can’t order.” “It just happens. ations often determine whether the eclipse chaser will bring Nearly 150 trafficked animals Nowadays you can buy pretty much everything but you just their family or not, and it will not appeal to many eclipse can’t buy that,” she gushes. While you can’t buy an eclipse, you chasers who are not totally committed to their hobby.” The flown to Amazon freedom can put a price on it. In Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s main town eclipse will meanwhile provide scientists an opportunity to try with 2,100 inhabitants, hotels have been almost fully booked to resolve a longstanding riddle: Why is the sun’s corona, a ring for years ahead of the event, and the few available rooms are of plasma located thousands of kilometers away from it, much, BOGOTA: A Colombian Air Force plane whose cargo hold species in conditions similar to the jungle. now going for astronomical rates: 5,000 kroner ($600, 572 much hotter-up to 2 million degrees Celsius-than the sun’s sur- looked more like the hull of Noah’s Ark delivered nearly “We selected individual animals that could defend euros) a night for a double room and up to five times more for face, at “just” 6,000 degrees? 150 trafficked animals back to the Amazon on Tuesday fol- themselves in their environment, who weren’t too far an apartment on the rental website Airbnb. “We’re very con- “The difference between the temperature of the sun and lowing months of rehabilitation. The 149 animals — 83 along in adulthood so they wouldn’t fall easy prey,” said cerned that people will arrive here without making sure they that of the sun’s corona is one of the great mysteries of astron- reptiles, 53 birds and 13 mammals, including wild cats and Lorena Gomez, a biologist with Valle del Cauca authority. have a roof over their heads,” says Ronny Brunvoll, the head of omy,” says Huw Morgan of Aberystwyth University in Wales. “A Capuchin monkeys-underwent 10 months of preparation Following a two-hour flight in crates from the western city the Visit Svalbard tourism association. “People have to under- total eclipse gives us a unique opportunity to measure the that included surgery to recover skin and plumage, the of Palmira to the municipality of Solano, the animals will stand that we are a small village close to the North Pole and we corona of the sun in so much detail and collect data that will Valle del Cauca department environmental authority said. travel by boat on a five-hour ride into the Amazonian jun- can’t just build a new hotel or redirect them to a neighboring enable us to better understand this difference,” he said. It Before being released into the wild, the animals went gle, before being released. Around 55,000 wild animal and village.” remains to be seen if the weather will cooperate for the through thorough medical examinations to make sure plant specimens were seized in Colombia during the past eclipse: the forecast is for partially cloudy weather tomorrow in they would not spread disease back to their natural popu- two years, often to finance criminal gangs, the Ministry of ‘Great mysteries of astronomy’ the Faroe Islands and Svalbard, which just happens to be lations, and were isolated with other members of their Environment and Sustainable Development said. — AFP Located at 78 degrees North, temperatures in Svalbard can emerging from four months of winter darkness. — AFP Finding comfort in the world’s coldest capital

ULAN BATOR, Mongolia: Clad in a fox fur hat and dog hair boots, of the oceans, and at an altitude of 1,350 meters. Known as the Mongolian merchant Undrakhiin Batulzii says his compatriots land of the “Eternal Blue Sky”, high pressures from Siberia give have over centuries mastered the art of beating the brutal winters Mongolia cloudless winter nights that allow daytime land warm- of the steppes. Ulan Bator is regarded as the world’s coldest ing to escape to the atmosphere, and send temperatures plung- national capital and can see bone-chilling winter lows of minus 40 ing. According to World Meteorological Organization 30-year fig- degrees Celsius, tough even for the hardy descendants of Genghis ures, Ulan Bator’s average annual temperature is -2.4 degrees C Khan. For a newcomer the temperatures can be achingly uncom- (28 F), well below the 2.7 C of Kazakhstan’s Astana, Reykjavik in fortable, especially if stationary. Exposed ears and hands quickly Iceland at 4.4 C and Moscow, which enjoys a comparatively balmy begin to hurt, while standing on frigid concrete overcomes 5.0 C. Byambaagiin Yanjmaa, a retired kindergarten cook, credits extremities not shod in properly insulated footwear. “Staying traditional food and drink as key for getting through the coldest warm is worth 1,000 lan of gold,” goes one Mongolian saying, months. “Horse and lamb are very good for surviving the winter. placing a monetary value on avoiding the cold-with one lan Sheep find the best grass from the pastureland,” she said in one of weighing 37 grams, it is the equivalent of $1.4 million. Ulan Bator’s “ger” districts, largely poor, hard-scrabble areas where But Mongolians cope by means of fancy fur hats, hot food and many homes are collapsible, felt-covered herders’ dwellings. “It’s drink, stoic good humor and layers of clothing-”There are no fash- not so bad,” said the 69-year-old. “Everyone can adapt to it based ionable people in winter,” goes another saying. “Mongolians’ on his or her strength and weakness.” ULAN BATOR: This photo taken on February 9, 2015, shows the breath of pedestrians condensing while crossing a ancestors were nomads,” said Batulzii at his traditional garment Nearby, workers broke up jet black raw coal into pieces to sell street on a cold day. — AFP stall in Ulan Bator’s outdoor Naran Tuul market. “Everything we eat as heating fuel, a key contributor to the city’s dire pollution levels. and wear is designed to overcome the difficulties of the four sea- In Tov province west of the capital, herder Tumursukhiin Altanzaya ‘Surprisingly warm’ lowest temperature recorded in the city so far this year was -34 sons,” he added. “That’s why Mongolians can beat the winter with tends her horses, cows, sheep and goats, including milking the Mongolia is periodically hit by deadly winters known as zud, Celsius on January 26, according to weather information service no trouble.” bovines, all out in the cold, but said her lambskin deel-a long marked by heavy snow and cold so severe that livestock are Weather Underground, but residents said the winter has been rel- Mongolian tunic-and wool boots help keep her warm. “I ride a unable to graze, lose strength and freeze to death on the open atively mild.”This year it’s surprisingly warm,” said Begziin Dalai, a ‘Eternal Blue Sky’ horse, and herd animals,” she said. “When I get back home from steppe, sometimes destroying herder livelihoods. Millions of live- spry 86-year-old retired driver and father of eight, warming a bare Ulan Bator lies at a surprisingly benign latitude south of Paris, the pasture, I drink aarts and eat khuushuur”-a hot sour curd bev- stock died in the last one in 2010. About 1.3 million people live in hand over a meat-hawker’s open fire on a sunny but sub-zero but is 1,300 kilometers inland, far from the moderating influence erage and meat dumplings. Ulan Bator-more than 40 percent of Mongolia’s population. The afternoon.—AFP HEALTH & SCIENCE THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

4 more aid workers flown Milky Way may have billions of ‘habitable’ to US for Ebola monitoring planets: Study

NEW YORK: Four more American aid workers arrived back in the international aid organization that has been treating patients in Liberia this week, CDC spokeswoman Kathy Harben said Tuesday. PARIS: The Milky Way galaxy may be United States on Tuesday from West Africa to be monitored for Ebola, and Sierra Leone since November. Organization officials did not The sick American worker was working at a government hospital in home to billions of planets orbiting health officials said. The latest arrivals bring to 15 the number of aid respond to calls and emails from The Associated Press on Monday or Port Loko in western Sierra Leone. But medical superintendent Dr Peter their host stars in a “habitable zone” workers who have returned from Sierra Leone since Friday. None of Tuesday. In a statement Tuesday, co-founder Dr Paul Farmer said the George said the hospital hasn’t had any Ebola cases for quite some where life could theoretically exist, them have been diagnosed with Ebola, but they will be isolated and group is working with the CDC and others to investigate how the man time. He said it’s likely the man also worked at a nearby Ebola treat- researchers said yesterday. NASA’s monitored during the next three weeks for signs of the disease. was infected. The Ebola virus is spread through contact with a sick ment center, which George also manages. George said a Partners in Kepler space telescope, launched in Officials have released few details, citing patient privacy. But all are patient’s blood or bodily fluids. Health colleague told him the American passed out while at the hospi- 2009 to search for so-called “exoplan- connected to - or had direct physical contact with - another American The World Health Organization estimates the virus has killed more tal. ets” outside our own solar system, has who came down with Ebola last week in Africa. The unidentified man is than 10,000 people, mostly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. While “At that time, nobody knew it was Ebola, so they assisted him,” he already found thousands-many of in critical condition at a National Institutes of Health hospital in deaths have slowed dramatically in recent months, the virus appears said. Everyone who was working on the ward with the man is now them in systems like our own with Bethesda, Maryland. The other aid workers are staying near the stubbornly entrenched in parts of Guinea and Sierra Leone. Since last being monitored, George said. He said that many of the foreigners multiple planets orbiting a star. Using Maryland hospital or hospitals in Atlanta and Omaha with special isola- summer, several US aid workers have gotten Ebola and have been working in Port Loko, including some of the Americans, live at the this data, researchers from the tion units - in case they become sick, according to officials with the flown back to the US for care. A few other individuals have returned for same tent camp. He did not know if the sick health worker was living Australian National University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. monitoring; none got sick. The aid workers who have returned since there. Associated Press writer Sarah DiLorenzo in Dakar, Senegal, con- Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen The sick American works with Partners in Health, a Boston-based Friday are by far the largest group. And more may be on their way later tributed to this report. — AP attempted to calculate how many stars in the Milky Way could have planets in their habitable zones where liquid water could exist-the prerequisite for life whether primitive or complex. “The calculations show that billions of the stars in the Milky Way will have one to three planets in the habitable zone, where there is the potential for liquid water and where life could exist,” said a statement from the Niels Bohr Institute. The findings of the study were pub- lished in the scientific journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. The team used a new version of a 250-year-old method called the Titius- Bode law, which correctly predicted the position of Uranus before it was discovered. According to the law, there is a ratio between the orbital periods of planets in a solar system. Therefore, if you know how long it takes some planets to circle the star, you can calculate the orbital period of others, determine their position and find planets “missing” from the sequence. “We decided to use this method to calculate the potential planetary positions in 151 planetary systems, where the Kepler satellite had found between three and six planets,” The WHO conference on Dementia Egbert Schillings, CEO of WISH at the WHO Conference. said researcher Steffen Jacobsen of the Niels Bohr Institute. WISH pledges to fight dementia ‘Life could exist’ The team predicted a total of 228 planets in the 151 planetary systems, and one to three planets in the habit- at first WHO ministerial meeting able zone of each. “According to the statistics and the indications we have, a good share of the planets in the hab- itable zone will be solid planets where WISH joins WHO in bringing the burden of dementia to the global stage there might be liquid water and where life could exist,” said Jacobsen. DOHA: The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), a glob- its last two summits in the Qatari capital Doha. tisation and barriers to diagnosis and care. No treatments are Extrapolating the calculation to further al initiative of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Participants at the WHO conference signed a call for action currently available to cure or even alter the progressive course afield, this meant that in just our own Community Development (QF), has lent its support to the first against dementia. The document has called for the following of dementia, although many new therapies are being investigat- galaxy, there could be billions of stars ever ministerial meeting on dementia led by the World Health actions: Raising the priority accorded to global action against ed in various stages of clinical trials. There is, however, much with planets in this possibly life-sus- Organization (WHO) in Geneva. Following the recent publica- dementia on the agendas of relevant high-level forums and that can be offered immediately to support and improve the taining zone, added the statement. tion of the WISH 2015 report ‘A Call To Action: The Global meetings of national and international leaders; strengthening lives of people with dementia and their caregivers and families.” Exoplanets are observed from Earth Response To Dementia Through Policy Innovation’, a delegation capacity, leadership, governance, and partnerships to accelerate Engineer Saad Al Muhannadi, President of Qatar Foundation, through changes in the brightness of from WISH participated in the WHO’s inaugural Ministerial responses to address dementia; facilitating the coordinated said: “The social and economic burden of dementia is clear and their central star. The light is partly Conference on Global Action Against Dementia on 16 and 17 delivery of health and social care for persons with dementia; our WISH report, published just last month - acts as a timely pre- blocked when the planet passes March 2015. advancing prevention, risk reduction, diagnosis and treatment cursor to the urgency demonstrated at this week’s WHO meet- between Earth and its star. The search for a planet capable of hosting life Supported by the British government’s Department of of dementia, consistent with current and emerging evidence; ing. Through our research, Qatar Foundation continues to lead remains an academic pursuit there is Health and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and facilitating technological and social innovations to meet the the way in healthcare innovation, offering evidence-based, no solar system close enough for Development (OECD), the two-day meeting brought together needs of people with dementia and their caregivers; promoting actionable recommendations to health ministers and policy- mankind to reach it unless we develop more than 400 policymakers, healthcare experts and NGOs a better understanding of dementia, raising public awareness makers globally so that we may all work together to reduce the time travel. Since its launch, the Kepler from 80 countries, to address the increasing global threat and engagement and increasing collective efforts in dementia prevalence and burden of this disease.” spacecraft has scanned more than posed by dementia and its impact on health and develop- research. Mr Egbert Schillings, CEO of WISH, said: “We are faced with a 150,000 stars for exoplanets. ment. disease that is set to double every 20 years and yet there is no Astronomers have verified the exis- Through its participation on this global stage, WISH high- ‘Dementia affects the entire family’ cure, no action plan and no sign of the rampant growth in diag- tence of about 1,000 faraway worlds lights Qatar Foundation’s mission to inspire and promote Dr Shekhar Saxena, Director, Department for Mental Health nosis abating. This week’s meeting is less a cry for help and identified by the telescope, and about healthcare development and reform through a global network and Substance Abuse, WHO, and Mental Health Forum Co-chair, more a call to arms, because only by combining our efforts and 3,000 potential planets await scientific of high-level policymakers, academics and industry leaders. It WISH, said: “Dementia is a burden and overwhelming not only sharing our victories will we succeed in moving the needle on confirmation. Most exoplanets found remains closely aligned to the vision and mission of QF to for the individual who has dementia, but also for their care- this chronic social and economic challenge. I hope through our within their stars’ habitable zones have unlock human potential and underscore Qatar’s pioneering role givers, families and society as a whole. There is often a lack of research at WISH, we promote a greater understanding that is been gas giants. — AFP as an emerging centre for healthcare innovation. WISH has held awareness and understanding of dementia, resulting in stigma- needed to tackle this truly global disease.” WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

ICAI host Indian budget seminar

he Kuwait Chapter of the Institute of Chartered robust economic growth, and restore the common man’s direction which we witnessed for the last 50 plus years. The KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait visited the Accountants of India (ICAI) hosted a seminar on the expectations for Ache Din. new government means business and they are really into Jureiya Elementary School as part of its ongoing ‘Ya TIndian budget 2015-2016 at the Indian Embassy H R Khan, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) it, he said. Ranina shows the bigger picture of the Indian Zain Tourathna’ (out beautiful heritage) campaign. Auditorium here at 10th March evening, sponsored by Al gave an in-depth idea of the external factors which influ- budget. Mulla Exchange. ence the Indian economy. We are trying to make the Giving his professional assessment, Ranina delivered a The Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India Shri HR investment easy and hassle free, he said. The budget also wealth of information and issues related to the annual Khan and Eminent tax lawyer and Chartered Accountant, provides a framework for individual to invest in foreign budget in terms understandable to both laymen and pro- Homi Ranina were the key note speakers at the event pre- countries. The digital India initiative by the new govern- fessionals. Competition senting details and insights on the Indian Budget present- ment will reduce al lot of expenditure. JAM trinity - Jan The seminar was followed by a Question and Answer ed by the Government of India led by Narendra Modi. Dhan Yojana, Aadhar, Mobile numbers will bring the whole session where the questions of the attendees were opening delayed Hormuzda Dawar, Director - Financial Services Group, Al host of people into the system of countries economic answered in full satisfaction by the speakers. Prashanta Mulla Group welcomed the audience. Speaking on the development. Shetty, Chairman of Institute of Chartered Accountants of occasion, the Chief Guest of the evening, Sri Subhashish With over three decades of experience in matters relat- India (ICAI) Kuwait chapter proposed vote of thanks. he Kuwait Sea Sports Goldar, Deputy Chief of Mission at Indian Embassy said ed to taxation, finance and corporate management, Ranina Club (KSSC) that the Budget would revive investor sentiment, give said that the initiatives have begun to put India in the Tannounced delaying boost to India’s infrastructure, help India on the path of growth trajectory. The budget is all about a change in the opening ceremony for its 11th annual photogra- phy competition. The cere- mony will instead be held on April 15, 2015, said Khalid Al-Foudari, KSSC Secretary General. The theme for this year’s com- petition is Kuwait’s National Days’ celebrations. The last day to submit entries at the KSSC headquarters in Khalid Al-Foudari Salmiya is on April 9, 2015, Foudari said.

AOU delivers two training programs to National Guard

he Arab Open University (AOU) Training Center training programs came within the framework of the Talal Bin Abdul Aziz. held two training programs for the Kuwait cooperation protocol between AOU and KNG. The The AOU noted that the first program, entitled TNational Guard (KNG) under the patronage of Prof. Protocol includes a number of means and ways that aim “maintenance and industrial works”, was held at the Mustapha Achoui, Vice Rector of Planning, Research at promoting and strengthening cooperation and coor- Headquarters of the National Guard, delivered by and Development of the AOU, and Colonel Abdul-Salam dination between the AOU and the KNG and how to Ahmad Ali, while the second program, on “the food Majeed, representative of the General Presidency of the develop the human element and exploit all the means control of military” was held at the training center of Kuwait National Guard (KNG), and in presence of the that strength loyalty and patriotism. This reflects the the AOU and delivered by Jafer Al-Sharyary. training center director, Faisal Al-Shelby. directives of both of the military and political leader- In a press statement, the AOU stated that these two ship in Kuwait and the founder of the AOU, HRH Prince Friendship, football: A team passing the game down the line

By Sunil Cherian

riday is not a free day for this group, about 35 of them, who are based in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. Their love Ffor football has landed them in green fields, just like their bond of years. Their football team, Indian Strikers Club has been, playing against other Indian football clubs in Kuwait, and winning since 2010. The team manager’s Jleeb flat is overflowing with the trophies the team won. The players, most of them construction site workers, find Fridays not just a day off but a time that helps their life rolling.

Mohammed Essa Yazbek, Head of the English Department at Jaber Al-Ali Secondary School, recently presented a model lesson for 12th grade students. The lecture was also attended by Khalid Al-Sager, school director, Mahmoud Al-Najjar, ELT supervisor, English teachers as well as members of the school’s teaching staff from other departments.

What’s On - Submission Guidelines “These guys don’t smoke, don’t drink. They’ve to keep Joseph and a few friends who all hail from their stamina, I always tell them. Some Fridays, we have a Thruvananthapuram, Kerala. All photos submitted for What’s On match with the Kuwait Indian Football federation clubs His ‘boys’ - Shine, Aju, Antony, Michael, Lawrence, Baiju, and in the afternoon, we have another match against the Jijo, Vinod, Dickson and George - see him as a father figure should be minimum 200dpi. Kerala Football Association of Kuwait clubs,” said Robert and his Jleeb flat has persistent energy brimming about Articles must be in plain text and Bernard, 50, coach and team manager. With 35 members, like in a football field. should include name and phone 25 players, 10 supporters, Bernard’s Indian Strikers has “Despite the joy we have over the game we so love, we been a constant presence in the grounds making them one are struggling to find fund,” said Bernard who works as a numbers. Articles and photos that of the strongest expat football teams in Kuwait. His team, chauffeur for a foreign bank manager. Our yearly expense fail to meet these requirements will champions in 2013 and 14 in the KEFAK league, has the comes around KD 600, with registration fees, apparatus, track record of winning except when they lost to a Goan transport and the like, he said. We are looking for a compa- not be published. team in the Kuwait Indian Federation league final, in 2012, ny whose jersey we can use, he said. which they think is an honor. The football journey has other struggles too. Last year a Please send them to Bernard who was brought up in Kuwait has played and player had to quit his job and leave Kuwait because of a [email protected] won in Under 16 league in his teen years. Now he is playing knee ligament problem. “Injuries come and go,” the manag- in the veteran’s match in addition to coaching Indian er said. “But the team spirit stays with us”. Strikers, the team he co-founded with Rajesh, Antony, WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 TSC Together gives away 2015 JAC J5 Car to staff

s part of its Employee Engagement Program, The Sultan Center (TSC) recently established a Sports Aand Social Committee - TSC Together. TSC Together, is managed by TSC employees and aims at fostering team spirit, providing employees with an opportunity to share common activities and to general- ly have some fun together, through organizing employ- ee chosen events. As part of the TSC Together program and in celebra- tion of Kuwait National and Liberation Day festivities “TSC Together” arranged to have a car give-a-way dur- ing the month of February, in which all TSC Head Office employees had an opportunity to participate. On the day of the draw employees gathered togeth- er to see who would be the winner, of the JAC J5. Antoinette Sullivan, Director of Human Resources, over- saw the event and announced the lucky winner as Imran Shoukat, Employee of Sultan Telecom-a sub- sidiary of The Sultan Center, as congratulations were taking place Shoukat stated, “This was a complete sur- prise, and I am pleased to have won this car. I would like to thank the management of The Sultan Center for organizing this activity, we are pleased to work for an organization that shows support and recognizes our contribution to the company. This is just another exam- ple.” Antoinette Sullivan, Director of Human Resources, stated “Throughout the years TSC has developed to become stronger and more successful as a business by having dedicated staff members that contribute to its success stories. TSC relies upon its employees for their commitment to teamwork as they define our company. Their excellence to provide quality service has merited this recognition and appreciation that they well- deserve,” Sullivan said. TSC Together has a number of planned events and activities for employees across the company for 2015. ASSE holds blood donation drive

As part of American Society of Safety Engineers Kuwait Chapter Outreach activities in Kuwait, a blood donation drive was carried out to help replenish supplies for hospitals across the country. The campaign took place on 21 February 2015 at Central Blood Bank. The drive was organized in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Central Blood Bank. The blood donation drive, Titled ‘Give Blood, Save Life,’ comprised around 30 donors includes ASSE members and General Public. Appreciation certificates were handed over to the donors by ASSE Kuwait Executive Committee members. THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

08:50 X-Machines 21:00 House Of DVF 06:00 Shanghai Noon-PG15 09:40 Food Factory 22:00 E! News 08:00 Code Of Silence-PG15 10:05 How It’s Made 23:00 The Soup 10:00 Brave-PG15 10:30 How We Invented The World 23:30 Fashion Bloggers 12:00 Hellboy: Sword Of Storms 11:20 Strangest Weather On Earth 13:30 Shanghai Noon-PG15 00:50 Ten Deadliest Snakes 12:10 How Do They Do It? 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 15:30 The Cold Light Of Day-PG15 01:45 Animal Cops Houston 12:35 How Do They Do It? Stewart 17:30 The Lone Ranger-PG15 02:40 Tanked 13:00 Bang Goes The Theory 01:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 20:00 Shanghai Knights-PG15 03:35 The Lion Queen 13:25 How Tech Works Wilmore 22:00 The Baytown Outlaws-18 04:25 Animal Cops Houston 13:50 X-Machines 01:30 Mixology 05:15 Treehouse Masters 00:05 Chopped SA 14:40 Food Factory 02:00 Mixology 06:02 Call Of The Wildman 00:55 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 15:05 How It’s Made 02:30 Web Therapy 06:25 Call Of The Wildman 01:20 Amazing Wedding Cakes 15:30 How We Invented The World 03:00 Hot In Cleveland 06:49 The Lion Queen 02:10 Chopped 16:20 Strangest Weather On Earth 03:30 Baby Daddy 00:00 So Undercover-PG15 07:36 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife 03:00 Chopped 17:10 How Do They Do It? 04:00 Community 02:00 Held Up (1999)-PG15 Warriors 03:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 17:35 How Do They Do It? 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 04:00 Grown Ups 2-PG15 08:00 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife 04:15 Chopped 18:00 Through The Wormhole With Jimmy Fallon 06:00 Fred 2: Night Of The Living Warriors 05:05 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Morgan Freeman 05:30 My Name Is Earl Fred-PG 08:25 Too Cute! Coo 18:50 How It’s Made 06:00 Til Death 08:00 Chalet Girl-PG15 09:15 The Lion Queen 05:50 Siba’s Table 19:15 How It’s Made 06:30 My Boys 10:00 Held Up (1999)-PG15 10:10 Call Of The Wildman 06:10 Sweet Genius 19:40 Food Factory 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 12:00 Article 99-PG15 10:35 Call Of The Wildman 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 20:05 Food Factory 08:00 Community 14:00 Admission-PG15 11:05 Gator Boys 07:25 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 20:30 Rise Of The Machines 08:30 My Name Is Earl 16:00 Chalet Girl-PG15 12:00 Too Cute! 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 21:20 Rise Of The Machines 09:00 Hot In Cleveland 18:00 Life Happens-PG15 12:55 The Lion Queen 08:15 Chopped SA 22:10 How Do They Do It? 10:30 My Boys 20:00 Mafia!-PG15 13:50 Treehouse Masters 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 22:35 How Do They Do It? 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 22:00 A Haunted House-18 14:45 Animal Cops Houston Basics 23:00 Rise Of The Machines Jimmy Fallon 15:40 Tanked 09:30 Farm Kings 23:50 Rise Of The Machines 12:00 Til Death 16:35 The Lion Queen 10:20 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 12:30 Community 17:30 Ten Deadliest Snakes 10:45 Easy Chinese 13:00 My Name Is Earl 18:25 Treehouse Masters 11:10 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 13:30 My Boys 19:20 Nature’s Newborns 11:35 The Big Eat... 01:00 Special Forces-PG15 14:00 Baby Daddy 19:50 Nature’s Newborns 12:00 Chopped 03:00 At Any Price-PG15 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 20:15 Tanked 12:50 Siba’s Table 05:00 Emperor-PG15 Stewart 21:10 Killer Iq: Lion vs Hyena 00:00 Violetta 13:15 Guy’s Big Bite 07:00 A Secret Promise-PG15 16:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 22:05 Treehouse Masters 00:45 The Hive 13:40 Guy’s Big Bite 09:00 Playing For Keeps-PG15 Wilmore 23:00 Ivory Wars 00:50 Art Attack 14:05 Guy’s Grocery Games 11:00 Emperor-PG15 16:30 Til Death 23:55 Ten Deadliest Snakes 01:15 Art Attack 14:55 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 13:00 Christmas Magic-PG15 01:40 Jungle Junction 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 15:00 Chasing Mavericks-PG15 01:50 Jungle Junction 15:45 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity 18:00 Hot In Cleveland 17:00 Playing For Keeps-PG15 02:05 Jungle Junction Coo 18:30 Baby Daddy 19:00 To The Wonder-PG15 02:15 Jungle Junction 16:35 Chopped SA 19:00 Black-Ish 21:00 How I Live Now-PG15 02:30 Violetta 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks The 19:30 Parks And Recreation 23:00 Killing Season-18 03:10 The Hive Riviera 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 03:20 Art Attack 17:50 Guy’s Big Bite Jimmy Fallon 00:00 Kirstie’s Fill Your House For 03:45 Art Attack 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Free 04:10 Jungle Junction 18:40 Siba’s Table Stewart 00:50 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 04:25 Jungle Junction 19:05 The Big Eat... 21:30 The Nightly Show With Larry Taylor 04:35 Jungle Junction 19:30 Chopped Wilmore 00:00 Network-18 01:15 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 04:45 Jungle Junction 20:20 Guy’s Grocery Games 22:00 Family Guy 02:00 As Good As It Gets-PG15 01:40 Sweet Baby James 05:00 Art Attack 21:10 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity 22:30 Brickleberry 04:30 August: Osage County-PG15 02:05 Masterchef: The 05:25 Art Attack Coo 23:00 Web Therapy 06:30 Unstrung Heroes-PG15 Professionals 05:50 Mouk 22:00 Siba’s Table: Fast Feasts 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 08:30 Twist Of Faith-PG15 02:30 Nigel Slater’s Simple 06:00 Kim Possible 22:25 Siba’s Table 10:30 As Good As It Gets-PG15 Suppers 06:25 Binny And The Ghost 22:50 Best In Chow 13:00 Bully-PG15 03:00 Bargain Hunt 06:50 Girl Meets World 23:15 Best In Chow 15:00 The Green Mile-PG15 03:45 Come Dine With Me 07:15 H2O: Just Add Water 23:40 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 18:30 Quiz Show-PG15 04:10 The Good Cook 07:40 Jessie 01:00 The Voice 21:00 For Greater Glory-PG15 THE BAYTOWN OUTLAWS ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 04:40 Kirstie’s Fill Your House For 08:05 Wizards Of Waverly Place 02:00 Outlander 23:30 The Hidden Face-PG15 Free 08:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place 03:00 Hemlock Grove 22:40 Extreme Couponing 03:00 Calimero 05:30 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 08:55 Hannah Montana 04:00 Glee 23:05 Mob Wives 03:15 Henry Hugglemonster Taylor 09:20 Hannah Montana 05:00 Marvel’s Agents Of 23:55 Oprah: Where Are They 03:25 Zou 05:55 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill S.H.I.E.L.D. 09:45 Suite Life On Deck 00:40 Ade In Britain 03:00 Live NHL Now? 03:40 Mouk 06:20 Masterchef: The 08:00 White Collar 01:00 Haunter-PG15 10:10 Suite Life On Deck 01:30 Come Dine With Me Ireland 09:00 Golfing World 03:50 Jungle Junction Professionals 09:00 Glee 03:00 Grace Unplugged-PG 10:35 Good Luck Charlie 02:00 Emmerdale 10:00 PGA Tour Highlights 04:00 Art Attack 06:50 The Good Cook 10:00 Marvel’s Agents Of 05:00 Jobs-PG15 11:00 Good Luck Charlie 02:25 Emmerdale 11:00 PGA European Tour 04:25 Julius Jr. 07:15 Bargain Hunt S.H.I.E.L.D. 07:15 There Be Dragons-PG15 11:25 American Dragon 02:55 Coronation Street Highlights 04:35 Calimero 08:00 Bargain Hunt 12:00 Emmerdale 09:00 All Is Lost-PG15 11:50 American Dragon 03:25 Remember Me 18:00 WWE Vintage 04:50 Henry Hugglemonster 08:45 Come Dine With Me 12:30 Coronation Street 11:00 Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit- 12:15 Kim Possible 04:20 Mr Selfridge 19:00 WWE NXT 00:40 Dates From Hell 05:00 Zou 09:10 Kirstie’s Fill Your House For 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show PG15 12:40 Kim Possible 05:15 Lewis 20:00 WWE SmackDown 01:05 Dates From Hell 05:15 Mouk Free 13:05 Good Luck Charlie 14:00 White Collar 13:00 High Moon-PG15 01:30 LA: City Of Demons 05:25 Jungle Junction 10:00 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 06:10 Take On The Twisters 15:00 Rio 2-FAM 22:00 Live Premier League Darts 13:30 I Didn’t Do It 07:05 Come Dine With Me Ireland 16:00 Emmerdale 02:20 Police Women Of 05:35 Art Attack Taylor 13:55 Austin & Ally 16:30 Coronation Street 17:00 All Is Lost-PG15 Memphis 06:00 Julius Jr. 10:25 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 07:30 Remember Me 19:00 Man Of Tai Chi-PG15 14:20 H2O: Just Add Water 08:25 Mr Selfridge 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 03:10 True CSI 06:10 Calimero 10:50 Holmes On Homes 14:55 Liv And Maddie 18:00 White Collar 21:00 Sin City: A Dame To Kill For 04:00 Solved 06:25 Henry Hugglemonster 11:40 Masterchef: The 09:20 Coach Trip 23:00 The Wolf Of Wall Street-R 15:20 Binny And The Ghost 09:45 Coach Trip 19:00 Suits 04:45 Dates From Hell 06:35 Zou Professionals 20:00 The Flash 05:30 ICC World Cup H/L: Quarter 15:45 Girl Meets World 10:15 Lewis Final 1 05:07 Dates From Hell 06:50 Mouk 12:05 The Good Cook 16:10 Violetta 21:00 American Idol 05:30 LA: City Of Demons 07:00 Jungle Junction 12:35 Bargain Hunt 11:10 Emmerdale 06:30 Live ICC World Cup: Quarter 17:00 Dog With A Blog 11:35 Emmerdale 22:00 24: Live Another Day 06:20 True CSI 07:10 Art Attack 13:20 Come Dine With Me 23:00 Hemlock Grove Final 2 17:25 Binny And The Ghost 12:00 Coronation Street 18:00 ICC Cricket 360 07:10 American Greed 07:35 Julius Jr. 13:45 Kirstie’s Fill Your House For 17:50 Hank Zipzer 08:00 Nightmare Next Door 07:45 Calimero Free 12:30 Ade In Britain 18:30 ICC World Cup H/L: Quarter 18:15 Jessie 13:25 Take On The Twisters 01:00 Barbie Presents: Thumbelina Final 2 08:50 Fatal Encounters 08:00 Jungle Junction 14:35 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 18:40 Austin & Ally 02:45 Barbie Magic Of The 09:40 Murder Shift 08:10 Zou Taylor 14:20 Come Dine With Me Ireland 21:30 ICC Cricket 360 19:05 H2O: Just Add Water Rainbow 10:30 I Was Murdered 08:25 Henry Hugglemonster 15:00 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 14:45 Lewis 19:30 Violetta 15:35 Horsepower With Martin 04:15 Skateboy And The Voyage 10:55 Stalked: Someone’s 08:35 Julius Jr. 15:25 Holmes On Homes 20:20 Binny And The Ghost Watching 08:50 Mouk 16:15 Masterchef: The Clunes To Monster Island 20:45 H2O: Just Add Water 00:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 11:20 Forensic Detectives 09:00 Calimero Professionals 16:30 The Chase: Celebrity 06:00 Everyone’s Hero 21:10 Austin & Ally 01:00 Good Morning America 12:10 American Greed 09:15 Jake And The Never Land 16:45 Nigel Slater’s Simple Specials 08:00 Ploddy Police Car 21:35 Jessie 03:00 Supernatural 13:00 Disappeared Pirates Suppers 17:25 Tricked 10:00 Patoruzito: The Great 22:00 Gravity Falls 04:00 Defiance 13:50 On The Case With Paula 09:40 Doc McStuffins 17:15 Bargain Hunt 18:20 Take On The Twisters Adventure 22:25 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 05:00 Good Morning America Zahn 10:05 Art Attack 17:55 Come Dine With Me 19:10 Coronation Street 11:30 Shark Bait 00:20 Extreme Cheapskates Teenage Witch 07:00 Emmerdale 14:40 Who On Earth Did I 10:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 18:25 Kirstie’s Fill Your House For 19:35 Horsepower With Martin 13:00 Barbie Magic Of The 00:45 Extraordinary Pregnancies 22:50 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 07:30 Coronation Street Marry? 11:00 Sofia The First Free Clunes 01:35 Extreme Couponing Teenage Witch 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Rainbow 15:05 Who On Earth Did I 11:25 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 19:15 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 20:30 The Chase: Celebrity 02:00 Mob Wives 23:10 Wolfblood 10:00 Emmerdale 14:30 The Nut Job Marry? 11:50 Calimero 20:00 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen Specials 02:50 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 23:35 Wolfblood 10:30 Coronation Street 16:00 Barbie Of Swan Lake 15:30 American Greed 12:05 Jake And The Never Land Notebook: London 21:25 Tricked Bridesmaids 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 18:00 Patoruzito: The Great 16:20 I Was Murdered Pirates 20:25 Rachel’s Favourite Food For 22:20 Coronation Street 03:15 Little People, Big World 12:00 Rake Adventure 16:45 Stalked: Someone’s 12:30 Julius Jr. Living 22:50 Emmerdale 03:40 Super Saver Showdown 13:00 Twisted 20:00 Krazzy Planet Watching 12:40 Henry Hugglemonster 20:50 Nigel Slater’s Simple 23:15 Emmerdale 04:30 Cake Boss 14:00 Live Good Morning America 22:00 The Nut Job 17:10 Murder Shift 12:55 Handy Manny Cooking 23:45 Lewis 05:00 Sister Wives 17:00 Rake 23:30 Barbie Of Swan Lake 18:00 Disappeared 13:05 Justin Time 21:15 Sweet Baby James 00:00 House Of DVF 06:00 17 Kids And Counting 18:00 Twisted 18:50 Fatal Encounters 13:20 Sofia The First 21:40 Masterchef: The 00:55 Extreme Close-Up 06:25 World’s Worst Mum 19:00 Parenthood 19:40 Forensic Detectives 13:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Professionals 01:25 Keeping Up With The 07:15 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 20:00 Rake 20:30 On The Case With Paula 14:10 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 22:30 Bargain Hunt Kardashians Bridesmaids 21:00 Twisted Zahn 14:35 Julius Jr. 23:15 Come Dine With Me 02:20 E! News 07:40 Little People, Big World 00:00 Brave New World 22:00 Supernatural 21:20 The Will: Family Secrets 14:45 Jake And The Never Land 23:40 Home Cooking Made Easy 03:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 08:05 Sister Wives 01:00 Convoy: War For The Atlantic 23:00 Defiance Revealed Pirates 03:40 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 00:00 The Secret Life Of Walter 08:55 Say Yes To The Dress: The 02:00 Apocalypse World War I 22:10 Who On Earth Did I 15:15 Doc McStuffins 04:10 E!ES Mitty-PG15 Big Day (Specials) 03:00 Swamp Men Marry? 15:40 Henry Hugglemonster 05:05 Beyond Candid With 02:00 The Host-PG15 09:45 Cake Boss 04:00 Rescue Ink 22:35 Who On Earth Did I 15:55 Zou Giuliana 04:15 Red 2-PG15 10:10 Sister Wives 05:00 Science of Stupid 11:00 Super Saver Showdown Marry? 16:05 Justin Time 06:00 Kourtney And Kim Take 06:15 Marvel’s Ultimate Avengers 23:00 Deadly Affairs 16:20 Sofia The First Miami 05:30 Science of Stupid 11:50 Oprah: Where Are They 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 06:00 Inside Combat Rescue 00:00 World War Z II-PG Now? 23:50 I Almost Got Away With It 16:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 01:10 Chaos Caught On Camera 06:55 Kourtney And Kim Take 02:00 Conan The Barbarian 08:00 The Mortal Instruments: City 17:15 Lilo & Stitch Miami 07:00 Animal Intervention 12:40 World’s Worst Mum 01:35 Chaos Caught On Camera 04:00 Brave Of Bones-PG15 17:40 Adventures Of The 07:50 Style Star 08:00 Brave New World 13:30 Bakery Boss 02:00 What Happened Next? 09:00 Convoy: War For The Atlantic 06:00 Hellboy: Blood & Iron 10:15 After Earth-PG15 14:20 Extreme Cheapskates Gummi Bears 08:20 E! News 18:05 Chip n Dale Rescue 02:25 What Happened Next? 10:00 Apocalypse World War I 08:00 Shanghai Noon 12:00 Red 2-PG15 14:45 Extreme Cheapskates 09:15 Giuliana & Bill Rangers 02:50 You Have Been Warned 11:00 Brilliant Beasts 10:00 Code Of Silence 15:10 Cake Boss 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 14:00 Monsters University-PG 18:30 Ducktales 03:40 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 12:00 Animal Impact 12:00 Brave 15:35 Little People, Big World Edition 11:10 House Of DVF 14:00 Hellboy: Sword Of Storms 15:45 The Mortal Instruments: City 00:10 Zou 19:00 Art Attack 13:00 Situation Critical 16:00 Hoarding: Buried Alive 04:05 Garage Gold 12:05 E! News 15:30 Shanghai Noon Of Bones-PG15 00:25 Mouk 19:25 Sofia The First 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 14:00 Is It Real? 16:50 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 04:30 Backroad Bounty 17:30 The Cold Light Of Day 18:00 The Legend Of Hercules Bridesmaids 00:35 Jungle Junction 19:55 Calimero 05:00 How It’s Made 13:35 E! Entertainment Special 15:00 Brave New World 19:30 The Lone Ranger 20:00 Welcome To The Punch 00:50 Art Attack 20:10 Doc McStuffins 14:30 Style Star 16:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest 17:15 17 Kids And Counting 05:30 How It’s Made 22:00 Shanghai Knights 22:00 The Hangover 3-18 01:15 Julius Jr. 20:25 Jake And The Never Land 15:00 Keeping Up With The 17:00 America’s Lost Treasures 17:40 Sister Wives 06:00 Yukon Men 18:05 Sister Wives 01:25 Calimero Pirates Kardashians 18:00 Last War Heroes 06:50 Fifth Gear 18:30 Super Saver Showdown 01:40 Henry Hugglemonster 20:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 16:00 Keeping Up With The 19:00 Brave New World 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 19:20 Oprah’s Next Chapter 01:50 Zou 21:20 Minnie’s Bow-Toons Kardashians 20:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest 02:05 Mouk 21:25 Sofia The First 08:30 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 07:00 Golfing World 20:10 World’s Worst Mum Edition 17:00 Christina Milian Turned Up 21:00 America’s Lost Treasures 02:15 Jungle Junction 21:50 Adventures Of The 00:00 Conan The Barbarian-18 11:00 Live AFL NAB Challenge 21:00 90 Days To Wed 08:55 Garage Gold 18:00 E! News 22:00 Last War Heroes 02:25 Art Attack Gummi Bears 02:00 Brave-PG15 18:00 Golfing World 21:50 Say Yes To The Dress: The 09:20 Backroad Bounty 19:00 E!ES 23:00 Brilliant Beasts 02:50 Julius Jr. 22:20 Chip n Dale Rescue 04:00 Hellboy: Blood & Iron-PG15 21:00 Live PGA Tour Big Day (Specials) 09:45 How It’s Made 20:00 House Of DVF Rangers 10:10 How It’s Made 22:45 Ducktales 10:35 Chaos Caught On Camera 23:15 Art Attack 11:00 Chaos Caught On Camera 23:40 Calimero 11:25 What Happened Next? 23:55 Henry Hugglemonster 11:50 What Happened Next? 12:15 You Have Been Warned 13:05 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop Edition 13:30 Garage Gold 13:55 Backroad Bounty 14:20 Yukon Men 00:00 Programmes Start At 15:10 Fifth Gear 7:00am KSA 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 07:00 Phineas And Ferb 16:50 How It’s Made 07:20 Best Sports Ever 17:15 How It’s Made 07:25 Phineas And Ferb 17:40 River Monsters (Best Of 07:50 Supa Strikas Series 1-5) 08:15 The 7D 18:30 Street Outlaws 08:40 Ultimate Spider-Man 19:20 American Muscle 09:05 Lab Rats 20:10 Garage Gold 09:30 Kickin’ It 20:35 Backroad Bounty 09:55 Ultimate Spider-Man 21:00 Street Outlaws 10:20 Phineas And Ferb 21:50 American Muscle 10:45 Zeke & Luther 22:40 Hellriders 11:10 I’m In The Band 23:30 River Monsters (Best Of 11:35 Camp Lakebottom Series 1-5) 12:00 Mighty Med 12:30 Lab Rats 12:55 Marvel Avengers Assemble 13:20 Phineas And Ferb 13:40 Japaneezi Going Going Gong 00:40 How It’s Made 14:05 Zeke & Luther 01:05 How It’s Made 14:30 Pair Of Kings 01:30 Close Encounters 14:55 Pokemon The Series: XY 01:55 Close Encounters 15:20 Marvel Avengers 02:20 Through The Wormhole With Assemble Morgan Freeman 15:45 Phineas And Ferb 03:10 How Do They Do It? 16:10 Supa Strikas 03:35 How Do They Do It? 16:35 Pair Of Kings 04:00 Food Factory 17:00 Lab Rats 04:24 Food Factory 17:30 Mighty Med 04:48 How We Invented The World 18:00 Kickin’ It 05:36 Strangest Weather On Earth 18:25 Kickin’ It 06:24 Bang Goes The Theory 18:50 Supa Strikas 06:48 How Tech Works 19:20 Phineas And Ferb 07:12 Food Factory 19:45 The 7D 07:36 How Do They Do It? 20:10 Ultimate Spider-Man: 08:00 Bang Goes The Theory Web Warriors 08:25 How Tech Works THE HANGOVER 3 ON OSN MOVIES PREMIERE HD 20:35 Phineas And Ferb Classifieds

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (19/03/2015 TO 25/03/2015)

SHARQIA-1 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:45 AM CINDERELLA 4:30 PM AL TIJARA SHATARA (Kuwaiti Film) 10:00 PM CINDERELLA 1:15 PM CINDERELLA 7:00 PM THE GUNMAN 12:45 AM CINDERELLA 3:30 PM FANAR-5 CINDERELLA 9:30 PM CINDERELLA 5:45 PM THE GUNMAN 12:15 PM CINDERELLA 12:05 AM AL-KOUT.3 CINDERELLA 8:00 PM THE GUNMAN 2:45 PM CINDERELLA 11:45 AM CINDERELLA 10:15 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 5:00 PM AVENUES-7 CINDERELLA 2:15 PM CINDERELLA 12:30 AM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 7:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:30 PM CINDERELLA 4:45 PM THE GUNMAN 10:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 3:00 PM CINDERELLA 7:15 PM SHARQIA-2 THE GUNMAN 12:15 AM AL TIJARA SHATARA (Kuwaiti Film) 5:30 PM CINDERELLA 9:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:00 PM AL TIJARA SHATARA (Kuwaiti Film) 8:30 PM CINDERELLA 11:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 2:30 PM MARINA-1 AL TIJARA SHATARA (Kuwaiti Film) 11:15 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 5:00 PM CINDERELLA 12:30 PM AL-KOUT.4 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 7:30 PM CINDERELLA 3:00 PM AVENUES-8 THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 12:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 10:00 PM CINDERELLA 5:30 PM DEMONIC 1:00 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 3:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:45 AM CINDERELLA 7:45 PM DEMONIC 3:15 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 5:30 PM CINDERELLA 10:00 PM FOCUS 5:30 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 8:00 PM SHARQIA-3 CINDERELLA 12:15 AM DEMONIC 7:45 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 10:30 PM THE GUNMAN 12:15 PM DEMONIC 10:00 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 1:00 AM THE GUNMAN 2:30 PM MARINA-2 DEMONIC 12:15 AM RUN ALL NIGHT 4:45 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 12:45 PM BAIRAQ-1 THE GUNMAN 7:15 PM THE GUNMAN 3:15 PM AVENUES-9 CINDERELLA 11:30 AM RUN ALL NIGHT 9:45 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 5:30 PM THE GUNMAN 11:45 AM CINDERELLA 1:45 PM THE GUNMAN 12:15 AM THE GUNMAN 8:00 PM THE GUNMAN 2:15 PM CINDERELLA 4:00 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 10:15 PM THE GUNMAN 4:45 PM CINDERELLA 6:15 PM MUHALAB-1 THE GUNMAN 12:45 AM THE GUNMAN 7:15 PM CINDERELLA 8:30 PM CINDERELLA 12:45 PM THE GUNMAN 9:45 PM CINDERELLA 10:45 PM CINDERELLA 3:00 PM MARINA-3 THE GUNMAN 12:15 AM THE GUNMAN 1:00 AM CINDERELLA 5:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 11:45 AM CINDERELLA 7:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 2:15 PM AVENUES-10 BAIRAQ-2 CINDERELLA 10:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 4:45 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 12:15 PM THE GUNMAN 1:15 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 12:30 AM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 7:15 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 2:45 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 3:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 9:45 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 5:15 PM THE GUNMAN 5:45 PM MUHALAB-2 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:30 AM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 7:45 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 8:00 PM THE GUNMAN 1:00 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 10:15 PM THE GUNMAN 10:15 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 3:15 PM AVENUES-1 THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 12:45 AM RUN ALL NIGHT 12:30 AM THE GUNMAN 5:45 PM THE GUNMAN 1:15 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 8:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 3:45 PM AVENUES-11 BAIRAQ-3 THE GUNMAN 10:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 6:15 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 1:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 11:45 AM THE GUNMAN 12:45 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 8:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 4:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 2:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:15 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 6:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 4:45 PM MUHALAB-3 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 9:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 7:15 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 11:30 AM AVENUES-2 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 11:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 9:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 2:00 PM SUITE FRANCAISE 11:30 AM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:15 AM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 4:30 PM SUITE FRANCAISE 1:45 PM 360º- 1 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 7:00 PM SUITE FRANCAISE 4:00 PM CINDERELLA 12:30 PM PLAZA THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 9:30 PM SUITE FRANCAISE 6:15 PM CINDERELLA 3:00 PM THE GUNMAN 3:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:05 AM SUITE FRANCAISE 8:30 PM CINDERELLA 5:30 PM FOR SALE THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 5:45 PM Automated SUITE FRANCAISE 11:00 PM CINDERELLA 8:00 PM FANAR-1 SUITE FRANCAISE 1:15 AM CINDERELLA 10:30 PM CINDERELLA 8:15 PM THE GUNMAN 10:30 PM Mazda/6 model 2006 enquiry about SUITE FRANCAISE 1:00 PM FOCUS 1:00 AM engine, gear, AC good, SUITE FRANCAISE 3:15 PM AVENUES-3 RUN ALL NIGHT 5:45 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 12:45 PM 360º- 2 LAILA passing Oct 2015, selling the Civil ID card is SUITE FRANCAISE 8:15 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 3:15 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 1:15 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 3:45 PM low price. Call 66329575. RUN ALL NIGHT 10:30 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 5:45 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 3:45 PM CINDERELLA 6:15 PM (C 4950) THE GUNMAN 8:30 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 1:00 AM RUN ALL NIGHT 8:15 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 6:15 PM 16-3-2015 1889988 RUN ALL NIGHT 10:45 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 8:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 10:45 PM FANAR-2 RUN ALL NIGHT 1:00 AM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 11:15 PM CINDERELLA 12:30 PM AJIAL.1 CINDERELLA 2:45 PM AVENUES-4 360º- 3 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 4:45 PM CINDERELLA 5:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:00 PM CINDERELLA 1:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 7:15 PM CINDERELLA 7:15 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 2:30 PM AL TIJARA SHATARA (Kuwaiti Film) 4:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 9:45 PM 112 CINDERELLA 9:30 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 5:00 PM AL TIJARA SHATARA (Kuwaiti Film) 6:45 PM CINDERELLA 11:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 7:30 PM AL TIJARA SHATARA (Kuwaiti Film) 9:30 PM AJIAL.2 RUN ALL NIGHT 10:00 PM AL TIJARA SHATARA (Kuwaiti Film) 12:15 AM THE GUNMAN :30 PM FANAR-3 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:30 AM THE GUNMAN 5:45 PM Prayer timings THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 11:45 AM AL-KOUT.1 THE GUNMAN 8:00 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 2:15 PM AVENUES-5 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:00 PM THE GUNMAN 10:15 PM Fajr: 04:35 DEMONIC 4:45 PM CINDERELLA 12:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 2:30 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 6:45 PM CINDERELLA 3:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 5:00 PM AJIAL.3 THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 9:15 PM Special Show “CINDERELLA” 3:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 7:30 PM DILLIWAALI ZAALIM GIRLFRIEND -HINDI 4:30 PM Shorook 05:54 THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 12:05 AM CINDERELLA 5:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 10:00 PM DILLIWAALI ZAALIM GIRLFRIEND -HINDI 7:00 PM CINDERELLA 8:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:30 AM DILLIWAALI ZAALIM GIRLFRIEND -HINDI 9:30 PM Duhr: 11:56 FANAR-4 THE GUNMAN 10:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 12:45 PM THE GUNMAN 1:00 AM AL-KOUT.2 AJIAL.4 Asr: 15:23 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 3:15 PM THE GUNMAN 12:15 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 3:30 PM THE GUNMAN 5:45 PM AVENUES-6 THE GUNMAN 2:45 PM CINDERELLA 6:00 PM Maghrib: 17:58 THE GUNMAN 8:00 PM CINDERELLA 11:30 AM THE GUNMAN 5:15 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 8:15 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 10:15 PM CINDERELLA 2:00 PM THE GUNMAN 7:45 PM CINDERELLA 10:45 PM Isha: 19:15

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

Arrival Flights on Thursday 19/3/2015 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 Departure Flights on Thursday 19/3/2015 AGY 685 Sohag 15:15 Airlines Flt Route Time MPH 951 Amsterdam 14:35 Airlines Flt Route Time THY 767 Istanbul 15:20 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 KAC 538 Sohag 14:50 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 RJD 135 Abu Dhabi 14:55 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:40 JZR 188 Dubai 15:40 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KNE 470 Jeddah 14:55 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 KNE 471 Jeddah 15:50 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:40 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:55 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 OMA 645 Muscat 15:25 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 SVA 505 Jeddah 16:00 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 MPH 951 Dubai/SIN 16:05 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 RJD 136 Abu Dhabi 16:05 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 OMA 646 Muscat 16:25 KAC 546 Alexandria 01:10 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 JZR 779 Jeddah 16:10 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:35 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 KAC 741 Dammam 17:00 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 OMA 644 Muscat 04:25 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 JZR 553 Alexandria 02:45 UAL 982 IAD 17:05 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 KAC 118 New York 18:30 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 UAL 982 Bahrain 18:20 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 AFG 415 Kabul 18:30 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 JZR 503 Luxor 05:25 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 JZR 240 Amman 07:15 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 KAC 537 Sohag 08:20 BAW 157 London 06:40 AFG 415 Jeddah 19:30 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 AXB 393 Kozhikode 19:15 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 TAR 327 Tunis 07:45 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 TAR 327 Dubai/Tunis 08:35 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 BAW 156 London 08:45 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55 AXB 393 Kozhikode 20:15 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 KAC 176 Geneva/Frankfurt 19:45 IRA 668 Mashhad 09:10 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 IRA 667 Esfahan 08:10 KAC 502 Beirut 19:50 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 KAC 382 Delhi 08:15 KAC 104 London 19:55 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 614 Bahrain 20:00 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 KAC 742 Dammam 20:00 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:30 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 KAC 101 London/New York 09:50 OMA 648 Muscat 21:05 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:05 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 OMA 647 Muscat 20:05 IRA 672 Ahwaz 10:05 JZR 554 Alexandria 21:05 KAC 284 Dhaka 08:50 JZR 189 Dubai 20:15 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 ABY 124 Sharjah 21:15 IRA 673 Ahwaz 09:05 ABY 123 Sharjah 20:35 JZR 778 Jeddah 10:30 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:50 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 KAC 381 Delhi 22:00 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 RBG 554 Alexandria 11:55 IZG 4161 Mashhad 11:10 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 KAC 501 Beirut 12:00 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 IZG 4162 Mashhad 12:10 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 KAC 203 Lahore 22:20 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 UAL 981 Bahrain 22:10 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 QTR 8646 Doha 12:30 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 KLM 417 Amsterdam 22:15 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 JZR 241 Amman 12:55 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 QTR 8647 Doha 13:45 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:30 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 QTR 1072 Doha 14:05 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:15 AGY 680 Alexandria 14:15 AGY 684 Sohag 23:20 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 KAC 543 Cairo 23:20 THY 766 Istanbul 14:20 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 KAC 617 Doha 15:00 KAC 415 Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur 23:25 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 CROSSWORD 846 STAR TRACK

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

This day is favorable for a lot of things, and work may be one of them. You have a desire to get things done as quickly as possible today. However, you Creative and domestic endeavors are highlighted as well. Just keep with the routine as should not be impulsive or too quick to act since there are opportunities to carefully examine much as possible and all will work out fine. You should be extremely careful if your work your work and then make necessary adjustments. You are very good at being respectful of oth- requires tedious attention. Take several breaks, walking away from the work if possible. ers and their work space-you rely on your own natural abilities to succeed and this does not go Eye strain can take its toll. A seminar or special class may appeal to you at this time-check unnoticed. Many of your projects may come to an end now, especially the large ones. Don’t be it out-perhaps your company will pay your enrollment. You prefer relaxed, fun times for too surprised if you are offered a job in another location today. If possible, give yourself time to after your workday and socializing with friends or hanging out with family is a good way think through your response. Try to keep an awareness of your emotional responses. The to relax and refurbish your energies. If you are looking for a new relationship, you just may domestic scene gains new appeal and you plan a visit with family. Laughter and friends are find one. There are many opportunities today. also important.

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

A few chores get this day off to a good start-you may feel that you have This is a time when the desire for material success and considerable monetary accomplished a great deal before the day has progressed. You are full of confidence and gain is great-exercise caution. You could enjoy making your own way and finding solutions to may attempt some repair jobs that could be quite a challenge. Remember, it is certainly no whatever problems you have. By helping someone now, you will gain as well. This is a period reflection on your abilities when you ask for help with these projects. Life should seem of intellectual creativity; expressing yourself with flair comes to mean more to you. Beating the richer, more satisfying and more fun now because you feel a special bond with your odds through cleverness is appealing and this may lead to an interest in all kinds of financial friends and loved ones. Go out on a date with your special someone, or invite your friends speculation. Speculate after much consideration. You can relieve stresses today through your over for the evening. You will make them all feel good. Avoid becoming self-indulgent or exercise program. Such a busy day may have you ignoring the demands from home. Avoid demanding. It could ruin your fun. Your interest in improving your financial gains may arguments later by finding ways to compromise. Plan to attend an upcoming social event. occupy much of your thinking today.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Hold back the urge to be impulsive today-it is a good time to carefully examine You may very well find yourself performing or guiding others in some profes- your work and career and then make necessary adjustments. There could be sional performance this day. This may mean a debate or a sales teaching technique or some some pushing and shoving now between various facets of your life that normally should be in ACROSS placed above certain letters (such as c) to indi- other similar activity. This is where your talents can shine. You enjoy good showmanship balance. This could involve home and professional life, or your logical mind and emotions, or 1. Hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary cate pronunciation. and are probably successful in most any job that deals with the public. Good luck-or as the your conscious and subconscious mind. If these are in line, you should have the energy to get a gland (trade name Pitressin) and also by nerve 4. A magnetic tape recorder for recording theatrical adage goes, “break a leg!” you have a desire for self-expression and originality. If lot done. If not, there could be problems. If you should meet a new love interest today, it will endings in the hypothalamus. (and playing back) TV programs. you are living true to your ideals, this may be a time of great satisfaction. This afternoon a probably be because opposites attract. You are extremely well disposed to friends and loved relationship comes to your attention. You will be learning or teaching the lesson of sharing. 4. Cannon of plate armor protecting the fore- 5. A town in central Belgium. ones this afternoon. Group activities, whether they are social or sports related, will be both well There is a balance between taking and giving and you are determined to help find that bal- attended and fun. arm. 6. A hard brittle gray polyvalent metallic ele- ance. This evening favors romance! 12. Thickening of tissue in the motor tracts of ment that resembles iron but is not magnetic. the lateral columns and anterior horns of the 7. (computer science) A computer that is run- spinal cord. ning software that allows users to leave mes- 15. The cry made by sheep. sages and access information of general inter- Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 16. The capital of Australia. est. This morning your management abilities kick in and you rearrange your files and You feel very good about yourself today and others tend to support your ideas. If 17. An enclosed space. 8. Tall woody perennial grasses with hollow lend a helping hand to others that need some organization in their paperwork. Cooperation and you enjoy your work, it is a good day to expand your horizons. If you consider your job little more 18. Move out of a curled position. slender stems especially of the genera Arundo flexibility are the keys to the rest of this successful day. You will be looking for original solutions than drudgery, a vacation may be wise to consider. This is an excellent time to make decisions 20. (Judaism) The ceremonial dinner on the and Phragmites. so that you can break past your own achievements. You are able to sit down and get many and take care of mental work. Luxury items may come to your attention today. Compare prices first night (or both nights) of Passover. 9. A unit of dry measure used in Egypt. things accomplished now that your files are all cleaned up and up-to-date. At home this evening and do not be rushed into a purchase that you may have to pay for over several years. You may 21. Fiddler crabs. 10. A hospital where foundlings (infant chil- there is time to plant a few spring flowers or start a balcony garden-perhaps herbs or maybe not value something extraordinary. Instead, you find yourself appreciating what is quite normal 22. The third day of the week. dren of unknown parents) are taken in and some strawberries. You may find yourself enjoying a long conversation, writing a letter, or mak- or ordinary this evening. The problem here is in convincing someone else of the value of a dollar. Instead of arguing, ask this person to take time for reflection. Relationships are on good terms. 23. A Russian river. cared for. ing a special phone call this evening. General good feelings make this a positive time. 25. Made known or openly avowed. 11. One of two flaps attached to a cap to keep 27. A state in midwestern United States. the ears warm. 30. God of wealth and love. 12. Earlier a god. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 31. A state in the Rocky Mountains. 13. A cord that is drawn through eyelets or 33. A set of clothing (with accessories). around hooks in order to draw together two Life seems to flow in a smooth direction and you may find yourself pleasantly Budgeting may not be necessary, but extra savings now can give you a 34. A federal agency established to coordinate edges (as of a shoe or garment). pleased with your accomplishments. Today will bring curious opportunities to be with new sense of security later. Express support to your loved ones by listening to their feelings and programs aimed at reducing pollution and 14. Any of a number of fishes of the family people in your company or business. This may be your opportunity to rise above your present their dreams. Seek out forms of exercise that are playful as well as beneficial to your body, such as skating with a friend or bodybuilding exercises in a gym with several friends. You protecting the environment. Carangidae. position. Take time to make your communication to others clear. Quick answers, great wit and a surplus of insights and solutions are at the ready. Inventions and breakthroughs are possible. may have a rewarding job or a great relationship, but your biggest growth this year is 37. A desert in southern Israel. 19. The act of using. You may find that you have a better talent for writing than you ever before thought possible. A when you finally put your insecurities behind you and learn self-confidence. Your sexual 39. A mountainous landlocked communist 24. One of several parallel sloping beams that job in public relations could be considered. If you are romantically involved, you may decide desire could be running wild today. If you have a partner, you are quite compatible. If you state in southeastern Asia. support a roof. that this is a good time to fulfill your romantic fantasies. Your social life should blossom at this are unattached, you may have an inordinate desire to find someone new. Walk for exercise, 42. A member of the Siouan people formerly 26. Small terrestrial lizard of warm regions of time. perhaps with a new friend. living in the Missouri river valley in NE the Old World. Nebraska. 28. A state in the western United States. 44. A master's degree in fine arts. 29. A health resort near a spring or at the sea- Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 45. (Judaism) Sacred chest where the ancient side. Hebrews kept the two tablets containing the 32. Bear the expenses of. A persistent problem at work may be best solved in a group situation. You Chores, responsibilities and an inventive mind will keep you quite busy Ten Commandments. 35. Affectedly trendy. seem to be on an even keel-be content with your position and accomplishments in life for now. today. Enthusiasm and creative energy prevail. If the action of this day slows, you may 47. Committee formed by a special-interest 36. Marked by blithe unconcern. This cycle indicates a most favorable time in the workplace. Your feelings, however, may be a bit decide to stir the pot, so to speak. You are good at organizing and beginning new projects. intense just now. You may need to work extra hard to keep a concentration this afternoon but Your frustration with a slow energy may prompt you to look for a new work position within group to raise money for their favorite politi- 38. The 3rd letter of the Greek alphabet. frustrations are quick to leave. You will not, however, have any trouble dealing with the public. the company for which you work. You are extremely successful as you complete what you cal candidates. 40. A drama set to music. High expectations could cause disappointments-ease up here. Warm memories and familiar start. Now is a good time to list names and phone numbers of maintenance people that 49. A straight line through a body or figure 41. A region of Malaysia in northeastern surroundings this evening should be far more attractive than your work and you will find a heal- help you; you will always have a reference book of good workers. This afternoon you are that satisfies certain conditions. Borneo. ing aspect. Relating with old chums is easy and extremely pleasant this evening. You are deeply ready to apply your energy to help friends or neighbors in a fun project. They in turn cele- 50. A large fleet. 43. An edge tool with a heavy bladed head loved and cherished. brate with you. 53. A ductile malleable reddish-brown corro- mounted across a handle. sion-resistant diamagnetic metallic element. 46. The network in the reticular formation that 54. Chipmunks of eastern North America. serves an alerting or arousal function. Yesterday’s Solution 55. An Arabic speaking person who lives in 48. An esoteric or occult matter that is tradi- Arabia or North Africa. tionally secret. 58. An unfledged or nestling hawk. 51. A long narrow passage (as in a cave or 60. A hardy cabbage with coarse curly leaves woods). that do not form a head. 52. God of love and erotic desire. 61. A white soft metallic element that tarnish- 56. Jordan's port. es readily. 57. Large family of important mostly marine 63. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali food fishes. earth group. 59. Large west African tree having large 64. A soft heavy toxic malleable metallic ele- palmately lobed leaves and axillary cymose ment. panicles of small white flowers and one- 65. Important European leguminous forage winged seeds. plant with trifoliate leaves and blue-violet 62. Type genus of the Ardeidae. flowers grown widely as a pasture and hay 66. Large sweet juicy hybrid between tanger- crop. ine and grapefruit having a thick wrinkled 71. The capital and chief port of Qatar. skin. 74. Title for a civil or military leader (especially 67. (Old Testament) Cain and Abel were the in Turkey). first children of Adam and Eve born after the 75. A licensed medical practitioner. Fall of Man. 78. A user interface in which you type com- 68. Make small marks into the surface of. mands instead of choosing them from a menu 69. The molecular weight of a substance or selecting an icon. expressed in grams. 79. Like or characteristic of an echo. 70. The Jewish rite of circumcision performed 81. A resource. on a male child on the eighth day of his life. 82. Related by blood. 72. A platform raised above the surrounding 83. Motionlessness attributable to a tempo- level to give prominence to the person on it. rary paralysis. 73. An officer who acts as military assistant to 84. The compass point midway between east a more senior officer. and southeast. 76. A United States unit of weight equivalent DOWN to 2000 pounds. 1. Lie adjacent to another. 77. Large brownish-green New Zealand par- 2. (Irish) Mother of the Tuatha De Danann. rot. 3. A diacritical mark (an inverted circumflex) 80. (Sumerian) Goddess personifying earth. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2015 information

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Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. 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den’s Hurricane offers just one screening a day, but a devoted band of Yemeni film Alovers has kept the British colonial-era cine- ma going through communism, civil war and Al- Qaeda. A handful of ageing cinema buffs files qui- etly into the fading yellow building in Aden’s Crater district at the same time six days a week, just as the sun slips behind the volcanic hills encir- cling the city. This routine-every evening except Saturday-has withstood years of upheaval in vio- lence-wracked Yemen, and most recently weath- ered the political crisis that saw the president flee his residence to sanctuary in Aden. A former British protectorate and prosperous port city, Aden was exposed to foreign arts and culture in a way that set it apart from much of conservative Yemen. It retained its diversity in stark contrast to the austerity of the capital Sanaa, 430 kilometers (260 miles) to the north. When South Yemen gained independence in 1967, its socialist rulers encouraged Aden’s openness. But unification with the north in 1990, fol- A picture in the southern Yemeni city of Aden shows the screen of the Hurricane People sitting on benches before a screening at the Hurricane cinema. lowed by the 1994 crushing of a secession cinema, the city’s only functioning cinema. —AFP photos attempt, replaced the city’s liberalism with a more conservative Islamic climate. Aref Naji Ali, who taneously in Aden. increasing Al-Qaeda attacks, the cinema offers heads the cultural organisation Al-Waddah But the Hurricane’s success ended abruptly punters a rare escape of calm and culture. Its old Foundation, says attendance at Hurricane has after the family was stripped of its cinemas movie reels, now rotting in the warehouse, have never recovered. “The reason many spectators under a nationalization plan introduced by the been replaced by videos and a digital projector, have disappeared is the war of 1994, which was socialist government after independence. By the but the Hurricane’s audience remains largely followed by fatwa edicts that banned cinemas,” he time the Hammoud family regained its property unchanged. said. “Frightened, many families stopped going to in 1994, it was not able to save all four cinemas, “The television has dealt a fatal blow to cine- the movies.” three of which had already been converted to ma. It killed cinema and there is not a single alternative use. A growing real estate boom had house without a television,” complained Ahmed Family business swollen the number of Aden picture houses to Saleh, a 75-year-old retired public servant. The history of the Hurricane is intricately inter- 10, but the Hurricane survived thanks to the hard Although he does own a television, Saleh contin- twined with the story of a local wealthy family. work of its owners and the loyalty of its aging ues to come each day to watch films at the The patriarch, known as Master Hammoud, was clientele. Hurricane. “I continue to love cinema. It allows me the head of Aden’s education department under to mingle with people and kill time,” he said. British rule and his son Taher was lured into the ‘Television killed the cinema’ Other spectators file into the theatre, no young cinema business in the middle of last century. The Hurricane sits close to the site of the people or a single woman among them. At exactly Opening the Hurricane and four other picture Britain’s last stand in Yemen, the culmination of a 18:30 local time, a bell announces the start of the houses earned Taher the nickname of “King of local insurgency against British forces that began show-today, an Indian movie with Arabic subtitles. Cinema”. He oversaw the halcyon days of Yemen’s in late 1963. Amid a backdrop of a political crisis Not that anyone seems to care about the plot. For that has seen a Shiite militia seize control of the nostalgic audience of Hurricane, all that mat- cinema industry, ensuring that the latest Egyptian A visitor looks at movie posters at the Hurricane cinema. movies premiering in Cairo were screened simul- much of central Yemen-including the capital-and ters is that the cinema is still there at all. —AFP Checking in with the von Trapp kids from ‘Sound of Music’

even young actors became part of cin- 62, Cartwright works as a photographer, ematic history when they were cast as painter and writer in Los Angeles. Her most Sthe von Trapp children in Rogers & recent book was released last year: “Styling Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” - and the Stars: Lost Treasures from the Twentieth they also became lifelong friends. Known as Century Fox Archive.” “The SoM 7,” they formed their own sort of Kurt: Duane Chase, who played little family over the months of making the musi- brother Kurt von Trapp, continued acting cal. Their parents befriended one another as until his teens, including an appearance in the young performers traveled to Austria for the 1966 Kurt Russell film, “Follow Me, Boys!” filming, and the actors themselves have Chase switched gears in college, earning a remained close for decades. “We’re beyond bachelor’s and master’s degree in geology friends. We’re second family,” said Kym and working as a software engineer. Now Karath, who played the youngest von Trapp, 64, he recently went on sabbatical and is Gretl. “As adults, we were deeply bonded, so considering retirement. He lives near Seattle our lives have really interwoven with each with his wife and their two cats. other.” Friedrich: For Nicholas Hammond, who As “The Sound of Music” celebrates its portrayed the eldest von Trapp son, “The 50th anniversary, here’s a look at what the Sound of Music” came early in a still-thriving Actress Chairmian Carr, who plays the role of “SoM 7” are doing now: entertainment career. Hammond continued Liesl, in the film, “The Sound of Music.” Liesl: Now 72, Charmian Carr played the to collect film and TV credits as he pursued eldest von Trapp daughter and has pub- an English literature degree at Princeton. Menzies-Urich’s first movie. She continued acting after she lished two books about her experience mak- Now 64, he lives in Australia and works as an wed actor Robert Urich, but stopped when their children ing the film: “Forever Liesl” and “Letters to actor, writer and director. were born. Now 65, Menzies- Liesl.” She maintains a website (charmian- Gretl: Kym Karath was only 5 years old Urich runs the nonprofit organization she established carr.com) where she sells the custom furni- when she played Gretl von Trapp. She quit after her husband died from a rare form of cancer. The ture she designs, as well as autographed acting for high school and college at USC, Robert Urich Foundation provides funding for cancer photos from her “Sound of Music” days. She and focused on parenting rather than per- research and to help families relocate for specialized treat- lives in Southern California and regularly forming to care for her disabled son. Along ment. sees her “Sound of Music” sisters. with other parents, Karath helped establish Marta: Debbie Turner was as much an athlete as an Brigitta: Angela Cartwright, who started the Aurelia Foundation, which provides actress as a child, and she opted for sports after playing performing at age 3, went on to star in the services for special-needs individuals once Marta von Trapp. (A lifetime of skiing earned the 58-year-old This photo provided by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment shows, TV series “Lost in Space” and “Make Room for they finish high school. Now 56, Karath is a knee replacement earlier this year.) Turner owns a floral- from left, Julie Andrews, as Maria, Kym Karath, as Gretl, Duane Chase, as Granddaddy” after playing Brigitta in “The returning to her entertainment career as an design business in Minnesota. She recently was called on to Kurt, and Chairmian Carr, as Liesl, in a scene during the song, “Do-Re-Mi” Sound of Music.” She traded acting for other actress and writer. provide flowers for a wedding in Salzburg, Austria, at a from the film, “The Sound of Music.” —AP photos artistic pursuits after having children. Now Louisa: “The Sound of Music” was Heather palace that inspired the sets of “The Sound of Music.” —AP

Actor Duane Chase, who plays the role of Kurt, in Actress Kym Karath, who plays the role of Gretl, in Actress Heather Menzies, who plays the role of Nicholas Hammond, who plays the role of the film, “The Sound of Music.” the film, “The Sound of Music. Louisa, in the film, “The Sound of Music”. Friedrich, in the film.” LIFESTYLE37 THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 Features What is the right thing?

ometimes in life we are expected to do so much; future, you realize the difference between your job and graduate high school with a specific GPA, go to a your career. A job is a temporary position you work at in Sspecific university, and get a specific job- all order to achieve temporary goals, for example, getting which represent, in my opinion, one thing, power. more spending money, to purchase a car and so on, Power, to many people, is a way of life, its thought to be however, a career is working in the field that you are one thing you should have in order to be respected, passionate about and creating your own lifestyle doing comfortable and to have it easy. However, listening to what you love. I’m sure we’ve all read this before “Do all those lectures from our parents, watching our class- what you love and never work a day in your life”.

Experience or passion A career always starts with an education, you can be great at what you do, out of experience or passion, but you can never really be successful and go the whole 9 yards without an education. Your job fulfils your satis-

faction temporarily, but your career will not only satisfy you, it will make you feel great about yourself and that will lead you to a happy mindset and life. Focus on building up your career with your job/s, it will give you more experience and understanding to how to do your job better and more efficiently. Don’t settle. Don’t allow it for yourself to wake up in the morning and spend a number of hours a day in a seat that’s taking you nowhere. A few things that might help you with realizing whether or not this is the career you want, is to know your potential and worth, and know that your job does- n’t define you, its how you do it that does, and by that I mean, you can do well at your job but it’s your attitude and the relationships you build with people that differ- entiate you from others. Don’t focus on the financial aspect of it, money will never be enough to anyone, you will always want to make more, but of course you need to be making enough to live the life you feel is good enough for you, again, be realistic. You’ve got a whole lifetime to figure out what you want to do, and it takes years and years for you to finally mates achieve their goals and our friends applying to and truly understand the meaning of happiness and higher education or jobs, makes you wonder about satisfaction, and believe it or not, it comes from the one thing; Are you really doing the “right” thing? But most simplest and basic things in life. before you answer that, ask yourself “what is the right thing?” Is there really a “right” or is it what we make it to be? Bare with me, my “right” to me was, graduating high school, getting a job I didn’t necessarily like in order to make it easier for me to apply and most likely to get the job I really wanted, which was to teach at a university. Things have changed since then, a lot. I was- n’t happy with my job, which led to me to a crossroad and I thought to myself, how do people make a deci- sion for what they want, is it a career or a job? You don’t really start your life till after university, or getting a job. It really matures you and you get to see things differently. Things you thought really matter, real- ly dont. You start dropping everything and everyone who isn’t necessary, and who doesn’t add any value to you or your life. When you start setting goals and have a clear vision for how you want to build yourself in the Introducing the spring 2015 GUESS accessories collection and advertising campaign his season, GUESS introduces an enticing spring acces- and wedge sandals in soft tans and chic white hues. sories advertising campaigns hot by Claudia and Ralf For women, beautiful gold and silver watches with crystals TPulmanns and directed by Paul Marciano, CEO and Chief offer a classic, feminine appeal, while simple and sophisticated Creative Officer for GUESS Inc.The campaign features models white silicone strap styles offer a sportier look. Layered chain Samantha Hoopes, Bojana Ksrmanovic, Solveig Mork and Silvu necklaces and bracelets with classic GUESS logo pendants and Tolu wearing the season’s stand-out accessories including crystallized heart charms are perfect statement pieces for the handbags, footwear, eyewear, jewelry and watches for men spring fashion season. Silver and gold hardware bangles and and women. rings lend timeless style to the delivery and are transitional The campaign, shot poolside against icy blue and clean pieces that carry over from season to season. The spring eye- white backdrops allows the season’s hottest accessory styles to wear collection includes on-trend reflective lenses, feminine pop in the foreground. Piercing blue and white denim jackets cat-eye sunglasses and sophisticated reading glasses. For men, and crisp white button down shirts are sleek, polished styles large navy blue chronograph faces paired with two-tone metal that complement the seasons color palette for accessories. and silicone strap styles perfectly compliment the edgy, mas- Handbags are offered in a wide range of fashion-forward styles culine look. Reflective, dark metal aviator sunglass styles are including classic totes and oversized satchels in classic GUESS the must-have accessory for men this season. monogram, denim, eyelet and quilted patterns. The spring footwear collection has something for every GUESS Girl as the temperature heats up offeringa wide range of platform heels lifestyle THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

Fashion Gisele Bundchen Gisele Bundchen set to quit catwalk?

n announcement concerning the catwalk career of Brazilian The 34-year-old blonde, married to New England Patriots star Tom supermodel Gisele Bundchen is set to be made today amid Brady, with whom she has two children, has notably been the face of Afeverish speculation she is planning to bow out as a runway Chanel and also worked with the likes of Valentino, Victoria’s Secret, model next month. A spokeswoman for Brazilian brand Colcci, which Versace and Louis Vuitton. has enjoyed a long relationship with Bundchen, the world’s highest She has recently been promoting her own lingerie line but said paid model, said an official statement. “To date there is nothing offi- in a recent interview she wanted to spend more time with her fami- cial, everything is speculation,” the spokeswoman told AFP. “We have ly. According to Forbes magazine, she earned $47 million last year no statement as yet to indicate if she will leave the catwalk or just the and has been the world’s highest-earning model for the past eight Colcci brand.” years.— AFP Speculation has been rife since media reports emerged last Friday indicating Bundchen would make her final runway bow at the April 13-17 Sao Paulo fashion show, 20 years after making her bow and turn her talents to advertising campaigns. Bundchen’s sister and public relations manager Patricia Bundchen was not available for comment.

Betsey Johnson to receive CFDA lifetime achievement honor

etsey Johnson will receive a lifetime achievement award awards, to be presented June 1 at Lincoln Center. luggage, fragrances and jewelry. Johnson is known for an eter- from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Tom Ford was last year’s recipient of the CFDA’s Geoffrey nally youthful vibe, including poofy prom dresses, a vintage BFellow designer Diane von Furstenberg, president of the Beene Lifetime Achievement Award. Johnson is being hon- vibe and bright color. — AP fashion industry trade association, and Nadja Swarovski of the ored during her 50th year in fashion. She started her whimsi- Swarovksi Group announced the selection Monday night, cal label in 1978, expanding in 2004 as a lifestyle brand along with other nominees and honorees for the 2015 CFDA encompassing handbags, leather goods, footwear, eyewear,

In this Sept 11, 2012 file photo, designer Betsey Johnson In this Wednesday, Sept 10, 2014, file photo, designer Betsey Johnson, left, does a split In this Jan 24, 2007 file photo, designer Betsey Johnson speaks during an interview at her goes into a split after doing a cartwheel on the runway after cartwheeling with her granddaughter, Layla Margulies, 8, during the finale of her design studio in New York. — AP photos after the Betsey Johnson Spring 2013 collection show dur- Spring 2015 fashion show during Fashion Week in New York. ing Fashion Week in New York. Japanese clothes but few Japanese models at TOKYO FASHION WEEK

okyo Fashion Week has long been a platform for edgy Japanese designers-but perhaps more remarkable is just Thow few Japanese models grace its catwalks. Tall, white and often blonde young women dominate the runway, with a foreign look that is now commonplace in Japanese maga- zines, shows and advertisements. “It’s kind of odd,” said 24- year-old Rika Tatsuno, one of the few Japanese models appearing on the Tokyo catwalks, where she reckons she is in an Asian minority of about 10 to 15 percent. “Definitely we would like to see more Japanese models.” A lack of racially diverse catwalks is by no means unique to Tokyo, which is vying to compete on the global fashion stage. But its lack of Japanese faces is striking. In Japan, fashion is divided into “wafuku”, or traditional Japanese clothing, and “yofuku”, which literally means “Western-style clothing” and is now everyday wear. While Japanese models are usually chosen to showcase the former, such as kimonos by celebrated designer Jotaro Saito, they have limited opportunities in the latter category- even when the “Western-style” clothes are Japanese cre- ations that will mostly find domestic buyers. “It’s natural. If I was designing traditional Japanese clothes I would pick Japanese models,” said young designer Hiroki Uemura of the “byU” brand, who made his debut at Tokyo this week. He described his collection as an adult version of the hugely popular “kawaii” style-the Japanese word for cute or adorable-but one also influenced by the “mismatched” look of British actress and singer Jane Birkin in her youth. “I want to show the ‘made in Japan’ aspect, but the Japanese are attracted to Europe and foreign countries, so in order to Models display creations by Japanese designer Hirdenori Kumakiri during the ‘Beautiful People’ 2015-16 promote this brand’s image I use foreign models,” he said. autumn/winter collection.

Models display creations by Japanese designer Yu Amatsu during the ‘A Degree Fahrenheit’ 2015-16 autumn/winter collection at Tokyo Fashion Week. — AFP photos lifestyle THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 Fashion

From Ukraine to Tokyo Backstage ahead of Uemura’s show, a group of willowy blondes sat texting and eating sandwiches while stylists touched up their make-up and curled their hair. Kali Myronenko, a 20-year-old from Ukraine, first appeared on the Tokyo runway when she was 17 and is now based in the city, where the insatiable appetite for her looks gives her a regular stream of work. “Japanese people... like this idea of being cute-looking, young, so many Japanese people wear contact lenses with the blue eyes,” she told AFP. She thinks the interest in her appearance is down to a typical yearning for what you don’t have, such as curly-haired people desper- ate for straight hair. “You don’t want to be how you are because you see your- self everyday in the mirror,” she said. In Japan that yearning to be different has, as in other Asian countries, led to a robust market for skin-whitening creams, while dyed-blonde hair is not an uncommon sight in the corridors of fashion week, held in Tokyo’s trendy Shibuya district. As spectators filed out of Uemura’s show, fashion PR worker Kaori Yasuike said it was not at all strange for her to see blonde Caucasians strutting down the runway, because she sees them all the time in magazines.”We want to look at someone who we admire as an ideal body type,” she said. In 2014, Vogue Japan featured only three women of colour on 14 covers, only one of whom was of Japanese descent, according to a survey by online forum The Fashion Spot.

Branching out In pursuit of their ideal look, Tokyo agents nowadays choose many of their models from Eastern Europe or Russia, according to fashion week casting director Bobbie Tanabe. He said they were given attractive contracts with flights, apartments and drivers, meaning they cost about twice as much to hire as local models. Meanwhile, some Japanese youngsters seeking to make it on the catwalk now try their luck in fashion centres such as New York, Tanabe said. “Maybe using Japanese models can be too realistic for (Japanese designers),” he added. There is also the issue of Tokyo Fashion Week’s global appeal-it still does not attract the prestigious designer names that show in Paris, New York, Milan or London. Model Rika Tatsuno, who grew up in the United States, thinks this is another reason designers opt for foreign models. “They want to branch out internationally and so they can’t just target the Asian market,” she said, although she suggested Japanese models would help to give “a better understanding of how the clothes would look” on their main domestic consumers. Ukrainian Myronenko said she would “love” to work along- side more Japanese models in Tokyo, where she finds the job more enjoyable than at shows such as Paris Fashion Week. “I think it’s just the Japanese way that I love, how they treat other people no matter who you are, famous or not famous.”—AFP

Models display creations from the ‘tenbo’ brand by Japanese designer Takafumi Tsuruta.

‘Fashion Police’ taking a break to slip into something new

ashion Police’ is taking a break after losing co-hosts Osbourne and Griffin. forced to “comment about pictures of beautiful women in later apologized, saying the experience taught her not to Kelly Osbourne and Kathy Griffin and plans to slip The hiatus announcement came a day after Griffin went perfect dresses and say kind of bad things.” perpetuate cliches and stereotypes. E! did not detail how ‘Finto something new for fall, the E! channel said. on “The View” and discussed why she chose to quit March As a feminist and a comic, she said, it didn’t feel right. “Fashion Police” would change or who its new co-hosts will Co-hosts Giuliana Rancic and Brad Goreski and executive 12 after just seven episodes. The comedian, who replaced Osbourne left the show in late February, after complaining be. The show has faltered since losing the wily, tart- producer Melissa Rivers will be back in September with the the late Joan Rivers, her friend and mentor, already had about Rancic’s red-carpet criticism of African-American tongued Joan Rivers, Melissa’s mother. — AP series, which will “evolve” into its next chapter, E! said in a tweeted about leaving because she was uneasy being part singer-actress Zendaya’s dreadlocks. Rancic said they sug- statement Tuesday. Previously, E! said the celebrity critique of the show. Griffin told “The View” Monday that the E! gested the smell of marijuana. Zendaya went online to fest would air as scheduled March 30 despite the exits of series didn’t suit her improvisational style and that she felt slam the remarks as “outrageously offensive” and Rancic

Twenty4: The Middle East’s best kept fashion secret

ummer is coming, and in a region renowned tion currently preparing to hit stores. months. Menswear and the male youth range will for its appreciation for luxury fashion and the Twenty4 Concept Head Tarique Azmi noted see the preppy trend revisited with a pastel influ- Sfiner things in life, it can be hard to keep your 2015’s top spring and summer trends as boasting ence this season. The must-have boat shoe, paired wardrobe up to date with ever-changing fashion “seventies inspiration. Dresses are long and flowing, with school-boy shorts are essential to any trends. However, we’re ready to let you in on an with wide-leg pants a huge hit this season. The ever- wardrobe, and are available in a number of sizes, extremely well-kept secret.Having first launched in trending nautical theme also returns, with blue hues from children’s to men’s. 2013,twenty4 is a young, bold, on-trend fashion consistent throughout each story in the collection, With 22 stores to date in Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, brand bringing a fresh approach to high-end style at and denim making a comeback. Jumpsuits have KSA and the UAE, and ambitious growth plans for an affordable price. been ticked as one to watch, with bold prints once the coming years, twenty4 is taking the Middle East Once considered declasse, the art of budget-buy- again making their mark as standout pieces across by storm. Combining all the benefits of a specialty ing has fast become recognized as chic and forward- every theme. Our buyers at twenty4 have ensured store under one roof, the store is bright, visual and thinking. Style is no longer about who you wear, but each trend has been catered to, and we are proud to interactive, ideal for the young and trendy at heart. what you wear and how you wear it. With the intro- say that we have something suited to even the most The stores are easy to navigate, with the latest fash- duction of twenty4 to the market, the fashionable unique of tastes.” ions and trendseasy to spot and ranges clearly locat- youth of the Middle East can remain current in their The contemporary womenswear and female able, making your shopping experience easier, more trends with designer-inspired pieces at value prices. youth rangesinclude the popular geometric, roman- enjoyable and more affordable than ever. Twenty4 Catering for the whole family, twenty4 stands as a tic and nautical seasonal trends, as well as loud is located in Shuwaikh, Salmiya and Alya Center one-stop shop, with infant, junior, kids, youth and prints and bold colouring. Jumpsuits, kimono- Jahra in Kuwait. contemporary adult ranges. The brand launches inspired dresses and harem pants are highlighted as three collections annually, with the Spring’ 15 collec- key wardrobe pieces, perfect for the hot summer Gisele Bundchen set38 to quit catwalk? THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

Caitlin Neal-Karhut, of Seaford, NY, smiles as she watches the St Patrickís Day Parade, Tuesday, March 17, 2015, in New York. —AP

Washington museum is reuniting for the first time in Rubens painted the three Magi-who brought gifts to the At the time of the commission, the painter’s friend 130 years three paintings of the Magi, or wise men, by baby Jesus, according to Christian tradition-for his childhood Balthasar Moretus the Elder (1574-1641), headed Plantin T ‘Three Magi’ by AFlemish master Peter Paul Rubens. The bust-length friend Balthasar Moretus, who was named with his two broth- Press, the largest publishing house in 16th- and 17th-century M portraits of biblical figures Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar, ers after the wise men. The painting believed to be of Europe. “At the time, the Adoration of the Magi was a com- t painted around 1618, were long separated after being sold at Balthasar is owned by the Museum Plantin-Moretus in mon subject in art, but these intimate paintings take the kings Rubens reunited auction in Paris. The National Gallery of Art hailed the exhibi- Antwerp, Belgium, while the Museo de Arte de Ponce in out of their usual narrative setting,” National Gallery director tion as a “rare opportunity for visitors to see all three of Puerto Rico holds the old king believed to be Gaspar and the Earl Powell III said in a statement. “Rubens conjured them as in Washington Rubens’ kings together again.” National Gallery keeps middle-aged Melchior in its collection. tangible flesh and blood believers.”— AFP Boston museum marks 25 years since infamous art theft t’s been called the biggest art heist in US history, perhaps the works were taken remains a mystery. With the help of foreign law enforcement agencies, the FBI has England and the mid-Atlantic. They believe the art was taken to biggest in the world. But 25 years later, the theft of 13 works chased down thousands of leads around the globe, to France, Connecticut and Pennsylvania in the years after the theft and Ifrom Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum remains The investigation Spain, Britain and Japan. But the answer may be closer to home. offered for sale in Philadelphia. After that, the trail went cold. unsolved. The theft has spawned books, rumors and speculation The FBI announced two years ago that they think they know Richard DesLauriers, former agent in charge of the FBI’s “That announcement did generate some good tips, but no about who was responsible - and multiple dead ends. the identities of the thieves, yet the exact whereabouts of the art Boston office, said two years ago that investigators believe the recovery,” said Geoff Kelly, a member of the FBI’s art crime team Yet authorities and museum officials remain hopeful, noting remains unclear. No names have been disclosed or arrests made. thieves belonged to a criminal organization based in New who has worked on the case for more than 12 years. The local that stolen art almost always gets returned, it just sometimes angle remains the most hopeful, he said. takes a generation or so. “Although a quarter-century has passed In 2012, the FBI fruitlessly searched the property of a since the art was stolen, we have always been determined to Connecticut mobster they believe knew something about the recover it and we remain optimistic that we will,” said Anne heist, even using ground-penetrating radar. The museum is offer- Hawley, the Gardner’s director, who was in charge at the time of ing a $5 million reward for the return of the artwork “in good con- the theft. dition.” Art experts have said that for that kind of money, some- one will eventually “rat out” the thief. The government’s reward is The Heist not monetary: It is offering immunity. In the early hours of March 18, 1990, two men disguised as Boston police officers talked their way into the museum by say- The anniversary ing they were responding to a call. They overpowered two securi- The museum is marking the infamous anniversary by launch- ty guards, bound them with duct tape and spent 81 minutes pil- ing a virtual tour on its website entitled “Thirteen Works: Explore fering 13 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, the Gardner’s Stolen Art.” The tour includes high-resolution Vermeer, Degas and Manet. Authorities say the artwork is worth images of the artwork, archival images, the history of the works perhaps as much as a half-billion dollars. Museum officials say it’s and how they were acquired by Isabella Stewart Gardner. priceless because it cannot be replaced. Anthony Amore, the Gardner’s security chief, is scheduled Some of the works, including Rembrandt’s “Storm on the Sea to deliver a lecture entitled “81 Minutes,” where he will walk the of Galilee,” were cut from their frames. Those frames hang empty audience through the theft. Wednesday’s lecture is open only in the museum to this day. “It is our way of remaining hopeful,” to museum members, but his March 26 lecture is open to the museum marketing director Kathy Sharpless said. Museum offi- public. — AP cials and police remain baffled by the selection of works stolen. It is thought that the three stolen Rembrandts were targeted, but This undated photograph provided by the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum shows the watercolor ‘La Sortie de Pesage’ by why more valuable pieces were left behind while less valuable Edgar Degas, which was one of more than a dozen works of art burglars stole during a 1990 heist in Boston. — AP photos

This undated file photograph provided by the Isabella In this March 21, 1990, file photo, a security guard stands outside the Dutch Room of the In this March 21, 1990, file photo, a security guard stands outside the Dutch Room of the Stewart Gardner Museum shows the painting ‘The Storm Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, where robbers stole more than a dozen works of art in Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, where robbers stole more than a dozen works of art in on the Sea of Galilee,’ by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van an early morning robbery in Boston. an early morning robbery in Boston. Rijn, one of more than a dozen works of art stolen by bur- glars in the early hours of March 18, 1990.